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English
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Published:
2016-12-04
Updated:
2016-12-24
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6,241
Chapters:
2/?
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95
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Halleluja

Summary:

Every step makes me think that I'm closer
But somehow I just never arrive.

-"Hallelujah" Alicia Keys

Notes:

After 1x06- I would love feedback. Haven't written anything in way too long. Anyone that wants to edit I would be happy to return the favor. Enjoy ;-)

I do not own the characters or any resemblance to trademarked writing.

Chapter Text

“Lawson!”

Upon exiting the bathroom Mike’s eyes widened and then squinted again; analyzing the chaos around him as he would a play gone awry from behind the plate. The Tampa club had been filled with music, dancing and revelry as he had excused himself to the restroom, but what he was seeing now was mayhem.

The music had died, drinks spilled, and the sound of yelling filled the cavernous space. A brawl filled the dance floor and Mike had already picked out most of his teammates when he sprang into action.

“Lawson!” Blip yelled again as he shoved a young punk off of Tommy and they went to pull four guys off Sonny. When Mike made it to Blip his overwhelmed and slightly alcohol slowed mind made a connection he had somehow missed.

“Baker?!?” he yelled in Blip’s ear. Blip looked around searching frantically.

“Check the all the bathrooms!”, Blip nodded and the guys fanned out to find their teammate, their sister, their friend.

Mike couldn’t believe it. His mind spun, had been in the bathroom for 5 minutes if that and that’s when he heard her voice interrupting his panic. The men’s room. He slammed the door open and what he saw froze the blood in his veins.

Ginny stood pressed up against the back wall of the men’s room, chin high, eyes defiant. If he had had time to think about it he would have been in awe of the power in her look, the fighting spirit that embodied her on the mound showing from her face, but the large man advancing on her was the only thing Mike could see. Mike growled and launched himself at the back of the threat.

What happened next was a blur. Mike looked down to see the man still on the floor and Mike's knuckles were bloody. He looked up at Ginny who was standing with eyes wide and he knew what was going to happen next if he couldn’t keep her focused.

“We need to move ok? I’m not going to let anything happen to you, but I need to you breathe while we go. In four, hold four, out four, hold four ok? Baker? Focus.” And with that Mike was grabbing her arm and dragging her toward the door.

The scene outside had subsided somewhat and the bouncers were starting to restrain the remaining troublemakers. Mike made straight for the bar and leaned over the bar to a waitress who quickly lead them into an empty VIP room. Mike let go of Ginny’s hand as she sat down on the couch, eyes empty and breathing shaky. Mike couldn’t tear his eyes away as he dialed Blip out of sheer worry.

“I’ve got her. VIP lounge. Get the boys here, we need to call the cops.” As Mike hangs up a security guard peeks his head in the door.

“Sir? The bartender sent me back. She seemed to think we were going to need the police?” HIs questioning eyes flitting back and forth between Mike and Ginny. Mike nodded.

Had the club not been quiet in the aftermath Mike would have missed Ginny’s shaky refusal, “No.” She didn’t even meet his eyes, just started at what looked to Mike to be a random spot on the opposite wall.
“Are the cops coming regardless?” Mike lowered his voice. The bouncer nodded. “we’ve got the guy from the bathroom on vandalism regardless of what you all decide. Mike nodded at the bouncer knowing the cops were needed no matter what Ginny wanted. He was the Captain and he had to make the call. “Send them in when they get here."

The team straggled in, mostly looking worse for the wear. Blip immediately went to Ginny’s side as Mike whispered to the remaining members of the team. “What happened? I was gone for 2 minutes.”

“I don’t even know. We were dancing and then this guy comes up cussing the “Padres and their whore” he was trying push Ginny around” Duarte shrugged “I tried to get him to walk away and shit hit the fan.” Duarte was nursing his left hand and a black ring was starting form under his right eye. Mike’s stomach clenched thinking about Duarte and Ginny and why their relationship was blooming into something dynamic. Something like what he and Ginny used to have. Before.

“Where did you find Ginny?” Sonny questioned, genuine concern lining his face.

“She was in the men’s bathroom, and some dude had her backed into a corner.” Mike paused shaking his head before continuing,”He had no good intentions and if I wouldn’t have gotten lucky...” The looks his got in return made him hope the cops got here before the rest of the team went to try to get their hands on the man Mike had the pleasure of knocking out. Mike glanced back at Ginny to find a concerning scene. She was still staring off into space as Blip was rattling on to her about anything that came into his head. About Evelyn, the boys, their game tomorrow, her mom. No response. The rookie was in robot mode.

When he approached Blip gave him a look that very clearly said “Help!” Mike nodded and sat next to Blip before leaning over to ask his second in command to take over. “Call Oscar, tell him it will hit the news eventually and to get a lawyer ready to consult in case someone gets money hungry out of this whole thing. Talk to all the guys and make sure they are ready to give statements when the police get here. And we have to get out of here without the press being all over it; there was a bouncer around here that can probably help with finding us the best car service back to the hotel.” Blip started to get up. “We cannot afford a bunch of bad press at the start of a three game series here. Make sure about the cars, okay?” Blip nodded solemnly, knowing the hell that can come with negative fan interactions on the road. Just as Mike turned his attention to Ginny there was a knock on the door and the bouncer from earlier peeked his head in looking around the room. With a nod from the bouncer Mike knew it was time. Ginny was in a world of her own, her breathing ragged and hair disheveled, and completely unaware of him, like she was of Blip before that. Mike was doing her no good here so he pushed himself up off the couch and went to the door to shake the hand of the officer that met him there.

