Chapter 9 - Practice?! We Talking Bout Practice = Gear Acquired And Learning Talents

*Silence.*

Whilst Richard had been sleeping - his mother who was in the living room spent the later parts of the day relaxing and fixing dinner for the family.

'Ricky's been eating alot more than he did before... Should I make the pork or the beef?' Ponder where she had a couple of trays out whilst she planning to cook both but serve one tonight whilst the other would get fried with rice in a pan the next day.

...

*Klick-Klak* The sound of the lock popping open could be heard where she spoke out without turning around. "Welcome back, Ti-Honey." Speaking out her husband's pet name where he only groaned aloud. Kicking off his shoes and heading into the kitchen where the two embraced. Smiling at her unusually-grumpy husband where the sight was normal.

"Long day?" Snuggling up to her as he huffed. Kissing her neck as she leaned back into his arms; heading to the fridge and taking open a bottle of bear where he got an opener and asked. "Beef or Pork?" Asking her where she understood. "Yep. I know that you both love pork so much but Richard wanted to have Beef." Vocalizing her thoughts where her husband took a swig and gave a kiss to the side of her head.

"Go for the Pork. Fry up the beef tomorrow, he'll love it." Turning with a raised brow and a cautious look at her husband's suggestion that she countered. "Fried Beef? Richard? What makes you think he'll like fried beef?" Questioning the fair-skinned man whom chuckled and drank more of his well-deserved and icy cold beer.

"Trust me. He's just like me when it comes to food." Snickering where his wife only could smile and laugh under her breath. They loved everything that she made for the two boys despite how odd it might seem.

"Where is Richard?" Speaking up as the man asked his wife where she came over and whispered to him. "He's napping. Went out to play basketball." Snapping a head back, the man seemed surprised and laughed aloud. "He did? He tell you what happened?" Shaking her head and speaking once more. "Nope. Got a glass of water and took his sorry butt to the shower and bed." Richard's mother huffed out where his father took another swig.

"Well - We'll wake him up when dinner's ready." The two smile where the woman took her husband's advice slightly - fried beef was something that her husband loved... So... Why not listen to him for once. 'Well - Maybe, Ti-Honey won't be so grumpy if he gets some Fried-Beef as well.' Smiling where the mature woman had other 'plans' for her husband and herself tomorrow which her husband merely took a swig and took off his coat to relax. Oblivious to the come-hearth look that his wife was giving him whom took her passion into cooking.

[Later]

"Richard... Richardddd~. ... BOY, WAKE YOU ASS UP BEFORE I SMACK YOU WITH MY BELT!" Stirring a bit where the 6ft tall youth was snug and warm. Comfortable in his bed where he wanted to ignore the hand on his shoulder at the moment. It came down as well with the voice being even louder.

...

Suddenly a stern and deep voice rumbled into Richard's ears as his eyes snapped open and he exploded up to his feet in fright! "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M.. Sorryyyy~?" Closing his eyes where he expected a smack whilst his room's light had been flicked on which his dad stood up and looked at him.

...

"Get off the bed before you break it." Obeying his dad where the older-man gave him a hug whilst his son hugged him back. Releasing their holds on each-other which Richard just rubbed his messy. bed-hair to look up. "Dad. I was sleepinggggg~." Pouting and slouching at the interruption of what was a pretty enjoyable sleep where his father only sighed.

"Come on. It's dinner ti-" Not getting a chance to finish; Richard merely screamed out happily. "DINNER?! OH MAN, LET'S EAT!" Bouncing around the young man made his father sigh as the two walked out of the young man's room to head to the living room.

The Dinner-table was set up with plates where Richard swiftly sat down as his Mother exited the kitchen. A hand-towel used to dry her fingers as she said. "Finally up, Ricky?" Her son nodded where her husband grumbled aloud to her. "Sleeps like you, Monnie." A playful smack to his large back which the grown man got some glasses of water for the family.

