#Colorado Avalanche imagine

[cuteandhughesy]

I’m Talking Nonsense | Mikko Rantanen

summary: everyone in the avalanche social media room knows that getting mikko rantanen to participate in content was a lost cause—that is until you showed up.

[word count] 4.3k

warnings: MATURE! flirting | lil bit of pining | mature themes | lil hot and heavy kissing | allusions to sex but no actual smut | read at your own discretion

a/n: okay…so obviously I started writing this before the trade—because nobody in their right mind was expecting mikko to get traded. but I digress, anyways! I originally wanted to post this on valentine’s day but in this moment of sadness, I knew all the mikko girls (myself included) needed this pick me up ❤️ to all you liking my old mikko fic—I see yall and we got this.

🎵 nonsense by sabrina carpenter

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mikko rantanen didn't hate social media — actually, no he did hate it. the finnish native always knew it to be invasive and impersonal, and he'd rather not have to look at fake happy, posed pictures and videos that make his life feel less than. and that's coming for a guy living as a professional athlete.

so when tiktok started gaining more traction and other nhl teams were making accounts for their respective teams—mikko was dreading it. he thought there was a level of privacy that should be respected, and having a camera shoved in your face is totally breaching boundaries. the thought of the avalanche making an account was just not something he wanted.

after a shitty practice—hell even a good practice—the last thing he wanted was to be asked if he thought he could land a plane, or if he believes in aliens...mikko just wanted to go home.

and mikko understands that the social admin was simply doing their jobs, but he couldn't help but fill with irritation anytime they'd approach him with the phone and mini-microphone and/or question cup. it was the quickest way to piss him off.

it didn't help that the avalanche fans were always in the comments asking about his noticeable absence. they wanted to see more of their assistant captain outside of gruelling post-game interviews and game highlights—they wanted the real and fun side of mikko they very rarely had the chance of seeing.

but that didn't change mikko's opinion of social media—he'd avoid the admin team at any costs, especially when he saw that stupid tiktok phone and various props he knew he'd hate to use.

that is, until you showed up.

the first time mikko saw you—standing behind the usual admin suspects with a nervous gaze and fiddling hands—he didn't think much of it. sure, you were pretty, but mikko thinks a lot of girls are pretty.

but then as the months past and your surprisingly warm and bubbly personality began peeking through your hard exterior shell, mikko begin feeling intrigued. you are always smiling, even if someone is giving you a hard time—when he is giving you a hard time—and you're constantly trying to bond with the players. you remember who these athletes are at their core—human, which a lot of people in your job description seem to forget.

the team quickly grew fond of you, and when they saw it was you in the hallway with a cup of questions, or in their locker room with that stupid tiny microphone—the energy would shift. that's just how you are though—vibrant and welcoming, and the guys feed off that energy and turn into a fun group of giddy boys.

even nathan mackinnon, who was almost as turned off by social media as mikko, enjoyed your company, doing silly things for tiktok's he'd never even dreamed of.

it had mikko's own exterior beginning to crack. before he'd be more apprehensive to the idea of participating in social media trends he had no clue about, but you and your grin had him changing.

—

lina, your co-worker looks at you over the top of her laptop, analyzing your soft face as you work on your own computer—editing a tiktok that needed to go up today. you're left with very minimal time, as the avalanche practice finishes in 5 minutes. which means in 15 you both have to head down for some more content.

it's the third time in the past minute lina as looked at you—you can feel her eyes burning through the middle of your forehead. slowly, your eyes trial up and meet hers, a questioning pull to your furrowed eyebrows. "you okay?"

she huffs—not in annoyance or impatience, but rather curiosity. lina flicks her red hair over her shoulder, and then crosses her arms—her gaze never leaving yours. "i'm trying to figure out how you do it."

you're even more confused now. "do what?"

lina snorts like it's obvious. "you've been here five months, y/n. it's been five months of watching you work with the guys and more specifically, getting mikko to work with you."

your lips contort into a confused pout—any more confusion and your head will begin to pound. you're not sure what lina is trying to imply, because as far as you know all the guys on the avs are extremely good with you and have never given you a hard time—that's just how they are...right?

"mikko is great." you hum dismissively, your fingers resuming their place on your keyboard as you continue the code in your side bar to enable the audio change in the clip—attempting to remove ross' loud voice from the background so you can better hear cale's answer.

"that's the thing," lina starts, eyes full of amusement as she leans over the table. "he's really not."

you pause. "what?"

"before you showed up, mikko was always turning a blind eye to me and nick. if we even attempted to talk to him the way you do—well, it never ended how we wanted it to." her face contorts as if she's reliving it.

one of your brows raise in question. "did he like...sentence you to a guillotine or something?"

lina disapproves of your humorous tone, sending you daggers across the meeting room table. she shuts her laptop, resting her elbow atop the logo as she puts her chin in her palm. "ha ha."

satisfied with her pointed response, you get back to work. but, lina isn't done. "he hates this kind of stuff."

"no he doesn't," you retort quickly. "mikko seems happy when I have questions for him. in fact, yesterday he came over to me and asked for one—said something about how they 'make his day bright'" you mimic mikko's deep accent to the best of your abilities, but you sound more like a drowning troll rather than the 6"4 winger.

lina's eyes widen comically—she can't believe what's she's hearing. "anytime I even point the phone in his direction he scowls and walks away. so what are you doing to get him to cooperate?" she eyes you quizzically for a moment before a devious lightbulb goes off in her head, expression morphing into a playful, teasing one. "are you fucking him?"

you squeak, and your cheeks heat up to an undeniable level of embarrassment. "no!" and it's true—of course you're not sleeping with mikko.

she raises her hands in surrender, but her smile doesn't let up. "I wouldn't blame you if you were, y/n. he's hot—like stupid hot."

"okay," you huff, covering your burning cheeks with your hands. "maybe you should sleep with him then."

lina snorts. "trust me—if I could get near him I would."

"you know," you start, "I really don't think what you're saying is true. maybe mikko didn't like it in the past, but I think he's changed his option on the social media stuff."

she raises her brow—almost challengingly. "think so?"

"yup." you hum.

"let's test it, then." lina chimes. "today i'll go up to mikko first, and ill do exactly what you would do when approaching him. and when he sends me away—which he will—then you'll go up to him, and we'll see what happens."

it's tempting—mostly because you're certain there won't be a difference in the way mikko acts towards you then he does lina. sure, mikko isn't always the most sunshine and rainbows when it comes to his personality, but he's always been compliant with you.

so although he's broody and definitely not in love with the idea of having a camera in his face—you're sure he's not going to turn lina away.

"you're on."

it's not 5 minutes later you're both packing up your respective things, preparing to make your way down to the locker room where the guys are surly anticipating your and lina's arrival.

the room is bustling with people—half dressed hockey players and pressing reporters fill the locker room, which creates a slightly hectic environment—but you're used to it by now. so neither of you seem suspicious, you ask a few of the other avs players your selected questions for the day. questions you and lina had argued about for the entire morning—she thought most of them were stupid, you thought they were was hilarious.

plus, the reporters are still swarmed around mikko's stall—the finnish native standing in the middle with a deadpanned look on his face, barley listening to them as they ask the same repetitive questions as usual.

you and lina get some good content from ross colton and josh manson, both players giving you ridiculous and enthusiastic responses to the absurd questions you'd earlier shoved in the alumni silver cup.

lina's mischievous look is back as the sea of middle aged reporters move onto their next victim—cale makar—leaving mikko by his lonesome. "i'll be back." before you can react, she plucks the phone out of your hands, effortlessly making her way through the room until she's in front of mikko.

you strain your ears, but it's no use as the chatter in the locker room is too overpowering, and you're unable to hear lina or mikko. miles wood gives you an odd look—eyeing the way you stand ridged beside his stall, gnawing your thumb as you watch lina talk to the blonde winger—but you don’t notice.

it's only a moment before lina turns around, her grin even wider than it was before as she makes her way back towards you. "your turn." she chimes, thrusting the phone back in your palms.

"what happened?" you question.

lina raises one her brows, pushing you in the direction of mikko's stall. "he didn't want to answer anymore questions."

"okay," you draw. "so maybe I shouldn't go over there."

lina continues guiding you in his general direction. "no it's actually exactly why you should go over there."

you don't get to argue any further as you're suddenly right in front of mikko—almost too close, and if you take another step towards him you're thighs will bump his knees.

speaking of thighs—mikko's are on full display. the huge, muscle carved limbs spread wide as he manspreads in his stall. the expanse of smooth, hard skin making you feel flustered and suddenly intrigued. your eyes flicker upwards, finding the icy blue ones of mikko looking back at you.

you swallow, a heat rising to your cheeks. "hi, mikko."

"hi, y/n." he says your name playfully, the faintest smile pulling at his lips. "you okay?"

you nod too quickly and immediately curse yourself for acting so uncool. you've never been this nervous around any of the avs, especially not mikko, but lina's comments about his looks earlier are lingering in your mind—leaving you flustered.

because obviously you are aware mikko is hot, but now you can't help but be really aware of the fact. damn lina.

"yeah," you clear your throat, clutching the cellphone tightly in your hand. "I was actually just wondering if you'd answer a question for tiktok? for me? promise it'll be quick."

his eyes flicker over your warm, hopeful face, and after a beat he sighs gently, a quick nod following. "yeah I can do that for you."

you can't help the way your eyes widen at his agreement. mikko seems oblivious to your shocked state, removing his remaining elbow pad and tossing it towards the back of his messy stall.

you catch a whiff of his intoxicating scent, and even with the sweat lingering across his forehead and soaking his branded undershirt, mikko smells so good. he's always been enveloped in a cloud of clean laundry and something slightly woodsy, and even though you're extremely professional, it never fails to make you falter.

you clear your throat and your head. "really?"

mikko runs the damp towel previously hung around his neck through his messy curls, making the appearance of them even more fluffy and soft. his eyes twinkle with amusement, a matching half smile blossoming on his lips. "yeah, really. why do you sound shocked?"

you make a tiny noise of confusion in the back of your throat, shooting a glance to lina over your shoulder. she sends you a triumphant look, brow raised like she knew that she was right.

she is right.

you look back at mikko quickly, "I just thought..." you trail off, brows pulling tightly as you think about the excuse he gave to lina—you're so confused. you've never noticed before if mikko had a certain favouritism towards you over lina, or even nick. I mean, you never paid attention to anything like that—but now you feel like you should be more aware, because this doesn't make sense.

"you thought..?" mikko raises one eyebrow, waiting for the second half of your sentence.

"nothing." you blink quickly, adjusting the phone in your hand. "sorry, let's just get to it."

you're still in some sort of shock for the rest of the day—the pieces of the puzzle in your mind loose and turned upside down as you try and understand mikko's dismissal of lina, or better yet, his compliance with you.

it had you further trying to solve the mystery. does mikko just prefer you? does he like your voice over your co-workers? maybe you smell like his favourite desert? does he like you? does mikko want to fuck you?

you're not sure where to pinpoint the source, but you're also determined to find the answer. with some help for lina, and even a little input from nick, you conjure up a plan—which lina finds the upmost entertainment in.

but you mean nothing but business. for the next few weeks it's only you who works with mikko rantanen—it's you asking him questions and having him participate in stupid games. and without fail, every single time you ask him, mikko complies.

so you get crazier with it. whether it's a questions about my little pony—a show mikko has never even heard of—or having him lift you onto his shoulder while a sabrina carpenter song plays through the tiktok recording—he is participating without complaining.

every. single. time.

it has your good friends, but ever so annoying colleagues theorizing.

"maybe he's got a thing for girls with her hair colour? can't resist them." nick chimes, sipping some piping hot coffee from an avalanche branded mug.

you roll your eyes, pulling open the microwave to grab your shitty frozen meal.

lina's laugh echos through the staff room, "mhmm...or maybe her eye colour." she sends you a teasing look before slurping some saucy noddles up into her mouth.

before you can respond nick pipes up again, "he definitely wants in her pants."

you take a seat beside lina—across from your male coworker—and send them both a slightly amused, but deadpanned look. "are you guys done?"

despite your attitude towards them, you can't help but wonder if their theories are correct. sure, mikko seems sweet enough—towards you anyways—but with the way you're barley pushing him into participating in stupid little tiktok's, has you pondering. mikko is nice...but not that nice.

is he just trying to get into your pants? and then forgot about you? the thought has you feeling angry, because you're not just some girl who he can treat nicely until he gets what he wants—absolutely not. and you're not going to let him treat you like a fool, just because he wants his dick wet.

the following day you’re determined to get answers and put your mind at ease. you like mikko—he’s a great guy—but you don’t want to feel like you’re being used. there was a team meeting and breakfast today, without the pressure of practice or a game—essentially an off day for the guys.

as the chaos of the dining room begins clearing out, only a few lingering athletes and staff members at some of the tables, you make your way across the room with a determined step, looking for mikko.

you catch the broad expanse of his back and blonde hair sticking out from underneath his beanie just as he slips out the door. you grumble to yourself, speeding up in hopes to catch him before he leaves the facility.

pushing open the rather heavy door to the hallway, you’re immediately greeted by his familiar laugh and gabe landeskogs smooth voice—spewing some dad joke that only mikko would find funny.

before you can sike yourself out, you march up to the two european teammates. “rantanen, I need to talk to you.”

they pause in their slow steps, conversation halting abruptly as both men turn to look at you. the sight of your hard expression and pointed gaze has mikko swallowing roughly, eyeing you with confusion.

gabe snickers quietly, the sound missing your ears, and pats mikko’s shoulder sympathetically. “last name, huh? good luck.” with that the avalanche captain stalks off, disappearing down the quiet hallway.

you cross your arms defensively, looking up—way up—at him, tone rough and determined. “are you trying to fuck me or something?”

