Rating:

Mature

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

M/M

Fandoms:

Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid

Relationship:

Cliff Marlow/Hayden Pike

Characters:

Cliff Marlow, Hayden Pike

Additional Tags:

Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, No Jackie Pike/Hayden Pike, Bisexual Hayden Pike, Bisexual Cliff Marlow, POV Alternating, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Demisexual Hayden Pike, Out of Character

Language:

English

Stats:

Published: 2026-02-09 Completed: 2026-03-16 Words: 5,226 Chapters: 3/3

I Fell in Love with the Fire Long Ago

Summary

Cliff Marlow and Hayden Pike had only interacted at the Hollander-Rozanov wedding in the sense of one best man talking to another. So why is it, that a year later, Hayden is heading to Marlow's hotel room?

Notes

Title comes from Would That I by Hozier

I've been reading fanfic for years and I've never had an itch to write a word for any fandom I've been in. There is something about Heated Rivalry that has taken over my brain in a way that makes no sense. Then here comes this pair, which I never even thought about. The first fic I read for them was puck and pretend by sorryuser. This isn't so much inspired by that fic, more so that this fic would not exist if it wasn't for their writing!

This is some kind of AU where Jackie and Hayden aren't together, there is no cheating in this fic.

I'll gladly take any constructive criticism (as long as you're polite about it <3)

AI can rot in hell, I would never and will never use it, and it will never go near anything I write.

Chapter 1

Chapter Notes

Cliff Marlow locked eyes with Hayden Pike and came to two conclusions. One, the realization that he had not talked to Pike since Rozy's wedding and two, Pike looked just as attractive under the strobe lights inside the bar as he did in his suit at the wedding.

He made his way across the floor to the wall Pike was leaning against, keeping an eye on who was around when he approached. He broke into a grin as he spoke, "Pike."

Pike nodded, looking up at Cliff. "Marlow. Fancy seeing you here." His eyes crinkled with a hint of mischief. "Come here often?"

It stunned Cliff into a round of boisterous laughter. Who knew Pike had a sense of humor in him? He wondered if he could get an edge over him with this line of conversation and tried to think of a follow up that would get Pike laughing just as hard. "Not particularly, usually I come at home but we could change that tonight."

Waiting for a laugh, it surprised him when Pike's eyes widened and his cheeks flushed. It wasn't the outcome he was anticipating but it shifted the tone on he thought the night would go. Cliff had imagined that it would have been an easy night, getting to know Pike and appreciating his looks while expecting nothing from it. He tracked the lovely shade of pink spreading from Pike's cheeks to his ears and decided to take the risk.

"My hotel is right around the corner. Room 1528." He slid his extra keycard into Pike's empty hand, watching as his fingers quickly closed around the plastic. "Wait an hour then head over." Cliff backed out of Pike's space, watching his face for any sign of discomfort.

"If you don't want this, I won't be offended. This offer doesn't change a thing between us if you turn it down. You're still going to be the best friend of my best friend's husband and we will get along for their sake, if anything." He needed Pike to know that the ball was in his court and that there would be no hard feelings if he decided to not use the card. Pike's jaw tightened and something flashed in his eyes. Cliff watched as he gave a quick nod and turned his head.

"Yep. Got it." Pike muttered. His voice barely wavered and there was no indication of which way the night would go. Cliff took a step back, ready to leave for the hotel.

He didn't know how to end the conversation so he continued the momentum, turning around to walk out of the bar. Cliff went to the drugstore around the corner, buying a packet of condoms and a bottle of lube. Heading up to his room, he knew that if Pike actually showed up, there was a good chance of something happening between them. The thought of how it could change their interactions in the future crossed his mind, but he wanted to wait and see what happened before chasing that thought. Letting himself in, he tossed the checkout bag on the nightstand and went to shower.

Hayden Pike did not do casual. He knew what his teammates got up to on nights out, heard all about their so called conquests when they were bragging about it in the locker room. He wasn't opposed to sex, in fact he loved it, but the thought of fucking a stranger was such a turn off. It was hard enough being bi on a team like the Voyageurs. When Shane had finally come out to him, it was such a relief that he didn't even care about Shane being with Rozanov. Okay, so he did care, especially because it was Rozanov, but knowing he wasn't alone overpowered his feelings about Shane's arch-rival.

