Jay stood confidently on the tourney field. He wore his full tourney equipment, including his helmet and his blue jersey with number 8 on his back. The tourney ball balanced on the end of the stick he was holding tight. He was completely focused, while he waited for the signal. The sun started to make an appearance from behind the trees and illumined the field. Jay trained as often as he could, which included early in the morning. He however didn't understand how he got Carlos and Lonnie so mad to help him and man the two Dragon Cannons on both sides of the field. Besides the three of them the field was empty and quiet. Jay smiled to himself, silently appreciating his two best friends for being there with him.

Carlos blew the whistle and Jay started his sprint over the Kill Zone. He had to run over and back, keeping the ball in close range all the time. Then aiming at the net and idealistically score. Jay could hear the shots and saw both the projectiles flying towards him from both sides. He whipped the little ball into the air, while he jumped over the first Dragon Fire and immediately had to duck for the other. He caught the ball with the stick, but immediately heard the shots of the cannons again. Jay smirked at himself. Carlos and Lonnie would not make it easy for him, just like Jay expected of them.

Jay had finally reached the end of the Kill Zone, but first had to make a quick movement to the right to dodge both projectiles. It caused him to drop the ball for a split second. Jay quickly picked it up and turned around to make his way back over the Kill Zone. For a moment Jay was surprised to suddenly see a fourth figure on the field, standing between him and the net. Usually Jay would've been annoyed, but this time he felt an even greater urge to rush over the field towards the person. It was Gil, for once not accompanied by Harry or any other pirate.

Jay got his attention back to the game when he heard the Dragon Cannons once more and Jay quickly stormed off over the field. One projectile missed its target completely, while the other flew right towards him. Just in time Jay jumped up, his legs maneuvering over the Dragon Fire. He picked up the ball in mid-air again, but saw a last projectile flying towards him in the corner of his eye. Jay quickly dodge it and had finally reached the end of the Kill Zone again. Gil was getting close as he stood there in the golden morning sun, a bright smile on his face. Jay tried to focus on the tourney goal again and whipped the ball into the air. With a firm sweep he hit the ball with his stick and made it flying towards the net, only to be quickly blocked by a strong hand. It had to hurt a lot, but Gil didn't even flinch when he caught it with only his leather glove to protect his hand.

Jay wasn't even disappointed as he took off his helmet and threw it on the ground with his tourney stick. Gil already reached out towards him as Jay fell in his arms, a little out of breath from the exercise. For a moment Jay let his head rest on Gil's shoulder and he could feel how Gil placed a small kiss on the top of his head. Jay smiled, but he was still quick to push Gil away from him.

"You ruined my practice," Jay said laughing and pointed at the ball that Gil still held in his hand. Gil smiled back at him when he threw the ball to Jay.

"You said you needed some help practicing the other day," Gil replied. "So I thought I'd come by to see if I could help."

"Of course you can," Jay answered. "But first we got to find you some equipment. You can't catch a tourney ball with your bare hands."

"Yea, that actually hurt a lot," Gil admitted, while he carefully moved all his fingers again. Jay laughed at him for a moment.

"Yes, obviously. Why do you think we wear all this armour, airhead." Jay playfully ruffed over Gil's head with his huge protection gloves on. Gil ducked away from the glove, actually moving closer to Jay, so he could place a tender kiss on his lips. Jay felt how he had to blush, being fully aware that both Carlos and Lonnie witnessed how Gil held him so gently.

"I see we're already taking a break," Carlos teased when he walked up towards the two.

"We're not," Jay stated as he quickly picked up his helmet and tourney stick again. "We're just going to find some equipment for Gil and then we'll continue. Gil is going to be mine goalie." A frown immediately appeared on Gil's face as he stared back to Jay.

"You're going to stand in front of the net to prevent the ball getting into the goal," Carlos quickly explained as he could see Gil had no idea what a goalie meant.

"That would actually be a great idea," Lonnie joined the conversation and then turned towards Gil. "That was an amazing save. And even with your bare hands." Gil smiled up to Lonnie, glad she still treated him the same as before. She even playfully hit him against his shoulder to show her support.

