#isy fic

Bambi is squeezing your arm and pointing at things. You smile and nod at what she is pointing at. Even though she only knows some sign language thanks to you, you have picked up on her cues of pointing or mimicking things. She hasn’t stopped texting you nonstop about this game, saying how excited she is. Which is weird because she is not into basketball, or at least has never told you she was. It makes you happy that she is excited about something.

Matt looks at you, sweet as ever, and starts to sign out each word individually. “My brother is on the team. He got us floor seats.”

You nod softly, pausing. You face Matt and sign the words “brother” and “team”, showing him the correct signs for it. You grin as he repeats the signs. When he does it correctly, you sign “yes”. You are teaching him little by little, trying not to overwhelm him with thousands of signs all at once.

You love that Matt wants to know how to sign. It’s not that often someone really wants to learn. Most days are frustrating because you feel nobody ever really tries to learn how to talk to you, but then you met Bambi and Matt. They showed you that people do care and are willing to try.

When you get to your seats, your eyes widen. The court is jaw-dropping. The bright floodlights reflect off polished wood, players darting by in streaks of color, coaches gesturing wildly at the players. Every movement sends little vibrations through the seats and floor. You watch Matt carefully settle Bambi into her seat. It’s chaotic, but there’s something beautiful about watching all the movement without any sound.

Matt comes back over and tugs your arm softly, pointing to your seat. You look at him, shocked. He just laughs and nods. You both walk over, and you sit down next to Bambi. Your mouth is open as you take in the fact that you are actually sitting right there next to the court, behind the player’s bench.

You quickly pull your phone out to say something to both Matt and Bambi.

Mouse: This is awesome… except I know NOTHING about basketball. Plus, I’m going to be so lost.

Bambi grabs the phone, putting a finger up to tell you to hold on. You watch as she types.

Bambi: Don’t worry. We have it covered.

You furrow your brows, unsure of what she means. You look around, and suddenly there is a lady waving to you in a black shirt—a sign language interpreter. The lady signs, “I’ll be here the whole time.”

You look at Bambi, and she points to Matt. He’s blushing slightly and grabs your phone, typing.

Matt: I may have asked her if she could move a bit more this way. Didn’t think she would, but we got lucky that she has a co-worker with her tonight to cover the other side.

Relief floods you. You reach over and grab Matt’s hand, squeezing it as a silent thank you. He always knows how to make others feel included. You give Bambi a quick hug and type back for both of them.

Mouse: I love you guys. Thank you.

The players race onto the court, and you realize the game is starting. You split your attention between the interpreter’s hands. Her fingers are a blur as she signs what is going on, trying to keep up with the fast game. It’s a mental whirlwind, but you catch enough: a foul here, a point there, the way the crowd jumps up in waves of excitement. For once, you’re part of the experience.

You jump when Matt suddenly stands, arms waving. His mouth moves quickly, eyes narrowed at the court. The interpreter signs furiously: "That was a foul on my brother!" You giggle at how protective Matt is, his loyalty loud even without a voice.

A few minutes later, Matt nudges you and points somewhere. When you look, you see a cotton candy man. Matt raises an eyebrow, and you nod. He buys you a thing of cotton candy. When you take a bite, you close your eyes in satisfaction. Looking over to sign thank you, you notice Bambi and how bummed she looks. Your heart hurts because you know she’s not allowed any of this.

You grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze, a silent but affectionate way to apologize. Bambi smiles and just leans the side of her head against yours for a moment. She grabs your phone and types.

Bambi: Might not be able to eat it, but I sure can smell it.

It makes you laugh at how easygoing she really can be. You nod and hold it out, letting her sniff it. This is your friendship in a nutshell. Weird, but it is perfect for both of you. Bambi rubs her tummy playfully, and you both then focus back on the game.

Halftime comes around before you even know it. Matt tugs gently on your arm. He signs “meet” and “brother” to you. As you all stand up, you link arms with Bambi again, and both of you follow Matt. All three of you walk through the maze of hallways before finally coming to a long hallway, and then you finally get to the locker room where the players go to reconvene before the next half. Matt puts up a finger to say “hold on”, and he disappears inside for a second.

