1 00:00:00,320 --> 00:00:04,960 The curling ring doesn't sleep. It waits after the town has gone 2 00:00:04,960 --> 00:00:09,160 quiet, after lights in house fade, the building hums back to 3 00:00:09,160 --> 00:00:13,640 life in its own low rhythm. Beneath the concrete, the 4 00:00:13,640 --> 00:00:16,120 refrigeration units vibrate steadily. 5 00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:20,800 The ice stretches long and narrow, the Pebble sharp and 6 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:25,200 unbroken along the boards. The stones rest in their rows. 7 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:28,680 Laid ice belongs to the men who train after everything else is 8 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:31,360 done. Careers here are measured in 9 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:34,160 fractions. Men talk about line and sweep 10 00:00:34,160 --> 00:00:36,880 because the margins are too small for anything else. 11 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:41,680 The language stays technical because loss lasts longer than 12 00:00:41,680 --> 00:00:44,160 pride. The ice records mistakes. 13 00:00:44,520 --> 00:00:48,200 It answers only to repetition. Once a player steps into the 14 00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:52,440 hack, the sheet responds. It knows who belongs. 15 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:56,640 This is clean. Take out Chapter 1 Burned at the 16 00:00:56,640 --> 00:00:59,680 Hawk line. The side door of the curling 17 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:03,240 club groans on its hinges, Nate hauling nose by heart. 18 00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:08,160 He steps inside and the latch clicks, shot Nate's boot scrape 19 00:01:08,160 --> 00:01:11,920 once on the concrete walkway before the sound is swallowed by 20 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:14,360 the rubber matting at the edge of the sheet. 21 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:17,640 She, too, stretches out like a cathedral of ice. 22 00:01:18,440 --> 00:01:22,600 Nate doesn't look around. His eyes flick upward, past the 23 00:01:22,600 --> 00:01:24,960 flickering LED lights to the rafters. 24 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:29,600 There, hanging in the shadows, is a provincial banner from 25 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:32,800 2018. His name is on it in faded gold 26 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:34,840 letterings. Finalist. 27 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:38,800 He had been the next big thing for exactly 1 season, felt the 28 00:01:38,800 --> 00:01:42,720 heat of television cameras on his neck and heard a scalp 29 00:01:42,720 --> 00:01:46,040 promise him the world. Then the call stopped. 30 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:48,480 He just didn't quite make the cut. 31 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:51,480 Nate set his back down by the boards. 32 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:55,440 He shrugs out of his heavy Parker, his maroon practice 33 00:01:55,440 --> 00:01:57,520 shirt pulling taught across shoulders. 34 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:02,880 The stone sit in the roads along the boards, 44 lbs of granite. 35 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:05,920 Nate walks the line, heel to toe. 36 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:08,280 He paces the lengths of the sheet. 37 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:12,280 He watches how the light breaks across the Pebble, a tiny water 38 00:02:12,280 --> 00:02:14,320 droplets frozen onto the surface. 39 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:16,440 He drags the tip of the broom once. 40 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:20,600 He doesn't just see the ice, he feels the resistance through the 41 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:23,960 handle, a vibration that settled in his chest. 42 00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:27,640 The ice answers him. It tells him it's fast today. 43 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:32,920 It tells him it's the only thing in this town that still respects 44 00:02:32,920 --> 00:02:36,080 his timing. Cal Bennett steps onto the ice 45 00:02:36,080 --> 00:02:39,560 without ceremony. He drops his bag with a doll. 46 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:42,720 Heavy thought. Cal crotches near the hawk line, 47 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:45,680 pressing his bare palm to the cold surface. 48 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:50,000 He lifts his hand and rubs his fingers together, testing the 49 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:51,800 moisture. You're early. 50 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:55,080 Cal says, his voice gravelly and low. 51 00:02:55,400 --> 00:02:58,680 Nate taps his broom once. You're late. 52 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:02,960 Cal's mouse twitches, his eyes tracking the surface of the eyes 53 00:03:02,960 --> 00:03:04,920 before they ever settle on a person. 