Hey there everyone. Welcome to my first attempt at a Cashley fanfic. So, I did originally have one lined up on my old hard drive but it tragically got replaced back in April. Thankfully this general superior has a pretty good memory. Also as usual just a heads up as I haven't finished this series. There will be AU-stuff.
So, without further ado, please enjoy my take on a pretty important moment in this pairing's history. Also as I haven't seen this episode, I'm going AU. As in this will almost be purely from my imagination.
Enjoy!
Esports, one of the fastest growing phenomena on earth. Naturally it was only a matter of time before it got its own world tournament. Thankfully, GameCorp took care of that with a bit of crowdfunding and slight money laundering.
With the event now underway, a venue had to be decided upon. Naturally Seoul came to mind but it was expected, and GameCorp wanted to be set apart, so where else would the tournament be other than Helsinki in mid December.
64 countries had been selected, from the expected South Korea to the surprising DRC. All teams ready to bring their all and come home with a 5 foot trophy and a hell of a lot of cash.
'' Welcome Esports fans to the very first World Gaming Cup!'' a voice boomed from a nearby stage. The venue being Helsinki Halli, due to its massive size, it could easily hold the majority of the fans who had come out to root for their favorite teams and bask in their respective glory.
The voice belonging to non-other than StampyCat; a well known announcer and Esports aficionado. Next to him was an equally lanky teenager, his spiked black hair, piercings and chains wrapped around his forearms and legs showing off his belonging to the gothic subgenre.
'' Thanks to GameCorp's supporters this event is scheduled to be even bigger than the Overwatch League, in fact I hear that some of South Korea's gamers are in this tournament, right ShallowGrave?'' StampyCat said to his cohost.
'' Their presence won't do anything. We are all headed to an empty void in the end.''
'' Ok…Well the talk of everyone's lips is the group Thumbs of Fury, who after winning the world championships were recruited to represent the USA in the opening match here in Finland. I don't need to tell you just how exciting it'll be if these four become the first ever winners of this World Cup.''
'' Excitement leads to the eventual shock that shall cause us all to faint from fear…that being said I do believe they have their work cut out for them in this first match'' ShallowGrave answered.
'' Why are you like this?'' StampyCat breathed. '' Anyway, the four players from the US of A do indeed have their work cut out for them. Finland's spent nothing shy of 250 thousand dollars' worth of training on their team. Let's take a look at the Helsinki Apocalypse, shall we?''
'' Ok.''
'' Alright! Captaining these titanic teens is Flashpointz, this support specialist is far from the most accurate shot on his team, but he's the one who keeps them healed up and ready for battle. His most lethal rival in this match is rumored be the gaming sensation Kid Fury, although let's face it ShallowGrave, that's not true.''
'' Probably not. Although their dps has it out for Kid Fury and his team, Lady Lika who thanks to being here for the last few years is a a citizen and therefore eligible to compete. This girl's had it out for him since day 1. She's a lot less aggressive than he is and has a higher kill/elimination ratio than he does. With her on the front line this can only end with Thumbs of Fury going home in sadness.''
'' Geez dude. Anyway the backbone of the Apocalypse is definitely their tank; BloKK. He may lack the stopping power of Lady Lika or the skills of Flashpointz but his ability to take damage makes him as tough as they get. When paired with his partner and substitute tank WaLL they can form a deadly duo that could see them through to the semi finals at least.''
'' WaLL has no future in gaming. He dies in less than three minutes each time. He's a martyr and you know it.''
'' Ok…So to sum up. Apocalypse, well balanced but do they have the skill to take on the US team; Thumbs of Fury?'' StampyCat asked.
'' No.''
'' We'll see. Naturally we have to talk about their latest sensation Kid Fury. The dynamic flex leader used to be a solo act, but he's now a quartet. He's their rock, he can get them out of most pinches without much hassle.''
'' His confidence is his weakness. Flashpointz will attack that and crush him like an autumn leaf under a cleat. However his team are exceptional in their own right.''
'' Finally we agree! Franklin_Delgado or as he's known in real life; Franklin Delgado, is by far their weakest link. With an almost martyr-like style of play and an inability to make quick decisions has resulted in his failure to rack up with the other members of his squad.''
