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Chapter Text

Would you fake date your best friend if your boss offered you $500,000 to do so? Because Bez would. So he did.

“Pecco,” he whined. “Please? It would be really good! I promise! Who would not believe it?”

Pecco glared at him across the counter. Bez was sitting on a bar stool, watching Pecco as he worked his way through the kitchen in his motorhome. Pecco was the better and more experienced cook between the two of them. 

“You want me to pretend to date you? No, no.”

Bez rolled his eyes. “You know me so well! We have been friends for years, and there are already dating rumors. It is a lot of money. Who wouldn’t believe it?” Bez pleaded.

Pecco sighed. He moved around the kitchen once more before stepping out, making his way towards Bez. He leaned against the counter, his elbows keeping him up. “Marco, are you sure? Is this really what you want to do?” His eyebrows knitted together, all his focus zeroed in on Bez. It made Bez feel strange, as if he was under a microscope, especially when it was Pecco. 

Pecco made him feel things that he doesn’t feel with people normally. He loved that. They knew things about each other that nearly nobody else did. There were things they kept from their parents, Luca and Franky, even Vale, that they only told each other. It made Bez treasure their friendship.

“I am very sure, Pecco. So sure.”

Pecco sighed. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

…

The next part was coming out. 

Bez had never thought he would ever be so nervous to tell anyone anything, especially the other boys. Pecco had told him that the boys would be fine with it. They were all already friends, why would they not be supportive of them? Bez tried to not focus on it, but it was still there. 

(Pecco held his hand every time they told anyone.)

First, they told Franky. Franky smiled and laughed and brought them in for a hug, praising them for finally realizing their feelings.

Bez was confused by that. They didn't realize their feelings because there was nothing there. What was he even talking about?

Luca was next. He kissed them both on the cheek, happy. He was clearly excited for them, and he even mentioned that they might influence him to bring his boyfriend along to the ranch soon. Bez was happy with that. Everyone wanted to meet the mystery boyfriend.

Celestino gave them that look, the look that reminded Bez of Valentino when he told him something obvious, something he already knew. He was happy, told them not to do anything stupid, and wished them luck.

The last one they told was Valentino. They were visiting the ranch with everybody else, and Bez was starting to worry. Everybody else had been so happy, so welcoming to their new relationship title, but he was mostly concerned with Vale's opinion. He was almost like another parent in Bez's eyes, his opinion was almost above everyone else's.

Bez suddenly felt a shiver climb up his spine, something that would be normal for everyone but himself. That means he was going to change, and he was going to change soon. He looked at Pecco, and he was already looking at him.

Bez nodded and Pecco stood up. “There's two things I need to say. First, Marco and I are dating. The only person who doesn't know is Valentino, so that's one thing. Secondly, Bez shapeshifts uncontrollably, and if anyone has any problems, they can deal with me.”

Pecco looked at Bez, and Bez looked back. He felt protected and loved in that moment. 

“Do you need to go somewhere, Bez? You look pale. That is normally a sign of a quick change.”

They all turned to Valentino. He shrugs, as if his intimate knowledge of shape-shifting is common. Bez nods, and Valentino leads him to the house.

Bez has always felt safe with Valentino, and he never knew why. Maybe it was the parental guidance, or the care after a crash. His senses were beginning to go into overdrive to compensate for the dog form, and that's when it hit him.

Valentino smelt like a cat.

...

Bez doesn't remember transforming. He never does. His mind blocks it out, makes him forget everything. 

He does remember when he is a dog. So, when he sees a flash of light, he has to go investigate. What he isn't expecting is to see Marc Marquez, dazed, standing in one of the rooms at the ranch. Marc turns to face him, and his face pales slightly.

It is only then does Bez realises he's growling.

"Hey," He raises his arms up, palms facing Bez. "I'm not here to hurt you."

Yeah, right. But Bez stops growling anyway. He walks closer to Marc, curious. He knew he could teleport, everyone did. But why would he teleport here? He snuffed him as Marc stayed as still as a statue, and if Bez was human, he would have laughed.

He sat down, and looked up at Marc. Let us put him to the test---

He cups Bez's face, scratching him at just the right angle, just where he always needs scratching. He hears his own tail thump against the wood, but he doesn't care, this was blissful.

“You scared me, y’know?” Marc chuckled. “I thought I was about to be attacked by Valentino’s scary guard dog. What a way to go out.” Marc crouched down to the ground, and Bez moved forward to meet him. Not even Pecco scratches him this well. “Well, I guess we can wait for Valentino to find me here.” He sighed.

“I wonder if you know about Valentino…” Marc mumbles to himself. If only he knew. Bez had an idea now, he shapeshifted, like him. Except---

 “I mean, he must smell like a cat to you, he shapeshifts into one.”

Ah, he does. Wait. How does he know?

"Bez are you in here?" Valentino calls. Bez looks to where Valentino should be, but he could hear Marc's heart rate accelerate just a bit.

"Uhm, Valentino?" 

Valentino didn't speak again, and Bez decided to go check it out. He was just standing there, staring down the hall. As Bez walked past, he scratched his head, leaving Bez with a wagging tail once again.

He didn't see Marc again that day, and Valentino didn't mention it either.

Chapter Text

Nothing had changed after that. Everyone acted normally, as if Pecco and Bez's new relationship hadn't changed anything around them. No one reacted to Bez's shape-shifting either. He had tried to keep it a secret, no one liked the fact that he couldn't fully control it, but the academy boys were fine with it. 

The only one who changed in any way was Vale. 

He became a little distant, and he watched Pecco and him a lot more while they chilled around the ranch. Sure, Bez believes they could be a lot more kissy-kissy, and a whole lot more touchy-touchy, but it was nothing for him to worry about. Valentino had always been a little bit weird. Bez just wished that him being a shape-shifter would lessen that. 

The public announcement was next after everything. They had floated around some ideas between each other, but nothing stuck. Pecco wanted it to be plain and simple, a photo background with some text, or maybe even saying it in an interview. Bez wanted something elaborate, a quiz for his fans to try and guess. He always liked to keep people on their toes, and he didn’t want to just go for it. 

He tried to ask Luca about the future, but Luca just kind of stared at him. 

“No.”

“But—”

“No. I don’t know what will happen if I tell you the future!” Luca then shuffled away before Bez could continue to pester him.

Bez was starting to worry about how they’d break the news. Maybe Aprilla wanted to break it, or would Pecco just say something in the news? Pecco was always the tie breaker when it came to decisions, especially when Bez could never make up his mind. Bez turned around in his bed, looking at the empty side. Pecco and him hadn’t started to share beds, but Bez wanted to, especially while they were staying at the ranch. Pecco had dismissed him, saying they already spent enough time cuddling out of bed; if they slept in the same bed, Bez would never let him go. Bez fought back, but didn’t push him more. 

Bez sighed, and got out of bed. He never got up this early, but he wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep. He whipped the sleep from his eyes as he shuffled down the hall and into the kitchen. He opened the cupboard and tried searching for some cereal. He just wanted something easy for breakfast, something he could handle.

“Marc?” 

Bez turned to the door, where Valentino was standing, he was clearly still half asleep, his hair ruffled and his eyes half closed.

“Scusa, Vale. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It is fine, Marco… I thought you were someone else.” Valentino turned around, as if he was going to go back to his room, but he stopped halfway.”Marco?”

“Si?”

“Pecco and you, you two are not actually dating, are you?”

Bez glared at Vale’s back. Of course Valentino would sense something, but Bez genuinely thought they were believable. Everyone else believed them, so why wouldn't Vale?

“We are, Vale. We’re just… We are new to this. And I am scared.” He was. He was scared that if he said something, everyone would turn against him. He knows he has Valentino behind him, who will protect him no matter what, but he’s still allowed to be scared. Aprilia never specified they had to come out, so maybe Pecco and him could make it obvious they were dating, but never say it. He turned away from Valentino. “I am scared, Vale.”

Valentino made his way over hugging Bez. “Marco, nobody is pressuring you into doing anything. If you don’t want to say anything, then don’t say anything.”

If only Vale knew.

…

“Something’s up with them.” Pecco mumbled.

Bez was sitting in Pecco’s chair in the Ducati garage. Valentino had come over for a little bit, and the air had changed in the garage when they looked at each other. It wasn’t like anything either of them had felt before. It was clear they had started talking again, Valentino was starting to subtly praise Marc whenever he won a race (and he won them), and when one of the boys brought it up, they never felt like Valentino was going to tear them apart, saying they shouldn’t mention him. Something was definitely up with them.

