Home Goal and My Goal: Two Gay Footballers Stories

by H J Perry

  Jason checked the time as he pulled on to his parents’ drive. Later than hoped for but still a couple of hours before the agent should arrive. Though in practice, Chris could turn up at any time, as an old friend of David Tant, Jason’s father.

  Maria and David Tant, Jason’s mother and father, welcomed him into the glass conservatory at the back of the house, where large doors opened onto the garden, and Jason was surprised and delighted to see his young nephews, each kicking a football.

  “Uncle Jason!”

  “Uncle Jason.”

  “I didn’t know you were going to be here.” Jason ran out to greet the boys with open arms.

  The boys abandoned the balls to hug their uncle. “Come and play with us.”

  “I will come in a little while. I just want to have a cup of tea and chat to Granny and Grandad first.”

  “Now. Play first,” Dillon, the youngest, pleaded.

  “I want to watch you first, and I’ll watch from in there.”

  Jason beat a retreat to the conservatory where his dad was sitting watching his family. Jason’s mom entered from the adjoining kitchen, carrying tea and biscuits on a tray, which she set on the table.

  David leaned forward and took a biscuit. “It’s always good to see you, Jason, but I heard from Chris; he’s coming over. Says you summoned him.”

  “Ah. I should have known he’d contact you.”

  “Well, of course, You’ve invited him to our house.” Maria stirred the tea in the pot. “Chris and your dad go back with a distant history.”

  “So how’s work?” Jason’s dad wiped his hands on his trousers; Mom would have chastised him if she’d noticed.

  “Work’s good; I’ve invited Chris because I need to talk to him about my career. It’ll be the transfer window before you know it. But there’s something I wanted to tell you before Chris arrives.”

  Mom poured three cups of tea. “Tell us.”

  “I’m seeing somebody.”

  Jason’s mom smiled with glee. “Who is it? Tell us. Do you have a picture?”

  Jason’s dad had a little more self-control, a poker face as if this wasn’t big news. They’d known he was gay since he told them when he was sixteen but his decision to go into the notoriously macho and homophobic sport for a career meant discussions about boyfriends were limited.

  Jason put his cup on the table to pull out his phone. “Of course, I do. His name’s Scott. He’s twenty-one, and he's a student at Birmingham University, studying maths and physics.” And he’s perfect, he thought as he pulled it from his pocket and stood up to move closer to his mom.

  “I only have a few photos on the phone.”

  He keyed in the PIN and brought up his photograph album while moving to sit next to his mom so he could scroll through the photos. Jason was thrilled when his dad came to stand behind both of them so he could look at the same time. Having his dad’s approval and support meant a lot to him, so Jason rarely talked about being gay because he thought his father couldn’t understand it. His dad had been a football player for years, and underneath it all, Jason suspected he might share the homophobic views of his generation.

  “He’s handsome, isn’t he, David?”

  “A good-looking lad,” Dad agreed.

  The three of them looked at the images of the man with dark hair, dark eyes and pale skin. Jason felt extremely nervous. As an adult, he didn’t need his parents’ approval and yet for the first time he was showing them photos of a guy he cared about. Their support meant so much to Jason.

  “You look excellent together. I’ve never seen you looking so happy, Jason.”

  Jason could see it too, in the selfies they took together and some posed shots that others had taken when they were out.

  “It’s serious, is it?” asked Dad.

  “Of course, it’s serious. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be here telling us about it. I can see you’re very keen on him. You look like you’re melting on this chair just looking at his photograph. Is it true love?”

  “Mom!” Jason felt like a teenager embarrassed by his mother’s direct question.

  “Well, how long has this been going on?” asked David, sounding far too judgmental.

  “I’ve been seeing him for a few months. We spend all of our spare time together.”

  Dad looked serious. “He’s a student, and you’re a football player. You don’t think he’s a gold digger?”

  “No, dad. He didn’t even know who I was when we started seeing each other. He doesn’t follow football. And would you even ask me that question if it was a girl?”

  “I might, son. In fact, I probably would. There are a lot of female gold diggers.”

  Mom interrupted. “Jason, I’m so happy you’ve found somebody nice. When do we get to meet him?”

  “You could meet him anytime that fits in with our schedule, it’s not too difficult to get here, or if you want to come to Birmingham?”

  “I’m not trying to spoil your fun, Jason. I’m pleased if you’ve found the right man for you. I am. But I have to know what this means for your career. Is this why you want to meet up with Chris?”

  “Sort of. There’s going to be a story about me in a tabloid newspaper. About me and a girlfriend. I wanted to warn you all about it and tell you the true story.”

  Jason explained about Liz, the story and their future proposed living arrangements. He hadn’t fully realized what a shock this may be to his parents, to find out not only that he had a boyfriend but that they were about to live together. They hadn’t gotten to know Scott.

  Jason picked up his phone and scrolled through to find the relevant photograph. “This is Liz, my fake girlfriend. She is Scott’s friend from university. The story is, I’m seeing this woman and she’s moving in with me.”