'' You think he's that weak ShallowGrave? Surely he's got some redeeming qualities?''
'' He makes good pizza I've been told.''
'' Lord you're a pain in the ass. But anyway, let's move onto Thumbs of Fury's powerhouse sNiTcHbLaSta. Wow this guy is angry. He's rumored to have tackled 80% of the hall's janitorial staff in the last 3 hours at least. But when he's gaming he's an unstoppable force of rage. sNiTcH's aggressive playstyle has won him multiple solo titles as well as making Thumbs of Fury the champions of the New World by defeating Brazil's fighting sharks back in June. Be wary Finland, sNiTcHbLaSta's coming for ya.''
'' Lastly there's the solo female player for this team; LadyRooster42. She's fast to react and even quicker to attack. She can usually be seen partnered with Kid Fury as the frontline of the team. I usually refrain from emotion, but this does bring a smile to my face'' ShallowGrave grinned.
'' Dear Gd that's unnerving! Anyway gamers, we'll see you back here in 3 hours for the dynamic opening to the World Cup.
-x-
'' One coffee please, sugar and cream'' a blonde girl sniffed at a nearby concessions stand. Her tears and drooping hair ruining her beautiful face. She was Ashley Parker aka LadyRooster42. Just hours ago her crush Conor Bale had kissed her on a suspending platform. Later they had admitted they had feelings for each other, but due to them being on the same team, dating would ruin it. It was the hardest choice Conor had ever had to make, and its repercussions even worse. The freckled boy had shattered Ashley's heart, and his too. Why did he say that?! Why was he being so stupid?
'' Sure. Say, you look familiar'' the lady working the stand said.
'' I'm LadyRooster42, representing the American team.''
'' Ja. That's it. You and Kid Fury, the frontline no?''
''That's us'' Ashley said sadly, being handed her drink.
'' Why are you not happy? This is the first gaming World Cup, you have the opening match against a powerful team no less. Surely this is cause for celebration?''
'' I don't feel very much like celebrating…Svetlana'' Ashley sighed, reading the employee's nametag.
'' Why poultry lady?''
'' You wouldn't understand.''
'' Try me. I work here 17 years, there is nothing I have not seen before.''
'' Fine. A boy I like, a lot kissed me on a platform earlier today. I loved it, he did too. But he told me since we were friends and teammates, us dating would ruin the whole dynamic.''
'' This is Kid Fury no?''
'' How did you know?''
'' You say teammates. The scrawny one built like toothpick is not your type I am guessing. Also the one who tackled me in hallway also seems too…brash to date you.''
'' Yeah, its him'' Ashley sighed.
'' This is sad. Svetlana finds this a betrayal of love. You, pretty blonde girl, must make Boy Anger your boyfriend.''
'' Its Kid Fury and he already said no. I don't want to destroy him. No means no.''
'' Based on what Svetlana has heard, he did not want to say no, no?''
'' Yes, he said no.''
'' No, I meant he was trying to hide the fact that he did not want to refuse you. But had to.''
'' So, you think he lied?''
'' No, I think my father was dragged to icy grave by arctic wolves, this I know.''
'' Wow'' a smile returned to Ashley's face. '' So, I should talk to him?''
'' Joo.''
'' No, I'm catholic.''
'' No, joo is Finnish for yes.''
'' Ohh. Thanks Svetlana'' Ashley skipped off.
-x-
'' Idiot!'' Conor said, hitting his head against a nearby concrete pillar outside.
'' Conor…that's not how you hit concrete!'' a strawberry-blonde young man snapped at him, approaching his friend, along with his scrawny brunette sidekick.
'' Watch this'' the first man said, slamming his head against the pillar. '' That's how you beat up cement!''
'' Sir, is everything ok?'' the counterpart asked.
'' No. I chased away the one. The girl I love. Why did I say we shouldn't be together?''
'' Because you know she's lying. She obviously wants all…this'' the strawberry blonde answered.
'' Shut up Wendell. Conor obviously did it because he's afraid.''
'' Excuse me Franklin?'' Conor asked.
'' Sir. When did you join the pro tour?''
