Football imagines (Misc players)

Not if it isn't with you (Julián Álvarez)

**Prequel to "Mi campeón". Can be read in any order you prefer. I hope you enjoy it ❤️**

2012

"He did. He hit me, mum!"

"I didn't. She's the one hitting me all the time".

"Oh really? I thought I was just a stupid little girl so it wouldn't even hurt you if I hit you, right?"

"Ok, enough", said your mum, separating you from Julián and from your daily post-match tantrum.

While walking back home with your mum, you turned to see Julián looking at you. He did that a lot lately. And then looked away when you caught him.

"You know, honey? There is a saying that I think applies to you two".

"What saying?", you asked. Your mum was always telling you about all these sayings she loved so much.

"That those who fight, do it because they like each other".

"What?", you were so annoyed at her insinuating that. "Why would I like that stupid ugly annoying boy?"

She just sighed. "You're too young to understand what I mean".

2015

"You look different", said Julián when you walked past the football pitch where he was playing.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know", he shrugged. "Like your hair and your face".

"I put make-up on".

You were already feeling self-conscious wearing it, even if it was just some mascara and a little bit of lip gloss. But you weren't used to it and you felt like everyone was going to notice and laugh at you. So the fact that Julián noticed and called you "different" didn't really help.

"What are you wearing make-up for?"

"I have a date".

He started to frown at you but quickly found a way to conceal what he was really thinking.

"Who asked you out?"

"Mateo".

"Isn't he too old for you?", and the frown was back.

"He's 17".

"And you're 15".

"I'm aware of my age, Julián, but thank you for the reminder".

Without him knowing, he was hitting at all the insecurities you had today. The way you looked and how young you were. You knew other girls from your class had dated Mateo but still, you felt like a baby next to him.

"Just...just be careful. And don't do anything you don't want to do", he said, looking down.

"Since when do you care about my well-being?"

"I don't care. But you're so whiny, I don't want to deal with you crying over stupid Mateo like half the town already has".

Yes, you were definitely not the first girl to be asked on a date by him. He had a...reputation.

"Whatever", you said as a farewell and made your way to Mateo's.

**

"Wow, you look gorgeous", said Mateo when he opened the door. "You didn't need to make the effort for me, you are always pretty, sweetheart".

"I didn't do anything. Just... you know", you said, blushing.

"Oh, I know. Come in".

Mateo had prepared some drinks for the two of you that he took to the living room, so you could have them while sitting on his sofa.