Gavin nodded. “Yes. I think you’re right. Thank you for reminding me.”
“Uhh, you’re welcome.”
Graham was still slightly in shock as Gavin excused himself, joined Dakota, and together they left the party.
Graham got dragged into conversation with someone else on the team and for the next little while everything was a blur ofcongratulations, drinks, and being hugged by every single one of his teammates.
Even Crawford. “Uhh, congrats on the rainbow status, or whatever,” he said, leaning in and thumping Graham on the back.
Graham choked and managed a half-hearted hug. “What?”
Crawford scowled as he drew back. “Well, I don’t fuckin’ know what to say when this shit happens. But Thad seems like a good dude. Hope you’re happy together.”
“Uh, thanks,” Graham said, oddly touched by the gruff well wishes.
He was pretty convinced the Harriers were the weirdest fucking team in the NHL. He was also really fucking grateful he was on a team like this.
Weird or not, they were good dudes. Every single one of them. Even Crawford.
Maybe.
A moment later, Graham felt arms settle around his waist and a familiar scent teased at his nose. He sagged back against Thad with a relieved sigh. “Hey there.”
“Hey.” Thad briefly pressed his lips to his shoulder. “How you doing?”
“Pretty good,” Graham said. “Kinda drunk. One-hundred-percent sure I’m gonna have a fucking hangover tomorrow.”
“I’ll make sure you get lots of electrolytes and a greasy breakfast.”
“Fuck, I love you.”
“I love you too.” It sounded like Thad was smiling. “So, I’ve gotta admit, it’s pretty nice we can do this in public now.”
“Yeah. It is.” Graham turned in his arms, dislodging Thad’s grip, but he quickly pulled him close again.
Possibly because neither of them were really dressed for standing outside on a freezing cold night like this.
“Uhh, can we move closer to the fire though?” Graham asked. “I’m turning into a fucking icicle.”
Thad smiled. “Sure, baby.”
They did a funny little sideways shuffle closer to the fire, nearly knocking down a box of graham crackers Thad reached down to catch in time.
“So, we did it,” Graham said, looking at Thad’s face once he’d straightened. “We’re out as a couple. And I’m out. And Gavin knows. And no one got fired.”
Thad made a face. “I’m still pissed he outed you. Outed us, that way. I told him he owes you an apology.”
“He already apologized and it was sincere.”
“Good.”
“Honestly, I’m not mad though,” Graham admitted, fiddling with the medallion that attached Thad’s cloak to his armor.
“No?”
“Nah. I mean, I feel like if this hadn’t happened, we both might have dragged it out. Worried about how it would go over and this way it’s … over and done with, you know?”
“Even if I’d gotten fired, I would have stayed in Boston.”