“Pecco, I think we should do it your way.”

“What?”

Bez looked at Pecco, grabbing his hand. He felt butterflies in his stomach, and he didn’t know why he was so nervous. Maybe it was because doing this would solidify everything, doing that post meant that neither of them could back out. “I think we should post a simple picture with some text, or would you maybe prefer to do it in any interview?”

Pecco looked at the TV, and saw his own face looking back. “I have a better idea.”

Pecco slowly grabs Bez's cheeks, cupping his face. His hands were warm, rough, and calloused. As Pecco moved in closer, all Bez could think about was how much he wanted this. All he could think about was the warmth that bubbled in his chest. All he could think about was Pecco, right in front of him, leaning in for a kiss. 

When their lips finally collided, Bez felt fireworks explode around them. He didn't care about anything else, he couldn't hear or see anything else. All he could see was Pecco, all he could feel was Pecco, the way their lips moved together, the way his hands felt against his face, the way his chest felt under his hands. 

When they pulled apart, Bez was panting, but smiling. He was so happy. 

“Why did you do that?”

“Because you wanted to tell people. I thought that would—”

Bez smashes their lips together again. For some reason, he didn't want to hear that. He would rather live in ignorant bliss than Pecco just wanted to kiss him and not just to reveal their fake relationship.

He might need to talk to somebody about these feelings.

Chapter Text

It was eating him up.

Really, it was no surprise. Bez was… kind of aware he had feelings for Pecco. Not fully, he thought it was just some boy-crush; Pecco was an amazing person, capable of a lot of things. Bez admired that. He assumed that what he was feeling was nothing. Now, he knows better.

It had been months now, since they started fake dating, a little less longer out in the public. The media had been eating it up. They were invasive, but they always were, and Pecco and Bez understood that they each had boundaries. Nothing was pushed, as much as the press… well, pressed. 

But now, it was eating him. Spending time with Pecco, hurt, almost. Bez felt the butterflies in his stomach whenever he was near him. Every time they touched, Bez felt fireworks beneath his skin, and warmth blossomed when Pecco’s touch left. 

Then, of all things to happen, Bez bumped into Marc. Inside the ranch.

“Bez, could you turn off the television?”

He thought nothing of it. Valentino didn’t like leaving it to play if no one was around to hear it, especially while they were eating dinner. He walked towards the room, and opened the door. His jaw dropped to the floor. Staring right back at him was Marc Marquez, looking as shocked as he is, and dangerously more suspicious.

“Vale! Marc è qui! È proprio qui! Perché è qui?!” Marc is here! He is actually here! Why is he here? Bez’s feet stayed planted where he was, his hand stuck to the handle on the door. Marquez was here, again. Except this time, there was no hiding. Bez could not hide from Marc, and Marc could not hide from anyone else. Bez felt Valentino behind him, his eyes still stuck to Marc.

“Ehh, he is decent enough. Join us for dinner, Marc.”

Bez felt his head turn slowly to look at Valentino, his jaw somehow dropping lower. He felt like his eyes were about to pop out of his head. He promptly felt his feet start working again, and carried himself back to the dining room. Bez rushes in, probably looking panicked. Everyone looks at him.

“So?” Fabio speaks first.

“Marc Marquez is in our house!” Bez lets the words fall out of his mouth, and sink in for the first time. He takes a seat, right next to Pecco, like he always does. “Vale… invited him to stay for dinner.”

“What?”

Then the whispers begin while they wait. Their eyes darted to the door every second. If they are caught gossiping, Valentino would have their heads—

“The boys will do dishes tonight. They are gossiping about things they should not.” 

Their heads all swiveled to the door. They stare a moment at the strange picture in front of them. Marc is actually inside of their house, talking with Valentino Rossi, and Valentino… is letting him eat in his house.

“Allora, Marc is actually joining us for dinner?” Pecco breaks the silence. Valentino nods in return. Valentino tells him to sit in the seat beside him, the one to his left. He had started leaving this one empty, and Bez was confused as to why. Now, he knows. That was Marc’s seat. Dinner would be ready soon, and they could all dig in. Bez had a million questions floating on his tongue. Why would he come here, of all places to teleport? — Wait… Marc had seemed so shocked to teleport here the first time… Maybe he was teleporting to the wrong place!

“Marc, how much spice would you like?” Valentino called out.

“What you normally do is okay! Though, actually, maybe a bit more?”

Bez must be dreaming. Normally? How often is Marc here that Valentino knows how much spice he can handle?

“Wait, normally? You spend time here?” Pecco asks.

“He eats here,” Valentino replied for him. “Quite often… maybe, ehh, twice a month?”

Bez can’t help but turn to Marc, knowing his confused look is probably as obvious as a brick wall. Marc can teleport anywhere he wants, and he continuously chooses here. Why?

Marc shrugged, “I can’t control it. But Valentino has been a great host.”

Bez’s questions went from a million to a billion. When the food was brought out, Bez couldn’t help but let it slip. Pecco gave him a look, one of warning, but Marc smiled warmly at him. He answered his question, and the many that followed after. There were some he said he could not answer, saying he didn’t know himself, some he said he would not, and Bez respected that, he would not push. He was just curious.

Then, the drinking started, and they always bit off more than they could chew. Now they were all past drunk, and Valentino ushered them away, buzzed himself, saying he would take care of the dishes, but that the boys had to do an extra 100— no, 200 laps tomorrow. Bez rolled his eyes.

For the first time, Pecco pulled Bez to bed with him. Bez would hate himself tomorrow morning for his drunken actions, because it hurt twice as much. Pecco only wants to cuddle with him when they are drunk. Pecco might be under the impression they had a fake relationship, but Bez didn’t know how he could make his feelings more obvious.

Bez was finally starting to doze off when he heard shouting. It was Marc and Valentino. Bez felt he should interrupt. Marc did not know his way around, if Valentino kicked him… Bez… Bez wanted to talk to Marc before he left tomorrow. He could not do that if he left tonight.

He went to sit up, but was stopped as an arm wrapped around his waist.

“Let them fight it out, Marco. They need it.” Pecco’s face was half crushed into the pillow, suffocating his words. Bez still heard them though, so he laid back down, and Pecco’s arm came further up, holding him by his chest. 

Bez heard a door slam, but the voices continued. Then, as suddenly as it started, it ended. 

…

Bez woke up with a pounding head ache, and Pecco’s arm still wrapped around him. He slowly parted, and felt the warmth blossom from his chest through to his shoulders. He slowly made his way through to the kitchen, trying to get a glass of water. 

“Bez?” 

Bez looked up from the floor, coming to stand face to face with Marc. Again.

“Wow, you look.. Heh, horrible.”

Bez chuckles. “I feel it.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Actually, Marc, can I ask you something?”

Marc’s face scrunches up, but he smiles, like he always does. He moves so he stands beside Bez, moving them towards the counter with the gentle persuasion of his arm around his shoulders. Bez takes a seat and sighs.

“Marc… I am in love with Pecco.”

“Well, yes, I know that, Bez. If you think I am hitting on Pecco— that passionate kiss you shared months ago is always brought to my mind before I even jokingly flirt. You have nothing to worry about.”

Marc’s words were an attempt at comfort, but the Bez, it felt like a stab to his heart. The passion that Pecco faked was real enough to believe. Bez couldn’t fall into that trap. 

“Marc… My relationship with Pecco— … Aprilia paid me to do it. It’s fake. Pecco knows, but— Marc, I—”

Marc’s hand made its way to Bez’s shoulder, a look drifted across his face— a look of knowing. “Oh, Bez.”

“I am stupidly in love with Pecco, and he is only pretending.”

Chapter Text

Bez felt close to tears. Of course the first person he told was Marc— he didn’t hate Marc, he just didn’t trust him, not like the other academy boys— But he was the only one he could tell. Then a thought daunted over him, and it was clearly obvious on his face as Marc tightened his grip on his shoulder.

“Please— Don’t tell Vale— or anyone, please, Marc. If anything, give me this. Give the false hope that Pecco does return my feelings.”

“Bez— I would never!” Marc’s smile had dropped for a moment, but had now returned, seemingly even brighter. “But, Bez, it is clear that he does, you know, return your feelings. I may not be an expert on anything, but I know the look of love.”

