***
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📍 Sevilla, Andalusia

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***

Pedri was in the Cuitat Esportiva of Barcelona, when he remembered something Sophia texted him a couple of weeks ago.

hey, palmero!
well done on advancing past the group stages in the olympics, you've been fantastic 🥲
rosie's first birthday is on the 11th august, I've attached an invite to her bday party.
we'd both love if you came 😊 bring fer too! x

He'd be a fool to not want to go. He was also a fool because he forgot about the party. It was only when Fernando had reminded him, literal minutes before he'd left for training that morning, that this birthday party was still a thing.

In his defence, he was busy.

Since he had returned from Tokyo, with a silver medal losing to Brazil in the finals of the Olympics, all hell had broken loose within Barcelona, and Leo Messi had left the club.

It still didn't feel real.

There was too much politics and too much emotion involved in it all, and the thought of a Barcelona without Messi didn't feel right to anyone, let alone Pedri. He had been one of those to grow up idolising the player, and had been part of the very lucky select few to play with and grow a bond with the Argentine.

Things still had to return as normal, though, because the start of the new LaLiga season was upon Barcelona. Since he was subject to extended international duty, Pedri was one of the final arrivals back to the Cuitat Esportiva.

Anyways. That party. It was tomorrow, and he only just remembered. And he's an entire city away still. Like, it's a ten hour drive. He doesn't know how Sophia does it.

"Dios mio, look who's made an appearance!"

Laughter from the changing room entrance drew Pedri's attention away from the t-shirt he was changing into, the only one in the dressing room till now, turning to his left side.

It was Ansu Fati and Ronald Araújo, and the mere sight of them striding in, mismatched by height, smiles all around, cracked a laugh in him.

Ansu and Ronald were probably two of the players he was closest with. Last season, Pedri was able to bond quite exclusively with them, as well as Francisco Trincão (who had been loaned out in England for the coming season). The special relationship may have been something to do with them all being a similar age, or even just their loveable personalities. They all won their first trophy, the Copa del Rey, together too.

"Cómo te va?" Pedri grins, Ansu the first to embrace to him, Ronald following and slapping a hand to Pedri's back in doing so.

"Very well," Ronald answers the question. "It's good to see you, Pedriño. Seems you've made quite an impression in Europe this summer."

"There have been rumours you're the favourite for Golden Boy, as it stands," adds Ansu, nudging the Canarian.

Pedri chuckles. "Nobody knows yet. We'll see what happens. How's your recovery going, Ansu?"

Ansu shrugs. "It's going. Hopefully a few more weeks before I can train with the team again, but things are looking better. I just finished up with my trainer."

Pedri nods as Ronald asks him, "What were you doing today?", as Pedri was clearly changing back into his clothes to leave the training facilities, Ronald and Ansu still in their Barcelona training gear.

"My medicals," Pedri returns. "They're all clear, and fitness tests were fine too. Doctors said I could go home early. You?"

"Just a bit of work in the gym. When are you back to training with us?"

"Next week, that's what coaches said," says Pedri. "I'll be ready for matchday two, against Athletic Club."

Taking his clothes from his locker, Ansu asks Pedri, "What's your plans for the next couple days? You off too?"

"I am off," says Pedri. "Undecided on what I'm going to be doing, though."

"How so?"

"I've, er, been invited to a one year old's birthday party," says Pedri, scratching his ear. "In Sevilla."

"Fantastic," says Ronald. "When is it?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Ansu's eyes widen. "Why are you still here?"

"I forgot," groans Pedri. "So, I don't know if I'll be able to make it in time. Fer was also supposed to be going."

Ansu stays silent for a moment. Pedri raises his eyebrows.

"Ansu, I know that look." The Canarian states. "What are you thinking?"

Ansu Fati pulls his hoodie over his head. "I can't promise I'll get you to the party in time," he says. "But I can get you to Sevilla."

"How?"

"I'm going there tomorrow," says Ansu. "By train. Tickets aren't the cheapest, but if you were really desperate, I think it's your best bet. Unless you and Fer want to drive for ten hours. You both can crash at mine for a night if you don't want to come back immediately."

Pedri frowns. "Crash at yours—you live in Sevilla?"

