First Love Song. Chapter Eleven, Part One.
Written by: lady_lilith and lady_death.
Title: First Love Song. Chapter Eleven, Part One.
Fandom: MLB: New York Yankees.
Characters: Joe Girardi, Nick Swisher, Phil Hughes.
Word Count: 11,172. [Part One: 5,875.]
Rating: PG.
Summary: Nick has to stay off his knee. That's not so easy.
Author's Notes: This is set on September 14, 2010, before BP. The Yankees would beat the Rays, 8-7, in Tampa. The game went into extra innings and was ended by a pinch hit home run by Jorge Posada. Prior to the game, Nick underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to his knee.
"Nick, can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, Skip? Pretty good news with the MRI, me getting to play if you need me. No fracture or bone bruise or whatever, only some inflammation. I don't even feel it, man, not with this shot they gave me."
"Have a seat." Points to the bench.
Eyes it wearily, "Do I gotta? I feel really good, man."
"Sit."
"Okay, but after can I go take some cuts?"
"No."
Sits down hard, his whole body shouting his dissatisfaction with that answer, "Not even a couple? What if you need me to pinch hit?"
"You're not going to pinch hit. I need you to stay off that knee for a couple days."
"But what if you need me? I know I didn't have a bomb or anything yesterday, but I can still give you a good at bat."
"I need you to listen to me. Are you listening?"
"Yeah, with both ears wide open. I hear everything you're saying to me, Skip."
"You need to stay off your knee for a couple days."
"I can do that, but why can't I pinch hit for you? That's only a couple minutes of work."
"Off. Your. Knee."
"I'll be sitting the whole rest of the game, that's off my knee!"
"The whole day. All of the day."
"But--the game. Do you want to take me out of the line-up completely? That option off the table? If you don't let me practice a little you're cutting off your nose, man."
"It's a risk I'll take. You're out of the lineup, Nick. And I need you to stay off your feet all day. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I heard you, I can't play at all. Not even an at bat. No pinch hitting, whatsoever. Don't bother trying to convince you. Do not pass Go, do not collect your bat."
"And off the field. Off your feet at home as well."
"What do you mean? You sound like you're putting me on bed rest."
"Close to it. I need you to rest your knee for forty-eight complete hours."
"When you say rest it, what exactly does that entail? Lay out the ground rules for me."
"Stay off your feet. You can walk to and from the dugout, clubhouse and your hotel room. And that is all."
"What? I can't even go out with the guys later?"
"No, because you won't stay sitting down."
"You may as well get me a wheelchair and let them push me around, I'm not an invalid, Skip."
"I'm tempted to get a rope and tie you into a chair."
"I don't want to report that you're sexually harassing me." Grins just a little, "Phil won't appreciate you sharing those interests."
"I'll tie you down and hand you over to him."
"Do you have silk? He's gonna be pissed if you chafe me and you know better than to piss off a pitcher before a game."
With a straight face, "It'll only chafe if you struggle."
"You want to kidnap me, why wouldn't I struggle?"
"I only want to restrain you."
"To do what with me? And I'm supposed to go willingly? No way, dude."
"Do you want back in the lineup?"
"Of course, and use should put me back because I'm one of your best hitters and you need me."
"Here's how you're going to get back in: You're going to spend the next two days off your feet. Everyday you're not off your feet, you're off my lineup."
"Are you serious?! You can't keep me out of the line-up for just walking around."
"Yes, I can."
"Leaning up against the railing is my very own good luck charm. You won't even let me stand?"
"If you can find a way to lean and keep all pressure off your knee, you can lean."
"Okay, okay, I'll do my very best to keep all of my weight off of it. How many days do I gotta do this?"
"We'll re-evaluate in Baltimore. And if you don't sit, I'll have to add more days to that, even if I don't want to do that."
"Two days or two days and our travel day? How are you counting Thursday?"
"As a day where I expect you to have no reason to stand other than walking to and from the plane."
Groans, "What if I wanna go shopping with Phil? You're cancelling my off day plans too?"
"Yes, I am."
"Isn't there some managerial law against you interfering with my day off?"
"Not in New York."
"I'm not on the clock during that time, you shouldn't get to boss me. It's not fair, man."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
"Not that Baltimore has all that much in ways of going to do things, but I should have the right to go out if I want too. You're stepping on my rights."
"You're right, I am. But only because I want you back in the lineup."
"I'm behaving! My bat's gonna get cold if I'm out too long."
"All the more reason to rest, so you can come back sooner."
"Not one single time up in the cage? At all? For three days?"
"That's what I'm telling you."
Without realising it, mimics Phil's pout.
"Is that supposed to work?"
"What?"
"You're pouting."
"Get out of here, have you suddenly confused me for Phil? I'm the shorter, cheeky one. Some might even say cuter. He's the brains of this operation."
"And yet, you pouted at me."
"I'm physically incapable of pouting. I never pout, you're losin' it Skip."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you are capable of it, to the point that you have demonstrated it."
"I don't. I wouldn't. I certainly don't think that'd work on you."
"You are right there, it won't work."
Shakes his head, "I wouldn't pout at you, not anyone, but definitely not you."
"Of course, I must have been seeing things."
"I think so. Time away from Andy is messin' with your head. He'll be back with the team in a couple days."
Chuckles, "I am aware of that."
"Keep focusin' on it man, don't let him being elsewhere drive you crazy."
"Thank you for your concern."
"I am concerned. How do I know you're in your right frame of mind?"
"Do you feel I haven't been able to do my job properly?"
"You're benching me when I could be a huge help to the team."
"I'm benching you because you're injured."
"Inflammation isn't an injury man, it's an annoyance."
"Then you're being benched for an annoyance, but all the same, you're not playing. And if you don't keep off your feet, I will have you tied to a chair."
"I really think you should call up Andy, you shouldn't take your bad mood out on us."
"I'm not in a bad mood. If I were, I'd just tie you down and not give you a chance to prove to me you can do as I'm asking on your own."
Sighs, "Can I bribe you? I could get pretty creative with that."
"I'm afraid not."
"There has to be something you want. Personal dugout assistant for the rest of the season?"
"I want you healthy for the postseason."
"Come on, Joe. Work with me here."
"The more I see you on your feet, the longer I'll keep you on that bench."
"You have been letting me play this entire time and now when the MRI comes back good you're benching me permanent?"
"The MRI coming back with inflammation tells me that if you can rest it, it will heal and I'll have you back at one hundred percent, rather than letting you play through it, which is what I'd do if some time off wouldn't be enough to heal it."
"Is it really gonna make that big of a difference?"
"Yes."
"You're positive? You think if I rest it these couple of days it's really gonna heal?"
"Yes, I am positive and yes, I do think it will heal if you rest it. That's why I'm telling you to rest it."
"Okay, okay, okay. I'll sit my ass down. But this better be worth it."
"Don't think I don't appreciate the faith you have in my decision."
"I'm trusting that you know best and you aren't takin' the lack of Andy being here out on me."
Dryly, "Thank you."
"Take care of those blue balls, man. Before you get vicious towards us."
"I'll be sure to."
Starts to get up, "I can't even go walk around the field?"
"No. Off your feet."
Pouting again, "I'm gonna go hang out in the clubhouse. Off my feet, so no worries. You can send a runner if you need me."
"Thank you."
"If Phil is looking for me, can you tell him where I'll be?"
"I'll be sure to."
