“Vamos lá, equipe!” I shout, raising my fist in the air. “We’re going to bring home the gold!”

“Sim!” they echo, their voices filled with determination.

Just as my heart starts to slow down from the thrill of watching Emily embrace our team’s traditions, Xavier gives me a playful shove into the circle with her. The chants grow louder and more intense, their rhythm pulsing through my veins as I join Emily in the center.

“The happy couple,” Xavier grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Show us what you’ve got!”

Emily looks at me hesitantly, her cheeks flushed from dancing, but I give her a reassuring nod. It’s time for us to show ourselves as a couple and as members of this team.

“Ready?” I ask, my voice barely audible over the pounding drums and chanting fighters.

“Ready,” she replies with a determined smile, her eyes locking on mine.

We start to move in slow circles together, our bodies mirroring each other’s movements as we perform a series of slow-motion jujitsu moves. I feel the energy in the room intensify, our connection evident to everyone present. As we finish, I pull her into a tight embrace and dip her back, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss that sets the gym ablaze with cheers.

“Go Coach!” one of the fighters hollers, clapping and laughing as we break apart, breathless and grinning.

“Alright, team!” I call out, raising my hands to quiet the room. “Let’s get ready for Dubai!”

The chants begin to fade, replaced by heartfelt affirmations and wishes for success in the upcoming tournament. As we gather in a tight circle, arms around each other, the strength of our camaraderie courses through me.

“Remember,” I tell them, my voice steady and confident, “we are stronger together than any one of us could ever be alone. Trust in your training, trust in your teammates, and trust in yourselves. We’re going to win this thing!”

“Vamos lá!” they echo.

#

As the gym empties out and the energy from the ceremony lingers, I pause for a moment to truly take in just how far we’ve all come. It’s a feeling like no other, knowing that this group of fighters has become more than just teammates; they’re family, bound by our shared love and passion for jujitsu.

“Can you believe it?” Emily murmurs, gazing around the room. “Not too long ago, I would have never imagined being part of something so incredible.”

“Neither would I,” I confess, pulling her into my embrace. “But look at us now. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

As if on cue, the door to the gym swings open and Chloe strides inside, her arms laden with a tray of homemade cupcakes. “Alright, you two,” she sings, grinning mischievously. “It’s time for some pre-tournament sugar!”

“Chloe!” Emily exclaims, disentangling herself from me and rushing over. “I was hoping you’d come!”

“Did I miss anything?” she asks, setting the tray down on a nearby table, clueless to the launch ceremony that just went down. “I’m not letting my favorite people fly off to Dubai without a proper send-off.”

Emily glances at me with a smirk.

“Speaking of Dubai,” I say, exchanging a nod with Emily before turning back to Chloe. “We actually have something we need to tell you.”

“Something important,” Emily adds, her voice slightly shaky.

Chloe’s eyes narrow in suspicion as she looks back and forth between us. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on?”

“Chloe, we…,” I start, taking a deep breath before continuing. “we’ve decided to get married while we’re in Dubai.”

“Dubai?” she gasps, her eyes widening in shock. “Like, now?”

“Surprise,” Emily offers weakly.

“Wow,” she breathes, clearly taken aback. “I mean, that’s awesome! I’m just a little shocked.”

“We wanted to do something special, something that truly symbolizes our journey together,” I explain, as I wrap an arm around Emily’s waist. “And since we’re going to be there anyway, it just felt like the perfect opportunity.”

Chloe’s shoulders sink slightly, absorbing the sudden plans. “I, I just always thought I’d be a part of both of your weddings,” she murmurs. “But I understand.”