Chapter Text
May 2021
French national women’s basketball team training, 2021 — Bourges, France
The first time she met Gabby face to face was the moment she knew she was done for. It was the day before the first official training in May 2021, and she’d gone to the gym for a quick shootaround, just to get a feel of the court.
“Hi, I’m Gabby!” The younger girl was beaming, eyes shining as she spoke. Marine wasn’t even sure if she realised she was subtly flexing her biceps, tattoos shifting with every movement.
They’d met before, obviously—they’d played in the same league for the past year, it was impossible not to—but had never spoken to one another. And Marine wasn’t sure if that was for the better or worse, because she wasn't almost 100% certain that 24 year old Marine would have crumbled.
Probably because 26 year old Marine was doing the same.
“I’m Marine.” The blonde did her best to smile warmly, masking barely concealed panic.
“I know.” Gabby grinned. The basketball in Gabby’s hands rustled with every shift. ”You’re really good.” Gabby added awkwardly. She was terrible at this socialising thing.
“Thank you. You’re not too bad, either.” Marine softened. The fluorescent gym lights that were glaring at them seemed to bend and turn warmer.
”I just…try.”
After a pause, Marine spoke again.
“Your accent is terrible.”
“Gee, thanks.” Gabby grumbled sarcastically, but the corner of her mouth twitched, turning upwards ever so slightly. She started walking to the currently vacant court, pausing when Marine didn’t follow.
“C’mon. Show me what you’ve got.” She threw the ball at the blonde, who raised an eyebrow but caught it anyways.
“You are very cocky.” Marine mused, letting the ball slip from her fingertips and back into her palm.
“It’s called confidence, Johannès. You should try it.”
“Being good is enough for me.” Marine tilted her head, her usually docile and gentle demeanour solidifying.
“To 11?” Gabby asked, taking her place on the court.
“11.” Marine confirmed, standing in front of Gabby.
She bounced the ball into Gabby’s hands, the younger girl immediately returning it back.
Gabby knew Marine was good.
She didn’t know she was this good, though.
The blonde gave Gabby a mere millisecond before stepping back and letting the ball fly.
Pure net.
The ball was returned to Marine for her second possession, but Gabby was quicker this time. When Marine drove towards the basket for what would’ve been a layup, Gabby was right there, hand hovering over and whacking the ball from the air.
Gabby got possession next, getting an easy mid-range shot from just in front of the three-point line. Marine muttered something that sounded suspiciously like merde under her breath. They went back and forth for what felt like hours—but was probably more like 20 minutes—trading shots and blocks until the score was tied 9 all, Marine’s possession.
And this time, Marine didn’t even pause, finding space just beyond the seam and letting it fly, one leg hovering.
The ball rattled in.
12-7, Marine.
And Gabby looked…weirdly pleased for someone who just lost. They stared at each other for a moment, both of them resting their hands on their hips, soft pants echoing in the gym.
“Good game.” Gabby grinned, offering a handshake. Marine paused for a split second, then skipped right past the handshake and gave Gabby a side hug.
“Good game.” Marine said softly, accent warm and—oh.
Was that what it was meant to feel like?
The first day of official practice told Gabby exactly how screwed she was.
The coach started them in a scrimmage, putting Gabby and Marine together.
“Americans…the play style is different, you both know this. You must show them, so they are not surprised when they see it during the Olympics.” He explained, French quick and to the point.
Marine was completely focused as she nodded, while Gabby internally said a silent prayer to the French gods because her French was rusty.
When the game started, though, one thing very quickly became clear: Marine and Gabby were good together. Freakishly good, actually.
One of the older players, Valeriane, even asked teasingly if they’d already trained together after Marine made behind the back pass to Gabby, who drained an easy shot from the free throw line.
Gabby had just shrugged, stuck her tongue out, and ran back on defense.
Dinner went about as well as expected for a group of people who’d never met.
Even on their first day, a few definitive groups had already formed—Gabby stuck to Marine, because that was all she really knew, and Marine just let it happen. The rest of the team broke into their own little groups of three or four.
During dinner, Marine and Gabby went to a local restaurant that Marine swore by.
“It’s really good.” She paused, staring at Gabby for a second, “We seriously need to fix your accent.” And then proceeded to continue walking.
”Wh—Where did that come from?” Gabby asked, offended and trailing behind.
“It’s terrible. Repeat what you just said?” Gabby did, repeating her previous sentence as correctly as she could. Marine shook her head.
“D'où. Not D'où.” Marine chided.
“That’s the same thing?!” Gabby argued indignantly.
“Oh, hey, your accent is better when you’re angry.” Marine hummed approvingly. “How very French of you.”
“Whatever. Can we eat yet?” Gabby huffed, Marine giggling to herself while slowing down to walk side by side with Gabby.
“Fine.”
When she made it back to her hotel room that night, Gabby was panicking. So, she did what any sane person would do.
”Stef?” Her best friend grinned as the call connected.
”Gabby! What’s up?”
”How’d you know you liked girls?” Gabby watched Stef’s eyes light up.
”Oh my god it’s happening!” Stefanie squealed before settling, “So who turned my little baby gay, huh?”
”First of all, not your baby.” Gabby grumbled. “Second of all, that’s still…I’m working it out. That’s why I’m here.”
Stefanie softened.
”It’s scary, isn’t it? Gabby buried her face in her hands, nodding.
”I feel like I’m exploding but at the same time I feel so light. I’ve known the woman two seconds, Stef. I cannot be acting this way.”
”My sweet little Gabby, you’ve got it figured out.” Stefanie cooed.
”I really don’t.” Gabby groaned.
”I dunno, it sounds pretty clear to me that you like her, but maybe that’s just me.” Stefanie shrugged. “You don’t need to decide now. It’s stressful, and weird, and you feel like everything is going a million miles an hour, and you have national team stuff to worry about on top of that. Just let it be. See what happens. You never know.”
”No wonder your nickname is Big Mama.” Gabby marvelled. “Thanks, Stef.”
”Anytime!” The older beamed. “So, how’s France? Besides the whole…situation.”
”Honestly? Amazing. It really does just feel right.” Gabby sighed dreamily.
”Are you eating enough? Drinking enough water? Did you remember to—”
”Yes, Stef. I'm eating healthy. I'm drinking water. I've taken my medicine. Calm down.” Gabby laughed.
”Just making sure.” The older shrugged shamelessly.
”I know.” Gabby smiled softly. “Thank you for that.”
”Don’t be too hard on yourself, Gabs. It’s gonna be alright.” Gabby nodded.
”I know.”
June 2021, post-Eurobasket finals
Gabby was pissed.
She’d played 20 whole minutes, Marine played 30. They’d been doing so well, winning and winning and the one game that matters the most they fuck it all up.
The moment she was in the locker room, her anger started manifesting physically.
Slamming her locker door, shoving her shoes into her bag, yanking off her jersey like it’d wronged her.
