Chapter Text
It was a night like every other in Madrid, it was already dark outside, but Sergio Marquina still sat in his office. He was a hard-working man, trying to make his business work. You can say about him that he was even a workaholic because he always came to work earlier than others and always stayed longer. It was a long time after the last employees left to enjoy this Friday night, but he still sat there, busy with all his work. Since his father died, he didn't know why to stay at home, why not to work. He lost his mother when he was just a child and since then he didn't really care for any woman. He was a lonely man married to his work.
Suddenly someone knocked on the door. "Come in," he said and didn't even bother to look upon the door. The door opened and a tall dark-haired man walked in.
"Hermanito!" He started with joy, it was Andrés, Sergio's brother. When Sergio heard the familiar voice of his brother, he finally looked at him.
"Hi," he said and looked back on his work.
"Pack your things, we are going out." Andrés accounted and Sergio looked at him like 'seriously?'
"No," Sergio quickly answered and went back to his work.
"Oh come on, you won't work on Friday, will you? You can't, it's freaking Friday night." Andrés said and sat at his table.
"I can and I will," Sergio didn't even bother to look at his brother anymore, he just continued filling up the paperwork which he had there since the morning.
"Hermanito, just one drink, please, do it for your brother." Andrés tried to please Sergio, but it was for nothing.
"No." Sergio finally looked at him.
"Please, I have a date." Andrés looked deeply into his eyes. He was the only person which could do anything with his stubborn brother.
"You have a date? Then why do you need me there?" Sergio asked confused about what his brother really wants.
"My friend set me up with her friend, it's a group of friends, you will like them." Andrés continued trying to convince Sergio to go.
"Fine, but only for you," Sergio finally agreed and Andrés cheered.
"It will be a great evening and maybe you will meet a girl for yourself, too." He winked at him. He was sure that Sergio will find himself a girl, too.
*Meanwhile*
"What should I wear? These or these?" Raquel asked in a hurry. She was getting ready for her date, which her friend Silene, set up for her.
"I like the red one, here, it would look good on you." Her best friend Monica tried to help her.
"Whatever you will wear I'm sure he will like it," Agáta said, she always says something like this, something which makes Raquel feel much better.
"Thanks," Raquel said and smiled at her. Then she went to change. She was trying everything on, but it wasn't the best. She was doubting herself for a while since the big breakup with her abusive boyfriend, she wasn't sure of anything. How many times she saw a handsome man on the street, but didn't have the courage to talk to him. This was her only last chance. She never thought she would agree to set up, but what could she do. She was scared to talk to men.
She was trying on more outfits, but then she tried the red one, which Monica suggested. Wow, just ran through her head, she's never thought she would look this beautiful in it, honestly, she's never thought she will look beautiful at all, Monica was right, this dress really fits her. She stood there looking into the mirror. This will be her first date after she broke up with him and she was really scared. "Am I really ready to go on a date after what he's done to me?! She thought. She wasn't that sure about it, but it was worth a try.
She walked out of the dressing room and all of her friends gasped in impression. She looked amazing.
"Girl," Silene started. "You look amazing, he will surely like you." She winked at her and Raquel smiled.
"Thanks," Raquel blushed.
"You see? I told you I like the red one." Monica giggled.
"I like it, too." Agáta giggled. "But as I said, you would look good in everything."
"Not everything," Silene started. "You never want to wear a sack of potatoes." They all laughed. Silene was right, no one wants to wear a sack of potatoes, right?
"Alright, now let's do your makeup." Agáta stood up and walked towards Raquel.
"Fine." Raquel rolled her eyes. She never liked too much makeup, but Agáta thought that everyone should wear at least a little makeup.
They went into the bathroom and Alba started working. She was a makeup artist, so she knew what to do. She put some makeup on Raquel and Raquel didn't like it already.
"Why so much of it?" She asked not understanding why would someone normally put this much makeup on.
"It's not that much," Agáta assured her and continued working. When she finished her work she let Raquel look into the mirror.
"Wow." Raquel gasped. She looked so beautiful, simply amazing, but she wasn't sure if she liked it.
"So how do you like it?" Agáta asked.
