Encroachment

Laurel grinned as she watched her sister stretch on the sidelines with a few other players. They’d occasionally stop to glance at the action happening on the field. The Gold Medal Match was definitely a sight to behold! Since arriving in Paris, Laurel hadn't had much time to catch up with Sara. Between team meetings, training sessions, video reviews, and recovery, Sara had been super busy. But that was perfectly fine; this was a big deal, and Laurel knew she’d have time to chat with her sister after the game.

As the match progressed, with both teams evenly matched and still scoreless at the sixty-minute mark, Laurel decided to take a deep breath and grab a bottle of water from the drinks counter. Just then, a group entered the room, and a smile lit up her face when she recognized someone familiar. A tall blonde guy in a US jersey met her gaze and returned her smile.

“Adam!” Laurel exclaimed, making her way over to him as he approached for a warm hug.

“It’s so great to see you, Laurel,” Adam said, wrapping her in a friendly embrace. “You remember my sister, Anna?” he added, stepping aside so Laurel could give Anna a hug as well.

“Of course! It’s wonderful to see you,” Laurel beamed as the two sisters parted. “I wasn’t sure if you’d make it!”

“Well, we had a bit of a hiccup with the passport renewals, and then out of nowhere, this guy in a suit showed up last week and handed us the renewed passports,” Anna shared, still looking a bit stunned.

“So, I booked last-minute flights to get here,” Adam chimed in, sounding excited. “We literally landed just two and a half hours ago and came straight here from the airport!” he chuckled.

“Hey, the important thing is that you’re here now!” Laurel said, feeling thrilled to see them both.

With hearts racing and excitement bubbling, the trio eagerly navigated their way to the seats, eager to witness the showdown unfolding before them. On the sidelines, Sara poured her heart into stretching alongside her fellow teammates, the camaraderie palpable in the air. The tension thickened as England relentlessly pushed against the backline, Ava and Nora leading the charge with fierce determination. Just as they attempted to send a hopeful ball soaring over their heads, Nia sprang into action, a burst of energy as she leapt into the air, snatching the ball from its flight, poised and ready to catapult it back into the fray. Every moment crackled with anticipation, the spirit of the game igniting passion and joy in all who watched.

“So, how’s it looking out there?” Adam asked as they got comfortable in their seats.

“Honestly, it’s looking pretty evenly matched! I’d say both sides have some solid chances,” Laurel responded.

“How’s Sara’s wrist doing?” Adam asked.

“Well, I haven’t had much of a chance to catch up with her, but I noticed she’s got it all taped up,” Laurel said, glancing over at her sister. “I don't think it’ll slow her down too much, as long as she stays on her feet, of course!” Laurel chuckled.

“At least she and Ava are on the same team this time,” Anna added with a grin. “If they weren’t, I’d say she might not be on her feet for very long!” She laughed as she reminisced about all the times the duo faced off on the field.

“Very true!” Adam chimed in, sharing a laugh with them.

“They’ve been strategically subbing her in around the seventy-minute mark to inject fresh energy into the game. I have a strong feeling they’ll stick with that plan," Laurel commented, her gaze snapping back to the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium as the crowd erupted in a wave of cheers. Kara had sent a breathtaking ball soaring into the box, desperately seeking Alex, but it was just a fraction beyond her reach, leading to a heart-wrenching flick that sent the ball tumbling out of bounds.

As moments ticked by, anticipation hung thick in the air, and finally, a few players approached the referee, their eagerness palpable. Sara and Zari’s eyes sparkled with determination, both aching to step onto that field and make their mark. When a long ball sailed out of bounds, the referee’s whistle pierced the air like a clarion call, paving the way for the much-anticipated substitution. Sara dashed onto the field with a fierce urgency, racing towards Kara, and in that pivotal moment, they exchanged an intense dialogue, Sara gesturing animatedly towards her teammates, igniting plans for a potentially game-changing tactical shift.

The atmosphere crackled with a new intensity, a palpable shift igniting the field as Lena charged forward into a more aggressive role from midfield. Kara's spirit ignited with determination as she began to weave her way through the heart of England’s defense, while Sara planted herself firmly on the left, radiating confidence. Zari mirrored her tenacity on the right side, and together they had transformed their formation into a dynamic three-four-three—a strategy they had tirelessly honed in practice. In the back, Nora, Ava, and Andie stood resolute, a wall against attackers, while Sam anchored the midfield, safeguarding their fortress yet granting freedom for their wing-backs to surge into the fray alongside Lena, Kara, and Zari.

