Archive of Our Own

Friday, July 10th 2026

Jude Bellingham was not what one would call "chronically online.” It’s not like he wasn’t online ever, he just tried to distance himself from it especially when he was a trending tag. Although Jude would like to say that he is pretty informed with the latest gossip or trends going around since having a good platform is half the job. 

This was not the case when it came to Erling Haaland. He would doomscroll for hours and has a 378 day streak with his sister. Erling is not ashamed at this at all, in fact he takes pride in always laughing at the dumbest video he finds. The only difference about this video he was laughing about was that it was about him and someone Erling hadn’t actually seen in a long time.

Jude poured himself some coffee but not real coffee because of his diet. He just told himself it was real coffee because if someone imagined hard enough, they wouldn’t taste the difference. Jude took a deep sip before taking his phone and walking over to the small couch and turning on the telly. It was times like these Jude missed his huge house and not a nice but frankly boring hotel room. He switched it to the BFL (British Football League) to hear what they had to say about the World Cup. 

“It is amazing what these players are doing.” One of the announcers was saying. They were doing one of those circle discussions with a table but they were all standing. 

“That goal Kylian Mbappé scored was extraordinary! The way he duked all the defenders. Now that’s true football, mate.” The others all nodded their heads in agreement. 

“Now,” The main woman in the middle said, “What do we think of the Norway v. England game?” The room quieted down as they all thought. 

“Okay,” The bloke in a blue suit said, “Before we start talking about this can I just bring up the hilarious memes that have been going around with Haaland. I mean, they leave me crackling.” The room exploded into laughter. 

“What?” Jude asked to the empty room. He immediately grabbed his phone and went straight to the tiktok search bar. Haaland memes, he typed. Then there they were. Thousands of the same video each with a different caption over the video. Jude scrolled through a couple, letting a quiet chuckle out on some. Damn, these are funny, Jude thought. Then next scroll Jude stopped smiling. It was a video with him in it, with…Erling? It had Olivia Rodrigo’s new song purple playing and was just a simple edit of photos of them together back during his time with Dortmund. Jude got a pang of nostalgia looking at the pictures. Jude can’t lie, sometimes he would still think about those days when he was having a hard day himself at Madrid. He would imagine Erling’s warm smile that could challenge the sun or the way he rallies everyone together no matter how poorly it is going. 

Jude knew it was a bad idea but he clicked the tag of Haaland and himself. He clicked on the first video that popped up without even registering it. It was a sound with that new show everyone was obsessed with that came out in January, Heated Bound or Heated Rivals? Something like that. This edit sounded less friendly. There were the same pictures of Haaland and Jude together as the last edit but the vibe seemed different somehow. Jude opened the comments for some explanation. The top comment was: Where the real game is. With a picture of a bed with football field sheets. Jude’s face scrunched up. Before reading the next comment which said: Heated Footballery. With a picture of the time Haaland had hugged him on the field but this one was before they hugged and just had Haaland on top of Jude. Jude thought this was perfectly normal, two best friends embracing each other after a victory. 

Jude closed the comments, deciding they weren’t helpful and just closed tiktok all together. He was thoroughly confused and he didn’t know who to ask for answers. 

Well, he did. He just didn’t want to. They hadn’t spoken in over a year, but he knew he would have answers. 

Monday, August 17th 2020

Jude was just messing around. It was what he did, who Jude was; a player. Even if some folk didn’t see it that way it didn’t matter because who cared what randos on the internet thought. This time though it wasn’t a tweeter, it was his fellow teammate. He had gotten mad at Jude when he jabbed at his missed goal during training one too many times. Jude was still new to the team so he guessed the teammate had seniority, but Jude wasn’t even making fun of him the last time. He was actually trying to give him a tip. But the teammate took it personally and yelled at Jude in the locker room, even pushing him into a locker. 

That’s when Haaland showed up. Haaland who has shared about one word with Jude for the month Jude has been here, Haaland who lights up every room he walks into, Haaland who had joined the club at the same time as Jude, Haaland who was standing up for Jude now. 

“Why don’t you take a walk.” Haaland said in his thick Norwegian accent. He had never seemed so big before, always walking around with a gentleness to him. Now it was like a giant had come to play.

The teammate stared at him before saying, “He thinks he’s better than me! Little prick!” The guy yelled, trying to look past Haaland to Jude, but Haaland kept moving to block his view. 

“Take a walk.” Haaland flicked his head towards the door. The teammate gave him one massive look up and down before backing away and out the door, slamming it. 

The locker room seemed to let out a huge breath everyone seemed to be holding, and chatter started up almost immediately as if nothing happened. Haaland just turned around to Jude. 

“Are you alright? That dude is an ass to you because he’s mad you’re already better than him.” Haaland asked. Jude stared in shock. How could this man go from being the scariest thing on the planet to asking Jude if he’s alright with the most gentle voice Jude had ever heard. Maybe it was that stupid accent. 

“Oh, uh, yeah. I’m good mate. Thanks for that.” Jude stammered. 

“Anytime, it’s what teammates are supposed to do.” Haaland said with a bit of a bite in his voice. “On a different note, you played well out there today. I am excited to see you play in a real game this Friday.” Jude’s smile grew and decided something. 

“Thanks. You’re amazing too.” Jude grabbed his bag. “You’re new here too, right? We got transferred together?” Haaland nodded. 

“You might have actually been on my plane. Hope my snoring didn’t keep you up.” Haaland joked and Jude responded with a laugh. 

“Well, what if we went and saw some sights together. Since we’re both new.” Jude explained as Haaland grabbed his things and they walked outside together. 

“That would be ace!” Haaland exclaimed with the biggest smile on his face. “Here, I’ll give you my number so we can figure it out.” Haaland gave Jude his digits before saying he has to go call his mamma but he is excited to hang later. 

“OK!” Jude yelled as Haaland headed to his car. Haaland looked back and gave him a wave before getting into the car and driving away. Jude slowly got into his own car and just kind of sat there for a couple minutes. He told himself he was just processing. He didn’t understand it then and refuses to now, but his chest felt lighter and his head felt as if he had drank a beer. 

The rest of the day Jude couldn’t get the man’s piercing blue eyes or Norwegian accent or his amazingly bright smile out of his mind. 

Friday, July 10th 2026

Jude’s stared at the contact. He had to scroll down quite a while to find this one. Jude’s eyes hovered over the name. Normally, Jude just has the person’s name with an emoji or two, but this one had an inside joke. Mackerel. Jude barely even remembered the joke just that it had something to do with a Norwegian folktale and it made him laugh. He stared at the profile picture which was a man with striking blue eyes and a huge smile plastered on his face, he had his tongue out and was about to fall down. Jude took the picture; it was after a win at some local bar and the man had been completely drunk. He had tried to do a dunk on a bartender because someone said that he could play basketball and absolutely failed. 

Jude let out a sigh. You’re overthinking this, he thought before pressing the messages. He looked at the last messages they had sent over a year ago. 

