Chapter Text
Jack likes to consider himself a level headed and analytical guy. So, when Seth starts wearing the gift Jack gave him as his undershirt for every game, he immediately begins to dissect why.
It’s a fairly standard university sweater. Plain white with Harvard across the chest in crimson.
At first, he’s sure it’s because of the name and prestige of the institution. Jack is very honored to call the place his alma mater. He worked very hard and stayed until he could graduate. Maybe Seth wishes he went the college route instead?
Then, he thinks maybe it’s a fashion thing. Princess Diana famously wore the sweater herself. Of course, she didn’t cut off the sleeves, but Seth did that more for hockey purposes.
Next, he’s positive that it’s a joke at Seth’s expense. That he’s playing off the ‘dumb jock who can’t read’ stereotype.
Yes, Seth doesn’t have an impressive vocabulary but that’s not an accurate measure of intelligence. Seth is very smart! He’s on the first line for a reason. His hockey IQ is incredible.
Finally, about two months into the season he confronts Seth about it.
“You know Seth, I really admire your ability to read the puck.”
They’re at a team dinner and usually Seth sits next to KK but Jack beat him to the last seat at the table. He ignored KK’s resulting glare.
Seth looks confused, instead of pleased at the complement. “Uhhh, thanks dude. I like your hockey too.” There is a higher lilt to Seth’s voice at the end of his sentence, uncharacteristically unsure.
So he pushes on, “I really respect the way you see the game. It takes a lot of skill and understanding.”
Seth nods and continues to eat, formulating an answer. After a moment he says, “yeah, you too.”
“I appreciate that. I’m glad you know how good you are. That’s important too.”
Seth looks around the room. “Bro, are you like…are you, did you lose a bet or something? Is that why you’re being so nice to me?”
He’s always nice to Seth. Oh, God, is he not nice enough to Seth? His panic must be written on his face the way Seth tries to placate him. “No, you’re a super awesome dude, for sure. But like a bunch of random compliments at dinner is sort of weird. Like we haven’t played in a few days?”
He puts a hand over Seth’s, solemn. “I’m sorry it seems random. I wanted to make sure you know how valuable and smart you are.” Seth glances down at their hands and then at him and then back at their hands. “Are you like..are you like hitting on me?”
He wasn’t, but he registers the blush rising on Seth’s cheeks, the way he can’t meet Jack’s eyes anymore, the way he fidgets with his other hand. This is a line of reasoning he had not accounted for. A crush? Seth has a crush on him?
Why hadn’t he come on to Jack earlier? That’s more typical of Seth. First in line to put himself out there, even if it means making a fool of himself. Jack's not a scary guy.
“I can be hitting on you. If you want me to.”
Jack likes funny people with a good personality. He can see it.
“If I want you to? Dude, I feel like I’m super obvious. I wear your shirt almost everyday.”
He can’t help but smile. “So, what’s my gift?”
“Huh?”
Jack inches closer. “What are you going to give me?” He can see the second the innuendo hits Seth; the way his eyes widen and a smirk begins to form, crooked teeth and all. “Oh baby, what am I not going to give you?”