The Runner
Part of the Sports Au Series.
Words: 787
A short series of fics telling the tale of an all-star found family of sporting champions during competition crunch time. This first one starts off with Logan, a short distance runner.
Ships: Apaceit, Morolo
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Competition time was upon the world. Athletes of all varieties, across the globe, were converging on sports centres and stadiums, preparing to demonstrate their skill, all vying for success and victory. In London, the East Village was buzzing with track and field athletes for the Olympic competitions. Due to a disagreement, each Olympic event was being held in a different country. London held dominion over the track events, such as running or hurdles, and field events such as javelin and discus.
Logan mingled with his fellow runners, well aware of the whispers and odd looks the other teams gave him. He had a semi-permanent residence in the Olympic Village, a rehab centre for sportspeople who wanted somewhere dedicated to focus on training. He had established a mishmashed family across several sports teams, but outside of the village, had a reputation of being cold and ruthless. He knew the rumours, and felt comfortable keeping the truth ambiguous.
The PA system crackled with the ever familiar sound of an announcer, who, by the sound of it, had a sock pulled over their head, telling them to move on to the tracks to begin the races. The tension was palpable behind cool exteriors as they walked into the blinding lights of the stadium, immediately deafened by the wild cheers of the crowd. The others turned and waved to their fans, different nationalities forming a patchwork across the arc of seats high above the track. Logan, however, narrowed his focus to directly in front of him, taking his place on the astro turf, adjusting himself to the spring it gave his step.
He steeled his nerves, and looked up. Decked out in his national flag sat a small group of familiar people. The crowd around them appeared astonished, as the all-star cast of athletes cheered out for Logan, who smiled and waved, stunning anyone who saw. Roman Eudach, formula one star, was spending the last few days before his race at Silverstone supporting his friends. He was accompanied by English rugby captain Alistair Andrelus, British diving champion Declan Dolos, snooker champion Lucus Hypnos, and child prodigy swimmer Rhys Andrelus-Dolos and adopted child of Declan Dolos and Alistair Andrelus. The news teams were going wild for it, and it took the first set of races to draw their attention away.
Logan narrowed his focus again to the track, his breath even and calm. The ear splitting bang of the gun was his signal, and he set off, eyes locked on the target as he turned the first corner. In his mind, he was back on the practise track. Along the second straight, he caught a glimpse of his new family cheering more enthusiastically than any other spectator present, and it was enough to urge him on faster, along the final curve, and across the finish line. Adrenaline and ecstasy caught up to him and he collapsed to his knees, panting and grinning, but utterly pleased with himself.
The results spoke for themself. Joint first place, to the millisecond, with Egypt's representative. They took their medals, and he graciously accepted his national flag, which he slung over his shoulders as he went to talk to his family, completely ignoring the media trying to interview him.
"Uncle Logan! You were so fast! And you won!! You gotta teach me how to stay that focused!"
Emily was the first to call out, full of her famous enthusiasm and volume. She was practically bouncing, only being held back from jumping over the edge by Alistair, who spoke up next.
"Not bad, nerd. Gold medals are supposed to be good for you Olympian nerds."
Declan swatted his shoulder with a mock scowl.
"Ali! Be nice! Anyway, I thought you did great, Lo."
"I'm not gonna be nice to you upper crust Olympian elitists, and you can't make me."
"Speak for yourself, mud boy."
Roman had to cut them off before they said something they'd regret, but he wasn't too worried. There definitely a spark to their eyes that told him they were going to sort out their issues later, when they were alone.
He and Logan both were wishing Patton could have made it, but he was preoccupied with his own preparations, and going over his routine for next week's gymnastic events in Tokyo.
Eventually, Logan got wrestled into an awkward interview, made better when his family joined him, but he was more than relieved to get out of the limelight and go back to the streets of London, where they got dinner, and went to explore. The first day of sporting was complete, but there was still a long way to go. Tomorrow was Roman's final race on the Silverstone track, for the formula one race.