Work Text:
1 - Hakuho
“Reo, I'm tired.”
Nagi was sprawled out in the grass, a thin sheen of sweat on his skin as he stared up at the darkening sky. Reo was still practicing, a well aimed shot sinking a football into the corner of the net across the field. Wiping the back of his neck, Reo glanced over at Nagi. There was considerably way more sweat dripping down Reo's skin by comparison, and his chest heaved with each breath he took.
“Already?” Reo asked despite knowing the answer. “Hold on, I've still got four more sets left.”
Much like a spoiled child, Nagi huffed in complaint as he watched Reo shoot another perfect ball. “Reo, I'm hungry.”
“Give me a few more minutes,” came Reo's reply.
“Reo, carry me.”
“I told you I'm not done yet. Be patient, Nagi.”
Nagi craned his neck, the view flipped upside down thanks to how he was positioned. Every step, every motion from Reo was perfection itself, the movements honed into his body. How anyone could think Reo wasn't serious about his dream was a mystery to Nagi. Still, as much as he liked this side of Reo, he much preferred the other side.
The side that was a little clumsy. The side that was a little loud and overzealous. The side that sometimes smacked Nagi in the head by accident. The side that smiled brighter than the sun.
“Someone would be lucky to call you their wife one day,” Nagi murmured.
The comment hadn't been intended for Reo to hear, more like a quiet thought that he accidentally vocalized, but when Reo turned around, Nagi clamped his mouth shut.
“Did you say something, Nagi?”
“Nope.”
Reo arched one brow, not necessarily suspicious, but he wasn't entirely convinced either. Regardless, he went right back to finishing his sets. And Nagi didn't utter another word until he was done.
2 - First Selection
“What exactly is your relationship with Reo?”
Nagi didn't lift his gaze from his phone, locked in. When he did die, however, he glanced up at a few of his teammates that had invited themselves to perch on the edge of his bed. No matter how hard he thought (which wasn't much, Nagi didn't think this was worth the trouble) Nagi couldn't recall what any of their names were.
“Yeah, you two know each other from before Blue Lock,” one of them pointed out quite obviously. “But…you look pretty close for teammates.”
Nagi hummed in thought. “I'm Reo's partner.”
Three pairs of eyes were blown wide.
“Partners?”
“Wait, does he mean like that ? Or…”
“Who would even be the wife between the two?”
“Definitely Nagi. He'd stay at home.”
Those last few statements caused Nagi to perk up, suddenly interested in the conversation. “Reo would be the better wife,” he argued resolutely. “He feeds me, helps me get dressed, and even washes and dries my hair for me.”
Once again, three sets of eyes stared back at Nagi, wide with unspoken shock. When one of them tried to break the silence, they were promptly cut off when the door to the dorm opened and Reo returned from his trip to the bathroom.
“Oh? What are you guys talking about?”
Nagi shot a quick glare at the three gathered around him, a silent warning to keep their mouths shut. “Nothing. Reo, my head itches.”
The boys dispersed as Reo approached Nagi's bed with a light sigh. He casually slid into position beside Nagi, his hand sinking into Nagi’s fluffy hair without another word. “It's rare to see you talking with the others. Did you have fun while I was gone?”
Nagi's gaze dropped to his dark phone screen, contemplating his response. After a few moments, he let out a small whine. “It's not as fun when Reo isn't around.”
“Then I'll be sure to stick close to you, Nagi.”
3 - Second Selection
Nagi stared blankly at the ceiling. His heart was still racing, refusing to relax despite the last match ending over six hours ago. And it wasn't even the game that had him so worked up, either.
My new feelings for Reo.
He wasn't an idiot, as much as people liked to think of him as one. And he didn't mean when it came to academics. His grades easily spoke for him. But matters of the heart, while not being his strong suit, were still something he thought he understood well enough.
Romance movies and manga were a quiet pastime for Nagi. From that, he considered himself fairly well versed in the typical romance tropes and settings. And while the Blue Lock facility was the least romantic place he could think of, he'd also learned well enough that sometimes that made things all the more romantic out of spite.
The only thing…is that Nagi had already screwed up. Big time.
One of the biggest rules in romance was to not hurt your partner. And judging from the awful expressions Reo had made during their match a few days ago, Nagi had hurt him badly.
“Hmm, I guess I was right to call him the wife.”
After all, in every single romance Nagi had seen, it was usually the guy who messed things up. The guy did or said something wrong and hurt the girl's feelings. And besides, Reo would look way better in a dress compared to Nagi.
Although dealing with King for so long was really starting to make Nagi feel like he was the wife dealing with the awful mother-in-law. The constant bickering and arguments and standoffs were enough to piss off their teammates.
“If Reo were here, he'd tell King off.”
Yeah, Reo was incredible in every way. He'd take one look at King and know exactly what he needed to do.
When I see you again, let's talk, Reo.
4 - U20s
Nagi stared down at the new gloves he wore. Reo's gloves. A gift from Reo .
