Without a Sound

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Chapter 37

I made it to the locker room and checked to see if anyone was in there. When I made sure it was completely empty. I immediately sat on a bench, grabbed my ankle, and cried. I hissed and rocked a little for a second to try and distract myself form the pain.

After a second, I moved to the back of the locker room to the ice machine. I took off my shirt and scooped some ice into it. I wrapped up the ice inside and placed it on my swollen ankle. It wasn't too swollen but it still hurt like shit.

The ice felt good on it and I sighed at the feeling. After about ten minutes I put the ice down and grabbed some tape from my locker. It wasn't exactly an ace bandage but it would work for now. I wrapped my ankle tightly and took a breath before seeing if I could move on it.

It felt better now that it was wrapped up. I quickly put my sock and shoe back on, successfully hiding my bandaged ankle.

When I got back to the gym bleachers, the second round was ready to start. Zell came up to me and smiled.

'Personally, I think you have this in the bag… but good luck, man.' He signed.

'Thanks.' I signed with a smile of my own before waiting for it all to begin.

'Alright, Tseng has decided to let Rude start and call his opponent as he pleases. I know you guys are tired and so I want to get this done as quickly as possible.' Yuffie said.

Rude grabbed a basketball and dribbled it out to the middle of the court. I prayed that he wouldn't pick me first. The more time I have to let my ankle chill, the better.

I sighed in relief when he called more of the underclassmen to the court. It was amazing to watch these games. Though they were only two minutes, they gave me a glimpse of the real power behind every player, even the ones that loses.

After about twenty minutes, Rude had beaten all of the other players in the second round…besides me.

I took a deep breath and made my way down to the court. In truth… I think this game could go either way.

The only thing I had on Rude was speed. And to tell you the truth… with this ankle… I wasn't even sure about that.

I would have to out smart him somehow in order to get ahead.

The ball went up and I jumped. Another thing Rude had over me was height. He easily grabbed the ball before me.

I tried as hard as I could to block him but he was a big dude and there was really no way I could actually block him.

I sighed and took the ball on the rebound. I dribbled down the court. I had to forget about the pain and just trust my body to exhaust every effort I could possibly conjure in order to win this game.

I got around him and made a point on my end.

And this is how it went for a minute and 50 second. We would make goals back and forth. It was ten all and I had ten seconds to win.

I wouldn't let Leon's support go to waste… I wouldn't let people think I failed because I was lacking something. I had to prove my worth to everyone in this gym including myself.

10, I took a deep breath.

9, I let it out with my first step forward.

8, I sprinted towards the goal.

7, I could feel my heartbeat racing.

6, Rude was waiting for me.

5, I prayed this would work again.

4, I passed the ball through Rude's legs and ran around him.

3, I grabbed the ball again.

2, I jumped with all my strength towards the goal.

1, I slammed that ball through the hoop, my arms hanging on the rim so that I wouldn't fall to the ground.

In the corner of my eyes, I could see the mass of people in the bleachers stand and clap as I hugged the rim for dear life.

I didn't want to let go… if I let go I'd break my ankle for sure when I hit the ground. I could feel my adrenaline receding and the pain in my ankle came back ten fold.

I felt hands on my waist and I looked down to see Rude looking back up at me. He was silently telling me that I could let go of the hoop. I let go and Rude carried me over to the bleachers.

He sat me down and I thanked him. He shook my hand. 'Thank you for a great game.' He replied and gave me a tiny smile.

'I've seen the level of sportsmanship and caliber of all the students in the basketball program. And because of this, I can say that it would be most advantageous to appoint Sora and Rude as starter and alternate. I think all of you can agree with me, yes?' Yuffie asked.

I looked around and I could feel my heart swell at the people chanting my name. I almost cried but I calmed myself down.

Tseng walked up to me and I looked up at him. 'I was wrong about you. Welcome to the team, Sora.' My eyes widened as he signed the words in front of me.

I smiled. 'I'm only happy that I could prove to myself that you were.' I signed and Zell told Tseng what I had said.

Tseng nodded before kneeling and taking off my shoe. 'I'm surprised you were able to last so long. We disqualified Pete for doing that… we don't need cheaters on the team… especially cheaters who can't even cheat right.' Tseng actually chuckled at his own words as he placed some ice on my ankle.

I sighed in relief before I giggled silently myself. It was kind of funny that someone who went through the trouble of busting my ankle didn't even make it to the second round anyway.

I jumped when Zell almost clobbered me in his excitement. 'I want you to know Sora, the only person able to get a point off of Tseng before was Rude. And to think you actually got two points off of him! No one will ever beat Tseng, but you are the first person to get pretty damn close!' Zell said and Seifer nodded.

'Awesome job, Chicken Wuss. I wasn't paying enough attention to notice when Pete fucked up your ankle, but for you to make it seem like nothing was wrong? Why would you do that?' Seifer asked.

'I didn't want any handicaps. I wanted to be treated like everyone else.' I signed and Zell translated.

'Well, you did it! And I'm super proud! Princess, our little Chicken Wuss is growing up!' Seifer said and put an arm around Zell.

