hockey_fc Remix Challenge

[la_samtyr]

A few notes: This is only partially finished but it's probably a second or third draft. I'm sure there will be some glaring mistakes here but all of my key notes and references to The Season That Wasn't remain locked on my old hd, still inaccessible. It was originally meant to be PG-ish but it doesn't have to be. Good luck!



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BBM/NHL Lockout
Linden/Shanahan and Jake/Heath
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"I am *not* getting back on another fucking plane." Brendan looked annoyed and Trevor couldn't blame him. It seemed that they had spent most of the past week on one plane or another in an attempt to meet with all of the player reps and discuss the CBA. Unfortunately the travel agency seemed to think that the shortest distance between two points was the scenic route. "I'd rather drive for awhile."

"Drive." Trevor sighed in annoyance. "Do you have any idea how far we have to go yet?"

"It can't be any worse than flying from Montreal to Vancouver, with that wonderful layover in Nashville in order to save on the ticket."

"That's true." Trevor rubbed his eyes, feeling even more tired. "We're in Edmonton now, so let's go on to Calgary. At least they're in the same province."

It had been a long drive from Edmonton and they were tired.

"When do we meet the reps?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Good. I'm damned tired of all this."

"I know, I know.

They stopped at a well-known Calgary restaurant, mildly surprised at the large crowd.

"What's going on?"

"Don't know."

"Mr. Linden, Mr. Shanahan--so very pleased to see you again." The waitress hurried up to them, smiling in recognition. "I'll put you in a private room."

"Thank you."

They followed her and were soon seated away from the public.

"Here are your menus. I'll be back in a moment to take your order."

"Fine. Say, what's going on?"

"There's a movie being filmed here. A Western."

"Oh yeah?" Trevor was instantly curious, having grown up on a ranch near Medicine Hat. "That's interesting."

"Yes, they're all very nice. I'll be right back, gentlemen."

"I think we got lucky, Bren."

"How do you figure that, Trev?"

"If there's a movie around, maybe we won't be noticed as much."

"Maybe," Brendan nodded. "We can hope so, I guess."

"Here you are, gentlemen." The waitress reappeared with their drinks and quickly took their orders. The two men sipped the liquor, quietly discussing the problems with the CBA. Brendan had proved to be an unexpected ally, though some members of the PA grumbled about how Shanahan seemed to have elected himself to the executive commitee. Trevor noticed that no-one had actually tried to do anything about it though.

"I don't know, Bren." Trevor sighed tiredly, pushing his glasses up as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I never thought that it would take so long."

"I wish I was as confident about Bob's leadership," Brendan said. "Gary seems pretty damned certain that the owners will stay together."

The opening of the door signaled the arrival of their steaks and both men ate hungrily. Trevor was anxious to get the meeting over with, for he had promised to visit his parents at their ranch before returning to Toronto. Brendan was lost in his own thoughts as well, since he never liked to leave his family for very long. Finally they were finished and stood, stretching tiredly.

"You gonna go to the hotel now?"

"Eh, I think I'll have a drink, get out a little. I'm sick of seeing nothing but hotel rooms." Trevor looked over at Brendan. "Why don't you come with me?"

"Ok," Brendan replied. He was mildy surprised that Linden wanted to go out at all. But, he supposed, maybe Trev wants to see if he can get an idea of what the public thinks about all of this. "Just not too late."

The two men left the restaurant and walked down the street, talking quietly. Brendan felt slightly uneasy in small country towns, for he had spent most of his life in large cities. Very few of his teammates had anything to do with country life, though he had heard unsettling rumors that the Grind Line had some sort of interest in race horses. That was fine with him--just as long as they kept him out of it. Lost in thought, he bumped into Trevor, who had stopped in front of a store window. Brendan glanced idly at the display, which highlighted several Western hats and other cowboy gear.

"You know, we kinda stick out," Trevor mused. "If we're going to hear what people *really* think, we need to blend in."

"Oh?" Brendan had a feeling he knew where this was going and he didn't care for the idea.

"C'mon, Bren. We're gonna get us some new outfits."

"Right," he muttered under his breath as he followed Linden inside the store.

"How may I help you gentlemen?" The clerk, looked them over carefully, rapidly sizing them up. "Are you looking for hats or boots?"

"Everything." Trevor replied. "We want the whole outfit."

"Very good, sir. If you'll just follow me..."

Linden strode confidently through the store, pointing out things to the clerk. Within moments, Brendan found himself in a room full of clothing and he sighed in dismay. If the guys found out about this, he'd never live it down. He hated buying street clothes. It was an onerous chore, one that Cathy had only been too happy to take over for him. He held up a shirt, studying it cautiously. It was a deep red color and relitively plain, with very little design. Well, it could be worse. Reluctantly, he removed his suit coat and shirt.

