Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 39
Sitting before the lit mirror of her large vanity set, Sylvia was brushing her long hair when Treize entered their room. Instantly brightening at the sight of her husband, the she lowered her soft brush and rose to meet him with a kiss to the lips. "Hello, darling," she smiled lovingly. "How was practice today?"
Inwardly groaning, the head coach put on his best grin and kissed the back of her hand. "Just fine," he answered. "I am more than sure that we'll win the first regular season game tomorrow, so I am happy with today's practice."
"Well, winning or losing does not matter," Sylvia giggled innocently. "As long as everyone gives their best effort, no one can be disappointed."
Treize forced his smile to grow at her naivet It was a constant torture for him to have to endure a marriage to someone with such a sweet and simple outlook on life. He never did care for Sylvia, but their nuptials were needed for him to get close to her father. As far as he was concerned, so long as he won over the ownership of her family's legacy, he could endure her sickening demeanor.
At the very least the girl was good in the sack.
Gently pulling back from the arms around his neck, Treize asked, "Are you almost ready for tonight's dinner? We should be leaving soon if we want to be at the Red Mill by seven to meet your parents."
All too happy to please, his wife nodded and gestured to the clothes lying on the bed. "I even set out one of your favorite suits for you," she replied. "I just need to change into my dress and put on a bit of makeup. It won't take me more than a few minutes."
Chuckling deeply, the head coach ran a hand over her golden locks in a husbandly way. "That's my efficient girl," he smirked. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and moved towards the bed. "So has your father given any hint to what this get-together is all about?" he inquired while removing his shirt.
Sylvia moved to the closet for her long-skirted, figure-hugging red dress of choice.
The side of her lips curled up as she answered, "Of course not. You know that my father doesn't tell me anything."
'And with reason," her husband thought to himself. 'If she were to ever find out about the steroids that we're providing to the team...' He shook his head of that notion and finished buttoning his white blouse.
Moments later, the couple was dressed and heading for their car arm-in-arm.
* * * * * *
The Noventas smiled as they watched their daughter and son-in-law approach their table. "Perfect timing," Marshall greeted. "We were just seated a moment ago." Embraces and handshakes were exchanged before the family sat down.
Once their meals were ordered and the waitress stepped away, the team owner grinned widely to the pair across from him. "This is a very special occasion for all of us," he began. Treize reached for his water as his heart began to race in anticipation. Reaching over to take his wife's hand, Marshall grinned to her, "The Mrs. and I are realizing more and more that my time of carrying the family legacy will not last forever."
Eyes widening, Khushrenada did his best to keep the hand holding his glass from shaking. Beside him, Sylvia's own eyes widened with a short gasp in realizing what her father was leading the conversation. Her own hand reached over for her husband's to squeeze it.
Raising an eyebrow to his son-in-law, Marshall smirked, "You have been a patient lad, my boy. And you have proven many times your abilities in leadership as well as your devotion to this family."
Unable to trust his voice on account of his dry throat, Treize finally lowered his glass and bowed his head lowly in appreciation.
"This shall me my last year as owner of the San Francisco Cougars," the old man announced. "You are the first to know of it." Sylvia's hand squeezed on tighter with a smile widening on her face. Raising a glass to the head coach, Marshall offered, "And I would be honored if you would be the one to take my seat, Treize. I cannot think of another that I could trust as much as I do you for the job."
Sylvia giggled excitedly, knowing what this meant for her husband. She knew more than anyone how much he wanted to prove himself worthy of the position to carry on her family's heritage. Stunned, Treize blinked a couple times before breathing, "T-thank you, sir. I don't know what to say."
Years... years of doing whatever it took to get him into a position of ownership was finally about to pay off. All of the lying, scheming, planning... everything. It was all about to pay off to help him achieve his ultimate goal. It was all too good to be true.
Marshal chuckled deeply, "Just say 'yes', my boy. Say 'yes' and by next spring, you will be the newly named owner of one of the most promising teams in the league. That will give us plenty of time to go over the details of your new responsibilities."
Without hesitating, Treize smiled widely and nodded firmly, "Yes. I promise that I will not let you down, sir. And I thank you deeply for the opportunity."
Unable to contain herself any longer, Sylvia leaned over to kiss his cheek and wrap her arms around his neck. "Congratulations, love," she whispered.
Cathy Noventa gave her kind regards while her husband called for the waitress to bring them their most expensive bottle of wine for their celebration. Lightly wrapping Sylvia in his embrace as she continued to hold on to him, Treize's grin spread further.
Finally... everything was falling into place just as he was sure that it would.
* * * * * *
Duo closed his cell phone flap and gripped his duffle bag's handles in his other hand. Looking at his family seated at the couches in the living room, he stated, "All right. That was Noin and she said that she has everything covered. Now you all know the plan, right?" His children all smiled widely and nodded along with Quatre, Lady Une, Hilde and Solo.
