Football One Shots

Requested Neymessi

Another day on the pitch, not that Leo minded, except he kind of did. Walking ahead of him was Neymar, talking animatedly to Dani and Rafinha. Nowadays Neymar was always happy, always talking, always laughing. Leo felt annoyed at that for some reason, he didn't understand why. Usually, when Neymar is happy it's contagious. It wouldn't take long before Leo was smiling and laughing along, happy to just be in Neymar's presence, but recently that's not the case. Every time Neymar told Leo a joke or jabbed him with his elbow while laughing uncontrollably, Leo had to clench his jaw to hold back some of the rude remarks that wanted to come out. Leo could admit he was still slightly upset at Neymar for leaving him behind before when he went to PSG.
"Okay guys! Big day tomorrow for the point standings. We need everyone's heads in this." Enrique had everyone in a huddle, Neymar naturally gravitated to Leo and they stood shoulder to shoulder.
The contact caused Leo's chest to buzz, but when the next words left Enrique's mouth, the fuzzy feeling was replaced with anxiousness and jealousy.
"Neymar, you've been playing your best football yet. Work hard today and you'll be starting up top tomorrow." Leo's heart nearly stopped as Neymar's smile grew.
What about me? There's no way they'll put Luis or Philippe on the bench. I'm gonna lose my spot and Neymar is acting like it's the best news he's ever heard.
El Clasico was tomorrow and Leo wasn't going to be starting. When was the last time that happened? When was the last time Leo was made to sit the bench other than when he had an injury? Neymar returns to Barca and suddenly Leo is pushed to the shadows, forgotten. Leo had been so thankful that Neymar chose to return to Barca, chose to return to Leo, but Leo felt like all he wanted was for Neymar to go back to PSG.
No. I don't ever want him to leave me behind again.
The emotions Leo had felt when Neymar first left for PSG were very dark and very lonely. No one knew how to comfort him. Neymar had heard about what was happening with Leo, but when he tried reaching out Leo would brush him off. Now that Neymar was back, Leo knew he wouldn't be able to lose him again. Maybe losing his spot to Neymar wouldn't be the end of the world, if it meant Neymar would be more likely to stay. Leo would give anything for him to stay.
"Okay everyone back to training." Enrique turned, dismissing the group.
"Congratulations Ney. You have been playing your best football, I noticed. You deserve to start tomorrow." Saying it sent a pang through Leo, but he pushed it aside and put on his best smile.
"Thanks Leo!" Neymar put an arm around Leo and steered him towards a set of cones so they could run through their drill.
The entire practice, Leo worked his hardest, yet at the same time he felt like holding back. He was jealous that Neymar would be taking his starting spot, it was a blow to his ego, but for some reason at the same time he just wanted Neymar to be happy, even if it cost Leo his own joy. Leo was confused, sure Neymar meant a lot to him, Leo practically raised the kid and Neymar was one of his best friends, but why was Leo willing to overlook this disappointment and jealousy for the sake of Ney's feelings?
"Alright everyone great job today! I will see you tomorrow." With the dismissal Leo dashed for the locker room, looking to get changed and leave before Neymar could rub in that he would be starting tomorrow. Sure, Leo could be happy for him, but only to an extent.
Just as Leo collected his bag, after he was done changing, Neymar came into the dressing room.
"Hey Leo! How are you feeling? Ready for the match tomorrow? We're gonna need your best!" Neymar's smile was bright, and Leo was getting upset, was Neymar joking?
"You're kidding? If anything, you should be worried about being at your best Neymar. You're taking my starting spot after all. How about you just worry about yourself." Leo didn't leave room for argument or a reply, he hustled out of the dressing room and to his car.
