Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Jan 13, 2024 17:07:41 GMT -8
Sometimes Noah just had to laugh to himself whenever he thought about his father's expectations. In school, he was never enough. He should have been made Captain, should have gotten that Outstanding, should have been Prefect and then Head Boy; all that garbage. For a long time, Noah had tried to please him. He worked hard at school to better his grades, he was always on the pitch practicing, but it was never enough for him. Noah gave up sometime around his seventh year. Or at least he thought he did. When he got that offer to play on the Cannons, he accepted without hesitation. Was this just another attempt to make his old man proud? It wasn't like he liked the guy - he had a pretty low opinion of his father. But then he rode the bench, having to sit and watch this klutz that was Dan play his spot and he wondered who he was really doing this for. The Cannons finally let Noah replace him and he has not heard one word from James Bradley. While him blowing up on his dad after his mother died might be a factor, Noah felt like the silence was his way of telling him it still wasn't enough.
He was thinking about that as practice died down, Noah taking his time to fly down to the turf and dismount his broom. He looked around at everyone as they split off into groups and headed to the locker room. Nearby was Stella and Sam. Noah waved to the both, shouldering his broom. Whether they walked off or not, he didn't know. He had turned around and just stood there, staring up at the night sky. He wished Ophelia were here. If he could just hold her for a bit, he knew he'd feel much better.
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Seeker
Everything good happens after midnight. |
Steph
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Post by Estrella Quinn on Jan 14, 2024 12:24:51 GMT -8
Family expectations were hard, especially for people their age. While they should have been enjoying themselves at Hogwarts, they were too busy worrying about letting people down or the future. Stella, like Noah, had taken a bit of a stumble during her seventh year. The pressures of having to make a choice between Quidditch or her love of broom making was enough to dim the light in her eyes. Her heart wasn't in it and there was no hiding it from the rest of the world. The Cannons presented her with an opportunity and she took it, although still unsure if it was the right choice at the beginning. Thankfully, with a lot of hard work, Stella found her passion for Quidditch once again.
But she wasn't so far removed from those days to see that Noah had that look in his eyes too. Maybe he hadn't lost his passion for the sport like she had, but she could tell something was weighing him down. Sam and Stella were discussing what their after practice plans were for tonight when Noah gave them a half-hearted wave. Stella told Sam she'd catch up with him and, as they passed Noah, she fell back in step with him.
"How are you liking it so far, Bradley?" she asked, also resting her broom on her shoulder. Her eyes looked ahead, focusing on the back of Sam's head as he disappeared into the locker room. She remembered how out of place she had felt the first couple of weeks, back before she had found a friendship with Sam. It had been kind of lonely and she had missed her friends and family so much.
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Jan 14, 2024 13:41:19 GMT -8
Stella was alright. Always had been, though the two of them didn’t talk all that much during their years at Hogwarts. They both ran in completely different circles, but Noah was always kind to her whenever their paths crossed. Maybe he understood the pressure of being in an influential family or maybe it was how he could tell she was a genuine person. Either way, he found himself quite relieved as she fell into step with him.
“It’s good,” he said with a small smile and a one-shouldered shrug. “There’s more pressure than before, but that’s just the name of the game isn’t it?” He motioned ahead toward Sam’s retreating back. “Must be nice to find someone like Sam when you’re a rookie.”
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Seeker
Everything good happens after midnight. |
Steph
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Post by Estrella Quinn on Jan 14, 2024 14:33:37 GMT -8
The Stella that had gone to school with Noah was always friendly but more reserved. She was always focused on one thing or another and it didn’t leave much room for personal connections. People seemed to like her quite a bit but she never gave too much of herself to others unless it was on the pitch. But something had changed in the last few months and she felt much lighter than ever before. Once she gave up trying to please everyone, she found that she could have fun. She felt like a completely different person.
When Noah motioned to Sam, she couldn’t help but smile. “Sam’s lucky to have found me,” she joked, but held her hand out in front of Noah, stopping him from moving forward. If something was up, she figured he’d be more willing to open up away from the other guys. “Sam’s amazing, although maybe I’m a little biased. But really, he’s always willing to lend a helping hand.”
It was no secret that Sam wanted Dan to work out and when Dan was benched after Christmas, Sam wasn’t thrilled. Maybe Noah could feel that.
“I don’t want you to take it personal if he’s a little apprehensive right now. He worked really hard to build the team and he was hoping Dan would come around.”
