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Chapter Text

In the hallway just outside the Barça president’s office, Robert shifted from one leg to the other while Gavi chewed on a fingernail. The door was closed and they’d been told to wait after knocking. Gavi looked up curiously to the Polish striker, momentarily removing his hand from his mouth. “Any idea what this could be about?”

“I haven’t got a clue,” Lewandowski admitted. They finished training more than an hour ago. Showered, dressed and ready to leave with their jackets and bags on, they were informed by a staff assistant to head straight to the president’s office.

Not that Lewandowski had any real plans he was being kept from. It was a weeknight. He was probably going to watch old Bake-Off episodes. Maybe pan-fry a nice steak. And also make weekend plans with one of the guys he was fucking around with these days. The usual.

Gavi’s eyes darted nervously. “Why would they call both of us together? We didn’t do anything wrong.” He just came back from a months-long injury with a torn ACL. He’d done everything in his power to get back on this team. That something could stop him from that made him extremely anxious.

Lewandowski shrugged. “I don’t know. Let’s not assume the worst. If it was bad news they’d speak to us individually.” He placed his arm around Gavi’s shoulder.

Gavi immediately relaxed. His sweet scent of vanilla and juniper berries grew a bit stronger.

It was natural for an omega to feel calm around a protective alpha like Robert.

“Alright, come in!” shouted the president.

Lewandowski opened the door and stepped in first, Gavi following after. The president’s office was intimidating in its simultaneous minimalism yet exorbitance. All Corbusier leather arm chairs, spotless marble desks and vast windows overlooking the Barcelona landscape. The president indicated for Gavi and Lewandowski to sit.

“How are you both doing today?” he asked with a smile that did nothing to alleviate either player’s worry.

“Good,” they answered in unison. Lewandowski chuckled at their synchronicity and Gavi’s ears reddened a little.

The president smiled wider as he folded his hands together on his desk, leaning towards them. An assistant stood on either side of his desk like sentinels. “Wonderful, wonderful. You two have great chemistry,” he said, wagging a finger at the two of them. “Always on the same page, yes?”

The president seemed to project a good mood. Surely not a sign of bad news forthcoming. Lewandowski's shoulders relaxed a bit. He nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we work pretty well together.”

The president looked from one to the other, bringing his hands together in a firm clap. “That’s great to hear! It makes what I’m about to say the most logical next step for both of you.”

Gavi, growing impatient, leaned forward in his chair and desperately asked, “Why did you call us in here? Are we in trouble?”

“No trouble at all. In fact, I’m quite impressed with your ACL recovery so far, Gavira.”

Gavi muttered a nervous ‘thank you’, still on unsure footing. The president looked intently from Gavi to Lewandowski, eyes scanning them slowly. “What I am about to suggest is an arrangement. I’m sure you’ll be amenable to it. It boils down to this: I would like you both to be united as an official pair. An alpha with his omega.”

Gavi gasped, jaw dropping open. Robert shifted in his chair, eyes widening. As an alpha, he always exuded an air of confidence. He didn’t want to seem unsteady around another alpha like the club president. But this was throwing him for a loop. “I don’t understand…” he said, hoping to gain an iota of coherence from the statement. Has the president finally gone mad?

The president stood up and went around his big desk to be closer to the two players. “Robert Lewandowski. Thirty-six, an accomplished striker, a mentor to everyone. The definition of a strong, protective alpha but with also a caring, kind side.” He then turned to Gavi. “And here we have Pablo Gavira. Our team’s only omega. As we all know, omegas are not common in this sport. And now that he is twenty, one could say he is starting to be in his prime for alphas to quite literally sink their teeth into.” He leaned back against his desk and folded his arms together. “Gavi needs protection. This upcoming season is very important and I can’t afford to have distractions.” He looked pointedly at Lewandowski. “It’s in the best interest of this club to have you officially paired. This doesn’t mean you need to mate or even sleep together. But we are making arrangements for you to live together.” He saw their expressions look increasingly distressed. He waved his hand down as if to dampen their worries. “Now, I know this is a surprise and you are still processing this information.”

Gavi, ever without filter, shouted, “But Lewy’s so old!”

“And Gavi’s practically a child!” Lewandowski countered.

Gavi whipped his head to glare at the striker. “Okay, that’s an exaggeration. I’m hardly a kid.” He turned to the president. “Why not someone like Pedri or Fermín or…”

“Me and my staff have had many discussions already about your potential mate. All the other options are simply not strong enough, both physically or mentally. Robert is the complete package. And yes, he’s a bit older than you but you two do get along great, right?”

They both remained mute. The mood of the room had sunk completely.

The president spoke in lieu of their silence. “Let me make this clear. This is a very strong suggestion.” He leveled them an icy stare that said he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Please report back to me at the end of the week with your decisions. You are dismissed.”

Gavi all but stormed out. Robert remained in his chair. “May I speak to you? In private?” he said to the president, glancing at the two assistants. ‘Alpha to alpha’ was the hidden addendum to his request.

With a small wave of the president’s hand, the beta assistants left the room. Robert cleared his throat. He wasn’t usually intimidated but this was his boss coming at him with an impossible demand. “Mr. President, I understand and respect your suggestion. And I would do anything to support this club.”

The president rotated his wrist, impatient. “Go on. Speak openly.”

Robert straightened his posture, hoping to look and then sound more convincing. “Gavi’s young. Too young for this kind of commitment. I agree that the opposition on the field will be rougher, especially after his injury. But all us alphas on the team can take responsibility to protect him.”

“Nobody protects an omega like his own committed alpha. You know this. And Lewy…” The president's stare became even more pointed. “... I do believe it’s time you yourself made a commitment to one omega.”

Robert winced slightly. Maybe he wasn’t as discreet as he thought when it came to some of his playboy habits. His behavior these days was considerably less hedonistic than during his time at Dortmund. But what could the president expect? Robert was an attractive alpha and he liked having a cadre of omegas to choose from. Variety was the spice of life after all.

“Is this arrangement really necessary?” Robert said, trying for a last-ditch effort.

“It becomes what you make of it. If you just remain friends, then after the season is over you can live apart and do your own things. Maybe he’ll find another alpha to commit to. There’s no need to panic like this is an arranged marriage. This is what’s best for the club here and now, that’s all.”

Robert could see that the president would not be swayed. He stood up from the chair, smiled and shook the president’s hand firmly before leaving the office.

Once in the safety of his red Ferrari, he shouted every Polish curse under the sun.

Gavi hurried back home to his family and cried his eyes out to his mother and father and sister. It took him several tries to explain all the details amidst his choking sobs. His father turned red with anger and his hands balled into fists. “I am going to march straight to the president's office myself and give him a piece of my mind!” he said.

Gavi’s mother sighed. “Don’t make things worse than they are. He’s Gavi’s employer after all,” she admonished her husband. She rubbed her hand over her son’s back, trying to soothe him.

Gavi’s sister Aurora popped her gum. “Fine. If you don’t take Lewandowski, I will. He’s a hottie.”

Gavi glared at his unhelpful sister. “Aurora, you’re an alpha.”

She shrugged. “Two alphas together is not unheard of. We can make it work.”

Gavi’s father waved his arms with finality. “The whole thing is preposterous. We shouldn’t even entertain such an idea.”

“But if such an arrangement needs to occur, it should be with your friend Pedri,” Gavi’s mother said, knowing they needed to be realistic when it came to the Barça president’s demands.

“That’s what I said!” Gavi complained. “But the president said he wasn’t strong enough or whatever.”

Gavi’s mother pursed her lips before speaking. “The president said it doesn’t have to be that kind of arrangement,” she said, reiterating what Gavi told them about the meeting. “I’m not a fan of this idea but we can’t anger the president either. Robert’s a responsible alpha. We’ll make sure you sleep in separate rooms and it will just be like having a protective roommate. A bodyguard.”

Gavi sniffled, wiping at his own tears. “But I don’t want to leave home,” he said.

Aurora, going into big sister mode, wrapped her arms around her little brother on the side that wasn’t flanked by their mother. “We’ll visit you all the time. Or at least I will. For reasons.”

Gavi frowned, eyebrows knitting. “They can’t make me do this, can they? Should I speak to my agent?”

“What, to transfer?” his dad asked with horror. As much as he hated the entire idea, he was fully committed to the club and his son’s staying there.

“No, Dad. I mean, to figure out if this is even legal or whatever. I refuse to do this. They can’t make me.” He crossed his arms and stuck his chin out.

“That’s a good idea,” Gavi’s father said. “I’ll call him right now and we can figure something out.”

It was late but they called the agent anyway. He sounded equally surprised. Due to the sensitivity and intricacies of the matter, he said he would make further inquiries and notify them the next day of any workarounds. They thanked him for his time.

Gavi trudged to his bedroom and flopped on his small bed, exhausted. He clung to his pillow, scared of this new potential future. As much as he liked his teammate, there was no way he was going to pair or mate with someone as old as Lewy. The entire situation was fucked.

The entire situation was fucked. Robert had no interest in living with a twenty year old. Even the prospect of fucking such a young omega wasn’t appealing. He liked omegas who were more experienced and knew how to please an alpha like him.

Speaking of…

After peeling angrily out of the parking lot of the Barcelona facilities, he made quick plans with one of the omegas he fucked on occasion. Luckily he was free that night.

Cock deep inside the moaning omega in full orgasm, Lewandowski knew one thing. He was never going to give up easy lays like this.

Late that night, back at his own apartment, Lewan was still worried over the president’s proposal. He got on the phone with his good friend Anna who he’d known since their high school days back in Warsaw. “Anna, I’m going crazy,” he said after explaining the entire situation. “What do I do?”

“It sounds like you don’t have a choice,” she replied with her usual blunt honesty. “But you don’t have to act like his mate. Sleep in separate beds, do things on your own schedule. You’ll naturally grow attached to him but probably in a paternal way. Who knows? You or he could transfer out of Barcelona next season and the arrangement would be off. This doesn’t have to be forever.”

“Don’t joke about transferring out of Barcelona! You know I would never.”

“My point is nothing stays the same. And it’s for the season, not even a year. You’ve endured worse for less. And besides, Gavi’s not bad eye candy either.”

Robert chose to ignore that last part. Anna was as voracious an alpha as he was. In their late teens and early twenties they had more than a few threesomes with omegas who were eager to get pounded by the handsome tall Polish man and the gorgeous and dominant Anna. She was now a personal trainer and had the rocking body to match.

Overall, Anna was right. Robert was thinking in absolutes. This didn’t have to be a complete 180 from his previous ways. If Gavi was like any normal twenty year old, he probably went out every weekend. During one of those times, Robert could invite someone back. And rarely did he have his omega du jour sleep overnight. Or he could go over to an omega’s place. A quickie would be enough to satisfy him.

“I think you’re right Anna. Maybe I’m worrying too much. I’m overthinking it.”

“You are,” Anna agreed. “It’s an open and shut case. Unless, of course, you fall in love with him.”

They both erupted into peals of laughter. She knew very well that Robert didn’t do ‘love’ when it came to omegas. He thanked Anna for speaking to him so late. Feeling much better, Robert grew confident of when he would next speak to the president. It made sense to obey his request. He just had to make sure Gavi was on the same page.

Chapter Text

Gavi was pleased with how his arms were looking.

He was in the training room, increasing the heaviness of the hand weights he normally worked with. His biceps bulged more noticeably on arms that were not noodle-thin like they were two years ago. It wasn’t yet Robert-level guns but it was still something.

Weird that he was thinking of Robert.

Speak of the devil, he saw him begin to approach the bench next to him.

Gavi quickly placed the weights back on the shelves and walked out of the room.

This was awkward.

Robert was willing to act like everything was normal. He didn’t tell any teammates about the president’s ‘suggestion’. He figured there would be a formal announcement if such a thing were to actually occur.

However, Gavi kept his distance.

Normally the omega would hover near him, try to outrun him in drills or climb on top of him to annoy him during breaks.

The way he avoided him you’d think Robert had been the one to come up with the arrangement. He didn’t appreciate being thought of as some lecherous predator. But he didn’t want to make a scene in front of their teammates. So he waited until the end of the day when everyone was getting ready to leave.

Gavi was sticking closer to Pedri than usual. He was probably getting a ride home with him. Robert recalled how Gavi had immediately brought up the young alpha’s name as an alternative for him to pair with. Did Gavi have a crush on Pedri?

Robert approached the two and cleared his throat. “Gavi? Can I speak to you for a minute?”

Gavi clutched his duffel bag in front of him like a shield. “I need to get going. Pedri is giving me a ride home.”

Pedri, clueless to Gavi’s reticence, said, “I’m sure Lewy wouldn’t mind giving you a ride either. Right, Lewy?” He clapped his hand on the older alpha’s shoulder, trusting him. He waved bye to both and left.

Gavi was red-faced as he was left alone with Lewandowski. “Pedri, you idiot,” he muttered under his breath with disappointment.

“I can give you a ride,” Lewan offered.

“No thank you.”

“I thought you liked my car,” he said, offended.

Gavi clutched his bag more firmly. “You’re not going to try anything on me, are you?”

Lewandowski sighed. “You’re not even my type. If you were, I would have had you on Day One. So cut the crap and let’s talk.”

Gavi stuck his tongue out at him. “Day One? In your dreams.”

He followed the alpha to his Ferrari anyway. He begged to drive but Robert scoffed at the idea. “Your license is still too new. I’m not having you crash my precious car.”

Gavi rolled his eyes. “Pedri said the same thing to me and he has an old mini cooper. What is it with alphas and their cars?” He reluctantly buckled himself into the passenger seat and Robert drove them out of the parking lot.

“So… have you thought about what the president said?” Robert said, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Of course I have. I already have my answer.”

“And what might that be?”