Huffs, getting up and leaving through the tunnel.
Sighs, going back out to the field.
A little while later...
Pauses in the doorway, just watching him for a minute before speaking, "Joe told me to get a rope if you weren't sitting down. I'm kinda disappointed that you are."
Lifts his head up off the couch, "I'm bored. Did he tell you I can't even walk around the field?"
"He told me to tie you down."
"You're not allowed to put weight on my knee, that's not as fun as it sounds."
"But I can still... we could... I have ideas."
"Did you clear them with Joe? He's acting like he owns me!"
"But he doesn't."
"He won't let me practice at all. What if you need me to pinch hit for you tomorrow?" Sits up.
"I know but...."
"But what? Nothing's broken! I'm good, man. Lets get goin', now."
"Mm mm. You hafta stay sitting."
"You're against me too. What did I do to deserve this? My own boyfriend turns against me."
Sits on the edge of the couch, "I want you to heal up."
"I am healed, it's a little inflammation, that's all."
Nods, "But healed more."
"You're really taking Joe's side on this?"
"Yeah. Still love me?"
"Maybe, if you sneak me out of here later. The way Joe was acting I'm afraid he's gonna have me tailed back to the hotel."
"He made me promise."
"What did you promise him exactly? Word for word."
"That I would make sure you stayed off your feet and if you didn't listen to me that I'd get rope and tie you down."
"So we can go out, sitting at a restaurant is off my feet."
"He didn't... we can... yeah, that works."
"It's not like I'm asking to go clubbing with you, man."
"Yeah, he mentioned that."
Snickers, "Does he think you go clubbing? I thought he was supposed to know all his players well."
"He thinks you do."
"And I'm gonna go on my own without you?"
"Mm mm, he said--" Putting on his best Joe voice, "Don't let him talk you into anything."
Laughs more, "Dude, no. He had more to worry about in Arlington. Line dancing is kinda fun."
"He might worry you'll find that here if you tell him that!"
"Does Tampa do line dancing? I could call up Jo and ask her that."
"Tampa is nice to look at."
Grins, "We could try talkin' our way into the Forum. We shoulda done that on Monday. They gotta be starting camp."
"You're gonna get me in trouble with Joe!"
"But all your hockey guys are wandering around town. We could bump into them. Why don't you call up your buddy?"
"Because you hafta stay sitting!"
"Is he coming out to your game tomorrow? We could get him into the clubhouse."
"Maybe if he's not busy. But Teddy doesn't come up with ideas where you sit down a lot."
"My kind of guy. He can keep me entertained while all of you practice."
"Um...."
"That's not a good idea? Everybody else will be busy."
"But he'll come up with ideas."
"That's the point of having him over, if he were brain dead he'd be no good as entertainment. Actually I'd be worried about him eating my brain."
"You hafta sit."
"But he doesn't. He could demonstrate slapshots or something cool."
"You would just like watch him?"
"Yeah, exactly. I'd be sitting and he'd be doing whatever. In that case, go find me a call-up, I can make 'em dance the funky chicken and wait on me."
"Um, no."
"Why not? Skip doesn't want me moving, therefore I should get some attendants."
"No like call-ups or anything."
"That is what they're there for. Some rookie hazing."
Shakes his head.
"Are you morally opposed to bossing around other people? I'll be a good vet, I'll only ask them to get me water and snacks."
"I just don't... they'll be all.... and you're.... just no."
Laughs, "Are you afraid they're gonna fall at my feet of their own free will?"
"Well...."
"You're jealous?" Grabs him to haul him down onto the couch properly.
Careful of his knee, finds room to fit in against him, "So what if I am?"
"Besides it being hilarious?"
Pulls away, pouting silently.
Tugs him back, "It's funny. You didn't exactly fall at my feet or start the Cult of Swish in my honour."
"Just because... you were all... that's not the point!"
"But you didn't. I don't see a trail of ducklings following me around."
"I don't want to."
"What makes you think other call-ups are gonna?"
Just looks at him.
"Mm hmm, maybe you do wanna trail after me. Are you heading up my fan club behind my back?"
"Hmpf."
Nibbles on his earlobe, "Are you the president of the Nick Swisher fan club?"
"Mmm, no fan club. I don't want them.... they can't.... you're too... no."
"Are you gonna go get me snacks and stuff, then?"
"Mm mm."
"You're letting me starve? I thought you loved me,"
"I hafta guard you."
"You have to get me something off the spread. I can't walk that far, Joe's orders."
"Well, maybe I could but... you gotta pay me."
"I have to pay my own guard dog? What kind of backwards logic is that?"
Shrugs, "But that's how it is."
"You'll have to fetch my wallet. Take a twenty for yourself."
"Not that kinda pay."
"You're gonna take it out in trade? Is that the kind of guy you've become?" Shake his head, "What will your mother think?"
Grins, "See what happens when I hang around you too much?"
"Yeah, you get uppity. I might even think you're a closer now."
"There's no reason to be mean."
Grins, "Do I tell Mo you think being a closer is an insult?"
"I think he knows closers are crazy."
"You're calling Mo insane?" Touches his forehead.
"I didn't say insane, I said crazy."
"No fever, I can blame this on fever induced hysteria or delusions."
"I've been out there too much lately."
"I think you've been gossiping too much."
"Maybe. But it's cool 'cause I'm back."
"You better be, I don't want them giving you ideas while I'm gone. I can't hang out with you and who knows what they're feeding into your ear."
"Gone?"
"Sitting my ass on the bench. I can't even stand out there in the outfield with you, because a ball might come my way."
"Oh well, yeah, but that's just for like a couple days."
"That's way too much time for those bozos!"
"Are you jealous?"
"I don't think they're gonna get you into bed. But giving you bad ideas, man, that's a whole different story."
Frowns, "You don't think they'd want me?"
"I don't think they'd be so stupid as to piss me off."
"You think they wouldn't want me."
"Phil, remember, I'm the one who took polls rating your body parts, I know exactly how much they want you."
"Oh yeah. Hmpf."
"Now you're not happy that they do want you?"
"They do not."
"Yeah they do, you get high marks across the boards. If this were the Olympics you'd have a gold medal in fuckability."
Rolls his eyes, "That's just you."
"No, it's not. And by the way, anybody dare calls you fuckable is getting an introduction to my fist."
The start of a smile, "Really?"
"Yeah, they can't say things like that about you, man, let alone be thinking them. You are not to be put in their spank bank."
"And if I was?"
"Then we need to have a conversation about team ettiquette and how you don't go imagining someone's S.O."
"Oh. Then it's a good thing none of them actually want me."
Shakes his head, "You're blind. They spend half of BP checking you out. Why do you think you have groupies out there?"
"Now I know you're seeing things. I don't have groupies."
"What do you think those guys are who are always flockin' you?"
"They don't flock."
"Yeah they do, you have 'pen groupies."
"Is the shot for your knee going to your head or something? I don't have groupies."
"You know what? If I'm still sitting, I'm bringing out the camera next BP."
"Go ahead. I only have one groupie."
"I'm going to prove---oh, I see what you did there. I'm not a groupie."
Bites his lip not to laugh, "No?"
"Just because I do things for you, and make signs and write your name with hearts doesn't mean I'm your groupie."
"Actually...."
"I bake you brownies and sew bears that look like you, but that just makes me a good fan, okay?"
"Groupie."
"I'm no longer sharing my couch with you, get."