Bez rubbed at his eyes, tears threatening to spill. “What do you mean? Pecco clearly only sees me as a friend. He was opposed to this whole fake dating idea in the first place, I should have agreed— should have told Aprilia to let Jorge fake date someone…” Bez mumbled off. Pecco was right all along.

“Bez, do you want to know why everyone believed so easily?”

“Because we have been friends for years—We know almost everything about each other— it was the perfect plan.”

Marc laughs at him, and Bez feels heat crawl up his face, and ducks his head down.

“No, Bez, no,” Marc finishes with a chuckle. “It is because you look at Pecco with this look, this glint in your eyes. You love him, that much is obvious, but Pecco looks at you like an animal. Did you not see how he looked at you at Silverstone?” Bez had won that race, and they went out partying. Marc had been there with his brother, but he had clearly been dragged along. Bez didn’t voice it to anyone, but he caught Valentino and Marc looking at each other a lot.

“What do you mean?”

“When you came over to the Ducati garage, still sticky with champagne, his eyes were so fixated on you! He didn’t look at anyone else. I mean… for me, if Valentino looked at me like that—well…” Marc didn’t finish. “But, Be— Marco, Pecco, he is clearly in love with you as much as you are in love with him.” Marc had a genuine look in his eyes, like he was telling the truth.

“Good morning, Marc. Buongiorno, Bez.” Valentino rubbed sleep from his eyes. “Are you two alright?”

Marc looked intently at Valentino, a hundred emotions passing through his eyes, as if they were silently communicating something. Bez could only just look emptily at him, knowing his eyes looked as wet as they felt.

“Bez— Are you alright? Did Pecco say something? I told him not to do anything stupid!” Valentino angrily grumbled as he walked closer, and as he closed in he wrapped Bez into a tight hug.

“No! No, Pecco did nothing stupid, Vale.” Bez mumbled into his chest. “Vale—”

“I know, Bez. I have known since the start. I know neither of you two could pull your heads out of your asses to actually see you were in love.” Valentino pulled back, cupping Bez’s face. “You two are very stupid. But, you know it now, and I know that Pecco knows his own feelings. Now, you just have to pull your head out of your ass and do it yourself. Per davvero this time.”

Bez looked into Valentino’s eyes, and felt the tears drip down his face. He dived back into Valentino’s chest, trying to hug him as tight as he could.

…

Bez thanked Vale and Marc for helping him, but decided he wanted to go back to his room and get some proper rest. Valentino gave him one last hug, and Marc kissed him on the check. He laid in bed, trapped with his thoughts for a moment. Vale and Marc… He could trust them, he did, he trusted them with his life, but Pecco being in love with him? They were wrong about that. It was an insane idea.

Bez sighed into his sheets, feeling tears prick his eyes once more. He had to be strong, just for the next couple of days. Just until he got back to his own home. Then, he could cry about Pecco and his stupidly good-looking face, and his disgustingly attractive body, and Bez's childish crush on him. He just needed to hold out a couple more days.

Bez felt himself sink deeper into his bed, and he wished it would envelope him. He wished for anything to whisk him away so he could stop thinking of Pecco.

“Bez?”

He didn't look up as Luca came in, sitting on the edge of the bed. 

“Are you okay?”

Bez couldn't find it in himself to respond, but he watched Luca, who clearly saw what happens in the future— wait. How much does he know? How far can he see, does he know about Pecco and him?

“It's alright. You don't have to answer.” He reaches out for the back of Bez's leg and gently places his hand there, warm and comforting like Luca always is.

That's another thing Bez has noticed, since Luca got his mystery boyfriend—That not even Vale knows about—he has almost been calmer, more at peace with himself, if that was even possible. Luca had always been level-headed where everyone else wasn't. Whoever this mystery boyfriend was, they were either clearly energetic, or just as calm as Luca. 

Bez doubts Luca could go for someone like the other academy boys. He'd go insane.

“I don't know how much comfort I can give you as I do not know what you're going through,” So Vale hadn't even told Luca. “But please don't stay in here all day, Pecco gets antsy when you aren't around. Hungover or not, he notices.”

Luca's phone buzzes in his pocket, he ignores it for a moment in favor of leaning down and kissing Bez on the cheek. 

“Take as long as you need, Bez. We are all here for you.”

Luca quietly takes his leave, flicking off the lights Bez had discarded earlier. He turned over looking at the door. 

He thought he would enjoy this fake dating. He really did. Especially with Pecco. They were friends, and Bez thought it would be believable– more than if he decided to date Fabio or Mig. But now, he was starting to regret it. He should have turned down the money. Should have never asked Pecco. 

Bez's eyes closed. He wanted to wish everything away, maybe, if God decided to take pity on him for once, he could spend the rest of the day as a dog. He would be blessed. 

Pecco was always there when he transformed. Pecco always cuddled him and fed him. Loved him like any owner loves their dog. 

He found it so easy to love the dog version of Bez.

So why couldn't he love the human version of Bez just as much?

Chapter Text

Bez fell asleep sometime after Luca left. He didn’t know how long, he couldn’t tell, and he really wasn’t bothered to find out either. He wanted to wallow for longer, stay cooped up in his bedroom until it was time to go. He couldn’t. They had planned to train, and Valentino, the torturer that he is, makes them do it, hungover or not. 

Valentino sent Luca to wake him up, and Bez felt like shit. They did the laps around the track, and he felt like shit— so he did shit. Vale let him off and sent him back to bed. 

Pecco came in an hour later. Bez couldn't bear the sight of him, but like the sun, sometimes your curiosity gets the better of you.

“Pecco?”

“Bez…” Pecco sighs, looking away. He looks down for a moment. “You know I love you, do you not?”

“Yeah, of course. We are friends.” Bez smiles. And for a moment, he forgets everything else. All his worries from before, everything he told Marc and Vale, they all leave him. For some reason, Bez thinks that maybe they are right, maybe Pecco does love him as much as they say he does.

“I think… I think we should end this fake relationship.”

For a moment, Bez thinks he means let's turn it into a real one, but when nothing else comes, he knows Pecco isn't going to say anything.

“Oh. But— we, we were… we were happy.” He was. He was really happy. Does Pecco not see that he's sad because of something stupid? Or does he know that Bez has a crush, and wants him to be able to get over it.

And for a moment, he hates Vale and Marc. And then he doesn't.

“Bez… Marco, I'm not. I'm not happy at all.”

“Why? Tell me why, maybe we can fix it! That's what friends do— that's what—”

“That’s what couples do. We are not a couple.”

And for a moment, Bez hates Pecco. He hates him. It must show in that moment, because Pecco leaves. He gets up and leaves, and Bez just sits there in bed. A few minutes later, he hears a car leave, and realises that Pecco has left. He has gone back home.

And in that moment, Bez hates himself. He feels the shivers climb up his spine, and he will tell everyone that he felt like shit today because of that. Not anything else. It wasn't the fact that he was hungover. It wasn't the fact he fell in love with his best friend. It wasn't the fact he couldn't have what he wanted. 

And it definitely wasn't the fact that this was the first time in years Bez transformed without Pecco.

…

Luca came in again to wake him up. He doesn't remember anything from when he transformed, or how he even got back to bed. He shook him gently, muttering things he couldn't fully understand, and ushered him out. Supposedly, it was time for Marc to go. He didn't want Marc to go. He wanted him to stay.

Alex was here too. He didn't mind Alex, though they hadn't talked much. Luca unraveled himself from Bez, and stood beside Alex, kissing him on the cheek, then on the other— a greeting— then a small smile and a chaste kiss on the lips— not a greeting.

Pecco would have known about them, he would never have been surprised. Bez was, but he would not have guessed them, ever. He smiled, and greeted Alex, who looked at with pity in his eyes. Clearly, he had been informed, whether it was Luca or Marc, Bez wouldn't know, nor would he judge them. He had a right to know.

He then said goodbye to Alex and Marc as they left, and tried to ignore the way Marc and Vale looked at each other across the room. He waved as they drove down the drive, and stayed for a moment, as if expecting Pecco to turn up randomly.

Luca gently grabs his shoulders and pulls him back inside, hugging his shoulders. Vale looks at him, and he looks sad, heartbroken. Or maybe that's just because that's how Bez looks.

