Encroachment

Laurel had been short with Sara since the fight. And quickly training camp for the national team snuck up on Sara. She was packing her bag trying to mentally prepare herself to see Ava for the first time since Laurel’s apartment. Her own sister had kicked her out and sided with her mortal enemy. She was slamming clothes into her bag as her thoughts drifted. Everyone had noticed her anger since the fight with her sister. Laurel was the one person in the world she had, and Laurel wasn't speaking to her at the moment. And Ava Sharpe was the reason, but Sara had to play nice now they were going to be teammates. And the roster isn't set yet. They could only take twenty-three women on the roster with three reserves. And right now, there are thirty going to training camp, so Sara had to be on her best behavior if she wanted to go to the Olympics.

The California sunshine felt good on Sara’s skin, feeling like she had been walking under clouds the past few weeks. It was nice to be in a new place. She lay there on her back on the pitch letting the sun kiss her exposed skin that her soccer kit wasn't covering, which was basically her arms, and legs. But then she felt the light dim as someone stood over her. She cracked open her eyes and the silhouette of a person standing over her. She closed her eyes again.

“Luthor.” Sara mumbled.

“Lance.” Lena replied but didn't move, causing Sara to open her eyes again.

“Can I help you with something?” Sara grunted as Lena kept her eyes on the blonde.

“Ava and Nora will be here in a little while and I just wanted to come and warn you to keep your distance.” Lena said and Sara found herself shifting up on her forearms staring at the dark-haired heir to Luthor Corps and all its billions of dollars.

“Or what?” Sara asked, her patience was running thin.

“Sara, I am not sure what happened between you and Ava, but I am telling you keep your distance. This is the Olympics'.” Lena said raising her eyebrow as Sara narrowed her stare.

“You think I am not aware of that?” Sara asked, rising to her feet. “Look I’ll keep my distance, but you make sure she keeps hers.” Sara grunted the last sentence as she reached out and grabbed her bag.

Lena stood on the pitch and watched Sara storm off angrily and she found herself shaking her head. She turned and looked towards the locker room and saw a bubbly blonde running out on to the field and couldn't help but smile at her best friend as she ran onto the pitch. Kara looked up and they made eye contact and then in true Kara fashion she tripped over her own feet diving head first into the ground. Lena took a quick step forward as Kara jumped back off waving her hands in the air.

“I’m fine.” Kara yelled and Lena rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know how you play this game you can barely walk without tripping.” Lena said and Kara laughed.

“Put a ball at my feet and It balances me out.” Kara said with a gleaming smile that was like sunshine for Lena.

“Darling, I don’t think that’s how it works.” Lena said shaking her head as she bit her bottom lip holding back all the things she wanted to really say. To tell Kara she is perfect and adorable. Her eyes glance over Kara’s shoulder causing the blonde to turn with a bright smile as Alex Morgan, Ava, and Nora all walk onto the field.

“She didn’t say that.” Nora said, as Lena and Kara turned their full attention towards the trio walking up.

“She did.” Alex replied. “Turns out she felt because she was younger that she had a better chance at being an impact player.”

“Well, she didn’t make the cut obviously.” Ava said, noticing Lena and Kara’s confused look. “Eve.” Ava said causing Kara to grunt.

“She doesn’t pass the ball, like ever.” Kara said sadly. “Even if I am wide open. She tried to run it all the way in.”

“And that is why she isn't at camp.” Lena replied.

“Yeah well.” Ava said as she looked over Lena’s shoulder and saw Sara laughing with Megan Rapinoe and Zari Tomaz. “Sometimes you have to play with people you really don’t want too.” She mumbles and Nora puts her hand on Ava’s shoulder.

“Hey, don’t worry about her.” Nora whispered to Ava who just nodded. They all turned when they heard the whistle coming face to face with Coach Gideon.