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Jan 15, 2024 4:48:47 GMT -8
A soft smile touched his lips at her joke, his gaze flicking from her to Sam. It was no secret that they were seeing each other and honestly Noah was happy for them both. He knew firsthand how lonely it could be being a rookie on a professional team. He was glad, at least, to have a familiar face starting out with him. He stopped when Stella threw an arm out, his brow raising quizzically in her direction. Noah listened as she spoke of Sam, his head bobbing along with her words. Sam was alright - he didn't have anything against the guy. Sure, he was a little hard on Noah, but he just chopped that up to the fact they didn't know each other. He knew that he had what it took to prove himself on the pitch.
Noah simply shrugged. He didn't take anything personally outside of his father, so it never really bothered him. "It's all good," he told her with a smile. "I mean, I get it, you know? I wasn't really expecting to replace Dan, but I can't say I'm upset about it." He watched her carefully, wondering if she noticed the things he was upset about. "I'm here and I'm not going to stop until I show everyone what I'm capable of."
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Seeker
Everything good happens after midnight. |
Steph
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Post by Estrella Quinn on Jan 20, 2024 8:29:20 GMT -8
The thing about not getting involved with people too often was that Stella noticed a lot of things that others would overlook. Maybe she just had a keen eye because of her position but it really had to do with the fact that she was able to step away from a situation and observe. Noah was talented and he didn’t seem to let his feelings get in the way at practice, but his shoulders were slumped whenever he would dismount his broom. You could tell a lot from body language. It was almost as if Stella was looking in a mirror and her seventh year self was looking back at her.
“I know, I’ve seen you play for six years. You’re like me, Noah, you’re going to do whatever it takes to win. We have an amazing opportunity to help build this team up. So what’s dragging you down?” Her question was abrupt. Stella didn’t want to waste time dancing around the subject. Whatever it was, as much as Noah tried to hide it, it was affecting the way he played. Stella took time after finishing her drills and watched him during practice. He looked like an amateur whenever Sam pushed forward and Stella knew this wasn’t the Noah Bradley she’d played against all these years. He was much slower.
“Because I’m going to be honest with you, with the way you’re playing, I’m not sure I can keep sticking up for you with Sam.” She wasn’t talking about Sam her boyfriend, but Sam the leader of this team. He was a man who didn’t let whatever was going on in his life get in the way of being the best he could be and he expected a lot from the rest of the team, especially from Stella and her fellow rookie.
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Jan 20, 2024 9:20:41 GMT -8
Maybe Noah had been a little disillusioned when he was stuck on the sidelines watching Dan play. He wasn't sure what he was doing on a professional team. Part of him understood he was a rookie and they were probably hesitant to let two rookies play front and center. There was a lot on his mind and it was clear that it was dragging him down.
He... did not expect her question. The sternness of her voice told him that she expected an answer and when she went on to say she couldn't keep defending him, Noah hung his head. Where would he even start? The boy sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair, glancing over at the locker rooms wondering if he could make an escape. "I don't know, Stella. There's a lot going on." He rolled his shoulders and took in a sharp breath through his nose. "My dad, mainly. Can't stop worrying about making him proud even though I'm so over trying to make him happy. You know, he hasn't said a word to me since my mother died." Her death was still fresh in his mind and heart, Everly only being gone for about a month now. "I'm worried about my brother and sister, about Ophelia, and I guess I'm just too far into my head to think straight." It felt... nice to finally say it. But Stella wasn't concerned with his troubles, she was concerned for the team.
"I'm not going to let you guys down," he said confidently, looking back at Stella for the first time since he started talking. He'd do whatever he possibly could to prove his father wrong, to show that he did have what it takes. The determination was clear on his face, in his eyes. He held his broom up. "I think I'll stay out here and practice more." He smiled softly at Stella. "It'd be nice to have someone to practice with, but if you want to get back to Sam I won't blame you."
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Seeker
Everything good happens after midnight. |
Steph
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Post by Estrella Quinn on Jan 22, 2024 12:15:48 GMT -8
Stella hadn’t known about Noah’s family tragedy so when her teammate brought it up, she felt a pang of guilt hit her right in the middle of her chest. “Noah, I’m so sorry… I didn’t know.”
She felt like a complete asshole for giving him a hard time while he was going through something this heavy. If Stella could read his thoughts and know that he thought she only cared about the team she’d feel even worse. She’d always distanced herself from her peers, while she was laser focused on her goals, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they might think she was sort of detached from everything and everyone around her.
“It’s okay to worry about the people you care about. Honestly, that should always come before Quidditch. It’s just a game at the end of the day. But you should let all of it out instead of bottling in or else it’ll drag you down in every aspect of your life.
