Riley and Val oneshots

True colors

Riley's heart pounded as she stepped onto the ice, the familiar chill seeping through her skates. She had always loved hockey, the rush of wind against her face, the sharp turns, and the camaraderie of her teammates. But this season felt different—more intense. 

She glanced at Val, her best friend and teammate, who was already skating laps around the rink. Val was as cool and composed as ever, her every movement graceful and precise. Riley admired her friend's skill but couldn't shake the feeling that Val was always striving for something just out of reach. 

As practice began, Riley found herself struggling to keep up. Val was pushing harder than usual, her eyes filled with a determination that bordered on obsession. The coaches had been relentless, demanding perfection at every turn, and Riley could feel the pressure weighing on her. But for Val, it seemed like a challenge she was determined to conquer.

In the locker room after practice, Val sat silently as the other girls chatted and laughed. Riley could see the tension in her friend's posture, the way she stared at the floor as if lost in thought.

"You okay?" Riley asked, sitting down beside her.

Val looked up, her expression distant. "Yeah, just tired. I'm trying to figure out how to perfect my slap shot. It's still not where it needs to be."

Riley frowned. "You've been killing it out there. Don't be so hard on yourself."

Val shook her head. "It's not enough, Riley. I need to be better—perfect even. If I'm going to make it, I can't afford to be anything less."

Riley knew how high Val's expectations were, but she also knew the toll it was taking. The endless pursuit of perfection was starting to wear her down, and Riley could see the cracks forming beneath the surface.

"Val, you don't have to be perfect. You're already one of the best players on the team."

Val didn't respond. Instead, she stood up and began to pack her gear, her movements stiff and controlled. Riley watched her, feeling a sense of unease. She wished she could help Val see that she was enough just as she was, but she knew her friend's drive for perfection was deeply ingrained.

The season progressed, and with it came more pressure. The team was performing well, but the stakes were high. Scouts from prestigious colleges were attending games, and every player felt the weight of their gaze.

Riley found herself growing more anxious with each passing game. She loved hockey, but the joy she once felt was being overshadowed by the constant demands to perform. She started questioning her own abilities, wondering if she was good enough to keep up with her teammates, especially Val.

One evening, after a particularly grueling practice, Riley and Val sat in the bleachers, the rink empty and quiet around them.

"Do you ever feel like you're losing yourself?" Riley asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Val looked at her, surprised. "What do you mean?"

Riley sighed. "I don't know. It's just... this season feels different. I'm so focused on being the best that I'm forgetting why I started playing in the first place. I miss the fun we used to have, just playing because we loved it."

Val's expression softened. "I get it, Riley. But if we want to succeed, we have to push ourselves. That's just the way it is."

"But is it?" Riley asked, her voice filled with doubt. "What if we're pushing ourselves so hard that we forget who we are? What if we lose sight of what really matters?"

Val didn't answer right away. She stared out at the ice, her thoughts hidden behind her calm exterior. "I guess I've never really thought about it that way," she finally admitted.