Work Text:
“You’ve put your coffee cup on it?”
Jannik sighs. “That’s what I’ve been saying, yes. Why is nobody ever listening to me?”
“I am listening to you”, Mark protests weakly, his voice thinned by the phone separating them. “It’s just that the connection is not that stable. But I think I understood everything…kind of.”
Jannik rolls his eyes to the ceiling and sighs again. There’s a chance if he keeps doing that, his lungs will grow hands and slap him across the face to make him stop. “I got this cute barista’s number on a napkin, then I forgot about it and put my coffee cup on it, and now the last two numbers are gone. What do I do?”
“Wasn’t that cute if you forgot about it immediately”, grumbles Mark.
Jannik is tired already. This holiday in Madrid was supposed to be calming and relaxing after a bad few days at work, he doesn’t need the universe to interfere and ruin his chances at meeting a nice barista to spend some time with.
“But, since you’re asking me”, Mark speaks again, “I think you should go back to the café and explain the problem to him.”
“What? That’s so embarrassing! No, no, I’m not doing that.”
Jannik can’t see him, but he’s pretty sure Mark is daydreaming about strangling him or something equally drastic, because the tone of his voice is getting higher with every word. “So let’s hear your plan, then, because if it is to text every single combination of numbers until you get the right one, you’re crazier than I thought.”
So. Maybe he is crazier than his brother thought. He just has a thing for cute Spanish men, nothing wrong with that, no?
Most of the combinations aren’t numbers on Whatsapp, so there’s that. Easier than predicted.
At one point, when he’s close to giving up and considers going to sleep, the green tick signals that the number he’s put in is actually on the app. He sits up in bed and clicks next. The profile picture is of a man from behind, the only thing visible is the mop of black hair on his head. Jannik frowns: his cute barista (and what the hell was his name, by the way?) had black hair, but the haircut doesn’t look the same. Maybe it’s an old picture, Jannik thinks.
Well. Here goes nothing.
Jannik: hola!
Jannik: we saw each other in the café today, I don’t know if you remember 😂
Carlos: ???
Carlos: which café?
Jannik: the one in Madrid! I can’t remember the street, but it’s called Café con Leche
Jannik: you gave me your number
Carlos: did I?
Carlos: that seems a bit unlikely, since at the moment I’m in New York
Jannik: oh…damn
Carlos: 😂 I swear, I’m not trying to be rude
Carlos: maybe they gave you the wrong number
Jannik: no, no, I know what happened…
Jannik: shit, sorry to bother you
Carlos: now I’m curious though
Carlos: explain, please?
Jannik: I went to a café in Madrid and the barista gave me his phone number
Jannik: but then I accidentally put my coffee cup on the napkin and smudged the last two numbers
Carlos: oooh no
Carlos: wait
Carlos: so you started texting every number possible??
Jannik: technically…you’re the first one
Jannik: but just because the others didn’t exist
Carlos: 😂😂
Carlos: wow, you must really want him
Jannik: no, I just can’t resist a challenge
Carlos: ah, same
Carlos: well, I hope you have more luck with the next one
Jannik: actually, all this made me realise how pathetic this is, so I think I’m gonna give up
Jannik: I don’t even know his name
Jannik: sorry again for bothering you
Carlos: you could just go back there tomorrow and ask him again?
Jannik: or not
Carlos: or not 😂
Carlos: no problem btw, it was fun
Jannik: glad you think so! at least someone is entertained 🙄
Jannik: thanks for replying, have a good night
Carlos: it’s day here, but same to you!
Carlos: and it’s ok ☺️
Carlos: hey, yesterday I forgot to ask if you’re a man 😄
Carlos: not that it matters, I was just thinking about it since I can’t tell from your profile pic
Carlos: actually, you don’t have to reply
Jannik: I’m a man
Carlos: great! me too
Jannik: yes…I know 😂
Carlos: right 😂
Carlos: I’m Carlos btw
Jannik: Jannik, nice to meet you
Carlos: that’s a very nice name, it is german?
Jannik: it is, but I’m from Italy, the italian part closest to Austria
Carlos: aaaah ok!! cool
Jannik: and why do you have a spanish name and number if you’re in New York?
Carlos: I’m here for work
Carlos: but I live in Spain
Carlos: what are you doing in Madrid?
