jenbrookhart:
Jen visibly sags in relief when Grayson is immediately supportive. They don’t know what they expected, maybe some anger that they kept it from him or that they just can’t seem to make up their mind. Now that some of that fear is gone, they can’t help but picture themself back on the court with him, living in the same building again, and while he shouldn’t be their deciding factor, it definitely helps sway them. “Thanks,” They murmur and give his hand a squeeze before hesitantly looking to the twins for their reaction, a little startled when they see nearly identical grins looking back at them. Jen usually lets themself get roped into to the whole “practically triplets” thing until moments like this that remind them they weren’t actual born with Jackson and Jane.
“That’s great!” They say in unison, only reinforcing the twin thing. “You were always so good, it seemed like a waste to give up,” Jane explains with a shrug. “I mean, we get why you did it. You had to find something outside of dad, but I think we’re just glad you found out you still just genuinely like Exy. It’ll be fun to play against you again.” Jackson nods eagerly, offering a simple, “Hell yeah,” in response.
Jen’s chest fills with warmth and they can’t stop the dimply grin from forming. They’re so lucky to have this–a brother, sister, and boyfriend to have their back even when they’re all over the place. “Ya’ll are amazing,” They say shakily, feeling overwhelmed, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” It’s meant for all of them, but they turn their attention to Grayson, because they really should’ve said something after he opened up about the podcast. Relationships are a two-way street. “I’ve been in denial, I guess. I made such a big deal about leaving, that I felt so dumb for wanting to go back, but I miss y’all. I miss playing,” They admit.
“You’d be willing to do extra practice?” Jen asks him in surprise. If that isn’t love, Jen doesn’t know what is. “That’d be great.”
“You don’t have to be sorry,” Grayson says, his best attempt at reassuring. “Sounds like it’s been a weird decision to make.” And anyway, Grayson can hardly judge anyone for putting off hard conversations, least of all Jen—how many times has Grayson’s willful avoidance of a topic come between the two of them?
Selfishly, it’ll be nice to have them back on the team if this go this route. They’ll be able to spend a hell of a lot more time together, considering how much time Grayson has to dedicate to practice with the Foxes. They’ll be in the Tower together again, so Grayson won’t have to worry about showing up late for practice if he oversleeps in Jen’s room. Maybe they can even share a dorm, if Jen wants to take that step too. Does it still count as asking someone to move in with you if there’s at least one other person in the dorm too?
Jen’s a better player than he’s ever been anyway and Grayson’s sure that’s still true despite their year off with the Vixens. That doesn’t mean they have to keep the racquet in their hand, of course, but he can see why their siblings are so excited at the prospect of Jen stepping out on that court again.
The only shame is that Jen’s missing the Championships—but hell, maybe lightening strikes three times. Even thinking it seems like asking for too much, for them to qualify three times in a row, but Claudia certainly seems determined enough to drag them through this all over again. Grayson’s not even surprised to realize that he’s excited by the idea these days.
He still isn’t the most dedicated player, probably won’t ever be, but he likes Exy far more than he used to. That counts for something, doesn’t it, no matter how long it took him to find this semi-solid footing? “I’m willing to do extra practice for you and you alone,” Grayson teases. “Just don’t tell Grant. I don’t want him getting any ideas about me. I like keeping that bar low with that guy.”