“Let’s go ladies!” Gideon’s British accent came through nice and thick. “Time to win that Gold.” She added and everyone moved towards her with a little more pep in their step.

The first week was intense even with league play this was another level. Having to step up or you didn’t make the 23 players roster. Considering the veterans on this team Sara found herself looking around knowing that there were some really gifted players who wouldn’t make the squad. Her being one of them. She was faced with at least seven other forwards vying for a coveted spot. So, she focused not only on her offensive play but her defensive play.

She didn’t even remember falling asleep most days for the first week because of pure exhaustion. She felt like a young kid who played a full ninety minutes and then fell asleep in the car on the way home. On week two it finally happened she was paired up with Ava for the first time they had to run drills together. She had seen the past few days where they were pairing people up form defense and offense so she knew this might happen but here she was standing about ten feet from Ava.

She took a deep breath and her foot moved over the ball as she started making her way towards Ava her goal was to pass it off to Ava and then make a run towards the goal. Ava’s job was simple, to get the ball to Sara amongst all the precisely placed practice mannequins in the box they were arranged staggered to appear like a strong defense. Sara took off and Ava turned moving with the ball at the top of the box, her eyes following Sara as she ran. Ava pulled her foot back and chipped the ball over the trio of mannequins that were a few steps away from Sara and when the ball fell it bounced and Sara saw the perfect opportunity to hit it on the volley. Time seemed to slow as the ball bounced perfectly towards her and her foot reached out connecting with it sending it flying into the upright corner right past the real goalkeeper who seemed caught off guard. Sara ran with so much excitement around the mannequins without even thinking twice she made her way to Ava and jumped into her arms. They were the first duo to make a shot all day.

Ava was too busy jumping in celebration to even realize what was happening. When they seemed to calm down both realized the position they were in, and Ava quickly dropped Sara to her feet and turned towards the other players cheering with them. Sara felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind her and she heard Kara Danvers whooping in her ears. “The Canary strikes again.” Kara said loudly and everyone cheers at the nickname.

“Congratulations.” Gideon's voice comes through the celebration causing everyone to stop and turn to their coach. “It’s taken an hour for us to score a goal against a bunch of plastic players and one real goalkeeper.”

“So, we keep going.” Alex said.

“Right coach.” Sara said, looking at number thirteen.

“Ava, work with Nora on that cross.” Alex said and Ava nodded at her captain grabbing Nora and walking towards the box. “Good volley Lance, but we need to get it at your feet because this setup is for England's defense and Brazil isn't going to let that volley happen.” The players break up and Gideon watches as they work on some set plays trying to make it to where they can attack from both sides. Gideon smiles as the team starts to run their own drills. She moves and sits down on the sidelines watching as her assistant coach stares at her in shock.

“So, are we just not doing any coaching right now?” A young man with a very American accent impeccable hair asks.

“Yes Nate, we are going to let them have this because they need to learn to trust each other on that pitch. And they need to have something like an audible play to call, and this will be theirs.” She replied as she watched Nora send a perfect ball in landing at the feet of Lena who turned quickly and took a shot but was stopped by the keeper. She watched as Sara and Alex ran up and gave Lena some adjustments.

By the end of the week Nora and Ava could chip balls over any wall placement they had tried, and the attack was getting them past Nia Nall the tall lanky goalkeeper who would just cheer them on after she grabbed the ball. She would exclaim she would get the next one in reality; she knew they were hitting shots; no goalkeeper would be able to stop.

Two weeks into training Pinoe went down with an injury and they had a friendly game coming up. The first match before the Olympics. Testing out new lineups with new players and veterans who had played together for years.

Gideon called Sara into her office the day before they played Iceland who was not in the world cup but had barely just missed out on a spot in a playoff, losing to Portugal. Sara felt her stomach do a flip, she was hoping that this meeting was a bad meeting. You never know when they were going to start cutting players. There were thirty woman in the training camp at this point and Sara was one of those woman who had never played for the U.S. before. Granted there were at least fifteen players at camp who had less than five caps or none at all. They had a lot of players who were out due to injury this year and it was a free for all at this point.

