Well... [ well! even from the way he enunciates the word, it's clear that kaiser has some shit to say, but he's trying to be reasonable about it. ] I think everybody can agree that when it comes to Real Madrid in the Champions League, the standards are different.
[ higher, that is to say, because winning the champions league is simply what real madrid does. but even putting that aside, kaiser understands that while much of his mindset towards what success looks like was initially informed by being a part of bastard münchen when noel noa led it, his thoughts on the matter are different now. they're about neck-and-neck on the scoreboard when it comes to the most goal involvements for players in la liga, but noa's are numbers skewed much more heavily towards goals while kaiser is making up the difference with a not insignificant number of assists. kaiser is not particularly bothered by this in and of itself: if it's for a win, then he'll do whatever's best.
but kaiser hates, above all else, when he gives up the chance to take a shot on target because he sees a better chance on the field if he sends over a well-placed cross, only for his teammates to play it conservatively. and yes, he gets why they do it, it's the pressure of being real madrid in the knockout rounds of the champions league!! but he hates it!! he always wishes that he had just taken the shot, even if it was suboptimal!!! he wants to win matches by winning, not by avoiding a loss!!!! ]
1-0 on the away leg. It'll be a comfortable win on the home leg. I have to admit, I prefer the group stages of the Champions League over the rounds of 16 and 8.
[ it's just... not very satisfying football. and it's true that barcha has a reputation for often crashing out of the champions league early, but at least they make it exciting? ]
[ noa, ever stat obsessed, has taken notice kaiser's skew toward assists and does not respect it. yes you get the win, but is there any satisfaction involved outside of progressing to the next round? it has to be real madrid poisoning the well, because he knows kaiser can't possibly be satisfied with his assists padding the stats. forgoing the mental instability of his ego in favor of earning unsatisfying victories? look at how they massacred his favorite german boy. kaiser better not think that will fly when noa walks on the opposite side of the pitch. ]
At the group stage you're just weeding out the weakest clubs. Easy wins, but easy domination is just dull. [ noa is never going to say "bench me today", but he does feel it when he's put on starting line-up against a club he knows his team will destroy 5-0. yeah they win, but it feels like everyone, from the players to the fans, wasted their time. ] Knockout is where the real action is. The pressure is so much harsher by then. Though I do think Barcha doesn't take it as seriously as Bastard does.
[ it's definitely a change in attitude more than pace. their attitudes skew toward easy going, certainly compared to real and even looser than bastard. but noa would rather bend the team to his will than adapt to the status quo. in this sense, he thinks he can turn around the reputation barcha has for being real madrid's whipping dog. ]
[ well, look, sae itoshi can also attest to what rma does to a guy... ]
No, I like the group stages. You get to play against teams you normally wouldn't, a bit of fresh blood. The underdogs always play like they want to have the best game of their lives, because they're up against Real Madrid in the UCL. Most of the time, they don't manage it, but sometimes...
[ sometimes some random french team beats them 1-0? and there's more freedom, because there's wiggle room in the group stages, so kaiser doesn't feel like he needs to play too selflessly. all his favorite jersey exchanges, he's pretty sure, have been with teams in group stages — with athletes on smaller teams who have the hunger, and from whom kaiser senses the potential to move up the way he did himself. ]
As for the knock-outs... well. [ again: well! ] It's playing to not lose, above all else.
[ lots of side or back passing instead of pressing aggressively. kaiser has framed this in his mind as another set of restraints to work on breaking through, but it is an unhappy struggle at times. heartbreaking: the team you left really was the one best suited for you, and you knew it, but you left anyways. it's a little too late for kaiser to take noa up on begging to be taken back, though, given the other's career moves... oops! ]
Well, if it gets too annoying, I can always make a move to vacate the spot you've left open. I'm not above it, you know that. [ shameless? yes. that's why he's everybody's favorite german boy, isn't it? ]
I know you're not, but the narrative will be "Kaiser was a coward who couldn't take Noa head-on."
[ coming back to the club you ditched to take the spot of the former top striker? the one you couldn't best when you were there before, so you waited for him to leave to take him on? the insults write themselves! of course he delivers this assessment with a clinical cool, because he doesn't particularly care if kaiser decides to take another swing at making bastard his club. noa has no desire to go backwards. ]
Anyway, you should always play to win - not to 'not lose'. Have they really beat your ego down so badly you've forgotten that?
[ now, why would noa ever question if kaiser misses him when all their conversations are so pleasant like this? ]
I wouldn't be here complaining about it if I've forgotten, don't you think? And if you doubt me, you can watch a few of my matches.
[ all that said, kaiser would not care a single bit about the narrative. the easiest way to overturn all that is to simply succeed afterwards. but that's also why kaiser isn't giving up on his current endeavor so easily, he thinks he still sees a way forward for himself. even if he has to struggle against the team structure — break it a bit, even? — kaiser doesn't feel like the situation is unsalvageable yet.
also, kaiser would like it to be acknowledged that he's become more mature for not snapping back. it probably won't be, but he'd sure like it! ]
[ noa is actually a little impressed he didn't get a snapback. giving assists to his teammates, not jabbing back, has kaiser really started to mature? on the one hand noa is pleased, but on the other hand he needs to think of new ways to inflict mental damage on him if the typical ways won't work. ]
I have been watching. You're doing well. I just know you can do better.
