Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The last two weeks had been the best in Gavi's life.

Pedri had stayed with him, slept next to him every night despite saying each time that it was the last time.

They had spent every waking moment together, Gavi going with him to practice, only sitting and watching.

His inner omega had preened by any type of physical contact with Pedri.

Their relationship had grown into something more, something special.

But as soon as the two weeks were up, Pedri had left.

Of course he had.

Pedri had his own home, his own needs and plans.

Still, it didn't take away the fact that Gavi didn't sleep for the first two nights.

It wasn't completely over between them, Pedri still picked him up and dropped him off after every practice.

Pedri still stayed over during some days, playing FIFA and watching movies.

But no more sleepovers.

Gavi mourned their sleepovers, the way he would wake up curled into Pedri, their scents fitting together.

The other important thing was the fact that his designation hadn't reached the public. He was still classified as a beta, no one except the team knew.

It was the only thing that Flick had ever promised him, and he had kept it.

Gavi knows that Flick doesn't take promises lightly, almost never making one.

This time though, this time he had.

.

"Hey." Pedri says as Gavi sits down in the car.

"Hey." Gavi answers back, stuffing his training bag on the floor.

Pedri turns on the car, swiftly flicking on the blinker before driving out on the street.

There was soft Spanish music in the car, the same music that they always listened to while driving to practice.

"How did you sleep?" Pedri asks, sending a quick look to Gavi.

Gavi shrugs, ignoring the fact that he had to use his pillow as an imaginary Pedri.

"Fine." Gavi answers without returning the look.

Pedri nods, humming quietly.

"You're not wearing your scent patches today." He says, causing another shrug from Gavi.

"Flick told me that I didn't need to, Tuesday practices are closed to the public so no one will know. Not even the field workers will be there, just us and the coaches." Gavi answers, spotting a quiet smile on Pedri's lips.

Pedri suddenly moves his right hand from the steering wheel, pulling off his own patches.

"What are you doing?" Gavi asks with wide eyes.

Pedri sends him a shrug back.

"Can't just be for omegas, can it?" He asks, grinning over at Gavi.

Gavi can't help to return the grin, his omega preening.

Mate.

His omega still hasn't stopped using the term, being hellbent on calling Pedri their mate.

Gavi tried his best to push down the term, knowing full well that Pedri wasn't interested in him like that.

Still, the memory of Gavi scenting Pedri and the memories of them cuddling in bed made the argument less convincing.

Pedri wouldn't have let Gavi scent him without having at least a bit of interest.

Friends didn't scent each other.

"What are you thinking about?" Pedri asks, pulling Gavi away from his thoughts.

Us becoming mates.

"About me beating you at training." Gavi states, smirking over at Pedri.

Pedri rolls his eyes.

"Keep dreaming."

Gavi crosses his arms with a mischievous look on his face.

"I bet two coffees that I'll score more goals than you today." Gavi states confidently.

Pedri lets out a laugh.

"Sure, do you remember my coffee order?"

Gavi huffs.

"It's not exactly hard to remember, you drink it black." Gavi answers, making Pedri smirk.

"Great, I'd like one after practice." He answers, causing Gavi to immediately argue.

"I'm the one getting one after practice! I'll have a coffee with-"

"With almond milk and two sugars." Pedri interrupts, making Gavi grin.

"Great! I look forward to it." Gavi says, causing Pedri to chuckle as they pull into the parking lot.

True to Flick's promise, the parking lot was empty of fans and workers.

They walk together into the stadium, the corridors empty as well.

"I bet I'll even score a hattrick." Gavi says cockily, practically skipping through the corridor.

"More coffee for me." Pedri answers, pulling open the locker room door.

Gavi sticks his tongue out, earning another eye roll from Pedri.

"Hey!" Fermín shouts, immediately hurrying over to them.

"Gavi did you hear? We're having another team dinner this weekend, and you're coming. I'm tired of no one liking my jokes." Fermín complains, throwing an around Gavi.

Gavi lets out a laugh.

"Sure, as long as there's food." He answers, making Fermín nod excitedly.

"It's pizza night!"

Gavi raises his eyebrow.

"Are you sure that Flick's okay with that?" He asks, not feeling especially convinced.

"Yeah! Since we don't have a game this week." Fermín explains which makes Gavi nod.

Fermín slaps him on his back before going back to his cubby.

Gavi sits down at his own, slipping off his sneakers.

He pulls out his football shoes, putting them on before standing up.

Pedri sighs next to him, kneeling down in front of him.

"What are you doing?" Gavi asks, surprised by the action.

"Tying your shoes." Pedri answers easily.

Gavi scrunches up his face.

"But I never tie my shoes." He says, making Pedri roll his eyes.

"I know."

Gavi feels himself growing all gooey.

Pedri finishes, standing up again.

"You need all the help you can get if you're going to beat me." Pedri says with a smirk.

Gavi immediately huffs.

"I don't need anything to beat you, I could play with my eyes closed." Gavi states matter-factly.

"Are you guys having a bet?" Ferran asks next to them.

"Yeah, who scores the most goals today." Gavi explains.

"And I'm clearly going to win." He adds confidently.

"Keep dreaming Gavira." Pedri counters.

Gavi huffs again.

"Last one on the field is a rotten egg!" Gavi shouts, sprinting out of the locker room.

He hears Pedri laughing behind him, chasing after him.

Pedri manages to almost catch up, making Gavi dive onto the field to get there first.

Pedri starts laughing more.

"I won! You're a rotten egg!" Gavi exclaims proudly.

Pedri only rolls his eyes, reaching out a hand to help Gavi up.

Flick's standing further away, his arms crossed with a fond expression.

The rest of the team slowly make their way onto the field, lining up in their usual circle.

Flick starts explaining what they're working on today whilst Gavi is practically vibrating with energy.

He was going to win those two coffees.

.

Gavi jogs off the field, his fist thrown up in the air.

"Fuck yes!" He shouts, jumping into the locker room.

The team all grin when he jumps inside.

"I'm guessing that you won?" Fermín asks and Gavi nods excitedly.

He jumps over to Fermín and forces him to jump along with him.

"How are you not tired after the practice? We practically ran 20 kilometers." Ansu asks, sitting in his cubby whilst panting.

Gavi shrugs, continuing to jump around with Fermín.

Pedri walks inside, arms crossed with a smile on his lips.

"I told you that I would win!" Gavi shouts, his hands on Fermín's shoulders.

Pedri chuckles, Ferran having a hand on his shoulder.

"Aw don't be sad Pedri, we both know that I would've won." Gavi continues, jumping over to Pedri.

Pedri rolls his eyes, his hands moving to his own hips.

"You do realise that you won with one goal?" Pedri asks with a raised eyebrow.

Gavi shrugs.

"A win is a win! And I'm craving coffee." He answers, sticking his tongue out.

Pedri chuckles, nodding in agreement.

"Alright alright, get in the shower, you stink." Pedri says, pretending to sniff the air.

"It's the smell of a winner!" Gavi exclaims, but he walks over to his cubby, pulling off his shirt.

"At least you're in a good mood, your scent smells a lot better than last time." Balde states and Gavi stops.

He had forgotten about that.

Araujo smacks Balde, but the words are already out.

Gavi swallows.

It wasn't a bad comment, it was probably supposed to be a compliment.

There was nothing wrong with him not wearing patches.

The shame in his chest makes its way inside anyways.

He wasn't supposed to not wear scent patches.

"Hey, you okay?" Pedri asks gently, having walked up to him.

Gavi swallows again.

Was he?

