This was, honestly, the LAST place on Earth that Nyx wanted to be. The fact that she even had fans to interact with in the first place was still a foreign concept to her. She supposed she owed it to them to give them a chance to come up to her and...do what? Talk to her? Take pictures with her?

She just didn't understand. She never had, even when she was a young teen watching Professional Quidditch herself.

So, basically, she felt obligated to here. For her fans. Also, they told her she had to. As part of her contract.

The tent was already quite crowded as she walked in, which was good for her. It meant she could slide towards the back of the room relatively unnoticed and hopefully get this over with quickly. She nodded at each of her teammates in greeting as she passed, but kept to herself. She took a spot near the back, at her assigned station.

Had anyone actually booked time with her? There were far more...chatty players they could see instead!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormdancer

If you asked Panda, the best quidditch player in the whole wide world was her big brother Casey Roberto Snider. However, even the almost-thirteen year old was able to admit that the talent of a whole team had to meld to make a victory - even [b]Casey[/c] couldn’t carry his whole team to victory if they didn’t work together.

AND they were all within touching distance. Eyes wide, Panda all but dragged Casey further into the tent so that they could queue up to talk to everyone. She’d already got her copy of the programme for the match so that she could ask them ALL to sign their own pages.

Standing on her tippy-toes, she tried to look past the boy in front of her that was much taller than she was. “Oh Gosh! Look! Case, there’s Renee Golzio! And oh! Meera Jain! Oh and and that’s Raju Misra!” She didn’t point, because that was rude but she couldn’t help staring at these AMAZING Quidditch Players.

She hoped they knew how good her brother was though - next time they were up against America, she was BEATING they’d be playing him.

Captain Casey Snider. Falmoth Falcons Keeper and Captain. Cap'n Case, as the new kids on the team said.

It had a nice ring to it.

But today was not at all about himself, even if the news was pretty recent, and even if this day was all about Quidditch. It was all about other people's Quidditch. And Panda. Focus, Case, it's all about Panda, whom he followed closely through the festivities. It would not do to lose the young teenager among the crowds. Just the fact that she was a teenager was mind blowing. And unacceptable.

But all thoughts of that were gone as he spotted bitter rivals. Bitter rivals. The Tutshill Torandoes keeper, for one. Pete Snow. And, nicely spotted by Panda, that was indeed Renee Golzio. Casey Snider did not have a crush on her because Casey Snider was almost twenty five years old, and twenty five year olds knew better. Renee Golzio, Cannons chaser, was just.. real pretty. Objectively speaking.

And the Indian players too of course, were all immensely talented. He couldn't immediately see the Indian keeper, but figured she'd show soon. "You do know that I will humiliate all these people next season," Casey joked with his sister, talking about the English team. ... The fact that there was no Falcons representation in their national team just proved his point that all his former teammates had been absolutely useless.

"See Nyx Higgs over there? Holyhead harpies seeker. I'll take you to a League game when she's not playing against us... phenomenal seeker."

Renee waved back to Aparna with a smile. She was grateful that although they were rival teams, they could still respect each other. The Indian team was talented, she knew that. In fact, she appreciated playing against a team that was good, that really made things challenging for her. Made her test her skills. And who knew, maybe when it was over, they could trade some tips. Think of it as professional development...



As she was thinking about professional development (which had sort of drifted into a fantasy about talking Quidditch with some of the men on the other team, if she were being honest), Renee heard a loud voice coupled with some thumping sounds. Was someone jumping? She turned her head to see a teenage boy making quite a ruckus in the queue. She cracked a smile -- she remembered the days when she'd been doing the same thing, swooning over the handsome male players and swearing to herself that she would be just like the female ones someday. And now here she was. Life was funny like that.

"Hi there," she said to the boy, "are you looking forward to the game?" She flashed her trademark broad smile at him with a wink. It was really a rhetorical question. Anyone with eyes could tell that he was looking forward to it.