54 00:03:05,320 --> 00:03:07,880 They sent the new guy today. I know. 55 00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:11,800 Nate replies. He's higher circuit used to 56 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:15,840 perfect eyes Nate's jaw. Titans, I know what that feels 57 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:18,080 like. Cal holds his gaze. 58 00:03:18,360 --> 00:03:20,160 Then don't let his noise distract you. 59 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:23,560 Nate doesn't answer. Cal heads towards the locker 60 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:26,880 room, the heavy wooden door groaning shut behind him. 61 00:03:27,480 --> 00:03:31,160 Then the second arrival, quicker steps, lighter. 62 00:03:31,560 --> 00:03:34,600 Evan Price hit the ice like he's already halfway through his 63 00:03:34,600 --> 00:03:38,960 coffee room in hand, giving the heck area a quick once over. 64 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:42,880 Hell of a time for escape, boss. The bar upstairs already have 65 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:47,080 cleared out and here we are chasing rocks in the dark. 66 00:03:47,920 --> 00:03:51,400 He says to Nate, voice bright but edged with the usual dry 67 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:54,480 humor. He glances towards the door like 68 00:03:54,480 --> 00:03:58,440 he's expecting trouble. So the Golden Boy from the South 69 00:03:58,800 --> 00:04:01,480 finally showing up. Nate doesn't look up. 70 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:06,080 Front end power thrower. We need what he brings. 71 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:10,440 Evan snorts, gives his broom a lazy spin over his shoulder, 72 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:14,800 like a show off move. Just keep things smooth Nate, we 73 00:04:14,800 --> 00:04:18,160 don't need a circus on the ice. Nate meets his eyes. 74 00:04:18,519 --> 00:04:21,720 Evan grins. They both go back, sweeping the 75 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:22,760 motion. Easy now. 76 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:26,000 Nate steps into the hack without a stone. 77 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:30,680 He plants his foot and shifts his weight, feeling the balance 78 00:04:30,680 --> 00:04:32,400 settles through his hips and spine. 79 00:04:32,760 --> 00:04:36,440 Evan moves at the far end of the sheet, sweeping out of habit. 80 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:40,200 Nate rolls his shoulder once, hearing the faint click of his 81 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:42,560 joints. He looks at the trophy case near 82 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:46,040 the exit. Inside, a small, most promising 83 00:04:46,040 --> 00:04:48,840 junior award sits under a layer of dust. 84 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:52,960 The silver is tarnishing. It's been there for 12 years. 85 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:55,720 He treats his broom like a weapon now. 86 00:04:56,240 --> 00:04:59,520 Everything stands ready. This is the moment they'd like 87 00:04:59,520 --> 00:05:01,480 best. The heartbeat before the 88 00:05:01,480 --> 00:05:05,000 release, the moment where he is still in total control. 89 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:09,200 The door at the far end of the ring doesn't just open, it 90 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:12,360 bangs, A sharp metallic strike that echoes. 91 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:15,400 Jonah Mercer steps through without hesitation. 92 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:17,920 He doesn't pause to respect the quiet. 93 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:22,640 He carries a designer gear back over one shoulder, his high end 94 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:24,840 technical jacket still zip to the chin. 95 00:05:25,280 --> 00:05:28,400 He stopped just inside the doorway to let the space 96 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:31,640 register him. He scans the eyes. 97 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:36,480 Cowl by the boards, Evan at the far end, Nate standing 98 00:05:36,480 --> 00:05:40,080 motionless by the hotline. Jonah's eyes move once. 99 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:43,200 He doesn't nod. He doesn't offer a greeting. 100 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:46,880 Evan straightens, his jaw tightening at this island 101 00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:50,720 stretches too long. What a butt head, he thinks, the 102 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:53,320 irritation flaring sharp and hot in his chest. 103 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:56,160 Jonah drops his bag onto the concrete walkway. 104 00:05:56,960 --> 00:06:01,000 The thought carries too far. He peels off his jacket and 105 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:04,520 drapes it over the bench as if the arena had been waiting for 106 00:06:04,520 --> 00:06:06,920 his arrival. Kel steps forward. 107 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:09,560 Jonah Mercer. Jonah nods once. 108 00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:11,720 Kel Bennett. Kel says. 109 00:06:12,160 --> 00:06:15,560 Jonah gives a short, dismissive hum that could mean anything 110 00:06:15,880 --> 00:06:19,400 from agreement to a challenge. Kel gestures toward the ice. 111 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:22,320 Grab a broom, we'll start warmups. 