The Actor and The Athlete [A Kit Connor FanFic]

Chapter 1

When Alexandra (known to her friends and family as Ali) found out her lifelong best friend Will had been cast in a Netflix show she couldn't have been more proud of him. Herself and Will had met in primary school bonding over their love of films and soon became inseparable. Whilst most people would see Will and Ali as complete opposites, that's what made their friendship so special. Growing up Ali had always been into sports; competing in many different sports from cross country running to dancing, she did it all. In year 7, she was scouted by Croydon Netball Team to play competitively for them this is where her passion for netball really ignited and how she became the youngest Captain of England Netball Under 21s in their entire history.

She has incredible talent and is destined for a bright future in the sports, whilst she knows she will not be able to play netball for the rest of her life she is studying in college to hopefully one day become a physical therapist.

Will, on the other hand, is not a sports fan. He found his passion in music and acting when he first started playing piano when he was 6. However, even though he detested sports he always found time to go and support his best friend throughout her sporting career, making sure he was available to watch every one of her home games and even travelled to South Africa recently when she went to play against their national team. He was so proud of his best friend, and this was reciprocated with Ali always spurring him on with his music, even when Will believed he would never be able to break into the industry, Ali was always by his side.

They were each other's rocks throughout everything. When Ali was questioning her sexuality Will was always there at her side as a shoulder to cry on or as a hype man when she felt like she wasn't good enough or pretty enough, Will really was her platonic soul mate and they both knew they would be friends for the rest of their lives.

May 2022

Ali woke up to a tagged post from Will. 

It was 2 pictures of them from the last time they saw each other two weeks ago when they went to get sushi. The first picture was of them smiling to the camera, the second one was of them with chopsticks in the mouths pretending to be walruses like Rachel off Friends. They hadn't seen each other in two weeks as Will had started filming Heartstopper and Ali had begun training camp with England ready for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in August. For the two best friends who spent most days together growing up this was a long time not to see each other and Ali really missed her best friend. 

Comment from Ali.Tatex: 'William Gao I told you to not put that picture anywhere, it's so embarrassing :(((('

Will.Gao replied: BUT you look so adorable and I miss you :(((

Ali.Tatex: I MISS YOU MORE!!!

Joe.Locke: This is adorable, we're still waiting to meet you, Ali!! Where's Will been hiding you all these weeks

Corrina: I second this

KizzyE: I third this!!!

BashCroft: I fourth this, you need to come to set soon!!!

Liked by Ali.Tatex

RheaNorwood: This is giving me Rachel Green vibes :D, I agree with the rest of the cast we HAVE to meet you soon!!

Liked by Ali.Tatex

Ali came off Instagram and went straight to FaceTime Will, she held back a second wondering whether or not Will would be filming in case he was she decided to text him instead.

Text chain with Willy Bestie❤️

Ali Pie: Hey bestie, I was being serious I really miss you!! I was gonna FaceTime you but worried that you were filming!!

Willy Bestie: I miss you more, I'm on set but free for a FaceTime call, I'm sat with the rest of the cast and they are dying to talk to you!

Incoming FaceTime from Willy Bestie❤️...

'Yikes' Ali thought to herself when she saw the incoming call. Even though Ali followed all the cast and spoke to Will about them pretty much everyday she had never spoken to them before except for the comments they left on Wills posts on Instagram. She felt a wave of anxiety run through her as she answered the FaceTime. 

'Hiiii' Will shouted as she answered the call

'Omg hi, I've missed your face!'

'Ali we literally FaceTimed last night'

'I know but you look so cute with your make up on and the signature Tao hair'

'Oh don't start'

As Ali started to reply she was interrupted by people shouting

'Hi Aliiii!!'

'Omg it's her'

'Will talks about you non stop, he says you're a famous netballer'

'Oh I'm not sure about the famous part that's definitely all of you now, you're all TV stars!' Ali replied to the group of people that had all huddled round Wills phone. She recognised most of them: Corrina, Kizzy, Joe, Yasmin, Bash and Rhea.

'It's so nice to finally speak to you all, Will talks about you all non stop too!'

'They need to meet you in person now when are you next free maybe you can travel down to set one day, you can come and stay in the apartment with me, I know (wills cat) really misses you too' Will replied while all the casts faces still filled the screen

'Yeah that sounds so cool Willy, I'd love that do that if I'm allowed! I've got this weekend off training so I'm free if that good for you!'

'Yes of course it's okay that you come to set, I can't wait to show you around'

In the background Ali could hear someone yell 'come on guys, we need to shoot this scene by today'

'Sorry Ali we've gotta go but I'll call you later okay? Love you'

'Okay, have fun, love you too' Ali replied

Before Will hung up the rest of the cast shouted 'Bye Ali! See you on the weekend!'

Ali locked her phone and put it on her bedside table. After being at training camp non stop for the last two weeks she hadn't really had time to just spend time alone doing the things she enjoyed. So she got out of bed, had a shower and washed her long brown hair whilst listening to Baby Queen of repeat. Took herself on a long walk around London whilst window shopping and ended the day curled up on the couch with the new episodes of stranger things playing. To Ali, today was a perfect day, she loved playing netball and spending time with her team mates but sometimes she could feel a bit overwhelmed and days like today brought her peace. Before bed Ali text Will just to check in.

'Hey, just checking in. Hope todays shoot went well and you didn't mess up your lines😂. The cast all seem lovely I can't wait to finally meet them all in person this weekend!'

'Hey, only just got home today was a LONG day and I only messed up my lines once so that's a win for me! I'm so excited for you to finally meet them all too! They wouldn't stop going on about how pretty and sweet you are after we FaceTimed. There's still a few that you haven't spoken to yet but I'm sure they'll love you, one of them being Kit who I know you'll get on with so well. Anyway, good night bestie, I love you❤️'

'I love you too Willy❤️'

And with that Ali shut her eyes and fell asleep.