Her teammates, wisely, kept their distance. They kept to their clusters, chattering amongst themselves, all mostly over the loss already. Gabby's skin itched with infuriation.
After, when their coach came in to debrief them, Gabby was still visibly ticked off.
One leg bouncing, leaning back against her chair, arms crossed, nails digging into her skin, biting her tongue.
Marine was quick to catch on.
She gave Gabby space at first, like everyone else did, figuring she’d probably cool down with time. She observed from afar, studying Gabby's body language like it was the only language she waned to learn.
When she kicked her shoes off with too much force and threw her sweat-stained jersey angrily onto her chair, Marine decided it was time to intervene.
”Gabby.” Marine stood behind the taller girl, who had been taking something from her locker. She turned to look at Marine with a raised eyebrow. ”Come.”
Marine wordlessly walked off to the showers, waiting for Gabby to follow. The team watched curiously, but kept quiet.
”You need to calm down.” Marine said firmly the moment Gabby walked in.
”I have every right to be pissed.” Gabby scowled. She crossed her arms stubbornly.
”You do, but that doesn’t mean you stay upset. It means you try and calm yourself down. Something you clearly aren’t doing.” Marine stared at her pointedly.
”We lost the finals, Marine. Are you not pissed?”
”Of course I was. Upset, angry—all of it. But raging—and aggravating everyone else—isn’t helping anyone.” Marine said, not unkindly.
”Not used to losing.” Gabby muttered, darting her gaze away, hands falling limply to her sides. Marine could see her letting her guard down.
”I know. American.” Marine said dryly. Gabby let out a short laugh, sobering quickly.
”It’s just…losing was always such a big deal for me. Don’t know how to do it, really. Even in the W, it was so scary for me to lose.” Marine softened.
”That comes with time.”
”I don’t know, Mar.” Gabby sighed, looking helplessly at the older girl. ”It feels like it’s my fault every time. Learning to lose feels…weak.”
”It’s stronger than bottling it all up, and definitely stronger than taking it out on your poor locker.” Marine said firmly. ”Trust me?” Gabby nodded wordlessly, so Marine reached out, hugging her.
”You aren’t alone.” Marine whispered, squeezing Gabby tight, ”Never again.”
August 2021, Day before bronze medal Olympic game
Gabby wasn’t quite sure when this shift occurred.
The one where Marine and her were inseparable. They roomed together, ate together, sat together on the bus and plane—it got to a point where if one was without the other, it was more concerning.
The one where Marine was playing hopscotch with the line between platonic and something more.
It was in the small things—Marine’s fingers barely grazing her cheek after a bad loss, listening to her ramble about Halleberry and cooing at the pictures, bringing her food when they had a particularly bad practice, getting into Gabby’s bed and falling asleep there during away games—it was just subtle enough to be seen as platonic, but it was starting to drive Gabby mad.
She wasn’t complaining, though. After all, there really wasn’t anything to complain about.
Marine was sweet, funny, kind, stubborn—so what if she let herself indulge a little?
She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel, though. More often than not, she’d stare at the ceiling and see Marine. She’d imagine Marine’s hands grazing over skin, head resting on her shoulder, and everything felt a little lighter.
But she didn’t know how to do this. The whole “being with a girl” thing wasn’t something she’d even considered, not until she met Marine. She had nothing against it—she couldn’t, really—it was just new territory. Scary territory.
She planned on crossing that bridge when—no, if she got to it. In the meantime, she was soaking up every last second of Marine's attention as Marine laid by Gabby's side in Gabby's hotel room.
"We're going to win tomorrow." Marine said decisively, like losing wasn't an option.
"I hope so." Gabby replied. Marine rolled over so she could look at Gabby. Gabby placed her manga down—a volume she'd found in a local bookstore during one of their rest days.
"Well I know so." Marine grinned.
"So what'll we do after we win, then?" Gabby asked.
"I've always wanted to give someone a tattoo." Marine mused. If she was exploiting what she knew was Gabby's weak spot, no one but her needed to know that.
"I have a tattoo gun." Gabby supplied helpfully.
"Would you let me tattoo you, then?" Marine sat up unhurriedly.
Gabby perked up. "Like what?"
"I'll think on it." Marine hummed, "I'll get back to you when we win." Gabby smiled, heart fluttering.
"Sounds like a plan."
The locker room celebration felt like something out of a fairytale; champagne sprayed on every person they saw, shouting and screaming from every player, speeches given—the works.
They’d barely even made it to the post-win celebration dinner at some fancy Japanese restaurant that sold stupidly expensive sushi and endless rounds of sake.
Marine had very quickly become a fan of the latter.
”Y’know, you look good when you let go.” Gabby said quietly, turning to face Marine, who was next to her as always. They were sat around an absurdly long table with the rest of their team and staff.
Marine turned to smile at her, breathless from laughter, face flushed, eyes shining.
”You think so?” Marine looked Gabby straight in the eyes, a challenging glint grappling its way to the surface.
”Yeah.” Gabby exhaled, ”You look happier. Warmer.”
”Are you saying I was cold before?” Marine teased.
”Well, I mean, if the shoe fits…” Gabby shrugged, grinning as Marine gasped with mock offence and smacked her on the arm.
”You two lovebirds need to wrap up the flirting. We’re trying to eat without puking.” Iliana, who was sat across Gabby, made a face. Gabby flushed, no thanks to the alcohol, but Marine just smirked.
”Not my problem that you’re alone. Find your own Gabby. I’m not sharing.” Iliana rolled her eyes, muttering something about useless gay people. Sandrine, who was next to Iliana, overheard the younger’s comments and snorted.
"Your Gabby, huh?" Gabby teased, and Marine didn't say anything, just sipped on her drink like she hadn't even heard anything.
Later that night, it had become clear Marine was a giggly drunk.
Unfortunate for Gabby, because they were roommates.
”Mari! Go to sleep!” Gabby groaned.
”But did you know,” Marine’s words were broken up by quick, giggly breaths, ”ketchup used to be sold as medicine?”
Gabby rolled over to look at Marine, sitting up.
”I do, because you’ve repeated it 5 times! Go drink water, please.” Gabby begged.
”Lame.” Marine stuck her tongue out. Gabby, on the brink of fighting the blonde, got up and grabbed a bottle of water from their nightstand, holding it out to Marine.
”Drink.” Marine huffed, looking away like the water would disappear if she couldn’t see it.
”Nope.” Gabby was, by that point, exhausted. So, she cracked the bottle open herself, and used her other hand to grab Marine’s face so she would look at her.
”Drink.” This, evidently, did not help, because Marine was now looking at her, dazed and trace-like.
”So pretty…” Marine murmured, like Gabby was the most spectacular thing she’d seen. The Nevada native flushed, trying not to overthink Marine’s drunk words.
”Mari, please. Drink the water.” Gabby steadied her voice. Marine didn’t seem to hear her, and she tried to reach up to grab Gabby’s face. So Gabby tried a different tactic.