[ he's always had high hopes for kaiser though and it's not as much a secret now as it once was. they are still neck and neck in the scoring, it's just that he wants to see more of that forceful nature kaiser has. the whole reason he wanted out of bastard was to take over another team and become its emperor - noa wants to see him make good on that ambition. ]
I still have my own plans to make Barcha revolve around my play. If I can bring us a win in the Champions League, then it'll go a long way next season to making me the focus of our offense.
My god, you're being so nice to me. Is that because I'm being taken out properly right now?
[ kaiser knows that he can do better too, by the way. on that note, he also watches noa's matches: fc barcha looks more threatening than in previous seasons, noa's physical falloff does not seem to have hit yet, and it's moderately amusing to see him play alongside lavinho. it's a work in progress, kaiser gets it — same goes for kaiser's intent to take real madrid out of the stranglehold of an even more annoying, vile blond european man than he himself is. ]
... For you, that's a big "if". I'd say there's a team or two I rate above Barcha at the moment, but don't feel bad about it. Right now, watching you and the danceman tangle is the most amusing part of my weekly routine.
[ NOT because he watches noa special! JUST because he is a pro and watches the matches of all the major teams in la liga and the UCL! ]
[ he thinks he's a very nice guy in his own sick twisted fantasy way. scrambling the brains of teenagers, mentally ill or well adjusted, so that they can play football to their optimal level is an extremely generous thing for him to do. he's also very gracious when they give him a death glare after all his efforts and openly challenge him. and when he tells losers to get off the field before they ruin the game? well, that's also nice - not everyone can play football at the pro level and they need that wake up call sooner than later.
nobody ever gives him enough credit though, so maybe he should try a new approach? he will begin with patting his juniors on the back and letting them teach him how to do the kpop heart sign. ]
Lavi will get with the program eventually. I've already overtaken him on goal count for the club this season, so he's going to have to work with me more than against me at some point.
[ well... so he hopes, because that's the most rational thing to do. the problem, and why there's an inkling of hesitance in his voice, is that lavi is a manchild who thinks he's simply the best because he says he is. water and oil... noa is confident he will win out by the end, but it's going to be a process. at least someone will be entertained by it, kaiser and otherwise. ]
[ to that, kaiser leans to the side and turns to face noa. he opens his mouth, preparing to say something. he thinks better and closes his mouth. there is a palpable pause as kaiser stares and finally lands on: ]
True. You're so fucking nice to me. All the time.
[ there is a remarkable lack of emotion delivered in his tone. unfortunately... kaiser sees the angle here. he isn't sure he agrees with it, but he sees it, and he doesn't feel like arguing against it. he may regret this when he realizes far later that he's contributed to some strange domino effect leading to noa appearing to have a mid-life crisis on tiktok.
his jaw goes oddly slack for a moment before kaiser slumps back into the passenger's seat. he just... doesn't want to say more about it, actually. ]
... And Lavinho is plateauing with age, plain and simple. It happens to the ones who rely on physical flexibility first. [ kaiser is talking about this like he's overseen eras upon eras of football talents come and go, when he's just barely reached grade school level in years of experience. ] I'll be disappointed if your manager hasn't downgraded him to super sub by the middle of next season.
[ do your best, peepaw. kaiser's enjoying the carnage either way. ]
[ it's nice kaiser understands the vision. this is why he likes him. just two deeply unhinged people, one still exploring the new levels he can reach and the other one embracing them. but he can take the hint that kaiser doesn't want to discuss this further. ]
No surprise there. He's reckless and only plays to have fun above all else. Winning is secondary - it's why he will never go further than the ceiling he's already hit.
[ noa could never knock his technical skills and keeping up with his rhythm has always been a satisfying challenge as a rival. as a teammate it's the same dance but in a different tempo, exchanging passes as they weave up and down the pitch and keeping the enemy wondering which one of them will fire off the shot. lavi enjoys the exchange through the whole time, but for noa he's waiting for the best opportunity to make his shot. that's what makes him better - he never forgets what the endgame is and doesn't get caught up in the emotion. ]
[ kaiser will regret saying that when he sees noa training the new youths in a normal, straightforward way. alas, he just wouldn't be him if he weren't saying some nonsense that he'll later have to have an extended retrospective upon every once in a while. ]
... Well, yeah. I've always found that type difficult to deal with. [ kaiser is allowed to be brash like this, no? he's now at the point where he isn't a youth star, though still in his growing phase — anyways, he can't really be a brat in front of his current teammates, it doesn't become his current status. noa gets to hear it all instead. ] Or, I guess, it isn't that I find it difficult. It's that I don't like it.
