⠀★ ... ♯ 10

"All right, all right. Deal. Just let me know, and I'll make sure to grant you all your wishes, sweetheart." he agreed right away. He loved spoiling his boyfriend and doing things he knew Tom would enjoy. "Just— don't ask me to put on a Manchester United shirt," he added jokingly. "We all have our limits," he huffed, then, before sending him a brighter smile. Already feeling slightly better, even with all the frustration of another defeat, just for being with him. "Oh, yes. I'm in. Pizza sounds great."
            
            
            // HAHAHAHA it was funny how the 1st half was all United's, then the 2nd half was all Liverpool's... well, at least till you guys scored your 3rd goal. for a moment, I BELIEVED. maybe next time ;))) MWAHAHAHA

   "i'll have to think about it.  i might come up with more as the evening progresses."  he smiled teasingly when jon brought him closer,  resting his hands on the arms that made him shamelessly weak at the knees.  he was only human,  after all,  and with a gorgeous man like that standing so close to him?  he was almost speechless!  almost.  kinda.  "how about pizza?  i want you to try the best pizza place in manchester."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE   HAHAH some breathing room is always good though!!!  well at least you won a game.  besides,  it looked like liverpool were going to steal that off us for a second so it's not too bad. SCARY

He rolled his eyes playfully at his words. He did say 'well played', indeed! He saved his compliments for when he won against any other team. Against his own, however, he supposed that was all he could've said due their rivalry! "Is it all my majesty wishes?" he asked, wrapping his arms around his waist and bringing him closer, gently. "Thank you very much. You looked stunning yourself, darling. Great assists today— even if they were against me," he huffed, but a smile was very much perceptible upon his lips. "I'll handle dinner, then. What would you like to have?"
            
            
            // always love these games, even when losing. but that's all right, already noticed that, if both my clubs are playing in the same day, only one wins. HAHHAHAAH good thing is that Inter won and now we're out of the relegation zone !!!! not totally safe from the danger, though, since we're only three points away to fall back into it... but, let's breathe! for now. HAHAHAHA

he watched with a fond smile as jon took his hand,  being a little slow to react to his partner's teasing just because the warmth of their hands was endearing.  "well.  how can i say no to a pretty face like that?"  he smiled stupidly,  gentle and adoring,  as he leaned in to kiss his lips.  he lingered for a moment,  perhaps just to really make sure the  'cure'  had worked,  he'd use as an excuse in their joking,  but really he was just wrapped around jon's finger.  "there you go.  dr d'angelo has officially cured you of all pain!"  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

He pouted when he was teased, and smiled in the sequence at the kiss he was given to the cheek. The keeper held his hand when he poked his chest, intertwining his fingers with his— gently bringing his hand closer to him, holding it against his chest. "Much better," he said with a nod and a mischievous glint in his eyes. "My lips are still hurting, though, babe." he batted his lashes to him, trying to look innocent.

   the good thing was he'd probably never ask jon to point something like  *that*  out,  so they wouldn't need to worry about that bit!  thomas laughed without trying to hide it,  finding jon's attempt to get some kisses to be convoluted and adorable.  "ow?"  he teased,  poking jon's chest before he leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek.  as a starting point.  "does it feel better now?"  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE   <333 

   learning about them was also tom's favourite thing!  there was something so precious in seeing the goodness they could have,  even amongst the notable amounts of bad that existed too.  they were flawed,  they followed their dreams,  they were always learning.  they were forced to see everything human as something to be wiped away,  at least in heaven,  and to be on earth and indulge yourself with the simple vices of humanity was just as freeing as the amulet around his neck.  he could enjoy their food,  listen to their music,  play their games.  it was perfect.  and,  even more perfect,  was feeling jon's arm go around him as they sat together.  he practically melted by his side,  leaning against him and listening to the sound of his gentle voice.  "you don't need to thank me for that.  it's a pleasure to be given your time.  i want to have it forever.  i'm glad you feel that way,  though,  i admit."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

Jon very much enjoyed watching humans and other beings, not just as an act of curiosity, too, to try and learn more about them (even if he had been one, he was far from being a good one, or having good ones near him— so watching gestures of kindness had always been something that drew his attention), but also because, admittedly, he liked being near them because of their artistic abilities. It was nice. Films, books, music, painting... he loved all of that, and the million ways they found to express themselves through art. Now that he had all the time in the world..! He did it even more so than when he used to be human. He still very much liked claiming he hated them, though— but it was much more for the 'roleplay'!
            He sat beside him once the angel encouraged him to, wrapping his arm around him as he sat facing the moon up above. "Thanks... not just for accepting to come here, with me. But... for being by my side. I feel like... I'm much better since I've met you."

