Disclaimer: Any original characters are property of myself and myself only. Eyeshield 21 is a series created by Riichigo Inagaki and Yusuke Murata. All characters of Eyeshield 21 are property of the original creators, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. Any references to the NFL and its players are copyrighted by the NFL and credited to their respective teams.
Suzuna watched on as the players one by one poured out of the tunnel and back onto the sidelines. Her antennae perked up at attention as she specifically watched Monta to see his reaction to a certain verdant vixen who was now at the water station handing out last minute beverages to the rested players. The azure angel could not help but grin and chuckled mischievously as when the lovable ape let out a trademark whoop of surprise.
"WHOOEEEE! Sh-Shidao! What are you doing here! H-Hi!" the suddenly tongue-tied tamarin teen stuttered as he noticed his lovely lady near the water buffalos. He extended and arm in an awkward side hug, still not quite sure how to approach the physical side of their relationship yet. Come to think of it, could they even call what they were at this point a "relationship?" Monta wasn't sure. He knew she had some feelings for him, and he was certainly attracted to her. But this odd mixture of emotions and hormones as confusing to the dopey receiver and it was going to take some time to sift through them.
Shidao on the other hand squeaked meekly and responded, "He-hello M-Monta… I'm just…" and she paused through the awkward hug. She returned it about as awkwardly as it was given, and her face began to turn shades of crimson due to his sudden proximity. "DAH- uh umm.." She yelped despite her best efforts and stammered after clearing her throat, "I'm just trying to help out… oh here!" and she quickly turned to grab Monta a cup of cold water. Holding it out to him she continued, "I was watching from the stands earlier, and Suzuna told me to come down and help out… uh…" She blushed a bit more and averted her gaze before adding, "You looked great out there…" The poor mint haired teen wanted to continue but she could already feel her tongue twisted into odd knots and was not able to do so.
Monta blushed to a lesser extent when offered the explanation and a cup of water. Taking it in his strong hand, his fingertips brushed against hers and at that point he did change a few shades darker. Shidao as well seemed to bubble over with such bright red colors that if she were a teapot steam would be coming out her ears. The simian receiver coughed into his free hand to clear his own throat and downed the cup of water in one go before replying, "Thanks! And That's great that you're helping out. It's a nice surprise having you down here." When it came to her compliments on his game performance, he rubbed the back of his head and smiled, "Aww thanks! I'll keep doing my best out there!" He then chuckled oafishly and Shidao smiled and fiddled with her hair.
Dante plodded up beside Suzuna and groaned a harsh whisper behind his palm, "Uugghhhh their so awkward."
Suzuna, with her antennae still bobbing away turned to regard the hairy American and gave him a look before batting at his arm, "Oh you! I think its really sweet!" she rested her palms against her jaw line and pressed upwards before adding "Awww… so cute!" as the navy haired teen continued to watch the awkward yet innocent interactions of the two budding lovebirds.
"More like barf me a river." Dante teased before making a puking motion and sticking his tongue out.
"Stop it you!" Suzuna growled before slapping him harder this time.
"Ow! Alright! Alright! Sheesh!" Dante complained as he rose his arms defensively to protect himself from her barrage of baps.
Sena joined them at this point, but paused briefly wondering what was happening between the navy haired cheer captain and the ogre like linebacker, "Uhh… is everything ok?"
Dante was quick to respond while still dodging blows, "Ye-HEY-STAPPIT, Yeah nothings wrong! OW! … bitch!" Unfortunately, Suzuna was quite accurate when doling out slaps and he caught a few while responding to the running back. Rubbing his arm and making a pained expression Dante finally manage to get out of her reach and explain, "Was just commenting on Ro-monkey-o and Juliet over there…" while thumbing in the direction of Monta and Shidao.
"I HEARD that! You hairy ass!" Suzuna scolded towards Dante as she skated over and linked arms with Sena. Sticking her tongue out at the bushy browed American for good measure, Suzuna then hugged Sena's arm tightly. "I think its sweet don't you Sena?"
