Kodi
Iwas able to snag tickets for the entire Saguaros team and coaching staff in the first row behind our bleachers. Granted, I had to buy a club-level box for the people who had been sitting there to get them to agree to move. I would have found a way to move the whole-ass desert if I had to for her to come to my game.
I also made sure to tell her that everyone should wear their Saguaros jerseys. She doesn’t know it’s because they’re being introduced as one of the best women’s collegiate hockey teamsin the nation during third quarter break while the teamis being given Rays jerseys.
The events coordinator tried to argue with me, since the girls play hockey and not football, but I made a stink that we should be supporting all of our collegiate athletes, women especially. They finally gave in with the agreement that I’ll be this supportive of all collegiate engagement moving forward for all teams, not just hers. I begrudgingly agreed.
It’s hard not to pace while everyone’s in the locker room performing their pregame rituals and I’m over here with Anya’s excitement for the game bubbling through our bond like a living and breathing thing.
I can’t wait to see you,I tell her through the bond. She giggles but doesn’t respond.What are you up to?
The stadium is pumping with music as we’re introduced and run out of the tunnel.
Finally, my name is called, and I sprint down the tunnel and down the sidelines carrying my giant sheet sign that says PROPERTY OF SAGUAROS ANYA GREENE #23 until I’m right in front of my girl.
All of her freckled, pale skin lights up like a Christmas tree covered in fresh red lights, but she flashes me a wicked smile. She bends over and pulls out her own sign that says PROPERTY OF KODIAK NORTHERLY #69 and has red and gold hearts all over it.
A storm of emotion brews within me as I make a show of falling to my knees, hands on my heart, and a giant cheesy smile on my face while they continue to announce my teammates. Imay have made it look like a dramatic display, but judging from the glossy look in her eyes, my mate can feel how much that truly meant to me.
I know being loud and the center of attention isn’t her thing off the ice rink, but she did that for me. She’s also the first person I’ve loved that’s ever come to one of my games. This moment is something I’ll never forget in all our years.
Feeling and watching Anya watch a football game is an experience all on its own.
I’ve learned since solidifying our bond, that as neutral as she lets everyone think she is on the outside, she is absolutely more affected on the inside. She feels everything so much louder and deeper than anyone could ever dream. Getting to feel all of those things with her is a treasure.
Our defense is holding, and if we can get through this third down without giving up that last yard then the third quarter will be over, and we’ll get the ball back to start the fourth.
The other team doesn’t see the blitz coming when Mars abandons the man he’s been covering this entire drive and makes a beeline straight for their quarterback.
The crowd is on its feet and screaming for the Rays when Mars gets the sack!
Holy shit!
The ball is loose! The quarterback fumbled it. Mars snatches it off the ground and pivots before he can be stopped.
“RUN!” I scream at the top of my lungs.
I look back to see Anya jumping up and down with her team, her fist pumping in the air while she also yells “Run!” as Mars makes it all the way down the field and scores his very first touchdown.
I thought you didn’t like football.I’m smirking at her, waiting for her attention.
Her head whips around so fast her hair goes everywhere. There’s an adorably ornery pout on her face at being caught having fun. I give her a hard time because she’s easy to rile up, but I really do love that she’s decided not to hate football. Everything just feels better—feels right—with her here.
“And now if you could all direct your attention to the seats behind the home team bench, you’ll see our lovely lady Saguaros hockey team! They are one of our local collegiate hockey teams that happens to be one of the best in the entire country! Everyone, give them a round of applause!” the announcer screams to the fans, as all the girls’ eyes go wide and their mouths drop open before schooling their features to smile and wave. “As a thank you for joining us tonight, the entire team will all be receiving Rays jerseys!” he continues as employees crawl out of the woodworks to hand the girls their jerseys. One attendant in particular approaches Anya—his eyes darting briefly towards mine since I may have threatened him if he got too close to her—and hands her my jersey.
You did this!She hisses at me, but it’s got no venom. I can feel her ooey-gooey love and appreciation for this moment thick as honey through our bond as she pulls her Saguaros jersey off, revealing a tiny black tank top I’d like to rip off of her later. Shequickly replaces her jersey with mine and the world is complete. It could stop spinning entirely for all I care.
My girl is wearing my jersey.
No, better.
Mymateis wearing my jersey.
And loving football.
I fucking love you, my Anirniq.
“ThisARIZONAwoman’s ice hockey team is currently ranked third in the entire nation for their class! They will be part of a new program that we’re starting to honor our local collegiate athletes of all sports and genders. Give them another round of applause! Our Saguaros ladies ice hockey team!”