"It's great to see you again," Lonnie continued to Gil. "Where have you been all this time?"

"Oh, something happened," Gil suddenly said when he reminded himself. "Mal gave Uma permission to repair the Lost Revenge in the shipyard. So we don't have to do it ourselves anymore. Which means Harry has no chores anymore that would keep me bound to the ship."

"So you finally got some free time to help me with my big game tomorrow," Jay said cheerful.

"I have," Gil confirmed smiling. "It's only been a real mystery would told Mal. Harry accused me for telling her for a moment, but it really wasn't me this time."

"Yea, that's a real mystery. Who could've possibly gave her that idea?" Jay said sarcastically. Gil smiled to him, knowing damn well who had passed the information on to Mal. He had just decided to keep it from Harry this time.

"So many things are happening at once," Carlos said and ignored the eyeing between Gil and Jay. "I got to say, I admire how Mal handles things."

"I'm just really glad they didn't blow off the match tomorrow," Jay said, once again relieved.

"Only the future will tell if it was a wise decision," Lonnie said unsure. She loved watching tourney, but her warrior instinct told her Auradon was in a vulnerable spot for any villain attacks when so many people were gathered at one spot to enjoy the game. So she volunteered to join the guards for one night, to make sure nothing would happen. Jay understood why she was so cautious, but he still shrugged it off.

"Well, at least you got the pirates on your side now," Gil added enthusiastic. "Uma absolutely won't turn down Mal's proposal."

Lonnie frowned up to the guys, trying the keep up on the conversation. "What are you talking about?" she asked.

"They didn't tell you yet?" Gil said surprised. He send a disappointed glance to both Carlos and Jay. "Mal is going to make Uma the queen of the Isle of the Lost."

"Wow," Lonnie said as her eyes grew big from amazement. "After Uma threatened Auradon for so long. Didn't expect that. You pirates are probably very happy."

Gil just shrugged it off. "Not really a surprise. Harry said it is confirmation for us and that the pirates crowned her as their queen a long time ago."

Jay snorted beside him. "Sounds like Harry is still being full of himself."

"Not at all," Gil defended his best friend. "You should've seen Uma's smile after he said that. They were just dancing together and holding each other. Just like old times. It was actually really nice to see them like that again."

"Things are okay over there?" Carlos asked when he saw Gil's troubled face.

"Harry has been acting weird lately," Gil answered. "Last night his phone rang a couple of times, but he just ignored all her calls. I believe it was Audrey, but I'm not sure. He didn't pick up, though." Both Lonnie and Carlos frowned in disbelief. Jay couldn't help laughing again.

"Harry is dating Audrey," Jay answered their questioning looks. "Beats me why he even entered a relationship with her. It's obvious he doesn't even care about her."

Carlos wanted to reply, but then saw a fifth figure walking on the field towards them. He quickly went quiet, knowing Chad could still act strangely when Audrey was mentioned in a conversation.

"Getting ready for the big match tomorrow, team captain?" Chad said to Jay, not even bothering to greet the rest of them.

"Yea, I train whenever I can," Jay replied casually. Carlos smiled as he could see the title of team captain actually still made Jay beam with pride. It had been a while since Ben had quit the team, but Jay still couldn't believe he was entrusted in taking his place. Chad at last turned his eyes to the other three present. He unconsciously took a step backwards when he saw Gil standing in the middle of the group.

"Aren't you…?" Chad pointed his finger towards Gil. He looked curious and disturbed at the same time as he took a closer look. Jay was quickly reminded why he was usually bothered by Chad's presence. "You are Gil? You are Gaston's son everybody has been talking about?"

"I am," Gil simply confirmed. Even he heard the arrogant undertone in Chad's voice. Carlos and Jay looked at each other for a moment. They were both ready to step in if Chad took it too far.

