misshoneyimhomeagain - Tumblr blog

misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

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Prologue -

“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life… for me - and I’m feeling good”

Word count; 4.3K

August 2022

The sun was gradually setting over the city of Toronto as Julia Jones finished unpacking her final boxes. Content with how her new place looked, she settled onto the sofa next to her best friend, Camille Murphy. Camille had cheerfully tagged along to offer what she jokingly referred to as "moral support." In truth, it was just an excuse for her to take a break from the office and explore the vibrant city. Nevertheless, she had been a great help in getting Julia settled into her new flat in midtown Toronto.

Renting a one-bedroom flat provided by her employer - a perk of working for an innovative construction firm - was an opportunity Julia had eagerly embraced. Having previously resided in major European cities like London, she was no stranger to the high cost of renting. Her relatively stable financial situation made it comfortably affordable, with a bit extra to spare.

As they sat there, sipping their wine and celebrating the final touches on Julia's new home, they discussed the exciting adventures that lay ahead and caught up on what had occurred over the past couple of months.

It had been a rather typical Monday morning in June. The day began with a morning meeting where the managers proudly presented the impressive results of the financial year, which had concluded on the 31st of May. Hillary, who headed the London office, delivered speeches highlighting the office's outstanding achievements, teamwork, and dedication, and also laid out the goals and plans for the upcoming year.

Hillary's encouraging words sparked motivation in Julia. She had been wanting to focus more on her career for some time now. She recognised her own passion and talent but had also come to the realisation that her previous relationship had consumed too much of her time and energy, preventing her from pursuing her dreams. Now that she was free from that commitment, she could redirect her attention to her future goals.

A few hours after the meeting, Julia was summoned to her manager Emily Green's office. Emily began by praising Julia for her exceptional work and team contributions. Then, she revealed a surprising development: Emily herself had been offered a position as a Senior Project Advisor at the company's headquarters in Toronto. Julia congratulated her on the well-deserved promotion, and that's when Emily presented a remarkable proposition.

"I want you to come with me," Emily declared firmly, locking eyes with Julia.

Wait, what? Julia thought.

Julia was taken aback. "You want me to come with you to Toronto?" she stammered, clearly excited by the news.

"Absolutely," Emily replied, offering a friendly smile. "Julia, you’re the best employee in my team. You’re amazing at your work, and I can tell that you’re ambitious - you have goals, and you want to achieve the best results; I need for you to come with me."

Emily went on to explain that they wanted to offer her a position as an Assistant Project Manager, a slight step up from her current role as a Project Assistant. Julia was stunned by the idea and the compliment. It was a tempting offer, an opportunity she wouldn't have if she chose to stay in London.

"Oh, my goodness," exclaimed Camille. "They offered you this?" she said as Julia excitedly prepared dinner.

"I know, it's unbelievable... I mean... it's Canada," Julia stated.

"It's a promotion," Camille responded with much more enthusiasm than Julia. "Come on, babe, what's bothering you?" she asked, sensing that Julia's excitement wasn't quite as high as hers.

"I don't know... I suppose it's just a lot to take in... I mean, it's a huge compliment from Emily... but," Julia said, pausing for a few seconds.

"But what?" Camille interrupted, walking over to gently pinch Julia's cheeks. "JJ, this is a fantastic opportunity, and you'll regret it if you don't take it," Cam spoke firmly, gazing into Julia's eyes, as if they were in a romantic movie declaring their love.

Julia paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. But honestly, when she considered it, there wasn't much to think about. This offer was fantastic, and she had been hoping for opportunities like this. It just made sense, no need to overthink it.

"Okay," Julia said simply. "I'll do it."

Camille let out an enthusiastic shriek and released Julia's face.

“Shit… I'm actually moving to Toronto," Julia sighed, smiling.

So now, here she was. Life had taken an unexpected turn, but it felt so right, and Julia was thrilled to see what was in store for her.

Iced coffee - an iced coffee was what Julia needed in this moment.

After enduring three long and tiring days filled with company strategies, next year's financial budget, motivational speeches, and team-introductions, she made her way to the nearest Starbucks for a much-needed caffeine boost.

Julia had already been in Toronto for almost a week and her short time had been nothing but exciting. Her new manager Andrew Wainwright had introduced her to his team of four: Charlie, Clara, Mark, and Scott, as well as a couple of his close partners. Emily had moved further up the career ladder but had kindly enough taken the time to help Julia getting settled in properly with the managers and joined her for a cup of coffee on her first day.

Arriving at the relatively quiet coffee shop, Julia absentmindedly scrolled through her work emails on her phone as she placed her order. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the barista calling out her name and coffee details. So, when she spotted a cup that seemed to be hers, she grabbed it and took a sip without thinking, expecting her regular robust blend. To her surprise, the drink turned out to be sweet. Very sweet.

A man standing nearby politely cleared his throat, catching Julia's attention.

"Sorry… but I think that’s my drink..." he said, prompting her to look up at him. He was a tall, blue-eyed guy with his cap turned backward, sporting long blond locks cascading down his neck and a blond scruff. His white t-shirt hung loosely on his what seemed to be toned body, his trousers were baggy, and his street looking style had a finishing touch of a loose jacket.

“Oh, shit… I’m sorry!” Julia quickly said, feeling embarrassed for mistakenly sipping someone else's drink. Looking at the cup with the name 'Willy’ written on it, she mentally chided herself for not paying attention. "I am so sorry..." she repeated, flustered.

The man - Willy - simply chuckled.

“It’s ok, I’ll just get a new one,” he said offering her a friendly smile. Though he was forgiving, Julia couldn't shake off the embarrassment, gazing nervously at the tall stranger, who seemed unperturbed. His attractive, friendly smirk helped her feel at ease, however, she could still feel a sensation of blushing filling her cheeks.

"Venti iced cappuccino with an ekstra shot of espresso, for Julia," the barista called out, snickering at the mix-up. The two strangers shared a moment of amusement, chuckling lightly at the situation.

“Well, if you’d like, you can have mine?” Julia timidly suggested.

“Sure,” Willy simply replied.

“Although, you’d might want to sweeten it a bit,” Julia added, “it’s not nearly as sweet as this one.”

Willy couldn't suppress a chuckle at her words, taking a sip of his beverage. "Oh yeah, I definitely need to add something to this," he said with a grin, letting out a little cough. "I mean, come on, how do you even drink this?"

Julia let out a soft laugh in response to his sudden outburst. "I guess I've got a thing for strong coffee," she said with a smile, watching as Willy signalled the barista to add some syrup to the drink.

The two of them stood there for a brief moment, sharing a chuckle at the rather unfortunate encounter. Despite it all, they couldn't help but find the situation a bit amusing.

They made their way toward the door, stepping out onto the street. Julia turned to look at the handsome stranger beside her. "Once again, sorry about the mix-up," she said, offering a gentle smile.

Willy shrugged it off with a grin. "No worries," he responded. "I guess you just owe me a coffee next time, huh?"

Julia nodded playfully. "I guess I do."

Their laughter lingered for a moment before they both headed in their respective directions, leaving behind a light-hearted moment on the bustling street.

After a couple of seconds, Willy turned his head to look after the attractive woman, he’d just met - and she did the same, catching his eyes for a brief moment, before turning back around.

Damn, it would’ve been so cool if I hadn’t looked back, Julia smiled to herself.

“Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight”

It was scorching inside the bar of downtown Toronto, as the jazz music softly played from the speakers. It was a simple Thursday evening, so the bar wasn’t too packed, yet there were a few groups of people. The atmosphere was chill and cosy, despite the joyful chattering filling the room.

Julia sat at a high table with Camille, her colleague Mark, and his close friend Nate, as they had all met up for a post-work pint with Julia's new team. Charlie, Scott, and Clara had already left, leaving the girls alone with the two lads.

As Julia was following the conversation, she could sense a figure looking at her from the corner of her eye. When she turned her head, she saw that it was the handsome stranger from yesterday’s encounter - Willy. He was sitting across the room with a group of guys, who were engaging in a boisterous conversation. Julia and Willy made eye contact and exchanged a soft smile, as he got up from his seat and walked towards the bar. Julia simply chuckled and looked down at her drink. He was indeed handsome. And his devilish smirk intrigued her.

“Do you know him?” Camille asked with her thick Mancunian dialect, as she’d noticed her best friend unusually sharing glances with a good-looking man. But Julia simply shook her head.

“No, not really.”

“You should go talk to him,” Camille playfully suggested.

But Julia just smiled. She knew what Cam’s intentions were. She knew that she was keen to go home with Nate tonight - which was a very typical move of her. Her extroverted nature made her extremely good at flirting with strangers, and she’d usually end up sleeping with someone at the end of a night out. Julia on the other hand, was usually not one to have one-night-stands. Emerging from a relationship that had spanned over three years, and a bit more, she found herself slightly rusty in regard to picking up strangers. Not that she lacked the skill, but she definitely felt out of training. Yet, she was well aware that Camille didn't want to abandon her without ensuring she’d also have a good time. Camille had even gone so far as to encourage Julia to go home with someone. So she comply chuckled at Camille’s not so subtle effort to make her to and talk to the man.

Julia's train of thought was interrupted as Mark announced he’d head home and playing her role of wingwoman Julia decided to move to the bar to collect another drink, leaving Camille alone with Nate. The two girls shared a smirk and a wink before the group parted ways.

As Julia took a seat at one of the high stools by the bar, she noticed a familiar stranger standing only a few feet away from her. It was Willy who was waiting for his beverages. She couldn’t help but smile as he turned to look at her as well.

“Hey,” he said matching her soft smile.

“Hi.”

“You’re here to steal my drink again?” he asked, giving her a quick up and down look. She was wearing a loose, white blouse, and fitting black, dress trousers paired with a pair of beige heels.

“Only if it’s good - I didn’t really fancy your taste in coffee,” Julia replied making Willy chuckle.

“Well, you know, you should buy me a drink,” he playfully suggested.

“Is that so?” Julia asked, offering a soft grin.

“Oh yeah, as an apology for yesterday,” Willy added with a flirtatious smirk. “Your coffee was practically undrinkable.”

Julia couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Are you always this forward?”

“Only when there’s something I want,” he replied, the smirk never leaving his face.

“And what’s that in this case?” Julia asked softly.

“You, well, for you to buy me a drink.”

Julia simply smiled. “Sure, why not.”

“I’m William, by the way,” he said, feeling the need to properly introduce himself.

“Julia - but my friends call me JJ.”

William turned around making a few gestures to his group of lads, and one of them, another very tall and handsome blonde, came over and grabbed the beers the bartender had just put on the counter for William. He gave the slightly shorter blonde a wink before heading back to the table with the beverages. Julia simply smiled at the boys’ wordless communication.

“So, what are you having?”

“A beer would be nice,” he simply replied and took a seat at the bar stool next to her.

Julia effortlessly made eye contact with the bartender. “Can we have a beer and a gin and tonic, Hendrick’s please?” The bartender nodded with a quick wink and turned around to prepare the drinks.

“Wow should’ve been a woman to get the bartender’s attention that easily,” William joked.

“Oh yeah, a nice pair of tits really does the trick once in a while,” Julia bantered along making him laugh.

“You said that, not me.”

The two of them shared a moment of amusement as the bartender was pouring the drinks.

“So, you’re from England or something?” William asked inquiring Julia’s accent.

“You’re quite sharp there, Sherlock,” Julia grin, “but yes, I just moved here a week ago, for work.”

“What do you do?” he asked taking a sip of his drink.

“I work with projects for a construction firm,” she smiled.

“Sounds interesting.”

“It is - how about you?” Julia asked. But William hesitated a bit. He wasn’t too keen on revealing his true identity and had quite enjoyed the fact that she hadn’t recognised him. Tonight, he didn’t feel like being William Nylander - one of the best hockey players for the Toronto Maple Leaf. Tonight, he simply wanted to be a friendly stranger, having an interesting conversation with an attractive woman. And just as he was about to say something, he was interrupted by a tall, blonde woman coming up behind Julia.

“Hey, sorry for interrupting,” Camille said softly to her friend. “We’ll be heading out now, but you can just stay here and finish your delicious drink - maybe even take it home,” she winked at Julia, glancing towards William. Julia simply chuckled, blushing lightly by her friend’s direct suggestion.

“Alright, you go and have fun, babe - and be careful.”

“Oh, I will have fun, no need to wait up” she winked once again before she turned around and walked towards the exit with Nate’s hand on her lower back.

William chuckled at Camille’s not so subtle hints.

“Sorry about that,” Julia lightly laughed.

“No need to be sorry - I like her.”

“She’s a bit shy if you hadn’t noticed,” Julia added jokingly making William laugh along.

Taking advantage of the distraction, William changed the topic asking Julia about her first week in Toronto, and about her likes and dislikes of the city. Julia excitedly shared the wonderful experiences she’d already had during her short time in the vibrant city. How everyone at her new office had been so warm and welcoming and how she’d been spending much of her time exploring the touristy wonders of Toronto together with Camille.

William genuinely enjoyed listening to her. He thought she was incredibly sexy, and he was intrigued by her sparkling energy - how she passionately told him about her work and her interests in visiting museums, galleries and study architecture. And Julia felt it to be so easy to share everything. Though he was a complete stranger, there was just something about William, that made her relax and tell him basically every detail of her first seven days.

“It’s a great city,” William said, “maybe I can show you around sometime.”

Julia smiled at his playful suggestion. “Yeah, you’d really want to?”

“Sure, you seem interesting, smart and funny” he offered a soft smirk, “I’d like to know more about you”.

Julia wasn’t entirely sure whether he had any ulterior motives or not, but in this moment of soft intimacy, his devilish smirk, and the magnetic attraction she felt towards him, she really didn’t care that much. In fact, she wanted him to have ulterior motives.

“I think I’d like to know more about you too” she spoke softly, lightly biting her lower lip.

“I Just Wanna Spend the Nights with you”

What had happened in between saying those words and where they were now, Julia had no idea of. All she knew, was that they had been talking a lot, sharing stories and interests, and now she was sitting on the lavatory counter, with William standing between her legs. Their hands were moving all over their bodies and their lips were fiercely battling for dominance, their tongues dancing sensually and lungs fighting for air. It was the best and most amazing make-out session Julia had ever experienced in a bar loo.

William hadn’t expected for this to happen either. He was simply out with some of the guys for a night out enjoying themselves during the off season. But there was something about Julia that had made him want to take things a step further. Perhaps it was her biting her lip. That had indeed ignited something within him. Or maybe it was her sweet dimples when she smiled. Nevertheless, he thought she was absolutely gorgeous.

William pulled back slightly, trying to catch his breath. They both breathed out deeply, feeling the arousal. “So,” he said softly. “You live nearby?”

Julia couldn’t help but feel intrigued by his flirtatious way of speaking to her. He was so damn charming. So, she just nodded.

“Yeah, or maybe about 10 minutes with a taxi,” she replied softly, and within seconds, William grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the bar. Julia chuckled at his sudden eagerness, but the truth was, that Willy just wanted to get out of there without being recognised by anyone. Especially when they came out onto the street, he was quick to hail a taxi, and Julia told the driver her address.

Though the ride was short, William wasted no time in moving closer to her in the seat. He placed his hand on her thigh and wrapped an arm around her, drawing her nearer. She let out a breath, feeling the anticipation building, and in response, she placed a hand behind his head, pulling him even closer to her, and their lips connected once again. The kiss started tenderly, with their lips softly moving against each other, but it didn't take long before the intensity increased.

They arrived at her building, and as a gentleman, William paid for the ride. Moving side by side, his hand firmly resting on her lower back, they walked through the lobby and entered a lift that took them to the 3rd floor. During the short ride, his lips were already on Julia's again, and they only parted briefly when they reached the door of the flat.

Once inside, she dimmed the lights, moving towards the ‘bedroom’, and their lips fiercely sought each other once more. Taking advantage of his size, he guided them towards the queen-size bed, and in a passionate frenzy, they both stripped down to their underwear, their lips remaining connected besides when removing shirts and shoes. Her back gently met the mattress, and he hovered over her, urging her to lie down. She slowly moved up the bed, his lips staying attached to hers, following her every movement. The kiss was intense, brimming with passion.

He kissed her deeply on the mouth before trailing down to her neck, then her collarbone, and further down to her breasts. Arching her back, she allowed him to unclasp her bra, and he quickly discarded it, eager to lavish attention on her nipples, alternating between each one while using his large hands to massage the other. The touch of his mouth on her breasts elicited soft moans from her; he was already making her feel incredible.

Continuing his journey down her body, he moved to her stomach, stopping just above the hem of her black lacy knickers. He looked up at her, as if seeking her approval, and she exhaled as if giving him it. With his index fingers, he hooked the hem and skilfully removed her last piece of clothing. Positioning himself between her legs, he started kissing her inner thighs, causing her breathing to deepen and her heartbeat to quicken. She became even more aroused by his tantalising kisses, nips, and light bites.

Finally, he hooked his arms around her thighs and brought his face closer to her entrance. He started to lick up her slit, and she couldn't help but let out a louder moan this time. He then focused on sucking on her clit, and at this point, she couldn't hold back any longer, letting her head fall back into the pillow, completely consumed by pleasure.

“Fuck… shit…Will…” she moaned out, as he kept on sucking and licking. Her hands grabbing and pulling the sheets as he was enjoying himself. The way he made her feel, the power he had over her right now, just made him even more turned on. She’s sexy as fuck, he thought to himself. Her body was amazing - A perfect hourglass figure. Her breasts filled out his large hands perfectly, while her waist was slim and her hips were wide, she was fit but not toned yet her thighs were a little muscular, where one was tattooed. Every moan of hers was like music to his ears, and she tasted so sweet and delicious.

As her moans and breathing increased, he used two fingers to play with her entrance before pushing them inside of her, still working her sensitive bud of nerves.

“Oh, yes…” she moaned louder this time. He moved his fingers in and out of her, and he could feel her start clenching around them. So, he increased his speed.

“Mmm… yes… Fuck Will,” she managed to blurb out between moans before she reached her orgasm, cuming all over his mouth. He smirked against her folds, giving it one last lick, as she came down from her high.

She breathed out heavily as he crawled up, hovering her, to kiss again. She could taste herself on his lips, his scruff being all moist from her juices. She ran her fingers through his blonde locks, pulling him deeper into the heated kiss where their tongues continued their sensual dance. The chains from his neck were dangling so she felt the cold metal against her skin. And most importantly, she could feel his hard cock through his boxers against her thigh.

He pulled back a bit, licking his lips and looked into her eyes for a few seconds before speaking.

Walking out of the bathroom, they returned to the bed and slid under the covers. His body radiated warmth, and as they lied there, sharing eye contact. They didn't need to speak; the silence between them felt natural and comfortable. So, Julia turned off the lights, and they drifted off to sleep, content and at ease in each other's presence.

As the morning light filtered through the dark curtains, Julia gradually began to wake up. It took her a few minutes to fully come to her senses, and a smile formed on her face as she recalled the events of the previous night, still feeling the pleasurable sensations lingering in her body.

However, as she turned to face the handsome man, she had spent the night with, she was met with an empty bed. His clothes and presence were gone, and she couldn’t help but feeling a tinge of disappointment. No goodbye. No nothing. Though it had been a simple one-night stand, she had felt a connection with this stranger, so the sudden absence stung a little.

Glancing at her phone, she saw that it was 7.12 AM, and she anticipated Camille's return soon. And after cleaning herself up, as if on cue, Camille knocked on the door.

As they sat on the kitchen counter, eating breakfast, they shared their experiences from the previous night.

"What a prick," Camille commented when Julia told her that William had left during the night. Although she knew that Camille had done something alike on multiple occasions herself. "I mean, it's like the rules of hook-ups; either you leave straight after, and there's no sleeping involved, or you stay the night and say goodbye in the morning," Camille added. Julia simply shrugged.

"It's fine... I mean, I know it didn’t mean anything, it's just..." Julia trailed off, unable to fully articulate her feelings. "I just thought that he was more than a quick fix, you know... we talked a lot last night, and he seemed genuinely interested..." Camille smiled in understanding. Julia hadn't experienced many one-night stands, let alone ones that had been as satisfying as this. “But... maybe it's for the best," Julia added, giving Camille a smile.

Perhaps it was indeed better this way. Not having to face him again this morning might have made it easier for her to let go of something that probably wouldn't develop into anything more. Julia wasn’t exactly in a place where she’d want to date; to spend time on someone who may or may not be into her; waste time, energy and feelings on strangers, who she’d probably end up never seeing again - no, she needed to focus on herself.

Camille nodded in agreement, and they finished their breakfast.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 1 -

Summary;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, “We never go out of style”

Warnings; alcohol consumption; swearing (I think); sexual references;

A/N;

Words; 3K+

“I don't need a man to make me feel good”

As September arrived, Julia strolled leisurely through the streets of Toronto, enjoying the taste of her coffee, thinking about how her time in the city had been nothing short of amazing.

Even though her best friend Camille had returned to London, Julia's new work team had warmly welcomed her, especially her close colleague, Charlie, who had gone out of her way to make her feel at home. Julia and Charlie had quickly formed a strong bond, and Charlie's extroverted nature led them to explore Toronto's hidden gems together - the best bars, restaurants, museums, gardens, and galleries.

Charlie strongly reminded Julia of Camille. They were both tall (well, taller than her 5'2", which pretty much anyone was), naturally fit, with light-coloured hair, and had a vibrant energy. Charlie worked as a project coordinator in Julia’s team and had been with the firm for a couple of years, starting out as a student assistant. Although a couple of years younger than Julia, Charlie made an effort to introduce her properly to the city.

One weekend, they set out for the Toronto Islands. The ferry ride had been pleasant, with the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario reflecting the sunlight, creating a mesmerising sight. Once they reached the islands, they hired bicycles and began their adventure.

The islands offered a serene escape, with lush greenery, picturesque beaches, and panoramic views of the city's skyline. Julia and Charlie cycled through quaint neighbourhoods, passing charming cottages and beautifully landscaped gardens. Along the way, they shared funny anecdotes, childhood memories, and aspirations for the future.

As they reached a particularly secluded part of the islands, they found a spot by the water to have their picnic. Julia had prepared an assortment of delicious sandwiches, fresh fruits, and homemade lemonade. They laughed, ate, and simply enjoyed each other's company as the waves gently lapped against the shore.

September 17th

It was Charlie's 25th birthday, and she had planned a night out with Julia, some colleagues, and a few of her girlfriends at a bar in Downtown Toronto. Charlie generously offered to buy the first round, and then everyone could choose their drinks freely. As it was a busy Saturday night, she had reserved a few tables in the back, ensuring the group could relax and enjoy games like darts and pool.

During the summer, Charlie had spent some time with her parents and had an unexpected encounter with her childhood friend, Mitch. Although they had grown apart over the years, their recent conversations had brought them back together. They had met up a few times since they both lived in the same city, and Charlie even extended an invitation to her birthday, although she wasn't sure if he'd make it due to his busy schedule.

Inside the bar, the atmosphere was lively, with music, laughter, and cheering filling the room. Julia was having a great time, effortlessly beating Mark and Scott at darts, probably thanks to her English upbringing. Meanwhile, Charlie made rounds, ensuring everyone was enjoying themselves.

"Oh my god! Miiiiitchy!" Charlie exclaimed when she suddenly spotted Mitch, the tall, brunette guy from her past, walking into the bar with a group of friends. "I didn’t think you’d come," she added as she greeted him with enthusiasm, hugging him warmly and flashing a big smile.

"Of course, I did! Wouldn’t miss it. Oh, and by the way, this is from my mom," he said, handing her a small-sized box.

Mitch had brought her a small gift, and Charlie graciously thanked him, sending her best regards to his mother.

"Guys, this is my friend Charlie," Mitch then introduced her to his group, as he stood there with three other guys. One of them seemed a bit puzzled, but Charlie couldn't help but notice how exceptionally good-looking he was. With his semi-long, dark hair slightly curled under his cap, tanned skin with a hint of Hispanic features, and a charming moustache and scruff, he exuded a unique appeal. He was dressed in a loose shirt paired with tight dark trousers, a thin jacket, and trainers. Charlie couldn't deny the magnetic attraction she felt toward him.

"She's not a dude…” the guy remarked to the others, causing laughter from his friends.

"Wow, quite the way to offend a girl in just five syllables," Charlie retorted playfully, joining in on the laughter.

"Sorry," he apologised, offering a nervous smile.

"Don't worry; it happens more often than you’d think," Charlie reassured him with a wink, sharing a moment of amusement. Just then, Mitch chimed in to introduce the guys.

"Char, you probably already know their names, but this is Auston, Mo, and Willy," Mitch said, and Charlie greeted them enthusiastically.

Indeed, she knew who they were; she wasn't oblivious to the world - being Canadian, she was well aware of some of the best hockey players in the NHL. She had also discreetly followed Mitch's career over the years, even though they hadn't been in touch for quite some time.

"Nice to meet you. Come on, have a drink or something," Charlie invited, gesturing for them to join the group. "Hey, JJ, there's someone I want you to meet," she called out to someone else.

'JJ,' William thought, his mind racing. No, it couldn't be... or could it? Oh, yes, it definitely could.

As she turned around from the other group, there she stood with her long blonde, curled hair, radiant smile, and those captivating big blue eyes. "Shit," William chuckled to himself, caught off guard by seeing her again. He hadn't exactly expected this kind of reunion.

"Hey," Julia greeted as Charlie motioned for her to join the group.

Immediately, she recognised William as well. How could she not? They had shared a great time at the bar, followed by an intimate session in her bedroom. Seeing him again with his beachy, blonde hair, Balenciaga t-shirt, and that smirk on his face brought back both memories and mixed feelings. He seemed amused by the situation, but Julia wasn't sure how to feel about seeing him again. He was undeniably attractive, and that smirk stirred up feelings she probably shouldn't indulge.

"So, this is my new colleague and very good friend, Julia, who’s just moved here from London," Charlie introduced to the lads, and they all greeted her.

"JJ, these guys here are probably the most important people for you to know about when living here," she then pointed out each of the lads - Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Morgan Reilly, and William Nylander - explaining that they were the greatest hockey stars of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The lads chuckled at Charlie's praise.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Julia said with an excited expression.

“Well, come on, have a seat and a drink if you’d like,” Charlie said loudly.

They all took a seat at the tables while the others continued playing games. Julia made eye contact with the barman who almost immediately came over to take their orders, and the lads opted for fizzy drinks, mindful of their ongoing training.

“It’s a nice place you've chosen, Char,” Mitch remarked as he sat down in front of her with Auston to his right and Mo on his left.

“Thanks, it’s basically our go-to place whenever we go out,” Charlie smiled. “JJ used to go out for after-work beers back home, and so we’ve sort of adopted that into our team.”

"So, how do you like Toronto so far?" Morgan asked Julia, sitting across from her.

"Well, so far, everyone's been very welcoming and great - and it's an incredible city, so it's truly all good," she smiled.

"But the most important thing is that JJ will attend her very first NHL game next month," Charlie chimed in, sparking curiosity among the group.

"Oh, cool! When?" Mitch asked.

"It's the home opening game, right?" Julia said, looking at Charlie, who nodded.

“Yes, it's my welcoming slash birthday present,” Charlie added, garnering further interest from the lads.

"When's your birthday?" William suddenly asked from Julia’s right side.

"The 7th, next month," she responded with a soft smile, and the lads nodded.

"And how young, if we may ask?" Mo teased, and Julia laughed.

"27," she said confidently, "no worries, I have no issues with my age," which earned more laughs from the group. William couldn't help but smile, realising she was just slightly older than him, which he found amusing for some unknown reason.

“And do you know anything about hockey?” Auston asked from the opposite corner of the table, and Julia chuckled.

“Well, a little bit actually - or maybe just the basics of the basics,” she replied chuckling. She shared that her younger brother, Daniel, played hockey for a hobby, but she had only seen a couple of games herself.

“I didn’t know hockey was a big thing in England,” Mitch stated.

"It's not," Julia smiled, "but when Daniel was 8, he moved with our dad back to Denmark after our parents' divorce. And he played serious hockey there for some years before a bad ankle injury," she explained, capturing the lads' attention.

"Wait, you're from Denmark?" Auston asked with curiosity.

"Well, my dad is Danish, and I was born there, but I grew up in England,” Julia clarified with a friendly smile.

Auston then mentioned their best friend, Freddie, who used to play for the Leafs and also hailed from Denmark.

“Oh yeah, Frederik Andersen, right?” She asked, and they nodded confirming. “Yeah, he was like the first thing my father mentioned when I told him I was moving to Toronto - before he asked me about my promotion, of course,” she chuckled, and the lads responded with laughter.

"Maybe we should introduce you to him sometime," Mitch playfully suggested, and Julia eagerly agreed.

“And actually,” Charlie said, “Willy here is also from Scandinavia,” she told and pointed to William. “Sweden, right?” William nodded, offering Julia a friendly smile.

“Which is definitely not the same as Denmark,” he said jokingly.

“Oh, I couldn’t agree more,” Julia added, and they shared a moment of amusement as they all laughed.

“Let me guess, none of you would understand the each other,” Mitch joked from across the table. They both shook their head chuckling causing laughter from the others.

As the night progressed, the playful banter continued, and Julia felt a sense of ease and comfort among the lads. They were all very sociable and outgoing, so she easily felt included in their conversations about hockey, their off-season, and how Charlie and Mitch shared stories from their childhood.

And as Julia laughed and smiled at the group's joking behaviour, William found himself drawn to her warmth and confidence. Her kindness and gentle touches had left an impression on him, and he couldn't deny that he still found her intriguing.

The initial tension had dissipated, and William actively participated in the banter, occasionally sharing flirty glances with Julia. There was a connection between them, but it wasn't overtly sexual. And no one else seemed to notice.

Julia had let go of any hard feelings towards William quite some time ago. Not that there was much to forgive, but she had felt a little hurt after he’d left. So, seeing him tonight was a bit of a surprise. But he did seem to be nice, and she found his charm enjoyable; his laughter was infectious and the way he playfully chatted with the rest of the guys simply made her feel comfortable around him.

In the meantime, a few of Charlie's other friends had left the party, while a few stayed, either joining the group at the table or heading to the dance floor.

Clara, one of their colleagues, approached the table and sat down between Mo and William, across from Julia. "So, Charlie, have you heard about JJ's secret lover?” she playfully asked.

Julia momentarily froze, recalling she had mentioned spending a night with a guy but hadn't exactly told that it was the gentleman sitting right beside her.

"Oh yeah, she mentioned him," Charlie chuckled, raising her eyebrows a few times, "Mr. Mystery."

Julia could sense William listening attentively from the corner of her eye, sensing that they were talking about him.

"So, JJ, are we ever gonna hear more about this mysterious gentleman and maybe even meet him?" Clara asked with a grin.

Julia tried to remain composed and replied nonchalantly, "Well, I don't think he'd be up for it. Besides, I don't even know that much about him."

William couldn't help but find amusement in the situation. Julia seemed to be handling it well, trying to downplay the encounter.

"I don't care, I wanna know who this guy is, who's the best sex you've ever had," Clara said, perhaps a bit too loudly, causing Julia to cringe inwardly. William had to suppress a smirk, knowing exactly what Clara was unknowingly talking about.

"The best one-night stand I've ever had," Julia corrected with a playful grin. "But, you know, he left without saying a word or leaving his number, so it doesn’t really matter.”

"Oh, come on! What's his name? We'll find him on social media," Clara persisted.

"We can't, believe me, I've tried," Charlie chimed in. "Do you know how many Wills there are in Toronto?” she chuckled, and Clara laughed along.

At that moment, William had a small internal realisation. Julia had told Charlie she couldn't really remember the guy's name, just that it might have been "Will or something." She had felt a bit embarrassed and hurt when recounting the one-night stand to Charlie and simply wanted to move past it.

He caught Julia's look, noticing her feeling a bit reserved. She simply gave the girls a soft smile, trying to ease the situation.

"Anyways, it's probably for the best," she said calmly, and the girls nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, a guy leaving a total babe like that must be out of his mind," Charlie added with confidence and encouragement. Julia chuckled at her supportive words, aware that William had heard every bit of the conversation.

After a short while, they all felt like having another drink, and the lads agreed to have one more before heading out. As Julia went to the bar to order, William took the opportunity to approach her and offer his help in carrying the drinks. She smiled warmly as he approached, but there was a hint of nervousness in her voice as she asked what he was doing.

"Just wanted to help out," William replied simply.

They stood there in silence for a moment before he broke it.

“So… I’m the best sex you’ve ever had?” he said, and Julia couldn’t help but smile and roll her eyes at him.

“Best one-night stand,” she corrected again, “there’s a difference.”

“Oh really,” he chuckled, “well maybe we can do it again? Then it wouldn’t be a one-night stand, and it’d just be the best sex ever,” he winked.

“You're such a cheeky bastard,” Julia said with a grin, slightly rolling her eyes at him again.

“Well - it was great, right?" he stated more than asked.

“It was,” Julia admitted with a soft smile, although she couldn't help but remember waking up slightly disappointed when William had left during the night.

"So, maybe we can repeat the success?” William playfully suggested.

Julia had to restrain herself from saying 'yes' immediately. The truth was it had been amazing with William. She might even have to admit that it indeed had been the best she’d ever had. But a part of her also knew that if she took him home tonight, she could potentially be putting herself in the same hurtful situation again.

William seemed like the type of guy who wasn’t used to getting a ‘no’ from women. He could probably have any girl he wanted and discard them just as easily. Those deep, ocean blue eyes of his had a mesmerising effect on her, and that's what had made her feel vulnerable in the first place. So, she decided that she needed to protect herself. She couldn't afford to let William's charm have this kind of power over her, so it was best for her to resist the temptation and keep their encounter from becoming more.

"No," she replied, chuckling lightly.

William looked a bit puzzled, wondering if he had misread the situation.

Julia leaned in closer to him, her tone softening. "It was great,” she said offering him a friendly smile, "but it was a one-time thing… You made that clear when you sneaked out in the middle of the night," she added with a wink before paying for the drinks and walking away from the bar, drinks in hand.

William stood there, slowly realising that his hasty departure had left a little mark on Julia. While he knew it had only been a one-night stand, he also understood that his actions might have come across as cold and inconsiderate.

He let out a sigh, watching her walk away, before he returned to the table with the other drinks and re-joined the current conversation.

After finishing their drinks, Mitch and Mo were the first to leave, giving Charlie a hug and wishing her a Happy Birthday once again.

Auston tried to play it cool, not wanting to reveal his interest in spending some time alone with Charlie, so he nonchalantly mentioned that he'd stay for a bit longer. Julia chuckled lightly, seeing through his act, finding it amusing.

And about 10 more minutes passed before Julia indicated that she'd head home as well. William, who had just returned from the men's room, had had the same thought.

Julia hugged Charlie goodbye and then turned to Auston, offering him a friendly smile.

"Be nice to her," she said, giving him a small wink, to which Auston nodded, chuckling in response.

As they stepped out onto the street, William turned to Julia.

“So, how drunk are you?” He asked. The question caught her off guard, but she just gave him a soft smile.

"Not drunk at all, actually. I only had a couple of drinks," she replied. "Why?"

"Just wanted to know if you needed help getting home safely," William said with a soft smirk. "No funny business, I promise," he added, making Julia chuckle a bit.

"Thanks, Wonderboy, but I'm okay," she said. "I'm a big, tough girl, you know - I can tie my own shoes and all," she added with a small wink.

William chuckled and nodded before they went their separate ways.

Over the following weeks, Charlie and Julia were rather tied up with work. They were facing an impending deadline, so it was all hands on deck.

Julia had been devoting quite a bit of time with her boss, Andrew, who was a recently separated 35-year-old father of two: Tyler at 8 and Phoebe at 6. He was a busy man as well, so Julia had been offering him a helping hand with his children whenever the department was overloaded with work.

Julia thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Tyler and Phoebe. They were full of energy and a lot of fun; and fortunately, they were also well-behaved. Having a niece of her own, she genuinely embraced playing the role of the fun aunt. And it did seem to be of great help to Andrew, which also made Julia’s workdays much smoother when he wasn't all stressed out and uptight.

Julia naturally also had to FaceTime Camille from time to time, and she had spilled the tea about her second encounter with William. Camille had been baffled hearing about it, but she also found it quite amusing. If anyone knew Julia well, it was Camille. They had lived together for 3 years before they both moved to London, where Julia then moved in with her boyfriend at the time; Ezra. They had developed a close connection over the years, sharing their most embarrassing moments and deepest thoughts and secrets.

Furthermore, Charlie and Julia had also spent a lot of time driving around the city and countryside. Julia had been exhilarated to experience the Canadian nature, which Charlie gladly tagged along to show her. And they were the perfect duo for road trips; Julia loved to drive, and Charlie was a true passenger princess.

In between all the hard work and road journeys, Charlie had also managed to spend some more time with Mitch and his fiancée, Stephanie, who had extended invitations for brunch and coffee to Julia, which she had warmly embraced.

#archive #we never go out of style

0 notes

misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 2 -

Summary; JJ experiences her very first NHL game, and she get’s to spend a little alone time with Willy;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, “We never go out of style”

Warnings; dog cuteness, probably language;

A/N; introducing new (slightly main) characters: Pablo and Banksy Nylander;

Words; 3K+

“You ain’t nothing but a hound dog”

October, Thursday 13th – TOR 3 – WSH 2

It was Thursday night, and it was hockey night - but not just any hockey night, it was this season's first home game.

And Charlie had managed to secure VIP tickets for her and Julia with a little help from Mitch, which had Julia excited beyond measure.

The game was an absolute thrill, with the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Washington Capitals and emerging victorious with a 3-2 score. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and Julia found herself fully immersed in the excitement. Cheering alongside passionate fans, she couldn't help but be captivated by the fast-paced action on the ice and the players' incredible skills and determination.

Charlie's joy was infectious, and the two friends celebrated each goal and crucial save with high-fives and hugs. The game kept them on the edge of their seats, with both teams giving their all to secure the win.

Julia was used to watching football at stadiums, which was much alike, but the speed of the hockey game increased the level of excitement.

As the final minutes ticked away, the Maple Leafs held onto their lead. The experience of witnessing an NHL game live, the spectacular plays, and together with Charlie made it an unforgettable night.

After the game, Charlie and Julia made their way to the players' area to greet the team and congratulate them on their victory. They had a chance to hang out with some of the players' friends and family members, including Stephanie and other partners like Tessa, Mo's fiancée, and Aryne, John Tavares' wife.

“Hey,” Mitch almost shouted as the guys started to come out of the locker room. He came over to Steph and kissed her before turning to Charlie and Julia. “How did you like the game?” he asked, all excited from the win. Both Charlie and Julia exclaimed that it was incredible and pointed out the team's fantastic performance.

Auston and Mo joined the group, and a few minutes later, William came over as well after finishing an interview.

