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Alonso blinks. And he blinks again and again. His teammate is still half undressed with his hands in front of his face and pleading after having answered a phone call. It's confusing. Very confusing.
‘Please' begs, ‘you have to help me' says his teammate. And he repeats the plea over and over again without saying what he needs, which doesn’t make any of this less confusing. Nothing really makes sense, and it doesn’t seem it’s going to make anytime soon. His teammate isn't making sense at all, and it's so unusual.
‘I don't know if I can' starts, which makes the other pout and put on a sad face. ‘I don't know what you need help with or how I can help you.' There's no doubt Alonso will do whatever he can, but he doesn't know what he’s agreeing at the moment. Part of him is offended that Fermín is even asking if he will help. Alonso is whipped and there's no doubt he'll always help his teammate.
‘Just come to my birthday in Murcia' and this is a surprise. They are close, in fact they probably are the closest pair of teammates in the current Moto2 grid, but they don't hang together outside the track, or events organized by the team or sponsors. This feels weird and very out of their usual routine. It's also intriguing as to why Fermín seems so adamant to need him there, when he’s supposed to have fun with friends and family. His teammate doesn't offer an explanation, and Alonso had entered the office in the middle of the conversation to know exactly what's going on, so he can only trust his teammate to explain and be since with him.
‘Fine, I'll be there' promises. Alonso doesn't ask for more details, as he wants to figure out why the teen needs him so desperately by his side in what’s supposed to be an intimate moment. He likes to pretend he knows enough of Fermín to figure the teen out without any input from his teammate, so he can figure out this mystery. The truth is that Alonso can’t do it, but he likes to pretend, like he likes to pretend he’s the one that knows Fermín the best in the paddock.
Alonso had nearly forgotten about his promise until he got a call that Fermín was on his way to pick him up. The teen has said that picking him is no trouble as his place is in the middle of his route. They both know that's not true because going to Valencia is a detour from Andorra to Murcia, but probably the teen just wants to make sure Alonso is going and hasn't forgotten about his promise. The older rider won’t call him out for that because he’s happy to be needed.
That call is a wake-up call to pack his things quickly because Alonso wasn’t ready at all. In his defence, it's been 2 weeks since Fermín had asked about this, and he had other things to take care of. Like coaching Almansa, his job at the Finetwork team in the JuniorGP or focusing on the preparations and training for their next race. He's running, picking his things and preparing the suitcase for the 3-day-weekend at his teammate's childhood home. Despite all of his running, he isn't ready when his teammate arrives. Alonso is glad for Fermín's infinite patience because he has just said he needed a moment of rest from all the driving, and just let him finish packing.
The car journey is fun as they are singing, talking and laughing their asses off for most of it. At the same time, it's void of importance. They are not talking about the important things, like why did Fermín invite him, or if this means they're more than just friends and teammates. What Alonso wants to know is the thing Fermín isn't saying. Why does the teen need him so desperately there, when he's supposed to celebrate with his family and fan club? When they are only half an hour away, is when Alonso breaks and finally asks.
‘My parents had invited my ex.' All the happiness and relaxation are gone from the younger's face and are replaced with blankness and a bit of sadness as soon as he has said those words. Alonso feels terrible for that, but he had really needed to know. His green eyes are focussed on the asphalt in front of him, not in Alonso. ‘They didn't do it to be mean, in fact, they meant well, but it's just…' the frustration drips from his voice.
Alonso can see how frustrated and uncomfortable Fermín is at the moment. His teammate doesn't want to talk, wants to forget, but at the same time, the younger one owes him an explanation, and it's giving it. So, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable everything is, Alonso is going to get some sort of explanation.
It's a dick move on their part' tries to show his support Alonso. The Murcian rider only grabs the steering wheel strongly, but doesn't comment anything. ‘You said they have good intentions, how are you so sure?' Alonso knows he shouldn't be pushing for more, but he can't avoid it. He wants the whole picture, and he also needs to know how on asshole he needs to be this weekend.
‘They saw us together in the paddock' offers, but that doesn't explain a lot, in fact only leaves more questions. He talks with Acosta and that doesn't mean Fermín likes the guy. ‘They have seen us talking and apparently “you look so happy next to each other that we assume you were back together”. And this is a direct quote from my mum. ' Alonso only hums, but at the same time he keeps in his mind that at least once, his teammate broke his resolve to not date someone from the paddock. ‘They have good intentions, but they don't understand how much he hurt me or how broken my heart is after he broke up with me' finishes. His knuckles are white with all the force he's using to grab the steering wheel at this point, but he hasn’t let go, as if it’s the only thing preventing him to go mad. Fermín hasn’t let his eyes wonder at all, always fixed on the road ahead of him.