[ so it's not difficulty at all, it's that he is sincerely disgusted that people don't take the noble task of kicking ball good as seriously as he does. and also, because kaiser will never!! make the mistake of accidentally having fun (dry heaving noises) playing football ever again.
maybe it's a good thing kaiser didn't go to school, he would have given his classmates trauma during group projects. at least the two of them are contained in this car and on the same deranged wavelength here; kaiser is pretty sure this is a safe space to express these thoughts. ]
[ noa understands the importance of venting, and that there's a risk in doing so with someone in the same circle. assumptions can form and rumors may spread, so airing even minor frustrations to his squad could create a mountain out of a molehill. for better or worse, they've established a precedent that what's said in the car stays in the car. it's more amusing when kaiser self-sabotages anyway. ]
Everyone plays for their own reason, but mentality factors a great deal as to who keeps advancing and who stagnates. You broke out of the weak mindset that held you back years ago.
[ the need to protect your glory out of fear you'll lose it. that safety in the cage of what you know is superior to growing through adversity. kaiser has grown into a dangerous player, even if he may not be a better person for it. ]
You know what they say, I'm sure. [ and by "they", he means this guy specifically. ] Mentality is developed last... but even players who have the physicality and the technique won't ever make it big, if they lack it.
[ if anything, it should probably be quite impressive when considering how kaiser fast-tracked through all of that development. but kaiser has never praised himself for it, and he would probably be nauseous if anybody else did either. in light of that, blue lock might've actually been what pushed kaiser into his true potential — if mentality develops by 19, then he was already dangerously close to becoming complacent and never truly being able to break free of it.
he'll never say thanks, though! ]
Just keep making football as un-fun as possible, maybe Lavinho will even break his contract early and retire after this semester. Or transfer to... hm... Serie A, perhaps? [ kaiser thinks that they are... not always serious over there. ]
[ now wouldn't that be an amusing idea. for now though, noa thinks he benefits from having lavi with him as in-house competition. that overgrown child never loses heart or spirit even when he's outdone in a match, and that makes him a good rival to keep going up against. it would be bad if he had a rival who got disheartened and quit trying.
noa glances to the gps and they're just a few minutes out from the spot now. it's on the outskirts of the city, further out from where tourists are typically roaming the streets, so its a quieter area for it. there are a scattering of people walking around, but all of them are distinctly locals. ]
I called ahead so they know to expect us. The owner said it's empty this time of day.
[ both of those are annoying options, in kaiser's opinion! he hopes noa is happy after he manages to shove lavinho off to atleti and then they play each other and somehow both teams manage to bottle a 2 goal lead at separate points in the same game!! ]
Is this the kind of planning you have to do to take somebody out properly? I'll take mental notes.
[ for when kaiser... takes someone out properly? that will never happen. everybody will always need to be the planner if they want to go anywhere with him. it's not that kaiser couldn't, it's that he simply refuses to do that for another person, for similar reasoning as to why he was born to be a passenger princess. ]
Don't worry, though, I actually don't mind being seen out with you. My reputation won't take a hit for people thinking that I'm dating down.
[ he's kidding, he's kidding! he is actually, sincerely kidding. anyways, sports journalists would just think it's nice that the mentor and student pair seems to get along better than their history would suggest, probably. and they're probably not going to do this while getting out of the car, it's fine. ]
[ you say that but now that kaiser and noa are confirmed to be about the same height--
anyway, noa has accepted he will be the one to plan anything between the two of them. kaiser will also need to accept that noa is busy and a terrible date, so he won't be asking him out very often at all. in fact, most of their dates are going to be exactly in the format of him sending him a "picking you up at six" message and kaiser will just have to decide if he wants a date night or wait for the next opportunity a few months down the line. insert "this is why you aren't married" comment here. ]
I just don't want fans thinking this is the perfect opportunity for a selfie and a handshake. [ there's a reason crowds form at the barricades and wait for their favorite guy to walk down to fistbump their six year old. ] Don't worry, I'm not ashamed to be seen in public with you.
[ since they're both exchanging jokes! noa finds a spot and parallel parks like a seasoned pro, then exits out and waits for kaiser to do the same before locking up. the restaurant is around the corner, tucked into the avenue in an unassuming location where the buildings form a wall of shade that darkens the street in a comfortable blanket.
inside the restaurant has a relaxed decor, each table nestled up by a wall so as to seat people in a chair or plush seating. it's not empty but there are plenty of tables open, so noa just picks one near the front but away from the windows. as soon as they sit down they're approached by an elderly man in a white apron, his face wrinkled and smile warm, who welcomes them both with glasses of water and menus. he lets them know they can ask him any questions and then leaves them to it. ]
They have a variety of fish and meat dishes. I'll foot the bill.
[ kaiser would be impressed by the parallel parking if he'd ever used his driver's license in any meaningful way after getting it. alas, he doesn't even know the signs of a professional job, but this is at least enough to distract him from making a comment along the lines of "kind of you to shield me, but i don't mind it when fans want to take a picture of me while i'm dressed down". he can joke about being incredibly popular and attractive indefinitely, until somebody agrees and it sounds like it might be genuine. then he switches up so fast that it makes the speed of the kaiser impact look sluggish.
at any rate, he'll get out of the car while avoiding an ibrahimović-pique situation, pulling his hat down a bit and shoving his left hand into his pocket to keep the tattoo on the back of his hand out of sight. it's not until they're seated at the restaurant that he takes his hat off and unzips his jacket collar... he must let his neck breathe, especially if they're going to be eating. but first, he needs to inspect the menu and mentally place each item for how many servings from each food group they'd provide— ]
Any recommendations? I suppose we're not far from the coast, so I'm thinking fish... [ madrid doesn't not have good fish, of course. but it's also smack-dab in the middle of spain, so there's that. he's seen the youtube videos of the seafood restaurants on the beach... ] You're not the type who secretly wishes you could've ordered for the people you're with during a meal, are you?
