#wsss2021 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

vierschanzentournee · 2 years

Photo

WINTER SPORTS SECRET SANTA 2021

‘Tis the season - snow is falling (I mean, not where I am, but it definitely is somewhere), children are writing their Christmas lists (and so am I, dammit), and most importantly of all, winter sports are back! I’ve taken over from the lovely @whereisyourpippinnow in organising a Secret Santa, and this year it’s not only for the ski jumping family but for all winter sports fans.

Which sports are included?

This Secret Santa covers:

Ski jumping

Nordic combined

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Alpine skiing

Freestyle skiing

Snowboarding

Essentially, all the FIS sports + biathlon! It does not include other winter sports such as luge, speed skating, or curling (they just felt like rogue choices without significant fandoms, but if you’re very angry about this then feel free to message me and I could add them), as well as figure skating and ice hockey (which have the opposite problem - they’re just too popular!)

What can I create and receive?

As part of this Secret Santa, you’ll make a gift for an assigned person, and in turn you’ll receive something lovely from someone else! There are a few options for things which you can make or receive - there are a few guidelines for each option in order to make sure that everyone receives a gift equivalent to the gift they gave.

Gifs (at least one set of at least six gifs - you’re more than welcome to create more, but that’s the minimum)

A fanvideo or fanmix (a fanvideo should be at least 4-ish minutes long, and a fanmix should consist of at least 10 songs)

Fanfiction (at least 500 words of writing - this can be across multiple shorter pieces or one longer one)

Fanart (at least one piece of 540px x 810px or comparable dimensions)

Edits such as icons or wallpapers (at least 9 icons or 3 wallpapers, or a comparable number for other kinds of edit)

What are the key dates?

The timeline for the Secret Santa is as follows:

Sunday December 4th: sign-ups open

Tuesday December 7th: sign-ups close

Wednesday December 8th: assignments sent out

Friday December 24th: gifts are posted!

What else should I know?

If you realise that you will be unable to fulfil your assignment in time, you must message me as soon as possible - I will organise a gift for your Secret Santa

Please tag your creations as #wsss2021 so that I can reblog them!

You are strongly encouraged, although not required, to send nice messages anonymously to your Secret Santa in the run-up to the 24th

You’re able to specify some favourite athletes or teams for each sport; you’re also able to specify anything you do not want to receive or create

If you need to ask your Secret Santa questions, or if there are issues such as them not having anon on, send me a message and I will contact them for you

If you have any other questions or concerns, you’re welcome to message me or send me an ask (my anon will always be on!)

How do I sign up?

Fill out this form by Tuesday December 7th!

#ski jumping #biathlon #nordic combined #xc skiing #alpine skiing #freestyle skiing #snowboarding #winter sports #wsss2021

38 notes · View notes

skiijumpinng · 2 years

Text

realised our eve aka @vierschanzentournee didn't get her gift this year, but she definitelly deserves one!!

eve, thank you for organising this year's secret santa, hope you have a nice christmas and a very happy new year!!

#making gifs for a gif maker is pathetic but ive been told its the thought that counts #u better put yourself on that spreadsheet #and what else could i make u than some quality geigenbichler content #ski jumping #season 2021/2022 #wsss2021

36 notes · View notes

whereisyourpippinnow · 2 years

Photo

To: @eksperimentgaj

From: Your Secret Santa 🎅🎄🎁

I wish you happy holidays and a joyful new year!

#wsss2021 #ski jumping #nordic combined #marita kramer #peter prevc #akito watabe #szczepan kupczak #sj #noco #skijumpingedit

22 notes · View notes

vacancy90 · 2 years

Text

Merry Christmas @ski-jumping-is-my-aesthetics !🎄🎅

Here's your secret Santa gift. 🎁 I hope you have a wonderful Christmas time and can enjoy some quiet days and yummy food with your loved ones. All the best, and I hope you like your gift. I had lots of fun writing this! 🥰👋

Holly Jolly Christmas

aka Teams Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Slovenia are having a Christmas party.

