Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 70
Hand-in-hand a beaming Heero and Duo entered the Yuy household. Quickly shedding their coats, they moved to the living room where the children were sitting around with their new Christmas gifts. Quatre and Lady Une had returned from their visits with their significant others' families. Along with Hilde and Solo, they looked up when the football players entered the room together.
Clearing his throat, the running back grinned, "Everyone, we have an announcement to make." The youngsters looked up to their guardian, a certain trio of teenagers and agent looking particularly anxious.
With a knowing smile for each other, the athletes looked back to the faces watching them and announced at the same time, "We're getting married."
Eyes wide and jaws slack, the children gasped in shock just before jumping to their feet screaming. Charging forward, they threw their arms around Heero as Duo stepped back laughing at the sight. It wasn't long before even he was pulled into tight hugs of his own from Quatre and his friends.
Little Abdul loosened his hold around Heero's neck to ask him, "So you're really gonna be a second Daddy for us now?"
"That's right," the team captain grinned as he held the Arabian boy in his arms. "We plan on marrying before the adoption so that we can both be named your legal guardians at the same time."
Gripping one of his legs, Jamie looked up and stated, "Then that means we can't call you Heewo anymore. You need a new name like Daddy."
Sun tilted his head and reminded his sibling, "But he can't be Daddy 'cuz we already have Daddy." He pointed to the braided running back as though the others had forgotten who he was referring to. Duo just snickered and shook his head in amusement.
A smirk on her face, Flora rubbed her chin and said, "Well, he certainly does make a point there. What other title could we use, then?"
Raising her hand, Hope smiled, "Daddy number two!" Everyone looked to the youngest of the lot with empathy at her attempt. Suddenly, nearly a dozen other suggestions were called out from the kids. 'Father', 'Papa' and other common terms were suggested but nothing really stood out as something that really fit.
"How about Otou-san?" a voice asked over the others. Everyone turned to Duo as he explained, "It's a Japanese word for Dad or Father." None looked more surprised that he knew that than Heero, his cobalt eyes wide on his partner.
The running back blushed a bit and shrugged, "I've been doing a bit of research in the language for a while now."
Just when he thought he couldn't love his fiancé any more than he already did, Heero's heart warmed in learning that he had taken the time to understand something special to him. A wide, loving smile tugged his lips as he mouthed, 'Thank you.' His blush deepening, Duo just grinned and winked in response.
Breaking the silence, Marcus nodded, "I like Otou-san." All around, his siblings voiced their own acceptance of the new title for their second guardian. More embraces and happy tears were shared before the youngsters were sent up to bed for the night.
Once only the adults remained, Lady Une ran to her dear friend and threw her arms around him. "I'm so happy for you, Heero," she whispered in his ear as he held her tightly back.
Wiping her face dry when she pulled away, she told him sincerely, "You're going to make a wonderful father." Almost becoming emotional at that sentiment, the quarterback kissed her cheek in appreciation.
Hilde was holding Duo's left hand to appreciate the sparkling ring up close once again. Bouncing on her heels, she exclaimed, "This is so exciting! I can't believe my little brother is getting married!" With a giddy laugh, she jumped into the braided athlete's arms, nearly knocking the wind out of him with a loud 'oof!'
"Just try not to kill him before the big day, sweetheart," Solo chuckled deeply. As his wife removed herself from Duo, he moved in to pull him in for a one-armed hug. "Congratulations, bro," he offered kindly. Moved beyond words at that moment, the running back just pulled him into a tight embrace.
Already having had a chance to congratulate his best friend and agent, Quatre moved to shake Heero's hand firmly. "I would like to be the first to officially welcome you to the family," he winked.
There was a swell of pride in the team captain's chest in being reminded that he was going to be a part of a family again. As much as football meant to him, it would never come close to being a father figure and a good life partner. Nothing would ever compare, and he would never devote himself to anything more, than his new roles.
It was not long before a bottle of wine was found and opened for a celebratory drink amongst the group. Laughing and discussing the upcoming wedding, it was shared by the football players that it would be a small and private affair. Since they could not marry in a church, they would be joined by a Justice of the Peace to be named official life partners.
Leaning close to her husband as they sat curled together on one of the couches with a glass of wine in their hands, Hilde inquired, "So have you two discussed an actual date for the ceremony, then?"
Seated across from them, Duo rested his head on his lover's shoulder and replied, "Well, we don't have an official date yet. But, it would have to happen in the next couple months before my birthday in February when we'll both be the legal age to adopt."
"We'll have plenty of time after the championship game," Heero stated. "Better to not have any ties to the season and take away the thunder from the teams lucky enough to get to the Super Bowl if word of the wedding gets out."