Putting them down where all the members of the family were now seated. Richard presided to grab his fork and knife where he looked over the plate. Rice with gravy, some steam veggies and a hefty chuck of breaded-meat - His stomach growled slightly which he prepared to eat only to notice that his mother shuffled around her shirt and a golden necklace with a cross was taken out.

Putting down his utensils as he reached and grabbed his mother's hand before closing his eyes. As the woman spoke a prayer for the family which had been quite short as the one saying the prayer was interrupted by his stomach making that lead to the two males giggling to themselves. Shushing the two which they finished up.

After completely the words of grace, they ate and spoke. The two parents dismissed their son's words and bragging where they rolled their eyes at him dunking on people like superman or blocking like shots like it was volleyball.

Finishing up; Richard took the initiative and did the dishes where his parents spoke up and wished him a good-night. His mother kissing him on the check where he teased her before she went to sleep by telling her that he had to crouched down a-lot. His father ruffled his curly-wavy locks where Richard and the older Richardson nodded where they hugged each-other.

Cleaning up the dishes and leaving them to dry out, turning off all of the lights where he brushed his teeth. Drank some more water before washing his face clean that the young man went back to his room, crawling back into his bed and returning to sleep.

...

....

Quiet.

[The Next Day]

When the sun begun to shine - one boy was up-and-at-them where he arose from a once-dead sleep where he got showered, feed & maintained himself. Cooking up some sausages, eggs, toast & juice for breakfast which was polished off with some tropical fruit as 'desert' - Cutting back which it was a pre-workout snack in his eyes despite it being a couple dozen sausages, four eggs, 3 slices of pan-grilled, butter-layed toast where all of this food was sprinkled with salt, pepper and hot sauce.

A big glass of orange juice where the boy dug in as fast as he possibly could where it only took him moments to complete eat all of the food. Afterwards - He went on to complete more and more of his homework til it was around mid-day.

Finishing off several more chapters in all of the respective subjects. Leaving only English, Math & History left with 3 left; yawning to himself as he realized a tiny detail. 'Got to ask Mama if I can meet up with those guys.' A quick thought whipped out as the boy stood up from his desk and moved to grab his basketball things - His backpack, ball & ... His new sneakers.

...

'Cool... I wonder what other kinds of Basketball shoes, there are?' An idea came to mind where the young-man head over to his tablet - Installing a couple basketball sneaker-related apps on the device which he was absolutely shocked by the amount of details, history and innovation for sneakers.

One part caught his eye where he received a notification from the system making his eyes widen.

[You've unlocked the Gear System.] A brow raised where the notification opened and explained itself which responded.

[Gear are items which are worn on-the court which gave bonuses and even unique advantages. Shoes/Sneakers are the highest value items that provide the biggest benefits where they fall under a rarity. Going from Common-Grey, Uncommon-Green, Unqiue-Blue, Rare Purple, Super-Rare Orange, Ultra-Rare Gold & Iconic Rose-Gold.]

Raising a brow til he looked down curiously at his own sneakers.

...

Taking them off before the young-man examined the beat-up shoes to see what they were.

[Name: Adidas Boosted-One: Model 5 (Mid-Night City Colorway)

Add Campaign Name: Race Horse Performs.

Rarity = Uncommon-Green.

Traction: 6.5 (Worn)

Cushioning: 8.1 (Worn)

Fit: 10 (Worn)

Design: 6.8 (Worn)

Tech Rate: 55/100

Shoe Perks:

Shock Absorbers - Greater absorption upon landing on feet from running, jumping and landing.

Durable sneaker - Suitable for a solid 2 seasons of hard-stressful basketball. Regardless of conditions played.

Like A Glove - Very smooth and easy-to-wear sneaker that can be taken on and off easily but stay on the foot steadily.

