the boys of melrose - part 3
Title: The Boys of Melrose
Part: 3
Characters: Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and other Liverpool lads
Rating: PG-13 up to 18A at parts
Words:1,898
Summary: Football as punishment. A match made in heaven? Not exactly but they are a match.
Fernando turned the music on as soon as he hit the seat; The Clash bursting from his speakers soothing in their familiar harmonies. He was exhausted; barely been able to make it to Roxie - the 67 Camaro he drove - without his legs giving out. His muscles ached, his chest burned and he wanted nothing more than a drink, a smoke and rest. Lots and lots of rest.
Long fingers pulled a battered pack of cigarettes from the leather jacket, tapping out a slender cigarette he brought it to his mouth. Just having the stick in his mouth, feeling the way his lips stuck slightly to the thin paper calmed him some and it was with less urgency that he dug out his lighter. Taking a deep drag he leaned his head back against the seat, running his fingers through hair that was still damp from the post-practice shower. Slowly he felt his body relax, sinking back a bit further into the red leather seats. He had his eyes closed when he heard that torturous voice once again.
“Torres, I’d like a word with ye.”
Fernando lazily looked over, turning his head along the headrest without lifting it. Steven Gerrard was approaching him; sports bag slung over his shoulder and keys dangling from one index finger. He was fiddling with them in a way that betrayed some unease and Fernando almost laughed except the Scouse captain had a look of determination on his face that was sure not to bode well for him.
“Yes captain, sir.” Fernando answered, cheekily saluting the older boy.
Steven didn’t crack a smile; the same determined expression remaining on his face. His dark grey eyes scanned over Roxie briefly before meeting his own eyes having drawn whatever strength he was looking for.
“Liverpool means a lot to me and the other lads. We have a reputation as a winning side that care for their fans. That’s because we have some of the best fans in the sport and they deserve our best. So if yer not willing t’give yer best, to not only the game but the other players and our fans, then don’t bother coming at all. I know this isn’t yer choice being here but that’s yer own issues and I will not ‘ave you messin’ up my team’s shot at the title just because yer throwing a fit. Not after they’ve worked so hard for this. Liverpool means that you’ll never walk alone. We are a team, always Don’t forget that.”
Steven’s voice has risen with passion as he spoke and his love and pride in his team - his club - were obvious for all to see. Fernando could tell in the set of his shoulders and the way he had come over here that talking with him was the last thing he had wanted to be doing. The importance of Liverpool to him had however, allowed him no escape.
“Don’t fuck up eh? Well thanks for the little speech; it was quite moving but I’ve got things to see and people to do and all that.”
With that he slammed his door shut and revved the engine. He flashed his new captain a taunting grin before peeling out, careful not to see anything but anger in those stormy eyes. He could handle anger, anything else he just wasn’t ready for.
∞∞∞
“Well that went well” Steven said to himself as Fernando drove off.
He hadn’t been expecting some great revelation from the boy but he couldn’t help but have hoped he would respect what they were trying to do as a club. He had handled the ball with familiarity at practice and Steven had guessed he had a history with the sport. So much for thinking that might mean something.
“Lost, mate?” the friendly voice of Jamie Carragher interrupted his musings.
Jamie was his best mate and Liverpool’s second captain. They had known each other for years; having joined the team together back in their freshman year at Melrose. The other Scouser wore a playful grin and Steven couldn’t help but smile back.
“Nah, I was just talking with Torres.”
“How’d that go?”
“Well I talked, he joked and then left.”
“What was Rafa thinking, allowing that brat on the team?”
If Steven liked control and dedication than Jamie loved it. Liverpool had perhaps the most dedicated defence; too afraid not to give anything but their all under Jamie’s watch. A match just wasn’t a match without Jamie shouting in heavy Scouse at the other defenders.
“Rafa had no choice; it came down from Hicks.” Steven dutifully defended the head of Liverpool.
The look on Jamie’s face was incredulous; it wasn’t like the principal to get involved in the academy’s sports teams.
“Rafa said Torres got in trouble and this was what came of it.” Steven continued.
“Well this should be interesting.”
Steven agreed and the friends exchanged a few more words before heading to their own cars. He wasn’t sure if interesting was quite the right word when it came to the Spaniard.
∞∞∞
“Nando?”
Fernando was sprawled on the couch with a beer in his hand when he heard the soft question. He lifted his head above the couch to see his younger sister standing in the doorframe, hesitant to enter. He immediately flashed a huge grin which had her relaxing and taking a step forward.
“Si, angél?”
