Chapter 33 : A Walk

A week had passed since the match against Juventus. The current date was September 24, 2015. 

On September 19, they faced West Ham at the Etihad. It was a tough game, with West Ham defending deep and City struggling to break them down. The game was tied at 1-1 heading into the final minutes. Then, in the 89th minute, Nico received a pass from De Bruyne at the edge of the box. With a quick feint, he shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a stunning shot into the top corner, securing a 2-1 win for City. 

On September 22, City faced Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. Pep decided to rest Nico for the game, giving the substitutes a chance. Even without their key players, City managed a comfortable 2-0 win. Nico, watching from the stands, was relaxed, knowing that he needed to conserve his energy for the busy schedule ahead. 

Now, on September 24, around noon, he was sitting on the couch watching TV.

Maria came out of her room and plopped onto the couch beside Nico. She glanced at him before casually asking, "Do you wanna go out? It's your rest day anyway." 

Nico wasn't really in the mood to go anywhere, but he also didn't want to say no outright. After a brief pause, he shrugged. "Alright… I mean, fine with anything other than the mall." 

Maria chuckled, amused by his reluctance. "Let's just walk around Manchester. The climate is chilly and nice." 

Nico nodded, pushing himself off the couch. "Sure, let me get ready."

Nico went to his room and washed up before picking out his outfit. He put on a black, long-sleeved sweater-like T-shirt, paired it with denim jeans, and wrapped a black scarf around his neck.

Grabbing a small backpack, he placed a woolen jacket inside, along with a thermos filled with hot water—just in case the chilly weather got colder.

Once he was ready, he headed downstairs and sat back on the couch, waiting for Maria.

A few minutes later, Maria walked out wearing a white full-length floral dress, paired with gloves and a black scarf. She looked elegant, but Nico, knowing her well, raised an eyebrow. 

"Are you sure you won't feel cold?" he asked, eyeing her outfit. 

Before she could answer, he handed her a black mask and put one on himself. Maria chuckled as she took it, adjusting it over her face. "I'll be fine," she said with a small smile.

______________

They stepped out into the chilly Manchester air, their breath visible as they walked side by side through the streets. The city was lively, with people moving about, enjoying the evening. 

As they strolled, Maria brought up a topic. "So, who are your favorite artists?" she asked, glancing at him curiously. 

Nico thought for a moment. "I like The Weeknd, his music just has that vibe, you know? And maybe some Drake—he's been dropping bangers." 

Maria smiled. "I knew you'd say The Weeknd. I love his songs too. 'The Hills' and 'Can't Feel My Face' are just too good." 

Nico nodded. "Yeah, 'Earned It' is great too. What about you?" 

She playfully nudged him. "Taylor Swift, obviously. 'Wildest Dreams' and 'Style' are my favorites. Also, a bit of Justin Bieber—his new stuff is actually good." 

Nico raised an eyebrow. "You mean 'What Do You Mean?' and 'Sorry'?" 

Maria grinned. "Exactly! I didn't think you'd know them." 

They kept walking, casually talking about music, their voices blending with the sounds of the city around them.

Nico glanced at her and chuckled. "I mean, I didn't think you'd be into Bieber, but yeah, I know those songs."

Maria just smiled at his reaction, but before she could say anything, Nico spoke again. "You know… I like talking to you. Growing up, I didn't really have people my age to talk to."

She looked at him, a bit surprised by his honesty, but her smile softened. "Well, I like talking to you too."

After a brief moment of silence, Maria changed the subject. "Okay, random question—what's your favorite dessert?"

Nico tilted his head, thinking. "You know I haven't eaten desserts since I was eight."

Maria rolled her eyes. "I know, Mr. Disciplined Footballer. But if you weren't playing, which dessert looks so good that you'd want to try it?"

Nico smirked. "Hmm… probably a chocolate lava cake. It always looks so rich and warm, with the melted chocolate inside. Feels like it'd be satisfying to eat."

Maria giggled. "That's a solid choice. I can already picture you sneaking one when no one's looking."

Nico laughed. "If that ever happens, you better not tell Pep."

She grinned. "No promises."

Nico suddenly remembered something and turned to Maria with a teasing smirk. "Wait a second… You told me you'd tell me a secret if I scored against Juve." 

Maria's eyes widened slightly. "Huh?" 

Nico grinned. "I scored twice and got an assist. So… what was it?" 

