(no subject)
Chapter 33 - A night out with three of the boys
It was six-thirty on Tuesday evening when Lukas parked his car in the Sabener Strasse parking lot, getting out and locking the doors. It felt weird to be back, as he hadn’t been here since his accident. It made him yearn to come back though. Hopefully when he went in to see Greg tomorrow, he’d be getting good news from the physiotherapist in charge of his initial rehabilitation program. Lukas was hopeful that he’d made enough progress for Greg to hand him over to the club physio team so he could get on his way to coming back.
As he walked toward the entrance he noticed the ever-present group of fans there, waiting for the players to come out to their cars, always looking for autographs and pictures. Sometimes it amazed him how many people always showed up; sometimes he even thought he could recognize a few of them as having been here numerous times. As he approached them they looked over and noticed him and immediately started calling to him. He just smiled and waved at them, no longer fearful and anxious of fan interaction. When a few of them, young women, pled with him to come over and talk to them, he laughed and said that he’d be back out in a few minutes. He waved again before turning away and heading into the Bayern headquarters building.
He made his way down the hall, heading for the locker room. Everyone should either be showering or getting dressed by now, but it still felt a little odd to be coming in. Above all else though, it made him long for that familiar routine of coming here every day for training. He missed it and he was so anxious to get back to it. He pushed open the door and walked into the room, immediately being greeted by some happy cheers from his team mates. Already being near the door, Roy was the first one to greet him, very quickly pulling the younger man into a hug.
“Lukas, it’s good to see you. Are you here to pick up your puppy?” Roy smiled, not hesitating to throw in Bastian’s new nickname.
“Roy! What the fuck?” Bastian, who was in the process of pulling a shirt over his head, reacted offended and a little upset at the name. The rest of the room laughed at the reaction.
“Puppy?” Lukas looked curiously around, before settling his sight on Bastian. Before he gave anyone the chance to give an explanation, Bastian hurriedly picked up his bag, grabbed his coat, then marched up to Roy and grabbed Lukas, pulling him by the arm out of the room. Lukas laughed and protested, before giving up and waving goodbye to the guys. He’d get an explanation from one of the three they were meeting tonight anyway.
“Forget you heard that. Let’s go, we’re meeting the others at Zoozie’s, that’s what we decided today. Figured we might as well do dinner too.” Bastian let go of his arm as they walked out to the front of the building, stopping so Bastian could pull on his jacket. Lukas didn’t say anything for the moment, just watching Bastian and smirking. He really wanted to know what the puppy name had been about, given the way Bastian had simply bolted from the room. They left the building soon after, heading out to the parking lot where the fans were. The moment they were spotted, shouts started anew for them to come over. One glance at each other and they both made their way over to the barricaded area where the fans were standing.
Lukas had to admit that he really had kind of missed the fan interaction a bit. It hadn’t been pleasant for a while, but now that he was better and feeling more confident in his ability to meet with them, he didn’t mind taking a bit of time here and there for it. He started signing the various things being thrust at him, very much aware of the flashes of cameras. One of the girls who’d been yelling earlier asked if he and Bastian would pose together for a picture and they did, smiling for the girl and her giggling friends. They looked at each other and grinned, both thinking the same thoughts. After the picture they took their leave, thanking the group for their support before heading off for Lukas’ car.
When they were far away enough from the fans, Bastian looked at Lukas, a very happy looking smile on his face. “Remember when the thought of all those people made you cringe?”
Lukas just smiled and unlocked the doors, sliding into the driver’s seat. When Bastian entered on the other side Lukas looked over at him, the smile still present. “It’s good to be back, crazy fans and all.”
Bastian grinned and did up his seat belt, before laying his hand on Lukas’ leg, squeezing his thigh slightly. “I’m happy you’re back. It felt good helping you out through all of that, but I missed having this you around.”
Lukas laid one of his hands overtop of Bastian’s, lacing their fingers. It was the closest they could get, and even something like this wouldn’t seem too out of place for them. Lukas started the car, turning the volume down just a little as his music came on. Polish hip hop as usual, Mezo this time. Bastian made a face.
“You’re probably going to make me listen to this crap, aren’t you?” Bastian never hesitated to tease about the music.
Lukas looked at him with a bit of a grin. “It’s either this or Shawn Desman, take your pick.”
Bastian quickly withdrew his hand from Lukas’ leg, frowning. “Well in that case, turn this shit up.” Bastian wasn’t quite sure exactly how Lukas had started listening to the Canadian artist, but he never hesitated to tease him about that music too. Although there were a few songs of his that Bastian didn’t mind, really. But as always, there was no way he was going to admit that to Lukas.
“Oh come on, he’s not that bad. I know you like some of his stuff.” Lukas had a feeling that Bastian didn’t hate the music as much as he pretended to.
“Don’t delude yourself. Even our female friends don’t listen to Shawn Desman.”
“That’s a lie. Lena likes him.” Lukas wasn’t about to tell him that was only because he’d pretty much forced the music on her one day when he’d driven her out to visit family.
“Well, she’s fucked in the head, we all know that! I mean come on; she thinks the singer from Tokio Hotel is the hottest guy ever in existence. Definitely not functioning with a full deck.” Ever since he’d walked into her room and seen the numerous pictures of the rocker brothers on Lena’s wall he’d constantly teased her about it, exclaiming that he’d never known that she was into women. It never failed to annoy her and the conversation usually ended up with her slapping him on the head and telling him to expand his horizons a little more.
Lukas couldn’t help but laugh; he’d been there the first time to witness the explosion. He glanced at Bastian as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed away from the headquarters. “Oh come on, you know you’d do him.”
Bastian looked at him and immediately glared. “Fuck you!” Bastian continued to glare while Lukas laughed at him. “Besides, I like my guys with a fair bit of muscle on them. So you’d better get yourself back to the gym, Chubs.” Now it was Bastian’s turn to laugh, while Lukas glared at him.
“Fuck you right back, asshole.” Lukas’ glare didn’t last too long though, and he eventually caught on to Bastian’s laughter. He pulled up at a red light, returning his gaze fully to the road ahead of him for a moment before looking back. “I really hope he clears me to start training again tomorrow. I’m worried he’s going to tell me that he thinks I need another week, or more, before I can start doing real training again. As much of a work out as the water stuff is, I really miss weight training.”
Bastian grinned and reached over to squeeze Lukas’ bicep. “No kidding, I think I’ve actually got bigger arms than you now.”
Lukas frowned momentarily. “And that’s really pathetic.” He immediately grinned after making the comment.
“You know what? Fuck you a second time!” They both laughed at the comment, while the light turned green and Lukas pressed down on the gas again. They drove through the city now, heading for the popular pub-style restaurant.
“So, how was training today anyway? Anything exciting I’m going to hear about tonight?” Lukas glanced at him, looking devious enough to make sure Bastian knew what he was referring to.