Good luck with your game tonight! 

Thanks! You too!

It was like they had become strangers, forgotten the two years of deep friendship they had and when they were-Jude shook his head. This was stupid. He closed his phone and was about to get up when the phone he just set down started ringing. Jude picked it up expecting to see one of his teammates or family members’ contact name show up. Instead it was Mackerel with that face that everyone seems to be talking about. Jude clicked to answer before he could even think. 

“Bellingham!” Erling’s booming voice came over the phone. It was a facetime and it looked like he was doing the same thing Jude was, chilling on the couch. Jude had to hold back a chuckle. 

“Oi, Erling what you doing calling me at ten in the morning?” Jude smiled, trying to ignore his real question; why are you calling me after not talking for a year? 

“Funny story. I was watching BFL and they mentioned you!” Jude looked up to his silent telly and in big bold letters it did indeed read: IS JUDE BELLINGHAM THE RIGHT CALL? It seemed that was their discussion question for the next ten minutes. Nothing unusual, it was their job to question players’ tactics, plus Jude was used to it.

“So,” Haaland continued, pulling Jude back towards him. “I had a hilarious thought.” 

“And what’s that?” Jude was suspicious. 

“We should meet up before the big game everyone is talking about.” Haaland wiggled his eyebrows and Jude felt like it was just like old times. 

Jude was about to say yes in a heartbeat but he checked the clock, “I can’t, I have training in forty-five minutes.” 

“Hmm, what time does it start?” Haaland asked. 

Jude got up and started walking towards his room, chugging down his coffee in one hand and holding the phone in the other. “At one, why?” 

“No reason. See you soon, Bellingham!” The call ended. 

Jude stared at his phone for a moment. What just happened? Was Haaland coming after training? Jude was thoroughly confused but didn’t have the time to think about it since he was going to be late for training. 

Jude rushed off to change and sprinted downstairs just in time before the bus left. His teammates jabbed at him for being late but eventually everyone took their seats and drove toward the field. Jude sat in the back next to Rice who fell asleep almost as soon as he sat down. Jude rested his head on his seat and tried to take a nap, but most importantly he did not think about Erling’s mysterious plan. However frustrating it was to be left in the dark, a part of Jude was happy and actually excited for whatever his crazy plan was. He missed the spontaneous hang outs they would do that would lead to-Jude stopped himself. It was four years ago, he thought, get over it, Bellingham. 

Saturday, October 29th 2021

It was a great game. Dortmund won 3-2 in the last minute with a goal from Erling with Jude having assisted him. Erling had tackled Jude to the ground in a huge hug as the rest of the team ran over to celebrate. To Jude, this was heaven. The cheering from the fans and the smiles from their team. The team all celebrated on the pitch before all running into the locker room, where they just cheered in the locker room. Even their coach was happy with them! The team all agreed the party wouldn’t end now and decided to head to a local bar. 

First, Erling and Jude both decided they should change out of their jerseys, so they and a couple other players rode the bus back to the hotel, saying they would meet up with the team later. 

The bus ride was surprisingly quiet. Erling and Jude sat next to each other like always. Jude rested his head on Erling’s shoulder watching him scroll through his tiktoks, occasionally laughing at them. Sometimes Jude would make Erling pause at a video and explain it. Erling would always happily explain without making it feel like Jude was dumb or old. He just wasn’t addicted, so what? 

About halfway Jude fell asleep. This was the norm when it came to bus rides back. It was going to be a long night of dancing so Erling just let him rest, but he would always let him rest. 

When they got back to the hotel, Erling poked Jude until he woke up. 

“Huh? What happened?” Jude asked, looking around frantically. 

“We’re at the hotel.” Erling laughed, noticing Jude had some drool on his face. “Lemme get that.” Erling said using his hand to cup Jude’s check then wiping the drool with his thumb. Erling paused just for a second to smile at Jude before taking his hand away and wiping the drool on his jersey. It was always covered in sweat, he didn’t care. 

Erling got up and grabbed his bags, starting to head off the bus. Jude stared for a moment longer before releasing Erling was already halfway across the bus. He dashed out, throwing his bag over his shoulder to catch up with him. 

“I call shower!” Jude yelled as he ran past Erling to the elevator. 

“Not if I beat you!” Erling grinned as he ran after him. 

The two collapsed into the elevator, both giggling uncontrollably. Until they got to their floor. They both turned toward each other before sprinting out trying to get the door first. Jude beat him in the end which made Erling say how he cheated because Erling has bigger clothes so he has a bigger bag. Jude just said he was a sore loser as he opened the door to their room. 

Erling threw his bag onto his bed and went straight to turn on the telly as Jude went to the shower. The shower lasted only twenty minutes which was a new record for Jude because Erling always complains about his long showers. They switched and Jude waited on his bed, going onto instagram to check BFL and other football accounts to see what they have to say about the match. 

The first post that loaded was from Dortmund themself. They were pictures taken from the match. Jude smiled as he scrolled through them. One he screenshotted to save because it was a chuffed picture of him scoring the first goal. As he swiped towards the end he stopped at the last picture. It was a picture of Erling on top of Jude on the field. His head was just inches away from Jude’s. One of his arms was sitting just above his head while the other was grabbing his shoulder. His leg was just below his waist, bent forward just a bit. While his back leg was almost touching the field. They were both smiling the biggest smiles at each other, as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. 

Jude remembered this moment on the field. His cheeks were bright red and he noted happily that you couldn’t tell in the picture. It’s cute, Jude thought, but he shut his eyes making that thought go away quickly. Jude was surprised the photographer wasted their time taking a stupid picture of them. 

Jude screenshotted it quickly before closing his phone and staring up at the ceiling on his bed. When he thought about it, moments like those happened a lot with Erling. He was just a touchy person whether it was a hug or his arm wrapped around Jude’s neck, Erling liked to have his best friends close to him. Although the more Jude thought about it he never noticed Erling being as clingy with his other close teammates. You’re just his best friend, his mind told him, and you’re overthinking this. Jude agreed. Why does it even matter? 

Except in the back of Jude’s mind he wished it did matter. 

Erling got out of the shower a couple minutes later, happy as a chick. “Ready to go?” Jude looked up from his phone and nodded silently. “I heard this town has an amazing shot glass. We should have inputted which bar to go to more.” Erling thought out loud as Jude silently put on his shoes. Erling walked over to him. “You good?” Jude nodded, not looking at him. “Hey,” Erling grabbed his shoulders to face him. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want to. We can chill here and watch a movie. I bet we can even order some beer here if that’s what you want.” Jude smiled up at Erling with such a sincere smile, Erling felt his heart flutter for some reason. 

“No, no. It’s fine.” Jude shook his head. “I just realized I’m not up for it. I think I’ll stay and watch the highlights, maybe plan out new moves.” Jude gave the blonde his best smile but even he could tell it was strained. 

