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Adieu, goodbye, auf Wiederseh'n (Adieu, goodbye, auf Wiederseh'n)
Den letzten Weg musst du alleine geh'n (The final path you must walk alone)
Ein letztes Lied, ein letzter Kuss (One last song, one last kiss)
Kein Wunder wird gescheh'n (No miracle will happen)
Adieu, goodbye, auf Wiederseh'n (Adieu, goodbye, auf Wiederseh'n)
Die Zeit mit dir war schön (The time with you was beautiful)
Aurelien leaned back against the locker room wall, his head tipped back, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The quiet felt strange here, heavy and almost ominous, but he barely noticed. His mind was miles away—back home, with Jude and Eduardo. The news was fresh, cutting through him like a punch to the gut. He’d known, deep down, that this was a possibility. Madrid was desperate, scrambling to save their season from spiraling further, to shake something up before it was too late. But hearing it directly, sitting across from management as they told him he was being transferred in January, made his stomach turn.
Leaving wasn’t something he could even stomach. Leaving them, especially, felt unbearable. He’d always known that his future in football wasn’t guaranteed, just as he’d known that whatever he had with Jude and Cama wasn’t promised to last forever. They’d talked about that often, the three of them, half-jokingly and half with genuine worry about the day any one of them would have to go. But he hadn’t expected it to end this soon, not like this.
The season was unraveling for everyone. Madrid’s losses felt like weights, dragging them down match after match. Outside the pitch, things felt right—they clicked, they knew each other’s rhythms, they had each other’s backs. But the second they stepped onto the field, it was like a switch flipped, and suddenly, they’d forgotten everything they knew. They were out of sync, mistakes compounding mistakes. It was taking a toll, not only on their performance but on their mental health too. Aurelien could see it in Jude, who seemed to be slowly slipping away. That spark of excitement, of pure passion for the game—he could see it dimming, like a fire slowly burning out. And Cama, his sunshine, his light, who was everything bright and good, had begun to smile less. The shadows under his eyes lingered.
Aurelien knew he wasn’t playing his best, not even close. Every game, he felt the frustration building, the helplessness when nothing he did seemed enough. The internet was filled with voices calling him lazy, unmotivated. It couldn’t have been further from the truth. He was trying. He was trying so damn hard. But nothing seemed to work, no matter how much he pushed himself. He wasn’t the only one struggling; they were all playing like shit, every single one of them, and morale was at an all-time low. He’d felt it, that his days in Madrid might be numbered. Still, a part of him had clung to hope, the hope that he could somehow turn things around.
Apparently, he couldn’t.
Taking a shaky breath, he pushed himself away from the wall and headed toward his car, feeling the weight of everything settle onto his shoulders. Jude and Eduardo were probably already at his house, waiting for him like they always did after practice. The thought both comforted and terrified him.
When Aurelien stepped into the house, the familiar warmth of home wrapped around him, but it felt suffocating. The weight of the day pressed down on him, heavier than ever. Ocho was the first to greet him, barreling toward him like a missile, tail wagging furiously, his joy as boundless as always. Aurelien dropped to his knees, letting the dog’s enthusiasm wash over him for a moment, burying his face in Ocho’s fur. He held on tightly, feeling the sting of tears he was trying so hard to hold back.
“Hey, boy,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “You don’t even know, do you?”
Ocho let out a happy bark, nuzzling closer, his simple joy a painful contrast to the storm inside Aurelien. For a moment, he just stayed there, grounding himself in the steady rhythm of Ocho’s breathing. But the muffled sound of voices from the living room pulled him back.
Jude and Eduardo.
Aurelien stood slowly, his legs heavy, his hands brushing down Ocho’s fur one last time before he moved toward the sound. As he approached, their familiar banter filtered through the air, a brief balm to his frayed nerves.
“Jude, I swear to God,” Eduardo’s voice was sharp but playful. “If you put on Peaky Blinders again, I’m leaving.”
“You can’t even leave, Cama,” Jude shot back, holding the remote out of reach. “You live here more than I do.”
“Someone,” Eduardo said, glaring as he leaned over Jude, “convinced me that your taste in shows was decent. Clearly, I was wrong.”
“It’s culture,” Jude said with mock indignation, waving the remote like a trophy. “And it’s in English. You’re just lazy.”
“I’m not lazy,” Eduardo retorted, flopping dramatically onto the couch. “I just don’t want to read subtitles today.”
Jude snorted. “Your English is fine.”
“It’s not fine enough for this kind of english , ” Eduardo muttered, grabbing his phone. With a smirk, he tapped a few buttons, and the TV switched to a different show entirely. “There. Problem solved.”
Jude let out a loud groan, flinging himself back into the cushions. “Cheater.”
Aurelien leaned against the doorway, watching them with a bittersweet smile. This was their world, their little bubble of comfort and chaos, and for a moment, he let himself soak it in. His chest tightened, and before he could stop it, the first tear slid down his cheek.
He tried to stifle the shaky breath that followed, but it was too late. Eduardo looked up, his smile faltering immediately.