“No, I am not going to let them tell you about Roy’s comment! Don’t ask.” Bastian knew exactly what Lukas was talking about, and he knew he was doomed. The nickname, to his horror, had not been dropped today. In fact, it was the only way anyone had referred to him all day, which was the reason why he’d bolted so quickly when Lukas had shown up. But even if it came out tonight, he planned to spill to the guys about his nickname for Lukas as retaliation. That was always the best way to get the attention off of yourself, after all.
“We’ll see. You might not be able to keep me from asking, but I’m sure they’ll be itching to tell me and you can’t keep the three of them shut up on your own. You’re screwed.” Finally now they came up on the building and Lukas parked on the opposite side of the street. They got out of the car, standing together and waiting for the traffic to pass before crossing. They tried to make it into the restaurant as quickly as possible. It was always easier to blend into the crowd in a packed place, and they’d found that the crowd usually here didn’t really harass them all that much. Aside from the usual supportive greeting every now and then thrown their way, the majority of the time they were actually left alone.
It was still early enough that the place wouldn’t be too full, so they’d easily get a table. They managed to make it inside without getting stopped by anyone, and once in they were seated and had their orders for drinks taken by one of the waiters who they usually saw when they came here, a tall and well-muscled man by the name of Anton. Bastian ordered a Paulaner, while Lukas stuck with the usual Coke. Anton grinned, shaking his head and making a comment about Lukas still not drinking alcohol. Bastian laughed and Lukas scowled. Anton patted Lukas on the shoulder and told them he’d be back with their drinks in a moment before wandering off to take down the order from another table.
Lukas looked across the table at Bastian. “Even the waiters are against me.”
Bastian laughed and leaned forward. “I’ve told you, now that you’re living down here in Bavaria, you should be doing like the Bavarians do, getting yourself drunk. It’s not so bad.” A moment and a scowl from Lukas later, Anton was back with their drinks. They looked over menus to decide what they wanted to eat, waiting for the others to arrive before ordering. The remaining three would be coming together and as they all knew, Michael Rensing liked to take his time in the shower. In fact Lukas didn’t remember seeing him in his brief scan of the room when he’d been there.
Once they made their decisions they laid the menus down, deciding that they might as well order a plate of appetizers while they waited. Bastian placed the order and barely a minute later, the other three finally walked in. Lukas waved to them and soon he and Bastian were joined by their friends. Andreas and Philipp sat down on Lukas’ side of the table, while Michael sat beside Bastian. Immediately Anton was back, confirming his suspected order of three more glasses of Paulaner.
“Have a nice shower, Rense?” Bastian looked at him and winked.
“Hey, some of us like to pamper ourselves after practice a little, you know.”
“Yeah, it takes a man a bit of extra time to loofah the body.” Philipp looked across the table and winked at Bastian.
Michael looked across at him, glaring just slightly. “Fuck you, Lahm.”
Philipp laughed and stuck his hands up in front of him, the gesture one of placation. “Hey man, I’m on your side. There’s no need to get defensive.”
“Well, well, who’s been showing you the pleasures of the loofah, Fips?” Bastian grinned and looked across at him. No one was safe tonight.
Philipp shook his head and glared back at Bastian. “Fuck you too, Schweini.”
While the exchange was going on, Anton came back with the drinks and said that he’d send the food waitress in a few minutes for them. They thanked him and picked up their glasses. Andreas held his up in the centre of the table. “Fuck us all.”
As the four beer drinkers clinked their glasses together, Bastian glanced at Lukas with a devious grin on his lips. “Except the virgin.” Lukas glared at Bastian, while Andreas and Philipp laughed.
Michael, however, looked between Lukas and Bastian with a shocked expression. He finally settled on Lukas. “Are you really…” He didn’t finish the sentence, almost as though he was so in disbelief over it that he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
Bastian immediately looked at Michael and winced. “Shit, I forgot you didn’t know!” He looked back at Lukas, an innocent smile on his face. “Please don’t kill me.”
Lukas was still glaring at Bastian, ignoring Michael’s question for the time being. Andreas grinned as he watched them, his eyes flicking back and forth in between them. “Somebody’s gonna die tonight, I think.” He took a sip from his beer, while Lukas kicked Bastian in the leg.
“Ow! Did you just kick me?”
“No sorry, that was me. I was stretching my leg out, you know.” Andreas nodded to Bastian, before looking at Lukas and grinning.
“Fuck off Andi; I know it was you.” Bastian leaned forward to rub at his shin, his eyes on Lukas the whole time.
“Damn right, and if you think of saying anything else, it’ll be a lot harder and just a little higher next time.” Lukas winked at Bastian, before taking a sip from his glass.
Bastian grinned. “Just like in the pool, right?”
Lukas laughed at the comment and nodded. “Just like in the pool.” They both laughed, while the other three glanced at one another, wondering if anyone else knew the story.
When it was apparent that no one else did, Philipp spoke up. “You guys aren’t getting all gay in the pool, are you?” He tried to look at them with an accusing stare, but it wasn’t quite working.
“Of course not, you know there’s no gay in the pool. It’s not allowed.” Lukas looked down the table at Philipp, obviously referencing something. At first Philipp didn’t appear to be getting it, so Lukas looked at Bastian, who didn’t either. “Oh come on, you guys have to remember that! Sardinia, resistance training in the pool…”
“Oh yeah!” Philipp remarked first, laughing at the memory. A moment later Bastian remembered as well. Meanwhile, Andreas and Michael were looking at each other, shaking their heads.
“Let me guess: another senior squad story?” Andreas looked at Philipp, before taking a sip from his glass.
Philipp grinned and nodded. “One day we were doing training in the pool, of course, and we were all hanging around waiting for the trainer to come back. Well Metze gets up in front of everybody and starts this little speech about how there will be no gay in the pool. It’s forbidden. He had everybody practically in tears laughing.”
Michael grinned and shook his head. “He’s the one who always goes on about gay stuff, right?”
Philipp nodded. “Yeah. Every time something even slightly homoerotic happens, he’ll start yelling about how there’s no gay stuff on the team. Which of course is way too funny, since he and his hetero life partner, Sebastian Kehl, are pretty much the gayest guys on the team. They’re even gayer than those two,” he pointed at Lukas and Bastian, “if you can believe that.”
“Hold on, what did you call Kehl? His hetero life partner?” Bastian laughed at the term, while Philipp grinned and nodded.
“Timo came up with that one.”
“Speaking of gayness on the team…” Lukas grinned, winking at Philipp.
“Hey, no picking on Timo! He’s not here to defend himself.” Philipp grinned and took a sip from his beer.
“I have to agree. Just take a look at the guy’s hair.” Bastian started patting his head, as though he were smoothing his hands over hair. “I’m Timo Hildebrand, look at my pretty hair!” Everyone at the table, save for Philipp, immediately started laughing at Bastian’s antics. Though Philipp was trying to glare and look angry, a smile was starting to crack through. After all, he loved teasing Timo about his hair too.
“Oh shut up. Besides, you guys are still way gayer than Timo’s hair.” Philipp took a sip from his beer, finally grinning now.
“We do not act gay!” Bastian glared down the table at his friend, though it wasn’t serious. He knew full well that he and Lukas did have a habit of acting a little more affectionate than guys usually did, which he was quite grateful for, given how things were going now. Bastian glanced quickly at Lukas, whose grin told Bastian that he was thinking the same thing.