Starts to get up, "If you want me to...."
"Bring me back something yummy, that'd be great."
"You kicked me out."
"It was my ploy to get you to stand up and feed me."
"Your ploy didn't work. I'm going out to the field now."
Groans, "Come on, man. You'd leave me hangin' like that? That's not cool at all."
"Are you my groupie or not?"
"I'm your boyfriend that counts a lot more than being a groupie."
"I know that. But you didn't answer me."
"You refuse to be mine. Why should I return the favour?"
"Because."
"If you bring me poster board and some markers I'll make you a sign that will put your other fans to shame."
"For tomorrow?"
"Hell, yeah, but no reason I can't use it today. I think you're awesome every day of the week."
"Well... I guess I could get you food then. What do you feel like?"
"Whatever looks good to you, I trust your judgment in that department better than mine. And send me one of those clubhouse boys or send him on a poster board run yourself."
"It's a good thing it's just a bruise, you could get used to this, huh?"
Grins, "It's starting to get its appeal. Thank you for the errands. You can even report to Joe that I'm bein' a good little toy soldier."
Leans over to kiss him, "I never figured you'd be big in the 'obey' department."
"I'm not, but by rights if he wants me to obey, I gotta get people with good knees to help me." Kisses him with all his mischievous impulsiveness, just asking to get into trouble.
Moves closer to him on instinct, "Oh. Um. Do that again."
"What this?" Slides a hand up into his hair, repeating the kiss with the same amount of troublemaking.
Climbs back onto the couch, on top of him to get a better angle for that kiss that he can't get enough of. Tries to remember to be careful around his knee, but the kiss is very distracting.
"Mmm, Skip's gonna yell at you."
"Only if he catches us."
"Kinda out in the open."
"They're all busy."
"I still want that poster board." Pulls him into another kiss.
Mumbles against his mouth, "Later."
"Gotta make you the best sign out there." Grins.
"Mmhmm, but I've got other plans for your hands right now."
"More selfish plans? I can work with you being selfish." Kisses him again, only planning on stopping if forced to.
Not willing to break the kiss to reply, he gets a murmured, "Mmhmm." Since nothing else exists, nothing could stop the moment.
After the game…
Nearly jumping off the ground, pounces on Phil, "Wasn't that awesome, man?! Did you see Soda?! Did you see that bomb he hit?! And then Mo! What kind of game is that?! Wasn't that some sick shit? That deep ball man, my heart was in my throat!"
Laughs, "Yeah, yeah, it was... and they were like... and they... it was good! But you gotta not do that."
"Do what man?" Grins, "Can you believe that? Extra innings again. Right over the wall, pinch hitting." Bounces more, patting his shoulder like he can transfer his excitement.
"It was one of our best games in like ever. But sit, okay?"
"Huh? Oh my knees fine, man, it's fine." Grins more, "Fuckin' division leader!"
"Where we should be."
"Right? Right? We're winning this division."
"Yeah we are." Grins, "Tomorrow's gonna be even better."
"Hell yeah, once you pitch us a gem we're gonna be on top of the mountain for real."
"You know it. But you're gonna get in trouble."
"I sat all day, I'm fine. Lets go get a drink, or I know, that park in front of the hotel. You and me could like go walking by the water. If I didn't think the cops would show up, we could shout to all of Tampa Bay about who is top dog again."
Laughs, "You should worry about rabid fans if you yell too loud. They don't like us much around here."
"They shoulda been Yankee fans, man. Shoulda been with us."
"We'll convert them."
"I'm all for spreadin' the love. Lets spread the love to everybody."
"Watch how much love you're spreading." Laughs.
"I've got a heart full of it, I'm ready to give it out like candy on Halloween."
"Don't go making everyone else fall in love with you too."
"Not that kinda love, love for my fellow man, love for my brothers."
"Just sayin'."
Hops from foot to foot, spreading his arms wide, "I love this team. Don't you just love this team?"
"I do love this team a lot."
"Nick."
Grinning, "Hey, Skip. Wasn't that the greatest game we've had? At least until tomorrow, then Phil's gonna tear it up. We got so many people who could be the league MVP on this team."
"It was. But I see a problem here."
"No problems, man. Problmes don't exist for this team tonight."
"I'm going to get rope."
"Who are we hanging? I know we don't really like the Rays, but man, that's going kinda far."
"I'm going to find a chair and I'm going to tie you to it."
"Who me? I was good all game! I didn't even bug you to pinch hit me."
"Sit down."
"We're going back to the hotel, aren't we Phil? Yeah, but I can't sit down right this second."
"Directly back to the hotel."
"Yup, exactly, we're going to go back to the hotel."
"So these rumours of seeing the city are baseless?"
"You shouldn't read the gossip rags, I have no plans to go into the city."
"And it wasn't you I saw jump in the dugout either, was it?"
"I couldn't help that reaction! That was an impulse, totally reactive, instinctual."
"That's why I have rope."
"As far as I know no one's gonna be hitting home runs at the hotel. I won't be jumping."
A raised eyebrow.
"Aww, come on man, there wasn't any kind of innuendo there. You know I mean I won't be cheering on the team."
"I want to assure that you won't be doing any jumping around at all."
"Phil are you gonna let him keep threatening me? Where is my back-up?"
"Rope, huh?"
"Phil! We're gonna have a totally quiet evening at the hotel, Skip."
"I may be older than you, but I'm not dead yet."
"Look! See how he's making advances on me? Really, we're going back to the hotel, you can escort us if you want."
"I'm tempted to give you a babysitter."
"No, no, no, are you sayin' what I think you are?"
"What do you think I'm saying?"
"Are you offering to be our chaperone for the whole night?"
"Do I need to?"
"I don't think so. Right, Phil? We're gonna behave."
"I'll make sure he's tied down."
Shakes head, "Is there something about me today that inspires bondage?"
"Not just today."
"Please save that for when I'm not standing here."
"You started it, man. You gave him ideas."
"I'm sorry, I had no way of knowing he wouldn't think of it on his own."
"It's Phil."
"It's always the quiet ones."
"Sharing isn't always caring, man. But I don't know what you think I'm gonna do on my knee tonight."
"I try very hard not to try to imagine things."
"You must have imagined something wild though to keep threatening to tie me down."
"I know what other members of the rotation have been up to."
"What you and Andy get up to, shouldn't be projected onto us, and I saw you, man. You cuddle. You should think I'll be laying down and being quiet."
"I trust your groin is uninjured."
"That wasn't cuddling because you can't do anything else. That was cuddling because you enjoy it."
"Are you sure?"
"Dude, Andy purrs like a giant cat. I'm pretty sure."
"That he does." Smiles to himself.
Grabs Phil's arm, whispering, "This is where we should make a break for it."
Whispering back, "This is worse than... I don't wanna.... yes, please."
Tugs him in the direction of the exit.
Goes with him, quickly.
Shakes his head, amused.
"So walking in the park, right?"
"You're not supposta."
"It can't hurt."
"What if it does?"
"My knee feels better than it has since it got hit."
"Maybe if you rest you can play tomorrow?"
Groans, "You had to play that card. Okay, it's worth a shot."
"I need you."
"If resting my knee for even five more minutes is gonna help, then that's what I'm gonna do for you."
Smiles, "We can go back to the room and find something to do."
"We could have like a picnic on the bed."
"Yeah, with room service."
