#CCU sunball

[yanny-77]

…But what is Sunball?

Do you ever find yourself sitting around, watching NFL RedZone, tracking your fantasy team and wonder to yourself, well what is Sunball anyway? No? Just me?

Well, my latest obsession is All For the Game by Nora Sakavic (If you haven’t read it, check the content warnings and prepare to suspend your sense of reality. Totally worth it.) and the fictional sport Exy. I love it and I hate it and it’s so stupid but I’ve read the series twice this month and want to do it again. Seriously, I’m not well.

Anyway, I decided to marry Sunball and Exy together into a short vignette paying homage to my current two favorite series. It’s not my best work but it’s been demanding my attention all day.

Ithan Holstrom lined up for the serve. His eyes flicked up to the scoreboard. The game was all tied up at six goals with two minutes left to play. His hand tightened on his racket. This game was a must win if CCU was going to make it to the semifinals.

The Palmetto State backliner who’d been dogging him all night, a bruiser of a male with the number 04 stenciled on his orange jersey, lined up across from him. Matt Boyd bared his teeth at Holstrom as they waited for the Fox’s dealer to start play. Holstrom smiled back at Boyd. They’d settle this on the court.

A whistle sounded and Holstrom was moving. Dan Wilds was good, but not good enough. She’d served the sunball directly to Kevin Day, easily Palmetto’s best player, but impossibly, Holstrom got there first.

Holstrom’s stick knocked the other striker’s out of the way just in time for the ball to land safely in his net. He needed to move quickly; Day had raced up the field to join Josten, one threat gone, but Boyd was now charging toward him.

Holstrom scanned the field for his fellow CCU striker and passed the sunball. He had barely enough time to brace himself for Boyd’s body check before they slammed into the plexiglass.

Holstrom didn’t care. Sunball was a rough sport and he was used to coming off the court with bruises at the end. It hurt now but his shifter blood meant he’d be healed by the time he left the showers. The only part of this that truly annoyed Holstrom was that he couldn’t see what was happening with Boyd’s body pressing his face into the court walls.

Fortunately, the roar of the crowd told him that his aim was true. Jason Regez had caught the ball and was running down the court to take a shot on the goal.

Boyd realized Regez was about to score at the same moment Holstrom did. The weight against him eased and Holstrom was able to shove Boyd off. Both players took off down court to join the fray.

Regez looked relieved when Holstrom arrived and gestured to Holstrom get open. He couldn’t get a shot lined up past his defender. Leave it to Regez to struggle against Nicki Hemmick, of all people. Holstrom hoped his eye roll wasn’t visible beneath his helmet.

Regez passed the sunball and Ithan took a shot on the goal. Bitter disappointment halted him for only a moment when the Fox’s goalkeeper caught the ball in his net and hurled it up field to his strikers. The goalie scowled at Ithan for even daring the attempt.

At 5’0, Andrew Minyard didn’t look like much on the field. His racket was actually longer than he was tall, but Holstrom had done his research and knew Minyard was a Hel of a player, when he wanted to be. Despite his small size, piss poor attitude, and lack of professional polish, the blonde male glaring at him was one of the best raw talents in the sport.

Holstrom hoped he’d get another chance to make the winning goal.

Up the court, Day and Josten passed the ball between them, yelling commands to each other in French. A useful skill that allowed them to communicate without giving away too much of their strategy to the CCU backliners defending them.

Josten took a shot on the goal and for a moment, Holstrom thought it was all over for CCU. Somehow, miraculously, the CCU goalie have saved an impossible shot. No one on the foxes expected it and Holstrom was completely unguarded. He caught the ball and turned to the goal. Fifteen seconds were left on the clock and Andrew Minyard was the only thing standing between CCU and victory.

Holstrom ran, putting all his strength into the wind up. The game clock ticked loudly in time with his pulse. With two seconds to go, Holstrom heaved the sunball toward the goal.

It lit up red and a blaring noise filled the stadium. Minyard looked at him for just a moment before he shrugged, dropped his racket, and walked off the court.

The game was over. CCU was going to the semifinals. Holstrom sank to his knees in victory. His teammates swarmed him and he was lost to the celebration. CCU students pushed their way onto the court. It was mayhem. It was madness. It was NCAA sunball.

[captainsophiestark]

For The Team

Ithan Holstrom x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Fandom: Crescent City

Summary: Ithan's new girlfriend is about to experience her first sunball game since she started dating one of the players, but they might have to establish some new traditions first

Word Count: 1,533

Category: Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

I scanned the crowd anxiously, looking for any sign of my boyfriend. I was hoping to catch him before he went into the locker room, but there were so many people here for the first sunball game of the season that it was impossible to pick him out in the crowd, despite his height.

Something needed to be done about that.

I hopped up on the first rock I found, going onto my tiptoes for the best possible view. I could see better, but there were still so many people I couldn't pick out my boyfriend. I huffed, then decided to change tactics.

I weaved through the crowd of people until I got to the slightly less crowded tunnel to the locker room. Technically, nobody but players were allowed to come down this way, but right now I didn't care.

"Hey!"

I turned, a little worried I'd have to defend my presence to somebody, only to find my beaming boyfriend Ithan Holstrom heading my way.

"You're not allowed to be back here," he teased. I beamed back at him, rushing to close the short distance between us. Ithan wrapped his arms around my waist as soon as I was close enough, pulling me to him and kissing me deeply. I ran my hands through his hair as he moved me back until I gently hit the wall. I could've stayed like that forever, but after a few long moments, he pulled back.

"Sorry. I hate to cut this short, but I kinda need to go get ready for my game."

"I get it," I said, leaning up to kiss him again all the same. I pulled away more quickly than the first time, giving him a bright smile as I did. "For luck."

Ithan laughed, leaning in to rest his forehead against mine. He had an absolutely beaming smile on his face, which made my heart race.

"Are you excited?" I asked. "First game of the season and all?"

"Of course. I always am. But I'm even more excited that you're at this one."

I smiled. Ithan and I had just started dating a few months ago, and we'd met not long before that. This would be my first sunball game as his girlfriend, and I couldn't wait to cheer him on louder than anyone else in the crowd.

"Me too. You're gonna crush the other team."

"Thanks."

We shared a smile, and I let my hand come up to cup his jaw, lightly stroking my thumb across his cheek. He leaned into the touch, but after a few moments, he sighed.

"I need to go." I frowned, and he gave me a forehead kiss before taking a step away. "I do have a little surprise for you though. Stay here, I'll be right back."

