faithinus

[faithinus]

Forbidden Fruit

Summary: Mat and his friends gather for an annual poker game. A shocking revelation about his sister throws him off balance.

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x OC Barzal!Sister featuring Mat Barzal himself :)

Word Count: 800

The dim overhead lighting cast long, skeletal shadows across the faces of the men gathered around the poker table. Empty beer bottles and half-eaten plates of chips littered the coffee table, testament to the relaxed atmosphere of their annual holiday game. Liam, Mat's childhood friend and host, dealt the cards with a practiced flourish, a grin spreading across his face.

"So, Mark," Liam drawled, his voice low and gravelly, "spill the beans. Anything juicy happening in the big leagues lately?" Liam, a former hockey player whose career had fizzled after college, was notorious for his relentless pursuit of insider information. He slapped a hand on Mat’s shoulder. "Mat here is giving me nothing. He's been cooped up in the gym ever since he got back to Vancouver.”

Mark, a burly man with a thick neck and a penchant for strong opinions, was the newest addition to their inner circle. Despite having faced him on the ice, Mat still felt a degree of unfamiliar tension with him. Mark took a long sip from his beer. "Not much. Just the usual trade rumors, injuries, the standard fare."

Liam leaned forward conspiratorially. "Oh, there's more than that. Heard you ran into our boy Quinn the other night."

Mat raised an eyebrow. "Quinn?"

"The Captain himself," Liam confirmed, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I heard he's found himself a new muse, but he's being oddly secretive about it, even with his teammates. My bet is a reporter. That's why he's so tight-lipped."

Mat always respected Quinn, both on and off the ice. He was a quiet leader with a steely resolve and skating that was nothing short of poetry in motion. But he didn't care much for the details of any player's romantic life.

Mark, shuffling his cards absentmindedly, mumbled, "Nah, doesn't seem like the type. I saw him out at Blue Water Cafe the other night with the girl. My sister recognized her..."

Another one of Mat's old friends, Ben, kicked Mark under the table.

"What the hell was that for?"

Ben, reaching out for his cards and pulling them to his chest, muttered, "Just get back to the game."

Mark's eyes snapped to Mat's face. "Oh shit. I forgot."

Ben glared at him. "Just stop talking. Please."

Mat, noticing the tense conversation, finally looked up from his cards. "Okay, now I'm interested."

The room fell silent. Mat's eyes darted around the table to each of the men, searching for a clue.

"What do you know that I don't?" he asked, a dangerous edge to his voice. Liam held his hands up in defense. "I have no idea. I swear."

“Ben? C'mon. Spit it out." Mat's eyes pleaded with his childhood teammate, burning into him. Ben sighed under the weight of his stare.

"It's Alayna." He said under his breath, averting his gaze.

"Excuse me?" Mat shook his head in disbelief at the name that came out of his mouth.

Liam, eyes wide with surprise, stammered, "The girl is Alayna? As in, Mat's sister?"

Mat's face paled. Alayna? Dating Quinn? The Captain of the Vancouver Canucks?

A wave of icy dread washed over him. All those "I'm never dating a hockey player" speeches echoed in his mind, a bitter irony. And her last relationship… that had been a disaster. It took her months to recover. He had just started to see that spark in her again. Now this? Mat imagined Alayna, her laughter, her gentle spirit, potentially entangled with the unforgiving, predatory world of professional hockey. Surely no captain would have the energy and emotional bandwidth to put his sister’s needs above their own. Victory often came at a person cost.

He could feel Liam's gaze on him, a mixture of amusement and sympathy in its depths. He managed a weak smile, his voice trembling slightly. "Right. Alayna. Of course."

Mat pushed his chair back from the table, his mind reeling. This couldn't be happening.

His eyes flew around the table once again. "You guys already knew? Alayna has my friends covering for her? Like some kind of secret operation?" Mat said, incredulous.