Just then, a woman who Renee assumed was the boy's mother approached her. And was SO SWEET! Renee couldn't help but extend the grin toward her, as well. "Oh, please call me Renee," she said with a wave of her hand, signaling no need for formality. "That's so kind of you! I'm glad you've been enjoying the games. I've been having a great time. It's such an honor, really, and I couldn't do it if it weren't for people like you supporting me." Really, she meant it. The fans were the ones who made everything happen. She would be lost without them.

At the woman's next question, Renee nodded happily. "Of course I will, I would love to. What's your name?" She gently took the autograph book and quill from the woman's sweaty, nervous hands. It was no big deal. She was used to people reacting like this, honestly. Happened all the time. Kind of flattering, really.



"Absolutely," Renee agreed in between autograph signings. "We really couldn't do it without them. I can't believe so many people are here." She may be used to stares and the occasional autograph request on the street, but seeing so many people packed into one place for the express purpose of seeing her and her fellow players... Now that was really something.




"Hi there," Renee greeted her teammate. This had to be torture for poor Nyx. She wasn't particularly outgoing, and Renee couldn't imagine what she was thinking about being shoved in a tent with so many people.



The young girl may not have been pointing exactly, but Renee could certainly feel her eyes burning holes into her. "Hello," she said with a wave and smile. "Thank you for coming! Are you looking forward to the match?"

And hmmmmm, older brother perhaps? Kind of cute. Until she heard him joke about humiliating them next season... Hey, wait, she recognized him. A Falcons player, right? His name escaped her, but she was almost positive she'd played against him at some point, or at least seen him play. Or something. Huh. "Hmm," she interrupted with a playful raise of her eyebrow, "so the Falcons are actually going to be good enough to earn a spot on the National team next year, then?" Her tone was teasing, not mean. Okay, some might even say it was flirty. It just came naturally, okay?! She wasn't even really trying! So sue her! "Renee Golzio," she extended a hand in his direction. "I don't believe we've formally met." May as well be civil with the cute boy. Right?

Panda-Bear’s eyes couldn’t have been any wider as they moved towards Renee. She’d seen her promo’s before and her hair was sooooo shiny!!! How did she do that?? Was it rude to ask? It wasn’t a bad thing… she was just jealous! Renee was sooooo supper pretty. She wanted to be as pretty as her!!!

Biting on her lip, Panda looked over her shoulder at the other player Case was pointing out. Nyx!! ”Ohh! I’ve seen her. She’s amazing! Some of the dive’s I’ve seen her do… I thought she was going to crash!!! …… The Harpie’s are the full female team right??” She looked UP at Case, not even bothering to turn around, ”That’s sooo cool. Can we go see them?” Oh yeah, Casey would totally do the BEST when he was playing against them all next season. ”I can’t wait to be there supporting you.” Because no-one supported him more than she did. #1Fan. Thank you.

But before she could get a response, they were standing in front of Renee Golzio.

O_________O

Without thinking, the American said the first thing that came into her head. ”Hi! You’re beautiful and your hair is super shiny!! And I’m really excited to see the match. I haven’t seen a match in the UK yet - my brother was in France before so I’ve seen plenty there and in America.” She nudged Case without really thinking about it - more a claiming motion than a ‘look at him’ sort of motion. Casey Snider was HER brother and he was the BEST.

Nodding her head quickly, before her brother could even get a word in, Panda replied. ”They are! Casey is amazing… and Daisy, she’s one of their new Chaser’s - played with him while they were on the Quafflepunchers so they’re a great team together and the Falcons are goin’ to be incredible next year.” She was going to have a sore neck from nodding so much soon, but adrenaline was getting her through it. ”He’s Casey Snider. He’s amazing and a great dancer and single and he’s an awesome keeper and a GREAT big brother.” Nodnodnod.

Raju took a moment to wave at Aparna, his fellow and most capable Chaser. Raju could see that more of the team had gathered now. Great. They could all enjoy this moment together.

