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"Skate to Daddy you got it." Jack coaxed his four-year-old as she hesitantly wobbled forward on her skates. She had shown interest in skating since she had been coming to games. He looked over at his partner nodding encouragingly to the bundle of pads on the ice Okay so Jack was protective, so what? She wobbled a little more and stopped before letting go of the walker and skated over to the goalie net that Zack was standing in front of. "Keep going!" He cheered as he excitedly watched her. Now excited she reached the center ice before stumbling forward and landing on her stomach. Well, she almost made it. Jack was tempted to skate over to her his helicopter parenting getting to him, when she got up and skated over to Zack almost stumbling again as she landed in his arms. "I did it! I did it!" Her little voice cheered. He smiled "You're a natural skater, you'll be playing hockey in no time." He said lifting her up. She grinned pressing her head against his shoulder. Jack leaned against the side of the rink smiling as he watched them. He could already imagine the drives to hockey games and tournaments, or whatever sport she chose. But seeing her finally be able to skate across the ice warmed his heart.
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Seven Years Later "Dad we're going to be late," Maeve called over her shoulder as she exited the car. "We're fine, Zack isn't even on the ice yet." He sighed locking the car door. "Exactly! I want to go in the locker room." She protested. "Okay hockey player what are you the coach?" Jack joked. "Motivational speaker, and good luck charm. You know Dad and I do the handshake before every home game. It's tradition." Jack shook his head as he watched his daughter walk in front of him, proudly wearing his husband's jersey number 21. She reached the venue door and looked back at him. "Do you have the passes?" "Pat knows you by now gingerbread." He joked she narrowed her green eyes at him. The nickname from when she was a toddler, annoyed her but he found it funny. That and how no one believed she was his daughter because she looked nothing like him or Zack. Nevertheless, he caught up with her and went through the pre-entry protocol they both knew so well before entering the arena. Maeve ran down the tunnel pausing as she reached the locker room door. "You got it? It's heavy." Jack nodded as she wrenched open the heavy door for her to go in, he went in after. "The true MVP is here." He heard as she entered the room. the whole team knew and loved Maeve, she'd practically grown up with most of them. "Hi Shawn, seen my dad?" "Talking to coach, should be out soon though." He replied. Jack stepped out of the doorway and waved to some of the guys, just as he saw Jack walk in. Oh the way he swooned seeing him in his hockey gear. "There's my good luck charm!" He said upon seeing Maeve."Hi Dad!" She hugged him tightly. "Can't chat for too long we gotta be on the ice in fifteen.""Handshake?" She asked. He sighed and looked over her shoulder at Jack and waved. "Sure.""Everyone on the ice lets go boys!" Coach called. Zack glanced over his shoulder as the team approached the ice. "Okay but quick." Maeve nodded doing the handshake she knew by heart and grinned. "Okay, good luck tonight, you wearing it?""The charm? Course." He patted his pocket. "Yup, but you're here so it's fine.""Zack ice!""Sorry, alright bye love you." He hugged her tight and waved to Jack. He waved back and nodded for Maeve to follow him to their seats. ... Oh, how he loved going to games and watching his kid experience them. She was always loud screaming and groaning when a score was missed, but her eyes never left number 21. Jack pulled out his phone to text his best friend Alex.
Game tonight?
You know it, we did get her a bit late through
time blindness?
yup, how's it going space boy?
Good went camping this weekend and looked at stars.
Who knew dating an outdoorsy athlete would make you go outside
I didn't
why aren't you at the game tonight?
cause my boyfriend is on the opposing team and it would look bad if I sat with you and Maeve, no but I had work stuff to do, so watching from home with Molly
Ah how is my favorite troublemaker?
She got into the pantry, and our collection of beef jerky is gone. Jack smiled. He knew any time he texted his best friend he would hear some wild story of what his two-year-old Boarder Collie has gotten up to. His boyfriend was once on the same team as Zack but got traded, and Alex refused to move to Boston. "Score!" "Yes!" Maeve screamed turning to look at Jack her eyes sparkling. She turned back to the ice as Zack skated over. She slammed her palm into the glass for a hive-five and grinned. Jack watched as he skated away and sipped his drink, oh how he loved coming to home games.
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Alex POV Only fifteen minutes left in the quarter. The home team was winning and had been since the second quarter. Alex already knew someone would be coming home moping, but let the final score be the judge. He glanced down at his phone next to him on the couch, open to his texting convo with Jack. His phone chimed again, a picture of Maeve pressed against the ice watching wearing Zack's jersey like usual. He smiled and texted him back
She might be a bigger fan than you
no chance, I went to almost every game when we got together, even flew out of the country for some.
I know proud of you
but games are more fun with her, she gets so into it.
I bet
tell Rian sorry for his team loosing
oh I know they are loosing it's fine
are you two staying together tonight?
Thats the hope, he has a game tomorrow or day after so it won't be long enough, never is
ah to be a hockey boyfriend Jack texted. Alex sighed nodding as he texted back.
you know it,
"Score! The Avalance win another home game." The announcer says from the tv. Sorry buddy Jack texts. Alex sighed as he switched to the food channel and went to the kitchen Forty minutes later Alex's phone rang. He stopped mid pour of wine knowing damn well who it was and raced into the family room to answer."Hello?""Hey you home?""Course sorry you got your butt beat.""It's fine, we had some injuries on the team so we were no where near 100%.""Fair, yeah I'm home you want to stay?""Yeah let me just get changed chat with the team nd I'll be over, text me the address again.""You should know where I live by know Ri." Alex joked dryly. "Well... I forgot." He shook his head trying to hide his smile. He hated how infatuated he was when it came to him. "How long are you in town?""Eh tonight, but you know I rather stay here than some fancy hotel downtown." He nodded watching him lug his hockey bag through the door. "I gotta shower then we can catch up." Rian replied as she shut the door behind him. "Sorry you lost." Alex said. "Eh it's fine, I like Mave seeing her dad win." Alex laughed as he heard the jingle of Molly's tags. "Here comes trouble.""It's fine she can heard me up the stairs." He said, and that she did. "So how's Boston?""Nice, would be nicer with you." He side-eyed Alex, who sighed. "I told you I'm not moving.""Alex your job isn't tied here.""Well, sorta but." He shrugged. "Dude you work for NASA you can be anywhere. "Um, I work for an aerospace company here.""So work for one in Boston," Rian said sipping his soda. "I could but..""But what?" He challenged."I like living in Colorado, I also like being not that far from my best friend either." Alex replied, and that was true, his parents lived out of state, and living near Jack and Zack when his boyfriend was cross country helped beat the loneliness, But a part of Alex did want to be with Rian full time. The two had been together for four almost five years and this was the first of those years they had been apart. "I can't convince you huh?" He said shoulders slumping. "I'll think about it." He murmured sipping the last wine and got off the couch to put the glass in the sink. "Molly NO." He turned looking over his shoulder in the family room to see the dog stealing the remnants of salmon from his boyfriend's plate. "That's on you for leaving it at her level.""I forgot you have a dog, alright! " He fussed, getting up and taking his plate in the kitchen. Well now you'll remember, and she loves salmon, especially the skin." He said, taking the plate from him and putting it into the soapy water. Why don't you use your dishwasher?" Rian commented, watching him wash the dishes by hand. "Dunno." "Is it cause you don't want to or are afraid to ask maintenance to fix it?" Alex looked into the soapy water. "Okay Mr. I went to space but am terrified to ask anyone for help." He side eyed Rian from where he stood leaning against the counter. "I can have Jack fix it.""When anything breaks at their house the one fixing it is Zack, he told me.""So my best friend is a trophy husband?" Rian snorts. "Sometimes." Alex shrugged, then paused as he remembered something, “Well that’s not true he’s a lawyer remember?”