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“We can kiss without having sex,” Henri said. “We can do a lot of things without it leading to sex. We make it through whole days without fucking.”

“Right, but not through many hotel rooms.”

Ah. Some lingering insecurity. And here Henri was starting to think they’d gotten out from Sokolov’s shadow.

“Dylan.” He laid a hand on Dylan’s cheek and brushed his thumb along the edge of his beard. “I love playing hockey with you. It’s the most fun I’ve had in years. And the sex is good. Also the best in years. But if I never got to do either with you again, I would still want to be with you. You’re more than that. To me.”

Je t’aime de tout mon coeur. I love you with all my heart.

This time, a tear did fall. Henri didn’t hesitate to kiss it away.

“Hen, I—” he croaked, but Henri put a finger over his lips to silence him.

“You need sleep. I need sleep. Keep me warm?”

Dylan nodded. He let Dylan settle in first, propping him up with pillows so he wouldn’t roll onto his shoulder while he slept, and settled in so they were facing each other.

“Bonne nuit, Dylan. I’m glad I’m here with you.”

“Night, Henri. There’s no one I'd rather play with than you.”

Vanessa (May 2024)

Congrats on the win

Why does it look like that shot broke your arm?

I swear it only beat the goalie because it was way weaker than your usual and he had no idea what to do about it

Dylan

It’s nothing

You looked like you were about to pass out from pain in that handshake line

I’m fine

Do not make me call dad and get him involved

It’s not a big deal

It’s just a rotator cuff strain

Not to go all web md on you but that sounds like it is in fact a big deal

When did this happen

Is that why Novak and Baptiste refuse to pass to you

They passed to me

Technically

But it looked like they really didn’t want to

And I’ve haven’t seen you crash the net so much since juniors

As long as it doesn’t tear I’m good to play