#robin kaul

“So Frederiksen’s a gambling man?” Robin pondered alike, looking off into the distance.

“Or maybe his hotel is close?” I said matter-of-factly, grabbing my grey blazer jacket and threw it on, making sure there was no creases in it. “Look, either way, we all go to be on our best behaviour, I really want to make a good impression tonight.” Instructing the pair of them, I grabbed my shades, ready to go. “And this restaurant is really posh too so we can’t act like we’re in the local Italian.”

Robin sighed, doing his jacket up. “Yes Marco we know. This is a business meeting not a casual dinner date with the guys.”

“Do you have to call every time we go out with them a dinner date, Rob?” Marcel scoffed as they both followed me down to my garage.

“Well yeah, what else am I going to call it?” Rob bickered back.

“Uh maybe just “hanging out with the guys”? The normal thing to say.” Marcel scoffed back. I plainly looked ahead, continuing to go about my business and let the pair of them get this bickering out of their system before this very important meeting ahead of us tonight.

If I am being completely honest, I was so nervous. I’d never been like this before apart from when I made my debut for both Borussia teams and threw up about five times. This was massive for me, a huge step in not only expanding my fan base but also gaining more attention for my own brand of professionalism, and I believed that having an app that was something that could do that for me. The app was something that had been on the books for a while, however, I just never felt as if the time was right. Now though, was the perfect opportunity; I was in the prime of my career, one of the best team players - if I may say so myself - and there was the European Championships coming up. One of the world's biggest stages.

Although, I could still hear Marcel and Robin acting like two teenage girls and that now was my priority. “See, this is exactly what I’m talking about!” I exclaimed and turned to face them, shoving my hands in my pockets. “You two bicker all the time over the smallest, stupidest things. I don’t want this tonight, I want to be professional. This is a big deal for me, for us, and this Frederiksen is used to dealing with high end celebrities that are always very professional. So that’s what we need to be. Understood?”

“Yes Marco.” They answered in unison, like two naughty kids.

I hummed in satisfaction and opened the door that linked to the garage, inspecting the keys of my cars. “What car we going for then Marco? Porsche, Mercedes, ooh what about the Range Rover?”

“I’m thinking the Aston Martin.” I answered upon taking the keys off the hook.

Marcel frowned up at me. “That’s not going to big enough for all three of us Marco, Rob’s over six foot.”

“But you’re not, and there’s back seat.” I shrugged, unlocking the car and pulling the passenger seat forwards, showing him the space.

“I-I can’’t fit in there. It’s too small...I’m not that small.” Marcel yelled in fury and glanced between Rob and myself.

“Hey don’t look at me.” Rob held his hands up. “I’m too big to fit back there and well, Marco’s the one driving. So that leaves you.” I nodded and silently gestured for the smaller German to make his way into my car. There was a protest from him but not made up of words, just disbelieving sounds, before he scoffed and defeated, got into the back of my Aston, mumbling away to himself.

Robin smirked at me and got in the passenger seat. I chuckled and got into the car myself, and could still hear the little ones muttering from the back seat. “Ouch Rob, why the fuck did you put the seat back?!” Marcel moaned petulantly, Robin stayed silent and just stared at his friend through the car mirror. “Stop doing it on purpose to squash me, I’m not small.” Marcel kept protesting.

However his protests went unanswered as I began the engine and turned on the radio, drowning out the sound of his whining.

* * * * * * *

When we arrived at the restaurant, it was more than full and trying to find Sascha in a sea of people was proving more difficult than the three of us had anticipated. It didn’t help that the casino was only upstairs and most people were either coming or going in that direction. Also, we had the slight problem of a very difficult host who was reluctant to let us in because of Marcel’s shoes - they were trainers. This only made the smaller German even more annoyed than he already was.

We sat with Sascha soon after, although found him alone at the table, on his phone. Before I had the chance to ask why he was a lone, Marcel blurted out. “What the hell’s the matter with my footwear? They’re smart casual high tops.”

I rolled my eyes, Sascha giving a confused glance while Marcel still bickered on about how he'd never leave the house looking a mess and if the host thought that he was a mess well at least he wasn't wearing a ridiculous suit.

I shook my head. “Leave it.” I muttered to Sascha whole immediately dropped the situation, leaving Marcel to himself, which was probably the best idea. When Marcel was irate, he was irate. “Anyway,” I cleared my throat. “Where’s Frederiksen?” Asking as Sascha was alone at the table as we arrived.

“Ah, Frederiksen just went to freshen up,” Sascha started before glancing over my shoulder. “Here she is now.” He smiled and go to his feet.

“She?” I frowned and turned to see who he was standing for. Sascha saying she had thrown me off, us all off really but when the sight of a brunette in a olive coloured maxi dress started walking towards us with a smile to her painted nude lips.

“Who the hell is she?” Marcel muttered as we all stood up to. “I thought Frederiksen was a guy?” Glancing up from his phone before shoving it in his pocket.

I shrugged. “Well, looks like he's a she.” Robin added before I could do so.

The brunette stopped just in front of the table and smile. “Oh, I didn't think you'd be here this soon.” She announced upon stopping short of our table.

“Marco, guys, this is Sofie Frederiksen; the digital software engineer.” Sascha said and proudly presented the beautiful woman in front of us.

“Well it's just digital engineer but you know.” Sofie shrugged with a thick Scandinavian accent to her silky voice. I was yet to work out what part of Scandinavia but I was sure that topic would come up during dinner.

I nodded and smiled, slightly leaning in to kiss both her cheeks. “It's lovely to meet you finally, Miss Frederiksen.”

She snorted as I called her that. “Oh please, drop the formalities, it's Sofie.” The brunette gave a chuckle doing the same greeting with Robin and Marcel before sitting next to Sascha. “That or boss.” Sofie smirked and I could already tell that she was feisty and fierce in her approach, not to mention very beautiful.

The dress she had on with a dipped from, showing off a little more to the eye, and the tall heels, green eyes; nothing about this woman shouted digital engineer. I was expecting an older man, probably late fifties, with geeky glasses, a weird squeaky voice and a syrup if I am being truthfully honest. Not that I was going to argue with this. Not only was Sofie beautiful but intelligent too.

“Y-you're a uh-” Robin stumbled, clearing his voice with a sip of water.

“A woman?” All three of us nodded, even I did without realising. She giggled again and sipped her drink. “Yeah I get that reaction sometimes, like, why would you be a digital engineer, aren't they all geeky and old, or something?” Sofie said in a stupid, dumb voice like she'd had to go through this on several occasions.

All three of us watched her as she strategically placed her glass back down into place, as if that was where she's found it when they arrived at the table and didn't want to move it from position.

Robin gulped. “Not to be rude, but yeah.” He nodded and let out a nervous chuckle.

Sofie smirked and shrugged innocently, this no big deal to her. “It's fine, I'm used to answering the “where's the old man with thick glasses” question.” She again smiled and caught my eye. “I usually answer because with “I didn't know men did this job?”.” Her eyes wide in sarcasm. Referring to how her sector was probably male dominated and there weren't many women who wanted to into digital engineering. “Anyway, it's nice to meet all three of you.”

I nodded and smiled. “And it's finally nice to put a face to the name Sascha has been on about for weeks.”

“Hope it's not to scary for you.” The brunette winked. “You're definitely the footballer.” Giggling after her little comment.

“How so?” Intrigued by her little comment and Alps frankly a little offend, I asked the confident Scandinavian on it.

Sofie lined up her cutlery and gave a shrug. “You're just so professional about everything, while you're two friends, not so much..”

“Hey what's that supposed to mean?” Marcel squeaked out, I was starting not to really like Miss Frederiksen as much as I thought I would even based off first impressions.

She shook her head, still not moving that smile from her face. How she could smile for so long was beyond me. “I mean, you two have relaxed and Marco here, is sat like a puppet on a string, ready to read from script.” Eyeing me from the side, she looked me head on. “Just relax, I know this is supposedly a “business meeting” but well, they're boring and I don't want tonight to be that way.”

I was quite surprised by her forthrightness still and raised my brows. “Well it's is quite a formal setting and I guess if we laughed we'd probably be thrown out.” I shrugged, trying to defend myself.

“Just relax, it might be a posh setting, but blame Sascha for that he suggested we come here.” Sofie nudged Sacha who was by the side of her. Sascha just gave her an unimpressed look.

“It's a very big business venture, it needs a nice place to stage the meeting.” Sascha defended his choice in restaurant. Sofie again just shrugged. “And it's close to where you're staying.” Raising his voice a tad, Sofie just giggled at his excuses and rolled his eyes.

Marcel chuckled seeming to relax into the fact that Sofie had requested us not to be so puppet like. Robin too but Robin does so anywhere we go. I felt as if I should do the same but it just felt wrong. I knew Sofie had said so and well she was making light of the situation with her emerald eyes and casual attitude, but it just felt too hard for now. If I must admit, I was nervous. I had all these land and ideas that I wanted to throw at her and had even made a little presentation on it, but I didn't want to say anything, too nervous that she'd laugh them off. Sascha too, he was my agent and if I was to say something to offend him, then who knows what might happen. The whole project could be cancelled.

“So, how long have you known Sascha?” Marcel asked just after we'd made our appetiser orders. I'd ordered a glass of white wine, the best they had here, hoping that my nerves about the whole duration would disappear and I could ease into the night.

Sofie glanced to Sascha and shrugged. “Maybe about five, six years.” Sacha agreed with a nod of the head and a sip of his own glass of wine. “I was assigned as the digital engineer for his, your services office development so they could update their systems and well, he was there, and we just got to talking.” She shrugged.

“Have you worked on any other projects together?” I blurted out of the blue, wanting to know more about the mysterious brunette Scandinavian.

Sofie glanced over to me with her wine glass in her hand, it was the first thing I'd said in a while so she seemed a bit shocked at how loud my voice had initially sounded. “A few yes.” She nodded.

“She worked with me on Mario’s app development Marco, he’ll probably remember.” Sacha answer and have Sofie a smile. She smiled back and held his gaze for a bit longer than just social etiquette. I found myself watching them, wondering if they were just friends but Sascha talking distracted me from that and I'd forgotten about it after that. “Look what a good job she did with his, if you're worried what it's going to turn out like, look how successful his was and easy to use, and now imagine what yours is going to look like.” He smirked.

Marcel slapped my shoulder. “Yeah that's a good point, Mario's is a really good app.”

“How would you know?” Robin frowned to our smaller frown.

“Because I have it.” Marcel blasted and brought up the app on his phone, with a smile. Before looking at me. “What?” He asks upon seeing my “really” expression. “

“Yeah, as you can see, I'm very good at my job.” Sofie giggled, glancing my way again. “I'm very professional and a perfectionist.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

“It shows,” Marcel smiled, locking his phone and putting it back in his back pocket.

