Colourbars!

Shock! I've made colourbars. Or rather one colourbar, two different versions.Still though, as I've searched through the whole friggin' net and found nuffin of the sort, I figured I'd proudly present; the first please correct me if I'm wrong here XD Xabi/Stevie colourbar;And yeah, kindly credit and comment if you take (or if you don't take but want to comment anyway XD )

Spam spam spam spam spam spam spam spam spam..

Meh.. I'm debating with myself wether to write the 4th chapter of the fic or to finish the mood-theme. Anyhow, while I make up my mind, I bring you picspam;Xabi AlonsoStevie GerrardFrank LampardJohn TerryIker CasillasFernando TorresMichael OwenKakáThis is huge and can kill a few computers, so dial upers; beware. We'll start with some Brazilian stuff. I present to you; KakáSheva-love!And more!Now for a short trip to Spain and Fernando TorresHe's quite adorable with all the freckles.I would've melted into a puddle if I was on the recieving end of this look.Now to England, it's time for Michael Owen to get well from the freakin injury!Very stylish, this.This is were we long to see him (though the shirt should be red with a white Carlsberg logo on the front); on the pitch, ready to do some serious damage to the oposing team....or fooling around with Peter Crouch. Get well, Michael!Then for one of the two best Skippers ever; Stevie G!So good to see him smile like this!Skipper love. If JT every decides to write a joke-book, it'll probably be a best-seller.Whoever said Rafa and Stevie weren't friends at all; shut up.Probably better friends with Xabi though *g*Weeeee!One my favourite shots of him. Love his hair!That's one mighty jump, getting on to Peter's back.Next Skipper and Vice Skipper; JT and Frank LampardNo comments are needed on this OTP.The Skipper in all his glory. Then back to Spain for some keeper-love; Iker Casillas (occasionally with David Beckham)Who're these two monkeys?Oh yeah, that's right....Iker and David :-PRighto, and now for the final (saving the best til last, you know); Xabi Alonso, best midfielder of today (ehm or so I like to believe).Awww!"Ehm, Stevie.. We're in the middle of a match.""Yeah?""Yeah, so you'll have to wait until later on.""Damn." ::removes hand::I'll try to shut up with my dumbass comments now.Goofy ;DApparently Cesc's not very happy about the thought of his Spanish team mate and Stevie G. Luis is all "Gee, here we go again. Will Cesc never get over his teenage crush?""::snort::"Über concentrated.With brother Mikel (to the left).

This picspam ...

This picspam is mostly for tasteslikeboys, because she needs to be converted we both need a dose of Frank!Love. First, some F/JT love because they are so meant to be.If these aren't a good match, I don't know who is.JT's coolest hairstyle yet.Old married couple..Possibly the most adorable picture of these two ever.Bend it like Beckham Lampard.Words fail me.And now for the Frank love because he made me really appreciate trained, muscled men.For the love of shorts...The look on his face is just..::meep::..Frank's always so damn hot casual, even in loss.. Honestly, how Steven can look at anything but that perfect version of the race of Men that's walking beside him is beyond me..I just want to hug them both.Can he stop showing off his great shape? I really do have troubles breathing by now. Even Stevie can't help but look.This is possibly one of the best pictures of him ever. It's the image of perfection, balance, grace, control.. And still so, so very manly.As I might've said before, I'm not usually one for big muscles, but who in their right mind can resist anything like this? And the tan ::dies::.

Mood-theme project.. Please help!

