Another Night

Chapter 12 - Invictus

Marco didn't speak to me at all during the trip back to the island. I was with Julian and Toni for the majority of the time and I had no way of getting to him, not that he wanted me to anyway.

We arrived just in time for Colombia's final group match and the staff and I were as excited as can be. The guys got into the feel too and were ready for another match up.

This time the staff didn't go to the match so it was an even fuller house and the projector was ready to go outside by the pool.

I had just finished changing into my Colombian jersey before I quickly went over to House Six.

I went straight up to the second floor and tried to make my way to Marco's room, even though I had no idea where that was. I passed by Jerome's room quickly since he almost saw me and hid by a doorway until I saw him go all the way down the stairs.

I slowly and quietly opened the door on my left and saw the room was empty. I kept going around the floor and opening all doors until I got the one I wanted.

"What are you-"

"Hi," I smiled.

"You, out of all people, should know that is the easiest way to get caught-"

"I had to see you, Marco."

His expression changed.

"I don't really want to talk to you," he muttered as he began changing his shirt.

"We have to talk," I inched closer. "I kicked Mario out of my room right after."

"Yeah, I know," Marco nodded. "He showed up at our room a minute after I did. He said he asked you out and you said maybe."

"I didn't say maybe!" I exclaimed and Marco put his hand over my mouth. "I didn't say maybe," I muttered through his hand.

"I know you didn't," he said. "But the thought still hurt."

"I said it wasn't a good idea and he said he was going to try some other time."

"You should've found a way to say no flat out," he spoke.

"I know, I'm sorry," I say as I sit down on his bed. "I'm going to talk to him, I swear. Don't you think we can just tell him?"

"No," Marco shakes his head. "That'd be worse than you rejecting him."

"He kind of has a hunch," I say.

"Not yet," Marco says. "He really just wants to get over his ex."

"I get it," I nod.

We stay silent for a bit before Marco sits down next to me.

"I'm sorry I didn't go over and that I've been avoiding you, it just really got to me," he spoke. "It really bothers me that you aren't taking this as seriously as I am and that I can't just hold your hand in front of all the guys and kiss you when I look at you and have my hand on your waist as we walk and talk because I always feel the need to do those things whenever you're near me."

I started to smile and blush.

"I get it," I nod. "I was wrong, and if you ever feel that I'm not taking this all too seriously it's because I'm afraid. You're leaving in less than a month and I don't want to risk not seeing you for the remainder of that if we get caught, and I'm very afraid of what comes after the cup ends."

"We both are kind of wrong," he chuckles. "But, you shouldn't worry about those things because we're being careful, well at least I am I don't know about you right now," he makes me smile. "But I of course want this to go on even after the cup, I really like you. Listen, if Mario tries to ask you out again just tell him you have a boyfriend."

"But do I have a boyfriend?" I smile a little.

"Yes, you do," he takes my hand in his. "And his name is Marco Reus."

"This is so exciting," I cheer and jump a little before kissing him.

"I'm assuming my girlfriend's name is Mara," Marco jokes. "She didn't confirm or deny yet."

"She can confirm right now that'd she'd love to be your girlfriend," I smile as I look at him.

Now that everything was fixed with Marco, I could enjoy the match with ease and happiness. I got butterflies in my stomach every time I felt Marco look at me during the match from across the table.

The first half ended in 1-1 with goals from Vincent Aboubakar for Cameroon and Murillo for Colombia.

Thomas took me to go dance during half time with the rest of the staff and a couple of the other boys.

"I've been practicing, Mara," he spoke as he looked down at his feet. "Watch."

"Okay, but," I took his chin between my fingers and brought his gaze to me. "You can't just stare at your feet the whole time."

"You're right," he shook his head. "Those salsa classes in Cali really helped."

"May I?" Marco came up to us a bit later.

"You may," Thomas said after I nodded at him.

"This is so romantic," I squealed. "Low-key."

Marco laughed.

"What are you doing tonight?" He asks.

"I'm going to Cartagena."

"Are you really?"

"Yes I am," I smiled. "I'm leaving at midnight, are you joining?"

"Of course," he smiled. "But if we get caught-"

"Relax," I said. "I'm gonna invite Thomas, Julian, Mats, Toni, and Ter Stegen."

"So much for a cute date," Marco laughs.

"We can't be too obvious," I smiled. "Send me back to Thomas."

And with a spin I'm back by Thomas who gladly takes me as his dance partner again.

"Guess what?" I ask Thomas. "We're sneaking off the island tonight."

"Oh, fun!" He cheers. "Who's coming with?"

"I need you to invite Julian and Mats while I get Toni and Marc."

"You asked Marco?"

"Yep," I say as the second half of the match begins.

We all stop dancing and lower the volume of the music before getting back to our seats to enjoy the second half of the last game.

The match ended in 2-1 in Colombia's favor. The second goal came from Cuadrado and the two teams moving on were Colombia and Cameroon, meaning their next match was against each other again. The only danger being that Cameroon already has some experience with us and knows our style of play.