"How about we skip the showers and go get coffee?" Pedri suggests and Gavi can't help but nod slowly.

The reminder that everyone could smell his scent makes him uncomfortable.

He forces himself to control his scent, pushing it down.

The rest of the team was silent, quietly waiting for Gavi to say something.

Pedri hands him his own hoodie.

The smell of Pedri helps.

It would mask most of his own scent.

Gavi pulls it on, ignoring the way his hands shake.

Stupid.

He was so fucking stupid.

"Come on."

Pedri gently sits him down, untying his shoes.

Gavi manages to slip on his sneakers, waiting anxiously for Pedri to change.

Pedri only pulls on another shirt and switches shoes before standing up.

"Ready?" He asks and Gavi nods.

Pedri grabs both of their bags, pulling the over his shoulders.

Gavi can't find it in himself to argue.

Pedri places a gentle hand on his back, leading Gavi out of the quiet locker room.

They walk in silence to the car.

Gavi clasps his hands, his knuckles white from how hard he's clutching them.

Pedi sends him a worried look.

"Gavi? What can I do?" He asks, the car still parked.

Gavi swallows.

Nothing.

There was nothing to do.

"I just want to go home." Gavi whispers.

Pedri nods.

He starts the car, pulling out of the parking lot.

They stay quiet, the only sound being the music on the radio.

Pedri pulls into their regular cafe.

"Wait here, I'll get you some coffee." Pedri says softly.

"I don't want it." Gavi whispers.

Pedri shrugs.

"Too bad, I want some and I'm not going to drink it alone." He answers, getting out of the car.

Gavi nervously bites on the string of Pedri's hoodie.

He could barely smell himself, Pedri's scent overpowering his own.

It barely takes five minutes until Pedri opens the car door.

He hands Gavi his coffee along with a small paper bag.

"What's this?" Gavi asks, surprised by the sweet smell coming from the bag.

"Open and see." Pedri answers, setting his own mug in the cup holder.

Gavi opens, seeing two cupcakes in it.

One vanilla and one red velvet.

He feels something warm entering his chest, fighting away the anxiety.

"You got me cupcakes?" Gavi asks, a small smile entering his face.

"Well, I actually got us cupcakes, but you can get both if you want." Pedri answers, starting the car again.

Gavi hums, taking a bite of the vanilla cupcake.

His mood grows better as soon as the taste of vanilla enters his mouth.

He lets out a moan, eagerly taking another bite.

Pedri chuckles next to him.

"If I'd known that a cupcake would cheer you up this much I would buy you cupcakes every single day." He says, causing the warmth in Gavi's chest to spread throughout his entire body.

Mate.

Our mate takes care of us, his inner omega purs.

"Thank you." Gavi says, his mouth stuffed.

Pedri ruffles his hair, not taking his eyes off the road.

"Of course."

Pedri takes a sip of his black coffee, humming softly.

He parks outside Gavi's house, turning off the car.

Gavi finishes the cupcake, trying to lick the frosting off his face.

"Oh my god, you're drenched in frosting." Pedri laughs, turning towards him.

Gavi scrunches up his face, swiping at his cheeks to try and find where the frosting is.

"Here, stay still." Pedri says, moving closer to him as his finger brushes away some frosting from his nose.

Pedri's eyes were serious, completely focused on the task.

Gavi feels his cheeks redden.

Pedri stops, seeming to realise just how close they were.

Their faces were inches apart.

Their eyes meet.

Pedri's eyes were beautiful, dark brown with soft eyelashes.

Gavi licks his lips, tasing the sweet frosting.

Pedri's eyes immediately follow the movement.

Pedri swallows, eyes still on Gavi's lips.

Gavi waits.

Was this the moment?

Was Pedri finally going to kiss him?

The sound a car alarm going off forces them apart.

Pedri clears his throat, scratching the back of his neck.

"So, what are you doing for the rest of the day?" He asks, clasping his hands.

Gavi tries his best to listen to the question, his eyes still on Pedri's lips.

They look soft.

"Gavi?"

Gavi immediately looks back up at Pedri's face.

"Nothing really, want to come inside?" Gavi asks, forcing himself to stop thinking about Pedri's lips.

Pedri nods.

"Want to play some FIFA?" Gavi asks, hoping with all his might that Pedri will say yes.

"Sure, but I'll need to use your shower." Pedri answers and Gavi nods.

Of course.

They still haven't showered.

"I have two bathrooms, you can use the one on the bottom floor." Gavi says as they get out of the car.

Pedri nods, finishing his coffee.

"I'll definitely win this time, I refuse to lose two times in a row." Pedri says playfully and Gavi grins.

"You don't know what you're talking about, I'm the best at FIFA." Gavi answers as they walk inside the house.

Pedri huffs.

"You practically learned how to play FIFA two years ago."

Gavi crosses his arms over his chest.

"It will hurt worse when you lose then." Gavi states and Pedri ruffles his hair.

"Whatever you say."

.

Pedri wins.

Of course he does, Pedri had practically started playing FIFA as soon as he could walk.

Gavi groans in defeat.

"Looks like you're getting me coffee tomorrow." Pedri says triumphantly.

"Whatever." Gavi pouts, turning off the game and puts on Disney.

"Want to watch Star Wars?" He asks hopefully.

Pedri sends him a confused look.

"Again?"

Gavi shrugs.

Pedri huffs, nodding.

They turn on the first one, making themselves comfortable.

Gavi's acutely aware that they're sitting just inches apart.

Pedri looks completely relaxed, his eyes on the screen.

Gavi licks his lips.

The memory from the car fresh in his mind.

They had been so close.

"You're staring." Pedri says without looking at him.

Gavi pouts.

"How do you know that? You're not even looking at me." He answers, forcing himself to watch the movie.

Pedri doesn't answer, but a smile dances on his lips.

Stupid lips.

Gavi clears his throat, trying his best to focus on the movie.

"Luke is such an idiot." Gavi states, watching Luke sit on top of his round house, pretending to drive a space ship.

Pedri huffs.

"Why?"

"He's crushing on his sister, isn't that enough proof?" Gavi answers glaring at the screen as he takes a sip of his water.

"It's not like he knew that they were siblings. Besides, I always thought that there was some tension between him and Han Solo." Pedri answers easily.

Gavi chokes on his water.

Pedri startles, quickly dunking him on the back.

Gavi manages to cough up the water, eyeing Pedri like he's wearing a second head.

"What?" Pedri asks once Gavi can breathe.

"I just never thought that you would ship Luke and Han Solo, that's all." Gavi answers, embarrassed by his own reaction.

He wasn't sure why he got so shocked.

"Why?" Pedri asks curiously.

"They're practically brothers! They're best friends." Gavi answers, immediately wanting to take it back.

Pedri looks at him for a long time.

Gavi swallows.

Stupid.

Gavi and Pedri were practically brothers, and Gavi still had a crush on Pedri.

He basically just told Pedri that he wouldn't want a relationship with Pedri.

His inner omega practically screams at him for being so stupid.

"Like me and Fermín! It's weird!" Gavi adds, trying his best to fix his mistake.

Pedri stays quiet.

"Like you and Ferran! You don't love Ferran, right?" Gavi continues, and the comment causes Pedri to let out a soft chuckle.

"No, I'm not in love with Ferran but I think that being good friends is a good foundation for a relationship." Pedri answers gently.

Gavi beams.

"Really?" Gavi asks, ignoring the fact that he sounds way too excited.

"Yeah." Pedri answers with a smile.

"I agree, totally. Friends to lovers is the best trope." Gavi says quickly, causing Pedri to laugh.

He puts a hand on Gavi's shoulder.

