Page 22 of Fresh Ice
Alonso sat in his stall, taking off his padding as the press questioned him and Levy.
“Despite the game-winning goal scored by your captain, it was your line that did all the hard work in the second to equalise the game. How does it feel to contribute to a game like that when you’re still rookies?” one of the media guys asked.
Alonso took the question. “Feels great. That’s all you really want when you’re out there—to be an asset for your team, somebody that they can depend on even when we’re trailing by four.”
“What about you, Emmett?” The journalist prodded.
Alonso watched as Levy passed a sleeve over his sweaty forehead, dark skin gleaming under the harsh lights of the locker room. “What Olive said, really.”
“What’s it like to see your line being so productive? For the two of you to have found such good chemistry so early on?”
Levy smiled, although it was a little muted. “I mean…I feel really lucky to be playing with Olive. I’m happy that we both got called up at the same time. It’s crazy to think that we might be here for most of our careers if we’re lucky—we’ll be doing it all together. It’s nice to feel like you’re not alone in this, you know? I mean, it’s been fun but stressful too, and having somebody there going through the exact same thing really helps.”
Alonso stared at the tape he was peeling off his socks, an awful lump lodged in his throat. Levy’s words were nothing more than a beautiful fantasy because of Alonso.
Alonso hadn’t been there for Levy. He was too preoccupied with himself to take Levy’s feelings into consideration.
The reporter turned to Alonso. “Is it the same for you?”
Alonso licked his lips, pausing before replying. “Honestly…Levy has been a much better teammate than I have. He’s fun, and funny, and makes sure I always know he’s there. Sounds soft, but…” Alonso shrugged. “I’m the lucky one, not him.”
Alonso could feel the truth of that statement in his chest like a burning brand. A pain that felt a lot like guilt.
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In the past week, Alonso had been grateful when Levy didn’t even look at him when they were home, but now it stung to see the effects of his own cowardice. Levy deserved to live with somebody who would match his natural enthusiasm instead of squashing it completely.
“Hey,” Alonso said tentatively.
Levy glanced at him. “Yeah? You okay?”
Alonso winced at Levy’s automatic concern. “Yeah. I just…I’m sorry. For how I’ve acted lately.”
The worry on Levy’s face fell away as he sighed. “It’s okay. I get there’s an adjustment period. Or, I mean, I hope it’s just an adjustment period and not how things are gonna be from now on.”
“It’s not. I’ve just…after my heat—I want to trust you, obviously, but—”
“I would have never done anything to you just because you were in heat. You have to know that,” Levy said, his voice genuine and hurt.
“I know. But…some things are bound to change now. It can’t be helped.”
Levy frowned. “Like what?”
Alonso tried to calm his pounding heart.
This wasn’t giving Levy ammunition, he reminded himself. Levy didn’t want to hurt him.
“I’m, you know, an Omega. And you’re attracted to Omegas. Not that you’re attracted tome, obviously, but it’s different, isn’t it?” It was natural for people to act a certain way towards those of a designation they were attracted to, internalised stereotypes coming to play.
“Well, I mean…” Levy seemed to struggle with something before blurting, “I’m actually also attracted to Alphas, not just Omegas.”
Alonso blinked in surprise. “Oh.”
“Yeah.” Levy ran his hand through his hair, curls separating under his fingers and bouncing up. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, I just didn’t know how you would take it—not that I think you’re homophobic or something, but—”
“Levy. It’s okay. Even if I were that type of person, I’m not exactly in a position to judge other people’s secrets, am I?” Maybe it was morally wrong, but Alonso felt a wave of relief.
He wasn’t the only one with something to hide.
