Home is Where the Heart is - Pablo Gavi

Chapter 23: The Kiss Theory

Sunday morning I wake up refreshed and in my own bed, alone. The alone part is kind of sad but Gavi had a family dinner last night and couldn't come over afterwards. Either way, I slept well in his shirt and am well rested and ready for today's game against Atletico Madrid.

All seems to be working out at the moment. My interview was posted and received well, I've seen a lot of support on social media and don't break down crying every time I open Tik Tok. Gavi and I are closer than ever, we haven't talked much about or repeated what happened last Tuesday, nor is it awkward between us. It just feels right. My training has been going well and I'm improving extremely quickly which pleases me as well as Xavi and the team. I think the other coaches are finally starting to forget their doubts about me. Today is very important for that. It either solidifies me as a one hit wonder or someone who's here to stick around.

We have another home game this afternoon so I pack up my things and go outside to see Gavi waiting in his car, ready to drive me to the stadium.

"Hola hermosa," he greets me as I get in his car. At this point I'm not sure why Xavi bought me one, as pretty much every day I either get him or Gavi to drive me around. I've offered to drive the both of them multiple times, but both are too gentlemen like to let me. Works out for me though, I rarely have to drive myself anywhere.

"Hey," I say back, throwing my bag over my shoulder into the back seat.

"Ready for today's game?" he asks as he starts to reverse out of the driveway.

"You bet," I respond. With every bit of training I feel like I'm improving so much. This game should go even better than the last, even if I don't score two goals. I can't expect to score in every match, as long as I'm a productive member on the field I'll be happy. And if we win; we need to win.

On the drive there we talk about the line up; Xavi did decide to pull Sergio, knowing he'll be retiring soon and we need a replacement for him. That means Frenkie's playing the pivot, Pedri is lower as a defensive mid and Gavi and I are the attacking mids. I also feel like I have to mention how Lewandowski is fully healed for this game and will be starting up top next to Ozzy, as I've been encouraged to call him. I know it sounds weird, I'm still getting used to it.

I'm still getting used to the team too, but their playful, familial nature makes it easy. They've all taken to calling me Princesa and I kind of like it. Gavi does not, making the whole matter even funnier.

We get to the field and do our---what's becoming---normal preparation until we're all dressed and on the field for warm up. Gavi and I pass, moving around a bit to warm up. I take a few shots on Ter Stegen, none of which go in, before returning to him. 

This time he comes all the way over to me. "You ready?" he asks.

"Yeah," I respond hesitantly. "Why do you keep asking me that?"

He shrugs but I can tell he has something to say. 

"Tell me," I urge him. Playing with something on your mind is never a good idea.

"It's like the whole kiss theory," he explains, leaving me even more confused.

"The what?"

"The kiss theory. Your first kiss with a person is easy, it's passion and in the moment. The second kiss on the other hand is the difficult one because you know what it's like and have time to over think it."

That was a very deep and very affective analogy. I unexpectedly---for the both of us---pull him into a hug and he hugs me back. "I'm good, but I'll let you know if that changes. Thanks for worrying about me."

We pull out of the hug and his expression has changed to a smile instead of concern. "Of course, I'll always worry about you."

I myself am overthinking the game a little because there is a little more pressure on me today defensive wise. I have always been more offensive minded, but always worked on my defense as well. Before, with the extra midfielder, I could afford to not be as positionally good on defense. Now, I need to be perfect at both. Like I said, no pressure.