“What are you an ejit? I don’t think so. We’re going together or we are staying here together.” Erling looked over at the couch then his eyes brightened. “Jude, we should FIFA!” Before Jude could get another excuse out of him Erling had run over and was setting up his playstation so they could play. Jude sighed, walking over. 

“Erling, you don’t have to stay here because I’m feeling a bit off. We can go. I bet the bar will be fun.” Now it was Erling’s turn to shake his head. 

“Mate, don’t lie. I know you don’t want to go, so let’s just stay here.” Jude tried to hide his smile but he couldn’t hold it. Erling was so kind, it made Jude’s heart melt. 

“You’re so full of beans.” Jude said, jumping onto the coach. Erling laughed and the two were elbowing each other as they each played FIFA horribly together.  

Jude was grateful for Erling. He knew no one could replace Erling, not even a little bit. He took a glance up to see him playing in concentration, biting his tongue. He looks cute. Jude’s eyes widened at that thought, but before he could do anything Erling was standing up in celebration of a goal. 

“WOO! Seieren er min!” He started doing a little dance. Jude laughed so much he fell off the coach. Erling laid down with his body on the opposite side to Jude, smiling. Once Jude stopped laughing, he turned over to face Erling. The two laid there just looking at the other. 

They had been friends for over a year now. There have been many times like this before the two would stare into the other’s soul. All the other times, they have awkwardly looked away to break the spell that they keep getting intertwined in. This time though, maybe it was the victory or maybe it was just Erling feeling brave, this time Erling did something about all those times he caught Jude staring with a little more than admiration, or how he would sometimes mutter Erling’s name in his sleep. Either way Erling had enough. 

“You have pretty eyes.” Erling whispered so quietly, Jude almost thought he imagined it, his heart leapt in his chest making his ribcage bounce. 

Silence. 

Jude thought back to the picture he had seen on Instagram with Erling on him. He wanted that. Erling had always been kind to him and everyone which is why Jude fell for him. “I think you’re cute sometimes.” Jude whispered fast. Erling’s face brightened with a blush and a smile. “Like when you do that.” Jude laughed. 

“Do what?” Erling asked, but also letting out tiny giggles. 

“That dumb face you make when you get excited.” 

“A smile?” Erling bursted out laughing. 

“Yes!” Jude started laughing too. 

The room quieted down after a minute and Jude sat up to lean against the coach. Erling scooted next to him. 

The FIFA game noises were still going. 

“Should we finish the game?” Jude asked Erling. He looked over so fast at the game so fast that one piece of his hair fell down. Jude didn’t think before he was reaching up to wipe it away from his face. Jude paused looking at Erling’s eyes, it was like they were ice sparkling on a cold winter night. 

“I already won.” Erling simply responded. Jude was about to open his mouth to argue but Erling was leaning forward to Jude. Before Jude could react Erling’s lips were on his and his heart in his throat, and for a split second Jude closed his eyes, feeling as if the world froze. 

But Erling leaned away far too quickly in Jude’s opinion. Jude opened his eyes to see Erling, smiling his warm, kind smile. 

Jude couldn’t help himself. His hands were on Erling’s neck for support as he leaned up to kiss the giant again. Erling responded enthusiastically, he wrapped his hands around Jude’s hips and back to kiss Jude more passionately. 

Jude let his tongue press against Erling’s lips, to test the waters. Erling gladly opened his mouth and even fought back with his own tongue. They both let out gasping breaths between kisses, each not wanting to stop. 

It was as if it was a football game.

Jude pulled himself onto Erling as he grabbed Jude’s thighs and carried him up onto the couch without even stopping the kissing. At first Jude was on the bottom of Erling with his hair falling just above his ears. Erling had a hand on his waist and the other just above his head, making Jude get deja vu. 

Erling started kissing his way down his Jude’s neck, and Jude took this as an opportunity to wrap his legs around Erling’s torso and his arms around his neck, causing Erling to flip over so that Jude was above him. 

Jude kissed him roughly, feeling Erling’s hot breath against his as Erling’s hand started to roam, sneaking up Jude’s shirt feeling all around his abs. Jude’s hands were touching all over Erling’s neck as his thighs were over around Erling’s hip and his legs snaked under his thighs. As Jude and Erling kept kissing, each fighting for dominance over the mouth with their tongues, Erling’s other hand wandered down to his ass, brushing over it to grab just below it. Jude started to grind, making Erling let out a little moan, and Jude had an urge to see what other noises he could make Erling do.

“Jude, Jude,” Erling said, breaking apart. Jude stopped, each breathing hard. 

“What?” Jude asked innocently, making Erling want to give everything to him. He placed a quick kiss but quickly pulled his arm out from Jude’s shirt and placed it against Jude’s shoulder to stop him from leaning down for more.

“Jude, I just have to tell you that I’ve liked you for a long time.” Erling rushed out, still a bit out of breath. “Like a really long time. Like since we first met, long time.” Jude just grinned back. 

“I’ve liked you since you stood up for me in the locker room.” Jude lowered himself slowly to rest on Erling’s chest. Jude liked hearing Erling’s chuckle echo throughout his body like this. 

“I liked you since you came onto that pitch. The sun was so hot that day but there you stood on the field, having the biggest smile.” Erling said, wrapping his arm around Jude’s back, basically giving him a hug. Jude snorted, remembering it. 

“Remember that time you walked between me and an opponent because he was yelling at me. I wanted to jump your bones, mate.” Jude said as Erling placed a kiss to the top of Jude’s head. 

“That time we hugged on the field, I wanted to make out with you so badly. I wanted to-needed to feel your lips against mine.” Erling muttered. 

“You can now.” Jude said, pulling himself up and giving him a long kiss then pulled back. “Okay, okay. So we’re both yearners.” Jude said, “What now?” 

Erling grinned. “Now we go over to that bed and I show you, Englishman, how we Norwegians do things.” 

Jude laughed into a kiss. “I would like that very much.” 

Friday, July 10th 2026

Erling tapped the bottom of his car with his foot impatiently. He was too excited. He hasn’t seen Jude, the real Jude, in over a year. He missed his real smile and not the fake one he uses for the cameras. Even if they don’t talk much anymore, Erling still has kept an eye on him from afar. The man is making a profit for himself and proving himself to everyone. Erling can’t lie, he misses Jude’s moxie and his laughter and the way he played and, he really just missed Jude. Jude, who always made jokes with him and just clicked on the field. 

He sighs, Erling figured it shouldn’t matter. They’ll click just like they did four years ago, plus Erling had no idea how to ask Jude how to do his idea over the phone. Jude probably would have said no, he probably would say no now, but Erling has to try. This is too funny of an opportunity to miss. Plus Erling secretly just wanted to see Jude in person again. 

Erling spots Jude walking out of the field, sweaty but eyes wide clearly looking for something. He watches one of Jude’s teammates come up to him and ask him something. Erling wishes he could hear; he has huge fomo. 

