Chapter - Carter #2
Charlie looks between us and shakes his head. “That guy is pure insanity.”
“Yeah,” I say, grinning. “But he’s our insane guy.”
After Paul’s dramatic exit, the three of us fall back into conversation like nothing happened.
It’s been about two hours now, and we’re all definitely drunk.
Four, maybe five drinks each, and between Paul’s stealthy pouring and his don’t tell my manager winks, we’ve probably paid for one drink total.
Charlie explains why he wants to play again. “I thought I was done, I really did. But..."
We’re cut off by two tall redheads who appear at our table out of nowhere.
One of them points at us, wide-eyed. “I know who you two are.”
My stomach drops. My face instantly flushes; I feel caught. Exposed. Like they can immediately sense the gay in me.
Before I can even react, the guy whips out his phone. “Can I get a picture with both of you?”
I freeze
I glance at Nate, who’s still watching me like he’s ready to step in if needed. I reach under the table and rest my hand on his knee, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Thanks,” I whisper. I glance at Nate and mouth, I’m good.
In my head? I’m freaking out.
But I know this needs to happen. And realistically, these two guys probably don’t know anything. Probably just fans who want a simple picture.
The one with the phone steps forward and, without asking, hands it to Nate. Nate steps back a few feet, ready to take the photo, and that’s when both redheads move in, one pressing in on my left, the other on Charlie’s right.
We’re suddenly shoulder to shoulder, squeezed tight like we’re posing for a team photo.
Charlie leans over and mutters with a tight smile, “Can this end already? Sometimes being even remotely famous is exhausting.”
Nate quickly snaps the photo and hands the phone back. Both guys glance at me, then at Charlie.
“So…why are you two here anyway?” one says.
I freeze. Stammer. “Uh…we’re just, um…”
Charlie cuts in smoothly. “Old friends. Catching up. And I think it’s time for you two to bounce.”
Blunt. Sharp. Exactly what I needed but didn’t have the guts to say.
The two guys look slightly taken aback but don’t argue. They shuffle off with awkward grins and a few mumbled words.
Once they’re gone, Nate looks over at me, then glances at Paul from across the bar and raises a single finger. One more drink.
Paul, ever the attentive bartender, appears like magic with four fresh drinks; one for each of us and one for himself. We all knock them back in unison, the burn washing down the tension like it never existed.
Once Paul bounces again, Charlie turns to me. “You okay?”
I shrug. “I think so. They probably didn’t even think anything. Just fanboys meeting their gay icon.” He grins and points at himself.
Nate lets out a small laugh, which makes me feel just a bit lighter.
“You’re right,” I say. “I just…I don’t know. I always feel like if people do find out, they’re judging me. Even if they’re not. It’s like I can’t stop assuming the worst in people.”
Charlie nods, more serious now. “I get it. It takes time to accept yourself fully. I didn’t magically feel proud the moment I came out. It took a while. Some days I still stress about it.”
He leans forward, his voice steady but kind. “But if I can give you one piece of advice? Remember who matters. Not the public. Not the league. Not even your teammates, if they don’t have your back. The people who matter are your friends and your family. The rest are just background noise.”
He pauses, then looks from me to Nate. “And you’ve got a great man. Nate’s awesome; he’s hot, he’s sweet, and clearly he adores you. So, whenever the time comes, you’ve got him to fall back on. You’re not doing this alone.”
I say nothing at first. Just stare down at my almost empty glass, feeling the warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with alcohol.
He’s right.
We’ve been at the bar for three hours now, and it’s already past six.
I must look completely drained, because Charlie glances at me and says, “Alright, I think it’s about time I head out.
I’ve got to meet with the Hawks on Monday.
I need to be in tip-top shape for all the drills they will inevitably throw at me. ”
He stands and stretches a little, flashing a relaxed smile. “Don’t be a stranger, guys. Maybe I’ll be your teammate next year. Do me a solid: make the playoffs, kick ass, and win the Super Bowl.”
I grin, tossing back the last sip of my drink. “Well, that’s a big ask, but I’ll do my best.”
He laughs. “Don’t disappoint me Elliot”
“I would never do such a thing,” I say, nudging his arm. “But seriously, I’ll keep in touch. Us playing together? That would be wild. Our offense would be insane.”
Charlie gives Nate a warm hug goodbye, then turns and does the same with me; quick but real. Paul waves goodbye from behind the bar, but Charlie doesn’t return it, still clearly harboring some light irritation.
