On thin ice

I'M NOT VERY BIG ON CONFRONTATION BUT JULES INSISTED I DID THIS.

It might also be the last time I ever take her advice. Honestly I might laugh next time she makes a suggestion but in her defense she wouldn't have told me to do so had it not put me in such an awkward position.

I'd initially planned on coming to drop off lunch for Elijah so he could have it after training. Jules being in the sporting demographic was quite aware of the system in place for something like this so I knew where and what time to come. All I had to do was leave this insulated lunch-bag in the lockerooms but they were locked so instead, I've found myself here.

Right in front of the entrance to the ice like a stupid little girl watching her boyfriend press against the boarder to talk to the very person that's been keeping her up at night. Bethany Hilton, why would she be here? I have no clue but it seems like their conversation if quite interesting. Good for her.

The ice is cleaned by staff after each session and her team is only necessary for games. For her reason to be here, it's non existent. But it seems important as she's got herself whispering through the boarder to him and his coach is oddly enough not screaming at him to get back on track.

Today was supposed to be one of his first training sessions on the ice. Second to be exact, he failed to mention the first to me since he'd been with Bethany. Must've slipped his mind.

Noticing me, I'm quick to look away from him. He's last to pick up on my unwarranted appearance of course since he's preoccupied. The rest of his team noticed and quickly turned to him, knowing why I would be here. A few of which physically cringe or avoid my eye once they too realize what I've seen.

That's a bit embarrassing. "Is there anything you need?" Who I assume is their coach has now completely redirected all attention to me. Not that everyone hadn't noticed me during their drill runs already.

"Oh! Ath—" I watch as Elijah lifts cluelessly himself off the glass. Almost as if he wants to get to me, it really gets to me that he's the only one not training. No instead he's giggling about I don't fucking know with Becks.

"I came to give something to Jaiden!" I rush out. I almost feel bad because both him and Elijah freeze, though I don't see the expression on his face (because I don't exactly want to look at him), I do in fact see panic flash on Jaiden's face for a split second when his eyes drop to the bag in my hands.

Inside of which is a three layer bento box—in the largest compartment I'd set a layer of rice, topped with Harissa Grilled Chicken on one side and two beef skewers stacked with capsicum and onions on the other side. To further embarrass myself, the second compartment was filled with as many prawn and spicy noodle rice paper rolls I could fit next to a small container of sesame seed soy sauce. Very quickly I learned there was no room for no-more than six. On top of that in the final compartment, I'd made Cobb salad for balance. That and it was the only pretty looking salad I could find when searching recipes online.

Now I feel like I've wasted my entire morning for what? To feel like a fucking clown and god does it burn. Though I doubt anyone would blame me if I cried, given the expressions I've seen amongst them.

Watching as Jaiden inconspicuously shakes his head when it occurs to him what I'm holding, handmade lunch, I choose to be civil and respect that. There's no real point anyways. I don't think I can handle more shame. Instead I go to leave and his mind changes instantly. Skidding towards me he notifies me to stop and I do exactly that.

Halting where the ice stops and the ground begins, he pushes forward, closing me off so no one can have clear view of our conversation. It helps that the guy is fucking massive. "Do you hate me?" He huffs, streaks of blonde falter into his eyes when he leans over me. "I don't want you walking away with that look on your face, it makes me feel like shit."

"Just wanted to give you lunch." I press it to his chest, startling him he takes it from me before glancing over his shoulder in contemplation.

"At which point of you showing up did you decide this was no longer for Elijah? Was it before or after you saw Becks." His focus is back on me. Peaking into the bag, I struggle to detain the little smile on my face when I realize how impressed he looks when he sees the top of the lunchbox since it's exposed by a clear lid. I just don't let the thought that it's not him who is wanted that reaction from, get to me. "This looks way too good to be for me, at most you'd make me a two minute noodles. Maybe get me a glass of water if I'm lucky."

"I'd do all that for you." Probably not if I'm being honest. It took a butt-load of fucking effort and for a man? I'd at least need to be attracted to you.

"Yeah if you thought my days were numbered maybe." I can't help but laugh at his response, the joke catches up to him and he chuckles but quickly shuts up when it becomes clear that this conversation is closed off but not private.

No one can exactly hear us but god can they see us. Speaking of which—"Okay I'm going to hug you now, don't panic," I warn him. "I'd appreciate if you didn't make it look too uncomfortable." I'm sure this makes me a bad person. Maybe. But I don't exactly care and I feel absolutely nothing but malice.

"You know what, I think I hate you." He huffs but he doesn't push me away when I reach for him. What I do notice is hints of pity before my face hits his chest, just enough for it to kill any satisfaction from the action. He feels sorry for me. Great.

Pulling back he sighs. "Would it help if I spoke to him about her for you? I think that would be easier than fighting fire with fire." He squeezes my upper arm, I'm not sure what he sees when he looks at me but it would be impossible for him not to hide his concern. "Because I feel bad eating this in front of him, I don't know how I feel about him assuming that I want to bone his girlfriend."

"Please eat it." I rub my face, cringing at how much time I'd spent making the goddamn thing. It would be a legitimate tragedy for it to end up in the bin and the last think I want to do is give it to Elijah. Feels like I'm rewarding him. "I should go, I'll see you tomorrow for the study session okay?"

"I'll see you tomorrow," he nods.