Jayden and Isaac were more than just friends; they were practically brothers, their bond as strong as the very ice they skated friendship was an unwritten law of the universe, as undeniable as the azure sky on a clear summer day. Born from the deep-rooted camaraderie of their parents, who themselves were the epitome of lifelong companionship both on and off the ice rink, Jayden and Isaac were destined to be brothers in all but were equals in every sense, steadfast in their support for one another, the epitome of the phrase "ride or die." Through thick and thin, come hell or high water, they stood shoulder to shoulder, unwavering in their loyalty. With shared aspirations and a camaraderie that knew no bounds, their mothers often joked that they must share a single neuron, especially when mischief was afoot.
In recent days, Jayden had noticed a subtle shift in Isaac's demeanor, a pleasant distraction that seemed to hover around him like a halo. There was a sparkle in his eye, a spring in his step that hadn't been there before. Isaac appeared happier than usual, his smile more frequent, his attention often drifting to his cell phone with an air of anticipation. For Jayden, who knew Isaac better than anyone else, it was clear what was going on. His best friend had a crush.
Isaac had never been one to chase after fleeting flings or meaningless encounters. Unlike many of their peers at Columbus High, he placed far greater value on the sanctity of a genuine connection, cherishing the intimacy of a first date over the hollow promises of a one-night stand. While he had enjoyed a few dates here and there, none had captured his interest quite like this mysterious girl who now occupied his thoughts.
Observing his friend's newfound joy, Jayden couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness for him. Whoever this girl was, she was fortunate to have captured Isaac's attention. Isaac was a rare find indeed—charming, compassionate, and effortlessly cool, with a heart so boundless it threatened to burst free from his chest. And to top it all off, he was blessed with rugged good looks, an infectious sense of humor, and a talent for hockey that bordered on the supernatural. In short, call him biased but, his friend was every bit the quintessential dreamboat.
"Hey," Jayden approached Isaac after their practice, his skates gliding smoothly over the ice, "You doing alright?"
Isaac, engrossed in his phone, looked up at the sound of Jayden's voice, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... thinking about stuff. Why'd you ask?"
Taking a seat beside his friend, he cast a sideways glance at his friend, a knowing grin playing on his lips. "You've been smiling a lot lately. And not just any smile—the kind that reaches your eyes. It's good to see you happy, man."
"What's all this about?You're not usually this sentimental. Is it some special occasion I forgot about? Our friendiversary or something?"
Jayden chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, nothing like that. Just wanted to make sure you're doing alright. And to say I'm happy for you."
Isaac's expression softened, a hint of bashfulness coloring his cheeks. "Well, there's actually someone... I like her, Jay."he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "We've been talking for a while now, and I...I'm thinking of asking her out."
"What's her name? Whoever she is, she's lucky to have you, Isaac Hargrave, smitten with her. Your fan club might shed a tear or two when they find out you're off the market."
His friend chuckled nervously, running a hand through his tousled brown locks. "You think so?" he asked, his tone laced with a mixture of pride and apprehension., "Her name's 's the Head Cheerleader at McKinley. Do you think she'll say yes?"
"Well, I'd say she'd be crazy not to. Does your mother know? Ellie?"
"Oh, God, no. Mom would insist on meeting her right away, and your girlfriend would probably start stalking her on Instagram."
The two friends shared a knowing chuckle, a shared understanding of the complexities of relationships and the quirks of the women in their lives. "Women," they both laughed, a mixture of exasperation and affection.
As the morning sun bathed the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, its golden rays danced off the sleek metal exteriors of the buses, casting a shimmering glow over the scene. The air crackled with anticipation, each breath infused with the palpable excitement that permeated the atmosphere.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, the McKinley Cheerios emerged from their respective buses, dressed in their vibrant red and white uniforms adorned with sparkly sequins and bold lettering. Their hair was impeccably styled and their makeup was flawless, each member radiating an aura of determination and readiness for the challenge ahead. As they made their way through the bustling crowd of cheering fans and fellow competitors, the sound of upbeat music filled the air, adding to the palpable energy of the event. Each step was infused with purpose, each movement exuding grace and poise.
The UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship was the ultimate stage for showcasing skill and spirit, drawing teams from across the nation to compete for glory. Everywhere one looked, there were squads diligently practicing their routines, stretching their muscles, and mentally preparing for their moment on the mat. Sue Sylvester stood tall and commanding amidst her team, her presence radiating authority and expectation. With a steely gaze, she addressed her cheerleaders, her words a sharp reminder of the stakes at hand.
"Ladies, get the trophy or else, fail, and you'll march right back to the dump that is McKinley, practicing that routine for until dawn, every single day until the year ends. Do I make myself clear?"
"Famous last words," a familiar, mocking voice interjected from behind, causing her to turn sharply in its direction. "You used to be tougher during my time as a cheerleader."
"Marshall," The coach greeted with a hint of amusement, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Care to join them? I'll even let you push the bus."
The cheerleading team watched on with a mixture of fascination and trepidation, astonished by the audacity of someone daring to speak to Coach Sylvester in such a manner and getting away with it.