As you wait, you look around. You see pictures of the players on the wall. You walk over with Bambi and point at a picture of Chris. When you look at her, you sign his name. She leans against the wall, nods, and pulls her phone out. You watch quietly as she bites her lip in concentration. Finally, she signs “triplet”. You smile and nod, understanding that’s why Matt and he look so similar.

Matt finally comes back out and waves you both over. You follow quietly behind him, going through a maze of dirty clothes on the floor and sneakers. When you finally get to where he wants you, you immediately find an empty spot on a bench for Bambi. You pat her head lovingly as she smiles, then you face Matt again. There’s a vibration under your feet, so you know music of some sort is playing.

Just as you are about to sign a question mark towards Matt, asking him what’s going on, Chris turns around a corner, and you freeze. He’s not super tall, but tall enough compared to your height of 5 feet. He has muscles that aren’t obnoxious, and he looks exhausted, but also pumped full of energy again. He has this slight detached, focused look on his face as you stare towards him.

Chris looks toward Bambi, then Matt, and then you. His eyes stay on you for a moment, but his expression stays distant, almost empty. After a second, he offers a small nod. His mind is probably already wandering to the game, getting prepared for the second half.

“I’m assuming you are the friend that Matt said Bambi was bringing?” His eyebrow raises.

You furrow your eyebrows as you squint, trying to read his lips. It’s a new skill you are trying to learn, but since you didn’t do it when you were younger, it’s more of a challenge. You are able to pick up on some words, like just now you picked up “Bambi”, “Matt”, and “friend”.  You look behind you at Bambi and Matt who are smiling sadly, and you realize they didn’t warn Chris about you being deaf.

You face back towards Chris and start signing, “I am deaf. I need you to repeat that in sign language, please.”

Chris stares, a slight look of confusion and shock showing on his face. He has no idea what you just signed. He looks toward Matt, who briefly explains that you are deaf and most of the time you use your phone or paper to communicate with people who don’t know how to sign. Chris nods slowly, pulling his phone out and typing something.

Chris: Sorry. Didn’t know.

You nod shyly. Typing back.

Mouse: It’s okay. I am trying to read lips, but it’s hard. You are doing really well. I don’t know much about basketball, but it looks like you’re playing well.

Chris gives a quick smile and a thumbs up, then turns his attention back to Matt, not even giving you much of a chance to say anything else to him. You go sit next to Bambi, feeling a little awkward. Chris doesn’t get any closer to you, but he does look at you every once in a while.

You three head back to your seats for the second half. This time, you watch Chris with a new perspective. His movements are sharp and focused, barking out orders to the team, clapping teammates on the back, snatching every opportunity to shoot. When the crowd rises, he lifts his arms, feeding off their energy, but always keeps a layer of distance. His dedication to the game radiates from every step.

After the game, the four of you are walking out. Matt and Bambi have their arms linked together. You think it’s the cutest but most insufferable thing ever. It’s clear they like each other, and it drives you mad that they don’t even admit it.

You are lost in thought when Chris lightly bumps your arm to get your attention. You look up at him and tilt your head. He looks at you, and for once you can’t understand why he is so distant and cold towards you. You both just met each other.

Matt must have told him my ways of communicating because he brings his phone out and types.

Chris: Do you even have a name?

You don’t react. What question is that? You take the phone and type slowly.

Mouse: Most people call me Mouse. But my actual name is [Y/N].

Chris: Because you are quiet like a mouse?

Mouse: Yeah. I guess? Bambi came up with it. It just stuck.

As you hand the phone back, Chris just looks at it. His facial expressions masked from you. So you take matters into your own hands and show him the sign for “mouse” and then point to yourself. Chris doesn’t repeat the sign, just looks down. When he looks back up, all he does is nod.

Leaving you confused and very frustrated at how much of an asshole he was being, you feel Matt nudge you and point to the car, silently saying it’s time to go because Bambi is tired. You nod, walking to the car door. When you turn around, you see Matt and Chris talking. It’s confusing because Matt looks concerned and they both keep looking back at you. As you get into the backseat and buckle your seatbelt, Bambi faces you and smiles sadly.

You look at her, confused, and sign, “What’s wrong?”

She sighs and signs, “Chris.”