'' When I was 12 but-
'' Exactly. We've only been a team for 3 years. You've spent the majority of your gaming career as a solo act. You pushed Ashley away because you were worried she'd become a distraction. If you two dated then it would disrupt the team dynamic, you'd lose focus and we'd slip in the standings.''
'' We would. This team works because we're friends. Let's say you and Wendell dated, little couple fights and date nights would ruin our dynamic, we'd become distracted'' Conor defended.
'' First off. Wendell and I are straight. Second of all, you ever watched the Rocky movies?''
'' Duh, of course.''
'' Not you Wendell'' Franklin sighed.
'' Yeah, I have. Why?''
'' Adrian and Rocky. He was doing ok until he met her. Then his performance soared into multiple blockbuster films. You see where I'm going with this?''
'' Conor needs to fight Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang?''
'' No. If he and Ashley date, then we'll be a stronger fighting force. Maybe even good enough to face the South Koreans one day'' Franklin said giddily.
'' You know, that's actually not a bad idea Franklin'' Conor said.
'' Look at me sir. You said you love Ashley right?''
'' Yeah, more than anything.''
'' Then get your butt back in there and make Cashley official'' Franklin shoved his idol back indoors.
'' You really think those two will get together?'' Wendell asked.
'' No, I think there's monsters under my bed. I know these two are endgame.''
-x-
Conor and Ashley ran down the hallways of the Helsinki Halli. Both their respective love gurus had essentially said the same thing; talk to them. Granted Franklin was a bit more…intense.
'' Out of my way'' Ashley said, shoulder tackling innocent patrons, quietly thanking Wendell for his brash nature and her oddly good memory for remembering how he tackled people. '' For once Wendell's useful.''
The blonde had to find Conor. Svetlana was right, they were meant to be together. Conor was lying, he did want to be with her, and she him. She just hoped this wouldn't end badly.
Whilst this was going on, Conor was now busy skateboarding to his love, having swiped a confiscated board from the security office. '' Move it'' the freckled man said, mowing down everyone in sight.
'' You, pale guy. Have you seen a blonde girl here? Curly hair, grey-ish eyes, smile that could light up the sky?'' Conor panted, pointing to a poor man just trying to buy a hot chocolate.
'' Ja. There she is'' he pointed.
'' Dude. That's half the damn stadium!'' Conor cussed. '' Dammit, Ash, where are you?!''
'' Right here'' came a familiar voice from behind him.
'' Ashley?'' Conor kicked aside the skateboard, three patrons falling over after colliding with it.
'' We need to talk'' Ashley started, leading Conor to a private area back outside.
'' Yeah, we do'' Conor added. '' It's about…the kiss. It can't end here.''
'' Excuse me?''
'' I can't let our first kiss together be our last. Franklin made me realize something earlier.''
'' That he weighs less than a doll?''
'' No, but sidenote he totally does. I meant how I was a solo act on the pro tour. I wanted to push you away because I thought you would be a distraction to me. I thought the group dynamic would be destroyed.''
'' Yeah, I remember you saying that earlier.''
'' Well, I was wrong. Remember the Rocky movies?''
'' The ones about the singing stones?''
'' No, the boxing ones.''
'' Oh yeah. What about them?''
'' Rocky did well until he met Adrian. Then he became an unstoppable fighting force. What I'm trying to say is-
Ashley shut her crush up by crashing her lips onto his, wrapping her arms around his neck. '' I know what you were trying to say.''
'' I can't believe I just wanted to stay friends. We aren't meant to just be friends.''
'' Then lets not be. Let's be gaming's power couple. Conor, will you-
'' Yes, I will'' Conor said, continuing the kiss, one which lasted a good three minutes.
'' Hey losers! My ex girlfriend's ready to beat us. Without you two as our frontline we have to rely on Franklin!'' Wendell shouted from nearby.
'' Let's do it'' Conor grabbed Ashley's hand. They'd win this world cup, not as individuals, but as an item.
And scene. Thank you everybody for reading, I so enjoyed writing this. Also random shout out to the FIFA world cup for inspiring the title of the event of this story. Anyway everyone, as usual, stay safe and stay awesome!