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Pedri woke up to a stream of sunlight hitting his face. Groaning, he stretched and sat up before looking around. The spot next to him was cold, which meant that Ferran had gotten up and left long ago. Looking at his phone, his thoughts were confirmed.
Ferri 💕
i left, didn't want to wake you pepi
can't wait to see you and the kids later <3
Pedri smiled at the message, shooting a quick reply and turning off his phone. Today, Barcelona would be playing a match against Real Madrid. Being on maternal leave still, Pedri was going to take the twins to support their dad in the stands. They had never been to a match before, and Fer was going to accompany them just incase they got too much to handle for Pedri.
He padded to the twins room, pushing the door open softly as to not wake them. Mateo was seemingly about to wake up, his eyebrows furrowed cutely and his brown hair tangled around him in his crib. Lucia was still deeply asleep on the other side of the room, sucking on her thumb.
He went to Mateo first, scooping him up and bouncing him on his hip. He was always a little easier to wake up than Lucia. The twins were only two years old but full of personality. Mateo was like him as a child, preferring to peek at guests shyly and stick close to his mother, but Lucia was definitely Ferran's daughter. Her giggles and babbles could be heard from miles away. Sometimes Pedri would have to hold her back from saying hi to strangers on the street.
Mateo opened his sleepy eyes, chubby hands coming up to rub his eyes. He clearly had an eventful sleep, his skin was warm and his hair stuck up in tufts. He gave a soft, gummy smile as he looked up at Pedri.
"Mama," Mateo reached up to wrap his arms around Pedri's neck and bury his face in his chest. Pedri cooed, holding him tighter. Mateo was a bit of a mama's boy, and he bet if Ferran were the one to wake him up, there would be some screaming and crying involved. But his sweet, cute, Mateo behaved so perfectly in his arms.
"Good morning mi vida," Pedri kissed his head. A sweet and milky aroma flooded Pedri's nostrils, and he couldn't help but inhale his son's comforting scent. "Sleep well?"
Mateo nodded from where he was in Pedri's chest. "Mama, hungry."
Pedri kissed him once more, resisting the urge to squish his round face. He placed Mateo down on the floor. It was then that he noticed the onesie Ferran dressed him in for bed last night. It was made of cotton, fully black and had a sticker of a cat plastered on the front. It was fitting, really. Mateo was stand-offish with strangers but loved to snuggle with his favourite people. His tiny kitten.
"I know, baby. Let me wake up your sister and then we can get you some food, okay?" Pedri pat his head before walking to the other side of the room.
Lucia was practically dead to the world, laying on her back and her mouth wide open as she snored. She was dressed in a matching onesie, except hers was pink. Pedri picked her up, balancing her on his hip as he tried to wake her up. If he was lucky, she would get up without a fuss.
Pedri held his breath as her eyes opened. However, today clearly was not his lucky day. Because her lips began to tremble, and she let out an ear-piercing wail.
"Shh, it's okay mi princesa. Breathe," Pedri bounced her, letting her head fall into the crook of his neck. It was always hard for Lucia to wake up, but Pedri had gotten used to their little morning routine already. Pedri would comfort her and then offer her pancakes for breakfast to make her feel better. Pedri's heart clenched when she wouldn't stop crying despite the offer of her favourite breakfast. "What's wrong, Luci? Tell mama."
"W-want papa," Lucia cried into her mother's neck, grabbing the collar of Pedri's shirt and stretching it out. "Where papa?"
"He's not here right now," Pedri told her gently, rubbing her back. When Lucia started to whine again, he rushed to continue. "But we're going to see him okay? We're going to watch him play football."
"Foo-bawl?" Lucia repeated adorably, lifting her head up to blink her watery eyes at Pedri.
"Yes, mi princesa. Football. Papa is really good at his job, you know? We get to see him in action today. Would you like that?"
Lucia nodded rapidly, earlier tantrum seemingly forgotten. Pedri blew raspberries into her neck before setting her down. Mateo was still waiting at the door, doe eyes staring at at Lucia with something Pedri liked to think was concern. He waddled forward, grabbing Lucia's small hand in his.
