Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Forty Five ( Chapter 45 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
All-Star Dreams: Chapter Forty Five
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© 2007 Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
Branslav stood in the tunnel, waiting for Betty to show up. After talking to Robert, he went home to rest but it was unsuccessful. He had been so nervous about everything, he couldn't sleep at all. He hoped he could hold out for the game though he felt like he could drop at any second from sheer exhaustion.
" What are you doing? " Daniel's voice startled Branslav.
" Waiting for her, " Branslav didn't bother to turn to look at Daniel. " I know if I see her I can make it through tonight. "
" You have to make it even if she doesn't show up man, " Daniel gently reminded Branslav.
" She WILL, " Branslav nearly shouted. " She said she would. "
Daniel sighed, " Fine. She does seem like someone who would keep her word. "
" Yes she does, " Branslav continued to watch the crowd. He caught his breath when he caught a glimpse of Betty as she crutched her way to the tunnel. He didn't know how he had missed her coming in but there she was, coming towards him and looking a little nervous. He started towards her, closing the distance between them and never taking his eyes from her.
She wore a dark green sweater, black jeans and one black boot, a black sock covering her ankle brace. Her hair was free and looked only minimally styled, the natural beauty of it left to show. She had a natural wave to it that always took Branslav's breath away. She also was wearing just enough make-up to make her look radiant.
Betty blinked in surprise then gave a terse smile, " Hey. "
" Hey yourself, " Branslav ran a hand through his hair. Once he was right on her, he could tell she looked a bit tired. " You made it. "
" I did, " Betty nodded. " It took a little effort. "
" I bet, " Branslav motined to her crutch. " I see you're down to one. "
Betty nodded again, " I still can't put my full weight on my ankle but I hope to be able to soon. "
" Me too, " Branslav replied. " I don't like to see you hurt. "
Betty looked at the floor and muttered, " That's sweet. "
" I've been so worried, " Branslav started then stopped. He sighed, " I don't want to get into it here. We should talk after the game. "
" Yeah, " Betty nodded. " I have something I need to tell you then. "
" Really? " Branslav arched an eyebrow.
" Korbel! " Coach Sweet was walking over from the bench. " You get back to the locker room! "
Branslav growled, " Damn it. "
" You better do what he says, " Betty sighed as she took a step back. " I don't want to get you in trouble. "
" But can't I walk you to your seat at least? " Branslav tried not to sound like he was pleading.
" I said I don't want to get you in trouble, " Betty shifted nervously on her crutch as Coach Sweet came up the her right side.
" Are you deaf Korbel? " His face was starting to turn red with anger. " I said... "
" I heard you! " Branslav shouted. " I'll go as soon as I make sure Betty gets to her seat. "
" She won't be taking her seat, " Martin startled Branslav. Apparently, he had slipped up unnoticed by everyone. " She's going home. "
Branslav turned to face him. He glared at Martin, " She's staying. "
" She's not, " Martin glared back at Branslav. " I don't want her here. I told you I didn't want her here and here she is. You never listen to me and I'm not going to take this insubordination, Korbel. "
" It is NOT insubordination, " Branslav growled. " You can't tell me who to date. "
" Yes I can if I think it's going to affact your game, " Martin motioned to a security guard that was close by. When the man arrived, Martin pointed towards Betty, " I would like her escorted out of the arena. "
Betty blinked, " Why? What have I done? "
" You've distracted my best player and possibly cost him his career, " Martin replied sharply. He waved his hand, " Take her. "
The security guard took Betty by the arm, " Let's go ma'am. "
Betty was speechless. She couldn't understand why Martin had said the things he did. She thought Branslav had played better since he had been after her. It was one thing that made telling him the truth that much harder.
" Unhand my guest, " A strong authoritative voice made everyone stop and take notice.
" Your guest William? " Martin scoffed when he saw Mr. Shaver. " How is she your guest? "
" She's my guest because I want her to be my guest, " Mr. Shaver replied calmly though his face was stern. He offered his arm to Betty, " Come now, Miss Rogers-Skogan. "
" You forget that this is my arena, William. I can choose who I have in this building and who I don't, " Martin said then looked at the securtiy guard. " I said take her out of here. "
" Let her stay! " Branslav said louder than he had intended. " I want her here, he wants her here and I think that outnumbers you. "
" And I want her here too, " Daniel's voice trembled as he tried to sound forceful. He had followed Branslav out of the tunnel to make sure he didn't get himself into trouble but had remained unnoticed until he spoke up. He had to take step back when Martin and Coach Sweet both glared at him, turning slightly pale when they did.
