Team8s and Counting

147. Belonging on the Court

Needle was driving Dimey in the car, getting ready to take him to basketball practice. Dimey had gone to basketball practice a few times, which was being run by none other than Pen, or, "coach Pen", as Dimey knew him.

Dimey was always excited as ever to run around and play with a bunch of other kids his age, his seemingly unlimited energy always making it's presence on the court.

"Mommy! Guess What?" Dimey said, sporting a giant grin.

Needle couldn't help but chuckle at Dimey's excitement, "What is it?"

At this point, Dimey was kicking the passenger's seat, "Coach Pen said were going to play an actual game today!"

"Well that sounds fun!" Needle responded. For the last few practices, Pen had been helping the kids with their basketball skills, but now, it looked like they were finally going to put those skills to good use.

"And," Dimey added, "Coach Pen said he's bringing his husband to help run it!"

"Oh, I know him!" Needle said. "He competed on the show with us, I think he'll make a good coach. His name is Eraser, by the way."

As Needle finished parking the car, Dimey jumped out, his sneakers barely hitting the ground before he sprinted toward the court. Needle followed at a slower pace, watching as her son greeted Pen with his usual enthusiasm.

Sure enough, standing next to Pen was Eraser,, chatting with some of the other parents. Needle smiled, knowing that Eraser was likely going to do an amazing job at running the basketball game.

"Hey, champ!" Pen called out as Dimey approached. "You ready to show off those skills?"

"Yeah!" Dimey shouted, nearly bouncing on his toes. "Coach Pen, are we really playing a real game today?"

Pen nodded, a smile on his face. "We sure are, it's going to be a lot of fun!"

Needle smiled at Pen's enthusiasm. However, as she looked closer at where Eraser and Pen were standing, she noticed a small figure who was seemingly hiding behind Pen.

Needle headed closer to where the kid was standing, trying to provide a calm presence. "Pen?" She whispered.

Pen turned around to face Needle. "Hm?"

Needle smiled, "There's a little one standing behind you?"

Pen chuckled, "Oh, I know!" Pen turned around to face the child. "What's up Capy? Feeling a little shy today?"

Needle tilted her head, "Is she yours?"

Pen nodded, "Yeah, sure is."

Needle was confused, "I had no idea you had a kid?"

Pen sighed, "Well, we've only had her for a little bit, around 4 months, after she was bounced around in foster care for about 2 years after her parents couldn't take care of her anymore," he explained, his voice softening. "We only recently finalized the adoption. I wanted her to settle in for a few months at home before taking him to his first practice. And, well, clearly she's a little nervous."

"Wow." Needle said softly. "I feel lucky to have gotten adopted as a baby. Two years of foster care? That must have been rough for her, but she's lucky to have you two now!"

Pen smiled, "She really is an amazing kid. Eraser has spent a lot of time at home with her, and we're slowly getting the hang of things."

Needle reached her hand out to Capy, but clearly she was having trouble opening up to everyone, as she ran away and hid behind Eraser. Her expression softened, "I hope she can warm up to everyone.."