I leaned against the wall as he turned and ducked into the locker room, biting my lip and trying not to give in to how giddy Ithan made me feel. As promised, he was back a second later with a bundle of red fabric in one hand. He grinned my favorite million-watt smile as he held it out to me.

"What's this?" I asked, laughing a little as I took it from him. I held it out in front of me and found myself holding Ithan's jersey, the color he wouldn't be wearing today.

"I thought you could wear it," he explained, rubbing at the back of his neck. "For luck."

"Of course I'll wear it! I love it." I beamed at him, then glanced quickly up and down the hallway. We were alone, at least for now, so I wasted no time whipping off my shirt and putting the jersey on in its place. When I looked at my boyfriend again, I saw him staring at me in awe, his mouth hanging slightly open. "You might wanna close your mouth, babe."

Ithan huffed a laugh, meeting my eyes with clear, shining love in his.

"Have I mentioned lately how much I absolutely love you?"

"Actually, yes," I laughed. "But I can always stand to hear it again."

"Well, I absolutely love you. And I'm so sorry, but I really do have to go now. My teammates are already giving me shit for being late when I left the first time."

"I know." I leaned in to give him one last kiss, my chest practically exploding with love for the male in front of me. I pulled back, beaming at him as I started backing down the hallway, towards the stands where our friends would be saving a seat for me. "I'll meet you on the field after your win!"

Ithan huffed a laugh. "I can't wait!"

I winked and blew him a kiss, then turned to finally head off to my seat. I was practically floating on cloud nine as I made my way through my fellow students to a spot in the front row.

"Finally!" My friends laughed as I squeezed in next to them. "What took you so long?"

"I know what took her so long. She was wishing Ithan good luck!"

Heat rose to my face and I looked down, fighting a smile, which was more than enough to confirm my friends' suspicions. They started laughing, teasing me good-naturedly, but thankfully the players took the field before they could really dig in.

The first sunball game of the season had officially begun.

I was fairly new to sunball in general, but that didn't stop me from screaming and cheering like a maniac for every second of the game. Ithan had given me a crash course on the rules when we watched a pro game a few weeks ago, and I picked up more and more as the game went on. I screamed every time we scored, every time we needed to disrupt the focus of the other team, and every time the refs made a bad call (or at least, one we didn't like). By the end of the game, my voice was almost gone, but it had been worth it.

We'd won.

As the last seconds ticked off the clock, I screamed with everything I had left, my voice breaking as I roared with the rest of the crowd. I wasted no time running down out of the bleachers with the rest of my friends in celebration, a whirlwind of people and emotions crashing like a wave onto the grass. The other team sulked off, giving us space to spread out and lose our minds.

I immediately started scanning for Ithan, trying to find him like I had before the game began amidst a now even rowdier crowd. And like last time, he found me, wrapping his arms around me tightly from behind and burying his face in my neck.

I laughed, not needing to turn around to know it was him. He kissed my cheek, then gave me enough space to face him, both of us beaming like fools.

"You won!" I cried, deliriously happy with him. His answering smile was as bright as the sun as he leaned in and kissed me for all he was worth.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, tangling them in his hair and deepening the kiss like we'd done outside the locker room. I heard some wolf whistles and shouts from our friends, but Ithan and I ignored them both. When we finally pulled apart, our eyes never left each other's, bright smiles still on both our faces.

"You're my good luck charm," Ithan declared. I laughed again and shook my head a little.

"What are you talking about?"

"All our scouting reports said we had no shot at winning this game. They destroyed us last season. The only difference today was I had you in the stands."

Warmth bloomed in my chest as I beamed up at my boyfriend.

"Well, I'm happy I could help." I paused, thinking for a minute, then fixed Ithan with a wicked grin. "...Does that mean we have to keep our pre-game ritual the same every time now?"

He matched my grin with one of his own. "Actually yeah, I'm pretty sure it does. It'd be bad luck to change things now, and I don't want to sacrifice the team's season."

"Oh, of course not. I need to make out with you in the locker room tunnel before every game from now on. For the sake of the team."

"For the sake of the team."

Ithan and I shared a smirk before his teammates and the rest of our friends got sick of letting us have our moment, instead pounding Ithan on the back in congratulations and shouting with the rest of us. My boyfriend just wrapped an arm around my waist and held me close as we let ourselves get swept up in the excitement of the rest of the crowd.

As we finally headed off the field together almost half an hour later, most of us headed for an immediate celebration party, Ithan leaned in and whispered just loud enough for me to hear, and no one else.

"So what's the final verdict on your first real sunball game?"

"I loved it. I'm now fully obsessed." I paused, turning to meet his eyes and give him a mischievous grin. "And I can't wait for the next game."

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

[theladyofbloodshed]

Hunt x Nesta - Chapter 4

Nesta’s brain developed its own pulse. With every intake of breath, her head throbbed. Eventually, she forced open her heavy eyes and the whole room span on its axis. She didn’t recognise her surroundings. It wasn’t Prythian but it definitely wasn’t the hotel room she’d spent the last couple of nights in either. It was easily as bare though, perhaps even worse. The plain cream walls held nothing. No photos, no art, no television. There was no microwave or kettle stuffed onto the desk. There wasn’t even a desk. Just a bed, a small wardrobe and a chair that was occupied by a sleeping angel. Hunt had pulled it near the bed so that his legs could lounge across the bottom. He slumped in it, spreading his wings over the arms. He looked naked but then Nesta spotted the dark colour of his underwear. She’d forgive him for it, owing to the soaring temperature that the waning summer brought. Even the cracked open window did little to cool the room.

Nesta had no memory of coming home from the White Raven but there was the odd flash of Hunt crossing the dance floor if she strained her memory. She dreaded to think what she’d done in her drunken state. He was likely pissed off with her for drinking.

Nesta pulled herself into a sitting position to ready herself for his ire when he woke. The motion did wake him. Hunt merely yawned loudly and slumped deeper into the chair. ‘How’s your head, sleeping beauty?’

‘It has its own pulse.’

Hunt gave her a sleepy grin and Nesta waited for the comments that she deserved it or was pathetic for letting herself get into that state.

He pulled on loose fitting bottoms from the wardrobe then strode from the room. When Hunt returned, it was with a glass of water and two white tablets. ‘This will help, but we can also go to a medwitch. I want you hangover-free for the sunball game.’

‘Too many words,’ Nesta groaned, pulling a pillow over her head.

Hunt tugged it away then held out the pills. ‘Just painkillers.’

She forced them down then tried to get out of bed, realised she was in her underwear, and crawled back beneath the sheet.

‘Did you undress me?’

Hunt threw up his hands to protest his innocence. ‘No. You did that yourself.’