“I can't believe he is a lawyer," Rian replied. "Jack knows how to argue, and put his work in debate to use," Alex commented as he finished cleaning the dishes and set them in the drying rack. “Well I’m about an hour until I fall asleep.””Hockey is a good workout.” Alex said. “That it is, also how do you work your shower again?” “It’s not that hard but fine I’ll show you.” Alex said drying his hands and walked up the stairs to his room. …This was nice, sleeping in the same bed, as Friends played in the background. Alex did miss them being in the same state, the same place. He loved his townhouse, the loft area where he had a greenhouse and would look out at the stars on a particularly clear night, but the only thing missing was well... Rian. He glanced over at him almost asleep next to him and sighed. Would he move? To Boston? Is moving for love stupid? He glanced over at the dog bed in the corner where Molly slept on her hind legs in the air. Gosh, she was a handful. But a nice distraction from the long days of engineering, and dealing with his some of his dry co-workers. I rolled over glancing at his sleeping boyfriend who was now laying on his arms. Oh he wanted this more often. The next morning. "Let me know when you're back in town." He said leaning against the doorways. Only a night, not even a week. "Course, I'll text you when I'm in Philly.""Next game?" He nodded. Alex tried to look like this didn't hurt, even if it did. "I'll see you soon alright?""Okay." He murmured hugging him tightly. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to even his breathing, so he wouldn't know he was close to tears. How he hated this feeling, but was too used to it to change the situation. He pulled away opening his eyes and cleared his throat. "Good luck on your game, know you'll win.""Thanks." Rian smiled. Alex watched him walk out to the oversized SUV and get in the back. He leaned against the doorway, hand on the knob, and swallowed. "The post-boyfriend left loneliness?" Jack asked over lunch. Alex nodded. "Then move to Boston Alex what a crazy thought." He mulled it over. "I could but I like my place and my job is.""You complain about other engineers to me." Jack lamented. He was right. "How's law? I forgot you went back to work.""A lawyer by day and a gymnastics dad by night." He took a bite of his salad. “Do you think I should move?” He asked as he continued thinking about it. “I mean… if this was Zack and I, you already know I would move in a heartbeat.””That’s because you’re clingy.” “Am not.” Jack protested. Alex gave his friend a look. Jack sighed and picked up his sandwich. “Alright fine, I am.” Jack’s phone buzzed. “Reminder for Maeve’s meet.””She has a meet during the week?” Jack nodded. “Yup. I think she might go back to hockey soon, though.””Why did she quit?” "Every coach realized her dad was the Zack Merrick and expected her to be amazing and she very much does not want to fill his shoes, just play cause she loves it.” “Ah, I see.” Alex sipped his drink, before taking the last bite of his salad. He enjoyed his mid-week lunch dates with Jack. The bakery they went to was a few blocks from his law office, and not too far of a drive from his work either. Since Jack got married and adopted Maeve their was a few years where Alex never saw him, and realized how much he missed his best friend, and how scheduled lunch dates were mandatory for the relationship to not die. “I should head back to the office,” Jack said checking his watch. Alex nodded stacking his empty dishes together. “Same time next week.””Course space boy.” Jack winked. Alex picked up his tray and walked over to the trash bins, waiting for Jack who was haphazardly stacking a plate and bowl. Everything about his friend was chaotic down to how he stacked dishes. Alex laughed and shook his head.
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The days after a long string of games were always the best for Zack. He woke up hearing Jack getting Maeve ready for school."Dad?" She called up the stairs. "Hmm?" He lifted his head from the pillow, he meant to be up by now but I'm sore from the game yesterday. "I'm off.""Okay have a good day at school, see you this afternoon.""Gymnastics practice, you going to be there?""Sure Gingerbread." She groaned. "Maeve!" Jack called downstairs. "Go on, love you." "You too!" She called and ran back downstairs. He closed his eyes and let out a breath. Need to get up and at least make a smoothie, work out is out of the question, he thought as he sat up and grimaced a little before getting out of bed. I closed my eyes and let out a breath. Right need to get up, and at least make a smoothie, work out is out of the question. I sit up grimacing a little and get out of bed.Still feeling achy he stumbled into the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. Ugh, the days after a game were brutal. Shaking away the thought he went downstairs and rooted through the fridge for ingredients for his usual smoothie. He smiled seeing the photo of him, Jack, and Maeve on the fridge from a game last year. Hockey season can be a lot when you have a family, and Zack was lucky his husband and daughter are so supportive. Maeve especially, thinks his being a hockey player is the coolest thing in the world. Now she's on to gymnastics, which is funny seeing Jack being a gymnastics dad. He busied himself making a smoothie when a note on the counter caught his eye, Off to take Gingerbread to school, see you this evening at her meet at Hill ( Idk if you have practice tonight but..) Love you! Jack Zack smiled as he continued making his smoothie, there's a lot of Maeve's meet he's missed and it will be nice to make one. Hockey season is a lot when you have a family, and I'm lucky he's so supportive. She played on teams growing up but quit last year cause the coaches seemed to pressure her to much seeing she was my kid, which is ridiculous and I wasn't upset that she quit. He cut on the blender, This might not be super great, as it’s just a hodge-podge of fruit that was in the fridge about to expire soon. He thought as he watched the blades spin around as he lightly stretched from side to side. While on the stationary bike in the home gym his watch buzzed. he glanced down to see a text from Jack. Dammit, his phone must be upstairs. Well if it's important he'll call.' He thought and kept riding until the timer went off. He got off whipping himself and the bike down and went upstairs pausing to see his husband raiding the pantry. "Well hi." Jack looked up and smiled. "Hi sorry had a break before I have to be at the court so I came back for snacks but." He narrowed his eyes and sighed. "Yes I know we need to go grocery shopping, don't think I'm not watching you try and raid the pantry and fridge." Jack sighed. "You do it?""You hate grocery stores so much, why?""Sensory overload." He admitted sheepishly. Zack nodded in understanding. "Makes sense, is it that it's too loud?""Also bright and too many people in one space sometimes, the whole thing." Jack shrugged opening the cabinet and pulling out a box of cereal. "Make a pick-up order and I can stop and get it before picking up Maeve." He nodded emptying the box and got his phone out to type it in. "Cereal, you need anything?""Strawberries, blueberries, stuff for a smoothie, oh do we have oatmeal?" He inquired. Jack raised his brow looked in the pantry, then added it to the list. "Well I'm going to shower," Zack said straightening up from the counter. Jack nodded kissing his temple. "Alright see you tonight.""You too, good luck in court today." Jack smiled. "Thanks love." Zack only liked pet names when they were from Jack and not in public. He went upstairs to their bathroom and cut on the shower, waiting for it to heat up. An hour or so later he pulled into the grocery store parking lot, fumbling for his phone and keys as he got out of the car, now noticing his legs burning from his half workout or my game last night, (probably the later,) as he entered the store.