"So there are no guards to keep an eye on you?" Chad continued. He looked around as if he was really searching for some guards for protection. "They really just let you walk around freely here? Okay, I guess we have to thank our brilliant king Ben for that."

"Why don't you start warming up, Chad?" Lonnie said to the prince and made a protective stand in front of Gil. She could see how Jay did the same. Chad looked back at Lonnie as if he hadn't notice her there before.

"Unbelievable," Chad said before he turned back to Jay. "I told you that making her captain of the R.O.A.R. team would result in her wanting to join the Fighting Knights as well. Can't believe I encounter both a Villain's Kid and a girl on the tourney field so early in the morning."

Jay and Carlos frowned to each other, not sure if Chad had forgotten they were both VK's as well.

Carlos quickly shook his head before he walked up to Chad, refusing to let it escalate. "Let's go back to the locker room. I got to grab some equipment. Seems like you still need to grab yours as well."

"I rather not," Chad replied, even though he still walked with Carlos. "All that armour makes me real sweaty. Especially the helmet, don't want to mess up my hair today."

Lonnie let out a deep sigh when Chad was out of hearing distance. "I'm going to punch that guy in the face one day," she said annoyed. She then turned towards Gil, who didn't seem to be as upset as she was. He had his head slightly tilled as he frowned at the guy that was leaving the field with Carlos.

"Who is that guy?" he asked confused.

"That's Chad," Jay answered him. "Don't pay any attention to him. He's just an arrogant prick who thinks he's special because his dad is a king."

"He has no idea what he's talking about most of the time," Lonnie added, still being frustrated by Chad's words. Most of the guys had already accepted her as the team captain of the fencing R.O.A.R. team, following Jay's example. Somehow Chad was still giving her crap about it, even though she had proven herself capable of leading the men many times since then. It bothered her even more that Chad started to talk down to Gil as well, but fortunately Gil just shrugged it off. He didn't feel threatened at all by the guy named Chad. He turned towards Jay, quickly snatching the little tourney ball from him.

"Could you explain the rules to me again?" Gil asked, while playing with the ball in his hands. "This is going to be my first time playing. I want to do it right." Jay quickly forgot all about Chad and smiled up to Gil.

"First rule," Jay said strict and took the ball from Gil again. "There'll be no playing if the right equipment isn't worn."

...

During the course of the day it became more crowded in the alethic area. The cheerleaders practiced their moves for the big match the next day and most of the jocks were present as well. Chad however had his eyes only set on Gil and Jay. It wasn't just because he didn't trust Gaston's son in their middle, but also because they didn't seem to leave each other's company. Gil had borrowed the full body armour and they were practicing some movements. For a while it seemed like Jay wasn't practicing for the big game anymore, but instead showed Gil how he should be holding the tourney stick to play himself.

Chad doubted he was the only one who noticed how they quickly touched each other arm more than necessary. They stared at each other a little too long, even when the other person was staring back, a smile on their faces every time they did so.

Chad narrowed his eyes as he watched how Jay laid one hand on Gil's shoulder and the other hand on his chest. He pushed Gil a little backwards, showing Gil how he had a better stand with the tourney stick in his hands. Gil turned his head towards Jay, what caused their faces to get very close to each other. It was just for a split second, but it definitely happened. And both Gil and Jay didn't seem to mind at all, as they both smiled again. Chad forgot doing his laps, he didn't feel like it anyway, and decided to walk up to Carlos who actually tried to manage some pull-ups.

"What's up with those two?" Chad asked Carlos without any introduction.

Carlos looked down in confusion, but then noticed Chad pointing towards Gil and Jay. He let go off the bar and landed on his feet besides Chad.

"What is it now, Chad?" He asked annoyed. He had tried to remain peaceful so far, but the tone in Chad's voice bothered him. He didn't like Chad, not even a little bit. Besides that he already knew what this was about. Carlos was already fed up with it.

"What's going on between them?" Chad repeated his question. "They're acting like some kind off couple."