Jannik: on holiday
Jannik: I go back home in 3 days
Carlos: and you wanted to find the cute barista for 3 days? 😂
Jannik: well, duh
Jannik: I’m sure I don’t need to explain why 😂
Carlos: no no, got it 👍🏽
Carlos: you should go back to the café, he’s probably wondering why the mysterious italian isn’t texting him
Jannik: whatever
Jannik: I’ll focus on the museums and stuff
Carlos: are you on holiday on your own?
Jannik: yes
Jannik: needed the break
Carlos: right…sorry for texting again and asking a lot of things
Jannik: that’s fine
Jannik: if you are from Madrid, maybe you can suggest somewhere to go?
Carlos: I’m not exactly from Madrid, but I know the city very well
Carlos: what are you looking for?
Jannik: anything
Jannik: no more cafés
Carlos: haha ok…then I’ll send screenshots of the places I think are worth visiting
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Jannik: aaah this is great!! some I didn’t even know existed
Jannik: thanks Carlos 👍🏽
Carlos: no prob ☺️
Jannik: recognise this place?
Jannik: [photo attachment]
Carlos: is that you?
Jannik: yes, but see? I’m in the botanical gardens you suggested
Carlos: wow
Jannik: yes it’s so beautiful here, so calm, just what I needed
Carlos: no yeah
Carlos: totally
Carlos: wow
Jannik: 😍
Carlos: sorry but how old are you?
Jannik: I’m 24, 25 in august
Jannik: you?
Carlos: 23
Jannik: and you already travel that far for work? damn, you must be good
Carlos: yeah, we could say that
Carlos: I like your hair 😍😍
Jannik: is that sarcasm?
Carlos: no nope definitely not sarcasm 😅
Jannik: thanks! can I see you?
Carlos: eeeh not sure that’s a good idea
Jannik: dai!! unless you’re famous
Carlos: hahaha
Jannik: dude
Carlos: sí?
Jannik: wait this is insane
Carlos: what??
Jannik: are you Carlos Alcaraz by any chance???
Jannik: because your name is Carlos, you’re 23 from Spain, for work in NY during the US open and so elusive and your hair in the pic!!!
Jannik: or am I crazy? I’m probably crazy
Jannik: honestly it’s just bad luck for you because I’m obsessed with tennis
Carlos: should I deny it or??
Jannik: oh my god
Carlos: yeaaaah it’s me
Jannik: holy shit I can’t believe this happened to me
Carlos: hahah you must really be obsessed, bc it took you so little to figure it out
Jannik: I’m a huge HUGE fan, you’re amazing
Jannik: I swear I won’t share your number online 😂
Carlos: thank you Jannik!
Carlos: but yes please, don’t share my number online 😅
Jannik: no no, I’ll stop bothering entirely
Jannik: it was great to talk with one of my favourite athletes ever
Jannik: good luck for the us open! 🦊
Carlos: thanks 😊
Carlos: I don’t know why you sent me that fox the other day, but I think it was a lucky charm
Jannik: it’s my favourite animal and a lot of people say I resemble one
Jannik: 6-0, 6-1, 6-0…that was a massacre, not a tennis match
Carlos: 😂😂 so you watched
Jannik: I never miss one of your matches, and if I do I’m sad about it for days
Carlos: send it again, maybe? for tomorrow?
Jannik: 🦊
Jannik: brutal
Carlos: it’s definitely the fox
Jannik: 🦊
Carlos: 🙂
Jannik: 🦊🦊
Jannik: double fox for the final, so excited!!
Carlos: gracias 🙏🏼
Carlos: have you ever watched a match live?
Jannik: yes, when I was younger I saw Rafa
Jannik: but I can’t wait to see more, it’s just been impossible with work and everything
Carlos: what do you do for work?
Jannik: I’m a chef
Jannik: I cook in my father’s restaurant
Jannik: well, it’s mostly mine now, he is near retirement
Carlos: oh wow cool! it makes sense you needed a break then, restaurants are so chaotic…and you work during weekends and holidays also
Jannik: yup
Jannik: I love it, but sometimes it’s just…too much
Carlos: you must be back in Italy now, no?
Jannik: yes, back to normal life
Jannik: I still watch your matches though, I keep my phone on the countertop and watch while I cook 😅
Carlos: aaah that makes me feel special
Jannik: btw, you’re supposed to get ready for the final!!
