**This is when Tremaine first gets drafted with the Phoenix Riders. I went through Warcross and Wildcard again today, reading my top favorite parts and skimming the rest. That stirred some ideas. 

Warnings:  I can't think of any important ones. We all know Tremaine's past, and I mention a little bit of it. But anyway. Let's go.**

     It all happened in a flash. Tremaine Blackbourne, a young man who was simply trying to find his footing, had been drafted with an official Warcross team. The captain of the Phoenix Riders, kind and understanding as he was, had given Tremaine a chance. Was this all just a dream?

     Apparently not. Because it sure seemed real when Tremaine was led into the Phoenix Riders' dormitory for the first time. His eyes could barely believe that the beautiful, immaculate atrium before his eyes was part of his new living space. At least, not after growing up in one slum or another his whole life. He had, of course, been acquainted with Asher Wing, his Captain, whom he could never thank enough. He was introduced to his team with exchanges of friendly smiles and grins and handshakes. Time didn't seem to slow until he met their Shield, who had also been a Wildcard.

      This Wildcard in particular had stirred an argument between the Demon Brigade and the Phoenix Riders. It had essentially been tug-of-war, until the Riders finally found themselves victorious in claiming Roshan Amahdi as their own.

         Something about Roshan was different to Tremaine. The way his warm brown eyes seemed to have smiles of their own. His crisp, faint British accent whenever he spoke. The gentle way, when they first met, that he shook Tremaine's hand. "I'm Roshan," he had said calmly. "It's lovely to meet you."

          Roshan was smart. He was quick, charming, and clever. He could absorb information instantly, and beat his entire team in a game of MarioKart. Hell - he was the top-ranking player in the world. It might've been pure luck, or something more, that Tremaine ended up spending extra time training with Roshan in private every day.

           This had been Roshan's idea. Tremaine was nowhere near as quick or skilled as his teammates, and this offer to help was more than he could ever ask for. Every evening, they'd practice in different arenas. Roshan's sweet encouragement and kind way of helping Tremaine was what made them grow closer.

           For the obvious contrast between his kindness and superiority, Tremaine resented Roshan.

           But also - he couldn't, in a million years, deny this - he fell in love with him.

           Their training sessions went on each day for...well, both of them had lost track. But it's not like either of them minded spending a little more time with the other.

            One evening, Tremaine slid his Warcross glasses off after a private training session. Roshan had done the same. Moonlight streamed through the windows of the dorm, capturing everything in a calm glow. The rest of the Riders had gone to bed. Tremaine fiddled with his glasses nervously. "Roshan, I really can't thank you enough," he said.

         "It's my pleasure," the other replied coolly. "It makes me proud to see your progress, Tremaine."

         The calm use of his name undoubtedly caused Tremaine's heart to beat like the wings of a butterfly. He barely noticed the brief 'goodnight' from the other, who had turned to go to his room. "Roshan," Tremaine blurted before he could stop himself. This had to be said tonight.

         "Yes?" inquired the other. Tremaine took a step closer.

          "Look, Roshan, I-" he fumbled shakily, blushing. The other giggled softly.

            "It's just me. You can tell me anything," Roshan reassured him.

            Tremaine stuttered out a few more attempts at sentences before giving in. He moved closer before he had time to think about it, closing the gap between them. He kissed Roshan with a passion he didn't know he had, his arms at one point finding Roshan's waist.

             And that moment lingered. It might have been sudden, and desperate, but to Tremaine in that moment, it was the most beautiful damn thing he'd ever experienced.

              Sparks fizzled out when he pulled away. The reality sunk in and embarrassment flooded his face. "I- I'm sorry-" he stuttered. "Please, just don't hate me..."

              "I could never hate you." Roshan said, kindly despite the shock in his expression. "I...I've actually had my eye on you for a while now..."

                 Tremaine met his eyes. God, those beautiful eyes. "R-really?" he asked.

                  Roshan nodded shyly.

                  Tremaine thought he could've collapsed at the knees. He was a full mess of happiness and shock. He giggled softly after a shocked silence. "So like..." he mumbled awkwardly.

                   "Boyfriends?" Roshan shrugged with a curious smile. His abruptness set Tremaine's heart aflame.

                    "P-please," he blurted on instinct. Roshan giggled.

                     Their lips met again, and this time the both of them knew that they'd made the right choice.