Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 2
Taking a break from looking over the file before him, Treize glanced at his reflection in the computer monitor. With company coming, he was grateful that the lovely combination of purple, yellow and almost black that the skin around his nose had been was beginning to fade. A thin band aid swept across the bridge as the tiny bone continued to heal.
At the knock at his door, the head coach of the Cougars called, "Come in." When the door opened, he smiled to the young man that he had been expecting. Rising from his seat, he greeted, "Come on in, Alex. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Closing the door behind him, the tall running back grinned back and nodded firmly, "Coach Khushrenada. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me so soon after my arrival. I'm looking forward to working with you and the Cougars this season." He extended his hand for a firm shake while being careful not to stare at his new coach's nose.
With his free hand, Treize gestured to the chair before his desk and smirked, "Please have a seat. And there is no need for you to lie to me, young man. I know that this trade must have come as a painful blow to you."
His gaze lowering as he sat himself down, the running back sighed deeply, "I'm sorry, sir, but news of being let go is never easy. The announcement was rather sudden."
"Of course," the tall man nodded as he returned to his own chair. "You had been with Pittsburgh for three good years. I imagine that having to uproot yourself after such a long time only added to the pain of it all."
Looking back up from studying the floor, Alex was quick to reassure, "Well, despite all of that, I fully intend to play my best for you. Whatever I may or may not be dealing with in my personal life won't affect me on the field, I promise."
Treize chuckled deeply and folded his hands together. "I know that it won't, Alex. I am sorry for starting our first meeting on such a low note. We have a great deal to look forward to with you on our team. You have a great deal of potential as a running back."
Alex flinched a bit at the word 'potential'. It was all the green flag that the coach had been looking for and he smirked inwardly in victory. Even the young athlete knew that he was not the best at what he did- he was mediocre at best. But in the world of professional football, mediocre simply did not cut it. He knew that he was running out of time to really make a name for himself as a running back. And, if he did not do that soon, he would most likely be cut loose from the sport all together with no one wanting to sign him onto their team.
It was time for Treize to strike while the iron was hot.
Leaning back in his chair, the head coach smirked, "You could be one of the best with the right direction. It's not too late for you to improve your game." A thin eyebrow raised as Treize shrugged, "That is, if you want it to improve."
His eyes narrowing, Alex instantly sat up and sneered, "Of course I do. I've been doing every damned thing that I could to get better. I have worked with every trainer out there. I've been on countless diets for the right amount of protein to build muscle. I've exhausted every other means out there. But, I still just can't seem to get any faster than I already am. There is nothing more that I can do."
Already shaking his head half-way through the frustrated rant, the ginger-haired man chuckled in amusement, "Ah. But that's where you're wrong, young man. There is something more that you can do and I am just the man to help you get there."
Frowning deeply, the running back sat back with the leather beneath him creaking. "What do you mean?" he asked after a long pause. "If there is something that you know of that would help, that I haven't already tried, I'll do anything."
That smirk on Treize's face grew as he replied, "That's very good to hear, Alex. I like that spirit in you." Propping his elbows on his arm rests, he informed, "I do happen to know something that I am sure you have not tried yet."
When Alex's eyes lit up with interest, the coach said, "I have one of the best physical therapists in the world working for me. He is in possession of a wonderful drug named Tinopin. It acts like a steroid, but it is undetectable by any drug test."
Nearly falling out of his seat, the young athlete's eyes widened as he sputtered, "D-drugs? You're suggesting that I use drugs to enhance myself?" He slowly began to rise from his chair on shaky legs and shook his head, "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not about to try something like that. I've always been a man of integrity and I just can't agree to doing something like that."
Treize nodded to him with a smile that seemed sincere as he reassured, "I understand. And I respect that integrity of yours." Raising his gaze so that it kept Alex where he stood, he warned calmly, "I don't believe I need to tell you that this discussion is to stay between us."
Alex swallowed roughly and with a stiff nod of his own, he quickly replied, "Of course, coach. Not a word." Turning on his heels, he headed for the door.
Just when his hand toughed the doorknob, however, the young man froze. Lightly biting his lip, he looked over his shoulder and asked, "Does that mean that Maxwell uses drugs, too? That's why he's such a fast runner?"
Folding his arms behind his head, Treize grinned, "No. I never asked him if he was interested, because he didn't need the help. He's one of the few raw talents out there, unlike more than half of the players out in the professional world of football nowadays."
Stunned, Alex's hand fell from the doorknob. "More than half!?" he cried. "You really believe that more than half of the players out there are using some type of drug to enhance their skills on the field!?"
The coach laughed at him, "I don't need to 'believe' anything! I know that they are! For the last five seasons, it has been a silent battle of who has the right tools to make the ultimate team. I will, however, give credit to your dear head coach Zechs Merquise. He is one of the few that did not get in that race. However, it is also the reason why his team has yet to come close to a championship of any kind.