[ like yeah he is a control freak, he's just not that extreme about it. he's more concerned with his own meal more than anyone else's! as usual, if it doesn't have to do with football, then he doesn't care. maybe a couple years back the most he would do is throw a judgmental look if kaiser ate something that wasn't beneficial to his health. now though? it isn't his problem if his rival decides to fuck around and find out with his diet. ]
The wild sea bass is good. The scallops too. [ the short-form menu is categorized between a section for starters, the land, the sea, and of course a separate drink menu. ] You can order bread with tomato and salt.
[ since he knows kaiser likes his hearty bread. noa is eyeing the fried veal brains, a specialty that almost no other place would serve just on the name of it alone. ]
Don't say it like that, it's not as if I'd judge you if you did.
[ if anything, kaiser did a bit of a self-report there, because he absolutely does wish that he could be the meal ordering dictator when he goes out to dinner with most people. he doesn't say anything, but he cannot help but think it in the back of his head, especially if somebody makes the mistake of ordering what kaiser has decided is a "low value item" (something that can easily be made at home) or when there's some expectation that plate splitting might occur. on that note... ]
Um... don't get the brains if you expect any entree sharing to happen. [ kaiser just has a feeling and shall engage in the mortifying ordeal of Knowing Another. he isn't against eating more exotic fare, but he draws the line at brains. what if the consciousness of that calf was in there at some point? ] Should we split a bottle of wine? I'll pick based on that...
[ kaiser isn't enough of a culinary snob to know about the details of food pairings, only that they exist. no, this is what kaiser is nice to waitstaff for, so that they make good recommendations on what entree he should pick for a given bottle of wine. ]
[ the fact that kaiser could predict his interest in the most grotesque item on the menu doesn't bother him. the point is that the brains are his. if the waves of the calf are still sparking in the mass, then that's just a bonus for noa. he's had it once before here out of complete curiosity and it was better than he expected. anything fried is to be avoided, but he can make an exception since it's been a while. ]
Just make it a red wine. [ he's not picky otherwise and not shy about splurging since he likes this place. what's the point in wealth if it isn't spent? ] You can take home whatever we don't drink.
[ kaiser is also aware that noa would dissect his brain and put on the plate and devour it if all that were legal, so maybe he's sympathizing with the calf. ]
... You really are being nice today. [ in case noa thought he was completely sincere when kaiser said that he's always so nice. ] What's gotten into you? Did you get a fatal diagnosis and are reflecting upon how spoiling your favorite German boy might help you argue your case to the angel at the gate to heaven?
[ he's kidding, of course, neither of them are going to heaven. or did kaiser's response to getting called out suddenly amuse that thoroughly?
that said: don't mind if he do, though kaiser will be opting to go crazy on that dessert menu later instead of ordering too many tapas... ]
[ either you're eating the brain, or someone else is eating yours. such is life. ]
I'm having a meal and I invited you to join me. You can think whatever you want about it - you're here either way.
[ what would noa do if kaiser said no? he would have just said 'ok' and driven out here on his own. he's not self-conscious about going out by himself - it's easier that way given his public profile and his general lean toward solitude. however, even he can acknowledge that sometimes the company you keep is what makes the outing worthwhile. in the spur of the moment, he decided to give kaiser the option and see what would happen. it's both an impulsive test and an instinctual thought that kaiser would say yes unless he was busy elsewhere. ]
However, I would appreciate you putting in a good word for me. I'm sure you're aware of your namesake - it'd be easy for you, right?
[ true! and that's why kaiser wants to be the one doing the eating (metaphorical) in the end. he'll pass on the literal brain eating for now, though next time he might reconsider how daring he wants to be in what he eats, but next time might just be the more interesting result than this one in general. kaiser got taken by surprise and chomped on what he thought was bait but what was actually truly just dinner; now he thinks he sees the rules of engagement going on here. will he say "yes" again next time? probably, yes, as long as he's free — but allow him to pretend like there's some mystique around this. ]
Yeah, I have the rest of the angels on speed dial, don't worry about it.
[ yes, kaiser knows noa didn't imply kaiser was among them. ]
Then, the brains for you, sea bass for me... whatever red wine is recommended, and the bread and anchovies to split.
