GRAVEYARD FIC
GRAVEYARD FIC!!
This time, it's a brooksie/greenie/Steckel
“You’re such a girl, Brooks.” Dave chuckled, piffling through his bag for some soap and shampoo.
Brooks laughed, “Why? Because I miss him?”
“He’s been gone for a week.” Dave pointed out, “Come on, just jack off and hold out for two more days.”
“I can’t believe you can get dates.” Brooks grabbed his shampoo, handing it to Dave.
Dave grabbed the shampoo and jokingly said, “Is this floral scented? Maybe it’s a strawberry shampoo?”
Brooks flicked him off, adjusting his towel, making to walk to the showers. “We’re sharing that, ok?”
“No diseases?” Dave asked, following his teammate.
“None to speak of.” Brooks cracked his neck, turning on the shower.
Mike had gone on the allstar break, and then left visiting family. He had a wedding, and Brooks needed to stay behind for Caps promo. They had only been dating for a few months, and neither were ready to come out to their families. Most of the team was aware of the two and their relationship, but that is where it ended. It was hard being away, when they truly spent every minute together. Brooks took a deep breath, remembering their last night together, his body twitching.
Dave dropped his towel, watching Brooks do the same. He grinned and stepping under the warm spray. “You’re really missing him, buddy, aren’t you?”
“Huh?” Brooks said, then looked down, flushing in embarassment. “Great.”
Dave took the shampoo, washing his hair. He walked to Brooks, smirking. “You know, I can help you out.”
Brooks glared at Dave. “We share shampoo, and nothing else.”
“We’re just friends,” Dave said again, the suds in his hair slipping down to his chest.
Brooks watched the trail of water and suds and he turned away. “Stop it, Steckel. I miss Greenie, ok? What’s wrong with that.”
“Nothing is wrong with it, Laich.” Dave said, “But why be tied down? I never have this problem.”
“Because you sleep around.” Brooks pointed out.
“You used to as well.” Dave said, “I mean, you had a new fling every other day. It’s who you are.”
Brooks sighed. He always felt guilty about that. Greenie had ultimately stopped him from his serial dating, but that still didn’t mean he didn’t have urges. It also didn’t mean that he was guilt free. Sometimes, seeing how Mike had only a few serious relationships in comparison to Brooks’ long line of flings, made Brooks feel lesser. Dave was merely speaking out loud the fears that existed every time Brooks looked at Mike. They were best friends and lovers, yes, but Brooks didn’t know why Greenie liked him. Dave cleared his throat. “No one will know, Brooks. I’m just helping you till Greenie gets home. It’s not like you’re married.”
Brooks took a staggered sigh and whispered, “I can’t do that to Mike. I just can’t.”
Dave smirked again and moved closer to the other man. He bit his lip and brought his body close to Brooks’. He could feel the heat between them and he whispered, “Then don’t do a thing. Let me do all the work.”
Shutting his eyes, Brooks could feel the affect of Dave’s words. He missed Mike so much, and he was unfortunately still turned on. Brooks jumped as Dave reached out, his nails scrapping on the forward’s hips. Brooks inhaled sharply and said, “Dave...”
Dave shushed him, as his hand travelled across the tense muscles of Brooks’ lower abdomen. Brooks watched, eyes full of lust and worry. Brooks opened his mouth to protest again, when Dave grabbed Brooks’ shaft, giving it a few slow tugs. Brooks’ knees nearly buckled and he hissed. Dave laughed, moving to stand behind him, nibbling at Brooks’ shoulders and neck. At the sound of Brooks’ moan, Dave pressed his own erection into Brooks, letting him know that he too was excited.
The sound of the locker room door opening, and Olie’s voice drifting in, caused Brooks to wake from his trance. Dave grinned and began to stroke Brooks faster. “D...Dave...” Brooks moaned quietly, feeling his orgasm pool in his lower belly.
