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thewayofthemandalorian · 2 years

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all’s faire - chapter seven

Pairing: Modern!Pero Tovar x F!Reader

Series rating: M

Chapter rating: M

Word count: 4,348

Notes: Things are happening! Pero and his tavern maid are taking their relationship to the next level. I’m really excited for this chapter. There are so many developments and feelings and things are so great for these two. Thanks to @lowlights for being such a supporter of this fic and to @ezrasbirdie for the support and for beta-reading this series. Also, just to let everyone know, there will be two chapters left after this one for a series total of nine chapters.

This fic is cross-posted to AO3 under the same name and my taglist can be found linked in my bio as well as my masterlist which is linked below.

Comments/reblogs appreciated.

Chapter warnings: Swearing, food mention, minor (and quickly resolved) insecurites, kissing, yearning, Pero being a menace, feelings, non-explicit sexual content (including oral - both M/F receiving, and shower sex)

previous chapter || next chapter || masterlist (main) || masterlist (pero tovar)

Tuesday comes and goes without much fanfare. Lin-Mae has some stuff going on so you are responsible for opening and closing the store. You text Pero off and on throughout the day. Wednesday, however, is a different story. Lin-Mae just shot you a knowing smirk when you arrived this morning. “How’s Pero?” she asks, and you feel your face warm.

“He’s good,” you reply just as coyly. On Monday night you had spilled (most of) the details of your date and your discussion with Pero to Sarah when you met at Nick’s for drinks. Since Cassie and Tess were both out, there was no reason why you couldn’t go out too.

Sarah had just shot you a knowing grin and said “I told you you’d get used to him.” She had told you that. Many people had. And while you knew that you would eventually get used to Pero and his manner, you weren’t expecting it quite like this.

“He’s happy,” Lin-Mae says, making herself a coffee. “Happier than I’ve seen him since before William passed away.”

The comment makes you feel both happy and sad. Happy that it seems that Pero’s found happiness with you, but sad because he was lonely and sad for such a long time.

Lin-Mae sees your slightly wistful expression and grabs your attention. “This is good for him. For both of you. He’s happy. You’re happy. At least… I think you are.”

Your rueful look vanishes, replaced with a smile. “Yes, Lin-Mae. I’m very happy. Who knew that Pero Tovar would be partially responsible for that?” you tease

“Partially responsible for what?” someone asks from behind you. You turn to see who it is, knowing already that it’s Pero. Out of eyeshot Lin-Mae directs her head at you to Pero with a knowing look, whose quizzical look turns to one of soft tender joy. It makes your stomach do little backflips. “I hope it is all right that I’m here most of the day,” he says. “The internet is down at my place because of scheduled maintenance and I need to do some planning for the upcoming school year.”

Lin-Mae nods. “It’s fine by me. I have to get going anyway, I have an appointment to get to, so it’s really up to this one right here,” she gestures to you, knowing full well you have no problem with it. Where is she going? you wonder. She said that she’d be here today. You hope that nothing is wrong — oh. She’s giving you privacy.

You pretend to ponder over it. “I’ll allow it,” you finally say with a cheeky grin that Pero returns. Lin-Mae makes her excuses, slings her purse on her shoulder and slips out.

It doesn’t take Pero long to cross the gap between you in two strides. He curls his fingers on your neck and kisses you. Hungrily. Greedily. You respond with equal fervour. Will you ever get used to kissing this man? Probably not, but you like that every time it feels like the first time all over again.

“Hi,” he murmurs, dropping a kiss to your forehead, wrapping his arms around you in an impromptu hug. You never would have guessed that Pero Tovar is such a snuggly guy until quite recently.

“Hi, yourself,” you reply, leaning into his arms, returning the hug. You rest your cheek against his chest. You feel safe in his embrace. Cherished, even. And you’re reminded of how you thought that he would protect you when you were doing the handfasting ceremony all those weeks ago. “Can I make you a coffee?” you murmur.

His chest rumbles, moving up and down against your cheek as he replies. “Please.”

Very reluctantly, you pull out of his warm, strong embrace that is an instant boost of serotonin for you and begin to prepare him his coffee. An Americano with one cream.

By the time the coffee is ready, Pero’s situated himself at one of the tables, his laptop open. You deliver his coffee and a brownie to him with a kiss on his scruffy cheek. “Thank you, amor,” he says, pulling his eyes away from his computer screen.

“There’s plenty more where that came from,” you reply, your eyes landing on his computer screen over his shoulder as you muss his hair a little.

He turns to look at you, signature eyebrow raised. “More of what? Coffee or kisses?” He steals one from your lips, a quick one and you scrunch your nose at him.

“Well…” you muse, giving him another quick kiss, “I was talking about coffee, but I think I can be persuaded to have more of the other thing available.”

Pero smiles at you, takes your hand in his and gives it a slow, sensual kiss. “That is what I thought, bonita,” he says, seeing your swoony expression.

Another glance at the screen shows spreadsheets. “That looks boring,” you say.

Pero sighs. “It is. But I like to be ahead for the school year. And July is already half-gone. Usually I’m done with the paperwork and planning for the upcoming school year but something’s got me distracted this summer.”

He gives you a teasing glance; you give a coquettish grin in response. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you manage to say. “But that does look important, so I’ll leave you to it. I have some ordering to do. Let me know if you need more coffee. Or more distractions.”

- - - -

At twelve twenty-nine, you put up the handwritten sign on the door. Gone for lunch, back at one o’clock!

“Are you hungry?” you ask Pero, pulling a tupperware container from the fridge in the cafe.

He glances up from his notes, checks his watch. “Lunchtime already?” he asks. You nod. “I’m starving,” he grumbles.

You chuckle. He’s always hungry. He could eat enough for a small army. “I have too much of this. Why don’t we share?” Pero nods. He saves his work, closes his laptop and puts it back in his messenger bag.

You prepare a little smorgasbord for the two of you. Your pasta salad, some cheese and crackers and grapes, some leftover pastries from yesterday and more coffee. Bringing it all over, you place everything on the table, giving Pero his second Americano and yourself your second vanilla latte of the day. “Hi,” you say as you sit down next to him. You weren’t expecting to have another date with him in the same week.