Sofie glanced over at me again, just as the appetisers were brought and she graciously plucked her knife and fork from the table and tucked into her food. I thanked the waiter who placed my period in front of me but just couldn't look away from Sofie and watching how delicate she looked when she ate. She caught my Blanca and smiled. “You know Marco, you guys can ask me whatever you want.” I stuttered of my words. “I can see it in your eyes.” With a smirk.

Marcel and Robin took this as an opportunity to try and ram as many questions into thirty seconds as possible. Each asking after each other, and Sofie answering just as quick.

“Where are you from?” Robin asked.

Sofie smiled. “Copenhagen, Denmark.”

“Born and bred there?” Sofie nodded at Marcel’s inquiry. “What about any siblings?”

“A twin brother.” She shrugged, and smiled. “Raised by our father.” She added but didn't want any more to do with parents being discussed.

Robin and Marcel nodded. “Do you work in Copenhagen?” Marcel asked first.

“Yeah,” Sofie swallowed and placed her cutlery neatly on the plate, sipping her wine. “Live in the city, work in the city, brought up on the outskirts.”

“What's the name of your company called?” Robin tested.

“Zope-Hagen Inc.” She announced though her smile dropped a little upon doing so. I seemed to be the only one that noticed it, as Robin and Marcel were too caught up in this little question game they'd been participating in. “It's one of the biggest digital engineering companies in Denmark, and well Europe.” She shrugged, giving a half smile that was for sure fake.

Sofie seemed unhappy about talking about the company she worked for and that made me curious. Did her take this job up to get away from something there? Because she seemed sad about it. Maybe she had one of those bosses who were just plain horrible and when this opportunity came up, she grasped it with both hands.

“Are you like a big boss there? With your own office?” Robin smirked. “Telling people what to do.”

Sofie giggled. “If you're referring to me as a Kevin Spacey in Swimming with Sharks, then no.” She giggled again and we all frowned. I knew the film but hardly, although I was sure the others wouldn't get the reference. Sascha let a chuckle out though, being the oldest here he understood the reference perfectly. “Although I do have my own office.”

“So you're quite high up then?” They asked and Sofie gave a half shrug smile.

“Uh for a woman in my sector, yeah...but not as high as I'd like to be.” Sofie sipped her wine. “I have my dreams and aspirations but that can be discussed another time.”

Just as she finished explaining about her job and where she was in her sector compared to where she wanted to be, the little German idiot next to me, blurted out something that none of us were expecting and probably a thought that he should’ve kept to himself. “Are your tits fake?” Marcel asked, not really thinking about what he was say, per usual.

I choked on my drink, clearing my throat while glancing around at the table, who, for the most were in shock at what Marcel had said. I think that even Marcel was a little shocked at one of his thoughts he’d blurted out and should’ve thought about before actually speaking.

“Marcel,” Sascha growled in a warning tone. “I think that’s enough questioning thank you.” Through gritted teeth. His reaction maybe a little too over the top. But Sascha was a gentleman and he was probably just respecting Sofie’s privacy on the issue.

However, Sofie on the other hand, gently rubbed his hand, calming him down. She seemed to be taking this well. Especially concerning that Marcel had blurted out whether her breasts were real or fake and well, asking a woman that kind of question was probably one of the worst mistakes you could make. Trust me, I would know, I'm not as innocent as I'm making out in that department.

“Sascha it's fine, he's just curious.” Sofie laughed it off, breaking the shocked silence. “Let’s just say, I'll leave you to think on that one.” She said with a sassy little wink at the end. Marcel smirked and nodded, I could already tell what he was thinking without giving it a second thought.

From Marcel’s awkward and frankly personal question, the appetisers arrived as we began to dig into them, not talking as much as we'd been before hand. I was in the middle of a sip of my wine when Sofie turned her attention solely to me. “So, Marco how come you came up with this idea of the app?” She asked intrigued and bit into her scallop appetiser.

I grimaced internally at the thought of seafood as it was one of the foods that I hated the most. “Uh, well, as you've said, my friend Mario Götze has his own app and I saw how well his was doing, so I was thinking, why not give it a go myself.” I shrugged and gave a small smile.

Sofie smiled back, her eyes sparkled as she did and I gulped down my own meal at the sight of them. They really did have this emerald look to them as they sparkled and for a pair of eyes to do such a thing, wow, was all I could say to that.

“Well, I must say, I am really looking forward to working with you on this project and listening to all the ideas you have about what you want for the app.” The Dane smiled happily, I nodded.

Sascha hummed in agreement, a mouthful of food as he spoke. “We'll meet up for a discussion on that at the office if you want, in a few days, after training.” He proposed and I agreed straight away.

“Sounds perfect.” Sofie smiled at Sascha and he smiled back. There seemed to be this little connection to the pair that had kept me wondering through dinner until now and I was still unable to work it out.

* * * * * * *

SOFIE’S POV

My curvature signature sprawled against the dotted line as I finally signed the contract.

It was a breath of fresh air to finally put pen to paper on the whole proposed project and I could tell by the relief on Marco's face as he signed himself, that he felt the same way. I know I'd only known about this for a little less than a week, but as soon as I agreed, I wanted to sign an official contract and get on with this opportunity.

I viewed this little project, as an adventure. New country, new people, new style and so many new ideas. Marco shared the same enthusiasm which I was happy about and was just hoping that this process, no matter how long it took, was enjoyable for the pair of us.

As Marco finished, he glanced up and caught my eye, giving me a little half smile from the side of his mouth. I stuck my hand out ready to shake his. He seemed a little caught off guard but accepted the hand to shake nonetheless. “Can't wait to get started.” I smiled.

I didn’t exactly know what had made Vivi get up and leave in such a rush but I wanted to know and I needed to find her. Lately we’d not been speaking, we’d just had a heated confrontation and maybe all that together was her reasoning. I felt terrible. She was right, I wasn’t telling her something, but I was too scared to reveal what it was.

It was Scarlett.

Scarlett was that something that I wasn’t telling her about, but I was nervous, scared. I’d kept Scarlett a secret from the moment I’d met her and now that me and her were now technically dating each other, it became even harder to reveal the truth to Vivi. I didn’t want to hurt Vivi’s feelings by telling her now when we’d been seeing each other before hand.

However, right now, not telling her, made me out to be a right jerk.

I didn’t know what to do, not to hurt her or Scarlett.

With a heavy sigh, I kept on walking, down street after street, trying to find where Vivi had gone. And it seemed to now avail until I heard the clicking if heels along the concrete ground. Glancing up from scuffing my shoes, I saw a very cold looking Vivi not even a hundred years in front of me.

“Vivi!” I shouted to grab her attention.

The Italian stopped at the sound of my voice, but not for long, only enough time to glance back before she began to walk again. I growled underneath my breath and started to lightly jog, to catch up with my best friend.

“Vivi please.” I jogged, though she made no effort to reply, or change her speed. “Vivi, darling…” I said heavily breathed upon reaching her. I laid an hand on her goose bumped arm.

“Don’t touch me Marco.” She shrugged my hand off and kept walking ahead, this time quite fast and for a woman in heels it was quite impressive.

I rolled my eyes, catching up to her side. “Why did you run off?” I knew it was a dumb question to ask and that expression donned on her face spoke the same thing.

“You know very well why I did, Marco.” Every time the Italian would pronounce my name, she’d draw it out, giving it a stab with gritted teeth.

I hummed in answer. “Just come back will you, we can sort this out later.” I pleaded with her, hoping that she’d drop this for after Armin’s party. Vivi was not one for making a commotion or scene so this behaviour was unusual for her. But, on the other hand, so had mine been lately.

Vivi was quick to shake her head, refusing. “No, Marco, I’m going home.” She said firmly, walking ahead of me once again.

“Fine then, I’m coming with you.” I demanded on my own terms, which did not best please my friend.

“No, you go back to the restaurant Marco.” She told me as my mother would but I was not having it. Silently, I took her hand and raised my eyebrow. “‘Marco, let go of my hand.” Vivi gritted through her teeth, as we stood in the middle of the sidewalk, arguing with each other. I shook my head. “Marco, let go of my hand.” She repeated this time, more calmly.

“No.” I refused stubbornly.  

She rolled her eyes. “Stop acting like child Marco, and go back to the restaurant.”

“No.” I refused again, squeezing her hand.

“Ouch.” Vivi hissed and pulled her hand away from my grasp. “You're hurting me Marco…” She drifted off, glancing away. Her eyes glistened and we're wet, I could tell she had been crying, and I knew what about, but I was scared that if hurt even more if I told her. “You're hurting me because I know you're hiding something from me and you won't tell me.”

“Vivi please, not here.” I whispered with a heavy, guilty gulp. She nodded. “We'll go home.” She nodded again, allowing me to come with her.

I hailed down a taxi, giving her a weary glance as I did, just to make sure that she wouldn't run off. This was all my fault, all created by me and felt like fool for doing so. If I just had the halls to tell Vivi about Scarlett then we probably wouldn't be in this mess. Vivi wouldn't say that I was hurting her or acting weird because I was keeping something from her, she'd be happy and bubbly, like she always had been and the friend I admired.

Just looking at that downtrodden expression as we sat in the back of taxi, I felt that pang once again.

Scarlett knew of Vivi, so why couldn't Vivi know of Scarlett?

It was a question I'd asked countless times and there had been countless times that I was ready to tell Vivi about Scarlett. Yet, every time I'd stop myself, say something else, give a kiss to her temple, chicken out.

Go ahead, say it; I was a coward. I was scared of Vivi and yes, I would agree, I was.

She had this aura about her that seemed to make her invincible. She was like another sister to me, and one I cared very much so, like my own sisters. The thought of hurting her, it scared me because I didn’t know what that would do to us and our friendship. If anything would happen to our friendship, well I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.

“Will you stop looking at me.” Vivi muttered a seat or so over from me in the back of the taxi. I looked down and kept that way while she leaned into the window, watching the city lights.

She was mad with me and honestly, I didn’t know how to make it up to her.

When we arrived home, Vivi was quieter than ever. She sat on the sofa, not even bothering to remove her heels and stared at the blank TV screen.

“I told the guys that you didn't feel too well so I brought you home.” I said upon walking in after a phone call with Rob. I had told that she felt ill but I was pretty sure Rob knew that she wasn't that. Vivi hummed. I sighed and sat next to her, putting my feet up on the coffee table. “Why you watching a blank tv?”

Vivi shrugged her shoulders and again I let out a heavy breath.

“Viola…” I whispered with a pout her way.

“Don’t call me that.” She said firmly. “I’m in no mood for you to even start Marco.”

“It was the whole point we came come, so we could talk.” I defended, looking at her pleadingly.

She scoffed, shaking her head. “What’s the point, when all I get from you is “uh, nothing’s going on”.” The Italian said in a dumb voice, acting like that was what I sounded like.

