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Short filmTranscript
00:00Coach Wellington hinted that today's scrimmage would seal the deal.
00:04Three years of 6 a.m. practices, bloody knuckles, and muscles screaming for mercy.
00:12Three years of being the first one on the ice and the last one off.
00:16The transfer students file into the arena one by one, and I couldn't care less about any of them.
00:22My skates are already laced, my stick taped fresh this morning, and my mind locked on one thing only.
00:31The captain title I've been chasing for three goddamn years.
00:37This is my moment, and nothing is going to take it from me.
00:41Ash, it's you.
00:44My heart slams to a stop.
00:46I turn, and there he is, Blaze Wilson.
00:50Messy hair falling into warm brown eyes, that same easy confidence radiating off him in waves.
00:57Taller now, broader in the shoulders, but unmistakably him.
01:01The boy who learned to skate because I dragged him onto frozen ponds when we were ten.
01:07Told you we'd end up here.
01:08The boy who cried when his family announced they were moving across the country.
01:13Blaze, I can't believe you're actually here.
01:16When did you?
01:17I transferred last week.
01:19Wanted to surprise you.
01:21Missed you, man.
01:22We've got a lot of catching up to do.
01:26You have no idea how long I've waited for this.
01:29All right, listen up.
01:30Today's scrimmage determines your positions going forward.
01:33Everyone on the ice in five.
01:35See you out there, Ash.
01:36Try to keep up.
01:39Try to keep up?
01:41What does that mean?
01:42He's competing for Captain Toop?
01:45The scrimmage starts and I throw myself into every play with everything I have.
01:51This is what I've trained for.
01:53Every drill, every sacrifice, every moment of pain.
01:57It all comes down to this.
02:00Then I noticed Blaze.
02:02The techniques I spent years mastering through blood and repetition.
02:07He executes without even trying.
02:11Nice try.
02:12Almost had me there.
02:14Almost.
02:14The story of my goddamn life.
02:17Marcus, you go left.
02:19Brown, you support me.
02:22The other players gravitate toward him instinctively, following his calls, trusting his decisions.
02:29I trained for years to be this good.
02:32Sacrificed parties, relationships, sleep.
02:36And he just is.
02:38Solid performance today.
02:40Exactly what I needed to see.
02:42This is it.
02:44Everything I've worked for.
02:45We need a new captain who can take us to championships.
02:49Someone the team will follow into battle.
02:53Based on today's performance, Blaze Wilson will lead this team.
02:58Three years.
02:59Three years of being overlooked.
03:02Of waiting my turn.
03:03Of proving myself over and over.
03:06You really earned that one, buddy.
03:14Let me take you out, catch up properly.
03:17It's been way too long, man.
03:20Congratulations, Captain.
03:22Ash, come on.
03:23Don't be like that.
03:24We're on the same team now.
03:26Isn't this what we always wanted?
03:28I have to go.
03:31Ash, wait.
03:36Sleep doesn't come that night.
03:38By morning, I give up trying.
03:40If I can't be captain, I'll be undeniable.
03:44I'll be so damn good they'll have no choice but to finally notice me.
03:49The arena is empty at 5 a.m.
03:52Just me, the ice, and the echo of my skates cutting through silence.
03:57This is what separates me from everyone else.
04:00While they sleep or party, I work.
04:03Yesterday replays in my head on a loop.
04:06Coach's voice announcing Blaze as captain.
04:09The way my stomach dropped.
04:11The way Blaze winked at me across the circle.
04:14Oblivious to the devastation written across my face.
04:18This is what separates me from everyone else.
04:22Nice moves.
04:23Don't you have a team to lead, Captain?
04:25I'm leading right now.
04:27Showing up early to check on my hardest working player.
04:30I don't need checking on.
04:31Oh, sure you don't.
04:32That's why you've been out here since before dawn, running the same drills over and over.
04:36Totally normal behavior.
04:38It's called dedication.
04:40And you, you should try it sometime.
04:43Ouch.
04:44That one actually stung, Ash.
04:53Carpenter drills.
04:54Carpenter, Wilson, you're together.
04:59Lucky me.
05:00The drills are brutal.
05:03Exactly what I need.
05:04I throw myself into every play, pushing harder than anyone else.
05:09But Blaze matches me at every turn.
05:11Faster.
05:12Smoother.
05:14Reading the ice three moves ahead while I'm still processing the first.
05:18We move through the formations, bodies forced into close proximity.
05:23Pass, receive, pivot, repeat.
05:25His stick brush is mine.
05:27Our shoulders collide on a turn.
05:30Every point of contact sends unwanted awareness sparking through my nerves.
05:34Why do you tense up every time I get close?
05:38I am not.
05:40Relax, Ash.
05:41I don't bite unless you ask nicely.
05:45There he is.
05:46Missed that fire, man.
05:49One day.
05:51That's all it took for him to become everyone's favorite person.
05:56Three years of me building respect on this team.
05:59And he waltzed in and surpassed it without trying.
06:10Rough day, Davey?
06:12Something like that.
06:14Want to talk about it?
06:16Not really.
06:17She doesn't push.
06:18That's one of the things I appreciate about my girlfriend.
06:21She knows when to let things go.
06:23Her fingers thread through mine.
06:25And for a moment, the chaos in my head quiets.
06:29I have this.
06:30I have her.
06:31I don't need Blaze's friendship or approval.
06:34Ash.
06:35You haven't heard a word I said, have you?
06:37Sorry.
06:38Just tired.
06:40You're always tired lately.
06:42You know how long it's been since we've actually spent time together?
06:46Real time?
06:47Three weeks, Ash.
06:50Three weeks since you've touched me properly.
06:53I miss you.
06:55I miss your hands on me.
06:57Miss feeling you against me.
06:58I'm really tired today, Ames.