"It's nice," Raquel answered honestly. She did look much more beautiful than before, but it just didn't feel like her. She felt like someone else like it changed her.
"What do you mean by nice?" Agáta laughed.
"I don't know, it just doesn't feel like me." Raquel looked at Agáta.
"Okay, well, I can try to fix it a little." She smiled at her.
Raquel nodded. "Thanks."
"Nothing." Agáta started working again. After a while when finished.
"So?" She asked, waiting for the answer. "Better?"
"Yes, thank you so much." Raquel lied this time, it wasn't better at all, but her friend worked on it for a long time so she decided to pretend just for her.
"You're welcome." Agáta smiled. She left the bathroom, leaving Raquel for some alone time.
Raquel was looking at herself in the mirror, she saw the fear in her eyes. She was scared, maybe even afraid. She took few deep breaths, it really helped. Feeling now much calmer, she was still looking at herself. "You can do this." Was the phrase which she repeated in her head, but could she? She wasn't really sure. When she finally decided to walk out of the bathroom all of the girls admired Agáta's work. Soon enough, they all got ready to go to the restaurant, where Raquel should meet her date.
*At the restaurant*
When they arrived Silene's friend was already waiting there.
"Andrés!" Silene recognized her friend sitting at the table.
"Hi!" He shouted and they all slowly went to his table.
"Hello." Raquel greeted him politely.
"Well, hello." He started seductively on her and she just hoped that he isn't her date.
"Oh sorry." Silene apologized. "Raquel, this is Andrés, Andrés this is Raquel." Raquel smiled and he repaid her smile. "You're each other's date.
"No way." Was the first thing that came into Raquel's mind. Him? Never. He didn't look bad at all, he was wearing a suit, he was actually pretty handsome, but his attitude. She wasn't sure if she could handle this after everything.
"Nice to meet you." Finally came out of her mouth and a fake smile appeared on her face.
"Oh, trust me, likewise." He winked at her and she knew what he wanted. He just wanted a girl to go to bed with. She knew these types of men, she has met a lot of these in her life. Honestly, she didn't really have the interest to have a one-night stand with some guy which she just met. So, she put the fake smiled on her face and Monica immediately noticed it.
"Good luck." She whispered to her ear and Raquel couldn't help but giggle.
"I will need it." She whispered back to her best friend and they both chuckled.
"Hey, why are you two laughing," Agáta joined their conversation. They had some time to talk since Silene was catching up with her old friend.
"Maybe just because Raquel will need a lot of luck tonight," Monica answered laughing.
"I think she will," Agáta answered and they all laughed once again.
"Anyways, I'm sure you and Raquel would like to spend time alone." Silene continued. They all turned at Raquel, she just didn't know what to say.
"Oh God no." Raquel thought and everyone, well except for Andrés and Silene, recognized it by her look. Her face just screamed: "Please don't leave me alone with him!" But they couldn't do anything.
"Date in two sounds nice, don't you think?" Andrés smiled and waited for Raquel's reaction.
"S-sure." She finally nodded and hoped that her friends will get her out of here.
"So girls let's go." Silene tried to give them some privacy. "Monica, I think Daniel is waiting for you." She looked around and really saw Daniel at the bar.
"Oh you're right, I have to go." She gave a sorry look to Raquel and went to Daniel. Raquel's face screamed: "Please, don't, but she already left."
"Agáta, let's look for some new boys at the bar," proposed Silene waiting for Agáta to say yes. Agáta looked at Raquel and she didn't look happy and comfortable at all.
"I don't know..." She tried to save the situation, but it was unsuccessful.
"Please," Silene begged her, and because Agáta had the warmest heart, she couldn't just let her friend beg.
"Fine," She rolled her eyes, and they both left to meet some boys at the bar. Raquel put the fake smile on again and tried so hard not to run away.
"It looks like it's just two of us now," Andrés smiled in satisfaction knowing that now he only has to make the move. Raquel smiled awkwardly and they sat at the table waiting for the waitress.
"So, what do you do in your free time?" Raquel tried to start a conversation.
