By Star
Notes: Victory and I did talk about who would support the 'Queertet' and who wouldn't. Basically, they're Disney characters, which means that they're far more accepting than human beings. We decided to chose people who would surprise you. I personally adore Averman and Goldberg, and Victory's a big fan of Connie's… Luis is just a bit slimy and smarmy for my tastes, which is why he's in the 'haters' group. It's nothing personal, and it's not based on a single thing from the movies, it was really just luck of the draw.
Fulton's POVPortman's alarm goes off loudly. He reaches over me and hits it hard enough for it to make a crunching noise. Blessed silence reigns for another two minutes until my alarm goes off.
"You're nearer." He mumbles sleepily into my ear.
"You're bigger. It will take you less time to reach it." I reply.
We have to set both alarms. Neither of us are morning people, and it's so difficult to get out of bed when we know it's the only place in the entire school that's safe from the narrow-mindedness and downright cattiness of the people we used to consider our friends.
To my surprise, he obligingly clambers over me towards the alarm, however, he takes the covers, making sure that I get up too.
"I don't like you any more." I mutter, reluctantly getting up.
"Sure you do." He responds cheerily. "I'm wonderful. So wonderful that you can have the first shower."
I later find out this was just an excuse so he could go back to bed for another few minutes.
*~*~*~*~*
"How do you think the newlyweds are doing?" He asks, as we walk down to the rink for practice. I almost like the school this time in the morning. It's empty save for the few athletes that are duty bound to be up so early.
I grin at his nickname for Adam and Charlie. I expect all the Ducks are having the same conversation this morning, but probably without the affection that we're using. I'm convinced that us coming out was the best thing to happen to them, they never lack for conversation now. They just get spiteful about us.
"It probably is a bit awkward for them. It was for us at first." I say. "Still, better some awkwardness that living with Mendoza. What's his problem? He seems to be taking this far too personally."
"Closet case?" He suggests with a grin.
"Luis? No. Head case is more like it."
"Some people are just born dumb, and you can't change them. That's what Banks said."
"He's probably right." I agree with a sigh, realising we're outside the locker rooms. "Oh well, time to face the angry mob."
"Let's piss them off." He says.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
He takes my hand. I smile, this will certainly give them something to talk about. It might get them to lay off Banks a bit more too.
The room falls silent as we walk in, and I'm glad that Orion isn't in there yet. Charlie and Adam grin at us, it's nice to give them a smile every once in awhile.
Everyone stares at us like we've grown horns and a devil's tail. Guy smiles, the only other reactions are from Connie and Luis, who look as if they're literally going to be sick.
*~*~*~*~*
Practice is hard. Coach keeps pushing us to our limits, trying to bond us back together with good playing. It's never going to work.
Not with Luis flattening Banks every chance he gets. Surely Orion's going to point out that Luis should learn to stop first and then enhance his enforcer skills.
Orion calls me in and sends Connie out to replace me. I watch as she goes straight for Banks, making sure his wrist gets trapped between her stick and the boards as she crashes into him.
Nice one, Connie. Don't just be nasty. Be spiteful. Be really petty. At this rate Banks isn't going to be able to play… then again, that may well be her intention.
Banks hits the ground and doesn't move immediately.
I glance at Charlie who's sitting next to me, he looks as outraged as I am, but there's nothing we can do. It was an 'accident'. There have been a lot of 'accidents' befalling Charlie and Adam over the past two weeks.
It just goes to show how pathetic they are, they don't dare mess with me or Portman directly, but they're happy to torment the other half of the Queertet.
I notice for the first time that Charlie's not wearing the Captain's C. I can't say I blame him.
Portman skates over to Banks who's still not getting up and offers him his hand. Averman, naturally, can't let that slide without a wolf whistle. He hauls Adam to his feet and helps him back over to the bench. Orion is exhibiting casual concern by this point.
"Conway, get out there and replace him!" Orion orders.
Charlie reluctantly skates off after touching Adam's shoulder supportively.
Adam takes a seat next to me and eases his glove off.
"You ok?" I ask him. It's a stupid question, he's so pale he's almost transparent.
He nods slightly. "I'll be fine. I'd be better if they lay of my wrist."
It gets really rough on the ice. Charlie and Portman are now gunning for Connie and Luis, it's entirely personal and I can see Orion's losing patience.
He finally calls it a day when Luis gets knocked out. Literally. I don't think he was aiming for Portman, it was just his bad skating. Anyway, Luis's speed, combined with Portman's strength really walloped him into the boards.
He was out cold for two minutes. I have to say, it's the best practice I've had for a couple of weeks.
We're getting changed out of our gear when Orion strides in. He never just walks, he strides, I'm convinced he was in the army before he decided hockey was his thing.
"Team, I have some news." He announces. I glance around. Charlie and Adam are the only ones who don't look interested.
"Conway has decided to step down from his position as captain."
I feel sick as I see Goldberg and Averman exchange a high five.
"And I'm pleased to note that over the past few days one person has truly stood out as having leadership qualities."
He pauses dramatically. "Your new captain is Connie Moreau."
I exchange looks with the rest of the Queertet. This is not good at all.