Sara walked in and saw Gideon sitting at her desk her head down in a playbook, when Sara closed the door behind her Gideon looked up at the blonde and smiled softly at her and Sara could feel some of the tension in her shoulders realx slightly. Sara just stood there not sure if sitting was what she wanted to do or if whatever Gideon was going to say would be best if she stood.

“Sit, please Sara.” Gideon said softly and Sara’s heart skipped a beat yep she thought to herself this is definitely bad news. Sara moved quietly towards the chair but clenched her jaw and sat up straight ready for it. She was already mentally preparing to pack her locker up for the first time since this crazy whirlwind had started she let herself be grateful for the opportunity to showcase her talents.

“Coach don’t hold back just...” Sara took a deep breath looking down. “Just rip the band aid off.” She mumbled.

“You’re starting.” Gideon said firmly and Sara’s eyes shot up to hers.

“What?” Sara said in shock.

“You have done a great job and we are going with a 4-3-3 lineup you were the best person for that third slot. We are going to put you on the right, Kara on the left, and Alex center.” Gideon said.

“I’m starting?” Sara asked in disbelief and Gideon smiled.

“Congratulation's Sara. I am looking forward to seeing what you do out there.” She stood and held out her hand to Sara who took it and shook it nodding in shock.

“I wont let you down.” Sara said and Gideon winked at her.

“No I don’t doubt that.” She added, Sara walked out of the office she wasn’t sure exactly how but she managed to make her way back to the locker room without even being aware of it. She looked up and saw Ava looking at her curiously. She shifted her eyes to her locker and grabbed her phone and bag leaving quickly.

Sara made her way out of the training center and into her rental car. She threw her bag into the backseat and started the car and sped out of the parking lot. She made her way to the beach not too far from the training center. She pulled into the almost empty parking lot. She jumped out of the car and ran towards the beach and came to a stop at the edge of the water. She looked around and when she knew she was alone she screamed and jumped up and down holding the phone to her chest. She fell to her knees and just laughed and cried at the same time.

The past few months had been trying for her. With her club status in the air, the Queens announced they were selling just a day after training camp had started. Then having to change her play completely she was known as an attacking forward and the usual center forward but now she needed to play defense on the wings. She was so scared that she was failing and for sure wasn’t going to make the team. Getting the start was huge, Gideon was looking to have her in the lineup. She had an honest to goodness shot to make this team. But she couldn’t celebrate this moment in front of everyone, she needed it for herself. She moved to sit down in the sand just taking in the beauty and expanse of the ocean in front of her.

After a few minutes of just listening to the ocean and feeling the breeze she unlocked her phone and called Laurel. She waited with bated breath for her sister to answer hoping that she was with their dad. This was news she needed to tell them both. When she finally heard Laurel voice come through the phone she jumped.

“Laurel.” Sara shouted.

“Sara, what’s wrong?” Laurel asked

“Are you with Dad?” Sara asked closing her eyes hoping she was.

“Yeah, we just met for lunch. Are you okay?” Laurel asked.

“Laurel put me on speaker phone.” Sara demanded.

“Okay, bossy much.” Laurel replied and Sara felt her eyes roll.

“Just do it.” Sara grunted and waited for confirmation.

“Okay, you're on speaker.” Laurel said.

“Hey baby.” Quentin’s voice came through the phone and Sara felt her whole body relax. “Are you okay?”

“Daddy?” Sara said and paused, biting her lips. “Do you still have the peacock app?”

“Yeah, but the games are always in Spanish.” Quentin replied.

“Well, deal with it. Because I am starting tomorrow.” Sara blurted out.

“Holy shit, are...are you serious Sara?” Laurel said loudly, causing Sara to laugh.

“Yep, Coach just told me!” Sara said proudly.