“Aurel?” His voice was soft, concerned. He sat up straighter, his phone forgotten. “What’s wrong?”
Jude turned his head, and the grin disappeared from his face in an instant. “Aurelien,” he said slowly, his brows furrowed. “What happened?”
Aurelien couldn’t find the words. His throat felt like it was closing, his vision blurring with unshed tears. He shook his head, his lips parting as he tried to speak, but all that came out was a broken, shaky breath.
Eduardo was on his feet in seconds, crossing the room to reach him. “Hey, hey,” he murmured, his hands coming up to Aurelien’s face, his thumbs brushing at the tears. “Talk to us. What’s going on?”
Jude stood too, moving closer, his eyes dark with worry. “Aurel, you’re scaring us.”
“I…” Aurelien choked on the word, his hands trembling as he reached out for support. Eduardo caught his hands, holding them tightly, grounding him.
“They’re selling me,” Aurelien finally whispered, his voice breaking completely. “Madrid… they’ve decided to sell me.”
For a moment, the room was utterly silent. The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Eduardo’s hands tightened around Aurelien’s, his eyes wide and disbelieving. Jude stood frozen, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it hurt.
“What?” Eduardo’s voice was barely audible, his breath catching.
“I’m being transferred,” Aurelien continued, his voice trembling. “In January. I’m going to England.”
Jude’s reaction was immediate. “No,” he said firmly, his voice rising in anger. “No, this can’t be happening. They can’t—how the fuck can they do this?”
Aurelien’s shoulders slumped, his gaze falling to the floor. “They’re doing what they think is best for the team.”
“That’s bullshit,” Jude spat, pacing now, his hands raking through his hair. “You’re one of the best players we have, and they’re just throwing you away? What kind of logic is that?”
Eduardo didn’t speak. He was trembling, his grip on Aurelien’s hands the only thing keeping him steady. His eyes were glassy, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to form words, but nothing came out.
“They said it’s not just about me,” Aurelien said quietly. “They need change. The season’s been a disaster, and this is their solution.”
“You don’t want this,” Eduardo finally whispered, his voice breaking. “You don’t want to go.”
“No,” Aurelien said, his tears falling freely now. “I don’t. I never wanted this.”
Eduardo pulled him into a tight embrace, his face burying into Aurelien’s shoulder. His body shook with silent sobs, his hands clutching at Aurelien’s back as if letting go would make everything real.
Jude stopped pacing, turning to them with eyes filled with frustration and pain. “This is our home,” he said, his voice cracking. “We built something here, together. And now it’s being ripped away.”
Aurelien reached out, pulling Jude into the embrace, wrapping his arms around both of them as if holding them tighter could somehow keep the inevitable at bay. His breath was shaky, his voice raw and full of pain as he whispered, “I know. I know. I’m so sorry.”
Eduardo let out a small, choked sound, burying his face deeper into Aurelien’s shoulder. His body trembled, and Aurelien could feel the hot tears soaking through his shirt. Jude’s hands gripped Aurelien’s back tightly, grounding them both in the storm of emotions swirling around them.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be good enough,” Aurelien whispered, his voice cracking as more tears slipped down his face. “I’m sorry I let everyone down. The team, the fans… you.”
Jude immediately pulled back slightly, his hands moving to cup Aurelien’s face, forcing him to meet his eyes. “Don’t,” he said firmly, his voice laced with emotion. “Don’t say that. You didn’t. Not us. You could never let us down.”
Aurelien’s eyes searched Jude’s, looking for reassurance, for forgiveness he didn’t feel he deserved. Jude’s expression was a mix of anger and heartbreak, his eyes red and glistening. There was so much unsaid between them, words they couldn’t find the strength to speak, but Aurelien could see it in the way Jude’s thumb brushed gently against his cheek, in the way his breath hitched as he tried to hold himself together.
“I’ve seen you,” Jude continued, his voice softer now, but no less intense. “Every day, every game. You gave everything, Aurel. For the team, for us. This isn’t your fault.”
Eduardo pulled back just enough to look at Aurelien, his eyes red and swollen. “You didn’t let us down,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “You never could.”
But Eduardo’s hands gripped Aurelien’s shirt so tightly it hurt, his knuckles white, and Aurelien could feel the desperation in his touch, the unspoken plea for him to stay.
“I don’t know how to do this,” Eduardo said, his voice breaking. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to you.”
Aurelien’s heart shattered at those words. He tightened his hold on Eduardo, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You won’t have to,” he murmured. “Not really. I’ll always be with you, Cama. Always.”
Eduardo shook his head, his tears falling freely now. “It’s not the same. I’ll still lose you. We’ll still lose you.”
Jude’s jaw tightened again, his eyes filled with frustration and grief. “It feels like we’re being punished,” he said bitterly. “For what? For loving each other too much?”
Aurelien didn’t have an answer. He could only hold them both, feeling his own heart break under the weight of their pain. He turned his gaze to Jude, silently begging him to take care of Eduardo, of their sunshine boy, of his first love.