“Oh please, do I have to point out the excessive hand holding on the field? Who the hell holds their best friend’s hand? Really?” Philipp had always loved to tease them about their actions on the field, especially because he knew it never bothered them. He’d always admired the fact that they were confident enough in themselves to act the way they wanted to no matter who else was around.
“The hand holding is not gay! We just hold hands because, well you know after you run a hard game, sometimes you get a little dizzy-” Bastian’s explanation was interrupted as Lukas leaned his head forward, resting it on his arms that were crossed on the table, laughing at the attempted excuse. Bastian frowned and kicked him under the table. “Poldi, you’re not helping!”
Lukas sat back up, still laughing and shaking his head. “Just admit it; we do act pretty damn gay on the field. You’re way gayer than I am, though.”
Bastian frowned and shook his head. “No way, I am not!”
“Oh yes you are.” Lukas looked down the table at Philipp. “I trust you remember who stuck their tongue in whose mouth that night, right Fips?”
Philipp grinned at Lukas before looking at Bastian. “He wins. Sorry.”
Bastian couldn’t help but start to laugh in the midst of trying to dispute that. Michael was also grinning, looking back and forth between the two. “Wow, you know, I’m surprised the two of you are talking about this in such a public place.” He winked at them and they immediately looked around, suddenly realizing just what Michael had said. But the reserve keeper wasn’t finished yet. “Speaking of which, is it really true that you haven’t, you know, done it yet?” He leaned forward on the table, looking at Lukas.
Lukas didn’t waste any time in glaring down the table at him. “Fuck you, Rense. With your loofah sponge.” He grinned after making the comment, while Michael winced.
“Ouch. I hope you slap a few extra thick, ribbed condoms on that sucker first.” He grinned, and then leaned even further forward. “You have seen a condom before, right?” As Lukas continued to glare at him, now it was Bastian’s turn to lean forward on the table, laughing hysterically into his arms.
Andreas nudged Lukas. “Hey, he can fuck the loofah sponge himself when he’s done with it. He’s small enough to fit in there, right?” He glanced back at Michael, a devilish grin on his lips.
Michael held his hands up, looking hurt. “Andi, you’re supposed to be on my side!”
Andreas shook his head. “Not tonight, my friend. See, you are sitting on that side of the table, while I am sitting on this side of the table. So I’m on Poldi’s side tonight. Well, for the time being, at least.” He looked next to him at Lukas, who was grinning.
“For now, of course. Things could always change.” While grins were exchanged around the table, the waitress came finally, taking down their orders for food and dropping off the appetizers Bastian had ordered earlier. They continued to chat while sharing the big plate of food, mostly discussing the state of the table in the league right now. At the moment they were sitting three points behind leaders Werder Bremen, and tied on points with Schalke 04. On the weekend they’d be facing fourth place Stuttgart, and the following week was the first leg of their Champion’s League semi-final against Barcelona.
When the subject was brought up Bastian looked across from him at Lukas. “You will be supporting us that night, right?” Lukas’ love for the Spanish club was no secret to his team mates.
Lukas grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I might have to go and buy myself a Ronaldhino jersey.” He winked at Bastian.
Andreas looked at him and frowned. “You are joking, right?”
While Lukas laughed at his comment, Michael took a sip of his beer before making a comment of his own. “I’m sorry, I don’t care how good he is, but he’s got a horse mouth. I just can’t take a guy with a horse mouth seriously.”
Laughter immediately sprang up around the table, from everyone except Andreas. “Rense, that’s mean.”
Michael grinned and looked across the table at him. “Mean, yes. But funny as hell.”
The guys continued to laugh and Andreas tried not to. “Stop encouraging him, guys! He’s rude; he needs to learn some manners.”
Instead of letting Andreas continue to harass Michael, Lukas saw an opening to ask his question. “Hey, speaking of animals, who feels like explaining the puppy thing to me?”
Mention of Bastian’s new nickname was enough to happily change the subject for everyone, except Bastian. He looked around the table at the guys, his expression pleading. “No, come on guys! There’s no need to go there.”
Michael grinned and leaned over toward Bastian, throwing an arm around his shoulders and vigorously rubbing the top of his head. “Puppy!” Bastian tried to push him off, smacking his arm while everyone else at the table laughed. Finally when Michael let him go and sat back down, Andreas turned to Lukas to explain.
“Okay, well obviously you know he wasn’t exactly playing up to form on the weekend. So yesterday when we had training, we asked him why you hadn’t been there and he told us you’d had to go visit your grandmother, or something. So naturally, we came to the conclusion that he played poorly because he missed you. I believe it was Pizza who gave him the name?”
Philipp nodded. “Yeah, Pizza named him. Micho was the one who made the puppy reference first though, so maybe it’s his fault.”
Lukas grinned at the explanation, turning back to look at Bastian with a devilish grin on his lips. “That’s cute. Maybe I should go and buy him a collar, keep him leashed.”
Bastian laughed sarcastically at the remark, while the others laughed whole heartedly. He looked directly at Lukas, a grin of his own popping up before he spoke. “Yeah, laugh it up Chubs.”
At the mention of his nickname Lukas’ face blanked momentarily, before he immediately looked annoyed. “You are fucking dead, Schweini.”
Michael once again looked between the two of them before putting a hand on Bastian’s arm. “Hold on, you have got to explain Chubs.”
Bastian grinned and looked across at Lukas. “All you have to do for an explanation is pinch his side. He doesn’t quite have that rock hard physique anymore.” He winked at Lukas, who was currently glaring at him.
“Fuck you Schweini. With Rense’s loofah sponge!” Laughter sprung up around the table again, this time hitting everyone. After a moment they calmed down enough for Andreas to make another comment.
“You know, we should get the Bayern shop to sell some specially coloured loofah sponges. I mean, if they sell a waffle maker, a sponge with the Bayern logo can’t be that strange, right?”
Lukas looked at him, a bit of a stunned expression on his face. “There’s a Bayern waffle maker?” Lukas jumped when he felt Bastian’s foot hit him underneath the table.
“Of course there’s a Bayern waffle maker! You’ve fucking had a Bayern waffle before, Lukas! Remember? It was before Christmas, when you came over to my parents’ house, and we had waffles that morning? And you were halfway through eating it before you looked at it and were all ‘oh my god, the Bayern logo is on here!’ and we all laughed at you because it took you that long to notice?”
Lukas started laughing immediately when Bastian started telling the story, turning to the left and leaning on Andreas, which only made him laugh even more. Lukas finally looked back at Bastian after he finished; that boyish grin on his face. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”
Bastian shook his head while he looked at him. “Lukas, you fucking dumbass!” Bastian continued to shake his head while everyone else, Lukas included, laughed about it. “You know, my mom’s going to be very upset when she finds out you forgot about that.”
Lukas looked at Bastian and pouted. “Your mom doesn’t have to know!”