“Do you know how proud I am of you?” Quentin asked and Sara dug her feet into the sand.

“Yeah, Daddy I do.” Sara said with a soft smile. “I can't believe this is happening, I have been a nervous wreck these first couple weeks.”

“Hey, you listen to me.” Quentin said firmly. “You deserve to be there just as much as everyone else. You have worked hard your whole life for this.”

“Dad’s right Sara. This is one of your dreams, to put on that jersey. We are so proud of you!” Laurel said with a smile.

“I... I think I am going to wear number Twelve. Kara already has a lock on number nine as she has already played for the national team in some friendlies. And number twelve was open and... I really want to wear it for her.” Sara said quietly. “I already spoke to Nate about it, and he said he could make sure I got it.”

“Sara, she would be proud of you.” Quentin said quietly.

“I know Daddy, I just want to.... It was our dream you know she always wanted to see me play with the senior team.” She added. She couldn’t help the tears that were falling, she wished her mother was there. She wished she would be in the stands.

“She knows baby.” Quentin said quietly. “We should let you go the waitress probably thinks we are crazy your sister is over here crying and I'm on the verge of tears.”

“Okay.” Sara said quietly, wiping the tears away quietly. “Tomorrow night game start at seven.” She adds “You better watch it.” She adds.

When they hang up Laurel puts the phone in her bag and looks at her father. They hear their flight called out and start to gather their things together. Laurel throws a twenty on the table for the server and the two of them start to walk towards their gate with smiles on their faces.

“You’re sure we can't tell her we are coming?” Quentin asks.

“No way that would spoil the surprise.” Laurel smiled and threw her arm around her father's shoulder.

“SO how do you know Nate again?” Quentin asked and Laurel smiled.

“Friend of a friend.” Laurel said with a smile. “And don’t worry Dad we can get jerseys made there. So, we can get Lance Jersey’s with number twelve on them.”

Ava watched as Sara bolted out of the locker room and she was concerned so she looked around and found Kara sitting in her locker laughing at her phone. She made her way over towards the blonde who looked up and smiled. She was like a puppy Kara Danvers; Ava didn’t understand how she emitted this crazy happiness that was infectious.

“Ava, you have to see this. Alex got a puppy.” Kara handed her phone over to Ava who clicked play and saw Alex Danvers trying to explain to Kara what kind of puppy she had as it steadily jumped in her lap kissing her face and jumping all over her lap. Ava found herself laughing and shaking her head.

“Alex Danvers a dog mom, well hell has frozen over.” Ava said and handed the phone back to Kara who had a crease between her eyes.

“Hey, watch your mouth around my furry niece.” Kara said and chuckled as Ava rolled her eyes.

“It’s a video she isn't actually here, Kara. Anyways...” Ava tilted her head slightly. “What happened with Lance, she bolted out of here like something is wrong?”

“I have no idea?” Kara said, looking past Ava and noticing the empty seat in front of her locker. “Well, she was my ride back to the hotel. Can you give me a lift. Maybe she went back early?”

As they packed their bags they watched as Gideon came out and posted the starting lineups for tomorrow's game. Kara and Ava looked at each other nervously once the coach closed her door to the office, both rushed up and looked at the list. Ava’s hand covered her mouth with a quiet gasp, and she looked at Kara who had a huge smile on her face. They were starting tomorrow’s game. They heard someone clear her throat and they both turned and came face to face with Lena who had been with the senior team for a couple years but was trying to make her first major tournament with the team. She smiled at both of the women.

“Congrats ladies, tomorrow is going to be fun.” Lena said as Kara leapt forward and wrapped Lena in a hug which even though she tried to play like she hated being hugged. She melted into the hug from Kara, she seemed to have that effect on Lena. She could make that stern look turn into a smile with a simple smile or pout.