Jude seemed to understand without Aurelien having to say a word. His hand found Eduardo’s, their fingers intertwining. “We’ll try,” Jude said quietly, his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes. “We’ll figure it out.”
Aurelien swallowed hard, nodding. “You’ll have each other,” he said softly, his voice trembling. “That’s what matters.”
Eduardo’s grip on Jude’s hand tightened. “And what about you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Who will you have?”
Aurelien’s breath hitched. “I’ll have you in my heart,” he said, his voice cracking. “Both of you.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their love and impending separation pressing down on them. Finally, Eduardo spoke, his voice trembling but determined. “We’ll try long distance,” he said, more to himself than to them. “We’ll make it work.”
Aurelien gave him a small, bittersweet smile. “We’ll try.”
The rest of the night passed in a haze of whispered words and lingering touches. They clung to each other, their kisses slow and desperate, each one a silent promise to hold on for as long as they could. In the quiet of their shared bed, they made love with an intimacy that was almost painful, their bodies moving together as if trying to etch every moment, every sensation into memory.
Eduardo’s hands trembled as they traced over Aurelien’s skin, his lips pressing soft, lingering kisses along his collarbone. Jude’s fingers tangled in Aurelien’s hair, his breath warm against his neck as he whispered, “I love you,” over and over again, like a mantra, like a plea.
Aurelien held them both, his heart breaking with every whispered confession, every gentle caress. He tried to memorize the way Eduardo’s laughter felt against his chest, the way Jude’s lips curved into a soft smile even through the tears.
As dawn began to break, the first light of day filtering through the curtains, they lay tangled together, their breaths mingling, their hearts heavy. No one spoke, the silence between them filled with everything they couldn’t say. They knew this was the beginning of the end, the start of a new chapter none of them wanted.
But for now, they held onto each other, refusing to let go, cherishing the love they shared, even as it slipped through their fingers like sand.
The days that followed felt surreal, each moment saturated with the bittersweet awareness that their time together was running out. They tried to keep things normal, slipping into routines that had once felt second nature: training, cooking together, lazy nights on the couch. But everything was different now. Every laugh felt heavier, every shared glance lingered too long, every touch was soaked in unspoken sadness.
Aurelien still had games to play. The club needed him, and despite everything, he threw himself into it with a relentless determination. He played like a man with something to prove, as if each touch of the ball, each perfectly timed interception could write his name indelibly into the hearts of the fans. His performances were nothing short of a statement: I am still here. I still care.
Eduardo channeled his emotions into his play, turning the pitch into an escape. His usual joyful style was still there, but it carried an edge now—a kind of defiance against the world for taking away what mattered most. Jude, whose confidence had wavered recently, seemed to find his rhythm again. Maybe it was because he wanted to prove his worth, to make sure his place in the club wouldn’t be questioned. Maybe it was for Aurelien, a parting gift to show that he would carry their shared legacy forward.
The Bernabeu responded. During Aurelien’s final home game, the stadium rose to its feet, applauding him with a reverence that made his chest ache. Cameras caught Eduardo discreetly wiping away a tear as Aurelien clapped back at the fans. Jude stood beside him, his jaw clenched, his arm brushing against Eduardo’s in silent support. The three of them on the pitch together, united, even as time conspired to tear them apart.
But off the pitch, it was a different story. The weight of the impending separation bore down on them, turning even the smallest moments into something precious.
Christmas came, but it was muted this year. They spent the day with their families separately, each of them trying to soak up the warmth of home while their hearts remained tethered to one another. But as soon as the family obligations were done, they reunited at Aurelien’s house.
That evening, Aurelien disappeared into the other room and returned with a small, neatly wrapped box. “This is for you, Jude,” he said, his voice soft as he handed it over.
Jude blinked, clearly not expecting a gift. “Aurel, you didn’t have to—”
“Just open it,” Aurelien said gently, his lips curving in a small, bittersweet smile.
Jude carefully unwrapped the box, his fingers slow and deliberate. When he lifted the lid, his eyes widened slightly. Inside were two Van Cleef bracelets matching the ones Eduardo and Aurelien always wore.
Eduardo’s breath hitched audibly, his hand flying to his wrist where his own bracelet rested. He and Aurelien had been wearing them long before Jude came to Madrid—a symbolic promise to one another. Vini had often joked they wore them like wedding bands, and in a way, he wasn’t wrong. It was their private token, a vow of love and commitment. And now Jude had his own.
Aurelien spoke softly, his gaze steady on Jude. “I know you don’t wear jewelry much. You don’t have to wear it all the time. But I wanted you to have this. To match with us. It’s a symbol…. a promise.”
Jude stared at the bracelets for a long moment before his lips parted, and a shaky breath escaped. “Aurel… this means—” His voice broke, and he swallowed hard, his eyes glistening.
Eduardo sniffled, his composure crumbling as tears slipped down his cheeks. “God, you’re such a sap,” he whispered, his voice trembling, but there was no heat behind the words. He clutched his own bracelet like it was a lifeline.