Additional Player Benefits: None

History: A smooth mid-cut basketball sneaker made by Adidas. A stand-alone model provided by Adidas to sponsored athletes in recent years whom have a special competition with the Most Valuable Athlete receiving an award for the month competition during a basketball season. Model 5 of the Adidas Boosted-One had it's design elements the appearance of a timeless; late 2000s Lamborghini super-car for the most notable M.V.P winner's father's day gift to his senior and his classic 2000s vehicle of choice. Fitted with a tried-and-tested Adidas Boost@ mid-sole to survive an intense season of play. A thick rubber out-sole with a zig-zagging, maze-like traction pattern to grip the court completely. Fully-mesh up with textile compartments to provide durability to last the wear-and-tear. Comfort-pods are placed at the ankle, shin and toe-box for a easing strain on the feet itself.

It's most impressive model yet - The Adidas Boosted-One: Model 5 has crossed mountains and swam oceans to prove that the best can come from anywhere.

Appearance: A mid-cut shoe which happens to be a perfect showing of Adidas' classic-style in the modern age. It's slightly slanted and smooth toe-box keeping a lower profile with a contrasting, slightly round groove meaning the comfort-pods in the toe-area. Traveling further through out the shoe as the sides of fixed with huge, white Adidas stripes on the inner and outer side as it was textile to contrast the night-black mesh. On the bottom of the shoe - It's rounded slightly to resemble the shape of a car tire; particularly at the heel with a more severe curve that blends into the upper. At the mid-sole; white-writing is printed into rubber that says "Boost" to contrast the black-bottoms as the rubber has a slight bit of shine. The back of the shoe is slightly curved out to resemble the Lamborghini's spoiler on sport model where two grooves are at the ankle area for the comfort-pods. Lastly; comfort-pods are at the end of mesh-based tongue leading up to shin-area where white-laces with plastic lace-tips held down the shoe. Finished with Adidas Logo on the top of the tongue.]

'No wonder, it's so good! Based off a Lamborghini, eh? Fancy.' The bits of white weren't clashing with almost pure black made it pop... Mid-Night City. Putting them right back onto his feet where he popped into the living-room.

...

A small inhale where he noticed that his mom was napping on the couch. 'Aw. ... Fuck. ...' He never liked interrupted his mother; she always worked herself to the bone with everything so her resting was a sign.

Wake her up if you want to die.

...

Exhaling a long-winded breath before he begun to head over to her -Step as softly as his heavy body allowed which he squinted when his presence was coming closer to his mother. *Squeak* A squeal came from one of the floorboards which Richard looked down at his right-leg to look back at his mom.

Her eyes were open very small and she adjusted herself to look right at her son's eyes. "What the hell is it, Ricky?" Leaning back on the couch where her child gulped and fumble out words where she merely sighed to herself. "Spit it out, Richard!" Saying his given name got him to speak out where he quickly said. "Mother! Can I please stay out of the house til 7?!" Standing as stiff as a board which the woman looked at her son.

...

.....

"How much school work is left, Ricky?" Snuggling up as she grabbed a blanket that was always on the couch to get cozy. "I have some chapters left in just English, Math & History." Her eyes widen and her eyelids squinted. "You lying to me, Son." Her son instantly shook his head side-to-side so fast that she swore his head would come-off his shoulders.

...

"Alright... Grab your father's back-up phone, your wallet & your keys. ... Am I clear?" Command her son who nodded at every item to grab before leaving whilst she stood up and held her son's head whom leaned over. Speaking the last part where he only nodded and hugged.

...

"Get going, already. It's 12:30. Having fun and be safe... Come back before dark!" Sitting back before leaning on the couch as she spoke to her son where she fell right back into a slumber. A droplet of sweat began to drip from his brow that Richard's large arm whipped it away, nervously.

Following this - the boy snatched up his keys and wallet whilst he unplugged the phone to put in his backpack along with other things. Richard exited through the front door before the young-man breathed in and out. Nervous as one could ever before this tall youth and locking the door behind him.