“whoa whoa, just hold on a second.” mikko’s eyes widen, looking around the hallways quickly to ensure you were alone. even though he doesn’t see any physical bodies, mikko can’t be too sure—especially when he can sense the conversation is going in a direction that doesn’t need to be overheard.

he gently takes ahold of your wrist, guiding you towards the open meeting room directly across from the kitchen. the censor lights flicker alive as you step into the empty, quiet room—illuminating the once dark space.

mikko lets go of your arm, shutting the door with a soft click before turning back to you. he analyzes your face, eyes flickering over your still pointed eyes and the angry pull to your mouth. confused, he steps towards you. “are you joking with me?”

you raise your brows. “do I look like i'm joking with you, mikko?”

he shakes his head gently, like he’s trying to come up with a reason for your sudden coldness—you’ve never acted this way around him, and seeing you so irritated is rather strange. “why are you asking me that?”

he���s referring to the first question you’d asked him—rather angrily may he add. mikko is unsure what brought on the rather sexual outburst of a question, only because it’s so unlike you. in fact, one time ross colton tried to make a sexual innuendo with you, and you just about turned the colour of a ripe apple.

mikko thinks he must’ve done something—or said something to make you not only think like that, but ask him about—without so much as a blush on your face. you were serious.

you cross your arms again, defensive walls still built high. clearing your throat, you look away from mikko and towards the navy blue patterned rug covering the floor. “ why are you so nice to me?”

you practically whisper, timidly running your foot along the worn out carpet.

mikko blinks. “what?” he’s even more confused now—because why wouldn’t he be nice to you. you’re sweet, and respectful, and funny, and beautiful, and you’re you.

you meet his eyes again, expect this time there’s more emotion swimming in them, and you’re slowly coming down of your flurry of anger—left with fear and your own confusion. “like..,” you start unsure, “you only do the media stuff when i'm the one asking you to. are you only being nice to me so that like, you'll get in my pants?”

you’re right, he thinks. he only does media when you ask, but it’s not because he suddenly wants to if you’re the one asking, it’s because he can’t say no to you. mikko never wants to see you sad—he never wants to see the current look on your face when he can help it.

mikko shakes his head, slow and steady. “no. that's not why i'm nice to you.”

“no?” you parrot, the tiniest hint of disbelief in your tone.

“no.” mikko repeats firmly. “i'm nice to you because I like you.”

“like as a friend?” you gulp, arms falling to your sides as you’re no longer strong enough to hold them around yourself.

mikko doesn’t see the point of hiding his true feelings any longer. the thought of you thinking he had ulterior motives with his kindness literally makes his stomach hurt, and he can’t have you believing he’s trying to use you for his own benefit.

so with a gentle sigh, he takes another step closer to you, eyes softening as he takes in your hesitant gaze and red cheeks. “more than a friend.” mikko admits gently.

your face falls, “oh.” you’re in some sort of shock, looking up at the winger with parted lips and wide eyes. the way mikko is looking at you, so raw and real, has any lingering hesitance falling away, and your expression quickly shifts.

“yeah, oh.” the corner of mikko’s plump lip slides upwards, the beginning stages of a lopsided smirk growing on his flushing face.

he reaches towards you, slowly, hands enveloping the sides of your head as he holds you in his palms. mikko’s hands are so warm and big, completely covering your cheeks and ears—the feeling itself has you turned on.

your breath hitches as mikko’s rough thumbs begin running over your cheekbones, stroking your warm skin absentmindedly.

his tongue licks along his bottom lip, moistening the skin slowly. mikko swallows gently, not once taking his gaze off your flustered face. “but like, just so there’s no confusion, I would eat you out on the table until you’re crying if that’s what you wanted.”

you inhale sharply, stomach dropping with excitement and adrenaline. your body flutters at his words, “mikko.” you whine in a whisper, hands reaching out and resting against his hard pecks. you have no control of your hands, the need to feel him under your palms too strong. you begin running over his covered chest, his muscles tightening and nipples hardening under your deliberate touches.

mikko huffs shakily before he comes down, kissing you with as much passion he can manage. his lips are surprisingly soft and smooth, enclosing and teasing yours in a messy, hard way. the feeling has your stomach swooping further, toes curling in your shoes as the kiss grows harder—needier.

suddenly, mikko’s hands run down your body, passing over your ass with a firm squeeze. you moan into his mouth as his hands find the backs of your thighs, picking you up.

you gasp as he lifts you effortlessly, sitting you on the table like it’s nothing—mikko smirks at the sound you make, and he can’t help the way his dick twitches in his pants. his wet lips trail off your mouth, travelling over your jaw and down your neck where he continues giving you hot, and hurried kisses.

reluctantly, your eyes flutter open, running a hand under mikko’s beanie, gripping the base of his hair between your trembling fingers. “we can get in a lot of trouble for this.” you breathe.

despite your words, your hips rolls against his hardening length, your cores at the perfect angle with you sitting on the table to grinding together deliciously.

mikko pulls back, eyes glazed with lust as he grins. “I know. so we'll just have to be sneaky.” his words are husky, sending your blood pumping and head swirling with need.

he leans back in, giving you another eye rolling kiss. you push his hat off his head completely, giving yourself free reign of his messy curls, tugging the blonde strands as your heart desires.

mikko pulls you closer on the tabletop, further bumping your clothed heat against his. his large hands slide underneath the back of your top, running over your spine and fiddling with the edge of your lacy bralette.

you sigh trembly, disconnecting the kiss. “i'll have to stop asking you questions though. because now I really won't be able to control myself around you.”

the admission has mikko smirking, biting his lip seductively. one of his hands round to your front, groping your tit over your bra. “I turn you on baby?” he already knew the answer to his question—your hardened nipples and shifting hips giving him all the information he needs.

you laugh through a breathless exhale, and you gently hit his shoulder. “be serious. you'll have to tolerate lina, and start saying yes when she asks you to do things.”

“no promises.” he chimes playfully, hands running back down your torso—leaving goosebumps in their wake.

you give him a soft, serene smile, which as mikko following suit—looking at you the way he always has. “I really like you, mikko.” you admit gently, one of your hands running over his building bicep before sliding around to rest on his shoulder blade.

for a moment, his smile remains admirable, looking down at you like you’re the only thing that has ever mattered. mikko has been dreaming of the day you say those words, and actually hearing you speak them is just otherworldly.

but because he’s a boy, and you’re his dream girl with his spit coating your plump lips—he can’t help himself. mikko’s hand rounds to your front, dipping underneath the waistband of your leggings and sliding over your underwear. he thumbs your clit over the thin material, and your mouth goes slack at his touch.

he breathes, smirking at the feeling of your arousal soaking through your panties. “yeah I can tell.”

“shut up.” you huff, pulling him back in to continue your desperate kiss.

[lightsoutmatthews]

It´s always been you - Nathan MacKinnon

summary: you and Nathan used to date but things came to an end one day in Nova Scotia. Attending the Makar´s wedding together wasn´t something you planned on doing, but unfortunate circumstances leave you no other choice. What happens when old feelings who seemed to be forgotten, aren´t as forgotten as you thought they were?

pairing: Nathan MacKinnon x female!reader

word count: 8.8k

warnings: alcohol consumption, heavy make out, allures to sex (no on page intercourse) probably still advise to read at your own risk if you are not +18

authors note:

I know Cale did not get married in Mexico but for the sake of the story we will imagine he did

I took this idea from a prompt list over the summer, unfortunately I can´t find it anymore to tag the creator

--------------------------------

The Makars wedding invitation came when you were still together, now it was pinned to the pinnboard in your new apartment, weeks after you and Nathan had broken up.

It wasn’t that the break-up came out of the blue, fights had cracked your relationship. Nathans hard working ethic when it came to hockey often something that got in the way. Not that you blamed him. But he and the Avalanche once again failed to make it further than the second round of the playoffs, losing to the Stars in six games.

He grew cold. Not the first time it happened. Nothing you hadn’t dealt with before, but you were tired of it. The arguments, the storming out and the days without hearing from him after he left for Halifax were the final nail in the coffin you needed to end things.

You flew to Nova Scotia just like you were supposed to but left the next day with a broken heart and the determination to find a new apartment as soon as possible. You did after a few days somehow, finally moving out of your… of Nathans apartment.

You moved on, trying not to think about him too much, trying not to let the different corners of Denver remind you of memories the two of you shared.

Then the week of the wedding came.

Cale and Tracy would get married in Mexico, something that had been planned months in advance. Something you had planned together with Nathan. Something you had also booked together with Nathan.

You tried talking to Tracy, hoping she and Cale had another room so that you could attend. Attending together with Nathan something you weren’t ready to. Unfortunately, there were only so many rooms they booked for the wedding.

Tracy said it was your choice if you´d attend but in the same breath she made clear that there was no way they would ask Nathan to not attend. Not that you ever expected them to.

So, tomorrow you would leave for the wedding. How it would pan out something you would deal with when you got there. But then the message pinged your phone.

Nathan MacKinnon: We should talk about the wedding.

No hello. No how are you. Just we need to talk about the wedding.

At first you were unsure if you should reply. Starring at the phone for minutes, the chat open, his words doubling over in your mind.

I Yes, we should.

No indication as to where, how and why exactly, nothing more than his text.

Nathan MacKinnon: I emailed them asking if I can cancel the reservation and book two separate rooms, they declined and said we would not get our money back if we cancelled.

I I asked Tracy the same thing, she said basically the same to me.

I You can go. I don’t need my money back either. Cale is your friend and teammate.

Nathan MacKinnon: I don’t want to keep you from the wedding of a friend.

I And what is your plan? Are you offering to sleep on the beach?

You were slowly getting annoyed with him. Dealing with this over text pissed you off. If he wanted to speak, he could at least have the guts to call.

Nathan MacKinnon: We could attend like planned. Sharing the hotel room. We were together for three years, we can deal with this.

You rolled your eyes.

I Yeah, and there´s a reason we´re not anymore.

Nathan MacKinnon: We can be civil with each other for one week. For our friends.

You swallowed. Hard.

He was right and as much as you did not want to share a hotel room with him for a week, Tracy and Cale wanted both of you there. They planned this expecting you to be there together. For the sake of their special day you could pull through, right? You wouldn’t have to be around him aside from when you would both be sleeping, right?

I You´re right. It´s just a week. We cohabitated without speaking for almost as long before.

You knew it was a low blow. Throwing his behavior at him years after it happened but you could not let him think this would be anything but you doing this for the sake of your friends.

Nathan MacKinnon: I´ll let Cale know, see you there.

--------------------------

Two days later you got off the plane in Mexico. The heat outside hitting you like running into a wall. It had been warm in Denver but August heat in Mexico was a different beast.

Just like the entire plane ride the shuttle to the resort had you overthinking. What had you thought agreeing to room with Nathan for a whole week? He was your ex-boyfriend for goodness sake.

Anger was still lingering underneath your skin. Maybe even a little love that was still left for the man who you shared a life with for multiple years.

You weren’t prepared to face him again, but when you stood in front of the wooden hotel room door with shaking hands you knew there was nothing you could do.

You stood there outside the room for longer than you probably should have. The heat from the burning sun giving you a sunburn through your shirt but it was still more comfortable than facing who was inside the room.

You heart couldn’t beat faster if it tried. Not even running a marathon could made you breathe this heavy.

But when the door opened a few seconds later everything stopped. The droplets of sweat on your face suddenly more prominent than ever. The slight breeze that was brushing over your skin spreading goosebumps alongside your arms.

He looked the same as when you left him in Halifax. Unsurprising, given it had only been a couple of weeks.

He was a little more tanned. His hair seemed blonder, probably from the sun as well. His bright blue eyes hidden by a pair of sunglasses you hadn’t seen him wear before.

The world moved in slow-motion as you looked up at his tall frame. His lips were moving but didn’t register any words that left his mouth, too caught up by this being the first time you met him since the breakup.

“I´m sorry, what?” You breathed out, voice quiet. His brows furrowed and a shiver immediately ran down your spine. “I said, there you are, the front desk called the room asking if you made it her okay. I was just leaving to meet some of the guys at the beach, see you later.” Before you could get another word out, he was already ten steps down the path vanishing as quickly as he apeared.

The door snapping shut right in front of your nose pulled you back into reality. The interaction leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Of course, you came here hoping to interact with him as little as possible, but somehow you did not expect him to give you the cold shoulder.

With a loud sigh you finally gathered the courage to enter the room. The coolness of the air-conditioning a strong contrast to the heat outside. Nathans familiar smell hung in the air, indicating that he had been here for quite a while.

Stepping further into the room you noticed his suitcase next to the small couch that formed the center of the main part of room. To the left was a door to what you guessed the bedroom and to the right another door that probably led to the bathroom. You would explore in a second because what really captured your attention was the patio. It held a small pool, some deck chairs and a path that led right to the beach.

The beautiful turquoise that you were faced with at the end of the path took your breath away. The palm trees and flowers that lined the path down to the sand nothing like you had seen before. Cale and Tracy picked a beautiful place to get married and you would enjoy your time here regardless of the man you had to share a room with.

----------

The first wedding activity followed that evening. You hadn’t seen Nathan until shortly before you had to leave. His eyes lingered on your flowy sundress a little too long for your liking when he opened the door, but he went for a shower without any word.

The resorts restaurant where Tracy and Cale held their welcome dinner was equally as beautiful as the rest of it. The sun, which was dipping low over the ocean, colored the surroundings in a soft orange glow.

When you stepped into the area reserved for the wedding party you were greeted with people, friends, you hadn’t seen since the hockey season ended for the Avs in mid-May. Susanna Ranta and Mel Landeskog immediately embraced you with hugs and how are you´s before pulling you a chair on their table.

Mikko and Gabe acknowledged you with soft smiles but no words. Their two girls the ones you had been closest with while being in the wag circle of the Colorado Avalanche, you considered them more than acquaintances but since they´re still Nathans friends, they´re not yours.

----------------------

He entered the patio with the confidence that surrounded him wherever he went. He was walking like he owned the place, his light summer pants rustling with the steps he was taking. The navy shirt matched them perfectly.

You always appreciated his ability to style himself. It had always been easy to match if needed.

His large strides led him to your table, Mikko and Gabe obviously being the guys he wanted to sit with.