"Good," the running back grinned. Heading around the room, he hugged and kissed each of his charges. "We'll see you soon then," he waved while meeting with Heero at the doorway. The quarterback winked to the youngsters and pushed himself off the frame that he had been leaning against. Together, the pair headed for the front door.
Waving, Flora called, "Have a good game, Dad and Heero! Be careful!" Her siblings followed suit, sending their own regards.
Stepping outside, Duo descended the steps and sighed deeply, "I hope that this works out. It would really be the icing on the cake for this trip if Noin can pull it off."
Heero gently nudged shoulders with his partner and reassured, "Trust me. She'll pull it off. There are few as tenacious as her when it comes to helping out kids." Smirking, he added, "And as anxious as she's been to meet your family, she'll move Heaven and Earth to make this happen if she had to."
Unable to argue with that, the running back snickered, "True." Carefully throwing their bags into the back of the silver SUV, the pair took their seats and headed off for their warm-up practice just before the game.
* * * * * *
As the crowd was filtering into the stadium, Dorothy watched from her high box office. Several members of her administration were filling in behind her as she smiled to herself, "I still can't get used to seeing the stadium packed like this."
"Dorothy," Noin called as she entered the room with a slight pant to her breath, On hand holding onto Gavin and the other Derek. When the team owner approached her with worried eyes, she frowned, "I'm sorry to be bothering you right now."
Shaking her head, Dorothy replied gently, "It's quite all right, Noin. What's wrong?"
The short-haired woman bit her lip and answered, "Well, I was going through the stands and ran into a Quatre and Lady Une and took some time to talk to them. They were seated next to a family with eight foster children who happen to be very big Wolverine fans."
Swallowing when her throat became dry, Noin went on, "I know that this is a bit last minute to be asking this but, this is their first game. Perhaps-"
Already knowing where her administrator was headed, Dorothy cut her off with a widely grinned, "Done. It's a wonderful idea. I would love to have them enjoy their first game here in the owner's box."
Opening her arms to the many soft-cushioned seats and elaborately designed room, she said, "There is more than enough room for all of us. And please extend the same invitation to Quatre and Lady Une as well. I watch after Gavin and Derek while you're gathering them up."
Noin smiled, "I will bring them up, then. I just know that this would be something they would never forget." Quickly kissing her boys' heads with the promise to be back soon, she turned on her heels and made her way out of the room just as a member of the wait staff entered.
With a raised hand, Dorothy called the black-and-white suited young man over and advised, "We will be having a few little ones joining us today. Please inform the remainder of the staff that they are to be looked after the same as any of my guests here." The waiter grinned and bowed at the waist before parting from the box office.
Moments later, Noin was giggling to herself at the excited banter going on between Duo's children as they rode the elevator up to the upper levels of the stadium. "I can't believe we're going to the owner's box office!" "We're going to meet Dorothy Catalonia" and other such exclamations filled the air.
Whistling through her teeth, Hilde called for all eyes on her and a moment of silence. "Now this is your father's boss that we'll be spending time with, so you all know to be on your best behavior?" she asked while carrying Sun in her arms.
In tune, the smallest ones answered, "Yes, Aunt Hilde." Marcus, Tai and Flora all winced along with the adults at the title.
Turning to face the children, Noin corrected politely, "'Mom.' Remember that you need to call Hilde 'Mom' and Solo 'Dad' while we're here." She chuckled deeply at the sheepish grins and nods that she received. The freight came to a stop with the sound of a bright bell. "Here we are," the administrator announced as she turned to the opening doors.
As they entered the box office, the group was greeted by a smiling Dorothy. "Hello, everyone," she addressed the slack-jawed children as they looked to their surroundings. "I understand that this is your first time in this stadium."
Marcus, Tai and Flora in particular looked like they were about to jump out of their skin at meeting the lovely team owner. Their voices failing them, they nodded numbly. Chuckling deeply, Hilde closed the Asian boy's jaw with a free hand as she said, "Yes, it is, Miss Catalonia."
Solo lowered his head and spoke sincerely, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. You have no idea what this means to them."
Quietly snickering at the faces filled with wonder, Dorothy did not have to imagine just how excited her young guests were. "It's my pleasure," she responded while shaking a hand with the two guardians. "And please, just call me Dorothy. I look forward to having you here for the duration of the game."
Her ice-blue gaze appraised the Wolverine jerseys that the oldest three were wearing. The number 21 on each sleeve gave away which player's name was on the back. With her grin spreading, she commented, "I see that you're all fans of Duo Maxwell. Not a bad one to follow, I must say. He certainly knows how to keep things interesting around here."
Flora found her voice first and answered with a bright, "Yes, ma'am." She winced and quickly corrected, "I mean, Dorothy. He's the best running back in the league." At either side of her, Marcus and Tai nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, I am inclined to have to agree with all of you there," the team owner winked. Holding an extended arm to the large, cushioned seats, she offered, "Please, make yourselves comfortable, everyone. We have a staff in the back that can provide any snack or drink that you so choose. Feel free to order what you like."
