Going Rogue | Season 4

[Captain Canada]

That transfer portal looking mighty fine right about now

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

Time to look at that portal

Agent, We just may have to fam. Haynes King really ain't letting up despite being constant in winning and losing back-to-back. Man couldn't string up two laces, let alone two wins.

Wasted a year on the bench.

James, I wasted $88 just to sim a year on the bench

That transfer portal looking mighty fine right about now

Captain Canada, Real goddamn nice right now.

[djp73]

Jodi gonna flee instead of taking down the King?

[Baze]

man if I were Jodi I'd be mad af right now

[James]

Jodi be like

[The JZA]

Chapter III: The Crown Don't Make You King

Another week in the books, another week grinding out practice, another week on the bench. This was the current life for Jodi. Was it what he expected? Of course not. While he has been enjoying the college life, settling in more with the ATL culture, his true agenda was going unfulfilled. Each week, Jodi shows up to practice and makes the best of running sets, drills and scrimmages. Jodi knows the staff have been paying attention and taking notes, but couldn't figure out why he hasn't seen any playing time since Ireland. Perhaps Haynes King was right, maybe Jodi wasn't getting the starting job anytime soon. After all, King was a junior with upside, and with another year to play after coming off an serious injury, King had just as much to prove. Whatever the reason was, frustration was beginning to build and replace his diligent mindset. Nevertheless, Jodi has remained quiet about his appetite to play, kept working hard in practice and kept his studies on par, thanks to one of his newly acquainted interests, Tiffany Johnson.

As the days progressed, the team fluctuating between wins and losses, mid-terms had made it's arrival. With just a couple days before the test day, Jodi couldn't help but be excited to see how far his studies come. While not a nerd, he knew he couldn't mess around and get failing grades, his purpose depended on it. With all the anxiety going on, sleep was the last thing he could obtain, and gym was the usual dosage to remedy.

"Hey Jodi! Fancy see you here."

"What's up, TIff", Jodi huffs out from an extended workout session. "Came to grind out some energy?"

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep, so I figure I come here while the facility is empty and get a private workout. But since you're here, not so private", Tiffany slightly chuckled at. "What're you doing up so late? Don't you have practice in the morning? Like, in a few hours?"

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep either. I'm not so concerned about practice, not like they're playing me anyway."

"How come?" She asked. "You're one of the best players in the nation this year. What did they think you'd want to sit out your whole first season?"

"Beats me. But I got a feeling Haynes King has some batteries in other's back... Who knows, he could be just their guy, simply."

"Just don't give up yet Jodi, your time will come, I really believe that. I don't care how good Haynes is, I believe in you, Jodi. Don't leave us yet."

"Thanks, that really hit home for me. I can't say for sure if I'll stay or go into the portal for next year, it's honestly not even on my mind right now, cause with mid-terms coming up, my anxiety is through the roof right now."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Those test jitters can be nerve wrecking, but hopefully, I was any help for the test. I hope you do well on it."

"Thanks Tiff, I'm sure it'll pay off since I had your smart ass whip me in shape. I can't thank you enough for helping me."

Tiffany stood proudly in front of Jodi, taking the compliment with a smile. "Well, it's not everyday I get to help a future star quarterback, so I do what I can in my busy schedule." Tiffany jested. "So a favor por favor. Since we're both here, how about you help whip me into shape. Maybe I could use a training buddy."

"Let me see you real quick." Jodi stops his treadmill and hops off, taking Tiffany by the hand, letting her give him a 360 display. "Alright, you look toned enough, no alarming spots to hit on. What's your stamina like? Your core?"

"I think it's still pretty good, I ran track in high school. Don't worry, I think I can keep up with you. Just trying to figure out if you can keep up with me." Tiffany shot back.

"We about to see who stands on business then."

Jodi proceeds to get Tiffany warmed up with a few stretches, push-ups and sit-ups. There were moments where Tiffany's body looked like it was not cut out for the workout, but her lack of consistency was all the more reason why she stayed determined to keep up with her partner...

After a good warm up, the two got down to the nitty gritty of the session, focusing on cardio and strengthening. And while it was Jodi's second run through the gauntlet tonight, he had to be careful of the wear and tear, overdoing it may lead to spasms or worse. As for Tiffany, she couldn't get through two sets without looking so defeated, to which she implored they move onto cardio training. Both ran a 5-miles on the treadmill with one break and two intervals in between.

After Tiffany survived an overnight workout session with Jodi, they winded down with some stretches. "Whew! Thanks Jodi, I definitely needed this!"

"It's no problem, it's the least I can do. I had a good time."

"I had a good time too, maybe we can do this again? I can use a workout partner."

"Don't need no maybe, I'm down for it."

"Really Jodi?"

"Yeah, let's do it. Overnight workouts, just me and you. Sounds good to you?"

"Yes it does, thank you Jodi, you're so sweet."

"So walk with me real quick, let's grab our things first." Tiffany complied as she grabbed her towel, bottle and Jodi's phone and keys as that's all he had on him.

