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1 Cumpleañero
Armando knew it was coming. The team's media personnel had him out in the training grounds to film a birthday video for the many official Chivas social media sites they managed. It would be a crumb to feed the fans who see him as the new jewel of the club. Ever since his breakout last season where he was among the top goal scorers of the tournament in a three-way tie, he has become a definitive fan favorite.
The giggles and looks coming from his teammates were a sign of what was to come as they held a cake and a bucket with who knows what's inside. Raul, their starter goalkeeper, had the cake in hand and he smashed it on his face without much warning followed by Richard quickly splashing him down. The video concluded shortly after and the camera was off of him. The chocolate flavored icing still clung to his face even after his colleagues' poor attempts to help him wash it off. He felt the sugar clumping on his hair and the uncomfortable stickiness on his skin. His gear was also damp and clingy, further adding to his tattered self.
After their best wishes for him on his day, he left heading straight towards the restrooms to wash his face properly. Entering he saw the club's recent addition to the club, Brian Gutiérrez. The Mexican American was still acclimating to Liga MX and Mexico in general. He’d quickly become friends with him this season thanks to Brian's down to earth demeanor, and his unexpected ability to keep up with his at times eccentric tendencies.
They’ve gotten close throughout the friendly matches where they represented the Mexican National football team in preparations for the World Cup. To see Brian play his heart out alongside him after the stupid accusations about him not being born here, or for switching national teams, had earned him his respect. The midfielder coming here was the best thing to happen to him in recent times and he was glad to call him a friend.
Brian was in the middle of washing his hands as he stepped in. Brian turned and smiled after a scan of his face.
“What happened to you? You look like you need a bath.”
Armando smiled back and stopped at the sink next to him. “My birthday happened. And I got attacked with cake.” He turned the faucet on, beginning to wash off any grime and sugar plastered on him.
“Feliz cumpleaños by the way, I would've gotten you a present had I known.”
Brian dried his hands and Armando shook his head, feeling a little bad about not telling him. “Thank you, but don’t worry about it. I don't expect or want anything from anyone.”
“So you’d mind if I got you something before the end of the day?”
He shook his head. “Don't feel obligated.”
The last thing he needed was Brian feeling like he had to. Thanks to the recent spotlight on him, he's gotten a fair amount of gifts ranging in the expensive side. He’s accepted them, but there's no way he can deny how much he hated them. The gifts were invaluable; they were gifted to him because they liked how he was playing for their team and nothing more. He was an asset. They were empty goods compared to the personal touch that a simple outing with his family could bring. Sadly his career has affected those precious times with them. He can’t celebrate with his family properly because he can’t control scheduling and move matches to fit his needs.
“I’m not,” clarified Brian. “I’m getting you a gift because I want to.”
“Oh,” Armando paused briefly, looking at him through the unblemished mirror. “Well, I look forward to receiving said gift. As long as it's not expensive or tacky.”
Brian snorted, as he made his way to Armando. “You’re being a little too picky for someone who doesn't want anything gifted to them.”
“I just don't want to be showered with them,” he shrugged. “But, if you're insisting you might as well get me something I like.”
Brian stood there alongside him, reclining against the marble sink, watching attentively as he wiped his face. Armando turned to him, brow lifted.
“What?” he asked.
“Want help? You’ve been at it for some time.” He pointed around his face. “You’ll be stuck in here until nightfall at this pace.”
“Sure.”
He was instructed to sit on the marble slab, as Brian went to fetch a wet towel. Back with him he slotted himself between his legs, beginning to lightly dab his face as if he were made of porcelain. He was keenly aware of the heat that permeated off of Brian in this position. Sat like this, for once Armando got to know what it feels like to be the one looking down for a change. He looked the same - nonetheless, he wouldn't want anything to change. The gold surrounded by a vast blue in his eyes was as beautiful as ever from any direction, but inches away those eyes were honey and he was stuck. He attentively stared into them, trapped in their allure.