His eyes roamed, once again lingering on your frame for longer than a normal glance should be. Goosebumps formed at the back of your neck when his piercing blue eyes met yours for a brief second, before he looked away again and pulled out the chair across from you.

The energy around the table shifted as he sat down. The air was heavier than before. Everyone obviously knowing your history. No one knowing how they should react. Susanna asking if you had a good trip here broke the silence a short while after. Following that the guys broke into their own conversation.

You didn’t miss how Nathan´s eyes flicked to you occasionally. Lingering. Almost longing.

You ignored it, rather falling into comfortable conversation with Mel and Susanna about the summer. They painted beautiful pictures about the home countries of their partners. Sweden and Finland always having been countries you wanted to visit.

Gabe and Mikko clinked themselves in when they picked up on the topic, raving about how you really needed to visit and how you could stay at their places no questions asked. Many polite smiles and nods were shared. You knew you didn’t belong into their circle anymore, but they still felt like the friends you were when you and Nathan were together.

--------------

The itinerary told you tomorrow would be a relaxing day with different activities planned. You talked with Mel and Susanna about joining Tracy and some of her friends at the beach and later at the resorts spa. You had seen the place when you walked here. The epitome of luxury combined with calm, and relaxation immediately drew you in. A massage truly was what you needed after the past weeks.

When you returned to the room after taking a walk along the beach. Nathan was already there. You were faced with his muscular back as you walked through the door.

He was hunched over his suitcase, looking for something. His back muscled moved as he searched, his big biceps, which hiding behind used to be your save space somehow seemed even bigger than before.

The memories of being snuggled up against his side on the couch, his arms wrapped around you, keeping you save, flooded your mind. You blinked rapidly to wash them away before making yourself known.

“Do you still need the bathroom?” He flinched, apparently, he hadn’t heard you come in. The air shifted when he stood. The space suddenly feeling incredibly small.

“No, all finished. You can take the bed too, I´ll take the couch.” You took at the uncomfortable looking piece of furniture. It was small, there was no way it could hold all six feet of him. He probably would have to tuck in his legs to fit.

“I can´t let you do that. Your back will kill you tomorrow.” His eyebrows shot up, but he didn’t reply. “How else would we solve this?”

“Let´s just sleep in the bed. We´re both adults, Nathan, we can handle sleeping side by side. We did it for years.” He brushed his hand through his already tussled hair and sighed. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“It´s fine. Let´s just go to sleep and get this over with as quickly as possible.” You could see that he swallowed hard. But he didn’t say anything this time either, just gave you a single nod before going back to searching in his suitcase.

You didn’t bother making any more conversation, leaving for the bathroom instead, where you took a long shower, delaying the return to the bedroom where he undoubtedly would already be asleep or still scroll through his phone.

You took your time brushing your teeth, going through all the steps in your skin care routine, spending extra time on massaging the creams in just to spend more time away from him.

After, you scrolled through your phone for another five minutes but when tiredness took over your vision and you were ready to go to sleep you mustered up the courage to go outside again. The doors to the balcony were still open, the soft sounds of waves crashing to the shore mixing with unfamiliar animal sounds. It gave you a sense of peace, the bustling atmosphere of Denver usually not holding this sense of calm.

You paused for a second, watching, breathing in the salty air that filled the room, before closing the door. The absence of the nature sounds casting it in silence.

No sounds were coming from the bedroom either but when you entered Nathan was still awake, typing on his phone.

He didn’t say anything, but his eyes found and roamed your body as soon as he spotted you. They followed you as you walked only looking away when you sat down on the other side of the bed. You didn’t miss how he settled on his usual side. The side he had taken in your shared home as well.

You weren’t sure if it was out of habit or because he knew that you preferred to sleep on the side facing the window and you shouldn’t be touched by the gesture. But you were.

--------------

When you woke up the next morning something heavy was draped around your waist and your back was unusually warm. Yes, you were still in Mexico, but this was not the heat from the sun already burning down outside.

Your mind didn’t process, just took in the warmth and went back to sleep. Not for long until you realized who exactly was giving you this warmth. Turning around quickly but carefully you were faced with a sleeping Nathan. His arm still wrapped around you as his chest rose and fell slowly, steadily.

Being close to him again was familiar, comfortable even, his body one you fell asleep next to for a long time. But when your brain caught up with the situation you scrambled away from him which woke him up, blinking heavily to get rid of the sleep in his eyes.

When he grasped what had happened, he ran his hand over his face and sighed loudly. “I´m sorry.” He broke the silence, his voice still heavy with sleep. “Force of habit, probably,” he continued.

You knew you should call him out on it, tell him it cannot happen again. But you couldn’t say the words. So, you just glared at him, and he glared back at you. Until he ripped his glance away and got up, almost running out of the bedroom, fleeing an uncomfortable situation.

You let him. It was for the better.

---------

After breakfast you met up with some of the girls to go to the spa. The group enjoying almost the whole day getting pampered. You had never felt so relaxed. The situation with Nathan this morning being pushed out of your mind as soon as the misuse started rubbing your back, easing you of the tension that had followed you since you had left Nathan back in Halifax.

Chatter follower as your group made their way to the pool early afternoon. You would meet with the girls respective partners for a late lunch. Everyone being paired up again as soon as you arrived stung a little more than you expected. This should’ve been you and Nathan as well.

Said man was leaning against a chair a few steps away from his friends and their partners. He looked as misplaced as you felt.

Mel shot you raised eyebrows as you kept looking in his direction. Taking in the body you were once completely familiar with. The subtle shake of your head made her look away again.

Thoughts filled your mind. Thoughts about the vacations you and Nathan had taken. Last year’s off-season, when you spent the summer at his house in Halifax. He was walking around shirtless most of the day when you were at home because the heat was unbearable. As little clothing as possible was the only option.

The number of times this had ended with him dragging you inside, taking off the little clothing you had left and worshipping you until the both of you passed out, were uncountable. The best summer of your life, you had described it to the other girls when the both of you returned to Denver in early September.

“You´re starring.” The voice right next to your ear snapped you out of the memory. Gabriel Landeskog was standing there, shooting you a shit eating grin while wiggling his eyebrows into his friends direction.

You swatted at his chest and laughed. “I was not starring.” Both of you knew it was a lie, but he let it slip. “He was starring too, he´s just better at covering it up.” Gabe´s confession made you heart beat faster. You took a second to take in a deep breath. The sun suddenly feeling way to hot on your skin. The closeness to Gabe suddenly being too much for you.

“I´m going to get another drink,” you mumbled, hoping he heard it, before you almost sprinted away. The floor burning the bottoms of your feet as you walked. You ignored it, just wanting to get away from the situation. He was starring too. Gabe´s words echoed through your head.

But you reminded yourself that you couldn’t go down this road.

----------

In the early evening the whole group met up at one of the resorts bars that had been reserved for the night. You didn’t return to the group after Gabe had stated the obvious to you earlier. You didn’t see Nathan prior to the party either.

You knew he had been in the room when you retuned from another walk on the beach. His swimming trunks were drying on the balcony and a pair of his sneakers were missing. You didn’t question where he went, it wasn’t your problem anymore. As much as the past two days had given you a familiar feeling with a hint of habit.

-----

Arriving at the party Tracy handed you a colorful looking drink which you immediately took a big sip out of. She didn’t question where you went that afternoon, just shot you a knowing look and nodded to the back of the terrace where Cale was surrounded by his teammates, Nathan included.

You ex-boyfriends eyes found yours as soon as you stepped further into the space. The neon lights reflecting, giving them a slight sparkle. He was sipping from a bottle of beer as he more or less listened to Miles Wood telling a story.

Your glance was looked on his for a while. It was like this was a game. Whoever looked away first lost.

It was him who broke away, when Cale wrapped his arm around his shoulders. Looking like he had already some beers in his system, rocking back and forth, clinging to his friend for support.

The warmth that fled through you as you kept looking at him was familiar. It felt like every other party you had attended together. Him wandering off to chat with people, but always keeping an eye on you, always making sure you´re okay and had everything you needed.

Maybe it was a force of habit, like the cuddling this morning.

“You and Nate seem awfully like you used to.” Mel said next to you, making you jump. “It´s nothing.” She shook her head laughing. “Sure, nothing, just like it was nothing when you ran away this afternoon after my husband told you that he´s been behaving just like you.” She took another sip of her drink, and you followed suit, avoiding having to answer immediately.

“It´s nothing, Mel. We used to be together, we´ve only been split up for a few weeks. Old habits die hard.” The blonde raised her eyebrows. “Sure, keep telling yourself that you and he are not shooting longing glances at each other all day.” With a wave of her hand, she left again, disappearing as quietly as she had shown up at your side.

-----------

Hours into the party the music was drumming in your ears, louder than it probably was. You were a few cocktails deep into the night and the soft buzz had made itself known as you almost stumbled into a waiter who was trying to deliver another load of beers to the group of Avalanche players sitting around one of the few tables that were placed around the open space.

You were desperate to sit down at one. Your feet burning from the heels you had been wearing all night, but every chair was occupied. So, you opted to lean against the fence that split the bar area from the rest of the restaurant it belonged too.

The sun was low on the horizon, telling you it was not that late, yet people were leaving, the early starting hour of the party something no one was really used to but most of them appreciated since tomorrow the wedding activities would resume with the rehearsal dinner as well as final preparations for the big day two days from now.

Tracy and Cale had been the perfect example of a couple heavily in love, preparing for the best day of their lives. When slower songs were played the couples gathered on the makeshift dance floor and danced, clinging to each other. This should have been you as well. You should be out there with Nathan.

The more you thought about the man, the more it stung and that odd feeling of longing and missing something you once had crept its way into your mind. When Nathan took one of Tracy´s friends for a spin jealousy was probably written all over your face. You tried to hide it but old feelings that you should’ve buried deep inside you bubbled up again, telling you that you maybe weren’t as over your ex as you thought you were.

---------

When a thunderstorm made its way upon the resort everybody retreated to their rooms. The silent bolts of lightning followed by the blaring rumble of thunder let shudders move all over your body. You had never been a big fan of thunderstorms. Sleep being impossible most nights they occurred.

Whenever he was home Nathan had held you. Rubbing soothing circles on your back until you fell asleep and he knew you were safely tucked in his embrace. There was nothing more you wanted to do right now than to experience this again.

Maybe it was the alcohol or the protected feeling he always gave you as soon as you were pulled against his chest but the thought of not having it today made you let out a quiet sob. Emotions crashing down on you heavy.

There was so much that was better when Nathan was in your life. Being with him but not actually being with him had shown you how much your lives had been intervened when you were together.

The silence of the room did not help the sadness that was suddenly overwhelming you. Lightning casting the space in a bright flash every other minute followed by the walls almost shaking from the thunder and the thoughts of the past made the tears fall quicker than you imagined.

You tried to take deep breaths. Grounding yourself by lying flat on the bed trying to calm down. When it didn’t work you curled yourself into a ball and let the tears fall. Stopping them would be more exhausting than just letting them out anyways.

You weren’t sure when the door opened but at one point Nathan returned from wherever he went when the party started to clear out. The feeling of not being alone anymore something that calmed your heartbeat like it knew that the man on the other side of the door would slip into bed momentarily providing the comfort you so desperately craved.

Only this time you would get it. He would turn around, facing the door, maybe scroll through his phone for a few more minutes before he would close his eyes and sleep. All that without acknowledging the stare you were currently in.

Your heart wrenched at the thought. Another sob leaving your mouth, the sound probably louder than you wanted it to be.

With the sheets pulled up higher, hoping the fabric would absorb some of your heartbreaking cries you turned around and faced the window again. Lightning still flashing outside, rain heavy and loud against the glass.

The darkness was heavy too. Like it was hiding secrets you never wanted to come into the light. Specifically, the thoughts about how much you missed being around Nathan.

He came into the bedroom at one point, using his phone screen as a flashlight. Your shoulders were still shaking. He can´t see this, you thought, quietly pulling the sheets even higher to try and hide not only from him but from the world.

When a strong arm wrapped around your waist moments later you flinched harder than you probably should have. The warmth of his body a strong contrast to the cool room. “Shhhh. It´s okay. I´ve got you.” He mumbled into your hair, softly brushing some of it out of your face. You were stunned by the tender action. This being the last thing you expected him to do.

He pulled you into his chest and interlinked his fingers with yours. The familiarity of his hand in yours something that calmed you down in an instant. There were many questions in the air but there was no time for them right now. That was a conversation for the next morning.

As he kept rubbing soft circles over your back, whispering soft nothings in your ear, you finally drifted off to a light sleep.

At this point just glad he was there for you, like the last time there was a thunderstorm. Little did he know, he was part of the thunderstorm that was brewing inside you.

-------

Waking up in Nathans arms the next morning felt less uncomfortable than it was the morning prior. His massive arms were still wrapped around you, your head resting on his chest, while his legs were tangled with yours.

When you looked up at him, he was already looking down at you. His eyes soft, roaming over your face, a small smile spread across his lips. Everything about this moment felt like before. Like the breakup had never happened and you were here at the wedding happy and still very much in love.

Were you still in love?

“Morning,” Nathan mumbled. “Hey,” you whispered back. His grip immediately loosened around your waist. Like reflex you pushed yourself further into his chest until he wrapped them around you again.

If this was the last opportunity you had of being close to him before everything would go back to how it was yesterday you would take it. Regret be damned.

Silence spread through the room again. The sun casting it in a soft glow. The chaos from last night almost forgotten.

You weren’t sure how long you just held each other. Both taking in the comfort the other person brought, maybe for the last time.

You felt him move and even though your eyes were closed you knew he leaned his head down again when he placed a kiss, nothing more than a light brush, to the top of your head.

The tender action made you whimper into the fabric of his shirt.

When he placed a hand on your cheek and made you look at his again it was filled with so many emotions at once. Longing. Regret. Love.

His eyes started to flicker between your eyes and your lips. Your thoughts racing a mile an hour trying to figure out what his next move would be.

