(AN: Heyyyy, it's been a while! Sorry, my proofreader's been gone for a while, but she's back again. Hopefully this new chapter pleases everyone, as it's got plenty of fluff, and it's long. Not to mention, towards the end, Espio's gunna come to a realization, but that's all I'm gunna say :P
So, I guess in other news, we're about halfway done with the fic. Sad I know, but hey, we still got time to enjoy more chapters and fluff until the end! And as for the cover, I still need to talk to my friend (who is the proofreader btw) about that, as I'm not sure if she's finished with it yet.
And one more thing that's gunna be a bit important. I wanna give special thanks to user "ShimmeringKnight", who posted this review for Chapter 4:
"
I wonder if Espio is aware of gay relationships? If he lived in a traditional region, would the residents there have even acknowledged the possibility of homosexual relationships?"
Thanks to you sir or madame, you have given me a really great idea while writing this chapter :3.
Anyway, enough rambling, here we go.)
The day had finally come; the night of the football finals between Mobius U vs Empire City U. Much like the last game, this game was going to be away. This time however, the game was going to be played at Mobius dome, which is mainly used for major league football games. To say that Vector was ecstatic was an understatement.
"Bein' at the Mobius dome is like a lifelong dream! Like, I've always wanted to be there. Gawd, be still mah beatin' heart." Vector said. The crocodile's excitement made Espio smile.
"Well, it may be exciting, but be sure that your excitement doesn't distract you from your performance." said the chameleon.
"Yer right… I gotta focus on the game like I did on the last game."
Suddenly, Vector saw Espio reach into his bag and pull out something from it. He walked back to the crocodilian quarterback and placed it into his hand, closing it with his own hand.
"Keep this with you for your game. This is "omamori", a good luck charm from where I'm from. I am putting my faith in you winning. After all, you said this team was possibly going to be difficult to play against." explained Espio. Vector took a look at the omamori charm.
"Whoa… this is cool. And… thanks, Espio. It means a lot to me that yer puttin' yer faith in me. Empire City U's gotta strong as hell team, so we need to put all the focus we got in this."
"There you go, now, go get that team, Vector."
Soon after, Vector took a bus along with the rest of the team along with Coach Augustus. As the bus drove off, Espio waved as he walked back to the dorm.
It was now halftime into the game as both teams huddled together. Coach Augustus stepped in the middle and looked around at his team.
"Alright team, you're all doing a great job out there so far. But man, have we found a match." he said. "Empire City's coach knows how to train his team well."
The large polar bear looked at the coach of Empire City U; Helmut Von Stryker. A large, muscular dingo, Coach Stryker even intimidated Coach Augustus due to him being the same height and size as him. The team noted his calm and cool demeanor, which put the team on edge.
"Unlike coach, that guy hasn't yelled at one point. That's what kinda disturbs me about him." Knuckles whispered to Vector. For most of the time, Coach Augustus went through new positions for people to play, and new strategies. As halftime came to a close, Coach Augustus looked at his watch.
"This is it all of you. Let's come together one last time." he said. Everyone put their hand in the middle as the team looked at each other.
"Make me proud, boys. One… two… three…"
"MOBIUS!"
And with that, the team ran back to the field.
Back at the dorm, Espio watched the entire game on TV. He felt an excitement in his stomach anytime he saw Vector on-screen. He'd "cheer" to himself watching the crocodile run, football in hand.
"You go, Vector!" The chameleon cheered. The crocodilian quarterback made a successful touchdown, and Espio unshamelessly clapped for him. With the touchdown came two more points for Mobius U, the team catching up in points with Empire City U.
More and more of the game carried on, and it was nearing towards end game. The foreign exchange student was on the edge of his seat (or, more so his legs, as he was on the floor, sitting on them).
"Come on, Vector… don't let me down… Don't let the school down… You've come this far with your team; it's time to show them that you are number one!" Espio said to himself. He closed his eyes and braced himself, not even wanting to watch what was on screen.
It was only five minutes later that Espio opened his eyes as soon as he heard loud cheering. The commentators began to clap as they announced that Mobius U has won, making them the champions of this year's football season.
