Welcome back

[savvyfan.livejournal.com]

Title: Welcome back
Characters: Vladimir Sobotka, Marc Savard, Matt Hunwick, Milan Lucic, David Krejci
Time: October 2008
Rating: G
Summary: Vladdie is back with the big club after two games in Providence. A quickie.
Author's note: Sobotka did indeed get into a fight, and did indeed just buy this particular model of car.
Disclaimer: All fictional, except for the note above.

"Surprise!" Vladdie shouted as Marc walked into the locker room at the practice arena in Wilmington. "I'm back!"

"Back?" Marc replied, feigning indifference. "I just thought you missed the plane to Denver." 

"Oh, ha ha," Vladimir said, grinning. "You are glad to see me, no?"

"Maybe," Savvy said, finally grinning back. "I figured you'd be here when Chuckie got hurt. But why didn't you call? Hey, what's that?" He dropped his bag and crossed the room quickly, reaching out to lift a lock of blond hair from Sobotka's forehead. 

"Wanted to surprise you. This?" Vladdie shrugged, reaching up to touch a large purple bruise over his eye. "Nothing. I got into a fight." His eyes danced.   

"A fight? You?" 

"You should have seen him, Savvy!" Matt Hunwick called from the right bank of lockers. "He got the Gordie Howe hat trick last night!"

"You did?" Savard looked at Sobotka, trying to stifle a grin at Vladdie's obvious pride.

"Four points in two games, Savvy! Told you I'd be back soon!"

"I thought I was the one who told you that." 

Vladdie shrugged, then broke into a fresh smile. "Oh! Almost forgot! Got to show you something!" He grabbed Marc's arm and pulled him toward the door. "I got a new car!" 

"A new car?" Savard replied, allowing himself to be dragged outside. He swallowed, remembering the monstrosity of a sports car he had bought at 21, shuddering inside at the thought of Vladdie racing on I-95 in some ridiculous...

"What do you think?" Sobotka said, pointing happily.

"Vladdie! It's... it's perfect!"

Marc was stunned. Vladimir was standing proudly in front of a gleaming silver Audi Q7. He opened the door and showed Marc the inside. "Got a great sound system, heated seats... not the best on gas, but I'm not driving that far, and with the snow, I gotta make sure I get to practice, or to Providence, though I hope I don't have to go there anymore, and.... Marc, you OK?"

"Fine, Vladdie, just fine." My God, you're ten times smarter than I was at your age. Tell me again what you're doing with a dope like me? 

"Hey, nice wheels!" Milan Lucic walked across the parking lot, trailed by David Krejci. "Yours, Vladdie? And welcome back." 

"Thanks. Yeah, it's mine. Like it?"

"Very nice," Krejci nodded approval. "I think Vladdie just took over driving-to-practice duty for the rest of the season."

Sobotka grinned and started to follow Krejci and Lucic back into the arena, but he stopped when Marc reached out and gripped his arm. He turned and looked into Savvy's intense blue eyes.

"Welcome back, Vladdie," Marc said. "Welcome home."