(AN: Well I'm back! Sorry this was a bit late, I'm still trying to get used to my new work schedule, especially since like before when I worked on Third Shift, I could write during my breaks. But since I don't have four anymore, and because I often get to leave early because of how much we DON'T do, often I get home and I just don't feel arsed to write fsnlkfnal

But still, I'm gonna try to pump out more chapters this month! Especially since we're getting closer and closer to the eventual Vecpio! There's still a bit left, so don't falter! We have some closure, as well as some... NEW developments this chapter. What does that mean? Read and find out!

Oh and by the by, because I'm in the mood, let me know if there's any sort of thing you wanna see in upcoming chapters! I may take your considerations into mind :eye emoji:)

cw: general queerphobia (primarily homophobia and transphobia), minor ableism


It was Monday, the 25th, and after parting ways with Vector after Advanced English Literature, Espio sat turned around in his chair in Algebra 101. Currently, he and Mark were busy working on their study guide for Wednesday's exam on radical expressions.

"Okay, so this one is nine to the power of one half," Mark pointed so that Espio could understand. "Since we have to simplify it, we first have to ask what can get us nine. So, what would nine divided by two get us?"

Espio looked at the chameleon, trying to remember how that equation went. Dividing meant to cut in half, and 9 by 2…

"Three?" he replied.

"Exactly! So three by the second power would get us nine. So let's write three," the two proceeded to do so. "Since we still have our one half power, we gotta find what two to the power of a half is, and that's one. Pretty easy, meaning that our answer is three! Wow, that really was the easiest answer on this study guide, huh?"

Espio nodded, still a little unsure how this exam was going to go, but it seemed like he and the tapir were almost done with the study guide. As he flipped the paper around, Mark was crouching in his chair as he turned around and then back towards Espio.

"Hey, Mr. Valdez is busy working on his tablet," he said. "How are you doing today, Espio? Still feeling better?"

The chameleon looked up, knowing that his portly friend was talking about his emotional state since he had told him the truth about his same gender love. Just like yesterday, he nodded, glad for not only reading the brochure from the LGBTQ League, but also having someone like Mark around.

"That's good. Did you read what I got you Saturday?"

"A little. I was bui-busy."

"Well, I'm sure you can get around to it when you get the time! Is there anything else you want me to do? You know I'm always here for you."

"I do not know… but thank you, Mark."

It was always a good thing to have the tapir checking up on him even if it felt a little overbearing at times. He knew Mark was just worried about him, especially when he saw how Espio was when he came out.

"So? How are things with you and Vector?"

Espio bounced a little at the question. Not much had changed with him and the crocodile since Saturday, when the two slept together for warmth. Thankfully, it was a one night thing, as a technician came by before lunch to fix up the broken heater yesterday. Other than that, with Espio becoming more comfortable being around Vector thanks in part to the past couple of days, not much was different…

"G-Good. I su-sleep… no… slept? Sss… slept? With him."

Weirdly enough, the response he got from Mark was one that he was not expecting. The tapir looked horrified, almost like he couldn't believe what he just heard.

"You did WHAT?!" he whisper-yelled. Espio was confused. What happened? Why was Mark reacting this way?

"I slept with hi-"

"Yes yes, I heard you the first time, you don't need to repeat it! I know it's your life and everything Espio but there are some things you do keep to yourself, y'know?"

"Mark… what happen? You seemed happy fo-for me."

The tapir's face scrunched up, almost as if he were now the confused one. "What do you mean?"

That's when his face changed. "Oh… OH! You don't know what that mea… Oh my goodness, I am SO sorry, Espio! I didn't realize you meant sleep as in LITERALLY sleep, I thought you meant the OTHER way!"

"Other wu-way?"

"Let's just say in English, saying that you slept with someone means something VERY different than actually literally sleeping with them."

"I did not know."

"Well, now you know for next time. Still though you… slept with him? What happened? I thought you didn't want to tell him about your feelings?"

"It was cold."

"Reptiles, right. I forgot. Well… I'm sure it was fun, although I can't say I've had that experience before," Mark shook his head. "Anyway, we're getting carried away. We need to finish this up."

Espio nodded as the two returned to their study guide. Still… thinking back to what happened after he got back from community service Saturday… Maybe he did want to ask the crocodile again if they could sleep together. Feeling so warm like that, resting next to someone much larger than him, waking up feeling refreshed but also in pure bliss knowing that he was protected in his sleep by Vector… it was an experience he wouldn't forget. He hoped that at this very same moment, Vector was thinking about that night as well, as it had not left Espio's mind when he had let it wander off.


Vector frowned as he stared at the open tab on his laptop, sighing as he heard Professor Morgan lecture on and on about the different kinds of Mobian skeletal structures. Sitting in the Kinesiology 101 lecture hall, the crocodile had finally gotten his first exam result from Japanese I on Capsule. Unfortunately, it had not been a grade the crocodile had wanted, as he made a 68 on the exam. It may have just been the first exam of the year, but it only reinforced Vector's belief that he wasn't cut out for learning foreign languages.

Which was why, after the lecture was over, rather than head to the K building for lunch, the crocodile made his way to the C building, where many of the foreign language departments and classrooms were. After passing by Professor Longclaw's office, the crocodile found himself in his Japanese I classroom, where his professor, Professor Cinder Pheasant, sat at her desk on her laptop.

"Hey, Professor Cinder?" Vector asked, knocking on the wood door.

"Hm? Vector? Is that you?" the red pheasant replied, looking up from her laptop.

"Sorry if I'm interruptin' yeh, are ya busy?"

"Well, my next class is in a couple of minutes, so if you have any questions, make it fast. Otherwise, I'd normally ask you come by during my office hours. Why? What's wrong?"

Vector walked into the classroom, standing in front of the smaller avian's desk. He rubbed the back of his head. "I… didn't do so hot on the first exam. And mah grade's not lookin' the best right now."

"Are you doing all the assignments on Capsule?"

"Yeah, I've done them all, but I'm close to a less than 70 average. Is there anythin' I can do?"

"Well, the best thing I can recommend that you do is come by for tutoring on Wednesday, but other than that, there's not much I'm able to do since I don't have extra credit. I only allow any assignments not turned in before the end of semester in just with a 60 if they're in. I know that you're in athletics and that they're strict about how you keep your grades, and if there was more I can do, I would like to help. But other than tutoring, I don't have much else. I'm sorry."

Vector sighed, knowing that there were little options left. "Alright, thanks regardless."

With that, the crocodile turned around, almost colliding his tail against the desk before…

"Before you leave…" Professor Cinder spoke up. "You mentioned something when you introduced yourself. Your roommate, he's Valdez's student isn't he?"

Vector looked back at the pheasant. "How… didja know?"

"He's the only student here from Yurashia like you mentioned, I deduced two and two together. If you're having trouble with Japanese, why not also have him tutor you? I've heard from both Valdez and Professor Longclaw that you tutor him in English."

Vector stopped. Why… HADN'T he thought about that before? Sure, it would have been easy and he knew the chameleon wouldn't mind… but it felt embarrassing going to him and saying, 'I don't know how to say Today is Monday in Japanese, help'.

"I suppose… besides, our next unit is on… what was it again?"

"...introduction of hiragana?"

"Right right… okay, I'll ask him. Thanks."

With that, Vector parted ways as he finally made his way for lunch. It was looking to be a loaded week, with the semifinals of the College Bowl in two days as well as having to balance out however many assignments and upcoming exams he had.

" Maybe I should just go and ask him…" Vector thought to himself. "If I can just sleep with the dude one night like it's nothin', what the hell's stoppin' me from just asking fer some help?"

As he pushed his large hand against the door of the C building, the crocodile could feel butterflies in his stomach as he thought back to Saturday night. Being the big spoon to the transfer student, being up close to him for warmth with all the covers over them, and waking up to Espio's tail wrapped around his own as he held his hand…

Vector wasn't even going to lie; he wanted that again. Even though the heater was now fixed, part of him hoped that it would be a temporary fix so that the two could sleep in the same bunk again.

"Actually now that I think 'bout it," Vector got his phone from his jacket pocket, unlocking it as he opened up his messages with Espio. Typing away, he wrote,

"hey, about to get lunch rn. where are u?"

There was a moment before the three dots at the bottom of his phone appeared, complete with a reply from the chameleon.

"At the dorm. Watching setsu."

"I have really gotta get him the series on DVD…" Vector mumbled to himself. "That, or let him use mah streamin' account. Although now that I think 'bout it… maybe he ain't ready fer that yet…"

Vector typed his reply quickly.

"im gonna get lunch. gonna come or do you

want me to come back to the dorm?"

"I do not want to miss setsu."

"i think these tvs might have recording on it.

why not record it and watch it later?"

