GLISTENING DIAMONDS.
008. ❛ eye candy. ❜

IT WAS A DREARY MONDAY MORNING, and Diana trudged towards Midtown High, her exhaustion evident in every step. Pink bubblegum languidly occupied her mouth as she clung to a worn-out black leather jacket, a feeble attempt to conceal her weariness.

Slowing her pace to match Mj's stride, Diana caught up with her friend, their footsteps syncing in unison. Mj's head snapped towards Diana, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "Well, don't you look like shit."

Diana pursed her lips and shot Mj a sarcastic look. "Thanks, Mj."

Mj flashed a playful smile in response. "No problem. Just stating the obvious."

As Diana prepared to respond, a sudden car honk interrupted their conversation. Whirling around, she rolled her eyes as she spotted Eugene 'Flash' Thompson harassing Midtown's sweetest nerd, Peter Parker.

"Eugene! I swear if-" Diana called out, a string of profanities poised on the tip of her tongue. However, before she could unleash her verbal assault, the boy sped away, leaving her frustration hanging in the air.

Mj snorted, finding amusement in Diana's annoyance. "You can mess with him later in class. Now, let's get going. Class will start soon, D."

"Verdammtes Arschloch," Diana whispered under her breath before making her way inside the school, immediately greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. "Why is it always so fucking cold?" Diana whined as she pulled her jacket closer to her body.

Mj laughed as they made their way to Diana's locker, "I don't know, but someday I hope the A.C. goes out. I'm getting hypothermia just by being in here."

After swinging by Diana's locker, they proceeded to Mj's. Leaning against a nearby locker, Diana couldn't resist teasing, "Bet you missed me last Friday."

Mj's irritation seeped through her response. "Oh yeah, I wanted to punch Mr. Rutherford in the face. Couldn't you have slept in another day?"

Diana chuckled, reveling in the banter. "I could punch him for you if you'd like. I'm really great at punching, you know? An expert if I do say so myself."

Mj shut her locker with a smile; her textbooks clutched in her hands. "I seriously doubt that. You'd be too scared to break a nail."

Shaking her head with a knowing smile, Diana blew a bubble with her pink gum, her gaze drifting towards a boy who watched her with a mix of awe and admiration. His curly brown hair clung lightly to his forehead, and an earbud played music in one ear while his friend engaged him in conversation.

"Hey, Pretty Parker." Diana winked mischievously, punctuating her flirtation with a bubble pop, relishing in the blush that crept across his face at the familiar nickname she used for Peter Parker.

Mj rolled her eyes, cautioning Diana, "Come on, Diana. Don't toy with him. You literally just broke up with... what's his name? Jake?"

Diana rolled her eyes and pushed herself off the lockers, starting to walk towards their next class. "Jake was an ass and hated chocolate. Who the fuck hates chocolate? Besides, Parker is eye candy."

"Don't mess with him, though. He's got a heart of diamonds," Mj spoke sternly as they entered their Marine Biology class.

Arching an eyebrow, Diana adjusted her blonde locks. "Only if you start talking to Juliana. She's great for you, and I like her."

"Over my dead body." Mj pursed her lips and shook her head, the duo finding their seats and awaiting the start of Mr. Rutherford's class. 

"Guess I'll have to kill you then."

DIANA AND MJ STROLLED SIDE by side towards the bustling cafeteria, engaged in a conversation about their life problems. Diana, her lunch tray in hand, vented her frustrations, "I mean, I don't know why everyone hates me. Not to sound like a narcissistic bitch or anything, but I'm fucking awesome. I've got an incredible sense of humor, impeccable style, I'm the star player on the soccer team, and let's face it, I'm hot as hell."

Mj chuckled, effortlessly keeping pace with her friend as they made their way to their usual seats. "I think people just see you as a threat. I don't really know." Mj offered, "I like you if that helps."

"Thank you, I like you too." Diana smiled and pressed a kiss to her friend's cheek before continuing, "But I mean... even Liz fucking Allen hates me! I've been trying to be her friend for months. Months, M." Diana whined as she sat down across from her curly-haired friend.

Mj shook her head with a touch of sympathy, opening her book to escape into its pages. "Like I said, maybe she feels threatened by you, D."

"Yeah," Diana let out a sarcastic scoff. "'Cause that makes me feel way better."

"Well," Leaning closer to the table, Mj gestured towards the boys sitting nearby. "At least they don't hate you."