He can't remember how or when exactly they all had agreed on having a Christmas party in Engelberg, but Cene certainly doesn't mind when he opens the ovendoor and the hot air escaping hits his face and fills his nostrils with a spicy ginger scent. He's been busy going about his kitchen all morning, rolling out dough and cutting out shapes of gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, hearts and whatnot. He simply loves baking and especially baking for his friends and colleagues. He's adjusted his go-to Christmas cookie recipe to suit everyone's diet, especially since he's been reminded about Halvor's gluten intolerance and other people's nut allergy and damn, he even made sure to use vegan chocolate for decorating the cookies so nobody had a valid excuse to not try them. Yes, he is pretty proud of himself and happy to contribute such an important part that can't be missed at any Christmas party. Besides Cene, Timi had agreed to contribute his part for team Slovenia by providing a taste of his accordion skills - but only if Karl and Markus promised to dance their famous Schuhplattler dance for everyone to enjoy. They did. And this way eventually also convinced Domen and Peter to join the party despite their rough start to the season and them mumbling something about sleep and responsibility and… Cene forgot the rest. Unlike his brothers' seasons, his own has started out well and now he's especially looking forward to Engelberg.

***

It's Thursday evening and one by one members of the various invited teams are entering the designated function room. Team Switzerland come first, Simon had made sure, because somehow they feel responsible as hosts in their home country.

"Whoever decorated this room, they did a wonderful job," Killian remarks as his gaze travels around.

"Beautiful indeed," Domink agrees winking at Simon who smiles contentedly at the praise. He hadn't exactly done it by himself but he decided on colours and the reindeer and angels sitting on the shelves and maybe another little detail he's sure will make this evening an interesting one.

"Thanks guys, but honestly, this is the hotel staff's work, I just told them we needed Swiss red tinsle and baubles and some fairy lights."

"Grüezi!" An ever beaming Andreas followed by his shadow Stephan and joined at the hip pair Markus and Karl greets them in an attempt of Swiss German. They're about to take their seats when team Slovenia can be heard from miles away. The sound of Timi's accordion and the Planica song is blasting down the corridor, announcing their arrival.

"Hey," Markus protests. "This is supposed to be a Christmas party!"

"Whatever song makes you dance!" Timi retorts and switches to a Christmas tune causing Markus and Karl to move their hands and feet in sync.

"Stop, guys! Not before the Norwegians are here!" Domen chimes, already bursting with laughter.

"Here, have some of these while we're waiting for the show to start." Cene places a gigantic cookie jar on the table and catches sight of his older brother Peter cracking a smile. He can feel his heart filling with warmth and can't wait for the party to start.

"Heyyy!" A faint voice can be heard from afar.

"Oh, damn! I forgot I promised Gregor to help carry the fondue here." Dominik jumps to his feet and hits his head on the shelf above him in the process. A wooden reindeer lands in his lap as he's rubbing the hurt spot.

"Wait, I'll go," Killian offers while Simon is already on his way to grab a napkin and some ice cubes from a jug of water on the table.

"Are you looking for someone in particular?" Cene addresses his younger brother who's standing by the entrance now.

"Huh?" Domen turns his head in confusion.

Cene just smirks and points his finger at the little green branches hanging from the doorframe.

"Oh my god, look! There's a mistletoe!" Andreas nudges Stephan excitedly. "How cool!"

"I wonder who put that up there?" Markus remarks and Karl just shrugs, reaching for one of the cookies.

"Probably Domen himself," Peter whispers in Cene's direction and they giggle in unison. Meanwhile Gregor and Killian return with the fondue and the odor of melted Swiss cheese and freshly baked bread adorns the room.

"May we present: Switzerland's finest." Gregor puts down the tray with a dramatic gesture. "Props to the head chef who helped us with this and provided the equipment."

"Can the Norwegians hurry up already? I'm starving!" Cene reaches for a slice of bread which earns him a strict look by Peter.

"I'll check," Domen announces and takes a step outside.

"Oh right, now I know who you're waiting for," Cene teases in Slovenian which Domen appreciates but makes him blush anyway.

"Shut up!" The younger Prevc mutters and turns to leave, however, he is instantly shoved back inside.

"Where do you think you're going?" The distinctive voice of a tall blond Norwegian can be heard before he can be seen, causing Cene and Peter to laugh out loud.

"He's been looking for you," Cene explains when Daniel steps inside and for the second time this evening he points at the top of the doorframe.

Now the Germans and Swiss join the giggles and Simon who's been stroking the sore spot on Dominik's head and holding the makeshift ice pack in place can't help a comment. "Two people at the same time under the mistletoe. We don't make the rules."

"Well, then…" Daniel smiles and without hesitation pecks the Slovene's cheek, causing the blush to turn a deep red now.

