Bromantic Puckboy

1. An Unlikely Friendship Forged on the Ice

Miles Olsen is a cocky little dude-bro, who has ridden the goalie bench for Nashville or played in the AHL for most of his career.

New Beginnings. Cody Bilson, a seasoned NHL forward with a notorious history of four divorces and a self-imposed celibacy, seeks a fresh start in Nashville, far from his past relationship failures. His new team introduces him to Miles Olsen, a young, seemingly cocky rookie goalie, whom Bilson initially dismisses as an arrogant "dude-bro." This initial perception, however, quickly gives way to an unexpected camaraderie.

Banter and Bonds. Despite their on-ice rivalry and differing personalities, Bilson and Miles develop an immediate, playful banter. Miles, with his quirky habits like making friendship bracelets for teammates and talking to his goalposts, disarms Bilson's jaded exterior. Their dynamic is marked by constant teasing, lighthearted insults, and a surprising ease that makes Bilson feel genuinely welcomed into the new team, a stark contrast to his previous isolated experiences.

Mutual Support. Their connection deepens as they navigate the pressures of the NHL season. Miles, despite his cocky facade, reveals underlying insecurities as a rookie stepping into a starting role, while Bilson grapples with the weight of his past and the desire for genuine connection. They find themselves leaning on each other for emotional support, a bond that transcends typical teammate relationships and hints at something more profound.

2. A "Bromance" That Becomes a Convenient Cover

So the rumors of your bromance are true, then?

Public Persona. As Bilson and Miles's bond strengthens, their playful "bromance" becomes a public spectacle, eagerly embraced by the team's PR. This narrative of two new players forming a close friendship serves as a convenient cover for their increasingly intimate connection, allowing them to interact closely without raising suspicion about their true feelings. The media, accustomed to hockey "bromances," readily accepts their dynamic.

Strategic Distraction. Their public antics, such as Miles's pre-game barking ritual (initially to cover up a dog's barks) and Bilson's exaggerated "old man" jokes, further solidify their image as harmlessly eccentric teammates. This allows them to navigate the locker room and public eye with a degree of privacy, diverting attention from the deeper, more personal aspects of their relationship. The team and media are entertained, while Bilson and Miles maintain their secret.

Unintentional Shield. The "bromance" inadvertently provides a shield for their evolving relationship. It allows them to spend extensive time together—on the road, in hotel rooms, and even at home—without raising eyebrows. This public perception of platonic male bonding creates a safe space for their private intimacy to flourish, highlighting how societal expectations can sometimes inadvertently facilitate hidden truths.

3. Sex as a Solution to Personal Baggage

I’m on a … a celibacy kick.

Practical Arrangement. Bilson's self-imposed celibacy, a desperate attempt to break his cycle of falling too fast and marrying too often, leads to extreme sexual frustration. Miles, equally horny and open-minded about sexual experiences, proposes a "threesome" as a solution, which ultimately evolves into a direct sexual encounter between them. This initial foray into intimacy is framed as a pragmatic, no-strings-attached release for both.

Beyond the Conventional. Their first sexual encounter is marked by a deliberate attempt to keep it impersonal, with "lights off" and a focus on physical release. Miles, comfortable with anal sex from past experiences, guides Bilson, who is new to sex with men. This arrangement allows Bilson to explore his sexuality without the emotional entanglement he fears with women, while Miles satisfies a craving for a specific type of intimacy.

Unintended Consequences. Despite their initial intentions for a purely physical arrangement, the sex proves to be "mind-blowing" for both. It provides a release but also sparks an unexpected curiosity and a deeper, albeit unacknowledged, connection. The "just sex" rule becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as their physical intimacy intensifies, hinting at the emotional complexities they both tried to avoid.

4. The Unexpected Depth of a Physical Connection

I’m not sure what I’m expecting, but Bilson’s eyes flutter a second before mine do, and I might have been scared about starting and not liking it, but that worry is gone.

Beyond the Physical. What begins as a pragmatic sexual arrangement quickly transcends mere physicality. Their encounters become increasingly intimate, marked by shared vulnerability, dirty talk, and a growing awareness of each other's desires. Bilson discovers a new facet of his sexuality, realizing that sex with Miles doesn't trigger his usual pattern of emotional attachment and premature proposals, offering a liberating experience.

Mutual Discovery. Miles, initially focused on the physical act, finds himself deeply affected by Bilson's presence and the emotional connection that develops. He craves Bilson's touch and attention, realizing that the sex is uniquely satisfying because it's with him. This mutual exploration of their desires and boundaries deepens their bond, making their encounters far more meaningful than just "getting off."

A New Standard. Their sexual chemistry sets a new standard for both. Miles finds that other sexual experiences no longer compare to the intensity and satisfaction he shares with Bilson. For Bilson, the absence of his usual relationship anxieties allows him to experience sex in a more present and unburdened way, fostering a genuine connection that he hadn't found in his previous relationships.

5. Navigating Family Expectations and Personal Truths

I love them, but they have some pretty outdated views on shit, and the worst part is that they don’t even realize they’re outdated.

Miles's Internal Conflict. Miles, deeply connected to his family, grapples with the fear of disappointing them. His parents, while loving, hold conservative views on sexuality, leading Miles to internalize the belief that his attraction to men is something to hide. This conflict creates significant emotional stress for him, as he cherishes his family bond but also yearns for authenticity.

The Weight of Secrecy. The need to keep his relationship with Bilson a secret from his family weighs heavily on Miles. He avoids situations that might expose their intimacy, even simple gestures like Bilson staying overnight. This constant vigilance highlights the emotional toll of living a double life and the pressure he feels to conform to his family's expectations.

