Caught Stealing

1. A Drunken Mistake Creates Lingering Regret

One I'm lost in, only to wake up the next morning with no idea whose bed I'm in, how I got there...or a single recollection of the events from the night before.

A night of oblivion. Holden, reeling from the anniversary of his parents' death, gets heavily intoxicated at a party. Seeking escape, he hooks up with a stranger, blacking out and remembering nothing of the encounter or the person involved. This forgotten night becomes a source of future conflict and regret for the other person.

The morning after. Waking up alone with no memory, Holden dismisses the night as a typical consequence of his lifestyle, unaware of the impact it had. This lack of recollection sets the stage for a major misunderstanding when he later encounters the person he slept with, who remembers everything vividly.

Unseen consequences. What Holden views as a meaningless, forgotten hookup is a significant event for the other person, Phoenix. This disparity in memory and perception fuels Phoenix's later animosity and shapes his view of Holden as a careless playboy, unaware of the underlying pain that led to Holden's intoxication that night.

2. Misunderstanding and Perception Fuel Animosity

He’s impossible to escape. Like fucking herpes.

First impressions matter. Six months later, Phoenix encounters Holden again and is immediately filled with disdain, seeing him as the epitome of the careless player who discarded him. Holden, having no memory of their previous encounter, treats Phoenix like a stranger, reinforcing Phoenix's negative perception and fueling his anger.

Reputation precedes him. Holden's well-known reputation as a "man-whore" and "one-and-done king" solidifies Phoenix's belief that Holden is incapable of genuine connection. This perception, born from their forgotten night and Holden's subsequent lack of recognition, becomes the lens through which Phoenix views all of Holden's actions.

A one-sided history. Phoenix carries the weight of their shared, yet unacknowledged, history, while Holden remains oblivious. This imbalance creates a dynamic where Phoenix's reactions seem overly hostile to Holden, who doesn't understand the root cause of the animosity, leading to further misinterpretations and conflict.

3. Loyalty and Protection Lead to Conflict

You’re never gonna win this war with me, Sykes. I told you, there’s no way I’d allow it.

Best friend's interest. Phoenix's best friend, Kason, reveals an interest in Holden. This news immediately triggers Phoenix's protective instincts, convinced that Holden will inevitably hurt Kason just as Phoenix believes he was hurt. Phoenix sees it as his duty to shield Kason from Holden's perceived harmful nature.

Operation Cock Block. Driven by his protective loyalty and personal history with Holden, Phoenix actively tries to sabotage Kason's attempts to connect with Holden. This includes interfering with dates and creating awkward situations, escalating the conflict between Phoenix and Holden and baffling Kason.

A battle of wills. Phoenix's interference leads to direct confrontations with Holden, who is initially confused by the intense opposition. Their interactions become a game of verbal sparring and escalating pranks, with Phoenix determined to drive Holden away from Kason, unaware that his actions are having an unintended effect on Holden.

4. A Shared Trip Unearths Hidden History

“Oh, my God,” I whisper, piece after piece clicking into place in rapid-fire succession—all the answers I was missing to create a clear picture in my head.

Forced proximity. Kason invites Holden on a winter break trip to Phoenix's family condo in Florida, hoping to spend more time together. Phoenix is dismayed but agrees, bringing along other teammates, including Theo, who knows about Holden's past hookups but not the details.

A casual comment. During the drive, Theo makes a passing comment about Holden's hookup at the May party, mentioning it was the same night as a significant event for Holden. This seemingly innocent remark triggers a cascade of memories and realizations for Holden, connecting the dots to his blackout night.

The truth revealed. Holden finally understands that Phoenix was the person he slept with that night. This revelation completely shifts his perspective on Phoenix's behavior and the depth of their unexpected history. It answers many questions but also creates new complexities in their already strained dynamic.

5. Undeniable Chemistry Defies Logic and Secrets

Something about him just…gets to me. Messes with me in ways I can’t quite comprehend.

Secrets in the dark. Despite the animosity and the complicated situation with Kason, Holden and Phoenix find themselves drawn to each other during the Florida trip. Their confrontations often end with intense, secret encounters, revealing a powerful chemistry that neither can deny, even as they try to maintain distance.

A dangerous game. Their hidden interactions escalate, culminating in a passionate encounter in the pool shower. These moments are filled with raw desire and vulnerability, forcing them to confront the undeniable pull between them, even as they agree to keep it a secret, especially from Kason.

Rules are broken. Holden, known for his "no strings" rules, finds himself wanting more with Phoenix. Phoenix, who avoids casual sex and values loyalty, is drawn into a secret relationship that goes against his principles. Their connection defies their established patterns and complicates their lives in unforeseen ways.

6. The Weight of Deceit Strains a Best Friendship

Lying to him has created this guilt that’s gnawing away at me…like a rabid animal or something.

The secret relationship. Upon returning from Florida, Holden and Phoenix begin a secret relationship. They meet discreetly, often under the guise of studying, navigating their intense connection while trying to prevent Kason from finding out about their history or their current involvement.

