Blinded By Your Grace

She liked how humble he seemed about his background—no flashy rich kid vibes at all. When he brought up those "unforeseen circumstances," she noticed the slight change in his tone. Still, she chose not to focus on the subject. "That sounds rough," she said, taking a sip of her drink. "But hey, if anyone can push through it, it's probably the guy who made it to the Olympics twice already." Once she figured out he was gay, Ishani relaxed. It made talking so much easier without worrying about mixed signals. "You know what? I'd love to hear more about what it's like behind the scenes at the Olympics. I bet you've got some wild stories that never made it to TV." She perked up, actually excited to hear the inside scoop. "Unless that's like, classified athlete information or something," she added with a chuckle.

he was disappointed when it came to what happened at the last olympics but he knew that he would eventually get back on track and score the gold metal that he'd worked for. "thanks for the pep talk. i appreciate it and i'm definitely doing what i can to get back to where i was." he managed to take another sip of his drink and chuckled at her next words. "i didn't have to sign anything telling me not to talk about it, so i can tell you some behind the scenes stuff. despite the fact that it's all a competition, we actually did hang out with the other teams outside of everything. it was nice to get to know people from other countries. interesting, actually. in fact, i did make a friend from japan. we follow each other on social media and we'll talk here and there. he's a hell of a diver."

Shivani let out a slightly exasperated sigh before nodding, "okay fine, you're right--it was only funny to me, and I apologize for it." Shivani wanted to ensure the relationship with Saint stayed on good terms, not only because he was Axel's younger brother but also because he was someone she valued to have in her life as a friend as well. When he brought up the topic of playing a prank on Axel though, she found herself grinning at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "I think you're speaking my language Saint--what do you have in mind?"

Saint wasn’t going to be a jerk about it and really, he wanted to keep their relationship on good terms, especially since he assumed that shivani would be around for quite a while. As she agreed to play a prank on his brother, he couldn’t help but to smile. The two of them were definitely finding something to bond over, even something as childish as a prank. “Well, I have a key to his place from when I was staying there. What if we do something to scare him? You know, like put a blow up doll or something in his shower?”

Saint's self-doubt irritated Axel. His brother needed to give himself more credit—the guy had talent coming out of his ears. When Saint expressed happiness about his relationship with Shivi, pride swelled inside him. "Thanks. It means a lot coming from you." The way his brother thanked him for being supportive made him want to roll his eyes. Like he'd ever be anywhere else? Their bond ran deep, and seeing Saint struggle with recovery killed him inside. "You never have to thank me. That's what big brothers are for, right?" He'd always show up for his brother—no questions asked.

Saint nodded his head in response, “sure. It’s good to see you happy.” And he meant that. He was happy for his brother, especially since it’d been so long since he’d seen axel with anyone. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last he’d seen his brother in a relationship. “I know I don’t have to thank you but ya know, I appreciate you. You’ve done so much for me after everything. I feel like I should have done more to keep in contact when I was training. I’m sorry, by the way.”

it wasn't that saint was nosey but he wanted to know why his friend was smiling the way that she was and he was looking forward to hearing her talk about it. after all, he assumed that now would be a good time to maybe mention ishani. "you knew what? that you wanted her?" he teased, a smile playing on his lips. his eyes looked at the picture the other flashed in his direction and raised his eyebrows, an impressed smile came over his face. "look at you, feyza. she's gorgeous. congratulations. i may have met someone too, you know?"

She took in his muscular build while he talked about gymnastics, the pieces clicking into place. Ishani shifted on her barstool, letting out a laugh. "That actually explains a lot," she said, motioning toward his athletic frame. "The gym's clearly working for you." Saint's dimpled smile made her pause as he discussed avoiding his family's business path. "So you basically chose flips over finance? I respect that," she said. How could she not appreciate someone who followed their own dreams instead of caving to pressure? She liked how straightforward he was about his passion—no showing off, no games, just pure enthusiasm for what he loved. It was at that moment that she realized something. He was a gorgeous guy, perfectly styled, yet zero interest in flirting with her. Definitely gay. The thought made her relax even more into their conversation. It was nice to actually be able to carry on a conversation without having to worry about being hit on. “Are you planning on making a third appearance at the Olympics?”

he couldn't help but to smirk as she spoke, "you think so?" saint appreciated the compliment, that's for sure, especially when it came from someone as beautiful as she was. "exactly. i'm not into the whole money thing. i mean, it helped me when i needed it but otherwise, i don't use it as a crutch. not really, anyways." he spoke and lifted his shoulders up in a shrug. he didn't want her to think that he was some spoiled rich kid. he worked, mostly, for what he had. "ah, well," he chuckled and paused to take a sip of his drink, "that's the goal. i just had an unforeseen circumstance that i'm having to work through, is all."

