Work Text:
'Its okay' Ancelotti said
'It's only for a few weeks' He said
Why did Luka agree to this? Shit if he knew. He gained nothing out of it besides a potential new teammate (that might not even join, based on what happened last year) and a chance to see Paris.
But, of course, he's Luka and he respects his coach AND would like to see the man happy so he agreed. Under the one condition that it IS just a few weeks, not a season, and most definitely not SEASONS.
He got that much at least, Ancelotti was quick to agree to it since he didn't want to lose one of his best midfielders for longer than he needed to.
That part was easy. Telling his teammates though? That was.. an experience
Ooh the shocked, surprised and absolutely enraged faces he saw when he told them he was being loaned were priceless. Terrifying, because Benzama has NEVER looked so confused and angry before, but still kind of funny.
But also a bit sad, because Rodrygo was Luka's 'son' and of course he treated the situation like an actual transfer fee. The kid didn't let go of Luka or leave his side for a while after he told them the news. Vini wasn't too happy with it either and even tried for a solid hour to convince the Croat to rethink. Luka refused, though he promised the Brazilian over and over again that he WILL be back as soon as possible.
Then there was also Nacho, who didn't want to believe what he was hearing and just left the room as soon as 'I'm being loaned-' left Luka's mouth.
All in all it was an experience an' a half and Luka only then realized how much the team actually loved him.
He also realized it after the whole team came to the airport to watch him leave. True, it created difficulties because hey the whole Real Madrid team is in the airport and fans were global so an airport was the perfect place for a meet and greet. But just like he said before, Luka had never felt so loved by his team. It was the sweetest thing.
Even though he was almost late to his flight.
It didn't take too long for him to get to Paris and be picked up by a van PSG sent for him.
From that point on it was pretty easy for the Croat. Medical, some paperwork, meeting Galtier, setting up his apartment, etc.
Yes apartment. He'll just be living there for a few weeks, so he didn't ask for more than he knew he needed.
A small place to stay was all he asked of PSG. And all he needed from Madrid to bring with him were necessities. Like clothes, his gadgets, his wallet, you know the basic things.
But PSG apparently DOESN'T know what small means because Luka quickly found himself in a massive apartment separated away from all people and so secured it seemed like they were hiding away area 51 and not a tiny 37 year old footballer.
It was kind of embarrassing to find out that what he brought of his clothes didn't fit a QUARTER of the huge closet in his bedroom. He was also embarrassed to find out that he literally wasn't tall enough to reach any of the cupboards.
Lucky for him though he can climb the counters like a champ so HA-
They gave him a few days to settle in, even though he needed 2 hours to put everything he took with him away to their rightful places. He spent the few days talking to his friends back in Madrid and Croatia and training in the GYM the apartment had (seriously why- Not that he minded but WHY) instead. He even tried to cook and bake a bit, he even decided to watch French movies he couldn't understand one bit of, since he did get to that level of boredom.
BUT now he's here.
Finally out of that annoying place.
Not so finally, Luka is currently getting out of the van and gazing his eyes upon Camp Des Logs as he listens to the cheers and screaming of fans from behind him.
He turned around quickly and made their way to them, happily smiling and waving. He signed a few shirts and then laughed when he signed a PSG shirt to a fan who immediately told him 'Please stay!'. It was sweet but absolutely not, Luka didn't tell that to the fan though, he just awkwardly shrugged and gave a chuckle instead.
He loved Real Madrid too much. He wants to retire there when the time is right.
… He honestly feels like he's cheating on Real here-
After a few more minutes he bid his goodbye and waved at the sweet people before making his way inside, ready to meet the team..
…
Only to be immediately swarmed by people- Aka new teammates- in seconds.
.. okay it wasn't a swarming, they really greeted them from their spots around the place, but Sergio did sprint at him at the speed of light then hugged him and lifted him into the air..
"Sergio-!" He yelled, hugging onto his ex captain for dear life, "What-?!"
"Lukita!" Sergio yelled, laughing, "Lukita is here!" He spoke, as if it wasn't the most obvious thing in the world, considering he's holding him up in the air like a trophy.
"I am.." Luka chuckled, awkward, as he noticed that some teammates looked a bit confused and even annoyed with Sergio's loud yelling. After all It was pretty early in the morning. "Quiet down a bit" he told the Spaniard.
They definitely couldn't do anything to stop Sergio from yelling. Thankfully this is Luka's specialty since he's done it time and time again back in Real Madrid.
"Sorry sorry" Sergio was quick to apologize and render Luka confused. Because rarely did the man apologize, if he did it was in any way besides the verbal 'sorry'. Even to Pepe. This team must've changed him, right?
