Chapter Text
They lost, they actually lost. The bus ride from Wembley to their hotel was mostly silent. Christian couldn't believe he missed that shot, he was so close. If he had just kicked the ball harder, a little to the left.. maybe he could have won the game for the team. All the pressure came tumbling back to him, his body hurt. his heart was aching and he just wanted to cry. But he couldn't let himself cry, not here. He willed himself to be brave.
Mason was sitting across from him, staring out the window, tears forming in his eyes. It was his fault, he had a perfect shot. Christian....He had passed the ball so perfectly. How did he miss? The bus started to slow down, and he looked up notiing the hotel coming into view. He sighed, not wanting to move. By the time he stood up Christian was gone, but on his seat was the medal. He left it on the bus, it was clearly too painful for him to look at. Without thinking, Mason picked it up, running his fingers across it. He stepped off the bus, the crisp air hitting his face. He looked up hoping to see him, to see Christian but he had already walked into the hotel.
"Hey, Mase, come on. Let's get something to eat." Callum called out to him. But he just kept walking. Callum was about to follow him when he was stopped by Ben.
"Leave him, he has a lot on his mind. I'll check on him later." Ben sighed, he knew it wasn't only the loss that was weighing Mason down. He saw the look on his face when Christian wanted to stand next to Salah. He wasn't quite sure what it had meant, but it looked like heartbreak. He knew Christian wasn't happy at Chelsea of late, he adored all his teammates, but Ben knew the feeling well of not being trusted by the manager. And Christian wore his heart on his sleeve.
Mason found himself wandering down the hallway, but walking past his own room. His hand still holding Christian's discarded medal. His breathing slighly heavy as he continued down the hall and stopping in front of the door. He knocked, almost so softly one wouldn't be able to hear it.
"Christian...please open the door." Mason stood there, trying to listen for movement. He knocked louder.
"Please... I need to .... talk to you." His voice hitched wih almost every word. Finally he hear footsteps. The door opened, and Mason saw the tears rolling down Christian's face. Without thinking, he lifted his thumb to wipe away the tears. And in an instant Christian wrapped his arms around Mason's waist burying his head against his chest.
"I lost the game."
"Do not think that way. I missed chances too." By now Mason was mindlessly running his hands through Christian's hair.
"We failed. They all hate us."
"Who? The team doesn't blame you."
"The fans, they hate me. They always blame me." Christian was completely melting down. Mason slowly led then over to the couch in the room sitting down, Christian cuddled to his side.
"Well then I don't want those fans if they can't appreciate you." he followed that in barely a whisper "Like I do." He was sure Christian hadn't head him.
"Mason, I... " He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Yes?"
"Have you ever wanted to tell someone something so badly, but you don't know how they would feel?" He spoke so fast and softly Mason could barely understand him, Mason began to wonder, could he be meaning what he thought he was trying to say.
"I am sure everyone has."
Christian sighed. "Please don't hate me." He then opened his eyes and kissed Mason on the cheek. "You mean everything to me." Now Mason's tears came flooding back, his hand brushed against Christian's cheek.
"Are you saying... that you..." Mason stared into his eyes.
"I love you." He whispered. Christian was ready Mason to recoil and run away but instead he felt Mason's lips on his.
"I love you." Mason murmured.
The two sat cuddled together, kissing and just comforting each other when the suddenly a loud knock on the door.
"I have pizza, you two." Ben shouted.
They looked at each other confused.. how did he know.
Christian opened the door, and Ben bounded in with two boxes of pizza and some beers.
"FINALLY" he exclaimed. He kissed Christan on the cheek, then Mason.
"What??" Mason and Christian asked in shock.
"I mean the rest of team may be oblivious, but you two pining for each other for a year was getting painful to watch." Ben grinned.
"You knew?" Mason was preplexed.
"I recognized the looks. Now do you wanna be alone, or we can totally watch come rom coms."
Christian threw a pillow at Ben. "Sit down, we probably need some happier company."