Title is from the Nine Inch Nails song. Which, actually, fits this story perfectly!

Characters: Genzo Wakabayashi, Karl Heinz-Schneider, Youzo Morisaki.

Disclaimer: UGH I WISH I could buy the rights to them!!! But no, not mine, no profit, just for fun :D

Youzo Morisaki focused on tying his shoes as he got ready for practice with Japan's national soccer team. Not that he would be needed, of course; Genzo Wakabyashi was here, as was Ken Wakashimazu. He was third goalkeeper, which meant the only game time he got was if Genzo and Ken both couldn't play. So what was he doing here? What was the point? He couldn't understand why Katagiri asked him to join them in Paris for the U-20 world championship. Experience, Katagiri assured him. Even if he didn't play much, he could learn alot by watching great goalkeepers like Wakabayashi and Dieter Muller. Not to mention the extra practice couldn't hurt. Besides, Katagiri explained that he could still get on a local team in Japan, as even though he was third goalkeeper, he still proved himself to be good enough for the national team. Even Genzo Wakabayashi himself commented on the good saves he made during yesterday's practice. All in all, he should have been happy. But, this was before last night, before the party, before...

Youzo took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself, trying to force the previous night's events from his mind...Gods, it was like his ultimate fantasy come to life...but at what price?

He sighed, running a hand through his soft black hair as he thought:

How did I get myself into this mess....Why didn't I just stay in Japan?

The evening before....

It was an unseasonably warm, balmy evening in the outskirts of Paris. Youzo Morisaki, like all of the participants in the U-20 world cup, were invited to a grand party held at El Cid Pierre's ancestral estate. It had to be the best party Morisaki had ever been to; he had never seen so many beautiful women - and men - in one place before. And because this was a major event in Paris, invitation only, with a very elite guest list, he was certainly fortunate enough to be here. He even met a cute girl - from Osaka of all places! She was a journalist just out of college, who was covering the game for her first job at a major newspaper (she also happened to be Makato Soda's sister, so Youzo was especially careful to mind his P's and Q's...). Other than that, it was turning out to be a great evening of dancing and fun.

With all the fun he was having, there was one person Morisaki couldn't keep his eyes off of – or rather, two persons - Genzo Wakabayashi and Karl Heinz-Schneider. For one, neither of them danced with any women that evening. In fact, aside from those who were obviously friends, they didn't seem to have any interest in the women there at all. Something told Morisaki why this was, but he brushed it off as just a coincidence. Imagine - Karl and Genzo, lovers? Preposterous! While he could see why they would be friends, being they were teammates, first in Hamburg and now for Bayern Munich...there was something in the way they looked at each other…. how they leaned in close to speak to one another…those sly smiles they would share every so often. Morisaki knew he shouldn't be watching them, and he was more than careful not to look like he was staring at them like some sort of weirdo. It was really none of his business what went on between them. And he had nothing against it, really; Quite the contrary, in fact, for he couldn't get over how good they both looked! Kami, Genzo was handsome as it was, and he seemed to get even stronger and handsomer since Morisaki saw him last year. And Schneider - Morisaki had to admit, he did have a little crush on Schneider during the U-16 games. Let's face it, the forward was gorgeous. And now, Karl was even more beautiful; he had gotten taller, and Morisaki could tell Karl's body had become more muscular, smooth and defined. He could tell this even with the formal clothes Schneider was wearing. What he wouldn't give to see what was under those clothes...

Immediately shaking the idea out of his head, the cute journalist he was chatting with all evening asked if he wanted to dance. Morisaki happily said yes, took the pretty Tokyo girl's hand and led her onto the dance floor; Youzo just let the music, the lights, the energy of the evening erase those earlier thoughts of Genzo and Karl out of his head...

A few rounds on the dance floor, two glasses of champagne, and 3 appetizers later, Morisaki decided to take a break and get some fresh air. His impromptu date for the evening was about to join him, when she got a call from her editor on her cell phone, and had to leave for the time being. They agreed to meet back in about a half hour.