112 00:06:22,600 --> 00:06:25,520 Jonah eyes flick to the stone, lined up like soldiers along the 113 00:06:25,520 --> 00:06:27,720 boards. Then they settle on Nate. 114 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:32,760 Sure, one word flat. Evan watches and move on to the 115 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:35,120 ice. Jonah walks with the easy, 116 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:37,520 arrogant stride of someone used to being watched. 117 00:06:38,040 --> 00:06:41,680 Jonah reaches for a broom without asking, spinning it once 118 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,480 in his hand to test the balance with a flare. 119 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:48,680 He looks down the sheet again, and this time he anchors his 120 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:51,480 gaze on Nate. He holds it longer than 121 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:54,200 necessary. Nate doesn't look away. 122 00:06:54,800 --> 00:06:58,560 He doesn't even blink. Nate reaches down, picks up a 123 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:00,920 white towel from the bench and toss it. 124 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:05,800 It's been across the ice, a blur of white against Gray, and stop 125 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:09,680 exactly at Jonah's feet. Get ready, Nate says. 126 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:13,440 His voice is calm, carrying effortless down the sheet. 127 00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:17,760 No introduction, no challenge, just an order. 128 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,360 Jonah looks down at the towel and back up at Nate. 129 00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:26,440 Already am, he says. He bends, scooping the towel up 130 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:29,840 in one fluid motion and drapes it over his shoulder. 131 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:32,040 The eye seems to tighten under them. 132 00:07:32,600 --> 00:07:35,760 The air grows thin. Practice begins. 133 00:07:36,720 --> 00:07:39,520 Warm up turns into something closer to a collision. 134 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:44,000 Stone starts moving in sequence. Now the pace is faster than they 135 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,560 like. Kel steps back toward the board, 136 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:49,720 his arm crossed. Nate calls the weight. 137 00:07:49,880 --> 00:07:54,920 Jonah throws Evan, sweeps heart. The rock sails past Nate's mark 138 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:58,880 and settles white. Evan snaps his head up, chest 139 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:00,600 teething. I had it. 140 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:04,160 Jonah is already standing, walking past them toward the 141 00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:06,120 next stone with a dismissive stroke. 142 00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:09,360 The weed was fine. The ice is just slow. 143 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:13,240 Nate's gaze flicks to Evan, then anchors on Jonah's back. 144 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:16,120 Set again. Jonah pauses. 145 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:19,680 He turns just enough to look over his shoulder, a mocking 146 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:22,720 glint in his eyes. You want me to slow it down for 147 00:08:22,720 --> 00:08:25,280 the local pace? Nate doesn't answer the tone. 148 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:29,560 He doesn't rise to the bait. The next stone runs closer, but 149 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:32,840 it's still not exact. Jonah is fighting the release, 150 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:34,840 trying to out muscle the granite. 151 00:08:35,039 --> 00:08:37,919 Nate says nothing. He simply points. 152 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:41,400 The next sequence is faster, aggressive. 153 00:08:42,159 --> 00:08:45,480 Jonah throws a heater. The stone drifts toward a 154 00:08:45,480 --> 00:08:47,200 cluster of guards near the house. 155 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:50,960 Evan, focus on the rock clips. Jonas passes. 156 00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:54,440 Jonah steps out of the hack. Their shoulders collide. 157 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:57,680 Evan stiffens immediately. Watch it. 158 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:01,760 Jonah barely looks at him. You stepped into my lane. 159 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:05,680 That's my line, Evan says, his voice rising. 160 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:09,040 You're supposed to hold. Kel's voice cut through the 161 00:09:09,040 --> 00:09:11,160 tension like a blade. Reset. 162 00:09:11,160 --> 00:09:15,600 Now they obey, but the air stays charged. 163 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:17,760 Nate walks in from the skip's end. 164 00:09:18,320 --> 00:09:21,760 He doesn't raise his voice, and he doesn't even look at Evan. 165 00:09:22,480 --> 00:09:26,920 He walks straight to Jonah. He grabs Jonah's shoulder, firm 166 00:09:27,520 --> 00:09:30,920 corrective, the grip lens harder than Nate intends. 