England scrambled to recalibrate, caught off-guard by the audacity of their formation. But Sara felt a burning resolve surge within her, a fierce determination to breach their defenses. As the ball found her, she sprinted down the edge of the box, feinting elegantly to dodge her defender, her heart racing as she spotted an ocean of opportunity ahead. She pressed on, the anticipation mounting as England's defenders bore down upon her like stormy clouds. She glanced back to find Kara wrestling with her own defender, struggling to break free, and Lena positioning herself in the box like a beacon of hope. But a pass seemed just out of reach.

Then, like a lightning bolt illuminating the dawn, a voice burst through the chaos: “Sara!” It was Ava, charging from the halfway line with an irresistible force. Time suspended in that electrifying moment, each heartbeat echoing in Sara's ears. She stole a fleeting glance at the goal, and as if sensing the shift, the defenders shifted with her. In that instant, everything came together; her instincts took over. Trained on the target, she sent the ball rushing back to Ava. In a heartbeat, both defenders exchanged looks of disbelief as they realized the ball’s trajectory—but it was too late. Ava connected with precision, and the ball soared over their heads, sailing past a stunned goalkeeper who could only watch in disbelief as it nestled tenderly into the upper right corner of the net. Pure ecstasy erupted among the team, a crescendo of triumph igniting the night sky.

“Wow, can you believe it?!” Ava exclaimed, still trying to wrap her head around the excitement as her teammates surged around her, jumping and cheering.

“You scored a goal!” Nora shouted, wrapping her arms around Ava in a warm hug and bursting into laughter.

“I was just trying to pass it to Luthor!” Ava giggled. Once the celebration settled, she found herself standing in front of Sara, who had a mysterious glimmer in her eyes. “Great pass, seriously caught them off guard.” Sara stepped in closer, invading Ava’s personal space.

“Have I mentioned how stunning you look today?” Sara said, flashing a cheeky grin. Ava rolled her eyes and playfully pushed her away.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we still need to win that medal,” Ava replied, taking a step back from the smaller blonde, who simply smirked and winked back at her.

They stood on the precipice of victory, one tantalizing goal ahead with just ten minutes left to seize their fate. England, relentless and fierce, was charging at them with every ounce of determination in their hearts. All they needed to do was summon their courage, to stand shoulder to shoulder, and protect the fragile lead that felt like the culmination of every drop of sweat and every sacrifice they had ever made. They believed in their keeper – how could they not? – yet the weight of that trust felt heavy, like a storm gathering in the skies above.

“Defense!” Gideon’s voice rang out, piercing the thick tension in the air. It was a rallying cry that ignited a fire within them. Lena echoed his commands, and with a collective breath, they shifted into their defensive positions, a tight-knit unit ready to weather the storm. Sara and Lena slid back into the midfield, their hearts pounding with the rhythm of the moment, leaving Kara, their fierce warrior, as the solitary attacker, a beacon of hope in an unsettled sea.

England attacked with ferocity, their every movement like a tidal wave crashing against a steadfast shore. Sara flanked by Zari and Lena, stood resolute in defense. Kara, ever the spark of creativity and defiance, darted forward with the ball, her spirit unyielding, but time and again, she found herself stripped of the opportunity, and the relentless tide of England surged against their defenses once more, each moment a test of their resolve, their unity, their heart. The USA's defense had become a fortress, but as the clock ticked down, the air crackled with tension and the promise of triumph or despair hung like a fragile thread.

Ava's heart raced as she caught sight of the side referee, his hand slicing through the air to announce three precious minutes of extra time. She inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the moment settle within her, and glanced back at the field. The ball danced in midfield, where Sara, Kara, and Lena wove their magic, passing it with purpose as they sought a crack in England's defenses. Ava's pulse quickened as she watched the England players close in, determined to disrupt their potential offensive surge. Alongside her, Nora stood steadfast, both of them anchored in the back, resolute in their mission to thwart England's advances.

Three minutes felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock echoing in her mind, threatening to drag her focus away from the pitch. The golden opportunity was within their grasp—they simply had to fortify their resolve. Suddenly, the England side snatched the ball from midfield, surging forward with fierce determination. This was the defining moment; they had to remain sharp, to stay unified. The frontline and midfielders pressed ahead, while Kara, Sara, and Lena retreated, ready to defend their ground.

