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The first time William saw her he was practicing rugby after class with the rest of his team. The football team was practicing nearby, drawing his gaze as he watched them go. He loved football almost as much as he loved rugby, so he enjoyed watching them practice on breaks. They’d gotten a new quarterback recently, a slim little thing that was running circles around his larger counterparts without breaking a sweat. William could only hope he’d get to see who they were before practice ended.
He jogged over as the football team began to disband, catching up to one of the players before they could leave. They looked at him oddly, as if he were doing something strange. Perhaps he was, but he needed to ask the quarterback his training regime.
“Yeah, Marth’s over there,” the guy said, pointing to where the quarterback was talking to the coach. Marth. The name sounded intriguing, catching William’s attention immediately. He bid thanks to the other player before jogging over.
“Hey!” he called out to Marth, “You’re Marth right? You looked awesome during practice and I wanted to ask you what your secret is.” The quarterback eyed him for a moment before reaching up to take their helmet off. A woman stared back at him, sharp eyes and messy ponytail damp with sweat. She pulled out her mouthguard, licking dry lips as he watched with a wide, startled gaze.
“Martha, actually,” she said sharply, looking him over, “the boys call me Marth as a way to feel better about a girl kicking their asses on the field.”
“So Martha then,” he said, “wow! That’s even more impressive actually. You’re really quick on your feet. I’m shocked any of them can even keep up.” He held out a hand, grinning wildly. “William. Head of the Rugby team.” She raised a brow, looking unamused by his very existence. His smile faded, unsure what he’d done wrong to upset her.
"Right. I've seen you around," she said, "The so-called shining star of the team." He dropped his hand, shrugging.
"I guess," he said, "I don't really pay much attention to it." She looked him over again before turning away.
“See you around William,” she said, leaving without another word. He stared after her, smitten already with Martha.
The next time he saw her he couldn’t help but stare. She was currently chewing out her teammates, the very aura of a team captain who wasn’t happy with the team’s performance. The other boys were half cowering under her sharp stare, yet that look just drew William in further. It intrigued him in a way that nearly drove him mad trying to figure out how to approach her again.
“She’s one scary girl huh,” one of his teammates said, stepping up beside him with a whistle.
“Scary? No way. She’s pretty cool to me,” he replied, “She’s really talented.”
“Is she? I feel it’s more like no guy wants to be the one to hurt a girl. Too fragile to be playing with the big boys.” William rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as irritation bubbled up inside him.
“Don’t be a jerk,” he said, “she’s got more than enough skill to play. Being a girl has nothing to do with it.”
“No way. I bet she’s bribing ‘em somehow. The last girl who got anywhere near the men’s team slept her way there. I wonder how easy this one i-” William swung before he could even stop to think it through, fist colliding with the other guy’s jaw. He grabbed out at him, the pair falling to the ground in a tussle of limbs and angered snarls.
“You shut your mouth,” he hissed, even as people tried to pull them apart. Someone dragged him back, stumbling over his own two feet. “You’re just jealous because you couldn’t catch a ball if it was handed to you!” His teammate tried to lunge for him again, but the surrounding crowd forced them apart. He grumbled to himself, dusting himself off and stalking away. His hand throbbed painfully, a reminder of how he’d lost control of himself.
He whirled around as a hand grabbed his shoulder, not in the mood to deal with anyone else at the moment. His words died on his lips as he saw Martha looking at him with concern. He deflated, shrinking back like a wounded dog. What would she think of him now?
“Hey,” she said simply, hand still out like she wanted to reach for him again, “You okay?” He looked away, feeling himself flush with embarrassment.
“Yeah,” he said, “I should have kept my cool better.” She frowned, hand dropping next to her side.
“I overheard what he said,” she told him, “and uh...thanks, for defending me.”
“Yeah well, it’s not nice to insinuate such things,” he said, “Especially when you’ve clearly got the skill to hold your own. Besides, you’re definitely out of those guys’ league.” She cracked a smile, amusement in her eyes.
“You know...maybe you’re not so bad.”
They’d started hanging out more, chatting and getting to know each other between class and practice. William couldn’t help but grow fond of her fiery attitude, watching the whirlwind that was Martha take on anything in her path. He found himself watching her as she talked, mentally fawning over her in a way that he’d never done before. He found himself wanting to get closer to her. Yet he didn’t bother to pursue it. He didn’t want her to think of him like every other guy who threw themselves at her. At least his presence seemed to keep them at bay...mostly.
She approached him one day while he was packing up, thinking about his upcoming game and debating strategies with himself. He caught her approaching, dressed casually and with her signature curled ponytail bouncing beside her. He shouldered his bag, turning to greet her with a wide smile.
“What’s up?” he asked. She looked away from him, uncharacteristically quiet. His smile dropped, concerned now. “You okay there Ma-”
“There’s a carnival tonight,” she blurted out, “I thought we could go together. Have some fun and take it easy.” He blinked, a bit confused as to why she seemed so jumpy.
“Yeah, sure,” he said, “I just gotta drop stuff off at home.”
“Right,” she said, “yeah, of course. Um...meet you there then? In about an hour?”
“Sounds like a plan,” he said brightly, “I’ll see ya soon then.” She nodded, turning and hurrying off. It was only once she’d gone that he allowed himself to grin wildly, excitement flooding his form. Sure, it wasn’t really a date but he could enjoy it regardless. He’d take what he could get.
He went home and changed into a simple tank top and jeans before heading to the carnival. It took a bit of research, as well as a text to Martha, to figure out where he needed to go. He was sure he was there early, but it didn’t take long for Martha to join him. He looked her over with a fond gaze, smiling.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, “I hope I didn’t leave you waiting too long.”
“Nah,” he replied, “ya look great though.” She flushed pink, staring at him as if he were crazy. “I mean it.”
“You…” she trailed off before huffing and marching over to him. Before he could question her change in attitude she wrapped her arms around him, shoving her face into his chest.
“Martha?” he asked. She mumbled something he couldn’t hear, and he voiced as much.
“This was supposed to be a date you moron,” she hissed out, glaring up at him. His eyes widened for a moment before his face split into a shit-eating grin.
“I knew I should’ve dressed up more,” he replied. She rolled her eyes, though she was smiling too. “So...any other ‘should have been dates’ I didn’t notice.”
“No,” she said with a laugh, “just this one you idiot. Maybe more in the future.” He nodded, taking her hand and heading off towards the carnival gates. He was determined to give her a night to remember. That way he might stay in her mind as thoroughly as she had stayed in his.
From that day on, he knew he would be hers for as long as she would keep him.