Competition Is Stiff I See

"Damn," Grayson groans, collapsing on the bench, weary from the evening's game. "I know Coach isn't gonna be happy about this. We barely won that game."

Marcus nods his head in agreement, toeing off his basketball sneakers after taking a moment to collect himself, changing into a pair of black Nike sweatpants with a matching hoodie. "I know tomorrow's practice is going to be hell."

Exhaling deeply, Grayson groans, knowing all-too-well Coach Nichols is going to make the team pay for their half-ass win against Whitney Young.

"And you didn't exactly have a good night either, Gray. You barely put up a double. What's goin' on?"

"I don't know man," Grayson sighs, suppressing his annoyance with the question, "I guess it was just an off night."

"An 'off night' for the past few games though?"

"Marcus," Grayson sends a warning look towards his friend. "I had an off night."

Marcus clenches his teeth, biting back his comment as he sees the frustration on Grayson's face. Deciding to switch the mood of the conversation, he settles next to his friend on the bench, "Well at least we won. I don't think I would be able to face wifey if we would have lost that game."

Grayson smirks hearing his friend refer to his mother as 'wifey'. "Bruh, Ma ain't thinkin' about you."

"Just wait 'til I'm 18 and my beard connect. I'm finna be yo stepdad around here, Kid." Marcus teases, stroking the hair on his face. "It's been 12 years in the making. Miss Liv has no choice but to acknowledge ya boy."

"If you say so, man." Grayson shakes his head, taking a sip of his Gatorade.

"POPE!" A deep voice rings throughout the locker room, "In my office NOW!"

Casting an annoyed glance to his best friend, Grayson huffs before trudging into his coach's office.

"Take a seat," Coach Nichols orders, without looking up from the playbook on his desk.

"What's up, Coach?"

"You tell me."

Inhaling deeply, Grayson shifts uncomfortably in his chair, not sure how to respond to his statement. "What do you mean?"

"You've been off your game lately, and by lately, I mean for the past 7 games. This isn't like you. What's going on?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"You're not sure? You were averaging 24.2 points a game, and now you're barely putting up 15 points. Explain that."

Frustrated, Grayson sucks his teeth, "Damn Coach, you actin' like we lost. If I'm not performing the way you'd like, why don't you bench me?" The rest of Grayson's rant dies when he sees his coach's eyebrows rise. Inwardly cursing himself for losing his composure, Grayson sighs deeply, "My fault, Coach."

"That's quite alright. This isn't typical behavior from you." Coach Nichols steeples his fingers, pressing his index fingers against his lips before clearing his throat, "Do you still have aspirations of playing in college?"

"Yes sir,"

"So do you think that you are exhibiting the type of performance that's going to get you recruited?"

"No sir,"

"Pope, you're not only letting yourself down, you're letting your team down. It's no secret you're a star. I know I haven't been coaching long, but I have never seen anyone with the skills you possess...not to mention the chemistry you share with Bishop. You two are unstoppable."

Grayson smiles briefly thinking about how he and his best friend dominate on the court.

"...But for the past few games, you haven't been bringing your A-game. I understand you're a sophomore and there's much more for you to learn and perfect, but whatever you've got going on now isn't shining the best light on you."

"I understand,"

"So what the hell has gotten into you?" Coach Nichols gruffs, "I can't imagine it would be related to your schoolwork, your 3.9 grade point average shows that in itself. Is there something going on at home? Is there anything I can do?"

Grayson shakes his head negatively.

Leaning forward, Coach Nichols places his elbows on his desk, eyeing the teenager carefully. "I'm not buying that for one minute, but you know I'm not one to pry. So whatever it is, you need to figure it out. If not, I will hesitate to bench you for the remainder of the season."

Exhaling deeply through his nose, Grayson nods as he stands to his feet, "Yes Coach."

"Oh, and if you ever speak to me in that tone again, I will have you running suicides until you forget your last name. We clear?" Seeing the teen nod his head, Coach Nichols silently dismisses him.

Heading back to his locker, he makes quick work of changing out of his clothes, ignoring the inquisitive stares from his teammates.

"You all good?" Marcus asks warily once Grayson's completely dressed.

"Yeah," He nods, reworking his hair into his black scrunchie.

"Alright. The team wants to head out for pizza in a few. You down?"