"Uh huh, man, we need some of those stars you stick on the cielings and walls. We could make it look like we were outside."
"In the hotel?"
"Yeah! It's not like we wouldn't take them down afterwards.."
"Well, if you wanna. Okay."
"You don't think that's cool?"
"I do. I wouldn't have ever thought of it."
"I bet like CVS or Walgreens has that, they're always open late."
Grins, "Mmhmm, c'mon, let's go."
"Yeah, we gotta get to our picnic under the stars."
Takes his hand casually, "Yeah. Get me ready for tomorrow."
Squeezes it, "I'll make sure you get a good night's rest."
Smiles, "But tomorrow night..."
"You can sneak me past Joe."
"After my eight innings."
"Why not a complete game shutout? You can throw that down."
Laughs, "Okay then. After my complete game, I'll sneak you past Joe and we'll see real stars."
"Just stroll around and take in the night."
"I really like that here."
"Do I have to worry about you moving here in the offseason?"
"I thought about it. Maybe."
Shakes head, "What is it about this town that makes all my peeps wanna come here?"
"It feels nice." Shrugs. "I can't tell you why, it just does."
"You're not allowed to move in with Jeet when the big house gets done."
Wrinkles his nose.
"You might like his posh set-up and ask for a room."
"But they... I couldn't.... I like my place."
"You don't want to be in the gazillion sqaure foot mansion with maids?"
Shakes his head, no. "I have a little apartment and I like it."
"Not even for a day?"
"Not my thing."
"I'd like to try that life, as like a vacation, just to see what it's like."
"He'd probably let you."
"Neh, it wouldn't be fun without you to wake up with."
"Well... if you wanted to."
"Maybe we can crash there for a day or two during Spring Training."
"Yeah, sure."
"The better to go to hockey games, we can practically walk."
"It's gonna be a short winter, but we'll have time to see some hockey."
"We can squeeze it in there when you aren't pitching."
"Teddy'll be mad if we don't come see some."
"You wouldn't want to piss him off, he could do some serious damage."
Laughs, "Yeah, sure. He's tough."
"He might check you in retaliation for not showing up to his games."
"Or check you."
"Because he'd blame me for you skiping out on him."
"Yup."
"We should crash at Derek's and cheer the Lightning into the playoffs."
"After the parade."
"Damn right, then we can give them tips for their own."
"How to make a dynasty."
Grins, "Sounds good to me. You can cal him up and tell him that."
"I will. We need to get back to the hotel now."
"Bus or cab?"
"I don't mind the bus, but don't we need to make a stop?"
"Oh yeah." Grins, "Plastic stars. We need to have our picnic."
Nods, grinning back at him, "Yeah, we do."
Pulls him in for a kiss.
Wraps his arms around him to return the kiss.
Grinning at him, "Wasn't tonight awesome?!"
"Yeah, it was. It's gonna be."
"Not as awesome as tomorrow is gonna be." Bounces in the direction of the cabs pulling him along.
Snickers, "That's why Joe wanted to tie you down."
"Don't ruin the moment, Joe needs to work through those issues."
Laughs, "Do I have issues if I wanna?"
"You're not my manager. It's not the same thing."
"So that's okay?"
Laughs, "You really wanna tie me up?"
Grins, "Maybe."
"Sounds like the best use of my ties I've heard yet. Much better than as part of my shirt."
"I wouldn't want you to... but if you want to... we could.... I wanna."
"You aren't talking me into anything I don't wanna do." Grins, "You have fantasies about me not being able to move?"
"I can do... and you can't... and I would... yeah, I have."
"That makes up for not being able to stroll among the stars."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, it does. I like seeing into your head" Shoves him into the cab.
"There are some... you might not.... you sure?"
"Yeah, I wanna know everything you're thinking. All you want, what goes on in that mind of yours."
Smiles, "You really sure? 'Cause I have some... it's not always... sometimes I don't make sense."
"You can go through 'em as many times as you need to until I get it."
Looks at him a minute, "You know what?"
"No, I don't, but I will when you tell me."
"It's crazy no one stole you before I met you."
Grins, "Not that crazy. Takes a special kind to appreciate my charms."
"It's really crazy. You're pretty much like the best boyfriend anyone could have."
Grins at him even more, "I'm glad that I can do that for you. Can't have you thinking I'm a shabby boyfriend, you might upgrade."
"I couldn't, since you're the best. I just... you're... I'm lucky, is all."
"You keep sayin' stuff like that I'm gonna follow some bad impulses to take you out on the town. Save 'em for when you got me tied down."
Laughs, "When I get you tied down, I can say or do anything I want. And you can't do anything about it."
"You would think that, but you still haven't solved me being chatty."
"I could gag you."
"You wouldn't be able to hear me though, double edged sword. Unless you'd like to shut me up."
"I like you talking."
"That's one of the reasons you'd have to be my boyfriend, you don't offer me money to shut up."
Laughs, "I know you say that, but who really would? You always have good stuff to say."
"My college teammates, my single A teammates, my double A teammates, my AAA teammates, and Jason Kendall banned me from talking in the bullpen in Oakland."
"Did you distract the pitchers or something?"
"I wasn't distracting, I was being helpful! Giving encouragement."
"Oh."
"That wasn't a good sound."
"Well, in the.... and you're... if you had.... that's...."
"What do I do that deserves being told to shut up? You think I'm a distraction too?"
"No. Well, in the... you can... no."
"One word answer, am I a distraction in the bullpen or not?"
Bites his lip, saying nothing.
"Dude! That's a cop out. You can't use that as a get out of jail free card."
"Yes, I can."
"No you can't. If you can't answer in one word than you have to explain yourself in a full sentence."
"Not always."
"But sometimes I am? Jason had a write to ask me to be quiet? Well--tell me."
"It's not that you.... you're just... and I... it's not bad."
"You think I'm a distraction too, man. Everybody wants me to hush."
"I don't!"
"Uh huh, you're always trying to get me to be quiet one way or another."
"I am not! You're just... and when I'm... you can be... I am not!"
"You wanna gag me or kiss me, see how you wanna keep me shut up?"
"Well, the kissing you part is not about shutting you up."
"How do I know that? I can't talk when you kiss me. That could be your ploy to get me to be quiet."
"Because I like kissing you."
"That's just what you'd say to cover your tracks."
Tips his head to the side, looking at him, "No."
"If you were gonna be diabolical you'd use that look too."
"What look?"
"That look you have right now."
"I don't have a look."
"You have a look, it's a look that says 'kiss me, I'm adorable and innocent'."
"Do you wanna?"
"You'll have to hold onto that thought." As the cab pulls up in front of Wal*mart, "Stay here and behave yourself I'll be back in five minutes."
"No. You stay here. You're not supposta walk."
"But I know what I'm looking for. Come on, man, I can run an errand."
"No, you hafta stay here."
Sighs, with a very put upon look, "Okay, I'll stay here and keep your seat warm."
Smiles, "Thank you. Anything else you want?"
"Poster board."
"For real?"
"I was dead serious about making you a sign. You shouldn't think I'm joking about these things."
"I shouldn't, but I do. Markers too?"
"Yes, thank you very much those would be nice too."
Shakes his head, "Anything else?"
Grins, "Nope. That'll do me."
"You're crazy, you know that?"
"Yes, and there's nothing I can do about it, so why fight it, man? Just gotta roll with it."
"That's why you needed a pitcher." Shakes his head, getting out of the cab.
