PENALTY by Annika Sturm (best contemporary novels TXT) 📕

his team mates again. 'I'll see you after the match.' Alex briefly squeezed his hand and nodded. 'Good luck!' he shouted at all the boys only to receive roars of abuse in return. He shook his head and walked off laughing.

It was time. Alex followed his team captain out onto the pitch. The atmosphere was breath-taking, the stadium was packed and he knew he could count on his club's fans' support. He took deep breaths and tried to focus. And not to look at Tom. He could tell his friend was going for the same strategy. All that mattered now was to win this match. Both instantly became the professional footballers they are, here to do their job and do it well.

Alex and his team fought hard and defended well against an ever dominant opponent side. In the 20th minute Alex saw Tom roll on the floor in agony after a foul, which resulted in a yellow card for his club. Alex couldn't help but check on him even though most of Tom's team mates already did just that. He had to control himself not to push everyone else out of the way and touch him. 'Are you okay?', Tom held his ankle still lying on his side, 'Tommy!' Alex hissed worried. Tom slowly got back on to all fours before he stood up again. He tried to smile at Alex in pain. 'I'm fine.' Alex nodded relieved and moved on. But before he knew it Tom’s team had outplayed their defence and scored. Alex was spewing. He shouted and clapped his hands encouraging the boys to keep going. Tom’s club set the pace and only a few minutes before half time Alex watched with concern as they nearly scored again.

At half time Alex and his team were 1-0 down and they trotted into the changing rooms shaking their heads. He didn't look at Tom or any other opponent players, who felt smug walking off the pitch. 'He'll pay for this later.' Alex thought to himself and had to hide a tiny smile. In the changing rooms Alex echoed his manager's words to the team. 'Come on now, they are walking all over you! You can still win this boys. Go out there and show them who is at home here.' The team cheered and Alex felt focussed again.

The second half started strong again for Tom’s club and they nearly scored their second goal within minutes. But somehow the speech resonated in some action and Alex started putting the pressure on. He fought, ran, passed and then the boys had scored their first goal and equalised. The fans were up on their seats shouting and cheering. He looked at Tom, who was shouting at his team in frustration not to lose concentration. But Alex and his club had played themselves into a frenzy and Alex knew they could do this now. And they did. Just before the 90th minute, it was Alex who scored and secured them 3 points. The boys hugged, cheered and shouted. Alex had forgotten about Tom, who held his head in despair and frustration at the final whistle. The team celebrated with their fans on the pitch for almost an hour after the match. Alex gave interviews and autographs. He felt proud, relieved and couldn't wait to find Tom in the changing rooms after his shock.

And there he was, sat on the bench, showered and ready to go. He held his head, lost in thought. Alex briefly checked whether there was anyone else in the changing rooms. 'Hey', he said quietly bending down towards him. He placed his hands on Tom's thighs, 'hello,' he whispered and rubbed his nose against Tom's hands, which he kept pressed against his face. Then Tom put his arms around his friend's neck. Alex gulped as he looked into his sad eyes before he kissed him gently. Tom smiled nervously. 'What do you think you are you doing?' He asked anxiously, looking around to make sure no-one was there. 'Kissing you better.' Alex grinned. 'You should wait with that.' Tom stroked his hair but it only made Alex kiss him again more hungrily. Tom pushed him away gently and cast his eyes down. 'Hey,' Alex stroked his thighs, 'come on, you always win!', he laughed, 'let us have this day,' Tom pulled a face and stuck his tongue out at his friend. Alex chuckled and hugged him, holding him closely, 'I'm so happy to see you,' he whispered into his ear. Tom squeezed him hard, 'take me home,' Alex said and Tom looked at him, unsure as to what he meant. Alex grinned, 'to the hotel. With you.'

Alex had a shower before they set off and said a cheery goodbye to his team mates. 'Are you not coming out to celebrate Alex?' One of them asked. 'I've got to entertain the enemy tonight.' Alex grinned. 'Ahh is Tommy staying? Cool. Make sure you give him lots of shit for this.' There was roaring laughter.

Tom was very quiet throughout the car journey to his hotel. Alex couldn't help show off his good mood and gave Tom a Hamburg sightseeing lecture when they crossed one of the many bridges to drive into the city centre. 'See, even the sun has come out to remind you of the Aussenalster in all its glory!' Tom gave him a look and giggled. 'You are loving this aren't you? Bastard.' Alex stroked his thigh. 'Imagine you had just won against one of the best teams in Germany? How would you feel?' Tom nodded. 'I know,' he sighed, 'I'll get over it.'

Tom jumped out of the car with his bag when they reached the hotel and went ahead to check in. Alex parked and waited for the text message that would tell him which room he was in. In the meantime he called Emma and excitedly told her about the match. 'I'm taking Tommy out tonight. He needs a bit of cheering up,' he cringed at his own words. She laughed and passed the phone to Max, 'so who was better daddy or Uncle Tommy?' Alex asked proudly. 'Uncle Tommy!', Max cheered, 'daddy only one goal!' Alex started laughing in disbelief. 'Tell mummy she is a bad influence on you. That's outrageously bad judgement Max.' He finished the call and chuckled to himself. By that time the text message had arrived: 'Room 305'.

