Work Text:
1
Reo is starting to get used to the feeling of victory. He feels that he and Nagi were born for this, for them to win is a natural reaction to every game they play. Nationals are coming up soon, and Hakuho High School's football club is guaranteed a spot, being the most recent team to debut, also the only one with a record of only wins.
Everything is going perfectly well, according to Reo's plan to one day reach the world cup. This plan is fully noted in a notebook entitled “Road to the World Cup”. Looking at the title now, Reo feels something is missing.
“Hey Reo. Time to go home.” Before he can think more about the title, Nagi catches his eye at the classroom door.
“Right.” Reo expresses a smile, hastily stuffing his notebook into his backpack as he walks over to Nagi, taking his arm once they're close enough.
It's been about four months since they've been training together, and at first it looked like they'd only have a partnership for football, but Reo has discovered different sides of this unique and special creature called Nagi Seishiro, and now he can't live without him anymore.
What would Reo be without having to take care of a big lazy, spoiled, introverted kid, who also happens to be a football genius and naturally smart. Even with his loser traits, Nagi is fascinating to Reo.
On the way to Nagi's house, riding a bicycle and the sunset in the background, Reo is taken aback by Nagi's proximity, with an arm around his waist and his head resting on Reo's back.
“Can I stay like this?” Nagi asks.
“Of course.” Reo grins. It's been easier to smile too since Nagi came into his life.
Reo peeks at Nagi's carefree face, admiring the surrounding scenery. The end of the day is really beautiful, with the natural landscapes bathed in the sunset. The weather is good, with a refreshing breeze.
And Nagi also causes a good feeling for Reo, he ignites something that makes his whole body warm in a comforting way.
“Did you know that you are my first best friend, Nagi?” Reo shares, sensing a sentimental moment building. “I have never felt this good with other people. You seem to be the only one able to understand me, even though we are opposites, you know?”
“Yes.” Nagi yawns. “Is it okay if I sleep here, Reo?” Nagi questions in a soft tone, tightening his grip on Reo's body.
“No, Nagi! You might fall.” Reo warns him, turning his worried face to face Nagi.
“Okay.” Nagi responds, shrugging. “You look after me so well, Reo.”
“Because I love you.” The answer that seems to come directly from the most sincere feelings in Reo's heart cannot be contained.
There's no response from Nagi, because Reo is startled by what he said and loses control of the bicycle, feeling his legs and hands too soft to be managed, and he needs to brake abruptly.
For a moment Reo misses the proximity of Nagi's body, and the next moment he hears a thud. Reo turns around in a fright, finding Nagi sprawled on the floor.
“Nagi!” Reo yells worriedly, rushing to kneel beside Nagi and check on his condition. "Are you alright?"
Nagi's expression is unaffected, he seems to take the moment to rest on the floor.
Reo handles Nagi like a doll, moving his head, arms and legs to check that he doesn't have any injuries. When Reo is sure Nagi is ok, he finally calms down and helps Nagi to his feet.
“Sorry!” Reo begs almost in tears, hugging Nagi so tightly that he almost makes him fall over again.
“It's okay, I'm fine.” Nagi pats Reo on the shoulder. It's a silent cry for help to get out of that grip.
At the time of the accident, Reo was very worried, but after a while he starts to find the situation funny, as does Nagi.
Later that same day, with so many thoughts of Nagi in his head, Reo adds “with Nagi” to the title of his world cup plans.
2
Reo has been trying not to show his upset since he heard the news. His dad organized a game against the strongest high school football team in the area.
He's confident he can win and that's all he shows his teammates, but he's annoyed that his dad is willing to think he can get Reo down on football.
“Reo, are you okay?” Nagi's soft voice echoes beside Reo before they take the field.
“Of course, we will win as usual.” Reo takes a deep breath, tying his hair.
“I know, but you don't look happy.” Nagi brushes back a lock of purple hair and studies Reo's face for seconds that seem to drag on longer than necessary. “Yeah, you're not happy.”
“It's because of my father. He's pissing me off a lot.” Reo decides to vent, unable to hide anything from Nagi.
“Then let's piss him off even more.” Nagi says with unusual determination, even showing a small smile.
Reo is taken aback, but soon grins in response.
That day is the first time Reo has seen Nagi trying so hard since they started playing football. He's been catching Reo's passes more accurately than usual and easily outpacing the other team's players. However, Reo scores the first goal, followed by a goal from the other team.
Even when Nagi is cornered by guys who seem stronger than he is, Reo doesn't feel any hesitation from Nagi. They're tied and there are seconds left in the game, but they're going to win this damn game very well.
“Look at me.” Reo says to Nagi at this crucial moment.
“Yes, boss.” Nagi receives the ball, using a powerful shot to score the last goal.
