The Sound of Pulling Heaven Down Ch4

[midnightrambles]

Make Love Like

He was living his dream. He came a regular on the tour, climbing the rankings steadily. Sure things became tough at certain points in his career but Fernando put in hard work, day in and day out. Within four years, Fernando had jumped from being 173 in the world to 27. The day he won his first ATP Masters title was incredible. He would never forget that day, yet at the same time it was all just a blur. One thing would not forget for sure however was the feeling of winning at home, in front for a crowd who chanted his name merrily. It was an intoxicating feeling. As was the doubles win in Stockholm with Feliciano. To win and share it with his best friend was an amazing feeling to say the least.

His relationship with Feliciano became something more than just friendship. He didn’t question it at first, just allowed it to happen as it did. They had sex and shared a bed on numerous occasions during tournaments. It became the norm. It was always Feliciano’s room where they spent most of their time together and both of them were okay with it. It wasn’t as though they spent every moment awake together. No, it wasn’t like that at all. They still explored other relationships. Surprisingly enough, it was Feliciano who settled into a relationship he was comfortable with.

When he was back in Madrid for the Masters Series in 2005, he ran into Maria, literally. He had been late coming from lunch one day and had collided with her outside of a restaurant. Her eyes had lit up and she ignored his apologies in favour to wrap him in a tight hug. They had gone for dinner the same night and ended their evening by having sex that lasted late into the night. Things between them began to stabilize when Feliciano decided to spend his downtime in Madrid instead of training elsewhere. Maria passed on a couple of modelling opportunities to spend time with him; she knew plenty more would be knocking on her door soon.

His relationship with her was easy, comfortable. He had always liked her, enjoyed her company in every way he could. When his game became frustrating, she was there to calm him down. She talked strategy with him, even made time to watch his matches in person. Life with Maria wasn’t complicated and he liked that. It was an added bonus that she just happened to like football as much as he did and they spent many weekends watching matches together.

That however did not mean that his relationship with Fernando, or Julián for that matter, came to an end. He was exclusive with Maria when it came to other women. She knew about the men Feliciano with, although she didn’t know who exactly, and was perfectly fine with it, as long as she was the last one he said goodnight to every night.

Keeping up with Julián proved to be the toughest. He hardly got to see his friend any more, what with all the traveling they both did, Feliciano for tennis and Julián for business. They still remained in contact however. Above all else, Feliciano valued his friendship with Julián very much. He had eventually opened up about Maria and Fernando with the older man.

His relationship with Fernando was on a whole different level. At first it started off with being a tournament thing. If they were playing in the same tournament then by default they always managed to spend as much time as possible together. Sex was always amazing and new. Fernando wanted to learn everything. His eagerness turned Feliciano on like nothing before. So they fucked at every tournament. But it wasn’t just the sex that improved; their friendship had as well. Feliciano had been a little wary about telling the younger man about Maria but when he did Fernando only offered his congratulations and support. They began relying on each other, and not just off the court either. They became a good doubles team, watching each other’s back and had even won a title together. Although everything had been flowing quite smoothly, they never did talk about their relationship or their first night together in Miami all those years ago.

-*-

2008 rolled in and Fernando felt better than ever. He couldn’t believe he started the year in the top 30. He knew it was going to be a good year for him; he had so much more to give, so much more to prove. The year started off alright; he lost early in Australia but managed to beat Roger Federer in the second round in Dubai, only to lose to Andy Murray in the next. Fernando managed to stay positive however. He was chosen to represent Spain in Davis Cup and couldn’t have been happier. Paired with Feliciano, they had won their doubles match and secured Spain’s spot in the semi final.

Out of everything they did together, playing doubles was Fernando’s favourite, even over the sex. There was nothing like winning with your best friend standing next you to, relishing in the triumph together (although victory sex was pretty amazing too). However, even the losses seemed to be less of a blow when they were paired together. Feliciano always knew was to say, what to do. Win or lose, Feliciano had always reached for him after the match and whispered into his ear how well he played and that he was proud to play alongside him. It was praises like those that made Fernando try even harder, both individually and in doubles.

His next two tournaments after Davis Cup proved to be a challenge with early exits but he managed to bounce back in Rome and Hamburg, respectively. He was confident in himself, in his ability when he arrived in Paris. He gave it his all and wasn’t too disappointed when he lost to his young friend, Rafael Nadal, who seemed to own that tournament anyway. His ranking furthered to number 20 and he was ecstatic beyond belief. He remembered calling Feliciano, barely coherent as he recited his excitement to his friend. Feliciano had showered him with praise and kind words. When they had met up at Wimbledon, Feliciano had fucked his congratulations into him and he loved every moment of it. Together, yet individually, they won their matches in the first, second and third rounds. It was Feliciano however who would proceed to the quarterfinals, not the younger man. It was Fernando’s turn to cheer on his friend. He watched every minute of Feliciano’s match with Marat Safin and though he did not win, Fernando called and congratulated him for his efforts.

Later on that year he won another title in Umag and was ranked 13th in the world. He was only getting better and better with every tournament, with every win. When it came to play the Davis Cup final, he knew only good things were in store for him.

-*-

“Are you okay, Feli?”

He looked up from where he was tying his shoes dutifully, readying himself for a much needed practice session. He needed to work out his aggression, and hitting a few balls with every inch of strength seemed to be the best solution.

“Sure,” he said as he rose from the bench and shouldered his bag. He offered Fernando a smile as he walked passed him, not stopping for an inspection from his younger friend. Once he got on the court, he dropped his bag on the floor, pulled out a racquet and joined David Ferrer. The entire time he was hitting with David, he felt Fernando’s eyes as they bore into him. He didn’t pay it any attention though. Instead he had a final to concentrate on. He still couldn’t believe that Spain was in the final and so was he. It was already an amazing feeling; he could only imagine what it would feel like if they actually won.

