Goalie nesting thought otd: (an alternate scenario to the โJake wonโt stop teasing Mars about nestingโ situation)
Ilmari is fed up with Jake teasing him about nesting. Heโs used to Jakeโs constant teasing. Why is it affecting him this much now?
Theyโre walking back to the car they shared to practice this morning when Jake tries to hold Ilmariโs hand /again/. Mars rips his hand away from Jake without a word and immediately knows heโs hurt the defensemanโs feelings. Jake doesnโt even say anything. They get in the car silently, and, to his surprise Ilmari feels a tear run down his cheek.
โWait, why are you crying?โ Jake says accusatorially. He almost immediately softens when Mars covers his face with his hands and lets out a soft sob. โHey buddy itโs ok, you donโt have to hold my hand, I didnโt mean to make you uncomfortable. I donโt know why itโs such a hard adjustment for me after nesting with youโฆโ Ilmari interrupts Jakeโs apology
โStop bringing up my nestingโ Ilmari almost shouts at Jake. They both fall silent. Jake knows Mars well enough to know his thought isnโt finished. After waiting a few seconds, sure enough, Mars continues โI canโt control how I nest. It made me vulnerable. I donโt know why I allowed you to see that side of me. I rarely nest, and I typically do so alone.โ
There are still tears in Marsโ eyes. Jake speaks as gently as possible. โDid you ever think that you needed me to see that side of you? That your subconscious wanted to be vulnerable with me?โ Mars isnโt interrupting so Jake takes that as his cue to continue, more confidence in his voice now โIโm not expecting you to turn into a teddy bear overnight Mars, but I do think youโve been holding back when it comes to physical affection. Snuggling with me doesnโt make me think you want to fuck me, ok? Itโs just another way to communicate with each other. Another way for us to get closer as a team.โ Even with Ilmariโs eyes trained down on his feet, Jake can see the cogs turning in his head.
โI donโt like pda.โ Mars says matter of fact
โStop trying to hold me hand in public.โ
โSure, I can stop that. Especially if I can hold your hand in private?โ Jake asks with hope in his voice, lighting the mood.
Ilmari huffs out a wet laugh, still recovering from crying โyes, you can hold my hand in private.โ
โCan I play with your hair?โ Jake asks tentatively
Mars finally looks up to make eye contact with Jake. Jake is surprised by the warmth there. Mars takes a few seconds, just holding eye contact. Both of them feel the remaining tension leave the car, replaced with care. Jake is surprised by what Mars asks next โonly if I can play with your hair too?โ
Jake knows that couldnโt have been easy for him to say so heโs careful with his response โof course you can buddy, any timeโ
Mars reaches out to take Jakes hand and squeezes it once. โLetโs go homeโ
