Chapter 23 - Hockey game
Leon
It’s been a hell of a few weeks, but the storm has passed and we’re finally in the clear.
I don’t regret going through it though, since we came out stronger in the end. Do I wish it was a couple of days instead of a couple of weeks? Sure. But Dex needed the time to process his feelings and I am happy we managed to pull through in the end.
To be honest, I was not prepared for it to end at all.
I knew what Dex was going to say when he sat down across from me the first moment he looked me in the eyes.
The surrender and defeat, the way he felt he wasn’t enough.
I could actually kiss Jen when she came to our table, lighting a fire under Dex’s ass in the process.
Not that I saw Jen in that way anymore or have any actual desire to kiss her.
Also, not that I was prepared to go down without a fight, regardless of Jen making an appearance.
I would have found a way to pull him into the light with me, no matter what it took.
He sat me down later that day and told me the story of how his parents died and how it affected him.
It was heartbreaking to hear everything he went through.
As the pieces started to fall in place with snippets here and there of what he told me, a particular memory came to mind.
One night, we were snuggling naked in bed and Dex was tracing my tattoo with his fingertips, a big shoulder piece composed of leaves and flowers from my favorite plants.
After I finished telling him about each one, I asked if he was thinking about getting a tattoo, to which he replied with “If you spend your childhood dodging needles like I have, you develop a phobia of them real fast.” At the time, I thought he was talking about getting shots, my mind couldn’t even conjure the terrifying reality of what he meant.
The most heartbreaking part of it all however was the way he painted himself as weak and pathetic, which made me equally sad and angry.
He was a small child and went through so much pain, it only reinforced my desire to worship him like he deserves for the rest of my life.
I was quick to tell him that and erase any drop of doubt I could see in his eyes.
It wasn’t his fault and I think he knew it, but still seemed to need to hear it from me.
So I gave it to him in bounds, along with the promise that it didn’t matter to me one bit and that I was in it for the long haul.
Although what I actually meant was forever.
We’ve been inseparable since we met in the coffee shop almost a week ago.
Dex has only left my apartment to get changed and go to work.
I pick him up every day after work now and we go back to mine.
I actually took the time to clear out some drawers for him to be able to bring over some stuff, so we don’t have to rush in the mornings during the week.
I recently discovered Dex is a very big fan of morning blowjobs and I’m more than happy to shower him with them every chance I get.
So extra time in the mornings would definitely be a godsend, since he tends to pass out for another ten minutes after he comes.
I plan on asking him tomorrow to pack a bag and bring it over.
I’m actually counting down the days until we hit three months to officially ask him to move in with me.
I’m giddy and bursting with joy as I make my way to Dex’s place to pick him up.
We’re going to the first game of preseason tonight and subsequently, Dex’s first hockey game.
I can’t wait to take my boyfriend out to watch hockey together.
This is going to be epic! The Uber ride is filled with anticipation and I’m chatting the driver’s ear off about taking my boyfriend to his first game.
I don’t know if the driver is just being polite or if he is really into my story, but he’s nodding and smiling at me a lot.
Instant five stars right there. Even if he wasn’t, nothing could bring me down today.
I get out of the car to find Dexter waiting in front of his building, decked from head to toe in winter wear. He must be boiling his nuts off.
“Hey babe!” I tell him as I lean into a sweet kiss. “Think you overdid it just a bit?” I ask as I tug his beanie off and find his hair slightly sweaty. It instantly transports me to last night when his hair was also sweaty, but for different reasons.
“I remember how cold it was last time, but maybe you’re right.” He says with a sheepish look. “The memory might be a bit exaggerated in my mind.”
“No, it really gets cold, obviously. But at games there’s a lot of people around generating heat as well, so you don’t need this much.” I say as he nods thoughtfully.
“Should I get changed?” His eyes flit back to the building as he tries to make his escape.
“No, this is fine, if you remove the hat and scarf. You can always put them back on. Maybe take off the jersey until we get there.” I say as I start unwrapping the forest green scarf that matches his eyes.
I make a mental note to buy him a whole wardrobe worth of forest green clothes.
I love everything about Dex, but I especially love his eyes.
We start walking slowly towards the rink, hand in hand, like a proper couple.
It’s not that I’m no longer afraid, a heavy panic takes over sometimes, like a vice grip around my heart when I think Dexter might still leave me.
But it’s only for a second and I’m getting better at punching it down.
I want to be in the moment with him, I don’t want to stress or overthink when I could be in love and happy in his company.
So I try not to, succeeding most of the time.
We’re a bit early since I wanted Dex to get the full experience of being at a game, but it’s still busy and takes us a while to get to our seats.
I scored us some of the best glass-side seats in the house, behind the home net, perks of working for the team, of course.
I know some might say center ice would be best, especially for a newbie like Dex, but he doesn’t know much about the game yet and I want him to get excited watching Ryan and Mark, whom he’s already met last time.
I can’t wait for the adrenaline to take place when you can see the puck fly towards the net this closely.
Since Ryan will play close to Mark being a defense guy, this is really the best place to see both in action.
People think teams don’t take preseason games very seriously, but Ryan is always serious about hockey.
And he always wants to win the first preseason game.
We get the classic concession foods, nachos and hot dogs, and sit down.
I watch Dex excitedly while he shuffles in place as he puts the jersey back on.
We’re both wearing Ryan’s number twenty, as well his last name Harris on our backs.
He’s a small-town boy like myself, from somewhere close to Chicago.
One of the things we bonded over when we first met.
Dex is eyeing the beanie and the scarf he’s holding in his lap and I can almost hear the gears turning.
