Chapter Text
"Here are our seats," Ohio says, pulling Michigan by the hand into their row. "Right in between the two sides, as you requested. Coward."
"Hey, you didn't want to sit on the Michigan side, either!"
"And be surrounded by all those up northerners? Ugh. No thank you." Ohio's phone buzzes, and he glances at it. "Can I tell PA and Illy to shut up?"
"Play nice. You're only allowed to fight with me, remember? Boyfriend privileges."
Ohio rolls his eyes. "They're getting on my nerves."
"Not as much as my players are about to."
Michigan's distracted by his own phone, where he has a notification of a text from New Mexico. A simple "¡good luck, amigo!" It makes Michigan feel a bit better. He's nervous about the Game, sure, but more so, he's nervous because this is his first date with Ohio.
Florida and Louisiana are also having a first date that night- they've been "talking" for ages, but they're making it official at the same time that the stands for the game are filling in with Michigan and Ohio State fans alike.
Ohio's tapping his knees and looking around, beaming at all the Ohio State merch- even though it's outweighed by Michigan's yellow and blue. Ohio has this way that he lights up during the Games, like a kid does on Christmas morning, bright optimism in his eyes. Michigan's glad that they sorta got their whole thing figured out, so Ohio doesn't have to miss the Game. He's looking forward to seeing the look on Ohio's face when the Wolverines win.
Ohio looks back at Michigan when the time nears. "May the best state win?"
The old phrase, repeated year after year, makes Michigan grin. "May the best state win."
They shake on it, like always, and Michigan's heart lifts. Yeah, things between them are changing, and Michigan's glad for that, but in other ways, they're staying the same as always, and Michigan loves that, too. For example, if- no, when Michigan wins this game, he'll spend the next few weeks rubbing it in Ohio's face, boyfriend or not.
The whistle blows, and in seconds, the two of them are already on their feet, cheering side by side like they always do.