by H J Perry
Carlos certainly didn't want to argue with this lady when he was a guest for dinner. She had already invited him for Christmas, and he couldn't take his mind off her son. So he shifted his attention to another thing she said.
"José and his husband are very happy, and they have been together for many years, so of course my parents are happy. They're glad to see José with somebody who loves him. They love Peter as if he were their son. He's a nice guy. At Christmas, they'll all get together. I think they're going over to Peter's parents' home."
Mrs. Carter nodded as if she understood what he was saying. Harry simply looked stunned.
Although not outright hostile, the response disappointed Carlos. He hoped for a little more warmth towards a loving married couple, especially when they were his brother and Peter. Carlos should have prepared for the worst, but he'd hoped for the best, and this wasn't it.
CHAPTER TWELVE
December
CARLOS
Through the two weeks leading to Christmas, Harry and Carlos continued as if their one night getting closer had never taken place. At first, they were always among company, so it was impossible to discuss.
Given how Harry was so reluctant to stay the night, Carlos thought his friend needed time to process things. Apparently surprised by Carlos's advances, Harry was not repulsed by them, but enthusiastically embraced him at the time. Harry must be bisexual or gay too.
After Carlos was the first to initiate things between them, he worried that he'd come on too strong by inviting Harry to stay the night or by confessing that he was crazy for the guy. He figured he should leave it to Harry to make the next move. Two weeks passed while Carlos waited for a move that never happened.
December was the busiest month in the English football calendar, and perhaps Harry needed more time. But it was Christmas, and Carlos was not about to let Harry renege on the invitation. He grilled Harry on his family's festive traditions, bought gifts, and packed pajamas.
For Harry's mom, it had to be a sensible present. She was not impressed by luxuries or frivolities. After checking with Harry, Carlos bought her a cashmere scarf with coordinating hat and gloves. Practical and gorgeous.
Harry was much easier to buy for. The problem wasn't knowing what to buy, but deciding on one thing. It would be entirely inappropriate to shower him with gifts, no matter how much Carlos wanted to.
Christmas held a tightly packed schedule for the Carter family, one that dated back to Harry's childhood. Visiting neighbors, singing carols, and attending church all happened Christmas Eve. Carlos tagged along and was made to feel completely welcome.
It was great to get out and meet new people in a different environment. Even though he wasn't stepping out as a celebrity, he was recognized by everyone, everywhere. Everyone wanted his autograph and to hear some of those legendary Carlos Garcia stories, like tales of his incredible tackles and impossible goals.
Finally, it was sometime after midnight, officially into Christmas Day, that they returned to Mrs. Carter's home. While the families of many footballers lived lavish lifestyles in ostentatious homes, that was not Harry's mother's way. As if it were necessary, which it was not, Harry had apologized in advance for his mother's humble home. It was neat, clean, and tidy with just two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
"Do you want me to bring anything? Food or water?"
Harry had to be joking about the food. They were offered a snack at every home they visited. Carlos had eaten more mince pies that night than in his entire lifetime.
"Just a glass of water."
Carlos used the bathroom, slipped into his pajamas, and was in one of the twin beds in the spare room at lightning speed. He was exhausted and could have easily dozed off. But he was eager to avoid an uncomfortable situation as they shared a bedroom for the first time. Carlos knew he'd worked his way into this situation via cunning manipulation, and he didn't want Harry to regret inviting him.
He faked sleep, knowing he was unconvincing. He was aware of Harry opening the bedroom door, and putting the glass down by the side of his bed. Despite his tiredness, sleep refused to come. Instead, his eyes wanted to open and watch Harry moving around the room in darkness to discover what he was wearing to bed.
He was aware of the minuscule distance between their beds. They could reach out and hold each other's hands, the room was so small and the beds so close together. Carlos wanted to step across the room and slip into that bed with Harry, to hold him and kiss him through the night as they had done only once on the sofa.
HARRY
It was a two-hour bus journey on Christmas afternoon. Nobody wanted that. The guys tried to keep lighthearted about it. All the team members had left behind their families in the middle of Christmas Day in order to travel to a hotel to eat, sleep, and wait out the hours until the lunchtime kick-off the next day. The smiles were false; underneath everyone was sulking, with the exception of Harry and Carlos. They were having a terrific Christmas.
"How long do you think it will take to build it?" Harry asked.
"I don't know. I just assumed we'd have time. If not, we will have to take it apart and try again another time."
"You are planning to help me?"
"Of course, I don't know if you can manage something this big." Carlos elbowed Harry in the ribs.
"You know size is important."
"I didn't get you the biggest because I knew you couldn't handle it. But with my help, then just maybe…"
"As much as I'm enjoying your conversation, I am finding the mental images too disturbing." Alex popped his head around the edge of the seat from where he was sitting in front of them. "So I've got to ask, what the hell are you guys talking about?"
"If it's what you're thinking, Alex, I'm hoping they don't tell us," Mark shouted from across the aisle. It seemed half the busload of football players had been listening, as Harry and Carlos were well aware, after deliberately talking so loudly.