Ben leaned his head back on the chair in defeat and wiped a hand across his face. "If it makes you feel any better, apparently they're inseparable. Head over heels, the whole nine yards."

Mat groaned. He wanted to sink into the floor and vanish. “My sister, though? Out of anyone in Vancouver?”

The rest of the group fiddled with their cards absently. The silence grew suffocating. Mat sighed, the weight of the news settling heavy on his chest. "He better not be fucking around."

"I wouldn't get your hopes up. Those Canucks are notoriously..." Ben swatted Mark on the head. "Not. helping."

Mat took a long pull from his drink, wishing he had something stronger to singe his throat, something to dull the shock. He had a feeling this was going to be a very rocky holiday season.

[faithinus]

I ❤️ contributing to low birth rates

[faithinus]

Clean Slate

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x OC Barzal!Sister, aka the Quinn x Alayna Barzal AU

Summary: Quinn learns that love, like laundry, sometimes requires a little help from a partner.

Word Count: 1.2K

The first rays of Sunday morning peaked through the blinds, and Quinn's phone chimed with his alarm. He stirred, blinking against the faint light, and then his gaze fell on Alayna, still deeply asleep beside him. Her hair fanned out across the pillow, a halo of deep brown against the white sheets. A slow smile spread across his face. He cherished these mornings, the quiet intimacy, the feel of her soft breath against his skin.

Quinn gently disentangled himself from her embrace, careful not to disturb her. A low groan rumbled in her chest as she shifted, and he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her shoulder. "Go back to sleep, sweetheart," he whispered, his voice rough with sleep.

He needed to get to the rink for a Sunday morning skate, but their relationship had evolved to a comfortable ease. Alayna was always welcome here, in his space, and the thought of her leaving never even crossed his mind. He left the extra key on the bedside table.

Quinn swung his legs over the side of the bed, his gaze sweeping across the room. He winced. Extra hockey gear had started following him home and the evidence lay strewn across the floor – socks, pads, two old gloves. Dirty laundry overflowed from the hamper, threatening to engulf his reading chair.

He quickly dressed and wandered out into the kitchen, bracing himself for the worst. And the worst was indeed there. Dishes piled high in the sink, remnants of meals past clinging to plates and utensils. Crumbs littered the counter, and a half-eaten apple lay abandoned on the dining table.

Oh god, Quinn groaned inwardly. What a mess. Lately, consumed by the grueling schedule and the relentless pressure to perform, he'd completely neglected his apartment. It was embarrassing.

Alayna, with her perfectly folded laundry and immaculate kitchen, would surely think he was a slob. The thought made him cringe.

He rushed out the door, a whirlwind of promises swirling in his head.

It’s okay. It’s fixable. I’ll spend the afternoon cleaning. I’ll even cook her something that will make her forget all about this disaster.

He would make it right as soon as he got back.

—

Later, Quinn returned to the apartment, his body aching but his spirits lifted by a good training session. He unlocked the door, expecting to be greeted by the familiar chaos. Instead, he was met with an unsettling silence.

The apartment was spotless.

The laundry was neatly folded and put away, the colors perfectly sorted. The dishes were nowhere to be seen, the countertops gleaming. Even Quinn's bookshelf, previously a chaotic jumble, was carefully organized in the corner. At this rate, he half expected his collection to be in alphabetical order. The entire apartment was a stark contrast to the earlier carnage.

A wave of guilt washed over him. The familiar ache of inadequacy settled deep in his chest.

He remembered Alayna’s words from their early conversations, the pain still evident in her voice.

“He expected me to always cook and clean.”

“He got angry if I didn’t put his laundry away. I felt like a maid.”

“He yelled at me once for not scrubbing his sink well enough.”

The memory sent a shiver down his spine. He didn't want to be that guy. He didn't want to be the one who expected her to pick up after him, to cater to his every whim. He wanted to be a partner, an equal, not a burden.