Andreas laid a hand on Lukas’ shoulder. “It’s okay, it’s not his fault. That particular memory must have gotten lost in there when he got knocked on the head.” Lukas looked next to him and nodded, agreeing with the explanation. Bastian just laughed and continued shaking his head.
They were interrupted then by the waitress bringing their food. They all tried to calm down as much as possible, but random bursts of laughter still got out while she was handing out their meals. Once she finished and left, they all calmed down.
“Alright guys, let’s try and keep the laughter to a minimum now so nobody chokes.” Andreas made the comment and the rest of them agreed to it, trying their hardest to leave any further funny stories and anecdotes for after the meal. It was nearing eleven before anyone noticed the time and when they did, they all immediately started complaining about the following morning’s training session. Philipp leaned on the table, looking across the front of Andreas at Lukas.
“Why didn’t you tell me to slow down on the beer, fucker?” It wasn’t that Philipp was really drunk, but he was drunk enough that he knew he was going to be feeling it in the morning. Working out with a hangover was not pleasant in the slightest.
Lukas just grinned back at him. “Yeah, who’s the dumbass now?”
Before Philipp had a chance to respond, Bastian leaned across the table, pointing his finger at Lukas. “Oh no, you are still a dumbass, Poldi!” Lukas looked back at him and grinned. Philipp wasn’t the only one a little under the influence at the moment, although Bastian was just a little less drunk. “But don’t worry. Despite all of that, I still love you.” Lukas wasn’t sure if Bastian realized what he was saying, but it wasn’t too out of place for him to make a comment about loving Lukas, especially after a few drinks. So Lukas smiled back at him and thanked him.
Michael made a gagging noise from beside Bastian. “Oh please, if I throw up I’d like it to be because I drank too much, not because you two are acting gay.”
“That’s right!” Philipp pointed at Michael and nodded his head. “No gay at the table!”
“Yeah. That’s a new rule. No gay at the table. Not while drunk.” Michael finished off the rest of his glass, setting it down beside another one that hadn’t been cleared away.
“Speaking of drunk, I think it’s time we get everyone home, Andi. Good luck with those two.” Lukas winked at him. Knowing Andi, he’d probably follow both men into their respective apartments, making sure they set their alarm clocks properly. One time he’d simply dropped Michael off after a night out. It turned out that the reserve keeper had indeed set his alarm, but he’d set it for the evening instead of the morning. Now Andi, ever responsible in their group, always made sure to look after the drunken ones following a night out.
“Yeah, good luck with that one. I know he can be a handful.” The two sober men stood up, quickly taking care of the bill while the other three pulled on their jackets. They left the restaurant together, walking across the street to Lukas’ car, where they said their final goodbyes for the night before the other three continued up the road to Andi’s car.
Lukas and Bastian settled into the silver Audi and Lukas made sure Bastian got his seatbelt done up properly before he pulled away from the curb into the street. It wasn’t long of a drive to the building from here, but it was long enough for Bastian to give Lukas a bit of ammunition to use against him.
“Hey, where’s your Desman cd? I wanna listen to a song.”
“Ha! I knew it! I knew you liked him!” Lukas grinned triumphantly and glanced at Bastian, who was now looking a little surprised.
“Uh, no! No that’s not what I meant, I mean, wait.” He paused for a second, closing his eyes and shaking his head. “Fuck, I sound dumber than you when I’m drunk.”
“What the fuck? Do you want to walk home, asshole?” Lukas tried not to laugh, he tried to look offended. Bastian teased him about this often enough that he usually just laughed about it now.
Bastian wasn’t able to do anything but laugh about it. “Sorry, you know I’m only teasing you.” He laid his hand on Lukas’ leg, patting it.
“I think I need a new best friend.” Lukas glanced at Bastian, a pout on his lips, before looking back at the road. “Maybe I should convince David to move back to Germany. I’m going to need someone to work out with after all once I get my muscles back.”
Bastian grinned, squeezing Lukas’ leg now instead of patting it. “David, now there’s a guy really deserving of the puppy nickname!”
“Hey, don’t talk shit about David!” Lukas took one hand off the steering wheel to flick Bastian’s hand.
“Ow! Hey, I wasn’t talking shit. He did follow you around like a puppy, you can’t deny that.” Bastian turned in his seat to look at Lukas.
“Well, he didn’t really know many of the guys that well, and we got along good.” Lukas glanced at Bastian, a tiny smile creeping onto his lips. “You weren’t jealous of all the time I spent with him, were you?”
Bastian made an annoyed face at Lukas. “What? No! That’s stupid. You could spend all the time you wanted to with David; I always knew you were mine.” Bastian grinned and squeezed Lukas’ leg again.
Lukas grinned back at him. “You were so jealous. Don’t lie.” Lukas looked back at the road.
Bastian frowned. “Okay, maybe just a little. A little! But you’re mine now, so it’s all okay.”
Lukas had to smile at the comment. Despite the fact that Bastian was drunk, it was somewhat of a sweet sentiment, and he supposed that in some sense of the word, they did belong to one another now. Maybe they always had, and it was just the sense that had changed. They arrived at the building and Lukas parked the car, getting out and waiting for Bastian before they went inside. He had to laugh when Bastian stumbled on one of the steps.
“Well, look at that. The tables have turned.” He winked at Bastian before pulling open the door to the building and entering.
“Oh fuck you.” Bastian followed him in, amused though his comment didn’t show it. Lukas would know, though. He followed him into the elevator and they exited on Lukas’ floor, heading down the hall to the apartment door. Lukas unlocked it and entered, locking the door behind Bastian.
After they hung up their jackets and took off their shoes, they both stood by the door, leaning against the wall and looking at each other. All worries they’d had about still appearing normal to their friends had vanished after the first few minutes. This relationship really hadn’t changed much at all about them, to their continued surprise.
Lukas was the first one to speak. “Tonight was awesome; we need to get together with the guys more often from now on.”
Bastian agreed. “That we do. It was a good time, for sure.” A moment later and Bastian had moved closer to Lukas, his arms sliding behind the other’s back as he pulled him close. Their lips met again and while Bastian was a little drunk, he wasn’t drunk enough to completely lose his senses. Aside from a little flick across Lukas’ lips, his tongue remained inside his own mouth, though with the buzz of the alcohol, he did long for a lot more.
Lukas reciprocated the embrace and slid his arms behind Bastian, meeting him for the kiss and feeling that same tiny flicker he’d felt earlier in the day at the light touch of the tongue on his lips. Even while drunk, Bastian was still aware enough of things to not push any further, and the realization made Lukas smile. Bastian’s feelings must be running awfully deep if they managed to cut through the alcoholic haze. Lukas tightened his arms around Bastian, kissing him on the neck before speaking.
“Let’s go to bed.” They pulled apart but their hands met and clasped together as they walked down the hall toward the bedroom. Today had indeed been a milestone of sorts for them, a real test of their ability to remain as normal as possible around their friends without giving anything away. They’d passed the test with ease and it really made Lukas feel infinitely better about things. He wasn’t sure if they’d keep this from everyone forever, but keeping it from them for now definitely wouldn’t be much of a problem.
