close to you | carlos sainz

two

andrés acosta was valeria's best friend, and there was never any question about it. sure, she'd had other friends over the years, but none as close as him. they spent most of their days together, practicing and laughing, a constant duo that even the toughest of coaches admired. their chemistry on the ice was something other pairs could only wish for, a silent rhythm they'd built over years of trust.

but there was one small thing that, in the quiet moments, could rival andrés and his status as her best friend. valeria's kitten, bianca.

the little white maine coon had been a housewarming gift from her parents when she moved into her new madrid apartment a few weeks ago. from the second valeria laid eyes on bianca, she'd been completely smitten. though as sweet as the kitten was, she had a set of lungs that often turned valeria's morning alarms into purr-filled wake-up calls.

this morning was no different.

bianca was padding across valeria's chest, her tiny paws pressing into every sensitive spot, her purring vibrating right through her. but valeria couldn't bring herself to be annoyed. there was hardly a better way to wake up than to find a soft, warm ball of fur curled up beside you.

"i get it, i get it. you need feeding, huh?" valeria muttered, her voice half-asleep. she slid her hand under the kitten's fluffy belly and lifted her gently, carrying her out to the kitchen. bianca melted into her arm, still purring contentedly.

as she set bianca down, valeria slid across the wooden floor in her fluffy socks, heading to the cupboard to grab a pouch of wet food. the second she tore it open, bianca's ears perked up, and the kitten began devouring her breakfast as though she hadn't eaten in days. valeria smiled, amused at her kitten's dramatic streak.

glancing at the silver clock on the counter, she saw it was just after nine. that left her plenty of time before she'd be meeting andrés at the rink.

with bianca busy making a mess of her food, valeria set to work on her own breakfast, frying an egg and mashing avocado onto a piece of toast. it was her usual choice, simple but filling, though sometimes she'd treat herself to her father's pancakes or warm croissants if she was feeling indulgent.

just as she took her first bite, bianca was already at her feet, meowing to be picked up. valeria slipped on a hoodie, backward, so bianca could nestle in the hood. the kitten curled up instantly, her little head poking out just enough to watch the world around her before drifting back to sleep.

bianca could sleep anywhere, really - even on top of the fridge, if she was in the mood.

a vibration buzzed from the kitchen counter, and valeria's phone screen lit up with her coach's name. with an arched brow, she answered the call, and carmen's face filled the screen.

"oh, look at that little angel!" carmen cooed immediately, her attention entirely on bianca.

"good morning to you too, coach." valeria smirked, leaning on the counter.

"right, sorry! morning, val." carmen snapped back to business mode, though a hint of a smile lingered. "listen, i need to move our practice to this morning. can you be there by eleven?"

valeria frowned, puzzled. "any reason why? you never change our sessions."

carmen's face lit up with a grin that made her look a decade younger. "i know, i know. but i couldn't wait. i've got some really good news, and i'm dying to tell you both in person."

valeria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "don't do this to me, carmen. wait... you're not pregnant, are you?" her eyes widened in mock horror.