Ava and Kara made their way back to the hotel the team was staying in for training. Kara had convinced Lena to come with them instead of taking her car. Kara blasted Taylor Swift the whole time they were in the car Ava and Lena couldn’t help but join in singing with the blonde. Kara pointed out Sara’s car in the parking lot and for some reason Ava was still concerned about Sara and why she left so abruptly. She was internally cursing at herself not paying attention to the other names on the list once she saw hers, she kind of went into a haze of sorts and couldn’t register much else.

“She must have just come straight here; probably forgot I needed a ride.” Kara said she was still too excited to care.

“She knew Lena would give you a ride.” Ava chuckled as she turned the car off.

The trio jumped out of the car and made their way inside. Ava was rooming with Nora, so she headed to her room, but they all agreed to meet in the common room the team had on their floor and watch movies tonight since drinking was strictly forbidden during training. So, half an hour later Kara came walking in with Sara who was laughing at something the blonde had said the room was a buzz with all the team excited for the game tomorrow. Everyone shot down Kara’s movie choice. There were only so many times everyone could watch Monster’s Inc. So, the team was gathered to watch Superman which Kara had tried to veto on the basis that the actor looked too much like her cousin.

Ava saw Sara get up and go grab some snacks and she took the opportunity to follow her into the kitchen. She walked in and noticed Sara checking her phone with a smile and then shoving it back into her pocket. Ava quietly approached her and grabbed a plate and put some chips on it and reached for the dip.

“So, you left quickly from practice today?” Ava said quietly putting a few spoonsful of dip on her plate.

“You, stalking me Sharpe?” Sara asked as she loaded her plate full of pretzels.

“No...” Ava said and turned to Sara who had that damn smirk on her face. “I just... I just saw you leave quickly and usually you are one of the last people in the locker room.” Sara couldn’t help but look at her a little confused look in her eyes.

“Well, it’s not really your business but I wanted some personal space to call my family and tell them I was starting.” Sara said and looked towards the door.

“Oh.” Ava said quietly. “That makes sense.”

“What did you think I had a hot date or something?” Sara asked and Ava rolled her eyes. “Are you jealous?”

“Of what?” Ava asked.

“Sharpe don’t play coy.” Sara said, moving closer to her. “I see you watching me.” She whispered Ava couldn’t control the sigh that escaped her mouth in annoyance.

“Even if we were the last two women on earth and it was solely up to us to repopulate the planet. I still wouldn’t look at you that way.” She grunted, moving to leave the room.

“Ava.” Sara said loudly and the woman turned before she left the room. “I am really glad to hear that infection cleared up.” Ava turned quickly and saw multiple people looking at her from the other room, when she turned back to Sara her face was bright red from embarrassment and anger.

“I hate you.” Ava replied and then threw her plate at Sara who ducked just in time for it to go flying by her and crashed into the counter behind her. Ava stomped out of the common room and down the hallway to her room.

The next day at morning practice Gideon called both Sara and Ava into her office. Ava closed the door and came to stand next to Sara in front of Gideon’s desk. The coach just looked at the duo she looked at her desk and closed a folder and then sat down motioning for both women to sit as well.

“I worried when the two of you came into camp. I knew you had a history; they make you out to be these enemies. I thought maybe it was just made up. To get ratings and stuff which I don’t mind play it up the whole mortal enemy's story. But here we are, the day of a match and I hear the two of you had a scuffle last night.” Gideon finishes and leans back in her seat.

“There was no scuffle.” Ava said quietly.

“Nope just Sharpe over here being well... Being her cheerful self.” Sara said with a shrug causing Gideon to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Don't pretend to be innocent Sara.” Gideon said pointing at her. “You both have to learn that this is bigger than whatever it is between the two of you.” She added.

“We would never let our personal feeling affect us on the field.” Ava supplied.

“How do we know?” Gideon asked, “This is the first time the two of you will be on the same side of the ball.”

“You have seen us at practice, we don’t let it change anything.” Ava said Sara just nodded and pointed at Ava in agreement.

