Page 78 of No Line Change

There were words for what they were doing. ‘Dating’ and ‘boyfriends’ were the most obvious. Henri coveted those words as much as he reeled against them. Labels were confining and, in some respects, terrifying. All the labels ever thrown at him in his youth—prodigy, all-star, generational talent—and shifted into other labels that were so much worse—lazy, uncoachable, selfish. Naming a thing put expectations on it.

What they were doing, this new thing building between them, they both needed it to be flexible. So it wouldn’t take on the shapes they didn’t want or lock them into roles that didn’t fit. Henri was satisfied…for now.

CHAPTER 37

abqturkeysnhl (December 13, 2023): The Turkeys start a four-game homestand to end the year before the winter break. Get your tickets today!

12/15 Turkeys vs. Pittsburgh Riveters @8pm

12/18 Turkeys vs. Philadelphia Gliders @1pm

12/21 Turkeys vs. Bay Area Brawlers @7pm

12/23 Turkeys vs. Boston Militia @7pm

12/31 Turkeys @ Brooklynn Bootleggers @3pm

turkeytalk (December 14, 2023): The Turkeys missed the playoffs last season. At the end of December, they had 32 points. With five games left before the new year, they sit at 30 points. I think how they walk away from this homestand sets the tone for the rest of the season. It’s already an uphill battle with the Mounties putting up record numbers to lead the league, the Prowlers on the rise, and the Storm holding a steady pace to lead the Central Division. Need every point we can get.

↪ gobblegoals: Chicago is riding off of good goaltending and Sokolov getting them clutch goals. we know Sokolov isn’t known for maintaining that long term, so my bet is they fizzle out when his stick isn’t as hot anymore. and we all know a certain someone whose stick could get very very hot if his linemates keep feeding him. here’s hoping that top line lights it up against a struggling Riveters this Thursday.

luc-henri-sourit (December 14, 2023): LOOK AT THESE SOFT SMILES! Mon dieu this is somehow better than when he grins. And this is during a practice!! My grumpy son adores his team

Dylan (December 2023)

Sorry I left practice without you

Had to swing by my place

Wanna come over?

Henri

Come to my place

Closer to the rink

We can sleep in more

I like the way you think

I’ll bring clothes this time lmao I did not think ahead

abqturkeysnhl (December 15, 2023): Your Turkeys best the Riveters 2-1! Goals from Baptiste and Stanton - love to see it!

Dylan (December 2023)

Want to come over?

Late practice tomorrow

And you deserve a reward for that goal

That backhand was a beaut

Henri

I just started laundry