As the Days Go By - Part 4/4
Title: As the Days Go By
Author: Kiki, sadwal1538
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Pairing: Patrick Sharp/Adam Burish...others involved
Warnings:
Notes: Written for the Hockey Big Bang @ reallybigsticks.
Word Count: 12,626 (Total)
Summary: Adam's now in Dallas, counting down the days until he can see Patrick. But will it be what anyone expects?
Disclaimer: Not in any way true! All fake!
Author's Note: Special thanks goes to 4evrendvrsayshi for being such a wonderful beta! Definitely my rock through this. :)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Part 4
Christmas passes and Patrick can’t bring himself to call Adam. He does muster up enough courage to send a quick text wishing the man a merry Christmas, but he isn’t surprised that Adam only sends a quick ‘thanks’ in response.
On New Year’s Eve, Patrick can’t take it anymore. He needs to hear Adam talk to him, even if it’s only to tell him to go to hell. At least it would be more than what he’s getting. He manages to slip away from the part that’s going on. Finding a quiet spot on the back porch probably isn’t the smartest idea he’s had, but right now he doesn’t care.
Patrick listens to Adam’s phone ring, not really expecting the man to answer. Then he hears noise coming from the other end. Wherever Adam is, it’s definitely noisy.
“Hang on,” Patrick is barely able to hear from Adam.
Patrick takes a seat on one of the chairs and lets out a soft breath. He doesn’t know what Adam is going to say, but at least he answered.
“Fuck. I have to call you back. Give me like two minutes.”
Before Patrick can respond, the line goes dead. He let out a soft breath as he drops his phone to his lap. Honestly, he doubts Adam will call him back. But at least he heard that voice. Just as he’s thinking this, though, his phone is ringing. He grabs it, surprised to see Adam’s name flashing.
“Hi,” Patrick answers quietly.
“Hey,” Adam responds. “Sorry, I had to find somewhere quiet to be able to hear anything.”
“I wouldn’t have blamed you if you just didn’t want to talk to me.”
“That’s never the case.”
Patrick leans down on his knees and takes a staggered breath. “I miss you. I’m an idiot. God, what the hell is wrong with me? How could I do this to us…to you?”
“Oh Sharpie.”
Patrick squeezes his eyes shut at the way Adam said his name. “I’m sorry, so sorry.”
“You shouldn’t be the one apologizing. I just…I don’t know what I was thinking. I was mad and I took it out on the wrong people, you included. Baby, I’m sorry.”
Patrick rubs the back of his neck. “Forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. You did what you had to do. I need to forgive me.”
“I do forgive you. I should have never let it get to this point. So where are you?”
“Nikki’s. I promised her I’d come here for midnight. Where are you?”
“Chris’s. Didn’t have anywhere else to go, unless I wanted to go to Buffalo. Pat invited me over there.”
“Right, so you could listen to him and Johnny fuck all night? I’m sure that’s what you really want to hear.”
Patrick laughs softly. “It would be better than the silence I’ll probably end up with.” Patrick can hear noise once again in the background.
“Sorry, going somewhere else,” Adam says.
“It’s fine.”
“You sound like you’re shivering.”
“That’s because it’s the middle of winter, I’m in Canada, and sitting outside without a coat.”
“Patrick, what the hell are you thinking?”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“You could have made it a lot simpler.”
“How so?” Patrick can hear the back door open, but doesn’t bother looking over figuring it’s Chris to come check on him.
“You could have simply walked across the room.”
Patrick jumps at how close the voice is now…not just any voice, Adam’s voice. He quickly looks over to the door to see Adam standing there. Patrick drops his phone to the table beside him before standing up.
“You’re going to freeze,” Adam says.
“Adam,” Patrick whispers. He walks over and throws his arms around the younger man’s neck. “Oh God, you’re here.”
Adam slides his arms around Patrick’s waist, holding him close. “Of course I’m here. I couldn’t miss the new year with you.”
Patrick feels like an idiot for being so emotional over Adam being here. But God, it feels good to have Adam’s arms around him again. “So this is real?”
