Asterism

7. for you

This is a loooooong chappie guys, so get comfy, get some snacks out, refreshments, and buckle down to read this one 😊. Hope you enjoy ♥️

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BY halftime, Marley's throat had gone sore from all her cheering.

The packed Brown University stadium was more incredible than she could've dreamed. She'd been to the Super Bowl - the most intense, hyped-up football game of the NFL season - but there was something different about a game starring the guy she loves killing it out on the field.

The crowd was infectious, loud, roaring, and the school spirit was something that swam in your veins to be a part of. With some helpful commentary from Marley, Ayla was able to pick up on the gist of the game, the two of them sharing waffle fries they purchased during the first fifteen minute break.

Their seats were the closest ones to the field, close enough that when Aiden ran out with his offensive line after the Bears won the coin toss, he managed to find her in the crowds. She blew him a kiss he pretended to catch and hold over his heart with a closed fist.

Marley was elated that he had the chance to play, loving every minute of his field time. With three downs they managed a touchdown in the beginning of play. The Rhode Island Rams had possession following the first intermission, but the Bears' defensive line cut them off at third and twenty.

The energy of the coaches and Aiden's team was jovial and excited. The crowds were ecstatic. Brown hadn't had such a great score against the Rams in a long, long time. This was intense weeks of boot camps, training and strategizing paying off.

All of the excitement meant that Payton's situation left the back of Marley's mind.

She couldn't think about it now. When Aiden had an extra jersey, he gave it to her. When Aiden has a free moment on the bench, he looks to her. When the game is over, he'll be waiting for her. And at the victory party later, he'll show up with her. With Marley Hoover. They will have a conversation about it like adults. They'll work it out. Aiden defended a vulnerable girl, and that only made Marley love him more. She shouldn't be jealous. It's what the kind of guy she should want in her life would do to anyone in that situation. It's not his fault there's a chance Payton took it as more than it was. He may have saved her, but Marley Hoover is the girl he goes home to. Marley Hoover is the girl he is in love with. She wouldn't wish something like what happened to her on her worst enemy.

God forbid a manager in a position of authority gets away with taking advantage of a college girl; whether that girl is Payton or not.

During almost the end of halftime, Marley struggled to answer Leo's call while holding she and Ayla's belongings outside of the stadium bathrooms.

"Hey-" In the background of the call, Marley heard a girl whine for a towel, cutting off Aiden's best friends' greeting. She rolled her eyes as Leo spoke again, "Hold on a sec Marley..." The phone rustled, his voice becoming muted.

"I'm talking to whoever I want to talk to...yeah well look with your eyes dummy...On a rack or somethin'!...I did wipe it all off!!...Take a shower then!...Fucking hell give me five minutes! I just gave you twenty!...Fuck me...Not literally! Jesus!...Cause I need a breather!...CAUSE!!...Well who the fuck was your last dude - the terminator? Holy shit...then go!...Well I don't even have your goddamn number to lose, sweetheart!!"

Static sounded as Leo put his cellphone to his ear again. Another incomprehensible female shriek echoed before the sound of a door slammed.

"Hey sis. I'm back. Chicks be whack these days. Whew."