"Even if you were to bring this public, no one would believe you because there is no way to prove that the drug is being administered. I would have you removed from this team without the chance of being resigned to another team because nearly all of them are doing the same damned thing! And those teams that are not resorting to drugs wouldn't want you because you're simply not good enough."
Pushing back from his desk, Treize stood and walked towards the wide-eyed running back. "Now," he began quietly, "my offer still stands. Fortunately, you're not such a horrific player that suspicions would rise come the start of the season when you're running laps around those tacklers that always seemed to get a hold of you. Simply saying that a heavy off season of training and preparing would be more than enough to appease the whistleblowers that might think something was going on."
Alex lowered his head and studied the floor again. As much as he hated to admit what he was hearing, he knew that the man was right. If he spoke up, he would lose everything that he had worked for. If he stayed quiet, he would still be able to play.
Inwardly applauding himself for having the young athlete right where he wanted him, Treize leaned in and asked, "What's wrong with wanting to win, anyway? What's so unethical to want to be the best running back that you can possibly be?"
Closing his eyes tightly, the running back took a deep breath before sighing deeply, "Nothing. Nothing is wrong with wanting any of that." Roughly swallowing, he lifted his head and met the eyes watching him.
"I-I want to take up that offer," Alex heard himself say in little more than a whisper.
* * * * * *
Slipping through the crowded living room and dining room, Quatre smiled and nodded to the cheerleaders and football players that greeted him on the way. Once he was in the kitchen, he closed the folding door to muffle the loud music and laughter just beyond.
The braid peeking out gave away his friend's location and the agent smiled, "I must say, Duo, you've been handling yourself quite well so far." Looking to his watch, he commented, "We're already over an hour into the festivities and you've only had a half of a beer. I can't remember the last time that's happened."
Slowly rising from behind the opened refrigerator door, the braided running back grinned with his arms filled of more bottles. "Told you I could be good," he winked as he kicked the 'fridge's door closed.
Carefully pushing the kitchen doors open with his backside, Duo raised the bottles and shouted over the noise, "More beer, everyone!" The crowd let out a loud cheer as he made his way through the crowd while passing out the drinks. As he entered the living room, the American yelled, "Hey, the music isn't loud enough! We don't have any neighbors to worry about, so crank it up!"
Another cheer filled the air as the stereo system got all the louder. A 'dance space' had been cleared away by some of the partygoers and Duo moved along with them as he headed for the front door when he heard a loud knock. Opening it, he smiled widely, "Hey, guys! I've been wondering when you were going to show up. Come on in!"
Zechs and Heero followed the swinging braid into the house along with the last two arrivals close behind. When they were inside, the American took the coach and quarterback' s coats and turned to the new faces. Extending his free hand, he introduced, "Duo Maxwell. And you two would be Trowa Barton and Wufei Chang. Nice to meet you."
The Asian receiver and Latin center gave each other a surprised look before Trowa nodded firmly to their new teammate, "You've done your homework." [1 & 2] He accepted the offered hand in a firm shake and a smile finally tugged his lips as he said, "Not at all what I had expected from you. No offense."
While shaking Wufei's hand, Duo laughed, "None taken. I like to know the people that I'm going to be working with." Nudging the brunette with the long bangs, he smirked, "Especially the blockers, like yourself, since you help keep the defensive tacklers from beating the shit out of me on the field." Trowa laughed along with Zechs.
"Oh, there you are!" a female voice called from the 'dance floor.' Running up to the group at the entrance way, a lively young blonde threw her arms around Wufei and kissed him soundly. "I was beginning to worry about you."
Gently wrapping his own arms around his girlfriend's slender waist, the Chinese receiver smirked, "I was waiting for Trowa to finish with his hair, as always. You know how that goes."
Another voice laughed as it neared, "I certainly do." The redhead that approached grinned to the tall center and hugged him when he flashed her a mocked hurt look.
Looking to his host, Wufei gestured with his head to the young women and guessed aloud, "I take it that you've met Relena and Catherine."
Duo winked a violet eye to the ladies and replied, "Already had the pleasure. You have yourself a keeper there, Chang. And your sister ain't hard to look at either, Barton."
Fighting a blush, Relena and Catherine giggled. "Duo's been a wonderful host tonight," the blonde head cheerleader told her boyfriend with a kiss on the cheek.
As the running back finished taking Trowa and Wufei's coats, Catherine lightly hit her brother on the arm and grinned, "You see that? And they say that chivalry is dead." Her brother and Wufei rolled their eyes, but smiled nonetheless in knowing that their new teammate had been respectful towards the girls. Even Heero's cobalt eyes widened a bit in surprise.
Lightly pushing at the new arrivals, Duo smiled, "Well, get in on the festivities, everyone. There are snacks and drinks in the dining room. I'll be back after I put these coats away." With that said, the small group parted and went to catch up with the rest of the team while the braided athlete headed upstairs.
