Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 2

After the Game

The buzzer rang, signaling the end of the game. The gymnasium was filled with the wild roar of the crowd. Tristan stood at the top of the key, basketball in hand, chest heaving with every breath. His team had just won, and while the victory was sweet, it wasn't just the win that had his heart racing.

His gaze drifted toward the bleachers where Nathan sat, his figure a beacon in the sea of faces. Nathan was waving, his usual cool and collected self—perfectly dressed, his expression one of pride. Tristan's heart skipped a beat. The familiar sight of his best friend was all he needed to give him that extra push to secure the final points.

Nathan’s presence had always had this effect on him.

With a grin, Tristan gave a thumbs-up, then turned to his team, his energy revived. He could hear Nathan cheering him on, though the sound was drowned out by the chaos of the court. He focused on the game, his movements fluid, like a second wind had hit him, and in the final seconds, Tristan made the game-winning shot, a perfect three-pointer. The crowd erupted into applause, but Tristan barely heard them—his eyes were locked on Nathan, who was still grinning, his eyes full of pride.

The gym was alive with celebration, but as soon as the final whistle blew, Tristan was already jogging toward the locker room, his mind set on one thing.

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The Locker Room and Meeting Nathan

Tristan’s heart was still pounding in his chest, the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he hurried through the locker room, eager to get cleaned up. He needed to see Nathan. No matter how much the game had meant to him, seeing Nathan after the victory meant everything.

The shower was quick, the water rushing over him as he scrubbed away the sweat and tension from the game. His hands moved fast, his thoughts not fully on the soap or water but on Nathan—how he was waiting, how his smile always made things feel better, how no one else quite understood him like Nathan did.

When he finally stepped out, he quickly changed into his usual outfit: dark jeans, a fitted t-shirt that showed off his athletic frame, and his favorite leather jacket. His fingers fumbled with his laces as he tied his boots quickly, his thoughts consumed with the thought of Nathan still sitting there, waiting for him.

He didn’t even bother to check his reflection in the mirror. All he wanted was to find Nathan. He knew Nathan wouldn’t leave until he saw him, and that gave him an odd sense of relief.

When he walked out of the locker room, the gymnasium was almost empty. The once lively space was now quiet, save for the soft hum of the overhead lights. But there, sitting on the bleachers, was Nathan—exactly where Tristan knew he'd be.

Nathan didn’t move from his spot when Tristan approached, instead giving him that casual wave, the one that had become their own little greeting over the years.

“Damn, you took your time,” Nathan said, his voice teasing as he stood up to meet Tristan halfway. Their hands met in a quick, firm handshake before Nathan pulled him into a hug, his arms warm and strong around him.

“I had to clean up. You know how I am,” Tristan joked, pulling back slightly, his smile wide and genuine.

Nathan chuckled softly, the sound making Tristan’s chest tighten in the best way. “Yeah, you’re a freak about staying clean,” Nathan teased, his eyes glinting with fondness.

But then the teasing softened. Nathan’s smile turned into something warmer, something more meaningful. “I’m really glad you won. You were incredible out there.”

Tristan couldn’t hide the pride that swelled inside him. Nathan was the only person who mattered in moments like this. “You came for me, though. That meant more than the game. I’ve always known you’ve got my back, but tonight—” Tristan paused, his voice a little thick with emotion. “I don’t think I could have done it without knowing you were watching.”

Nathan’s expression softened, and for a moment, there was a quiet understanding between them, as if words weren’t even needed.

Tristan cleared his throat, shifting the mood. “Let’s hang out tonight, okay? I’ve missed it. Just you, me, the usual spot.”

Nathan’s eyes lit up, his smile broadening. “I’d like that. I’ve been meaning to catch up anyway.”

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The Usual Spot

The small diner they frequented had its usual cozy ambiance—the neon signs flickering softly outside, the smell of fries and burgers mixing in the air. It was familiar. It was theirs. No matter what was happening in their lives, this was the one place they could always count on to feel like home.

Tristan and Nathan slid into their booth, the comfort of their friendship settling around them like a warm blanket.

“So,” Tristan began, leaning back and casually swirling his straw in his cup, “have you figured it out yet? You know, about dating. Still hung up on Sherwood?”

Nathan didn’t immediately answer, his fingers drumming against his cup. His eyes were distant for a moment before they landed on Tristan, and when they did, it felt like a weight lifted from his shoulders.

“No,” Nathan said slowly, his voice more serious now, “I’ve got my eyes on someone else. Not Sherwood.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Someone else? Who’s the lucky guy?”

Nathan hesitated, looking down at his cup for a long moment. When he looked back at Tristan, his expression was vulnerable, honest. “It’s... complicated. I don’t really know how to explain it. I’ve been seeing Natasha. You know, Natasha Banks.”

“Yeah, I know,” Tristan said, shrugging. “She’s cute. You two have been... what? Hooking up?”

Nathan sighed, his gaze falling to the table. “It’s nothing serious. Just s*x, honestly. But I like her, I guess. It’s just... I don’t feel the way I want to feel. And I can’t ignore that there’s someone else in my head. Someone I can’t stop thinking about.”

Tristan raised his eyebrows, leaning closer, his voice quiet but encouraging. “Who? You don’t mean Sherwood, do you?”

Nathan shook his head. “No. It’s someone else. But... I don’t know if they even know. And I’m not sure what to do about it.”

Tristan’s smile softened, his gaze steady. “You can’t let fear stop you from going after what you really want. You’re too good for that, Nate. If this person means that much to you, you should make it happen.”

Nathan’s expression shifted, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if they don’t feel the same?”

“Then you’ll know. But if you don’t try, you’ll never find out.” Tristan’s voice was firm, but there was something else in it—genuine care, a desire to see Nathan happy, no matter what.

“I... I don’t know, man,” Nathan admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve been scared. Scared that it’ll mess everything up. But I can’t keep pretending I don’t want this. I can’t keep going through the motions.”

Tristan smiled softly, his eyes sincere. “Then go for it. Don’t hold back, man. Take a chance. You won’t regret it.”

Nathan looked at him, something in his eyes shifting—a mix of gratitude and determination. “Thanks, Tristan. I needed to hear that.”

The silence between them stretched for a moment before Tristan leaned back in the booth, crossing his arms with a teasing smile. “No problem. Besides, I’m the one who taught you how to chase what you really want. It’s about time you took my advice.”

Nathan laughed, a light sound that made Tristan’s heart flutter. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. But seriously, I’m gonna do it. I’m not backing down this time.”

Tristan gave him a nod of approval, his voice softening as he added, “You got this, Nate. You always do.”

Nathan’s gaze lingered on him for a second longer than usual, and in that moment, the bond they shared was clearer than ever. They might have been two completely different people, but they fit together—no matter the road ahead.

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