//------------------------------// // Chapter 15. New Opportunities // Story: Help // by WittyNameTFM //------------------------------// 'I can't believe her.' Sunny huffed, writing as the teacher spoke. 'D-Did we do anything to make her think she's a burden? No. She gets along well with both mom and dad. Why does she keep throwing herself into more stuff? She doesn't have to prove anything to anyone.' Her pencil slowed to a stop as the realization came to her. 'She's always had to prove herself. She's never just been able to live a normal life.' She sighed. 'And I got upset that she was trying to gain some sense of independence. God…' She looked back up as the teacher wrote. Another sigh before redoubling her efforts and taking notes. There was nothing she could do at the moment. She knew what she had to do, 'Please don't be too mad at me, Indigo.' The rest of the class period was slow, anytime she was asked something, she looked fine, but whenever she felt she wasn't being acknowledged, her mask slipped. Her acting was useful, but her mind was elsewhere. Several classmates and even the teacher noted how distracted she appeared.  When the bell finally rang, she was one of the first people out of the room, she pressed a button on her bracelet, scrolling the text chain she had with Indigo, refreshing herself on what exactly was said. 'Are you upset?' 'No, I'm just confused as to why you'd need a job.' 'Well, I thought it'd be good to get out of the house, you guys gotta be sick of seeing me by now, right?' Sunny frowned, rereading that last part. 'Indigo, how can you honestly think that?' She turned the corner and began to pick up pace, she knew the way to Indigo's locker very well by now.  As she neared, she saw her. Indigo had just put a book in, glancing to her side to talk to Lemon. She looked off. That may have been projecting, admittedly. "Thanks for listening, Indy, I dunno if I can trust just anyone with this." Lemon said with a faint blush. "Anytime, dude. But you know, you should just tell her, I think you've got a shot." "Nah, no way. She's got her own stuff to deal with. Speaking of…" Lemon motioned with her eyes past her.  "Indigo!" Sunny called as she rushed up. "Hey." She said, glancing back to Lemon. "Is uh, everything okay?" "I'm sorry." Sunny said with a frown. "About earlier, I should have been supportive, I just felt like," She sighed. "I was scared you thought we were pitying you. You know that's not the case, right?" "I-," Indigo nodded. "It's hard to go from no support to a lot of it, I'm sorry I got defensive." "I should have known better, some friend I am." "Hey, none of that." Indigo put a hand on her shoulder. "I knew your heart was in the right place, it's probably more my fault for not wording it better. The girls told me as much." She chuckled. "I don't want you to think that we're burdened by you." "It's hard to get that, but I needed something that I could do y'know? I've felt so helpless for so long." "I know and I'm sorry for reacting the way I did." "It's okay. I'm just glad you're not still mad." She said, "Dude, you shoulda heard the talking to I got from the girls. I screwed up explaining so badly." "Stop blaming yourself for everything." Sunny added. "I messed up. Please, don't think everything is your fault." "R-Right. I'm working on it." She admitted, sheepishly. "Are we cool?" "Yes." Sunny nodded with a smile. "Thank goodness. I've been thinking about this all of last period. I'm so glad." She sighed happily. "Aww, I'm on your mind that much just because I was sad?" Indigo teased. "Yes. I never want to see you sad, but especially if I made you feel that way. You're my friend. I only want the best for you." Indigo's cheeks heated, she pushed Sunny gently. "You're such a sap, dude." "Hey! I was being sweet." "You were very sweet." "Were?" She repeated, folding her arms. "Did I stutter?" Indigo shot back with a smirk, though her cheeks were still a little pink. "Why you-" Sunny lunged at her playfully, Indigo easily caught her in a side headlock, resulting in Sunny blushing as well as trying to fight back. 'Flirting right in front of me…' Lemon thought with a small smile. 'Looks like you have a chance too, Indy.' She cleared her throat. "Would you two lovebirds cut it out?" The duo jumped apart, seemingly having forgotten Lemon was there. "There we go. Now, everyone's good? Got it out of your system? Now go back to being friends." She cheerfully added. "Right. So when do you work again?" Sunny asked. "I'll head to the gym later today after school." "Need a ride?" "Sure, if you're offering." Lemon smiled as the two resumed their friendly banter. It was a surprise to see Sunny was so physical towards Indigo, the gentle shoves or even that attempt at a tackle earlier. Their dynamic had grown significantly, from casual compliments to now. Seeing how Indigo dragged all day while knowing Sunny was upset was all the proof she needed. Lemon knew. There's no way she could hide it. 