He pictured Alayna, her hands probably cracked and dry from scrubbing, her hours spent cleaning that he should have done. A pang of resentment towards himself, more than anything else, pierced through him. He wasn't just a mess, he was inconsiderate. He was reminding her, no matter how unintentionally, of a past she was trying to escape.

Quinn found a note on the kitchen counter, her handwriting flowing across the page:

"Hope you had a good skate. Picking up lunch. I'll be back later."

—

Alayna arrived shortly after, carrying two overflowing paper bags. "I got you the spicy Italian sub," she announced, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And don’t tell your trainer, but I snuck in a side of those rosemary herb chips you love. You know they rarely have that flavor, so I had to take advantage.”

Quinn had been on a health kick this season, his diet a carefully curated list of protein packed meals and questionable green juices. But thankfully, Alayna knew when it was time for a pick me up. She found him on the couch, staring intently at the television, though he wasn't really watching.

“How was your morning?"

He looked up, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Good. Practice was good. But..." He hesitated, then blurted out, "I feel terrible about today. You shouldn't have cleaned up. This is my apartment. I'm a mess. I know I'm a mess."

Alayna frowned. "What are you talking about? I didn't mind."

"But you shouldn't have to," he insisted, his voice laced with guilt. "I'm a grown man. I should be able to take care of myself. I don't want you to think..." He trailed off, the fear that was gripping him suddenly overwhelming. He wasn't good at expressing his emotions, at showing her how much she meant to him. He wanted to tell her, to thank her, to show his appreciation. But the words seemed to catch in his throat, leaving him feeling ashamed, like a child who had disappointed his parents.

Alayna crossed the room and sat beside him, gently taking his hand in hers. "Quinn, I don't mind doing things for people I love. It makes me happy to take care of you. You have been pushing yourself so hard lately.” She paused, her gaze searching his. "Besides," she added softly, "you do so much for me. You always make sure I'm safe, you listen to me when I need to vent, you brought me flowers TWICE last week."

"Yes, well, the first ones started wilting too fast - that’s not the point. I still feel.." He faltered again, then blurted out, "I feel like I'm becoming that guy. You know, the one you were talking about. The one who expects you to do everything."

Alayna smiled, a warm, understanding smile that reached her eyes. "You're not that guy, Quinn. You're nothing like that." She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Look, I get it. You're independent, you're used to taking care of yourself. But relationships aren't about keeping score. They're about supporting each other… Exhibit A ," she added with a dramatic hand gesture towards the kitchen counter, "someone has to keep you from eating nothing but steamed vegetables and grilled chicken."

Quinn chuckled, the tension finally beginning to ease. He pulled her closer, burying his face in her hair. "You're the best," he murmured.

Alayna smiled against his chest. "I know."

They sat folded into each other for a while, only until the scent of Italian deli spices pulled them from their seats.

[faithinus]

okay, yes, I know that comma isn't supposed to be there but I want the reader to take a breath! I want a pause! Stop trying to correct me, I'm trying to control the flow of reading

[faithinus]

Family Ties

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x OC Barzal!Sister, aka the Quinn x Alayna Barzal AU

Summary: Alayna charms Quinn's brothers and solidifies her place in the Hughes household.

Warnings: none. pure fluff.

Word Count: 600

Alayna glanced around the game room, her eyes taking in the faded trophies and framed hockey jerseys. The Michigan house made her feel like she was stepping into a time capsule of Quinn's youth. She took a moment to simply observe, staring through the window into his past. Quinn, on the other hand, hoped she wouldn't feel overwhelmed by the testosterone-fueled atmosphere. He realized how important it was that she felt comfortable in this place that was so deeply a part of him.

Alayna leaned intently over the pool table with strands of dark hair escaping her messy bun. Her brow furrowed as she carefully lined up the cue ball, chalk dust clinging to her fingertips. Jack, ever the showman, was already taunting her.

