#leo006

Grant won’t say it doesn’t matter that they lost. It does. He’s competitive enough that any loss gets under his skin, especially when there were scouts in the stands to see it happen. But they’re still moving forward—and that matters more. They aren’t out of the running yet, and that’s so all encompassing, so goddamn important, that Grant still feels good as he faces down the press. Triumphant, despite everything. 

It isn’t just the Championships. Playing in a game tonight felt like coming home, so much more than simply being back in the state he was born in ever could. If there was any ever doubt that Exy was it for him, the past few weeks without it would’ve changed his mind.

He settles down in his chair beside Leo, looking out at the chaotic press of equipment and bodies before them. Grant’s disdain for the media is bred through years of unpleasant interactions with them, but there’s something to be said for the way everyone turns towards Grant and Leo right now. He doesn’t normally feel powerful in front of the cameras and microphones, but there’s no other word for it right now.  

At the beginning of Grant’s career, no one took the Foxes seriously. No one took him seriously. Now, there’s only one game between them and the semi-finals. He stood in front of the press at the first game of the season, all the way back in August, and he’s still here now. The Foxes are still here, when so many others have already flamed out and lost their footing in the Championships. Now, the same news outlets that would’ve gladly ignored or insulted them before are forced to report on the Foxes time and time again. Grant’s smile is practiced and calm, trained through over a decade of media exposure, but inside he’s viciously smug.

“First off, welcome back to Captain Rollins,”  the first reporter says. “Let’s talk about the obvious shakeup tonight. Your team lost both games, but you’ve still managed to qualify for the next death match. That’s almost unprecedented. How does that feel?”

“Well, I’m looking forward to playing the Blue Demons again,” Grant says, taking the first answer. “Other than that, I’m obviously thrilled to be moving forward. Would I have preferred to win tonight? Of course I would. But the Championships aren’t over yet.”