As Youzo walked the long, winding hallways of the old mansion towards the garden, amazed at the sheer extravagance of it all, he thought he heard something. Something like a mix between a breath and a moan, which he could have sworn said "Genzo.......”

Morisaki stopped in his tracks. No. It couldn't be - could it? And if it was, his common sense told him to keep walking. But he didn't; Instead, Morisaki turned around, and slowly, quietly walked back, straining to hear where the sound was coming from. He approached a newly polished wooden door, which was open just a crack. He slowly, and oh-so-quietly, opened it just a little more so he could see inside.

And he couldn't believe what he saw...

Inside the room looked like a den, with some bookshelves lining the walls, two comfy looking leather love seats in the middle of the room, facing each other across a large rectangular rug, all in front of a cozy fireplace.

On one of the couches was Karl Heinz-Schneider, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his pale, well-defined chest, straddling none other than Genzo Wakabayashi, who was sitting on the couch, Karl's knees on either side of the goalkeeper. Schneider's pants were undone and around his legs, with Genzo's hands squeezing his firm ass, a single finger slipping in and out of Karl's taut entrance. Karl's head leaned back as Genzo kissed his chest, sucking on a pink nipple. “Ungh..Genzo.....” Genzo gently pushed Karl's behind up higher, his finger going deeper inside of him. Karl moaned, then gasped as he felt Genzo's hot mouth around his cock, sucking him as Genzo inserted another finger inside him.

Morisaki's mouth just dropped. He stifled an 'ah-h' feeling himself harden as this delicious scene unfolded before him. His common sense was screaming at him: “close the door – walk away! Get out of there before you get caught and Genzo kills you!!” But he couldn't move! His legs were stuck, his feet glued to the floor as Karl let out another moan and said something Morisaki didn't understand (Youzo didn't know a word of German), but he could guess what it was as Genzo smiled seductively, placing his hands on the forwards hips, bringing him down on Genzo's painfully hard cock. “Unnngh, Genzo... Ah-mmmmph” Karl's passionate cries were muffled by Genzo's tongue in his mouth, as the goalkeeper embraced him, Karl throwing his arms around Genzo as he started to ride Genzo's cock.

Morisaki bit his lip as he tried to control his himself - his emotion, his voice, as he carefully stepped back, as quietly as he could, forcing his feet to unglue themselves from the floor, away from the most erotic scene he had ever laid eyes on. He knew full well that, if he was caught, it would be a major embarrassment to all three of them, and he'd never be able to live it down. He quietly, barely even breathing, started to close the door when - all of a sudden - the most unexpected thing happened, the very LAST thing he would want happen at a time like this -

'ah - ah-HA --" Poor Youzo tried to hold the sneeze in, but it was no use - 'AHH - CHOO!' Startled, Youzo quickly closed the door and almost ran down the hallway, but slowed down, trying to keep his pace at a brisk walk so he at least didn't look suspicious.

On the other side of the door, however, Genzo and Karl immediately halted their lovemaking. Startled by the noise, they looked over at the door, which was now completely closed. Still in an embrace, the two just froze...

"Was...was somebody there?" Karl was the first to speak. "Did you see anyone?" He asked, nervous as all hell.

Genzo nodded. "Hai...and I think I know who it was...."

"Who?" Karl demanded. He wanted to know. "Do you think they'll say anything?"

Genzo chuckled. "What, and admit that he was watching me fuck you?" He again laughed, though more seductively as he gently laid Karl on his back on the couch, his arms still around him, and he still inside his love. Genzo kissed Karl passionately. Stopping a moment, he said: "we don't have anything to worry about."

"Are you sure?" Karl asked, before Genzo again slowly grinded his hips, eliciting a growl from Karl. He kissed the goalkeeper as he lifted his hips to meet Genzo's thrusts. It was difficult to worry under such circumstances....

