Page 102 of Dickathlon

“With two events left.”

“You might be too far ahead to catch.”

“You’re too nice, Declan. Aren’t we supposed to be rivals?”

I shrugged and shut the water off. “Feels more like family sometimes. We certainly spend enough time together. Good luck. I’ll be around if you wanna chat some more.”

He seemed surprised before I turned to walk away. “Uh, thanks. See ya.”

I left the shower to head to my locker. There weren’t enough private rooms at these events, so everyone had shared spaces with a staff presence in each area, in addition to the expected security measures keeping non-athletes out.

A few indoor spaces were converted to lounges. They weren’t as swanky as the Olympics, but we needed somewhere to hang out that didn’t consist of a wooden bench surrounded by lockers.

I crashed on one of the couches and pulled my phone out. I knew Ty was likely on his way to explore, so I just scrolled through Instagram and checked my email. Yuri had sent a few photos from the morning, so I picked one and posted it.

I brought up Google and started searching for things to see and do in Rome. Ty and I would have a few days here after the championships and then we were going to Venice for a few days after that. I was lost in tour plans and recommendations, so I didn’t notice who sat next to me when I felt the couch shift until I heard, “Sorry to bother you again. I swear I’m not stalking you.”

I turned to see Ulisses. “Seems that way, Ferreira.”

“I can see that.” He laughed. “I’m not bothering you?”

“Not at all. Was there something you wanted to talk about?”

“Actually, yeah. I…uh…knew you were gay, but hearing you have a boyfriend”—he lowered his voice—“that really made me jealous.”

I knew he was checking me out.

“I…I’m gay, Declan, and you’re the first person I’ve told.”

Oh shit.

“Wow. Big step, dude. I want you to know I’m not going to say anything to anyone.”

“I know. I just- When you said boyfriend, I just felt really lonely, and if I don’t start this process, I’m afraid I’ll be alone forever.”

I nodded. “Does your coach know?”

“I think so, but we’ve never said anything.”

“Well, that’s something.”

“That’s kind of the problem too. He’s the one I have a crush on, and I think he might feel the same way.”

I exhaled with a huff. “That’s…something.” I had no idea what I should say. “He’s your coach. I think you should tell him. He’s bound to be supportive. Brazil’s fairly progressive with gay rights, isn’t it?”

“In some areas. Sports, not so much.”

“Well, I still think you should tell him. Who knows? He might feel the same as you. And the more people that know, the less lonely you’ll be. Trust me, you’ll keep feeling better and better.”

Ulisses smiled and said, “Thank you, Declan. I appreciate the advice. If I can be forward, can I get your number, so I can reach out sometime?”

“Sure.”

I gave him my number and we settled into a comfortable silence, watching live coverage of the non-decathletes on one TV and some random action movie on the other.

I wasn’t surprised he was gay, but I was surprised by his confession. I had been out since high school and UCLA knew I was gay when I was recruited. But I hadn’t thought about what it was like to have literally no one for your entire life.

I was more than happy to be his person. And part of me was relieved he hadn’t hit on me, though a jealous Ty would’ve been something to see.