For DAgron01 3
Invidual competition is composed of 15 touches match or as many as possible i minutes with 1 minute pause in between.
Team competition is composed of 3 fencers, 1 back-up. They fence against each fencer of the other team in rounds up to 5 for a total of 45 touches or as many as possible in 9 matches of 3 minutes.
Lunge, retreat, attack, counter attack, double point. Almost like a dance. Kate could feel what would happen in any match. She would always win at the end. But, this match, she had to win. It was the final, the grand prize. It was a national event in Miami, training for bigger events. For most, it was no more than a silly win.
She was distracted. Her opponent was very distracting. Star fencer from Texas and very good. Lucy Tara could be the end of her undefeated winning streak. She could hear her maître d'armes, her coach. Not her usual coach in the national team, he was her club coach. He was incompetent with her, forgetting, or not, who she was. She was not a newbie, nor a rookie. She was Kate Whistler, world ranking number one in épée.
14-14. Anything could happen now. She could probably lose and could perfectly see the smug smile on Lucy's face. She wouldn't give her that satisfaction.
"En garde. Êtes-vous prêtes ? Allez !" The referee announced.
Sprinting towards Lucy, starting a flèche, Kate was ready to touch, her arm and épée stretched out.
"Halte ! Attaque venant de droite, point. 15-14, Whistler." That was it. Kate shouted in victory.
Lucy was waiting for her in the center of the piste for their fencing salute and shaking hands. They removed their fencing masks and smiled at each other.
"Whistler, you had me worried for a moment." Kate rolled her eyes at her coach. "Why is Tara smiling so much ? She just lost." Kate looked at Lucy, all smiley and sweaty. She was beautiful.
"She got under my skin and almost won. She knows it, and next time, she will probably beat me."
Kate couldn't help it and continued to watch Lucy.
Her smile, her eyes, her figure.
Lucy was endearing.
One week later, Kate was with the national team, in D.C, she could breathe easier now. The fun could finally begin. Jane Tennant, the national coach, announced the arrival of a new fencer. Cara Folk, oldest member on the team, decided to stop her active career and make her debut in coaching for another national team.
Dalia Reed was excellent and strong in her fencing, and Kate knew she could rely on her in any situation. Hina Zalopany was good and precise. However, as the back-up fencer on the team, she lacked experience against foreign fencers, and thus she didn't trust her skills during international events.
Kate was getting closer to the changing-room, she could have sworn she just saw Lucy Tara getting out of one room in fencing gear. She must have been mistaken. She changed into her fencing clothes with her bodywire, and grabbed her gear: her épée, mask and glove.
Once she got back to the fencing room, Dalia and Hina were already doing a warm-up match, watched by Jesse Boone, the assistant coach.
"That's good, Hina. Don't forget to stretch your arm first, and then push on your legs. Keep your balance." Jesse commented as Hina attacked with a lunge. She nodded at Jesse's advice, and got back to her on-guard position.
Kate took a deep breath and observed them, making mental notes on things to work with them later.
"There you are, Princess, I was beginning to wonder." Kate's breath hitched. That voice, that nickname, it couldn't be. Kate turned her head. She was there. Lucy Tara. Right here. In front of her. With that damn smirk of hers.
"What the hell are you doing here ?"
"Don't you know ? I'm your new teammate, Princess."
"You're what ?" Lucy raised her eyebrows with a smug smile.
Kate walked away from her. This couldn't be happening, she couldn't be here. Her new teammate. There was no way she would survive being this close to Lucy, seeing her everyday.
There was only one person she could talk to.
"What the hell is Lucy Tara doing here ?" Kate asked as soon as she entered Jane Tennant's office.
"Hello to you too, Kate. I'm fine, thank you for asking."
"I don't have time for this, Jane. Why her ?"
"Her performance during the event last week. You know, where she almost had you."
"I'm aware." Kate ran her hands through her hair. "I can't do it."
"You'll have to. I was very impressed by her, Kate."
"Of course you were." Kate answered as she walked out of the office and got back to the fencing room.
Hina and Dalia had stopped their match and were talking to Lucy who was ready to fence.
"Whistler, there you are." Jesse said while Kate grabbed her gear. "I want you against Tara, to analyze her style."
"Why don't you watch our last match, Boone. You can analyze that."
"Scared I could win this time, Princess ?" Kate clenched her jaw. Lucy's smug smile was back on. Kate didn't answer, she went to attach herself to the piste, and fence against Lucy.
"Whistler, be careful with your emotions."
"Spare me your dad personality, Boone." He raised his hands, and left her side. He knew 'pissed-off Whistler' was never a good thing. Kate put on her mask and got ready to begin her match.
They didn't start slow, already knowing each other's moves from their last match at the event. Jesse observed them but didn't dare to talk.
The tension was palpable.
Jane joined them, and watched with interest. She wanted to see them embrace their emotions and frustrations, not thinking about their next move, only going on pure instinct.
"Stop doing that !" Kate shouted, taking her mask completely off, and stopping their match.
"Fencing ?" Lucy answered cheekily, pulling her mask up her face.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
"You are the one throwing yourself at me."
"You are too small, I can't touch you properly."
"You are tall, Princess, use your legs."
"Is there a problem, ladies ?" It was Jane, stopping their argument.
"Not at all."
"It's totally awesome."
They both put their mask back on, and resumed fencing.
The rest of the staff were gathering near them.
Ernie Malik, their photographer and social media manager, was taking some pictures of them and their match. As fencing wasn't as widely broadcast on television as other sports, active social networks were essential for the team.
Kai Holman, the team workout trainer, was taking notes while observing their movements. There were some things he had to check with Lucy before starting her workout program. Being the smallest on the team, Lucy would bring more movement, changing their team dynamics.
Even their osteopathy doctor, Carla Chase, was watching them, assessing their bodies while fencing, and sensing their auras. She noticed their body language, going beyond fencing. There was something more personal, private. A mutual attraction was involved.
After their match, Kate stormed out of the fencing room and hid in a room to steady her heart. She wasn't lying to Jane. Fencing against Lucy in an event was hard enough. She didn't know how she could fence alongside Lucy everyday.
Lucy was staring at the door where Kate had just left through. She sighed. She didn't know why Kate was so uncomfortable with her presence. They weren't strangers, they knew each other. She moved her head to clear her thoughts of Kate, and to focus on fencing. She had to fence against Dalia and Hina as well.
They didn't see Kate for the rest of their training. The staff's main priority was Lucy. She was introduced to everyone and shown around the building, including the fitness room, the repair workshop, her bedroom and all of the team and staff bedrooms in case of emergencies.
Lucy was alone in the changing-room, getting dressed into comfortable clothes after a quick shower. Following her matches against Dalia and Hina, Kai talked about her workout routine of exercises and fencing movements. He also asked her to do some stretching, not wanting to already hurt their new star fencer.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Jane entered the room.
"How are you settling in so far, Lucy ?" Jane asked, smiling at her.
"Everyone is great, thank you, Boss." Lucy replied honestly. Her first day had been positive, and everyone had been nice to her.
"I'm not surprised I have a nickname." Lucy smiled. "I'm a bit curious about the one you have for Kate."
"Whistler is very uptight on the piste, you know, like a princess."
"I guess you're right, Whistler can be like that. But trust me, Kate is not and I hope you'll see it one day." Jane said, knowing very well what people thought about Kate.
"I look forward to it, Boss." Lucy smiled.
"Good. Ernie would like to see you if you have the time." She nodded while Jane got out of the room. Lucy then packed all her fencing gear and clothes into her bag.
On her way to Ernie's office, Lucy put her fencing bag into her locker. She knocked and entered after hearing a grunt.
"Ernie, right ? Tech wizard ?" He raised his head a bit. Lucy only saw his eyes, the rest of his face was behind a large screen.
"At your service, Miss Tara." Ernie said as he stood up.
"Lucy is fine." She immediately added. "Boss said you wanted to see me."
"Do you have nicknames for everyone ?"
"Only Tennant and Whistler."
"Interesting." Ernie typed for a few moments. "I found two social media accounts with your name. Can I use them to tag you and all ?" Lucy watched the screen.
"Sure. I mean, I haven't used them in a while, so I don't know …"
"Don't worry, I just need to know if that's you. I will take care of the rest."
"I bet you're very scary with a computer." Lucy said after seeing Ernie in his element.
"You have no idea." Ernie replied, mysteriously. "Are we gonna continue this cat and mouse game ?" Lucy frowned, not quite understanding Ernie. "Starts with a W, ends with a ler." He specified.
"I really don't know what you're talking about."
"I know what happened between you two, if you ever want to talk about it." Lucy closed her eyes.
"Thank you, Ernie, I appreciate it." Lucy responded, opening her eyes. He smiled at her. She was happy to have someone she could talk to.
Lucy left Ernie's office and walked to her bedroom. In the hallway, she passed in front of Kate's door. She advanced towards it but stopped, debating with herself to talk with Kate now. She sighed and closed her eyes. Lucy shook her head and went into her room. She had all the time to talk with Kate.