Back in the garden, Youzo joined the small gathering on the patio. It was a beautiful garden: the trees were carefully manicured, the flowers neatly arranged to match the warm colours of the granite patio, with a few sakura trees brought over from Japan. A gentle breeze blew some of the sakura flowers around, making for a serene, romantic atmosphere. Youzo started to relax a little, even though he was still worried about what just happened. Gods, what on earth had gotten into him? What was he thinking? Watching Karl and Genzo, as they...Youzo shook the thoughts of what he had just witnessed out of his head, but he couldn't help it. It was just so...incredible.....he wished he was there, that he was a part of it, a part of them....He needed a drink. Nothing alcoholic, just a nice, cold drink...something to cool him down...

Youzo went to the table with the punch bowl and poured himself a drink. Just as he was about to take a sip, someone gave him a friendly slap on the back. "Hey, Youzo! What's up?" Ryo Ishizaki said cheerfully.

"Damn it, Ryo - look what you made me do!" Youzo exclaimed, pointing to the punch that was now on his shirt instead of in his glass.

"Oops - sorry, Youzo." He looked at the gigantic pink stain on Youzo's very white, button up, long sleeved, formerly crisp clean shirt. "It's not so bad - you can't even see it." Youzo raised a doubtful eyebrow. "Really - you can't! Ah, don't worry - your girlfriend won't notice." Ryo said with a mischievous wink.

"Girlfriend?" Youzo asked.

"Yeah, you know, that little hottie you've been dancing with all night?" Ryo smiled knowingly, nudging Youzo, who, at that moment, was looking past Ryo towards the angry young man behind him, who was getting angrier by the minute. Youzo gulped. "Uh...Ryo? I wouldn't say that if I were you - " Youzo said, trying to warn his friend of said angry man, but he wasn't paying attention.

"Oh, I get it - getting protective of her already, huh? Well, I don't blame you - she's --"

"She's what?" A very unfriendly voice boomed from out of nowhere. Ishizaki turned around to find Makato Soda - a very pissed off Makato Soda. "What about my sister, Ishizaki?"

"Uh....well, she's - a - a very nice young lady who has a good head on her shoulders!" Poor Ryo sputtered, knowing damn well you did not want to get on the bad side of Makato Soda.

Makato folded his arms defensively. "That's what I thought." Youzo just busted out laughing. "I tried to warn you, Ryo."

"Well you could've given me more warning than that!" Ryo retorted.

This time, Makato was laughing with Youzo. "Oh, Youzo - Minami wanted me to tell you- she can't make it back to the party tonight. She has an interview first thing in the morning. But she wants to meet with you after the games are over - her schedule is just too hectic right now. Here's her cell phone." Makato was usually very skeptical of his sister's dates, as he was the typical overprotective brother. But in this case, he could ease up a bit - he knew Youzo was a good guy.

"Hey, thanks Makato. " Youzo said, a little disappointed she wouldn't be coming back that night. But it was just as well - he wouldn't make a very good impression with a huge pink punch stain on his shirt. He took the business card Makato handed to him. "I think I'll get going anyway - I wanted to get an early start for practice tomorrow."

As Youzo bid his friends goodbye, he looked to see if Karl and Genzo were anywhere in the vicinity - nope, all clear. Good, thought Youzo. These were the last two people he wanted to run into right now! He shook his head, ashamed at what he did, and figured the best thing to do was to leave before anything else happened tonight, before he'd do anything else foolish. What the hell was I thinking, anyway? He thought to himself. He normally didn't... watch anyone...he wasn't a pervert! So what had possessed him to do such a thing? Youzo sighed, figured it was just a rare momentary lapse of reason and decided to leave it at that. The sooner he left, went back to the hotel room, and slept the night off, the better.

He looked down at the pink stain on his shirt...figures - a new shirt he just bought that day at one of Paris' fancy boutiques, and Ryo had to go and ruin it! He tried to wipe the stain off with a tissue dipped in ice water while he was walking. Not a smart thing to do for a smart young man like Youzo, for it caused him to be clumsy and bump into someone. "Oh - I'm sorry, excuse me, I wasn't looking where...I ...was going..." Youzo's voice seemed to fail him as he looked up at who he absentmindedly bumped into - Karl Heinz-Schneider.