Raising his half-filled glass, Quatre smirked, "That's a true gentlemanly act on both your parts. But it would be something if you were able to be one of the teams in the-" Before he could finish his sentence, everyone cried out for him to stop as they waved their arms and shook their heads frantically.
Quickly remembering 'the curse' of the jinx, the agent winced. "Hehe," he snickered with a chagrined smile. "Sorry. Almost forgot about that."
Slowly raising his own glass, Duo smirked, "One game at a time. We won't even know who we'll be up against for the first official playoff game for another couple of days yet."
* * * * * *
On the afternoon of the Wildcard game between Cincinnati and Denver, Heero and Duo met with their usual group at Murray's to catch up following their Christmas break. Gushing, Relena was hugging both athletes' necks tightly. "I'm so happy for the two of you!" she whispered excitedly in caution of any of the other patrons overhearing the conversation.
When they were finally released and able to breathe normally, the pair offered their thanks to the cheerleader. Trowa and Wufei offered firm handshakes and words of their own well wishes upon learning of the engagement.
As their beverages and snacks arrived to their round table, the running back rubbed his hands together and smirked, "Should be an interesting game. Considering the two teams, it'll be a close one for sure."
Nodding, Trowa added, "It's also nice that we have the chance to watch the competition that we'll be up against next week. You can never go by how well a team does during the regular season. Every team that's still in the running has a shot at making it to the end, so they'll be playing hard for their spot."
"That's also how a lot of injuries happen," Wufei remarked. "Being too ambitious and reckless can take out some key players to a team. Just look at Cincinnati. They were on our heels for the whole of the regular season then injuries at the end knocked them back to a Wildcard spot instead of being a shoe-in for the playoffs. It'll take a lot for them to come back from missing some of their better athletes."
An eyebrow raising, Relena snickered, "Knowing how well Coach Browning handles losses, I'll just bet he's thrilled with that. It's the first time in a few years since his team hasn't gone straight to the playoffs before."
Quatre suddenly piped up to ask, "Would it be horrible to hope for some injuries during this game to better your chances next week?" He was answered with wide eyes and slack jaws when everyone looked to him.
Shaking his head, Duo took up his glass of soda and muttered, "It's always the nice, quiet ones that you have to be careful of." The sentiment was loud enough for the others to hear and brought them to a round of laughter.
There was a wound of applause when the large television screens spread throughout the crowded bar displayed the National Football League's logo as a sign that the game was about to begin. A hush soon fell upon the crowd gathered with all attention drawn to the displays.
An image of Tim and Adam in their commentator booth appeared after the introduction music. Smiles wide on their faces, they looked every bit as anxious for the face-off to start as the fans watching. "Welcome to the first Wildcard game of this year, ladies and gentlemen," the first announcer greeted in his friendly voice. "And we have quite the match up for you today with the Cincinnati Hawks taking on the Denver Avalanche."
On that cue, Adam nodded, "That's right, Tim. And no doubt there are thousands of Pittsburgh fans watching this particular game closely to see who will be going up against their Wolverines next week."
Every mug in the bar was raised with a loud cheer from the Murray's patrons at that. Laughing, they nudged their friends and fell into quiet discussions amongst themselves. As soon as the gears shifted to the kick off to start the game, there was a stillness settled once more.
* * * * * *
Throughout the game, the Wolverines sat in awe in witnessing how both teams were performing. Having played against both challengers before, they thought that they knew everything that they had to offer. Instead, the Hawks and Avalanche threw some new plays and strategies that they had been saving up.
Every violent hit and tackle made the Pittsburgh athletes wince. There was not a player from either team that was safe from some sort of brutality. Much to everyone's surprise, however, the Hawks were able to keep up and excelled in several advances despite the losses in the team that they suffered.
Just as any postseason game, the two teams played knowing that it could very well be their last game. And up until the last quarter, it remained a very close race.
With a sudden push at the last few minutes, Cincinnati managed to turn the tables in their favor by forcing an interception and a fumble by Denver that gave them a lead by two touchdowns. If there had been more time in the game, the Avalanche may have been able to respond and catch up. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be for the grey-and-black clad warriors.
The final score was 34-20 when the Denver quarterback took the last knee with ten seconds left in the game. Deflated, the Avalanche headed to the middle of the field to congratulate the celebrating victors.
"So it is official," Adam's voice called over the footage. "Next week's first playoff game will be between the Cincinnati Hawks and the Pittsburgh Wolverines. The Denver Avalanche season is over with high hopes for next year."