You tilt your head, not understanding what she means. You open your phone and just text her.

Mouse: What about him?

Bambi: He just broke up with his girlfriend. She was a bitch. He swore off relationships. I saw how you looked when he was being an ass.

Mouse: I didn’t do anything. I just met him. Sorry for thinking he’d be friendly?

Bambi gives you a look.

Bambi: You might be deaf, but your face says everything sometimes. He wants to focus on basketball. Don’t let him get to you. He needs to figure his shit out first, and you deserve someone who wants you.

You look down, not answering back. You lock your phone and let the gentle rumble of the car lull you. The night replays in flashes: the vibrant chaos of the arena, Bambi’s smiles, Matt’s kindness, Chris’s coldness. You promise yourself you’ll keep your guard up. He’s focused on basketball. You deserve someone who sees you. Still, deep down, a small hope flickers.

M yaps: So eeeekkk here we go!!! (yes, I know, "M why are you doing a 3rd AU?" I'm a crackhead ok? Just deal with lol)

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As always: Have a great day, be kind -M

A group of girls walked by, voices cheerful and fast as they discussed the class and an essay deadline. Chris listened, but the academic conversation felt like white noise. He wasn’t part of that world, so he didn’t understand. He subconsciously tugged at his shirt, trying to make himself smaller. His phone vibrated in his palm. He glanced down at Bambi’s screenshot of Mouse’s schedule, her last message punctuated by a winking emoji and the words: Don’t fuck this up again. He read it twice, feeling the words settling into him.

He rolls his shoulders and types back.

Chris: I will not fuck this up. Trust.

Bambi: That statement alone worries me.

Chris: Ouch. Rude.

She didn’t reply. Chris slipped his phone into his pocket and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. Why was he so nervous? He’d apologized to all sorts of people before—coaches, teachers, exes. But this felt different. Mouse was someone who caught his eye in just one night. He needed her to understand he wasn’t an asshole because of her, but because he was drowning, his life moving faster than he could keep up. He needed to focus for once, to hold onto something real. Not be distracted by frivolous things.

He’d spent last night rehearsing what he would say, mumbling to himself in the mirror: "I’m sorry. I was a jerk. I want to start over." Simple, but every time he imagined typing it to Mouse, he hesitated, overthinking the words. He didn't just want to apologize. He wanted her to know that he meant it.

But he was here now, and it was going to happen even if he was nervous.

Suddenly, the tall doors of the building swung open, and Mouse stepped out. Her backpack hung off one shoulder, her hair down in soft curls that caught the last rays of sun and flowed softly with the breeze. She paused on the steps, scanning the campus, and her gaze landed on Chris instantly. Her eyebrows furrowed, then narrowed, as if replaying the basketball game in her mind—the moment everything went sideways.

Chris froze, taking her in. The soft pink baby doll top suited her, making her stand out against the gray stone. It did something strange to his stomach. He wondered what she’d look like in every color, wondered if he’d ever see her wear one again. He shifted his feet awkwardly, running a hand through his hair, feeling shy.

Mouse took slow steps toward him, her expression unreadable. She pulled out her phone as she got closer, fingers moving with ease. Chris offered a small smile, but she didn’t return it. Her eyes were cautious, her mouth set in a flat line. She began typing, the glow of the screen lighting her features.

Mouse: I believe you are at the wrong place.

Chris’s smile falters. He knew she’d be mad, but he didn’t think she would be so cold. His hand gently grabs her phone and types.

Chris: I know. I asked Bambi where you’d be. I wanted to tell you something.

Mouse looked up, showing Chris the sign for “Bambi.” He nodded and repeated it, fumbling but eager. She gave him a go-ahead gesture, signaling she was ready for whatever came next. What happened surprised her and warmed her heart. Though she tried not to show it.

Chris blushed, his hands shaking as he tried to say and sign, "I’m sorry." The words caught in his throat, and his attempt at the sign was a fumbling mess.

Mouse let out a soft laugh and gently grabbed his hand, guiding his fingers to re-form the correct sign for "sorry." Chris looked at her, embarrassed and confused, his cheeks burning. She started to type, her smile lingering.

Mouse: You just signed “I’m please” lol

Chris turns bright red and laughs nervously. He grabs the phone.