"Luci," his voice was soft. "Eat."
Lucia looked at her brother's hand then back at him, eyes serious as if they were on a secret mission. " 'Kay 'Teo. We eat."
Pedri's heart positively melted at the scene. They fit together like missing puzzle pieces. Lucia was the sun, radiant and beaming, while Mateo was the moon that orbited her, a quiet presence that kept her grounded when she needed it.
Pedri picked them up, balancing one twin on each hip and making his way downstairs. He set the twins down in their high chairs and started working on breakfast when his phone rang. It was his brother, most likely outside.
"Hello?" Pedri picked up the phone and held it to his ear while he mixed the pancake batter.
"'Mano, I'll be there in five, okay?" Fer's voice crackled over the phone.
"Just in time for breakfast. I'll save you some pancakes."
"You're the best," Fer said before hanging up.
He could hear the twins babbling as he continued to cook, humming a soft tune. Initially, he and Ferran were scred to have kids, were actuallly absolutely terrified when the two pink lines appeared on Pedri's pregnancy test. But when he held them to his chest for the very first time, when he saw them take their first steps, speak their first words, he knew. Mateo and Lucia were the best thing to happen to their lives. He found out that football wasn't the only thing that made his heart roar and his blood sing.
"Mama!" Lucia yelled. "Pancake!"
"They're almost done, Luci. Be patient," Pedri responded, flipping the last set of pancakes before plating them and adding syrup.
Mateo and Lucia cheered when Pedri placed the food in front of them, chubby fingers already reaching out to take a bite. Pedri bit into one of the pancakes, moaning happily. He'd really outdone himself this time.
Pedri heard the lock to the front door turn. Looking up, he saw Fernando enter with his spare key. He made a beeline for the twins straight away. He hugged and kissed them repeatedly, making Lucia giggle as she tried to push her uncle away. Fer hadn't managed to charm Mateo yet, and Pedri could see him desperately trying to wiggle his way out of Fer's hold.
"Luci, Teo!" he squeezed them, making Mateo grunt unhappily. "How are my favourite people?"
"Gee, thanks," Pedri drawled sarcastically. Mateo looked similarly unimpressed. God, he loved his little mini-me. "I guess you don't want the pancakes then…"
"Ah, I can have more than one favourite person, of course!" Fer cheered, going to give Pedri a hug which he reciprocated half-heartedly. Pedri slid the extra plate of pancakes to him, rolling his eyes at how Fer's entire focus shifted to the food in front of him.
Fer's presence immediately livened up the table, he asked Lucia about her favourite Disney princesses and tried to get Mateo to say more than three words to him, which didn't end up working out to his disappointment.
Pedri bathed the twins and got them dressed. They both wore their dad's jersey, but Mateo wore leggings while Lucia wore a skirt with tights underneath. He then combed Mateo's hair, brushing through the knots and put Lucia's hair into two small curly pigtails. Ferran had become an expert on Lucia's hair, but Pedri wasn't bad either. He cooed at the two of them standing side by side holding each other's hands, snapping a picture even though he would never forget this moment.
Leaving the twins downstairs with Fer, he took a shower and got ready for the day. He dressed himself in some baggy black jeans and decided to switch things up by putting on his husband's jersey instead of his. Excitement thrummed in his veins at the thought of Ferran's reaction.
When he came down the stairs, Fer gave him a look that Pedri promptly ignored. He grabbed the bag with al of the items the twins might need— games, snacks, a change of clothes, wipes, and other baby products. Fer actually proved he was useful for something and strapped Mateo and Lucia into their carseats before hopping into the passenger seat.
Anticipation built up inside Pedri for the entire car ride. This would be the first time since Lucia and Mateo were born that he'd watch his team play in person. He wasn't comfortable leaving them with someone else for such a long time. But their doctor had recently cleared them, saying there was no problem in bringing them to the stadium. He was a bit worried, since it was a clasico and those tended to get… intense. But he had utmost faith in Ferran to make his family proud.
