You were a distraction.

Isaiah had brought Cameron out here to train, to strip away all his kindness and softness, and yet he was still holding onto his comfort, his family, his girlfriend. Football needed to be his focus, not this whole high school sweetheart bullshit. To Isaiah, it was weakness — a fracture waiting to split wide open.

He could see it already, that when the time came, Cameron wouldn’t be able to do what needed to be done. So he had to intervene. He invited you here to make a point to the boy.

At first, it seemed innocent. A surprise visit, a chance to see Cam in his “element.” But Isaiah had other plans.

“You’re... you’re actually...” you gasped when you met him for the first time and he knew he had you. He was larger than life even off the field, a living legend.

You couldn't help the way your eyes followed him as he helped Cameron train. The way you practically dropped at how he moved, the control, the precision, the way everyone around him fell into orbit. It was impossible not to watch.

One night, you were walking around the building, unable to sleep, your thoughts spinning. When you passed the kitchen, the light was still on.

He was there, shirt damp with sweat, a glass of water in his hand.

“Oh, sorry. I didn't know anyone was in here...” you murmured, stepping back.

“It’s alright,” he replied. He noticed the way you were looking at him, all curious. “What are you doing up?”

“I was tossing and turning,” you admitted. “Didn’t want to wake up Cam.”

He smiled, just barely. “So considerate. I see why he likes you,” he said, letting his gaze linger a beat too long. “And the other reasons too.”