"Eric, first off, welcome to the Philadelphia Pumas. I'm sure I speak for everybody in this room when I say that we can't wait to see you out on that field."

"Thanks, I've had a great welcome from the people of Philadelphia." Eric grinned, soaking up the applause of his team members and the journalists at the press conference.

Only the slightest glimmer of humility rushed across his babyish face, fresh out of college and clearly savouring his first taste of playing for an AFA team. Years as a professional athlete had hardened him, honed him into a formidable force out on the field, the one Kyle recognised from their meeting in the summer.

"Now, you're a very special player," the journalist continued. "You had a remarkable run playing for your college team, the Bulls, the stats speak for themselves... and we can't ignore your parentage. We're incredibly lucky to have you on the east coast, but would you ever consider playing for the Mustangs?"

Eric shook his head, muttering to a member of the coaching staff beside him. The camera caught his familiar grin, and it had taken on a new, exasperated shade.

"I've only just got here, and you guys are asking me about where I'm going next?" he replied. "Come on!"

The room thrummed with laughter.

"No, no, not at all-"

"Honestly, it'd have to be a very sweet deal," Eric cut in, becoming more serious than he had been at his meeting with Kyle. "I mean, there is definitely a certain sum of money the Mustangs would have to offer, for me to even consider getting out of bed and flying all the way to Denver, you know? And I don't think they'd be willing to cough up that money or buy that plane ticket... even though they like to keep it in the family."

Eric's eyes seemed to light up when the crowd sniggered.

"Right?" He chuckled. "The set up over there is, frankly, incestuous. Like, the quarterback is the son of their former coach, and the godson of their current coach? What the hell is that about?" He shook his head, smile fading. "Okay, so it's not creepy but it's... boring. It's comfortable, and playing it safe, and I don't like playing it safe. I wanna be a part of a team that's innovative, and isn't afraid to take risks, that doesn't fall back on what's familiar. I don't wanna play in my father's shadow, I've never wanted to. You know what my eighteenth birthday present was? Changing my last name to my mom's maiden name. That's what I wanted because I knew I had a solid career ahead of me, if I made the right choices. And relying on my dad's name, my dad's image... it wouldn't have been the right choice. You know, I've worked just as hard as anybody else to get here. I'm just as hungry, just as driven, and I wanna create my own legacy. I don't want to be a footnote to my dad, however great he was. My skills are my own, and I'm not afraid to take credit for them."

Kyle sighed, pausing the video before he threw his phone across the office. He rubbed his face, tried to concentrate on his breathing in a bid to calm himself down, bristled by Eric's words that were still ringing in his head. But all he could think about was how they had caved to Eric's extortionate deal, and how foolish it now seemed. Kyle remembered asking his father what the fuck he was thinking handing over that sum of money, the most lucrative deal he had ever seen his dad sign. He had waved him off, assured him it was the right decision. Kyle was yet to find out whether that was true. Though he supposed he would get a fairly good idea soon, as their first training session was this afternoon.


After weeks of late-nights at the office, attending meetings, and finishing the incomplete work his father had left behind after his hasty departure, Kyle was glad to have some fresh air. He tucked his hands into his pockets as he walked along the perimeter of the football field, a smile on his face at the smells, sights, and sounds that all felt familiar and comfortable. No matter how long he had been preparing for his new role, at least three times a day he felt like his chin was just above the unforgiving water.

The scent of freshly cut grass drifted into his nose as he passed Wendy sitting in the shade, examining various charts, and Coach Kern setting up cones for the drills he wanted to run that day. Some of the guys jogged around the field already, led by Stan. He saw Leopold (affectionately known as 'Butters' to his teammates), and Clyde stretch as they chatted to one another; and Token, Kenny, and Craig laughing amongst themselves, and realised that while so much had changed, and had been damaged, these people were still there and committed to the team. Kyle had to give them a leader they could believe in, and he actually felt his shoulders straighten and his chest puff out as if his responsibility was a piece of armour to be worn with pride.

His smile wavered, however, when he noticed Eric Cartman, sipping at his sports bottle and scanning the field just like Kyle had. Still, he doubted the small smile on his face was one of fondness, but of calculation and that unnerving arrogance. Why wasn't he jogging with his quarterback? Or talking to his teammates? Kyle was sure all the necessary introductions to the team had taken place already, so maybe he no longer felt the need to charm and impress like he had at their meeting. He had what he wanted now, and perhaps thought he was better than all of them. In the cool afternoon, Kyle could feel his skin flare.