“You can stay here for as long as you like, Bez.” Luca says quietly. Bez wants to leave, he does. That's what his original plan was– go home, cry about his crush and the fact they were fake dating, get over it, and then realise having a crush on your best friend doesn't change much in your fake relationship. Now, he doesn't want to leave.

“Are you sure?”

“Vale and I could always use the extra company, Bez. I promise I won't let him make you do any laps.”

Luca was always calm, caring, and kind. Bez liked that about him. He understood why Alex liked him– who wouldn't, really?

But, nothing could compare to Pecco. He made Bez laugh and smile more than anyone else can. They can talk about whatever, for hours on end without stopping. They enjoy the same things, they hate the same things. 

How dare Pecoo feel entitled to leave him like this. He saw him down, and just decided it was best to kick him while he was still down there instead of waiting for him to get up.

How dare Bez feel entitled to hold Pecco to something he didn't even know?

Bez overflowed with love for Pecco didn't even know he held. Pecco could ask for anything and Bez would do it.

That does not make Pecco accountable for this.

Bez sighed, and softly smiled at Luca. “Grazie.”

“Go, we'll make dinner. Then, we can watch a movie?”

Bez shrugs. He doesn't know if he wants to watch anything right now, but he doesn't want to make Luca and Vale feel worse than they already do, so he'll grin and bear it. 

…

They choose a random movie, and it ends up being La La Land. Bez likes Emma Stone, and he's pretty sure that's why Vale chose it. 

The movie starts out sweet— they hate each other at the start, and then they slowly fall in love.

It's sweet, and Bez is happy. He feels better. Then he doesn't.

They were happy— and then they became successful. She wanted a life— he wanted the band. If Bez drew parallels between them and Valentino and Marc, then only he (and Pecco) would know. 

He played their song after they locked eyes. And that reminded Bez of the thumping of his heart every time he looked at Pecco, an individual song that played only between them. 

An alternate universe where they did something different. Something smarter, or maybe something not as stupid.

Maybe there isn't another universe where they get together, and this was the only one—

Bez does not watch the end of the movie, he gets up before it can finish, and Vale doesn't scold him for doing so.

Bez cries into his pillow for what feels like the seventeenth time today, and he's surprised his pillow isn't water logged.

He falls asleep again and he still feels like shit.

Chapter Text

Bez feels off. 

Well, okay, not really. It’s the last race of the season, and it’s a tight battle between Marc and Pecco, and Vale is there, and Pecco and him aren’t pretending to be dating anymore, so he feels off, because just at the last race about two weeks before, two of those things were completely different (though Valentino being here was a good thing).

He sighs. Qualifying went well (he placed 5th) and the sprint went a little better (he placed 4th), and now, he was waiting, sitting on his bike, taking one final look around. 

Marc was placed right in front of him on pole— Holy shit, does this mean he’s taking the pole award? That’s funny— qualifying amazingly, dominating the sprint, and showing off just how good he is. Pecco is p2, and as much as he hates him (he doesn’t, he really doesn’t), he wants to see him win— get that next title, show he’s just as good as every other title holder in this place and better. Then it’s Alex in p3. He’s 3rd overall for championship points at the moment, but if Bez wouldn’t mind him winning a title in the near future, he’s kind, and if Luca likes him, then Bez does too. He trusts Luca’s judgment of character, he has always been good at that— judging people— he just knows. 

Bez takes a breath, then slowly releases it. He allowed the air from the circuit to enter his lungs and fill his blood stream, feeling the adrenaline already starting to pump through his body as his heart sped up with excitement.

Whatever happened in the next forty minutes, Bez would take it, and mold it into what he wanted.

…

The punches came rolling one right after the other, and ended in celebration. He managed to claw and fight his way to p3, just behind Alex, and about 7 seconds behind Marc, who clinched a ninth title, and was slowly making his way around the circuit for a cooldown lap, just beside Alex, and Bez was slowly trailing behind them. 

Pecco had crashed, and Bez watched him as he passed the walking figure. He wasn’t limping, or gripping anything, he just looked sad, and Bez wanted to drop everything to help him. He didn’t, but only barely.

They dropped their bikes off at parc ferme, and Alex and MArc hugged each other tightly. When Marc saw Bez, he ran towards him, flung himself into a hug and picked Bez off the ground, laughing. Bez couldn’t help but laugh with him. He hugged Alex as well, and then celebrated with his team. Pecco was with Ducati, smiling with Marc, who was trying to get through the crowd to clearly tackle the man to the ground.

“Bez!”

Bez looked around and spotted Vale, who hugged and smiled at him.

“Congrats. Perhaps next year we’ll see you fighting to keep others away from the title.” Vale half joked. He always wanted to see any of those (his) kids as a world champion, but he didn’t want to stress them with trying to overachieve. Vale looked at Marc for a moment before Bez knowingly nudged him.

“Ohhhh! Aren’t you excited to see him match you?” Bez barked out a laugh as Valentino rolled his eyes. They both looked back at Marc who had just finished hugging his parents and turned around to spot Vale. His parents caught where he was looking, and both had that look in their eyes— parental worry.

“Gross, stop eye fucking!” Bez heard Alex mumble beside him. 

If Marc heard it, Bez wasn't sure, but he smiled—a wicked smile that could only mean chaos— and made his way over to Valentino. Bez and Alex walked away, towards Marc’s parents, who were reaching out towards Alex. His mother hugged him too, cupping his face and saying something he couldn’t quite hear over the crowd. They’d have to get going soon so they can celebrate on the podium together.

An interviewer caught his attention and they had a small discussion of the race, and Bez could see Alex having a similar one too. 

Alex tugged on Bez’s arm, but the crowd made a curious sound. Bez was expecting a lot of things, but Marc and Valentino kissing like they were the only people around made Bez make an audible sound of… child disgust. Though, something churned in his stomach, a low feeling of jealousy— he knew they weren’t doing it on purpose, they loved each other and they wanted to show it, but Bez just wishes he could do that. He wishes he could find Pecco in the crowd, saunter up to him and kiss him like only they exist, reminding him of that first shared kiss they had on live television (he struggles to refrain from looking for Pecco, but he manages. Just.) Bez doesn’t voice any of that, instead, he just continues to watch on.

“Oh come on!” Alex groans, and Bez can’t help but agree.

“No one wants to see your bedroom stuff!! Keep that for, for…” Bez stumbles over his words

“— The bedroom!” Alex fills in the gap.

“Yeah!”

Marc laughs as he breaks away from the kiss, but he soon ushers them away so they can get to the cooldown room. Bez wishes for it so badly as soon as it leaves Marc’s lips. A drink from a nice bottle would be nice— and a chance to see some stuff he missed would also be good.

Marc wrapped an arm around Bez’s shoulder as they arrived at the cooldown room, smiling and just buzzing with excitement. 

“You did amazing Bez!” All three of them reached for one of the bottles and flopped down on the chairs. “You managed to hold off everyone extremely well!”

Bez giggles. “Well, it would have been Pecco if he didn’t crash—What was it anyway?” As if summoned, they showed the crash on the TV in front of them. Pecco’s tire had slipped, and he couldn’t regain control. Thankfully, the bike managed to take most of the damage, leaving Pecco mostly unharmed. He didn’t seem to look too bad, he was smiling in parc ferme, and that normally meant everything could at least be handled. “Thanks for helping me out there, Alex.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to see that Marc.”

Marc rolled his eyes. “He’s just jealous.”

“Jealous of what?”

He watches on as Alex and Marc bicker, before they’re called out to participate in their final podium until next year. Bez sees Vale in the crowd, who waves at him, smiling like before. It takes everything in Bez not to wave back like a little child, but he nods. Alex comes out in quick succession, happy, and Marc is doing everything possible not to literally implode and turn into a small explosion of confetti. The Spanish anthem plays, and Bez watches as Marc’s smile threatens to split his face, and he dances slightly to the tune of the music. 

The champagne always makes Bez the happiest, and Alex and Bez seem to share a common thought as they both attack Marc with champagne that he almost drops his bottle. He manages to get Bez first, and then finishes on Alex. Afterwards, Bez grapples Marc into a hug, and Marc holds him back, his arm a comfort. They have to go do interviews shortly, but thankfully they can get out of this gear first. 

Bez still feels a little off, but he is fine— happy— and buzzing with the thought of an afterparty.