"Very nice, Bren. I approve."

"Uh-huh." Brendan looked critically at his reflection in the mirror. He supposed it wasn't all that bad. In fact, it could have been a lot worse. Trevor had outfitted them both in their team colors, which hadn't been a surprise.

"Will you gentlemen be needing anything else?," asked the clerk as he rang up their purchases.

"Yeah, send our other clothes to the hotel." Trevor scrawled a quick note and handed it to the clerk.

"Of course, sir. Our pleasure."

"Thanks." Trevor nodded briefly at the man and walked out of the store, with Brendan following.

"Where to now?" Brendan asked as they stood outside.

"Over there." Trevor shrugged slightly and began walking toward the nearest bar. Brendan fought back a sigh and hoped that this would be a good idea.

~~~~~

Jake and Heath were relaxing over a drink after a long day of filming. So far things seemed to be going well, though it was hard to be certain. At least they were on schedule, which was a positive sign. They had spent a lot time learning how to be cowboys and they were constantly studying the locals for any look or gesture that might help add nuances to their performance.

"Another beer?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, guess so." Heath said.

Heath was more interested in watching the people than anything else, Jake realised. But this time, it was Jake who noticed the two men walking in the door and nudged Heath with his elbow.

"Look."

"Yeah."

The newcomers moved slowly toward the back, looking for an empty booth. Jake and Heath watched them surrepitiously. There was something different about the two men, something that didn't quite fit in with the nightly crowd. This was what they had been waiting and hoping for; new faces to study and perhaps incorporate into a later character. Sometimes, Heath mused, you just get lucky. A waitress hurried over to take their order and hurried just as quickly back with their drinks.

"How about a game of pool?" Jake spoke first. If they were going to study these men, they needed to get closer without being obvious about it.

"Right." Heath peeled himself away from the bar and snagged the empty table before it could be claimed by anyone else. Jake was right behind him, quickly setting up. They were hyper-aware of their surroundings now, focusing on the conversations that swirled around.

~~~~~

Brendan and Trevor were quietly listening to the people who were sitting at a nearby table. They looked up briefly at the young men setting up the pool table before turning their attention back to the conversation at hand.

"... don't know why they keep asking for more money. I'd like to see 'em make ends meet on what I make."

"Yeah, who can't live on a couple hundred thousand a year? And for what? Just damned greedy."

"Athletes is all the same. Money money money. All they think about."

There was a murmur of agreement at this statement, and Trevor and Brendan looked at each other, a pained look in their eyes. The snide remarks hurt more than expected. They played their hearts out each time they stepped on the ice; everyone they knew did. Many of their teammates played hurt, sometimes damn near broken. Brendan doubted that very few people would be willing to do that; these morons probably took a sick day for a hangnail.

That look was not lost on either of the actors, who were by now entranced by the whole situation. Really, it was better than they could have hoped for. It still didn't answer the main question of who these men were or why they seemed to be having the same reaction to the crowd and the mystery was irressistable.

"What are they talking about, Jake?" Heath whispered. "I don't get it."

"Me either." Jake frowned, trying to think of what was going on in the sports world. It wasn't anything about football or baseball, and it was unlikely to be basketball at this time of year. Maybe golf or tennis? "We need to pay closer attention."

Heath nodded silently. The conversation around them seemed to have turned to politics though. The two older men stared into their beer, looking downcast.

"Think they're a couple?"

"Maybe." Heath walked around the table, considering his next shot. Unfortunately, he wasn't getting any closer to the men. "What's your feeling?"

"Not quite sure." Jake stepped back, draping himself along a second empty pool table in a classic rentboy pose and staring openly at the men. "Could be."

Heath privately thought that Jake had no clue as to how sexy he looked when he did that. It would be annoying if it was deliberate but Jake had seemed hurt when he had tossed a twenty at him. In fact, that pose was guaranteed to bring every female -- along with quite a few of the males -- in the room over to them. Sure enough, the whole bar seemed to be staring in the young actor's direction even though Jake was oblivious to them. Heath sighed to himself. It was only a matter of time before they would be surrounded by fans.

~~~~~

Except for a brief glance, Brendan and Trevor had paid little attention to the young men playing pool. They lingered over their drinks until it slowly dawned on them that the boys were watching them.

"We're being watched."

"Uh-huh." Trevor nodded, looking at the dark-haired young man leaning against the second pool table. It was pathetic, the kids looked too nice to be hustlers. They looked almost underage; probably worked together for safety. He was surprised that management let them inside. Never used to see that sort of thing except in the East, Trevor thought. Calgary had changed more than he had imagined and that thought made him feel even sadder. "Let's go."

It was time for them to move on to another bar and continue their unofficial--and highly unscientific--survey. Finishing their beers, they stood up and began leave the room.