analysezceci and I figured that the need for a Stevie/Xabi mood-theme is big, and as I've already posted in stevieandxabi, I want to make one, for anyone to use of course! Plus, if I can get ahold of enough apropriate pictures, I'll try to get one theme made for each of these guys.But to be able to do that, I really need as many different kinds of pictures of them as possible! And this is were you guys come in.Okay, here are two lists, one for Stevie and one for Xabi. I'll cross them out as you guys post stuff, so please include what mood your picture(s) is (are) for!For the joined Stevie/Xabi theme, I'll use the best from both lists =)Oh, and preferably stuff without watermarks across faces :-P (kinda given, that)XABIAngry (Aggravated - Annoyed - Bitchy - Cranky - Cynical - Enraged - Frustrated - Grumpy - Infuriated - Irate - Irritated - Moody - Pissed Off - Stressed - Rushed)AwakeConfused (Curious)Determined (Predatory)Devious Energetic (Bouncy - Hyper)EnthralledHappy (Amused - Cheerful - Chipper - Ecstatic - Excited - High - Horny - Good - Grateful - Impressed - Jubilant - Loved - Optimistic - Hopeful - Pleased - Refreshed - Rejuvenated - Relaxed - Calm - Mellow - Peaceful - Recumbent - Satisfied - Content - Complacent - Indifferent - Full - Relieved - Silly - Crazy - Ditzy - Flirty - GiddyGiggly - Mischievous - Naughty - Quixotic - Weird - Surprised - Shocked - Thankful - Touched)IndescribableNerdy (Dorky - Geeky)Okay (Blah - Lazy - Exanimate - Apathetic - Blank - Lethargic - Listless)Sad (Bored - Crappy - Crushed - Depressed - Disappointed - Discontent - Envious - Gloomy - Pessimistic - Jealous - Lonely - Melancholy - Morose - Numb - Rejected - Sympathetic - Uncomfortable - Cold - Dirty - Drunk - Exhausted - Drained - Tired - Groggy - Sleepy - Guilty - Hot - Hungry - Restless - Sick - Nauseated - Sore - Thirsty - Worried)Scared (Anxious - Distressed - Embarrassed - Intimidated - Nervous)Thoughtful (Contemplative - Nostalgic - Pensive)Working (Accomplished - Artistic - Busy - Creative - Productive)STEVIEAngry (Aggravated - Annoyed - Bitchy - Cranky - Cynical - Enraged - Frustrated - Grumpy - Infuriated - Irate - Irritated - Moody - Pissed Off - Stressed - Rushed)AwakeConfused (Curious)Determined (Predatory)Devious Energetic (Bouncy - Hyper)EnthralledHappy (Amused - Cheerful - Chipper - Ecstatic - Excited - High - Horny - Good - Grateful - Impressed - Jubilant - Loved - Optimistic - Hopeful - Pleased - Refreshed - Rejuvenated - Relaxed - Calm - Mellow - Peaceful - Recumbent - Satisfied - Content - Complacent - Indifferent - Full - Relieved - Silly - Crazys - Ditzy - Flirty - Giddy - Giggly - Mischievous - Naughty - Quixotic - Weird - Surprised - Shocked - Thankful - Touched)IndescribableNerdy (Dorky - Geeky)Okay (Blah - Lazy - Exanimate - Apathetic - Blank - Lethargic - Listless)Sad (Bored - Crappy - Crushed - Depressed - Disappointed - Discontent - Envious - Gloomy - Pessimistic - Jealous - Lonely - Melancholy - Morose - Numb - Rejected - Sympathetic - Uncomfortable - Cold - Dirty - Drunk - Exhausted - Drained - Tired - Groggy - Sleepy - Guilty - Hot - Hungry - Restless - Sick - Nauseated - Sore - Thirsty - Worried)Scared (Anxious - Distressed - Embarrassed - Intimidated - Nervous)Thoughtful (Contemplative - Nostalgic - Pensive)Workings (Accomplished - Artistic - Busy - Creative - Productive)I really hope you'll help me!! =D

Picture of the day

Just for the occasion, because I found this, had never seen it before and thought it was utterly gorgeous.She is pretty! And he's just plain hot. Gah!