Wearing his clothes again, Nesta stuck close to Hunt as he walked her to the elevator to seek out the medwitch. He’d pulled a grey hoody over her head, tied her hair into a loose ponytail then slipped a cap over it. She felt like death incarnate. Her drinking in Velaris had never made her feel this awful.

After the medwitch had seen to her - and given a laugh at her alcohol induced state - Hunt tucked her back into his bed while he made a dash to her hotel room for her. He was an angel by name and nature.

Once Nesta had showered and felt somewhat alive – the medwitch’s magic sifting through her hangover - Hunt returned, brandishing pastries, orange juice, and fresh clothes along with a toothbrush.

‘This is your room?’ she asked him.

He gave a sweep of the room then nodded, slightly abashed. There was nothing here. No memories of a life lived. Nothing to call his own. It was the life of a slave.

‘Thank you for bringing me here. For keeping me out of harm last night.’

To not waste any more of his time, Nesta dressed in a hurry and drew her hair back into a ponytail again. Hunt slipped the cap back onto her head.

‘You should keep that on,’ he said, jerking his chin in its direction. He cleared his throat in a hurry. ‘Not because you look hungover. You look beautiful in it, actually. But for the sunball game. We’ll be cheering on CCU.’

‘Hunt, I don’t know how much I can blame on alcohol, but I have no idea what sunball or CCU is.’

***

That steady, unflinching female that he’d met had shifted into a bag of nerves. The medwitch’s magic was efficient enough to have already undone the White Raven’s damage, so it couldn’t be her hangover. Nesta perched on the edge of the bed picking at her croissant like a bird in between gnawing at her fingernails. Although Hunt didn’t know her well enough, this wasn’t her usual behaviour. Even in the interrogation room, Nesta had been calm on the surface.

‘You alright?’

She tore off a piece from his pastry. ‘I’m so sorry for last night. If I did anything – said anything - embarrassing. I shouldn’t have drunk. I know I shouldn’t. We just had a good time then-’

‘Nesta,’ he interrupted. ‘It’s fine. You were fine. Everybody has a little bit too much sometimes. I’m just glad that you had fun with the fae.’

A hiss of air escaped her. ‘I didn’t do anything embarrassing?’

‘No.’

Was that what she worried about? Did Nesta think he’d lock her up like her family did?

‘You called me Orion,’ he admitted.

‘Sorry.’

‘I liked it.’ He nudged her with his foot. ‘Eat up. There’s chocolate in the middle.’

There was more vigour to her movements, but still Nesta was holding back. She glanced to him, silver eyes scanning his face. ‘Hunt, when I was at the library yesterday, I researched your name.’

‘I know. You told me. It’s alright.’

‘You aren’t mad with me?’

He shrugged one shoulder. He wished she still didn’t know. Hoped it wouldn’t change what she thought of him. Most saw him for his powers and nothing more. Many couldn’t look past the figurative chains. 

‘You were curious. It’s a brand new world for you. It’s fine, Nesta.’

To emphasise his point, Hunt tore into his croissant which sprayed crumbs across the floorboards. He gave an encouraging nod then Nesta finally started eating properly

‘Can I ask you a question?’

‘Go for it,’ he said then swigged at the juice.

Nesta tilted her head, reminding him of a predatory animal. ‘How long will you be a slave for? Is it all of your life?’

‘Yeah. No. Sort of,’ said Hunt. It was a vague answer, he knew, but he wasn’t about to get into the debts he owed to Micah – and the things he did to wipe that tally. ‘Slaves can be freed.’

There was a cold, dead look in Nesta’s eyes. ‘But you won’t be?’

Hunt didn’t answer, just cleaned up the crumbs from breakfast and tossed the paper bag in the bin.

‘You’re too valuable, aren’t you? They won’t let you have your freedom because then they can’t control you.’

Hunt held out his hand for Nesta. ‘We’ll take a bus and I’ll let you press the bell. I’ll explain sunball on the way.’

***

Sunball was loud.

Rows and rows of seats were filled with chanting crowds. The bulk were from CCU – an establishment where young people went to study. Hunt had explained universities on the bus ride and Nesta had bombarded him with questions on entry requirements, what could be studied, and who could attend. He promised to find out if there was an open day so she could look around. The bus ride had felt loud enough with many rowdy students packing on and somebody beat her to pressing the bell for the vehicle to stop. When they reached the stadium, the noise was nearly overwhelming. Many had brought instruments so drums and trumpets rang out in the air amongst the chants.

Sunball, she had figured out, was a game.

Hunt, bless his heart, did his best to shout in her ear and explain the rules, but the noise was proving too much. Instead, Nesta clapped when the crowd around them leapt to their feet and roared their delight.

The players took it in turns to hit a ball and run around a circle. She couldn’t understand the sycophantic excitement, but nobody was harmed as a result. Most people were having a good time. Colourful paint was smeared on faces, gigantic fingers were stuck on their hands, and most wore the colours of the university. Even Hunt looked totally at ease with a cold drink – a beer, he called it – in his hand while his other arm was slung around the back of her chair. He wore the same cap as her but a newer one where the colours were less faded – and he wore it back to front. On his cell phone, he took a picture of them with their heads tilted together then Nesta made him take more, ones with the arms wrapped around the others neck or fighting for the most room on the screen.

‘Well, I have no idea who won and my throat hurts, but I had fun,’ she said as they followed the masses down the steps towards the exit.

‘I don’t know how you’ve drank so much soda without your teeth falling out.’ Hunt slipped his hand down her back as they walked. ‘Want to beat the crowds?’

Nesta tucked an arm around his neck then Hunt was lifting them both into the air.

It was strange really how easy it was to be in his company. The closeness as they flew didn’t have Nesta sliding her defences into place to protect herself. In an odd, new world, Hunt had been an open book who was more welcoming, more selfless than the fae who’d welcomed her to Prythian. As they flew, Nesta found herself examining Hunt’s face. It was attractive in a rugged way. He’d let stubble grow through – looking better for that – and he found smiling easy despite the life he had. Nesta struggled to find peace with the fact that he hadn’t been angry with her for last night. Hadn’t called her pathetic or berated her for getting into that state. No, this angel had ensured she was put to bed safely, helped her in the morning, then swept it all away like it didn’t matter. Because it didn’t matter. Nesta hadn’t hurt anybody. She’d had a brilliant time dancing and laughing. She had just been Nesta. Not a cauldron-cursed bitch, not somebody with a target on her back by a vengeful mortal queen, not the Night Court’s weapon. Just Nesta.

Hunt set them down in a quiet alley. ‘You’ve got a funny look on your face. I’ve not made you queasy, have I?’