"Alright, Alayna," Jack declared, leaning against the pool table with a mischievous glint, "Time to face the fury of the reigning pool champion."

Alayna scoffed playfully, "Oh please, Jack. Maybe you should try practicing your shot instead of your vocabulary."

Luke, grinning, leaned closer to Alayna. "Don't mind him. He's just trying to intimidate you with his big-boy words."

Alayna nudged Luke. "I'll go easy on him. Wouldn't want to traumatize the poor guy."

Luke, sensing a potential ally, grinned. "See, Quinn? Even your girlfriend is on my side."

The banter continued, lighthearted and playful, and Quinn watched them, a warm smile spreading across his face. Quinn had been nervous, of course. Would Alayna find their roughhousing too much? Would Jack and Luke dismiss her as a summer fling? As much as he loved his brothers, he knew their tendency to underestimate people. It wasn't personal, but they knew Quinn wanted to settle down and they weren't prepared to let him settle for less.

"Hey!" Jack protested, "I have a vocabulary! It's just… colorful." Luke couldn't resist. "Stop trying to overcompensate for the fact that you never went to college, Jack." Jack bristled. "Hey, people pay to watch me play hockey, not listen to me recite Shakespeare." Alayna snorted, "Last time I checked, I'm the only person in this room who graduated, so neither of you should talk."

Watching Alayna, Quinn felt a strange sense of… relief. He exhaled the tension that had been gripping him. She wasn't intimidated by his family, their boisterous personalities, or their shared language of hockey slang and inside jokes. Her playful teasing and genuine interest in their lives quickly won them over.

A satisfying thunk echoed through the room as Alayna took her shot. The clink of the eight ball dropping into the pocket elicited cheers from Luke and a groan from Jack. Alayna turned, a triumphant smile gracing her lips. "Told you," she said, her eyes sparkling.

Quinn felt a surge of pride, not just in her skill, but in the woman she was. He loved how seamlessly she fit into their lives, making their home feel… warmer, richer. He’d been drawn to her from the moment he met her, but watching her interact with his family truly captured his heart. The world seemed to slow down. The laughter and the banter faded into the background as he gazed at Alayna. Quinn's heart pounded a frantic rhythm against his ribs.

He was in love with her.

The realization hit him like a thunderbolt, leaving him breathless. Quinn felt a wave of dizziness, the world tilting slightly on its axis. He knew with a certainty that both terrified and exhilarated him. Alayna wasn't just a guest in his life. This was it.

[faithinus]

cursed to be a tumblr user forever

[faithinus]

Fishbowl

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x OC Barzal!Sister, aka the Quinn x Alayna Barzal AU

Summary: Inspired by true events - Quinn's busted lip has his girlfriend going full nurse mode

Warnings: mention of blood and injury?

Word Count: 600, just a little blurb :)

The scent of antiseptic, sharp and medicinal, battled with the lingering aroma of Quinn's last meal – a questionable takeout order he'd insisted on despite Alayna's protests. "You really think that meatball sub is a good idea after getting hit in the face?" she'd asked, her brow furrowed in concern. Quinn, ever the stubborn one, had just grinned and insisted on his comfort food.

Alayna, a whirlwind of anxious energy, flitted around him like a nervous hummingbird. She checked the ice pack on his face, the edges now slightly damp, and adjusted the throw blanket draped over him. The steaming mug of chamomile tea she'd brought him sat untouched on the coffee table, a testament to the chaos that erupted in their otherwise tranquil living room.

Quinn, sprawled on the couch, watched her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Alayna," he groaned, his voice a low rumble, "I'm fine. Really. It's just a lip." He winced as he spoke, the stitches pulling slightly.

"Liar," she chided, gently pushing the ice pack back into place. "Seeing you get hit like that… it was terrifying. You were bleeding everywhere, Quinn. I thought… I don't even want to think about it."