[ since the last item is local... he thinks? he just saw "l'escala" and thought, "um, sure, that sounds catalan. i think." kaiser might never initiate an outing, but he will make sure the outing is an efficient one if he has anything to do with it, aside from being a self-professed meal ordering dictator. ]
[ it isn't like noa can judge anyone's name with a name like "noel". the christmas jokes are still never-ending around december time. being one of the great strikers in the world gets you respect from the audience, but fellow players will take it as an invitation to take potshots at any moment! the ones around his age are of course the worse offenders, though kaiser is the worst offender of them all so it balances out.
noa makes an agreeable hum and not long after the chef returns. noa reasons that it's a slow enough time of day that he can make these kind of appearances. it could also be that he appreciates his presence on a personal level, but noa hopes that isn't the case. he takes the opportunity to practice his spanish and places the order, albeit slowly compared to his speedy delivery of german. they're promised the wine and bread first, and sure enough he leaves and returns with the order after a couple minutes.
pop - the wine is uncorked with ease and poured into their glasses delicately slow. the bottle is placed just off-center and the chef requests they enjoy while their meals are being prepared. ]
[ kaiser's spanish is probably better than noa's, if only he's been in spain longer, and studied it even before moving. but why deny noa the opportunity for practice? besides, listening to his accent is a little amusing — different from kaiser's, but also distinctly unlike how the french members of the team speak spanish, in kaiser's opinion. above all else, kaiser was born to go with the flow and forced to take matters into his own hands, so he's perfectly fine with letting noa order.
he will also refrain from showing his particular strain of insanity and insisting on being the one who pours — so he can control how much goes into each glass — and smile politely at the chef's service and thanking him politely in spanish, then immediately picking up a piece of bread once the chef has walked off. ]
... You want to do it before eating? What if you hear something that makes you lose your appetite?
[ let kaiser put this precious slice of bread down onto his plate, brushing some crumbs off of his hands, before taking his wallet out of his jeans pocket. his soul is far older than his physical age, so yes — he does carry one around by habit. after a bit of fishing around, he pulls out a 1 euro coin. it must be one he found in some drawer or cranny, because it's german, with an eagle imprinted on it, not the spanish king. ]
I'll flip. You trust me, right?
[ more like noa can trust that kaiser doesn't have the ability to rig a coin while on a time limit to even find one. ]
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no subject
[ higher, that is to say, because winning the champions league is simply what real madrid does. but even putting that aside, kaiser understands that while much of his mindset towards what success looks like was initially informed by being a part of bastard münchen when noel noa led it, his thoughts on the matter are different now. they're about neck-and-neck on the scoreboard when it comes to the most goal involvements for players in la liga, but noa's are numbers skewed much more heavily towards goals while kaiser is making up the difference with a not insignificant number of assists. kaiser is not particularly bothered by this in and of itself: if it's for a win, then he'll do whatever's best.
but kaiser hates, above all else, when he gives up the chance to take a shot on target because he sees a better chance on the field if he sends over a well-placed cross, only for his teammates to play it conservatively. and yes, he gets why they do it, it's the pressure of being real madrid in the knockout rounds of the champions league!! but he hates it!! he always wishes that he had just taken the shot, even if it was suboptimal!!! he wants to win matches by winning, not by avoiding a loss!!!! ]
1-0 on the away leg. It'll be a comfortable win on the home leg. I have to admit, I prefer the group stages of the Champions League over the rounds of 16 and 8.
[ it's just... not very satisfying football. and it's true that barcha has a reputation for often crashing out of the champions league early, but at least they make it exciting? ]
no subject
[ noa, ever stat obsessed, has taken notice kaiser's skew toward assists and does not respect it. yes you get the win, but is there any satisfaction involved outside of progressing to the next round? it has to be real madrid poisoning the well, because he knows kaiser can't possibly be satisfied with his assists padding the stats. forgoing the mental instability of his ego in favor of earning unsatisfying victories? look at how they massacred his favorite german boy. kaiser better not think that will fly when noa walks on the opposite side of the pitch. ]
At the group stage you're just weeding out the weakest clubs. Easy wins, but easy domination is just dull. [ noa is never going to say "bench me today", but he does feel it when he's put on starting line-up against a club he knows his team will destroy 5-0. yeah they win, but it feels like everyone, from the players to the fans, wasted their time. ] Knockout is where the real action is. The pressure is so much harsher by then. Though I do think Barcha doesn't take it as seriously as Bastard does.
[ it's definitely a change in attitude more than pace. their attitudes skew toward easy going, certainly compared to real and even looser than bastard. but noa would rather bend the team to his will than adapt to the status quo. in this sense, he thinks he can turn around the reputation barcha has for being real madrid's whipping dog. ]
no subject
No, I like the group stages. You get to play against teams you normally wouldn't, a bit of fresh blood. The underdogs always play like they want to have the best game of their lives, because they're up against Real Madrid in the UCL. Most of the time, they don't manage it, but sometimes...
[ sometimes some random french team beats them 1-0? and there's more freedom, because there's wiggle room in the group stages, so kaiser doesn't feel like he needs to play too selflessly. all his favorite jersey exchanges, he's pretty sure, have been with teams in group stages — with athletes on smaller teams who have the hunger, and from whom kaiser senses the potential to move up the way he did himself. ]
As for the knock-outs... well. [ again: well! ] It's playing to not lose, above all else.
[ lots of side or back passing instead of pressing aggressively. kaiser has framed this in his mind as another set of restraints to work on breaking through, but it is an unhappy struggle at times. heartbreaking: the team you left really was the one best suited for you, and you knew it, but you left anyways. it's a little too late for kaiser to take noa up on begging to be taken back, though, given the other's career moves... oops! ]
Well, if it gets too annoying, I can always make a move to vacate the spot you've left open. I'm not above it, you know that. [ shameless? yes. that's why he's everybody's favorite german boy, isn't it? ]
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[ coming back to the club you ditched to take the spot of the former top striker? the one you couldn't best when you were there before, so you waited for him to leave to take him on? the insults write themselves! of course he delivers this assessment with a clinical cool, because he doesn't particularly care if kaiser decides to take another swing at making bastard his club. noa has no desire to go backwards. ]
Anyway, you should always play to win - not to 'not lose'. Have they really beat your ego down so badly you've forgotten that?