“No. A definite no.” Gavi said it like it was the obvious choice. “My agent is looking into legal stuff and any repercussions about my refusing. But I’m pretty sure they can't make me do something I don’t want to. After everything I’ve given to this club? Plus my injury recovery to get back on the field? There’s just no way.” Gavi folded his arms, immovable.

Robert should have known the kid would be stubborn. He kept his eyes on the slow Range Rover ahead of him. “Gavi, listen. The president doesn’t take no for an answer. As beloved as you are by this club, it doesn’t bode well to go against his wishes. Little things might start to happen that you won’t like.”

“What do you mean?”

“Things like less playing time or refusals of your usual requests. It could even escalate to transfer talks which would give them a large payout. Everything has a price, Gavi.”

Gavi frowned. He chewed on a fingernail, his bad habit when he was nervous. “Are you saying you actually want to go through with his idea?”

“I don't see that we have a choice. And I can promise you that I have no intention of trying to sleep with you, if that’s what’s got you worried.”

Gavi blushed a deep shade of pink. “I.. I don’t care about that. It’s just, moving away from my family and the whole needing protection thing. I always felt I could take care of myself. It’s so annoying how omegas are still treated like second class citizens in all this. It sucks.”

Robert felt slightly guilty. He couldn’t deny that his own views on omegas sometimes leaned more on the traditional side. Omegas weren’t granted the same freedoms as alphas were. It must be pretty upsetting for other people to make big life decisions for you. And especially for someone as young as Gavi. At that age, Robert would have said fuck no to the suggested arrangement.

At a red light, he put a hand on the omega’s shoulder, keeping the other hand on the steering wheel. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not easy for you. If you really don’t want to do it, we won’t. I would hate for you to be upset.”

Gavi looked over at him with his big brown eyes. “Thanks.” And because he was Gavi he stretched out from the seatbelt and flung his arms around him in a side-hug. “You always look out for me.”

Robert chuckled. “Alright. Now let go of me so we don’t crash, okay?” The light had turned green.

Gavi smiled. “See? Always looking out for me.”

“Forget you. It’s the Ferrari I’m worried about.”

Gavi flung his arm out and smacked Robert’s side.

At the family dinner table, Gavi triumphantly chewed on a bread roll. He just finished explaining how Lewandowski was on his side. “There’s nothing to worry about! I’ll be okay.”

His parents looked skeptical. “Even if you two are against the idea, that doesn’t mean the president still can’t enforce it,” Gavi’s mother pointed out.

But Gavi didn’t share her same worries. He helped clear out the plates and loaded them in the dishwasher, whistling to himself all the while. Robert was so kind, so understanding. He was wrong to judge him as just another alpha. Robert actually listened to him and would support him.

He felt a small, comforting warmth enter his heart.

It was finally Friday, the day that the president wanted his answer. As Lewan and Gavi approached the office, Gavi’s steps slowed down.

“Don’t worry, I’ll do all the talking,” Lewandowski said, wrapping a big arm around him and squeezing his shoulder. “We can even tell him it’s my idea for not agreeing to the arrangement. That way you’ll be absolved of any repercussions. Leave it to me.”

There was still doubt in Gavi’s eyes but Robert gave him a wink to show that it would all be okay.

“Come in!” the president shouted from inside the room.

Robert opened the door and they both stepped in. The president was at his desk, his two assistants on either side of him as usual. The president was on his phone however, speaking to someone and asking how their kids were. With a wave of his hand, he indicated that the two players could sit.

Robert sat on the edge of the Corbusier chair, spine ramrod straight. He expected the president would not be happy so he was ready to bear the brunt of his fury. Robert would remain steadfast and unyielding. If Gavi did not want this arrangement, Robert would defend that decision with his life.

A few more minutes passed before the president said his goodbyes to whoever he was talking to on the phone. Once he hung up, he told his assistant to add a meeting onto his calendar. Then his focus turned back to Lewy and Gavi. “Good afternoon! Doing well, you two?”

“Yes,” Robert said while Gavi said nothing. He knew the young omega was probably shaking in his shoes over what would happen. Robert would project enough confidence for both of them.

“Good, good. Now let’s get down to business. Have you made your decision?”

“Yes, we have,” Lewan said in a firm voice, moving so close to the desk that he could have fallen off the chair.

And he almost did when Gavi interrupted abruptly. “We’ll do it. I agree to be Robert’s omega.”

Lewandowski’s hands gripped the leather armrests of the Corbusier like he was on a downhill glide on a rollercoaster. What the fuck did he just say?

“Excellent!” the president said, clapping his hands together. “I knew you would. It only makes sense after all. My assistants here will forward you the arrangements of your new dwellings and the date and details of our official club announcement.” He turned to the assistant on his left. “Show them the apartment photos. I chose it myself, it really is quite something.” An assistant used a remote control that lowered a high-definition screen from the ceiling. They then used a clicker to go through various slides from a real estate site, listing off all the amenities and small luxuries of the two bedroom apartment.

“The views are spectacular,” the president said, interrupting. “I have a niece who lives in a similar building not too far from that neighborhood. I’m sure it will be to your liking.”

“It looks great,” Gavi said.

“You can move in whenever you’re both ready. As soon as possible would be best.” He beckoned to the assistant on his right to bring forth the appropriate paperwork. They were ordered to sign in about a dozen different places on documents Robert barely had any time to read. “Now, are there any questions?”

“Nope!” Gavi said.

Robert had no words.

He was frozen in time as the president shook hands with Gavi. Mechanically he reached his hand out for the president to shake too. The president dismissed them both and immediately got on the phone with someone else.

Out in the hallway, Robert and Gavi both walked in the direction of the elevator bank in silence. Only when the doors closed and they were both alone in the elevator did Robert turn to Gavi. “What just happened? Why did you say that?”

Gavi backed into a corner, looking small. “I… I got scared!”

“What?”

“I didn’t want to disappoint the president! He’d be so angry if we didn’t agree to it. I don’t even want to imagine what he would have done to us.”

The omega was almost trembling. Robert didn’t want to make him feel any worse but he was still stuck on their previously agreed upon decision. “But I told you I would take the blame. Nothing bad would happen to you.”

“But I don’t want anything bad to happen to you either,” Gavi said in a small voice.

Robert sighed and he pulled Gavi close, wrapping an arm around him. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re right. Maybe we never really had a choice.” He stroked his shoulder and Gavi looked up at him.

“Are you mad at me?”

“No. Of course not,” Robert said, even though he was still processing what this would mean. “What will you tell your family?”

The elevator doors opened to the lobby and Robert let go of Gavi’s shoulder. They both waved to the security guard manning the desk before exiting out the sliding glass doors to the parking lot. “I’ll tell them the truth,” Gavi said, once he knew he was out of earshot. “They’re going to ask for a meeting with you. More formally, I mean.”

“Right…” Robert said, not liking the sound of that. He followed after Gavi who made a beeline to Robert’s car. How bold of Gavi to assume Robert would give him a ride.

After Robert unlocked the car, Gavi settled into the passenger seat. When Robert took his seat at the wheel, Gavi turned to him. “Hey, Lewy,” he said.

Robert looked at the omega. “Yeah?”

“We’re only going to stay friends, okay?”

Robert pulled on the seatbelt and buckled himself in. “Of course. I have no intentions otherwise.”

“Okay.” Gavi’s shoulders relaxed and he broke into a genuine smile. “This could be fun! I never had my own place. I got dibs on the giant master bedroom!”

Robert’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as he put the car into drive.

What had they gotten themselves into?

Chapter Text

Gavi fibbed to his parents.

They didn’t have to know that he was the one who agreed to the arrangement. Gavi himself could hardly believe he did that. Standing in the hallway outside the office, he was fully prepared for enduring the president’s screaming wrath.

And then Gavi opened his big mouth.

Yes, he didn’t want Robert to get in trouble. But also, maybe it was Robert’s reassuring wink that cemented his trust in the alpha. They could live together in separate rooms. To an outsider it would look like they were a couple.

His parents weren’t thrilled with the idea but they also didn’t see an alternative.

Aurora, in Gavi’s room, was helping him pack his stuff. She picked up an old hedgehog plush from a bottom drawer. “Oh, I remember this little guy. You had him stuck like glue to you for years. Even for bath time you didn’t want to be separated.”

“Keep,” Gavi muttered. They had three piles in the middle of the small bedroom: ‘donations’, ‘trash’, and ‘keep’, the latter being what he’d take with him to the new apartment.

“But it could make a little kid really happy.” She hovered the plush over the donation pile.

“That’s not funny,” Gavi said, clambering away from his shoe collection to try and grab the hedgehog.

Aurora held her arm up high, keeping the plush away from Gavi’s reach. “Are you sure? Your box labeled ‘toys’ is filling up pretty quick. Robert’s going to think he’s moving in with a child,” she teased.

Gavi leaped and snatched the hedgehog out of his sister’s hand. “Tum-tum stays with me, okay? Like I care what Robert thinks.”

Aurora wrapped her arms around Gavi in a bearhug. “Ah, my Pablito is moving out. You’re all grown up now.”

Gavi attempted to extricate himself from her hold. “I’ve been grown up. God, stop babying me.”

She kissed him hard on the cheek. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

Gavi scoffed, but he felt the same way.

Anna smiled broadly on Robert’s FaceTime screen. “I’ll throw you a big bachelor party. I’ll have a string of omegas lined up for your final orgy. How many do you think? Five? Six?”

“Anna…” Robert said, stroking his own temples, feeling a migraine coming on.

“Alright, maybe only 3 or 4 in your old age.” She leaned her chin on her palm. “This will be interesting. The last omega you lived with was Marco, right?”

“Yeah,” Robert said with a sigh, in remembrance of the German who was the only omega he’d deemed worthy of as an official boyfriend. And even then he’d gotten just a bit too clingy for Robert who was in his twenties at the time and unwilling to settle down. A few transfers later ensured their separation. The long distance was a good excuse to break up with him.

He briefly wondered if Marco met someone else. If Robert had to eventually mate with an omega, he could do far worse.

“Earth to Robert. Did you hear a word I just said? Or are you thinking about ‘the one that got away’?”

He heaved an exasperated sigh. “No one gets away from me. I was done with him.”

“Anyway, as I was saying while your mind wandered, you’re going to have to call your mom.”

Robert bit his lower lip and looked skyward. She was right. News might leak out before the official communication. “Right. I’ll get on that.”

Robert cut the call and took a big swig of his water bottle. It was better not to tell his mom the complete truth. One word from her to her gossipy friends in the mom brigade and all the Polish media would pick up on it. He scrolled to her contact on his phone and called. She picked up after two rings.

“Hi Mom,” he said, speaking to her in Polish. “How are you?”

“Robert. What’s wrong?”

Robert winced. “You wound me, mother. Why do you assume something’s wrong when I’m calling you?”

“Because you never call me.”

“I call you once a month!”

“Like I said, almost never. My only son treats me like this. When are you visiting me? Milena was here just last weekend. At least she is a good daughter.”

Oh great. He realized he would also need to inform his sister Milena. But right now he refused to be guilted by his mother. “Mom, I promise I will visit you soon.”

“You better. Now what’s bothering you?”

“N-nothing’s bothering me.” Mothers really did have a sixth sense, Robert mused to himself. He cleared his throat. “In fact, I have good news! Are you sitting down?”

“No. I’m in the garden. I don’t need to sit down. Get on with it.”

“I found my omega soulmate.” He cringed hard and was glad she couldn’t see his face.

“What?” she squawked into the phone in disbelief. “Is this a prank? Robert, don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying. The club will make an official announcement soon.”

“The club? Why do they need to make an announcement?”

“Well, he’s a teammate.”

“Ahh,” she said, understanding. “Like you and Marco.”

“No, not like that. This is different. He is The One.”

“Who?” she asked. She watched all his games and knew the team inside out.

“Uh, Gavi.”

“Gavi!” she screeched so loud Robert had to distance the phone away from his ear.

He expected a barrage of complaints over how he was too young but instead she laughed and whooped with joy like he’d just informed her she won the lottery.

“Wonderful! He’s young and fertile! He will give you so many babies, Robert! Ah, this is the best news. But why are you not mated yet?”

“We don’t want to rush into —”

“Rush? You’re thirty-six, Robert! You must rush. You need to impregnate him as soon as possible. Make me a happy grandma.”

“Mom, Milena has kids!”

“Make me even happier. The next time you visit you must bring him. And he better be pregnant by then too. What shall we name the baby?”

He had to listen to her go on and on about the number of babies he should have. He was about to create some excuse to cut the call short when he saw he had an incoming call from Gavi himself. “Sorry Mom, I have to go. Gavi is calling.”

“Yes, of course. Oh, Gavi is so beautiful. Your children will be beautiful too!”

“Bye Mom!”

Children with Gavi? Perish the thought.

Two nights later Robert found himself at the Gavira family dinner table with a forced smile on his face.

They weren’t all terrible. Gavi’s sister Aurora, a pretty alpha, at least had greeted him warmly. Robert presented an expensive bottle of wine to Mr. Gavira who not only shoved it aside but opened a different bottle for their dinner. Mrs. Gavira’s attitude toward Robert was somewhere in between. He could see she was trying to stay positive but there was a wariness to her demeanor.

Thank god they would never be his in-laws.

Gavi didn’t speak much, which was a departure from his usual chatty self.

As they ate, Mrs. Gavira kept asking if everything was to his liking. He assured her it was all delicious. Aurora tried filling in the gaps of silence with talk about the neighborhood, her work, the vacation she was taking to New York in a few weeks. When the plates were cleared by the two siblings and replaced by flan and coffee on the table, Mr. Gavira spoke up. “Well, let’s speak openly. I know none of us are really pleased with this situation. But if putting up with this ruse ensures Gavi’s place on the team, we will go along with it. However…” He raised a warning finger in Robert’s direction. “There will be very strict rules we’ll need you to adhere to.”

Robert did everything he could not to roll his eyes as he sipped the coffee. They were treating him like he was some horndog prom date, ready to pounce on their son in the backseat of his car.