He touched her forehead, checking her temperature.

‘No,’ she replied, smiling softly up at him. ‘I’m very lucky that I fell in front of you and not another angel.’

There was an emotion on Hunt’s face that she couldn’t read then he shook it away and slung his arm around her shoulders. When Cassian did those sort of motions to her, Nesta felt like his possession – as if he was brandishing her to the world as something that belonged to him. It was entirely different here. The people were more tactile, friendlier, embracing each other or declaring their love easily; Sathia had said she’d loved Nesta many times while they were out. Hunt’s arm around her was a comfort as they walked together. 

‘What do you say to me showing you the true highlight of Crescent City?’

Her mind conjured a grand building or an epic scene carved by nature. She nodded, letting Hunt lead the way.

They hardly went far – just crossed over the road then took a left down another.

‘Behold,’ he said in a voice barely more than an awe-struck whisper. ‘Ten pin bowling.’

Their shoes were exchanged for bulky things that were sprayed by a metal canister. Everything glowed neon. The floor was sticky. Children of all species raced around, not caring if they cut across their path. Music blasted from speakers.

‘And what is this?’

Hunt blew out a breath. ‘A place where I’m going to kick your ass.’

On a device, Hunt typed their names then they came up on the screen: Orion and Stargirl.

‘You have ten pins. You take a ball and half-roll-half-throw it down the aisle, alright? The aim is to knock them all down. We each have two tries then swap over.’

‘Well, that’s easy,’ she said.

Hunt held up a finger, shaking his head. ‘You can’t go beyond that line. And it can fall in the gutter.’

‘It’s a sport.’

Hunt selected a ball first – a bright green one – and stepped towards the line. ‘Winner gets… a favour.’

Nesta blinked at him with her hands perched on her hips. ‘Do I look like somebody who plays sports?’

‘Nice sunball hat,’ he grinned. ‘You had me fooled.’

The angel moved towards the line, increasing in speed as his arm swung the ball backwards. He released it as it surged forwards. An ear-splitting crash sounded, sending pins flying. One remained standing.

She caught a glimpse of irritation on his usually calm face.

‘That wounded you, didn’t it? That they didn’t all fall?’

‘Yeah, yeah,’ he said, making a snoring sound. ‘I’m going easy on you for your first game.’

Hunt took his second turn and the ball missed its mark.

She couldn’t help but grin in delight as his wings slumped. Carefully, she selected her own ball and measured the weight in her hands. ‘You mustn’t want to win that favour too badly, Orion.’

‘Do you need the bumpers up, princess?’

On her way past him, Nesta knocked him with her hip. Hunt had turned his cap around so the brim pointed backwards.

‘I am winning this favour, Orion Athalar.’

***

It was just pretend.

Hunt could put his miserable existence on hold for a week to indulge in the fantasy that was Nesta Archeron. She was a gift from the stars; one who had a home to return to. But it was all a fantasy. Once her Harp was back in her hands, Nesta would return to Prythian and Hunt would continue chipping away at his debt to Micah.

Still, for these few days, he could pretend.

He put his arm around Nesta’s shoulders again as they walked – and this time her fingers wove within his. Hunt rested his head against hers. ‘Oh, what favour am I going to claim?’

‘You cheated.’

‘Nesta, you not winning doesn’t mean I cheated.’

‘It was my first game,’ she protested.

‘Oh the excuses are coming out now, starlight.’

They’d eaten crap for days, but Nesta had developed an obsession for anything fried or sugary and he was helpless but to indulge her. She did make him laugh when she pulled out a credit card and claimed it was a gift from Lord Tristan Flynn. His family was so wealthy that they likely wouldn’t notice the amount of money that Nesta spent on waffles loaded with ice cream and chocolate chips.

It was easy to be with Nesta.

When they had finished eating on her bed with another romance film on, both of them gravitated towards the plumped-up pillows. Her hand rested on her stomach that was filled with sugar again. Hunt wasn’t quite sure how she coped in Prythian without it.  

 ‘Why are these people dressed like I dress?’

Hunt couldn’t help but let his fingers stroke her loose strands of hair as he said, ‘It’s called a period film. Back when females wouldn’t show their ankles and had to be courted for a kiss.’

‘That’s how I live now, Hunt.’

‘No waffles, no bowling, no ankles. What’s the point?’

She gave him a light-hearted swipe with a pillow then positioned it on his chest where she got comfortable. Hunt played it as cool as he could – even if his heart was racing at a mile a minute. There had been brief dalliances with a few females since he’d been purchased by Micah but nothing more than a quick release for him or bragging rights for the female who’d bedded him. Hunt hadn’t done this before. Hadn’t had a friend and cuddled up beside her. Hadn’t simply spent time in each other’s company, completely comfortable. Not since… Fuck, he’d never done anything like this with Shahar. From what Nesta had told him, this wasn’t the sort of thing she did either.

They were both in a pretend world.

And Hunt never wanted to leave it.

Nesta’s head snapped up to look at him. Her silvery eyes softened then she raised up on an elbow towards him.

His fingers skated along her jaw as he pressed his lips against Nesta’s. The taste of sugar was on her tongue.

Her hand splayed out on his chest, holding her balance as they kissed.

Luna, he wanted to kiss her for an eternity.

But she had a mate, most likely. A life to return to with a sister who ruled a court. Hell, she was practically fae royalty. And he was the Umbra Mortis – a slave with a ledger filled with red.  

***

Hunt pulled away abruptly then slipped out from beneath her where Nesta had pinned him. His grey wings were pressed into the wall.

‘I shouldn’t have kissed you.’

Hunt swept his hand through his sable hair then paced as far as the cramped room would allow.

The rejection stung Nesta. Her tongue stuck to her dry throat as she tried to swallow.

‘You’ve landed here with nobody. And I’m supposed to help you, not stick my tongue down your throat,’ he said, voice teetering on disbelief. ‘I’m sorry.’

She felt her brows creasing together. ‘Why are you sorry?’

‘I am slave – that is all I am. You saw my room. I have nothing. I can give you nothing. You’re here for a few days. I shouldn’t be so attached.’ Hunt dropped his voice to a whisper. ‘You’re all I can think about.’

Nesta went to him as if summoned by his voice. She couldn’t take the anguish on his face. Her fingers slid down his arm to rest on his wrist where the slave brand was.

‘This is not all you are, Orion.’ Her thumb stroked against the ink, wishing she could remove it and give him a life he deserved. ‘We are the same. I have nothing. I am trapped in a home that I cannot leave unless I can be used. There is nothing I call my own. My choices were taken. I don’t care, Hunt. I don’t care about this,’ she said, touching the brand again. ‘I don’t care.’

