Ryan and Fabian spend the night at Fabian’s apartment, where Fabian suggests that they try out some new sex toys. Ryan is more relaxed than usual and feels open to experimentation. They have a protracted sexual encounter, where they penetrate each other for the first time. Ryan also uses dirty talk, which he isn’t normally comfortable with. Ultimately, Ryan orgasms with Fabian. They both fall asleep feeling content.

On the flight to their next game, Wyatt remarks on how happy Ryan looks. Ryan admits that he’s seeing someone, explaining his and Fabian’s history and recent reconnection. Then, he gets a text from Fabian inviting him to join Bargain Brunch that weekend.

On Sunday, Fabian lectures his friends about being nice to Ryan. Then, Ryan arrives with an armload of groceries. He easily settles into the group. Throughout the brunch, Fabian muses on their relationship, thankful that Ryan fits in so well with his friends.

Later that night, Ryan stays up watching videos of his opponent Duncan Harvey fighting. He is trying to distract himself from his worries about his and Fabian’s relationship. He has loved seeing Fabian but fears that their lives don’t mix. He couldn’t help feeling like an outsider at brunch because he couldn’t contribute anything when Fabian and his friends were talking about art. Now, he studies the videos in preparation for his upcoming game. When Fabian wakes up, Ryan closes his computer and tells him more about being an enforcer. He explains that he has to defend his teammates on behalf of his coach, whom he admits he doesn’t like. Fabian suggests that Ryan is a knight defending his king’s honor, even if it is a king he doesn’t like; however, he admits that he doesn’t understand the concept or appeal. Ryan agrees that it’s illogical.

Before the game, Ryan greets Duncan on the ice. Noticing that he doesn’t look well, he tells Duncan that they don’t have to fight if he doesn’t want to. An offended Duncan verbally threatens Ryan, insisting that they’ll fight. Then, in the middle of the game, things get out of hand. Duncan tries fighting Ryan, but Ryan refuses. Furious, Duncan headbutts him. Meanwhile, Fabian watches the game at a bar with Tarek. He feels sick when Ryan gets hurt and confesses how much he hates the sport and Ryan’s enforcer role.

That night, Fabian texts Ryan to come over, insisting that they talk. As soon as they meet up, Fabian gives Ryan a big hug. They talk about their relationship, and Fabian asks if he can be Ryan’s boyfriend. Ryan expresses how much he cares for Fabian, and they agree to be a couple. They also express how meaningful their chance reunion was for both of them and agree that they “better stick together” (233).

Ryan goes to the community center with Wyatt. Afterward, Ryan declines Wyatt’s offer to keep hanging out because he has a date with Fabian. He tells an excited Wyatt more about their relationship. Then, the friends agree to stop at a florist’s so that Ryan can get flowers for Fabian and Wyatt can get flowers for his wife.

Meanwhile, Fabian sits at home googling Ryan’s fight videos. He feels sick seeing this version of Ryan and starts to cry just as Ryan shows up at the apartment. Ryan immediately notices that Fabian is upset. He insists that he’s fine but ends up breaking the vase while setting up the flowers. Ryan checks in with Fabian again, but Fabian initiates sex instead of explaining what’s wrong. He tells himself that he has to see the gentler side of Ryan to forget the fights. They have sex and then lie in bed talking. Fabian is moved to hear Ryan open up about how poorly he was doing the year he stayed with Fabian’s family. Then, they imagine what it would have been like if they acted on their feelings for each other all those years ago. Finally, they get up and get ready to go out for a romantic night on the town.