The stadium was as electric as Pedri expected. The game was due to start in around an hour and predictably, the stands were packed with fans. They had flags, banners, and everyone was dressed in their signature blaugrana colours. Pedri entered from a separate entrance away from the fans with Fer in tow, who held Lucia while he held Mateo. Mateo had his head buried in Pedri's neck, eyes peeking out at the bustling environment around him. He whined softly, gripping his mama's shirt.
Pedri rubbed his back as he made his way towards the private box, reserved only for family. He could hear Lucia behind him, pointing to random things and asking what they were.
"Fer!" she screamed, because she was incapable of using her inside voice. "Whas' dat?"
Fer winced, but answered her happily. "That's the field, preciosa. It's where your papa is going to play football."
"Papa good?"
"Yes, he's very good." Fer dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let me tell you a secret, Luci. He might even be better than mama."
"Really?" Lucia gasped.
"Yes, but don't tell your mama I said that." Fer put his index finger to her lips and made a 'shh' noise.
Pedri just smiled fondly as they found their seats. They were sitting a good distance away from the fans in a relatively quieter spot. Pedri held Mateo on his hap, hands wrapped around his little tummy as Mateo fiddled with a toy in his hand. Lucia was on Fer's lap watching a video on Fer's phone.
The twins were surprisingly well behaved— no tantrums from Lucia, and Mateo, even though he jumped at the loud noises, silently hugged Pedri and just watched with curious eyes.
That was until the match was about to begin, and the players from each team lined up on the field. Ferran was the first to enter the pitch, captain armband snug tightly on his bicep.
Lucia stood up on Fer's knees and yelled, "Papa! 'Is me! Luci!"
Of course, her tiny voice was practically inaudible among the screams of the fans, but Ferran still saw her. He could spot her out of a million people. He was grinning from ear to ear, white teeth on full display as he waved at the twins and sent Pedri a heart with his fingers. Lamine had to nudge Ferran to get him to sober up for their anthem. But Luci cheered back, and even Mateo gave a gummy smile as he saw his papa.
The game started shortly after, and Pedri was on the edge of his seat the entire time. He gripped Mateo a little tighter than usual as his heart raced. Mateo looked up at his mama worriedly, patting Pedri's face. "Mama… okay?"
"Yes mi vida," Pedri kissed his head, "I'm okay, just nervous. Look, there's your papa."
Pedri pointed at Ferran who was currently sprinting down the pitch, one of the Madrid palyers hot on his heels. He positioned himself in the goal box with precision, and when Lamine passed him the ball there was nothing he could do but score.
The crowd roared Ferran's name as he ran around the pitch in his sweat-slicked glory. Ferran ran to the camera, making the letter L with his fingers and then the letter M before blowing a kiss. Pedri didn't know why, but he teared up a little. It felt like that moment was just for the four of them as a family despite the thousands in the stadium. Fer looked at him knowingly, patting his shoulder as Pedri sniffled before wiping the lone tear that fell down his cheeks. He supposed he was still hormonal even years after giving birth.
As the crowd chanted Ferran's name and clapped, Lucia stood up on Fer's knees again. It was clear she had no idea what had just happened, but was proud of her papa nontheless. She tried to join the chants, but couldn't pronounce her r's properly so she was really just saying 'Fewan'. Pedri got a video anyway.
The game ended shortly after in Barcelona's favor as Lamine delivered another perfect pass to Ferran to seal the deal. A 2-0 scoreline with Ferran scoring a brace. Pride welled up inside him. That was his husband, his striker. He was the one carrying them to victory right now, and never stopped even when the fans doubted him.
"Mama, we go see Papa," Mateo tugged on Pedri's shirt. It seemed the crowd's excitement had fired him up too.
They made their way down to the field where most of the team remained, cheering and singing with the fans. When Lucia spot Ferran, she struggled out of Fer's grip. "Lemme go! Papa!" she ran towards him as quick as her two stubby feet could carry her. Luckily, Ferran saw her before anyone could knock her over, and scooped her up in a bear-crushing hug.
"Mi reina," Ferran peppered kisses on her cheek and her forehead. Lucia hugged him back, squealing happily.