”Mari.” Gabby kneeled down so they were at eye level with each other, ”Hi, pretty girl. Can you drink this for me?”
Marine watched her, wide-eyed, and nodded, grabbing the bottle and drinking half of it in one go. Gabby stood up and gave Marine a pat on the head.
”Atta girl.”
Marine woke up with a headache that could kill God and a mood so terrible it put storm clouds to shame.
When one of their teammates knocked, loud, obnoxious and repetitive, ready to haul the not-a-couple up, Marine’s reaction was to groan and find her way into Gabby’s bed, pressing her head into the younger’s shoulder.
”Mari?” Gabby asked groggily, blinking blearily.
”Too loud. Make them stop.” Marine whined. She was pressing a hand to one ear, the other buried in the pillow.
”Okay.” Gabby whispered, getting up. The door swung open, and Alexia stood there, hands on her hips like a stern mother.
”Gabs! C’mon, we have team brea—”
”Shut up, dude.” Alexia stopped, confused. Then, she noticed Marine, and her eyes lit up.
”Something wrong? Oh, wait, did you guys—?”
”No. Mari has a headache, so go away. We’ll join Marine feels better later. Tell the team we’re sorry.” Gabby said firmly.
”…Okay.” Alexia nodded. ”Need me to buy anything? Water, food?”
”Food would be good. Lord knows she probably needs it. Maybe medicine too? I’ll pay you back.” Alexia nodded again, softening.
”Hope she feels better.” Gabby said a quick ‘thank you’, and Alexia was gone. Gabby sighed, turning back to check on Marine. She got in bed, rubbing Marine’s shoulder gently.
”Mar.” She whispered, and Marine whined again.
”No.” Gabby giggled, propping herself up on her forearm, brushing Marine’s hair off her face.
”Okay.” Gabby whispered again, soft and gentle, “We’ll sleep, yeah?” Marine didn’t even justify Gabby’s question with a response, just blindly reached for Gabby’s arm and pulling her closer.
”You’re cute when you’re like this.” Gabby murmured, meant for herself only, but Marine’s faint smile let her know the elder was still listening. She ignored the flush that climbed up her necks and settled next to Marine.
The day passed with a slow grace. They woke and slept in harmony, Gabby getting up once to grab the food and medicine from Alexia, and then she had to spend an hour convincing Marine food was good for her.
”Mari.”
”Nope. Go away.” A pale arm would then reach up to smack aimlessly in her general direction, curling back into the bed.
Marine took the pills—after drinking a bowl of soup and half a baguette—with significantly less resistance, but hesitated for a moment.
"What's the status on that celebratory tattoo idea of yours, huh?" Gabby asked, nudging Marine's side. They'd been lying together for a while now, both of them content to orbit each other for a bit. Marine's eyes snapped up, clicking her phone off and turning to look at Gabby.
"You want to? I have ideas." Marine's eyes sparkled with her signature mischief. Gabby wondered how she ever thought Marine was anything less than chaotic.
"Sure. No Olympic rings, though. I don't want to match tattoos with just about every pro athlete in the world." Gabby shuddered at the thought, and Marine let out a little snort.
"No rings." Marine promised.
After some discussion, they landed on a little pac-man figure eating three dots in the colours of the French flag. It took Marine a full half hour to gain the courage to actually put needle to skin, and even then, she constantly fretted over Gabby, worried she may hurt the Franco-American.
Meanwhile, Gabby was entirely unbothered. If anything, the needle felt comforting, like an old friend she hadn't seen in a while.
When the tattoo was done, Marine wiped it carefully with an antiseptic wipe, and looked up at Gabby with a proud little, "done!" It was safe to say Gabby had a new favourite tattoo.
Later on in the day, Sandrine came to check on them with even more food. It was almost 10pm, which was late even by French standards. Gabby had actually offered to go out and buy food for Marine, but the sleepy blonde had clung tighter.
”You know I won’t run if you let go, right?” Gabby asked, amused.
”I like having you near.” Gabby faltered, understanding the unspoken implication. They wouldn’t be near soon. Gabby would be…somewhere (she hadn’t really figured it out yet, but her flight was for back home), and Marine would go home to rest after having Eurobasket and the Olympics.
”I can come visit.” She offered, and Marine looked up, sheets rustling.
”Would you?”
”If you wanted it.”
”I always want you around.”
”We’ll work out the details when we get there.” Gabby promised. ”Plus, world cup is next year. We’ll only be apart for a few months. Just until February, until qualifiers.”
”That’s 6 months.”
”You’ve known me less than that.”
”Feels like more.” Marine whispered. They stared at each other, Gabby drowning in blue eyes, Marine drowning in brown ones. There was a tension that neither dared to name.
”I’ll miss you.” Marine decided. ”A lot, probably.”
”Me too. But it’s a part of life, right?” Marine shrugged, sitting up, knees curled to her chest.
”It’s scary.” Marine admitted. ”I’ve grown fond of you—don’t give me that look—I’ve forgotten how to be without you.”
Despite Marine saying not to, Gabby gave Marine a smug look, and was given a scowl in response.
"Honestly, me too." Gabby admitted eventually. "I've learned a lot just from being with you like this."
"And it's not like we'll be apart too long, anyways." Gabby continued, "I'll only be a text away."
"Sap." Marine said fondly, without any bite to her words.
"And not ashamed about it."
25th September 2021, Gabby Williams’ childhood home, Nevada
Okay, so maybe Gabby was a little bit attached.
To be fair though, it was hard not to be when Marine herself was too. The blonde would wake up around 8, call Gabby for about an hour before the younger went to sleep, wait for Gabby to wake up, and call her until the day ended.
”Gabrielle! Why are you always on the phone during lunch? We raised you better than this.” Her mother chided after the third day.
”Calling Marine.” Gabby said like that explained everything, flipping the phone around the show her mom, “See?” The blonde waved, smiling.
”Hello!” Gabby’s mom smiled warmly, waving back at Marine.
”Hi, Marine. Doing okay? Gabby isn’t holding you captive or anything?” Marine laughed, shaking her head.
”No, no. Not at all.”
”Your English has improved a lot.” Gabby’s mom pointed out.
”Gabby has been teaching me.” Marine admitted, smiling bashfully, “She’s been very…what’s the word? Helpful.”
”That’s sweet.” Gabby caught the flicker of something in her mom’s eyes, “You really should come visit!”
”Maybe.” Gabby could hear the hum of something warmer, Marine’s smile audible even without looking at the blonde.
”This is officially weird.” Gabby announced, flipping the phone back around. “Mari, I’ll call you in a bit, okay? Love you.”
”Love you too.” Marine smiled, Gabby’s chest fluttering at the affirmation.
The call disconnected, and immediately Gabby was inhaling her food, shoving it into her mouth quicker than she could chew.
”Slow down, Gabrielle. She’ll still be there after you’re done, but if you keep eating at this rate, you might not be here once you’re done.” Gabby looked up sheepishly, slowing enough to not choke.