   thomas enjoyed learning about them,  about the way they had to live and things like that.  because,  obviously,  angels were very different!  and humans were also quite different!  it was fun to experience the life of an average person since being invisible to prying angel eyes,  but he had to admit he was a little clueless!  
               he kept looking away from the view to check the demon was still with him,  which was silly but he just felt like he was living in some sort of paradise,  even more so when they were suddenly standing upon the paws of the sphinx.  his smile couldn't widen any further at this point,  so it was just stuck to the point where it would've even hurt if he were human!  he encouraged the demon to sit down with him,  taking that opportunity to lean against him whilst using both his hands to hold onto one of jon's with security.  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

   the response made him smile.  the kind of smile that was gentle and quiet and adoring,  the kind that tom only had on his face when it came to jon.  not only because of how sweet his comment was,  but also because tom saw it coming a mile away.  he felt lucky to feel this loved.  he brushed his finger over jon's arm,  slowly and thoughtfully,  before it went up and he intertwined their fingers.  "if you say so.  wellll,,,  what do you wanna talk about?  i was thinking as the summer gets closer,  we could have our families over for dinner again.  that'd be nice,  right?"  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE   <333 

"And waste the precious time we get to be together sleeping instead of talking with you? Hell no," yes, Jon. You really are predictable... for a goalkeeper, or even better, for any footballer, that's not good! ...Right there, though, he wasn't 'goalkeeper!Jon'. He was just 'Tom's-boyfriend!Jon'! And to be so well known by him like that? It made him feel very special, too. So seen. So *lucky* to have someone so amazing in his life.
            
            
            // HAAHHA LOVEEE ITTT !!!!! <33333

   every small movement felt like it was built in,  like it was natural.  he couldn't do anything else but let himself be held,  and he'd probably enjoy staying like that forever.  the way jon touched him made him feel so special,  and he never thought he'd be one of these people.  it was crazy!  "i love you too,"  he smiled,  his answer an impulse but still said deliberately and earnestly.  "you're not gonna fall asleep on me,  are you?" 
            
            /  @-NEVERALONE   YOURE RIGHT  he's like if clint was a cat person  HAHA 

   freddie had gotten bored of getting involved,  sitting on the sofa and being incredibly confused by whatever the hell they were doing.  tom didn't pay much attention to him though,  in the nicest way possible,  because he was too busy tilting his head to lean against his partner adoringly.  "you're so pretty,"  he whispered,  turning his head to study his face and all the familiar details.  "an excellent dancer,  too."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

This was one of those moments he felt like he could live forever in. Just he and his partner, the love of his life, slow dancing in the middle of his living room. Nothing could spell out 'love' better than that... with Tom humming them a tune, getting the keeper to melt for him all over again. His sweet laugh the best melody he could ever dance to! "I love you, too, angel," he replied with a kiss to his temple, surrendering himself completely to him and his flawless lead.

   when jon responded to him,  his hands shifted to move positions so he could lead their little dance—  every movement was gentle and reverent,  and after a few moments of their close dancing,  tom smiled to himself and started humming a tune for them.  it wasn't particularly impressive,  it was quiet and he leaned against jon for it to be their private little moment.  it was perfect,  and he was finding himself pretty funny so his humming dissolved into chuckling.  "i love you."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

   "it's not like we needed the game to hug.  it's just a bonus i guess,"  he didn't mind giving in to the silly games on a lazy afternoon—  in fact,  he enjoyed it!  the best way to spend any time was with his partner,  where they could both be silly and relax away from their jobs.  he was even weaker when jon showed off his romantic side  (  which was every side,  apparently!  ).  "but it's definitely worth it."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

Don't get him wrong... it isn't like playing it the 'traditional way' wasn't fun, but he would much rather play video games with his boyfriend like this! His face was hurting already with how much he was grinning, and he wouldn't stop laughing at any ridiculous move his players ended up making. All his fault, but he would much rather pretend otherwise. "I don't know! I think I play much better like this— plus, I get to hug you at the same time. That's the best part!"

   if playing like this was going to get him all these kisses,  maybe he should do it more often!  he laughed,  the game being an absolute mess when he can be bothered to actually pay attention to it,  with each of them pressing random buttons and losing the ball every two seconds.  "it's all the game.  we're really good at this.  how weird is that."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

"Ow—" he put both of his hands over his heart dramatically, like he had just been '''stabbed''' with the most cruel words! "I am so being used! And here was I, thinking we were truly bonding and making peace!" he joked, letting himself be nudged and swaying exaggeratedly. A grin was *stuck* on his face, at this point. But that was okay.
            The banter that came from the rivalry was natural to their relationship, and he was thankful they had that to rely on and be able to interact, even around others. They looked like they got along, but not in a suspicious way, and that was more than good enough for him! Sure, he still had to pretend and stick to a character, in a way, but... it was much easier with their banter as their 'secret tool'.
            "You'll still get those good passes, no worries. England has to win this World Cup, and we'll work hard towards that *goal*! ...In all senses of the word." he raised an eyebrow— the silly wordplays were back!

