“I’m quite torn,” Sydney announced randomly later that night, while the two of them stood side-by-side outside the Olympic Aquatic Center awaiting the swimmers’ arrival after the long relay (and longer interviews).

“I’m sure,” Adelaide mumbled scornfully. “I am so surprised Australia didn’t win.”

“Oh, me too,” Sydney assured her quickly. “But still. Michael was SO good.”

“Mmm.” Very noncommittal.

“So was Klete. He really closed the deal there. Phenomenal.”

“Mmmm.”

“Ian was really good.”

“Yes. He was.”

“He is the Thorpedo. He does not disappoint.”

“Sydney? Please shut up. I’ve a headache.”

“Geez. Sorry. I was just making conversation.”

“Well, don’t.”

“I won’t, then.”

“Well, don’t.”

Sydney huffed out a breath, crossing her arms across her chest and taking a step away from her friend. Times like these were best dealt with great distance. After knowing each other twenty or so years, it was inevitable they know when to leave each other alone.

“I am sorry Australia didn’t win,” Sydney said suddenly, in a small voice much unlike her own. “I’m just really pleased for Michael. He works really hard.”

“So does Ian.” Adelaide’s voice was stoic, something that didn’t happen very often.

“Yes. I know he does.” Sydney coughed and began rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. Suddenly, she stopped and turned to Adelaide intensely. "...And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come! And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer..."

“Sydney,” Adelaide moaned, smiling. “Shut. Up.”

“Fine.”

“Stop quoting Lord of the Rings.”

“I don’t believe ‘fine’ is a quote from LOTR, actually.”

“Oh, thank God,” Adelaide muttered, seeing Ian and Michael emerge from the barrage of reporters and head towards them. She ignored Michael completely, and hugged Ian tightly as soon as he was within hugging distance. “You did really well,” she whispered, and pulled away.

Michael and Sydney were hugging and celebrating a couple of steps away. “That was SO good! And you were so cute when you started freaking out! It was amazing!” She kissed him. “You’re so adorable.” Michael just laughed, smiling from ear to ear.

Adelaide leaned into Ian as he slipped his arm around her. “It’s a good thing he came out, because she’s been quoting Lord of the Rings.”

“Why?” Ian asked, looking horrified. “Is it some sort of illness?”

“You could say that.” She turned to him. “What are you doing now?”

“I was going to go celebrate with Mikey, actually,” Ian replied, gesturing to an exuberant Michael. “We wanted to know if you two wanted to come.”

Adelaide crinkled up her nose. “You’re going to celebrate him winning?”

“Yeah.” Ian smiled at her. “Of course I am. I’m proud of him. He did a great job.”

“Thanks, man,” Michael said, hugging Ian briefly and then taking Sydney’s hand. “You coming?”

Adelaide looked away from him and said directly to Ian, “I’m not really up for it, if it’s all the same to you. I could use some sleep. See you later.”

Sydney dropped Michael’s hand, muttered a ‘hang on one sec’ and raced after her friend; Ian watched them, looking perplexed.

“What’s the matter with her?” Michael asked, looking ashen-faced.

“I have no idea,” Ian sighed, running a hand through his still damp hair.

“Women,” Michael muttered, slinging an arm across Ian’s shoulders.

“You can say that again, mate.”

Sydney caught up with Adelaide (who had longer legs, and therefore walked much faster especially when angered) a few feet away from the Center. She grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Adelaide, what’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Adelaide retorted, pulling out of her grasp and crossing her arms across her chest protectively. “Just go celebrate with your boyfriend.”

“You could go celebrate with your boyfriend,” Sydney replied evenly. “If you realized that he did really well, getting the silver. And he’s not my boyfriend. Michael, I mean. We’re just friends.”

Adelaide snorted. “Yeah, okay.”

“Don’t be a bitch, Addy,” Sydney begged, her voice sad. “We’re supposed to be having fun.”

“I am,” Adelaide snarled, staring to walk away again; Sydney walked beside her, power walking to keep the pace.

“Why are you so pissed at me, for God’s sake?”

“You really wanna know?” Adelaide spat, turning to her friend, her eyes livid. “Fine. Sydney, I cannot believe you. You LOVED Ian before we got here. You cheered him on every time he was on TV. Loudly. The neighbors called the police. Twice. You wanted to steal his underwear. You went to every event you possibly could. You made T-shirts! With glitter on them! You would have been president of his fan club had the job not been taken already. Then we get here, and you go on this stupid mission to steal his underwear and nearly get us arrested…AGAIN…and you never ever listen to me. I told you we shouldn’t do that, it’s an invasion of privacy. Not to mention ILLEGAL. You’ve gone crazy, Syd, and it’s pissing me off. Yes, it is. That you’d drop your life-long (or several years long) love of Ian and just start cheering for Michael as if you were American!”

Adelaide stopped yelling, breathing heavily; Sydney was staring at her as if she’d sprouted two extra heads.

“Adelaide,” Sydney said cautiously. “I AM American.”

“God, I know,” Adelaide replied, running a hand through her hair. “Just go on and celebrate. I don’t want to talk to anybody right now. I’ve got some stuff to work out on my own. I just…I just wanna be alone for a bit. We’re always together, and I’m starting to see a downside.”

Sydney was biting on her bottom lip, looking nervous. “Addy. I’m really really sorry. I---”

“It’s fine. Just leave it for now, okay?” Adelaide sighed heavily and walked off. This time Sydney didn’t follow her.