A few days went by. The tension between the two main fencers was still there. Jane didn't dare to say anything about their attitude towards each other, it was their best fencing so far. They challenged each other and elevated themselves and the team. Dalia and Hina tried to appease the tension a little and calm them, but it was no use.
Kate and Lucy barely talked to each other outside of fencing and team strategy. Lucy's smug smile was on at full force, including her annoying Princess nickname. Kate hadn't rolled her eyes this much in years. Her mood didn't improve when Jane announced Lucy would be the closer, the last to fence in team matches. A role assigned to Kate for years.
But the looks they gave each other, when the other wasn't looking, didn't fool the staff. They all noticed the longing, the despair, the feelings.
It was a slower day, with no fencing practice, only workout, movements and osteopathy sessions. Lucy was at her workout session with Kai, and she could feel the tension in her body.
"You need to relax your shoulders." Kai said, pulling Lucy out of her thoughts.
"I'm relaxed." Lucy responded a little too quickly.
"If you say so."
"Okay, why do you think I'm not relaxed ?" Lucy asked, while stopping her workout. Kai just raised an eyebrow. Lucy sighed. "I'm fine, Kai."
"It's not really my place, Lucy, but you don't look fine." He could see her tiredness, both emotionally and physically.
"There are no rules against dating another fencer, right ?" Lucy sought out, with a little hope.
"Really not my place." Kai replied, looking uncomfortable with their talk.
"Because I can't think of anything else."
"I'm not the one you should talk to, Lucy." She sighed. Kai was right. She just didn't want to talk to the right person. Lucy grabbed her towel and water bottle, then left the room.
Meanwhile, Kate was at her osteopathy session with Doctor Chase, after her workout and movement session. She had a tenderness in her legs for a couple of days. Kate rolled her eyes as Doctor Chase talked about her unaligned Anahata chakra, whatever that meant, while massaging her thighs.
"Miss Tara is calling you Princess, is there a reason ?" Kate blushed slightly.
"No, she is just using it to annoy me."
"Are you sure about that, Miss Whistler ?" Chase asked while stretching Kate's legs.
"I can't think of anything else, Doctor."
"I've noticed some looks between you two." Kate sighed. "Miss Tara is a very attractive woman."
"She is, very much so." She smiled, thinking about Lucy.
"You do know there is nothing against romantic relationships with another fencer."
"Carla, I can't."
"I'm not the one you should talk to, Kate." She sighed. Chase was right. She just didn't want to talk to the right person. Kate thanked Chase for the massage, then left the room.
They managed to arrive at the same time on the way to their bedrooms, coming from different places in the building.
"Fancy seeing you here, Princess." Lucy replied with her usual smug look. Kate rolled her eyes.
"Stop calling me that." Kate finally snapped, she couldn't hear that nickname anymore, said with that damn smug smile.
"Hmm, I remember you used to like it, once upon a night." Kate's heart raced; Lucy remembered.
It was one night, a little over two months ago.
Nine weeks and twelve days to be precise.
Not that Kate was counting, that would be stupid.
Except, she was.
She stupidly had feelings for Lucy Tara.
Nine weeks and twelve days ago.
The national team was going to Hawai'i for a grand prix and a national event was happening at the same time in L.A. Usually, they would also go to the national event, as they could meet other U.S. fencers. But, this year, the grand prix was delayed by a week, a cyclone warning had been in place.
They produced their best fencing at the grand prix in Hawai'i. The opponents were tough, the weather was uncomfortable, but they managed to win gold in individual for Kate and also gold in the team competition the next day. Boosting their confidence for upcoming events.
Kate was in awe. Hundreds of people were at the airport, waiting for their arrival before going back to the mainland. She was used to fans and crowds, territory of her fame. Only, Hawai'i was special. The hospitality, the atmosphere, the people. She could live here, with nature and the beach and ocean, in the company of the right woman. Where she could be Kate, plain and simple.
"Ladies, if we want to catch the finals in L.A, we need to leave soon." Jane said, snapping Kate out of her thoughts.
"Why would we want to catch the finals in L.A ?" Dalia asked, sipping her iced tea and following the rest of the team to their plane.
"Lucy Tara."
"Who ?" Dalia was confused. Hina gave that name as if it was the answer to everything.
"Kate's crush."
"Rising star from Texas, possibly the winner this year." Hina replied at the same time as Cara.
"I don't have a crush !"
"Sure, Kate." Cara commented, rolling her eyes as they boarded on the plane.
"Isn't she the one calling Kate 'Princess' ?" Dalia wondered, frowning.
"Yep, that's the one." Cara smirked.
"Oh, I remember her ! She is really good." Dalia engaged in a conversation with Hina about Lucy's fencing style as they sat. Cara then turned towards Kate with a smirk.
"I wonder if she is really good elsewhere as well."
"Cara !"
"What ? It's a legitimate question !" Kate raised an eyebrow. "Like, is she a good driver, a good cook ?"
"We both know that's not what you were thinking."
"I think you should go for it."
"Go for what ?"
"Your attraction to Lucy Tara."
"I don't know." Cara rolled her eyes, Kate was suddenly shy. "You think she likes me ?"
"Do I think she likes you ?" Cara rolled her eyes once again. "Why do you think she calls you 'Princess' ?"
"It's a mean nickname, because I'm uptight on the piste." Cara sighed.
"Kate, and I say this with love, you are dumb."
"What ?"
"Lucy Tara is flirting with you !" Cara cried out in despair, grabbing the attention of the rest of the team and staff.
"She is ?"
"Yes, she is. Now, can you please be quiet ? I'm trying to work here." Ernie exclaimed from his seat. He was staring at his laptop, his fingers twirling over the keyboard.
"Sorry, master of social media !" He rolled his eyes at Cara's nickname. "You are so socially awkward." Cara told Kate.
"Thanks ?"
"It wasn't a compliment."
"Oh …" Kate played with the sleeves of her t-shirt at her wrists. "I just, I don't know what to do, Cara."
"Talk to her."
"That's your plan, talking to her ?"
"It's a start. Kate, try to relax, it's not like you are strangers to each other."
"Right, yes."
"How are you going to survive once I'm gone ?" Kate sighed, she didn't need to be reminded of Cara's departure from the team in a few days.
"Be alone for all eternity."
"Dramatic much." Cara commented while rolling her eyes. "You have the girls, Jane, Ernie, Jesse, Kai, even Doctor Chase !"
"I know. But you won't be there anymore."
"I will be a phone call away. Plus, we will see each other at events. I mean, I will be coaching another team but still."
"You are right."
"Obviously." Kate rolled her eyes. "Come on, try to sleep, if you want to get lucky in L.A."
"Gross." Cara laughed at Kate's shocked face. They settled into their seats, and tried to rest a bit.
Only, Kate couldn't stop thinking. She could hear Cara's little snores right beside her and she knew at least Dalia was asleep. Hina's head was moving in time with her music. Jane, Jesse and Kai were talking about strategy and the next events. Doctor Chase was probably in the cockpit, providing her osteopathy wisdom to the pilots. Ernie was still typing furiously on his laptop. And she couldn't stop thinking about Cara's departure, about Lucy. Mostly about Lucy.
She sighed. She shouldn't think that much about Lucy Tara. Nothing good comes with starting whatever with another fencer. And yet, maybe that was it. Lucy already knew the challenging life of Kate, because she had the same. Maybe Cara was right. Maybe all she needed to do was just talk and see what happens.
"Stop thinking, I can hear your brain." Kate jumped in her seat upon hearing Cara's voice.
"I'm sorry."
"What's up, Kate ?" She opened her mouth but she couldn't answer Cara.
"So, what is your take on the L.A event ?" Dalia asked, changing the subject as she turned in her seat to face Kate and Cara. She could tell Kate was concerned about something. Kate was grateful and smiled at Dalia.
"Oh ! In semi, I think it will be Lucy Tara, Katharine Holmes, Courtney Hurley and Kelley Hurley." Hina replied quickly, she had analyzed the event.
"Solid on the Hurley sisters." Cara said casually.
"Holmes is in great shape, yes." Dalia agreed. They all turned to Kate to hear her take on the event. Even though they already knew the answer.
"Umm, right, yes. Lucy Tara, definitely." Kate blushed while they rolled their eyes.
"Ladies, we're landing soon." Kate breathed easier when her teammate's attention went to Jesse. "Put on your seatbelts."
"Aye, aye, Sir." He rolled his eyes at Cara's attitude. "Don't think you're off the hook, Missy." Cara said, looking once again towards Kate.
"Duly noted."
"Just think about what I said." Cara put her seat belt back on. "What do you have to lose ?" Kate took a deep breath. Actually, she didn't have anything to lose, as there was nothing going on. She only had hope. Hope that she wouldn't make a fool of herself. Hope that Cara was right about Lucy.