"Papa! You score!" Lucia yelled again, ignoring Pedri's warnings to use her inside voice. She just continued to laugh, hands patting Ferran's cheeks.
"Just for you, Luci." Ferran held her on his hip, kissing Pedri as he walked up to him with Mateo in his arms. Mateo just stared at his father, eyes wide and unblinking.
Ferran broke the silence first, pouting at his son, "Not gonna say hi to papa, Mateo? How mean."
Mateo reached his hands out to Ferran, who took him with his free hand. "Papa good," Mateo said quietly, but his voice was filled with determination.
"It's true," Pedri hummed, eyes roving over Ferran's sweaty forn, how his kit stuck to his stomach and outlined his abs. "You were really good."
Fer looked at the two of them, face contorted. "Not infront of the children, please. Or infront of me."
Pedri had the decency to look embarrased before turning back to Ferran, who was smug as he looked Pedri up and down. "Nice jersey. Where'd you get it?"
"From my husband," Pedri grinned back at him. "He's so handsome and talented, plays for Barca. You might know him, actually."
"Hmm, doesn't ring a bell. But he must be lucky to have you as his wife."
Pedri's cheeks heated up and suddenly the ground seemed more interesting. Even years into their marriage he was still a blushing mess in front of his lover.
Fer cleared his throat again. "Did either of you hear what I just said? And you," he turned his sharp gaze to Ferran. "Don't go getting any big ideas. The twins are only two, they don't need another sibling yet."
"Ah…" it was Ferran's turn to look sheepish now. "Sorry, Fer."
"If it isn't my god-children!" a voice called out from Pedri's left. It was Gavi, rapidly approaching them with a smile. Mateo smiled and reached his arms out to Gavi which made Fer pout. Mateo clearly had a preference, and it wasn't him. Gavi scooped Mateo up, throwing him up gently and making him giggle.
"Not your god-children, Gavi." Pedri felt obligated to remind him for the thousandth time.
"How are you, Luci?" Gavi ignored him, turning to the other half of the adorable twin duo still in Ferran's arms.
"Tío Gabi!" Lucia puffed out her cheeks. She tended to match Gavi's intense energy whenever she saw him. Pedri's heart melted at the adorable mispronunciation of Gavi's name. It seemed Gavi was similarly affected if the girlish squeal that came out of his mouth was any indication. "'M okay!"
The twins socialized a little bit more before they had enough and went back into their parents arms, with Ferran was carrying Lucia and Pedri with Mateo. The two were clearly exhausted from their long day. Mateo had his thumb in his mouth and his eyes were threatening to close shut, and even Lucia was silent as they walked off the pitch.
The drive home was silent except for some slow song playing on the radio and Ferran and Pedri's quiet discussions about the game and the tactics used. Pedri could feel the tiredness in his bones and could see that same tiredness reflected in Ferran's eyes.
When they got home, Pedri was the one who fed and put the twins to bed while Ferran showered and started on dinner. He read them a story, though it was short because he could tell the twins were half-awake anyway.
"Sweet dreams, Mateo, Luci. I love you," he closed the story book and kissed their foreheads before shutting off the lights. Lucia was already sleeping, but Mateo blinked slowly at Pedri.
"L've you too, mama."
Pedri's smile was a little wobbly as he shut the door. Making his way downstairs, he saw Ferran had finished cooking them a simple meal and was serving it onto the plates. They decided to eat in the living room while watching one of their old favourite TV shows. As Pedri chewed slowly on his food, he looked at Ferran. A wave of emotion crashed over him, leaving his eyes watery and his heart full.
He was so glad that he got to share all of this with Ferran. Their home, their children, their career, everything. Ferran was the missing puzzle piece that completed his life, the one that kept him together and stopped him from losing himself. He didn't know what he would do without the warm presence next to him obnoxiously chewing on the food and laughing at the television screen.
"Ferran?" Pedri called out. Ferran hummed in response.
"I love you." Pedri rested his head on Ferran's shoulder. He felt Ferran's head on his.
"I love you too, Pedri. So much."