Bilson's Empathy. Bilson, having experienced his own form of parental neglect, understands Miles's desire for familial acceptance. He recognizes the depth of Miles's bond with his family and respects his need for privacy, even if it means limiting their public displays of affection. This empathy underscores Bilson's growth, as he prioritizes Miles's comfort over his own desires for openness.

6. Seeking Support from Unexpected Allies

I want to tell them.

A Need for Guidance. As their relationship deepens, Bilson feels the need for external support and advice, particularly from others who have navigated similar paths. He considers confiding in Tripp and Dex Mitchell, a married gay couple in the NHL, recognizing their unique understanding of being in a same-sex relationship within the public eye of professional hockey. This marks a significant step in Bilson's acceptance of his own sexuality.

Miles's Hesitation and Breakthrough. Miles initially resists the idea of telling anyone, fearing the implications for his own closeted identity. However, seeing Bilson's vulnerability and desire for connection, and spurred by a conversation with his frat brother Robbie, Miles realizes the unfairness of keeping Bilson's truth hidden. He makes the courageous decision to join Bilson and come out to Tripp and Dex himself.

Shared Vulnerability. The conversation with Tripp and Dex becomes a pivotal moment. Miles, witnessing Bilson's openness and hearing Dex's powerful testimony about finding "his person," experiences a profound realization about his own feelings for Bilson. This shared vulnerability with trusted allies strengthens their bond and propels Miles towards a deeper acceptance of his identity and relationship.

7. The Courage to Embrace One's True Self

Bilson’s my boyfriend.

The Unthinkable Leap. After a moment of profound realization about his love for Bilson and the true nature of his family's conditional acceptance, Miles makes the impulsive, yet liberating, decision to come out to his parents. He declares Bilson as his boyfriend, shattering years of internalized fear and societal expectations. This act of courage is driven by his newfound understanding of genuine love and self-worth.

A Surprising Reaction. Miles braces for the worst, expecting anger or rejection from his conservative parents. However, their reaction, while initially shocked and tinged with regret, is ultimately one of evolving acceptance. They admit to having "a feeling" and having done "some reading," expressing sorrow for Miles's past worries and affirming their love for him, albeit with a need for time to "unlearn" their beliefs.

Freedom and Relief. The immediate aftermath of Miles's coming out is marked by immense relief and a sense of freedom. The weight of secrecy lifts, allowing him to fully embrace his identity and his relationship with Bilson. This pivotal moment, though challenging, solidifies his conviction that true love and self-acceptance are worth any potential familial friction.

8. A Public Facade for a Private Love

We don’t have to come out, but we don’t have to hide us either.

Strategic Ambiguity. Following Miles's coming out to his parents, he and Bilson decide on a unique approach to their public relationship: they won't explicitly "come out" to the wider world, but they also won't actively hide their affection. They leverage their established "bromance" narrative, knowing that fans and media are likely to interpret their closeness through that lens, allowing them to be themselves without formal declarations.

Leveraging Perception. Their existing reputation as a quirky, inseparable duo provides a convenient shield. Public displays of affection, like holding hands or casual touches, can be dismissed as "bromantic" antics by those who choose to see them that way. This strategy allows them to maintain a degree of privacy while still expressing their love for each other in plain sight, albeit subtly.

PR's Acceptance. Even their PR manager, Lucia, is surprisingly unfazed by their revelation. She acknowledges their desire for privacy and offers to prepare statements for potential leaks, but she also notes that their "idiot" personas and existing "bromance" might make public acceptance easier. This pragmatic approach from PR reinforces their chosen path of strategic ambiguity.

9. Confronting Past Insecurities for a Real Future

I’ve had four different people promise their lives to me, and none of them made me feel as secure as you do.

Bilson's Deep-Seated Fears. Despite the joy of his relationship with Miles, Bilson grapples with deep-seated insecurities stemming from his past four divorces. He fears repeating his pattern of smothering partners, becoming overly possessive, and ultimately driving them away. This "relationship PTSD" makes him question the longevity and authenticity of his connection with Miles, even as he acknowledges his profound feelings.

Miles's Reassurance. Miles, now more secure in his own identity and love for Bilson, becomes his anchor. He patiently addresses Bilson's anxieties, reassuring him that his affection is not "too much" and that he is committed to their relationship. Miles's unwavering presence and direct communication help to dismantle Bilson's long-held fears of abandonment and inadequacy.

A New Foundation. Their relationship is built on open communication and mutual understanding, a stark contrast to Bilson's previous experiences. Miles's willingness to discuss insecurities and his commitment to "never let you walk down the aisle again" (to avoid another failed marriage) provides Bilson with a sense of security he's never known. This foundation allows them to navigate challenges with honesty, fostering a truly healthy and supportive partnership.

10. Defining Love on Their Own Terms

Happily ever after is what makes you happy. Not what society says will mean you’re happy.

Beyond Labels and Expectations. Bilson and Miles's relationship defies traditional societal norms and expectations. They choose not to conform to conventional labels or public declarations, instead prioritizing their mutual happiness and comfort. Their "happily ever after" is defined by their unique bond, shared experiences, and unwavering support for each other, rather than external validation or traditional milestones.

Authentic Connection. Their love is characterized by deep affection, playful banter, and a profound understanding of each other's quirks and vulnerabilities. They find joy in simple moments, whether it's Miles's "cocky idiot" antics or Bilson's "old man" jokes. This authenticity allows them to be their true selves, fostering a connection that is both passionate and deeply comforting.

A Future Unwritten. While they don't plan for marriage or children in the traditional sense, their commitment to each other is clear. They navigate the complexities of their lives—hockey careers, family dynamics, and public perception—as a united front. Their story is a testament to finding love in unexpected places and building a future that is uniquely their own, free from the constraints of societal pressures.

Last updated: August 19, 2025