The coaching staff gathers on the training field, anticipation buzzing in the air as William Dunbar steps forward for his strength and endurance test. The imposing figures of the coaching team scrutinize him with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.
"Alright, Dunbar, let's see what you've got," the head coach calls out, a clipboard in hand. "Let's start with the endurance test. We want to see how you hold up under pressure."
William nods, his focus sharp as he prepares for the challenge. He takes his position, his athletic frame exuding confidence. The coach signals the start, and he begins a series of intense drills that showcase not only his physical prowess but also his agility and precision. From shuttle runs to quick sprints across the field, he pushes himself to the limit while the coaching staff observe with keen interest.
The assistant coach can't help but exchange impressed glances with his colleagues. "Look at that speed and control. He's like a force of nature," he murmurs.
"And did you see the way he handled those agility drills? It's like he's dancing through the cones. This lad's got some serious footwork." The conditioning coach scratches his beard, almost in shock at what he's watching before him.
The head coach nods approvingly. "We've been needing someone with this level of skill. We might have struck gold here."
William finishes the last drill, sweat glistening on his forehead. The head coach approaches with a firm handshake. "Impressive, Dunbar. Your skill set aligns perfectly with what we're building here. Welcome to Paris Saint-Germain."
The other coaches echo the sentiment, expressing their excitement at having such a remarkable player on their team.
William, now officially a part of one of the top soccer clubs in the world, can't help but feel a surge of pride and anticipation for the challenges and victories that lay ahead.
Aelita, adorned in a chic apron, flits from room to room with purpose in her gait. The scent of citrus lingers as she polishes the wooden surfaces in the living room, the flickering candles on the coffee table awaiting their moment to shine. She straightens and fluffs the cushions, ensuring every corner of the main floor exudes an inviting warmth.
The dining room, a tableau of elegance, awaits its guests. Fresh flowers are arranged in a crystal vase as the centerpiece, the vibrant hues a burst of color against the pristine tablecloth. She glances at the clock, gauging the time with a satisfied nod. 09:57. It is time to start the pot roast in the slow cooker.
Just as she walks into the kitchen, there's a knock at the front door.
"Come in!" Aelita calls as she tightens the apron around her waist.
Sissi enters the house. She heads straight to the kitchen, as she has paper bags filled with grocery items. "I brought charcuterie accoutrement."
"Mmm, I can't wait," Aelita says with a giggle. "Just put everything in the fridge for now."
"Got it."
"Thanks for helping me out, Sissi. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, Lita."
"Also, I'm glad you're here before everyone else. I've been meaning to talk to you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I never got a chance to actually apologize for ambushing you with William's presence just so he could apologize."
At the mention of William, Sissi stiffens, but says nothing.
Aelita continues. "I should have been a better friend and checked with not just Odd, but also with you."
"That would have been nice," Sissi states matter-of-factly.
"Hear me out, though, Sis." Aelita puts the knife down, not wanting to do the delicate work of cutting potatoes with her very sharp knife while speaking about something so important. "You do kind of have to get over your issues with him. He's the only family I've got. Legally speaking, anyway. We'll be married next month, and I would hate for my husband and the sister I never had to not get along for the rest of my life."
"I know, Lita. I'm sorry. I'm trying. I really am. It's just...hard. He really hurt me, in more ways than one. It's going to take a while for me to fully trust him again."
"I understand. And I'm not asking you to forgive him right away. Just try to be civil tonight. For me?"
"Alright... I'll try."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, let's get this food ready."
"Right. Let's."
The two women continue their preparations, chatting and laughing as they work to peel and chop vegetables, sear meat, and get the slow cooker on.
"So, how are things going with you and Odd?" Aelita asks.
"Things are good. Really good, actually. In fact, I'm a little suspicious about how good things are."
"Don't be silly. You two are perfect together. I'm sure everything will be fine."
"No, I mean, I think he's hiding something from me."
"Like what?"
"You know what," Sissi says with a mischievous smile.
Aelita's gaze snaps to her best friend. "What makes you think that?"
"We have each other's locations, and he spent a little too much time at the mall 'buying new video games.' Everyone knows he just downloads games onto his consoles."
"Sissi! Stop looking at his location, you're gonna ruin your own surprise!"
"So, you know something I don't?"
"No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying, stop looking at his location. If you're that curious, ask him yourself."
"Fine. Maybe I will."
"Fine. Now, let's go relax a bit. We've got plenty of time before we need to put out the charcuterie and start the pilaf."
"Sounds good."
The two women retire to the living room, where they chat and catch up on each other's lives.