"Wa ̄i!" Espio said in his native tongue, putting his fist into the air as he jumped up. He softly chuckled to himself as he sat back down, watching the entire Mobius U team get in one large group hug. Everyone soon began to wave at the audience as Espio continued to watch. As he did however, the chameleon noticed that Vector looked into the camera and started waving, almost like… he was waving to him.
Espio waved back as he smiled. His crocodilian friend must have been so happy up there. If the foreign exchange student were there, he would kiss him right then and there.
…
"Wait... kiss him?" he thought. Why would he want to kiss Vector? He was male after all. Was it even possible for males to even kiss other males? Back home, it was custom that relationships were between man and woman, but never once has anyone mentioned man and man, and to an extent, woman and woman.
Everything around him seemed to have freezed as questions about this situation ran faster in Espio's head than any sort of question he faced back home.
The entire Mobius U team entered their locker room with a sigh. The game against Empire City U proved to be their toughest challenge, and yet, they were able to overcome it. Vector walked over to his locker and immediately pulled off his shirt.
"Don't forget, boys, be sure to take everything you take off with you, since we won't be using this locker again until next season for the next school year." Coach Augustus reminded everyone.
"Yes, sir." Everyone responded. Vector placed all of his football clothing into his locker and grabbed a towel, ready for a nice hot shower.
"I wonder how Espio's holdin' up…" he asked himself. It was then that he heard someone call his name.
"Who said that?" he asked aloud.
"Us. Get over here."
Vector looked and saw three of his teammates; Connery Horse, Monk Gorilla, and Rudy Lizard. The crocodilian quarterback walked over to them.
"Yo there, guys!" he said, wanting to be friendly. "Say, nice job out there! Ya guys did great!"
"Yeah yeah, whatever." said Connery. "Listen up, Vector. I heard you talking to yourself about that little foreign exchange kid."
"So? I just wanted to know how he's doin'. I am his guide after all."
"But he can speak English perfectly, mate." replied Rudy. "You just wanna have an excuse to get outta here and see 'im."
"Whaddya even talkin' 'bout, guys?"
"Let's put it more simply: you two better chill with your bromance, otherwise you'll get people thinking you two fuck behind closed doors." said Monk. Vector was completely taken aback, his jaw dropping.
"W-What?! Alrighty, you three don't know what yer talkin' 'bout! Just cause me and Espio are really great friends, doesn't mean that we're gay fer each other! Gawd, can't a guy be best friends with another guy without everyone thinkin' we're fuckbuddies or somethin'?!" Vector argued back.
"Uh-huh, a likely story." replied Monk. Vector sucked his teeth.
"Ugh… I'm outta here, screw ya three."
Vector walked away from Connery, Monk, and Rudy as he headed to the shower.
"It's not like I like Espio or anythin'…" thought the crocodile, the words of his teammates leaving a sour taste in his mouth. "I mean, yeah he's a good friend, but that doesn't mean we're gunna start bein' actin' like a couple or somethin'…"
Returning back to the dorm, normal clothes back on, headphones on full blast, and duffle bag in hand, Vector was soon stopped by Sally, who had to tap him on the shoulder.
"Huh?"
"No loud music playing after hours. Some people are sleeping right now." Sally reminded Vector.
"Alright, alright." Vector groaned, turning down the headphones.
"By the way, Vector. I've got something for you, I meant to give this to you a while back but I kept forgetting."
Sally tossed a newspaper to the crocodile.
"Turn to the sports section and look at the bottom. Anyway, I'll be off now."
The chipmunk RA walked away as Vector opened up the newspaper. Looking at the sports section where Sally told him to look, he continued walking to his dorm while reading the section, which was the report Soar did during the game against Grand Metropolis U.
"VICTORY AGAINST GRAND METROPOLIS
Mobius U football team wins against Grand Metropolis U's team, heading towards finals
Saturday night saw the victory of Mobius U's football team against Grand Metropolis U's team. The game was a close match, Mobius U with scoring 22 compared to Grand Metropolis' 20 points. Ending the game with the last two points was defensive tackler Knuckles Echidna, age 19, and wide receiver Thrash the Tasmanian Devil, age 21.
Many of the boys on the team commented that while nerve wracking, especially during the beginning of the game, they were able to keep their composure. One player told me about his experiences before and during the game.
