Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove (Breakaway #2)

by E.L. Massey

Eli is on the Jumbotron sitting next to Jo in one of the private boxes, wearing sunglasses and hearing protection and smiling so wide it looks like it hurts. Alex knows the feeling. Alex points to him with his stick, and Eli stands, a little slow, a little shaky. Alex doesn’t understand what he’s doing at first until Eli has turned to show his back to the camera. He’s wearing Alex’s jersey. Price 23. Eli grins over his shoulder, and the stadium maybe gets even louder. And oh. Alex didn’t know it was possible to love someone this much.

no one talk to me. i’m going to die single

“Have you had to make any adjustments to having a gay captain?” the man asks. “No,” Jeff says evenly, making Jessica proud. “Yes,” Kuzy said seriously. “We make Alex wear blindfold in the shower so he’s not see our dicks. Because no homo. Is rainbow blindfold though. Because Hell Hounds also pro-homo. You know?” On Twitter later that day, #prohomo starts trending. Jessica doesn’t let Kuzy do media for a couple weeks.

I want an adorable russian

“I VIOLATE ARTICLE 27, SEC. 553-4 OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE SAFELY, OFTEN, AND EXTREMELY WELL” in all caps on it. Alex has never seen Eli wear it before. “What’s it mean?” “Sections 553 and 554 of Article 27 of the Maryland Code prohibited sodomy, oral sex, and”—Eli makes quotes with his fingers—“any other unnatural or perverted sexual practice with any other person.”

“And you have to let me pay for it,” Alex clarifies. “Flights and hotels and food and everything.” “Okay,” Eli repeats. “I don’t understand. I thought this would be an argument. I made notecards.” “Well, you can read them to me if you want. But Alex. This isn’t a vacation or a pair of shoes. It’s the Stanley Cup finals. It’s—you. Your health. If you say you need me there, I’m there.” Alex should probably start looking for rings. It’s been six months. Eight, if you count their original not-dates. That’s enough time, right?