“You can put them on.” I tell him while planting a soft kiss at his temple.
“Yeah, it’s a bit cold. Maybe I’ll take them off again if it warms up?” He asks, unsure.
“Of course, baby. I want you to be comfortable.”
“Ok.” He smiles sweetly. “I think I might enjoy hockey more if it wasn’t so cold.” He says as he wraps the scarf around his neck. I notice the tip of his nose is slightly pink and it’s
the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.
A flash of Dexter’s face buried deep in blankets and pillows comes to mind as I say, “You really don’t like the cold, do you?”
“I prefer being warm, yes. But sometimes I like winter, when I look outside and see the snow falling in large chunks and I sip on hot chocolate while I’m cozy inside.”
“So you just like it when you’re inside. How are we going to go play in the snow together?” I tease him.
“Well, we’re not. You can play in the snow while I watch, maybe with the kids.
You’ll also need to shovel the driveway with your big, strong muscles when we buy a house upstate, while I cheer you on from inside my blanket fort.
” He says with a big grin, but I’m stunned at his words.
He’s thinking about the future in this way?
I have to clear my throat twice before I manage to get the words out, “I didn’t realize you thought about these things.” I say softly.
“Of course I thought about who’s going to shovel the snow, it’s a dealbreaker for me, you know.
” He jokes and teases me right back, bringing lightness back into the conversation, before he continues, “I want it all with you, Leon. I’m going to make you my husband and buy the house and have the kids and everything else you’ve ever wanted.
I’m going to make all your dreams come true. ”
“You already do.” I whisper and kiss him thoroughly. I hear a whistle from behind me and someone yells Get a room, but I’m not going to stop kissing him until I get my fill. Which may very well be never at this point.
Dex breaks first and snuggles into my chest with a contented sigh. I wrap an arm around him and hold him tight when I hear him whisper, “Still no to dogs.”
We both start laughing and kiss a couple more times, although a more PG version this time.
Right on schedule the lights all come off and as the music comes on I hear Dex let out a startled gasp.
The lights start flashing up and down in Hunters’ colors, red green and yellow dancing from the upper bowl down to the rink.
The crowd starts cheering and singing to the song while the lights keep flashing and dancing around the whole space when the team starts skating down the ice in a little synchronised dance.
I watch Dex’s face get all excited as he turns to me and screams over the music, “You didn’t tell me there was a show! ”
“Surprise, baby.” I tell him and look for Ryan and Mark on the ice.
Mark is easy to find since he’s the biggest motherfuckers I’ve seen in my life, especially while in goalie gear.
Ryan is not hard to find either and the two of them come skating down around the crease.
I tap the glass and yell hello, to which they both stop to yell hi back before going to their warm-ups.
Dex watches hips pump from side to side in fascination, before turning to me with a bewildered look, “This is how they warm up?”
“Yeah, this is how they stretch. I used to do it as well before every game.” I tell him.
“I need to see that! Like, tonight.” He says a bit too loudly and I laugh with him.
“Anytime, baby.” I say back and we settle in to watch the game.
It’s not an easy game by any means, the other team seems to be taking the first game of preseason just as seriously.
The New Jersey Demons are playing very well and they’re tied at three goals each when the second period ends.
Most players will come back tired in the third period, but I know Ryan will come back on the ice pumped up.
I know he will make sure they get the win tonight, no question.
He’s the best at reading forwards’ intentions and he does a great job and keeping spirits up on the team, making him the best captain.
I’m proven right the minute he slides down to the net with a determined look on his face.
As the game resumes, not many forwards make it through to the net and the ones that do are quickly stopped by Mark. He really is a beast in the net.
While the Demons struggle to score again, the Hunters’ forwards manage to score twice more, ending as a five to three in favor of Ryan’s team.
The crowd goes wild and Dex and I are on our feet cheering loudly.
I’m so happy for my friend, he totally deserves this.
I know he’s upset about making it to the play-offs the past couple years and not bringing the Stanley Cup home, but I think this is his year.
I use my staff credentials to get us into the hallway outside the locker rooms to wait for the guys so we can congratulate them.
Ryan comes out quickly since he needs to head out for interviews, but he takes the time to give us both a warm hug and we make sure to tell him how awesome he was.
Even Dex compliments him on certain plays, despite not knowing much about the game.
I tried to explain rules here and there as the plays were happening, since telling him everything before would have made little sense.
“Ok, I have to go, or Coach is going to kill me. But stay a bit longer and you can come with the team to celebrate at the watering hole.” Ryan tells us and I see a mildly panicked expression take over Dex’s face.
“Not tonight.” I tell Ryan quickly. “But I am so happy for you! We’ll definitely come to the next home game to watch you wipe the floor with the other teams.”
“Ok, see you guys later. Oh, and you’re coming to all the home games.” He says with a wave as he backs up.
“He’s joking, right?” Dex asks me as we move down the hall.
“Don’t think he is. We can probably make it to about ninety percent of home games, though. I think this is the year the Hunters take home the cup.” I explain excitedly.
“I didn’t realize I was signing up for so much hockey.” He tells me seriously, but I can see the corners of his mouth slightly lifted in a smile he’s trying to hold back.
“Well, I’m definitely coming to support my friend and I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.” I tell him in a playful voice.
A flash of sadness crosses his face and I regret my choice of words.
I know Dex still feels guilty about separating us for two weeks, even though he has nothing to feel guilty about.
All that matters is that we’re together now and happy as can be.
I put my arm around his waist and pull him to my side.
“Ready to head home?” I ask, knowing that wherever we go from now, we go together.
“Ready.”