Before he could start to seethe, Eric turned his head, and Kyle blinked at the sudden eye contact like the sun had sliced through his vision. Despite his surprise, Kyle didn't look away. Doing so would have been a defeat, an admittance that he had been staring at him. Eric wouldn't let him out of his misery, holding his gaze but letting that small smirk slip, his lips had parted as if he wanted to shout over to him, but had no idea what the hell he would say. Kyle knew the feeling. His voice had been robbed by Eric's distant, magnetic stare. He remembered that the hypnotic quality of his eyes was one of the things that had bothered him so much when they first met – demanding and possessing a colour impossible to figure out. Eric took a sip of his water, but still didn't look away. Kyle parted his own lips, aching for a drop when his mouth felt as dry as sandpaper.

He almost choked when a firm hand clapped his shoulder, but at least it pulled him out of his haze. He wished he could find a fix for the unsettling confusion now sitting in his stomach.

"Hey, chief!" Coach Kern grinned, hand still on Kyle's shoulder. "How you holding up?"

"Oh, hey, coach," Kyle replied, returning the handshake that Coach Kern had extended. "Good, I think. I'm positive."

"Me too, before the start of the season you've always got to be positive, a little cocky even, because that resonates, you know? With the team. You need to have a pack going out there who are ferocious and determined to win. You can't have a team who are timid, and unsure, oh no. They'd get eaten alive! And our boys, they're resilient, they're talented. I believe they can do it, and give it their all trying."

Kyle glanced at the team and knew Coach Kern was right. As much as the players represented the team, so too did Kyle have to represent them. Even if it meant bluffing, when there was so much still yet to learn, and adjust to... like the nickname of 'chief' being passed down to him.

"Me too," he replied, beaming. "Actually, coach, do you mind if I have a talk with the guys before training gets underway? I feel like it would be a good morale boost."

"Sure thing, chief."

Kyle winced when Coach Kern blew his whistle.

"Listen up!" he called out, as the team began to jog over to them. "Mr Broflovski wants to speak to you!"

"Shit, we're not gonna have to start calling you that now, are we, Kyle?" Kenny asked.

Everyone laughed as they huddled around Kyle and their coach, and the warm, close sound made a grin stretch across Kyle's face.

"No, no, that'd be too weird. You can still call me Kyle," he replied. "This is a new start, new Mustangs, right?" he was reassured when they all nodded and murmured affirmatives. "That's actually why I wanted to talk to you guys. We're obviously going through a reinvention after a pretty tough summer. I know it was hard on you guys when you're all so focused on making the fans proud, the city proud."

The mention of summer was a weight on the atmosphere. Some of the guys looked down at the grass, as if it had physically dragged them down, mourning the loss of something that seemed invincible, immortal, even. Kyle's heart too, creaked with the pressure.

"I admire your determination so much, guys, and you sure as hell make me proud," Kyle continued, a smile spreading across his face once more. "I'm honoured to be the owner of this amazing team, and I want to do right by it. First off, let's put all the negativity of the summer behind us. It was a crease in our legacy, but the greatest legacies don't always run smoothly, right?"

The guys seemed to brighten up, grinning and nodding in agreement, murmuring to each other once more.

"I'm gonna take a leaf out of you guys' book and say let's get back to concentrating on doing what we're best at, and that's playing football. You know what headline I wanna see at the end of the season? 'Triumphant Mustangs' Lift Olympus Cup After Fantastic Season,' and I believe that could be a reality because of the capability and talent of the team I see before me. Yes, the foundations have been rocked a little by the departure of our president and..." Kyle stalled, but he had to get the words out. "A-a-and our owner... but we've got so much going for us, and a lot of new faces to invigorate us. The Association has appointed a new president, and on the ground..." bracing himself, Kyle then glanced at Eric. "We have a new fullback..."

Eric nodded at Kyle and smiled, so pointed that Kyle struggled to offer a polite smile in return. He soon looked away and returned his attention to the rest of the team.

"So with all that, we can definitely give our fans the glorious, exciting, and satisfying season they deserve... and bring home that Olympus Cup." Kyle grinned. "Are you guys in?"