The team cheers and Reo takes the lead to hug Nagi, jumping into his arms.
“Good boy.” Reo praises him. He feels something different when he meets Nagi's gaze this time, something intense that seems to surge and draw them both together. The contact between them is broken by the team's celebration with the end of the game and another victory.
Reo notices when a photo is taken and smiles victoriously at the camera, knowing the moment will be reported and will piss off his dad. The victory tastes even better because it means that he has overcome yet another obstacle.
When the team finally disperses, Reo takes advantage of this to have Nagi's attention all to himself.
“You really are my treasure.” Reo can't control the laughter. He is euphoric as he faces Nagi and grabs his shoulder, saying the only thing that comes to mind. “I love you.”
Nagi's indifferent expression changes, his eyes widening in a way Reo has never seen before. Reo only manages to laugh as he finds Nagi's reaction funny. He doesn't mind not getting a response. Maybe it's because of the euphoria of the moment, but Reo doesn't feel shy about saying something so important either.
3
That victory brought something very important to Reo and Nagi, an invitation from the Japan Football Union.
Reo is so excited that he can't sleep the day before they go on this new project. He has no idea what they'll be doing there, but it seems to be something else that will help their football career. The notebook with plans up to the world cup may need to be changed soon.
It's late, most of the lights are off except for a lamp next to Reo's bed and a cell phone. He looks up from his notebook to watch Nagi, who has fallen asleep with his cell phone hovering in his open hand, displaying “Game Over” in bright letters. Reo takes the phone and turns it off, leaving it on the nightstand along with the notebook.
It hasn't been that long since they started sleeping together. It started on a random weekend, when Reo's parents were out of town and he got bored at home, deciding to call Nagi to spend time together. The two lonely boys began to enjoy each other's company even more.
Reo likes it when Nagi comes over to his house, but prefers to go to Nagi's house instead. Nagi's bed is smaller and they simply share it, having no option but to be very close.
The sense of intimacy has been doing something to Reo that is becoming impossible to ignore. When they sleep together, when they wake up together, when they spend the day together, sharing moments, discoveries and secrets. It's the most trivial everyday things that are seeming most precious because Nagi is with him.
Reo turns off the lamp and lies on his side, resting his face on his hand as he watches Nagi's sleeping face. He's been doing this a lot lately and hopes he doesn't look like a weirdo, watching someone sleep. He likes to do this until he falls asleep too, but this time he is caught by Nagi.
“Good morning?” Nagi mumbled sleepily.
“It's still night.” Reo smiles, Nagi also curves his lips a little.
“Aren't you sleepy?”
“No, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I don't know what to expect.” Reo voices a concerned tone.
“Don't worry, you're too talented and they'll like you.” Nagi reassures him.
“They will like you too.” Reo asserts, receiving a yawn from Nagi in response and his arms stretching.
Reo takes advantage of this open space to lie closer to Nagi, hesitating a bit before hugging him, waiting for a negative reaction, but instead Nagi uses one of his arms to hug Reo back. They've woken up cuddling before, unconsciously doing so at some point during the night, but they've never gone to sleep like this.
Reo looks up, surprised to find Nagi's gaze watching him. Nagi is as handsome as ever, but looking attractive to Reo in a different way this time.
The closeness, the warm feeling, the racing heart, Reo feels it all as intensely as ever.
It doesn't take long for Reo to collect his thoughts and analyze what the last few months with Nagi have been like. All he's been doing and feeling, being consumed by so many thoughts about Nagi. Oh, it all makes sense now. Reo sighed in relief, his lips curling into a smile.
Reo realizes that he has fallen in love for the first time. These feelings can only mean this kind of love. And he's happy that it's Nagi who made him discover what it's like to fall in love.
Nagi, who has no idea what Reo is thinking, just gives him wide, curious eyes, watching him as usual.
“Goodnight.” Reo says simply, feeling more relaxed.
“Goodnight.” Nagi closes his eyes.
Reo waits a few seconds before saying it in a low voice, but screaming all his feelings as clearly as possible.
“I love you.”
Reo snuggles down to sleep cuddling Nagi. He senses when Nagi stirs slightly and believes in the possibility that he was heard.
It's all right. They have all the time in the world to eventually talk about those feelings. If Reo is lucky enough, maybe he can make Nagi feel the same way.
4
So many things happened. So many things went wrong as fuck.
The time at Blue Lock was very different from what Reo expected. The relationship between him and Nagi changed in an abrupt way, also changing the way Reo feels about himself and the way he acts. He can say that he evolved in football, but he missed the way things were with Nagi.
These things seemed like they were destined to go unresolved, both on and off the pitch. Reo had already accepted that he needed to fight alone. Until Nagi asked for his help back and reignited so many feelings at once.