He and Shane had a long conversation after that, where they were able to talk about what it was like being closeted while being a professional hockey player. Hayden knew that he had it a bit easier, since his last public partner had been a woman, but having to hide past boyfriends just got worse as his fame rose. To be on Shane's level of famous while being gay? His heart hurt for his friend.

Hayden had been single and practically celibate by the time Shane and Rozanov's wedding came around. It was more by choice than anything, he was sick of Grindr and the sheer number of dick pics he was sent. It didn't help seeing the reaction of the NHL and fans after the two of them went public with their relationship. Yes, there was a ton of support, but the behind the scenes homophobia pushed back his plans for also coming out.

Being surrounded by players and people who were there to support Shane and Rozanov had brought tears to his eyes during his best man speech. He still wasn't ready to be out publicly but he felt a sense of relief that he could potentially come out to more people privately.

During the reception, Hayden had ended up alone at his table. He was surprised when Marlow had walked up to him but thought nothing of it, just one best man talking to another best man. Looking back, he couldn't recall the details of what they had talked about. He hadn't been drinking yet by that point, but the conversation had been so mundane that it wasn't worth remembering. The only thing that Hayden had remembered afterward was that Marlow was more attractive up close and off the ice. It was just his luck to be thinking about another hockey player that way, but nothing would come of it. Nothing could come of it. For all he knew Marlow was straight, and even if he was gay, there was no way someone like Marlow would be interested in someone like him. Besides, Hayden was not about to be another Voyageur having sex with someone from the Bears.

Seeing Marlow at the bar had been unexpected. It had been over a year since the wedding and things weren't any better on the team, even after Shane left for the Centaurs. Hayden had just wanted a night out for himself, a chance to try and unwind and forget about his worries. He didn't know why Marlow was in town, let alone why he was at the same bar, so he tried not to think about it. That plan was shattered by Marlow catching his eye and walking towards him.

Hayden wasn't drunk, he had had only a couple of beers, but it was enough for him to feel at ease. He thought he could take a chance at flirting with Marlow, playing it off as silly banter if it went poorly. He treated it as a chirp, expecting some kind of chirp in response, but Marlow's reply had shocked him. He knew he was blushing and he couldn't help but stare back as he tried to listen to the words coming out of his mouth. He also couldn't help the fact that he was tightly gripping the hotel card, watching Marlow walk away.

The sounds in the bar seemed to rush back in as Hayden stared at the card. Surely it was some kind of prank. A joke? But at the same time, Marlow had stood by Rozanov at the wedding. Shane never had anything bad to say about the guy, and he knew that if there had been any kind of animosity, Shane would have been the first to tell him.

He closed out his tab and walked outside. Hayden did not do casual. It didn't matter that he was already turned on by Marlow's actions inside, he didn't do hookups and he didn't sleep with hockey players. He unlocked his phone to order a ride but hesitated, thinking about how soft Marlow had sounded when he affirmed that nothing had to happen. It didn't seem like a joke when he thought back over what was said, realizing that he held the power for how this night would go. Hayden Pike, self-proclaimed king of no hookups, rubbed his fingers across the card in his pocket. He heaved a sigh and turned towards the hotel, not knowing if it would be good or bad idea.

Chapter End Notes

In a sense, the way Hayden views and interacts with hooking up with a stranger is taken directly from my own brain. I'm demisexual and demiromantic, and the idea of not only meeting a stranger at a bar, but then going home and having sex with that stranger makes no sense to me. I wanted to use that train of thought with Hayden, while also mixing in the idea that he doesn't know yet that he falls into the category of demisexual.

Imagine Hayden in this universe being closeted and surrounded by men constantly talking about the women they're having sex with. I could see him truly believing that the reason he doesn't like having sex with strangers is because it doesn't feel safe, given that anyone he sleeps with could turn around and sell their story to the press. The thought of adding a label wouldn't come up unless someone pointed it out for him (this totally didn't happen with me, nope)

Chapter 2

Chapter Notes

I went back and forth on this for a bit because it became very dialogue heavy but oh well. Hope you enjoy!

Cliff opened the bathroom door right as he heard the beep of the lock. Looking up, he held his breath as the front door opened and Pike walked in, flipping the deadbolt once the door was closed. Pike hadn't noticed him yet, which meant Cliff was able to watch as he leaned his head against the door and started taking deep breaths. He meant it when he said that this was up to Pike, he wasn't going to say a word until Pike turned around or spoke first. As that thought crossed his mind, he heard Pike speak up. "I can hear you, you know, your breathing isn't that quiet."