After an hour, he sunk down onto the bench and watched the others as they continued. A shadow fell over his body. He knew exactly who it was, just from the sound of his footsteps, and he couldn’t run away.

“Feli,” Fernando started as he sat down next to his friend. “Why are you avoiding me? I just want to know if you’re okay.”

Feliciano sighed as he rested back against the hard wood. “I’m fine, Nando. Why wouldn’t I be? Relationships breakup all the time. This is no different.”

A hand rested on his thigh gently. His eyes fixed on it immediately.

“Yeah it is, Feli. Don’t act like it’s not. You loved her. You still do.”

“But I knew she would eventually move on. She’s been implying for a while now that she wants a family and that’s something I can’t give her, not right now anyway.” There was so much he wanted to say, to get off his chest but he couldn’t, not to Fernando. He wasn’t the right person.

Fernando slid over and threw his arm around Feliciano’s neck. He pressed a kiss to his cheek and smiled when his friend finally looked at him. “Come on. Practice with me?”

He couldn’t resist Fernando’s smile. Hell, no one could. Feliciano took the hand Fernando offered and jogged over to the baseline.

Maria had told him a week earlier that their relationship had to end. She didn’t understand why they were together if Feliciano didn’t see himself settling down anytime soon. It had hurt for both of them. They had been together for a while now but they had mutually agreed to end it. Why keep living the pretence of a lie? Maria had emphasized on the fact that she couldn’t keep up with his constant need to party but she never ruled out the chance of getting back together once he had reformed his ways. So, Feliciano had grasped onto that little hope and threw himself into tennis. At the moment, everything else came second, even Maria.

They rallied for a bit before breaking into a pseudo match, with the first one to fifteen to be named the winner. Feliciano felt comfortable for the first time that day as he ran about the court, hitting shots he never had before. In the end, it was the older man who came out victorious. Too bad it wasn’t real.

Together, the men headed back to their hotel, exhausted and ready to relax for the rest of the day. No one even batted an eyelash at the fact that they now shared hotel rooms, and had been so for the last few months. Their coaches decided that as long as they didn’t allow it to effect their game, then they truly didn’t care. However, they didn’t know about their relationship either though. Both men were sure that their coaches would reverse their decision in a heartbeat if they did.

Feliciano flopped onto the bed as Fernando hopped into the shower. He looked up and stared at the ceiling, letting the sound of the shower to lull him. Minutes went by before he decided that it was better to save water than waste it. Before he reached the bathroom door, his clothes were off and left on the floor behind him like a breadcrumb trail. He opened the door carefully and quietly. He didn’t want the younger man to know of his presence, not yet. Thanking the hotel for having clear shower doors silently, Feliciano hung back and fisted his cock as he watched Fernando soap up his body. His eyes followed Fernando’s hands closely and he had bit back a moan when Fernando reached behind his body to his hole. Out in public, Fernando was quite aware of his physical appeal but when it was just the two of them, he tended to underestimate the power of his sex, especially with Feliciano. If it were up to the older man, he would have Fernando tied to the bed and not let him up for days. Feliciano had shared such thoughts with him but Fernando would just dismiss them as Feliciano being perpetually horny (which was a valid point).

When the younger man traced his hands back around to his muscled stomach and dipped one to wrap around his cock, Feliciano waited no longer. Still mindful to keep quite however, he opened the shower door and slipped directly behind Fernando. The younger man jumped when he felt arms close around his waist, a hand covering his own, stroking his cock together. Feliciano bit down on his ear.

“Fuck, Nando. Hermoso.”

Fernando struggled but managed to turn around and face his friend. He pressed their lips together. Feliciano’s hand let go and attached itself to Fernando’s buttock instead. He kneaded it and moaned into the other man’s mouth, wanting him so much.

“Fuck me.”

Fernando pulled back and looked into Feliciano, searching for a sign that Feliciano was just using sex to self medicate himself. When he didn’t find one, he brought his hands to rest on Feliciano’s backside and parted them.

“Condom?”

Feliciano whined in the back his throat. “I don’t know. Don’t need it. Just fuck me!”

But Fernando shook his head. No matter how hot he was for Feliciano, he would never put his friend or himself in danger. He placed a kiss to Feliciano’s nose before stepping out the shower. Luckily his shaving kit was sitting on the counter. He pulled one out and rolled it onto his hardening cock before getting back into the shower. Feliciano groaned as soon as he saw Fernando already wearing the rubber. He reached out and pulled Fernando under the shower and kissed him hard. His hand closed around Fernando’s shaft and began to pump it. With a hand on his chest, Fernando shuffled forward and pushed Feliciano against the tiled wall of the shower. With a lick to his mouth, the younger man broke the kiss.

“Turn around.”

Feliciano complied without being told twice. He stuck out his ass and looked over his shoulder to watch Fernando’s every move. The younger man grasped the bottle of conditioner and poured a liberal amount onto his fingers before he plunged them into Feliciano. He was careful, always was but his own need built up fast and shortly after he was pressing into Feliciano’s heat. No one was like Feliciano.

He moaned and thrust back onto Fernando’s cock. This was one thing Maria couldn’t give him. Plastic could never compare to a real, hard, silky feel of a cock. And only Fernando knew how to give it to him how he liked, how he wanted it, needed it. Fernando’s arm came around him and held him close as he started to pound into him. His head rested against his hard shoulder, the water making his eyes close. Feliciano just gave himself over to the feeling, of the hard cock thrusting into him, of the hands that held him securely, of the lips kissing and biting his neck. He just let go.

With Feliciano completely pliant in his arms, Fernando wrapped a hand around his cock and stroked him in time with his thrusts. He dropped his hips a little and moaned when Feliciano tightened around him, indicating that he found the other man’s prostate. He wrapped his fingers around the base, cutting Feliciano off from coming and started to move his hips even faster. Feliciano cries only turned Fernando on more. He had never seen his friend this desperate.

