Long forgotten

“Okay well… lets find a place for you to sit?” she suggested, not wanting him to fall and hit his head. She hesitated before gently reaching for his arm, moving to guide him to a bench she saw nearby. Realistically he shouldn’t just be napping on a bench, but maybe sitting down would help him wake up a little as it took less energy than standing.

Walking with her towards a nearby bench, his soft voice yawns as he plops himself down onto a park bench. "Hm...No, bears are too big. I prefer being like a bunny." More like he was in denial he definitely had his tendencies. "I just prefer getting a lot of sleep."

“  I  suppose  so,  but  doesn’t  that  also  leave  your  friends  and  allies  at  a  complete  loss  as  well?  I  can  only  imagine  you  putting  others  on  the  defensive  constantly  can  —  what  is  it  called…  alienate  your  closest?  ”  She  crossed  her  arms,  holding  her  hand  out  as  she  spoke.  She  felt  there  was  certainly  something  deeper  in  play  when  it  came  to  it  because  she  knew  how  terrible  that  alienation  got  and  in  some  regards  —  they  were  too  similar  for  comfort.

If  I  hit  him  hard  enough  on  the  head  would  he  recognize  that?  Unlikely…  He  would  walk  it  off,  Fatui  Harbringer  and  all  that.  Along  with  a  dense  skull.

"Me? Of course! My master, the Traveler, this guy I met named Thoma in Inazuma and plenty of people back in Snezhnaya." Actually, he really didn't have a lot of friends. He didn't get along with any of the Harbingers, and even the rest of the Fatui were either afraid of him or annoyed. "I should be asking you that. Archon for how many years and only one friend? Even someone as isolated as the Raiden Shogun in Inazuma had more friends." Yet he says it with a bright smile, as eyes lack any shine to them.

" Just think about how good it'll be tomorrow night when we celebrate your win ~ " Truth be told part of her was already thinking about a restaurant they could go to with her parents before spending having their own private fun, but that was beside the point. A soft, pleased hum sounded against his lips, a few more kisses shared for good measure before Mina finally pulled back to look up into those mismatched eyes she adored.

" And y'know I love you like crazy too , don'tcha ~? " For now, the thought of tidying up could be left to the wayside. Instead Mina took both of his hands in her own, gently tugging Oliver away from the door and instead toward the bedroom - their bedroom. It still felt surreal to think about - but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I know, 'cause I feel it every time we kiss." A million times more, intertwining fingertips with her own as he followed her to their bedroom. He has to admit, he never thought he'd move in with someone else - now? He hates the idea of waking up without Mina in his arms.

"Yeah? With an amazing treat like that, a part of me feels like it's my birthday." It was far from approaching his birthday, but he still laughs playfully. "With my lucky charm by my side, I know I'll win that trophy like it's the easiest game oof my life." Taking both her hands, lips kiss her fingertips before cuddling his fuzzy cheek into her hand.

" Neither of us got to say this until now , but ... Thank you for taking such good care of her through such a difficult time . " Céline lifted a hand to gently place it on his arm, thumb giving a few gentle rubs before her hand fell away again. " We wanted to come back , but when Mina told us about how much you did for her , even taking time off from training ... I hope she's told you how lucky she feels to have you . "

After all, since that first introduction Mina had hardly been able to stop talking about just how happy Oliver made her, how wonderful life had been since they started dating.

The rest of the afternoon was so ... Easy, genuinely comfortable. It was almost as if Oliver had always been part of the family, watching over old game footage, laughing about silly things, eating the take out her parents had brought along. It was better than anything she ever could have imagined.

It wasn't until night fell that her parents finally left for their own apartment not too far away, leaving the couple alone together again. Simply staring at the closed door for a few moments, head leaning against Oliver's arm as she spoke softly, smile still on her lips.

Oliver really did adapt into her family like he's been there his whole life, even sharing the funny stories from his chaotic teammates. It left Oliver all smiles, like he was spending time with his own family rather than the family of his beloved Mina.

Arm brings her close to his chest, quiet for a while just to admire the smile on her face before slowly kissing her lips. "Mh...Yeah...Too bad I gotta save my stamina for tomorrow~" He teases in a low voice, smirk never fading for even a moment. "Babe...Ya know I love you like crazy, right?"