Layla arched a brow as she watched him choke on his water. He wasn’t gay? How was that possible? “Oh god, I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean to make assumptions,” she said, mentally kicking herself for jumping to conclusions. The loose thread on her top suddenly became fascinating as she tried to hide her mortification. “It’s just...I’ve never seen you date anyone, and you’re always so well-dressed and put together...” Her voice trailed off as she realized she was only making it worse by falling into stereotypes. She crossed her arms defensively, wishing she could rewind the last few minutes. “I really need to learn when to keep my mouth shut,” she muttered, more to herself than to him.

saint pursed her lips and gave her a nod, "i can't say that you're the first person to have assumed. i just, you know, kind of wish that the stereotype of being a gymnast didn't follow me around." he wasn't sure if that's what it was but he wasn't exactly thrilled that this kept happening to him and he wondered if that's what was hindering his dating life. "it's cool. don't worry about it." he brushed it off. it wasn't worth focusing on. after all, she'd already said it and there was no going back.

saint chuckled, "come on, you know you want to brag about what's going on. whatever it is, it's putting a smile on your face and i'm happy for you." he was all for seeing the people in his life finding people he loved and a part of him was hoping for something similar. he wanted to settle down at some point but he hadn't had luck in that department. he was just hoping that at some point, someone will come along. "oh yeah? do you have a picture? i'm invested now and i kind of want to see who's got you wrapped around their finger."

He shook his head at his brother’s downplaying of his own abilities. The same old story—Saint always selling himself short. He wished his younger brother could see how incredible he was. Axel sure as hell wouldn’t be able to do what his brother did. “Man, you’ve got to stop doing that to yourself. We’re proud of you, competition or not.” He smiled as he thought about how far he and Shivi had gotten. “Yeah, we finally got our act together. Took us long enough…” A laugh escaped him as he bumped his shoulder against Saint’s. “Listen, I know recovery’s rough, but you’ve got this. Also, if you need anything, I’m here.”

he wasn't trying to throw himself a pity party by any means but he was just trying to let the other know that he was aware that he wasn't as successful as axel. at the end of the day, he had let everyone down by getting hurt and he hated himself for it. though, he would never say it out loud. "yeah, it did but hey, i'm happy for you guys." and he was. he was thrilled to know that his brother was happy, especially in a romantic manner. "i know you're here. i appreciate you being here whenever i need you. it means more than i will ever be able to express."

"I mean--I agree with some of the other holidays being better but you can't pretend it wasn't a little funny?" She asked with a small smile before listening to his words about his mother's ham. His words about knowing this day would come had her chuckling softly before she sighed in exaggerated relief, "I'm so glad you're aware of it Saint, you really are so much cooler," she said with a laugh, a teasing tint in her voice before shrugging and glancing around. "I'm honestly game for anything. I had a long day at the studio so I'm very much ready to unwind, what about you?"

"it's only funny when someone else is scared." saint pointed out. "me, though? i'd rather not." he wasn't upset with her though regardless. he rarely got upset, especially over something about this. he couldn't help but to grin as she went on. over all, he thought that the two of them had a pretty decent relationship and he was grateful for that. he thought about what the two of them could get into, "well," he started, "what do you think about playing a prank on axel?"

She chuckled, finding his response charming. "You look like one." Her eyes swept over his muscular frame, noting his athletic build. The revelation of his Olympic career sparked genuine interest in Ishani's expression. "Forgive my misconception, but aren't gymnasts typically smaller in stature?" The tart taste of whiskey sour lingered on her tongue while she processed his words about the Hughes family fortune. His humility about both his family name and Olympic achievements caught her attention—it spoke volumes about his character. "Two-time Olympian? That's incredible," she said, and wondered about the intense training and dedication required to reach that level. When he glossed over details about his second Olympics, she chose not to push. Some stories weren't meant to be shared with strangers at a bar. "I'm actually impressed. I've never met an Olympian before. Let alone one that could have followed in his family's footsteps.”

so, she had checked him out. that made sense, especially when so had asked whether or not he was an athlete. saint couldn't help but smile at the revelation. "i guess it depends. male gymnastics involves a lot of lifting so it's typically normal for male gymnast to be relatively built. though, since my break, i have been hitting the gym." and that was due to the fact that he couldn't do much else without his leg radiating pain. saint's smile only seemed to widen as she spoke, his dimples making an appearance. "i've been doing gymnastics since i was a kid. it was all i ever wanted to do so, i never dove into the boring business stuff that my family seems to be interested. no disrespect but it's not my thing."

She tilted her head, studying his athletic build with subtle interest while tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. Her mind wandered briefly, wondering if he spent his free time at the gym or if he was perhaps a professional athlete of some sort. "So you're an athlete?" Ishani's gaze lingered on Saint as he spoke about drama unfolding at the bar. She laughed softly, appreciating his perspective. "Saint Hughes," she repeated, letting the name sink in. "That's quite a name." She signaled to the bartender while processing his drink choice. "A Manhattan? I respect a man who knows what he likes, regardless of what others might think." She paused, when she realized why she knew that name. "Wait, Hughes as in the Hughes that owns half of Wilmington?” She asked with an arched brow, “I'll take a whiskey sour—top shelf. You mentioned competitions earlier—what's your sport? I used to travel for work too, though these days I prefer staying closer to home."