Nothing could stop Kate now, in the privacy of their van, as she pulled out her phone in the hope of watching some footage of the L.A event. She went directly to the last matches available, not bothering with the beginning.
As they said previously on the plane, the semi finals saw the Hurley sisters against Katharine Holmes and Lucy Tara. Those were tough semi finals, and Kate was pleased to only watch them for once.
While clicking directly on the semi final opposing Kelley Hurley to Lucy Tara, Kate made herself more comfortable in the van. Cara rolled her eyes when she saw what Kate was watching. Not that it was unexpected, but she didn't comment on it. Knowing Kate had enough of her teasing today towards her crush, or not crush, on Lucy Tara.
Kate was in awe.
Lucy Tara made it look so easy.
She knew first hand how tough Kelley Hurley could be. Left-handed, quick on her feet, no mistake to create an opening.
And Lucy Tara did it, going into the final.
Kate hoped they would get there in time to see the match. She didn't check the opponent, Courtney Hurley or Katharine Holmes, she didn't care.
All that mattered now was watching Lucy Tara live.
Kate was so engrossed in watching the game a few times, purely from a fencing point of view, that she didn't notice the van stopping and the team leaving the vehicle.
While trying to remain professional, and not smitten by Lucy Tara, Kate fled out of the van and swiftly walked to the fencing hall.
Cara rolled her eyes at Kate's silly antics. She was currently talking to other fencers, trying to be decent at socializing, unlike Kate who was so focused on this petite woman with a killer smile and curly hair that she forgot to greet fencers and coaches on her way to the final match.
Despite the room full of people watching the event and this final match, Kate managed to find a seat in the middle, facing the piste. She didn't want to attract attention, being directly on the front line.
This was Lucy's final, Lucy's big win, not hers.
Watching a match and not living it was different for Kate. Her body wasn't moving on the piste, only her gaze across the two fencers. She couldn't think about the next move, only seeing the action take place.
And once again, Kate was in awe of Lucy : the fluidity of her movements, her perfect balance on attacks, her quick thinking at counter attacks.
Kate was mesmerized.
She didn't realize it was the end of the first three minute period until the one minute pause was announced. She took notice of the score, 9-5 for Lucy. Comfortable score in the lead. However, Katharine Holmes could reverse it if Lucy wasn't careful.
Her coach didn't do much, only giving her a bottle of water, and something light to eat. He seemed confident in her, and didn't feel the need to talk. Lucy nodded at him, and he left her side to sit on his chair.
And that's when their eyes met across the room.
Shivers ran through her body.
The biggest smile ever seen made its way on Lucy's face.
Kate wasn't too sure what that smile meant, but she took very little, no, took all the pleasure in seeing it.
"Vos masques, s'il vous plaît." Pause was over. The referee was in position once again.
Kate couldn't see Lucy's eyes anymore as she put on her mask. But she knew that smile was still in place.
The rest of the match was a blur. Lucy was quicker in this second period, on her attacks and movements. She even managed to do hand and foot touches on her opponent.
Very impressive fencing.
And that was it, 15-11 for Lucy Tara.
Lucy removed her mask and grinned at her victory.
All sweaty and tired on adrenaline wearing off, Lucy hadn't looked more beautiful in Kate's eyes.
The medal ceremony took place shortly after. Lucy and Katharine had no time to completely change but they still managed to remove part of their fencing clothes to put on tracksuits. They climbed on the podium with the Hurley sisters in third place.
–
Kate was uncomfortable.
Some kind of party was thrown for their medals in Hawai'i and those in the national event at a hotel in L.A. She was used to the attention, but this was too much. She walked towards a more private part of the room, hoping to breathe easier. She took little sips of her drink, her throat was dry.
Lucy, on the other hand, was ecstatic.
She loved the party thrown for the national team and their medals in L.A. She enjoyed all the attention she got. People wanted pictures with her and the gold medal. She barely touched her drink, but she was still drunk. Drunk on happiness and euphoria.
She couldn't contain the smile taking place on her face anymore. She had just fenced and won a national event in front of her all time crush and famous national team fencer, Kate Whistler.
Lucy looked around the room, trying to see other fencers. She easily spotted the national team, but someone was missing. She frowned, and tried to catch the blonde woman somewhere in the room. She smiled as she found her in a secluded area.
Lucy took a deep breath, and moved towards Kate. She wanted to talk to her, to hear her voice, to gaze upon her face.
She ignored the nervous feelings rushing to her cheeks the closer she got to Kate. They fenced against each other a few times, but they never got to properly meet and talk. She gave Kate a nickname, Princess. Her attitude on the piste, always proper and polite but also fierce and determined.
This was her chance to change their professional relationship, and make it more friendly.
"Hi." Kate didn't pay attention to the figure coming her way, thinking it was Cara or Jane. Only it was neither of them.
"Hi !" She said to Lucy, a bit too cheerful. She was even more beautiful and amazing this close.
"Congrats." They both said at the same time. Kate blushed under Lucy's laugh.
"Thank you for today." Kate was confused about Lucy's gratitude.
"I didn't do much."
"You were there, you helped. I appreciated it." Kate's smile was a bit shy, insecure. Lucy was in front of Kate, not Whistler. This was the woman behind the mask, nervous and charming and beautiful.
"Congrats again on your medal."
"Luckily, you weren't there." Lucy chuckled honestly.
"No, you don't need luck, you are really talented." Lucy was surprised by this much praise. "I'm used to people thinking I'm the bad guy." Kate added, dropping her shoulders.
"I don't think you're bad. In fact, I think you're amazing." And just like that, Kate was once again in awe of Lucy. "So, you wanna get out of here ?"
"What do you have in mind ?"
"You should be horizontal, Princess." Lucy said, playing with Kate's hair. For once, Kate didn't hate that nickname. It wasn't annoying or in relation to her fencing attitude, but to her, as a person.
It was hot.
"You think so ?"
"Hmm." Lucy gently traced Kate's face with her fingers, taking in the soft skin. Kate closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the touch.
"What are you waiting for then, Luce ?" Lucy's biggest smile returned on her face at the term of endearment, and she took Kate's hand to leave the room.
Dropping their glasses on the way out, Lucy guided Kate to the elevator.
Stepping into the elevator, Lucy pinned Kate against the wall, kissing her passionately. She blindly pressed the button to the floor of her hotel room. She quickly put her hands back on Kate's body. She could finally touch her.
Kate squeezed a hand through Lucy's hair, bracing herself against the elevator with her other hand at the sweet assault. Now that she had tasted Lucy's lips, Kate could never live a day without them.
–
"Anyway, talk to you later, Whistler." Kate snapped out of the memories of their night. Her heart ached, she was Whistler now.
"Luce …" Kate whispered. But it was too late, Lucy already left to go into her room.
Kate put her hand on Lucy's door. She let it slide, sighing and closing her eyes. She could no longer ignore their situation, her feelings. She had to do something. There was only one person she had to talk to.
"Jane, I have to talk to you, if you have the time." Kate said directly while entering Jane's office.
"Must be serious, you are almost polite." Jane stopped what she was doing at her desk, giving the blonde all her attention.
"It's about Lucy Tara." Jane rolled her eyes. Lucy Tara was always on Kate's mind.
"Of course it is."
"I can't." Jane raised an eyebrow. "I can't be on the team with her."
"Why not ?" Jane was curious. "I mean, her first few days were hard, for good reasons. I didn't talk about her transfer with you. But you seem to have a better relationship these days and …" Kate pursed her lips. "Oh !" Kate blushed under Jane's gaze. "You have feelings for her."
"Yes." She confessed in a whisper.
"Since when ?" Jane asked, trying to remember a time where the two of them could have been more, more than the crush they all knew Kate had on Lucy.
"The L.A event after Hawai'i." Jane raised an eyebrow. "We arrived in time to watch the final. And there she was. She had just won and was all sweaty, but it was the first time I really saw her as Lucy and not just as another fencer I had to beat." Kate had a little smile. "I went to the after party. She is the most amazing woman I've ever met, Jane." Kate closed her eyes. "We slept together after a few drinks. I shouldn't have, the last thing I want to do is hurt her feelings. But I felt the most alive I've been in years that night." She opened her eyes and saw Jane's face, all friendly and understanding. "I thought she had forgotten, Jane."
"What changed ?" Jane asked softly.
"She, hmm." Kate blushed. "The way she called me Princess that night. She …"
"Kate, that's too much information." Jane didn't want to know about her fencers' private lives.
"I'm sorry. You're one of few people I can talk to about her." Kate sighed. "You're the only one, apart from Lucy, who sees me, who sees Kate. Not just Whistler." Jane nodded, silently asking Kate to continue. "She has always called me Princess, as an annoying nickname, because I'm professional on the piste. I didn't think too much about it at first. But now, all I can think about is our night together. And it was too much, so I told her to stop."
"She made a comment about your night, didn't she ?" Kate nodded.
"And now, I'm just Whistler, like nothing happened between us."
