13 Shades of Grey
Chapter 09: Exhibition Game
Thankies to everyone who reviewed. It is greatly appreciated. And contrary to popular belief, I am not dead. I have been comatose. Actually Ive really been busy. Anywho, enjoy!! read and review please, comments and constructive criticism is greatly welcomed.
-O-
Arista sat on the bleachers, behind the glass separating the arena and the rink. She sighed as a puck went flying into the net, Mariah had fumbled and the puck went in. Arista frowned.
The score was now three to two. When the game had started, Vaughn was beating the Torpedoes by two, now the Torpedoes were winning by one point. Sighing, Arista jumped down to the ground. She banged her fist on the glass to catch Mariah's attention, the pink haired goalie turned to Arista and stared questioningly.
"What?" She yelled agitated. If Arista was only going to point out her mistakes or faults, then she didn't want to hear it. Her auburn eyes narrowed as Arista finished her sentence.
"-And don't let them get close to the net at all. They're offensive and they'll--"
"Ari, will you shut up and let me play? I'm under enough stress as it is, and you're not helping."
Mariah's grades were suffering from her excessive practises, and her cheerleading. She was the captain and she still had to direct the cheers and practises. But Arista shouting at her and the extra hockey practises weren't helping at all.
She coughed. Her throat was itchy and it hurt. She had the flu and she was extremely fatigued. Arista blinked and then realised that what she was saying probably wasn't very encouraging. She smiled sheepishly and shrugged a shoulder.
"Sorry. You're doing great, keep it up! Just don't let any more pucks in!" Arista sat down on the bench after a grateful look from her friend.
'Yeah, whatever.' She thought sourly. It was driving her crazy that she couldn't play. And all because her hand still hurt. But only slightly. The ref blew his whistle, signalling the restart of the game. Arista watched, her eyes glued to the puck. Kai handled it all the way into the defensive zone of the Torpedoes, then passed to Spencer, who passed it to Tala. Tala stood at the ready, beside the net. He circled around to shake off the defensive players on the opposite team.
Tala stopped and then turned the other way. He made ready for a wrist shot, but just as he was about to shoot, a player from the other team tripped him. He crashed to the floor, a crunch could be heard as his stick twisted and broke. The ref blew his whistle.
"Tripping." The ref yelled out. "Two minutes."
An agitated player skated to the penalty box. Shahero made a face and smirked. "Nyah nyah."
He growled and slammed the protective glass. Hitoshi went behind Shahero and moved her out of the way before she got called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Shahero frowned and wiggled out of his grip.
Hitoshi frowned. Weren't they making progress? He sighed and skated to his position. Apparently not.
-O-
Johnny skimmed over the ice, expertly. He stopped before the blue line to pass the puck to Ruin. Three minutes left in the game and they were tied four-four. Ruin caught the pass easily and skated forwards, she passed it back to Johnny. Behind them Bryan checked a player, leaving him crumpled on the floor. Ozuma checked a player that had been rapidly advancing on Johnny.
"Change it up!" They heard their coach yell.
Johnny still had the puck. Ruin skated back, along with Ozuma and Bryan. Amber, Kai, and Miyami skated on to the ice. Shahero was about to go, when Coach placed a hand on her shoulder stopping her.
"What? Let me go!" She exclaimed annoyed, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Kane, you're on."
Shahero sat down grumpily; Hitoshi scooted closer to her. He slipped a comforting arm around her shoulder. She turned her gaze back to the game. Because she was angry, Shahero hardly noticed Hitoshi's arm around her. She blew out air, making her bangs fly around her face. She folded her arms across her chest and grumbled profanities aloud.
Kai checked a player that had been on Amber's heels. Amber looked grateful, she skated faster towards the net, she made a smooth pass to Miyami. Miyami passed back to Kai, blocking a player from proceeding. Kai made a shot for the net. It bounced on the metal of the side of the net, and ricocheted off, bouncing back to Amber. She sped up with the puck in front of her.
"That's the Shahero we all know and love." Hitoshi mumbled into her ear. His breath was warm, nuzzled her ear, tickling it. She shivered involuntarily and poked her elbow in his ribs. He winced, but smirked. She was definitely warming up to him.
He was snapped out of his thoughts as a buzzer sounded, signalling that someone had scored. A second later, another buzzer went off. The game was over, and the score was five-four. Hitoshi looked down to the ice to see who'd scored.