Jude starts walking towards the bus, but Erling honks twice just in time. Jude turns around and Erling swears he can see him through the window, even though they are tinted, because the next thing Erling knows is Jude running across the parking lot. Erling can’t hide his happiness. He throws the door open and jumps out. 

The next thing happening is Jude wrapped up in Erling’s arms. Jude’s legs are wrapped around his torso and his arms around his neck. Erling quickly reaches to hold one of Jude’s thighs in support and the other around his back almost like instinct. Erling’s heart thunders in his chest and he hopes Jude can’t hear it. Erling doesn’t know why his still heart does that whenever he and Jude are really close. He’s close with his other mates but he never feels like he is going into a cardiac arrest when he hugs them. Erling tables those thoughts, he was never one for worrying. 

“How’ve you been, mate?” Jude exclaims, pulling his head back to face Erling. Erling smiles at him. He hasn’t seen Jude’s face like this for a long time, sure he’d see him in pictures and photoshoots, but not like this. Erling has an urge to just cup Jude’s face and lean in and-AND Erling realizes he has been holding Jude for way too long.

He quickly, kinda drops him and Jude, being Jude, falls right back on Erling his hand on his chest. Erling freezes but Jude is faster. He steps back, putting his hands to his side and looks at the ground without another word. 

“Sorry, I shouldn't have done that.” Jude mutters.  

“No, no you’re good. I just wasn’t expecting it.” Erling says, awkwardly. “Umm, I’ve been good. Manchester has served me well and I really am proud of Norway’s chances. I believe in us.” Jude looks up now and gives him a smirk. 

“Oh, so you think England’s gonna be an easy win.” 

Erling’s eyes widened in realization. “No, not at all. I just meant that, that I-or we-” 

Jude breaks into a loud laugh sounding more like a bark. “Bloke, I was messing with you. Cheers!” Erling tries not to smile in embarrassment but he swears to the gods that Jude’s smile is contagious and Erling is a rat. In a matter of seconds, it is as if four years haven’t passed since they have played with each other and they haven’t even spoken in a year. It feels like they are back at Dortmund just starting to get the hang of the league, and that they can tell each other anything without worrying because they each know how much they care about one another. 

Erling was right not to worry. 

“Alright, we have so much catching up to do!” Erling said, getting back into the car. Jude walked over to the passenger side. 

“Nope, don’t even try. What was your "hilarious thought?”” Jude used quotation marks to emphasize his point, Erling wasn’t pleased about. 

“Umm, look, it's weird. We don’t even have to do it.” Erling said, driving out of the parking lot. 

“Mate, I’ll always hear about your weird shenanigans.” Jude said, rolling his eyes playfully. Erling looked over at him with the sun reflecting his eyes, making them seem to sparkle. Jude was so full of hope, Erling just wanted to lean over and-

The spell was broken by the person behind honking. Erling quickly focused back onto the road, seeing the green light and hit the gas. Erling told himself to not look over at Jude for the rest of the drive. 

“Kay, so where is the destination?” Jude asked, after the silence. 

“Umm, actually I don’t have any in mind.” Erling shrugged. 

“Bloke!” Jude groaned. “I swear, if we get lost..” He said, slapping his face. 

“We’re not gonna get lost!” 

“That’s what you think! You and you’re stupid spontaneous things.” Jude laughed. “Can you at least tell me what your plan is?” 

Erling laughed. “Ugh, I guess. But, you can’t freak out, it’s gonna sound weird at first.” Jude nodded slowly. “Okay, well, knowing you, you probably don’t know about the edits of us on tiktok.” 

“Actually I do.” Jude interjected. 

Erling perked up. “Oh well that’s good.” Erling said, “Well I was scrolling and came across one that was us being more than friends and had the hilarious thought of what if during the match we just kiss or something or even just hug on the field like we used to do.” Erling smiled, laughing. 

Jude stared. “That’s it? That’s what you want to see me for? To play with my emotions again and then throw me out when you get bored! No, no, Haaland, I’m not making out with you on the field.” Jude snapped. He hadn’t meant to, his idea was just stupid. They don’t talk for a year and suddenly Erling wants to make out on the field in the middle of a World Cup game and expects Jude to just be fine with it? 

“Don’t call me Haaland, like we hadn’t been best friends for three years! And I thought you would also find it funny.” Erling explained, “We don’t have to do it, and that’s not the only reason I wanted to see you.” 

Maybe Jude should have just let it be right then and there, but Jude was Jude Bellingham and was not one who let it go, not when Erling still didn’t understand it. “Oh, that’s it? Best friends? You act like none of it even happened, Erling. You always just assume with me never actually caring!” Jude yelled. 

Without another second, Erling swerved off the road and slammed on the breaks in a field. “You were the one that left, Jude!” 

“But you were the one who broke up since you don’t care because everything is a joke to you!” Jude yelled louder, unbuckling himself and throwing the door open. 

Erling stormed after him, yelling, “Is that really what you think, Jude? That I just don’t care about you, about anyone? Really?” Erling ran and grabbed Jude’s arm, stopping him. 

Jude wouldn’t look at him instead stayed glaring at the ground. He grumbled, “I don’t know anymore.” 

“Jude, can you just talk to me?” Erling placed his fingers on Jude’s chin, moving it to look at him. Jude’s eyes were a dark brown with a mix of pine brown in the middle which to Erling meant he was sad. “Please?” 

Jude let them stay like that for a moment, but then shook his head away, looking away. “Just take me back to my hotel or let me fetch an uber and we forget this ever happened.” Jude said, walking away. 

Saturday, May 15th 2022

They were at a bar like one does when they just won the game, or if they lost, or if they were even just watching a game. This is Europe afterall. 

Jude was sitting at the bar, away from the dance floor, drinking a beer. The telly was showing the highlights of their match. Jude chuckled to himself when they showed the clip of him giving Erling a peck on the check in the news room. 

Erling had said to do it as a joke on the drive over. “If we win you should kiss me. With all the news reporters. You know, dishy.” 

Jude had laughed and said, “I’m not gonna do something stupid just to get an earful from the reporters, mate.”

“Please.” Erling pleaded, holding the “e” note extra long. He even used his puppy dog eyes. Jude just gave him a quick kiss on the lips and got out of the car, not thinking about doing it. 

Then they won and Jude was walking over to their locker rooms, but he took a wrong turn and ran straight into the news room where Erling was. Jude sighed, smiling as he quickly ran up to give Erling his kiss on the check. He didn’t even look back as the entire reporter room laughed. 

Jude smiled to himself, stirring his drink in his hand a bit. He turned toward the dance floor where his teammates were having a grand old time. His eyes automatically searched for his favorite teammate who was actually coming over here. 

“Hei, kjekken.” Erling stumbled over, looking hammered. “En jar.” He sputtered as he knocked himself against the counter. 