167 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:34,680 Jonah feels it instantly, the pressure of a hand that has 168 00:09:34,680 --> 00:09:38,520 owned the ice for a decade. Jonah turns sharp, his eyes 169 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:40,440 flaring with a sudden, dangerous heat. 170 00:09:40,680 --> 00:09:42,480 Nate doesn't release him right away. 171 00:09:42,840 --> 00:09:46,520 He maintains the grip. Hold it, Nate says. 172 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:49,560 You don't move until the stone is past the hotline. 173 00:09:49,800 --> 00:09:53,160 Jonah shakes him off, shrugging the hand away with a violent 174 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:56,440 jerk off his shoulder. Don't Kel. 175 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,520 Step forward 1 pace, then stops. I said reset. 176 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:04,680 Silence drops over sheet too. Jonah straightened slowly. 177 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:09,040 He looks back at Nate, his chest rising and falling with checked 178 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,160 breath. The ice keeps moving. 179 00:10:11,680 --> 00:10:14,760 Nothing is resolved. Everything has shifted. 180 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:17,680 The anchor has caught onto something he can't quite hold 181 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:20,640 down. The atmosphere on sheet 2 182 00:10:20,640 --> 00:10:23,680 shifts. It's no longer just to practice 183 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:27,280 the stone move in a faster, more aggressive sequence. 184 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:30,200 Calls are shortened to single, clipped words. 185 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:34,960 Sweeps overlap. Jonah throws is a heavy, high 186 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:38,240 velocity shot. Evan and Kel drops in front of 187 00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:41,840 it immediately, their brooms working in a frantic, rhythmic 188 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:44,000 blur. But Jonah doesn't watch the 189 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:46,320 stone. He doesn't look at the line or 190 00:10:46,320 --> 00:10:48,640 the house. He watches Nate. 191 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:50,880 The look holds for three seconds. 192 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:53,680 It's longer than professional curiosity. 193 00:10:54,440 --> 00:10:58,280 It's a challenge, a silent question, a dare. 194 00:10:58,640 --> 00:11:01,400 Jonah's looking for the anchor to drift. 195 00:11:01,680 --> 00:11:04,040 Nate meets the gaze without turning his head. 196 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:06,960 His eyes stay locked on the far end of the sheet. 197 00:11:07,320 --> 00:11:09,880 Jonah hates the way Nate's voice settled the air. 198 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:13,280 Evan and Kel sweeps hard. Jesus. 199 00:11:13,680 --> 00:11:16,600 Evan snaps. Call it earlier, Nate. 200 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:18,680 I can't say the line I don't see. 201 00:11:19,280 --> 00:11:22,920 Jonah laughs under his breast. It's a short, sharp sound. 202 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:25,160 Maybe you should say it louder, Skip. 203 00:11:25,680 --> 00:11:28,160 Some of us aren't used to whispering in the dark. 204 00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:32,320 Nate turns his head now, just enough to let Jonah see the cold 205 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:37,240 again. Nate says the next end is worse. 206 00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:40,960 The heat in the building is rising from the four men on the 207 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:43,080 ice. Jonah throws, heavier than the 208 00:11:43,080 --> 00:11:45,600 last. Evan lunges to save it. 209 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:48,800 Cal moves at the same moment, trying to check the angle for 210 00:11:48,800 --> 00:11:52,720 the take out. They collide, shoulder slam. 211 00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:57,640 Evan had thrown off balance, his broom scraped sideway across the 212 00:11:57,640 --> 00:11:59,560 ice with a harsh screeching sound. 213 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:01,800 Watch it. Evan barks. 214 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:06,560 Cal straightens his jaw SAP, his patience finally snapping. 215 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:10,400 You cut across my lane, Evan, I was already there. 216 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:14,120 Evan shouts back, pointing A gloved finger at Jonah. 