The lessons weren’t enough to protect him from gazes, though. Soon, like he had feared, everyone seemed to know what happened between him and Pierce. He could hear Helen and her friends whispering to each other. Also, the rest of the football team had crowded around their star. Was he badmouthing him? Were they laughing at him? 

He knew that not every laugh or whisper that happened the rest of the day was necessarily directed to him. Still, he felt like they were. Every single moment that only might be related to the incident drilled the knife deeper into his chest. He wasn’t one to cry easily, yet, it took him all his determination to remain seemingly unaffected. 

If he couldn’t stop them from talking, and he was unable to stop Pierce from doing as he pleased, he at least didn’t wish to add further to his embarrassment. Maybe if he managed to remain indifferent long enough, they’d start to think Pierce wasn’t that important to him. 

As the bell rang after the last lesson, he packed his things as fast as possible without creating the impression he wanted to flee the classroom. His steps towards the locker room were hurried, but he forced himself to resist the urge to run. No matter how many eyes were focused on him. He gulped as he entered the room and changed into his clothing. Perhaps at least the training would get him on different thoughts?

“Hey, Ciaran.” Logan called out to him from behind. “Thank you for getting the newbie to join us. I received his entry documents just a few minutes ago. You really helped us a lot with that.” He grinned at Ciaran, patting his shoulder. “Also, I’m sorry. You know what I mean. Are you ok? I’d understand if you’d like to skip training today.” 

Ciaran could tell he was feeling uncomfortable to just bring it up in any way. Yet, he still asked him without any snark comments from the side. That meant a lot to him. “Thanks, Cap’, but I’m ok. I think it will be actually a good way to let out some frustration. So, I want to play.” 

“Ok, if you say so.” Logan pulled his hand back and changed himself. Ciaran hadn’t looked around till then, so he hadn’t noticed that Mael was already set to go as most of the team. It seemed like he was willing to play and not just willing to watch. Even though they hadn’t really gotten to know each other, it was strange, he had actually witnessed the whole scene before. Thanks to his silent nature, he didn’t comment on it once, luckily.

The training was better than he expected. Mael had not only a good condition, he also made accurate throws, with getting numerous points through the distance to the basketball hoop. Normally, it took a lot longer to tune the team into playing with a new member. Mael had no trouble fitting in, though. Soon he caught Ciaran’s passes with ease. On their half of the training teams, they proved a powerful combination. 

“This was spectacular, guys. Really, Mael you’re a great help. We hadn’t had such a good offense in ages. With Ciaran getting the balls from our opponents and you to break through the defenses to score, we will be unstoppable. I’m sure of it.” Logan seemed on fire. The others as well. Of course, it wasn’t just the both of them keeping the team running. All the others contributed as well in passing, defending and blocking the enemy players. 

Yet, their way of playing had relayed on Ciaran passing the ball through a high scorer before. As it worked well for them with the last duo, it was no surprise Logan wanted to adapt the benefits anew. 

“Thanks.” A single word from Mael was all the team got to hear. Ciaran couldn’t blame the irritated looks they had on their faces. He hadn’t gotten used to him either, but with enough time, they’d probably get comfortable with each other. 

At least the training had kept him focused on something else than Pierce’s betrayal for the last hour. “I’m looking forward to the next training.  We always train on Wednesday and Friday. Sometimes we also meet on the weekends, but not tomorrow. Logan will text you before when we intend to do that.” Ciaran only got a nod to signal him, Mael understood him. Well, a nod was fine as well.

He couldn’t wait to play with him in an actual match. Not that winning was the most important thing to Ciaran. But he liked to win nonetheless. Especially because the sport helped him to stay connected with the other guys. None of them wanted to befriend him out of the sports, but that was fine as long as basketball itself stayed their connection. They even invited him to some of their parties from time to time, but he only visited a few of those. Still, he missed his friends Ashley and Dylan, who moved away last year.

Parties weren’t as funny when you had no one to dance or flirt with, nor friends to talk to. The old problem of being one of the few gay teenagers in a small town like Mistdale. Things could be worse, tough. At least Ciaran wasn’t harassed or beat up like other queer teenagers. He was accepted, although the different orientation put a certain distance between him and the others.