First love (Pedri & Eric García)

Chapter 4

Their first kiss was followed by many more. But all in the safety of their houses. It was ok to try and keep things private at first. Pedri wasn't particularly fond of people knowing too much about his private life anyway. But...Laia was taking things to an extreme he didn't like. He wanted to be nice to her and understand her needs but he had feelings too. And she was hurting those feelings, probably without meaning to.

"I have an event for a brand I need to attend in a couple of days".

"Oh, that sounds fun! You get to do so many fancy things".

Laia's reaction was good so Pedri thought it could be the moment to try to get her to be more open about their relationship.

"You could be my plus one".

"Pedri, you know I don't want people to know about us yet...".

"I know", he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "But we don't have to go together".

"Then what would be the point of me being there if I don't get to hang out with you?"

"You could use it as an excuse to buy a nice dress, go have some fun...and I'd be around waiting to bring you back home".

Pedri kept leaving kisses on Laia's neck while he talked and she wanted so badly to say yes. To all of it. But she couldn't.

"I don't think that's a good idea. Sorry".

Pedri sighed and put his head down before separating from her.

Laia knew his patience would only last so long. But hoped it would be long enough for her to have the courage to finally do the right thing.

However, Pedri could understand that rejection. It was a big event full of press and photographers. Even if he just spoke to Laia casually, there was a chance it'd end up becoming a new rumour on social media. So it made sense she wouldn't want to be a part of it...but why wouldn't she go to any of his matches? That he couldn't understand.

But he still kept trying.

"Do you work tomorrow?"

"Sure. It's Wednesday".

"I know", said Pedri while they cuddled on the sofa, watching a movie he wasn't paying too much attention to. "But when are you done working?"

"Around 6. Why?"

"You could come to my match. It's a 9pm kick-off".

"People could see me...".

"There will be over forty thousand fans there. I doubt anyone would spot you and think you are dating me".

"Yeah but...I honestly don't have the time to go to matches at the moment".

"Laia, you finish work at 6. You have time".

"But I might have to cover some shifts for a few colleagues. It happens a lot. You know that".

"If you don't want to come, just say it".

"Pedri...".

Pedri got up, needing to pace around the room to calm down. Why was she being like this?

"I know the speech, Laia. But for God's sake! Is it really so bad that I play football and people can associate you with me? I'm not a fucking criminal!"

"I just...", maybe it was the time to be honest. "I cannot deal with the hate, Pedri. You're you. You have so many fans. I'm a normal girl doing a normal job...what if someone finds out where I work and they come to threaten me or something?"

"I didn't think about that", he said, voice softer. "But we'll have to tell the world one of these days. Or do you expect us to be able to hide forever? Because if you do, you really don't understand how this works".

"I understand. It's just that...I also want to keep you just for myself for now".

"Yeah?"

Laia nodded. She knew what Pedri wanted. He wasn't going to pressure her but a guy like him wasn't used to dating for a couple of weeks and just kissing. But Laia also felt she couldn't cross that line until she finally was brave enough.

"You being famous means I have to share you with the world, kind of. I just want to be able to spend time with you without having to worry about any of that. It's nice to just be Laia and Pedri, isn't it?"
"It is. But I told you from the beginning what being Pedri was like. Even if I don't always want it to be like that".

"And I'm trying to process it all. You need to understand that. I also explained that to you from the very beginning. Pedri, you knew what you were getting into as much as I did".

Pedri sighed, stretching his neck and closing his eyes. He needed to think well before saying anything because he felt he was always one mistake away from losing Laia forever. And he didn't want that.

"I just feel like I want more and you don't", he told her, finally being honest. "Like I try to move our relationship forward and you keep moving further away from me. Just show me you really want this, Laia. That's all I'm asking for".

Laia didn't want to lose Pedri. She wished she could explain things well without losing him. But she also knew there was a way to make him know she wanted more. A very simple way.

Her fingers grabbed the button of her shirt and Pedri stared at the motion. She unbuttoned all five buttons slowly, letting the shirt fall open before she took it off fully and let it fall behind her. She was standing in front of him in just her skirt and a bra and noticed Pedri didn't move. He seemed hypnotized by what she was doing and so she moved forward, towards him.

"I want this, Pedri", she whispered in his ear before kissing just below it. Pedri finally reacted and placed his hands on her bare waist, closing his eyes when he touched her soft skin. "I want to show you. I will show you how much I want it. I just need time".

"I know you're worth waiting for. I know...", her kisses made it so hard to speak.

"There is something you won't need to wait for any longer".