Mr. Shaver smiled coldly at Martin, " Three outnumbers one indeed. "
Martin growled, " Fine then. But keep her away from my players and the locker room. "
" Certainly, " Mr. Shaver said then offered his arm to Betty again. " Miss Rogers-Skogan? "
" Right, " Betty nodded as she took Mr. Shaver's arm. She glanced at Branslav, " I'm sorry. "
" Don't be angel. It's not your fault, " Branslav gave Martin a dirty look. He softened his expression when he looked at Betty again, " Maybe we can grab a bite after the game and we can talk then? "
Betty sighed, not sure if she could tell Branslav if they were alone. " Maybe. "
Branslav grabbed Betty's left hand and kissed it. He let it go then took a step back, " I'll see you then. "
" I think I'm going to be sick, " Martin scoffed. " Now, get her out of here William. "
" With pleasure, " Mr. Shaver gave Martin a dirty look.
**
Robert watched nervously from the Turquoise bench. He had struggled to not get involved at the obvious strife taking place in the Supernova's tunnel. Betty had convinced him to keep his distance as she went to talk to Branslav. She had assured him that she was able to talk to him on her own but he was scared she wouldn't be.
He had almost got up when Coach Sweet stormed over and really had to hold his emotions when Martin appeared from nowhere.. He was about to get up when a security guard approached but Mr. Shaver stopped him, saying he would handle it. Robert had the faith he would but was still anxious.
Robert stood to his feet when Mr. Shaver started walking back, Betty on his arm. It seemed like forever before they got to him, Betty looking unsettled. Mr Shaver glanced at her then at Robert, " That didn't go well at all. "
" I can tell, " Robert said as he took Betty's hands in his as Mr. Shaver eased her arm from his. " Did you tell him you needed to talk to him, baby? "
Betty let out a heavy sigh, " Yeah. But then Coach Sweet showed up then Martin told me to stay away from Branslav. "
Robert rolled his eyes, " He can't tell you that. He's such a control freak. "
" Yes he is, " Mr. Shaver agreed. He looked up at the game clock, " I think I'll take Miss Rogers-Skogan to our seats. You have a game to play here shortly. "
Robert looked at the game clock as well, seeing there was barely fifteen minutes until the game was to start. He knew he'd have to go back to the locker room and wait for team introductions and nodded, " Okay. I'll see you two later. "
**
Branslav paced in the locker room, unable to sit down. He knew if he didn't keep moving, his exhaustion would take him down. He was determined to make it though the whole game because he knew he had to. Everything was on the line and he couldn't let any of it slip away.
Daniel was leaning against the wall, watching him pace. " So what do you think she wants to talk to you about? "
Branslav shook his head, " I don't know. I want to think she's going to tell me how she feels about me. But then I have to worry about the game and that other thing. I'm going crazy. "
" I see that, " Daniel nodded. He was nervous too but he was trying not to show it. He didn't want to make Branslav any more anxious than he already was. He gave Branslav a serious look, " Do you think you'll make it though tonight? "
" I have to, " Branslav said sharply. He looked at the clock in the locker room, finding it was ten minutes to game time. He then looked at Daniel, " Go get me an energy drink. I need it bad. "
Daniel nodded, " Sure. I'll be right back. "
" I'll give you the money, " Branslav walked to his gym bag.
" I'll pay for it, " Daniel waved his hand. " You can just give me the money later. "
Branslav nodded once, " Okay. Just hurry. "
" I will, " Daniel replied after getting the money from his locker.
Daniel left and Branslav returned to pacing. The rest of the team was milling around the locker room, preparing for the game in their own ways but staying clear of Branslav. He paced for a few more minutes before realizing the soda machine was just in the hall and Daniel should have been back in less than a minute. He walked to the locker room door and stuck his head out, finding Daniel was nowhere to be seen.
He walked out into the hallway, approaching the soda machine. When he got there, he found the money Daniel had gotten to pay with. He leaned down to pick it up, freezing when he felt something hard get shoved in the middle of his back. " Who's there? " He asked as his blood ran cold.
" I'm sorry dear brother but you won't be playing tonight, " Lotte said. She jammed the hard object against his spine, " Walk. "
**
Betty shifted nervously in her seat. Each moent that passed was one moment closer to when she would have to tell Branslav she didn't want him after all. Since she had never had to reject someone, she was anxious to see how it would turn out. She took a sharp breath when Mr. Shaver put a hand on her shoulder, jumping slightly.
" I couldn't help but notice, " He said quietly. " You're very nervous. Do you care to share? "
Betty looked at him then the floor, " I don't know where to start. "
" Can I make an observation then? " Mr. Shaver took his hand from Betty's shoulder.