On the one hand you desperately wanted him to lean down and kiss you. Feel his soft lips against yours again after weeks of being deprived of them. On the other hand, this would complicate things so much. What would happen if you went down that road again? What would you want to happen?

Before you could overthink too much Nathan took the decision from you and leaned down to connect your lips. For a second at first, like he was trying to see what your reaction would be. When you did nothing but look up at him with pleading eyes he leaned back down, the kiss much more heated this time.

It felt like he was pouring every emotion he had into this kiss. Everything he didn’t say, everything he wanted to say but maybe was too afraid to.

You interlaced your arms behind his neck and pulled him closer into the kiss, equally trying to pour as many emotions into it.

You didn’t know how long you made out like that but at one point he started to slowly move his hands to the hem of your shirt and that’s when you pulled back. “Nate,” you whispered out of breath. Your lips were swollen from the minutes they had been on his.

He immediately pulled his hand back. “Sorry.” He rushed to get up, so fast he got tangled up with the sheets, almost planting onto the floor face first. “God,” he said, smashing his hand against the nearest wall when he stood solid again.

You were surprised at his sudden outburst. “Sorry, I´m…. shit… I´m sorry. I shouldn’t have.” Words failed him as he kept brushing his hand through his hair and over his face.

“Nate,” you said, quietly at first, but when it gained no reaction from the man across from you, you repeated yourself louder. “Nate!” His eyes snapped back to you, and he stopped in his motions.

“Will you calm down, please,” you plead. His eyes seemed darker in the morning light, but they were still equally as piercing when they starred directly at you. “Why are you sorry?” The question left your mouth before you could think about it.

“I… We broke up. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, we´re here to celebrate our friends.”

You leaned your head back against the headboard and starred at the ceiling. “Don’t be. It´s not like you forced me into this.” From the corner of you eye you saw his posture relax at your words. “Still, we´re her for four more days. I don’t want you to not be able to look me in the eyes at breakfast later.”

When you got up and walked over to him you did the least rational thing you probably should have done in this situation. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss.

He placed his hands on your back and pulled you flush against his chest, deepening the kiss immediately.

When you wrangled yourself out of his hold another few minutes later, he eyed you curiously. “See, now we´re equal,” you whispered against his lips before pressing one last kiss to them and rushing out to the bathroom.

------------------

When you arrived at breakfast Nate was already sitting at a table with the Landeskog´s, Miles Wood and Ross Colton. Everyone greeted you with a warm “good morning,” before you sat down at the only empty chair. Obviously, it was next to him.

“Do you have any plans until the rehearsal dinner?” Miles asked mid chew which made you chuckle. “Nothing exciting.” Was the collective response.

You didn’t miss how Nate kept eying you from his seat. The kisses had not left your head ever since you had stormed out of the bedroom and locked yourself in the bathroom under the disguise of getting ready for breakfast.

How soft his lips felt against yours, how perfect you still melted together was all you could think about when you looked at the man sitting next to you.

“What´s up with you two?” Ross called out after he apparently observed your subtle non interactions for a few minutes. “Nothing,” Nate replied too quickly which earned him a round of raised eyebrows.

You tried to look anywhere but into Nate´s general direction. When your eyes met Gabe´s across from you his face held a knowing smile, but he promised you with a subtle nod that he wouldn’t say anything until the two of you said something first.

You appreciated that, there was nothing to tell anyways.

The rest of the day was spent tanning at the beach. You finally took the chance to continue to read you book while the other girls had another day at the spa and Tracy was running around with her wedding planner for last minute preparations for the big day tomorrow.

The guys followed your idea and set up a game of volleyball at the beach. Every now and then you ogled the group, they´re hot athletes, there was nothing wrong with that.

Nate´s eyes caught you starring more than once and he shook his head with laughter before pushing his sunglasses into his hair and shooting you a wink.

It was a simple gesture that shouldn’t make butterflies flip in your stomach. The kiss from the morning once again playing on repeat in your head and you wanted to do nothing more than to walk over to the group and beg Nate to give you another.

“What are you daydreaming about?” Tracy´s voice almost made you jump out of your chair. “Nothing really. Just thinking.” You put the bookmark back into the book and put your whole attention to your friend. The subtle voices of the guys faded into the background and started to mix with the waves crashing down on the shore. You tried to focus on that instead of giving away what you and your ex-boyfriend had been doing just hours prior.

“Just eye-fucking the ex-boyfriend, what´s the big deal really, right?” Your eyes shot up and you starred at her like she just caught your red-handed. “I knew it,” she almost shouted. “You still have feelings for him. Shit, I owe Gabe 50 dollars.”

Your brows furrowed. “You and Gabe placed a bet on me still having feelings for Nate?” She grinned. “I´m sorry?” It was more a question than a real apology. “You two were so good together, we were just rooting for you.”

“We were for a while, then we weren’t anymore.”

She placed a comforting hand on your arm. “You both looked out of it at breakfast this morning, what happened?”

“Nothing really,” you paused, considering your next words carefully. “He comforted me last night when the storm happened.” She placed her sunglasses on her head, eying you suspiciously. When she didn’t say anything, you hoped that she believed you.

It wasn’t a complete lie. You just left out that after that the two of you made out in the morning, twice.

“I have to get back to the venue. If there´s anything you want to talk about you know I´m always here for you, right?” Your arms wrapped around her before she could finish speaking. “Of course.”

She smiled when you let go of her again. “Keep ogling your ex, Cale told me Gabe told him he likes it.” With that she got up and left you alone again.

------

For the first time on the trip Nate and you walked to the room together after the afternoon spend on the beach. You didn’t speak much, your actions from the morning and a conversation that should be held still looming over you.

At the same time you still felt the overwhelming urge to it again. To do more.

“You can go shower first if you want to.” Nate mumbled as he pulled out his phone, seeming like he suddenly had really important notifications. “Yeah, sure.” The tension surrounding the interaction wasn’t lost on you. But neither of you acted on it.

You grabbed your clothes for the rehearsal dinner out of the bedroom and locked yourself in the bathroom once again while he did god knows what.

The hot water of the shower did nothing to clear your head. You were spiraling. On the one side you wanted to act on the tension, on the other hand you didn’t want to go down that road again. There was a reason you and Nate broke up. There was no way it would work a second time…. Right?

-----

The rehearsal dinner went without any specific happenings. You and Nate arrived together, which raised the eyebrows of some people, but you shrugged it off.

When the group made their way over to yet another bar for one drink before everyone would go back to their rooms early in the light of the day tomorrow you walked close to him. His hand brushing yours every now and then, sending shivers down your spine as you continued to try to ignore the feelings that were coming back to you.

The wind picked up as you sat on the open balcony built directly over the ocean. You rubbed your shoulders trying to warm up a little in your thinly strapped dress. It had been an immediate yes, when you saw you had packed it and Nate´s reaction was worth freezing now.

“Here.” A blazer was draped over your shoulders. The navy color something you immediately recognized. Your “Thanks,” a mumble at best but you slipped into the fabric and let the warmth engulf you. It smelled like Nate´s signature aftershave. The mix of wood and cinnamon something that felt like home to you, even after being apart for a while.

Tracy raised her eyebrows and wiggled her fingers between you and Nate when she spotted you wearing it, but you just waved it off. “Nothing,” you mouthed.

The look on her face told you that she didn’t believe you at all, but she turned back to the conversation she had prior leaving you and the man next to you alone.

-----

The group exchanged goodbyes and see you tomorrows soon after. You and Nate walked back to the room together, the tension that had built between the two of you so thick it could’ve been cut with a knife.

You didn’t say anything, just followed him into the room quietly when he unlocked the door with the key, he fished out of the pocket of the blazer you were still wearing. Even engulfed by the warmth you shivered at the look Nate was giving you as he subtly touched your arm to steady himself while searching in the pocket. A look full of lust but mixed uncertainty, as if he was debating if he should act on it.

He brushed his hand over your arm he was still holding, unintentionally it seemed, innocent almost but his eyes didn’t lie. He wanted you, and he wanted you now but there still was this hint of almost insecurity in his eyes.

Neither of you spoke as he closed the door, placing the key and his phone on the shelf next to it. You shrugged off his blazer and let it fall to the floor with a soft thud. His eyes snapped back to yours, roaming over your body.

The moment you enter the bedroom, he had enough and decided to act on what had been lingering in the air the entire day. He pressed you up against the wall next to the door, the one where he stood just this morning.

His lips were on yours, just for a second, before he traced the column of your throat. You turn your face to the side and see the cheeky grin on his face.

“See, I don’t know if you´re still mad at me for how things ended between us.” He pulled your chin up, having you meet his gaze before pressing his lips to the corner of your mouth. “But if you are, forget it, I’ve been thinking about this for the entire night and I know you have too.”

And then his lips were on yours again. His tongue swept into your mouth and danced with yours. The woody scent that weavers around him fills your nose. His kiss was demanding, claiming and deliciously slow, as his fingers laced with yours at your side, pinning you deeper into the wall with his hips.

You could feel him hard already through his pants. He parts your legs with his knee and trails his finger down your cheek to your jaw, under the curve of your ear.

“I thought about this since this morning actually.” He pulled your dress down to expose more of your chest. A low groan escaping his lips before he carefully bites into your shoulder, releasing it as he moved on to your collarbone.

The dress hit the cold floor of the room as he pushed the straps down your shoulders, his fingers finding your pearled nipples effortlessly through the lace of your strapless bra.

“I thought about it all through dinner too. Do you know how hard it was for me to not drag you out of your chair and back to this room?” His voice was gravel in your ears as heat pools into your panties.

You whine against him, inch yourself closer to him. He pinches your nipple. Hard. Before reaching down, cupping your pussy, pressing the heel of his palm into your clit. All you could do was whimper.

You were in sensory overdrive because his other hand was still working slow on one of your nipples.

He looked up and let his eyes rake over every inch of your body, standing before him just in your bra, panties and heels you matched the dress with.

“This might be the hottest thing I´ve ever seen,” he growls as he stands, grabbing your arms, pulling you back onto the bed.

You moan. His lips meet your shoulder blade as you pant. Taking the few seconds, he took to undress himself. You need him to touch you. Somewhere. Anywhere.

His fingers trail under the back of your thong, sliding downward to your ass as he grips you tight with his other hand. A low grumble rumbles through him as you arch your back at the move.

“Fuck, yes.” You breathe out. “What do you want, sweetheart?” The man in front of you far from the man you were met with this morning. This version of Nate one you had only seen in the bedroom after particularly rough games, when he desperately needed to take out all the buildup tension.

Those nights were some of the bests of your life.

“Answer me,” he growled against your ear as he kept trailing your body with his hands but not acting on anything just yet.

Another moan left your mouth as he trailed over the one particular spot, he knew all too well.

“Fuck me, Nathan,” you breathed, seconds before pleasure was taking over your entire body.

--------

Waking up the third morning in paradise felt different than the other two. You woke up in Nates arms, just like you did the other days but this time there was this funny feeling in your stomach.

Warmth and butterflies mixed with that delicious burn from the actions of last night between your legs. The sun was already peeking through the curtains, but you knew that it was still very early.

The wedding would be until midday so there was no rush in getting up and getting ready, especially since neither you nor Nate were in the wedding party. So, you snuggled back into his embrace, his arms immediately tightening around you as he grumbled.

“Good morning,” he whispered and placed a soft kiss to your head. “Morning,” you mumbled back, pressing yourself even closer to him.

Neither of you said anything but soft touches and kisses that were exchanged spoke for you. He connected your lips softly on multiple occasions and followed it up by trying to remove even more space between your bodies.

“How are you feeling?” The question was heavier than expected. How were you feeling?

For one you were feeling good, happy to be in this place again, like you had returned to a place you hadn’t been at in a while but loved endlessly. At the same time, you were feeling conflicted. What would all of this mean for you and Nate?

How would this continue when you returned to Denver? When he got back to Halifax? Would this continue? Was this just a vacation fling, a way to close this chapter of your lives?

Looking up into Nate´s warm eyes, that softened at the attention you were giving him again, you let out a heavy breath.

“I don’t know, Nate,” you paused. “Conflicted, maybe? But also, happy.” A soft smile spread on his lips. “No regrets?” Your eyebrows shot up. “No, no regrets.” He leaned down again and captured your lips with his.

After you made out for another few minutes you looked at each other again. Questions lingered in the air. Unspoken confessions and feelings. The only thing you were sure off was that you were happy. Happier with him than you were without him.  

You missed him. Every day since you broke up. You didn’t realize it before. Not when you saw him again the first day you came into the room. Not the first time you kissed post breakup and not last night.

Looking back at the weeks that had passed since that morning in Halifax you suddenly noticed subtle details that were related to missing him.

How he always opened doors for you. How he put your coffee in the fridge before he left for practice or morning skate so it would be cold when you woke up. How your car was never low on gas.

Things you didn’t really think about until now.

“What´s on your mind?” Another heavy hitting question.

“What does this mean for us, Nate?”

Silence.

“What do you want it to mean?” An unexpected question, that at the same time was giving you the feeling he had already made up his mind.

“I don’t know. I need to think about it.” Silence, which he met with silence. Only for a while before he spoke again.

“How about we just get through this day, celebrating our friends and we figure everything out tomorrow?” You nodded. That gave you time to think. To bring your thoughts and feelings in order and to figure out if you wanted to do this again.

“Yeah. Good idea.”

---------

The wedding passed in a blur. Tracy was the most beautiful bride you had ever seen and when Cale shed a tear seeing her walking down the aisle you couldn’t hold yours back either.

Nate, sitting beside you, which obviously raised eyebrows with his teammates and their partners, grabbed your hand rubbing soothing circles to the back of it as you watched your friends exchange their vows.

The reception dinner was delicious, followed by speeches that had you holding your belly laughing, which probably was a side effect of the multiple glasses of champagne you indulged in as the hours passed.

Nate rarely left your side. Once to chat with his teammates, more often to supply you with more drinks or a snack from the massive display of sweets, desserts and fruit the Makar´s put up.