Just Go With It - Part 3

Fic Title: Just Go With It (3/?)Chapter Title: Sweet DreamsRating: Probably PG13 still.Pairing: Xabi Alonso/Steven GerrardDisclaimer: Except for the fact that Steven did kiss Xabi after they won and they did share a room during their stay in Istanbul, everything is one big, fat lie and must not be taken seriously.Summary: Recollections.Feedback: is love!Author's note: Thanks so much for the incredibly nice comments to the first two chapters! And also a huge thanks to my beta and fellow shipper _iseemonsters. Love!/Oscar speechThis is my first RPS and my first X/S fic, so feedback would be very much apreciated!Warnings: Eh.. Pretty much none, except that this is slash. Don't like, don't read.Previous chapters can be found here; Chapter 1Chapter 2Istanbul.The crowds.The hysteria.The intensity.The complete and utter madness of it all.Fans, red shirts, flags. The gleaming silver of the cup. Singing, cheering, running around the stadium and proudly showing the cup to the fans as if they were all back in Liverpool, at good, old Anfield.His head's spinning with emotions. It is all just too much. People are hugging him, he is hugging people, photos are taken, everything in a mindblowing rush of red and white.The whole team gathers for a photo shoot with the cup, their emotions running high and for everyone to see. There is no need to ask any of them to smile; they are all bursting with glee. Steven doesn't think he has ever seen any of them this happy. He turns and locks eyes with Xabi. The joy on his face is vivid and he is practically glowing there next to him. For a split second, Steven wants nothing else but to kiss him, he is so happy. And then he does. The quickest peck in the history of Champions League. He quickly turns towards the cameras again, a stupid grin plastered on his face. What the hell?The next moment, he feels hot breath on his neck, lips brushing lightly against his ear as he hears the whispered words; "Felicitaciones, Stevie. Y gracias." If it hadn't already, this would definitely be the moment where his mind would short-circuit. He doesn't turn around, but he feels himself growing hotter around the collar, despite himself. He doesn't have time, however, to ponder what that one long Spanish word meant before they are all pulling each other along for another run around the field.The rest of the evening is dominated mainly by emotions running high, an unhealthy intake of alcohol by most of the team members (and not to mention the supporters out there) and John proves once and for all that Norwegians can drink any Englishman under the table. Steven himself tries to steer clear of the worst beverages, knowing he will spend the entire next day under the covers if he doesn't watch himself. His roomie, however, appears to have no limits whatsoever as he claims that Spaniards can hold their liquor just as well as Norwegians. Steven can't help but grin. Will Xabi never learn?He takes a second and looks around at the others who are all spread around in the bar at the hotel. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and again it hits him; they did it. They won the goddamned Championship. They are the best European team of 2005. That stupid grin from before has still not left his face. Probably won't for days to come."Hey Stevie! What're you thinkin' about? You look like you're in a trance." Carra puts a hand on his shoulder, holding a beer in the other. Steven smiles. "I was just thinking about all this, trying to realize it. No such luck though," he says and raises his own glass in a toast, "To Liverpool, to the fans, to the team. Cheers, mate!" The night goes on with drinks all around, cheers, toasts to all and nothing, songs, pretty much all they can think of doing to celebrate. Steven realizes how terribly drunk he must be when he finds himself standing on a chair with Xabi and both are singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" as loud as they can, the rest of the audience joining in after the first two lines. He and Xabi are pulled down by Carra and Luis, who quickly jump up to take their place as lead singers."Isn't this just the best night ever?!" Xabi exclaims as they're heading for a few more drinks. Stevie nods and puts an arm around his shoulder, pulling him a bit closer as they stop by the bar. Xabi snakes an arm around his waist and simply because he is as wasted as he is (or so he likes to believe is the reason), Steven can't help but turn around so they're facing each other, brown and green locking with blue and grey. He feels like they're alone in the world, the singing people around them dissolves into a blur and he only sees Xabi. For a split second, he wonders what it would feel like to kiss him. Really kiss him, not just a quick peck like earlier. Xabi parts his lips to say something, but before he can, they are interrupted by the bartender and Steven lets go of Xabi's shoulder almost in reflex. As if they have been caught. Xabi, however, does not let go of Steven's waist and it leaves him thinking why the hell he is feeling so at home in his embrace.What the hell am I thinking? he wonders as he is given another drink from the bartender. He and Xabi makes a toast for good measure and then drinks, their eyes never leaving the other's. It is all very strange, Steven contemplates. They both lean back against the counter, and to Steven's utter annoyance (and delight, he sighs), Xabi still hasn't moved his arm. They drink in silence, laughing occasionally at