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I wouldn't be here complaining about it if I've forgotten, don't you think? And if you doubt me, you can watch a few of my matches.
[ all that said, kaiser would not care a single bit about the narrative. the easiest way to overturn all that is to simply succeed afterwards. but that's also why kaiser isn't giving up on his current endeavor so easily, he thinks he still sees a way forward for himself. even if he has to struggle against the team structure — break it a bit, even? — kaiser doesn't feel like the situation is unsalvageable yet.
also, kaiser would like it to be acknowledged that he's become more mature for not snapping back. it probably won't be, but he'd sure like it! ]
no subject
I have been watching. You're doing well. I just know you can do better.
[ he's always had high hopes for kaiser though and it's not as much a secret now as it once was. they are still neck and neck in the scoring, it's just that he wants to see more of that forceful nature kaiser has. the whole reason he wanted out of bastard was to take over another team and become its emperor - noa wants to see him make good on that ambition. ]
I still have my own plans to make Barcha revolve around my play. If I can bring us a win in the Champions League, then it'll go a long way next season to making me the focus of our offense.
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[ kaiser knows that he can do better too, by the way. on that note, he also watches noa's matches: fc barcha looks more threatening than in previous seasons, noa's physical falloff does not seem to have hit yet, and it's moderately amusing to see him play alongside lavinho. it's a work in progress, kaiser gets it — same goes for kaiser's intent to take real madrid out of the stranglehold of an even more annoying, vile blond european man than he himself is. ]
... For you, that's a big "if". I'd say there's a team or two I rate above Barcha at the moment, but don't feel bad about it. Right now, watching you and the danceman tangle is the most amusing part of my weekly routine.
[ NOT because he watches noa special! JUST because he is a pro and watches the matches of all the major teams in la liga and the UCL! ]
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[ he thinks he's a very nice guy in his own sick twisted fantasy way. scrambling the brains of teenagers, mentally ill or well adjusted, so that they can play football to their optimal level is an extremely generous thing for him to do. he's also very gracious when they give him a death glare after all his efforts and openly challenge him. and when he tells losers to get off the field before they ruin the game? well, that's also nice - not everyone can play football at the pro level and they need that wake up call sooner than later.
nobody ever gives him enough credit though, so maybe he should try a new approach? he will begin with patting his juniors on the back and letting them teach him how to do the kpop heart sign. ]
Lavi will get with the program eventually. I've already overtaken him on goal count for the club this season, so he's going to have to work with me more than against me at some point.
[ well... so he hopes, because that's the most rational thing to do. the problem, and why there's an inkling of hesitance in his voice, is that lavi is a manchild who thinks he's simply the best because he says he is. water and oil... noa is confident he will win out by the end, but it's going to be a process. at least someone will be entertained by it, kaiser and otherwise. ]
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True. You're so fucking nice to me. All the time.
[ there is a remarkable lack of emotion delivered in his tone. unfortunately... kaiser sees the angle here. he isn't sure he agrees with it, but he sees it, and he doesn't feel like arguing against it. he may regret this when he realizes far later that he's contributed to some strange domino effect leading to noa appearing to have a mid-life crisis on tiktok.
his jaw goes oddly slack for a moment before kaiser slumps back into the passenger's seat. he just... doesn't want to say more about it, actually. ]
... And Lavinho is plateauing with age, plain and simple. It happens to the ones who rely on physical flexibility first. [ kaiser is talking about this like he's overseen eras upon eras of football talents come and go, when he's just barely reached grade school level in years of experience. ] I'll be disappointed if your manager hasn't downgraded him to super sub by the middle of next season.
[ do your best, peepaw. kaiser's enjoying the carnage either way. ]
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[ it's nice kaiser understands the vision. this is why he likes him. just two deeply unhinged people, one still exploring the new levels he can reach and the other one embracing them. but he can take the hint that kaiser doesn't want to discuss this further. ]
No surprise there. He's reckless and only plays to have fun above all else. Winning is secondary - it's why he will never go further than the ceiling he's already hit.
[ noa could never knock his technical skills and keeping up with his rhythm has always been a satisfying challenge as a rival. as a teammate it's the same dance but in a different tempo, exchanging passes as they weave up and down the pitch and keeping the enemy wondering which one of them will fire off the shot. lavi enjoys the exchange through the whole time, but for noa he's waiting for the best opportunity to make his shot. that's what makes him better - he never forgets what the endgame is and doesn't get caught up in the emotion. ]
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... Well, yeah. I've always found that type difficult to deal with. [ kaiser is allowed to be brash like this, no? he's now at the point where he isn't a youth star, though still in his growing phase — anyways, he can't really be a brat in front of his current teammates, it doesn't become his current status. noa gets to hear it all instead. ] Or, I guess, it isn't that I find it difficult. It's that I don't like it.
