In between- Spoke x oc!Fem

XII

The gym was still buzzing with the aftermath of our last match as I walked across the court. My team had just wrapped up our second game of the tournament, and we were heading back to the hotel to rest up. But before I left, there was something—or rather, someone—I wanted to see.

I made my way through the crowd, scanning the bleachers until I spotted him. James, or as I knew him online, Spoke, was leaning against the railing, his curly blonde hair catching the light. He was focused on his phone, completely unaware of my approach. A small smile tugged at my lips. This was the guy I'd been talking to for months, but this was the first time we were meeting in person.

Taking a deep breath, I walked up to him and said casually, "Hey, you waved at me during the game."

James looked up, his eyes widening in surprise before they softened into a warm smile. "Avery? Yeah, I did. It's crazy to finally seeing you in person."

"Tell me about it," I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Feels like we've known each other forever, but this is the first time we're actually face to face."

"It's definitely surreal," he agreed, tucking his phone into his pocket. "You were awesome out there, by the way. Nothing compared to your Minecraft skills though, your obviously better at volleyball"

"Thanks," I said, appreciating the compliment. "I was definitely playing with a little extra motivation, knowing you were watching."

He laughed, the sound easy and genuine. "You up for grabbing some lunch? I know a place nearby where we can chill and catch up."

"Yeah, that sounds great," I replied, feeling a little thrill at the thought of hanging out with him one-on-one.

We left the gym and headed out into the warm California sun. The air was fresh, and the walk to the café was filled with easy conversation. Despite this being our first in-person meeting, there was no awkwardness between us. It felt like hanging out with an old friend, which, in a way, it was.

The café James took me to was a cozy little spot with outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe. We found a table in a quiet corner, away from the main hustle of the place, and ordered sandwiches and iced drinks. As we waited for our food, we continued chatting, the conversation flowing as naturally as it did online.

"So, what's it like being Spoke in real life?" I asked with a teasing grin.

James rolled his eyes playfully. "Honestly, it's not that different from being James. Just with a bit more anonymity. But I guess it's kind of nice having a separate identity, especially when most of my friends don't even know about it."

"Really?" I asked, surprised. "I figured they'd all be in on it."

He shook his head. "Nope, just my friend Noah. He's the only one who knows both sides of me. The others just think I'm really into gaming, which isn't far from the truth."

"Must be nice, having that balance," I mused. "Sometimes it's hard to keep the two worlds separate."

"Yeah, it is," James agreed, taking a sip of his drink. "But it's also kind of fun, you know? Like, right now, I'm just hanging out with a friend, no pressure, no expectations."

I smiled, appreciating his perspective. "Yeah, I get that. It's nice just being Avery for a bit, without all the team stuff hanging over my head."

"Exactly," he said, leaning back in his chair. "So, what's your plan for the rest of the day? More games, or do you get some downtime?"

"We've got a team meeting later to go over today's matches and prep for tomorrow," I explained. "After that, we'll probably just chill at the hotel. Maybe grab dinner together, nothing too crazy."

"Sounds like a solid plan," James said, nodding. "Mind if I tag along for a bit? I'd love to hang out more before you head back."

"Sure," I said, genuinely pleased at the idea. "I've got a couple of hours before the meeting."

We finished our lunch, and James offered to show me around the area a little. We wandered through the nearby park, talking about everything from our favorite games to random things that had happened in our lives recently. It was easy, comfortable—just like our conversations online, but better because we were actually there together.

At one point, we found ourselves sitting on a bench overlooking the beach. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water. I turned to Spoke, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

"This is nice," I said softly, breaking the peaceful silence between us. "I'm glad we finally did this."

"Me too," he replied, his voice equally soft. "It's been a long time coming."

"but it's you and me nothing like this, miss americana and he heartbreak prince." I sang

"What?" He asked me confusion spread all over his face

"It's a Taylor Swift reference Miss Americana from Lover. You don't know?"

"I don't really listen to Taylor swift" he admitted

"What?! I'm sorry, I'm afraid we can't be friends anymore..." I joked

"Womp Womp I guess" He said while laughing

We sat there for a while, just enjoying the moment. There was something incredibly satisfying about finally meeting someone you'd only known through a screen and realizing they were even better in person. It felt like the start of something real, something solid.

Eventually, though, the time came for me to head back. I sighed, not really wanting the afternoon to end, but knowing I couldn't keep my team waiting.

"I should get going," I said, standing up reluctantly. "Coach will kill me if I'm late."

James stood up too, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, I figured. But hey, this was fun. We should hang out again before you leave."

"Definitely," I agreed, smiling up at him. "Thanks for today, I had a great time."

"Same here, Avery," he said, his smile warm and genuine. "Good luck with the rest of the tournament. I'll be rooting for you."

We walked back to the school together, the conversation light and easy. When we reached the entrance to the gym, we paused, both of us a little reluctant to part ways.

"See you around?" I asked, more as a hope than a question.

"For sure," James replied, giving me a reassuring smile.

With one last smile, I turned and headed back inside to join my team. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside me. Meeting James had been everything I'd hoped for and more. And as I headed back to the hotel with my team, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.