07:01Practice was brutal.
07:02It's always practice.
07:05I know.
07:07After the season settles down, I promise.
07:10I'll make it up to you.
07:12You mean after you figure out whatever's going on with the new transfer?
07:16What?
07:17What do you mean?
07:19Blaze.
07:21You've mentioned his name like six times since he got here.
07:24Because he's annoying.
07:25He stole my captain position.
07:28Of course I'm going to talk about him.
07:31Just don't let him get in your head, okay?
07:33He's not in my head.
07:47The bar is packed with teammates, and I'm exactly where I want to be.
07:52Center of attention.
07:53Surrounded by people who actually want to be around me.
07:56He hasn't looked up once.
07:58Hasn't acknowledged that I exist.
08:00Just one week.
08:01I've been here one week, and he's treated me like a stranger.
08:05Worse than a stranger.
08:08I tried being nice.
08:10Tried being patient.
08:12Tried giving him space to come around on his own.
08:16Fine.
08:16If he wants to act unreasonable, I'll give him unreasonable.
08:22Ash!
08:23Stop hiding in the corner like a brooding vampire and get over here.
08:30What?
08:31Afraid you can't handle being near me outside the rink?
08:34Scared I'll bite?
08:35I'm not scared of anything.
08:37Especially not you.
08:41Prove it then.
08:42His eyes stay open the entire time.
08:44Locked on mine.
08:45Defiant.
08:46Challenging.
08:47Look what I have.
08:49Look what you can't touch.
08:50When he finally releases her, Amelia looks dazed.
08:54Pleased.
08:55Cheeks flushed.
08:56She has no idea she's just been used as a weapon.
08:59I turn away, launching into another story.
09:02But the moment lingers.
09:03The taste of defeat.
09:05The image of his mouth on hers.
09:08Burned into my retinas.
09:10I hate that it worked.
09:12Hate that I'm still hoping for something he clearly doesn't want to give.
09:16Come on, man.
09:17Lighten up.
09:22Interesting.
09:23The girlfriend leaves, but he stays.
09:34Running away, Ajan?
09:35What is your problem?
09:37I'm going home.
09:39Some of us have early practice.
09:41Bullshit.
09:42You've been avoiding me all week.
09:45Running every time I get close.
09:47Maybe I just don't want to be around you.
09:50Oh, starting to think you're not just annoyed, Ash.
09:54Starting to think I'm the one who makes you nervous.
09:56You'll make me anything except tired.
10:00Liar.
10:00You tense up the second I walk into a room.
10:04Your eyes track me even when you pretend they don't.
10:06I thought you'd be happy we're finally together again.
10:09Same ice, same team.
10:11Everything we promised each other when we were kids.
10:14Yeah, it was a promise.
10:16But never to steal someone else's dream.
10:18Never to show up out of nowhere and take everything I work for.
10:22What do you mean, steal?
10:25Ash, I didn't steal anything.
10:27The captaincy was supposed to be mine.
10:29Three years I worked for it.
10:30Three years of being first on the ice and last off.
10:32Then you waltz in and it's just handed to you.
10:35I didn't steal it, Ash.
10:36I claimed it.
10:38There's a difference.
10:39Get out of my face.
10:42Make me.
10:43Just talk to me.
10:45Tell me what I did wrong and I'll fix it.
10:48Whatever it takes.
10:50I missed you, Ash.
10:51Every single day for years, I missed you.
10:54This truly isn't the way I thought things would go with you after all these years.
10:58We were kids, Blaze.
11:01Promises don't mean anything.
11:02My chest aching.
11:04Replaying the way he kissed her while staring at me.
11:07Like he was trying to prove something to me.
11:09Or to himself.
11:10He's lying.
11:11He has to be.
11:12There's something beneath the anger about the captaincy.
11:16Something he won't let himself admit.
11:18We were kids.
11:20Promises don't mean anything.
11:21But the way his breath caught when I got close.
11:24The way he kissed his girlfriend like a performance meant from my eyes only.
11:28He felt it too.
11:29I know he did.
11:30Asher Carpenter thinks if he pushes hard enough, I'll give up and walk away.
11:35He should know better.
11:40We need to talk.
11:42What the?
11:43I don't want to talk.
11:45Move.
11:46Look, we have a big game coming up.
11:48Scouts everywhere.
11:49This could make or break the season for a lot of guys on this team.
11:52I'm aware.
11:54Then you know we need to be focused.
11:56All of us.
11:57But that's not going to happen if you keep treating me like the enemy.
12:00We're supposed to be on the same side.
12:03Ashy.
12:04You know, it's hard to remember that when you're wearing my captain badge.
12:07What if I wasn't?
12:09What?
12:10The captain thing.
12:11What if I stepped back?
12:13Gave it to you instead?
12:15You're serious.
12:16Dead serious.
12:17Let us be a team again.
12:19On the ice, at least.
12:20That's all I'm asking.
12:21And you'll give up the captaincy.
12:23If that's what it takes to get you to trust me again.
12:26Yeah.
12:27Oh, yes.
12:30Did you hear that?
12:31Ash, wait.
12:36I can't breathe.
12:38Can't think.
12:39Can't do anything except stand there while my entire world collapses.
12:44All of it.
12:45A lie.
12:47Marcus.
12:49What the hell?
12:52Look, Blaze.
12:54That's not...
12:55Not...
12:56Don't.
12:57Don't even try.
12:58Asher, please.
13:00Let me explain.
13:02It didn't mean anything.
13:04I swear.
13:05Let's go.
13:08Asher, please.
13:09Just let me explain.
13:11It was a mistake.
13:12It only happened once.
13:15Ash.
13:16Breathe.
13:17I can't.
13:19Hey, hey.
13:20Look at me.
13:22Focus on my voice.
13:25You're okay.
13:26She was...