"Not anymore," clarifies Ansu. "My family all moved to Barca when I joined La Masia, but my brother's still in Sevilla. I'm seeing him for a few days."

"How did I not know this?"

Ansu shrugs. "Beats me. I was at the Sevilla academy before I'd joined La Masia, also."

Before Pedri can respond, the fact only adding to his surprise, a voice entering the changing room hoots a low 'boo'', and two more young men entered the dressing room.

Although they weren't a part of the first team, Pedri still recognised them both. The shorter one — the one who boo'ed — with light brown hair, was young Pablo Gavi. The other, with black hair and bright eyes, slightly taller, was Ilias Akhomach. Both players from Barca B, who had joined in on first team trainings multiple times.

"Nobody invited any Béticos here, Gavito," says Ansu, but he was grinning.

"You were gonna die of boredom on the train home. You, Rojiblanco, will need to deal with the Béticos for a little longer."

"The Betico should be singular," Ilias interjects, "Unlike both of you, I've only ever been a Culér."

"Rub it in, would you, Ilias," Pablo chuckles, both reserve team players walking over to greet Pedri and Ronald next. Pablo holds a hand out towards Pedri, who clapped his own in return, Ilias following up. "Well done on your work with Spain this summer, Pedri."

"I actually think I lost track of how many times you played extra time this summer," adds Ilias.

"Gracias," Pedri grins. "You two are also going to Sevilla?"

"Indeed," says Ilias, "Gavito and I have a concert booked there, and his parents said I could crash at theirs for a few nights."

"How come you're coming to Sevilla, Pedri?" asks Pablo.

"Um, I'm going to a first birthday party," explains Pedri. "But I'd completely forgotten it's tomorrow, so as Ansu suggested, the train's my best bet."

"Lucky," says Ilias, "One year old parties are the best places to nutmeg kids."

"You've been to many toddler parties, Ilias?" Pablo teases, resulting in a smack up the head from the former.

"Oh, Ronald, your missus is expecting too, right?" Pedri remembers, recalling when the Uruguayan announced he was going to become a father.

There was a bashful smile on Ronald's face as he says, "Two months from now."

"Look at him blush," Ansu snickers, reaching to pinch the Uruguayan's cheeks—who swatted his hands away. "He's got the dad glow."

"Ansu, that's not a thing," laughs Pedri, rolling his eyes.

Pablo frowns. "The mother glows, though, right?"

Ilias pats Pablo's head. "Yes, niño, be proud of yourself."

As Pablo swats Ilias's hands away, Pedri's attention is forced off of the bickering teenagers and onto a question posed by Ronald.

"Who exactly is this one year old, Pedriño?"

Pedri presses his lips together. "This, erm, girl I know... it's her baby sister."

"This girl you know?" says Ronald.

"Much to your shock, I do know girls, Ronald," Pedri rolls his eyes. "And this one has an adorable baby sister who's turning one."

Ilias interjects, "I think Ronald's shock is more to do with the fact you're going to the party for this girl."

"I am not."

(He so was.)

"What's her name, Pedri?" Pablo grins.

"The baby?"

"The girl you fancy."

Pedri sighs. "Her name's Sophia."

"Wait," Ansu gasps. "The girl Ayme was telling me about? Who plays video games?"

"Sophia does, in fact, play video games."

"Thank god. I'm off the hook from gaming with you now."

"You just hate getting thrashed in FIFA by me."

"The only reason that happens is because you turn into a lump of wood in front of the PlayStation," justifies Ansu. "Some of us actually have a life."

"Sore loser," Pedri clicks his tongue, but part of him wondered if Sophia was any good at FIFA as she was at Mario Kart.

"Anyways," says Ronald, "She's from Sevilla? How do you know her, then?"

"Part of it has to do with her being roommates with Lucho's daughter, Sira," explains Pedri. "She studies here, at Universidad de Barcelona. Future scientist."

"Impressive," says Ansu.

"Her cousin is actually co-manager to Pep Guardiola at Man City, too."

"Her cousin is Katherine Adams?" Ilias's eyes widen.

"Even more impressive," adds Pablo. "I take it she's a City fan?"

"Nah," says Pedri. "Betis, sadly."