"Alright." Getting himself ready where he didn't head over to the stairs but the young-man rather head the other way; going further down the hallway til he arrived at a hefty blue-painted, metal door.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang* Knocking a couple times where he awaited in the hallway as he rocked from the heels towards the balls of his feet; Richard hear the sound of a door creaking open.

A head peaked out which belonged to Link who looked up where he said. "Sup." Whipping his head back inside that the sounds of locks going off in rapid succession where the door was pulled open. Eyes looked at Link who was standing there like a jokester with a smile on his face and his arms flailed out, wearing a white t-shirt and some skinny jeans as he greeted the Big-Man.

"Ink! What's up." Greeting as he invited Richard inside of his home whom humbled entered with a small bow as he walked inside. "Pretty good, Link. So this is where you lived?" Asking which the two head further inside - It was similar in size to the apartment that his family stayed but it's organization was different.

On the couch; Joe was busy playing some video-games with head-phones on his head and a look of pure-focus. Dressed up in an over-size polo and some cargo-shorts - Holding his tongue as he had been playing some kind of Arcady-shooter free-for-all. Looking in the corner as he was placed as {Top 5 Player} which meant that Joe had a target on his back.

As the game went on; the thinner brother didn't say a word which Richard leaned against a wall and watched the game go on. So close to victory only for his avatar receiving a headshot with some super-weapon leading to an insta-kill; groaning aloud where he choose to exit server but his eyes widen to look at Link who was smiling at his bro.

"Oh - Sup, Link. You want a turn?" His brother shook his head where he flicked a hand over to the other person who was in the room - The chubby boy's eyes widened as Richard waved as the quiet boy scramble to his feet. "Oh, Richard. I-I'm so sorry - Just so focus on th-" Interrupted as his apologizing rant had been stopped by a fist coming.

...

A smile formed as Joe bumped knuckles with the big-man where the two chuckled under their breath but everything was stopped when a shout came. "Issac! Joesph! Can you come here?!" It belonged to an older woman which caused the two brothers' to lose their composure as Richard begun to chuckle to himself.

"Shush, Man. It's Gram-Gram./Richard... It's around grandma, Man." They spoke one after the other where they didn't wanted to be taunted which the Big-Man replied. "Just joking. Gonna hit the courts for some practice; I'll be outside of the door if you wanna come. Giving you guys 10 minutes tops." Both of them nodded as Richard excused himself to exit the front door.

Leaning against the hallway's wall that was opposite of the brother's home. Swing onto the phone that was on him; he checked out some more sports new.

...

Minnesota's Star Center has gotten his own signature shoe with Under Armor and a 15 million dollar 3 year extension to his 21 Million 2 year deal. Widening his eyes as it must've been a big deal considered that he was a top 10 player in the league and he happened to be top 3 Big-Man as well. 'Make sense - He was runner up in Defensive Player of Year last season & he was defensive 2nd team and All-IBA 1st team... It's beyond me why he wasn't rated high.'

Going over more and more information as some high-school prospects had to deal with a scandal off court relating to the intake of drugs on game-days. Tests showing prior to the game itself where it is being debated that they should be banned for the season or banned for the entire time at their respective schools.

'Come on. It wasn't like they were doing illegal substances. Heck; some of them are cleared and allowed to intake it.' Sighing at the stupid stuff that seemed to always affect player's off-the-court but his attention was turned away as the door opened up.

The brother walking out in different outfits compared to yesterday. Link was adorn in a black tank-top and sport-shorts of a dark-red color where he was wearing some red and yellow Modern Adidas. Joe's torso was covered up by a zip-up hoodie with white-joggers. Unlike his brother; he was wearing some retro Nike Air Jordans with a signature Swoosh on the side.

"Wazzzup!" Bobbing his head back and forth where he could more easily greet the bigger youth with a dab. Richard simply snorted at the classical, slang before he said. "Ya damn fool, Link." Bring himself down where they slapped each-other's back.