"Wasn't trying to hide, just wanted to give you a moment to yourself." Cliff gripped his towel and walked over to the bed, sitting down and trying to act casual.

Pike took another deep breath and turned around, eyes widening slightly when he looked at Cliff. "Why are you naked?"

"I'm not naked, I have a towel on."

"Same thing."

"I took a shower and I was coming out here to grab my boxers when you opened the door. I didn't want it to look like I was coming towards you in just a towel so I kind of froze." Cliff was being honest, he didn't want to lie and he didn't want to make Pike uncomfortable. He watched as he started to take a step towards the bed but hesitated, putting his foot back down as he stayed still. He wanted to speak up, to reassure him, but something told him that Pike was the one who needed to say something first. He waited, leaning back on his hands and just looking up at the man before him.

"I don't sleep with hockey players."

That wasn't what he was expecting to hear. Cliff frowned a little, realizing that the night wasn't going to go in the direction he thought it would. As he was trying to think of what to say, Pike spoke again.

"I don't do hookups. I don't know how to be casual with someone. If I'm being honest, I don't actually know why I'm here, since it's obvious you're expecting us to fuck." Pike sighed and looked down. "There's a part of me that wants to walk out of this room and never speak of this again. But there's also a part of me that wants to know what you're hiding under that towel."

Cliff sucked in his breath at that last sentence as he thought back over what he just heard. If Pike didn't do hookups and he didn't know how to be casual, did he come here wanting more? Was something more on the table? He needed to ask. "If you don't want to be casual, and you don't want a one night stand, do you want more than that?"

Pike's eyes shot up, making eye contact for the first time since he entered the room. "Are you…do you…huh?" He was cute when he was flustered. Cliff filed that knowledge away for future use.

"I'm asking if you want to sleep with me and if you want it to be more than a hookup. More than something casual."

"What, like a relationship?"

"If it leads to that, sure. Why not?"

Cliff noticed as Pike's breathing picked up. He didn't want to scare him by making any sudden movements so he slowly stood up, reaching a hand out to gently grab Pike's arm. "Nothing has to happen tonight. Nothing has to happen at all if you don't want it to. If you want to talk about this, stay. We can talk. Get to know each other. If you came to say your peace and leave, you can leave. You control where we go from here. "

Pike looked up at him and nodded his head. His eyes drifted down towards the towel. "If we're going to talk, you need to put clothes on or I'll just keep picturing you naked."

Cliff chuckled and let go of his arm, walking over to his suitcase to grab clothes. "Fair enough. Sit down, I'll go change." He walked back to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. With the door shut, he leaned back and took a few deep breaths. He surprised himself over the offer to be more than casual. He hadn't been expecting much, hoping for more, sure, but he thought it would be a quick fuck and then stilted conversations in the future when they inevitably had to see each other. There was something about Pike though, something that called to him and said that there could be more to him than just a fling.

Hayden sucked in his breath once he heard the door shut. He was imagining things, there was no way he just heard Marlow say that they could be more than casual. He wanted to actually talk about this and he wasn't kicking him out. The last time he had tried hooking up with a guy, he broke down once their clothes were off. The guy had seemed attractive right up until they were both naked and Hayden couldn't get into it, resulting in being laughed at and practically thrown out.

Just as he was about to start spiraling on that train of thought, the bathroom door opened, Marlow walking out in a comfy looking pair of sweats and a baggy t-shirt. Marlow? Did he have to call him Cliff now? Should he call him Cliff? Steeling his resolve, he walked forward, sticking his hand out.

"If we're going to talk, I want to talk as strangers getting to know each other, not hockey players getting to know each other." He watched Marlow's face for any warning signs. Seeing none, he continued, "Hayden. Nice to meet you." He kept his arm out, trying not to flinch as he waited to see how he reacted.

Marlow reached out and shook his hand. "Cliff. It's nice to meet you too." He had a small grin on his face as he looked down at Hayden. "Now what?"

Hayden shivered at the touch of Cliff's hand in his. Without letting go, he walked over to the bed and sat down, pulling Cliff with him. "I think it would be easier to talk sitting down." He started fidgeting with his free hand, wondering how he was meant to explain why he was there despite not wanting to go further. "Is it okay if I get all my thoughts out, without being interrupted?"