  “She a nice girl, you say, and yet she’s happy to go along with this fiction?” His mother sounded incredulous. And telling the story here in his parents’ house it seemed like madness even though it seemed an inspired flash of genius when he first thought of the plan.

  “Jason, do you think football is ready?”

  “Dad, it’s a very different world now to when you played in the 1980s when there was lots of racial abuse and homophobia across society. You know our rights to equality are protected now, and there are civil partnerships, and they’re talking about legalizing gay marriage.”

  Chris arrived much earlier than invited; he didn’t need an invitation, as a family friend. Less than an hour later the conversation had covered the same ground but along with Jason’s agent, Chris Stutter managed his career and negotiated his contracts. He was an ex-footballer himself who had played alongside David Tant. Both men were contemporaries to the only Premiership footballer ever to come out as gay, Justin Fashanu. Mom left the men. She went to attend to the children, leaving Chris with Jason and his father in the conservatory with more tea and biscuits.

  “Society has changed, Jason, and football is changing. But it’s a macho world, you know that. Football isn’t ready for out gay players.” Chris drove home a harsh message along with David. They always told the same story. Jason would be dropped from the squad and offered no new contracts; the dressing room will be hell; the terraces will be worse. No football fans will buy the Tant number fourteen football shirt. Advertising or any other lucrative work will dry up.

  “We’ve been over it many times Jason. No matter how you perform on the pitch, there’s more to the business than being a talented player. If the manager thinks controversy and distraction are going to follow you, and that could affect the performance of the whole team, you become a liability. Your career at the top level could disappear pretty quickly. I don’t doubt you’d still get work in the lower leagues, for a lot less money.” Dad had so much to say, and it sounded so negative and hostile to Jason.

  To his credit, Chris focused on practical issues. “We have a few months until the transfer season; is there anything you want me to do about your career?”

  “Just the usual stuff.
When it comes to transfers, I’m buying a house in Birmingham but obviously, if the right deal comes up then I’ll move clubs. I’m sure Scott will move with me, or we could keep the house. And live in Brum part-time.”

  “That brings me to another question. What do we say if people ask us about Scott living in your house?” asked Chris.

  “While Liz is there, I think that’s probably a good enough cover, she’s my girlfriend and Scott is her best friend, she and Scott already share a house. It’s not so strange. Lots of young people share homes. Even wealthy footballers. But it may attract more attention if Liz doesn’t live with us. That’s why it’s her doing us such a great favor that she’s willing to move in with us.”

  “Jason, we didn’t make the rules. Chris is just laying out what’s best for you, for your career. We’re not saying this is fair. Are you going to risk everything for this man that you’ve known only a few weeks?” Dad seemed to be having a completely different conversation, with comments that came from nowhere.

  “A few months, Dad, and I don’t think I’m risking everything. I’m trying to live my life. However, I don’t think I should have to give up a private life altogether; I just intend to keep it private.”

  “I told you not to go into football. You remember. I always tried to talk you out of it because that is the choice. You can be a footballer or gay but not both.”

  “It’s not much of a choice,” said Jason feeling a little cross at the lecture. “I’m gay. I’ve always been gay. And the straight footballers around me don’t have to hide their love life, but I do. And I know what you have said since forever. Ideally, I shouldn’t even have a love life until I’m done with football. When you were both in your twenties, and players, would you have thought that was reasonable? No women, no sex, ever, until you retire?”

  “Now that’s not fair, son. Chris has your career interests at heart. That’s what his advice is based on.

  The conversation was in danger of becoming polarized with tensions fraying. This wasn’t what Jason intended. He planned to share information with his parents and agent; he didn’t ask for their opinion but felt his actions were being harshly judged.

  “I’m going to have to hit the road.”

  “Aren’t you staying for dinner?”

  “No, I need to get back and get in my quota of sleep before training in the morning.”

  “It’s all changed since the old days of late night partying. These top footballers like your son are real athletes. Into healthy diets and fitness.” Chris said. “Congratulations, by the way, Jason, on your new relationship. It’s not easy finding love when you are rich and famous.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  March 2013

  Scott

  When Scott woke, it wasn’t early in the morning, but there was no reason to get up. Sunday. No football, no training, no college classes. Nothing booked at all. In almost a year of living together a day to themselves was rare.

  Just his favorite man to wake up to, Jason lay on his side with his back to him. Scott put his arm across Jason and nuzzled up close to the man he loved. Breathing the heat and scent and touching Jason’s skin, an aphrodisiac to Scott. Awakened every part of him.

  “Jason, are you awake?”

  Jason let out one of those groans that acknowledged he’d heard Scott, even if he wished he was still asleep.

  “I love it when you’re here when I wake up.”

  Scott used the time to focus on his Master’s degree in mathematics when Jason was away working. According to the calendar, Jason was away two nights a week on average but the emptiness in the house and the bed when he was away made his absences seem far greater.

  Scott slipped his hand over his boyfriend’s arms, the soft skin over strong muscles. Jason worked out in the gym to the max. Reaching around to stroke his hand across Jason’s pectorals, Scott buried his face deeper into his boyfriend’s neck while his stiffening cock found its own way to the surface of Jason’s skin.

