Chapter Text
Excitement boiled in Mark’s stomach so hot it was impossible to think about anything else.
Today they were playing against Little Giants.
The fact that it was none other but his grandfather who assessed the team had his will and eagerness stretching even further. Football had always come naturally to him, the rough sensation of the leather familiar to his bare skin from the moment he had touched a ball, but, essentially, it had been a way to feel closer to his grandpa, who Mark admired very much. After all those years of pouring his every bit of exhilaration and passion into the sport, getting to prove to the person he looked up to the most just how much he loved the game was thrilling. Moreover, he felt the urgent need to not only enjoy playing but also win the match, as, at the end of the day, football was the only thing he had inherited from his grandfather; the best means to demonstrate their mutual respect was the pursuit of victory rather than the shallow, meaningless usage of words. Plus, what other reason did Mark need to want to win besides his own ambition? There was no better act of devotion towards something than the desire to conquer it.
Hector Helio played a part as well in his elation. He was his grandfather’s pupil, so the determination he felt about beating him extended to the goalkeeper too. Hector also happened to be just as crazy about football as he was, and so terribly skilled Mark couldn't help but want to measure up to him.
The anticipation he felt was the greatest he had ever experienced. Them being the final challenge seemed a match made in heaven; it was exactly what Mark needed to fuel his motivation. That’s why he had woken up so early in the morning and was currently training with his old, reliable pneumatic, the weight of every lunge encouraging against his calloused palms. The certainty that they were going to win burnt in his throat with such vehemence Mark could barely breath.
He was so focused in his task he didn’t notice the sound of steps approaching:
"It’s time," a voice he knew all too well spoke behind him.
Mark smiled, recognizing that deep yet soft pitch.
"Just a minute, Nathan. I want to stop it a couple of times more before leaving," he pleaded while gesturing to the pneumatic.
"Haven’t you been doing this since dawn?"
"Well, yes, but it brings me peace of mind and helps me build my confidence!" He looked at the defender with doe eyes. "Please?"
The other pondered on it for an instant.
"A couple more. And then we are leaving, as all the others are waiting. Copy that?"
"Yeah, thank you so much, Nath!" He beamed, grateful.
And with vigour, he continued to block the thrusts. This time, however, two warm brown eyes were observing him. He tried to concentrate as intensely as before, but the attentive gaze was difficult to ignore; his boyfriend had a certain power over him, one he couldn’t brush off easily. Whenever he was near, he started to sweat uncontrollably and his heartbeat accelerated. That is to say, Nathan was incredibly distracting, managing to monopolize Mark’s attention with the single bat of his lashes. The second lunge of the pneumatic caught Mark off guard, who, despite trying, couldn’t focus properly, and sent him flying a few meters far. A dull pain throbbed his side, and he couldn’t stop a wince. Nathan was quick to aid him.
"Mark! You big idiot, I told you it was enough. What if you had gotten hurt?" He reprimanded once he had made sure the goalkeeper wasn’t injured.
"Sorry, with you watching, um," he tried to explain with two rosy spots on his cheeks, "my attention kind of diverted."
Nathan frowned.
"What’s that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you know…"
"Do I?" He asked, getting closer to Mark.
"You’re pretty," he ended up sputtering. "And I… I can’t help but stare."
Nathan’s eyes widened in surprise, but immediately after he burst out in a hearty laugh, which embarassed Mark further.
"Is that so?" His face was bright red too. "You really are something, Mark Evans."
"Don’t poke fun at me," the boy shrieked, looking the other way.
"I’m sorry, I won’t anymore. It’s just… heart-warming." His soft smile made Mark’s insides curl. "Make sure, though, to not be inattentive like this during the match."
"Won’t happen! Aside from the sentimental value it holds for me, it’s important for several more people. It’s bigger than me, so I wouldn't dare to mess up."
"Wasn’t expecting anything less from you."
Nathan stretched out his hand to help Mark stand up, and the latter felt a chill descend from his nape to the tip of his toes the moment they touched. That same hand he was holding meant the world to him; it had been a handshake that had started their wild journey in the chase of greatness as well as the refusal of it that had hurt their bond. The brush of their fingers had always been symbolic of the deep love and affection they had for each other, and feeling entitled to take that cold yet soothing hand in his with such confidence had the boy remarkably giddy and proud. Mark couldn’t stop himself, and gave a light kiss to Nathan’s chalk white knuckles. That caused the other’s blush to darken.
"Ready to go?" He asked while looking at the ground, suddenly shy.
"Yeah; just a little nervous."
"You’ll do just fine, Mark, don’t dwell on it."
"You think so?" The goalkeeper felt his limbs tremble, just a little bit worried about jeopardizing the match. What if he wasn’t able to stop the balls directed at him? What if Hector outdid him?
"Of course! Mark, you’re the heart; if the team is any good it is thanks to you. Sure, we are all talented on our own, but the one who manages to bring us all together in a stirring game is you. We all play at our best because we have the tranquility of knowing you have our backs," Nathan said as he gave him a peck on the forehead. "And, look, I know you’re concerned, but don’t let the anxiety of it all get to you, alright? Out there, you’ll shine, just as you always do."