‘I didn't know you had dated…' starts the older, but he doesn't finish. He doesn't know how to finish that sentence. They might be friends, but at the same time, it's usually Alonso the one who brags and talks, and Fermín is relegated to listening and bullying him (in a friendly way). There are a lot of things he doesn't know, and Fermín keeps an arm's length away from him, kind of wanting to keep things to himself. This is one of them. Fermín has never said he has dated guys, or at least that he has dated one. And apparently, he was a rider too.
‘He's the reason I have that rule. He chose racing over me' and there's the confirmation Alonso had wanted for so long. His teammate does like boys, at least one because he has dated one, so there's a bit of hope for him. But it's also a door firmly closing in front of him. Another rider had chosen his career over Fermín, and now he's too hurt to do it all over again. It's like finding an oasis, but then there's not a single drop of water. Alonso won't push, but he also doesn't want to completely let go. He likes Fermín too much for that. He wants to be at his teammate's side forever if that's allowed. Alonso wants his teammate as more than a teammate or a friend, and he hopes that the other likes him the same way, so he won't push. Alonso’s plan is to stay at his side until Fermín finally falls in love with him, until then, he just needs to wait.
When they finally arrive at Fermín's childhood home, Alonso is nervous about everything. This isn't the first time he'll meet his teammate's parents, in fact he already knows them, but this feels like a big step and something completely different. This time is not just meeting his teammate's parent, someone who might be on the box, this time he's meeting his someone special on a personal level and in an intimate environment. Mixed with everything, there's curiosity to finally meet the asshole who broke Fermín's heart. It's most likely someone who has risen through the junior categories with his teammate, but he doesn't know who it will be. The teen has kept his lips sealed about that. Alonso has not pried, not wanting to piss Fermín off, or make things worse. Alonso can't infer based on preferences as Fermín doesn't talk about these things, so he's entering this situation completely blind and willingly.
Once inside the building, he doesn't have the opportunity to talk with anyone, as he's just simply rushed to Fermín's bedroom. The room is already ready for both of them. The second bed has just been put out, like in the recent photos of Fermín and Pedro that has been floating around the net. Both beds have been made, most likely it's the teen's mum's work, and Alonso is glad for that. Not that he wouldn't have done it himself, but it gives him the opportunity to not spend too much time with it and rush to go to the others.
A part of Alonso's brain is telling him that this display of hospitality is not for him, that Fermín's parents were hoping to keep the ex in here trapped with their son. He never got the confirmation, but there's a subtitle difference on how he and the ex are treated for the whole weekend. They also seem to have been surprised by his presence, as if Fermín hadn’t informed them that he was going to come. That same part of his brain, also tells him that his own teammate doesn't want him here. He's just a fill-in so that the teen doesn't feel completely awkward with the rider that he seems to refuse to say his name.
As much as Alonso wants to fight with his own thoughts, he can't negate them when he hears laughter coming from the living room. He was left alone to unpack his stuff, while the family and the other guest are having fun. He spends more than needed because he wants to see the room with calm, as he doesn't know if he will ever be here again.
The one who greets him first is Raquel, and only because she's going back to her own room. Fermín is too busy talking to his dad and comment something on the TV to notice him. At the same time, Fermín's eyes are fixed at the back of their guest, who currently is at the kitchen's entry with the teen's mum. Alonso can only see the back, which is not giving much. He's short with has brown hair and speaks Spanish, which doesn't tell him anything about his love rival.
‘Don’t be mad if my brother doesn’t pay attention to you’ it’s the first thing Raquel tells him. ‘He won’t mean to forget about you, but he’ says pointing to the small person in the kitchen, ‘is his soulmate. He will become the centre of his attention, even if Fermín doesn’t intend it. My brother still loves him, even if he’s a bit of a twat and an asshole with my brother. My parents also love him and want Fermín’s happiness, which unfortunately depends on him’. It’s a stab directly into his heart. Raquel is telling him that no matter what he does, his teammate will never love him. Or at least not as much as he still loves his ex. ‘I’m sorry’ apologies while patting his shoulder.