She averted her gaze. The image of him face down, the red stain spreading across the ice, the crowd hushed, the concern in his teammates' eyes… it was still lingering.

Quinn reached out and took her hand, his touch surprisingly gentle. "Hey, it's okay," he said, his voice softening. "I'm okay. The doctor said it was a clean split. A few stitches and I'm good as new."

"But what if..." she began, her voice trembling slightly.

He pulled her down beside him on the couch, his arm wrapping around her waist. "What if what, Alayna?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with a tender concern. "I'm not made of glass. I'm a hockey player. This is part of the job." He tried to inject humor into his voice, but his words lacked their usual confidence. He knew the violence of the sport spooked her, and the thought of causing her such distress weighed heavily on him.

"But I hate seeing you hurt," she confessed, leaning her head on Quinn's shoulder.

He held her close, his heart aching at her vulnerability. "Nothing's going to happen now that I'm wearing this stupid fishbowl," he promised, a touch of humor returning. "I was back on the ice in no time. Scoring goals, might I add." A small smile touched her lips.

Alayna fetched him fresh water, making sure he had just the right amount of ice, and checked the time. "Remember, Doc said to remove the icepack after twenty minutes," she declared, placing the cup next to him.

Quinn, feeling thoroughly inspected and tended to, couldn't help but grin. "You know," he said, "I think I might be getting spoiled."

Alayna raised an eyebrow, "Spoiled? I'm just making sure my favorite hockey player recovers quickly."

He closed his eyes, enjoying the quiet hum of sports commentary in the background, and the comforting weight of her gaze upon him. This, he realized, was a good kind of hurt.

He sighed. "It's actually… nice. Having someone take care of me for a change."

She smiled, a genuine sense of satisfaction lighting up her face. "Good. Because I intend to."

He reached for his phone in between the couch cushions. "Look at this," he said, bringing it closer to his face and angling the camera towards himself. "I look like a chipmunk." Quinn winced again. "How am I supposed to kiss you with this thing?"

Alayna giggled, taking the phone from him. "Don't worry, I'll find a way."

She gently placed the phone back on the table and leaned in, her lips trailing a path down his cheek, his jaw, his neck. "I'll be your nurse," she whispered against his skin, her voice a soft caress. "For as long as you need."

[faithinus]

oh captain, my captain :')

[faithinus]

Always a Bridesmaid

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x OC Barzal!Sister

Summary: Introducing my first original character NHL AU! I won't necessarily post all of my Quinn x Alayna content in order, but I thought we would start out with how our leading characters meet. Before you read, please read my blog introduction and disclaimers here. Enjoy!

Warnings: none

Word Count: ~1600

--

Alayna stood by the garden arch, her fingers lightly brushing the soft petals of the flowers adorning it. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a gentle hum that seemed to resonate with her own heartbeat. She glanced around, taking in the joyful faces of the guests, the elegant decorations, and the overall ambiance of love and celebration. It felt surreal.

Alayna adjusted her dress for what felt like the hundredth time, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She grew up in Coquitlam, Canada with her older brother Mat, who now played professional hockey in New York. After he left, she jetted off to college in a distant city. Those years had been a tumultuous time for her, but one bright spot had been meeting Bella. They had run into each other in a bathroom at a house party, and from that unexpected encounter, a deep friendship blossomed. Bella had been her rock during some of her darkest times, and Alayna was beyond thrilled to see her marrying Brock, a man who clearly adored her. Being a bridesmaid for Bella was a privilege she treasured.

As the bridal party assembled, Alayna found herself paired with Quinn. He wasn’t the biggest guy in the room, but still a commanding presence among the groomsmen. She instantly recognized him from living in Vancouver and being a lifelong hockey fan—Quinn Hughes, the famous captain of the Canucks. She was also pretty sure her brother Mat had met him a handful of times. Alayna had only heard good things about him: a steady captain, not the loudest voice in the room, but a dependable guy.