It was an odd mix of emotions amongst the table of friends watching. While there was the anticipation of going up against a team that they had beaten twice during the season already, there was also the concern of knowing that this was not the same Cincinnati team by any means. These Hawks were faster, meaner and hungrier for a win than before.
Along with that, everyone's hearts went to the Denver Avalanche players. Knowing full well what it felt like to be denied their chance at a championship, they could relate to the frustration and defeat that those athletes were feeling at that moment. It would be a long flight back to their home state of Colorado, and a longer wait until the next season to show what they could do.
Looking over to the Chinese receiver, Duo shrugged, "Well, you got what you wanted. Now we'll get a chance to see how red we can make Coach Browning's face."
Wufei's eyes remained glued to the screen overhead as he laughed nervously, "Oh yea. That's great." Heero, Trowa, Quatre and Relena also kept their frightened attention on the television even though the programming had already switched over.
The running back took a deep breath and released it slowly as he raised his glass for another sip. No doubt the rest of the team was on the verge of panic after watching that game. Smiling, he slapped Heero's back and told his teammates, "Welcome to the playoffs, gang. It's going to be a bitch of a ride!"
Slowly, their gazes still on the screen, his friends nodded their heads.
* * * * * *
In the locker room the following day, there was a somber quiet amongst the Wolverines as they suited up into their gear and sweat clothes for practice. Only a few very lowly spoken conversations were spoken regarding the Wildcard game.
Just as Duo suspected would happen, most if not all of his teammates looked skittish and unsure of themselves for the first time since he had joined the team. It did little to help his own growing nerves over the upcoming game. The last thing that they needed at this moment was to question if they were up to the challenge they needed. One seed of doubt could undo all of their hard work up to that moment.
Before long, Zechs, Howard and Trent entered the room with an air of confidence that their players lacked. It was enough of a show that all eyes turned to them immediately, much the way that a plant is drawn towards sunlight. His voice loud and clear, the head coach called, "Gather round, everyone."
Rising to their feet, the Wolverines drew as lose as they could around their leaders. With a sad smile, Zechs stated, "I want to begin by apologizing to all of you." Several faces turned to each other in confusion over the odd start to the speech.
"Over the next few practices that we have, you are not going to like us very much," the head coach continued. "We watched Denver, one of the best teams in the league, get sent home without any acknowledgment of the successes that they did accomplish this year. That is all forgotten when your season is over."
Making a point to take in every player, he proclaimed, "I do not want that to happen to this team. You have all come so far and worked too hard to just have it all taken away from you. No one believed that you would get this far. And even more are expecting you to be knocked out of the running this coming game."
With a smirk curling his lip, Zechs shook his head, "But I'm not one of them. I know that you can take out Cincinnati and any other team that you have to. You've beaten the odds time and time again this season so why should it be any different for the playoffs?"
Slowly but surely, those words were making an impact on the team as backs straightened and heads rose proudly. "Yes, the Hawks performed better than they have all year in the Wildcard game," the head coach admitted. "But they had to. They've been fighting an uphill battle all year and now it's do or die for them. Of course they'll throw everything they have at you, but you're more than capable of besting whatever tricks they have."
His arms spreading, Zechs challenged, "Name one team out there that wants this more than you. Name one team that deserves this more than you. Even one." Only silence answered as the faces watching him grinned and smirked.
Chuckling deeply, the tall blonde nodded, "Exactly. There is no other team to name. And that's why I believe in every one of you." Slowly, his voice rose in a steady build, "This is our year. And I know that you're not about to let someone else take that away. Because I don't know about you, but I'm not about to sit by and let our team be sent home, forgotten the way we have been every year before!"
Determination and grit filling the eyes on him, Zechs informed, "Now to keep that from happening, we're going to be treating all of you with tough love during practice. You're going to be worked and conditioned like never before to keep you up to speed with your competition. As I said, there are going to be moments that you're not going to like myself, Howard or Trent very much. But it's only to help you get the recognition that you deserve."
With a deep breath, the head coached asked, "With all of that said, is everyone on board with what needs to be done?"
Violet eyes sparkling with mischief, Duo smirked. "Hell yea," he growled deeply.
Instantly, voices rose yup in cries and yells as fists were thrust in the air. Hands clapped and feet stomped loudly to add to the electricity in the room. The coaching staff shared pleased smiles and nods to the response.
Practically swelling in pride, Zechs folded his arms and grinned, "Good. Hit the field." Grabbing their helmets, the players shouted and ran down the long corridor.
When they were alone, Howard and Trent patted their boss on the back. "Hell of a speech there," the old man complimented. "Think that it'll do the trick?"
Sighing, Zechs replied, "We'll know for sure if they're still standing by the end of the week."
TBC...
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