"Maybe you should have that conversation with her, Kate."
"I know, it's just hard for me. I'm not good with words, Jane."
"Actions speak louder than words."
"Yes, you're right. I should do something." Kate was already thinking about it. A grand gesture. Go big, or go home. Ernie would definitely say something like that. "Thank you, Jane."
"Just not now, Kate. I need you to focus on the world championships. After that, you can win your woman too." Kate blushed and nodded before leaving the office.
–
Lucy couldn't believe the nerve of that woman. Complaining about her nickname while she had every chance to do it before. Before everything changed. Before their night. There was only one person she had to talk to.
"That woman …" Lucy grumbled directly while entering Ernie's office.
"Who are we talking about ?" Ernie took a look at Lucy's face and understood immediately. "Ha, so Princess, huh ?"
"Nope, just Whistler now."
"Something happened ?"
"You mean, besides the fact that she doesn't remember our night together, nothing. And, she's embarrassed by me."
"Maybe she's embarrassed by herself."
"That's silly, she's Kate Whistler." Lucy smiled lovingly. "She is this unbelievably beautiful, smart and charming woman."
"Kate is like that, yes. But, Whistler is not."
"Both are the same person, Ernie."
"Lucy, you of all people know perfectly well that's not true." Ernie reminded Lucy. "I remember how happy she was after Hawai'i and L.A, Lucy." Her smile was back once again. "And it was not just because they won the gold."
"But why is she acting like that, Ernie ? Like I'm nothing to her." Lucy replied with sadness. She couldn't forget their night. The happiness and the feelings she experienced never left her.
"I've known her for a long time, Lucy. You're not nothing to her." Ernie reassured her. "Do you know why she missed one week of events in 2009 ?"
"She was sick, wasn't she ?" Ernie chuckled.
"That's the official version, yes." Lucy frowned. "Her brother was killed in action, an ambush in Taji, Iraq." Ernie confessed. Lucy's heart ached for Kate and the pain she'd been hiding. "After that, she was no longer the same, Kate became Whistler. Hiding every emotion and feeling behind her clenched jaw. But the morning after your night, Lucy, we had Kate back. She didn't forget, trust me on that." Lucy had hope again. Hope in her feelings, hope in her future, hope to feel Kate again.
Weeks passed after their encounter in the hallway.
A certain disappointment continued to haunt Lucy. The possibility that Kate forgot their night.
A certain motivation dwelt in Kate. She was now sure Lucy remembered their night.
Their talks were only related to fencing, nothing too personal. Just like they had been in the first days of Lucy's arrival on the team. Their main focus was the world championships in Paris, France. Jane had strengthened their fencing and workout program, they had to be ready, mentally and physically.
With their world rank and points gained from other events, Kate and Lucy went immediately to direct elimination. Hina and Dalia, on the other hand, had to get into qualification games the day before. Only Dalia managed to pass and qualified for the next day.
Doctor Chase and Kai were essential to get Dalia in shape for the next day. Preparation had to be flawless, injuries could happen quickly. Stretching too much on a lunge; wrong foot position during movements.
The next day, direct elimination started straight away, and Dalia, Lucy and Kate got into the next two stages of the event.
However, Dalia lost just before the quarter final matches, while Lucy and Kate managed to get into the next stage.
Before the quarter final matches, Ernie left the media room at the event. He had enough of all the journalists and photographers, even though they were his colleagues. He needed his space.
Scanning the training room outside the fencing hall, he found Kate doing her pre-match routine, and went directly to her side.
"So." He said quietly, not wanting to startle Kate.
"Yes, Ernie ?" She stopped her movements, focusing on Ernie.
"What's up with our new fencer ?" Ernie asked. He had noticed the 'only business' talk, but looks and smiles never lied.
"Lucy is no longer new."
"Oh good, you know who I'm talking about." Kate rolled her eyes.
"Is there something you need, Ernie ?"
"Was there a round two of L.A you failed to mention ?" Ernie was curious to know how their relationship had evolved, only having Lucy's side since she joined the team.
"Be quiet ! I told you that in confidence !" He rolled his eyes as Kate looked around for potential eavesdroppers.
"Like it's a secret." Ernie grumbled enough for Kate to hear.
"Excuse me ?" He chuckled at Kate's offended face.
"Are you forgetting we all knew about your crush on her ? And you weren't exactly very discreet with your 'I just got laid' look after Hawai'i and L.A." Kate opened her mouth to reply.
"KATE WHISTLER USA, TO PISTE 8. KATE WHISTLER USA, TO PISTE 8. THANK YOU." She sighed at the call for her next match.
"This is not over." Kate grabbed her gear, and walked away from him.
"Sure, Kate." Ernie had a smug look, watching Kate's figure sweep away to the fencing hall.
Both Lucy and Kate were now on the next stage of the event, the semi final matches. Pressure was building up more and more. The prize, the final, was getting closer and closer.
Jesse was alongside Lucy for her matches, advising her if necessary. Jane knew her presence was unnecessary for Kate, but there she was, a familiar face.
Kate was back again in the training room, waiting for the call to her semi final. She saw Lucy doing some movements. They could fence together in the final match. Kate shook her head, she needed to focus on the semi final first.
"There you are, Missy." Kate turned around, startled by the voice.
"Cara, what the hell are you doing here ?"
"Ouch." Cara placed one hand on her heart, hurt by Kate's welcome.
"No, that's not what I …" Kate closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry. How are you ?"
"Peachy." Cara rolled her eyes. "And to answer your sweet initial question, I'm shadowing Choi. Not that she needs me, but I'm following orders. " Cara took her time to watch her friend. Kate seemed stressed, but not about fencing. "So, what's up with Lucy Tara ?"
"Not you too." Kate sighed, running her non-gloved hand over her face. "I'm working on it."
"And by working on it, do you mean working her ?" Cara smirked, raising her eyebrows.
"What ? No !" Kate quickly replied.
"Don't be such a prude, I know you've already seen the package."
"Oh my, be quiet !" Kate said while looking around for potential eavesdroppers, mainly Lucy who wasn't far from them.
"Are you still pretending nobody knows ?"
"I'm not pretending !"
"You sweet summer child." Cara chuckled, amused by Kate's innocence on her not so private life.
"What does that even mean ?"
"CHOI INJEONG KOREA, TO PISTE BLUE. CHOI INJEONG KOREA, TO PISTE BLUE. THANK YOU."
"That's me, gotta go."
"Cara, get back here !"
"Love you ! Gonna watch your girl now !"
"She is not my girl !" Kate retorted, as Cara walked away. "Yet …" A mere whisper that reminded Kate of her other purpose, beyond this event, beyond fencing.
All four remaining fencers were now on the same piste, being presented to the public. First, Kate was against Ana Maria Popescu from Romania, and then Lucy against Choi Injeong from Korea. Both tough fencers and a challenge to earn a place in the final match.
In the end of those semi final matches, only Kate managed to go to the final while Lucy couldn't break the style of the Korean fencer, earning a bronze medal at the world championship.
Stress levels were getting higher and higher for Kate. She shouldn't be feeling that way, it wasn't the first time she was in this situation. And yet, she was on the verge of a panic attack.
"Whistler ?" Lucy was just in front of Kate, but she didn't seem to see her. "Whistler ?" She was getting worried, Kate's mind was elsewhere. "Kate ?" She softly touched Kate's face with the back of her hand.
"Lucy …" Kate whispered, the gentle touch snapped her out of her thoughts.
"I'm here. Where did you go ?" Lucy tucked an escaped lock of hair behind Kate's ear.
"I don't know if I can do it, Lucy."
"Do what ?"
"Win." Kate looked down, avoiding Lucy's gaze.
"You don't have to win, you have nothing else to prove." Lucy pulled Kate's face up by lifting her chin. "You're in the final of a world championship, Kate, you're one of the best épée fencers in the world." Kate sighed. "We are so very proud of you." Lucy bit her lips. "And I'm sure your brother is too."
"How do you know about Noah ?" Kate shyly asked, tears getting in her eyes.
"Ernie."
"Right, of course."
"I bet he was a great guy."
"He was." Kate breathed heavily, then chuckled. "You're very similar to him. He would have come to me, and said : Katie, who cares if you win or not, as long as you are having fun." Kate smiled, hearing her brother's voice saying those exact words. "Thank you, Lucy, that helped." Lucy smiled sweetly.
"No need to thank me, I believe in you." They smiled softly at each other, then Lucy shifted demeanor. "I'm mad at myself, you know, I almost got Choi. But her style …"
"There is nothing you could have done." Kate quickly interrupted Lucy's annoyance at her performance. "She has more reach with her grip, don't be too hard on yourself." Kate closed her eyes, sighing. "I'm pretty sure Cara is giving her the strategy to beat me."
"Don't be yourself." Kate opened her eyes at Lucy's comment.
"What ?"
"Choi expects you to be Whistler on the piste. So, change your style, be creative."