"You're still as tiny as ever, Lukita" He said, gently putting Luka back onto the ground.
Okay maybe they didn't change him too much..
"I'll take you to Galtier, come on" Sergio smiled at the Croat and didn't wait for an answer before he started walking, trusting that the shorter male will just follow him. Of course, Luka did, but damn this is moving fast.
He wrapped his arm around Luka's shoulders since the other walked quicker to stand side by side with him.
They walked through a door and soon enough they were on the training pitch and Luka breathed in the fresh air around him.
He had no clue that he couldn't breathe inside of that place. Jeez.
Sergio rubbed his shoulder comfortingly, probably thinking he's nervous. But in all honesty Luka really wasn't. He felt nothing besides uncomfortable and a bit upset that he wouldn't be able to see his Real Madrid teammates. The thought of Rodrygo tearing up as he left them for the flight was heartbreaking to remember. The Brazilian looked like a kicked puppy.
And it's not that he hates PSG, Luka doesn't hate clubs. He might dislike them or their players or the coaches but he never outright hated any club. Not that he could remember anyways.
That being said, does he DISLIKE PSG?.... Next question-
"Ah Modrić!" He was so lost in thought that he didn't realize Sergio had led him straight to their coach, who stood close to the bench of the field. He was probably just thinking of what they could all do today.
And apparently Luka had been so lost in thought that he didn't notice Sergio was gone already.
"Hello" He spoke, walking over and shaking Galtier's already extended hand.
"We are happy to have you on board" the coach spoke, smiling. His English was rough and a bit weird sounding with the accent. It sounded like he just learned it yesterday or was trying to remember it from the last lesson years ago.
It didn't sound great. But Luka's wasn't exactly the best either so who is he to judge? He himself had the Croatian accent when he spoke in English.
"I am happy to be here" The Croat replied. Though how much did he mean it? Well…
"If you're okay with it you can meet the teammates now when they come?" Galtier suggested and Luka nodded his head, a polite smile on his lips, "Yes, I'd like that" so he was sent to sit on the bench and wait for a bit.
Once again boredom settled in for the newcomer, since there wasn't anything to do besides sit and wait for the team to come out. He could talk to Galtier but in all honesty small talk wasn't Luka's strong suit and the coach also didn't really seem to enjoy talking in English too much.
That's fine though, Luka can wait. Definitely.
…
Luka's eyes turned to the building of the training center, blinking his eyes.
Why wasn't anyone coming out? Is this how long it usually took? With Real Madrid he doubted it, his team was already out before they even got in!
So what was going on inside of there?
"I hope you don't mind"
Luka turned to Galtier, "What?"
"They're slow a lot. They argue and fight and joke."
Luka blinked, "Oh. That's fine, I can wait."
"Sorry"
"No it's-"
As if on cue laughing was heard from the way of the building, loud and giddy. The two turned to see Hakimi and Mbappe coming out first, Mbappe covering his mouth to stifle his laughter and Hakimi chuckling at his friend with a smile on his lips.
The two were quick to spot them and Mbappe forced himself to stop laughing, pating Hakimi on the shoulder before pointing towards Luka. Hakimi looked where his friend pointed and 'Oh'd. He then whispered something to Mbappe, who rolled his eyes.
The two started to walk over.
After them came out Sergio and Marquinhos, they were the ones that seemed to be arguing though quietly so as to not disturb their teammates. It didn't look too serious, Luka knew Sergio well enough to know when a fight got real and for now everything seemed fine. Despite the furrow of eyebrows and the hushed yelling.
Right behind them came out Neymar and Messi, who just walked at first, mumbling words to each other. They weren't exactly paying attention, rather focusing on each other, till Messi decided to look around to probably spot the coach.
His eyes landed on Luka.
The two shared an eye contact, staring at each other with no words being thrown just yet. Messi even froze in place, not walking, deciding to just focus on who he was looking at.
"Es Modrić" Messi said, looking towards his friend. Luka could read the Spanish on his lips as clear as day. Neymar blinked, turning his head to look at Luka before once again looking towards Messi, "Yes, PSG asked for him."
"You didn't tell me?"
"I forgot- You don't watch the news?"
"I only heard that he's been loaned."
Happy to know he was still remembered.
The groups of duos finally decided to walk up to them and Luka got off the bench, making his way to stand next to Galtier, who nodded at him. As if it was the only correct thing to do.
Galtier spoke in french and gestured towards him and the team listened carefully.
Luka had absolutely no clue what the man was saying but only got an idea when he gestured towards him.
"Sois gentil avec lui" galtier told them
And in unison they all replied, serious looks on their face "Oui, Galtier!"