Adam laughs softly. “Absolutely.” Adam pulls back just enough to capture Patrick’s lips in a soft kiss. “I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I hate that this happened. And it’s all because I’m an ass hole who couldn’t admit to you that I was mad.”
Patrick slides his arms back from around Adam’s neck before cupping the younger man’s cheeks. “I shouldn’t have walked away though.” Leaning in, Patrick presses his lips to Adam’s. “I love you. I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” Adam slides his hands up Patrick’s back. “Is there somewhere we can go? Just the two of us?”
Patrick curls his fingers along Adam’s cheeks, loving the feeling of the stubble on his fingertips. “I think that can be arranged. But not here.”
“Why not?”
“Because if I know what you’re thinking about, it’s not happening in my brother’s house.”
Adam grins. “Then at least come inside because you’re freezing. I don’t want you turning blue on me.”
Patrick ignores the comments and crushes his lips to Adam’s in a smoldering kiss. Adam lets out a soft moan before pushing Patrick into the rail of the porch. This probably isn’t a smart idea, as anyone could see them out here. But right now, neither really care who sees them.
“I found them,” Chris says.
Adam pulls back and looks over at the older Sharp. “Is this supposed to mean something?” he asks.
“I don’t know if you are aware, Adam, that you walked in at 11:45. That’s about the same time your phone rang when he called you. It is now 11:58. So I figured you didn’t want to miss the ringing in of the New Year.”
“We’re right behind you,” Patrick says.
“I’d rather be behind you,” Adam mutters.
Patrick rolls his eyes. At least they’re back to where they had been before the road block. “You will be later.”
“Something to look forward to,” Chris says. “Now come on.”
Patrick holds onto Adam’s hand as they follow Chris into the house. He smiles when Adam squeezes his hand and steps closer. It’s good to know they really haven’t lost much in the three weeks they’ve been apart. The love they still have for each other is obviously still there.
The countdown begins the moment their champagne glasses are given to them and Adam slides an arm around Patrick’s waist as the wait for the moment.
“Five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year!”
Adam doesn’t let Patrick get a drink before he’s capturing his lips in a soft kiss. Patrick smiles against Adam’s lips, thankful to have him here with him.
“Happy new year,” Adam says.
“I’m glad you’re here with me.”
“Me too.”
“Want to go now?”
“Yes.”
They spend the next several hours making love like they hadn’t touched each other in years. This is what they’d needed. Even before the fight they hadn’t made love like this. Sure, the morning before the game was amazing, but this…this can’t even be compared. The way Adam makes him feel is so much better than anything he could have ever imagined.
Waking up in Adam’s arms makes Patrick smile to himself. He curls himself around the man, loving how Adam immediately tightens his grip around him.
“Why are you up?” Adam asks.
“It’s not like I planned it,” Patrick mutters. He lifts his head to smile at Adam. “So this wasn’t a dream?”
“Not even close.” Adam gives him a soft kiss. “Good morning.”
“Morning.”
“So, any regrets?”
“Not calling you sooner.”
Adam pushes his leg between Patrick’s, loving the sound he gets in response. “Well, let’s forget about that and focus on the now.”
“You just want to fuck me.”
“Because you’d complain if that’s what I wanted.”
“You mean it’s not?”
“No. I just want to hold you.”
“I’ll take that.”
“I figured you would.” Adam tightens his grip around Patrick, not wanting this to end. He knows they both need to get up soon because they both have to head back to their respective cities, but he’s going to let this continue for as long as he can.
“You’re thinking about when we have to leave, aren’t you?” Patrick asks.
“Yeah,” Adam answers softly. “Although, we’ll be seeing each other in a couple of days again.”
“Exactly. Just don’t punch me this time. And you need to call the guys to let them know what’s going on.”
“In a little bit I will. Right now, I just want it to be us.”
“Okay.”
******
When Patrick walks into the locker room to change for the morning practice, he’s not surprised to find Jonathan waiting for him by his locker. “Don’t you have your own boy toy to worry about?” Patrick asks.
Jonathan grins. “That’s what I was waiting to hear,” he says. “You two okay?”