Dave chuckled against his skin, bringing his other hand down, inserting one finger into him. Brooks let out a shaky gasp, hoping it was silent, and spilled into Dave’s hand. Dave silently moved away, returning to his shower. Brooks stood there, shaking, leaning against the wall for support. Dave smiled, and began to stroke himself, watching Brooks and the water falling on him. His face scrunched up as he came in his hand, then finished his shower. Brooks could feel his face burning in shame, his breathing still erratic from the post orgasm high. Dave laughed and said, “Like I said, no big deal. See you tomorrow, perhaps for a repeat?”
Leaving, Dave grabbed his towel, and greeted whoever had entered the locker room with Olie. Brooks slid to the floor, covering his face, feeling the shower water hit him. He began to breathe heavily again. Mike was going to leave him. Mike was going to be angry. He had just destroyed whatever relationship they had, and demolished their friendship. Hot, angry tears slid down Brooks’ face and he rocked a bit. It was over. He heard someone calling his name, but Brooks ignored it, Resting his face on his knees. He felt a hand on his arm and Brooks twitched, looking up and backing away. He saw Olie looking at him concerned. “Whoa, kid... calm down.”
“Sorry... sorry...” Brooks said, dropping his head again.
“What’s going on?” Olie said softly, “What happened?”
“Nothing... I just...” Brooks stumbled and said, “I just am worried about tomorrow’s game... and Greenie’s out of town... I read some bad reviews of us too...haven’t been home in months... just...”
“Overwhelmed?” Olie said, smiling, “Come on, lets get you to stand up, dry off, and we’ll go to lunch, ok?”
“I don’t know.” Brooks said softly, “I think i’ll just go home.”
Olie nodded, helping the forward up. Brooks walked to his locker, heart like lead, and dressed to go home. Dave was right, in a way, maybe this was who he was. Brooks’ eyes burned with tears again. He didn’t deserve to even look at Mike.
Brooks skated in a circle, keeping his eyes on the ice. He couldn’t shake last night. Dave had, much to Brooks’ dismay, completely ignored the situation, as if it never had happened. Brooks looked around at his team, wondering how many of them Dave had slept with. He wasn’t necessarily angry at Steckel, just embarassed. He had avoided Olie in the morning, keeping quiet, saying he missed Mike. Chris has heard from Ovie, who had heard from Sasha, who heard it from Dave, that Brooks was upset. Chris had cornered him and Brooks had filled his head with lies. Mike would be home tomorrow and Brooks was pretty sure that he was going to pretend nothing happened. Dave was right. It was no big deal.
Chris whistled to Brooks, whose head popped up. Boudreau stood waving beside the captain. Brooks skated in, catching Olie’s blank stare. Olie always had an expression on his face. This must mean something bad was going to happen. Boudreau reached out and lightly tapped Brooks on the helmet. “You’re a healthy scratch tonight, son.”
“What?!” Brooks exclaimed, “Coach, You need me!”
“It’s time to let some of the others play,” Boudreau said, smiling, “So just watch, and if we need you, you’ll be in.”
Brooks shook his head and looked at Chris. “Did you do this? Why me?”
Boudreau waved his arms, “Son, its no one’s fault because there’s nothing to blame. You’re sitting out, and that’s that. Perhaps you can take this time to get your head a little more into the game. You’ve been distant.”
Brooks glared and kicked his foot. “Fine, coach. Healthy scratch.”
Boudreau smiled, tapping the forward on the helmet again in a fatherly fashion, before leaving. Brooks moved to the bench and turned to Chris, “What was that?”
“We need to win the game. We’re not going to win if you’re looking asleep out there.” Chris sighed, “It’s not personal. It’s for the game. Just take the rest.”
“I don’t need a rest.” Brooks tried again.
Chris rolled his eyes, “Well there’s not much you can do because the decision stands.”
Brooks watched as Chris skated off with the others. Dave skated in, plopping down beside Brooks. “I heard.” He said.