Just grins at him before, checking the scores of other games on his phone.
Title: First Love Song. Chapter Eleven, Part One.
Fandom: MLB: New York Yankees.
Characters: Joe Girardi, Nick Swisher, Phil Hughes.
Word Count: 11,172. [Part One: 5,875.]
Rating: PG.
Summary: Nick has to stay off his knee. That's not so easy.
Author's Notes: This is set on September 14, 2010, before BP. The Yankees would beat the Rays, 8-7, in Tampa. The game went into extra innings and was ended by a pinch hit home run by Jorge Posada. Prior to the game, Nick underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to his knee.
"Nick, can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, Skip? Pretty good news with the MRI, me getting to play if you need me. No fracture or bone bruise or whatever, only some inflammation. I don't even feel it, man, not with this shot they gave me."
"Have a seat." Points to the bench.
Eyes it wearily, "Do I gotta? I feel really good, man."
"Sit."
"Okay, but after can I go take some cuts?"
"No."
Sits down hard, his whole body shouting his dissatisfaction with that answer, "Not even a couple? What if you need me to pinch hit?"
"You're not going to pinch hit. I need you to stay off that knee for a couple days."
"But what if you need me? I know I didn't have a bomb or anything yesterday, but I can still give you a good at bat."
"I need you to listen to me. Are you listening?"
"Yeah, with both ears wide open. I hear everything you're saying to me, Skip."
"You need to stay off your knee for a couple days."
"I can do that, but why can't I pinch hit for you? That's only a couple minutes of work."
"Off. Your. Knee."
"I'll be sitting the whole rest of the game, that's off my knee!"
"The whole day. All of the day."
"But--the game. Do you want to take me out of the line-up completely? That option off the table? If you don't let me practice a little you're cutting off your nose, man."
"It's a risk I'll take. You're out of the lineup, Nick. And I need you to stay off your feet all day. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I heard you, I can't play at all. Not even an at bat. No pinch hitting, whatsoever. Don't bother trying to convince you. Do not pass Go, do not collect your bat."
"And off the field. Off your feet at home as well."
"What do you mean? You sound like you're putting me on bed rest."
"Close to it. I need you to rest your knee for forty-eight complete hours."
"When you say rest it, what exactly does that entail? Lay out the ground rules for me."
"Stay off your feet. You can walk to and from the dugout, clubhouse and your hotel room. And that is all."
"What? I can't even go out with the guys later?"
"No, because you won't stay sitting down."
"You may as well get me a wheelchair and let them push me around, I'm not an invalid, Skip."
"I'm tempted to get a rope and tie you into a chair."
"I don't want to report that you're sexually harassing me." Grins just a little, "Phil won't appreciate you sharing those interests."
"I'll tie you down and hand you over to him."
"Do you have silk? He's gonna be pissed if you chafe me and you know better than to piss off a pitcher before a game."
With a straight face, "It'll only chafe if you struggle."
"You want to kidnap me, why wouldn't I struggle?"
"I only want to restrain you."
"To do what with me? And I'm supposed to go willingly? No way, dude."
"Do you want back in the lineup?"
"Of course, and use should put me back because I'm one of your best hitters and you need me."
"Here's how you're going to get back in: You're going to spend the next two days off your feet. Everyday you're not off your feet, you're off my lineup."
"Are you serious?! You can't keep me out of the line-up for just walking around."
"Yes, I can."
"Leaning up against the railing is my very own good luck charm. You won't even let me stand?"
"If you can find a way to lean and keep all pressure off your knee, you can lean."
"Okay, okay, I'll do my very best to keep all of my weight off of it. How many days do I gotta do this?"
"We'll re-evaluate in Baltimore. And if you don't sit, I'll have to add more days to that, even if I don't want to do that."
"Two days or two days and our travel day? How are you counting Thursday?"
"As a day where I expect you to have no reason to stand other than walking to and from the plane."
Groans, "What if I wanna go shopping with Phil? You're cancelling my off day plans too?"
"Yes, I am."
"Isn't there some managerial law against you interfering with my day off?"
"Not in New York."
"I'm not on the clock during that time, you shouldn't get to boss me. It's not fair, man."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
"Not that Baltimore has all that much in ways of going to do things, but I should have the right to go out if I want too. You're stepping on my rights."
"You're right, I am. But only because I want you back in the lineup."
"I'm behaving! My bat's gonna get cold if I'm out too long."
"All the more reason to rest, so you can come back sooner."
"Not one single time up in the cage? At all? For three days?"
"That's what I'm telling you."
Without realising it, mimics Phil's pout.
"Is that supposed to work?"
"What?"
"You're pouting."
"Get out of here, have you suddenly confused me for Phil? I'm the shorter, cheeky one. Some might even say cuter. He's the brains of this operation."
"And yet, you pouted at me."
"I'm physically incapable of pouting. I never pout, you're losin' it Skip."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you are capable of it, to the point that you have demonstrated it."
"I don't. I wouldn't. I certainly don't think that'd work on you."
"You are right there, it won't work."
Shakes his head, "I wouldn't pout at you, not anyone, but definitely not you."
"Of course, I must have been seeing things."
"I think so. Time away from Andy is messin' with your head. He'll be back with the team in a couple days."
Chuckles, "I am aware of that."
"Keep focusin' on it man, don't let him being elsewhere drive you crazy."
"Thank you for your concern."
"I am concerned. How do I know you're in your right frame of mind?"
"Do you feel I haven't been able to do my job properly?"
"You're benching me when I could be a huge help to the team."
"I'm benching you because you're injured."
"Inflammation isn't an injury man, it's an annoyance."
"Then you're being benched for an annoyance, but all the same, you're not playing. And if you don't keep off your feet, I will have you tied to a chair."
"I really think you should call up Andy, you shouldn't take your bad mood out on us."
"I'm not in a bad mood. If I were, I'd just tie you down and not give you a chance to prove to me you can do as I'm asking on your own."
Sighs, "Can I bribe you? I could get pretty creative with that."
"I'm afraid not."
"There has to be something you want. Personal dugout assistant for the rest of the season?"
"I want you healthy for the postseason."
"Come on, Joe. Work with me here."
"The more I see you on your feet, the longer I'll keep you on that bench."
"You have been letting me play this entire time and now when the MRI comes back good you're benching me permanent?"
"The MRI coming back with inflammation tells me that if you can rest it, it will heal and I'll have you back at one hundred percent, rather than letting you play through it, which is what I'd do if some time off wouldn't be enough to heal it."
"Is it really gonna make that big of a difference?"
"Yes."
"You're positive? You think if I rest it these couple of days it's really gonna heal?"
"Yes, I am positive and yes, I do think it will heal if you rest it. That's why I'm telling you to rest it."
"Okay, okay, okay. I'll sit my ass down. But this better be worth it."
"Don't think I don't appreciate the faith you have in my decision."
"I'm trusting that you know best and you aren't takin' the lack of Andy being here out on me."
Dryly, "Thank you."
"Take care of those blue balls, man. Before you get vicious towards us."
"I'll be sure to."
Starts to get up, "I can't even go walk around the field?"
"No. Off your feet."
Pouting again, "I'm gonna go hang out in the clubhouse. Off my feet, so no worries. You can send a runner if you need me."
"Thank you."
"If Phil is looking for me, can you tell him where I'll be?"
"I'll be sure to."
Huffs, getting up and leaving through the tunnel.
