Alright! Let's get right back into this ya'll! This chapter is delivering on many fronts. So, this chapter will not only be starting 17 years in the past to show baby Diego, but also giving you all some more Aleheather content too. Because I had a STRESSFUL week and writing this chapter was all the serotonin I needed to keep going and I hope it brings some light to your day as well! Hope you all enjoy! :)

17 Years Ago outside Madrid, Spain

({No POV})

Alejandro woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, combing back his hair out from his eyes with his hand until he took notice of something.

He looked over at the left side of the bed to see Heather was gone, but didn't seem to be gone too long since her side of the bed looked freshly undone from getting out.

The gears in his mind were slowly but surely coming together until something clicked.

Slowly, he got out of bed and started making his way down the hall. Alejandro kept going in step until he got to his desired 'destination'.

The nursery.

Before Diego was born and like many parents expecting a child, Alejandro and Heather made sure they had everything all set for when the baby was born… and absolutely no expense was spared. They even installed another door into the neighboring room where their nanny would be staying so she could wake up and have easy access to tend to their son when he needed something.

But, that wasn't all who regularly entered this room as Alejandro noticed recently.

While Alejandro and Heather would have the nanny bring Diego to see them after they were done with dinner to spend time with them, Alejandro started to notice Heather would get up practically almost every night.

At first he had no idea where she was going… until recently.

Ever since Diego was born 3 months ago, Alejandro noticed Heather would go to the nursery and just look at him. Not in a harsh or angry way, but seeming almost fascinated if not outright… thoughtful.

The same way she was looking at their son in his crib at the very moment.

Alejandro pursed his lips in confliction before eventually deciding to address something he should have done a very long time ago.

He strode sure but careful into the room until he was a couple feet away from her and started softly to not wake Diego, "He's grown so much already."

At first he thought he'd catch her off guard in this sort of environment, but it was almost as if Heather knew he had been their the whole time as she partially looked behind her at him. Her expression was unreadable but not harsh as she just gave him a slight nod in agreement before looking back at Diego in his crib.

Alejandro decided to take this 'olive branch' Heather seemed to be extending toward him as he too approached his wife and stood next to her at the side of the crib.

He took the opportunity to look at Diego as well, appearing to be in a deep slumber with his mouth partially open in almost an 'o' shape as his chest rose and fell with his breathing and let out a slight 'coo' as if he was talking in his sleep.

Alejandro smiled in amusement as he reached in and gently rested his hand on the top of Diego's head before affectionately stroking his thumb through his surprisingly thick head of hair that Alejandro was even shocked to see he had the moment he was born.

After all, he had hair when he was born but he remembered his mother even saying that Diego probably had the most proper head of hair for a newborn that she had ever seen.

It was almost like Heather was echoing his thoughts as she remarked quietly but still in true 'Heather fashion', "I still can't believe how much hair he has. And I thought I always had thick hair."

The pair kept standing side by side as they proceeded to look at their son in silence as Alejandro looked over at her and bit his lip, trying to compose himself for a long overdue discussion, as he began, "Heather, I'm…" "Don't." She cut it immediately catching him off guard and also sent him spiraling in absolute confusion.

Don't?

What did she mean 'don't'?

"Heather, I don't understand what you're…" His words were immediately halted again as Heather elaborated, "Look, I don't want us to get into anything with this crap again, because I know what you're trying to do right now. But, just don't. I know I said I didn't want this. Didn't want him. Didn't want any of this crap. Even though I literally despised every day I was pregnant with him and everything that was happening, but… that was before he was here. And he's here now… and we can't change it. Besides, with all the other crap that's ever happened with us. I'm just… Ugh, I'm just done, Alejandro. I've accepted it and I just want to move on. With us… and now him."

Heather looked back at a still sleeping Diego as Alejandro practically stood there in a state of shock at everything his wife just said to him.

But, as much as he wished Heather would have allowed him the chance to properly apologize to her for coercing her for years into having Diego… he knew there was no point now. Not only because of what Heather just said, but also thinking back to the piece of advice he had once received from his father.

Mainly about not 'creating unnecessary friction' between himself and Heather.

