Striker - Narry

Chapter 1

964 Words

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It was a rainy night before, the field was doused in morning dew that next day. A light fog laid above the grass, only a foot or so deep. I brushed my cleat along the ground, causing the condensation on a leaf to almost disappear. Gazing upwards, I found myself staring in the direction my eyes seemed trained to go. Across the second string practice field was the larger field. That's where he was. I was supposed to be doing drills and practicing my aim with the other boys, but instead I watching the boy a few hundred yards away.

He was our high school's star striker, and he was incredible. My favorite thing in the world was watching him play, the way he sprinted across the green and pulled his strong leg back to kick. The ball would go soaring, always straight into the net before the goalie had a chance to think. Then he would pump his fist three times silently before celebrating with his other teammates. That was something I loved about him, he never rubbed his success in, people would go crazy and hit him on the back and he would just smile and thank them. Everyone loved his sportsmanship, even when he missed, which virtually never happened, he took it with grace. Watching him play was like watching watching a bird learning to fly, natural and beautiful.

As of right now, he was working on his technique. His brow would crinkle in the middle from concentration, his tongue would ever so slightly peek out, sometimes running along his bottom lip. And his smile. Wow. That smile could make my heart jump out of my chest, especially when it was followed by a gleeful chuckle. He laughed at everything, even if it wasn't funny. That was terrible because I pretty much blacked out every time he did. His hair was always perfect, even when he was sweaty from running back and forth on the field. It was a gorgeous brown, the blond dye completely gone after three years. I always loved his blond color, but somehow the brown made his eyes shine a brighter blue than before, if that was even possible.

"Checking out the beauties Styles?" My concentration was broken after Charlie slapped my back, jestering quickly to the group of girls waiting on the sidelines.

Those were the boy's girlfriends, they alway stayed for practices. None of them were Niall's, thank goodness for that. I don't blame them, I spend as much time staring at Niall as they do at their boys. The only difference was no one knew it was him I was looking at, well at least I hoped so.

"Yeah Baker, just got distracted I suppose." I answered slowly, attempting to sound convincing.

It's not that I'm ashamed of being gay, I just don't know if everyone on my team would be accepting. I made it almost four years of high school not spilling my secret, and everything has been fine, great even. I had an amazing team, even though we were essentially backups for the actual players. And it gave me the freedom to stare at him as much as I wanted, because no one knew.

"They are pretty cute," he signed in admiration, "but we do have practice at the moment so maybe you could postpone your love fest until later, alright Harry?" He chuckled lightly, hitting my back once more.

I jolted forward slightly from the force. Charlie's a nice guy, but he doesn't know his own strength.

"Sure, of course. Let's go." I replied, not before taking one last glance at my favorite player.

Later in the practice, Niall turned his head in my direction. He glanced around, most likely surveying our drills. He liked to keep tabs on what everyone was doing, I am surprised he wasn't voted captain. He pays more attention and is more dedicated than Matthew. Plus, everyone loved him. When his eyes made contact with my nervous green ones, I made a bold move and sent him a small wave.

Really Harry? You're so awkward, why would you do that? You've never even had a real conversation! He probably doesn't know who you are, except maybe as the kid who trips on everything. What if he realizes you stare at him!

He gave me a light smile and sent a quick wave back.

Okay that was good, but was it a pity wave? A confused wave?

I should just be happy he actually reciprocated my action.

Yeah Harry, shut up and enjoy it.

I jogged back to the rest of the boys who were now on the way to the locker room to get their stuff. I followed behind, the entire time questioning all my life choices.

As I collected my belongings, I heard the door open again, signally that the other group of boys had finished up. I slung my sports bag over my shoulder and headed towards the parking lot. Just as I made it to the door I heard my name being called.

"Hey Harry, nice hustle out there." My favorite voice in the world called from a few feet away.

He knows my name. He complimented me. He lied because I did almost nothing today. He knows my name. Breath Harry, breath.

"Thanks Niall, you were looking great too." You were looking great too. You mine as well confess your undying love for him.

He chuckled then responded with a thanks, then saying he will see me tomorrow. I decided this was a dream and I would wake up any minute. But it wasn't, and as I got into my car, I couldn't help but feel like there was hope after all.

I am going to marry that striker, well maybe someday.

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Hope you all liked it! I wrote it in 45 minutes after the idea randomly popped into my head! Please comment and tell me what you think! Comments make me happy :)

Xx C