"I know."

Pedri was looking at him with a fond smile.

What did he know?

"What do you mean?" Gavi asks, feeling his mouth drying.

Pedri snickers.

"That friends to lovers is a good trope, and that you agree." Pedri says, ruffling Gavi's hair.

Pedri turns back to the screen and Gavi bites his bottom lip.

Of course.

They weren't talking about their relationship, just friends in general.

Still.

Pedri's words sounded like he knew more, like he knew what Gavi was feeling for him.

Like he was okay with those feelings, like he felt the same.

Gavi takes a deep breath, returning to the movie.

Mate.

.

Nothing else happens between them.

No more close-kissing situations, no scenting or anything close to being romantic.

They keep carpooling, keep getting coffee at their regular place and continue to watch movies and play FIFA.

Pedri even drives Gavi to the team dinner.

"You look nice." Pedri compliments, looking at Gavi's beige pants and black t-shirt.

"I look like I normally do." Gavi answers, waving away the compliment.

They had unintentionally matched.

Pedri was wearing a beige t-shirt with black pants.

Pedri shrugs, not saying anything else.

They step inside Jules' house.

"Hey!" Lamine shouts, waving them over.

Gavi gives him a hug, exchanging small talk.

Fermín and Pau joins them, handing Gavi a beer.

"So, are we going to talk about the obvious?" Fermín asks, sending the other two a wink.

Gavi raises his eyebrow.

"You guys are matching." Lamine says and Gavi rolls his eyes.

"It wasn't intentional." He answers, looking over to where Pedri was standing with Ferran and Robert, Ferran and Robert drinking beer whilst Pedri's standing with a glass of water.

"Okay, are we going to talk about the next obvious thing then?" Fermín asks, eyeing Pedri.

"You totally have a crush on Pedri." He says and Gavi sputters.

"What?" He asks, the three others laughing at his expression.

"It's obvious, you've had a crush on him for years." Fermín says in-between laughs.

Gavi tries his best to appear confused and fails miserably.

"Yeah, ever since I got into the first team I've seen it." Lamine adds, taking a sip of his cola.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Gavi tries but Pau puts an arms over his shoulders.

"It's okay, everyone practically knows that you guys love each other. We're just waiting for you two make it official." He says, making Gavi tense up.

"What? Pedri doesn't love me, he's my best friend." Gavi says, staring at Pau.

Fermín, Lamine and Pau all stare at him.

"Are you- are you serious?" Lamine asks and Gavi nods.

The three boys all groan.

"Are you telling us that you didn't know that Pedri is in love with you?" Pau asks, staring at him with big eyes.

Gavi shrugs off his arm.

"I'm serious, Pedri doesn't like me like that." Gavi argues, looking over at Fermín.

"You know! You've seen us together, he's not interested in me." Gavi says, causing Fermín to let out a louder groan.

"Of course he does! You guys make googly eyes at each other every time you're together." Fermín tries, putting a hand on Gavi's shoulder.

Gavi shakes it off.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore, Pedri doesn't-"

"I don't what?"

Gavi immediately turns, seeing Pedri, Ferran and Robert next to them.

Gavi panics, looking over to Fermín.

"You wouldn't do a good job as a defender." Fermín says, saving Gavi.

Ferran laughs loudly.

"I still remember tunneling you at that game, and you just stood there." Ferran states and Pedri rolls his eyes.

"We were on the same team, I didn't think that you would tunnel me." He answers, taking a sip of his water.

Gavi sees Fermín, Lamine and Pau sending each other looks.

Gavi immediately glares at Fermín.

"Ferran, lets grab another beer together." Fermín suddenly announces, grabbing ahold of Ferran.

"You haven't even drunk half of yours." Ferran answers confusedly.

Fermín waves off the answer, pulling Ferran away.

"Fermín I'll fucking pee in your shoes!" Gavi shouts after them, earning a grin in return.

Fuck.

Fermín was going to tell Ferran.

Lamine grabs Gavi, forcing him to not follow them.

"So, do you still drive Gavi to practice?" Lamine asks Pedri, a smile on his lips.

Pedri nods, sending Gavi a look.

Gavi ignores the look, angrily chugging down his beer.

Fuckers.

All of them.

"That's nice of you Pedri. You never give anyone else a ride." Pau says, making Lamine nod in agreement.

Pedri looks confused by the whole conversation.

He looks at Gavi again, but Gavi can't make himself meet Pedri's eyes.

Stupid.

All of this was stupid.

Pedri doesn't love him, it was just stupid to try and make him.

The almost-kisses didn't mean anything.

Nothing meant anything.

"Hey guys!" Fermín shouts, walking back with Ferran.

Both wear mischievous looks on their faces.

Pedri sends Ferran a look instead, but Ferran only grins back.

"Hey Robert! What do you think about same-sex marriage?" Fermín asks, making Robert's eyes widen in confusion.

He's not the only one, Pedri does the same.

"I don't think anything about it, everyone can marry whoever they want." Robert says slowly, still confused.

"Great! Pedri do you think that you'll ever get married?" Ferran asks, almost cutting Robert off.

Pedri only stares.

"Sure." He finally answers.

"Gavi? Would you?" Fermín asks, making Gavi's blood boil.

He grabs ahold of the back of Fermín's shirt, dragging him away from the others.

"Can you stop!? Pedri doesn't like me, and this is turning embarrassing." Gavi says angrily once they're out of sight.

Fermín brushes himself off.

"Come on, you deserve to be happy. You're my best friend, I just want you to be happy." Fermín tries, but Gavi shakes his head, his scent souring.

"I told you to stop." He says, swallowing.

It was pathetic.

He feels pathetic.

Fermín looks at him, clearly seeing and smelling the change in Gavi's mood.

"I'm sorry Gavs, I just-" Fermín tries, reaching for Gavi.

"Well don't." Gavi cuts him off, pushing away Fermín's hand.

Gavi moves to walk away, but Fermín grabs ahold of his arm.

"Alright, I'll stop. I'm sorry." Fermín says, and Gavi nods sullenly.

"Alright everyone, dinner!" Jules shouts and the team immediately cheers.

"Come on." Fermín says, pulling Gavi towards the table.

Jules was the usual one who had the dinners.

His table was big enough for the whole team, having bought it for his family in the beginning.

Apparently he had a big enough family that they could fit a whole bus.

The rest of the team had sat down, the only two available chairs were next to Pedri and next to Ferran.

Gavi moves to sit down next to Ferran, done with whatever the other La Masia boys were doing.

Fermín immediately rushes past him, sitting down next to Ferran.

Gavi glares at him, but sits down next to Pedri, grabbing four slices of pizza and puts them on his plate.

Pedri looks over to him.

"Are you okay?" He asks gently.

Gavi shrugs, biting into a slice pizza.

Fermín looks over to him with a guilty expression.

Gavi ignores him.

"Hey." Pedri places a hand on Gavi's cheek, forcing Gavi to meet his gaze.

Pedri's eyes analyse Gavi's face, running up and down.

"Fermín can be an ass." Pedri says and Gavi lets out a laugh.

"Yeah." He says as Pedri strokes his cheek.

"Want me to talk to him?" Pedri asks, Gavi shakes his head.

Pedri nods, not taking his hand off of Gavi's cheek.

His thumb slowly strokes Gavi and Gavi stops himself from preening.

"Tell me if I can do something." Pedri says and Gavi nods.

Pedri sends him a soft smile before letting go.

He starts cutting into his own food, Gavi licks his lips and does the same.

The chatter around the table lets Gavi drop the previous events.

It was fine.