“Gossip travels that fast? Chris has only been gone for three seconds.” Brooks exclaimed.
Dave chuckled, “No, I knew it was going to happen.”
“You didn’t tell me?” Brooks said, eyebrows creasing, forgetting temporarily that he was mad at Dave.
“I wasn’t sure. It was a hunch. I just heard Chris say something about it, and he looked in your direction.” Dave licked his lips and placed a hand on Brooks’ knee, “You really need to relax.”
Brooks jerked his leg away and said, “We can’t. Last night was a mistake. It never happened.”
“But it did.” Dave whispered, his voice taking on a husky tone, “And you loved it. It’s ok. We’re just friends, and I have no problem helping you out.”
“Steckel...” Brooks hissed.
“I’ll see you after the game. I might need some release.” Dave whispered, “Now, I hope you watch me out there. Think about my hands, my kisses, other things...”
Brooks shifted unc omfortably, shutting his eyes. He could feel his heart race a bit. “This is wrong. I’m with someone.”
“And you cheated on them after only a week break.” Dave said.
“I didn’t cheat!” Brooks hissed, knowing it was a lie, “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t... I didn’t like...”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t like it.” Dave said, “As I remember, you were moaning my name.”
Brooks dropped his head, “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“But it did.” Dave said softly, “And that’s ok. I’d like to do it again.”
“I can’t.” Brooks said, his voice soft.
“Our little secret.” Dave whispered, returning his hand to Brooks’ thigh and slowly dragging it up, “Tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
Brooks turned his head away and Dave smiled. “Wish me luck in the game, Laich.”
Brooks turned to Dave and mumbled, “Good luck in the game.”
Dave grinned and winked at him, before hoping onto the ice. Brooks put his head in his hands, willing his senses to calm down. He had cheated on Mike, and now... now Dave wanted to continue, and Brooks wasn’t sure if he could stop himself.
Mike fell back against his pillows, chest breathing heavily, a light sheen of sweat across him. His eyes, still full of lust but satisfied, turned to meet Brooks. “Come here.”
Brooks crawled up Mike’s body, dropping small kisses, not making eye contact for too long. He curled his arms around Mike’s waist, tucking his head beneath Mike’s chin, lightly kissing his jaw. Mike moaned softly and said, “I should leave more often. You really missed me, didn’t you? Three times, and it’s not even dinner time.”
Brooks whispered softly, seriously, “Yeah, I missed you... a lot.”
Mike couldn’t see how dark Brooks’ eyes were, nor his deep frown. He did, though, sense his tone. “Are you... ok? Brooksie?”
Brooks cringed slightly at the nick name. “Of course. I’m just glad you’re home.”
“I’ve left before, you know.” Mike said, “What’s going on with you?”
“You don’t like it?” Brooks said, forcing a laugh and a light tone, “I mean, we can go celibate, if you’d like.”
“I’d kill you.” Mike growled out, rolling their bodies so that Brooks was beneath him.
Mike admired Brooks’ upper body, his arms, his chest. He looked into Brooks’ eyes and they were sad. He’d never seen them as sad as they were this moment. Mike couldn’t figure out why his love would look like that. He had to find a way to bring back his happy, giddy Brooks. The goofy post-sex giggly Brooks. The Brooks that was brutally honest with what was and was not wrong. The honest Brooks.
Brooks dragged his hands up Mike’s arms, as if feeling the defenseman’s muscles for the first time. He squeezed him, his grip hard and Mike’s eyebrows furrowed. “Brooks...?”
Brooks leaned up and crushed his lips to Mike’s, pulling Mike’s body closer to his. MIke fell into the kiss, more than happy to partake in his favorite Brooks-and-Mike past time. He could feel himself stir and he pulled back slightly, “Four? Four times?! I’m going to think there’s something seriously wrong.”