'Now, how do we get them to admit it to each other? How am I playing matchmaker when I can't sort my own crap out?' "I have a soccer game next week, we're picking up momentum, I can count on you to be there to cheer me on right?" Indigo leaned into Sunny. "Of course. I quite enjoy your games." "Awesome. My cheer squad is complete." "That sounds rather dubious." "What's wrong with having my friends shouting about how great I am?" "Ah, there's the Indigo I know." "What's that supposed to mean?" 'Just kiss already.' Lemon sighed. "Girls, please. We still have classes." "Oh, right! My things! I'll see you later, Indigo." Sunny said before heading down the hall. Indigo watched her leave with a small smile and a look of relief on her face. "So uh, you got anything you wanna tell me about?" Lemon asked with a knowing smirk. "Hmm? I don't think so." She said with a tilted head. 'You can't be this oblivious…' They headed off to class and the rest of the day seemed to breeze past. The weight off of Indigo's shoulders made the classes feel much faster. Sunny dropped her off at the gym and she started her first day. Just cleaning equipment and tidying up. She still had to be trained with the computer systems. She greeted customers and guided them to anyone who could assist them. The door opened as she looked over some introductory papers. She glanced up and her jaw dropped. Two women entered, one with short purple hair and green highlights, a rabbit on her shirt. The other was a magenta color, spiky red hair, piercing green eyes. "Why are we going to different gyms today?" The taller woman asked. Indigo recognized them both right away. But the ink going down the taller woman's forearms gave her away even more. "We're looking for a place that'll let us do classes. Duh." "Like that's completely obvious." She shot back, crossing her arms. "Heyo!" The shorter stepped up to the counter. "My name is Michiru, this is Tempest. I was wondering if we could speak to the owner?" "Y-Yes, I'll call them right away." Indigo said shakily. "Thank you so much!" She turned to Tempest. "See? That negative attitude will get you nowhere." Indigo picked up the phone, calling the owner to the front. He was not super athletic, yet still fit. An older gentleman, nearing his fifties. As far as Indigo knew him, he was polite and kind. He was the main reason she got the job. As he arrived he saw the two women. "Is there something I can help you with?" "Yes, we were curious if you would be interested in letting our promotion hold a class here once or twice a week." "I see, well let's head to my office and sort out the details." He smiled. "Thank you Indigo." "Yes sir." She nodded, as they began to pass by she cleared her throat. "I-I'm a big fan." Michiru stopped, looking back. "Oh yeah?" She had a huge grin on her face. "Thank you." Tempest said with a small smile. "You know them?" The man asked. "They work for UWW. The current and former world champions." "Oh wow, we must be ruining it for her." Michiru chuckled. "N-No! My uh...guardian?" She hesitated on what to call him. "He introduced me to wrestling...you two helped us get along. Thank you for that." Tempest turned to face her fully. "That's very sweet. We're happy to have helped you with something like that." "See Tempest? There's totally people around here who would know us." "Sorry, I didn't mean to take up your time." She said, stepping back from the desk. "We'll catch you afterwards for sure." Michiru said cheerfully. After about half an hour, she saw the door open, Michiru shaking her boss' hand. "Thank you sir, we'll see you soon!" She said. Tempest led the way back to the desk, stopping in front of it. Michiru grinned.  "Hey, thanks for that lead in. Your boss really liked that we were recognizable faces." She said, "We're gonna be holding wrestling classes here soon. You interested?" "Wha? Just like that?" She asked. "C'mon, we owe you for the assist." "I-I'll think about it." She said, "I never thought about it before." "Well, you'll be seeing us more and more. Take it easy uh, what's your name?" "Indigo. Indigo Zap." "Ooh. That's good. It sounds like a wrestler's name already." Michiru teased. "You said we helped you get along with your guardian? Would you like an autograph for them?" "Oh, yes! Please." She said, grabbing something to sign. "An eager one, isn't she?" Michiru giggled. "She's more reserved than most people asking for my autograph." "I'm trying hard not to make a fool of myself." Indigo admitted. "Aww, you're cool, dude. Don't be so stiff." Michiru said as she signed the sheet, a little bunny next to her name. Tempest made a harsher signature 'Ronin' with the 'o' as a skull. "Take care, Indigo. We hope to see you in our class." She said. Indigo was starstruck, they were so down to earth, but so cool. "Solar is gonna flip when I tell him." She said, looking down to the autographs with a big smile.