It was six-thirty on Tuesday evening when Lukas parked his car in the Sabener Strasse parking lot, getting out and locking the doors. It felt weird to be back, as he hadn’t been here since his accident. It made him yearn to come back though. Hopefully when he went in to see Greg tomorrow, he’d be getting good news from the physiotherapist in charge of his initial rehabilitation program. Lukas was hopeful that he’d made enough progress for Greg to hand him over to the club physio team so he could get on his way to coming back.
As he walked toward the entrance he noticed the ever-present group of fans there, waiting for the players to come out to their cars, always looking for autographs and pictures. Sometimes it amazed him how many people always showed up; sometimes he even thought he could recognize a few of them as having been here numerous times. As he approached them they looked over and noticed him and immediately started calling to him. He just smiled and waved at them, no longer fearful and anxious of fan interaction. When a few of them, young women, pled with him to come over and talk to them, he laughed and said that he’d be back out in a few minutes. He waved again before turning away and heading into the Bayern headquarters building.
He made his way down the hall, heading for the locker room. Everyone should either be showering or getting dressed by now, but it still felt a little odd to be coming in. Above all else though, it made him long for that familiar routine of coming here every day for training. He missed it and he was so anxious to get back to it. He pushed open the door and walked into the room, immediately being greeted by some happy cheers from his team mates. Already being near the door, Roy was the first one to greet him, very quickly pulling the younger man into a hug.
“Lukas, it’s good to see you. Are you here to pick up your puppy?” Roy smiled, not hesitating to throw in Bastian’s new nickname.
“Roy! What the fuck?” Bastian, who was in the process of pulling a shirt over his head, reacted offended and a little upset at the name. The rest of the room laughed at the reaction.
“Puppy?” Lukas looked curiously around, before settling his sight on Bastian. Before he gave anyone the chance to give an explanation, Bastian hurriedly picked up his bag, grabbed his coat, then marched up to Roy and grabbed Lukas, pulling him by the arm out of the room. Lukas laughed and protested, before giving up and waving goodbye to the guys. He’d get an explanation from one of the three they were meeting tonight anyway.
“Forget you heard that. Let’s go, we’re meeting the others at Zoozie’s, that’s what we decided today. Figured we might as well do dinner too.” Bastian let go of his arm as they walked out to the front of the building, stopping so Bastian could pull on his jacket. Lukas didn’t say anything for the moment, just watching Bastian and smirking. He really wanted to know what the puppy name had been about, given the way Bastian had simply bolted from the room. They left the building soon after, heading out to the parking lot where the fans were. The moment they were spotted, shouts started anew for them to come over. One glance at each other and they both made their way over to the barricaded area where the fans were standing.
Lukas had to admit that he really had kind of missed the fan interaction a bit. It hadn’t been pleasant for a while, but now that he was better and feeling more confident in his ability to meet with them, he didn’t mind taking a bit of time here and there for it. He started signing the various things being thrust at him, very much aware of the flashes of cameras. One of the girls who’d been yelling earlier asked if he and Bastian would pose together for a picture and they did, smiling for the girl and her giggling friends. They looked at each other and grinned, both thinking the same thoughts. After the picture they took their leave, thanking the group for their support before heading off for Lukas’ car.
When they were far away enough from the fans, Bastian looked at Lukas, a very happy looking smile on his face. “Remember when the thought of all those people made you cringe?”
Lukas just smiled and unlocked the doors, sliding into the driver’s seat. When Bastian entered on the other side Lukas looked over at him, the smile still present. “It’s good to be back, crazy fans and all.”
Bastian grinned and did up his seat belt, before laying his hand on Lukas’ leg, squeezing his thigh slightly. “I’m happy you’re back. It felt good helping you out through all of that, but I missed having this you around.”
Lukas laid one of his hands overtop of Bastian’s, lacing their fingers. It was the closest they could get, and even something like this wouldn’t seem too out of place for them. Lukas started the car, turning the volume down just a little as his music came on. Polish hip hop as usual, Mezo this time. Bastian made a face.
“You’re probably going to make me listen to this crap, aren’t you?” Bastian never hesitated to tease about the music.
Lukas looked at him with a bit of a grin. “It’s either this or Shawn Desman, take your pick.”
Bastian quickly withdrew his hand from Lukas’ leg, frowning. “Well in that case, turn this shit up.” Bastian wasn’t quite sure exactly how Lukas had started listening to the Canadian artist, but he never hesitated to tease him about that music too. Although there were a few songs of his that Bastian didn’t mind, really. But as always, there was no way he was going to admit that to Lukas.
“Oh come on, he’s not that bad. I know you like some of his stuff.” Lukas had a feeling that Bastian didn’t hate the music as much as he pretended to.
“Don’t delude yourself. Even our female friends don’t listen to Shawn Desman.”
“That’s a lie. Lena likes him.” Lukas wasn’t about to tell him that was only because he’d pretty much forced the music on her one day when he’d driven her out to visit family.
“Well, she’s fucked in the head, we all know that! I mean come on; she thinks the singer from Tokio Hotel is the hottest guy ever in existence. Definitely not functioning with a full deck.” Ever since he’d walked into her room and seen the numerous pictures of the rocker brothers on Lena’s wall he’d constantly teased her about it, exclaiming that he’d never known that she was into women. It never failed to annoy her and the conversation usually ended up with her slapping him on the head and telling him to expand his horizons a little more.
Lukas couldn’t help but laugh; he’d been there the first time to witness the explosion. He glanced at Bastian as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed away from the headquarters. “Oh come on, you know you’d do him.”
Bastian looked at him and immediately glared. “Fuck you!” Bastian continued to glare while Lukas laughed at him. “Besides, I like my guys with a fair bit of muscle on them. So you’d better get yourself back to the gym, Chubs.” Now it was Bastian’s turn to laugh, while Lukas glared at him.
“Fuck you right back, asshole.” Lukas’ glare didn’t last too long though, and he eventually caught on to Bastian’s laughter. He pulled up at a red light, returning his gaze fully to the road ahead of him for a moment before looking back. “I really hope he clears me to start training again tomorrow. I’m worried he’s going to tell me that he thinks I need another week, or more, before I can start doing real training again. As much of a work out as the water stuff is, I really miss weight training.”
Bastian grinned and reached over to squeeze Lukas’ bicep. “No kidding, I think I’ve actually got bigger arms than you now.”
Lukas frowned momentarily. “And that’s really pathetic.” He immediately grinned after making the comment.
“You know what? Fuck you a second time!” They both laughed at the comment, while the light turned green and Lukas pressed down on the gas again. They drove through the city now, heading for the popular pub-style restaurant.
“So, how was training today anyway? Anything exciting I’m going to hear about tonight?” Lukas glanced at him, looking devious enough to make sure Bastian knew what he was referring to.
“No, I am not going to let them tell you about Roy’s comment! Don’t ask.” Bastian knew exactly what Lukas was talking about, and he knew he was doomed. The nickname, to his horror, had not been dropped today. In fact, it was the only way anyone had referred to him all day, which was the reason why he’d bolted so quickly when Lukas had shown up. But even if it came out tonight, he planned to spill to the guys about his nickname for Lukas as retaliation. That was always the best way to get the attention off of yourself, after all.