Brooks chuckled, but it came out more like a harsh growl. “Just fuck me, Mike.”
Concerns tabled for the time being, Mike grinned, and began to prepare Brooks. Again.
Brooks walked in, bags under his eyes. He had tossed and turned for the past few nights, and wasn’t looking forward to practice. Dropping down on the bench, he held his head for a moment, before feeling a hand on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he looked into the concerned eyes of Mike. Brooks smiled for his boyfriend and said, “Hey you.”
“What’s going on, Brooksie? I’m really worried for you.” Mike said softly, “Talk to me?”
Brooks smiled sadly and said, “I’m just stressed out, Mike. I promise, I’m ok.”
“You’re not ok.” Mike said, attempting to sound concerned, but Brooks could hear the frustration seeping through.
“What’s it to you?” Brooks said, his own frustrations showing, “I’m just tired and stressed.”
“What’s it to me? I love you and care about you.” Mike said.
“Come on...” Brooks said, his stomach twisting with guilt. “Stop picking on me.”
“What happened when I was gone?” Mike said, looking at the floor, voice sad.
“Nothing.” Brooks said quickly, “I told you whats wrong. Don’t you trust me?”
Mike’s head snapped up and he sighed, “Of course I trust you, Brooksie.”
“Okay then. We’re done here.” Brooks stood up, walking away.
Mike watched after him, chewing his lip. “Don’t you love me?”
Brooks froze, shoulders tensing. He felt his eyes burn, recognizing it as shame. “I shouldn’t have to answer that.”
Mike watched Brooks walk towards the bathrooms. He turned, punching the wall. Jumping at the sound of his name, Mike turned to see Olie beckoning him over. Mike reluctantly walked over.
Dragging a hand through his hair, Mike said, “Sorry... I know... keep home at home.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.” Olie said, “You alright kid?”
“Brooksie is acting strange.” Mike said, voice defeated, “He won’t talk to me. He... he looks and acts depressed.”
Olie nodded, licking his lips. “And asking him isn’t working out?”
This time, it's a brooksie/greenie/Steckel
“You’re such a girl, Brooks.” Dave chuckled, piffling through his bag for some soap and shampoo.
Brooks laughed, “Why? Because I miss him?”
“He’s been gone for a week.” Dave pointed out, “Come on, just jack off and hold out for two more days.”
“I can’t believe you can get dates.” Brooks grabbed his shampoo, handing it to Dave.
Dave grabbed the shampoo and jokingly said, “Is this floral scented? Maybe it’s a strawberry shampoo?”
Brooks flicked him off, adjusting his towel, making to walk to the showers. “We’re sharing that, ok?”
“No diseases?” Dave asked, following his teammate.
“None to speak of.” Brooks cracked his neck, turning on the shower.
Mike had gone on the allstar break, and then left visiting family. He had a wedding, and Brooks needed to stay behind for Caps promo. They had only been dating for a few months, and neither were ready to come out to their families. Most of the team was aware of the two and their relationship, but that is where it ended. It was hard being away, when they truly spent every minute together. Brooks took a deep breath, remembering their last night together, his body twitching.
Dave dropped his towel, watching Brooks do the same. He grinned and stepping under the warm spray. “You’re really missing him, buddy, aren’t you?”
“Huh?” Brooks said, then looked down, flushing in embarassment. “Great.”
Dave took the shampoo, washing his hair. He walked to Brooks, smirking. “You know, I can help you out.”
Brooks glared at Dave. “We share shampoo, and nothing else.”
“We’re just friends,” Dave said again, the suds in his hair slipping down to his chest.
Brooks watched the trail of water and suds and he turned away. “Stop it, Steckel. I miss Greenie, ok? What’s wrong with that.”
“Nothing is wrong with it, Laich.” Dave said, “But why be tied down? I never have this problem.”
“Because you sleep around.” Brooks pointed out.
“You used to as well.” Dave said, “I mean, you had a new fling every other day. It’s who you are.”