They are working with their new football, thinking about new plans and motivations. Reo is optimistic about football, but trying to be more cautious with his own feelings. He's having fun again with Nagi and that's all that matters right now.
“Reo, I don't want to practice anymore.” Nagi whimpers, breathing hard, and throws himself onto the artificial grass. “My battery is dead.”
“You really look like a zombie.” Reo sits next to Nagi, laughing at the zombie noises Nagi makes. He is also tired of running around the football field just like Nagi. They are doing extra training alone, pursuing their own goals.
“Yes, Nagi of the undead.” Nagi rolls onto the ground, lying with his arms outstretched. “Give me a piggyback ride to the bath, please.”
Reo stares at Nagi for a few more seconds before bursting out laughing. The good feeling quickly consumes him and it's easy to forget anything bad that happened between them. They look the same as ever again.
Reo positions himself and Nagi crawls until he's on his back, being lifted easily. The training effects are working, Reo feels stronger to carry Nagi.
Crossing the lawn, Nagi seems to be enjoying the piggyback ride after so long since the last time it happened. The heat of Nagi's body against Reo's also brings back nostalgic memories for the purple haired boy.
“I was missing being spoiled so much. It's so good to have you back.” Nagi exclaims, in line with what Reo is feeling too. He swings his legs in excitement.
“Were you missing me too or just missing being spoiled?” Reo asked pouting. Depending on the answer, he is able to drop Nagi to the ground.
“Of course I was missing you.” Nagi says stiffly, determining the seriousness of what he said. Reo's pout turns into a smile. “And you? Were you missing me?” Nagi asks softly.
“Every day since you left me.”
Reo turns his head enough to be able to observe Nagi, noting how his expression seems unlit, unlike how he was moments ago.
“But I still love you, Nagi.” Reo can see how the light seems to come back into Nagi's gaze.
Nagi doesn't respond with words, but he wraps his arms around Reo tighter, resting his face on his shoulder. That's all Reo needs for now.
However, Reo doesn't expect the peaceful moment to be undone when Nagi gently bites his neck. Reo is not proud of the sound that comes out of his mouth along with the feeling of his body weakening and almost dropping Nagi.
“Nagi!” Reo exclaims in a scolding tone. “Why?” He simply asks.
“What?”
Reo pauses for a moment, staring at Nagi who has the expression of an innocent creature who has never really done anything wrong in his life.
“Fine, do whatever you want with me.” Reo accepts, with a small smile. “Just don't leave me again.” He adds quietly.
Nagi continues hugging Reo tightly.
5
It's Nagi's birthday.
Reo has recently discovered that Nagi doesn't celebrate his own birthday and sometimes even his parents forget about the date. Nagi said he doesn't care but Reo does. He is physically incapable of letting an important date go by without doing anything.
He booked two free days into his rising football star schedule. The day before Nagi's birthday and the day of Nagi's birthday. Thanks to Blue Lock, now not only he but the main members of the project have a more hectic life. But none of that matters compared to the importance of the day Nagi was born.
Reo decides to learn how to bake a cake. Something with a chocolate flavor that he's sure Nagi will like. He puts in a lot of effort to get a good result, being proud that he managed to do it all on his own and extracted a good flavor. To decorate the cake, he uses whipped cream and purple sprinkles. Because when Reo asked Nagi what his favorite color is, he just said purple. The cake is finished with the number 18 candle placed on top. It looks perfect.
When it's close to midnight, Reo asks to be taken by Ba-ya to where Nagi lives. He knows the boy is probably asleep now, but Reo still wants to surprise him and spend every minute of Nagi's birthday with him.
It's midnight when he knocks on Nagi's door, not surprised to get no response. Reo uses the spare key he has and opens the door, only to be greeted by silence. He turns on a light and confirms that Nagi is indeed in the room, sleeping.
Reo heads into the kitchen to light the candle, then holding the cake tightly to Nagi's room. He finds his best friend sprawled out on the bed, mouth open, drooling a little, hair a mess. Reo almost feels bad having to wake Nagi from what feels like a deep sleep, but he starts singing the birthday song anyway, a smile on his face.
“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you.” Reo starts to raise his voice even higher while Nagi doesn't even move. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.” He screams. Nagi still doesn't wake up.
Holding a cake with a lit candle, Reo has to be careful with his movements. He holds on tightly with one hand, using the other to poke Nagi in the shoulder until he wakes up.
“Nagi!” Reo calls once more.
Nagi's eyes fly open in pure confusion, almost closing again. Reo continues poking Nagi until he fully awakens.
“Hey, happy birthday to you!” Reo returns to his previous pose, holding the cake in both hands and offering a cute smile.
Nagi still seems to be processing what's going on when he gets out of bed. He is mesmerized, looking at Reo and the cake. Reo's surprise definitely worked. Nagi's beauty is enhanced by a wide smile, his face lit by the glowing candle. He places his hands on top of Reo's hands, holding the cake too.