"Nah–"

"Aw Gray, don't get all in ya head. You can trip about bein' off your game later, but it's time to forget about that and enjoy time with the team. C'mon Kid," Marcus encourages, nudging Grayson's shoulder, "I'll even pay this time."

"Whatever bruh," Grayson chortles, knowing Marcus will somehow find a way to skip out on paying the bill as always. "But alright, I'm in."

"Good. Let's get goin'. Ya boy is starvin'."

"Mmm...Fitz, baby, I want you again."

Shifting his gaze from his phone, Fitz grins, appreciating the view of the naked brunette above him. Placing his phone on the nightstand to his left, he tucks his arm behind his head, "Is that so?"

"Mmmhmmm," The brunette nods, pulling her bottom matte-red lip in between her teeth. "Where do you want me?"

Fitz sighs deeply as she kisses down his t-shirt clad torso, lightly stroking his dick to attention. "I want you–shiiiitttttt," The warmth of her mouth makes Fitz lose his train of thought.

The brunette moans as she sees Fitz's eyes roll to the back of his head, proud that she's able to take most of him in her mouth. His right hand gathers in her hair before thrusting his hips up, causing her to lose her rhythm but she quickly regains her composure.

Just as she feels Fitz's legs start to tremble, his phone rings. Groaning, Fitz stretches his available hand over towards the nightstand. Seeing the name on the phone, he quickly shoots up, momentarily forgetting about the woman in his company.

"Fuck," the brunette chokes out, completely taken off guard by his sudden action.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" Fitz's concern quickly passes as she nods. "Uh, let me answer this. Give me a moment."

Standing up from the bed, Fitz throws on his previously discarded shorts, walking towards the balcony.

"Livvie,"

"Fitz," He smiles hearing her soft voice, "is this a bad time?"

Looking back at the brunette in his bed, he smirks, "Not at all. What's up?"

"Well, I was kind of wondering–that's if you don't already have plans–if you wanted to go grab dinner or something?"

"Olivia," He gasps, "Are you asking me on a date?"

She snickers, "Whoa there, playboy. Just a simple invitation...between friends."

"Well, between friends, how about I just drop by with dinner?" Glancing down at his watch again, he knows she's just getting off work. "I know you're just getting in, and something's telling me you don't really want to leave the house."

"It's crazy how well you know me." Fitz chuckles as he hears her sigh from relief, "So wrap up your little sexcapade, because I'm starving."

"Livvie," His voice drips with faux disappointment, "It hurts me that you think I have someone over here,"

"So you mean to tell me that you're all alone on a Friday evening?" Olivia asks, her question formed as a statement.

"I mean, I have company–" The laughter that comes through his speaker makes him laugh as well, "–but she was actually just leaving."

"No no, don't change your plans for me. Enjoy your evening with your lady friend, I don't mind ordering in."

"Livvie please, I'm coming over. Besides, I don't think there is anyone I'd rather spend my Friday night with."

"Flattery gets you everywhere, Mr. Grant,"

"Is my charm working on you, Miss Pope?"

"Mmm...not so much." Fitz smiles at her obvious false denial.

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Surprise me,"

"Challenge accepted. I should be there in about 30ish minutes. Sound good?"

"Perfect. See you soon, Fitz."

After Olivia ends the call, Fitz quickly pulls up his favorite restaurant app to order something for Olivia and himself.

"Is everything alright?" The brunette asks as she sees Fitz return back into the room.

"Of course," Fitz answers as he schedules an Uber.

The brunette frowns as she sees Fitz head towards the shower, "Are you not coming back to bed?"

"I'm not. I'm sorry this night is ending so abruptly."

Scoffing, the brunette folds her arms, "You can't be serious, Fitz,"

Shuffling around the room, Fitz helps gather the girl's clothes, unbothered by her blue eyes shooting daggers into the back of his head.

"Uh, Katie–"

"It's Kylie!"

"–Kylie. There will be a ride to meet you downstairs that will take you wherever you need to go."

Without waiting for an answer, Fitz heads to the restroom for a shower, happy to see the brunette gone once he's finished. Grabbing his phone and wallet, Fitz strides for the door making a beeline to his car. He smoothly glides through traffic, quickly reaching the restaurant to pick up their order. After confirming the meal is correct, he makes his way to Olivia's house, trying his best to conceal his excitement.