Brooks sighed. He always felt guilty about that. Greenie had ultimately stopped him from his serial dating, but that still didn’t mean he didn’t have urges. It also didn’t mean that he was guilt free. Sometimes, seeing how Mike had only a few serious relationships in comparison to Brooks’ long line of flings, made Brooks feel lesser. Dave was merely speaking out loud the fears that existed every time Brooks looked at Mike. They were best friends and lovers, yes, but Brooks didn’t know why Greenie liked him. Dave cleared his throat. “No one will know, Brooks. I’m just helping you till Greenie gets home. It’s not like you’re married.”
Brooks took a staggered sigh and whispered, “I can’t do that to Mike. I just can’t.”
Dave smirked again and moved closer to the other man. He bit his lip and brought his body close to Brooks’. He could feel the heat between them and he whispered, “Then don’t do a thing. Let me do all the work.”
Shutting his eyes, Brooks could feel the affect of Dave’s words. He missed Mike so much, and he was unfortunately still turned on. Brooks jumped as Dave reached out, his nails scrapping on the forward’s hips. Brooks inhaled sharply and said, “Dave...”
Dave shushed him, as his hand travelled across the tense muscles of Brooks’ lower abdomen. Brooks watched, eyes full of lust and worry. Brooks opened his mouth to protest again, when Dave grabbed Brooks’ shaft, giving it a few slow tugs. Brooks’ knees nearly buckled and he hissed. Dave laughed, moving to stand behind him, nibbling at Brooks’ shoulders and neck. At the sound of Brooks’ moan, Dave pressed his own erection into Brooks, letting him know that he too was excited.
The sound of the locker room door opening, and Olie’s voice drifting in, caused Brooks to wake from his trance. Dave grinned and began to stroke Brooks faster. “D...Dave...” Brooks moaned quietly, feeling his orgasm pool in his lower belly.
Dave chuckled against his skin, bringing his other hand down, inserting one finger into him. Brooks let out a shaky gasp, hoping it was silent, and spilled into Dave’s hand. Dave silently moved away, returning to his shower. Brooks stood there, shaking, leaning against the wall for support. Dave smiled, and began to stroke himself, watching Brooks and the water falling on him. His face scrunched up as he came in his hand, then finished his shower. Brooks could feel his face burning in shame, his breathing still erratic from the post orgasm high. Dave laughed and said, “Like I said, no big deal. See you tomorrow, perhaps for a repeat?”
Leaving, Dave grabbed his towel, and greeted whoever had entered the locker room with Olie. Brooks slid to the floor, covering his face, feeling the shower water hit him. He began to breathe heavily again. Mike was going to leave him. Mike was going to be angry. He had just destroyed whatever relationship they had, and demolished their friendship. Hot, angry tears slid down Brooks’ face and he rocked a bit. It was over. He heard someone calling his name, but Brooks ignored it, Resting his face on his knees. He felt a hand on his arm and Brooks twitched, looking up and backing away. He saw Olie looking at him concerned. “Whoa, kid... calm down.”
“Sorry... sorry...” Brooks said, dropping his head again.
“What’s going on?” Olie said softly, “What happened?”
“Nothing... I just...” Brooks stumbled and said, “I just am worried about tomorrow’s game... and Greenie’s out of town... I read some bad reviews of us too...haven’t been home in months... just...”
“Overwhelmed?” Olie said, smiling, “Come on, lets get you to stand up, dry off, and we’ll go to lunch, ok?”
“I don’t know.” Brooks said softly, “I think i’ll just go home.”
Olie nodded, helping the forward up. Brooks walked to his locker, heart like lead, and dressed to go home. Dave was right, in a way, maybe this was who he was. Brooks’ eyes burned with tears again. He didn’t deserve to even look at Mike.