Although he didn’t say it, Fernando knew Feliciano hated the fact that Maria was no longer with him, that she longer wanted to put up with him. Fernando had himself witnessed on two separate occasions when Feliciano avoided Maria’s question of possibly settling down together. He saw the disappointment that flooded her beautiful face but he never said anything to Feliciano. It wasn’t his place, it still wasn’t.

Instead, he fucked him, fucked him hard like Feliciano wanted it.

“Nando. Fuck! Let me come.”

Fernando ignored the plea. It would only be a little longer before he relented. He kept his grip tight around the base of Feliciano’s cock as his other hand held the older man in place. Moans were muffled by the sound of the shower but not completely drowned out. Feliciano let himself be heard.

“N-nando, please.”

The desperation in his voice struck a chord within Fernando. His hips sped up. His cock hit Feliciano’s prostate with every thrust. Feliciano tightened his muscles around Fernando. He needed Fernando to come so he could too. It wasn’t long before the younger man shoved Feliciano flat up against the wall as he came inside the condom. His hand began to stroke; all it took was two for Feliciano release his orgasm. Needing his friend’s lips, Fernando pulled out hastily and kept the older man pinned as his tongue practically mimicked the earlier actions of his cock. When he pulled back, both men were heaving against each other.

Fernando peeled off the condom and dropped it next to the shampoo on the ledge. He shimmied his body backward, his arms still securely around Feliciano, so they could both be under the showerhead. The mess of their orgasm mixed with the water, trailed down their bodies and swirled down the drain.

“Better?” Fernando murmured against his lips.

Feliciano hummed, sending vibrations through the younger man’s body. “You always make me feel better, Nando. Always.”

Reaching up, Fernando cupped his face between his hands, his thumbs caressing the apples of his cheeks. “Good.”

Their shower came to an abrupt end but their lust didn’t. They towelled off and moved to the bed where they spent the rest of the night in each other’s arms, pushing each other to his sexual limit.

-*-

Listening intently to Emilio Sanchez, the men were ready to take center stage. It might have not been the ideal season for Feliciano but he was ready to end off the year just right. His win over Juan Martin Del Potro had lit a new bright fire in his eyes, a new hunger filled his veins. Now Spain had a chance to go out 2-1 and it was all on him and Fernando. He couldn’t have picked anyone else who he would want to be in this situation with.

Fernando tapped his thigh lightly, smiling at him when he looked up. At times, Feliciano didn’t believe that this was the same boy he met over ten years ago, the one who wouldn’t give in until he would be his friend. When Feliciano thought back to it, he couldn’t believe that Fernando hadn’t punched him when he first kissed him; he didn’t even know himself what the hell he was doing. But now, ten years later, he was glad that he threw caution to the wind and did what felt right.

Sure it hadn’t all been so easy, with the worst coming not too long ago. It seemed as though Fernando had adopted a jealous streak. It had taken a while but he finally calmed down about Carlos and wasn’t always suspicious of the older tennista. Instead he became wary of Rafael. Rafael was harmless, just a young boy who was star struck almost immediately. Feliciano and Carlos both had taken a liking to him and began to show him the ropes. Fernando however couldn’t help but feel the anger bubble up when the younger man turned his doe eyes on Feliciano and pouted about something rather stupid. He just felt as though Rafael was trying to get everyone’s attention and he didn’t like that. Feliciano picked up on it eventually and took matters into his own hands. Being the smart man that he is, he had pinned Fernando against the wall in the locker room in Australia and begged his friend to fuck him. He knew Rafael was in the room; he had planned it out that way, though Fernando was none the wiser. He took the bait and fucked him hard. When Rafael then began to distance himself from both men (in the sense of not being glued to Feliciano’s side any more), Feliciano decided to let Fernando know what he did. He was surprised, more than, but he didn’t say it didn’t please him. Although they didn’t talk about it, both men had an understanding (that most others couldn’t quite grasp but it didn’t matter to them).

“Feli, Nando, you have five minutes then we go on the court. Get ready, okay?”

They collectively nodded and turned to each other after Emilio walked away. David and Marcel Granollers joined them and together as a group they formed a circle, as they had done for the previous two matches. The four men bowed their heads and David led the short prayer. When it was over, Marcel and David approached the other two and hugged them, wishing them luck before leaving the two alone. Fernando turned to Feliciano, his infectious smile still in place.

“This is it.”

Feliciano looped his arms around Fernando’s neck and pulled him in for a hard hug. “You’re going to do great. We are doing to do great. Okay?” He rested their foreheads together and closed his eyes. He breathed in deep, inhaling Fernando’s scent before opening his eyes again. Fernando didn’t say anything but Feliciano didn’t need him to, didn’t expect him too. A knock on the door minutes later disrupted their comfortable silence.

“Let’s go, boys.”

They shared one last smile before breaking apart. Shouldering their bags, Feliciano and Fernando readied themselves as they took to the court, the cheers and shouts loud deafening.

-*-

Rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, Feliciano kept his focus as he kept his eyes on David Nalbandian. The first serve sailed right into the net. Feliciano breathed and stepped back onto the baseline. The second serve cracked and he moved forward slightly to return it, send the ball short into the corner of the court. David couldn’t return it, didn’t anticipate the short ball and Feliciano’s racquet fell out of his hands. He turned to his partner and dropped to his knees, not believing that they won the match and Spain was that much closer to victory.

Fernando ran up to him and fell onto his knees immediately. The hug he wrapped the older man into was nothing but pure love as he pressed their cheeks together, his lips close to Feliciano’s ears.

“We did it! We fucking did it!”