Carlos: yes, I just like talking to you, idk why
Jannik: rude 😛
Carlos: that’s not what I meant!!! sorry Jannik
Jannik: I was kidding, all good 😂 go on now, I’ll be here when you’re done
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Carlos: so, what do you say? do you like my new trophy?
Jannik: CARLOS!!!
Jannik: you were AMAZING out there
Jannik: congratulations 😍
Carlos: thanks 🫶🏽
Carlos: it’s been tough, but I’m so happy
Jannik: you should be! aren’t you supposed to be out celebrating?
Carlos: and aren’t you supposed to be asleep?
Jannik: I was busy
Carlos: watching me
Jannik: 🙄
Carlos: I’m sure you have to wake up early for work, you shouldn’t be up now
Jannik: damn, are you scolding me?
Carlos: 😳
Carlos: uhmm so, since you’re awake, I wanted to ask if I could call you
Carlos: now
Carlos: videocall, actually
Jannik: what
Jannik: are you serious?
Carlos: sí
Jannik: ok?!
Jannik watches the phone ring three times before he actually finds the courage to reply. He swallows and feels his dry throat click. How is this his life? He can’t believe he was lucky enough to find Carlos Alcaraz’s number of all people. It would be better if he tried to maintain some dignity, he doesn’t want Carlos to find out how obsessed he is with him.
It’s honestly incredible to him that Carlos keeps texting him back, or even that he sometimes texts him first. Jannik sits up more comfortably in bed and ruffles his curls before accepting the videocall. As soon as it loads, he wishes he could’ve prepared himself better.
Carlos is beautiful, just like he is on TV. He’s in bed as well, dark hair still damp from his shower, white tank top on that shows his tanned biceps, and a smile that could light up an entire stadium. He’s glowing so much that Jannik considers lowering his phone’s brightness.
“Hi, Jannik!” he says cheerfully.
Jannik immediately wants to hang up, because he knows he’s not going to survive this videocall. Carlos has an accent, he knows that, but what he finds out is that Carlos has an even stronger accent while pronouncing his name, softening the J. He might actually die.
“Uh”, he squeaks, “hi…ciao.”
Carlos’ smile seems to get even bigger as he runs a hand through his hair, messing it up. Jannik gulps. “Your hair is so curly”, he laughs.
“Yeah…so, where is it?”
Carlos grabs the trophy with one hand and lifts it in front of the screen, saying tadaa.
Jannik’s laugh is real and spontaneous. “That’s so cool, Carlos. You played incredibly well.”
It’s hard to tell, but it looks like Carlos’ cheeks pinken a little under all that tan. “Thanks! It means a lot to me, this victory.”
“You deserve it. You’re so much better than the rest of them, it’s a bit embarassing.”
“Stop, you’re making me blush”, Carlos grins sheepishly. His eyes move quickly all over Jannik’s face, or so it seems. “Maybe it is because this time I had a lucky fox with me.”
“Nah”, Jannik waves a hand dismissively, “it’s all you.”
There’s a moment of silence in which Carlos swallows and Jannik tries his hardest not to stare at his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. Then, Carlos says: “I have to go soon, but I wanted to say thank you for keeping me company during this tournament.”
“You don’t have to thank me, I liked talking to you. If I have to be honest, it’s a dream come true.”
“Would you…I mean, we could, uhm”, English fails him and Carlos purses his lips while he looks for the right words. “Would it be ok for you if we kept talking? Sometimes, not all the time, I just…yeah. It’s stupid.”
Carlos is definitely red right now. Jannik feels like he is too.
“It’s not stupid. I would lo- I would like to.”
Carlos beams and Jannik can’t do anything but stare. Somehow, he feels like he’s the one who won something tonight.
Jannik: hellooo have you seen your Shanghai draw? what the hell?
Carlos: 😂 are you saying I’m not gonna win?
Jannik: that is so not what I said
Jannik: you would win even with your hands tied behind your back
Carlos: 🤐
Carlos: but yes, seems pretty tough
Jannik: what if you lose? do we stop talking when my luck runs out?
Carlos: obviously
Jannik: 😮
Jannik: careful Charly, I can still call a journalist or two and tell them how mean you are to me
Carlos: are you threatening me?
Carlos: I like the name
Jannik: yes 😛 and what name?