The beautiful forward looked at him, amusement in his pretty crystal blue eyes. Youzo couldn't stop staring at them. He immediately shook himself back to reality, a little embarrassed of having gotten lost in those ice blue eyes. But Karl smiled, looked at the pink stain on Youzo's shirt, and said, 'Um...you have something on your shirt'. Youzo couldn't understand a word he said, but he knew very well what Karl was talking about - that obnoxious pink stain on his shirt. "Oh, that". Youzo replied. He rolled his big onyx eyes and pointed at Ryo, who was telling a really, really bad joke, to which his surrounding friends just groaned and walked away. Karl laughed, which made Youzo blush a little. Karl smiled at him, and Youzo noticed what a beautiful smile he had. Embarrassed, Youzo simply said, 'well, goodnight', and walked away towards the front of the manor. Karl looked after him, a little confused - did he do something wrong? He hoped the raven-haired goalkeeper didn't think he was making fun of him, because he wasn't. In fact, he thought Youzo - was that his name? Was cute - Very cute, especially when he blushed, his cheeks turning a light rosy pink. Is that what he thought - Karl was making fun of him? He wanted to call him back, but Karl didn't know the young man's name - not to mention he knew very little Japanese. But just then, ' "Karl" - someone called his name, so he turned around to find Genzo Wakabayashi smiling possessively at him. He handed him a drink,. "Oh - thank you", Karl said, taking a sip of the punch. "Is something wrong?" Genzo asked. "No - no nothing's wrong." Karl said, a little detached.

Genzo studied his expression for a moment, and asked. "Are you sure?" He then asked in a quieter voice: "Are you still worried about...."

"No - no, I'm not, I - " Well, what was he going to tell him: I think your third goalkeeper is cute? Genzo wasn't the jealous type; He was too sure of himself, too confident to be jealous of anyone. If anything, he'd say people were jealous of him, because he was the Super Great Goalkeeper or jealous of Karl because Karl was dating the SGGK. The forward tried not to laugh at the thought - He loved Genzo very much, but even he had to admit the goalkeeper had a bit of an ego! But, still, he thought it better not to say anything...

"I'm not, I just - hope whoever it was, doesn't....doesn't say anything." He took another sip of punch.

"Karl, I told you, you have nothing to worry about. Whoever it is, they're probably too embarrassed to tell anyone - why would they? Besides, I think I know who it is, and he'd never admit to that..."

"Who, then?" Karl asked.

Genzo turned and inconspicuously pointed at a young man with long blonde hair and green eyes, speaking in broken French to the host of the evening, El Cid Pierre. Pierre laughed, and said something in French, which made young man blush.

Karl looked at Genzo, an incredulous look on his face. "Shester? Franz Shester?" Karl shook his head. "No, I don't think so."

"I do." Genzo replied. "He was coming on to me at that coffee house we were at last night - you saw."

Karl looked at him in disbelief. "Saw what? Genzo, Franz wasn't hitting on you, he was congratulating you on our win over Bremen, his team. He was showing good sportsmanship, not making a pass at you!" Karl couldn’t believe Genzo - really, was his ego that big that he took a simple congratulations and friendly conversation as a pass?

"Genzo" Karl continued in a low voice so no one else could hear him: "Shester did not hit on you, nor did he ...see us. Someone probably just opened the door by mistake, then slammed it shut because they were surprised and embarrassed. It was a mistake - and - we shouldn't have - done anything here, anyway; We should have just left early and went back to the hotel." Karl took another sip of his drink, very annoyed with his date. He knew Genzo a long time, and he knew the man had a rather high opinion of himself, but this was getting ridiculous!

"He was so hitting on me, Karl." Genzo replied, getting annoyed with Karl as well. "I'm not telling you to make you jealous, I'm just - being honest. Isn't that better than not telling you?"

"What you're being, Genzo, is full of yourself." Karl retorted. He sighed. "Look, forget it - I'm going back to the hotel."

"Wait a minute" Genzo grabbed Karl by the arm as he turned to leave. "So you're just going to insult me, and leave?"