“I don’t get my homework. It’s stupid.” Mari Paz complained bitterly.
Fernando put his beer down and walked over to the girl, scooping her up swiftly and making her squeal in delight.
“Nando put me down. Put me down.” She gasped between laughs.
With a laugh Fernando complied, steadying her as her small feet touched the floor. Mari Paz was giggling as she led Fernando to her room where she had been working on her homework. At 11 she was in grade 6 and despite being a great student she had never enjoyed math and consequently struggled with it. Fernando would often help her out with the subject, happy to aid her in any way. The promise might be keeping at the academy but it was Mari Paz that kept him in Liverpool. If it weren’t for her he’d be finishing high school back in Madrid.
“So, what’s the problem, angél?” he asked, crouching down by her desk.
∞∞∞
Fernando spent the next half hour going over the material with her, making sure she understood what was going on. He watched her do a couple of questions before he was satisfied that she had truly understood what she needed to in order to solve the problems.
"Want to work in the kitchen? I’m going to start dinner.”
Fernando gingerly stood, his aching muscles not having liked being in a crouch for so long. He stretched them out as Mari Paz collected her things, the pull of tired muscles was nothing new to Fernando but there was something about why they were sore this time that was bothering him. A Scouse voice ordering him to do countless laps echoed in his head as he left Mari’s room.
“Whatcha gonna make for dinner?” Mari Paz asked, as she set her books out on the wooden table that often served the multipurpose of desk as well.
“What do you want, angél?” Fernando indulgingly asked.
“Paella! I miss Sese’s paella.” Mari Paz replied instantly.
Fernando had been expecting as much for an answer. Sese was Sergio Ramos, Fernando’s best friend back in Madrid. Mari Paz had looked up to him and Fernando was pretty sure had a huge crush on his friend not that she’d ever admit it. Sergio was a great cook and paella was his specialty and he had cooked for the Torres siblings upon numerous occasions.
“Paella it is then. Now finish your work or I won’t let you say hi to Sergio next time I call him.”
Fernando laughed when Mari Paz’s eyes widened in horror before she studiously returned to her math homework. He turned on the small disc player that was in the kitchen and this time was greeted by the Sex Pistols. He laughed to himself at the expression of horror and disbelief Sergio would have worn if he had been here. Their music tastes had always clashed and Sergio was a firm believer in listening to Spanish music when preparing Spanish food.
“Hey Nando?” Mari Paz asked several minutes later.
“Got a problem?”
“No, just wondering why you were so late today?”
Fernando had known she would pick up on that, she was too smart not to notice he was coming home an hour later than normal. He had been hoping he wouldn’t have to tell her about his new situation.
“I had some stuff to do that’s all. Are you done your work yet because the paella is almost done?”
He also should have known that it wouldn’t be that easy to lie or distract her.
“Fernando José Torres Sanz, did you get in trouble again?”
Fernando didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at his baby sister’s words. The fact that his eleven year old sister was using his full name on him would have made him laugh except for the fact that she sounded alarmingly like their mother. In the end he just ended up staring at her guiltily as his emotions warred inside of him. Emotions he had long since shut down threatening to overflow.
“I had football practice, Mari”
“You’re playing football again? That’s great Nando. When is your first game I want to see it? I bet you score at least twice.”
“I don’t know, Mari. I just joined; I didn’t even have a full practice today, the dumb captain just made me run laps forever.”
Mari seemed to accept the answer and after another reminder from Fernando returned to her math as he finished up with the paella. Mari’s words had put thoughts of Steven Gerrard back into his head however, and he recalled the speech he had given in the parking lot that afternoon.
The passion the Scouse had shown for the team went beyond that of a captain; he truly meant the words he was saying. Steven wasn’t the kind of guy that faked passion and pride. He felt them wholly and expected others to, at the very least, respect them. Something Fernando hadn’t done, no, instead he had made a joke out of it.
Once again he tried to push all thoughts of football, Steven Gerrard and pride out of his mind concentrating on serving up the paella. Mari Paz pushed her books to the side of the table and eagerly accepted her plate. After putting a plate in the fridge for their father he sat down with his own meal. He listened to Mari talk about her day and some upcoming dance at her school as he ate, contributing here and there but staying silent for the most part.
“Thanks for making paella, Nando.” Mari said with a smile as she cleared her dishes.
“Anything for you, angél, you know it.” Fernando retuned affectionately.
Mari Paz gathered her things up, ready to head back to her room to finish up her work. She paused in the doorframe, hesitating a second before turning to look back at him, a sincere smile on her young face.
“I’m glad you’re playing again.”’