Chapter Text

It was finally break time. They had all spent time and then came back to the ranch for training. Then, most of them left. Now it was just Bez, Luca, Alex, Marc, and Valentino. Though, Bez would rather be anywhere else. He wanted to stay at the ranch for longer, as he hadn’t had anything planned until later, but he was starting to regret it— staying with Valentino was normally a great thing, they’d eat, train, talk— but with Marc here, oh, god, they just keep… eye-fucking, and foreplay arguing… and actual fucking. It left Bez with Luca and Alex in an almost awkward silence most of the time because they knew exactly what was going on.

It was another one of those moments, where Bez was sitting outside, trying to enjoy the sun and heat while it was still around (and trying to stay out of the house more importantly). He just needed time to think for a little bit, to think about why he hadn’t been transforming recently. He had transformed once, a couple of days after the race, but it hasn't happened since. He mentioned it to Valentino, who said if he didn’t transform within the next week, they could go see a doctor together. Bez was really hoping that in the next two days, he’d feel that shiver, just so he could get away from going to the doctor. He lay in the sun, so he knew his body was warm, so he’d know that that shiver he feels isn’t because he’s cold, but because the animal inside of him needs to be let out to have fun.

“Bez?”

He opened his eyes and looked towards the door. Standing there was Alex, a soft smile on his face. Bez had noticed that when he was with Alex, he was calm, relaxed, compared to when he was with Marc, who he matched energy with. It seemed like whoever Alex was with, he matched their energy— same with the room. Bez thought it was amazing, because Alex managed to do that with everyone, everywhere— he was almost jealous. Almost. 

Pecco managed to do that too, in a slightly different way. He managed to read people in a way Bez never could—He once made a joke that Pecco was like the air nomads in Avatar, the ability to be calm at all times, to read and understand people in a way most people couldn’t, and, y’know, the air powers. Pecco had chuckled at that— but people always said that Bez had the power of making everyone in a room feel better, happier. So, maybe, that’s just how they are as different people.

“Alex,” Bez gestured widely to the area around him. “You need some space away from the lovebirds?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Please, I don’t need any more reminders of them.” He took a seat beside Bez, in one of the many chairs scattered around the porch. “Bez, Luca and I were wondering if you’d like to join us on our trip to Spain.”

Bez scrunched his eyebrows. “I thought that was going to be a romantic trip for you two, I do not want to overstep. I’ll be fine—If I stay here, it will only be for another week or so, so it is not too bad.”

“Bez, please. I don’t think you should stay here with just Marc and Valentino. They’re conscious about how much they’re doing because all three of us are here, with just you? I don’t even want to think about it.” He reached out and gently pressed against Bez’s shoulder, rubbing in circles. “We’re inviting you. My parents want to get to know some of Luca’s friends, and I think you would be a great start.”

Bez finally felt that infamous shiver climb up his spine, and he knew it wasn’t from the cold.

“If you are offering a place.” Bez smiled at him, and Alex smiled back.

“You should probably stay out here till dinner, Bez. They went back to arguing.”

“Gross.”

“I know, right?”

…

Luca was very happy that Bez had accepted, and so was Marc.

“My parents love energy within my house, and Alex has it, he does, but you? You mirror me more than anything.” Marc had smiled that wide smile, his smile. “And they love more people! You’ll love them.” 

Vale had sent him off with kisses, and Marc sent him off with three hugs, one for him, and one for each of his parents. 

…

Bez was nervous. 

He was nervous because Luca was nervous, and because of that, Alex was also nervous. 

It only got worse the closer they got to the airport exit. Alex said their parents would pick them up, wanting to spend more time with them. That clearly made him nervous. They were all just enabling each other.

“Alex!” 

An older woman shouted across the space, and Bez could feel the worry and nervousness seep away from Alex. He smiled and waved back. They made their way over, and Alex was smothered in kisses. Bez laughed, and Roser zoned in on him— he was the next target. She grabbed his face and kissed both cheeks, less than Alex, but like a child none the less. 

“You must be Bez.” She smiled.

“You can call me Marco, please.”

She placed another kiss on his cheek before moving onto Luca. Luca seemed to know what was coming, and tried to avoid it, but the power of a mother just can’t be beaten.

They got into the car about 15 minutes later, and were now on their way home, Alex sitting in the front beside his mother, and Luca and Bez in the back. They chatted away, and Bez started to feel that this was definitely the right choice; he would never have gotten this back with Marc and Valentino.

After a while, Luca fell asleep—He never lasted long on planes— and Bez started to feel sleep come after him too. He closed his eyes and leaned against the window, listening to the quiet sound of the engine and the small conversation that passed between mother and son in front of him.

“So, how was Marc?”

“Mamá— he was fine, Está bien. Están mejor... están mucho mejor, más felices.” They’re better… much better, they’re happier. Was happier an innuendo for something else? They couldn’t keep their eyes, minds, or hands off each other— but what can Bez say? He wasn’t there the first time around.

“I am allowed to be concerned.”

“I know, mamá.” Alex sighed. “I am sure, even within the next month, Marc will ask if he can come over. He will listen if you don’t think it will work.”

Somehow, Bez thinks, Somehow they will make it work. No matter how many tries it takes, no matter if they destroy each other. They love each other so much, it is impossible for them to be apart. 

Bez falls asleep shortly after that, and is only awoken when they arrive.

…

Julia looks over Luca with intent. He saw what happened to his last son, he didn’t want that to happen again, or at least, that’s what Bez thought. After a short moment, he smiles and takes Luca by the shoulder, hugging him. 

Alex smiles at that.

In these kinds of moments, Bez feels like a weird third wheel—sometimes, he catches himself thinking of Pecco. They had gone to their parents after their first kiss on live television. Bez’s mother had hit both of them with a rolled newspaper she had lying around the house, saying they should have told her (Pecco’s mother had a similar reaction), neither of them had been protective or worried. They were very happy about it—but Luca and Alex try to get him involved, and Bez thinks it’s because they want him to forget.

The Marquez parents are different compared to Bez’s own mother, their reaction to their son’s new relationship was tense and nervous, but they are no less loving or inviting. 

They invited Luca into their home—as Alex’s boyfriend— and they invited Bez into their home—as one of Alex’s friend— and neither of them were treated any differently, association with Vale be damned.

They were in the process of making dinner, so they were told to go unpack.

“You probably want the guest room, Bez,” Alex makes an awkward sound as he looks into the room. “I do not think Marc’s room would be best.”

“Marc wouldn’t mind, he even said I should.” Bez shrugged with a smile.

Luca pokes his head in beside Alex and makes an equally as bad noise as Alex had made moments before. “No— Bez, I really would not.”

Bez pushes through and takes a look around. The walls are covered in posters—some are more recent than others— there are at least 5 of Marc’s podium over the past couple of years, and so many more of Valentino’s, some from the 2000’s, some more recent— and his roof, oh, God, Bez doesn’t look— his shelves are decorated with figurines, and Bez recognises some as Valentino’s bikes.

“So…” Alex says quietly. “Do you want to sleep with 20 different Valentino’s watching you?” 

They all slowly back out of the room, closing the door with them.

“No… No I do not.”

Chapter Text

Bez was standing in the kitchen, cleaning his plate after dinner. Luca and Alex were still talking at the table, and they were happy, so happy.

Bez almost felt a little sick seeing them. 

But he was happy he was here, it was a good decision to come. He looked back at his plate, it was already clean, but Bez needed something to do, so he turned the tap back on and started to rinse the plate again.

“I think I can see my reflection in the plate.” 

Bez jumps at the sound. Roser stands behind him, holding her own plate. “Are you going to keep cleaning it until it is a mirror?”

Bez chuckles nervously. “I— Sorry, I just,”

“You need something to do, I understand. Marc, he is the same way.” Roser hands him her plate, and he takes it, moving his own plate away from the spray of water. She stays with him, and they talk a little. They talk about nothing, they don’t talk about racing, and Bez thinks it’s a habit she’s picked up from being around two boys who spend most of their time racing. He mentions it, and she clarifies that she never has to, Marc always manages to turn nearly every conversation to sport. Bez says he is the same, and she disagrees, he didn’t turn this conversation to racing. 

Bez goes to bed content, and he isn’t stared at by 20 different posters of Valentino and Marc.

…

The next day, Luca drags him out of bed kicking and screaming. 