"Just a little Christmas present."
"Little! It's not that little. Call it a good size." Carlos protested. "As I said, you'd never have managed something much larger. Not in one night."
"Stop it, please. My ears are about to bleed," Mark protested.
Alex grinned.
"A bigger Lego set. He'd never finish building it in a one-night hotel stop-over." Carlos explained.
"Lego! You are talking about Lego?"
"Yeah. That's what I got Harry for Christmas, one of the latest Star Wars Lego sets. Why what did you think we were talking about?"
More quietly, just for Harry's ears, Carlos said, "I know it was a gift from me to you, or at least that's what it said on the label. But we both know it was a gift from me to us."
Harry had noticed Carlos often talked about them as "us."
He'd noticed a lot of things in the last couple of weeks, since they'd kissed, since he discovered Carlos was into guys and into Harry. Like when they hung out together, which was just about all the time, they got along exceptionally well.
In Carlos's company, Harry felt at ease, not guarded or on edge. He didn't feel threatened, as if he'd have to hide his real self. It wasn't just because of what he now knew. Carlos hadn't changed; he'd always put Harry at ease.
Before Harry got to know him, his impression of Carlos was of an arrogant loudmouth, as portrayed in the media. Over the months since Carlos joined the club, Harry had seen a very different person: a considerate, generous, and thoughtful man. Carlos wooed and seduced everyone he met. Harry's mother already adored him, even though Carlos had proudly presented her a picture of his gay brother when they first met.
Things left unsaid hung between them. It had taken time, and Carlos hadn't pushed him, and now Harry had some answers.
CARLOS
Carlos had been drinking, and he suspected his brain was in no state to study the drawings and find the correct tiny pieces required for the Lego marathon that seemed like such a good idea much earlier in the day. After dinner, Carlos had hit the bar for Chris
tmas drinks with a few of the guys. It seemed a good idea at the time, but the drinks kept coming and the time kept passing.
He had no idea where Harry went when the team broke up into different crowds. A group went to use the spa, which also sounded appealing. The usual suspects would have retreated to one of the suites for a mega gambling session.
They'd only been larking about on the journey to the hotel about building Lego for the night, Carlos now hoped. He didn't want to let Harry down, but it's not as if they were boyfriends or anything. Sod it. Carlos was drunk and frustrated. He'd laid his cards on the table for Harry two weeks ago, and Harry had come back with nothing and left him hanging there.
Damn it. Harry had no right to expect Carlos's company at every night hotel stopover, even though they had spent almost every evening on the road together in the past. Carlos felt horny, and his cock had seen no action other than his own hand for months. There was nothing he could do about that tonight, but tomorrow night, after the match, anything could happen. Carlos just knew the dry spell had to come to an end.
But he liked Harry, and first and foremost he wanted him, so before heading to his room he decided to knock on Harry's door. There was no sound coming from inside and no answer. He could be in another player's room or anywhere. Carlos thought he might send him a text once he was in his own bed. He was just about to walk along the corridor to his suite when Harry's door opened just a few inches. It was dark inside. Harry appeared looking as if he'd just been woken up.
"Oh, it's you," Harry said.
"Sorry, I didn't know you'd be asleep."
"Come in." Harry swung the door open wide.
The room was in darkness. Why was he inviting Carlos in? His alcohol-infused brain didn't ponder this question. Harry walked in and kicked off his shoes as was the habit whenever he joined Harry in a hotel room. From the light in the hallway, he could see the Lego box on the table. But the door was shut and the room was plunged into darkness. Carlos remained still. A moment later lights flickered on, and Harry's arms were around him.
"It's too late to build Lego, and I was almost asleep."
"And now?"
"And now, I'd like to pick up where we left off a couple of weeks ago." Harry's mouth moved to Carlos's cheek, where he planted one kiss after another.
It was a temptation Carlos couldn't resist.
Carlos wrapped his arms around Harry. "There is no sofa in this room."
"We can canoodle on the bed. But I'm still not the kind of guy who sleeps around."
"I know that. I never thought you were."
HARRY
Harry and Carlos had visited each other's hotel rooms the night before every match since September. With nerves and excitement, Harry had paced his room for two hours thinking about the things he wanted to say, but probably wouldn't, and that he'd like to do, but probably couldn't.
After a terrific Christmas together, Harry thought he just might get his shit together. He was surprised that it got later and later and Carlos didn't show up. But fate typically conspired against him like that. It was all so daunting, so it was with relief that he undressed and got into bed alone.
Yet, there was Carlos, like a gift from the gods. And Harry didn't know what to do with him.
Carlos undid a few buttons on his shirt and pulled it over his head, dropping it to the floor. As he did this, Harry realized that in his half-asleep state he'd opened the door wearing only boxer briefs. He had no problem being around his fellow football players dressed in so little, but this was the first time he'd invited one to his bed.
Unless he stopped Carlos there and then and put some clothes on, there was going to be a lot of skin-to-skin contact. That's what most people would expect, but it was way too fast for Harry. At least his mind thought so. His swelling dick was full of oh yes, let's go.
