Instant Family (SWSH Fanfic)

Interlude: The Darkest Day (part 1)

TWO YEARS EARLIER: AT THE FINAL MATCH OF THE GYM CHALLENGE.

The Wyndon Stadium visitor's locker room rang with stifled giggles. Around the corner of the farthest row of lockers, Gloria's back was forcefully pushed up against the wall. Marnie's hands landed on either side of Gloria's head, her eyes locking intensely with hers.

"Y'know," Marnie's head bowed down closely, her lips brushing against Gloria's ear. Gloria's hands wrapped gently around her neck, "I really thought I was gonna give you a run for your money this time around..." she leaned in and nibbled on Gloria's earlobe. Gloria's fingertips caressed Marnie's neck as she let out a giggle.

"I feel like I should feel more sorry but—" her breath caught in her throat as Marnie's lips found their way to her neck, "—oh gosh— I mean—" Marnie's lips created a firm vacuum against her neck, the sensation sending tremors through Gloria's body. Her hand braced the back of Marnie's head desperately as her even breaths turned to ragged and uneven pants. "Marnie—"

Marnie's mouth made a pop as she broke away from Gloria's soft neck. Her heavy lidded gaze met Gloria's madly blushing face. She gave Gloria a naughty smirk as she put her finger beneath her chin. "I figured as much... so I'm gonna make sure your win against me wasn't for nothin'..." she leaned in dangerously close to Gloria, her free hand grabbing her waist firmly, "I'm gonna give you a good luck charm for your next match..." her lips locked with Gloria's, waves of passion ebbing and flowing as they kissed. Marnie's pulse throbbed in her head as she felt Gloria's tongue slide across her bottom lip, begging for the touch of Marnie's tongue. The two moaned simultaneously as they deepened the kiss, melting into each other as Marnie's grip on Gloria tightened.

The industrial clack of the door of the locker room opening made their eyes shoot open. They broke their kiss hastily, their breaths broken into huffs as Gloria's hands frantically cupped Marnie's cheeks.

"Shit. Marnie—" her voice was hushed, "You're not supposed to be in he—"

"Miss Gloria? Miss Gloria? Your match begins shortly! Are you there?"

Footsteps got nearer and nearer as Marnie's eyes darted around.

Shite. No closets, no nothing. Ummm—

Her eyes darted down to her shoes— the pointed heels not optimal for stealth. She broke away from Gloria and quickly slid them off, holding them close as she tiptoed around the corner. She peeked cautiously behind a locker to see a uniformed gym staffer making his way to Gloria's chosen spot. She felt beads of sweat form on her forehead as she slunk around the locker, edging little by little out of the staffer's direct field of view.

"There you are! Leon has informed the league reps that he's ready for the battle. You're welcome to the pitch whenever you're ready, miss."

"Wow! Thank you so much for letting me know!" Gloria's voice wavered nervously, Marnie poked her head silently around the corner and gave her a thumbs up. Gloria's eyes darted wildly as she tried to keep her composure. "Um, you can t-tell the chairman that—" she discretely jerked her head to signal Marnie to get the hell out, "— I'll be ready in like, five? Is that cool?"

Marnie saw the staffer raise an eyebrow. The zipper of her jacket accidentally jingled.

"Are you alright miss— is there— hey is someone there?"

Marnie stealthily whipped her head back around to the other side of the locker, her eyes widening with panic.

Damn it! Why do I have to be such a cheeky bastard all the time...

She inched her way backwards as she heard a shuffling of footsteps.

"What? What do you mean— haha— it's just you and m-me—" Gloria's tone of voice continued to waver, Marnie held her breath as she turned the corner around the opposite end of the row of lockers. She heard the staffer's uniform rustle as if he were peeking around the edge. Marnie's heartbeat quickened.