It was almost like before. The routine something you grew familiar with and missed. His protective eyes something you craved. But you still hadn’t made up your mind.

There were pros and cons to getting back together with him. You were weighing them all day.

Sometimes the pros won, sometimes the cons did but you weren’t closer to a conclusion either way.

The dance floor opened shortly after the cake was cut. Everyone was jumping around, screaming, celebrating, having a good time. You were surrounded by your friends, having a blast. Experiencing joy you haven’t felt in a while.

When the newlyweds came together for their first dance and invited everyone to join them you stepped to the side as everyone coupled with their respective partners.

You watched everyone for a bit before a familiar hand was held in front of you. “Dance with me?” “With you? Always.”

With a smile he led you out to the others. As you wrapped your arms around his neck he placed his on your waist.

The both of you swayed in silence for a few seconds. Enjoying yet another intimate moment.

“Come to Halifax with me,” he whispered. “Let´s figure this out. I know we can.”

Goosebumps. Confirmation that he had really already had made up his mind in the morning.

The world around you slowed down when you looked him into the eyes. The other wedding guests that were still mingling around you blurring into the background, their voices quieting.

“What?” your breath hitched. Nate´s touch burning at your wrist sending splashes of memories through your mind. How he held you for the first time. How he had wrapped his arms around you after winning the Stanley Cup. How you held him after he lost in the playoffs earlier in the year.

“After this, come back with me, like you were supposed to. Let´s try again. I love you. I never stopped. Do you have any idea how much I wished to take my actions back? To follow you to the airport and apologize?”

“I waited for you. Before security.” A subtle change in his hold which felt like a bigger than it was. “I wished for nothing more than for you to come and try to save us.”

He stopped swaying and placed his hands on your cheeks, making you look him directly into the eyes. His stern determined look burning into your memory.

“We both needed this time to realize some things, we know this. It was the right thing to do at the time. But we realized this is not how it was supposed to end.”

“Nate…” the words came out quieter than you expected. You weren’t even sure he heard them.

“I already told you I still love you. Please, let´s go back to us,” he plead, grabbing your hands, squeezing them.

A smile spread across your face. All the worry, all the doubts that had crept into your head disappearing the more he said. You looked up at him with light in your eyes.

“We need to talk this out, Nate. Not here, but when were back in Nova Scotia. There is still a reason why we broke up.” But based on the look on his face he didn’t listen to a word you said after you said, “when were back in Nova Scotia”.

“Thank you. For giving me another chance. I promise you I won´t waste it,” he said before dipping you back and kissing your right there in the middle of the dance floor of your friends wedding reception, clapping and whooping from your friends in the background.

[senditcolton]

Homecoming: Craving

i could eat that girl for lunch. she dances on my tongue, tastes like she might be the one.

summary: JT Compher is back in Denver. Unfortunately for you, your craving for him hasn't subsided. But fortunately, you are blessed with Mikko Rantanen - your boyfriend who seems to share your hunger towards his former teammate. bonus epilogue!! song inspo: LUNCH by Billie Eilish word count: 8.7K warnings: smut! threesome (MFM, no explicit MxM but bisexual Mikko is heavily implied), oral (m & f receiving), ass-eating (f receiving), unprotected sex, vaginal sex, fingering (vaginal + anal - f receiving), anal sex (f receiving), cumplay, dirty talk, and just general depravity.

“Didn’t think you missed him that much.”

The deep voice startles you out of your reverie, your eyes darting from the ginger that had occupied your attention since he stepped foot in the bar to your boyfriend Mikko sitting next to you.

“What?” you say, partially because you brain didn’t quite register his words and partially because your mind was still playing the images of JT’s fingers wrapped around his beer bottle. How the trace of liquor on his lips catches the dim lighting of the bar and how they could feel pressed against your own lips or against your –

“I said,” Mikko smiles, once again breaking your trace as you try to shake those fantasies out of your head. “I didn’t think you missed JT that much.”

Your heart flips in your chest, your eyes locking with his. There is a hint of mischief sparkling in his blue irises, one that only increases as he takes in your hesitation. Granted, you weren’t sure what he was implying – if anything at all. But you had managed to keep the… infatuation? Desire? Craving… you had for his now former teammate a secret ever since those feelings first appeared. You weren’t about to admit them now. Your silence gives Mikko time to elaborate but as soon as he does, you realize that your appraisal of JT Compher had been anything but subtle.

“You’ve been staring at him since he arrived.”

The heat rises to your cheeks before you can stop it, the embarrassment flooding through you unbridled.

“Oh. Um, yeah, um. It’s just, uh,” you stutter out, the gaze of your boyfriend not accusatory but still too much for your mind to handle. It doesn’t help your case when, in your stumbling, your eyes dart back to the man in question. Perhaps thankfully, your jumbled explanation is cut off by Mikko’s warm laughter and the sound instantly soothes you.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says scooting closer, his arm wrapping around you, hand gripping your waist as he pulls you into his body, his other hand coming to rest on your thigh. You let some of the anxiety depart from your body, Mikko’s own heat helping you relax. You grab your drink, ready for the alcohol to put you even more at ease. It almost works until you feel the warmth of Mikko’s breath ghosting over the shell of your ear.

“JT missed you just as much.”

You weren’t sure if it was the words he said or how he said them – in that hushed sultry tone – that has you choking on your drink, the coughs coming in quick succession. Mikko doesn’t do anything to help you, probably enjoying your flailing. Eventually, your breathing rightens and you flip your head to stare at him with the most bewildered look painting your features.

“What?” you say, the only word that your brain could muster falling from your lips. It isn’t the clearest question but one Mikko intrinsically understands anyway.

“Neither of you were being very subtle,” he cooly explains. His blue eyes are still locked on your face, taking in the shift of your expression as the information sinks in. The fact that Mikko was able to read your desires so easily made you flounder but not as much as his words ‘neither of you’; a subtle implication that JT potentially wanted you the same way you wanted him.

Your eyes fall away from Mikko, trailing back towards JT. The redhead is still ignorant to your stare, still laughing with the other guys. You watch his movements: the way his plain white t-shirt stretches across his shoulders, the flex of his forearms, the spark in his dark eyes. Your observation is once again cut short by the shifting of Mikko behind you, pulling you closer to him as he deftly brushes your hair away from your shoulder, exposing your neck.

“Do you want to give him a homecoming you’ll both remember?”

You force yourself to take one of the deepest breaths you’ve ever taken, trying your damnedest to suppress the carnal hunger that had easily found a home in your lower abdomen. With quick look back at your boyfriend, you take in his expression: curious and ever patient. It would be romantic, the way he is looking at you, juxtaposed only by the fact that he had almost hauled you onto his lap, the heat radiating from him only increasing the fire already surging in you.

“Are you…” you start to say, a part of your mind still reeling from the fact that this wasn’t a dream brought forth from your subconscious because JT Compher was back in Denver. “You’d be okay with that?”

You finally manage to choke out the question, giving way to you need for your boyfriend’s former teammate.

“Did you forget about last summer already?” he says, one eyebrow quirking upwards, a teasing lilt to his reply. You feel another rush of desire as the images of skin still slick from the sauna and the phantom sensation of two pairs of hands on your body flash through your mind.

“I mean, with him?” you clarify. Summer was Mikko’s idea, one you gladly went along with but this… he never expressed any interest in JT. That craving was entirely yours.

“Kisu, you’ve indulged my desires. It’s only fair I return the favor.”

The smile that appears on your face this time is not shy or bashful. Instead, it is devilish, wicked. How you managed to find someone like Mikko – a man who never balked at your desires because he understood and sometimes shared them – was a miracle to you.

Your eyes once again slink back towards JT and this time, your gaze meets his. A sigh falls from your lips when you feel Mikko burying his face in the juncture of your neck and shoulders, his lips pressing against your skin. Your stare never leaves JT, your mouth falling open in a soft sigh as his brown eyes drink you in.

It takes a moment before an equally devilish smirk appears on his lips. He takes another swig of his beer as he watches your body react to Mikko’s kisses, that heady stare forcing flames to lick at your abdomen.

“Careful with those eyes, kisu,” Mikko whispers. “We are still in public.”

It’s a meant as a tease but you’d be damned if that knowledge doesn’t send another surge of heat through your body. You shift impossibly closer to your boyfriend, his hand moving to grip at your opposite thigh, finally pulling you into his lap. It takes all your strength to quiet the moan that wants to fall from your lips as your ass grazes against his groin, feeling how hard he is already, your eyes briefly fluttering close. Judging from the rumble that emanates from Mikko’s chest, you can tell that he feels the pulsing of your own core. You regain enough composure to shoot one last sultry look in JT’s direction before turning your attention to Mikko.

“You’re one to talk,” you quip, your hips rolling to subtly grind against him, a thrum of power humming through you as you watch his jaw clench and feel his grip tighten. Those shocking blue eyes re-open, a small grin appearing on his lips in response to your words and actions. You feel the hand that had been residing on the top of your thighs disappear, his fingers coming to trace your jawline, guiding your face so he can properly press his lips against yours.

You relax into the kiss, your body reacting the same way it always did when you kissed Mikko. It was so easy, so effortless, sinking into the gravity of him. Your own hand lifts to cup his face, your fingers deftly tracing the cut of his jawline, his stubble tickling your skin. Mikko’s arm wraps around your body, his hand now splayed across your stomach, his own fingertips coming to dip underneath the hem of your shirt, brushing against the smooth skin he finds there.

“Am I interrupting something?”

The deep voice that had haunted your darkest fantasies sounds from somewhere close by and you force yourself to pull away from Mikko. The heat that had been bubbling inside of you surges at the sight of JT standing in front of the corner booth table, his heavy stare dancing over your body perched on your boyfriend’s lap.

“You’re always welcome to join.”

If it was any other night, if it was any other person, if the previous ten minutes hadn’t already happened, your words would be a slip of the tongue; a poorly worded invitation for JT join the two of you in the cushioned booth. Any potential innuendo that could be attached would have been laughed off with a small chuckle and an embarrassed heat in your cheeks. But tonight… the only warmth that thrummed in your body was miles south of your face. You can see one of JT’s eyebrows jump up along with one of the corners of his mouth.

“Am I?” he asks, his eyes darting to Mikko.

“Like you don’t want to J,” Mikko chuckles, his chin coming to rest on your shoulder. “Acting like you didn’t tell me she’d never leave your bed if you had her.”

Every piece of information that casually falls from your boyfriend’s mouth has your mind spinning, your own head tilting in curiosity.

“When was this?”

“Last year,” JT replies, finally sitting down, his jeans scratching against the cracked leather as he scoots in, his body crowding your space. “When you showed up at the gala in that silk dress. How Mikko let you out of the house, I don’t even know.”

“Like to show my girl off,” comes your boyfriend’s reply and you just know his lips are twisted into that cocky grin. “Share her with the world. With my teammates.”

It’s a verbal sparring of subtle innuendos and insinuations. JT’s brown eyes, now appearing even darker than normal – a combination of the low light of the bar and the desire that was barely hidden – flit back to meet your gaze.

“What about former teammates?”

The question hangs in the air, directed to both you and Mikko even though JT’s eyes never leave yours. He must’ve been able to sense that this craving was entirely yours and Mikko was just along for the ride. That assumption is only encouraged by the feeling of Mikko nuzzling into your hair, his voice a quiet whisper heard only to you.

“Go on, kulta. Tell Comph how much you’ve wanted him.”

The shiver runs through you – one of not only desire at Mikko’s quiet demand, but one of appreciation for the man holding you. The only man that you ever thought about spending your life with, something he knew – probably one of the reasons he was comfortable sharing you with his friends.

“If it were up to us, you’d already be in our bed,” you reply. Your words make it clear that you were still Mikko’s girl; that your lust for JT didn’t outweigh your love for your boyfriend.

You can see JT’s eyes flick over to Mikko and you once again intrinsically know the expression on his face, the seductive eyes that he is directing towards the redhead. If there was any shock, JT masks it well, his gaze returning to you with a small grin.

“Isn’t it? Up to you, I mean.”

“Are you that ready to be our plaything, Compher?” Mikko quips, his own desires getting bolder the longer the conversation goes. JT chuckles with him, undeterred.

“If that’s what you want me to be.”

If you thought the fire within you was blazing before, now it was scorching. JT’s deference to the two of you, his intrinsic understanding that he was the outsider in this situation, his willingness to submit, his crystal-clear desire that he wanted you in whatever way he was allowed to have you… it made you weak.

“This is supposed to be your homecoming present J,” you murmur, finally offering up the proposal Mikko suggested moments ago directly to him. “You sure you don’t want to call the shots?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” JT replies and you must restrain yourself from crawling off your boyfriend’s lap and into his, kissing him in full view of the bar and the rest of the Avalanche players.

“In that case,” you start to say, elongating the syllables as you glance back to Mikko, his blue eyes sparkling with a mischief that is surely reflected in yours. That devious smirk reappears on your face as you return your gaze to JT. “Do you remember our address? Or do you need a reminder?”

“I think I got it but maybe a text just in case. Definitely wouldn’t want to get lost and miss out.”

“We wouldn’t want you that either.”

The remainder of your time at the bar is a somewhat successful attempt at acting like it was the end of any other night out. The calm removal of your body from Mikko’s lap and all three of your bodies from the booth, the quiet departure of you and Mikko, unnoticed by everyone with the exception of JT, who had returned to the small group of Avs players under the guise of wishing them goodnight so he could return to the hotel before Detroit’s lights-out curfew – a curfew that wasn’t enforced until much later.

The instant you and Mikko are secure in his car, you lean over the center console and bring his lips to meet yours in a passionate kiss. His fingers tangle in your hair as he kisses you back until you pull away.

“Thank you,” you whisper against his lips.

“Anything for you, rakkaani.”

You sink back into the passenger seat, Mikko’s hand finding its usual place on your thigh as he drives down the Denver streets. The ride home is filled with the ambient noises of the city as well as a quiet discussion of how the night would go; what you wanted out of it, what he wanted, what JT would be comfortable with. The conversation lulls, the barebone framework of a plan in both of your minds.

