Unfortunately, it wasn't the first time Nathaniel had been to a volleyball match. About three years ago, his brother dragged him out of the house to watch some matches that would make the beta decide to learn volleyball.
And to imagine that now he was going to see Guilherme realise his newest dream.
He was proud in a way.
Unfortunately, Nathaniel had no idea how the rules worked. Based on the shouts of the fans, he could tell when a point had been scored. If there wasn't a scoreboard at the side of the court, the omega wouldn't have a clue who had scored the point.
But a smile appeared on his face when a certain handsome alpha turned round every time to look at the omega and make a victory sign when a point was scored by Rapoxia.
— Pfft! He looks like a child, how cute.
He wanted to see Jake play, just seeing him in uniform was something else. Although if he took off that jacket, surely everyone would see the marks... He'd better stay in the reserves.
As the game went on, Nathaniel found himself more and more immersed. The strong attacks and the cheers of the crowd seemed to be in complete synchronisation, presenting a new world to this omega layman. Although he lacked understanding, Nathaniel was proud to see his brother playing so hard.
During the short break between sets, Nathaniel noticed movement near where he was sitting. Sitting in the front rows were players whose uniforms were familiar.
Akaguia.
The red-haired alpha was close by, sitting with his arms folded and watching the match silently. It was uncomfortable to know that Caspian was there, and it was even worse to think that he might also go to the after-party. Nathaniel had to be on his guard, even if the intention of a party was precisely the opposite.
He couldn't let his guard down when that alpha was around Guilherme.
Shaking his head to wake up from the fog of worry, Nathaniel noticed an intense look in his direction. On the court, the players were already heading back the other way, and Jake looked at the omega seriously, beckoning him with his finger. Pointing to himself, the omega saw the alpha agree and continue to call him.
Getting up from his chair and walking down the stairs until he was close to the railing, the omega wondered how he was going to hear Jake. The bleachers weren't that high up, the height was small, but even so, the buzzing noise in the gym didn't make it much easier.
To his surprise, Jake jumped over the wall, holding onto the railing. He jumped high enough to hang on. Nathaniel quickly pulled him up by the arm so that he wouldn't fall.
— What if you end up hurting yourself?!
— It's the same height as the window you jumped out of in college, what are you fighting me about?
— Even so... — Nathaniel looked around, feeling the weight of the curious onlookers — You shouldn't do that in front of all these people, it could lead to trouble later.
— I just wanted to know if you were all right — Blinking dazedly, the omega didn't know what to say for sure, and Jake seemed to have noticed — If you stare at the trash can, your eyes could catch some disease.
Grimacing, Nathaniel replied.
— I can't believe you jumped in here just to talk rubbish.
— Hahaha, how could I miss the opportunity to tease you? — Jake laughed, then softened his expression. — I just wanted to hear your voice, so I couldn't help myself.
Feeling his face heat up under the mask, Nathaniel was grateful to be able to hide some of his embarrassment. Even the silly smile that appeared on his lips could be hidden, as he certainly didn't want to look awkward in front of Jake.
— You idiot. I'm fine.
— Good, then wait for me at the entrance to the gym at the end of the match. Let's have an ice-cream, shall we?
— You seem to be asking me out on a date...
— Hey Jake! Get down from there, you brat! — Shouted Coach Santiago, looking like he was about to explode.
— Holy shit! — Jake laughed, turning quickly to Nathaniel and winking at him — It's a date, so I'll see you later.
Just then the alpha jumped back onto the court, being reprimanded by the coach. Despite knowing that he had eyes on him, Nathaniel couldn't help but admire the brunette Alpha smiling so brightly.
His heart was racing just having heard his voice. In fact, Jake's presence was enough to make Nathaniel ecstatic.
Oh, how he loved him.
If Jake continued to act like this, it wouldn't be long before Nathaniel became dependent on him. He knew himself well enough to know that he was the kind of person who would cling to the alpha if his feelings were reciprocated. Like someone in need who had reached the edge of loneliness.
Should Nathaniel ask how Jake felt about their relationship? Or was it too soon? It was he himself who had put a limit on the relationship, he had said he didn't want Jake to be his alpha. Which was a big lie.
He was afraid that Jake wouldn't like him.
He was afraid that everything he was getting from his alpha was part of his sense of responsibility.
If everything between them was merely temporary, Nathaniel imagined that he would never develop feelings for Jake. He wouldn't go through the frustration of being rejected, let alone drag the poor alpha into his troubled world.
— Doesn't he look familiar? I think I've seen this guy somewhere...
— Really, haven't I? I felt like I knew him too...
Sighing, Nathaniel didn't have his sweatshirt to pull up his hood and hide. All he could do was put on his cap and go back to the last row of the stands, getting out of the spotlight before he was recognised.
How suffocating.
Even after sitting down again and watching the match, there was no longer the tranquillity of the first set. The constant feeling of being watched was uncomfortable, but Nathaniel wasn't going to leave. Normally he would have turned his back, because he didn't want to disturb anyone with his presence. However...
