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Crowd eruptions from the Norway side, pure tension and devastation from the England side as the score was 2-1 to Norway, only Bellingham scoring one goal while Schjelderup and Haaland scored somehow in a minute, completely replaying what Jude did in the Mexico vs England match.
Haaland saw Bellingham wince at both of their goals in a minute, knowing that his ego was getting crushed since England was in the lead so far but soon declining, Haaland’s chest churning being empathetic for his saddened dearest. There was only 10 minutes left until the match ended, which meant England had to wait another 4 years to at least try and get into the quater-finals if they lost.
“Fuck.” - Jude murmured in despair, getting crushed by the screams of the Norwegians crying with joy and the English screaming with anger at the time and at him even.
Erling watched him closely with softened eyes, his heart hurting from the sight of his loved one being so sullen, he immediately regretted the goal he made and should’ve just ignored the rawring of the crowd begging for him to score and pleading for victory, but own ego got the best of him instead of what was in his heart, Jude Bellingham.
5 minutes were only left of the game which would predict England’s place in the 2026 World Cup for all of time, it made Jude feel nauseous at the running thoughts that kept him unfocused on the game. Commentators picked up on this since Bellingham was the most impressive in these matches with performance and attitude, making everyone disappointed in him.
Tuchel noticed this way too quickly, how Jude was fading into the back of the field and running slowly towards the ball instead with speed like he usually was, Tuchel knew something was up but couldn’t take off his most best player in the team, according to his performance in previous matches. Although Jude was practically begging to get off the field, at least he looked like it, no one noticed except for Haaland.
All the minutes feel like a wave of wind for both lovers on the opposite team, suddenly the whistle goes and the Norwegian side of the stadium wails in happiness and excitement, while the English side wail in anger and sadness, shedding tears and sweat from that awaiting panic of loosing, which came true. Norway’s team jumping on each other yelping in bliss also, screaming and overflowing with ecstasy.
However, England’s team were the opposite, sighs and hugs were shared with teammates creating a muted environment amongst them, Jude wasn’t having it though.
Standing in the field with a quivering body, chewing the inside of his cheek making it bleed slightly, his fists tightened and his face unfazed from reality, slowly melting into his own world. Bellingham’s chest ached with pain and exhaustion, his eyes watering and blurred, his body trembled as he just stood there replaying the hard work he’d done just for nothing, just to loose, just to have an enclosed panic attack between himself what no one could notice except Haaland.
It was obvious that everyone was counting on him, he felt all eyes just on him and his silence which was unusual for such a bright man, he soon fell to his weakened knees burying his face into his shaking hands starting to softly cry, making Haaland instantly notice his emotional state being exposed to the whole world.
Cameras didn’t seem to notice Jude’s emotional state thankfully, only focusing on the game highlights and the victory for Norway.
Haaland shuffled away from the booming crowd of teammates celebrating over reaching to the semi-finals, he quickly walked over to the love of his life which he kept secret to everyone. He stared down at him feeling empowered and even cocky, but he set his confidence aside and knelt down to comfort Jude, replacing his snarky signature facade with a caring look. Erling looked around the field, Solbakken gleaming while Tuchel was sulking making Erling chuckle to himself but silenced himself from the sight of Bellingham crying.
“Jude.. I think you did great..”
Haaland whispered to Bellingham, making his ears tingle and go red knowing that Jude liked it when he muttered in his ear with his deep tone of voice, Erling took both of his hands pulling it away from his wet face that were collecting his tears, he had a tight grip on them but most importantly treated them with a gentle grip, his thumbs kept grazing both Bellingham’s hands that were smaller than his. Jude nodded as he sniffled keeping his head down practically looking like he was trying to memorise the patterns of the short grass although Jude kept on sobbing letting out the pain and sorrow.
Erling didn’t know how to comfort him at all since he was seen as a strong person and definitely not made for comfort and empathy, but he knew how to show it to the people he loved. He kept on staring and staring at Bellingham and his whimpers, not knowing what to do as the growing sadness in his chest grew looking at his one and only cry, technically because of him.
Haaland thought of the bold move that was hidden at the back of his mind, he didn’t want to show to the world yet that him and Jude were more than best friends, but they weren’t really hidden either, Erling had to make this choice quick to soothe Bellingham quickly and shortly since he was with Jude for a long tine that even cameras and the commentators were watching onto this moment, making Bellingham even more overwhelmed but still had hope because Haaland was by his side. He had to choose one thing, his reputation or his loved one, of course Erling chose his loved one knowing this move would calm Jude down instantly.
With thought, Haaland quickly closed the small gap between Bellingham and him, their lips conjoined as Erling closed his eyes cradling his head with his big hands making sure the surrender he made was tight, Jude’s eyes expanded as he let out one final tear dropping into both of their mouths allowing them to taste the saltiness of his tears, their breathing soon matching as Jude’s pupils dilated knowing that it was calming him down, it first made Bellingham shriek in surprise since they were in public, but everything was a blur to them only focusing on each others lips. Jude’s body went limo to Erling’s touch and hands cradling his head carefully, soon travelling down to his cheeks cupping his face straightforward for a good access to the softness of his mouth.
Everyone exclaimed, some with shock, some with disgust, some with excitement, cameras were on them and the commentators were shook from this moment that has never happened in football history, both of their teams just staring at them practically drooling at the state of their long, endearing kiss that just kept continuing regarding the cameras and people looking at them.
Haaland and Bellingham soon unconnected from the kiss breaking the string of spit that escaped their mouth from the intense session, their foreheads lied on each other and still kept their gaze on each other, not anyone else or the cameras. They held each others hands with a light grip, Erlings beneath Jude’s hands as Erling still kept grazing both his thumbs on Jude’s hands, looking at each other with a blooming smile ignoring the millions of questions from players and people.
“Even after everything, you helped me..”
Bellingham hushed to him with a slight croak in his voice from the weeps, his eyes showcasing a shy gaze but his smile radiating a familiar joy Haaland enjoyed to watch.
“Even after everything, I did help you, I will always help you.”
Erling mumbled back to him, copying and taking in Jude’s radiating smile and energy even after his vulnerable moment in front of so many people, Haaland’s hands still cupped at his cheeks with tenderness. They were finally out to whole world shown on live television, it was all a shock for the world but for them it was just normal, just love and they didn’t care.