The lightspeed runner glanced between his girlfriend and his teammate before looking towards the pair in question. Watching Monta smile and laugh with Shidao was indeed something that brought the brunette tailback some joy. It was nice seeing Monta on the receiving end of some affection for once rather than being on the other end of an oblivious void. And for what little he knew about Shidao, she at least seemed nice, and genuinely interested in his friend. So that was good as far as Sena was concerned. "It's nice." He offered with an approving smile and nod. He was glad for Monta, it was refreshing to see his friend happy in this way.
Dante just made a gross face again and crossed his arms. "Wish they weren't so awkard about it though…" and with a heavy sigh he moved away and turned his focus back to the field.
By his calculations the likely hood of Nishi making a comeback at his point were incredibly small. Less than one percent. But he had just spent the better part of the last few weeks reviewing tape of the Devil Bats and some of their miraculous comebacks. Many of them being momentously ridiculous. The big difference was the complete and total divide of talent. Nishi had maybe three or four high quality players. Hanada was top notch with his accuracy and timing. Daisuke was sound with his technique, and Toru too seemed to be quite capable. Even that blundering idiot of a tightend of theirs had some natural talent and flexibility. But after them it dropped off pretty sharply.
Deimon on the other hand had Sena, Monta, Kurita, and many other incredible play makers. Whats more they had incredible chemistry and used teamwork to battle back in many of their contests. And subtle though it was, it was not impossible to see the natural growth of Sena during that first year he played football. His phenomenal growth sparked similar surges in his teammates around him. Even today Dante could see Sena's quiet influence lifting those around him on the field. Hell this team might go pretty far and maybe even make it to the Rice Bowl this year.
A sudden crash drew Dante's attention back towards the bench revealing their rent-a-corner having knocked over a tray of orange slices that had been set out by the players. Dante sighed and ran a hand through his thick mane. The ligers were going to have to shore up that last corner back slash receiver spot if they truly wanted to contend with powerhouses like Saikyoudai. And unfortunately, the previous pool of recruits from Enma were lackluster, and any new ones would either have to be existing students already attending the university or students that got accepted within the next two weeks. After that cutoff all new students and transfers would have to wait until the spring after the fall football tournament was over to join. Hopefully, this game would bring some awareness around campus and attract some new blood within that time frame. Otherwise the ligers were going to be shit out of luck.
And as it would seem, Dante's prediction came to be true. Nishi fought back valiantly but the difference in talent was just too insurmountable. The embattled Koi Fish managed to earn 6 more points to add to their total. Enma on the other hand raked in four more touchdowns making the final score Enma 70, Nishi 12. Monta secured another pair of touchdown passes, while Riku recorded a pick six and Mizumachi scored on a scoop and run after a fumble caused none other than the monolithic rookie from Okinawa, Suitokku.
When the final whistle blew it felt as if a huge weight lifted off Suitokku's broad shoulders. It wasn't pretty, and he had made many, many mistakes. But he didn't shoot his team in the foot. He didn't cause any devastating plays to sway the game in favor of Nishi. The maritime giant had done enough to help his team achieve a victory. And he had to admit, it felt rewarding. That pride was something he wasn't particularly used to. The closest thing he could compare it to was returning home from a productive fishing trip that would bring more money to his poor family's household.
Graciously he accepted the various forms of congratulatory high fives and fist bumps offered by his teammates on his performance. Suitokku still felt a little out of place with this whole scenario. The team seemed to be relying on him as an essential cog to their machine. But he still felt like the extra piece that gets kicked under a couch at this point. Nishi had taken him to school, and he survived. But he was reminded of their difference in talent when he looked to the real aces on this team.
The leviathan's icy eyes settled on Sena and the others. The little pipsqueak had account for 3 of enma's touchdowns today himself. Mont had four between his interception return and the others he hauled in on offense. And the rest of the team contributed into that as well. The big fella had to admit a newfound respect for their quarterback Unsui who orchestrated all those throws and did so masterfully.
A light punch to his upper arm turned his attention towards its source. Dante was holding his helmet by its mask and shook loose his wild red mane before stating, "Ya did good today Orca. I mean… a little sloppy. But hey for your first game not too bad." The hairy American then dug into his ear with his pinky finger and flicked some wax away onto the turf before asking, "Lone Star's tonight to celebrate?"