"Well at first, in the days prior to the game, I'll admit I was pretty nervous. But, I got mah roomie to thank fer calmin' me down." commented Vector Crocodile, age 20 and current quarterback for the Mobius U team. "He told me not to focus on losin', sayin' that it'll become reality if I keep thinkin' 'bout losin'. So when I found mahself thinkin' more 'n more 'bout winnin', whaddya know? I found mahself doin' better!"
Vector gave his thanks to his roommate, Espio Chameleon, age 19, who is a foreign exchange transfer student from Northern Mobius. Earlier this month, this student solved an issue involving the act of vandalism against the school, and discovering the perpetrators of said incident, who were five students from Crisis City U. It seems that whatever the case may be, these two reptiles are quite good friends.
With this game wrapping up, the finals are all that remains. Many may be rooting for Mobius U, while others may be rooting for the other school that has won, but you'll have to take my word for it; it'll be possibly one of the biggest games this school year.
-written by sports journalist, Soar the Eagle."
"I'll give that eagle credit, he sure writes an accurate story." said Vector to himself.
Finally reaching back to the dorm, he tore his attention away from the newspaper and knocked on the door. The crocodilian quarterback whistled to himself as Espio soon opened the door.
"Hey there, Espio!" he exclaimed, smiling down at him. The fuchsia reptile smiled back.
"H-Hello, Vector… Come on inside."
Espio opened the door for the crocodilian quarterback as he sat down in a chair by the desk.
"I saw your game on TV, congratulations for winning this season. Did my good luck charm help?"
"Heh, ya bet yer ass it did. Here, catch!"
Vector pulled the good luck charm out of his pocket and tossed it to Espio. He wasn't able to catch it, and it landed on the floor. As the chameleon bent over to pick it up, Vector walked passed him, looking in his direction.
"He looks a bit worried 'bout somethin'… I wonder why…" he thought to himself. Landing on his bed, the crocodile sighed.
"Tired?" asked Espio.
"Ya bet yer ass. And I still got assignments I haven't done." Vector replied. "Fffffuck. Not to mention, I still gotta fill out mah courses fer next semester. AND, to top it all off, one of mah classes has final exams soon. Double fuck…"
"Do you know what you want for your classes?"
"Eh, perhaps a language class, maybe somethin' involvin' computers or that kinda jazz. I'll find somethin'…"
Vector got off from the bed and grabbed his course selection sheet for next semester. He looked through the various courses before turning his attention to Espio.
"Whadda 'bout ya? Do ya know what yer takin'?"
"Valdez is helping me pick assignments tomorrow."
"That's good to hear."
Vector scanned the various language classes available. While there were some language classes that he took in middle and high school, Vector noted a Japanese class available. Looking at Espio yet again, he picked up a pen and wrote it down.
"Perhaps I'll take that just fer Espio." he said to himself.
A FEW DAYS LATER – THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK
It was finally reaching towards the end of the first semester as Christmas break came closer. With midterms and final exams for first semester completed and second semester course selection sheets filled out, Vector could safely say they could go along with winter break stress free.
However, not the same could be said for Espio.
The day before winter break marked the day him, Vector, Knuckles, and Mighty would start their "gift exchange". He was fortunate to have the echidna and armadillo, who told him what Vector mainly liked; either anything involving football, music, and horror movies. They had even given the courtesy of buying Espio the gift for Vector, and if he asks, claim he got it for the crocodile.
"I-I can't accept this! What you two have done for me so I can give Vector a good gift is far too generous!" The chameleon claimed.
"Don't worry, Espio. It's for a friend after all." Mighty assured Espio.
And so, with his gift wrapped up; a CD of the soundtrack to Vector's favorite horror movie of last year, which was composed by the crocodile's favorite band. According to Knuckles, Vector apparently "wouldn't shut up about that for a long time, and he always said he wanted the soundtrack."
When night finally came, a knocking at the door was present. Vector, who was listening to the radio at the time, turned it down and got up from the desk, walking to the door. Opening it up, he saw Knuckles and Mighty standing right in the doorway.
"Merry Christmas you two. We aren't late are we?" asked Knuckles.
"Naw, naw, c'mon in." replied Vector. The muscular echidna and armadillo walked inside, placing their gifts for Vector and Espio on the ground.