I rolled my eyes. “That’s because-”

“Nothing is. Yeah, I think I gathered that Marco.” Vivi snapped like she hadn’t at all tonight and the frustration was clear. As I glanced her way, I saw that tears were on the edge of her eyes, but she held onto them, not wanting to let go. “I just want a serious answer Marco. Why have you been acting so weird lately, why have you been gone so long and when I ask you where you just shrug with some stupid excuse.” There was a lump in her throat. “I’m sick and tired of being lied to.”

Bowing my head, I fiddled with my fingers, feeling even worse than I have ever done before. I’d made her this way by my constant lying. Seeing her this way was heartbreaking for me.

“Vivi.” I rubbed her arm and this time she didn’t snatch herself away. I think the emotional side of this was getting to her. “Darling,” I made her look at me though I could tell she didn't want to. “I know you feel like I'm not telling you something and you're right, I haven't been.” I gulped. I had to tell her at some point and maybe this was just the opportunity. I shouldn't be scared of her, she was my best friend. “I um…I...I know I've been acting weird lately but um, I've um, I've been seeing a consultant…”

Yes, yes, I know, I chickened out. But the pressure got to me and those big brown hopeful eyes stared back at me and I panicked.

Vivi frowned and tilted her head, curiously glancing at me. “A-a consultant?” I nodded and immediately her eyes grew large and scared. “W-why, what the matter Marco?” She gulped.

“Everything's fine, V.” I calmed her with a rub of her arm. “It's just, I keep get this reoccurring injury with my abductor and my ankle so I thought I'd get some professional opinions and treatments.”

“Well isn't Swantje a professional?” Vivi asked confused.

I hummed. “Well yeah but she can only do so much, she actually put me into someone who can help these specific problems so I can be fit for every match possible.” I explained sand she nodded. “So I've been going to see the national team doctor since you've come back to get some advice and treatment.”

Vivi nodded again and sat there for a moment, pondering something in her mind. “I don't understand why you didn't tell me.” Her eyes still having that glint of hurt in them that made this lie even harder to stomach.

Sighing, I pulled her in to my side for a cuddle. “Because, I'm this athlete that shouldn't have to worry about injuries all the time, I'm 27, in the prime of my career and yet I'm constantly picking up injuries and my body fails me on some occasions. It's embarrassing, V.”

“I don't think it's embarrassing.” She whispered, cuddling in and grabbing my hand that was smoothing her arm.

“No?” I asked curiously.

She shook her head. “No. There's no shame in needing help sometimes or needing to speak up about a worry. That's what makes us human.” She shrugged, staring ahead. “You think when I have a problem, I just bury it away and forget about it? I try and find a solution, and there's no harm in that. If it's with my family, friends or even work colleagues, there's no shame in needing help.”

Vivi's little smile made me smile and I kissed her forehead gently. “You always know how to make me smile, you know that right?”

“What can I say? I just have that gift.” The Italian smirked cockily with a mean raise of her eyebrow. “But you promise it's just that that's been making you disappears lately?” I nodded, assuring her it was, even with a grimace hiding. “Good, next til you just have to say, don't think you were the type to be scared of me, Marco.” She smirked and I let out a half chuckle, cuddling her closer.

I gulped and closed my eyes for a second, feeling more guilty than I ever had. How could I keep lying to her when all she wanted was the truth? She wasn't going to chop my head off. She was here to support me, I thought.

But at least I had her back for now and at least she was smiling again. No animosity between the pair of us.

Vivi yawned and stretched out. “I'm tired.” She pouted, looking up at me with tired, mascara stained eyes.

It was just us guys out for a meal tonight, out celebrating Armin’s birthday.

We classed Vivi as one of the guys, because, well, we always had. When people would ask us why Vivi wasn’t coming with us, we’d say “we class her as one of the guys” because with Vivi we can have a laugh and an interesting conversation compared to what we would with other woman. Vivi got all of us and her love of sport only enhanced that. She didn’t sit there, twirling her hair and falsely giggling, pretending to know what we were on about. Instead, she was the one making the jokes, making us all laugh, making the night lively and controlling the conversation, and I believe that she loved being like that too.

Vivi was my best friend for all those reasons and of course more, so when the person you think is the closet to you, begins to give you such a cold demeanour; it hurts.

“What did you get for your birthday Armin?” Vivi questioned, sat next to Rob.

She wouldn’t even sit next to me which was even more bizarre. We always sat together, always, and now she wouldn’t even do that. I just could not work it out.

Armin sipped his drink happily. “Well, my sister got me my cologne and some clothes, my girlfriend got me chocolates and all little knick knacks, and you lot have got me nothing.” Armin pouted his lips.

“You’re getting this dinner aren’t you?” Robin raised his eyebrow. “This is your present from us.”

Armin scoffed. “Marco is a professional footballer, and all he can get me is a dinner?”

I rolled my eyes at my friends complaints. “I am sat right here you know.” Giving Armin an unimpressed expression.

“Yeah well, you could at least get me something better.” Armin pouted unhappy, but I knew he was joking. Well, I hoped he was anyhow.

“Like what?” I asked, wanting to know what he wanted for his birthday other than this very generous birthday meal with his closet friends.

Armin shrugged his shoulders, looking around the table. Maybe he’s gone a little too far with his moaning and he was starting to realise that by the expressions of those sharing the table with him. “I don’t know.” He shrugged once again and sipped his drink. “Maybe a Rolex watch or a holiday away with my girl?”

Robin scoffed loudly this time. “Oh yes, how sorry of us for not paying for you to go on holiday.” A deadpanned look to him as he said it.

“Boys, be nice.” Vivi spoke up next to Rob, getting involved. After all, she was the person who asked him about his birthday first. “I’ll have no fighting tonight. And Armin, be happy with what you got otherwise I’ll hit you.”

“Yes ma’am.” Armin answered Vivi sheepishly, bowing his head having been told off.

As Armin did that, I turned to Vivi and gave her a small smile, unfortunately for me, she didn’t reciprocate it. In fact, she blanked not only my smile but me completely and I felt hurt from it. I still did not understand why she was acting like this with me. Had I done something wrong in the past few weeks? Not in my remembrance.

A little downhearted, I glanced down at the menu and kept quiet. I didn’t feel like talking right now, especially when my best and closest friends was ignoring me.

It might sound quite pathetic but any of you out there who have been ignored by someone so close to you, you know the pain you have when it happens. And to not know why it is this way, it confused the hell of me.

VIOLA’S POV

I knew he was sad that I was ignoring him, maybe even annoyed, but I just couldn’t help but feel annoyed every time I looked at him. There was something he wasn’t telling me, I knew him too well. It wasn’t just “busy” Marco, there was something else. Whatever he was keeping from me was big enough to do so and it had got me in a panic these few days.

I know it seems mean that I’m blanking my best friend but I didn’t know how else to tell him that I’m annoyed with him. Sure, I could confront him but that would cause drama and drama was the last thing we all wanted.

We were here to celebrate Armins birthday, one of our closest friends, and I wasn’t going to ruin that because I was annoyed with Marco.

Though, I could sense that maybe people around the table had noticed the animosity, especially since I’d chosen to sit next to Robin. Usually, I’d sit next to Marco, well all the time I would. Marcel had made a comment on it which I’d shrugged off as a “eh, just felt like sitting somewhere different” comment. Pretty sure however, when one of your house mates asks such a question, that they know more than anybody that there was something up with me.

The meals had been ordered and today we didn’t find ourselves in an Italian restaurant, thank god. Instead we were in a lovely little place called VIDA, a Mediterranean and Asian style bar. Which was one thing that had annoyed Marco, seeming his hatred of seafood of all kinds. But it was something he had to deal with. I was not a big seafood fan myself but it was Armin’s birthday and Armin’s choice.

I was not going to make a fuss.

Marco and Armin had gone to fetch the drinks, leaving just me, Marcel and Rob at the table. Finishing what I had left of my drink, I stared off, the table silent. They both knew something was up, there was no doubt about that. But saying something to a woman, asking if something was wrong, they knew they'd get the same answer as always.

Bless them they tried anyway. “Vivi...is everything alright?” Marcel said across from me.

I hummed and nodded. “Yeah I'm fine.” Clearly I wasn't but I wasn't going to tell them.

Rob and Marcel glanced at each other wearily. “If there is, you can tell us, you know that right?” Rob chipped in, I again hummed. Not wanting this to go any further before I felt awkward. “I know something up with you and Marco.”

“That obvious huh?” Chuckling sarcastically, I leaned back in my seat and crossed my legs, relaxing as much as I could.

Rob chuckled. “You're not sat next to him, you're hardly talking. Yeah it's pretty obvious.”

“Do you think they've noticed my…” I gulped self conscious all of a sudden, with a small glance the way of Armin and Marco at the bar who were chatting away.

“Armin, no. He's clueless about most things so don't worry too much about ruining his birthday meal.” Rob started and stopped as burped loudly. I gave him a grimacing look and shook my head. “He already did that by complaining about his birthday meal. And Marco, well, yeah I'm pretty sure he knows you're annoyed with him.”

As Robin said that, I ran a hand through my short hair, leaning forward with my hands in my head. “It's just...there's something he's not telling me, I know it, and it's bothering me, a lot.”

They only hummed and soon there was no time to talk about Marco, because he'd returned along with Armin. Once my drink was placed in front of me, I took no time in gulped some of it down.

Tonight, I was keeping quiet, and let the boys chat amongst themselves. I didn't really know what they were on about apart from the odd mention of my salon or football which interested me. Instead, I was deep in thought, subtly staring at Marco.

I thought we were alright, better than ever. However, when I came back from my week away in Munich with Mario, something seemed different, the atmosphere did not sit right. Even the night I came home and we had sex, as much as he seemed to enjoy it, there was not glaze to his eyes, not as much lust as there used to be.

If anything, Marco was confusing me and I believe that was why I was getting annoyed with him so much lately.

Since that talk with Andi, and how she said about maybe he was planning some thing, I couldn't think of anything else but that. But what was he planning, and was he actually planning anything. My second, and less profound thought on Marco being missing so much lately was a woman, maybe he was seeing me. I was quick to wave it away in my head, he'd tell me if he was seeing someone or at least into someone, I'm sure he would.

He was my best friend and when he'd first started dating his ex, he told me, we had a heart to heart and I helped him in his early relationship. The same could be said for him with my previous relationships and when Mario first met AK.

I was annoyed and confused and so much more about Marco lately. We'd not had sex for weeks and sure that would sound strange for people who were actually together and in love but even for our “thing” it was very very unusual. We still slept in the same bed, we'd always done so since moving in to the house, but we would hardly cuddle and not even wish each other good night.

