Breaking the Mold (Alex Morgan x OC)

Damn, you two are cute

Rumors were flying around about a potential trade between Portland and Oakland, but we weren't sure if they were true, nor did we really care that much. As a team, we were ready to have another great season despite the ongoing lawsuit between the league and Al, which was slowly intensifying. The media was always trying to bombard us with questions about it.

Jenny was back on the road and wrestling again, while Dave looked after Terry. She told me how much she missed them both and couldn't wait to get back home, even if it was just for a day or two. I knew that a wrestler's life was always a grind. I experienced it when I was growing up. You're always on the road, going from one show to another, driving for hours at night to the next city. I remembered all the guys who worked for my dad's promotion at the time, and how they would end up pulling pranks to keep the mood light. Some were friendly, and some were extremely bad ones. Dave used to get a few padlocks and put them on the other guys' bags or he'd put them through the handles of two bags and lock them. From what I've heard, the pranks Jenny pulls are light ones, ranging from many ideas she'd have.

"Hey, what's the bet we'll end up in LA?" Madison asked me as we hung out for the day at the beach, with the sun shining down on us and the warmth hitting our skin.

"I'm not sure," I replied as the sound of the waves crashing and the seagulls chirping filled the air. "I just hope we have a good season and make it to the playoffs." Madison nodded in agreement. "Me too. But you know what they say, 'the journey is just as important as the destination'."

We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, taking in the peaceful surroundings. But the tranquillity was short-lived as Madison suddenly jumped up, startling me. "Let's go for a swim!" she exclaimed, already taking off her cover-up. I hesitated for a moment. "I don't feel like it, I'm tired and would rather sunbathe," I said, feeling a little exhausted.

Madison shrugged. "Who cares? Let's just have some fun!" With that, she took my hand and pulled me towards the water. We splashed around and swam for what felt like hours, laughing and enjoying the moment. As we finally made our way back to the shore, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of carefree joy amidst the uncertainty and chaos of the upcoming season. A guy was staring at us from a distance, and I nudged Madison's arm with my elbow. "See that muscle freak over there?" I asked, my voice low. "Go talk to him."

"Pfft, no thanks," Madison laughed, shaking her head. "I'm good."

I shrugged, grinning. "Suit yourself."

We spent the rest of the day lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying each other's company. As the sun began to set, we packed up our things and headed back to our own cars before leaving to our own respective apartments. It was a good day, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there are moments of peace and happiness to be found. As I drove back home, I couldn't help but wonder what the upcoming season would bring. There were a lot of unknowns, but I knew one thing for sure - we're going to win our second title no matter what.

********

"How's your old man doing?" Alex asked me while I was sitting in my cubby in the locker room, pulling the tape off my wrists after our first game this international break before Rio.

"He's doing good," I answered with a smile. Hope happened to overhear our conversation and she butted in, "He's still alive? The old 100 year old man."

I instantly glared at her, balling my fists up in anger, "Shut up, Hope."

"I'm good," she retorted, "Your old man should kick the bucket now, he's got nothing going for him."

"How about you go argue with your husband on the phone." I clapped back, the entire locker room was now in silence. I wouldn't have made it personal if she just kept her mouth shut. She glared at me and threw her gloves on the ground and sat at her cubby while I finished pulling the tape off my wrists.