As soon as Charlie walks out, Paul waves me over dramatically. “That guy does not like me.”
I smirk. “You want the honest truth?”
“Always.” Paul begs.
“I think he thinks you’re annoying. And just a lot of energy.”
Paul snorts. “Well, he’s not wrong.”
I laugh. “Alright, my friend. I’ll see you soon. Nate and I are gonna grab some food and head back to my place.”
Paul gives me a wink and spins back toward the drink station, with a quick twirl.
I turn back and find Nate already by the door. I reach out and grab his hand, with confidence, unbothered by anyone who might see, and pull him out through the exit.
As we walk toward the Uber pickup, Nate says, “Can we please get Chinese food? And maybe watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets? It’s been forever since we attempted to watch the first one.”
I smirk. “Hopefully, we actually finish it this time. Unlike last time.”
Nate just smirks back at me, then casually squeezes my butt as we wait at the curb.
A spark shoots straight to my groin, and I look over at him, eyebrows raised. He just shrugs innocently.
“Just making sure you’re still alive,” Nate says.
“Oh, I’m alive,” I mutter, grabbing his hand tight.
We pick up Chinese food from the small restaurant around the corner from me and bring it home to my place. Immediately, we dig in and devour all the food, clearly having the drunchies.
After we absolutely destroy all the food, Nate leans back on the couch and groans. “Let’s get in comfy clothes and put the movie on.”
But I look at him with a sly grin. “How about this, before I fall into a food coma and start complaining about stomach pain, how about you take off your pants?”
Nate blinks, then laughs. “Sold!”
Nate, whose eyes widen, immediately takes off his pants. I don’t ask for his permission, as I take mine off too. I start to jerk him and myself off quickly.
I look into Nate's eyes and mutter, “Put it in?” Nate looks at me with a grin and says, “I will be quick, don’t you worry.”
We both are fully hard when I slip a thin condom over Nate’s dick and he pushes me to the couch lifting my legs over his shoulders.
I haven’t showered or anything, but I don’t care, and neither does Nate.
Nate grabs the lube bottle we keep next to the couch and drops a few warm droplets on his finger. He follows by squeezing the bottle over my hole, which gives a warming sensation.
I could feel Nate slowly starting to massage me and open me up a little bit. I scrunch my face after the initial pressure, but then fully relax. After a few minutes of foreplay, Nate looks at me and says, “You ready?”
I look at him with eager eyes and nod. Nate without hesitation puts his dick inside me and starts to thrust like he’s been holding it back all day.
Typically, I just lie there enjoying the moment, but I’m ready for my release now.
I start jerking my dick off as the thrusts continue, which leads me to feel the urge to cum.
Nate, sensing I’m close to cumming, starts to play with my balls, while thrusting even faster. After only a couple of seconds, I let out a loud moan and release all over my chest. Nate, who normally finishes inside me, pulls out, rips the condom off, and releases all over my chest.
Nate looks at me, sweaty, and says, “My God, it’s everywhere”.
I laugh, completely unbothered. “That was hot. Can I just lie here like this forever?”
“You’re disgusting,” he says, but he’s smiling. “Get your gross ass in the shower.”
We stumble toward the bathroom, laughing and bumping into walls like idiots. A quick rinse later, we dry off, kiss lightly, and finally put on sweatpants and tank tops. The living room still smells faintly of Chinese food, and honestly, I don’t hate it.
Over the past few weeks, Nate has slowly been bringing and leaving some clothes at my place, and he even has a toothbrush here. I love it. It’s still an open invitation for him just to stay here. I know it’s early in our relationship, but I don’t care.
I know he’s dealing with money stuff, and I don’t want to make it weird by offering too much. Nate has pride, and I respect that. I don’t want to turn love into charity. But if he ever needs me, I will be here.
It’s 8:30 p.m. and twenty minutes into Chamber of Secrets, and right around the part where Harry hears voices in the walls, which is when Nate’s phone buzzes on the couch.
He barely glances at it.
I nudge him. “You gonna get that?”
He groans, stretching a hand toward it with intense laziness. “Maybe it's Christina, wanting to know some idiotic fact about nothing relevant.” He says.
But the moment he reads the screen, he shoots upright.
“What?” I ask, suddenly alert. “Was it not Christina?”
He blinks at the screen and shows me his phone.
It’s a screenshot from Mel.