"I can do what? I do not understand."

Vector chuckled. Looks like it was time to blow Espio's mind again, something that was more fun than it needed to be.

"here, ill pick ya up and then we'll get lunch together.

on the way, I need to ask you something. it's a huge favor."


Thankfully, since it was Monday, Espio didn't have to go to Community Service today. That's why, once classes were done for the two reptiles for the day, Vector and Espio sat at the dorm as the crocodile had his Japanese I textbook open.

"She said that we're learnin' hiraganah or whatever it is fer the next unit," the quarterback explained. "Yeh saw mah grade fer mah last exam. It was… yeah, shit. I know. Hell, yer probably laughin' at how easy this is to yeh."

Espio held Vector's textbook in his hands, his eyes following up and down the pages as he nodded.

"No, this is very i… how do you say that word? The one that is not ha-hard."

"Easy?"

"Yes. Easy. I will help you la-learn, Vector."

With that, Espio opened up the false dream journal and turned to a blank page. Grabbing a pencil, he began to write a familiar kanji.

"私"

"Do you see this?" Espio held up the paper in front of Vector, who squinted as he looked at it.

"I've seen it 'round the classroom a bit but I dun recongize this."

"You hear it. This is watashi," he proceeded to point at himself. "I or me."

"That's what I means?"

"Yes."

Espio once again wrote under the kanji, this time writing the hiragana for watashi.

"See?" he said once again, pointing the pencil at each character.

わ "Wa"

た "Ta"

し "Shi

"I ain't ever seen those before."

Espio put the notebook down. "You do not know hiragana?"

"Oh, that's hiragana? I just know the one with all the simple lines."

The transfer student shook his head. "So amateurish that class…" he thought to himself.

"This is hiragana," Espio pointed at the three characters once again, then at the one he wrote above them. "This is kanji. Hiragana. Kanji."

"Is there a big difference between them? Like, are they pronounced differently?"

Espio exhaled out his nostrils, knowing this was going to be a long lesson. Of course, it wasn't like he was going to complain, as this was just like when he was learning English months ago. The only difference was that he knew Vector learning Japanese was going to be much harder than the opposite. So, for the next half hour, Espio wrote out katakana and hiragana characters for the crocodile, showing him that they were pronounced the same despite being different characters. He figured he wouldn't expect Vector to memorize them all in one day, but best to get him time to start recognizing them early. After that, he had Vector practice a sentence Espio was all too familiar with.

"私の名前は_です"

"This is easy," Espio said, pointing at each character. " Watashi, I. No, is…" He turned his head, wondering how he could explain this to Vector with his limited English. He knew what no was, a particle to connect nouns together, but explaining it in a way Vector could understand…

"We learned that a little bit. Professor Cinder said to use it when we talk about somethin'. I kinda sorta get it?" Vector said.

"Oh!" Espio was surprised. At least the crocodile did understand that. With that, he continued. "Okay, so. Na-ma-e," the transfer student pointed at the two kanji. "Name. Wa… desu. Desu is at the end of sentence. So, watashi no namae wa _ desu. My ne-name is. So, you would say and wro-write…"

He proceeded to write Vector's name on the underlined. "Watashi no namae wa Bekutaa desu. Do you understand?"

"I think I get it… can we practice?"

With that, the two spent time repeating the sentence. While Espio did it slowly so Vector could hear how it was pronounced, the quarterback had some difficulty pronouncing namae, wanting to say "namay". However, he was able to get it down easily and could say it accurately. Afterwards, once he practiced how to write the sentence (and the correct stroke order), Espio helped the crocodile with a page to remember his hiragana and katakana.

"Again," the transfer student said as he pointed at the page for what felt like the umpteenth time.

あ/ア "A"

い/イ "I"

う/ウ "U"

え/エ "E"

お/オ "O"

"Ah… e… ooh… eh... oh..." Vector repeated.

か/カ "Ka"

き/キ "Ki"

く/ク "Ku"

け/ケ "Ke"

こ/コ "Ko"

And this continued for the rest of the kana that Espio had written down. It brought Espio memories of his mother and the nanny helping him learn kana when he was just a young chameleon, writing down each kana on parchment and having him repeat it each time. Vector seemingly wasn't lost on the irony either.

"Ya know," he said once they were done. "This was just like when I taughtcha English! Who wouldda thought the tables have turned?"

Espio smiled softly. After all these months of having Vector be his teacher, now he was doing the same for the crocodile. While it wasn't like teaching him how to do kendo, being a language instructor felt exhilarating.

"We are do-done?" Espio asked. However, Vector put his hand on his notebook.

"Say, there's one more question I wanted to ask ya."

The transfer student was surprised. He thought that Vector understood what he was taught, so why did he stop?

"D… D'ya know how to say… oh, how do I say it?"

He could see the crocodile turn away from Espio, trying his best not to look him in the eyes.

"How do ya tell someone that ya like them?"

Espio stopped and blinked. Liking someone? Well, there were multiple ways to say it in his language but… why was Vector asking?

"Ah… eeh.." the chameleon looked down at the notebook, opening it up to a new page as he began to write.

"大好きですよ"

"This is I ri-really like. Dai suki desu yo. Dai-su-ki-de-su-yo."

"Die… su… key… de… sue… yo?" Vector repeated.

"Yes."

"So if yeh were to say like, if ya liked someone, yeh'd say their name and that?"

"Yes. If I say, "Hahaue-sama ga dai suki desu yo", I really like my ma-mother."

"What about love?"

Espio stopped. He could feel his heart beating more rapidly as he felt his chest flutter.

"La-love?"

"Yeah. What's love?"

Espio looked back down at the notebook again. It was the word that was barely used in Gojo, the word that he had tripped up on so many times learning English. The chameleon's hand shook, unable to write the first stroke for ai.

"Yeh alright?" the quarterback asked.

"Y-Yes! A… la-love…"

He could feel his body warm up as he felt his tail stiffen, writing out the word in question.

"愛してる"

"Aishiteru. It is se… what is that word for he-heavy?"

"Heavy? In terms of words?"

"Yes. I do not know."

"I mean, yeh can use heavy to describe words. How is love heavy?"

Espio didn't know how to explain it to Vector. English was so different compared to Japanese, there was no way to really explain it to him with his limited English that aishiteru was such a loaded phrase, no one used it except for married couples.

And yet, it was a word that described how he felt towards Vector.

He could feel his scales grow a brighter red as he now turned away. Just then, he felt Vector's hand on his own.

"H-Hey… I'm not quite sure why yer embarrassed, pal. But I get it if it's like a loaded term. Ya dun have to continue if ya dun want. Besides, we've been at this fer some time and I gotta get ready for practice too. Thanks fer the lesson though! It… really helped out a lot. Yer a good teacher, Espio! Way better than I was when I taughtcha English. I at least understood since day one!"

With that, Vector got up from the chair by the task and closed his Japanese I book. Espio watched as the crocodile crouched down and opened up his duffel bag.

"Yer still watchin' the game Wednesday, right?" he asked. Espio nodded in response.

"Great! We need all the support, especially since we're so close to bein' champions fer the second year in a row! Anyway, looks like I got everythin' I need. I'll be back soon, I promise! I just think it's gonna be a long session since we've been bustin' our ass off just like durin' the playoffs. It is a little bit of a shame yeh haven't returned to helpin' me train… but I get it, yeh've been through so much this month. Maybe ya do deserve a bit of a break."

With that, Vector got up from the floor. "Okay, fer real though, I'm outtie!"

The crocodile left the room, his tail bouncing as he walked. Espio watched as he soon closed the door behind him, turning his head back to the practice pages he worked on with Vector.

"愛してる"

That simple phrase stared back at him, beckoning him, taunting him. Espio sighed, wishing that he could have the strength to just say these words. In fact, part of him wondered if he should get dressed in his winter wear and watch Vector's practice. It had been a VERY long time since he had last done so, months even. Not just that, but he wanted to see how Rotor was doing too. He knew the walrus had been looking at him the last couple of days, nonchalantly wondering about how his future with Vector was going to be as well as his hopes to return to the LGBTQ League.

Espio's head hurt. Not to mention, Alan would likely be coming back again tonight for dulcimer practice. So even if he wanted to go… he couldn't.

It was this odd sense of things being much easier, life looking more up than down, and yet there were still moments like this. It didn't make sense to Espio, but perhaps there wasn't an easy answer. One thing was for certain though, he wanted to slowly talk about how he had been feeling with others, but… Mark and Rotor seemed to be the only people he could talk to at a time like this. He wasn't sure who to go to next, but at this point, as the days rolled by, he would only feel his heart thumping harder and harder the more he thought about Vector. The more he thought about how they had slept together, how Vector just now touched his hand.