Must be something serious then-
"Il ne parle que l'anglais et l'espagnol alors essayez de les utiliser"
"Oui!"
And suddenly Galtier was walking away from them, making his way back to the building and Luka's eyes widened, blinking in confusion at that. Because he honestly had no clue what to do..
He turned to his new teammates when the coach was completely out of sight..
"Um.." Luka slowly raised his hand, awkward but still trying his best, and gave a small wave "Hello.."
Sergio was the first one to walk over, smiling, which Luka honestly appreciated because.. come on its Sergio
"Lukita" He wrapped and arm around his shoulders, turning to the group, "Let me introduce you to them"
Sergio assumed he knew all the people
… He thought correct-
"So, this is Luka Modrić" Sergio spoke.
But he apparently thought that no one knew him because of course-
"He played for Real Madrid before this and will be going back in a few weeks. Let's make it count and show him we're a great team!"
The group cheered and clapped, happy with what the defender had told them. But all Luka could really do was blink and look at them.
… He missed Real.
Soon enough though the others came forward, talking to Luka and smiling at him. Their English was a bit difficult to understand but he got it most of the time.
Whenever it came down to it though, and he DIDN'T understand, he just nodded his head. And thankfully everyone trusted that he understood.
Eventually though it was Mbappe's turn to talk to him and weirdly enough everyone let him, immediately shutting up so Luka could hear him and stepping a bit away so the two had their space.
Weird
The only exception was Hakimi, who Mbappe seemed to like way more than the rest of the team.
"Hello Luka, we meet again"
Luka gave a small smile and nodded his head as the two shook hands.
"No hard feelings eh?" Mbappe asked, chuckling
"Of course no. What happened happened. You won fair."
The younger man nodded his head "Well said, my friend. Can't wait to play with you."
"Likewise" Luka easily replied
"You are very good midfielder, Modrić" Mbappe told him, "I had to ask for you"
Luka shrugged "You could have asked for Kroos, you know. He's very good too, better even."
Mbappe waved his hand, "No no. I watched you play and I wanted you here."
Well okay-
"Happy you think I'm good"
"Better than good, Modrić, better than good" Mbappe laughed
"Mbappe is a big fan" Hakimi suddenly said to which Mbappe sent him a glare. But Hakimi just laughed.
Luka blinked but nodded his head "That's nice to hear. Thank you."
Well that's.. interesting.
He still wanted to go back home though.
"Would you like to train with us, Luka?" Mbappe wondered.
Luka perked up, ready to agree but then he remembered..
"I don't have um.. training clothes with me"
Because he was told he wouldn't be training, just watching the team as they worked. Only for today and Luka listened, because of course he would he's him.
But Mbappe kept his smile on "That's not an issue! Messi always carries two pairs with him, you can ask him for it! You're the same size, right?"
… Was that an insult?
Also this guy seems a tad too exited to play with him and Luka didn't know why. He really isn't that good.
"No no" Luka shook his head, "That's okay, but thank you. I'll just watch you all play."
Mbappe shrugged "Suit yourself."
And he and Hakimi were off to the field.
What an interesting pair..
Suddenly there was a tap on his shoulder and he couldn't help but jump like a cat out of the water. He did NOT hear or see anyone come up to him, when did they have the time-
Oh.
"Oh. Hello Messi." Luka blinked and Leo nodded his head.
"¿Estás bien?" The younger man wondered
And thank fuck, because he's getting a bit tired of English. Luka nodded his head, switching to Spanish as well.. "Yes. You just scared me a bit."
Leo was quick to apologize "I'm sorry for that. Didn't meant to."
"I know, you're okay" Luka replied, giving a small smile to the Argentinian, "Congratulations, by the way, on winning the world cup"
Leo smiled, obviously very proud of himself and his country, "Thank you, Luka. Congratulations on winning the third place."
It kind of sounded like he's being made fun of but he isn't. The light smile on Leo's face and the genuine tone just proved the other meant it.
"Thank you" Luka told him, "Morocco was tough to beat but we did it"
Leo nodded his head
…
"Modrić?"
"Yes?"
Luka and Messi kept their gazes on the team training. Luka didn't question why he isn't with them though. He enjoyed speaking in Spanish with someone….. that isn't Sergio-
"Would you like to be a duo with me?"
….
Luka turned to Leo, slowly and watching, as if trying to see when the man would laugh.
No laughter came though and Messi kept his eyes forward on the team.
"Duo. Because we are both LM10s."
Luka blinked
Once
Twice
… These are going to be some interesting weeks.
"... Uh.. Okay"