Subject: Gig Opportunity – October 13th, Saturday Night @ Boom Lounge
Hi Mel,
We heard your band play at the recent New York City Mental Health Awareness Charity and loved your group's sound. We had a last-minute cancellation for this Saturday and would love to offer you a 25-minute set at 8:30 p.m. Let us know ASAP if you’re available.
-Dylan, Boom Lounge Programming
I stare at it. “Holy shit. The Boom Lounge is such a nice venue. Not huge, but definitely fancy.”
“Right?” Nate breathes, grabbing the phone back.
“Mel already said yes, so my decision has been made,” Nate says with a smile.
He looks at me, eyes wide, nervous energy radiating off him. “It’s a quick set, so we probably only have to play a few songs. This is great exposure for us, though!”
Nate looks at me and starts to spiral a bit, “What if we embarrass ourselves? Is this even worth it? The pay probably isn’t even that good.”
“Babe, relax. You guys will kill it, and remember, you have nothing to lose!” I continue, “Plus, I will be there cheering you on.”
Nate softens at that, eyes searching mine. “You’d really come?”
“Are you kidding? Of course I will.” I say. “It makes sense why you would question it, though,” I follow with a guilty frown.
I am so excited for Nate. This is a great opportunity for him, playing around with lots of rich people who have lots of connections. There really is no downside to this.
Nate looks at me, while I am in a daze, and points at the TV, “Put on Harry Potter, there are only two hours left. We can do it!”
He leans into me and rests his head on my shoulder, and we both stare at the screen.
We’re halfway through the movie when I hear a second buzz. Not Nate’s phone this time, but mine.
I reach over to check it, expecting a text from Becky, my parents, or maybe a team group chat about practice tomorrow. Instead, I see a notification from Sports Network Magazine.
The title shows, Are Carter Elliot and Charlie Dodds the NFL’s First Power Couple?
“What the fuck?” I mutter, unlocking my phone. My stomach drops as I open the article.
There it is. A perfect shot from earlier today, the one with the two redheads at Spiral. Me on one side and Charlie on the other. We’re standing close, smiling awkwardly, the way people do when strangers force you into a photo.
Nate notices immediately. “What’s up?”
I tilt the screen toward him, and his eyes widen. “The media is absurd! You guys just look like friends.”
There’s an enlarged headline over the photo: Carter Elliott Seen Getting Cozy With Retired NFL Star at NYC Gay Bar.
Below the picture is a paragraph of pure speculation: Both players were spotted at Spiral, a well-known LGBTQ+ bar in New York City. Sources say they appeared close and shared multiple drinks over several hours. Could Charlie Dodds be dating again? And is Carter Elliot following in his footsteps?
I toss the phone face down on the couch, skin radiating with anger. “This is bullshit.”
Nate raises an eyebrow. “Yeah. I know, but just tell yourself that it is a rumor and that nothing will come of it.”
“I know. Ugh, No. I don’t know.” I run a hand through my hair. “This is a rumor, yes, but I feel like it's a matter of time until the truth comes out. I hate that the world will think I am with Charlie, though, and not you.”
Nate’s expression softens. “Well, I’m not a famous football player. So, it wouldn't be an interesting story. After next weekend’s performance, on the other hand...”
I sit forward, elbows on my knees. “You’re right. Doesn’t the title, ‘Carter Elliot, sparks romance with famous singer Nate Ryan’ sound so much better,” I joke.
Nate’s quiet for a moment, then says, “Are you going to deny it if anyone asks?”
That question hits harder than I expect.
“I don’t want to lie,” I say. “But I also don’t want the first time anyone talks about me being gay to be a rumor I didn’t even start.
“Carter,” Nate says gently, “you don’t owe the world a perfectly worded statement.
You owe yourself the truth. And maybe your team, when you’re ready.
But you don’t owe anything to the public, especially some ridiculous media source.
Especially one that thinks two guys standing next to each other means you’re both madly in love. ”
“I’m not going to deny anything,” I say finally. “But I’m also not letting some ridiculous reporters write my story.”
Nate leans in and kisses my cheek. “Good. Because if they knew what you really did with men. Like everything? That would be a way better story.”
I look at Nate, and while I go in for a kiss, I let slip out, “I love you.”
Nate, with confident eyes, looks at me and says, “I love you too, babe.”
By the time the movie is over, it’s already eleven and Nate is already passed out on the couch. I lightly shake him awake and drag him to bed, where we both pass out.