“Quick, make a wish before the candle goes out.” Reo hurries him. Nagi leans in without hesitation, prepared.
“I wish—”
“If you say the wish out loud it doesn't come true.” Reo interrupts him.
“Ah...” Nagi murmurs. When the candle is about to go out, Nagi leaves a firm grip on Reo's hands, facing him before closing his eyes and blowing out the candle.
“Yay!” Reo celebrates, leaving the cake on the nightstand so he can hug Nagi. “Happy birthday, my treasure. I love you so much.”
Nagi hugs Reo back, tightly.
+ 1
“I love you.” Nagi says it like a sigh of relief, a sincere confession of his feelings. His eyes met Reo's.
“What?” Reo lets out a smile, holding Nagi's hands.
“I love you.” Nagi lets the words out easily once more. “Thanks for the surprise, I loved it.” His attention turns to the cake, intending to taste it, but Reo pulls him back.
“Wait, Nagi.” Reo is still wearing a stupid smile and holding Nagi's hands tightly. “Really?”
“Of course I loved it, I never got a surprise for my birthday.” Nagi admits.
“I'm very sorry.” Reo expresses it, already planning to continue making surprises for Nagi. “I didn't doubt you liked the surprise, but I was taken aback by the other thing you said.” Reo stares at Nagi, hoping he understands.
“Ah...” Nagi gives an embarrassed smile, taking a hand to his own shoulder. “About that... Well, every time you said 'I love you', I was speechless. I really didn't know how to react. But I don't want to act like this anymore, I want you to know how I feel .” So that my wish can come true, Nagi thinks.
Nagi tries to take the cake so they can change the subject soon, but Reo doesn't seem up for it and pulls Nagi's hand again.
“All right. I never expected an answer anyway, but I'm really glad you feel the same way.” Reo's smile fades a little and he takes a step back, letting go of Nagi's hands. “I mean, since we're already talking about it. I don't know if you feel the same way. The way I love you is… not just as a friend.”
Nagi's gaze widened a bit before it softened and he sighed in relief. Nagi is the one holding Reo's hands this time, moving closer again.
“So my wish is getting better.” Nagi shows a winning smile.
“What wish?”
“If I say it out loud, it doesn't come true, right? All you need to know is that I love you the way you love me.” Nagi says like it's no big deal, looking more interested in tasting the cake now, while Reo is mesmerized.
“I thought my cliché of falling in love with my best friend wouldn't have a happy ending.” Reo says, laughing at himself. “You idiot, why didn't you confess sooner?”
“Look at us, wasn't it kind of obvious?” Nagi says with his mouth full of whipped cream and purple sprinkles. “I still have to say this two more times. I love you and I love you. Now we're tied. Oh, and the cake is so good!”
“I can't believe you counted all the times I said I love you.” Reo exclaims in embarrassment because of Nagi expressing his feelings, he didn't expect he would feel so flustered.
“I pay attention to everything you do.” Nagi says, eliciting a passionate sigh from Reo.
“I'm glad you liked the cake, I made it.” Reo changes the subject, while watching Nagi enjoying the cake.
“You are so talented.”
Nagi is a mess, eating with his hands and whipped cream around his mouth, but Reo still looks at him like he's the most beautiful creature he's ever seen. Reo wipes the whipped cream from Nagi's mouth and eats it.
“It is your birthday. What gift do you want? That proposal for a birthday party is still up, I can sort it all out with just a few calls.”
“I don't want a party. Maybe next year, but now I just want to spend my birthday with you.” Nagi tries to caress Reo's cheek, but ends up getting whipped cream all over him and wipes it off with a kiss. Reo smiles embarrassed.
“You didn't answer, what do you want as a gift? I can give you anything.”
“I just want you.” Nagi responds with a pout.
“I am already yours.” Reo pinches his cheeks. “I really want to give you a gift.”
“Then spend the day spoiling me.”
“More than usual?”
“Yes, more than usual!” Nagi demands.
“I'm screwed.” Reo groans, thinking about how he's going to have to carry, feed, and probably even clean Nagi more than usual. Nagi smirks.
Sometime later in the night, Nagi asks for a kiss as another birthday gift and gets what he asked for, turning out to be better than he could have expected. His first kiss couldn't be more special than this, wrapped in Reo's arms as they lay in bed, sharing this intimate moment intertwined by their feelings.
During the day, Reo mentions how they should try to be more than friends and Nagi doesn't hesitate to accept the proposal. Getting a boyfriend like Reo as a birthday gift is also a big achievement for Nagi.
From now on, it will become impossible to count all the “I love you” between them. Nagi's birthday wish is to be loved by Reo until the end.