He wanted to see his brother shining on the court.
He wanted to see Jake cheering among the reserves.
Would it be okay if he was selfish?
Just as before, every now and then Jake would wave to Nathaniel. He was cheeky and didn't care about the stares, but to a certain omega he seemed to be an angel saving his life. Crossing his arms, Nathaniel smiled under his mask.
— How he likes to attract attention — he murmured thoughtfully.
Nathaniel wanted the game to end soon.
He wanted to see Jake, go out with him and have that ice-cream.
Just imagining the two of them sharing a sweet moment together warmed his heart.
— Excuse me, are you Nathaniel Callegari?
Freezing in place, Nathaniel glanced round at the man with the friendly smile. A shiver ran down his spine warning him to be careful. Immediately the omega looked the guy up and down, he was carrying a bag ajar, inside it a camera.
Journalist.
— And you are?
— Oh, right, my name is Marcelo, I'm a journalist and scriptwriter for Globo.
A journalist from a major broadcaster wouldn't go to that city just to watch an inter-university match.
Unwilling to continue, or rather start, a conversation with that guy, Nathaniel used his own coldness to limit his approach.
— And?
— Is it okay if we talk?
— I came here to watch my friends play.
— Your friends? — The journalist looked at the court — you seem to know Mckenzie.
Nathaniel hated those people. Surely the McKenzies were famous, who wouldn't know them? However, did he know about Jake because of his family or because of Nathaniel?
Lowering his mask, Nathaniel made use of his most effective armour. His scarred, disfigured face and the mental strain he'd been under for the last few years were perfect weapons to keep people away.
— Sit back and watch the game.
His thick voice had an effect, Nathaniel saw the journalist wince and hesitate before sitting down a chair away from him, hugging his bag. Crossing his arms, the omega continued to watch the match, no longer able to concentrate on it. His thoughts never left the man next to him.
What was he supposed to do?
The other times, his family had helped him deal with the inconvenience. Not least because Nathaniel didn't have the strength to face them alone, it was too frightening. But now...
— Soon they're going to do an article honouring Ares — commented the journalist as if he wanted nothing — It would be nice if you could take part by giving an interview.
— What for?
— To tell your story. To put an end to all the mystery of those rumours.
— People don't care about the truth, they just believe what they want. And for those people, I'm the villain.
The journalist glared at Nathaniel, but the omega kept his cool. Don't show any weakness, don't let him find out.
— What people most want to know is why Ares kept you so close. Everyone knows that he's never been close to a woman since he debuted in the box. He's never had any controversies with his name in them, and when he has, they're easily debunked. But you... You're the one who's an unknown.
Camera flashes were an unpleasant memory. There was no longer a volleyball court before his eyes, but a ring where a championship was being decided. And among all those people, he was there in disguise cheering on the fighter.
— Nathaniel, who are you and why did Ares choose you? And what happened in that accident?
— What do you think would happen if I told you?
The journalist pondered for a moment, then smiled slightly.
— It depends on what's revealed. It could increase the anger of the Ares fans towards you or it could put an end to the misunderstandings.
On the one hand it made sense, but Nathaniel still wasn't sure. Stroking his sore temple, the omega felt his head begin to throb.
— It would be necessary for you to find irrefutable proof. The accident happened because of the persecution of journalists and paparazzi who didn't know how to respect Ares. And I was saved by him, that's all you need to know.
— Ha... You say the same thing as his counsellor. It's obvious that this is a fabricated speech.
Casting an irritated look, Nathaniel didn't hide his anger at all. Whether it was in his threatening tone of voice, his sharp gaze or even his hands, which were clutching the journalist's collar, the message was clear.
— You'd better shut up. He's already dead, so at least give him eternal rest.
Raising his hands in surrender, the journalist laughed quietly.
— I didn't mean to upset you, I'm just asking you to give an acceptable answer.
— An acceptable answer? — Nathaniel laughed debauchedly — Didn't you just ask me to tell my side of the story?
— We need to compare the facts...
— Then don't waste any more of your time looking for me — Nathaniel stood up — If there's a next time, I won't mind being arrested for really going rogue.
Leaving the journalist behind, Nathaniel marched off angrily.
Shit!
Everything was going well, why did they have to follow him again?
His head ached and the air felt stuffy. He wanted to explode and wring that journalist's neck right there.
When his legs finally stopped moving, Nathaniel had to lean on the wall. Everything was spinning and something was dripping from his nose. Wiping his face, he saw the reddish stain on his fingers.
"— I know it's hard, kid. But as long as I can, I'll protect you from this world. If I lose you, I don't think I'll be able to go on."
Sliding down the wall, Nathaniel remembered those words and the gentle touch Ares had made on his head. The sad look on his face was disguised as a friendly smile.
— I'm reaching my limit, Ares.