FROM FRIENDS TO MORE || Gavi x Pedri

Chapter 33 :: You saved me

The house was a labyrinth of shadows, each creaking floorboard a potential alarm. Pedri, his heart hammering against his ribs, navigated the darkness, the scent of stale air and cheap cologne clinging to the air. He knew he was close. He could feel it in the way the silence seemed to hum with suppressed energy, the way the air itself felt charged with anticipation.

He pushed open a door, his breath catching in his throat. The room was a mess of discarded clothes, half-eaten takeout containers, and a lingering scent of cheap perfume. In the center, bathed in the harsh glare of a single lamp, was a sight that made his blood run cold.

Gavi was pinned to the bed, his face pale and drawn, his eyes wide with fear. Bellingham stood over him, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. In his hand, he held a gun, its cold metal pressed against Gavi's temple.

"Well, well, well," Bellingham drawled, his voice laced with a venomous delight. "Look who decided to show up." His eyes, cold and calculating, met Pedri's. "Don't even think about moving," he warned, his voice a low growl. "One wrong move, and he's done for."

Pedri felt a surge of white-hot fury. He wanted to rush at Bellingham, to rip the gun from his grasp, to protect Gavi with his own body. But reason held him back. He knew he couldn't afford to act on emotion. He had to be smart, to think, to find a way to get Gavi out of this without risking his life.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He needed to buy time, to distract Bellingham, to find an opening. He looked around the room, his eyes scanning for anything he could use. His gaze landed on a discarded baseball bat leaning against the wall.

He took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. "You know," he said, his voice steady despite the tremor in his chest, "I've always thought you were a bit of a coward."

Bellingham laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, really?" he sneered. "And what makes you think that?"

"Because you're hiding behind a gun," Pedri said, his eyes never leaving Bellingham's. "You're afraid of facing me head-on, aren't you?"

Bellingham's eyes narrowed. "You think you can talk your way out of this?"

Pedri shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just giving you a chance to prove you're not the pathetic little bully I thought you were."

Bellingham hesitated, his gaze flickering between Pedri and the gun. He was clearly torn, his bravado crumbling under Pedri's calculated words. It was a small opening, but it was enough.

In that moment, Pedri saw his chance. He lunged forward, his foot catching Bellingham's leg. The force of the impact sent Bellingham sprawling to the floor, the gun flying from his grasp. Pedri didn't hesitate. He lunged for the weapon, his fingers closing around the cold metal. He kicked the gun across the room, sending it skittering under the bed.

He rushed to Gavi, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You're okay," he whispered, his voice thick with relief. "You're okay."

Gavi, still shaken, clung to Pedri, his body trembling. He looked up at Pedri, his eyes wide with fear and gratitude. "Pedri," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You saved me."

Pedri held him close, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew they weren't out of the woods yet. Bellingham was still alive, and he wouldn't be happy about this. But for now, they were safe. They were together.

Pedri scanned the room, his gaze settling on the door. He needed to get them out of there, and fast. He helped Gavi to his feet, his arm around his waist, and they moved towards the door, keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of danger.

The hallway was dark and silent. They moved quickly, their steps muffled by the thick carpet. They reached the front door, Pedri fumbling with the lock. He knew they couldn't stay here, not with Bellingham still out there.

They burst out into the night, the cool air hitting their faces. Pedri glanced back at the house, its windows dark and empty. He knew they would have to find a safe place, a place where they could hide until they could figure out what to do next.

But for now, they were free. They were alive. And they were together.