Though it was a gesture Vector likely did out of thin air, with no intentioned meaning to it, Espio could feel his body warm up as he put his hands atop one another, wishing that the top palm was Vector's massive hand holding his right now.


WEDNESDAY

Nothing of note happened the next couple of days, with the two reptiles going about through their classes and doing the usual routine as they had normally done. One thing that did leave Espio slightly sad was that Tuesday, when Mighty treated Vector and Knuckles out for lunch. They had wanted to bring Espio, but the crocodile told him that he couldn't leave campus because of his ankle monitor and probation. As such, with Espio looking on, he had to watch the three leave campus sadly, cursing his probation for not allowing him to be with his friends.

Even though Mighty did bring back something for the chameleon, it didn't feel the same. Nothing feeling the same felt emphasized when he got the food from the armadillo, grateful for it of course, but… a feeling of ostracization came to him greatly that day.

It was now finally Wednesday evening, and Espio had the day free to himself after class. He had even told Alan not to come by today during yesterday's dulcimer practice session at Vector's suggestion, all for one big reason: the semifinals of the College Bowl. The day had finally come for him to cheer on the crocodile for the first time since the Winter Playoffs, now that he no longer had to deal with the stress of his trial, his feelings for Vector, as well as community service.

He even followed Vector to the community bus just parked by the stadium on campus, watching as he boarded and wishing everything to be okay at tonight's game.

After making a quick stop to the E-123 vending machine and picking up a Diet Chao Cola to quench his thirst from the K building (the vending machine in question noting that his stress improved since the last time he was here, something he was surprised it remembered), he passed by those strange "row-baughts" Jewel introduced him to advertising tonight's game.

"Reminder for all students: tonight's football game can be viewed on MSE!" the red orb shaped robot said, his eyes and mouth flashing as he spoke.

"Remember to also wear your Badniks pride!" the other robot, the yellow cubed one said as he had on a Badniks shirt. The chameleon looked down at them both oddly before walking back to the dorm, soon eventually sitting on his legs in front of the TV tuned to MSE as he waited for the game to begin.

Just as he began to open his Diet Chao Cola, that's when he heard a knock at the door. Espio was surprised to hear the knock, realizing that it must not have been from Valdez. He did frown though, thinking that it was Alan coming by for practice even though he told him not to come. But as he got up from the floor and walked to the door, opening it up, he was surprised at who he saw.

"Hey there, Espio!"

It was Mighty, the armadillo grinning as he had on his wrestling varsity sweater as well as his other winter gear.

"Ah, Mighty. Hello," Espio replied.

"How ya doing? It's been a bit since I last stopped by. Hey, I just got back from wrestling practice, am I in time for the game tonight?"

"Oh… I am wo… wah… watchhhing it?"

"Wait, did it just start?!"

"No no, it did not start."

"Okay… good. I was worried that I wasn't gonna be able to watch it. I haven't been paying close attention to the College Bowl since they usually seem to happen on nights I'm at practice. But Coach Ripple scheduled it earlier in the day, so I got off just now. I was gonna watch it on my own back at my dorm since I didn't buy a ticket… but… you wanna watch it together?"

It had been quite some time since Espio had been together with Mighty, the last two noteworthy times he could being when he went out with the armadillo and Knuckles at the mall, and when the two came by the dorm on Christmas. Plus, as much as he wanted to spend his time fawning over the crocodilian quarterback, maybe he could use tonight to talk with Mighty about…

No, Espio shook his head mentally. He was still very close to the crocodile, although Mighty DID seem the type to be more honest. If he did talk about it…

"Espio? You gonna… you gonna say anything anytime soon?" Mighty asked. "You've just been staring at me for the last couple of seconds."

Espio blinked rapidly, shaking his head. "Oh! A-Ah… ye-yes! You can co-come in."

"Alright, sweet! Plus we can do some catching up. I've only heard a little bit about what went down with you ever since you left to go on trial. Sounds really hard, man. I did jury duty about two years ago and it honestly wasn't fun, but I couldn't imagine being in court."

Espio frowned. While he was glad the saga was over, he didn't like to recall it. Mighty soon quickly picked up on this.

"Ah, I shouldn't make you remember that, man," the wrestler said. "Besides, we're wasting time here. But before I come in…"

With that, Mighty made himself home as he went to take off his shoes, remembering Espio's main rule when it came to visitors to the dorm.

"Don't worry, man! I remembered!" he said, walking over to the TV and sitting down only for his face to change to a wince. "OOOOF… man I felt that… Coach Ripple had us practice wrestling against fellow teammates of different weight classes. I had to wrestle Munch for the first time today. The dude has a surprisingly really strong grip and man, you saw how he was when you and the others came by one of our matches. It's scary how fiery he becomes when he's on the mat, but even scarier when you're facing him off while he's in that state. Wonder what he did back home?"

"How is he?" Espio asked, realizing that it had been some time since he had seen not just the rat but also Bow, as he normally saw the others in his friend group on a weekly basis.

"Oh, he's been fine. He's actually been asking when you're gonna come back to another one of our matches, especially since our end of season tournament is next month. Told me that he feels a little left out that you're hanging out with his other friends."

Espio frowned. In his time foolishly pushing people apart because of his feelings for the crocodile, he had been unknowingly hurting his friends. Maybe he should spend an afternoon with the rat to make up for how he'd been acting…

"Oh, it's starting! Espio, look!"

Espio quickly turned his attention to the TV as a CGI football flew across the screen. The words, "COLLEGE BOWL LXVI" appearing on the screen in gold, silver, and maroon lettering in front of the ball. As the screen flashed, two familiar faces appeared on screen.

"Good evening, all MSE viewers and those listening on KLAK 102.9, or whatever illegal stream you're DEFINITELY not watching from!" the excited voice of Wes Weasley rang out from the TV speakers. "Welcome back to the sixty-sixth annual College Bowl, held to mark the end of the College Football season! As always, I'm Wes Weasley!"

"And I'm Sam Speed!" the weasel's familiar Overlander partner said next to him.

"And we're live from the MeteorTech Stadium in Monopole, since all the big-name teams are using the Federation Dome in preparation for the CMFL Championship Game on the 7th of February! Guess this is what happens when the big boys push the kids down, huh Sam?"

"Hey, not when we're the ones NOT presenting that game! To think, we finally join the big leagues of sports broadcasting, and we STILL can't be on the field with everyone else!"

"Oh, pull up your pants, Sam! We'll get our time eventually! Besides, they don't understand that we would liven up things if we were down there! Well, with that out of the way, the audience has also been livening up things, with our latest poll on Scrambler reaching a total of ninety-eight thousand votes on who'll be winning tonight's game. A good fifty-four for the Badniks, and forty-six for the Grand Metropolis Metallics! I think they're gonna need a prayer especially considering last time the Badniks went against them, they lost!"

"Well, a poll is one thing, Wes! But we better hope to make sure these boys know what they're doing this time! After all, while the Badniks might have won the Winter Playoffs, we've gotten exclusive word that the Metallics' coach, Akhlut Orca, has been putting his players on a new training regimen that has been improving their playskill. It's how they've managed so many clean wins over this Bowl season!"

"Unfortunately, we were unable to get an interview with Coach Akhlut, but that's common with these coaches!" Just then, the weasel put his hand against his headset. "Wait… I'm just getting word that both Coach Augustus of Mobius University and Akhlut of Grand Metropolis University have already both met on the field, and everything was cleared up after the pre-game show! It means we're now ready to bring you live to the field at the MeteorTech Stadium!"

"Where is Vector?" Espio asked, annoyed that he wasn't seeing the man he felt so many feelings towards on the screen.

"That's MSE for you, sure likes to go on and on and on and on. Like, get to the damn game, I don't wanna hear about whatever debate you have over someone's playstyle," Mighty replied. "Then again, I'm just jaded from their commentary on our team a year back."

Just then, the two saw the Grand Metropolis Metallics run onto the field. Espio easily recognized many of the faces, remembering how they were the team the Badniks played against during the sole time he got to go to an Away game.

"Will Vector u-win?" Espio asked.

"I hope. The team has managed to get this far on the hightail of their victory at the playoffs. Of course, the Dingoes are in the semifinals too so if I had to bet, those two are gonna go at it again," Mighty replied. Just then, he noticed the drink Espio had in his hands. "Hey, by the by, got something to drink?"

Espio pointed at the mini fridge.

"Thanks, dude!"

With that, the armadillo crawled towards the fridge as the chameleon turned back to the TV, waiting with excitement as he hoped to see that oh so familiar crocodile he wanted nothing more than to idolize.