"Yes!" The other guests clap and whistle approvingly. "Woohoo!"

"Where's the rest of your team? We're hungry!" This time it's Timi speaking for all of them.

"They should be here any minute. Halvor and Johann are bringing the Gløgg and Marius the music. Don't know about Anders and Robert. Robert's probably video calling his daughter as always," the Norwegian muses and takes the seat next to Domen.

"Look who I ran into." Anže suddenly appears in the doorframe accompanied by Halvor and Johann.

"Did someone say Gløgg?" Halvor happily lifts a large jug of an athlete friendly - meaning alcohol-free - Norwegian version of mulled wine. Johann places two bowls with almonds and raisins on the table and is about to grab some of the provided glasses to fill them with the hot drink when there's yet another round of cheering fillling the room. He turns around to find the source of the commotion.

"Oh my god, look at you!" Andreas exclaims, mesmerised by the two oldest members of team Norway who just showed up in Christmas sweaters and antlers on their heads. Anders and Robert are giving a little performance of… whatever this is supposed to be. Andreas guesses it's some sort of traditional dance but it could as well just be moves straight out of a TV ad. Anyway, everybody applauds them and of course the fact that they're standing under the mistletoe together must be mentioned. This time it's Stephan who points it out and Andreas all of a sudden is thrilled by the idea of accidently running into someone under the mistletoe, too. That someone possibly being the older German right next to him, radiating this all-encompassing glow of cosy, beautiful geniality and-

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Andreas has a hard time averting his gaze and thoughts from Stephan but manages eventually, just in time to catch Robert planting a smooch on his shorter colleague's forehead. And just like Domen earlier, Anders is turning a deep red and the sound of everyone cheering and clappingcan be perceived once again.

"This party is so much fun and it hasn't even started properly," Gregor says, rising from his chair. Simon does the same and starts a little speech. "Welcome, friends, to our little pre- Christmas get-together. I'm very happy to have you all gathered here and, yeah, enjoy the food and drinks! A big thank you to all of you who contributed their part to make this happen. And now, let's fill our glasses and plates and have a lovely evening!"

Simon's speech is applauded by everyone present and soon all the boys are scrambling to help with pouring gløgg, distributing plates and arranging everything. Only Andreas is thinking of something else…

"Sorry, I'm late! Did I miss anything?" Marius, to complete team Norway, enters the scene with a Bluetooth box in one hand and his phone in the other, already busy connecting the two.

"You bet!" Halvor retorts and imitates the previously witnessed dance and kiss act of his fellow Norwegians.

"Oh crap, but I didn't miss Markus and Karl, did I?" Marius presses play on his phone and the air is filled with universally known Christmas music in an instant. Yes, he's taking his DJ job very seriously.

"No," Domen replies, since he's the one nearest to Marius now. "I stopped them and told them to wait for you guys." He directs a smile at Daniel who mirrors the smile and nudges his shoulder in response. "Thanks, buddy."

Soon everyone is praising the delicious fondue and the yummy gløgg. Jolly chatter is filling the air as the bunch of ski jumpers are indulging in an easy evening before the next competition day. Today everyone is just enjoying the party. Cene's cookies are gone in the blink of an eye and Johann has been recording bits and pieces here and there and is currently setting up his camera for the grand finale of the night.

"Alright," Timi murmurs, hitting the keys of his accordion. "Let's go! Markus, Karl, the stage is yours."

Under the cheers of their colleagues the German duo take to the dancefloor and as Timi starts playing, indeed perform an impressive display of Schuhplattler. Markus has taught Karl since the last time and made sure they'd keep their promise. Another round of applause concludes the show and Timi switches to Christmas songs which everyone seems to enjoy just the same.

Dominik is feeling much better, the damage held off thanks to Simon's rapid care. Gregor and Killian are swaying next to them, just like the Norwegians. Johann is still taking artistic photographs and capturing the magic of this special night.

Timi ends his little gig with a shy bow and is naturally applauded, too. Marius presses play on his phone again and as soon as Wham!'s Last Christmas echos from the speaker, people either choose to leave or hit the dance floor.

"It's late, imma say goodnight. Thanks, guys, for the wonderful evening." Peter is first to retreat to his room. The rest of his teammates follow shortly, except for Domen who's in deep conversation with the Norwegians. One in particular, as Simon notices. He smiles to himself. Maybe his special decoration item is working his Christmas magic after all. The oldest Swiss is the next to say goodnight, his own teammates following him. Karl and Markus are leaving next.