Carlos: Charly
Jannik: then I willl call you Charly
Jannik: I want to ask you something but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable
Carlos: now I’m scared
Jannik: are you on the plane rn?
Carlos: yes, landing in Shanghai in 50 min
Carlos: c’mon then, ask
Jannik: ofc you pay for wifi on the plane
Carlos: I didn’t want to leave poor Jannik without me for too many hours 😛
Jannik: cute
Jannik: so…you don’t have to answer, but I feel like sometimes I get specific signals from you and I wanted to know…but at the same time I don’t want to put you in a difficult position
Carlos: yes
Jannik: yes what?
Carlos: yes, I like men
Carlos: shit I don’t even know why I said that to a stranger…it’s my biggest secret
Jannik: can I answer in two completely different ways?
Carlos: ???
Jannik: 1. thank you for telling me, I’m not gonna tell anyone, you don’t really know me but I promise I will keep it to myself forever
Jannik: 2. HOLY SHIT 😍
Carlos: hahaha you’re too funny
Jannik: remember when I said talking to you was a dream come true?
Jannik: this is something else entirely
Jannik: I’m sure you know by now I have a huge crush on you, but I promise I won’t be creepy about it
Carlos: hahah ok…
Carlos: you wanted a cute Spanish barista and you got me instead, disappointed?
Jannik: shut the fuck up, Charly
Jannik: stop winning or I’ll have to keep replying
Carlos: 😇
Carlos: call you in 5
Jannik: 👍🏼
Carlos: final at 4pm tomorrow
Jannik: ok and?
Carlos: Jannii
Jannik: yes YES I will wake up for you
Jannik: you’re gonna get me fired
Carlos: you’re the owner silly
Jannik: I hate tennis
Carlos: no you don’t 😂
Jannik: no, I really really don’t
Jannik: SHANGHAI CHAMPION CARLOS ALCARAZ 🤯
Carlos: ❤️❤️
Carlos: call you when I get back to the hotel
Carlos: wait up pls pls pls?
Jannik: !!
Carlos: coming back to europe soon yessss
Carlos: I miss it so much
Carlos: maybe I could make a detour to Italy before Paris…
Jannik: why would you do that
Carlos: to try italian food, obviously
Carlos: I know a certain chef
Jannik: you remember where I work? I told you in a phone call ages ago
Carlos: I do
Jannik: ok but still no
Jannik: you don’t even know if I’m good
Carlos: reviews say you are
Carlos: someone even wrote that the dishes are more delicious than the one who makes them
Carlos: frankly, I find that hard to believe
Jannik: oh so we’re flirting now
Carlos: please, we’ve been flirting for the past 2 months
Jannik: stop
Carlos: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable
Jannik: Carlos, please, it’s not that
Jannik: you must see how hard I blush every time you call me
Jannik: I just…it still feels like a dream and I kind of don’t want to wake up and see everything disappear in front of my eyes
Carlos: I don’t know if this helps, but I feel the same
Carlos: I’m risking a lot here and still I can’t stop talking to you
Carlos: what have you done to me? do you have witch blood?
Jannik: [photo attachment]
Carlos: a picture of you, even if it’s you making the middle finger, does not help the flirting
Carlos: and the food you make honestly cannot be better than this, fuck
Jannik: Carlos
Carlos: I’ll stop
Carlos: but you should reply to that customer bc that’s bullshit
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Carlos: home sweet home 😍
Jannik: what the fuck
Jannik: WHAT THE FUCK CARLOS
Carlos: what
Carlos: ohh wrong pic
Carlos: I’ll delete it calm down, this was the one
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Jannik: oh yes I love the trophy cabinet but unfortunately I’m a bit DISTRACTED
Carlos: it was just abs 😂
Jannik: JUST abs and they’re the abs of the hottest and fittest male player ever
Carlos: thanks?
Carlos: should I send it again?
Jannik: NO
Jannik: I’m at work!!!
Carlos: and you’re texting me? cheeky
Jannik: Carlos I will block you
Carlos: go on then
Jannik: I fucking hate tennis
Carlos: not this again 😂
Jannik: send it again
Carlos: send what again
Jannik: you know
Carlos: do I?
Jannik: yes
Carlos: I don’t
Jannik: Charly please
Carlos: ah this is unfair
Carlos: what do I get for that?
Jannik: [poto attachment]
Carlos: what’s that?