MEANWHILE

Vector could feel his heart beat rapidly as he and the rest of the Badniks stood behind their usual entrance, waiting for the okay to head out onto the field. It had been the umpteenth time he had done so this month, and every time, he felt a mix of so many emotions. Nervousness, excitement, concern. But once he knew he got onto that field, he knew that he had to make a show for everyone on those stands and watching at home.

"Come on, don't look like you're gonna throw up now," Knuckles said, elbowing Vector. "How many games have we done this?"

"When we're close to a second championship victory in a row?" Vector replied. "Yeah, I think I'm gonna lowkey panic right 'bout now."

"Well, take a chill pill, man! You know we got this. We're gonna kick ass together, right?"

Vector looked down at his good friend and grinned at him. "Yeah, yer right. I can't freak out now. We gotta give everyone the show of their lives."

The crocodile and echidna fist bumped as they heard the voice of the announcer at the stadium yell, "...here comes the empire of Robotics and their army, it's the MOBIUS UNIVERSITY BAAAAAAAAAAAADNIKS!"

With that, the entire team ran forward and crashed through a large wax sheet as the marching band began to play and beat their drums. A loud cheer echoed throughout the stadium as the crocodile ran forward, performing his usual pose that ended with his fist in the air. An even bigger cheer roared throughout the field as Vector looked around, the flashing of camera flashes, the chant of 'BADNIKS ATTACK!' filling his ears.

"Alright, let's rock," he said to himself, streaking more of the eye grease he had on across the lower parts of his eyes. Walking to the center portion of the field, Vector got behind Bull as he crouched, waiting for the first move to be made. The referee placed the ball in the middle of the field, taking a few steps back.

"Black, 33! HUT!"

Vector was caught off guard by the voice from the Metallics' quarterback as the sound of the referee's whistle blew aloud. Bull almost fumbled to the floor as the center player from the Metallics grabbed the ball, running past Vector and the front center line of scrimmage from the Badniks' side.

"What the?!" Vector said, the wind almost knocked out of his throat as he quickly turned around. He moved his eyes to the right, watching Connery running towards the Metallics player with the ball. However, the horse was tackled from behind, a neigh escaping his throat as he rolled onto the ground. As the player with the ball passed it, Thrash was able to intercept it jumping into the air. Running towards the Metallics' side of the field, four pairs of feet all tan towards the purple Tasmanian devil as he got hit in the shoulder by someone attempting to run into him by the side. Vector followed behind, his tail bouncing up and down as he ran.

"THRASH! OVER HERE!" he yelled, the wide receiver's face clear with determination through the mouthguard of his helmet. Thrash passed the ball towards Vector, who unfortunately, had it slip from his hands. The ball fumbled onto the fake pasture as one of the referees blew his whistle. Vector put his gloved hands on his hips, exhaling heavily.

"Oh boy… this is gonna be one of THOSE games," he said to himself, walking back to the center of the field. As the referee put the ball on the field, there was another call from the Metallics quarterback, and after the 'HUT', his attempt failed as Bull was able to grab the ball. He threw it behind him towards Vector, who grabbed it as Knuckles and Monk ran besides the crocodile. The two ran forward towards the defense on the Metallics' side, Knuckles turned his head towards Vector and Monk.

"Monk, one o'clock!" he yelled. In response, the purple gorilla was able to collide into an Overlander linebacker, completely untouched as he ran next to the crocodile.

"Here comes the two safety," Monk said. "Vector, hand me the ball."

Amid the two running, the quarterback used this time to return a gawk at the tackler. "What?! Are yeh crazy?" he yelled.

"You know better than I do that I got this! Now give me the damn ball!"

In complete shock, Monk wrestled the football out of Vector's hands as he slowly came to a stop.

"Dude, what the fuck?!" Vector yelled in anger as Monk's move caused the safety to easily catch him and caused the ball to fumble. He shook his head.

"What is he THINKIN'?!" he thought to himself, wondering what convinced Monk that was a good plan. As they returned to the line of scrimmage, he could see the gorilla staring back at him as Axel passed by Vector.

"What in Gaia's name convinced you passing him the ball was a good idea?" he said, taking a deep breath. "Is it that hard for you to hold the ball, Vector?"

As he walked away, Vector could feel his tail slink. Even with the omamori under his jersey, it seemed like fate had other plans…


BACK AT THE DORM

It was after halftime, and Espio and Mighty continued to watch the game back at the reptile's dorm together. However, instead of cheering and celebrating whenever the Badniks scored, they were both beyond concerned due to the scoring. With 21 for the Metallics and 9 for the Badniks, there was a very distinct difference.

"I'm sure they'll turn it around," Mighty said, a bag of pretzels open in front of him that the two were sharing to quell their nerves. He grabbed one from the bag and began to crunch on it, swallowing seconds later. "The Badniks always do. You've seen how they played during the Playoffs. One minute it looks like they're gonna lose, and the next they won."

Espio nodded but looked down at his feet. "Will Vector b-be okay?"

"I'm sure they should be. But dang, the Metallics really improved over last time. Wonder how they've been training. Oh, pretzel by the way?"

Mighty held up the bag towards Espio, the chameleon's eyes softly widening as he looked at the bag. This snack didn't seem very familiar to him, but Mighty's hospitality reminded him of Mark's the first time he went to the tapir's dorm.

"Ah, thank you," Espio replied, about to reach inside before forgetting that snacks like these tended to leave his hands a fair bit oily.

"Did you not want any then?" Mighty asked as the chameleon got up, his hakama softly swishing as he went over to his bag and grabbed his chopstick set. Thankfully he had washed it yesterday, so it was ready to be used again. As such, when he sat back down next to the armadillo, he reached his chopsticks inside the pretzel bag, pulling two out as he stared at it before putting it into his mouth. With a satisfying crunch, Espio chewed, noting how salty yet not as oily this tasted compared to chips. In fact, this almost reminded him of a nice, salty bowl of edamame in a way…

"Oh, they're setting up the field again!" Mighty said, tapping Espio's shoulder. "Look!"

With that, the two turned their attention back to the TV as they could see Vector clearly on the left side of the screen. Espio grabbed his foam hand that sat to his left, holding onto it tightly as he hoped for a miracle, even despite his prayer to the Seven Lucky Gods earlier today.

The speakers of the TV burst to life with the sound of the referee's whistle and the commentary from MSE as the third half went under way.

" The Badniks' center player making a stellar grab for the ball as he hands it to Vector," Wes Weasley commentated. "Vector currently heading past the line of scrimmage as the Metallics' defense gets into position. Here comes the middle linebacker!"

Espio and Mighty's eyes widened as they continued to stay transfixed on the TV, both of them starting to slowly rise from where they sat.

"C'mon, Vector!" Mighty cheered. "Go, go, go!"

"Is Vector u-winning?" Espio asked. "There are pi-people in front of him."

Just then, Espio saw that Vector was able to evade the defensive end as before he could be tackled, Axel came rushing towards him and the Metallics' defensive end, grabbing the ball from Vector's hands and twirling around the group, dodging each and every one of them. As Vector was soon brought to the floor, Thrash came up from behind as the water buffalo continued to run, passing the ball back to the Tasmanian devil as he soon ran towards end field with no one guarding it. With the sounds of, "TOUCHDOOOOOOWN!" coming from the TV, Espio and Mighty hugged each other and smiled as they celebrated the second Badniks touchdown of the night.

"See, I told you, Espio!" Mighty said, smiling. "I told you that things were gonna turn around!"

Espio smiled softly as he looked at his armadillian friend. He was right, the Badniks were going to turn this around. Vector was going to turn this around. Not just via the power of the omamori, but because that he hoped the crocodile would win tonight in honor of him. To be someone that directly influenced the seas of fate in such a way, even Bride of the Rich Nights would find hard to read, it brought Espio great joy to know that the status quo of the Badniks' inevitable victory was returning.

"Not to mention…" Espio thought to himself. "Vector would want to win this for his team. For his community. And… and for me…"

It still pained Espio that he wasn't in the stands cheering him on like he was during Home games. Though he knew the Omamori, as well as his prayers were likely enough, he knew that his presence was all he needed to inspire Vector to win, almost like he was the crocodile's lucky charm. In fact, when he heard about and remembered how many games they won, it stuck out to Espio because he was there for them all.

Feeling butterflies in his stomach, his inner thoughts were interrupted by Mighty getting bewildered by something on screen.

"What the hell is Monk doing?!" he questioned, a very rare look of anger on his face. Espio was taken off guard. What happened?

"What is go-going on?" he asked.

"This is the third time this game, Monk's been trying to forcefully take the ball from Vector and lead the offense with it but losing it each time! It's such an amateur mistake! What's he up to?!"

Espio turned his eyes back to the screen, watching both teams head towards the 40 marker on the Badniks' side of the field. The camera showed an annoyed looking Bull marching back to the center.