Zell elbowed Seifer at the nickname but smiled. 'Yeah...'

Yuffie walked up to me and I watched as she felt around my ankle. I hissed when she pressed down on it but she told me it wasn't broken.

'You are lucky. If you had put anymore pressure on it, it might have fractured.' She warned.

I nodded.

'Keep this brace on for two weeks. No running or stressful movements. Do you understand? I don't want one of my precious babies to break his ankle and then miss out on half the season.' Yuffie said.

I smiled and nodded again.

Yuffie ruffled my hair before saying that we could all hit the showers. I stood and relaxed when the brace made it easier to walk. I moved to the locker room and changed my shirt. The shorts had to stay on due to the brace but I didn't really care.

I waved my goodbyes to everyone before heading upstairs to Leon's classroom. I was so excited to tell him the news.

The only problem is that I had to walk up the stairs slowly and I would have to tell Leon about my ankle. But I'm sure he's still be happy for me.

I hope he showers me in kisses and tells me how proud he is. I hope he hugs me and tells me he loves me.

I opened the classroom door and walked inside. Leon was sitting with his feet propped up on his desk. He seemed to be texting someone. I knocked on the wall and Leon turned to me.

'How'd it go?' He signed.

I smiled and signed. 'I sprained my ankle in the process but you are looking at one of Hillside's starter players!' My hands almost shook with excitement.

Leon frowned. 'Are you okay? How bad is the sprain?' he signed.

'I have to wear this brace for two weeks. But it's worth it if I can be ready for the games this season.' I replied.

Leon stood and moved over to me. I smiled up at him. Okay, kiss me now! Tell me that you're proud and that you love me.

Leon ran his hand through my hair and smiled. 'Great job, Sora. Let's get you home.' He said and grabbed his keys.

I frowned… maybe he's waiting till we're off campus. I followed him down the stairs and out to his bike. I watched as he put on his helmet. So he wasn't going to kiss me now… I put on my helmet and got on the bike I wrapped my arms around Leon and we were off towards my house.

When we got there, I took off my bike helmet and looked at him. He was going to kiss me now for sure.

'You have a good night, Sora. I'll see you later.' Leon signed before driving off.

I frowned and watched him drive off. What the hell? Wasn't he happy for me? Wasn't he proud? Why didn't he kiss me?

I sighed and walked slowly up to the door and let myself in. I smiled when Pluto ran up to me and I bent down to pet him.

I stood back up and my parents entered the living room. 'Did you make the team?' my dad asked.

I nodded and signed happily. 'Yep! I sprained my ankle so I'm on this brace for two weeks but it was worth it.'

'I'm so happy for you Sora! Great job… but I'm not really all that happy about this sprain.' My mother signed before pulling me into a hug. My dad pat my back and smiled. 'I'm proud of you, son.' He said.

I sighed. I was glad my parents were happy for me. It made me feel a little better about the less than excited reaction from Leon about the news.

Roxas ran down the stairs and hugged me. 'I heard you made the team! Awesome!' Roxas said and hugged me again.

I smiled. It seemed like Roxas was back to normal. I still kind of wonder what was wrong with him though.

'Thanks guys, I can't wait for you guys to see me play in a real game though.' I signed.

'Dude, I can't wait! Me and Riku already decided we were going shopping for body paint! We are going to be the best male cheer leaders ever!' Roxas signed.

I laughed silently. 'I'm excited to see that!' I signed before heading up stairs. I was pretty much exhausted and I needed to go to sleep.

I entered my room and sat on the bed. I was wondering what might be wrong with Leon when my phone vibrated in my pocket.

Did you make the basketball team? –Brian

Yeah, I did! I sprained my ankle though. I texted back

Yay! I know this is gonna sound really creepy… but I'm outside of your house. I got my license this afternoon and I figured I would come and see you to congratulate you or comfort you depending on whether or not you made the team. :) –Brian

I got up and walked down the stairs to the window to see if Brian was really there. My shoulders shook with a laugh when I saw him leaning against his car.

I opened the front door and walked over to him. 'I can't believe you're here. You are too ridiculous.' I signed.

'Umm… Sora… I really wish I understood what you just signed.' Brian said.

I grabbed his arm and took him inside. My parents looked puzzled. I quickly introduced him to Brain and they welcomed him.

I pulled him over to the couch and took the pen and notepad frown of the table next to the couch.

I wrote:

I can't believe you are here. You're crazy.

'I thought we had already talked about this earlier today.' Brian reminded.

I shook my head. I wrote:

But really, thank you for coming; it means a lot. Congratulations on getting your license. My parents are too afraid to let me go to driving school.

'Thanks, Sora. I'm sure you would do fine behind the wheel.' Brian seemed to say. '..and what about this ankle? You sprained it? Are you okay?'

I nodded.

'I'm glad you're okay.' Brian said.

I smiled and wrote:

You are way too nice to me, Brian.

'Well, part of it is me trying to steal you away from that Leon guy.' I watched him say.

I wrote:

That will never ever happen… I've told you this a hundred times!