"Sorry. It's just that Grandma needed some help with some of chairs and stuff." Joe spoke up only to have the hand of Richard come down on his back, patting the boy in understanding. "It's cool. Helping out your family is alright." Saying as they turned to walk down the hallway. Making more small talk where the three begun to learn about each-other.

When they arrived at the stairway - Richard opted to run down which Joe groaned where Link openly challenged the larger male who accepted. The two sprinted down where the chubby boy merely sighed and went down at his own pace; hearing their footsteps and laughter when they ran down.

...

"I WIN!/DAMN IT! YOU GOT ME, INK!" Hearing them shout with the one who was a couple flights above the two - Richard's voice boomed out with Link's own shouted back in anger. Snickering to himself as Joe always found it funny for his big-brother to be humbled where the two shouted out for him to come down right away.

Hurrying his pace where Joe sprinted down given that it would be disrespectful to not listen given that the two could beat him up; the little lumps on his face from yesterday was tales if Link got him. Richard joining in meant that he'd get slaughtered!

Panting when he came to lobby-floor - The two just looked at the boy who was slightly sweating as he whipped his brow with his back-hand. "Joe - If you don't do my runs; you neva gonna start on the team." Informing his brother who just mouthed back and looked at his bro with a hard stare. "Get Off, Link."

Heading out where they went through the lobby - Richard waved to the security guard whom gave a nod before going back to his phone after taking a swig of coffee.

Walking outside where the group kept talking which one conversation was notable. "So... 'Issac' And 'Joesph,' eh?" Both of them got flushed before they pecked up and got in his face. "Don't say my Govvie, man!/... That's not funny." The older brother was looking around to make sure no one could see him or hear the piece of info whilst Joe with a small red-tint to his cheeks said his opinion on the comment.

"All-right. All-right." Waving them off their worries with a hand where Link gave him a side-eye that the teenager out of them didn't know if he could trust the Big-Man. Joe exhale in relief at those words, he at-least gave Richard more trust than Link who was always so shy about people know his real-name.

"I wanna learn some of your skills and stuff, yo." Speaking up with a serious tone that made them perk up. Link smiled as he said. "So you wanna learn my defense n' passing?" Considering those his biggest strengths that his role was more to get his teammates going and stop team's perimeter scorers; the role that he fell under was a 'Point-Forward' as he went slightly in depth about himself.

Joe nodding in agreement at all of Link's points that the large Big-Man's eyes were wide at the information where the older brother cockily stated that he was a picture-perfect player that Joe sighed at his brother's arrogance that Richard merely had a blank face.

"It's gonna be hard to learn my offense... and how to throw your weight around?" Closing his eyes where Joe was forced to developed his offense game in a non-traditionally way given his build where the younger brother told the youngest out of the group found out about Joe's growth from being unable to do a crossover or shot til he was scoring with ease. Aside from that, Richard asked about Joe's talent for rebounding which the Big-Man said that aside from himself and Jackson during the 3on3 - Joe had the third-most rebounds where they all were contested by Malcom, Ralph and his brother. Link said that his brother's stamina was holding back that the skinny teen said that he should go on a diet which was a huge-negative shake of the head from Joe.

...

"Actually... I wanna every bit of stuff that y'all could teach a guy-like me." Cracking a huge smile as the brothers' looked at each-other. Link shrugged at the idea where Joe simply nodded toward Richard.

Turning around where he yelled out.

"ALRIGHT! LET'S PLAY SOME BASKETBALL!" Exclaiming where Richard dribbled his ball on the ground before he exploded into a sprint - Dribbling the ball around where Link and Joe shouted at the excited youth to slow down.

...

He did not slow down.

[Much, Much Later]

As the boys arrived at the basketball courts which Richard liked, he had to wait for the two who was much slower than himself despite being smaller and lighter than himself. When they both came - Richard spoke out as he was expecting some slight tips and tricks... Instead; Link drilled him on defense.

Foot-work, Balance, Hand-Positioning, understanding an offensive player's tendencies and know-how to attack the ball for steals. It was shocking by the amount of detail that Link gave Big-Man who was openly surprised by it all!

