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Henri shook his head to dispel the thought. “Nothing.”

“No.” Dylan sat up straighter and leaned across his forgotten cereal bowl. “You were definitely saying something. What?”

“Nothing,” he repeated and waved his hand dismissively. “Just thinking. That it’s a long way from where I’d like the league to be, but it’s possibly the first step on the path, yes? A path I wish I could follow. Someday.”

Something unreadable flashed through Dylan’s eyes, the blue darker than usual. “You want to be out?”

“No,” he said immediately. “Not with the way things are. I have enough to deal with. I don’t need that on top of everything else.”

“No.” Dylan shook his head in frustration. “I know. I’m not saying…I just meant if you had a choice. If it didn’t matter what the league or anyone said. Would you want to be out?”

“Obviously,” Henri said. “I don’t like having to hide. I’m just not as careless as Nilsson.”

How old had he been when he’d learned to lock away that part of himself? Must have been when he was just starting middle school. His mother had warned him it wasn’t fair, but that he needed to be careful with the boys on his team. Even if he liked them. Maybe especially then. All through high school, he’d been paranoid of every interaction off the ice, worried that he’d give himself away. This thing with Dylan would’ve been so unbearably stressful for teenage Henri.

Imagine a world where players didn’t have to worry about any of that. They could just be and play hockey.

If he weren’t so fucking scared of what it’d do to his career, he’d gladly put himself out there to help.

“Would you…be out with me?” Dylan asked. “Like, openly with me? If you could?”

“Obviously,” Henri said again. The easy part was wishing, of course. It was a foolishly impossible⁠—

Dylan was standing now, reaching over to pull Henri in for a hungry kiss. The stupid kitchen island was so damn big, it hurt to stretch that far, but Henri stood on his tiptoes to make it work. He felt Dylan’s fingers twist into his hair, the strands not quite long enough to pull and hold him there.

“I would love for everyone to know I’m yours,” Dylan breathed. “Could you please fuck me?”

Henri swallowed. Despite stretching across the marble to reach each other, they were way too far apart.

“Yes.” He pulled away, earning him a whine from Dylan until he could get around the damn fucking island and into his arms for another, fuller kiss. “Bedroom.” Henri started pulling them toward the hallway. “And this time, turn off your phone.”

CHAPTER 64

Dylan (March 2024)

Hey it’s Dylan Everett. Just saw your game tonight - I’m so sorry that happened and I wanted you to know that I'm here if you need anything. I don’t know what I can do to help, but you have my support. Whatever that’s worth.

dylaneverett (March 18, 2024): @larsnilsson14 Heard what happened - just wanted to let you and the world know you and all queer players in the league have my support in any way I can offer it. While we’ve never been on the same side of the ice together, I know you’re a good guy beneath all the times you’ve told me to fuck off. Wishing you the best, brother.

andrewnovak80 (March 18, 2024): @laranilsson14 Saw you were in the news today and assumed you'd knocked out your brother's tooth or something. Kind of disappointed it was this instead - THAT at least would’ve been hockey-related. Ignore the noise, Nilsy. You’re a helluva player and the league needs you. Don’t worry, the Turkeys have your back.

p_knox39 (March 18, 2024): @larsnilsson14 You couldn’t accept being one of the most talented, funniest, handsomest guys in the league, you had to go and become the most talked about too. Leave some headlines for the rest of us. Good luck, Nilsy. Stop blocking my shots.

GoalieBriggs (March 18, 2024): @larsnilsson14 Want me to introduce you to my brother? We’re twins but I promise he’s the better looking one. Not a goalie, so also less weird. But in all seriousness, hope you’re not taking too much heat. This shouldn’t be something you have to hide, but it shouldn’t be something you’re forced to share. The only thing the league should care about is whether or not you’re gonna catch Evers in the scoring race. Doubt it ;)

duffy_duffman (March 18, 2024): @larsnilsson14 Hey bro miss playing with you - it was awesome playing on the Prowlers with you and lifting the Cup together. One of my best hockey memories, and you were there right beside me. You were a great captain, you are a great center, and that’s literally all a team should care about.

lhbaptiste (March 18, 2024): @larsnilsson14 I’m sure it feels like a lonely road you’re on, but we all see you and wish you the best. Bonne chance - I hope to continue beating you in the face-off circle for many years to come.

Lars Nilsson (March 2024)

thanks

I read your text and didn’t respond sorry

It’s been a lot to deal with

I would have preferred to not have things happen this way but there’s no magic undo button