Brian grabbed his face, turning it to lightly dab at the chocolate he’d missed at the side of his jaw. A comfortable silence fell between them, as Brian continued at a steadier pace than he would have.
Their little peace was interrupted when the door burst open.
~~~
Roberto rushed in the restroom, in a dire need to relieve himself, but halted when he noticed them from the corner of his eyes. He wasn't the only one in here. Brian and Hormiga were here as well. Of course it was them. These two have been inseparable for some time, but this show was different.
He inspected them. The duo were practically at each other’s faces doing god knows what. Nothing out of the ordinary, but enough to notice something in their close proximity and the obvious care they felt for one another. He feels as though he's interrupted their space.
“I’d leave you guys be, but I’ve really got to shit.”
He headed towards a stall, as the duo laughed at his confession. “Don’t mind me,” he blurted from inside the stall. “I won’t take long.”
From where he was he was able to hear parts of their talk as Brian mentioned that Hormiga should just shower after he whined out loud about feeling dirty. They left shortly after, wishing him luck on their way out.
2 El Chile Nacional
Chivas had qualified to Liguilla, but unfortunately many of the star players wouldn’t be joining them. Players like Armando, Raul, Luis and himself wouldn’t be able to help their team fight for a much needed championship. This has been their best performance in years since their last cup and it's been what the fans have been begging from their team. They played their best and demonstrated it in the field. Because of their great performances, many of them have been called up to an early start to train for the Selección, and they’d miss out on the entire Liguilla.
The upside was that their team was getting their much needed recognition as a potential candidate to win again, and the ones selected to play the friendlies would have a good chance to play in the world's biggest football event.
As a send off, the Chivas players decided to go out together to a nice restaurant to celebrate the club’s classification and the selected players. Once inside, Brian sat somewhere near the middle of the elongated table, waiting as his teammates trickled in and sat around him. Armando, who was usually one of the first seated to eat, came a little later than the rest. Both seats to his sides had been taken by Daniel, and his close friend and roommate Richard. The seat in front of him was empty and Armando took it without a second thought.
Their orders were placed after some contemplation on behalf of some players on what to choose. Conversations began around them, and in no time their plates were placed in front of them ready to be savored. The chatter continued on as they started to feed. The noise became second to him as he happened to look up from his plate to an Armando who was behaving unlike his usual self.
Armando was making no move to eat, picking at his plate with no interest. Was he sick and had come out of obligation, he pondered, or did he overhear something from one of their teammates that bothered him? Making up scenarios and speculating wouldn’t solve anything so he decided to prod an answer out of him.
He lightly kicked his foot from underneath the table to attain his attention. Armando looked up at him with the same wilted exterior. His set of dense eyebrows were set upward - asking him what he wanted.
“What’s wrong, Hormi,” he asked.
Armando looked down at his meal as he answered. “It has spice.” He then placed an arm on top of the table and rested his head on his palm.
Brian was expecting something more serious than this. It's rather silly but Brian knows otherwise. He knows about Armando’s dislike for anything spicy - he’s seen it firsthand. From time to time Armando pulls out his little bottle of tomato sauce that surprisingly imitates a light sort of spicy taste that he enjoys as an alternative.
“Was it supposed to come with the order?”
Armando shook his head in his hand, looking like a sad puppy. “Maybe, I don’t know.”
Brian stared at his downcast eyes in thought, trying to put together a solution to his friend's dilemma. After a brief pause, and without hesitation - he reached over the table and switched their plates as Armando startled, straightening up. His sudden movement caught the eyes of those around him. Richard being one of them.
“What are you doing?”
“What it looks like I'm doing.”
Armando's face scrunched. “I can’t eat this.”
“Why not?”
“Do you even like what I ordered? I don't want you eating something you don't like because of me.”
To prove a point, Brian took a bite of Armando's meal, keeping his eyes on Armando's as he swallowed it down. Armando raised a questioning brow. “I like it,” he assured.