"how could you tell?" saint asked, a smile playing on his lips. saint couldn't help but wonder if she'd been checking him out and she noticed his build. "i don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. i hope it's one you'll remember." then again, there was no way to know how tonight would end or if she'd ever want to talk to him again. as charming as he could be, he didn't have as much luck with dating as most would assume. "that's…my family. i don't have anything to do with that." he wasn't the type to brag when it came to money because he didn't always feel that it was his. "my sport is gymnastics. i've been in the olympics twice." one of those times, he got injured but he decided on leaving that detail out.

"Sometimes you need to wander before finding your place. Wilmington has that effect on people," Ishani said, taking another sip of her drink. For years she aimlessly traveled, to avoid dealing with her trauma. Thoughts of her family and friends finally pulled her back when she'd finally gotten tired of running. Even now, sitting at her own bar, she was grateful for how this city had given her a second chance at rebuilding herself. "Yeah, reporting was great. Let's just say I needed a change of pace," she replied with a small smile. "Running Soundwave does give me more freedom. The best part is, the stories come to me now instead of the other way around." His question about drinks made her chuckle. "Depends on who's asking," she teased. "But since you seem like decent company… I might make an exception." She extended her hand. "I'm Ishani, by the way. Think it's about time I got your name, especially if you're planning to buy me that drink."

“I guess you’re right. I mostly traveled for my job and for different competitions.” That was, until he broke his leg. He decided to leave that part out though. After all, she didn’t ask and as much as he wanted to get to know the pretty owner of the bar, he didn’t think that was the conversation that was going to make her interested in him. “Hell yeah. I get it. Now you get to watch everything unfold in front of you. You’re like front seat to all the drama and gossip of Wilmington.” And he could only imagine the things that she’d come into contact with. He chuckled as she spoke and followed the sound with his hand grabbing hers to shake it. “I’m saint. Saint Hughes.” He introduced and slowly let go of her hand, his eyes meeting hers. “So, what’s your poison? Whatever it is, it’s on me. I’ll take another Manhattan, myself. Please.” Sure, maybe his choice of drink was a little feminine but he didn’t think that meant anything. Though, he didn’t think about how it might look to others.

"halloween is over, shiv. we've moved on to better holidays. you know, like thanksgiving. i can't wait to eat my mom's honey baked ham." that was a family even he never missed. he always tried coming around whenever he could but he knew he could actually make more of an effort than he did. he kept that part to himself though. as she asked him to hang out, "you know, i knew this day would come. we both know i'm a lot cooler than axel." he joked. he figured he might as well have some sort of relationship with her. after all, she wasn't going anywhere any time soon. "what do you have in mind anyways?"

He scoffed at Saint's dismissive comment, rolling his eyes. "Shut up, we absolutely miss you. Mom literally asks about you every five minutes when you're not there." His younger brother had always been like this—downplaying his importance to the family, especially after everything that happened with Mom. It killed him to see his brother pull away. A stupid smile appeared, and Axel added, "Yeah? What made you so sure about that?" A group of kids ran past them screaming, and he stepped closer to his brother, lowering his voice. "Things are great. We made it official and finally told mom and I gave her a promise ring." He studied Saint's profile, concerned about how distant he'd been lately. "And don't give me that 'staying busy' crap. What's really going on with you?"

due to his choice to not follow in the family footsteps, he assumed that he wasn't all that important when it came to the hughes household. no one came out right and said that and no one ever treated him that way but he just felt as though, sometimes, he was the disappointment of the family despite his past success. "that's good. we always knew it was going to happen but it was just a matter of when. i know i'm not the only one that saw the potential between the two of you." he spoke as he walked along with his brother. "i'm alright, really. i'm just trying to get back up there to where i was so i can compete again. it's definitely not as easy as it used to be."

She snorted at his comment about finding out, and shook her head, trying to brush off the awkwardness she'd created. "Look at you having a big head." She rolled her eyes, "Nice try but I'd rather not. Besides, I always thought you like dudes or am I wrong?" The question slipped out before she could stop it. Her fingers played with the hem of her workout top, suddenly very interested in a loose thread. The whole conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and she blamed her lack of filter. Still, curiosity got the better of her as she waited for his response, wondering if her assumptions about him had been completely off base.

"hey, i'm just saying." saint replied and shifted down to grab his bottle of water before taking a sip. that's when he almost choked on what he was drinking. he didn't think layla of all people would assume that he was gay. "no," he replied, wiping his mouth, "i'm not interested in guys. i mean, no hate for those who are but that isn't my thing. i'm straight." though, maybe he shouldn't be surprised. gymnastics wasn't seen in the same light that football was or basketball. he just wished he knew what it was that tipped people off and why it was they managed to assume that he was gay.

saint wasn't always like that. nosey, that is but he noticed a positive change in his friend's behavior and so he had to ask what it was that was going on in her life to change her attitude the way that it did. not that she was ever bitter but still, she was actually different. "i'm just curious. come on, i won't tell anyone. who am i going to tell anyways?" he asked, a chuckle spilling past his lips. "oh, yeah? congratulations, fey. what's she like?"