The team erupted in a chorus of "hell yeah!", and "fuck yeah!", and even one lone "go Mustangs!" from Butters.

"Great stuff, chief!" Coach Kern beamed, clapping Kyle on the back. He blew his whistle again at the dispersing team. "Well, what are you all waiting for, let's start! Box drill!"

Sighing, Kyle then made his way over to Wendy who had now left her bench in the shade. She was nodding approvingly, a wry smile on her face.

"That speech was really something."

"Thanks," Kyle replied, tucking his hands in his pockets.

"Didn't think I'd be seeing you around here now that you're owner."

"I want to be one hundred percent committed to every aspect of the team, not just the marketing, and the budgets, and all that crap. I wanna take care of my players..." Kyle then shrugged, a shy smirk on his face. "Plus, I figure that if I keep doing the stuff I did before then it would make this whole thing feel a little less huge and daunting."

Wendy laughed and nodded.

"Sounds good to me..."

Kyle smiled. He always missed this during the summer, he and Wendy watching football practice together, commenting on the season, upcoming games, the players, and pretty much anything else when those topics ran dry. Although Kyle knew he could be opinionated, it was always nice to get the perspective of somebody just as vocal, and he always appreciated Wendy's thought-provoking honesty. There was one thing- rather, one person – he wanted to discuss, even if it was counterproductive to his mission to get him out of his damn mind. He fidgeted, fruitlessly resisting the question he was itching to ask.

"Hey, what do you think of Eric Cartman?"

"Personality wise?" Wendy shrugged. "Nothing special. As far as I can tell. He's just as cocky as every new player who comes through here. I don't know, maybe I've been in this game too long and I'm becoming cynical."

"That's a possibility." Kyle smirked.

Wendy did too, eyes twinkling, but she still nudged him in his side.

"Skills wise? He's good, very good," she added, completely earnest. "The best fullback in the Association at least."

Kyle raised his eyebrows. "You really think so-"

"Holy shit, Cartman!" Coach Kern exclaimed. "Fucking incredible, son!"

Kyle and Wendy watched Butters, Jason, David, and Gary stumble to their feet after Eric had tackled them. Clyde was still rolling around on the grass, clutching his crotch.

"Thanks, coach," Eric replied, grinning as he tossed the ball in the air. "Sorry, Donovan, but I can't go easy on you."

"You've bruised my fucking nutsack, asshole!" Clyde cried.

"Can you do that?" Butters asked David, who shrugged in response.

"Better be careful, dude, he only has one ball!" Craig teased.

"I have two, you fucking-"

"Donovan, walk it off!" Coach Kern barked. "Get an icepack from Doctor Testaburger if you're gonna be a pussy!"

Clyde managed to stumble to his feet and began to amble over to Wendy and Kyle.

"Better watch out, Tucker!" he called over his shoulder, pointing at Craig. "Because when it's my turn, I'm gonna destroy you!"

"I'm shaking."

Eric strolled over to his team, still tossing the ball in the air before he thrust the ball into a scowling Stan's chest. Kyle gritted his teeth and shook his head.

"See? I'm just concerned that he's not going to get along with the rest of the team."

"They don't get along most of the time, anyway," Wendy replied. "Look, of course he's gonna be strutting around like an alpha dog at first, but they all do! Come on, you've seen this happen enough times. What's so different about this guy?"

Kyle's eyes wandered over to Eric, and he hated that he still didn't have a rational explanation for why this guy bothered him. There had to be more than just his arrogance, and bravado, and his unusual, golden eyes. Kyle wasn't that petty, right? There had to be... something.

"I don't know..."

"Well, while you ponder that, I'm going to take care of Clyde."

Kyle snickered, and turned to her with a smirk.

"Have fun."

Wendy smiled, and rolled her eyes before making her way over to Clyde. Kyle's gaze returned to Eric, praying their eyes wouldn't meet again.


Watching Clyde practically limp around the field with a supposedly 'bruised' nutsack provided Kyle with an amusing, and effective distraction from thinking too hard about Eric. As did concentrating on the plays Coach Kern had the guys run earlier. Kyle always committed them to memory, so even when he was sat up in that lofty, executive lounge watching a game, he knew the success of each play out on the field. Even if that meant observing Eric delivering some impressive hits, that even bordered on dirty. Kyle winced as Eric tackled his teammates to the floor, the loud thud of their backs hitting the ground, and their winded groans were hard to listen to even if it was all orchestrated. Kyle couldn't imagine the aggression Eric would exhibit at an actual game, ferociously competitive and with the stakes dizzyingly high. He was just as hungry as he had been at that press conference six years ago, and – though Kyle loathed admitting it – just as talented as Wendy had said.