Surely this was a sign that Reo wasn't still mad at him. Perhaps, even, it signified Reo's forgiveness. And if that was the case, then Nagi had plenty of time to work up the courage to tell Reo about his new feelings.
Well, most of them.
From where Nagi stood on the field, waiting for the first whistle, he glanced over to the bench where Ego, Anri, and the other Blue Lock players sat. Realistically, he was too far to actually make out any faces, but Nagi would swear he spotted Reo's purple hair.
Is he watching me?
“I'll make you proud, my wife.”
Unintentionally, the bothersome sprout near Nagi overheard that.
“Huh? Who are you talking about, Nagi?”
Nagi didn't bother suppressing his frown as he reluctantly turned to face Isagi. “Nevermind.”
“Huh? Wait, Nagi?”
The whistle blew, saving Nagi the hassle of this conversation. Although it didn't stop Isagi from bringing it up later in the locker room.
Maybe I'll smother both King and Isagi next chance I get…
5 - Neo Egoist League
Times like this were the best.
While bathing was low on the list of things Nagi enjoyed (he did have a soft spot for floating in the tub) it was a million times better having Reo with him. And while Reo's presence alone was enough to improve the situation, having Reo wash his hair and scrub his back definitely made Nagi feel like he was the luckiest guy alive.
Even better, he got to have Reo dry his hair again, and even help him get dressed like old times. Sometimes Nagi could close his eyes and imagine they were back in his empty dorm. They'd have practiced hard (well, Reo definitely did, but probably not so much for Nagi) and returned to Nagi’s dorm at the end of the day. Then, they'd take a bath together to save time. And, every time, Reo would gently dry Nagi's hair. And then he'd help Nagi get dressed in his pajamas.
Just like a loving, passionate wife.
But when Nagi opened his eyes, he saw his own reflection staring back. Reo's fingers were gentle on his scalp, the blow dryer not too hot, but not too cold, either. They were still in the bland, sterile Blue Lock facility. Taking baths together was no longer a private affair.
Maybe Nagi had no right, but he couldn't help that he was peeved by the fact that other people could see Reo naked.
Would he get upset if I covered him with a towel when other people are around?
Immediately, Nagi thought back on the romance trope he'd seen a thousand times over before. The one where the girl came out in a cute but revealing outfit, and so the guy would react by covering her up with a jacket or towel. So surely, if Reo were his wife, Nagi would be allowed to do the same?
Granted, it's not like his life was some shoujo manga, either.
“You're gonna burn a hole in the mirror if you keep staring that hard.”
Nagi stiffened when Reo's hands pressed against the sides of Nagi's head, forcing him to hold still as Reo leaned over Nagi's shoulder. And even if he couldn't move his head like this, Nagi's eyes were still perfectly functioning, and so the wide smile on Reo's face didn't escape his notice.
“What are you thinking so hard about? Are you tired already?”
Nagi relaxed beneath Reo's grip, fighting the urge to nuzzle against his palms. “Just thinking about you.”
“Me? What about me?”
“You're pretty, like a wife.”
The reaction was instant. A brilliant rosy flush crept up Reo's neck and blossomed across his cheeks. The tips of his ears were dusted as well, and he sputtered for several moments. “Nagi, what the hell are you saying? Get yourself dressed. I'm heading back to the dorm.”
As Reo's hands slipped away, Nagi turned around with a whine. “But Reo always helps me get dressed…”
“Do it yourself!”
In the end, Nagi didn't do it by himself.
+1 - Post Lock Off
Reo couldn't stop himself from sighing for the umpteenth time. He stared at his phone as if he could somehow manifest what he wanted from it. And, unfortunately, his current state hadn't gone unnoticed.
“You look like a widow in mourning,” Chigiri noted as he slid into the seat across from Reo.
Without even looking up, Reo grumbled in response, “Widow?”
“You know, like your husband just died.”
Embarrassment caused a blush to crept up Reo's neck. “He's not my…”
“Might as well be,” Chigiri said with a shrug. Then, he smirked, totally ignoring his tray of food set in front of him. “ You gave me light, Reo .”
“Shut up!” Reo snapped. He swiveled his head, worried someone else had overheard Chigiri's impression.
But Chigiri shook his head, exasperated. “The whole world has heard Nagi's speech by now. It went viral less than an hour after the livestream, you know?”
And Reo knew that far too well.
His phone had blown up with a never ending flood of texts and calls from his parents, and he hadn't bothered looking at a single one. In the aftermath, the wound was still fresh, too raw to be poked, but now that a few days had passed, Reo was settling into his new reality at Blue Lock.
It was far from being the first time he'd been without Nagi. Second Selection had proven that Reo could survive. But did that necessarily mean he wanted to be separated? Most definitely not.
The impact of Nagi’s speech hadn't really hit him until Bachira opened his big mouth.
“Wow, Nagi confessed to you. Congrats, Reo!”
Even then, it didn't entirely sink in. So Chigiri felt that was the perfect opportunity to chime in as well.
“And you let him leave without giving him an answer. Ice cold, Reo. At least call him or something soon.”