Carlos: it’s a bit blurry
Jannik: ticket for the ATP finals in Turin
Carlos: are you serious
Jannik: I am
Carlos: I need to call you
Carlos: now
Carlos: Jannik please answer my call?
Jannik: if I answer, I don’t know what’ll happen
Carlos: we find out together
Jannik: ok…together
“Janni”, Carlos sounds breathless. “Jannik, does this mean I’ll see you?”
“Yes.”
“Fuck. Mierda. I can’t wait. I want to see you.”
Jannik feels like drowning on dry land. “Me too. I want to make sure you’re real.”
“I am, cariño. Soon.”
Jannik: [photo attachment]
Jannik: [photo attachment]
Jannik: dark green shirt or white?
Carlos: no shirt
Jannik: 🙄
Carlos: dark green btw, it’s not even a question with your hair
Carlos: going somewhere nice?
Jannik: out with some friends for a beer
Jannik: I have a night off
Carlos: have fun! ❤️
Jannik: thanks ❤️
Jannik: I’m back home
Jannik: thinking about you
Jannik: why am I always thinking about you?
Jannik: at least before you were just a good player and sportsman to me, so distant
Jannik: now that I know you’re a good person and you might be interested in me? what do I do with THAT info?
Jannik: maybe I drank too much
Jannik: maybe you’re just interested in a quick fuck
Jannik: maybe I am too, who knows
Jannik: but I already know that that’s not true
Jannik: I like you so much Charly, so much
Carlos: sorry, I just woke up
Carlos: I like you too
Carlos: more than you know
Carlos: what’s your favourite color?
Jannik: green
Carlos: favourite food?
Jannik: I think sushi, or pasta
Carlos: favourite song at the moment?
Jannik: it depends, I’m listening to a lot of Spanish music lately, who knows why
Carlos: 😛
Carlos: favourite food to make?
Jannik: I like cooking fish, actually, which maybe is a bit weird because I live in the mountains
Jannik: but most recipes are harder to make and I like the challenge
Carlos: oh I remember
Carlos: so, favourite fish food to make?
Jannik: I make this delicious insalata di seppia con noci tostate, sedano e grana
Carlos: that sounds mouthwatering
Carlos: make it to me one day?
Jannik: yes
Carlos: fuck
Jannik: was I supposed to say no?
Carlos: no no, it’s just that I’m pathetic and everything you say sounds hot
Jannik: 😂😂
Carlos: my fans would say I’m down bad
Jannik: hate when they say that about you and other players
Carlos: jealous?
Jannik: who, me? nah
Carlos: 😆 favourite tennis player?
Jannik: Rafa
Carlos: rude
Jannik: who’s yours?
Carlos: Rafa!
Jannik: soulmates shit or whatever
Carlos: you’re too cute
Carlos: stop that
Jannik: deleting my cuteness as we speak
Carlos: you’re making it worse?
Jannik: should I become magically sexy then?
Jannik: [photo attachment]
Carlos: I’m calling you
Jannik: again?!?
Carlos: it’s your own damn fucking fault
Jannik: 😂❤️
Jannik: beach or mountains?
Carlos: beach 💯
Jannik: I knew it was too good to be true
Jannik: no soulmates shit
Carlos: well we could do 6 months at the beach and 6 in the mountains, no?
Jannik: ??? when did we start planning our life together?
Carlos: now
Jannik: calm down 😭
Jannik: what about your tennis career?
Carlos: oh that was for when I retire, years from now
Jannik: you should see my face
Carlos: hahaha I was kidding
Carlos: but also not
Carlos: can I see your face for real tho?
Jannik: you call me more than my mother
Carlos: is that a no?
Jannik: that’s a no, I’m at work
Carlos: fine, go to the bathroom please
Jannik: oh dear god
Jannik: I’m here, what’s up?
Carlos: [photo attachment]
Carlos: 😇
Jannik: I hate you so much, you’re a terrible person
Carlos: 😂😂 ooops
Jannik: Carlos stop laughing I am hard at work
Carlos: oh
Carlos: well, mission accomplished?
Jannik: what the hell am I gonna do now 😭
Carlos: you should call me
Carlos: so I can help
Jannik: so you can help
Carlos: that’s what I said
Carlos: don’t you have an office or something?