Aurelien stepped forward, cupping Eduardo’s face, his thumb brushing away the tears. “No crying, mon chéri, ” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Eduardo’s forehead. Then, with a gentle push, he guided Eduardo into Jude’s arms.
Jude immediately pulled Eduardo close, their foreheads touching as Eduardo tried to stifle his quiet sobs. Aurelien watched them for a moment, his chest aching with love and longing. Then he walked over to the stereo, scrolling through playlists until he found a song with a slow, steady rhythm. He turned back to them with a soft smile. “Let’s dance.”
Eduardo shook his head, his face still buried against Jude’s shoulder. “I don’t feel like dancing.”
“Cama, please,” Jude coaxed, his voice warm and encouraging. “Dance with us. For me?”
Eduardo hesitated but finally nodded, letting Jude guide him to his feet. Aurelien joined them, wrapping an arm around Eduardo’s waist as Jude took his hand. They moved together slowly, swaying to the music. The world outside faded, leaving only the three of them in their little bubble of love and comfort.
The song changed to something more upbeat, and Aurelien smirked. “Alright, let’s see if we can finally teach Jude how to dance.”
Jude groaned. “I’m hopeless.”
Eduardo chuckled softly, wiping the last of his tears. “You said it, not us.”
They tried to teach him, but as expected, Jude’s moves were awkward and uncoordinated. He stumbled over his own feet, laughing as Eduardo groaned in mock frustration. “You’re a lost cause,” Eduardo said, shaking his head.
Aurelien laughed, pulling Jude into a playful spin. “He has his charm,” he teased.
Then, the unmistakable opening notes of All I Want for Christmas Is You filled the room. They froze for a second before bursting into laughter. Jude grabbed an imaginary microphone and belted out the lyrics, completely off-key. Eduardo joined in next, his voice cracking through the tears he was still fighting. Aurelien followed, their voices blending into a chaotic, emotional mess.
By the time the song ended, they were a heap of laughter and tears, holding each other tightly. Aurelien closed his eyes, committing the moment to memory. This would be a moment he’d carry with him forever.
The party at Vini’s house was exactly what they needed—a loud, chaotic distraction. The house was packed with teammates, friends, and even a few familiar faces from outside the football world. Music blasted from speakers, the bass vibrating through the floors. The air smelled of expensive cologne, spilled champagne, and the faint hint of smoke from the backyard.
Aurelien, Eduardo, and Jude arrived together, their arms brushing as they walked in. Vini greeted them with his usual exuberance, pulling each of them into a tight hug before shoving drinks into their hands.
“Tonight, we forget everything,” Vini declared, clinking his glass against theirs.
For the first few hours, they did just that. Aurelien found himself laughing at some ridiculous story Rodrygo was telling, his arm slung around Eduardo’s shoulders. Eduardo stuck close to Aurelien, his hand occasionally slipping into his, as if reassuring himself that he was still there.
As the countdown to midnight approached, the party moved outside, where a massive screen displayed the clock ticking down. The cold air bit at their skin, but no one seemed to care. Champagne bottles were popped, their fizzy contents spilling over hands and onto the grass.
“Ten! Nine! Eight!” The crowd chanted, their voices growing louder with each second.
Aurelien turned to Eduardo, his heart aching as he took in his beautiful, tear-streaked face. When the countdown reached zero, he pulled Eduardo in, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of love and longing and a million things left unsaid. Eduardo clung to him, his fingers tangling in Aurelien’s shirt, as if afraid to let go.
Then Aurelien turned to Jude, his other half in this strange, beautiful triangle. Jude’s eyes were wet, but he managed a shaky smile before Aurelien cupped his face and kissed him, their breaths mingling in the cold night air. Around them, fireworks exploded in the sky, the colorful lights reflecting in their tear-filled eyes.
The party resumed with even more fervor after midnight. Someone cranked up the music, and the living room turned into a makeshift dance floor. Eduardo, ever the life of the party despite the heaviness in his heart, pulled Aurelien and Jude into the center of the room, their bodies moving to the beat. They laughed as Jude tried (and failed) to keep up with Eduardo’s fluid movements, his attempts at dancing earning good-natured jeers from their friends.
At one point, Vini stumbled over, clearly tipsy, and draped himself over Jude. “Man, you’re the worst dancer I’ve ever seen,” he slurred, laughing.
“Shut up,” Jude shot back, grinning. “I’ve got other talents.”
“Oh yeah?” Vini raised an eyebrow, wagging his finger. “Show me!”
“I don’t think Aurelien or Edu would be happy with me showing them to you” Jude quipped back trying to emulate some sexy hip movements and almost falling flat on his ass.
“Alright, alright, you’re cut off,” Eduardo said, steadying him.
The next thing Aurelien knew, he was waking up with his head pounding and the faint taste of champagne lingering in his mouth. His eyes blinked open slowly, and it took him a moment to realize he was in Vini’s bathroom.
