(Hockey BxB) Whistle In The Wind

-𝐗𝐗-

╔══《"Don't like anybody,》══╗
tell me why it's different with you."

       The second time Váli was hit, he was six. Sitting on the floor of his living room, he was distracted with the blaring sound of children's cartoons on the television. Staring up at the screen in awe, he was interrupted by the stomping of footsteps.

       Before he could even register the origin of the sound, his face was red and stinging. His eyes began to get teary as he looked over at his mothers face. Hardened, her expression showed no sign of love or adoration.

       In a quick moment, a broad smile encompassed her face. She squinted her eyes, and stood up straight. Váli stared at her clenching hand, which remained open by her side, watching as her nimble fingers curled in and out, the shimmer of her ring reflecting in the light.

       Reaching toward his own cheek, Váli ran his fingers along the tender skin, feeling the slight sting that lingered in the area. He could still feel the smack of her cold metal rings against his warm skin.

       Goosebumps overtook his body, suddenly feeling the intense chill of his mothers impact. A tear slipped down his face, but his mother had already turned her body away. Taking a deep breath in and out, she patted down her ruffled skirt and brushed down her hair.

       Bringing the smile back on her face she took one last glance at Váli sitting on the floor before walking back to her office. Not even able to register what had happened, Váli remained still.

       Footsteps returned, but this time, they were bounding down the stairs. Flopping hair and a bright grin greeted Váli. "What's on tv?" Aksel asked, running and jumping onto the couch behind his younger brother. Turning his cheek away, Váli faced the tv.

       Choosing not to respond to his brother, Váli pushed himself to his feet and stumbled out of the room. "Váli?" he called after him, but the injured boy couldn't find the energy to respond, leaving his brother waiting.

       He climbed the stairs, then climbed into the comfort of his soft bed. His eyes were droopy, and he quickly dozed off. When he awoke much later, he was tucked in, snuggled under his blankets, and Aksel was still downstairs alone, waiting for an answer.

...

       Lucien had won his game, but he wasn't happy. In fact, his mood was so sour that the car ride home was silent. Neither Luc nor Aksel spoke, and they both knew why.

       Someone had pushed Aksel, and he pushed back. That was hockey, that was how the game worked. There was no avoiding that aspect of the sport, and Lucien had grown to shoulder the shoves over the years.

       This game was no different to any other he had played. It was against a team that sucked, and they easily won. Aksel hadn't let any goals through, and Lucien had scored the few that his team had gotten.

       So why was he so mad? While Aksel believed the fight was the origin of the anger, Lucien knew better. Staring out the window, he grinded his teeth roughly. The loud sound made Aksel glance over before scoffing, "Stop that. You're gonna grind your teeth away into nothing. You'll ruin your best feature; your smile!"

       Not finding it in himself to laugh, Lucien just huffed. "People tell me my personality is my best feature," he joked.

       "Lots of liars out there, gotta be careful," Aksel retorted, laughing at his own joke.

       "My personality is fine, thank you very much," Lucien defended himself, a smile seeping into his frown lines. Comfortable silence followed, the town whizzing by as Aksel sped down the road.