217 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:17,760 He didn't hold, he stepped into the line. 218 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:21,400 Jonah stands back from the heck, his hands out in a mocking 219 00:12:21,400 --> 00:12:24,960 gesture of innocence. Don't look at me, I hit the 220 00:12:24,960 --> 00:12:28,800 weight you asked for again. Nate's voice cuts in. 221 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:32,640 No one moves. Evan turns to Nate, looking for 222 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:35,520 an ally. You see what he's doing to the 223 00:12:35,520 --> 00:12:37,800 rhythm? Nate looks at Evan. 224 00:12:38,240 --> 00:12:42,080 I see mistiming Evan. Jonah scoffs, spinning his 225 00:12:42,080 --> 00:12:44,200 broom. This isn't solo work. 226 00:12:44,680 --> 00:12:48,960 Kel says, his eyes to Jonah. This isn't a showcase for the 227 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:51,600 city scouts. You don't fight each other on my 228 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:54,560 sheet. He moves his gaze to Evan, then 229 00:12:54,560 --> 00:12:56,480 finally to Nate. And you? 230 00:12:57,200 --> 00:13:00,320 Kel says to Nate. Call earlier or shut up. 231 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:04,040 He looks at all of them. I'm not watching head games on 232 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:06,560 my sheet. Silence drop over sheet too. 233 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:09,880 Nate absorbs the head. He nods once. 234 00:13:10,360 --> 00:13:13,120 Jonah looks between them, his jaw tight. 235 00:13:13,400 --> 00:13:15,840 Reset now. Cal orders. 236 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:19,360 They reset. No one speaks. 237 00:13:19,680 --> 00:13:23,080 No one even breezes too loud. Jonah slides again. 238 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:28,080 This time it's controlled, sharp, a perfect execution of a 239 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,880 slide. He throws like he's proving 240 00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:34,000 something to the ice itself. The stone lands close. 241 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:37,760 Good enough. Evan sweeps clean, his movements 242 00:13:37,760 --> 00:13:41,080 robotic and distant. Cal stays out of the way, a 243 00:13:41,080 --> 00:13:43,280 silent observer at the edge of the sheet. 244 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:47,520 Nate doesn't praise the shot. He watches Jonah stand, his 245 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:51,000 chest rising and falling, sweat darkening the collar of 246 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:54,640 expensive practice shirt. Jonah looks back instinctively, 247 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:57,680 his gaze searching for Nate's. Something sits there now. 248 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:01,640 Cal claps his hand once, the sound echoing like a gunshot. 249 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:05,760 That's it, locker room. The spell breaks. 250 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:10,640 Bodies move, voices return. Jonah brushes past Nate on the 251 00:14:10,640 --> 00:14:13,400 way off the ice. There is 1/2 inch of freezing 252 00:14:13,400 --> 00:14:17,200 air between them. The practice winds down, but the 253 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:19,760 air doesn't settle. You're fighting my call. 254 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:23,040 Nate says to Jonah. Jonah doesn't turn around. 255 00:14:23,520 --> 00:14:26,960 I threw it like you told. Nate grabs him by the shoulder. 256 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:31,080 It's too much power. Evan shifts nearby, his eyes 257 00:14:31,080 --> 00:14:33,920 starting between them. Nate walks closer. 258 00:14:34,640 --> 00:14:37,240 You're not the only one whose career is on the line here. 259 00:14:37,840 --> 00:14:40,520 Jonah exhales, A harsh sound of frustration. 260 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:42,520 And stop treating me like a piece. 261 00:14:42,520 --> 00:14:45,640 You move around the house. The ice holds the silence 262 00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:48,240 between them, brittle and dangerous. 263 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:50,760 Kel steps in. Wrap it up. 264 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:55,200 The team begins collecting gear, the sound of the ring returning 265 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:57,600 to the mundane. Kel jester toward the heavy 266 00:14:57,600 --> 00:14:59,960 double door. Beer after shower. 267 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:04,520 First rounds on the rookie. Evan nods, already reaching for 268 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:07,240 his jacket. Jonah bends to grab his towel 269 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:10,280 from the bench. Before he can straighten, Nate 270 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:12,560 intercepts him. Your release? 271 00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:16,600 Nate says quietly. You're open your hand too early. 272 00:15:17,280 --> 00:15:20,040 You're trying to force the curl instead of letting the ice take 273 00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:22,040 it, keep it close through the slide. 274 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:26,000 He adjusts Jonah's shoulder by a fraction of an inch, forcing his 275 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:28,920 posture into a more rigid line. Jonah stills. 276 00:15:29,240 --> 00:15:32,160 Then he shrugs Nate's hands off. I got it. 277 00:15:32,480 --> 00:15:35,960 Jonah says, his voice tight. Their eyes meet. 278 00:15:36,400 --> 00:15:39,680 Cal turns away, and Evan follows him toward the exit. 279 00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:43,240 The system moves on, leaving Nate and Jonah behind in the 280 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:46,120 cold. The water is already running 281 00:15:46,120 --> 00:15:47,960 when Nate and Jonah enter the locker room. 282 00:15:48,600 --> 00:15:52,200 Steam hangs in the thick rolling curtains at the far end. 283 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:55,960 Cal and Evan are finishing up, their voice muted and distorted 284 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:59,760 by the tile and the spray. Talking about curling, about the 285 00:15:59,760 --> 00:16:01,920 weather, about nothing important. 