Jannik: my dad’s office!!!! are you insane
Carlos: why is that kinda hot
Carlos: not your dad, I meant…the sneaking around
Jannik: hot for you and terrifying for me
Jannik: great I’m soft, all good
Carlos: you’re no fun
Jannik: I’ll show you fun when I get home
Carlos: 😮
Carlos: yes please!
The call connects on the second ring. Neither of them says anything at first.
There’s just breathing on both ends of the line: Jannik’s a little uneven, Carlos’ quieter, controlled like it is before a big match. Months of messages, late-night jokes that went on too long, voice notes, and so many phone calls Jannik has lost track of the number: all of it narrowing into this moment. And this time, Jannik doesn’t want to hold back.
It’s too painful and he’s done pretending this isn’t the greatest thing that’s ever happened to him.
“Ciao,” he finally says.
The reply comes low, almost too low to hear. “Hola.”
“I wasn’t sure I was going to call for…this,” Jannik admits despite himself.
A soft exhale on the other end. “You were.”
They both know it’s true, so Jannik doesn’t waste time denying it.
The room behind Carlos is dark, soft edges and shadows. His face, however, is clear, too real now, like all the distance there is between them has just collapsed and if they both touched the screen they would touch each other, somehow. He’s shirtless and Jannik can’t seem to stop his eyes from mapping every inch of skin he can see.
They both stare at each other for what feels like hours, but no, that’s impossible: Carlos would never be able to resist that much without saying something. It’s him that breaks the silence again.
“How was work?”
“I don’t want to talk about work”, Jannik says under his breath.
“No?” Carlos’ voice is deeper than usual, raw in a new way, stripped away from all pretenses. “And what do you want to talk about?”
“When you say it like that,” Jannik replies, “it sounds like you already know the answer.”
Carlos’ mouth twitches slightly. “Do I?”
“Yes. Maybe we shouldn’t pretend we don’t know what we’re doing.”
Carlos studies him for a moment, then nods. His hair is longer now and brushes softly against his forehead. “Ok. We do what you want, I’m here.”
That makes something flicker in Jannik’s expression, something softened and unguarded for half a second before he reins it back in. He takes a breath and it sounds shakier than he would like. “I want…you. All the time.”
Carlos closes his eyes for a moment, like that simple phrase had the power to cause him physical pain. When he opens them again, not even the dim lighting in his room can hide his hungry stare. “What would you do if I were there?”
“So many things, you have no idea. Every night I fall asleep thinking about them.” It should feel embarassing to open up like this, but Jannik is past the point of caring.
“Tell me one, I’ll tell you one.”
“If you were here,” Jannik begins slowly, “I wouldn’t talk at first, I’d just…look at you. Like this. Then I’d get closer and touch you, to make sure you’re real.”
Carlos leans a little closer to the camera, like distance has become intolerable. “Touch me where?”
“Everywhere. On your face, your cheeks, your lips. Charly, please, tell me yours.”
“I would…”, it looks like Carlos is struggling with picking just one thing to say, and Jannik has the silly thought that he looks like he’s having a harder time here than on court. “I would ask you to say my name, like you just did. And then I would kiss it from your lips.”
“Carlos Alcaraz, a romantic”, jokes Jannik, but it falls short. He lays down in bed and puts a hand on his chest, nervously tapping his fingers right where his heart is. Carlos assumes the same position, always looking at him and barely blinking. “Will you…”
“Say it”, Carlos replies immediately, and like he already knows what Jannik’s thinking he adds, “don’t be embarassed. Remember, I want it too.”
So, Jannik tries again. “Will you touch yourself for me? And show me?”
“Yes.”
His voice is sure and his eyes show how much he wants it. Jannik watches as Carlos adjusts his hold on the phone and lowers the camera until Jannik can see his glorious naked chest and his lap, where it’s clear he’s already half aroused in his sweatpants. Jannik can’t hold in a small hiccup and Carlos smirks at him knowingly.
“Sorry, sorry, I just…” but Jannik’s voice dies down, because Carlos’ hand has started a slow path south and is touching the toned, tanned skin of his abs.
“Don’t apologise, it’s flattering”, says the Spaniard. “It is better than the pictures, no?”
“Yes, yes, ye-”, he shuts himself up while Carlos laughs gently. He feels his face is on fire, he’s probably so red his freckles have disappeared.
“Will you show me as well?”