Thanking her with wide smiles, Solo and Hilde led the youngsters to the seating area. More gasps and wide eyes went through the kids as they peered out the large, glass wall to the great view of the field. Grinning from ear-to-ear, Noin introduced her 'little men' to the family so that the youngest of the children could entertain each other.
As the family started making orders, Dorothy greeted her two friends with tight embraces. "Always good to see familiar faces," she stated. "And how are the two of you?"
Quatre and Lady Une made light banter with the young woman for a short while before it was announced that the Massachusetts Cavilers were about to take the field for introductions. Everyone took their seats and watched as the orange-and-tan- clad team was welcomed to the field with a loud mixture of cheers and boos.
After their own round of introductions moments later, the Wolverines filed onto their sideline. Looking up to the owner's box, Duo smiled widely in spotting the excited faces of his children there. Heero lightly nudged his partner with a knowing smirk that told him he knew their plan would work out.
From across the field, a tall and muscular Caviler was standing right at the white sideline and glaring heatedly at the braided running back. Choking back a laugh when he spotted those narrowed, brown eyes, Duo muttered, "Oh, shit. I almost forgot about him." He raised a hand to wave at his opponent with a huge smile.
When Heero looked over to see who his housemate was waving to, he struggled to contain his own laughter.
The crew-cut blonde continued to keep his fiery gaze on Maxwell, not the least bit amused by the antics.
Wufei moved over to his teammate and smirked, "Friend of yours?" Trowa shared the same amused expression as he folded his arms, peering over to the stocky man on the other side of the field.
"Can't you tell?" the running back chuckled. Looking out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Heero lowered his head, his chest bouncing with a barely controlled fit of hysterics from knowing exactly what was going on.
Before Chang or Barton could ask, the announcer called for everyone to rise for the singing of the National Anthem. Hands on their hearts, the players lined up neatly side-by-side. At the end of the song, applause filled the air and it was about time for the coin toss.
Heero, Duo and Trowa were heading for the middle of the field just as three of the Cavilers stalked towards them. One of those titans in orange was the blonde that had been glaring at Maxwell from the sideline. And that fiery stare continued.
Leaning in towards his partner, Duo muttered, "Just trust me, all right?" The quarterback flashed him a look of concern before nodding almost reluctantly. Opening his arms as if to offer a hug, the American walked towards his irate opponent, grinning, "Hey, Maynard. Why doesn't your Mom call me anymore? I miss her."
With a sharp gasp, the defender's brown eyes widened. "You fucking prick!" he cried, face red and eyes thinned to slits as he charged forward. It took both of his teammates to hold him back. The black-and-white uniformed referee growled as he assisted in trying to get through to the young man.
His own eyes wide, Tim gazed out to the field and announced, "Well, it looks as though there is tension already at the coin toss, folks. I suppose that happens when former teammates meet up to face each other. Remember that Maxwell's first team in the pro games was with the Cavilers. He only lasted a year before bad blood ran between him and his colleagues. Mike Maynard was one of those that he couldn't see eye-to-eye with."
Trowa turned to his teammate as the scuffle continued and frowned, "His Mom? You had an affair with his Mom?" Heero was almost red in the face from holding back his laughter while watching the defender being restrained.
Shaking his breaded head, Duo winked to his friend, "I'll tell you more about it later. This will get him so charged up to get at me that he'll burn himself out before we're half-way through the game."
At realizing the reason for the verbal haze, Trowa's green eyes widened. Smirking, he chuckled deeply, "You are a crafty little bastard, Maxwell."
"Guilty," the running back smiled. Shaking his head in amusement, Heero just snickered and waited for Maynard to finally calm down.
Coin in hand, the referee sighed deeply when he took his place between the trios of rivals. Looking to the Wolverine's team captain, he nodded firmly, "It's your home field, so you make the call."
Once the silver was flipped into the air, Heero called, "Heads." All eyes followed the spinning orb to the grass below.
Where the coin landed, the referee bend at the waist for a good look. Raising a hand, his voice carried into his microphone, "It's heads."
The crowd cheered as their three on the field grinned to each other at finally winning a coin flip. Looking back to Heero, the young man asked, "Would you like to receive or kick the ball away for the first possession?"
Not needing a moment to consider, the quarterback answered, "We'll receive." Blowing his whistle, the referee raised his hand to signal the players to make ready. Still glaring at the running back, Maynard slowly turned back with his teammates for their sideline.
Heading back to their own end of the field, Heero smirked to himself, "Never a dull moment with Duo around."
And frankly, he wouldn't have it any other way.
TBC...
Note: By request, here are the names and ages of Duo's kids from oldest to youngest:
Marcus- 13 (two months older than Tai)
Tai- 13 (one month older than Flora)
Flora- 13
Abdul- 6
Camille- 5 ½
Jamie- 5
Sun- 5
Hope- soon turning 5
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