The closeness of the other man, his scent of hard work, was heady. Feliciano pushed himself further into the embrace but then suddenly he became aware of the noise surround him, the cheers from the crowd, his team mates and friends. It was as though someone had put the stadium on mute when Fernando enveloped him in his arms but now it had been lifted, thrusting Feliciano back into reality. He pushed Fernando away lightly, relishing the fact that the younger man kept his hand around his neck until he absolutely had to pull away. Feliciano got up and headed over the net to congratulate their opponents for a hard fought match. Then suddenly he was facing the crowd and he couldn’t help but rile them up a little more. It was a big deal after all. They were one win away.

After being congratulated by Emilio, Fernando had to sit down. He reached for a towel and placed his face into his. They had played great, exactly how Feliciano said they were. And now it would be all up to him. He let everything settle in, all the emotions - happiness, elation, and nervousness in the forefront - before he got up and joined his friends and team mates. The older man was easy to spot. He settled next to him, wrapped an arm around Feliciano’s shoulder as he pushed close and began to bounce and sing with the rest of them. Feliciano turned his head slightly, but didn’t stop jumping as he gave Fernando a wide grin.

-*-

They had stumbled into their hotel room together, lips and fingers frantic for each other. David had offered to take their bags to his room. He didn’t comment on it but he could see how tired yet hungry they were for each other. So their only concern was to get into their hotel room as quickly as possible. Once the key slot gave the green light, Feliciano pushed his way into the room and collapsed on to the bed. Fernando on top of him and settled his head onto his chest. Feliciano brought a hand up to his hair and stroked the now clean and product free hair. When Fernando practically purred (though he’d argue that it was a moan and nothing else), Feliciano chuckled softly.

“We should probably change and get under the sheets before we go to sleep, no? Come on,” Feliciano stated as he gently pushed his chest against Fernando’s head. The younger man let out a groan in protest but followed suit. They stripped, left their clothes on the floor and slipped into bed. Fernando wasted no time to close off the distance between their bodies. Their kisses started off soft and chaste but caught on fire quickly. A hand slid around Feliciano’s body and cupped his cheeks, a quick finger running down the parting. Hesitantly, he pulled away, his wet puffy lips shinning in the dim light.

“We probably shouldn’t, chico. It’s an important match tomorrow,” Feliciano whispered. He brought up his thumb and traced the outline of younger man’s bottom lip.

Fernando sighed, knowing he was right. “But I want you now.” Feliciano just chuckled and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Win tomorrow and you can have me however you like.”

“What if I don’t?”

Feliciano tapped his thumb against the protruding lip before replacing it with his teeth. He bit down hard and relished in the yelp the younger man let out. “We don’t have to think about that you are going to win.” He reached forward and turned off the lamplight. He wrapped him in his embrace, placed a kiss to his forehead and settled his head against the pillow. Within a few minutes, Feliciano fell asleep. Nerves fluttered through Fernando’s body, but he too eventually drifted off to sleep.

By the time Fernando had woken up the next day, it was well into the morning. He lifted his body into a sitting position and looked around. He was just about to call out the older man’s name when the bathroom door opened and out stepped Feliciano, fresh in a white robe

“Good morning,” Feliciano said with a smile. He came closer and gave Fernando a sweet kiss before he took a seat next to him and sat cross legged.

Fernando moaned. He was slowly becoming accustomed to having the older man around. “You showered without me?” A pout settled onto his lips, causing the other man to laugh.

“You were sleeping, chico. I didn’t want to bother you.”

“Fine then,” Fernando stuck out his tongue before he walked to the washroom. He left the door open; so he heard his phone ring. “Feli, can you check who that is? My phone should be in my jean’s pocket.”

Back on the bed, the older man rolled his eyes before he dutifully went over to the pile of clothes on the round. He ruffled through it and found Fernando’s Blackberry.

“It’s a text message.”

“From who?”

Feliciano scrolled through and saw that it was Ana who left the message. He frowned. “Ana.”

With his toothbrush in his hand, Fernando stood in the doorway. “What did she say?”

With a click, the whole message was visible to Feliciano. As he quickly scanned through it, his stomach knotted. “Uh, do you want me to read it out loud?”

The younger man nodded.

“‘Good luck on your match today, Amor. I know you’ll be awesome. Call me after. Miss you, Ana.’ She made a heart sign too,” Feliciano stated. He didn’t like the way Fernando smiled and nodded before walking back into the bathroom.

When Fernando had told him about a month ago that he was seeing Ana Ivanovic, Feliciano didn’t think much of it. He was happy for his friend though. Fernando had been nothing but supportive during his relationship with Maria and he tried to return the favour. Ana was nice enough, sweet actually but Feliciano couldn’t see himself with her. So he didn’t fully understand what Fernando saw in her, beside her obvious beauty. As far as he knew, it was just sex between the two but that message would argue otherwise. It didn’t sit well with the older man.

A little while later, Fernando walked out with a towel around his hips. He knew Feliciano followed him with his eyes as he slowly made his way through the room. He made quite a show of bending down and picking up the clothes he discarded last night and then of putting on fresh ones. With his back to Feliciano, he put a shirt on first. Then he dropped his towel, baring his toned ass and thighs to Feliciano’s roaming and hungry gaze before lazily pulling on a pair of boxers and jeans. When he turned around, he smiled cheekily before heading over to where Feliciano was, now dressed in a shirt and sweats. He reached for his phone, which was on the table next to the bed before placing a kiss to his friend’s lips and flopping down onto his back.

“So,” Feliciano started when Fernando began to type away. “How are things with her?”

Fernando looked up, a smile tugging the corner of his lips. “Good. She wanted to come here to watch. But I wasn’t too sure if that was a good idea with all the media being around.”

“Are you two serious then?”

He shrugged. As he looked back down to his phone, he missed the look that clouded the older man’s face. “We like what we have right now. It’s... not complicated.” He chuckled.