As England shifted the ball to the right wing, a chill of anticipation ran through Ava. She sensed their intent to deliver a desperate cross into the box, to instigate chaos and claw their way to a goal. With determination fueling her actions, she backpedaled towards the goal. Time seemed to freeze when the ball floated through the air, Nia hollering out warnings about an incoming player. Mustering every ounce of strength, Ava leapt into the air, yearning to intercept it, but the ball slipped just over her head, teasingly out of reach. The England player behind her made contact, sending the ball hurtling past her towards Nia, who valiantly stretched out her foot, blocking what could have been a devastating shot.

Ava landed with a thud, her feet sinking back to the ground as the ball ricocheted towards her. Instinct took over; she reached out and kicked the ball spiraling upward, its trajectory an echo of hope amidst the chaos. In a blur of motion, players collided, scrambling for supremacy in the box, fighting for that final chance. Ava felt the rush of bodies around her, the chaos consuming her senses. She shifted her weight, desperate to find firm footing, yet as the ball descended, it became a mystery lost among the tangled limbs. In a moment of sheer instinct, Ava clasped her hands behind her back, preparing herself for the inevitable impact, steeling her body to become a shield, ready to sacrifice everything for the chance at glory.

Ava felt the air whoosh out of her lungs with a bone-jarring thud, and in an instant, she found herself on her knees, disoriented and fragile. Like some feral creature, someone soared over her back, and she squeezed her eyes shut, desperately fighting for breath in the chaos around her. The world felt like a blur as she collapsed to the ground, the weight of panic pressing down on her chest. A cacophony of voices surged above her, frantic cries piercing through the haze, yelling at a shadowy figure in the distance.

Each shaky inhale felt like a battle; her lungs were starved for oxygen, but there was no respite—the crushing weight atop her body only deepened her struggle. When she finally pried her eyes open, dread pooled in her stomach as streaks of red began to waterfall into her vision. A sharp pain throbbed violently within her, each pulse stealing her breath away, until, at last, the weight lifted, and she gasped, desperate for the sweet relief of air. The world around her was chaos, but the fire within her blazed, refusing to be extinguished.

“Ava!” Sara called, her voice cutting through the haze.

“Is she okay?” Nia chimed in, concern etched on her face.

“I’m fine,” Ava said with a groan as she attempted to push herself up, but a gentle hand on her shoulder kept her grounded.

“Babe, you’re bleeding,” Sara said, her voice sounding a little far away, like it was echoing through water. Ava couldn't help but smile at the pet name. She'd never really been into terms of endearment, but hearing Sara call her "babe" made her heart skip a beat.

“I really am fine, just... I want to get up,” Ava insisted with a sigh as she rolled over to look up at her friends. She saw Sara, Nia, and Lena looming above her, with Lena gesturing towards the bench, probably trying to get medical help on the field.

“You took a boot to the head there, Sharpe,” Lena said, her expression a mix of concern and amusement.

“What?” Ava replied, starting to sit up, and Sara leaned in to give her a hand.

Wow, the ball just landed right in front of you, and everyone rushed for it! The next thing I knew, it hit you in the stomach, and you went down to your knees, then bam! boot to the head." Nia chuckled. "I had to grab that ball before it got away. Sorry about that... I may have stepped on you a bit to reach it!"

"Hey, as long as it didn't go in the net..."

"Nope, it definitely didn't!" Nia said with a grin.

Medical personnel gathered around Ava to assess and treat the laceration on her head, which was the source of the bleeding. Ava grimaced intermittently as they worked to control the hemorrhage. One medical professional evaluated her visual acuity and posed questions to ascertain the absence of a concussion, while another individual performed approximation of the wound edges and commenced bandaging her head with gauze. It was determined that she could remain on the field as long as active bleeding was managed. With only moments remaining in the game, Ava was resolute in her decision not to be substituted. She briefly met Sara's gaze, who was observing her with evident concern. Ava responded with a gentle smile, causing the blonde to blush upon realizing she was caught watching. Lena then directed her attention between Ava and Sara before returning her focus to Ava. Upon meeting Lena's gaze, Ava's eyes widened as Lena subtly shook her head and winked, acknowledging their shared understanding of the situation.

The referee approached the group and signaled to the sideline for Ava and the medical team. They assisted Ava in rising to her feet, after which she exited the pitch. Meanwhile, Lena contested the decision regarding a card for the England player whose foot made contact with Ava’s head. A free kick was subsequently awarded to Nia, who positioned the ball and prepared to restart play. On the sideline, Ava consumed water from a bottle while the medical team ensured that the gauze was properly applied and that bleeding was adequately controlled, following which she attempted to gain the referee’s attention for re-entry onto the field. Nia then executed the kick, sending the ball back into England's half.