Eduardo was sprawled out on the floor, his head cushioned by a pillow that seemed to have materialized from nowhere. Jude was slumped against the bathroom wall, snoring softly, and Aurelien was curled up beside him. Inexplicably, Vini was lying in the bathtub, a blanket draped over him like a makeshift cocoon.
Aurelien groaned, his body aching as he tried to sit up. “What the hell happened?”
Jude stirred, his eyes barely cracking open. “Edu decided to end his night with his head in the toilet,” he mumbled, his voice rough.
“Oh…right.” Aurel murmured remembering Jude holding Edu’s braids out of the way.
Eduardo shifted on the floor, groaning as he rolled onto his side. “I think I died,” he muttered, his voice muffled by the pillow.
Aurelien chuckled despite the pounding in his head. “You’re not dead, but you look like you’ve been through hell.”
“Worth it,” Eduardo said, though his grimace suggested otherwise.
Vini let out a loud snore, startling them all. Aurelien glanced over at him and shook his head. “Why is he in the bathtub?”
Jude laughed, a raspy sound that quickly turned into a groan. “He said it was the safest place. Something about being too drunk to trust the floor.”
“Logical,” Eduardo muttered, slowly sitting up and rubbing his temples.
They managed to pull themselves together, stumbling out of the bathroom and collapsing onto one of Vini’s oversized beds. The sunlight streaming through the windows was far too bright, and they all groaned in unison, burying their faces in pillows.
“I think my liver hates me,” Aurelien mumbled, his voice muffled.
“Your liver hates you?” Jude scoffed. “I think mine packed up and left.”
Eduardo snorted, his face half-buried in a pillow. “I’m never drinking again.”
“You always say that,” Aurelien pointed out, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Eduardo lifted his head just enough to glare at him. “This time, I mean it.”
They lay there in a comfortable silence, their bodies aching but their hearts full. The night had been a blur of laughter and tears, and though the morning brought the harsh reality of hangovers and impending separation, for a few hours, they had been happy. Together.
Eventually, Eduardo sighed and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. “I’ll miss this,” he said quietly.
Aurelien reached over, his hand finding Eduardo’s. “Me too.”
Jude, lying on his stomach, turned his head to look at them. “We’ll always have this,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “No matter what.”
And in that moment, with their hands intertwined and the weight of the world temporarily lifted, they believed it.
The December morning was cold, the kind of sharp chill that cut through even the thickest coat. Aurelien stepped out of his car, his breath visible in the frosty air. Valdebebas stood before him, familiar yet distant, like it was already starting to let him go.
He hadn’t slept. Not really. The house he once called home was empty now, stripped of its warmth and memories. The movers had taken his things days ago, each box a reminder that this chapter of his life was closing. The home that had witnessed late-night laughs, quiet mornings with coffee, and whispered confessions under dim lights was no longer his. Even Ocho, his loyal companion, was gone, already with his parents in England. That thought alone nearly brought him to his knees.
He walked through the entrance, each step echoing in the stillness. This place had been his dream. From the moment he first wore the white shirt, he had felt the weight of its legacy, its glory. He had promised himself he would give everything to this club, and he had. Yet here he was, leaving far sooner than he ever thought possible.
This morning wasn’t about football. It wasn’t about tactics or training. It was about goodbye.
The halls of Valdebebas stretched before him, familiar yet heavy with finality. Every corner held a memory. Aurelien’s throat tightened as he passed the canteen, where countless team meals had taken place, where jokes flew across tables and the camaraderie of the squad felt unbreakable. He walked past the gym, where he and Jude had often competed to see who could lift more, Eduardo teasing them both for their competitive streaks.
As he reached a quiet corridor, he stopped in front of a nondescript door. To anyone else, it was just a utility room, but to Aurelien, it was the place where everything had truly begun. He pressed his hand against the cold surface, his mind drifting back to that day.
He was shitting bricks to be truthful, barely able to focus during training. The feelings he’d been burying for months had finally reached a breaking point. So, in a moment of reckless courage, he had pulled Eduardo aside, dragged him into this very room, and kissed him. Firm, desperate, terrified. He’d expected Eduardo to punch him in the face, but instead, Eduardo had smiled, his eyes soft, and whispered, “ Finally. ” That was all it took for Aurelien’s fear to dissolve into something brighter, something permanent.
He let his hand linger on the door for a moment longer, whispering a silent, Thank you.
Moving on, he reached the training grounds. The frost clung to the grass, glinting in the pale sunlight. His cleats had tread this field countless times. He could almost hear the echoes of his teammates—Vini’s laughter, Eduardo’s quiet focus, Jude’s relentless energy. This was where they had forged their bond, not just as players but as brothers, as something more.
The locker room was next. His steps slowed as he entered, the familiar scent of sweat and detergent filling the air. He stopped in front of his old locker, now stripped of his name and number. The sight of the empty space hit him like a punch to the gut. This was where he had prepared for every battle, where he had celebrated victories and mourned defeats with his teammates.