Jeremie and Herve are the first to arrive, shortly after Sissi sets out the charcuterie board. The board is replete with meats, firm and soft cheeses, olives, breads, fruits, nuts, and jams.
"Wow, this looks amazing," Herve says, his eyes wide.
"Thanks, guys. It was a joint effort," Sissi replies, gesturing to Aelita.
"Well, it was mostly her," Aelita adds.
"It still looks amazing," Jeremie says, his mouth watering.
"Help yourselves, boys," Sissi says, motioning to the spread.
"Don't mind if I do," Herve says, grabbing a plate and filling it with a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits.
Jeremie glances at Aelita. Though he's gotten better at reining in his thoughts about her, he can't help but admire her simple beauty, evident even in her messy apron atop the modest square neck dress she has on. "You look... especially radiant today," he says to her as calmly as his voice will allow. It's not flirting, he convinces himself. She's a taken woman. I'm simply stating a fact.
"Thanks," she replies, her cheeks pink.
"So, what's the plan for the evening?" Herve pipes up. "I see you've got some board games out on the coffee table there."
Aelita clears her throat. "Yes. We're going to have a nice dinner, and then we're going to play a game."
"What game?" Herve asks curiously.
"It's a surprise."
"Ooh, I love surprises," Herve says, rubbing his hands together.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy it," Aelita says, smiling.
The doorbell rings, and Aelita goes to answer it.
"Hey, Lita," Yumi says. She holds up a box. "I brought dessert."
"You're the best, Yumi."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
"Come on in. Everyone's in the living room."
The five of them engage in lively conversation that's interrupted only by the arrival of Ulrich and Odd.
"Sorry we're late," Ulrich says, holding up a bottle of wine. "We had to make a pit stop."
"No worries," Aelita says, taking the bottle. "Dinner is almost ready. Why don't you all have a seat at the table and I'll bring it out."
"Need any help?" Yumi offers.
"Nope, I've got it. Thanks, though."
"Alright, if you're sure."
"I'm sure."
Aelita disappears into the kitchen, and the others take their seats at the table.
"Bro, it smells so good in here," Odd says, his mouth watering.
"I know, right. I don't even remember when was the last time I had some of Aelita's cooking. It was definitely a long time ago," Ulrich agrees.
"It's been a while, for sure," Yumi says, nodding. "I can't wait to dig in."
William saunters into the room, keys jingling in his hands. "Finally made it. They ran me through the ringer more than I expected."
"How'd it go?" Odd asks, leaning back in his chair.
"Pretty well, I'd say. They at least seemed impressed."
"That's great, Will," Aelita says, placing the pot roast and rice pilaf on the table. "Now, let's eat."
The group digs into the meal, savoring every bite. As laughter and conversation flow, the dinner party becomes a tapestry of shared joy, each bite strengthening the bonds of friendship around the table.
"This was delicious, Aelita," Yumi says, patting her stomach.
"Yeah, it was amazing," Ulrich agrees.
"Thanks, guys," Aelita says, blushing.
"So, what's the plan for the rest of the night?" Odd asks, leaning back in his chair again until Sissi tuts at him to stop, and he sits upright again.
"Well, we're going to have a game night," Aelita replies.
"A game night? What are we playing first? Please tell me it's a Smash tournament."
"None other than Cards Against Humanity, of course," Aelita says with a grin. "Who's down?"
"I'm down," Yumi says.
"Me, too," Ulrich adds.
"I guess I'm in," Odd says dramatically.
"Sure, why not," William says with a shrug.
"I'm always down for a good game," Herve says.
"Alright, then. Let's get started," Aelita says, clapping her hands together.
The group moves to the living room, where the cards are already laid out on the coffee table.
"I'm not sure I've ever played this before," Jeremie says. "So, how do we play?"
"It's pretty simple," Aelita explains, picking up the box to read the rules aloud. "Each round, a card is drawn from the black deck and placed face-up on the table. Each player draws a white card from their hand and places it face-down. The Card Czar, who is chosen randomly, reads each white card aloud and chooses what's supposed to be the most relevant card. The player who played the winning card gets the black card. Whoever has the most black cards at the end of the game wins."
"Sounds easy enough," Jeremie says.
"Except for the fact that you have to be funny to win," Odd says with a laugh.
"Oh." Jeremie rolls his eyes. "Guess I'm not gonna win, then."
"Alright, let's get started," Aelita says, shuffling the decks.
The group plays several rounds, the laughter and banter growing louder and more raucous with each passing minute.
"Okay, okay, okay," Odd says, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "My turn to be the chooser."
