I'm Not The Guy You're Taking Home [CHARLIE CONWAYXADAM BANKS]{BXB}

32

Charlie's POV
We're getting packed up to go home and as I walk through the halls of the dorm to help if anyone needs it, I see someone in front of the dorms. I go out and I say "hey" and he says "hey" smiling. Then he says "oh, I came here to surprise someone and pick them up, would you be able to help me?" I say "who are you here to surprise?" This shy boy is wearing high waisted jean shorts and a Fort Lauderdale high school hockey shirt tucked messily in the front.

Then I realize.

I say "let me guess. Tall, blonde, fairly muscular, does pull ups when bored, and is oddly good at singing? Goes by the name of AJ?" He nods saying "you're good" and I say "you're wearing one of his shirts." He says "forgot" chuckling. We chuckle and I say "I'll show you the way." We go up to my floor and I say "how do you know AJ?" He says "we're close friends." I say "close friends that share shirts. Interesting."

He says "fine, you got me. That's my man." I say "so cute, how long?" He says "probably a couple years." I say "first day here, he hit on me." He says "he does that, he would never make any moves. Just wants to let you know you're loved. I know this sounds like me falling for his toxicity of whatever but I know him better than anyone. I know how he works and whether he's being an actual dumbass."

I say "makes sense" nodding. I say "he's a good kid. Really good at hockey. He will go far." The boy smirks saying "I think so too" and we get up to the floor. I say "this one and would you like a video?" He chuckles saying "yeah" and I take a video of him knocking on the door. AJ saying "go away, Coach." I say "it's not, Coach. Come open the door" chuckling. He groans saying "Charlieeeee. You have a key, just open it."

The boy mumbles "he's always like this" chuckling quietly. I check the time and I say "give me a minute" opening the door and I go in saying "what's wrong, dude?" He says "just conflicted I guess. It's like this every year" quietly. I say "what do you mean?" He says "I just love it here so much more than I love home. Everyone is so cool here but at home I have a lot of friends but most are only here cause I'm good at hockey. I have one best friend who I will keep around after I graduate. I'd go home to spend all my time with my boyfriend, be a little nicer to Cody, like quality bro time, and give my mom a hug. Other than that, I don't want to go home. Everyone here actually wants to be friends with me and not want my autograph."

I say "you have grown as a man and a hockey player so much since you've been here. Have you ever looked into applying for a hockey scholarship to go to another school? If you really want to get out, start doing your research. Or if you need to get out and have a break, I have a spare room, dude. Life gets hard sometimes and I get that. You have one more year of school left, so put it in perspective. Tough it out and play hockey and make senior year yours. If you need anything, give me a call. Like these are your options for your senior year. You're a really good guy and an extraordinary hockey player, kid. You could do anything with your senior year but it's gonna come kick your ass if you don't decide what you want to do in the next week or so."

AJ says "I think I'm gonna stay home but I'll remember to come see my home away from home parents over spring break or February or something." I smile saying "we have room for you" chuckling and I get up saying "you might want to open this door in the next ten seconds." I leave and I mumble "he's good, just thinking a bit" and he mumbles "we all have our moments." I take a video and he opens the door and says "wow, I'm a dumbass."

He hugs the boy and I chuckle, shaking my head. AJ says "Charlie this is Adri. Babe, this is Charlie. He's like really cool and Adri is cooler than me for sure." I chuckle saying "are you guys out? I'm just curious?" AJ says "god no. I'm not coming out till I'm an established player in the NHL." I say "you remind me so much of Adam it's literally so stupid. In your case, you might not have to wait as long as you think. Take your time but the Ducks have your back if you come out and the NHL for some random reason screw you over. Adam will go and kill a man probably."

They chuckle and Adam jogs by with our dog saying "morning, beautiful" smiling and I say "morning. Would you mind packing? As much as I love it here, I want to get the hell out of here." Adam says "I'm mostly packed but I'll finish up, yeah." Adri says "I love your dog!" Adam says "thank you!" I chuckle saying "that man is something else." AJ says "you married him, so that's on you, dude." I say "also dated him since I was your age, so yeah, it's most definitely on me" laughing. Adam carry's his giant speaker over one shoulder and several bags over the other.

He carry's several loads down to his car and to the front of the dorm as I help everyone finish packing up and he helps by carrying everything out. He comes back and says "I'm gonna shower. I love you" and I peck his lips and he goes to shower. I say "love you too" chuckling as he walks off. I shake my head and I talk to everyone as they all say their goodbyes and everything. Adam gets out of the shower and says "let's go, sunshine." We head out to front campus and we all say our final goodbyes and a bunch of them thanking Adam and I.

Evan says "I really want to thank you guys" quietly and I say "no problem, kid. If you need anything just give us a call." Adam says "we mean anything" and Evan hugs us and leaves with the rest of the ducks who have talked to us. AJ comes over saying "thanks, Charlie. Thanks, Coach. For everything. I'll definitely be seeing you guys soon." I say "if you need anything, let us know. We're here for all of you guys." Adam says "keep it up, dude. You're gonna go far."

Adri says "can you go start my car, Jay?" AJ says "I see what you're doing." Adri says "get the hell outta here" tossing the keys at his chest then AJ jogs off. Adri says "you two mean a lot to him and I just want to thank you for taking care of him this summer. This place is his home." I smile saying "oh it's nothing" and Adam says "it's what we do here. It's our job to take care of everyone and that kid is really going places." I say "take good care of him cause he really needs someone like you."