Cliff nodded, rubbing his thumb across the back of Hayden hand. "I won't say a word until you tell me I can."

He was so fucked. There was no way that the man in front of him was being so kind while getting nothing in return. Hayden knew he had a habit of overthinking, he had to start talking before he got trapped in his head.

"I love sex. Like, really and truly, sex is amazing. The issue is that when it comes to having sex with someone I don't know, I just. I can't do it. I've tried, believe me, I've tried. I've been on dates, I've flirted with people, I've sexted strangers, hell, I've sent nudes to strangers. But the second I realize that sex is actually on the table with someone, it's as if I've taken a vow of celibacy and will never get hard again. And I know that sounds ridiculous. I've had sex with people! A lot of people."

He heard Cliff snort softly. "Okay, a handful of people, and they were friends first, but the past few years I've realized that I might not have actually enjoyed it as much as I thought I did. I was viewing sex as a performance I needed to put on, rather than actually being in the moment." Hayden took in a shuddering breath, realizing he hadn't said this out loud to anyone but his therapist.

"I think a big part of it was that I thought certain things were expected of me. I'm a hockey player, I should be confident in the bedroom, I should know what I want, I should be able to take control and anticipate all of my partner's needs, while also making it clear that I'm enjoying it. Hell, looking back, I can't believe I didn't realize I was acting so much. Everything was about who I was with, it wasn't about me, and that wasn't healthy." God, what was it about Cliff that made him feel safe to share these things.

"I've only slept with a couple people since my last relationship and the last time I did anything with someone was years ago. He didn't respect my boundaries and he didn't listen to what I wanted. I keep telling myself that it was just one bad experience, that shouldn't mean that I stop trying, but when I tried going home with a guy a few years later, I couldn't get out of my head once our clothes were off." He scoffed, hating how it felt like he was back in that moment. "I haven't done much since then. Outside of apps and shitty dates. But then for some reason, this guy I sort of know approaches me at the bar. He flirts and it is so obvious he wants to have sex with me. I should avoid that. I normally avoid that. Except for some reason, I follow him back to his hotel room."

Hayden felt tears welling up and tried everything in his power to hold them back. "For some reason, he listens to me. He respects the boundaries I set without question. And he hasn't stopped holding my hand the entire time I've been talking." He looked down at where their fingers were interlocked, watching as Cliff kept stroking the back of his hand. "It scares me. This feels safe. You feel safe. But in spite of all of that, I don't want to have sex with you. Yet. I think I would like to. I would like to see where this goes. But I don't know you, I know Marlow, forward for the Boston Bears. I don't know Cliff. I would like to know Cliff first before anything else." Hayden stopped. It was like a weight was off his shoulders, being able to share everything with someone he wasn't paying to listen.

He almost didn't want to hear what Cliff had to say, what if everything he had shared scared him off? At the same time, Hayden had been through too much therapy and he knew better, he knew that this kind of communication was necessary from the start if there was going to be anything between them in the future. Cliff deserved to have the full truth in his hands and if he chose to walk away, then so be it. "That's all. You can say something now, if you want."

Cliff watched Hayden's face the entire time he spoke. He felt the small twitches in his hand while he shared the details of his sex life, almost like he was making a point of not pulling his hand back. Cliff never had an issue with picking someone up at a bar and taking them home. If anything, that experience is how they had ended up in his room in the first place. He couldn't relate, but for now, he wanted to reassure Hayden.

"I want you to know that I think you are very brave for sharing all of that and being so open about it. I won't lie and say that I understand, I have some questions if you're up for it, but you need to know that there's nothing wrong with you for feeling that way." Hayden sharply inhaled at that. He gripped his hand just a bit tighter before nodding. "It sounds like you need some kind of connection with someone in order to want to have sex with them. Does that sound accurate?"

He knew that Hayden was a bit stumped by the question, as it took a minute before he replied. "Where did you come from, how are you able to figure that out from a five minute conversation when none of my therapists could give me any real advice about sex?" Cliff held back a giggle, waiting for Hayden to fully answer the question. "Huh. All of my relationships were with people I was friends with first and almost every person I've had sex with was also a friend first. Am I meant to be hooking up with my friends, is that the issue?"

Cliff couldn't hold back, laughing at the horrified look on Hayden's face. "I'm not laughing at you, I swear, your reaction is just very cute. It doesn't sound like it's just a matter of being friends though, I doubt you've had sex with every single person you've been friends with. Right?"