the others doing funny things. For instance, when Didi, Sami, Jerzy and John tries to translate You'll Never Walk Alone into German, Finish, Polish and Norwegian at the same time and their reason being that those languages are so much alike that people won't notice the differences. "Yeah right. It's all a lot of gibberish to me. What time is it?" Xabi asks, his voice a bit slurred from the impressive amount of alcohol he has consumed.Steven looks down at his watch. "Half four. Time to cave in, d'you think?" He empties the content of his glass. Xabi nods and does the same. "Sounds like a plan. I'm...what do you call it..." he looks intently at Steven who can swear he sees the wheels turning in Xabi's mind. "Knackered!" he suddenly exclaims and snaps his fingers to emphasize his point. Steven chuckles, still finding it funny how Xabi struggles to remember English words or phrases. "Right. You know, sometimes your English sounds like gibberish too." He smiles and winks at Xabi who feigns annoyance, but smiles despite himself as he pokes Steven's shoulder playfully."Always having fun at my expense. I don't get British humour," he finishes dramatically."Come on, let's go." Steven chuckles, then sighs in relief despite himself as Xabi finally lets go of his waist. It really was starting to eat at his last logical thoughts.They make it half-way into the lobby before Xabi is in need of a hand to keep himself on both feet."Whatever happened to holdin' your liquor?" Steven laughs as he pulls his wasted friend towards the elevator."I can! Just, not right now." Xabi leans heavily towards the wall as the elevator starts moving, covering his face with his hands to shut out the sharp light. "You're goin' to be a fuckin' mess tomorrow," Steven chuckles"I know! But you will too, I bet you anything." He looks up as the elevator stops and the doors open. Steven looks at the number."Probably. This is us," he says and steps out into the hall and Xabi stumbles after him like a blind man. Steven can't help himself and laughs as he turns around to look at his friend trying to brace himself on the wall."You allright there, mate?" He chuckles as he pulls up the keycard from his pocket and swipes it to unlock the door, then steps inside. The first thing he sees is the silver cup standing on the table, illuminated in the light from the hallway. He sighs with happiness, still not believing it all. Just then, Xabi slams the door shut behind him and flings himself down on the bed, groaning as his head hits the mattress. Steven can't stop his eyes from wandering as he takes in the whole of Xabi's outstretched body, from the neatly polished shoes, the black pants, the black, shiny leather belt with the silver buckle, the navy shirt clinging to his trained upper body, sleeves pulled up to his elbows, the three top buttons open..."Why are you watching me, Stevie?" Steven starts and his eyes meet Xabi's as he sits up, fixing him with an intense gaze. "I'm not." His voice his high pitched and he knows at once that Xabi can see right through him. "Stevie." He leans forward and grabs Steven's hand, his warm fingers curling around his and Steven has to swallow the unexplainable lump that has taken place in is troath."What?" he asks silently, his chest tightening from the look he is receiving as Xabi lets himself be pulled to his feet. He stops a feet from Steven, not letting go of his hand."You know what I'll remember the most from this day?" he asks slowly, apparently trying hard to not say the wrong words as he moves his hand up Steven's arm. Steven merely shakes his head, not believing that this is happening. It is all too weird. "When you looked at me out there on the field, and your eyes asked, pleaded, for me to kiss you. So sincere, so honest, like it was just the two of us.""Xabi, you don't know what you're talkin' about, you're totally wasted. You'll most likely have no recollection of this at all when you wake up tomorrow." Steven's voice is remarkably steady as he tries to take a step backwards, but is hindered by the arm now resting at the base of his neck."I haven't lost my mind because of a few drinks." Xabi closes the distance between them and Steven can easily tell every single part of their bodies that are touching. He closes his eyes and draws a slow breath, trying to clear his mind. He should just walk out of there and not come back before Xabi is asleep. He can go to Carra's room and sleep on his couch or something. But at the same time there is this little voice in his head keeping him from simply telling Xabi to stop messing with his head. A little voice asking him if this honestly is not what he wants. And he is damned if he doesn't know what to answer."I thought I knew you, but apparently I didn't. Show me the Steven I don't know." he mutters, his breath hot on Steven's face. "What do you mean the one you don't know?" Steven silently prays that he isn't onto what he thinks he is. As he feels a hand cupping his face, his eyes shoot open, only to look into a pair of dark, entrancing ones. His breath hitches and he swears the temperature just went up a notch. "I mean the Steven who wants this." The next thing Steven knows, Xabi has completely closed the distance between them, brushing his lips tentatively across Steven’s, slowly snaking his arm closer around his neck. Before Steven knows what the hell he is doing, he lets himself be pulled closer and his lips part involuntarily under Xabi's. He is letting himself be pulled into a mind game he has