“Hi yourself, bonita,” he replies. He kisses your cheek before digging in. An easy silence falls between the two of you, filled here and there with discussions about how his paperwork is going — dreadful, according to Pero — as well as how your weeks have been going.

As nice as this is, you have a nag in the back of your mind, even though he’s said very clearly that he has feelings for you, even though people who have known him longer than you have said they’ve never seen him this happy. What if this is just some summer fling? Logically, you know that that’s not the case. But still, a part of you wonders if this is just temporary.

“You didn’t hear a word I just said, did you?” Pero asks, non-accusatory. He takes your hand in his.

You offer an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Lost in thought, I suppose.”

“Anything you want to share?” he asks, his voice indicating that there’s no pressure one way or the other.

Inhaling, you try to organize your thoughts. “It’s silly,” you start. “And my mind is running away from me. But… um…” Pero looks expectantly at you. “I just am wondering… what you want? With this. With us,” you clarify.

He frowns for a moment. “I thought it was obvious,” he says. “I lo— really like you, bonita. And at the risk of sounding presumptuous, I think you really like me, too.”

You nod. “I do. I think we’ve both made our mutual really, really like abundantly clear.”

Pero continues. “Then what is there to discuss? We’re together. That is if you want to be. Like I said before, I won’t push you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” He squeezes your hand.

With anyone else, the no-nonsense attitude about such things would be a turn-off. But, as you’ve come to discover, that’s just how Pero operates. And seeing how he’s looking at you with such longing and hopefulness in his eyes, you know he’s not in the least bit dismissive about this. Inexplicably, your eyes prickle as relief floods your veins. Relief and something else, something hopeful. It’s your turn to squeeze his hand.

“I want to be,” you manage to say, blinking away the prickling feeling in your eyes. You lean across the table and kiss him, sealing your words.

“Good,” Pero murmurs, stroking your cheek with his thumb. “Because I want to be, too.”

You’re a few minutes late taking the sign down and unlocking the door. Pero insists on helping tidy up. Your boyfriend.

It sounds juvenile, but thinking about the word sends butterflies scattering across your stomach, lights up your nerve endings. Pero Tovar, the man you thought couldn’t stand you a few months ago, the last man you thought you’d have feelings for, your boyfriend.

The rest of the afternoon passes by uneventfully. You serve customers, you submit more order forms while Pero works away on the last of his paperwork. At quarter to six, you begin the process of shutting down the store. Pero’s gone from his table, but he hasn’t gone far. It probably won’t take too long to find him. You begin to snap off some lights, turning the sign from open to closed and locking the door before working on cleaning the coffee makers. Everything else done, you go in search of your boyfriend.

“Excuse me, sir,” you call out teasingly through the store, “but we’re closing.”

You find him in the nonfiction section, perusing a book on the crusades. He looks up at you. “I thought it was suddenly darker in here. Is it six already?” he asks.

“Just about,” you reply, feeling impulsive. “Do you want to grab some dinner?” you ask.

He nods, putting the book back down where he found it. “But first,” he murmurs in your ear before pressing kisses onto your cheek, your jawbone, your lips, your neck.

“You make a very good argument,” you reply in between kisses. You can’t say you ever pictured yourself making out in a darkened bookstore in the history area of the nonfiction section with Pero Tovar, but you’re not complaining. Not one bit, especially when he scoops you into his arms and hoists you against him. Your hands dig into his shirt at his shoulders as he deepens his kisses.

You’re fifteen minutes late leaving the store, your clothes slightly askew, your lips swollen from making out with him. “Do you make a habit of making out with girls in darkened bookstores?” you ask as you slip your hand into his, lacing your fingers together.

Pero chuckles. “Only with the girls whose corsets I also tie and untie. I don’t do that with or for just anyone, florecita.”

- - - -

Before you know it, it’s the weekend. You haven’t discussed how your relationship with Pero is going to affect your characters’ relationship, if at all. Like most everything else with Faire, you’re going into this mostly blind.

Saturday passes with little fanfare. It’s busy. The day is warm but not stiflingly so. You’re busy with serving drinks and interacting with customers all day, so you don’t have a chance to interact much with the one person you do want to interact with. He does come in and he’s mostly the same as Captain Bastian as he has been. He’s a bit more openly affectionate but not overly so. He spends more time at the tavern than he usually does and your heart flutters when you look up to see him gazing at you from the door before he leaves for the next duel.

Sunday, though, it dawns grey and rainy. You’ll need to have an extra long shower tonight when you come home. As a result of the weather, Faire is quiet. People still come out, but it’s not in droves like it can be. It’s the textbook definition of a slow day. With the rain comes the humidity. While you and Sarah are inside away from the rain, it’s still an open space, allowing the humidity to come into the tavern. You’re both sweating. There are long, long stretches between customers and not for the first time you wonder if maybe Faire should be shortened by a few weeks. Most people who wanted to come have already been.

Your thoughts are interrupted by someone coming in. A very damp Pero Tovar. His hair is more curled than normal and he looks a bit like a wet dog. A very cute wet dog. “Good day, florecita,” he greets. “Might I enquire for a towel? And perhaps something to drink?” he asks, taking your hand in his and bestowing a kiss to your knuckles.

“Aye, captain,” you reply. You find a clean towel that you usually use to wipe down the tavern and get him a glass of beer as well. Pero’s seated himself in one of the tables out of the way. You deliver him his beer and towel. “As requested, my captain.”

“Gracias, florecita.” He dries himself off to the best of his abilities with the small towel and sets it down on the bench next to him. He takes a long drink from his ale with a groan. There’s two other people in the tavern and they’re being taken care of by Sarah. “Sit for a moment, mi amor.”

Making sure that everything’s in order, you slide onto the bench next to Pero. He lifts an eyebrow. “Come on, florecita.” He pats his lap.

You gulp. “Are you sure that’s family-friendly, captain?” you ask. Not that you don’t want to sit on his lap.

