Fidelis was always pumped before a game. Football reminded him of the battlefield, only less bloody and no deaths. The goal was still the same: conquer the enemy using strategy. Their season was already off to a good start. This was their third game. They won the first two and he had no plans to lose any that they played this season. It was his senior year, and he would go out on top. Besides his teammates were impressive for humans.
"You ready?" drawled Drake.
"Born ready," he grunted and pulled on his helmet.
Drake slapped him on the back as the team cheered. They headed out to the field to the encouraging roar of the crowd.
He glanced up and saw his dad and brothers, but not Sera. He saw Liz, Penelope, and Al. If Al was in the stands, Sera was somewhere in the crowd. He shook his head. He needed to pay attention to the field. He felt Sera's emotions through the mark. She was excited and happy, and it eased his anxiety.
They got into position for the first play and Fidelis's focus shifted to the game. He was going to win. Smirking, he settled into his spot and got ready to show his prowess.
~***~
Halftime rolled around and they had the upper hand in the game. Their coach was giving his pep talk to keep morale high. Fidelis was only half listening. Instead, he did his best to resist the urge to punch Nicholas in the face. The human was badmouthing Sera. He couldn't understand why people were so quick to spread gossip from someone popular or in a position of power. It boggled his mind. Couldn't they think for themselves? Or better yet, couldn't they get to know the object of their talk before expressing an opinion about them?
If Nicholas didn't watch his mouth, he would gladly shut it for him. Sera didn't deserve this bullying. She had done nothing wrong.
"Romeo?"
He turned to his left and looked at Blainel. "Yes?"
"You good?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
Blainel slid his gaze toward Nicholas and arched an eyebrow.
Fidelis grimaced. His friend knew him well. "Don't worry. I will fix this problem after tonight."
Blainel grunted in agreement and then coach told to head back onto the field. Fidelis stood and headed out with the rest of the team following. Time to wrap this game up.
~***~
Fidelis stood in the endzone a huge grin on his face as he looked at the final score: 42-21. He was satisfied with the score. His team trained hard, and it showed in how well they played. With Sodalitas and Blainel on his heels, he went into the stands. He waved at his father and brothers. He peered about and frowned when he didn't see Sera.
"Looking for someone, Big Bro?" teased Alex.
"Maybe, Little Brother."
"Sera went with Liz," Vic interrupted, giving Alex a smug look.
Fidelis started laughing at Alex's disgruntled expression. He ruffled Vic's hair, ignoring his "hey!" He glanced at his father.
"They left already for the venue. They said they would see you there."
"Thanks, Dad. We're going to hit the showers, change, and head over."
"Have fun tonight, son. We'll see you later. Come on boys," his father replied with a smile and wave as he ushered his younger brothers from the stands.
"Let's go!" yelled Sodalitas with a fist pump in the air.
Laughing at his guard's silliness, Fidelis went to the showers to clean up and change. He didn't take long. He was in a hurry to see Sera. Liz had promised him that his amazing girlfriend was wearing a dress "to die for."
"C'mon," he growled impatiently to Blainel and Sodalitas who laughed at his behavior before sliding into his car. He started the car and headed for the venue looking forward to the dance and seeing Sera.
~***~
Serenah glanced around in awe at the myriads of lights ringing the dance floor looking like glowing crystals. Some current pop songs were playing in the background while a few couples danced in the center of the floor. To her left were tables filled with snacks, sandwiches, sodas, water, and sweets. She saw several of her teachers acting as servers. She waved at them and was happy when they smiled back.
"So what do you think, Sera?"
She turned to Penelope. "It's beautiful! I really like it."
Liz laughed at her exuberance. "C'mon. Let's get some food and grab a table while we wait for the guys to show up."
They entered the food line, filled their plates, grabbed drinks, went to the far right corner, and sat down. They chatted happily for thirty minutes until Liz's phone notification alert went off. She glanced down at it and grinned.
"They just parked. Alright, Sera, stand up. It's time to impress your man," Liz teased.
Serenah nervously giggled and stood, coming around the corner to join Liz. They went toward the entrance, and she froze when she got a glimpse of Romeo in his three-piece suit. His hair was slicked back making his grey eyes stand out. She was drowning in his surprised, yet appreciative gaze as he gave her a once-over. She blushed, shyly ducking her head in embarrassment when Karl whistled.
"Damn girl, you look hot!"
"Karl, shut up! No one asked you," growled Liz, hands on her hips.
Karl threw up his hands in a placating gesture. "My bad. You know I must express my appreciation for all things feminine."
Liz rolled her eyes. Serenah didn't say anything. Karl was a big flirt. She didn't really pay attention to him as much as she did when she first met him. His opinion didn't matter. She was more interested in what Romeo thought of her.
Romeo stepped forward and came to her. He took her hand and kissed it, his warm breath sending a shiver through her.
"Stunning, my love. Shall we dance?"
Her heart beat faster at his term of endearment. She mutely nodded and let him lead her to the dance floor. She vaguely recognized the song as one of the line dances Lord Hulight had taught. The "Cupid Shuffle" if she remembered it right. They started to dance and soon she was laughing and having a good time with Romeo and her friends. She truly looked forward to enjoying the rest of the night.