Ava was permitted to re-enter the game and returned to the pitch with gauze secured around her head. She positioned herself alongside Nora, as both players stood ready to respond to the impending attack. England executed a lob pass towards their direction, and Ava became acutely aware of a pulsating sensation in her head as she sprinted toward the ball and redirected it to Nora for further play. At this moment, Ava's primary desire was for the referee to signal the end of the match. Nora then sent the ball back into England’s half, allowing Kara to advance it along the left flank toward the corner flag. The objective was to maintain possession and manage the remaining seconds of the game to prevent England from regaining control.

Kara was dispossessed of the ball, allowing the England player to quickly advance it into the midfield area. Ava and Nora exchanged glances, understanding that this was a critical moment. The opposing team was preparing to launch a final offensive effort to score and extend the match into overtime. As England advanced with possession, the United States team strategically retreated to assume defensive positions within their penalty area. Ava positioned herself near the back post, while Nora occupied the opposite post, and Nia settled in the center, prepared for any incoming shots.

The England squad appeared to dominate the penalty area, leading to a sequence of rapid shots on goal. Several attempts were obstructed by defenders, and one exceptional shot was deflected by Nia, landing directly at the foot of an England player, who immediately fired the ball back towards the goal. Nia attempted to intercept the shot, but it sailed past her outstretched arms as she descended to the ground. In a timely reaction, Ava leaped vertically, connecting her head with the ball and redirecting it back into the penalty area, just over Nia, who was scrambling to regain her footing.

A wave of agony crashed through Ava’s head as she landed back on her feet, the world around her momentarily fading into a blur. Time seemed to slow as the ball fell at the feet of none other than Zari. With a combination of grace and determination, Zari struck the ball, sending it hurtling out of the box and soaring over the halfway line. In that fleeting moment, it sailed over the England goalkeeper, who had pushed forward, desperately trying to assist in the attack.

But as she scrambled back, the ground betrayed her, and she stumbled, tripping over her own feet in a chaotic struggle. Panic surged through her veins, but all she could focus on was the flash of motion just ahead—a figure darting past her like a bullet shot from a gun. Kara! With fire in her eyes and relentless speed, Kara surged past the goalkeeper, scooping the ball at her feet and charging toward the goal with unstoppable fervor.

The silence of the crowd grew heavy, almost unbearable, as the tension hung thick in the air. In that heartbeat of a moment, Kara unleashed her shot, sending the ball flying toward the open net. And then—boom! The crowd erupted into a thunderous roar, a wave of exhilaration flooding the stadium as Kara soared into the air, her arms lifted high in triumph. In that fleeting moment of joy, they were united, a symphony of passion and spirit igniting the field.

The referee's whistle signaled a goal, prompting the team to rush toward Kara. Ava, experiencing pain radiating through her head, initially moved to join them but ultimately decided against it. As she touched her head, she discovered fresh blood on her hand. Observing the bench celebrating the goal, Ava knelt down, attempting to breathe through the intensifying pain. Uncertain of the elapsed time, she noted the return of the medical team, who began addressing her head injury as the bleeding continued.

The stadium’s large screen displayed a replay of Ava’s header, which had cleared the ball from the goal, followed by Zari’s clearance that led to Kara’s goal. Ava glanced up and saw the camera capture the moment she knelt with blood streaming down her face. As the medical team worked on her, she shook her head; the manipulation of her head caused momentary visual disturbances. She extended her hand to stabilize herself against a member of the medical staff. They helped her to stand and escorted her off the pitch towards the bench, where Gideon joined the huddle around Ava and offered her a reassuring smile.

On the field, the referee blew the whistle to indicate the restart of play. Kara passed the ball back to Lena, who had repositioned herself to take Ava's place while she was off the pitch. The referee checked her watch, inserted the whistle into her mouth, and blew it forcefully to conclude the game. The crowd erupted in cheers as the US team rushed onto the field to celebrate their Gold Medal victory. However, Ava was in the process of having her head re-wrapped and was halted when she attempted to join the celebration on the field.

The medical team successfully applied a head wrap to the player and released her. She proceeded to approach her teammates but observed the England players dispersed across the field, visibly dejected due to their defeat. She approached one player, extended her hand to assist her in standing, and embraced her. She repeated this action with the subsequent player. Upon looking up, she noticed Sara and Millie in an embrace, prompting her to smile as she moved toward the pair. Millie embraced her and inquired about her head injury.

“That looks awful!” Millie giggled, giving Ava a playful nudge.

“It hurts,” Ava replied with a smile, glancing at Sara, who was watching her intently. “But I promise I’m fine!”

“Are you sure?” Sara asked, and Ava nodded confidently.