[ so it's not difficulty at all, it's that he is sincerely disgusted that people don't take the noble task of kicking ball good as seriously as he does. and also, because kaiser will never!! make the mistake of accidentally having fun (dry heaving noises) playing football ever again.
maybe it's a good thing kaiser didn't go to school, he would have given his classmates trauma during group projects. at least the two of them are contained in this car and on the same deranged wavelength here; kaiser is pretty sure this is a safe space to express these thoughts. ]
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[ noa understands the importance of venting, and that there's a risk in doing so with someone in the same circle. assumptions can form and rumors may spread, so airing even minor frustrations to his squad could create a mountain out of a molehill. for better or worse, they've established a precedent that what's said in the car stays in the car. it's more amusing when kaiser self-sabotages anyway. ]
Everyone plays for their own reason, but mentality factors a great deal as to who keeps advancing and who stagnates. You broke out of the weak mindset that held you back years ago.
[ the need to protect your glory out of fear you'll lose it. that safety in the cage of what you know is superior to growing through adversity. kaiser has grown into a dangerous player, even if he may not be a better person for it. ]
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[ if anything, it should probably be quite impressive when considering how kaiser fast-tracked through all of that development. but kaiser has never praised himself for it, and he would probably be nauseous if anybody else did either. in light of that, blue lock might've actually been what pushed kaiser into his true potential — if mentality develops by 19, then he was already dangerously close to becoming complacent and never truly being able to break free of it.
he'll never say thanks, though! ]
Just keep making football as un-fun as possible, maybe Lavinho will even break his contract early and retire after this semester. Or transfer to... hm... Serie A, perhaps? [ kaiser thinks that they are... not always serious over there. ]
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Mhm, maybe. Snuffy did just retire after finally winning it for Ubers last season. But I think Lavi is married to La Liga - maybe I can push him out to Atlético or Athletic.
[ now wouldn't that be an amusing idea. for now though, noa thinks he benefits from having lavi with him as in-house competition. that overgrown child never loses heart or spirit even when he's outdone in a match, and that makes him a good rival to keep going up against. it would be bad if he had a rival who got disheartened and quit trying.
noa glances to the gps and they're just a few minutes out from the spot now. it's on the outskirts of the city, further out from where tourists are typically roaming the streets, so its a quieter area for it. there are a scattering of people walking around, but all of them are distinctly locals. ]
I called ahead so they know to expect us. The owner said it's empty this time of day.
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Is this the kind of planning you have to do to take somebody out properly? I'll take mental notes.
[ for when kaiser... takes someone out properly? that will never happen. everybody will always need to be the planner if they want to go anywhere with him. it's not that kaiser couldn't, it's that he simply refuses to do that for another person, for similar reasoning as to why he was born to be a passenger princess. ]
Don't worry, though, I actually don't mind being seen out with you. My reputation won't take a hit for people thinking that I'm dating down.
[ he's kidding, he's kidding! he is actually, sincerely kidding. anyways, sports journalists would just think it's nice that the mentor and student pair seems to get along better than their history would suggest, probably. and they're probably not going to do this while getting out of the car, it's fine. ]
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anyway, noa has accepted he will be the one to plan anything between the two of them. kaiser will also need to accept that noa is busy and a terrible date, so he won't be asking him out very often at all. in fact, most of their dates are going to be exactly in the format of him sending him a "picking you up at six" message and kaiser will just have to decide if he wants a date night or wait for the next opportunity a few months down the line. insert "this is why you aren't married" comment here. ]
I just don't want fans thinking this is the perfect opportunity for a selfie and a handshake. [ there's a reason crowds form at the barricades and wait for their favorite guy to walk down to fistbump their six year old. ] Don't worry, I'm not ashamed to be seen in public with you.
[ since they're both exchanging jokes! noa finds a spot and parallel parks like a seasoned pro, then exits out and waits for kaiser to do the same before locking up. the restaurant is around the corner, tucked into the avenue in an unassuming location where the buildings form a wall of shade that darkens the street in a comfortable blanket.
inside the restaurant has a relaxed decor, each table nestled up by a wall so as to seat people in a chair or plush seating. it's not empty but there are plenty of tables open, so noa just picks one near the front but away from the windows. as soon as they sit down they're approached by an elderly man in a white apron, his face wrinkled and smile warm, who welcomes them both with glasses of water and menus. he lets them know they can ask him any questions and then leaves them to it. ]
They have a variety of fish and meat dishes. I'll foot the bill.
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at any rate, he'll get out of the car while avoiding an ibrahimović-pique situation, pulling his hat down a bit and shoving his left hand into his pocket to keep the tattoo on the back of his hand out of sight. it's not until they're seated at the restaurant that he takes his hat off and unzips his jacket collar... he must let his neck breathe, especially if they're going to be eating. but first, he needs to inspect the menu and mentally place each item for how many servings from each food group they'd provide— ]
Any recommendations? I suppose we're not far from the coast, so I'm thinking fish... [ madrid doesn't not have good fish, of course. but it's also smack-dab in the middle of spain, so there's that. he's seen the youtube videos of the seafood restaurants on the beach... ] You're not the type who secretly wishes you could've ordered for the people you're with during a meal, are you?