“You guys were amazing.” Charlie added, and the guys just chuckled and thanked the girls for their praise.

“So, JJ, how did you like your first NHL game?” Auston asked her.

“Well, it might have been my first, but it definitely won't be my last,” she said with a grin, and the guys laughed in response, clearly pleased.

The group chatted for a bit about the game. Julia couldn't help but notice Auston glancing at Charlie a few times, which made her smile. She knew that Charlie fancied him as well. They had spent an hour just talking on the night of her birthday party, and they'd shared their social media accounts, where Snapchat was frequently used.

But Julia was cut off from her train of thoughts by William.

“Happy birthday, by the way - did you have a good time tonight?” He asked, smirking, and she nodded, offering him a friendly smile.

“Thanks, but my birthday was like 5 days ago,” she chuckled.

“Yeah, I know, but I didn't really have the chance to tell you then,” William joked playfully, which made Julia laugh as well.

“But yes, I've had a good time tonight,” she said, and they shared a moment smiling at each other. Julia couldn't help but stare into his blue eyes. It was like they were glowing - probably from the post-game sweating and showering. “You were great,” she said softly, “I guess you're not just all smiles and charm then,” she chuckled, and he nodded with a grin.

“Don't get fooled by this pretty face, I'm so much more,” William smirked.

“Having a wonderful smile and talent on the ice can certainly take you a long way, no doubt,” she laughed and gave him a wink, which made him laugh as well.

“I guess I don't need anything else, right,” he bantered along, and they shared a moment of amusement.

As the conversations slowly died out, the group split, and the guys finished getting ready while Charlie and Julia left the arena.

It had been a remarkable night, filled with hockey excitement, celebration, and newfound friendships. Julia couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift and introduction to the spirit of Toronto, and she knew that this hockey adventure was just the beginning of many more wonderful memories to come.

On the following beautiful Sunday afternoon, Julia headed to her regular Starbucks, enjoying a relaxed walk as her landlord worked on fixing some issues with her washing machine. While queuing, she immersed herself in music, savouring the moment until an unexpected 'boo' startled her, causing a shriek.

"Shit!" she exclaimed as William came up behind her, who was out on his own stroll. "You startled me, Willy," she playfully scolded him with a laugh.

"Sorry, just wanted to surprise you," he replied with his signature smirk.

"Well, you succeeded, you twit," she chuckled, moving forward in the queue. William just laughed along.

At the counter, Julia ordered a Grande cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso, to go, and William chimed in, "Make that two – minus the extra shot.” Julia gave him a questioning look. “You owe me a coffee, remember?" he smirked.

"No no no, you can't use that favour twice," she protested, "I've already bought you a drink."

William chuckled, casually leaning against the counter, "Well, that was a drink - this is coffee; there's a difference."

Julia rolled her eyes but paid for both of their drinks. "You really are an idiot," she teased as they waited for their coffees.

"Maybe, but I'm a charming idiot," he replied, making her laugh once again.

"So now I've bought you a coffee, which makes us even for that little incident," she observed, raising an eyebrow. "But I've also bought you a drink, so that means you actually owe me a drink now," she smirked.

"Yeah, I guess so," he admitted with a chuckle, sharing a fun moment with her. "But seriously, don't Brits usually drink tea or something?" William teased, making Julia burst into laughter.

“Well, yes; but it seems my dad's Danish genes come out on top when it comes to drinks," she replied with a grin.

As they were waiting, a young boy nervously approached William, asking for his autograph. William gladly obliged, and Julia couldn't help but smile at the heart-warming scene.

"Wow... can't believe you can actually be this sweet,” she joked.

"Well, I've got to do something to impress you, right?" William teased, and they both laughed as their coffees were ready.

Leaving Starbucks, William unclipped a dog leash from a nearby metal knob.

"Oh my god! Are these your dogs?” Julia asked excitedly.

"Oh no, I'm just trying to steal them,” William replied sarcastically, earning yet another eyeroll from Julia. She bent down to greet the adorable Goldendoodle and a yet cuter black doodle.

“They’re so cute," she cooed, petting the lively pup.

"This is Pablo,” William introduced the golden dog, “and that’s is Banksy,” William pointed to the balck one, amused by Julia's affection for the dogs.

"Well, hello Pablo,” she said, using a baby voice to interact with the very energetic dogs. “And hello Banksy.”

“So, this is what it takes to impress you, huh,” William chuckled, and Julia just nodded. “If you’d like, you can join us for a walk?" William invited, smiling.

Julia thought for a few seconds. "Sure, why not," Julia agreed with a casual tone, "I'm just waiting for my landlord to finish up at my flat anyway."

“You mean apartment,” William teased, which made Julia chuckle.

“Yes… apartment”

Pablo and Banksy eagerly took the lead as they strolled through the streets of Toronto, William guiding the way to the nearest dog park. There were happily running, sniffing, and marking different spots.

“They’re adorable,” Julia chuckled as she watched the exitid dogs.

“Yeah, they are” William smiled, “I even take them with me on the road sometimes.”

“Really, how cute - guess it’s nice with some fluffy company,” she smiled.

“Definitely.”

Julia couldn’t help but feel comfortable by William’s calm demeanour. He was definitely a cheeky idiot, but he was also charming and occasionally sweet.

"So, what's life like on the road?" Julia inquired as they settled onto a bench. "And what's it like being a hockey player?"

William couldn’t help but chuckle at Julia’s sudden curiosity.

“Well, I'd say it's pretty great,” William said and took a sip of his coffee, while watching Pablo run and play with Banksy and other dogs. “I honestly don’t think too much about it, it’s just my lifestyle and what I love to do.”

Julia smiled. “And you’re good at it,” she said, which made William chuckle a bit. “Did you grow up with hockey?”

William nodded. He then told Julia all about his upbringing. He talked about how he’s from Calgary, but he’s been moving around a lot in the US due to his father playing in the NHL. He told her about his family, how they play tennis, and that his father’s Swedish and he’s been spending almost every summer in Sweden. She could tell that his family meant a lot to him.

“Wait, you have how many sisters?” Julia laughed.

“Four,” he replied with a laugh.

“And you have a brother, Alex as well?” William nodded. “Wow… then how come you still know nothing about women?” Julia bantered which made William chuckle.

“How about you?” William asked, intrigued to know more about Julia as well.

“Well… as you know I was born in Denmark, but spent most of my upbringing in England,” she started, then continued to talk about how she’s got 2 brothers, one older and one younger. Her father’s Danish and her mother’s from Birmingham. She grew up just outside of London and when she was 19, she moved around Europe. She’d lived in Amsterdam and Berlin for two years, working in the service industry, before she moved to Copenhagen, where she met Camille, a fellow Brit who was searching for a roommate. She went to Copenhagen Business school, to master her degree within International Shipping and Trading, before she moved back to London, to work as a Project Assistant.

“Sounds like you’ve travelled a lot,” William smiled.

“Yeah, and it’s been fun. I loved every part of it,” she smiled back at him.

“Do you ever miss it?”

“Miss what?”

“Europe, England, home?”

“All the time,” Julia replied softly with a smile.

“How about you? Do you miss Sweden?”

“Sometimes,” William smiled.

They sat there, sharing a moment of calmness, and felt at ease in each other’s company. They both felt a connection, but what exactly it was, none of them could pinpoint. Maybe, they could feel a connection because of their diverse cultural and international and Scandinavian upbringings, which gave them a mutual understanding. Or maybe it was because they shared a quirky and brashy sense of humour. Nonetheless, it was simple and easy between them.

William knew that he’d missed an opportunity with Julia when he’d left her during their first night together, but he could sense that she wanted to spend time with him. Which made him happy. Julia felt it as well. She enjoyed his company, and a part of her wanted to know more about him. And even though they had been intimate, she just felt like he was the perfect friend right now. Easy to talk to, and just as cheeky and playful as herself.

Just in that moment, Pablo came running towards them and jumped into William’s lap.

“Hey buddy,” William exclaimed excitedly.

“Perhaps we should go back,” Julia said as she looked at her phone, seeing a message from her landlord, that she could come back to her flat. William nodded, as they got up from the bench and Banksy happily walked next to him, while Pablo took Julia’s side.

As they walked out of the park, William couldn’t help but look at Julia through the corner of his eye. He knew that their friendship was growing through jokes and bantering, which he enjoyed, but he also couldn’t help but think about what she’d said last time at the bar and what Charlie had said as well. So, he cleared his throat a little before saying something.

“I’m sorry… by the way,” his tone was a little nervous and he was looking awkwardly round and down into the ground.

“Sorry about what?” Julia asked with a soft chuckle.

“About that night… or morning.”

William was never one for words, especially when it came to feelings or sensitive topics. But Julia smiled at his words. She hadn't expected him to bring this up, and it meant a lot to her.

“It’s ok,” she smiled, “I mean, I was a bit… confused maybe, unsure if I’ve misread the situation, but honestly it’s fine - we had a great night, and that’s it, now we’re here.”

“You’re sure?” he asked gently, searching her eyes. “You’re not mad at me?”

“Of course not,” Julia chuckled, looking back at him. “We’re all good, Wonderboy.”

William smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. He wanted them to be friends, or whatever they were becoming.

"Besides, I'm not even sure what would have happened if you'd stayed... I mean, to be honest, it probably wouldn't have changed anything," Julia said with a warm smile. "And I'm really glad we can just be friends."

Walking together, William felt genuinely comfortable around her. She was sweet, kind, and yes, a bit of a brat, but he found that endearing. Because, so was he.

"Me too," he replied.

As they reached a crosswalk, Julia pointed toward another street than where Starbucks was located. "I need to go this way."

"It was really nice seeing you today," William said with a smile, knowing he had to continue down the road. "Pablo really enjoyed your company."

"Likewise," Julia offered him a friendly smile. "And if Pablo ever wants to go for another walk, I’ll be happy to join,” she bent down to pet the still-energetic dog.

"I'm sure he'd love that," William chuckled.

They exchanged a warm hug before parting ways.

Later that night, Julia's phone lit up with an Instagram notification:

‘williamnylander started following you’

A smile graced her face as she glanced at her phone. "That cheeky bastard," she mused, opening the app. She briefly considered sending him a message but then decided to keep things simple. They were just getting to know each other better, after all. She chose to post a picture from her day at the dog park, featuring Pablo happily chasing a ball.

She added the caption: "Sunday strolls with the delightful Pablo & Banksy 🐾 #DogParkAdventures" and clicked "post."

Before long, the post began to garner likes and comments. William had liked the picture and even left a comment: "Pablo's found himself a new best mate! 🐶👏 “

Julia couldn't help but smile at his comment and replied, "Looks like we're mutual fans then! 😄🐾"

Seeing William’s comment, she decided to message him anyway.

jjonesss: Wow, now you're also stalking me on social media 😉

williamnylander: Well, I had to find a way to contact you, you know, in case Pablo wants to see you again 😛

jjonesss: Haha, of course... for Pablo... 😉 In that case, please give him my best - and Banksy!

williamnylander: Will do 😊 They say they had a great time today

jjonesss: Please tell them, so did I 😊

Their conversation continued in the private messages, with light-hearted banter and emojis exchanged. Julia's initial reservations seemed to fade as she realised that their connection was genuine and uncomplicated. She had been cautious at first, but now she felt glad that she was allowing herself to enjoy this blossoming friendship.

Eventually, Julia set her phone aside and leaned back on her bed, a content smile playing on her lips. She had no idea where things might lead with William, but she was excited to find out. For now, she was going to savour the effortless camaraderie they shared and the unexpected moments that life had brought her way.

"Argh!" Tyler exclaimed as he fell once again.

Julia smiled as she watched the young boy get back up on his skates. The following Tuesday, she found herself seated on a bench with Phoebe at Tyler's hockey training session. Andrew, their father, and Julia’s boss was tied up in a client meeting, so Julia was taking care of the kids. Phoebe was engrossed in an episode of Peppa Pig on the iPad, giving Julia the chance to scroll through her Instagram and pass the time during the 1.5-hour session.

Tyler looked adorable in his hockey gear, she thought. She had taken a picture of him just before he took to the ice, and she decided to post it on her Instagram story.

"This little one will be a pro one day," she wrote.

Shortly after, a message from William appeared in her inbox.

williamnylander: he already looks like a pro to me 😀

jjonesss: Haha, I'll make sure to tell him that 😄

williamnylander: who's his fave TML player? 😉 it's me right? I know it is

jjonesss: haha sorry to burst your bubble, love 😂 but it's Auston - he even got his jersey

williamnylander: hmm… guess I'll have to do something to change his mind 🤔

jjonesss: I'm sure that big brain of yours can think of something 😂

williamnylander: I'm sure it can 😂 I can always bring him to the rink or something - for a private lesson

jjonesss: Hm not very creative though 😉 but I'm sure he'd love that

williamnylander: I can bring Banksy and Pablo as well 😉

jjonesss: so when will this be? 😍

Julia couldn't help but grin as she continued her conversation with William. She could sense his good-natured intent behind his words, and it warmed her heart.

After a while, Phoebe's excited shout snapped Julia out of her Instagram reverie.

"Did you see that, JJ?" Phoebe exclaimed with an enthusiastic expression.

Julia looked up, curious. "No, what happened?"

"Tyler scored a goal!" the younger sister announced proudly.

"Wow, that's fantastic!" Julia cheered.

Once the training session concluded, Julia waited for Tyler to emerge from the locker room. Standing among the other parents, she felt a sense of camaraderie even though she wasn't a traditional hockey-mum. But being in the rink's hallway brought back memories of watching her brother’s play.

She missed her family.

During her Facetime call with them after the Thursday game, she excitedly recounted her NHL experience in Toronto. Her father and Daniel had been genuinely interested, particularly her dad, who closely followed their local team back in Copenhagen. While her dad mostly followed European hockey, he and her brother had been keenly following NHL news recently.

"Did you see me, JJ?" Tyler burst out of the locker room, brimming with excitement.

"Absolutely, darling! You were incredible," Julia smiled warmly at the exuberant young boy.

"I can't wait to tell Dad!"

Julia's heart swelled at Tyler's excitement. She knew Andrew would have loved to be there. Despite his busy schedule, he always made an effort to be there for his children's events. But, Julia was glad to step in when needed.

"So, Tyler," Julia began as they drove home. "My friend William Nylander has asked if you'd like to come to the rink one day and maybe play a little hockey with him."

"OH MY GOD, REALLY?!"

Julia chuckled, glancing at him through the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah, he seemed quite disappointed when I told him Auston was your favourite player. So, he offered to train with you himself," Julia continued, her voice tinged with amusement.

"When? Oh my god, yes! That would be unbelievable, JJ!"

"Well, we'll need to coordinate schedules, but you have to promise you'll tell him he's your favourite player then," she teased with a light chuckle.

"I promise!"

For the remainder of the car ride, Tyler was nearly bouncing in his seat with excitement.

#archive #we never go out of style

1 note · View note

misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 3 -

Summary; sometimes, in order for a friendship to grow, it need’s to be broken down just a bit; when William overhears Julia talk about him, and he gets the wrong idea;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, angry!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; swearing;

A/N; tried to capture a bit of a different side of Willy in this; I don’t believe he’d actually be upset that easily, but at the same time I do have a feeling that when he feels hurt, he takes it personally; 😉

Words; 3.5K

"Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes."

“Fucking hell!" Charlie exclaimed.

"Come on, just one more," Julia encouraged.

Julia had taken Charlie to the gym, or rather, she had mentioned that she was going for a quick workout, and Charlie had asked if she could join. A decision Charlie was starting to regret now.

"You can do one more, babe," Julia reassured her.

Grumbling, Charlie managed to push herself through one more pull-up.

"You're an awful coach..." Charlie panted, half-jokingly.

Julia chuckled. She wasn't exactly a fitness expert, nor was she in the peak of physical condition. However, she was reasonably fit and tried to work out regularly to stay healthy. After her breakup with Ezra, she had embraced a routine of working out multiple times a week. While she had always enjoyed running, she had also taken up CrossFit and some lightweight lifting.

"What are you up to?" Julia asked, watching Charlie take a selfie after the workout.

"Just snapping a pic for Auston..." Charlie admitted.

Julia chuckled. "Mmm Hmmm... everything's good then?"

Charlie nodded, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

austonmatthews: damn, looking good ladies 😍

charlie.thompp: thanks 😂 but she’s killing me!! 😅

austonmatthews: then why did you agree to come along? 😂

charlie.thompp: because she’s also cooking dinner 😅 and believe me, if you ever try JJ's food, you'd be glad that you're working out 😂

austonmatthews: Why's that? 😅

charlie.thompp: Her cooking is AMAZING! 😛

After wrapping up their workout, the girls headed back to Julia's flat.

"I have a feeling we'll be feeling this tomorrow," Charlie whined.

"Yup, most definitely," Julia agreed with a chuckle.

“So, any news?” Camille smirked as she and Julia were FaceTiming.

“Nothing much,” Julia chuckled. “Well, apparently I’ve sort of become a part of the hockey community.”

Camille chuckled.

“Uh really? So, you and Mr. handsome guy, you a thang?” Camille asked bluntly giving Julia a flirty look.

Julia simply chuckled. “Oh no, he’s all sweet and lovely- but he’s just a friend.”

“You sure babe - I mean, you’ve already shagged, so you might as well just do it again,” Camille joked.

She knew how Julia had felt after their first encounter, but she could also tell from how she talked about William now, that all hard feelings were gone, and it was ok to joke about it.

“Nah, I mean he’s great for sure, but it seems like we’re becoming quite good friends, which is nice so, I think I’d just keep it at that,” Julia smiled, thinking of the walk and talk from the other day, where she’d really gotten to know William a lot better.

“Alright bab, it’s good that you’re taking care of y’self, I mean, I love you and I just want you to be happy!” Camille elaborated.

“Thanks love, I am and honestly I really do feel amazing here - it’s just all going so well and I’m so happy that you made me move,” Julia chuckled.

“Course! I’d do anything for you, even make you move across the fucking world and away for me.”

They both shared a moment of laughter.

“Yeah well, for now it seems like it’s the best thing I’ve done so far,” Julia offered a friendly smile.

As they hung up, Julia had a wonderful feeling. Everything about moving to Toronto had proved to be the right choice so far; her work was great, she’d got some nice colleagues, as well as made some really good friends like Stephanie, Mitch, Auston and William. It was like everything was suddenly falling into place, and nothing could throw her off course.

TOR 3 – DAL 2 (OT)

On the following Thursday, Julia and Charlie experienced yet another unforgettable hockey night as they attended the home game together. This time, the Toronto Maple Leafs were up against the Dallas Stars, and the match proved to be an intense battle from the very start. The game was tightly contested, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Julia and Charlie were on the edge of their seats, cheering passionately for their beloved Maple Leafs with every shot on goal and critical defensive play. As the regular time came to an end, the score was tied at 2-2 overtime commenced, and the atmosphere in the arena became even more charged with anticipation. Charlie's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the Maple Leafs and the Stars fight relentlessly for the winning goal.

In a heart-stopping moment, none other than Auston Matthews surged forward and managed to score a thrilling overtime goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory against Dallas. The arena erupted with joy, and Julia and Charlie shared in the euphoria, celebrating their team's hard-fought triumph.

After the thrilling match, the girls, accompanied by the friends and partners of the players, made their way to the players' locker room for a celebration. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and camaraderie as they gathered to congratulate the victorious team. Stephanie warmly included Julia and Charlie, delighted to see them partaking in the post-game festivities. Auston and Mitch joined the group, their faces glowing with pride and joy after the hard-fought overtime win.

"Can you believe that game?" Charlie exclaimed, still in awe of the incredible action they had just witnessed.

Auston nodded with a grin, "It was tough, but we managed to pull through. The support from the fans in the arena was unbelievable."

"Yeah, the whole place was roaring, and pumped us up to totally own the ice!!" Mitch added, doing his majestic winning gestures.

Charlie chuckled, "The game had us totally on the edge of our seats the whole time!”

“It was bloody amazing!” Julia chimed in, making the guys laugh.

“Wow, that is like the most British comment I’ve ever heard,” Auston commented with a chuckle.

After his interview, William walked past the group, offering Julia a cheeky smirk and a wink.

"Enjoyed the show?" he teased, referring to his impressive performance with one goal and one assist.

Julia playfully responded, "Well, you weren't half bad, I suppose," as he continued to chat with some other teammates.

The conversation among the guys revolved around the game and the challenges they faced to secure the win. They were all impressed, particularly by Auston's game-winning goal in overtime.

"I've got to ask," Julia said, "how does a boy from Scottsdale, Arizona, get into ice hockey?" She asked Auston curiously.

"Well… actually it was my uncle who got me into it by bringing me to the rink and some games," Auston told. "I mean, no one in my family actually played, but when I wanted to get into it, they were all supportive and have been ever since," he chuckled a bit, reminiscing about his childhood and how he’d worked his way to the NHL over the years.

“Sounds impressive,” Julia remarked. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I'm aware of how everyone works insanely hard to be here, but it sort of seems like a lot of players are like born into it, whereas you weren’t," she smiled, and Auston nodded, chuckling.

“Yeah, I guess so."

Standing nearby, William couldn't help but overhear their conversation while chatting with fellow Swedes Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren. Julia's words about being "born into it" hit him unexpectically, and he briefly felt a sting about his own hockey lineage, being the son of an NHL player.

Hang on, was that what she thought of him?

Shaking off his thoughts, Sandin called him into the locker room to shower and wrap up the day.

While the guys were finishing up, Julia and Charlie passed the time by strolling the halls, admiring Toronto Maple Leafs posters and merchandise, and making a quick visit to the ladies' room.

Charlie couldn't help but inquire about Julia's interactions with William, her tone suggesting juicy information. "So, what's going on between you and Willy?" she asked, having noticed the playful banter between them.

Julia shrugged and smiled coyly. "Nothing much," she replied casually, although she couldn't help but remember the one time, they had shared an intimate session, a secret known to no one else.

Charlie pressed on, "Come on, JJ, he's totally flirting with you, and you're not exactly shutting it down." Julia chuckled at her friend's observation.

"Well, I can't deny the playful banter," she admitted, "but it's all just friendly. Nothing serious going on."

Charlie nodded, understandingly. They continued walking, and Charlie complimented how much fun Julia seemed to be having with William.

“Not to mention he’s insanely hot,” she added.

"That's definitely part of it," Julia chuckled. "I mean, after everything with Ezra, which was all so serious, I just appreciate how laid-back and easy-going William is," she explained.

"So, neither of you sees each other as more than friends?" Charlie inquired, but Julia simply shook her head.

"He's amazing, and I genuinely like spending time with him. But I doubt he'd ever be interested in someone like me. I bet I’m way too serious and dull for him," she laughed, unaware that her following words once again were being overheard in the locker room.

By William, who had taken longer to finish up. He was always the last one to get ready before a game, and almost always the last one to leave the arena. As he was putting on his shoes, he could hear the girls’ voices in the hall. He didn’t really mean to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t help himself when he heard Julia talk.

"I mean, William's all fun and jokes - he doesn't really take anything seriously, so..."

As Julia spoke, William couldn't help but wonder if she was talking about him. They walked through the halls as she continued sharing her thoughts.

"He acts a bit, I don't know, goofy maybe, and like everything is just always so easy for him," Julia added.

Listening to her words, William felt a pang of hurt. He had thought that they had formed a genuine connection during their recent walk and talk. He had enjoyed their time together and had opened up about his childhood, something he rarely did so quickly. He felt like they had developed a close friendship, and their conversations had made him believe he knew her quite well.

But now, her words indicated otherwise. It was clear she didn't really know him at all. She didn't understand the hard work he had put into getting where he was. Yes, his father had been an NHL player, but William had worked tirelessly to make a name for himself. He didn't choose to be naturally gifted at hockey, nor did he apologise for it.

William was known for his laid-back and easy-going demeanour on the team, but that didn't mean he didn't put in the effort. He stayed after training, putting in extra workouts and enduring cold baths to maintain his physique. So, Julia was mistaken about him.

He couldn't help but huff in frustration upon hearing her words. He hadn't expected her to hold such misconceptions about him, and it stung.

“He’s a positive influence,” Julia finished, as she and Charlie were back with the others.

“Well, I still believe he’s flirting with you, and you’re also smitten, even though you won’t admit it” Charlie said, giving Julia a flirty look. But Julia simply chuckled.

After the guys had finished their media commitments and changed into their post-game attire, Mitch, Steph, and Auston proposed going out for a late dinner, a suggestion to which Charlie and Julia happily agreed.

Standing a few feet away, William was packing up his bag when Julia walked over to him, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey, Willy, do you fancy coming out with us for something to eat, or are you busy?" Julia asked, but William just shrugged.

"Hmm, I don't know, do you want me to come with you?" he replied, his tone devoid of much emotion.

"Of course, why wouldn't I want you to come with us?" Julia responded with a light chuckle.

"Well, you know, maybe because you think I'm just a spoiled kid who doesn't take anything too seriously..." William retorted in a serious tone.

Julia was taken aback. Where was this coming from?

"What are you on about?" she asked, giving him a concerned look. She was genuinely surprised he would say something like this.

"You know, earlier, when you said that thing about Auston, how admirable it was that he worked so hard to make it to the NHL, while the rest of us are just born into it," William's voice remained calm but firm.

"Willy, that's not what I said..." Julia tried to defend herself.

"But it's what you meant, isn't it?" he pressed.

"No, I... no, it's not," Julia hesitated. She knew it had sounded that way, and yes, there might be some truth to William's accusations, but it was not at all how she had intended it to be understood. "Seriously, Will, what's going on with you?" she asked, growing increasingly worried.

What had she done to provoke such a reaction from him all of a sudden?

"I'm just being serious... see, I can actually take things seriously..." he said, almost mocking her.

Julia felt anger rising within her. How could he talk to her like that?

"Okay, seriously, what's that about?" she demanded, her tone firm.

William let out a sigh. "I heard what you said to Charlie, earlier..." he confessed. "You said that I don't take anything seriously... that everything comes so easily to me."

"You heard our conversation?" Julia asked.

"Yeah, I heard you when you walked past the locker room."

"Oh, so you heard our entire conversation. Or did you just hear one bit and decided to get all pissy about it without knowing the context?" Julia tried to maintain her composure.

Their tension had drawn the attention of the others, who were watching the exchange as if they were characters in a romantic comedy.

"Well, I..." William was taken aback. No, he hadn't heard the entire conversation. "No, I didn't," he admitted, sighing.

"Wow, you're really something," Julia said, shaking her head slightly. "Well, maybe next time you should listen to everything before assuming what people think about you," she added.

Feeling guilty for jumping to conclusions, William found himself at a loss for words.

"You’re such a prick, Willy..." Julia huffed as she walked away.

William let out another small sigh, watching her walk past the group, and he noticed Charlie looking at him.

"She actually said some really nice things about you," Charlie said with a gentle expression before they all left the arena, leaving William alone with his thoughts.

The following day turned out to be a rather hectic one for Julia. She arrived at the office bright and early, all set to tackle her extensive to-do list. This included fine-tuning project plans and making sure all the necessary materials were prepared for her meeting with Andrew.

Throughout the day, Julia was in constant motion, shuttling between different departments and her desk. She had little time to spare for meals or coffee breaks. She found herself quite taken with the energetic pace of the office, even though it could be rather exhausting at times.

On this particular day, Julia achieved an impressive level of success. She flawlessly delivered all required materials, demonstrated adept financial acumen in managing the budget, and her dependable computer performed without a hitch, despite its continuous operation. She even managed to find a moment to catch up on Charlie's recent encounter with Auston from the previous evening. It was a thoroughly accomplished day.

They had spent the night together, and Charlie hadn't held back in describing the details of their actions, resulting in the not-so-surprising conclusion that Auston had been the best sexual experience she had ever had. Julia found amusement in her friend's very content state of mind and couldn't suppress a chuckle upon learning about the exciting experiences they'd had.

But now, after a long day, all Julia needed was some food. So, she decided to order a pasta dish and some Mozzarella sticks for takeaway from Sugo – a place the hockey boys had recommended the moment she mentioned that Italian cuisine was her favourite.

She quickly packed up her things and headed for the door.

As she waited for her order, she suddenly felt a presence nearby. It was William. Clearly, he’d had the same idea of grabbing some quick takeaway on his way home.

When he walked into the restaurant, he immediately spotted Julia. His first instinct was to make a quick exit, but he’d thought that would be childish and absurd. After all, they were still friends, weren't they?

So instead, he moved towards her slowly, and Julia caught sight of him in his cap, tracksuit, and trainers. She turned to face him, offering a friendly smile as their eyes met.

"Hey," he said softly, still feeling the guilt from yesterday.

"Hi," she replied, matching his low tone of voice.

They stood there for a few seconds, not speaking, just simply sharing the air around them.

"I'm sorry," William said.

Julia let out a small sigh. "For what part of it?"

"For what I said, yesterday… I shouldn't have said it like that," William explained, but Julia just gave him a soft smile. A part of her didn't want him to get off that easily. But another part of her could also sense that he truly was sorry. And she didn’t really want to be angry with him.

"Willy, I don't care about how you said it…" she spoke softly, "What pissed me off was that you thought that I'd think so little of you."

He looked at her with intense eyes. A lump filling his chest.

"I know that what I said to Auston came out wrong, and I'm sorry for that," Julia added. "But what you said, about what I thought of you, is not true…"

William offered a little smile, feeling relieved that he'd completely misunderstood Julia's chats with Auston and Charlie. Those thoughts had left him feeling a bit hurt, which was something new to him. And it had been in that moment he realised that he didn't want Julia to see him that way.

Surprisingly enough, he had wanted her to think better of him, only to find out she already did.

"Still… I'm sorry, JJ. I shouldn't have got mad at you like that," he said, but Julia just lightly shook her head, offering a forgiving smile.

"It's all good," she said. "It was a terrible misunderstanding, and it’s water under the bridge."

“Thanks,” William smiled, relieved that Julia didn't hold a grudge or had been angrier with him.

"Geez, Wonderboy - you really need to stop doing things you then have to apologise for later," she chuckled, which made him laugh as well.

"Yeah, I suppose I do."

As if on cue, Julia's order was called out, and she went to grab it with William right behind her.

"So, uh… what's your plan now, with the food?" he asked.

Julia gave him a slightly confused look.

"Well, my plan is to eat it… you know, as you do with food," she said, chuckling.

"I mean, are you going to eat it with someone…" William added with a shy smirk, which made Julia smile, catching on to where he was going with this.

"No, I'm all by myself."

"Do you want to, you know, eat dinner together?" he asked light bighting his lip, as if he was a bit nervous, and Julia nodded. "I live nearby; we can go to my place, if you'd like?"

Julia couldn't help but be intrigued by his exceptional charm. God, she hated how charming he was - well, a part of her hated it, the other part loved it and couldn't resist it.

"Sure," she simply replied.

For some reason, this man really had a talent for getting under her skin. And she secretly enjoyed it.

As William's order was called out as well, he led the way to his condo only a few streets away.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 4 -

Summary; a terrible misunderstanding can always be solved over a solid portion of Italian food; Julia and William sort their troubles out, and find themselves getting more personal and closer;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, soft!William; Halloween; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; none I think; maybe indication of steamy relationship;

A/N; trying to dig a little deeper, so their friendship will grow even more; I just feel like William is the perfect chill guy to talk to about everything, and I’d love nothing more to just spend time with him on the sofa 😉

Words; 3.5K

“And when we go crashing down, we come back every time”

As William and Julia arrived at William's apartment building, they rode the lift to the 33rd floor, and he guided them into his condo.

"Hello there," Julia greeted with enthusiasm as they were welcomed by Pablo and Banksy at the entrance.

"Looks like someone's really excited to see you, huh,” William remarked with a chuckle as he made his way to the kitchen through the living room.

"I'm pretty excited to see you too," she playfully responded, engaging with the energetic Goldendoodle as they moved into the living area.

Julia was left speechless when she caught sight of the breath-taking view from the living room.

“Shiiit,” she whispered softly as she entered the room, and William couldn't help but chuckle as he fetched plates from the kitchen. "You know, I’d kill for a view like this," Julia joked.

William grinned, enjoying her reaction. "Well, I suppose I could always check out if there’s another condo available," he teased, placing the plates on the coffee table.

Julia laughed, "If only I could afford to live in a place like this."

"You never know" William playfully replied, "maybe one day you'll be the famous architect behind a skyscraper with an even better view."

Julia slightly blushed at the compliment, and they both settled down to enjoy their meal while watching TV and taking in the mesmerising cityscape before them.

As Julia admired the breathtaking view, she couldn't help but take in the exquisite details of William's condo. The spacious living room featured plush, cream-colored sofas that contrasted beautifully with the rich, dark wood flooring. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm and inviting glow across the room, and a tastefully arranged collection of art adorned the walls, hinting at William's appreciation for creativity.

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows dominated one wall of the living room, offering a panoramic vista of the city below. The twinkling lights of skyscrapers stretched as far as the eye could see, making it feel like they were dining among the stars.

"I didn't know you liked Sugo's," William remarked as they unpacked their takeaway.

"I've only tried it once, just last week," Julia responded. "Auston and Mitch had recommended it, so Charlie and I decided to give it a shot, and now I'm in love."

William chuckled at her words. "Well, it's pretty amazing."

They both sat on the sofa, with Pablo and Banksy happily joining them, as they savoured their Italian cuisine and watched a rerun of one of William's favourite TV shows.

During their meal, they exchanged stories about their day, discussing Julia's busy workday and how William’s training had been tough but good. While their conversation remained platonic, they both felt a slightly urge to delve into more personal topics, as they had during their previous time, they were alone.

"You feel ready for the upcoming games?" Julia asked, offering a warm smile as she set her cutlery down to indicate she had finished eating. She then sat back relaxing on the sofa with her feet up, and William mirrored her relaxed composure as he’d also finished his food.

He nodded. "Yeah, I'm feeling good about the games. We've been working hard on techniques, and I'm in great shape, so.”

"I'm sure you'll do great," Julia said with a soft, friendly smile. "You work hard, Willy. It's quite impressive how dedicated you all are."

"Well, it's our job, and we get paid quite well, but it's also our passion," William said with a light chuckle. "We work hard because we love it."

Julia smiled as she admired his calm demeanour and his genuine passion for hockey, which shone through.

"I envy you," she admitted softly. William looked at her with a slightly puzzled expression, encouraging her to continue. "I mean, you have talent, and luckily, you're passionate about your sport. You've always known what you wanted to do with your life."

"I suppose,” William smiled. “What about you?”

"Oh, I've never been so sure," Julia said, stroking Pablo. "I spent two years working and travelling because I didn't know what else to do. Then I ended up in Business School, which I never thought I would, but it seemed right at the time."

Julia paused, uncertain if she was revealing too much. However, William's attentive gaze put her at ease, and she sensed that he wanted her to continue.

"You didn’t like it?"

Julia shrugged. "People kept telling me I was smart and had a thing for numbers, but it’s not like I loved it. I just did it to get a degree in something. But then when I moved back to London and found the job at Milton's, I was genuinely excited. I knew nothing about the construction business, but as it turned out, I was pretty good at project management. Plus, my financial skills came in handy, so I guess it wasn't a complete waste of time."

William smiled. He found her story intriguing. Julia was indeed intelligent, and he could tell that she enjoyed making an effort regarding her work - which he could very much relate to.

"Why exactly did you move back to London?" he inquired, and Julia's smile faded a bit. She sighed and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Because of my ex-boyfriend," she said quietly, looking down at her glass of water in her hand. "After he’d finished his master’s degree, he wanted to move back to England, so I moved in with him," Julia added, managing a faint smile.

Julia had met Ezra during Business School in Copenhagen. He was a couple of years older than her, and another fellow Brit, who’d taken the opportunity to study abroad, and when he met Julia, he was immediately intrasquad. And so was she. Ezra was the overall son-in-law dream guy with confidence, and his finances and life all together. He had a habit of getting what he wanted with his overly charming character and schmuck smile – which Julia now, when rethinking it, thought to be more narcissistic and arrogant style of behaviour.

"Sorry, if you don't want to talk about it," William said softly, sensing Julia's diminishing enthusiasm when discussing her ex. She looked up at him and offered a smile.

"It's okay; it was tough at the time, but I'm all good now."

"What happened?"

Julia hesitated for a moment. She was somewhat surprised by William's curiosity about her past.

But William wanted to know more about her past. A part of him was curious to know, how such an intelligent, strong, and independent woman, had chosen to move across the world, when she seemed to have it all already.

"Not much, really... the nice version is that we simply grew apart," she replied.

"And the not-so-nice version?" William chuckled.

"Well, he had a change of heart, out of nowhere," Julia simply stated.

"Like how? Did he kick you out, or..."

"Yes… Well, we were engaged," Julia sighed, and William's eyes widened a bit. "The bastard proposed on New Year's Eve, and I said yes. But then, five months later, he changed his mind."

"Wait, what?" William was taken aback a little. "Just like that?"

"Our relationship wasn't perfect... after several arguments and discussions, I expressed that I wanted more, like travelling together and experiencing new things. For him, it meant taking our relationship to the next level, so he proposed," Julia explained, chuckling softly.

"But why did you say yes if you didn't want to?"

Julia had never really liked the question - a question she had been asked too many times, but she knew the answer.

"People do crazy things… when they're in love," she simply replied.

William didn’t know how to reply. Hearing Julia speak about her previous relationship made him understand why she was cautious about her feelings towards him. She had been hurt by her ex, and now she likely wanted to be more guarded with her heart. It all made sense.

"He sounds like a jerk," William finally managed to say, which made Julia laugh a little.

"Yeah, I suppose," she smiled. "But honestly, looking back, it was probably for the best. I never would have fit into his lifestyle; his family was all about flaunting their wealth and impressive educations."

William nodded in understanding and smiled. "That doesn't really sound like you."

Julia chuckled. He was right, but the fact that they had grown so close in such a short matter of time for him to say something like that, she found quite enjoyable. "Not at all - his mother wanted me to be a stay-at-home mum, which there's nothing wrong with, but it's not really for me."

William joined in on Julia's light laughter. "No, I couldn't imagine you doing that. You're definitely a workaholic."

“Oi!” Julia exclaimed, "I mean, true… but low blow.”

They both chuckled for a little while, Julia still petting Pablo, who lay beside her.

“I’m sorry, JJ - you deserve better,” William offered a soft smile.

“Thanks, but it’s all good now, besides I’m a work in prog-mess,” she said, offering a soft smile. "Sorry, let’s talk about something else - something not so dull and depressing.”

William chuckled lightly as they redirected their conversation back to hockey and how he had been preparing for the games.

Julia had been growing increasingly fond of hockey since she was welcomed into the NHL world. She felt like a part of the team's circle of friends and family, thanks to Charlie and Mitch, and to some extent, William.

"He really seems to like you, huh," William smiled as he glanced at Pablo, who was still lying by Julia's legs.