"Go for it," Aelita says, handing him a black card.
"Alright. Here we go." He takes a deep breath and reads the card. "'If God didn't want us to enjoy blank, then he wouldn't have given us blank.'" He has to stifle a laugh. "Fill in those blanks, people!"
The group erupts into giggles and snorts, each person scrambling to find the perfect combination of white cards to play. One by one, the players lay their cards on the table, each one trying to stifle their laughter.
"Okay, okay, settle down," Odd says, trying to regain his composure. "Let's see what you've got." he says, reading the cards. "'If God didn't want us to enjoy an ice pick lobotomy, then he wouldn't have given us warm, velvety Muppet sex.'" He pauses, his eyes widening before bursting into raucous laughter. "I don't even need to see the other cards. That wins by default!"
"Hah! I knew that would get you," Yumi shouts.
Ulrich balks at his girlfriend next to him. "Why aren't you that funny around me?"
"I am, you just never notice," she responds with a sly smirk, causing the group to explode into laughter, breaking the tension.
"Oy vey, it's gonna be a long night," Sissi says, downing her glass of wine. "More. Now."
"Whoa whoa whoa," Yumi says as she watches Sissi. "Slow down there, tiger."
"I'm fine," Sissi says, waving her off.
"Alright, alright," Odd says, trying to calm the group down. "Let's keep playing."
The group continues their game, the laughter and banter flowing freely.
"Okay, okay, my turn," Ulrich says, taking the black card.
"Go for it," Yumi says, handing him the card.
"Alright. 'How did I get out of my last speeding ticket?'" Ulrich snickers. "This should be good."
He reads the cards one by one. "By flashing my tits. By telling the officer that I was late for a very important date. By using the power of Christ."
Ulrich doesn't even get to finish reading the white cards. People are guffawing and falling over themselves.
They continue on like this for about an hour, getting more and more drunk with every round. Eventually, the game devolves into a drunken mess, with people laughing at anything and everything. No one can say even a singular word without someone cracking up.
"Ooooookay, looks like it's time for me to head out," Jeremie, the only sober one, says with a laugh.
"Noooooo, stay," Aelita whines, clinging to his arm.
William half laughs, half scoffs. He notices the way Jeremie's gaze lingers on Aelita and the way she clings to him. "I think it's time for everyone to leave, honestly. Clearly Aelita isn't in her right mind anymore."
Jeremie's gaze snaps to William. He narrows his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, nothing. Just that she's clearly had a bit too much to drink."
"I'm fine," Aelita insists, her words slurring slightly.
"No, you're not, Princess." William gently takes her hand. "Let's get you upstairs."
"No, I'm fine," she repeats, pulling her hand away.
"Aelita, come on. You're not fine. You're drunk."
"I'm not drunk!"
"Yes, you are. Now let's go."
"No."
"Aelita, please."
"No."
William just picks her up and throws her over his shoulder. "Aelita says goodnight, everyone."
"I do not!" Aelita whines. "Put me down!"
"Nope," William replies, popping the 'p.'
"Fine. Goodnight, everyone. Thank you for coming," Aelita says, waving at the group.
A chorus of goodnights follows, and the group begins to disperse.
William sets Aelita down on the bed and starts undressing her.
"What are you doing?" she asks, her voice slurred.
"Getting you ready for bed," he replies, unzipping her dress.
"Ugh," Aelita scoffs. "You're so boring."
"Boring, huh?"
"Yes. Boring. You're always so serious and responsible."
He chuckles. "Someone has to be."
"Whatever," she says with a pout.
"Aelita, come on," William says, struggling to hold back a smile. "Don't be like that. You're drunk."
"Yeah, and? So are you."
"Not as much as you."
"Whateverrrrrr."
William snickers. "Anyway. I'm going to go do the dishes, and when I come back upstairs, you better be asleep."
"Or what?"
"Or I'll tickle you."
Aelita narrows her eyes. "You wouldn't."
"Try me," William quips with a smirk.
"Fiiiiine. I'll go to sleep."
"Good."
William heads downstairs and begins washing the dishes. He can't help but smile as he thinks about how silly and adorable Aelita is when she's drunk.
After a few minutes, he hears footsteps upstairs.
"I thought I told her to go to sleep," he murmurs to himself.
He finishes the dishes and dries his hands. He walks upstairs and sees Aelita standing in the doorway of her bedroom in a see-through, frilly, baby pink slip with a matching frilly thong, a mischievous look on her face. Two little white pom-poms dangle playfully at her cleavage.
"What are you doing?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't I tell you to go to sleep?"
"Couldn't sleep," she replies, her voice sultry.