“Tomorrow morning, we are flying out to the Texas training center and the two of you will be rooming together.” Gideon said and both women sat up quickly in shock.

“Coach, seriously this is a bad idea.” Sara said.

“Is this a punishment?” Ava asked

“I agree Sara and yes Ava.” Gideon said “You are on the same team now; you have to be able to get along on and off the pitch. Also have either of you been on social media today?”

“No, Nate says no social media day of a game.” Sara grunted.

“Well, you had better get used to each other because L corps just bought the Central City Courage.” Gideon said and opened her computer turning it towards the women. They both went wide eyes reading the headline.

“Central City Courage to merge with Star City Warriors.” Ava said out loud.

“Well Fuck.” Sara said.

“Language Lance.” Gideon said turning the screen back and scrolling down the article. “Says here that they can't wait to see you matched up top with Kara. So tonight, they will get to see a little of that. And it looks like they are only keeping you and a few other players Sara. So that means you and Ava will be playing together at the club level, you might as well start working on getting to know each other better.”

“Yes Coach.” Ava said and stood up quickly. “Is that all?” She asked and Gideon nodded. Sara stood up and followed Ava out of the room as they were walking down the hallway, finally Sara broke the silence.

“Can't believe this.” Sara grunted and Ava stopped and turned quickly causing Sara to stop right before walking into Ava.

“This is your fault.” Ava said angrily.

“Wait how is this my fault?” Sara asked confused.

“You and your mouth.” Ava said clenching her jaw.

“Oh, so you do think about my mouth?” Sara asked, raising her eyebrow, Ava looked around and saw a door. She moved quickly to the door and opened it looking inside and then reached out and grabbed Sara pulling her quickly into the room. “Woah Ava, this is not the time or place to be you know...” Sara added with a wink.

“Do you ever stop?” Ava asked.

“Ava I'm not sure what you're asking here?” Sara replied with a coy smile.

“Just STOP!” Ava said loudly. “You realize that we could be cut right?” She asked and finally for a second, she saw it flicker in Sara’s eyes. “I don’t like you and you don’t like me. And that’s fine but we have to be able to be in the same room without ripping into each other. So, that starts with you watching your damn mouth.”

“Or what?” Sara said.

“You really don’t give a shit, do you?” Ava asked and Sara rolled her eyes. “It’s always about you.” Ava looks at her and doesn’t see a reaction. “This is Kara's chance, Nora's chance, my chance, Nia's chance, and your chance to play in the Olympics to be Olympians. And here you are ready and willing to put their chances of making the team in jeopardy and you don’t even care.”

“How would me not making the team affect them?” Sara asked, her arms crossing her chest.

“The lineups Sara, Pinoe is out she isn't going to make the team. The coaches like you, Alex, and Kara up front. You play well together but you complement the backline and midfield as well. Losing one person changes the whole damn plan. You adjusted your play knowing that I noticed.” Ava said.

“Oh.” Sara said her arms were dropping to her side.

“So, I think I can deal with your presence for a few weeks, if it means we bring home the Gold. It’s worth it, no matter how much I can't stand you off the pitch.” Ava said. “So, a truce for now. After well I don’t care, because right now the only thing I'm looking at is the Olympics. The Warriors aren't even on my radar right now. We can deal with that after.” Ava added. She moves to open the door and takes a step out and runs into Nate who looks at Ava and then Sara who had both just walked out of a small meeting room with no windows alone. He just keeps looking between the two of them and Sara smirks.

“What were you guys doing in there?” Nate asked and Sara moves in front of Ava and smacks Nates playfully.

“A lady never tells.” Sara said and walked away from Ava and Nate who turned to Ava.

“Did you guys just...” Nate uses his hands to try and motion and Ava shakes her head and smacks his hands.

“Don't make me vomit.” Ava said, pushing him away and walking away from him, following Sara.