Editor's note: this fictional work contains scenes of completely fictional mind control, rough, reluctant, dubiously consensual, consensually non-consensual (CNC), or non-consensual sex or scenarios.
*****
The bus rattled to a stop outside a modest roadside hotel, and Jake followed the rest of the team into the crisp evening air. It was their first overnight football tour, and excitement buzzed through the squad. Jake, a first-year midfielder still trying to find his place, felt out of his depth. When he checked the roommate list pinned to the coach's clipboard, his stomach flipped: Ryan.
Ryan was the team's star striker, tall, blonde, and effortlessly skilled. While he was friendly enough, he wasn't like the others. Where the rest of the team revelled in post-game banter and late-night antics, Ryan stayed on the side-lines of the bravado. He wasn't cold--he always offered a smile or a quick comment during practice--but he never joined in the endless teasing or the chatter about the girls who lingered after games. He seemed comfortable keeping his distance, focused on the game rather than the chaos surrounding it.
Jake hadn't spoken much to Ryan since joining the team. Not because Ryan was unapproachable, but because he always seemed content in his own quiet world. Now Jake was about to spend the night sharing a cramped hotel room with him. Nervous energy churned in Jake's chest as he dragged his bag inside, glancing down the hallway.
Ryan appeared moments later, casually hauling his duffel bag over one shoulder. "Hey," he said with an easy smile as their eyes met. His voice was calm, unhurried, and it took the edge off Jake's nerves.
"Hey," Jake managed to reply, trying not to sound awkward.
Ryan nodded toward their room. "Let's get settled."
Jake followed him, wondering what he might learn about his enigmatic teammate and if Ryan's quiet confidence might just rub off on him.
The team gathered in the hotel's modest dining room, noisy excitement filling the air as they pushed together tables and claimed seats in a haphazard arrangement. Plates piled high with pasta and bread made the rounds, and the chatter quickly turned boisterous. Jake sat near the middle, half-listening to the animated recaps of the day's practice as he stole occasional glances at Ryan, who was seated at the far end of the table.
Ryan participated politely, answering questions and laughing softly at a few jokes, but it was clear he wasn't invested in the rowdiness building around him. When dessert arrived, and the first bottle of something stronger was uncapped, Ryan stood.
"I'm calling it a night," he said casually, picking up his plate and turning toward the door. A few guys called after him, trying to coax him back, but he just waved them off with a small smile.
Jake watched him go, wondering--not for the first time--how Ryan managed to make detachment look so effortless. He felt a pang of envy before someone nudged his arm.
"Come on, Jake, you're not skipping out like him, are you?"
The drinking games began in earnest, and Jake soon found himself pulled into card games with forfeits and dares that grew progressively louder and more chaotic. He was determined not to be the shy freshman, so he drank when prompted, laughing along even when the burn in his throat started to sting.
By the time they finished the second bottle, Jake's head was merry. His words came too quickly, but he was feeling good, and most of all, having a great time. This was his chance to fit in, to be part of the team. Just what he needed.
Laughter echoed off the walls as the team's antics escalated. Jake felt warm and light, the alcohol making everything seem a little funnier, a little easier. He felt his usual nerves melt away. Somewhere in the back of his mind, though, he noticed Ryan's absence. It seemed strange
Jake leaned toward Max, who was across the table, laughing mid-story about some disastrous game from last season. "Hey, Max," Jake interrupted, his words very slightly slurred.
Max smirked. "What's up, rookie? You having a good time?"
Jake nodded, his gaze flickering toward the empty seat Ryan had left behind. "Yeah, it's fun. But... what's Ryan's deal? Why does he always leave early?"
Max leaned back in his chair, eyeing Jake with mild amusement. "Ryan, huh? Didn't peg you as the curious type."
Jake shrugged, emboldened by the alcohol. "He's cool, just... different. Doesn't drink, doesn't join in with all this." He gestured vaguely to the rowdy group around them. "I mean, he's part of the team, right? So why does he keep to himself?"
Max took a sip of his drink, considering the question. "That's just Ryan. Always been like that since he joined. He's not rude or anything--he just doesn't care about all this."