"Right. No, you're right, it's only been with certain friends. It's like I have all these people in my life and then suddenly I wake up and suddenly want to have the messiest sex with one of them. I just thought that was my brain catching up to my dick. Is that not normal?"

"I wouldn't say it's about being normal, what's normal for me wouldn't be normal for you. Maybe you need to know someone first before having sex with them, nothing wrong with that." Cliff quickly went through hypothetical scenarios in his head, all titled 'How to Fall in Love with Hayden Pike without Scaring Him Away,' before landing on the safest option. "I would like to be your friend. If that leads to sex, great. If that leads to a relationship, even better. I will go at your pace, and if your pace says you want to remain friends, that's okay."

Hayden froze, looking deep in thought. After the silence started to hedge towards becoming awkward, he spoke. "I would like to be your friend too. I'm not making any promises on this," he gestured between them, "going somewhere. But I think I would like for it to. I just won't know till my brain tells me.

Cliff meant it, if all he got was friendship, that would be okay. Oh, but how he wanted more. Seeing Hayden so raw and exposed as he shared his thoughts did something to Cliff. He wanted to know everything about Hayden Pike, from the good to the bad. The realization that he would go to the ends of the earth for someone he barely knew should've scared him. The fact it didn't scare him should have freaked him out. All he felt was peace at the knowledge that he would get to share part of his life with Hayden and it didn't matter what they became. Hayden would remain in his life with any path they followed.

Chapter End Notes

I tentatively have 8 total chapters planned. That will likely change, as I have not even started chapter 3 aside from an outline.

I stopped working on this after becoming obsessed with Pork Hollander. Also because I got stuck on how to wrap up this chapter. The dialogue started to feel like too much but I wanted them to have clear communication from the beginning. I have a love/hate relationship with the miscommunication tag and I landed on not adding that here.

Chapter 3

Chapter Notes

Cliff and Hayden stayed up talking for the rest of the night and came to an agreement. They would start out as friends with the acknowledgement that it might not lead somewhere else. Hayden would be in control the entire time and it was up to him to inform Cliff if anything changed. Neither of them wanted to hide from their family and friends but they both agreed to not be too public about it. If the internet started asking questions, they already knew the perfect excuse for how they became friends but it only took one internet stalker to blow things out of proportion.

Cliff surprised himself with the growing want for Hayden. Seeing the other man be vulnerable had triggered something in him and he knew that he would do anything to keep Hayden in his life. He was lucky to have Hayden as a friend and he was content with that, even if they never became more.

September

Cliff

I want to know what your current special interest is

Hayden

You really don't

Cliff

I do!

Hayden

Promise you won't make fun of me?

Cliff

Promise, I will never make fun of you

Hayden

Okay, you know Legally Blonde?

Cliff

The movie or the musical?

Hayden

Fuck I could kiss you right now, you know about the musical??

Cliff

Duh, it's better than the movie

Hayden

*screaming into my pillow

anyways

Christian Borle originated the role of Emmett, right?

Cliff

Right

Hayden

So there's talk of the show making a comeback, and that has people talking, since sometimes they'll bring back the original cast for smaller roles as a nod to the actor

If they do a revival, AND they want to bring back original cast, Christian Borle absolutely needs to be cast as Calahan

Cliff

I see the vision and raise you

Hayden

?

Cliff

Laura Bell Bundy as Paulette

Hayden

Your brain is amazing

October

Hayden

Can I be real with you?

Cliff

Always:

Hayden

I know I should be excited with the start of the season but this team is really starting to drag me down

Cliff

Still that bad?

Hayden

If anything they've become worse. It's been almost a year and a half since the wedding, Shane hasn't been on the team for almost two years, and he still lives rent free in their heads

Cliff

Are they still being homophobic about it or is it more about the rivalry and lying?

Hayden

100% homophobic

Cliff

Are you safe?

Hayden

For now. They mostly ignore me since I still talk to Shane

Cliff

They don't know that you're bi?

Hayden

Nope, and until I can leave, I would prefer to keep it that way

Cliff

You're going to leave?

Hayden

My contract is up next year

I want to request a trade but things on the ice are rough and I don't trust that they have my interests in mind

Cliff

UFA?