   jon's bad boy reputation was incredibly attractive,  and he loved being able to watch it in his interviews when he could.  it wasn't as often as he wanted it to be,  but he got to see that persona and the sweetness that hid underneath all up close and personal.  again,  not to brag.  he was incredibly smug and proud of his partner.  "i say a lot worse.  but,  y'know,  i can't let you in on that secret.  i sorta want some good passes from my goalkeeper when we both get to play."  he nudged him and leaned back in his seat to observe the game in front of them,  angling his smug and teasing smirk vaguely into towards the pitch.  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

Oh, Tom was definitely rewarded with most of them, all right. 98% of his winks were all Tom's, if someone ran a percentage. The other two percent was to charm the media and help him keep his 'bad boy' reputation. He mastered the '''straight guy''' attitude over the years— which was funny, because he was faaaar from being one. They were great, Tom and him. They could've been actors, if they weren't— humbly— so damn good at football! Jon laughed at the other's quiet jab at the 'Shitty' players, thinking the very same of the 'Neverton' (isn't 'Neverwon' even better for a nickname?!) ones. The Red Devils were, surprisingly, really easy to get along— well, just one Red Devil, actually. The one that mattered. (No offense— sorta). "I wonder what you say about my lot behind my back," he joked, adding that one just in case people around were still hearing them, and not lost in their own banters.

   once he finished off his dinner,  he took a careful sip of his wine before turning in his chair to look fully at his boyfriend.  "next time i see her i'll tell her how beautiful  *she*  is.  gotta thank her for giving all those looks to her son."  he laughed at the description of jane,  leaning forward in his seat to cup jon's face and pull him in.  he waited until his partner had some of his wine and then closed the distance to give him a gentle peck.  "was it a good birthday,  then?"  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

He smiled sheepishly at the compliment, lowering his head, then meeting his eyes again with a sparkle in his own. "No. Don't apologize. We all know it's part of our lives," he reassured him, rubbing his forearm up and down, affectionately. "Ma's all right. She told me to say 'Hi', and that you looked quite handsome today. She's totally right, but it isn't just today," he winked at him, charmingly. "Jane is... well, Jane. Totally crazy, which is her usual," he chuckled, sipping his wine.

  tom couldn't believe that this was his life,  sitting there eating dinner next to the love of his life.  he couldn't believe they had to keep it a secret for the sake of their careers,  but he knew he'd do that and more to protect his partner.  it felt magical to have jon at all.  "it's perfect,  darling,  as always,"  he smiled,  still all sappy after the sweet admission of how he wanted his day to go.  "i'm sorry i couldn't be there.  how is your mum?  and jane?"  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

Musical films, surprisingly enough, weren't Jon's favourite genre. Actually, far from that, if he was being honest. He did like some good romance, especially silly rom-com ones— those were his favourites! But since La La Land had such a great romantic vibe to it... it quickly made its way into his list of 'coming back to' films— that he would rewatch every now and then, just because. "I bet you'll be on tears by the end of it. Ha!"

   it was all so stupid,  because tom wouldn't be able to forget what this felt like.  he could go on pretending,  but anything with other guys would be nothing compared to the fleeting touch of jon's hand.  and wasn't that pathetic?  "fine.  okay,  we'll watch that.  even though it sounds just as bad!" 
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

When their legs touched, he felt that heat come back to his face. There was a short delay between Tom's words and his own response, for he was screaming on the inside against his brain that constantly froze when he was close to his roommate, like this! "I, uh..." he moved forward, towards the laptop to scroll through the options, and smiled at his comment about Mamma Mia. "Aw, why not? Okay— if Mamma Mia is off limits, what about La La Land? It's a great musical, I promise."

He loved to know how much his black kit did things to his boyfriend... it was the very same thing for Jon as he saw him in red. Yeah, it was the 'wrong' shade of red, but it allowed him to fantasize a little! ...Just kidding.
            "Hmmm... I'll leave it up to you to decide, because I win in any scenario." he sent him a smirk, leaning into his boyfriend's touch. Just loving how it felt, to be able to sit here and cuddle with him like this!

   it was a coincidence that his focused look in his black kit made him look stunningly intimidating,  kinda,  and even tom got a little flustered when he was able to watch it.  his gorgeous boyfriend,  whom nobody really knew.  not the people that watched the tv,  at least.  but that was only because it was dangerous for them to know.  tom spent a lot of time worrying about him.   about all of that.  "whatever."  he chuckled,  letting himself be pulled into the hug.  his arms tightening around his partner in a split second,  and he pressed a kiss to the side of his head.  "getting mixed signals about whether i should cheat or not now."  
            
            /   @-NEVERALONE 

It was a carefully built up stage persona... or... better saying it, not really. Listen, of course he puts on an effort to keep people from knowing that aspect of his identity. It used to be an exhausting compartmentalization process... that now runs on automatic mode. The outfits weren't really only to deceive, although they helped! But he always loved wearing that 'good-bad boy' style. "Cute," he repeated to him with a grin, leaning in to peck the tip of his nose. Of course he would protest at the word... which, sorry, only made it even more cute! It was a loop! He let out a laugh at his words, then, bringing him close again for a tight hug.