It is in that silence that Mikko’s hand slowly starts to caress your leg, tracing the seam on the inside of your thigh higher, chuckling at the way you shift in your seat, impatient. Finally, the two of you come to a stop in the driveway and it is a scramble out of the car and through the front door, leaving the deadbolt undone for JT later.

Mikko wastes no time pulling you up the stairs and into the bedroom, his large hands cupping your face to kiss you again. Your body goes lax in his hold, hands reaching over his broad shoulders, twisting into the soft cotton of his shirt. Mikko’s lips trail down across your jawline and onto the soft skin of your neck, busying himself by sucking a mark into your skin. You are content to lean your head back and let him claim you, your only sounds contented sighs. That is, until Mikko’s hands deftly undo your jeans and slip under the waistband of your underwear. A soft moan falls from you as his fingers trace your slit and you can feel his chuckle against your skin as he finds you wet and wanting.

“That desperate for someone else?” he quietly teases. “My little kisu.”

It is hard for you to give a solid response; partially because of how amazing Mikko’s movements felt against you and partially because well… he wasn’t wrong. The fact that in a few minutes, your fantasy of sharing a bed with JT Compher would be coming true just made that fire in you roar stronger.

“How’d I get so lucky to have such a dirty girl all to myself?”

It’s that subtle confirmation that he was enjoying this just as much as you that made you pull away from him, his hands retreating as yours tug the material of his shirt over his head. He helps expose his bare skin to you, the sight of his sculpted body never failing to make you weak. Mikko’s hands quickly return to you, mirroring your movements by pulling your top off your body, revealing the dark red lace stretched across your chest.

“Did you think this would happen when you picked out this set?” Mikko questions, his hands tracing your sides to help tug down your jeans, the matching underwear snug against your hips.

“Planned on having you tonight,” you say, stepping forward, your fingers deftly come to rest on the front of his pants. “J’s just a pleasant addition.”

A grin stretches across Mikko’s face before he pulls you back to his lips. Your hands now blindly undo the clasp of his jeans, your fingers twisting into both waistbands as you pull at the material, leaving him naked. It is instinctive, the way you reach for your boyfriend, Mikko moaning at the sensation of your hand wrapped around his cock, stroking him slowly.

“Kisu, need your mouth,” he groans and you smile, never tiring of the way you can make your 6-foot-4 boyfriend beg for you.

You gladly sink to your knees on the plush carpet, eyes bright as you look up at Mikko, hand still wrapped around the thickness of him. Your lips press against his thighs, working kisses up the skin. Your mouth briefly suckles his balls, feeling them tighten against your tongue before you slide your lips along the length of him. Mikko’s fingers comb through your hair, gathering the strands into a makeshift ponytail as finally wrap your lips around him.

“Perkele, always so good for me,” Mikko groans above you and you take more of him into the wet cavern of your mouth, tongue slowly tracing along every vein, moaning at the taste. You bob your head, relishing in the sound of Finnish curses falling from his lips.

“Fuck.”

A new voice sounds out and your eyes slide over to see JT standing in the doorway.

“Not sure what I was expecting but this wasn’t it,” he chuckles, the initial shock fading from his face as he steps deeper into the room. “Guess I took a little too long.”

“Nah, she’s just a desperate little slut,” Mikko replies, encouraging you to continue your movements against him. “Aren’t you, kisu?”

The question – along with the sight of JT now standing next to your boyfriend, his own dark eyes staring down at you – makes another rush of arousal flow between your thighs. Your only response is to stretch your mouth to accommodate more of Mikko, his head falling back as JT’s lips twitch in a smile.

“Look so good like this, baby,” JT whispers, crouching next to you, his hand tucking a few loose strands of hair behind your ear, thumb brushing the mascara-stained tears off your cheek. “D’you like having your face stuffed with cock?”

“Why don’t you find out, Comph?”

JT moves out of your line of sight but you can still feel the heat from his body circling you. His hands find your hips and you can’t stop the way they roll as your back connects with JT’s chest. You moan when you feel his own erection against your ass, his hands trailing down in between your thighs. A soft moan falls from JT as he feels the ruined material of your panties, your arousal continuing to flood the fabric as he presses his fingers against you, your movements against Mikko faltering.

“So wet, sweetheart,” he whispers, the hand between your thighs disappearing, coming to trace up your body, cupping your breast, fingers teasing your nipples through the lace.

“Told you. My girl gets so turned on from sucking dick,” Mikko murmurs, his blue eyes looking down at you with filthy admiration.

You whine, their words making you even more desperate, one of JT’s hands coming to rest on your neck. Your movements against Mikko finally stall as JT’s lips connect to the column of your throat, sucking an identical mark next to the one your boyfriend had previously left. There is a gentle tug on your hair, calling your attention back to the man standing above you.

“Need me to take over?”

You hum an affirmative, your jaw going slack as you hold yourself still – a little difficult considering the heat of JT behind you, his lips now peppering kisses against your shoulders. With a quick blink up at Mikko, you let him slide deeper into your mouth.

“Fuck, Rants,” JT groans against your skin. “Can feel you in her throat.” His words are accompanied by a soft press against your neck, increasing the tightness around Mikko, making a loud moan fall from your boyfriend.

“Niin vitun hyvä,” Mikko mutters.

Your eyes stay connected with his blue ones, his hips lightly thrusting. You feel JT’s chin come to rest on your shoulder, his own gaze lifting to meet Mikko’s as his hand once again pushes on your throat. Mikko’s cock hardens in your mouth at both the sensation and the sight of two pairs of doe eyes looking up at him.

Another almost growled curse falls from your boyfriend’s lips before he pulls back, the sudden absence of him making the saliva and precum flow. You lick the remnants off your own swollen lips with a sigh as your body leans back against JT.

“She’s all yours, Comph.”

“Finally,” JT murmurs, his fingers reaching to turn your head to him, capturing your lips in a desperate kiss.

The mutual moans fall from both of you in response to finally tasting the other. Your hand finds the nape of JT’s neck, pressing him closer as you deepen the kiss, tongue gliding against his. JT’s other hand pulls your hips back, moaning into your open mouth as you grind on his still confined length.

“Such a needy girl, aren’t you?” JT asks, breaking the kiss to thrust against you again, pulling another whine from your lips. “How long have you been wanting this, sweetheart?”

“I don’t know. A while?”

You couldn’t quite remember when you started to view JT as something more than your boyfriend’s teammate, when your platonic glances took on a more carnal energy.

“Still can’t believe this is happening,” you continue, voicing your disbelief. “It’s surprising.”

“Surprising that I wanted this too or surprising that it took this long to admit it?”

“A little bit of both,” you reply, your gaze dropping to his lips before looking back into his eyes. “Imagine the fun we could’ve had if we had a whole season together instead of two days.”

There is no subtlety in the way JT’s irises darken in response to your words and you swear you can see every filthy image that passes through his mind at the prospect of sharing you for more than a single night.

“It’s a shame.”

“It is a shame,” he agrees. “Guess that means I’ll have to make the most of my homecoming present.”

“I guess you will,” you whisper, lifting your head to kiss him again.

The two of you stay there for a brief moment; kneeling on the carpet, pressed against each other, bodies writhing, soft moans and whines filling the bedroom. JT eventually breaks the kiss, forehead pressing against yours as those deep brown eyes capture you in his stare.

“Can I feel that talented mouth of yours?”

Your own eyes sparkle, a smirk appears on your lips with ease. There was nothing you wanted more than to feel the weight of him on your tongue – something you were sure he knew. Yet here he was, asking anyway. What a gentleman.

“Take off those clothes and get on the bed, then you will.”

JT kisses you once more time before pulling away, following your directions. The absence of his warmth makes you pout but that disappointment is quickly extinguished when you spin on your knees to watch him strip. Your eyes stay pinned to his body, relishing in the sight of his exposed skin – a sight that you only ever imagined.

You were lucky to say that your imagination didn’t come close to reality.

His ivory pale skin a delicious contrast to the fire red of his hair and beard. The way his muscles moved beneath his skin, a testament to his profession. The light smattering of hair across his chest and down his stomach, your gaze following its trail. The moan that falls from you is desperate when he takes off his pants and boxers, his hard length slapping up against his abdomen.

“Like what you see, kisu?” you hear your boyfriend ask from somewhere behind you. You glance back to find him sitting in the armchair in the bedroom corner, a hand around his cock.

“He’s so pretty, Mikko,” you reply, the words twinged with desire. Mikko just chuckles, his eyes lifting from your frame to JT’s, his own gaze raking across his former teammate’s naked form.

“He is, isn’t he?”

Your eager eyes reconnect to JT and you can see the shiver that runs through him, pinned under both of your hungry gazes.

“Fuck, you two are going to be the death of me.”

“Get on the bed, baby,” you whisper. “Let me take care of you.”

No more encouragement is need as JT quickly climbs onto the still-made bed, resting against the pillows before his eyes return to you. You unfold yourself from your kneeling position, now standing in front of him at the foot of the bed. The power you feel, the desire that thrums through you at the sight of JT patiently waiting for you makes you wicked. You decide to tease him more, your hands reaching behind your back and undoing the clasp of your bra. The material falls from your chest and you feel irresistible when you hear two different moans fill the room – one from someone who has seen you naked a hundred times and the other from someone who was seeing you for the first time.

You step forward, crawling on top of the mattress, your knees sinking in the plush sheets. Your siren eyes look up to JT as you move closer between his spread legs.

The sight of him makes your desire swell, a carnal need to taste his skin appearing. You lean down, following a similar path up his thighs as you did Mikko’s a few moments ago. Your lips move to his hipbones, kissing the taut skin there before following the cut of his body, JT’s stomach contracting every so often in response to your soft touch. You soon reach the base of him, your tongue darting out to lick his silken skin. A moan sounds from above you, encouraging you to drag up his length to the tip of him.

You see JT’s hands bury themselves into the sheets, his chest already heaving as he looks down at you. You take pity, closing your mouth around him, moaning at the taste of him against your tongue. It’s intoxicating and you don’t stop yourself from sinking further down, JT’s moans and soft grunts encouraging you to take him deeper.

“Fuck. God, you’re so good – she’s so good, Rants,” JT whines as you work your tongue against him, swallowing him inch by inch. You hear your boyfriend’s soft chuckle from somewhere behind you and it’s only a moment until you feel his hands on your hips, toying with the waistband of your underwear.

“Yes, she is,” Mikko practically growls, fingers twisting around the lace and dragging the material down your thighs. You moan against JT when the cool air of the bedroom hits your molten core, the whines only increasing when you feel Mikko’s lips trace over the curve of your ass to the place where the muscle meets your thigh.

Your focus on JT wavers when Mikko’s large hands pull at the globes of your ass, spreading you open and you hear him moan at the sight of your soaked pussy. Mikko doesn’t hesitate, diving into your core, his lips working against you. You have to take a few deep – albeit ragged – breaths before turning your attention back to JT, wanting to make him feel good.

It was his homecoming after all.

Mikko doesn’t make it easy, his tongue alternating between plunging into your heat and flicking your clit, muffled whines escaping you. His hand once again gropes your ass, opening you more and you can feel the electric shiver run down your spine as his tongue trails up, past your core, against the small strip of sensitive skin before circling your puckered hole.

You remove your lips from JT’s cock to let out a loud unbridled moan. You look back, eyes connecting with Mikko’s baby blues, your hips rocking as he eats your ass, one hand lifting to press against your core, not neglected for a moment.

“Sweetheart,” JT calls out, your gaze returning to him. “Don’t stop, please.”

You nod softly, little whimpers and whines still falling from you as Mikko continues his ministrations. The sensation steals all your attention and that realization causes you to reach out for one of JT’s hands, practically prying it from the sheets and guiding it to your head. You preen when JT’s fingers burrow into your hair, gently taking hold and pulling your mouth back onto his hard cock. You hum appreciatively as JT’s hips gently pulse, thrusting into your mouth.

A soft sigh escapes as you let yourself relish in the sensations at each end of your body. You trace every inch of JT in your mouth while your hips move against Mikko’s tongue still buried in your ass, his fingers caressing your soaked core. Above you, JT’s moans increase and underneath you, you can feel his rhythm falter. His stuttered sounds call Mikko’s attention, his lips disappearing from you.

“Gonna cum in that sweet mouth, Comph?” he asks, his voice heavy. JT’s only response is a strangled moan, his hand twisting deeper into your hair. “Go on. She wants it. Don’t you, kisu?”

Mikko’s question is punctuated with the press of his fingers plunging into your core. You moan, your eyes darting up to meet JT’s, hoping that your silent plea is understood. JT reads you with ease, even after only a few minutes of having you in bed. His movements increase, fucking your face as his head falls against the pillows. It is only a moment before he stills, holding you in place as his release hits the back of your throat. You gag lightly, his dick twitching in your mouth as his grip goes lax. You slide your lips against him, cleaning any remnants from his skin before remove yourself from him, eyes flicking up to see his brown irises trained on you.

A soft smile appears on your face before your mouth falls open in a gasp, Mikko’s fingers still buried inside you, thumb coming to press against your clit.

“You get so wet from being a good little slut,” he mutters, his hand working against you, forcing more of those delectable sounds from you. Your head falls to rest on the top of JT’s thigh, your body rolling.

“Please, Mikko, want your mouth back on me,” you whine, one of your hands reaching back to spread yourself open, an emphasis to your plea. Mikko’s response is a dark chuckle, fingers curling inside your core, causing your walls to flutter.

“Keep your eyes on Comph, sweet girl. Show him how pretty you look when you cum.”

That demand is all Mikko says before his mouth returns to your ass. It takes all your will-power to keep your eyes open and locked on JT as the dual sensations of Miko’s tongue and fingers pull you closer to the edge. JT just watches you; the way your body writhes, the way your mouth falls open, your tongue occasionally flicking over your lips as you whine.

“Feel good, sweetheart?”