"A lot of things." He answered and raised his eyebrows. "Let's say I don't get out of bed often if you know what I mean." he chuckled and winked at her.
"What a creep." Instantly crossed Raquel's mind. Oh God, what did she get into?
"O-Okay," was the only thing that she could say, she will need a lot of alcohol to survive this date. Thankfully the waiter saved her from this awkward situation.
"Good evening, Mr. and Ms." He came to their table with a smile on his face. "Would you like to order?"
"Yes please," Raquel answered instantly seeking help.
"What would you like then?" The waiter asked smiling like sunshine.
"A bottle of red wine, please." She quickly answered without looking at Andrés.
"Of course and for you sir?" The waiter asked politely.
"C*ndoms," he answered without thinking. The waiter stood there not understanding what just happened. Raquel looked at him, they were both really confused, but on the other hand, what did Raquel expect from this creep.
"Sir, this is a restaurant." The waiter looked at him confused but still tried to be polite.
"And?" Andrés looked annoyed by this waiter. What does he know, he is too young to know.
"Oh God, I'm leaving," Raquel announced and got up. She couldn't bear to stay here for one more second, she had to get away from him.
"What? Why?" Andrés gave her a confused look. "We didn't even have fun yet." He looked angry now, but Raquel ignored him and went to sit at the bar. Who was this guy? First date after years of abuse, and with this idiot. "Why did I listen to Silene?" Played in her head, but it was already too late.
When she came to the bar none of her friends were there. They all left or went dancing and after this experience, she wasn't really feeling like dancing. She decided to sit at the bar and order something to drink, if she wanted to forget tonight, she had to order something really strong.
"Three shots please," she shouted to the waiter. The waiter nodded and turned around to get her drinks.
"That's a lot of alcohol." A stranger next to her looked at her. He was sitting there the whole time, however, she didn't really notice him before.
"Why do you even care?" She answered angrily. She didn't mean to, but she was just so angry.
"Sorry," he apologized shyly and turned on the other side. She felt bad for taking advantage of him. He just asked.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, too and he looked back at her. "I'm just angry."
"You're forgiven." He smiled shyly and adjusted the glasses on his nose. Now when she was looking at him again, she noticed how handsome he looked. He looked into her eyes and her breath stopped. She didn't know what's going on with her, but it felt so good.
"Here are your drinks." The bartender distracted them.
"Thanks." She smiled as she got her drinks. She turned on the stranger.
"Would you like one?" He smiled and nodded. She passed one of her's drinks to him.
"Thanks," he said. "You know, I'm not much of a drinker, but a drink from a beautiful woman like this, you can never decline." He flirted. Damn it, what was going on with him? This doesn't sound like him, he knows himself as an awkward man around women, but with her, it was so easy.
She giggled and blushed. He thinks that she is beautiful. Such a gentleman. How did she even get near this guy, he was nice to her, well you can even say that he was sweet, and damn, he looked handsome. His dark brown hair perfectly fit with his perfect black suit and his glasses which sat perfectly on his nose made him look even smarter and more perfect.
"So now, we got our drinks, would you mind if I ask you something?" He said shyly, taking his drink in his hand.
"No, I wouldn't, you can ask anything." She smiled and admired his good manners.
"Why were you so angry before?" He picked up the glass and slowly started drinking his drink.
"Oh that, well, I had a date after years and it turned out that the guy was an idiot." She answered calmly still thinking about how stupid she was to listen to Silene.
"I'm sorry to hear that." He said and she drank the whole drink as a shot when she remembered what has happened tonight.
"It's alright." She finished the glass and took the second one into her hands. He sat there looking at her. She looked broken and he couldn't help, but feel the urge to cheer her up.
"You know that guy must be really an idiot when he messed it up with a beautiful girl like you." He tried to flirt again. And it worked she smiled, he cheered her up. Suddenly he felt that heartwarming feeling on his chest.
"You really think I'm pretty? Me?" She looked at him in disbelieve when she realized what he said.
"Of course I do, is there anyone who doesn't?" He didn't understand the fact why she thought so low about herself.
"I don't know." She sighed and started drinking her drink. He just sat there quietly watching her.