“How is it two already? Shit.” He fussed as he shoved his keys in the ignition, and headed home to drop the groceries off and then to pick up Maeve. He rarely picked her up from school and every time I He did, he wondered if if the front office would ask ifhe was her parent our not (does not help she doesn't look like me either) It’s happened a few times when she was younger, but now fifth grade her teachers knew him by now, but they mostly know Jack. He parked and entered the school, chatting with a friend. She looked up and upon seeing him began waving excitedly. Zack chuckled to himself as he saw her teacher nearby and went over to say hi. “Zack! Nice to see you.” The young brunette beamed surprised to see him probably. “You too Ms. Aspen.” “Is the ginger behaving?” She laughed nodding. “Maeve is a joy to have in class, you and Jack have raised her well.” He smiled, “Thanks, we try.” “Hi Dad,” Maeve said, skipping over to him and leaning into his side for a hug. “Hey kid, ready to go?” She nods. Picking up her duffle bag that’s on the ground by her feet, ah her gymnastics stuff. “I brought my leotard and stuff cause I didn’t know if we would go home first or not.” She says. I nod. “Good idea, um let’s see what time it is.” “See you later Zack.” Her teacher says as another parent walks over. I wave as the two of us walk out to the car. "How was your day?" She shrugs. "Long," "Oh?" He laughed as he started up the car, the radio blaring his playlist of classic rock. He turned it down. Maeve perked up as she buckled her seatbelt. "Journey?""Yeah." She paused listening intently. "Faithfully." She said. He smiled. "Good memory." But also she heard this song a handful of times, it was his and Jack's song for their first dance, it felt pertinent, how often he was away with hockey, and now if felt even more pertinent, now that he had a family, not just the two of them. He pulled away from the school. Maeve yawned. "Long day you said?""Mhmm, algebra, geography, PE, and then a meet tonight, got little sleep cause of the game yesterday.""But you weren't going to miss it were you?" Zack asked in a teasing voice. Maeve shook her head, "Not a chance." She smiles. Gosh, he loved this kid. Even if she looked nothing like him or Jack, but was a mixture of both of their personalities and had Jack's last name. A lot of people didn't even know Zack had a daughter until they met her she's an equal mix of our personalities. “What time is your meet?” “Um... five.” She replied. “Okay, you want to get a snack, or well early dinner?” “Snack, I’m starving.” She says. "Okay, we can head home I just went grocery shopping." She cheered."Hey, Dad?""Hmm?""Can you turn it up?" Zack smiled as he turned the music up, and continued the drive home. They returned back from the meet at seven, Maeve fast asleep in the back. She did well at her meet tonight and got third place. She's worked hard for it.The drive home was quiet, Maeve asleep in the back. She did great at her meet tonight and got third place. The balance beam still scared her, and him for that matter, Zack thought as they pulled into the garage. He turned off the car and clicked the garage opener watching it go down and heard her stir in the back."We're home gingerbread."O- oh." She yawned and sat up slowly getting her things and clambered out of the car. Zack smelled something cooking in the kitchen as Maeve went upstairs. He locked the laundry room door behind him and entered the kitchen seeing Jack with his iPad on it's stand on the counter next to him, squinting though his black framed glasses. "Dinner?" He looked up spooked and relaxed upon seeing Zack. "Yeah, new recipe.""Need a hand?" Jack nodded looking down at the pan. "It's pho I know Mae loves it and I hope I do it right. I've been making the stock, started part of this yesterday after you and Mae had went to bed for the game." He looked at his iPad, scrolling the page down. "Can you chop the veggies for me?" He opened the fridge pulling out a jalapeno, "I already soaked the noodles so they should be ready." "Pho?" Maeve's green eyes widened as she tip-toed over to the stove. "Yeah took me two days." Jack sighed as he got some bowls down. "Wait you made this?" He nodded proudly. "Mhmm." "Holy shit." "Language." Zack sighed. Maeve blushed. "S- sorry, wow this looks good dad, thanks!" She took a bowl from Zack as Jack mixed everything, sprinkling on the final garnish. "Alright I can scoop it into a bowl, you and Dad can sit. Maeve nodded handing over her ramen bowl as Jack poured some of the soup into her bowl, making sure to add a good amount of noodles. "I can get mine," Zack said, standing next to him, his right hand on the small of Jack's back. ""I got it love, go sit." He said softly. The two of them rarely used pet names for each other, let alone got time alone. Zack just smiled kissing the side of his head and went into the dining room with Maeve. Jack carried the bowls in the room one by one, careful not to spill. He knew it was good from the loud slurps of approval from Mae. "Oh! I have eggrolls too let me get those." He said getting up and racing back into the kitchen. He pours the box out on a plate a microwaved them, waiting for the machine to sound. "Careful, there hot." He said setting them on the table. Mae looked up from her bowl and nodded, adding some siracha as she reached for an eggroll. "how are you almost done?" Zack asked in awe. One thing about Maeve was she loved food, and ate fast, making everyone question did she even had time to savor it. But somehow she did. "Was really good." She said coming up for air. "Okay breathe before you think about eating that eggroll," Jack said cautiously. Maeve blinked pausing a few moments before devouring three eggrolls. Jack shook his head, she was food-motivated just like him.
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Rian had cleaned the apartment from top to bottom. Not having hockey this weekend meant Alex was coming out for a visit. A few weeks had passed since he saw him last in Denver. Even though they talked every day, it didn't replace seeing him every day. He got his out his pocket feeling like he had a text.He was right. Alex Flights about to board Okay cool, let me know when you’re here and I’ll pick you up, Alex Okay sounds good He returned his phone to his pocket and went upstairs to change the sheets, everything needed to be perfect for Alex's visit, so he could convince him to move here. He knew Alex was hesitant, he had a life in Denver, but also they had been apart for two years. Two hours later he paced baggage claim at Logan International, checking his phone to see if his flight was in. He saw his familiar head appear over the escalator and let out a breath. "Hey, man!" He called. Alex looked over and smiled. Pulling his backpack off and hugging him. "How was your flight?" He asked when they parted. "Good, long, um thanks for first class." He laughed laugh as Alex backed up resting his hand on the little rolling suitcase that Rian hadn't noticed until now. Alex put on his backpack quickly."Anything for my guy." He replied. Alex crinkled his nose in disgust, "You make me sound like a frat bro." He pouted, making sure to make his brown eyes a bit wider. Rian pulled at the snapback on Alex's head. Another noise of annoyance from his partner. "That does not help." He said blushing as the two men walked to baggage claim. "Just one checked bag.” “You checked a bag this time, so you're serious?” Rian laughed as the light changed and bags began to flow onto the conveyor belt. “I mean not everything fits in here.” He gestures to his black carry-on bag. “What all do you need?” “Stuff?” Alex shrugged as he stepped forward looking for his bag. ...."Why are you so stubborn?" Rian asked over dinner. Alex raised his brow as he swirled pasta on his fork. "About?""Moving to Boston," Rian replied he knew Alex was playing coy, he knew he would come up with an excuse. But maybe this time was different. He watched his facial expression intently. He swallowed his fork full and looked deep in thought, but all he said was, “Yeah, about that...” “I know you hate the distance, and I know you don’t love your job that much.” Rian chided before his partner could get a word in. Alex sighed, "Ri I work for NASA." which roughly translated to "I can't move states," and also to prove a point. "Yes, and I'm, proud of you and did some googling and there are other NASA facilities all over the 50 states, the one here is-""Not all 50 states, the one for this region is in Ohio," Alex replied looking at him intently. So he hadn't outsmarted the brunet, dang it. He sips his water. "Besides I like being in the same place as my best friend." That was true, he'd known Jack since high school and very few things could separate them, well one thing, they dated for a year, a bit before he came out. They both knew they were gay so why not be together, it had ended in disaster "You can deal with his snoring? You must be in love." Jack had said last summer when they all got together. the two were better as friends, like he and Alex were the best as partners, equally yoked. “Boston is fun place to visit, you don’t see him a ton, right? Between work and him being a dad.” He tried to reason. “Yeah but…” he bit the inside of his lip before reaching for a breadstick, taking a bite. Rian knew he was making good points cause he has no comebacks. “Alex, what are you so afraid of?” He looked intently at his bowl of pasta. “You're thinking hard, tell me.” He coaxed. “I’ve thought about it I have. How you’re here and I’m in Denver, dad’s in Southern California, moms in Baltimore and... “ “Baltimore is an hour flight to here, versus the three to see you in Denver.” “You’ve done some research.” Alex observed. “Yeah cause I want you here. Not to sound needy but..” He noded taking a bite of his pasta. “Also, when is the last time you visited your dad or he saw you?” “Last summer, we went to Napa and did a wine tasting, then saw some other things, think we went to Vegas that trip too.” “But it’s not often is it?” He tipped his head looking at him. Alex’s shoulders slump. “Well no.” He swallowed looking close to tears. Alex didn't like talking about his dad, their messy relationship. How he felt like it was some failing on his part and not him not knowing hot to parent effectively. “What’s wrong?” Rian asked seeing his sudden mood shift. “Our relationship as you know it’s... rocky since the divorce, I mean I was sixteen, that’s a shitty age anyway, then for your parents to divorce and move cross country from one another?” He leaned back in the chair blinking, his eyes falling on the Italian art on the walls.This place was fancy, Alex thought. A place you propose, not ask your partner to finally move in with you. But Rian was like that. He was rich and liked to flash it, lavish meals, nice car. He came from a well-off family, even before hockey. Alex could say was the kid of a single mom, who worked her ass off so he could go to science camp, get into university and go to NASA, he never took any of it for granted. His dad didn't contribute that much, and when they did divorce ( even if the timing was terrible) he was relieved. He cleared his throat, continuing the conversation, "...But you’re right, I would be closer to Mom which would be great. She’s flown out to see me a lot, Maeve loves it when she’s in town cause she talks her ear off about hockey. She likes it though; she’s like her grandchild since...” He pauses as no words come to him. Rian nodded, sipping his drink.