Things just seemed to be falling apart in a way, between us and I really did not like that

My thought were squashed when I heard the squeaking of chair legs against the floor and snapped out of my gaze to see Marcel, Rob and Armin getting to their feet. “Where you lot off to?” I asked with a frown.

“For a smoke.” Armins said, pulling out a cigarette and popping it in his mouth. I rolled my eyes, and lent on my elbow.

“So with this shoot, do you think you'll be able to do the hair and makeup?” Marco asked once the three of them had wandered off for a quick cigarette.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I gave Marco a look of disgust. “I'm sorry?”

Marco sighed and furiously screwed his face. “Nothing don't worry.” He fell silent, slouching against the bench he was sat on. “No in fact, I want to know why you're acting like this with me.”

“Acting like what?” I asked, playing down and really not wanting to cause a commotion between us.

“Don't play dumb with me.” Marco almost spat at me. Maybe I was not the only one mad, annoyed. “What’s the matter with you Vivi? All you’ve done lately is act like I’ve done something wrong and now you’re ignoring me.” He frustratingly let out and clenched his fists.

I felt bad for acting the way I had been but still angered by the German who had caused me to act this way. “That’s because you’re hiding something, or you won’t tell me something and it’s starting to annoy the hell out of me.” I growled back angrily. “I don’t want o be like this with Marco, but...ever since I’ve come back from Munich, you’ve been different.” Marco scoffed at my statement, crossing his hands over his chest which he had puffed out.

“How have I been acting different? I’m the same old me.” Marco said.

But I knew he wasn’t, he was difference, he was acting different and honestly, it scared me.

“You are!” I argued back, leaning forward so no one could really gather that we were having an altercation. “You always out and you don’t tell anyone where you’re going and when I ask where you’ve been you tell me “training” and I know it’s a lie Marco. I know when you’re lying to me.”

“I’m not lying to you about anything Vivi! And frankly, you ignoring me is hurtful too.” He quick brushed off my attempts to explain what it had been like since I’d been back but Marco just did not want to listen to what I have to say and that hurt.

I clenched my jaw as I felt the annoyance bubble to a completely new level. I think the alcohol I’d consumed tonight, although not much, was contributing to this also. “I’ve been ignoring you because I’m annoyed at you. All I want to know is why you’re acting so weird. That’s all.” I stared at Marco wide eyed. “You’re out most days, from dawn to dusk, we don’t see each other hardly, this is the first time in a while we’ve been eating at the same time in the same place.”

Marco opened his mouth to speak and probably by the way things were going, argue his case, however, the arrival of the three other members of our party stopped him from doing so. I believe that it was probably at the best thing, like I had said, I did not want to ruin Armin’s birthday. And the way we were going, that was something that was going to happen.

Rob nudged me as he sat down and tapped his nose. At first I stared at him in utter confusion as to why he did that, before realising what it meant. By that time it was too late, happy birthday had started to ring around the table, and others joined in too. I didn’t but instead looked up as the waiters brought a big chocolate cake Armin’s way, his favourite. As it was place down in front of him and opposite Marco, my eyes drifted from the candles to him, watching him as he smiled on. There was some thing up and I really wanted to know. I wanted to know so badly that the frustration was becoming too much, too overwhelming. 

Feeling dizzy and sick and I quickly rose to my feet, grabbing my clutch.

Since Thomas had come in, there more of them compared to Jürgen. That probably wasn’t a bad thing, but it just felt like it. He was more technical than Kloppo, which surprised me. The thing was, this more technical edge to our game worked and so did these tactical presentations.

Don’t ask me why because I’m really not sure. I did listen in them, of course, I did, otherwise we wouldn’t be winning so many games and be in the position we were in the league. And I knew that every team needed a technician behind them, turning the cogs to make everything work. Though, personally I liked to make my impact on the field. Running the flanks, finding holes of space, pressing defenders, goalkeepers into making mistakes, then pouncing. Whether it was a shot on goal myself, or a pass through.

I sat at the back of the conference room in the darkness, as Thomas went through slide by slide, finding myself absorbing the words without even listening. The slides didn’t even look like real pictures or video’s too me, just blurs on a screen. And whenever Thomas would call my name out while explaining something, I’d merely nod my head as if I was paying interest.

Auba and I - who always sat next to me - would have a silent joke and entertain ourselves some other way. Much to those who were listening annoyance.

While Auba and I were doing just that, I felt my phone vibrate in my shorts pocket, having it on silence just in case I got told off again. I was going to answer it after the meeting but the temptation to know who it was was too much and well Thomas looked absorbed in his own speech to really care what one of his vice captains was up to.

So, I took it out of my pocket and turned the brightness down to make it not so obvious, seeing that it was a text from my agent, Sascha.

That excited me even more and I quickly opened up the text up to see what he’d wrote.

Frederiksen is in Dortmund - Sascha

It simply read but the excitement rose in me like a little kid on Christmas day and the reality that my app was going to be more than just a thought sooner rather than later was the main cause of that. I’d been awaiting news on this Frederiksen for a while now and to have the news through that he was here, well I was over the moon and really couldn’t wait to get to work with him in developing my own app.

I smiled happily down at my phone, biting my nail as I did and started to write out a reply of how excited I was to meet him and that I would call Sascha after my team meeting. Auba being the nosey person he was, glanced over my shoulder and whispered to me who it was.

I hummed and looked at him. “It's Sascha, he said that the app designers in Dortmund.” I whispered back. Auba nodded happily and winked, but the problem with my whisper in a silent room of twenty odd was that, I could be heard.

When I glanced up from my phone, I saw the preying eyes of Thomas with a raised eyebrow. “Anything interesting Marco?” I shook my head and gave an awkward smile. “Phone away then please, you can get back to texting your “girl” when you're back in your room.” As Thomas said that, I blushed uncontrollably, cringing at the thought that my gaffa thought it was a woman I was texting and the whole room chuckled at it too.

* * * * * * *

After the tactical presentation, I returned to my room that I was sharing with Gonzalo and headed to the balcony to make the call to Sascha. I was shaking with anticipation to see what my agent would say and see if I would get the chance to speak to Frederiksen at all.  

The phone rang twice before Sascha picked up. “Marco?” He said a little groggily which made me frown.

“Yeah it's me.” I happily replied in the end, looking over the city of Bremen. It was only five in the evening, meaning we had the rest of the day to ourselves before training session at nine. “How's everything there?” I couldn't wait any longer, I needed to know all the details and right now.

Sascha chuckled at my eagerness. “Everything's fine, Frederiksen is settled into the hotel suite and I've just come from discussing a few details of the contract. How's the away day going?”

I shrugged. “Same old same old.” Before quickly moving the conversation back onto the hot topic of Frederiksen and my app. “So what's going to happen now? Does Frederiksen have any ideas he wants to throw into the mix? Maybe when can sit down and speak about what I want-”

“Marco calm down.” Sascha told me and I cleared my throat, knowing I was getting more excited down the phone then maybe I should've been. “It's all sorted out, we've got everything planned.” He told me calmly, adding; “We'll schedule a dinner meeting for the night after you've come back from your game, maybe bring Marcel and Robin, seeming they're involved. We'll sign the contract at dinner and then get into the other meetings over the coming week, sound good?”

I nodded, smiling happily. “Yeah that sounds great.” Biting my lip. “Oh, and I had some ideas for the app too.” Excitedly, I added, really wanting to tell Sascha, if he wasn't too busy that was.

“Go on.” He sighed though I could tell he was smiling.

“Okay, so,” I started excitedly. “I was thinking that maybe we could have a profile on me, maybe my likes, dislikes, my clubs and my upbringing. I was also thinking a social media page that could like give notifications that I've posted something on my Twitter or Instagram and also, something about the charities I support, because they're really close to my heart. Also…”

SOFIE’S POV

The sheets of the hotel bed smelt like a fresh meadow and felt so soft against my naked hot skin. The start of the day I’d been nervous, flying away from my home and leaving my brother and father there, but right now, I couldn’t be happier to be in Germany.

The welcome from Sascha was nothing short of spectacular and as I led here, half the cover off and breasts on full show, I could hear him from the balcony, chatting away on the phone in German. He hadn’t told me who it was on the phone but I wasn’t really bothered by that. Although, I would like to know if it was his client, Marco, who was on the other end of the phone. I wanted to know his reaction in knowing that his app dream was close to becoming a reality with the arrival of myself and my skills.

Sascha’s deep, husky, German voice sounded through the slight breeze of the Dortmund air as I led there, not wanting to move. It was too peaceful to and I never thought I’d feel this way away from my family but I did and all thanks to Sascha.

The peaceful silence was nothing like the noise ridden sound of two people making love it was not even fifteen minutes ago.

I smiled and sighed happily, staring out at the balcony as Sascha stood in nothing but his unzipped jeans. I admired his back muscles, tilting my head to the side, appreciating such a well kept body for a forty one year old.

Although, since I’d been with Sascha, he’d always been well kept. And when I first met him, his age was something that surprised me. He looked as if he was in his early thirties at best, not his early forties. But age didn’t bother me. What was it that people said? Age is just a number? Well it was to me, and the fifteen year age gap between Sascha and myself mattered not to me but others.

I closed my eyes for a second and with a small smile to my lips, stretched my body out, humming as I did so. I felt so relaxed, so at ease with being here and well, this place was like heaven.

The man of my dreams out on the balcony, having just had some of the best sex of our relationship, while I led in the bed of our debauching, awaiting his return.

While I listened to that sexy, silky voice, I grabbed my phone from the side table and started scrolling through my phone to see if I had any messages. Of course, I’d gotten a couple since last looking at my phone, mostly business, and some from friends and family.

The one that stood out to me was the one from Sven, in his typical fashion, it read;

Hope you've landed in Germany safely, probably won't get an answer though, letting lover boy take...you know what I don't even want to think about that. Call me when you get some time, luv ya lil sis! - Sven

I giggled at how close to the truth he really was and texted back.

We've already done that ;) I'll phone you when I get the chance, little busy with business stuff, you wouldn't understand. Luv you too big bro! - Sofie

Sven and I’s relationships for siblings was a close one. I guess that is something that comes when you lose your mother at such a young age as we did. Sure, we have this argumentative attitude towards each other, this teasing side that brother and sisters have, but I think that's what makes our relationship special.

As I thought about my brother, my phone vibrated in my hands with yet another text. It was Anton.

Hey, Sofie, it's Anton. Just wanted to say good luck for your business venture and can't wait to have you back in the office. ;) x

I cringed at the sight of the wink and kiss at the end, throwing my phone down on the messy bed and leaving it for another day. I was glad to be away from him and the office for while, I just don't know if I could of handled being there any longer. So really this “business venture” was an escape from the devil reincarnated.

Stretching once again with a yawn, I got my feet and grabbed my silk gown from my half unpacked suitcase, wrapping it around my body. I thought that I'd go and see what Sascha was up to, after he’d left to take a very long phone call.