Raju could not help it. He had been raised to show respect to everyone especially the ladies. At the young woman’s request he thought that he could atleast stop being so formal. “Zinnia it is.’’ Used to all kinds of grips when he met fans, Raju always returned a strong one (with the exception of children) and it was no different with Zinnia. “You’ll be rooting for us then?’’ Captain Cool asked smoothly calling after Zinnia.

Raju was rather enjoying himself. There were so many great fans out here who seemed to be having the time of their lives now that they were able to meet their favorite athletes. He was immensely happy to see that all the players even the English players were having a great time. “Namaste,’’ Captain Misra said to the next woman in line. “Aaj aap kaise hain? That should be ‘How are you doing today?’’’ Raju smiled charmingly.

Raju was used to hearing his name and whenever he could he would look in the direction of the fan. He sent the girl a cheery wave. Hello, hello, Namaste!

Text Cut: Renee and The Worst Baby Sister Ever

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renee Golzio

SPOILER!!: Panda and Casey

The young girl may not have been pointing exactly, but Renee could certainly feel her eyes burning holes into her. "Hello," she said with a wave and smile. "Thank you for coming! Are you looking forward to the match?"

And hmmmmm, older brother perhaps? Kind of cute. Until she heard him joke about humiliating them next season... Hey, wait, she recognized him. A Falcons player, right? His name escaped her, but she was almost positive she'd played against him at some point, or at least seen him play. Or something. Huh. "Hmm," she interrupted with a playful raise of her eyebrow, "so the Falcons are actually going to be good enough to earn a spot on the National team next year, then?" Her tone was teasing, not mean. Okay, some might even say it was flirty. It just came naturally, okay?! She wasn't even really trying! So sue her! "Renee Golzio," she extended a hand in his direction. "I don't believe we've formally met." May as well be civil with the cute boy. Right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormdancer

SPOILER!!: Casey & Renee

Panda-Bear’s eyes couldn’t have been any wider as they moved towards Renee. She’d seen her promo’s before and her hair was sooooo shiny!!! How did she do that?? Was it rude to ask? It wasn’t a bad thing… she was just jealous! Renee was sooooo supper pretty. She wanted to be as pretty as her!!!

Biting on her lip, Panda looked over her shoulder at the other player Case was pointing out. Nyx!! ”Ohh! I’ve seen her. She’s amazing! Some of the dive’s I’ve seen her do… I thought she was going to crash!!! …… The Harpie’s are the full female team right??” She looked UP at Case, not even bothering to turn around, ”That’s sooo cool. Can we go see them?” Oh yeah, Casey would totally do the BEST when he was playing against them all next season. ”I can’t wait to be there supporting you.” Because no-one supported him more than she did. #1Fan. Thank you.

But before she could get a response, they were standing in front of Renee Golzio.

O_________O

Without thinking, the American said the first thing that came into her head. ”Hi! You’re beautiful and your hair is super shiny!! And I’m really excited to see the match. I haven’t seen a match in the UK yet - my brother was in France before so I’ve seen plenty there and in America.” She nudged Case without really thinking about it - more a claiming motion than a ‘look at him’ sort of motion. Casey Snider was HER brother and he was the BEST.

Nodding her head quickly, before her brother could even get a word in, Panda replied. ”They are! Casey is amazing… and Daisy, she’s one of their new Chaser’s - played with him while they were on the Quafflepunchers so they’re a great team together and the Falcons are goin’ to be incredible next year.” She was going to have a sore neck from nodding so much soon, but adrenaline was getting her through it. ”He’s Casey Snider. He’s amazing and a great dancer and single and he’s an awesome keeper and a GREAT big brother.” Nodnodnod.

Casey's ears turned pink as said Renee approached them - Panda was very loud, did she know? very loud - and Casey scoffed. He really was about to offer a snarky reply about the Cannons and their less than illustrious history and shake her hand when.. Panda happened.

