Chapter 76 76: Too Harsh An Act
The transition from the sweltering heat of the equipment room back to the clinical atmosphere of the rink felt like being doused in ice water. Baby smoothed his jersey, his heart still hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs as he forced his "Golden Boy" mask back into place.
"Coach! Over here," Baby called out, stepping into the hallway just as Nickel rounded the corner. He made sure to look slightly out of breath, as if he'd been searching for something in the back. "Just looking for some spare tape. What's up?"
Nickel stopped, squinting at Baby with that sharp, analytical gaze that made players crumble. "Tape? Right. Listen, the Consortium has arranged a promo shoot for tomorrow morning. They want you and Kross at the lake house at 6:00 AM. Authenticity, Danvers. That's the word of the day." He informed.
Baby nodded, his pulse still spiking. "6:00 AM. Got it. I'll tell Kross."
"See that you do. And tell him to look like he hasn't been dragged through a hedge backwards. You both look a bit... unkempt today," Nickel grumbled before turning on his heel.
Meanwhile, inside the equipment room, Saint remained leaning against the wall, his chest heaving. The silence of the small space felt heavy, still vibrating with the ghost of Baby's mouth through his pants. He closed his eyes, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of a shelf.
'We'll do this again.'
The promise was a physical weight. He waited until he heard Nickel's footsteps fade before he finally stepped out, his gaze immediately finding Baby across the locker room.
Baby was back with Cam, laughing at some joke, his posture easy and relaxed. But as Saint walked past him toward the showers, their eyes locked for a split second. It was a silent conversation—a shared memory of the heat they'd just barely escaped and a warning for the long, "authentic" day ahead of them.
"Baby, are you listening?" Cam asked, nudging Baby's shoulder.
"Sure, I'll text her. Of course—" he cleared his throat.
"Ah, since he's here, you should tell him about the lake house," Cam said, gesturing toward Saint.
"Right — you're right," Baby said, turning to face Saint.
"Um, hey, Kross," Baby called, trying to sound like his usual uncaring self.
Saint paused, turning to Baby, his eyes surprisingly devoid of their usual warmth.
"Yes, Danvers?" Saint answered, voice even.
Baby paused for a moment, trying to tell himself that Saint was just acting and not genuinely looking at him that way.
He realised he could no longer stand the cold, unfeeling side of Saint, not after seeing the warm, loving side of him.
"I don't have all day, Mr. Danvers. Talk, or I leave." He stated, arching a brow.
Baby blinked, nodding, "Yeah. About the lake house –"
"What about the lake house, Danvers? Quiet stalling and speak up," Saint cut him off, pushing a hand into his pocket.
"Can you just shut up and listen, scumbag?" Cam stepped in, glaring at Saint.
Baby paused, gritting his teeth, "It's fine, Cam," he placed his hand on Cam's shoulder, pinning Saint with a disapproving look.
"The consortium has arranged a promo shoot by 6. A. M tomorrow. Try not to be late, Saint." Baby muttered and walked away, pulling Cam with him.
The moment they stepped outside, his phone pinged with a message. He checked it and his fingers tightened around the phone.
Saint: \[Meet you at home?\]
Baby frowned, pushing his phone back into his pocket.
"God, that guy annoys me," Cam said as he unlocked the car's door.
Baby didn't respond, his mind was stuck on the way Saint had acted. He knew he said to stay in the shadows, but that was too harsh, even harsher than he used to be in the past.
He didn't appreciate that.
"Baby! Damn it!" Cam suddenly gripped Baby's shoulders and forced him to look at him.
"What?" Baby asked, confused.
Cam scoffed, "What? You space out more than a panda chewing a bamboo, you're jumpy, you suddenly can't stand up to Saint, and you are definitely hiding something from me. What are you hiding?" He asked sternly, not releasing Baby.
Baby blinked slowly, watching Cam's angry eyes, "Nothing." He said, stepping away from Cam's hold.
Cam chuckled, "Alright. I believe you, I mean, if there was ever anything, I'm sure you would tell me. That's why we're best friends... right?" He asked, his tone slightly sarcastic.
Baby sighed, looking around the busy campus, "Sure, Cam. You'll be the first to know," he answered.
"Great, hop in. You promised to visit Gracie with me," He opened the passenger door, pointing his thumb inside the car.
"Can we do it some other time? I have something –"
"Nope, she's expecting you already. You wouldn't want to disappoint her, right?" Cam asked.
Baby inhaled deeply, glancing at the sky, "I guess you're right" he muttered, entering the car.
The car ride to the family house felt like a slow crawl through a minefield. While Cam chatted about Gracie’s legendary apple pie, Baby sat in the passenger seat with his phone burning a hole in his pocket. He was caught between the guilt of lying to the man who called him "best friend" and the stinging memory of Saint’s cold, dismissal in the locker room.
Cam's family home was a sprawl of old-money architecture and manicured gardens. Gracie, a woman with silver hair and eyes that saw far too much, was waiting for them on the porch.
"I might believe you're not hiding anything, but Garcie won't. Wipe that look off your face and smile or face hours of interrogation," Cam said as he parked the car.
Baby glances at Cam, "I'm fine. But, thanks for the warning," he said, leaving the car.
His face was a mask of practiced perfect smile as he walked over to the old woman.
"Garcie, you look breath-taking as ever," He praised, leaning down to hug Garcie.
"Look at you, Danvers" she murmured as Baby hugged her.
She pulled back, her sharp eyes scanning the high collar of his shirt—the one he’d pulled tight to hide Saint’s handiwork. "You look like you're carrying the weight of the whole world on those athletic shoulders. Is that boy Kross giving you trouble? Can tells me a lot about him." She smiled.
Baby smiled, flashing Cam a threatening glare, "He did now? Ah, I see," he chuckled.
"Just the usual, Gracie," Baby lied, his voice sounding hollow to his own ears, "I can manage Kross just fine " he said, winking at her.
Gracie laughed, "Of course, dear. Come in, everyone, I've got food ready," she invited, leading Baby into the house
Inside, the house was filled with the warmth that Baby's life craved: family warmth.
Every corner, was filled with framed photos of Cam's genuinely happy family members who were present for each other; something Baby never had the luxury of witnessing.
"I would say make yourself at home, but you already did," Cam said, smiling at Baby who was already sitting on the sofa.
Baby nodded, waving Cam away.
As Cam headed to the kitchen to help with dinner, Baby finally pulled out his phone.
Baby: \[I’m at Cam’s. Going to be late. Don’t wait up.\]
Baby: \[And by the way? You’re a terrible actor. That 'shadow' act was a bit much.\]
He waited. Ten seconds. Thirty.
Saint: \[I was being 'Perfect Captain' as requested. You’re the one who walked away.\]
Saint: \[Cam was watching. I’m not letting him see me break for you in public, Baby. It’s too dangerous.\]
Baby stared at the screen, his chest tightening. Saint wasn't being cruel; he was being disciplined. He was protecting the very thing Baby had begged him to protect, and yet, it felt like a cold blade between his ribs.