Let's be casual
No one knew exactly how it all started or where the rumors and all those edited videos circulating on social media announcing the end of the feud and the new chemistry between the two with a tension that some called "sexual" came from.
Ingrid supposes that all that flirting with the elusive Mapi León (as they called her) led them to that point where fans embarked on the belief that the two had something, or that they would have it sooner or later, making lots of romantic edits, writing stories that she discovered by chance and that she didn't dare to read twice without the heat rising to her cheeks; making comments on their respective social networks, talking about images or videos where they both coincided.
Well, she admits it, both she and Mapi fed everyone by flirting without hesitation at every club party they attended, at some anniversary, at Adidas promotions that sponsored them both.
But it was just that, a safe, calm and harmless flirtation that meant nothing. Mapi never initiated anything and Ingrid wasn't going to do it either, right? She was concentrating on her career and doing her job well.
However, against all odds, or not, there she is at the Johan Cruyff watching the defender's match and raising a few murmurs from the people who notice her presence. Well, she's not exactly hiding, but she was hoping to go unnoticed.
-I think everyone knows you're here for her-Frido whispers.
-It's not like that, I'm a friend of Aitana, I came to see her.
-Tell them, but... I know the truth.
Her friend's mocking tone and pointed words make an impression on Ingrid, who tries to remain calm. But it only remains that way, an attempt.
When Mapi told her a week ago, while they were at the presentation of an Adidas collection, that she would like to see her in one of her matches, Ingrid snorted sarcastically and replied: “it will never happen.”
But there she is, in the Blaugrana's first friendly, devouring every move of the petite Spanish defender, filing away in the depths of her mind every dirty thought she has just from looking at that sweaty, muscled body. Ingrid watches her win ball after ball, go onto the pitch and come out unscathed; give an order or two, raise her arm at a corner kick, and a warm tingle spreads throughout her body. If she's as fiery in bed as she is on the pitch, she's sure to give her a good time.
'I'm so fucking lesbian' is all she can think with her mind almost clouded without missing a thing.
-Can I lend you a tissue for the drool?
-Fuck you-she mutters very quietly.
Maybe it's time to pay attention to Frido and Esmee (because those two won't stop bothering her) and take the first step, it's obvious that they feel attracted to each other and they can do something about it, a good fuck of those that leave some good memories for a while and that's it.
She assumes that Mapi is single, doesn't know, but she will have to find out soon.
Ingrid has had her eyes on her for quite some time now and the sooner she does something about it (finally!) the quicker she'll get it off her chest.
-Are all those tackles due to the Norwegian girl watching you from the stands? -Alexia wants to know.
-Maybe-Mapi has a big arrogant smile on her expression-I know she came to see me when she said wouldn't, so I tried a little harder than I should have.
-If you earned a red card, let's see if you'd be okay with it- the captain shakes her head in disagreement.
-But it didn't happen-the defender looks for Ingrid with sharp eyes and rubs her hands- now, if you'll excuse me, I think I have a date and a big night ahead of me.
-Be careful, don't fall into your own trap-Alexia warns and Mapi doesn't even listen to her, running towards where the Norwegian brunette is waiting.
Mapi walks over to where Ingrid is standing and gives her one of those half smiles that she knows has the desired effect on girls. In 95% of cases it works.
-So you came.
-Well, I wanted to check that you really are the best team in the world.
-And?
-I think they could do better on defense, but it's not that bad.
Mapi laughs delightedly at the audacity of questioning her defensive skills. It's not for nothing that she works hard training and perfecting herself every day, but she lets it go. She likes Ingrid's acidic humor. And she likes Ingrid.
-This is my friend Frido.
-Yes, I think we've seen each other around- says Mapi and gets a nod from the Swedish blonde-how are you?
Fans, before raving about the chemistry between Mapi and Ingrid, used to compare Barcelona's women's football team to the women's volleyball team, where Ingrid and Frido play.
The comparisons weren't logical at all, but they were there: which team is better and represents the club more, which is more popular, which has the most beautiful players, and things like that. If football has Alexia, Aitana, Mapi, Claudia, Jana and Ona, volleyball has Fridolina, Ingrid, Irene, Patri, Esmee and Caroline.