Feliciano didn’t comment. Instead he sat there, wondering why he was acting like a jealous boyfriend. He knew how they handled their ‘situation’ was unhealthy. They never talked about it. They never discussed what they were doing or the logistics of it. Fernando had no idea what he felt and Feliciano had no idea what the younger man felt. As the keys continued to sound however, the older man no longer wanted to hold back.

“Do you want to be serious with her?”

The answer he received was non-committal shrug.

“Do... Would you want to be serious with someone else?”

Fernando looked up from his phone and stared at him. He sat up directly in front of Feliciano. “What are you asking, Feli?”

Inhaling deeply, Feliciano closed his eyes before opening them up quickly, his vision clear. “In the last... I don’t even know, ten years, we have never talked about us even once. There probably isn’t even an ‘us’ but every since the first time I kissed you by the pool that day when we were young, we never talked about it. I don’t know what we would even say but I know that isn’t a good thing, Nando.” He paused when the younger man’s phone went off again. When Fernando just clicked it off without breaking their eye contact, he continued. “We... We fuck, which is completely fine with me, even more so now that Maria is no longer with me. But what if you and Ana become serious? Are we going to continue this? Would you want to continue?”

Tossing his phone to the side, Fernando scooted closer. “Where is this coming from?”

“I don’t know,” Feliciano answered truthfully. “I just felt like we should talk about it.” Under his breath he added, “God, I sound like a woman.”

“You don’t,” Fernando replied, “Sound like a woman, I mean. I have always wanted to.” He looked down to his lap, his voice getting quiet. “Do you remember that time when I asked you about Carlos? I wanted to talk to you then, tell you... I still don’t know. I just wanted to know what we were doing and where this was going. I wanted... to tell you it was just sex.”

When Feliciano didn’t reply, Fernando lifted his head. Confusion and hurt was written all over the older man’s face. Fernando quickly started to speak again, wanting to clear up what he meant.

“That’s what I wanted to tell you then because I didn’t understand what we were doing. I still don’t but I know it’s not just sex? It never was, right?”

Feliciano shook his head. “We shouldn’t be talking about this right now. You have a match to play.” He tried to get up, but hands on his thighs prevented him in doing so.

“We still have a few hours.” His voice softened. “You started this, Feli.”

“I know! I was stupid to because I don’t even know myself. It’s just that when you were talking about Ana... I wanted to know whether being with me is ruining your chances at having something better with her.”

The statement shocked Fernando, as did the older man’s demeanour. His shoulders slumped, his eyes tired and heavy. He was the epitome of the word defeated.

“So what should we do then, Feli? Do you want a relationship with me?” asked Fernando. His mind was whirling.

“I don’t know! Fuck!”

Silence fell around them. Fernando’s phone beeped a few times; the Argentinean city buzzed outside. But nothing exchanged between the friends. Instead they sat there on the bed and stared at each other. Fernando took in Feliciano’s form. The question wasn’t whether he wanted the older man physically or not, because they both knew he did. Feliciano had always been good looking; he had thought so since the day they met over ten years ago; but could he have a relationship with him? With another man? Something clicked in Fernando’s mind.

Reaching forward, Fernando grasped Feliciano’s hand into his own. He looked straight into his eyes and smiled. “Friends first, remember? Do you remember saying that to me?” Feliciano just nodded. “Well whatever happens we need to remember that. If you want to try being something more, then let’s do it. If not, that’s fine too. I just don’t want it to change our friendship.” He squeezed Feliciano’s hand. “Deal?”

Feliciano stared at him before he started laughing. It wasn’t supposed to be funny but he thought the fact that the younger man had used his own words on him was quite hilarious. He put his other hand on top of theirs.

“Deal.”

Fernando smiled again before getting up from the bed. “Okay let’s go get our stuff from David. I have a match to play and win!” He walked over to chair where he put his jacket earlier and retrieved it. When he didn’t see or hear his friend following, he looked back to the bed. Fernando frowned.

“Feli?”

Feliciano shook his and smiled slightly. He got up from the bed and approached the younger man. Leaning in, Feliciano kissed him gently, his tongue licking Fernando’s lips shyly. With one last chaste kiss, Feliciano pulled the door open. “Let’s go.”

-*-

For the third night in a row, they stood in the locker room, awaiting the start of the fourth and maybe final match. The sole focus was on Fernando. He couldn’t say he liked but the opposite wasn’t true either. He just wished he was sharing it with someone, like he had the previous night with Feliciano. But today was all about him and if he could get it done.

Prayers and pep talk had been done but because of a technical problem, there was a slight delay. Fernando sat on the bench, his knees bouncing before him. He may not admit to liking the attention or not, but he definitely knew he hated nerves. It plagued his very core, made him queasy and unsure of his abilities. Above all, he hated showing his nervousness to others. Luckily, everyone else had been scattered about instead of hoarding around him. He bent forward, undid his shoelaces and started to tie them again.

“Worried much, chico?”

Fernando looked up and returned Feliciano’s smile, although his wasn’t as calm as the older man’s. He patted the seat next to him and moved over slightly to accommodate his friend.

“What if”

“Don’t,” Feliciano stopped the younger man from continuing with a finger to his lips. “There’s no point in asking ‘what if’, especially when you haven’t even stepped onto the court yet.” He quickly surveyed the room before dropping a kiss to Fernando’s lips. “You’ll be fine, okay?”

This time when Fernando smiled it was nothing but genuine. “Gracias.”

“De nada.”

They spent the next five minutes sitting together in silence. Fernando’s knees stopped bouncing, as did his stomach and when it was time to go, he could say he was mostly relaxed.

Stepping into the stadium, the crowd exploded. This was it. This was what he lived for, thrived for. With a look towards the heavens, Fernando recited one last prayer.

