Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Neutral Zone Trap

Over a month has passed since Moss visited Colorado.

Over a month has passed since he's spoken to his brothers.

Over a month has passed since Tye Martel has come into his life.

The latter observation is definitely the most peculiar of them all that he's picked up on. Whether it is a phone call, FaceTime or text—Tye makes sure to reach out pretty much every day.

Moss didn't want to be a bother at first, but he has since given up on that line of thinking. Now he texts Tye his thoughts on anything and everything throughout the day. He figures if he hasn't managed to scare the defenseman away yet, then he must be doing something right.

Tye>:)

Rise and shine MoMo! **sunshine emoji**

Moss looks at his clock and sees that it's well past noon.

To: Tye>:)

A little late on the good morning text aren't we?

Did you sleep in today **sleeping face emoji**

It's the week of Thanksgiving, so management has graciously allowed everyone to work from home Monday through Wednesday. Thursday is a holiday so nobody will be working, but the accounting and finance departments are required to be in the office on Friday due to it falling on month end. Consequently, Moss is part of the unlucky group of people who will begrudgingly make their way to downtown Detroit after the holiday celebrations to help close out the billings.

**incoming call: Tye>:)**

Moss smiles as he answers the call. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," he says in a joking tone.

A snort of laughter comes through the phone in response to his greeting.

"Hey—don't judge. Not everyone can wake up pretty, MoMo. Some of us actually need to work for it," Tye replies smoothly. "I wanted to ask if you're gonna be in town for Thanksgiving this week."

"I have Thursday off, but they need us in the office on Friday, so I'm not able to fly into Denver for Thanksgiving," he explains dejectedly.

"What are you doing on Thursday then? Do you have family or friends in Detroit to spend the day with?" Tye questions.

Oh boy, he is not going to like the answer to this.

"My parents and grandparents are flying from here into Denver to be with Shane and Eli this year. Friendsgiving is also off the table for me considering it's too difficult to make friends as an adult outside of school and work," he remarks monotonously.

"MoMo...."

"Tye...." He mimics Tye's exasperated voice and sigh.

"I'll be fine, I promise. And if I'm not, for whatever reason, then I'll just bug you about it."

"I can call you during dinner. My family won't mind," Tye offers gently.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Moss replies, "My mom said that she'll give me a call when they're cutting the turkey. Don't worry that little hockey brain of yours."

"Alright.... I'm serious, though. Give me a call if you need to on Thursday. We both know how your family can be a bit-" Tye cuts himself off while looking for a non-offensive word to use to describe the Kettler's.

"-flakey?" Moss finishes Tye's sentence for him knowing that it's the adjective he most likely wants to use.

"I promise you can be my dinner understudy on Thursday in case my family forgets that I exist again. I appreciate the insurance." Moss smiles at his friend's protective complex.