Both women's football and volleyball were at their peak, well-managed and winning teams, loved by the people and recognized, whose players got along very well, contrary to general belief.
-So, do you have plans for later? -Mapi risks asking.
-That depends a lot on you- Ingrid's flirtatious response makes Mapi declare victory in her mind-something that includes both of us?
Fridolina walks away not at all subtly, no doubt not wanting to listen, and Mapi laughs amused.
-Well, I have a few things in mind-she lowers her voice an octave and moves a little closer-but all these people are staring a little and I don't want to give them some spectacle that only concerns us.
-Always so careful, León-Ingrid takes a few steps back and winks at her-meet me in the parking lot.
Mapi showers at lightning speed, ignores the mockery, and dresses in something halfway decent that won't impress anyone (much less Ingrid) because she didn't think she'd need better clothes.
-You're going to spend all the perfume and poison the poor girl-Alexia takes the bottle from her hand and pushes her towards the door- Go away at once before she comes to her senses.
Ingrid is leaning against her own car with her arms crossed and frowning in a way that looks adorable.
-That didn't take that long.
-I hurried. Well, Ale thinks you might change your mind and sent me off quickly.
- Change your mind about what?
-Go out with me.
- Are we going to do that?
-More or less if that's what you want.
-I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to-Ingrid confirms.
-Isn't it because of social pressure? -Mapi mocks.
Ingrid snorts as if amused by the suggestion.
-If people talk it's because we give them reasons, right? And there's no pressure on me-the black-haired girl narrows her eyes- I think the cat and mouse game is cool, but I think we could skip that part once and for all.
Mapi is barely surprised, but pleasantly surprised by how direct Ingrid is. She won't have to try too hard or use any of her tricks, they both want the same thing and they're going to take it. She nods in satisfaction.
-So, what plans do you have in mind? -the Norwegian continues.
-We can go out to dinner, we can go to my house and I'll cook for you, or we can go to yours, whatever you prefer.
-Is eating a mandatory requirement before going to bed?
-No, fuck, not at all- Mapi clicks her tongue, increasingly impressed, and laughs.
-Mmm-thinks Ingrid- what if I tell you that I want to go to a hotel and spend the night there?
-It could also be.
-To Vela?
-Whoever you want-and to hell with the price.
-The views there must be incredible- Ingrid whispers like a soft exhalation, fixing those two translucent and almost hypnotic green orbs on Mapi's brown eyes, and the defender forgets for two seconds how to breathe.
-I'm sure I will and that I will appreciate them, every view that comes my way-Mapi whispers shamelessly and laughs imagining and anticipating everything she can do with Ingrid.
Ingrid raises her eyebrows and runs her tongue over her lips very slowly.
-Are we leaving?
Of course, the hotel wasn't necessary, at least not that day.
Mapi follows Ingrid to her house, and there they don't waste much time, devouring each other and releasing all the pent-up desire from months of shameless flirting, persistent glances and very direct innuendos. Their hands are everywhere and their mouths are desperate to give each other pleasure.
But the Spanish woman takes control, she likes to do so.
Mapi searches Ingrid's eyes to find out what she likes, if she likes gentle pressure or something more direct and harder, she finds a few sensitive spots next to her hip and on her lower back and of course along her slender, smooth neck, and sets about driving her crazy as her fingers slowly go in and out until she arches them just as she asks. Making Ingrid cum quickly a couple of times with just her fingers is something that inflates her ego, but Mapi likes it slow too and takes the time to recognize her with her tongue and lips, to taste her and let her moans blend together.
-I'm not looking for a relationship or anything serious-Mapi clarifies just in case, nibbling on Ingrid's neck tirelessly.
-Me neither- the black-haired gasps.
This is how they begin their casual relationship based on sex and the need to satisfy each other. And boy do they do it. August was great; September was delirious; October was glorious; November is still spectacular; December is all moans and long chats between the sheets; by January things start to get a little bit complicated.