"Well, it's a good thing I like him too," she smiled. "Although it might be time for me to head home, sorry Pablo."

William smiled as Julia slowly got up from the sofa, so she didn't disturb Pablo too much.

"Do you need a ride home?"

Julia shook her head. "I'm good, Wonderboy, but thanks."

“A big, tough girl, right,” William chuckled.

He smiled as he closed the front door behind Julia after she had left his condo. He wasn't used to spending such intimate time with a girl where it wasn't sexual or flirtatious. He wasn't used to having conversations that delved into feelings and deep thoughts. But with Julia, he found it effortless to spend hours just talking. It was comfortable, and it felt right.

Approximately 30 minutes later, William received a message from Julia:

jjonesss: Home now 😉 Thanks for tonight - please say goodnight to Pablo and Banksy for me 🐶

williamnylander: They say goodnight too 🐶

The team was on the road for 10 days.

Julia and William's communication had increased quite a bit since they'd last spoken. It started innocently enough, with Julia sharing an Instagram post with a joke about the differences between the Scandinavian countries. Then, William shared a video about the distinctions between UK English and American English, and things just snowballed from there. It didn’t take long before they were chatting almost every day - well, mostly through Reels.

Their interactions became something of a habit. which was almost more frequent than the constant communication between Auston and Charlie. While William and Julia kept their conversations friendly, with some light teasing and banter, Auston and Charlie's discussions took a steamier and more intense turn. Since Auston was a young, charming bachelor on the road, Charlie, in her typical cheeky style, had offered to "lend him a hand" to keep his spirits up.

Fortunately, the girls talking to the lads was a good thing, as it turned out they needed some cheering up. The boys won the first of five matches but ended up losing the other four.

Auston had called Charlie from his hotel room after the third game, wanting to talk and have her distract him from the loss. He wasn’t exactly good at showing his emotions, but Charlie had a way of drawing out his feelings, which, truth be told, he secretly enjoyed.

William, on the other hand, remained cool and collected after matches. He was the easy-going lad who always looked on the bright side. His sayings like "we'll get them next time" and "hey, at least we did score a pretty good goal" endeared him to his teammates. Mitch also helped keeping the spirit light with his terrible dad-like jokes and cheesy comments.

While the team was on the road, Julia and Charlie would either go to their favourite bar or just hang out at home to watch the games. Julia was the cook in charge, and Charlie enjoyed her growing friendship with her not-so-new British co-worker. They’d talk about work and the games, but mostly about Charlie’s new relationship with Auston - which was still on situationship level - as well as Julia’s quirky friendship with William. And then they’d of course also talk generally about men, dating, sex, and much more.

On Sunday, they all decided to go out for brunch, including Stephanie and Tessa. The girls felt the need for some time off as well, having been the ones lending a listening ear to their men as they discussed their recent losses. While they were more than happy to be there for their partners, they also recognised the importance of taking a break over brunch.

And for some much-needed girl talk.

"I mean," Stephanie began, as they shared their thoughts and experiences of being in relationships with NHL hockey players, "I adore Mitch, and I genuinely want to support him. But sometimes, I just need some me-time, you know?"

Tessa nodded in agreement, fully understanding the sentiment.

"Not to scare you, Charlie, or anything," Stephanie continued with a light chuckle, "but being with these guys... it's not always a walk in the park."

Charlie nodded, letting out a light laugh in response. "Don't worry, Steph, Auston and I are nowhere near that close to a relationship. For now, it's all about having fun," she explained, and the girls smiled, intrigued by the ongoing dynamic between the happy almost-couple.

"Well, I think there's definitely something more to it," Tessa chimed in. "Mo mentioned that Auston has talked quite a bit about you in the locker room."

Julia and Stephanie playfully teased Charlie with playful "oooohhh's" and flirty looks.

"Ladies, please! We're just having a great time," Charlie reassured them, but the girls continued to giggle and wink, causing Charlie to blush even more.

"And just how great is this time, exactly?" Julia mischievously inquired, clearly looking for some juicy details.

Charlie leaned in and whispered, "Let's just say that Auston may play inside the lines on the ice, but in bed, he's all about playing way outside those lines."

The girls couldn't contain their excitement, responding with synchronised "oohhhh's."

"And... just how large is his... stick?" Tessa playfully asked.

“Oh, I’m not sure I want to know,” Stephanie said.

“Oh, I do,” Julia chuckled.

As if on cue, a waiter approached with a massive pepper grinder, offering to season their food.

Charlie glanced at the grinder, then back at the girls, raising her eyebrows a couple of times, leaving no doubt in their minds.

"oooohhhh," the other girls responded in unison, thoroughly entertained by the playful banter.

October 31st – Halloween

On the next Monday, Julia found herself strolling the streets of Toronto on a chilly night, all dressed up in her costume.

As she, Phoebe, Tyler, and Keith, a friend of Tyler, meandered through the neighbourhood, their outfits drew compliments and giggles from fellow trick-or-treaters. Phoebe's zombie princess attire, in particular, was striking, with makeup that truly made her appear undead. A wish of her own. Tyler confidently strutted in his Iron Man costume, while Keith embraced the role of Captain America with patriotic enthusiasm.

However, when Phoebe suddenly announced her urgent need for the loo, Julia contemplated making a small detour to William's flat, as it was conveniently nearby. It was Halloween, after all, and a quick visit to a friend's flat seemed like a fun idea.

jjonesss: hey Willy, are you at home? 😊

williawmnylander: yeah, why? 😊

jjonesss: would you mind if we pop round real quick? I’ve got a six-year-old princess who really needs to pee, and we're just around the corner from your place 😅

williamnylander: sure, no problem 😊

“Don’t worry, Phoebe, we can swing by my friend Willy's place,” Julia reassured the nearly bursting girl.

"Willy?" Phoebe inquired; her curiosity piqued. "Is he like Willy Wonka?"

Julia couldn't help but laugh at the comparison. "Well, not exactly, love. He's not a chocolatier with a magical factory, but he's a really nice guy and a great friend."

Phoebe, with her vivid imagination, appeared intrigued by the concept of a friend named 'Willy,' even if he wasn't a candy-maker with a whimsical world of chocolate and wonder.

Approaching William's apartment building, Julia rang the doorbell, her Cruella de Vil costume certainly catching the eye. After the buzz, they rode the lift, as Phoebe’s eyes were almost watering. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing an amused William, dressed casually, having opted to skip a Halloween costume this year.

"Well, look who's here," William greeted with a grin, taking in their costumes. "You all look great!"

Julia laughed. "Thanks, William. Happy Halloween!" She then gestured towards Phoebe, who was hopping from foot to foot. "Phoebe desperately needs to use the loo. Mind if we come in for a minute?"

"Of course, come on in!" William stepped aside to allow them entry. “It’s that door over there,” he pointed.

“Thanks, Wonka!” Phoebe exclaimed as she hurried inside.

“Did she just call me Wonka?” William asked Julia, raising an eyebrow.

Julia couldn’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, that’s sort of your new nickname,” she said, giving him a playful wink.

William let out a small laugh, then noticed Keith and Tyler's costumes. "Iron Man and Captain America, huh? Great choices, boys!" he complimented.

Tyler and Keith stood almost completely frozen with their mouths open. But then Julia nudged Tyler’s side lightly and he shook out of it. He beamed with pride. "Thanks, William!"

Julia knew that the young boy was completely starstruck, but he managed to sort of play it cool.

Inside, Phoebe found her way to the loo, while Julia, Tyler, and Keith settled in the living room. William offered them some Halloween candy, and they chatted for a bit about their trick-or-treating adventures.

Pablo immediately hopped onto Julia’s lap, which elicited a chuckle from William.

“Look who’s happy to see you, huh.”

Banksy was quick to join them as well but decided to seek cuddles from the young boys instead.

Julia simply smiled as she petted the spiriteddoodle.

“If it isn’t my favourite little guy,” she exclaimed.

“Be careful, Pablo - she’s a dog killer,” William joked, referring to her costume.

“Don’t worry, honey - it’s only Dalmatians,” she pretended to whisper. “And naughty boys.”

Phoebe eventually came round to join them in the living room. "Thank you, Wonka," she said with a grateful smile.

Julia turned to William. "Thanks for letting us drop by, Will. We should get going so the kids can continue their candy hunt."

"Absolutely, anytime! Happy Halloween, guys!" William said as they all walked back to the hallway.

As Julia, Phoebe, Tyler, and Keith prepared to leave William's flat and continue their Halloween adventure, William couldn't resist offering a compliment on Julia's Cruella de Vil costume.

"By the way, JJ, you look really sexy," he said with a charming smirk.

Julia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she tried to maintain a nonchalant demeanour. "Thanks, Willy. It's just a Halloween costume, you know."

Despite her efforts to downplay the compliment, she couldn't help but secretly relish the flattery. William had a talent for making her feel special, and even though they were just friends, there was an undeniable chemistry between them.

With a final wave, they left William's building, continuing their Halloween journey with smiles on their faces.

After Julia had finished removing her makeup and settled into her bed, she scrolled through her phone and decided to message William.

jjonesss: hey, just wanted to thank you again for today 😊 you truly saved a damsel in distress 😉

williawmnylander: haha no problem at all 😂 the least I could do, and it was nice to see you

jjonesss: we were very grateful 😊 likewise, the boys only talked about you all the way home 😂

williawmnylander: well, I am pretty amazing, so of course they did 😂

jjonesss: wow… think you need to work on that confidence just a tad 😂

williawmnylander: what can I say, not all superheroes wear capes 😎💪🏻 besides, at least I got to see you in that outfit 😛

jjonesss: William! Inappropriate much 😅 you’re such an idiot

williawmnylander: yeah, but a charming idiot 😜

Julia couldn't help but chuckle at his cheekiness, but she also had to admit to herself that she rather enjoyed it.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 5 -

Summary; a nice walk with the dogs and a good punch in the face can really stir up the deeper emotions of a friendship.

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, soft!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; Probably language (swearing); blood?; Foreign language (Swedish);

A/N; we’re gettinga little more emotional (emotionallier?) and we all know where this is going, and yes, it will be a slow-burn; plus, introducing: Willy Styles;

Words; 4.5K+

“We keep this love in a photograph”

November, Tuesday, 1st -

On the morning following Halloween, Julia still felt the lingering sugar rush from the previous night's candy hunt. She had indulged a bit too much, but the night had been nothing short of eventful, and she truly appreciated William's hospitality when she’d been out with Phoebe, Tyler, and Keith for trick-or-treating. The kids were completely starstruck by him, and Julia knew that William, both secretly and openly, enjoyed the adoration he received from young fans.

However, today, Julia decided to grant herself a day at home, with the option to work remotely. Andrew had been immensely grateful for her help the day before, allowing him to stay longer at the office. So, granting Julia a day to work from home was the least he could do.

After a quick morning workout, Julia treated herself to a delicious breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, before she settled down to check her emails. Well, at least that was the plan until a message popped up in her inbox.

williamnylander: shouldn’t you be at work? 😉

William, in his characteristic playful style, had replied to her Instagram story; she'd posted a picture of her early morning at the gym and just now a photo of her Instagram-worthy breakfast.

jjonesss: I am - just working from home ☺️

williamnylander: right… “working” from home 😂

jjonesss: Oi! just because some of us don’t lack the ability of discipline😂

williamnylander: … you’re not doing shit, are you? 😂

jjonesss: not one bit 😂🙈

williamnylander: so… you want to come on a walk with Pablo and Banksy? 😊

jjonesss: depends… will you also be there? 🤔

williamnylander: yes JJ! They’re MY dogs! 😂

jjonesss: Hm, alright then 😩😂

williamnylander: we can meet at the park? 😊

jjonesss: Sure, just give me 20 😉

And about 20 minutes later, she was all set to join William as she’d bundled up in her warm coat, grabbed her phone, and sent him a text to let him know she was good to go.

At the park, she found William already there, hanging out with Pablo and Banksy.

“Hello Wonka, how are you," Julia greeted him with a warm grin as she approached.

“Oh no, please don’t call me that,” William returned the smile. "Ready for a walk?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, amused.

With the dogs leading the way excitedly, they set off on their morning stroll through the tranquil park. The crisp Autumn air was refreshing, and they chatted away like old friends.

"So, any big plans for today?" William asked, a playful glint in his eye.

Julia chuckled. "Nah, just some work and then maybe catching up on a few shows. How about you?"

William shrugged. “Just practice later this afternoon."

Julia appreciated the simplicity of the moment. As they chatted and the dogs bounded around them, she couldn't help but treasure the genuine friendship that was growing between them. It felt easy and comfy, like they'd known each other way longer than a couple of months.

"Willy, mind moving aside a bit? I want to snap a video of Pablo and Banksy," Julia said playfully.

"You don't want me in it?" William asked, with a grin.

"Eh, sure, if you don't mind," Julia replied with a warm smile. "But it's going on my story."

"Sure, then trust me; you'll get more likes than ever."

Julia whipped out her phone, framing both William and the dogs in the shot.

He grinned and posed, while Pablo and Banksy continued their playful antics, completely oblivious to the video recording.

The dogs chased each other and explored their surroundings, while William and Julia strolled alongside, their laughter making another video come alive.

Julia eventually stopped recording, feeling content with the snippet of their little morning adventure.

And William couldn't resist teasing her. "You're turning into quite the influencer, JJ."

"Just trying to capture the fun moments in life,” she smiled.

William smiled, liking her approach. While laughing and giggling, he even started to pose for more pictures, and he took a few of her as well.

They continued their walk for a bit before William suggested grabbing something to drink.

"You look pretty good, actually," Julia said as they sat down outside by a coffee shop, their warm drinks in hand after the walk.

William playfully quipped, "Don't I always?"

"Ha-ha, very funny,” Julia laughed. “But you do look quite pretty in that outfit.”

Julia couldn't help but notice William's impeccable street style. He was seriously fashionable, especially compared to her usual outfits, which ranged from business attire with heels for work to casual jeans, a T-shirt, a blazer, and either trainers or heels.

William chuckled at Julia's observation. "Well, you know, I try to stay up to date with the latest trends. Got to live up to the 'Willy Styles' nickname, right?"

Julia took a sip of her warm drink, her gaze drifting over William's stylish outfit. His effortlessly cool look stood out against her own.

"I've got to admit, you've got quite the fashion sense. You always look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine,” she offered him a genuine compliment.

William grinned, clearly flattered. "Well, you know, it's part of the job. Being in the public eye, you kind of get used to it.”

“Oh boy, please you need to work on your confidence,” Julia joked sarcastically. “Well, at least, that moustache of yours…”

“What, you don’t like my stache!” William asked with a grin.

Julia burst out in laughter and shook her head. “It’s just really not to my liking,” she said with a slightly cringed expression. “I like the scruff better.”

William chuckled. “Well, I like it - and so do a lot of ladies,” he winked. “What I don’t get is how you manage to walk in those high heels."

Julia chuckled. "It's pure talent, baby."

Their conversation flowed on, discussing fashion preferences and favourite styles, all while they enjoyed their warm drinks and each other's company, with the dogs contentedly resting at their feet.

As they walked back and came to the part where they’d had to part ways, William turned to Julia.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.

Julia nodded. “Of course, now that Charlie and Auston are becoming somewhat of an item, believe me, we’ll probably be at most home games,” she joked.

William chuckled at her remark as they hugged goodbye.

“A grown-up woman, should never fall so easily”

Wednesday, 2nd - TOR 5 – PHI 2

Charlie was quick to finish her work and pack her bag, eager to get out of the door, and Julia couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's enthusiastic behaviour. She understood why, though – Charlie was looking forward to seeing her lover boy, Auston, play at tonight's home game.

Their situation-ship was beginning to evolve into a relationship, but despite the incredible sex and talks, neither of them was ready to label it.

Julia found it endearing, though. She hadn't seen anyone so in love since she had been in a loving relationship herself. A part of her missed that warm feeling of having someone love her and coming home to share her day with. But whenever she thought of Ezra, those feelings quickly faded. No, she still wasn't entirely ready. She wanted to focus on her career and herself.

Although, she had been out with Charlie and some other co-workers a couple of times now, chatting with a few guys, which had been fun. But she just didn't want to get deeply involved in anything like that for the time being.

As the girls arrived at the arena, they quickly found the other friends and partners and enjoyed the game. It wasn't as thrilling as some of the other games had been, but the Leafs secured a magnificent win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Following the match, Charlie practically sprinted down to the locker room to congratulate Auston on his amazing performance. He had managed to score three goals; one assisted by William and two assisted by Mitch. John Tavares had secured the other two goals.

While Charlie and Auston were caught up in a heated make-out session, Mitch and Mo stood nearby, casually discussing the game.

Julia caught eyes with William, who was playfully chatting with Rasmus and Tim. She managed to overhear a couple of their Swedish words but not well enough to fully understand their conversation. She could only grasp a couple of short sentences like "vi var bara och drack en kaffe tillsammans" (we were just having a coffee together) and "vi har bara lite kul" (we're just having fun). A small part of her thought William might be talking about her, but amidst the noise and her limited ability to understand Swedish, she dismissed the thought.

After all the players had finished up in the locker room, Julia then found herself standing alone in the car park, waiting for an Uber.

Charlie had naturally gone home with Auston, which meant that Julia had to find her own way back. Truth be told, she didn't mind at all. She was genuinely happy for the young couple, and besides, she was accustomed to being independent by now.

Caught up in her thoughts, she paid no attention to her surroundings, and out of the blue, she could feel a person's hand on her waist, making her jump and scream loudly as she per reflex swung her arm around and hit the person right in the face.

“Oh, fuck!” William exclaimed as he took his hand to his nose after Julia had panicky punched him.

“Shit! Fuck, Willy,” Julia shouted as well as she, in all surprise, turned around to see the blond Swede holding onto his hurting nose. “What the fuck were you doing?”

William shook his head lightly and blinked a couple of times. He could feel his nose bleeding, so he tilted his head back.

“What do you mean?” He shouted. “You hit me.”

“Well, you can't just sneak up on a woman like that in a parking lot at night!”

“You don’t say,” he remarked sarcastically, trying to hold his head back.

“Shit, Willy… perhaps we should go back in and take a look at that?” Julia timidly suggested as she could see that the blood flow didn’t seem to stop.

William simply nodded, and they made their way back into the arena and into the locker room, where Julia picked up some tissue paper for William to hold against his nose.

Both feeling calmer again after the adrenaline rush, William sat down in his stall, and Julia squatted in front of him to take a closer look.

“Don’t worry, love, I don’t think we messed up your pretty face too badly,” Julia softly chuckled. “Not more than usual, of course.”

William let out a small laugh. “Well, I guess you really are a big, tough girl, who can take care of herself, huh,” he smiled, making Julia laugh along.

They sat there for a moment in silence as Julia cleaned up William’s bloody face, their eyes occasionally locking.

“I’m sorry,” she spoke softly.

“It’s alright,” William replied, matching her low tone of voice.

“It was a good punch though.”

William simply chuckled, “It was.”

There was another moment of silence. William kept staring at Julia, who was more occupied with cleaning his face. He couldn’t help but enjoy their closeness. It had been a while since they'd been this near, and something about her still had a hold on him. Maybe it was the way her sweet perfume smelled so good, reminding him of their first encounter; or simply her sweet smile that always got to him whenever they spend time together.

The past couple of weeks had been nothing but amazing. William enjoyed every moment with Julia, even though it was just as friends. She was unlike many other girls he’d ever been with; she wasn’t desperate or needy around him, and there wasn’t much drama or gossip about other women. She was just so cool and relaxed. Much like himself.

In that fleeting moment of gentle intimacy, William couldn't restrain himself, and almost instinctively, he leaned in closer to Julia.

However, she avoided him. Tilting her head back slightly, she avoided what could perhaps have become a tender kiss.

"What are you doing?" Julia asked softly, a hint of surprise in her voice as she leaned back.

"Shit... Sorry, JJ," William chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "I don't know why I did that." He tried to brush off the awkward moment.

"It's okay," she replied, still a bit puzzled by the unexpected gesture.

A brief silence settled between them.

"Can I ask you something?" William suddenly spoke up, and Julia removed the tissue paper as his nosebleed appeared to have stopped.

"Sure."

"Why haven't you told anyone about us?" William's expression was gentle as he posed the question.

Julia offered him a friendly smile and a small shrug. "I'm not really sure..."

"Are you embarrassed by me?" he inquired, partly joking but also genuinely curious.

Embarrassed? How could she possibly be embarrassed about having slept with an attractive hockey player?

"Of course not," Julia offered a little smile. "I mean... not about you, at least," she admitted softly, glancing down at the tissue in her hand.

"Then what is it about?" he asked, slightly searching for an explanation.

Julia bit her lower lip, wrestling with whether to share her feelings with William. Ultimately, she decided to open up.

"Maybe I just felt embarrassed about the whole situation," she admitted softly. "Embarrassed that I'd felt a bit hurt, just because of a simple one-night stand."

She had felt embarrassed, indeed. Embarrassed that she had developed feelings for a complete stranger so quickly, embarrassed that she had let her guard down when she knew she probably couldn't handle being hurt so soon again.

"A grown-up woman shouldn't fall so easily," she added, looking away from him.

William offered her a soft smile, attempting to meet her eyes. He wanted to say something, to delve deeper into her emotions, but he found himself at a loss for words.

Julia shook her head and then looked at him. "What about you - have you told Rasmus and Tim?"

William shook his head. "No... only Alex knows, because, well he was there that night - and no, I'm not embarrassed about you either," he chuckled.

"Then why not?" she inquired, forcing herself to look up at him. "Isn't it just typical locker room talk?" She smiled.

William simply shrugged. "I figured maybe you wouldn't want me to... Besides, it's not really any of their business."

Julia nodded slightly. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

"I don't know why I did it," William admitted softly.

"Did what?" Julia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Left... that morning.”

"Willy, you don't have to explain yourself... we've talked about it," Julia reassured him.

"I know, it's just..." William paused. "I just don't want you to think badly of me. I'm usually not the kind of guy who'd just leave women like that."

Julia was taken aback by his honesty and willingness to discuss this. She had always assumed he was a bit of a playboy, capable of casually moving on from one woman to the next. But now, as she considered it, she realised she had never actually seen him with other women nor heard him discuss his dating life. Perhaps he wasn't as bad as she had initially thought.

Julia looked down for a moment, collecting her thoughts, before raising her gaze to meet William's eyes. "I don't think of you like that - at least not anymore," she spoke softly. "You're an amazing person, Willy."

William let out a small sigh of relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt a strong urge to share more with her, to be completely honest about his feelings.

"I think, I got scared," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Julia furrowed her brow in confusion. "I've never liked a girl like that... the way I liked you that night," he continued.

"So, you protected yourself," she finished his thoughts, and he nodded. "Yeah, I know a thing or two about that," she admitted, and they both shared a warm-hearted moment of understanding and soft intimacy.

Their eyes remained locked in a tender gaze, unspoken emotions flowing between them. Julia wasn't sure what exactly she felt for William, but she couldn't deny that he had a way of getting close to her, of igniting warm feelings within her. It was like an unexplainable magnetism that drew her towards him, not necessarily in a romantic or sexual sense, but in a comforting and soothing way. Everything about William Nylander seemed amazing to her - except perhaps for his moustache.

William returned her smile, his eyes soft and genuine.

"Maybe we should get out of here?" he suggested with a chuckle, and she agreed. They both rose from their positions and walked back into the car park.

As they strolled towards William's car, he offered Julia a ride home. "Yeah, I believe you owe me that," she teased with a wink.

"Me? Do I owe you? You were the one who hit me," he laughed.

"Yes, well, because you startled me," she countered with a laugh of her own. “Besides, my Uber has left, because we needed to clean up your pretty face.”

"Fair point - well, get in," he said, opening the door to his large Volvo.

To Julia's surprise, William drove straight to her flat. He didn't even ask her for her address, which made her wonder: did he really remember it from that night? And apparently, he did.

"Thank you, and again sorry for the punch," Julia smiled as William parked the car in front of her apartment building.

"It’s alright," he chuckled, and they shared a warm hug before she left the car.

Friday, 4th -

Thursday seemed to have flown by, and before she knew it, it was Friday; the day, that Julia had planned a special surprise for Tyler. She had managed to arrange a date for him to go ice skating with William at the players’ training rink.

William had somehow secured some private ice-time at the rink for personal training. It was a perk that players could occasionally enjoy with their family and friends when the rink wasn't in use for professional training or games.

Julia had made the arrangement rather spontaneously together with William; but to their delight, it did prevent Tyler from telling it to everyone at school.

As the evening approached and Julia and Andrew finished their work for the day, Tyler was already packed and eager to meet up with his new idol: William Nylander. He had all his skating gear ready and couldn't wait to show William the skills he had acquired during his training.

"Hey guys," William greeted warmly as the four of them arrived at the rink.

"Hey, William!" Tyler exclaimed, practically bouncing at the entrance.

"Hi, Wonka," Phoebe said in her sweet little voice, and William couldn't help but smile. He didn't really like the nickname, except when it came from Phoebe.

Julia smiled at William and expressed her gratitude once again for the opportunity.

"Of course, JJ. I'd do anything to impress you, remember," he teased playfully as they headed to find some skates.

Julia chuckled in response, while Andrew was already engrossed in work emails on his phone.

Tyler, with a little assistance from William, got his skates on and was ready to hit the ice. He wasted no time in confidently gliding onto the players' training rink, eager to show off his skating skills to William.

"Looking good, buddy!" William called out from the side-lines as he laced up his own skates.

"So," Julia began, giving William a mischievous look, "where are Pablo and Banksy?"

William chuckled. "At home, JJ."

"What? I only came along to spend time with them," she explained in a mock serious tone, which elicited a laugh from William.

"Yeah, well, I thought about bringing them, but then I knew you'd never come onto the ice - you'd just be sitting here the whole time," William smirked.

"Well, yes, that was the plan," Julia smiled. "I'm not skating, Willy."

"Yes, you are."

"No," she protested, but she could already tell that she’d lost the battle, as William had a pair of skates prepared for her. "How do you even know my size?"

"Lucky guess, I suppose," he smirked and gave Julia a wink, making her roll her eyes.

"William, I can't - I'd fall," she said with a softer voice.

"Well, then you'll just have to get back up again," he replied, rising from his seat and coming over to squat in front of her. "Come on, I'll help you out."

Julia relented, nodding lightly, and allowed William to help her put on the skates - which, annoyingly enough, fit perfectly. It felt like a true Cinderella moment, and William didn't hide his pride in having made a lucky guess.

It wasn't that Julia was bad at skating; she had tried it many times during her childhood, and she rarely fell. But she always felt insecure when skating, and the last time she fell, she had fallen hard and almost broken her wrist.

She gazed at William as he tied her laces. A warm feeling spread through her as they sat so close, and he knelt in front of her, helping her in his area of expertise. She couldn't help but feel emotional and touched by his generosity and care. He was truly a friendly person who wanted to create good times with his close friends.

"There you go," he said softly as he finished tying the second skate. "How do they feel?"

Julia was a bit mesmerised as he looked up at her, and their eyes locked. His blue eyes sparkled, and his calm demeanour made her feel comfortable and at ease. "Great... they feel great," she spoke softly, forcing herself back to reality.

"Good, they might feel a little tight at first, but that's just for good support."

Julia nodded. "It's all good," she smiled. They sat there for a few more seconds before they were interrupted by Tyler.

"Hey, are you guys coming?" he shouted out of excitement.

"Yeah, I'm right behind you, buddy," William chuckled.

"Perhaps you should skate a few rounds with Tyler first," Julia smiled. "I'll join you in a bit, once I've summoned up some courage."

William offered her a soft smile and nodded before jumping onto the ice to join Tyler for a few rounds.

What’s the matter with me, Julia wondered. It was like all her feelings for William were being stirred up again, and she didn't know how to handle it.

‘No, nothing's going on’, she convinced herself. He was just being a really good friend, and they'd spent a lot of time together, bonding really well. It was all just friendly.

"Are you okay, Auntie J?" Phoebe asked softly sitting next to her, which made Julia shake her head.

"Yes, baby, I was just thinking," she explained, offering the young girl a soft smile, who then returned to playing on the iPad.

After about 10 minutes of William and Tyler skating back and forth, with William showing Tyler some techniques, they decided to race from the opposite end to where Julia and Phoebe were sitting. William let Tyler win - but only just.

"This is amazing, William!" Tyler shouted as they stood by the bench.

"So, am I your favourite player now?" William asked playfully.

"Oh yes, definitely!"

Julia couldn't help but chuckle at the two boys' interaction.

"So..." William said as he turned to Julia, who raised an eyebrow in response to his smirk. "Are you ready, JJ?"

"Nope, but I probably never will be," she smiled.

"Come on!" Tyler shouted as he set off again to skate around the ice.

Julia let out a sigh and got up from her seat, while Andrew joined Phoebe on the bench.

"I promise I'll catch you if you're about to fall," William reassured her in a gentle tone.

"Thanks - but if you haven't noticed, I don't really trust people that easily," she half joked, as she placed one foot onto the ice while gripping tightly to stabilise herself.

"Oh, I've noticed," William chuckled. "But don't worry, I've got you," he said, placing a hand on her arm and holding her securely, encouraging her to let go.

Julia softly nodded and released her hands, relying on her feet and William to support her. She wobbled a bit at first, but true to his promise, William held her securely, ensuring she didn't fall. It felt like a crazy friendly trust test.

Slowly, they began to skate, with William demonstrating the best techniques for moving her feet, bending her knees, and maintaining her balance with her back slightly forward. She caught on quickly. Before long, they were gliding around in circles, laughing, and talking, while Tyler expended all his energy practicing everything William had shown him. Julia even had the confidence to take out her phone and send a snap to Charlie, only having to hold on to him a couple of times.

William felt a sense of delight having Julia around. While he genuinely wanted to be a good friend and help Tyler with his skating session, there was also a part of him that wanted to impress her. He wanted to show her his best side, to demonstrate that he was there for her, and that he would catch her, both on and off the ice, if she ever stumbled.

They skated for a while before deciding it was time to wrap up for the night. Tyler was radiating with joy, unable to contain his excitement and chatting as they removed their skates. William couldn't help but chuckle at the young boy's enthusiasm and shared his best advice on how to become a professional hockey player.

Julia could see that he took pride in embracing his role as a role model in Tyler's eyes.

And as they stood outside in the cold autumn air, waiting for Andrew to finish his phone call, Julia smiled at William.

"Thank you for today - it truly meant a lot to all of us."

"No problem, it was fun for me too," he replied with a smile. "I always love showing off my skills."

Julia chuckled at his confidence. "I'm sure you do. By the way, how's your nose?"

"All better," he smiled softly. "But I think it deserves an apology."

"And how would you like me to do that?" Julia chuckled.

"I guess, a meal at Sugo's would be perfection," he playfully suggested.

Julia laughed at his cheeky demeanour but sighed playfully. "I'm sure we can work that out," she replied with a friendly wink.

They bid each other goodbye with hugs before parting ways, with William heading to his own car.

“Sugo's would be perfection” William mumbled; mentally mocking himself for that foolish comment.

In the evening, William found himself unable to suppress a smile as he watched Julia's Instagram stories and Snapchats of their time on the ice. He even shared some of the content on his own social media as well.

Their friendship had already become a little known to the public, though William knew Julia wasn’t much for the spotlight. They’d both shared a couple of pictures of their times together, but also underlined that it was just as friends; not wanting to give the public the wrong impression.

Although William was very aware of how he spoke and of what he published, he just simply wanted to share his good moments with Julia. She was simply so sweet and kind; her laughter was like sweet music to his ears, and he couldn't help but feel a warm, comforting sensation whenever he thought about the moments they had shared together so far.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 6 -

Summary; a night out of town once again stirs up some complications between William and Julia, which might actually brew their friendship just a tad closer;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, jealous!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; as always, swearing/language; foreign language (Danish & Swedish);

A/N; introducing *drumroll* Frederik Andersen; what can I say, I just love jealous!William; personally, I have a love/hate relationship to this chapter;

Words; 4K+

“Why, why did I ever let you go?”

Saturday, 5th - Hockey Fights Cancer: TOR 2 – BOS 1

Julia was absolutely exhausted, and her legs throbbed with pain. She couldn't help but mutter to herself about how sore they were, a direct consequence of the ice-skating adventure she'd embarked on with Tyler and William the day before.

williamnylander: How are you feeling? 😂

jjonesss: I'm not okay... and it's all your fault! 😉

williamnylander: What did I do now? Nobody twisted your arm to skate 😂

jjonesss: Yes, YOU did! 😂

williamnylander: Alright... well, in that case, I'm sorry 😂

jjonesss: No, you're not 😂

williamnylander: Nope, I'm not 😂

She couldn't help but smile as she thought about the previous night's event. It had been nothing short of amazing, and a small part of her had secretly cherished the soft intimacy she and William had shared when he'd encouraged her to join him on the ice. A decision she was glad she'd made, at least until her legs reminded her of the physical consequences.

After a quick errand, she was back home, ready for hockey night; but not just any hockey night. It was a special night where NHL teams came together to show unwavering support for those battling cancer.

For Julia, this initiative held deep personal meaning. She had lost a dear friend to cancer only a couple of years ago, so she felt a profound connection to the ceremony as she watched the match from the comfort of her home. She had decided to dedicate the evening to some much-needed self-care, pampering herself with a home-cooked dinner, spa treatments, and some quality "me-time" on her sofa with a glass of wine.

A brief call with Camille was also much-needed, and Julia filled her in on everything that had happened in the past week.

Her week had been a whirlwind of activity, filled with work and spending time with Tyler, Phoebe, and William. While it had been incredibly enjoyable, Julia also recognised the importance of a quiet night to recharge.

However, even in the solitude of her living room, she couldn't help but become engrossed in the hockey match. The Toronto Maple Leafs were facing off against the Boston Bruins, and with each save and shot at goal, Julia found herself passionately cheering, despite being all by herself.

As the match concluded with the Leafs securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, Julia exchanged a few texts with Charlie. Charlie, on the other hand, was at the arena, passionately cheering for her partner, Auston, alongside the other wives and girlfriends of the team.

Charlie had spent the day with Stephanie and the others, planning a surprise trip for the players scheduled for the following day, Sunday. The team had an away game in North Carolina against the Hurricanes, and the partners had organised a tour without the players' knowledge. Surprisingly, they had extended an invitation to Julia as well. Although she wasn't romantically involved with any of the players, her special friendship and bond with William had made her feel like an integral part of the inner circle, so she wholeheartedly accepted the invitation.

And little did everyone know; Julia had an unexpected surprise in store.

Sunday 6th – Away game, CAR 1 – TOR 3

In the morning, the group og girlfriends and wives assembled at Toronto Pearson International Airport. They had all packed their overnight bags and were ready for take-off.

Julia hadn't been heavily involved in the planning; she was more like a tag-along, but to her comfort, everything was very well-organised. The partners had booked flight tickets, arranged coaches for transportation, secured hotel rooms (where they knew they players would stay as well), and even had secured good game tickets, all by themselves. Well, it's possible they received a little assistance from the staff team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fans had a reputation for being exceptionally passionate and dedicated supporters of their beloved hockey team. Throughout the NHL, they were known for embarking on long road trips with the team, bringing high levels of energy and positivity to arenas across North America. So, it only made sense for the wives and girlfriends to want to be part of this supportive community.

The atmosphere was lively among the women as they embarked on their journey. They shared stories and adventures they had experienced as part of the Leafs' extended family, and they were all welcoming and warm, and extending their genuine hospitality to the girlfriends and wives of new players on the team.

"So, what's the surprise?" Charlie curiously asked as she and Julia were unpacking in their hotel room.

"Well, please don't laugh, but..." Julia's voice came from the bathroom. "I sort of did a thing," she said as she emerged.

Charlie turned to look at her, and a broad smile crossed her face.

"Oh yes, JJ!" she exclaimed when she saw her friend standing in a #88 Nylander jersey.

"Do you think he'll like it?" Julia asked a little nervously.

"Like it?" Charlie chuckled. "Babe, he's going to be thrilled."

"It’s not too weird, init?" Julia asked curiously, but Charlie simply shook her head and shrieked in excitement.

The girls shared moments of laughter as they got ready for tonight's game dancing along to music and casually enjoying a drink or two. They had both taken Monday off from work, so tonight was all about enjoying themselves.

The group gathered in the lobby, before they together in all excitement headed to the PNC arena. They had been fortunate enough to secure excellent seats close to the ice, and as the players stepped onto the ice, their faces lit up with delight. All of the players couldn't help but break into wide smiles when they saw the enormous group of passionate Leafs fans, among whom were all the partners, standing together to cheer for their significant others.

The sight of their loved ones in the stands, wearing jerseys and waving banners, was a heart-warming moment for the players, and it filled them with a sense of pride and motivation as they prepared to give their best on the ice. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the players could feel the overwhelming support from the partners and fans alike. It was a special moment that added an extra layer of excitement to the game.

And the Leafs won a solid 3-1.

Following the match, the players were beyond excited as they were met with the very energetic group of significant others. Barely any of them had the time to do any media work, as they were just so happy to see the women’s faces and how they sported their jerseys. Even the single lads found the situation amusing and were easily embarked in the exciting atmosphere.

Trying her best to squeeze through the crowd in the hallway, Julia made her way to William, who was also trying his best to do the same and find her. For a brief moment, they simply stood and looked at each other, sharing a laughter, as he took in the image of her in his jersey.

“So, you like it?” Julia offered William a slightly concerned yet excited smile.

“Of course, JJ,” he chuckled as he came closer to embrace her into a hug. “You look amazing – you couldn’t have picked a better number,” he said, which made her giggle.

"Yeah, well, all the other numbers were already taken," she teased, pulling away and giving him a cheeky wink.

“Woohooo,” Rasmus said loudly as he joined William and Julia along with Timothy. “I thought this was only for wives and girlfriends - and I didn’t know you were a girlfriend, JJ,” he cheekily remarked, wrapping an arm around William, who was laughing along – and perhaps lightly blushing?

“Well, Sandin – I am a girl,” Julia said offering him a joking smile. “And I am a friend, so…”

Rasmus and Tim were simply laughing at her comment, and they all shared this moment of amusement.

Of course, Rasmus and Tim had teased William about his relationship with Julia. They had obviously noticed how they acted around each other, and especially how their fellow Swedish friend's behaviour had subtly changed over the past couple of months. Not in a bad way, just that he wasn't as flirtatious and outgoing with other girls as usual. He was more reserved and had also come up with some great tips on how to build good connections with ladies. Thanks to William, Timothy had even managed to flirt with his long-time crush.

"ALL RIGHT, WHO'S UP FOR KARAOKE?" Mitch shouted, and almost the entire group responded with an enthusiastic 'Wooo' to his proposal.