"And why not?"
"Because I'm not tired."
"Aelita." He sighs, finally giving in. "You're lucky I'm drunk, too."
Aelita just giggles and pulls him into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.
"Are you even gonna remember this tomorrow?" William asks, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Probably not."
"Then I guess we'd better make the most of it." William pulls her close, his lips crashing into hers. She responds eagerly, her hands roaming his body.
Without warning, he breaks the kiss, picks her up, and throws her onto the bed. He climbs on top of her and pins her wrists above her head.
"By the way," he whispers, his breath hot against her ear. "That little stunt you pulled downstairs? With Jeremie?" He reaches up under the slip and pulls her panties to the side. "Don't think you're not gonna pay for that."
"Oh, really?" she asks, her voice dripping with lust.
"Really." He moves her panties aside and slides a finger deep inside of her, curling it against her g-spot.
She gasps sharply.
He smirks and adds another finger, pumping them in and out of her slowly, deliberately.
"Fuck," she gasps, closing her eyes as she arches her back.
"It would be a shame if I just stopped, wouldn't it?" William teases, his fingers stilling inside her.
"Don't you dare," she growls, her eyes snapping open.
"Or what?" William removes his fingers and licks them clean, savoring her taste.
"William, please," she begs, her voice a desperate whisper.
He chuckles. "As you wish." He slides his fingers back inside her.
"Ah, fuck," she breathes.
William smiles at the sight of her writhing beneath him, her face flushed and her eyes glazed with pleasure.
"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his voice low and husky.
"Mmm," she moans, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Are you close?"
"Yes," she pants, her hips starting to buck.
He stills his fingers again, and his smile widens when she whines. "What's wrong, baby?" he asks, feigning innocence.
"You're killing me, Will," she says through her teeth.
"Good. Hopefully you've learned your lesson, because what's mine is mine... and I don't share."
"I'm sorry," Aelita whimpers. "Now, please. Just let me cum."
"Hmm, I don't know," he teases, his fingers still unmoving inside her.
"Please, Will," she repeats, her voice a low, mewling whimper.
That mewl gets to him. "Fine," he relents, and he starts to move his fingers again.
"Oh, God," she moans, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Come for me, Aelita," he commands.
Aelita cries out as her orgasm hits her, her body trembling with pleasure.
"That's it," he murmurs. "Let me hear that pretty little voice." He grins, watching her intently as she comes down from her high. "I love seeing you like this. All blissed out and satisfied." He removes his fingers from inside her, licking them clean again, then smiles wickedly.
Aelita's heart skips a beat when she opens her eyes to the sight of that devilish curl upon his lips.
William slowly licks his lips before speaking again, his lustful gaze boring into Aelita's soul. "Are you ready for more?"
"Yes," she answers breathlessly.
"Good." William kisses his way down her body, stopping to tease her nipples through the thin fabric of her slip. When he gets to her midriff, he pulls her panties off.
"Spread your legs," he commands while he works to remove his own clothing.
Aelita obeys, her heart racing.
He positions himself between her legs and leans down to kiss her. He enters her slowly, savoring the feeling of her tight heat enveloping him.
Aelita cannot form words. She can only moan and writhe beneath him.
William's thrusts are slow and deliberate, torturous for them both.
"Will," she gasps, her nails digging into his back.
"Yes?"
"Harder."
"As you wish, Princess." He commences a relentless assault, his cock hitting her cervix with every thrust.
"Holy fuck," she gasps, throwing her head back in pleasure. Her walls begin to twitch around him as her climax nears.
"Eyes on me," he commands.
Her eyes snap open, her gaze locking with his. And just like that, she comes undone, her body trembling with pleasure. "Oh, God," she moans.
"There we go," he encourages, his thrusts never faltering. His breathing is labored, his own climax approaching. He reaches out and caresses her cheek, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip.
Aelita reaches up and pulls him down for a kiss. Their tongues dance lazily, and Aelita can't help but moan into the kiss, hands tangling in his hair.
William breaks the kiss and buries his face in her neck, his thrusts becoming erratic. "Fuck," he groans as his release washes over him.
They lay there for a moment, catching their breath.
Suddenly, Aelita smirks.
"What?" William asks, raising an eyebrow.
"All this time, and I never knew jealousy was the magic word. Huh." Her smirk widens into a full-blown smile. "What a waste."
It's William's turn to smirk now. "Oh?" He leans down and whispers in her ear, his voice low and husky. "You want to play with fire? Fine." He effortlessly flips her over and grabs her hips with both of his hands. "Let's see how long you can take the heat."