“No, I think that’s enough for you.” Jude shook his head towards the bartender who nodded back. Jude glanced up to Erling, who was indeed very hammered. Usually Erling doesn’t go this crazy but it was a big game. Except something was nagging Jude, he didn’t know why.

“Ingen fun, Jude.” Erling sighed, falling into Jude’s arms, dramatically. 

“We both know that you’ve had enough when you start speaking Norwegian.” Jude said, smiling at the blonde. He should have stayed closer with Erling, but usually he doesn’t have to because Erling will either stay close to him, plus it’s very hard to get this big of a man pissed. It was weird. 

Erling glared at him while smiling. “Boop!” Erling giggled as he tapped Jude’s nose.

Jude rolled his eyes, trying to stop his grin. “Okay, let’s go home.” That made Erling throw himself off of Jude.

“Ingen, ingen! Stay and dance! This night shall never end!” Erling exclaimed, stumbling back towards the dance floor. Jude titled his head to the side. Erling didn’t talk much on the way back on the bus or the way here, but Jude thought he just was tired. Jude normally would love to stay and party the night away, but on the other hand he couldn’t let Erling walk around this hammered.

“Erling!” Jude yelled, running after him. How was he going to get a 6 '5 man who didn’t want to leave in his car? “Erling, wait!” Erling was already on the dance floor. Jude slipped past all the maddening dancers. “Erling, let’s go home.” 

Erling laughed, grabbing Jude right off his feet and into his arms. “Jude, min kjære, we must dance forever! Evig natt!” Erling placed him down and tried to stumble into a kiss. Jude backed away. 

“Not here, Erling. Why do you need the night to go on forever? Let’s just go home.” Erling shook his head but fell into Jude. Jude groaned again and threw Erling’s arm over his head and practically dragged him over towards the exit while Erling stumbled. 

“No, ingen, no. Have to stay.” Erling let out between breaths. 

Jude just rolled his eyes. “We’ll be home soon.” That made Erling wake up and jump off of Jude. 

“No!” He shouted. “Can’t go home!” This just made Jude even more confused. 

“Why can’t you go home?” Jude asked, grabbing the man’s arm to support him. 

“Don’t, don’t want to,” He hicupped, “Talk about it.” 

“Talk about what?” Jude implored, clearly something was upsetting Erling and Jude was going to find out what. 

Erling hiccupped again and put his arms against the wall of where Jude was and his other arm flopped on his chest, pinning him. Erling leaned in and kissed Jude. Jude pushed Erling off of him to stop him. “No. What’s going on?” Jude asked sternly. 

Erling sighed and turned around so his back was against the wall then slid down to sit on the floor. “I don’t want season to be over.” Erling stated. 

Jude slid down next to him. “Why?” 

Erling closed his eyes and muttered something incomprehensible. Then he snuggled his face against Jude’s shoulder. Jude patted him before getting up, which made Erling whine. “Can we please,” He hiccupped, “Stay here.” 

Jude just stayed, sitting on the gross bar floor with Erling until his head slid on Jude’s shoulder. Jude sneaked his arm behind Erling’s waist, rubbing it for a bit. Then he wrapped Erling’s arm over his head and pulled Erling up. They only fell once and Erling only tripped twice on the way to the car. 

When they got to the hotel, Erling had crashed so Jude had to drag a 6 ‘5 man weighing over 200 pounds into his house and up the stairs into his room. Jude hoped Erling wouldn’t notice the bruises. Jude mentally planned to kiss them better later. When he got them to bed he hoisted Erling up and threw the blanket over him. He turned to go take a shower and change, but Erling grabbed him. 

“Stay, please.” He muttered. “Only so much time left.” 

Jude let out a soft sigh, brushing his hair back and placing a kiss on his sweaty forehead. Jude had no idea what Erling was talking about but stayed. Jude hopped over the bed and as soon as he laid down, Erling wrapped himself around him with his arms hugging his upper torso and legs around his knees. Erling rested his head on Jude’s chest, listening to his breathing. Jude rubbed his back up and down and his other hand was intertwined with Erling’s. 

Jude liked nights like these, not the hammered Erling, but the nights where they were just here, together. Jude closed his eyes and was on the brink of sleep when Erling muttered something. Jude opened his eyes and said, “What’s that, love?” 

Erling didn’t even notice the nickname that usually makes him blush. “I’m leaving.” He whispered.

“Leaving where?” Jude asked. 

“Dortmund.” He mumbled. “Jude, I got sold.” Jude froze. It had to be a joke, right? Some nasty trick? It can’t be. 

Erling suddenly threw himself off and ran for the bathroom. Jude could barely hear the hurling noises. This was it. Erling Haaland was leaving for good. Except Jude refused to be the one left behind. 

He got out of the bed, put his shoes back on and walked out the door into his car, leaving. He didn’t know where he was going nor did he care. He just needed to get away. To think, to process, to not be the one lost. 

The night dragged on and while Jude drove, Erling finished hurling and walked into his empty room. “Jude?” He echoed into the darkness. He fell on the bed and hugged his pillow with all his might. “Jude?” Erling shoved his face in his pillow and just stayed like that until he eventually fell asleep. 

Saturday, July 11th 2026

Game day. 

Jude strode onto the pitch for warm ups with a big grin because it was the fucking World Cup and England was in the quater round. Someone could say that a bomb was coming and everyone was going to die, and Jude would still be smiling. He was ready. 

The team was called in and Jude helped to hype everyone up in the locker room before lining up to sing the national anthems. As he was walking out he made eye contact with Erling who looked dim, as if someone had stolen the sun. Jude couldn’t help but feel guilty. He shook his body to clear his mind. He couldn’t afford to focus on that right now. 

The anthems went by and Jude’s eyes kept returning to one blonde who was smiling proudly as the team sang their anthem. Jude watched with awe as Erling sang his heart out. Jude swore he saw Erling tearing up, but couldn’t tell if it was the sun. 

Erling looked over at him right as they finished the song, breaking the spell he had on Jude. He looked away immediately, hoping Erling didn’t catch him staring. 

Jude sang loud and proud, glancing over at the Norwegian to catch him staring in return. 

Time to play. 

Jude lined up around the circle, waiting to start. Jude closed his eyes, listening to the cheering fans, the wind flowing by his ear, his coaches yelling, before finally letting out a deep breath right as the whistle blew. 

The first thirty minutes were surprisingly easy. The Norwegians gave them full control, barely attacking. It felt eerie to Jude. When they would try to get around they would block them and kick it up field only for the strikers to give it away again. He was especially scared of Erling who was idling around like he was stalking out his food. Jude figured it was part of a plan, to save their energy or tire ourselves out. Either way, Jude still wasn’t prepared for after the water break when they started overloading. Jude was swarmed by players if he even looked at the ball. 

Norway had gained control and was passing it around, toying with them. Until one player broke away running up field with the ball at his feet. Jude jogged up, knowing there was nothing he could do. 