-O-
Amber sat beside Shahero and Mariah. She gulped down more water, letting the liquid cool off her fiery throat. It seemed she was losing her voice. Again.
Johnny was on the stage, singing. God, he had an awesome voice, the Irish mixed with the American. Amber smiled, and got up. Shahero, already drunk, eyed her.
"Ams, stay and drink with me." She pleaded smiling.
Amber shook her head, and left quickly. Kai rolled his eyes and sat down beside Shahero. He'd saved her but on the ice but she couldn't even thank him properly. Shahero pulled Kai close to her, her arm around his shoulder.
"If you hurt her I'll hurt you." She whispered dangerously.
Two rough hands pulled her away from him. She leaned back into strong, toned arms. Hitoshi's scent trailed its way into her nose. She sighed and smiled. She was one happy girl.
"Oh, sorry Kai. Thought you were someone else." Hitoshi grinned apologetically and wrapped his arms around Shahero. She didn't do anything to stop him, and instead took another swig of beer. She finished her drink and slammed the bottle on the bar counter. She turned around in Hitoshi's arms and led him away to the dance floor.
Amber stood on the stage, she climbed up with help from Miyami. Johnny finished singing, a loud chorus of clapping followed his bow. Miyami smirked at the arrogant red-head.
"Don't I get any credit?" She asked pouting.
"You get all the credit you want." He whispered before planting his lips to hers. Amber poked them.
"We're still on stage." She reminded them.
Reluctantly the couple broke apart. Amber smirked. She loved doing that.
"How'sa 'bout we sing a song?" Arista jumped up on the stage. She picked up Miyami's guitar and started strumming nonsense. She could play the bass, just not when she was drunk. She swayed under the weight and plopped on the floor. Arista swung her legs, sitting closer to the edge.
"How'sa 'bout we all say 'welcome back Enrique?'"
A sandy blonde stepped on the stage. Baby blue eyes surveyed the teens on the stage, his face had several visible freckles. He smiled sweetly and pulled Arista up.
"You!" She exclaimed. "I know you!" She clapped her hands, turned to Amber.
"I know him! He's that guy I don't like." She turned back to Enrique, Amber rolled her eyes grinning.
Arista placed a hand on Enrique's shoulder. "How're you? Huh? Dija like it there in that place where you went?" She smiled expectantly waiting for an answer.
Her asking him about his vacation puzzled Enrique. What was going on? He looked confused, Amber whispered in his ear: "She's drunk."
Enrique nodded, understanding. He smiled, and swung his arm around Arista's shoulders. As long as she wasn't pounding his face into the ground, he might as well hold a semi-civil conversation. "My vacation was great. I saw so many good-looking girls."
Arista giggled and patted his chest. "What did you do there?"
Miyami raised an eyebrow as Enrique and Arista jumped off the stage, and made their way to the bar. They ordered drinks and sat down, swigging beer and laughing like old buddies. She couldn't help but grin at the oddity.
"Well that makes my day." Brooklyn said sarcastically. He was happy that Giancarlo was back. It was much more fun to annoy Belyaev with an accomplice. He walked past the stage and got lost in the crowd.
"What are we gunna sing now?"
Amber opened her mouth to answer Johnny's question, but was cut off by another voice. She rolled her eyes but couldn't help it as a grin formed on her lips. Shahero's head floated up to the stage, a second later the rest of her appeared as well. Hitoshi carried her, looking smug.
"InMe." She said giddily.
Shahero's arms were wrapped around Hitoshi's neck, his arms around her back supporting it, his other arm around her legs. Shahero's cheeks were tinged with pink, though she looked content enough.
Shahero liked the feel of his strong arms around her. Maybe it was time she gave him a chance. She liked the idea of her and Hitoshi being together. Or was that she was drunk enough to feel secure, that she was slowly accepting the fact she liked him instead of denying it all the time?
Amber wandered how it felt to be held like that. Sure she had guys that were friends, but she'd never had a boyfriend. The ones that she did have, she'd pushed away because she was confused with the whole concept. Her gaze unknowingly sought out a blue haired male, ochre eyes locked with mahogany. Kai's eyes bored into hers, sending a flutter to her stomach. He tilted his head to the side slightly. Amber was too far away to tell what was going through his eyes, and vice versa. He rose a slate brow in her direction, his hand slid to the empty seat next to him.