Pandora Joy Snider, he would be disowning you DIRECTLY after this run in with Renee Golzio and getting you to the fIRST PORTKEY BACK TO NEW YORK. S O S, where was Daisy Dupree when you needed her?! Or Mouse?? OR ANYONE, MERLIN, why is he HERE?? Sweet Circe have mercy on his soul!

Panda technically hadn't been wrong about the shiny hair... or the being beautiful part... BUT. Yeah. Then she spoke and he his his face in his hand before smiling apologetically at Golzio. Merlin.

"Casey Snider, like she said... an American who's national team has been an embarrassment since the dawn of Quidditch, so your national team doesn't interest me. My sister talks a lot and that might be why I'm single," Casey reached out to shake her hand, using his other to SMOOSH Panda's FACE with. Lots of SMOOSHING is happening. PREPARE TO BE DISOWNED, PANDA BEAR.

Winnie was having a hard time keeping herself from bouncing on her feet as he addressed her. He was cute. His beard was cute. His hair was cute. Even his accent was cute. Yes, she definitely owed Sachin an apology. She put her program down on the table for him to sign, smiling her biggest smile. ”Hi!” she greeted happily. ”You know my friend and I were having an argument I was hoping you could settle. How do you pounce your name? Or can I just call you mine?” And yes, she delivered the line without giggling or turning red. Winnie was a woman with no shame.

Renee grinned at the young girl's compliment. "Oh, thank you! You're too sweet." She couldn't help but flip her (yes, shiny) hair a bit. It was partially habit and partially feeling flattered, truthfully. Although she was really used to people commenting on her looks, she still enjoyed genuine compliments, of course. And this girl was adorable, by the way. Which is why she continued: "And you are so cute. Plus an American accent and a pro-Quidditch player for a brother! The total package. I bet the boys here just love you." Renee winked conspiratorially at the girl. She remembered being young and swooning over the female pro-Quidditch players at her first World Cup. If any of them had said that to her, she would have been over the moon. She was sincere in her words, but really she was hoping to make the girl's day.

And THEN she kept talking. About the cute boy. Ahem, her brother. "A great dancer, you say...?" She raised an eyebrow and glanced in his direction. If she knew men -- and she did -- he was probably dying of embarrassment over his sister's words. (And to be honest, she thought that was very funny. Though she would NOT show it beyond a slight good-natured smirk. No use hurting a man's fragile ego. They could be such babies sometimes.)

"Well, Casey Snider, great dancer, keeper, big brother, and single guy, it's lovely to meet you. Officially, that is." Renee smiled at him, her eyes still maintaining an amused expression. Upon witnessing his embarrassment manifest through a hand to his sister's face, she continued, "Although, you know, if you're as great a big brother as she says, I would expect significantly less... Erm... Not sure what to call it. Face smooshing?"

Panda twirled her hair in her fingers even as she shook her head in reply to Renee. “Nope!” She disagreed with the world-class Quidditch player as if she was answering an arithmatic question at school. ”I’m not too sweet… Just honest. Mom always says to be honest. You really are beautiful.” And being the perfectly innocent, newly turned teenager who was starting to notice people, she turned her chin upwards to look at Casey and nudged him with her elbow. “Tell her, Case. I’m not lying!” How did Renee Golzio not know that she was beautiful???. Hmm. Had she been being sarcastic? She hadn’t sounded it… Hmm. She’d check with Case later.

Panda’s turn to bounce. On her toes, filled with pent up energy and she hadn’t even had the cotton candy that she wanted yet. “I hope so! There are some really cute ones…” She giggled at Renee, as if they had just shared the best secret conversation that she could have with a Quidditch Player. How amazing was THIS?

And she was still giggling when Casey’s hand ended up in her face. Which only made her giggle more, trying to move away from it, darting this way and that and laughing all the more when his reflexes kept his hand on her face. Pfft. Silly brother. “Caseeee.” She complained through giggles, running away to the side and out of his reach and to stand closer to Renee. “Protect meee.”

Giggles. All the giggles.