“But to move cross country with Molly? She’s only known Colorado really.” 'house with a big yard for all that border collie energy." Rian said simply. Alex was still unconvinced. "What's stopping you?"“I don’t want to pick up my whole life and move to a new city where I only know you and your teammates.” “Your charismatic, go make friends.” He shrugged, giving Alex an encouraging smile. He grinned back, his cheeks getting warm. The two were so in love. even if the idea of that terrified Alex thinking one day this romance novel that is his life might come crashing down. “I mean…” His voice went up a few octaves, he’s thinking about it. “Tell you what, tomorrow we can have a proper day out, get brunch, I can show you around, we can go down Newberry and go to the comic bookstore, I know you love nerdy stuff like that right? Also, there’s parks for you to walk Molly, a whole thing.” Rian said quickly. “You’re convincing you know that?” Alex said finishing his water and eyeing the dessert menu. “I’m trying, your just stubborn and hard to please.” He frowned. He wasn't hard to please, he was realistic. “But I love you so..” Rian said getting his wallet out his pocket. "Anyway pick whatever desert." He nodded. ...."You failed to tell me late October in Boston is cold," Alex complained. Rian rolled his eyes. "Well, it's Boston Alex." He fussed. He glanced over at him as he pulled his hood up. The two could not look more different. Alex hated dressing up, unless necessary. Rian loved putting on a suit, his nice long wool coat, and the nice pair of Vans Alex got him for his birthday one year. So here they were walking down the street, one dressed to the nines, and one who looked like a sleep-deprived college student, ( which is how Alex always felt, despite college being years ago.) "You want coffee?" Rian asked. Alex looked over at him and nodded curtly. "Yes.""I wouldn't belive you live in Colorado the way you're complaining." He laughed, now it was Alex's time to roll his eyes. They took a left to the coffee shop. He didn't read the name, but the warmth inside was greatly appreciated. The place was small, packed full of people, and bustling. The two got in line. He glanced up at the menu. "You come here often?" He asked eyes still on t he menu as he stood next to Rian. "Mmm sometimes, when I'm in the area." He looked over at him, and Alex put his hands in his jean pockets. He felt the quiet onset of a headache, and he silently prayed it would leave. "I like their cold brew," Rian said."Typical," Alex said looking down at the ground. "You're quiet, you okay?" Rian asked, glancing over at him. "Yeah, sorry tired need the caffeine." He put a fake smile on his face. Rian nodded moving closer so their arms touched. Physical touch in public was something they never did. Rian feared anyone's reaction, even if he was an out hockey player. The two ordered. Alex got a latte cause it was the only drink he could think of as he ordered, his mind blanking on the menu he just read, as his headache ticked up a notch. He shook his head to make the pain ease as he got his wallet out. "Oh." Rian paused holding his credit card. "I got it." Alex said forcefully, they held awkward eye contact. Alex tapped his card against the card reader. "Thanks be ready in a minute!" The young barista said brightly. "Thanks." He murmured as they went to find a table. “I like this place,” Alex said looking around. Rian nodded, taking off his long coat and hanging it over the back of the chair, rolling up the sleeves of his nice dress shirt. Alex hoped he wasn’t ogling. “I do miss seeing you, in person not over Facetime.” He blurted. Rian smiled at him and Alex felt shivers down his spine, and warmth in his cheeks. Rian got there drinks, returning to the table a moment later. Again Alex tried not to ogle over him, but it was hard not too. "Stop staring.""Sorry." He blushed as he slid the coffee over to him. He took a few sips, it helped his headache, that was a relief. "So other than working for NASA and having a dog that steals my food, how are you?" Alex shrugged. "Alright, you know, being an adult." Rian laughed. "Yeah, get that," He sipped his drink, eyes falling to the tattoo on Alex's hand. "I've been meaning to ask, or maybe I have, why the rose?""Mom's favorite flower," He continued sipping his coffee, looking around the shop. "Oh right." A brief silence fell between them. "Is your mom flying out this year?""Probably, not sure when." He replied. Rian nodded. the two talked some more. >>After getting sidetracked at the coffee shop, they walked down Newberry Street and ducked into the comic bookstore. After fifteen minutes of looking at comics, Rian noticed Alex was acting weird. “You good?” He frowned looking at Alex now standing by a shelf, eyes screwed shut, his jaw taught.“Yeah um, headache.”He gasped backing away from the bookshelf and shaking his head. “C-can we go back to your place?” His eyes still shut, he opens them slowly and goes to move and sways a bit. He reached out, putting a hand on the small of his back trying to steady him some. “Thanks, sorry dizzy,” Alex mumbled.“Let’s get you home,” Rian murmured, hoping not to sound worried as they left the bookstore and walked the two blocks to the car in silence.“Sorry about this afternoon, I know you wanted a proper day in Boston to show me around.” Alex apologized in bed later that evening. This whole room was him, the sheets smelled like him, and not the usual smell of his own sheets.“You're fine dude, I forgot you get migraines,” Rian replied leaning in the doorway of the room. “Yeah, since I was sixteen, they suck, and I forgot my meds.” He slinked under the blankets, the bedroom was a dark cave. “You need anything?” “Um... some water? Maybe some Dramamine? Migraines make me nauseous but the vertigo hasn’t kicked in so I should be okay.” Rian frowned at this, “You get vertigo?” “Um, yes? Remember when we first started dating my migraines and vertigo where bad? He paused to think and nod. “Yeah, let me see if I have any anti-nausea if not, I can go get some.” “Alright thanks, dude.” He nodded leaving the room and going downstairs to the kitchen. >> A few hours later the two laid in bed together, Alex’s head on Rian’s chest as they watched Happy Gilmore. “You feel better?” Alex lifted his head up. “I don’t....” He paused eyes scanning the room a confused look in them. “You good?” “Head hurts and it’s hard...” Alex narrowed his eyes.“What’s hard?” Rian asked, concern in his voice as he sat up. Alex sat up too, but swayed side to side. “S- see hard....” He got out. Rian noticed his words were slurring ever so slightly. He got out of bed and flicked on the lamp by my bedside and notice his eyes are half open and flittering behind his eyelids. “Hey, can you look at me?” He pressed, trying not to sound panicked. Alex stopped swaying and leaned the back of his head against the headboard, breathing fast. “Alex hey.” His voice urgent. “Words really hard, and it’s blurry... Where... where?” Alex murmured to himself more than to Rian, who grabbed his phone from the nightstand. Rian went down the hall to get his keys, now panicking that his partner might be having a stroke as he went back into the room, trying to get Alex to say anything to him, but nothing. “Shit okay, we’re going to the hospital okay Lex?” He must be afraid to be calling him that, Rian thought. “Mmm hard to see.” He gulps as he stands but his right side seems to give out as he falls into me. He wrapped his arm around Alex’s hip half carrying, half dragging him down the stairs and out to the garage, and to the car. He ducked inside to get their coats and was back in the car driving to the nearest hospital, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Two hours later “You never told me your migraines look like a fucking stroke.” Rian said as he sat in the emergency room with Alex. “I really f- fucked up this weekend.” He