Alonso doesn't respond, and in fact, it only makes him want to prove a point. ‘Rosa, do you need my help?' He walks with confidence and doesn't stop until he's right behind the other rider. As he's taller than him, he can look down and finally see the asshole's face. It shouldn't be a surprise to see who the other rider is, but it's like a direct punch to his gut to find Pedro Acosta among all the people in Fermín's childhood house. It kind of makes sense, as last season they have been talking while they shared podiums and press conferences. Hell, even in Portugal this year they had a little moment, but it still hurts.
‘Don't worry, we have everything under control' responds the woman. It's implied who the ‘we' are, which sucks because it's a polite way to say he doesn't belong there. ‘You are Fermín's guest, so go and take a seat with him' tries to shush him away. Acosta has a smug smile plastered on his face. The MotoGP rider knows he's the real guest of the house, whereas Alonso is just a last-minute imposition. The shorter one is still stuck at the entrance of the kitchen, not doing anything, and it's probably because Alonso's presence has interrupted the conversation he was having with Rosa. A conversation they don’t want to share with him.
‘Then come and take a seat with me and have a beer' no one expected Fermín to appear from behind all of them. Not that it matters. Everyone has to move away, so the younger one can go inside and grab some beers for everyone, and push Alonso towards the living area. Alonso can't help but notice that the conversation between father and son wasn't flowing like before, or how Pedro and Rosa seem to be having fun in the kitchen.
Alonso doesn't want to admit it, but Fermín's parents were right when they decided to invite Acosta. It's dumb and stupid, but it's also what his teammate had needed. No, it's what he needs. Raquel was also right, Fermín's attention has been completely absorbed by the MotoGP rider, and the asshole has taken full advantage of it. It doesn't matter if it was during the family dinner, the celebration at the fan club or the training session they had at the Cartagena karting track. Alonso has been there, just as a fixture in the wall watching the pair interact. He has seen all the accomplice look, the way they look at each other, but look away when the other notices. There are also the smiles that can't be hidden, despite how hard they had tried, or how they gravitate towards each other no matter where they are in a room full of people.
Pedro and Fermín had been joined by the hip, one way or another. Always talking or laughing, forgetting that they aren't alone in the room. Alonso had meddled as much as he could without appearing to be an asshole. He has pushed his teammate away from the other rider as much as he could with the excuse of the team wanting photos or videos or something else. It was completely futile and Fermín always ended up finding his way into Pedro's personal space, and the other rider had allowed it. At first, Pedro and Fermín were a bit awkward around each other, but a couple of beers have made them relax. From then on, the smiles have pooped in with stories about when they had been kids, or shared friends Alonso doesn't know, and probably he will never get to know them.
His teammate was really nervous and tense with the start of each interaction, but at the same time his face illuminated, and his eyes filled with love. Fermín is clearly still in love, but it's not the only one. Pedro, who usually wears a bitch face, looks softer when Fermín is not looking at him. He also carries a fond smile and even, on some rare occasions, was the one to start the interaction. Pedro is more unhinged in his comments, and he's also searching for Fermín's company and approval. They are like two magnets attracting each other all the time. Alonso is surprised he didn't notice it before. All the signs are there, or maybe it's because they are in a more relaxed and in personal setting that they are allowing themselves to be like this.
In all the weekend, Alonso got only one victory over Pedro, and he'll gladly take it. Maybe it was the best win, actually. He was allowed to share a room with Fermín, while Pedro had to drive each day. It was nearly a whole hour each time Pedro came to visit, and another one when he had to go back home with a puppy face because he didn't actually want to leave. The MotoGP rider didn't complain at all about all the millage he had to do. In fact, when Alonso said it was a long commute, and dumb of him to do it, Pedro has said he will always do it gladly.
There's another advantage of his situation. He knows what's going on, and he isn't surprised with the light flirting, or whatever Pedro and Fermín had going on, happens when they are at the track. Escrig, who has been dragged by Pedro because “you can't have any more cheat days” and “take this opportunity to study your rivals” is completely taken aback by it. The Forward rider is also surprised by how different his friend is compared to his usual self. Clearly Álex hasn't seen the force of nature Fermín is or the influence he has over Acosta. Alonso hadn't known either until just a couple of days ago. However, he should have known by the way Pedro had let him be embraced last year when Pedro and Fermín had shared a podium.
‘What would they do first? Kiss or kill each other?' Álex breaks the silence, and with it, Alonso's train of thought. They are currently sitting on some chairs under the shadows on Cartagena’s track. They are taking a break after a friendly race and currently Pedro and Fermín are bickering about something, probably about their bikes, as they are standing close to Fermín's Husqvarna. From their spot, they can hear how they call each other, bringing back old nicknames that none of them knew. Like, how the hell is Pedro responding to “mopa”? Alonso is surprised, but after spending so much time with them, he isn't responding.