Robert put the cup back down on its saucer and smiled politely. “I’m sure we're all on the same page about this. Gavi is not an omega I would choose for myself.”

The entire Gavira family shot daggers at him with their eyes. Especially Gavi.

Yikes. Bad opening. He cleared his throat. “What I mean to say is I am obviously too old for him. So all this is—”

“Damn right you’re too old for him,” Mr. Gavira interjected, dropping the formalities and turning combative. A prime example of where Gavi got his temper from. “It makes one wonder why you haven’t mated yet.”

After several seconds, Robert realized he was actually waiting for an answer. “Well, that’s personal.”

“We demand to know,” Mr. Gavira said, brows permanently furrowed in a glare.

Mrs. Gavira laid a hand over her husband’s to calm him. “We’d like to know,” she clarified. “After all, you will be living with our son.”

What could Robert say? He enjoyed sticking his dick in as many omegas as possible? That his body count was so high he’d lost track in his early twenties, over a decade ago? That his need for an omega’s slick hole was so strong he already made plans for a hookup right after this awful meeting? “I’m just picky, I guess.”

By the looks on their faces, no one was satisfied with that answer.

“Aurora, fetch the folder,” Mr. Gavira said. Aurora, with more than a little annoyance, reached to a top cabinet and pulled down a black folder. She handed it to her father before mouthing to Robert ‘i’m so sorry’.

Robert wiped at the edges of his mouth with a napkin. What new hell awaited him?

Mr. Gavira opened a folder that contained a few pages. “We as a family came up with a set of rules for your new living arrangements. If any of the rules get broken, the entire pairing is off and to hell with what the president says.”

Mrs. Gavira smiled in apology at Robert. “It’s not anything out of the ordinary. It’s all common sense which I’m sure you’d agree to anyway.”

“But it’s important we have this in writing,” Mr. Gavira said, stabbing the folder with his index finger. “Anyway, here you go.” He handed the folder to Robert.

Robert glanced down at the printed piece of paper. He felt like he was in some form of detention. He coughed to cover for a sigh of suffering.

RULES

1. Sleep in separate bedrooms ALWAYS
2. No inappropriate touching or close contact
3. No prolonged stares
4. No other alphas will be allowed to visit (besides Pedri)
5. Under no circumstances can Lewandowski bring an omega to the apartment
6. Treat Gavi with the respect he deserves

…

The list was just about endless. He flipped the paper, and saw even more nonsense was written there. Lewan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Is that all?”

Mr. Gavira narrowed his eyes at him. “You will be signing that. My wife’s a notary so we can make this official.”

“Wonderful,” Robert said, the sarcasm evading most everyone.

He signed it anyway to appease everyone. After lying to his own mother about the ‘good news’, not telling the truth was becoming second nature to him. Besides, the more important rules that concerned their son (not fucking him basically) were what he would follow.

Robert thanked them all for a lovely dinner and regretted he couldn’t stay longer because he had another appointment. Aurora hugged him goodbye. Mrs. Gavira politely shook his hand and Mr. Gavira disappeared into the kitchen.

Gavi walked Robert to the door, handing him his jacket from the closet. “Sorry about all this,” he said in a low voice. “My parents are very strict when it comes to me.”

“It’s no trouble,” Robert said, putting his jacket back on.

“How did your family take the news?” Gavi asked.

Robert was not going to share that his mom wanted Gavi pregnant as soon as possible. He answered based on his sister Milena’s reaction. “They think it’s odd. But they know I’d do anything for this football club.”

“Same.” Gavi opened the door for him. “Are you heading home now?”

“Yeah, just a quiet night in.” His phone pinged with a message. He glanced at it and saw the contact was from ‘loud in bed’ aka the omega he was pounding later. “Spam,” he shrugged.

Gavi waved to him as Robert’s Ferrari peeled out of the driveway like a bullet.

Chapter Text

OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT

The president of FC Barcelona is happy to announce the pairing of Robert Lewandowski (36) with Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (20). The two have been close friends ever since they met. That closeness has paid dividends both on the field and now off. They have our full support. We wish the happy couple many blessings!

It blew up the internet.

Most Barça fans were happy that Gavi had an alpha. They knew that the temperamental omega was a walking timebomb who needed someone to rein him in or protect him.

However, his choice of alpha received mixed opinions.

A sizable contingent of the fanbase deemed Robert too old for him. “Isn’t he a paternal figure to him? What is going on?” was the general sentiment.

Others were upset he wasn’t paired with Pedri.

Gavi had given himself a time limit of five minutes to see the best and worst of people by reading their reactions across all the social media platforms.

He lasted three minutes, having seen more than enough.

Robert didn’t see why their ages had to be mentioned in the statement. He received a deluge of messages from extended family and friends, congratulating him for finally settling down.

Their teammates' reactions were a mix of surprise and confusion. Since they spent so much time with them and in close proximity, they wondered how they could have missed a relationship right under their noses. Ter Stegen elbowed Lewandowski. “You were hooking up with Gavi this whole time?”

Lewan shrugged like it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. “We were discreet.”

Pedri didn’t believe it for one second. He cornered Gavi during a break in training. “You and Lewy? It can’t be true. There’s just no way.”

Gavi put his finger to his own lips. “It’s not,” he whispered. “But don’t tell anyone.” He confessed the truth only to Pedri. He trusted him not to blab to anyone else.

A few days later, Gavi ran to the large master bedroom with the ensuite bathroom. The king-sized bed could fit five Gavis. The room also opened onto a small balcony with a great view of the cityscape. Gavi flopped down onto the bed. “I’m claiming this room,” he announced.

Aurora followed him in with a large box, dropped it onto the ground without finesse and crossed her arms. “Do you really want to get off on the wrong foot with Lewy?”

Gavi was unbothered. “He’s not here. Finders keepers.”

“You’re half his size,” Aurora said, pulling on his leg.

Gavi’s mom came in soon after, inspecting the large walk-in closet. She was impressed with everything she was seeing. “Why shouldn’t our Gavi have the best room? Plus the other room doesn’t have an en suite bathroom, I checked. Gavi needs one. He can’t be walking down the hall straight from a shower all exposed.”

Mr. Gavira stood at the threshold, inspecting the lock on the master bedroom door. “I can install more locks on here.”

“God,” Aurora moaned with frustration. “Lewy is not some unhinged monster!”

“We don’t know that,” Mr. Gavira said, placing a tape measure against the door. “A security system on this door wouldn’t hurt either. We can install an alarm and camera here.”

Aurora sat on the big bed next to Gavi, poking his side. “Dad’s seconds away from fitting you into a chastity belt.”

Before Gavi could reply, the front door opened and two loud voices speaking Polish could be heard near the front entrance. Mr. Gavira was the first to leave the room, followed by Mrs. Gavira. Aurora turned to her brother with a grin. “Your alpha’s here.”

Robert introduced his best friend Anna to the Gavira family. They didn’t seem too happy to meet her (except for Aurora who went into fangirl mode because she followed Anna’s workout Instagram). Anna helped move boxes with Robert. She was heading toward the master bedroom until she saw it was occupied with Gavi’s things. She raised an eyebrow to Robert who said in Polish, “It’s not a big deal. Come on.”

Anna followed Robert to the other bedroom. It was smaller, didn’t have an ensuite bathroom nor a balcony. And the bed was a queen. She placed the box down by the foot of the bed and put her hands on her hips. Still speaking in Polish in case they heard her down the hall, she said, “Who do they think they are? That master bedroom should be for you. That little omega is acting like a spoiled brat.”

Robert shook his head. “This bedroom is fine. I’m not going to argue the point. I already told you about their endless list. They’re going to lose their shit completely if I take away the big bedroom from their precious angel.”

“They do seem really hardheaded,” Anna conceded. “Once they all leave, you can convince Gavi to switch. I’ll leave these boxes here but don’t unpack yet, alright?”

Robert didn’t want to tell her that Gavi was the most stubborn of all.

Later that afternoon after everyone left, Gavi plunked down in the middle of the large brown leather couch. It was so soft, probably a really expensive type of leather. He lay back and stretched his arms out. “Ahh, this is nice. What do you say we order pizza?”

Robert stood at the hall threshold. “I say, get up off that couch. It’s time to cook.”

“What?” Gavi squawked in indignation. “Cook? Why?”

“Because we’re professional footballers and a pizza dinner does nothing for our nutritional regiments.”

Gavi closed his eyes and leaned his head back. “God, you’re so boring! What’s the point of living on your own if you can’t do whatever you want?”

“This will taste good too. Trust me. Come on.”

Gavi grumbled as he trudged heavy-footed after Lewan into the kitchen. It was one of those gleaming kitchens with a large island in the middle and all the latest shiny appliances. Gavi didn’t care for any of it. The club usually provided his breakfast and lunch while his mother or Aurora cooked him all his dinners. Kitchens in general were not in Gavi’s purview.

Robert began taking out several things from the refrigerator. When had he found the time to stock it? “We’re going to make a chicken stir fry. Here, start chopping these.”

He handed some peppers, garlic and onion to Gavi who stared at them like they were foreign objects. “Ah,” Robert said, nodding as he realized the problem. “The cutting boards and knives are located here.” He opened a drawer, took out a wooden cutting board and placed it in front of Gavi, along with a sharp knife. “There you go.”

Gavi stared down at the gathered items, utensils and vegetables. He looked back up at Lewan, helpless.

Lewan stared down at him, blue eyes as cold as a glacier.

Gavi’s big brown eyes stared back, brows knitted in confusion.

Lewan sighed, hand on hip. “Gavi.”

“What?”

“Do not tell me you seriously don’t know how to chop a few simple things.”

“I’ve never had to! Why make stuff if others can make it for you!” Gavi said, waving his arms wildly.

“Well, you’re going to learn then.” Lewan tutted in frustration. “Imagine, an omega who doesn’t know his way around a kitchen,” he added, mumbling to himself.

“Hey! That’s stereotypical! And offensive! And outdated!” Gavi said, smacking Lewan’s arm.

“Maybe so, but there’s an element of truth to it. Try attracting an alpha with that attitude.”

“Whatever,” Gavi said, rolling his eyes. “Maybe my future alpha will be a chef. And he can cook me whatever my heart desires.”

“Well, in the present, I hope your heart desires cutting an onion. Watch this and then you’re chopping the rest.”

Gavi sighed heavily in annoyance, making a big show of not wanting to help out. But after getting the hang of how to wield the knife, and gaining a feel for the textures of the various ingredients he slowly found he wasn’t as hateful to the inanimate objects. Robert had an upbeat playlist going on a nearby speaker. When everything was chopped or diced, Robert threw it all together in a hot frying pan. It sizzled loudly, and when Robert added spices, the scent made Gavi’s mouth water.

He had Gavi wash a few things for a side salad and within the hour they were sharing their first meal together in the dining room.

“Well, what do you think?” Robert asked him.

“I still would have preferred pizza.”

Lewan kicked at a leg of his chair. Gavi laughed.

“I’m kidding! It’s very good. I mean, it took some time but yeah it’s good.”

“It took longer than usual because I had to teach you how to chop and prepare food. Once you gain some practice, it’ll be even quicker.”

Gavi moaned in despair. “Oh God. Are we going to be cooking every day? It’s so much work!”

“Welcome to the life of an adult,” Robert said, with far too much sadistic pleasure.

In the living room Lewan was watching some golf tournament on the large screen television. He was in the armchair so Gavi made himself comfortable on the big couch, stretching out. Gavi hung around mostly for the background noise as he scrolled through his phone, watching a bunch of mindless videos. When the television turned off, Gavi glanced up at Lewan who was standing and stretching. He patted Gavi’s leg. “Come on, get your eight hours of sleep Gavi. I’m giving you a ride tomorrow to training and we’re not going to be late on account of you.”

Gavi pouted as he looked up at him. “You’re making me have a bedtime too?”

“What time do you usually sleep?”

“Not that late. But right now is too early,” he whined.

“Fine by me. Just don’t make a lot of noise, alright?”

Gavi huffed. Living with an old guy was seriously dull. But he didn’t want to piss him off so he followed him down the hall. As Gavi was about to turn into his bedroom, he paused. “Hey Lewy?” he called out to Robert who had already disappeared into his own room.

“Yeah?” he answered, out of sight.

“Are you… really okay with me taking the bigger room?”

Lewy stepped out into the hall. He’d taken off his shirt and it made Gavi blush a little to see him like that. His pecs and abs were so well-defined.

“I already said it was fine, didn’t I?”

“I know, but… I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

“I’m not.”

“We can trade if you really want to. Or alternate.”

Robert shook his head, a hint of a smile on his lips. “My room is fine. Don’t worry about it, Gavi. Get some rest, alright?”

“Okay.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

Gavi walked into his room.

It was so big.

He still needed to hang a few things on the walls, which looked so barren and empty. Some of the moving boxes were scattered around the room. He maneuvered around them on his way to wash up in the ensuite bathroom. There were two sinks, which only enforced that this master bedroom was made for a couple. It made him feel extra lonely, how much space there was here. He changed into an old shirt and boxers to sleep in and climbed into the massive king size bed.

He would give anything to trade it for his old twin bed, small as it was.

An overwhelming pang of homesickness hit him. The apartment was so quiet with Robert away in his room. Gavi hugged a pillow to his chest. The place was so different from his old bedroom. What seemed fancy and new in the daytime was now soulless and foreign at night. He shivered a little and turned on his side.

A teardrop fell on his pillow.

And then another.

He was so scared and alone. Why did he feel this way? He was twenty years old, and acting like a little child.

After a few minutes there was a knock on the door.

Gavi didn’t answer. He didn’t trust his voice not to break if he spoke.

The door opened about an inch ajar. “Gavi? Are you alright?”

Gavi realized he’d forgotten to lock the door like his father instructed. Was Gavi being loud? Could he be heard all the way down the hall somehow? He was sure he’d been crying silently.