no idea how he will get himself out of, but right now he doesn't care. Not while Xabi's lips are doing delicious things to him and his hands are currently busy unbuttoning his white shirt. Steven knows he will regret this tomorrow, but he pushes those thoughts away as he feels Xabi's tongue swipe over his, pulling a low moan from the back of his troath. Steven's arms move to circle his waist as a reflex as Xabi lets go of his lips and starts kissing his way down his neck, sucking gently at the newly exposed collarbone. As Steven shivers under his touch, he can’t help but feel how right this feels. It is all too fast, too much, too soon, too strange, but at the same time, he can’t stop. He cups Xabi's face and brings it up to his, their eyes locking for a few moments that feel like hours before Xabi pushes him backwards, his legs hitting the edge of the bed. At that point, Steven gives up fighting and surrenders to the push on his shoulders, letting himself fall back onto the matters. Xabi smiles before he climbs up beside him, leaning on one arm and peering down at him. Steven exhales as he sees the heated, intense look in Xabi's eyes and for a second he is scared of all these new feelings roaming wild inside him. But at the same time, it is just Xabi. His best friend, the man he has shared so much with the past year. How can he ever be scared when he is around?He is pulled out of his thoughts by the feeling of Xabi placing a soft kiss on his chin before moving to his neck, kissing his way down to the hollow and back up, his hot breath sending shockwaves of pleasure down Steven's spine. He exhales sharply as Xabi rolls on top of him, their bodies fitting too well together for his own good, adding pressure to all the right places. Xabi moves up to capture his lips again and this time, Steven just relaxes and lets himself be pulled along on the merry way. As their tongues battle for dominion with muffled sounds of pleasure in between, Xabi’s hand move to the waistline of Steven’s black Armani pants, pulling the shirt out from where it is tucked in, and the feel of warm hands against hot skin makes Steven terribly aware of how tight said pants has become. He has to swallow hard as one hand starts fumbling with the buckle of his belt, but before he has time to respond in any way, Xabi withdraws and moves his hand slowly up his chest. Steven’s barely audible sigh of both disappointment and relief reaches Xabi’s ears, who grins as he pulls away slightly to look at him. "It's too hot in here." Is the only coherent thought Steven is able to voice right there and then. Xabi smiles.“You think?” he replies as he moves in to nibble softly at Steven’s bottom lip, “Because of this, is it?” Steven exhales sharply as Xabi pushes his hand gently against the tightness in his jeans, his pulse speeding up instantly. Xabi merely hums into his mouth, the delicious tingling sensation doing nothing at all to calm Steven’s breath. This really must stop. Right now. As Xabi's lips move to his neck, Steven fumbles to grab the offending hand, but Xabi merely pushes down a bit harder, making Steven mutter something like 'oh god'. He exhales slowly, trying to get a hold of himself, but it isn't easy when the man on top of him is doing what he is. "Xabi, really, I don't know if this - " he begins but is cut of by a finger on his lips."Shh. Don't talk." The next second, the finger is replaced by Xabi's moist lips crushing against his with an urgency he has never experienced. He can only kiss back and the next time Xabi's hand is pulling at the buckle of his belt, he doesn't do anything to stop him.~~~~~~~~~~~~"Wake up, Blanconieves." Steven hears the words far, far away, but the feeling of lips to his has him waking up instantly. Without opening his eyes, he parts under the now so familiar lips and kisses back slowly and it feels like he is still in a dream.Xabi pulls away slightly, draping an arm across Steven's naked chest, stroking in small circles. "Hola, precioso." he whispers as Steven opens his eyes, his vision slightly blurred. He closes them, then opens them again to the sight of Xabi's brightly lit bedroom, the beige curtains opened, the TV on with some English soap playing on mute. He smiles. "You must stop talking Spanish to me, I have no idea what you just said.""Just a better reason to keep on talking. I take it you slept well?" he grins as his hand moves down towards Steven's torso, who has to lock eyes with Xabi to stop himself from closing them again in pure pleasure."Yeah, I did. Why?" he draws a shuddery breath as Xabi's fingers toy with the waistband of his boxers."Nothing. You've just had a smile on your face for the past fifteen minutes. I've been watching you." He starts pulling at the elastics, the sensation making Steven exhale slowly. Xabi moves in to kiss his neck, licking at the soft point he knows by now that Steven's senses just can't ignore."I dreamt about Istanbul," he says simply and he can feel Xabi grin against his neck, then a tongue tracing a pattern back before Xabi brushes his lips against Steven's, slowly, passionately, forcing him to part them under the pressure before slipping a tentative tongue inside. They play along a little while before he pulls away slightly and the lustful look in his eyes makes Steven's breath hitch, his whole body tingling in anticipation."I figured it had to be some nice dream like that." Xabi smiles as he turns the TV off, throws the remote on the carpet before he captures Steven's lips again.

