Bridging Stat (Kris Statlander x OC)

11

Kris

"Alright so I know you said your from New York but do you still live in New York?" The question from Zeke was interesting. It had been awhile since we had talked about where we were from so there had to be a point to it.

"I still do.... Why?" I was too curious not to question it. There was a quiet chuckle that came from him. I'm going to be honest I've started to miss his full laugh. Since his giggle fit after his surgery he had kept his laughing to a minimum. Probably from the pain but he truly wouldn't say why.

"How far would you say you live from Buffalo?" I stepped off my treadmill to think about it.

"I think it's around eight hours.... Why?" I questioned. "Wait.... Are you fucking thinking about taking a road trip?"

"Possibly...." His words were nonchalant.

"You're fucking crazy. It hasn't even been two weeks since your surgery and we both know you've been lying about how much pain you're in." I cut him off.

"I'm not in pain." His tone and attitude instantly changed. I may have hit a nerve but he needed some sense talked into him. An eight hour road trip wasn't a good idea. I heard him take a breath in before a long one was released. There was a bit of silence as I stared at my phone contemplating whether or not to say anything. Fuck it. The silence always kills me....

"What's going on Zeke?" There was another long breath that left his lips. That was when I swear I heard his head fall into something.

"It just fucking hurts Kris." The quiet words were followed by a sob. Finally he was dropping the dumb act. I thought about it for a few seconds before something Toni said a few days ago hit me. They'll never ask for help but they give you signs when they need it.

"You know eight hours in a car really is nothing.... I'd just need a good playlist...." He was quiet for a moment before a sniffle came though the line.

"I can't ask you to do that...." I couldn't help but lightly laugh.

"You're not asking. I'm volunteering. I've got a couple days off. You're just have to deal with my car when I fly to the next show...." He was thinking about it just like I was. It would be easy. Just pack what I needed for a few days and the show and boom.... A few days with him.... And maybe more after.... I mean I would need to get my car....

"That's such an ask though Kris...." He wasn't going to easily say yes.

"It really isn't. Think about it. You were going to do the same and I'm not injured...." I was trying not to push any of his buttons but I could tell I had when another sob left his lips. "Zeke.... I'm more than willing to. I know it's spur of the moment but...."

"Could you...?" His words were quiet and enough to make me say fuck it to the rest of my workout.

"Of course." The answer was simple and easy. "Oh shit...." I stopped as I passed Boot's cage. "Um.... Any chance you'd be willing to watch Boots?"

"If you've got a cage or whatever for it yes. I don't care. I just...." He paused and I could tell he was thinking about whether or not to continue. "I want to see you...." Fuck did his words break my heart. He sounded so broken. "A-A call isn't enough...." I bit the inside of my cheek. No.... It really wasn't enough anymore. It had been too fucking long since we'd actually gotten a chance to talk in person and we were drunk then.... This.... This would be completely different....

Fuck.... This would be our first time talking in person without any alcohol or buffers.... I could feel a knot start to form in my stomach but fuck it. You only live once. Might as well find out whether this is just a bit of fun or something else.

"Eight hours Zeke.... Well maybe a little more.... I need to pack...." Finally a chuckle bubbled from his lips before he immediately groaned. I could feel a frown form along my lips. "I'm sorry...."

"Don't be. It's my fucking arm. Not you." There was a sigh along with his words. "I just feel fucking miserable...."

"Yet you were going to take an eight hour road trip." I said with a laugh.

"I wanted to see you...." I couldn't help my smile. Fuck he knew the right words to say....

"Well now you will so time to relax...." He grumbled something under his breath that I couldn't hear. "What was that?"

"I would if I could...." His words were brutally honest. "I can't find a comfortable position...."

"It's hard...." I can remember all the time I spent down from injury and it was hell trying to get comfortable. "But when I get there we can figure something out. Usually takes a few pillows...."

"I fucking hope so...." Damn he sounded miserable.

"We'll figure it out Zeke. I promise." There was a sigh on the other end. He finally gave up fighting as I got into my room and started to pack.

"I-Is it bad to say all I want is a hug...?" A light laugh escaped my lips as my head shook. But knowing he couldn't see it I responded.

"Not in the slightest." I couldn't help but pack slightly faster. Why was this the first time I actually looked forwards to a trip? I don't know.... But it was a nice change. "I'm just saying though you better have a comfortable bed waiting for me when I get there...."

"There will be and if the guest room isn't comfortable enough you can take my bed." I couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm not taking your bed." But I would love to sleep in it with you.... KRISTEN.... Mind out of the gutter!

"Could share it.... It's big enough...." I swear we both did a double take at what he said. "I-I didn't mean it like that...." A laugh escaped my lips.

"You're fine Zeke." I couldn't help my laugh as I spoke and could hear him doing the same.

"I'm going to be honest I don't fucking understand why you make me so fucking nervous. Like honestly. Never been one to say stupid shit and I just like.... I can't help it when I'm talking to you.... Feel like I'm fucking up any chance I've got." Another light laugh left my lips before I cleared the air for Zeke.

"You're not trust me.... I actually find it quite cute. Usually I'm the one in your situation."