Sighs, going back out to the field.
A little while later...
Pauses in the doorway, just watching him for a minute before speaking, "Joe told me to get a rope if you weren't sitting down. I'm kinda disappointed that you are."
Lifts his head up off the couch, "I'm bored. Did he tell you I can't even walk around the field?"
"He told me to tie you down."
"You're not allowed to put weight on my knee, that's not as fun as it sounds."
"But I can still... we could... I have ideas."
"Did you clear them with Joe? He's acting like he owns me!"
"But he doesn't."
"He won't let me practice at all. What if you need me to pinch hit for you tomorrow?" Sits up.
"I know but...."
"But what? Nothing's broken! I'm good, man. Lets get goin', now."
"Mm mm. You hafta stay sitting."
"You're against me too. What did I do to deserve this? My own boyfriend turns against me."
Sits on the edge of the couch, "I want you to heal up."
"I am healed, it's a little inflammation, that's all."
Nods, "But healed more."
"You're really taking Joe's side on this?"
"Yeah. Still love me?"
"Maybe, if you sneak me out of here later. The way Joe was acting I'm afraid he's gonna have me tailed back to the hotel."
"He made me promise."
"What did you promise him exactly? Word for word."
"That I would make sure you stayed off your feet and if you didn't listen to me that I'd get rope and tie you down."
"So we can go out, sitting at a restaurant is off my feet."
"He didn't... we can... yeah, that works."
"It's not like I'm asking to go clubbing with you, man."
"Yeah, he mentioned that."
Snickers, "Does he think you go clubbing? I thought he was supposed to know all his players well."
"He thinks you do."
"And I'm gonna go on my own without you?"
"Mm mm, he said--" Putting on his best Joe voice, "Don't let him talk you into anything."
Laughs more, "Dude, no. He had more to worry about in Arlington. Line dancing is kinda fun."
"He might worry you'll find that here if you tell him that!"
"Does Tampa do line dancing? I could call up Jo and ask her that."
"Tampa is nice to look at."
Grins, "We could try talkin' our way into the Forum. We shoulda done that on Monday. They gotta be starting camp."
"You're gonna get me in trouble with Joe!"
"But all your hockey guys are wandering around town. We could bump into them. Why don't you call up your buddy?"
"Because you hafta stay sitting!"
"Is he coming out to your game tomorrow? We could get him into the clubhouse."
"Maybe if he's not busy. But Teddy doesn't come up with ideas where you sit down a lot."
"My kind of guy. He can keep me entertained while all of you practice."
"Um...."
"That's not a good idea? Everybody else will be busy."
"But he'll come up with ideas."
"That's the point of having him over, if he were brain dead he'd be no good as entertainment. Actually I'd be worried about him eating my brain."
"You hafta sit."
"But he doesn't. He could demonstrate slapshots or something cool."
"You would just like watch him?"
"Yeah, exactly. I'd be sitting and he'd be doing whatever. In that case, go find me a call-up, I can make 'em dance the funky chicken and wait on me."
"Um, no."
"Why not? Skip doesn't want me moving, therefore I should get some attendants."
"No like call-ups or anything."
"That is what they're there for. Some rookie hazing."
Shakes his head.
"Are you morally opposed to bossing around other people? I'll be a good vet, I'll only ask them to get me water and snacks."
"I just don't... they'll be all.... and you're.... just no."
Laughs, "Are you afraid they're gonna fall at my feet of their own free will?"
"Well...."
"You're jealous?" Grabs him to haul him down onto the couch properly.
Careful of his knee, finds room to fit in against him, "So what if I am?"
"Besides it being hilarious?"
Pulls away, pouting silently.
Tugs him back, "It's funny. You didn't exactly fall at my feet or start the Cult of Swish in my honour."
"Just because... you were all... that's not the point!"
"But you didn't. I don't see a trail of ducklings following me around."
"I don't want to."
"What makes you think other call-ups are gonna?"
Just looks at him.
"Mm hmm, maybe you do wanna trail after me. Are you heading up my fan club behind my back?"
"Hmpf."
Nibbles on his earlobe, "Are you the president of the Nick Swisher fan club?"
"Mmm, no fan club. I don't want them.... they can't.... you're too... no."
"Are you gonna go get me snacks and stuff, then?"
"Mm mm."
"You're letting me starve? I thought you loved me,"
"I hafta guard you."
"You have to get me something off the spread. I can't walk that far, Joe's orders."
"Well, maybe I could but... you gotta pay me."
"I have to pay my own guard dog? What kind of backwards logic is that?"
Shrugs, "But that's how it is."
"You'll have to fetch my wallet. Take a twenty for yourself."
"Not that kinda pay."
"You're gonna take it out in trade? Is that the kind of guy you've become?" Shake his head, "What will your mother think?"
Grins, "See what happens when I hang around you too much?"
"Yeah, you get uppity. I might even think you're a closer now."
"There's no reason to be mean."
Grins, "Do I tell Mo you think being a closer is an insult?"
"I think he knows closers are crazy."
"You're calling Mo insane?" Touches his forehead.
"I didn't say insane, I said crazy."
"No fever, I can blame this on fever induced hysteria or delusions."
"I've been out there too much lately."
"I think you've been gossiping too much."
"Maybe. But it's cool 'cause I'm back."
"You better be, I don't want them giving you ideas while I'm gone. I can't hang out with you and who knows what they're feeding into your ear."
"Gone?"
"Sitting my ass on the bench. I can't even stand out there in the outfield with you, because a ball might come my way."
"Oh well, yeah, but that's just for like a couple days."
"That's way too much time for those bozos!"
"Are you jealous?"
"I don't think they're gonna get you into bed. But giving you bad ideas, man, that's a whole different story."
Frowns, "You don't think they'd want me?"
"I don't think they'd be so stupid as to piss me off."
"You think they wouldn't want me."
"Phil, remember, I'm the one who took polls rating your body parts, I know exactly how much they want you."
"Oh yeah. Hmpf."
"Now you're not happy that they do want you?"
"They do not."
"Yeah they do, you get high marks across the boards. If this were the Olympics you'd have a gold medal in fuckability."
Rolls his eyes, "That's just you."
"No, it's not. And by the way, anybody dare calls you fuckable is getting an introduction to my fist."
The start of a smile, "Really?"
"Yeah, they can't say things like that about you, man, let alone be thinking them. You are not to be put in their spank bank."
"And if I was?"
"Then we need to have a conversation about team ettiquette and how you don't go imagining someone's S.O."
"Oh. Then it's a good thing none of them actually want me."
Shakes his head, "You're blind. They spend half of BP checking you out. Why do you think you have groupies out there?"
"Now I know you're seeing things. I don't have groupies."
"What do you think those guys are who are always flockin' you?"
"They don't flock."
"Yeah they do, you have 'pen groupies."
"Is the shot for your knee going to your head or something? I don't have groupies."
"You know what? If I'm still sitting, I'm bringing out the camera next BP."
"Go ahead. I only have one groupie."
"I'm going to prove---oh, I see what you did there. I'm not a groupie."
Bites his lip not to laugh, "No?"
"Just because I do things for you, and make signs and write your name with hearts doesn't mean I'm your groupie."
"Actually...."
"I bake you brownies and sew bears that look like you, but that just makes me a good fan, okay?"
"Groupie."
"I'm no longer sharing my couch with you, get."
Starts to get up, "If you want me to...."