“I’m fine,” he lied.

The light turned on. Robert stepped in. Thankfully he was wearing a bathrobe so he was less distracting to Gavi. He sat on the edge of the bed and saw the curled-up Gavi under his blankets. “Hey, it’s your first night away from your family. It’s okay to be homesick.”

“I miss them,” Gavi said, another tear running down his cheek. “They’re crazy and loud sometimes but I still miss them.”

Robert ran his hand along Gavi’s hair. “I know how that feels. When I had to leave Warsaw and spend my first nights away in Germany, I used to drink myself to blackout so I wouldn’t have to think before going to sleep.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It was dumb. And I had a roommate at the time so I didn’t want to show any weakness. When that wasn’t sustainable I would save my crying times for the showers so no one would see. And if my eyes were slightly red I feigned it was from shampoo.”

Gavi chuckled lightly. “I guess I’ll try that next time.”

Robert stroked his hair. “Don’t. It’s alright. If you need to talk to me, I’m here.”

Gavi sighed. Robert’s fingers gliding through his hair felt so relaxing. His scent was comforting too. He smelled freshly showered along with his own woodsy scent. Gavi inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes, letting his guard down. Something like this was fine and no cause for alarm. His inner omega was just responding naturally to the protective alpha.

It wasn’t long before he fell asleep, a small contented smile on his face.

Chapter Text

The next morning Gavi stepped into the kitchen and muttered a ‘good morning’ to Robert. He hoped he didn’t sound as embarrassed as he felt.

Robert turned from the stove. “Good morning! You’re just in time. I made some oatmeal and here are a few toppings you can add.” He nodded in the direction of the counter where berries, walnuts, honey and granola were placed.

“Um, thanks.” Gavi poured himself a big glass of orange juice, then took a seat at a stool at one end of the island. Robert placed a bowl before him before pulling up a stool and sitting next to him with his own bowl. Robert tutted as he retrieved a coaster and set it under Gavi’s glass.

Gavi didn’t know why Robert was so obsessed with coasters.

“So. How are you feeling?” Robert asked.

“Fine,” Gavi mumbled, looking down into his oatmeal he mixed with berries.

To his credit Robert didn’t press any further. They ate in silence as they each stared down at their phones.

In the car, driving to training, Gavi couldn’t shake the idea that last night was prime ammo to hold against him. Bad enough he was omega, but a crybaby omega? Gavi had to make sure this didn’t get out. He cleared his throat. “Um, thanks by the way. For last night. Um, I promise it won’t happen again. I’m not usually like that.”

Robert turned his head and smiled at him. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“You won’t tell any of the guys, will you?”

“Damn. I was just thinking about making an announcement to everyone about it.”

“Robert!” Gavi smacked his arm, his cheeks reddening.

“Of course I won’t say a thing,” Robert laughed.

A week passed since they moved in together. Most of their days were taken up with training. And in the evenings, Gavi’s parents visited. For a few nights Gavi’s mom and Aurora cooked for them. Most recently, Robert made them dinner and Mr. Gavira had the nerve to complain that the steaks were ‘missing something’. Bold insult for someone who ate everything and got seconds.

On the field, things were going pretty well. Barcelona’s recent La Liga game was a resounding win. Gavi came in for a few minutes at the end of the second half. When he went in on a hard foul and the opposing player was ready to yell at Gavi, Robert only had to glare over in their direction and the other player backed off.

It was clear to everyone in the league that the irascible Gavi had a primary protector.

After the game the team held a small celebration party booked at a private bar and restaurant. Once everyone had their fill of second and third plates, the drinks continued flowing. Gavi was joking around with Lamine, Pedri and Fermin. They were all giddy with excitement over Gavi being back on the field. They played a messy game of beer pong before Lamine elbowed Gavi and asked, “Hope we’re not keeping you too much from your alpha.”

Gavi almost spat his drink out. Right. His alpha. It was times like this when relaxing with friends that he almost forgot about the whole arrangement. Pedri was the only one who knew it wasn’t a legitimate relationship. It probably did look kind of weird that a couple would not be stuck at the hip at a celebration party. This wasn’t like training where they had to be more professional.

Gavi glanced over at Robert, surprised to see him looking directly at him. Maybe the same idea dawned on him because the tall striker walked over to him first.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

Pedri hustled the other guys away so Gavi and Lewy could have their privacy.

“Can I get you another drink?” Robert asked.

“I’m good.” Gavi noticed Robert was drinking a plain seltzer. He’d mentioned earlier that he wasn’t going to drink so he could drive them back home later.

Robert flung his arm over his shoulder. Correcting himself, he moved his hand down to wrap around Gavi’s waist instead, startling the young omega who made a small yelp. Robert leaned down into Gavi’s ear.

“Too much?” he asked, loosening his grip slightly. “This isn’t much different from what happens on the field.”

“The field is different,” Gavi said. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

Robert laughed. “Ter Stegen said we didn’t seem like a couple.”

“Did you tell him to mind his own business?”

“He’s got a point. If he’s not fooled, how would it look to others?”

Gavi frowned. “Maybe we’re not a PDA couple.”

Robert raised an eyebrow at him. “That doesn’t sound like you. You’re the definition of affectionate.”

Gavi blushed and said nothing.

The music turned louder, pulsating around them. Some of their teammates began hopping and dancing on the makeshift dancefloor in front of the bar.

“Are you going to dance?” Gavi asked.

Robert leaned his ear toward him. “What? I can’t hear you.”

Gavi got even closer, lips almost brushing against Robert’s ear. “I said, are you going to dance?”

“It sounds like you’re asking me to dance,” Robert half-shouted back. He held Gavi’s hand and led him out to the floor.

Gavi turned red. He did not expect to dance with Robert. In fact, he would have been happy to just stay and drink on the side and watch everyone else dance. The music was uptempo and Robert moved close to him. Robert’s arms wrapped around his waist. He said into his ear, “One of the crew is taking photos of us. I’m sure it’ll make the president happy.”

“Oh,” Gavi said. He danced a little self-consciously at first, limbs stiff and gangly. This was part of the ‘performance’ the president wanted them to do. Look like a couple. Gavi felt the alcohol taking more effect as he loosened up a bit, putting his arms around the alpha’s neck. The music was too loud for any conversation but every once in a while Gavi looked up into Robert’s face.

His blue eyes were looking right at him each time. He smelled so good and he was so tall and his arms were so strong, like they could lift him into the air with no trouble.

Gavi looked back down at the ground, feeling his face grow warmer. He felt warmer all over. He blamed the stupid omega part of himself. He was not interested in this old man. He just happened to be the alpha he’d been closest to recently.

He wanted to ask Robert if all of this was awkward to him too. But the words caught in his throat and he didn’t want to seem even more like a whiny baby than Robert already thought he was. Even he was getting a little tired of his parents visiting every night. In fact, this would be the first night they didn’t because they were out.

Back at the apartment, Gavi exhaled long and slow. “Thank god that’s over,” he said.

It was just past 3:00am and Robert was glad there was no training tomorrow. Staying up late like this had been second nature to him in his twenties. Not so much in his mid-thirties. He poured two large glasses of water for himself and Gavi, handing one over to the omega. “You alright?” Robert asked.

“Are you asking if I’m drunk? Because I’m not.”

“No… I didn’t mean that. I just wanted to double-check that it all wasn’t … uncomfortable for you.”

Gavi snorted in laughter, almost shooting water out of his nose. “Please, Robert. What part of that was not uncomfortable?” He downed the rest of the water before turning his back on him and walking out of the kitchen. “Don’t wake me up early tomorrow!” he shouted from down the hall before emitting a prolonged yawn. “I’m sleeping in!”

Robert stayed in the kitchen, gulping down more water. With a grimace he picked up Gavi’s empty glass. The kid never placed his cups or glasses properly on a coaster, even after Robert reprimanded him. And he always expected Robert to clean up after him. Robert washed both glasses in the sink, not wanting to bother with the dishwasher.

Gavi really was a spoiled little brat. Robert did so many extra things around the house that went unnoticeable to him. Alright, Robert could concede that he was used to living on his own and it was all new to Gavi. But at least the omega could say thank you? Or show some kind of appreciation?

Robert angrily stacked the glasses to dry in the dish rack, making more noise then he should have.

He knew what was wrong.

He wasn’t mad at Gavi.

He was sexually frustrated.

And he was a bit mad at Gavi for being a little prima donna. Most omegas would kill to be close to Robert or enjoy a dance with him and Gavi acted like the whole thing was a form of torture for him.

Robert checked his phone. He had to be very discreet about the omega he chose to hook up with. Some were less reliable than others.

It was late but he made plans to go over to an omega’s place in half an hour. Passing by Gavi’s room he heard silence. He probably already knocked out to sleep.

All Robert had to do was come back before dawn and he’d never know.

The second the front door latched closed, Gavi’s ears perked up. He was on the verge of nodding off into a nice little sleep but now he was confused. Did someone come into the apartment? Gavi got up and while bleary-eyed, unlocked his bedroom door and poked his head into the hallway.

“Robert?” he called out down the hallway.

Silence and darkness in every direction.

Gavi padded over to the living room and front door, turning on all the lights as he went. The front door was locked.

Maybe he was just hearing things. He turned around and went back down the hall towards his bedroom. Looking further down the hall, he saw that Robert’s bedroom door was open.

It was usually closed at night.

Gavi silently padded over and peeked in, using the light of the hallway to see inside.

Empty!

Gavi gasped.

Where did Robert go?

Gavi scratched his head. It wasn’t his imagination after all. The front door had closed because Robert stepped out.

Did he forget something at the restaurant?

Or maybe there was something missing in the kitchen that the housekeeper’s weekly grocery purchase missed. And Robert left to get it himself. Gavi hopped over to the kitchen and inspected the fridge though he didn’t have a clue if there was something amiss. No notes were left anywhere on the counters.

Who would go grocery shopping in the middle of the night? Were supermarkets even open so late?

Gavi headed back to his bedroom and checked his phone. No messages from Robert. There were a few new messages from the chat he had with the younger members of FCB, talking about what a fun night they had.

Gavi wondered if he should send a quick message to Robert. Ask if everything was okay.

Was that too needy? He was only his roommate. Roommates could come and go as they pleased.

It was probably nothing. He’d be back in fifteen minutes or a half hour at most. When Gavi heard the front door open again he would rush to the kitchen and drink from a glass of water like he’d just gotten up at night because he was thirsty. He’d casually poke his head out to the living room and look surprised that Robert was coming back from somewhere. “Oh did you step out? I didn’t notice,” was what Gavi would say. And Robert would sheepishly admit that he forgot his wallet at the restaurant. It wouldn’t be his phone because Gavi remembered Robert having his phone when they got back. Gavi would joke that old age made Robert forget things and they would each head back to bed for a restful night’s sleep.

Until then, Gavi joined in on the group chat. He sent a few photos of Fermin in particular doing crazy dance moves.

‘should you be up so late gavi?’ Fermin asked in the chat. ‘arent you distracting lewy who needs his optimal eight hours of sleep’

A bunch of laugh emojis from the others in the chat.

Gavi sent them the middle finger emoji.

Thirty-five minutes passed and Gavi was even more worried. He needed to talk to someone about this. He couldn’t bother his family in the middle of the night. They would assume the worst. He decided to ask Pedri in a separate chat. Pedri was pretty astute. Maybe he noticed Robert’s wallet or something else he left behind at the bar.

so.. robert stepped out like half an hour ago

he didnt say wy

kind of late for an old guy like him right 😂

Gavi wrote that line to keep everything casual and lighthearted.

Pedri wrote back: he didn’t say anything to you when he stepped out?

no i was already in bed, Gavi answered.

A series of dots stopped and started.

P: he hasn't done something like this before ?

G: no. like i said hes old

G: hes in bed early and wakes up at the crack of dawn

G: can an old guy get kidnapped 😅

P: he took his car?

Oh. That was a good point. Gavi scrambled over to the foyer by the front door. He checked the tray on the small table where Robert usually left the keys to his Ferrari. They were gone. So that meant he went by car somewhere.

G: yeah his car keys are gone

Another series of starts and stops from Pedri but no actual words. Gavi didn’t know what to make of that. Maybe he should reassure Pedri that none of this was a big deal.

G: im not worried or anything

G: its just odd yk

P: i'm sure he'll be back soon

G: itsbeen almost an hour!

P: try and get some sleep

P: don't worry i'm sure he’s fine

G: i told you im not worried!!

Gavi startled and almost dropped his phone when he heard the front door unlock. He was still standing by the foyer table where he’d searched for Robert’s keys. He was frozen to the spot as he watched the door open.

Robert stepped in and looked equally shocked to see Gavi standing right there.

“Where were you?” Gavi asked, trying to sound normal and failing.

Chapter Text

An hour earlier, Robert had run every red light to get to the home of the omega he’d hooked up with a few times before. One step over the threshold and Robert kissed him fiercely, pushing his way in until they fell over onto the couch. Robert was hungry. It had been far too long since the last time. He unzipped himself, took his cock out and stroked it a few times. The omega was thrilled to see his favorite alpha again. He disrobed quickly, spread his legs and was already wet and eager to take him.

There was just one problem.

Robert couldn’t get hard.

The omega sat up and stroked Robert’s length a few times. He then used his mouth and sucked him off but still Robert remained flaccid. This had never happened between them before. The omega looked up curiously at him. “I have some pills if you need them?”

Robert stared down at his dick, frustrated.

What was this new betrayal?

Robert never had this problem before. Ever. It was an insult to his entire self as an alpha not to do the one thing that was second nature to him. Robert ordered the omega to spit on it before stroking himself again, faster than before. Still nothing.

The omega suggested the pills again but Robert shook his head in anger. Those pills were for old men who couldn’t get it up anymore. That was not Robert. He knew his own body. Something else was wrong. He excused himself to the bathroom. Maybe a little privacy would help.