Again, while he wished Heather would have allowed him to fully apologize for everything that happened… he knew that would only upset Heather even more at this stage since she even said it herself.

What's done is done and they can't change it.

And he knew Heather had already given her forgiveness after she 'said her peace' just now in her own way. Though in his mind, it was also probably an easier transitional phase considering what she 'had him do' the week after Diego was born.

This was confirmed as Heather jabbed, "Besides, you better be 'happy' with him… considering he's the only one you're ever getting."

At that moment Heather glanced at him with a mischievous look in her eyes and a teasing smirk about the fact that he had a vasectomy to prevent them (mainly him) from having anymore children.

Alejandro smirked back, seeing this as a clear determinator that there were no bad feelings between them anymore, even from an 'eye for an eye' perspective from his wife.

He grinned even more as he playfully quirked up an eyebrow before remarking, "Of course, mi ángel. But, how could I not be happy with him? Considering he already looks so much like his beautiful madre."

Heather grinned but rolled her eyes as she shoved him slightly, as she said, "Please."

The two chuckled to themselves and looked back at Diego yet again before Alejandro reiterated, "Really Heather, I mean it. He's already everything I could have wanted, especially with you."

Heather slowly looked over toward her husband, and despite how unsure she felt for the past year… she couldn't deny it.

She still loved him… and now their son too.

They looked at each other in silence for a moment before mutually leaning in and sharing a short yet tender peck between them, almost as if it signified that they were truly at peace with everything together.

Alejandro pulled Heather closer to him until they were practically embracing each other from the side and continued to look down at their still sleeping child.

Another wave of silence passed as Heather rested her head against his chest with a slight smile before she heard him say, "And I must confess… I was especially pleased to see he had your eyes. This way if he ever gets upset with me, he can shoot the same daggers from his eyes like you do toward me."

Heather looked up only to see Alejandro giving her his usual teasing smirk that immediately made her narrow her eyes in annoyance at him.

But, Alejandro just grinned, affectionately caressing her cheek despite her apparent annoyance with him, as he remarked, "Yes, just… like… that…"

Heather just rolled her eyes before remarking, "Whatever, you're just so damn lucky that I love you, you stupid jerk."

They both just chuckled quietly to themselves again as Heather pulled him down for another kiss.

Present day in suburban Toronto

(Diego's POV)

We just walked into the country club and it didn't even take a second for people to already be on all sides.

Not that we weren't already pretty well recognized since madre has her talk show that's internationally acclaimed, but now with padre being recently appointed Spanish Prime Minister plus my gold medal victory at the Olympic Games… we were all swarmed almost immediately.

Not that we aren't used to it and usually I quite enjoy the attention and accolades that come along with it… but not now.

Considering I have more important things to see to right now and everyone was just getting in my way.

Luckily my parents seemed to be getting more of the attention and I was able to slip away and get into the ballroom. Once I recomposed myself and straightened out my suit jacket, I started to look around the room almost as if I was scanning.

Agh… where is she?!

I kept looking around until I felt my elbow get grabbed as I felt myself get pulled against the wall.

I was about to complain until I looked next to me and immediately made sense of things once I realized it was Natalie.

She immediately said, motioning with her thumb, "Before you start overthinking things and wussing out, she's over there."

Almost instantaneously I looked over and saw Claire sitting at a table talking to some of her friends, but it didn't stop me from clinging to reality as I gave Natalie a look… despite knowing she's right.

I even expressed this as I countered, "Seriously?"

She immediately just shrugged and said, "Hey, if the hat fits, then fuckin' wear it. This is all you."

Almost on defensive reflex I scoffed, "Ha! Easy for you to say."

Then before I could blink she almost instantly and offhandedly countered, "Don't even start. I got my boyfriend by being straight up with him. Did I hate looking weak? Duh. But, but did I have to do it if I wanted to be with him? Yeah. So again, you gotta just grow a pair and just tell her."

I looked at her wide eyed until she scrunched her eyes and let out a sharp sigh before saying, "Look Diego, I'm not to rip off your head and be on your ass about this. But I mean it. You have been complaining about this shit for way too long. And the only thing you have to do is just find a way to suck it up and tell her about what's going on."