He knelt, resting his hand there for a second. “ Gracias por todo ,” he whispered, to some entity that haunted Valdebebas and protected anyone who ever entered this ground. He was thankful for every moment of joy, every challenge, every lesson learned. For the trophies lifted and the tears shed.
But most of all, he was thankful for Eduardo and Jude. They had been his home within this home, his safe harbor in the storm. Loving them had been the greatest gift of his time here, and leaving them behind was the cruelest part of all.
He stood, his chest tight, and made his way to the showers. A soft, bittersweet laugh escaped him as he remembered the time Luka had nearly caught them in here. It had been one of those nights where everything felt too heavy, and Jude had needed comfort. Aurelien and Eduardo had been more than willing to provide it, their hands and mouths working to ease Jude’s tension. They’d barely managed to stop in time and cover Judes naked body with theirs, then Luka walked in, with a smirk, had only said, “Don’t break the kid before the match.”
These moments, these memories—they were his to keep. No one could take them away.
As he turned to leave, the weight of it all threatened to crush him. His heart ached not just for the love he was leaving behind but for the club, the team, the city. He now understood why those who left Madrid never truly moved on. Why Cristiano still spoke of the club with reverence, why Sergio’s love for Madrid was unwavering, why Marcelo’s heart seemed forever tied to the Bernabeu.
Once a Madridista, always a Madridista.
He started walking again, his pace quickening as the urge to run grew stronger. But just as he reached the exit, he collided with someone.
Luka.
The impact nearly sent them both tumbling, but Luka steadied them, his hands firm on Aurelien’s shoulders. For a moment, neither spoke. Luka’s gaze was steady, filled with a quiet understanding that only he could convey. His eyes seemed to say: Don’t run. Don’t leave like this. We’ll take care of you one last time. And we’ll take care of them—the ones you love.
Finally, Luka spoke, his voice calm and grounding. “Come,” he said simply. “Everyone’s waiting.”
Aurelien nodded, his throat too tight to speak. He followed Luka, each step heavier than the last, knowing that with every passing moment, he was one step closer to saying goodbye.
Aurelien unlocked the door with heavy hands, his entire body feeling drained. The day had sapped every ounce of energy he had left. Saying goodbye to his teammates, the staff, even the groundskeepers at Valdebebas had been gut-wrenching. Yet, he knew that the hardest goodbye still lay ahead of him.
He stepped inside, greeted by the familiar warmth of the house. The quiet was unsettling, the kind of silence that spoke of life moving just out of sight. Aurelien glanced around, his eyes catching little details—the throw blanket tossed over the back of the couch, an open book lying face-down on the coffee table.
He wandered into the kitchen, where the soft glow of the oven light caught his attention. Something was baking. Aurelien smirked faintly; Denise had undoubtedly left them a meal. She always did. His eyes lingered on the oven. He made a mental note to check on the food later, not wanting another meal to meet the same charred fate as so many before.
Who’s going to do this for them when I’m gone? he wondered, the thought tightening the knot in his chest.
Slowly, he made his way upstairs. The hallway stretched out before him, quiet and dimly lit. His steps were slow, deliberate. When he reached Jude’s room, he hesitated at the door, his hand hovering over the frame before he stepped inside.
Pushing it open, he was met with the familiar mess of Jude’s space—clothes scattered, a few random items piled on the chair in the corner. But what caught his eye were his own belongings mixed in. A sweatshirt draped over the back of a chair, one of his books on the nightstand. Eduardo’s phone charger tangled with Jude’s.
They made this place a home for the three of us, he thought, his chest tightening. I hope they can keep it that way.
He wandered to the closet, his fingers brushing over the hangers. Pulling out one of Jude’s jumpers, he lifted it to his face and inhaled deeply. It smelled like Eduardo. The tears came before he could stop them, hot and heavy as they fell onto the soft fabric.
For the first time that day, he allowed himself to break. His knees gave out, and he sank onto the floor, clutching the jumper tightly. I’m going to miss this. I’m going to miss everything. For this moment, he let himself break. He let himself feel every ounce of sorrow, every shred of fear and uncertainty. He knew this would be the last time he could do this. From now on, he had to be strong. For them. For himself.
You’ll be fine, he told himself. You’ll find friends. You’ll make connections.
He tried to console himself with the thought of Judes Trent in Liverpool. They weren’t close by any means, but he knew Jude’s best friend wouldn’t let him fall apart. Even if it was just out of loyalty to Jude, Aurelien would take it. Desperation stripped away pride.
The faint sound of clinking plates and familiar voices drifted up from downstairs. Aurelien froze, his breath catching as he recognized their usual bickering.
“Cama, seriously, just let me do it—”
“Jude, you don’t even know how to set the table properly! I’m not letting you butcher another meal.”
“It’s not that hard! Fork on the left, knife on the right—”
“You’re hopeless.”
Despite himself, Aurelien smiled through his tears. Their voices were grounding, a lifeline pulling him back to the present. He took a deep breath, gathered what remained of his composure, and stood. Folding the jumper carefully, he placed it back in the closet before heading downstairs.