”Sorry.”
”You smile different around her.” Her mom noted.
”Do I?” Gabby frowned, trying to figure out if that was an actual thing she was doing.
”Yes. You look younger when you’re talking to her. More carefree.”
”Oh.” Gabby took another bite, chewing slowly. “I guess I feel it too, when I talk to her.” Her mom watched her quietly, observing. After a few minutes, she finally spoke again.
”Is there something you want to tell me about her?” Gabby almost choked, no thanks to the food.
”Uh…” Gabby winced, “not quite. I haven’t really…figured that out yet.” Her mom nodded slowly.
”That’s okay. But you know you don’t have to hide anything, right? It won’t change anything.” Her mom reminded gently.
”I know.” She didn’t, actually. But it was good information to have. “Thank you.”
As it turns out, her mom was right. Marine was still there when she finished eating.
”Mari!” Gabby exclaimed like it’d been months and not minutes.
”Hey, you.” Marine smiled softly, amusement clear even through FaceTime.
”What’re you doing?” Gabby laid down on her stomach, staring at Marine.
”In the 10 minutes you were gone? Nothing much.” Gabby flushed. “How was lunch?”
”Good! Mom made me not rush eating, though. Could’ve been here earlier otherwise. Sorry.”
”Sorry? No, Gabrielle. Your mom is correct. I can’t have you choking.” Marine chided.
”Yeah yeah.” Gabby grumbled. ”Are you going to bed soon? You look tired.”
”Huh? Oh, yeah. Long day. My sister’s home, too, so her daughter dragged me to the park and followed me for all my workouts.” Marine made a face.
”Aw, you have a buddy? Cute.” Marine rolled her eyes, but smiled good-naturedly anyways.
”She is adorable.” Marine grinned. ”Oh, actually, here—” The blonde went quiet for a few seconds before Gabby’s phone buzzed in her palm.
Marine had sent her a picture of her with her niece. The blonde was sitting on the stationary bike mid-laugh, the little Marine copy-paste on her lap, refusing to move.
”Really cute.” Gabby cooed, swallowing down the panic that was seeing Marine with kids. ”She clearly likes you a lot.”
Marine made a small, “mhm!” sound. ”My sister had to pry her off me. I can’t believe she’s already 4. It feels like yesterday she was born.”
”Children grow quick, don’t they?” Gabby sighed.
”Too quick.” Marine agreed.
”Oh, right, before I forget, I can’t call tomorrow.” Marine frowned.
”Why?”
”Going out, and the place has really bad internet. I’ll be gone basically the whole day.” Gabby explained. Marine nodded slowly.
”Okay. Have fun.” Marine smiled, then immediately let out a small yawn.
”You wanna go to sleep?” Gabby offered quietly.
”Probably…” Marine sighed, rubbing her eyes.
”Okay. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?” Marine nodded, smiling sleepily.
”Night, Gabby.”
”Night, Mari.”
Click!
Gabby thanked her lucky stars that Marine bought the story.
For now, though, she had an hour to pack and a flight to catch.
Gabby had never been anxious on planes, but this one felt different. Heavier, with meaning Gabby was scared to name. Her phone buzzed just before her flight took off.
Jennifer: I’m bringing Marine to the market tomorrow. What time will you reach Normandy? I’ll keep her busy as long as I can.
Gabby: Around noon, if nothing gets delayed. Thanks again, seriously.
Jennifer: Anytime. She’s been happier with you around.
Gabby: I appreciate you saying that.
Gabby: My flight’s taking off now, I’ll let you know when I land.
Jennfier: Safe flight!
From the second she stepped off the plane, it was a full sprint to the train station. She made it with time to spare, thankfully, panting as she sat down.
Gabby: On the train now.
Jennifer: Marine is becoming suspicious. Hurry!
Gabby sighed, shaking her leg anxiously as the train began to move.
This was about to be the longest hour and a half of her life.
The train slowed to a stop, metal squealing and steam exhaling. Gabby sent Jennifer one last text, letting the older girl know she’d arrived before tucking her phone away.
The moment the train stopped, Gabby was going—jumping over the platform gap, bolting down the stairs and right to the pickup point.
Jennifer was already there, grinning.
”It’s nice to meet you, Gabrielle.” She gave Gabby a quick hug.
”Just Gabby is fine, please.” Gabby smiled, hauling her suitcase into the back of Jennifer’s car.
”Marine was right, your accent is terrible.” Jennifer commented, getting into the driver’s seat.
”It’s not that bad!” Gabby protested.
”It really is better when you’re upset. Interesting.”
”Jesus Christ!” Gabby groaned, covering her face with her hands.
”Y’know, Marine wouldn’t stop talking about you today.” Jennifer started.
”Yeah?”
”Yeah. It’s…sweet.” Jennifer glanced at Gabby briefly before refocusing on the road.
”You’re insinuating something.” Gabby observed.
”She’s never talked about anyone this way. An older sister’s has to be suspicious.” Jennifer shrugged.
”We’re just friends. Really.” Gabby swallowed. She didn’t add that she wanted more.
”Okay.” Jennifer said simply. ”I’ll trust you on it.”
When they parked in the garage, Gabby was…a little bit overwhelmed. She knew Marine was more than a little well off, but this was another level.
”Shit…” Gabby exhaled, stepping out of the car.
”Hmm? Oh, yeah, it’s a lot, isn’t it?” Jennifer shrugged, opening the boot and stepping back to let Gabby take her stuff.
Jennifer unlocked the door and yelled out a, “I’m home!” to a seemingly empty house.
”Mari! Come down here!” Jennifer added. Marine, with a tiny little girl on her hip, came running down the stairs.
”What do—Gabby?” Marine almost dropped the little girl, eyes wide. She put the small blonde down gently.
”Hi.” Marine barely let Gabby speak before tackling her in a hug. Gabby let out a surprised laugh, stumbling slightly.
”Missed me, huh?” Gabby laughed, breathless.
”Is this why you couldn’t text?” Marine demanded, stepping back. Gabby nodded, grinning.
”Sorry for lying. I do hope this makes up for it?” Marine laughed, shoving Gabby in the chest.
”Of course it does.” Out the corner of her eye, Gabby saw a tiny hand gripping Marine’s.
”Auntie Mari, who’s that?” Marine looked down, then knelt to her eye level.
”That’s Gabby. She played with me at the Olympics. Say hi, Chloé!” Gabby bent down as well, staying far away enough that the little girl wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. She offered a small wave and smile.
”Hello.”
”Hi, Chloé.” Gabby kept her hands folded on her lap.
”You talk weird.” Chloé scrunched her nose.
”She’s just American, sweetheart, don’t worry.” Chloé made an ‘o’ face, before noticing Gabby looking at her and immediately turning shy again, hiding behind Marine.
”It’s okay.” Marine whispered reassuringly.
”She’s scary.” Chloé whispered back.
”She’s very nice, I promise.” Marine squeezed Chloé’s hand.
