Author's note: I'm back and determined to finish this fic without taking another lengthy absence from fandom. Many thanks to those who have reviewed. Also no offense to anyone with the vile comment Courtney makes in this bit. I just tried to get into the mind of a homophobe. Dirty, dirty place that is. *shudder*
Dedication: This bit's dedicated to Starsinger Sorceress for her valiant defense of me in her ff.net review.
We're standing in the cheer captain's office with the blinds closed and door locked. In just a few minutes, there will be no need for these precautions, but right now it's all still safe. I grab Torrance from behind as I lean against her desk, and pull her into my arms to stop her pacing.
She's still a little tense, even as she leans into my embrace. She's so vulnerable right now. I swear I'll kill anyone that hurts her today, squad mate or no squad mate.
"You sure you're ready for this?" I ask. "We can wait if you want. There's no pressure." When did I get a soft, reassuring tone of voice? Sigh. What this girl does to me.
Anyway, moving back to reality, Torrance is shaking her head.
"No, we're doing this today, now." She pulls away and puts her hand on the doorknob.
I put my hand on her arm, stilling her. "You do know that this is effectively coming out to the school too, right?" She nods. I lean forward and kiss her lightly on the lips. "For luck," I whisper. She opens the door and walks out. "We'll need it," I can't help muttering as I follow her through the locker room and outside to where the rest of the squad is assembled.
I take a seat on the grass, as Torr stands in front of us, the rest of the squad, for a moment looking nervous before she begins to pace. She's going over some routine announcements about practice and game schedules and the like, I ignore those and watch the way her shorts ride up, just a little, over those shapely legs of hers with each step she takes only to fall again when the other leg moves. I realize that I'm staring, and bring myself back from Planet Lustbunny to listen to what my girlfriend is saying. Just in time too. Here's my cue.
"This isn't going to be a regular practice," she begins. "It's more of a team meeting." Everyone looks confused. Then at a look from Torrance, I rise from my usual spot beside Les, and join her in front of the group. Most of them just look more confused at this. Courtney and Whitney narrow their eyes at me. I resist the urge to give them the finger. Les has a knowing smirk on his face, and Jan has this look like he's in a definitely X-rated happy place. Note to self: Kick Les for being a smug bastard, and Jan for being a perv.
Taking a deep breath, reaching out to grab my hand, and lacing our fingers together, Torrance says, "Missy and I are together."
Silence, total silence, without even the rustle of clothing, reigns for about ten seconds. Then all hell breaks loose.
From what I can tell, there are three groups: those who had figured it out and are cool with it, those who were clueless and are cool with it, and those who were clueless and think Torr should be deposed because of it. The latter, and thankfully extremely small, faction being led by, of course, Courtney and Whitney, who have wanted Torrance gone from the beginning, and think they can use this opportunity for a bid at co-captainship even though the season is effectively over.
Whatever.
Bitches.
Putting them out of my mind to canvass our supporters, I see money changing hands. Apparently Les had a bet going with Jan. Making another mental note, I smirk. I'm getting half. The other guys on the squad look like they're visiting Jan's happy place. I'm going to be kicking shins, or whatever else is handy, from now until the last day of school.
Darcy is congratulating Torrance and digging for info on Cliff; I think she's into my brother. Carver is back from her stint as a Special Olympics cheerleader, and frighteningly enough looks like she's in the middle of explaining the situation to an extremely confused Kasey.
Torr and I just stand there hand in hand for a couple of minutes watching them all consider and align themselves with the appropriate factions. After the natives show no sign of shutting up any time in the close future, I turn my scrutiny to my girlfriend. Man, I get a kick out of saying that, even to myself.
She looks a hell of a lot more relaxed. I'm contemplating kissing her, but then the voice of a harridan rings out bringing the previous chaos into a modicum of order.
"So how long have you and the über-dyke been sharing your fish tacos?" Courtney asks.
Bonus points for imagery, but I'm so going to kick her ass. As I'm contemplating whether to break Courtney's nose or jaw first, the calming influence of my girlfriend asserts itself.
"Ignoring the incredibly crude euphemism you used to ask it, I'll answer the question, since I'm sure it's one that several of you have," Torr replies. "Almost three months now."
"So not til after Nationals," Les confirms with a grin.
We nod. Derrick, one of the other guys on the squad, groans and more money changes hands. My, my, Les has been a busy boy. Now that the news is out and no blood has been shed, I'm really rather bored with the proceedings. So I speak up, "Any questions that don't involve our sex life, or comments that aren't going to make me punch you in the face?"
And Torrance is giving me that 'I can't believe you just said that' look. I just give her my best shit eating grin. "You love me," I whisper.
"I needed a reminder." Ouch the kitten has claws. I love it.
Apparently Whitney and Courtney have realized that they are outnumbered and sometime after Courtney's comment decided to bide their time, because they're quiet. Everyone else seems pretty cool with the whole idea.
Jan decides to open his mouth, "I just wanted to say, that despite the fact that you ladies cost me some money, I'm happy for you. And I'd been even happier if you'd let me watch."
I give him the finger. Torrance, surprisingly, does the same. I'm so proud.
Les, not to be outdone, says, "I would just like to thank you for making me lots of money today. Also, I would like to thank Torrance for helping Miss get rid of lots of her aggressiveness that I now realize had to be caused by sexual frustration."
"Keep it up Chuckles; I get half your takings." That shuts him up quickly, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
"I think that's it for today," Torrance says. I guess she wants to end on a good note. "Take tomorrow off and we'll have practice same as usual on Wednesday."
Everyone starts to disperse and I'm being dragged forcibly to my car to go shopping for something parent worthy. The things I do for this girl.