Armando picked up his utensil and looked at him, waiting for Brian to change his mind.
“Eat,” Brian firmly requested, taking another bite, “before it goes cold.”
Defeatedly, Armando listened. He seemed to enjoy it as he dug in for more without complaints. Brian couldn't help but smile at the scene.
“Gracias, Brian,” Armando lightly murmured, but he was close enough to hear.
“De nada Hormi,” he smiled.
Armando smiled back, cheeks dusted. They remained in place, beaming at each other from their short distance, blocking everything and everyone around them.
~~~
Richard couldn't believe anyone else wasn't paying attention to this. He tried not to eavesdrop, but he was given ears for a reason! Brian and Hormiga are over here in their own little world playing house. Brian, playing the role of the caring husband, and Hormiga perfecting the dutiful wife.
And now as he looks up in their direction he sees them engrossed in one another, paying him no mind. Hormiga’s blushing cheeks and their mirrored expressions - which were not intended for him to see, has him speculating about his friends.
He and Brian have been roommates for months now and have become best friends through common interests and their shared American born background. And after all this time bunking together and sharing personal grievances, it hasn't occurred to him that he could possibly be into Hormiga… or any guys. No, he reprimands himself. He shouldn't be theorizing on his friend's sexuality. He is clearly in the wrong here. His mind is playing tricks on him. Brian is frankly a great friend, and Hormiga was thankful for his nice gesture. It’s what this little scene occurring in front of him is and nothing more.
Richard coughs before he speaks. “Pass the salt, please?”
Brian fades from his little bubble, Richard being the one to pop it. Hormiga's tinted cheeks fade and he eats silently. Brian passes the salt and he thanks him.
Time passes by fast as his teammates converse loudly, spewing jokes, and feasting. These guys on the other hand are silent, and focused on their meal in front of them. He feels like he ruined their… moment? He feels a little bad if his instinct is right, but by the end of their outing he manages to catch them from the corner of his eye as they smile lovingly to each other, and it brings him nothing but foolish pride.
3 Calor
Before the start of the World Cup they will be meeting with México’s president at the national anthropology museum in Mexico City for a ceremony-like event to officiate their journey. The twenty-six official players who had been listed to join the team now huddle around the Selección’s dressing room. Everyone was given matching suits to wear for the event. The outfit consisted of a white button up shirt, a deep blue suit with matching slacks, and an emerald tie to finish the look.
Armando was happy to see Brian be part of the team. A good chunk of the base team consisted of former Chivas players so it made him feel more at home, but he was looking forward to bonding with them all. He had been rivals with some of them in the field not a month ago, and now those rivalries would have to dissipate as they share a common goal of putting México on a high pedestal for the entire world to see.
Armando was having a hard time trying, but failing to maneuver his tie. It was a useless endeavor to try, as everything he did only made it worse. His teammates around him were fairing better than him, all ties nicely done and suited up, waiting for him and the few other stragglers. Luckily for him, he had Brian.
“Need help?” Brian said, walking up to him, looking fair in his suit.
He nodded. “I don’t know how to tie them,” he confessed.
Brian stepped into his space, grabbing hold of the tie around his neck and started undoing the terrible work he’d done. Brian giggled which made him frown.
“‘s not funny.”
“It is a little funny. You tried your best I guess,” Brian teased.
He couldn't help but pout as Brian fixed him up, maneuvering the annoying garment with expertise. He looked down as his hands moved with confidence. He should probably be studying his moves but he couldn’t.
Brian smoothed the tie down, smiling at his finished work. His hands lingered seconds longer around his tie. He could feel the light touch of Brian’s fingers as they made brief contact with his chest. It was all he could focus on as his fingers left him, grazing him along the way. Brian stood back a bit, crossing his arms, inspecting his tie and Armando stood there awkwardly.
Brian pointed at his jacket. “Do you need help with that too?” he grinned.