The apple of his throat bobbed.  

‘You have a male waiting for you,’ he reminded her.

A male who trapped her then ground her down until she relented. One she couldn’t escape from. One who’d followed her since they’d met. One who never understood when Nesta needed space.

‘I don’t care,’ she whispered.

Her hands slid to his cheeks, drawing him to her.

‘Kiss me again.’

There was more certainty to his kiss. Lips crushed to hers then Hunt’s hands were on her body, lifting her in the air, lifting her to him. Nesta wrapped her legs around his hips, letting him support her with one hand while another hand released her hair from its tie.

From the bed, Hunt’s cell phone lit up and blared an irritating jingle as somebody called.

Micah.

His eyes slid to the cell then he came over pale.

Gently, he set Nesta on the floor then took the phone with him to the bathroom. She waited, heart beating loudly, for him to return. When Hunt exited, his skin was ashen. Any amusement or desire had been extinguished.

In a cold, flat voice, he said, ‘I have to go.’

‘Hunt?’

‘Please,’ he choked out. ‘Just let me go. I have to go.’

@impossibelle

[shadowqueenjude]

There’s not enough Ruhnlidia content out there IMO, so I wrote this married Ruhnlidia pregnancy snippet. This takes place several years after the end of HOFAS. I am too lazy to save this for @ruhndanaanweek2024 so here it is!

Lidia vacuumed the floor, observing as her husband worked overtime, preparing everything in the kitchen for Ace and Brann to come home from college.

It was their first time visiting from CCU, and Lidia couldn’t wait to see them again. Although this was a shorter and voluntary separation due to their need to study, Lidia couldn’t help but recall the years she had been forced to be the Hind, not knowing the fate of her sons.

She had admittedly bawled the first several nights after they had left. Ruhn had not questioned it, merely pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. Her husband, her mate, who had got her through this separation, who had taken on two teenage boys simply because they were hers, and loved them as his own.

Even Ace had warmed up to him, before he’d warmed up to herself. Ruhn had some kind of secret bro handshake with each of her sons, and Ruhn always made sure to give each boy special attention when they visited; he’d play sunball with Brann while he’d help Ace test out his helmets and wings and whatever things he decided to build.

Lidia had quickly learned sunball so that she could compete with Ruhn and play with her sons. She had to admit that it was fun to have a normal life, and she loved her boys and her mate and drinking beers and just chatting with him at night, or cuddling by the fire, or the four of them going out and having dinner together.

Lidia smiled as Ruhn lowered a frozen rat for their snake to eat. When Ace had brought home the snake initially, Ruhn had gone pale and insisted Ace put it back where it was. Lidia, who had just repaired her relationship with him and was not willing to mess it up so fast, had taken the snake in her arms and ordered Ruhn to buy a tank.

He’d obeyed; he was never very good at refusing her. He’d returned with loads of snake food packages called “Snakky packies” as well as some frozen rats and a heated lamp which Lidia set up before feeding the snake. Ruhn had cringed the first time she’d fed him. Now, he did it regularly.

Lidia was exceptionally nervous because she had some special news this time. She’d put a small shield over herself so no one could detect anything amiss; she wanted to be able to reveal this information in her own way. She hadn’t had much time to process it, so she didn’t know how to feel about it. She didn’t know how Ruhn would feel about it either. Or Ace and Brann.

She did want another child; she loved her boys, but unfortunately, she missed out on most of their childhood. She had tried to do right by them as much as possible, but now her boys had all grown up, and she missed the sound of child’s laughter in the house. She just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon, and she was nervous about how her family would react.

God, she had a family now. She had been alone for so long that it was difficult to come to terms with. Her heart had never been more full.

There was a ring of the doorbell, and Lidia rushed over to open it and she barreled into her sons. “Ace! Brann!” she cried, and they hugged her back warmly. “Ma!” Ace grumbled. “You’re smothering us!”

“Oh, you’re big boys now, you can handle it,” Lidia retorted. Ruhn chuckled as he came into view too. “How’s college been, you two?” he asked. Brann grinned. “I made the sunball team! Ace is on the robotics team! It’s been awesome!”

“Sweet! Forward, right?”

“Yes. Our first game is next weekend. You have to come!”

“I’ll mark it on my calendar, bud,” Ruhn said. “What about you, Ace? Any events I should take note of?”

“Well, I have a robotics meet next month on the second and I am applying for a research position; there’s a symposium next Thursday.”

“Cool! I can help you narrow down your options and fix your resume before the big day,” Ruhn offered. “Sure, thanks,” Ace replied. Not much of a talker, but Lidia could tell he appreciated the offer. Smiling, Lidia lounged on the couch, flicking in the TV and flipping through the channels.

She finally found Knowledge is Money was on, and she watched the three competitors standing in a triangular formation, their hands hovering over buttons to buzz for an answer.

“Who is the first known queen of the Sprites?” the host asked.

Ace came to sit beside her. “Easy. Ranthia Drahl.”

Lidia chuckled. “Technically, no. The sprites traditionally were ruled by theocracy until Cynthia Drahl, armies led by her niece Ranthia, destroyed the corrupt religious leaders who took advantage of the poor. However, nobody remembers her because she was killed two days into her reign by none other than Ranthia herself.”

A redheaded pixie on the far right of the screen finally buzzed in. “My final answer is Cynthia Drahl.”

“That is correct,” the host answered. Lidia smirked at her son.

“Who is the sunball player with the most points of all time?” the host asked.

Lidia groaned. “Shit, I hate when they ask sports related questions.”

“The answer is obviously Viktor Kapournikov,” Brann boomed from the kitchen. A few moments later, the boy at the bottom of the screen buzzed and said, “My final answer is Viktor Kapournikov.”

“High five!” Ruhn said, and the smack of their hands rung in Lidia’s ears. A few moments later, they came to the sofa with food in their hands. Ruhn and Brann each carried two; Ruhn handed one to Lidia while Brann handed one to Ace.

“What event caused the Valbaran Fae and Avellan Fae to become rivals?”

“The Melanthos shooting of 2,000,” Ruhn and Ace said at the same time. “Damnit, you two are quick,” Lidia muttered. “Sadly, my father made sure this shit was drilled into my head since I was a boy so that I didn’t make the mistake of befriending a kid from Avellan,” Ruhn said.

“Freak,” Brann muttered. Ruhn and Lidia nodded in agreement.

And so they ate and shouted answers at the TV and generally had a merry time. When the entertainment died down and they were all pleasantly sleepy, Lidia cleared her throat and said, “I have big news for you all.”