"Bring me back something yummy, that'd be great."
"You kicked me out."
"It was my ploy to get you to stand up and feed me."
"Your ploy didn't work. I'm going out to the field now."
Groans, "Come on, man. You'd leave me hangin' like that? That's not cool at all."
"Are you my groupie or not?"
"I'm your boyfriend that counts a lot more than being a groupie."
"I know that. But you didn't answer me."
"You refuse to be mine. Why should I return the favour?"
"Because."
"If you bring me poster board and some markers I'll make you a sign that will put your other fans to shame."
"For tomorrow?"
"Hell, yeah, but no reason I can't use it today. I think you're awesome every day of the week."
"Well... I guess I could get you food then. What do you feel like?"
"Whatever looks good to you, I trust your judgment in that department better than mine. And send me one of those clubhouse boys or send him on a poster board run yourself."
"It's a good thing it's just a bruise, you could get used to this, huh?"
Grins, "It's starting to get its appeal. Thank you for the errands. You can even report to Joe that I'm bein' a good little toy soldier."
Leans over to kiss him, "I never figured you'd be big in the 'obey' department."
"I'm not, but by rights if he wants me to obey, I gotta get people with good knees to help me." Kisses him with all his mischievous impulsiveness, just asking to get into trouble.
Moves closer to him on instinct, "Oh. Um. Do that again."
"What this?" Slides a hand up into his hair, repeating the kiss with the same amount of troublemaking.
Climbs back onto the couch, on top of him to get a better angle for that kiss that he can't get enough of. Tries to remember to be careful around his knee, but the kiss is very distracting.
"Mmm, Skip's gonna yell at you."
"Only if he catches us."
"Kinda out in the open."
"They're all busy."
"I still want that poster board." Pulls him into another kiss.
Mumbles against his mouth, "Later."
"Gotta make you the best sign out there." Grins.
"Mmhmm, but I've got other plans for your hands right now."
"More selfish plans? I can work with you being selfish." Kisses him again, only planning on stopping if forced to.
Not willing to break the kiss to reply, he gets a murmured, "Mmhmm." Since nothing else exists, nothing could stop the moment.
After the game…
Nearly jumping off the ground, pounces on Phil, "Wasn't that awesome, man?! Did you see Soda?! Did you see that bomb he hit?! And then Mo! What kind of game is that?! Wasn't that some sick shit? That deep ball man, my heart was in my throat!"
Laughs, "Yeah, yeah, it was... and they were like... and they... it was good! But you gotta not do that."
"Do what man?" Grins, "Can you believe that? Extra innings again. Right over the wall, pinch hitting." Bounces more, patting his shoulder like he can transfer his excitement.
"It was one of our best games in like ever. But sit, okay?"
"Huh? Oh my knees fine, man, it's fine." Grins more, "Fuckin' division leader!"
"Where we should be."
"Right? Right? We're winning this division."
"Yeah we are." Grins, "Tomorrow's gonna be even better."
"Hell yeah, once you pitch us a gem we're gonna be on top of the mountain for real."
"You know it. But you're gonna get in trouble."
"I sat all day, I'm fine. Lets go get a drink, or I know, that park in front of the hotel. You and me could like go walking by the water. If I didn't think the cops would show up, we could shout to all of Tampa Bay about who is top dog again."
Laughs, "You should worry about rabid fans if you yell too loud. They don't like us much around here."
"They shoulda been Yankee fans, man. Shoulda been with us."
"We'll convert them."
"I'm all for spreadin' the love. Lets spread the love to everybody."
"Watch how much love you're spreading." Laughs.
"I've got a heart full of it, I'm ready to give it out like candy on Halloween."
"Don't go making everyone else fall in love with you too."
"Not that kinda love, love for my fellow man, love for my brothers."
"Just sayin'."
Hops from foot to foot, spreading his arms wide, "I love this team. Don't you just love this team?"
"I do love this team a lot."
"Nick."
Grinning, "Hey, Skip. Wasn't that the greatest game we've had? At least until tomorrow, then Phil's gonna tear it up. We got so many people who could be the league MVP on this team."
"It was. But I see a problem here."
"No problems, man. Problmes don't exist for this team tonight."
"I'm going to get rope."
"Who are we hanging? I know we don't really like the Rays, but man, that's going kinda far."
"I'm going to find a chair and I'm going to tie you to it."
"Who me? I was good all game! I didn't even bug you to pinch hit me."
"Sit down."
"We're going back to the hotel, aren't we Phil? Yeah, but I can't sit down right this second."
"Directly back to the hotel."
"Yup, exactly, we're going to go back to the hotel."
"So these rumours of seeing the city are baseless?"
"You shouldn't read the gossip rags, I have no plans to go into the city."
"And it wasn't you I saw jump in the dugout either, was it?"
"I couldn't help that reaction! That was an impulse, totally reactive, instinctual."
"That's why I have rope."
"As far as I know no one's gonna be hitting home runs at the hotel. I won't be jumping."
A raised eyebrow.
"Aww, come on man, there wasn't any kind of innuendo there. You know I mean I won't be cheering on the team."
"I want to assure that you won't be doing any jumping around at all."
"Phil are you gonna let him keep threatening me? Where is my back-up?"
"Rope, huh?"
"Phil! We're gonna have a totally quiet evening at the hotel, Skip."
"I may be older than you, but I'm not dead yet."
"Look! See how he's making advances on me? Really, we're going back to the hotel, you can escort us if you want."
"I'm tempted to give you a babysitter."
"No, no, no, are you sayin' what I think you are?"
"What do you think I'm saying?"
"Are you offering to be our chaperone for the whole night?"
"Do I need to?"
"I don't think so. Right, Phil? We're gonna behave."
"I'll make sure he's tied down."
Shakes head, "Is there something about me today that inspires bondage?"
"Not just today."
"Please save that for when I'm not standing here."
"You started it, man. You gave him ideas."
"I'm sorry, I had no way of knowing he wouldn't think of it on his own."
"It's Phil."
"It's always the quiet ones."
"Sharing isn't always caring, man. But I don't know what you think I'm gonna do on my knee tonight."
"I try very hard not to try to imagine things."
"You must have imagined something wild though to keep threatening to tie me down."
"I know what other members of the rotation have been up to."
"What you and Andy get up to, shouldn't be projected onto us, and I saw you, man. You cuddle. You should think I'll be laying down and being quiet."
"I trust your groin is uninjured."
"That wasn't cuddling because you can't do anything else. That was cuddling because you enjoy it."
"Are you sure?"
"Dude, Andy purrs like a giant cat. I'm pretty sure."
"That he does." Smiles to himself.
Grabs Phil's arm, whispering, "This is where we should make a break for it."
Whispering back, "This is worse than... I don't wanna.... yes, please."
Tugs him in the direction of the exit.
Goes with him, quickly.
Shakes his head, amused.
"So walking in the park, right?"
"You're not supposta."
"It can't hurt."
"What if it does?"
"My knee feels better than it has since it got hit."
"Maybe if you rest you can play tomorrow?"
Groans, "You had to play that card. Okay, it's worth a shot."
"I need you."
"If resting my knee for even five more minutes is gonna help, then that's what I'm gonna do for you."
Smiles, "We can go back to the room and find something to do."
"We could have like a picnic on the bed."
"Yeah, with room service."
"Uh huh, man, we need some of those stars you stick on the cielings and walls. We could make it look like we were outside."