In the kitchen, Eduardo stood at the counter, meticulously arranging plates, while Jude leaned against the counter, looking both amused and exasperated. They turned as Aurelien entered, their faces lighting up briefly before concern flickered in their eyes.
“You’re back,” Eduardo said softly, his tone warm but cautious.
Aurelien nodded, managing a small smile. “Yeah.”
Neither of them pushed for details, sensing the emotional weight he carried. Instead, they returned to their tasks, making space for him in the quiet way they always did. Together, they finished setting up dinner, the air thick with unspoken words.
The meal was simple, comforting, and for a while, they managed to keep the conversation light. After dinner, they moved to the living room, a half-empty bottle of wine between them. They talked until the words ran out, the silence settling over them like a heavy blanket. Eduardo broke it first, his voice barely above a whisper.
“When are you leaving?”
Aurelien stared at the floor, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. “Early morning,” he said quietly. “I can’t put it off any longer.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Jude reached for Aurelien’s hand, his touch grounding. “Then let’s go upstairs,” he said softly. “Let’s make this night count.”
They moved to the bedroom in silence, each step weighted with unspoken emotion. Once inside, they undressed each other slowly, their hands lingering on every touch, every button, every clasp. The intimacy was tender, each movement a silent vow to hold onto this moment for as long as they could.
When they reached the bed, Aurelien stopped them. “No,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You two go on. Tonight, I want to watch you.”
Eduardo frowned, his eyes searching Aurelien’s face. “Are you sure? This night should be for you.”
Aurelien smiled softly, his hand cupping Eduardo’s cheek. “It is for me. Let me see you both, just once more like this.”
And they did put on a show for Aurelien. This was better than any porno Aurelien had ever seen. Watching two gorgeous men fuck each other—the men that belonged to him—was better than anything he could dream of.
Aurelien watched Cama moaning on his hands and knees in the middle of the bed, while Jude meticulously moved behind him, setting a pace that drove Cama wild without letting him reach the edge too quickly. He watched Jude wrap Edu’s braids around his fist, pulling his head back, making Edu choke on air. They both were absolutely gorgeous, muscles moving and twitching. Aurelien watched mesmerized, enjoying every little movement, every sound.
He watched as Edu started to beg.“Fuck, Jude,” Eduardo choked out, his voice breaking into a moan. His fingers clawed at the sheets, his body trembling as he tried to keep himself steady. “Please…”
But Jude was relentless. He slowed down just enough to make Cama whimper in frustration, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. “Not yet,” Jude murmured, his voice low and teasing. “Not until I say so.”
Edu’s moans turned to desperate whimpers as he started to beg, his voice thick with need. “Jude, please,” he gasped, his arms giving out beneath him as he collapsed onto the mattress. “I can’t— I need—”
Jude’s grip on his waist tightened, his knuckles turning white as he picked up the pace. “You’ll take it,” Jude said softly but firmly, his voice laced with both command and affection. “You’ll take everything I give you, and you’ll be good for me.”
Aurelien watched, his throat dry, as Edu fell apart. His whole body tensed as he spilled onto the sheets, a broken moan escaping his lips. Jude leaning down to press soft kisses along Eduardo’s back, murmuring praises into his skin. “That’s it,” Jude whispered. “Such a good boy. So perfect.”
Edu shuddered under Jude’s touch, his body still trembling as he came down from his high. Aurelien’s chest tightened at the sight of Jude’s gentle affection, the way he kissed Eduardo’s shoulder blades, as if grounding him after everything. It was beautiful. It was everything.
And then Jude’s eyes found Aurelien’s across the room. His expression softened, the usual spark of mischief in his eyes replaced by something more vulnerable, more open. He stretched a hand out toward him, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Please, Auri… come here.”
Aurelien felt his heart stutter. How could he say no? Rising from the armchair, he crossed the room in a few quick strides, his gaze never leaving Jude’s. As he reached the bed, Jude’s hand slipped around the back of his neck, pulling him in for a deep, slow kiss.
“Now please fuck me” Jude ordered straight into his mouth. And well how could he say no to that?
Morning came too fast.
Aurelien didn’t think he had slept at all. The hours passed in a haze, the weight of the coming day pressing down on him like a stone. He lay in the dark, wrapped between Jude and Eduardo, desperate to hold onto every second. Jude’s soft snores brushed against his ear, a steady rhythm that once would have lulled him to sleep. Eduardo twitched every so often, his body restless even in his dreams, and Aurel could feel the slight tremor of his legs brushing against his own.
Aurelien’s arms tightened around them both. He couldn’t sleep—he wouldn’t. If I fall asleep, I’ll lose this, he thought. And I can’t lose this, not yet.
The alarm broke through the quiet, shattering the fragile peace of the early morning. Aurel kissed them both on the forehead, lingering longer than usual. Jude stirred, letting out a sleepy groan, his face burying deeper into Aurel’s neck. Eduardo shifted groggily, his lashes fluttering as he muttered something incoherent.