"That is really sad," says Ansu.

"For one of us," says Pablo, grinning at the validation of his childhood academy team.

"What's gone down between you two, then?" Ronald asks. All the boys looked very interested, prompting a laugh from Pedri.

"You nosy fuckers." Pedri says to Ronald, "Don't you have future-dad things to be doing?"

"Don't avoid the question, Pedriño."

"I'm not avoiding anything."

"Liar," Ansu laughs. "You really like her."

"Look at how much he's blushing," Pablo grins, pointing to Pedri's red cheeks. Pedri swats Pablo's hand away, despite him not even coming close to touching.

"Dickheads," Pedri rolls his eyes, taking his phone out to text Fernando. "When's the train?"

***

Katherine Adams knew how to get her players on time to events, that much, Sophia had gathered. She'd only brought a few of her players with her to Rosie's party — Ferran, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte. Those who'd actually met Rosie. The four were bang on time, at exactly half past two in the afternoon. Sira and her family were yet to arrive from Barcelona, Katherine's dad Andrew was here, as well as Rosie's little friends from playgroup, Clarissa's school mates, some of Sophia's and Matthias's too. The ones their parents knew from all those playground school pickups when they were young.

And then there was Pedri. Sophia had gotten in touch with Pedri the morning of the party, to check all was well. He hadn't exactly told her how he and Fernando would be getting to Sevilla, but when he responded, he said he'd be staying with one of his teammates for a couple of days in Sevilla. Ansu Fati. Any Spanish football fan knew who Ansu Fati was, with the way he'd broken out into the world stage a couple of years ago.

Anyways. Sophia told Pedri to bring Ansu alongside himself and Fernando, if he wanted. She wasn't lying when she said they had a lot of food. There'd probably be enough for close friends and family to take home too.

Somewhere, in the back of her mind, Sophia included Pedri in that category.

"I hope we're not going to get prosecuted for this," says Katherine Adams, swaying the baby of the moment in her arms.

"What do you mean?" Sophia returns, mascara wand held up to the eye she scrutinised in the bathroom mirror. The hall the party was supposed to be held in had been double booked, as it had turned out. Her parents had panicked, because there was no place to hold Rosie's party. The building owners had instead proposed their events garden, an outdoor party rather than indoors. They had taken the offer in milliseconds, after the jumpscare of not having anywhere to fit a hundred guests.

And who ever complained about a garden party in the resplendent Sevilla sun?

"We are gatekeeping the baby," says Katherine. "From her own party."

"It's not gatekeeping if she didn't want to be there."

Rosie, in her pretty flowery sundress, more puffed out than you'd imagine for a baby, attempted to crawl to the bathroom's soap dispenser above the sink, unsuspecting of being the topic of conversation.

"Her party, she'll cry if she wants to?" says Katherine.

"You absolutely know she will."

A chuckle fell from Katherine in response to the antics she knew her baby cousin was more than capable of. "Where's your Palmero, then?"

Sophia's head shoots up. "What?"

Katherine cracks a smile. "Don't act like I haven't seen his caller ID on your phone. Everyone knows your little nicknames for one another by now. It's sickeningly adorable." Reiterates her question, "Where's Pedri?"

"On his way, um," Sophia nods. "He's coming by train from Barca."

"Getting on a six hour train just for your baby sister's birthday party," remarks Katherine. "He is down bad."

"Oh yeah?" Sophia laughs. "You're hardly one to talk."

"What do you mean?"

"John, Kat. If anyone is down bad, it's him. But you refuse to acknowledge it."

"Yeah, because... I'm his manager, and he's one of my players..."

"And you two grew up in England together, and went to school together, and he suggested the idea of a co-manager to Guardiola."

"Nepotism."

"Nepotism-adjacent. John just got you in the door, it was your hard work and graft that kept you there."

Katherine sighs. "What's your point, Soph?"

"Anyone can see that you and John have a special relationship," says Sophia. "What if it's the relationship you've been holding off on having? God knows why you've stayed single this long."

"I don't know, Soph," Katherine shrugs. "Maybe, if I didn't become his manager... it might have worked out. You're right, because our relationship is special. But being together... it would complicate a lot."