Every day Oliver managed to find ways to make her fall more and more in love with him. Sure, the first introduction not too long ago had gone better than she ever could have imagined, but there was no denying the clear, easy comfort that settled in as he chatted so naturally with her parents.

Though the moment her father's eyes fell upon the array of merchandise and homemade banner set out nearby, Souta almost seemed like an excited child. In moments he was off looking over everything, Mina laughing as she went over to join him, to show off all of the things that had been prepared, though while those two were busy just out of earshot?

Seeing her dad so excited makes him rather happy, laughing before pretending to discuss something else that wasn't the planned engagement to Mina. Imagine how surprised she'll be? The world may be screaming tomorrow, but he only wants to hear Mina's scream of excitement.

"I did, haha, I shopped between visiting hours of the hospital." Oh he made sure it was the most beautiful ring he could find, as dazzling as he found Mina. "You both already did the best by just giving me your blessing to marry Mina." His voice spoke quietly, giving a carefree and warm smile. "Luckily, I snuck in the ring of my jersey jacket in my gym bag while she was getting ready today. Gotta say, I've had to get pretty creative keepin' this all a big surprise for her."

She wasn't intending to tease him, not really, but it was always hard to deny him just about anything . Arms reached up to wrap around his neck as their lips met, drawing out the kiss just that little bit longer before her own laugh slipped free. " Hehe ~ I guess it's good that my parents aren't staying here then , isn't it ? " A quick kiss pressed to the tip of his nose. " But you're not allowed to exhaust yourself the night before such an important game ~ "

Before the pair could get too lost in their moment, however, the intercom buzzer sounded by the door, signalling the arrival of her parents. Stealing one last kiss for the moment Mina reluctantly pried herself away from Oliver's embrace to rush over to the door, flinging it open with an excited squeal. Mixtures of French and Japanese could be heard, greetings and quick words of affection before she guided them both inside.

" Oliver ! Good to see you ! " Céline was the first to greet him as she hurried in, smile bright on the elder woman's face. Eyes scanned over him briefly before turning toward her daughter, giving a playful nudge that drew a giggle from Mina.

Though he could catch a few words from the mix of languages he knew and didn't, just seeing Mina so excited to see her parents only made him smile. Goodness, he just adored this girl.

"It's good to see you too, I'm glad to finally meet the both of you in person." Honestly, both of them reminded him of his own parents who moved back to Sweden. His hand out to shake Souta's hand like a gentleman he surprisingly was. "Ya know? I don't get nervous. If anything, I'm excited to play the most intense game of my life and to have you all cheering for me."

Cheeks warmed from the compliment alone, a soft giggle sounding as she smiled up at him brightly. Funny how even the most mundane of moments could have her feeling so happy when she was by his side.

It certainly wasn't the first time she'd seen him in a suit, but goodness , she'd never get over just how damn amazing he looked - plus knowing he'd purposely gone about dressing himself up so nicely for the sake of meeting with her parents? Honestly, Mina couldn't help wondering what she'd done to deserve such a wonderful boyfriend.

Yet that laugh is cut off, having to bite his own lip just to resist her own torturous teasing. "Hm...Like you don't? Haha, later, I'll have to take a little revenge for messing with me like this~" He purrs against her lips, before stealing a sweet kiss for himself.

Her parents were due to arrive any minute. They'd been gone for months, busy travelling through Europe for work, but with them coming back to be at Oliver's World Cup finals match, Mina had been rushing around the apartment - cleaning, rearranging things, laying out the merch she'd gotten her hands on for the big game.

Although, he purposefully didn't wear a tie and unbuttoned the first few to expose his chest a little. What can he say? Even now, he likes to be casual. "Nope, that's everything." Smirking at the sight of her blushed cheeks, that's when he steps closer to peck her burning cheeks. "More than ready, babe~"

" I really do love seein' ya get all fired up ~ The way your eyes light up , the grin on your face ... Sometimes it almost feels like I can see your mind tickin' ~ " Head leaned back to nuzzle into the crook of his neck, eyes closing briefly to simply enjoy the closeness shared with the man she loved.

"I can't lie, this whole Blue Lock thing? I haven't had this much fun with soccer in a really long time. Only thing really missing is sneaking you in with me." Oh but that would be a mess for sure. Is he still thinking about it? Of course!