Patrick nods. “He knows that I’m still a little upset over what happened even though I have tried not to be.”
“But you’re together again?”
“Yes.”
“Thank God.” Jonathan squeezes Patrick’s shoulder. “Maybe I’ll have Seabs put him into the glass tomorrow.”
Patrick laughs softly. “Sounds good.” The next thing he knows he has someone wrapped around his back. It doesn’t take much to know it’s Pat.
“Is there a reason you’re molesting Sharpie?” Jonathan asks.
“I’m just happy,” Pat answers as he steps around to stand beside Patrick.
Patrick smiles over at the young American. “You and me both,” he says.
“Can I still hit him with my stick tomorrow?”
“If you really want to, but I’m not saving your ass when he drops his gloves. Captain Serious here can do that.”
“And what will you do?” Jonathan asks.
“Walk away. Stop worrying about me. I’m okay. Adam and I are going to be okay.”
“Good. I hated that you two were fighting,” Pat says.
“You’re not the only one. Can I get changed now?”
“Yes,” Jonathan answers. He pushes Pat back. “We’ll see you out there.”
Patrick smiles a little when Jonathan and Pat start mumbling to each other. He knows Pat’s complaining about not being able to stay and talk to Patrick more. He’s amazed at how much Jonathan can handle with Pat. Of course, being in love with the kid helps a little. Patrick knows how much Jonathan loves Pat. That’s what it’s like with him and Adam. He’d do anything for him.
******
Patrick glances up when he hears the media coming in for the pre-game interviews. He’s not surprised to see a few of them walking directly toward him. Rolling his eyes slightly, he runs a hand through his hair.
“Patrick, are you ready for this game?”
“Of course I’m ready,” Patrick answers. “I’m always ready.”
“After what happened in the last game with the Stars, how are you going to handle Adam Burish?”
Patrick looks over to where the question came from. “The same way I did before that. He and I are fine. We’ve talked since then. It was all just part of the game.”
“He had said he was still a little upset about the move.”
“And he put it into the game against us. That’s all there is to it. He’s an emotional guy at times, like we all are whether we want to admit it or not. He loves this city. Things got a little crazy in the last game, but that was then. We’ve moved on from that and I’m ready for this game.”
“Do you think there will be any incidents with him tonight?”
“Never say never, but it’s part of the game. He’s fighting for a Stars win, we’re fighting for a Hawks win.”
“Thank you Patrick.”
Patrick nods as they walk away. He knows he’ll get more of the same with the other members of the media. When those questions come, he’ll continue to answer them.
“Are you kidding?” Jonathan asks loudly.
Patrick looks over and raises an eyebrow. It’s unusual for Jonathan to have an outburst like that, especially before a game. He doesn’t take his eyes off the captain as he waits for him to continue.
“I will not stand here and let you ask me questions like that when I’ve already said there aren’t going to be any issues. It’s done and over with.”
Patrick takes a step closer, just in case he needs to interject. He’s not surprised to see Duncan do the same thing.
“You said yourself you thought the fight was ridiculous…”
“It was ridiculous. I told Sharp and Burish that after the game too. It did cause some problems but it’s over with. So everyone needs to look past it and focus on what’s going on right now.”
“But…”
“I’m done answering questions about what happened between Sharp and Burish in the last game. This isn’t that game anymore. We’ve all moved past it, it’s time for all of you to as well.”
Patrick can’t help but smile at how Jonathan takes control. He takes a step back as the media finally back off with the questions. Walking back over to his locker, Patrick takes a deep breath. He hates that everyone has to be taking these questions because of him. But at least he has his team behind him. That’s always nice to know.
The game doesn’t go as the Blackhawks would like. Patrick hates that they couldn’t pull off another win, but at least he didn’t get into another scuffle with Adam. Walking out of the locker room, Patrick makes his way toward the exit. Before he gets very far, he’s being pulled into a dark room. The light turns on the moment the door is closed.
“Adam? What the hell…?”
Adam covers Patrick’s mouth with his. “I’m leaving tonight,” Adam says. “I wasn’t leaving without saying goodbye to you.”
Patrick grins. “So, we’re okay?”
