Sushi (gxg)

Chapter 24

Winning a gold medal in record time is time consuming. I mean, the race itself was fast, but then we had the medal ceremony, interviews, a debrief with Seth who was now really looking forward to the 4x200, and then so many hugs and high fives and autographs that I thought I might never get out of the swimming complex. But damn it was worth it.

Once we were done with all the formalities, the team had a little shuttle bus to bring us from the Paris La Défense Arena to a local steak house where we filled ourselves up on steak frites and crème brûlée before heading back to the village. So many people had evening plans to go out and party after dinner, that I was completely certain that many of the Olympic Village condoms would be used. As for myself, I was going to go clean up, and then I was going out with Kit.

But afterwards, my girl was gonna be my dessert.

The bus was probably the loudest vehicle I'd ever been in, as we were all still screaming and excited, and I was yelling alongside them as Kit bounced in my lap while doing some cheering herself and telling everyone how awesome they'd been. Considering how quiet she used to be, this new side of her was fun to see. I guess I was the same way though, since I was never outgoing either. We'd definitely started to bring each other out of our shells.

By the time we were dropped off in the village, everyone was finally a little calmer, though only marginally. There were still random yells and high fives, and I had a feeling that as we got to our rooms it would be the same. Just like I knew we'd be thrilled for wins from our roommates, I knew they would be just as excited for us. As expected, there were muffled cheers up and down the hallway as the other swimmers got to their rooms, and when we hit ours, it was no different.

Each of our roommates were there, and all of them pulled us into a giant hug with slaps on the back and screams at our win. It was so easy to get caught up in the excitement again, and I couldn't wait for more success among our little band of roomies.

"A fucking world record, that is incredible!" Val said as we finally calmed down. "Are you two going to go celebrate?"

Kit nodded happily. "Yeah, we're going to go on a little date, then come back here and have s.... ummm... snuggles." She tailed off at the end, and her face turned as red as mine as she realized what she almost said. I needed to find a filter for her now that we had her confidence built up!

"We're going to go for a walk back down to the Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower," I said quickly. "Maybe we'll find some dessert on the way."

"Or be dessert," Val quipped with a wink. "Don't be embarrassed, half the village is going at it every night here." She gave us each a hug of reassurance when she saw our red faces. "Seriously, don't be shy, okay? Your love gives me hope for my own. You should be celebrating it."

"Thanks, Val." I gave her a firm hug back. "I think we're just so new at this that everything is going to be a bit overwhelming."

Val nodded against me. "I can see that. You're both private, and starting new, and dealing with the Olympics too. You have a lot going on, and it can be a lot to take in. But damn, this is a beautiful thing, so enjoy it. I'm rooting for you both."

"Thanks, Val," Kit whispered. "I didn't even know I liked girls till I met Nat, so this is pretty new."

Val snorted with a little laugh. "I've been there. The first girl I liked took me completely by surprise, but it taught me a lot. You two are already so solid together that I know you'll be okay."

"Hopefully we're all at the next Olympics together, and we can hang out again," Kit said happily. "You're a great person."

"I like that plan. Now go have fun!" she replied with a grin.