As Mighty shook his head, Espio couldn't help but let his mind wander. He had been hearing that the gorilla was having some major bad blood with the crocodile, but he didn't think it would extend to their football games. Espio's eyes lowered, not wanting Vector to be hurt at all as the game continued. One thing was for sure, he had to cheer for his friend, the object of his affection. Otherwise, he would have felt like he let Vector down…


FOURTH HALF

The countdown on the very large scoreboard spoke more words than need be. At 3:46 counting down to 3:45, the Metallics' score was at 35 and the Badniks at 27, Vector felt great dread as he looked up at the scoreboard.

"This can't be happenin'…" he thought to himself, shaking his head. He didn't even know how this happened. Not only were the Metallics playing in a manner similar to the Dingoes, but mistake after mistake also kept happening as a result. And least of all to mention…

"What is goin' on with Monk tonight?" he asked himself, questioning why EVERY time he had the ball, the gorilla demanded that he have it. "I'm the fuckin' quarterback, I got this…"

Cursing to himself, Vector returned to the 30-yard line marker on the Badniks' side of the field. He slapped his helmet, trying to focus.

"C'mon Vec," he said to himself. "It ain't over yet. Yeh've turned this 'round before. Dun give up now!"

Hopeful in his mental assurance, Vector once again got behind Bull as the referee's whistle blew. The Center player of the Metallics grabbed the ball and began to head forward. Vector attempted to grab the ball, but failed as he was rushed into by the offensive tackler of their team. Falling to the floor, he looked up to see Rudy and Rotor getting into position.

"C'mon, yeh two! Just focus on gettin' the ball to their side so we can get closer! Yeh heard me durin' halftime!" Vector yelled. The lizard and walrus were able to both work together in unison as Rotor grabbed the ball. Holding onto it for dear life, the walrus ran forward with a shocked expression on his face as he was now being chased by the other Metallics players. As Vector got up and ran towards Rotor, he unfortunately was tackled from behind as the ball fumbled to the floor.

"Aw damn!" Vector held his hands up to his face, his teeth gritting as he saw the scoreboard. Twenty-one seconds had passed, and it wouldn't be long before fewer than three minutes remained until the game ended. He wanted to kick the ground with his cleats, have their last-minute luck come to them. But nothing came. He could even see Coach Augustus holding his clipboard to his face, almost as if he were about to shatter it over his head.

"I ain't lookin' forward to coach gettin' on our ass after…"

Sighing, it was time for the umpteenth start. Get into position, whistle blow, have some center player grab the ball, and see where things from there. Thankfully, Bull was able to grab the ball and passed it to Vector. He held onto the ball and as he darted around the linebackers, he watched Monk run towards him. The crocodile lowered his brow as he continued to stare at the gorilla.

"Monk, just focus on the damn defense! I got this!" he yelled.

"You don't have this, Vector! Let me do this!"

Huffing, Vector ignored Monk as he continued to run towards the end field. Thanks to Knuckles on the offense and the crocodile and Connery passing the ball back and forth, a touchdown was FINALLY made on the Badniks' side. The crowd came to a cheer as Vector came to a walk, sighing happily as his team ran towards his side, jumping all around him in celebration. As Vector finally smiled at the late good luck, but as he turned his head, he could see Monk glaring at him.

Walking past him, he knew better to focus on the game than on whatever was going on with Monk. Returning to the center field, the whistle blew as everyone got into position, the scoreboard almost feeling like a doomsday clock at this point. Vector grabbed the omamori from under his jersey, hoping for any last bit of luck.


"2:14 on the clock right now, and though the Badniks were able to steal a touchdown this late into the game, with a goalpost point, the Metallics still continue to lead ahead from the Badniks!" Sam Speed commentated through the speakers as Espio and Mighty inched ever so closer to the TV. At this point, the chameleon and armadillo held onto each other for comfort as they watched with bated breath.

"I don't think I can look," Mighty said, turning to face Espio. "They can't lose like this!"

Espio, on the other hand, could only watch with a fallen face. All the time Vector spent training, all the time that Vector had won… had it meant nothing? He could see even from the cameras pointed at the field, Vector's disappointed, angry expressions. It hurt him to see his crush act in such a way, feeling bad that his damn probation wouldn't let him leave campus to be in the stands to support Vector.

"Ba-but Vector will win, co… correct?" the chameleon asked.

"I hope so but…" Mighty replied. "With how things are looking right now…"

The grim looking on Mighty's face didn't assure Espio at all. As he turned back to the TV, watching the group of light blue and white shirts running towards the Metallics' side of the field, Espio gripped onto his hakama.

"Ganbare yo… ganbare yo…" he whispered under his breath. He wanted to see Vector to be a champion again, to see his bright, shining face under all those lights, just like how he looked in the magazine the crocodile gave him. Vector's face flashed in his mind repeatedly, his jaws open wide in a big smile as he had his eyes closed among the various ways he had smiled.

"Espio, are you okay?" Mighty asked. "You're shifting in place hard."

Espio's face fell as turned towards the armadillo. Shaking his head, he looked down at the floor.

"A-Ah… I am sorry… I di-" he said before Mighty slapped his leg.

"Come onn! What's going on tonight?" the armadillo questioned. "They were doing so well! I get that it happens from time to time but…"

Espio no longer felt the confidence he felt earlier into the night. He grabbed onto the magatama necklace he wore, murmuring a prayer for luck.

"Vector please… I would scream your name into the heavens if it means you win. Do this for me…" he thought to himself, hoping that Vector could SOMEHOW hear him.


0:25

Vector felt his breathing hitch as he continued to run towards the Cornerback of the Metallics. He could feel the eyes of millions on him, all of them yelling his name. Was it in anger? Was it for motivation? The crocodile didn't know, but there was less than a minute on the clock. The Badniks were behind 11 points. Maybe they could sudden death this? No… it felt like a miracle couldn't happen now.

It couldn't end like this… He wanted to go home a hero, hear the cheers of his university, see… see Espio be proud of him more than anything in the world. And now, it was to amount to nothing. All this time he trained, all this time wearing the omamori for not just luck's sake, but for Espio's sake, all this time that he even pretended the chameleon was in the stands so he could hear the transfer student's low, yet serene voice cheer out his name.

The season couldn't end like this…

0:19

…but now, reality sunk in.

0:15

Espio and Mighty held onto each other even tighter than they had ever before, watching the TV with bated breath and complete and utter fear. Their eyes wide, they could only watch as Rudy intercepted the ball, only for him to get tackled to the ground just three seconds later. Espio's face was completely fallen, not even able to form words. All he knew was that at that moment, he wanted to take revenge against the Metallics for dishonoring Vector, dishonoring the one he loved.

0:09

From afar, Vector could see Coach Augustus biting into his hat, pulling it tightly as he couldn't bear to witness the failure his team had been tonight. The crocodile sighed, knowing full well fate couldn't be changed like he hoped. It felt like the world darkened around him, the only noise being heard was the cheers of Metallics fans and the boos of Badniks fans.

Even though the cheerleaders attempted one final act of motivation, it wasn't enough, and in the middle of them all cheering, ' MAKE EM MADNIKS, TO SHOW WE'RE BADNIKS-'

*BZZZZZZZZZZZZ*

Vector could almost feel his pupils grow smaller by the second as he heard that familiar buzzer.

That was it. That was the end of the game.

That was… the end of his football season. Ending not in a bang, not even in a whimper, just the feeling of emptiness.

As he watched Coach Akhlut of Grand Metropolis U congratulate his team, the orca raising his hands in the air as a wide smile was on his face, the Badniks only stood in shock as the sinking realization of what happened filled everyone's mind. No longer were they going to be in any more games, that was it.

Vector took off his helmet, staring at the ground as he refused to look anyone in the eye. He tried his best, trained so much, hoped that lady luck was by his side. And… this… this was the result.


Mighty stared at the TV as Sam Speed and Wes Weasley continued their commentary regarding the Metallics' victory. Disbelief was written all over his face as he shook his head.

"So that's it…" he said. Espio looked over at Mighty, confused as to what this meant.

"Will Vector pu-play ah… again?" he asked.

"No… no, Espio… he won't."

"What?"

"Didn't you remember the rules of the Winter Playoffs? Once your team loses, you're out. You've lost and can't go on further in the tournament. In other words… the Badniks' season ended. There's no more football games."

Espio wanted to gasp. No more… football games? Then… that means that Vector…?

It wasn't enough. He tried his best to support Vector from where he was, but him not being there ruined it. He felt upset, not just at the Badniks' loss, but at himself. How could he let Vector down?! How could he expect the crocodile to continue liking him after this?!