"No kidding," Sophia chuckles. "Media would have a field day. But... you've never given a shit about what the media say. Not about you or your Chanel sunglasses."

"Those fuckers are just jealous they can't secure shades like mine," nods Katherine in the process of slotting the sunglasses in question into her auburn hair.

A click is heard, and one of the bathroom stalls behind them creaks open.

Fuck.

Sophia and Katherine just had an entire conversation regarding their love life status, completely oblivious to someone else being in the bathroom.

Tuning it out, Sophia turns back to the mirror, pinning up the front strands of her hair. Aiming to ignore whoever had just had full audience to her and Katherine's discussion, before realising —

"Oh, Maddie." Sophia says with surprise. "I didn't realise you had arrived!"

"Literally seconds ago," the girl — Maddie — squeezes in to one of the sinks. "I'd been bursting to pee, though, and Gio rushed us all out the house. You know what my brother's like."

There was no mistaking who the young girl was. Same age as Clarissa, with pearlescent blue eyes and chestnut hair, cheekbones sharp enough to cut through ice. Madeline De Luca (though she forces everyone to call her Maddie) was almost the exact double of her big brother, and the gorgeous De Luca genes ran strong amongst the family.

Yes, this was Gio's sister.

Sophia chuckles. "Like Gio's one for punctuality."

Katherine asks, "Pals with Clarissa?"

"Sí," Maddie smiles, drying off her hands. She notices the birthday girl herself, clutching herself to her big cousin. Maddie tickles Rosie's side, before saying, "So glad I got to greet the birthday girl before any of the others. I love her dress."

"Glad it's made an impression," Sophia grins. "We were stuck between this one and a blue dress. Rosie cried excessively in the other one, so we decided to go for this one, process of elimination."

"She has good taste, we can give her that," Maddie chuckles. "Clarissa tells me she scares easily, so I won't go full baby fever Maddie on her just yet. See you guys in a little bit?"

"We'll be down soon," says Sophia. "It's good to see you, Maddie."

Maddie begins to leave the bathroom, her heels making short clicks on the tiles, before they halted quite soon. Maddie turns around, her face somewhat scrunched.

"Um," she clears her throat. "I promise I didn't mean to overhear..."

"You're alright, sweetheart," Katherine answers for the both of them, laughing. "In these stalls it's practically inevitable."

"Yeah, um... Soph." Maddie approaches cautiously, "I remember how much you liked Gio, um... and I'm sorry how it ended."

"It wasn't your fault, Maddie," says Sophia earnestly.

"I know it wasn't, but... I'm glad you found someone new. Someone who cares enough to come here all the way from Barca."

Pedri.

Sophia frowns, because Maddie was Gio's sister. "Really?"

"I mean, yeah." Maddie says, "Gio's my big brother, and I love him to bits. I'd always want him to be happy. I was honestly rooting for you guys, but..." Maddie shrugs. "It was his stupid decision. Gio lost out."

"Thank you, Maddie," says Sophia.

"Don't mention it," the young girl smiles, leaving the bathroom at long last. Sophia releases a breath on her doing so, because hearing from Gio's own sister that she's happy Sophia found someone else... it meant more to her than she'd thought.

"She's sweet," says Katherine.

"She is," says Sophia. The Andalusian finishes getting ready, the entire point of her dragging Katherine and Rosie to the bathroom, gathering her makeup back into her toiletries bag. Adjusts the skirt of the white chiffon dress she wore, fixes the strap fastening her pale pink heels. "Let's head."

Katherine voluntarily takes Sophia's makeup bag to drop with her stuff on the way out, and Sophia hoists Rosie into her arms. The inside of the hall was air conditioned, however on stepping out of the back doors, warmth billowed from all corners, the bright Spanish sun rendering anyone blind if gazing in its mere direction. The garden space the hall owners had supplemented them with was surprisingly larger than most conventional gardens. Wooden tables had been wheeled in, decorated with vases of flowers, paper plates and clear decorated cups. Food was yet to be served, but a buffet-style arrangement was being built in place beside the appetisers, which people were already helping themselves to. The dessert table remained next to the cake table (yes, cake and dessert were separate), a drinks station also in place.

The bouncy castle had seemed to get many's attention. For both adults and children, as well as the football setup — away from the food, of course.