His eyes caught Erling sprinting down the field, waiting for the right opportunity. Right when the ball went into the air, Erling was there; headbutting the first goal of the game. Norway went nuts as Jude just sighed, but in the chaos nobody had noticed the ref’s whistle saying it was off-sides. Jude scrunched his face in confusion, not fully believing it even though the rest of his teammates cheered. He watched as Erling pretended not to care, knowing how annoying he finds off-sides. Always saying that there is a goalie there for a reason. Jude was about to chuckle at the thought but heard the crowd get loud. 

Before England knew it, Norway was back scoring an actual goal this time with number 21, his first goal of the World Cup. Jude stood at the other end of the field, noticing Erling hugged 21 by picking him up off the ground. Jude didn’t care, not like it was their thing they would always do after the other one a goal. 

Barely a minute after Kane got hurt and Norway scored another goal, but for some reason this one didn’t count either. Even Jude thought this was a little bit bullocks, but he persisted. 

England needed hope or this game would be over before it even started. Jude was racing down the field after Burn as he sped down the field and passed it over to Gordon. He did a dodge and kicked it to where Jude is running towards, wide open. He dribbled to the goal, around two defenders and slid, kicking it in. 

The audience erupts into screams and claps. Jude was full of adrenaline, bouncing right back up to circle around the field, high fiving until he stopped to scream, pumping the air. 

The team was full of excitement and proved this by passing around until Kane scored a goal but was called off-sides. With that it is halftime. 

As Jude walked into the locker room, he finds himself walking right next to Erling. “Hey, great job, mate.” Jude said, patting his back before running ahead. Jude refused to look back even if the back of his neck was on fire which it really did feel like it was. 

The locker room was expected. His teammates were tired and the coach angry, saying how they should be winning by five. Jude knew this was just how the coach got them to work harder, but he still thought they should get some credit. He sat down and drank some water, finally listening to the coach’s speech. 

“Haaland is having a horrible game,” The coach was saying, “but I still don’t want him even touching the ball. Do you hear me, keep Haaland away from the ball at all costs!” 

“Yes, sir.” The team echoed. Jude pursed his lips. Why was Haaland having a bad game? He thought. When Jude thought about it, he had barely seen him sprinting the way he normally does, and he hadn’t touched the ball except for in the very beginning. Not because England was guarding him like the queen, but because he wasn’t trying. That didn’t sound like Erling to Jude. The man was a trier, just like him, it was what made them such good teammates and best friends. They would push each other while cracking jokes. 

Jude shut his eyes tight then opened them, finally listening to the locker room that was dead silent. That won’t do. 

“Mates, we can do this. We have them tied, if we stop passing it straight to number 24 and use our passes well, we can win this thing.” Jude said. The team immediately perked up. Jude let it stay silent for a moment before belting, “Where on earth are you from?” 

The team recognised the chant and some yelled back, “We’re from England! Where you come from?” 

Jude smiled. “Did you put the kettle on?” 

The team all yelled, “Kick it!” then started chanting, “Nah, nah, nah.” Jude started jumping as his teammates joined, the yelling getting louder until the whole locker room was screaming at the top of their lungs, “We’re England! We’re gonna score one more than you!” ENGLAND!” The team ran out of the locker room, full of fire. Jude smiled to himself, watching the accomplishment for a moment then clapping behind everyone leaving the now empty locker room. 

The second half was hot. 

Seven minutes into the half Norway kicked it into the clouds where Erling tried to headbutt in a goal, it missed only by a bit. Jude tried not to notice that headbutts are his thing and how during training he would always score with them. Jude even swore that they practiced headbutts from that exact position. 

Norway got a corner kick anyway. One of the players tried to head it in again, but bounced off the goalie to where 17 was waiting, who kicked it in making the score 2-1 Norway. Jude shook his head, but told his teammates to keep their heads up.

Luck would have it and the goal was removed. Jude was a little skeptical but knew not to argue with the ref, plus all the Norwegians yelling made up for it. Well, all the Norwegians except one tall blonde that was just walking around with his head down. He wasn’t helping his team yell at the ref even though Erling loved to mess around with refs. 

Turns out the reason for the removal was because of that tall Viking. He had pushed one of the England teammates to the ground. That was the most Erling thing Erling had done all game, but he wasn’t laughing about it. Jude figured he was just stressed over the tie, he knew how much Erling wanted that Cup. 

Jude ignored it, focusing on playing. 

The rest of the game each team was getting closer and closer to scoring the win, but they were all getting tired too. It went into extra time where three minutes in, Saka hit it to the goal from middle field where it bounced off the goalie. 

Jude knew what to do. He was running over there as soon as Saka kicked it. Jude was a few steps in front of his defender, but got there and slid it right into the open net. 

Cheers exploded and Jude was breathless. He got up, running toward the side where he did his iconic pose with his arms out. His teammates bounced on him, hugging him from all sides. Jude felt it. The moment where you did it. He knew coaches would say to not stop until the last whistle, but Jude felt this. He felt the victory washing over him. 

Even in all his glory, Jude couldn’t help but turn around to scan the field for Erling. He was usually easy to find with being so tall and bright blonde, but Jude couldn’t place him. A little echo inside Jude reminded him of Erling’s celebrations with him and Jude felt that pang of nostalgia, but he ignored it again. Now was not the time for that, England had a World Cup to win. 

Then the most surprising thing happened in the 100 minutes; Erling Haaland was subbed out. Norway’s star player. It didn’t make sense until Jude reflected on Ering’s performance which wasn’t the best, but you don’t take out the best player even if they’re having an off game. 

It didn’t matter because the team still tried to end the score 3-1 with their shots until the very last second when the whistle blew. The crowd erupted into applause and shouting. The team rushed onto the field, everyone hoping around and cheering. They had done it. They were in the semi-finals! Jude had never been more proud. 

He went to congratulate the Norwigens and tell them good game and all that. Jude somehow found himself being confronted by Erling who gave him a hug and had a hand on his head. Jude hugged him back, wanting more. 

“You played beautifully, Jude.” Erling said into his ear after patting his head. Jude couldn’t help but smile. 

“I’m ready to talk.” Jude said, his eyes sparkling. Erling knew Jude was beautiful but almost had forgotten how perfect he was after winning a match. Erling shook his head though, smiling, not here, not now. 

Jude was pulled away by the crowd starting to sing Hey, Jude as one of the speakers played it. Jude walked towards the goal, looking at everyone singing for him. It was electric. 

Erling stood for a moment watching the England team gather around Jude. It was his moment. Erling looked at all of his teammates' disappointed and defeated faces. He felt rotten inside, but he just turned toward Jude who was glowing with happiness and pride. Erling would lose the World Cup a thousand times if he still got to see that face at the end of the game. 

Sunday, May 15th 2022

Erling awoke with a groan. He opened his eyes to find himself sprawled over his bed, alone. Erling rose and laid right back down when he felt a massive headache bloom. “Jude?” He yelled, causing the headache to yell right back at him. 