"Alright, let's get this started." Knuckles said.
A few minutes later, most of the gifts were already opened. The four were quite pleased with their gifts, especially Espio, who wasn't expecting Knuckles or Mighty to give him any gifts.
"Oh yeah, hold on Espio, I've got yer gift fer ya." Vector said, getting up. However, Espio stopped him.
"Erm… Vector… It's fine." he said
"Huh? Whaddya mean, Espio?"
The chameleon got up as he walked up to Vector, getting on his tiptoes to reach up to him.
"May… may we exchange gifts in private? If that's okay with you?" Espio whispered to the large green reptile.
"Well… okay I guess. I dunno why but I dun have a problem with it."
"Let's wait until Knuckles and Mighty are gone to do it."
The way Espio said his last sentence made Vector stop.
"Oh gawd… it's like Espio's tryin' to flirt with me if he describes it like that." thought Vector. He could feel his face getting warm.
"The cold's not getting to you, is it Vector?" Knuckles asked. The crocodile returned to reality, shaking his head.
"U-Uh, naw! Don't worry, I'll be fine." he said.
The defensive tackler shrugged his shoulders as he went back to talking to the armadillo wrestler.
As soon as Knuckles and Mighty left, Vector and Espio looked at each other.
"I suppose we're gunna do our little thing first?" asked the crocodile.
"Yes, I agree." replied Espio. He grabbed his gift while Vector grabbed his own. The two swapped gifts and looked at them.
"Whaddya think it is?" asked Vector.
"I'm not sure. It feels like fabric almost." Espio replied. "What about you? What do you think yours is?"
"Feels like a CD case, I just know it. Why doncha open yer's first?"
Espio nodded as he opened the package up. He pulled out the sweater Vector asked his mother to send to him and looked at it.
"A sweater?" he asked.
"Not just any sorta sweater, this was mah sweater in mah freshman year of high school, that was, until I outgrew it heavily. I got it fer ya cause… well… I thought it'd fit ya, and not only that, I thought ya'd like to have somethin' of mine. Go on, try it on." replied Vector, placing his hands behind his back.
Espio put on the sweater above his kimono. Immediately, he could somewhat sense Vector's scent from the sweater, even if the crocodilian quarterback had said he hadn't worn it in a few years. Not to mention, the sweater was nice and cozy, making it perfect for winter days.
"Whaddya think 'bout it?"
"What do I think? Ha ha, I love it!" replied Espio. He looked up at Vector and smiled at him. The crocodile grinned back at him, happy that he was able to make Espio laugh, even if softly, for the second time. The foreign exchange student bowed.
"Thank you. Your gift was very generous." he said. "Now please, open yours. I think you will quite enjoy it."
Vector tore open the wrapping paper in less than a few seconds. Upon seeing the contents, the crocodile almost dropped his gift.
"It's… it's the Bloodthirst soundtrack… it was performed by mah favorite band… I've been wantin' this soundtrack physically fer such a long time, but I could never find it anywhere… and I dun wanted the digital album… Espio… how did ya?"
"Let's just say, I go the extra mile." Espio said. A large smile cracked on Vector's face.
"Y'know what? C'mere, ya deserve a big ass hug." he said. The chameleon walked over and hugged the crocodile. He could feel Vector's long, strong arms wrap around him. It felt like he was pulling him into a bearhug.
"I could get used to this…" Espio thought. Making sure Vector wasn't looking; he softly nuzzled his head into Vector's chest, feeling a soft blush on his face. Not long after though, the large green reptile let go of the hug, leaving a disappointed Espio behind.
"Thanks so much, Espio, ya don't know how much this means to me. Yer an awesome as hell friend, and I'm glad yer here with me. Merry Christmas." said Vector.
"And the same to you." replied Espio.
Friday soon hit, meaning it was now only a few days until the start of winter break. Many of the students and faculty and staff had begun packing their things for the holidays, while other's stayed behind because they had nowhere else to go.
Espio was helping Vector pack his items, getting the last few things the crocodile wanted before he zipped it up.
"Alrighty, should be good now." said Vector. Unlike Espio, who was staying behind since no one could take him back to his village, the crocodilian quarterback was returning home for the holidays. This somewhat saddened Espio, as it meant he would be gone for a while, not to mention no one else he knew was staying.
