Title: Pre-Game Nerves
Fandom: FAKE
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ryo, Bikky, Dee.
Rating: G
Setting: After Like Like Love.
Summary: Bikky is worried about his upcoming first professional basketball game, so he calls the one person he knows he can rely on.
Word Count: 956
Content Notes: None needed.
Written For: Challenge 267: Amnesty, using Challenge 14: Performance Anxiety.
Disclaimer: I don’t own FAKE, or the characters. They belong to the wonderful Sanami Matoh.



The sound of his phone ring tone dragged Ryo out of a deep sleep and he fumbled for the small device on the nightstand without turning on the bedside lamp, not wanting to wake Dee if he didn’t have to. His partner was a very deep sleeper, but light in the middle of the night was one thing that usually roused him.

“Maclean,” he murmured into the phone.

“What if I’m no good?” a voice gabbled in his ear. “What if they realise they’ve made a huge mistake with me?”

“Bikky?”

“They drafted me, and they’re paying me all this money, but what if I get out there on the court and screw up so badly they kick me off the squad?”

Slipping out of bed, Ryo made his way into the living room where he could talk to his foster son without disturbing his lover. “Bikky, that’s not going to happen, you’re just suffering a bit of stage fright, that’s all. You’ve been doing great in training, or so you told me yesterday.”

“Well yeah, but that’s training. Tomorrow’s our first pre-season game against a pro team!”

“Yes, and you’re playing WITH a pro team. There are a lot of experienced players on the squad and you’re not the only new guy. No one’s expecting you to play a perfect game, certainly not first time out; you’re bound to be nervous. Isn’t that why the league has pre-season games? To iron out any kinks and give the newest team members a chance to play a few games against other teams before they really count?

“I suppose so, it’s just… I don’t want to let the team down, they’re investing so much in me.”

“This is what you’ve always wanted to do though, right?”

“Yeah, it’s everything I’ve wanted since the first time I saw a basketball game on TV. But if I don’t play well enough, I could lose it all!”

“Bikky, listen to me; you’re a natural. Playing basketball is what you’re made for, but nobody’s perfect. Even the most experienced players make mistakes. If no one ever did, what would be the fun of playing? It’s a game, it’s unpredictable, and all you need to do is go out there, do your best, and have fun. The world won’t end if you make a few mistakes and you won’t get thrown off the team because of them, any more than any of your teammates would. Think of the pre-season games as practice sessions, warm-ups for the main event, because that’s what they are. You’ll do fine. After the game tomorrow you’ll wonder what you were so worried about.”

“I guess you’re right. Thanks, Ryo.”

“Anytime, Biks. Now, shouldn’t you get some sleep? You’ll want to be well rested and it must be gone eleven-thirty where you are.”

“You’re right, I should probably get to bed… Oh God, what time is it in New York? Did I wake you?”

“About half past two, and yes you did, but it’s okay; Dee and I are on second shift tomorrow so I can sleep in.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t even think…”

“Bikky, it’s fine, you know you can call me any time, day or night; I’m always here for you.”

“I know. You’re the best Dad ever. I wouldn’t even be here if not for you. I don’t want to let you down.”

“You couldn’t if you tried; I’m so proud of you. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow. Call me after the game?”

“I will. Love you, Ryo.”

“Love you too, Bikky. Goodnight.”

“’Night.”

Ryo ended the call and made his way back into the bedroom, sliding into bed beside Dee.

“You okay, babe?” Dee asked muzzily.

“Fine, Dee. Bikky called, he’s having a little performance anxiety over the game tomorrow. I think I managed to calm him down though.”

“Don’t know what he’s got to worry about,” Dee mumbled into his pillow. “Kid’s got ‘Champ’ written all over him. He’ll show ‘em all tomorrow, wipe the floor…” He trailed off into a soft snore.

Ryo bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing; tomorrow, if he said anything about this conversation, Dee would deny saying any such thing, but Ryo knew his lover was as proud of Bikky as he himself was.

Snuggling down into the warmth beneath the covers, Ryo closed his eyes and relaxed. Bikky would be fine, but win or lose he had people who would love him regardless.


The End