When I got outside, he was still chatting along in German, which I failed to understand apart from the odd “ja”. He saw me and smiled up, grabbing my hand and pulling me into his lap. I gladly obliged and slotted in perfectly, wrapping my arms around his neck and laying my head on his bare shoulder.

We sat silently while he finished his call. The German giving me a small, silent kiss before he continued talking, while I aimlessly ran my hands through his chest hair, staring out over the city of Dortmund.

It was as peaceful as being in the bed alone, but now I had a warm body to lay on and a brisk warm breeze to contend with, so, if anything, it was much better.

Finally, he'd finished, about ten minutes after I had joined him and Sascha seemed relieved to be off that phone just as much as I was. “Sorry about that, Schnücki, he kept rattling on.” Sascha said and gave me cheek a peck.

I smiled, finally having my man back to myself. “It's fine,” Still aimlessly playing with his chest hairs. “Who was it?” I curiously tilted my head.

“It was Marco.” Sascha said shortly, rubbing my bare legs. “I was just telling them that you'd arrived, and he said he's excited to meet you and get this project going. Plus, he had one or two ideas he liked to share too…”

“Well guessing by how long that phone call was, it's probably more than one or two, Sascha.” I giggled and he smiled with shrug.

“He's just excited about this, he's never done anything like this before.” Sascha continuously rubbed my legs.

I smirked. “Well he's working with an expert so he's in good hands.” Sascha smirked and leaned up kissing me softly, his big, manly hands gripping slightly at my upper thighs. “Anyway, when will I get to meet Mr Reus?”

Sascha shrugged while kissing my jaw. “He's on an away game in Bremen at the moment, so probably something like tomorrow evening. If that's alright?” I nodded and closed my eyes, humming. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be able to meet him tonight but one more day wouldn't hurt, especially when I'd be spending the best part of two months here, working with Marco nearly every single day.

Sorting Sascha’s messy hair out, I pondered on what we were going to do for the rest of the day. “So what can we do then?” With a small pout of the lips.

The older man shrugged at first in that typical man way. “It's up to you, what do you want to do?”

I shrugged myself but just looking over the beautiful scenery of Dortmund from a distance, I just knew I wanted to explore it more, in detail. “I want to explore the city I'll be staying in for the next couple of months.” I innocently said, glancing back to Sascha. “I want to see the German markets, the traditional food and places, get to explore Germany like I've never done.”

Sascha smiled happily, running his hand through my blonde hair and pushing it behind me ear. “Anything you want, gorgeous.” He huskily said with that deep German accent of his that just got things tingling in places.

Happily, at his agreement, I lent forward and captured his lips in a passionate kiss, as a small thank you. I hummed against his lips, deepening the kiss a little more before reluctantly pulling away. “I'll go take a shower and we should be ready to go.” I told him, jumping off his lap.

This was Vivi, the girl I'd met when she was seventeen year old, that I'd taught to drive, helped her with her salon, been a good friend to her, slept over her house, met her parents.

I was her friend, not her lover. And all of this, what we were doing right now, just felt wrong.

It had happened from a drunken mistake last year and just continued. Maybe because we were both single and didn't have an emotional connection so we thought it was a good idea at the time. But now, I did have a romantic interest, this, was more a routine happening, than a pleasurable experience.

Since Scarlett and I had seen each their for a second time and shared that intimate kiss, we'd met up on several more occasions. Each becoming more intimate than the last, and I found myself starting to really like her. We'd spoken so much about everything and nothing at the same time that we have literally wasted times out at nice places because we were so focused on each other. I felt like I had an emotional connection with Scarlett and apart from that, a physical one. We'd not done more than kissing and a bit of groping, which was unusual for me, but I wanted to make a good impression and not force anything upon her because I really liked her.

Vivi didn't know of any of mine and Scarlett's meetings and didn't even know that the blonde existed, which was starting to get hard to maintain. I didn't want to keep Scarlett a secret from Vivi but I just didn't want to hurt her feelings and make her feel like she was unwanted.

Although, at the same time, I guess keeping Scarlett and secret from Vivi was a betrayal anyway and I dreaded the day that I told her about Scarlett. I knew that would be soon.

As I returned to what was going on, I felt Vivi's movements closing down as she grinder against me. She still had the power to make me groan in pleasure as I buried my face between her breasts and let her continue.

Usually I was more vocal, just as she was being right now, but like I'd said, I just couldn't get into it.

“Mhm Marco!” Vivi moaned again and I could tell by the expression on her face that she was close. I sped up and took control, just wanting to get this over and done with. “That's it, that's it m-more.” She kept spurring me on and soon, I felt her shake against me, climaxing loudly.

I moaned myself, closing my eyes and running out our highs.

Well, I say our, I mean, Vivi's because I didn't actually get that far, in fact, I didn't get anywhere close. Actually, I pretended as guilty as that made me feel. I just couldn't do it do I had no other option.

Kissing in between her breasts, I helped her back onto the bed where she led down and panted, humming in satisfaction. I silently got to my feet and disposed of my condom in the trash before grabbing my clothes.

Vivi led there naked, not giving a crap as she hummed and seemed to enjoy our little escapade. Though she soon noticed that I hadn't joined her and came up behind me, wrapping my arms around my naked chest.

“Come cuddle Marco.” The Italian hummed and kissed up my shoulder.

I hummed and smiled, kissing her cheek. “I would but I got to get to training.” I told her, not completely lying. I did have training, it just wasn't for another hour and half. But I just needed to get out the house and away from her for a while. I felt so guilty for even doing this anymore.

Vivi pouted her lips and rested them against my shoulder as I put my joggers on. “Okay, but I want a cuddle later, after work.” She yawned and got up, nakedly walking to the shower and turning it on.

“You got it.” I smiled and watched her naked figure as she stood, waiting for it to get warm. I sighed, pulling on my shirt and grabbing my duffle bag. The woman was beautiful and yet, I felt like I'd committed a sin by allowing her to do such things to me. We were friends, not lovers.

I left Vivi to her shower and went downstairs not in the best mood in the world, I have to say. All I wanted was to grab my shake and go because I just couldn’t be here right now, I felt like a traitor and maybe a session in the gym before training would help me work this off.

But of course, when I entered the kitchen, there was already someone in there, who happened to be tall and annoying. “Why are you here?” I sighed upon seeing Robin.

Robin whipped around and smirked. “Well hello there.” He wiggled his brows.

I rolled my eyes, shooing him out the way to get to the fridge and get my shake. “Wow, what’s up with you?” Robin said in a squeak. I stared at him. “You wouldn’t think that you’ve just had sex.” He chuckled but I was in no mood to laugh along with him.

“Don’t even go there Rob.” I warned, taking a sip of my shake.

Rob hummed and stood there. “Not enjoying it eh?”

I shook my head. “No Rob, I’m not, and you want to know why?”

“Not particularly, no.” He answered.

“Well I’m going to tell you anyway.” I responded demanding with wide eyes. “I'm basically cheating on Scarlett with Vivi because I haven't told Vivi about Scarlett and Scarlett doesn't know that so, I'm still having to have sex with Vivi to keep up this charade and I'm getting fucking sick of it.”

Robin nodded and kept silent for a second, staring ahead. “Well I mean, I can always have sex with Vivi if you want me too.” He proposed grabbed an apple, biting into it. The crisp sound of his bite went through me and I just wanted to grab his apple and throw it across the room.

I clicked my teeth. “Yeah very funny.”

“What? I'm sorry Marco but this is your own fault.” Robin shrugged and as I went to defend myself, Robin interrupted me. “Don't tell me it's not because it is.”

“Yeah, and how is it? Huh?” I challenged him with a hand on my hip.

“All you had to do was tell Vivi about Scarlett and it would be over and done with. None of this, cheating, hurting feelings, feel sorry for me bullcrap would be happening. But no, instead you did the dumbass thing and kept Scarlett a secret and now you're paying the consequences.” He said, seemingly pissed off with how long this had been going on and how long I’d been whining. “If it was me, I'd tell Vivi and spare us all some whining.”

I stared at him, unimpressed by his words but hearing what he said and understanding. I had been complaining these past weeks and maybe it was becoming an annoyance. But I was stressed and confused on what to do, not to mention guilty. “Whatever.” I hummed back, not knowing what else to say and grabbing my duffle bag.

“Where you off to?” Robin asked.

“Training.” I simply said and started to walk away. Of course, Robin followed me.

“Yeah but training doesn’t start for another hour right?” He frowned.

“Yeah I know.” Leaving it at that, I took my car keys and closed the door behind me, wanting to get as far away from the house as possible.

* * * * * * *

VIOLA’S POV

I scuffed my feet along the salons floor, bored. We’d not been that busy for the past hour and I was hoping and praying for someone to walk through that door so I could do something productive with myself.

“Just go on your lunch, V.” Andi, my co worker told me like she had for a while now, but I’d refused. “Aren’t you meeting your mum for lunch?”

I shook my head. “That’s tomorrow.” Letting out a heavily breath, I fell into tone of the salon chairs, holding a hair brush in my hand. “Besides, all I’ll do is sit in the staff room playing on my phone, that’s not fun.”

Andi played with her hair. “And it’s not fun just sitting out here, listening to music while we have no costumers.”

“It’s better than being sat on my own out the back.” I challenged with a lazy shrug of the shoulders.

Andi sighed, seemingly as bored as me and fell into the seat next to me. “Okay come on.” She started. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing.” I answered with my tongue pressed against the inside of my cheek. Andi knew that something was up though, she always had that power to see that something was wrong, even when you weren’t showing it, or trying not to. She raised her eyebrow and I gave a deep breath out, giving in. “Okay, maybe something is wrong.”

“And would you like to say what it is?” I shrugged, not wanting about it because it was a bit stupid, if you didn’t understand my situation anyhow. “Come one V, aren’t I your agony Andi?” She winked, making light of it which really helped me.

Strumming my nails against the leather hairdressing chairs, I sighed and explained my dilemma. “It’s Marco...h-he, well lately, I just feel like he’s been really distant with me.”

“How so?” Andi inquired with furrowed brows.

I shrugged, not knowing how to explain this predicament. “I don’t know, when I came back from Munich we were fine, great in fact. We were always laughing and joking and...well you know,” Andi smirked. “But now, it just...blah…”

Andi chuckled. “And blah means…”

“Blah means; well I mean we talk and joke and everything but there’s something up with him.” I ran a hands through my short hair and slouched in my chair. “He goes out a lot and doesn’t tell me where he goes and then when I ask, he’d all suspicious and I know he’s lying but I don’t bother telling him because...well...I don’t know why…” I was tired and well, a little unnerved because of Marco’s late attitude. I didn’t know how to react to it, he’d never acted so suspicious before, so I was confused.