Brooks skated in a circle, keeping his eyes on the ice. He couldn’t shake last night. Dave had, much to Brooks’ dismay, completely ignored the situation, as if it never had happened. Brooks looked around at his team, wondering how many of them Dave had slept with. He wasn’t necessarily angry at Steckel, just embarassed. He had avoided Olie in the morning, keeping quiet, saying he missed Mike. Chris has heard from Ovie, who had heard from Sasha, who heard it from Dave, that Brooks was upset. Chris had cornered him and Brooks had filled his head with lies. Mike would be home tomorrow and Brooks was pretty sure that he was going to pretend nothing happened. Dave was right. It was no big deal.
Chris whistled to Brooks, whose head popped up. Boudreau stood waving beside the captain. Brooks skated in, catching Olie’s blank stare. Olie always had an expression on his face. This must mean something bad was going to happen. Boudreau reached out and lightly tapped Brooks on the helmet. “You’re a healthy scratch tonight, son.”
“What?!” Brooks exclaimed, “Coach, You need me!”
“It’s time to let some of the others play,” Boudreau said, smiling, “So just watch, and if we need you, you’ll be in.”
Brooks shook his head and looked at Chris. “Did you do this? Why me?”
Boudreau waved his arms, “Son, its no one’s fault because there’s nothing to blame. You’re sitting out, and that’s that. Perhaps you can take this time to get your head a little more into the game. You’ve been distant.”
Brooks glared and kicked his foot. “Fine, coach. Healthy scratch.”
Boudreau smiled, tapping the forward on the helmet again in a fatherly fashion, before leaving. Brooks moved to the bench and turned to Chris, “What was that?”
“We need to win the game. We’re not going to win if you’re looking asleep out there.” Chris sighed, “It’s not personal. It’s for the game. Just take the rest.”
“I don’t need a rest.” Brooks tried again.
Chris rolled his eyes, “Well there’s not much you can do because the decision stands.”
Brooks watched as Chris skated off with the others. Dave skated in, plopping down beside Brooks. “I heard.” He said.
“Gossip travels that fast? Chris has only been gone for three seconds.” Brooks exclaimed.
Dave chuckled, “No, I knew it was going to happen.”
“You didn’t tell me?” Brooks said, eyebrows creasing, forgetting temporarily that he was mad at Dave.
“I wasn’t sure. It was a hunch. I just heard Chris say something about it, and he looked in your direction.” Dave licked his lips and placed a hand on Brooks’ knee, “You really need to relax.”
Brooks jerked his leg away and said, “We can’t. Last night was a mistake. It never happened.”
“But it did.” Dave whispered, his voice taking on a husky tone, “And you loved it. It’s ok. We’re just friends, and I have no problem helping you out.”
“Steckel...” Brooks hissed.
“I’ll see you after the game. I might need some release.” Dave whispered, “Now, I hope you watch me out there. Think about my hands, my kisses, other things...”
Brooks shifted unc omfortably, shutting his eyes. He could feel his heart race a bit. “This is wrong. I’m with someone.”
“And you cheated on them after only a week break.” Dave said.
“I didn’t cheat!” Brooks hissed, knowing it was a lie, “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t... I didn’t like...”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t like it.” Dave said, “As I remember, you were moaning my name.”
Brooks dropped his head, “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“But it did.” Dave said softly, “And that’s ok. I’d like to do it again.”
“I can’t.” Brooks said, his voice soft.
“Our little secret.” Dave whispered, returning his hand to Brooks’ thigh and slowly dragging it up, “Tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
Brooks turned his head away and Dave smiled. “Wish me luck in the game, Laich.”
Brooks turned to Dave and mumbled, “Good luck in the game.”
Dave grinned and winked at him, before hoping onto the ice. Brooks put his head in his hands, willing his senses to calm down. He had cheated on Mike, and now... now Dave wanted to continue, and Brooks wasn’t sure if he could stop himself.