Loss was something he knew was common of people, but something that was almost never tolerated in Gojo. His senseis and his mother believed that personal loss was a sign of a weak ninja, one who could do nothing but rely on the help of others and had no concept of independence. One could improve from loss, but if one continued to fail repeatedly, you were seen as a lost cause…

At this current moment, he felt like he experienced a loss of his own seeing how miserable the Badniks looked even from the TV. He felt like he couldn't face Vector, wanting nothing more than to perform dogeza in front of him and apologize for his inability to support him further than he already had.

And he expected Vector to feel the same as he did?... even in spite of this?


LATER THAT NIGHT

The air was heavy and musty within the locker room after the post-game interview and reporter questions from the press, but the Badniks were finally glad to wash up and start getting ready to return back to campus. As they all started to pile in, however, a voice stopped them.

"Wait. Get your asses here before you change and shower."

It was Coach Augustus. The entire team turned around and faced the polar bear, an unreadable expression on his face.

"…that game," he said. "I get it. We can't win every single game we play. It's just objective fact. But after our victory at the Winter Playoffs, you can imagine why I feel a LITTLE peeved that we managed to get so far into the College Bowl, only for all of us to trip on our shoelaces and run around like a bunch of Cluckies without their damn heads!"

The coach sighed, trying his best to not make his face redder than it already was. "Despite this... unfortunate closure to our season… we still made it home with at least ONE tournament victory under our belts, the first one in over five years. And we still managed to hit the semifinals in the College Bowl too. You boys have all worked your asses off since summer training camp last year and during each practice since August for us to come here. Reflect on your failures but use the motivation to do better in the future. You've all managed that this season, and despite the occasional loss… I couldn't be prouder of this team."

Now finally smiling, Augustus continued to look around the group of mobian and Overlander men. "To all the freshman newcomers, you've shown me just how you can handle more professional football than measly high school settings, and your coaches and athletic directors weren't joking about your abilities. And for my seniors and 6th year boys, Gaia am I gonna miss you all. Make sure you keep your eyes and ears open, I feel the big leagues definitely can use talent like yours. As for the rest of you, you're not giving up once we move to next season, right?"

"NO COACH!" all the players yelled in unison.

"That's what I like to hear! Now, next week, we'll have a meeting to discuss your off-season period, as well as what I have planned for this summer's training camp. But until then, you boys are now free from the shackles of football! And don't get lazy on me, ya hear?"

"YES COACH!"

"Now get in that shower, and let's head back to campus, shall we?"

With that, the coach and Badniks players all parted ways as Vector returned back to his locker. He sighed as he grabbed his jersey from below and pulled it up over his body and then his snout, shaking his head when he had it off.

"What a game, huh?" Knuckles said as he removed the hairband he had on, allowing his dreadlocks to fall back in place. "We tried our best but…"

"It amounted to nothin'…" Vector brooded as he untied his cleats. "I really wanted to win this tournament like we did the Winter Playoffs! We did it last year but… I dunno…"

"You heard coach. We can't always win them all."

Vector stared at Knuckles, interrupting him in the middle of taking off his tube socks. "I suppose. It's just… Avery told coach last year before he graduated that I would make a damn good quarterback and it was him in that role that pretty much led us to victory. I tried mah best but…"

"But nothing, Vec!" Knuckles stood in front of the crocodile, arms crossed over his bare chest. "You still kicked ass tonight, and that's all that matters. Sure, maybe we didn't win. But… but you still led us like you always do. Don't forget that."

"Knux…"

"Look at me doing your job. You're always giving motivation to the others if they felt like they played like shit, telling them that they gotta use their performance to improve and learn from their mistakes."

"The roles reversin', huh?"

The echidna nodding as he went back to undressing, grabbing a towel by the lockers and tossing one to the crocodile.

"I suppose I shouldn't be all broody. I guess I'm just worried what others would say."

"Don't worry about people on Scrambler. They get way too heated."

"Not just that. It's more so people back on campus. I… I wanted to play tonight's game and win fer… fer Espio."

"For Espio?"

"He hasn't watched any of the College Bowl games at all because of everythin' goin' on this month. His trial, community service, and how depressed he's been too."

"I thought he'd been getting better. He seems more chipper like he used to. Of course, it IS Espio, he's the quiet one of all of us, so perhaps chipper… ISN'T the word I should use to describe him."

Vector smiled. "Nah, I get whatcha mean, Knux. He has been doin' better, but I do wish he were here tonight like he was fer the Playoffs. Yeh and Mighty puttin' him on mah shoulder like that, I never felt more close to him than I ever have… and I want to experience that all over again."

Knuckles had fallen silent, seemingly looking at the crocodile. Vector turned his head, confused. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh… nothing, dude. Hey, how has he been besides that?"

"Oh, Espio? I mean, fine. We had to sleep together the other day."

Knuckles gawked. "Sl-sleep together?!"

"Yeah, the damn heater in our room went out. I assume it happened throughout West Hall cause yeh know how the damn AC units are in these rooms."

However, the quarterback could see the echidna's eyes moving back and forth, seemingly trying to make sense of what he just heard.

"Uh… I don't know how to tell you this but… the heater in my and Mighty's dorm didn't go out."

Vector's eyes slowly widened. "Wh… what?"

"Yeah dude… you know you could have just gone to our dorm and asked if you could sleep over? We don't mind at all. Besides, I don't think that Espio's ever been there."

In his midst to get closer to the chameleon than he ever had before, it didn't occur to Vector that he could do that…

"…oops."

"I mean, I'm not judging. It's like, your life and everything. But like… wasn't Espio uncomfortable?"

"Not really? He got used to it after a bit, but I can tell he's never done anythin' like it."

"Well... now you know for next time. Anyway, let's smash this emerald and get outta here, I just wanna go to bed."

"Tch, I dun blame ya."

With Knuckles walking away, towel around his waist, Vector continued to undress. With his compression pants and jockstrap off, the crocodile wrapped the towel Knuckles gave him around his as his tail slunk, walking towards the showers. It was very vocal within the shower, with his fellow teammates all talking about getting revenge against the Metallics, or what they were planning to do now that they were off season.

Vector walked past them all, trying to find an open stall as steam brushed against his scales. As he walked past one crowded stall, a shrill voice caused him to stop.

"You WHAT?!"

It was Bull's voice. Vector turned around to see Bull, Thrash, Rudy, and Brawny all surrounding Monk in one of the stalls. The purple gorilla had his arms folded, looking at the four with a serious look.

"You can't be serious, can you?!" Rudy questioned. "Why leave?"

"I've done a bit of thinking, Rudy," Monk replied. "And I've come to terms with the fact that perhaps the world of football isn't for me anymore. With its blatant agenda pushing alongside the fact that people outside the culture feel the need to change rules and behaviors, not just for fans but also for the players, I feel that I have to choose between my ideals and having to be stifled by big conglomerates like the CMFL. That's why I'm gonna talk with coach about leaving the Badniks."

Vector was even surprised that Monk knew a word like conglomerate. But still… Monk was retiring? Why? He could hear Rudy continue.

"But you're a good player! A damn good tackler! Where are you gonna go now?"

"I've been looking around and I think I might start taking up MMA. Many of the people apart of it seem to be as likeminded as me, no time for dealing with sexual deviancy and mature in their masculine identity, like men should be."

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Thrash asked. "MMA ain't like football you know."

"Frankly if you ask me, it would get me stronger than dealing with the filth that the football world wants to shove down our throats."

"Filth?" Brawny added.

'You've heard me talk about it. We have homosexuals as cheerleaders, the idea that effeminate betas can be on equal footing to us men, what's next? Biological men thinking that they're women joining teams?! I wouldn't even be SURPRISED if the CMFL started enforcing that! Hell, even the Badniks too!"

"How so?"

"The seas of degeneracy on this team seem to want to brainwash our players into thinking that perversion is what makes a team captain. Well, I won't be swayed. No matter how much shit gets thrown at me, no matter what Outrage mob comes after me, I'll call it what it is: filth. Utter, degenerate, filth."

Vector couldn't even bear to listen to this anymore. Who would have known Monk would have turned out to be JUST like Connery? Shaking his head, the crocodile began to walk forward…

Only to stop as he heard Monk's voice get louder.

"If the face of this team wants to just admit that he wants to see little kids groomed by sodomites and gender ideologues, maybe he would like to speak up so we can remind him what a traditional man is. Someone who DOESN'T participate in sodomy, that's who!"

The crocodile turned around, noticing Monk staring at him. Rudy, Brawny, Thrash, and Bull got out of the way as the crocodile and gorilla stared at each other.

"Are ya ever gonna shut the fuck up, Monk?" Vector asked, slowly walking towards the tackler. "When are ya gonna learn we dun give a shit about what ya got on yer mind?"

"Priceless, coming from the person who wants to try and stand out by having some little effeminate freak follow him around everywhere."

