Chapter Text
Victoria’s POV
It was the day of team finals. For the first time in Canadian history, a full team had qualified. You knew you wouldn't win so you're going to go out there, do your best and have fun. The battle for gold was going to be a tough one between the Americans and the Russian, the bronze between china and Romania. The teams were so incredibly talented it could go either way. You were focused on the task at hand knowing Canadian gymnastics is depending on this. A good showing could mean future generation of Olympians.
When you’re not competing you’re looking at the other competitors. One in particular catches your eye. Her bar routine is so hard yet so beautiful. When she lands you notice that it’s Aliya Mustafina, the 2010 world champion. No one thought she would be here after the tragic vault incident at 2011 Euros. She passes in front of you and you notice how breathtakingly beautiful she is.
You risk it and decide to speak to her:
"Your routine was amazing. Congratulations."
She stops dead in her tracks when she realizes she's the one you’re speaking too. She turns around and smiles.
"Thank you." She says with a thick Russian accent before she has to meet her teammates.
This was your first major international competition so it was your first time seeing her in person. However, you had always been a fan of her gymnastics. You were also impressed with her comeback.
As expected the Americans won but by a huge margin that no one expected. Floor was a disaster for the Russians. Many including themselves believed that they would end up with no medal at all.
You had finished in 5th. You were celebrating as hard as the Americans were since the only teams ahead of you were the big 4. It was an incredible accomplishment for Canada.
Later you give the medalist's congratulations. You decide to take advantage of the situation to talk to Aliya. You really hope she has enough English to carry on a basic conversation.
“Hey, you were incredible out there today. Congratulations on your medal. I’m so happy for you.” You say.
She smiles but you were observant enough to notice the slight sight of surprise on her face.
“Thank you very much. You are very kind. Congratulations are also in order to your team for making history. You made your country proud today.” She says with a huge smile on her face.
You thank her and move to hug her. She stiffens at first but then notably relaxes. You wish each other luck in event finals before rejoining your respective teams. You we’re secretly hoping you’d get to spend time with her at some point since you were a HUGE fan of hers but you knew how unlikely that is to happen. You still couldn’t get over the fact that you got to meet one of your idols.
***
Aliya’s POV
Well that had been interesting to say the least. Not many members of other teams came up to you and talked much less give you a hug. You were Aliya Mustafina after all. They pretty much all think you’d kill them if they approached you, which is kind of a funny thought.
It was refreshing to talk to someone who isn’t from back home for once and the Canadian did seem quite nice. You were genuinely happy for them for doing so well, especially since they weren’t threatening your team.
You push the thought out of your head as you rejoined your team. There was some celebrating, scolding and planning to do.
***
Victoria’s POV
You were done competing for the rest of the games, so you sadly didn’t see Aliya except for that one rare time in the cafeteria. She was with her friends so you couldn’t really approach her without raising questions. But somehow, your eyes met and you smiled and she returned the gesture.
*
A couple of days later.
You decided to take a walk throughout the village. It wasn’t everyday that you are an athlete participating in the game.
You took plenty of pictures that you could show your friends when you got back home and also to remember this unbelievable experience.
You had met so many athletes that you idolized and took pictures with them and got they’re autographs. It was a surprise when others would ask the same of you. You couldn’t believe that people knew who you were, especially these people. You were only a small town Canadian girl after all.
When you gained capacity to think once more, you realized you were thirsty. You’d grab coffee before going back to your room. As you turn around, you collide with someone. Instinctively you reach out to stabilize the both of you. That’s when you notice strong arms around your body. Apparently, the other person shared the same thought as you. You look up as much to apologize than to say thank you. That’s when you lock eyes. You couldn’t believe it; you had almost just run over Aliya Mustafina.
***
Aliya’s POV
Whoever you had just collided with had to be strong, you felt like you had just run into a brick wall. You look up and notice it’s the same Canadian girl from the team competition. The one who actually had enough ‘courage’ to talk to you. You can see the fear in her eyes this time.
“OMG I am so sorry. Are you okay? Please tell me your knee is fine? I should really pay more attention” She rambles so you decide to intervene. You chuckle before answering her.
“Hey, look at me Victoria.” She does so and noticeably relaxes. “I am fine and you did not hurt my knee. And paying attention more might not be such a bad idea.” You say with a smirk.
“How do you know my name?” She asks surprised.
“I know most competitors names, I try to keep up with who I’m competing against. Don’t want any surprises.” You say nonchalantly.
“I was just about to go get coffee, would you like to join me?” She asks nervously.
You smile and tell her you’d love to grab coffee. You follow her to the nearest coffee shop in silence. You can tell the other girl is nervous so you try to appease her.