Everything was fine.

"Hey Gavi! I heard that you won the bet against Pedri!" Eric shouts and Gavi immediately perks up.

"He didn't stand a chance." Gavi answers proudly, earning a slap over the head from Pedri.

"He won with one goal." Pedri states, making Gavi stick out his tongue at him.

"I still won!" Gavi states confidently.

Pedri huffs.

"Well I won the bet after." He states, making Gavi huff back.

"It was at FIFA, that's not real football." Gavi argues, causing a loud discussion about FIFA vs. actually playing football.

Ansu states that FIFA was a real sport whilst Raphinha tells him that FIFA doesn't win you world titles.

"Well it should!" Ferran shouts back, earning agrees from both Lamine and Pau.

The conversation continues, but Gavi only looks at Pedri.

Pedri looks back at him.

None of them say anything.

They only look at each other, smiles on both of their faces.

Pedri leans in.

Gavi licks his lips.

"Hey Pedri did you check out the new FIFA game?!" Ferran shouts, making Gavi jump away.

Fermín looks close to strangling Ferran.

"Yeah, it looks good." Pedri says, turning to Ferran.

"Not as good as the third one!" Lamine argues, looking over at Pau.

"Agreed, we've played enough times to know that nothing else can top the third one." Pau agrees, fist-bumping Lamine.

Gavi looks over at Fermín.

Fermín sends him a knowing look.

Gavi gives him the finger.

.

They end up playing a tournament of FIFA after dinner.

Robert and Tek are the first to lose.

Neither one seems particularly surprised or disappointed.

They grab their beers and sit down by the table again, discussing family life.

The next to lose are Ansu and Balde, shouting that Pau and Lamine were somehow cheating.

The tournament goes on and suddenly it's Pedri and Gavi against Pablo and Marc.

Pedri and Gavi play FIFA like they do on the field.

They know each other inside and out.

They barely speak, their fingers moving swiftly over the controllers.

They win with 6-1.

"That's not fair! We should've gotten to play against Lewy and Tek! Not these two!" Marc shouts, waving his hands against the two fathers.

Gavi sticks out his tongue.

He high-fives Pedri, jumping with joy.

"We're awesome!" He states and Pedri laughs in return.

"We are."

The game continues and suddenly there's only four teams left.

Pedri and Gavi.

Lamine and Pau.

Ferran and Fermín.

Raphinha and Araujo.

"Come on! Win this for the old people!" Frenkie and Dani shouts as Raphinha and Araujo play against Gavi and Pedri.

"Old?!" Raphinha immediately shouts, glaring over at them.

"Well you're the oldest team right now!" Frenkie argues, making Raphinha shrug, accepting the title.

"Lets win this!" Gavi says over to Pedri.

Pedri nods, eyes focused.

The game starts.

They score the first goal, yelling and throwing their fists in the air.

Araujo immediately swipes at them, missing Gavi with an inch.

They start again, and Raphinha shoots, hitting the post.

Both Raphinha and Arajuo immediately groan as it goes over the sideline.

Pedri sends a pass to Gavi who makes his player sprint up, easily scoring their second goal, earning cheers from half of the team.

The other half boos, clearly tired of Gavi and Pedri always winning.

The game ends with 4-2, making Gavi run around the room like an excited kid.

"Lets go! Vamos!" He shouts, chest bumping anyone who's cheering.

Lamine and Pau wins against Fermín and Ferran, earning a loud discussion about cheating and controllers not working.

"It's not fair! My controller didn't work when i pressed the L1" Fermín argues loudly, Ferran agreeing.

"Not our fault that you missed that last shot!" Lamine shouts back, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Besides, my partner sucked! Ferran you didn't do a single thing!" Fermín continues, aiming his playful anger at Ferran.

"Me?! I scored our first goal!" Ferran argues wildly.

"Well how come I scored the three others?!" Fermín shouts back.

They continue to bicker until Ter-Stegen walks over to them, reminding them that it's a video game.

Both of them sit down, muttering about cheating.

"Be prepared to lose!" Pau says when Gavi and Pedri sits down on the couch.

"Lose? Remember who won the last tournament." Pedri says with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah!" Gavi exclaims, grabbing ahold of his controller.

"That was just luck." Lamine states as the game begins.

Gavi's fingers race over the buttons, pressing them with ease.

Lamine scores the first goal, hollering along with Pau.

"That's right!" They shout towards them.

Gavi growls.

"That was just luck! It went in by the post!" Gavi argues loudly.

"Luck?! It was perfection!" Lamine shouts back.

The game continues and Gavi sends in a perfect corner kick that Pedri easily heads into the goal.

"Yes! Just like that!" Gavi shouts, high-fiving Pedri.

Pedri laughs with him.

"You're looking a little worried Lamine." Gavi snickers as Lamine and Pay groans.

"Whatever, we're still winning." Lamine answers.

They don't.

Pedri scores the last goal.

Gavi jumps up into his lap, hugging him tightly.

"Yeah! We won! I told you that we would win! We're the best!" Gavi yells, feeling Pedri laughing loudly.

Gavi jumps out of his embrace to dance in front of Lamine and Pau.

"Losers!" He shouts happily, letting Lamine and Pau drown in their loss.

Lamine huffs, waving Gavi away.

"Next time Gavira." He threatens and Gavi only laughs louder.

Pedri stands next to him, and Gavi excitedly jumps into his arms again.

"We're the best!" He shouts, jumping around with Pedri.

"Yeah we are." Pedri agrees.

They pull away, looking at each other.

Gavi's grinning and Pedri does the same.

"We're so fucking good!" Gavi states proudly.

Pedri chuckles, putting his hands on Gavi's shoulders.

"Yeah we fucking are." He answers.

"Alright, the rest of us have waited for an hour! Come on, shut off the game now!" Balde grumbles.

Gavi pulls away, smiling over at Fermín.

"I'm a fucking winner!" He states proudly to Fermín who joins him in his celebration.

"Such a child." Robert says fondly.

Gavi's grinning for the entire evening.

.

Pedri drives him home to loud music.

It was one at night, the streets empty.

"I can't believe that we won again." Gavi says excitedly, looking over at Pedri.

Pedri only chuckles.

They sing-scream to the Spanish pop music on the radio, driving with the windows down for the rest of the world to hear.

Pedri parks outside Gavi's house, both panting for breaths.

"This was awesome, tonight was awesome." Gavi states as Pedri turns off his car.

"It was, I'm happy that you're feeling better." Pedri answers easily.

Gavi smiles over to him.

"Yeah, thanks for making me feel better."

Pedri shrugs.

"I just want you to be happy." He says like so many times before.

Maybe it's the five beers Gavi drank, or maybe it's his patience that has finally run out.

He leans over, his face right by Pedri's.

"I'm always happy when I'm with you." Gavi answers, looking into Pedri's eyes.

Pedri smiles affectionally.

"Good, I want to make you happy."

Gavi nods, looking down at Pedri's lips.

"I- I like you." Gavi blurts out.

Pedri looks surprised.

Why is he surprised?

"Like more than like, maybe love- I-" Gavi stammers.

This time it's Pedri who pulls away.

"You've drank a lot, you should head to bed." He says, clearing his throat.

Gavi feels both confused and hurt.

"I'm not drunk." He says, his voice turning defensive.

"I'm not saying that you are, but you've drank five beers. You-"

"Why are you keeping track on how much I drink?" Gavi interrupts, making Pedri shrug.

Gavi huffs.

"Well, you don't have to say it back. I don't care if you don't feel the same." Gavi says angrily, opening his car door.