Kate could kiss her right now. She broadly smiled at Lucy, her panic attack completely forgotten. That was exactly the sort of advice Noah would give her, back in her high school fencing days, where her brother acted as her honorary coach.
Kate took Lucy's advice very seriously, catching Choi totally by surprise. With a comfortable lead of 4 touches in the first period at 6-2, Kate took the time to breathe during the pause.
She caught Lucy winking at her, clearly satisfied her advice worked. However, Kate couldn't relax, the match wasn't over yet. She still had to go at 15 to win.
Though confident in her strategy, thanks to Lucy, Kate had to remain mindful of any surprises from her opponent over the second period. Choi was far from being a beginner, arrogance could be Kate's downfall.
Choi showed more aggression during their second period, assuming the lead in attack. Kate was ready for this situation, taking her time to move and defend. As her opponent was a bit careless, Kate took the opportunity to expand the gap at 11-6, with her last touche just at the end of the second period.
Kate saw Choi getting more and more frustrated during their match during the second pause. Cara tried to reason with her, but to no end. Choi was losing her famous calm demeanor.
In the third period, Kate completely let Choi lead the game, allowing her to benefit from her opponent's angered attitude. Choi made mistakes, granting Kate to wait patiently and win the match at 15-9.
The U.S side of the piste erupted in cheers as the final touche hit Choi's arm, awarding Kate with the world champion title. A title she hadn't won in a few years. A title proving her skills, her commitment, her worth.
After proceeding with the fencing salute to Choi and the referee, Kate finally enjoyed her win with her team. She wasn't lying when she talked to Lucy about her uncertainty to win the final.
Without Lucy's advice, her title wouldn't be real.
Kate realized then the importance of Lucy in her life.
The medal ceremony was foggy to Kate. Only remembering the weight of the medal on her chest, her tears hearing the anthem, the distant sound of applause, Lucy's arm around her waist for the picture.
They didn't throw a party just after the ceremony, the championship wasn't over. The team needed to rest and get back into shape for the next event after a break day, the team competition.
Lucy was in a great mood the next day. The day after her bronze medal, the day after her intimate moment with Kate.
She liked that thought, time with Kate, getting close to her. It was comforting, felt real.
"Hi, Kai." Lucy said cheerfully, entering the gym. Kai was already there, moving some equipment for her training. "Movements and stretching first, right ?" He nodded, and Lucy started the fencing moves.
"What's getting you all smiley and happy ?" He was smiling as well, Lucy's spirit was contagious.
"Nothing." Kai just raised an eyebrow. "Fine !" Lucy bit her lip, slowing down the moves. "I think my … I think Whistler and I are better now."
"Heard she won thanks to you."
"That's not true ! She won because she's awesome !" Kai laughed. "I may have said something that may have helped her, in a way, to win."
"So, she won thanks to you."Lucy couldn't stop her smile while nodding. "That's great, Lucy."
"I guess." She shrugged. "I mean, I mentioned her brother. I don't think I should have." He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, she has a brother ?"
"Had, actually." Lucy corrected. "You don't know ?" She added, seeing Kai was confused.
"I was the new guy before your arrival, Lucy." Kai admitted.
"I thought you guys were together for years."
"I'm actually a few months older than you on the team."
"Oh, what happened to the other guy ?"
"Tennant fired him."
"I'm sorry, what ?"
"Yeah, apparently, he was a prick." Lucy raised an eyebrow, not used to Kai speaking like that. " Jesse's words, not mine." They shared a smile. "Tennant had some trust issues a few years back."
"How do you know ?" Lucy asked as Kai adjusted her lunge position at shoulder level.
"Ernie." Lucy rolled her eyes, of course, who else. "Something happened with the former head coach, Maggie, who was like a maternal figure to Tennant. That's when Whistler and her became close."
"Only having each other after this trust issue."
"Exactly, and that's when they hired Jesse."
"They ? As in together ? Boss and Kate ?" Kai didn't comment on Lucy's use of Kate instead of her more recent snarky Whistler.
"Whistler is so much more than a fencer on the team to Tennant." Kai explained.
"That explains a lot actually." Lucy finally understood the bond that united Kate and Jane. It was much more than fencing between those two, almost sisterly. "Thank you, Kai, for explaining a bit about their shared past. This team is awesome, we all have each other's back."
"We are a family, Lucy. That's what I liked when I first joined."
"I'm glad to be a part of this family as well."
Smiling at each other, Lucy resumed her exercises under Kai's watchful eyes, observing her form and correcting it if necessary.
Lucy's thoughts went to their family as she continued her exercises.
Jane, the motherly figure they look up to ; Jesse and Kai, the brothers who are always there when you need them ; Hina and Dalia, the sisters you always want to play with ; Ernie the fun and cool uncle who knows everything about anyone ; and Carla, the strange doctor aunt who gives very enigmatic quotes as advice.
And, there was Kate.
A smile appeared on her lips.
Perhaps, she would do something after the competition, showing the whole world her feelings for Kate Whistler.
But, for now, her focus had to be on Kai, her form and the exercises.
Kate grimaced as she entered Doctor Chase's office during the event, her legs were starting to hurt while walking.
Yesterday was an intensive competition with not much time to relax, and to rest properly in between matches.
She already knew Chase would make a fuss about it, asking if she practiced her muscle relaxation exercises.
"Have you reconsidered your position on dating another member of this team ?" Chase asked, sitting at the desk and not even looking at Kate.
"You don't waste any time, Doctor Chase." Kate replied, rolling her eyes.
"I lost the battle of patience long ago, my dear. Gandhi would be so disappointed in me." Chase sighed. "Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far." Kate frowned. "A Swahili proverb that's perfect for you." Kate blushed under Chase's scrutinizing gaze.
"Lucy mentioned my brother yesterday, just before the final." Kate revealed, lying down on the massage table.
"How did that make you feel ?" Chase asked with caution, knowing the subject was sensitive to Kate.
"Surprised, sad, and relieved, I think."
"That she already knew ?" Chase was curious about how Kate handled this. She let Kate think while she started massaging the legs.
"In a way, yes." Kate replied. "She didn't ask questions, she just told me he would be proud of me and that she thought he was a great guy."
"Miss Tara will be good to you, Miss Whistler." Kate had a little smile, a smile that Chase noticed immediately. "Now, you didn't answer my question, but you did reconsider, didn't you ?"
"Jane thinks I should do something." Kate answered, while Chase carefully massaged her legs.
"Actions speak louder than words."
"That's exactly what Jane said."
"Well, our beloved queen is very wise and known to give excellent advice." Kate laughed a little.
"I just, I don't know what to do. I should try something after the competition."
"Do or do not. There is no try." Kate raised an eyebrow. "Wisdom can come from every form, including a little green goblin."
"Yoda isn't a … Nevermind." Kate sighed. "Cara would know what to do."
"Miss Folk is a great friend, Miss Whistler. However, with all due respect, I don't think her idea of actions can be done in public." Kate grimaced. Chase was right. Cara would probably tell her to bone her or something.
"I will see what tomorrow brings."
"Excellent, that's the spirit !" Chase gave Kate a smile, glad the blond talked to her. "Now, do rest those legs properly in between matches, Kate. Do you remember your muscle relaxation exercises ?" Kate rolled her eyes.
"Carla, you're even worse than Jane."
"Thank you."
"It wasn't a compliment."
"I will take it as such."
"Of course you will."
"You know, Kate, being in a relationship with someone who already knows your lifestyle is very precious. My second first husband taught me that."
"How many first husbands have you had, Carla ?"
"Three, so far. I consider every relationship a new beginning."
"Wow, I didn't have your marriage history on my bingo card today."
"Those still exist ?" Kate rolled her eyes.
"I'm old fashioned."
"I believe that."
"Thank you, talking to you always helps."
"My door is constantly open, my dear." They smiled at each other.
Kate was happy to have someone else she could confide in. Jane and Ernie were great, only Carla had a unique view of life.
Of love.
Kate smiled, she wasn't lying to herself anymore.
Her feelings for Lucy were more than just a crush.
It was love.
And she finally accepted it.
Kate made her way to the room the hotel had secured for their briefing.
She felt better, physically and mentally.
"Boss, Whistler is here." Jesse announced as Kate walked into the room, making direct eye-contact with Lucy. She smirked and winked at Kate.
Jane turned around, and sighed in relief at finally seeing Kate.
"Sorry, I'm late. Doctor Chase was thorough today." Kate explained, making Jane frown. She was immediately worried about Kate's body condition.
"Your legs ?" Jane asked, walking towards Kate.
"All good." Jane raised an eyebrow, not convinced by Kate's statement. "Yes, I'm sure, and yes, you can ask Carla."
"I'm just concerned." Jane whispered, trying to justify herself.
"I know, Jane." Kate got even closer to Jane, taking one hand into one of her own. "Really, I'm fine. I even had a lecture about my muscle relaxation exercises." That got a little smirk out of Jane.