Betty nodded once, " Sure. "
" There's something going on between Hughes and yourself, " Mr. Shaver paused when Betty looked at him and blinked. " That's what I thought. Anyway, Korbel wants to be with you but I'm guessing you don't want to be with him. "
Betty hesitated then nodded, " Yeah. I thought we were going to hit it off just fine but he's nothing like I thought he'd be. "
" Then don't bother with him, " Mr. Shaver said firmly. " Robert's going though a very tough time right now but he's managed to deal with it. I think it's because of you. "
" You really think so? " Betty had thought so but to hear someone else say it validated it to her.
" Yes I do, " Mr. Shaver nodded. He then looked serious, " When were you going to tell Korbel how you feel? "
" I was going to wait until after the game. I didn't want him to be upset being that this is such a big night for him and I didn't want to ruin it, " Betty explained. " I'm starting to think I should have just told him earlier because the more I think about it, the more nervous I get. "
" Well I'm sure Robert will go with you if you're scared, " Mr. Shaver's expression softened. He then looked at his watch, " It's almost game time. We can talk more once it's underway. "
Betty nodded, " Okay. "
**
Robert stood in the tunnel, watching Betty. He knew she was still troubled by the look on her face. He wanted to go to her and hold her, tell her she could do it but he couldn't. He jumped slightly when someone tapped him on the shoulder and he glanced to see who it was.
" Are you okay Hughes? " It was Coach Hooker.
Robert nodded, " I'll be fine. "
" Good, " Coach Hooker patted his shoulder just as the PA system in the tunnel crackled to life. He furrowed his brow, " What in the world? "
" Ladies and gentlemen, " The announcer started. He paused as the crowd became quiet. " Due to unexpected circumstances, Daniel Hill and Branslav Korbel will not be playing tonight. Starting in their positions will be Tremain Jones and Richard Hollingsworth The Third. "
" What the Hell? " Robert looked at Coach Hooker.
" I don't know, " Coach Hooker shook his head. " There's no time to worry about it now. Just get out there and play. I'll find out what's going on and let you know the first time you sit down. "
Robert looked at Betty one last time before lining up with the rest of the team. He a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach but he didn't know what to do about it. He tried to ignore it as the lights went down and the Supernovas' intorductions began.
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© 2007 Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
Branslav stood in the tunnel, waiting for Betty to show up. After talking to Robert, he went home to rest but it was unsuccessful. He had been so nervous about everything, he couldn't sleep at all. He hoped he could hold out for the game though he felt like he could drop at any second from sheer exhaustion.
" What are you doing? " Daniel's voice startled Branslav.
" Waiting for her, " Branslav didn't bother to turn to look at Daniel. " I know if I see her I can make it through tonight. "
" You have to make it even if she doesn't show up man, " Daniel gently reminded Branslav.
" She WILL, " Branslav nearly shouted. " She said she would. "
Daniel sighed, " Fine. She does seem like someone who would keep her word. "
" Yes she does, " Branslav continued to watch the crowd. He caught his breath when he caught a glimpse of Betty as she crutched her way to the tunnel. He didn't know how he had missed her coming in but there she was, coming towards him and looking a little nervous. He started towards her, closing the distance between them and never taking his eyes from her.
She wore a dark green sweater, black jeans and one black boot, a black sock covering her ankle brace. Her hair was free and looked only minimally styled, the natural beauty of it left to show. She had a natural wave to it that always took Branslav's breath away. She also was wearing just enough make-up to make her look radiant.
Betty blinked in surprise then gave a terse smile, " Hey. "
" Hey yourself, " Branslav ran a hand through his hair. Once he was right on her, he could tell she looked a bit tired. " You made it. "
" I did, " Betty nodded. " It took a little effort. "
" I bet, " Branslav motined to her crutch. " I see you're down to one. "
Betty nodded again, " I still can't put my full weight on my ankle but I hope to be able to soon. "
" Me too, " Branslav replied. " I don't like to see you hurt. "
Betty looked at the floor and muttered, " That's sweet. "
" I've been so worried, " Branslav started then stopped. He sighed, " I don't want to get into it here. We should talk after the game. "
" Yeah, " Betty nodded. " I have something I need to tell you then. "
" Really? " Branslav arched an eyebrow.
" Korbel! " Coach Sweet was walking over from the bench. " You get back to the locker room! "
Branslav growled, " Damn it. "
" You better do what he says, " Betty sighed as she took a step back. " I don't want to get you in trouble. "
" But can't I walk you to your seat at least? " Branslav tried not to sound like he was pleading.