13:27With him.
13:28The whole time she was with him.
13:30I know.
13:31And it's messed up.
13:33What she did is messed up.
13:36And you didn't deserve it.
13:38Everyone I trust.
13:40Everyone I let in.
13:42Not everyone.
13:43I'm here, Ash.
13:45I'm not going anywhere.
13:47It's okay.
13:49Let it out.
13:50I've got you.
13:52Don't.
13:54Don't touch me.
13:55Don't be nice to me.
13:57Ash.
13:58This is your fault.
14:00Everything was fine before you came here.
14:02My team.
14:03My position.
14:05My girlfriend.
14:06That's not fair, and you know it.
14:07I don't care about fair.
14:09I need someone to blame, and you're always there.
14:11Always pushing.
14:13Always looking at me like...
14:15Like what, Ash?
14:16Nothing.
14:17Forget it.
14:18I have to go.
14:23Two days since Blaze cornered me outside the locker room.
14:27Two days since he offered to give up the captaincy.
14:30The thing I've resented him for since the moment he arrived.
14:34Like it meant nothing.
14:35Like I meant more.
14:38Two days since I broke down crying in a supply closet
14:41while he held my face in his hands and told me I'd be okay.
14:45I should be thinking about Amelia.
14:48About the betrayal.
14:49But here's the thing that keeps me up at night.
14:52Staring at my ceiling in the dark.
14:56I'm not as upset as I should be.
14:58That bone-deep devastation I expected.
15:02It never arrived.
15:05I keep waiting for it.
15:07Searching for it.
15:08And finding nothing but emptiness where grief should live.
15:13What does that say about me?
15:14About us?
15:16About the entire year I spent convincing myself
15:19she was everything I needed?
15:22Maybe she was never what I needed at all.
15:25I push the thought away and drag myself to practice.
15:28The ice is the only place that makes sense anymore.
15:31The cold.
15:33The burn in my muscles.
15:34The simple clarity of chasing a puck.
15:37Except today,
15:39even that feels wrong.
15:41I'm off.
15:42Every pass slightly mistimed.
15:45Every shot lacking power.
15:47My body moves through the drills on autopilot
15:51while my mind circles endlessly
15:53around brown eyes in the darkness.
15:56Around hands cupping my face.
15:59Around a voice whispering,
16:01I've got you.
16:02Nice one, Carpenter.
16:04Little soft on that pass, don't you think?
16:06Actually, that tracks.
16:08Always figured you were a bit too delicate.
16:12Maybe that's why your bitch liked me better.
16:16Wanted someone who could actually handle her.
16:26You don't talk to him like that.
16:32You don't even look at him.
16:35Understand?
16:36What the hell is wrong with you?
16:38It was just a joke.
16:40Does it look like I'm laughing?
16:42Wilson, enough.
16:44Locker room.
16:44Now.
16:45Both of you.
16:55That was stupid.
16:57Probably.
16:58You could get suspended.
17:00Ticked off the team.
17:01Right before regionals.
17:03Worth it.
17:04Let me see.
17:05It's fine.
17:06I said, let me see.
17:10You're an idiot.
17:12These are gonna bruise badly.
17:13I've had worse.
17:16Why did you do it?
17:17Why do you keep?
17:19Keep what?
17:20Why do you keep fighting for me?
17:22Because someone has to.
17:24Because you deserve someone in your corner who isn't going to leave.
17:28Blaze.
17:28You don't have to say anything.
17:30I'm not asking for anything, Ash.
17:33I just need you to know I'm not going anywhere.
17:35No matter how hard you push.
17:44I should go.
17:46I feel his eyes on me the entire way.
17:49And when I finally reach my car, collapse into the driver's seat, press my forehead against
17:54the steering wheel, it's not Amelia's face I see, it's his, and I have no idea what to do with
18:02that.
18:08You've been different since we got here.
18:11Distracted.
18:12Off your game.
18:13Don't know, man.
18:15New team.
18:16New dynamics.
18:18Takes time to adjust.
18:19That's some bullshit.
18:21It's Carpenter.
18:22Ever since you saw him again, you've been not yourself, I would say.
18:26Look, we have history.
18:28I told you that before we transferred.
18:30History.
18:31Except you don't look at him like a childhood friend, Blaze.
18:34You look at him like...
18:35Like what?
18:36Just be careful, we've been winning together for two years.
18:39Don't let old attachments mess that up.
18:41I know what I'm doing.
18:43Do you?
18:45Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you're losing your head over some guy who
18:48can't decide if he wants to punch you or...
18:50Whatever.
18:52Just don't forget what we came here for.
18:54It's our day off.
18:55No practice scheduled.
18:56So the arena should be empty.
18:58Perfect.
18:59Just me and the ice and the silence.
19:02Except when I push through the doors, the arena isn't empty.
19:05A single figure moves on the ice.
19:07A stick connecting with pucks in a rhythm I'd recognize anywhere.
19:11Asher.
19:13Of course it's Asher.
19:15The universe has a sick sense of humor.
19:18Didn't expect company.
19:19Didn't expect company.
19:20Neither did I.
19:23Want me to leave?
19:25No.
19:26We fall into an unspoken rhythm.
19:28Passing drills first, the pucks sliding between us with increasing precision.
19:33Then skating formations, our bodies moving in sync like we're reading each other's minds.
19:38This is what I came for.
19:40We push harder, racing each other down the ice, competing for the puck.
19:44Bodies checking into boards with increasing intensity.
19:47It's aggressive, almost violent, and underneath it all, something electric that crackles between us every time we get too close.
19:57We should.
20:01Ash.
20:07Blaze.
20:17Rina's closing early today.
20:20Gotta clear out in ten.
20:26Yeah, thanks.
20:30Ash.
20:32You okay?
20:33What the hell was that?
20:34I don't know.
