In the Closet

Chap.1

Ginormous.

That's what Jude thougt when he saw Erling on a pitch for the first time. This man was.. more than just big, he was huge, terribly tall and all made of muscles.
The first time he had a real contact with this giant was in 2020 a little while after Jude signed at BVB. They were playing a match against Mönchengladbach and Jude, all little and new, could not much stand a chance against the others players.  He was the target of vicious tackles and clumsy nudges as long as he had the ball under his feet. He hated to be treated like that, this guilty feeling of being the weak point of the team.

As he fell once more, a tall shadow leaned over him with a laughing smile and an outstretched hand:

-Enjoying your life on the floor? Erling Haaland asked with a typical North accent
-Not.. really no, he repplied.
Jude reached his arm to take the blond's hand and the Norwegian lifted him so easily he felt like a feather.
He rubbed his sore thigh with a grimace.
-You're hurt?
-It's nothing, I can play.
-You sure ? Erling insisted.
It was annoying of him because he obviously doubt of his word, but at the same time, kind because he cared.
-I'm fine, it's okay, Jude answered. It's my fault, i should've..
-It's not. They try to intimidate you because they're upset that you're just better than them at your age. Jealous cunts.
Jude laughed and blushed because of the compliment:
-Well.. thanks Haaland.
-Erling, please. Just Erling, he said with a smile.
-Of course.

They smiled at each other and the tall blond started running again for a pass.

After they sucessfuly won, in fact because two of the three goals they scored were Haaland's, they celebrated in the changing room, opening beers, chanting Erling's and Reyna's name, throwing their clothes across the room and laughing loudly.
Leaning against the wall, Jude was happy but silent, afraid of celebrating a victory he did not really help for because he felt all he did was falling and loosing the ball.

Erling appeared from nowhere , shirtless and grinning, and in fact a little bit drunk already :

-Why so serious? He asked, putting a friendly hand on Jude's shoulder.
A bit surprised, the dark-skinned young man looked for his words:
-It's just.. i didn't score like you or Reyna. I was just.. kind of there and..
-Yeah, yeah enough, that's bullshit. It's teamwork he said, wobbling because of the alcoohol. Take this now.

Jude took the bootle Erling was handing to him and swallowed the auburn liquid. It felt like fire was burning in his throat.

-Geez this is strong! He coughed. What did you gave me?
-Bellingham you're driking like a twelve years old, Erling laughed.
-I'm not!
-Yes you are.. and he laughed again.

In revenge, Jude hit him on the head, laughing with him, Erling asking him to stop between each laugh, breathless.

________

"It's a really sweet memory" Jude thougt. Of course, he had plenty of others with Erling, the two of them being inseparables. Together, they were the duo that strengthened their team, and even beyond football, they loved each other like brothers, sharing everything and caring for the other.

Jude being the youngest, he was kind like Erling's protege, anyone having a problem with the dark-skinned man should go after the Norwegian too. And during games, if Jude was pushed too often or insulted too loud, Haaland would always stand by his side, defending him from those who got Jude in trouble.

Lost in his mind, he forgot he was talking to his friend and he gasped when Erling waved his hand in front of his face.

-Yeah uh what? I wasn't..
-Paying attention, i see yes. Erling chuckled.
I have a big big news and i wanted to tell you first.
-What you found a girlfriend? No way.. Jude laughed.
-Ah you're stupid, the tall guy said. I've got an offer, from Man City mate!
Jude's smile faded away.
-And you're gonna.. well yes of course you're going to sign, he said nervously.
-I don't know, Erling repplied with a huge smile, i should finish the season and err.. after we shall see all the administrative stuff.

He waited for Jude to say something, to see a smile on his lips or and friendly hand on his shoulder, but all Jude could do was faking a forced grinn that Erling immediately noticed:

-Hey.. what is it bro? I thougt you would be happy, for me i mean. He felt anger, sadness and uncomprehension. "Why was Jude like this? All cheerless and stoned-face"
-Nothing it's..
-Are you jealous? I'm sorry, i didn't..
-No no, not at all, Jude cut him. I just..

How ironic.
A few minutes before, he was thinking about how close they were, how much he liked him and hoped the Norwegian feel the same and now.. he was announcing he was leaving ? Leaving Dortmund.. leaving him?

-What is it then? Erling asked, frustated.
-Erling, i..

"I don't want you to leave." He thougt very hard. "You're my bestfriend, i've known you for a long time, you're more than a teammate you're the brother and family i choose. Damn Haaland!"

Be he could'nt say it, feeling stupid and realising that maybe, maybe he was the only one feeling that way. Erling appreciated him for sure but.. maybe not like Jude would've wanted to.
He could be just another sympathic teammate in his eyes, nothing more. Jude felt like a little boy, and suddenly the urge to cry came to him.
Their friendship was a whole fucking lie he invented. Erling was not specially attached to him like Jude was and thougt the blond was too.. in fact, he was just taking his chance to finally reach up to fame and glory and a more serious club.
How could he hate Erling for it? He was right and Jude wrong, wrong and selfish.
But he liked Erling and he was broken-hearted that it was not reciproque.

-I'm very very happy for you, he insisted. I'm sure you'll do well in City. I have.. i must go now mate.

He glazed at him and quickly turned back, walking fast on the grass.

-But.. Jude ! Jude what the.. Erling screamed at him. J- Bellingham !

He kicked in a trash can and swore. "What was wrong with him ? He's jealous obviously.. how could be so.. fuck! "

It wasn't that simple, Erling knew it. Jude, his Jude, was not like that. There was something more, but for the moment, blinded with sadness and anger he didn't care.

"Maybe our friendship is a mistake then. I shouldn't have thougt that Jude was my friend if he can't be happy for me. "

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LOOOL first chap done
did u enjoy ?? 😦