Ruhn pulled Lidia into his lap sleepily, mumbling against her, “Yes, sweetheart?”

Lidia didn’t know how else to say it, so she just said, “I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Brann asked. “Ma is pregnant, Brann!” Ace yelled back. Ruhn just stared at Lidia with his beautiful blue eyes, awe in them. “Truly? But I don’t smell any-“

Lidia removed the glamour. As the scent of the embryo filled the air, the boys began to cheer while tears filled Ruhn’s eyes. Ahhh, her sweet, adorable, emotional Ruhn. After decades of being forced to hide her emotions behind a mask of cold, there was nothing she adored more than seeing her mate overcome with affection and emotion for her.

“We’re going to have another baby?” Ruhn asked. Throat tight as tears filled her own eyes, she nodded. Ruhn pulled her to him. and Lidia held him so tightly it was a wonder she didn’t break a bone.

“She’s a girl,” Lidia murmured against his cheek. “Our little flame. I think we shall name her after your fire sprite friend.”

“Lehebah?” Ruhn croaked. Lidia’s shirt was a little moist from his tears. “Yes,” she whispered. “Lehebah.”

“I love it,” Ruhn whispered. “I love you. And I already love our Lele too.”

Lidia beamed. She felt so much better about this pregnancy. This time, she wouldn’t be alone. She had a family and friends to help her through this.

A baby girl.

Lidia pulled away slightly to cup Ruhn’s cheek. “I love you too. Lele is going to be so lucky to grow up with a father like you.”

“And a mother like you.”

Lidia chuckled and laid back against Ruhn. Neither of them noticed that Ace and Brann had subtly left the room, giving them time alone.

[obsessedwithlute]

Aidas x Reader Fic, Chapter Two

When you got back to your apartment, your phone was waiting on the kitchen counter where you'd forgotten it, lit up with a text alert from Hypaxia.

Coffee at noon tomorrow?

It was nice having your best friend in Lunathion, but the amount of work she was doing meant you hadn't really gotten to hang out together. Finally, she had some time to do something together. A lot of the time it felt like you were best friends with a stranger. You hadn't wanted to tell Aidas because he'd ask too many questions (honestly, did he ever shut up?) but Hypaxia had been giving you the sense she was hiding something for months. Maybe you could finally confront her with the grand news that you weren't an idiot tomorrow.

You had some idea of what might be going, on but needed it confirmed before making any accusations. 

You replied, Sounds great! Regular place? 

She instantly typed back, Ofc. Gtg now but see u tmrw

Okay, she was definitely hiding something if she was using abbreviations! Hypaxia had once drunkenly admitted that she only ever resorted to them if she really wanted to avoid a conversation.

Hypaxia had never used them on you before.

You groaned and collapsed into your spinning desk chair, face buried in your hands. Between Aidas, Danika's murder, and this, your life was a complete shithole.

You had finally worked up the courage to finish chapter twenty-one of your current work- something that had been an exciting prospect earlier that morning- when your phone pinged with a text from the Autumn King.

Meet me in my office in seven minutes. Do not be late.

What the Hel could this possibly be about? And how did he expect you to get from the Old Square to FiRo in seven minutes? You didn't own a damn car!! And he knew better than anyone that the strange almost batlike wings that had resided on your back since birth and had been a mystery to everyone you'd met had always been folded in and incapable of flight. And there was no way you were texting Hypaxia and asking her to fly you, not when she obviously was trying to avoid you! You had enough headaches to deal with!

You typed out a furious response. Seventy minutes

You pushed yourself out of your chair and pulled your jacket over your frayed grey CCU Sunball T-shirt, and started on the trek to the Autumn King's villa.

It had been seventy-four minutes by the time you arrived. You hadn't run; it would only satisfy him to see you huffing and puffing to be there on time. You pulled open the door to his villa, completely ignoring the guards who basically begged for an ID, even though your one-of-a-kind wings made it obvious who you were.

You reached the Autumn King's office and yanked the door open. "You summoned?" you said in a dry tone.

"You dare mock your king?" he hissed.

"Oh, was I mocking Your Majesty? Deepest apologies!" You curtsied so lightly it could have been considered a borderline insult. There wasn't a chair for you across from the Autumn King's desk, so you sat down right on top of it, crushing a stack of papers as you did so.

The Autumn King pinched the bridge of his nose and looked you directly in the eyes. "The time has come for you to carry on the Fae bloodline." "Excuse me?" you barked. "I am not your breeding mare!" "I am your king, and you do not contradict me. You made your decision, Y/N. Live with it." Right after graduating, the Autumn King had shown up on Bryce and Danika's doorstep and demanded that Bryce swear allegiance to him, most likely on account of her Starborn powers. You had stepped in front of her and told the Autumn King you would adopt the last name Danaan instead. It had been in name only, really, and you never expected it to turn into anything more, Luna forbid this.

"I am not getting married, and I am certainly not having a child," you hissed.

"You will. And after you tie the knot, you will drop this business of yours. Writing dirty smut is not something I wish to be associated with the Fae bloodline," the Autumn King insisted.

"I right under an alias, so no one can associate my writing with your fancy bloodline!"

"I do not care. You are to marry Tristan Flynn three days after the Autumn Equinox, and this is not up for debate. You will consummate your marriage, and continue to attempt to reproduce until a child is conceived. Or," he said in a slightly lighter tone, "I could simply ask if Bryce Quinlan would like to take your place." "No!" you half screamed. "I'll do it. I'll marry Flynn and have a kid with him. I'll give up my writing and I'll do whatever the fuck else you ask. Just leave Bryce alone."

"Very well, then," the Autumn King said, nodding. "The announcement will be in two days."

[theostrophywife]

Honestly i would die for any possessive alpha hole Ithan like he’s super sweet and funny but someone tries to pick up his girl at one of the parties at the house??? Hell no. Ruhn, Dec & Flynn tease flirting reader in front of Ithan? Nope, straight to the bedroom to show them she has someone taking care of her

jealousy, jealousy.

author's note: alright anon, you've got my attention. ithan era here i come.

Music blares through the speakers as you pour your signature cocktails into the glasses lined up on the kitchen counter. With the start of the weekend, Ruhn’s house was once again filled with nearly half the population of Lunathion, sweaty bodies crammed into the small living room while an amalgamation of fae, angels, and shifters drank and danced. 

Beyond the kitchen archway, you spot your boyfriend playing a game of beer pong. The opposing team was composed of Bryce and Hunt and from what you could glean, they were absolutely wiping the floor with Ruhn and Ithan. The latter didn’t seem to mind, laughing as Bryce sank a ball into one of his cups. 