Erling groaned again as he rolled over to his nightstand to try to locate his phone but failed. “Jude?” He yelled again, closing his eyes from the pain. Erling tried to recall what happened last night but everything was foggy once he got to the bar. Erling got off the bed, gritting his teeth, to walk to the bathroom. He stared in the mirror, going through what he remembered. 

They had won the match. Erling smiled remembering hoisting Jude into his arms in celebration; it was his favorite victory tactic. He had gotten on the bus feeling sad for some reason. Then Erling recalled training a couple weeks earlier. 

Everyone had been in the locker room, having just finished training. Erling was called into the coach’s room. 

“Hi, coach! What’s the news?” Erling walked in, smiling brightly but that smile faltering seeing his coach’s face. 

“Can you sit, Erling?” Erling sat, not liking this at all. The coach sighed and took off his glasses. “You’ve had an amazing season, but I'm just going to get to the point; you’re being sold. To Manchester. This was your last season. I’m sorry, it was very last second. Thank you for playing with us, we’ll work out the details later. Have a wonderful day.” The coach stood up and held out his hand. Erling stared. This wasn’t real. This was a prank. Erling was leaving Dortmund? To go to Manchester! An amazing team! Erling shook his head, shooing all these conflicting feelings away and stood up, shaking the coach’s hand. 

“Thank you, sir.” Was all Erling said before booking it out of there. 

Erling stared into his mirror, feeling crushed. Oh. 

He rushed to the toilet, hurling up what remained of the bar last night. 

When Erling finished, he heaved himself up using the counter of the sink. He wobbled around the room, looking for his phone and using the wall as support. Erling tripped over himself and landed on the floor with a smack! Erling howled to the silent house. He rolled over to find his phone under the bed. Erling took it and threw himself onto his bed, ignoring the roaring headache. 

Erling immediately called Jude only for it to go to voicemail. 

“Hey, Jude, where are you and could we talk? Call or text me whenever you can.” Erling stopped and closed his phone, not wanting to look at anything else. He fought with the urge to just curl up in his bed all day until Jude answered, but Erling refused to pout and be sad. Instead he got up, almost fell down again, and dragged himself to the kitchen. He made some coffee which helped everything. Erling felt like he could breathe again until he looked at his phone and still no answer from Jude. Erling shook his head and decided to make some scrambled eggs. 

Erling was about to take the eggs off the pan when his phone rang. He raced towards it to see a picture of him kissing Jude’s check on the screen, he clicked answer. “Jude?” 

“Hey, Erling.” Jude’s voice sounded cracked like he had been crying or screaming. 

“Where are you? Are you alright?” Erling quickly asked. 

Jude sighed over the phone. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He paused. “Do you remember what happened?” 

“No. Could you come over? I made some scrambled eggs.” Erling wasn’t beyond begging at this point. 

Silence. Erling hated silence, especially when he was with someone he loved. “Jude, I-” 

Jude cut him off, “Yeah, I’ll be over in a jiffy.” 

Erling let out a breath of relief. “Okay see you-Å faen!” Erling saw his eggs on fire. “Må stikke, Jude!” He dropped his phone, running over. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his hand, grabbing the pan then threw the eggs into the sink. He flicked on the water, putting out the fire. 

Erling gave up on the eggs after texting Jude his whole story. He gave it a thumbs up which was very un-Jude. Erling didn’t like it. 

Jude showed up at the door twenty minutes later. Erling was feeling much better after coffee and not throwing up. “Jude!” Erling hugged him but Jude didn’t hug back. He walked over and sat on the couch, Erling followed. 

Jude pursed his lips. “What do you remember about last night?” He was sitting on the couch taking up as little room as possible. Erling sat next to him, giving him space. 

“I don’t remember anything after the bar.” Erling stopped then said, “Actually I remember dancing on the floor and a couple blurry images but other than that, nothing.” 

Jude nodded. “Well you got really drunk which I honestly didn’t think was possible.” They laughed together and Erling thought at that moment everything would be okay. “So I brought you home and then left.” 

Erling raised an eyebrow. “Oh, um, ok.” He didn’t want to seem needy but Erling wanted to ask why he left, usually he stays. 

Jude shut his eyes and opened them again. “Actually that’s not all.” He took a deep breath then said, “You told me that you’re being sold. Or well have been sold.” Jude finally looked up at Erling, his doe eyes looked cracked and betrayed. Erling never wanted to see his face look like that ever again. 

“Oh.” Erling said. 

“Yeah.” Jude said. 

They sat in silence. 

“I didn’t want to tell you.” Erling admitted. “I thought we could pretend. Just for a little while.” Jude let out a breath. 

“I’m sorry I left. You were throwing up and I just left. I didn’t want to believe it.” Jude said, sinking into the couch. 

Erling nodded. “Yeah, a lot of things are gonna change.” Erling hopped up, shaking his arms. “You know what, I’ll just rip off the band-aid.” Erling gently pulled Jude’s face to look at him using his chin. “I don’t think we should see each other, Bellingham. I think we are better as friends.” Erling was hoping for a smile or at least half of one, but Jude looked heart broken. His face fell and he pulled away. 

“That’s it?” Jude asked, his eyes somehow looking more hurt. 

“Well, we were barely doing this while seeing each other every day, so how are we gonna do this hours away?” Erling thought Jude knew this and was expecting it. He knew Jude would be a pessimist and have no faith. Erling just did what Jude wanted; to be over. 

“I mean, I guess I just thought-” Jude froze. “I need some space.” Jude got up and walked toward the door but stopped. “I am happy for you, Erling.” Jude said before closing the door and leaving. Erling stood still until he heard the car leave. Erling was going to be on the team he had dreamed of joining since a child and yet he had never felt more lost. 

Sunday, July 12th 2026

Jude awoke in his hotel bed. His eyes blinked open as he felt the sun shining in. Jude rolled his eyes, getting up to throw the curtains closed then flopped back into bed. He refused to get up. 

He grabbed the remote off the nightstand and turned on the telly after he couldn’t fall back asleep. He still rolled around in bed half listening to the news reporters. His ears perked up when he heard them talking about his game last night. 

“The Norway vs England game had to have been a dupe.” One anchorman was saying, “Norway completely missed their one objective which was to give the ball to Haaland, and they couldn’t even do that.” 

Man, Jude missed Erling. That was all his half awake mind would think of right now. This morning reminded Jude of the mornings they would share together. Jude would awake well after Erling would wait, snuggled in his arms until he did. Then they would go downstairs and watch the news and talk while Erling made breakfast.

Jude missed him, he realized with a pang from his heart. He was lonely without him. He wanted his warm hugs and bright smiles in his life. He wanted the way Erling would always pat his head, or rub his arms, or just always touch him to let Jude know he was there and with him. Jude wanted the way they joked together. He wanted Erling to drive him around without a care in the world, just them together. He wanted how Erling would kiss him softly like a little dove. Jude wanted Erling. 