All of a sudden I heard the microphone kick on and immediately heard Mrs. Watson say, calling everyone's attention, "Excuse me, can I have all of your attention for a moment?"

Claire's mother is the event coordinator and director of the Junior League Cotillion group that my mother and her father were apart of when she was growing up.

I don't really know much about my mother's past since she doesn't really ever seem interested in ever talking up and oddly neither does my father to an extent now that I think of it. The only thing I knew was that my mother and Claire's father met when they were kids in the Junior League Cotillion group at this country club as dance partners.

And from what I saw out in the vestibule, they're still the longest reigning winners of a dance showcase that they still hold here to this day.

However, I remembered looking at their plaques from their showcase wins when I was young with my father and I couldn't help but notice a few didn't have pictures which I thought was strange even as a 10 year old.

But yet every other plaque had a picture which confused me.

When I asked my father why pictures were missing from just those when all the rest had them, he had a very passed over look in his eyes and said it was probably just a 'different style of award' during those years that probably didn't include a picture.

I had and still have no idea what to make of any of that.

But I decided not to dwell on it.

Anyway, Claire in addition to basketball and volleyball also does dancing through this same country club as well and even won a couple awards with her dance partner Quinton Wright, who I used to not like much at all for that very reason since seeing him dancing with Claire almost set my teeth on edge.

Well, until Natalie caught me saying something about it once and told me he was gay. And sure that helped ease my nerves on the subject… but just a little.

I was pulled out of my thoughts as Claire's mother kept speaking, "Good evening everyone, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Aga Watson. I'm event coordinator and director of the Junior League Cotillion program here at the club and I just wanted to speak on behalf of myself and the rest of the committee that we thank all of you for your donations and attendance to the end of our fall charity fundraising season. So, to give back and since I'm quite sure we're all done with 'richer foods' after our holiday feasts yesterday, we've arranged for a takeaway table of hors d'oeuvres and some live music and dancing. And to open the floor, we have some very special returning guests who have agreed to help us kick things off. Please put your hands together for Heather Wilson Burromuerto and Alejandro Burromuerto Ledvora!"

Right then mother and father started walking arm in arm onto the dance floor, remembering them telling me how Claire's mother asked them if they wouldn't mind opening the floor for dancing.

And the temptation was there for me to watch them which was hard to resist.

Mother and father have always loved and been some of the best dancers in the family.

Dancing is important to them… and to me.

My parents enrolled me in lessons when I was young and gave me a love and appreciation for it. Plus that dancing helped improve my skills and agility as a fencer also isn't something to complain about.

And I'm not the only one I know with a love of dancing.

I looked back over at Claire and her friends going toward the edge of the dance floor as I heard Natalie say, "Well, if you need me, I'm going somewhere else to hide."

I quirked up an eyebrow and looked behind me as I questioned, "Hide?"

She gave me a look before saying, "Are you serious? I'm 18, most guys start hitting on me for no reason at all, and my parents run a major cosmetic company. That puts a target on my back bigger than my mom's fucking shoe closet at home. All it's going to take is my parents or grandma and grandpa seeing me and pointing me out to any dumb dipshit fortune hunter looking for a 'wife' to benefit from. Because I know how much my parents want to get rid of me to some dipshit like that to make them 'look good' to grandma and grandpa. And I'm not sticking around for a bunch of idiotic rich dudes to be hitting on me all night, especially considering I already have a fucking boyfriend anyway. So thanks, but no thanks."

Natalie started to walk away until she turned around and continued, "And fyi, shit or get off the pot cuz looks like Claire's taking up other offers."

Qué?!

I looked around and saw Claire taking Quinton's hand as they started going out on the dance floor.

Bastardo.

What? I don't care if he isn't interested in her? I was supposed to ask her to dance to talk to her and he just got in my way!

But… agh, carajo.

I guess Natalie's right. I just need to bite the bullet and go for it.

I hung out on the edge of the dance floor for a bit until finally the set concluded and I immediately took my opportunity by tapping him on the shoulder as I began, trying to go about this as assertive yet smooth as possible, "Can I cut in, amigo?"