Maria suddenly didn't know how to respond. Back then, she had thought about telling him how she liked him, but after hearing him talk about the pressure he was under, she didn't want to add to it. She hesitated for a moment before answering, "I… don't remember." 

Nico gasped dramatically, putting a hand on his chest. "Wow. You're lying now? I feel betrayed, you know." He smiled, clearly amused. 

Maria forced a chuckle, looking away. "Maybe I was just messing with you back then." 

Nico squinted at her. "Uh-huh. Sure." 

She quickly changed the subject. "Anyway! Since you like chocolate lava cake, maybe we should find a café and get one for you to just look at?" 

Nico chuckled. "Nice try, but I'm not letting this go that easily."

Maria looked at him with a small smile. "Honestly, do you want to try one?" 

Nico hesitated, his disciplined mindset kicking in. He had gone years without touching desserts—was it really worth breaking that streak now? 

Maria saw his hesitation and nudged him gently. "One won't do any harm, you know." 

He hesitated again, his mind battling between his strict routine and the temptation in front of him. 

Maria giggled. "Think of it as a reward for your performances. You've been incredible, Nico. You deserve to enjoy something small." 

Nico sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know what… alright." 

Maria beamed. "Great! Let's find a place."

______________

Maria led him to her favorite dessert shop, a cozy little place tucked away in a quiet street. The warm scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air as they stepped inside. She excitedly ordered for both of them, choosing something she thought he might like. 

After a few minutes, their desserts arrived. Maria smiled as she picked up her spoon and took a bite, savoring the taste. 

Nico, on the other hand, just stared at his plate. He hesitated, his fingers resting on the spoon, his mind debating whether he should go through with it. Years of discipline made it feel like he was breaking some unspoken rule. 

Maria noticed and chuckled. "Come on, Nico. It's just one bite. It's not like you're signing a contract to eat desserts forever." 

Nico sighed, still looking at the dessert. "I know, I know… It just feels weird."

Maria covered her mouth, holding back a laugh as she secretly recorded him with her phone. She expected him to like it, but she didn't expect this.

Nico finally took a bite, his expression frozen in shock as the flavors melted on his tongue. He stayed like that for a few seconds, his eyes widening. Then, out of nowhere, tears welled up in his eyes. He quickly covered his mouth with his hands, overwhelmed.

"God… it's so good," he whispered, his voice slightly shaky. "Honestly, my tongue feels different, you know?"

Maria couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. "Oh my God, Nico! Are you actually crying over dessert?"

Nico wiped his eyes and looked away, embarrassed. "Shut up. You don't get it. I haven't had anything like this since I was eight."

Maria giggled, stopping the recording. "I so got that on video."

Nico's head snapped toward her. "Wait… what?"

Nico's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, what? Maria, delete it. Right now."

Maria smirked, holding up her phone and waving it teasingly. "Oh, I am so not going to."

Nico leaned forward, reaching for the phone, but Maria quickly pulled it away, laughing. "No way! This is gold. I have never seen you react like this before. I have to keep it."

Nico groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Come on, Maria, have some mercy."

She grinned mischievously. "Nope. This is my insurance. If you ever annoy me, I'll just remind you that I have this."

Nico sighed in defeat, slumping back in his seat. "I swear, you are evil."

Maria just laughed, taking another bite of her dessert. "And yet, you still hang out with me."

As soon as Nico excused himself to the restroom, Maria quickly pulled out her phone and opened his Instagram account. Since she was the one managing his social media, she had full access.

Without hesitation, she uploaded the video of Nico's dramatic reaction to tasting dessert for the first time in six years. She captioned it:

"Nico eating dessert after 6 years. A historic moment."

The moment she hit post, her phone started buzzing with notifications. Fans were already flooding the comments—some in disbelief, others laughing, and many calling it the greatest moment in football history.

Just as she locked her phone, Nico walked back. She immediately stood up, pretending nothing had happened.

"You good?" she asked casually.

"Yeah," Nico nodded, adjusting his scarf. "Let's go."

As they stepped out of the dessert shop, Maria fought the urge to burst out laughing. Nico had no idea what she had just done.

As they walked around London, the evening air was crisp, and the city lights flickered beautifully around them. With their earphones plugged in, they shared a playlist, occasionally humming along to the songs. It was peaceful—just the two of them enjoying the walk, lost in the music.

As they climbed up a flight of steps near the Thames, Maria suddenly winced. The sharp pain in her ankle made her lose balance, and she stumbled forward.

Before she could hit the ground, Nico reacted instantly, catching her just in time. "Woah—Maria!" His grip was firm, steadying her.