“I don’t see any families in here.” His eyes tell you that you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Fuck it. You push the table out a little bit so you have enough room to climb onto his lap without knocking anything over. It takes a few seconds to get comfortable. Pero’s arms wrap around your waist and he presses little kisses into your neck. A pirate and his intended. Or you and Pero. Your skin is on fire as he whispers little things into your ear, his breath tickling against your skin in the most delicious way. Any cohesive thought you have is replaced with static. You can feel that he’s enjoying this as much as you are.

“Come over tonight, bonita,” he murmurs in your ear, and you know immediately what he’s asking you and it nearly causes your brain to short-circuit for the second time in just as many minutes.

You nod. “Yes, that does sound agreeable,” you manage to say, both in and out of character. “But can I shower first? I’m kind of gross.” These words are meant for Pero’s ears, not the captain’s.

He presses a kiss just beneath your ear that makes you shiver with want and anticipation. “Let me take care of you, amor.”

Well, when he puts it like that…

It takes very little convincing to get you to say yes and no time at all on your part to arrange a ride home for Cassie. You want this. You have for a while. And it’s clear that Pero does, too.

After Faire is done for the day, you and he meander through the thicket hand in hand. The rain has lightened up to a drizzle, but it’s still humid. “Coming to Nick’s, guys?” Dan asks you.

You and Pero share a look. “No, we’ve got other plans,” you hedge and you catch the knowing look that Sarah and Lin-Mae exchange. And you’re positive you see Lin-Mae hand Sarah a twenty dollar bill just as you’re turning back to Pero. Whether or not your friends made a bet as to when you and Pero would sleep together is a question for another day. “Should I just follow you?” you ask, not wanting to leave your car here.

He nods in agreement. “That way I won’t be tempted,” he says.

“Tempted to do what?” you ask.

“To take you in the backseat like I’ve wanted to since your birthday.”

Christ, would your heart ever beat properly or your lungs work correctly again? You’re sure the answer is no. “That is tempting. I commend your willpower,” you say, not giving him the satisfaction that you would have said yes to him taking you in the backseat.

- - - -

You very quickly discover that Pero lives on the opposite end of town to where you currently live. You smile at the little memory of him offering to give you a lift home after your party. It’s at least a twenty-minute drive if not more. You’d tease him about it later.

Pero’s house is exactly how you envisioned it. Neat and tidy. Handcrafted table and chairs. You remember him saying that he was almost a carpenter.

Clementine is sitting on the couch. Her ears perk up when she hears you and Pero come in, immediately running to the front door. Her head presses against Pero’s leg and she meows in greeting. “Yes, I’m home,” he murmurs, rubbing behind her ears. Your heart melts at the sight. She’s a white cat with grey spots, just as Pero described. Her tail is almost entirely grey with a little white tip at the very end. She turns her attention to you, meandering over, giving an inquisitive meow.

“Hi, Clementine,” you coo, holding out your hand for her to sniff. Tentatively, you give her ears a scritch. She closes her eyes, enjoying your attention.

Pero looks on, impressed. “Usually she does not do well with strangers,” he says. Clementine looks up at him, almost reproachfully and meows. “Are you hungry, cat? Is that it?” he asks. Though annoyance laces his voice, it isn’t genuine. “If you want to take a shower, I can feed her and then I will find you,” he tells you.

A shower is the last thing you’re thinking of right now. “I need to have my laces untied,” you start, a coy but fiery look in your eyes.

He doesn’t need to be told twice, quickly reading between the lines. “Clementine, stay here,” he says, filling up her food and water dishes. “She likely will not listen,” he tells you.

You can’t wait anymore. You lean up on your toes and kiss him. “Pero,” you murmur. It takes him no time to respond.

He says your name, pressing kisses to your cheek. “Careful, bonita. If we keep going out here, we will not make it past the front door. And there are many more comfortable places where we can continue this.”

You nod, playing along. “The least you can do is give me a tour.”

It takes you twice as long as it would normally do to get to his bedroom. As soon as you make it to the hallway past the living room, where Clementine has since taken residence in the lazy-boy chair, Pero has you pressed up against the wall, kissing you furiously. There are several more stops on the stairs before he finally has you on the threshold of his bedroom. Letting go of you for a second, he turns on his bedside (also handmade by the looks of it) lamp before returning his attention to you. His bedroom is also exactly how you pictured it. A neatly made bed, a pair of floor to ceiling bookshelves packed with books on all sorts of topics, a few framed photographs, a scratching post and bed for Clementine. You’ll look more closely later. For now, you’ve got other, more pressing things that deserve your full and undivided attention.

As he begins to unlace your dress, you remember when he did this at Faire a few weeks ago. It had been intimate then, when you were doing it for the purposes of Faire. This was downright erotic. His breath is warm, tickling the back of your neck as he mouths against the skin there with each unlace of the corset. After what simultaneously seems an eternity and not long enough, the laces are untied. He assists you in taking off each part of the dress, kissing each newly exposed part of you as the dress and chemise both come off, pooled on the floor at your feet, leaving you in just your underwear.��

Pero stares appreciatively for a long moment. You feel exposed in every sense of the word. “Fair’s fair,” you murmur, your fingers reaching for the hem of his shirt, helping him take it off revealing his broad chest and hard muscle from Faire and training. Next are his cargo shorts. He grunts in relief to have them off and it doesn’t take long to figure out why. You swallow, your heart pounding. Pero takes your hands in his, bends to kiss you before he takes you in his arms. Your underwear doesn't take long to go, nor do his. Your name comes out in a strained whisper, nearly grunting as your mouth comes to rest on that spot between his shoulder and neck that you like so much.

“Let me take care of you,” he repeats from earlier, sitting you both down on the bed. He’s not just promising to take care of you, he’s asking if he can as well.

“Yes, Pero,” you manage to get out.

It’s not long before he has you on your back, his fingers and his tongue making your vision go white, your hands gripped in his hair, his name a broken prayer on your lips. He’s an attentive lover, generous and passionate. Explorative, finding out what you enjoy, what you like. Your vision goes white as Pero’s fingers and mouth reach their goal.