He closed the door and conjured images of the past, recalling wild nights in bed with different omegas, endless hours spent in sexual bliss. He used some lube he found in one of the cabinets. Still, his cock didn’t stir. When there was a knock on the door, Robert gave up. He cleaned himself off, zipped up and made an excuse to leave early.

Mortified didn’t begin to cover it. He promptly deleted the omega’s contact from his phone. He couldn’t face him ever again.

Robert sped off in his Ferrari and drove aimlessly in a neighborhood he wasn’t familiar with. Should he make plans with a different omega? But it was so late already. And besides, what if his cock refused to cooperate again? Robert couldn't go through another humiliation. In fact, the whole incident turned his mind off sex. Something was wrong. Usually these things were a symptom of something else entirely, maybe stress or anxiety. Anna might know what to do. Robert could call her despite the late hour. He pulled over into an empty parking lot but she didn’t answer. Maybe she was in the middle of her own tryst with an omega.

Robert sighed and rubbed his hand over his forehead. He momentarily thought of Gavi and a small panic entered his heart. What if the omega woke up and saw that he was all alone in the apartment? Robert remembered that first night Gavi cried over being homesick. Being all alone might set him off again.

He shook his head. No, surely Gavi had gone to sleep right away. He certainly looked ready to doze off the way he yawned after not using a coaster for his glass of water.

But still.

Robert set his map app for home. He hadn’t realized he’d driven farther away than he’d thought. He hoped when he arrived home that he would fall into the kind of sleep that would make him forget all about this sexual encounter gone wrong.

Except when Robert opened the door he was met with Gavi staring straight at him, confusion in his big brown eyes.

Robert felt the pit of his stomach drop, like he’d been caught doing something bad. But Robert hadn’t even done anything beyond kissing the other omega! And anyway he and Gavi weren't even a thing. They were just roommates.

Robert could find no way of expressing any of this so instead he countered Gavi’s accusatory ‘where were you?’ with, “Why are you awake?”

Gavi frowned. “I couldn’t sleep. I heard the front door open and thought someone came in or something. But then I realized you went out. Why?”

Gavi was not letting this go. Robert shrugged, attempting an unfazed air as he dropped his car keys into the small tray on the foyer table. He couldn’t say he went out to buy something because he was literally empty handed. “Just… went for a short drive, that’s all.”

“Where? Why?”

Robert raised an eyebrow at the insistent Gavi. “Is there a problem?”

“I asked you a question.”

Robert went on the defensive. “Jesus, Gavi. What’s with the third degree? Do I need a reason?”

That was not the right answer. Gavi looked hurt, his brows furrowing as Robert walked past him into the living room. Gavi followed, his nose wrinkling. “Were you… were you with an omega?”

Fuck. Robert didn’t even think about having a trace scent of the failed sexual encounter on him. There was no use denying it anymore. “Alright, fine. I saw someone. So what?”

Gavi crossed his arms, glaring at him now. “What do you mean, ‘so what’? You can’t just do that kind of thing anymore!”

Robert looked down at Gavi, trying to figure out why this was bothering him so much. Did Gavi feel possessive of Robert? Was their time living together having an effect on him? “What’s wrong? Are you… jealous?”

Gavi rolled his eyes like Robert was the biggest idiot in the world. “Jealous? Gross, I don’t want you! It’s not about who you hook up with, it’s about getting caught! What if this omega tells other people? Do you really think the Barça president will be happy if this kind of thing gets out?”

Robert hadn’t thought of it that way. Gavi had a point. Their fake relationship had to look real to everyone and something like this would look like cheating if the wrong eyes were on him. “I was discreet. It’s late and no one saw me.”

Gavi wasn’t buying it. “I can’t believe this. How could you? You’re risking everything!” Gavi threw his arms up and stomped away in the direction of his bedroom but Robert hurried over and stood in front of him to block his path.

“Gavi, I’m sorry. Please, I can explain myself. I didn’t sleep with anyone.”

“Liar!” Gavi shouted at him, trying to push his way past him in the hall. His choked voice sounded like he was on the verge of crying.

It made Robert feel low and terrible. How could he do this to poor Gavi? Robert kept his hands on his shoulders so he couldn’t move past him. “I’m so sorry. But I can explain.”

“What’s there to explain? You were gone only an hour. You fucked them and left. Do you enjoy using omegas so cheaply like that? It’s disgusting!” Gavi pushed his small fist against Robert’s chest but there was no real force behind it.

“I swear to you I didn’t sleep with him. Gavi, please.” Robert pulled Gavi into a strong hug, despite his protests. Gavi tried moving away but Robert was too strong. He kept him close and absorbed Gavi’s feeble jabs. Gavi eventually gave up and Robert propped his chin up so he could look into his watery eyes, keeping his other arm around him so he wouldn’t move away.

“I didn’t sleep with him. I wanted to but I couldn’t.”

“What do you mean you couldn’t?”

Robert sighed, still humiliated over his failure. “I wasn’t attracted to him.”

Gavi looked even more confused. He sniffled before asking, “Why’d you meet up with him if you weren’t attracted to him?”

“I was attracted to him. But I guess I’m not anymore.”

Gavi didn’t seem to understand. Robert himself didn’t even really understand.

“I’m not forgiving you. I don’t believe you.” Gavi huffed in annoyance.

Robert ran his hand through Gavi’s soft hair. “I wish you would trust me. You trusted me before.”

“You never ran off in the middle of the night before.” Gavi’s lower lip was stuck out in the kind of pout that made Robert so weak.

“Are you sure you aren’t jealous?”

Gavi smacked his chest. “Yuck. It’s like you want me to be jealous. You’re old and uncool. I don’t want you.” Gavi turned his head away from him. His pretty neck was so exposed to him that way.

Robert’s cock stirred.

Robert inwardly cursed, both in triumph and defeat. Triumph because it meant his dick was still functional. Defeat because this was not the moment for that.

Robert released his armhold on Gavi, placing a little distance between them. “I’ll make it all up to you. Tomorrow I’ll make you the waffle and sausages breakfast you loved so much last time.”

“I’m sleeping in, remember?”

“I’ll make sure it’s warm for whenever you wake up. And I’ll cook all our meals this week and you won’t hear me complain about you not using coasters or leaving glasses or shoes or jackets around without picking up after yourself. You won’t have to lift a finger for a whole week.”

Gavi snorted. “That’s a start.” He walked past Robert and headed down the hall to his room. “It’s late. I’m going to bed. If I hear that front door open again I’m barricading it from the inside and you’ll never be able to enter again.”

“Yes Gavi,” Robert said, so turned on right now that the second Gavi’s door closed Robert rushed to his own bedroom. His cock was almost fully hard. He had to rub one out. His phone pinged with a missed call from Anna. He’d explain everything to her tomorrow.

True to his word Robert had breakfast fresh and ready for him at the dining table. Stacks of Belgian waffles topped with a homemade strawberry compote were on one plate, hot sausage links in another. Gavi sat down in the seat Robert pulled out for him. Gavi had slight bags under his eyes from a not-great sleep. He didn’t even bother saying good morning back to Robert.

Robert laid down a piping hot mug of a cinnamon latte with a heart design on top, along with the requisite orange juice he liked (both on coasters of course). Robert hovered nearby like a waiter who was doing everything in his power to get a five-star review. Gavi sipped from the latte and had a few bites of the breakfast.

“How do you like it?” Robert asked.

“ ‘sokay,” Gavi said through a mouthful of food.

“Anything else I can get you?”

Gavi shook his head. But still Robert kept an eye on him as he ate. After a few more bites, Gavi looked up and glared at him. “Stop staring at me. Go away.” He dismissed him with a bitchy wave of his hand.

Robert gave a slight bow before hurrying away to the kitchen. He kept an eye on him from afar.

Gavi finished every last bite. He shouted for a glass of water and Robert rushed over to give him one. When Gavi got up from the table he didn’t bother thanking Robert and instead headed straight back to his own bedroom and slammed the door shut.

Robert dutifully cleared the table and cleaned the dishes.

A few hours later, lying in bed in his room, Gavi sent Pedri a few messages:

       so he went out last night to bang some omega 🙄

       i hate alphas

       except for you pedri <3

Pedri responded not long after.

       P: i thought as much

       G: why didnt u tell me ???

       P: i didn’t want you to get upset

       G: why would i get upset

An incoming call from Pedri. Gavi sighed, answering. “Why do you think I care what he does?”

“Hello to you too,” Pedri said. “Anyway, you sounded pretty worried last night.”

“He can hook up with whoever he wants. I just told him he needs to make sure he doesn’t get caught. That’s the only thing that worries me.”

There was a pause before Pedri said, “Can I ask you something?”

Gavi hummed, projecting an air of amusement. Inwardly, he was bracing himself for a possibly uncomfortable conversation. “Yeah, what?”

“Have you two… you know, been intimate with each other?”

Gavi made a puking sound. “Pedri, you know the relationship is fake! Why are you asking me this?”

“It’s just that me and the other guys were talking last night...”

“You have a separate chat without me?!” Gavi shouted in a pained voice. How dare they!

“Sorry! We were talking about how you and Robert were dancing close together and we were sure that later in the bedroom you were going to get—”

Gavi immediately cut him off, his ears burning red. “What? No! That was all for show! We are not together!”

“Do you like him?”

“Huh? No!”

“I think he likes you. I saw the way he was looking at you. He can’t take his eyes off you.”

Gavi snorted derisively. “Oh sure. He has such eyes for me that he couldn’t wait to come home and bang some other omega. Listen to yourself, Pedri. You’re making no sense.”

“You sound jealous.”

“Why is everyone saying that to me?” Gavi said, incredulous. He was about to launch into a tirade but his nose picked up the delicious scent of pizza. Was it lunchtime already? “Anyway, nevermind about last night. I don’t really care. But Robert feels guilty and is cooking all my food and doing all my chores.” Gavi cackled in sadistic glee. “Isn’t he ridiculous?”

As expected, the smell of homemade pizza lured Gavi out of his room. Robert made Gavi his own personal pie with all his favorite toppings. This time Robert ate at the table with Gavi, eating his own smaller pie he made for himself.

Gavi’s sour expression relaxed a little once he finished eating all of it.

“Did you like it?” Robert asked, a hopeful expression in his eyes.

Gavi shrugged, clearly not wanting to give him the satisfaction of any kind of gratitude. He asked for a refill of iced tea and Robert promptly got it for him.

Robert studied Gavi’s demeanor. He didn’t seem as pissed off as before. Maybe he was finally breaking through his cold exterior. “Do you want to go out somewhere? I’ll drive you wherever you like.”

Gavi took a long gulp of the iced tea before giving him a pointed glance. “My parents are coming over around six.”

Robert’s blood froze. Was Gavi going to snitch and tell them what happened? A chain of events flashed before Robert’s eyes: Gavi’s father telling the Barça president about Robert’s indiscretion. In turn the president fired Robert in a fury, excommunicating him from not only the club but the city of Barcelona itself. “Are… does this mean…what are… are you going to tell them?” he asked, hoping against hope that Gavi would not sell him out.

Gavi shrugged like it didn’t matter one way or another. “I dunno.” He leaned his chin on his palm and challenged him with a, “Should I?”

Robert was convinced Gavi was enjoying punishing him too much. “I’d rather you didn’t.”

Gavi got up from the table, tossing his used napkin on the table. “We’ll see.”

Anna was no help when Robert spoke to her on the phone (speaking exclusively in Polish in case Gavi passed by in the hall near his bedroom). Instead she told him he should double-down and make immediate arrangements with other omegas.

“You’re getting bullied by that little brat. You two aren’t even together!”

“I know but he has a point about getting caught. This is supposed to look like a real relationship to everyone else.”

Anna tutted. “And what? You’re supposed to stay celibate for the entire season? That’s insanity. He’s acting like you cheated on him.”

“This breaks Rule #6 about treating Gavi with the respect he deserves.”

“Oh please,” Anna scoffed. “Maybe Gavi’s jealous that he’s not getting any. Tell him he can hook up with Pedri if he wants to. Or bang Gavi yourself if it’ll help.”

That would be the opposite of helping. But Robert couldn’t deny that there was something attractive about Gavi acting all jilted. Maybe the two of them living together was giving them a codependent nature whether they liked it or not.

Either way, he was determined to be on his best behavior when Gavi’s parents visited.

Gavi’s mom and dad could sense that something was amiss between the two but Gavi was evasive about anything being wrong. When Gavi’s mother went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, Robert immediately joined to help. She was making a beef stew and Robert helped her with chopping some ingredients.

“Is everything okay between you two?” she asked.

“Yes. Of course it is,” Robert answered all too quickly.

“We saw the game. It was good that you were there for him,” she said, referring to Robert standing up for Gavi on the field.

“I… I don’t mind protecting him,” Robert said.

“Good,” she said, mixing ingredients in the pot. She kept her eyes on him. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

After dinner, Gavi’s father inspected the locks on Gavi’s bedroom door, making sure everything was in working order. He crept around the apartment, as if searching for a clue that would implicate Robert in something.

When they were leaving, Mr. Gavira’s farewell handshake grip with Robert was rougher than usual. “We’re going traveling for a week. So we won’t be around as much for the next few days. I expect everything will be in order?”

A clear threat that meant: touch my son and die. Robert nodded and shook his hand with equal force. “Absolutely. Enjoy your trip!”

Once they left Gavi lay down on the couch and watched a random action movie on tv. Robert sat on one end of the same couch. When Gavi propped his leg on Robert’s lap like he was no more than a cushion, Robert didn’t push him away.

“My leg’s been feeling a little tight,” Gavi said, rubbing at the back of his calf.

“Should we go for a walk somewhere?”

“No. I’m lazy.”

“I can massage you? If you like,” Robert offered. He didn’t wait for an answer as he pulled Gavi’s sweatpants up to expose his calf. He tenderly rubbed along the back of his leg.