“We’ll see. You might not be able to keep me from asking, but I’m sure they’ll be itching to tell me and you can’t keep the three of them shut up on your own. You’re screwed.” Finally now they came up on the building and Lukas parked on the opposite side of the street. They got out of the car, standing together and waiting for the traffic to pass before crossing. They tried to make it into the restaurant as quickly as possible. It was always easier to blend into the crowd in a packed place, and they’d found that the crowd usually here didn’t really harass them all that much. Aside from the usual supportive greeting every now and then thrown their way, the majority of the time they were actually left alone.
It was still early enough that the place wouldn’t be too full, so they’d easily get a table. They managed to make it inside without getting stopped by anyone, and once in they were seated and had their orders for drinks taken by one of the waiters who they usually saw when they came here, a tall and well-muscled man by the name of Anton. Bastian ordered a Paulaner, while Lukas stuck with the usual Coke. Anton grinned, shaking his head and making a comment about Lukas still not drinking alcohol. Bastian laughed and Lukas scowled. Anton patted Lukas on the shoulder and told them he’d be back with their drinks in a moment before wandering off to take down the order from another table.
Lukas looked across the table at Bastian. “Even the waiters are against me.”
Bastian laughed and leaned forward. “I’ve told you, now that you’re living down here in Bavaria, you should be doing like the Bavarians do, getting yourself drunk. It’s not so bad.” A moment and a scowl from Lukas later, Anton was back with their drinks. They looked over menus to decide what they wanted to eat, waiting for the others to arrive before ordering. The remaining three would be coming together and as they all knew, Michael Rensing liked to take his time in the shower. In fact Lukas didn’t remember seeing him in his brief scan of the room when he’d been there.
Once they made their decisions they laid the menus down, deciding that they might as well order a plate of appetizers while they waited. Bastian placed the order and barely a minute later, the other three finally walked in. Lukas waved to them and soon he and Bastian were joined by their friends. Andreas and Philipp sat down on Lukas’ side of the table, while Michael sat beside Bastian. Immediately Anton was back, confirming his suspected order of three more glasses of Paulaner.
“Have a nice shower, Rense?” Bastian looked at him and winked.
“Hey, some of us like to pamper ourselves after practice a little, you know.”
“Yeah, it takes a man a bit of extra time to loofah the body.” Philipp looked across the table and winked at Bastian.
Michael looked across at him, glaring just slightly. “Fuck you, Lahm.”
Philipp laughed and stuck his hands up in front of him, the gesture one of placation. “Hey man, I’m on your side. There’s no need to get defensive.”
“Well, well, who’s been showing you the pleasures of the loofah, Fips?” Bastian grinned and looked across at him. No one was safe tonight.
Philipp shook his head and glared back at Bastian. “Fuck you too, Schweini.”
While the exchange was going on, Anton came back with the drinks and said that he’d send the food waitress in a few minutes for them. They thanked him and picked up their glasses. Andreas held his up in the centre of the table. “Fuck us all.”
As the four beer drinkers clinked their glasses together, Bastian glanced at Lukas with a devious grin on his lips. “Except the virgin.” Lukas glared at Bastian, while Andreas and Philipp laughed.
Michael, however, looked between Lukas and Bastian with a shocked expression. He finally settled on Lukas. “Are you really…” He didn’t finish the sentence, almost as though he was so in disbelief over it that he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
Bastian immediately looked at Michael and winced. “Shit, I forgot you didn’t know!” He looked back at Lukas, an innocent smile on his face. “Please don’t kill me.”
Lukas was still glaring at Bastian, ignoring Michael’s question for the time being. Andreas grinned as he watched them, his eyes flicking back and forth in between them. “Somebody’s gonna die tonight, I think.” He took a sip from his beer, while Lukas kicked Bastian in the leg.
“Ow! Did you just kick me?”
“No sorry, that was me. I was stretching my leg out, you know.” Andreas nodded to Bastian, before looking at Lukas and grinning.
“Fuck off Andi; I know it was you.” Bastian leaned forward to rub at his shin, his eyes on Lukas the whole time.
“Damn right, and if you think of saying anything else, it’ll be a lot harder and just a little higher next time.” Lukas winked at Bastian, before taking a sip from his glass.
Bastian grinned. “Just like in the pool, right?”
Lukas laughed at the comment and nodded. “Just like in the pool.” They both laughed, while the other three glanced at one another, wondering if anyone else knew the story.
When it was apparent that no one else did, Philipp spoke up. “You guys aren’t getting all gay in the pool, are you?” He tried to look at them with an accusing stare, but it wasn’t quite working.
“Of course not, you know there’s no gay in the pool. It’s not allowed.” Lukas looked down the table at Philipp, obviously referencing something. At first Philipp didn’t appear to be getting it, so Lukas looked at Bastian, who didn’t either. “Oh come on, you guys have to remember that! Sardinia, resistance training in the pool…”
“Oh yeah!” Philipp remarked first, laughing at the memory. A moment later Bastian remembered as well. Meanwhile, Andreas and Michael were looking at each other, shaking their heads.
“Let me guess: another senior squad story?” Andreas looked at Philipp, before taking a sip from his glass.
Philipp grinned and nodded. “One day we were doing training in the pool, of course, and we were all hanging around waiting for the trainer to come back. Well Metze gets up in front of everybody and starts this little speech about how there will be no gay in the pool. It’s forbidden. He had everybody practically in tears laughing.”
Michael grinned and shook his head. “He’s the one who always goes on about gay stuff, right?”
Philipp nodded. “Yeah. Every time something even slightly homoerotic happens, he’ll start yelling about how there’s no gay stuff on the team. Which of course is way too funny, since he and his hetero life partner, Sebastian Kehl, are pretty much the gayest guys on the team. They’re even gayer than those two,” he pointed at Lukas and Bastian, “if you can believe that.”
“Hold on, what did you call Kehl? His hetero life partner?” Bastian laughed at the term, while Philipp grinned and nodded.
“Timo came up with that one.”
“Speaking of gayness on the team…” Lukas grinned, winking at Philipp.
“Hey, no picking on Timo! He’s not here to defend himself.” Philipp grinned and took a sip from his beer.
“I have to agree. Just take a look at the guy’s hair.” Bastian started patting his head, as though he were smoothing his hands over hair. “I’m Timo Hildebrand, look at my pretty hair!” Everyone at the table, save for Philipp, immediately started laughing at Bastian’s antics. Though Philipp was trying to glare and look angry, a smile was starting to crack through. After all, he loved teasing Timo about his hair too.
“Oh shut up. Besides, you guys are still way gayer than Timo’s hair.” Philipp took a sip from his beer, finally grinning now.
“We do not act gay!” Bastian glared down the table at his friend, though it wasn’t serious. He knew full well that he and Lukas did have a habit of acting a little more affectionate than guys usually did, which he was quite grateful for, given how things were going now. Bastian glanced quickly at Lukas, whose grin told Bastian that he was thinking the same thing.