He comes up to meet your mouth with his, easing you back down before the two of you continue in your activities. “You are a man of many talents,” you manage to get out in between panting breaths.

Pero kisses your forehead. “That was just warmup,” he teases, and it’s not long before you’re at it again. He presses into you gently, allowing you to get used to him. He moves and you think you might very nearly die of pleasure. His mouth seeks out yours as your hips stutter against his, desperate for release. Your ankles cross against his back, pulling him deeper, closer, the sense of urgency returning. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” he half-murmurs, half-growls. “I’ve wanted you for weeks, weeks.” His words and his movements push you over the edge again with a hoarse cry, biting down on his shoulder. Pero reaches his own high not long after, grunting your name against your mouth as he does.

He collapses next to you, both of you boneless and satiated. You snuggle next to him. You’re worn out, sore. But in the best possible way.

It isn’t until later, sprawled out in the sheets that you remember the promise of a shower. You’re sticky and sweaty and dirty. “Do you want that shower now?” you murmur against his neck where your face is currently buried; it’s warm and sweaty and smells faintly of rain and general Pero musk. You don’t want to move but you could be convinced if Pero came with you.

Pero ponders your question for a moment. “I am trying to conserve water.”

“That’s a very noble endeavour. One that I fully support.”

He half carries you to the master ensuite bathroom. He strokes your face again before turning on the shower. You can’t remember a life where Pero Tovar wasn’t touching you. You don’t want a life where he isn’t touching you or a big part of your life. And you find that that thought doesn’t scare you as much as you thought it would. He makes you feel safe. Cherished. Like he’s protecting you while also caring for you. More than you ever originally thought he would. And you care for him in the same way. You feel like you want to protect him as well, want to make sure he feels cherished and safe with you, too.

Pero takes care of you in the shower, as he promised he would, as he has taken care of you all evening. Getting down on your knees and letting the hot water stream down your back, you return the favour from earlier. And you’re not sure, but given how long you spend in the shower, you think Pero’s attempts at conserving water in this shower are moot.

Finally you make it back to bed, warm, pleasantly drowsy and sore, half-way in love with him. “What are you thinking about?” Pero asks, cutting through your thoughts.

You turn to face him, cup his face between his hands and very gingerly and gently kiss his scar before kissing him on the lips. “You.”

He makes that tender face again, the one that melts your heart and makes you have a knot in the back of your throat with just how vulnerable and gentle it is. How vulnerable and gentle he is. He kisses you for what is probably the millionth time today and it’s not long before mouths and hands and other body parts are moving again, finding each other. It’s not as frantic this time around. It’s slower, less urgent but no less passionate. This isn’t simply having sex with Pero Tovar, you realize; this is making love with Pero Tovar. And when you reach that peak again with him that you create together, you nearly sob with the weight of your emotions for him, for what you’re both expressing without words.

At some point the rain stops, but it goes unnoticed by both of you. Neither of you get that much sleep that night.

--- taglist in reblog

#pedro pascal #pero tovar x reader #pero tovar #modern pero tovar #my writing #my fic #the great wall #the great wall movie

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squashsiteblog · 2 years

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Nash Cup 2022 : Day One Reports

It was a tremendous opening night at London Squash & Fitness. The 2022 NASH Cup is a full PSA Challenger 20 event for the first time, and the packed crowd witnessed matches that would rival quarter finals of past years. The level of play was exceptions. Perhaps more importantly, so was the on court sportsmanship. It’s with great pride that we provide this summary and pictures thanks to Real Weinberg. All matches were live streamed, and for the first time this included live commentary. Thank you to Jeff Wong and his team at DAGI for making this happen.

An event like this isn’t possible without tremendous sponsor support. I’d like to welcome our new sponsors who helped make this possible. New for 2022 are The A-Team at Re/MAX Hallmark (who also supported the Lightning Matches); Mackenzie Investments; Scholars Education (who have donated $1,000 to developmental squash); NAPA Auto Parts; Toyo Tires; and Wilson Ford Surveying and Engineering.

It’s possible that the number of pitchers of beer sold tonight may have been a club record. This could be because they were well priced….but we will take this opportunity to thank one of our founding sponsors Sleeman Breweries.

Tonight the losers leave with $307.56 USD in cash and 31.5 points. If a player averaged 31.5 points they would be ranked #162 for men and #110 for women globally.

Tuesday Match Write-ups and Pictures:

Court 1 3pm Valentin Rapp (GER; 132) vs. Yannik Omlor (GER; 100)

This is the first NASH Cup appearance for both players….and it’s a long way to come from Germany to face someone from your own country. These two last faced off in 2017 where Valentin was the winner. They also had a warm up match last night in the first NASH Cup Lightning Matches.

Valentin took the opening 2 points, but then it was Yannik with 8 straight claiming a commanding lead on long rallies. Valentin found some rhythm and brought things back to 5-9. A couple of great drops and its 8-10. Both players move to a defensive game, and a long rally sees the ball go out of court giving Yannik an 11-8 win.

Valentine jumped to a fast lead in the second taking a controlling 4-0 position. He has decided to stick to “rail” shots worked for a while, but Yannik made some changes, forced some crosses and returned to a picked up 2. The battle shifts back and forth and the game advances to 6-4. Yannick breaks the first racquet of the tournament and grabs his spare. Pro’s carry the same racquets as back-ups, but any change can take adjustment and Valentin goes up 7-4. A long rally and an unforced error by way of a missed drop shot by Valentin and Yannick takes an 8-7 lead. Yannick hangs on for the win and a 2-0 lead.

Yannick jumps to another 2-0 lead and it’s looking tough for Valentin. The match was well found, but Yannick takes it 3-0.