20:36Almost.
20:36We.
20:37Almost.
20:39Yeah, I don't.
20:40I don't know what that means.
20:41It doesn't have to mean anything right now.
20:44We don't have to figure it out tonight.
20:46Come on.
20:47I'll walk you out.
20:59I can't stop thinking about what just happened.
21:02Blaze on top of me.
21:04Our noses brushing.
21:06The way my fingers curled into his jersey, pulling him closer when I should have pushed him away.
21:12Neither of us has spoken since we left the ice.
21:15What is there to say?
21:16We almost kissed.
21:18I almost let it happen.
21:19I almost wanted it more than I've wanted anything in a long time.
21:23What the hell does that make me?
21:25Asher!
21:27I've been waiting for you.
21:29I knew you'd be here.
21:31You always come here when you're upset.
21:33Can we talk?
21:34Please?
21:35Just five minutes.
21:36I need to explain.
21:38There's nothing to explain.
21:40There is.
21:41It was a mistake, Asher.
21:43A stupid, terrible mistake.
21:45Marcus didn't mean anything to me.
21:49I was lonely, and you were always at practice, and I just...
21:54I'm so sorry.
21:55I love you.
21:56I want to fix this.
21:57No.
22:01What?
22:01I said no.
22:03We're done, Amelia.
22:05I don't want to fix this.
22:07Asher, please.
22:08He said no.
22:10This is a private conversation.
22:13Didn't look like a conversation to me.
22:15Looked like you weren't taking no for an answer.
22:18Who the hell do you think you are?
22:20This had nothing to do with you.
22:22It has everything to do with me.
22:24He's my teammate, my friend, and you heard him.
22:28So yeah, I'm making it my business.
22:30Is this why?
22:33Is he why you're throwing away a year together?
22:36This isn't about him.
22:37Really?
22:38Because he's been glued to your side since he got here.
22:41God, Asher, I knew you were distant, but I didn't realize you were...
22:45Think very carefully about what you're about to say.
22:50We're done here.
22:51Don't wait for me again.
22:58Asher!
23:00Wait!
23:04Are you okay?
23:05No.
23:06I don't know what I am.
23:08That's fair.
23:09Walk me home?
23:10Yeah.
23:12Of course.
23:17Thank you for back there.
23:19With Amelia.
23:20You don't have to thank me.
23:22I know.
23:23But still.
23:25I'm not used to someone...
23:27Having your back?
23:28Get used to it.
23:30I meant what I said, Ash.
23:33I'm not going anywhere.
23:36Shouldn't I ask you something?
23:38Depends.
23:39What she said back there.
23:41About me being the reason you're okay with ending things.
23:44Is that true?
23:45I don't know, maybe.
23:48Partly.
23:50When I caught her with Marcus, I expected to be devastated.
23:53But I wasn't.
23:55Not the way I should have been.
23:57Not the way you're supposed to feel when you lose someone you love.
24:00And now...
24:01Now I'm starting to think maybe I never loved her at all.
24:04Maybe I just...
24:04Wanted to want her.
24:06Because that's what I was supposed to do.
24:07There's nothing wrong with figuring out what you actually want, Ash.
24:11Even if it's scary.
24:13Is that what you did?
24:15Figure out what you want?
24:16I figured that out a long time ago.
24:20I've just been waiting for the right moment.
24:22Let's go.
24:27This is me.
24:31I know.
24:33Do you want to come up?
24:35Are you sure?
24:37Yeah, I'm sure.
24:38The door closes behind us and suddenly the night feels different.
24:43Charged with possibility.
24:45Terrifying in ways I'm only beginning to understand.
24:53Nice place.
24:54It's Ma.
24:55It's yours.
24:57That counts for something.
25:00So...
25:00You want something to drink?
25:02I've got water.
25:03Maybe some beer.
25:05Nah, I'm good.
25:06Well, I'm gonna shower.
25:07It's been a long day.
25:08I need to just...
25:10Wash it off.
25:11Take your time.
25:13But don't be too long.
25:17But don't be too long.
25:17I've been in here too long.
25:19I know that.
25:20Blaze is sitting in my living room, probably wondering what the hell is taking me so long.
25:25But I can't face him.
25:27Not with the memory of his body on mine, still burning under my skin.
25:32His breath against my lips.
25:35The way I pulled him closer instead of pushing him away.
25:39I press my forehead against the cool tile.
25:41My thoughts are a mess.
25:43Amelia.
25:44The almost kiss.
25:45The way Blaze looked at me when I invited him up.
25:49What the hell?
25:52You've been in here for 30 minutes.
25:55Thought you might have drowned.
25:57I'm fine.
25:58Get out.
25:59Relax, Ash.
26:01We've got the same parts.
26:03Nothing I haven't seen before.
26:06Remember when we were kids?
26:08We used to shower together after practice all the time.
26:12We were ten.
26:14So, bodies are bodies.
26:24What are you doing?
26:26Your water pressure is better than mine.
26:29Blaze.
26:30Ash, you're tense.
26:31I can see it from here.
26:33Wonder why.
26:34You know what I think?
26:37I think you're scared.
26:39I'm not scared.
26:40You're terrified.
26:41You've been running from this since I got here.
26:45From whatever this is between us.
26:47There's nothing between us, liar.
26:51Your heart is racing.
26:52I can see your pulse.
26:57Well, well.
27:00How far are you willing to go for that captain position, Ash?
27:03That's not.
27:04Not what?
27:05Not hard right now?
27:08Not standing in the shower with me.
27:10Clearly enjoying the view.
27:14Fuck you.
27:15Is that an offer?
27:21Let me go.
27:22Do you actually want me to?
27:24I'm not gay.
27:26Okay.
27:27Then what are you?
27:28I don't know.
27:29I don't know, okay?
