Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 92
Golden beams of sunlight spilled into the hotel room from underneath the drawn curtains. Sighing deeply, Heero's eyes blinked open as he slowly woke from his deep sleep. White sheets covered his nude form up just past his waist. Curled up beside him and every bit as naked, Duo stirred from his own slumber as his loose, long locks served as a second cover over them.
When those violet eyes opened to meet the cobalt pair watching him, the running back smiled lovingly and whispered in a husky, tired voice, "Hey."
"Hey," the quarterback replied in kind just as he leaned in for a chaste kiss. With another sigh, he curled himself around his lover, never able to get close enough for his liking. Eyes drifting closed, he asked quietly, "Did I dream up what happened last night?"
Chuckling, Duo questioned, "Are you referring to our winning the Super Bowl or the mind-blowing sex we had when we got back to this hotel room?"
Lightly swatting his partner's bare rear, Heero opened an eye and snickered, "All of it, of course." The body wrapped around him shook with a low round of laughter. Shifting so that he could lift his head, the team captain took in the MVP trophy with his name engraved in its base and their clothes strewn about the bedroom floor.
No question about it. He hadn't simply dreamed the prior night's events.
Pushing himself up so that he could grin down on his teammate, the running back admonished softly, "It is almost too good to be true, isn't it? I mean our being together with the kids, our new home almost being finished and now we're Super Bowl champs on top of all of it. Some fairytales don't end this well."
A smirk tugged the quarterback's lips as he reached up to gently pull the other athlete on top of him. "Well, we've had to get through a lot of rough spots to get here," he commented. Closing the distance between their lips for a heated kiss, he moaned softly when their tongues met for a slow dance.
Reluctantly pulling away even due to the need of air, Duo panted softly and snickered, "Well, we have come a long way from beating the crap out of each other at that meet and greet party I threw." Heero laughed at that, his head falling back deeper into the pillow.
Slowly running a hand through his lover's long hair and the other over the scars on his back, the quarterback smiled warmly and whispered, "I love you."
"Love you, too," the running back breathed in return. Their lips met once more for a soft brush together. Grinning widely, Duo slowly pulled himself away to leave the bed. "We better get to the kids' rooms to get them ready for breakfast," he suggested.
Just the mention of food had Heero's stomach rumbling. "Good idea," he responded. Carefully removing himself from the sheets and off the mattress, he gingerly headed for the dresser where a crutch was waiting for him when he was finished.
They had just finished dressing by putting their sneakers on when there was a knock at the door. Meeting each other's gazes with a confused look, they headed for the living room together.
As the door swished open, a very casual looking Karen was revealed on the other side. Smiling, the publicist greeted, "Good morning, boys. I was just called by Dorothy to see if you were awake so that you could come with me. It is actually rather urgent."
Duo straightened and frowned, "What's going on?" Beside him, Heero was already adjusting his crutch beneath his right arm in preparation of heading out.
Smiling, Karen reassured, "I cannot give the details right now, but I promise you that it's nothing to be worried about. There is a press conference being held in the stadium's forum room." She raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Dorothy and I are pretty certain that you would both want to be in attendance for this."
With another shared look, the couple nodded to each other. "All right," the running back agreed aloud while looking back to the publicist. "I'll call Quatre, Hilde and Solo to have them keep an eye on the kids until we get back."
Once all of the loose strings were tied, the trio walked off together. All the while in their commute, the football players silently wondered what was so big of a story that there would be a press conference first thing in the morning.
* * * * * *
Quietly slipping into the packed conference room, Heero, Duo found Zechs and Noin near the back. Also to their surprise, Dorothy was seated at the far end of the head table at the front of the room. Alex was seated to her right and Karen moved in to seat herself at her boss's left.
At the middle of the table sat Jason Quinn and Evan Meyers- the president and vice-president of the NFL, who both looked to be beside themselves.
"Any idea what this is all about?" Heero asked his head coach and his wife quietly as he and Duo sat beside them.
Shaking their heads, the married couple frowned in their own confusion over the situation. "We were just contacted by Dorothy to get here as soon as we could," Zechs answered. All attention fell on the head table when the president of the NFL cleared his throat as a sign to call order over the low murmuring amongst the journalists.
Camera flashes highlighted the middle-aged man's graying dark hair as he nodded firmly, "Thank you for coming this early. Considering the severity of what we have come to learn in how it relates to this organization, this simply could not wait any longer to be addressed to the public."
Alex swallowed roughly and lowered his head. Calm and collected as she kept her gaze on Jason, Dorothy rested a hand on the athlete's back to rub it soothingly.
Taking a deep breath, Quinn stated, "Thanks to the courage and clearing conscience of Alex Denton, we have been advised that Colonel Noventa and Treize Khushrenada of the San Francisco Cougars have been supplying their athletes with a new steroid called Tinopin." Loud gasps and small cries filled the air in shock over the news as those in witness straightened with wide eyes and dropped jaws.