(Energizer)

Court 2 3pm Laura Tovar (COL; 103) vs. Zeina Zein (EGY; 89)

Laura is in her 3rd NASH Cup while Zeina is a rookie. The match started quickly, and these rallies are long. Zeina is 17 and has great movement. Laura has the lighter touch and picks up a 4-2 lead with some tight drop shots. The opening game is a battle of strength versus touch. A beautiful redirect from Laura puts her up 7-5 as Zeina is left watching the ball bounce a second time. Zeina made a beautiful drop to get back to 7-8, but then caught some tin for 7-9. Laura closes with a perfect drop boast to win 11-8.

An opening stroke call followed by a flat nick puts Zeina up 2-0. The pace has changed and Zeina is running everywhere. Up 3-0. If Zeina was older we would question her ability to keep up this pace. Speed is working as Zeina moves up 6-1 before catching a tin. Laura returns the favour with an out of court followed by a tin. 8-3 Zeina. A great cross court drop gets her to 9-3. Zeina controls the final points for an 11-3 win. Were tied 1-1.

This is a very level game and it’s quicky 2-2. Zeina’s speed is providing an edge as she moves up to 5-2. Laura has started forcing Zeina back in the court moving the ball back and forth to bring it to 5-5, but two straight stroke calls gives the lead back to Zeina. A dead bounce at the back followed by great cross. 10-5. Game ball. Zeina up 2-1.

Zeina is in control now pushing the ball deep and gaining a 5-0 lead. Youth is her edge and it’s causing Laura to make some mistakes as she looks to regain control. 7-0. A deep shot gets Laura on the board at 8-1. Zeina takes the match.

Court 1 3:45 Nadeen Kotb (EGY; 77) vs. Amal Izhar (CAN; 183)

These two compact ladies take to the court following the two German men. Nadeen takes an early lead against her Canadian opponent with some sharp shots. Amal returned with some free-flowing shots of her own. Both ladies are taking it in short with accurate play. Amal allowed Nadeen too many opportunities to attack it short, and Nadeen didn’t miss any chances. She took the first 11-4.

Both ladies continue with their attacking play. Some errors creep in for both ladies when going short. Equally, both players are forcing errors, or weak play resulting in strokes, from excellent attacks. Amal is playing some great power shots with her relaxed swing. Nadeen still playing a range of accurate attacks keeping her ahead, but Amal manages to come back to take a lead. It’s touch and go with Amal up 9-8 then Nadeen 10-9… 10-10 and a huge forehand volley crosscourt nick off serve from Nadeen getting her another game point. She takes it with Amal hitting her return into the tin. Disappointing end for Amal after playing really well this game and matching her higher ranked opponent at every stage. 2-0 Nadeen.

Nadeen takes an early lead in the third. The winners are flowing from her racket. Dying lengths, boasts, soft drops… a great range of shots. If Amal is to pick up more of these balls, she needs to inject a little extra acceleration into her movement. Nadeen doesn’t let up and takes the match with a confident third game. Well played to both ladies, who played a very stylish match, filled with delicate touches and lovely variety.

(Rob)

Court 2 3:45 Mike McCue (CAN; 108) vs Mark Broekman (ENG; 163)

Brad’s brother reporting on long time (8 time) Nash Cup participant, Mike McCue of Canada versus Mark Broekman of England (2 NASH Cups). Tournament organizer, Jay Nash told me that McCue is 1-0 in his career against Broekman defeating him 3-0 back in 2018. I haven’t fact checked this so please email any complaints directly to Jay. He’s ready for them.

On to the match. McCue is quite a strong athlete, but is lucky that he’s playing a game of squash and not a wrestling match. Broekman stands at least a foot taller than this reporter. On to the squash.

Early in the first game it’s clear that Broekman takes up quite a bit of space around the middle and McCue is going to have to keep him out to eh sides of the court. One of the great parts of squash is that all body types can compete against one another and have various strengths and challenges that come with them. I can’t help but envy being able to get to any corner from the T in just 1 step.

Back and forth at the start and middle of game 1. McCue then starts to use some effective cross-courts and boasts to work the taller opponent. If my memory serves me right, McCue has gotten a game off of, and pushed the great James Wilstrop who is also a taller player. So if I had to make an educated guess my beer money would be on the Canadian and current University of Toronto #1 in this match.

Broekman hits a tin on the last shot of the first game to lose it 11-6. Even though I was busting writing on my phone for most of the game, it was clear that McCue’s strategic use of angles was an effective one. Let’s see if Broekman can adjust and keep it a little tighter and take away McCue’s time and space to get him back in control of the middle of the court.

Long first point at the start of game 2 was finished with a tight backhand by Broekman. Can he get some momentum and make it a match? Couldn’t ask for a better start as it’s 3-0 For Mark and then 4-1. Broekman is definitely playing straight and has to do it near perfectly if it’s going to work against Sudbury Ontario’s greatest squash star. McCue is battling back with a couple of hard working rallies and it’s now 3-4. McCue battled back to take a lead at 6-5 with some terrific forehand holds. Perhaps a tired forehand missed volley drop from Broekman and McCue looking confident that he’s got a firm hold of this game. But at this level you can’t take any opponent or score for granite. The end of game 2 sees McCue oozing with confidence and running off a bunch of straight points to get to 10-5. Another great hold and game is done at 11-6.

If I was a betting man, I would double down on my beer wager that McCue is going to win this in 3. But I’m unfamiliar with Broekman and I’m interested in seeing what he has left in the tank. He will need more than just a great start to turn this match around. Browkman with an ideal start in the third going up 3-0, but can he keep it going? He fires in a forehand kill to go up 4-0 and looks like he’s got some confidence now. McCue is fighting back now to 2-4. Broekman picked the pace up to start this match, but it looks like it tired him out a bit. Can he maintain the lead and make it a match? If you were watching the live streaming, you would already know the answer prior to reading this. A long and gruelling win by Broekman to take a 6-3 lead in the third. He may have won that point, but he’s definitely breathing harder now. McCue hits the back wall nick and then delivers another taxi to fight back to within 1 at 5-6.

Broekman going to the towel again after another long point, clearly exhausted, but showing some fighting spirit. This is exactly why I’m not a betting man as Broekman defied the odds and had McCue doing court sprints at the end of that game and won it 11-6 in 9 minutes. Let’s see who can get out to an early lead in game 4. My beer money once again is on the Control the T sponsored player (McCue for those who are unaware).