27:31I don't know what I am or what I want or why I can't stop thinking about.
27:34About what?
27:36You.
27:37The word lodges in my throat.
27:40Too terrifying to speak.
27:42Tell me to stop and I will.
27:44I'll walk out of this shower and we'll pretend this never happened.
27:53But you have to say it, Ash.
27:56You have to mean it.
28:02That's what I thought.
28:21Still not gay?
28:25Shut up.
28:36God, you're beautiful like this.
28:39All that control finally cracking.
28:42All those walls coming down.
28:48Let go, Ash.
28:51I've got you.
28:57Still think there's nothing between us?
29:01Three days.
29:03It's been three days since the shower and I still can't close my eyes without feeling his hand on me.
29:09I've called in sick to practice twice now.
29:13Coach Wellington left a voicemail that I deleted without listening to.
29:17Teammates have texted asking if I'm okay.
29:20I've ignored all of them.
29:22My apartment feels like I'm okay.
29:24My apartment feels like a prison.
29:25I haven't been able to shower without remembering the steam, the water, his body pressed against mine.
29:32The way I fell apart in his hands, like I'd been waiting my whole life for someone to touch me
29:37like that.
29:38I tell myself it was physical, just bodies responding to stimulation, put any two people in a hot shower together,
29:47add some tension, and biology takes over.
29:50But then I remember his voice in my ear, low and rough, saying my name like it meant something.
29:57Let go, Ash.
29:58Saying,
29:59I've got you.
30:01Like he actually meant it.
30:02And I remember the way I moaned for him, the way I came undone with his name on my lips.
30:09Blaze.
30:10I need air, need space, need to outrun the thoughts chasing me in circles.
30:16But there's nowhere to go.
30:18Nowhere that isn't tainted by memories of him.
30:21The rink where we practiced together.
30:24The parking lot where he rescued me from Amelia.
30:27My own fucking apartment where I invited him in like an idiot and let him...
30:32Yeah, I'm sure.
30:33Is this really what I want?
30:37Say it.
30:38Just fucking say it.
30:42I'm not straight.
30:44I've never been straight.
30:50I've been in love with him my whole life.
30:53I just didn't have the words for it until now.
30:57The realization should terrify me, and it does, it absolutely does.
31:01But underneath the fear, there's something else.
31:04Something that feels almost like relief.
31:08A peace clicking into place that's been missing forever.
31:14Tomorrow, I'll go back to practice.
31:16Tomorrow, I'll face him.
31:18Face the team.
31:20Face whatever comes next.
31:21Tonight, I let myself breathe.
31:25Three days without Asher on the ice feels like missing a limb.
31:28I check my phone between every drill.
31:31His reply from yesterday.
31:33That single, yeah, sits in our text thread like a lifeline I'm afraid to pull.
31:39I want to text again.
31:41But I know him.
31:42Pushing too hard will only make him retreat further.
31:45So I wait.
31:47I try not to think about the steam.
31:49His body against mine.
31:50The way he fell apart in my hands like he'd been waiting his whole life for someone to touch him
31:54like that.
31:55The way he moaned my name.
31:57Blaze.
31:58God, I can't stop hearing it.
32:00Wilson, head in the game!
32:03Sorry, coach.
32:07Listen up.
32:09I've got news.
32:11Regional championship.
32:13Three weeks out.
32:14The weight of his words settles on my shoulders.
32:16As captain, the pressure falls heaviest on me.
32:20Scouts will be watching.
32:22NHL representatives from at least five different organizations.
32:26Professional opportunities are on the line for those who prove themselves.
32:33I need every single one of you locked in.
32:35No distractions.
32:37No drama.
32:39No bullshit.
32:41We have the talent to win this.
32:43But talent means nothing without unity.
32:46I need this team functioning as one organism.
32:49That means everyone pulling their weight.
32:52Everyone showing up.
32:54Everyone putting the team first.
32:56Make sure a carpenter gets the message when he's feeling better.
33:03Yes, coach.
33:07Heavy is the head that wears the crown, huh?
33:10Something like that.
33:12Walk with me.
33:16You really think you can just walk away?
33:19Carpenter's been out three days.
33:21He's sick.
33:22Is he?
33:23Because I heard he's been avoiding the rink entirely.
33:26Won't even answer the door when teammates stop by.
33:28Danny tried to bring him soup yesterday.
33:30No response.
33:31How would you know that?
33:33I asked around.
33:34Seemed weird that our star player suddenly disappears, right?
33:36When we're gearing up for the biggest game of the season.
33:39Wanted to make sure everything was okay.
33:41Everything's fine.
33:43Is this it?
33:43Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you've got your head so far up Carpenter's ass
33:47that you're forgetting what actually matters here.
33:50Excuse me?
33:51You heard me.
33:53You beat Marcus bloody for him.
33:55You spent every free moment practicing with him.
33:57You transferred across the country for him.
33:59Don't think.
34:00I don't know what this is really about.
34:02I've been your partner for three years, Blaze.
34:04Three years.
34:05Two championships.
34:07I had your back through everything.
34:09And suddenly some guy from your childhood shows up and I'm what?
34:12Second string?
34:15Yesterday's news?
34:16Jackson, that's not.
34:17I don't need explanations.
34:19I need you focused.
34:20We have a championship to win.
34:23And I'm not losing it because you're too busy chasing someone who clearly doesn't want
34:27to be caught.
34:28It's not much.
34:30Not an explanation or an apology or any acknowledgement of what happened between us.
34:37But it's something.
34:38A door cracked open instead of slammed shut.
34:42A chance to talk, even if it's just about hockey.
34:46I'll take it.
34:48I'll take anything he's willing to give me.
34:51The coffee shop is small and quiet.
34:54Tucked away on a side street where no one from the team would think to look.
34:58I arrived 20 minutes early because I'm a masochist, apparently.