"Son of a bitch," Duo whispered, his face pale. "I knew that they wanted to win more than anything, but I never would have imagined this. It sure as hell explains a lot." Heero nodded his head numbly, his own gaze locked to the table in the front of the room.
Briefly allowing the initial surprise to set in, the president went on over the continuing muttering, "This Tinopin is so new and so subtle in how it affects blood, semen and even sweat that until now, it was untraceable through any means of testing. However, by coming forward, Mr. Denton has given the knowledge we need to begin a thorough investigation of this new drug.
"As we speak, there are officers confiscating the files and research documents kept by Professor O, the Cougars' personal trainer. In cooperation for a plea settlement, he is fully cooperating with us in finding ways of tracking this steroid in anyone who has, or is currently using it."
Brown eyes narrowing in disgust, Quinn declared, "Under no uncertain terms will the use or distribution of this drug be tolerated by the NFL. Anyone in association with it will be terminated and banned from the NFL, just as Noventa and Khushrenada have been along with their athletes that have used Tinopin to enhance their performance. On just our early findings, there is going to be a drastic revamping of many teams and their staff."
A deep, calming breath calmed the seething president and he smiled, "Now, the good news. Fortunately, the Wolverines have been cleared of any suspicion in being linked to this drug."
Sighs of relief and applause filled the room when the reporters heard that. Bowing his head to the coach and players watching, he informed, "Therefore, their title as the Super Bowl champions of the season will hold." Dorothy grinned and winked to her supporters in the back of the room.
Evan spoke up with a deep frown, "Most disturbing of all is the possible relation of the Tinopin to the death of Jerry Bridges from the Miami Torrent." Again, those gathered gasped and whispered amongst themselves. "While we cannot go over the details of Noventa and Khushrenada's knowledge that the drug could endanger the lives of those using it, we will get to the bottom of that as well with the assistance of those that worked closest to them."
Looking very tired, Jason shrugged, "To say that I am disappointed or upset would be great understatements. The goal to continue to have these games clean and fair will continue to be a struggle as new drugs are developed. However, at least we have honest people like Alex Denton who see the wrong in what they are doing and step forward to do the right thing."
Not feeling at all worth like he deserved any praise, Alex only lowered his head even further.
While his decision to come forward had been a difficult one, and even though he was no longer able to play football professionally any longer, he did have to admit to himself that he felt good for finally shedding his deceit.
He was pretty sure that Mueller would have been proud of him.
Much to his relief and wonder, the voices had even stopped.
Folding his hands on the table, Quinn addressed the journalists. "We will now open the floor to your questions for the next ten minutes before we adjourn this conference to continue on our search." Instantly, hands raised and voices shouted for their chance to be called upon.
* * * * * *
Sylvia stared at the black screen of the television in the hotel room that she and her husband shared. Treize had nothing to say after turning the set off. Her father and mother were also present. Noventa simply stood looking out the bay window with his arms folded behind his back. Mrs. Noventa sat stiff and numb in her chair in a distant corner.
"You knew this was coming and you didn't run," the owner's daughter thought aloud. The reason came to her as she sighed, "Because running would have made you look worse." Both Treize and Noventa turned towards her in shock that she figured that out on her own.
Everyone in the room jumped when there was a loud round of knocking at the door. "This is the police!" a male voice yelled when the knocking stopped. "We have a warrant for the arrest of Colonel Noventa and Treize Khushrenada!"
Rising from the couch, Sylvia glared heatedly to the two men whom she once thought the world of. "I hope that you both get everything that you deserve," she growled lowly and began to storm off for the door.
Treize cut her off with his hands up to stop her as he grinned smugly, "Now come, darling, surely you don't mean-" He was knocked back before he could finish his thoughts when he was delivered a hard blow to the nose. The loud crack at impact, blood gushing and familiar pain were enough signs that the bone had been broken once more. Eyes wide as he covered his face with his hands, the coach looked to his wife in disbelief.
A smile lighting her face from ear-to-ear as she stared at the red droplets on her knuckles, Sylvia thought aloud, "Duo was right. That felt pretty damned good." Reaching for her left ring finger, she removed her wedding band and let it fall to the floor. It landed with a dampened chime on the carpet.
Her eyes narrowed on Treize, she gritted, "It's over. 'Darling'." The endearment was snapped out in such distain and sharpness that the head coach recoiled as if he had been slapped to the face.
Slowly, the grin on her face returning, Sylvia reached the door and allowed the officers inside. "They're all yours, gentlemen. No need to be gentle," she informed the uniformed men as they flooded the room.
While handcuffs were locked into places and rights were read, the owner's daughter never looked back in her walk down the long hallway. She ignored the calls of her name shouted by her husband and father alike.
Never before had the air smelt sweeter than it did when she stepped outside.
Finally... she was free.
* * * * * *
At the end of the press conference, Alex's eyes widened as Heero, Duo, Zechs and Noin approached. Fighting his instinct to run, he raised his head in readiness to accept whatever hazing they were about to give him. He certainly deserved it.
