Starting up a new story that I hope to continue and this one will clear up confusion about Socko.
(OC of mine)
This is also so I don't have to explain him in every story I mention him in.
Also I'm not an expert on Australia (I hope to visit soon!), or Aussies so if you see something I should fix please tell me! It would be greatly appreciated!
Btw, I'm aware of the fake stereotype (I'm actually aware of a lot of the stereotypes people in America seem to think of Australia as), of "Hot Aussie Men", but Socko is my own character so go figure.
Annndddd another thing I should make note of that I'm more self conscious about is gymnastics. That being, I'm not a gymnast myself and I have very little knowledge of the world that it is so, please let me know what I should fix! I want it to be as realistic as possible!
So, with the knowledge I do have (example: I know what an apparatus is), you'll have to suffice with it.
anywho, enjoy and please R&R
Luigi: Prologue
I couldn't tell how long it's been since I've talked about my best friend. Everyone around me knew I hated talking about him and what happened to him. But I guess I'll talk about him for you.
Socko Martinez is my best friend, older than me by two years, made it difficult to hang out together in school. We met in fifth grade and have been friends ever since... What we hadn't realized is we attended the same gymnastics club for years; Clif Gymnastics Academy (CGA). Socko actually came up to me on day while I was waiting my turn to practice my routine on the high bar and asked me if I went to Mushroom Elementary. I told him I did and that's basically what happened, it was kind of like one of those "You, me, friends, NOW." type of thing.
I truly think we became friends so quickly because we were bitter about the same things, had similar interests, and etc., We were both outcasts in school so, we made up for each other's lack of social lives.
The one thing everyone notices first hand about Socko is that he's Australian. He told me him and his family moved to the Mushroom Kingdom when he was about ten or nine. If I remember correctly, they moved for Socko's academic improvement because apparently he wasn't doing well in Perth.
The funny thing is Socko and I rarely fight, even to this day; I guess we just see eye to eye on too much. But if we do fight, it's usually over what TV show to watch.
Also, Socko tends to swear profusely and while I was growing up, we weren't allowed to cuss. But knowing Socko for so long now, I kind of just became used to it as well as Mario. In fact, Socko had kind of had an impact on my own swearing...
He's also a ladies' man. I don't know, I guess it has something to do with his accent and his green eyes and attractive blonde hair. He's also freakishly tall... 6'3 to be exact. I'm only six foot so, I sometimes hate having to constantly look up at him.
Back to gymnastics for a second; Socko and I are both at an Elite level. On most occasions, we both attend the competition together and if we're lucky, we can room together instead of another teammate we don't really talk to. Socko's the team captain and I just so happen to be the co-captain; I'm pretty sure this happened because our coach trusts our knowledge of the sport. I started gymnastics at the mere age of seven as well as Socko. I don't know why we didn't notice each other before fifth grade, I guess we just didn't pay attention.
Present Day
The waiting was the worst, the anticipation, the Coach's stares. Gymnastics to me nowadays was just one big game, Socko has tried to tell me otherwise, but he'll learn eventually. I've been apart of this game for too many long years now, as much as I enjoy it though, I was ready to move on with my life. At the age of 25, I wanted to travel; be a free man, which in Gymnastics, you don't actually have a life. I would never say I hated Gymnastics, of course there were times where it could be enjoyable.
Besides the brutal conditioning and restrictive diet I've had to live by for nearly my whole life, Gymnastics became an outlet when I was younger and that's how I became so passionate about it. It became a second home when my primary one wasn't being friendly, it was where I could run to in times of sadness, or just for the hell of it. A lot of my team says they hate the early mornings and I have to say I'm not a morning person either, but I do look forward to the afternoon practices.
Back when I was still in school, I couldn't wait until the 3:30 bell rang because then I would run to the gym. Socko would be trailing behind me or wait for me at a light post so we could go together. Mario had football practice immediately after school ended so, he couldn't drive me. Our dad couldn't take to time out of his busy schedule to take me either so, I ended up walking. Besides, all the running I did made me prepared for the conditioning I had waiting for me. The Coaches didn't wait on us obviously so, we had to do the conditioning on our own then we could practice our routines.