Gavi looked torn between pulling his leg back or letting Robert continue. When Robert started rubbing along his ankle and massaging his bare foot Gavi relaxed a bit more. His sweet omega scent wafted over.

“I didn’t tell my parents.”

“Thank you,” Robert said. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

Gavi stared at him, watching how his hands and fingers worked on him. “So tell me… what’s this omega like?”

Robert sighed, stopping his massage on the arch of his foot. “He’s nothing. It was nothing.”

“That’s no way to talk about your lover.”

“He’s not a lover.”

“A hook-up?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Gavi snorted. “Hook-ups at your age? That’s crazy.”

Robert pursed his lips, unamused. Even so, he continued his massage along Gavi’s ankle. “I’m not dead, Gavi.”

“At your age I intend to be married with three kids.”

“Three kids?”

“Maybe four.”

Robert whistled low. He couldn’t imagine Gavi as a parent, considering he was closer in demeanor and age to a child. “What will your alpha be like?”

Gavi shrugged. “I dunno. Tall. Strong. You know, the usual.”

“Will he have blue eyes? And a Polish accent?” Robert teased.

Gavi blushed and kicked the heel of his foot out at Robert’s thigh. “You think you’re so funny. You know I’m not attracted to you at all, right? Once the season is over you can hook up with whoever you want. I really don’t care.”

“Okay,” Robert said, holding onto Gavi’s foot and massaging it softly.

It felt so good, Gavi didn’t bother telling him that his leg was what should be the focus.

For the next few days Robert continued to wait on Gavi. Gavi was less and less annoyed by him and even began thanking him for certain things. By the time the week was up, Gavi even joined in with helping him cook again.

He also started using coasters without Robert nagging him to do it first.

Chapter Text

Robert searched his closet all over but he simply couldn’t find it.

His black hoodie was gone.

It was very soft and comfortable so he wore it pretty often around the home.

Sometimes he left it around on one of the kitchen stools or in the living room arm chair but it wasn’t in the usual spots.

He assumed the cleaning lady who came in once a week had taken it for washing but it didn’t come back in that week’s laundry. He figured it got lost and took to wearing a light grey Barcelona hoodie instead.

When that also went missing, he knew he had to confront the cleaning lady.

But since she was Polish and quite a bit older, she reminded Robert too much of someone like his own mother or aunt. He casually asked her about the missing clothing but she looked confused and insisted she brought everything back that was in the hampers, nothing more, nothing less.

He wasn’t going to belabor the point. Maybe she sent them away to her grandkids back in Warsaw as gifts. No big deal, he could always buy more hoodies. He apologized and gave her an extra big tip that week.

Gavi’s scent was stronger than usual.

His mother berated him more than a few times that he was forgetful in taking his suppressants but he dismissed her nagging.

It was when they were in training and the physios examined Gavi that they told him what he didn’t want to hear: he had a slight fever that was indicative of an oncoming heat.

Robert vaguely remembered Gavi’s previous heat before they were ‘paired’. Gavi was only absent for a day so it probably wouldn’t be a big deal for Robert to stay elsewhere. Or Gavi could even stay with his parents. On the drive home in Robert’s Ferrari, Gavi spoke to them over speaker from the passenger seat. The conversation went much different than Robert expected.

“No. I want to stay in my own room at my own home,” Gavi insisted. “My old room doesn’t even exist anymore!”

“But Gavi, who will take care of you?” his mother implored.

“Robert will,” Gavi said like it was obvious.

Robert gripped tight on the steering wheel and coughed to cover his exclamation of surprise.

“That’s not safe,” Gavi’s mother said. “Your father will be furious.”

“Ugh, get your mind out of the gutter! Robert’s my roommate, he knows how to take care of me. Anyway, you know all my heats last just a few hours. I’ll be fine. Stop worrying so much.”

Robert had a little experience with helping an omega during their heat. With Marco it was a lot of sex but he also kept him hydrated and got him his food and made sure he was comfortable at all times. He could do all that for Gavi. Minus the sex, of course.

“I’ll take care of him, Mrs. Gavira,” Robert said to her over the phone. “You have nothing to worry about.”

The second he and Robert entered the apartment, Gavi’s symptoms increased tenfold. His fever was higher than before and he was feeling lightheaded.

Gavi never had a heat come on this strong before.

He disappeared into his room, just barely able to lock the door to his bedroom. His bed was already a makeshift nest, covered with shirts and hoodies he stole from Robert. He settled into the nest, curling into himself to try to calm down. He felt like the room was spinning and everything was far too hot. He clawed at his own clothes, removing everything until he was naked. Slick was already dribbling down his leg. He raised his thighs and inserted one, then two fingers into his wet hole. Fuck. It wasn’t enough. He’d heard that single omegas should buy vibrators and dildoes but having lived with his family before, the thought embarrassed him. Now he wished he had bypassed his shame. His hole was so empty. No matter how much he pushed in, his fingers weren’t long or thick enough for the length he needed inside him.

Still, he rapidly fucked himself with two fingers, hitting inside his sweet spot to let the first orgasm of his heat wash over him. His chest rose up and down from the exertion. In the few moments of stillness post-orgasm he wondered if Robert heard him down the hall.

He took the nearest shirt, the one Robert had worn only a day ago. It was heavy with his scent and Gavi draped it over himself. He rubbed the material over his own nipples, stimulating himself. He dreamt of Robert’s big body on top of his, his strong forearms pushing him down into the bed. He whined louder, shoving the fingers of his other hand into himself for variety. Fuck, he was so desperate. He tried to imagine Robert’s cock, how big it was. Sometimes he snuck a peek at the visible outline when he wore sweats.

That thought alone was enough to make Gavi come a second time.

He sighed. One more and maybe he could relax enough to get some sleep. All he could think about was Robert. He hoped to god his inner omega didn’t make him cry out his name. That would be mortifying. He turned around, ass in the air as he fingered himself in the new position. Why couldn’t it be Robert’s thick cock? Why was he so deprived? Slick dribbled down both his thighs and he came again.

Spent, he lay face down and finally, finally got some sleep.

Robert was not going to get any sleep.

He’d never heard an omega sound like Gavi did. Robert didn’t know if it was torture for himself or Gavi that they were denying each other their bodies. He knew it was just Gavi’s omega calling out for Robert’s alpha, not Robert himself.

The smell of him was so strong.

Robert jerked himself off silently in his own room, timing his ejaculations to Gavi’s orgasmic cries. He felt dirty each time. He was taking advantage of the omega without him knowing it. His scent, his needy cries, it all made Robert rock hard. The best thing he could do for relief would be to find any other omega to fuck but he couldn’t leave Gavi alone in the apartment. Not again. He said his heats lasted only a few hours anyway.

Robert took a shower and then prepared dinner. He brought a tray of food and drinks to Gavi’s door and took off the shirt he was wearing and left it next to it. The omega’s smell was strongest by the door. He rushed back to his own room.

Gavi woke up in the middle of the night.

He was so hungry.

And incredibly horny.

How was it possible? His longest heat ever had been four hours. It was now well past seven hours since his heat started and it took every ounce of willpower not to march down the hall and straight into Robert’s arms.

He crawled out of bed, opened the door and saw the food and the shirt. He gratefully took both in. He inhaled the shirt, which smelled so strongly of alpha. It made him relax enough to calm down his horniness and prioritize his hunger. Even though the food got cold it was still good.

But as soon as he finished eating he rushed to his nest and wrapped the shirt over his face, mouthing over it, sucking on one end. He groaned, fingering himself again and coming quickly.

“We can't make it to training today.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” the physio asked over the phone.

“Gavi’s, um, in heat.”

“His heats only last half a day. It’s in our records.”

“Not this one,” Robert said. As if on cue, Gavi cried out loudly from his room.

The physio coughed. “Right. We’ll mark you both down as absent.”

Worse still was talking to Gavi’s parents over the phone.

“His heats never last more than a few hours!” Gavi’s mother cried.

“So I’ve been told,” Robert said, scratching his temple.

“Put him on,” Gavi’s father demanded.

“It’s quiet in his room. I think he’s sleeping. Do you really want me to wake him up?”

There was a grumbling on the other end, Gavi’s father and mother muttering to each other over how strange it all was. They began badgering Robert whether their son was being properly fed/hydrated/etc. Robert assured them he wasn’t leaving the apartment until Gavi’s heat was over, nor was he going to take advantage of their son.

That last part was a lie. He’d already gotten off more than a few times to Gavi’s orgasmic cries. He only hoped it ended soon.

Anna was in shock. “You have an omega in heat in your apartment and you haven’t fucked him?”

“It’s Gavi, Anna,” Robert said over the phone. “We’re not like that.”

“Robert… are you…” she hesitated too long in what she wanted to say.

“Am I what?” Robert asked.

“Are you falling in love?”

Robert scoffed. “Do you hear yourself?”

“No, seriously. You’re not treating him like your other omegas. And you’re being so protective of him…”

“When have I ever hesitated when I liked an omega? I would have already told him I liked him. We already would have fucked. Stop talking nonsense.”

“A heat, Robert. You could have him while he’s in heat.”

Robert’s mouth twisted. He didn’t tell her how many times he got off to Gavi during that time.

“Okay, look. I’ll concede that I’m the slightest bit attracted to him. But I’m not in love.”

When his heat was finally over, Gavi sheepishly emerged from his room. He glanced down the hall left and right, checking if the coast was clear. When Robert turned the corner from down the hall, Gavi made an immediate about face and slammed his bedroom door shut.

He realized too late he was still wearing Robert’s hoodie. God, this was so embarrassing.

How could he face him after going through the most intense heat of his life?

There was a knock on Gavi’s door, startling him.

“Gavi? Do you need me to bring you anything?” Robert asked from the other side.

“No. Thanks. Um…” He steeled himself because he knew he had to face the alpha eventually. He slowly opened his door and looked up at Robert. Apologizing for his heat seemed like too much. It wasn’t Gavi’s fault, really. But it had been a lot. “Um, sorry about taking your clothes. The scent relaxes me.”

“It’s fine,” Robert said. He reached a hand out to touch Gavi’s shoulder. “Are you okay now? I made some honey lemonade that I think you’d like. And dinner will be ready soon.”

“Oh, okay. Um, thanks,” Gavi said. He was hyper aware of Robert’s hand on him. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary yet it made him blush. Sensing he might be discomforted, Robert let go of his shoulder. He smiled apologetically at him and began walking down the hall toward the kitchen when Gavi stopped him.

“Uh, wait.”

“Hmm?” Robert said, turning around.

Gavi’s hesitation was a clear indication that this next part was very difficult. “While I was, uh, you know… if I said anything… weird or…” Gavi couldn’t even bring himself to fully complete the sentence.

But thankfully Robert nodded, getting the gist. “Don’t worry, Gavi. I know what heats can be like for omegas. It doesn’t have to mean anything. I know you don’t feel that way for me.” Robert patted his arm and went back to the kitchen.

Gavi remained standing in front of his bedroom door. What did Robert mean he knew 'what heats can be like for omegas’? Had he been with one, or a few, while in heat? And if Robert was such an alpha why did he make no effort to fuck Gavi who was in heat literally across the hall? It must mean Robert was not attracted to him at all.

The thought made Gavi feel both jealous and a little hurt.

Chapter Text

Gavi’s attraction to Robert was more than he could bear. His sister Aurora once told him that close proximity between alphas and omegas often made them naturally attracted to each other. This worried Gavi, as if the attraction was an inescapable consequence. But it wasn’t Gavi himself who was interested, but rather his inner omega. He needed to take steps to stop this. Firstly, it would be best to not spend every evening with Robert. For all he knew, it could bring on his next heat sooner than usual and Gavi did not want a repeat of all that.

So he made plans to go out with Pedri and the guys.

Robert agreed but was a little apprehensive.

“Um, you can join us if you want? We’re just gonna play video games at Pedri’s house.” Gavi felt guilty for leaving Robert out.

Robert shook his head vigorously. “No, you young ones go have fun. I’ll stay here.”

Gavi stared at him.

“By myself,” Robert added as an addendum.

“You can invite Anna over. I don’t mind.”

Robert thought about it. Hours by himself worrying over Gavi would be torture. Having Anna over as a distraction would help out. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. I’ll see if she’s free.”

Robert dropped Gavi off at Pedri’s. Once inside, Gavi saw Alejandro, Fermin and Ferran there too. It seemed like Gavi was the last to arrive because the others were already playing a game.

“Hey, you started without me!” Gavi complained, flinging off his denim jacket onto the backrest of the couch. “I go next.”

“There is no next,” Fermin said with a grin. “The food’s arriving any second now. And then we’re heading out.”

“What do you mean you’re heading out?” Gavi looked over to Pedri for explanation.

Pedri sighed. “They want to go out to a club.” With the way he threw his hands up in defeat, it seemed like he’d long lost the debate.

“I thought we were just staying here,” Gavi said, confused.

“Told you we shouldn’t have invited him,” Ferran said to the others. “He’s paired, he doesn’t wanna have fun anymore.”

Gavi was about to squawk in protest but Pedri laid a hand on his arm to appease him. “If you want, I can stay here with you and play games,” Pedri said. In a lower voice to Gavi only he said, “Sorry. The guys are changing plans because they’re itching for omegas. I don’t think you’ll enjoy yourself much out.”

Gavi didn’t like this at all. He’d told Robert he was only staying at Pedri's house. Robert had even dropped him off here. But… he didn’t like how the guys said he didn’t know how to have fun. And he also didn’t want to be left out of his friend group. Just because he was the only omega, that didn’t mean he couldn’t hang with the guys.

So after the takeout food arrived and they ate, Gavi went with them.