Jannik nods and puts his phone down on the bed next to him, then he takes off his shirt and pants. When he grabs it again, he shows Carlos and watches how the smile drains from his face quickly.
“Janni. Ah, fuck”, he whines and Jannik can clearly see, even through a screen, how his cock twitches under his sweatpants. That reaction alone boosts his confidence and makes him harder than ever.
“Shut up”, he says weakly, “you are so…and I’m…”
“Perfect”, concludes Carlos. “Perfect for me, c’mon, show me everything.”
Jannik does, and Carlos follows immediately after.
Carlos is not extremely long, but very thick and veiny. His hand curls around the whole base of it and the sight is like a punch to Jannik’s stomach. He’s almost completely hard and a bit of precum is oozing from the big, pink tip. Jannik’s mouth fills with saliva.
“You look—”
“I want to put you in my mouth”, Jannik interrupts him, delirious with want.
Carlos’s head falls back and thumps against the wall behind his bed. “Sí, por favor”, he groans.
Their hands start moving almost at the same time, like they both can’t wait another second. Jannik watches, mesmerised, and tries to match the speed so maybe, just maybe, it will feel like it’s Carlos’ hand touching him instead.
“I was saying”, Carlos pants, “you look sinful. You are so…long. I bet you would feel amazing.”
And Jannik just has to ask. “Where?”
“In—inside, please?” his voice breaks on the last syllable, his hand speeding up and down his length.
“Cazzo, Charly. Do you want me to fuck you? Is that what you need?”
“Yes! Sí, sí.”
Carlos’ cock twitches again and more precum slides down, helping his movements, which are getting faster and faster. Jannik is not doing better: he feels so close already, he almost wants to slow down and make it last longer. But not this time: they’ve been waiting long enough.
Both are breathing hard, but can’t stop looking at each other. Jannik can feel the familiar sensation in his gut, he knows he’s close, he just needs something. A little final push. Maybe…
“Charly.”
“Sí?”
“Please, I’m so close.”
“Me too.”
Jannik gulps, then moans when he sees Carlos focus on his tip with delicate fingers. “Please, can I…can you show me? Want to be inside you so much.”
Carlos’ hand stops abruptly and he makes a noise so needy that Jannik wants to go back in time, record it and save it so he can hear it again and again for the rest of his life.
Carlos obeys immediately: he understands what Jannik is asking for and opens his legs, planting his feet on the mattress. It’s not easy with just one hand, but he manages to show Jannik his hole, small and puckered, slightly twitching under Jannik’s stare.
“Ah, Charly”, later, Jannik will probably deny sounding this desperate, “so hot. Wish I could stay inside you for hours.”
“Yes, gonna come inside me?”
That does it. Jannik’s groan is so deep he almost misses Carlos’ moan, but he’s very glad some part of him is present enough to keep his eyes from closing, because Carlos coming is a sight to behold. He keeps touching himself until he gets too sensitive, then stops entirely and watches the mess they’ve made. He wishes he was laying down next to Carlos so much it borders on painful.
“Carlos, are you ok?”
Carlos laughs, deep and full, laugh lines decorating the corner of his eyes. “Oh fuck yes, I’m ok. We’re doing it again in five minutes.”
Jannik: ciao bello
Carlos: hola cariño, how are you?
Jannik: good
Jannik: miss you
Carlos: miss you too
Carlos: sorry I’ve been busy with press & media days 😖
Jannik: that’s ok, and btw you text me every day 😂
Carlos: still, I feel like I was a bit distant
Carlos: what have you done today?
Jannik: day shift at work, grocery shopping, dinner with mom and dad
Carlos: sounds lovely, wish I were there
Jannik: I’ll see you soon, no?
Carlos: sí
Carlos: the countdown on my lockscreen says 5 days
Jannik: oh you’re down bad
Carlos: tell me something I don’t know
Jannik: ok, here:
Jannik: I’m yours
Carlos: Jannik
Carlos: what do you mean
Jannik: that it has only been you since we started talking
Jannik: and I want to be yours in every way
Jannik: but we’re talking about this in person
Carlos: YES WE WILL BE
Carlos: WHY ARE YOU SAYING STUFF LIKE THAT LIKE IT’S NOTHING
Jannik: hehe
Carlos: you’re lucky you’re cute
Carlos: and I want to be yours too
Carlos: just…you know I’m not out, right? And for now I don’t want to be…my career first
Carlos: sorry, we can talk about it face to face
Jannik: we will, but I know
Jannik: I’m willing to wait for you
Carlos: -3!!!