Solid first point from McCue and he looks refocused this game. McCue starts the fourth up 3-1 and seems to be moving even faster this game and taking the ball earlier. Broekman plays the rare combination of 3 straight boasts which results in McCue finally counter dropping and taking a 4-2 lead. 6-2 McCue and this match is looking in complete control. Broekman might be tired, but he’s still fighting and gets it back to 5-6. One last OUA from Broekman as he’s throwing everything at McCue, but he just keeps getting back near outright winners.

McCue at 10-6 match point. The last can often be the toughest to win, but not this time as Broekman misses a forehand drop and the match is finished with McCue winning 3-1 in 44 minutes. Overall, a great fight by Broekman, but McCue has the right tactic and was just too quick and fit on the day. Next up for McCue will be Christopher Gordon of the USA.

(Stingray’s Brother)

Court 1 4:30 Connor Turk (CAN; 147) vs. Daniel Mekbib (CZE;89)

Not to often this reporter gets to write but due to contract negotiations between Brad Hanebury and Jay Nash, I have been given a great honor.

A first time face off in a PSA match between these two. Both individuals close in age with only 2 years separating them. Connor is in his 3rd NASH Cup, while Daniel is on #2. Daniel a tall fit left hander sporting a beard for the ages, it has to be the top ranked beard in the PSA since at least 2021. Connor, a young looking fit right hander hailing from Winnipeg Canada home of the 1 month summer and a bug season that has to be witnessed to be believed.. Daniel started the match serving and instantly starting playing at a high pace taking the ball early and taking advantage of some short lengths with some precise drops. Daniel jumped out to a 4-0 lead while Connor was adjusting to pace and pressure. Connor started to settle with some great cross-courts and lengths to grab a few quick points. A couple high paced rallies dictated by Daniel, and some missed cued drops by Connor and the game got away from him as Daniel takes it 11-5.

Second game has Daniel sticking to his tactics of taking the ball early and playing at a punishing pace. Connor was moving well trying to counter throwing in some soft touch, but Daniel’s punishing pace is just that punishing. He takes the second gam 11-4. Connor has his back against the wall now and according to a local legend is 1 game away from the true experience of the Nash Cup and its Sleemans beer selection.

Daniel refuses to let up on the pace and is really moving the ball around the court to all 4 corners. Connor fighting hard engaging the crowd and throwing everything he has at him. Connor fighting back to 7-10 showing his tenacity and just won’t give up. Connor has capitalized on some off speed rallies with some great drops and front court pressure. A great 3rd game but Daniel’s game plan was too much and he takes the 11-5, 11-4, 11-7.

Court 2 4:30 Lucie Stefanoni (USA; 97) vs. Torrie Malik (ENG; 86)

Another lengthy report by Brad’s brother. Here are 2 of the youngest competitors in the draw, both in the NASH Cup for the first time, both here with siblings. Torrie Malik (ENG) won the lighting tournament last night so is on a winning streak. She is an accurate and hard hitting player. Lucy Stefanoni (USA) is light on her feet, is an efficient mover and has nice touch. Both are juniors and I imagine they have played many times before.

Malik takes a quick 4-1 lead. Malik has a great clean swing, is very still and has early racquet preparation and not a lot of moving parts. Stefanoni as a more relaxed style of play, but doesn’t seem as powerful. It’s a tight first game with Malik leading 8-6 and eventually 10-6. Malik owes her coach some court push-ups as she served out at a game ball, but fortunately won the next point to take the game 11-8 in 8 minutes. The future of the woman’s tour is on display and it’s really a treat to watch.

Malik’s brother, Curtis is coaching between games while Lucy’s sister Marina is coaching her. Let’s see which sibling is the better coach. My guess is Malik will eventually win because she’s more accurate with her length and kills, but we’ll see if Stefanoni can limit her time and space. The second game starts pretty close as Stefanoni takes a 3-2 lead. One rare error by Malik and she’s down 4-2. Another tin and a ‘no let’ and Stefanoni is up 6-3. Stefanoni is fast and Malik presses and hits a few more unforced errors. 8-3 Stefanoni and she’s gaining some momentum, but in the blink of an eye Malik gets back to 7-8. Some realty short points this game and too many errors from Malik sees Stefanoni at a 10-8 lead. Malik gets 1 back with an inch perfect backhand volley kill, but Stefanoni hits a winning crosscourt return to take the game 11-9. We got a match and clearly Curtis needs to remind Torrie to keep it above the tin. Easier said than done. Let’s see how it plays out.

Game 2 was only 6 minutes long, but game 3 is going to be a real battle. Malik comes out strong and takes a 2-0 lead. So far no tins, so well done on the coaching from Curtis. Some great gets by Malik finished by a deadly backhand boast and she takes a commanding 5-2 lead. Malik is flying with confidence this game is her tins from last game are now winners. Just as I wrote that, tin. Just keeping me in check. Still a 7-3 lead for Malik and she’s taking control with her power and precise winners. At 8-5 Malik she gets a ‘no let’ on what appears to be a stroke. For many juniors it’s a bad decision that gets them off their game. Malik however wins the next 2 points and takes a 10-6 lead. Stefanoni gets it back to 9-10 but Malik hits another straight kill winner. Still a few tins at the end of that game. She’ll need to clean those up if she wants to win more comfortably.

What are the siblings saying between games this time? Malik needs to stay aggressive from the right positions on the court and Stefanoni needs to keep her away from those areas. Let’s see who wins this chess match. A strong start for Stefanoni as she’s up 2-0 followed by a quick tin by Malik to go up 3-0. Malik seems to be winning and losing most of the points, perhaps it’s the speed of Stefanoni forcing these errors though. A great start for Stefanoni and it looks like we’re in for another rapid fire game as Stefanoni is up 8-1. Curtis has his work cut out for him. Stefanoni takes a commanding fourth game 11-3 in a shocking 3 minutes.