Mapi is a considerate and attentive lover. Ingrid has never been with someone so attentive to her needs and it is a new and pleasant discovery. And she always gives back. The pleasure is mutual.
They see each other from time to time because even though they live in the same city, they have different and busy schedules-or so they want each other to believe just to keep things informal-and when they do see each other, they don't use words as much but rather engage in hotter, sweatier activities. It's fair to say that they can't keep their hands off each other.
Mapi attends one of Ingrid's games back in September and gives her a thumbs up a couple of times along with a few mischievous winks, to the delight of the public and the subsequent videos that circulate, although Ingrid is least looking to generate repercussions or misconceptions.
And that same night, between the warm sheets, they have the only half-decent conversation they've had in a long time. About sports.
Ingrid has to explain the countless rules of volleyball and what each position consists of, especially hers, center. They both laugh at the coincidence but soon notice that being a center in football is different from being one in volleyball. Mapi has a frown on her face all the time and promises to attend another game now that she knows how it works and won't feel so stupid watching how each player rotates.
Ingrid wants to tell her not to do it, that people keep talking and she hates it, but she doesn't do it at that moment and puts it off inside her restless mind; after all it's nothing serious, there's no time for going to each other's games. Wouldn't it be better to carry out all their activities together in bed and that's it, if it was implied that they were looking for each other to fuck and relieve tension?
Ingrid thought it would be a one-time thing, but it kept happening many more times and there's no need to make a big deal out of it. They are adults and will know how to deal with it when one of them no longer wants to continue.
So why does it bother to see Mapi so friendly with that German girl, who is the most recent signing?
They've been casual for a few months and the relationship has worked to a certain point; now it's obvious that the Spanish woman has had enough. All those conversations lately before or after sex, the little by little knowledge they have of each other, mean nothing, the discovery of how much they have in common, the laughs and smiles they get out of each other, are worthless.
Ingrid looks away from both of them and concentrates on the champagne bubbles bouncing and breaking against the glass.
She must think seriously about her future instead of directing her attention to things that distract her. She will be a free agent and there may be interesting inquiries even if Barcelona wants to keep her. Yes, work first, wherever it takes her.
She has to end it that very night, she decides, let Mapi get on with her life, her conquests or whatever and she gets on with hers. What they have, whatever it is, it leads them nowhere.
But they haven't even talked about whether they'll see each other that night or not. How do you say it? It's casual. It's not serious. You keep repeating it to yourself until you're tired.
There's still a while until the Barça Foundation dinner ends, but it can't wait too long.
-I´m leaving.
-It's early, don't be a party pooper- says Esmee- you don't want to leave me with all the football girls, do you?
-You know Aitana. And Irene and Patri are there so you don't end up at a disadvantage.
-I wish I had missed it like Frido did-Esmee mutters under her breath.
-That wouldn't have been fair.
The good thing about the Swedish girl not being there was that she couldn't bombard her with "I told you so" "you like her as a girlfriend" "you want more with her" and all those things she had been saying lately that seemed inconceivable and senseless to Ingrid.
She leaves the glass with the first waiter she sees and leaves as discreetly as possible. She doesn't want to attract anyone's attention, much less Mapi, who barely looked at her.
Mapi never looks at her when they are in public, as if it were a sin and no one knew what they were up to. But of course, she brought it on herself when she asked him not to go see her play anymore, people were talking and gossip was spreading, and now she mentally and irrationally reproaches the defender for not giving her a single glance and ignoring her?
This is getting out of hand and unnecessarily complicated.
-Ingrid, hey, wait.
Mapi walks quickly towards her with a thoughtful expression, as if thinking what to say.
-You're leaving early.
-This... yes, my head hurts-she lies without knowing why she does it.
Mapi nods and takes a few seconds.
-Can I help you with that?
She doesn't hesitate for a second and they go to Mapi's house. Later she tells her that doesn't want to continue with what they have, and before leaving, she promises to do so. Keeps putting off everything when it comes to the Spanish woman.
