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The stadium is loud. Really really loud. The constant shouts and cheers and chants are all such a pain. It rings in Nagi's ears so relentlessly they may as well be bleeding.
The volume far surpasses the limit but, if given the option, Nagi wouldn't turn it down. As annoying as it is, it's also a reminder: he's here. He's where he should be.
He's crawled his way up from the pits of side-B hell to the top of the world.
So while the noise is borderline unbearable, Nagi can't say he hates it. Adrenaline pulses through his veins every time he gets lost in the intensity. The fire burning within him flares, blazing and fierce.
Blue Lock won against Nigeria. Lost to France. Laboriously managed to pull through against England. Even with every painstaking match after that, they miraculously managed to survive long enough to stand in the finals—long enough for side-B to get their chance to play.
Winning that Blue Lock rip off was easy, almost insulting with the way Nagi obliterated the competition. It was a waste of time, really, but it was worth it for this very moment.
The flaky green grass is vibrant and inviting, begging to be crushed under cleats. The rows of stands go on for miles, enough people to populate a city. The field hones the ability to change lives.
Nagi's here for himself. Losing soccer made him realize how much he thrives off of the emotions it brings, made him realize how it's something he can no longer live without. His passion is here, his ego is here.
He's ready to prove to everyone—Blue Lock, his fans, his haters, the entire world—that he's number one. Nagi Seishiro will be the greatest striker the world has ever seen.
It’s not only his ego that brought him here, but his dream. The dream he's never forgotten. Not once did it leave his mind, no, quite the opposite—it's been haunting him.
The Neo-Egoist League took Nagi's soul and shattered it to pieces, giving him the harshest reality check known to man. On top of it all, the most important person in his life was sobbing because of him, and while those tears were beautiful, it was what broke the remains of Nagi's heart. With both his soul and heart in ruins, Nagi really thought his life was over.
Past Nagi would have accepted it, not bothered in the slightest—probably even relieved he could return to doing nothing. But now? The thought of giving up, leaving his partner alone—Nagi wanted to puke.
Nagi hasn't seen Reo yet, but he's watched him this entire time.
Nagi saw the amazing goal Reo scored against Nigeria; he ached to be present to celebrate it with him, jump on his back and high five him so hard the contact left both their hands red.
He saw the way some vulgar red haired beast put his disgusting hands all over Reo with the disguise of it being ‘good defense’; Nagi was seething the entire game. Those no good barbarians were taking advantage of the fact that Nagi's absent for the time being. It makes him sick.
He saw how Reo was a crucial player in the England match, being one of the key reasons they were able to win in the end; Nagi expects nothing less from his elite partner. Keeping up with a newgen eleven is no small feat, but Reo made that Teddy guy look like your run of the mill high school athlete.
Reo is amazing, Nagi's never doubted that fact. Similar to how Nagi's eyes never strayed from him.
Nagi's back now, and he's ready to stand at Reo’s side once more—well, maybe this time he won't stand super close; he knows better than to fall back into that withering dependency again. He didn't learn to fight on his own for nothing.
Regardless, he and Reo will become the best together. After the tortures of Blue Lock, Nagi now knows the importance of a healthy balance between individual strength and teamwork.
One problem, though: he's kind of sort of…you know, blocked.
Nagi thought it was all a nightmare at first, when he looked down and saw ‘this account is not accepting messages from you' across Reo's contact.
He was a little relieved seeing it, because everything made sense. Obviously, everything had just been a nightmare. From getting locked off to Reo ‘blocking’ him—psh, please, Reo would never; that's how Nagi knew it was all some devastatingly long nightmare.
Unfortunately, he quickly realized he was just a delusional mess and that it was, in fact, reality. Reo blocking him was apparently the cherry on top of this living hell he's been experiencing. What God did he piss off in a previous life? Seriously, that's overkill, Nagi was already one inconvenience away from ending up on the news.
Nagi handled the situation very well. He stayed calm (immediately drowned in negative thoughts) and took deep breaths (punched a steel door).
Part of the reason Nagi worked so hard to return is because he couldn't let it end there. He had to get his life back on track and fix his relationship with his partner.
Nagi's so close to regaining what he lost, he can feel it under his feet—quite literally. Soccer can be checked off the list—considering he's back on the team and is stronger than ever before. All that's left now is Reo.