35:04Four days.
35:05It's been four days since the shower.
35:08Since I sat on my bathroom floor and admitted the truth to myself.
35:12Three days of avoiding practice, avoiding my phone, avoiding everything except the war raging inside my own head.
35:22And now I'm here, about to face him.
35:25Thanks for coming, Ashy.
35:26Don't call me that.
35:29You said it was about the game.
35:31Championship is in three weeks.
35:33Coaches on everyone's ass about unity and focus.
35:35With that.
35:36Agreed.
35:37The team needs us functional.
35:39The deal I offered you before the captaincy.
35:43That still stands, Ashy.
35:45If you want it, I'll step back.
35:48Talk to Wellington myself.
35:50Why?
35:51After how I've treated you, after I ghosted you for four days.
35:55Why would you still offer that?
35:57Because I meant what I said.
35:59I didn't come here for a title.
36:03The captaincy was never the point.
36:05The captaincy.
36:06You earned it.
36:08And the team respects you.
36:10Ashy.
36:11No.
36:13Let me finish.
36:14I was angry about it because it was easier than admitting what was really bothering me.
36:19It was about me being terrified of why I cared so much that you came back.
36:23So we're good?
36:25We can be professional?
36:27Yeah.
36:28I'm not gonna push you.
36:30Whatever you're going through, whatever you're figuring out, I'll wait.
36:33But I need you to know that what happened in your apartment wasn't nothing to me.
36:37It wasn't a mistake.
36:38I've been figuring things out about myself.
36:43About what I want.
36:44I'm not ready to talk about it yet.
36:46But I'm not running anymore.
36:48I'm trying.
36:49That's enough.
36:51That's all I need to know.
36:56We should go.
36:58Practice tomorrow.
37:00You need rest.
37:01See you at practice tomorrow, Ashy.
37:03Call me that again, and I'll check you into the boards.
37:06It's so hard, your grandchildren will feel it.
37:11There he is.
37:13Missed that fire.
37:15Tomorrow, I'll be there.
37:17Good.
37:18I'm glad you came today, Ash.
37:20I know it wasn't easy.
37:21Whatever you're figuring out, you don't have to do it alone.
37:23Okay?
37:25I'll show you.
37:31Almost a week of hiding in my apartment, of avoiding this exact moment, and now I'm back.
37:37I see him.
37:39Blaze is running through solo drills with that effortless grace that used to make me jealous.
37:46Carpenter, Wilson, you're paired up for offensive rotations.
37:52This is it.
37:53The test.
37:54The whistle blows.
37:56We move.
37:57We find rhythm.
37:59Not the awkward tension of our early practices.
38:02Not the hostile competition I forced between us.
38:06I know where Blaze is going to be before he gets there.
38:09He reads my positioning like he's inside my head.
38:14It's terrifying how natural it feels.
38:19Carpenter, Wilson!
38:21We both freeze.
38:23I brace for criticism.
38:25Too aggressive.
38:26Too sloppy.
38:28Something.
38:28That.
38:30Right there.
38:31That's what I need from you two.
38:34Keep that energy and we might actually have a shot at this championship.
38:38Not bad, Ashy.
38:40Almost like old times.
38:42Don't get cocky.
38:49I should look away.
38:51I know I should look away.
38:55I don't.
38:57I'm staring.
38:58I know I'm staring.
39:00Can't seem to stop.
39:02Our gazes lock across the locker room.
39:05The noise fades.
39:08Something is happening.
39:09I'm changing.
39:11I'm changing.
39:11Shifting.
39:12Becoming someone I don't fully recognize yet.
39:15And for the first time, that doesn't terrify me.
39:19Team dinners are supposed to be fun.
39:22Bonding before the championship push.
39:25So why does this one feel like walking into a minefield?
39:28You're staring at the menu like it personally offended you.
39:30Just trying to decide if I want a carb load or pretend I have self-control.
39:35Get the pasta.
39:36Championships in two weeks.
39:38You've earned carbs.
39:42Is that captain's orders?
39:44Consider it strong encouragement.
39:46Unless you need me to make it an order, Ashy.
39:49Don't start something you can't finish.
39:52Who says I can't finish it?
39:59Thought we could catch up.
40:01Feel like I've barely seen you lately.
40:03You've been busy.
40:05Yeah.
40:06Sorry about that.
40:08Practice has been intense.
40:10Championship prep.
40:12Right.
40:14Championship.
40:15That's actually what I wanted to talk about.
40:18Focus.
40:19Making sure we're all locked in on what matters.
40:21We're focused.
40:23Are we?
40:24Because I've noticed some distractions creeping in lately.
40:27Side projects.
40:28Extra practice sessions.
40:30I just want to make sure we're not losing sight of the goal.
40:34Two years I've had your back on that ice.
40:36You think chemistry like ours grows on trees?
40:39It takes work.
40:40It takes loyalty.
40:41I know what I'm doing.
40:43Do you?
40:45Because the blaze I know wouldn't let anything get in the way of winning.
40:47That's what made us unstoppable.
40:58Hey.
41:00You okay?
41:01I'll be fine.
41:03Your friend's pretty territorial.
41:06He's just...
41:08He's intense about winning.
41:10That's all.
41:12Sure.
41:16This place is great.
41:19Yeah, the beer's perfect.
41:21Good dinner.
41:23Felt like old times.
41:25What the hell was that?
41:29What was what?
41:30Don't play dumb.
41:32The comments.
41:33The looks you were being an asshole to Asher all night.
41:37What happened to the plan?
41:38No distractions.
41:40No drama.
41:41Hockey first.
41:42Everything else second.
41:43That's what made us champions.
41:45We sacrificed everything.
41:47Turned down parties.
41:48Ignored girls.
41:49Put the team above all of it.