" I said I don't want to get you in trouble, " Betty shifted nervously on her crutch as Coach Sweet came up the her right side.
" Are you deaf Korbel? " His face was starting to turn red with anger. " I said... "
" I heard you! " Branslav shouted. " I'll go as soon as I make sure Betty gets to her seat. "
" She won't be taking her seat, " Martin startled Branslav. Apparently, he had slipped up unnoticed by everyone. " She's going home. "
Branslav turned to face him. He glared at Martin, " She's staying. "
" She's not, " Martin glared back at Branslav. " I don't want her here. I told you I didn't want her here and here she is. You never listen to me and I'm not going to take this insubordination, Korbel. "
" It is NOT insubordination, " Branslav growled. " You can't tell me who to date. "
" Yes I can if I think it's going to affact your game, " Martin motioned to a security guard that was close by. When the man arrived, Martin pointed towards Betty, " I would like her escorted out of the arena. "
Betty blinked, " Why? What have I done? "
" You've distracted my best player and possibly cost him his career, " Martin replied sharply. He waved his hand, " Take her. "
The security guard took Betty by the arm, " Let's go ma'am. "
Betty was speechless. She couldn't understand why Martin had said the things he did. She thought Branslav had played better since he had been after her. It was one thing that made telling him the truth that much harder.
" Unhand my guest, " A strong authoritative voice made everyone stop and take notice.
" Your guest William? " Martin scoffed when he saw Mr. Shaver. " How is she your guest? "
" She's my guest because I want her to be my guest, " Mr. Shaver replied calmly though his face was stern. He offered his arm to Betty, " Come now, Miss Rogers-Skogan. "
" You forget that this is my arena, William. I can choose who I have in this building and who I don't, " Martin said then looked at the securtiy guard. " I said take her out of here. "
" Let her stay! " Branslav said louder than he had intended. " I want her here, he wants her here and I think that outnumbers you. "
" And I want her here too, " Daniel's voice trembled as he tried to sound forceful. He had followed Branslav out of the tunnel to make sure he didn't get himself into trouble but had remained unnoticed until he spoke up. He had to take step back when Martin and Coach Sweet both glared at him, turning slightly pale when they did.
Mr. Shaver smiled coldly at Martin, " Three outnumbers one indeed. "
Martin growled, " Fine then. But keep her away from my players and the locker room. "
" Certainly, " Mr. Shaver said then offered his arm to Betty again. " Miss Rogers-Skogan? "
" Right, " Betty nodded as she took Mr. Shaver's arm. She glanced at Branslav, " I'm sorry. "
" Don't be angel. It's not your fault, " Branslav gave Martin a dirty look. He softened his expression when he looked at Betty again, " Maybe we can grab a bite after the game and we can talk then? "
Betty sighed, not sure if she could tell Branslav if they were alone. " Maybe. "
Branslav grabbed Betty's left hand and kissed it. He let it go then took a step back, " I'll see you then. "
" I think I'm going to be sick, " Martin scoffed. " Now, get her out of here William. "
" With pleasure, " Mr. Shaver gave Martin a dirty look.
**
Robert watched nervously from the Turquoise bench. He had struggled to not get involved at the obvious strife taking place in the Supernova's tunnel. Betty had convinced him to keep his distance as she went to talk to Branslav. She had assured him that she was able to talk to him on her own but he was scared she wouldn't be.
He had almost got up when Coach Sweet stormed over and really had to hold his emotions when Martin appeared from nowhere.. He was about to get up when a security guard approached but Mr. Shaver stopped him, saying he would handle it. Robert had the faith he would but was still anxious.
Robert stood to his feet when Mr. Shaver started walking back, Betty on his arm. It seemed like forever before they got to him, Betty looking unsettled. Mr Shaver glanced at her then at Robert, " That didn't go well at all. "
" I can tell, " Robert said as he took Betty's hands in his as Mr. Shaver eased her arm from his. " Did you tell him you needed to talk to him, baby? "
Betty let out a heavy sigh, " Yeah. But then Coach Sweet showed up then Martin told me to stay away from Branslav. "
Robert rolled his eyes, " He can't tell you that. He's such a control freak. "
" Yes he is, " Mr. Shaver agreed. He looked up at the game clock, " I think I'll take Miss Rogers-Skogan to our seats. You have a game to play here shortly. "
Robert looked at the game clock as well, seeing there was barely fifteen minutes until the game was to start. He knew he'd have to go back to the locker room and wait for team introductions and nodded, " Okay. I'll see you two later. "
**
Branslav paced in the locker room, unable to sit down. He knew if he didn't keep moving, his exhaustion would take him down. He was determined to make it though the whole game because he knew he had to. Everything was on the line and he couldn't let any of it slip away.
