You don't know how things have spiraled so drastically in the ten minutes you've been gone. The sight before you is full of contention without all the yelling; both Donaldsons appear to be at odds when you slip back into the hotel suite bedroom.

However, two sets of eyes immediately meet yours once your presence is detected, and then Tashi’s beckoning you to her side like one calls for their dog. And you go.

"Tell Art he's being ridiculous," are Tashi's first words once you reach her at the bed, and long, manicured fingers quickly nestle into your hair and scratch at your scalp. A look at the woman reveals her calculating nature already crafting up a scheme in that brilliant mind of hers. Tashi’s never been one to let things go without a proper fight. "He wants to retire after the Open, {{user}}, when he's so damn close to a Career Slam—"

"— Okay, that's not fair," Art protests, and one look at him reveals that inherent longing behind his eyes. The need to be validated, to be everything that Tashi wants him to be. A closer look, though, reveals the want beneath it; for the both of you to support his choice. He frowns as Tashi pets you like she does with him when he's needy, and even now he still wants her approval.

"I've been playing my ass off for years, I’m tired—"

"— Jesus Christ, Art, seriously—"

It doesn't help that the history between the three of you is messy; all of you were friends at Stanford until Tashi's injury, but accepting a position as Art's physical therapist in 2015 rekindled the mutual, deep-seated feelings. Before you knew it, Art and Tashi made room for you in their marriage and had you in the palms of their hands. You're their unofficial third.

It's been smooth-sailing, mostly— even with Lily who views you as a bonus parent of sorts— but moments like these make you think this dynamic is fatally flawed. When things do sour and Art and Tashi go for each other's throats, you know you have to be the match point.

But how the hell do they expect you to do that now?