"Good." Jane bit her lip. "Maybe Hina could fence a bit …"
"Jane, I love you and how you care about us, but stop." Kate cut off Jane's offer. "I'm fine." She said, looking directly into Jane's eyes. "And if I'm not, you'll be the first to know, I promise." That finally seemed to convince Jane.
"Okay." Kate nodded, and walked away from Jane, taking the free seat between Dalia and Hina. Lucy looked closely at her, making sure she really was well, then turned her gaze to Jane.
"Sorry for my delay, I was talking to one of my colleagues. My Russian is a little rusty." Chase said as she entered the room.
"You speak Russian, Doc ?" Jesse was intrigued by that information.
"I am a student of the human body, soul intact or not." Chase replied, mysteriously.
"'Yes' would've been enough."
"Now, where is the fun in that, Mister Boone ?"
"Point taken."
"Jane, they are all fit for fencing."
"Thank you, Carla."
"Even the tall goofy one ?"
"I'm offended, Ernie."
"You talked about a bingo card, Kate." Chase confessed to the group. Some chuckled.
"I was trying to be funny !"
"Please don't." Dalia retorted, Hina chuckled.
"You're all mean."
"We love you too, Kit-Kat." Kate rolled her eyes at Dalia.
"Can we go back to the briefing ?"
"Sorry, Boss." Dalia straightened herself on her chair.
"Thank you. As you are all fit for tomorrow, there's no changes to the team, for now." Jane looked at Kate. "Hina, you're the back-up if needed."
"Fine by me, Boss."
"If my calculations are correct, we'll face Italy in the final." They all turned their attention to Ernie who didn't notice. "I mean, if they manage to beat Korea in semi and if we win against Estonia, obviously."
"Based on ?"
"So glad you asked, Boss. I created an algorithm that …"
"We already know you're genius material, Ernie, no need to use big words." Lucy interrupted him.
"I'm hurt on so many levels." Ernie put one hand over his heart. "Anyway ! All of this is based on the fact we won our first round and previous team events. So, no pressure ladies."
"Is that supposed to encourage us ?" Kate asked, frowning.
"Yes."
"Never do that again." Ernie rolled his eyes at Kate.
"Lucy, you will remain the closer. If that's alright with everyone." Jane told and looked at Kate as she took control of the briefing once again.
"That's perfect." Kate winked at Lucy.
Jane was surprised by this.
She was expecting Kate to be upset and argue about being the closer in the past.
This was a new development and she had Lucy to thank.
Kate was coming back, putting Whistler aside.
The briefing resumed, and Jesse took the lead, presenting every opposing team, their strengths and flaws, with the help of Ernie.
Kai then presented some movements and stretching to do in the morning before the event and between matches, making sure their legs and bodies would be without muscle aches.
Chase reminded them, looking intensely at Kate, to practice their muscle relaxation exercises, and to eat and hydrate regularly. Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, a healthy mind in a healthy body, as she would always say to them.
Lucy was the last one to leave the briefing room.
She wanted to review some part of her role as closer with Jane. This event was much more important to the team, she didn't want to screw up their chance to win gold.
Going to her room, she passed in front of Kate's.
She stopped and debated with herself for a minute.
Their wink back in the briefing room was flirting, right ?
They were in a good place now.
So, she was allowed to be near her outside of fencing.
Without second thoughts, she knocked on the door and waited for Kate.
"Lucy ?" Kate was surprised as she opened her door.
Lucy didn't say anything.
She stepped forward into Kate's personal space.
Kate felt her heart rate increase seeing Lucy so close.
Finally, Lucy stood on her tiptoes and hugged Kate, pressing her hands against strong shoulders. Kate was confused, but put her arms around Lucy's waist, returning the hug.
They closed their eyes, being in each other's arms was like coming home.
"Thank you." Kate smiled at Lucy. "Goodnight, Kate." Kate nodded at her, she wasn't sure her voice would function enough to reply.
Lucy moved away from Kate, sliding one of her hands down Kate's arm, then her fingertips.
One last touch between their skin, as light as a feather falling to the floor.
"Goodnight, Lucy." Kate murmured as Lucy went back to her room.
She looked for a while at Lucy's door. She didn't want to break the current running between them. Their hug and their touch meant everything.
Today was the day of the team event.
They had won their first round of 16, against Switzerland.
Then, they moved to the next round, quarter finals against China. This match would be much harder.
There was history between them, with their head coach.
Kate discreetly asked Hina to stay very close to Jane, knowing what was happening in her mind.
As expected, the match was a bit harder than the previous one, but they managed to win, as a team.
Kate saw the Chinese head coach getting closer and closer to Jane.
This wasn't good.
"Hello, Janie."
"Don't talk to me, Maggie."
"Great match, Janie, you must be proud of your team." Maggie said as Myra approached them, and put herself behind Maggie.
"Jane told you something, respect that." Kate placed herself in front of Jane, blocking Maggie's view of her former assistant. Lucy and the rest of the team stayed away, but still watched them.
"Katie, ever so loyal." Kate clenched her jaw.
"You have no right to call me that." She stepped closer to Maggie. "You betrayed us, you broke Jane's trust, and you think you can come to us and chat like nothing happened ?" Kate's eyes were almost black, filled with anger. Lucy bit her lip, angry Kate was very sexy. "Get the hell out of our lives, or I will make you."
"Are you threatening me ?"
"I'm being honest. Something you never were." The team could feel Kate's anger.
"What is happening here ?" Jesse came closer to them, followed by the rest of the team.
"Take Jane, Jesse." He knew then how serious Kate was, she had never called him Jesse before.
"Let's go, Boss. Ernie took some pretty cool pictures and videos." Jesse took Jane away, shielding her from the outside world with his arms. Dalia and Hina went with him, worried about their head coach, and knowing Kate was handling it. Lucy approached Kate, making her presence known.
"And, who do we have here ? Some fresh meat."
"Name is Lucy, and you are ?"
"I'm …"
"Yeah, I don't care actually." Lucy cut off Maggie's answer. "You're mean, I don't like mean people, especially to Boss." Kate smiled; angry Lucy was so hot, as long as it's not directed at her.
"This is not over." Maggie glanced at them one more time, and quickly left without a thought about Myra. Applause brought their attention to another fencer.
"You looked very serious and very cool." She said with a thick Russian accent.
"Hi, Alina."
"You're Black Widow !" Lucy exclaimed, recognizing the Russian fencer, Alina Nikitin.
"Thank you." Alina smiled, pleased at her nickname.
"Alina, huh ?" Lucy asked, remembering Kate's greetings.
"That's her name."
"It's her first name."
"You called her Black Widow."
"It's her cool nickname !" Kate rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry about Coach Shaw." Myra said suddenly, cutting off Kate and Lucy bickering.
"No, Myra, don't apologize on her behalf, never."
"Kate is right, Myra. You should stand up for yourself, and stick to your plan." Alina reassured Myra.
"Plan ? What plan ?" Lucy's curious mind took over.
"I don't want to fence on this team anymore."
"But, Myra, you love fencing ! And you're so good."
"That's very kind, Kate."
"Tell them about your research." Myra nodded at Alina.
"As I was born in Hawai'i, I can ask for a transfer on your team."
"Do it." Kate replied, instantly.
"You sure ? You think Coach Tennant will say yes ?"
"Boss is all about getting new talents in the family, so totally." Lucy agreed.
"I told you !" Myra rolled her eyes at Alina.
"Thank you both." Myra took Kate and Lucy in her arms.
"Boss didn't say yes yet tho."
"Lucy !" She laughed at Kate's outraged face.
Seeing them like that, Myra was sure now. She wanted that kind of team, friendly and loyal. People were more important and special than the results.
She smiled to herself and went back to her team, for now, a plan forming into her mind.
She had a new purpose, thanks to Kate and Lucy. She had to talk to Jane Tennant.
After all quarter finals matches were done, Ernie made his way to the team with a triumphant smile.
"So, remember what I told you yesterday ?" Ernie asked, gloating. "You know, my algorithm."
"Yeah, yeah, you can predict the future. Tell us something new."
"No need to be grumpy, Lucy. The tall one is a very bad influence."
"Don't include me in this." Kate was still angry after their encounter with Maggie.
"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted." Lucy rolled her eyes. "Estonia is next."
"You do know we can read the board, handsome."
"When I said you can't call me handsome in text during the week or after 4:00 p.m. on weekends, that also applied to in-person talks." Lucy looked at Kate and Hina in confusion, Kate shrugged and Hina rolled her eyes.
"Gross." Lucy concluded, watching Dalia looking and smiling at Ernie.
"Believe it or not, Malik, everything isn't about you."
"Jury's still out on that."
"Are they always like that ?" Lucy asked, grimacing at their attitude.
"More or less, depends on the week." Hina replied, not that bothered by Ernie and Dalia.
"Really gross." Lucy frowned. "I just, I never saw them like that."