They both looked over at me and Claire immediately smiled as she started, "Diego! I was looking around, but I didn't see you come in."

I grinned and replied, "Mother and Father got a bit held up on the way in so I tried to cut out while I had the opportunity. But, nevermind that. We need to pick up where we left off yesterday. If you'll allow me?"

I felt like I had practically won another Olympic gold medal as she took my hand. Even though she immediately teased, "You always have to lay it on thick, huh?"

I didn't even mind as I jabbed back playfully, "Well, you can't say I'm not persuasive, right chica?"

We both laughed for a second as we got in first position. A waltz started and right before I got in step with Claire, I couldn't stop myself from narrowing my eyes at Quinton, who still mostly looked at me completely confused.

But, I don't care. That's what he gets for getting in my way with Claire.

We kept going in step and it was almost like everything that happened previously had been wiped from my mind. Honestly it just felt so nice to dance with her like this again.

The last time we danced with each other was at that street festival in Madrid and I came this close to saying something but backed out.

Not again.

But, I decided to just enjoy myself at the moment as I commented, "Well, you never disappoint on the dance floor as per usual."

She let out a slight laugh before replying, "Well, I hope so… considering my own mother was the one who taught me how to dance. Unless you're just saying that to get something out of me?"

Yes… you.

I tried to recompose myself as I replied with a smirk, "Are you accusing me of lying?"

"Maybe." She replied as we both started laughing.

Eventually I noticed we were getting to the edge of the dance floor near the exterior glass door. It was a cool night but not overly cold and I saw it… a gazebo.

Prefect.

This is my golden opportunity. I can get her alone and finally tell her how I feel. And what more romantic way to tell her than be away from all of this at night in a dimly lit gazebo?

It's practically calling for it!

"Diego? What's going on?"

I looked back at Claire, her completely picking up on my obvious distraction.

Okay Diego, now. Ask her.

Finally I got the gumption as I offered, "Actually, I kind of want to talk to you about something. Can we… go outside?"

Okay, a bit awkward, but not too bad.

She tilted her head at me but said, "Yeah, sure."

Good…

I just smiled at her as we walked out of the ballroom.

Actually the cool air felt almost refreshing from the overly warm ballroom from all the people. And I felt like she was reading my mind as she said, "Honestly, it feels better out here. Although I'm kind of surprised Mr. Mild Weather wanted to come out here."

I smirked and looked over my shoulder as I shot back playfully, "I can handle the cold. In case you needed to be reminded, I am technically half Canadian so I know the weather here. I just prefer it a bit warmer."

She just smirked back and teased, "Whatever you say."

We both laughed again and eventually got to the gazebo and had a seat on one of the benches.

We sat there for barely a moment as I immediately felt Claire put one of her hands on mine that was resting down on the bench, "Diego, seriously, are you sure you're okay? You just seemed like you've been out of it since yesterday. So, if you need to talk, just tell me what's up?"

Ugh, why does she always have to be like this?!

But at the same time… it's also because of 'this' that made me pretty much fall in love with her.

Even before a couple years ago when I realized how I felt about her, I always felt close to her… safe with her.

When I said she is one of the few people other than Natalie that I can be myself around, I mean that. Even when we were kids I always felt like I could talk to her about almost anything and still do to this day, but…. DAMMIT, WHY CAN'T I TELL HER HOW I FEEL?!

POR QUÉ?!

What the hell is wrong with me?!

I wish this could be like fencing. Where I can always be sure about my ability.

But with Claire… I'm not.

When I'm with her all my confidence practically goes to absolute shit and I can't help but wonder if she'll even feel the same way or if she wouldn't even want to talk to me anymore after I tell her.

And as much as that thought internally terrifies me… I know I just have to do it.

Like Natalie said, I need to 'shit or get off the pot' or else I'll miss out and risk someone else beating me to asking her out like last time.

I turned slightly from where I was sitting as I started, trying to swallow my pride, "Well, it's… it's something I feel like I've wanted to talk to you about for a while. And it's not about my mother, or fencing, or anything."

She tilted her head at me which made me feel like I wanted to run at this point, but I stood my ground.

