Burning Red (Thomas Muller fanfic)

Chapter 9

-I met Michael in university in my last year. Everything was crazy then – I could barely keep up with all my assignments and so my love life suffered. I was dating this guy, who was really sweet and nice, but I felt guilty that I practically had no time for him. I just knew it wasn't fair to him. So we broke it off and I had my full concentration on my studies. And then I met Michael. He turned my world upside down. I don't go saying that easily – but he did manage to get me out of my depression. I had this constant fear that I was going to fail and stress over it. Every time he could sense it and then always comfort me. – I took a deep breath.

-Go on. – Thomas nudged me.

-Well, you know how you say that I light up a room. Michael was my light, one of his smiles and all of the troubles in the world would disappear. His attention was like sunshine – amazing when you were in it, but quickly turns cold when he loses interest. Now, I told myself that I can't fall in love, but he just made that impossible. And then... - My breath got caught in my throat and I was chocking. I could feel the tears in my eyes.

Thomas hugged me close and whispered:

-Come on, you can do this. You're stronger than you think.

-Well I never told him that I loved him but he knew. I can't tell you how many times we had those late night conversations. But suddenly he stopped, completely ignoring me. By this point, I was just on the edge until you guys from Bayern contacted me for this job. I was ecstatic about having this opportunity – the chance of a lifetime. However, just as I was about to come here, someone had told Michael. He came to me and told me that I shouldn't go. We could make it work, but only if I stayed. I was so confused what to do...

-I'm sorry but he sounds like a total douche.

-Thomas, it's easy to say that now but I was in love with him. – The moment I said 'was' instead of 'am', I felt as if a weight was lifted. – Anyway, I had to make a decision fast, so I asked my best friend Nancy for advice. She's the one who pushed me to come here. I'll never forget her words: 'Audrey, if it's meant to be with Michael it will happen. But don't let anyone get in the way of your dream job. Give Munich a chance. If Michael really loves you he'll understand you.'

-Clever girl. And what happened?

-Well turned out that he disappeared because he had a girlfriend. I never saw that coming and the only reason he came back is that he didn't want to lose his Plan B. I was just another notch on his belt. I feel so stupid for even...

-Audrey, don't! We all make mistakes when we are in love. But now I understand while you're so quiet around everyone. You became an observer, instead of an active participant in life. I understand that what you went through is terrible, and if I ever see that Michael I swear I'll break his nose. However, I won't let you not live your life fully.

-Thank you, Thomas. Thank you for listening, for being here. – I snuggled into him. He patted me on the head and kissed my forehead.

-Audrey, I promise I'll never hurt you like that. It's strange how we even went through similar things.

-Well, now you know what's been holding me back. By the way, do you want to go to my place because I'm cold?

-Yeah, sure. Though I don't mind keeping you warm. – Thomas winked at me.

We made our way to my apartment and I made some tea to warm us up.

-Audrey, nice place. Is this Nancy? – He asked taking a picture from the coffee table.

-Yeah, that's her. But why are you changing the topic? Come on, I already embarrassed myself – now it's your turn.

-Point taken. But before I start, I want to tell you that you can never embarrass yourself in front of me.

Thomas took my hand and intertwined our fingers, pulling me close so we were snuggling on the couch.

-Okay so I had this huge crush on Claudia ever since I was in high school. But then I was such a dork that I didn't even know how to talk to her. However, I guess she saw something in me because she asked me out. We were high school sweethearts and everyone wanted to have what we did. But as time went on, I got more and more into football and training took up most of my time. In the beginning she was very supportive and everything was great, but then we started fighting and drifting apart. I really wanted to save our relationship but I just couldn't give up football. The day that they told me that I'd play for the first team, I was so happy. I rushed home to tell Claudia how all of the training was worth it...but I saw her with another man. My heart broke into a million pieces. She had packed her suitcases and told me how she was going to move in with him because unlike me, he paid attention to her. I was devastated but I knew I couldn't really blame her for wanting to feel loved.

-Thomas, you did love her.

-Yeah, but I didn't show it enough. I've always been reserved with my emotions. – He sighed.

-Thomas, I understand why you think that it's your fault. But to me – it's unacceptable for her to cheat on you, instead of just talking to you. I just can't imagine who would do that to you – you're so understanding.

- You know that you're the first girl who's ever said that.

-I doubt that.

-No, I'm not kidding – it was always that I'm nice and funny. Never understanding...

-Thomas, there is so much more to you than meets the eye. – I smiled at him and put my head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady and calming.

-So are you, Audrey. – He whispered.

I don't know how long we've been laying there but I guess we both had fallen asleep. His phone started ringing which woke us up.

-Hello? – Thomas said sleepily. He had that sexy groggy voice that would make any girl smitten.

I couldn't hear the other voice but I gathered it was probably one of his teammates. I started to get up, so as to not eavesdrop on his conversation but Thomas put his arm around my shoulder and I continued to lay down on his chest.

The conversation continued with mostly yes and mhm from Thomas.

-I'll call you back, later to tell you. Okay? Bye. – He finally said.

I just snuggled closer to him and he said:

-Now where did you think you were going earlier?

-I didn't want to eavesdrop. It's not polite.

-And did you hear anything?

-Not really. I don't even know who it was. – I laughed.

-See? And if I let you get up, I'd miss precious minutes of holding you.

I looked at him smiling but I could feel that I blushed a bit.

-You're so beautiful when you blush. – Thomas continued and put his hand on my chin. Then he leaned in and kissed me gently. – I don't even want to go home.

-But you have training early in the morning?

-Unfortunately. This week's match with Athletico Madrid will be hard.

-You can handle them. – I winked at him.

He slowly got up and I walked him to the door. I kissed him goodbye and wished him luck with his training tomorrow. The moment he left I bit my lip to stop smiling. I had forgotten how uplifting and wonderful it was to be in an early stage of a relationship. But was it one?