“Oh please, do I have to point out the excessive hand holding on the field? Who the hell holds their best friend’s hand? Really?” Philipp had always loved to tease them about their actions on the field, especially because he knew it never bothered them. He’d always admired the fact that they were confident enough in themselves to act the way they wanted to no matter who else was around.
“The hand holding is not gay! We just hold hands because, well you know after you run a hard game, sometimes you get a little dizzy-” Bastian’s explanation was interrupted as Lukas leaned his head forward, resting it on his arms that were crossed on the table, laughing at the attempted excuse. Bastian frowned and kicked him under the table. “Poldi, you’re not helping!”
Lukas sat back up, still laughing and shaking his head. “Just admit it; we do act pretty damn gay on the field. You’re way gayer than I am, though.”
Bastian frowned and shook his head. “No way, I am not!”
“Oh yes you are.” Lukas looked down the table at Philipp. “I trust you remember who stuck their tongue in whose mouth that night, right Fips?”
Philipp grinned at Lukas before looking at Bastian. “He wins. Sorry.”
Bastian couldn’t help but start to laugh in the midst of trying to dispute that. Michael was also grinning, looking back and forth between the two. “Wow, you know, I’m surprised the two of you are talking about this in such a public place.” He winked at them and they immediately looked around, suddenly realizing just what Michael had said. But the reserve keeper wasn’t finished yet. “Speaking of which, is it really true that you haven’t, you know, done it yet?” He leaned forward on the table, looking at Lukas.
Lukas didn’t waste any time in glaring down the table at him. “Fuck you, Rense. With your loofah sponge.” He grinned after making the comment, while Michael winced.
“Ouch. I hope you slap a few extra thick, ribbed condoms on that sucker first.” He grinned, and then leaned even further forward. “You have seen a condom before, right?” As Lukas continued to glare at him, now it was Bastian’s turn to lean forward on the table, laughing hysterically into his arms.
Andreas nudged Lukas. “Hey, he can fuck the loofah sponge himself when he’s done with it. He’s small enough to fit in there, right?” He glanced back at Michael, a devilish grin on his lips.
Michael held his hands up, looking hurt. “Andi, you’re supposed to be on my side!”
Andreas shook his head. “Not tonight, my friend. See, you are sitting on that side of the table, while I am sitting on this side of the table. So I’m on Poldi’s side tonight. Well, for the time being, at least.” He looked next to him at Lukas, who was grinning.
“For now, of course. Things could always change.” While grins were exchanged around the table, the waitress came finally, taking down their orders for food and dropping off the appetizers Bastian had ordered earlier. They continued to chat while sharing the big plate of food, mostly discussing the state of the table in the league right now. At the moment they were sitting three points behind leaders Werder Bremen, and tied on points with Schalke 04. On the weekend they’d be facing fourth place Stuttgart, and the following week was the first leg of their Champion’s League semi-final against Barcelona.
When the subject was brought up Bastian looked across from him at Lukas. “You will be supporting us that night, right?” Lukas’ love for the Spanish club was no secret to his team mates.
Lukas grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I might have to go and buy myself a Ronaldhino jersey.” He winked at Bastian.
Andreas looked at him and frowned. “You are joking, right?”
While Lukas laughed at his comment, Michael took a sip of his beer before making a comment of his own. “I’m sorry, I don’t care how good he is, but he’s got a horse mouth. I just can’t take a guy with a horse mouth seriously.”
Laughter immediately sprang up around the table, from everyone except Andreas. “Rense, that’s mean.”
Michael grinned and looked across the table at him. “Mean, yes. But funny as hell.”
The guys continued to laugh and Andreas tried not to. “Stop encouraging him, guys! He’s rude; he needs to learn some manners.”
Instead of letting Andreas continue to harass Michael, Lukas saw an opening to ask his question. “Hey, speaking of animals, who feels like explaining the puppy thing to me?”
Mention of Bastian’s new nickname was enough to happily change the subject for everyone, except Bastian. He looked around the table at the guys, his expression pleading. “No, come on guys! There’s no need to go there.”
Michael grinned and leaned over toward Bastian, throwing an arm around his shoulders and vigorously rubbing the top of his head. “Puppy!” Bastian tried to push him off, smacking his arm while everyone else at the table laughed. Finally when Michael let him go and sat back down, Andreas turned to Lukas to explain.
“Okay, well obviously you know he wasn’t exactly playing up to form on the weekend. So yesterday when we had training, we asked him why you hadn’t been there and he told us you’d had to go visit your grandmother, or something. So naturally, we came to the conclusion that he played poorly because he missed you. I believe it was Pizza who gave him the name?”
Philipp nodded. “Yeah, Pizza named him. Micho was the one who made the puppy reference first though, so maybe it’s his fault.”
Lukas grinned at the explanation, turning back to look at Bastian with a devilish grin on his lips. “That’s cute. Maybe I should go and buy him a collar, keep him leashed.”
Bastian laughed sarcastically at the remark, while the others laughed whole heartedly. He looked directly at Lukas, a grin of his own popping up before he spoke. “Yeah, laugh it up Chubs.”
At the mention of his nickname Lukas’ face blanked momentarily, before he immediately looked annoyed. “You are fucking dead, Schweini.”
Michael once again looked between the two of them before putting a hand on Bastian’s arm. “Hold on, you have got to explain Chubs.”
Bastian grinned and looked across at Lukas. “All you have to do for an explanation is pinch his side. He doesn’t quite have that rock hard physique anymore.” He winked at Lukas, who was currently glaring at him.
“Fuck you Schweini. With Rense’s loofah sponge!” Laughter sprung up around the table again, this time hitting everyone. After a moment they calmed down enough for Andreas to make another comment.
“You know, we should get the Bayern shop to sell some specially coloured loofah sponges. I mean, if they sell a waffle maker, a sponge with the Bayern logo can’t be that strange, right?”
Lukas looked at him, a bit of a stunned expression on his face. “There’s a Bayern waffle maker?” Lukas jumped when he felt Bastian’s foot hit him underneath the table.
“Of course there’s a Bayern waffle maker! You’ve fucking had a Bayern waffle before, Lukas! Remember? It was before Christmas, when you came over to my parents’ house, and we had waffles that morning? And you were halfway through eating it before you looked at it and were all ‘oh my god, the Bayern logo is on here!’ and we all laughed at you because it took you that long to notice?”
Lukas started laughing immediately when Bastian started telling the story, turning to the left and leaning on Andreas, which only made him laugh even more. Lukas finally looked back at Bastian after he finished; that boyish grin on his face. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”
Bastian shook his head while he looked at him. “Lukas, you fucking dumbass!” Bastian continued to shake his head while everyone else, Lukas included, laughed about it. “You know, my mom’s going to be very upset when she finds out you forgot about that.”
Lukas looked at Bastian and pouted. “Your mom doesn’t have to know!”
