Public Presentations

The football field was abuzz with energy. The crowd was cheering, the players were running across the field, and the air was filled with anticipation. Nathan stood at the sidelines, his arms crossed and his expression stoic. His eyes, however, were fixed on one person - Johnathan, who was guarding the goal with fierce determination.

Nathan couldn't help but be captivated. This was a side of Johnathan he hadn't seen before - focused, serious, commanding. The intensity of a wolf replaced the usual golden retriever energy. He made several impressive saves, and the crowd went wild with each one. Nathan noticed a group of girls cheering especially loud for Johnathan, who gave them a wave and a smile. Nathan felt a strange twinge in his chest but said nothing.

It was a bit awkward being here at the game. Nathan never went to sports events and had never really watched a single football match in his life. He didn't know the rules and barely understood anything, yet here he was.

With a soft sigh on his lips, he watched, making sure to pay attention to Johnathan.3 It was strange seeing him like this. He usually would be excitable, hyperactive, and the life of the party, but now he just stood there most of the time. He was entirely in the zone; a frown formed due to his intense concentration, his voice loud and strict, not giving any crap about being nice or friendly. He scolded his teammates as he coached them, and without a single doubt, they followed his lead. At times he would dive through the air, his hand barely able to reach the ball. It almost seemed he was floating in the air for a few seconds.

Nathan knew that he was athletic, but this was a little unexpected. The character change was too big. And he started to understand, if only a little bit, why the girls were swooning over him. Well, too bad for them; he was taken and very much in love with a particular guy. God, was he becoming this person? They had barely kissed once or twice, set up boundaries, and explained a little bit about his sexuality. And now he was happy to calm his boyfriend? Calm the fuck down.

Soon the match was over, Nathan trying casually get away from the side of the field before suddenly being grabbed from behind by a set of muscular arms, a sweaty chest against his back as a happy familiar voice started talking.

"You came! I thought you wouldn't, seeing as it's not your thing, you know, football matches. Suddenly I saw you first half, and I wanted to say hi so badly."

Nathan trembled slightly before replying in a whisper. "John, we're in public." Gently pushing him away, it being a little too much.

The man quickly got the hint and let him go, smiling at him as he scratched his cheek. "Right, sorry. Got a little carried away. I tend to hug most of my friends in public."

Johnathan was trying to clarify their relationship somewhat naturally and act cool while struggling to remember that their relationship was supposed to be no more than friends or assignment partners in public. He was so bad at lying that it was just a little endearing. He was looking around to see if anything was heard or saw it.

"You should go take a shower. You stink. We'll work on the assignment later, so we'll talk more then." Nathan said, shaking his head as he tried to shove Johnathan toward the dressing rooms.

The blonde chuckled and laughed before moving towards the dressing room, ready to get dressed. They had decided to stay at Johnathan's house later in the afternoon to work on the assignment. And knowing his new lover, he probably wanted to cling to him the entire time with a few kisses here and there. It was still awkward or uncomfortable sometimes, but they talked about it. Nathan tried to explain his sexuality more, even if it was a struggle, and Johnathan was trying to figure out if he was gay, pan, or bi.

The soft wind rustled his hair. It was a pretty nice day today. Not too hot or too cold. He had come on a whim. Even if Johnathan had told him about the match and had invited him, he was clear about not pressuring him. It was okay if he couldn't come, didn't want to, or was too busy. It was just something Johnathan wanted to share, trying to forge other connections between them.

Nathan waited for Johnathan, Nathan waited for Johnathan, leaning against the side of the building, his eyes scanning the crowd as they dispersed. It was a while before Johnathan emerged, his hair still damp from the shower, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans. His eyes lit up when he spotted Nathan, and he quickly made his way over.

"Ready to go?" Johnathan asked, his voice filled with excitement, radiating with his usual puppy energy. Nathan nodded with a barely noticeable smile, pushing himself off the wall and stepping beside Johnathan.

They made their way to a nearby grocery store, the air between them comfortable. Johnathan chatted about the game, his teammates, and his excitement about working on the assignment. Nathan listened, occasionally chiming in with his comments or teasing remarks. It was a simple, mundane task, but it felt different, unique even because they were doing it together for the first time since they officially started dating.

At the store, they picked up a few things for dinner. Despite Nathan's protests that they should focus on the assignment, Johnathan insisted on making something special.

"We need food! Our brains must eat, too! What if they get hungry and not a single word comes out? Or worse! What if I can only write about Soleil wanting to eat because he is completely starving?" Johnathan argued, and Nathan couldn't help but laugh at the intensity of the arguments.

"Okay, fine. We will cook dinner then. But nothing too fancy. I don't want to waste a lot of time on it."

Johnathan took a small moment to think deeply. "Okay, I will get us something easy to make but still good. Just a bit fancier than, say, takeout."

Nathan shrugged. "I would have been completely fine with ordering some sushi."

With a groan and an expression filled with determination, he started shopping and filling the cart with ingredients and snacks. He hesitated slightly at the alcohol until Nathan put in some cans with premade cocktails. Johnathan seemed excited about it and put in some beer.

Once they had everything they needed, they headed to Johnathan's house. It was a modest place, cozy and welcoming like earlier that week. This time, Johnathan led Nathan inside, kicking off his shoes and inviting Nathan to make himself at home.

"Welcome to my humble abode, once more. This time without having to drag me in."