"I'm trying not to say anything I'll later regret, Genzo. " Karl said icily. "So I'm leaving and I'll see you back at the hotel room later." Karl turned, jerked his arm out of Genzo's hand, and left. He had no patience with Genzo whenever his ego got the best of him. And if Karl would stand here and argue with him, Genzo wouldn't listen to a word he said. He would still be convinced that Shester was hitting on him; Oh, and that Karl was just jealous. The best way to deal with Genzo when he got too full of himself was to simply not put up with it. Genzo would come around, and apologize like he normally did. At least Karl hoped he would...He didn't turn around to look back, even though he could feel Genzo's dark eyes boring into his back as he walked away.

Back at the hotel, Youzo unlocked the door to his room, and walked in, throwing his jacket on the bed. He unbuttoned and removed his stained shirt, throwing it in a nearby laundry basket. Good thing the hotel had a laundry service...As he looked out the sliding glass door which led to the balcony, the night lights of Paris illuminating the city, he realized he wasn't tired just yet. There was so much of Paris he hadn't seen, and to see it at night would be great! He still had every intention of getting to practice early the next day, but he figured a little exploring wouldn't hurt. And it was still early, only 10:00.

Youzo changed into something more casual - a pair of comfortable dark blue jeans with a black short-sleeved shirt. He laced up his black Dr. Martens shoes, grabbed his reddish-brown leather wallet, slipped it in his back pocket, and headed out.

Karl arrived at the hotel, tired and irritated. Why did Genzo have to be such an arrogant jerk? Granted, Genzo had every right to be proud of his accomplishments, for he was an amazing athlete, certainly worthy of the title Super Great Goalkeeper. But being proud of your achievements was one thing; Letting it go to your head was quite another. Karl had dealt with the fame that accompanied being a professional footballer for a long time, since he was just 15 years old. He knew how easily all that fame could go to your head; Everyone telling you how great you are all the time, wanting your autograph, your picture...Karl had always been sensible about it; He never let it go to his head; He just focused on training to perfect his abilities. And he thought Genzo took the same sensible attitude, or so he thought...

But he's not always like that, Karl reminded himself. Which was true; Most of the time, Genzo treated Karl like gold. But lately, Genzo's rather strong ego was getting on his every last nerve....But maybe he was too hard on Genzo tonight; Maybe he overreacted, maybe...

"Excuse me, sorry…I wasn’t watching where I was going…"

Karl looked up as someone bumped into him, breaking his train of thought. The words were English spoken in a Japanese accent. It was him - the cute goalkeeper! Karl was surprised he spoke English - they must teach it in Japan, too...

"Oh, no problem." Karl replied, trying to remember his classes in English. He laughed. "Didn't we do this earlier?"

Youzo smiled. "Yeah, I guess we did. Only now I'm not wearing pink."

Karl laughed. Youzo blushed a little. Holy shit, I'm actually talking to him...we're having a friendly conversation. Me and Schneider... He didn't know why he said 'excuse me' in English - he hadn't had any English courses in about a year. But it was a good thing he did, for he was able to communicate with Karl!

"So, how come you're back here so early?" Youzo asked.

Karl frowned. "I wasn't too fond of the company, so I left."

"Oh." Youzo said. Did he and Genzo have a fight? He wondered. "I'm sorry. Is - is there something I can do?"

Karl smiled. "No, it's alright." He really didn't feel like talking about it. And even if he did, he couldn't; He and Genzo decided it would be best to wait until the games were over before telling their friends of their relationship; There was too much competitive pressure right now; If they said anything now, it would lead to suspicions on both their teams that their feelings for one another would affect their playing. Which, Karl kept telling himself, wasn't true, but....perhaps it was the other way around; the pressure was affecting their relationship. Maybe that's why Genzo kept getting on his nerves, why Karl snapped at him like that...

Not knowing what to say, but wanting to make the blonde feel better, Youzo offered: "Well, I was just about to go out and check out the Paris nightlife....I've never been out in this city at night, and thought it would be fun to do some exploring....would you - want to go with? I'm not too familiar with Paris. We didn't really get to do much sightseeing the last time we were here, but...."