stammered. “I’m just glad you're not slurring your words and can see.” He laughs leaning his head back in the pillow. “I will say this is a nice hospital.” He shrugged, making his partner laugh as someone knocked on the door. A nurse walks in. “Your brain scan came back fine, looks like you just had a hemiplegic migraine, have you had those before?” “Yeah, but years ago, like when I was in college.” He tells her. He tried not to gasp, thinking about an eighteen-year-old Alex dealing with that. “Are you on medication for migraines?” She asked. He looked up from the hospital bracelet he was fiddling with. “Yes, I just forgot them, I’m on vacation visiting.” He explained. “Oh, we can call some in, what are you on?” He gave her the information, but Rian tuned out. They had been together this long and I’m just now learning about all of this? Oh maybe he did just forget since they don’t happen often. During the drive home Rian glanced in the passenger’s seat at him, asleep after an eventful trip to the ER. But his heart was still racing. He didn’t know his migraines got that bad, and what if one like that happens again and he’s home alone? He can’t call 911 because he would barely string together a sentence of slurred words. He gulped as he turned down his street, gulping down the worry. “We’re home.” Alex snored in response. He chuckled to himself, nudging him. Alex sat up, looking aroudn the car“Hmm?” “We’re home.” He yawned sitting up straight and unbuckled his seatbelt. “Sorry about tonight.” “Al it’s fine, I just... would like to know these things.” “What things?” He got out the car. Rian sigh getting out too and unlocking the door. “Your migraines, how bad they get. What if that happened when your home alone? Does Jack know about them?” “He does but it last happened when I was eighteen.” He replied, brushing off his concern,“Yeah but we’re other people around?” “I was in the library studying with Jack, he had to call 911 for me and then I don’t... remember.” I frown as we go into the kitchen. He flicked on the light. “Shit nope.” He pressed his palms into the counter top and looked down. “W-what?” Rian gasped, the familiar worry back in the pit of his stomach. . “L- light, flashing.” He gasps screwing his eyes shut. “Sorry!” the worry slipped, this was an easy fix, as he turned the light off. “Better?” “Y-yeah, but oh man.” “Upstairs?” He nodded, t straightening up, the heel of his hand against his forehead. He helped him upstairs and to his room nods shaking now. I help him upstairs to our room, Alex kicked off his vans and dropped down on the bed. “This sucks.” “Can imagine.” Rian murmured as he sat on the side of the bed looking at Alex his eyes still shut.“You want to lay down? I just have some things to do and then I’ll be in bed. “ alex blindly pulled the covers back and laid down."I should change but I’m too tired.” He said.“That’s fine.” Rian replied pulling the covers up so they rested on Alex’s hips.“Thanks sorry about tonight.”“Stop apologizing Al, glad your okay.” Alex let out a deep breath and got comfortable. “Rian turned on the bathroom light incase Alex needed to get up, He shut the door and went back downstairs. Few hours later…“I think I’m going to be sick.” Alex murmured to Rian who was lying next to him. He struggled to sit up in bed, and noticed the room was moving and sharply shut his eyes. “Why your eyes closed?” “Room’s m- moving.” He swallowed audibly. Rian got out of bed feeling Alex trembling as he helped him out of bed and across to the bathroom. “S- soon.” He gulped as Rian flicked on the light. “Alright here, can you open your eyes.” He moaned a little as his partner flipped up the lid just in time. He grimaced as he d rubbed his back as he cried... Note to self don’t have migraines. “I’m so sorry this is not how you wanted your Saturday night to be. We should be hooking up not me getting v-vertigo.” Alex swallowed; his breathing shaky. “You’re fine, you think you can lay down now?” “Mhmm.” He shuts the lid as Rian stood up. “I’ll be in the room.” Alex nodded eyes on t he floor, before standing up and flushing. He got in bed next to him fifteen minutes later, pale and still shaking Rian wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He noticed he smelled minty. “I haven’t had migraines that bad in years, w-wonder why.” He mused lying on his back. “Dunno either but do you want to change your flight?” Rian asked.“Why are you bringing up my flight?” He made a face. “Cause you leave at nine, and there is no way you’ll get enough sleep and be at Logan in that time.” He nods lying down on his side now on the pillow next to me. “Right, um we can figure it out in the morning? My brain is Jello Ri.” “Of course.” He sat up a little and kissed his cheek, but the kiss was uncoordinated and landed on his jaw. “Prickly.” “Sorry.” Alex yawned. “Stop apologizing.” He sighed turning on the tv, knowing he slept best with it on and laid down. “Night.” “Night. Thanks for being so understanding. I.. I’ll try not to hide my medical history from my future spouse.” This caught him off guard. Does he know we’ll get married? I’ve been tossing around a few proposal ideas with Jack since the start of the hockey season. Rian thought. “Well course.” He closed his eyes and was drifting off. He won’t remember this conversation in the morning. “I know I’ll be with your forever.” He hummed rolling over to face me, his eyes half open. “I know you will.” Rian whispered kissing his forehead as Alex pressed his cheek into the pillow. “Love you.” “You too, night Al.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Life lately often had Jack on a plane, today was no different. He was on a flight to New York with Maeve for Zack’s game against the Rangers. He had an extremely long week, and the break was needed.hey, I don’t know if Alex told you but he had a like stroke-like migraine this past weekend when he visited. Um... no? What do you mean by stroke-like? Jack raised his brow as he texted Rian back.Couldn’t see, and slurred speech His right side went limp, he said the last one he had he was in college Yeah, I remember it was terrifying, he passed out actually. Well he didn’t pass out, we went to the ER he got a brain scan and meds but he never told me about them. I vaguely remember he struggled with migraines when we first started dating, but this was a whole other thing. We got home and his vertigo hit, was only a few hours until he got into bed and in the morning, he was just fatigued Is that why his flight got in later? I went to pick him up and he said he just wanted more time with you Why is he so secretive on this? He's not secretive he just doesn't want to scare anyone. He... do not tell him I told you, but when he was a teenager, maybe before the divorce he got a bad concussion in soccer and that’s truly when his migraines started, so I always worry about his brain. He was unconscious for like 30 seconds. I know Rian understands the gravity of concussions; all hockey players seem to get them eventually. I know Zack after his first concussion I wanted to break up cause my sweet, quiet boyfriend was a ball of loud aggression. Luckily this was before we had Maeve cause I might have had her stay with my mom for a bit. Concussions are no joke, had one before I was traded I remember you were out for a while Yeah, geez why doesn't he tell me this? I mean if we’re going to be married I should know right? He mentioned marriage? He raised his brow. Jack knew his best friend wanted to marry Ri, and everyone did. But he never outwardly told him he had a proposal or what type of wedding he wanted. But also Alex is not that type of gay. He’s a by-the-book-man's-man who you would only know if you were around him long enough. He doesn't scream gay, and that’s how he likes it. Same with Rian, now that he thought about it, I mean he’s a pro hockey player, ( so is Zack but he also is not obviously gay either, the only one who is... well is me) He thought.I mean he was hopped up on migraine meds and whatever else from the emergency room that he hadn’t thrown up and was falling asleep but yes What he say? Me being his future spouse, “Who you texting dad?” Maeve asks craning her head. I move my phone closer. “Rian.” “Oh, is he who dad’s playing?” “No that’s New York, he’s on a team in Boston.” She nods knowingly. “Ohh.” “Is uncle Alex going?” “No, he’s not feeling great remember?” “Oh yeah.” She leans back in the chair and looks out the window. Good luck tonight, see you soon hopefully Yeah, going to have you help with a proposal at the end of the season Ooh can’t wait 😊 He set his phone in his lap and looked at the flight map, then texted Zack once they landed. “Dad, can we watch the game at the hotel?” Maeve asks as we leave the airport. “Why? You love going to the rink.” “I know, but I’m really tired.” He frowned nodding. “Let’s see how you feel once we get to the hotel and get some food?” She nodded leaning against him in the back of the cab. Jack looked out the window. He loved visiting New York but could not imagine living here, let alone raising a kid here. He felt his phone buzz and saw it was Zack.