Suitokku unsapped the straps to his own helmet as Dante spoke and after removed it and tucked it between his torso and upper arm replied, "If you're buying," before shoving the American's shoulder jokingly.
That drew a cheeky grin from the bestial linebacker and Dante chuckled, "I think I'm gonna go broke." Before jabbing a rigid finger into Suitokku's substantial stomach. "C'mon let's go get changed!" continued the hairy foreigner as he tapped his friend's shoulder with the back of his hand as he passed by him on the way to the tunnel.
As his teammates were still congratulating each other for their effort in today's victory Sena removed his helmet and shook loose his wild brunette locks. He ran a hand through his hair to shake it further free and turned just in time to catch a flying girlfriend to the chest. Laughing merrily, he let his helmet fall to the turf and caught Suzuna in his arms. Wrapping the lithe cheer captain in a sweaty, but warm embrace, she nuzzled into his neck.
After pressing a loving kiss on his cheek, the blue haired teen drew back enough to look her lover in the eyes. "Impressive as always stud," she crooned. She smirked deviously and leaned in to whisper so that only he could hear, "Too bad we both couldn't hit the showers right now…"
And with that comment the confident captain of the Enma Ligers quickly reverted to a blushing and stammering dolt. His face lit up like a Christmas tree and he stammered, "S-Suzuna!" and looked around nervously despite everyone else seeming oblivious to the comment whispered to him by his girlfriend.
Suzuna just threw her head back and laughed before planting another smooch on his cheek and releasing her embrace on her boyfriend. "I'm only teasing! Now go change so we can celebrate!" She then flexed her arms and encouraged Sena to get his ass moving, "Go! Go!"
"Ack!" Sena stammered before practically being shoved by the azure angel into the tunnel leading to the locker room.
As some of the other members lingered on the sidelines discussing plans of where to go celebrate after getting cleaned up, Shidao was helping her sister tidy up the bench. Mostly all that involved was tossing away paper cups and other miscellaneous trash items from the group. The minty teen wanted to be helpful in some way to the football team so she could at least do this. While picking up the last few bits of waste for the bin Monta approached her.
"H-hey Shidao?" the bashful baboon began as he moved up closer to the attractive verdant haired girl. His helmet was hanging by the face mask on one of his pinky fingers. When Shidao turned to look at him, his rugged sweat covered face sent tantalizing shivers down her backbone.
"Oh! H-hi Monta… is everything ok?" she asked before averting her gaze slightly and moving to delicately relocate a strand of that mint colored hair out of her face and behind her ear.
Wow! She was simply radiant! Monta swallowed hard and had to blink twice and fought not to rub his eyes to make sure they were working correctly. He still had no idea what made her like him the way she did, and he felt stupid lucky for the attention. After a few moments however, he caught himself gawking and cleared his throat, "Oh um… I was wondering if you're not doing anything after this… if maybe you'd like to go get some… I dunno ramen or something?" He grinned bashfully and rubbed the back of his head before frantically adding with an emphatic hand wave, "Oh my treat of course!"
And cue the butterfly swarm in her tummy. All the vibrations from their tiny wings must have stirred all of the blood in her body to her face because Shidao was ripe as a cherry tomato. Despite that, her lips curled up in a happy little smile. "I'd love to!"
Monta literally pumped his fist in victory and must have realized how lame that was because he tried to play it off and chuckled awkwardly, "G-great! I'll go get changed and I'll meet you outside of the locker rooms then?"
Shidao nodded with a bow and replied, "Sounds good! I'll see you then!"
The apish oaf was on cloud nine and grinning ear to ear. That grin soon disappeared into a pained yelp as a pair of strong fingers clamped down on one of them and began dragging him towards the locker room.
"Yeah yeah c'mon love monkey… clear the field! They got work to do!" Dante chimed in as he snatched the dopey receiver by the ear as he walked past the pair of newly kindled love bugs.
"Ahh! EEEEe!" Monta screeched as he was pulled along, "Ahhh Alright! I'll see you soon Shid-OWWW!"