Stepping into the dining room, Heero saw Mueller standing by the large back windows with his back to the party. A bit surprised at the sight of his teammate, the Japanese young man slowly approached with a quiet, "I didn't expect to see you here."
Mueller looked over to his team captain and snorted, "Neither did I. But then, I didn't want to be the only person that didn't show. No need to make it too obvious that I'm pissed over the situation."
Heero nodded and looked out to the back yard. Of all of the players on the Wolverines, he knew that the news of Alex's trade hit Mueller the hardest. The two were like brothers during the time that they were on the team together.
After taking a swig from the bottle in his hand, the young guard snorted, "Truth is, this asshole can throw as many parties and put on as many good faces as he wants, but he can't keep the act up forever. His true self will start shining through before long."
Frowning deeply, Heero kept his mouth closed, though he had to agree with his teammate. A leopard would never change its spots. Maxwell certainly wasn't any different.
Nearly jumping when an arm suddenly draped over his shoulder, the quarterback looked to the smiling running back as he told him, "You look like you could use this, my friend." Handing over a bottle, he gave a firm pat on the back and chuckled deeply, "Come on, golden boy. Drink up and try to relax a bit."
Slowly handing the bottle back, Heero shook his head, "No thanks. I'm the designated driver tonight."
"Aw, well it's not like you're leaving any time soon," Duo shrugged while holding the bottle back out to the team captain. "One drink isn't going to hurt you."
His eyes narrowing, Mueller warned, "He said 'no thanks.' Just back the hell off." From the corner of his eye, Heero flashed the guard a sympathetic, but cautionary glance that told him to not overstep his bounds.
Whistling through his teeth, Duo held his hands up in a sign of submission and frowned, "Okay. Okay. I can take a hint. Just trying to be a good host and see that my guests are enjoying themselves." He took the beer bottle with him without another word and disappeared into the crowd once again.
Alone again, Heero shook his head, "Easy, there. He was just trying to be nice. The least that we can do is try and get along when he's making an effort."
Mueller sighed deeply, "I suppose. So long as he's willing to play along, so will I. But, I still don't have to like the asshole." Leaning in, so that his near whisper could be heard over the noise around, he told his captain, "Just out of curiosity, I wanted to learn more about the guy.
"It's like he just appeared out of nowhere when he got signed after high school. There's nothing on where he went to school, where he's from, nothing. Considering how long he's been in the spotlight, you would think that his life would be the open book that ours are."
Straightening, Heero's cobalt eyes widened a bit. He, himself, had tried to learn more about the running back over the last couple weeks and had run into the same problem. All that there was to find on Duo were his amazing statistics on the field and his poor behavior record. Anything prior to his football career was a complete mystery-something that was unheard of for a professional athlete.
The night wore on and the young team captain had made his rounds to saying hello to everyone on the team. Confident that the party would continue without incident, Heero was ready to head home. In not being able to find either Duo or Quatre, he decided to just head upstairs and find their coats.
Once he was upstairs, he found the spare room opened and the guests' coats lying out in an orderly fashion. Quickly finding his leather jacket, Heero headed back out into the hallway and paused to stare at the two closed bedroom doors.
Recalling the discussion that he had with Mueller at how little they knew about their new teammate, curiosity was getting the better of Heero. Slowly leaning over the railing to be certain that no one was heading towards the stairs, the quarterback was satisfied that he would be alone for quite some time. No one had seen him head up there in the first place.
Against his better judgment, Heero moved towards the rooms. Carefully cracking the first door open, the glimpse of a colorful Arabian rug on the floor that was lit by the moonlight that poured in through the window was more than enough evidence for him to place the room as Quatre's. Closing that door, he moved to the further door and took a deep breath.
One last, careful look back over the stairwell later, Heero turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
TBC...
I am keeping all of the main characters on the same team, the defense team. Every football team has two parts, defense and offense. The defense tries to score against their opponent's offense while the offense tries to stop their opponent's defense team from scoring. The offence of the Wolverines really won't be focused on much at all.
[1] There are two wide receivers on a defense team. They are stationed at the far ends of the line that the defense makes and when the play starts, they run ahead down the field towards while avoiding their opponent's blockers to try and catch the ball thrown by the quarterback. Where Duo as a running back is just handed the ball and runs, Wufei as a receiver has to catch a long throw to them.
[2] The center, Trowa in this case, is station right in the center of the line that the defense makes before a play starts. He bends over the football and throws or hands it to the quarterback to start the play. Once the ball leaves the center's hand, the offense tries to take down the quarterback as the center can then try to hold them back to give the quarterback time to throw the ball, or hand it to the running back.
[3] Mueller is one of the two guards that stay at either side of the center (Trowa). Their only job is to block and push the offense tacklers back to give the quarterback time to throw the ball. They do not make any attempt to have the ball handed or thrown to them. They only protect the quarterback.
For more on the game basics and what the field looks like, I highly recommend visiting this easy-to-follow site: http://playfootball-vweb1.playfootball.com/footballfacts/basics.html
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