Heading to the hotel know, Mae is tired so we might not make it out the game but we’ll see
Okay just got to the arena, about to practice, see you later,
Ok, love you
You too JB
They didn’t make it to the arena. Jack ordered pizza and Maeve watched the first quarter of the game before drifting off next to him He snapped a photo of her asleep against his shoulder as the game plays on tv. Zack said he would see if he had time to grab a bite after the game, but there’s a possibility their flying to Philly after.
Hey just your message, sorry you couldn’t make it to the rink, and I’ll have another game tomorrow so no time tonight to see you two, tell Maeve I love her and feel better, I’ll be home end of this week I think
I figured you had another game, and I will, she’s out next to me. Jack felt her stir and stopped typing as she sat up, looking around the room. “Mmm what time?”“Ten.” “I missed Dad’s game?” She turned looking at him in shock. “You watched part of it, we ate pizza remember?” She paused to think and nods. “Right, dammit I meant to go I just.”“Curse word.”“Sorry.” Her cheeks turn pink. “I just wanted a nap, does dad have another game after this?” He nodded.“Yeah, Philly.” She frowned.“Oh.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Alex woke up, his head was pounding. He wiggled under the blankets to block out the morning light. Why did he feel so bleh? He rolled over to check his phone and saw it was 10 am. There was also a text from his mom and one from Jack. He yawned, slowly setting his phone down. He heard someone enter the room and looked up to see Rian “How you feel?” I blink confused to be at his place. “Um... bad?” “You went to the emergency room with a migraine last night.” “Ohh, makes sense.” He sat up pressing his back against the plush headboard. “I was worried, cause you were slurring your words.” Rian continued. He stretched again, another yawn slipping out. “I can go and get us breakfast if you want, there’s a cafe not too far.” Rian’s phone chimed from the nightstand. He went over and picked it up reading probably a text. “Oh, my friend Matt wants to grab lunch.” He looked at Alex who blinked.“Let me nap and I’ll think about it, also I’ve met him right?” Rian nodded pulling up a photo to show him. “Oh yeah, coffee sounds great.” Alex said. His partner smiled and kissed his forehead lightly. “Alright be back soon .” I nod sinking back under the covers. “Alright.” ....He woke up to the door downstairs shutting. Alex reached an arm out to the nightstand lazily to check the time. 11:09. He smiled at his lock screen, an old photo of him and Rian from one of his games last year. Sometimes he had to pinch himself remembering that they were together, him being a hockey player was a bonus. He thought back to when they started dating. He’d practice with him, trying to block the shot as it glided into the net. He stretched before getting out of bed and getting a t shirt of the floor (assuming I was his) until he put it on and the smell of his cologne immediately fills my nostrils. “I’m like a girl with her boyfriend’s hoodie” He thought taking a whiff, then sticking his phone in the pocket of his sweats and lazily going downstairs. The clanking of plates being pulled down from the cabinet mixed with the music from the kitchen speaker. He was trying to figure out what song it was, when he realized it’s the local jazz station. Only he and his friends knew Rian absolutely loved jazz and classical music. Which 99% of the time he listens to while cooking. He entered the kitchen, taking in the Boston sunlight coming through the large, picturesque windows. The view of the city from here is beautiful.“Morning.” Rian turned smiling that bright white smile at me. “Hey, how you feeling?”“Better, if I wouldn’t be in this sunlight-filled kitchen.” He laughed dumping a croissant and Danish on a little plate, then opening the drawer for the recycling. Every cabinet and thing in it has its place. He’s mildly a neat freak, which made Alex be a bit cleaner, but he wasn’t as bad as his best friend, who’s a chronically messy person. “Oh, true, how’s the nausea?”“Gone?” He shrugged, leaning against the counter and watching him get coffee mugs down. Every time he went out to get coffee and came home he had to drink it in a mug or he wouldn’t drink it at all, something about it, “feeling homey” Alex smiled to himself, as he watched them. Rian would be a good dad.” The thought floated through his mind so briefly he had to blink to realize he did just think that, and wait… he didn’t want kids?“Hmm?”“Nothing thinking, you got a game tonight?”“Mmm gotta check the schedule but want to say no.” Rian said, looking up from the coffee he was pouring into a mug.“Oh.”“Practice maybe but that wouldn’t be too long.” He said. He passed a plate to Alex. “I got you a Danish, it’s well sort of like a Danish, it’s like caramel apple.” He smiled.“Thanks.” He took the plate to the table and sat down. “Oh I got you chai, let me go back and get it.” She said after seeing his mug and plate down on the table. They sat in the kitchen eating their pastries and sipping their drinks.They met Matt a few hours later, he’s one of Rian’s teammates, and also a forward.The two talked about hockey and their upcoming games, Alex listened politely. But was starting to feel tired and wanted to sink back into Rian’s 500 count sheets ( I need to invest in better bedding) he thought to himself. He glanced over at his partner glanced over at his partner and smiled. No one really believes they’re together, cause he’s a tough guy who plays hockey, so how the hell can he be gay? But… here they are. His eyes shifted over at Matt, his golden retriever personality is the same from when they last met, he was throwing his head back laughing about something, his hazel eyes twinkling, his golden auburn hair has grown just enough to be a man bun.“Like the hair?” He asks noticing his gaze. “Looks good,” Alex replied.“Mmm, think he needs a trim.” Rian joked. He rolled his eyes, “I’m going to grow my hair out, then what?”“Nothing, I just can’t deal with long hair, but he does pull it off.” Rian said looking at Matt smiling. “Thanks dude, you ready for our game Thursday?”“Who are you playing?” Alex asked, he had to half keep up with what teams he played, and who the main rivals were. I know one of them is the Toronto Maple Leafs.“Buffalo.”“Uhh the Sabras?” I ask. Rian grinned nodding. “You pay attention!”“I try dude, my co-workers wonder how I know so much about hockey.” Alex picked up his drink and took a sip.“Do you tell them your boyfriends is a hockey player?” Matt asks. “I usually say my partner, I don’t want my co-workers to know my personal life and who I’m fucking.” Alex blinked then blushed realizing the words had slipped out. Matt laughed picking up his drink. “Fair point, are they cool with the LGBTQA community.”“Why did you not say it like the acronym?” Rian asked making a face. “Cause I’m too online to say it's normal anymore.” I sigh. “How old are you dude?” Alex questioned. Matt blinked, Um Twenty-two?”“I feel old.” Rian says picking up his slice of pizza. “Sorry grampa.” Matt jokes.“Are you also in your thirties?” Matt asked.“How old do I look?” Alex asked playfully.“Mmmm…” He looked at him hard. “You look….. late twenties.” I smile, glad to know I look younger.“What about me?” Rian fusses.“You look thirty- two.” Matt said bluntly. Alex laughed, patting Rian’s shoulder. “It’s alright.”“I look old?” He whined. “You look like an adult, you look like a man, that’s a compliment, I still need facial hair.” Matt pouted feeling his bare chin.” Rian sighed shrugging. “I’ll take looking like a man I guess.” He looks at me. “You also look thirty-two.”“Rude.” Alex laughed taking a sip of his soda. He blinked, moving his jaw back and forth, the familiar pain in his head was back. “Okay?” Rian asked raising his brow. “Sorry head started to hurt a little.”“Oh, do you need to go home?” He shook his head. “No, it’s fine.”“You sure?”“I’m fine Ri.” He took another sip of his drink. “He’s been getting migraines.” He tells Matt. “Ahh those suck, I had them after my concussion when I was with the lighting.” Matt replied, nodding knowingly.“Yeah, it’s rough.” Alex took a bite of his lunch, trying to will the pain that is now over his left eye away. take a bite of my lunch trying to will the pain that is now over my left eye away. He tuned out of the conversation again. As they talked about something else.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Zack’s parents were flying out for his game on Thursday, and he was only mildly nervous. They had a great relationship, but they rarely came to games in person. Rather watching them at home and his dad calling to talk about it. On top of this, Jack has been super busy with work and a sick kid for the past week and he’s been out of town, unable to help made him feel guilty. He walked into the door on Wednesday night to hear murmuring upstairs. How is Jack still awaking, it’s like… midnight? “Hey, didn’t know you got home tonight.” Jack said upon seeing him. The messy hair and glasses tells me things are not going well. “Everything good here?”