"Awesome show, guys," Daniel pats them on the shoulders when they pass by him and Domen.

"Thanks, man. Next time we wanna see Dirty Daniel as main act," Karl insists.

"Dirty Daniel and Domen," Markus adds, winking at the two. "Better start practicing!"

With that they're out the door, leaving a once again blushing Domen and grinning Daniel behind.

"I want what they have," Andreas who watched the scene mumbles to himself.

"Who? Markus and Karl?" Stephan enquires.

Andreas flinches because the other had heard him when he clearly wasn't supposed to.

"No, silly. Nevermind." He gets up.

Team Norway are saying their goodbyes as well, which leaves the two Germans plus Domen, the latter also inclined to leave now.

"For old times sake." Daniel catches him by the sleeve of his sweatshirt when he's walking under the mistletoe, twirling the young man to land a proper kiss on his cheek this time.

"We should meet again more often," he says softly and Domen is covered in goosebumps, unable to say a word, however, he feels himself nodding. The next moment they're out of sight and Andreas sighs dramatically, making Stephan stop in his tracks.

"What?"

"Nothing," Andreas whispers and longingly stares at the green magical branches above his head. It only takes a second for clever Stephan to realise what's up.

"You know we don't need a bunch of weed to tell us when and where to do whatever you may be thinking of doing, right?" The older man raises an eyebrow.

"We… we don't?" Andreas's lips are trembling, his heart pounding madly.

"No, silly." Stephan's trademark smile forms on his face as he's closing the distance between them. "But since we're here anyway, we might as well…"

#wsss2021 #sorry i couldn't keep it completely neutral #because that's not how i roll 🙈#hope you enjoyed it anyway #my writing #sj fanfic #team germany #team norway #team slovenia #team switzerland #ski jumping

20 notes · View notes

eksperimentgaj · 2 years

Photo

🎅 My part for this year’s Secret Santa exchange 🎅 Christmas-y Peter Prevc for @skiijumpinng 🎁

Wishing you peaceful, happy and healthy Christmas, spend around the people you love ❤️ Also only good things in the upcoming year and for your faves to bring you lots of joy!

✨ Merry Christmas! ✨

#skiijumpinng #wsss2021 #ski jumping #team slovenia #peter prevc #ski jumping family #my art #sorry for not being active with messages #was bit of a mess for last two weeks #hope you didn't feel forgotten 😅#you absolutely weren't!

20 notes · View notes

bronzebluemind · 2 years

Text

Merry Christmas, dear @schlierenzauerthek1ngenzauer !✨

With a jolly HO HO I wish you peaceful holidays and a good start into the new year, whatever it may bring. 🎄

While making these gifs I had this Christmas song in mind thinking in particular about Halvor’s little gesture after his jump. I hope you’ll enjoy both the gifs and the song. 🦌❄️

Your not-so-secret-anymore Secret Santa 🎅

youtube

#merry christmas everyone #✨#wsss2021 #ski jumping #season21/22

16 notes · View notes

firefly-of-frenstat · 2 years

Text

The Reindeer

Author's note: Hello dear @vacancy90. This year I was your Secret Santa. I hope you loved the little messages. Here's your gift fan fiction featuring most of your favourites. It was such a pleasure to write something special for you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-----

Daniel and Halvor were sitting in their room in Lillehammer after a shared training with the Slovenians. They were taking notes about what they were going to give to the Secret Santa recipents Marius and Johann. They decided on gifting their trainer. They knew what their trainer Alexander Stöckl will get. They thought of getting the guitar their trainer had always wanted. Daniel noted that he and Halvor needed to tell the others to help them. They were brainstorming for a few hours when a loud knock disturbed their peace. Halvor walked to the door and opened. Domen Prevc stood there. Halvor asked what he wanted. The Slovenian told that he and his brothers found an injured animal.

“Why do you tell me this?” Halvor questioned.

“Bor has told me that you two might know how to take care of one...”

“What kind of animal it is?” Daniel interrupted Domen.

“A small and young reindeer.” the Slovenian ski jumper answered.

“We’re going!” Daniel said, grabbed his coat and left.