”She’s so pretty.”
”You can tell her that.” Chloé shook her head again, eyes widening with panic.
”Scary.” The little girl insisted.
”She’s not, I promise. If you tell her right now, I’ll buy you ice cream after lunch.” Clearly moved by the bribe, Chloé stepped forward—still nervous, turning around to glance at Marine again, who gave her a small thumbs up.
”You’re very pretty.” Chloé said quietly, looking at Gabby.
”Thank you! So are you.” Chloé seemed to light up, her little teeth peeking through her smile.
”Auntie Mari says you’re good at basketball.”
”I would hope I am. It is my job, anyways.” Gabby winked cheekily, and Chloé giggled like she’d done a magic trick. She turned to Marine.
”Gabby’s my favourite now.” She announced, and the two siblings gasped while Gabby cheered and gave Chloé a high five.
”I’m about to spoil your daughter rotten.” Gabby informed Jennifer, who groaned.
”Please don’t. Marine already does that enough.” The younger blonde was still arguing with Chloé about the whole favourite situation.
”Too late!” Gabby grinned before turning back to Chloé. ”Someone told me you have a favourite candy, Chloé. Any idea what it is?”
Chloé froze, looking at Gabby with wide eyes. ”Is it chocolate?” Lo and behold, Gabby pulled a piece of chocolate out from her pocket.
Chloé turned to her mom, who was sighing. ”Fine. But only this one. No more for this week.” Chloé, entirely unbothered by the ending, cheered and grabbed the chocolate from Gabby.
And then the cheering stopped rather abruptly as she stared at the chocolate then back up at Gabby.
”Can you help me open it?” She held the piece out again, and Gabby laughed softly but nodded, carefully undoing the wrapper before giving it back to Chloé.
”Chloé! Don’t forget your manners, say thank you.” Jennifer chided from behind them.
”Thank you!” Chloé grinned, chocolate coating her teeth and Jennifer groaned behind them.
”No more. Chloé, c’mon, baby. Time to change. Marine, Gabby, go get ready, we leave in 20.”
Gabby and Marine climbed the stairs together, disappearing into Marine’s room.
”How long are you here for?” Marine asked.
”A week, then I leave for EuroBasket. Nice room, by the way.” Marine nodded slowly.
The room in question had a queen-sized bed pushed against the furthest wall, a bedside table next to it, and an entire poster wall. Opposite the bed was a TV—not huge, but by no means small, either. Her closet was on the same side as her door.
”Thank you. Do you plan on staying here?” Gabby hesitated.
"Only if you want me to. I have enough to book at a hotel if not.” Marine shook her head.
”Nope. You aren’t going anywhere.” Gabby laughed, but nodded anyways.
”Whatever the princess wants, she gets.” Gabby grinned, earning herself a smack on the arm.
”Whatever. Get ready, it’s almost lunch time, and Chloé gets to pick today.” Marine grimaced.
”Is that bad?”
”She’s 3. I don’t know why she gets a choice, but whatever. The only things she likes are chicken nuggets and fries.” Gabby’s eyes lit up.
”Hey, me—”
”Williams, if the next words out your mouth are ‘me too’, you can sleep on the floor.” Gabby shut up very quickly after that.
”Marine! Lunch!” Jennifer yelled.
”We’re coming!” Marine yelled back, turning to check on Gabby, who was struggling to put her socks on while standing up.
”Sometimes I wonder how you’re still alive.” Marine commented as Gabby stood back up.
”Stop being an asshole. We’re leaving.” Gabby grumbled.
”No cursing.” Marine reminded her as they walked down the stairs.
”Please do not curse.” Jennifer agreed.
”Oh! I know a curse word! But Maman says I’m not allowed to say it.” Chloé looked at her mom, who was glaring at her.
”Don’t you dare. Otherwise, you don’t get to pick lunch.” Chloé stilled, eyes wide. Jennifer stared her down. When she was sure her daughter wouldn’t say anything anytime soon, she grinned.
”To the car we go!” Jennifer announced.
Chloé thought car rides were the most amusing things on earth, squealing and kicking her feet in the carseat. Gabby was sat in the back with her, laughing with the tiny menace the whole way.
”Is she always like that?” Jennifer asked, glancing at Gabby, who was tickling a shrieking Chloé.
”Yes.” Marine sighed, though it sounded less like exasperation and more fond.
True to Marine’s word, they ended up at McDonalds—popular amongst the two children in the car, Gabby and Chloé, who both got chicken nuggets off the kids menu.
”Children, both of you.” Marine muttered with no real malice.
”You find it charming.” Gabby grinned. Marine rolled her eyes.
”Unfortunately.” She mumbled, so soft Gabby almost didn’t hear it. Jennifer and Chloé came back just then, Chloé holding two happy meals, Jennifer carrying the actual food.
”This ones yours!” Chloé slid the box across the table with a small ‘oomph’, having to sit on her knees just to reach the table.
”Thank you, Chloé!” Gabby grinned, undoing the latches of the bright red box. The little girl beamed, and the sisters looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
Gabby caught this, so she leaned across the table and theatrically whispered, ”They’re very mean, aren’t they?”
Chloé giggled, nodding. ”Maman steals my chocolate sometimes, which isn't very nice.” She paused, thinking. ”Auntie Mari isn’t mean, though. Not to me.”
Marine grinned, giving Chloé a high five.
”Too many fun aunts around.” Jennifer mumbled.
”Just means endless ice cream for this little one.” Chloé cheered.
”We leave tonight, though.” Jennifer reminded her.The 3-year-old visibly deflated.
”At least one ice cream, then.” Gabby bargained.
”One. And you’re paying.” Jennifer’s eyes narrowed, but Gabby just smiled, shrugging.
”Fine by me.”
Later that day
”One flavour.” Jennifer warned. They were at an ice cream parlour which Marine and Jennifer had both frequented as a kid that was a mere 5 minute walk from their house.
”Chocolate!” Chloé said, response confident and instant.
”Someone knows what she likes.” Gabby laughed. ”Go on, tell the nice lady what you’d like.”
Chloé shouted, ”Chocolate!” again, and the lady behind the counter laughed too, grabbing a cup and ice cream scoop.
Autumn meant sitting outside was just right—cool air that didn’t freeze their insides yet.
Chloé sat on the metal chair, happily swinging her little legs as she took bite after bite of her ice cream while being careful to savour it.
”Mari.” Marine looked up. “Are you doing okay? You look tired.” Gabby asked quietly.
”I’m okay.” Marine nodded. The pair were sat across the mother-daughter duo. “Just…what’s that word? When everything is a lot?”
”Overwhelmed?” Gabby offered, and Marine nodded again.
”That one.” Gabby hummed.
”Why?”
”I haven’t seen you in 2 months, Gabby—that’s a long time. Of course I’m going to be overwhelmed.” Gabby had so many things she wanted to say to that. So, naturally, she chose the least safe option.
”Your accent is cute when you speak English.” Gabby giggled.