He got out of his head and shook his head, rolling his eyes simultaneously. He fetched the jacket and put it on to complete his look. All there was left to do was wait.
They’d arrive at the museum an hour later due to the city's traffic but they made it in time. He recalls coming here once before and enjoying the visit even though it had nothing to do with football. Brian had mentioned this being his first, and he couldn’t wait to show him around their shared ancestors artifacts and stories.
Before he could make that reality, they all had a ceremony to attend. They made their way to a pristine lawn in the museum grounds where they were met with the president. It was a boring event, but he held his head high throughout every speech and individual greeting, and especially when the country's national anthem was played.
In the end, pictures of the whole Selección were taken alongside their trainers next to a regal fountain. They also all posed individually in front of the biggest artifact the museum showcased - the Aztec sun stone, as they held their team shirts. When the ceremony and the endless amount of photoshoots were over with, it left him with a marginal amount of time to explore before they’d have to depart back to their hotel. The whole team was situated near the entrance mingling, waiting to go.
He grabbed Brian’s hand, sneaking them further in the halls and away from their teammates. Out of prying eyes, he stopped at an artifact that had caught Brian’s attention.
Brian read the artifacts description as he suddenly noticed their joined hands. He hadn’t let go and neither had Brian. Feeling hot all of a sudden, he shook his hand away, immediately missing the shared contact. He undid his tie a bit and felt better after the surrounding cold shrouded him. The museum was rather cold, which could explain his need for a source of warmth - the source being Brian’s hand. He hid his hands in the pockets of his slacks as he read alongside Brian, occasionally adding a remark here and there.
He followed Brian around the place, as they learned bits and pieces of ancient Maya civilization and others. Brian actually seemed genuinely interested in learning as he took a peek over at him - engrossed in the scriptures. He was happy to be accompanying him.
~~~
The team was ready to go and yet Brian and Hormiga were nowhere to be seen. He didn’t recall seeing them leave. Mateo was about to go looking for them when they appeared around a corner.
The first thing Mateo noticed was that his childhood best friend’s face was burning red. Hormiga seemed disheveled. It looked like he’d run a mile somehow - noting his undone tie and his ruffled clothes. He has an inkling of what they’d been up to if his recent suspicions are noteworthy. But then he takes a look at Brian’s smug face and he thinks he's nailed it. These two were back there making out!
He was a little annoyed if it were the case. Hormiga has to know he can come to him with anything and he’d love and support him no matter what… right? He second guessed himself. Did he not feel like he could confide in him? Did he fear they’d lose their long-standing friendship over this? He would like to think that that wasn’t the case. Hormiga will eventually slowly come out to him on his own terms. It was not right for him to pry it out of him and he’d happily wait for when he did.
Hormiga headed over to him after he caught his eyes. Brian heading a different way.
“Hey,” Hormiga starts.
“Hey,” he says back. “So uh where did you and Brian go?”
“We took a walk. I showed him around.” Mateo gingerly nodded.
They started walking, following behind as their teammates exited the building.
“Is everything all right?”
“Yeah,” Hormiga said a little apprehensively. “Why do you ask?” The redness of his face was gone but his cheeks still had a tint of pink.
“You look a little undone is all.” He signaled him up and down.
Hormigas looked down at himself, noting the state he was in. “Oh.”
Hormiga put a hand over his nape. He smiled uncomfortably .
“You can tell me anything, you know?”
Hormiga sighed. “It’s a little embarrassing. And I told Brian not to tell anyone.”
Mateo nodded at him, keeping his eyes on him, trying to make him feel safe. “Don’t feel pressured to say anything. I’m here for you.”
One of Hormiga's bushy eyebrows shot up. “I fell down and ate shit Mateo,” he firmly said. “It’s not so deep.”
“Oh, ok. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Gee thanks,” he laughed.
For a second there Mateo thought his friend was about to spill everything out. He must not be ready. Perhaps he's also protecting Brian this way. But no matter what he’ll wait as long as it takes.