"Gavi-" Pedri tries, but Gavi ignores him.

His chest was aching, like someone had put a knife in it and twisted.

He pulls out his keys, hand shaking.

A small flicker of hope was still present.

A hope that Pedri maybe follows, that he tells him that he feels the same.

Pedri doesn't follow him.

Gavi locks the door behind himself.

Chapter Text

Gavi wakes up in cold sweat.

His skin crawls, his stomach hurts and his head feels close to exploding.

Something was wrong.

He could feel it deep in his bones.

An agonised whimper leaves his lips.

Everything hurt.

Tears leave his eyes as he curls into a tight ball.

Hot.

He was hot.

Everything was too hot, he could barely breathe.

He feels wetness in-between his legs.

Pained gasps leave his mouth as he tries to control the pain.

It doesn't work.

The pain wasn't the same as the pain he could feel whilst playing football.

He could push down pain when he was playing, waiting to deal with it when he was finished.

Not this time.

It felt like someone was repeatedly stabbing into his stomach.

His cries grow worse.

He's dying.

The pain was bad enough that he could barely see.

He cries into his pillow, praying that the pain would at least lessen with time.

It doesn't.

He lays in bed for hours, crying and finally screaming from the pain.

He could hear knocking on his door, but he could barely move.

The knocking grows louder.

His phone rings.

Gavi sobs, forcing his hand to move, accepting the call.

"Gavi? I want to talk, can you open?" Pedri's voice asks through the phone.

Gavi cries louder.

"Something's wrong." He sobs, letting out another shout of pain.

"Shit, okay I'm coming." Pedri says hurriedly and Gavi hears the door opening.

He's never been more thankful that he gave Pedri his extra key.

Pedri runs up the stairs, suddenly standing right by Gavi.

"Gavi? Hey hey, talk to me." Pedri tries, hands reaching out but stopping.

Like he was afraid to touch Gavi.

"It hurts- it hurts Pedri." Gavi sobs, letting out another scream.

Pedri looks panicked.

It's one of the first times Gavi has seen him panicked.

"Okay, okay what hurts? Cariño?" Pedri tries, his hands finally touching Gavi's cheeks.

Gavi immediately leans into the touch.

"Everything- everything hurts Pedri please- please do something." Gavi sobs, his skin feeling like it's on fire.

"I have to take you to the hospital Gavi." Pedri says and Gavi can't make himself argue.

He lets out another pained scream, and Pedri quickly pulls him into his arms.

He runs down the stairs with Gavi in his arms.

"It's going to be okay, I'm right here. Okay Gavi?" Pedri says, putting him into the passenger seat of his car.

Gavi curls up in the seat, his scent immediately filling the car.

The smell of like sulphur envelopes the car in seconds.

Pedri starts the car, foot pressing down the gas.

One hand is on the steering wheel, the other holding his phone as he talks to Flick.

"Something's wrong with him. I don't know if he's having a heat stroke or if it's something else. He's burning up and he's in pain." Pedri shouts over the phone.

Flick says something that Gavi can't hear over his own sobs.

"I'm driving as fast as I can! You have to call the hospital staff- I don't- no we're not waiting for an ambulance! Just call them!" Pedri shouts before hanging up.

"It's going to be okay Gavi, I'm right here cariño." Pedri promises, his hand on Gavi's sweaty forehead.

Gavi sobs, leaning into the touch.

Pedri honks his horn, swerving to get in front of the other cars.

Gavi can't find his words anymore.

He only cries and screams from the pain.

Pedri continues to try his best to soothe Gavi, his scent trying to exude safety.

Gavi clings to it, but it doesn't stop the pain.

Nothing stops the pain.

Pedri drives into the hospital parking lot just as hospital staff rush out to meet them with a stretcher.

"Hansi Flick called us!" They shout as Pedri rushes out of the car.

Gavi's once again hoisted up in Pedri's arms before Pedri gently puts him on the stretcher.

No.

Was Pedri leaving?

Gavi sobs louder, trying to make his arms grab onto Pedri.

He can't.

The hospital staff rushes him inside, taking his pulse and listening to his heartbeats.

"What's wrong with him?" Pedri asks, running behind them.

The hospital staff ignores him whilst they start taking Gavi's pulse.

"His heart is beating too fast, his pulse is racing." One of the doctors shouts.

Gavi lets out another ear-piercing scream as the stabbing continues.

"Gavi it's going to be okay!" Pedri shouts as Gavi's rushed away.

Gavi sobs.

.

Consciousness slams into him.

Gavi sits up, drenched in sweat.

"Wha- where am I?" He asks, the pain still present.

It wasn't as strong, but it was strong enough to make him lay back down.

"Mister Gavira? I'm Doctor Torres. You're suffering through a heat sickness. Am I correct when I say that you've been taking Rhamzytadoxin?" A doctor asks, standing by the edge of his bed.

The doctor looks young, around thirty.

Her bright red hair was neatly put into a high bun, her face void of emotion.

Gavi nods, realising that he has a needle in the crook of his elbow and one more in the back of his hand.

"It looks like your suppressants have stopped working. They're not the kind of suppressants that are meant to be taken for as long as you have, it was only a matter of time until they stopped having an effect." She explains with a firm expression.

"Where's Pedri?" Gavi asks, his voice hoarse from the screaming.

"He's in the waiting room along with some other people. We can let two people in at the same time, would you like me to fetch him before I explain your treatment plan?" She asks and Gavi nods.

"And- and my coach: Hansi Flick." Gavi adds.

The doctor nods, leaving the room.

It barely takes twenty seconds until both her, Pedri and Flick is in his room.

Pedri immediately hurries over to him, taking his hand.

"Gavi!" Pedri breathes.

His hair was a mess and his eyes were wide with worry.

"We've contacted your parents, they're on their way as we speak. Like I previously said: you're suffering through a heat sickness. It seems like you haven't had any heats previous, is that correct?" She asks and Gavi nods again.

"The suppressant that you're taking fights your body, forcing down any sort of hormones or biological needs that your body has. It's toxic, and your body has had enough. You'll need your pack, risking to grow overheated or catatonic without them. You'll feel he regular symptoms of a heat, but your libido will not be active like it would during a regular heat. The painkillers will help against the worst of the pain." She continues and Gavi nods for the third time.

"When are his parents coming?" Pedri asks, eyes still glued on Gavi.

"The'll be here in a few minutes, you can stay until they arrive." The doctor says before taking her leave.

Flick walks forward.

"You do not need to see them if you don't want to." Flick says, clearly remembering their previous encounter.

"I need my pack." Gavi answers weakly.

Flick nods, but he doesn't seem happy about it.

Family packs were urgent during heat sicknesses, the safety around your own family usually being the one thing that could help someone recover from a heat sickness.

It was a known fact, something no one could argue about.

"We'll be in the waiting room if something happens." Pedri promises, stroking Gavi's cheek.

Gavi looks up at him.

He wants to say something.

He wants to tell Pedri that he was telling the truth, that he's in love with him.

His lips won't move.

Pedri opens his mouth, about to say something.

Maybe something about yesterday.

Maybe say something about his own feelings for Gavi.

Pedri doesn't get the chance.

The door opens, forcing Pedri's mouth to close.

"Pablo!" His mother rushes inside, his father hurrying behind her.

Pedri immediately steps back.

"Please follow me to the waiting room." The doctor orders, gesturing for Pedri and Flick to follow her.

Flick sends Gavi's parents a hard look.

"Take care of him." He says before following Doctor Torres.

Pedri sends him a reassuring smile, doing the same.

Gavi turns to his parents.