“We’re perfect.” Adam rests his forehead on Patrick’s and lets out a soft breath. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You better.” Patrick smiles when Adam leans in and kisses him. “I love you.”
“Love you too. You really need to go.”
“I know. Fuck it, one more kiss.” Adam licks his lips before kissing Patrick with a little more force this time.
Patrick jumps back when he feels vibrating against his leg. Adam laughs softly as he pulls his phone out. Letting out a heavy breath, Patrick shakes his head.
“I think you did that on purpose,” Patrick mutters.
“No, I would have found a way to get your phone to do that if I did it on purpose. It’s Richards.”
“What’s that supposed to mean to me?”
“I have to go.”
Patrick nods. “Then go before I don’t let you.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Adam kisses Patrick once again. “God, I love you.”
“I love you too.” Patrick lets Adam kiss him one more time before pushing him toward the door. “Go.” Patrick watches as Adam gives him a small wave before walking out. He lets out a soft breath and leans against the wall. After standing there for another moment, Patrick walks out of the small room. He glances down the hall before making his way toward the exit.
“Did you get lucky?” Pat asks him stepping into stride with him.
“No,” Patrick answers. He looks over to where the other team is boarding the bus. Adam flashes him a quick smile before climbing on.
“So you two are okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Patrick elbows Pat. “Come on kid, let’s go eat.”
“I’m not a kid. I hate when you call me that.”
“Why do you think I do it?” Patrick laughs softly when Pat grumbles in response. He glances back to see Jonathan walk out of the building.
“He’s picking on me again,” Pat mutters when Jonathan walks over.
“So do something about it,” Jonathan says. He winks at Pat before looking at Patrick. “You okay?”
“I’m good,” Patrick answers.
“Okay. So dinner?”
“Absolutely.”
Patrick opens the front door of his SUV but stops when he hears the bus start to take off. He looks over to watch it pull away for a moment. He can’t help but smile a little before climbing behind the wheel. Things may not always be perfect with them. But as the days go by, Patrick knows he can’t live without Adam. Maybe now he’ll remember this fact.
THE END
Author: Kiki, sadwal1538
Rating: NC-17 Overall
Pairing: Patrick Sharp/Adam Burish...others involved
Warnings:
Notes: Written for the Hockey Big Bang @ reallybigsticks.
Word Count: 12,626 (Total)
Summary: Adam's now in Dallas, counting down the days until he can see Patrick. But will it be what anyone expects?
Disclaimer: Not in any way true! All fake!
Author's Note: Special thanks goes to 4evrendvrsayshi for being such a wonderful beta! Definitely my rock through this. :)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Part 4
Christmas passes and Patrick can’t bring himself to call Adam. He does muster up enough courage to send a quick text wishing the man a merry Christmas, but he isn’t surprised that Adam only sends a quick ‘thanks’ in response.
On New Year’s Eve, Patrick can’t take it anymore. He needs to hear Adam talk to him, even if it’s only to tell him to go to hell. At least it would be more than what he’s getting. He manages to slip away from the part that’s going on. Finding a quiet spot on the back porch probably isn’t the smartest idea he’s had, but right now he doesn’t care.
Patrick listens to Adam’s phone ring, not really expecting the man to answer. Then he hears noise coming from the other end. Wherever Adam is, it’s definitely noisy.
“Hang on,” Patrick is barely able to hear from Adam.
Patrick takes a seat on one of the chairs and lets out a soft breath. He doesn’t know what Adam is going to say, but at least he answered.
“Fuck. I have to call you back. Give me like two minutes.”
Before Patrick can respond, the line goes dead. He let out a soft breath as he drops his phone to his lap. Honestly, he doubts Adam will call him back. But at least he heard that voice. Just as he’s thinking this, though, his phone is ringing. He grabs it, surprised to see Adam’s name flashing.
“Hi,” Patrick answers quietly.
“Hey,” Adam responds. “Sorry, I had to find somewhere quiet to be able to hear anything.”
“I wouldn’t have blamed you if you just didn’t want to talk to me.”
“That’s never the case.”