Amber, confused at the gesture, didn't have time to respond since Arista, after clambering to the stage, had poked her finger in her shoulder. She winced, and turned. Kai looked away annoyed. She would always put her friends before him. He shook his head, they weren't even together, but if that was what she'd do when or if they ever did, then what was the point? He wanted to be with her alone, he'd always see her with someone or other. No doubt not wanting to be caught alone by him.
He took another sip of his beer and sighed. Amber was just plain irritable.
-O-
Arista poked her finger in Amber's shoulder. She was looking elsewhere and didn't seem to hear anything she was saying.
"You!" Arista stated accusatory. She pointed a finger to Enrique, who was currently DJ. "You didn't tell me it was him! I thought he was-" She paused and burped. Arista faced Amber again. "I thought... Wait, what?"
She placed both her hands on her forehead, swaying dangerously. "Dude, my brain... hurts." She finished.
The Russian jumped down from the platform and pushed her way through the crowd, making it to the washroom. She frowned when she saw the line-up.
"Damn fuckers!" She growled as someone pulled her to the end of the line.
"Don't you know it's un-ladylike to swear?" Brooklyn's voice flowed into her ears.
"What?" She turned around and bumped her head with his chin. She rubbed her head and cursed.
"Why'd you do that?" She asked angry.
"Felt like it."
"I feel like killing you. Can I?"
Brooklyn rolled his eyes and stared down at the female. She was drunk and looked like she would throw up any second.
Arista's guts churned and twisted, greased with alcohol. She frowned. The line-up for the female's room was too long, but the boys' washroom was empty. She stepped out of the line, ran into the boys' room. Brooklyn followed her, curious.
Arista splashed cool water over her face, splashing it all over the floor too. Brooklyn rose a brow.
"What? The janitor will clean it, that's what he gets paid for."
She turned off the tap, brushed her hair out of her face. "Why are you here? Still?"
"Because I'm male and this is the boys' washroom."
"So why don't you use it? Huh?"
Brooklyn's eyebrows rose at her question. He waited for her to process what she'd just said.
Arista stood confused, not knowing what he was playing at. Frowning she tied her streaked hair into a ponytail. Bangs fell down messily, she blew out air, her bangs went flying around her face. She tucked them behind her ear scowling.
"Come on your not that slow, Belyaev."
"Oh Yeah? Wanna bet?" She planted her hands on her hips. Brooklyn looked at her like she had grown a second head, snickered.
"What's so funny?"
She was becoming more and more agitated with him by the second. She frowned and waited for an answer.
Brooklyn shook his head smirking, he left, leaving behind a confused female.
-O-
Silhouettes above the cradle
Hold me down
They won't let me go the wrong way
Arista sang along in her head, her mouth sore from all the beer she'd drunk. Her stomach ached, but she didn't care. After their team had won the game, she'd been so happy. Her hand was still aching, but she could hold a stick.
Mother taught me all the fables
Told me how in the end
All the sinners have to pay
By the end of this week, or hopefully sooner she would be able to play on the team again. She brightened at the thought. Arista seriously missed playing Hockey. Especially for her team, and with her friends.
I don't wanna live like my mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like my father
I don't wanna give up before I die
Amber sat beside Hitoshi and Shahero. Miyami and Johnny were somewhere or other, Tala had left with Ruin and Kai. The blunette found no point in staying if Amber would just ignore him like she'd been doing the whole week. Bryan sat beside Amber on the other side. He'd noticed Kai glancing over every few minutes, trying to make eye contact with Amber. It was frustrating him because he couldn't do anything about it without getting Amber involved. He would corner Kai about it later.
Worked so hard his bones are breaking
Wore them down
Long ago he lost the feeling
His good intentions leave me shaken
Show me how
I don't ever wanna end up like he did
Aspin was talking animatedly to Enrique and Kane. Ian sat on the other side of Arista, Ozuma across from her, beside Sonia. On the other side of Arista sat Michael. Sonia has asked her if she'd wanted to trade spots but Arista had stated she was too tired to get up. Brooklyn was sitting with one of the students from the assembly. The platinum blonde, Arista construed after much squinting.
I don't wanna live like my mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like my father
I don't wanna give up before I die
She wondered if any of them would be joining the team. Next year would be her last year at Vaughn, and then she'd be off to a College or University. Depending on her grades. She was often told that she had potential, she just didn't use it. Which was true, she was a good worker, she just didn't put in any effort or try hard enough.
