Hearts on Ice

That Look.

The walk back was quiet…like they couldn't quite understand what had happened. They weren't sure if the coach had seen them or not but they kept hoping he didn't. Lukas coughed, to break the tension.

“My place or yours…?”

Viktor giggled, “you just know how to put me at ease.” He exhaled loudly, “yours” then a pause followed.

“I like your bed better” and that earned a huff from Lukas…not quite a laugh but still better than nothing.

They both continued in the same direction. The evening sky was stunning, drawing their attention. The air was warm and the trees danced softly, the sky was orange fading into blue.

Viktor tilted his head up at the sky then at Lukas but noticed he was already staring, eyes fixed on the sky. Birds chirped and flew around but they walked back admiring the view. Their first walk back together, beautiful as they knew.

And for a second, Viktor caught himself staring at Lukas…watching how his expression softened without knowing and how he reminded him of the little version of himself…less uptight and guarded.

“... you do that a lot…” Viktor murmured.

Lukas kept looking at the sky. “Do what?”

“Get lost in your thoughts…” and Lukas didn't answer but he didn't deny it also.

By the time they got to his place, they barely said anything to each other before Viktor dropped to his bed still fully clothed, face first…like all the weight had suddenly caught up to him. Lukas stood there watching him like he didn't quite understand what had just happened.

“Volkov…”

No response so he stepped closer.

“Viktor?” Still no response. He let out a quiet sigh as he reached down to his shoulder and tapped it a bit,

“C'mon.” Still nothing. “Are you ignoring me?” But then he kept quiet and heard his quiet snores. It hit him then, he wasn't ignoring him, he had blacked out.

Lukas exhaled slowly, running his hand through his hair, as he squatted beside the bed. Up close, it was easier to see him. Viktor's breathing had deepened, his mouth wasn't quite closed and there was slight tension in his sleeping body. It was fine until he noticed them. He frowned as his hands reached for Viktor's.

There were faint marks, dozens of them on his arms…like small white bruises.

“When did you get these…” He asked but no response and Lukas didn't ask again.

He moved carefully and precisely after that. Slowly and quietly, helping him up for him to sit to pull up his jacket, then his shirt and pants. He wasn't rushed or careless, he didn't want to wake him up. He was gentle in a way that he didn't think about too much.

He paused for a moment before grabbing one of his shirts. It looked too big for Viktor and it was. It drooped down his shoulder, hanging loosely around him and Lukas stared. He looked at him longer than necessary then shook it off. He moved around the room, changing his clothes before dropping on the bed. Shirtless and tired and for a long while, there was nothing but quiet and they were both drawn into the night.

They were out for a while only for Viktor to move. He shifted slightly, eyes opening slowly like he wasn’t fully awake yet and his gaze landed on Lukas who was right beside him. He blinked slowly then reached out to him, as though confirming he actually exists. His fingers brushed lightly against Lukas’s face, tracing slowly like he was making sure he wasn't a dream.

Lukas didn't react then Viktor leaned in slightly, pressing a kiss on his cheek and that did it. Lukas hands moved immediately, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him even closer. This time, their lips met deeper and slower…not rushed and desperate. Viktor melted right into it easily as one hand rested on Lukas chest. The kiss stretched long enough to leave things behind, things unsaid.

When they pulled back, neither of them spoke. Their eyes stayed locked and their breathing in sync.

“You're awake…” Viktor murmured.

“Clearly.”

Viktor laughed, “how long was I asleep?”

“Almost an entire day. It's evening again and we have a meeting.” Viktor sighed slightly and they stayed together longer than they planned to.

“I need to shower so coach doesn't kill me” Lukas pulled away, sitting up.

“Yeah, we need to shower.” Viktor said in a mischievous tone.

“Of course you do.” Lukas said as Viktor followed him around.

The shower was quieter than expected…not tense like they both expected. Just…light. Water was running, soft laughter here and there, small splashes and stolen kisses but nothing serious or heavy and for once, they weren’t thinking about anything else.

By the time they left the apartment, the mood had settled into something easier. Something almost normal but it didn’t last. The team meeting was already in started when they arrived. Most of the players were there already, talking, waiting and sitting in groups.

Lukas walked in first then, Viktor behind him and that’s when it started. Not obvious or loud…just looks that judged them. Sam leaned over to someone beside him, whispering something under his breath another the player snorted quietly.

“Captain,” someone called out casually, “you were really focused today.”

Lukas didn’t react or even look in their direction.

“Yeah,” another added, a grin slipping through. “Especially on Volkov.”

That made Viktor pause slightly where he stood awkwardly. Lukas sat down…calm and uninterested or at least, that’s what it looked like. Viktor took a seat across from him avoiding staying beside him, not too close but not far either.

And somehow…that distance felt louder than anything else.

He was wearing Lukas’s hoodie..too big. The sleeves covering part of his hands and people noticed and spoke

“Damn,” Sam muttered just loud enough, eyes flicking between them.

“Didn’t know we were sharing wardrobes now.”

A few quiet laughs followed, Lukas still didn’t respond but Viktor could feel it.

That look…the one Lukas kept giving unconsciously. The one that was too long and focused…just too much. Their eyes met once, then again…and again and they both didn't look away immediately.

Sam leaned in, shaking his head slightly.

“Y'all are like a married couple.” Then a slight pause. “Weird.”

The silence that followed wasn't peaceful, more people had started noticing them…and they knew.