The wolf merely shrugs and tilts the red cup into his mouth, downing the liquor in one swift move. The action causes the liquid to trickle down his chin, soaking the front of his CCU sweatshirt. The hem of his shirt rides up as he dabs at his mouth and you can’t help but ogle the expanse of tanned, defined abs rippling underneath. His early departure from sunball certainly took nothing away from your boyfriend's lean and athletic frame. As if sensing your gaze, his soft brown eyes land on you and he grins in that handsome, boyish way that you loved so much as he raises the cup in your direction. 

Color blooms high upon your cheeks as you bite back a smile. It was nice to see Ithan enjoying himself for once. After Connor’s death, you hadn’t seen your boyfriend let loose for nearly two years and understandably so. While you knew he’d never stop grieving the loss of his older brother, you were glad to see that he was beginning to take small steps towards healing. It was what Connor would have wanted.

With a soft smile, you maneuver through the crowded space and hand Dec a glass. He’s sitting on the couch typing away on his laptop, hacking into Luna knew what as Tharion cheers him on. The redheaded mer shoots you a wink of gratitude as you supply him with another drink. He nods behind you before you feel an arm around your shoulder, nearly knocking the tray of drinks out of your hands. 

“Oops,” Flynn says, eyes glazed and words slurring as he attempts to steady himself. 

You sigh exasperatedly, yanking his arm to keep him upright before swatting him on the back of the head. “You nearly knocked me over. How much have you had to drink, Flynn?” 

“Not a lot,” the High Fae lord says with a sheepish smile. “Four or five. Or was it eight? I can’t remember.”

“Cthona spare me,” you mutter under your breath. “Will you two keep an eye on him before he does something extremely idiotic?” Declan and Tharion nod in agreement, clearly amused at your tendency to mother the rowdy residents of this home. 

“And you,” you say, directing your gaze back to the rowdiest male of them all. Flynn tries to grab a cocktail from the tray, but you bat his hand away, earning you a childish pout. “No more drinks until you can stand straight again.” 

Flynn groans. “Yes, mom.” 

You roll your eyes fondly before squeezing past the idle crowd. The beer pong table was within view until a High Fae male steps into your direct path.

From across the room, Ithan peels his attention away from the game at hand to survey the crowd. One minute you were standing by the couch with his friends and the next he couldn’t quite spot you amidst the throng of fae milling about. 

The wolf surveys the living room, his heart beating a little faster and his senses going into overdrive as he drags his gaze through the dimly lit space. Though he knew you were perfectly capable of handling yourself, Ithan always made sure to keep you within his line of sight. As his mate, your presence awakened his instinct to protect and he was always on high alert when it came to your safety. He took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar fragrance of rain and jasmine. Ithan follows the trail of your signature scent and spots you by the television, balancing a tray of cocktails in your hand and slightly frowning at the Fae male standing before you. 

Ithan couldn’t help it. He was already striding through the room before he could comprehend what he was doing. The wolf ignores Ruhn, Bryce, and Hunt’s protests as he marches straight for you. As soon as you spot your boyfriend, relief floods your expression. The Vanir male in front of you has held you up longer than you wished, but he was harmless. A little overexcited, sure. But he wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. If he was stupid enough to try anything, you would've sank his claws into him faster than the blink of an eye.

Still, you didn’t mind the possessive arm that snakes around your waist as your boyfriend sidles up beside you.

“There you are,” Ithan states softly, pressing a kiss to your cheek. There was no missing the cold, calculated glare he fixes upon the Vanir male standing before you. 

“You’re Ithan Holstrom, right?” the male greets in recognition. “You played sunball for CCU.” 

Your boyfriend nods and you note the tic in his jaw despite his otherwise neutral expression. Sunball was a sensitive topic for Ithan, but he remains composed as he smoothly responds. “The one and only.” 

“We used to watch you in the Aux all the time. We always rooted for CCU and its star player.”

“Thank you,” Ithan responds. His brown eyes sharpen as he surveys the male. “How do you know my mate?” 

Mate. 

The word seems to sober the Vanir male and color drains from his face when he realizes who he’d unknowingly tried to flirt with. Ithan Holmstrom’s mate. The term had a different definition for the Fae, but it was just as binding for the wolves. In other words, approaching someone else’s mate was entirely off limits. A flash of panic flares through the male's sharp features as he stammers. 

“I - I didn’t realize you were together.” 

Ithan smirks and his canines protrude from his mouth, letting a little bit of the wolf show as the Vanir male swallows thickly. “Now you do.”

And gods spare you, the sight of a jealous, possessive Ithan going pure alphahole to use Bryce’s term, was undoubtedly the hottest thing you’ve ever witnessed. It was so out of character from the sweet and reserved mate you knew that you couldn’t help but wonder at the utter change in Ithan. Perhaps it was wrong, but you liked knowing that you brought out this side of him. 

At Ithan’s clear dismissal, the Vanir male saunters off with a dejected expression. You chuckle as your mate turns to look at you. 

“Was it really necessary to go all alphahole on the male?” 

The corner of Ithan’s mouth curls upward at the term. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, babe.” 

He takes the tray of drinks from your hands and intertwines your fingers, leading you back to the beer pong game he’d abandoned. “Honestly, you’re no better than Ruhn or Hunt.” 

“Hey!” Ruhn says in protest, “How’d I get dragged into this?” 

Bryce snorts, draping an arm over your shoulder and kissing your cheek in greeting. “She’s not wrong. Maybe Ithan caught the alphahole disease from living with you idiots.” 

Hunt starts to laugh, but your friend cuts him off. “I wouldn’t be laughing, Athalar. If Ruhn’s president of the possessive asshole club, then you’re certainly his vice president.”

The Umbra Mortis rolls his eyes as Dec, Flynn, and Tharion crowds around you. The redhaired mer sidles up to your other side, linking his arm with Bryce’s as they sandwiched you in between them. “Can’t blame that male for trying though. If you weren’t our little wolf’s mate, I’d certainly shoot my shot.” 

Ithan growls, falling right into Tharion’s bait. You roll your eyes as your mate sets the tray of drinks down and pulls you to his side. 

“That’s not exactly a compliment, given that you flirt with anything with a pulse, T.” 

Tharion dramatically places a hand over his heart. “You wound me, she wolf.” He grins mischievously. “Now if only I had someone to help lick my wounds.” 

“Say that again and I’ll stick you in a septic tank myself,” you reply sweetly.

Ithan snorts before tugging at your hand. “Come on, babe. I’ve got something to show you upstairs.” 