4 Celos
Brian and the whole squad were livid after their win against Ecuador. They had aced their group stage with zero goals conceded and won them all. And just yesterday they dog walked Ecuador at home in a knockout game, in the cathedral that is the Azteca, and with their people.
Today is another day full of training, awaiting their next possible rival for the round of sixteen. Both England and Congo are set to face off today, and the winner would be coming over to Mexico to face them in their last home game.
They were still high off the win today as they stepped into the field. Alexis and Santi were the loudest as they gibed at one another with no real malice. The veterans and old heads were in their little group discussing tactics, while the younglings and upcoming stars of the team were laughing along with the goofballs of the team. Overall the energy was refreshing and positive. This past game and their past performances had them dreaming they could do it - that it was possible for them to reach the uncharted.
The manager of the team Javier Aguirre, had them warming up together, stretching their legs and joints. A good part of their training involved teamwork. Teamwork, because previous teams had been built off of ego and superiority complexes. The present team feels like a family in comparison. They’ve supported each other and known to love each other over the past two months. They know each other enough to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they couldn’t be more in tune.
Other than teamwork, they had a bit of fun. The whole team formed a circle after picking a random partner. His partner was Obed. Obed jumped on his back and he held him up by the thighs. Everyone had their partners on their backs, eager for the little game to begin, waiting for Rafa, second in line to Aguirre to explain the game to them.
Whilst Rafa went through the rules, he looked across the circle where Armando was. Armando’s partner was Mateo. He looked happy, smiling as he held tight onto Mateo, wrapping his arms around his neck. An emotion he couldn’t name bubbled deep in him at the sight, but he knew he didn’t like it. Nothing about the image should be bothering him. They were two close friends having a good time without him.
With the blow of a whistle the game began. Those on top dropped down and ran as fast as they could around the whole circle, and back on top of their partner. It was hard to derive who made their way back last. Some said one name and others said a different one. They kept on going nonetheless, laughing and having a good time.
At one point Obed slipped in his step and was the clear loser of the round alongside him. It was hilarious and all but now they had to step aside and watch from the outside. With another fumble came a set of cackles. Alexis had eaten a mouthful of dirt. He laughed of course - Alexis tripping could bring a chuckle to just about anyone.
His laugh diminished though, as he saw Armando tucked in Mateo's neck laughing alongside him. It irked him the wrong way, so he looked away.
After the fun little break they went back to the serious training. They went from practicing their passes, imitating a game, and running a set of drills.
Brian was drenched and panting, and after running a good couple laps around the field, all he wanted was to lay down, and that’s exactly what he did. Armando had finished his laps before him, laying backside on the ground. Brian wasn’t thinking as he dropped himself down on top of him, arms spread, and laying his head on his chest. Armando grunted at the newfound weight but eased to find it was Brian.
Brian could feel Armando’s steadying heartbeat as they laid in silence - their ragged breaths slowly coming down. Armando was just as sweaty as Brian, both of their bodies heat mingling together. It’d be uncomfortable in any other scenario, yet none made a move to push away. Brian lifted his head, resting an arm over the bottom chest, with Armando’s restful face in view.
Armando opened his eyes moments later, finding Brian’s eyes trained on him and he smiled. Brian couldn’t help but return one back, as he stared into those rich and vibrant eyes. Then moving a hand in the direction of his face, noting a lost eyelash near the bottom corner of his eye - he carefully nudged it away with his thumb. His fingers lingered there afterwards, loosely drawing shapes around his heated cheeks.
They were comfortable as they could be in each other’s space, caring not what others see.
~~~
Gilberto had noticed Brian and Hormiga were nowhere near the cooling station, having yet to have a drink in this smoldering heat. Gilberto had walked up to them, water in hand. They’d seemed lost in one another just like any other day, as he offered them a bottle. Brian was the first to move, standing fully up to grab one, and passing it on to Hormiga, who sat up and thanked him. Brian grabbed his own and chugged it.