“Might need to take Maeve to urgent care.” Zack felt a smidge of worry.“What’s going on?”“Changing of the seasons causing her asthma to act up. We’re seeing if the nebulizer treatment will help before I take her, she keeps walking up cause she can’t get a full breath in.” He sighed slipping off his shoes and headed upstairs. The fairy lights in Maeve’s room were twinkling as she sat in bed holding the nebulizer mask to her face.“Hey gingerbread.” She looked over at him, her usual bright green eyes tired. “I’ll be back okay? Let me change.”“Mmm.” She said and wiggle down, so she was laying on her side. He heard Jack walking in behind him. “You want me to hold it?” He asked. Maeve tried to get comfortable, holding the mask down and went into a coughing fit. Zack changed into sweats as soon as possible and went back into her room, the coughing had subsided, her face the same color as her hair. “S- sorry.”“Don’t be kid it’s fine.” Jack said rubbing her back. He sat on the other side of the bed as she moved closer to him. “Can you sleep in here with me tonight Dad?” Zack could hear her little wheezes as she spoke.“Sure,” He said. Jack handed her back the mask for the nebulizer, the medicine just going into the air while she was coughing. He laid down in bed next to her as she moved closer to him. "I can hold the mask for you." He said taking it from her hand as she laid close enough to get the steam in her lungs. "T-thanks dad.""Anytime." He murmured as he listened the the nebulizer rumble and his eyes got heavy. At some point, he had fallen asleep and woke up to see he was still holding the nebulizer mask but the machine had been turned off. He set it on the nightstand as Maeve laid against him. Her cheeks splotchy and red and he knew she must have a fever. He felt her head with the back of his hand, yup, he was right.“Mae?” She mumbled something in her sleep holding on to him tighter. He wiggled out her grip to get the thermometer. He slipped on a new ear cap for it before gently sliding it into her ear. 100.2 He gently shook her awake, her eyelids fluttered as she blinked them open. “Dad?”“Hey, you have a fever.”“Mmm.” He set the thermometer on her nightstand and went down the hall to get some Tylenol. “Jack?” He whispered yelled into the doorway of their dark room. The doors open since he had slept in Mae’s room. “Wha?” He mumbles. “Mae has a fever, how much Tylenol does she need?”“Oh yeah.” He heard him stir and then the bedside lamp turned on. He carried the bottle into our room and shoved on his glasses. “Sorry how long you been asleep?” He checked the time and took a deep breath. “Not long.”“Sorry.”“No, it’s okay.” He yawns as Mae starts coughing. “I’ll be in with the meds you check on her.” He said, Zack went down the hall to her room. Mae was sitting in bed doubled over and he rushed over to her bed sitting down. “Hey, it’s alright I’m here.” She gasped eyes stinging with tears. “I… in- inhaler.” She wheezed. With shaky hands he opened the drawer on her nightstand and pulled it out, giving it the two test pumps and connect it to the chamber, “Here, got it?” She nodded, closing her eyes, and pressing her back against the headboard. “S- dizzy.” Maeve murmured nearly dropping it. Zack took the inhaler as she wrapped her lips around the chamber as he pushed out two puffs. Her head rolls the opposite way, the chamber slipping out from her lips. “You got it?”“T- think so, my head hurts, w- where’s daddy?”“Getting you some meds for your head,” I reply as I hear Jack enter. “Hey gingerbread, not feeling so hot?”“N- no.” She gulps in a breath of air, her eyes opening briefly to look at him. “Dad, I don’t feel so good.” She looks over at Jack gulping. Already know she’s just going to probably gag up said Tylenol. I get the bin from the bathroom and go into her room. I set the bin in her lap as Maeve wiggled out from under her blankets and blinked, gulping audibly again. “I’ll get my keys,” Jack says and leaves right before she throws up. The car ride to the ER felt long as Maeve shivered, despite having a fever. Zack looked at Jack in the rearview. “How’s it going back there?”“Jack I’m cold.” She whined and they both knew Maeve was feeling bad when she uses his first name. Jack pulled off his hoodie to put it over her, she wiggled down in it and laid against him “T-thanks.”“Course.” He murmured, lightly kissing her forehead. As they got Maeve started wheezing and Zack’s anxiety rose. He gripped the wheel tighter as Maeve gasped.“J- Jack I can’t.” She gasped trying to get out words, or a full breath, but she can’t. Zack pulled up to the emergency room entrance letting Jack and Maeve out as he went to park the car. They got back home from the emergency room at 4 am. Jack carried Maeve inside as Zack got the door. “What time you gotta be at the rink?” He whispered.“Nine,” Zack whispered back.“Shit, sorry dude.” “No, it’s fine, wanted to make sure my girl’s okay.” He nodded going upstairs to put her in bed. “I can sleep with her, you need to be ready for your game.” He half shrugged as he set her in bed, putting the blanket up to her hip. She’s not feverish anymore but less blanket is probably best. “Is it okay if I sleep in here with her, just worried,” Zack asked sheepishly. “I get it, I can sleep on the floor, I’m going to call off work today if I can since you have a game tonight,” Jack replied. “Just practice in the morning then I can be back.”“What time do your parents get in?” Zack’s eyes widened, He had forgotten already.“Oh um…” He got his phone out and checked he time. “Shit 10 am, Practice is 10:30 um… then back to the arena at like 4:30, can you pick them up?”“I can see, if not I can have Alex maybe watch Maeve, think he’s remote tomorrow anyway.” He took a deep breath. “Sorry I thought she would be good by now but.”“Ehh changing season never does anything good for our little asthmatic.” Jack shrugged “I’m going to change and sleep.” Jack nodded, kissing his cheek. Zack blushed, the moments where he remembered how lucky he was that Jack was his made him feel warm and fuzzy. ....Zack got home after dinner with his parents. He felt bad than he only half paid attention, his mind was stuck on the fact that they lost, and that Maeve was still feeling bad. He went upstairs and found Jack in bed with Maeve who was laying on his chest. "Fever?" Jack turned his head to see him. A brief smile on his face. “Spiked one again but it’s going down. I made soup, and she had some but not a lot. Think she just has the flu probably.”“We get those results back? He hoped he didn't sound to worried when he said it. “Mmm." Jack reached over to the nightstand to get his phone. “How was the game?” Zack sighed. "We lost." Jack frowned. "Sorry.""We had some injuries so.. " He shrugged as he went into the closet and got his pajamas. "How was seeing your parents?" Jack asked. "Good, always is." He said as he went into the bathroom to shower and change.He cut on the shower hoping it would help clear his thoughts a bit. He was tired, and achy and worried still cause his kid was sick. He out of the shower five minutes later, the warm water did nothing to clear his thoughts, as he dried his hair and entered the room to see Jack frowning at his phone. “Yeah, uh she has strep.” He looked over at Zack.“Wait… is that contagious?”“I’d tell your parents to check to make sure they don’t have it. Should be fine but she probably picked it up from school.” He groaned. “Greaaat.”“Parenting, right?” Mae began to stir. “Dad?”“Yes gingerbread?” Jack said lightly brushing some hair from her forehead“Can I have some tea?”“What kind?” She lifts her head to look at me. “You win?”“Mmm not tonight.” She went to speak as she sat up and went into a coughing fit. Jack sat up patting her back. “S- sorry, t-tea? Um the spicy one?” He knew what she was talking about. “Okay I’ll go make that, be right back.”“Okay.” She wheezed, laying back against Jack. Friday the two of them took turn taking care of Maeve, “I’m going to go to my doctor make sure I’m not contagious and then if I’m clear run errands cause we need food.” He announced as the came downstairs.“Jack just do a pickup order.” Zack glanced over at Maeve asleep on the other end of the couch clutching her stuffed animal Alex got her when she was little. “Mmm true.” He mumbled to himself and got his phone out. “Well, I’ll be back.” I nod as I get off the couch and go in the kitchen.“Dad?”“What’s up?” He turned seeing Maeve stumbling into the kitchen. She pauses closing her eyes. “Sorry I got dizzy.” He paused inching closer to her, so she doesn’t fall.Maeve clung to him while Jack’s at work. They spent most of the day on the couch asleep or doing one of her breathing treatments.