”And you’re lucky my sister can’t speak English.” Marine muttered under her breath as her sister shot them an odd look.
”I’m done!” Chloé announced. Her mouth was equivalent to a chocolate war zone—smeared everywhere on her face.
”Chloé!” Jennifer sighed, exasperated. ”I’ll clean her up in the bathroom. You guys can head back first.” Marine and Gabby both nodded, standing up.
They walked in relative silence, Gabby just a step behind Marine. Birds chirped from trees with half-orange leaves. The small town really was small—an old lady crossing the road, a bakery run by a family, too many chapels that even Marine couldn’t differentiate. Three different people recognised Marine, and the blonde very kindly took photos with all three.
As they reached home, Marine’s phone buzzed.
Jennifer: bringing Chlo to the park. Won’t be back until dinner.
”We’re alone for the next 3 hours.” Marine informed Gabby as she unlocked the front door.
”I get Marine time!” Gabby grinned, slipping her shoes off and chasing after Marine, who had cursed under her breath and promptly started her sprint up the stairs.
Marine made it to her room, panicked because there was nowhere to run, and ducked into her bed, hiding under the duvet.
Gabby leaped on top of her with zero remorse.
”Ay, Gab—” Marine shrieked as the younger attacked her sides relentlessly, forcing bouts of laughter out of her, even through the duvet.
”I win.” Gabby said triumphantly, sitting back up and climbing off Marine.
”Whatever floats your boat, sweetheart.” Marine tapped her cheek with mock-affection. Gabby laid down next to Marine, and they sat quietly, watching the ceiling.
”I still can’t believe you’re here.” Marine murmured, head subtly pressing into Gabby’s shoulder. Gabby adjusted so it was more comfortable for Marine to do so.
”I can’t believe this worked.” Gabby laughed, equally as disbelieving.
”But seriously. I missed having you with me.” Marine said quietly. The air shifted around them, rebuilding into something warmer.
”It’s kinda weird, huh? How close we’ve gotten in, what, 2 months?” Marine let out a small, “mhm”.
”You are one of a kind, Gabby Williams.”
”So are you, Marine Johannès.”
”Mari—Marine?!” Marine jolted awake, her mother’s voice ringing clear from the doorway.
”Maman?” Marine called out groggily.
”Is that Gabrielle? Jennifer said she would be visiting.” Marine glanced to her side.
”Yes. Sorry, Maman. I didn't know until today.” Marine said sheepishly. Gabby shifted next to her, and Marine was suddenly acutely aware of Gabby’s arm, which was draped over her abdomen.
Thank goodness they were under a blanket.
”Mari?” Gabby called groggily. Marine glanced at her mom, then refocused her attention on Gabby.
”My mom’s here.” Marine whispered. ”Just stay here for a bit, okay? I’ll be back.”
Carefully, Marine pried herself out of bed, fixing her hair as she walked over to her mother. The pair stepped out into the hallway, shutting the door behind them.
”So…is she…?” Her mom trailed off, but the implications were made clear from the raised eyebrows.
”Maman!” Marine flushed, smacking her laughing mother on the arm.
”Just a question! I have to ask when I see you two asleep like that. That reaction told me a lot already, though.” Her mother grinned.
”She’s…just Gabby.” Marine said quietly.
”And what do you want?” Her mother prodded. ”Because you look at her like you want more.”
Marine dug her nails into her thigh. ”I want…more.” Marine confessed.
”Then?”
”You know I’m bad at this stuff.” Her mother laughed, almost identical to her own laugh.
”True. Doesn’t make it impossible, though. And from what you’ve told me, I think she’s worse at it than you are.” Marine made a small, thoughtful noise.
”We’ll see.”
Marine crept over, tapping Gabby on the shoulder gently.
”Gabby. wake up, dinner time.” Gabby made a noise between a groan and a whine.
”Tired.”
”I know, but it’s almost 8. Jennifer’s gone home already.” Gabby blinked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
”Already? Shit, sorry.” Gabby hauled herself up, smoothing her curls out, grumbling about forgetting to wear a bonnet. Marine made a mental note to grab the silk pillow cases later.
”C’mon, Maman and Papa want to meet you.” Marine winked, closing the door behind her, giving Gabby some privacy.
Gabby did her best to fix her hair, changing into something a little less wrinkled before exiting. Marine, thankfully, had not left her completely, and was waiting in the hallway.
”Why is this so scary?” Gabby whispered as she shut the door.
”No clue. You’ll be fine. Maman and Papa already adore you.” Gabby didn’t even have time to process her words before she was being pulled down the stairs.
”Ah, Gabrielle! It’s nice to finally meet you.” Marine’s mother—Géraldine, if Gabby remembered correctly—smiled warmly, both her and Marine’s father—Lionel?—stood up.
”Just Gabby is fine, ma’am please.”
”Then it’s just Géraldine to you, Gabby.” Géraldine smiled wider, pressing a kiss to each of Gabby’s cheeks, with Gabby doing the same. When they pulled apart, Gabby was face-to-face with Marine’s father.
”Nice to meet you, sir.” He shook his head, reaching out for a handshake.
”Just Lionel is alright.”
”Well then,” Géraldine clapped her hands together, ”Shall we eat?”
This was going to be a long night.
”So, Gabby, not to sound rude or anything, but what’s brought you here?” Lionel asked.
”I missed Marine, and the timings all worked out. My game’s start in about a week, and I know Mari’s start after that, so…” Gabby trailed off, not really sure how to elaborate.
”I see.” Lionel nodded. Géraldine smacked him on the arm.
”You’re being so odd.” She gave him a weird look.
”You’re making it odd.” He countered.
”You’re both being weird.” Marine said, her knee bumping Gabby’s as she shifted. ”Seriously.”
”Sorry.” Her mother apologised, ”But really, how has your first day been? Jennifer said you guys went for ice cream?”
Gabby nodded. ”Chloé is quite the ball of energy.”
”Isn’t she?” Géraldine laughed. ”She might be the only person who gets everything they want in this family. Reminds me of that one when she was little.” She nodded in Marine's direction.
Marine frowned, but carried on eating.
”The city is pretty, though. At least, the little I have seen of it. Gabby added.
”You two must go look at the chapels. They’re gorgeous.” Géraldine suggested, giving Marine a pointed look that Gabby missed.
”So I’ve heard! I’ll find time to go, hopefully, unless I get trapped in a gym by this one.” Gabby nudged Marine’s side.
”What? You’re fun to work out with.” Marine shrugged with zero remorse.
”Boring.” Gabby dragged the word out, rolling her eyes.
”Your loss.” Marine said dryly. She was, somehow, already done with her food, and had moved on to her second glass of wine.
”It’s always work first with you.” Géraldine laughed, no malice behind the words. ”You need to remember to rest, Mari.”
”I did rest. I spent the whole day sleeping.” Marine deadpanned.