Julia chuckled. "He does this a lot, doesn't he?" she asked in an unimpressed tone, to which the Swedes simply replied with a simultaneous 'yes'.

And once all the lads had wrapped up in the locker room, a group of people set off to a nearby karaoke bar. Mitch, of course, had done his homework and found the perfect spot.

As the group made their way into the bar, they were all sharing laughter and discussing today's game.

“Hey JJ,” Mitch shouted, “don’t go too far away.” Julia paused for a moment as Mitch approached her. "We've got a little surprise for you," he said.

And as if on cue, another man entered the bar and headed towards them. It was Frederik Andersen. Mitch and Auston had invited him to join for a spontaneous get-together as old teammates.

“We would have given it to you when we got back, but since you’re here now, we thought this’d be even better,” Auston said as Freddie came to greet them.

"Hey," he said, and Auston and Mitch exchanged friendly guy-hugs.

"So, JJ, meet Freddie – Freddie, this is JJ, our new Danish friend," Mitch introduced the two of them.

“It’s nice to meet you,” the very tall red-headed Dane spoke as he extended a hand for Julia to shake.

“It’s lovely to meet you too,” she smiled, accepting his hand.

"So, I guess this is for you," Freddie said, holding out a paper bag in his other hand and passing it to her as they all settled down at a table, joining the rest of the group.

Freddie took a seat at the very end of the table, with Julia between him and William. Mitch and Auston sat across from her, and Charlie and Steph occupied the seats next to Auston, while Rasmus and Tim sat alongside William. Mo and Tessa were at the opposite end with John and Aryne.

"What is it?" Julia asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

"Just open it and see," Auston chuckled.

With eager anticipation, she reached into the bag and pulled out a #31 Andersen jersey – signed.

"Oh, shit!" she exclaimed with excitement. "Oh my god, you guys; thank you! – thank you so much," she said, looking at Freddie and the boys, who responded with hearty laughter and smiles.

"I was told it was for your dad or something," Freddie chimed in, and Julia nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah, he's kind of a massive fan of yours," she replied with a huge smile.

Across the table, the group continued their lively conversation, and the room was filled with the cheerful sound of people enjoying each other's company.

"So, you're Danish?" Freddie asked, leaning a little closer to Julia.

"Well, half Danish and half English," she replied with a warm smile.

"Taler du så dansk?" (So, you're speaking Danish?) Freddie asked, and she nodded.

"Ja, selvom jeg nok ikke lyder helt korrekt," (Yes, although I probably don't sound quite right) she chuckled lightly.

"Du lyder helt perfekt," (You sound absolutely perfect) he said, offering her a friendly smile, which made Julia slightly blush.

Her Danish was actually surprisingly good, especially considering she had spent most of her life in England. But Julia had always been eager to explore her Danish roots, so Freddie's compliment held special meaning for her.

Freddie, she thought, was quite the handsome man. A vibrant red beard framed his masculine facial features, his eyes shimmered with deep honey-brown hues, and his pink lips formed an endearing smile.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and they delved into getting to know each other better, as Laughter filled the air while they shared jokes and anecdotes about Denmark and their upbringing.

Meanwhile, William sat beside her, making a half-hearted attempt to follow the conversation. Though he couldn't catch every word and detail, he grasped the gist of it. Julia's laughter, almost instinctively, brought a smile to his face.

“So, Char and JJ, you’re going next,” Mitch excitedly shouted.

“What?” Julia exclaimed.

“Oh, come on, JJ – we’ve got to do our gig” Charlie laughed.

“You have a gig?” Auston asked curiously. “Please explain,” he chuckled, and the girls nodded, giggling.

“Well, long story short: when JJ’s been here for, what about a week or so, we had this international/cultural night at work, where we sang karaoke, and even though she had made it very clear, she was from Denmark, someone put on ABBA for us to sing,” Charlie explained, not able to contain her laughter, and the rest of the group joined her.

“Seriously, those bastards,” Julia joked. “First of all, ABBA’s bloody Swedish, not Danish, and secondly, I’m from England! We’ve got the greatest music artists of all time,” she laughed. “They could’ve chosen anyone!”

“Well, that’s the thing, JJ – you only need one good number-one band, and everyone remembers,” Rasmus cheekily chimed in.

“Oh, fuck you Sandin” Julia joked, making the entire group laugh.

They took the stage, and as the music started to play, they both embraced the delightful atmosphere.

‘I've been cheated by you since I don't know when So I made up my mind: it must come to an end Look at me now, will I ever learn? I don't know how, but I suddenly lose control There's a fire within my soul’ (Just one look) and I can hear a bell ring (One more look) and I forget everything, whoa

As the girls sang their hearts out, William found himself captivated by Julia's cheerful demeanour. Her voice was surprisingly good, and her energy drew him into the lyrics. And he couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper meaning to this song.

Mamma mia, here I go again My, my, how can I resist you? Mamma mia, does it show again My, my, just how much I've missed you? Yes, I've been brokenhearted Blue since the day we parted Why, why did I ever let you go? Mamma mia, now I really know My, my, I could never let you go

The girls, did an amazing performance for the lads. Their voices weren’t overly perfect; however, they did manage to harmonise and keep the tune. Not to brag, but they did sound fucking amazing. And they danced and did it all in true ABBA style.

They guys cheered, clapped, and whistled throughout the entire song as well as they finished and re-joined the group.

"Wasn't half bad!" Rasmus shouted.

"Thanks, Sandin. I'll take that as an almost-compliment," Julia teased as she took her seat.

"He doesn't dare say anything else; he's too afraid of getting a punch in the face," Timothy quipped, sparking laughter from the group.

"It was an accident," Julia playfully defended herself, but the laughter persisted. She shook her head smiling, then turned her attention to Freddie, who curiously asked her what had happened. She proceeded to explain the situation, which elicited a hearty laugh from him as well.

As the conversations continued to flow, Julia and Freddie found themselves pulled into deeper discussions. Freddie's friendly nature and easygoing charm were undeniably captivating, and Julia couldn't help but sense a growing connection between them. She found herself increasingly intrigued by the affable Dane.

Despite her efforts not to read too much into their interactions, Freddie's warm smile and charismatic personality had a way of enchanting her, and Julia secretly hoped for more opportunities to spend time with him.

However, as the evening wore on, William couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He discreetly observed the two Danes interacting, even though he knew that he and Julia were just close friends and not romantically involved. Yet, something about Freddie's friendliness stirred this irrational feeling within him, and a part of him entertained thoughts of interrupting their private conversation.

Realising the irrationality of his jealousy, William scolded himself mentally. He acknowledged that he had no claim over Julia's conversations or potential friendships. So, he redirected his attention to Tim and Rasmus, making a conscious effort to dispel the unnecessary jealousy that had briefly gripped him.

As the night came to a close, the group agreed that it was time to head back to the hotel.

"Wait, I've gotta hit the loo, real quick," Julia announced.

"I'll join you," Charlie chimed in, following Julia.

"Yeah, me too," Stephanie added, and the girls made their way to the ladies’ room.

"Why do girls always go to the bathroom together?" Mitch asked, making the rest of the group chuckle.

Taking advantage of the waiting time, Freddie and William struck up a conversation.

Having observed the way William had been looking at Julia and how she had been sitting close to him throughout the night, Freddie couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their relationship. He believed Julia was flirting with him, but maybe he’d misread the situation and she was simply just being friendly because of the jersey.

"So, just to be sure, is there anything going on between you and her?" Freddie asked curiously.

Taken aback a bit by the sudden question, William shook his head lightly. "No, we're just good friends," he assured his former teammate.

"Alright, just don’t want to step on any toes," Freddie said, wearing a faint smirk.

"But, you know, she's not looking for anything," William suddenly blurted out, feeling a bit surprised by his own words. "Like, she's not looking for a hook-up or something like that."

Why did he even say that? He once again mentally scolded himself.

"Uh, okay, good to know," Freddie replied, nodding, acknowledging that he then must’ve misread the situation.

As the girls returned from the ladies' room, the group made their way toward the exit. Stopping briefly outside, Julia and Freddie stood a little apart from the group.

"It was really nice to meet you, JJ," Freddie said in Danish, looking down at the blonde woman.

"It was really nice to meet you too," she smiled up at him, keeping the conversation in his native tongue. "And thanks for the jersey, it's very much appreciated."

"No problem," Freddie offered her a soft smile.

Julia looked at Freddie, wanting to say something more. A small part of her desired to invite him to her hotel room, suspecting that Charlie might spend time with Auston. However, her insecurities held her back, and she hoped for him to take the first step.

"JJ, I, uh..." Freddie began, biting lightly onto his lower lip. "I wanted to ask you if maybe you'd like to spend some more time together... But Willy told me that you weren't really up for anything like that, so..."

What?

"Willy said what?" she asked, her surprise evident.

"Well, he explained that you weren't looking for anything, so I just wanted to tell you that I had a really good time with you tonight, and if you ever want to talk again, I'd very much like to as well," he offered her a friendly smile.

Julia was left momentarily speechless but nodded in response.

"Well, thanks again for the jersey then, Freddie. I had a great time as well," she smiled before they parted ways, and Freddie went to say his goodbyes to the guys.

William, on the other hand, avoided Julia for the entire walk back to the hotel. He had a feeling that he might have screwed up again.

And he was right.

Julia was a little pissed and very disappointed.

Why had he even talked to Freddie about her?

Back at the hotel, most of the group gathered in the hallway before heading to their respective rooms. Charlie, of course, went with Auston, and some of the other guys congregated in a room to play a few rounds of video games.

William was chatting with Rasmus when Julia spotted him and decided it was time to sort things out. He sighed as he saw her approaching and knew he had no other choice.

"Hey," he simply said as he and Julia were the only two left in the hallway.

"Hey? That's all you have to say..." she spoke with a calm but firm voice.

He simply shrugged.

"Why did you talk to Freddie about me, Willy?" she asked.

William shrugged again. "I don't know..." he mumbled, trying to avoid her piercing gaze, but Julia kept her eyes locked on him.

"You don't know?"

"I mean... well, I just..." he trailed off, fumbling for words. "I just wanted to help."

"Help? By pushing away an interesting man I was having a pleasant conversation with?"

"I just didn't want you to make a mistake," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "You know, like you did with me..."

Julia, slightly baffled, blinked a few times. "You think I consider you a mistake?" she asked softly.

"No... I mean, yes – I don't know," he struggled to articulate his thoughts. William was confused and conflicted, unsure of what he truly felt. All he wanted was to prevent Julia from getting hurt again. Not that Freddie was the kind of guy who would hurt women, but William worried that Julia might do something she'd later regret.

"William, I don't think of you as a mistake..." she said gently. "Do you think that of me?"

"What? No!"

"Then why would you say something like that?" Julia's emotions were a whirlwind of bewilderment, anger, surprise, and confusion.

"I don't know, I just wanted to protect you, or something," William raised his voice.

"Why? I'm not yours to protect, Willy!" Julia practically shouted.

Silence hung between them.

And they both let out a deep sigh.

"Well, then I'm sorry, I guess..." William finally muttered.

"Yeah, so am I," Julia replied before she turned and walked away from him; still feeling slightly pissed off and annoyed that he’d had the audacity to interfere with her potential night with Freddie.

"Shiiit…" William mumbled to himself as he went to enter to his room.

Lying on her bed, Julia couldn't help but replay the evening in her mind.

Why did she and William end up in situations like this?

Their friendship was precious to her, and she didn't want to be angry with him. And deep down, she knew he had acted out of care.

Reflecting on it, he might even have been right. She had been drawn to Freddie, and yes, she had been flirting with the kind Dane, but realistically, it would never have evolved into anything more. The distance alone made that improbable, and she didn't truly know him well enough.

It would have been a spontaneous fling, and Julia might or might not have regretted it in the morning. In a way, William had protected her from a potential mistake. Just like he’d said.

‘Fuck,’ she thought to herself. 'I hate it when he's right.’

Glancing at her phone, she opened their chat.

jjonesss: I'm sorry… you were right, thank you for tonight 💛

She then put down her phone and settled in for the night.

Across the hallway, William was in his own room, preparing for bed, where Rasmus was already nestled under the duvet, engrossed in his phone.

“Hey, jag hoppas att det är okej att jag lånade din laddare?" (Hey, I hope it's okay I borrowed your charger?) Rasmus asked, looking up from his phone.

William simply nodded. "Sure, man."

He was exhausted, not just from the game but also emotionally drained. It wasn't typical for him to feel this way after a game, but he knew he had expended a considerable amount of energy keeping an eye on Julia throughout the night.

Something she apparently didn't appreciate.

In a way, he was disappointed with himself. All he had wanted was for Julia to be happy, which was why he had tried to help her. Instead, it seemed like he had messed things up again.

'Well done, Willy,' he thought to himself before drifting off to sleep.

The following morning, Julia woke up to no reply from William, and a twinge of disappointment pricked her chest.

So she got up and got ready to leave.

And an hour later, still no reply.

'Shit,' she thought, wondering if their friendship had been irreparably damaged.

The girls had breakfast and said their farewells to their partners before heading to their transportation for the airport.

But William was still nowhere to be found, and Julia's heart felt heavy.

She realised just how much her friendship with William meant to her, and all she wanted at that very moment, was for them to talk and sort things out.

But she’d have to try and let it go, as the group had to leave.

"Hey, man, har du sett min laddare?" (Hey, man, have you seen my charger) William asked as he ransacked the room.

"Den ligger bredvid sängen”,” (It's right by my bed) Sandin called from the hallway. "Kom igen, Willy! Vi har redan missat frukosten,” (Come on, Willy! We've already missed breakfast.)

"Shit," William mumbled as he gave up the search. "Jag har inget batteri på min telefon,” (I’ve got no power on my phone) he explained as he grabbed his bag and joined Sandin, heading downstairs to meet the rest of the team.

#archive #we never go out of style

1 note · View note

misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 7 -

Summary: things start to evolve for William and Julia, and one unforgettable night might just have a little influence on their relationship;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, soft!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; sadness; talk of infertility; Mild smut (masturbation)

A/N; so this turned out to be way more emotional than intended; but still tried to add a little bit of humour; I know I’ve taken inspiration in a real life event, but I found it quite fitting for this story’s purpose; hope you enjoy it;

Words; 5.5K+

“You must like me for me” (*)

The following four days were rather tense for both Julia and William since they had left Raleigh. The absence of communication between them had weighed heavily on their minds, but neither of them had been willing to break the silence first.

Julia had been a whirlwind of emotions, though. She missed William deeply but was also frustrated by his lack of response to her text. In a way, she felt like the one who had been wronged, but deep down, she was simply afraid that he was simply too pissed at her.

Meanwhile, for William, the unease had grown to a point where he couldn't bear it any longer. He simply couldn't stand not talking to Julia, especially after all the time they had spent together, and how deep their friendship had become. So, he made the decision to take the initiative and pay a visit to her flat.

When William rang her doorbell, Julia was both surprised and relieved, and after buzzing him in, she opened the door with a questioning look on her face and softly inquired, “Willy, what are you doing here?”

William leaned against her doorframe, feeling a bit sheepish. “I don't like it when we're not talking,” he timidly admitted, making Julia gaze at the dark wooden floors of the hallway for a moment.

“Then why didn't you respond to my text?” she asked, her voice almost trembling.

William's expression fell as he realised what had happened. “What text?” He asked frowning his brows.

Julia looked up at him, her eyes widening a bit. “The one I sent Sunday night?” She told, slightly confused. If this was his idea of a joke, she didn’t find it funny.

“Fuck,” William cursed harshly with a low voice. “My phone was out of power,” he confessed, taking out his phone and searched for the text, which was apparently well hidden in all his messages. “Shit JJ,” he then added, letting out a frustrated sigh. “I haven’t seen this - please believe that.”

Julia looked intensely at him, her eyes darting from side to side, searching for truth in his. It did seem a little odd that William had simply ignored her like that, but then again, they had had a fight, where she’d accused him of something that wasn’t really his doing. But eventually, she chose to believe him. She knew that William wasn’t the kind of guy to hold grudges, and besides, she wanted to believe him.

And as she felt a sense of relief washing over her, replacing her anger, she gently offered him a soft smile. “Would you like to come in?" she asked, stepping aside a little to let him enter, to which he nodded.

As William stepped inside, a quick flashback of their encounter back in August flashed through his mind. It seemed somewhat different now though, but he acknowledged that it was hard to recall all the details, since it had been dark, and his focus had been entirely on Julia that night.

“Would you like to stay for dinner?” She then inquired with a timid smile. “I was just about to put something together.”

William returned the gentle look and nodded. “Sure, that sounds great.”

Julia had initially planned to use her creativity to prepare a simple meal from whatever ingredients she had left in her fridge, which she figured William wouldn't mind. And as she skilfully moved around her kitchen, creating a makeshift meal from leftovers, he couldn't help but admire her culinary prowess.

"You're really good at this," he complimented her, his eyes following her every move.

"Thanks," she responded with a warm smile as she chopped and sautéed the ingredients. The smell of fried vegetables and oils filling the air of the small flat.

And William just couldn’t help but smile as he watched her work her magic. “So, is wine a Thursday night tradition for you?" he playfully asked with a light chuckle, spotting a glass of white wine on the counter.

"Not always, just mostly when I'm cooking," she winked.

William then came to stand next to her, and reached for the glass, in order to take a sip.

“Oi!” Julia exclaimed, "don't down it – it's a proper Chardonnay from Chablis." She offered him a playful smile, earning a light chuckle from William caused by her quick remark, and he went for a smaller sip.

"It's good; but I didn't know you were into wine," he commented before placing the glass down before he began to wander and scan her home.

Her place wasn't large, but it was the perfect size for one person. It consisted of one large quadrant: the entrance in one corner, the bathroom in another, connected to the bedroom with a walk-in closet. The bedroom was open to the rest of the space, separated only by a light curtain, and the kitchen occupied the central area. It was in excellent condition, and Julia had stylishly decorated every inch of it. It had a modern feel with a touch of vintage.

“Oh, you should’ve seen my wine cellar back in Surrey then,” she said stirring the pot of mixed ingredients.

William smiled as he walked around, taking in all her decorative and collected items. “So, JJ, how old are you exactly?" he then asked curiously.

“What do you mean?” Julia chuckled as she put a lid on the pot, before joining him and spotted what had triggered his teasing question. “Oh well, I'm 27 on paper, but in spirit? Probably 72.”

"You have vinyl records!" William stated as he’d noticed her record player and the neatly organised vinyls on her shelf, ranging from The Beatles and Queen to Elton John, Abba, Ed Sheeran, Tina Turner, Harry Styles, and many more.

"That's actually quite trendy," she exclaimed with a wide grin. "But yes, I'm a bit old-fashioned that way."

He also noticed wine bottles stocked nicely next to her vintage bar cupboard, which contained high-quality rum, whiskey, and gin, earning a mischievous expression from the Swede.

"I told you, I'm secretly a 72-year-old man with a great taste for spirits," Julia admitted with a cheeky wink as William closely observed her choice of alcohol. He let out a light chuckle, as he couldn’t help but finding her so incredibly endearing. Julia just always seemed to be true to herself and do whatever she pleased, without too much concern of what other people would think. At least when in regard to beverages.

They then took a seat on her sofa, patiently waiting for the meal to be ready, and candlelight cast a warm glow across the room, creating a cosy ambiance as the cold November darkness crept in outside.

"So, you really never received my message?" Julia asked softly, tucking her feet under herself.

William simply shook his head. "No, I don't know why though, but probably because my phone was dead until I got home. So, I guess I just never got a notification."

"Well, that actually makes me feel a lot better," she said with a light chuckle. "I thought you were ignoring me."

William flashed her a great smile. "Don't worry, hjärtat, it takes more than that to get rid of me."

The two of them shared a laugh, realising that it had been just another silly misunderstanding that had caused a disturbance in their friendship – again.

"I'm sorry for what I said to you. I know you were just trying to be helpful," Julia admitted, referring to how William had tried to protect her from spending more time with Freddie.

"It's all good, JJ," he assured her with a friendly smile. “I meant what I said, I just wanted to help."

"And you did; I was just too stubborn to see it."

"Wait, you? Stubborn? No way," William joked, and they both burst into laughter once again.

They continued their conversation for a little while longer, before Julia's alarm went off, signalling that dinner was about ready. William went to take a seat at her small dining table as she served a large pot of pasta with homemade tomato sauce, a chicken breast on the side, along with a creative salad.

"Lucky that this meal is athlete-friendly, huh?" she quipped as she prepared a plate for William, who simply chuckled.

"Damn, this smells incredible," he declared with a bright smile, taking in all the delicious smell from the pot.

"So, I guess I've made it up to your nose then?" Julia teased with a cheeky smile.

"Hm, yes, I'd say we're even now,” he joked before grabbing his fork and dug in.

During the meal, they chatted and shared their experiences from the past few days. Nothing particularly significant had happened, except for the Leafs losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime the previous day. A match which Julia had watched with Tyler and Charlie, where Charlie obviously had to leave to meet Auston at his place following the loss to provide “comfort”. William had played exceptionally well despite the loss, and his mood was high, as always.

"Shit, this was delicious," William complimented as he finished his meal and leaned back in his chair, placing his hands on his stomach. "You're an amazing cook – maybe you should have become a chef or something?"

"Thanks," Julia replied with a smile and leaned back in her seat as well. "Cooking has always been sort of a passionate hobby of mine; but it’s nothing I’d ever want to work with. I don’t like the stress in a kitchen, I just love the simplicity and relaxation at home.”

William nodded flashing a soft smile. “So, it’s just something you’ve always done by yourself? Hiding your talents,” he winked, making Julia slightly giggle.

“Actually, it’s something I've always done with my father and grandfather."

"Really?" He inquired, intrigued to hear more, and she nodded.

"Yeah, my grandfather was a butcher when he was young, and then later on he became an independent baker. And I guess, my father and I have just always been curious, so he let us help in the kitchen.”

"Sounds like fun," William smiled. "Are you close with them?"

Julia nodded lightly. "Yes, well, my grandfather has unfortunately passed away, but I'm quite close with my dad – actually, I’m rather close with my entire family."

"You have a big family?"

Again, she nodded, offering him a smile. "I'd say so. And they're all very important to me," she added with a soft tone.

William smiled as well. "Family is important, so it's nice when you're close with them."

"Seems like you're quite close with yours as well,” Julia said, letting out a light laughter. She’d noticed how full of joy William sounded when he’d talked about his family, and how much love shone through him whenever they were the topic of their conversation. “You're quite the family person, aren’t you?”

"Yeah, I mean, we spend a lot of time together, and we often travel a lot, so yeah, I'd consider myself a big family person."

"Me too."

A short silence followed, during which they both contemplated the idea of their families. They could sense that this topic had forged a stronger bond in their friendship, as they understood the challenges of being far from their loved ones.

"I can picture you with a big family,” William then added. “And with cooking skills like these, you'd probably be the best mom ever someday," he lightly teased.

Julia responded with a small laugh, but it quickly faded as she looked down slightly, trying to hold back any overwhelming emotions. There was a deeply personal matter she usually didn't share with anyone.

"Maybe," she said softly, "but I'm not so sure I'll ever be a mum."

"Why not?" William gently inquired. "I mean, you'd probably have to meet a guy first, but that'll happen someday, right?" he added with a light chuckle.

Julia offered a smile in the best way she could and took a deep breath. This was something significant to her, a secret she didn't broadcast to everyone – not even Charlie knew.

"I can't... I can’t conceive children of my own," she admitted, her voice low as she looked at William.

His expression softened, though he was feeling slightly surprised. "I'm so sorry, JJ."

"It's okay," she reassured him with a friendly smile. "I mean, it wasn't easy to hear when I first got the news, but I've processed it, and I'm feeling better about it now."

William felt at a loss for words, unsure of how to react, but he also felt a deep need to show his support for his close friend.

His heart went out to Julia, and he couldn’t help but think about everything she’d been through before coming to Toronto for a fresh start. “But are you sure? Like, how do you know?" he asked, his voice and expression calm and soft.

"Well, after Ezra proposed, he wanted to start a family right away. So, we made an appointment with a doctor who ran some tests, and the results weren't great," she explained, pausing for a moment. "His numbers were fine, but mine were quite below average."

"I'm so sorry... is there absolutely no chance at all?"

Julia smiled slightly. "Well, it's not entirely impossible. But it would require a lot more patience, maybe some extra help, and, well, maybe having a partner with exceptionally strong 'swimmers' rather than just 'fine' ones would also increase the chances," she elaborated, offering a light chuckle.

William returned her light smile, wanting to do something to ease the situation. But he wasn’t always good at situations like this. Though he was a great friend and often easy to talk to, his own vocabulary didn’t always extend to this kind of sensitive topics.

"Please don't look at me like that," Julia then chuckled, sensing the awkwardness she had created between them.

"Like how?"

"Like I'm a complete lost cause or something," she joked.

"Well, you are – but that’s for so many other reasons," William teased, and they both shared a moment of laughter.

"Hmm, that's perhaps a little true," Julia replied playfully.

"Wait," William suddenly said, his expression changing. "So, that night we... you know... we didn't actually need to use protection?"

Julia offered him a curious grin.

"Well, no, but it was probably still the most responsible thing to do, considering we were complete strangers, and neither of us knew each other's... situation," she replied.

"Well, true, but technically, we didn't have to," William persisted with a cheeky smile, and Julia couldn't contain her amusement.

"I suppose so – geez, Willy, sometimes, you're such a teenage boy," she joked, and once again, they burst into laughter.

Later in the evening, after William had left, Julia found herself lying in her bed, scrolling through her social media and looking at all the photos the two of them had taken together the past month or so. They had created quite a collection by now, photos taken of them together as well as separately. They had become quite a picture-taking duo, capturing everything from their dog walks to their coffee outings, William posing in his stylish outfits and Julia simply strolling through the streets.

It all brought a smile to her face.

And the photos of William were undeniably captivating – he even looked, dare she say it, kind of hot? she thought to herself with a soft grin. His playful smirk featured prominently in most of the pictures, and she could almost hear his signature laughter and imagine his cheeky smile as she scrolled through her mobile album.

That smirk, she thought, letting a smile grow a little more. That grin, that laughter – it all brought her back to the first time they had bumped into each other at the coffeehouse. And her mind kept wandering to the second time they had met at the bar, where they’d fallen into a deep conversation, which had evolved to a snogging session in the toilet. And then... she couldn’t help but think of the way he had kissed her, touched her, the way he had made her feel so incredibly good.

And as the memories flooded her mind, her heart skipped a beat... and she slowly felt her hand glide down. Down her tummy, slipping gently under her knickers, and down between her thighs as she closed her eyes and started thinking of that night. The images were still vivid in her memory. The images of his naked body against hers. Softly, she started to circle her clit, letting quiet moans escape her lips. And as she thought back on how good William had felt inside of her, she lightly increased the intensity of her hand, and she started to feel a pleasant knot build up in her lower tummy. She kept circling her fingers, letting herself go, her mind wander, and relax to her lively imagines of William pounding into her sweet warm core; how he’d hit every deep spot, over and over again; and how he’d made her moan out his name and swear words until she came undone, and-

“Fuck,” she let out an almost silent moan, as she arched her back and reached the high of her climax.

Lying in her bed she gazed into space, trying to catch her breath, and she felt a warmth rising to her cheeks making her blush. “Shit…” she spoke softly. “I did not just do that…” she whispered to herself. “I really need to get laid…”

Saturday, 19th – TOR 5 – BUF 2

On the upcoming Saturday, Julia excitedly attended yet another home game for the Maple Leafs, proudly sporting her Nylander jersey. It was a significant evening in Toronto as the team paid tribute to the legendary Swedish hockey icon, Börje Salming, who had been a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs for an astonishing 16 seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Börje Salming, celebrated for his extraordinary career, was one of the pioneering European hockey players who had left an enduring impact on the NHL. The ceremony unfolded just before the game against the Buffalo Sabres, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and reverential. It was a time for everyone present to reflect on Salming's remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings in Sweden to his illustrious NHL career.

However, the occasion was tinged with sadness due to Salming's ALS diagnosis in July. But despite this tough health challenge, he remained an inspiration to all. The ceremony sought to celebrate his remarkable contributions to hockey while acknowledging the adversity he now faced. It brought together teammates, fans, and the entire hockey community to pay tribute to a true legend of the game.

During the ceremony, Julia observed William skating over to hug Börje and offer his respects to the family. It was a touching moment that hinted at the special place Salming held in William's heart, even if he might never openly admit it.

And the match that followed was good, with the Leafs securing a satisfying victory at 5-2.

"That was beautiful," Stephanie remarked, as the events of the night began to wind down.

"Indeed," Julia smiled in agreement.

After the match, Julia had joined the significant others and family members to see the players. The mood wasn't as lively and energetic as usual after a win, likely due to the deeply moving event earlier in the evening. And in the hallways of the Scotiabank Arena, partners and family members exchanged hugs and conversations, as Auston came over to Julia.

“How is she?” he asked softly.

Julia knew that Charlie and Auston had had a little fight a few days ago, where they hadn’t ended on the best terms; and then Charlie’s period had started, and she just didn’t feel like going out tonight. She had told Julia though, that she wasn’t really angry with Auston, and her frustration had probably had something to do with her bouncing hormones. But Auston didn’t have to know that.

"She's alright," Julia reassured him with a gentle smile, "but you should probably go and see her. I'm sure she'd appreciate that."

Auston flashed a smile and simply nodded, before he left.

As the players slowly came out of their gear and changed into their post-game suits, Julia couldn't spot William anywhere. She exchanged a few words and brief conversations with Mitch, Steph, Mo, and Tessa, before she came across Rasmus.

"Hey," she greeted the tall Swede with a soft smile. "Have you seen Willy?"

Julia could sense that all the Swedes had been quite emotional following tonight's event, which was entirely understandable. Börje had been a significant figure in hockey history, especially in Sweden and the rest of Northern Europe.

Rasmus nodded slightly. "Yeah, he's out shooting a few pucks at the training rink," he explained.

"Oh," Julia hesitated. "Do you think he'd prefer to be alone?" she asked, her concern evident.

"That's what he said," Rasmus replied with a small smile. "But I know he'd want you to be there with him, JJ. If anyone, it should be you."

Julia nodded and returned the smile. "Thanks, Rasmus."

As she was about to walk past him, Rasmus decided to share more of his thoughts on the matter.

"You know," he began, "he's not always good at showing his emotions, but he really cares about you, JJ. And I think a part of him just really wants you around."

Julia nodded again; her heart warmed by Rasmus's words. William truly cared for her, and all she wanted was to repay that care and show him that she was there for him just as much as he was for her.

"I care about him too," she said softly. "And I'd do anything to support him."

The two of them exchanged soft smiles as they shared their love and concern for their mutual close friend.

"It's nice that he has a friend like you," Rasmus added. "I mean, we tease him a lot, but he really likes you, and from what we can see, you're good for him – even if it's just as a friend," he chuckled lightly.

"Well, as much as I hate to admit it, he's pretty good for me too."

Once more, they shared a moment of soft amusement before saying their goodbyes, and Julia set off to find William at the players' training rink.

“Since we’re alone, you can show me your heart”

Navigating the corridors of the arena, Julia’s thoughts were filled with a mix of anticipation and concern for her close friend.

And as she approached the training rink, she couldn't help but wonder what William was going through. He had a knack for concealing his negative thoughts, but she knew that beneath that tough exterior, he was a person who felt deeply.

Then she spotted William, alone on the ice, shooting pucks into the net. He looked focused, his movements deliberate and controlled. His presence exuded determination, as if he was trying to channel his emotions into each shot.

Julia stood there for a moment, watching him in silence, as she could sense that he needed this time alone. But after a while, she decided to approach him.

She walked towards the edge of the rink and waited for a moment when William retrieved a puck that had strayed too far. And as he skated back, she called out softly, "Willy."

He glanced in her direction, surprise flashing across his face before it softened into a small smile, as he skated over to the boards and leaned on them, resting his arms on the top.

"Hey, JJ," he greeted, his voice quiet but warm.

Julia offered him a gentle smile in return. "Mind some company?" she asked, her tone soft and understanding.

“I was just about finish,” he said with an almost husky voice, and she nodded. “Wanna walk with me back to the locker room?” his expression was soft and almost nervous.

And Julia nodded in agreement. "Of course," she replied, her tone gentle. She understood that he’d might not want to talk, but the important part was that she showed him that she was there for him.

As they began to walk together, the sound of her heels echoed in the empty corridor. The silence between them was comfortable, and Julia gave William the space he needed. She could sense the weight of the evening's emotions on him, and she wanted nothing but to offer him support in her own way.

"You know, Willy," she gently broke the silence, "it's okay to share you feelings. You don't always have to be the strong one. We all have moments when we need to let it out, and it doesn't make you any less of a person."

William glanced at her, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "Thanks, JJ. It means a lot."

They reached the locker room, and William paused at the entrance, turning to face Julia. "I'm really glad you're here. You're a great friend."

She smiled warmly in return. "Right back at you, Willy. I'll always be here when you need someone to talk to or just to be there."

William nodded softly. “Wait for me?” he simply asked, and Julia returned the nod, before he entered the locker room.

While waiting, she took a look at her phone, as she’d received a message from Charlie:

“Auston’s here, thanks babe ❤️ Please give my best to William!”

JJ: “Will do, stay safe love 😘 let me know if you need anything.”

It had been a night filled with emotions, and Julia felt a sense of comfort knowing that her friend wasn’t alone.

"You ready?" William asked as he emerged from the locker room.

"Sure," Julia nodded. "That was quite quick," she remarked, offering a smile, to which William chuckled.

"Not exactly what a guy hopes to hear from a girl," he joked softly, to which she laughed as well. “Come on, let me drive you home.”

Exiting the arena, they headed towards the car park, however, William suddenly stopped in his tracks as they reached his car.

"Would you mind driving?" he asked, his lips forming a slightly crooked smile.

"Seriously? Of course,” Julia replied with a light chuckle.

And while navigating the Toronto streets, her focus remained on the road, while William comfortably reclined in the passenger seat. Typically, William was the one behind the wheel; it was his preference. However, tonight, he simply wanted to unwind and not dwell on hockey.

And Julia was the ideal companion for such a moment. Over time, she had become one of his closest and best friends, someone with whom he could truly be himself. Not that William had trouble being authentic, but with Julia, it was just effortless. He didn't need a social battery, nor to maintain a social facade or sustain his laid-back yet energetic persona.

Throughout the entire ride, words were few, but they didn't need them either. And as she pulled up to her apartment building, William turned towards her.

"JJ, I..." he started, his voice gentle. "I don't really feel like being alone tonight."

Julia could sense that it wasn't easy for him to admit, but it warmed her heart that he sought comfort in her, that he felt this at ease in her presence.

"Want to come up?" she simply asked, and he nodded.

Once inside her flat, they both shed their coats and shoes, and as William headed towards the bed, Julia couldn't help but appreciate how laid-back and comfortable he was. His innate calmness seemed to cast a soothing spell over everything around him.

Without exchanging words, Julia fetched some water for both of them before joining William, who had already settled on her bed, gazing into space. She came to lie down beside him, on her side, facing him, and he turned his head to meet her eyes.

"Thank you, JJ," he spoke softly.

"Always.”

He turned to his side, his gaze locked onto hers, and they shared a moment of gentle intimacy. Julia could feel her heart beating, basking in the warm presence of William. Though their connection held no romantic or sexual undertones, the atmosphere around them was light and soothing.

Then, William broke the silence. "It's times like this, I remember how much I miss my family."

Julia took a breath and softly reached for his hand, placing it on the pillow between their faces.

"How so?" she asked.

"Simply having someone there, someone who knows you well, to come home to and lift your spirits after a day filled with emotions," William explained in a soft, low tone.

Julia gently intertwined her fingers with his, feeling the embrace of his hand. She wanted to convey that he was with a friend, a safe haven.

"Me too," she replied, matching his tone. "Sometimes, everything feels so distant. But then I remember that family isn't just about blood relations; it's also about the people we share our happiest and saddest moments with. It's about those who are there for us when we need them most, and who we are there for in return.” She paused for a moment. “And I find it comforting to know that I have such people around me here... that I've built a home in Toronto and forged friendships I can truly trust – it's all quite remarkable, I think."

William smiled upon hearing Julia's words. To know that this was how she felt about her friends here, the friends she had made through Charlie, the hockey team, and himself, brought warmth to his heart.

"I think so too," he softly replied.

They lay there for a moment, sharing smiles, before the weariness of the day overcame William, and he drifted off to sleep.

Julia, as quietly as possible, got up and made her way to the bathroom. There, she removed her contact lenses, cleansed her face, and changed into her comfortable t-shirt, before she returned to bed, the room now steeped in tranquillity, ready to join William in peaceful slumber.

The following morning, Julia awoke by the buzzing of her phone on the nightstand; a text from Charlie saying everything was good, and that she was happy Auston had come by.

And she couldn't help but smile as she felt William's arm around her. At some point during the night, she had turned around in her sleep, and it seemed that William had closed the gap between them. They were practically spooning, although he still wore the clothes from the previous night.

Carefully, she tried to slip out of his grasp without waking him, and she quietly made her way to the bathroom before heading to the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee.

"Morning," William greeted in a husky morning voice, stirred by the absence of her in bed.

"Morning," she returned his smile. "Coffee?"

William nodded, his gaze lingering on her bare legs and the oversized t-shirt that just covered her bottom, the tattoo on her thigh once again reminded him of their intimate night together. But the then shook his head, and offered a smile as she offered him a cup of coffee.

"I didn't know you wore glasses?" he remarked, noticing her light golden, circular glasses.

"Well, I guess that just means there's still more to me that you don't know," she teased.

"I suppose," he chuckled. "They look good on you," he complimented as they sat down at her table.

"Thanks, Willy.”

There was a short moment of silence between them.

"So, thank you for last night," he said with a soft smile. "It meant a lot to me."

"Of course, I know you'd do the same for me," Julia replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

"And also," William added. "I wanted to ask you for a favour –" Julia looked at him with mild intrigue. "Would you be willing to look after Pablo and Banksy while I'm away on the road?"

Julia's eyes lit up like Christmas lights. "Absolutely," she chuckled.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 14 - Part II

Summary: William and Julia, after months of nurturing a deep bond and close friendship, finally reignite their physical intimacy, sealing their renewed connection with a passionate encounter;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; 18+ content; Oral sex (f and m reciveing); unprotected sex (p in v);

Author's Note: Although this chapter mostly contains smut, it marks the conclusion of the series; However, there might be additional follow-ups planned, delving into the aftermath, as I do have some ideas for what comes next; nontheless, as always, please enjoy ;)

Word count: 4.3K

"The road that was broken, brought us together"

It was nothing short of perfection.

The ambiance. The companionship. Everything.

Fireworks were loud outside, while inside Julia and William found themselves in a tender moment, sharing romantic closeness after their very first New Year's kiss.