Stella offered him a small smile when he finally looked at her and she nodded at his words. There was so much to unpack here, but it was late and she made a mental note to check on him regularly. Not as a teammate berating him but as, hopefully, a friend. While Sam was always there to help, only Stella and Noah understood what it was like to go through this season as rookies. She watched him, her mind racing with ways to help out, and it only came back to one simple answer.
“You can keep practicing, but I wouldn’t do it on that broom. How old is this thing?” She asked reaching out for him to hand it over. Even from afar, she could see the bristles starting to poke out every which way. It was no good.
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Jan 23, 2024 5:24:25 GMT -8
Stella’s apology was heartfelt and Noah felt a little uncomfortable talking about it. He met her gaze and smiled softly, offering her a half-hearted shrug. “Thanks. I don’t really talk about it, you know?” Part of the reason why was because of Ophelia. He wouldn’t talk about the circumstances - he wanted to protect her. It wasn’t public knowledge that she saw his mother’s death before it happened.
He listened to what Stella had to say, his heart lurching a bit in his chest. Noah was never one to talk about his feelings. The only one who ever had any inkling to how he felt was his mother and… well, you know what happened there. But she had a point. He had Ophelia to talk to, but she was going through quite a lot right now and he didn’t want to burden her with his problems. “I guess you’re right,” he said. “I’ll try.”
She said something about his broom, her hand outstretched. Noah blinked at her, but handed his broom over without a second thought. “It’s a Firebolt. I’ve had it for forever.” You could honestly tell. James Bradley had never bought him a newer broom, even when he joined the Cannons. Noah felt it was his way of telling him he wasn’t as important as his brother who got a new broom every year. “I know I need a new one, but honestly nothing ever feels right.”
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Seeker
Everything good happens after midnight. |
Steph
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Post by Estrella Quinn on Feb 16, 2024 9:18:28 GMT -8
Stella’s fingers traced over the cracks on his broom handle and she looked up at him and said, “Well, yeah. What you need is a custom broom. Firebolts are nice for starter brooms, you know? This probably sounds like I’m being biased, but… think of it this way, brooms are kind of like wands. You can pick up whichever one you’d like, but it will only take you so far if it wasn’t absolutely meant for you. With brooms you do have a little more leeway to pick and choose exactly what you want. Maybe the wand metaphor wasn’t the greatest.”
A small embarrassed laugh escaped from her lips. Sam was the only person she felt comfortable nerding out over brooms around. Oh well, if Noah was around long enough he’d catch glimpses of it eventually too. And Stella was determined to make sure he stuck around. She inspected the rest of the broom, even picking out a few loose bristles at the bottom, before handing it back to him. “You should think about it. It’s a good investment, it will help you improve your game, and Sam might even take an interest in you. He’s a big broom guy,” the last part was a joke. She was trying to keep the conversation light after the revelation about his mother.
“I’m going to Diagon Alley tomorrow to check out a new design at Quinn Brooms, if you want to go see the process, you’re more than welcome to join me. And Quality Quidditch Supplies is right down the street if you decide to stick to your old trusty Firebolt, but I want to make sure you at least get yourself a new one.”
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Year/Job
Chudley Cannons Keeper
I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory |
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Post by Noah Bradley on Feb 28, 2024 9:53:02 GMT -8
His eyes lit up a bit at the mention of a custom broom. To be completely honest, he hadn't even considered that as an option. The way that Stella talked about it had him thinking that it was his only option. Noah was tall, taller than any wizard had any business being, and he was built like the stone bricks that held Hogwarts together. Sure, he was slim and more aerodynamic than, say, Matty Cappello, but his height and his muscular body weighed him down on his old Firebolt. He watched as she continued to inspect the broom and reached for it when she handed it back. As he looked down at it, he could see just how beat up it was. Yeah, a new broom was a necessity.
Noah offered a small chuckle when Stella joked about Sam, his eyes still focused on his broom. He held it up and ran his fingers over the cracks in the handle. "No, you're right; I definitely need a new one," he said after a beat, finally raising his gaze to look at her again. She said something about going to Diagon Alley tomorrow and he had to admit he was intrigued. He had never considered how brooms were made before. Noah knew about how wands were made, but that was only because his little brother was obsessed with wand making. He thought it'd be cool to see the process in which brooms were made.
"Yeah," he said with a nod. "Yeah, that sounds good. I need new pads and gloves regardless so I'm overdue for a trip to Diagon." He shouldered his broom and smiled down at her. "Meet you there tomorrow?"
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