Mapi moves around the room looking for some things and Ingrid makes herself comfortable by lying down and closing her eyes to shut out her mind for a moment. She doesn't even open them when she feels the Spanish woman's calm presence above her and the tips of her fingers pressing on her temples and gently massaging her scalp.
-Can I give you a massage? -the low, seductive tone brings Ingrid out of her lethargy.
Mapi has a half smile and a bottle of oil in her hand and is expectant.
Ingrid undresses very slowly, a bit on purpose, and doesn't take her green eyes off the amber-coloured ones who don't miss a single movement. The moment before is often as good as what happens next.
Ingrid lies face down and Mapi climbs on top of her, pressing herself against her rear, spreading a little oil that smells great and passing her palms and fingertips over it very slowly, like a torture but one of those pleasurable ones, and they know about that. It's all pleasure.
The massage is relaxing but also stimulating and he can't help the sounds of satisfaction that escape, gasps, sighs and a moan that makes Mapi press in closer and leave a kiss on her shoulder.
-Turn around-Mapi asks.
Mapi's eyes are darkened, and her expression is one of delight.
-The views are always wonderful-she murmurs hoarsely as she begins to run her hands over Ingrid's torso, down to her abs, up until they touch her erect nipples that demand more attention than that.
She leans in and the kiss is hungry and Ingrid doesn't even hesitate for a second to respond, instantly losing herself in the mouth that claims every corner as if it were devouring her. Mapi's lips are gentle but relentless and they always know what they provoke in her; if she was already wet from the massage, that kiss only makes the liquid layer she feels between her legs worse. Always so easy.
-Please- and yes, she also tends to beg.
-What?
-Touch me.
-I'm touching you, preciosa-Mapi smiles against her neck slyly.
-Touch me more.
Mapi presses her mouth to Ingrid's neck, on each side, sucks on the lobe of her left ear and runs the tip of her tongue over the wild pulse. At the same time, she brings one of her hands to where Ingrid needs it.
-Always so ready for me-the surprised tone makes Ingrid sigh.
-Yeah.
-You are beautiful.
-Please.
Mapi runs her fingers lazily over the meat and doesn't miss a single gesture from the Norwegian, delighted by so many requests. And she also slowly goes down to try it and enjoy it as she loves to do.
Ingrid really likes Mapi's tongue, she loves her fingers and hands, her lips, but her tongue is on top of everything, and that's how it makes her feel when she reaches climax minutes later, on top of the world, in an infinite spiral.
-I'm glad I could help soothe your headache-Mapi says, lying down beside her, her half-naked body almost touching hers.
Ingrid can barely think, and it's not just because of the orgasm. She has to say something and nothing comes out, instead she turns to Mapi and kisses her confidently, making it clear what she intends.
-No, not tonight-Mapi gently moves away-if your head hurts, rest, there will be time.
In addition to all the great qualities of the Spanish woman, she is also very considerate, and although Ingrid does not really have a headache, she is tired from the many thoughts that crowd her mind.
-Okay…I…should I go? -she stammers, sitting up. If they're already done, that's what she should do. They've only slept over a few times lately, and the kind of intimacy that brings isn't good and they both shy away from it.
-If you want-Mapi hesitates for a moment-or you can stay, it's all the same to me, really.
-I can leave very early tomorrow, so do you have training?
-Day off, and you?
-Me too-Ingrid watches Mapi take off the few clothes she is wearing-I will leave early, I promise.
-Okay- Mapi looks for some clothes to sleep in and hands them to her. The two of them get dressed in silence.
Neither Ingrid leaves early nor do they have much time left together.
As soon as the Norwegian woke up and felt the arm holding her and Mapi's warmth flooding over her, she walked away ready to leave with her heart practically in her throat, not counting on a sleepy Mapi telling her to stay, or rather, asking her softly.
She stayed, they ate something, talked and watched trashy TV shows. Mapi lent her a big sweatshirt and a jacket which she promised to return and went to her own flat almost as the day was dying, very close to staying the night too, which would have been very wrong.
Goodbye to not involving feelings because they were beginning to emerge from somewhere hidden.
