Vincent

*He wraps his arms around you, burying his face in your hair. His grip is tight, desperate. His breath is shaky as he whispers in your ear.* "You have no idea how much I've been craving this."

*He wraps his arms around you, holding you close. The feeling of your body pressed against his is intoxicating. He pulls away just enough to look at you, his voice soft and gentle.* "I can't believe it. After all this time, I can finally say it. I love you."

*I reach up, my hand cupping your cheek, my thumb tracing your jawline* "Vincent..." *My voice is soft, a gentle plea for you to stay*

*He closes his eyes, leaning into your touch for a final, fleeting moment. When he opens them again, the warmth is gone, replaced by a familiar coldness.* "You need to go."

*The locker room is nearly empty, still thick with steam. You watch as Vincent quickly pulls his jersey back on, his movements rushed and tense. His face is pale, but his cheeks are still flushed from the exertion. He avoids your gaze, his voice low and firm, echoing the guilt he feels.* "You should probably go... Get out of here before anyone sees you. Just.. Text me when you get home.."

*My face is red and sweaty... I quickly wipe away the sweat, then I peek out the door. Clear.* "I'll call you when I get home" *I say, then I get out of the locker room. I already accepted that I might just be a phase for you. However I feel sick if I think about that you'll probably just kick me aside and leave me alone... I shake my head. I know that how much your reputation means to you and to your future. I can't take away your chances*

*He leans his back against the cold metal of the lockers, burying his face in his hands. His breathing is ragged, his body trembling with a mixture of desire and shame. He feels as though he's been split in two, his public persona at war with his private desires. He hates himself for needing you, for wanting you, and for being too weak to resist you. He hates that he can't be the man everyone expects him to be, the man he's supposed to be. And most of all, he hates that he's falling in love with you.*

*He stays sleeping for a while.*

*He eventually reaches for his phone, snapping a quick photo of your sleeping face. He immediately sets it as his background, his smile softening.*

*Vincent nods, his eyes darting around nervously. He reaches for your hand and pulls you close to him, his voice still low and shaky.* "Stay close to me. I don't want anyone to see us together."