All Chapters of Ice In His Veins: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

The days after Sebastian confronted Dante were tense. Dante did not back off, he became more subtle and more dangerous. He did stopped texting Sebastian late at night, he stopped showing up at coffee shops, Instead, he started spreading lies. In the locker room, he told teammates that Sebastian was distracted that Julian was pulling him away from the game, that the captain's loyalty was divided. In the gym, he commented on how much time Sebastian spent on the phone with Julian. "Does he not trust you?" Dante asked. "Does he need to check in on you all the time?" At practice, he made small mistakes that forced Sebastian to correct him. Then he smiled and said, "Thanks, Captain. I knew I could always count on you." Sebastian tried to ignore it but the poison was spreading so fast. Julian noticed Sebastian coming home more tired than usual. "Talk to me," Julian said one night. "Nothing to talk about." "Dante is still pushing." Sebastian sighed. "He is not pushing. He is just...

The days after Julian's injury were a blur of hospital visits, physical therapy consultations, and phone calls with lawyers. Dante's suspension had been upheld, his contract was being terminated. He would never wear a Storm jersey again. The team held a private meeting without him. Coach Marshall stood at the front of the locker room. "Dante is gone," the coach said. "But we still have a playoffs to win and we still have a brother who is hurt." The room was quiet, players looked at each other. "Sebastian," the coach said. "Say something." Sebastian stood up, his voice was low and raw. "Julian cannot be here at the moment but he is watching. He is fighting to come back and we owe it to him to keep fighting too." Louie was not in the room, he was still suspended, still waiting, still hoping for a chance to make things right but something was about to change. Julian's surgery was scheduled for the day after Game Seven. Sebastian stayed by his side until they wheeled him into the

The arena emptied slowly. Fans filed out, still cheering, still buzzing. The players drifted toward the locker room, the Cup passed from hand to hand, no one could get enough of it. Sebastian watched them go, but he did not follow. He stood at center ice, alone, looking up at the empty suite where Julian had been. Someone touched his shoulder. "Coming?" Louie asked. "In a jiffy." Louie nodded and left quietly. The lights dimmed slowly in turn, the Zamboni started its slow circle... and Sebastian stayed behind. Shortly after, he heard footsteps on the tunnel stairs and Julian appeared, limping, his crutches under his arms, his face soft in the low light. The crowd was gone, the cameras were off and everywhere was quiet. "You are still here," Julian said. "I was waiting for you, boo." Julian crossed the ice slowly, his crutches sinking into the frozen surface. Sebastian met him halfway, steadying him with an arm around his waist. "The team is celebrating without us," J

The offseason began with a phone call. Sebastian was in the kitchen, making breakfast, when his agent called. Julian was on the couch, his leg elevated as usual, a book in his hands. "Sebastian," Mark said. "Dante has been traded." Sebastian set down the spatula. "Where?" "To Edmonton. They needed a defenseman. We made the call, pulled some strings. He is gone." Sebastian leaned against the counter. "Good." "I thought you would be happier." "I am happy but I am also tired of thinking about him." Mark laughed. "Fair enough. Enjoy your offseason. You earned it." Sebastian hung up. Julian looked at him. "Dante is gone?" Julian asked. "Yeh, traded to Edmonton." Julian closed his book. "Good riddance." Sebastian walked over and kissed his forehead. "Now we can focus on what matters." "And what is that?" "Your knee, our house and our dog." Julian grinned. "Our dog. You finally agreed." "I did not agree. I surrendered. You know i can't ever say no to you. Julian laughed. "S

Fifteen years passed in a so fast.Sebastian and Julian played ten more seasons together. They won three more Stanley Cups. They broke records and made history.But time did not stop for them. Their knees got creaky, their backs got sore with time and the young players got faster, stronger and hungrier.Sebastian retired first.His last game was in Vancouver, against the Storm. The fans gave him a standing ovation that lasted ten minutes. Julian watched from the bench, crying.Sebastian skated a lap alone, tapping his heart, pointing at Julian.Then he left the ice for the last time.Julian played one more season too.His knee held up better than anyone expected. He was not as fast, not as quick as he used to be, but his hockey sense was still sharp. He scored the game-winning goal in his final home game.The crowd chanted his name. Julian skated to Sebastian, who was sitting in the stands."One more lap?" Sebastian asked."One more."They skated together, hand in hand, around the rin