No Ordinary Exchange

the final score

1. Let's talk about conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is a dangerous practice (so, not therapeutic at all) that attempts to force queer individuals to become cishet (thus "converting" them). It is rooted in the idea that sexual orientation and gender identity are mental illnesses, despite that this factually untrue. This practice has been discredited by virtually all major USAmerican medical, psychiatric, psychological, and professional counseling organizations (and is condemned by every USAmerican mental health organization). Not only does conversion therapy not work, but it is incredibly harmful to queer individuals, increasing issues such as anxiety and depression and even driving some to suicidal ideation. Conversion therapy is unfortunately still practiced, often occurring under "tamer" names, such as "reparative therapy," "promoting healthy sexuality," and even "sexuality counseling." Conversion therapy is banned in only 20 US states. If you are able-bodied and of age, consider contacting your state governments about introducing a bill to ban conversion therapy if you are in one of the 30 states where conversion therapy is still legal. (Information condensed from @ soyouwanttotalkabout on Instagram.)

This chapter is an 8k beast. Which makes sense, seeing as it is the final proper chapter before the short lil epilogue next week. I cannot believe I made it this far - I mean, 180k words? I never would have thought I had it in me to see such a lengthy story to the end! So much credit goes to all of you, whether you were here from the beginning or just got into the fic as we now reach the end. I'll save most of my sappiness for next week, but know this: thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support has meant the world to me and I hope you enjoy this final (official) chapter of No Ordinary Exchange.

xXxXxXx

"Okay, gang!" Claudia said, clapping her hands. "Listen up. This game will not be like any of the others we've attended this year, so we must act accordingly."

Callum was impressed at how quickly she got the entire group's attention. As in, all seven of them: himself, Ezran, Harrow, Amaya, Gren, Runaan, and Ethari. Then again, everyone there knew full well that Claudia was the resident football expert among them, so maybe it wasn't a surprise they all turned to listen.

"Each of us has a VIP pass, which will allow us to get onto the field for the trophy presentation after the game," she continued, tapping the ID that hung on a lanyard around her neck. "The reason we have these is because you're really not supposed to storm the field when the game ends. People will, but we shouldn't." She pouted, and Callum heard her mutter, "Even though I really wish we could," under her breath.

He had to wonder if she'd do it anyway. Callum recognized that he'd probably join her if she did. "What should we do instead of storming?" he asked, attempting to steer the conversation back on track.

"Well, we're still going to walk down to the field. If we show our passes to enough people" - Claudia shrugged - "I'm sure someone will eventually recognize them for what they are and tell us where to go."

Okay, so maybe Claudia didn't know much more about how the night would pan out than the rest of them did. But Callum suspected they'd continue to look to her as the leader regardless. She had the confidence for the position.

"How much longer until the game actually begins?" Amaya signed, Gren translating as she did so. Amaya sat directly behind Callum, with Gren to her left and Runaan and Ethari to her right. Callum sat between Claudia and Ezran, with Harrow on Ezran's right. All things considered, their seats were pretty close to the field, though still elevated enough that they could see what was going on.

"It's supposed to start at 7," Claudia said, "but that's really code for 7:10 because of commercial breaks and the coin toss and all the other fanfare they go through before kickoff happens."