“You’re lucky you got me,” Anna said with a kiss and a wink to her best friend Robert upon greeting him at the door. “This hot young thing moved our date to tomorrow. She’s an eleven out of ten. Let me show you her Instagram…”

Robert settled on the couch with Anna, prosecco in wine glasses as they chatted about Anna’s busy social life. It had been a few weeks since they got together to just hang out and shoot the shit. She looked as vibrant and lovely as ever. Eventually the topic changed to Robert’s situation.

Anna sighed. “I know it’s fake but you really do seem domesticated now. Are you sure we shouldn’t sneak out and try to pick up an omega at a bar? Like old times.”

Robert shook his head. “No. Definitely not.”

“We can find one that looks like Gavi…”

Robert threw a pillow at her. “Don’t.”

“I’m serious! I can’t believe you still haven’t banged him yet. Maybe he’s going to get laid with Pedri tonight?”

“They’re just friends. Gavi’s not like that.”

“Oh?”

“He doesn’t believe in casual hook-ups. He has all these ideas about the perfect alpha who will sweep him off his feet and give him a million children.”

Anna smiled. “He would look adorable pregnant.”

Robert narrowed his eyes at her. “Those are his future plans. Far in the future, long after I’m a distant memory to him.”

The club was far too loud. Gavi couldn’t remember a time when he’d seen so many omegas in skimpy outfits. Gavi had dressed for a night in at his best friend’s so he was in jeans and a white shirt covered by his jacket. He was hopeful his casual attire wouldn’t get any attention. As soon as they arrived his teammates split off and danced with omegas who were equally eager to be around them. Pedri stuck by Gavi at the bar but after half an hour, Gavi could sense he was being a burden.

“Pedri, go off and have fun. I see you eyeing that blonde over there.”

Pedri frowned. “I don’t feel right leaving you by yourself. There’s a lot of desperate people out tonight.”

Gavi scoffed. “You act like I’m some delicate flower. I can take care of myself.”

Pedri sipped his drink, trying to make up his mind. Eventually he relented. “Okay, fine. You know, this might be a good opportunity for you too. You can find an alpha your own age to actually date instead of your fake boyfriend.”

Gavi rolled his eyes. “I’m not looking for an alpha.”

“Anyway, I’ll be back here in fifteen minutes to check on you.”

Gavi pushed him. “I don’t need a babysitter. Just go.”

Pedri downed the rest of his drink and went out to the dancefloor. Gavi stayed by the bar, nursing his Shirley Temple. He wouldn’t dare touch a single drop of alcohol since he was a lightweight.

No sooner had Pedri left than an alpha sidled up to him. “Hey, pretty. Want something a little stronger?” The alpha tapped Gavi’s glass with his own.

Gavi didn’t like how the guy had to lean so close to talk to him. “I’m fine,” Gavi said, holding on tighter to his non-alcoholic drink.

“So what’s a cute thing like you doing all by yourself here?”

Gavi really didn’t want to be talking to this guy but he knew that rejecting alphas outright could provoke them into anger. He could be polite without offending him. “My friends are here,” Gavi said, nodding his head in the direction where he saw Alejandro in the distance.

The alpha didn’t bother looking where Gavi indicated. His eyes were latched onto the omega. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

Gavi hesitated just a second too long. “Uh, yeah, I do.”

“Liar,” the alpha said with a pleased grin. “Then where is he?”

“He just went to the bathroom,” Gavi said, hoping he would get the hint and just leave him alone.

But it was obvious the alpha didn’t care. “Alright then. How about a dance before your ‘boyfriend’ gets back?” The idiot had the nerve to use air quotes with his fingers.

Gavi sipped a bit more of his drink, turning away from him. “No, thanks.”

“Aw, c’mon. Are you shy?” The alpha leaned in so close Gavi could smell the beer on his breath.

“Um, I have to go. Excuse me,” Gavi left the rest of his drink at the bar and hurried away.

But as he tried to jostle his way through the crowd, he bumped into a tall alpha who intercepted him.

“Wow, must be my lucky night! A gorgeous omega falling straight into my arms!”

The alpha had the nerve to wrap an arm around Gavi’s waist without permission. On instinct, Gavi elbowed him hard. To escape being on the receiving end of the alpha’s rage-induced string of insults, Gavi ran to the bathroom and locked himself into a single stall.

Ugh. He wiped at his tears of frustration. Going out with the guys was horrible! Pedri left him alone for only five minutes and he was getting hit on left and right by a bunch of creeps. He was just a piece of meat to everyone! If he had to fend off stupid alphas all night, then it was pointless to stay here. He considered calling Robert to pick him up. But Robert might get mad that he went out to a club. He would just have to find an Uber. His phone reception wasn’t great so he stepped out of the bathroom and into the hall and saw Pedri waiting for him.

“Hey. You alright?”

“No,” Gavi said bluntly. “I want to leave.”

“I’m sorry,” Pedri said, laying a protective arm around his shoulder. “I knew this was a bad idea. Let’s go back to mine and we can play video games like I promised.”

Gavi frowned. “You sure? I don’t want to keep you from enjoying your night out.”

“Nah, it’s alright. I was looking more forward to playing games than all this. Come on.”

Robert and Anna were onto their second bottle of Prosecco and it was making them both slightly tipsy.

“What kind of alpha are you? You’re a caged animal. Look at you pacing back and forth and waiting for Gavi to come home. Who are you?” Anna gesticulated wildly, splashing a little of her drink from her wineglass in hand.

“Anna… I think I finally want to settle down.” Wine always made Robert contemplate the entirety of his life.

“What? With Gavi?” She set her glass of wine down so hard it almost shattered. “You’re going to have to give me something stronger if I need to hear this.”

“Okay, maybe not with Gavi because he’s made it pretty clear he’s not into me. But, I like his scent. I like having one omega to come home to all the time. He’s not overly sweet like other omegas but that just makes his sweet moments all the sweeter. Do you know what I mean?”

Anna wasn’t convinced. “Think about it. One omega for the rest of your life.” For emphasis she thrust her index finger practically in his face. “The same scent, the same taste, forever. Nothing else! Come on. We agreed not to settle down until our mid-forties. You’re making me feel old Lewy!”

“I’m a changed man.”

“This whole social experiment has done a number on you.” Anna shook her head, bewildered. “Fine. If you must get hitched, your omega will need my seal of approval. Marco might still be single…. Let’s call him!”

“What? No! You just love causing drama.”

Anna attempted to grab Robert’s phone when the front door opened and Gavi stepped in. Robert was surprised to see him. “Gavi! I thought you’d call me when you were ready to be picked up.”

“Sorry, Pedri gave me a ride,” Gavi said, kicking his shoes off. He looked over and saw the guest. “Hi Anna.”

“Hi Gavi!” Anna stood up, glancing between the two of them with inquisitive eyes. “Look at the time! Guess I’ll be heading out.” Robert made sure she called for an Uber before leaving, considering her tipsy state. Once she said her goodbyes, Robert settled back on the couch. The tv was still on some reality show even though neither he nor Anna had been paying attention to it. His head was muddled with competing thoughts. He wanted to know how Gavi’s night was, and yet he was also thinking about how Anna always brought Marco up. Was Marco still an option after all these years?

“I’m tired,” Gavi declared after hanging his jacket up in the hall closet.

“It’s only just past midnight. I thought you guys would stay up much later. Are you going straight to bed?”

Gavi said nothing. He walked over and settled next to Robert on the couch and rested his head on his shoulder.

Robert wrapped an arm around him. Gavi’s sweet vanilla omega scent was lovely. There was barely any trace scent of the alpha friends he was out with which was reassuring.

“Do you want me to get you anything? Glass of water? Tea?”

Gavi was quiet and Robert saw his eyes fluttering closed. His cheek was warm on his shoulder.

“I missed you,” Gavi said in a small voice.

Robert’s heart skipped a beat as the words echoed over and over in his mind. He was only out a few hours yet Gavi missed him.

Gavi missed him.

And Robert missed him just as much, if not more. He couldn’t bear not to always have Gavi by his side like this. The omega’s breathing was steady and soft. He’d fallen asleep on his shoulder.

Robert was overwhelmed with so much emotion. He wished they could stay like this all night, just snuggled together. He envisioned an entire future of nights like this. Could it ever happen?

For now, he knew they should sleep separately. Robert gently picked him up and carried him down the hall and to his bedroom.

He laid the sleeping Gavi down delicately on the king-sized bed. One of Robert’s hoodies was nestled next to his pillow. Robert ran his hand through Gavi’s soft hair. He leaned down and tenderly kissed his forehead. “Good night,” he whispered. He took a step back, taking one last lingering look at the sleeping figure before leaving the room and closing the door.

Chapter Text

The season continued, and Robert’s form was the best it was in years. He was scoring goals left and right and Gavi was adjusting to being back on the team. Although the intensity of their matches demanded increased pressure, outside of training and matches, Robert and Gavi could relax together at home in the evenings.

Sort of.

Robert wasn’t in denial anymore over how he felt. That night when he held a sleeping Gavi in his arms and brought him to bed, his heart beat in his chest like never before. He was in love with the young omega. He felt surer and surer of it every time they were together: cuddled on the couch watching a movie, bringing a spoon of sauce to Gavi’s lips in the kitchen to taste what they were cooking, bumping into each during walks in the evening at the nearby park. It wouldn’t be long before he had to confess it out loud. Even if Gavi had given signs that he was not interested, calling him old and uncool and generally rolling his eyes at Robert's domesticity with him, he was going to take a chance. He had to. It was a risk, a big one considering they were so close now. Maybe Gavi would be offended but he needed to hear it straight from the omega that he had no chance with him.

He spoke to Anna about it who was finally coming to terms with his decision. She’d been reticent over her bestie Lewy abandoning their freewheeling lifestyle but she couldn’t deny his chance at love. “I’ll sleep with double the omegas to make up for it.”

Pedri knew before Gavi even did.

One day after practice, Pedri intercepted Gavi as he was headed to the separate showers away from the alphas. “Hey, Gavi. You have a minute?”

“Hm? What’s up?”

Pedri dipped his head a little, meeting his eyes directly. “You know you can tell me, right?”

Gavi was confused. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Lewy. It’s not fake anymore, is it? You two really are in love.” He elbowed his friend. “It’s not like you to keep secrets from me.”

Gavi blushed a deep pink. “No! It’s not like that. Why would you think that?”

Pedri folded his arms. “Gavi. Your eyes never leave him. You look at him like he’s your entire world. I’ve never seen you like this.”

Gavi almost staggered backwards, frowning deeply at Pedri’s statement. He sat down on the nearest bench lest his legs give way. He glanced around but the rest of their teammates were some distance away, down the hall in the changing room. He put his head in his hands and Pedri sat down next to him, placing an arm around his shoulders. “Gavi? What’s wrong? Was it something I said?”

Gavi sighed. Of course. It was stupid to even think he was keeping it all a secret. Everyone knew his face was an open book. “Pedri… you’re wrong but… you’re also not wrong...”

“Huh?”

Gavi looked over at his friend. “We’re not in a relationship. I love him but… he doesn’t know it. I’m too shy to say anything.”

Pedri’s eyes widened. “You, shy? You really must be in deep here. But he’s clearly in love with you too. Have you two really never… discussed things?”

Gavi’s wince quickly turned into a frown. “I’ve already told him a bunch of times that I’m not interested when he teases me. I was trying to protect myself. I’m so stupid! Maybe I already ruined it all.” He buried his face in his hands.

Pedri’s tone softened. “I highly doubt that. All you have to do is say what you just told me.”

Gavi sighed, looking down at the floor. “But what if he doesn’t believe me? What if he really does think I’m too young like he’s said a bunch of times? He said so himself in front of the Barça president and my family. He’s not interested in guys my age.”

Pedri squeezed his shoulder. “You guys need to talk it over. I bet he’ll admit he loves you too. How could he not? You’re Gavi.” Pedri put him in a playful headlock. Gavi whined in protest but he had to admit that Pedri’s words gave him a bit of confidence.

“You think so?”

“Of course I do. Tell me how it goes, okay?”

“Okay,” Gavi said, feeling nervous but a bit hopeful. His best friend Pedri wouldn’t lie to him about something like this.

Surely Robert felt something for him.

Even if it was just lust, Gavi would let the alpha do whatever he wanted with him.

On the car ride back, both of them were on the silent side. The instrumental playlist over the speakers filled in the silence. Gavi chewed on a nail while Robert kept tapping the steering wheel.

“Hey,” Robert finally said. “I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner? That nice French cafe? What do you think?”

“Oh. But I thought we were going to make a lasagna together?”

Robert glanced sideways at Gavi. “Really? You’d prefer that?”

“Um. Well I was looking forward to it. But if you really want French food I don’t mind.” “Which do you prefer?”

“Whatever you want.”

Robert twitched his nose. Gavi was usually a lot more decisive than this. It sounded like he’d prefer cooking at home but Robert had planned for them to have a romantic little dinner at the cafe and then go for a walk by the shore where he would confess his love. So Robert took the executive decision and told him they were going to the French cafe.

He drove a few more blocks but was distracted.

Gavi’s silence was so loud.

Had he done something to offend him? He glanced sideways to check on him. “Everything okay?”

Gavi hummed in the affirmative.

Robert knew him too well to accept that answer.

He drove into the half-empty parking lot of a supermarket, maneuvering a bit to avoid hitting a shopping cart in the spot next to him. Gavi looked confused. “Why are we here? We’re going food shopping?”

“Gavi, you know you can be honest with me. Would you prefer going home instead of eating out?”

“No! I’m fine with whatever.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Definitely,” Gavi said, wringing his hands. Something about the anxious way he did it made Robert instinctively reach over and lay a hand on top of his.

“Gavi.”

“Hmm?”

Oh no. Robert realized too late that he was taking the plunge at the wrong moment. He was supposed to save his speech for after their dinner. But he had so many butterflies in his stomach and his mind and body were all telling him to just let it out.