Richard was forced to try and guard Link which he was able to understand and put some of his 'training' into action. Reading cross-overs, hesitation, shoulder and head-fakes - sliding the feet to cut-off drives.

When Link had tired himself out - Joe had plenty of energy to teach Richard some offense. Unlike Link who was more drill-sergeant, the younger of the two was little and more pleasant in approach but Joe was threw Richard into the fire much faster by forcing him to no only guard him and perform any moves that Joe did to Joe.

Having his ankles broken a dozen times continuously only to have his pockets picked clean; they ran him til he was drenched in sweat. His entire body had been soaked where he heard a familar voice - Link peaked over as he whipped his forehead and Joe was breathing hard as he sat down on the blacktop.

"Yo. Ink, Link & Joe!" A shout came from the entire where the three looked over and a smile appeared onto Richard's face - A small grin formed on Links whilst Joe's face didn't change. More focused on recovering yet he did look at them.

Jackson, Ralph & Malcom had entered onto the court. As they joined and spoke - The group was initially surprised by Richard not demanding money.

...

He rather asked for them to training him - Jackson was actually excited and accepted whilst Ralph and Malcom just followed their leader's lead but he did ask for all of them to get some sneakers.

Grumbling at this - Malcom & Ralph put alittle bit of 'effort' into training Richard hard.

Overall, the group trained til the sun was coming down. Heading off the court to swing by a convenience store near-by for some Powerade & Gatorade with the occasional bottle of water before swing back.

Link & Ralph were affixed on the Ball-Handling, Play-Making and Defensive Skills of Richard to improve upon them. The two were both surprised by his passing-ability where they just gave tips whilst everything else was worked on - Opting to enforce their mindset into Richard who was glued to it. He didn't openly trash-talk them but he did say tiny phrases that pissed off Ralph more than Link where some of them got the thinner one heated.

Malcom & Joe helped out the Big-Man with his scoring and how to use body better. Giving him shooting tips where Joe was shocked by Malcom's surprisingly awful shoot form and style after looking at it from a different perspective - Richard embraced all of the information. In addition; Joe taught him some more effective ways to drive and even break ankles where Malcom was surprisingly helpful with attacking from the post - His methods of staying balance and in rhythm made some shots impossible to stop. Lastly - the two taught Richard how to more effectively use his body in all manners; Improving his method of running and how to shift weight and keep balance in motion. How to throw his weight around without losing strength and various methods for gathering to jump. Some new moves where taught to give the younger boy options for lay-ups such as hops, euro-steps, cradles & spins but he had so much bounce that he could just dunk it if he wanted.

The last person was Jackson. He openly dismissed everyone to go home where they all happily left... aside from Richard where the two played1v1 up to 3 where scorer keeps ball. Richard wasn't surprised by how good Jackson was but rather; how difficult it was to truly guard a score-first Jackson. Play a couple dozen games; the two sat down and went over every little detail. Picking each-other's head of ideas, sets and sequences. Finishing this; Jackson refined all that was taught to Richard whilst he told the boy that he would need to work on everything in order to grasp it let alone use it effectively. The biracial boy accepted and the two left.

...

[Much Later]

At the basketball court - Richard was out very-late. Past dinner time and without his parents' permission. Dressing in loose cloth with a silver-shiny t-shirt and a runner-sweats with his sneakers on. Why was he out? Simple. He was doing everything that he learned and more!

He wanted to improve. The boy needed to improve.

...

He had so much potential and he'd be damned if he didn't drain that well dry.

Standing at the free-throw line; mouth parted to exhale a hefty burst of air and snap shut only to bounce the ball once... twice... A final hard bounce before he explode forward. Slamming down a foot followed by the other, tongue-wagging as he hefted aloud and opened mouth with the right hand of his Big-Man cocked backwards before he threw down a strong Jam!

*Bang!*