Chris: Great. Even my apology sucks. I’m sorry, Mouse. I was a complete asshole.

Mouse looked at him and smiled, giving a small nod.

Mouse: Yeah. You were a dick. I’m shocked you are related to Matt.

Chris frowns. You don’t realize how badly reading that just hurt him. It reminds him of his ex and how she took every opportunity to compare him to Nick or Matt. Never letting him just be his own person.

Chris: Ok, ouch. I am my own person, you know.

Mouse: I’m aware. Just saying.

Chris watched Mouse as she read his words. Her posture changed, and her brow furrowed in confusion. He wondered what she might be thinking. Maybe remembering things Bambi had said about him, or the way he’d acted in the past. Chris could only hope she believed he was trying to change, even if he wasn’t sure she did.

Mouse: Why are you doing this? What’s the catch?

Chris winced. He isn’t surprised that you are hesitant or skeptical of his actions. Clearly, the way he treated you a couple of nights ago is very different than right now. But a gnawing feeling makes him want to explain. He wants you to understand.

Chris: I just felt bad. You caught me at a bad time. I just broke up with my girlfriend. Told myself there would be no more distractions other than basketball and family. Then you showed up.

Mouse froze as she read his message, and Chris noticed a redness going up her neck. She looked up at him, her expression a mix of surprise. Chris thought he must have said the wrong thing, but he wasn’t sure what.

Mouse: So I’m a distraction?

Chris: God no! Shit. I suck at this. Getting close to someone, even in a friendly way, is hard. But, look, I just want to start over. Can we, please?

They looked at each other for a moment. Chris tried to make sure she knew he was serious, holding her gaze, and after a pause, Mouse gave a tiny nod. His smile grew as she agreed. Mouse signed something. Chris felt a stab of frustration at his ignorance of what she signed. He had no idea. Mouse pointed to the words “start over” on her phone, and Chris quickly nodded, attempting to copy her sign. It wasn’t a bad attempt, but he knew he’d need practice.

Mouse: We need to work on that.

Chris looks at you and frowns. He can see the irritation on your face, the way you're standing tensely. He touches your shoulder gently and asks, “What’s wrong?”

Mouse watched his lips and squinted, so Chris repeated his question, exaggerating the words until she finally understood.

Mouse: It’s hard talking to a person who can hear. I feel like nobody understands how hard it is sometimes. Typing gets old and complicated. Signing is frustrating to anyone who isn’t deaf and doesn’t know it. I suck at reading lips. It’s just a lot.

Chris read what Mouse wrote quietly, his frown deepening with every line. Before he could type anything, he reached out and pulled her into a tight hug. Mouse froze in surprise, but after a moment, she hugged him back, her arms gentle around his neck. Chris could feel her heartbeat quicken against his chest, and for a moment, he thought of nothing else but that.

When Mouse pulled away, Chris signed the word “friends.” She nodded slowly, looking surprised that he got it right. Chris felt a small surge of pride. He was learning, and for once, doing something that mattered.

Chris: I told you. I’m sorry. I want to be friends. I looked up some signs. I’m trying.

Mouse: That’s really sweet. Most people would just say sorry and then move on.

Chris shook his head and squeezed Mouse's shoulder.

Chris: I’m not most people. I mean what I say, and I stand behind it.

Mouse smiled softly and nodded, then put her phone away and pointed toward the direction of her dorm. Chris smiled and held out his hand in a "lead the way" gesture. As they walked, Chris watched how Mouse interacted with friends who waved or signed short greetings. He noticed how she sometimes seemed to shrink when some people didn’t know what to sign after asking how she was, or when they didn’t move past “hi.” Chris wondered what it would be like to live in her world, and whether she wished things were different.

They walked up to the dorm room, and Mouse faced Chris. His hands were in his pockets, and he looked almost shy. So different from his ego on the basketball court. Mouse gave a small nod, put her backpack down, pulled out a piece of paper, and scribbled her number. Chris looked at it, smiled, and mouthed “thank you.”

She pulled her phone back out one last time.

Mouse: My number. If you ever want to, just, ya know, grab food or whatever. Friend things.

Chris laughs softly and nods. He types back fast.

