Chapter Text
That’s how Normal ended up in a makeshift goal in Hermie’s small fenced-off backyard, pretending to play defense for the young child who was learning from Linc how to kick a ball for the first time. Linc was awkward about it all, not super confident in how to teach the young child anything. He was stumbling over himself and Julie seemed to be getting frustrated with the way that things were going as she hadn’t gotten it immediately.
“Try again.” Scary encouraged gently in a way that shocked Normal. He hadn’t expected someone to be so gentle with her let alone Scary, They tended to just see Hermie rather than someone else.
“I can’t.” The girl pouted, crossing her arms. “It’s no good. I can’t ever play.”
Normal saw the meltdown coming for a while now. From what he had learned Julie tended to give up if she wasn’t overly invested or good at something immediately, and they had been struggling for about ten minutes. He was about to speak up when Scary flopped down beside her on the ground. They were both lying on the floor, Julie out of frustration and Scary in solidarity with her. He wasn’t sure how Scary was aware of what to do here but it seemed to stave off the meltdown for now.
“I wasn’t very good when I started either, y'know?” Julie looked over at her, eyes wide with shock. Scary had been super good today and more than a little competitive with her despite her being so young. Normal had been a little worried about it, to begin with, but the challenge had been welcome. She had really enjoyed it even though was beginning to get stressed about it.
“Really?” Jullie had looked away deciding that making contact was too much and she would rather stare into the cloudy sky. Normal wondered, distantly, if he should stop her from staring into the sky. To protect her eyes. But she wasn’t his kid and he wasn’t in charge of her. Even if he did care about her like she was his little sister. Or he assumed that was how Hero felt about him.
“Really Really.” Scary assured guiding herself to lay down next to Julie so their shoulders were touching. “I didn’t even know which goal to kick the ball to and I wasn’t very fond of the sport. But my mom wanted me to keep trying, so I did. If for nothing else then to make her happy about it. But I ended up really enjoying it. It became something fun to do after school and I started getting good at it. Because I practiced at it.”
“Don’t tell me I just have to practice,” Julie whined, fist hitting the slightly muddy ground that made Normal realize he was going to have to do laundry that night.
“I won’t. You’re frustrated enough as is. If you want to quit then you can quit. But I’d like to keep playing with you.” Julie sighed and nodded letting Scary pull her to her feet when she offered, agreeing to play a game once more.
Normal returned to his spot in the goal and Taylor remained lounged at the sideline. With practiced ease Lincoln kicked the ball in Julie’s direction, listening to the growl of frustration when she missed it, her foot going overtop of it.
“You can do it, Julie.” Normal cheered, trying to encourage Taylor to do the same though he wasn’t paying attention. “Try again.”
Julie looked over at him and nodded, determination clouding her gaze. Not for the first time, Julie looked sure of what she was doing. The shot was lined up and Normal held his breath. He was so nervous for this, it could make or break the last hour of practice they had been having. Before he could even let his breath out the ball sailed hard into the goal passed him, hitting the makeshift net with a dull thump.
“I did it!” Julie cheered hands over her head and a now apparent gras stain on both her knees, and Normal felt pride well up in him.
“You sure did,” Scary replied, a gentleness in her voice that they hadn’t heard before. “That was incredible Julie.”
“Can we have ice cream now?” Julie must have noticed his apprehension because before Normal could say anything in response, the worst puppy eyes he had ever been the victim of were turned on him. “I didn’t give up and I did really good.”
“C’mon Norm give the kid ice cream.” Taylor had walked over behind him and Normal very much knew he just wanted some himself.
“Yeah, Norm.” Julie pleaded and Normal sighed.
“Okay. Head inside and wash your hands.” Both Taylor and Julie were sprinting back towards the small townhouse, seemingly racing, though it was clear that Taylor was going to let her win. Lincoln and Scary helped him gather all of their things before heading inside together.
Maybe they would be alright.