aquata-the-champ

[aquata-the-champ]

"Great. It's a great place, I mean, I'm biased, but I think we've got a pretty awesome facility here," Aquata said with a shrug. She started toward the open machines area. "So here's the main floor, we've got treadmills, bikes, steppers, ellipticals, weight machines, et cetera. You need help using anything, there's always staff around to explain it. Safety's the number one thing."

@nodramapossible

Gymtroductions | Kiq

[aquata-the-champ]

Technically, Greg's fitness goals were confidential information. But Aquata didn't want to talk about them anyway, because she didn't want to give Merida a real answer, she just wanted to complain.

"Why does he ever do anything?" Aquata retorted, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, I'm not at work, I don't really wanna think about it. Just had to tell you that. What's going on with you?"

@heart-of-dunbroch

Back on the Trail | Qmer

[aquata-the-champ]

When Bullseye opened the door, Aquata's suspicions were pretty much confirmed before he even answered. How many people wore bandanas all the time? So even if Aquata had briefly thought that she could just give the bandana to Boo, she felt assured that this was much simpler.

"In my laundry," Aquata replied matter-of-factly, holding the piece of cloth out for him to take. "No idea how it got there, but I figured you're always wearing these things, so I took a guess. Looks like I was right. Hope you're not allergic to fabric softener or anything."

@bullseye-stoddard

Something To Remember Me By | Seahorse

[aquata-the-champ]

Aquata 🧜🏻‍♀️🐚🪸🔱🫧

[aquata-the-champ]

"That's a whole other thing," Aquata groaned. She really didn't mean to complain when she genuinely did love her job most of the time, but Aquata thought Merida would see her point. This had to be a cruel trick from the universe. "You won't believe who's just signed up to work with me now. Gregory Eeyore."

@heart-of-dunbroch

Back on the Trail | Qmer

[aquata-the-champ]

Aquata assumed he meant Ren— honestly, that wasn't a bad idea. Family was family and all. The Ambrosiuses had a pretty big, nice house. What was one more?

"I mean, you could. That's what I did when I needed a roommate but didn't know who to live with, I moved in with my sister," Aquata said with a shrug. "Who lives with her fiancé, now, by the way, so she's absolutely not an option. In case you were getting any ideas."

@fiend-ofthefae

99 & Living Large || Aquire

[aquata-the-champ]

"Here you are," Aquata repeated, looking down at the form again.

Greg didn't seem like he was here with any malicious intent. But Aquata also didn't entirely trust that. Sometimes, it seemed to Aquata that Greg would do something petty just when Aquata let her guard down.

She couldn't exactly turn away a client, though, could she? She'd already lost one this month. And if Aquata wanted a proper go at making this a career, she needed all the experience she could get.

"So, I always start off with talking about goals," she continued, all business. "What are your goals? In your own words."

@notmuchofatail

Haters Are My Motivators | Aquatory

[aquata-the-champ]

"Some uni kid. It's fine. Clearly she wanted a coach who wasn't going to take her injury seriously, and that's just not how I work. It's not how any good coach works, obviously, but I dunno, maybe she'll find what she's looking for," Aquata said, rolling her eyes. Herc had mostly talked her down from her indignation over the whole thing, but Aquata was still kind of mad about it.

Back on the Trail | Qmer

[aquata-the-champ]

"Maybe so," Aquata joked, jumping up and down to keep her muscles warm. It was getting chilly out, but that was no reason not to keep the habit up. Sometimes, Aquata felt like these runs kept her sane.

She started off in the direction of the trail, jogging silently for the first few minutes.

"Did I tell you I got fired by a client?" Aquata said out of the blue. "You should have seen me, stormed into Herc's office and subjected the poor guy to the whole rant."

@heart-of-dunbroch

Back on the Trail | Qmer

[aquata-the-champ]

❤️ 322

aquata_triton: birthday girl down

[aquata-the-champ]

Aquata almost didn't believe it when she saw the name on the appointment.

Gregory. Eeyore.

Now, why the fuck would Gregory Eeyore make a consultation with her, huh?

Granted... when Aquata actually looked at the availability Greg noted down on his intake form, he really only aligned with Aquata's hours. And the stuff he was looking to focus on was Aquata's expertise, but.... ughhhhh.

This had to be a joke, right?

Still, Aquata got there early and well-prepared. She was going to be professional about this. Somehow.

"Hi Greg," Aquata said evenly. "Can't say I expected this one."

@notmuchofatail

Haters Are My Motivators | Aquatory

[aquata-the-champ]

Sometimes, when Aquata was stressed about something, talking it out helped. Like with Herc helping her through Amity firing her. But sometimes, she just needed to shake it out. That was why Aquata liked her regular runs with Merida. Whatever else happened, they were always there.

"I could do a longer one today, want to take the Meadow Trail north?" Aquata asked as she retied her shoelaces.