Tot...

Totally snagging this meme from analysezceci! XD1. Who is your best friend? Scarlet Johansson2. Who is your mother? (if we look away from the age) Maria Bello3. Who is your father? Ralph Fiennes4. Who is your older sibling? Younger sibling? Younger; Bonnie Wright. Older; Alyson Hannigan.5. Who is your prom date? Jonathan Ryes-Meyers6. Who do you have a no-strings-attached one-night stand with? Johnny Depp7. Who do you date for a year or two? Alastair McKenzie and then Elijah Wood8. Who do you marry? Xabi Alonso *grin*9. Who is your boss? Sean Bean10. Who are your next door neighbors? Keira Knightley and Jake Gyllenhaal

J...

Just an afternoon update from moa.So not dial up friendly.From the official site;What the hell are they actually doing here? Good to see Stevie smile though *g**sings* Let's twist again..Like we did last summer..How to fall over in slow motion.Some serious training inbetween all the fun. OMG TIGHS! *G*!!XD What the HELL is he trying to do?! I'd definitely be sitting there on the wall as well :-PStevie: "What you all lookin' at?"

Just Go With It - Part 2

Fic Title: Just Go With It (2/?)Chapter Title: Sun Through The CurtainsRating: Probably PG13Pairing: Xabi Alonso/Steven GerrardDisclaimer: Except for the fact that Liverpool does have training grounds at Melwood, this story is one big, fat lie.Summary: Breakfast at Xabi's, Steven really thinks this was all a very bad idea. Again, Xabi will have none of that.Feedback: is love!Author's note: Thanks so much for the incredibly nice comments to the first chapter! They inspired me to write this much quicker than I intended to (infact, I intended for this to be a One-Shot. So much for planning anything). And also a big thanks to my beta and fellow shipper c0v89. You rock./Oscar speechThis is my first RPS and my first X/S fic, so feedback would be very much apreciated!Warnings: Eh.. Pretty much none, except that this is slash. Don't like, don't read.Previous chapter can be found hereXabi awakes the next morning, sunlight bright in his eyes. For a second, he is unsure of where he is before it dawns on him; he is on the black couch in his own sitting room and the waist he is holding tightly, the neck he is breathing against, the person he has been treating like a giant teddy bear all night, is Stevie. He closes his eyes again, drawing his breath slowly as he replays the previous evening in his mind, from the heated kissing and touching to snuggling up close and falling asleep. A stupid grin gradually spreads on his face, and only threatens to falter when he realizes that this will either change everything or nothing. And knowing Steven, he decides on the former.He gently crawls out from behind him, not wanting to wake him up. Yawning as he enters the brightly lit kitchen, he notices that it is only 7.45 and he wonders why the hell he woke up this early when he was so knackered after the match. Probably because there is a bit too many things swirling around in his mind right now. And everything revolves around that one person who is currently occupying his couch. He is not quite sure what he will say to him whenever he shows up in the kitchen, so he decides that a coffee and breakfast is in order first. Steven stirs on the couch a while later. The smell of something strongly reminiscent of coffee is pulling him awake, but he doesn't want to, not yet, because he was dreaming this really strange but nice dream. He was in Xabi's house, they were having a nice time, drinking beer, talking - he opens his eyes instantly and stares into the sitting room he had just been dreaming about. Then everything comes back to him in a rush; the match, coming here, talking, and then moving on a little beyond that... And, oh God, what is going on? He sits up, trying to force his eyes used to the light streaming in through the curtains. What on earth is he going to say? What does he want to say? How could he let this happen? His thoughts are a complete mess and in a way, he hopes that Xabi has the answer to everything as usual. On the other hand, he is not sure he wants to discuss this at all.Becoming aware of the sound of someone walking around the kitchen, he decides that it is better to face the evil sooner rather than later. Or, at least it doesn't help waiting. He finds Xabi sitting by the dark wooden table, his clothes the same as yesterday (just as himself, obviously), coffee in his hand, newspaper in front of him, reading glasses on his nose. He stops for a second, thinking about those glasses. He has always liked it when he is wearing them. They make him look smarter and more grown up than he already is. He jumps as Xabi looks up at him, a small smile on his face. "Hey," he says softly and Steven relaxes visibly. At least he is not angry with him. Then again, why would he be?"Hey," Steven mutters back as Xabi gets up and pours him a cup of coffee. He sits down on the opposite side of Xabi's. Looking down at the newspaper, he can see Frank and JT peering up at him, up side down. "What does it say?" he asks as Xabi sits back down. He just shakes his head."Nothing to cheer for. Here, read it." He hands it over and proceeds to seem very interested in the vase of flowers on the side of the table. Steven notices that they're actually alive and not half dead like Xabi's plants usually are. Or would be, if he didn't have a housekeeper once a week. Anyway."New, are they?" he nods towards the flowers. "Hmm? Oh, yeah. My mother thought I needed some more colour in here when she was over last time and I promised her to buy some to make it look nicer." Xabi looks away and shrugs, the atmosphere tensing a bit again as he does. Steven unfolds the newspaper, scanning the article about yesterday's match, his frown increasing as he reads."Not a sunshine story indeed," he mutters as he folds the paper back together. Xabi shakes his head. "They're right though, aren't they?" he asks, looking down as Xabi's eyes snaps up."Will you stop that? I thought I told you