Finally reaching her place, makes quick work of parking his car before stepping up to her front door. Taking a calming breath, he presses the doorbell.

"Hi,"

Something about how she says that word completely stops his heart, "Hi,"

"What did you bring me? It smells good." Olivia steps to the side, allowing Fitz to pass through. He toes off his sneakers before padding into the kitchen, placing the white bag on the island counter.

"Uh," He reaches into the bag, revealing a foil-covered Italian beef sandwich, and a bag of seasoned fries. "Yours has red sauce and mozzarella."

Smiling appreciatively, Olivia grabs her sandwich from Fitz before heading back to her spot on the couch. Fitz heads to the refrigerator to grab himself a bottle of water before joining Olivia. She tosses him a blanket, watching as he makes himself comfortable.

"So, how upset was she when you told her you had to leave?"

"A gentleman never kisses and tells, Livvie."

Playfully rolling her eyes, Olivia shakes her head before biting into her sandwich.

"Did I do a good job with your order? I know you aren't too big on peppers and such, but I didn't want to give you just a plain sandwich."

"Yes," She finally answers after a sip of wine, "This is actually quite perfect,"

"I'm glad you're enjoying your meal–oh damn..."

"What's wrong, Fitz?"

"Did Gray need anything? I didn't even think about grabbing him anything. I can call some pizza in for him if he'd like that."

"Gracie is out having dinner with his teammates." Olivia smiles, touched by his thoughtfulness. "I appreciate your concern, though. That was sweet."

Chuckling, Fitz winks at her, "I've been told it's one of my best qualities."

Ignoring how sexy that wink was, Olivia bites her cheek, "Eh, the jury is still out on that."

"You wound me, Livvie," Fitz playfully clutches his chest before focusing on the TV.

"Is there anything, in particular, you'd like to watch?" She asks, looking at the screen for options.

"Mmm...doesn't matter. I'll just turn on ESPN once you've finally fallen asleep."

"Excuse me? I never fall asleep on you,"

"Liv, please. Last time I was here, you didn't even make it 20 minutes into the movie...and don't get me started on your snoring,"

"Hey!" Olivia scoffs, throwing a fry at him, laughing as he successfully catches it in his mouth. "I do not snore."

"You're right, you don't snore. You just breathe loudly when you sleep." He responds humorously.

"Well, I'm sorry the movie you chose didn't hold my interest."

"Fair enough. Why don't you pick something this time? I'm game for anything...anything other than Misconduct. I refuse to watch that shit."

"Okay," Olivia chuckles, opening the Netflix app. "Have you seen Lucifer?"

"I can't say that I have. I'm actually quite surprised that you'd be into a show like that,"

"Well, I only started it because of the tiny crush I have on D.B. Woodside..."

"I know you aren't talking about Blue from The Temptations Movie." Fitz teases, ignoring the fact he's slightly jealous of someone she'd probably never meet.

"Fitz!" An unceremonious laugh escapes Olivia's lips, "What do you know about The Temptations Movie?"

He chuckles at her wiping her eyes once her laughter subsides, "That is my mama's favorite movie. Whenever that, The Five Heartbeats, or The Jacksons: An American Dream comes on, she refuses to change the channel."

"Oh my goodness, that is hilarious!" Olivia giggles, suppressing the urge to laugh out loud again. "My mom loves that movie too. Just don't get her started on how Otis made everyone look bad in the movie."

"Same here with mine. She swears they blew David's drug issue way out of proportion...but let's not get away from the real subject here. You seriously have a thing for D.B.?"

"I do. There's something about his smile that I find irresistible." Olivia smirks at the small grimace that etches Fitz's face for a brief second, "But apart from him, I ended up really liking the show. You might like it. Grayson is hooked on it as well...although he'll never admit it."

Hesitant to start the show, Fitz narrows his eyes at Olivia, "Okay. I'll give it a shot. I don't want you getting all fan-girly on me when he pops on the screen."

"I promise I'll behave, Fitz." He smiles as she crosses her heart.

"Alright. Let's see what this show is about."

"Hol' up, Kid," Marcus sneers, noticing the B5 blue Demon in the driveway, "Whose car is that?"

Lifting his eyes from his phone, Grayson sucks his teeth. Great, Fitz is here.