Aurel gently pulled away, watching as Eduardo immediately filled the space he left, nuzzling into Jude’s chest. Jude’s arms instinctively wrapped around him, their bodies fitting together seamlessly, as if they’d been made for this.
The sight broke Aurelien’s heart and mended it all at once. They’ll be okay together , he told himself, even as the ache in his chest deepened. They’ll have each other.
He forced himself to get up, heading to the bathroom. The shower was scalding, but he barely felt it, his mind racing. Every second under the water felt like a countdown, bringing him closer to the inevitable. As he dressed, his hands trembled slightly, and he had to pause, taking a deep breath.
Just leave. The thought whispered in his mind, insidious and tempting. Slip out while they’re still asleep. Spare them the pain. Spare yourself.
His feet carried him to the door, the thought of escape so close to reality. He could leave a note. It would hurt, but maybe it would hurt less than this.
But when he opened the bathroom door, they were waiting for him.
Jude and Eduardo sat up in bed, their eyes puffy with sleep but alert, watching him. They knew. Of course, they knew. They could always read him, even when he didn’t want them to.
Aurelien felt his heart drop, the weight of their gazes pinning him in place. He forced himself to move, to sit on the edge of the bed, and reached out to take both their hands in his. His voice was barely a whisper, rough and raw.
“This is it,” he said. “This is goodbye.”
Jude immediately shook his head, his grip tightening around Aurelien’s hand. “No,” he said firmly, his voice thick with unshed tears. “It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later.”
Aurel tried to smile, but it wavered, cracking under the weight of his own grief. “Yeah,” he said softly. “See you later.” But the words felt hollow. They all knew how uncertain that promise was.
Silence settled over them, heavy and suffocating. Eduardo’s lips trembled as he fought to keep his composure, his eyes glassy. He’d cried so much already, and Aurelien knew he was trying to be strong, but it broke his heart to see him like this.
Aurel reached up, gently cupping Eduardo’s face, his thumb brushing over his cheek. “Don’t cry, mon amour,” he whispered. “We’ll see each other soon.”
Eduardo closed his eyes, a tear slipping free despite his best efforts. “You don’t know that,” he choked out, his voice trembling.
Aurel’s heart clenched painfully. “I’ll try,” he said, though his own voice wavered. “I’ll do everything I can.”
Jude made a sound, a soft, broken noise that Aurel couldn’t bear. Their eyes met, and the unspoken truth hung between them. Eduardo and Aurel would see each other again during international breaks. But Jude? They had no idea when—or if—they’d share a moment like this again.
Aurel turned back to Eduardo, forcing a soft smile despite the lump in his throat. “Be good for Jude, mon chat sauvage,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. “Take care of each other. Don’t make me ask Vini to babysit you both.”
Jude let out a shaky laugh, though it was more of a sob. “That would be a disaster.”
Aurel chuckled weakly, the sound hollow. “You’re right. The three of you would probably burn this place down.” His voice softened, the humor fading. “Just… don’t burn it down, okay? I’ll need somewhere to stay when I come visit.”
If I come , lingered in the air, unspoken but deafening.
They lapsed into silence again, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on them. Finally, Aurel stood, his heart heavy. “Okay,” he said, his voice barely audible. “I have to go. We can’t drag this out any longer.”
But as he moved to step away, four hands pulled him back, dragging him into a crushing embrace. They clung to each other desperately, their bodies fitting together perfectly, as if they could merge into one and never let go.
“I love you,” Jude whispered, his voice breaking. “We love you. Don’t ever forget that.”
Eduardo’s hands fisted in Aurel’s shirt, his voice muffled as he pressed his face into Aurel’s chest. “We’re just one call away,” he said, his voice trembling. “One call, and we’ll be there. No matter what.”
Aurelien nodded, his tears falling freely now. “I love you both,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “So much. More than anything.”
He kissed Eduardo softly, his lips lingering as if trying to memorize the taste. “Take care, mon cœur,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Then he turned to Jude, their eyes locking in a silent exchange. Take care of him. Take care of each other. I trust you. Jude nodded, his own tears spilling over as he leaned in, sealing their unspoken promises with a kiss that was as sweet as it was devastating.
Aurelien pressed his forehead against theirs one last time, his hands shaking as he held them close. Then, with a deep, shuddering breath, he pulled away. He didn’t look back as he walked out of the room, the sound of their quiet sobs following him.
He descended the stairs, each step heavier than the last. He stepped through the front door and into the waiting car, his heart shattering with every mile that took him further away.
It wasn’t until he was alone in his new apartment in Liverpool, the door closed behind him, that he let himself break. Aurel sank to the floor, his sobs wracking his entire body as he clutched his chest, the weight of everything he’d lost crashing down around him.
Back in Madrid, Eduardo and Jude sat together on the bed, their hands tightly clasped, their eyes fixed on the door Aurel had walked through for the last time.
Eduardo’s voice was barely a whisper. “What now?”
Jude squeezed his hand, his own tears falling silently. “I don’t know,” he said. “But somehow… we’ll make it work.”
Rammstein - Adieu