~~~~~

"Damnit, they're leaving." Jake stood up and moved closer to Heath. "Come on."

"Yeah, yeah."

They dropped all pretense of playing pool and began making their way to the door. Not surprisingly, they found their way blocked by several fans and well-wishers who were anxious for an autograph. After several minutes, they found their way outside and looked around the nearly empty streets.

"Any ideas which way to go now?" Heath asked.

"Not a clue," Jake replied. "They're fascinating. I don't want to lose them."

"Let's walk around then. Maybe we'll see them come out of a place."

"I suppose." Jake said as they began walking aimlessly through the Calgary streets. He looked up at a sign that read "Grill and Sports Bar" and stopped short. "Here. I'll bet they're in here."

"Could be." Heath studied the sign and nodded. "Worth a try anyway."

They entered the brightly-lit room, looking briefly at the myriad of tv screens that all seemed to be tuned to different sports stations. Within moments, they spotted the two older men.

"Over there." Heath said. Jake nodded in agreement and they slowly worked their way across the floor. They had no sooner sat down at a nearby table when a waitress appeared.

"What'll it be?"

"Two beers."

"Ok."

Carefully, the young men moved their chairs so they could study the older men once more. This time, the men were studying one of the tv screens and seemed to be unaware of being observed.

"What's that on tv anyway?"

"Just sports news. Nothing in particular. Baseball, golf--the usual." Jake sipped at his beer, turning away from the tv and looking briefly at Heath. "So, any ideas yet?"

"Friends or co-workers." Heath considered this. "Maybe even cowboys. I wish we could get closer but I don't want to be obvious."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Jake snuck a quick glance at the men before turning his attention back to his beer. "They could be family; they're about the same size and coloring."
~~~~~

"Those kids are back. Think it's just chance?," Brendan spoke in quiet tones. "Or do you want me to say hello to 'em?"

"Easy, easy." Trevor was more cautious. As president, he had to be extra-careful in public. "Let it go for now. They aren't doing anything."

"What if it's some kind of set-up?" At Trevor's puzzled look, he elaborated. "You know, the League wanting to see us in some sort of trouble, weaken our position and the PA's credibility."

"Jesus, Shanny." Trevor shook his head in dismay. "You ought to think about writing a book or something with that imagination of yours."

"Ok, maybe it is just chance." Brendan scowled briefly. "I know they're looking at us, though. And we *were* followed."

~~~~~
"Do you guys know anything about hockey?," Jake asked.

"Why?" Brendan spoke first as they eyed the younger men suspiciously. These kids must have something to do with the press.

Heath and Jake shared a puzzled glance, not expecting this oddly hostile reaction.

"Uh, we had a question."

"Go on." Trevor spoke sharply, feeling a sudden rush of anger at being set up.

"Well... " Heath moved closer to Jake, feeling how tense his co-star was. "It's mostly about the Stanley Cup."

Neither Heath nor Jake was prepared for the fire that was lit in the older men's eyes. They felt as if they had committed a major breach of ettiquette but they had no idea of what they might have done or why they should feel this way.

"Go on," the man in the red shirt said. "What's the question?"

"We're working on this film," Heath repiled. "Anyway, we filmed a 4th of July celebration scene, the crowd seemed... subdued. We were wondering why because the director told everyone to act as if Calgary had won the Stanley Cup. I thought the crowd would be really excited but they weren't."

"Did they now." The older men shared an incredulous glance before turning to study the boys as if they were some new species. "So, you thought the crowd was quiet, eh?"

"Well, yeah." Heath shifted uneasily. "I mean, they were just... like they were sad, or something."

"Or something."

"Have you ever been to a Stanley Cup game?"

"Yes. Yes I have." The man's whole face glowed with a sudden firceness while his companion in the dark blue shirt looked down, closing his eyes in pain.

"So have I." The other man spoke softly now. "*Ping*."

His companion sobered immediately and gently placed his hand on the other man's wrist. Jake and Heath's curiousity was fully awake and they were feeling more puzzled than ever. They looked at each other and shrugged.

"Have you been to one when Calgary was playing?"

"Orca burgers." Trevor said glumly.

"BBQ wings." Brendan added in an identical tone of voice.

"Shark steak." This last was spoken in unison as the older men nodded in agreement.


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