"That's because they are," Carlos simply answered, hoping that Chad wouldn't make a big deal out of it if he was casual about it. Chad still got a surprising grin on his face and pointed at the two guys once more. Carlos was glad that Jay was too busy with his exercise and Gil to notice Chad at all. Otherwise the entire situation would probably be a lot worse.

"Gil and Jay a couple?" Chad asked. "You mean like really a couple? Like a couple couple?"

Carlos rolled his eyes, wondering how Chad could still act surprise after he guessed it himself. "Yes Chad, like a real actual couple."

"But wait, that means," Chad got this stupid grin once more and his eyes grew wide for a second. He bend closer to Carlos. A little too close for Carlos's liking. "That means Jay is gay?" Chad asked in an exaggerated whispering tone.

"Yes, they're gay," Carlos said back, taking a step away from Chad. "You have a problem with that?"

"Oh no, not at all," Chad answered. "As long as they won't ever act the same with me."

"Trust me, they won't. Neither of them is ever going to be that desperate."

"But wait," Chad said again, as if he didn't hear Carlos's comeback. "All those girls who are after Jay. Someone needs to tell them. They should really be after someone else."

Carlos rolled his eyes again.

"I mean, someone has to look out for them," Chad quickly explained when he noticed Carlos's disapproval. "Don't want all their hearts to be broken."

"No, that would be terrible," Carlos said sarcastically. Chad didn't notice the tone Carlos spoke as he gladly nodded in agreement.

"I'm going to tell them," Chad said enthusiastic. "Thanks buddy." With that Chad walked away towards a few of the other jocks who were in the middle of practice.

Carlos frowned annoyed and quickly walked up towards Gil and Jay. It seemed like they were having fun as Gil tried to hit the ball towards Jay with the tourney stick. Gil was definitely not as agile as Jay, but he still managed to put a lot of force into it. Jay caught the ball with ease, but he still looked proud to his boyfriend. Gil was picking it up quickly. Carlos didn't want to ruin their moods. They deserved it after everything that happened, but Carlos knew it was better if he gave Jay a heads up.

"Hey Carlos," Gil greeted him happily when he noticed him.

"Hi," Carlos slowly said. "I need to tell you something."

Jay could sense Carlos had something important to say. "What's up?" he asked seriously.

"I just told Chad about your relationship," Carlos confessed to them. "I'm sorry if I shouldn't have. But he asked me directly and I refuse to lie about it."

It was obvious that Jay wasn't happy about it, as he sighed annoyed and swung his tourney stick over his shoulder. Gil frowned to Jay, since he didn't understand what the problem was.

"It's alright, bro," Jay said to Carlos. "Had to come out one day, so who cares." Jay quickly looked up over to Chad, who had decided to take a break on the tribune.

"Don't worry," Gil said and softly pushed Jay against his shoulder. "You said yourself not to pay any attention to him."

Jay smiled slightly towards Gil. He didn't want to be bothered with it, but he was. He never wanted to keep his relationship with Gil a secret, but he still didn't want to get exposed either. He looked around, wondering if anyone else had noticed yet. It made him feel vulnerable. And if Jay hated anything, it was feeling vulnerable. He straightened his shoulders, took his tourney stick firmly in his hands and took a stand opposite of Gil.

"Try to hit the ball towards me as hard as you can," Jay challenged Gil. Gil frowned up to Jay, not sure what to do. He send a quick glance towards Carlos, who simply shrugged in response.

"Come on," Jay commanded Gil. "We did this ten times already. Show me what you got."

Gil nodded and again took the tourney stick in his hands, even though this time a little unsure. He could sense the change in Jay's mood and he didn't like it. With just half his strength he hit the ball towards Jay. It didn't take much for Jay to catch the ball, this time with his glove. He looked up at Chad again, while Gil still frowned up to him. Chad had his eyes fixed on him as well, a cheerful smirk on his face as he waved towards Jay. Jay then turned back towards Gil, ignoring his worried expression.

"Again," Jay just said to him. "And this time put a little bit more muscle into it."


I apologize for being late again.

Nevertheless I hope you all enjoy this little chapter.