"Trust me, you don't want to know what is happening behind closed doors." Kate told Lucy, knowing how much Ernie means to her.
"Umm, if memory serves me right, there is a lot of Dirty Dancing music." Hina explained. Even Kate grimaced.
"Ewww." Dalia rolled her eyes at Lucy's comment.
"This is kind of about me." Ernie complained to Dalia.
"Can we focus on the competition, girls ?"
"With pleasure." Lucy replied to Dalia, wanting to forget this very conversation.
"So, Estonia." Ernie said, going back on topic.
Ernie briefed them as precisely as he could based on previous matches, using his precious algorithm.
He couldn't stay with them the entire duration of their warm-up before the semi, he had to watch the other match taking place before theirs, Italy against Korea.
As predicted, their match against Estonia wasn't easy, but they made it work, ending their match at 45 - 39 touches.
The team joined Kai and Chase to prepare themselves for the next match.
The final.
The end of the event was near.
Gold was in reach.
Jane stayed a little bit longer and talked to the referee and the Estonian coach. She liked talking to referees and other coaches, they had other perspectives or techniques.
Heading towards the other hall to join her team, Myra approached her.
"Coach Tennant." Myra greeted Jane respectfully.
"Hello, Myra." She smiled at her.
"I want to give you this." Myra gave an envelope to Jane.
"What is it ?" Jane was confused as she removed a piece of paper from the envelope.
"A letter, for a possible transfer to your team, Coach Tennant."
"Jane is fine, Myra." She smiled at Myra, reading the letter. "You have U.S citizenship ?" Jane was very surprised by this.
"Yes, I was born in Hawai'i, and I want to fence for you, Coach Tennant." Myra confessed finally.
"You won't fence for me, Myra." Jane said, and Myra dropped her face, clearly disappointed. "You will fence for yourself, and with us. We have a different view on what a team is. We are ohana." Jane specified, seeing Myra's confused face.
"Kate and Lucy explained a bit, yes." Myra smiled, understanding what Jane explained.
"Good, you are already familiar with part of the team. Don't mind the boys, they are outnumbered, but you won't have better friends."
"You won't be disappointed, Coach Tennant." Jane raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, Jane."
"Good. We'll need to send the papers to the proper channels. Kate will help you after the competition."
"No, I don't want to impose more than necessary, Coa- Jane." She smiled at Myra.
"No need to worry, Kate is all about fencing rules and protocols." Jane rolled her eyes, she never understood Kate's joy for red tape.
"I will make sure to thank Kate properly."
"Be prepared for the next season."
"I will, Boss."
"And don't hang too much with Lucy." Myra chuckled.
Myra parted ways with Jane. She was still needed by her current team for the ranking matches.
"From what I gather, we're gonna have a new recruit, Boss." Jesse said as he approached Jane.
He came back to the main hall to make sure Jane wasn't in bad company, and overheard some snippets of their conversation.
"Looks that way, yes." Jane gave the letter to Jesse.
"Do you think that's wise ? Someone so close to …" He didn't say who, but Jane knew exactly who Jesse was talking about.
"It's a desperate move, Jesse, I agree. But I would be a fool to let Myra slip through my fingers."
"Understood." He read the letter. "I will inform Ernie, we'll need to analyze her style more closely."
"Just, don't tell him why for now. I don't want to confirm her coming to the team yet. Only Kate and Lucy know."
"You got it, Boss." He nodded and walked away.
Jane folded her arms and analyzed what had just happened.
Myra, a Chinese fencer, was ready to leave her home, her country, her family, everything she knows, to join her team based on her birthplace.
Her quality as head coach, as maître d'armes, was finally recognized. For years, she was in the shadow of Maggie Shaw as coach assistant.
Not anymore.
At last, she joined her team in the other hall, doing warm-up and preparing for the final.
"Ernie, I swear if you tell us one more time you're the Oracle, I'm gonna break your legs." Kate said as soon as she saw Ernie coming their way. She was doing some lunges and saw his devilish smile.
"You wouldn't dare ! Plus, you don't know how."
"What do you think I do with Carla ? Talk about the weather ?" Ernie laughed as Kate raised an eyebrow.
"Oh my, you're serious !"
"I'm always serious, you of all people should know."
"True." Lucy was curious about that statement. "Anyway, Italy." Kate rolled her eyes as Ernie went back on track. "While you were preoccupied with Estonia, very nice match by the way, I watched the other semi." He paused, for dramatic effect, as only Ernie could do. "A-game is required, ladies."
"I agree. Kate, how are your legs ?" Jane observed her lunges and movements.
"They are fine, Jane." She nodded and looked at Hina.
"Hina, you'll replace Kate in her last encounter." Kate rolled her eyes.
"Okay, Boss." Hina conceded, but she dreaded this moment.
"This was your plan all along."
"Maybe."
"Why ask about my legs then ?"
"I'm always concerned."
"You just rarely listen to me."
"His anniversary is in a few days. I know how you get."
"Funny enough, the idea of Noah's anniversary isn't dreadful. But, Maggie …"
"What would Carla say ?" Jane asked as soon as she noticed Kate's angry eyes at Maggie's mention.
"She would mention an unaligned chakra or something."
"And then ?"
"To mind my breathing because, as Thich Nhat Hanh would teach us, breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again." Jane raised an eyebrow as Kate took a deep breath.
"Better ?"
"Surprisingly, yes."
"Good."
"Where is Carla anyway ?"
"Cara came and took her before their third place match."
"Everything alright ?"
"Something about sore muscles after their very close semi match against Italy. Their osteopathy doctor needed some help, and Cara only trusted Carla."
"Of course she does." Kate sighed. "Hina doesn't trust herself, Jane."
"I know. I will prep her." Kate nodded as Jane walked away to join Hina on the side.
"You good ? Need another pep talk ?" Kate smiled, hearing this voice was even more calming than Chase's relaxed breathing.
"It was a very good pep talk."
"Damn right it was." Kate chuckled. "Made you win."
"Umm, I might need another one right now."
"Having doubts again ?"
"In a way." Kate sighed. "This match will be difficult."
"Like any other match."
"You're not taking this final seriously, Lucy !"
"Or, you're taking it too seriously, Kate." She sighed as she realized Lucy knew her very well.
"Maybe you're right."
"I'm always right." Kate laughed, Lucy was happy to hear that sound.
"But what if …"
"Nope, no what ifs and maybes and perhaps." Lucy put her hands on Kate's shoulders to physically stop her thoughts. "Gold is ours." Lucy brought her ungloved hand to Kate's cheek, gently stroking it.
"Lucy, I …" Lucy put her hand back to Kate's shoulder; she immediately regretted not feeling the contact of their skin anymore.
"Come on, repeat after me. Gold is ours."
"Gold is ours."
"Louder."
"Gold is ours."
"Can't hear you."
"Gold is ours !"
"There you are, Whistler."
"I was already here."
"Kate was here, I haven't seen Whistler in a while."
"Umm, maybe Kate is taking over."
"Nah, we still need Whistler for one last match."
"One last match." Kate whispered back, staring at Lucy. She could do this all day. Staring at perfection. Staring at Lucy.
"Alright, lovesick puppies, fencing first, and whatever you want to do behind closed doors much later." Kate closed her eyes at Dalia's voice, interrupting their moment.
"No Dirty Dancing music, that's for sure. I have standards."
"I'm never going to live that one down, am I ?"
"Nope." Lucy replied with a little smile.
"Marvelous." Dalia rolled her eyes as she walked away from them.
Kate was disappointed their moment got interrupted.
It was good, intimate.
Like their first time at the after party in L.A.
They didn't need to talk much, their gaze was doing the talking instead.
But, for now, she needed to focus on fencing, and not Lucy.
Not yet.
Kate took a deep breath, to try and keep her mind away from her feelings and Lucy.
Just for about one hour.
Piece of cake.
She followed Dalia and Lucy into the main hall, time for the final.
Time for gold.
Jane and Jesse were already analyzing and talking strategy. Italy was impressive in their semi against Korea. They had to decide the order of the nine legs in the match.
Lucy would start this final match, then Dalia would follow on the second leg, and Kate would enter into the third leg. Throughout the match, they would fence against each Italian fencer to arrive on the last two legs. The penultimate leg would be used to widen the score gap between the two teams and leave the road clear for victory to the closer in the last leg.
As Jane asked Hina to replace Kate on her last encounter, coincidentally the penultimate leg, she was even more nervous than ever.
Lucy started very well on the first leg, against Alberta Santuccio, winning with a gap of two touches. The rest of the legs went even better for the U.S team. They won each leg with a comfortable gap of 4 to 6 touches lead.
Hina's nightmare was getting closer and closer; her coming-up into the final match, the eighth leg against Mara Navarria, the back-up fencer for Italy, replacing Federica Isola.
She had tried to talk to Jane about it, to let Kate fence it. But Jane was sure about her decision, and duly informed the referee on the change of fencer in the penultimate leg.
