Chapter Text
Christian popped open another Red Bull.
He was on his third hour of playing online chess, committed to holding onto his winning streak. He grimly compared the stark contrast to his team’s run of unsuccessful results but at least he could say that that wasn’t his fault.
He sized up his latest opponent, one boringly-named User23420. Their stats and ranking were just below Christian’s so this would prove a closer match than the previous one he finished off with ease.
The first half hour was completely textbook. The opening was cautious and the several moves after were predictable. But eventually Christian saw his chance to go in for the kill. He used his knight to attack and User23420 naturally chose to retreat their marauding queen. What they failed to notice was their queen was now exposed in a direct line to Christian’s almost hidden bishop.
Two more moves later and it was checkmate.
Christian pumped his fist in the air. The other user logged off immediately and Christian let the sense of victory wash over him. He was about to close his laptop when he got an incoming video call from Gio. Christian scrunched his nose at the notification. Kind of late for him to be calling. And for what reason? They hardly ever spoke to each other outside of national team camp. But Christian was too hopped up on winning and the energy drink to decline.
Christian answered. “Hey,” he said in greeting. He noticed that Gio was in bed but wide awake.
Gio waved at him with a grin, mildly surprised that Christian answered so fast. “Hi. What are you up to?”
“You know, just chilling.” Christian shrugged. “What about you?”
“Same,” Gio said. There was a pause before he said, “I saw you on the bench for today’s game.”
Christian sighed heavily. “God, don’t remind me. Lampard is giving me absolutely no minutes.”
“Bro, same,” Gio said. “I mean, not Lampard specifically but you know what I mean.”
“At least you come on as a super sub. And manage to score a goal. I can not get on the field at all. It’s depressing.”
“That is depressing. I’m sorry.”
“Like why am I even there?”
“I feel you man.”
“I can basically blow off to the Maldives or something and no one would notice or give a shit.”
“I totally get you,” Gio commiserated. After a few seconds, he raised an eyebrow. “Hey, that’s not bad.”
“Huh?” Christian asked, confused.
“The Maldives,” Gio repeated. “We should go.”
Christian couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. Gio was like that sometimes. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” Gio replied, shrugging like he was suggesting what to have for dinner.
Christian chewed a fingernail. “You mean like for break? I kind of have plans with family and friends already, so…”
“No, like now.”
Christian made a face. “Dude, the season’s not over.”
“So? We’re total ghosts, bro. No one would even notice if we took off to the other side of the world for a bit. Come on, let’s just do it.”
Christian blinked at the screen. He still wasn’t entirely sure if Gio was being serious right now. He absolutely would love a vacation but was this the appropriate time? And with Gio, of all people? Christian realized he’s never been alone with the guy for very long.
“You’re thinking too much,” Gio said, interrupting his thoughts. “Just say yes.”
“Yes,” Christian said, surprising himself.
Gio grinned. “Cool. Book our flights, okay? And let’s go away for one week. At one of those fancy resort places.”
“Wait, I’m paying for everything?” Christian said.
“Well, yeah,” Gio answered like it was obvious. “You have Premier League money.”
Christian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine, okay.” They spoke a bit more on the logistics. Christian would fly from London to Germany and together they would fly to the Maldives. Before Christian lost his nerve, he booked the flights. And then he did a Google search for a highly rated Maldives resort and booked the first one that came up. It was all-inclusive too so they wouldn’t have to worry about getting their meals and stuff. Just pure relaxation.
Christian looked around his stuffy London apartment. It would be nice to get away.
He felt pretty good about this.