“Well,” The other news man said, distracting Jude from his love sick heart, “In their defense Haaland seemed to be dragging his feet. Look at this replay.” Jude’s head shot up and watched very closely. 

It was when one of the Norway members had gotten the ball and was booking it down field. Erling was barely jogging. Jude was gobsmacked. This couldn’t be Erling! Erling was always first to be there with his godlike speed. It didn’t make sense, but then again a lot of things about last match didn’t make sense. 

Then it clicked. 

Jude couldn’t believe it. It couldn’t be true. He looked to the screen showing Erling practically walking to his goal. He recalled his headbutt and how his head was pointed in the wrong direction. How the one time Erling had scored a goal, it got removed. When he had completely pushed the England player to the ground. Jude stared at the telly. It couldn’t be. Could it? 

Jude’s hand itched for his phone. He had to find out. Jude rolled over and clicked his phone open. He opened messages and scrolled to Erling then clicked call. Jude waited. Nothing. Oh my giddy aunt, what if he is at the airport? Jude panicked and looked for where he could find Erling’s location. He checked Find My, hoping he still had it. It said he was still at his hotel. Jude let out a sigh of relief but then heard the announcers. 

“I think the Norway flight leaves at one or two today, actually. That’s going to be a sad flight home.” Jude checked the time; it was 9:48. Erling would be leaving soon since you have to be at an international flight three hours prior. Jude flew off his bed and threw clothes on, sprinting out the door. He spammed the elevator button, needing it to go faster. Jude silently begged no traffic today. He rushed into the elevator and impatiently stood as he watched the numbers go down. When it reached zero, he rushed out the door and ran for a car. He hadn’t actually driven anywhere this whole trip. Jude pulled up his phone calling for an uber right now. He doubled the money causing way more to pop up. He clicked the closest one. 

When they arrived, Jude threw himself in. “Get me there as fast as you can without dying and I will pay you a hundred extra.” That seemed to have worked because Jude arrived at the hotel no less than nine minutes later. Jude thanked the uber then rushed into the hotel. 

He felt some people recognize him or do a double take but thankfully no one was brave enough to ask for something. He raced to the front desk, grateful for no line. “I need a room number for an Erling Haaland.” The desk manager looked star struck. “Mam, it's an emergency.” 

She quickly nodded, looking still dazed but clicked into the computer. “Umm, looks like he is about to check out,” She checked her watch, “Five minutes. Do you want his room number?” 

“Yes!” Jude exclaimed. She typed some more before finally answering. 

“He is on the top floor, room 805. Good luck, oh and make sure to use the elevator at the far end.” Jude nodded and thanked her before running off. 

He wasn’t too late. Jude stood in the elevator, finally realizing how crazy this was. What if Erling would think he’s making fun of him for losing? Or what if he would get mad Jude would even think that? Jude pursed his lips and closed his eyes. No, he told himself, this is Ering Haaland, best friend and amazing boyfriend. Jude’s heart didn’t stop from fluttering at the last part. This time he didn’t ignore it. 

The doors opened and Jude was glancing at the numbers. He saw a sign for Rooms: 780 - 805 this way -> Jude smiled and sprinted. His heart was pounding in his chest and Jude knew it wasn’t just from all the running. He skidded to a stop at the last room of the hall. 805, the door read. 

Jude stared, considering backing out and just letting it be. It wouldn’t change anything. Except Jude knew that was so wrong. It would change everything. 

He raised his hand to knock, but right as he was about to the door swung open. 

Standing there in all his glory was the Erling Haaland. He looked gloomy and tired. Jude had an urge to kiss him to make his wonderful smile shine through, but he had bigger matters to attend to. 

“Jude, what are you doing here?” Erling exclaimed. He was holding his suitcase with one hand and his bag over his shoulder. 

He closed his eyes tightly before opening them and staring him down. “Erling, did you try to make me win the match?” 

Erling’s surprised face froze and he stared back at Jude before, finally, saying, “Come in.” Jude kept staring at Erling who was looking at the ground as he walked in. “Sit.” Erling said. Jude sat on the small couch, not backing down. 

Jude crossed his arms. “Well, did you?” 

Erling set his bag and suitcase down then joined Jude on the couch. “I can’t lie to you, Jude.” He clenched his hands tightly then released them. “I did.” 

Jude stood up, in anger. “I can’t believe you did that! I’ll call FIFA and make it look like the ref got paid! I swear, Erling!” Jude yelled. 

“I actually did pay the ref.” Erling muttered, making Jude stop in his tracks. 

“You paid the fucking ref? Are you out of your god damned mind!” 

“Only a little bit.” Erling gestured with his hand showing only a small space between his thumb and finger. 

“Erling! How could you do that to your team, your country?” Jude licked his lips, looking at Erling who still had his head down. “Why?” 

Erling let out a sigh then looked up at Jude, looking like an angel who lost their wings. Erling looked tired and beaten than Jude had realized, he had no more energy to yell at the man. “For you.” 

Jude deflated, sitting down next to Erling, letting their knees bounce off one another. “Erling-” 

Erling cut him off. “I couldn’t do it. I told myself I wouldn’t see you heart broken, not by me, not again. So I did what I could, I still got a goal which is why I paid the ref as a backup. I told the coach to take me out if I hadn’t scored during extra time.” Erling wrapped his hand around Jude’s, squeezing it then looked at him. “And, Jude, it was so worth it to see your face after you won. I don’t care if I get kicked out of Norway or never see a World Cup again because I got to see you, and I know you will single handedly bring that Cup home.” 

Erling smiled the purest smile which made Jude practically melt. Jude was too stunned to speak, so he cupped Erling’s face and leaned in, closing his eyes; kissing Erling. It was a soft and pure kiss but said a thousand words without saying anything. Jude intertwined their fingers as Erling kissed Jude back, holding onto Jude’s other arm. Jude pulled back, his eyes wet. 

“I love you too.” He said, seeing Erling’s eyes also filled with tears. 

Erling tilted his head. “I never said I did.” 

Jude just smiled at him. “You never had to.” 

Monday, May 24th 2030

Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were snuggled together in their bed. The morning sun had just started to shine in through the window. Jude groaned as the sun beamed down on them, so Erling just hugged him tighter and gave him a half awake kiss. 

The two would be going their separate ways the next day to go to play in the World Cup, but they didn’t really care. They were officially engaged after a walk up the mountains in Norway where Jude had proposed. They were getting married after the World Cup and had already made plans for a tropical island honeymoon. Erling was secretly planning to kiss Jude on the field after they won their first match of the Cup, or their first loss, or if they won the Cup altogether. Little did Erling know, Jude was planning to attend their first game to kiss him on the field after their first match of the Cup, or their first loss, or if they won the Cup altogether. 

Right now, though, none of that mattered. The couple continued to sleep, without a care in the world, wrapped around each other as the morning birds sang.