It is way too early for Bez to even think about getting up, let alone go for a run with them in the cold Spanish air.

“Come on, Bez. Vale would be very disappointed.”

“He wouldn’t even notice! They’re both so busy—”

“Ah! No– shush!” Luca points to the living room where Roser and Julia are both looking at them.

Bez doesn’t finish his sentence and they are ushered out of the house for their run.

…

30 minutes later, the run had turned into a stroll around Alex’s home town. Bez trailed behind, and watched Alex and Luca as they talked between the two of them.

He wasn’t jealous of either of them, he wasn’t. He had spent tons of time trailing couples around places. But this stung.

Alex and Luca were in love.

With each other.

Alex and Luca were in love.

And they were fucking happy.

The spoilt fucking bastards were happy, and they were just— walking there, holding hands. They weren’t even doing anything, and Bez was somehow taking offense to it. It was stupid.

It was weird. Bez had never thought about Pecco like he did now that they had broken up. Before, it was just daydreaming and jokes of them getting married in the future. The year that they dated, Bez was having dreams of Pecco— he wasn’t outright thinking about him. Now, everything reminded him of Pecco. It had never been like this before, it was never his reality, it was just a dream.

Bez didn’t even notice the conversation in front of him had stalled until he caught up with them. Luca was rubbing his forehead, a telltale sign of a headache for him— the special kind. Bez had never seen it happen, just saw Luca rub at his head, excuse himself, and never see him until a couple hours later when they bumped into each other again.

“Headache or vision?” Alex asks softly.

“Vision.” Luca mumbles back. They’re so soft, so comfortable in their ways, like this has happened many times before. It probably has. Pecco sometimes even knew that Bez was going to transform before Bez did. “Can I sit down?”

“Yeah, of course.” Alex leads him to a bench and sits him down, He locks eyes with Bez, and waves him over. “Hey, how about we get some ice cream? We’ll come back soon, Luca.”

He isn’t a child. He doesn’t need to be led away with a treat. But an ice cream sounds nice anyway. (He doesn’t think about the fact that the last time he had ice cream was with Pecco on a hang out they faked as a date online. He doesn’t think he could think about it and not be sick.)

They walk into a random store, and Bez takes his time looking through the list of flavors, even if he knew what he was going to get as soon as they left Luca. He got the exact same every time. He was just stalling for time, and Alex was doing the same.

“Bez?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for coming out here. I know it means a lot to Luca that you said yes.”

Bez smiles. “I’m glad I did.” It gets me away from every thought of Pecco.

“Can I say something, Bez? If I cross a line, you can say so.” Alex looks back over the flavours, and Bez isn’t sure if he does it to stall for Luca, or because he genuinely doesn’t know what to get.

“I could care less, Alex. Ask away.” Bez smiles at the cashier, waiting for Alex so they can order together.

“Pecco and you… you are in love with each other?”

Why does everyone keep saying that? “I am in love with him.” Bez says with a clipped tone, and Alex nods. But he clearly isn’t in love with me, goes unsaid.

“So, what would you like?”

“Cookies and cream, and cookie dough.”

Alex quickly orders for the both of them.

“What does Luca get?”

“Two scoops of Mint chocolate chip. Always.”

Alex smiles, then orders. They wait for a few minutes, then grab their ice creams and head back over to the bench. Luca is sitting, smiling at the both of them, making grabby hands for the cone with two large scoops of mint ice cream. His smile seemed to broaden as they came closer, but Bez knew it wasn’t because of them.

“Oh, you both know me so well.” He reached out for the ice cream, but Bez pulled it just out of his reach. 

“Ah-ah! What do we say?” Bez smiled and raised his eyebrows.

“Thank you, Alex and Bez.” Luca replied playfully. “An ice cream is all I could ask for after a vision.”

Bez handed the ice cream over and then sat right beside Luca. Alex followed suit. They sat on the bench, quietly speaking between them as they slowly ate their ice cream. Bez still finished first, but he was used to it. Pecco took so long to eat his ice cream, savouring every lick, every bite. So, Bez would always distract himself as he waited, playing on his phone, running around, and finding a playground. Then, Pecco would always call him back over, and they continued with whatever they needed to do.

This time, he just stayed seated, right next to Luca. He couldn’t think about getting up as much as he wanted to. Pecco haunted his every movement, and there was nothing Bez could do to stop it. He was haunted by a man who was still living, still around. He was just a text or phone call away.

Bez doesn’t even remember the last time he texted Pecco, let alone called. They used to do it so much…

“Come on, Bez. We should head home, mamá will probably want our help with something.” Alex mumbled as he reached out for Bez’s hand. 

Bez smiled as he took it.

He would try his best to forget Pecco, because he needed to.

He couldn’t be haunted by a man like this.

…

“Alright, what do you want, Alex?” Luca giggled out as Alex kissed his neck. His arms were wrapped around Luca's waist, and Alex’s head was under his chin, kissing at his neck. They were lying in bed, not to go to sleep, but just to spend time with each other.

“You haven’t told me yet.” Alex mumbled. 

“Ohhh, the vision!” Luca playfully shoved Alex off so he could properly look at him. He cupped Alex’s face, smiling. “Well, should I really tell you? Maybe I won’t this time.”

“Oh, please,” Alex rolled his eyes with a chuckle. “Every time you get one you text— or better yet— call me. You can’t keep it to yourself, and you don’t want to tell anyone else.”

Luca kissed Alex on the lips, a simple peck to the lips. “I can always tell Vale. That’s what I used to do.”

“He’d tell Marc.”

Luca rolled his eyes. “Fine, since you drive such a hard bargain.” Luca sighed. “I don’t think we’ll be dealing with a mopey Bez for much longer— perhaps the first race of the season.” 

Alex lifted an eyebrow. “Bez said he was in love with Pecco, but I don’t think he knows Pecco is in love with him.”

“It’s Pecco and Bez, they’ve never been the smartest when it came to their feelings.” Luca says, moving his hands to rest around Alex’s neck. “Though… we all believed they were dating, so maybe that makes us just as stupid.”

“Just like Valentino and Marc.” Alex doesn’t compare many people to Vale and Marc, not even them. But Pecco and Bez do share some similarities. Though Luca is very happy they decided to skip the rivals part.

“We aren’t like that , are we?”

“Dios, I hope not.”

They stay silent for a moment, just looking at each other.

“Maybe I will try for a podium.”

“No, I don’t think I will be able to handle seeing you covered in champagne.”

“Think about how I feel every time you’re up there.”

They both giggle, then pull each other closer, cuddling.

“I love you, Mauri.”

“I love you too, Maro.”

Chapter Text

“What time did Valentino say he was coming?” Luca shouts down the hall.

“Non lo so! Non lo so!” Bez shouts back as he tries to get all of his belongings into his bag. He didn’t want to forget anything, that would be stupid, but he knows he probably will.

They both try to pack their bags as fast as possible, making sure they’d be ready for Valentino to turn up at any moment. Alex was somehow still asleep even with Luca and Bez yelling across the hall. They then placed their bags next to each other and flopped against the wall, both panting.

“We should have asked Vale, shouldn’t we?” Luca says between breaths.

“Would he have answered?”

Bez flops against the floor, letting the coolness of the wood seep through his flesh. 

“What are you two doing?” Alex mumbles through a sleepy tone.

Neither of them answer.

…

Roser hugged Luca, tightly. Luca hugged her back. Julia shook his hand, and patted his shoulder. 

Roser hugged Bez too, and Julia shook his hand as well. Bez was nervous for the sake of Valentino. He hoped Marc and him hadn’t had a fight, just so they could prove to them that what Alex had said almost a week and a half ago was true.

They were sitting in the living room, making idle chatter when they heard keys at the door make their way through the hole and opened the door. 

“Mamá, papá! I am home!” Marc chuckled out. He ran straight to his parents arms and they hugged him tightly. Valentino looked on with that softness in his eyes, something the academy boys were seeing more often. He was getting old.

Luca nudged Bez, egging him on to say what was on his mind.

“Vale!” Bez called out from the couch. He turned his attention away, and Bez could feel Marc look at him too. “Stai invecchiando! Guardi Marc con quella dolcezza da vecchio negli occhi!” You’re getting old! You look at Marc with an old man’s sweetness in your eyes!

Vale glares at him angrily, but he has a smile on his face. “You have been spending too much time with Marc.” 