“You don’t’ have to be afraid. I don’t bite.” You say and add “Usually” Her jaw drops in surprise leaving you in hysterics. Once she’s over the shock she joins in.
You make it to the nearest coffee shop and sit down with your orders. It is slightly awkward at first so you decide to break the ice.
“I saw your dismount on bars; I’ve never seen anything like it. Congratulations on getting it named after you.”
She’s taken a back but smiles.
“Thank you, it’s nowhere as good as yours but maybe one day, you never know how things are going to turn out.”
“Tell me about it. I never thought this is how the year leading up to my Olympics would have turned out or that I would be happy with a silver and bronze medal.”
“You have had quite the year in a half. Many thought you wouldn’t make it back but you proved them all wrong. Not only are you here but your still a medal contender. You made 3 finals that is crazy.”
“Many doubted me; our head of gymnastics even doubted me. I often doubted myself. It wasn’t easy making it here and it’s not any easier being here. I have the pressure of having to prove that I belong here and that I can still do this.”
“Trust me Aliya, I doubt that will be a problem for you. You have a drive to win that I’ve never seen before. I don’t think anybody else could have not only comeback from an injury like that but in so little time and be Olympic competition ready. Can I ask how your knee is doing or is that completely off limits?”
“It’s sore and definitely weaker than before but its holding up. The surgeon did a really good job. Recovery was a very slow process but I understand why now. We had to cut a few corners so I could be ready in time but I’ll be going back to do them once this is all over.”
“What kind of corners if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I’ve only been allowed to tumble for a few months and London is the first time I’ve done full routines that aren’t watered down.”
“Are you serious?” she asks completely baffled.
You nod and you can see the amazement in her eyes.
“You’re incredible. I can personally say that I’m happy you’re here. You seem like a great person and you are obviously a great gymnast.”
“Thank you, that’s very sweet of you to say. Your first tumbling pass on floor is amazing. Canadians have never been seen as competitors but after what I saw a couple of days ago, the world better watch out in Rio.”
“You’re right about that. I’m so proud of my girls. We accomplished so much without 2 of our best gymnasts. I hope that we inspired many young Canadians to compete in gymnastics.”
“I’m sure you have. So are you done competing?”
“Yes I am but we’re staying until the closing ceremonies. My parents are here as well so I’m going to explore London with them and the girls while I’m here.”
“That sounds like fun. We leave the day after floor finals. Train for a week then we get to go home for a week.”
“They’re making you go back to round lake before getting to go home. That’s just brutal, some might even say cruel.”
“It is what it is. We don’t have to like it but we have to do it.”
You look up and notice something that resembles fear.
***
Victoria’s POV
“I really hope this won’t be me shoving my foot in my mouth but could I take a picture with you? I’m a huge fan and no one will ever believe me if I don’t have proof.”
“Hahaha of course we can take a picture. We can’t have your friends thinking you’re a liar now can we?” she says jokingly.
You both laugh at this and take a couple of pictures together. Some smiling and some doing silly faces. After you’re done you take a look at them.
“Those turned out good. Can you send me them?” she ask.
“Um sure, just fill out your information” You say as you hand over your phone under a blank new contact.
“You we’re nervous when you asked me to take a picture, why is that?” Damn she was observant.
“Well you’re not known for looking happy whenever fans want to take pictures with you. I’m guessing it just get’s annoying after a while.”
“Ah ok. Yes it get’s annoying or it’s at a bad time. And I’m also a very private person usually” She adds as she hands you back your phone with all her contact information.
“I can understand that. If I had to deal with what you did on a daily basis I’d go insane. Thankfully gymnastics isn’t that big in Canada, unlike in Russia. It seems like it’s your national sports”
“Not quite but fairly close. As much fun as this has been, I really need to get back for a team meeting in an hour.”
***
Aliya’s POV
You and Victoria made your way out of the coffee shop and towards the athlete dorms.
“Thanks for grabbing coffee with me. Sorry again for almost running you over.” She says.
“I had fun. It’s nice to meet a competitor who isn’t scared of me; that much. Don’t worry about it. It’s water under the bridge. Take care of yourself Victoria.”
“Same goes for you. Good luck with your event finals. Kick some ass. I know you can. Prove all your haters wrong.”
You hug briefly. Just as you’re about to leave you say:
“Make sure to keep in touch. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” As you walk away with the biggest smirk on your face.
***
Victoria’s POV
You just stand there in shock. Did she really just say that? You couldn’t believe you had hung out with Aliya Mustafina at the Olympics.
You had the most amazing time of your life during these past 2 weeks. This is a story you will definitely tell your grandchildren one day, you think as you walk back to your room.