The momentum is all with Stefanoni, but you don’t get to this level without being able to regroup and turn a bad game around. Let’s see if Malik can hit more winners than errors in this game. A bit of a longer point to start the fifth, but the first point goes to Stefanoni. Malik with a tin and she’s got to get some confidence back. She smashes 2 winners and gets back even at 2. Back and forth to start this one until Stefanoni takes a 3 point lead at 6-3. Stefanoni hits a rare tin and Malik is now just down 1 at 5-6. A perfect dying length by Malik to tie things up. Malik looking more confident after hitting an inch perfect forehand volley kill to go up 8-6. 9-7 Malik after another great winner. 10-8 Malik, will she win it or tin it? Stefanoni barely picks up a ball and saves 1 match ball. A tense rally at the end but Stefanoni hits another rare tin and Malik has a sigh of relief with a 11-9 5 game victory in 40 minutes. Malik will have to keep those tins to a minimum tomorrow if she’s going to take down the 7th seed, Alison Thomson (SCO).

Court 1 5:15 Diana Garcia (MEX; 96) vs. Margot Prow (ENG; 131)

Here we have Diana, a Nash Cup veteran in her third appearance, playing left handed Margot who is making her debut at the Nash Cup. The first game has the players trading points with some great paced rallies, volley’s and court movement. Both players are using the whole court moving each other and looking for any weakness in their game. Diana started to really make some pressuring shots going short and twisting her opponent. Margot was moving well and keeping the rallies going but a few errors under pressure and Diana takes the first game 11-7.

The second game both players are firing on all cylinders. Some great touch by Diana and some great mid court boasts and tight lengths has the game going back and forth every point. As the game got deeper Diana put her foot down and really attacked the ball and was taking the ball a half step quicker now then Margot. Diana really took control and finishes off the last few points very decisively. 11-7

Third game Margot comes out with great attacking shots and pressure and Diana makes a few errors and Margot is showing she doesn’t want to be done yet. Both players are playing at an incredible pace, attacking the ball, volleying , and showing incredible touch when needed. Diana settled and starting getting her lengths deeper and cross courts wider which was putting Margot under great pressure and took advantage of some weak cross courts throwing soft touch cross court drops. Diana played the last 5 points flawless and took the match 11-7, 11-7, 11-9.

Court 2 5:15 Edmon Lopez (ESP; 86) vs. Salah Eltorgman (CAN; 184)

Well, well, well. Look what the Nash Cup dragged in. Unofficial match reporter Stingray Hanebury has been called back into action.

Tonight’s match is one of the most highly anticipated by this reporter. We have Edmon vs Salah. Salah just started his first year at Western after putting in a very strong performance at senior nationals this year. It’s expected that Salah will be a great addition to the team.

The match begins with Edmon running up the first four points and local headache Gary Sullivan spilling his fourth beer.

Edmon looks very strong and isn’t giving the young Salah any chances to find his form. However, it isn’t until Edmon is up 9-0 before Salah can capture his first point.

Salah manages to get three points on the board before Edmon takes the game 11-3.

This match break brought to you Sapporo Dark - Tastes just like normal Sopporo, but is dark.

Game two begins with Salah rushing back on court. Obviously not happy with the last game, he’s looming ready to play a little more patient and focus.

The focus pays off as he runs up a 4-1 early lead. Edmon isn’t happy. Edmon climbs back to 4-5, at which point we are a good, tough rally where both players explore all four corners. Edmon manages a 9-7 lead, to which Salah responds by carving in a vicious cross court roll out nick from the back right corner. Edmon, unfazed, grinds out the next few points to win the game.

This break brought to you by the beer that Gary just brought to me.

Game three starts tight but Edmon starts to pull away. Salah looks a little tired and then he’s given a no let on a somewhat contentious call. The call is followed by technical difficulties on the ref’ing tablet. Wouldn’t be a problem if Mobials made the app, but I digress.

Edmon starts to pull away a bit and despite some good efforts by Salah at the end, Edmon wins the match.

Well, first match report in the books. Stayed tuned for more as the Nash Cup progresses.

Court 1 6:30 Matthew Henderson (CAN; 414) vs. Andrew Douglas (USA; 84)

A battle between former CSA number 1s this match was highly anticipated by the home crowd for the western alumni. Douglas is beginning his first season of playing as a full-time pro and the contrast of his fitness and speed against Henderson's talent should provide an entertaining match.

Douglas came out hot in the 1st game dominating the play with hard hitting and early volleys forcing the pace. The local hero managed to win his few points in style with plenty of cross court nicks and signature reverse boasts. In the end the Americans solid play gave him the first quite easily.

Due to Matt's limited fitness the rallies really opened up in the 2nd game with short rallies filled with saucy winners and flat nicks. “Hendo” really started to feel the energy of the crowd and get hot with his winners but, Dougies movement and steadiness assisted with a very questionable let decision halted Hendos momentum and gave the game to the American 11-7

Maybe Hendo had a pre-emptive beer in between games but something loosened him up as he fired some filthy winners to race to a 4-1 lead. Hendo's secret sauce began to run out as Dougie took hold of the game with his go to hard hitting and high pace. In classic Hendo style the match ended on an audacious reverse boast attempt giving the match to Douglas 11-7 in the 3rd.

The support of the western team made this one of the loudest matches of the night and definitely distracted the ladies on court 2. Following the match Henderson noted that it was like being back in a college match….but this time he had the home crowd. It was a great match.

Court 2 6:30 Katerina Tycova (GER; 105) vs. Ali Loke (ENG; 90)

The rallies are long, and the points are swinging back and forth to go 3-3. Having seen Ali for many years now this writer can confirm her game is gaining strength. The cross courts are strong, and she is pushing Karina back and forth taking an 8-5 lead. Karina is strong and patient, but Ali picks up more nicks and pushes up 9-6. The German coach is here, and an adjustment may happen between games. The noise from court 1 is jarring as Western's Matt Henderson takes on Andrew Douglas of the USA. Very unusual conditions for the ladies. Ali up 10-7 but puts one into the tin. Another winner from Tycova and it's 10-9.....and now 10-10. The crowd loves extra points. The rally goes up the left wall over and over. 20 shots; one cross and then back. An intense rally. Karina goes for the winner and catches tin. 11-10 Loke. Sadly a stroke call ends things at 12-10.