41:50And we got rewarded.
41:52Truffees.
41:54Scouts.
41:55A future.
41:55Now you're risking everything we built for some guy who still can't figure out which way he swings?
42:00You don't get to decide who I care about.
42:03Don't say I didn't warn you.
42:06When this blows up in your face, and it will, I won't be there to pick up the pieces.
42:13I stare at the screen.
42:15An uneasy feeling settling in my gut.
42:18Jackson's words are doing exactly what he intended.
42:22Making Asher doubt himself.
42:24Doubt us.
42:25Doubt everything we've been building.
42:28I'm starting to realize my best friend might be something else entirely.
42:33And Asher is paying the price for my blindness.
42:37Coach Wellington grants us extra ice time after regular practice.
42:42Just me and Blaze.
42:43Working on offensive plays that need polishing before the championship.
42:48Ready?
42:48It's the first time we've been truly alone since my apartment.
42:52Since the shower.
42:53I force myself to concentrate on footwork.
42:56On timing.
42:58But as the minutes stretch on, something shifts.
43:01The sound of Blaze's breathing, slightly elevated from exertion.
43:05The flash of his eyes when he catches my gaze across the ice.
43:09The way his body moves with effortless grace.
43:12Muscles coiling and releasing beneath his jersey.
43:18Ash.
43:20We should probably.
43:22Probably.
43:24I'm trying really hard to be patient here.
43:26To give you space.
43:27To let you figure things out on your own timeline.
43:31I know.
43:32But you're making it really fucking difficult when you look at me like that.
43:37Like what?
43:38Like you want me to stop being patient.
43:41What if I do?
43:44What if I want you to stop being patient?
43:47Don't say that unless you mean it, Ashi.
43:49I mean it.
43:54Tell me to stop and I will.
43:59Not here.
44:00Not on the ice.
44:01I want...
44:02I want to do this right.
44:04Locker room.
44:08You sure about this?
44:11Because once we cross this line,
44:13I'm sure.
44:16I'm so fucking sure it scares me.
44:18Good scared or bad scared?
44:20Good scared.
44:21The best kind.
44:29Tonight I'm choosing this.
44:30Every touch, every kiss,
44:32every inch of skin pressed against skin.
44:34I'm choosing all of it.
44:35Hell, Ash.
44:36Do you have any idea how long I've wanted this?
44:38That night in your shower,
44:39I had to hold back.
44:40Didn't want to push you too far,
44:41but now...
44:42Don't hold back.
44:42I don't want you to hold back.
44:43I'm not.
44:47Just tell me what you want.
44:49Tell me and I'll give it to you.
44:51Everything.
44:52I want everything.
44:56Everything.
45:06You're shaking.
45:08Good shaking.
45:10Don't stop.
45:11This is losing control completely
45:14and trusting someone else to catch me.
45:29You okay?
45:32Yeah.
45:33I'm okay.
45:38So,
45:39still think you're straight?
45:42Bugger off.
45:43That's not a no.
45:45That's a...
45:45You literally just had your hands all over me.
45:48What do you think?
45:50I think I need to hear you say it, Ashy.
45:53I'm not straight.
45:55I'm definitely, absolutely, 100% not straight.
45:59Was that so hard?
46:00Yes.
46:01But you made it easier.
46:06Come on with me.
46:08You don't have to do anything else.
46:09I just don't want this night to end yet.
46:12Yeah.
46:13Okay.
46:21Eyes on the road.
46:24Can't help it.
46:25You're distracting.
46:29That's becoming a theme.
46:35You still play?
46:36Every night, practically.
46:38You remember how badly I used to destroy you at Fusion Race?
46:41I told you, I'm not playing with you.
46:43What?
46:44You're scared?
46:49Remember when we snuck into that R-rated movie?
46:56Worth it.
46:57Your face during that jump scare was priceless.
46:59I thought you were going to cry.
47:01I did not almost cry.
47:03You absolutely did.
47:04Your lip was wobbling, Ashy.
47:19Morning.
47:21Morning.
47:23What time is it?
47:25Early.
47:26No practice today, remember?
47:28Right.
47:31Last night was nice.
47:33The games, the movies, felt like old times.
47:38I missed this.
47:39Missed you.
47:40What are we now?
47:42What does this mean?
47:44All of it.
47:45The locker room, staying over.
47:46This?
47:47What do you want it to mean?
47:49I don't know.
47:50This is all new to me.
47:52Wanting someone like this, letting myself have it.
47:55Letting myself.
47:58Letting myself have you.
48:00You can have me, Ash.
48:01You've always had me.
48:03We don't have to define it right now.
48:05We can figure it out as we go.
48:06Keep it between us until after the championship.
48:09No pressure, no expectations.
48:12Just us.
48:14Yeah.
48:15Okay, that works.
48:17Yeah.
48:18Popular this morning?
48:22Everything okay?
48:24Yeah.
48:25Just Jackson.
48:26He really doesn't like me.
48:27He doesn't know you.
48:29He doesn't want to know me.
48:31He sees me as a threat.
48:33To your friendship, your partnership, whatever you two have.
48:40Whatever Jackson thinks he has claim on, he's wrong.
48:43Okay.
48:44I believe you.
48:52For the first time in weeks, I'm not dreading being here.
48:59Whatever you two figured out, keep doing it!
49:08My bad.
49:10Didn't see you there.
49:12You good, Ashy?
49:14Fine.
49:15Just a love tap.
49:17Gotta stay sharp, Carpenter.
49:19Championship is coming.
49:20No room for passengers.
49:22Watch your back out there.
49:31Carpenter!
49:33Jackson.
49:35Something you need?
49:36Just a conversation.
49:37Man to man.
49:38About Blaze.
49:39What's your problem, Jackson?
49:41My problem is you dragging the whole line down with your distractions.