Halvor had no choice other than to follow his friend with Domen. Not a long run after, they noticed Peter and Cene with the reindeer. They immediately noticed that it was a very young animal indeed. Daniel checked it and noticed that the poor thing had broken his left hind leg. Domen suggested that it was better to leave animal alone. The reindeer looked at the two Norwegian with begging eyes. This made Daniel and Halvor immediately disagree. Without saying any words, Daniel grabbed the reindeer and took it in his car. He sat down on the back-seat with the small but lovely creature. When Halvor got in the car, he asked his friend to drive him to the nearest animal hospital. He wanted to help his new animal friend in need. He didn’t want it to die a painful death.

On the way to the hospital, Halvor and Daniel were thinking hard about what name they should give the little reindeer. After 5 minutes, they agreed on Kanel after the main ingredient of their shared favourite sweet treat, the cinnamon rolls. Little Kanel accepted its name. Daniel kept on talking to it. The older Norwegian told the reindeer stories to calm it down. He told about his fall on one of the sky flying. He told Kanel that if he survived, it wouldn’t be a really hard task for his and Halvor’s animal friend as well. They arrived to the animal hospital 15 minutes later. Halvor checked in and they sat down.

A little later, an assistant called them into the room where the examination happened. The doctor confirmed that Kanel indeed broke its leg. She told Halvor and Daniel that Kanel was a girl. While the doctor was preparing the leg of Kanel and pre-scripted the medicine, she asked what kind of bondage they wanted Kanel to have. Halvor and Daniel could choose from many different colours and patterns. Many were outrageous for them. Eventually, they chose a pink and dark blue stripes patterned one. They thought that it will suit their furry friend. Daniel asked the doctor if it was possible for them to take Kanel home. The lady was hesitant at first but she said yes until Kanel was big enough to let free to her own kind. They thanked for the help and left.

On the way back, Halvor realised that they couldn’t take care of Kanel without their trainer, Alexander Stöckl knowing. They decided on not telling him before the camp is over. A few hours later while Daniel was feeding Kanel and Halvor was preparing the medicine when they heard someone knocking on the door. Both Daniel and Halvor got really scared. Did someone tell Stöckl about Kanel? Daniel walked up to the door and slowly opened it. Their worst fear came true. Alexander Stöckl was standing on the other side. Daniel had no other choice but letting his trainer in. Alexander immediately notice the little furry creature. To Daniel and Halvor’s surprise, he wasn't mad at all. The Austrian walked up to the reindeer and gave it a good old pet. Kanel accepted the affection from the gentleman.

“So, this is what the Slovenians were talking about.” Alexander commented.

“Yes… yes.” Halvor hesitated with the answer. “Kanel is the new member of our family.”

“That’s a sweet name for a reindeer.” Alexander smiled and said, “So, what are your plans?”

“Well, we take care of her while we can set her free.”

“That’s nice. Good luck. Give me a call if you need help or medicine.” Alexander said in a comforting tone, “I’m gladly helping you two and Kanel.”

Both Halvor and Daniel were relieved to hear Alexander’s words. They took care of Kanel in shifts. Before they left for the competitions in Engelberg, they left her in care of a mutual friend. Their friend informed about the well-being of Kanel. The little reindeer got better and better day by day. She got healthy one day before the Christmas break for the ski jumpers. When they heard the news, Daniel and Halvor decided to let Kanel go once they got home. It was heartbreaking but they had to do it. They went to a secluded area where they said their goodbyes. Daniel kissed the forehead of Kanel and he let the reindeer go. Kanel rushed into the darkness. She still looked back at her two foster dads and disappeared in the darkness. Daniel and Halvor waved goodbye with tears in their eyes.

They went back to their room and prepared for the Christmas party. They grabbed their gift to Marius and Johann respectively. They went to the hall. When they gave the gift to their friends, Halvor noticed something by looking out of the window. It was Kanel. She came back. Halvor called over Daniel from their room. Then he and Daniel went outside and saw Kanel’s surprise. A beautiful purple northern light appeared on the sky. It was the reindeer’s gift to Halvor and Daniel for the care she had received in the past. Kanel didn’t forget them. She probably knew that this is the most that she could give to the boys. A lovely memory that they can cherish for the rest of their lives and would remind them of her.

#Wsss2021 #ski jumping #Fan fiction #daniel andre tande #halvor egner granerud #prevc brothers

15 notes · View notes

niemernuet · 2 years

Text

Wishing you very happy Holidays and a great start into the new year, dear @damn-d4niel. I hope Christmas Kilde will bring you many gifts, and everything you wished for. Me, as a lowly elf, just have a little fic in my bag. I read your answer to my asks, and tried myself at a little bit of Daniel/Halvor. I hope it's something you like.

