Chapter 47 : To The Ceremony

A month had passed in a blur of games, training, and life moving forward. On December 26th, Manchester City had destroyed Sunderland 6-1, with Nico putting on a stellar performance, scoring twice and assisting once. Just a few days later, on December 30th, they beat Leicester 1-0, thanks to an incredible last-minute free-kick goal from Nico.

Now, the date was December 31st, and Nico found himself sitting on the couch with Maria, watching TV. The year had flown by in the whirlwind of matches, travel, and the constant demands of professional football, but for a moment, everything felt still. He was happy to just be with her, sharing this quiet evening as the year came to an end.

Maria, who was nestled comfortably next to him, glanced over and smiled. "Can you believe it's already the last day of the year?" she said, her eyes bright. "It feels like the year just started, but so much has happened."

Nico chuckled lightly, looking at her. "Yeah, it's crazy how quickly time goes by. We should do something fun to celebrate the new year. Do you have any plans?"

Maria thought for a second before shaking her head. "Not yet, honestly. I kind of like the idea of a quiet night, just hanging out together. Maybe watch some fireworks later if we're up for it?"

Nico nodded in agreement. "That sounds perfect. We could just stay in, have some snacks, watch the countdown, and just enjoy the night. No pressure."

She smiled, squeezing his hand. "I like that. We can make our own celebration, right?"

"Exactly," Nico replied, leaning back into the couch, enjoying the peaceful moment. "As long as I'm with you, I'm happy."

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Later that night, Nico was celebrating the New Year with the Guardiola family. The house was filled with laughter, chatter, and the warm glow of the evening. They all sat around the dinner table, enjoying the last moments of 2015, and as the clock ticked closer to midnight, Pep asked the family what they wished for in the coming year.

Maria, always ambitious, was the first to speak up. "I want to improve on my modeling," she said with a determined smile. "I've got a lot of work to do, but I think I can make it."

Marius, not one to back down from a challenge, added, "I want to become a better footballer. I've been practicing with Nico, and I'm learning so much. But I know I still have a long way to go."

Valentina, ever the innocent, said excitedly, "I want to be a footballer!" She beamed at everyone, clearly full of hope and ambition. The room chuckled, and Pep exchanged a knowing smile with Christina, clearly proud of how his children were growing up.

Christina smiled as she looked at Valentina, her heart swelling with love for her family. "I'm just happy that all of you are finding your passions and chasing them with such determination."

Nico, who had been silently listening, smiled before speaking up. "I wish that I could win the Champions League with Manchester City," he said sincerely. "It's been a dream of mine ever since I joined the club. I want to do everything I can to help this team achieve it."

Pep, looking at Nico with admiration, nodded. "I wish for the same thing," he said. "We've got a talented squad, and I know we're capable of great things. We'll work hard for it, together."

The room grew quiet for a moment, each person reflecting on their hopes and dreams for the future. The sound of fireworks in the distance signaled the arrival of midnight, and as the clock struck twelve, everyone raised their glasses in a toast to the future, to success, and to the new year ahead.

"Happy New Year!" they all cheered in unison, the warmth of the moment surrounding them as they looked forward to the possibilities that 2016 would bring.

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After the New Year celebration, Nico stepped out onto the terrace, the cool air of the evening biting slightly as he pulled out his phone. He dialed his grandparents' number, the familiar ringing sound filling the quiet space around him.

Johan's voice came through first, calm and warm. "Nico, my boy! Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year, Grandpa," Nico smiled, leaning against the terrace railing. "I miss you both so much. Hope you're both doing well."

"We're doing fine, don't worry about us," Johan replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "And how's Manchester? I've been watching your games, impressive stuff. But remember, stay focused. It's not just about the goals and assists. It's about what you can keep doing next season, and the season after that."

"I will, Grandpa," Nico nodded, gazing at the city lights below. "I'm working hard, and I've learned so much already. But I miss you both."

Danny's voice cut in, softer but equally filled with love. "Nico, darling! How's my boy? I've been keeping up with your games. They're amazing to watch. You've grown so much. You've become exactly who we always knew you would."

"Thanks, Grandma. I really appreciate everything you both have done for me." Nico's voice softened as he thought of how much they meant to him. "I just wanted to hear your voices. It's been a while since I've seen you both."

"We miss you, too," Danny said. "Just don't forget where you come from, Nico. You're doing great, but remember to stay grounded, okay?"

"Of course, Grandma. I haven't forgotten a thing," Nico assured her with a grin. "I'll see you both soon, I promise."

"We'll be waiting for you, Nico," Johan added, "and don't forget, always keep pushing. But remember to take care of yourself. You're not just a footballer; you're a person, too."

"Thanks, Grandpa. I love you both." Nico's smile was wide, and he felt warmth in his chest hearing their voices.

"We love you too, Nico. Keep being you. We're proud of you."