It embodied everything they'd built up for months; and finally, they were here - wholeheartedly cherishing each other and acknowledging what had been simmering beneath the surface.

However, despite the tender and affectionate moment, the New Year's party continued, and naturally, there was only one sure fire way this group knew how to celebrate best.

"Alright! Who's ready for some karaoke?" Mitch exclaimed, obviously eliciting enthusiastic applause from the team and their partners.

It had been one of the minor requests the girls had made when coordinating the event with the banquet team – a small stage for karaoke.

And amidst the buzzing excitement in the venue, Mitch was the first to take the stage. A lively rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ filled the air from the speakers, and the crowd eagerly joined in singing along – perhaps mostly to drown out Mitch's somewhat brassy voice. Nevertheless, it infused a great deal of joy and a festive atmosphere.

Shortly after, Auston made his entrance, passionately belting out his persistant favourite Queen song, swiftly followed by the duo's performance of "Living On a Prayer" by John Bon Jovi.

Amid chuckles and hearty laughter, Julia couldn't resist leaning into Charlie.

"I swear, there might be a murder tonight if they butcher any more iconic songs," she joked, trying to make herself heard over the loud music.

"Don't worry, I have a way to silence him," Charlie offered a playful wink, sporting a huge smirk, which made Julia burst into laughter.

"Charlie! Get down girl,” she teased her friend. “But shit, I hope the walls here are soundproofed, because this hotel is going to be echoing with a lot of sex tonight."

"Count yourself lucky that you and Willy have your own suite."

"Oh, I definitely am."

And just as the girls had recovered from their laughter and banter, their names were announced for the next song.

"What?" They both exclaimed in surprise.

"Come on, you didn't think you could escape without showcasing another one of your ABBA performances?" Auston cheekily shouted across the room.

The girls simply shook their heads, grinning, and made their way to the small stage.

Naturally, they had to put on a show. And as the music began and the lyrics flashed on the screen, there was no holding back.

My, my At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender Oh, yeah And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way The history book on the shelf Is always repeating itself

The crowd erupted in cheers and joined in singing along enthusiastically.

Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war Waterloo Promise to love you forevermore Waterloo Couldn't escape if I wanted to Waterloo Knowing my fate is to be with you Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo Finally facing my Waterloo

William couldn’t help but smile as he watched his newfound love confidently singing her heart out alongside her friend in front of his team and closest friends.

The way she shone and sparkled like a star mesmerised him, reinforcing his belief that she could potentially be the one for him. Which was a feeling he never imagined he'd experience quite like this.

My, my I tried to hold you back, but you were stronger Oh, yeah And now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight And how could I ever refuse I feel like I win when I lose

Nobody had ever evoked the emotions she did in him; that was one thing he was certain of. He wasn't just deeply in love with her; she had also become his closest friend over time, which made her someone he could confide in, relax with, and be completely himself around. With Julia, he didn’t need to pretend or put on any facades, ever.

Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war Waterloo Promise to love you for ever more Waterloo Couldn't escape if I wanted to Waterloo Knowing my fate is to be with you Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo Finally facing my Waterloo

Applause filled the room as the girls stood proudly in their New Year's attire, delivering the final lyrics in perfect harmony. Nothing could have been more fitting to conclude the evening than a hearty song among friends.

And as Julia descended from the stage, she was greeted with a smug William on the other side of the room. However, just as she was about to wrap her arms around him, another Swedish voice interrupted.

"Wow, JJ – you're getting quite good at that, huh?" Rasmus chimed in as he came to join them.

Julia couldn’t help but smile. "Well, I've been practising, just to impress you, Sandin," she chuckled in response, followed by teasing remarks from the rest of the Swedes.

"It’s good to see that you’re already embracing the Swedish culture," Calle added with a smile. “It might just be your near future.”

"Easy lads, let’s just slow it down a tad,” she laughed. "I mean, I'm Danish, so I can't just go against my roots, right?" She flashed them all a sweet smile and a playful wink, earning great chuckles from them all.

And amidst the friendly banter, William couldn’t help but add in his own remark.

“Don’t’ worry guys, I think there's plenty of time to change her mind.”

The banter carried on for a little longer while more players took turns on the stage, belting out their best renditions of classic karaoke hits.

However, as the room gradually began to clear out, William held onto Julia tightly, leaning in to softly whisper into her ear.

"So, want to get out of here?" he said in a rather seductive tone of voice, sending a shiver down her spine.

His warm breath against her delicate earlobe and his hand resting on her waist stirred a sense of eagerness within her, making her curious to discover what he had in mind. Lightly biting her lower lip, she glanced up at him and nodded gently.

"I've got a room," she smirked, satisfaction evident in her expression, and with that cue, he grabbed her hand tightly, swiftly leading her out of the hotel venue and towards the lift across the lobby.

As they pressed the round button, illuminating it, both waited with anticipation for the bell to ring. And William, gripping Julia's waist firmly, couldn't contain his excitement.

However, just as they stepped into the lift, about to embrace each other in another passionate kiss, more people entered, joining them for the upward journey. And Julia couldn't help but chuckle at the slight disappointment on William's face.

"Don't worry, just a few more minutes, love," she whispered as she nestled closer to him.

And with a smirk appearing on his lips, he leaned down to her ear once again.

"Baby, I've been waiting for four months already - can’t do much more.”

Another shiver coursed down Julia’s spine as impatience also began to build within her. It had been far too long since she'd been intimate with a man, but what made it better was that she was now with someone she truly desired.

Feeling a bit playful, she subtly slid her hand to lightly brush against the crotch of William’s dress trousers, only to be surprised by the larger bulge she encountered compared to how his suit typically fit in that area.

"So, I can tell," she whispered seductively.

By the third ring of the bell, both of them released deep sighs as they promptly exited the lift and hurried down the hall towards Julia’s room. And with a click following the key card swipe, they entered the room and were immediately ensnared in a passionate kiss, shedding William’s blazer.

Yet, in that brief moment, Julia sensed a hint of nervousness. For months, she and William had exchanged banter, jokes, flirtatious moments, and shared both soft and vulnerable times. And now here they were, back where it all began, engaged in an intimate kiss, on the verge of undressing each other and sharing their most private and intimate selves.

Sensing Julia’s slight hesitance, William tenderly ended the kiss and cradled her face in his hands, resting his forehead against hers.

"You alright?" he whispered, and she simply nodded.

Because there was really no doubt in her mind that this was what she desired. What she yearned for.

Breaking away for a brief moment, William gently took her hand and led her to stand in front of the bed.

In the soft glow of the dimmed room, he carefully gathered all her hair to one side before planting delicate kisses along the exposed skin of her neck. His soft, pouty lips against her, trailing over her neck, and further over her shoulder, where he with one finger, gently removed the fabric of her dress.

Julia couldn't help but release soft moans, surrendering herself to his touch.

Mirroring his actions on the other side, he used his other hand to remove her dress from her remaining shoulder, still continuing to place delicate kisses as he let the black fabric cascade down and settle on her hips.

Then returning his lips to hers, he passionately engaged in a deep kiss, intertwining their tongues, sharing their breath. Meanwhile, his gentle fingers made their way to her back, swiftly unfastening the clasp of her strapless bra. And as the undergarment fell to the ground, exposing her bare breasts, his hands tenderly cupped them, offering a gentle massage while he continued to kiss her fervently.

Breaking the kiss, both panting for air, William couldn’t help but offer a faint smile as he softly whispered, “So fucking stunning.”

With a smile of her own, Julia released a light breath as he continued to massage her breasts, delicately pinching her nipple.

William’s lips departed from her neck, embarking on a journey downward. He traced a trail from her neck to her collarbone, gradually moving southwards to focus first on one breast and nipple, then bestowing gentle attention on the other.

Ensuring equal devotion to each, he then slowly traced his path down her body while kneeling, planting kisses along the way. His lips descended to her belly button, halting just before the fabric of her dress.

Sinking to his knees, he gazed up at her with a smug expression, while she bit her lip in anticipation.

Simultaneously, he delicately hooked his fingers on her dress, gradually pulling it down until it gathered by her heels, revealing her black, alluring thong. And after a brief pause, during which they shared an intimate moment, he tenderly kissed the thin fabric covering her heat, prompting a soft moan to escape her lips as her hands found their way into his hair.

Very gently he bit his teeth through the fabric, before his fingers once again found a hem, and pulling down her last piece of clothing, leaving her completely bare in front of him. While holding his hands onto her hips, William’s mouth found its way back to her core, and paid attention to her soft folds, licking her up between the lips before he began to gently suck on her pulsating clit.

“Fuck, Willy,” Julia moaned, as the man kneeled in front of her, passionately sucked and licked her needy cunt. She couldn’t help but lean a little forward as deep breaths came from her mouth, her head completely hazed by pleasure.

With a smirk William hummed into her core, earning yet another moan, as he could tell she’d shut her eyes closed, and her legs starting to tremble in his palms. Her grip on his hair signalled that she was getting close, and he had every intention of pushing her over the edge.

And he didn’t need to do all that much.

“Willy I-“ she could barely finish the sentence, as the work of William’s mouth, finally send those intense vibrations through body, causing her muscles to tightened and her legs to lightly squirm under his touch, as she arched her body, threw her head back, and reached an intense orgasm.

Offering a few gentle licks, he helped Julia through her rush.

And after placing a final delicate kiss on her centre, William, with a contented grin, stood up from his position and positioned himself in front of her. "You taste so good, baby," he murmured softly, before drawing her closer with a hand on her head, indulging her in a kiss that allowed her to taste her own juices.

As they parted from the kiss, Julia couldn't help but smile.

"It's not fair; I'm the only one undressed here," she whispered affectionately.

And with a smile appearing on his lips, William took a small step back and began to loosen his tie and unbutton his shirt. Simultaneously, Julia skilfully undid his belt and unzipped his trousers. She then delicately caressed his hard member through the fabric of his boxers, prompting a slight moan to escape from his lips.

Left only in his boxers, she fixed him with a penetrating gaze, casting a glance at his noticeable bulge before meeting his eyes again, sensually running her tongue over her lips. However, William simply shook his head faintly.

"I want to feel you around me," he murmured, running his fingers through her blonde hair, lightly caressing her soft cheek.

And with a gentle smile on her face, she opted instead to gracefully position herself on the bed, lying on her back while maintaining eye contact with William. Still wearing a smirk, he then knelt between her legs, delicately cradling one of her feet in his hands, skilfully removing her stiletto, and tenderly kissing her ankle before gently placing it down on the mattress. He then repeated the same gesture with her other foot and ankle.

His hands glided smoothly up her legs, past her thighs, with one hand gently caressing her tattoo, before, he positioned himself over her, assuming the missionary position. Leaning in for a kiss, he used his right hand to guide the tip of his throbbing cock to her entrance, initiating a gentle push into her warm, deep core. And as her walls enveloped his full length, both of them couldn't help but emit loud moans of pleasure.

And when he was balls deep inside her heat, William let out a light breath.

"Fuck... I forgot how tight you feel," he murmured softly, relishing the tightness around his cock.

Julia tenderly cupped his face, her fingers once again entwined in his hair, drawing him down for a passionate kiss.

William then slowly pulled out and pushed back in, gently rocking his hips to find a satisfying rhythm. Sensing him deeply within her, Julia raised her legs slightly, experiencing the tip of his member stimulating that highly sensitive spot, as her heels lightly pressing into his lower back.

The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, a mix of romance and sensuality.

It was like all the memories of their first night came flooding back, however, this time, it was much better. This time, it wasn’t just about the satisfaction of sex. This time, it was also about that intimate, vulnerable and shared connection they’d found between each other.

With every thrust, every deep breath, every moan, and every kiss, it was sharing the deep feelings they both held inside of them. The love and care they had for each other, and the desire to be together for the future.

William maintained a steady rhythm with his hips, that had them both feel the build up to their climaxes. His cock began to twitch within her, sensing her gentle clenching as she started to experience the familiar wave of pleasure building in her lower abdomen.

"Harder, Willy," Julia moaned, her fingers gripping his hair tighter, urging him on. Responding to her plea, William intensified his movements, strengthening every muscle in his arms, the pendant around his neck swinging against his chest. His thrusts grew more forceful, the sound of their skin meeting echoed in the room, accompanied by louder moans that filled the air, both hoping that there was no one in the neighbouring room. Because they were not holding back.

Then with his right hand, he moved it to rub her sensitive bud of nerves, helping her to reach that much needed climax, as he could feel himself coming closer to his own.

Sweat glistering from his skin, as he increased his speed once more, and Julia’s hands moved to the back of his shoulders, uncontrollably digging her nails into his skin in mere pleasure.

“Yes, I’m gonna,” she moaned out louder than before, feeling the sense of rush flooding through her veins. “Willy, I’m gonna come.”

“Fuck, baby come for me…” his hips slammed harder into her, passionately and roughly fucking her through her orgasm, as she tightly clenched his twitching cock. “Fuck baby! Yes!” William groaned as he withdrew his hand away from her clit, and grabbed onto the headboard of the bed, as he forcefully thrusted a few more times; and with loud grunt, he reached his orgasm, intensely releasing himself into her core, painting her walls white with his liquids.

While panting, and trying their best to catch their breaths, they both slowly came down from their highs, and out of euphoria. Still remaining in the position, they shared smiles and light kisses, as they gathered strength to gently untangle from each other. With care, William pulled himself out of Julia, and came to rest next to her, propping an arm behind his head as he lay on his back.

Their faces lit up with smiles as they gazed into the empty space of the room, then turned to each other, sharing light chuckles. Not because it was funny, but rather the sheer joy of having finally surrendered to their mutual desires and long-craved intimacy.

"Four months, huh... worth the wait," Julia quipped, breaking the silence, eliciting another chuckle from William.

"Maybe, but let's not wait that long for the next round," he remarked, his racing heartbeat gradually calming as his breathing returned to a steady rhythm.

"Agreed," Julia replied with a simple smile. She then shifted onto her side, resting her head on her arm and leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on William's lips.

Once again, they shared a tender moment, with William delicately caressing Julia's cheek while locking eyes with her.

The room was enveloped in silence, filled with the lingering scent of passionate lovemaking and sweaty bodies. Only the faint sounds from the hallway penetrated the air, as they both lay there, gazing intensely at each other. Several minutes passed before William then broke the comfortable silence.

“Why did we wait so long?” he timidly asked, prompting Julia to take in a deep breath before speaking softly.

“Because we weren’t ready,” she offered him a sweet smile. “You weren’t considering a relationship, and I… was just a mess.”

William nodded gently feeling satisfied with her heartfelt, honest response, before he spoke again.

"Want to join me for a shower?" he inquired with a faint smirk, and Julia merely responded with a sweet smile and a nod.

“You just go ahead, I’ll join you in a minute,” she spoke with a timid voice, and after he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, William got up from the bed and made his way to the bathroom, while Julia lay still for a short moment, as she felt like she had to collect her thoughts. It had been much like their first night together, but just way better.

They’d shared their mutual feelings, a New Year’s kiss, followed by a heated round of passionate sex filled with genuine intimacy and a deep connection.

Letting out a satisfied sigh, she then rose from the sheets and walked to join William who was already enjoying the warmth if the water.

Julia stood still for a moment, just taking in the man before her. His gorgeous muscular body, the hair covering his chest, as the water cascaded down his almost, slightly tanned skin.

“Are you joining me, or just enjoying the view?” he chuckled as he saw Julia’s intense stare, prompting her to shake her head.

“What wrong with enjoying the view?” she chuckled as she stepped in to join him under the warm water, standing closely to his body, as he wrapped his hands around her waist, and she rested hers on his chest.

“There’s nothing wrong with it, but you’ll have plenty of chances to see this handsome body and face,” William smirked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Is that so?" Julia chuckled in response. "Well, I do have four months of catching up to do."

She embraced his neck, leaning up on her toes to share another kiss before returning to her heels.

“Hm, that’s not entirely true - I believe I saw you ogling me a few times,” William teased.

“Perhaps, but you did the same with me.”

“Oh, I definitely did.”

As the morning light filtered in, Julia stirred awake to the persistent ringing of her alarm. Suspecting William might forget to set his, she had set it herself before the champagne and countdown last night.

And after taking a few moments to admire the naked figure beside her, she then quietly slipped out of bed and made her way to the bathroom for a quick refresh.

Knowing they had to check out of the hotel soon, most of the ladies were planning to have breakfast together – provided they could coax their partners out of bed.

However, like the ever-sleepy Swede he was, William seemed firmly lost in dreamland, and Julia couldn't help but stifle a light chuckle upon returning to the room. William lay half-covered by the sheets, with half of his bum peeking out, and so, she paused for a moment, taking in how the sport he played definitely helped sculpturing his physique.

"That ass," she thought, appreciating the view before gently made her way to the bed.

Seated beside him, she gently caressed the side of his face, eliciting a loud grunt as he shifted in his sleep, rolling onto his back, revealing a noticeable morning wood.

Julia couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the sight before her. Lightly biting her lip, she mused on the thoughts that often come to mind when one sees their attractive partner in such a state.

And so, she decided to give into temptations.

Placing herself with a knee on each side on his leg, she started to kiss up his inner thigh very gently stroking his member with her hand. Carefully, she then began to place small kiss on his swollen testicles offering firmer strokes.

William started to shift in his sleep, small grunting noises escaping his lips, and Julia couldn’t help but smirk into his skin, as his leg started lightly trembling underneath her.

With confident, she then slowly made her way further up, starting ti gently lick the tip of his cock prompting him to moan a little in his sleep. Yet, she could sense that he was slowly come awake by her touch, only urging her to continue.

Gently, she wrapped her lips around his throbbing cock, and slowly she began to take him further in and down her throat, coating his length with saliva, as she moved her head up and down.

William felt a deep sense of pleasure, as he slowly drifted out if his deep sleep, and arousal was filling his body, prompting him to open his eyes, blinking a few times.

Looking slightly down his body, he saw the beautiful woman he’d fallen asleep next to during the night, seductively taking his cock into her mouth, while looking lustfully up at him.

With a smirk adorning her face, Julia kept bopping her head, swallowing William’s length as much as she could while working the rest with her hand. The moans that escaped his sweet, pink lips, only urged her to keep going and speed up.

“Yes, baby, keep going,” he managed to speak in between moans as he could feel a climax building up.

Julia understood the message and increased the intensity of her work. Feeling his thigh muscles twitching, she knew it wouldn’t take much longer, and so she eagerly strived to give him what she thought he deserved the most right now, his release.

Bopping her head, a little more, feeling her saliva drooling down his length, she could feel his hips lightly moving along to her rhythm. And with heavy breaths coming from the man above her, she tasted the sweet pre-cum before his moans became louder, forming into deep grunts, as came to his climax and spilled his seed deep down a throat.

“Fuck….” William groaned, as he once again had reached a high accompanied by Julia and her skilfully mouth. “Shit, baby, that was amazing,” he breathed out, as Julia seductively licked her lips and came to rest on his chest, a satisfied smile creeping on to her lips.

“You enjoyed that?”

“Enjoyed it?” William chuckled. “I could fucking get used to being woken up like this.”

The two of them shared a hearty moment of laughter, as William slowly came down from his high, and looked a Julia with lovingly eyes.

“Let’s just agree that it’s for special occasions,” she smiled, leaning up to place a gentle kiss on his lips, locking their eyes, as they melted into another soft moment of intimacy.

“I’ll look forward to it,” he chuckled lightly.

A few seconds passed as they lay there feeling the rush of lust for each other, embracing the love between them, and sharing every intimate part of themselves.

“Godt nytår, Willy.” (Happy New Year, Willy) Julia spoke in a soft tone of voice.

“Gott nytt år, JJ.” (Happy New Year, JJ)

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 14 - Part I

Summary: Upon the girls' arrival in Denver, the New Year is just around the corner; and amidst the cheers of hockey fans and the lively festivities, Julia and William finally find the moment to come face to face.

Tags; William NylanderxOfc; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; alcohol consumption;

Author's Note: So, this chapter was meant to be much longer, hence why I've split it into two parts; There were numerous details swirling in my mind for this, but as usual, things never quite unfold as initially planned; Nonetheless, please enjoy! :)

Word count: 3.9K

"Who was I to say, that this was meant to be?"

Friday 30th –

The excitement filled the air as the plane made its way to Denver - a four-and-a-half-hour journey during which Charlie eagerly extracted every possible detail from Julia.

"This is so amazing!" she exclaimed, lightly clapping her hands, and Julia couldn't help but be infected her friend's enthusiasm, expressing a smile and a light head shake.

"Charlie, you‘ve got to chill... nothing's even happened yet."

"I know! But it's just so exciting – you've poured your heart out to Willy... in a voicemail, but still... and now you're flying out to see him! It's just so perfect."

Julia offered a light chuckle, attempting to calm her overly excited friend and downplay the situation a bit. "Easy there, tiger. Technically, I'm just flying out with you ladies to celebrate New Year's..."

"Where Willy will be, too," Charlie swiftly added.

"Yes... I suppose," Julia responded hesitantly, releasing a gentle sigh and attempting to offer a faint smile, as she delicately toyed with the amulet on her new bracelet, the gift from William for Christmas. Gazing down at it, she recalled the true reason behind her visit to see him. And for a little while, neither of the girls said a word until Charlie chose to break the silence.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Julia merely nodded. "Yeah, just a bit nervous, I suppose... I haven't seen Willy since Christmas, and..." She drew in a deep breath before proceeding. "I haven't heard from him all day yesterday... or today." Speaking in a soft tone, she glanced down into the cup of tea she held, eliciting a concerned expression from Charlie.

"And now you’re worried that he’s avoiding you?"

Once more, Julia nodded.

"I left that message last night... and I haven’t gotten anything form him since - no text or snap... nothing."

About thirty seconds passed as Julia attempted to steady her breath, while Charlie pondered how best to comfort her friend. She understood that Julia was grappling with the friends-to-lovers situation, and there really wasn't much she could say to ease it.

"You're having tea instead of coffee? Wow, you must be really nervous, huh?"

The playful comment appeared to brighten the solemn moment.

"Yeah... it’s that bad," Julia chuckled.

The two friends shared another moment of light laughter before Charlie returned to addressing the issue.

"It's going to be alright, JJ - I know that! Maybe he just needs time to process things, just like you did, remember?" she smiled, sensing Julia starting to relax a bit.

"I do remember, babe," she responded with a sweet smile before Charlie continued.

"Oh, I can just picture it - you'll see him, and then there'll be this dramatic moment where you both run towards each other. He'll sweep you into his arms and share a deep, passionate kiss..."

She gestured with her arms and hands, emphasising the romantic intensity of the imagined reunion between Julia and William following Julia's heartfelt message. And Julia could only release another chuckle.

"Have you been watching rom-coms again, Char?"

"I might have binged on all the Bridget Jones movies over Christmas... but only because you brought them up!"

"Those are good classics," Julia simply replied, her eyes reflecting a blend of nerves and excitement. “But this isn’t some romantic movie, darling – we won’t just see each and suddenly tumble into mad love, as if nobody else is around.”

But her pragmatic outlook didn’t sway Charlie. The Canadian friend simply continued to smile, and eventually, Julia had to concede, rolling her eyes and releasing a resigned sigh.

“I'm just saying... it’ll be wonderful,” and with that, the girls chuckled and dropped the topic, enjoying the remainder of the flight.

Meanwhile, the lads were awaiting the transfer en route to Denver, and during the wait, William couldn’t resist playing Julia’s message on repeat. He must've listened to it about 15 times already, a subtle smirk constantly appearing on his face as he absorbed every detail. Her voice resonated with tenderness, and her words had found a direct route to his heart.

Though, William had struggled with deep feelings in the past and had never quite experienced what others often described as being in love, he was now certain he was close to that feeling.

Late last night, after hearing the voicemail a couple of times, he had spent the following thirty minutes reminiscing about every shared moment they had experienced. Flipping through photos and videos, he couldn't deny that Julia had evoked new and unfamiliar emotions within him. And it wasn’t until her heartfelt confession that he had finally come to realise that these emotions might actually be love.

It hadn’t happened during the playful teasing, earning eye rolls and chuckles, nor during the support he had provided on the ice during their intimate ice-skating outing. Not even during the twinge of jealousy he had felt seeing her with Freddie, or their intimate moment on her bed after the emotionally charged evening with Börje. It didn't occur during their time in the changing room, their close dance in his living room, or when he had confided in his brother Alex that she had come to occupy a special place in his heart.

No, he just hadn’t realised it before now. They had shared countless moments together - conversations on his sofa, the snowball fight, stolen glances at her unclothed form...

And the kiss. Her soft, full lips. Those were genuinely unforgettable.

But despite his newfound realisation, he found himself unsure of how to react. His first thought was to just call her and tell her that he felt the same way. But he hesitated as he wasn’t sure of how to do it.

Besides, he couldn’t bring himself to do it over the phone. No, he wanted to wait until he saw her again, even though the waiting was tormenting him. But at least he had the message to listen to in the meantime.

As the team continued waiting for their transfer, the girls made their way from the Denver Airport to the hotel near the Ball Arena. And upon arrival, Aryne announced their presence at the reception, following Tessa efficiently distributing the room keys.

"Why did I get a junior suite all to myself when the rest of you are sharing double rooms?" Julia queried, with a playful grin.

And Charlie, wearing a sweet smile, explained, "Oh, they were almost all sold out when we booked the rooms. So, it was either that or you had to share a family room with Aryne and the boys..."

"Junior suite it is, and you won’t hear another word from me," Julia chuckled.

Although she adored Aryne and the boys, sharing a room with them was not her ideal plan. Aryne was the only one with children on this trip, and initially, they were supposed to have a babysitter. But unfortunately, the sitter had cancelled at the very last minute. Besides, John was actually rather pleased when he heard he’d see his children on New Year’s.

"So, how's it managing room arrangements when this hotel will turn into a brothel?"

The girls burst into laughter at Julia’s cheeky remark, and Stephanie, excitedly, chimed in, "Well, we've sorted it out. I'll room with Charlie; Mitch and Auston will share, then we’ll switch it up, so each couple has their own double room. The same arrangement goes for the rest."

"That's a whole lot of logistics to sort out," Julia chuckled. "Why doesn't everyone just get their own room? I mean, these boys can afford it, right?"

"Sure, but the management finds it easier to have the boys sharing rooms - it's more convenient and takes up less space for the hotel," Audrey explained.

"That makes sense."

However, as the girls began arranging their rooms, Aryne unfortunately had some bad news to share.

"Alright ladies, listen up. I've just spoken to Brad, and unfortunately, the guys won’t be arriving until tomorrow due to some transportation problems."

"What?" All the girls exclaimed simultaneously.

“What happened?” Audrey inquired. “Did the boys mix up their suitcases again, causing them to go back and miss the flight?”

“Or did Mitch forget his equipment again?” Tessa swiftly followed with a remark.

"Hey!" Stephanie exclaimed.

“Oh, come on, you know it could happen,” Charlie chuckled.

“I know… but still,” Stephanie smiled, and laughter filled the room, as the conversation and concern about the boys' transportation issues continued.

"Actually, it sounds like all the guys were on time and ready to leave, but something went awry in the communication... Please don’t ask me about the specifics; I stopped listening after 15 minutes of Brad explaining," Aryne attempted to clarify.

“So, what do we do now?” Stephanie then inquired, and Aryne simply offered the girls a friendly smile.

“I suppose the plan for tonight will simply be a girls' dinner-”

“And us!” Jace chimed in.

“… with Jace and Ashton,” Aryne added with a laugh. “And then, we’ll catch up with the guys at the game tomorrow. So, let’s all meet back down here in about an hour, and then we’ll head out?”

And after an hour had passed, the girls reconvened in the hotel lobby. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as they gathered, anticipating the evening ahead, and with each of them donning their best outfits, they embarked on their night out, heading to a local restaurant for dinner.

Throughout the meal, the atmosphere was charged with lively discussions about the thrilling events scheduled for the following night. The team's staff, in collaboration with the wives and girlfriends, had gone to great lengths to arrange an exclusive New Year's event at the hotel following the game. And so, the girls discussed their excitement, sharing expectations and eagerly looking forward to dress to impress.

As they returned to the hotel, a desire for privacy emerged among the group. Most of the girls expressed the wish to retreat to their rooms separately, naturally as they all longed for calling their significant others.

However, Charlie couldn’t help but observe Julia's distant gaze and resist showing concern once more.

"Hey, you alright?"

“Sure, why wouldn’t I be… Oh, you mean this slow burn, painfully torturing me as I keep thinking about Willy and how he may or may not like me in the same way that I like him?” Julia casually joked, her voice carrying a tone of sarcasm, and Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle at her friend's exaggeration.

However, Julia softened her tone with a reassuring smile and a twinkle in her eye. “Actually, I feel fine.”

“So, what’s your plan now?” Charlie inquired.

“Oh, you know me; I’m gonna order myself a large glass of Pinot Noir and then head to my room. I'll put on some tunes and enjoy a long, nice bath,” she explained with a satisfied smirk.

“Sounds like a good plan.”

As the evening progressed into night, the boys were finally on their way to Denver. However, it appeared that troubles rarely came alone.

No matter where they turned, issues arose. Whether it was the plane unable to take off, a delayed bus, or a missing driver, the team faced a string of challenges that night.

What was initially planned as a journey of just under 2 hours turned into a gruelling 12-hour drive, forcing them to make a quick stop for some sleep along the way.

And as morning arrived, Julia promptly changed into her workout attire and encountered a few girls in the hallway with her enthusiasm.

“Hey, anyone up for a quick workout? We can go for a-“

But her excitement was met with gentle head shakes and light chuckles.

“No takers, huh? Well, see you at breakfast,” she flashed the girls a smile before continuing her way.

After a good workout session, she joined the girls in the restaurant, enjoying the lively conversations that followed.

“JJ, it’s New Year’s Day - why work out today?” Mathilda questioned, a hint of surprise in her smile.

“Yeah, nobody does that,” Audrey chimed in with an amused smile. “I don’t know why you do it.”

“Well, I’m 5’2, and I cook and eat like I’m twice my size so…” Julia chuckled, indicating her plate filled with a hearty portion of food, hinting that her workout was probably more of a necessity.

“I swear, you and Willy are so meant for each other,” Stephanie added, grinning mischievously.

The girls shared laughter around the table, as they ensured they’d have enough energy for the day ahead.

And after breakfast, the they all planned their activities for the day. Some intended to explore the city, while others, like Charlie, opted for a relaxed DIY spa day indoors.

With undeniable thrill and excitement, she had made an effort to make this day and evening special, as it not only marked her first New Year's celebration with Auston, but also her first New Year’s in a serious, committed relationship.

"Alright, which one?" Charlie asked excitedly, displaying two potential sets of lingerie to Julia and Stephanie, who were lounging on the bed.

“Are you seriously asking us to choose your sex clothes for seeing Auston tonight?” Stephanie chuckled.

“Come on, I want to look good and sexy for him! So please help.”

“Babe, you do realise that as soon as Auston sees you, his two brain cells will shut down, and then he’ll eagerly rip off those pieces of fabric as they’ll just be in the way,” Julia chuckled with a raised eyebrow.

"I know… but I don’t care! Come on, you guys – which one?" Charlie inquired with a friendly grin, earning Stephanie and Julia to glance at each other for a moment before speaking simultaneously.

“The black one.”

TOR 6 @ COL 2

The Ball Arena buzzed with excitement as hockey fans filled the arena for the game on this New Year's evening. Leafs supporters mingled with Avalanche fans, creating an atmosphere of enthusiastic shouts and cheers.

And as the girls made their way to their exceptional front-row seats by the glass, Julia felt her palms becoming sweaty. In just a few minutes, the players would hit the ice for warm-ups, and she would no longer be able to escape the waiting of seeing William’s face.

She still hadn’t heard from him, which naturally only intensified the anxiety for this very moment.

And as her breaths became uneven, Charlie offered a comforting gesture, intertwining her hand with Julia's before all the girls began clapping for the players stepping onto the ice.

One by one, each player skated around, practicing shots at goal with pucks flying across the rink. And amidst the activity, they quickly noticed the many of the team's significant others in the crowd, shouting and cheering, earning smiles across all player’s faces.

Then, in a matter of seconds, William suddenly stopped, and his eyes widened upon seeing Julia among the women. Time seemed to slow down as his gaze fixated on her beautiful smiling face, her shining blonde hair flowing down her back, dressed in her white Maple Leafs jersey bearing his number and name.

He could feel his heart suddenly quickened its pace as he processed the sight of her in the crowd, blinking a few times to confirm it was truly her before their eyes locked.

Julia's gaze met his, their blue eyes connecting and silently conversing across the arena. And as they stood separated by distance, she could feel her heart racing while searching for any clues in his expression.

Then, a wide smile graced his lips, a radiant grin spreading across his face, as his eyes sparkled with joy.

And without communicating a single word, Julia found solace and warmth in William’s smile, as if he silently assured her that her feelings were mutual and there was no need to be concerned any more.

So slowly, Julia felt her shoulders relax and her heart return to a steady rhythm, yet her being overflowed with joy and happiness.

In that profound moment, both of them realised the depth of their connection. And though it felt like several minutes passed, in reality, it might have been only a fleeting moment or two.

However, their intimate connection was interrupted by Tavares, skating over to William and nudging him to join the team for warm-ups, signalling the need to focus on the impending game.

Which turned out to be an excellent match.

The Leafs swiftly took the lead in the first period, with Marner and Engvall each securing a goal. And though the Avalanches managed to score before the period ended, the Leafs responded quickly with another goal just 34 seconds into the second period by Bunting. Despite the Avalanches scoring another goal, Matthews and Brodie swiftly secured two more goals within a mere 30 seconds, sealing their dominance. And as a cherry on top, Bunting scored the sixth and final goal for the Leafs, assisted by none other than Nylander.

Throughout the entire game Julia found herself smiling uncontrollably, feeling a sense of relief as her anxiety about her feelings for William vanished, allowing her to truly immerse herself in the match.

And as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the incredible New Year’s win, the atmosphere exploded with cheers and excitement. The group of significant others couldn't contain their joy, joining the chorus of shouts and applause directed at their men on the ice. Alongside the rest of the Leafs fans, they sang and celebrated as the players left the rink, before the swiftly gathered their belongings and headed towards the locker room, eager to greet their partners with an overflow of love and congratulations for the amazing victory.

Amidst the kisses and hugs exchanged in the bustling arena halls, William, still in skates and gear, walked purposefully, scanning the crowd for one person in particular.

And as the last one to enter the hallway, Julia appeared.

So, with determined steps, the Swede made his way towards her, as their eyes met once again, smiles brightening their faces as if drawn together by an unseen force. He practically threw his gloves and helmet on the floor. And just as Charlie had envisioned, William enveloped Julia in his arms, lifting her up and pulling her into a tight embrace, where she instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips and their lips met in a passionate, deep kiss.

In that particular moment, it felt as though the entire world around them disappeared.

The kiss was filled with all sorts of emotions, as their lips massaged each other, showing just how much they’d both longed for this to happen.

And as they pulled back slightly to catch their breath, William breathed out.

"I got your message."

Still keeping Julia close, their eyes locked, and light chuckles escaped them both.

"Took you long enough," she almost whispered, a smile gracing her lips, before he gently set her down, his hands still lingering on her.

"Yeah, I'm kind of an idiot like that," William grinned, eliciting a bright smile from Julia as she looked up at him.

"Perhaps, but a lovable idiot."

And once again, the two of them shared a heartfelt moment, finally giving into the connection that had been silently brewing between them for months. In another kiss, they released all the suppressed thoughts and instincts, surrendering to something that had never felt so right before.

"And all because of our meddling!" Mitch's voice rang out from the background, causing both William and Julia to turn and face their group of friends, sharing broad smiles as they observed the scene. "So, who had 4 weeks?"

"Oh, that was me!" Auston announced proudly, evidently the winner of the bet they had made on the night of the Christmas gala.

And amidst the laughter that filled the air, William couldn't help but steal another glance at the girl in his arms. It was somewhat surreal for him to believe that this was truly happening. Julia had been the first person to ever evoke such deep feelings in him, someone who began as a stranger and evolved into a close friend. And after months of their relationship remaining purely platonic, he never thought that she would actually develop genuine feelings for him.

"Alright, guys!" Tavares' voice echoed, capturing the attention of all his teammates. "Let’s wrap it up in here. The girls have something planned at the hotel, so let’s get out asses moving and get ready to celebrate New Year's!"

Following the captain's orders, the group of men shouted in unison before heading to the showers.

And as they waited for the players to finish up, Charlie couldn't contain a massive grin as Julia came towards her.

"Okay, you can say it..." Julia chuckled.

And for a second or two, Charlie held a dramatic pause before she exclaimed, "I told you so!" overflowing with excitement, pulling her friend into a tight hug.

Back at the hotel, everyone was dressed in their finest attire, and the hotel's banqueting venue had undergone a stunning transformation into a beautifully decorated room for New Year’s celebrations.

The banquet tables were adorned with delectable dishes for the players, and glasses were filled to the brim with champagne. Despite the late and exhilarating game, everyone appeared to have an abundance of energy in anticipation of the stroke of midnight.

And as the room buzzed with excitement, William’s gaze remained on his new date, Julia.

The girls had made a swift change into beautiful dresses, and he simply couldn’t help but admire the long, tight fitted dress, that formed her curves so wonderfully, and the low v-cut in the front, exposing her chest. And with slow and steady steps, Julia made her way towards the William, who’d changed into his pre-game suit, just like the rest of the players.

“You know, it’s not really polite to stare,” she chuckled as she came to stand in front of him.

“Well then you have to go and change, because you look amazing in that dress,” William simply chuckled as he kept staring at her figure.

Julia couldn’t help but bite down onto her lower lip, as she considered speaking what was truly on her mind. With a seductive smirk on her lips, she gently leaned in closely.

“Or… I could… just take it off,” she spoke, sparking a cheeky grin on William’s face, before he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Oh, that’s definitely going to happen.”

"Oh, come on, lovebirds!" Mitch shouted from the other side of the room. "You'll get a chance for all that later. Come join us here for the countdown."

In the expansive venue, a substantial gathering of players and their partners assembled as the countdown to New Year's began.

"10... 9... 8..." they all chorused together.

Standing amidst her dear friends, embraced by the man she had grown to care for deeply, Julia couldn't help but reflect on all that had happened over the past four to five months.

“7… 6…”

Never in her wildest dream, had she imagined she’d be standing here among these people, happily jumping into the new year. And not to mention, in the arms of a man, she had met by a coincidence, before the universe had set them up to develop a more profound relationship.

Just a year ago, she found herself in an entirely different situation, alongside a different man, having different dreams of a future. Yet, in an uncanny twist of fate, here she stood.

"5... 4..."

And as the countdown reached its climax, Julia knew there was no one else she'd rather start the new year with than William.