“God the way you’re talking about it sounds like you’re with him.” Andi joked but I was in no mood for such a thing and gave her an annoyed stare. “Okay.” She cleared her voice. “Look, maybe there’s a plausible explanation for it V, maybe he’s doing something he doesn’t want you to know about until the right time.”

“Like what?” I snapped back, believing her.

She rolled her eyes, playing with her hair. “I don’t know, like a surprise of some type.”

I widened my eyes. “My birthdays soon...omg...Andi, what’s he doing? What’s he told you?” I freaked out and grabbed her arm, shaking it.

Andi chuckled and brushed me off. “V, calm down.” I did as she asked, seeming that I’d become a bit crazed. “Honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since he popped in the other week when you came back.” I’d been back nearly a month now since my little week trip to Munich to look after my idiot of a best friend who was uncapable of doing so without the aid of me or AK. “I’m telling the truth, stop giving me that look V.”

Sighing, I gave him. Maybe the birthday thing was true, maybe it wasn’t, but I didn’t feel like myself today, and I knew that there was something up with Marco. “There’s still something…”

My colleague sighed and looked at me. “What’s that?”

“Well, you know that me and him...um have casual sex?”

“Yeah friends with benefits like Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.” Andi replied with a smirk.

“Yes.” I sighed. “Well, we had sex this morning, and well, I was into it but Marco was just a bit...blah.”

Andi tilted her head to the side. “Blah how?” I shrugged. “Like not into it?”

I nodded. “Yeah he just was like doing it because, well it seemed like he was just doing it to please me and he wasn’t into it...it’s been happening for a couple of times now this week.”

“How many times a week do you have sex a week?” She exclaimed by my use of the words “this week” alone.

Shrugging, I stared straight ahead at my reflection in the mirror. “I don’t know, we just fuck when we’re on the mood.”

Andi’s eyes were wide as I gave her a glance. “Then you two are sex driven.” She scoffed.

I rolled my eyes. “Tell me something I don’t know...but he’s just been so not into it lately and I keep questioning whether this is the best thing to be doing these days.”

“Well what you started having sex a year ago, maybe a little more?” I nodded at Andi’s question. “That’s a long time to be having sex with the same person that you’re not even emotionally connected with. I mean, you’re best friends and you have sex, it’s weird.” I sighed and Andi immediately felt bad for saying that. “I didn’t mean to say you’re weird, I-I’m just saying.”

“It’s fine, I got what you meant.” I swirled around, biting my bottom lip. “We broke the best friend wall when we had sex after the Christmas party last year. I thought it was alright, we had sex the night I came back from Munich, but since then, there’s really been nothing.”

“Do you enjoy it?” Andi asked.

Bouncing my shoulder, I still stared at myself in the mirror. “It’s sex so yeah, you’re going to enjoying it.” She chuckled and shook my head. “But with Marco, now, it feels...weird and out of place…” I drifted off.

Andi hummed. “Then why don’t you tell him you don’t want to have any sex with him anymore, if he’s not into it either.”

It was a good point and one I was going to think about for the rest of the day, but I didn’t agree, not yet. “It’s just became routine, you know. We sleep int he same bed half the time anyway, and I like that, even when it’s not in a sexual way…”

“Well you still might be able to share a bed then.” Andi suggested but I wasn’t sure. If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure about anything at the moment, my head was a blur of...well things I really struggled to explain myself.

I was having an inner argument with myself about this whole casual sex thing Marco and I had going on, and I was convincing myself that it must come to an end, it was just too monotonous and not as enjoyable as it had started.

Just as I went to tell Andi my thoughts and get a second opinion, which I knew that she would probably agree with, the door opened and the bell went alerting us that a costumer has walked in. I turned my head around to see who it was and couldn’t be mistaken upon seeing the short blonde hair that belong to my mother. I stood up immediately and smiled. “Mami.” I went over and gave her a welcome hug, needing one right then.

She gave a chuckle and rubbed my back. “Caio cara, you’re a bit quiet today eh?”

Andi hummed. “Only one of our lulls Victoria.” She shrugged.

Me and my mother pulled away. “Well why don’t you do my hair?” I nodded and led her over to the chair I’d been sat in, while Andi grabbed the cape to put over her.

“What do you want then Mami?” I asked with a smile.

Marcel and Robin both looked taken back and stuttered over there words as they looked between themselves and then at me. I clenched my jaw and quickly shook my head so that Vivi wouldn't see. I didn't want Vivi to know about Scarlett, not because I think she would react badly, but because what me and Scarlett had was nothing more than a friendship at the moment and well, I didn't know what was going to happen in the future. Vivi might be my best friend but some things, have be kept a secret.

“U-h, uh, I mean, there's Swantje, but she's married.” Robin smirked in a panic, coming out with some of the most ridiculous comments if ever heard.

“What he means is no.” Marcel interjected and slapped Robin’s chest.

Vivi shook her head, telling the two to get on. “Before I beat your asses,” She winked, knowing how good she was at bowling. “Okay, so not a girl otherwise Rob wouldn't blabbed by now, then who?”

I rolled my eyes. “Does it really matter that much to you?” She nodded profoundly with ejecting eyeballs. “It was Auba.”

“Really?” She squeaked, closing one of her eyes. “All of that teenage girl giggling for Auba?” I nodded again. “What, are you planning a dinner date or a new celebration.”

She had me and Auba down to a tee. “Planning a celebration.” I pouted in a grumble making Vivi laugh.

She clapped her hands and giggled, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “So what celebration you two planning? Batman and Robin 2.0, emoji’s? Or something new?”

“Now that, is a secret.” I told her with a poke of her knows. She sighed and rolled her eyes, sipping her mock tail. “You'll have to wait and see.”

Vivi stared at me, a hard look on her face as she got up to take her shot. “I'll find out Reus, I always do.” She smirked teasingly, going to grab a bowling ball.

I sighed, muttering to myself that, that's what I was afraid of. Marcel gave me a worrying look and I just played it down, sipping my beer.

* * * * * * *

It was my second time of meeting Scarlett like this; a date..type thing. I didn't know if you could officially call it a date more than two “acquaintances” meeting up for lunch, at dusk. I guess that sounded close to a date more than an informal term of the word but you get me, I hope. This was more formal, anything is more formal at night, or dusk in my case. I'd opted for a more formal shirt and jeans rather than just a plain t-shirt, while Scarlett had gone for a pale blue off the shoulder dress with a pair of wedges. The blonde was a tall girl anyway, 5”8 her profile had said, so with the wedges she challenged me on height, a fact I think she liked.

“You look uh very beautiful this evening Scarlett.” I threw her a compliment while drinking the wine we'd ordered, my mouth feeling quite dry.

Scarlett smiled. “You know, I was waiting for you to say that because it was taking you a long time to pick your jaw off the floor.” She giggled, ticking her hair behind her ear.

I blushed and awkwardly laughed along with my obviousness. “W-was it that obvious?”   

“Well when you're looking at me like this-” Scarlett dropped her jaw and widened her eyes. “Then yeah, it's pretty obvious.” She giggled more and took a bit of her rare steak.

“Stop exaggerating it.” I played it down, sipping the wine more to hide my flushing cheeks, which were probably the same colour of the win we were drinking. “I was not like that,” I pointed her out. “If anything, it's you who did that when you saw me.” Winking, I lent back on my chair, giving her a wink.

Scarlett sighed and shook her head disappointingly. “See, I do find you attractive in that shirt but I'm not giving it you now because of that arrogant comment.” Smirking proudly.

I raised my eyebrow. “So you do find me attractive eh.”

Having caught her out on what she'd admitted, Scarlett was quick to add; “The ginger hair is quite an off put in itself…” Pulling a face while looking down at her plate.

“Hey!” I pouted my lip out at her and ran a hand through my hair. “My hair is not ginger it's a fair brown-” She snickered at me reference to my hair of “light brown.”

“/That/ is not fair brown, that's definitely ginger, a dark ginger but it's definitely ginger.” She added, biting into her food. Defeated, I blew out hair and tucked into my own food. “Didn't you used to dye it blonde though? Or have blonde highlights in it?”

I was quick in playing that down with a scoff of my own. “No, I'm not that sad.”

Scarlett pointed her fork at me. “Yeah you did! I swear I've seen you in magazines before with blonde hair in a quiff.” She giggled. “I remember thinking, he looks quite tasty.” She winked.

When I first met Scarlett, even if it was while she was having her hair done by Victoria, I took her for the shy kind. Even when she was at the club and approached me, I guessed that it was the alcohol talking. But she was quite forthright and confident with me. It was refreshing to see, not that I'd not seen many confident women with me, but the way that Scarlett held herself was no only confident but well educated too. I was intrigued and wanted to know so much more than I already knew about her. Though, Scarlett mainly liked to keep the conversation on me.

All I knew about her was that she was a full time model, has a sister and is from Hagen/ Dusseldorf.

I'd yet to find out more about this mysterious blonde but I was craving to and was hoping that tonight was the might that that would happen.

“Are you a natural blonde or?” I asked intrigued.

Scarlett shook her head, running a hand consciously through her blonde locks. “I'm naturally a brunette but I've always wanted to be a blonde so.” She shrugged and scrunched her nose which I had to admit was completely adorable. “You're a blonde man eh?” She challenged with a saucy wink.

I chuckled. “You could say that.” Biting my risotto just as saucily.

“Then I guess dying my hair blonde was a good idea.”

“I guess it was.” Bouncing my eyebrows and making Scarlett giggle, I chuckled myself, busting myself with my meal soon after so that it didn't go cold.

Scarlett and I were chatting so much and getting along so well that honestly, I felt amazing. It felt amazing to sit here, in this more formal setting, more romantic I must say, and just chat about everything and anything with Scarlett. I felt like I connected on so many levels with her and although I was yet to meet the refined details of Scarlett's personality, the Scarlett I was seeing right now was, well, fantastic.

“What happened to our little pink cafe though?” Scarlett pondered aloud and tilted her head to the side with a curious pout.

I chuckled and put my cutlery to the side of my plate. “Now, I've taken you there once, I'd be spoiling you if I took you there again.” I warned jokingly.

Scarlett pouted. “Aws but Marco I really loved that shop, it suited your personality perfectly.” She mischievously put it.

“And it so did yours too!” I said in a feminine with one of those girly roll of the eyes and flip of my “long” hair. Scarlett giggled and watched me amused. “Anyway, I know a place that does late night gelato, so I was thinking, we could get that and sit in the plaza?” I suggested casually.

Scarlett smiled. “Well it is a hot evening and I do like gelato…” She drifted off suggestively agreeing. “As long as they have weird flavours; I think I'm in.” She nodded in agreement, finishing off her main.

“Great.” I smiled happily, looking down at my plate.