Alayna’s mind raced. He probably gets approached by people all the time who assume they already know him. She decided to just introduce herself as if she didn’t recognize him. With a warm smile, she made the first move.

“Hi, I’m Alayna, Bella’s good friend from college. We met my freshman year and ended up becoming best friends. It’s nice to meet you.” Quinn’s breath stalled as she approached, but he managed to return her smile. “Nice to meet you, Alayna. I’m Quinn.”

For a moment, he seemed to lose his composure, his usually confident demeanor replaced by a hint of shyness. Quinn was struck by her cheeriness, her beauty—a mix of dark brown hair and light eyes that seemed to sparkle with enthusiasm. She was tall in her heels, but he still had the edge, which made him feel a bit more at ease.

She quickly linked her arm with his, before she could give herself time to overthink. “So, Quinn, are you a teammate of Brock’s?”

Quinn chuckled softly, appreciating her casual approach. “Yeah, I am. We’ve been playing together for a while now.”

Alayna nodded, her heart fluttering slightly. She didn’t want to come across as a fangirl, even though she had been to his games and knew exactly who he was. “That’s great. I’ve heard hockey players have a tight-knit community. Must be nice to have that support.”

Heard from who exactly? Her brother, also a professional NHL player. She left out that minor detail.

Quinn glanced at her, struck by her genuine interest and warmth. “It really is. It’s like having a second family.”

As the music played, Quinn and Alayna stepped forward, their arms linked. The garden was a sea of smiling faces, but Quinn’s focus drifted to the woman beside him. He felt an inexplicable urge to keep talking to her, to learn more about the person who had so effortlessly captured his attention.

Alayna felt it too. She was acutely aware of the warmth of Quinn’s arm against hers, the twitch of his hand as he stepped, and his deep exhales. She stole a glance at him, catching his eye, and they shared a brief, knowing smile.

---

The reception hall was a vision of elegance, with lights and beautifully arranged flowers adorning every table. Glasses clinked and wait staff swept through the room gracefully to fill plates and champagne flutes. Alayna and Quinn found themselves seated next to each other at a round table reserved for the bridal party. They were the only two members without a plus one. Their chairs angled slightly towards one another, creating an intimate bubble amidst the celebration.

Quinn's eyes settled on Alayna, a smile tugging at his lips. “So, you’re from Vancouver too? That’s a pleasant surprise.”

Alayna nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Yeah, born and raised not far from there. It’s such a beautiful area. What about you? Where are you from originally?”

“Michigan,” Quinn replied, his voice warm. “But Vancouver has definitely grown on me. The mountains, the ocean... it’s hard not to love the place.”

Alayna’s smile widened. “I couldn’t agree more. I left home for college and went inland, but the coast always calls me back. Do you have any favorite spots in the city?”

Quinn took a long, pensive sip from his glass. “Believe it or not, I don't get out much." Quinn rushed to clarify, to keep from sounding too lame. "I’m a big fan of Granville Island though. The market, the views... it’s a great place to unwind. What about you?”

“Stanley Park,” Alayna said without hesitation. “I love going for long walks there, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. It’s like stepping into a painting.”

Quinn nodded appreciatively. “Stanley Park is amazing. I’ve spent a few afternoons there, just enjoying the scenery.”

“So, what do you do?” Quinn asked, curious to learn more about her.

“I’m a web designer,” Alayna replied, her voice perking up with enthusiasm. “I actually wanted to be an author when I was a kid. I thought I’d write books, but now I write a lot of computer code instead.”

Quinn chuckled, intrigued by the twist. “That’s cool. So, you’re still a writer in a sense, just in a different medium.”

Alayna grinned. “Exactly. But I still love books.”

“So do I,” Quinn said, his eyes lighting up. “I read a lot of memoirs. I love learning about people’s lives. It helps me be a better leader.”

“At work?” She questioned.

“Sure, if you want to call it that.”

