Chapter Text
Willow screamed when she got the flags in her hand onto the post at the end of the field. The Emerald Entrails were down three to one, leaving only the valiant captain on the field to carve out the victory.
She uncrossed her ankles and lifted her hands from Clover just long enough to catch air and stand upright on her staff to wave at the rest of her team spilling out onto the field to intercept her. She fell back towards them, smiling as her hair fluttered around her face before a strong pair of arms broke her fall.
“Congratulations, Captain,” Hunter said, smiling tenderly at her.
She was beaming up at him, though, and pulled herself up on his shoulders to press a kiss onto his lips. “Thank you for catching me, Honeybunch,” she giggled, swinging her leg over his hands and coming over to hug the rest of the team.
“Great play! It’s like you were reading my mind!” Skara said, running up to jump into Willow’s arms. She spun her around and set her back down gently, laughing all the way through.
“You taught me all the best strats, you know!” Willow said.
Viney came up next and squeezed Willow next. “You did such a good job!” she said, then it was Gus’ turn to come up to her.
“I really thought it was just gonna be the two of us left out there! I’m glad you were able to bring it back from there,” he said, letting out a sigh.
Willow wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. “You played a good game, too, Gus. Those guys were really tough,” she said. “But we wouldn’t be here without everyone’s contributions! So come on, team! Let’s go celebrate!”
Willow waved to her dads in the crowd and herded the rest of her team towards the locker rooms. While everyone else pressed ahead, though, Hunter stayed behind with her.
“Are you upset you got taken out of play so early?” she asked in a sweet, hushed tone when she reached out to hold his hand.
He smiled shyly and shook his head. “I think I’m in my retirement season, you know?” he said. “Just basking in it. I had a good run.”
Willow nodded along. Hunter was going to graduate from Hexside that year and had no intentions of continuing to play after leaving the Emerald Entrails. He had a nice apprenticeship lined up. She just wanted him to be happy. “You sure did, Hunter,” she assured him, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You’re still going to come and watch us when you’re done playing, though, right?”
He chuckled. “Of course,” he assured her. “Gotta make sure I see every one of Willow Park’s wins. They’re going to be important history someday.”
She returned his laugh. “Sure, sure,” she said. “It’ll always be nice to have you around.”
He bumped his forehead against hers. “Let’s not keep everyone waiting. I’ll see you outside.”