'There's nothing wrong in trying. Speaking of this Leon guy, I was hoping he would be here so I could meet him. I figured he would be with you to celebrate.' Brian said.

I frowned. I know Brian wasn't trying to, but he definitely rubbed salt in a wound just now.

I wrote:

He went home.

'Aww, what's with that face? Did he not want to celebrate with you?' Brian asked.

I sighed and wrote:

He smiled like he was happy for me… and I know he is happy for me. He's really my number one fan.

'Then why do you look so sad?' Brian asked.

I shook my head before writing:

I was so sure he was going to kiss me and hug me… I worked myself up about it. I got really excited so when I told him the news… I was disappointed by his reaction… that's all. He just… he didn't even kiss me. He just ran his hand through my hair and told me I did a good job… I felt like I had been brushed off a little. And I shouldn't feel that way. There was a point in time where I would be happy with just a pat on the head… it was only until he started to indulge me that I started getting greedy.

I don't even know why I was writing this. It was like Brian gave me the smallest nudge and then suddenly it all just came tumbling out.

'But Sora… that's not being greedy, it's normal for you to want his attention. Otherwise, you wouldn't be together. But what I don't understand is why wouldn't Leon want to shower you with kisses and hugs and affections. As a boyfriend you should want to do that.' Brian's mouth formed.

I wrote:

Leon told me in the beginning that he was terrible boyfriend material… but I didn't care. I love him so much that even back then I was willing to sacrifice some things just so I could have him. And he's opened up to me… he gave me a good luck kiss before the tournament. He's really sweet when he wants to be. I just really wanted him to show me how happy he was.

'But that's wrong… you shouldn't have to sacrifice anything. I know if I were Leon, I'd be all over you. Sora you deserve someone who will give you everything… everything without you having to ask for it.' Brian said grabbing my hands in an attempt to get through to me.

I looked away form him. He was so nice and he really was sweet… but I couldn't give him what he wanted.

I looked at him again, wishing I could tell him how sorry I was. He put his hand on my cheek and pressed his lips against mine.

I pushed him away gently and shook my head. His thumb caressed my cheek softly and I was having trouble concentrating. My brain was telling me the Brian was the best choice but my heart was aching. He kissed me again and I felt myself give in for a second.

But I had to push him away again. This time I did it firmly.

I wrote quickly:

I'm so sorry Brian. I can't do this. I love Leon. And as much as my brain keeps telling me you'd be an awesome boyfriend… I would never be as happy as I am when I'm with Leon. You're a great friend and if you think you can stay that way, I'd be really happy. But if it hurts you to remain my friend, then I'd rather you give up on me completely. You deserve much better than what I can give you. So, I think you need to leave.

Brian sighed. 'I thought for sure I had you that time… but I'm glad you told me clearly where we stand… Is there any way we could put our friendship on hiatus? I'm gonna need a while to get over you… but when I am, I would really love it if we could hang out.' Brian smiled, he had tears in his eyes.

I gave him a small hug and nodded. I wrote:

There's someone out there for you… and when you finally meet that someone… it will hit you like a giant freight train and you'll have no chance of escaping. And I know for a fact that you didn't feel that with me.

Brian thought about what I had written and wiped at his eyes. 'I felt a giant wave.' He seemed to say.

I wrote:

See what I mean, it's not really the same. Now go home and get over me quick so we can play a game of one-on-one.

Brian seemed to laugh. 'Alright. I'll see you around.' He said and left the house.

I closed the door and ran a hand through my hair. I plopped onto the couch and rubbed my face.

Fuck… that was by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. I really almost gave into him… if my resolve was any weaker, I definitely would have kissed him back.

I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked to see my dad on my right and my mom on my left.

'Personally, I think you should have chose Brian.' My dad signed only to flinch when my mother swatted at him.

'Don't listen to your father. You knew who would make you happiest and I agree that Leon is the one for you. So don't let what Brian or what your father said discourage you. You did the right thing.' My mom said.

'I just feel really bad… for Brian and for Leon.' I signed.

'Why is that? Why for Leon?' Dad signed.

'I fell bad because… it shouldn't have been so hard to choose… I wavered and that's not a good sign… how can I say I love Leon and then almost give in to someone else?' I asked with my hands.

'Obviously because Leon's acting kind of like a shitty boyfriend. From his side of the conversation it sounded like he wasn't happy for you.' Dad said.

'He was happy… I just wanted him to be more expressive about it.' I signed.

'I think maybe you should talk to him about it. It'll kick him into gear a little… and probably make him a little jealous too.' My mom said seeming to giggle a little.

I smiled. 'You think that will help?' I asked.

'Well… it works on your Dad when he pisses me off.' My mom seemed to laugh.

I laughed silently when my Dad's jaw hit the floor. 'So that's how it is!' he seemed to yell.

My mom leaned over me to kiss him on the cheek. 'I love you.'

I shook my head and stood. 'Thanks guys… I'm gonna hit the sack now.' I signed.

They signed their goodnights before I headed upstairs.

A/N: Here you go my loves! Click that review button because I know you want to!