@heart-of-dunbroch

Back on the Trail | Qmer

[aquata-the-champ]

Thursday, November 7 — Business Savvy Thread: Plot a thread that takes place in one of Swynlake’s businesses with a mun that you don’t currently have a thread with.! 

Now that Aquata had one fewer client, she was trying to step up and help out with other things at the gym to stay busy. There was a new member consultation on the schedule, so Aquata volunteered to take it. Another uni kid. It made sense that that was the group that most commonly signed up as new members, since they cycled through like a revolving door.

"Hey, Kim, right?" Aquata said, grabbing a clipboard from behind the desk. "I'm Aquata. I'm here to show you around and talk to you about your goals. Nice to meet you."

@nodramapossible

Gymtroductions | Kiq

[aquata-the-champ]

Saturday, November 9 — Background NPC: Write about a moment of your character’s life from the perspective of an NPC character.

Break | Oneshot

24 October, 2012

Aquata was such a pain to play doubles with.

Sure, she had a killer backhand, and she knew how to hit game-winners when everyone else on the court was exhausted. She was ranked second on the team, despite being younger than most of them, and she was probably coming for first once Tobin graduated. So of course she had to be on the doubles roster. But god, did they really have to stick her with Ryan?

"So, like, there's this thing called communicating when you're going after the ball," Ryan remarked as they both flopped on the bench between games. Aquata was dumping a whole bottle of water over her head. "Hey, are you listening to me?"

"Just read my body language. It's not hard," Aquata retorted snootily.

"I can read your body language, not your mind," Ryan grumbled.

"Okay, well, how about this? If the ball's loose, go after it. That's sort of how tennis works."

God, she was so infuriating. As soon as this match was over, Ryan was going to march right over to Coach and demand a new doubles partner. One who wasn't a total pill. Although she wasn't totally sure Coach would listen to her. Or that Ryan would even get up the guts to do it. Ryan was ranked fifth on the team, and she didn't enjoy arguing the way Aquata seemed to.

"Yeah, well, when I miss another alley ball because I thought you had it and you didn't, don't act like it's my fault."

"But it will be your fault. You're back court, that's your whole job."

"No, my job is to-"

"Second set!" the umpire announced.

The rest of the set proceeded pretty much the same way the first had. As Ryan had predicted, Aquata chased everything, jumping for volleys and lunging for balls that she really should have left to Ryan. It was impossible for Ryan to predict where she'd go, so when Aquata missed, Ryan was often already on the other side of the court.

"You're playing singles tennis with me as backup. You need to play doubles tennis," Ryan hissed as they both stalked off the court toward their waters.

"I don't need coaching from you, Ryan," Aquata sneered in a way that made Ryan feel very small, even though she was older than Aquata.

The worst part of this all was that it was an important game for the team. If it wasn't, Ryan probably would have been happy to lose just to prove the point. But Swynlake Secondary needed this match if they wanted to move onto the finals. And Ryan knew she and Aquata were letting everyone down.

Ryan glanced over at Coach, who was watching with pursed lips. Ryan was probably going to get the blame for this, since she was ranked lower than Aquata, and objectively worse at singles tennis.

"I need the two of you to switch positions," Coach declared.

"What?" Aquata argued. "My volleys are the only thing keeping us in this game. You need me up there. It's not my fault Ryan can't cover the back court-"

"I'm covering, I just can't be a million places at once! If Q would just say-"

"Look, we really don't have time to argue," Coach cut in. "Ryan, you're up at the net. Aquata, you're in the back. It'd be great if you would stop blaming each other and actually played like a team, too. But if you can't, at least show me some decent tennis."

And then she was gone. Ryan sighed, her gaze wandering over to the opposing duo. They seemed to be giggling together, occasionally sneaking glances over at the Swynlake Secondary bench.

"Are they talking about us?" Aquata whispered.

"Uh, yeah, probably."

"Those bitches."

Ryan sighed. "I mean... look, we're playing like shit out there. Coach literally just said so."

"I'm not-"

"Oh my god, can you get off your high horse for one second and actually have a moment of, like, self-reflection? If we were both playing to our potential, we'd be winning right now!" Ryan exploded. She'd really tried to hold back, since picking a fight courtside seemed like a bad idea. But she couldn't do it anymore. "Coach is right. We need to start acting like a team. The fact that they can clearly tell we're pissed at each other isn't helping. You're a brilliant tennis player, Q, a brilliant singles player, but you're never gonna fucking succeed at doubles unless you learn what doubles even is! So, yeah, I'm gonna cover the net, you're gonna cover back court, and I'm gonna call it when I need you to go after a ball instead of me. Got it?"

Aquata blinked at her, as though shocked that many words could even come out of Ryan's mouth. Had Ryan finally gotten through to her?

Hard to tell. Aquata steeled her expression and marched toward the back of the court.

It was the second set, now, and if they lost, it was over. But if they won, they would go to a third, and they'd have a shot actually at winning the match. Ryan bounced on the balls of her feet, a little uncertain at the net despite how confidently she'd told Q that Coach had the right idea putting her here. Time to prove it.