"I know yo birthday comin' up soon, but jeez, I ain't know Miss Liv and Mr. Franklin were gonna do it like this!"

"Marc, there's no way my parents would agree to get me something like that. That's Fitz's car."

Parking his Jeep beside the Challenger, Marcus quickly hops out of the car wasting no time heading into the house with Grayson not too far behind him. "Uhh...you care to explain what's going on in here?"

Pausing the show, Olivia turns around to see Marcus standing with his arms crossed, his muscles on full display, "Hey Marcus,"

"Nah, don't 'Hey Marcus' me. Who is this? And why is he so close to you?" Crossing his arm, he sends a pointed look to Fitz, "Excuse you, man. Leave room for Jesus!"

Olivia covers her mouth, trying her best to conceal her amusement, "Marcus, this is my friend Fitz. Fitz, this is my son's best friend, Marcus."

Standing to his full height, Fitz walks over to introduce himself while Grayson walks over towards his mother.

"Hey baby, how was the game?" Olivia smiles gently, "I'm sorry I couldn't make it in time."

Leaning into the armchair, Grayson shrugs, "It's all good, Ma. You didn't miss anything special."

"Your dad told me you had another tough night. Is everything okay?"

"I guess. I don't really wanna talk about it, Ma."

"It's okay, we don't have to discuss it now. Did you at least have a good time with your teammates?"

"Yeah, it was straight."

Olivia smirks, "I'm inclined to think otherwise based on the smudge of lip gloss on your cheek."

"Dang Ma, you got me." Grayson chuckles, brushing his shoulder against his face. "It was cool. A few girls tagged along for dinner, one of them being the girl I've been talkin' to for the past few months."

"So my little Gracie has a girlfriend?!"

"Chill Ma, I wouldn't go that far," Grayson snorts, standing from his seat, walking over to her. "We're just talkin'. It's nothing to get excited about."

"Alright alright," Olivia resolves, "I'll keep my excitement to myself for now."

"Thank you," Bending at the waist, he places a kiss on his mom's cheek, "Marcus and I are gonna head upstairs and get out of your way. Good night, Ma."

"Good night, Gracie."

After forcing a polite hello to Fitz, Grayson heads upstairs, calling Marcus after him.

"So that is your future husband, huh?" Fitz teases, resuming his seat on the couch, smiling as Olivia settles her feet into his lap. "Competition is stiff I see,"

"Please," Olivia waves off his remark, "Marcus has maintained that silly crush since he was four."

"Ah, that explains that part about you being his main girl for about 12 years now."

"Between those two up there and my pig-headed big brother, it would take an act of God for me to actually become someone's main girl."

Fitz smirks, highly amused with this information, "Is that so?"

Olivia eyes him suspiciously, "What's with the smirk, Grant?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all." He grabs her wine glass, taking a small sip, "How was Grayson's evening?"

"He didn't really give me much information, but he said it went well. He got another little kiss from some girl he's been crushing on."

Fitz smiles as he sees Olivia's face light up, "You're taking this quite well. I'm surprised I don't see mama bear showing her claws,"

"Well, I have no reason to be on defense yet. But as soon as those two start bringing girls around for me to meet, my claws will definitely make their debut."

"I'm already dreading the day my niece decides to start dating. I don't even want to think about how I'd be once my own children begin dating."

"Well lucky for you, you don't have to worry about that anytime soon...unless one of your little playthings ends up pregnant."

"I'm way too careful for that." Fitz smirks at her tone, "So trust me, there won't be any little ones from me until the future Mrs. Grant says she's ready."

"Oh yeah? And who might this lucky lady be?"

"That's for me to know, and for you to figure out, ma'am."

Nibbling her bottom lip, Olivia smiles while shaking her head, "You know what, I'd rather not know. I just hope that she makes you happy."

Fitz smirks as she resumes the show, picking up on her trying to end the conversation.

"Let's just say I'm more than happy being here with you, Livvie." He whispers, placing a chaste kiss on her hand.

Olivia doesn't hide the bright smile that graces her face from Fitz's admission, "I'm happy being here with you too, Fitz."

Hello :) I am sorry I have been away for so long. While I was in school, I did not have the motivation to write at all...but now that classes are over, I feel a sudden strike of inspiration. I hope this update finds you well, and I appreciate you sticking with me.

Continue staying safe out there :)

With LOVE,

Miracle