Jannik: do you kiss on the first date?
Carlos: you bet I do
Carlos: with tongue if it’s you
Jannik: can I leave hickeys if they’re in a hidden place?
Carlos: hell yes
Jannik: just landed in Turin!
Carlos: ok bebé
Carlos: see you tomorrow?
Jannik: see you tomorrow ❤️
Carlos: ❤️😘
Carlos has shared his position with you.
Jannik swallows reading the message, heart hammering against his chest so hard he’s afraid someone might see it through his t-shirt. He takes a deep breath and looks at all the people around him: they’re all excited for the first match of the day, chattering and waving flags of different countries and posters about their favourite players. They’re all clueless that among them, staring at his phone, a guy named Jannik is about to meet their idol. And probably kiss him too.
His ticket is for the night match, but Carlos suggested he get there early, so they could have a little time to themselves before he has to get ready with his pre-match routine. Jannik’s nervous. His hands are shaking, just like it happens when he’s dealing with a very demanding customer, and he can feel the sweat on his upper lip. He’s about to meet his idol and his…boyfriend? Or something like that. He’s still not 100% sure this isn’t a big joke and he’s about to find out in the worst possible way.
After another deep breath, he starts walking again. He dodges screaming teenagers carrying a huge Spanish flag and families eating popcorn and chatting about the match that’s about to start. Following Carlos’ directions, he reaches a door in a back alley. No one’s there, not even a security guard. When he tries to open it, though, he finds out it’s locked, so he knocks ligthtly on the metal surface.
When the door swings open, every worry disappears like snow under the sun’s fierce rays, because Carlos is here, right here, with his short shorts, black Nike tank top, black Nike shoes, messy black hair and a smile so big even the sun itself disappears for a second to give him space, ashamed to have a rival this beautiful and glowing. Jannik is staring.
“Ah, Janni”, Carlos’ voice is soft and small crinkles appear around his eyes when he meets Jannik’s eyes.
For a moment, neither moves. Then, Jannik snaps out of it and thinks, clearly, this is it.
He moves forward so quickly that Carlos’ eyes widen, closes the door behind them so no one will see, and finds himself in a small, empty room. He’s delirious with the desire to touch and see and make sure everything is real. He grabs Carlos’ face in his hands, careful, feels how rough his bearded cheeks are, and inhales the sweet smell of him. So good. Better than anything he’s ever fantasised about.
“Charly”, he exhales, in awe.
“Right here, cariño. You’re so beautiful.”
And Jannik has so many things to say, too many, he doesn’t know where to start. He wants to say I’m yours and can you be mine?, I can’t believe you’re here and I’ll wait for you forever, wants to say you’re beautiful too and you’re the best thing I could mistakenly find, doesn’t know how to say all that without crying or laughing or making a fool of himself. So he finds the next best way to express what he’s feeling.
He caresses Carlos’ lower lip and watches how Carlos swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, cheeks reddening, and dives in without thinking twice.
Kissing Carlos is a revelation. He follows Jannik’s lead, blindly, softly, never trying to take control of the kiss. Jannik gives him everything he has. He kisses him chastely at first, just a press of lips, getting to know each other in a new way. When their tongues finally meet, Jannik realises that they’ve moved and Carlos’ back is against one of the walls. Carlos’ hands are in his hair, tugging at the curls, and Jannik’s hands are touching Carlos’ hips, his fingers brushing the little patch of skin between his shirt and shorts.
He ends the kiss when he feels like he’ll die if he doesn’t breathe soon. He takes a step back and opens his eyes, meeting Carlos’ eyes immediately. He’s gasping for air, black t-shirt all wrinkled and hazel eyes full of so many things Jannik can’t name. Maybe they’re the same things currently swirling around in his brain. He feels like he should say something.
“You are…”, he stops again, pondering which thing to say first, and then gives up, because really, Carlos is “…everything.”
Carlos smiles again, even brighter if possible, and laughs shyly. “So are you. Come with me? I want to show you around, introduce you to some people.”
Always. Everywhere.
That seems too much too soon, so Jannik just says “yes”, and follows.