“Officer Harris,” the older man nodded to Mike. “Mike Lawson” he responded shaking the officer’s hand. The officer turned and pointed to a stout young kid and a slim stone faced woman, “We’ll have to get statements from everyone. I understand a woman with your group was corned in a bathroom and potentially assaulted.”

Mike swallowed. “That’s where I found her. She hasn’t said what happened, and she doesn’t want to talk to you guys.” Mike ran his fingers through his beard the weight of the thing beginning to settle into his stomach.

“I understand. Kate will talk to her, that sometimes helps.” Officer Harris nodded at the young woman who Mike couldn’t help notice was beautiful even without makeup. They were a no nonsense bunch and Mike was glad he went with his gut when it came to making sure reports were made. Mike opened the door and the two young officers went to the guys and began taking statements. Blip was on the phone and Ginny hadn’t moved. Not from her seat. Not a single muscle. With a sigh Mike turned to Officer Harris “Let’s do this.”

 

----------------------------

Ginny saw the cops walk in. She knew Mike wouldn’t listen to her, he never did. He had to be the Captain, do the right thing, protect the team. Even if it meant making her life more difficult. Another news story, another obvious way she was not one of the guys, another PR issue she would have to listen to Amelia freak about. Amelia and Mike, constantly helping to make life complicated. She closed her eyes and continued to breathe, trying to lose herself in the noise around her and steady rhythm of her breath. When she opened her eyes the female officer was looking at her. “We can do this whenever you’re ready. I can clean up my notes from the guys first if you want.” Ginny swallowed and nodded. “I’m Kate,” she continued “I think I could use a water…you want one?”

“Um, sure.” Ginny’s voice sounded gravelly, even to her. Kate walked out and returned almost immediately with two bottles of water. Ginny rubbed her neck realizing for the first time it was sore.

“That’s a nasty bruise on your neck.” Kate observed, “These are all your teammates right?” she asked as she cracked open her water.

“Yep.” Ginny responded looking at the mess of guys across the room. They were bruised, rumpled and in some cases bloody. She shook her head. What a mess she caused, was constantly causing, for merely wanting to throw a ball 60 feet.

“If you can give me the run down we can get you outta here. I’ve been where you are,” Kate’s voice lowered. “and if you decide you don’t want to report this you may wish you had.” Ginny turned her head to see sincerity across the officer’s strong face, something that looked like sadness peeking out from clear eyes. Ginny blew out a deep breath.

“Okay, we were out on the floor dancing and these three guys kept walking by and bumping into us. I assumed they were just drunk and rude, but the third time I realized it wasn’t a mistake.” Kate nodded taking notes.

“Think you can identify them? Describe them for me now?” Ginny nodded knowing the guy from the bathroom would be etched in her memory for a long time, maybe forever. “White guys, two blonde and a brunette. The blondes were 5’ 10” maybe and 6’. The brunette was tall 6’ 3” or 6’ 4” maybe?” Kate nodded.

“And which one did that to your neck?” Kate’s voice held no judgement, not pity, just quiet resignation.

“The tall one. When they stopped and started talking trash Duarte stepped between them and me, but they wouldn’t quit running their mouths to the guys. When punches started flying I went to find a bouncer and that’s when he grabbed me by the neck and shoved me into the bathroom.” Kate nodded and pulled out a small point and shoot camera.

“I’m going to need a picture of your bruise. You understand?” Ginny nodded.

 

---------------------------

The flash of a camera caught Mike’s eye and he spun around to see the young female officer taking a picture of Ginny’s neck where black and blue finger outlines had started to appear. His face fell as he wiped his hand over his mouth and through his beard. This night was a disaster. Ginny apparently was strangled at some point and he had only been in the bathroom for 5 minutes. His attention shifted back to Officer Harris.

“You need anything else from me?”
“Nope, get your guys home. You may want to lay low the rest of this trip.” Mike nodded, the seasoned officer was right, it was time to lay low.
“Can I go check on Baker?” Mike knew Ginny’s panic level could be high. She looked calm on the outside but he knew that was never an indication of what could lie beneath. Officer Harris nodded his permission and walked over to Tommy.

As Mike approached he could hear Ginny’s voice quietly walking Kate through her night.

“He said whores like me had no right in America’s game. He wanted me to “show him what special treatment the scouts and Al had to get….to get my playing time, to make it to the majors.” Her voice quivered at that and Mike clenched and unclenched his fists. He paused just within earshot as Blip walked over.

“I talked to Oscar, a lawyer is on his way to get security tape from the club and talk to the cops about what next steps are, but we should get back to the hotel. We could all use some time to wind down.” Blip didn’t take his eyes off Ginny, shaking his head. “There are cars out back for us. I’ll wait for Ginny if you want to take off.”