Diana turned her head to see the boys fixated on Liz Allen, who was diligently hanging up a vibrant yellow homecoming poster. Overhearing Peter's last remark, "We should probably stop staring before it gets creepy, though."

Mj chimed in, breaking the boys out of their trance. "Too late."

"I don't blame y'all, though." Diana leaned forward on her elbows to reassure the boys, then looked at Liz and slightly bit her lip, "She's hot."

"Diana!" Mj laughed and smacked her friend out of her own trance with her book. As her laughter died down, she turned to the boys, "You guys are losers."

Ned and Peter glanced at each other before turning their gaze back to the girls. "Then why do you sit with us?" Ned inquired, genuinely curious.

"Because we don't have any friends," Mj replied swiftly, her attention already drawn back to her book.

"More like," Diana started as she too turned back to face Mj, "Everybody hates me, and Mj is antisocial."

Mj rolled her eyes, exchanging a playful look with her friend. Diana simply grinned and shrugged before taking a crisp bite of her apple. "So, Pretty Parker, when are you going to invite me to homecoming?"

Peter's brown eyes widened, a visible blush creeping up his cheeks. "W-What? Ask you? To t-the dance? But... I mean, you're stunning, and-"

"Relax." Mj drawled out and interrupted the boy's rambling, knowing it could go on forever, "She's joking."

Diana turned her head towards Mj, her green eyes shining, "Hey! Who said I was joking?"

"LET'S GO, JULIANA!" Diana's voice erupted with exhilaration as her teammate Juliana Maxwell gracefully maneuvered the soccer ball into the net, scoring a brilliant goal during their intense practice session. Diana was breathing heavily, and her body was glistening with sweat as she sat on the lush green grass. Her yellow and white jersey clung to her like a second skin, proudly displaying the bold number nine on her back.

As the coach's commanding voice resonated across the field, signaling the end of practice, Juliana couldn't help but blush at Diana's enthusiastic cheer and the attention it brought her way.

Juliana was a captivating sight with her dark ginger locks, sun-kissed skin, and gentle blue eyes. It was no surprise that Mj had fallen head over heels for her. Beyond her physical allure, Juliana possessed an incredible personality and a sharp sense of humor. On the field, she could be an unstoppable force, yet off the field, she exuded kindness and compassion.

"Thank you, Cap," Juliana responded, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. Diana was the team captain and always looked out for her teammates, offering guidance and motivation. But despite her kindness, Diana's ruthless and restless nature was just the drive she needed to be captain.

Juliana flashed a warm smile as she accepted the water bottle Diana handed her, joining the team in a tight huddle.

Diana's voice carried a mixture of exhaustion and determination as she slowly rose to her feet, feeling the aches and soreness in her body from the rigorous practice. "Please make sure to get a good night's sleep and complete your homework," she urged her teammates, her voice a gentle reminder mingled with firmness. "We have a crucial game tomorrow after school, and I need each one of you to give your absolute best. Let's not forget that we have nationals just a few days away."

Her tone then shifted, becoming more aggressive as she pointed her finger at each teammate in turn. "I swear if one of you doesn't show up tomorrow, I'll personally ask coach where you live and hunt you down myself. I don't care if you have plans tomorrow, cancel them. If we lose because of one of you, I'll make your lives a living hell, got it?"

Her gaze swept across the team, acknowledging each player individually. Nicole Anderson, the unwavering goalkeeper, took the first nod. Then came Allison Moore and Mariana Diaz, entrusted with the left and right fullback positions. Alice Garcia and Harley Collins formed a formidable partnership as the center backs. Alexandra Langley held the line of defense, while Theodora Quinn showcased her skills as the right midfielder. Kiara Williams anchored the central midfield, orchestrating the team's moves.

Diana, occupying the striker position as number nine, acknowledged Juliana Maxwell, their brilliant attacking midfielder who constantly unleashed her creativity on the field. Finally, her gaze settled on Taylor Martinez, their left midfielder, completing the lineup of talented players. Their collective efforts were led by Coach Priscilla Carter, whose guidance and wisdom propelled the team forward.

Diana nodded and clapped her hands, "Now, I'm exhausted, so let's go home."

a/n: I apologize if any of the soccer/football information is wrong. I'm not an expert at the sport, so if you spot something inaccurate, please correct me. Thank you.