SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, J.HUGHES

SIXTY

We're all stuffed from the pizza, sprawled out across the living room like we just ran a marathon instead of eating half our weight in carbs. The room's filled with that lazy post-dinner vibe, everyone stretched out on the couches or slouched in chairs. I'm sitting on the floor, leaning back against Jack's legs as he scrolls through his phone, his other hand lazily playing with my hair. Gab's perched on the arm of Luke's chair, her head resting on his shoulder while Cole and Trev are debating over which show to watch on Netflix.

"So, what's the move tomorrow, boys?" I ask, glancing around the room. "You gonna play nice, or is it full-on war?"

Luke chuckles, nudging Gab playfully. "If it was up to me, I'd take it easy. But, y'know, Jack here always has something to prove."

Jack rolls his eyes but doesn't deny it. "I'm just saying, if you come near me on the ice, don't expect me to go easy just because we're friends."

Cole snorts, leaning back with a smug grin. "Bro, you're all talk. We both know Trev and I are gonna wipe the floor with you."

"Oh please," Jack fires back, finally setting his phone down to join the conversation. "I remember the last time you tried that. How's your face doing after that check?"

Trev raises his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, no need to bring up ancient history. We're talking about tomorrow, not last season."

"Yeah, last season when you guys choked in the playoffs?" Luke adds, a devilish grin on his face.

"Low blow, man," Cole says, but he's laughing, not really offended.

Luke smirks, joining in. "Just don't cry when you're on your back, Cole. We wouldn't want to ruin that pretty face of yours."

Gab nudges Luke, teasing. "Oh, so you admit Cole's pretty? Should I be worried?"

"Nah," Luke replies with a grin. "He's got nothing on you, babe."

"Oh my god, get a room," I groan, throwing a pillow at them as the room erupts in laughter.

"Alright, alright, enough of this lovey-dovey shit," Trev says, standing up and stretching. "Let's get some real competition going—video games, anyone?"

As the guys are setting up the video game, Cole and Trevor start their usual chirping. The controller isn't even on yet, and they're already at each other's throats about who's gonna dominate.

"Luke, you ready to get wrecked?" Cole says, tossing him a controller. "Or are you gonna get downgraded to the fourth line here too?"

Trevor bursts out laughing, almost doubling over. "Yeah, man, better not let Coach see you screw up this game, or you'll be playing beer league with the rest of the washouts."

I glup, and turn awkwardly towards Jack who shift on the couch. They're always like that, they all love eachother so much, but sometimes i feel like it's going too deep. It's just the way how boys talk and joke to eachother.

Luke just rolls his eyes, trying to brush it off with a smirk, but I can tell the joke hits a little close to home. "Ha-ha, very funny. At least I'm not the one getting benched for a 'maintenance day' because I couldn't keep up."

"Oh, shit!" Cole howls, clutching his stomach. "Trev, he's coming for you now!"

Trevor grins but doesn't let up. "Hey, at least when I'm on the ice, I'm not skating around like I lost my damn GPS."

Gab, sitting beside Luke, gives him a playful nudge. "Ignore them, babe. You've been killing it lately, and they know it."

Luke nods, but it's clear he's still thinking about it. "Yeah, well, had to prove it to the coach, didn't I? Getting bumped down to the second line was a wake-up call. Had to remind him why I'm here."

Jack, who's been quiet for a bit, suddenly chimes in, his tone more serious. "You did prove it, though. And they can laugh all they want, but you worked your ass off to get back where you belong."

The room falls a little quieter at Jack's words, the playful teasing losing some of its edge. Cole and Trevor exchange a quick glance, realizing they might've crossed a line.

"Hey, man, we're just messing with you," Cole says, the humor in his voice softened now. "You're solid out there, we know that."

"Yeah," Trevor adds, giving Luke a small, sincere nod. "We're just being dicks. You've been playing like a beast lately."

Luke shrugs, a bit of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Yeah, I know. It's all good. Just gotta keep proving myself, I guess."

"You're doing more than that," I say, giving Luke a reassuring smile. "And if anyone doubts you, just skate circles around them. Or, y'know, crush 'em into the boards."

That gets a laugh from everyone, even Luke, who finally seems to relax. Jack reaches over and gives his brother's shoulder a supportive squeeze.

The mood in the room lifts again as the guys return to their trash talk, but now there's a sense of respect mixed in with the jokes.

As the video game starts up and the competition heats up, the earlier tension fades completely. The guys are laughing, shouting, and talking smack like nothing else matters. Tomorrow, they'll be rivals, but tonight, they're just a bunch of friends having a good time.

Jack leans down, his voice low as he speaks to me. "Lukey didn't like that comment," he says, a hint of concern in his eyes. "He's been working so hard to get back to the top, and it's been getting to him."

I glance over at Luke, who's trying to keep up with the trash talk but seems a little off. "I know," I whisper back. "But he's handling it, right?"

Jack nods, but his gaze stays on his younger brother. "Yeah, but you know Luke—he puts so much pressure on himself. I just don't want him spiraling."

Before I can respond, Gab, who's been watching Luke's face closely, seems to pick up on the same thing. She slides off the arm of the chair and moves closer to him, resting her hand on his knee. "Hey," she says softly, her voice cutting through the noise of the game. "You okay? You know they're just messing with you, right?"

She's wispering but loud enough so Jack and I can hear. 

Luke looks up from the screen, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I know. Just got a lot on my mind, that's all."

Gab squeezes his knee, giving him a reassuring smile. "Well, don't let it get to you. You're doing amazing, and everyone knows it. Plus, you've got me in your corner, so how could you lose?"

Luke chuckles, the tension in his face easing a bit. "Guess I'm pretty lucky, huh?"

"Damn right you are," Gab teases, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "So don't let those idiots get in your head. They're just jealous they don't have someone like me to keep them grounded."

Trevor, who's overheard part of the exchange, glances over with a mock-pout. "Hey, I'm grounded! Just ask... well, actually, don't ask anyone."

Cole laughs, elbowing Trevor. "Yeah, we all know you're a hot mess, buddy. But it's cool—we love you for it."

Gab rolls her eyes but grins. "See what I mean, Luke? You're miles ahead of these guys."

Luke leans back, clearly feeling better with Gab by his side.

These guys may rib each other, push each other's buttons, but at the end of the day, they've got each other's backs. And seeing Luke and Gab, so in sync and supportive of each other, makes me smile.

Jack notices my smile and raises an eyebrow. "What's that look for?"

"Just thinking how lucky Luke is to have Gab," I say, glancing over at the two of them. "They're good together."

Jack nods, his expression softening as he looks at his brother and Gab. "Yeah, they really are. He needs someone like her to keep him in check"

"And you?" I ask, teasing lightly. "Who keeps you in check?"

Jack grins, leaning in close. "I think you know the answer to that."

I laugh softly, leaning my head against his shoulder. "Guess we're both pretty lucky then."

"Yeah," Jack murmurs, his voice warm and low. "We really are."