Anastasia's P.O.V.-
Just as I promised, I came to the old, large oak tree on campus after the school day was over; we're technically not allowed to leave school grounds without written permission. Paul was already there when I arrived; he went from leaning up against the tree trunk with his arms folded to straightening up and smiling at me. I mirrored his pleasant expression, approaching him gently.
"Hi, Pauly. What's up?" "Not too much. Thanks for meeting me here," his grin grew. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" Paul didn't respond right away, glancing off to the side for a minute. His hand rubbed the back of his neck in an almost awkward- or shy- fashion. Paul, shy? Never. Still, he hesitated for a moment, like he was trying to formulate what he was going to say to me in his mind. Eventually his eyes shifted back to mine and we looked at each other again.
"You know we have this big game against the Chargers this Friday." "Yes, I'm going to watch it with Kate and Jose," I nodded. And I swear his eyes were burning a hole through me just now. But he chuckled a little and rubbed the back of his head once more. "Ah, you don't have to do that if you don't want to." "But I said I would," this made me blink in surprise. "You don't like football. Plus, would you even understand what's going on?" "I…. no, actually; not at all," he caught me; I know zip about the sport of football. Still, his mouth shut to a warm, tender smile. His eyes lowered onto me.
"It's alright, I won't mind if you don't come. But there is something I wanted to ask you." "What's that?" A pregnant pause. "I've never uh, done something like this before….." "Like what, Paul?" My head cocked a little curious. "I wanted to ask you, Ana, if… if I could wear your favour next game?" "My favour?" I straightened up in surprise. His head was somehow able to nod without breaking eye contact. His lips formed into a more serious and sincere line now. "I know I'll play much better if I'm wearing your colours."
Why would he play bet-….? Oh… oh. My mouth unconsciously drooped down to a frown. I know what this is; I know exactly what this is. And Paul of all people too. "Paul…" I said with disapproval. "It's not what you think. I don't want to wear it just to enhance my performance." "Sure sounds that way to me." His hands flew up into the air in front of his chest. "Ok, ok, I admit- it does help me play better. But that's not the only reason. The real reason is that it'll inspire me; wearing your flavour will just… make me feel better while I play. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to wear your colours out there; I want to show them off and tell everyone….." "Tell everyone what?" My eyebrow rose up. And Paul seemed so honest and genuine right then with the way he looked at me. "That before all others, I wear your colours. You're one of my best friends, Ana; that's inspiration enough for me."
I didn't know what to say just then. What reason was there for me to say no? Should I say no? Did Paul wearing my favour really bother me? Out of seemingly nowhere, the random of the wolf popped up in my head. Wait, my eyes widened slightly confused. Why am I thinking of him just now? He has nothing to do with this… does he? It's not like I wish he was the one asking me this…. No, that's just ridiculous. I think of any reason why I should deny Paul this one request. He was a very close and dear long-time friend of mine, after all. What harm is there in him wearing my colours on the field? I knew the protective instinct played a role here; thinking of me would make him play harder…. But it's more than that. I looked at Paul and knew there was more. He's my friend, I smiled at him. And I do have a soft, platonic spot in my heart for him.
Realizing that, my head nodded on its own accord.