After we'd finished the meal and I had been the gentleman I am and paid the bill of this evenings dinner, Scarlett and I linked arms and slowly took the to street, walking the short distance to the gal to store I knew was open.

We chatted and laughed as we ordered our gelato. Scarlett ordered a double scooped cone of Italian nougat while I opted for the more unusual tub of cappuccino and chocolate chips.

Deciding to sit on a nearby bench that looked over the artificially lot plaza we both tucked into our chosen gelato. I decided that it was time to find out more about Scarlett. “So,” I began with a lick of my spoon. “You know about the one and only me, but what about you?”

“What about me?” Scarlett shrugged and licked her gelato seeming to enjoy it.

I shrugged. “Well all I know about you, I'd where you're from, what you do and that you have a sister.” I chuckled. “You know what time of day I was born, my sisters husbands brothers name and occupation, and who my best friends is.” Innocently bumping her shoulder.

I hadn't actually told Vivi that I was going out to see Scarlett, let alone a woman. As far as Vivi was concerned, Scarlett didn't exist and for now I'd like to keep it that way. Scarlett was my own little secret and until or if things got serious between us, I'd tell Vivi but for now, Scarlett was just my agency that I'd had a meeting arranged for for a while and had to have it rescheduled for tonight because of “business reasons”.

Vivi bought it but like any woman, she questioned what those “business reasons” we're and panicked that id be moving from Dortmund.

“I guess you're right.” Scarlett giggled, and sighed. “What do you want to know?”

I thought for a moment, what did I want to know? I wasn't actually quiet sure. “Just anything you want to tell me; your childhood, where you went to school, what life was like growing up with your sister etc.”

She sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, staring out at the plaza area. “If I was with some guy I'd hardly know and didn't really want to tell him much, I'd say, I grew up with my mum and dad in Hagen until I was ten until we moved to Dusseldorf and that we were one of those typical families who had their fair share of fights, loving moment and family holidays that always had funny stories behind them.” She glanced at me after a mouthful of gelato.

“A-and to someone you knew well and trusted? Like me?” I winked and bumped her shoulder.

The blonde just cracked a small smile. “I'd say that my childhood was hell for me and my sister. We didn't really have any one apart from ourselves. Our dad died when we were young and mother was in jail for crimes that are just indescribable. Me and my sister moved from foster home to foster home until we were adopted by our mami and Papi who are honestly the best people in the world…” She drifted off and gave a small sad smile.

As she looked at me, I looked in her eyes and saw that hurt dullness to them that I could only ever imagine. “I...I don't know what to say...I-I'm so sorry.”

“Don't be.” Scarlett was quick to play down with a wave. “I wouldn't change a thing right now, my foster parents are the best thing that happened to me and my sister, I couldn't imagine what state we'd be in right now if it wasn't for them.”

I smiled as she did. “Well to see you happy, makes me happy too. Never be afraid of your past.” Scarlett nodded in agreement. “May I ask how your dad died?” I variously approached.

Scarlett licked her gelato and gave me a curious look. “Drug overdose...addicted to the strong stuff, so was my mother.”

“Oh.” I simply said, not able to find the right words.

Scarlett didn't seem to be that bothered by my reaction though. “We all don't have the upbringing like you've had Marco, but right now, where I am, I wouldn't change for the world. Those past experiences are what have made these days so precious and special. It's not an upbringing that defines people but how people use negative situations to shape their own lives.” She smiled again, always smiling even if she had that hurt look about her eyes. “Me and my sister easily could've gone down the road of our parents; drink, drugs, all the gritty, dirty things in life but we never, we learnt that that wasn't good for us and even though we were in care, we strived to be better people and I think we've done that.”

“I think you have too.” I started, taking a spoon full of my cappuccino gelato. “People who have been in the care system get a bad wrap and are stereotyped into being these people who are condemned by a life of crime because they've never had an emotional connection with a caregiver before.” Scarlett raised her eyebrow at my words and smirked, allowing me to continued. “When I first met you, well the second time because we hardly talked be first time...anyway, that time, I would've never guessed that was your background because you're so well educated, well kept, very smart and very beautiful too.”

“You're not half bad yourself Mr Reus.” Scarlett giggled. “But thank you, that means a lot coming from such a handsome guy like you.” She giggled again, a laugh that was infectious and I found myself chuckling along too.

I gave her a wink and bumped her shoulder again, leaning in to softly kiss her cheek. But Scarlett didn't allow me to as she turned her head into mine and leaned in. Our lips brushed against each other, pressing lightly. I could taste her gelato on her lips and it was an added sweeten to her already sweet plump lips.

Air was hard to come by as we kissed, making sure our gelato wasn't melt on each other, the kiss was innocent. Not too hard but not to soft, the right amount of force was in it. We didn't move and it was only a single kiss, too long to call it a peck but too innocent to call it a snog.

And soon we were pulling away, gulping and panting a little. I cleared my throat, and blushed while Scarlett smiled and looked down at her ice cream. I didn't quite know where to go from here and y the looks of things, neither did Scarlett.

This, I took the opportunity to pluck something randomly from out of nowhere. “So uh, what does your Italian nougat gelato taste like?” Awkwardly smiling.

I exclaimed and sighed, zipping my suitcase up.

Sven though, just got louder, rustling the bag and throwing popcorn piece into the air. Becoming even more annoyed, not that I wanted to, I snapped and turned around to see pieces of popcorn on my perfectly clean carpet.

“Sven!” I yelled, angered by the mess he'd made.

“Wa?” He cluelessly - or not so very as he knew what he was doing - looked over at me, licking his fingers.

Grimacing in disgust at my brothers unhygienic state, I pushed him away. “Go wipe yourself clean, you're disgusting.” Proceeding to get on my hands and knees, picking each piece of popcorn from my carpet instead of getting ready to leave.

He knew what he was doing, he'd always do things like this to annoy me and make me late for appointments or work. Sven knew I hated any kind of mess and how anxious it made me, so making me do a last clean up was probably his way of saying he'd miss me, in his own special way.

Sven wasn't really good when it came to expressing any type of emotion apart from being annoying and apparently funny.

I heard him laugh from the kitchen where he was using washing up liquid to clean his hands of grease. “Come on sis, it's only a little bit of fun. I thought you liked cleaning?” Tilting his head innocently to the side.

“Very funny.” I scowled at him roughly as I put the crumbs into the bin. “You better leave everything in my room in its place, I don't want any of it changed around because I'll notice the littlest thing moved Sven.” Warning him, I pushed him out of the way, washing my hands with the soap that I'd put by the sink and not the washing liquid.

He rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say control freak.” Though he still had a devilish smirk to his lips.

I squinted suspiciously at Sven, aggressively drying my hands. “On second thoughts, fatty, I think I'll lock my room.”

“Hey, that's uncalled for!” Sven pouted and crossed his arms, time ticking away until I had to be at the airport but right now my brothers annoying behaviour was the only thing that I was concerned about.

“You called me a control freak!” I exclaimed and pushed his shoulder.

Sven smirked at his own nickname for me. “That's because you are, but that doesn't mean you can call me fat! I'm not even fat!” He stamped his foot childishly.

“Well you shouldn't eat so much junk then and maybe I wouldn't call you that.” Shooting back, I crossed my arms and lent on my hip.

“Oh sorry miss “healthy living” geek, but I'd rather not starve myself like you do!” He shot back, giving my shoulder a little push.

I gasped at his push and pushed him back too. “At least I'm looking after my body, dickhead, what do you do? Sit on your ass, playing video games with your play dates and eating junk food!”

Sven pushed me back, just as I did again. “They're not playdates and they're not just video games. They're serious gamers and it's a serious story line being the new Zombies map!”

“I don't know what that means but it sounds stupid and childish!” I pushed him once more.

“Well it's not!” Sven poked his tongue out, pushing at me until we ended up like two teenage girls slap fighting in the middle of our apartment, not wanting to smudge our make up or break a nail.

It wasn't exactly a real fight but a childish petty one we always have. But having one in these moments reminded me of how much I would miss this over the next couple of months. Though nothing would probably stop them from happening over the phone when I called Sven.

It was a phone ringing that pulled as apart. Sven’s phone. He stepped away and shushed me, answering it. “Hello Papi?” I stopped dead hearing Sven call that but at the same time I didn't believe him, he was always trying to pull pranks on me. “Ingen, Papi we’re on our way now...okay, see you soon.” Sven said, hanging up the phone. “That was Papi.”

“Well duh.” I said, slapping his forehead.

He rubbed his forehead and flicked my arm but I didn't protest because I had just slapped him on the head. “He said he's already at the airport.”

Shocked, I checked my watch. “Well we better get going then!” Wheeling my suitcase out and grabbing my bags.

Sven took my suitcase as we headed down to his car in the parking lot. “Well it's your fault that we're late, you just had to pick up the popcorn, you neat freak.”

“You're the one that put it there!” I exclaimed, hitting the back of his head as we rushed down the stairs.

* * * * * * *

The closer we got to the airport the more daunting the prospect was that I would actually be leaving. Although it was only three months tops, it still felt like I was leaving forever. To a different country where I didn't speak the language and had no real connections to apart from Sascha.

Speaking of Sascha, he'd called me while on the way to the airport to make sure that I was still coming and if everything was alright. Of course as I was speaking to him I was getting dirty looks thrown at me by Sven but that was resolved when I threw him a chocolate bar I’d found in the glove compartment of his car.

Everything could be solved with food with my brother, and that instance was the same.

“Don't think because you gave me that bar, that I'm going to start liking Sascha.” Sven had warned as I'd gotten off the phone with him, with a mouth full of nuts and caramel.

I just rolled my eyes and forgot about it. I knew that Sven would never accept me being with an older man, it was his brotherly instincts that made it so. But I still respected my brothers opinion and wasn't going to argue with him over it.

Now was not the time nor the place.

When we got to the airport, it was busy, which I expected but that just made it harder. Yes it would be easy to just say my goodbyes and fade away into the crowd but I didn't want to do that. I wanted to be on time but have time to spend with my brother and father also before I left, savour the moments before my journey to Germany.

“Papi.” I smiled upon seeing my father stood quietly in the vast waiting room. I was quick to hug him like I always did.

My father chuckled and rubbed my back. “Hi Blossom, how are you feeling?”

We pulled away and I sighed. “Nervous…excited...sick…” I answered honestly, taking a seat next to him as I waited for my flight to be announced.

Sven took a seat next to me. “Well you're doing a good job at hiding it by hitting me.”

I snapped my head to my brother. “You deserve it, throwing all that popcorn on the floor.” My father just sighed, allowing us to continue knowing that when we argued there was no stopping us.

“I didn't throw it, I just missed my mouth.” He innocently suggested.

“Oh please.” I rolled my eyes. “You could miss your mouth even if it was closed.” Scoffing at Sven.