“I don’t think he has!” Marc calls out as he walks towards Bez, hugging him and swaying from side to side. “I am very happy to know that jokes about Vale’s age will not stop because I am gone.”

Valentino scoffs.

“Can you two cut out the sweetness? You’re polluting the house.” Alex says from the stairs.

Marc laughs, and both of his parents join in.

Bez doesn’t mention it, but he notices Vale’s shoulders relax.

…

The drive back to Italy is full of idle chatter. 

Bez is very happy.

He doesn’t think of Pecco once.

…

The last two weeks of the winter break were full of thoughts of Pecco. He had so many, he even had an unsent text message in Pecco’ s contact, just waiting for him to press the send button.

He got so desperate, he wrote a letter. He hasn’t done that before.

Pecco  Dearest Dear Pecco,

I don’t know why I’m writing this. I think it’s because I don’t want to accidentally say anything to you. Something stupid I might regret, you know. But I am always like that. And you know that about me. You know everything about me.

I am in love with you. It took a couple of months of fake dating for me to realise that what I was feeling was not just a silly boy-crush, but an actual crush. Which is stupid. Because when you kissed me that first time, on live television, I should have known then. When your lips met mine, I felt fireworks, and warm, and I should have known because that’s how everyone describes it. Then we hugged, and we touched, and every moment felt like I was floating in the sky. I am completely in love with you. Ha.

I told Marc and Vale, and they say you are in love with me too. Maybe you are, I don’t know. I am not as good at reading people as you are. Marc and Vale are very happy. Have you seen them? Ehh, you probably have. They just can’t keep away from each other. That is how I feel about you. I wish to be with you in every moment, feel your touch in every moment. You are the warmth when I am cold. I search you out in every moment, even my sleep, I have noticed that I reach out for a person that isn’t there.

Perhaps I have been spending too much time with Luca and Alex. They are so much better with their words than Marc and Vale are. Vale and Marc are actions, and Luca and Alex are words. I heard Jorge gives good gifts to Dani. Perhaps, I can show you through my actions. Yes, I will show you my love through my actions!

Pecco, My dearest Pecco,

With everything I can give you, I will give it to you. Whatever I have is yours. I will give to you all I can and even more.

Whatever I can do to prove my love.

All you have to do is say it.

Bez folded the letter, and placed it in his bag. He would take it to the ranch so he had something to look at, to keep him going for his goal.

He was going to prove his love for Pecco. He would make Pecco fall in love with him if he wasn’t already! 

…

He lost it. 

He lost the damn letter. 

…

The first race was coming up, and Bez wasn’t stressed about it. Testing went well, and he knew he could do good for once. Perhaps Vale was right to joke he would get a title last year, he felt confident in himself. 

He wanted to win, and he would fight anyone to prove that. Marc, Alex, Pecco, anyone. He needed to prove himself.

He’d take the first podium, at least. That’s where all the greats started, right?

That’s all he had to do. 

Chapter Text

Pecco released a breath of relief as he walked into his motorhome. He had placed well in qualifying, P3, still on the front row. He had a chance to make it further, or at least keep himself in P3 for the whole race. Marc had managed to snatch pole, but it wasn’t a surprise to Pecco. He was a talented rider. 

He walked up to the fridge, aiming to get a drink when a piece of paper he knew he hadn’t placed there was stuck to the silver metal with a 63 magnet. Pecco gently grabbed the paper and unfolded it.

He instantly recognised Bez’s hand writing, it was unmistakably his. Even the way he wrote was clearly Bez in nature. But it couldn’t be. The letter was full of this detailed love, more than what Pecco could ever think Bez could feel towards him. To Bez— They were just friends, weren’t they? Pecco couldn’t understand why Bez would ever write a letter like this, especially towards him.

So, he rationally came to two conclusions.

One: Bez was making fun of him. He somehow found out that Pecco had a crush, wrote this letter, and would make fun of Pecco when he tried to confess his 'mirrored' feelings.

Two: He was being pranked. Someone forged a letter using Bez’s handwriting and stuck it on Pecco’s fridge. For what reason, Pecco wouldn’t know. 

He walked over to the couch and looked over the letter again, trying to see if it really was fake. 

If it was genuine, perhaps Pecco could try and subtly bring it up over the weekend. If not, well, Pecco will just let his love flow until he can no longer love Bez anymore.

—

Bez was still freaking out about the letter. It was at the ranch with him, it couldn’t have gone far, it was in his room! It is not like it grew legs and walked away!

He tried to bring it up with everyone who had been at the ranch at the time, seeing if they knew the whereabouts of Bez’s ‘data’. None of them did. Then they all made fun of him for losing ‘data’. 

He didn’t know what to do.

He flopped onto his couch, closing his eyes, trying to remember if he moved the letter. He only remembered touching it the night before they left, leaving it on his bedside table. He looked all morning for it before he left the ranch, searching high and low in his room, the kitchen, the bathrooms, both Franky’s and Mig’s bedroom, and outside in the garage. It didn’t show up anywhere.

He brought it up to Marc as he was leaving, and he said he lost data all the time. He never was good at recalling where he accidentally left something. He said if he found it, he would return it to Bez, and he promised not to look at his data and cheat.

(Bez doesn’t think he would need to anyway.)

Bez let out a sigh. This was going to ruin the weekend for him. He doesn’t even think the race could distract him from this. He pulled out his phone, and opened his contacts.
 

He scrolled until he was met with Pecco’s name, and a small photo of them together beside it. He had left a small text, which lay unsent at the bottom of his phone screen. He deleted the message and typed something else.

Come over? I am lonely.

He only realises after he sends it that it sounds like he is asking for sex, but he isn’t. He really just needs a comforting person. If Pecco doesn’t answer he might try Marc, but if Pecco didn’t want to come, he doesn’t want anyone else. He felt a shiver slowly come up his spine, and goosebumps littered his bare legs. He sighed. Another transformation without Pecco. He doesn’t even enjoy them like he used to. 

WIth Pecco, he would remember and enjoy every moment spent with him, even if it was just lying on one of their beds while he wasn’t fully there. Pecco would look after him, help him. It was nice.

He shook out his curls, getting up. He wanted to be able to do it somewhere comfortable, and his bed was the best option. He was about to hit the bed when someone knocked at his door. Not bothering to get up, he called out.

“Come in! It is unlocked!” He slammed face first into the pillow of his bed, his body starting to feel foreign and slightly out of his own control. It was never a great experience, but it only started to become painful near the end. At least he wouldn’t remember it.

The bed dips near his legs and he feels someone pulling off his socks and shoes. “‘M not sleeping…”

“I know.” The voice says. “Lift your arms up.”

“Nothin’ will be ruined.” He mumbles.

“Did I not already say I know? Come on.”

Bez does as the voice asks. His shirt is gone and he is only left in his shorts. He presses his face further into the pillow.

“It is alright.” A hand gently rubs circles onto his back. “Whatever happens, Bez, I am here. You will be okay soon.” Whoever the voice is, it is soothing, and Bez starts to lose himself to it, focusing on the words.

“Why‘re you here?”

“You asked me to, Bez.” And Bez can tell the voice is smiling, soft and warm, and all the things he likes.

“No, I asked Pecco to…” He mumbles out, as he loses what little conscience he had as a human to darkness.

…

Come over? I am lonely.

If Pecco didn’t immediately pull on his shoes when he saw the text pop up on his screen, then he would be lying. As much as he was doubting Bez, and whatever remained of their friendship, Bez was extending an olive branch right now, something he couldn’t deny right now.

If Bez had meant it sexually, it is not how Pecco read it. Pecco read it with a sad tone, because Bez probably was lonely. They never spent time apart like this before, races, the ranch, they were joint at the hip.

Pecco had missed it.

When he entered and saw Bez lying haphazardly on the bed, he almost laughed. Bez was never a big fan of the actual transforming part, just the end results. Pecco always tried to make it as comfortable as possible.

“No, I asked Pecco to…”

Trust out-of-it Bez to say stupid things, he didn’t even recognise Pecco’s voice.

(If Pecco thought it was because they hadn’t held a proper conversation in two months, he wouldn’t actually voice it. Because that meant admitting he missed it, them talking. It meant admitting he was thinking of them.)

(It meant admitting he was fully in love with Marco Bezzecchi.)