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After finishing his conversation with his grandparents, Nico ended the call and put his phone down. He looked out at the city skyline from the terrace, the cool night air brushing against his face. It was a peaceful moment, the sounds of the New Year celebration still faint in the background. His mind replayed the conversation with his grandparents, how they wished him well, proud of everything he had achieved so far. But he also knew that his journey was far from over.

As he turned to go back inside, he was surprised to feel two arms wrap around him from behind. Maria had quietly approached him, and before he could react, she hugged him tightly.

He laughed softly, a playful smirk on his face. "You know, you've been hugging me a lot lately," Nico teased, turning around to face her.

Maria smiled up at him, her arms still around his waist. "That's because I love you," she said softly, her voice sincere, her smile widening.

Nico pulled her closer, his expression softening as he gazed down at her. Without saying anything, he leaned in and kissed her. It was a tender, gentle kiss, and for a few seconds, they stood there, completely lost in the moment.

When they pulled apart, Nico couldn't help but grin. "I guess I love you more," he teased, a playful gleam in his eyes.

Maria laughed, her fingers brushing against his cheek as she looked up at him. "You sure about that?" she asked, a lighthearted challenge in her voice.

"Yeah," Nico replied confidently, "I am." He leaned down and kissed her forehead before pulling her back into a warm embrace.

For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them standing together, their hearts in sync, the love between them stronger than ever.

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A week had passed in a blur of training, games, and rest days. On January 2nd, Manchester City secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Watford, with Aguero scoring the only goal of the match. Nico had a key assist in the game, continuing his impressive form. The team had maintained their momentum in the Premier League, but now it was time for a new challenge.

The current date was January 7th, 2016, and Nico was sitting on the couch with Maria, Valentina, and Marius, watching the EFL Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Everton. Pep had decided to rest Nico and the starting 11 for this match, giving the substitutes a chance to showcase their skills on the field. The atmosphere in the living room was relaxed as the family settled in, cheering on the team.

The match itself was intense, with both teams pushing hard to break the deadlock, but despite numerous chances on either side, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Even though the starting lineup was resting, the City substitutes had held their ground against Everton, and the fans were still proud of the team's performance.

As the game concluded, Maria turned to Nico, nudging him gently. "I guess we'll have to wait for the second leg to decide who goes through."

Nico, still in a relaxed mood after his rest, smiled at her. "Yeah, it's only halftime in the competition. We've got this."

Valentina, sitting on Nico's lap as usual, giggled and added, "You're so confident, Nico. Do you think City will win everything this season?"

Nico chuckled, ruffling her hair. "We'll see. But with a squad like ours, I'm pretty sure we're going to do well."

Marius chimed in, "I can't wait to see you back on the pitch, Nico. It's weird not seeing you play today."

"Yeah, me too," Nico replied, his eyes on the TV screen as the post-match analysis played. "But sometimes it's good to have a little rest and let the others step up."

The family continued to chat and laugh as they watched the post-match highlights, content with the knowledge that the team had done well, even without their star players on the field.

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During dinner, Nico turned to Pep and asked casually, "Pep, did you get the invitation for the Ballon d'Or ceremony?"

Pep, who had a calm and knowing look, responded without hesitation. "Yeah, I did. I imagine you did too?"

Nico nodded, not showing much emotion. "I got mine about a month ago. Jorge told me it was basically confirmed that I'll win the Golden Boy award."

Pep, always composed, simply gave him a small nod. "I knew that already. You've been exceptional this season, Nico. It's well-deserved."

Nico didn't react strongly, as he had been focused on the team and not on individual accolades. "Thanks, Pep," he said, keeping his tone modest. "But I couldn't have done it without the team."

Pep leaned back in his chair and then mentioned, "I'll be resting you for the FA Cup match against Norwich on January 9th. I've already planned to keep you fresh for the Premier League and Champions League games."

Nico acknowledged this with a nod, as it wasn't unexpected. "Understood, Pep," he replied calmly. "I'll be ready for the next one."

Pep smiled slightly, appreciating Nico's professionalism. "Good. Enjoy the ceremony, but we've still got plenty of work ahead. Focus on the bigger goals." 

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The next day, Nico was at the airport, waiting for his flight to Zurich for the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Maria stood next to him, her expression a little somber as she hugged him goodbye.

"You know, you'll be in Zurich in two days, right?" Nico said with a gentle smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Maria looked up at him, a small frown on her face. "I know, but it just feels different without you here. I'll miss you."

Nico chuckled softly. "I'll be back before you know it. Besides, I can't wait to see you at the ceremony."

Maria nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, you better win that Golden Boy award. I'll be cheering for you."

Nico leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'll make sure to bring it home for you."

She smiled, feeling a little better now. "Go on, then. Don't keep the world waiting."

With one last smile, Nico turned and walked toward security, glancing back at Maria before disappearing through the gate.

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