“Great game, Mills!” Ava said, turning her attention to her friend and rival.

“Yeah, I really wish we could’ve beaten you guys. But that backline of yours!” Millie chuckled, shaking her head in good spirits.

Ava laughed as Millie gave her a quick half-hug before dashing off to join her own teammates, leaving Ava and Sara standing together. The rest of the team was heading towards the stands, celebrating with family and friends. Sara beamed at Ava and walked closer.

“Hey Ava?” Sara asked, raising an eyebrow at the petite blonde.

“Yeah?” Ava replied, unsure of what Sara was about to say. Just as Sara was about to speak, a cameraman pushed past her, and Dinah thrust a microphone at Ava.

“Ava, what a game! What was going through your mind in those last few minutes with your injury?” Dinah asked, while Ava still looked at Sara, who rolled her eyes in playful annoyance. Ava couldn't help but chuckle at Sara’s reaction.

“Well, I mean, we obviously couldn’t let them score,” Ava said, shrugging as her gaze remained on Sara. “We wanted the Gold, and we were ready to do whatever it took to get it. And for me… well, I had a special reason too.” She noticed Sara’s cheeks turn pink as she shook her head, and it made her smile even wider.

“And what’s that all about?” Dinah asked, noticing Ava's gaze lingering on Sara. “Was it tough being on a team with your so-called mortal enemy, Sara Lance?” She smirked as Ava shook her head, glancing at Sara, who was still a bit flushed.

“Mortal enemy? Not quite,” Ava replied, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of question is that?” She finally turned her attention to Dinah.

“Come on, everyone knows you two can’t stand each other,” Dinah teased, and Ava shot a look at Sara, who nodded in agreement.

“Actually, you’ve got it wrong. We might not have always seen eye to eye, but we’re not enemies,” Ava laughed. “This past year has been quite the eye-opener for us!”

“Are you worried about teaming up again for your club?” Dinah probed, clearly eager to stir the pot.

“Not at all! I’m really looking forward to it! Watching Sara and Kara play together here in France has been amazing, and I can't wait to face Gotham this year,” Ava beamed, making sure Dinah caught her excitement. “What about you, Sara?”

“Oh, I’m definitely excited to take on Gotham!” Sara chimed in, her pride shining through.

“Congrats on the gold, Ava!” Dinah called out before gesturing for her cameraman to follow her over to Lena and Kara.

“I can’t believe her sometimes,” Ava laughed, turning back to Sara, who couldn’t help but smile brightly. “What’s up?”

“We won the Gold Medal!” Sara said, biting her lip as Ava glanced at the crowd.

“Yeah, we really did,” Ava said softly, sharing in the moment.

Sara stepped forward, and in an instantaneous, breathtaking moment, she wrapped her arms tightly around Ava’s neck, locking their gazes in a passionate embrace that seemed to suspend time. There was a radiant smile painted across Sara’s face, a glow fueled by the electricity crackling in the air between them. When she felt the warmth of Ava’s hands firmly resting on her hips, she leaned in closer, her heart racing, and whispered softly, yet fervently.

“I’m gonna kiss you now.”

“Oh my god!” Anna exclaimed, her voice a startled symphony that sliced through the atmosphere, drawing Laurel and Adam’s attention to the electrifying spectacle unfolding on the massive screen in the arena. A gasp of awe filled the air as Sara pulled Ava into a kiss that was nothing short of magical—a breathtaking union that elicited a primal cheer from the crowd. It was as if all the emotions in the arena swelled and erupted into one harmonious celebration of love as players turned to witness the extraordinary moment.

“It’s about damn time,” Adam said, a knowing smile spreading across his face, drawing an incredulous glance from Laurel.

“You knew?” Laurel replied, her surprise mixed with delight as Adam chuckled.

“I knew the day they met,” he said, his eyes sparkling with the joy of their connection. Laurel turned back to the screen just in time to see Sara and Ava pull away from their kiss, foreheads gently touching, the world around them fading into insignificance as they remained in their own intimate universe.

“Ava, would you like to go to dinner with me?” Sara asked, her voice a sweet melody, deep with sincerity as she searched Ava’s eyes, seeking any hint of hesitation but finding only warmth.

“Yeah,” Ava breathed, hope and excitement mingling in her heart as she kissed Sara once more, their lips meeting with a sweetness that sent shivers down their spines. As they parted, the rest of the team rushed in, engulfing the pair in a cascade of warmth and joy—a massive embrace that enveloped Sara and Ava in the center, a testament to the love that bound them, celebrated by all those around them.