He knows Reo is probably mad at him. He has every right to be; Nagi let him down in so many ways. He winces each time memories of the NEL plague his mind, his own patheticness feeling like salt in a wound that's still healing.
Since then, Nagi's grown. He’s changed, evolved, matured. He's better—someone who has the right to stand before Reo.
He's thought of this moment for a long time, about how their reunion will go. He has a plan.
A goal—he'll score a goal and prove his worth. Actions speak louder than words; he'll showcase his improvement and hope that's enough for Reo to have faith in his abilities again.
Just thinking about the situation makes Nagi's heart hammer against his ribs. His palms are already sweating and the match hasn't even begun. Geez, he still can't believe it's finally here.
The side-B players have their own small section apart from the Blue Lock group, but they'll both take to the field at the same time. That'll be when Nagi first sees Reo after everything that's happened.
He's ready. He's so ready. Hassleman? Nagi only knows readyman. He's been ready for this since the fat man—buratsi? buratshit? Nagi couldn't be bothered to remember his name—allowed him to join his stupid Blue Lock wannabe program.
When the announcers say the players will soon be taking to the field, Nagi takes a deep breath before saying a quick prayer to Choki asking for good luck; it's—it's not like he needs it or anything, though—he's obviously ready.
The Blue Lock players know side-B exists and will be used in this match, but the three from it have yet to be revealed. Well—Sae Itoshi is a guarantee; they know he's one of them, at the very least.
As for Nagi and the other victor, Haneru, they've still been kept secret as the winners. Nagi thinks it's stupid, but it's probably for dramatic effect or something. That, or Ego just likes fucking with the minds of teenage boys. Nagi definitely wouldn't put it past him.
Yuck, two people Nagi doesn't wanna think about. First, Ego—which doesn't need any further elaboration. But Haneru too? Nagi really doesn't like the guy and his creepy laid back friendly nonchalance. Plus, he's still salty about being purposely hit in the face by him.
Whatever. Nagi shouldn't be focusing on evil NPCs like them. He's about to see Reo again, possibly one of the biggest moments of his life. He feels like he's reuniting with his wife after war. That, except instead of war, it's a barbarous soccer life or death game. And, his wife currently doesn't wanna see him, which mega blows.
Nagi's heart rate spikes when the players are finally called to the field. Nagi and Haneru join the Blue Lock players at the end of the line. Sae would be joining too, if he didn't refuse to play unless it was against Spain. He's weird, but that's Sae's business so Nagi doesn't really care.
There are lots of familiar faces in front of Nagi. Faces he never thought he cared for but surprisingly began to miss once they were gone. Chigiri, maid Barou, Bachira, and even stupid infuriating Isagi. He hates to say it, but Nagi missed that damn sprout.
And, of course, Reo's there, with his hair in a small pony tail—it actually looks a bit bigger than usual, did his hair grow in the time Nagi was gone?—and a determined expression on his face.
Nagi's chest swirls and his mind scrambles all over the place. The second his eyes fall on that beautiful familiar purple, whatever determination and confidence he had crumbles. How could it not? Reo's right there.
It's Reo, it's Reo, it's Reo. It's really him, in the flesh. Nagi can't believe his eyes even though he knew he'd be here. It's just—seeing Reo in person after so long, it feels like a dream.
The players are all on the field now, and a few others have noticed him. Chigiri whispers with wide eyes to a stone-faced Kunigami. Bachira rambles and points at Nagi while hooking an arm around Isagi's shoulder. Barou doesn't say anything but stares at him skeptically with an arched brow.
Reo hasn't seen him yet, too focused on the match that's soon to start. He's fixing his hair, holding the tie in his mouth as he brushes through purple strands with his hands. Once satisfied, Reo twists the tie around his fingers and into his hair and it's once again in a neat tiny ponytail. Damn, Nagi never realized a person putting their hair up could be so attractive.
Reo may not be looking at him now, but when Nagi scores a goal, he'll have to acknowledge him. He'll pay attention to Nagi and will hopefully praise him and come back. Oh God, Nagi wants him back—Nagi wants him back so bad.
Staring at Reo, staring at what he's desired for so long, causes an ugly doubt and fear to seep into his stomach the longer he thinks.
What if…what if Nagi doesn't do good this match? What if Reo's already decided he’s done with Nagi for good, no matter what? What if Reo, God forbid, found a new treasu—Nagi won't dare even utter that possibility. Reo wouldn't—he wouldn't, right?