Patrick leans down on his knees and takes a staggered breath. “I miss you. I’m an idiot. God, what the hell is wrong with me? How could I do this to us…to you?”
“Oh Sharpie.”
Patrick squeezes his eyes shut at the way Adam said his name. “I’m sorry, so sorry.”
“You shouldn’t be the one apologizing. I just…I don’t know what I was thinking. I was mad and I took it out on the wrong people, you included. Baby, I’m sorry.”
Patrick rubs the back of his neck. “Forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. You did what you had to do. I need to forgive me.”
“I do forgive you. I should have never let it get to this point. So where are you?”
“Nikki’s. I promised her I’d come here for midnight. Where are you?”
“Chris’s. Didn’t have anywhere else to go, unless I wanted to go to Buffalo. Pat invited me over there.”
“Right, so you could listen to him and Johnny fuck all night? I’m sure that’s what you really want to hear.”
Patrick laughs softly. “It would be better than the silence I’ll probably end up with.” Patrick can hear noise once again in the background.
“Sorry, going somewhere else,” Adam says.
“It’s fine.”
“You sound like you’re shivering.”
“That’s because it’s the middle of winter, I’m in Canada, and sitting outside without a coat.”
“Patrick, what the hell are you thinking?”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“You could have made it a lot simpler.”
“How so?” Patrick can hear the back door open, but doesn’t bother looking over figuring it’s Chris to come check on him.
“You could have simply walked across the room.”
Patrick jumps at how close the voice is now…not just any voice, Adam’s voice. He quickly looks over to the door to see Adam standing there. Patrick drops his phone to the table beside him before standing up.
“You’re going to freeze,” Adam says.
“Adam,” Patrick whispers. He walks over and throws his arms around the younger man’s neck. “Oh God, you’re here.”
Adam slides his arms around Patrick’s waist, holding him close. “Of course I’m here. I couldn’t miss the new year with you.”
Patrick feels like an idiot for being so emotional over Adam being here. But God, it feels good to have Adam’s arms around him again. “So this is real?”
Adam laughs softly. “Absolutely.” Adam pulls back just enough to capture Patrick’s lips in a soft kiss. “I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I hate that this happened. And it’s all because I’m an ass hole who couldn’t admit to you that I was mad.”
Patrick slides his arms back from around Adam’s neck before cupping the younger man’s cheeks. “I shouldn’t have walked away though.” Leaning in, Patrick presses his lips to Adam’s. “I love you. I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” Adam slides his hands up Patrick’s back. “Is there somewhere we can go? Just the two of us?”
Patrick curls his fingers along Adam’s cheeks, loving the feeling of the stubble on his fingertips. “I think that can be arranged. But not here.”
“Why not?”
“Because if I know what you’re thinking about, it’s not happening in my brother’s house.”
Adam grins. “Then at least come inside because you’re freezing. I don’t want you turning blue on me.”
Patrick ignores the comments and crushes his lips to Adam’s in a smoldering kiss. Adam lets out a soft moan before pushing Patrick into the rail of the porch. This probably isn’t a smart idea, as anyone could see them out here. But right now, neither really care who sees them.
“I found them,” Chris says.
Adam pulls back and looks over at the older Sharp. “Is this supposed to mean something?” he asks.
“I don’t know if you are aware, Adam, that you walked in at 11:45. That’s about the same time your phone rang when he called you. It is now 11:58. So I figured you didn’t want to miss the ringing in of the New Year.”
“We’re right behind you,” Patrick says.
“I’d rather be behind you,” Adam mutters.
Patrick rolls his eyes. At least they’re back to where they had been before the road block. “You will be later.”
“Something to look forward to,” Chris says. “Now come on.”
Patrick holds onto Adam’s hand as they follow Chris into the house. He smiles when Adam squeezes his hand and steps closer. It’s good to know they really haven’t lost much in the three weeks they’ve been apart. The love they still have for each other is obviously still there.
The countdown begins the moment their champagne glasses are given to them and Adam slides an arm around Patrick’s waist as the wait for the moment.
“Five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year!”
Adam doesn’t let Patrick get a drink before he’s capturing his lips in a soft kiss. Patrick smiles against Adam’s lips, thankful to have him here with him.