already, you are a good captain. Don't believe whatever crap they write."Steven doesn't look at him, so Xabi continues. "Look, they wrote about me as well. About the long-range I tried and failed at. Again as they so nicely point out. It's not like I'll stop trying to nail those shots just because some people imply that it's impossible. On the contrary, it makes me want to show them that they have no idea what they're talking about." He empties his coffee and looks at Steven. "You'll want to finish that before it gets cold." He gets up and pours himself another half a cup. As Xabi is standing by the counter, back to him, Steven feels like he can't put things on hold any longer. He just has to get it off his mind. "Xabi?""Steven?" Steven snorts and looks up at his friend who has turned around and seems like he is having a hard time keeping a smile off his face."Look, about yesterday..." his voice trails off."What part of yesterday?" Xabi asks as he sits down, taking a long sip of his coffee."Xabi -""I'm joking." He looks up at Steven for a brief moment, then back down into the cup he's holding with both hands and Steven can see his shoulders tensing. "I'm joking because I'm not sure what else to say." Steven remains motionless, slightly surprised at Xabi's definite lack of 'cool and composed'."How about why?" Steven asks after a few moments of silence. Xabi gets up from his chair again and after setting the now empty cup in the dishwasher, he turns to look at him."I..." His voice trails off and he leans back towards the counter, raking a hand through his dark hair. He is definitely not as confident now as he was when he woke up. "I guess I did it because I wanted to and because I knew that you wouldn't really mind," he finishes. Steven raises his eyebrows. What did he just imply?"So a spur of the moment thing, then? Because you figured I wouldn't mind?" Steven's voice is slightly testy. Xabi locks eyes with him, seeing the hurt in his friend's eyes. "That's not at all why. Firstly, do you really think I'd do that to you just for fun? And second, do you think I'd be that bold if I didn't have the slightest idea about what's been going on in your mind lately? I'm not blind, Stevie." Steven freezes at the last words and right there he hates, now more than ever, how Xabi knows exactly how he is feeling all the damn time! He gets up and paces the kitchen, stops to look out the window, paces some more, before finally stopping. He leans heavily towards the counter, a good six feet from where Xabi is standing. He is not ready to be honest quite yet. "And what is it that you've discovered?" he asks, voice a bit shaky, not noticing that Xabi takes a step closer."Well, you haven't been the same after that evening in Istanbul. You've been different around me. Not bad different, just different. You've had a short fuse lately and pretty much everyone except I have been on the recieving end of one of your blows, and before you ask, yes, I know that, because what I haven't seen myself, I've been told." He draws his breath before continuing. "But I don't mind all this, Stevie. I really don't mind getting my suspicions confirmed and you may have noticed why last night."Steven doesn't answer, he simply stares into space. That really wasn't what he had expected to hear. The next thing he knows, Xabi has closed the distance and turned him around, his hands on Steven's shoulders and is looking straight into his eyes, into the chaos in his mind. "Why can't you be honest with me, Stevie? Now that I've been as honest with you as I could ever be," he says with a low voice, never breaking eye contact. Steven draws his breath and then exhales slowly, covering his face with his hands. Why is Xabi always so damn direct and frank? Why can't he also be a stuttering mess sometimes? As stuttering as he is feeling right now. It is not fair. But he is right. He is always damn right. He places his hands back down on the counter, and against what he thinks is better judgement, he figures he might as well just tell him his worries."Because being honest would mean that I admit to having lived a joke for the past six months. And as you might guess, that's a good bit depressing and scary to think about. I have two kids and a girlfriend, Xabi. I can't just...let go of all that." Xabi closes his eyes and pulls him closer, their foreheads touching gently."I know, Stevie. God, I know. But can you honestly tell me that you'll manage to walk away from here and pretend nothing happened? Pretend that you don't know what I told you? Pretend that you never admitted what you just did?" "Stop, Xabi, I -" Steven tries to pull away, but he is held in place; his back pressed against the counter. Xabi really is stronger than he seems."No. Tell me that you can pretend all of this, Stevie. Tell me, and I'll never mention this again."Steven looks at him, trying to read his expression. He figures that this must be what they are calling to see someone's naked soul in their eyes. At that moment, he realizes that he can never be dishonest with this man and that he has been a fool for trying to hide the truth from him. He should've known better. He should have known that Xabi would find out eventually. Like he always does."No, I can't pretend, because again -" he sighs, "- you're right. I don't think I can ever forget any of this." He leans forward, foreheads touching again. They remain silent for a few moments before Steven hums silently; "Unless some sick yoke whacks me in the head with a brick so I loose my memory." Xabi snorts despite himself and smacks Steven on the shoulder. "Whenever did you start pulling jokes when we were being all serious?!" he asks but Steven is simply smiling now and Xabi clears his throat. "Did you have a point?""Uhm.. That if I lose my memory; you'll be free to take advantage of me?" Steven doesn't know what has hit him, but right now it is so much easier to joke than to be serious. It is good to feel the tension lifting from both of them."Aha, so