Title: Falling Down
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Dean Thomas
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 342
Summary: Dean falls down on the job.

Notes: Just so you know, in England, soccer is called football.

Rummikub Challenge: Prompt Used – Athletes!AU

Game of Life Challenge: Prompts Used – AU, diamonds, wish

Twister Challenge: Prompt Used – Angst

Dean Thomas thought he had it all. Ever since boarding school, he was on a sports team. It was either basketball or football, but there was always a team he was a part of. During the fall he played basketball. During the spring, he played football. He was never bored.

When he was ready for university, he got a football scholarship, and he knew he'd be training to go professional in football. He wanted to join a premier league. Even though he enjoyed basketball, he knew he didn't want to play the sport forever. Unlike football. He could chase the black and white ball around forever and never grow tired of it.

When he got on Manchester United, he knew he must have had diamonds in his eyes. All of his dreams came true so quickly. His greatest wish became a reality. It felt like it was too good to be true. And it turned out that it was too good to be true.

After only two years of playing a sport he loved, he fell down on the job. Literally. He injured himself during a game, his knee taking most of the damage.

Dean watched as his dreams went up in smoke. He went through physical therapy, trying to get his knee back to working order. His knee didn't cooperate, though.

One day, after a grueling day with therapy he turned to his best friend, Seamus Finnigan. "I'm never going to play football again, am I?"

Seamus hesitated, not wanting to dash Dean's hope. Even so, he knew he shouldn't give Dean false hopes. "The doctor doesn't seem too positive. He doesn't want you giving up on the therapy, but he seems to think you'll forever be a spectator.

Dean nodded, not letting himself cry. Deep down, he knew it was true, but it still pained him to hear it spoken about out loud. His dreams were dashed. He needed to lick his wounds, but he knew someday, he'd have to find a new dream. Otherwise, his life would be meaningless.