There was a knocking at the door, and a female voice saying "Alright you two, I'm here to check on your stuff. You better have it ready, cause I'd like to be on the road right now."
"Hold on, Sally." replied Vector. The large green reptile walked to the door and opened it up for the chipmunk RA. She walked in and examined the dorm room. Checking off stuff from her clipboard, she said "And who's staying and leaving?"
"I'm leavin'." said Vector.
"I shall be staying." said Espio. Sally nodded and ticked off Vector and Espio's name.
"That's all. I'll be going now."
Sally exited the dorm, leaving Vector and Espio behind. Just as the crocodile grabbed his duffle bag, he turned to Espio.
"Anyway, I think it's time fer me to head out. I dun wanna be in traffic fer a long time." he said.
"Y-Yes… I… I shall miss you."
"Heh, I'll miss ya too."
Vector wrapped his arm around Espio and patted his back. "Ya be good okay? Ya can deal with me bein' gone fer a while, right?"
"I promise. And yes…"
"Alrighty, well, I'm off."
And with that, Vector exited the dorm, shutting the door behind him.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Espio sat on his bunk, looking up at the ceiling. It had only been a few days since Vector had been gone and already, he missed his roommate.
"I said I would miss him after all… why do I feel melancholy though?" The foreign exchange student thought. Something must have added up to this; his longing for the crocodile, the hug the two reptiles shared when they exchanged gifts, where he had sneakily nuzzled Vector, and most importantly; the thought of him kissing Vector while he stood in that field.
"This must mean something… perhaps I should find out why I am feeling this way about Vector."
Espio got up from the bunk and made his way out of the dorm. He knew where to immediately go for answers.
Mobius University's library is known for being so large, that it also doubles as a public library for the ordinary mobian not in college.
Espio had been to the library many times with Vector, mainly to finish homework and to study for tests. On their first visit, Vector had gone up to a woman, who he ended up learning was the librarian, and asked about the topic he needed.
"She must know where I can find my issue." The fuchsia reptile thought to himself. He walked up to the counter and talked to the librarian, a blue pika.
"Yes? May I help you?" she asked, turning her attention away from her book and to Espio.
"Erm… I-I'm looking for a topic…" The chameleon replied.
"What kind of topic are you looking for?"
"Well… um… it's where… um… how can I say it?"
"Would you like to search on our computers? I understand you may be a bit embarrassed to say your topic. We may have many topics on what you're trying to tell me, okay?"
"O-Oh, yes. Thank you."
Espio walked away from the pika and walked over to one of the computers. Sitting down, he went on the internet and brought up one of the search engines.
"Let's see…" he said to himself. Slowly typing (as he wasn't used to computers, this being his second time using one), Espio looked behind him and looked back at what he typed.
"Men who like other men."
"This should be good enough."
Hitting enter, Espio's research began. And soon, after many minutes of scrolling through text and articles, all of the chameleon's questions were answered.
Apparently, according to what he had read, the term for a mobian of any gender who experiences sexual and or romantic attraction towards anyone of the same gender as themselves is known as a "homosexual/romantic" mobian, or the term what many use: "gay". Along with that, he had done research on other sorts of sexual/romantic orientations, some he had never even heard of.
With that done, Espio had done a bit of thinking. Was he considered "gay" due to his thoughts about Vector?
He was taken back to his times back in his village. Espio remembered that not one female caught his attention, much to the dismay of his mother and father. Yet, at the same time, he never felt any attraction towards any male he knew.
So why was Vector different compared to anyone else he met?
Perhaps it was how nice he was. Maybe it was his smile, which Espio always liked. Or it was how he looked during practice, always looking rough and rugged, but having a heart of gold under that appearance. Even Espio admitted to himself; Vector usually looked nice in whatever he wore. He always dawned that same gold chain and headphones, but wore something different every day.
There were many things that Espio could list that he liked about Vector. And it was going through all of those mentally did the fuchsia reptile come to a conclusion that made him freeze. He looked at the computer screen and closed the window, staring at his reflection through the glass of the monitor.
"If… if all of that's what I like about him… then… that means… I… I might love Vector."