‘They will fuck and then kiss and then kill each other’ ends up confessing. Alonso can only sigh because he can see that Fermín is falling back into Pedro’s trap. That night, their last one in La Ñora, Alonso brings his concerns about Fermín falling in love with Pedro rather than out of it. His teammates assure him it’s not going to happen and that there’s nothing in this world that Pedro can do for him to get back together. A part of him wanted to believe, but what he had seen this weekend makes Alonso differ.
Alonso was right, Fermín was back in the trap. He got the confirmation not long after they arrived at COTA. They were supposed to be doing some recording for the team’s social media platforms and some Vbloging shenanigans with Serch, except he couldn't find his teammate anywhere.
It took a while, but he finally found the teen, kissing and giggling with Pedro behind some trucks and tents far away from prying eyes. It was nearly a miracle Alonso found them, but it was impossible to not recognize Fermín’s voice. The normal option will be to approach them and pick Fermín to do their media duties, but he doesn't do it. He's too afraid to see how much happier the MotoGP can make his teammate. Alonso is also afraid that his interruption will make Acosta break Fermín's heart all over again.
No, Alonso doesn't approach them, he just calls Fermín insistently, until the younger one picks the phone, and tells him to meet with him for media duties. He doesn't mention he knows about them, nor does Fermín mention anything. At the same time, for those who know it, it's obvious that there's something going on, like how they somehow will always find each other on the paddock, or how their touches linger a bit too much.
It's just a regular day close to the summer break when Fermín finally confesses that he has a boyfriend, but it's never about that what brought that conversation. They are having dinner at the team's hospitality like they usually do.
‘Would you like to have the room I'm renting at the motorhome hotel?' Alonso moves his eyes from his plate to look at his teammate, who is looking at his phone with a lovesick smile on his face. There's not a doubt he's talking with Pedro like he always does. They are probably planning where to meet and have a bit of alone time before going to sleep.
‘Sure, I would like to have one and not have to go to a hotel, but why are you offering yours?' Alonso is really confused about the offer. ‘Aww you want us to finally share a room' half jokes because this is what he really wants, even if he knows it’s never going to happen.
‘Ugh! No' protest the younger. His eyes are no longer on the phone, and now Alonso has his full attention. ‘Pedro and I are thinking of sharing his motorhome. We really can't spend that much time together unless he moves to Andorra or I move back to Murcia.' It's not said if he's going back to La Ñora, or moving to Mazarrón to be closer to the MotoGP rider. It's more likely the second option, as the teen has already tasted the freedom of not having your parents close to nag him all the time.
Alonso fakes confusion, well not really. He is confused about them wanting to share a space where everyone can see them. It isn't like they haven't been close or having PDAs on the paddock, but they haven't been doing it on the open either, and somehow it feels like a big step there in their relationship.
‘Oh' there has to be something on Alonso's face that makes the teen become nervous. ‘Look I wasn't really planning on it, but I'm back with Pedro' tries to explain.
‘You assured me there wasn't anything he could do to make you go back to him, so explain to me why this change.' Alonso knows there isn't a reason why he needs to know, but he feels like he needs to know just to be able to protect and comfort Fermín when Pedro hurts him again.
‘He chose me this time' it's the only thing he says at first. ‘We were caught by my sister, and he just admitted it, and then he also told my parent, his parents and friends. We don't need to hide now' finally explains after drinking a glob of water. Alonso refrains himself from saying that it's just momentarily, what would happen when other riders find it? Or when they are confronted by their teams, the media or fans?
‘I'm happy for you' instinctively, he reaches to touch Fermín's hand that is over the table to show his support. ‘Sure, I'll take your room' is what he says, but he keeps the “so you have a space to retreat the moment Pedro hurts you” to himself. Alonso really doesn't want to seem insensitive or an asshole for not fully trusting Acosta to not hurt again his teammate.
Their moment is completely broken when once again the teen's phone pings with a new message. The green eyes move quickly, and by the smile on his face, there isn't a doubt that is a message from Pedro.
‘I have to go' says. There's no opportunity for anything else as Fermín is already leaving the hospitality. He's clearly in a rush to meet with Pedro.
Alonso doesn't need to be there, but he knows that once they find each other Pedro will embrace Fermín and bring him closer to his body. He will offer his hand for Fermín to play and relax, or will offer the candies or gums that he has started to carry with him to keep Fermín distracted.