The vast majority of the guests had arrived by now, and upon Sophia and Katherine re-emerging into the party, people ranging from Sophia's childhood neighbours to her grandparents from Scotland were present. All of the restaurants' staff was here, now that Maddie had made her aware of Gio completing the group, as well as a huge tonne of people Sophia didn't know.

With Rosie being the birthday girl, her presence was immediately required and so, her return to the party meant she was taken from Sophia's arms within seconds — Vincent being the one to do so this time. Giggles were heard from the baby as her dad threw her high in the air before he caught her again, taking her to see their grandparents from Sevilla.

"Who's that with Matt in the bouncy castle?" Katherine asks, before her jaw falls to the floor in realisation. "Fuck me, that's John."

Sophia snickers in response. "John would definitely do that."

"Screw you, Soph," Katherine laughs, before a friendly presence comes and puts his arms around each of Sophia's and Katherine's shoulders.

"Stonesy has officially turned feral," Aymeric Laporte's voice spoke.

"I am going to murder him," says Katherine.

"You will do no such thing, Katherine."

"Did you really just call me Katherine?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." Aymeric says, "Allow John to relive his childhood fantasies."

Katherine frowns at her player. Aymeric continues, aimed the other direction at Sophia, "Speaking of children. Where's Pedri, Soph?"

"You asshole," Sophia laughs. "He's on his way."

"Thank goodness. I think Ferran's been having withdrawals." In evidence, Aymeric nods towards one of the round wooden tables scattered around the garden. Ferran was sitting there, drink in hand, engaged with conversation with Sophia's grandad — the one from Spain. Their conversation seemed to be flowing, however Ferran was not as animated as usual. "He looks so miserable. A shame, really. Your grandad has great chat."

"I am well aware of my granddad's great patter," says Sophia. "However I think Ferran's withdrawal is less to do with Pedri than it is to do with... well, I can't say."

Sophia sends a sly grin Aymeric's way, who looked like a scandal had just been uncovered his way.

"Does Ferran have a bird?"

"All will be revealed in due time, Ayme," she tells Aymeric. "I hope. What's your thoughts on Ansu Fati, by the way?"

"Horrible at video games, but sends some great memes into Spain group chats. He does have great 'patter' as you just called it. Also one of the few players in the national team squad I'd trust with my child. Why?"

Sophia grins. "I believe he will also be attending alongside Pedri and Fernando."

"You're joking!" Aymeric expresses with glee. "Awh, it's been too long since I've seen that kid."

"We're the same age?"

"You're all children in my eyes."

Sophia chuckles. "I'm gonna go see Ferran. See you later."

She leaves Aymeric to cross the garden towards Ferran at the exact moment her grandad hobbles away with his walking stick (bless his soul).

"Alright, El Toro?" Sophia grins, sliding into the wooden bench beside him.

"Hey," Ferran smiles in return, "Where've you been?"

"Bathroom," she says.

"Ah," he muses. "Fixing your eyeshadow?"

"Mascara actually."

"Awh, my bad."

Sophia laughs.

Sitting on one of the many wooden tables scattered over the gardens, Ferran's eyes glaze over someone at the appetisers table. He gestured with his finger for Sophia to look, and when she does, she sees Gio, the tall lad with a drink in hand, chatting animatedly to Clarissa, Valentina and Mateo, enjoying a slice of bruschetta.

Ferran nods. "That Giovani that Ayme's talking to? The guy from the restaurant?"

"Yeah," replies Sophia.

"He's the competition, then?"

Sophia rolls her eyes. "There's no competition."

"That means one of two things," confirms Ferran.

Sophia frowns in question.

Ferran elaborates, "For there to be no competition... Either you have relapsed back into hopeless love with pretty-boy over there—"

Which immediately made Sophia recoil, "No fucking way—"

A smirk sliding up Ferran's face, he continues, "–Or you have fallen hopelessly for Pedri." He pauses, and shrugs. "Mystery solved."

It takes Sophia a moment before the meaning of Ferran's words hit her.

"You fucker, you trapped me into that."

"I didn't trap you into nothing, Soph. You just fancy the pants off my best friend."