"Yes, I'd like that." Karl answered before Youzo got to finish what he was saying. "I know the city pretty well, so I could show you around." He was starting to feel a little better. He and Genzo had been at each other's throats ever since they got here. All they ever did was argue...argue and have make-up sex....He figured all the training and pressure had been driving them both crazy; It would be good for them to spend a night away from each other.

Before we fucking kill each other! Karl thought....

"So, I'll go change and meet you in the lobby in about - 15 minutes?" Karl asked.

"Works for me." Youzo replied casually.

They parted ways then, Karl going upstairs to him and Genzo's expensive suite and Youzo to the lounge for a drink to kill some time.

Youzo entered the warmly lit lounge, ordered a sparkling cranberry mineral water and sat down. As he took a drink, he looked perfectly calm, simply someone relaxing, having a drink. Inside, though, he was a bundle of nerves; He tried to calm the butterflies in his stomach as the realization hit him: I'm going out with Genzo Wakabayashi's boyfriend...

But so what? They weren't dating or anything; they were soon-to-be competitors in the U-20 games, not exactly friends, but that was nothing really unusual, either. The participants socialized and befriended each other at the U-16 games as well, even though they were going to be opponents. And they were still friends and kept in touch after the games were over. So what was the big deal, really?

Youzo kept telling himself this as he took a sip of his water, the butterflies in his stomach still fluttering about. He kept thinking of Karl, in that den with Genzo. Gods....He was so beautiful....What he wouldn't give to....

"Ah-hem." Youzo looked up to find Karl standing next to him, wearing black jeans and a deep, forest green shirt which brought out the blues in his pretty blue-grey eyes. He smiled. "Well, are you ready?"

Youzo replied, "Yeah...yeah, sure."

"Are you okay?" Karl asked, for Youzo looked a little uneasy...

"Oh, sure, fine!" Youzo blurted out. Calm the fuck down. He thought to himself.

"You know, I never did get your name." remarked Karl.

"It's Youzo. Youzo Morisaki." Youzo said with a smile. "So, where should we go first?"

"There's this really cool nightclub, not far from here. We could walk there, if you'd like." Karl said. "They play pretty good music, and the place has three levels."

"Cool, let's go." Youzo replied, feeling much more at ease now. They walked out of the hotel into the comfortably warm night air, talking about anything that came to their minds, not worrying about tomorrow, nor the games, nor their early morning training sessions....they just ambled along, stopping at different shops along the way, exploring and just enjoying the pleasantly warm evening....

Back at the hotel, a tall dark haired young man unlocked and opened the door to his suite, "Karl?", calling out his boyfriend's name. No answer. He looked in the bedroom, the bathroom, the balcony, to find...no one. That's strange...he said he was going back to our room, Genzo thought. I hope he's still not mad at me... He took out his cell phone from his jacket pocket and dialed Karl's number. After a moment, he heard a ringing echoing from their bed. He turned to find Karl's cell phone on the nightstand. He must have forgotten it...Genzo thought...Or maybe he doesn't want to speak to me.... A hurt expression crossed his handsome face. I wasn't that bad, was I?

Just then, his cell phone started to chime. Genzo eagerly looked at the display, but was disappointed to find it was only Iszawa. "Hey, Iszawa."

"Hey, Gen - where did you go?" His long time friend and team mate asked from the other end of the phone.

"I'm back at the hotel." Genzo said, disappointment that Karl was not here clearly in his voice.

"So soon?" Iszawa asked. "You're not crashing out already, are you?"

"Depends..." Genzo said, Karl's phone in his hand, wondering where his love could be.

"Well, a bunch of us are going to this nightclub that's supposed to be really cool. Misaki says it's HUGE - it has three levels, so there's different music on every level, plus they have a rooftop bar. Me, Misaki, Tsubasa, all of us are going - Pierre, Louis, and some of the other French, and Swedish, and Chinese players are going too. I think some from the German team have already left."

German team?

"Yeah, yeah sure, why not?" Genzo answered, hoping that Karl met up with them. Maybe that's where he went - they must have called him when he returned, and he left in a hurry, forgetting his cell phone. That would make sense. Hopeful, Genzo got the directions to the club, changed his clothes and headed out.