Mark, before such words, felt the tension leave his shoulders. He shook his head, disregarding those silly ideas of defeat, and grinned with newfound determination, more sure than ever of their upcoming victory.
"Thanks, Nath. I needed that."
"I know." The defender dedicated him a caring countenance. "I’ll always be here for you, just as you’ve always been here for me. Even in my darkest times, in spite of the mistakes and the betrayals, you’ve reached out to me, so you can expect me to be ready to catch you whenever the weight you carry becomes too much for your arms, okay?"
He stepped closer to Mark and hugged him, an embrace so tight and warm the latter practically melted into it.
"You’ll never be alone, not while you permit me to stand by your side. I love you."
"I love you too, Nathan," Mark muttered with his face hidden in those blue locks he so much cherished. "You don’t know how much."
They stayed like that for a minute, their awaiting teammates altogether forgotten. After all the hardships they had undergone, their relationship finding bumps in each one of them, both boys relished those instants of peace and intimacy greatly, being quite protective of them. They had been friends for a long time, even prior to Nathan’s decision of joining the club – they had orbited around each other since little. From the moment the blue-haired boy had offered his help, though, their solid bond had grown stronger and deeper, eventually becoming romantic. Nathan had always known what the fondness he felt towards Mark really was like, but the latter had needed to lose him to realize. Playing without his dependable defender, who, despite not always being the main event in his life, was always three steps behind him, ready to support whatever frolic, had proved to be utterly devastating. So much, in fact, that Mark hadn’t found it in himself to do it for a fair while. He relied on Nathan, but hadn’t comprehended just how much until it was too late. When the opportunity to get him back was presented before him, he had meekly accepted whatever the former threw at him, the flame of hope always burning bright. In the end, he had managed to retrieve what was his, and made sure to walk side by side, as equals. In doing so, a newfound trust was formed between them. Despite the guilt and the shame, they relearnt how to love each other; this time, properly. No secrets. No hiding their true feelings.
Of the broken link, the softest and sweetest romance had blossomed.
The pleasant memory of the day they started dating crossed Mark’s mind, which made him smile. It had been shortly after Shawn’s, Hurley’s and all the other’s departure. They were hanging out at Bolt Tower, the afternoon framing Nathan’s face in a way that made him look angelic, and Mark hadn’t been able to bite his tongue. “I love you”. The words had slipped from his lips with a facility he wasn’t expecting. He would forever cherish the face Nathan had put after such a revelation, ears scarlet and eyes wide open. After an instant of silence, he told him he reciprocated his affections and kissed him.
Remembering the event made Mark’s heart mellow and an ache to kiss the lips he so much enjoyed made itself present. All the same, when he was about to close the distance between their mouths, the cool sensation of Nathan’s palm stopped him.
QOh, why not?" He complained with a pout.
"I was thinking maybe you need another motivation" The cunning smirk on his face worried Mark.
"What do you mean?"
"I won’t let you kiss me," Mark gasped in disappointment, "unless we win today’s match. How about that?"
"Absolutely not! That’s so cruel, Nath. I really want to."
The blue-haired boy chuckled, amused.
"You better stop every shot, then."
"… Alright, I’ll play your game." Even though he was left eager, Mark wasn’t one to step down from a challenge. "And, for the record, I’ll succeed!"
He dedicated his lover a last decisive gaze before proceeding to leave little pecks all over his face.
"Wait…"
"You didn’t say I couldn’t do this, did you?" He grinned while giving his nose a little kiss.
"It’s not about that, Mark; we’re awfully late!"
The goalkeeper’s eyes gaped.
"Shoot, Coach Travis is going to slaughter us."
"Let’s go!"
Nathan took his wrist and started running at full speed. When they arrived at the bus’ location, lungs heavy and uneven breath from the effort, their coach glared at them with irritation, but ultimately didn’t say a thing. He gave an encouraging speech that cheered everyone up, and the team was ready to go. Mark sat down next to Axel, his friend just as excited. There was no doubt among them; that match was going to be a total blast.
For an instant, Mark couldn’t quite believe the ball was inside the net. He pinched his cheek, as if to wake up from a dream, but the reality didn’t morph into the dark silhouette of his room. He held his breath in disbelief; Inazuma Japan, against all odds, had won the world cup. He burst out in the loudest and most genuine laugh, screaming at the top of his lungs the unexpected but very much tangible reality:
"We are the champions! We are, we really are!"
His teammates returned his chants with exhilarated shrieks, just as incredulous as him. Despite the confident facade they all had put, not for a moment they had actually considered victory as a plausible option. They all ran towards Mark and hugged him, greedy arms wrapped around his torso as well as eager mouths that kissed his cheeks and smiled so big it hurt. No one was capable of hiding the enormous, smug contentment they felt, ever so proud of themselves.