Sophia glances at the conceited smile on Ferran's face, and smiles. "You're cheeky, Ferran Torres."

"You wouldn't have me any other way."

"Neither would Sira, if I'm honest."

That piqued Ferran's interest. "Sorry, what?"

Sophia snickers. "I knew that'd get your attention."

Ferran realises, and scoffs. "You trapped me into that."

"I didn't trap you into nothing, Ferran." Sophia reiterates his previous words, "You just fancy the pants off my best friend."

Not wasting his energy on being in denial, Ferran laughs. "Is she coming?"

"She is," Sophia nods. "Snapchat maps says she's ten minutes away."

"How long ago was that?"

"Ten minutes ago—oh, would you look at that!"

As if on cue, the four members of the Martinez-Cullel family entered through the straw archway at the party entrance. Lucho, Elena, Pacho and Sira.

Sophia can't remember who got to their feet first; not by the way both herself and Ferran shot into standing at the loud sounds of Lucho and Sophia's dad greeting one another. She doesn't wait for Ferran, and sprints to throw her arms around Sira.

It had been far too long.

"Missed you, Saz."

Sira's laugh filled Sophia's ears. "Missed you too."

"Where's my welcome like that?"

Sophia peels back from the hug, with Pacho standing there with his usual menacing grin.

"Missed you also, tonto," Sophia chuckles as the tall boy embraced her. Elena next, as well as Lucho, brimming with excitement as Vincent, Matthias and Clarissa surrounded them all.

"Go on," Lucho grins. "Where's the birthday girl?"

"Circulating her party," says Sophia.

"You know Rosie," adds Clarissa, Maddie hanging by her side. "Ever the social butterfly."

Sira turns to Sophia. "You have to show me the photo gallery you've not been able to shut up about."

"Absolutely," says Sophia. "Come on. Me and Clarissa set it up this morning, it looks ador—"

"Hola, Sira," a voice clears in front of Sophia, halting her. It was Ferran.

"Oh, Ferran, hey," Sira replies. "You been well?"

"Yeah, just been back in Manchester, season has just restarted. The usual. How's your equestrian practice going?"

"Well, um, season's also just started. Loads of training back in Barcelona right now." Needing to clear her throat, Sira adds, "Great you managed to make it over."

"Perks of my manager being cousins with the birthday girl," Ferran chuckles.

Sophia buts in, "Ferran, you want to join us to see the photo gallery?"

"Nah, you two go on," he says. "Already been. I specifically enjoyed the picture of you and Pedri together with Rosie. You looked like a pair of sweet teenage parents."

Sophia's mouth dropped. "You're lying."

But Sira stifles her laughter with her hand. "Clarissa actually put the picture in?"

Ferran chuckles at Sophia's shock. "Enjoy, ladies."

Sira had her hand on Sophia's elbow, moving her along automatically towards the wall dedicated to pictures of Rosie amongst people at the party in the last year.

"That was painful to watch," says Sophia, referring to Sira and Ferran's awkward interaction. "You're supposed to be an example to younger people."

"Example of what?"

"For those looking for love," Sophia taunts, waggling fingers in Sira's face.

The face which went dead serious in a moment.

Sira says, "We have so much to talk about."

No part of Sophia agreed more.

***

hi hello this was going to be longer but then i realised it was too long so i had to split the bday party in two, so the new chapter won't be too far away i hope 😭😭 promise im not making you guys wait for Sophia & pedri content on purpose 💀

IM FUCKING PISSED BC SPAIN IS PLAYING SCOTLAND IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND PEDRI IS RULED OUT BC OF HIS INJURY <\3 he was gonna come to my country like😔 balde gavi and laporte will still be coming tho so! we win in some ways ig can't wait for my wee guys to enjoy the gorg (shitty) scottish weather

a cheeky wee pablo gavi, ansu fati and ronald araujo appearance 😌 my loves <3 ilias akhomach too my child <333 he's leaving barca b to go to leeds tho heart is literally broken tbh.

took my midterm yesterday and im now gonna do a sophia and play zelda <3 and pretend like i don't have an assignment due in 9 days <3 the joys of being a uni student

ANYWAYS, hope you enjoyed that and hang tight for the next chapter ily all🫶🫶