286 00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:05,840 Cal shuts his water off 1st. Evan follows a moment later. 287 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:09,040 They move with the ease of men who have shared this space for 288 00:16:09,040 --> 00:16:11,920 years, bodies exposed without thought. 289 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:15,840 Jonah stalls by his locker. His eyes flick once toward the 290 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:17,720 shower before he can stop himself. 291 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:21,040 Just a glance. Cal and Evan don't notice. 292 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:24,440 They've already reaching for their towels, their minds 293 00:16:24,440 --> 00:16:26,840 already at the bar. Nate notices. 294 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:29,360 He catches Jonah's case in the mirror. 295 00:16:29,680 --> 00:16:33,680 Nate said nothing, he simply watches Jonah reflection until 296 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:37,320 Jonah looks away. Jonah steps under the water, his 297 00:16:37,320 --> 00:16:39,200 shoulders tight as the spray hits him. 298 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:43,200 Nate follows, taking the shower head beside him. 299 00:16:43,720 --> 00:16:47,320 There are other stalls, but he chooses the one closest. 300 00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:49,840 There is no pretending this is spacious. 301 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:52,840 No one speaks. Cal and Evan finished dressing, 302 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,400 their voice fading as they head toward the door. 303 00:16:55,760 --> 00:16:57,880 See you at the bar? Cal calls out. 304 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:01,600 The door swings, shot with a heavy thought footstep, fade 305 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:04,319 down the hall. The locker room quiets, leaving 306 00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:06,040 only the sound of the drumming water. 307 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,520 Jonah shifts his weight, reaching for a soap he doesn't 308 00:17:09,520 --> 00:17:12,400 actually need yet. Nate stares at the white tile, 309 00:17:12,760 --> 00:17:15,359 his jaw sat so tight the muscle is jumping. 310 00:17:15,680 --> 00:17:19,280 His breast is measured, forced into a rhythm that matches the 311 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:21,240 water. Nothing happens. 312 00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:25,720 No one moves. After shower, they dress in the 313 00:17:25,720 --> 00:17:28,760 locker room. Jonah pulls his shirts on, his 314 00:17:28,760 --> 00:17:32,320 movement jerk and sharp. He reaches for his back, ready 315 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:36,200 to bolt, but before he goes. You don't get to put your hand 316 00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:39,320 on me like that. Jonah looks over to Nate, his 317 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:42,800 voice cracking in the silence. Nate looks out from his locker. 318 00:17:43,240 --> 00:17:45,720 I corrected your release. That's my job. 319 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:48,440 That wasn't correction, and you know it. 320 00:17:49,440 --> 00:17:52,800 Nate stands. He doesn't move closer, but the 321 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:55,040 space between them seems to vanish anyway. 322 00:17:55,360 --> 00:17:57,720 Nate's taller than Jonah, broader. 323 00:17:58,120 --> 00:18:02,960 Jonah turns to leave, but Nate moves before he grabs Jonah's 324 00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:06,920 arm and shops him back. Jonah hits the metal locker. 325 00:18:07,240 --> 00:18:09,720 The impact knocks the breaths from Jonah's lungs. 326 00:18:10,040 --> 00:18:12,920 They freeze. Nate's hand is pinned in Jonah's 327 00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:16,280 chest, his fingers punching the fabric of Jonah's shirt. 328 00:18:16,520 --> 00:18:19,720 Nate is close enough to see the amber flex in Jonah's eyes. 329 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:23,760 Jonah shops Nate back. The shop carries them, bows 330 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:26,520 farther than intended. Jonah's heel catches on the 331 00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:29,760 uneven bench and they both hit the floor hard. 332 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:32,840 Nate is above him in a second, knees flanking. 333 00:18:32,840 --> 00:18:36,520 Jonas sigh, one form locked across his chest like a granite 334 00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:39,800 guard. Jonah twist once, a frantic snar 335 00:18:39,800 --> 00:18:43,760 off the movement, and fails. Nate leans closer, his breasts 336 00:18:43,760 --> 00:18:46,080 hot and wrecked in the silver space between them. 337 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:50,680 Jonah's hands are trapped. He has no leverage, no angle. 