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Game days were always exciting and excruciatingly long, which Rian was used to, but still. He was down at the rink early before heading on to DC for their game tonight. It was drizzling in Boston which meant his joints hurt, so it was not great when he had a game later. He shook off the worrying thought as he headed to the arena to meet up with the rest of the team and head to the airport. During the bus ride, he zoned out mentally preparing for the game tonight. As he sat down on the plane his phone buzzed. He pulled it outof his pocket smiling a little when he saw who was calling. “You on a plane?” Alex asked.“Yeah, about to head to DC.” He replied. He heard Alex suck in a breath and he felt worry in his gut.“How are you?” The long sigh told him all he needed to know. “I mean okay, I had a migraine at work today.” He frowned at this. “Mmm yeah but don’t worry I’ll be fine though.” He said trying to play it off, Alex always masked when he wasn’t feeling well (apart from the weekend when the migraine occurred)“Are you okay? I just worry cause you're not one to have migraines a lot and.." “I mean….” “Be honest with me.” He sighed as Rian watched his teammates get on the plane. “I got nauseous again, but I’ll be fine, but call me when you land okay? Rian took a deep breath, resigned to the fact Alex wouldn't be telling him any more than that. “Okay, I will.” “Alright talk to you soon." "Okay, feel better." He said. "Thanks, bye Rian, good luck tonight." He smiled nodding. "Thanks." He hung up and looked out at the tarmac. "Everything okay? You look like your thinking about life." Matt said storing his bag overhead and sat next to him. "Yeah sorry, just Alex is having his migraines still." “Oh, I know when we got brunch, he was having one or?” “Just had one, but yeah, it worries me. I've got to focus on our game against the Capitals tonight.” “Yeah, finally have a half-healthy team," Matt replied. A lot of players had been out in recent weeks, and the score was proof of that. "I heard coach say Spenser is back from his knee injury." "Oh thank goodness, I've been playing double time with him out and I'm tired." He laughed. "I know you have, you always play with heart though." I nod as the plane door closes. I take a nap during the flight, waking up as we land, They arrived to the arena at around four for warm ups, Unfrotunatly, Rian could feel the stiffness from earlier had not let up. My skating feels off as I skate to the side and take a breather. "You good Dawson?" Spencer asked as he got his water bottle and squirted it in his mouth. He tipped his head down, greenish-gold eyes filled with concern. "Joints, they always mess up with the weather." He replied trying to sound nonchalant. He rotated his right wrist and winced, well this was not good. He thought. "You can play right?" Matt asked skating over looking worried. "I'm fine dude," Rian replied as he put his glove back on and did the same thing to the left wrist, that one hurt less. This might not be the best hockey he's ever played but he could do it. When Rian reached the hotel he called Alex, wondering if his migraine got better. He wanted to nap before the game but he didn't have enough time. He didn't answer. He sighed and texted him.
Migraine bad, sick, call later, srry
That’s okay, feel better, love you
He set his phone on the nightstand into a nice dress shirt. He stood in front of the fancy hotel bathroom mirror, fiddling with the buttons, then did his hair, (just for it to be flattened by a helmet) Once he was finished getting ready get got his phone seeing a text from his sister Heather and one from his mom. He replied to them as he got his things and went down to the lobby to meet up with the team and to the bus on the way back to the arena. That was the worst game of hockey he had played in probably two weeks. He thought as he skated over to the benches, his side aching from being slammed into the side of the rink, and his legs burned. "You played well tonight guys, not every game will be ours you know," Daniels said. Rian half listened, wondering if he tore something when he was skating, but he could walk fine so it was probably him being a hypochondriac again. He shrugged it off, listening to the team captain Cody talk about strategy for the next game in a few days. He half listened, now thinking back to his call with Alex before the game, all those migraines must mean something.... right? He swallowed as he Cody finished talking and he took of his gear and headed to the awaiting bus. Hours later.“How was your game?” Alex asked when he the airport. “Body slammed into the side of the rink is never fun.” He replied gritting his teeth. “Are you home?” “About the get on my flight.” Alex sucks in a breath. “Migraine? “Yeah, haven’t been able to sleep cause of it.” He frowned as his upper body tingled with pain. “Go see a doctor.” He replied. “I know I’m going to my primary care after work tomorrow, or in the morning, it’s after hours now. Sorry when you texted, I was about to puke again.” “I’m sorry dude.” “S’ fine I should go through cause I’m tired.” Alex yawned as if to prove his point. “I know you are, see you soon.” “Okay, bye Ri.” He hung up. They all filed off the bus on on to the plane. Rian unlocked the door to his place at 4:15 am. Exhusted he dropped his bag by the door, lockgn it firmly behind him and went upstairs to change and get into bed. He plugged his phone in, seeing if Alex had texted him anymore, but his lock screen of the two of them at a hockey gala a year ago just smiled back at him.
Geeze he’s handsome, he thought, how he wished they lived in the same state. Rian thought back to when he was playing with the Avs, how on weekends he would go up to Aspen for dinner and ski, or when they would go to Red Rocks in the summer, He laughed recalling one show where Alex got too drunk and he had to carry him to the car, all while he blabbed about how strong his hockey boyfriend was. Now it was just him, waking up alone in this beautiful house. He remembered how homey the place felt, being just the two of them, even if he was dealing with migraines, He missed seeing Alex every day, and he knew he did too. So more trying to convince him to be here. He drifted off lost in memories. His phone ringing jilted him awake.“Hey,”“Mmm morning.” He mumbled hearing Alex on the other end. “You in the car?” He asked. “Yeah, on my way to the office, you still in bed?” His voice echoed over the car Bluetooth. “Yeah, body hurts from last night.”“Mmm figured.” He says. I hear his blinker flick on. “You feeling better?”“A bit, I see my doctor at around like… noon?”“Good, tell me what he says.” Alex yawns. "I will, I should go but wanted to call and check in.”“Thanks, I should be getting up too,” He sat up side still aching, but pushed through and got out of bed. “Talk later.” “Alright bye.” “Bye Ri.” I hang up and go in the bathroom and see how tired I look in the mirror. I try and stifle a yawn as I get my toothbrush and then go shower.