"I told Connery this, I'll tell ya the same too. If ya wanna hate Espio so bad, go ahead. But keep it to yer fuckin' self."

"Why don't YOU keep your little unnatural relationship to yourself! Or better yet, realize that your little mental illness is what stopped us from winning tonight!"

"Yer the one that wanted to get the ball from me no matter what, dude! I told ya I had it but ya didn't fuckin' listen!"

Vector's blood was starting to boil. He knew he had to restrain himself. If he got into ANOTHER altercation, that would be it for his future in football. But Monk was making it harder than it needed to be…

"Oh, SORRY! I suppose that our little 'thooper' quarterback is the only one who sets standards for this team!" he replied, mocking a lisp. "I thought that when Avery recommended you, that you would have been a great pick. But instead, you've shown no issue with a biological man on our cheerleading team, no issue with what the CMFL has been forcing onto their players, and you feel the need to show off what you do in your dorm to that little-"

"Dun. Even. Continue." Vector threatened. "I dun even know why I'm even entertainin' ya. Go ahead and retire, I dun give a shit. Frankly, this team would become a less toxic place with someone like yeh gone."

With that, Vector turned around, heated and ready to punch a wall. All he wanted to do was to shower and for this quarrel to end.

But Monk had different ideas.

"Look at you. So pathetic you can't even man up and face me. Is this what it's like being some 'bisexual' beta?"

Vector stopped.

His eyes widened as he almost felt the towel over his waist drop. He slowly turned around, eyes widened as he could see that the showers were starting to fill up with the remainder of the Badniks all watching the crocodile and gorilla's verbal argument.

"What… what didja say?"

"I heard an interesting message the other day. Apparently, you told someone you were bisexual, did you not?"

There was a sound of, 'What?' and 'Huh?' all over the rest of the Badniks. The only person who didn't seem phased was Knuckles… the only Badnik who knew.

How… How did Monk learn about this? NO ONE besides Knuckles should have known! And here he was, his secret exposed in front of EVERYONE!

Vector eyes darted around the showers, trying to find SOME excuse he could use. But nothing came. His breathing hitched as his blood ran cold, the sound of a distant heartbeat being heard.

"I… that ain't… it ain't…"

"It isn't WHAT?" Monk started to march closer to Vector. "When are you going to stop lying, Vector?! Go on! Tell the team who you REALLY are!"

Vector felt smaller and smaller as he stared into Monk's fiery eyes. His legs shook as he turned away from the gorilla, feeling more weak than he ever had before in his life. "I ain't sayin'…"

"Then allow ME!" Monk turned around to the rest of the Badniks, pointing at Vector. "Your little quarterback is nothing more than a little cocksucking degenerate! And he's hidden that from ALL of us! How does your father feel knowing he failed as a man creating such weakness?"

Vector wanted to be angry, but… he couldn't. The shock and fear he felt being outed to the rest of his team in such a way, it… it felt like what happened at prom with Julie-Su all over again. He could only stare in pure shock, his body unable to do or say anything.

"And how do you all feel knowing that Vector here has likely been staring at you while you shower and change? Well? Doesn't it make you disgusted? Doesn't it make you angry?! Doesn't it feel like such a pervert SHOULDN'T be the quarterback?!" Monk continued. "Wouldn't it be better if we had someone NOT trying to push this LGBT bullshit! WELL?! I'm not standing for a captain who wants to turn this team into some sickening whorehouse for degenerates!"

By this time, Monk's face had gotten completely red, what felt like smoke shooting out of his ears and his nostrils as he breathed heavily. Neck bulging with veins, everyone was silent as the sound of running showers was all that was heard. Vector could see the Badniks all looking among each other, all silent. If Vector could change scale color like Espio, he would be hot pink at the moment.

That's when the first person spoke up; Thrash. And what he said next, one word that surprised both Monk and Vector, came out of the blue.

"So?"

Vector could see the gorilla's face softly fall as he looked confused. "Wh… what do you mean so?!"

"I mean so as in, so? So what if the dude likes guys? He still plays good. Why the hell do you care so much?"

Monk's face started to fall even more as a look of anger now started to appear, walking towards the Tasmanian devil. "I can't even believe what you're saying, Thrash! You mean to tell me that this… this degenerate is okay in your eyes-"

That's when another person spoke up. Shifting around the group of Badniks, Knuckles stood by Rudy and Brawny.

"He is in my eyes. Cause I already knew," he said. Monk looked down at the echidna, gritting his teeth.

"You… you KNEW?! You kept it from me that Vector was a degenerate?!" he yelled.

"Because it's none of your fucking business, dude. You're the one invading his privacy. He told me he wanted to tell you all but didn't feel the time was right. And here you are just telling everyone. Dick move, dude."

"So not only do we have one degenerate, we have TWO sodomite sympathizers on this team! I knew I made the right choice to leave! WELL?! Who ELSE wants to ruin this team even further!"

"I will," a surprising voice said. Everyone turned towards Rotor, who looked at Monk. "I… I felt more uncomfortable by everything you've said about Vector, Monk. But I'm not gonna hide it anymore. I'm not afraid of you anymore. I'll stick up to you by telling you that this team has TWO degenerates. Vector… and… and me."

There was a surprise amongst the rest of the team as everyone looked at each other, surprised at the sudden twist. Even Vector was surprised too. Was… was Rotor coming out?"

"No wonder… considering you like to eat all that soy-based shit, it's not even SURPRISING you're a degenerate too, Rotor! You AND Vector only further ruin this team by your disgusting-"

"That's enough, Monk!" Brawny said. "You're going over the line."

"I'm not hearing that shit from someone who's majoring in theatre! The prime hangout spot for degenerates like these two! You also willingly hang around them all, completely emasculating yourself for such fruity bullshit!"

The warthog looked stunned, almost like he didn't expect Monk to turn on him too.

"Dude, let it go!" Bull argued as he got in between the others. "This is starting to become silly! Ask yourself, is ANYONE on your side, Monk?! Do you think turning against us is what you want!"

"That's easy! I'm sure many people here agree with me!" Monk replied. But… no one did say anything. And then…

"I don't."

"Neither do I."

"So what if Vector and Rotor are gay?"

"They're still my bros!"

"You're fucking trash, Monk. Fuck off."

The gorilla looked around, shocked at the display of support for the crocodile and walrus. His face filled with anger, getting even redder than before as he took a step back.

"You… you all willingly SUPPORT THIS?! SUPPORT… SUPPORT THEIR LIFESTYLE?! TO HELL WITH YOU ALL!"

Monk couldn't even finish his sentence as he angrily walked out of the showers, slamming his fist on the tiled walls as he turned around at his teammates.

"DEGENERATES!" he yelled. "ALL OF YOU!"

With that, the gorilla had left the room as Vector felt the nerves in his body slowly go away. That's when the rest of the Badniks all turned towards the crocodile and the walrus.

"It's true, isn't it?" Thrash asked. Both Vector and Rotor nodded their heads, and then…

The Badniks all huddled together, brofisting the two and hugging Vector and Rotor.

"That's what's up, dude. Don't listen to that dickhead," Thrash said.

"You got my support, man. Both of you kick ass," Brawny said.

This and other similar words were shared by the rest of the Badniks as Vector and Rotor looked at each other. They smiled, happy that their secret had been accepted by the others, even if it came out in less-than-ideal terms.

"Hey, maybe you two should hook up sometime!" Bull joked. "Not like you'll be joining us in the girl ogling!"

"Oh, not to worry. I already got my eyes on someone already, and he's not on the team, don't worry. Besides, I think Vector could do better than me, let's be real," Rotor replied. Vector couldn't help but notice the walrus give a sly wink as he said that.

"Sorry this had to happen, dude," Knuckles said to the crocodile. "I know you wanted to find the right time but-"

"It's okay, Knux. Frankly, if that's the end of Monk, good riddance," Vector replied. Suddenly, a voice sprung out from one person who hadn't joined the crowd.

"Is this song and dance necessary?"

Everyone turned around to see Axel, back against the shower walls as he didn't look amused.

"Really. Ask yourself: is any of this necessary after that total failure of a game?" the water buffalo asked.

"Don't tell me you're on Monk's side too," Thrash said.

"I never said I was. Trust me, I have issues with him being too focused on culture wars than football. But this is just about the same thing. You all should be reflecting on tonight's game and where you all failed at, not focusing on… whatever this display is."

"Yeh know ya can lighten up fer once, right Axel?" Vector asked. "The season's over-"

"And I'm already thinking about the next one. Something you should be doing too, Vector. Well, if you don't want to take my advice, that's fine. Just don't be surprised if we don't win anything next season."