(First game by Energizer)

Five quick rallies to start the second game. 3-2 Tyvova. Tycova won a long rally to go up 4-2. These two have not played each other in a PSA competition before. The rallies became progressively longer but Tycova was able to take a 6 - 4 lead. As the two continued to press Tycova was able to keep good position and take a strong 9 - 5 lead. Two long rallies to finish the game and Tycova won 11 - 5. (Second game by Robbie…and back to Energizer)

We're back at 1-1 and the crowd is in this......and the game on court one. Unbelievably loud for a Tuesday night. The 21 pros here for the first time won't know wat they've landed into.

A great opening rally sees a deep rail shot to the back left that Ali simply can't get. 1-0. She answers and ties it up quickly. Great to see such long rallies and even play. At 2-2 Ali misses a drop that was a safe win. We return to longer rallies. She tries the same drop. Hits it, but Tycova is there and she nails it down the wall. 4-2 Tycova. They battle on the left wall and that may be to Ali's favour. 4-3. Karina knows her game, but a second stoke call in this game makes it 5-4. The rallies are going longer and it all comes down to the success of the eventual boast. 8-6 Tycova. An extremely tight boast from Tycova and its 10-6. Ali pulls a perfect Al Fayad pushing Tycova back and then making a winner. Very clean. We are 10-7. Tycova with a beautiful drop to finish. She leads 2-1.

A long rally ending in a let followed by an out of court from Tycova and Ali leads 1-0.....but it is quickly evened out with a straight drop. Ali gets caught behind on a drop and the Karina follows with another getting up 4-1. She seems to have momentum on her side now. The rallies shift back an forth, but this is a game of attrition and Tycova is earning about half the points building the lead to 6-3. Loke earns some quick points and it's turned to 7-6 Loke. Ali needs to keep her shots clean, but has Karina flustered as she hits clean shots and gains an 8-7 advantage. Loke hits 3 cross courts to earn a 9-7 lead, but can't finish things as Tycova closes. A stunning boast from Tycova and we are 9-9. A tough stroke as Tycova drills one down the wall and Ali is up 10-9. Both play with patience until Ali goes for the winner and hits low. A cross form Tycova and she is up 11-10 - match point. Clean drop to win.

Court 1 7:15 Anna Kimberley (ENG; 81) vs. Iman Shaheen (CAN; 241)

Sadly one of only a few matches missed by our writers tonight.

Court 2 7:15 Alfredo Avila (MEX; 79) vs. Liam Marrison (CAN; 187)

Marrison is getting balls back like his life depends on it, takes a quick 5-0 lead at the beginning of the 2nd game. Avila is making a comeback in this 2nd game, we’re tied at 6-6. Huge dive from Marrison at the end of the game, unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Games are tied 1-1

Long rallies here in the 3rd, the points are going back and forth. Avila pulls away at the end of the game, he leads 2-1.

After a huge effort from both players, and some great shots that got the crowd excited, Avila takes the match 3-1.

Report by Jagroop Bhangoo

Court 1 8:00 Guiherme Melo (BRA; 112) vs. Shawn Delierre (CAN; 111)

Assistant match reporter Stingray Esq. back again. Tonight we have a special treat: former Nash Cup champion Delierre vs Melo.

Shawn and Melo start the match trading points. This reporter assumes that Melo is from Brazil, sorry Brasil, based on the shirt he’s wearing. That or he found a good deal on a Brasil shirt.

Shawn almost immediately let’s Melo know that this is going to be a physical match.

The rallies are fast, high intensity, and sometimes ending by in lets. Shawn and Melo are neck and neck with them seeing 10-10 in the first. Shawn gets to 11 first but then hits two unforced errors to let Melo take the lead and eventually the game 13-11.

This commercial break brought to you by capitalism. That’s right. Multiple companies put their differences and profits aside, pooled their resources together at equal amounts regardless of effort or status, and worked towards a common goal to sponsor this promotion for capitalism… wait a minute…

Well…that was weird. Anyways, back to the match.

Whether it was the break in the game, the distraction, or otherwise, Melo recovers and ties the game up 7-7.

Melo gets up to game ball but Shawn digs in and ties it up 10-10. They then trade two rallies to get to 11-11 before Shawn wins a tough point to get game ball. Another physical rally see Shawn win the game 13-11.

Third game is, surprise, point by for point with no one holding a lead. The rallies continue back and forth until Melo gets a 9-7 lead. Shawn wins the next point and we are back to 8-9. However, he gets a no let the next point and we see Melo with a game ball.

The match intensifies as Shawn comes back to 10-10. The point to tie it up ended as a strike and Melo is none too happy. He responds by winning the following point to get another game ball at 11-10.

Melo wins the game 12-10.

No sponsor of this break. Just an observation that Shawn is still using the same half size squash bag that he’s used for the last 15 years. This reporter is pretty sure it can only hold two racquets, one shirt, a single sock, and a banana, but the banana is sticking half out of the bag.

Shawn starts the fourth game going up 4-0. Melo looks a bit flat to start. He eventually gets to 6-0 before Melo chalks his first point on the board.

Two points later we have some discussion between the two players. Shawn seems to want Melo to provide more space, whereas Melo can’t understand French and has no idea what he’s saying.

Shawn doesn’t seem phased and proceeds to run the points to 10-5 game ball. However, on the first game ball point, Melo and Shawn collide and Shawn appears to have some pain in his knee.

Shawn takes an injury time out, which means this reporter can freshen up his pint.

After 20-30 mins of some physio work, Shawn is unable to continue and unfortunately has to concede the match.

I know, not the climax you were all expecting, but to be fair, I’m told I have a history of failing to meet expectations….

Court 2 8:00 Sofia Mateos (ESP; 108) vs. Ambre Allinchx (SUI; 95)