Hurley threw himself at Darren, the former so elated he didn’t mind it when both ended up on the floor, chuckling with prickling eyes that threatened tears. Jack observed them straight up weeping, satisfied with his performance and sure of having done his friends waiting at home justice. A couple of feet away, Jude, Caleb and David shared a high-five – too stuck-up and prideful to hug or cry, but feeling as overjoyed as their teammates. Austin, on the other hand, had long quitted trying to look cool, and sobbed on Archer’s chest as the latter caressed his back and murmured praiseful compliments into his ears. Xavier and Axel had their arms surrounding each other’s shoulders, and despite relishing the moment greatly, both longed to be somewhere else; one with a certain green-haired boy and the other with his dear sister.
Amidst the lively chaos, Mark found his boyfriend celebrating with Shawn and Kevin, talking fast and grinning with an honesty seldom seen in his face. In that instant, Nathan was truly, utterly happy, which Mark admired from a distance. Seeing him that way was a rare but moving sight, enough to make his stomach feel all funny and tingly. Oh, he loved him like a starving man, always hungry enough to want more. More of his dazzling smiles, more of his flushed cheeks, more of his sweet kisses. Which reminded him of a certain promise.
"Nath!" He called out, impatience building up in his chest.
The blue-haired boy turned around to face him, and gifted him a blinding smirk.
"Mark!"
They sprinted towards each other and met in a crushing hug that nearly made them tumble to the ground. Nathan grabbed the goalkeeper’s shoulders to avoid falling, of which Mark took advantage by placing his hands on the small of the other’s back. They were close, they were aware of that, but figured everyone was too busy enjoying themselves to actually notice.
"I told you," Nathan mumbled under his breath.
"What?"
"I told you you’d do exceptionally."
Mark felt his face remarkably more heated than the instant before.
"You were fantastic out there, I mean it! The way you seem to always be improving even during the match never ceases to amaze me. You’re constantly changing, evolving into something greater. Getting to not only observe it but also accompany it as a fellow player is the best thing that’s happened to me." Nathan’s gaze was soft, pure adoration behind those chestnut eyes. "Thank you. For everything."
One of Mark’s biggest fears was whether or not Nathan regretted joining the club. Such a confession filled his heart in a way it made him think his chest could explode at any given moment from happiness.
"You’re one to talk. You were at the top of your game. If anything, I am grateful you ever looked my way and decided to lend a hand." His field of view blurred until the only clear-cut thing he could see were Nathan’s lips. "It’s brought me more than I have or will ever deserve."
"Mark…" The defender felt weak at the knees. "Stop it."
"Why? You told me you’d kiss me if we won the world cup – which we have."
"I know, I know; and, don’t get me wrong, I’m dying for it, but everyone is here, including the press. We can’t."
"And?" Mark, in all honesty, didn’t give a fuck.
What if he was in love with his best friend? What if said best friend was a man? If people had an issue with that, it was their problem to reflect on, not Mark’s or Nathan’s. Their love was sweet and earnest; nothing about it should raise hostility. There was not a single convincing reason to frown upon it. The former would not be ashamed of what he deemed his greatest gift in life, especially not before the prying of some who he didn’t know.
Mark moved one of his hands to caress his boyfriend’s cheek, enjoying the warmth his skin emanated.
"But… people will see. People will know. And not only our teammates, our parents, Japan; no, the entire world!" He looked down, slightly frightened. "Doesn’t that scare you?"
"Not really. I don’t care about what other people think. Do you?"
Nathan gulped.
"I try not to."
"Then kiss me."
"Mark…"
"In fact, I prefer if the whole world sees. I want everyone to know I am in love with you. Let them know I relish you. Let them know I trust you. But, most importantly, let them know I am proud of having you as a partner." The goalkeeper cupped his other cheek, his own heartbeat drumming right in his ears. "Can I?"
Nathan looked as if he were on the verge of tears. Mark worried for a second; had he gone too far…? The preoccupations vanished the moment he felt Nathan’s thin lips against his, the sensation as hot and inviting as always. During the brief seconds the kiss lasted, both boys forgot about, well, everything. Their friends. The championship. The world. It didn’t matter because they were together and that was all they needed, all they had ever needed. When they separated, a shy expression occupied their faces.
Although they did hear the gasps of their teammates and the clicks of a camera, neither found it in themselves to look away or try to give any explanation. They were engrossed in the embrace, too comfortable to even consider leaving.
"Thank you for the best reward I could have ever asked for."
"I promised you, didn’t I?"
Mark tucked a blue lock behind Nathan’s ear.
"Let me try again; thank you for permitting us to be seen. It means everything to me."
"Oh." His mouth gaped, but it swiftly transformed into a grin. "Well, you happen to be kind of persuasive."
"Persuasive enough to get another kiss?"
"Don’t push it."
But Nathan did give him another peck. He gave him as many as Mark asked for. And he would have asked for more if the burning gaze of all of their teammates weren’t glued to them. Sighing, the goalkeeper let go of his boyfriend, and faced their friends with an apologetic smile. Despite the initial surprise, he spotted Axel smirking and Xavier nodding approvingly. Nathan, in contrast, glared at Jude, who was staring at them in that scornful, knowing way only he could pull off.
Mark took the other boy’s hand.
"I feel like we have a lot of explaining to do, don’t we?"