Chapter Text
It was one of the more peculiar encounters Bo Bichette had ever experienced—an informal conversation between himself and one other individual, delving into esoteric knowledge meant for only a select few. The room was devoid of the usual press buzz, and the topics discussed were far from public consumption.
"So you're telling me," the other person in the room queried, "that Dodger Stadium was built over a…what was it you called it?"
"A geographical convergence of mystical energy," Bo said.
"And that's why so many strange and unusual things have happened there over the years?"
"Exactly. In fact, not long ago, an enchantment escaped and trailed a visiting team home. Our team, the Blue Jays…"
Brandon Belt, first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, was used to being overshadowed by his more conventionally attractive teammates, like the outfielders George Springer and Kevin Kiermaier. While they had the looks that could grace magazine covers and attract attention from every corner of the stadium, Brandon was aware that he didn't quite fit the same mold. He knew he was just a regular kind of guy, unremarkable in the looks department, according to the world's fleeting standards. His unassuming appearance and scruffy beard made him blend into the background, and although he was proud of his skills on the field, there was still a part of him that secretly yearned for the attention and adoration that his teammates seemed to effortlessly attract.
Then, one sunny afternoon, during a game against their division rivals, something strange happened. As Brandon stepped up to the plate, he noticed a group of female fans giggling and pointing at him. At first he simply shrugged it off, assuming they were just having fun and probably recognizing him as a player, but it turned out they were actually commenting on how handsome he looked in his uniform, and some even held up posters declaring their love for him.
To his surprise, throughout the game, people kept giving him compliments and appreciative looks, and even the stadium's announcer mentioned his "striking good looks" during a play. The attention felt surreal, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had stepped into some alternate reality.
In the locker room after the game, his teammates practically bombarded him with adulation and praise, something he wasn't used to; at least not when it was for something other than his skills as a ball player. The other men playfully teased him, remarking on how he'd ostensibly become a "heartthrob" overnight.
George patted his back, laughing and jokingly saying to Kevin, "Look at this gorgeous guy! He's the new face of the team!"
"I know," Kevin joined in with a smile. "You're stealing our thunder now, Brandon!"
Even the team's equipment manager, who was usually reserved and typically never gave Brandon more than a friendly nod, suddenly treated him like a superstar.
Outside the stadium, fans lined up to get his autograph and ask for selfies with him. Brandon smiled, trying to embrace the moment and revel in the superficial attention that had eluded him for so long, but deep down he was puzzled. He couldn't understand what had caused this sudden change in people's perceptions of him. It was all so out of the ordinary.
In the days that followed, the attention continued, giving Brandon a feeling of validation he had never experienced before. At first, he'd tried to convince himself that it was a one-time fluke, some inexplicable quirk in the universe, and that things would soon go back to normal. But as he walked through the stadium halls, people's eyes followed him, and he could hear whispers about his good looks. It seemed like he had stepped into a world of glamor and charm that he had only seen from afar.
This newfound attention triggered a mix of emotions for Brandon. He became the talk of the town and a social media sensation, with fans gushing over his looks and style, and he did try to ensure he always looked his very best. But, he also wished he'd be appreciated for other qualities too, like his skills, his passion for baseball and dedication to the game, and his good character. He wondered if the person he saw when he looked in the mirror was still the same humble and hardworking baseball player he had always been, and he longed for genuine connections and friendships, not just adulation based on looks.
* * *
Brandon had always admired his teammates, George Springer and Kevin Kiermaier, not just for their baseball prowess but also for their striking good looks. He had kept his feelings a closely guarded secret, aware that they were both straight and that his own appearance might not attract them in the same way they attracted others. It was a bittersweet reality he had learned to live with.
But then, one fateful day, as Brandon basked in the unusual attention he was receiving from fans and teammates alike, he couldn't help but notice that George and Kevin seemed to be acting a bit differently around him. They were being extra attentive, complimenting him more frequently, and finding excuses to spend time together.
That evening after a game, the unexpected happened. During a quiet moment, George approached Brandon with a nervous expression and confessed, "Brandon, I need to tell you something. I've developed feelings for you, and it's more than just friendship."
Brandon's heart skipped a beat, and he stammered, "George, I... I didn't expect this. You know I've always admired you, but I never thought you'd feel the same way about me."
George smiled warmly, "You're an incredible person, Brandon, both on and off the field. I can't help but be drawn to you."
Before Brandon could fully process George's confession, Kevin approached them, looking equally anxious. He said, "Hey, guys, I couldn't help but overhear. Brandon, I have to be honest too. I've been feeling the same way about you."
Now, Brandon was taken aback. He never imagined that both of his crushes would reveal such feelings for him, and he felt torn between his emotions for both of them.
"This is...unexpected," Brandon admitted, trying to collect his thoughts. "I never imagined that something like this could happen."
Both George and Kevin looked at him, awaiting his response. Brandon knew that choosing one of them would mean rejecting the other, and he couldn't bear the thought of having to break either of their hearts. He didn't know what to do. It seemed like he'd been given an impossible task.