Chapter Text

Pecco didn't want to stay, but he needed to. He had missed this. Bez was curled over his lap, nuzzling his face into Pecco's hip. Pecco was patting his thick, curly coat, and they were just sitting there.

They had done this hundreds of times before, but more often than not, they were playing games, things you do with an actual dog. If Bez didn't, he got all antsy the next day, needing to move.

Pecco knows he shouldn't. 

But he does anyway.

“Bez, if we go over to my place, we can play some tug of war.”

Bez's ears perk up at the words. 

“You've always been easy to please.” Pecco smirks, scratching behind his ear.

…

Sneaking Bez around the paddock was probably not the best idea. At best, an official caught him sneaking around like he was stealing. Middle ground was that one of the academy boys (or Marc. Damn him) would whisk Bez away before they got the chance to make it to his motorhome.

At worst, a crazed fan would be able to tell that the dog was Bez and freak. Which wasn't likely to happen, but Pecco still thought about it. 

It had only happened a couple of times during the race week, Bez was normally so adrenaline pumped during the weekend he didn't change. 

It made it hard to keep Bez a secret, but they managed. They will manage. They always have.

They made it over to Pecco's motorhome and quietly walked up the stairs. 

“You better know I am risking a lot here.” He mutters. God, if only someone was here to make fun of him for doing something stupid like this. This was a for sure way of his feelings being revealed, even if they hadn't already.

He opens the door and ushers Bez in. “Go, go. Before someone decides to talk to me.”

Bez barks in response. 

“As much as I love you, Bez, I do not understand you while you are like this. As much as you try.”

He's thankful for that. They had been out in public many times while Bez was a dog, if Pecco could understand him, he would look like a mad man. Talking to a dog and treating his barks like responses. 

Pecco would do it. He would deal with it. 

It's not the strangest thing to happen on this grid. But he doesn't think anything will beat the kiss Vale and Marc shared last year. Pecco had never seen people more shocked about something. He thought it was pretty obvious. No one is obsessed like Valentino is without being in love. 

Pecco would know the feeling intimately.

Pecco closed the door behind him and scavenged through the motorhome. He had bought the toy several months ago, meaning for it to be a gift for Luca's secret boyfriend, who he had been told was a dog person. When he found out it was Alex, the toy felt kind of stupid. Marc loved those dogs so much, he told Pecco they were spoiled. The toy would be useless when Marc loves those dogs like his own.

Pecco pulled out a rope and turned around to face Bez, dangling it in front of him with a smile on his face. “Bez. Don't you dare break anything.” He gently warned Bez, who barked at him as if to ‘I know’.

“Alright, play as much as you want.” He threw the toy, and Bez shook his head as he caught it, making a soft growling noise. Pecco chuckled at him, moving through his motorhome to sit on the couch, the letter in the coffee table in front of him taunting him.

How could he bring it up to Bez? If it was someone else that wrote it, Bez would be absolutely clueless. Was he supposed to ask? Bez wasn’t the kind of person to make a joke of someone else's feelings. Pecco thought back to the letter.

All you have to do is say it.

Pecco’s eyes flicked back to Bez, who was roughly playing with the toy on the floor, away from any furniture. 

Subtle. He needed to try and be subtle.

“You are right, Bez. Vale and Marc are definitely something with each other.” Pecco thought out loud. He remembered the conversation he had with Luca not hours before, talking about how Marc and Vale just could not keep off of each other. Seeing Bez play on the floor somehow reminded him of it. Luca did mention something about it.

Bez looked up at him.

“I am just saying things, Bez. no need to worry.” He mentioned something similar in the letter, maybe that would be good enough. Subtle enough.

Bez dropped the toy on the floor and walked over to the couch, jumping up to sit beside Pecco, pushing his head under his hand. Pecco smiled at him.

“Actions speak louder than words, Bez,” He chuckled.

Chapter Text

Getting ready:

Bez loved the crowds. The noise, the celebrations, the atmosphere created by the people who love what he does. 

He loves sitting on the bike, people buzzing around him, reporters trying to get conversations with riders, mechanics and engineers trying to make last minute changes.

The warmth that spreads from the heat of the people, the sun blasting down onto the tarmac, the gentle wind, if there is anyway, reminds Bez of where he is and where he will be.

His hands mindlessly rub the bike, as if he was giving someone a massage. He whispers to the bike, a list of things that just come to mind—sometimes it’s about the race, telling her she needed to take him to the finish line on the last lap, other times it’s about what happened in his day, why he needs to win this race— and just under his breath so that only him and the bike knows what he said.

Something felt different in the air today and Bez was going to use that to his advantage.

Warm up lap:

Bez didn’t usually think about things while he raced. He thought about the track—sometimes— he thought about how close he could get while turning—close to never— but most times, his head was empty. 

Today, his head felt like it was swarming with thoughts.

Lap 1:

Bez can think of the many times he felt his crush on Pecco grow. He can list them off, almost in order. But he remembers exactly when it started, what Pecco did to make Bez think: 

Oh.

Bez was having a hard time with something. He doesn’t remember what because it wasn’t important to him. What he does remember is Pecco.

Bez was groaning and moaning about whatever, and Pecco just sat with him and listened. It was at the ranch and it was late. Bez and Pecco might have been tipsy at the time too. Bez lay on top of Pecco and Pecco was threading his hand through his hair.

Bez remembers that moment because he felt his heart beat faster as he looked up at Pecco, who was staring right back down at him. 

He remembers them laughing and he thought.

Oh.

Lap 6:

The second time that happened, Bez didn’t really want it to.

He hadn’t been open with the fact that he could transform with anyone, only his parents and his doctor knew. He doesn’t remember where he was, it might have been the ranch, or perhaps he was staying with Pecco at the time. 

He felt that known shiver crawl up his spine and the nails on his fingers felt like they already started to grow. 

He tried to dismiss himself from the table, but Pecco, the stubborn man that he was when it came to the wellbeing of his friends, wouldn’t let Bez shut himself in his room without a reason.

Bez rambled on, trying to make at least one excuse out of the list he told Pecco at least somewhat believable. Pecco wasn’t having it. He grabbed Bez by the shoulders and said:

“Marco, please. I want to know the truth.”

And Bez broke, the truth spilling from his lips just like that. Pecco looked at him with absolute kindness in his eyes and pulled Pecco to the bedroom, saying if Bez knew what he was doing, then he would let him, but that they needed to talk afterwards.

Bez felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at their intertwined hands.

Oh.

Lap 11:

When Bez came back again, Pecco sat him down on the couch. Pecco gently took his hands in his own and looked so sweetly into Bez’s eyes, pouring his heart out into words. Telling Bez how he wanted to help him every time he changed, even if he just made him food afterwards. Just a little something to keep him up.

Bez almost cried at that, but he hugged him instead.

After that moment, Bez told Pecco everything, but that almost didn’t change anything at all. Perhaps he had been in love with Pecco the entire time.

Lap 17:

When Bez caught Marc the first time, he didn’t tell anyone, not even Pecco.

He had never felt guiltier, but it seemed that neither of the men involved wanted other people to know. Vale never brought it up with Bez, and Marc never mentioned it at all (but that wasn’t a surprise because no one knew he was a dog.)

So that’s why he found it a little suspicious when he was walking around the paddock and caught Marc staring at him in the Ducati garage.

Pecco told him he shouldn’t go wandering around all the time, but he missed Pecco in the motorhome. 

Marc came up to him a few minutes later with treats in his hand, and Bez is only a dog. How could he resist?

“I can see why Pecco loves you so much. You’re hesitant to eat food even from me.” Marc smiled softly. “You’re as loyal as they come.”

Bez didn’t think of it more than that because he didn’t think he was being hesitant at all.

He looked up at Marc, who shooed him off. “Pecco doesn’t want you here, too many people. Go back to your home.”

And now that Bez thinks back about it, he thinks:

Oh. Even Marc knew back then.

Lap 23:

Bez had been slowly falling in love with Pecco for however long and only found out a couple months ago.

Lap 26:

He's so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn't realise he's won the race until Marc comes up beside him, slapping him in the back, which he mostly doesn't feel.

He looks over at Marc and feels the happiness radiate from him, and Bez knows. 

He's won.

Marc picks up speed again and a few others congratulate him on his win.

Pecco comes up and he reaches out, his hand outstretched. Bez can do nothing but reach back. 

Bez is head over heels in love with Pecco, and Pecco loves him back.