Hiccups
The camera light blinks red, signaling they’re live, and Ingrid straightens, adjusting the mic in her hand as she glances at Mapi beside her. Mapi grins up at her, eyes sparkling, her body still buzzing from the adrenaline of the match.
The interviewer greets them warmly, congratulating them on the win. Ingrid dips her head politely, but Mapi, as always, is the first to speak, launching into an animated response in Spanish.
“¡Gracias! Fue un partido increíble, todos jugamos muy bien, y bueno, creo que mostramos lo que podemos hacer como equipo.”
Ingrid listens, and she catches the exact moment it happens -the tiny hitch in Mapi’s breath, the way her eyes widen slightly before-
“-y estamos-hic!”
She freezes.
Ingrid blinks. The interviewer blinks. Mapi presses her lips together, eyes darting between them before she tries again.
“Ehm, como dije, estamos-hic!”
Ingrid’s lips twitch.
Mapi groans, pressing her hands to her face. “No.”
Ingrid’s amusement only grows as she rubs a soothing hand over Mapi’s back. “Mi vida, are you okay?”
Mapi peeks at her through her fingers before nodding solemnly. “Sí.” She straightens, clearing her throat before turning back to the interviewer. “Perdón. Como decía-hic!”
Ingrid bites her lip, trying -really trying- not to laugh, but Mapi turns her head so fast, narrowing her eyes at her, and it only makes it worse.
“You laugh, I kill you.”
Ingrid makes a valiant effort to school her expression, but the way Mapi glares up at her, nose scrunched, lips pouted, only makes it harder. “I would never, amor.”
Mapi eyes her suspiciously before exhaling and turning back to the camera. “Okay. Estoy bien. I continue.”
The interviewer, bless him, is doing his best not to laugh either. He nods encouragingly.
Mapi inhales deeply, shaking out her hands. “Okay.” She squares her shoulders. “Entonces, creo que el—hic!”
She makes a tiny sound of frustration, dragging her hands down her face as Ingrid chuckles beside her.
“Princesa,” Mapi whines, turning to her, bottom lip jutting out.
Ingrid hums, tilting her head, amusement still playing at the corners of her mouth. “Qué pasa, cariño?”
“Fix it.”
Ingrid smirks. “Me?”
“Yes, you.” Mapi gestures vaguely. “Make them go.”
Ingrid fights back a laugh. “That is not how this works, bebita.”
Mapi glares. “You love me. You fix it.”
Ingrid sighs, like this is the biggest inconvenience of her life, before nudging Mapi’s chin up slightly. “Okay, try holding your breath.”
Mapi obeys instantly, puffing out her cheeks as she holds her breath. Ingrid watches her, resisting the urge to kiss the ridiculous expression off her face.
A few seconds pass. Mapi’s cheeks start turning pink.
Then-
“Hic!”
She exhales sharply, eyes squeezing shut in frustration. “¡Dios mío!”
Ingrid chuckles, rubbing her back. “Try drinking water.”
Mapi glares. “Where is water?”
Ingrid glances around, then spots a bottle just off-camera. She grabs it, handing it over. “Here, my love.”
Mapi snatches it, tipping her head back and taking a long sip. Ingrid watches, affection curling in her chest.
She lowers the bottle, smacking her lips. “Done.”
Silence.
Then-
“Hic!”
Mapi lets out the most defeated groan, slumping against Ingrid’s side as Ingrid throws her head back and laughs.
“You are mean,” Mapi mumbles against her shoulder.
Ingrid presses a kiss to her hair. “I love you.”
“Still mean.”
The interviewer, who had been watching the entire exchange with a growing smile, finally clears his throat. “Maybe we reschedule?”
Mapi nods pitifully. “Sí.”
Ingrid smiles, squeezing Mapi’s waist before turning back to the camera. “Thank you.”
Mapi lifts her head, looking up at Ingrid. “You carry me home?”
Ingrid huffs a laugh, shaking her head. “You are ridiculous.”
Mapi grins. “You love me.”
Ingrid sighs. “Unfortunately.”
Mapi gasps, swatting at her. “¡Princesa!”
Ingrid laughs, catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Come on, hiccups.”
Mapi groans, but lets Ingrid guide her away, their hands still tangled together.