"I care about both of you deeply…" he began. "It's a complicated situation, and I…I need time to think."
* * *
From that point on, George and Kevin started vying for Brandon's attention, trying to outdo each other with grand gestures and gifts. They showered him with affection, hoping to win his heart. Meanwhile, for Brandon, having not just one but two men he admired fawning over him in such a way felt like a vivid dream brought to life—and the turmoil it stirred inside of him only grew stronger.
Days passed, and Brandon still hadn't made a decision. Then one evening, after another exhilarating game, Kevin approached Brandon with a smile that made his heart flutter. "You were amazing out there, Brandon," Kevin said, his beautiful blue eyes sparkling.
Unable to resist the magnetic pull, Brandon was drawn to Kevin, and in the heat of the moment, they kissed. It was just as wonderful as he'd imagined it would be, and Brandon's heart raced with a mix of excitement and guilt.
But as they kissed, he noticed George standing at a distance, his eyes filled with tears. The realization of what he had caused hit Brandon like a ton of bricks. He pulled away from Kevin, his heart torn between the two.
George turned and ran from the field, and Brandon knew he had to follow. He found George sitting alone in the dugout, his head buried in his hands.
"George, I'm so sorry," Brandon said, sitting beside him. "I never wanted to hurt you."
"Then why did you kiss Kevin?" George's voice trembled with emotion.
"I don't know," Brandon replied honestly. "I'm so confused, and I never meant for any of this to happen. I care about both of you, and I never wanted to come between you."
"Fine! Go ahead and be with Kevin! See if I care!" George exclaimed, his emotions pouring out.
Brandon felt the weight of his words, and he realized that he couldn't just dismiss George's feelings. In a moment of desperation, he suggested, "Maybe... maybe we should kiss, just to see."
George looked at him, his eyes filled with hurt and confusion. "You want to kiss me to compare?"
"I don't know what else to do," Brandon said. "I can't seem to make a decision, and I need to figure out what I truly feel."
Hesitant but willing, George leaned in, and they shared a kiss. It was just as intense and amazing as it had been with Kevin, leaving Brandon even more conflicted.
* * *
In the days that followed, Brandon found himself torn between the memories of the passionate moments with both Kevin and George and the guilt of hurting his friends. He wished he could turn back time and make everything go back to the way it was before, but it seemed impossible.
Then, as if by magic, it happened. One day, after a game, everything reverted to the way it was before. Kevin and George no longer showed any romantic interest in him, and they had no memory of ever having competed with one another over Brandon.
At first, Brandon felt a strange sense of relief. The weight of his indecision had lifted, and things had gone back to normal. But as time passed, he couldn't help but miss the superficial attention he had briefly received. The admiration from fans and the special treatment from his teammates had made him feel valued in a way he had never experienced before.
Yet, deep down, he knew that he couldn't base his self-worth on external validation or the fleeting romantic moments he had experienced. Days turned into weeks, and though the memories of the kisses stayed with him, so too did the lessons he'd learned. He'd come to terms with the fact that he was better off keeping the genuine friendships he had with Kevin and George, and he was determined to value those friendships for what they were.
While a part of him might always wonder "what if," Brandon understood that life didn't always follow the script of his dreams. Instead, he chose to cherish the memories of those fleeting moments while focusing on what truly mattered—the love and support of his friends and the joy he found in the game he loved to play.
And so, with a mix of nostalgia and contentment, Brandon Belt, the first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, continued to play the game he loved, cherishing the bonds he had with his teammates, and embracing the unpredictable journey that life had in store for him.
"It all sounds very far-fetched," said the other person in the room.
"I'd hope so," Bo Bichette replied. "That's the only thing keeping it a secret. It's all so crazy and ridiculous that no one would ever believe it."
"And you mentioned something else, about the players?"
"Just one. Each season, one Dodgers player well-versed in the world of magic covertly takes on the role of...let's call it a steward—a stadium steward. His task is to discreetly watch over things and prevent magical disturbances from getting out of hand. Sometimes he fills the role just for one season, or sometimes several, until he's traded or retires. But there's always one, every season, and when one leaves, another takes his place. This year, though, 2023, turned out to be a special year. For the first time, Dodger Stadium had not just one, but two stewards working together."
"So in addition to their performance on the field, and all the pressure that comes with being a ball player, they also have the added responsibility of dealing with any magical problems that occur at the stadium? All done in secret?"
"It's a lot," Bo admitted.
"Playing for the Dodgers is already challenging. What happens if their steward duties negatively affect their performance? Wouldn't that get them sent away to the minor leagues? And leave the stadium without any watchful eyes?"
"It's a constant struggle, but many have considered it an honor."
"Ah, but I suppose if the stewards have knowledge of magic, they must use it to enhance their abilities as players, so everything balances out."
"No, don't be ridiculous," Bo responded with a bemused expression. "That's not how it works."