Now, here I was on a Friday stuck waiting on Socko trying to pull off a simple dismount but he still wanted me to spot him. I leaned against the Pommel horse, watching his release on the bar,
"Socko, it's getting late, can't you work on this another time?" I sigh, shaking my head after he failed again for at least the tenth time. He missed the bar and fell to the floor, landing on his stomach. He slams his hand on the mat,
"No, it's a simple dismount and I want to get it right because if I don't now, then I'm screwed."
"The NGA (National Gymnastics Association ) isn't coming for another two weeks." I point out, Socko pulls himself off the floor and brushes the wraps off, sending chalk dust into the air.
"I know that, Hammy." He takes off the wraps and shoves them in his duffle, I point to his water bottle on the floor next to the bench when Socko looked around for it. I slug my duffle over my shoulder, and pull my keys out of one of the pockets.
"Well then why are you so worried about it then? It looked fine." I ask, following him out to my car. Socko gave me an incredulous look as we got into the car.
"Maybe I'll start believing that when you can pull off a good lie." And that was another thing, Socko knew when I was lying; I don't do it on purpose unless it's absolutely necessary. As I pulled the car out of the parking lot Socko began to talk again, "So, I need an opinion other than my own." He begins,
"About?"
"A girl." I roll my eyes a little,
"Socko I think we've established I'm not the one you should be asking information on girls." I point out,
"Yeah, I know that but still."
"Well first things first, who is she?"
"Someone you know..." I raise an eyebrow,
"I know this person?"
"Yeah... I haven't actually figured it out until recently that I liked her."
"Okay, but still, who is she?"
"Uh, she's a red head." I sigh,
"Socko, tell me her name!"
"It's Annie, dammit!" My jaw dropped, above all people Socko could chosen, he liked a surgeon.
"Dude!"
"I know! And you always wondered why I can't talk around her! She's like a superior compared to me."
"So, your saying you can't talk because you think you'll sound stupid?"
"Yeah... Basically..." Socko ran his fingers through his spikey hair, I could tell he started to become embarrassed.
"Well have you talked to her recently?"
"Nah, mate. I've been too busy pondering over my emotions."
"Again, I'm not a genius on this topic but it sounds like you actually like her. As far as I know, she's not with anyone right now. She's pretty quiet about her personal life... You should ask her out. She's a sweet girl." I completely butchered the advice he asked for. I was still trying to take it all in,
"I have no idea if she would even go out with me." Socko avoided eye contact, we were quiet for a few minutes. Socko usually was known for one night stands, but if he liked a person a lot, he would go for the relationship. I've never seen him act like the way he is now, even in all the years I've known him. Socko is usually pretty confident around women, but I could obviously see he's like a little school boy when talking about Annie.
"The only way to find out is to ask her, Socko. I've gotta warn ya, she's stubborn though."
"I know." He chuckles,
"Dude, you just laughed at that. Damn you really like her don't you?"
"Yeah."
"Well I say go for it." I was suddenly reminded of something, "Uh actually that's a bad idea." This caught Socko's attention,
"Why?"
"I forgot to tell you this earlier but, I'm now positive she's actually still with Andrew."
"The BMX biker guy?"
"Yeah, I remember Peach telling us a few months ago. You know how she is, can never keep her mouth shut."
"Shit." He cusses, "I don't know why I didn't remember that..." I saw Socko's eyes sadden,
"Sorry to let you down, bud." I frown,
"Eh, it wasn't your fault. It happens all the time." I knew Socko would think about this all night, I caught him slouching a little in the passenger seat; another sign he was sad. I pulled into his driveway and unlocked the doors,
"See ya tomorrow, try to get some sleep." I say, knowing he wouldn't.
"Yeah, later, Hammy." He waves as he grabs his duffle and heads outside.
...
Next day
Socko
As if sitting at a table with Annie across from me wasn't awkward enough, it made it worse that we were alone. Luigi and the rest of our friends went to get smoothies, the little shit did that on purpose. I noticed how Annie seemed exhausted though, not her usual light spirited self. I tried to be as casual as possible,
"Something wrong, Annie?" She glances over at me with the innocent blue eyes I enjoyed seeing.
"Not really, just tired I guess." Annie shrugged, I knew she was hiding something from me,
"Seems likes you're more than just tired." I pressed on, Annie turns to face me, I now saw why she was acting so upset. I saw her lip slightly bruised, "Annie, what happened?" My voice laced with concern.
