Work Text:
Chen loathed the new kid. He seemed nice at first, got pranked by yours truly, but then… He took a shot for Garmadon’s son. And ruined quite a hefty part of Chen’s hard-won reputation.
Reputation that he fucking needs in order to not be screamed at by his family.
Sighing, Chen heaved his duffel bag onto his shoulder, cheer practice is next, so maybe he can vent his frustration through some workouts. Hopefully... He definitely needs it.
Motioning for Chad to follow, he waltzed towards the gym, already falling into his “brat mindset”, as he calls it himself.
There better be a better lunch tomorrow, or else I’ll tell my dad and he’ll fire whoever made today's. It was absolutely detestable. God knows how anyone can stomach that crap, or how anyone is still alive after eating it, for that-
“Alright gather around squad!” Coach Martin jovially cried. “Today we’re welcoming a new member! May I present you with Smith Forge!”
Everyone swiveled around to look at Chen, immediately.
No.
No. No. Not possible. Nononono nonono-
Cheer practice is my time.
Gritting his teeth, Chen stamped down on his frustration and gave the new kid a friendly smile and wave. What else could he do?
…Chen absolutely loathed Smith.
…
Or did he?
Throughout practice, they all got sweatier and sweatier, since they were practicing human pyramids today. And-
And Smith was hot .
And flexible.
And strong.
…And easygoing. And that damned smirk is fucking driving Chen crazy -
After innumerable trials, where Smith shows off his parkour skills, Coach Martin finally finalized the sequence. And Chen, like always, will be the one to show off at the very top of the pyramid.
But just with his luck… The sequence is supposed to end with him jumping off the stack…
…and Smith is supposed to catch him.
“First full attempt come on! We don’t have all day folks! The big game is next week!”
Smith. Is. Supposed. To catch him.
“Talking to you Chen! Gotta prepare for the football games!”
Right. Bi-panic? Go fuck off. I’m acing this run so I can leave early.
Breathing in deeply, Chen attempted to focus on the sequence, but he was always painfully aware of Smith’s position throughout the show. Now he’s bottom left. Next, he’s flipping through the loops left just for that purpose. Then he’s down below right in front, in position.
Showtime.
Leaping off the stack, Chen spun in the air as he fell. Spin, twirls…
Land.
Fuck he’s ripped.
For a split second, Chen could swear Smith had an eight-pack. Certainly felt like one.
“Pffft, you’re light as a feather! Are you eating enough?”
Startling, Chen quickly extracted himself from Smith’s bridle-styled hug.
“’Course I eat enough! You’re just-”
Unnaturally strong.
“Hmpf, the school just serves horrible food, not my fault I have standards.”