How Green Becomes Wood

"It was cool," Milo mumbled. "Good job."

Once Xander was done with his matches, Dark, Daizi, and Cooger turned their attention to Peter's. For his part, Cooger had absolutely no real emotional connection to the little guy, but shucks, he may as well cheer the kid on, even if he wasn't leaping to his feet like he had with Xander. At some point, Dark excused himself to go take Ivy out, since the noise of the stadium was starting to bother her and Daizi knew she'd get lost if she tried to navigate it alone, so it was better for her to stay by her friends and cheer Peter on.
 
Xander stayed where he was watching Peter. Absent-mindedly, he kept rubbing his hands, especially the right one, on the coarse cloth of his gi. He cheered occasionally for Peter throughout the boats but mostly kept quiet and let Alec cheer for him.

After the final bout between the last of the contenders, the top three performers of each division were called forward to be recognized. Xander stood awkwardly in line and shook more hands when it was his turn until, finally, he was free! He and Peter went to change and then rejoined their families.
 
"Hey dude, didn't get to tell you earlier, but great job," Cooger said after Xander had changed, "Kinda jealous of your Jedi Robes you get to wear. In wrestling we have to wear a singlet which is way more exposed. I'm real glad I got to come out and support ya for this, Gladiator."
 
"Thanks," Xander smiled. He fiddled with the heavy metal medal he held in one hand. "I appreciate you coming out. They are pretty cool, aren't they? The downside is they're really rough."

Alec slithered closer to Milo. "Do you think you got any good ones?" he asked quietly.

Peter's parents instantly engulfed him affectionately, praising him and congratulating him for having taken first place. They were both truly proud of him, and would have been proud even if he hadn't placed, but they recognized he worked hard to get to that level.
 
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"Yeah, they're great," Cooger replied, "My mom's still got all my medals and trophies from all my glory days."

Milo nodded, looking over at Alec, "I'm not sure how many from the matches, because they're so quick, but I think I got a few. And I got ones from when they were given a metal."

Daizi gave a bit of praise to Peter, but mostly left Sally and Jack alone to praise their son. It was their time. Anyway, the hectic nature of the meet was getting a bit overwhelming for her, too. Loud, unfamiliar places always eventually wore on her, and as they left the gym she held a bit more firmly to her husband and relied more heavily on her cane.
 
Once everyone was out where they could breathe more easily, Jack turned to the group. "We're going out to celebrate, and you are all welcome to join us." He looked at Cooger, Milo, and Sloan and gave a little nod. "Everyone is invited!"

"Unless you need to get the little one home," Sally added to Daizi.
 
"I wouldn't dream of not going to celebrate Xander's achievement, and Peter's too, of course," Daizi replied firmly.

Dark turned his face towards Ivy while her fingers curled gently in his beard, "She is a bit tired, and I think a bit overwhelmed, but she will probably fall asleep as soon as she is in the car."
 
"Excellent! And as I did the inviting, dinner is on me, no arguments!" Jack said cheerfully. He waved for Sloan, Milo, Peter, and the twins to follow. "Come along! Anyone need a ride?" He named a resteraunt that was moderately upscale but not completely high end.

They arrived at the restaurant quickly enough as it was not far away, and Jack asked for two tables near each other. "So the kids can have some space from the grown-ups," he explained.
 
"That is probably for the best, they'll probably enjoy themselves more that way," Daizi said while Dark first guided her to one of the chairs before cautiously setting Ivy, still in her car seat, down. As expected, she had quickly fallen asleep in the car and he had no desire for her to be unceremoniously woken. Otherwise, none of them would enjoy a nice meal.

Sloan gladly took advantage of having the "kids" table and as she took her seat she glanced over and said, "I wonder how long your sister will be forced to be at the adult table before being allowed to graduate to where the cook kids sit."
 
"If she ever gets to sit at the kids' table, I'd guess it'll be once she figures out how to use a spoon by herself," Xander snickered.

Alec was studying the menu, his eyes wide. "Wow. There's a lot of fancy stuff here. Do they have a- Oh, good! They have a kid's menu. Please don't let there be an age limit on this thing."

"Don't worry," Peter chuckled, "I'm sure they'll let you order the tenders or whatever if that's what you want."
 
"That's a good point," Sloan replied, also opening up the menu and having a similar reaction to Alec. She had no interest in chicken tenders, but she looked down at her converse and thought about how this was a much nicer restaurant than she was prepared for.

Milo swallowed and immediately began seeking out the cheapest thing listed on the menu.
 
"Chicken strips, small burger, and a baby steak. Not a big kids' menu, but," Alec glanced around, "I guess they don't cater to kids much. Say! I have an idea! These appetizers all look really good. What if we each pick one and then divy it up amongst ourselves? Then we can try multiple different things."

"That sounds like a good idea," Peter agreed. "Actually, look here. They have an appetizer platter with wings, spud skins, fried veggies, and stuffed mushrooms. We could add a side of prawns or calamari or pork and seeds to add more protein. What do you guys think?"

"Unless you already have your eye on something, then that's also fantastic," Alec said hurriedly. "We don't have to do my idea."
 
"I've been here before, and it is really, really good," Peter assured them. "Should I just order for the table? Is everyone good with this idea?"

"Sure," Xander agreed. "I'll eat anything, you know that." He looked to Milo to make sure Milo was okay with the idea.

~~

Over at the adults' table, Sally was saying to Daizi, "I am impressed with how well Xander handled himself, considering this was his first competition. Most first-timers tend to get inside their own heads and psych themselves out no matter how good they are in the practice ring."
 
Milo shrugged but didn't say much. Honestly it was a relief, it meant he didn't need to worry about ordering something too expensive and getting in trouble.

~~

"Honestly he was so stressed this morning, but I kept telling him he couldn't get in his own head. I'll be egotistical and say he listened to me," Daizi replied with a little chuckle.
 
"Alright, then it's settled!" Petter said cheerfully. When the waiter came to take their order, he asked for a platter as well as three other appetizers just to make sure everyone was properly fed and they all got to enjoy a bit of everything. While he didn't say anything, it was clear he was enjoying himself as he ordered for the table. Except the drinks. Those other people had to order for themselves.

~~

"Have you thought about becoming a motivational speaker? You seem to have a lot of talent for it!" Jack grinned, only partially joking but paused when the waiter stopped by their table. He asked for hummus and chips for an appetizer, intending to share with those who wanted, as well as a very nice steak.

Sally ordered the ahi tuna and a side salad.
 
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