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Luther looks around at the spartan bedroom that he and Diego have been assigned. Military like cots, a couple of desks and a small bathroom with a shower. Fuss-free and efficient. He's glad that when they drew straws for sleeping arrangements that he got Diego. While they may get on each other's nerves, there is a mutual respect. Diego works just as hard and trains just as much as he does. He's also way neater than the other guys on their team. At least this time they're on the same side and he won't have to go up against Diego in the ring. Luther may be big, but Diego is fast and packs quite a punch. He's not ashamed to admit that the man has knocked him out before during sparring matches.
He looks over and finds Diego's bag neatly set at the bottom of his bed and the man himself has taken off his gear and flopped face first onto his mattress.
"Do you mind if I shower?" Luther asks, trying to be polite.
Diego doesn't move from his spot and just raises his right hand in a thumbs up.
As Luther exits the shower, washing off the grime from travel, he finds Diego sitting up in the bed with his own shower things laid out.
"Allison stopped by, said we have to go to this dinner mixer with the other teams at 6." He tells him as he makes his way to the bathroom.
Luther grunts in agreement and turns to his duffle, digging through his bag for one of the nice shirts he'd brought. Allison did tell them there would be some events they'd be expected to go to. It was a fundraising sports event after all and the organizers did want them to schmooze with some of the donors.
Luther is sitting on his bed, going over a video of one of his opponent's matches when Diego emerges from the shower, already dressed in a yellow floral print shirt.
Sometimes, Luther would like to be as adventurous as Diego when it comes to fashion, but not today. He knows he looks nice in his white shirt and navy blazer.
"That one of Alphonso's matches?" He asks, gesturing at his phone. Luther nods, pocketing the phone as he stands up.
"I've watched a few of those. Nothing seems to hurt that guy." Diego shakes head as he opened the door.
The two of them head down the hall, meeting up with their manager, Allison, at the end.
She scans the two of them and gives a short nod of approval at their outfits.
"Be nice, don't offend anyone on the first day," she points at Diego, "I mean it."
"Come on Ally, it was ONE TIME!"
Allison rolls her eyes and pats them on the shoulder in turn. "Go mingle. I've got to meet with the Hargreeves to discuss the final details of the weekend." She turns on her heel and walks away, leaving the two of them alone in a room full of strangers.
Diego quickly scans the room for a familiar face. He lights up when he spots a tall, lanky brunette.
"KLAUS!" he calls, making a beeline for the man. Luther trails along behind him.
The man in question looks up, sees Diego and breaks into a wide grin, waving frantically. When they get close enough, he yanks Diego into a tight hug.
"Gogo! It's been ages!"
Diego groans and rubs a hand over his face as he pulls away. "oh God, that's one thing I don't miss."
The man, Klaus, laughs, punching Diego playfully in the arm.
"oh my my, did you get buffer?" He asks, wrapping is hand around Diego's bicep, "YOU DID!" he crows in delight.
"I've changed my mind, I'm leaving." Diego jokes, but the smile on his face makes it clear that he's doing no such thing.
"who's your friend?" He asks, peering curiously up at Luther.
"Luther, Klaus. Klaus, Luther. Luther and I have the same manager," he says to Klaus before turning to Luther, "Klaus and I used to train at the same gym."
"Bonsoir!" Klaus chirps, smiling at Luther.
"Come on, I'll introduce you guys to my friends!" He says, waving them to follow him.
They trail after him to a group of people standing around a table, chatting.
"Guys! I ran into an old friend! This is Diego and his friend Luther."
The people at the table look up at the newcomers, most offering smiles.
Klaus introduces them all, one at a time, pointing them out.
"This is Five, he's our best at uneven bars! That's Ben, he's our PT coach. And this is Viktor- he's new, but is soooo good on the balance beam!"
He pauses, looking around. "Where's mom?"
"she had to go to the meeting, remember?" Ben says, patting Klaus on the arm.
"Mom?" Luther asks, bewildered.
"oh, Grace is our manager. But she's so sweet and takes such good care of us! We call her mom sometimes. She's not actually our mom!" Klaus explains.
Once it's clear that introductions are over, Five and Viktor fall back into a conversation about someone named Lila, who seems to be a rival gymnast.
Ben smiles at them before making excuses and heading over to a different table to talk to a dark-skinned brunette.
As Klaus and Diego catch up, and Five and Viktor continue having their own conversation, Luther wanders off towards the food and starts making himself a plate.
As he reaches for a banana, his hand runs into a small one. He looks up at the owner and his breath catches. It is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She smiles widely at him, “Hi! I’m Sloane, I’m the on-site doctor this weekend.”
Luther just gapes at her for a second, before shaking himself out of it.
“What’s up doc” he starts, mentally slapping himself for being stupid, “I-I’m Luther.”
She smiles, “Nice to meet you Luther, hopefully I don’t see you too much this weekend!” she laughs, before waving and returning the way she came.
Luther stares for a second before making a beeline for the exit. If’s he’s going to impress this doctor lady, he’s got to spend more time researching his opponents before his matches this weekend.
THE END.