his muse ; reader imagines

Poe cup hero ~

Pairing: Xavier Thorpe x reader

Warnings: none, i think

~

The Sirens were last to depart, but you knew Bianca was plotting something. As Wednesday had pointed out last night, it was impossible for them to be the only boat to make it back across the lake without sinking every year. Unfortunately, there were no rules in the Poe cup. Sabotage was allowed and Bianca had already begun early by sending Yoko to the infirmary because of a major allergic reaction to garlic bread, leaving Enid without a copilot.

Quickly enough, the Black Cats were second in line. You saw Enid's lips twitch into a grin, but you told her to focus and keep rowing. Gloating too soon always leads to a major downfall.

Then, Ajax and his jesters caught up to you and brushed against your boat as they rowed past you.

''Oh, excuse us,'' one of them fakely apologized, sniggering.

You were tempted to flip them the finger, but you took your own advice and rowed faster instead. ''Come on, ladies!''

The sabotaging soon began with a nod from Bianca. Another siren — Kent — was on the deck on the side of the lake, waiting for his friend's signal to jump in and tip one of the boats. You would never tell Enid, but you were happy to not be first in line at the moment as you saw their boat being guided into the red buoy and breaking in three pieces, sending everyone in the water.

The well and the pendulum were out.

''Faster,'' Enid told everyone, sensing the sirens were getting closer and if they went past you, the black cats would be last.

Without surprise, the jesters made it to the other side first. They had left their boat on the shore, completely unattended. The opportunity for sabotage was too easy, but unfortunately it didn't even cross your mind as you stayed behind to guard your boat. What a missed opportunity.

Shortly after Enid and the girls left running, you saw Xavier running back with his flag, Ajax and the other boy right behind. His jester makeup was so extra, but it looked great on him. It was a contrast to his personality.

''Does the claws come with the costume?'' he teased as he was embarking his boat, glancing at your black ears and whiskers Enid had painted on your cheeks.

''Don't mess with the cat or you'll find out,'' you fired back, making Xavier grin.

The teasing and flirting between you and Xavier was nothing new. It was obvious to everyone who had eyes that you had feelings for each other, but you were both too shy to admit it and settled on dancing around each other instead.

Eventually, Enid came back with the flag and the girl quickly took their seats just as the sirens pulled in. Bianca didn't seem very worried or rushed, meaning she was planning something else. That was no good.

The black cats were almost halfway across the lake when you felt something pushing underneath the boat. You tightened your grip on the oar, not enjoying how unsteady the boat suddenly was. Before you could ask what was going on, the pushing happened again. This time, it was stronger.

Someone was trying to tip you over.

You didn't have time to react as another — and last — push overturned the boat, making your worst fear come true.

Your heart leaped in your chest as you fell in the water, not knowing how to swim.

''Enid! Help!'' you called, trying to stay above water by kicking your arms and feet, but only ended up splashing in panic. ''Eni—''

''The Black Cats are down,'' Ajax announced with premature victory, seeing your boat upside down and your oars floating.

Xavier whipped his head around and saw that, indeed, the boat was upside down. He scanned the water for you, seeing only Enid and the other girls.

''Shit.''

Not many people knew that you couldn't swim. It wasn't something you liked to brag about. It's kind of embarrassing. Only Xavier and Enid knew of your swimming troubles, which was why you called for her when you fell.

He stopped rowing and jumped in the lake, making his teammates confused.

''We're almost half-way!'' one of them said, but Xavier didn't care about the Poe cup anymore.

''Xavier!'' Ajax called, but he didn't hear his friend. All that was on his mind was you.