"Where are we going?" Tiffany asked as she followed behind Jodi's steps.

"Right out here for a sec." Jodi had brought themselves to the track field in lou to his pending scheme. "So, as I recall, you said you used to run track back in high school, which is dope. And I wanted to issue a little challenge to the former track star."

tiffany laughs a bit, "I didn't say I was a track star, but you guessed right. I was a little something-something."

"A little something-something?"

"Yeah, a little." A smile crept on Tiffany's face, trying to steel her blush, but Jodi's charm was based from prior engagements. "So, what? You want to race me or something?"

"Yeah, do a little 50 meters or 100, whichever you think you can handle. I don't want you to get back to the crib with spaghetti legs" Jodi joked. "Cause mine is already getting there."

"Mhm, you got something up your sleeve, for the lack there of. What's your proposal?" Tiffany asked as she slightly bit her bottom lip in , glancing at Jodi's sweat-glazed torso and arms.

"Just a little wager. How about... We do a 100 meters. If I win, you assist me with my homework since you're the smart one."

"Uh huh, but what do I get if I win?"

"You win?... I'll take you out on a date."

"Mmm, tempting." Tiffany mulled sarcastically. "But what make you think I wanted a date?"

Jodi proceeds to step up on her, getting face to face as he looked into her eyes. She connects instantly with his, trying to hold back her smile. Jodi then takes her hands in his, soothing the backhand side with his thumbs, "Tell me what you want, baby girl. Anything."

Jodi nearly had Tiffany melting in his hands before catching her-self, "Alright, you right, I want to be taken on a date." she says bashfully. "I've never been on a date before."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah. my ex-boyfriend never made time for me, always in the streets doing his own thing."

"Shit, I'm sorry. That's his loss for damn sure. He fumbled the big bag!" Jodi complimented as he looked her over again. "Shit, and I was going to let you win too, but now I gotta make you earn this date. I gotta see how much you want it."

"Oh, it's like that, like that?"

"Most definitely, sweet heart. Get your butt over here and get in position. I'll even give you a slight advantage."

Tiffany complied to Jodi's demands, getting into position with a smile that quickly turned into sheer focus unbeknownst to Jodi. In Jodi's mind, it was just all fun and games, his goal was just to spend more time with her, but why blatantly ask outright, when he can have some fun with it. But Tiffany was about business. Track was no joke to her and Jodi was going to learn that she was one of the fastest runners in her high school.

Jodi calls for the race to go, and just like that, Tiffany wasted no time cooking him. In about 12 seconds, Tiffany served Jodi up on a silver platter with her winning the 100 meter dash. Jodi was flabbergasted how fast she really was. For whatever reason, him thinking that a 40-yard dash was relevant to 100 meters was simply asinine and he had no choice but concede to defeat.

"Yo... What the fuck?" Jodi huffs. "Why are you this fast? Let me see your shoes, I think you rigged those shits."

Tiffany couldn't help but laugh while trying to catch her breath.

"Come on, Tiff, best two out of three? Run me that back!"

"Nope!" Tiffany grins. "I won, fair and square. No one told you to give me a handicap, that's your problem for underestimating me."

"Damn, you're fast as hell. You got me on that. And I thought I was fast."

"Well, you are, but speed in football and track are different, just like it's terrain." Tiffany quickly educated him. "But I got to admit, I didn't think I still had it. I haven't ran in over a year now, and that felt really good."

"Alright... You win... " Jodi admits while still catching his own breath.

"Good. I like my man to look good when he takes me out, no street clothes." Tiffany commanded softly.

"Yes m'am. I'll be ready."

"Good. I'ma get going, get cleaned up and get some rest before afternoon classes. You should do the same."

"Yeah, I will. I'll see you around."

Tiffany gives a wave and smile as she makes her exit while Jodi watches on. Moments later he reaches for his phone and sees a missed message from Coach Key.

[Coach]: "Good morning Jodi. Mid-term exams are coming up. As you already know, keeping your grades up is prominent for eligibility to play. The coaches and I have seen your hard work and dedication week after week. All this to say, you do well and pass your exam, you'll earn your right to challenge Haynes King for the starting position. The position battle will be decided in a best of three. You win two of the three, you will earn your spot to start in the next game against Notre Dame. I know this exciting news to you, but lets not put the cart before the horse, you still have to pass your mid-term exam. Good luck!"

"The hell with what Coach said, I'm excited for this! Hell yeah! I'm knocking this exam shit out, I'm coming for you King..."

In the midst of his own excitement, Jodi sends Haynes a gif in the groupchat, subliminally telling him his reign is coming to it's end.

[JRogue]: @HaynesKing10

[The JZA]

Jodi gonna flee instead of taking down the King?

djp73, Over Jodi's dead body

man if I were Jodi I'd be mad af right now

Baze, Man, who wouldn't be? Coach really didn't have no faith in the kid all this time even after a decent quarter.

Jodi be like

James,

[Captain Canada]

Here we go

[Agent]

The rest of the team seeing Jodi in the groupchat kick their QB down a well