"No thanks," Sabrina replied playfully, shaking her head. "I've already been there, done that, and never again. Besides, my daughter is competing, and as you understand, I have to support her. They're going to make you bite the mat."
"Is she a threat, Marshall?"
"Consider it a promise, Sylvester," the former cheerleader shot back with a smirk, turning on her heel and striding confidently away, disappearing into the crowd as seamlessly as she had arrived.
"Isn't smoking bad for your vocal cords?"
A deep voice cut through the air, drawing Sabrina's attention. She turned to see Alec approaching, his gaze filled with concern as he took in her troubled demeanor. She offered him a small smile, though it held a hint of sadness.
"All good?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine care.
The blonde sighed heavily, extinguishing her cigarette and grinding the butt into the ground with the sole of her sneaker before leaning against the cool surface of the wall. "They should be here with us. Watching her," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of grief and frustration. "Fuck, Alec, they were her godparents."
His expression softened with understanding as he met her gaze. "Do you think I don't know? They were also Jay's godparents," he reminded her gently.
Indeed, they both shared a bond forged through their friendship with Jacob and Sophia, Isaac's parents. They had weathered storms together, finding solace and strength in each other's company. Alec's troubled childhood, marked by his father's neglect and the loss of his mother at a young age, had left him grappling with anger issues and a deep-seated fear of fatherhood. Meeting Jacob was a turning point for him.
"Soph adored Gaby," Sabrina reminisced wistfully, her thoughts drifting to her dear friend Sophia. "In fact, she gave her her first microphone. She still has it on her shelf." The memory brought a bittersweet smile to her lips as she reflected on the cherished moments they had shared.
"I miss them," she confessed softly, her voice tinged with sorrow.
Alec enveloped his friend in a tight hug, offering silent comfort. "I think they would prefer us to remember them with a smile rather than tears, Sab," he murmured, his words a gentle reminder of the love and laughter they had brought into their lives. "You're an amazing mother, Sab. We've done well. Bailes, Sonny, you and me."
"Isaac," she began, her voice faltering slightly, "he's been happier lately. More than usual."
"Jay says it's a McKinley cheerleader who's caught your son's eye. Little Ace in love, can you believe it? Just like his dad."
"Oh please, no," she groaned, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. "I had enough with Jacob. I don't need his miniature version repeating his father's methods. Wait," her tone turned serious, a hint of concern creeping into her voice, "did you say cheerleader from McKinley? Do you know her?"
"Quinn. Why?"
"I told her to stay away from him, for God's sake."
"Woah, woah. Do you even know her?"
"It's the reason Isaac ended up slushied," Sabrina retorted bitterly. "Quinn is the head cheerleader, and she thinks she can go around throwing slushies at anyone she deems unworthy." Her words dripped with venom, a stark contrast to the nostalgia of earlier reminiscences.
"Sabrina, just take a moment to breathe, okay?" Alec urged, his tone gentle as he regarded his friend with concern. "You can't dictate what someone else can or can't do. You don't know her." he reasoned.
"Like hell I can't! What that girl does has a name and it's bullying, okay? Aren't you even slightly concerned that your godson is associating with someone like that? Because let me tell you, I am."
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Look, I'm going to play devil's advocate for a moment," he began, his tone measured. "I'm not condoning bullying, but I've been there. Before I met Jacob, I... I had anger issues. I fought with everyone, talked back to teachers. Jacob got me out of that cycle, taught me how to channel my anger in a healthy way. Maybe this girl is in a similar situation. Maybe she's angry at the world for reasons we don't understand, and she doesn't have someone like Jacob to show her a better path."
"It's not the same, Alec and you know it."
"I'm not excusing her behavior, Sabrina," He clarified, his voice tinged with frustration. "But I'm just saying, if I hadn't met Jacob, maybe... maybe I would have been a bully too. High school isn't easy, and you know it. At that age, you think being popular is what's important. That those are going to be the best years of your life."
"He's going to end up hurt," Alec couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her, seeing the lines of distress etched on her face.
"You can't shield him from every hurt. Isaac is growing up, he's not a little boy anymore. Let him make mistakes, let him fall in love. Maybe this girl isn't as bad as you think. She makes him smile, doesn't she? Give her a chance. And if he does end up breaking her heart in the end, well, you can always count on Sue to put her at the bottom of the pyramid, right?"
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer in a comforting embrace, and pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head, hoping to alleviate some of her worries. "He's resilient. After all, he's Sabrina Marshall's son."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Sabrina's lips, a glimmer of pride shining through the concern in her eyes. "Damn right he is."
"Lover boy at your 6," Santana's warning sliced through the din of the post-competition chatter, jolting her attention. Before she could fully process the words, a light tap landed on her shoulder, prompting her to turn around.
"Congratulations... on second place," Isaac's laughter bubbled forth, tinged with playful mockery as he teased her. She rolled her eyes in response, acknowledging the truth in his jest. McKinley's Cheerios had indeed clinched second place, falling short of Columbus' cheer squad.
"You're very childish, have they ever told you that?" Quinn retorted with a hint of sarcasm, arching an eyebrow at his antics.