The team jogged past him again, heads down as they puffed and panted. But Eric had hung back, and Kyle rolled his eyes when he noticed he was heading towards him. Agitation melted into nerves when he realised this would be the first, real conversation they were going to have and he had no idea what the hell he wanted to talk about. Surely, it was nothing he couldn't handle, right? He straightened his shoulders, tried to adopt a passive expression, and stop fidgeting. Despite the exertion of running laps, Eric appeared infuriatingly cool and collected as he neared Kyle.

"Hi..." he said, with a smile that was actually warm and polite, rather than cocky and goading. Maybe it was his flushed, sweaty face that painted him a bit more humble?

"Hi..." Kyle replied. His eyebrows knitted together. "Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

Eric blinked, as if the question came from nowhere.

"Yeah, I just wanted to wish you luck with your new job," he replied.

That was the last thing Kyle expected. At least it was a pleasant surprise.

"Oh..." he nodded, smiling. "Thank you."

"I know we've met before, but I spent a lot of time talking to your dad, so, consider this us meeting for the first time."

With that, Eric held out his hand to shake the same way he had thrust the ball into Stan's chest earlier. Suddenly, he was offering something Kyle didn't know he wanted with an assured confidence that made him want to take it. Kyle played along, adopting most professional smile and returning the handshake. It was as firm as before, but warmer now and damp with sweat. Eric's grip loosened, but he still didn't let go. He had arched his eyebrow, smile softening.

"Now you say something like... it's a pleasure to meet me?"

Kyle resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"It's nice to meet you, Eric Cartman."

Eric nodded approvingly.

"Pleasure to meet you too... Kyle."

He finally relinquished his grip, and their hands seemed to hover in the air before they placed them back at their sides. Eric rubbed his on his thighs, while Kyle tucked his hands behind his back.

"So... I guess we're both newbies, huh?" Eric asked.

"In some ways, yes." Kyle nodded. "This team has been a part of my life for a long time."

"Yeah, I get that. Must be a real chance for you to prove yourself, right?"

Kyle blinked, unsure how to respond to a question he didn't know if he should take offence to. The doubt burrowed under his skin, insidious.

"Excuse me? I don't need to prove myself to anyone, or have anyone's approval."

"Really?" Eric huffed. "I beg to differ. Because it seems that every sports channel, and sports column, is talking about how you're gonna prove yourself. And hey, that might just be the opinion of some sensationalistic journalists who wanna create a little pre-season drama-"

"Yeah?"

"Or they could be onto something," Eric continued with a loathsome grin. "That speech you gave was inspiring, sure, but you want to prove yourself just as much as you want us to get to the playoffs, even if you don't want to say it. But you have said it, in that same, big glossy interview where you wanted to be more transparent and honest."

Kyle laughed incredulously, and it was blessed relief from the anger mounting from this conversation.

"Okay, if we're gonna get into saying one thing and doing another, don't you think it's pretty rich that you're now playing for a team that you've been trashing ever since you went pro?" He folded his arms, smirking. "Seems we've found your price, after all."

Eric's grin tightened into a scowl, and he stepped forward.

"Hey, I'm one of the best players in the Association right now," he replied. "Your dad knew it, and so do you. So just remember that I'm doing you a favour, not the other way around."

Kyle looked around him, praying nobody had heard that. Embarrassed, enraged heat crawled up in his throat and even when he wanted to reprimand Eric there and then that would've just been admitting that Eric was right. Kyle didn't want to admit that, even to himself. Eric eyed him up stonily.

"It's going to be great playing for you..." he said, before joining the guys again.

Kyle seethed for the rest of practice, that infectious doubt spreading.


A/N: In case you guys haven't noticed, Eric and Kyle staring into each other's eyes is my favourite thing. Look at my icon, for example. You can tell that's what I'm about. Expect more of Eric and Kyle looking into each other's eyes in future chapters! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and getting to meet the team! They'll be sure to feature more heavily as the story goes on. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! I'd love to hear your thoughts!