You respond with a small nod, another whine falling from you. JT brushes the side of your face, his hand trailing down from your temple, across your jaw until his thumb presses against your plush bottom lip. You easily take the digit into your mouth, noticing the way JT’s eyes darken, his dick twitching with renewed interest.

“Gonna cum for me? Come on, sweetheart. Want to see it.”

JT’s quiet demand is all it takes for you to fall over that peak, your eyes finally closing as the warmth explodes from your core, the energy of your orgasm thrumming through your entire body. You can faintly hear Mikko moan, his tongue trailing down to your core to drink the sweet nectar of you.

“Such a good girl,” Mikko mutters, pressing a kiss against the base of your spine as JT removes his finger from between your lips.

Your body warms with his praise, your eyes fluttering open. The first sight you see is JT above you, his stomach clenching as he holds himself upright. Your eyes quickly dart to his length, semi-hard. Without hesitation you to reach up and grip him, your hand sliding with ease over the saliva-soaked skin. JT moans, his cock hardening again in response to your movements.

“Want his dick that bad, huh?” Mikko questions, his hand caressing the outside of your thigh and your gaze darts back to meet his blue eyes.

“Can I have it?”

“Like you have to ask,” he chuckles in response. His fingers trail down, hooking the underwear still resting in the crook of your knees. He carefully slips them off your body as he departs from the bed. “Why don’t you show J how pretty you look riding cock? What d’you say, Comph? You’d like that?”

“Fuck yes,” comes his desperate reply, your hand still working against him, a laugh falling from you and Mikko.

“Go on then, mirri. Take what you want.”

You don’t need any more coaxing, hand falling from JT as you crawl higher up on the mattress, one leg swinging over his body to straddle him. You lean down to kiss him, your hair creating a curtain your faces. JT happily accepts the kiss, moaning at the lingering taste of him in your mouth. Your hips roll, the sensation of your soaked folds gliding against him causing another moan to emanate from his chest. You movements continue until his dick is once again rigid underneath you. You tear away from the kiss, lifting your torso up, hands finding the sturdy planes of his chest.

JT simply looks up at you, pupils blown wide at the sight of you hovering above him. One of your hands traces down his body until you reach his cock. You gently grasp him, stroking him a few more times, spreading your arousal against his skin. JT’s hands find your hips, lifting and holding you steady as you align his length with your center.

The mutual moans that fall as you lower yourself onto him sound like something straight out of a porno. Your eyes roll back, chest heaving as JT sinks deeper into you, burying himself to the hilt.

“Shit, sweetheart. So fucking tight. So wet,” JT mutters from below you, his grip tightening so much that you’re concerned there might be bruises the next day. “God, Mik. Don’t know how you manage to leave this sweet pussy.”

“Knowing I get to come home to it every night helps,” Mikko replies, his quiet claim of you making your walls flutter around JT.

The two of you still, deeply breathing, memorizing every sensation, knowing that this might never happen again. The realization of limited time must hit JT because his hands start to pull at your hips, guiding you to grind against his cock. You follow his movements, gliding along his length, soft gasps falling from your lips at ever stroke of JT within you.

“You’re right, Mikko. She looks so fucking good riding me,” JT mutters, addressing your boyfriend who lingers at the edge of the bed.

“One of my favorite positions to have her in.”

The praise falling from both of their mouths encourages you more, your body moving in a more feverish pace. You lean your body back, hands switching from JT’s chest to his thighs, using that leverage to lift your hips. The new angle gives JT a clear line of sight and you hear his moan as he watches his length disappear into your center.

“Just like that, sweetheart. Fucking perfect cunt taking all of me,” he groans, his hands lifting from your hips to your chest, fingers teasing your nipples causing more moans to escape you.

You are so caught up in JT – the feeling of him inside you, the lingering taste of him on your tongue, the heat radiating from his body – that you almost lose track of what your boyfriend is doing. That is, until you feel the mattress shift under the weight of another body. You hear the bedsprings creak as Mikko appears behind you, your head coming to rest on his shoulder.

“Look at you, kisu. Being such a good girl for Comph.”

Your only reply is to press your lips against his, having been deprived of his kisses for far too long. Mikko kisses you back just as fiercely, his hand coming to rest on the hollows of your collarbone. You can faintly hear JT curse underneath you as he pauses your movements, holding your hips still.

Mikko breaks away from you and you whine at the loss of both sensations. Mikko only smiles, his hand moving to your shoulder before he gently presses your body forward. You let him guide you folding yourself over JT’s body until your chests are pressed together. The proximity means that you trade Mikko’s lips for JT’s, an exchange that both you and he gladly accept.

You let yourself be engulfed in JT’S cinnamon whiskey taste and his scorching warmth. Faintly, you hear the click of a cap behind you and feel one of Mikko’s hands trace the curve of your spine. Another shift of the mattress, and you unabashedly moan into JT’s mouth when you feel the coolness of Mikko’s now lubricated fingers dipping between your ass cheeks.

“You want it, kisu?”

“Yes,” you whine, the single syllable word elongated in need. “Please, Mikko. Please.”

“Hold her still, Comph.”

JT follows your boyfriend’s orders, keeping his hold around your hips tight as Mikko’s fingers circle the ring of your ass, the skin now slick with saliva, your own arousal, and lube. When he deems you ready, the tip of his index finger presses into you. You moan, breaths becoming more rapid which JT notices. His lips connect to your neck to relax you, no doubt being able to feel your pulse jumping underneath your skin.

“Good, kulta?”

You can only nod frantically, the sensation driving you insane. Mikko chuckles, returning to slowly work you open, gently thrusting his hand until another finger slips in. The curse and whimpers fall from your lips freely at the dual sensation of Mikko in your ass and JT still seated deeply in your pussy. It is so much… and yet at the same time, not enough.

Your hands card through JT’s hair, pulling him away from the column of your throat, his dark eyes reconnecting with your lust-blown pupils.

“Move, J. Please.”

You see the barest nod of JT’s head before he is readjusting his hold on you, softly and slowly thrusting his hips up to meet yours. There is no stopping the downright pornographic moans that fall from you at the sensation of being stuffed to the brim by two absolutely beautiful humans. It makes your eyes roll back, your body tremble, your pussy flood. And when Mikko manages to slip a third finger past the rim of you, you shriek, your orgasm hitting you with the force of an oncoming train. Your whole body stills, eyes squeezed tight, mouth open wide as you let the waves of pleasure rush through you, groans emanating from both men at the feeling of both holes clenching.

“God damn,” JT curses. “Didn’t think this cunt could get any tighter. Fuck, sweetheart.”

“Y’gonna flood that cunt, J?”

Your boyfriend’s voice brings you back, his question making a new wave of heat flow through your already molten veins. You blindly start to press kisses against the column of JT’s throat, working your way up until your lips hover at the shell of his ear.

“Please. Wanna feel you. Wanna filled with you.”

Your desperate pleas make JT’s hips thrust a little faster, the sensitivity from your previous orgasm making your body go lax. Mikko’s hand disappears from your ass, his other hand coming to gently wrap around your throat, pulling your body upright. You gladly let yourself be manipulated, gladly drink in the sight of JT below you: his brow furrowed, his pink lips swollen from your kisses, his pale skin marked with the love bites that you had left.

You hear JT’s breath hitch in his throat, his head being tossed back against the pillows and you whine at the feeling of his warmth spilling into you. Mikko swallows your noises by kissing you, his hand staying against your throat. A possessive necklace, a reminder that just because he let JT have you, you were still his. A fact that you would never deny.

The two of you eventually break away from the each other, eyes darting down to the redhead still left panting on the mattress.

“Holy fuck, sweetheart,” he gasps and you let a soft giggle escape you at his exclamation.

Mikko’s hands depart from your body, his weight departing from the mattress at the same time. The lack of support causes your fall, coming to rest on the sheets beside JT, his brown eyes gazing at you, hand gently stroking the outside of your thigh.

“You are so… amazing. You know that?”

“Wouldn’t mind hearing it again,” you tease, JT’s own grin appearing in response to yours. He leans in to kiss you, his movements now softer and gentler than all the previous and you can’t help the way you melt into him. A different pair of calloused fingertips appear on your skin and you pull away from JT to see your boyfriend standing over you. His hand dips between your thighs, a simultaneous moan coming from you at the feeling of your soaked core, JT’s cum falling from your folds.

“Want more, kisu?”

“Always.” 

“So needy. Ready to spread those legs open for anyone.”

“As long as I get to have you too,” you whine, Mikko’s fingers still softly tracing your pussy. Mikko leans down, his large body hovering over you as he captures your lips in a passionate kiss.

“You’ll always have me, rakkaani.”

The quiet testament warms you from the inside out and you feel his arms slide against your skin, one slipping under your thighs, the other under your waist. You gasp as he uses his impressive strength to lift you off the mattress, your own arms wrapping around his shoulders, fingers teasing his golden curls. Mikko walks across the plush carpet before sinking back into the armchair, gently manipulating your body so your back is once again pressed against his chest.

You moan as his strong hands toss your thighs over each of his own legs, spreading you open, putting you on display. Your ass presses against the hardness of him and you shiver in anticipation when you realize what’s coming. Mikko’s hand – the one that had not been previously buried in your ass – traces down your body, coming to dance over your cunt, groaning at the ease in which his skin slips against yours.

“How does she look, Comph?”

The name draws your attention back to the bed, JT now sitting upright, eyes drinking in the sight of you.

“So pretty. Love seeing that cunt drip.”

His vulgar words cause your pussy to clench, no doubt making more of your arousal and JT’s previous release seep from you. Mikko moans at the sensation of it on his fingers, gently guiding the moisture downwards.

“Ready to show J how good you can be?” Mikko mutters, his words just loud enough for JT to hear.

You watch as his eyes follow the path of your boyfriend’s fingers, his eyebrows jumping when the implication hits him. You nod your head, your own hand reaching between your thighs as Mikko lifts you up. It’s easy to find and wrap your hand around Mikko’s already slick length, holding it steady as he spreads you open, lining up before gently pressing into you. Your whole body shudders at the sensation of him sinking into you, his gentle voice reminding you to breathe. You follow his commands, forcing yourself to relax as you stretch to accommodate his considerable length, your eyes rolling back. Eventually, Mikko stills, fully sheathed inside of you, hips flush against your ass as your core clenches around nothing.

“Fuck, I can see why you wanted to keep her to yourself,” JT curses.

“Gonna be thinking about this tomorrow night during the game?” Mikko teases, the traded quips allowing you time to get used to the feeling of him seated deep within you.

“Don’t know how I’ll be able to think about anything else.”

You feel Mikko bury his face in your hair, hot breath hitting your skin, his next words for only you to hear.

“That’s the whole idea.”

A quick huff of laugher escapes you, your boyfriend’s competitive nature coming forward. You both loved JT but he was indeed the enemy now.

You turn your head to mouth at Mikko’s neck, muttering a quiet plea into his skin – one that Mikko hears and responds to immediately. His hands grip the back of your thighs, slightly lifting your hips as his own start to gently pulse. Your moans echo around the bedroom, every press of Mikko within you causing your core to clench, more arousal spilling from you, additional lubricant for the obscene show. Your gaze catches JT’s stare fixed on where you and Mikko are connected, watching intently like this was something out of porno – one meant just for him. Which, in a way, it was.

You whine, hand reaching out to JT. This was his homecoming after all and although you were sure he loved the view, you didn’t want him to feel left out. JT slides off the bed and walks over, his lithe frame standing in front of you.

“Such a pretty little thing,” the redhead murmurs, his hands dancing across your chest. Mikko’s teeth gently graze the juncture of your neck and shoulder, sending a shiver down your spine.

“He’s right, kisu. You’re always so good for me, so perfect.”

Their praise makes you moan. JT’s fingertips tracing down your body and eventually connecting to your soaked core makes you gasp.

His calloused skin collects your slick before slowly pushing into your core, moaning at the tightness of you around his fingers. Your hand shoots out, holding his wrist in an almost vice-like grip. You aren’t quite sure whether you mean to push him away, on the verge of overstimulation, or encourage him to keep going. But when you open your eyes and see those deep chocolate brown pools staring at you, you tug his wrist forward. A silent encouragement.

JT leans down, pressing his lips against yours as his fingers gently curl within you, your moans falling into his open mouth as he swallows every sound. Mikko’s breath is still hot against your skin, Finnish praise and guttural groans falling from his lips as he continues to thrust into you, his rhythm increasing. Your free hand comes to tangle in his blonde curls, holding him against your neck while your other hand releases JT’s wrist, reaching further. You finally manage to grab a hold of his cock, a hiss falling from JT as you softly stroke the skin.

“Fuck, baby,” he whines against your lips, seemingly on the verge of overstimulation himself.

“Please J, just one more. Let me take care of you, please.”

You aren’t sure if it’s your gentle words or your movements against his erection that causes JT to nod, letting you toy with him as he continues the movement of his fingers inside you. You recapture his lips in yours, your attention torn between your boyfriend’s hands on your skin, his cock stuffed in your ass, and JT’s hand pressed against your core. The ginger doesn’t seem to mind your sloppy handjob, moaning into your mouth anyway as you kiss him.

It isn’t long until Mikko’s grip adjusts, one arm wrapping around your waist to hold you impossibly closer to him as his hips find an almost brutish pace, gasps and whimpers falling freely from your lips. JT gently removes his hand from your core before gently knocking your hand away from him. He takes a single step back, eyes returning to drink in the sight of both you and Mikko as your head lolls, your third orgasm of the night fast approaching. It only takes a few more pulses of Mikko’s hips before he falters, his teeth digging into the flesh of your shoulder as his orgasm hits him. The sharp sensation of his teeth coupled with the warmth of his release spilling into your ass causes you to cum. Every muscle in your body clenches, from your jaw down to between your thighs as the waves of pleasure roll over you.

Eventually, the intensity subsides, your thighs pleasantly shaking as your staccato breathing slows. Your eyes open to see JT still standing in front of you, his own hand now pumping his length. You smile up at him, sighing when you feel Mikko’s tongue laving over the indents that his teeth left in your skin, his thumbs rubbing soft circles on your hipbones.