Maria groaned, clutching her ankle. "Damn it… I think I twisted it."

Nico frowned, helping her over to a nearby bench. He knelt down in front of her and carefully removed her heels, inspecting her ankle. It was already slightly swollen.

"Why were you wearing heels when you knew we were going for a walk?" he asked, exasperated.

Maria sighed, tilting her head back. "Because they look good on me."

Nico shook his head, amused but also slightly frustrated. "Yeah? Well, they don't look so good now that you can't walk."

Maria sighed again. "I know…"

She pulled out her phone to check for a taxi, but every option showed unavailable.

Frowning, she tried calling Guardiola, but the call didn't go through. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Great. We're stuck."

Nico glanced at the time—it was 7 PM, and they were a 45-minute walk away from home. He looked back at Maria, who was still holding her ankle, clearly in pain.

Maria sat on the bench, her ankle throbbing, as she sighed in frustration. Nico looked at her for a moment before saying, "Wait here for a few minutes. I'll be right back." 

Before she could ask where he was going, he was already walking away. She sat there, rubbing her hands together for warmth as the evening chill settled in. 

Minutes passed, and the cold air started to bite. She crossed her arms, pressing them against her body for warmth, her breath visible in the night air. Just as she was starting to shiver, Nico returned. 

He placed a small bag from the pharmacy down on the bench and immediately opened his backpack. Maria raised an eyebrow, watching as he pulled out a woolen jacket and handed it to her. 

She looked at him, surprised. "You brought this…?" 

Nico simply shrugged. "I've gone out with you enough times to know you always do this." 

Maria blinked before softly smiling, touched by the thoughtfulness. She slipped on the jacket, feeling instant warmth. 

Before she could thank him, Nico unscrewed the lid of the thermos he had packed earlier and poured some hot water into the small cup attached. He handed it to her. 

"Here, drink this." 

Maria wrapped her hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep into her fingers before taking a small sip. The heat spread through her, easing the chill. 

She looked at him again, this time with something deeper in her gaze. "You really think ahead, huh?" 

Nico smirked slightly. "Someone has to."

Nico knelt down in front of her, his movements careful and precise. He gently lifted her injured leg, his hands warm against her skin despite the cold air around them. 

Maria tensed slightly at first, but his touch was light, almost cautious. He pulled out the pain relief spray from the pharmacy bag, gave it a quick shake, and then sprayed it over her swollen ankle. The cool sensation made her flinch for a second before the numbing effect kicked in. 

"That should help," he muttered, setting the spray aside. 

Next, he took the compression bandage and began wrapping it around her ankle, making sure it was snug but not too tight. His fingers moved with surprising care, securing it in place. 

Once he was done, he didn't stop there. He rested her foot on his thigh and, with slow, gentle motions, started massaging around the swelling, applying just enough pressure to ease the tension. 

Maria watched him, her lips slightly parted, feeling both grateful and oddly flustered. The way he focused so intently, the warmth of his hands, the way he was taking care of her without a second thought—it all made her heart beat a little faster. 

She swallowed, clearing her throat. "You… really know what you're doing." 

Nico glanced up briefly, smirking. "Well, I kind of have to. Can't have you slowing me down next time." 

Maria chuckled softly, shaking her head as he continued massaging her ankle for a few more minutes.

After a few minutes of massaging her ankle, Nico finally leaned back slightly, looking up at Maria.

"Alright, get on my back," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Maria blinked. "What?"

Nico sighed, adjusting the straps of his backpack. "I can help you walk, sure, but at this pace, we'll probably reach home by midnight, you know? It's already 7:30."

Maria hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. Her heart was beating faster than it should. Being this close to him—his warmth against the cool night air, his scent lingering in the space between them—made it even harder to focus.

"Fine," she muttered, trying to sound normal.

Nico knelt down in front of her, waiting. Maria carefully wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. As she shifted her weight onto his back, he hooked his arms under her legs and stood up effortlessly, adjusting as if she weighed nothing at all.

"Comfortable?" he asked, his voice calm as ever.

Maria, now nestled against him, rested her chin lightly on his shoulder. She could feel the warmth of his skin even through the fabric of his sweater. "Yeah," she murmured, though her heart was anything but steady.

Nico hummed in response and started walking. Maria held onto him a little tighter, hoping he wouldn't notice the way her fingers curled slightly against his chest. He had no idea—no idea how much she liked him. And she wasn't ready to tell him yet.