Finally she started, sounding just as confused as she looked, wondering why I stopped in my tracks since even I knew I wasn't myself… and she knew it more than I did, "Diego?"

Okay, none of this is helping.

I was trying to come up with a way to gain any traction. Any courage. It was like my mind was void until I heard the music still coming through from the ballroom.

Perfecto.

It was almost like a new wave of confidence washed over me as I smiled and got up as I started, "Well, maybe while I tell you, you can let me have another dance?"

She scoffed before grinning and grabbing my hand as she said, "Talk about 'dancing around the subject', but sure."

Oh chica, you have NO idea.

But, as we got in step, I was starting to feel myself relax a bit.

I don't know?

There's just something about when we're dancing like this (like at that festival during the summer), where it just makes everything seem easy. Because as much as all of this with Claire frustrates me when it comes to how I feel, she also makes me feel more relaxed.

Even to me it makes absolutely no sense, but it's true.

Claire just has this ability to relax me, especially whenever we dance together like this.

She smirked and let out a laugh as she said, "As much as I hate fueling your ego, but I still have to give you credit that you're a better dance partner than Quinton… just don't tell him or else I'll call you out as a total liar."

Ha! I knew it.

But, I just smirked back and replied, "Fair enough… even if I do feel a little slighted for a few different reasons. And I thought you trusted me?"

She grinned and said, "And I thought you always knew when I was messing with you. Although I do mean it if you ever tell Quinton."

I just smiled and bowed my head as I responded, "You have my word."

Even though I'll always think that whenever I see him trying to cut in before me again with you.

We kept dancing until she said, "But, really, what's going on? Are you sure nothing's up?"

I immediately felt my stomach clench as I took all that in.

Okay Diego… breathe.

Finally I straightened up and looked her in the eye as I started, "Claire… I…"

"HEY! CLAIRE!"

We both looked over and saw her brother Matt calling out from a door leading into the ballroom.

"WHAT?" Claire called back. "Mom wanted me to grab you so you and Quinton could do the Junior League announcement stuff! Oh, Diego! What's up man?! Claire said you were over yesterday!" Matt called out.

I could feel my entire being converging in on itself in frustration at having every being absolutely ruined.

Now normally I've never had a problem with Claire's brother and usually I'm pretty good about keeping my wits and composure about me, but I have never wanted to harm someone more than I have wanted to until this moment.

But, since I didn't want to 'make a scene', I just smiled and waved back as I bit my tongue all the while to keep myself from losing it.

All the while Claire started, sounding annoyed, "Crap, I totally forgot about that."

She let go of me and started to walk off until she said, "Wait, sorry Diego, what did you want to talk about."

This was ruined.

ALL of it was ruined. I can't tell her like this!

Instead, I decided to save face despite everything in my entire being betraying me.

I just smirked and responded, "It's fine. It can wait."

She just smiled at me before going back inside as I just stood there and watched on. I would have felt more angry at myself for being a coward if it wasn't for me thinking about what Natalie was going to do to me when she finds out what happened.

Ay… mierda.

Natalie's definitely going to rip me apart when she finds out.

And here we have Diego showing yet again how much of a well put together, insecure mess he is! So before any of you ask, the answer is 'yes' that Diego and Claire's journey in this fanfic series is going to be THIS painfully awkward… and I both do and don't apologize. Haha. XD But for real, I just like to have all my characters to have unique stories so not all of them are the same. So Diego (despite seeming like a very confident and full of himself person like his parents) is a painfully awkward, fickle hot mess when it comes to his crush on his best friend Claire. To be continued on this score. ;) Anyway, I also hope you enjoyed the Aleheather bit to show their growth from being a very miscommunication centric couple to finally being able to talk to each other better and more openly than they ever had before. Despite the fact that Alejandro and Heather are still 'themselves', you can tell they've slowly but surely chilled and matured a bit more with age. Even if just slightly. Haha. :D Anyway, thank each and everyone of you so much for stopping by to read and I hope it brought some happiness to your day! :) As always constructive feedback is always very much appreciated and see you all next time!

Stay classy, healthy, and safe!

Dexter1995