“News flash, it’s his dick,” Flynn deadpans.

Your mate rolls his eyes in response as you flip Flynn off behind your shoulder. The rest of the gang laughs, but you pay it no mind as you practically sprint up the stairs and into Ithan’s room. As soon as the door closes, Ithan presses you up against the wall and kisses the sensitive spot just below your ear. 

A breathy laugh escapes from your mouth as you run your fingers through his silky brown hair. “I guess Flynn was right, after all.” 

Ithan smirks in response. “Please, I could smell your arousal downstairs. Like it or not, my alphahole behavior turns you on.” 

“Getting cocky, aren’t we?” you say with a teasing smile. “I think I might need more of a demonstration.” 

Without warning, Ithan hoists you up in the air and effortlessly locks your legs around his waist. His lips find yours in the darkness and the kiss is dominating, possessive, like he was staking his claim on you with his mouth. 

“I’ve got all night, baby.” 

[coeurvrai]

The silence of the apartment pressed on Ithan. He’d never lived on his own. He’d always had the constant chaos and closeness of the Den, the insanity of his college dorm, or the hotels he’d stayed at with the CCU sunball team. This place might as well have been another planet.

He rubbed at his chest, as if it’d erase the tightness.

He’d known precisely why he’d disobeyed Sabine’s order this spring when Bryce had screamed for help. The sound of her pleading had been unbearable. And when she’d mentioned children at risk, something had exploded in his brain. He had no regrets about what he’d done.

But could he endure its consequences? Not the beating—he could weather that shit any day. But being here, alone, adrift … He hadn’t felt like this since Connor and the others had died. Since he’d walked away from his sunball team and stopped answering their calls.

He had no idea what the Hel he’d do now. Perhaps the answer wasn’t some big, life-altering thing. Maybe it could be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

That’s how you wound up following someone like Amelie, a voice that sounded an awful lot like Connor’s growled. Make better choices this time, pup. Assess. Decide what you want.

But for now … one foot in front of the other. He could do that. If just for today.

It says something that reading this chapter and Tharion’s first chapter that I mostly don’t feel like dying inside.

Like the cringiness and the overt horniess between Bryce and Hunt is really just getting tiring real quick. Does that make Ithan a good character? No. At least not yet anyways. But my god, I am sick of constantly being inside Bryce and Hunt’s heads and they are literally two of the main characters.

[yanny-77]

The crossover that’s suddenly a lot more relevant now that we’re getting The Sunshine Court

…But what is Sunball?

Do you ever find yourself sitting around, watching NFL RedZone, tracking your fantasy team and wonder to yourself, well what is Sunball anyway? No? Just me?

Well, my latest obsession is All For the Game by Nora Sakavic (If you haven’t read it, check the content warnings and prepare to suspend your sense of reality. Totally worth it.) and the fictional sport Exy. I love it and I hate it and it’s so stupid but I’ve read the series twice this month and want to do it again. Seriously, I’m not well.

Anyway, I decided to marry Sunball and Exy together into a short vignette paying homage to my current two favorite series. It’s not my best work but it’s been demanding my attention all day.

Ithan Holstrom lined up for the serve. His eyes flicked up to the scoreboard. The game was all tied up at six goals with two minutes left to play. His hand tightened on his racket. This game was a must win if CCU was going to make it to the semifinals.

The Palmetto State backliner who’d been dogging him all night, a bruiser of a male with the number 04 stenciled on his orange jersey, lined up across from him. Matt Boyd bared his teeth at Holstrom as they waited for the Fox’s dealer to start play. Holstrom smiled back at Boyd. They’d settle this on the court.

A whistle sounded and Holstrom was moving. Dan Wilds was good, but not good enough. She’d served the sunball directly to Kevin Day, easily Palmetto’s best player, but impossibly, Holstrom got there first.

Holstrom’s stick knocked the other striker’s out of the way just in time for the ball to land safely in his net. He needed to move quickly; Day had raced up the field to join Josten, one threat gone, but Boyd was now charging toward him.

Holstrom scanned the field for his fellow CCU striker and passed the sunball. He had barely enough time to brace himself for Boyd’s body check before they slammed into the plexiglass.

Holstrom didn’t care. Sunball was a rough sport and he was used to coming off the court with bruises at the end. It hurt now but his shifter blood meant he’d be healed by the time he left the showers. The only part of this that truly annoyed Holstrom was that he couldn’t see what was happening with Boyd’s body pressing his face into the court walls.

Fortunately, the roar of the crowd told him that his aim was true. Jason Regez had caught the ball and was running down the court to take a shot on the goal.

Boyd realized Regez was about to score at the same moment Holstrom did. The weight against him eased and Holstrom was able to shove Boyd off. Both players took off down court to join the fray.

Regez looked relieved when Holstrom arrived and gestured to Holstrom get open. He couldn’t get a shot lined up past his defender. Leave it to Regez to struggle against Nicki Hemmick, of all people. Holstrom hoped his eye roll wasn’t visible beneath his helmet.

Regez passed the sunball and Ithan took a shot on the goal. Bitter disappointment halted him for only a moment when the Fox’s goalkeeper caught the ball in his net and hurled it up field to his strikers. The goalie scowled at Ithan for even daring the attempt.

At 5’0, Andrew Minyard didn’t look like much on the field. His racket was actually longer than he was tall, but Holstrom had done his research and knew Minyard was a Hel of a player, when he wanted to be. Despite his small size, piss poor attitude, and lack of professional polish, the blonde male glaring at him was one of the best raw talents in the sport.

Holstrom hoped he’d get another chance to make the winning goal.

Up the court, Day and Josten passed the ball between them, yelling commands to each other in French. A useful skill that allowed them to communicate without giving away too much of their strategy to the CCU backliners defending them.

Josten took a shot on the goal and for a moment, Holstrom thought it was all over for CCU. Somehow, miraculously, the CCU goalie have saved an impossible shot. No one on the foxes expected it and Holstrom was completely unguarded. He caught the ball and turned to the goal. Fifteen seconds were left on the clock and Andrew Minyard was the only thing standing between CCU and victory.

Holstrom ran, putting all his strength into the wind up. The game clock ticked loudly in time with his pulse. With two seconds to go, Holstrom heaved the sunball toward the goal.

It lit up red and a blaring noise filled the stadium. Minyard looked at him for just a moment before he shrugged, dropped his racket, and walked off the court.

The game was over. CCU was going to the semifinals. Holstrom sank to his knees in victory. His teammates swarmed him and he was lost to the celebration. CCU students pushed their way onto the court. It was mayhem. It was madness. It was NCAA sunball.