When I have kids
I won't put any chains on their wrists
I won't
I'll tell them this
There's nothing in this world
That you can't be
If you want it enough
Arista's brain was foggy, everything had a softer edge to it, almost glowing. Amber looked like her skin was made of gold, and shone in her eyes. Bryan's hair was a shade of deep orange, Arista squinted and blinked, rubbed her eyes.
I don't wanna live like my mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like father
I don't wanna give up before I die
"Bryany, your hair is orange!" Arista ran a hand through strands of silk.
He frowned half-heartedly, his lips curved into a genuine smile as her cool fingers ran through his hair, tickling his scalp. He slugged away her hand, listening to the many laughs that came from their friends.
I don't wanna live like my mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like father
I don't wanna give up before I die
Enrique came and sat down on an empty chair. He flexed his fingers, resting them on the table. Amber laughed, clutching the table to stop from falling over. A pair of hands came down on her shoulders, supporting her. She leaned her head back into a strong chest, her ochre eyes met with ocean blue. She stared questioningly, not recognizing the blonde.
"Hi?" Amber asked with uncertainty at the male supporting her.
"Hi." He flashed her a charming smile. "you're Amber, right?" His voice was masculine and strong, coated with an accent.
"Yeah." Amber nodded.
"How did you know? Are you physic?"
The newcomer turned to Arista, grinning stupidly.
"No, Brooklyn told me all about you guys."
"He did huh?" Arista turned her attention to the smirking red-head, she mustered up the strength to put on a serious face.
"Yeah, he-"
She interrupted him. "Just to let know, I don't have a big mouth."
"He-"
Arista stopped him mid-sentence, held up a hand. "It's rude to interrupt someone, you know?"
The blonde stared amused at the female. He nodded in acknowledgement, waited for her to continue. Arista smiled.
"Just so you know as well," She continued on, "I don't like to run around pretending I'm an airplane."
Brooklyn snickered. "Yeah, you like to think you're a helicopter."
"Shut up!" She mumbled.
"Okay, I'm Mystel. I've known Brooklyn since we were kids." He smiled at Arista.
Amber smiled up at Mystel. "Sit down." Sonia patted the seat beside her, gesturing him to sit there. Ozuma had gone to get refills.
"Thanks."
"Hey!" Arista cried out.
Shahero who'd drifted asleep on Hitoshi's lap, awoke with a start. "Where's the fire?"
Hitoshi rested his head on top of hers. "In your hair." He mumbled into her hair, smelling the cinnamon scent.
Shahero swatted her hand over her head, poking Hitoshi's face. He yelped in surprise, arousing many snickers.
"More like on your hair." Amber stated, then laughed at her friend's predicament.
"Quick, put it out!" Arista poured a cup of water on the two, soaking them. They mumbled illogical swear words before leaving to dry themselves off.
Bryan looked down at his yawning cousin, she leaned into his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, noticing the bags under her eyes. He made a mental note to ask her about it later, then pulled her closer to him.
Arista poked Mystel in his arm to get his attention. "You're from the assembly from yesterday, right?" He nodded.
"Way to state the obvious, Colombo."
"Hey! Stop being so mean to me." Arista pouted at the group of people sitting with her. "You're hurting my feelings."
"You have feelings?" Ozuma asked, sitting down beside Bryan. His gaze momentarily lingered on Sonia and the blonde beside her. His eyes flickered with annoyance.
"No, she's a robot remember?" Amber piped up.
"You talking is slurred." Sonia said, her gaze focused solely on Arista.
"Yeah, I guess we forgot she's drunk." Brooklyn smirked. "She takes twice as long to say things now."
Arista, annoyed now, got up and sat down beside Rei and Mariah. She paled when she noticed what they were doing. "Aw man. They're sucking each other's faces."
She left in order to find a new place to sit, but no such luck. When she couldn't find anyone else she knew she came back to Amber and shoved her lightly, shifting the females position. Amber protested and moved back.
"Fine." She growled. She went around and sat down in Bryan's lap, soaking up his warmth.
"I'll just sleep. Wake me up in a few years, will ya?" She rested her head on Bryan's chest, and curled her arms around him in a sleeping embrace. She yawned before her unconscious mind took over, dulling her senses and hearing until everything was black.
-O-
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