“Happy new year,” Adam says.
“I’m glad you’re here with me.”
“Me too.”
“Want to go now?”
“Yes.”
They spend the next several hours making love like they hadn’t touched each other in years. This is what they’d needed. Even before the fight they hadn’t made love like this. Sure, the morning before the game was amazing, but this…this can’t even be compared. The way Adam makes him feel is so much better than anything he could have ever imagined.
Waking up in Adam’s arms makes Patrick smile to himself. He curls himself around the man, loving how Adam immediately tightens his grip around him.
“Why are you up?” Adam asks.
“It’s not like I planned it,” Patrick mutters. He lifts his head to smile at Adam. “So this wasn’t a dream?”
“Not even close.” Adam gives him a soft kiss. “Good morning.”
“Morning.”
“So, any regrets?”
“Not calling you sooner.”
Adam pushes his leg between Patrick’s, loving the sound he gets in response. “Well, let’s forget about that and focus on the now.”
“You just want to fuck me.”
“Because you’d complain if that’s what I wanted.”
“You mean it’s not?”
“No. I just want to hold you.”
“I’ll take that.”
“I figured you would.” Adam tightens his grip around Patrick, not wanting this to end. He knows they both need to get up soon because they both have to head back to their respective cities, but he’s going to let this continue for as long as he can.
“You’re thinking about when we have to leave, aren’t you?” Patrick asks.
“Yeah,” Adam answers softly. “Although, we’ll be seeing each other in a couple of days again.”
“Exactly. Just don’t punch me this time. And you need to call the guys to let them know what’s going on.”
“In a little bit I will. Right now, I just want it to be us.”
“Okay.”
******
When Patrick walks into the locker room to change for the morning practice, he’s not surprised to find Jonathan waiting for him by his locker. “Don’t you have your own boy toy to worry about?” Patrick asks.
Jonathan grins. “That’s what I was waiting to hear,” he says. “You two okay?”
Patrick nods. “He knows that I’m still a little upset over what happened even though I have tried not to be.”
“But you’re together again?”
“Yes.”
“Thank God.” Jonathan squeezes Patrick’s shoulder. “Maybe I’ll have Seabs put him into the glass tomorrow.”
Patrick laughs softly. “Sounds good.” The next thing he knows he has someone wrapped around his back. It doesn’t take much to know it’s Pat.
“Is there a reason you’re molesting Sharpie?” Jonathan asks.
“I’m just happy,” Pat answers as he steps around to stand beside Patrick.
Patrick smiles over at the young American. “You and me both,” he says.
“Can I still hit him with my stick tomorrow?”
“If you really want to, but I’m not saving your ass when he drops his gloves. Captain Serious here can do that.”
“And what will you do?” Jonathan asks.
“Walk away. Stop worrying about me. I’m okay. Adam and I are going to be okay.”
“Good. I hated that you two were fighting,” Pat says.
“You’re not the only one. Can I get changed now?”
“Yes,” Jonathan answers. He pushes Pat back. “We’ll see you out there.”
Patrick smiles a little when Jonathan and Pat start mumbling to each other. He knows Pat’s complaining about not being able to stay and talk to Patrick more. He’s amazed at how much Jonathan can handle with Pat. Of course, being in love with the kid helps a little. Patrick knows how much Jonathan loves Pat. That’s what it’s like with him and Adam. He’d do anything for him.
******
Patrick glances up when he hears the media coming in for the pre-game interviews. He’s not surprised to see a few of them walking directly toward him. Rolling his eyes slightly, he runs a hand through his hair.
“Patrick, are you ready for this game?”
“Of course I’m ready,” Patrick answers. “I’m always ready.”
“After what happened in the last game with the Stars, how are you going to handle Adam Burish?”
Patrick looks over to where the question came from. “The same way I did before that. He and I are fine. We’ve talked since then. It was all just part of the game.”
“He had said he was still a little upset about the move.”
“And he put it into the game against us. That’s all there is to it. He’s an emotional guy at times, like we all are whether we want to admit it or not. He loves this city. Things got a little crazy in the last game, but that was then. We’ve moved on from that and I’m ready for this game.”