"But why?" Jake pressed. "I mean, he could be the life of the party if he wanted to. People like him, right?."
Max shrugged. "Maybe that's why he doesn't. Doesn't need it. Ryan's focused, you know? Maybe he finds the banter and rude jokes not to his taste, just a bit trivial."
Jake frowned, swirling the remnants of his drink. "Still seems... I don't know. Lonely?"
Max shook his head. "Nah. That's just how he is. He's not lonely--he's just private. Trust me, he's solid. He's just not the type to join this circus."
Jake nodded slowly, maybe Max was right, but Jake got the impression that Max knew more, but wasn't willing to say.
Late into the night the dinning room thinned out as one by one the revellers retired. Max had long since disappeared. Jake had stayed long enough to fit in with the group, but he was ready to turn in.
The room was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioning as Jake opened the door, surprised to find Ryan not only awake but sitting on the small sofa by the window. A lamp cast a warm glow, and Ryan glanced up from his book when Jake walked in.
"Late night?" Ryan asked with a faint smile, setting the book aside.
"Not as late as some," Jake replied, closing the door behind him. He hesitated, noticing the small bottle of whiskey on the coffee table.
Ryan gestured toward the sofa. "Grab a seat. Now I have company, I can drink--not the chaos they've got going on out there, though."
Jake chuckled and joined him, taking the cup Ryan poured. "Thanks. Didn't think you were the drinking type."
"In the right company i can let my hair down," Ryan said, taking a sip. "But sometimes it's nice to wind down without the noise."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet a stark contrast to the raucous dining room Jake had just left. Then Ryan turned to him. "How's it going so far? Fitting in with the team?"
Jake nodded, feeling the warmth of the whiskey. "Yeah, I think so. The guys are cool. It's just... a lot sometimes. Fast-paced, on and off the field."
Ryan leaned back, studying him thoughtfully. "It can be overwhelming. New team dynamics, trying to prove yourself. I get it."
Jake hesitated before asking, "You don't really join in with them, though. Like tonight--you left before it even got going. Why's that?"
Ryan glanced at his cup, swirling the liquid. "Honestly? I can't stand the way some of them act when they're drunk. The banter, especially when there are girls around... it crosses the line. Always has. I don't want to be part of it."
Jake nodded slowly. "I noticed that, too. It got pretty bad earlier. You're not wrong."
Ryan gave a faint smile. "All those dares and games, its just not my scene to kiss this girl, drink tequila from the belly of that girl. Not my idea of fun "
Jake felt a surprising sense of relief. He too was uncomfortable with that part of fitting in with the team. The alcohol had eased his reluctance, but it had been testing. Ryan wasn't aloof or standoffish; he just had his priorities straight, and he was really easy to talk to. "You're, like, really good at this whole staying-focused thing."
Ryan chuckled. "Maybe. Just keep working hard. Ignore the nonsense."
They talked for a while longer, Ryan offering tips on handling the team and the game. The conversation was easy, and Jake found himself more comfortable than he had been all night. As the conversation flowed Jake could feel the numbing effect of all the alcohol. At some point Ryan's hand found its way onto Jake's knee. In the warm alcoholic glow, Jake barely even noticed and settled into the comfortable rapport.
Eventually, Jake's eyes grew heavy, and his responses slowed. Ryan continued talking in the background, Jake mumbled something incoherent as he sank further into the sofa, the sound of Ryan's calm, steady voice still in his ears as he drifted off. Jake was in that place between dreams and reality.
It was a wonderful dream. In his room in university halls, a cheer leader between his knees, rubbing his thigh. His manhood erect constrained in his pants. Is she going there, he opens his legs to encourage progress. No not in halls, in a hotel room, sipping whisky, he better put it down before he drifts too deep and spills it, placing the cup on the table he settles back, warm sofa, hotel room, hands back on his inner thighs. The fingers climbed higher, brushing his scrotum. Was that an accident, the scond time more firmly, no accident. Wonderful. His belt unbuckles, his zip lowered.