Mike fell back against his pillows, chest breathing heavily, a light sheen of sweat across him. His eyes, still full of lust but satisfied, turned to meet Brooks. “Come here.”
Brooks crawled up Mike’s body, dropping small kisses, not making eye contact for too long. He curled his arms around Mike’s waist, tucking his head beneath Mike’s chin, lightly kissing his jaw. Mike moaned softly and said, “I should leave more often. You really missed me, didn’t you? Three times, and it’s not even dinner time.”
Brooks whispered softly, seriously, “Yeah, I missed you... a lot.”
Mike couldn’t see how dark Brooks’ eyes were, nor his deep frown. He did, though, sense his tone. “Are you... ok? Brooksie?”
Brooks cringed slightly at the nick name. “Of course. I’m just glad you’re home.”
“I’ve left before, you know.” Mike said, “What’s going on with you?”
“You don’t like it?” Brooks said, forcing a laugh and a light tone, “I mean, we can go celibate, if you’d like.”
“I’d kill you.” Mike growled out, rolling their bodies so that Brooks was beneath him.
Mike admired Brooks’ upper body, his arms, his chest. He looked into Brooks’ eyes and they were sad. He’d never seen them as sad as they were this moment. Mike couldn’t figure out why his love would look like that. He had to find a way to bring back his happy, giddy Brooks. The goofy post-sex giggly Brooks. The Brooks that was brutally honest with what was and was not wrong. The honest Brooks.
Brooks dragged his hands up Mike’s arms, as if feeling the defenseman’s muscles for the first time. He squeezed him, his grip hard and Mike’s eyebrows furrowed. “Brooks...?”
Brooks leaned up and crushed his lips to Mike’s, pulling Mike’s body closer to his. MIke fell into the kiss, more than happy to partake in his favorite Brooks-and-Mike past time. He could feel himself stir and he pulled back slightly, “Four? Four times?! I’m going to think there’s something seriously wrong.”
Brooks chuckled, but it came out more like a harsh growl. “Just fuck me, Mike.”
Concerns tabled for the time being, Mike grinned, and began to prepare Brooks. Again.
Brooks walked in, bags under his eyes. He had tossed and turned for the past few nights, and wasn’t looking forward to practice. Dropping down on the bench, he held his head for a moment, before feeling a hand on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he looked into the concerned eyes of Mike. Brooks smiled for his boyfriend and said, “Hey you.”
“What’s going on, Brooksie? I’m really worried for you.” Mike said softly, “Talk to me?”
Brooks smiled sadly and said, “I’m just stressed out, Mike. I promise, I’m ok.”
“You’re not ok.” Mike said, attempting to sound concerned, but Brooks could hear the frustration seeping through.
“What’s it to you?” Brooks said, his own frustrations showing, “I’m just tired and stressed.”
“What’s it to me? I love you and care about you.” Mike said.
“Come on...” Brooks said, his stomach twisting with guilt. “Stop picking on me.”
“What happened when I was gone?” Mike said, looking at the floor, voice sad.
“Nothing.” Brooks said quickly, “I told you whats wrong. Don’t you trust me?”
Mike’s head snapped up and he sighed, “Of course I trust you, Brooksie.”
“Okay then. We’re done here.” Brooks stood up, walking away.
Mike watched after him, chewing his lip. “Don’t you love me?”
Brooks froze, shoulders tensing. He felt his eyes burn, recognizing it as shame. “I shouldn’t have to answer that.”
Mike watched Brooks walk towards the bathrooms. He turned, punching the wall. Jumping at the sound of his name, Mike turned to see Olie beckoning him over. Mike reluctantly walked over.
Dragging a hand through his hair, Mike said, “Sorry... I know... keep home at home.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.” Olie said, “You alright kid?”
“Brooksie is acting strange.” Mike said, voice defeated, “He won’t talk to me. He... he looks and acts depressed.”
Olie nodded, licking his lips. “And asking him isn’t working out?”