Leo felt angry, but that anger was quickly subsiding and turning into regret. Why was Leo feeling regret? His football meant everything to him, yet for Neymar he was willing put aside his own priorities. Even though Leo was losing his starting spot, he felt fine as long as it was going to Neymar. Leo knew Neymar would be so happy starting tomorrow and deep down that made Leo feel happy. Sure, he wouldn't be on the pitch to start, but so what. He'd get to watch Neymar play with pure passion and joy, giving his all to the team and doing everything within his power to help Barca win. Leo's heart tickled when he thought of watching Neymar play with pure passion. Somehow seeing that would be enough for Leo to give up his starting spot. What was going on?
When the team arrived the next day, Leo's jealousy had completely subsided, and he looked forward to seeing Neymar play. It felt weird to be content with sitting bench, but Leo tried not to dwell on it.
"Hey Leo. What was that yesterday man?" Leo was pulled aside by Gerard.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Leo was praying he wasn't referring to the situation with Neymar.
"You sorta lashed out at Ney." Gerard's arms were crossed, and he towered over Leo, but he made sure to never make Leo feel small.
"Oh. Uh... I'm not entirely sure. I realized that Neymar is going to take my starting spot today and at first, I felt jealous but now... I don't know Geri. It's like I'm willing to sit bench as long as Ney is gonna be happy playing. I don't know why but suddenly all I care about is that Neymar is smiling and that he feels happy to be back here, that he never wants to leave me again." Leo's hand nervously brushed the back of his head.
"Leo. Do you remember how you felt when Neymar left?" Leo nodded.
"You felt betrayed, whether you realized it or not. Neymar left you here to better himself and his career and you felt utterly betrayed. Now that he's back, you will do whatever it takes to keep him here because you can't imagine living without him again. Leo, you love him." Gerard had a soft smile gracing his lips, a knowing look resting on his face.
"What? That's insane. He's my best friend Geri, nothing more. I just want him to be happy." Gerard laughed deeply.
"Really Leo? You remember when Luis first came and nearly took your spot from under you? You worked your ass off until that spot had your name engraved in it. I haven't seen you fight so hard for something since you came to Barca. Now that your spot has been threatened again, it's like your handing it to him on a silver platter. Football is everything to you, but it seems Neymar is so much more. Think about it Leo." Gerard brushed Leo's hair back messily before leaving him standing in the corridor.
I don't love him, right?
The word 'love' made Leo's heart dip aggressively and suddenly he started to really think. Maybe he did love Neymar. He knew he needed him, more than anything, and he knew he always anticipated the next time he'd get to see the ray of sunshine. Leo went to bed and woke up the next morning thinking of Neymar. Neymar's laugh was music to Leo's ears and his smile made Leo's heart flutter aggressively in his chest. If Leo thought about life without Neymar again, his chest would squeeze, and his eyes would sting. He never wanted to let Ney go now that he had him back. Neymar was everything to him.
"Leo?" Neymar's concerned voice brought Leo from his thoughts.
"Huh?" Leo looked up to see Neymar come to stand in front of him.
"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." Neymar's hand came up to rest on Leo's cheek.
"Please don't ever leave me again. You can have my starting spot; it means nothing to me if I can't share my success on the pitch with you. If I have to sit and watch you play it'd be worth losing my starting spot. I just want you to be happy here. I don't want you to think about leaving again. I'm not the same when you aren't here. I don't look forward to coming here and doing what I was born to do when you're not here to share it with me. I need you more than anything Ney." Leo gripped Neymar in a tight hold and buried his head in Neymar's chest.
Neymar didn't hesitate to wrap Leo in a tight embrace. He was speechless. This was all he ever wanted to hear, that he had a special place in Leo's heart. Now that he was hearing it, he couldn't help but smile brightly and squeeze Leo tight.
"I don't need your starting spot to stay here Leo. I just need you to want me here with you." Neymar chuckled softly as his eyes sparkled with glee.
"You can still have my spot though." Leo laughed softly as he and Neymar pulled apart.
"Guys come on! Warmups are in ten! We need our starters ready to kick a$$!" Enrique shook his head as he turned and walked back to the tunnel.
"Well looks like you don't have to give me your spot." Neymar wrapped an arm around Leo's shoulders as he pulled him to the locker room to get ready.
Yeah, this was definitely love.