Nothing deeming happened afterwards. They chatted about football and other unimportant topics as the training day ended.
It was late afternoon when they boarded the bus. Everyone was tired, plopping into their unassigned seats, waiting for the cool comfort of their beds. Gilberto sat next to a sleepy Obed who went to sleep after giving him a slight nod. He made himself comfortable in his own seat as a conversation to the right of him began.
“Sit here with me," he heard Brian say. He peeked over as he adjusted his belt. Brian was seated next to the widow seat, inviting Hormiga to accompany him in the thirty minute or so ride. Hormiga sat, no surprise there.
“Congratulations,” Armando said.
“For?”
“For being a starter at the next game of course.” He sounded genuinely happy for him.
“Thanks.” There was a brief pause to their idle chat. Gilberto could see how Hormiga deflated beside him. A worrisome smile painting his face.
“Don’t worry Hormi, you’ll have your turn,” Brian insisted. “There's no way Aguirre doesn't see what the rest of the country sees in you.” Then in a soft hushed tone, intended only for Hormiga to hear. “You are the best, and if anybody deserves it, it's you.”
Taking another look not long after, Brian had maneuvered Hormiga's body closer to his, after Hormiga had fallen asleep on Brian's shoulder, letting Hormiga lay there, as he also peacefully nodded away.
They make a lovely couple he thinks, if they’re not already one. It would be difficult to believe if it weren't the case - they seem so drawn together, and every member of the team would agree.
Alexis had passed by the aisle at one point and had apparently taken a photo of the pair as his phone vibrated in his hand. He opened up the new group chat Alexis had just created - adding everyone, but omitting the pairing in question, as he shared a photo. Said photo was the exact display he could see to his right, except now Hormiga had slumped further into Brian's warmth.
Alexis ‘el nalgon’ Vega: never seen them apart :p
Maguito: :0
: (heart: image 1)
Piojo: wakala
R Jiménez: (heart: image 1)
Piojo: I'm fed up ):/
Maguito: ?
Piojo: they’re too cheesy
Maguito: (disliked: they’re too cheesy)
Gil Morra: <3 <3 <3
Mateo: I’ll be best man in their wedding
Gil Morra: I’m baptizing their baby
Alexis ‘el nalgon’ Vega: I’ll bring the drinks :-)
Mateo: (reply to: I’m baptizing their baby)
: didn’t know babies were allowed to
Quiñones: go to sleep -_-
Gil Morra: (reply to: didn’t know babies were allowed to)
: ;_;
Ochoa: leave the lovebirds be
: Gil go to sleep
Piojo: I’m hungry
Alexis ‘el nalgon’ Vega: Pistaches?
Piojo: bro, how did u know
+1
Armando is found in his room crying late at night. He wasn't expecting anyone to come into his room tonight. He thought they’d all be doing the same after their dreams had been cut short mere hours ago by the English.
His eyes were red and teary, as he laid in his bed, bundled up in a blanket. Brian stood near the open door, illuminating the dark room.
Brian must've seen his dreary form as he made way to close the door behind him, after apologizing and saying he’d see him tomorrow.
“Wait,” Armando sniveled, stopping him from leaving. “Can you stay?”
Brian paused his departure, staying put as he took in his request. He accepted silently, closing the door as he walked himself over. Armando patted the space next to him, gesticulating for Brian to come over. As he made his way, Armando seated himself up and attempted to erase the evidence of his sadness off his face with little success.
They sat there together in the darkness of the room, Armando's snivels and the air conditioning filling up the blank noise. Armando couldn't help but let out another stream of tears flow after thinking about the game. He berated himself for doing so. He rubbed at his eyes again trying to wipe the insulting tears, inches away from Brian who was silently watching from the corner of his eye.
“Sorry,” he sniffled.
“It’s ok.”
