Chapter Text
“Dude, we've got NO clue what you're saying.”
Hugo rolled his eyes at his team-mate's stupidity, “Right. How could I forget how simple minded you are?”
Well, that certainly didn't go well.
After failing to dodge a fist and zoning out during a scolding, Hugo swiftly left to sit on a nearby bench.
“I'm an expert.” He stared down at his blank book, mental images flying across the pages. “I'm an expert who definitely needs better teammates; these ones aren't suitable. And above all, I need a striker…”
That was it! He needed someone to work with. A reliable partner who he could support as second best!
Hugo's first step would be to leave the team. That is, if he had any other options. Perhaps he had to look harder. Or make one.
…Unlikely. And highly unrealistic. It had to be within his abilities. Dreaming big wasn't his thing.
“I can see it. The perfect number one.” Hugo sighed to himself as he laid back on the warm grass and shut his eyes.
ZZZ…
“Mm…” His eyes fluttered open and he was met with a dark sky that no longer hosted any people under it. “Oops. I left my book open.”
Lazily, he reached out to close it.
But-
Whack!
“Ouch. My eyes must be deceiving me. Or perhaps this is a dream-"
A bright amber flash blinded Hugo and he fell back, sending him into another slumber.
ZZZ…
“Hello?! Are you dead?”
Once again, Hugo jolted awake and his eyes widened.
“Huh?”
“Oh. You're awake. I don't have to deal with a dead body.” The young man let out a sigh of relief, “You. Who are you?” At that, Hugo raised an eyebrow. He propped himself up on one elbow to get a better look at the other guy, “I’ve been on this team for ages and I've never seen you around. A trespasser, perhaps? Sorry, this field is only for U-18 members.”
“Pardon?”
The mysterious man's eyes scanned the area, eventually landing back on Hugo. “I'd know. I'm the U-18 prodigy, Julien Loki.”
“Never heard of you. Must not be that remarkable.” Hugo poked his tongue out, not believing what Loki was saying. “I would know, for I am the U-18 member here. Not you. How about we put your skills to the test? 1v1?”
“Sure. First to three.”
—
“huff… huff… You were not lying.” Hugo wiped sweat off his forehead, “Perhaps we are both fit to be on this team.”
The match resulted in a very humbling 3-1.
“Told you. Known as The God Sprinter.” Loki offered Hugo a hand, “You've got amazing talent, though.”
Why had I not met this guy sooner?! “You really are a natural born number one… You- You're just what I need.” Hugo had never witnessed someone with skill right in front of him, let alone extending his hand towards him. “It's destiny. We're meant to be together, I know it. If we were together as partners, then-”
“I don't think that's legal. We would be considered sick in the head for that. And, I just met you!” Loki laughed, letting go of Hugo's hand.
“Huh? Oh. Not what I meant. Besides, France legalised that in 2013. Years ago.” Dammit. Loki's touch lingered, and it was nice. But Hugo shoved down that thought. “What I mean is, you're capable of being number one. Together, we could win the World Cup multiple times.”
“Wait. 2013? Years ago? This man must be insane.” Loki pondered upon Hugo's words for a few moments, “World Cup? Pfft- You're dreaming big. In that sense, we are quite similar.. I think we could work well together…”
Whatever part of Hugo's sentence made Loki laugh, Hugo was unsure.
“Do you take me seriously?” Hugo asked dryly, examining the other's face to see what he really felt. Though that was never his strong suit. “Many deny my words. My beliefs. Yet I just met you, and here you are humouring me. It is pleasant, though.”
“Then… the others clearly don't see true talent.”
“This guy, I really need him. The skill, the attitude…” Hugo was astonished. He was destined to work with him. “You're perfect.”
“Well, it's what you'd expect from one of the world's best.” Somehow, Loki's gallantry didn't come off as arrogant to Hugo. If anything it was admirable. It proved that he was aware of his talent and was using it efficiently.
"I say we start working together, if you are really a part of this team as you say you are."
"Just believe me already, man." Loki laughed, "And I accept your offer."