Fernando wished he could say the same.
Part: 3
Characters: Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and other Liverpool lads
Rating: PG-13 up to 18A at parts
Words:1,898
Summary: Football as punishment. A match made in heaven? Not exactly but they are a match.
Fernando turned the music on as soon as he hit the seat; The Clash bursting from his speakers soothing in their familiar harmonies. He was exhausted; barely been able to make it to Roxie - the 67 Camaro he drove - without his legs giving out. His muscles ached, his chest burned and he wanted nothing more than a drink, a smoke and rest. Lots and lots of rest.
Long fingers pulled a battered pack of cigarettes from the leather jacket, tapping out a slender cigarette he brought it to his mouth. Just having the stick in his mouth, feeling the way his lips stuck slightly to the thin paper calmed him some and it was with less urgency that he dug out his lighter. Taking a deep drag he leaned his head back against the seat, running his fingers through hair that was still damp from the post-practice shower. Slowly he felt his body relax, sinking back a bit further into the red leather seats. He had his eyes closed when he heard that torturous voice once again.
“Torres, I’d like a word with ye.”
Fernando lazily looked over, turning his head along the headrest without lifting it. Steven Gerrard was approaching him; sports bag slung over his shoulder and keys dangling from one index finger. He was fiddling with them in a way that betrayed some unease and Fernando almost laughed except the Scouse captain had a look of determination on his face that was sure not to bode well for him.
“Yes captain, sir.” Fernando answered, cheekily saluting the older boy.
Steven didn’t crack a smile; the same determined expression remaining on his face. His dark grey eyes scanned over Roxie briefly before meeting his own eyes having drawn whatever strength he was looking for.
“Liverpool means a lot to me and the other lads. We have a reputation as a winning side that care for their fans. That’s because we have some of the best fans in the sport and they deserve our best. So if yer not willing t’give yer best, to not only the game but the other players and our fans, then don’t bother coming at all. I know this isn’t yer choice being here but that’s yer own issues and I will not ‘ave you messin’ up my team’s shot at the title just because yer throwing a fit. Not after they’ve worked so hard for this. Liverpool means that you’ll never walk alone. We are a team, always Don’t forget that.”
Steven’s voice has risen with passion as he spoke and his love and pride in his team - his club - were obvious for all to see. Fernando could tell in the set of his shoulders and the way he had come over here that talking with him was the last thing he had wanted to be doing. The importance of Liverpool to him had however, allowed him no escape.
“Don’t fuck up eh? Well thanks for the little speech; it was quite moving but I’ve got things to see and people to do and all that.”
With that he slammed his door shut and revved the engine. He flashed his new captain a taunting grin before peeling out, careful not to see anything but anger in those stormy eyes. He could handle anger, anything else he just wasn’t ready for.
∞∞∞
“Well that went well” Steven said to himself as Fernando drove off.
He hadn’t been expecting some great revelation from the boy but he couldn’t help but have hoped he would respect what they were trying to do as a club. He had handled the ball with familiarity at practice and Steven had guessed he had a history with the sport. So much for thinking that might mean something.
“Lost, mate?” the friendly voice of Jamie Carragher interrupted his musings.
Jamie was his best mate and Liverpool’s second captain. They had known each other for years; having joined the team together back in their freshman year at Melrose. The other Scouser wore a playful grin and Steven couldn’t help but smile back.
“Nah, I was just talking with Torres.”
“How’d that go?”
“Well I talked, he joked and then left.”
“What was Rafa thinking, allowing that brat on the team?”
If Steven liked control and dedication than Jamie loved it. Liverpool had perhaps the most dedicated defence; too afraid not to give anything but their all under Jamie’s watch. A match just wasn’t a match without Jamie shouting in heavy Scouse at the other defenders.
“Rafa had no choice; it came down from Hicks.” Steven dutifully defended the head of Liverpool.
The look on Jamie’s face was incredulous; it wasn’t like the principal to get involved in the academy’s sports teams.
“Rafa said Torres got in trouble and this was what came of it.” Steven continued.
“Well this should be interesting.”
Steven agreed and the friends exchanged a few more words before heading to their own cars. He wasn’t sure if interesting was quite the right word when it came to the Spaniard.
∞∞∞
“Nando?”
Fernando was sprawled on the couch with a beer in his hand when he heard the soft question. He lifted his head above the couch to see his younger sister standing in the doorframe, hesitant to enter. He immediately flashed a huge grin which had her relaxing and taking a step forward.
“Si, angél?”
“I don’t get my homework. It’s stupid.” Mari Paz complained bitterly.