My brother stared at me and shook his head. “That doesn't even make sense!” Looking at me like I'd said something completely incorrect when describing him. “How would I even-”

“Sven just drop it.” Our papi interrupted, chuckling to himself. “You two will never change will you?” Sven pouted his lips. “You couldn't be further away from each other in personalities being twins.” He chuckled again, used to mine and Sven’s squabbles.

“Yeah well, Sofie’s a røvhul.” Sven pouted like a moody teenager and slumped his body in the chair.

“So are you.” I smiled and pinched at his cheek, cheekily. Sven slapped my arm away but had done a good job in distracting me from why we were all say here in the first place.

“So tell me, this part of Germany you're going to, do you know much about it?” Papi asked, making light conversation to pass the time.

I shrugged. “Well I don't know much about it really Papi, just that is in the north of Germany and they have a good football team which the client plays for.” Answering with a hum. All of sudden a wash of doubt flew over me and I gulped in anticipation of this trip, for the first time feeling like I didn't want to go. “I...I don't think I want to go now.” Feeling homesick without even leaving home.

“Nonsense.” Papi waved off, trying to make feel better.

But I felt sick to the stomach and needed some fresh air and space. So, I got to my feet and walked back into the cool breeze of Copenhagen. I didn't say anything or say for me to be left alone, but Sven and my Papi did just that because they knew that was the best thing to do.

Soon after however my papi appeared and straight away brought me into a hug. “What's worrying you Blossom?”

I shrugged and wiped the tears that nearly were falling. “I just...I don't know if this is a good idea Papi.”

“And why’s that Blossom?” He asked, rubbing my back. I shrugged, not having a clear answer. “Is it someone? That guy you're seeing who's got you this contact?”

As he said that, I looked up and frowned. “H-how did-”

“Sven told me.” Papi smiled small and rubbed my back. “You don't think I know what goes on? You might not tell me Blossom, but Sven does because he worries about you just as I do, just because he doesn't say about it, doesn't mean he doesn't care.” He chuckled.

I giggled too and sniffed. “It's not that Papi...Sascha, he's caring and loving and very professional.” I smiled, before sighing heavily. “I just don't want to leave you by yourself, I feel like I'm betraying you by going away for so long.”

Papi was quick to shake his head. “Nonsense, Blossom. I’ll be fine by myself, you shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving, this is a great opportunity for you. Plus, I have Sven and his girlfriend and you’re auntie who comes to visit every week, so I’m not exactly by myself am I now?” I shook my head with a faint smile. “Don’t feel bad that you’re going away on business. You’re getting to explore the world and make money while doing that, and learn more things too. As someone as young as young, that is the best thing in the world and I would never stop you from doing it.” He caressed my cheek softly.

I nodded and breathed out. “Okay papi. I guess you’re right.”

“Guess?” He cheekily raised his eyebrow, suggesting that he was always right.

“Yes guess.” I warned him with a judgement look before checking my watch. “We better get going, my plane call with be in at least five minutes.” My father nodded and led the way back into the airport and to where Sven sat waiting.

He stood as soon as he saw us both back. “Your plan was called about a minute ago.” He explained anxiously, scared that I would miss it.

Of course, me being me, I did panic a little and quickly grabbed my bags, saying my final goodbyes to my brother and papi. “By papi.” I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go.

My papi could sense that and soothed that sense by rubbing my back. “Have a save journey Blossom and make sure to call me when you get to Germany, okay? I’ll worry about you.” I nodded, telling him that he shouldn’t be worried about me and if anyone should be worried it’s him.

“Especially when you’re left with this idiot.” I giggled, pointing at Sven. In Sven’s typical fashion, he poked his tongue out at me before we moved to hug too. “I’m going to miss you fatty.” I sighed, rocking back and forth.

Sven chuckled. “I’ll miss you two control freak. But you can call me whenever, I don’t care…” Our papi slapped the back of his head. “I mean, as long as you’re safe of course.”

“Yeah, lovely how you add that in after papi hits you.” I teased, giving him one last slap to the forehead before I gathered my bags once more. “I’ll see you in a couple of months. Sven keep the apartment clean, dad stop snacking on burgers, and with you please learn him how to use Skype!” Pointing accusingly at Sven who held his hands up.

“Whatever you say, control freak.” He held his hands up as I began to walk away towards my gate. As I took one last glance back to give them a wave, I saw my brother making crashing noises like the plane was going to crash while my papi just hit him across the head. It made me giggle and I already felt in a better mood about this great opportunity for me professionally and personally.

The plane journey from Copenhagen to Dusseldorf was quite an easy going four hours. Sacha had very kindly bought me a business class seat, meaning I had a very luxurious sitting. Pull down chairs, complimentary drinks, movies to watch and hot towels. I’d had a cheeky dry martini on the way, because why the hell not?

While on the plane journey I had time to think about everything that was going on and what my dad had said. This was a great opportunity for me, to further my knowledge and experiences when it came to my profession but also to experience different countries. Sure, I’d visited Germany on several occasions for a couple of days at a time but nothing like I would be this time. So I was excited to get to see the culture, live amongst the people and experience a typical German city like Dortmund. There was also the small matter of the reason I was flying over there; for this project. That was the most exciting thing I was looking forward to. To be able to demonstrate my skills when it came to digital engineering and also meeting my client; Marco Reus.

I have to admit when Sascha first told me his name, I did a little researching on him using Google. Anyone would do that right? Especially when it’s a famous celebrity. I guess, I just wanted to get an impression of the person I would be working with. In the end however, I had started watching a couple of video’s of him playing for his club and I have to admit, I was very impressed with him. He was a very professional athlete with that comical side to him, particularly when it came to goal celebrations.

The Batman and Robin one was my personal favourite. I didn’t even know you were allowed to keep things like that on a football field.

Anyhow, when the plane landed, I felt refreshed and awaiting the challenge ahead of me. After collecting my baggage from the baggage area, I made my way to the meet and greet point, where Sascha had agreed he’d be picking me up from to drive me back to my hotel Dortmund.

He hadn’t seen me when I first came out but I had seen him and quickly called his name, rushing over. “Sascha!” I happily yelled, dropping my bags and going straight in for a kiss.

The kiss took Sascha by surprise but he gladly obliged to it, his hands coming around my waist and picking me off the ground slightly. I hummed happily against his lips, not having kissed them in such a long time. They felt plumper than the last time I remembered, but just as soft and with the taste of cigarettes. It wasn’t a taste I ideally desired because smoking was such a soul and body destroying drug but it somehow suited Sascha. Giving him his own distinction from others I had been with.

“Well hello to you too.” Sascha chuckled in that thick, attractive German accent of his. He put me back on the ground, but I kept my arms wrapped firmly around the back of his neck. “That was quite the welcome from me wasn’t it.” He winked cockily like he always did.

“I’d say more from me, but what the hell.” I giggled. “It’s so good to see you.”

“And you too baby.” He pecked my lips, his hands softly rubbing the exposed skin that my top left. “How was your flight.” He asked, us not moving an inch now. “Did you enjoy business class?”

I nodded happily while Sascha grabbed my suitcase, taking hold of my hand to lead me out to his Mercedes Benz SUV. “Very much so, it was very relaxing...I felt so posh.”

Sascha chuckled at my admission. “Well you are my princess.” He pecked my cheek opening the boot of his car to put my suitcase. Meanwhile, I jumped into the passenger's seat, removing my heels and getting myself comfy. Soon after Sascha joined me, smirking as he started the engine. “Shall I show you where you’re staying, well apart from when you’re with me.” Winking arrogantly.

I rolled my eyes, telling their was fat chance of that happening.

The journey from Dusseldorf to Dortmund took little under an hour, all that time, Sascha and I talked. We talked about us, about back home in Denmark but also about the client, Marco Reus, and what is expected in this project. Sascha seemed very ominous to not give two of his friends all the time to give idea’s because apparently they were the ones that would probably mess this up with their stupid ventures - I was yet to make my judgement on that having not met these two so called friends of our client. But Sascha also expressed great gratitude towards Marco Reus and what he’s done for Sascha over the years.

Since being with Sascha, I’d only ever heard of Mr Reus, once or twice. Although I knew he was a long term client for the agency Sascha was working for. I didn’t take too much notice about his work really but that’s my own fault.

All I could gather though, was that Sascha had great respect for Marco and Marco shared that respect back, making the project bigger and more meaningful than I first thought. Which humbled me and made me feel a swell of pride because Sascha trusted me to being dependant in this project and lead the way like not many other agents had with me in the past.

Sascha pulled up on the outskirts of Dortmund’s city centre, next to a very posh looking modern resort. I frowned as I glanced out of the darkened window pane’s of his SUV. “Is this it?” I asked curiously and turned to the side of me, but Sascha was already out and opening the other door for me.

“This is it, babe.” He smiled proudly. “Wilkommen zu L’Arivee hotel and spa.” Pointing to the very white, very German-esque building behind him.

When I heard Sascha say the word hotel and spa in the same phrase, I immediately got excited. I loved spa trips and knowing that my hotel room would have access to the spa. Well I was going to be using that lot. Excitedly, I followed Sascha to the main desk, taking the time to look about the place while he did all the room business. This was, after all, in the contract, I’d made sure.

“Babe.” Sascha called to me as I looked through one of the German makeup magazines on the table in a little seating area. I couldn't understand a word of German in there but I could just about get the jist of it from the pictures. “Come, your rooms ready.” Silently, I took my boyfriend's hand and allowed him to lead the way to where I would be staying.

When he opened the door however, it wasn’t anything I was expecting.

I was expecting nothing more than just a plain bedroom with a tv and mini fridge. Instead, I came face to face with a full suit. I gasped at the sight of it. “Sascha!” I shouted, hitting his arm as I entered the room.

“Ouch baby!” He pouted, watching me as I took a seat on the king sized bed in the room.

“I said I just wanted a hotel room, not a whole damn suit to myself!” As much as I was angry with him about him getting such a big room, I wasn’t moving from here now. Not with the queen sized bed, walk in wardrobe, big bathroom, seating area, study area, big plasma screen television and the- “Omg...I have a balcony! A balcony.” Freaking out, I quickly opened the door to the balcony and went out there. “There’s a little table and seats too!” I exclaimed, looking over the sights from my room. “Oh and the sights are beautiful too...oh wow Sascha…” I gasped happily. “This is too much…”

Sascha chuckled as he stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I take it you like this then?” A cocky, know it all smirk to his lips. He deserved to have that right now.

“It’s amazing, more than I asked for.” I uttered, the sun beating down in my eyes but that didn't take away from the beauty of the place.

“Well it was in your contract,” He chuckled. “And plus it’s the least that you deserve for being so amazing and doing this for me.”

I smiled happily, and turned my face to the side, kissing his cheek. “I love you.” I uttered, blushing.