Andreas laid a hand on Lukas’ shoulder. “It’s okay, it’s not his fault. That particular memory must have gotten lost in there when he got knocked on the head.” Lukas looked next to him and nodded, agreeing with the explanation. Bastian just laughed and continued shaking his head.
They were interrupted then by the waitress bringing their food. They all tried to calm down as much as possible, but random bursts of laughter still got out while she was handing out their meals. Once she finished and left, they all calmed down.
“Alright guys, let’s try and keep the laughter to a minimum now so nobody chokes.” Andreas made the comment and the rest of them agreed to it, trying their hardest to leave any further funny stories and anecdotes for after the meal. It was nearing eleven before anyone noticed the time and when they did, they all immediately started complaining about the following morning’s training session. Philipp leaned on the table, looking across the front of Andreas at Lukas.
“Why didn’t you tell me to slow down on the beer, fucker?” It wasn’t that Philipp was really drunk, but he was drunk enough that he knew he was going to be feeling it in the morning. Working out with a hangover was not pleasant in the slightest.
Lukas just grinned back at him. “Yeah, who’s the dumbass now?”
Before Philipp had a chance to respond, Bastian leaned across the table, pointing his finger at Lukas. “Oh no, you are still a dumbass, Poldi!” Lukas looked back at him and grinned. Philipp wasn’t the only one a little under the influence at the moment, although Bastian was just a little less drunk. “But don’t worry. Despite all of that, I still love you.” Lukas wasn’t sure if Bastian realized what he was saying, but it wasn’t too out of place for him to make a comment about loving Lukas, especially after a few drinks. So Lukas smiled back at him and thanked him.
Michael made a gagging noise from beside Bastian. “Oh please, if I throw up I’d like it to be because I drank too much, not because you two are acting gay.”
“That’s right!” Philipp pointed at Michael and nodded his head. “No gay at the table!”
“Yeah. That’s a new rule. No gay at the table. Not while drunk.” Michael finished off the rest of his glass, setting it down beside another one that hadn’t been cleared away.
“Speaking of drunk, I think it’s time we get everyone home, Andi. Good luck with those two.” Lukas winked at him. Knowing Andi, he’d probably follow both men into their respective apartments, making sure they set their alarm clocks properly. One time he’d simply dropped Michael off after a night out. It turned out that the reserve keeper had indeed set his alarm, but he’d set it for the evening instead of the morning. Now Andi, ever responsible in their group, always made sure to look after the drunken ones following a night out.
“Yeah, good luck with that one. I know he can be a handful.” The two sober men stood up, quickly taking care of the bill while the other three pulled on their jackets. They left the restaurant together, walking across the street to Lukas’ car, where they said their final goodbyes for the night before the other three continued up the road to Andi’s car.
Lukas and Bastian settled into the silver Audi and Lukas made sure Bastian got his seatbelt done up properly before he pulled away from the curb into the street. It wasn’t long of a drive to the building from here, but it was long enough for Bastian to give Lukas a bit of ammunition to use against him.
“Hey, where’s your Desman cd? I wanna listen to a song.”
“Ha! I knew it! I knew you liked him!” Lukas grinned triumphantly and glanced at Bastian, who was now looking a little surprised.
“Uh, no! No that’s not what I meant, I mean, wait.” He paused for a second, closing his eyes and shaking his head. “Fuck, I sound dumber than you when I’m drunk.”
“What the fuck? Do you want to walk home, asshole?” Lukas tried not to laugh, he tried to look offended. Bastian teased him about this often enough that he usually just laughed about it now.
Bastian wasn’t able to do anything but laugh about it. “Sorry, you know I’m only teasing you.” He laid his hand on Lukas’ leg, patting it.
“I think I need a new best friend.” Lukas glanced at Bastian, a pout on his lips, before looking back at the road. “Maybe I should convince David to move back to Germany. I’m going to need someone to work out with after all once I get my muscles back.”
Bastian grinned, squeezing Lukas’ leg now instead of patting it. “David, now there’s a guy really deserving of the puppy nickname!”
“Hey, don’t talk shit about David!” Lukas took one hand off the steering wheel to flick Bastian’s hand.
“Ow! Hey, I wasn’t talking shit. He did follow you around like a puppy, you can’t deny that.” Bastian turned in his seat to look at Lukas.
“Well, he didn’t really know many of the guys that well, and we got along good.” Lukas glanced at Bastian, a tiny smile creeping onto his lips. “You weren’t jealous of all the time I spent with him, were you?”
Bastian made an annoyed face at Lukas. “What? No! That’s stupid. You could spend all the time you wanted to with David; I always knew you were mine.” Bastian grinned and squeezed Lukas’ leg again.
Lukas grinned back at him. “You were so jealous. Don’t lie.” Lukas looked back at the road.
Bastian frowned. “Okay, maybe just a little. A little! But you’re mine now, so it’s all okay.”
Lukas had to smile at the comment. Despite the fact that Bastian was drunk, it was somewhat of a sweet sentiment, and he supposed that in some sense of the word, they did belong to one another now. Maybe they always had, and it was just the sense that had changed. They arrived at the building and Lukas parked the car, getting out and waiting for Bastian before they went inside. He had to laugh when Bastian stumbled on one of the steps.
“Well, look at that. The tables have turned.” He winked at Bastian before pulling open the door to the building and entering.
“Oh fuck you.” Bastian followed him in, amused though his comment didn’t show it. Lukas would know, though. He followed him into the elevator and they exited on Lukas’ floor, heading down the hall to the apartment door. Lukas unlocked it and entered, locking the door behind Bastian.
After they hung up their jackets and took off their shoes, they both stood by the door, leaning against the wall and looking at each other. All worries they’d had about still appearing normal to their friends had vanished after the first few minutes. This relationship really hadn’t changed much at all about them, to their continued surprise.
Lukas was the first one to speak. “Tonight was awesome; we need to get together with the guys more often from now on.”
Bastian agreed. “That we do. It was a good time, for sure.” A moment later and Bastian had moved closer to Lukas, his arms sliding behind the other’s back as he pulled him close. Their lips met again and while Bastian was a little drunk, he wasn’t drunk enough to completely lose his senses. Aside from a little flick across Lukas’ lips, his tongue remained inside his own mouth, though with the buzz of the alcohol, he did long for a lot more.
Lukas reciprocated the embrace and slid his arms behind Bastian, meeting him for the kiss and feeling that same tiny flicker he’d felt earlier in the day at the light touch of the tongue on his lips. Even while drunk, Bastian was still aware enough of things to not push any further, and the realization made Lukas smile. Bastian’s feelings must be running awfully deep if they managed to cut through the alcoholic haze. Lukas tightened his arms around Bastian, kissing him on the neck before speaking.
“Let’s go to bed.” They pulled apart but their hands met and clasped together as they walked down the hall toward the bedroom. Today had indeed been a milestone of sorts for them, a real test of their ability to remain as normal as possible around their friends without giving anything away. They’d passed the test with ease and it really made Lukas feel infinitely better about things. He wasn’t sure if they’d keep this from everyone forever, but keeping it from them for now definitely wouldn’t be much of a problem.