so sentimental

There had once been a time when Blossom would have scoffed at the prospect of being a cheerleader. To the high-school-aged Blossom that always had her nose in a textbook, the very idea of a cheerleader seemed rather frivolous. While not much has changed in regards to her reading habits, she’s happy to say she’s moved past her I’m Not Like Other Girls stage, thank you very much. “I was more of a ‘dragged to the game only to finish chem homework on the bleachers’ kind of girl, actually,” Blossom said with a light laugh. “I guess sports never really caught my interest. This isn’t so bad though,” she tilted her head toward the hoop, then gestured to the ball in her hands. “Want to take a shot at it?”

Joy had been scoffed at plenty of times for being a cheerleader, it honestly wouldn’t have upset her had it happened again, because she didn’t really care what people thought of her choices. She believed in being happy no matter what anyone else thought, and that was what she did. “I probably should’ve been doing my homework in the bleachers instead. Would’ve definitely helped with my grades.” The brunette said with a laugh, because she wasn’t a bad student, but she wasn’t an A student either. “If I thought I’d be any good at it, I would. But I know I’d suck so we’ll just save ourselves the effort.”

Every emotion that he could think of passed through his brain at the idea of someone reacting positively to his advances. This was supposed to be safe, act like a dick and no one will get close enough to touch. He looked at her, almost quizzically for the smallest of moments before letting the mask of smug defiance slide back over his features.

“Is that a challenge?” He offered, full of bravado that was too well rehearsed to be called fake. Even as his chest ached at the thought of actually having to try to hold a conversation with a woman that wasn’t his mother, he wasn’t going to give up the first chance that he had for actual companionship. “Because I’ll let you know, I’m very competitive.”

Joy could tell that he wasn’t expecting the reaction he got from her, but most of the time men weren’t expecting her reaction. Honestly, it was a strange on for a female, but she lived for attention, in any way that she could get it. Which was not healthy at all, but we digress. “It just might be.” The brunette teased, loving the game that was unfolding in front of her and she winked at him. “Competition is good for the soul. And who knows? I might even cheer you on while you try. I’ve been known to be a great cheerleader.”

“Huh?” Chihiro looked over at the sudden encouragement. She hadn’t meant to make that shot. Not really, considering sports was never really her strong suit. Running she could do that. She had pretty sturdy legs, but anything that required coordination she tended to fall short on. “Thank you! Do you want to try?” 

Joy smiled at the girl when she turned around and Joy shook her head at the offer, she was not one to embarrass herself, it was one of those things she was  afraid of but would never admit out loud. Embarrassment. “Oh no thank you. I couldn’t make that shot even if I tried my hardest. I appreciate the offer though.” She said with a big smile. “I’m Joy by the way. I’m pretty new around here.”

Blossom spun quickly, startled by the new voice. Sure, she may have had enhanced senses, but even someone like her could get lost in her own world sometimes. “Thanks,” she gave the other woman a bashful smile, a bit embarrassed to have been caught shooting hoops. A younger Blossom would have scoffed at the idea of sports — just a waste of time, really — but turns out it was a surprisingly effective way to release energy. Ever since she’d stopped using her powers, there was a buzzing, ever-present need to let it out. “It was just a lucky shot,” — lie — “I’m more used to the sidelines, to be honest.”

Joy had always been one to be on the sidelines, she was a cheerleader in high school and not much had really changed for her, she just cheered everyone on, even people she didn’t know. “Well it was a hell of a lucky shot. Some people would kill for that kind of luck.” She said with a giggle. “I’m a sideline girl myself. Always been the cheerleader, not the sports star.”

Diaval looked up at the woman smiling , she was nice to look at that was for sure although he knew full well what getting close to someone again  meant. “ Really ? Your my saving grace than dear.” He said before watching as she dug around in her purse for one, to be honest he was surprised she even had one. She didn’t seem like the type to smoke, but then again who was he to judge. Catching the lighter that she tossed his way, he lit his smoke before taking a nice long drag. “ You sure? I don’t want to be jacking your only lighter, i just left mine in my other jacket. Also don’t think ive seen you around before, I’m Diaval.” 

“Glad to save the day. I’m told making people happy is what I do best, so I just call it a job at this point.” Joy said with a grin and shook her head when he offered to give it back to her. “I don’t smoke so I don’t really need it. I just always have it in case I have to light a candle at work for a birthday.” She said with a soft laugh. “I’m pretty new here. My name is Joy, it’s nice to meet you.”