-*-

The ball dropped from José Acasuso’s hand; bounce, bounce, bounce. Then it was tossed in the air, where it connects with his racquet with a speed unimaginable by most. The neon ball fell in front of Fernando and he returned it with an easy forehand. Balancing on his toes, Fernando kept his eyes focused as he followed through on another hit. Hurrying over to the other side of the court, Fernando sliced a backhand and then hurried as he tried to get back into position. With all his might, he cracked another forehand and watched as Jose wasn’t able to return it.

Everything stopped, just a split second. Then the crowd was erupting; his racquet and body fell to the ground ceremoniously. Fernando couldn’t believe it. He did it. He did it. He mumbled Dios Mío! over and over again into the court, his hands curled up in a fist as he pounded them into the surface. He turned around and faced up, whispering a heartfelt Gracias. Seconds later, the rush of his team mates surrounded him and suddenly bodies were on top of his. It seemed like there were a thousand different voices all speaking at once. He couldn’t make out the exact words but he heard ‘fuck’ and ‘we won’ numerous times.

Finally, he was allowed up and was met by his friends’ and team mates’ smiles. His body, his heart was filled with such joy and pride, he felt like he was going to burst from the seams. He was captured in more hugs, with more praises filling his ears. As he looked up he saw José across the net, his head in his hands, defeat in his shoulders. Sombrely, he jogged up the other man and pulled José in close; a hand curling around his neck, Fernando offered his words praise and consolation. With a pat to José’s cheek, he hugged and received congratulations from the rest of his opponents. With one last kiss to an Argentinean’s cheek, he headed back to his camp. His heart swelled with pride. The fact that he was one who made it all possible was just an added bonus. Fernando ran over to Emilio. The smile, the joy on the captain’s face could have rivalled the younger man’s. They hugged; the embrace tight and warm. Emilio added his words of congratulations and admiration.

There were more hugs; one with a trainer, another with David. David kept shouting his ear, professing his love for him over and over again. Suddenly a circle formed around him. Fernando threw himself against the shouting, cheering and bouncing group of men he was proud to be a part of. Together, as one unit they began to sing and dance, shouting out their love for España. When the group finally broke apart, two men stood facing each other, smiles so wide that their cheeks must have hurt.

Feliciano was beaming at him, pride and love etched into his features. He hung back but it was too far away for Fernando’s liking. He pulled his older friend to him and pressed their bodies together.

“Feli!”

“You did it, chico!” Feliciano laughed with such elation, his voice floating into the younger man’s ears. Fernando pulled them even closer, the momentum forcing him to walk backwards. He wanted to kiss his friend, to thank him for believing in him when even he wasn’t so sure of himself. Instead, he settled for keeping them locked together in an embrace for as long as he could. However, it wasn’t long enough. Marcel came rushing over and joined them, eventually breaking the two friends apart.

Walking back onto the court, Fernando clapped for the crowd, for the minority of Spanish supporters who cheered on endlessly, not just today but over the last three days. He blew kisses before he ran over to his family, who didn’t arrive until the day before (there had been some issues at his parent’s restaurant that needed to be resolved. Fernando understood - he was just glad to have them there now). His father wrapped his arms around him.

“Nando, you were great! I knew you could do it! Phenomenal. I’m so proud of you.”

Fernando’s heart swelled even further. There was nothing like hearing praise from his father. Others offered their congratulations, along with more hugs and more kisses: his mother, aunts, uncles, and friends. His heart plummeted when he realized his sisters weren’t present, but only for second. He knew they couldn’t leave their studies and knew they were watching anyway.

An arm swung on to his shoulders and he was pulled to face the crowd. Together with his team mates and the audience, they began to chant ‘Campeones’ with such fire in their voices. Minutes later, Fernando was pulled to do interviews and he tried his best to put into words the feeling he had right at that moment.

And so went the rest of their day. With an arm around Feliciano, they stood together to receive their medals. Fernando looked down at it and smiled. He couldn’t believe that it was all over, that they were Davis Cup Champions. The trophy was just inches away from them, standing before them bright and shiny, proud to have Spain as its owner for the year. When the hand on his neck squeezed, he looked. Feliciano was smiling just as much as he was. He tilted his head towards his older friend, their lips impossibly close without touching.

“Thank you, Feli, for everything.”

Feliciano just shook his head, though the smile on his face remained in place. He was about to reply when Fernando spoke again, his words resounding in his ears years later.

“Te amo.”

Their eyes locked. Feliciano searched for something, anything that told him that Fernando was lying or just saying it because of moment they were sharing with each other. However, when he didn’t find it, his eyes flickered to the younger man’s lips before settling back to his eyes.

“Nando, I-”

That was as far as he could get before a loud voice over the speaker system began to inform the stadium that the Spanish national anthem was about to be played. Feliciano straightened his posture and faced the front. But during the entire anthem, he couldn’t help slide his gaze to the corner of his eye. Fernando was singing, loud and proud, with not a worry on his features. He didn’t look like a man who regretted the words he had just spoken. His thoughts however were broken as, at the end of song, confetti fell from above. Feliciano looked up and smiled. They were Davis Cup champions!

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Fernando regretted it - not because it was a lie, it wasn’t. He didn’t want to tell Feliciano he loved him out here, amongst others; however, as he stood there singing their country’s anthem, Fernando decided he wouldn’t have wanted it any differently. To be here together, on this court as champions, he knew he loved Feliciano. What that love consisted of, he wasn’t exactly sure but in that moment he didn’t care. They would figure it out. Together.

It felt like they were out on that court for hours, yet seconds at the same time. They paraded the stadium, posed for pictures with each other, their trophies and medals. Every time the two men touched now - after Fernando’s confession - their skin burned. Touches lingered, eyes stayed locked until they were forced to look away. Both men seemed to have agreed on how the night was going to end without exchanging a single word.

Finally, they were hurdled off the court and into the locker room where the party continued. Their singing and chanting didn’t stop, neither did the hopping. Happiness was like a hot wired circuit that flowed through the room freely.