338 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:54,880 His eyes flick toward the door, then settles on Nate's mouse. 339 00:18:55,520 --> 00:18:57,440 Jonah lifts his head and kisses him. 340 00:18:58,440 --> 00:19:02,600 It's an assault, a collision, a desperate attempt to short 341 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:04,960 circuit Nate's brain. It works. 342 00:19:05,320 --> 00:19:08,720 Nate freezes. They break apart, scrambling to 343 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:11,240 their feet. Jonah brushes his hands on his 344 00:19:11,240 --> 00:19:14,760 shirts, his eyes bright with a malicious kind of triumph. 345 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:17,240 You like that? Jonah smirks. 346 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:20,800 He looks Nate up and down, a crooked, mocking grin. 347 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:23,400 Relax. Doesn't look like it did much 348 00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:26,360 for you anyway. It's a blade wrapped in a joke. 349 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:31,320 Nate strikes a flat, sudden punch to Jonah's face. 350 00:19:31,720 --> 00:19:35,560 Jonah staggers back, shock flashing into a white hot rage. 351 00:19:36,120 --> 00:19:39,160 What the hell? Jonah swings back, wild and 352 00:19:39,160 --> 00:19:41,240 clumsy. Nate is faster. 353 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:46,080 He catches Jonah's wrist, spins him and slams him back against 354 00:19:46,080 --> 00:19:48,400 the locker. This time, Nate doesn't hold 355 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:51,040 back. He pins Jonah wrist above his 356 00:19:51,040 --> 00:19:56,040 head, his chest heaving against Jonah's, their eyes locked, a 357 00:19:56,040 --> 00:19:57,880 silent screaming match off Wills. 358 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:02,160 Nate leans in, his jaw sat, and kisses Jonah back. 359 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:05,880 It's Nate proving that if Jonah wants to break the rules, Nate 360 00:20:05,880 --> 00:20:07,640 will be the one to set the new ones. 361 00:20:08,600 --> 00:20:10,440 The locker room door groans open. 362 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:14,360 Reality snaps back. They break away fast. 363 00:20:14,800 --> 00:20:16,880 Evan stands in the doorway mid sentence. 364 00:20:17,240 --> 00:20:19,360 You guys coming? Council ready? 365 00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:22,240 He stops. The room is a crime scene. 366 00:20:22,680 --> 00:20:24,720 Jonah is standing too close to the wall. 367 00:20:25,080 --> 00:20:28,800 His chest rising and falling, his mouse reddened, needed 368 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:31,920 standing like a statue, one hand half clenched. 369 00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:34,680 What's going on? Evan asked. 370 00:20:35,320 --> 00:20:38,920 He looks at the scuff marks on the floor, then at needs jaw. 371 00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:41,480 Jonah laughs. Asked the skip. 372 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:44,360 He was just giving me some private instructions. 373 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:47,840 Jonah grabs his back, his shoulder clipping the door frame 374 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:50,640 as he storms out. The sound of his departure 375 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:52,520 echoes down the long called hallway. 376 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:55,240 Evan stays. He looks at Nate. 377 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:58,240 You're good. Nate doesn't answer. 378 00:20:59,120 --> 00:21:00,880 Evan exhales hard through his nose. 379 00:21:01,120 --> 00:21:04,680 Ring bar, don't be late. The door closes. 380 00:21:05,800 --> 00:21:08,400 Control works best when everyone agrees to it. 381 00:21:09,360 --> 00:21:12,480 The ring teaches that early lines matter. 382 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:16,200 Timing matters. Authority holds as long as it 383 00:21:16,200 --> 00:21:20,080 moves faster than doubt, as long as nothing unexpected steps onto 384 00:21:20,080 --> 00:21:22,080 the sheet. Tonight, something dead. 385 00:21:22,480 --> 00:21:25,000 Nate knows the difference between force and command. 386 00:21:25,160 --> 00:21:28,920 He's built his life on it, on reading surface, on correcting 387 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:31,520 small deviations before they turn into losses. 388 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:35,320 This wasn't that. Whatever started tonight didn't 389 00:21:35,320 --> 00:21:37,800 end on the floor or in the locker room. 390 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:43,200 It followed him out, quiet and unresolved, waiting for the next 391 00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:45,360 moment when control will be tested again. 392 00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:49,680 And next time, it won't be contained by rules alone. 393 00:21:50,920 --> 00:21:55,400 This was clean takeout chapter 1 burned at the Hawk line. 394 00:21:56,320 --> 00:21:59,440 For more stories on gay audiobooks, don't forget to 395 00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:01,520 subscribe, like, and share.