Carlos's hands moved to take off his pants, but he looked at Harry as if asking for permission.
Harry shrugged and then nodded. This wasn't how he imagined the evening going, but why not?
He retreated to the bed and pulled the duvet over himself. Carlos followed. Soon they were wrapped around each other, and there was no question of whether this was a good idea.
Harry ran his hands over Carlos's chest and felt the muscles in his shoulders, while their mouths locked together in a kiss that tasted of alcohol and passion. Their bodies instinctively found a way to press together stomach to stomach, with legs entwined, and groin grinding against groin.
Carlos's hands did things Harry didn't know were possible. Carlos touched him, but it was how he touched him: gentle, firm, tight. He made Harry feel special, sexy, as if he was the only man that mattered all at once. Harry hadn't imagined them getting naked together so soon, but when Carlos's hand slipped inside Harry's boxers, the progression was inevitable.
Harry didn't want to stop. He slipped his hand inside the elastic waistband of Carlos's briefs and released his magnificent dick. It was thick and long and felt heavier than Harry expected.
Having never done anything like this before, Harry was close to coming from the start. With a man's cock in his hand and Carlos stroking his, he was only seconds from exploding.
It was as if nature intended them to be together. The whimpers and moans of both men broke the silence in the room.
"I'm going to…"
"Yes, come for me, babe," Carlos replied.
As if the words were magic, Harry came over himself and Carlos and the bed. This was followed immediately by Carlos.
Harry was nearest to the ensuite, so he got out of bed and went to get a bath towel to clean up. He slipped back between the sheets next to Carlos, where they cuddled and soon fell asleep together.
They awoke early.
Carlos got out of bed and went to use the bathroom. When he returned, he stood in front of the bathroom door, posing with his hand stroking his semi-erect cock.
It was the first time Harry had seen Carlos naked. And he highly approved. The previous night they'd stayed between the sheets; in the locker rooms and showers at football Harry never looked.
"I need a shower," said Carlos. "Do you want to join me? It's not unusual for footballers to shower together."
"It is if they're in a hotel room."
Harry slipped out of bed. He needed a shower too, and he wasn't going to turn down this invitation. With his teammates, he always made a point of not looking below shoulder level when the guys were naked. Today, he intended to make an exception.
With the water cascading over both of them, Carlos on his knees licking the end of Harry's dick was a sight he was pleased to see. He could barely keep his eyes open when Carlos sucked the head and the length of the shaft deep into his mouth. When Carlos suggested a relationship, if this was part of the bargain, there was no way Harry could turn him down.
Words couldn't express how Harry felt about Carlos and the things they did together in that hotel room. But joyful emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
Still damp, they fell back to sleep on the bed.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
December
HARRY
The second time they woke they both knew they were in trouble. The clock indicated they were late for breakfast. All of the teammates must be up. But it was the sound of knocking at the bedroom door that was the most ominous.
There was a persistent knocking, and then he heard his name. "Harry! Are you awake? Is Carlos with you?"
Why the fuck would he ask that?
It was the voice of Eric, the team captain. Would they be reported to the club manager?
They looked at each other in horror. They hadn't discussed what trouble they could be in if discovered.
Carlos pulled the covers up over their heads. "Is there a rule about not having sex with a teammate on the night before a match?"
He grinned as if no matter what shit happened, no one could take last night away from them.
Harry couldn't help but giggle. "This isn't the time to find out."
> The knocking stopped, which was even more alarming because what next? Would someone get a key and break in?
"I don't care who knows about us. If there is an 'us' to know about."
Harry hadn't committed himself, and this wasn't the time for that conversation.
Carlos slipped out of bed and quietly gathered up his things.
"I will get in the shower; you can say I crashed here because we fell asleep watching TV." It sounded plausible.
There was a new voice at the door.
"Harry, you and Carlos didn't make breakfast. Are you okay?" It was Jason's voice.
Harry moved quickly into his boxer shorts on the way to the door and opened it to speak to Jason and deliver the alibi Carlos provided.
"The two of you overslept?" Jason looked up and down the corridor, stepped closer to the door, and lowered his voice. "After watching films late together." Jason tilted his head to one side and raised his eyebrows. "It's not like the two of you to miss breakfast, and you are always together. Whatever you are doing, you know people will talk."
"So we're not in trouble then?"
"No, Eric and I just wanted to make sure you're both alive. We all got worried when you missed breakfast." Jason paused and glanced up and down the corridor again. "When it's the two of you together, you know how he looks at you. Other guys will notice, and they will talk."
"Hold on." Harry opened the door and beckoned Jason in. "What do you mean how he looks at me?"
Jason looked towards the bathroom from where the sound of the shower flowed, evidently in use. "He looks like he wants to have you for breakfast if he hasn't already."
Harry grinned. "I'll keep that in mind." And he wondered if Jason would know the answer to the question Carlos had asked to him in bed only a few minutes earlier.