Burning Red (Thomas Muller fanfic)

Chapter 10

Today was the day of the match. I couldn't see much of Thomas because Pep wanted them to be in top shape and he enforced a rule of no distractions. In the beginning, I was kind of bummed out but then I started to think that it really was better for the team. Besides Pep knew what he was doing – he's such a terrific coach. For the first match they were flying to Madrid but unfortunately I wasn't going with them. James had asked Frank to go and I had to respect his decision. I was at our office, watching the match. Frank sent me photos and I twitted them with a caption while he was live streaming the match. Jane finished work early and she came to my floor to keep me company.

-If only Mario played, they'd be winning now.

-Jane, I didn't know you could be that passionate about the game.

-Well, aren't you sad about Thomas sitting on the bench?

-Jane, Pep knows what he is doing. I believe in him.

Frank sent me a photo of Thomas looking all sad. I posted it on twitter and asked the fans for a caption. While I waited for the best one, I captioned it myself and sent it Thomas: 'When you're not sure if you're sad because you're not playing or because your biggest supporter is not there.'

I knew he wouldn't see it until the match was over but I just felt the need to send it. Jane looked over to see it and laughed.

-Why didn't you write your girlfriend?

-Because I don't know if I am.

-Audrey, you're talking about Thomas. When he falls for a girl, you know that he wants a relationship. He's just that kind of a guy.

-And how do you know that?

-I can just tell. Look, Mario isn't that type - he likes to keep it casual until he's sure about his emotions. He didn't call me his girl until the tenth date. But Thomas...he looks like the kind of man that falls fast.

-Jane, you seem kind of upset. What happened between you and Mario?

-Well, it turned out that he was dating a girl a little before me. And he ended things after our second date. It's just that...

-You thought he was serious from the beginning?

-Exactly. It kind of upset me, even though I can't blame him, because we weren't in a relationship then.

I squeezed her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

-Well now Mario has only eyes for you. So I'm sure that everything will get better and better for you two.

-Thanks, Audrey. I'm sorry you have to deal with my rants, especially since I upset you with our last talk.

-Don't worry about it. Though I still don't understand how you got Philipp into this whole mess?

-He's the one, who helped me out when Mario told me about the other girl. Philipp told me that Mario is still a kid, so acting immature is something I'll have to deal with if I want to stay with him.

-That Philipp is an endless sea of wisdom. But he can be so sneaky sometimes.

-What do you mean? I thought you just had a talk.

-Well, he talked with Thomas, too. Actually he told him I liked him and vice versa. But that was before either of us confirmed it.

-What? You're kidding?

-I'm not. Thomas told me and he had no idea either.

-I'm so teasing him when he gets back. He joked that Mario and I were the ones who wanted to pair everyone, and then he goes and plays matchmaker with you guys.

We were interrupted by Saul Niguez's goal. Both of us started booing.

-I can't believe it! Are you sure Pep knows what he's doing?

-Jane, stop doubting him! He has a plan, I know it.

We had our eyes glued to the screen and didn't talk much after that. I still couldn't believe how poorly Bayern played in the first half. I couldn't recognize the team. When the break started Jane and I were frowning.

-Ugh, I can't believe we're losing...

-Well, the Spanish do play well. I just wish they wouldn't park the bus. I hate that style of play.

-Like Chelsea?

-Don't even get me started on them.

-Hey, Audrey are you sure you're a Bayern fan? Because you sound more like a Barcelona one?

-Can't I support two teams? – I smiled.

-Oh, what will happen if Bayern faces Barcelona? Who would you root for? – Jane started teasing.

-For the best team there. Jane, football for me is more than just team loyalty. Let's take this match for an example – I'm for Bayern but I also want to see a good game. Like Dortmund and Liverpool – I'm not for either team but they made a spectacular show. And that's what I want to see from every team – show me the passion you have for the game. Or else what's the point?

-Wow, Audrey – where did this all come from?

-Jane, I've been a football fan since I could talk. My dad and I always used to watch matches together, because my brother didn't want to. So it was our way of bonding. – I started tearing up a bit.

Jane hugged me and whispered:

-I miss my family, too. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll get some time off soon.

-Yeah I hope so, too.

-Anyway any word from Thomas?

-No, but I don't expect him to see his phone until after the game. But look what Frank has just sent me.

I showed her a picture of Mario rolling his eyes, while Thomas was looking like a doppelgänger of Grumpy Cat. We both laughed and it did brighten our mood a bit. Before we knew it the second part of the game was well on its way. Bayern had gone through a makeover, they were more aggressive and I shouted:

-That's the team we love!

-Go, Bayern! – Jane yelled at the screen.

Then Pep made the changes and seeing Thomas made my heart skip a beat.

-Woo, go Thomas! – Jane said smiling at me.

Now more than ever I had hoped that he'd score. Unfortunately, Athletico had a great defense and even he couldn't break it. I hadn't even realized how I had intertwined my fingers and put them in front of my lips. Jane looked at me and giggled:

-What is it? – I asked confused.

-Nothing, you just look like you'll have a heart attack at any moment.

-But look at them – they have to score. God, I hate that freaking bus tactic. – I was very frustrated, I could see that our team was going to lose this match. I was losing hope with each missed shot.

And then there it was...the final whistle. How could Bayern lose? I couldn't believe it.

-Audrey, hey! Earth is calling you! – Jane shook me slightly.

-Mmm?

-Audrey, don't despair. We have another match here and we'll crush them!

-I really hope so. – But in my mind I was seeing flashes of the Barcelona match and how they lost. I didn't want Bayern to suffer the same fate. Especially after all the hard work and training. They deserved to win – they attacked and played well.

-Want me to drive you home? – Jane asked.

-Thanks, Jane. – I replied still thinking about the game.

The ride home was silent and the moment I got home, I quickly got dressed in my PJs and went to bed. I checked my phone but there was still no message from Thomas. So I decided to write him another one: 'You were great today. You'll beat them when they come here!'

I wanted to wait to for his response but it was an emotionally draining day, so I didn't even feel when I drifted to sleep.