“I can't seem to stop,” he laughed tearfully.
Brian scooted over, wrapping an arm around his waist. Armando let himself be pulled into Brian's being, dropping his head on his shoulders, mimicking past instances. He wept silently, as Brian drew circles on his waist to comfort him. It didn't do much to ease him but he full heartedly welcomed it.
“I couldn't do anything,” he uttered solemnly.
Brian turned to face him, frowning an inch.
“I was of no use.”
“Don’t say that.”
“But it's true.” He lifted his head off the now wet shoulder. “I sat there all game and couldn't do anything. And now I can’t go to sleep without thinking about the what if’s. What if I had been in there, what if I could've done something to keep us afloat a little longer,” he blubbered.
Brian paused rubbing at his side but kept his hand there. “Hormi don’t—
“I was useless. I- I wasn’t needed at all.” Another round of tears made themselves present and Brian couldn’t help but pull him closer. “I wasn’t an option,” he cried.
“You can cry all you want but don’t mitigate your worth to this team. Aguirre might’ve not put you on for more than fourteen minutes and given you the time you so deserved, but that’s all on him. He’s the one who has to live on with the choices he made. He knew you were coming in after being one of the best goal scorers in the league and so decidedly left you seated on the side.” Brian tilted his head over, now facing each other. “Do you know what the fans have been saying?” Armando shook his head. “They have been wanting you in since the start but now that it’s over, they still want you. They hope that in the next one you’ll finally have your chance.” Brian rubbed at his tear streaked cheeks. “Hormi, the people love you.”
He gave him a broken smile. Brian was trying to cheer him up and here he was crying his heart out. He felt like a fool. His words were reassuring without a doubt but only time would heal his wounds for the most part.
“You always know how to make me feel better.” Brian continued on caressing his cheek as the worse of his tears had ebbed. He leaned into him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you Brian,” he whispered there, so close he was sure Brian could feel Armando’s breath on his skin.
Armando kept his face close to his, staring at his eyes, having no urge to move them away from his. He caught every subtle change in Brian’s look, so he hadn’t missed out when his eyes drifted towards his lips for a fraction of a second before returning back to his.
Brian knew he’d been caught when Armando let out a soft laugh. “What’s so funny,” Brian asked, smiling.
“If someone were to walk in right now, they wouldn’t let us live it down.”
“They already don’t. We can’t be seen with each other without them being sure they’ve nailed us down.”
Armando faced away a bit. “I think they think we’re,” he signaled to each other without completing the sentence.
“Dating?” Brian finished.
He nodded. “I’m pretty sure Mateo thinks so. He hasn’t said anything but I know he thinks we’re… together.”
“Does it bother you?”
He shakes his head with Brian’s hand still draped in his side. “And you? Does it feel weird?” Armando set his eyes back on him, awaiting his answer.
“No,” he murmured, “because I’m pretty sure I like you.”
Armando froze at the confession but it didn’t stop his cheeks from warming up.
“Like me? How?”
Brian made a move and grabbed the side of his face. He held him with care as his thumb moved up and down his cheek. He got his answer as Brian’s eyes lingered in his eyes for a moment too long, before they’d fleeted towards his rosy lips where they stayed put.
Armando did the only thing that made sense in the moment and leaned forward to land a chaste kiss on Brian’s lips. It was short but it got the meaning across. “I like you too,” he confessed when he separated.
They separated by a mere breath and Brian, not being done, closed the gap to join their lips once again. This time the kiss was longer, but sweeter as Armando clung on to him. Brian took his time, slowly gliding his lips against his, with languid precision.
They eventually stopped, feeling breathless in the aftermath but closer in a sense. Armando insisted he stay afterward. They laid together under the covers that night, sharing breath and sweet little nothings. They slept after plenty of small looks and soft touches, wrapped around each other. Armando knew not what would come of this but he was eager to see it through, because he knew Brian was going to be there every step of the way - and that's all he could ever ask for.