Tom checked it was Alex and welcomed him with a smile. Alex slipped in quickly and closed and locked the door behind him. He gazed at Tom as he turned and walked away and then quickly grabbed and kissed him. He let his hands wander down his back, under his jumper, into his jeans. Tom giggled quietly. 'Did you miss me?' He asked whilst Alex was kissing his neck. 'Not at all.' Tom stopped him and held his head to look at him. 'I'm not sure I'm in the mood for this.' He stroked his hair gazing at him. 'Don't tease me,' Alex said warningly and tried to kiss him again. Tom laughed as he turned his head so Alex's kiss ended up on his cheek, 'I know you are,' Alex whispered lustfully holding him closely, 'I can feel it.' He grinned cheekily, pushed Tom onto the bed and toppled on top of him. The boys quickly and hungrily undressed each other and Alex realised he had almost forgotten how good all this felt. Tom's hot breath on his cheek, his friend's whole body covered in sweat and his noises of desire for him. Alex relished all of it. They held each other tightly, both enjoying their shared moment of pleasure.

Tom was resting his head against his friend's chest and Alex stroked his arms and hair. They were both only just starting to relax after today's events. 'Welcome back,' Alex gulped when he looked into Tom's eyes and pulled him closer to his chest. Tom smiled and stroked him gently, 'are you still angry about the match?' Tom laughed. 'Yes,' he kissed his shoulder, 'of course. But let's say you just made up for some of it.' Alex hugged him and giggled. 'Oh good. So you are ready to hit the town?' Tom laughed again. 'Wow, what have you got planned then?' 'I'm taking you to the newest, coolest restaurant in Hamburg for dinner. We've got an hour to get ready. And then see where the night takes us.' Alex beamed at his friend. 'Sounds good.' Tom nodded and smiled at him.

Alex drove them to the restaurant in the harbour and the boys were warmly welcomed and led into a separate VIP area. Tom had to bear the jokes and grief by the waiters, who couldn't help make smug comments about the triumph of their city’s earlier victory. Tom played along and smiled wryly. 'Sorry.' Alex mumbled under his breath grinning from ear to ear once they had sat down at their table. 'No you're not.' Tom winked at him. 'I tell you who supported you today despite the match result,' Alex said and Tom looked at him amused, 'my son.' Tom cheered. 'Max! My boy!' 'Uncle Tommy this and Uncle Tommy that,' Alex said in a silly voice pretending to be annoyed. Tom nodded, pleased about the news. Alex's face turned sad all of a sudden when he thought of Max and Tom nearly made the mistake of instinctively taking his hand. Alex smiled at him sadly, 'he's still your biggest fan.' 'He's got good taste. Like his daddy,' Tom concentrated on his hands behaving. Alex kicked him under the table, 'ouch, oh here we go again,' Tom said and they both laughed, 'this is actually really difficult.' Tom muttered. 'I know,' Alex nodded, 'it's okay though, look you can do this instead.' He nudged his knee under the table and Tom giggled. Alex was pleased to see his friend happy and relaxed again. The boys enjoyed their dinner and left having generously tipped the waiters.

'So?' Alex turned to Tom in the street and shrugged his shoulders. 'So?' Tom looked at him amused. 'Where do you want to go now?' Tom crossed his arms in front of his chest. 'Shouldn't you tell me where we're going?' 'Club?', Alex asked, 'bar?,' he continued and Tom smiled, 'back to bed?' Alex whispered in his ear and Tom pushed him away. 'Idiot.' He chuckled. Alex grinned and put one arm around Tom's shoulders as they took a few steps together. Then he let go again. 'I know just the place,' Alex said confidently and led the way, 'somewhere you haven't been to yet.' He grinned at his friend. They strolled through the harbour area before they made their way towards the Reeperbahn wearing their baseball caps, chatting and joking and enjoying each other's company.

Once they had arrived at a private bar and club, Tom gave Alex a look. 'This isn't some sort of men's club is it? To pick up girls?' Alex shook his head. 'It's a gay club. Relax, you're back in Hamburg now.' Tom was horrified and hectically looked around. 'Have you lost your mind?' He hissed at him. Alex cast his eyes down and started chuckling with laughter. 'I love having you on.' He couldn't stop giggling. Tom rolled his eyes and hit him playfully. 'Idiot.' He shouted and started laughing as well. The bouncers greeted the boys as they entered. Tom realised that there was a live gig on that night. 'Who's playing?' He asked Alex, who winked at him and smiled. 'Surprise.'

It was fairly dark in the room already in preparation for the performance to start. The boys sat down opposite each other at a table in the corner. Alex waved at a couple of his team mates he had spotted across the room. 'Do you want to join them?' Tom asked. Alex leant forward towards his friend. 'I'd rather be alone with you.' He whispered into his ear.