To his shock and wonder, his former teammate and captain smiled and held a hand out to him. Staring at the offered appendage, the bottom of his stomach fell out. "I know that wasn't easy," Heero said quietly. "But thank you for coming forward, Alex."
Mouth dry, the running back swallowed before meeting his friend's eyes and shaking his hand firmly. "I don't really deserve any thanks for just being honest," he frowned. "You all have every reason to hate me for the things I've said and done."
"Water under the bridge," Zechs reassured with a small smile. Patting his former athlete's shoulder, he told him, "Let's not dwell on the past and just move on."
All too happy to do just that, Noin, grinned widely as she wrapped her arms around Denton. "It's so good to have you back," she whispered. Blinking back the tears that had formed in his eyes, Alex bit back a small sob and returned the embrace tightly. A few drops managed to make their way down his face as he squeezed his eyes closed.
Duo cleared his throat then the pair finally broke apart. Nearing his past archrival, he moved in slowly when the other running back stiffened. Carefully holding out his own hand, the American greeted kindly, "We've never actually been introduced in person before. Let's just take this as a fresh starting point. Duo Maxwell. Nice to meet you."
In a day filled with surprises, the blonde chuckled quickly and dried his face before shaking the offered hand firmly. "Alex Denton," he replied. "It's an honor. As much as I've envied you over the years, I also have a lot of respect for what you can do on the field." As their hands fell away, he cleared his throat and added, "And thank you for your wakeup call at..."
Shaking his braided head, Duo cut him off before he had to mention Mueller's funeral. "Like Zechs said," he commented. "It's water under the bridge." Relief and sheer appreciation filled the other player's eyes.
Hands folded together before her waist, Dorothy stepped in to suggest, "Why don't we carry this on over breakfast?" Gesturing with her head to the lingering journalists around the room that were watching them, she said, "The walls have ears around here. And this is a private matter."
No one could argue with the notion. Together, the lot headed out to enjoy some time alone in catching up with the prodigal son that had returned home from his stray.
* * * * * *
Three weeks later...
"You may kiss your life partner," the lovely young justice of the peace smirked to the couple before her.
Heero and Duo stood hand-in-hand, their faces glowing with the smiles on their faces. Chuckling nervously, they leaned in for a chaste kiss as the official declared to the cheering witnesses, "I now pronounce to you Mister Heero and Duo Maxwell-Yuy!"
All of their teammates, friends and family rose from their seats to cheer and applaud the newly joined pair as they headed back down the isle joint by the arm. On their way past, they hugged and kissed their children waiting for them in the front of the lavishly decorated room.
The prior weeks had been a whirlwind of activities and events leading up to the big day. Duo's twenty-first birthday had been an event to remember- Heero had made certain that it would be. Interviews, parades, commercial tapings, autograph signing parties and other events took up most of their free time.
In fact, there was so little time to prepare for the wedding that Lady Une, Hilde, Solo, Quatre and Relena had overseen most of the details for them. Dorothy soon joined in, her wedding gift being that they did not need to worry about spending a dime on the big event or their honeymoon. And everything was perfect right down to the last deep purple bow.
With so much that had gone into the nuptials and the reception after, the whole day and evening's festivities were gone in a blink.
All that remained for the busy newlyweds was a restful honeymoon alone in Hawaii and the day that the children were named to them.
* * * * * *
What a day that that had been in the same courthouse.
Judge Toplin, the same man who had overseen the whole of Duo's case in preparation to adopt, had made the trip to Pittsburgh to have the honor of closing the matter. Smiling warmly to the youngsters standing before him that he had come to know so well, the aging man stated, "You are a very fortunate group of children. Few are as lucky as you to find even one committed and loving parent in this process. You have found two."
Each little face smiled back as every eye shimmered. "And you have each other," the judge went on. "Be good to your new parents and be good to each other. In the end, all that a person can count on is their family when it is a good family."
Raising his head so his gaze settled on the new parents on his right, he nodded firmly, "The court now declares the sole guardianship of Marcus, Tai, Flora, Camille, Sun, Jamie, Abdul and Hope go to Heero and Duo Maxwell-Yuy. Let it be known that from this day forward, they will all bear the same family name." At the rise and fall of his gavel echoing through the courtroom, the kids all cheered and ran to their shimmering-eyed parents.
Quatre wiped at his own eyes as he, Trowa, Wufei, Relena, Lady Une, Trent, Sally, Howard, Dorothy, Karen, Iria, Zechs and Noin all rose from their benches and applauded excitedly. "It's been a long wait," the agent whispered. "But they finally made it." With a small grin, his lover wrapped a long arm around his waist and kissed his blonde head.
Still wrapped in a large family hug, Duo sighed deeply in content. Heero smiled lovingly to him and kissed the tip of his nose. "So who's for ice cream to celebrate?" the quarterback asked.
Gasping and shouting 'Me, me!' the little ones raised their hands high. Laughing, the new parents guided their children through the swinging doors and out of the courtroom with their friends in toe.
It had, indeed, been a long wait and a rough journey for the new family. But it had all been more than worth it to be able to bask in the warmth of the love surrounding them.
TBC...
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