Prompt by Melissa Motown: Write a cliffhanger.
Character: Hunter
Words: 521
It was late and he was once again at the gym. It became habitual for him to practice later in the day, at night, alone. He felt more comfortable this way. Hunter knew people would be there many times during training, and he was fine with that. But sometimes, He didn't mind when Hannah came, as she did that night. She didn't count with the rest of the people. She didn't count as anyone. She was practically a part of him. Maybe it was a twin thing. This wasn't to say that his coach wasn't watching, but his coach was always watching.
Tonight was a practice. Olympic trials were coming up and he hoped to make it. He'd competed before, but this was the Olympics. Not the Junior Olympics; But the Olympics. He wanted it. His parents were reluctant because it was Gymnastics, and he was a boy, but they'd allowed it. They didn't like their children to do anything less than their best. But he convinced them because well…this WAS the big time.
It was also his first chance, though he might have a second shot when he was 20. But this year, he would be turning 16 on the first day of the competition. Perfect timing. He shook his head at the thought, smiling. It wasn't all about winning, Hannah had said, scolding him. But he couldn't help it. It was his competitive streak.
Hunter looked around the gym, blinking at the random slightly dizzy feeling he had. It would likely go away. He'd tell his coach if it didn't stop. Nothing to dwell on. Hannah would be after him if she knew. It was little, probably lack of sleep or not eating enough. He would sleep a little more after he finished up here, eat better tomorrow and then he'd probably be fine. Maybe he'd been training a bit too hard.
He put on the chalk like always, prepping. His coach had suggested he try parallel bars first this evening, so here he was. He didn't hesitate and immediately placed his hands on the bar, using his strength to support himself. Hunter was good at most all of the events. He wasn't perfect, no one was. But he was very flexible, very good at keeping his legs straight.
Despite his height, his legs didn't get in the way. His older brother teased him and said wouldn't he end up smacking into everything, being six feet tall. Hunter had simply smirked, said he could handle it, and called Hollis 'Holly'. That usually did the trick.
Now he went through his routine, practicing things he'd done tons of times before. It was challenging enough. His coach worked him hard and he appreciated it. He wanted it. He thrived on challenges and working hard. He smiled to himself, confident in his routine. Things were going great, the routine was great. It was perfect.
And then it was time to dismount. Normally quite easy, this time became difficult as he suddenly felt extremely dizzy, that tiny feeling from before escalating very quickly. He felt sick.
And then the world came crashing down.
A/N: Forgive me for any inaccuracies! I tried to be accurate as I could from research but I didn't end up having as much time as hoped! This will be part of a larger Hunter fic! MUAHAHAHA! But yes, here we have this week's response and some love for Hunter who I am having SO much fun writing!
Special thanks to ficdirectory and pi . on. a. skateboard for their valuable input! They both helped me flesh out my headcanon for Hunter these past few days! Also, thanks to Carbon65 who helped me figure out where I'd go with this! WOOT! See you all next week!
Reminder: Glee comes back TOMORROW at 9pm! (Thursday, 1/24/13)