Guilt consumes Phoenix. Keeping the truth from Kason, his lifelong best friend, weighs heavily on Phoenix. He feels immense guilt for his deceit and for potentially hurting Kason, who had expressed developing feelings for Holden. This internal conflict causes Phoenix significant distress and emotional distance from Kason.

Strained connection. The secrets create a rift between Phoenix and Kason. Phoenix struggles to act normally around Kason, becoming withdrawn and anxious. Kason senses the change and expresses concern, further increasing Phoenix's guilt and making the burden of the secret almost unbearable.

7. Choosing Oneself Amidst Conflicting Loyalties

I’m damned either way.

Kason discovers the truth. Kason unexpectedly arrives at Phoenix's hotel room during an away game and discovers Phoenix and Holden together, partially undressed. The truth about their relationship, and the extent of Phoenix's deceit, is revealed in a painful confrontation.

The fallout. Kason is deeply hurt and angry, feeling betrayed by Phoenix's lies and the secrecy surrounding his relationship with Holden. He confronts Phoenix about the years of perceived codependency and Phoenix's pattern of prioritizing Kason's needs over his own, leading to a painful rupture in their friendship.

An impossible choice. Faced with the potential loss of his best friend, Phoenix feels torn between his loyalty to Kason and his undeniable feelings for Holden. Holden urges Phoenix to choose his own happiness, while Kason's reaction highlights the deep wounds caused by the secrets, leaving Phoenix feeling like he must choose one relationship over the other.

8. A Confession of Love Changes Everything

if there’s one thing through this entire fucked-up situation I’m not sorry for, it’s falling in love with you.

Holden's vulnerability. After the confrontation with Kason, Holden is devastated by Phoenix's pain and the potential end of their relationship. He seeks advice from his roommates, realizing the depth of his feelings for Phoenix and deciding he must fight for their connection, even if it means risking rejection.

A public declaration. Holden finds Phoenix at the baseball stadium before the next game and, despite Phoenix's reluctance to talk, makes a heartfelt confession. He apologizes for his part in the mess but unequivocally states his love for Phoenix, laying his heart on the line regardless of the outcome.

Forcing the issue. Holden pushes Phoenix to confront his feelings and the choice before him, refusing to let Phoenix dismiss their connection or lie about his emotions. He challenges Phoenix to look him in the eye and deny his love, forcing Phoenix to face the truth of his feelings and the difficult decision he must make.

9. The Fallout and Search for Forgiveness

You’re not sorry about what happened with Holden, you’re just sorry you got caught stealing him in the first place.

Kason's pain. Kason's accusation reveals the depth of his hurt, interpreting Phoenix's actions not just as deceit, but as "stealing" Holden and prioritizing a romantic relationship over their friendship. His words highlight the perceived betrayal and the breakdown of trust built over a decade.

A fractured bond. The confrontation leaves the best friendship severely damaged. Kason expresses feeling like he no longer recognizes Phoenix and states that he needs space to process the lies and the pain. This creates a period of silence and distance between them, leaving the future of their friendship uncertain.

Seeking reconciliation. Phoenix is devastated by Kason's reaction and the potential loss of his best friend. He attempts to reach out and apologize, trying to explain his actions and the reasons behind his secrecy, hoping to find a path towards forgiveness and rebuilding their fractured bond.

10. Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward

You can fuck up and piss me off, but you’re still important to me.

A difficult conversation. Phoenix finally gets Kason to talk, laying bare all the reasons for his secrecy, including the shame from their first hookup and his pattern of prioritizing Kason's needs. He acknowledges his mistakes and the toxic codependency that developed in their friendship over the years.

Understanding emerges. Kason listens, expressing his hurt but also acknowledging Phoenix's perspective and the unhealthy dynamic they fell into. He clarifies that he doesn't need Phoenix as a protector anymore and that their friendship needs to evolve for both of them to be healthy.

A break, not a breakup. They agree to take a "break" from their intense codependency, allowing Kason space to heal and rebuild trust, and giving Phoenix the opportunity to focus on himself. Kason reassures Phoenix that he still cares and wants Phoenix to be happy, even if it means choosing Holden.

11. Love, Loyalty, and Choosing Your Own Happiness

No, I’m choosing me.

The ultimate choice. Faced with the potential loss of both his best friend and the man he loves, Phoenix is forced to make a decision. Holden's confession and Kason's eventual acceptance of Phoenix's need for personal happiness empower Phoenix to prioritize his own well-being and desires.

Choosing himself. Phoenix realizes that choosing Holden isn't betraying Kason; it's finally choosing himself and his own happiness after years of putting Kason first. He accepts that their friendship will change but understands that sacrificing his chance at love would lead to lifelong regret.

Embracing the future. Despite the pain and uncertainty, Phoenix chooses to pursue his relationship with Holden, recognizing that their connection is worth fighting for. He steps towards a future where he prioritizes his own needs and happiness, hoping that time and honesty will eventually heal the wounds in his friendship with Kason.

Last updated: June 24, 2025