••••••
In mid-January, Ingrid leaves training and receives the call. She was waiting for it, she knew it was something that could happen and the joy makes her jump out of pure excitement and Frido and Esmee don't understand a thing.
-They want me from Turkey! -she exclaims.
It's an important step in her career, a very good one, and her friends know it and are happy for her.
Although volleyball is professional at Spain and Barcelona and the league is competitive and very good, and she has a good offer to renew her contract, playing in Turkey and for Vakif Bank is a great privilege, and the fact that they want her makes it simply amazing. It is one of the best clubs in the world.
With Barcelona she won many local tournaments, but it is still difficult for her to make the mark on the international scene, with the Turkish team can aspire to much more.
Calls her parents and tells them the good news right then and there.
-What's wrong with Mapi León?
-What's going on with Mapi? -she asks Esmee back as they drive along, completely ignoring her.
-You go out with her.
-No, we don't-she denies, which is true, and the fact that there is some romantic feeling here is not relevant at this point- we see each other, you know...to...you know.
Esmee laughs at the flushed cheeks and awful stutter and shakes her head.
-If you say so.
Yes, convinces herself that it doesn't matter, they shared some hot moments and that's it. And others that were less hot and more special, and it doesn't matter either.
When the adrenaline of the news wears off a bit, she thinks about the peaceful and special life she leads in Barcelona. She loves the city; loves everything about her life there and the thought of moving again brings a huge lump to her throat. She had moved before but she really thought she would spend much more time there, that she would put down roots as if her job would allow it.
She doesn't tell Mapi, not at that moment because she doesn't know how to approach it, and then a few weeks go by, and February comes around and there's not much more time to avoid it. They haven't seen each other that often and Mapi apologized for it as if she should.
For Ingrid, this was better. More time to 'get over' the affection-because she came to the foolish conclusion that there was a bit of affection-and to get used to the idea that everything was going to end.
But now she has to tell her, even though she doesn't have to, it's nothing serious and they made that clear from the beginning. But at least say goodbye.
-I'm going to Turkey-she says without further delay, when Mapi is getting dressed and ready to leave.
-I know-Mapi whispers.
She knew it but she never said anything.
-It's for a year and a half.
-I'm happy for you, I know that Turkey has one of the best volleyball leagues-Mapi continues getting dressed and now in a hurry.
-Yes, it's a huge step in my career and I'm excited, it's everything I've ever dreamed of.
-I'm happy for you-Mapi repeats automatically.
-I didn't tell you anything before because... well, it's something last minute, they were actually planning to hire me in the summer.
Ingrid shakes her head at the half lie and how pathetic it sounds.
-You don't need to explain it to me.
-Yeah, fine. So, this we have…the meetings…
At this, Mapi turns around and waits attentively. Ingrid can't read her expression; it seems carved from granite.
-It can't go on, you know, it would be crazy with all that distance. I already distanced myself from a girlfriend once and it didn't work out at all, it was horrible, and in the end, we'd be waiting to see each other for a few minutes God knows when-what Ingrid says sounds more like a bunch of excuses, so she stops rambling and shuts up.
-Okay, you're right, and besides we're not girlfriends-Mapi nods a few seconds later and her expression is inscrutable-it was a good vibe, and it was nice while it lasted.
-Well, I'm glad we worked it out so well.
However, it doesn't make him feel any better saying that and it makes the center of his chest hurt a little.
-When are you leaving? -Mapi fastens the last buttons of her coat and smoothes it unnecessarily with hands that tremble slightly, barely perceptible. Ingrid doesn't notice it, busy with the tangles she is creating inside herself.
-In a week.
-Can I plan one last getaway for us? -the defender asks in a carefully neutral tone.
-Yes, I'd like to.
Mapi finally takes her to the Hotel Vela that Ingrid wanted to visit, the one with the spectacular views, and the last thing they do is contemplate them, at least the ones from outside.
When Mapi thought of grand vistas, she had Ingrid in mind, completely naked and ready for her, or dressed all in black lace and shiny silk, drinking champagne and enjoying herself with her fingers and lips. And that's exactly what she gets for the last time.