"3... 2... 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

With beaming smiles, William and Julia shared a tender New Year's kiss, Welcoming the 2023, and their embracing their newfound love between them.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 13 -

Summary: Amidst the holiday season and ongoing hockey games leading up to the new year, Julia is in a hell of emotions while William remains immersed in his hockey pursuits. However, a realisation dawns on him that his friendship with Julia may not be as straightforward as he had long believed.

Tags; William NylanderxOfc; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; alcohol consumption;

Author's note: Well, this chapter didn't quite turn out how I initially envisioned it; and despite numerous attempts of writing and deleting, it ended up being the result you see now; It may not be the best, but it's not the worst either, and I apologise if there's too much repetition, as we In this chapter, delve deep into the characters' feelings, and exploring their inner thoughts; also there's a fair bit of jumping back and forth; however, on a positive note, we're just one step away from the grand finale! ;)

Word count: 5.5K

"Last Christmas I gave you my heart"

Tuesday, 27th - TOR 5 @ STL 4 (OT)

As the team hit the road again, William couldn't shake the image of Julia from his mind. Sure, he'd seen her in every possible way before - all the private bits included - but something felt a bit different this time. Lost in thought, he absentmindedly stared into the void, and his teammates quickly picked up on his distant demeanour. However, with a few knowing glances exchanged, they silently agreed not to pry. William wasn't known for freely sharing his private feelings, so they opted to wait and let him come to his own conclusions.

But before William could delve deeper into his thoughts, the team rolled into the Enterprise Center. The familiar routine of gearing up for the game took over, the sound of skates on the cold ice drowning out any lingering contemplations. The upcoming match demanded their full attention, and personal reflections had to take a back seat, at least for the moment.

Meanwhile, back in Toronto, Camille packed her bags, ready to say goodbye to the Canadian city once again. In the halls of Pearson Airport, she and Julia shared a heartfelt hug, both agreeing that spending Christmas together had been the perfect decision. It was precisely what Julia had needed, and Camille, always the supportive best friend, wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

"Thanks for everything, Cam!" Julia expressed, tears welling up in her eyes as she let go of her friend.

"Always, babe," Camille reciprocated the emotional moment, offering a warm smile. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Julia nodded, smiling back.

"And... Just tell Willy how you feel," Camille added, a slightly concerned expression on her face. "I know it's not easy... but he seems like a good bloke, and besides, it really wouldn't hurt for you to get laid sometime soon."

The playful remark elicited laughter from Julia, who then sighed softly and nodded again.

"I know... and I will," she confessed.

"Good! And please give my regards to Sandy and let him know that if he ever makes his way to London, he can give me a ring… anytime," the Manchester girl cheekily winked, sparking another round of laughter between the two.

"Alright, you really need to get going now," Julia chuckled, playfully nudging her friend to start moving along.

And as the laughter gradually subsided, the girls shared a final quick hug, and Camille then made her way towards the check-in and security lines. With a soft chuckle and a light shake of her head, Julia turned around, ready to find her way back to the city and dive back into the office.

While the workload had eased up a bit since the last deadline, there were still plenty of follow-up tasks to tackle.

Though, amidst the sea of Excel spreadsheets and a seemingly endless stream of emails, Charlie eagerly shared her holiday stories with her family. It had been a fantastic time, marked by her older brother Harry and his wife announcing their second child, and her aunt finalising her divorce. And amidst the holiday cheers and laughter, Charlie had practically spent every available second chatting with Auston. Her absentmindedness, however, sparked curiosity among her family members - not that she minded, though. She was proud to have him as her boyfriend, and happily shared pictures and more.

And Julia couldn't help but smile as she listened intently to her friend's storytelling. It warmed her heart to hear about Charlie's deep love for her family, but as happy as she was for her friend, a slight tinge of jealousy crept in, as spending the holidays with her family was something she truly missed. And while Charlie vividly described every detail of her Christmas presents, Julia's mind inevitably wandered back to her own Christmas day – a day among good, close friends, with a delicious Christmas roast, and intimate, personal stories. And, of course, the kiss with William.

‘Don’t go there…’

Shaking off these thoughts, Julia refocused on Charlie. And as the final touches of the story were shared, they both laughed lightly before agreeing to buckle down and actually get some work done – work that had nothing to do with a certain Swede.

And as the day shifted into evening, bringing the workday to a close, Julia found herself back at the place where her friendship with William had once taken that step further - his condo.

In keeping with their routine, she had, of course, agreed to look after Pablo and Banksy, as she thought, not doing so would risk revealing her feelings for him. And as always, the doodles greeted her with their usual enthusiasm, prompting her to change into a running outfit, and take them out for a good jog – a practice that always helped clear her mind. And on the way back, she swung by Sugo's to grab a hearty portion of delicious pasta, intending to savour it on the sofa while watching the evening's hockey match.

After a quick rinse and with the dogs by her side, the trio settled in as the game unfolded on the TV screen.

And what a thrill it turned out to be.

In the first period, the Leafs wasted no time seizing the lead, with Holl scoring the opening goal just after 3 minutes. However, the Blues swiftly responded, levelling the score. But then, just before the first period concluded, Tavares executed an incredible snapshot, putting the Leafs back in the lead.

Carrying the momentum into the second period, the Leafs notched another goal, this time courtesy of Kerfoot. But unfortunately, the Blues mounted a robust comeback, scoring two quick goals, and soon the game was tied once more. However, to the relief of all Leaf fans, the second period concluded with a solid wrist shot and a goal from Jarnkrok.

Regrettably, the third period saw fewer goals, with the Blues once again evening the score, and the match concluded in a 4-4 tie, extending into overtime.

Back in Toronto, Julia found herself holding her breath as the intensity of the game escalated. Her frustration was evident as she practically jumped on the sofa, and fortunately, the frown soon turned to a wide smile. After four intense minutes of overtime, with only 57 seconds remaining, none other than the handsome Swedish man who had unwittingly captured Julia's heart made a backhand shot that propelled the puck straight into the net, causing the Leafs to secure an incredible victory.

"YES!" she shouted, standing up on the sofa, causing the doodles to jump as well, before bursting into laughter at her own sudden excitement.

Meanwhile, in the locker room following the game, the energy soared, and excitement filled the atmosphere. The guys shouted and cheered, congratulating each other on the win with enthusiastic woos and hearty back claps. And unsurprisingly, William was named the player of the match. Half out of his gear and with the team’s belt over his shoulder, he quickly snapped a proud photo and sent it to Julia in response to her earlier picture of the dogs on the sofa. Completely unaware of how such a photo stirred Julia’s mind.

The image of William’s bare chest and a smirk adorning his face was not what she needed in this very moment, where she saved every tiny bit of energy to remain composed and in control of her emotions.

And about an hour later, William found himself in the comfort of his hotel room, sprawled across the bed, and brimming with excitement, as he eagerly grabbed his phone and dialled Julia's number. True to their established routine, she accepted the video call, just having returned from her drive from William’s condo to her own flat.

"Hey you," she greeted, aiming for a casual tone.

"Hey," William beamed, a wide grin lighting up his face. "How are you?"

"All good, and you?"

“Pretty good too,” William chuckled. “Saw you watching the game with the dogs."

Julia responded with a sweet smile. "Oh yeah, we were all cosied up, although the match was waaay too intense to stay still! I literally jumped on your sofa out of pure excitement."

William's signature laughter resonated through the phone. "You jumped on the couch?"

"How could I not? It was an absolute thrill."

A brief moment passed, filled only with shared chuckles echoing through the speakers.

"Yeah, maybe the next one doesn’t have to be this intense – I mean, I love a good win, but that was maybe a bit much."

"Agreed, but let’s not forget, you did an amazing job, Willy…"

"Thanks, JJ."

Another moment of silence followed, prompting Julia to contemplate whether she should express her thoughts. As had happened before, her mind formulated the words, but her tongue hesitated. So, she refrained from speaking, mindful that William was still riding high on the victory, and she didn't want to risk dampening the mood. Instead, they continued to chat about the game’s highs and lows and how the roadie was going.

William shared stories about everyone's holiday experiences, detailing the presents exchanged and the enjoyment of having a little time away from their families. Which earned another chuckle from Julia.

“Oh yeah, by the way, I promised to let Sandin know that he’s always welcome to ring Cam if he’s ever in London,” she flashed a smile, causing a loud grin from William.

“Well, I’ll pass on the message.”

The two of them shared another ten minutes of casual conversation, and Julia found it surprising how well she was acting around him. Despite feeling butterflies in her tummy, she was simply happy to be chatting with her friend. It was simply a talent William had – making everyone around him feel at ease. And before long, they both agreed to hang up and bid their goodnights.

"Ugh…" Julia mumbled to herself, lying back down on her bed, palming her face as she let out a deep sigh. "Why is this so hard…"

As the holiday vibe gradually waned in the office, Julia and Charlie took a much-needed break while waiting for the last drops of coffee to fill their mugs.

"Are you really not going?" Charlie questioned, exchanging mugs with Julia.

"Char, I'm really not going."

Julia offered her a firm expression, but Charlie wasn't ready to let it go. "Why not, JJ? Give me one good reason. You've joined these trips before... besides, it's New Year's Eve. Don't you want to come and celebrate with us?"

The girls had planned another trip to visit the boys on the road, although this time without the element of surprise. They intended to fly out to Denver on Friday and stay until Sunday since the team would play against the Avalanche on Saturday.

"I do... it's just..."

"What? Willy?" Charlie's tone turned stern. "You seriously don't want to come and have fun with the girls because of Willy? Come on, JJ! You're not usually the type to be held back because of a man..."

Charlie's remark earned a light chuckle from Julia as they strolled back to their desks.

"It's not just that... I mean, I still have a lot of work to do, and besides, I haven't bought a flight ticket nor booked a hotel room..."

There was a moment of silence as Charlie settled into her chair, innocently looking around and making odd facial expressions.

“You’ve bought me a ticket and booked a hotel room, haven’t you?” Julia asked, eyeing Charlie with suspicion.

“Maybe…” she replied softly, before elaborating. “I just really wanted you to come, and honestly, I thought we’d be over this by now since you and Willy are totally into each other, and we all figured you’d sorted things out at this point....”

Julia let out a sigh, her thoughts mulling over Charlie's invitation.

“Just think about it, alright?” Charlie timidly suggested, watching Julia closely for any hint of reconsideration.

“I can’t - I promised Willy I’d watch the dogs,” she defended, but Charlie suspected there might be more to it.

“So? Call Terry.”

“Who’s Terry?”

Charlie offered Julia a slightly surprised look. “Willy's dog sitter… wait, you don’t know Terry? He takes care of several of the team's dogs, especially for Auston when I, Stephanie or any of the other girlfriends can’t.”

Julia was a little taken aback. “Well, I’ve never heard of him.”

“Who did you think watched the dogs before you did?” Charlie chuckled.

“I suppose I haven’t really given it much thought…” Julia simply shrugged and smiled a little as she took a few seconds pondering the information before expressing her wonder. “But then why even ask me in the first place?”

Charlie offered her friend a sweet smile, considering the question as she thought of the most obvious answer.

“Hm not sure, my best guess is that Terry couldn’t do it at that time, so Willy asked you instead - and then when he saw how much you loved it, he just kept letting you do it.”

Julia couldn’t contain her smile as she felt the warm sensation spreading through her body once again. She knew William was a thoughtful person, but she had never actually considered how much he had noticed her love for his dogs and how he had thoughtfully entrusted their care to her instead of Terry.

“Anyways,” Charlie continued. “I have his number, just in case you need it.”

The conversation lingered in Julia’s mind throughout the day as she considered the option. However, as she’d noticed the minimal communication from William, she decided to shift her focus to something else — a solid workout session.

And the reason for the lack of communication? William was simply immersed in hockey and training. After the intense match the night before, and the close call of almost losing, his mind was solely focused on how they could improve as a team.

And in the evening, after the flight, bus ride, and team meeting, the boys gathered to play a few rounds of NHL on PlayStation or simply hang out and mentally prepare for the upcoming game.

Thursday 29th - TOR 3 @ ARI 6

However, Thursday, took an unexpected turn for everyone – especially Julia.

To start the day off, as she awoke, it wasn’t because of her alarm clock. Apparently, she’d slept through it, and now she was running late. Something she rarely did. So, after quickly getting dressed and grabbing the essentials, she was out the door.

And a quick pit stop at William’s condo led her to contemplate taking the doodles out as they needed, deciding it wouldn’t hurt for them to enjoy a bit of fresh air and company from strangers. So, she packed their most needed items, let them attend to their business, and had them hop into the backseat before manoeuvring through the rush hour traffic.

Arriving at the office with heavy breaths and Pablo and Banksy at her feet, she practically collapsed into her chair, scattering their toys and bed on the floor by her desk.

“Someone had a rough morning,” Charlie cheekily spoke, watching her friend from across the desk.

“Oh, shut it,” Julia half chuckled out of breath before setting up a neat station for the doodles. “But perhaps, I may need that Terry’s phone number after all…” she said, turning to look at Charlie.

“So, you’re coming with us on the trip?” she almost shrieked, causing others in the open space to look up from their screens. But Julia simply chuckled and shook her head.

“No, I just don’t know when I’ll get out of here today, so if there’s a chance that Terry can come and pick up the dogs, I’d very much appreciate it… just for tomorrow.”

Charlie pouted in disappointment but promptly grabbed her phone to share Terry’s details.

On the brighter note, the dogs remained at their best behaviour throughout the day. Julia only had to take them out a few times, and during lunch, they enjoyed a longer walk with Charlie, grabbing coffee along the way. And everybody seemed to love the company of the doodles at the office, occasionally coming over to pat them, which only caused Julia to smile.

And around four o’clock, Terry kindly stopped by the office to pick them up.

“So, you’re the one who took Pablo and Banksy away from me?” the tall guy remarked as Julia greeted him at her desk.

“Apparently so,” she offered him a smile.

“Well, Willy talks only fondly of you, and since he’s chosen you over me, I guess there must be some truth to it – he wouldn’t let just anyone watch over these two,” he chuckled.

Julia nodded, slightly baffled by his directness and the undeniable compliment.

“Well, I’m just glad you’re able to look after them tonight – I’ve got a lot of work, and I won’t be able to visit them later.”

“No problem at all.”

After bidding farewell to the dogs, Julia returned to her workstation. And an hour passed before Charlie gathered her tools and made a final attempt to entice Julia into joining the girls' trip. Julia, however, continued to decline.

"Alright then… but I've sent you the information, just in case you change your mind…"

Julia thanked her friend before resuming her report, and yet another hour and thirty minutes slipped by unnoticed. Only Andrew's interruption drew her attention away from her screen.

"Are you planning to stay the night here or what?" he asked, half-seated on her desk.

"What do you mean? It's not even that late..."

Andrew wore a concerned expression. "I know, but it's been a while since you've worked this late, especially on a hockey night, and during the past couple of weeks, you've been more focused than usual..."

"Well, we did have an important deadline..." Julia chuckled nervously. "And so, what? I care about the details of my work – there's nothing wrong with that."

"So, the late hours and your attempt to avoid social media throughout the day have nothing to do with a certain Swedish hockey player?" Andrew raised an eyebrow, teasingly questioning Julia's behaviour.

"How did you-?"

"JJ, I'm your boss, I sense these kinds of things..." Now it was Julia who raised a questionable eyebrow. "... I overheard your and Charlie's conversation," Andrew admitted.

Julia let out a sigh and lightly nodded before he added, "Come on, let's go to my office."

She wanted to question his suggestion, but Andrew had already risen and walked the few meters. So, she went along.

Seated on one of the lounge furniture pieces in Andrew's office, Julia attempted to relax, taking a deep breath as he approached with a drink. She examined the dark brown liquid in her glass, took a quick whiff, and then a sip.

"Black Tot, British Royal Navy rum," Julia remarked with a light smirk. "Someone's got good taste."

"I got it from you as a present," Andrew chuckled.

"I know – I've got good taste," she smirked before offering a laugh.

But the laughter slowly faded, as they both took a sip of their drinks, and Andrew offered Julia a concerned look.

"So, what's really going on?"

The blonde, Brit let out a deep sigh as she looked at her boss in the other lounge stool.

"Do you really want to listen to me whine about my boy problems?"

"Well, you listened to me when I whined about my failed marriage…" he replied with a soft grin.

And Julia, accepting his response, waited a few seconds, taking another sip as she considered that maybe, just maybe, Andrew could offer a different perspective of her emotional issue. So, she took another deep breath and inspected her glass.

"Well," she began with a soft tone of voice, "I guess I'm just not sure what to do… I mean, I know that I like William a lot… and I believe, in a way, he’s got some sort of feelings for me as well, it's just… I'm just not so sure if they're romantic feelings,” she admitted, turning to look at Andrew, who was intensively following her. "And I've already had my heart broken once this year… I've barely put the pieces back together, and now, I'm risking having it broken all over again – and potentially lose a dear friend…"

Andrew nodded as he noticed Julia's nervous smile creeping on her face.

"But what makes you so sure he's not romantically interested in you?" he questioned. "I mean, just from what I've seen between you two, you seem close, and it's not like there's no flirting."

But Julia simply shook her head, flashing a soft smile. "The flirting is just good banter."

"What makes you so sure about that?" Andrew persisted.

Julia could feel herself hesitating before answering. "I guess I just assumed," she finally admitted. "He's always so outgoing and flirtatious with others… so why would it mean something more with me?"

She could feel her heart stinging as she spoke the words, and her mind concluding that that was the truth. Andrew, however, was not entirely convinced. Having experienced heartache of his own, he could understand the pain Julia was feeling, but he also recognised the classic tendencies. Just like himself, she was the type to avoid emotional conflicts and bury herself in workload and other activities.

The two of them shared a silent moment, enjoying a few more sips of their drinks before Andrew then shifted back to a more serious note.

“JJ… it sounds to me like you have to talk to him – tell him how you feel, and then accept the outcome…” he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees as he came a little closer. “Yes, you might risk your friendship, but what you’re carrying right now will also do that – I can tell from experience that it won’t just go away, and what you need is closure.”

After sharing another heartfelt moment with her boss who had also turned out to be a somewhat of a close friend, Julia sighed as she slowly realised, that perhaps he was right. So she offered him a gentle, defeated nod.

“I just wish I could get just over it,” she almost whispered.

“How did you get over your last boyfriend?” Andrew then asked, earning a smile from Julia.

“I got under somebody else…” she winked, indirectly referring to William. “…And moved to a different country.”

And after a few more minutes and a chuckle, Andrew then excused himself to take a phone call, and Julia retrieved her phone, noticing that the hockey match of tonight had already started. Collecting her thoughts, she reconsidered Andrew’s proposal. And without more hesitation, she decided to make a call, aware that William wouldn’t be able to answer.

Emptying her glass, she pressed the green button.

‘Hey, this is William. Please leave a message after the tone.’

*Beep*

Julia took a deep breath.

“Hey, Willy, it’s JJ. I know you’re busy playing hockey, so I’ll try and keep it short.”

She couldn’t help but smile a little, feeling the light buzz of the liquid courage as she prepared to express her deep feelings. Biting her lower lip, she closed her eyes and let it all out.

“I guess all I want to say is just that… I can’t stop thinking about us… Our first night. The time we’ve spent together for months now. And then the kiss on Christmas… And I’m not even sure if you in any way think about it too, but no matter what, I just really need closure – so please, let me know when you get this message…”

Pressing the screen over the big red circle, Julia leaned back in the chair.

“Guess there’s no going back now.”

Meanwhile, in Arizona, the team faced a challenging night at Mullett Arena.

It seemed that all the positive momentum from the previous game had taken a turn for the worse tonight. Though, the Leafs managed to take the lead in the first two periods, displaying moments of skill and determination, the Coyotes unfortunately came back a lot stronger, dominating the ice and outplaying the Leafs in the third period, ultimately concluding the game with a decisive 6-3 victory.

In the locker room following the match, the atmosphere was a mix of disappointment and determination. Sheldon provided a good amount of supportive and encouraging words, emphasising the need to learn from the defeat and not letting it get the best of them. And the boys, as always, simply exchanged comforting pats on the back, their shared commitment evident as they agreed to keep their heads high, put this game behind them, and return with renewed strength for the next match.

Soon enough, smiles and light laughter spread across their faces as Mitch and Justin, cheeky as ever, decided to lighten the mood with their goofy behaviour.

And in the midst of the locker room boyish jokes and playful banter, Auston noticed something new around William's neck, sparking his curiosity, as the Swede was returning from the shower.

"Hey Willy, what’s that? Is it new?"

"Oh yeah, I got it from JJ for Christmas," William smiled as he proudly showed off his new chain.

Auston stepped closer, examining the item with his fingers as he read the small letters of the amulet. “It’s nice. She’s got good taste.”

Some of the other boys joined in, admiring William’s new jewellery and commenting on its coolness.

“Wow, I can’t believe she gave you this,” Holl remarked. “It must have cost her a fortune.”

“Oh, come on, we all know what it’s like having a crush,” Mitch suddenly, chiming in from the other side of Auston, and added, “You just want to buy them anything, no matter the price.”

The room fell silent for a moment, as if time had frozen.

"What?" William chuckled nervously, and Mitch's eyes widened as he realised what he had just revealed.

“Uh... Uhm… no matter the price…” he stammered, knowing those weren't the words in question.

"JJ’s got a crush on me?" William asked, slightly baffled upon this sudden information, looking intensely at Mitch, who tried to avoid eye contact. “No way!”

The players exchanged curious expressions as William continued to chuckle, slowly realising there might be some truth to it.

“Are you sure?”

Mitch and Auston nodded simultaneously, confirming the revelation.

"But then why hasn't she said anything? I just talked to her a few days ago," he mused aloud, more to himself than to the group, and Mitch, recognising the weight of his inadvertent announcement, spoke up with a shrug.

"Maybe she's afraid. You know, scared it could mess up what you guys have."

And Mo, always one for straightforwardness, added, "She probably doesn’t want to risk losing you as a friend – you know, in case you don’t feel the same."

A moment of silence hung in the air as William processed this unexpected revelation before Auston gently broke it.

“Do you… feel the same?” he timidly inquired, earning all the boys to eagerly follow William’s reaction.

But the young blonde simply shrugged. “I don’t know, I mean… I definitely like her, but… I just haven’t really thought of us in that way… I mean, seriously.”

“Oh, come on! You’re totally crushing so hard on her. It’s so obvious,” Mitch chuckled loudly, and the boys joined in agreement. Even William offered a light chuckle.

“I guess,” he admitted, but before he could continue, the team was interrupted by the management, encouraging them to finish up so they could travel back to the hotel.

The short ride from the arena to the hotel was almost eerily silent, with each boy lost in their thoughts about the upcoming game, headphones on. However, William's mind remained occupied by thoughts of Julia.

Could she really have a crush on him?

And noticing William's distant gaze, Auston, recently in a similar state of mind, turned to his friend. Despite neither being adept at heartfelt talks, Auston still felt compelled to offer some advice.

“Just go for it, man. JJ’s great, and both of you like each other. It’s kinda a no-brainer,” he chuckled, eliciting a grin from the Swede.

“I know,” William sighed. “It’s just – I don’t get it. I mean, we’ve spent so much time together. And every time I thought we were flirting, she just brushed it off, you know. Besides, why would she be into me like that? She’s all smart, mature, and …” he trailed off, carefully choosing his words. “And I just thought she only saw me as all fun and a friend…”

It was a strange feeling. Normally, William wasn't one to doubt himself like this. He had never been the insecure type or spent much time pondering feelings and potential relationships. While he had been with quite a number of girls and even had a few relationships in the past, none of them had ever made him feel this way. Questioning himself like this.

“Well, no one said it made sense that she’s got a crush on you,” Auston playfully quipped, sparking another round of laughter.

And as a head came to appear from the seat in front of them, Sandin joined in.

“Well, the good thing is that you already know she’s good in bed,” the younger Swede playfully commented, causing more players to turn their heads for some juicy information. And naturally, the rest of the ride was filled with William’s storytelling of his first encounters with Julia.

Upon arrival at the hotel, laughter and smiles were shared among the teammates. And tired after the match, they all went directly to their respective rooms, some for a final round of NHL video games, and others to phone their significant others.

Entering their hotel room, William and Rasmus immediately sensed the fatigue from the night's game, and as William settled onto his bed, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone, the unanswered call notification from Julia caught his attention. However, noticing it’s been several hours since she made the call, he hesitated before deciding to return it.

Instead, as he navigated to the missed call, and came across the voicemail, curiosity piqued, and he clicked on the message and listened to her words.

As morning came, Julia's eyes slowly opened to the soft chiming of her alarm.

And turning around to silence the alarm, she recalled Andrew's insistence that she’d take the day off. Well, he practically forced her to stay at home, understanding that she might need it. And he was right.

A gentle smile graced her face as she placed her phone down and tried to drift back into slumber. However, her mind resisted complete tranquillity, and she found herself unable to return to sleep. Thoughts of her conversation with Andrew yesterday flooded her mind, and she mentally scolded herself for leaving that message for William. Though deep down, she knew she wanted to express those sentiments, she simply couldn't ignore the fact that he never called her yesterday and the lack of a message this morning.

“This is ridiculous,” she mumbled to herself.

And letting out a deep sigh, she forced herself out of bed, and made her way to the bathroom.

A couple of hours later, Stephanie and Charlie joined the other girls at Pearson Airport, ready for take-off, a routine they'd by now experienced several times before. And while the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, the girls exchanged anticipations about the upcoming trip, expressing their eagerness to reunite with their significant others and celebrate New Year's Eve together.

Dress details and outfit discussions filled the air as the group checked in their suitcases, and amidst the lively chatter, Stephanie turned to Charlie, a lingering question in her eyes.

"Still nothing, huh?" she inquired, gesturing towards the leftover ticket bearing the name Julia Jones in black, and Charlie gave a gentle shake of her head.

But then, just as the group prepared to head to security, the distinct sound of heels approached, and a small trolley adorned with the Union Jack flag accompanied a soft British voice, prompting the girls to turn around.

"Hey, you've still got that extra ticket for me?"

There she was, Julia, with an air of determination and a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. The girls exchanged surprised glances before Charlie, with a bright smile, handed over the ticket.

"Well of course," she spoke excitedly, and Stephanie joined in.

"You ready for a little New Year's adventure?"

Julia chuckled nervously, "Yeah, why not? Sometimes you just need a leap of faith, right."

And with that, the girls proceeded through security, marking the beginning of their exciting journey.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 12 -

Summary: it's finally Christmas, and Julia finds herself among her friends she'd come to known in Toronto, since she can't spend the day with her family;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; alcohol consumption; mentions of sexual behaviour;

Author’s notes: so, I've realised just how terrible I am at making up names... I apologise; anyway, not much to say here, besides, I probably could have ended it here, which was an initial idea... however, I've chosen not to - so please don't hate me, and I still hope you'll enjoy it; 😅

Word count: 5.6K+

"So Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe"

Pour out the wine, let's toast and pray for December snow I know there's been pain this year, but it's time to let it go Next year, you never know But for now, Merry Christmas

"Merry Christmas" by Ed Sheeran & Elton John

As Christmas day drew nearer, Julia found herself longing for a break from the relentless questioning by Charlie, about her feelings for William and the intricacies of their relationship. The constant prodding had become somewhat overwhelming, and she felt the need to put a temporary halt to it. While she knew Charlie's intentions were well-meaning, Julia needed time to process her emotions, especially her fear that William might not share the same feelings.

"Char, I love you, but I just need a little time…" Julia said over the phone to her friend, who was en route to her parents' home for the holiday.

"I know, JJ, I'm just so excited – I really think it could be so great between you!" Charlie's enthusiasm resonated through the phone. "We all do."

Julia couldn't help but smile at her friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, I’ll think about it…" She let out a sigh. "We're just not like you and Auston – you two are like soulmates… you even share the same birthday."

Charlie chuckled, acknowledging the uniqueness of her own relationship. "Which, in a way, is also super weird…" She replied, "Besides, it's not like we don't have our own challenges… it's not all perfect, although it often seems like it. I mean, do you know how often we're both concerned about if this is even going to work out? With his insane schedule, and my constant mood swings, not to mention how often I'm overly jealous…"

Julia listened attentively to her friend's candid confessions. Charlie was right, no relationship was without its challenges. Despite the public perception of their perfect match, she and Auston had their own issues to work through.

Trying to console her friend, Julia offered a light-hearted comment, "Char, I wouldn't worry too much about your jealousy… Auston's just the same, and I do believe if anyone's a great match, it's the two of you." Her words elicited a chuckle and agreement from Charlie.

"But please, just think about talking to Willy?" Charlie pleaded.

With a smile and a light chuckle, Julia agreed to consider her friend's suggestion. Charlie then turned her attention to her travel plans as she headed to her parents' home, leaving Julia with a lot to contemplate.

Sunday, 25th

Sunday finally marked Christmas day, and Julia had her plans set. She was going to spend the day with her colleagues, Leslie Evans and his wife, along with Andrew, Tyler, and Phoebe. This year had been particularly tough for Andrew due to his recent divorce, so Leslie extended an invitation to him to join their Christmas celebration. And while Tyler and Phoebe were initially supposed to spend the day with their mother, she had come to make last-minute plans to travel with some other single girlfriends, leaving the kids without a place to go for the holiday. So, they gladly accepted the invitation to join Julia and Camille at the Evans' house.

And the Evans' house exuded nothing but a warm and inviting atmosphere, a place that Julia found undeniably homey, as it radiated an air of comfort, infused with the warmth of family values. The centrepiece of the living room was the grand Christmas tree, standing tall and proudly adorned with sparkling ornaments. Its presence brought a sense of festivity and joy to the house, meanwhile, the delightful scents of holiday cooking wafted from the kitchen, teasing everyone's senses.

Julia and Camille had arrived just before noon, and they were eager to lend a helping hand in the preparations for the Christmas roast. While Mrs. Evans and Julia teamed up in the kitchen, Camille and Leslie took charge of setting and decorating the dining table with an array of Christmas ornaments. The air was filled with the excitement of creating a festive atmosphere, and the house buzzed with anticipation, especially when Andrew, Tyler and Phoebe joined in a few moments later.

Both Andrew and Julia had contributed homemade dishes to the feast, each dish carrying the unique traditions of their respective families, and as the group worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and festive environment, their efforts were unexpectedly interrupted by the doorbell's cheerful chime.

To Julia's great astonishment, a group of Swedes, including William, Rasmus, Timothy, and Pierre, had gathered outside the door, accompanied by Pierre's girlfriend, Mathilda.

"Well, hello there,” Julia greeted them with a welcoming smile. "What are you guys doing here?"

The Swedes responded with good-natured laughter, and Julia graciously stepped aside to allow them entry into the house.

"You invited us all?" William playfully reminded her, and Julia simply couldn't help but nod, a grin forming on her face.

"Well, I guess I just didn’t expect you all to actually come…” she chuckled. “But of course – you're all most welcome."

After closing the door behind them, she kindly offered to help the Swedes with their coats, as Camille came to join in the hallway.

“Oh God, it's like a Swedish invasion in here," she joked, a playful grin adorning her face, earning the Swedes let out heartfelt chuckles as they offered Julia a selection of homemade dishes.

"Just a little something of Swedish traditional Christmas food." Rasmus announced, with a mischievous grin.

"Well, I know your skills in the kitchen are no better than Willy's, so I hope for everyone's sake that Matilda has been the one doing the cooking,” Julia couldn't resist a teasing comment.

And Mathilda, with a smile, was quick to reassure her, "Oh, don’t worry, I didn’t let any of them near the kitchen."

The unexpected arrival of the Swedes injected a burst of excitement into the holiday celebration, filling the house with laughter and the mingling scents of diverse cuisines. New and old friends came together to celebrate Christmas in style, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

And William couldn't help but chuckle as he took in Julia's attire. "What are you wearing?" he asked with a grin, looking her up and down, noticing her merry outfit and the sweet red bow that tied up half her long, blonde, curled, hair.

Julia proudly displayed her colourful, home-knitted jumper, adorned with various festive figures and snowflakes. "What? It's my Christmas jumper, that’s the prober dress code,” she explained with a soft smile.

William's eyes crinkled with amusement. "It's cute."

As always, he exuded his effortlessly stylish, laid-back, streetwise look. He had that innate ability to look cool without seemingly putting in any effort. His beard was neatly trimmed, and his hair, now at a good length, was casually pulled back in a half-up man bun, a look that suited him perfectly.

And as the Swedes made their way into the living room, Phoebe rushed excitedly towards William, her face lighting up with joy. "Wonka!"

William couldn't help but chuckle and warmly embraced Phoebe's enthusiastic hug, her joy contagious.

"Will you help me place the star on the top of the Christmas tree?" the young girl pleaded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Of course," William chuckled, and with a gentle motion, he lifted the little girl in his arms, ensuring that she could reach and place the star just right. It was a heart-warming moment that Julia couldn’t help but smile at, before she made her way to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Tyler, was left speechless, his wide eyes filled with wonder, as he found himself surrounded by most of the Swedes from his favourite hockey team, a truly unexpected turn of events that he couldn't quite wrap his head around.

And soon the house buzzed with activity as everyone worked together to make space for the guests at the dinner table. Additional items were brought in to extend the table, ensuring there would be enough room for everyone to sit comfortably.

Leslie, observing the bustling preparations, couldn't help but marvel at the number of guests present, and approached Julia with a warm smile and offered his congratulations. "I don't think we've ever had this many people at our Christmas events. You've really outdone yourself, Julia."

Julia beamed with pride, grateful for the success of her Christmas gathering. “Well, apparently being friends with a hockey team does wonders.”

While Tyler enthusiastically chatted with his favourite hockey players and bombarded them with questions, Camille couldn't help but notice William's gaze drifting towards Julia, and she saw this as the perfect opportunity to engage him in a candid conversation.

"So, if you don't mind me asking... what's going on between you two?" she inquired with a friendly smile, earning a casual chuckle from William.

"What do you mean?"

Camille playfully raised her eyebrows and continued, "Well, you both seem rather into each other."

William leaned back in his chair, maintaining a pleasant smile. "Oh, yeah, we're just good friends."

But Camille persisted, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "Mmm hmm, yeah, you both keep saying that. I'm just wondering if maybe, just maybe, that first night of yours has had an impact on your friendship?"

William chuckled once more. "Maybe, I mean, she's definitely something special."

Camille kept her smile, but her tone turned slightly more serious, protective. "Oh, darling, you have no idea just how special she is." They sat in a comfortable moment of silence, before Camille added, "Well, no matter what, I'm just glad she's got you. You seem like a really good fit for her."

William felt somewhat surprised by her last words and offered a light chuckle. "Yeah? I thought you didn't like me after that night...morning…"

Camille considered his words. "Hmm, just between us, I'd probably have done the same." She offered a warm smile. “Just promise me that no matter what, you be nice to her. Cause that girl might come off all strong and over it, but she’s fragile… and she’s my best friend, I’ll do anything to protect her.” Camille added with a cheeky wink.

Believing she was referring to Julia’s last break-up with Ezra, William simply nodded with a grin in return, his eyes briefly darting towards Julia, who was engrossed in a conversation with Leslie, and her sweet laughter filled the room. His smile widened as he took Camille's words to heart. "I believe you," he replied, his voice carrying genuine sincerity.

And as the evening continued, the lively conversation flowed seamlessly from room to room, and amidst all the enchantment of the holiday, Rasmus and Camille found themselves sharing meaningful glances, exchanging looks that hinted at a connection that appeared to transcend the festive spirit.

Julia had always known Camille to be rather flirtatious – and considering that Rasmus's recent fling since the Christmas gala hadn't quite panned out, it was likely he was in the mood for another distraction. And Camille, with her charming personality, seemed to fit the bill rather nicely.

And during the delightful meal, the conversations continued to flow effortlessly. The Swedes described their various traditions, ranging from the dishes they would serve to the songs they'd sing around the Christmas tree. Each had unique details to share based on the region they hailed from, and William briefly touched on the cultural distinctions between his Canadian upbringing and his Swedish experiences.

Even Andrew chimed in, sharing insights into his mother's Italian heritage and the impact it had had on his life and traditions. Amid the merriment and the backdrop of Christmas carols, it became evident how Toronto was known for its multicultural community, boasting over 250 different ethnicities.

As dinner conversation continued, Rasmus, always inquisitive, couldn't resist probing further. "So, JJ, do you have any funny Christmas stories from England?"

Julia paused for a moment, gently placing her cutlery on her empty plate. "Actually, I've spent most of my Christmases in Denmark with my brothers and father," she replied, accompanied by a warm smile.

"Ah, so you're truly a Scandinavian at heart," Timothy remarked with a chuckle, earning Julia's smile to widen.

"I suppose so,” she replied. “I guess, even though I’ve spent most of my childhood in England, my fondest and most cherished memories are from Denmark."

And as she shared stories about how she, her father, and her grandfather had been the ones in the kitchen, preparing the roast, meanwhile her brothers had been playing around or watched the Christmas show, and her grandmother would be in charge of decorating the tree and the dinner table, nods of understanding circled the table. Even William, who had heard many of these stories before, couldn't help but smile at Julia's animated storytelling. He simply enjoyed her way of sharing, and how her voice was filled with joy and happiness.

"And trust me, if you ever have the privilege to meet JJ's fathers, you'll see that she's without a doubt her father's daughter,” Camille chimed in, adding her own perspective. “Temper, passionate, and everything – especially when it comes to sports."

Laughter filled the room.

"Temper?" Rasmus laughed. "Don’t tell us you’re a hard-core fan, JJ?"

"Oh, absolutely!” Julia chuckled. “I swear, every time we watch a match, you should be thankful you can't hear me shouting from the stands."

Andrew and Camille joined in the merriment, affirming her playful confession.

And speaking of the devil, following a delightful Christmas roast, Julia received a phone call from her father, and so she politely excused herself and retreated to the quieter hallway for their conversation.

Despite the late hour at her father's location, they exchanged warm Christmas wishes and shared a heart-warming chat. She missed her family a lot, but the company tonight, had definitely made her feel less emotional.

As she wrapped up her phone conversation and ended the call, William approached her slowly with an expression that blended warmth and curiosity. The soft, inviting glow of the Christmas tree's lights added a touch of enchantment to the room.

"So, how's your family?" he asked in a gentle tone, and Julia returned his smile.

"All good, thanks."

The atmosphere between them felt tender, with the other guests bustling around in the living room and kitchen, their voices blending with the festive ambiance.

"By the way, I have something for you," William then continued, and handed her a small box adorned with delicate, shimmery paper and a golden butterfly.

Julia accepted the box gingerly, her curiosity visible through her smile, and as she carefully unwrapped it, she uncovered a white gold bracelet adorned with a small amulet in the shape of an airplane.