“I, uh, need to tell you something…”

Gavi’s eyes widened, face in a panic. “Oh my god. Shut up.”

“Huh? What?”

Gavi, red-faced, shook his head. “No. Continue, I mean. Wait! Are you gonna say what I think you’re gonna say?”

Robert studied the nervous omega. And then he broke into a wide smile. “Maybe I should finish first?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“Gavi.” He squeezed his hand which was now held in his. “I’m in love with—”

“Oh my god, I love you too!” Gavi blurted out.

Robert could not help the big stupid grin on his face, even as Gavi reached with his other hand to smack his chest. “This isn’t funny! I was sick to my stomach because I was going to tell you because Pedri said he thought you liked me too. But then you wanted to eat at a nice place and I was like, how am I gonna keep any food down when all I want to do is throw up?” Gavi hit Robert’s arm for variety. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I think I tried. But you always rolled your eyes or called me old.”

Gavi sighed. “Can’t you tell when I’m lying? You’re so dumb,” he said affectionately.

Robert squeezed Gavi’s hand, brought it to his lips and kissed each knuckle. “And you’re so beautiful. And perfect. I love you so much and I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”

Gavi huffed. “I won’t accept your apology until you kiss me.”

Robert smiled wide. “That’s the Gavi I know and love.” He leaned over, placing his hand to cradle along his jaw, and as natural as if he’d done it a million times before, he pressed his lips to the omega’s and gently kissed him.

Gavi’s heart flipped wildly in his chest. The alpha of his dreams was kissing him. Finally!! Gavi melted into the kiss, letting Robert take the lead. He kissed him again, pressing his lips against his more firmly and Gavi’s inner omega made him audibly whine. Fuck. He couldn’t believe how needy he felt, how much he desired and needed Robert. He leaned his cheek into Robert’s big hand and Robert kissed him again but soon pulled away.

Gavi looked into his blue eyes, their intensity magnified tenfold.

“Why’d you stop?” Gavi asked.

“Because. We’re in public.”

“But we’re supposed to be in a relationship. Remember?”

“Technically yes. But we’re getting carried away here. Kissing in a car like a bunch of teenagers. Come on, I’ll drive us home.”

“One more kiss for the road,” Gavi insisted.

And who was Robert to deny him?

That evening, after more kisses (and Gavi’s rumbling stomach interrupting them so they had to order pizza) they snuggled together on the couch. Robert was reclined on the couch with his arms around Gavi. Gavi’s head leaned on his shoulder and he looked up at him with fluttering eyelashes.

“When did you know you loved me?” Gavi asked.

“I…” Robert was going to mention the moment when he picked him up while sleeping and brought him to bed after that night at Pedri’s. But no, it was even before that. He just didn’t want to admit to it. “I think it was the very first night we shared this apartment together. You were scared and all I wanted to do was comfort and protect you. I buried my feelings away, knowing how you and your family felt about it.”

Gavi shook his head. “I’m so sorry. My dumb parents and their ridiculous contract. And I said a lot of stupid things about how I didn’t want you. I think I loved you from that first night too.”

Robert held Gavi tighter in his strong embrace. Their scents mingled together, Robert’s woodsy and Gavi’s vanilla. Gavi rested his head in the crook of his neck and said, “Can we sleep together tonight?”

Robert tensed up, certain he misheard. “W-what?”

“Like, lit-e-ra-lly,” Gavi sounded the word out slowly. He pinched Robert’s arm. “Just sleeping together, you holding me like this. Get your mind out of the gutter.”

Robert still hesitated. “Uh… you sure?”

“Yeah. I trust you. Come on.” Gavi stood up, taking Robert by the hand as he led him to his bedroom. The king-size bed certainly had enough space for both of them, with room to spare (even accounting for Robert’s various hoodies strewn around).

Gavi laid down and Robert, under his spell, turned off the light and resumed wrapping his arms around him, spooning him.

Gavi sighed in contentment.

Robert, realizing his own pillow was slightly lumpy, removed an old shirt of his that was underneath. “You have half my wardrobe in here,” Robert mused.

“Doesn’t matter. I have you instead now.”

Robert kissed the back of Gavi’s neck and tightened his hold on him.

“Good night, Gavi.”

“Good night, Robert.”

Chapter Text

Gavi set the dining table, arranging the forks over the bright red napkins next to the white dinner plates. His family was expecting a regular dinner at his and Robert’s home but this one would be different.

They were going to announce their relationship to them.

Gavi was slightly nervous but he was also thrilled to be sharing something so important. Surely seeing how happy Gavi was would influence their reaction. Ever since that night a week ago when both had expressed their love, their free time was taken up with kissing for hours, holding each other close. Gavi was torn between rushing into sex or waiting until he was mated. It was Robert who decided for them. “We have the rest of our lives together. There’s no rush.”

The alpha could be really romantic when he wanted to be.

When Gavi told his best friend Pedri all about it, he just rolled his eyes and said, “I told you so.”

The doorbell rang just as Gavi finished laying down the last fork. He poked his head into the kitchen where Robert was pouring gravy into a porcelain boat for the roast he prepared. “Ready? They’re at the door.”

“Yes. Ready,” he said, looking up to smile at him.

Gavi leaped over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before rushing to the front door. His mother, father and sister were there. “We got stuck in traffic,” Mr. Gavira grumbled, as Gavi took his jacket to hang.

“Ooh smells wonderful in here,” Mrs. Gavira said, sniffing the air. “Robert made something special, didn’t he?”

As his parents disappeared into the dining room, his sister Aurora lingered behind, the last to pile her jacket into Gavi’s loaded arms. “Pablito, are you pregnant?”

Gavi turned red as the napkins he had placed on the dining table earlier. “What? No! We’re not banging! How many times have I told you?”

She smirked, a conspiratorial glance in her eyes. He both loved and hated how his big sister was always so perceptive when it came to him. “Alright, then. If that dining table is adorned extra special, I’ll know for sure that something is up.” She wagged a finger at him as she walked away to the dining room.

He glared at the back of her head. Today he was leaning more toward disliking her perceptiveness.

In the dining room Mr. Gavira was already seated with a glass of wine while Robert and Mrs. Gavira arranged the food plates in the middle. Gavi took his seat by Robert’s side and glanced up at him. They had agreed to make the announcement after dinner. And Robert had insisted on being the one to tell them even though it was Gavi’s own family. Probably some alpha chivalry thing.

After a toast to health and happiness, Robert cut up slices of the roast and passed them onto their plates. Aurora kept looking between Robert and Gavi, even as she scooped roasted potatoes and veggies onto her plate. Mrs. Gavira, noticing Aurora’s glances, started to look a little suspicious as well. Gavi’s father, oblivious to it all, dominated the conversation with more complaints about increasing traffic and how the new apartment and mall complex being built nearby were unnecessary and a blight to the neighborhood.

Eventually (after three glasses of wine) he calmed down enough to sing the club’s praises and their winning streak. That brought the mood of the table back up again. Gavi could swear his father looked as proud of the alpha goalscorer as if he was his own son. Even though dessert hadn’t been brought out yet, Gavi couldn’t hold back anymore.

“We have an announcement to make,” he said, eyes boring into Robert’s.

Robert looked a little taken aback at Gavi going off script. “Now?” he said in a whisper that everyone heard since the table had gone silent. “Why don’t we eat dessert and have coffee first?”

Aurora grinned like the cheshire cat. “Ooh, an announcement! I wonder what it could be?”

Gavi’s mother stopped chewing and looked at her daughter with suspicion. “Do you know something we don’t?”

“No, I swear!” she said, raising her hands in innocence.

Gavi’s father grimaced, not liking being kept in the dark. He waved his fork in Gavi and Robert’s direction. “Well, go on with it. Is it good news or bad news?”

“It’s very good news,” Gavi chirped.

Robert gave a cautionary look to Gavi. “I thought I was going to speak?”

“Go ahead. I haven’t said anything yet.”

Robert took a swig of wine. He stood up and then sat back down, realizing how weird it would look if he was the only one standing. “Uh, alright then. The announcement is that… eh, as you know, Gavi and I have gotten to know each other quite well over these last few months and—”

“We’re in love!” Gavi brashly interrupted, unable to control himself. He stood up and gripped Robert’s hand. Robert had no choice but to stand with him.

Mr. Gavira dropped his fork. Mrs. Gavira’s jaw hung open. Aurora clapped her hands with glee and laughed. “I knew it! I knew something was different!”

“What do you mean? What is going on? This was just an arrangement,” Mr. Gavira said, hands flailing in distress.

“It was and then it wasn’t,” Gavi said with pride.

Mr. Gavira looked suspiciously at Robert. “Did you break the house rules we set up for you? This is unacceptable. You were supposed to control yourself.”

“Daaad, it’s not his fault,” Gavi whined, annoyed at his father for spoiling the mood. “We fell in love! Be happy for us!”

Mrs. Gavira stood up, wineglass in hand. “Well, this is a surprise! A good surprise, I must say. Robert, we’ve gotten to know you quite well these past few months and I can’t think of a better alpha for our Gavi. You clearly respect and adore him. What more could one ask for?” She elbowed her husband to get with the program.

But Aurora stood up next. “I think it’s lovely. I’m so happy for both of you. I will be maid of honor, right?”

Robert and Gavi looked at each other. Wedding talk hadn’t been spoken out loud yet though clearly it was on their minds too.

Mr. Gavira, the only one still sitting, eventually stood up. He held the bottle of wine in his hand by the neck. “Hmph. I should have known the arrangement would lead to something like this. The proximity was too much for your base instincts to fight against.”

Gavi rolled his eyes. “Daaad, you’re so puritanical.”

“Nevertheless,” he said, eyeing Robert. “I see how happy you’ve made my son. If you continue that way, then all will be alright.”

“I promise I will never do anything to upset Gavi,” Robert said gravely.

“Well, he always insists on coasters for literally everything,” Gavi mock-complained. “And that can get annoying.”

The table laughed. Mr. Gavira downed the rest of the wine straight from the bottle. “We’re going to need another bottle. Stat.”

Some time later

Gavi and Robert held hands as they stood outside the Barça president’s office. “I will make the announcement, okay Gavi?” Robert said, squeezing his hand in admonishment, knowing how the young omega always jumped the gun.

Gavi chewed on the fingernail of his free hand. “I know, I know. I’ll let you this time. I promise.” He stopped chewing his nail and pulled on the hem of his shirt.

“Come in!” the voice of the president boomed from the other side of the wall.

Once again, Robert and Gavi stepped into the now-familiar office of the president: the leather arm chairs, the giant marble desk in front of the president and the vast windows overlooking the Barcelona landscape behind him. His two assistants, like sentinels, stood on either side. The president dismissed them, having previously been informed that they would like privacy.

Once they left, the president folded his hands together and looked at them. “Well, then. Lewandowski and Gavira. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Robert cleared his throat. “Right. Well, I’ll get right to it.” He reached over and held Gavi’s hand which made the president arch an eyebrow. Realization hit him before Lewandowski said anything further.

“Ah! Your relationship is true!” the president exclaimed. “Let me guess, you’re going to get married.”

“Uh, not exactly. I mean, yes of course we will but before-”

“I’m pregnant!” Gavi shouted, squeezing Robert’s hand and moving to the edge of his armchair so Robert could wrap his arm around him.

“Next time we’re just going to agree for you to announce things,” Robert said, shaking his head with amusement.

The Barça president’s eyes widened, fingers curling up like he wanted to choke someone’s neck. “Pregnant? You’re not even mated!”

“I know. But—”

“Oh my god! What will this mean for our season? This wasn’t part of the plan!” The president stood up and whirled around, gears churning in his brain. “You’ll miss out on the Champions League, you’ll be out for months and—”

Gavi pulled out of Robert’s arms and moved forward to the president’s desk. “This is what I want. And I couldn’t be happier. A year down the line I will be back in form, I can promise you that.”

Robert moved forward to place an arm around his omega. “I know this is unforeseen,” he said, addressing the president. “But we have made our decision.”

The president sighed, scratching his own forehead. “I suppose in some way I am to blame for this.”

Gavi laughed. “You’ll be invited to our wedding.”

“I better. And Jesus, get properly mated you two.” The president walked around his massive table and gave each a firm handshake and hug. “Is it a stretch to make me godfather of the little culer?”

Robert and Gavi glanced at each other in a ‘humor him’ expression. “Er, we’ll see,” Robert said.

Robert and Gavi snuggled into the king size bed, Robert resting his hands over Gavi’s growing stomach. It wasn’t quite their bedtime yet but Gavi was used to naps after training now. If Gavi had it his way he would probably still be running up until his due date.

Robert kissed the side of his neck. “How are you feeling, baby?”

“Good,” Gavi said in a sleepy voice before yawning.

Robert held him a little tighter and Gavi melted into his arms. Robert inhaled his lovely scent and mused over how their relationship had changed so much since they first moved in together. Now they finally shared the master bedroom together and Robert’s room was being converted into a nursery for their baby.

Robert’s mother and sister had been overjoyed to hear the news of the pregnancy. Robert’s mother was hoping for twins, the madwoman.

Robert’s best friend Anna was happy and promised to visit and coo over the baby. But she made it strictly known that she refused to do diaper duty.

They were quiet for a bit. Robert thought Gavi had gone to sleep. But then Gavi spoke and said, “What are you thinking about just now?”

“Just… how lucky I am.”

Gavi sighed. “You’re so cheesy.”

“Am I wrong?”

“Hmm, no.” Gavi turned to face him directly. “But I guess I’m lucky too then.”

Robert gave Gavi’s lips a tender kiss. In return, Gavi pressed his body needily against the alpha’s, locking his lips on his in a not very innocent manner.

When their mouths parted Robert looked pointedly at him. “I thought you were sleepy?”

“Changed my mind,” Gavi said.

Their lips met again and Robert embraced him tightly, hearts beating in sync with each other.

Tonight he wasn’t going to let go.