”And if I wasn’t here?” Gabby prodded, and Marine froze like a deer in headlights. ”Mhm. Point made. Tomorrow, I’m a tourist, and you’re my tour guide.” Gabby smiled, looking far too pleased with her plan.
Marine looked at her parents for help, but all she got were encouraging smiles.
”Fine. I still have a workout in the morning that I can't miss, though. I already booked the court.” Marine huffed. Then, to Gabby: “You’re lucky you’re my favourite.”
”I know I am.” Gabby replied without missing a beat.
10 minutes passed quietly, candle flickering and wine draining slowly.
”Mm. Marine, it’s your turn to wash the dishes today.” Géraldine reminded her younger daughter.
”I know.” Marine said simply as she stood up, gathering plates. Gabby looked up after finishing the last bite of her food.
”I can help.” She offered, but Marine shook her head.
”No need. Go shower, I’ve got it.” Gabby hesitated, but Marine pushed her out of her chair gently.
”Go. I’ve got it.” So Gabby obliged, disappearing up the stairs. The moment she left, she heard rapid-fire French—too quick even for her to catch everything, besides Marine’s very indignant cry of, “Maman!” and her own name a couple times.
Not thinking about it, Gabby decided, turning into Marine’s room to grab her clothes.
When she came out of the shower, Marine was already on the bed, leaning back and typing furiously. Silk pillow cases, Gabby noted, smiling at the thought. Marine looked up as Gabby got in bed, easing at once, phone long forgotten.
”Hi.” Marine smiled.
”Hi.” Gabby got under the duvet, and Marine’s hand reached out to grab hers instinctively.
”Movie night?” Marine offered, pointing at the TV.
”Movie night.” Gabby agreed, tucking into Marine’s side easily. Marine, miraculously, kept her breathing even and refrained from panicking.
”Something stupid or something sad?” Gabby asked, grabbing the remote from the bedside table.
”Sad but with a bit of stupid. And French.” Gabby paused.
”Originally in English but dubbed to French and with English subtitles.” Gabby countered. Marine pondered this proposal for a while before nodding.
”Fine.”
”Gabby, I said sad, not children’s show.”
”Bluey is sad!” Gabby argued, the icon still hovering over Bluey.
”It’s a cartoon about dogs!”
”Yeah, and it teaches kids about important topics. Sad.” Gabby repeated.
”I—you know what? Fine. Play it.”
”I thought you said “it’s a children’s show”.” Gabby mocked as Marine sniffled.
”Gabby, she can’t have kids!” Marine cried, shaking Gabby’s shoulder. Gabby quickly paused the show, throwing the remote aside.
”Hey, breathe, Mari. In and out. It’s okay.” Gabby immediately switched, softening, hands rubbing soothing circles on Marine’s thigh.
Marine hiccupped, then choked out a sob.
”You’re okay. Breathe for me, alright?” Gabby coaxed. Marine took in a breath slowly, and exhaled shakily.
”You…can’t…do that.” Marine sniffed.
”Do what?”
”Not warn me about that.” Marine wiped a tear away, curling into the corner.
”Sorry, Mari.” Gabby murmured softly, hand reaching out to grab Marine’s. The blonde let her, even holding on a little tighter.
”Mean.” Marine declared.
”We can go to bed now, yeah?” Gabby offered, already reaching to shut the TV off.
”Yeah.” Marine yawned, the reminder of sleep enough to make her drowsy. Gabby turned the TV off, readjusting the pillows so they could lie down comfortably.
”Goodnight, Mari.”
”Goodnight, Gabby.”
The next day, they woke together, like their bodies had been synced. In many ways, they were.
”Hi.” Gabby spoke groggily, eyes still closed and pressed into the pillow, bonnet slipping off.
”Hi.” Marine said, voice rough and doing nothing to help Gabby feel normal about the elder.
”Plans for the day?” Gabby asked, rubbing her eyes and forcing them open.
”Train for 1 hour, lift for one hour.” Marine replied without missing a beat.
”What happened to taking it easy?” Gabby groaned.
”I can do that when I die.”
Marine wasn’t kidding about only resting when she died. They’d barely been awake 2 hours and were already at a practice facility.
”Grew up in this gym.” Marine sighed as she walked through the door, smiling at the staff. ”Not even metaphorically. Quite literally spent every waking moment here.”
”Yeah, I bet.” Gabby muttered, putting her stuff on a nearby bench and looking around. ”Nice court. Oh hey, it’s your face.” Gabby pointed at a giant banner at one side which did, in fact, have Marine’s face on it, dated Rio 2016.
”Eh.” Marine shrugged, letting the ball roll onto the court as she sat on the bench to change her shoes.
”Is it weird?” Gabby sat next to Marine, lacing up her own shoes.
”A little. You have no choice but to get used to it.” Marine shrugged, standing up with a sigh. Gabby followed suit, swiping at the bottoms of her shoes and kicking them against the hardwood.
”So, what’s first, coach?” Gabby grinned, that cocky energy returning with the familiarity of shining wood and peeling paint on walls.
"A rematch.” Marine went to grab the ball, tossing it to Gabby, who caught it easily. ”Unless you’re scared, of course.”
”You should be the scared one, no?” Gabby laughed, taking her spot at the tip of the 3 point line. ”You have a reputation to uphold.”
”I like stakes.” Marine grinned, stepping in front of Gabby, a few steps away from the free throw line.
”And I like being the underdog.” Gabby grinned back, bouncing the ball to Marine. “Check ball.”
Gabby had been practicing for this, Marine immediately noted. She wasn’t quick like Marine, so she was brute forcing her way through.
And it was…kind of working. In 3 minutes, they were already tied at 5 all.
”Tired already, Williams?” Marine teased, watching Gabby pant.
”Never too tired to win.” Gabby winked, letting a 3 ball fly the moment the ball was checked.
8-5.
Marine was, unfortunately for Gabby, the most stubborn person on earth, and immediately matched it with a 3 of her own. Gabby huffed, rolling her eyes.
She doubled down her efforts, attempting to come back with a mid-range shot that rattled out, leaving it to Marine’s possession next.
The blonde, always willing to do something crazy, drove right to the corner and let another three fly without hesitation—pure net.
11-8, Marine.
”You gonna accept that I’m better now?” Marine chuckled as they dropped on the bench, taking a sip of water.
”You’ve always been better.” Gabby said simply. ”I just like watching you win.” Marine didn’t respond. Instead, she got up and walked onto the court, one hand mindlessly dribbling the ball.
”What’d you need to work on before EuroBasket?” Gabby followed Marine.
”Eh…getting my 3 more consistent, probably. Seriously, why was I ever playing the 5?” Gabby wrinkled her nose, and Marine laughed.
”Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Marine shrugged. ”But sure. Form shooting, I’ll rebound. 5 made shots at every spot before you move on to the next.” She chucked the ball at Gabby, taking her place under the basket.
They worked, even like this. A rhythm they agreed on without ever speaking. Every time Gabby would make a wonky shot, Marine would calmly pass the ball back, reminding her to watch her hands.