49:43We're working on our game.
49:45Extra practices.
49:46Late nights.
49:47Cozy little sleepovers.
49:49Right.
49:50The championship.
49:53You know what's waiting for Blaze after this season?
49:56Pro contracts.
49:57Seven figures.
49:58His face on jerseys.
50:00His name tranted in arenas across the country.
50:03Legacy shit.
50:04Scouts are already talking.
50:05Five, six-year deals.
50:08Endorsements.
50:08A career most players would kill for.
50:10And you think I'm going to stand by while some lovesick nobody tanks all of that?
50:14I'm not a bench reader.
50:15You're a distraction.
50:16I've watched Blaze for three years.
50:18I know him better than anyone.
50:19And I've never seen him lose focus like this.
50:21Missing workouts.
50:22Skipping team hangouts.
50:24Walking around with that stupid smile on his face like a lovesick teenager.
50:27That's because of you.
50:28And it needs to stop.
50:29Blaze can make his own decision.
50:32Blaze is being scouted for the majors.
50:34And they don't want a liability like you attached to him.
50:36He transferred across the country for you, Carpenter.
50:40Did he tell you that?
50:41Stay away from him.
50:43Or I'll end your career myself.
50:47Do we understand each other?
50:52What if Jackson is right?
50:54What if I'm the thing standing Blaze in everything he's worked for?
50:57Missed you after practice?
50:58Dinner later?
50:59I can't tonight.
51:00Tired?
51:00Rain check?
51:03Yeah.
51:04Just need sleep.
51:05See you at practice.
51:08Stay away from me.
51:12Maybe Jackson's is right.
51:14Maybe I've always been the problem.
51:25Hey.
51:26You didn't answer my text last night.
51:28Everything okay?
51:29Fine.
51:30Just tired.
51:32Ash!
51:33Professor's starting.
51:34We should pay attention.
51:41Asher, wait!
51:50Carpenter!
51:51Wilson!
51:52What the hell happened to your coordination?
51:54You look like strangers out there!
51:56Sorry, Coach.
51:58Won't happen again.
51:59If better not, championships in 12 days.
52:02I need you two functioning.
52:04Not whatever this is.
52:06Rough practice, huh?
52:08Don't worry about it.
52:09Carpenter's always been inconsistent.
52:11That's why you have me.
52:13He was fine two days ago.
52:14Was he?
52:15Maybe you just saw what you wanted to see.
52:18Happens when you get too close to someone.
52:19Clouds your judgment.
52:24Remember our first championship?
52:26Junior year?
52:26We were unstoppable.
52:28You, me.
52:29Perfect simp on the ice.
52:30No distractions, no drama.
52:32Just two guys who knew exactly how to win.
52:34I remember.
52:43That's what made us special.
52:45We understand each other.
52:46Always have.
52:47We don't need words or explanations.
52:48We just know.
52:50That's rare, man.
52:51You don't throw that away for someone who runs hot and cold every other day.
52:54What did you do?
52:56What do you mean?
52:57Asher was fine before yesterday.
52:59Now he won't look at me.
53:00What did you say to him?
53:03Nothing.
53:04I haven't talked to Carpenter.
53:05Why would I?
53:06If you did someplace, we've been brothers for three years.
53:10I've had your back through everything.
53:12And you're accusing me of sabotage because some guy you've known for a few weeks is having
53:16a mood swing?
53:18That's not the Blaze I know.
53:20Look, I know you care about him.
53:22Whatever history you two have, it obviously means something to you.
53:24But the championship is in less than two weeks.
53:27Pro scouts are watching.
53:28Futures are on the line.
53:29Don't let emotions derail everything we've worked for.
53:32That's all I'm saying.
53:32I need to find Asher.
53:33We'll talk later.
53:42Blaze, hold up.
53:43Team's doing beers tonight.
53:45You in?
53:46I'll pass.
53:47You sure?
53:48You've been MIA lately.
53:50Guys are starting to talk.
53:53Jackson knows exactly which buttons to push.
53:56He's been watching, calculating, waiting for the right moment to strike.
53:59Jackson doesn't see Ashler as a person.
54:01He sees him as a threat.
54:02An obstacle to be removed.
54:04A distraction to be eliminated so things can go back to the way they were.
54:07And I'm terrified he's already succeeded.
54:10I can't sleep.
54:11I've been lying in bed for hours, staring at the ceiling.
54:15Distraction.
54:16Bench weeder.
54:17Childhood crush.
54:18Pathetic.
54:20I shouldn't do this.
54:22I know I shouldn't.
54:23But my fingers hit enter before I can stop myself.
54:26Page after page of evidence that Blaze Wilson is everything Jackson said he was, and more.
54:32Transferred across the country for you.
54:34Gave a guaranteed sting spot because he couldn't let go of some pathetic childhood crush.
54:38Blaze left a ranking program.
54:40Left a clear path to the pros.
54:42And me?
54:43I'm the variable that doesn't fit.
54:45The distraction that showed up and threw everything off balance.
54:48Three years on a team that's never made it past Region X.
54:51Solid numbers, sure, but nothing remarkable.
54:53I love him.
54:54The realization crashes over me, sudden and devastating.
54:58And because I love him, I have to do the one thing that feels impossible.
55:06Together.
55:07The word blurs through the tears I refuse to let fall.
55:11Need some space.
55:12Focus on the championship.
55:14I'm fine.
55:21I think about the boy who came back for me after 10 years, and I wonder if I'm strong enough
55:26to let him go.
55:27I love him.
55:29That has to be enough.
55:30I love him.
55:32I love him.
55:33I love him.
55:34I love him.
55:38I love him.
55:38I love him.
55:38I love him.
55:38I love him.
55:38I love him.
55:39I love him.
55:39I love him.
55:40I love him.
55:40I love him.
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