“Do you think there will be any incidents with him tonight?”
“Never say never, but it’s part of the game. He’s fighting for a Stars win, we’re fighting for a Hawks win.”
“Thank you Patrick.”
Patrick nods as they walk away. He knows he’ll get more of the same with the other members of the media. When those questions come, he’ll continue to answer them.
“Are you kidding?” Jonathan asks loudly.
Patrick looks over and raises an eyebrow. It’s unusual for Jonathan to have an outburst like that, especially before a game. He doesn’t take his eyes off the captain as he waits for him to continue.
“I will not stand here and let you ask me questions like that when I’ve already said there aren’t going to be any issues. It’s done and over with.”
Patrick takes a step closer, just in case he needs to interject. He’s not surprised to see Duncan do the same thing.
“You said yourself you thought the fight was ridiculous…”
“It was ridiculous. I told Sharp and Burish that after the game too. It did cause some problems but it’s over with. So everyone needs to look past it and focus on what’s going on right now.”
“But…”
“I’m done answering questions about what happened between Sharp and Burish in the last game. This isn’t that game anymore. We’ve all moved past it, it’s time for all of you to as well.”
Patrick can’t help but smile at how Jonathan takes control. He takes a step back as the media finally back off with the questions. Walking back over to his locker, Patrick takes a deep breath. He hates that everyone has to be taking these questions because of him. But at least he has his team behind him. That’s always nice to know.
The game doesn’t go as the Blackhawks would like. Patrick hates that they couldn’t pull off another win, but at least he didn’t get into another scuffle with Adam. Walking out of the locker room, Patrick makes his way toward the exit. Before he gets very far, he’s being pulled into a dark room. The light turns on the moment the door is closed.
“Adam? What the hell…?”
Adam covers Patrick’s mouth with his. “I’m leaving tonight,” Adam says. “I wasn’t leaving without saying goodbye to you.”
Patrick grins. “So, we’re okay?”
“We’re perfect.” Adam rests his forehead on Patrick’s and lets out a soft breath. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You better.” Patrick smiles when Adam leans in and kisses him. “I love you.”
“Love you too. You really need to go.”
“I know. Fuck it, one more kiss.” Adam licks his lips before kissing Patrick with a little more force this time.
Patrick jumps back when he feels vibrating against his leg. Adam laughs softly as he pulls his phone out. Letting out a heavy breath, Patrick shakes his head.
“I think you did that on purpose,” Patrick mutters.
“No, I would have found a way to get your phone to do that if I did it on purpose. It’s Richards.”
“What’s that supposed to mean to me?”
“I have to go.”
Patrick nods. “Then go before I don’t let you.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Adam kisses Patrick once again. “God, I love you.”
“I love you too.” Patrick lets Adam kiss him one more time before pushing him toward the door. “Go.” Patrick watches as Adam gives him a small wave before walking out. He lets out a soft breath and leans against the wall. After standing there for another moment, Patrick walks out of the small room. He glances down the hall before making his way toward the exit.
“Did you get lucky?” Pat asks him stepping into stride with him.
“No,” Patrick answers. He looks over to where the other team is boarding the bus. Adam flashes him a quick smile before climbing on.
“So you two are okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Patrick elbows Pat. “Come on kid, let’s go eat.”
“I’m not a kid. I hate when you call me that.”
“Why do you think I do it?” Patrick laughs softly when Pat grumbles in response. He glances back to see Jonathan walk out of the building.
“He’s picking on me again,” Pat mutters when Jonathan walks over.
“So do something about it,” Jonathan says. He winks at Pat before looking at Patrick. “You okay?”
“I’m good,” Patrick answers.
“Okay. So dinner?”
“Absolutely.”
Patrick opens the front door of his SUV but stops when he hears the bus start to take off. He looks over to watch it pull away for a moment. He can’t help but smile a little before climbing behind the wheel. Things may not always be perfect with them. But as the days go by, Patrick knows he can’t live without Adam. Maybe now he’ll remember this fact.
THE END