The opposing server sent a screamer toward the back court, on the opposite side from Ryan. She knew she'd never make it in time. "All yours!" Ryan called, and Aquata smashed it right back. It was an impressive backhand hit, but the opponent on Ryan's side of the court lobbed it back easily. Ryan caught it with her racquet, slapping the ball down the center of the court.

As the rally continued, it was clear that the girls on the opposing team had a much better rapport, but their individual skills were about even with Aquata and Ryan's level. Aquata was probably superior, even. And that made it all the more frustrating. Ryan knew she was right— if they were both playing to their potential, they'd easily be winning by now.

Which they weren't, but it soon became evident that Coach's switch-up was helping. Aquata had monster endurance and power, and Ryan was learning which balls were best left to her. Aquata played powerful tennis, but Ryan played smart tennis. And as their styles began to gel more, the two clawed their way to a deuce— 5-5.

If they could get ahead by two games, they wouldn't win. But they'd force a third set, and maybe even win it.

"Martinelli's favoring her left side," Ryan commented as they grabbed water between games.

"You think so?" Aquata frowned.

"Yeah. Target that."

And shocker of all shockers, Aquata actually took her advice.

With a sneaky back corner shot, Aquata clinched the sixth game. And now it was all down to this. Break. If they won this game, they'd...

Continue. They wouldn't win, but they'd continue. And that was enough for Ryan.

As they hydrated ahead of the thirteenth game, Ryan cast a glance at Aquata. She was a pain to work with, but maybe not entirely impossible. The younger student clearly had a chip on her shoulder, but losing the first set had maybe pointed her in the right direction. Sometimes, losing was the best thing that ever happened to you, because it reminded you that you were human.

Ryan really didn't want to lose this game, though.

The game seemed to go on forever. The opposing team wasn't going down without a fight, but neither was Swynlake Secondary. Soon, the other games had begun to wrap up, and they even had a crowd. The lights over the court flickered on. Ryan pulled her ponytail tighter. It all came down to this. She wasn't fighting for a trophy. She was fighting for survival.

"We're not losing," Aquata muttered as they reset their positions. "Not fucking now."

"We're not," Ryan repeated. It was only a set, but it felt like it had been a whole season's worth of change over those thirteen games.

Sometimes, you declare that you're not losing, and you lose anyway. Sometimes, luck or fate or whatever you call it takes control, and you lose anyway. In sport, you can only control what you can control. Ryan had learned that from years on the court, years that Aquata didn't have quite as many of. Ryan hoped this would be a memorable one, though. One that taught her something.

Anyway, this wasn't one of those times. But it wasn't Aquata who smashed the winning point across the court. It was Martinelli, who hit a wild ball far beyond the back line.

A win was a win. Without really thinking about it, Ryan ran for Aquata, and they embraced.

"Okay, but we still have to win a whole other set," Aquata said finally, laughing to herself.

"One thing at a time, Triton," Ryan laughed. "C'mon, let's get some water. We're not dead. That's something."

[aquata-the-champ]

It wasn't totally uncommon for an unfamiliar article of clothing to get mixed up in Aquata's laundry. Sometimes stuff got left behind in the machine, or Aquata accidentally grabbed something of Boo's off the floor when she thought she was picking up her own clothes.

But it was uncommon for that article of clothing not to be black.

This particular item, a bright orange bandana, definitely didn't belong to Boo. But it had ended up tangled in a sports bra that Aquata had thought was her own but soon realized belonged to her roommate. And the longer Aquata stared at the bandana, the stronger her hunch became...

She was, like, 90% sure she knew who this belonged to. So Aquata marched over to the Castle Suites directory, picked out his name, and knocked on his door.

"Bullseye, right?" Aquata said, holding up the bandana. "This yours?"

@bullseye-stoddard

Something To Remember Me By | Seahorse

[aquata-the-champ]

Aquata raised her eyebrows at Herc's comment, but the more she thought about it— well, it actually made a lot of sense. Hadn't Herc had one of those sucky days very recently? Maybe that was an understatement, actually, but the sentiment remained.

Everyone had their low moments. Even Herc. Even Aquata. And in both cases, they were there for each other. It worked both ways, and that was what friends were for. Hadn't Aquata told Herc that herself?

"You're a great boss, Herc," Aquata said, looking up at Herc with a smile. Yeah, she was gonna be a little mushy for a second. "And a great friend."

@kouros-herc

Walk With Me - Quirk

[aquata-the-champ]

"Oh, we've got to go to Dinah's. Have you been to a proper chippy before? I mean, a proper one, by the sea and everything," Aquata said, rolling down the window. Neptune, she loved the smell of the sea here. "Go right at the stop sign up here. Before we do anything else, we've got to hit Dinah's."

@jameshawks

Come Fly With Me | Water Wings