While Pierre and Timothy had been Christmas shopping for gifts for their girlfriends, William had stumbled upon the bracelet, and his first thought was simply Julia. Initially he thought it might be a little strange to gift his best friend a piece of jewellery, but with encouragement from his mates, he caved and made the purchase. And as soon as he saw Julia’s reaction, he had no doubts that it was the right choice.

With a deep breath, her mouth formed into an 'o,' and her eyes widened in disbelief at the thoughtful gift.

"Oh, Willy, it's gorgeous," Julia complimented in a soft, humble tone, gazing up at her friend, who wore a satisfied grin. "I can’t believe… Thank you!"

William chuckled at her reaction. "You like it?"

"Like it? Darling, I love it!"

Their shared laughter filled the room, and Julia playfully remarked, "But now you're making me feel bad." William was momentarily puzzled by her words, but then she turned around, retrieved a slightly longer rectangular box from her bag, and handed it to him. "If I had known we were exchanging gifts, I would have bought you something as well," she quipped with a playful tone.

It turned out to be a fortunate coincidence that Julia had William's gift ready in her bag, as she hadn't expected him to show up tonight. Nonetheless, she was pleased to have it.

And William couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he opened the box, revealing the neck chain Julia had noticed during their recent shopping trip.

"Wow, JJ… this is really cool," he said with genuine appreciation, offering her a grateful smile.

"Really?" she asked, a bit uncertain about whether he truly liked it or was simply being polite.

"Yes! I love it, it's amazing," he exclaimed with authentic enthusiasm. And as he wrapped his arms around Julia's slender figure, they shared a soft, intimate connection for a moment.

As they both stepped back, William took the bracelet and put it gently around Julia’s wrist, meanwhile her mind raced with questions. Did she truly love William? Then their eyes locked, and in that unspoken moment, the intensity of her feelings was undeniable.

However, their intimate moment was interrupted by a light chuckle. It was Phoebe, the sweet young girl who had been discreetly observing them.

Julia turned her head to face the young girl, her laughter bubbling up. "What's up, Phoebe?"

Phoebe simply giggled and pointed upwards. "You're standing under the mistletoe…" She indicated the little green plant hanging above them.

Both Julia and William looked up, exchanged glances, and realised that they were indeed standing beneath the mistletoe.

And Phoebe couldn't resist chiming in again, her innocent enthusiasm palpable. "Kiss."

A brief moment of hesitation hung in the air, uncertainty briefly engulfing them. But with a small amount of confidence, Julia decided to reach up and plant a gentle kiss on William's cheek. However, in that very same moment, he had the same idea, vice versa, and they accidentally found their lips meeting in a spontaneous and unexpected kiss.

The kiss, soft and tender, held an air of innocence in its brevity. Their lips met for just a fleeting moment, but it was enough to kindle a warm, fluttering sensation within Julia. As they stood there, locked in that intimate moment, she couldn't help but acknowledge just how much she had come to like this man. Her racing thoughts and the world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the gentle touch of their lips.

However, once again, Phoebe's giggle, a sweet and innocent sound, broke the spell, and she swiftly made her way back into the living room, leaving Julia and William in a shared moment of contemplation.

They both stood still for another minute, their eyes locked in a silent exchange, basking in the lingering warmth of their accidental kiss. And eventually, William offered a slight smirk, a glint of mischievousness in his eyes, and he broke the silence.

"God Jul, JJ," (Happy Christmas, JJ) he murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Julia, still feeling the fluttering warmth in her heart, didn't know how else to respond other than with the simple words, "Glædelig jul, Willy," (Merry Christmas, Willy) she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of tenderness.

Another moment of silence hung in the air, a brief pause pregnant with unspoken thoughts, before Rasmus intervened with a cheerful reminder.

"Come on, you two, we're having desserts!"

After enjoying their heavenly desserts, the guests gathered in the living room, the warmth of the fireplace adding a cosy touch to the atmosphere. Rasmus had casually settled into one of the lounge chairs, wearing a mischievous grin as he playfully gestured for Camille to come and join him in his lap. William, catching on to the playful mood, replicated the gesture to Julia, and not one to be left out, she swiftly joined in to jokingly mock the flirtatious couple. They all then began to share Christmas stories and their own family traditions, bringing up all sorts of childhood memories.

Laughter and warm conversations filled the room, creating a joyful and heart-warming atmosphere. And the cosy ambiance was almost too much for the two children to resist, and Phoebe quickly caved into the warmth, drifting off to sleep on the sofa, while Tyler, despite his best efforts to stay awake, eventually succumbed as well, his eyelids growing heavy as he slowly drifted off into dreamland.

And as the room was filled with the gentle hum of conversation and the crackling of the fire, the guests enjoyed each other's company on this magical Christmas night. Julia couldn't help but lean into William's comforting body, seeking solace in his presence amidst the cheerful atmosphere. Yet, she couldn't escape her own racing thoughts.

What frustrated her the most was that William seemed completely unbothered by their close proximity. He laughed and engaged in the conversation with ease, as if there was nothing unusual going on between them. It was as if they hadn't shared a timid kiss just a couple of hours earlier. His arm around her felt more like a friendly gesture, and it was becoming increasingly clear to Julia that he was indeed enjoying her company, just as a friend.

As the night wore on, Andrew left to take his children home for bedtime, and Pierre, Mathilda, and Timothy also decided it was time to say their goodbyes. That left Julia, William, Rasmus, Camille, and Leslie and his wife in the cosy living room.

Julia, ever the friendly soul, found herself naturally gravitating towards the kitchen to assist with the remaining clean-up. That until Camille, wearing a mischievous glint in her eye, approached her for a brief conversation.

"So… would you think less of me if I chose not to spend the night at your place?" she playfully inquired, her eyes subtly hinting at Rasmus.

Julia couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's flirtatious tone. "Seriously, Sandin?" She laughed, thinking about the unspoken connection between Camille and Rasmus that had been filling the air all evening, and let out a contented sigh, accompanied by a warm smile. "Well, does it really matter what I think?"

"Probably not…" Camille replied with a teasing grin.

Julia chuckled again and exchanged a knowing look with Camille. "Alright, go and enjoy yourself, babe."

With a chuckle, the two friends agreed to go their separate ways for the night, and Camille headed to the hallway to retrieve her coat and prepare to leave with Rasmus. Julia, catching the sly grin on Rasmus's face, as he approached her in the kitchen, couldn't resist sending them off without a playful remark.

"Oh, wipe that smirk off your handsome face, love! And you better treat her well," Julia advised Rasmus, approaching the Swede with a mock-serious tone.

Rasmus's grin widened as he responded, "Well, how about we call it even, JJ? I sleep with your best friend, just as you've slept with mine."

Julia's eyes widened at his comment. "What did you just say?"

"You heard it.” Rasmus chuckled. “I know about you and my boy, Willy."

"Fuck… You know?" Julia raised an eyebrow, still in disbelief and puzzlement about how he had found out. "How did you...?" She trailed off for a moment, the pieces of the puzzle coming together in her mind. "Cam?"

Rasmus nodded, his grin still in place.

“When?”

“When you and Willy were in the hallway, talking.”

Julia couldn’t hold back a light chuckle as she yielded to the truth and let out a soft sigh.

“Hey,” Rasmus added with a soft smile, “I’m just happy he’s getting some… or did.” He offered Julia a wink, and they shared another moment of laughter as Camille came to bid her final farewell, and she and Rasmus made their way out of the house.

About a minute later, Mrs. Evans approached Julia. "Here, let me finish up, dear. Thank you so much for everything tonight."

Julia responded with a warm smile, offering her appreciation to the gracious lady, before she then proceeded to the living room, where she found William standing.

"Looks like it's just you and I left," he remarked, a smile adorning his face.

“Seems like it,” Julia returned his smile.

And with a little hesitation, amidst the soft music, William then spoke again. “Dance with me?” he timidly asked, letting out his hand for her.

Julia returned his smile, her eyes glistening in the room's soft light. Her heart quickened at the mere thought of slow dancing with William in the cosy living room, causing her palms to grow sweaty and her blood to course with exhilaration.

However, she reminded herself to remain composed. William was her friend, and he was merely extending a friendly invitation.

With a gentle shake of her head, she released a soft sigh. "Actually, I'd like to head home," she said with a tender voice. "I'm feeling a bit tired." She added a sweet smile to her words, and William nodded.

"At least let me drive you home?" he offered kindly.

Julia gave a slight nod, and together, they made their way to the hallway to retrieve their coats from the wardrobe. And after bidding their farewells to the Evans family, Julia and William embarked on a drive through the bustling streets of Toronto, a familiar journey they had taken many times before.

As soft music played in the background, the city's lights passed by the car's windows, and Julia found herself lost in thought, trying to gather her emotions.

"Hey, you’re ok?" William gently inquired, attempting to catch her gaze, his voice carried a touch of concern.

Shaking her head, Julia turned to face him and offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, just a bit tired." And accepting her response, William nodded and refocused on the snowy road ahead.

It had truly been an amazing day, filled with warmth, delicious food, a family-like atmosphere, and cosy vibes. Julia couldn't help but smile at the thought of how lovely her night had been. She hadn't missed her family as much as she had feared, and the best part was that she hadn't even thought for a second about Ezra or the anniversary of their engagement that she and he were supposed to celebrate.

It had been the perfect night, and as Julia turned her head to appreciate the handsome man beside her, she couldn't deny the depth of her feelings.

But her stream of thoughts was interrupted by the car coming to a stop, and a quiet moment enveloped them as the two friends exchanged gentle smiles.

Julia then briefly parted her lips, trying to find the words she longed to say – word like 'I've got feelings for you, Willy' or 'I think I want something more than friendship' – forming in her thoughts. However, her voice seemed to fail her, and nothing came out.

William sat in momentary curiosity, as if waiting for her to open up. But instead, he initiated the conversation. "Thank you for a fantastic day, JJ. It was a lot of fun," he said, flashing her a sweet grin.

Setting aside the choice of revealing her feelings, Julia found it easier to express her gratitude. "You're most welcome, Willy. It's me who should be thanking you – you've truly made this Christmas perfect," her eyes shimmered in the soft car lights.

With a light chuckle, William simply nodded. "Let’s agree we both made this holiday perfect for each other." To which Julia responded with a matching laugh of agreement. And before leaving the car, she gently placed a soft kiss on William's cheek and proceeded to her apartment building.

December 26th

The day after Christmas found Julia in a state of emotional turmoil. Her feelings for William had grown far deeper than she ever anticipated, and it left her with a persistent ache in her chest. Seeking comfort, she opted for the classic approach of a grown woman in need - she cocooned herself on the sofa, donned her cosiest pyjamas, and cradled a steaming cup of tea, all while indulging in a heart-warming Christmas movie: Love Actually.

Though. she had watched this movie countless times, its familiar storyline provided a comforting backdrop to her thoughts. The film's heart-warming tales of love and connection served as both a balm and a reminder of the complexities of her own feelings.

Meanwhile, Camille returned from her night with Rasmus, an evening filled with excitement and details that she was far from shy to share. It was precisely what Julia needed to lighten her mood, and Camille joined her on the sofa after a refreshing shower, with all sorts of comforting snacks in hand, earning for Julia to pause the movie.

With a mischievous grin, Camille couldn't help but share the wonders of the night, emphasizing Rasmus' extraordinary physique.

“I’m just sayin’! That hockey boy’s got quite the stick.”

“I didn’t really need to know that Cam!” Julia exclaimed with a chuckle.

But Camille simply shrugged, her tone playfully defiant. “What? He was a good time,” she said with a smirk.

And the two friends shared a chuckle as they snuggled under the blanket on the sofa, indulging in chocolates and popcorns. However, the laughter gradually faded, and Julia's heavy emotions began to resurface.

Camille, adopting a more serious tone, gently but firmly voiced her concern. “Babe, you've got to tell him how you feel…”

Julia, still grappling with her emotions, responded with a touch of vulnerability in her voice. "I know, I just don't know how... I mean, I don't want to risk it, you know... I'm not sure if I can handle another heartache." Her eyes laid bare the depth of her inner turmoil, and Camille could see the battle raging within her best friend's heart.

"He's not Ezra, JJ," she offered, doing her best to console her friend.

Julia managed to muster her best smile. "I know – it's worse; he's actually a good lad," she joked. “And by the way… we have got to do something about you sharing our secrets! I can’t believe you told Sandin…” Julia exclaimed, earning a loud laughter from Camille.

“Ah come on – I know you like when I pish your boundaries… besides, that’s what best friends are for.”

Their light laughter once again filled the room, a moment of shared comfort in the face of emotional uncertainty. And as they finished their cups of tea and chattered about all sorts of stories about dating, heartaches, one-night-stands and more, Julia’s mind gradually came ease.

"Alright, enough with the heavy," Julia then spoke, eager to shift away from the sombre mood. She brightened up and offered a warm smile. "If you’ve got to do my hair, let's do it now before I open one of my fancy wines and we get all pissed."

And with those words, Camille exclaimed her excitement and. Julia turned off the telly only to retrieve her best vinyl records – The Best of All Christmas Bangers – a gift she had received from her father the previous Christmas, to place on the record player.

As the festive tunes filled the room, Julia settled into the chair, ready for Camille to work her magic on her hair, all while enjoying the cheerful music. The combination of Camille's skilled hands and the upbeat melodies brought a sense of joy and lightness to the atmosphere. The prospect of indulging in fine wine and loud music, with her best friend by her side, helped Julia momentarily forget her heartache and revel in the simple pleasures of life.

And as soon as her hair was done, all bright with new highlights and a fresh haircut, all skilfully done by Camille, more wine was poured, photos were taken and snapchats were send.

As the wine flowed and their spirits lifted, Camille's brilliant idea of a fashion show added a playful twist to their evening. It began with them showcasing their fashionable clothing, posing, and strutting around the room. The music and laughter only heightened the sense of fun and adventure.

Meanwhile, William was spending the day and evening with his team. Even though they had a road trip ahead of them, they had all agreed to gather at the Scotiabank Arena along with the trainers and staff of the MLSE to share in the Christmas spirit. It had become a cherished tradition for the team on Boxing Day, a day for them to come together as the close-knit family that they had become after years of spending so much time together.

During this special occasion, team managers delivered heartfelt speeches about the season ahead and what they were looking forward to. However, the emphasis was not only on the professional side of the game but also on the personal and spiritual aspects. They highlighted the significance of supporting one another as teammates and building and maintaining the strong bond between them. This time was a reminder of the deeper connections that existed between them, beyond the world of hockey.

As William returned to his condo, he couldn't help but notice the numerous Snapchat notifications from Julia on his phone, and a smile graced his face as he went through the mix of photos and videos that showed Julia and Camille enjoying their day. It was clear they were having a good time, relishing good food, and savouring wine after what seemed to be a spa day and self-pampering.

And just as he had comfortably settled onto his spacious sofa and was clicking through the photos, he suddenly stumbled upon a different picture of Julia. She was striking a pose in her finest bright red lingerie, her confidence radiating from her fit, slender body, her cascading blond hair, and her bright smile was a beacon in the photo.

William momentarily held his breath, captivated by the sensual image of his friend. Even though he knew it probably wasn't sent as a direct flirtation to him but was part of the series of snapshots, he simply couldn't tear his eyes away.

Julia was sexy. Full stop.

Everything from her curvy figure to her vibrant smile and sparkling eyes was undeniably alluring. And suddenly memories of their first night together flooded back to him as if it had happened just yesterday. As he relived that evening, a certain bulge began to form in his joggers, and his palm grew slightly sweaty. His heart raced a little faster as he found himself drawn into the alluring image of his friend, a powerful reminder of the undeniable attraction that had once ignited between them.

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 11

Summary: As December continues its merry way, Julia finally realises her deep feelings for her best friend, and as the playmaker Camille turns out to be; Charlie finds out about Julia’s little secret;

Tags:

Author’s notes: (I truly feel like I should start a Swedish course… jk); anyways, so I couldn’t resist any longer, and we’re diving headfirst into an emotional pit of love, confessions, confusions and more; I think I’ve written this chapter about three times, but I’ve finally settled on this version; and I hope you enjoy it;

Words count: 5.5K+

"All I Want for Christmas Is..."

Tuesday, 13th - ANA 0 @ TOR 7

December was turning into a real whirlwind for Julia. Between balancing her workload, Face Timing her family, and keeping up with all the hockey games, life was anything but calm. Yet, strangely, she found herself embracing the chaos. Meanwhile, Charlie had to work some magic to align her own schedule with Auston's hectic calendar, but luckily for the young couple they managed to make it work.

And amidst the chaos, the holiday spirit prevailed. Julia was determined not to let anything throw her off track this time of year. Christmas was all around, and she was determined to soak it all in. And William, with his ever-positive attitude, played a vital role in keeping her spirits high. He was exactly the kind of friend she needed at this moment.

Furthermore, the wives and girlfriends of the hockey team welcomed Julia with open arms, making her feel like one of their own. She had started to form a particularly close bond with Aryne, the captain's wife, who was now expecting the couple’s third child. And Aryne appreciated Julia’s company and the fact that she kept her two lively boys, Jace and Axton, occupied during the game's second intermission of the night.

Tonight's home game had turned out to be a breeze for the Leafs, with a score of 4-0 by the end of the second period.

And while Julia took a breather from her playtime with the young boys, she came to join Aryne. Laughter filled the room as the partners gathered in small groups during the break.

Aryne, looking at Julia, couldn't help but smile. "They really like you, don't they? And you them."

Julia returned the smile with a wide grin. "Oh, I enjoy their company, although I have to admit their energy levels are a tad higher than mine." She breathed out.

Aryne chuckled appreciatively. "Well, I'm grateful you're keeping them busy."

While most of the women had headed home to tuck in their children, as the game didn't warrant staying up late, Aryne took the chance to strike up a conversation with Julia.

"So, JJ, how are you really holding up?" She asked, genuine concern evident in her voice.

Julia chuckled lightly. “I'm great - a little lightheaded from the running around, but other than that I’m great… Why do you ask?”

Aryne offered Julia a friendly smile. “Well, John just mentioned that Willy seems to be a little worried about you.”

"Willy's worried about me?" Julia responded, a slightly surprised expression on her face. "He's mentioned that?"

Aryne smiled gently. "You know how men can be, not always the most talkative about their feelings. But John has a way of noticing these things, and apparently, Willy's had mentioned something about you in the locker room."

Julia was momentarily taken aback. She hadn't anticipated William discussing her, let alone his concerns, with his teammates. While she knew they had a close bond, she didn't think he was the type to share his thoughts like that. But clearly, she was mistaken.

"That's really sweet of him... but yes, I'm perfectly fine," she reassured Aryne with a warm smile. "It's just this season, you know. Loads of emotions. But honestly, I feel great, thanks to all of you being so incredibly considerate and kind. I genuinely feel like a part of this group."

Julia was indeed grateful for the team and how the other women had welcomed her into their tight-knit hockey family. Not having her own family around was definitely made easier by the company of these girls. And, of course, William.

Aryne chuckled. "Well, JJ, you're just as much a part of this family as anyone." The two women stood in a comfortable silence, savouring the heartfelt moment before she continued. "So... just between us two, how are you and Willy?"

With a soft smile and a light chuckle, Julia briefly looked down at the glass in her hand before turning back to Aryne. "We're really good friends," she replied with a sigh and a smile.

But Aryne remained persistent, offering her a mischievous and sweet grin. "Are you sure? I might not be up to date with the youngsters, but I can see the sparks between you."

Julia couldn't help but chuckle again. "Why does everyone keep saying that? We're just close... I suppose we have a connection, that's all."

Aryne spoke softly once more. "Well, I might have been out of the dating game for a while, but if you ever think it could be more, I believe you'd make a great match."

And just as Julia was about to respond, the third period was about to begin. "Saved by the bell, huh, she chuckled lightly.

As the final bell rang, the Leafs celebrated their well-deserved victory with a commanding 7-0 score.

But unfortunately, the sweet taste of victory didn't last very long.

The following Thursday, Charlie had invited Julia over to Auston's condo for an evening together, featuring a delightful dinner and some project work, and they both sported their jerseys and settled on the spacious sofa, accompanied by Auston's loyal dog, Felix, and William's two doodles.

Auston had had the brilliant idea that since Julia was taking such good care of William's dogs while they were on the road, why not have Charlie look after his own little fur baby too?

And Charlie gladly took on the responsibility, especially since it provided a perfect excuse to spend time at Auston's place, which was far more spacious than her own tiny flat.

Julia, of course, was happy to join her, and had Banksy and Pablo by her side as always when William was away.

But despite the cosy atmosphere among the five of them, the match didn't turn out in their favour. The Leafs put up a good fight, but the Rangers showcased their strength on their home turf at Madison Square Garden and clinched a 3-1 victory.

And sadly, it appeared that the Leafs were in the midst of a losing streak.

On Saturday, the wives and girlfriends came together, as they often did, to cheer on their partners and spend quality time over a traditional girls' dinner. However, the hockey match once again proved to be a challenge, with the Washington Capitals facing off against the Leafs and securing a 5-2 victory. Despite the energy and determination, they put into it, the boys had to return home with their spirits down.

Julia, knowing how the recent string of defeats had affected William, did her best to send positive energy his way during their regular evening chats, as she had just returned to his condo after taking Pablo and Banksy for a late-night walk before heading back to her own flat.

As always, they briefly touched upon the ups and downs of the games, but quickly changed the subject onto someone more cheerful to the both of them.

"So, how much have you spoiled them this time?" William chuckled through the screen, trying to lighten the mood.

"Me, spoiling your dogs? Never," Julia playfully replied. "Besides, I don't really think you're the one to talk... if anyone spoils these two, it's you, Willy."

"Hmm, I think you might have a point," William admitted, offering a small grin.

The two of them shared a brief laugh, finding solace in each other's virtual company, even when miles apart, as Julia made her way through his living room.

“By the way, I think I have to confess something…” she began, earning a slightly raised eyebrow from William. “I may have done something..." Julia nervously chuckled, her tone changing as she hinted at a surprise.

"What have you done, JJ?" William's curiosity was piqued.

"It's nothing bad, Willy... hopefully… it might even cheer you up a bit after that not-so-great match," Julia offered a gentle smile as she moved to the kitchen and opened the fridge. "I cooked Swedish meatballs... with gravy and mashed potatoes."

William was momentarily lost for words, his surprise evident in his expression.

"You what?" he grinned, genuinely touched.

"I guess, it was supposed to be sort of a surprise, but given the shitty game, maybe now it's something you can just look forward to," she nervously chuckled once again.

William couldn't contain his happiness, and he burst into a joyful laughter. "Aw, you're amazing, JJ!"

"Really?" Julia's voice held a hint of uncertainty.

"Oh, you have no idea," William assured her, his affection for her shining through.

Sunday, 18th

"Aaaaahhhh!" Julia shrieked sprinting towards her best friend Camille in the Pearson airport's bustling halls, her face lighting up with uncontainable excitement, as she enveloped her in a warm, tight hug.

“Can’t believe you’re actually here babe!”

Camille had thoughtfully taken a few days off from work to visit Julia during the holidays, and Julia was overjoyed to have her best friend in the same city again. Despite their frequent FaceTime calls, the vast distance separating Toronto and London just seemed to be a tangible barrier, especially with the challenging time difference.

"So, how's everything?" Camille inquired, her eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity, as they loaded their bags into the car's boot.

"Alright," Julia chuckled, slipping into the driver's seat next to Camille.

"I can see it's more than alright, JJ," Camille playfully teased. "Quite the fancy car you've got here, huh."

Julia smiled at her friend as she started the engine of the spacious Volvo. "Well, it belongs to Willy – it's not mine," she said with a cheeky wink.

Julia had naturally kept Camille up to date with everything, however, Camille was more than intrigued to see what was truly going on got herself.

"Mm-hmm... so, borrowing his car, taking care of his dogs... is there something you're not telling me, babe?" A mischievous grin spread across her face.

"Nope," Julia replied with a simple shake of her head. “That’s all.”

Camille leaned back in her seat and chuckled. "Oh, you're definitely the worst liar, JJ – but I've got a few days to force it out of you, whatever it will take."

And with that, the two girls embarked on their journey towards midtown, their shared laughter echoing within the car, while they sang along to the music filling the air with harmonious joy.

Meanwhile, across the city, William, Rasmus, Timothy, and Pierre were hanging out at William's condo, indulging in the delectable leftovers Julia had thoughtfully prepared.

"Jag kan inte fatta att hon faktiskt lagade svenska köttbullar... detta är fantastiskt," (I can’t believe she actually cooked Swedish meatballs… this is amazing) Timothy exclaimed in awe, his appreciation for the delicious food evident.

William hadn't initially planned to share his favourite dish from his homeland, but the moment he sent the snap to his friends, they wasted no time heading over. And fortunately for them, Julia had prepared an abundance of food, enough to feed the entire team.

Amidst the chill atmosphere among the lads, William simply nodded in agreement, savouring a mouthful of the creamy mashed potatoes with a gravy that tasted almost like his mother’s. "Jag vet, men hon älskar att laga mat, och jag klagar inte när hon lämnar mat här..." (I know, but she just loves to cook, and I don’t complain that she leaves leftovers here…)

And Rasmus couldn't resist making a playful comment, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Jag kan inte tro att hon faktiskt gör så mycket för dig... detta är nästan på fru-nivå." (I can’t believe she actually does so much for you… I mean this is almost wifey level material.

"Kom igen, det är bara JJ - hon har passat hundarna, så klart kan hon göra vad hon vill här..."(Come on, it’s just JJ – she’s been watching the dogs, so of course she can just do whatever she wants here…) William responded with a light-hearted chuckle, attempting to downplay the situation.

Rasmus, however, continued to tease his best friend about his denial, prodding, "Kom igen, Willy, du kan inte lura oss för alltid. Det måste finnas något mer mellan dig och JJ, eller hur?" (Come on, Willy, you can't fool us forever. There's definitely something more between you and JJ, isn't there)

But William did nothing but roll his eyes with an amused grin. "Vi är verkligen bara nära vänner, Ras. Inget mer." (We're just really close friends, Ras. Nothing more.)

Unbeknownst to William, his friends had already concocted a sneaky plan to nudge the boundaries a little. They knew their friend well enough to realise he was in complete denial about his feelings about his female British friend. And given that William wasn't always the most expressive about his sensitive emotions, they decided to push some buttons.

”Nåväl, om det inte är mer än det, vad sägs om att du går med Sara och mig på en dubbeldejt? Hon har en söt vän, Lindsey." (Well, if there's nothing more to it, how about you join Sara and me for a double date? She’s got a cute friend, Lindsey) Timothy decided to add his own twist to the conversation, with a playful glint in his eye.

William hesitated for a moment, wanting to stick to his story. But then Timothy chimed in once again, attempting to ease the pressure, "Det behöver inte vara en dejt - kom bara och häng med oss” (It doesn't have to be a date - just come and hang out with us.)

"Ja, kanske är det en bra möjlighet att lära känna någon ny?" (Yeah, maybe it's a good opportunity to get to know someone new?) Rasmus joined in as well, offering his perspective.

William, not quite sure why his friends were suddenly so persistent about him going out with someone, decided not to overthink it, and simply let out a sigh. "Nåväl, bra,” (Alright, fine) he conceded. "Jag ska hänga med er på dubbeldejten” (I'll join you guys for the double date.)

Tuesday, 20th - TBL 1 @ TOR 4

On the following Tuesday, Julia and Charlie decided to give Camille the full experience of a home hockey game, hoping she'd get a taste of the lively atmosphere that enveloped their lives during the season. And the atmosphere in the arena was almost tangible as the Leafs faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where it was clear that the Leafs were putting their all into the game, determined to break their streak of bad luck. And in the end, they emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-1 win.

After the game, the post-game celebrations were in full swing, and Camille couldn't help but notice an intriguing figure across the room. So, she turned to Julia with a sly grin and inquired, "Mmm, who's that?" Her eyes were fixed on none other than Rasmus Sandin, and her interest was undeniable.

"That's Rasmus... just another Swede," Julia replied with a chuckle, noting Camille's unmistakable attraction. "Cam, he's like 8 years younger than you."

Camille, never one to miss a chance to flirt, playfully responded, "Oh, no one can tell that in the dark," and added a wink for emphasis.

With a mutual smirk, Rasmus, accompanied by William, approached the girls, and Julia took the opportunity to introduce her friend to the guys, particularly to Rasmus since she had already met William months ago.

"Camille... that's a nice name," the intrigued Swede remarked with a flirty smile.

Camille, still in her playful mood, responded with a twinkle in her eye, "Oh, you like that, you should hear my phone number."

Rasmus couldn't help but chuckle, and there was a flirty exchange of banter between the two, leaving William standing next to them, joining in the laughter. Julia, on the other hand, simply chuckled and rolled her eyes as she shook her head at the playful interaction between Camille and Rasmus.

Just then, Auston decided to change the subject, breaking the sexual tension in the air. "So, do you ladies have any exciting plans while you're here in the city?"

Camille replied, "Oh, not really. I saw most of the attractions the last time when I helped JJ move here, but I believe we still have a few bars we need to check out," her playful tone earning a response from Charlie.

"And I'll definitely need that," she chimed in, "after all the work we've been doing these past couple of weeks."

But Auston couldn't help but sound a bit jealous as he became more curious about his girlfriend's social life. "When are you going out?"

And sensing the slight change in atmosphere, Julia tried to explain. "Well, on Thursday, after the project wrap-up – the managers have arranged a company thing, and everyone will go out for dinner and a few drinks."

"Will you make it in time for the hockey game?" Auston asked, his smile fading a little, and Charlie suddenly felt the need to reassure her boyfriend.

"Of course, Aus," she simply replied with a gentle voice.

And of course, playful as always, Camille added a cheeky remark, "Don't worry, lover boy, we'll make sure Cinderella gets back in time before the spell wavers off. Besides, JJ here has got a little date of her own."

Julia seemed surprised by this revelation. "I do?" she asked, earning Camille's explanation.

"Yeah, with that handsome silver fox who couldn't keep his eyes off you yesterday at the office."

“Hang on,” Charlie chimed in, equally surprised, "Marcus Kirkland asked you out?"

"Who's Marcus?" William suddenly joined in on the confusion, causing Julia to clarify.

"He's the investor Andrew and I had dinner with a few weeks ago... and it's not a date, it's just a couple of drinks over a chat of good business," she emphasised, noticing the glances from her group of friends.

"I think he's got a bit more than business on his mind, though,” Camille added, her mischievous grin earning an eye roll from Julia.

However, the mention of the invitation seemed to stir something within William; something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was a strange feeling, something that seemed only vaguely familiar, akin to the time back in Raleigh when Julia had spent the evening talking to Freddie. But, as always, he simply brushed it aside and carried on with the evening's celebrations.

As for his own date on the following day, it turned out to be just fine.

The group of friends had a wonderful time out in the beautifully decorated city, with Christmas lights casting a magical glow all around. They shared a light dinner, where conversations flowed effortlessly, and laughter filled the air.

It was no surprise that Lindsey was easily attracted to William. His social and charming characteristics had a way of winning over just about anyone, and by the end of the night, she had no hesitation in offering him her contact information.

However, William couldn't help but feel that something was missing. While Lindsey was undeniably sweet and incredibly attractive, he simply didn't feel that spark he hoped for when starting a romantic relationship. Nevertheless, he accepted her contact information with a flirty smile, thinking it might be nice to have the opportunity for some casual, commitment-free company for a night.

To be fair, it wasn't that William was actively seeking a romantic relationship, though lately, he had been grappling with a sense of longing. Perhaps it was triggered by seeing all of his mates in happy relationships, filled with love and joy. So somehow, he found himself yearning for that kind of connection, someone to share both the happy and not-so-happy days with.

Thursday, 22nd - PHI 3 @ TOR 4

As the holiday season approached its joyful end, Thursday turned out to be a particularly challenging day for Julia and Charlie. They were up against the final deadline for their project, and the pressure had been mounting for months. Julia, in particular, felt the weight of the responsibility, as this was her first major project for the office, and nerves gnawed at her.

However, to their immense relief, the final documents they submitted were well-received by those in charge, and both Charlie and Julia couldn't contain their excitement as they realised they could finally relax and shift their focus to the upcoming Christmas Eve.

Following the gruelling day of work, all the employees, and some of the managers were invite out for a lovely dinner, which was an opportunity to unwind and celebrate the successful completion of their project. And as dinner concluded, Charlie made a swift exit from the fancy restaurant, managing to arrive just in time for the third period of the hockey game.

As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, the Leafs celebrated a hard-fought 4-3 victory against the Flyers. Players and their partners gathered in the hallway, and Stephanie was the first to express her surprise, exclaiming, "What? Willy went out on a date with someone?"

William, as usual, took his time with post-game training and extended showers, allowing the friends some space to discuss the matter.

"Well, sort of... we didn't think he'd actually do it,” Rasmus tried to explain the situation.

And Timothy chimed in, "Honestly, we just thought he'd say no, or maybe go out with her and then realise that he was actually into JJ... which unfortunately wasn’t the case." The swede let out a deep sigh.

Silence settled among the group as Mitch considered the approach. "Hm, well, it does sound like it could have been a good plan...

Since the gala, the group of friends had occasionally shared their thoughts about William and Julia, all determined to find out when they would admit their deep feelings for each other. Yet, every time conversations came upon the topic l, they always led to the same conclusion: "We're just good friends."

"So, what now? We don't do anything?” Tessa asked, still a bit puzzled. “Willy may or may not hook up with this Lindsey chick, and JJ's out with that investor."

"Maybe they just need a little push in the right direction,” Mitch then suggested with a curious expression.

But Stephanie questioned Mitch's idea. "What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously, none of them ever realises their feelings for each other, so maybe we should try to give them some hints... you know," Mitch explained further, earning a few nods from the friends.

However, Stephanie remained hesitant. "I don't know, should we really be meddling? I mean, they are our friends, and it’s their feeling you want to meddle with... maybe they're just not into each other like that."

But then Auston stepped in, supporting Mitch's idea. "Oh, come on, even a blind person can see that they are, Steph."

With a deep sigh, Charlie, who originally had the same thoughts as Stephanie, decided to agree with the group, as she too wanted for the romance to unfold. "Alright, maybe just a tiny push then..."

Meanwhile, in the glitzy ambiance of the upscale bar, Julia and Camille immersed themselves in the lively atmosphere of their evening out. The place was adorned with chic decorations, the cocktails served were nothing short of exquisite, and the music throbbed, creating an electric vibe that enveloped the crowd.

And as the night continued, Julia found herself engaged in a conversation with Marcus. He exuded suave charisma, with a twinkle in his eye, and his words were laced with a hint of flirtation as he charmed and tried to capture her attention. His subtle compliments and engaging banter were meant to impress her.

Julia, however, although appreciative of the conversation, wasn't quite feeling the same attraction. Her responses were friendly but not overly flirtatious, and she skilfully deflected the conversation from taking a romantic turn. She was there to enjoy the evening with her colleagues and friends, and Marcus's advances, while flattering, weren't kindling the spark he might have hoped for.

Friday 23rd –

The morning after their night out turned out to be surprisingly hangover-free, so Julia and Camille, feeling rather fresh, teamed up with Charlie and Stephanie for some last-minute Christmas shopping. The city streets were alive with holiday cheer, adorned with twinkling lights and store windows adorned in festive finery., and as they strolled through the bustling shops, they were on a mission to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

In the midst of their shopping adventure, Julia's attention was captivated by a jewellery store display that couldn't be missed. Amidst the glitzy cufflinks and oversized rings, she spotted something that screamed 'Willy' to her. It was a sleek silver chain, much like the one he often sported, and it had a small emblem in the centre with the word 'home' written in elegant cursive.

After a few hours of retail therapy, the girls decided to regroup at Stephanie's place for some impromptu Christmas baking and a good old-fashioned girl chat. In Stephanie's warm and cosy kitchen, they adorned themselves with colourful aprons and dove into the delightful mess of mixing, baking, and decorating festive cookies. Julia, known for her baking skills, naturally took charge, guiding her friends through the art of cookie-making. Amid the laughter, stories, and lively discussions about their upcoming holiday plans, the kitchen transformed into a hub of warmth and friendship.

And as they were fully engrossed in their festive bake-off, Mitch made a surprise entrance, wearing a mischievous grin and a glint in his eye, unable to resist stirring the pot.

"So, JJ, have you got any more details on Willy's date the other night?" Mitch prodded as with a sly smile.

Julia, slightly taken by surprise, let out a chuckle, "What date?"

The girls exchanged knowing looks, tacitly agreeing to go along with Mitch's playful push, curious to see where the conversation might lead. And while they casually continued their festive cookie-baking session, Charlie continued the conversation.

"Well, maybe not a 'date,' but the guys mentioned that Tim's girlfriend had set him up to meet someone."

Julia's heart skipped a quick beat upon hearing that William might be seeing someone, but she instinctively quickly brushed it off and offered her friends a sweet smile. "Oh... well, he hasn't mentioned anything about that. But I mean, if he's going out with someone, good for him. That's nice," she responded, attempting to maintain an air of casual nonchalance.

"You're all right with that?" Stephanie, ever perceptive, continued to probe.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be okay with that?" Julia chuckled softly and did her best to downplay her emotions.

However, Mitch, the perpetual provocateur, couldn't resist prodding a bit further. "Well, if someone I was in love with went on a date with someone..."

Julia's eyes widened, and she quickly interjected, " 'In love with'? I'm not in love with Willy."

The girls exchanged meaningful glances, casually stopping their work, and then turned their attention back to Julia.

"Are you really sure about that?" Charlie raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on her friend, who felt somewhat cornered, and nervously, Julia started fiddling with the cookie decorations as she began to ramble.

"I like Willy just as much as the next guy. I mean, I care about him a lot, and I might have some strong feelings for him…" Julia's voice quickened as her words spilled out. "But that doesn't necessarily mean I'm in love with him, right? He's my best friend, and, sure, he's good-looking and all... he's just an amazing and wonderful person... and we have a lot of fun together… so yeah, maybe I do have some loving and, you know, sexual feelings towards him, which could perhaps mean that I do love him."

The room fell into a moment of stunned silence, and the girls gasped in surprise. Then Julia, growing increasingly frustrated, almost shrieked.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"We thought you knew!” Stephanie tried to explain.

Julia shook her head in disbelief. "We?"

"Yes, we all know,” Charlie added. “We talk about it all the time.”

Julia was taken aback. "You all know? Does Willy know?"

"Oh no, Willy doesn't know anything. He's clueless about this,” Charlie clarified.

But Julia was still trying to wrap her head around the information. "Oh my god! I can't believe this… fuck..."

A brief pause followed, during which Julia continued to grapple with her thoughts, her frustration evident.

"But hey, this is a good thing, right?" Stephanie chimed in, offering a reassuring perspective. "Now you know how you feel, and you can finally tell him."

"What... no, no, no, no, no – I can't tell him," Julia resisted the idea.