"What happened Pablo?" His mother asks, looking at the IV's in Gavi's arm.

"My suppressants stopped working." Gavi answers, the pain in his stomach returning.

He lets out a groan, curling up on the bed.

"How is that possible?" His father asks, standing next to Gavi's mother.

Gavi shrugs.

"I don't know, didn't the doctor tell you?" Gavi asks, bringing a hand on his aching stomach.

His mother purses her lips.

"Did you stop taking them?" She suddenly asks, causing Gavi to quickly shake his head.

"You know that they are the only reason that you're a professional athlete." His mother continues, her voice growing harsher.

"I didn't- I didn't stop taking them!" Gavi tries, letting out another pained groan as the pain worsen.

"How else would they stop working? They've worked for seven years!" His father bristles out, throwing his hands up in the air.

Gavi flinches.

He doesn't know why.

His parents doesn't beat him.

They've never laid a hand on him.

His body still tenses, readying itself for a fight.

The reaction seems to worsen their anger.

They continue to yell, ignoring Gavi's tries to tell the truth.

He feels his body shutting down.

Everything starts to grow cold, he feels himself growing stiff.

Submission.

He was going into forced submission.

"Answer us!" His father growls out and Gavi immediately bares his throat.

It hurts, the angle makes his neck hurt but he can't stop himself.

He lets out a whine.

It's a pleading whine, an appeasing whine - a whine that's supposed to de-escalate the situation.

It doesn't.

"Stop it!" His mother growls out, causing the whine to grow louder.

The room stinks of sulphur, making it almost unbreathable.

Gavi still feels slick running from his hole, his body trying everything to please the alphas in the room.

His limbs lock, forcing him still.

The whine doesn't stop.

The door is suddenly thrown open.

"What is going on here!?" Doctor Torres' voice enters the room and Gavi's parents immediately takes a step away from Gavi.

"We're just trying to calm him down." His mother tries, but Doctor Torres doesn't seem to buy it.

"Get out now, you're making him worse." Doctor Torres orders, shouting for nurses.

His parents are rushed out, but Gavi's limbs stay locked, his whine still going.

"Mister Gavira? Pablo, can you hear me?" Doctor Torres asks.

Gavi only bares his neck.

Everything was turning too much.

Everything was-

His body makes a decision for him.

He feels his brain turning off, forcing forward his inner omega.

Gavi continues to whine.

.

The whole team was sitting in the waiting room, anxiously hoping that Doctor Torres would come with good news.

They had seen Gavi's parents being seated a couple of seats away from them.

Pedri's leg bounces as he looks at the corridor.

He needs to know.

He needs to know that Gavi's okay, that he didn't do this, that Gavi gets better.

Maybe his rejection caused Gavi's heat sickness.

Rejection could always affect omegas' moods, especially when it came to omegas that had poor health.

Gavi was in poor health.

He had been on illegal suppressants since he was eleven.

Pedri should have known better.

Pedri should have just told Gavi about his own feelings.

He should've told Gavi that he feels the same, that he's in love with him.

"Hey, he's going to be okay." Ferran says to his right, his hand on Pedri's back.

Flick was the only one who was standing.

His arms were crossed, his face hard and no one seems to have missed the way that he was openly glaring at Gavi's parents.

Doctor Torres walks into the waiting room and the whole team stands.

She walks over to Gavi's parents first.

"Your son's state has worsen, drastically so. He's entered a catatonic state, no longer responsive. You will only get to see him under supervision, we do not tolerate alpha voices being used against our patients." Doctor Torres says coldly, causing Flick to let out a low growl.

Pedri feels himself tensing.

Using your alpha voice against an omega was against the law, it was heavily frowned upon.

Forcing an omega into submission was illegal, it could put you in jail.

Pedri tries to ignore the aching in his chest by the thought of Gavi being forced into submission.

"He is our son!" Gavi's mother exclaims angrily, but Doctor Torres waves her off.

"It doesn't matter, all I care about is the well-being of my patient."

Gavi's parents tries their best to argue, but Doctor Torres only repeats her words.

"Fine. We'll leave then, contact us if his state changes." Gavi's father growls out before turning.

They walk out of the hospital.

They walk out on their child.

Doctor Torres turns to Flick.

"Like I said, he's in a catatonic state. I am unsure if it'll change, his pack didn't help. Do you know if he has any other family members that could come?" She asks, but the whole team shake their heads.

No.

Gavi had his sister, but she was currently in Australia, and they had never been close.

Robert suddenly walks over to the doctor.

"He might not have a biological family, but he has us. We're his pack." He states, voice steady and eyes ready to argue.

Doctor Torres looks taken aback.

Her expression changes, she looks thoughtful instead.

"It is rare, but it might work. All of you can't be inside, only one." She answers.

"You said two before!" Pedri argues.

"It was before he turned catatonic, he can only handle one." She explains and Pedri swallows.

He needs to be the one.

He needs to be by Gavi.

Raphinha suddenly stands.

"But we can bring clothing, right? He could get our clothes to scent." He suggests and Doctor Torres nods.

Pedri turns towards Robert and Fermín.

He knows that it stands between them.

They were the closest to Gavi.

Fermín was Gavi's oldest friend, practically his brother.

Robert had been a father-figure to Gavi ever since he started in the team.

"Pedri you go inside." Flick says and Pedri swallows.

Both Fermín and Robert nod, encouraging him to follow the doctor.

Pedri doesn't need to be told twice.

"The rest of you, go get something soft that belongs to you." Flick orders to the rest and the team immediately scramble out of the waiting room.

Pedri follows Doctor Torres back to Gavi's room, trying his best to control his scent.

He needs to exude calm and safety, not worry and panic.

Doctor Torres opens the door, and Pedri is hit by the smell.

The room smell is worse than before.

Instead of sulphur, the smells like death.

Gavi was laying on his back, eyes open staring at nothing.

His neck was bared, showing submission and his limbs were locked in place.

Pedri could smell the slick coming from Gavi, and it makes his inner alpha shake in anger.

The slick wasn't from pleasure or want, it came from fear.

From forced submission.

"Oh cariño." Pedri breathes, immediately hurrying over.

He takes Gavi's cold hand in his.

"Why isn't he warm anymore? I thought you said that he was suffering through heat sickness." Pedri asks, looking over at the doctor.

"He was, but he's in a catatonic state right now. His temperature dropped in a matter of minutes." Doctor Torres explains and Pedri nods slowly, turning back to Gavi.

"Hey, I'm right here." Pedri says gently, but Gavi doesn't react.

His eyes stay open and unseeing.

"Cariño, please look at me." Pedri pleads, feeling tears in his eyes.

"Try scenting him, and keep talking to him. It might help him get more responsive, but there's no guarantee." Doctor Torres say before taking her leave.

Pedri lifts Gavi's wrist, gently scenting him.

"It's going to be okay, I'm not leaving you, okay? I'm right here." Pedri repeats, tears falling from his eyes.

He lowers the railing by the side of the bed, laying down next to Gavi.

He pulls him into his arms, just like the two weeks when he was staying with Gavi.

Gavi's cold in his arms, still smelling like death.

Pedri holds him close, brushing his scent gland against Gavi's.

Gavi suddenly lets out a low whine.

Pedri immediately pulls him closer, continuing to brush their scent glands together.

"I'm here cariño." Pedri murmurs into Gavi's sweaty hair.

Gavi whines again and Pedri holds him tighter.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry cariño. I should've told you how I felt, I shouldn't have let you walk away. I should've made sure that you were okay." Pedri whispers.

He feels Gavi's body slowly relaxing.