He's an egoist—Nagi's an egoist now, he really is, but his ego has always bowed to one person.
“Reo…” Nagi calls so quietly it's barely above a whisper, but it's enough.
The boy of his dreams blinks before turning towards him wearily, eyes wider than saucers when they meet Nagi's gaze. The entire world fades away and it's just the two of them.
“N-Nagi…?” Reo mumbles, his mouth hanging open like it forgot how to work. So many emotions swirl through his eyes, Nagi can't name what they are.
Nagi's legs feel weak the moment that voice hits his ears, a melody he's wanted to hear for ages now. He forgot his name could sound so pretty.
Without even meaning to, Nagi's already trudging towards Reo, being pulled into the light he radiates. He's moving on instinct, on the natural need to be close to Reo.
When he's standing right in front of Reo, Nagi's hands hover awkwardly in the air, torn between grabbing Reo and never letting go, or not touching him out of fear of contaminating him.
“Reo, I-i….” Any word Nagi tries to say dies on his tongue, not sure what he wants to say, not sure what he should say. There's so much that nothing comes out.
Reo's frozen in place, staring at Nagi like he's not real, something that walked out of a fairytale. His mouth opens and closes, whatever words he plans to say don't come out.
When Nagi brushes a hesitant hand along his shoulder, Reo painstakingly looks away, stepping back like he was burned. Nagi's heart drops to his feet and shatters, the intensity of the situation hitting even harder than before.
Reo blocked him. Reo's upset with him and doesn't want to see Nagi. It hurts. It hurts so much more now that Nagi's witnessing it in person.
He doesn't wanna lose Reo. He can't lose Reo. Reo's right here, so close, yet he feels so, so far away. It's sickening, Nagi can't bear it.
“Reo, I'm…” Nagi starts, and Reo's lips are trembling. Before Nagi can register what he's doing, his legs fold beneath him, dropping to his knees and clutching Reo's jersey like a lifeline. “I'm so sorry…”
“Wha—” Reo jumps, taken aback by the display in front of him. Nagi can't bring himself to meet his face, so he stares at Reo's cleats.
“I'm so sorry, Reo,” he says again, voice shaking in a way he didn't even know it could. He feels so small, here in a stadium the size of a small town, on his knees under the gaze of his partner.
The entire audience is staring now, they both feel the stares of thousands boring into them. Nagi doesn't care, though. The only important thing is the person in front of him. Reo is his world, Reo's all that matters at the moment.
“Nagi, w-what are you doing?” Reo stammers, his hand resting on Nagi's shoulder, slightly trying to pull him to his feet.
Nagi looks up at him, grabbing his wrist and placing Reo's hand against his own cheek. He rubs into the touch, trying to memorise every crease on his palm. It's been so long, Reo's hands are as soft as ever. Nagi wants to glue them to his face.
“Reo blocked me…” Nagi explains, staring at Reo with pleading, desperate eyes. He hasn't even realized that he's crying. His words come out slurred as he sniffles, “‘m sorry, Reo, don't—don't hate me, please.”
Saying it aloud terrifies him. His grip around Reo's wrist tightens—not enough to hurt, he's careful not to hurt Reo, but enough to show that he refuses to let go. His other hand is still on Reo's jersey, tugging it like it belongs to him.
Reo's staring at him so—so what? Nagi can't tell. He can't tell and it scares him even more.
“Please, Reo.” He's so pathetic, so lame—but Nagi can't stop himself. “Stay with me. Please.”
“This is because I blocked you…?” Reo eventually mumbles, his eyes flaring with hurt. Then, he places his other hand on Nagi's cheek and forces Nagi to look at him. In a shattered voice, he yells, “We can't be together, Nagi!”
There are gasps from the stands; apparently the audience has gotten absorbed in the drama, watching carefully in silence to hear every word. Neither of them notice that the cameras are now focused on them, the entire scene being showcased on the screens throughout the entire stadium.
Nagi's so heart broken he feels like he might pass out. Or die—that works too. Considering his face is being cradled in Reo's hands, he doesn't think it'd be a horrible way to go. He's already wondering who'll be at his grave when Reo continues speaking.
“I'm not good for you!” he cries dreadfully. The words sound ripped from his throat, as if painful to say. Reo's eyes shine with unshed tears that threaten to fall.
