Go my random Braeden Stilly drabble because I'm thinking about them again
Chase handed Braeden a cup that was definitely alcoholic as he sat next to him on the log. Some sort of team bonding gathering with all the new draftees and shakeups within the roster happening, didn't mean it had to be just barely on the outskirts of a forest on a frankly humid night. At least the fire burning in front of them wasn't too hot,
"Thanks," Braeden smiles before taking a sip, a slight face being made before he continues to drink, "Did you spike it?"
"I think someone added it long time ago and nobody bothered to deal with it." It's not like anyone here was underaged enough for someone to care too hard. Canadian kids always seemed to be drinking young anyway, "Not hanging out with your draft buddies?"
"Maybe I wanted to talk to you." Chase rolls his eyes and downs half his drink, eyes flittering to the group of younger prospects all laughing and slapping shoulders. He'd probably be considered a young prospect if the title of draft bust didn't overshadow it.
Suddenly drinking feels like the smartest option here.
"I don't really have much to talk about." Chase stares into the fire, watching the flames dance against the wood as someone laughs loudly. He wishes he was back at the cabin, staring up at the stars with Riley and making up constellations. Maybe that was selfish, not wanting to socialize with his new teammates. He knows he'll cave soon enough, connection was always something he craved,
"You were drafted in 2021, right? First round? You gotta have some stories since then. Awesome plays or wins, some fights." There's a genuine smile on Bradens face, like he's joking but still wants to listen to Chase talk,
"I was a first rounder in the same draft class and team that Luke Hughes was drafted so there's not much that was going on with me involved. Covid also kinda fucked it so everything was over video call." He doesn't think he could ever forget his draft day, "I didn't actually play in the AHL until 2023 though. Not even a single game in the NHL when I was called up. Now I'm here."
Truth be told, there was plenty Chase could've talked about. The fight he got into at the Memorial Cup, playing against his brother for the first time, actually getting to play in the minors. They're all fond memories that maybe any other day he would've shared joyously. For now the self loathing was comfortable when he talked to Braeden. Like he had to knock himself off the pedestal the other boy had set him on,
"Then tell me something not hockey related. Something that happened off the ice," Braeden points over to the group of younger Abbotsford players, "Myni used to drive me to the rink before I could drive."
Chase laughs and he doesn't know why. The sudden random factoid startles it out of him and he pretends not to notice the way Braden's eyes light up and his cheeks redden, "Have you heard the story about the bat I had to fight at 1am in Simon Nemec's room?" A breakout grin spreads across Braeden's face and Chase can't help but match it, something lighter filling his chest,
"You should tell me all about it."