Icing Those Hurts (NOT MY STORY. READ DISC)

Part 10

When Tommy is finished with his morning stretches and forms and has cycled through all the dry land practices of his routines in the studio, he heads to the cafeteria. It's later than he thought it would be, so he isn't expecting anyone to still be there- he's alright sitting alone if he must, it wouldn't phase him.

(At least, that's what he tells himself.)

Surprisingly, there are still people in there, and the sound of them all talking makes Tommy nervous until he catches sight of Ranboo waving him over. He looks excited to see Tommy, all delighted, like he's been waiting. Which, that's ridiculous, he wouldn't, but maybe.

Ranboo isn't sitting alone either, he's with the pink-haired hockey player from the other day and Wilbur. Seeing Wilbur makes Tommy relax slightly, and before he knows it, he's making his way over.

"Tommy!" Ranboo exclaims. "Hi, I didn't think you were coming."

"Hello," he says softly, sitting by his roommate's side. Wilbur leans over and smiles at him- he looks silly.

"Tommy the ice skater," He greets. "Meet my team captain, Technoblade. He's much nicer than he looks."

"You calling me ugly, Wil?" Technoblade asks, and then addresses Tommy with a gentle look. "Hi, I'm Technoblade, but you can call me Techno."

"Hi." Tommy offers, and then clams up because he doesn't know what else to say. It's been a while since he's had a meal with anyone other than his coach- is he expected to make small talk? When does he eat? How do people talk and eat at the same time and not make a fool of themselves? What if they're watching him to see if they like having him around and he ruins it by being too distant?

Luckily, Wilbur starts talking before Tommy has to. "We've got lots of other teammates, as I'm sure you know, cause you saw us, but- they're a zoo."

"You all are annoying." Techno says. "I have to watch and make sure you guys don't fall on your faces or get yourselves into a mess you have no business handling."

"We'd never do that," Wilbur rolls his eyes. He leans over to Ranboo and Tommy. "Don't listen to him guys, we're perfect and he's the devil."

Ranboo laughs and Techno rolls his eyes, but the look is soft. It makes Tommy relax a little, them all being so easy-going. He doesn't offer much to the conversation, but that's alright because they seem content to just talk around him. They seem to think just his quiet company is good enough. And Tommy can do that- Tommy can be quiet. It's nice sitting there and listening to them, feeling included even if he shouldn't be. His coach would hate to see him taking time to socialize with other athletes- thankfully, since none of them figure skate, and therefore aren't his opponents, the most that will happen is that he's told off.

"Here," Ranboo whispers. Tommy looks down at his hand. He's offering a powerbar, strawberry flavored. "They're my favorite to eat when I'm too nervous to have a meal. You should try it- if you want."

Slowly, Tommy takes it, watching Ranboo carefully, but his expression doesn't change nor does he rip it back. He just smiles encouragingly, so Tommy opens it and takes a bite, letting the sweet yogurt melt on his tongue. It is good. Tommy thinks he likes it. As he eats it, he realizes that it's the first time that he's had an appetite since he got here. His stomach's settled down slightly since last night, and Ranboo's smile and the conversation going around him makes him feel- warm, almost.

It's nice, he realizes. Who knew having company would be so nice? He even thinks he likes it- not being alone anymore. He thinks he could like it a lot.