Everyone was doing their own thing. Marcel and a couple of the trainers sat down and sang songs about being champions. Emilio was on the phone, shouting to whoever was on the other line. David too was on the phone, his smile overpowering his face. He looked up and saw two of his very good friends. With a shake of his head, David looked away grinning.

Fernando was now draped with one corner of the Spanish flag around his bare shoulders. The other corner was wrapped around Feliciano. They shared the flag like it was no big deal, laughing and singing their own songs. Then suddenly, Feliciano turned to face his younger friend. With the hand that was holding the flag, he wrapped it around Fernando’s neck, cocooning them in their own world.

“Did you mean it?”

Fernando nodded, his eyes wide.

Leaning in, Feliciano brought their foreheads together. He sighed. “I love you too,” his voice was barely a whisper. “But... I don’t know...”

Fernando butted their heads together gently, forcing the older man to look at him. “Neither do I but that’s okay, no?”

Feliciano smiled and squeezed his neck reassuringly. “Of course.”

The rest of their conversation was abruptly halted when a light flashed in the corners of their eyes. Both men swivelled around, glaring at a gleeful David.

“Puta!”

David laughed at Feliciano’s little outburst. He couldn’t resist taking a picture when he saw the two of them wrapped together as they were. He was the only one in the room that knew the dynamics of their relationship. He had once tried to push the two together but he had quickly realized that it wasn’t his business at all and ceased. He didn’t hear the words they exchanged but he knew they both dawned on something he knew all those years ago, maybe even since the party at Feliciano’s place in Barcelona.

“For memories!” he shouted with a laugh as he swiftly took off upon seeing Feliciano shrug the flag off his shoulders and make a run for him.

Fernando just stood laughing as he watched the other two. Feliciano may have been the older and perhaps wiser one (that was still up for debate however) but he still had a childlike streak. He chased David around the locker room before Emilio started yelling at both of them to stop, which they did but with pouts on their faces for being reprimanded.

-*-

It was hours before they stumbled into their hotel room, drunk off of happiness, pride and good alcohol. Their families had joined the team and together they partied until earlier into the morning. As soon as they cleared the door, they collapsed against each other on the bed. Feliciano was tempted to leave them how they were but his clothing was being to bother him. So he got up, his body tired but buzzing and he undressed himself. Fernando was laid spread out on the mattress, like a human sacrifice. When he saw what the older man was doing, he stripped off his shirt too but was too tried to do the rest. Feliciano sighed at him before proceeding to take of the younger man’s jeans as well. Once done, he climbed onto the bed and settled against Fernando. The room was still and silent but not for long. A hand caressed Feliciano’s stomach before trailing up his torso.

“I thought you said I could have you any way I like after I won?”

Feliciano looked up into Fernando’s grinning eyes. He faked a yawn. “Tomorrow?”

Fernando growled as he crushed their lips together, their teeth clicking. He dropped his hand to cup Feliciano gently. When the older man moaned against his lips, Fernando broke the kiss, schooled his features and shrugged. “Okay.”

Now it was Feliciano who rumbled as he pounced forward, his lust awake, wanting and needing. He straddled Fernando’s thighs, pinning the younger man beneath him. He lifted up slightly, lips ghosting over each others.

“How do you want me?”

Fernando groaned at Feliciano’s tone. His voice was low and husky, his words dripping with sex. It seemed that both men were no longer feeling tired.

“O-on top. This is good,” he struggled to say as Feliciano began rocking his hips against his. Their hard cocks brushed against one another. His hands flew to grip Feliciano’s sides.

The older man just hummed his approval as he shoved his tongue into Fernando’s mouth. He sucked on it harshly before pulling away of Fernando completely. The younger man whined for him to return but Feliciano ignored him as he went to search the lubricant and condoms. When the packets of condoms landed on his check, Fernando stopped his whining and immediately began to rip one open. Feliciano settled back on to the bed, his lips curving into a smile at Fernando’s frantic fumbling.

“Come here.”

The older man raised a brow but complied anyway. When Fernando started to unroll the condom onto his cock, Feliciano stopped him with a hand on wrist, his eyes asking the question.

“I said you on top, didn’t I? This is what I want,” Fernando said steadily, his eyes not leaving the other man’s even as he put the rubber onto Feliciano’s cock. This was not Fernando’s first time bottoming but he was definitely far from being an expert at it. He had only been on the receiving end less than a handful of times and understood his friend’s concern. He pressed their lips together as his hand started stroking Feliciano’s covered cock slowly. “Fuck me, Feli.”

Feliciano moaned against his lips. When they broke the kiss, the older man smiled down at Fernando before opening the lubricant and poured a good amount onto his fingers. Without prompting, Fernando adjusted his legs so they were spread wide with his knees bent and his feet flat against the mattress. He pulled Feliciano in between the space before reclining against the pillows. He looked up with nothing but trust in his eyes (well maybe a hint of love too).

Resting his index finger against his entrance, Feliciano stroked his hole softly, circling the puckered skin. He heard Fernando moan. The older man’s body relaxed - he didn’t even know how tense he was (and he was the one on top!). Carefully, he pressed in his finger into the tight heat. The inside walls clung to his finger but he jiggled it around a little as he stuck it in to his knuckle before letting it retreat. His gaze shot over to Fernando’s face, who had his eyes closed, his head forced far back into the pillow. After a few strokes, Feliciano added another finger and bent down to bite the exposed skin of Fernando’s neck.

“F-Feli” Fernando moaned breathily. The stretch was just beginning to settle down as the onslaught of stimulation filled his body. Feliciano was now soothing the bites with his tongue against the abrasion, licking and loving. His impossibly hard cock was flat against his stomach. He reached between their bodies to wrap his hand around it, but Feliciano just knocked it away. Fernando let out a pained whimper, his body needy for more.