Seeing him so sad leaves an ugly ache in Nagi's entire body. Every part of Nagi is telling him to fix this, to get rid of that despairing expression on Reo's face. (Even now he looks lovely.)
“You deserve better. Being with me only hurts you. I…” Reo's grip on his face weakens as he turns away, trying to put distance between them to refrain himself from giving in. “I want what's best for you, Nagi. I can't keep selfishly stunting your growth.”
That's not fair. Reo's never played fair and right now is the only time Nagi refuses to let it slide. He stands to his feet and grabs Reo's collar, pulling him close so he doesn't have the chance to run. It reminds Nagi of when they first joined Blue Lock.
“Why do you get to decide what's good for me?” Nagi mumbles, frustration burning in his gaze. “What about what I think?”
Reo doesn't say anything, eyes wide and trembling. He looks scared. Not scared of Nagi, but scared of hurting him. What doesn't Reo get? Trying to abandon him is what hurts most of all.
“I need you, Reo. I always have.” Nagi says, then, not an ounce of hesitation in his voice. It’s the truth. “I don't care if you're good or bad, it just has to be you.”
The silence is heavy as Reo considers the words. The most frustrating part is Reo doesn't even look convinced. His eyes are shimmering, and maybe it’s just wishful thinking on Nagi’s end, but they look so full of love.
Another beat passes and Nagi can't take it anymore; acting purely on instinct, he pulls Reo closer and crashes their lips together in an act of desperation.
He wants Reo. He wants Reo to know Nagi wants him.
Reo gasps into his mouth, eyes wide and face flushed as he stands stupidly still, body frozen in shock. Then, Reo grabs Nagi's jersey to pull him even closer, kissing him back just as fiercely. Their bodies are flush against each other, heat blooming at every point of contact.
Loud commotion comes from the audience, a mixture of gasps, cheers, and even some boos about getting the game started already. There's even an uproar from players on the field.
“Y'all can't do this later??” Barou sneers, his eye twitching and a very obvious vein pulsing on his forehead.
“Oh wow, he comes back after months with a new pair of balls attached,” Chigiri huffs, amusement clear in his tone. He actually sounds a bit proud.
“Isagi, are you seeing this!?” Bachira chirps, bouncing side to side with the excitement of a child at his birthday party.
“Yes, Bachira, the entire world is,” Isagi deadpans.
“Look! Look!” Bachira yells, jumping onto Isagi's shoulders and pointing at the two lovebirds on the field. “It's getting good!”
“I said I'm looking!” Isagi yelps, attempting to balance the boy on his back, only a gust of wind away from toppling to the ground.
And even though Ego's all the way off the field, Nagi swears he can hear him gag and mumble something along the lines of I hate my job.
Nagi doesn't care for any of them, they’re all being tuned out as he focuses solely on Reo.
He slides one hand to the small of Reo's back, the other finding his neck. Nagi tilts Reo’s head back to deepen the kiss, which causes a small whine to escape him; it only encourages Nagi further. His heart is beating so hard, his mind racing so fast.
As if they aren't already pressed against each other, Nagi steps even closer into him. Reo stumbles back slightly, then, before they know it, they trip over their own feet and stumble to the ground with an 'oof'.
With the grass and Reo beneath him, Nagi stares at the boy he loves so dearly. His disheveled hair, face flushed from his neck to his ears, lips glossy from their kiss; Reo's gorgeous.
They stare at each other like that for a moment before Reo blinks. Nagi can see it in his eyes that the weight of everything is dawning on him. He's a little worried Reo is going to push him off but he's quickly proven wrong.
Reo bursts into laughter, smile bright enough to catch the entire stadium's attention, his giggles feeling like a kiss against Nagi's ears. A second later, Nagi's tackled in a hug, Reo squeezing him so tightly and rolling through the grass with him in his arms.
By the time they stop rolling, their positions have flipped. Reo stares down at Nagi with the softest eyes he's ever seen.
“Nagi, you idiot! You're so…so…!” Reo doesn't finish, instead leaning down to pepper Nagi's face in kisses. On his cheeks, above his eyes, his nose, his chin, so many kisses Nagi feels dizzy, completely drunk on the love coursing through him. Maybe he died and is in heaven? This feels too good to be true.
But it is, isn't it? He's back playing soccer, on a field the entire world is watching, and Reo is here showering him in so much love Nagi can barely contain it all.
He thinks it's safe to say he can check win Reo back off the to do list.