Pedri tries his best to blink away his tears.

"I love you, okay? That's what I should've said, I love you." Pedri says, hugging Gavi tighter.

He feels Gavi letting out a slow breath.

"I promise, I promise that I love you. I won't leave, I'll be right here. You won't ever have to be alone. I- just please come back to me." Pedri pleads, the tears forcing themselves out of Pedri's eyes.

" 'dri?" Gavi's voice was hoarse, no louder than a whisper.

Pedri pulls away so he can look at Gavi's face.

Gavi was blinking slowly, looking groggy and confused.

"Hey cariño, I'm here." Pedri says, his hand going to Gavi's cheek.

Gavi leans into his hand, his body relaxing further.

"Pedri." He mumbles, his eyes closing.

The smell slowly changes, the smell of amber and red mandarin slowly appearing.

"I love you, I love you so much." Pedri says and Gavi's eyes blink open.

"You do?" He mumbles tiredly.

"I do." Pedri answers, and a small smile slowly enters Gavi's face.

"That's good." Gavi says before his eyes fall closed again.

Gavi falls asleep, and Pedri pulls him so that Gavi's head is resting on his chest.

Pedri holds his arms around Gavi's cold form.

He would make this right.

.

Gavi doesn't regain full consciousness.

He slips in and out, managing to answer some of Pedri's sentences.

The doctors tell him that Gavi will get better, that he's through the worst of it.

Pedri stays in bed with him, surrounded by the team's hoodies and blankets.

Gavi was still cold, too cold.

Pedri's inner alpha pleads for him to fix this.

And Pedri tries.

"Hey, you awake?" Pedri asks gently when he hears a change in Gavi's breathing.

Gavi mutters out something unintelligible, face brushing against Pedri's chest,

"How are you feeling?" Pedri asks, stroking Gavi's cheek.

Gavi manages to turn his head, looking up at Pedri through tired eyes.

"Cold." He mumbles out.

Pedri immediately pulls more blankets on them, ignoring the way his own body was burning up from the warmth.

"Better?" He asks, but Gavi shakes his head tiredly.

"Still cold, you're warm though." Gavi says, his hands pressed under Pedri's shirt, stealing as much of Pedri's warmth as he can.

"Good. You remember where you are?" Pedri asks.

He's gotten questions from the doctors that he has to ask Gavi every time he regains consciousness.

" 'ospital." Gavi answers and Pedri strokes his hair.

"Good, do you feel better or worse?" Pedri continues, placing a gentle kiss on Gavi's forehead.

"Little better." Gavi mumbles, leaning into the kiss.

Pedri nods, kissing his forehead again.

"This feels nice." Gavi says and Pedri lets out a chuckle.

"Do you still remember that I love you?" He asks, praying that Gavi remembers that too.

"No, remind me." Gavi answers tiredly, his eyes peeking up, a small smile on his face.

Pedri smiles fondly.

"I love you." He says against Gavi's ear.

Gavi purs.

Pedri holds him tighter.

.

Gavi hears soft rumbling when he wakes up.

The chest his head was resting on was vibrating.

The rumbles were calming, exuding safety.

"Pedri?" Gavi mumbles, turning so that he can see Pedri's face.

Pedri immediately meets his eyes.

"Yes mi vida?" Pedri asks, another nickname he's started to use.

"You're still here." Gavi says, smiling softly.

He was back home.

He was still cold, but not cold enough to have to be monitored.

Gavi was back home.

Gavi wasn't sure how many days it had been, he didn't even know how long he stayed in the hospital.

The team's scents were in the room, their clothes and blankets made into a nest by Pedri.

Gavi has never made a nest, and he had no energy to build one when they got home.

Pedri had placed every item with care, looking as focused as he does when he's playing football.

Once Pedri was finished, he had looked over to Gavi, waiting for his approval.

Gavi had only nodded, raising his arms.

Pedri had immediately picked him up before slowly laying him down in the center of the nest.

Pedri had waited.

Waited for Gavi to invite him in.

A good mate, Gavi's inner omega had purred.

Gavi had opened his arms invitingly and Pedri had immediately laid down, pulling Gavi into his arms.

"Mi vida?"

Gavi looks back at Pedri.

"Do you remember where you are?" Pedri asks, starting his usual line of questions.

"Home." Gavi answers, yawning.

"How are you feeling? Better or worse?" Pedri continues.

"Better." Gavi answers truthfully.

"Do you remember that I love you?" Pedri asks, making Gavi's stomach flutter.

It was his favourite question.

"No, remind me." Gavi answers, making Pedri smile fondly.

Pedri kisses his lips.

"I love you."

Gavi preens.

"Want me to go and make you breakfast?" Pedri asks and Gavi hums, stretching out his limbs.

They were still aching after being locked in place for so long.

Worst was his neck, but Pedri always massages it while they're watching movies.

"Don't want you to go, you're warm." Gavi mutters, burrowing his face into the crook of Pedri's shoulder.

Pedri chuckles warmly, placing a gentle hand in Gavi's hair, stroking through it.

"We can go buy breakfast too, at our usual place." Pedri suggests, making Gavi purr.

Pedri kisses the top of Gavi's head before pulling them both up.

"Can I get two vanilla cupcakes?" Gavi asks, letting Pedri stroke his cheek.

"I'll get you as many as you want." Pedri answers easily.

Gavi smiles, leaning in and presses his lips against Pedri's.

Pedri kisses him back, placing his other hand against Gavi's other cheek.

His hands were gentle, holding Gavi's face in between them like it was the most important thing in the entire world.

Gavi pulls away.

"I want four vanilla cupcakes then." He says and Pedri chuckles.

"Anything you want." Pedri promises.

Pedri stands, lending Gavi a hand.

Gavi slowly stands.

He still feels weak, like his body has forgotten how to work.

Pedri steadies him until Gavi feels sure enough to let go.

Gavi moves to the closet, pulling out one of Pedri's hoodies.

Pedri helps him put it on, also helping him to change into a pair of black joggers.

Pedri kisses his nose once he's fully dressed.

"You think that you can walk down the stairs?" Pedri asks, scanning over Gavi's limbs.

Gavi was still trembling.

Gavi takes a slow breath, nodding.

Pedri leads him to the staircase and Gavi grabs ahold of the railing on each side.

He takes slow measured steps while Pedri walks behind him, ready to catch him if anything happens.

Gavi manages to walk down the whole staircase, earning a kiss on his cheek.

They walk hand-in-hand to Pedri's car.

"You look better." Pedri says once they're driving.

Gavi nods.

He feels better.

The trembling and the coldness was growing lesser by the day.

"When do you think I can go back to training?" Gavi asks, looking over at him.

"Depends on when you're fully healed." Pedri answers truthfully.

Gavi hates that answer.

"Being an omega hasn't turned out that great." Gavi mutters, making Pedri hum.

"You've been an omega for seven years Gavi. Being an omega isn't the problem, illegal suppressants are." Pedri answers, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

Gavi hasn't told anyone anything about his family. He's only said that they have a normal relationship and that he visits them during holidays.

However.

Something must've happened at the hospital, because Gavi had felt the whole team growing angry at any mention of his parents.

"The team was thinking of coming by tonight, if you're up for it." Pedri says instead, changing the subject.

Gavi nods.

They had come over every single day since Gavi had been released from the hospital.

They mostly hung out, Gavi laying bundled up in warm blankets on the couch or the bed.

Pedri parks outside the cafe.

"I'll be right back." He says, kissing Gavi's cheek before getting out of the car.

Their intimacy had grown overnight.

The kissing didn't feel strange or awkward, it felt right.

