It's the day after the USA game, and everyone was waiting for Mason at the hotel to spend some time together. Most of the families were at the same hotel on a cruise, so most players came along together.
When he arrived, he greeted everyone with a hug except for Alina who got a kiss on the lips. His nieces and nephews immediately jumped on him, begging him to come to the pool and play with them, which he obviously couldn't turn down.
Meanwhile, he was playing with them, Alina was talking to Mason's parents, and Lewis joined, looking annoyed.
"What's up with you?" Tony asked his eldest son.
"I think he's upset that he's losing the 'best uncle competition' right Lew?" Alina chuckled
"This isn't fair," Lewis shook his head.
"What isn't fair?" Mason walked over and sat down next to Alina. "Nothing, I'm going to the kids," Lewis ran, making sure he wins this made-up competition.
"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Debbie asked him, rubbing his arm.
"I'm alright, just preparing for the next game," Mason answered.
"It will be an easy win; you boys are working hard and it will pay off," Tony said, not wanting Mason to feel pressured.
"Thanks, dad," Mason smiled.
Later, Alina and Mason went over to Stacey, Jasmine, Harry, and Sam, sitting along with them, talking about random things and just looking at the kids playing with their toys in the small pool.
Mason had almost turned quiet during the conversations. Alina had noticed him moving his legs and looking around like something was on his mind.
As the others were invested in their conversation, Alina put her focus on Mason; she grabbed his hand, making him stop fidgeting his fingers. He zoned back and looked at her.
"Are you ok?" She put her hand on his cheek, softly caressing it.
"Yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," he said as he grabbed her hand to put it in his.
She placed a kiss on his cheek. "Your worries are my worries. Tell me what's going on," she asked him.
"I'm just overthinking things again; I feel like I'm not doing enough for the team," he sighed.
"Why do you think that? Don't let people define you, Mase," she looked at him with worry.
"I know but, I haven't contributed to anything, Ali, I'm literally the only person who hasn't scored or assisted...it's embarrassing," he whispered the last part.
"Stop, Mase, I'm not going to let you talk bad about yourself again. You're an amazing player, and this team needs you. Focus on yourself, ok? I hate to see you like this," she said, cupping his face.
"I know I'm sorry," he said before placing a kiss on her lips.
"Can we go to the lounge and buy a slush?" he asked, making her giggle.
"Sure," she smiled. They both stood up and told the others that they were buying some slush. Mason quickly grabbed her hand and led her inside.
"Why are you walking so fast, Mase?" Alina chuckled as she had to walk fast too, to catch up with him
"Where's your room?" he stopped her.
"Down the corridor," she pointed, "why?"
"So I can get some alone time with you, duh," he said, making her laugh. He dragged her over to her room and locked the door.
———
The England-Wales game had gone from being another boring one to one of the very best ones England has played. Two goals from Rashford and one from Foden had made everyone go crazy in the stands.
Winning that game meant that England was through to the knockout stages, the last 16. Despite Mason's absence on the pitch, everyone was proud of him.
The players came to greet their families; Mason was occupied with the kids, and everyone else was attacking him with hugs and kisses. At last, Alina got her kiss from him; she hugged him longer this time, letting him know that she was so proud of him.
Alina watched Mason pick up Summer, once again making her heart melt at the sight. She wasn't very discreet about staring at the two; Jasmine had noticed and walked up to her.
"You ok there?" she asked as she put her arms around her.
"He's just so cute," Alina said, not hiding the fact that she was staring at the two.
"That boy loves kids," Jasmine said with a smile as she looked over at them.
"He's so careful and happy around them, it's adorable," Alina admitted.
"Have you guys talked about kids?" She asked Alina
"No, we haven't even been together for a whole year," Alina chuckled.
"With the love you both share for each other, I think you both would make great parents," Jasmine said, leaving Alina at that.
Alina smiled at Jasmine's comment but rubbed it away as she walked over to Mason. He had spent enough time with the kids and just wanted to be with her now.
He put his arms around her as they took a seat on the chairs, a bit farther away from the others.
"I love you," he whispered, placing a kiss on her cheek. "I love you more," she replied, leaning her head on his shoulder.
—
AN: Hey guys, I'm sorry nothing interesting has happened so far, a few of the upcoming chapters will be about the World Cup games, and depending on if England wins then I will have to write more of those chapters.
Another chapter will be out later tonight, after their game against Senegal, cause I need to know the score before I publish the chapter.
I can assure you, after the World Cup (or if England gets knocked out - hopefully they won't) then something big will happen, something very unexpected. Please be patient with me😅