what you're saying is that I should smack you upside the head with a heavy object. Sounds intriguing. Let me see what I can find." He leaves Steven standing by the counter."Xabi? What the hell are you doing?""Finding a blunt object. It'll sort all our problems.""I'll never come to you with my problems ever again!" Steven exclaims as he tries not to laugh. Just then, Xabi's phone rings from the top of the fridge and he answers. Steven can vaguely hear Spanish from the other end and Xabi answers likewise, so he gives up trying to understand the conversation. Instead, he sighs and stares out the window. Whatever the hell is he getting himself into?A couple of minutes later, Xabi hangs up and Steven turns around."Who was it?" he asks."Luis. He wondered if I'd left home yet, because he'd forgotten his keys to his locker and he wanted to ask if I could bring the spare copy I keep for him," Xabi says indifferently, but Steven looks at him in wonder."You keep a copy of his locker-key?"Xabi chuckles as he tidies the table, putting the kettle back on the counter. "I do. Because he knows he'll lose that too if he keeps both." Steven laughs at this. "He'll never hear the end of that, I'll make sure! Why does he want it now anyway? We're not training today." he says as he walks into the hallway and holds out Xabi's jacket to him, then finds his own. "No idea."They get dressed in silence and Steven feels the air tensing around them again. They still haven't, what should he call it, agreed on anything yet. Or have they?As Xabi reaches for the door, Steven grabs his arm to stop him and turns him around. "Whatever are we getting ourselves into here?" he asks softly. Xabi thinks for a moment before answering."In all honesty, I don't know." He looks down. "But promise me one thing, Stevie." "What?" he asks silently and manages a small smile. He will do pretty much anything for this man."That whatever happens, just go with it. You know it's the only thing that works. You can't fight your own life." Xabi looks at him intently. As Steven nods, he leans forward and brushes his lips softly against Steven's and nothing matters any more. Not really. As Steven parts his lips under Xabi's, a barely audible moan leaves his throat. He backs him up against the door and deepens the kiss as he feels a hand moving up his spine, causing all kinds of delicious shivers to run through him. As he pulls back slightly, Xabi quickly attacks his neck, kissing his way from the collar of Steven's shirt and up to his ear, sucking at the soft point beneath it. Steven's breath hitches and he feels himself getting terribly hot and rather short of breath. "We really should leave, you know. Or we'll be late," he breaths hotly into Xabi's ear, trying to stop his hands from roaming unchecked up the insides of the other man's open jacket.Xabi simply mutters something unintelligible before capturing Steven's lips again, sucking on the bottom one before biting down gently, making Steven exhale sharply. Xabi lets go and leans against the door. His face is slightly flushed and his breathing uneven as he looks at him with what Steven defines as the most captivating glare. He is seriously on the verge of giving in when Xabi straightens up and turns around."You're right, we must go." He opens the door. "Tease." Steven mutters."I didn't hear that. Oh, by the way," he turns back, smiling, "you've got a mark here." He touches Steven below his ear, making him shiver, but then he realizes what Xabi just said."Xabi! If you've left a hickey on my neck, I'll have you killed!" Xabi chuckles as he turns the alarm on, slams the door shut and locks it. When he turns around, Steven is already hurrying down the path towards the car. "Touchy much, Gerrard?" he says after him. He stops to look at him as he unlocks the car. "It's not that visible. Besides, it's not a hickey. It's a love-bite. Or is that not what you Brits call them?" Steven grimaces."We don't have time to get your car now, I'm afraid. We'll go get it later." He starts the engine."As if, I can't go home with this on my neck, if that's what you're thinking. You're stuck with me for the rest of the week now." He rubs his neck absentmindedly as he takes place in the passenger seat. Xabi snorts as he backs out of the driveway."That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard from you for wanting to stay at my place. You said yourself that Alex is gone for the rest of the week." Xabi looks at him and grins, making him turn a violent shade of red. "I'm not making it up, the cleaning lady is still there now and then, and I'm telling you, she's nosier than you are." Xabi snorts. "Oh, that's low. But it's okay, you can hog the couch any time you want." He turns on the radio."I bet I can..." Steven mutters, but has to smile despite himself. He's not sure all of this is wise, but God knows he's enjoying himself right now."What else did Luis say by the way?" He says after a few minutes of listening to whatever crap radio channel Xabi has found."He asked if I knew where you were and if you were okay." Xabi stops the car at a red light and puts on his shades. "Apparently, he went back to Anfield yesterday to look for the key to his locker and he saw your car in the parking lot.""And what did you tell him?" Xabi flashes him his trademark smirk. "That you were at my place and that I had given our Capitán some special treatment yesterday." He watches as Steven rolls his eyes at him."Honestly! You've got a cheeky mouth, you know that?" Steven says and crosses his arms in front of his chest, feigning offended."You didn't seem to mind my cheeky mouth last night. Hey! No need to get violent," he exclaims as Steven pokes him. "I'm driving here. I'm going to run us of the road if you can't control your emotions.""That's Spanish humour, is it?" Steven asks mock seriously."At its very best. Enjoying it?" Xabi speeds up as they get onto the main road towards Melwood."Terribly so." Steven smiles and leans back against the headrest.