Gavi wasn't sure if it was because of what had happened or if they were simply meant to be together.

Being with Pedri felt right.

Like it was always supposed to have happened.

Pedri was the one who had managed to get Gavi out of the catatonic state he was in.

Pedri was the one that Gavi woke up to, the one who's name had been the first thing off of Gavi's lips.

"Here you go." Pedri says, entering the car again.

He hands Gavi his coffee and the paper bag.

Gavi eagerly looks inside.

Four vanilla cupcakes and two red velvet.

Gavi smirks.

"Oh nice, six for me." He says, making Pedri chuckle before gently slapping him.

"At least two of those are for me." Pedri reminds him, taking a sip of his own coffee.

Gavi immediately grabs one of the cupcakes, biting into it.

The taste makes him let out a moan.

"So good!" Gavi moans into the cupcake.

Pedri only rolls his eyes, pulling out of the parking lot before turning back towards the house.

"At least you've learnt how to eat it without-"

Pedri doesn't get to finish, the whole cupcake breaking apart in Gavi's hands.

Gavi lets out a shriek as the pieces get everywhere.

"No!" Gavi whines, looking at the spilled cupcake.

Pedri sighs, pulling out some napkins.

"Here."

Gavi grabs them, staring mournfully at his fallen cupcake.

"You have three more, and you managed to eat almost half of it before it fell apart." Pedri says calmly, trying his best not to roll his eyes at his overdramatic boyfriend.

Gavi pouts, but he gathers the crumbs into the napkin before starting on his second cupcake.

"Technically this means that I should get one of yours." Gavi says diplomatically.

Pedri rolls his eyes at that.

"I'm your boyfriend, and you love me." Gavi states before taking another bite of his cupcake.

"I do, but not enough to sacrifice one of my own cupcakes." Pedri lies.

Pedri would give Gavi the whole cafe if it meant making Gavi happy.

"Fine, but then I get to choose which movie we're watching." Gavi argues and Pedri nods.

"I look forward to watching you tear Luke Skywalker: the boy who saved the galaxy, into pieces." Pedri says, earning a slap from Gavi.

Pedri laughs.

Gavi slaps him again.

.

Gavi tiredly lays against Pedri's chest, watching Yoda train Luke.

The doorbell rings and Gavi tiredly moves to let Pedri get the door.

Pedri kisses Gavi's cheek, pausing the movie before rearranging them.

He pulls Gavi so that he's propped up by pillows, still laying comfortable under a thick blanket.

Pedri moves to the door, opening it.

Gavi looks over, spotting Flick.

"How are you doing kids?" Flick asks, walking inside the house.

"Better." Gavi answers, trying his best to sit up.

Flick quickly gestures for him to stop and to lay back down.

Gavi gives in.

"Good to hear, I'm just coming to check up on you." Flick explains, walking over to Gavi.

He places a hand on Gavi's shoulder and Gavi manages to place his hand over Flick's.

Flick frowns.

"You're still cold." He says solemnly and Gavi nods.

"Not as bad as before, I'm getting a bit warmer every day." Gavi explains and Flick's frown disappears.

He nods, clearly pleased by the answer.

"I came over because I have a question for you." Flick says, sitting down in the armchair by the couch.

Gavi looks at him, both intrigued and nervous.

"Your emergency contacts are your parents, but you're eighteen now so you can change that." Flick starts and Gavi nods slowly.

"If you want, and only if you want - I can be one of your emergency contacts. I realise that your parents are-" Flick stops himself for a moment, looking for the right word.

"Difficult. I'm staying in Barcelona and so are you, so I can be your emergency contact if you wish." Flick says, clearly wanting to say something else than the world difficult.

Gavi stares at him.

His brain was quiet.

"What?"

"I can be one of your emergency contacts." Flick repeats.

Gavi blinks.

"What?" He asks again.

Flick looks over at Pedri.

"He's just surprised." Pedri says, comforting Flick's worry.

Flick wanted to be his emergency contact?

Could he do that?

Could Gavi just put Flick instead of his parents?

Would his parents be angry?

Probably.

Should he care about that?

Maybe.

"Can I do that?" Gavi asks quietly, looking over at Pedri.

Pedri sends him a gentle nod.

Gavi turns back to Flick.

Flick nods.

Gavi swallows.

"I think I want that." Gavi says, looking at Flick.

Flick nods.

"I'll make it happen." Flick says, standing up.

"It's that easy?" Gavi asks.

Flick nods again.

"It's that easy."

Flick nods to Pedri, taking his leave.

"I'll come see you in a couple of days." Flick says and Gavi nods.

The door closes behind Flick.

"Are you okay?" Pedri asks, crouching down by Gavi.

Gavi nods slowly.

"I didn't know that he would offer that." Gavi answers quietly.

Pedri hums.

"He doesn't really care too much about your parents. We all heard about what they did to you; using their alpha voices." Pedri answers and Gavi's eyes widen.

"How did you-"

"The doctor talked to them in front of us." Pedri answers softly.

Gavi swallows.

"So everyone knows?"

Pedri nods gently.

"They're not bad parents." Gavi whispers.

He feels like a broken record, he's already told both Pedri and Flick this.

Pedri doesn't answer.

"They want what's best for me."

Pedri doesn't answer.

Gavi feels tears.

"Pedri please." Gavi whispers, begging Pedri to agree with him.

"Mi vida." Pedri answers, stroking away Gavi's tears.

"They love me." Gavi cries.

Pedri sends him a pained look, continuing to brush away Gavi's tears.

A sob forces its way out of Gavi's mouth and Gavi leans into Pedri.

Pedri immediately pulls him close, letting Gavi cry into his shirt.

Pedri has one hand on the back of Gavi's head, cradling it.

"Its going to be okay cariño." Pedri soothes.

Gavi sobs against him.

"They do." Gavi forces, pulling away to look into Pedri's eyes.

"They do! They love me, I know they love me." Gavi cries, but Pedri doesn't nod.

Doesn't agree.

Pedri places a gentle hand on Gavi's cheek.

"You don't actively hurt the people you love." Pedri says softly.

More tears fall from Gavi's cheeks.

"They're not- it's not-"

His parents love him.

They do.

"Cariño, try to breathe." Pedri tries, but Gavi shakes his head.

"They do! Pedri they love me, I know they do!" Gavi sobs out, but Pedri still doesn't agree.

"I'm sorry cariño." Pedri answers, his eyes full of sadness.

Gavi lets out a broken sob, letting Pedri pull him back into his arms.

Pedri strokes his back, murmuring sweet nothings in Gavi's ear.

Gavi's body was still healing, quickly tiring of the emotional output.

He sags against Pedri, his sobs turning into quiet cries.

Pedri holds him, still murmuring soft words.

"Lets get you into your nest." Pedri says softly, gently putting Gavi into his arms before standing up.

Gavi rests his face against Pedri's collarbone, tears slowly coming to a stop.

Pedri puts him down in the nest, stroking his forehead.

Pedri waits for Gavi to invite him in.

Gavi nods, moving so that Pedri can lay down next to him.

Pedri immediately pulls Gavi into his arms.

Gavi lets out a shaky breath.

Pedri continues to hold him, rumbling softly.

They do love him.

His parents love him.

It's what Gavi has to believe, because otherwise it means that his parents had done all of this for themselves.

It would mean that they've been feeding Gavi illegal suppressants for years, only to satisfy their own needs.

Not caring that Gavi's been getting hurt in the process.

"They love me, they have to." Gavi manages.

Pedri only strokes his back, gently lulling Gavi into sleep.

They love him.

They have to.