Have a nice evening.

Love, Anja

I'll be coming for you anyway

After the greetings, and the somewhat choked questions about each other's well-being, and the proposition to maybe get going, and the exaggerated bustle of climbing into the car to indeed get going, an awkward silence spread between them as neither of them knew how to continue. It was as if they had unlearnt how to act around each other, and Halvor could not find the humour in that because it was a reminder that he had never visited Daniel since that spring-day in Planica. Not even once. He kept his eyes fixated on the road, and his fingers wrapped so hard around the wheel that his knuckles stood up white.

At first he had been totally against Marius' idea but now he was glad the rest of the team was waiting for them with a big surprise party at the hill. It would give him the chance to hide, something he desperately wished he could do right now.

Daniel eventually found a way to break the silence. "Can't wait to get back", he said to the window, staring at the trees and scattered houses whizzing by. When he turned his head to look at Halvor, he was smiling. Halvor did not move his eyes one inch but he would have recognised Daniel's smile in the darkest night.

"Yeah", Halvor managed. "We're all glad you're here again. It's just not the same without you."

"I bet", Daniel quipped, "It must have been hard without your gum-dispenser."

"Hey!", Halvor shot back. "You're much more than a bubble gum storage for us! We also missed you because you're the only one who always carries tissues around."

Daniel laughed, and his cheerfulness seemed to warm the car a few degrees. Halvor smiled, and for a second looked at him. He had missed Daniel so much, every day, more than he would have ever admitted.

"Thanks for your texts, by the way", Daniel continued, and the warmth in Halvor's chest disappeared instantly.

"Yeah…welcome", he stammered, "I just thought maybe you'd want to know how it's all going…and it was so busy with…stuff, and…" His voice got lower and lower while his cheeks burnt up.

Daniel nodded, either ignoring or not recognising Halvor's mortification. He was looking out the window again. "I liked hearing from you. You never treated me different."

Halvor held his breath, trying to decipher if he was supposed to give an answer. Meanwhile, Daniel was completely lost in his thoughts.

"Everyone else has been weird ever since the fall", he continued after a while. "As if I was a broken egg. Even the coaches think I'm just pretending that I want to jump again. It's as if they couldn't imagine…" He broke off, visibly irritated. "And don't get me started on all the stupid celebrations…I know everyone means well but if I have to smile and thank for one more welcome-back-banner I'm going to scream!"

Halvor laughed, as fake as he ever did in his life. "Yeah, I guess that gets old fast."

Daniel rolled his eyes, and grinned at him. "You have no idea. And they don't believe you when you say you're alright. I snapped once, and asked one of my aunts if she really thinks me such a brainless moron. I mean, we always know something could happen. It's part of life. Now it was my turn. So what? There's always a new elevator going up to the platform." He shook his head, and huffed softly.

"That must have gone over well", Halvor said though in his mind he was somewhere entirely different.

Daniel laughed. "Mum was livid." He looked at Halvor again, more fondly this time, if Halvor could gauge it from the corner of his eyes. "That's why I appreciated your texts. No bullshit, no stupid questions, just a friend when I needed you."

Halvor nodded, choking on the rising panic. "Yes, no bullshit from me. Ever." He tried to grasp the phone in his pocket but soon gave up. Daniel would have seen the text anyway. Ahead of them, just around the last turns of the road, the gigantic ski jumping hill reached into the sky. Normally, Halvor felt the excitement rise with every meter he came closer but not today. Slowly he turned onto the half-empty parking lot in front of the club centre. When he saw the colourful balloons poking out behind one of the windows however, he sped up again, and drove behind the building.

"Halvor…", Daniel began.

"So sorry", Halvor interrupted. "I just realised I forgot something." He stopped the car, and turned around in his seat. "It'll just be a minute, okay? I'll be right back but it's really important that you wait here."

"Halvor…", Daniel tried again but he was already running towards the back door as fast as he could. He took three steps at once to the first floor, and burst into the room they had prepared. Hooting and yelling greeted him but died down instantaneously when Halvor hurried to the banner and began tearing it down from the wall.

"What the fuck?" Marius exclaimed, and lowered his camera.