Chris: Yeah, of course. I want to ask if I can do anything to make it up for being an ass. I feel just apologizing isn’t enough.

Mouse tapped her chin and considered his offer. Chris watched her, wondering what she was thinking. Maybe weighing options, trying to keep things friendly. Finally, Mouse smiled wide, took her phone back eagerly, and her fingers flew across the screen.

Mouse: There’s a Deaf event at Bean and Brew downtown. Friday night. I want you to see my world for once.  See how everyone is so nice, but we always get overlooked sometimes.

Chris blinks as he reads it. Hesitantly, he types back.

Chris: A Deaf event? So, everyone signs?

Mouse smirked at the look on his face. Chris guessed she could see his nerves, but he also hoped she'd notice his determination.

Mouse: Scared? I won’t leave you by yourself. Or is it too much for you, Mr. Basketball star?

Chris's eyes snapped to hers, flaring with some unspoken emotion. He wondered if Mouse could sense how much this all meant to him, and if she felt the same tension he did in that moment.

Chris: I’ll be there.

Mouse nodded and grabbed her things, waving goodbye and making a texting motion so Chris knew to message her later. As she walked inside, Chris watched her go, an unfamiliar feeling pulsing through him. One he hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

He walked back to his car on the other side of campus, thinking about Mouse. Even though she didn't seem to have many friends, she never looked out of place. She carried this quiet confidence, even if she didn’t realize it herself. Chris wondered what it would be like to live in her world for a day, and he felt a flicker of panic when he realized he’d soon get a glimpse on Friday night.

Once he gets home, he says hi to Nick and wanders upstairs to his room. He sits at his computer and starts searching anything and everything about ASL. He watches every video with intense concentration, mimicking the motions over and over until he thinks he can do it without any help. He works through the finger cramps and the mental exhaustion, practicing simple sentences over and over in a mirror. As he did that, he pictured Mouse’s reaction to him signing full sentences, and he smiled.

Between practice, though, his mind wanders to his ex-girlfriend Amanda and how things ended. He knew it wasn’t the best relationship, very toxic and controlling on her part. So it makes him wonder if he ever really can let someone in, let them see parts of him that nobody has, and be happy while doing it. It’s not that he doesn’t want love or a relationship one day. It's just that, based on his history, he always finds the bad ones, and it’s scary to keep repeating it. But Mouse seems to see him as an actual person who feels things and looks past the front he puts out there. It terrifies him and excites him all at once.

By the time Wednesday rolls around, Chris is in a full-on panic. He only has two more days to practice before he’s at the event with you. Matt and Nick have been giving him a really tough time about it. Claiming that he likes Mouse and that it’s a date, which Chris shuts down instantly. Just friends. He and Mouse are only friends. He swore off girlfriends. He texts Bambi late one night.

Chris: Bambi. You have got to help me.

Bambi: Uh, with what exactly?

Chris: I learned the alphabet and some signs for the Deaf event. I need you to quiz me tomorrow. I can’t fuck this up.

Chris watches the bubbles pop up and then disappear about four times. Finally, another message comes through.

Bambi: So Matt wasn’t lying…. You really learned sign language for Mouse. I’m actually impressed.

Chris: This is her world. I’m trying to be kind and learn more about it. I wanted to surprise her on Friday.

Bambi never texts back, but honestly, Chris expected that. She deals with a lot in her own life, so he's learned not to badger her and just takes whatever replies he can get from her. Plus she’s probably off with Matt doing god-knows-what. He knew he’d never be fluent like Mouse, but this was more than he’d ever done for anyone. Even his own past girlfriends.

As he lies in bed that night, he can only hope that Mouse finds it impressive and that they really can be friends. He is still trying to figure out why impressing her is such a big deal to him, and that thought alone scares him because he knows that he might have some sort of feelings towards her while barely knowing her.

M yaps: Working hard over here y'all.... I just love Mouse and Chris

If you want to join the tag list for this series comment “🤟🏼”

╰┈➤ Likes/reblogs are greatly appreciated!

╰┈➤ Everything tag list 2

╰┈➤ Smut tag list

╰┈➤ Fluff/angst tag list

╰┈➤ Masterlist here!

As always: Have a great day, be kind -M