Feliciano lifted his lips away from his neck, his hands resting against the mattress next to his friend’s head. He stared down at him as he stroked his finger twice more before removing them from inside the younger man. He took himself into his hand and brought his cock to Fernando’s pulsing entrance. His eyes never left the man’s underneath him as he pushed his cock inside.

Fernando reached up to wrap his fingers around Feliciano’s biceps, curling against flexed muscles. He moaned as the sensation of being penetrated took over his body, over his senses. He tugged desperately and didn’t care when Feliciano’s arms gave in, sending the older man crashing into his. Their lips crushed together. Feliciano’s slow movement didn’t stutter; no, he continued to thrust carefully into the younger man. He tucked his arms under and over Fernando’s shoulders, securing his hold on him as he increase the speed of his thrusts. Fernando’s already tight muscles squeezed around his cock with every quick stroke. His orgasm was quickly approaching and he did nothing to stop it.

Instead, he released his arm from under Fernando’s body to wrap a hand around his cock. The younger man moaned, his hips thrusting back against his eagerly.

“Feli... Fuck!”

Feliciano just smiled at his incoherency. He knew he couldn’t speak himself, so he didn’t even attempt to. Instead, he focused on matching the strokes to Fernando’s cock to his thrusts inside his friend. His lips traced a path down his jaw to the expanse of his silky neck. Feliciano latched onto his collarbone and sucked hard, smiling against the skin when Fernando cried out softly. There was going to be a small bruise left on his skin for the next day, and a few days after too. When others saw it, they were going to know that he was marked, taken.

Fernando clung on to the older man; his fingers dug into his skin, his nails leaving behind angry crescent moons. He was going to come soon. He could feel like tingling his entire body. Equally as hard, he pushed down onto Feliciano’s cock, taking him in deeper then rotating his hips. It was a little trick Feliciano used on him to allow himself to reach his climax quicker. He kept this up for a few more thrusts before he was shouting out Feliciano’s name, his come filling the older man’s fist. Letting go of Feliciano’s back, Fernando tore his mouth away from his collarbone and smashed their lips together instead. He needed Feliciano to come as well, needed to feel him pulse deep within him. So Fernando tightened around his cock and plunged his tongue repeatedly into the older man’s mouth. It didn’t take long for Feliciano to join him as he came hard into Fernando. His hips slowed, still rocking gently as Fernando moaned into his mouth before breaking the kiss.

“Feli...” Fernando said in a bare whisper. The cock inside him slowly began to soften and eventually slide out. He groaned and wrapped his arms around Feliciano, not wanting to let go just yet. But he didn’t have much choice in the matter when his friend got up and walked over to the bathroom, tying off the condom as he did so. Fernando threw his arm over his eyes and sighed.

Cleaning up quickly, Feliciano walked back into the room with a cloth. He carefully cleaned Fernando, softly stroking bronzed skin. He tossed it to the side before settling into the bed and pulling Fernando to him. The younger man opened his eyes and smiled.

“Hi.”

Feliciano laughed. “Hi, Campeone.”

“I like the sound of that,” Fernando replied quietly, a sleepy smile on his face. He leaned in a kissed Feliciano gently, his hand caressing a soft cheek. “We’re okay, right?”

Feliciano’s response was to wrap the younger man close to him, their bare skin warm against each other. He ran his fingers through dark hair. He had told Fernando on numerous occasions that he should grow it out, like when they first met all those years ago and every time the younger man would reply with a soft ’Okay’, with an even softer smile.

“Yes.”

-*-

None of the men wanted to stay any longer than they already had in Argentina. They were all too anxious to get back home and celebrate with their countrymen. So luckily, the Spaniards checked out of their hotel two days later and were on their way to the airport. Feliciano had sat with David in one car, while Fernando was with Emilio in the other. The entire ride over, Emilio could not stop praising Fernando for his play the day before, just amazed at how much the young man had grown. Fernando had blushed, but it wasn’t from the captain’s words. No, Feliciano had decided to send him text messages that Fernando did his best not to let anyone else see.

On the plane however, they did get to sit with each other, with David taking the seat in front of them. He was still very bouncy, just like the rest of them and kept talking about how he couldn’t wait to meet up with Juan Carlos, Rafael, Carlos, and Tommy (just to name a few). The three of them planned to host something at one of their houses to celebrate. During the planning, Fernando had fallen asleep against Feliciano’s shoulder. The older man was oblivious to the fact that he wrapped an arm around him. David was not; however, he didn’t comment on it. Instead he smiled inwardly before continuing with the party planning.

Once they touched down (in Madrid), Feliciano had carefully shaken Fernando out of his slumber. The younger man flushed with embarrassment when he realized he used the other man as a pillow but Feliciano just laughed at him and shrugged it off as being no big deal. They said goodbye to the others, promising to meet up soon, especially since they were scheduled for media appearances together. David reminded Feliciano to update with him party details and left with a hug to both men. Once they had their luggage, Fernando and Feliciano headed out to where Fernando’s father was waiting for them (his family got in the day before). Feliciano couldn’t help laughing as Fernando insisted on pushing the cart that held both of their things, puffing his chest as he did so.

Fernando’s father greeted both men with a hug and kisses to the cheeks. He couldn’t stop himself from repeating moments he deemed epic during the fourth and final match. José looked to Feliciano for confirmation, while Fernando shrank into his seat, embarrassed at his father’s enthusiastic tirade. Feliciano however spurred José on by saying things like ‘oh and what about when Nando...” or ‘that shot was amazing. Even Rafa couldn’t have made that.’ Fernando was very close to strangling his friend.

Finally the long car ride came to an end. It was fortunate that Fernando lived next door to his family. He and Feliciano quickly dropped their things off before heading over to the other house. Once inside both men were enveloped in hugs by everyone; Olga, Ana, and Sara. It was exactly like the time Feliciano had once lived with them all those years ago and he quickly realized he quite liked the feeling.

Befriending Fate's Allure