So, yeah. The whole world witnessed Nagi's poetic confession to Reo. And Reo himself hadn't even realized the depth of it until his friends practically slapped him with the truth of the matter.
“Seriously, keep it down, Chigiri…”
Reo rubbed the back of his neck as if he could wipe the blush away with his hands. If only it were so simple. And despite his complaints, the two of them were soon joined by Bachira.
“Hey,” Bachira said with a giggle. “Whatcha guys talking about?”
Reo's response was instant, “Nothing.”
But judging by the way Bachira and Chigiri exchanged looks, Reo failed to be convincing.
“ You're annoying and bratty and selfish, but I love you anyway, Reo ,” Bachira said in an awful sing-song voice.
Reo's flush deepened as he reflexively bared his teeth at the annoying bee now buzzing at their table. “He did not say all of that! Stop embellishing the story.”
“Huh? It sure sounded like it,” Bachira insisted with a playful shrug. “ I didn't start living until I met you, Reo .”
“Bachira…”
Before Reo could make up his mind on whether or not to launch himself across the table and strangle Bachira, his phone rang, vibrating out of his hand as a caller ID popped up on the screen. Chigiri's hands were as quick as his feet apparently as he beat Reo to snatching up the device.
“Whoa, who the hell is ‘Wifey’ supposed to be? And with a heart emoji?” Chigiri laid a hand over his chest in mock offense. “I can't believe you'd be cheating on Nagi after he poured his heart out to you…”
“Ice cold,” Bachira piped up.
Reo stood up, his chair scooting back with a screech over the tiles. “Chigiri! Give it back, dammit.” He rounded the table as Chigiri and Bachira hopped to their feet.
“Wait, it's a video call!” Chigiri noticed. “Do we expose the affair?”
Bachira giggled, using himself as a shield between Reo and Chigiri. “Do it! I wanna see if she's pretty.”
Just as Reo lunged past Bachira, Chigiri accepted the call. It was like the entire world had gone silent, realization dawning across Chigiri's face.
“Huh? Where's Reo?”
Nagi's face practically filled the entire screen, his gray eyes wide and searching. And Chigiri didn't seem to know how to react, rooted in place. The moment Reo yanked his phone out of Chigiri's hand, the spell was broken.
“Wait… Nagi is ‘Wifey’?”
Ignoring the heat on his face, Reo shot a sharp glare at Chigiri and Bachira. “Who the hell else would it be?”
Reo retreated from the eerily quiet cafeteria before the duo, or anyone else, could speak up. Finding a deserted hallway, Reo leaned against the wall as he tried to steady his nerves and pounding heart.
“Reo? What's going on? I can't see you…”
At the sound of Nagi’s whiny tone, Reo lifted his phone, angling it to capture his best side. “Hey, sorry about that! Chigiri and Bachira were…playing a prank.”
Nagi pouted, his expression relaxing now that he could see Reo properly. “How mean… Don't let them bother you too much.”
“I won't.” Reo couldn't help but laugh, suddenly relieved now that he could hear Nagi's voice again. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, Reo,” came Nagi's immediate response. It was like a reflex, a natural reaction caused by Reo's words. “You'll come visit me soon?”
Reo nodded. “Whenever we're on break. I'm sure we'll get time off at some point.”
Nagi hummed in thought, his eyes flickering from side to side. “Hey, Reo?”
“What is it?”
“Is it true you saved my contact as ‘Wifey’?”
Reo nearly dropped his phone.
Oh, I'm gonna kill those two for this later…
“Is there…a problem with that?” Reo managed.
“No,” Nagi said calmly. “Hm, but I always thought Reo was the wife. Well, we can both be the wife. We're wives.”
The casual way Nagi spoke made Reo hunch over, embarrassment filling every vein in his body. He was certain his face had to be bright red, and Reo turned the phone to obscure himself from Nagi’s view.
“Reo, no fair. You promised not to hide on video calls.”
“You're the one not being fair!” Reo argued. “No way in hell am I gonna be the wife. I'm not wearing a dress!”
Nagi was silent for several moments. “Reo thinks I'd look good in a dress?”
“Well…” Reo frowned, trying to imagine it in his head. “I guess it'd be pretty out of place.”
“I think Reo would look great in a dress.”
“In what world?” Reo shook his head, exasperated. “Okay, so wearing dresses and being the wife don't have to be connected. But there's no way I'm the wife between us. If anything, you're the adult child who refuses to move out!”
Nagi whined. “You're being so mean to me, Reo…”
After a few more seconds of deliberation, Reo let out a small sigh. “Fine, we'll both be the wife. Happy?”
“Very.”
Reo smiled. It was impossible to stay upset with Nagi, especially when his eyes silently begged to have his way. And maybe it wasn't so bad like this.
We'll both be the wife.
So be it. There could be worse endings.
“Just promise me that you won't make me wear a dress to our wedding,” Reo muttered.
Nagi's eyes widened. “Okay. Let's get married when you come see me.”
“Nagi!”