  After more than a year together, Scott still couldn’t believe how he’d captured such a boyfriend. Scott, the nerdy numbers student with an athletic god. The average gay guy in bed with a modern day sporting legend, who had a body like a Greek Olympian statue. The out gay guy who was just a little bit camp with the guy who is hiding deeply in the closet and can pass for straight.

  Scott was a nobody who had achieved nothing and was nearing the end of his Master’s degree. Jason was well into his career as a top achiever in his sports field, already a millionaire. Good looking. The sort of guy who advertises expensive brand items in his underpants. A top footballer, which made him a national champion, a role model and a multi-millionaire. A modern day David Beckham. Not that Scott would kick David Beckham out of bed either, even if he were so much older.

  How could any of this workout? It did work. Their relationship worked. They went so well together. Scott felt adored by his boyfriend.

  The thought of two footballers, Tant and Beckham, in his bed was a bit much for this time in the morning. Scott decided to focus on the real man who was there, not the older football player who made only a fleeting visit in his fantasies.

  Squeezing closer to his man, Scott’s fingers traced over the undulating abdominal muscles, the palm of his hand grazing over the hip bone.

  Jason shifted and turned onto his back. Eyes still shut.

  Scott moved his top leg across Jason’s and with one hand explored his boyfriend’s body again. Over the stomach, chest, gently tweaking the sensitive nipples before moving down to sweep over the impressive morning wood.

  Waking Jason up in the best possible way required moving down the bed. Scott scooted until he was perfectly positioned to suck Jason’s dick. Who didn’t like to wake up like that? The perfect treat for the perfect boyfriend. He sucked it in slowly and deeply, opening his mouth wide, relaxing his throat, flicking his tongue as much as space would allow. When he pulled off, he licked up and down either side of the length, swiped his tongue around the end, and over the head. Meanwhile, he pulled the foreskin up and down the shaft until Jason let out a rewarding moan of pleasure.

  Scott’s dick needed attention too, and he had a free hand for this. When he decided Jason was awake enough, even though he was still lying on his back with his eyes closed, Scott reached out for a condom and lube that sat atop the bedside cabinet. No point in hiding the everyday necessities away.

  He rolled a condom onto Jason’s erection and slathered lube all over it. He then reached beneath to prep himself, pushing some lube inside with his slick fingers.

  He looked again at Jason. Eyes still shut, but a wry smile on his face, he didn’t look asleep anymore, and he knew what was happening. Scott squatted over his lover’s cock and lowered himself on to it. Jason lay perfectly still. Still and hard. As Jason’s rod breached the entrance, both men breathed a little deeper. The atmosphere in the room changed. Both men went from horny to a more extreme level of turned on. Scott watched the subtle changes on Jason’s face. The flush of his dark skin. The pace of his breathing.

  Scott slowly lowered himself, stopping and lowering, becoming accustomed to the good but strange sensation. Filled and knowing how fucking amazing this fucking would feel soon.

  Jason patiently remained perfectly still. The perfect lover. The best-looking guy Scott had ever touched. Lying beneath him. Available and ready to share pleasure.

  Scott repositioned himself, with Jason’s dick filling him so that he could kiss his boyfriend while they fucked. With his hands on either side of Jason’s head for support, their chests touching and Scott’s hard cock dribbling precum as it rubbed against Jason’s abs.

  Fully awake, Jason rolled them until Scott was on his back.

  “I’ve missed you too.”

  Jason plowed into Scott for a few strokes and Scott called out.

  “I’m so close, Jase. Make me come.”

  Jason pulled out. Took off the condom and set it aside. And grasped hold of their dicks, together. They ca
me together, as they had many times before just like this. Cocks together, in each other’s hands, rubbing against each other and coating their stomachs with sticky white cum.

  “I love you, Scott.” Jason lowered himself onto Scott, squashing the squidgy mess between them and kissing him on the lips. “I love you so much.”

  Scott was about to reply when the knocking on their bedroom door interrupted.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  March 2013

  Jason

  “Boys, can I come in?”

  “Do you need to? Can we shower first?”

  “Please, it’s important.”

  “Wait a minute. Get coffee. Return with coffee and we will love you.”

  Jason grabbed a handy clean cum-cloth from the bedside cabinet and wiped the sticky residue from their stomachs.

  “This had better be important, Liz.”

  “Sorry, are you guys fucking, because I can come back in five minutes."

  “Five minutes, Liz! You think it only takes five minutes?”

  They pulled the sheets up over themselves and cuddled. Wrapping arms around each other. Hardly able to keep their mouths from each other. Their erections may have wilted, but the desire to get close and stay close was just as great.

  "Come on in, then, but only if you’re not easily shocked." She was used to seeing them all over each other; as respectably restrained as they were in public they couldn’t keep from affectionate touches, cuddles, and kisses in private.

  “You know I’m kidding about the five minutes." Liz entered and sat on the bed; she looked tired. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her short hair was a mess, but that wasn’t unusual. “This is important. Guys, this is dead awkward, and I don’t know how to tell you. I stayed out last night. And now I need to confess to you, my pretend boyfriend, Jason; I’ve slept with one of your friends.”