Fernando put his beer down and walked over to the girl, scooping her up swiftly and making her squeal in delight.
“Nando put me down. Put me down.” She gasped between laughs.
With a laugh Fernando complied, steadying her as her small feet touched the floor. Mari Paz was giggling as she led Fernando to her room where she had been working on her homework. At 11 she was in grade 6 and despite being a great student she had never enjoyed math and consequently struggled with it. Fernando would often help her out with the subject, happy to aid her in any way. The promise might be keeping at the academy but it was Mari Paz that kept him in Liverpool. If it weren’t for her he’d be finishing high school back in Madrid.
“So, what’s the problem, angél?” he asked, crouching down by her desk.
∞∞∞
Fernando spent the next half hour going over the material with her, making sure she understood what was going on. He watched her do a couple of questions before he was satisfied that she had truly understood what she needed to in order to solve the problems.
"Want to work in the kitchen? I’m going to start dinner.”
Fernando gingerly stood, his aching muscles not having liked being in a crouch for so long. He stretched them out as Mari Paz collected her things, the pull of tired muscles was nothing new to Fernando but there was something about why they were sore this time that was bothering him. A Scouse voice ordering him to do countless laps echoed in his head as he left Mari’s room.
“Whatcha gonna make for dinner?” Mari Paz asked, as she set her books out on the wooden table that often served the multipurpose of desk as well.
“What do you want, angél?” Fernando indulgingly asked.
“Paella! I miss Sese’s paella.” Mari Paz replied instantly.
Fernando had been expecting as much for an answer. Sese was Sergio Ramos, Fernando’s best friend back in Madrid. Mari Paz had looked up to him and Fernando was pretty sure had a huge crush on his friend not that she’d ever admit it. Sergio was a great cook and paella was his specialty and he had cooked for the Torres siblings upon numerous occasions.
“Paella it is then. Now finish your work or I won’t let you say hi to Sergio next time I call him.”
Fernando laughed when Mari Paz’s eyes widened in horror before she studiously returned to her math homework. He turned on the small disc player that was in the kitchen and this time was greeted by the Sex Pistols. He laughed to himself at the expression of horror and disbelief Sergio would have worn if he had been here. Their music tastes had always clashed and Sergio was a firm believer in listening to Spanish music when preparing Spanish food.
“Hey Nando?” Mari Paz asked several minutes later.
“Got a problem?”
“No, just wondering why you were so late today?”
Fernando had known she would pick up on that, she was too smart not to notice he was coming home an hour later than normal. He had been hoping he wouldn’t have to tell her about his new situation.
“I had some stuff to do that’s all. Are you done your work yet because the paella is almost done?”
He also should have known that it wouldn’t be that easy to lie or distract her.
“Fernando José Torres Sanz, did you get in trouble again?”
Fernando didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at his baby sister’s words. The fact that his eleven year old sister was using his full name on him would have made him laugh except for the fact that she sounded alarmingly like their mother. In the end he just ended up staring at her guiltily as his emotions warred inside of him. Emotions he had long since shut down threatening to overflow.
“I had football practice, Mari”
“You’re playing football again? That’s great Nando. When is your first game I want to see it? I bet you score at least twice.”
“I don’t know, Mari. I just joined; I didn’t even have a full practice today, the dumb captain just made me run laps forever.”
Mari seemed to accept the answer and after another reminder from Fernando returned to her math as he finished up with the paella. Mari’s words had put thoughts of Steven Gerrard back into his head however, and he recalled the speech he had given in the parking lot that afternoon.
The passion the Scouse had shown for the team went beyond that of a captain; he truly meant the words he was saying. Steven wasn’t the kind of guy that faked passion and pride. He felt them wholly and expected others to, at the very least, respect them. Something Fernando hadn’t done, no, instead he had made a joke out of it.
Once again he tried to push all thoughts of football, Steven Gerrard and pride out of his mind concentrating on serving up the paella. Mari Paz pushed her books to the side of the table and eagerly accepted her plate. After putting a plate in the fridge for their father he sat down with his own meal. He listened to Mari talk about her day and some upcoming dance at her school as he ate, contributing here and there but staying silent for the most part.
“Thanks for making paella, Nando.” Mari said with a smile as she cleared her dishes.
“Anything for you, angél, you know it.” Fernando retuned affectionately.
Mari Paz gathered her things up, ready to head back to her room to finish up her work. She paused in the doorframe, hesitating a second before turning to look back at him, a sincere smile on her young face.
“I’m glad you’re playing again.”’
Fernando wished he could say the same.