With that, Axel took his leave from the showers as he returned back to the locker. But seconds later, Coach Augustus walked into the room, a look of anger on his face.

"What the hell… is going on?!" he asked.

"Coach!" Vector said, scared as the polar bear walked his way.

"What did you do THIS time, Vector?!"

"Coach, I SWEAR to you, I didn't put mah hands on Monk, I didn't get in his face, anythin'! Everyone here can vouch fer me, right?"

There was a collective ring of voices as the coach yelled, 'STOP!'. The Badniks grew silent as he looked at them all.

"…I'm just making sure. Well, the bus is already here, and yet Connery and Monk are the only two on there! Go on, move your asses and get dressed! And before I forget… Vector, before you leave, come to the office. There's something I want to talk to you about."

"…am I in trouble?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. Do what you're told!"

"Y-Yes coach!"

With that, the remainder of the Badniks scattered to the showers as they all got ready to leave. Rotor, Knuckles, and Vector all stood around, still trying to let everything from the last couple of minutes sink in.

"I… suppose I'll see you on the bus?" Knuckles asked.

"Yeah, go ahead without me."

"Right."

The echidna walked off as the walrus looked at Vector.

"Rotz, I'm gonna shower now. But fer real… congrats dude. I know yeh were scared, but… I'm proud of ya."

Rotor softly nodded. "Th… thanks… thanks Vector. And I'm sorry I didn't tell either of you guys sooner. It means a lot though that you support me…"

"No prob. Now come on, let's get ready."


Just as he was told, Vector opened the door to the shared office, fully dressed to head back to Mobius U. He saw Coach Augustus sitting at the chair by a desk, a large amount of files by him.

"Ah, you came," he said.

"What's goin' on coach? Is it about what happened between Monk and I?"

"Well, you said it yourself: you didn't put your hands on him. But the fact that you're fighting again..."

"Coach, I PROMISE. All I did was walk by him and Monk started talkin' shit 'bout me, even bein' homophobic and-and even sayin' shit 'bout Kit bein' trans like he's always done! As a quarterback, I... I can't stand fer that. Plus he... he outed me."

"Outed you? What do you mean?"

"He told the team I'm... I'm bisexual..."

Vector knew the coach was levelheaded, but he still had his more masculine side. He looked up to see the polar bear silent, staring at him.

"Well, it seems you know a thing about being a quarterback. As a leader, you know that you're the face of your team. If there's one person being unruly, you have to put an end to it. The fact that you did so in spite of that..."

"Coach..."

"Sit down, Vector. Before you ask, no, I don't give a damn what your sexuality is. Just as long as you can throw a ball and run your ass off, go ahead and like who you like. I'm gonna be here for you no matter what. But in regards to what I wanted to talk to you about, this is about something else. Since you're now the quarterback of this team, I always have a chat with them to reflect about the end of the season and their plans for the future. So? How do you feel, Vector?"

"Well…" Vector took a seat as he looked down at the desk. "In spite of what happened between Monk and I… I feel like shit losin' tonight's game. I really wanted us to win like we did last year. I'm happy we at least won the Winter Playoffs but imagine it, coach. Two tournament wins in one season. How kickass would that be? But… I didn't do it. And I got no one to blame but mahself."

"Vector… a team is made up of dozens of people. Though you help me plan out strategy, even the most skilled of planners have times where they fail too. It's in our nature, and that's why we learn from those experiences. You told me you were captain of your football team in high school, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, this year should have told you that being a captain at a public-school team is nothing like being a quarterback on a professional level team. It's two completely different experiences."

"But Avery made it seem like it was nothin'."

"Avery was our quarterback since his sophomore year. He had experience, Vector. You're still on your way to learning, but I'm sure come next year, you'll be a stronger quarterback, right?"

"Yeah, I promise coach, I'm gonna train harder than I ever had before!"

The polar bear smiled as he got up, putting his hand on Vector's shoulder. "I knew Avery made the right choice recommending you. You let us have one of the cleanest seasons since I've been coaching: just three losses in one season. I couldn't be any more proud of you, kid."

With that, the coach got Vector up from his chair as he hugged his player, Vector looking surprised at the action, but soon returning the hug.

"Thanks coach. And thanks... fer supportin' me."

"No problem, son. You aren't the first player like that I've coached before. Say," Augustus continued as he soon let go of the hug. "There's something I have to give you. I do this to every single one of my quarterbacks at the end of the season. But since the field back on campus won't be seeing much use until track season starts…"

He began to dig into his pocket, pulling out a key.

"…the field is just as much yours as it is the university's. Make sure you take good care of it."

With that, Coach Augustus handed the key to Vector as he stared at it. "This is… the key to the field, right?"

"Make sure I get it back before the end of the semester. And by Gaia, make sure you don't lose it either."

"N… no prob, coach!"

"Good. Now get your ass on the bus and let's go home."

"Yes sir!"


Passing by the usually crabby Sally, who was guiding the bus into the parking lot, the Badniks had finally returned to campus. However, unlike the other times when they came back to Mobius U, there was no party, no celebration waiting for them. They knew they had disappointed the student body, but… perhaps after the heated night earlier, everyone just wanted to head back to their dorms.

Even despite AD Sommersby showing up and standing by North Hall, who said nothing and stared at his team. He let them pass by, his pure silence saying more words than him getting angry. Vector and Knuckles walked together back to West Hall.

"Man, I just wanna go to bed. I'm fuckin' tired," Vector said, yawning loudly.

"I'll say. It's almost midnight. And we got class tomorrow."

"Dun remind me… I kinda wanna forget."

Vector opened the door to the A building for Knuckles, letting him enter inside as the warmth from the building heated his blood. That's when he saw two people sitting by some of the sofas.

"Vector!"

Espio got up from the sofa he sat at next to Mighty, running up to the chameleon as the sound of his geta clacking against the floor echoed throughout the empty building.

"You are back!" he said.

"Heh, yeh bet yer ass I am."

Mighty walked up behind Espio, fist bumping Knuckles and grinning at him before looking at Vector with a soft look on his face.

"Sorry you didn't make it to the championships, guys," he said. "Espio and I were cheering you on from your dorm, Vector."

"It ain't no chip off mah shoulder, Mighty," Vector replied. "Frankly, all I know is that I'm gonna kick ass next year."

"You better. Show these teams who the big bad croc really can be."

Vector grinned as he looked back at Espio, grabbing the Omamori off from his neck and handing it to Espio in his outstretched hand.

"Here, Espio. Now that football season is done for, I dun think I need this anymore."

But Espio put his smaller hands on Vector's, pushing it away.

"No, no. This is for you," he said.

"Really? But… ya got this fer mah games."

"It is for you to win. Fo… how do you say that word? Fo… ev…"

"Forever?"

"Yes!"

Vector looked back down at the Omamori and then at Espio. Even when the chameleon returned to Gojo, he wanted the crocodile to keep this not just as a memento, but also so that he could win any game as long as he held onto this.

"He's too sweet. It should be illegal to be as sweet as he is…" Vector thought to himself. He thought back to what Monk had yelled at him earlier back in the showers, closing his eyes. "So what if I'm a deviant or whatever? There's no guy like Espio, no guy I would rather want to be with…"

"Vec? You alright?" Knuckles asked.

Vector shook his head. "Huh? Oh, right. Sleepy, I told ya."

"Right… well, we should really hit the hay. We still got plenty of classes left."

He knew Knuckles didn't bring up what happened between him and Monk, and that was okay. Just like how he treated Connery, he was going to forget Monk existed too. Both of them could die mad for all he cared, all he knew was that he came home feeling better than he thought, and that as long as Espio was here, as long as he gave him his support… perhaps the thought of him learning the truth as well didn't seem as scary as it once did. Maybe… maybe soon, it was time for Espio to learn about his feelings.


MEANWHILE, IN GOJO

It was late at night as Bride of the Constant Vigil had her guards prepare her quarters for the night, dressed in her nighttime yogi. As she sipped on sobacha from her chawan, she looked once again at the message she had recieved earlier today.

"Pardon for my interruption, Bride of the Constant Vigil-sama!" she recalled a Raiju clan guard said earlier that day, arms crossed to form the symbol of the lynx's clan. "However, my master, Bride of the Conquering Storm-sama, leader of the Raiju Clan, has asked for your presence in Hirunotsuka in regards to your eldest son. I have with me a letter from her."

As the chameleon woman looked down at the message, one of the chameleon guards walked up to his master.

"Your quarters are ready, Bride of the Constant Vigil-sama," he said. "Please, let us watch guard as you rest."

"Of course. Thank you."

As she made her way to her quarters, she thought back once again to the letter.

"What is Conquering Storm thinking? What has become of her obsession with Espio? And why does she think that his fate is in danger?"


END OF CHAPTER 29