"It's nothing." She brushes off my worry, I sit up a little in my seat.
"Annie, did Andrew do that?" She immediately tensed up, her eyes swelled with emotion.
"I've got to go." I stood up with her,
"Annie, you can tell me." I kept my voice soft, I tried not to move too close to her, fearing I might trigger more anxiety out of her.
"Dammit Socko, just leave me and it alone." I knew right then it was Andrew who did it, the way she instantly tensed up when I brought him up. I could read Annie like a book, I set a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Annie, where is he?" She turned to me,
"If you're thinking of talking to him, forget it!" She says quickly, I saw that she was on the verge of crying. I knew I couldn't leave the topic alone and I was afraid Annie would get hurt more.
"I can take him." I say easily, following her into an ally way where we talk in private.
"Socko, you don't get it!" I nodded a little,
"Then tell me what I won't understand. Then maybe I could." I say, my voice still calm, I suddenly heard footsteps coming our way. I then saw Andrew's head pop out behind the side of the wall.
"I thought I heard voices back here." Annie instantly tensed up again and I saw her shrivel up and look the other way. I got in front of her and stooped Andrew from coming closer, "What the hell, man?" He tried to move past me, but I fastened my grip on his shoulder tighter.
"Oh no, you're not going near her." I say, pushing him back.
"Socko, he's -
"Hush." I shut down Annie's attempt to stop me, I could obviously tell she was afraid of Andrew now.
"Look man, I just need to talk to her." Andrew says, his voice bitter and annoyed.
"What did I just say?" I didn't feel the need to repeat myself,
"Socko." Annie tries to budge in again,
"Annie, please be quiet." I tell her,
"Be careful." I heard her whisper., Andrew kept trying to get passed my defense and got more fed up each time he failed.
"Andrew, I don't want to fight you but - Suddenly I felt a fist collide with my jaw. I stumbled backwards into Annie, and I felt her hands trying to steady me. I immediately got a grip again and threw Andrew into the ground. I kept my hand on him to keep Andrew from getting back up. "This is your last chance to turn and walk away. Or we could do this the easy way or the hard way." I say venom dripping on my words, if there was one thing someone should know about me is to not try to fight me.
"You think you're Mr. Tough Guy?" Andrew spat out blood,
"No, I think you're a bitch though. How about you take your sorry ass to court?" I didn't fear this guy at all, he was having a hard time getting out of the grasp I had him locked in.
"What?" He spat,
"Don't lie, I know what happened between you two." I nod towards Annie, who still looked spooked.
"It was an accident!" He still was yelling,
"I don't care." I say dangerously, "You hurt my friends, then you have to deal with me."
"Annie?" I call her name,
"Yeah?" She responds,
"Can you do a favor?"
"Like?"
"Call the police, because I think it's time Andrew here learns his lesson." Andrew's astonished look was priceless when I said that. I refused him to hurt anyone else, so what made you think I would let him go? I'm sure Annie wasn't the first. Annie pulls out her phone and calls them, and not one does she look at Andrew or me. She put her phone back in her pocket a minute later,
"They'll be here soon."
"Thank you, Annie." I nod, still keeping a death grip on Andrew.
...
A few minutes later, the cops showed up, taking Andrew along with them. I explained what happened, trying to keep Annie out of it. She eventually budged in and explained herself and why she was there. When one of the cops asked about her bruised lip, she became silent. They asked if Andrew did it, she slowly nodded her head. I knew it wasn't easy for her to admit it, I suddenly felt arms wrap around my waist. I looked down to see Annie hugging me, I felt her choke up with tears as the cops left.
I returned the hug, carding my fingers through her spiral red hair.
"Thank you." Came the soft gratitude.
FYI: "Hammy" is Socko's nickname for Luigi. It's a play off his last name: Hamilton. I refuse his and Mario's last name be Mario. Besides, it kind of has a nice ring to it.
Finally finished this chapter! I didn't really want to section off the POV's but it was necessary.
Now you're probably wondering how this has to do with the Mario world and why is it considered a fanfic?
Trust me, it'll make sense in the later chapters as to why I posted this here.
Pls R&R!
if you have questions, feel free to message me on my tumblr: inyourrwildestdreamms