"In the hotel?"
"Yeah! It's not like we wouldn't take them down afterwards.."
"Well, if you wanna. Okay."
"You don't think that's cool?"
"I do. I wouldn't have ever thought of it."
"I bet like CVS or Walgreens has that, they're always open late."
Grins, "Mmhmm, c'mon, let's go."
"Yeah, we gotta get to our picnic under the stars."
Takes his hand casually, "Yeah. Get me ready for tomorrow."
Squeezes it, "I'll make sure you get a good night's rest."
Smiles, "But tomorrow night..."
"You can sneak me past Joe."
"After my eight innings."
"Why not a complete game shutout? You can throw that down."
Laughs, "Okay then. After my complete game, I'll sneak you past Joe and we'll see real stars."
"Just stroll around and take in the night."
"I really like that here."
"Do I have to worry about you moving here in the offseason?"
"I thought about it. Maybe."
Shakes head, "What is it about this town that makes all my peeps wanna come here?"
"It feels nice." Shrugs. "I can't tell you why, it just does."
"You're not allowed to move in with Jeet when the big house gets done."
Wrinkles his nose.
"You might like his posh set-up and ask for a room."
"But they... I couldn't.... I like my place."
"You don't want to be in the gazillion sqaure foot mansion with maids?"
Shakes his head, no. "I have a little apartment and I like it."
"Not even for a day?"
"Not my thing."
"I'd like to try that life, as like a vacation, just to see what it's like."
"He'd probably let you."
"Neh, it wouldn't be fun without you to wake up with."
"Well... if you wanted to."
"Maybe we can crash there for a day or two during Spring Training."
"Yeah, sure."
"The better to go to hockey games, we can practically walk."
"It's gonna be a short winter, but we'll have time to see some hockey."
"We can squeeze it in there when you aren't pitching."
"Teddy'll be mad if we don't come see some."
"You wouldn't want to piss him off, he could do some serious damage."
Laughs, "Yeah, sure. He's tough."
"He might check you in retaliation for not showing up to his games."
"Or check you."
"Because he'd blame me for you skiping out on him."
"Yup."
"We should crash at Derek's and cheer the Lightning into the playoffs."
"After the parade."
"Damn right, then we can give them tips for their own."
"How to make a dynasty."
Grins, "Sounds good to me. You can cal him up and tell him that."
"I will. We need to get back to the hotel now."
"Bus or cab?"
"I don't mind the bus, but don't we need to make a stop?"
"Oh yeah." Grins, "Plastic stars. We need to have our picnic."
Nods, grinning back at him, "Yeah, we do."
Pulls him in for a kiss.
Wraps his arms around him to return the kiss.
Grinning at him, "Wasn't tonight awesome?!"
"Yeah, it was. It's gonna be."
"Not as awesome as tomorrow is gonna be." Bounces in the direction of the cabs pulling him along.
Snickers, "That's why Joe wanted to tie you down."
"Don't ruin the moment, Joe needs to work through those issues."
Laughs, "Do I have issues if I wanna?"
"You're not my manager. It's not the same thing."
"So that's okay?"
Laughs, "You really wanna tie me up?"
Grins, "Maybe."
"Sounds like the best use of my ties I've heard yet. Much better than as part of my shirt."
"I wouldn't want you to... but if you want to... we could.... I wanna."
"You aren't talking me into anything I don't wanna do." Grins, "You have fantasies about me not being able to move?"
"I can do... and you can't... and I would... yeah, I have."
"That makes up for not being able to stroll among the stars."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, it does. I like seeing into your head" Shoves him into the cab.
"There are some... you might not.... you sure?"
"Yeah, I wanna know everything you're thinking. All you want, what goes on in that mind of yours."
Smiles, "You really sure? 'Cause I have some... it's not always... sometimes I don't make sense."
"You can go through 'em as many times as you need to until I get it."
Looks at him a minute, "You know what?"
"No, I don't, but I will when you tell me."
"It's crazy no one stole you before I met you."
Grins, "Not that crazy. Takes a special kind to appreciate my charms."
"It's really crazy. You're pretty much like the best boyfriend anyone could have."
Grins at him even more, "I'm glad that I can do that for you. Can't have you thinking I'm a shabby boyfriend, you might upgrade."
"I couldn't, since you're the best. I just... you're... I'm lucky, is all."
"You keep sayin' stuff like that I'm gonna follow some bad impulses to take you out on the town. Save 'em for when you got me tied down."
Laughs, "When I get you tied down, I can say or do anything I want. And you can't do anything about it."
"You would think that, but you still haven't solved me being chatty."
"I could gag you."
"You wouldn't be able to hear me though, double edged sword. Unless you'd like to shut me up."
"I like you talking."
"That's one of the reasons you'd have to be my boyfriend, you don't offer me money to shut up."
Laughs, "I know you say that, but who really would? You always have good stuff to say."
"My college teammates, my single A teammates, my double A teammates, my AAA teammates, and Jason Kendall banned me from talking in the bullpen in Oakland."
"Did you distract the pitchers or something?"
"I wasn't distracting, I was being helpful! Giving encouragement."
"Oh."
"That wasn't a good sound."
"Well, in the.... and you're... if you had.... that's...."
"What do I do that deserves being told to shut up? You think I'm a distraction too?"
"No. Well, in the... you can... no."
"One word answer, am I a distraction in the bullpen or not?"
Bites his lip, saying nothing.
"Dude! That's a cop out. You can't use that as a get out of jail free card."
"Yes, I can."
"No you can't. If you can't answer in one word than you have to explain yourself in a full sentence."
"Not always."
"But sometimes I am? Jason had a write to ask me to be quiet? Well--tell me."
"It's not that you.... you're just... and I... it's not bad."
"You think I'm a distraction too, man. Everybody wants me to hush."
"I don't!"
"Uh huh, you're always trying to get me to be quiet one way or another."
"I am not! You're just... and when I'm... you can be... I am not!"
"You wanna gag me or kiss me, see how you wanna keep me shut up?"
"Well, the kissing you part is not about shutting you up."
"How do I know that? I can't talk when you kiss me. That could be your ploy to get me to be quiet."
"Because I like kissing you."
"That's just what you'd say to cover your tracks."
Tips his head to the side, looking at him, "No."
"If you were gonna be diabolical you'd use that look too."
"What look?"
"That look you have right now."
"I don't have a look."
"You have a look, it's a look that says 'kiss me, I'm adorable and innocent'."
"Do you wanna?"
"You'll have to hold onto that thought." As the cab pulls up in front of Wal*mart, "Stay here and behave yourself I'll be back in five minutes."
"No. You stay here. You're not supposta walk."
"But I know what I'm looking for. Come on, man, I can run an errand."
"No, you hafta stay here."
Sighs, with a very put upon look, "Okay, I'll stay here and keep your seat warm."
Smiles, "Thank you. Anything else you want?"
"Poster board."
"For real?"
"I was dead serious about making you a sign. You shouldn't think I'm joking about these things."
"I shouldn't, but I do. Markers too?"
"Yes, thank you very much those would be nice too."
Shakes his head, "Anything else?"
Grins, "Nope. That'll do me."
"You're crazy, you know that?"
"Yes, and there's nothing I can do about it, so why fight it, man? Just gotta roll with it."
"That's why you needed a pitcher." Shakes his head, getting out of the cab.
Just grins at him before, checking the scores of other games on his phone.