”Elbows.” Marine called after Gabby missed again, The younger groaned, frustrated with herself.
”This should not be this difficult.” Gabby muttered, taking her spot again. She was on the fourth shot of the third spot now, and had missed several attempts in a row.
”Breathe, Gabby. You’re working yourself up.” Marine reminded her, tossing the ball back to the younger.
”Trying.” Gabby grumbled. She let another shot fly, and it veered ever so slightly left—just enough that it hit the rim and went flying.
”Take 5, Gabs.” Marine ordered gently. Gabby huffed, but obliged, going and sitting at the bench again. She watched Marine flawlessly make shot after shot, making it look as easy as breathing.
”You’re overthinking it, Gabs.” Marine said, the sound echoing in the mostly empty gym. She walked over, standing over Gabby.
”You think I don’t know that?” Gabby grumbled out. ”I know I’m being unnecessarily stressed about it, but forgive me for never learning how to do it.”
Marine softened. ”Then we break that. It’s no different from any other shot. C’mon.” She reached a hand out, and Gabby took it.
Instead of settling at the three point line, Marine pulled her all the way to under the basket. She handed Gabby the ball.
”Layups. 5 with your right hand, 5 with your left hand, 5 reverse.” Gabby nodded, doing as Marine said. 5 with her right, 5 with her left, 5 reverse.
”Good. Now take a step back. Don’t look down at the floor, I don’t want you aware of where you are on the court.” Gabby moved. ”5 shots again.” So Gabby did, letting it fly.
They repeated this over and over, Marine giving her small corrections along the way. Gabby didn’t even realise when she’d made it to the three point line, and had gotten 5/6 from the three.
”So you can shoot threes.” Marine said, satisfied. Gabby looked down.
”How did you—?”
”Magic.” Marine winked. ”Take a few more shots, remember how it feels.” Gabby took the ball again, letting it fly. Easy money.
”Holy shit!” Gabby laughed, running to hug Marine, who ducked out of the way.
”No sweaty hugs!” Marine yelped, but she was smiling and laughing too.
”Thank you, Mari. Seriously.” Gabby smiled, breathless.
”Anytime.” Marine softened.
The day seemed to move slower, after that. They walked around. Marine pointed out things from her childhood—the rundown court where she first realised she could shoot off one leg, the Pret A Manger she used to buy breakfast from, the lake she used to sit by after school when she didn’t feel like going home.
”I used to feed the ducks here.” Marine sat on the grass under a tree, gesturing for Gabby to do the same.
”Were you the kind who could, like, identify which duck was which?” Marine laughed, shaking her head.
”No. I named some of them, though.” Gabby laughed too.
”Of course you did.” They watched the lake glitter. There were barely any people— just them and a family of four.
”Do you ever regret leaving France to play in the W?” Gabby asked quietly, and Marine looked over, curious. ”You have everything here.”
”Not everything.” Marine shook her head. ”I played okay then. I play good now. I ran out of room to grow here.”
Gabby nodded slowly. Then:
”You mean you still have things to improve on?” Marine rolled her eyes.
”If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be human.” Gabby laughed, and Marine’s exasperation melted into fondness. In a moment of boldness, she leaned across and kissed Gabby on the cheek.
”Idiot.”
A few days later
Gabby didn’t like leaving Marine. Not this time, and not ever.
Her flight was tomorrow morning, and a few crucial developments had taken place over the course of this week.
First of all, Marine was currently cuddling her.
Second of all, the line between them that was already blurry was now nowhere to be found.
”I can’t believe it’s already been a week.” Marine murmured against Gabby’s collarbone.
”Yeah.” Gabby stared up at the ceiling, because looking at Marine right then would unlock another flurry of emotions.
”Fine then. You don’t want to talk about it, I will.” Marine huffed. ”What the hell are we?”
There it was. That dreaded yet highly anticipated question.
”I mean,” Marine continued, ”was me kissing you on the cheek not enough to tell you I like you? Is this not enough?” She gestured wildly at their current position.
”I wasn’t sure.” Gabby mumbled.
”Wasn’t sure of what?”
”How I felt. Not until a few days ago, anyways.” Gabby admitted. ”I’ve never done this. As in…be with a girl. Do you know how terrifying its been, knowing you? You come into my life, flip it upside down, and I feel completely incapable of dealing with it.” Gabby laughed, more than a little delirious.
”Gabs…” Marine breathed, any panic she felt dissipating. ”You should’ve told me.”
”How was I supposed to tell you that? I could barely say it to myself.” Gabby asked weakly.
”Easier question, then. What are you sure about, with me?”
”That I care about you, and you care about me. You want…more,” She glanced down, and Marine nodded affirmatively, ”and I want more too, but I don’t know how to.”
”That’s fine.” Marine reassured her.
”What are you sure of?” Gabby asked in turn. Marine paused.
”That you’re as perfect as it gets for me.” Marine whispered, sitting up enough that she could look Gabby in the eyes, ”And, if you’re okay with it, I’d really like to kiss you.”
Gabby swallowed, nerves slamming into her at full force. Then, she nodded.
”Say it, Gabby.” Marine ordered, ”I need you to tell me you want it.”
”I want it, Mari.” Gabby whispered, brown eyes unwavering as they stared into Marine’s. The blonde nodded.
Marine leaned in, gentle, hand cupping Gabby’s face. Gabby’s eyes fluttered shut, and Marine let out a small giggle before closing the gap and kissing Gabby.
She didn’t rush it. She toyed with Gabby’s hair, held the back of her neck, only pulling back every few seconds to breathe. Eventually, she reminded herself to hold back, and moved away, watching Gabby carefully for any signs of regret.
”Holy shit.” Gabby finally said, head falling back against the backboard, “Is that what it’s supposed to feel like?” Marine laughed, taking Gabby’s hand and placing a kiss to her knuckles.
”Yes.”
The kiss did not make leaving any easier. In fact, it made things much harder, if you asked Marine.
”Gabby, hurry up, you’re going to miss your train!” Marine groaned, trying to shove the younger off her. They’d been standing by the platform for ages now, and Gabby had refused to let go.
”No!” Gabby shouted, the sound muffled by Marine’s shoulder.
”Gabrielle. Let go.” Marine warned.
”But I don’t wanna leave you!” Gabby whined, pulling back just enough so Marine could see her pout.
”Go, Gabby.” The loudspeakers squealed, then gave an announcement in rapid French. Train leaving in 2 minutes.
In a last ditch attempt, Marine kissed Gabby—a small peck, enough to leave the younger dazed.
”Go, Gabby. I’ll see you soon, okay? Text me when you reach the airport, and when you land.” Marine instructed, and Gabby begrudgingly obliged, prying herself off Marine and getting on the train. Marine watched Gabby wave at her from the window, laughing as she waved back.
Not even a minute after the train was moving, Gabby already texted.
Gabs: miss you xx
Mari: miss you too, dumbass.