Hayden

That's my current plan, I just hope I make it that far

Cliff

You've got this. Any team would be lucky to have you

Hayden knew he was in crisis mode. Cliff had been texting regularly since that night at the hotel and he kept his promise. Their texts never strayed into anything sexual and a potential relationship had not been brought up. Hayden understood it was on him to take the next step, but he was struggling with what exactly that step could be.

Cliff was fun to talk to and it felt easy having conversations with him. Hayden slowly came to terms with the thought of dating Cliff, or at least having more than a platonic friendship with him. Sex didn't seem like something on the table yet, but Hayden could picture himself kissing Cliff. He needed to share the revelation with Cliff without doing so over text. Picking up his phone, he hit the call button next to Cliff's name.

"Hey you," Cliff answered. Two little words and Hayden already had butterflies.

"Hi hi. How's your day going?

"Not so bad. Practice was tough this morning. Better now that we're talking."

That was the line. Hayden could jump in right there and make his point then move on. He wasn't afraid of being rejected, but the possibility that Cliff had changed his mind scared him. They were both adults and they could have an adult conversation about this. Right?

"You're such a sweet talker. Actually, that's kind of what I'm calling about."

"About me being a sweet talker? You called just to hear me whisper sweet nothings in your ear, didn't you?"

"Haha, very funny. Not exactly. Okay. So. You know how—I mean—fuck this is hard."

"Break it down step by step. Start at the beginning."

Cliff would be the death of him. It would be on all the headlines by the afternoon, 'Hayden Pike Dead from Reassurance.' Taking a deep breath, Hayden knew it was now or never.

"Do you remember in the hotel room, how you made it clear that the ball was in my court?"

"Of course, zero pressure for anything."

"Okay so I might have come to a realization the past few days and it's a bit scary but you deserve to know."

"That doesn't sound ominous at all."

"No! No, it's not a bad thing, I promise. Ahh, I'm fucking this up already. Okay, look, I still don't know where I stand on having sex with you. It doesn't gross me out or anything, but—just—not yet. However, I can't stop thinking about you in my free time. You've been so lovely whenever we talk and I find myself wanting more of that. Actually, you'll say something super sweet and all I can think about is kissing you senseless."

"Go on."

"So I think I'm saying that I would be open to being in a relationship. With you. Dating you. Kissing and stuff. But no sex. If that makes sense?" Hayden held his breath waiting for a reply. Sharing his thoughts was scary but waiting to hear how Cliff felt was somehow worse.

"I want to make sure I understand you, okay? You're saying that you are open to dating me. This would include kissing and stuff, which we will need to break down what stuff means, but no sex. Yet. Is that correct?"

"Yeah, you've got it."

"And sex is off the table. Is this permanent or still up in the air?"

"I don't know. It could be permanent. It could change tomorrow. I wish I had a better answer than that but I don't. I'm sorry, I know that-" Hayden was interrupted.

"No, do not apologize for standing up for yourself and making things clear. Open communication is the only way something like this would work, okay? I'm proud of you for being able to say what's on your mind, that's not a bad thing."

He could fall in love with Cliff. It would be so easy to love a man who supported him without question.

"So. What does this mean? For us?"

"The first thing is that you want to be in a relationship with me. Lucky for you, I want to be in a relationship with you. That means the second thing is determining where we go for our first date."

"First date?"

"Yes, date. Are you comfortable going somewhere public or would you prefer something at one of our homes?"

"I would be okay with public if it's discreet. Not that I want to hide you!"

"Don't worry, I know that's not what you're doing. It's a matter of protecting yourself from your team. We could either plan for something when our schedules line up or I could fly out to you."

"You would do that?"

"Of course, I want to see my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend, huh?"

Hayden couldn't stop himself from giggling. It felt surreal to hear someone call themselves his boyfriend, without having it feel like it needed to be whispered, as if someone was listening in on the conversation.

"Okay then, Mr. Boyfriend. I would like to see you before whatever game is next, so how about you fly up here, and next time I'll fly down there?"

"Deal."

Chapter End Notes

I feel content with where this ended up. I know I said I have more for this but having it end here feels good.

I don't quite feel comfy writing smut just yet but if at any point in the future I feel ready, I'll make this a series, with the second part being smut. My vision for them is that as they date and continue to get to know each other, Hayden has a moment of "Oh fuck, I want to climb him like a tree" sort of thing. I don't know enough about hockey to know if it makes sense for Hayden to go to Boston or for one of them to retire and follow the other to whatever team. So headcanon away with that!