Chapter Text
Geno was his saving grace lately. He knew it was a terrible thing to do to his friend but he didn't know who he could turn to with his problems. He trusted Geno. Trusted him with all things including his heart. There was a time when he and Geno could abscond to parts unknown to appreciate each others bodies but he wasn't ready for that. Not after what had happened with Alex. Not after selling out his body for a cheap thrill with Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand, the big bad Bruins. His recent experiences gave that title a whole new meaning, he thought venomously.
He felt like he might be leading Geno on. He wasn't sure. Sidney looked up at Geno and sighed. “Sid...” His deep voice resonated in the quiet room. “Sid need be happy again.” He continued. Sidney looked away. There was nothing he could say to that. Nothing made him happy anymore.
He still practiced any chance he got but the lockout was on strong and he hadn't played competitively in ages. Geno had come to sit next to him as he unlaced his skates. “Not end of world Sid.” He went on. Sidney could feel the heat of his body from the stall next to him. He closed his eyes and huffed out another breath. “I know.” Sid conceded. “So why does it feel like it then....”
Geno gripped his shoulder. “No worry Sid, I make happy again.” He smiled over at him. Sidney couldn't help the little smile that crossed his lips. Geno was willing to do about anything for him and yes, he definitely knew how to make Sidney happy. He had to draw himself out of this funk. His lover had left him alone, it wouldn't be cheating to take comfort in Geno.
Sidney nodded silently and continued to get dressed. There was snow on the ground but it didn't feel like winter without hockey. He hunkered into his coat as they walked out to Geno's car. The tall figure in front of him was confidant and Sidney knew he could learn a thing or two from Geno right now. He tightened the belt on his coat and fell in step beside him.
“Your place...mines too depressing.” Sid muttered as he got into Geno's car. Geno gave him a wide eyed searching look. “Come stay at house, cook for you, feel better when eat good russian meal.” Geno stated as he started the car and headed in the direction of his house. “I'm not really hungry Geno...” Sid's voice was almost a whisper.
Geno grunted but didn't answer. The ride back was short and silent, Sidney was almost thankful for that. He hated the way he sunk into memories of his ex lover but he had to admit it was comforting. He could pretend that Alex would text him his hotel room number any time. He liked his little delusions. He checked his phone and scrolled down to Alex's number and stared at it for a short while.
“Sid...” Sidney snapped his head up. He hadn't noticed that they'd arrived. Geno was looking at him sadly. He put his phone in his pocket and extracted himself from the warm vehicle into the biting cold. He took a deep breath and stared up at Geno's house. It had always been a safe haven for him in the past. A place he could go and seek comfort. He hadn't needed that in some time and it struck him how utterly deep in his pit of depression he'd sunk.
He strode up the steps and waited for Geno to unlock the door. The other man was casting him wary glances as he let him in. The door was barely shut behind him when Geno had enveloped him in a strong hug. He was caught off guard but easily melted into the embrace. He tipped his face up to look at Geno and nearly laughed at how utterly sad the other man looked. “I'm ok Geno.” He said quietly. “Really....I'll be okay.” And for the first time in a month he believed it as Geno pressed his warm lips against Sidney's temple.
“Sidney good boy, deserve to be happy.” Geno muttered into Sid's hair. His arms clenched the young man tighter to him, slipping hands under his coat and pushing it off his shoulders. “I make you feel better...” Geno went on as he tossed the coat aside and brushed the ice off his collar, smiling down at him. Sidney let himself be taken care of. Geno would never hurt him, would never make him feel anything but safe and loved and wanted.
Geno took his coat off and led Sidney to the living room, pushing him down onto the large plush couch and gathering him up in his arms. “Stay Sid, not be alone in big house.” Geno whispered. Sidney sighed and laid his head on Geno's chest, stretching out between Geno's legs. “ok” Was the only response he got before he slipped off into comfortable unconsciousness, lulled to sleep by the steady beat of Geno's heart and the warmth of his large strong body.
He could almost pretend it was Alex and as bad as that seemed he let himself believe for half a moment that everything was alright. It was a horrible abuse of Geno's hospitality and Sidney would never ever let him know that his lilting Russian accent and strong arms reminded him of someone else. Someone he missed very dearly.