Page 101 of Hockey Halloween
Felix didn’t get to see Brock before the party, which was maybe a good thing. He was really nervous about the costume he’d picked out for Brock, plus all the additions he’d made to his own. Instead of using just the cape, headband, and tail, he’d added a black button down and black pants. He’d found a black silk tie and a red velvet blazer to go with the ensemble, making him a much more fashionable devil than he’d started.
They’d look great together (it would be hard for Brock Warnernotto look great, honestly), but he was still worried about Brock’s reaction. Was the Care Bear too silly for him? Did he want their costumes to match? Had he already gotten himself a costume and didn’t know how to tell Felix he didn’t like it? But all his fears were relieved when he found a post-it from Brock on his door.
Sorry I haven’t gotten to see you lately - schedule’s always killer during the season.
See you at the party tomorrow. Warning: I look goofy in my costume, but I think you’ll get a kick out of it.
- Brock
There was no dimming Felix’s smile the rest of the day. He keptthe note in his pocket as a reminder that he had a date with Brock Warner, and it was going to be amazing.
The next evening, dressed in his fantastic costume and eager to see what Brock was like around his teammates, Felix had barely stepped out of the elevator when he was called over by the doorman.
“Mr. Owens, your ride just arrived.”
Felix faltered. He hadn’t ordered a ride yet, but when he saw the limo waiting out front, his heart stuttered. Brock was a gentleman, Felix had to give him that.
“I could get used to this,” he said as he settled in. The drive to the arena took a leisurely route through the city. No matter how long he’d lived here, Felix never got over the history and beauty of Philly. When they arrived at the arena, pulling into a private entrance, Felix noticed his fists were clenching the cape into tight balls. He took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. When the door opened for him, he was ready to have the best first date of his life.
Brock
Brock wanted to ride with Felix to the arena, but his schedule made it impossible. Between team meetings, practice, and signing auction items for the party, he wasn’t going to make it home. He hoped the limo would soften any hurt feelings on Felix’s part, though it killed him a little he had to wait even longer to see what costume Felix had chosen. He was so into Halloween, he probably went all out.
And here I am,he thought as he changed in the locker room,dressed like a giant stuffed animal.
He stole a glance of himself in the mirror—luckily, blue was a good color on him—before heading out to the main concourse. A few of the VIPs were there mingling with his teammates. The team’s backup goalie, captain, and star center were already there, along with about a dozen rookies and AHL players who were no doubt easier to coax into events like this. A few of them did double takes when they spotted Brock, grinning ear to ear as they watched him walk in, but they were too busy talking to fans and sponsors to say anything.
Yet. He was sure he’d get an earful at some point, plus a lot of chirps via text as soon as pictures hit the Gliders’ socials.
Once he had a glass of wine in hand, he let himself be pulledinto a conversation with some fans who started gushing about his hits this season. Brock couldn’t deny it, he did enjoy the praise and recognition. It wasn’t often that a defenseman got the same enthusiastic support as the big scorers did.
“Love the costume, by the way,” one woman said, a hand on her heart. “Loved that show when I was a kid! Grumpy Bear was my favorite, too.” He took a selfie with her and her son, and was about to sneak out for some hors d’oeuvres when he heard a squeal that could only mean Gwen had found him.
“Oh myGod! Warner! You look…” Lost for words, Gwen twirled a finger, so he turned for her to get a better look. “What are youwearing?”
“Uh…” He raised an eyebrow at her. “The costume you sent me?”
“Oh honey, I love it, but I wouldn’t do that to you. This is a level of mischievous I reserve for my actual brothers. This isnotwhat I sent for you. I sent you a?—”
An arm wrapped around his elbow, and Brock looked down to find Felix looking devilishly handsome. Quite literally for once, since he was dressed as a chic devil. It threw Brock for a few seconds, because Felix lookedso goodand he was here withBrockof all people and?—
“That’swhat I sent you!” Gwen stepped back to inspect Felix and nodded approvingly. “Honestly, it looks better on him. You must be the neighbor-slash-date.” She held out her hand. “I’m Gwen Jones. I run social media for the Gliders.”
Felix preened at her praise. When he shook her hand, he winked. “Felix Owens. Neighbor-slash-date to hockey player-slash-neighbor.”
“And a devil, apparently,” Gwen teased. She pointed between the two of them. “How did he get your costume?”
Brock had no answer for that, so he looked to Felix. Felix arched an eyebrow. “What address did you send it to?”
Gwen pulled out her phone. “Apartment 309—” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m guessing that’s you? And I’ve got the wrong address for Warner?”
“He’s 306,” Felix confirmed. “We get each other’s mail a lot.”
As Brock processed what they were saying, he realized what must have happened. “Wait, so I’m a Care Bear because ofyou?” Brock wasn’t sure if his was better or worse than when he thought Gwen had picked it for him. He saw Gwen trying not to giggle as she excused herself, and Felix smiled sheepishly up at him. That meant he was wearing something Felix had picked for him specifically; it was absolutely better.
“When this costume showed up with your name on it”—he flicked one of the devil horns and the headband slid slightly, making them lopsided but more impish than when they were perfectly centered—“I thought we were doing some sort of cute, couple-y thing where we pick each other’s costumes. Are you disappointed?”
“That you look sinfully handsome?” Brock blurted out before he could think better of it. “Fuck no.”
