I Want You So Much (But I Hate Your Guts)

Chapter 5

On Wednesday a week later, Harry was still behaving oddly towards Louis. Oddly in the way that he didn't once lash out on him, didn't once make a stupid, mean remark, didn't once criticise Louis for a bad move or a weak play. Harry acted almost civil with him, if it could be considered civil to completely ignore one of your team mates. Louis knew that he was sill wilfully singled out by the captain and he didn't particularly enjoy it, but if someone had to experience Harry's blatant disregard, of course it was to be him. In the end he wasn't about to complain, though, because practises now were a hundred times better and more pleasant than they had been just days ago.

Louis finally got to play how he had wanted to from the start and it was fucking amazing. He felt good, he felt brilliant and he knew his footwork and technique reflected his inner joy and spirit. He was pretty sure he didn't imagine the looks he got from Coach Collins throughout practice — a kind of approving eyebrow-raise that didn't seem like much but clearly expressed his moderate approval. Louis just knew he was on the right way to becoming the strongest, fastest and quickest player he has ever been. He was on fucking fire.

But although he knew he played like there was no tomorrow and improved with what felt like every single session, managed to fit in better and better with all the other players and got the hang of every move and tackle they practiced, he was still nervous about today. Because today, the Coach would announce who got to play the first game of the season, the starting eleven. And damn it, Louis wanted to be in this game more than anything, which didn't exactly lessen the pressure he was experiencing.

They were almost done with their practice for the day, their focus throughout the session mostly on penalty shots, which was something Louis liked to think he excelled in. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Coach Collins on the trainer bench, clipboard in hand and concentrated look on his face as he made hastily scribbled notes. Louis' heart was beating too fast, thumping against his ribcage.

"You look as if you're going to break down every moment," Niall said, gently elbowing him in the side. Louis blinked and focused on the scene before him again. He was next in line to take a shot at the goal, which Liam guarded at the moment.

"It's just big. I want this so bad," Louis responded, trying to keep his voice low. He swallowed heavily. "I want to play this game."

He felt Niall pat his back in support. "You will, Lou, I'm sure of it. You played fucking fantastic this last week. Collins would be mad not to choose you."

That managed to bring a small smile onto Louis' lips. "Thanks, Nialler. You too, though! You're a real asset," he said, sincerity strong in his tone. It earned him a bright grin.

There wasn't any more time for small talk then, as Louis had to get ready for his shot. He evaluated Liam's position in the goal, took in his stance and incline, then nodded to himself and kicked the ball towards the left top corner. Liam reacted instantly, but the ball hit the net before he could jump far enough to catch it.

"Nice work, Lou!" Mick came up next to him and Louis turned to give him a high five. Apart from Niall, Louis got along greatly with Mick and Adam. It might be the fact that the both of them were Betas, and therefore less intimidating than Alphas to Louis. Whatever the reason may be, he would hit up the pub with the them and Niall on Friday and he knew it would be a good night.

"Thanks, mate!" Louis walked away from the penalty spot, so Niall could move up to take position for his own shot, but all action was interrupted by the blow of the Coach's whistle.

"Gather around boys!" The Coach yelled across the field, and suddenly the smile was wiped off Louis' face. He could his feel his hands getting clammy. God, he wanted this! He needed this!