Nick almost throws his phone at the wall when it buzzes in his hand. Jesus, he had not expected that fast a response.
Matt
Hey! Sorry about the game, that looked rough :/ You okay?
Nick’s fingers tremble as he types, glad that it’s so much easier to lie when the person can’t see his face.
Nick
Yeah, fine. It was shit, but it happens. On to the next one, right?
There. Casual, chill, totally normal.
Matt
For sure. I hope it wasn’t because of last night.
Nick’s cheeks burn. God, is hethatobvious?? Before he can come up with some nonchalant response, another text comes through that stops his thoughts entirely.
Matt
Totally understand if the answer is no. But. I was wondering if you maybe wanted to hang out sometime? We’re headed to LA on Tues but you have the next couple days off right?
That’s… not what Nick was expecting.
Surely Matt isn’t, like, asking him out, right?
He can’t possibly. He said it himself last night: he knows what kind of world Nick lives in. He can’t justdate guyswhile in the NHL.
But if it’s not that, there’s really only one other thing it can be. Nick hates the cold, twisting sensation that brews in his gut as he thinks up a reply.
Matt gets there first.
Matt
I just feel like we left things in a weird place. And I don’t want it messing with your game. You’re a cool guy, Nick, I’d like to be friends.
Not a hookup request, then. Nick can’t deny the small flicker of disappointment that lingers for a second too long.
Friends. Huh.
Can he do that?
He wants to say yes—confident that he can just shove his attraction into a box and never look at it again, hang out with this beautiful man whose kiss is like fire and whose smile makes him feel things he isn’t willing to acknowledge. He’s friends with lots of hot guys.
But, shit, even he’s self-aware enough to know that this is different.
Nick
Does Monday work for you?
By the time Nick settles down for bed, head swirling with thoughts, he’s got plans with Matt to grab a drink after practice. Then Nick can tell Matt that this needs to end, that he can’t afford to have this kind of distraction right now.
It’s for the best.
Sunday is spent ignoring the entire world and petting his cat while watching too many episodes ofGossip Girl, while most of Monday is spent specifically ignoring Marco—his best friend has been eyeing him suspiciously since the concert. Nick will take care of this, and Marco never has to know. He’s got a plan.
A plan that would be significantly easier to implement if Matt didn’t look so damn goodall of the time.