"Why not?” Stephanie inquired. “What's the worst that can happen?"

"He could hear me…” Julia expressed her concern. “Come on, Willy's my best friend. I can't tell him that I'm in love with him; it'll freak him out! And besides, what if he doesn't feel the same, and- and I end up ruining our friendship?"

The girls offered her concerned yet comforting expressions, but Charlie persisted, "But what if he does? Don't you want to find out?"

Julia shook her head. "No - I mean, I like the way things are, and I really don't want to risk ruining anything..."

"Come on, JJ - you have to tell him; you guys are perfect for each other," Charlie countered.

Julia, still grappling with her feelings, couldn’t help but express her reservations. "Hm, I don't really think we are,” she pondered her friend's words. “We're actually quite opposite..."

"Well, you know what they say; opposites attract!" Stephanie chimed in with the common saying.

However, Julia remained uncertain. "Yeah, I don't think the force is that strong. And it's probably just a crush, anyways, because we've spent so much time together, and I've taken care his dogs..."

"So, you're really not going to tell him?" Stephanie pressed further, earning Julia to shake her head, her worries and doubts evident.

"I don't think so…"

But Charlie decided to remain persistent and continued to encourage her. "Oh, JJ, you have to! Why wouldn't you?"

"Because we're friends!” Julia hesitated, then gave voice to her insecurities. “Besides, it'll probably never work out – Willy’s like this golden retriever, who's always energetic and in a good mood, and everybody adores him - and I'm … I'm just me…"

Silence filled the room once again until Camille spoke up, cutting through the tension. "Wow, Ezra really messed you up, huh…"

"What do you mean?" Julia asked, surprised by the mention of her ex-fiancé.

"'Just you'? What do you mean, 'just you'?" Camille spoke her mind with unwavering sincerity, her voice strong and confident. "JJ, you're the most amazing, intelligent, caring, and wonderful babe we know! You deserve the world… and if Willy doesn't see that, he's a fucking idiot."

Julia let out a deep sigh, showing her gratitude to her friend.

And then Charlie joined the conversation, emphasising, "Besides, you said it yourself; he's good for you - and I think we all know that you're good for him."

"Thanks, ladies.” Julia chuckled softly, her mood lightening. “But I think it's just all good fun between us." She let out a relaxed sigh, mentally reassuring herself that the affection she felt for her best friend was just that.

However, Camille, always ready to provoke, interjected with a mischievous grin, "Well, a good relationship does often begin with lots of fun and incredible sex, just saying."

"WHAT?" Charlie and Stephanie exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Julia widened her eyes in response to Camille's unexpected revelation and did her best to avoid the inquisitive stares from her friends, as the two Canadians were equally baffled.

And then Charlie finally inquired, "You've had sex with Willy?"

Julia pursed her lips together, mentally scolding herself. Of course, she knew that she couldn't have kept this secret hidden forever.

"You haven’t told them?" Camille asked, realising she might have spilled the beans, but also astonished that Julia had kept this information to herself all this time, earning for her to simply shake her head.

Mitch, still taken aback, flashed a knowing smile. "I knew it! But why keep it a secret?"

It felt like an emotional roller-coaster for Julia as she was still trying to gather her thoughts and form a sentence.

"I just... I don't know - it was just a one-night thing. It wasn't supposed to mean anything,” she explained, her voice soft and gentle. “But then he turned up at Charlie’s birthday, and I couldn't exactly avoid him every time we were at a match. So, I guess I just kept it to myself, and then when we started becoming good friends, we were both content with what it had turned out to be."

"But, like, how did it happen?" Mitch, ever curious, probed for details.

And Julia let out a deep sigh after recounting the full story from their first encounter to how he left in the morning and what they’d talked about when they had been alone. And in a way, it felt liberating to finally share the secret she'd been holding onto for months.

"Well, that does explain a few things," Stephanie said with a reassuring smile. "I mean, you two just seemed to have had a special connection from the very beginning."

And Charlie nodded in agreement, before adding, "What I don’t understand is why you felt you couldn't tell us..."

Julia could sense a touch of disappointment in Charlie's expression, and with another deep sigh, she confessed, "I suppose deep down, I just didn’t want to admit to what had happened and that I'd felt somewhat hurt."

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 8 –

Summary; Pablo and Banksy are once again pulling the strings in the intricate dance between Julia and William – those mischievous little matchmakers. But that's not all; the team's captain decides it's high time for all the players to channel their inner gentlemen and find themselves a date for the upcoming charity event.

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, soft!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; there might be a rollercoaster of emotions ahead; and a fleeting mention of death (briefly);

A/N; Brace yourself for pure fluff; And, oh, if you happen to be a tall, fit sales assistant, please don't take offence – you're surely a wonderful person! This story also features a delightful blend of languages, adding a special connection between our two Scandinavians; and while we may not be at the grand finale just yet, consider this a tantalising step towards the torturous delight of an ongoing slow burn; So, sit back, relax, and let the enchantment begin! 😉

Words: 5.8K

“We're drivin' down the road; I wonder if you know”

Monday 21st - TOR 2 - NYI 3 (OT)

On a fateful Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the New York Islanders in a match that had the arena filled with excitement, and fans found themselves on the edge of their seats, as regular time had ended in a solid 2-2 draw, providing both teams the opportunity to go for the win as the overtime commenced. However, no one could stand against Beauvillier’s wrist shot after just two minutes, and the match ultimately ended in disappointment as the Islanders managed to score in overtime, securing a 3-2 victory over the Leafs.

But, despite the loss, following the game, Julia found herself engaging in some light-hearted banter with Charlie, the significant others, and the players, where Auston couldn't resist offering Charlie a cheeky remark or two.

“Now, please don't do anything stupid while we're on the road," he teased with a light chuckle, his gaze focused on the tall lady by his side. The team was about to go on a week-long road trip, and Auston tried his best to conceal his deep fear of missing Charlie too much with a joke.

"Aus, I'm just getting a tattoo - no big deal, your arm is literally covered in them," Charlie retorted, always quick with a witty reply. Her playful smile drew a soft grin from Auston before he then turned his attention to Julia, curiosity getting the better of him.

"How about you, JJ? You're getting one as well, or are you too afraid of needles?"

And as Julia found herself in the spotlight, she was about to fire back with a reply, but then William turned out to think a little faster and chimed in, revealing a slightly surprising fact about her. "JJ's already got a tattoo, a rather big one actually, on her thigh."

A comment that caused the room to fall into a hushed silence, and Julia's eyes widened in bafflement. She wasn't exactly expecting for William to tell this so casually. Not that she was ashamed of it - not at all, she was simply caught off guard, especially since no one really knew that William had seen her without clothes on.

"And how do you know about the tattoo on her thigh, Willy?" Charlie inquired, with a mischievous smirk, deciding to dig a little deeper into the very friendship everyone had their suspicions about.

Julia and William exchanged a quick, silent conversation through their eyes, both contemplating how to handle the situation. And then Julia decided to take the initiative, offering a friendly smile as she spoke, "He saw it the other day when he spent the night at my place."

Which wasn't exactly a lie. William had noticed her tattoo in the morning when she’d just been wearing a t-shirt. They didn’t need to know he’d seen it before and had placed kisses very close by.

"Wait, Willy spent the night at your place?" Auston then asked, unable to contain his curiosity, raising an eyebrow.

And William, with his characteristic calm demeanour, clarified, "We just slept on the bed - next to each other," he chuckled, attempting to defuse any potential awkwardness, which seemed to work.

All while Julia couldn’t avoid the glances from Charlie, who was giving her a flirty look, and Julia simply rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, shut it - I've told you already," she said, her response filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation. The playful banter then continued, for a little while before the group started to part ways.

Just before everyone was preparing to leave, the atmosphere was still buzzing with the afterglow of their banter. William turned to Julia, his tall figure exuding a mix of gratitude and concern, as he handed her a spare key for his condo. "You know where the dog food is, right?” He inquired, his voice was laced with affection.

"Yes, Willy, I know where the dog food is." Julia's response was accompanied by a warm smile that reassured him. She had not only spent countless hours with William's dogs but had also familiarised herself with the layout of his condo, as he had taken the time to meticulously map out where everything she might need was placed, a testament to the trust he had in her.

William's concern still lingered, and he felt compelled to express it further. "And remember…" he began, but Julia, with her reassuring tone, interrupted him.

"Willy, I've got this – I’m not a complete idiot, you know." Her smile remained genuine, and it had the magical effect of easing his worries.

"I know... it's just – they mean so much to me," he confessed, his voice softening as he spoke. Julia responded with a comforting gesture, placing her hand gently on his arm, and her eyes conveyed a deep understanding of the significance of his furry companions in his life.

"I know, Willy," she reassured him, her tone gentle. “I promise, I’ll take good care of them."

And just then, their conversation took on a playful note as William couldn't resist injecting a teasing remark. "Just, please don't make them love you more than me," he joked, a playful glint dancing in his eyes.

Julia met his playful banter with a grin of her own, a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Oh, I can't promise you that – we both know that Pablo loves me the most already."

"Unfortunately, I think you're right," he chuckled, the fondness he felt for his little friends evident in his words. With a final exchange of smiles that carried a mix of trust, affection, and lightheartedness, they parted ways for the evening, both confident that Julia would take excellent care of the dogs in his absence.

While the team was away on their road trip, Julia remained true to her promise and ensured that Pablo and Banksy received excellent care. Amidst her work commitments, she dedicated a substantial portion of her day to their well-being, with daily visits including extended playtime, long walks, and even the occasional run with her fluffy companions. There were also ample moments of relaxation and cuddling on the sofa, especially while watching the hockey matches on William's large telly.

Julia understood the immense love William held for his dogs, and she found it incredibly endearing, so he made it a point to keep him updated on their activities every single day.

Over the past couple of weeks, their mode of communication had evolved, shifting from solely relying on Instagram and Snapchat to texting and calling, which proved more convenient. They still shared Reels and posts on social media, but this expanded connection allowed for more personal exchanges.

On Tuesday, she sent him pictures of their refreshing run and a quick visit to the dog park, capturing moments of their joyful activities.

Wednesday brought a FaceTime session following the match, during which Julia lounged on William's sofa, allowing him to virtually greet and interact with his beloved dogs.

Thursday saw another round of pictures, this time featuring their leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood, with Julia ensuring William was included in their daily adventures.

Julia also seized the opportunity to create an adorable Instagram post, highlighting her delightful moments with the doodles, and her post garnered likes and comments not only from some of the players but also from William's devoted fans, who admired her dedication to his furry family members.

Friday 25th – MIN 3 – TOR 4

Friday night took an emotional turn, when the Toronto Maple Leafs received devastating news just before their match against the Minnesota Wild - the legendary Börje Salming had passed away. This somber moment cast a shadow over the entire team, filling them with a profound sense of loss and sadness. And for William, it was particularly heartbreaking and his chest ached with overpowering emotions. So in honour of Salming, the team observed a minute of silence, and the Swedish players on the roster gathered together for a few minutes, sharing their love and support through heartfelt pats on the back and comforting hugs.

Meanwhile, Julia watched the game from William's condo, accompanied by the dogs, and she too felt the weight of the loss. The entire arena in Minnesota paid tribute to the Swedish legend with a minute of silence, an emotionally charged moment that once again showcased how hockey has the power to unite fans worldwide.

However, despite the emotional start, the game itself unfolded beautifully, with the Leafs managing to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

Following the match, the players took their time to wrap up, engaging in conversations that transcended the boundaries of the game. They shared stories and impressions of various hockey legends, both national and international, who had left an indelible mark on their lives. Childhood memories of role models and sources of inspiration were exchanged, painting a vivid picture of how these players had been motivated to pursue their dreams of becoming professional hockey players.

But as the conversations evolved, they changed up a bit and the players turned their attention to the upcoming tenth Annual Benefit for Underprivileged Children – Christmas Gala, where the team's captain, John Tavares, led the discussion. "So, we all agree?" he inquired, with a loud, firm voice.

"Yes, Captain!" came the resounding response from the team, their voices filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie.

Then, Nicholas Robertson, known for his curiosity and sense of humour, couldn't resist raising a question that had been on his mind. "Wait, so everyone needs to have dates?"

Tavares, with a wry smile, nodded in agreement. "Yes, everyone, Roberts. Even you," he teased, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. The room erupted in laughter at Nicholas's expense, but he remained undeterred, taking a moment to tighten his shoelaces with determined resolve. "I can get a date," he muttered, emphasising his determination.

Auston, always quick with a cheeky smirk and a playful comment, turned his attention to William, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "So, Willy, who are you bringing?"

William pondered the question for a moment, his mind drifting through potential options. "Hm, I don't know - haven’t really thought about it," he admitted with a casual shrug.

Rasmus, the ever-charming team member, couldn't resist adding his own flair to the conversation, a giant smirk gracing his handsome face. "I can hook you up with someone," he offered, his tone dripping with playful suggestion.

William raised an eyebrow playfully, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement. "Shouldn't you be focusing on getting a date for yourself first?"

Sandin, undeterred by the playful banter, responded with a sly wink. "Oh, I've already got a date," he declared, his smirk never fading.

Auston's curiosity got the best of him, and he leaned in with intrigue. "What, who?"

Sandin maintained an air of mystery, answering cryptically, "A pretty blonde."

Auston couldn't help but laugh heartily at his teammate's response before turning his attention back to William. "What about JJ?"

William furrowed his brows in thought, contemplating the idea of inviting Julia as his date. A mix of nerves and excitement coursed through him. "It wouldn't be weird?" he asked tentatively, seeking reassurance from his teammates.

But Auston, with a reassuring smile, shook his head. "Not at all, Willy. Just ask her – you know you want to," he encouraged, his voice filled with warmth and slight teasing. The room was alive with the laughter and banter of their teammates, creating a sense of unity and friendship that extended beyond the hockey rink.

Later in the evening, as the players settled into their respective hotel rooms, William found himself scrolling through his social media feed, and a warm smile graced his face when he came across Julia's Instagram story, featuring her walking and playing with his beloved dogs. He also noticed her post about taking them out to the dog park despite the cold, almost snowy weather, and it warmed his heart to see how well she was taking care of his furry companions in his absence.

Meanwhile, Julia had just arrived back at her flat when her phone buzzed with a text from William.

Wonka: Hey, you up? 😊

JJ: Yup, just got home 😉

Wonka: Can I call you?

JJ: Of course 😊

Unintentionally, a smile played on her lips as she saw "Wonka calling" on her phone's display, and she eagerly accepted the call.

"Hey," she greeted, settling on her bed.

"Hey," William's soft voice came through from his hotel room.

"I'm sorry about Börje," Julia began, her voice filled with genuine concern. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm actually okay, but thanks," William replied, his voice equally soft. Talking to Julia always had a way of making him feel better.

"You want to talk about tonight?" she inquired, her tone warm and inviting.

"Not really," William admitted with a hint of reluctance.

"Well, in that case, let's change the topic; maybe something that can make you smile," Julia said playfully. "I think your dogs miss you."

A giant grin spread across William’s face. "I miss them too."

"Is that a smile I can hear?" she teased.

"Yeah," he chuckled softly, feeling grateful for her comforting words.

There was a brief pause in their conversation before William spoke again.

"JJ, can I ask you something?" His voice sounded a bit nervous, though he maintained his characteristic cool.

"Sure," her curiosity piqued.

"Do you want to be my date for the charity event next week?" William's words almost spilled out in a rush, topped with a cheeky laugh. "I mean, just as friends, of course."

"Oh..."

"It's okay, you don't have to if it's too weird," he quickly reassured her.

Julia, however, was simply smiling on her end. "Willy, I'd love to," she chuckled. "I just didn't expect you to ask me."

"Well, we've sort of agreed that everyone is bringing a date, so I just thought of you," he explained with a soft chuckle.

"Well, I'm flattered, and I'd love to go with you."

Both of them were simply lying on their beds, smiling.

"Good… that's good," William said, his voice filled with relief.

"Shit..." Julia suddenly exclaimed, sitting up on her bed.

"What?"

"What should I do with my hair? And my dress… I don't have a dress!" She sounded a bit panicked, and William couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden exclamation.

"I can take you shopping, JJ."

"Honestly… I think you'd have to," she replied with a nervous laugh. "Otherwise, I don't think you'd want to bring me."

"I'm sure you'd look beautiful in anything," he spoke softly, his words carrying a genuine warmth that made Julia's heart flutter. And once again, there was a brief moment of silence between them. Julia felt flattered by his compliment, and she could feel herself blushing, silently grateful that they weren't having this conversation face to face.

"Anyways," William broke the silence once more, "I should probably go to sleep."

Julia agreed, and they bid each other goodnight before hanging up, both their hearts filled with excitement and happiness, despite the miles that separated them, as they looked forward to the upcoming event.

“Har aldrig dansat med en stor man, en stor man som dig”

Over the weekend, the Leafs continued their road trip with two impressive wins under their belt.

On Saturday, some of the ladies, including Julia and Charlie, gathered at Stephanie and Mitch's condo to watch the match, which was a special occasion for Charlie as she proudly showed off her new tattoo. It wasn't a massive piece, just a dainty arrow and a few flowers, but it held sentimental value as her first ink, and Julia cherished sharing this moment with her close friend.

All the significant others were dressed in their jerseys and enthusiastically cheered for the guys as they secured a solid victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and naturally, the conversation also circled around the upcoming charity event. Most of the ladies had already planned their outfits, and Julia casually mentioned that she would be going dress shopping with William one of these days.

"Ah, I should've guessed you'd be going with him. We could've shopped together," Charlie exclaimed.

"Well, he did just ask me yesterday, babe," Julia chuckled. "But don't worry, we'll just have to plan a shopping trip another time, just you and me," she reassured her friend, and Charlie agreed. "Anyway, I should probably get going. I need to swing by William's," she said, before bidding farewell to the girls.

To Julia’s benefit, William had been exceptionally generous, offering her the use of his car. Normally, he wouldn't just let anyone drive it, but with his Cadillac at the airport, his Volvo was available, and he thought it was the least he could do since Julia was looking after his dogs.

Not that she was complaining. She was more than happy to take care of Pablo and Banksy, and having the convenience of borrowing his car for a week instead of relying on public transportation just made everything a lot easier.

On the following Tuesday, the team had returned to Toronto, and William had set aside the entire day to spend with Julia. So she had decided to take a half-day off from work and headed straight downtown to meet up with him. Even though, Julia had become quite acquainted with the city's prime shopping spots, she was more than willing to go along with whatever plans he had in store for them.

And let's just say, William didn't skimp on this outing.

He had definitely chosen high-end boutiques for their shopping adventure, each one more upscale than the last, and while Julia appreciated the glamorous attention she received from her friend and the impeccable service in these luxurious shops, she couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The shop assistants, elegant and statuesque, were polite but couldn't conceal their interest in William, which was clearly solely focused on him.

In one particularly posh boutique, a shop assistant offered Julia a glass of champagne with an overly sweet tone, which Julia accepted it with a warm smile, downing it in one go to ease her nerves.

"Should we be matching or something?" She suddenly asked, glancing at William, who was meticulously examining the numerous dress options.

But he simply chuckled, his eyes still fixed on the dresses. "Let's concentrate on finding you a dress first, then I'll hunt for a matching suit." Making Julia smile. "What do you think of this one?" William then proposed, offering Julia a warm smile as he presented a long, golden, and glittering dress with delicate spaghetti straps.

But she shook her head, flashing a soft smile. “Not quite my taste.”

But then finally, they came across a dress that caught Julia's eye – a dark blue dress with small sleeves and a slit up the right side, making her face lit up with delight. "Yes, that's more like it."

Heading towards the dressing rooms, Julia prepared to try on the dress, and as she hung it up and was about to remove her shirt when she saw William closing the door from the inside.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, with her tone a mix of surprise and amusement.

But William played innocent. "What?"

"Willy, I'm not changing with you in here,” she said, earning a simple chuckle from Swede, as he settled down on a pouffe in the corner.

"Why not?" he teased. "Come on, JJ, it’s not like I haven’t seen you naked before.”

Julia let out a sigh. "This is different,” she remarked, but realised she might not win this argument.

"JJ, I've had my head between your legs – I think it's okay for me to see you in underwear," he said with a confident smirk, making her slightly blush.

Perhaps he was right. He had seen her most private parts, when he was skilfully working his mouth in her downstairs area.

After a playful exchange, Julia eventually gave in to William's request, her lips curving into a fond, defeated smile, as she began to undress, her movements graceful and unhurried. As she carefully slid the dress over her shoulders and began to step into it, she couldn't resist sneaking a quick glance at William through the dressing room mirror.

"Zip me, please?" she requested softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. William, ever the gentleman, nodded in response, and as he rose from his seat, his eyes focused on her with a mix of admiration and consideration.

Julia gathered her long hair to one side, exposing the elegant line of her back, and with a gentle touch, William approached her, his fingers deftly finding the zipper. The cool, metallic touch of the zipper against her warm skin sent a shiver down her spine, but it was a pleasant sensation, and as he slowly and carefully pulled the zipper up, inch by inch, the dress hugged her curves, accentuating her figure.

In the dressing room, it felt as if time itself had paused, allowing Julia and William to share an intimate connection that transcended words. Their eyes met in the mirror, and in that moment, they understood that this was more than just zipping up a dress; it was a moment of trust and closeness, a reaffirmation of the bond they shared.

For a brief, suspended moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. The dressing room was their private sanctuary, and the connection between them crackled like electricity. Julia's heart raced as she felt the weight of William's gaze, his hands on her shoulders, and her breaths became heavy, as she couldn't help but be aware of the magnetic pull between them.

The soft background music in the room only intensified the feeling of intimacy that enveloped them.

William, too, was acutely aware of the charged atmosphere. His mind battled with conflicting thoughts as his body responded to the irresistible allure of the woman before him. The cheeky comment he had made just moments ago reminded him of the passionate moments they had shared together, and those memories ignited a small fire within him.

But their silent reverie was abruptly shattered by a voice from outside the dressing room, inquiring if everything was alright, making both Julia and William blink, as if waking from a dream, and the spell they had woven together was momentarily broken.

"Shoes," Julia said, her voice steady as she sought to divert their attention. "I need a pair of heels to go with this dress." It was a practical statement, a way to bring them back to the present moment and away from the intensity of their shared connection.

William nodded and left to fetch a matching pair of heels with the help of one of the store's attendants. Julia, left alone in the dressing room, let out a deep breath. Her heart was still racing, and she couldn't help but wonder about the sensations coursing through her body.

"What’s the matter with me," she mumbled to herself, acknowledging the undeniable pleasure she had felt from being so close to William.

And just a few minutes later, he returned with a pair of gold heels, and Julia chuckled, noticing his colour choice.

"You really like the gold, huh?" she teased.

"Well, blue and yellow or blue and gold – it's sort of the Swedish colours, right" he explained with a soft smirk, making Julia laugh.

"Oh, fuck off," she jokingly responded, feeling a mix of amusement and warmth at the thought of wearing colours that resembled his home country.

And it was indeed perfect; they both took a moment to appreciate how the dress looked on Julia as they stood before the mirror, occasionally sharing glances.

"Guess we found the dress, then," Julia remarked, her smile directed at William, who simply nodded and returned her smile. “Though the heels are a bit too much,” she added with a chuckle. “But I think I’ve got a nice pair at home that’d go well with the dress.”

Following changing back into her own clothes, they headed towards the register to make the purchase, and Julia reached for her wallet, but before she could do anything further, William intervened. "This is on me," he insisted, flashing a cheeky smile.

"Willy, I can pay for it myself –" Julia began, but her protest was cut short by his firm voice.

"It's on me, JJ," he repeated, leaving no room for argument, and Julia reluctantly complied, allowing him to pay for the dress while the ladies behind the counter couldn't help but admire him.

Once the transaction was complete, they thanked the saleswomen and exited the store, and as a true gentleman, William gallantly carried the bag as they made their way to his car. However, Julia couldn't help but notice that his mood seemed to have shifted a little. He was unusually quiet, and his smile had faded.

"Dinner at my place?" he suggested, although it didn't sound much like a question to her. So, she simply nodded and took her place in the passenger seat.

As they drove through the dark streets of Toronto, Julia sensed that something might be bothering William. His gaze remained intensely focused on the road, and he didn't engage in much conversation.

So Julia decided to break the silence. "A little music, perhaps?" she asked, and William simply nodded. He trusted her enough to share his phone's password, allowing her to put on some songs from Spotify, and though Julia was slightly surprised by his casual willingness to share his privacy, she didn't dwell on it. She just turned to put on a song to fill the silence.

"Oh, this is gonna be good," she chuckled as she selected "Stor Man" by Tobias Rahim and Victor Leksell, a song that featured a combination of Danish and Swedish.

And her plan seem to work; William couldn't suppress a smile as the song began, and he softly started singing along to the Swedish verse.

Du häller vodka i min Pellegrino Du är varm, yo soy papi frío, mmh-ah Här i staden är jag Tarantino Way Out West och sen utebio, mmh-ah

Then Julia went on and sang the Danish part.

Victor, du rullar op, hvis jeg rister Imens morgenerne bli'r til nætter Alle er blå, blå silhuetter Jeg vil bar' gå endnu længere med dig

And together they sang the Swedish chorus.

Fri till i skandalen ser jag månen bli blockerad av dig Bådrace-champagne som regnar utöver min kropp Tar dig in, tar dig nu, tar dig sommaren ut Här, jag ger dig mitt hjärta i Götet Har aldrig dansat med en stor man En stor man som dig

For the rest of the song, they cheerfully switched between Danish and Swedish lyrics, enjoying the playful language mix and their voices completely out of tune. But most importantly, neither of them could contain their joyfulness, and their laughter filled the car.

As the song came to an end, William turned to Julia with a playful smile. "Now I know why you don’t speak Swedish," he chuckled. "You suck at it."

Making Julia laugh wholeheartedly. "Yeah... Yeah, I do," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with mirth as they continued their journey through the city.

And before heading to William's place, they made a quick pit stop at Sugo's, likely to grab some delicious food for their evening together.

“When a man loves a woman, he can't keep his mind on nothin' else”

As they arrived at William's condo, the enthusiastic greetings from Banksy and Pablo were impossible to miss. The two dogs were overjoyed to see Julia, their tails wagging furiously, but then their attention quickly shifted to William, who they couldn't help but adore.

And Julia couldn't resist a playful remark as she observed the dogs' behaviour. "Told you I wouldn't make them love me more than you," she quipped, making her way to the living room.

William chuckled and followed her into the room, before grabbing some plates from the kitchen, and they settled down by the coffee table to enjoy the food.

"Thank you for today," Julia said sincerely, a warm smile gracing her face. "And thank you for the dress - it was really sweet of you."

William returned her smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "No problem. The least I could do to thank you for going as my date. Besides, I had a good time," he replied, giving her a cheeky wink.

And then Julia couldn't help but smile. "Well, I'm sure those sales assistants had a great time as well, enjoying a little eye candy," she teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

William couldn't contain his laughter. "Are you jealous, JJ?" he teased.

"Am not!" Julia defended herself. "I'm just surprised that they weren't even trying to conceal their pure lust for you," she explained with a grin. “They were practically drooling by the mere sight of you.”

"Well, can you blame them? I mean, look at me," William continued to play along, making Julia rolled her eyes with a playful smirk.

"Oh, fuck off! Get down from your high horse, will ya?" she bantered back at him, before a short moment of calm settled between them.

William then flashed her a charming smile. "Well, then the next step is to make an appointment for your hair," he suggested, trying to shift the topic.

"No, no," Julia insisted. "I'll figure something out."

"JJ, let me—"

"No, Willy. Please, just let me have this one," she requested, her voice soft and earnest.

And William knew Julia well enough by now not to push her further He understood that she wanted to have something to say in aspects of their upcoming event, and he respected her wishes, letting it go.

They enjoyed their meal sharing a few laughs and looks, while the only noise in the room was coming from the telly running an episode of a TV show.

"Shit, it was good," Julia remarked as she finished her food.

And William nodded in agreement, both of them leaning back on the sofa. "It really was."

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before Julia turned to William, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"So, are you ready for the gala?" she inquired, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Yes, I think so.” he returned her smile, though slightly puzzled. "Or what do you mean?"

Julia couldn't help but smile before telling him about the various aspects of a gala. "Well, you know, the suit, the media attention, the donations – oh, and the dancing," she chuckled.

"Dancing? What dancing?" William asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Well, you know, when you have to dance with all the wealthy ladies to make them donate more,” she playfully explained, making his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"I am not dancing with any rich ladies."

"Why not?" Julia laughed. "Have you never been to a charity event before? It really does the trick when young lads like yourself take the ladies out for a close dance." William hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then Julia rose from the sofa. "Well, come on, I'll show you," she said, offering a soft smile, and gesturing for him to get up.

At first, he shook his head, but she was persistent. "William Andrew Michael Junior Nylander Altelius, please, come and dance with me?" she asked softly, yet determined, and William couldn't resist her charm, so he got up as Julia went to put on a song for them.

"How do you know my full name?" he jokingly asked, earning a simple chuckle from Julia.

"Guess I've learned it for situations like this. Now get over here, big boy."

And with that, "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge started to play through the speakers. Julia gently took William’s hand in hers, placed the other on his shoulder, and he reciprocated by placing his hand on her waist. And then they began to sway from side to side, moving slowly to the music.

"It's a nice song," William commented softly making Julia offer him a gentle smile.

“It’s actually the song my father played for my mum the night that they met,” she softly explained, before she made a move to stretch their arms and separate, spun around, before William pulled her back in. They then swayed a little more before the chorus played and this time William separated them again, made her swirl under his arm, and then pulled her back in.

“You’re getting quite the hang of it,” she added, and he simply nodded, returning a cheeky smile.

They danced through the moves a few times, getting lost in the music and the pure happiness of being together. And then when the song finally faded out, they stood close in the middle of William's living room, surrounded by a blend of emotions - intimacy and comfort intertwined.

It was almost like that moment in the dressing room all over again, where they both felt a whirlwind of emotions inside, but no words were exchanged. They just stood there, gazing at each other, sharing soft smiles that held their unspoken feelings and thoughts.

But then their peaceful moment was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of William's phone, and as they parted ways, he picked up the call, only to find it was his brother, Alex. So, William politely excused himself and retreated to the bedroom for a brief conversation, leaving Julia by herself in the living room.

With a warm smile, Julia took advantage of the moment to clear the table, tidying up after their meal, and as she washed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, her mind wandered to her own deeper feelings. A part of her couldn't help but feel happy and grateful for her friendship, knowing that she and William had just shared a beautiful moment together.

“I should probably get going,” she softly suggested, as William emerged from the bedroom.

“Sure,” he nodded. “Let me drive you.”

“It’s okay- “

“JJ, it wasn’t a question,” William offered a soft smile, and she caved.

The ride was silent, both lost in their thoughts, only occasionally glancing at each other, as they drove through the city. And after a warm goodbye and a quick hug in the car, Julia made her way up to her flat.

Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it, taking a deep breath. "Shit," she mumbled to herself. She couldn't deny the flutter of emotions she felt around William, and she couldn't help but wonder if she perhaps was starting to develop deeper feelings for him. Feelings that could potentially ruin their friendship.

Meanwhile, William was driving through the streets of Toronto, lost in thoughts of his own. His conversation with his brother, Alex, had touched upon Julia, and it had made him reflect on the unusual sensations he had been experiencing around her - the tinge of jealousy, the racing heartbeats, and the sweaty palms. Could it be that he was slowly evolving feelings for Julia?

#archive #we never go out of style

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misshoneyimhomeagain · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 8 part || - The One with the Dream

Summary; William suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night, and to his surprise, his best friend is one to ring his door bell.

Tags; Willy x reader; We Never Go Out of Style; Kinktober;

Warnings; Oral sex (m & f giving/receiving); unprotected sex (p in v);

Author's notes; Well, I must admit, this might seem quite spontaneous, but I thoroughly enjoyed crafting this piece, and hey, it's my birthday, so no apologies here 😉; Please be aware that delving into the entire series isn't necessary; this chapter is essentially a standalone and doesn't significantly contribute to the overarching storyline;

Words count; 1.5K

“Even if it's just in your wildest dreams”

William's slumber was rudely interrupted by the persistent ringing of his doorbell, and groggily, he glanced at his phone; the glowing digits displayed 2 am.

"Who could be at my condo at this hour?" he thought, as he unwillingly dragged himself out of bed and slipped into a pair of loose trousers. And with sleep still clouding his mind, he stumbled towards the hallway, his thoughts filled with irritation.

It was odd - never before had someone rung his doorbell at this unearthly time. His facial expression, initially marked by annoyance, soon transformed into bewilderment as he swung the front door open.

However, any traces of anger swiftly dissipated as he laid eyes on Julia, standing there in his jersey and knee-high boots, and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Why would she be dressed like that? Why is she here?

Shaking his head to clear the remnants of sleep, he simply asked, his voice husky and low, "What are you doing here?"

“Shh,” she whispered, her index finger pressed against her lips. “Don’t say anything,” her voice grew softer, almost hushed as she came closer to William, “I don’t want to speak, I don’t want to think - I just want you to make love to me, right here, right now.”

“JJ, what-“

But he was caught off by her lips on his, closing the gap between them, with her hand in his hair, pulling him closer to her. A wave of confusion flowed through his mind, yet he couldn’t help but lean into the intimacy and the pleasant feeling of Julia’s lustful kiss.

Slowly he began to walk backwards, leading them back into his condo, and almost slamming the door shut behind her. Then she pulled apart, and looked intensely up at him, biting onto her lower lip. Their deep blue eyes created an ocean of desire, both feeling hungry for more.

William let out a deep breath; he was torn between the rights and wrongs of letting himself get intimate with Julia once again - she wasn’t just a stranger he’d met in bar anymore, she had become his close friend, and a part of him felt so wrong about doing this. Yet the devil in his other shoulder told him to let go and give in to the temptation.

And so he did.

Effortlessly, he lifted her, letting her swing her legs around his hips, pushed her up against the wall and once again closed the gap between them in a passionate kiss.

Oh how good it felt, he thought.

She had him all turned on solely with er cute little outfit, and in that moment, he wanted nothing more than to repeat the intimate success they’d had once before. Their lips were connected in a heated battle, and their tongues met, swirling around and almost wrestled for dominance.

Meanwhile, William made his way through the living room, carrying her still, and as he reached the kitchen, he gently put her down, breaking the kiss. Julia’s eyes were dark, and her crave for him was unmistakable, as she licked her lips and ran her hands slowly down his bare chest, before placing kisses to it.

"No one has to know what we do" she spoke softly into his skin, as she began to move her lips tortuously slow down his torso. And as she reached the hem of his joggers, she skilfully hooked her fingers around them and pulled them down along with his boxers, freeing his cock.

A smirk came across her face, as she gently got comfortable on her knees, and William couldn’t help but wonder what was happening. It all seemed so strange - why was Julia suddenly doing this? What was going on?

But his thoughts were quickly distracted as she tenderly took his semi hard cock into her hand and slowly started pumping, while she sensually licked the tip. Her eyes looked intensely up to meet his, smoothly taking his member into her warm mouth.

“Shit baby,” William spoke, soft moans escaping his lips, feeling the warm pleasure of Julia working him so well. Her hands and mouth embraced his hardening member effortlessly, as she took him further in and down her throat, while using her hand where her mouth couldn’t go.

William slightly tossed his head back, tucking his hand in her hair, as she continued to boop her head, and vibrations was send through his body when she moaned, sucking him passionately.

“I wanna taste you too,” he managed to whisper in between moans as he could feel he was getting closer to a release.

And Julia obliged, letting her mouth slowly disappear from his cock, and coming back onto her feet. With a satisfied smirk forming on her face, she gently lifted the jersey just enough to reveal her lacy thong, which she smoothly discarded before coming back to kiss William on the lips. This time a little softer, before she again pulled back.

“How do you want me?” She whispered delicately, once again looking deeply into his eyes. And without words, wearing only a grin, William gently lifted her again and placed her on his large dining table, before he bend down and placed himself on his knees in front of her welcoming heat.

And with no hesitation, he placed her legs on his shoulders and dug in; licking her up her folds, making her moan out in pleasure and tossing her head back. William skilfully sucked her sensitive clit and held nothing back while eating her pussy out.

“Oh Willy,” she moaned aloud, a hand grabbing the back of his head, tucking onto his hair and pulling him closer to her cunt.

He was hungry. Hungry for her sweet juices that tasted so good, and hungry for making her call out his name in pleasure - something that could simply make his mind go wild. His tongue switched between digging into her warm entrance, licking up her folds and sucking her clit, while his scruff would probably leave beard burns, but he couldn’t care less - he’d want to mark her as his.

“Willy, I’m gonna cum,” Julia moaned out, as she let herself fall back onto the table, feeling a rush of pleasure run through her veins; and her words only encouraged William to continue, and work her through her orgasm.

And then he felt the sharp heels of her boots dig into his shoulders, as Julia arched her back and let out swearwords along with his nickname, cumming hard all over his mouth.

William couldn’t help but smirk into her sweet core. He’d wanted to make her feel this good for so long, and her soft noises only made the blood flow faster down to his already hard cock.

And with the smirk never leaving his face, William rose from the floor, holding her legs on each side of his hips, and pulled her closer to him. Not letting her catch her breath, he lined his throbbing cock up with her entrance, and pushed himself inside of her wet cunt.

“Fuck,” he breathed out as he felt her tight walls around his member.

Julia pushed herself onto her elbows and looked lustfully at William, who’s buried deep into her; her legs wrapped around his hips; and her eyes and expression said nothing but ‘fuck me’.

Then William started to moved his hips back and forth, pulling himself almost entirely out before pushing back in again. Julia felt so good around his cock, and there was nothing in him that had intentions of holding back. All rational thoughts had left his mind, and only the devil in him held all power.

‘Heaven can’t stop me now,’ he thought to himself as he thrusted into the blonde girl spread out on his table.

She was so damn sexy; is his jersey like that, letting him fuck all sense out of her; her moans filling the air of his condo along with the skin slapping together.

William’s mind was hazy as he increased the speed of his thrusts. He hit her deeper and harder with ever move, and he could feel that he was getting close.

“Shit baby,” his voice was husky, as he pulled Julia up by her jersey, their faces coming close to each other; and with a giant grin on her face, their lips collided into a heated, sloppy kiss.

“Cum for me Willy,” she said, quietly and husky, “cum inside of me.” And as if her words worked like a magic spell, William let out a loud, rough ‘fuck’ and with one hard, sloppy thrust he spilled all of his seed into his best friend.

And then William woke up.

His heart beating faster than he could skate, his body soaked in more sweat than post game, and his cock standing proudly, and hard between his legs, dripping with pre cum.

“Shit,” he breathed out, followed by a deep sigh.

Did he just have the most intense wet dream about Julia?

#archive #we never go out of style

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