“No.” Mike looked back at his rookie. “I’ll wait for her.” Blip’s eyebrows raised.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Mike? We both know that you are not high on her list considering recent events and this is not the time to try to fix that. She is more important than the rest of us.” Blip’s stare reminded Mike of a big brother threatening to beat up his sister’s date.

“It’s not about me. I got it.” Blip left him with a worried glance. Mike’s stomach knotted. Five minutes in the bathroom and Blip was treating him like he wasn’t the captain. Like he couldn’t handle a rookie. He looked back at Ginny as the room emptied and bits of her conversation drifted.

“That’s about all I need Ginny,” Kate said, “You’re sure there is nothing else?” Ginny fiddled with her sleeves and Kate cocked her head.

-------------------------------

“What else?” Kate asked softly as she cocked her head to the side.

Ginny’s breath felt like it was being forced out of her but she inhaled before continuing, “He had his belt undone when Lawson came in and he promised that there was a whole nation of fans he was going to do this for. For the preservation of the game.” Tears ran down her cheeks and before she knew it her head was between her knees, her body wracked with sobs. To think that this pure, beautiful game. The game she had given her everything to had given her this in return was more than she thought she could bear. Kate’s hand rubbed her back and she heard the officer talking to someone. Telling them that she had what she needed and that it was time to get Ginny back to the hotel. She focused on her breathing as the tears subsided. It was Mike that had waited for her, despite her rejection of his calls, he was persistent in trying to redeem his choices, his lies. With her breath regulated, Ginny lifter her head and looked past Mike.

“I need to use the bathroom then we can go.” Mike nodded and followed her out into the club. The bathroom was a mirror image of the one she had found herself trapped in not so long ago. She shook her head. She had to get her mind right, she had to be ready to pitch in two days. Otherwise they win.

“And we can’t have that can we pops?” the cool water felt good as it splashed against her face. She looked in the mirror and smiled a dimple-less smile. The robot was back, there was work to do.

------------------------------

When she walked out of the bathroom Mike’s first reaction was relief. She looked solid, steady. And that’s when he noticed her eyes were not fine; had he not known her as well as he did he never would have noticed the far away look that still haunted there.

“Baker, I’m sorry. I should have been there. You shouldn’t have to go through stuff like this.” Ginny cocked her head to the side, and eyebrow raised.

“Okay, superman. Next time don’t take so long getting your cape on.” She snorted.

“Are you okay? What happened to your neck?” He couldn’t help but ask. Now that the rage had subsided he couldn’t help but worry. There was nothing he could do about it but just to have her speaking to him again was a welcome change to the professional silence that had invaded their friendship. She turned as the car pulled away from the club and looked at him.

“I’ll be fine. I’m bruised, but no worse off than you or any of the other guys.” she looked him in the eye, “I’ll be ready to pitch Saturday.” Always baseball with them now. He supposed he deserved it. Sleeping with Amelia was one thing. Hiding it like they were 15 year olds was incredibly stupid. This woman next to him did not need to be protected and she could not have made it more clear than her tone of voice just did. He rubbed his hand through his beard and nodded before turning to look out the window.

The rest of the ride passed in uncomfortable silence. He could not get the vision out of his head of the fire that was in her eyes when she was cornered in that bathroom. She was a hell of a lot tougher than he was that was for sure.

————————————————

Ginny had never been more glad to get out of a car in her life. The silence was preferable to his worry or apologies. She could tell it bothered him that she had shut him out but she didn’t care. Not everything was about him, not tonight. There was a black and white parked outside of the hotel and two officers in the lobby drinking coffees, Ginny sighed. Clearly this was going to be difficult for forget.

“You don’t need to walk me to my room,” she glared as the elevator doors shut.

“My room is on this floor. Baker,” his voice quiet, face tired. She almost felt bad for being cold to him. He looked worn and worried under the cold lights of the elevator, older than he should for his age. She would apologize she decided. Tomorrow. Trevor was right, in a way, she needed someone to count on, not in the way Trevor meant and certainly not the person Trevor hoped she’d choose, but having a friend was good. Even if he was a grouchy old man.

When the doors slid open Amelia was pacing back and forth outside of her room. A man in a suit on his phone and two more officers stationed at either end of the hallway. Her eyes widened and immediately narrowed again. Forget that apology, forget both of them. Clearly, it was always going to be the two of them ganging up on her.

“You called her?” She hissed. Before he could respond she was out of the elevator and down the hall. She was greeted immediately with Amelia going 100 mph, talking about statements and pressing charges and lawyers.

“Not tonight, Amelia.” She bit out before unlocking her hotel room, she turned and looked at the man in the suit over her shoulder before shutting the door.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Ginny sighed, “Amelia will get you a room and we will sit down tomorrow. I’m sorry to make you wait.” As she closed the door she saw Amelia move to Mike, concern on her face, for him or for her Ginny didn’t know. And she told herself she didn’t care as she slid down the wall to sit on the floor, head in her hands.