Shidao seemed to have a worried look on her face and winced as she watched the hairy foreigner drag her… friend? What was Monta exactly? She was over the moon for him without a doubt. She had admitted to him that she liked him already, and that invitation certainly sounded like a date invite. But she couldn't exactly call him her boyfriend yet… right?
As the boys disappeared down the tunnel towards the locker room Dante released his vice like grip and shoved Monta's shoulder playfully. "You lucky dog, look at you! Asking out your little mint chocolate chip cutie pie for a date after the game! AHAHA!"
Monta was completely moved aside and bumped into the wall of the tunnel from the shove. "Ooof!" he wheezed before recovering and saying with a cheeky grin. "What else? I thought it was a good idea!"
Dante laughed again and this time lightly slapped his friend's shoulder, "Well good on ya pal! Just don't do anything Sena wouldn't do for the first few months alright?" Which drew a laugh from their surrounding team mates.
"N-NOTHING HAPPENED!" the stuttering running back stammered tersely.
"HAHA! Oh, eat shit you liar!" Guffawed Dante who took off running when Sena chased after him with his helmet with a chorus of laughing teammates following behind.
Monta just laughed it off and thought nothing to worry about there. That was definitely not on the table for tonight or any time soon. He was just going to enjoy a nice meal with a lovely lady that had a soft spot for him. And the apish receiver had to admit, he was really looking forward to it.
Meanwhile back on the field Shidao had finished picking up around their team benches and took a moment to tie shut the bag of trash to take to elsewhere and sat down on the bench to take a quick breather when Suzuna skated over her way.
"Hey-! I saw Monta come talk to you just now, ooooooo! What'd he ask you?" The proverbial love vulture hovered near, her antennae going off the charts, eager to hear any good love gossip it could.
Shidao blushed and shrank away under the scrutinizing pressue exuding from the cheer captain. She brushed back the extrovert and sheepishly answered, "He asked me out for some ramen after he got cleaned up." Oh jeez… the idea of Monta getting cleaned up popped into her perverted little reptile brain now. Her eyes widened briefly and she subconsciously reached up to pull some hair hand over hand.
"Woohoo! Way to go you!" Suzuna congratulated of the younger teen before plopping down beside her on the bench. "Sena and I are going out too… I wonder what kind of food he's going to want to get?" the navy haired teen popped out her lower lip in thought and rose her eyes upwards as if trying to focus on her thoughts.
The younger Sawai sister smiled softly and listened to the cheerleader speak. It was nice to receive support about liking Monta for a change. Her sister usually teased her about it, and usually not in a lighthearted way… it sometimes felt malicious. But then again that was coming from her sister, they've been bickering like siblings since forever. She suddenly for some reason felt the urge to thank the exuberant cheer captain.
"Th-thanks for pushing me to… accept Monta's offer before. Um… thanks to you I had enough courage to go through with it and accept. I know we're not like… technically together I guess… but he did ask me on another date so." She smiled whimsically thinking back to just a little while ago when Monta had shyly asked her to dinner. Turning her vibrant yellow green eyes onto Suzuna she reiterated. "Thank you."
Suzuna blanched at this sudden praise and turned away muttering to herself something along the lines of "Luckily you survived the collision I helped set up too…" However, the charismatic cheer captain turned back in kind with a warm smile, "No problem! And ya know…" she looked down to her skates and kicked her feet before adding, "I didn't just push for you… Monta deserves someone nice like you to look after and take care of him." She huffed a bit of a laugh and lowered her chin, "Sorry, I make it sound like you guys are totally together already too." The navy haired teen then looked more directly to Shidao and explained, "I guess what I mean is it makes me feel good knowing Monta has someone who genuinely likes him for well… him. And not other reasons. He's a really nice guy and a great friend. So… it makes me happy it's working out with you two."
Shidao wasn't expecting that. Her wide eyes and pink cheeks were evident enough of that. She absently fiddled with her hair hand over hand and bashfully replied, "You're a good person Suzuna. Thank you."
Again an arrow of guilt pierced Suzuna's gut as she remembered in detail that her initial plan involving those two literally had them collide with one another at full speed. Suzuna simply grinned and bore it, "Haha… right…"