Alayna’s smile softened, her gaze thoughtful. “I’m more into fiction and murder mysteries. Something is thrilling about trying to solve the puzzle before the protagonist does.”

Quinn found himself leaning closer, his curiosity piqued. “So, any favorite authors?”

“Agatha Christie, hands down,” Alayna replied with a grin. “Her mysteries are timeless.”

Alayna found it especially attractive that Quinn, despite his gruff exterior, had a surprising soft spot for books. He found her witty, intelligent, and captivatingly real. Their conversation flowed easily, a comfortable rhythm developing between them. They talked about their passions, their dreams, and their favorite late-night snacks.

As the night wore on, the music softened, and guests began to slip out into the night. Alayna and Quinn were lost in conversation, their eyes meeting and holding, a silent understanding passing between them. They found themselves stalling, neither wanting the evening to end. He walked her to the door, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on their faces, adding a touch of magic to the moment.

“I had a great time tonight,” Quinn admitted, his voice sincere. “I’m glad we got to talk.”

“Me too,” Alayna replied, her eyes sparkling. “It was nice meeting you, Quinn.”

They shared a lingering look, both wishing they had more time together. But the night had to end, and they parted ways, each left with a sense of what could be. As Quinn watched her walk away, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for not asking for her number, social media handle, or even her last name.

---

The summer break had flown by, and now Quinn stood in the locker room, lacing up his skates. The memory of Alayna lingered in his mind, a constant, pleasant distraction. He regretted not asking for her number that night. Now, he found himself needing to find a way to see her again.

Taking a deep breath, Quinn approached Brock, who was stretching, his attention focused on his core. "Hey, Brock," he began, his voice casual, though his heart hammered against his ribs. "Can I ask you something?"

Brock looked up, a curious glint in his eyes. "Sure, what's up?"

Quinn hesitated, a nervous laugh escaping him. "Do you, uh, have Alayna's number? I didn't get a chance to ask her at the wedding."

Brock's jaw dropped. He stared at Quinn, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and amusement. "You... you were spending a lot of time with Alayna, huh?"

Quinn nodded, feeling a blush creep up his neck. "Yeah, at the reception. We actually hit it off pretty well."

Brock let out a low whistle, his eyes twinkling. "This is priceless. You have a thing for Barzal's little sister."

The words hung heavy in the air. Quinn's heart plummeted. "Barzal's… sister?"

Brock chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Yeah, Alayna... Alayna Barzal ... from Vancouver. The one and only." Brock proceeded slowly, watching as Quinn fit the puzzle pieces together. "You didn't know?"

Quinn shook his head, feeling a mix of disbelief and a sudden surge of adrenaline. "No idea. I mean, I knew her brother, of course, but…"

Brock grinned, a mischievous look returning to his eyes. "Well, let's just say your chances of getting a date just got a whole lot more interesting, or a whole lot more complicated."

Quinn felt a rush of conflicting emotions. On one hand, the realization that he had unknowingly spent the evening with Mat Barzal's sister was both exhilarating and terrifying. On the other hand, he couldn't deny the thrill of the unexpected.

Brock, ever the instigator, pulled out his phone. "Here you go. But tread carefully, my friend, or else Mat will have your head."

Quinn took the number, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. As he stored it in his phone, he couldn't help but smile. This was definitely going to be interesting.

---

[faithinus]

✋

[faithinus]

Charles got scared that Carlos left him

[faithinus]

"and penalty for mr. russell. thank you."

[faithinus]

THE BLACK FIREPROOF IS BACK!

[faithinus]

Charles Leclerc prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar. (Photo by Mark Thompson).

[faithinus]

I’m never going to recover from this

Charles with Chiara 🥺 (📽️: mlnmarta)

[faithinus]

JOSEPH QUINN attends the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2024 show at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, France (September 26, 2023)

[faithinus]

We got our first look today babes, he looks scrumptious 😌