When she finished the drink he tried to make her feel better again. "Well since you gave me your drink, I will now buy you a drink." He smiled shyly hoping that this was a good move to do.
"You don't have to." She tried to decline, but in reality, she would drink much more drinks than she drank until now.
"Please, I insist." He smiled at her, and she returned the smile. "Two shots, please." He ordered the closest bartender. She giggled as he raised his hand and ordered.
They drank for the rest of the evening, after the second round she ordered, then he ordered. It went like that until they both got drunk.
"How do we even know that we are drunk?" She asked laughing.
"I have no idea." He answered calmly, but in the other second, he started laughing like never.
"Tell me, do you know what is love?" She stopped laughing and asked seriously, but he didn't answer, he just started laughing.
"Oh my God, you should've seen your face." The seriousness from her face disappeared and she laughed with him.
"Okay..." He tried to stop laughing. "What was your question again?"
She took a deep breath. "If you know what is love? I mean, I have probably never been in love even though I thought so." She sighed.
"Love is weird." Finally came out of his mouth.
"Love is bullsh*t." She completed his thought.
"Yeah, love is bullsh*t, I will stay single forever." He agreed.
"For being single forever." She raised the glass to have a toast with him. He raised his glass, too and they both started drinking.
"Mr. and Ms. I don't want to distribute you, but the bar is closing." One of the bartenders announced.
"But it's still plenty of people here around. " Raquel tried to argue, but when she looked around there wasn't anyone anymore.
"I will pay," Sergio announced and looked at Raquel.
"No, no, no, I asked you to drink with me, I should pay." Raquel tried to stop him, but she was too late, he already paid for all of the drinks. "You didn't have to pay for it." She slightly slapped her have with the palm.
"I wanted to." He smiled and got up. "Let me walk you home." He helped her stand up.
"That won't be necessary." She stood up but fell all over him. Thankfully he caught her.
"I think it will." He chuckled and helped her to get on her feet again.
"Fine." She said but chuckled.
They got out of the bar and walked down the street.
"Where do you live?" Sergio asked trying to take her home.
"Where do I live?" She repeated. "I have no clue." She started laughing.
"Alright, so, I will take you to my apartment if you don't mind." He was way soberer than Raquel, so he tried to help her.
"Of course I don't mind handsome." She burst out laughing.
"Okay, let's go then." He chuckled and they walked to his apartment.
When they arrived at his apartment, he switched on the lights and Raquel could see his whole apartment. It was really big. They walked down the hall to the kitchen with the living room. It was one large room, perfectly designed. The table was in the middle and just a few centimeters from the table was the kitchen court. The colors were perfectly contrasting with each other and it gave great feelings. Cooking there must've been really exciting because like ten people would fit just in the kitchen. On the other side of the table was the living room. A large white sofa was turned to the wall where was television. The armchairs perfectly fit with the color and the style, this room looked just amazing.
"Well, I will show you the guest's room." He smiled shyly.
The guest's room looked incredible. Raquel couldn't even believe that this is the guest's room. It looked way better than her room in her apartment which she shared with Agáta and Silene. Her best friend Monica already lived with her boyfriend Daniel, so they lived in three.
"Wow, this room looks amazing." Raquel gasped and looked at Sergio.
"Thanks, I designed it by myself," he said shyly.
"You're a designer?" Raquel asked in disbelief.
"Well, let's say yes." He adjusted the glasses on his nose and Raquel moved closer towards him.
"Designer..." She repeated. "I like it." She looked at him seductively.
"You do?" He smiled at her.
"Oh, trust me, I do." She moved even closer to him. He chuckled and looked deeply into her eyes. She smiled at him and before he could say anything, she kissed him.
Without thinking he immediately kissed her back. They were both drunk, but they were both sure that this was the best kiss in their lives. Sergio's maybe because he didn't really have many girlfriends. And Raquel's, probably because Sergio was so good kisser.
When they stopped kissing they looked deeply into each other's eyes and before Raquel could say how amazing this kiss was he repaid that kiss to her. This kiss was even better than the first one. Without saying a word and without breaking the kiss they started undressing each other and moved to the closest bed.