Hina sighed as Dalia attached her to the piste. She gave her a wink and a smile. Hina tried to smile back, but she was sure it was more of a grimace than anything.
"Try your best, Hina, don't think." She nodded at Jane, trying to clear her mind and control her breathing as she put on her mask.
Hina took a look at the scoreboard, 35 - 28 for them. 7 touches lead.
Her goal was to go to 40 touches.
She could do it.
She couldn't do it.
She was starting to panic under her mask.
She glanced behind her, and saw her team ready to support her. Dalia and Lucy both gave her a thumbs up. Kate mimicked some breathing exercises, knowing Hina wasn't well.
Hina took one long breath and got ready into her on-guard position just as the referee announced the start of their leg.
Her match was a total blur.
If you would ask her something about it, Hina wouldn't be able to answer.
All she wanted to do now was crawl into a hole and come back in a competition next century.
"I'm so sorry, Lucy." Hina whispered as Lucy detached her from the piste.
"Stop it, Hina, it's not your fault."
"But I …"
"No." Lucy put her hands on Hina's shoulders. "It's okay, don't worry. You did well." Hina nodded, but she was still upset about her match.
"Tara is small, attack her from a distance. She won't be able to double or touch at all." Kate rolled her eyes while listening to the Italian coach yelling advice to Rossella Fiamingo, left-handed closer for Italia. "We are in the lead, they can't come back now." He concluded. Kate headed towards Lucy who was ready on the piste.
"Rossella is going to attack from a distance, because of your height."
"How the hell do you know that ?" Lucy whispered, looking directly into Kate's eyes.
"Their coach thinks no one understands Italian."
"That's so sexy …" Lucy moaned.
"Lucy !"
"Right, sorry. Attack from a distance, got it."
"Pretend she's me." Lucy frowned. "Rossella's style is similar to mine. You know how to beat me, Lucy." She nodded.
She was determined. Italy was in the lead by 3 touches, but anything was possible.
"En garde, s'il vous plaît." The referee was in position and waiting on both fencers.
Lucy winked at Kate before she put on her mask and took her on guard position on the piste.
"40 - 37 Italy." The referee announced. "En garde. Êtes-vous prêtes ? Allez !"
The last leg of the final match had begun.
"Kate, I am so so sorry." Hina whispered, trying not to disturb the match while Kate sat on her chair.
"What are you talking about, Hina ?"
"I …"
"Nothing is your fault, I didn't take the time to properly fence with you. I'm the one who is sorry, Hina." Kate took Hina's hand. "We will train more with you."
"We love your love, Kate, but I agree, no lovesick puppy eyes and more fencing, please and thank you." She blushed at Jane's comment.
"Thank you, Kate." She smiled at Hina.
"Speaking of lovesick puppies. Guess how I found them just before the match." Kate cleared her throat, trying to stop Dalia from talking. "Almost kissing." Jane and Hina smirked at Kate who tried to keep her attention on the match.
"You did really well, Hina." Jane squeezed Hina's shoulder.
"Boss, I lost the leg, our lead, conceded 12 touches and only put 2. How is that doing really well ?"
"Italy is over-confident." Jane pointed at the Italian staff. "Look how happy they look."
"I don't understand."
"They will be sloppy." Dalia replied, not taking her eyes off the match.
"Exactly. They think it's done."
"Serbia, semi final in women's foil, Italy against France. Last leg was 40 - 31 for Italy, France won 45 - 44 in sudden death." Hina said after some thinking.
"Very good, Hina." Jane smiled, she always encouraged her team to watch as many competitions as possible, regardless of the weapon used. "Italy didn't think such a comeback was possible, France proved them wrong. Plus, you needed to fence in the final to receive the gold."
"Don't get too cocky, Jane. Lucy hasn't won yet."
"You're right, Kate, sorry." Jane smiled once more at Hina. She had a lot of thinking to do.
The last leg was now at 42 - 39 for Italy, two double touches. Lucy was slowly coming back.
Kate was, like their first time in L.A, completely in awe of Lucy.
Now, Lucy was her teammate.
Now, Kate wasn't alone looking at Lucy.
"I'm here, talk to me." Cara was now next to the team, trying to glance at the match.
"42 - 40 for Rossella." Hina replied to her. "Lucy managed to hit 3 touches already." Cara nodded in thanks, and put one hand on Kate's shoulder.
"Cara ?" She was surprised to see her here.
"Hey Missy, your girl is looking good." Kate didn't hide her smile, not bothered anymore by that term.
"Korea ?" Dalia asked Cara without taking her eyes off the final, interested in the third place match that took place before their final.
"Third, I managed to sneak out during the debriefing."
"Of course you did." Dalia rolled her eyes, briefings were never Cara's forte.
"Myra and Alina may join as soon as they are done with their ranking matches."
Lucy was completely unaware of what was going on with her team and friends.
Her focus was totally on the match, on this last leg.
She knew her goal, her mission.
Getting up to 45.
Winning gold.
Gold is ours as she said to Kate.
Finally, Lucy attacked. Touching alone, bringing up her team only one touche from Italy.
Lucy made the same attack but Rossella was prepared and touched as well.
"What did I miss ?" Alina asked breathlessly, bringing out her accent.
"43 - 42 for Rossella." Cara replied, smiling at Alina.
"Did you run here ?" Dalia asked, hearing Alina's labored breath.
"Possibly." Alina confessed, biting her lip. "Myra should be here shortly."
"You could have at least changed, Alina." Hina retorted.
"And miss the best part of the match ?"
"I'm here, I'm here !" Myra exclaimed, arriving more gracefully than Alina.
"43 all." Kate said suddenly. Lucy had just made a counter attack.
"Wait, weren't there 40 - 37 for Italy before Lucy got in ?" Myra asked, who tried to keep track of the final match while fencing her own.
"Not bad Lucy Tara, not bad at all." Alina commented on Lucy's comeback, making Kate smile.
Lucy could see Rossella was getting nervous.
She wasn't in the lead anymore.
With confidence, Lucy lunged just after the go from the referee.
It was a bold move, and dangerous.
Rossella could take this opportunity to touch Lucy.
"Halte, touche." The referee updated the scoreboard.
Lucy smirked, seeing 44 - 43 for her.
The table had turned.
All of a sudden, Rossella went to the referee and gave them her épée.
"What the hell is Rossella doing ?" Myra demanded as she saw Rossella getting to her bag.
"Stalling." Dalia replied.
"As usual." Hina carried on.
"That's Italian fencers for you." Cara said matter of factly.
"So dramatic." Alina said with her thick Russian accent.
"What do you think Lucy is gonna do ?" Myra asked. Only one touche was needed for Lucy to win the match and the gold medal for the team.
"Double." Cara replied, as the most logical last touche in a match.
"Counter-attack." Alina mentioned, as she bet on Rossella's desperate last attack.
"Flèche." They all looked at Kate. A flèche at this moment was risky. There was a higher chance Lucy would be touched first.
As Kate predicted, Lucy went on a flèche just after the go from the referee and got the last touche.
"Damn. Girls, remind me to never bet against Kate." Alina said as Kate smirked.
"I learned that the hard way on my first day on the team."
"Color us intrigued." Myra told Cara. She wanted to learn as much as possible on her future team.
"Drinks on me."
"You're on." Alina accepted Cara's offer.
Hina and Dalia were already congratulating Lucy on her win.
Gold was indeed theirs.
Kate didn't waste anymore time and joined her team.
They greeted the other team and their coach.
An enormous smile was on Lucy's face.
She had done it.
She saw Kate getting closer and closer.
She didn't dare move.
Kate took Lucy's face into her hands and desperately kissed her.
Too much time had passed since their last kiss.
And yet, that kiss seemed like their first all over again.
"You're not drunk, Princess." Lucy whispered breathlessly.
"Neither are you, Luce." Lucy searched Kate's eyes for any doubts.
Both of them had mentioned the nickname they had used in L.A.
They smiled at each other.
They were finally home.
As they kissed once more in front of cameras broadcasting the final, their team and friends screamed for their public display of affection.
Some, like Kai, Jane, Myra and Jesse, cheered without speaking. Just happy for them.
The others, however, weren't that discreet.
"Yes !" Ernie exclaimed as he had come to the piste to congratulate his team after Lucy's last touche.
"Yahou !" Hina screamed, putting her hands around her mouth.
"We are watching with respect !" Dalia replied, pretending to put one hand in front of her eyes.
"Working your girl, Missy !" Cara shouted.
"Cara !"
"Sorry, Sir !" Jesse rolled his eyes, she hadn't changed one bit.
"Damn, Kate ! Winning the girl too." Alina commented.
"Their auras are so beautiful." Chase simply said.
Forehead to forehead, smiling at each other, Kate and Lucy were in their own happy bubble, unaware of their friends' comments.
Happy and together in the end.
Thank y'all for reading !
Thank you Simran, Manda, Chiara, Maria and Fari for your help on this 3