Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 84: Xbox 360 1

Chapter 84: Xbox 360 1

Benjamin leaned back on one of the couches for a moment, watching Adam sprawled out like a ragdoll on the other one.

The younger man’s sweat-soaked shirt from the intense jogging clung to his body, and the faint smell of exertion was beginning to seep into the fabric of the furniture.

Benjamin wrinkled his nose as the sight and scent was finally getting to him.

"Adam," he began lightly with his tone teetering between amusement and annoyance, "do you have any idea how gross it is to lie there covered in sweat?"

Adam groaned in protest, throwing an arm over his face. "Let me live, Ben. I’m dying here."

"You’re going to kill this couch first," Benjamin shot back while nudging Adam’s leg with his foot. "Get up, and go take a shower before you turn this place into a gym locker."

Adam peeked out from under his arm, and his face scrunched up in mock defiance. "What if I don’t want to?"

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his expression sharpening. "Then I’ll drag you to the bathroom myself. Don’t think I won’t."

Adam sighed heavily, clearly defeated. He swung his legs off the couch and stood up with exaggerated effort, wincing as his sore muscles protested. "You’re relentless, you know that?"

"And you’re a slob," Benjamin countered with a smirk. "Now go. I’ve got breakfast to make, and I’m not cooking next to that stink."

Adam grumbled something under his breath as he shuffled toward the bathroom, his steps sluggish. "One of these days, I’m going to lock my door so you can’t bully me into running, stretching, and bathing."

Benjamin chuckled, already heading to the kitchen. "Good luck with that."

He opened the fridge, scanning its contents as he considered what to make. A light Dutch meal sounded perfect—something simple but hearty. He grabbed eggs, cheese, and a few vegetables for an omelet, and then pulled out a loaf of bread for toast.

As he worked, the sounds of sizzling and chopping filled the small apartment.

The aroma of melting butter and cooking vegetables soon replaced the lingering scent of sweat that had almost been cleared by the air conditioner, giving the space a warm and inviting feel.

Benjamin hummed softly to himself, with his movements looking efficient and practiced.

By the time Adam emerged from the bathroom, his hair was damp and a towel was spread around his neck, while Benjamin was already plating the food.

"You actually cooked?" Adam asked, his tone a mix of surprise and gratitude as he flopped into a chair at the table.

Benjamin shot him a look. "You doubted me?"

"I mean, I did say you’re insufferable," Adam tease while grabbing a fork.

Benjamin slid a plate in front of him, shaking his head. "And yet you’re still here, eating my food."

Adam grinned, already digging in. "Because deep down, you’re a kind-hearted fellow."

Benjamin rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "Eat up. You’ll need the energy for tomorrow’s run."

Adam groaned loudly, dropping his fork for dramatic effect. "You’re joking, right?"

"Not even a little," Benjamin said, sitting down with his own plate.

Adam didn’t waste any time. The moment the food hit the table, his fork was in hand, and he was shoveling eggs and toast into his mouth like he hadn’t eaten in days.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his own fork hovering above his plate. "Did you even taste that, or are you just inhaling it?"

Adam paused mid-bite, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. He chewed quickly, swallowed, and pointed his fork at Benjamin. "First off, this is amazing. Second, I’m a growing man, Ben. Can’t waste time savoring when I’m starving."

Benjamin chuckled, shaking his head as he took a bite of his omelet. The blend of soft eggs, gooey cheese, and sautéed vegetables was simple but satisfying. "Glad you like it. Maybe I’ll cook more often if it gets you to stop complaining for five minutes."

"Hey," Adam said between mouthfuls, "I don’t complain that much. And for the record, this is the best meal I’ve had so far. You missed your calling, Ben. Forget football—you should open a restaurant."

Benjamin smirked while spearing a piece of toast. "I’ll keep that in mind if the whole ’project football legend’ thing doesn’t work out."

"Pffttt!" Adam snorted, almost choking on his food. "Yeah, right. As if you’d give up football. You’d probably be jogging around the restaurant, yelling at the chefs to keep up."

Benjamin laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Only if you’re one of the chefs. Someone’s gotta toughen you up."

"Hard pass," Adam said while stabbing the last bit of omelet on his plate. "I’d rather stick to eating, and playing football until age says otherwise. You’ve got a gift, man. I mean it."

Benjamin leaned back in his chair, his plate nearly empty. "Flattery will get you nowhere. But thanks."

Adam stretched in his seat, letting out a content sigh. "I needed that. You’ve set the bar way too high for meals now. Don’t blame me when I start expecting this every day."

"Don’t push your luck," Benjamin replied with a smirk as he gathered their empty plates.

Adam slumped back in his chair, his hands resting on his stomach. "I’m serious, though. That was amazing. Best teammate perks ever."

Benjamin shook his head as he carried the dishes to the sink. "If you think breakfast is a perk, wait until tomorrow’s run. It’ll be twice as long."

Adam groaned, leaning forward to rest his head on the table. "You’re impossible."

"And you’re predictable," Benjamin shot back over his shoulder, turning on the tap.

Adam watched him for a moment, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. Despite all the teasing, there was an ease between them.

"Alright, fine," Adam finally said, sitting up and stretching. "But next time, I’ll try cooking."

Benjamin glanced over his shoulder, eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "Really? This I’ve gotta see."

Adam grinned, standing up. "Don’t underestimate me. You might be a good cook, but I’m full of surprises."

Benjamin laughed, shaking his head as he dried his hands. "We’ll see about that."

"By the way, since we’re free today, why don’t we find something fun to do?" Adam asked as he lazily slumped into the couch.

"I’d suppose you have something in mind already, no?" Benjamin countered.

"Hehehe," Adam chuckled, "what do you say we get a gaming console?"

Benjamin’s eyes brightened and he hastily asked, "A PlayStation 3?"

Adam rolled his eyes and answered, "An Xbox 360"

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