"Actually, I have something for you," His laughter subsided as he spoke, his demeanor shifting to one of shy sincerity. With a bashful blush coloring his cheeks, he reached behind his back and produced a single rose, extending it towards her.
"Not to be rude, but... what's this about?"
"You said you liked them, and I thought it might cheer you up a little," The teenager explained, his words carrying a touch of vulnerability. He scratched his neck, a gesture of embarrassment, adding, "If you don't like it, that's fine."
"Don't you have anything for me, Hargrave?" Santana interjected with a playful grin, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief. "I see how things are."
Isaac, undeterred, delved into his pockets and retrieved a bar of chocolate and a stuffed bulldog adorned with a Columbus scarf. "Actually, I do," he replied, presenting the gifts with a flourish. "The chocolate's for you, and the bulldog is for Britt. Promised her she'd get one."
The Latina accepted the offerings with a grateful nod, tearing open the chocolate bar and taking a satisfying bite. "I gotta hand it to you," she remarked, her tone appreciative. "How'd you know I'm a sucker for chocolate with strawberry pieces?"
"Remember Homecoming? Spent a solid hour arguing with Ash about how chocolate with strawberry pieces was superior to chocolate with orange pieces. And you insisted it paired perfectly with tequila shots."
"Well played, Hargrave. Maybe I'll keep you around if you keep bringing me chocolate. I'll leave you lovebirds alone…for now."
Once they were alone, Isaac turned his attention back to the blonde girl, a warm smile gracing his features. "Santana's fun," he remarked, seeking to lighten the mood. "You should come to one of our parties sometime. I guarantee they're nothing like McKinley's."
The cheerleader arched an eyebrow skeptically, tilting her head to the side as she regarded him. There was something endearing about the way he looked at her, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth in her chest.
"You really think you're all that, don't you?" she teased, wrinkling her nose playfully, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"I don't, Fabray. I am." Isaac replied smoothly with a light smirk. "Come on, cheer up," he urged gently, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. "Promise if you come, I'll stick by your side all night."
"Even if some girl tries to steal you away?" she asked, her voice tinged with feigned nonchalance, though the thought of him with someone else churned her stomach.
"I'll be all yours for the night,"
"I'll probably end up regretting this, but... when's the next party?"
The hazel-eyed boy's face lit up with a triumphant grin as the words sank in. "Yes!" he exclaimed, pumping his fist in quickly composed himself, answering her question with enthusiasm.
"We're celebrating the end of the hockey season next week. It's almost April. Come watch the game with Britt and Santana, and then come party with us."
"Sounds like a plan. Count us in."
"Good morning," Bailey greeted cheerfully as she entered the living room. Her voice slicing through the heavy veil of sleep that still clung to her family members.
The response she received was a cacophony of yawns and tired grunts, each sound punctuated by the soft rustle of movement as her loved ones shifted groggily in their couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before son and Gabrielle, seated at the table, were leaning heavily against each other in a haphazard pile of limbs. Asher had his face pressed flat against the surface, while Isaac lay sprawled on top of him in a comical display of exhaustion. Mason and Sabrina were not faring much better, the former cradling his wife's head in his lap as they both fought off the remnants of their hangovers.
"It smells heavenly, baby. Do you need any help?" Alec's hoarse voice cut through the air, his arms encircling her as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. The fatigue in his tone betrayed the fact that he, too, was nursing a hangover from the night before.
"I think they need more help than me. Why don't you bring them some coffee and the pancakes I just made?"
Her husband was quick to comply, disappearing into the kitchen before reemerging with trays laden with steaming mugs and plates piled high with pancakes. As breakfast was served, Bailey raised an eyebrow at the unusually subdued atmosphere, noting with amusement how quiet everyone seemed to be. Normally, the boys would be pestering Ellie, Sabrina would be engaged in a spirited debate with her husband, and she and Mason would be deep in discussion about upcoming vacation plans.
"So... had fun last night?" she ventured, her lips twitching with suppressed amusement as she took a sip of her coffee.
"I think the last time we were this sloshed was when Jacob got engaged to Soph after winning Lord Stanley," Alec mused between bites of pancake, his words punctuated by another tired yawn. Beside him, Sabrina shook her head incredulously.
"Your engagement party was crazy, Alec."
Mason shook his head wearily, a furrow forming between his brows. "Jay's baptism. Now that was one for the books."
"Oh, really?" Jayden piped up, lifting his head from his girlfriend's shoulder with a lopsided grin. "Who gets drunk at a baptism?"
"At the party, darling," The woman corrected gently, shooting her son a pointed look. "We were, what, twenty? Isaac was only four months old."
"Mom ended up dancing on a table last night, don't ask me how," Gabrielle chimed in, her tone filled with affection as she glanced over at her embarrassed mother, who had buried her face in her hands in embarrassment. "Now all of Columbus High knows we have cool parents."
"And Ace and I beat Dad and Uncle Alec in a game of beer pong," Asher added, running a hand through his disheveled hair, further mussing it.
"So it was a good party, wasn't it?" Bailey finally asked, her gaze sweeping over her family with a mixture of fondness and amusement.
"Yes," "The best," "It was crazy," came the unanimous responses, punctuated by tired smiles and contented sighs.