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[ like yeah he is a control freak, he's just not that extreme about it. he's more concerned with his own meal more than anyone else's! as usual, if it doesn't have to do with football, then he doesn't care. maybe a couple years back the most he would do is throw a judgmental look if kaiser ate something that wasn't beneficial to his health. now though? it isn't his problem if his rival decides to fuck around and find out with his diet. ]
The wild sea bass is good. The scallops too. [ the short-form menu is categorized between a section for starters, the land, the sea, and of course a separate drink menu. ] You can order bread with tomato and salt.
[ since he knows kaiser likes his hearty bread. noa is eyeing the fried veal brains, a specialty that almost no other place would serve just on the name of it alone. ]
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[ if anything, kaiser did a bit of a self-report there, because he absolutely does wish that he could be the meal ordering dictator when he goes out to dinner with most people. he doesn't say anything, but he cannot help but think it in the back of his head, especially if somebody makes the mistake of ordering what kaiser has decided is a "low value item" (something that can easily be made at home) or when there's some expectation that plate splitting might occur. on that note... ]
Um... don't get the brains if you expect any entree sharing to happen. [ kaiser just has a feeling and shall engage in the mortifying ordeal of Knowing Another. he isn't against eating more exotic fare, but he draws the line at brains. what if the consciousness of that calf was in there at some point? ] Should we split a bottle of wine? I'll pick based on that...
[ kaiser isn't enough of a culinary snob to know about the details of food pairings, only that they exist. no, this is what kaiser is nice to waitstaff for, so that they make good recommendations on what entree he should pick for a given bottle of wine. ]
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[ the fact that kaiser could predict his interest in the most grotesque item on the menu doesn't bother him. the point is that the brains are his. if the waves of the calf are still sparking in the mass, then that's just a bonus for noa. he's had it once before here out of complete curiosity and it was better than he expected. anything fried is to be avoided, but he can make an exception since it's been a while. ]
Just make it a red wine. [ he's not picky otherwise and not shy about splurging since he likes this place. what's the point in wealth if it isn't spent? ] You can take home whatever we don't drink.
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... You really are being nice today. [ in case noa thought he was completely sincere when kaiser said that he's always so nice. ] What's gotten into you? Did you get a fatal diagnosis and are reflecting upon how spoiling your favorite German boy might help you argue your case to the angel at the gate to heaven?
[ he's kidding, of course, neither of them are going to heaven. or did kaiser's response to getting called out suddenly amuse that thoroughly?
that said: don't mind if he do, though kaiser will be opting to go crazy on that dessert menu later instead of ordering too many tapas... ]
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I'm having a meal and I invited you to join me. You can think whatever you want about it - you're here either way.
[ what would noa do if kaiser said no? he would have just said 'ok' and driven out here on his own. he's not self-conscious about going out by himself - it's easier that way given his public profile and his general lean toward solitude. however, even he can acknowledge that sometimes the company you keep is what makes the outing worthwhile. in the spur of the moment, he decided to give kaiser the option and see what would happen. it's both an impulsive test and an instinctual thought that kaiser would say yes unless he was busy elsewhere. ]
However, I would appreciate you putting in a good word for me. I'm sure you're aware of your namesake - it'd be easy for you, right?
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Yeah, I have the rest of the angels on speed dial, don't worry about it.
[ yes, kaiser knows noa didn't imply kaiser was among them. ]
Then, the brains for you, sea bass for me... whatever red wine is recommended, and the bread and anchovies to split.
[ since the last item is local... he thinks? he just saw "l'escala" and thought, "um, sure, that sounds catalan. i think." kaiser might never initiate an outing, but he will make sure the outing is an efficient one if he has anything to do with it, aside from being a self-professed meal ordering dictator. ]
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noa makes an agreeable hum and not long after the chef returns. noa reasons that it's a slow enough time of day that he can make these kind of appearances. it could also be that he appreciates his presence on a personal level, but noa hopes that isn't the case. he takes the opportunity to practice his spanish and places the order, albeit slowly compared to his speedy delivery of german. they're promised the wine and bread first, and sure enough he leaves and returns with the order after a couple minutes.
pop - the wine is uncorked with ease and poured into their glasses delicately slow. the bottle is placed just off-center and the chef requests they enjoy while their meals are being prepared. ]
Mhm. So, you said you would have a coin on hand?
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he will also refrain from showing his particular strain of insanity and insisting on being the one who pours — so he can control how much goes into each glass — and smile politely at the chef's service and thanking him politely in spanish, then immediately picking up a piece of bread once the chef has walked off. ]
... You want to do it before eating? What if you hear something that makes you lose your appetite?
[ let kaiser put this precious slice of bread down onto his plate, brushing some crumbs off of his hands, before taking his wallet out of his jeans pocket. his soul is far older than his physical age, so yes — he does carry one around by habit. after a bit of fishing around, he pulls out a 1 euro coin. it must be one he found in some drawer or cranny, because it's german, with an eagle imprinted on it, not the spanish king. ]
I'll flip. You trust me, right?
[ more like noa can trust that kaiser doesn't have the ability to rig a coin while on a time limit to even find one. ]
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