"Stop everything!" Halvor hissed, and stuffed the banner into one of the cabinets lining the room. "Help me! Come on!"

"Halvor, what's going on?" Fanni asked tentatively.

Halvor took a deep breath, turned around, and explained.

_________

"Do you think he's…different?"

Ryoyu adjusted the mask over his nose, and looked up from his phone. "What?"

"Do you think Dani's different…than he used to be?" Killian repeated.

Halvor bristled at Killian's careless words but he kept his head down, and pretended not to hear him from his place at the other end of the bench. He had to focus on his first jump, and could not afford to get worked up now.

"Like…from the fall?" Ryoyu asked.

Killian shrugged, eyes fixated on Daniel who was waiting in the queue to the elevator. "Don't know…the fall or the…well, fallout. Somethings' just different, with him and the team."

Ryoyu snorted. "The team's alright if you ask me."

Killian waved him off. "Not their performance. They just seem so distant with each other. Something happened."

Ryoyu shrugged again, and turned his attention back to his phone. "Whatever", he muttered, Killian's words already forgotten.

Halvor, meanwhile, kept thinking about them until his head felt like bursting. He wanted to punch Killian, or himself. Maybe both. Killian, because he was right, and apparently not half as dense as he let on, and Halvor, because he had ruined everything he had ever had with Daniel. And he could only blame himself. The door to the elevator opened, and Daniel stepped inside. He waved at Halvor when their eyes met. Halvor nodded but it was too late, and the door had closed.

One of the coaches stepped to him, and tapped him on the shoulder. "You're next."

Halvor nodded, trying to steady his breathing. He should have focused on his first jump, instead he thought about Daniel, and his fall, and the way he had abandoned Daniel when he had needed him most. It was still occupying his mind when he sat on the bench, and looked down at Klingenthal. He knew his jump would be shit. But it was not like he did not deserve it.

Halvor was still gasping for air when Ryoyu landed on the ground but he screamed and jumped with the rest of the team as they swarmed Daniel. Their voices carried through the empty arena and made up for the missing thousands of spectators who should have cheered the return of Daniel. He still seemed in disbelief, as if he feared it might not be true after all, and only started to smile when the silver medal hung around his neck. Halvor clapped with the rest of them, ignoring the sharp pain in his chest. Nobody deserved it more than Daniel, and nobody would ruin this night. Halvor would make sure of it. They returned to their hotel, and took over the bar. When Fanni jumped on one of the tables and started another round of cheering for Daniel, Halvor excused himself to nobody in particular, and slunk back to his room.

He was in bed, too soft for his taste, mindlessly scrolling through an app on his phone, when he heard a knock at the door. He did not feel like opening but when the knocking persisted, he sighed, threw back the covers, and walked to the door.

"I'm sorry!" Daniel said, and pushed inside.

Halvor stumbled back, too surprised for words. "Wha…?"

"Please let me talk!" Daniel urged, and held up his hands. Halvor stared at him while Daniel fought for words. "I'm sorry", he choked. "I really am. I didn't think you'd plan something, and I was so stupid to say these things. I didn't really see it then but I understand now that nobody did it to annoy me. They…they were just happy, I guess."

Halvor still looked at Daniel, unable to move. "What?"

Daniel smiled at him with painful sadness. "I know you planned a surprise-party for my return, back in the summer. I saw the balloons in the window. I'm sorry I was such an idiot, I didn't want to hurt you. Please, can we go back to the way we were? I miss our talks."

Halvor's breath hitched, and he blinked. "It…it wasn't my idea", he eventually managed. "Marius came up with it. I thought it was stupid, to be honest."

Daniel's mouth flew open, and now it was his turn to stare at Halvor while Halvor looked everywhere but at the one thing in the world he wanted so much.

"I just…I didn't dare to visit you", Halvor whispered. "I was so afraid, and I didn't know…and then when you came back, and said all these things about my stupid texts. I should…it wasn't fair to leave you alone." A dry sob escaped his lips when Daniel stepped closer, and pulled him into a hug. Halvor buried his face in Daniel's shoulder, soaking in the warmth he had missed so much.

"Sometimes we're just too stupid", Daniel muttered, his fingers combing through Halvor's hair.

Halvor laughed. "Sometimes?"

#winter sports secret santa 2021 #damn-d4niel #daniel-andré tande #halvor egner granerud #rpf #wsss 2021 #wsss2021

10 notes · View notes