NFL Slash Adventures

Russ/Colin: Bring It On Home

When your long day is over

And you can barely drag your feet

The weight of the world is on your shoulders

I know what you need

Bring it on home to me

Bring It On Home- Little Big Town

____________________

It has been a month and Russell’s still not over the loss. He has experienced losses and bad games before, but nothing compares to this. Russell puts on a brave front for the world and even for his teammates. He remains positive and optimistic.But deep down, he’s extremely depressed and still so damn disappointed in himself.

Russell is currently eating Chinese takeout and watching the Marshawn Lynch interview from Turkey for what feels like the hundredth time. There’s a tear that escapes the corner of his eye. He wipes it away quickly when he hears Colin running up the stairs to his room. Russell turns off the video and shuts down his laptop. He paints on a fake smile when he sees his boyfriend enter his bedroom. Colin sits down next to him and turns his nose up at the takeout boxes.

Colin sighs. “You’re eating Chinese again?”

“I think sad girls are onto something with this whole ‘eat your feelings’ thing,” Russell comments.

“That’s it. You’re workin’ out with me first thing in the morning,” Colin remarks.

“I can already tell you that I won’t feel like it,” Russ replies.

“Of course not, because you don’t feel like doing anything,” Colin complains.

“I just want to eat, sleep, and tweet my daily Bible verses,” Russell softly says.

“Look, Russ, it’s been a whole month now. It’s time to put the Super Bowl behind you,” Colin gently tells him.

Russell’s lip quivers as tears start to fall. “Did you see that Marshawn interview from Turkey? He blames me for why we lost. And now I’m scared that he doesn’t want to come back to the team. I screwed up everything.”

“Did he actually say he blames you? ‘Cause I’ll find him and kick his little ass—”

“No, but he said the fact that he didn’t get the ball cost us the game. He’s also buying into the conspiracy theory that Pete and the other higher ups wanted me to win MVP and not him,” Russell answers.

“I’m sorry, but that’s just dumb. Winning the game is more important than who gets voted MVP. You really think your coach would put something petty like that over just winning?” Colin asks.

“I don’t, but it’s not about me. It’s about what Shawn believes, man. If he feels unwanted then he might leave. And I feel like that’s on me. Because I didn’t deliver,” Russell explains.

Colin shakes his head. “If he leaves, it’s because he wanted to. I’d think he’d want to stay and try getting another ring. I bet he’s more motivated than ever to come back. Regardless, it’s not on you, Russ. You gotta stop being so hard on yourself.”

“I’m trying, Kap. I’m praying for strength,” Russell lets him know.

Colin brings his hand up to Russell’s face and he caresses his cheeks as he wipes his tears away. He kisses his face softly and Colin can taste the saltiness of his boyfriend’s tears. Colin wraps his arms around Russ and he feels Russell’s body finally relax in his embrace. A few minutes go by of just silence. The only sound that Russell can hear is the strong heartbeat in Colin’s chest as he rests his head on it.

Colin slowly runs his hand through the thick, dark curls of Russell’s hair. Russ hums in contentment because Colin’s loving touch always brings him comfort. Being in Colin’s arms always feels like home to Russell. He doesn’t have to be strong right now and Russ is grateful for that. Colin lifts Russell’s head up and he tenderly grabs him by the chin.

“You are amazing. You hear me? On and off the field,” Colin earnestly states.

Russ smiles genuinely for the first time since his last visit to the children’s hospital. Colin is misunderstood by so many people, but Russell sees him for who he truly is. Colin is kind, smart, and full of love. He’s always very intuitive because he always knows just what Russ needs. Colin gives Russell a kiss on the forehead, on the nose, and then finally one on his lips. Russ’ eyes flutter closed when he feels Colin’s tongue slip into his mouth.

Colin takes his time tasting Russell and exploring his mouth. Their tongues swirl together in a sensual dance and all that Russ can feel is pleasure. He’s not thinking about the Super Bowl, Marshawn Lynch, his other teammates, or football at all. The only thing that he’s focused on is the man that he loves more than anything. Colin ends the kiss when air becomes necessary.

“Thank you. Thank you for everything. I haven’t been the most fun person to be around the past month, yet you’ve never left my side. You’ve been here for me every step of the way. I’m so grateful to have you in my life. I love you so much, Kap,” Russ expresses his gratitude.

“You don’t have to thank me, I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do. Besides, you were there for me after I lost my Super Bowl. You know that I love you, too,” Colin responds.

“I’m going to stop wallowing in self-pity now. As hard and difficult as this loss was, I’m still a Super Bowl Champion. One unfortunate play can’t take that away from me,” Russell declares.

“Yeah, how about we don’t mention Super Bowl 48,” Colin half-jokes.

Russ puts his hands up in mock surrender. “Sorry, sorry, I know it’s still a slightly sore subject.”

“I’m just messing with you. I’m glad that you’re doing better,” Colin comments with a grin.

“All thanks to you. You always know how to make everything better,” Russell announces.

“There’s nothin’ like seeing you smile or hearing you laugh, Russ. I gotta do my job to make sure that you’re always happy,” Colin replies.

“Mission accomplished,” Russell lets him know.