Daniel was leaning against the wall, watching him pace. " So what do you think she wants to talk to you about? "
Branslav shook his head, " I don't know. I want to think she's going to tell me how she feels about me. But then I have to worry about the game and that other thing. I'm going crazy. "
" I see that, " Daniel nodded. He was nervous too but he was trying not to show it. He didn't want to make Branslav any more anxious than he already was. He gave Branslav a serious look, " Do you think you'll make it though tonight? "
" I have to, " Branslav said sharply. He looked at the clock in the locker room, finding it was ten minutes to game time. He then looked at Daniel, " Go get me an energy drink. I need it bad. "
Daniel nodded, " Sure. I'll be right back. "
" I'll give you the money, " Branslav walked to his gym bag.
" I'll pay for it, " Daniel waved his hand. " You can just give me the money later. "
Branslav nodded once, " Okay. Just hurry. "
" I will, " Daniel replied after getting the money from his locker.
Daniel left and Branslav returned to pacing. The rest of the team was milling around the locker room, preparing for the game in their own ways but staying clear of Branslav. He paced for a few more minutes before realizing the soda machine was just in the hall and Daniel should have been back in less than a minute. He walked to the locker room door and stuck his head out, finding Daniel was nowhere to be seen.
He walked out into the hallway, approaching the soda machine. When he got there, he found the money Daniel had gotten to pay with. He leaned down to pick it up, freezing when he felt something hard get shoved in the middle of his back. " Who's there? " He asked as his blood ran cold.
" I'm sorry dear brother but you won't be playing tonight, " Lotte said. She jammed the hard object against his spine, " Walk. "
**
Betty shifted nervously in her seat. Each moent that passed was one moment closer to when she would have to tell Branslav she didn't want him after all. Since she had never had to reject someone, she was anxious to see how it would turn out. She took a sharp breath when Mr. Shaver put a hand on her shoulder, jumping slightly.
" I couldn't help but notice, " He said quietly. " You're very nervous. Do you care to share? "
Betty looked at him then the floor, " I don't know where to start. "
" Can I make an observation then? " Mr. Shaver took his hand from Betty's shoulder.
Betty nodded once, " Sure. "
" There's something going on between Hughes and yourself, " Mr. Shaver paused when Betty looked at him and blinked. " That's what I thought. Anyway, Korbel wants to be with you but I'm guessing you don't want to be with him. "
Betty hesitated then nodded, " Yeah. I thought we were going to hit it off just fine but he's nothing like I thought he'd be. "
" Then don't bother with him, " Mr. Shaver said firmly. " Robert's going though a very tough time right now but he's managed to deal with it. I think it's because of you. "
" You really think so? " Betty had thought so but to hear someone else say it validated it to her.
" Yes I do, " Mr. Shaver nodded. He then looked serious, " When were you going to tell Korbel how you feel? "
" I was going to wait until after the game. I didn't want him to be upset being that this is such a big night for him and I didn't want to ruin it, " Betty explained. " I'm starting to think I should have just told him earlier because the more I think about it, the more nervous I get. "
" Well I'm sure Robert will go with you if you're scared, " Mr. Shaver's expression softened. He then looked at his watch, " It's almost game time. We can talk more once it's underway. "
Betty nodded, " Okay. "
**
Robert stood in the tunnel, watching Betty. He knew she was still troubled by the look on her face. He wanted to go to her and hold her, tell her she could do it but he couldn't. He jumped slightly when someone tapped him on the shoulder and he glanced to see who it was.
" Are you okay Hughes? " It was Coach Hooker.
Robert nodded, " I'll be fine. "
" Good, " Coach Hooker patted his shoulder just as the PA system in the tunnel crackled to life. He furrowed his brow, " What in the world? "
" Ladies and gentlemen, " The announcer started. He paused as the crowd became quiet. " Due to unexpected circumstances, Daniel Hill and Branslav Korbel will not be playing tonight. Starting in their positions will be Tremain Jones and Richard Hollingsworth The Third. "
" What the Hell? " Robert looked at Coach Hooker.
" I don't know, " Coach Hooker shook his head. " There's no time to worry about it now. Just get out there and play. I'll find out what's going on and let you know the first time you sit down. "
Robert looked at Betty one last time before lining up with the rest of the team. He a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach but he didn't know what to do about it. He tried to ignore it as the lights went down and the Supernovas' intorductions began.