Conversation then turns to hockey gossip. What’s happening behind the headlines and the truth to the stories. I’m reminded of the shit that went down several years ago now with Max Latham. That video and still images were plastered everywhere. And Max simply vanished. More recently, just this season, there was the accusation against Felton Badcock for having a ReachMe account based on a tattoo.
It wasn’t even a particularly unique tattoo. In fact, there was a thread that blew up of people posting their star tattoos right where ‘Felton’s’ was. And there were thousands of people who went out and got an identical one in the exact same place in support of Felton.
Not that it’s been confirmed beyond a doubt that it was Felton. Still. Months later.
We talk about Felton for a bit and Noah tells us that he’s doing better than he was a couple months ago, but what the outside noise doesn’t understand or care about is how this kind of thing really fucks with a person.
Felton’s situation was a lot like Max’s and yet, very, very different. Both led to the men plastered all over the internet having breakdowns. Max has come out of it and he’s in a really great place, while Felton is still trying to climb his way out.
We talk until it’s late and the restaurant closes before meandering back to the hotel. The cool air against my skin clears some of the alcohol fog. I didn’t drink a lot, but I rarely drink so there’s a little bit of mental sluggishness lingering. By the time I’m stepping back into the hotel—where there’sstillsomeone yelling at reception—I’m feeling basically normal. Like I hadn’t drank at all. Just a few sips.
As the group I’m with begins climbing into elevators, we’re making bets about how many receptionists quit working for the hotel because of today. One or two mix ups and bad experiences is one thing. But it’s been a non stop barrage since I got herefrom what I’ve seen and heard. And I was not one of the first here.
My stomach flips as I stand at the hotel room door and stare at it. Is Caulder in there? I adjust my pants and frown. Really, I should have gone to fuck the local guy instead of coming back with a chubby for my gorgeous roommate. Who’s clearly already uncomfortable with me.
Taking a breath, I give my dick a mental pep talk.Notan encouraging one. This is more on the lines of,be good and I’ll let you be happy tomorrow.Bribing my dick rarely works, but it’s an attempt.
My keycard lets me in, and I find the room dark except for the light spilling in from the ajar bathroom door. It’s quiet. Silent. I shut the door quietly, not letting it slam shut like everyone else. Then flip all the locks before stepping further into the room.
When I get to the edge of the wall where I can see the bed, I can’t tell if I’m elated he’s here or disappointed he’s already asleep. There’s no movement or sounds.
“You awake?” I ask, keeping my voice low so I don’t wake him if he’s asleep.
There’s a bit of quiet rustling before he answers, “Yeah.”
“Cool. I locked up.”
“O-okay.”
The obvious shyness in his voice makes me smile as I back away and head into the bathroom where I strip down and brush my teeth. Wash my hands and face. Then pause on my way out, glancing at my cock in the mirror. Still working on getting hard like the bitch he is.
But that’s not what makes me pause. I can’t just crawl into bed naked with Caulder. That’s very clearly crossing a lot of lines. Clothes are also out for multiple reasons, but the two biggest are you just don’t wear street clothes in bed and thesecond is that I get tangled in them and feel like I’m being restrained and choked.
Underwear it is, I guess. I step back into my boxer briefs, arrange my dick so it’s in the least offensive position I can manage. Then shut off the light before I open the door, and step out of the bathroom. I’m plunged into darkness, so I wait for my eyes to adjust before walking across the room.
I grab the remote from the TV table on the way and climb into bed on the opposite side as Caulder. He doesn’t move. I don’t even hear him breathing.
I’m wide awake. Unsurprising. I’m far too aware that Caulder is just feet away from me. I turn my head so I can look at him and grin when I see that he has the blankets tucked up under his chin. His eyes are wide open, too. I can see the reflection of the outside lights barely touch them.
“Want to watch TV?” I ask.
Caulder sighs like he’s been holding his breath. “Yeah, sure.”
Bringing up the remote, I turn the television on, then arrange a couple pillows so I’m propped up a little. As I wait for it to come up, I look at Caulder again. He hasn’t moved.
“You have fun with your temporary team?” I ask.
He nods, his eyes flickering to mine. “Yeah, they’re cool.”
“Anyone you’d already known?”
“In passing, yeah.”
“No past teammates?”
Caulder shrugs and shakes his head. “No. I mean, besides Ethan. You have one of our previous teammates. Mattias Jönsson. He was traded for Jakub.”
“Right,” I say, sitting up a little. “He’s cool.”