“JT, please,” you whisper, your voice slightly hoarse from your previous moans. “Want you to come. Wanna feel you on my skin.”

That seems to be all the encouragement JT needs, his hand now moving faster, small hisses and groans falling from his lips. He leans over you and Mikko, his free hand gripping the back of the chair to hold himself steady, eyes closing in overstimulated pleasure. You reach your hand upwards, cupping his jaw, your gentle touch drawing his gaze to you. You let your fingers brush through his beard, a small part of you wondering how pretty it would look drenched in your release. Your thumb moves to his mouth, pink and swollen from your previous kisses. A soft press against his plush bottom lip makes JT’s mouth fall open. You smile, softly guiding your thumb in, pressing against the firm muscle of his tongue.

“Perkele,” you hear Mikko curse from behind you and watch those brown eyes dart over towards your boyfriend, no doubt staring at JT like he was a meal. There’s no telling if your finger in his mouth or Mikko’s gaze is the final nail in the coffin but you find that you don’t care when JT’s eyes clench shut, gasps falling from him as you feel the warmth of him splattering against your stomach.

JT comes down, his chest heaving as he finds the strength to lift himself upright, your hand falling from his mouth as his eyes take in the sight of his cum on your skin. You smile, fingers still wet from his spit as you trace up your stomach, collecting the creamy release before lifting your hand to dip into your own mouth. A moan falls from you at the now familiar taste of JT against your tongue as you lick them clean.

“Does he taste good, kisu?” Mikko asks and you turn your head to stare into his blue eyes.

“Mmhmm. You wanna taste?”

Your boyfriend nods his head and your fingers dip down to once again collect JT’s cum. This time however, you hold out your lifted hand towards Mikko, who gladly takes you into his mouth. A moan falls from him as he suckles your fingers, his own tongue dancing over every inch of skin.

“You two are going to be the death me.”

You giggle at JT’s words, a repetition of the statement he spoke earlier, your gaze and hand falling from Mikko. Your eyes leap up to meet JT’s, his own head slightly shaking in disbelief, a crooked smile playing on his lips.

“Welcome back to Denver.”

“Best fucking homecoming I could’ve asked for.”

Translations (from Reddit & Google) Kisu/mirri: kitten [used for very sexy women] Kulta: baby/honey Rakkaani: my darling Perkele: shit/fuck Niin vitun hyvä: so fucking good

author's note: here it is. finally. my sister fic to @comphy-and-cozy's fic Homecoming: Crush. (which if you haven't already read it, go do that.) so much credit goes to her, from this beautiful header to the entire concept of this fic. i was just lucky that she dropped it in my askbox one night and it infected my brain as well.

taglist: @laurenairay @fallinallincurls @svexhenthusiast

sign up for my taglist here! support my work through Ko-fi here!

[misshoneyimhome]

Hey ! Saw that you may write for Nathan Mackinnon!

Could you please write something really sweet and domestic, maybe husband!nathan, I absolutely love you writing! So thank you if you can !

Thank you so much, babe! ❤️ So, I’ve done my best to put together a little husband!Nathan one-shot, and I really hope I’ve managed to somewhat capture his character 😊 I hope you enjoy it!

Tropes & Warnings: No warnings, Husband!Nathan, just pure fluff, and a touch of humour as the reader lovingly tells Nathan to get over himself 😉

Word count: 1.1K

➼｡ﾟ

Through the Dark I Husband!Nathan Mackinnon ✐

Nathan MacKinnon had always carried himself with unshakable confidence. It wasn’t arrogance—just certainty. He knew who he was and what he was capable of: speed, precision, an unrelenting drive that set him apart as one of the NHL’s elite. It had earned him the respect of his teammates, the adoration of fans, and the fear of opponents. But lately, that certainty had started to crack.

The stats still painted him as a star—goals, assists, the usual accolades. But no amount of numbers could disguise how hollow it all felt. No matter how many hours he poured into training, how many drills he ran until his muscles screamed for mercy, something was missing. His movements on the ice felt disconnected, as if his body had forgotten what his mind knew by heart. The ice, once his sanctuary, now felt foreign.

He’d had slumps before—every player did. But this was different. It wasn’t just his game faltering; it was him. Every missed pass, every fumbled puck, every critical comment from analysts chipped away at his confidence, leaving behind splintered fragments of doubt. What if I’ve peaked? What if I can’t pull myself out of this? What if I let everyone down? My team, the fans… you.

You.

The thought of you twisted the knife deeper. You, his rock, his safe place, his wife. You’d stood by him through every high and low, through every triumph and heartbreak. He still remembered the way you looked the first time he saw you—a smile that made him forget how to form a coherent sentence. You’d teased him mercilessly when he tripped over his words, and he’d been hooked ever since.

Your love had been a slow burn, built on late-night conversations and stolen moments in the off-season. When he’d finally worked up the nerve to confess his feelings, it had been like scoring the winning goal in overtime—euphoric and terrifying all at once. And when he’d proposed to you under the glittering snowfall of a New Year’s Eve, he’d been certain nothing could ever compare to that victory. Not even the Stanley Cup.

But now, those memories felt like they belonged to someone else. A version of himself that didn’t second-guess every move, that didn’t stay at the rink until midnight, chasing something he couldn’t define. He’d been avoiding you without meaning to, throwing himself into extra practices and solitary workouts. The truth was, he was afraid—afraid that you’d see him like this. That you’d see through his carefully constructed façade and realise he wasn’t enough.

The arena was dark and silent as he skated in slow, aimless circles. Midnight had come and gone, and he knew you’d be waiting for him at home. But the thought of walking through the door, of facing you and pretending he was fine, felt unbearable.

The sharp sound of footsteps broke through the stillness. He looked up, startled, and saw you standing by the edge of the rink. You were bundled in your favourite coat, a scarf wrapped snugly around your neck, your eyes glinting with equal parts concern and determination.

“Seriously, Nate?” you called, stepping carefully onto the ice. “It’s one in the morning. Do you have any idea what kind of scenarios I’ve been imagining? Ditches, kidnappings, alien abductions…”

“I texted,” he muttered weakly, his voice barely carrying.

“Once. At eight. That doesn’t count.” Your tone softened as you drew closer. “What’s going on?”

He sighed, leaning on his stick like it was the only thing keeping him upright. “I didn’t want to bring this home.”

“And yet, here I am.” You stepped in front of him, your boots sliding slightly on the ice. “Talk to me.”

He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. Finally, he muttered, “I feel like I’m failing. On the ice. In life. Everywhere.” He paused, his voice cracking. “What if… what if I don’t get it back? What if I’m never the same? What if you realise I’m not enough?”

Your chest tightened at his words, the raw vulnerability in his voice cutting through you like a blade. Without hesitation, you took his stick and set it aside, then placed your hands on his face, forcing him to meet your gaze.

“Nathan MacKinnon,” you said firmly, “you are more than enough. Whether you score a hundred goals or never lace up your skates again, you’re the man I love. You. The guy who buys me flowers on random Tuesdays. The guy who hogs the pillows but always makes sure I have the softest one. The guy who sings Backstreet Boys at the top of his lungs when he thinks no one’s listening.”

His lips quirked into the faintest of smiles. “I don’t sing,” he protested.

“Oh, you do,” you said, arching an eyebrow. “And it’s terrible. But I love it anyway. I love you.”

He looked down, blinking rapidly, as if trying to hide the emotions welling up in his eyes. “What if I can’t fix this?” he whispered.

“Then we figure it out together,” you replied without hesitation. “But you need to stop shutting me out. I’m here, Nathan. Always.”

For a moment, he just stood there, his gaze locked on yours. Then, with a shaky breath, he pulled you into his arms, holding you so tightly it felt like he was afraid you might slip away. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured against your hair.

You pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, a playful glint in your own. “Oh, you absolutely don’t. But lucky for you, I’m not going anywhere.”

He let out a surprised laugh, the sound echoing through the empty rink and chasing away the shadows that had been haunting him.

“Come on,” you said, grabbing his hand. “Let’s go home. You look like you haven’t eaten in hours, and I’m not above bribing you with pizza.”

Later, as you curled up together on the couch, the smell of reheated pizza lingering in the air, Nathan felt something shift inside him. You were nestled against him, your legs tangled with his under the blanket, your head resting on his chest. His fingers traced slow, absentminded patterns on your arm as he stared down at you.

“You know you’re ridiculous, right?” he murmured, his voice soft but teasing.

“Part of my charm,” you quipped, grinning up at him.

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I love you,” he said simply, his voice thick with gratitude.

“Good thing I love you too,” you replied, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

And in that moment, as the warmth of your love wrapped around him, Nathan felt the weight in his chest begin to lift. He didn’t have all the answers, but he didn’t need to. Because whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wouldn’t face them alone.

With you by his side, he could navigate any darkness. Together, you’d always find the light.

[secretlittlerandezvous]

Home With You - Nathan MacKinnon

Summary: Nathan and his girlfriend spend a quiet winter day together.

Words: 1490

Nathan woke up before the sun came up. He blinked a few times, slowly adjusting to the darkness in the bedroom. Y/n’s body was pressed against his, radiating heat. She was curled up beside him, her face nestled into the crook of his arm, and he couldn’t help but smile happily. Her hair was a bit messy, her breathing soft and steady as she slept peacefully.

He loved these mornings, especially the ones where he had no schedule to follow, no game or practice demanding his attention. Just the two of them in their quiet, cozy home. He felt the weight of her resting against him, the way her body seemed to mold perfectly into his. It was a feeling he never got tired of, no matter how many times it happened. These rare moments where everything felt still, where it was just them in their little bubble, made him feel incredibly lucky.

Nathan watched as Y/n shifted slightly in her sleep, her head lifting just enough for her to nuzzle into him again. Her fingers lightly traced patterns on his skin as if seeking him out even in her dreams. He chuckled to himself, thinking about how she always did that when she was asleep - seeking out the comfort of his presence. It was a simple gesture, but it made his heart full in a way he didn’t know how to explain.

For a moment, he just lay there and watched her and enjoyed the quiet. The world outside seemed distant, and all he wanted was to stay in this peaceful bubble with her. He ran his fingers through her hair gently, savoring the moment, before he finally decided to get up.

Slowly and carefully, he slipped out of bed, making sure not to disturb her. He watched her for a second, her face relaxed in sleep, before he quietly escaped to the bathroom.

When he returned to the bedroom, he found Y/n still curled up under the blankets, her breathing slow and even. Nathan lingered by the bed, looking at her for a moment longer. She had a way of making even the most ordinary mornings feel special. He couldn’t imagine life without her beside him, especially in these rare, quiet moments when the world felt like it had stopped for just the two of them.

A few minutes later, he walked into the kitchen, the warmth of the coffee machine greeting him. He busied himself preparing breakfast, thinking about how lucky he was to wake up next to Y/n, to share this life with her. He couldn’t wait for her to wake up and join him, knowing that the day ahead would be filled with the same comfort and joy he always felt when she was near.

He poured himself a cup of coffee, and just as he reached for Y/n's mug to fill it, he heard the soft shuffle of feet behind him.

Without a word, Y/n wrapped her arms around him from behind, her face resting gently against his back. The familiar warmth of her body against his sent a quiet surge of happiness through him.

“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. Nathan smiled softly and leaned back into her embrace for a moment, letting her warmth seep into him.

“Good morning.” Nathan said back.

Y/n grinned. “Smells good in here.” She let go of Nathan and went to grab her cup of coffee, joining Nathan by his side.

Nathan kissed the top of her head, pressing his lips to her hair gently. “You know,” he said quietly, “These mornings with you? I could get used to this.”

Y/n pulled back just enough to look up at him. “I think I could too,” she said.

Nathan’s hand instinctively reached for hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. She squeezed back, her fingers lacing through his. There were no grand gestures, no dramatic proclamations — just the quiet, steady rhythm of two people in love.

Nathan pressed a kiss to the top of her head, the gesture so familiar, so comforting.

Y/n’s heart melted a little at the words. She hadn’t even realized how much she learnt to love mornings, these peaceful, slow mornings, when she was with him. “I feel the same,” she said.

Nathan’s smile was soft and warm. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me anyway.”

After breakfast, Nathan suggested they go for a walk in the nearby park. The park was covered in a thick layer of snow, and the trees were dusted with frost.

“Race you to that bench!” Y/n suddenly yelled. Before Nathan could even react, she took off, her boots kicking up snow as she sprinted ahead.

Nathan raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face. “You’re unreal,” he said, quickly running after her.

She glanced back over her shoulder, her cheeks rosy from the cold, and gave him a teasing smile.

Nathan laughed and took off after her, his longer stride quickly closing the distance.

Y/n was fast, but he caught up within seconds, reaching out to grab her around the waist, pulling her into his arms before she could reach the bench.

“Gotcha,” he said, holding her tightly against his chest as she laughed in surprise.

Y/n grinned up at him. “You totally cheated!” she protested, though her voice was full of laughter.

“I didn’t cheat,” Nathan teased. “I just know how to win.”

She pulled away, but didn’t try to escape his embrace. Instead, she leaned back in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. “Fine, fine. You win this time,” she said.

He kept his arm around her waist as they continued walking. “I’ll take the victory,” he said, clearly pleased with himself.

“You’re lucky I love you,” Y/n said, her face bright with a smile. She pressed a kiss to his hand, red and cold.

“Lucky, huh?” Nathan grinned, raising an eyebrow.

“Very lucky,” she said, teasing.

They wandered further into the park, the snowflakes falling around them. Y/n made fun of Nathan’s competitive side, joking about how he always had to win at everything. Nathan defended himself with a chuckle, claiming it was just part of his charm. “You wouldn’t love me if I didn’t always win,” he teased.

Nathan pulled Y/n closer, his arm wrapped around her waist as they walked. The cold didn’t bother them, not when they were wrapped up in each other’s company, teasing and laughing like kids in the snow.

They reached a little coffee stand near the park entrance, the thought of hot coffee made Y/n excited given the weather. “Want to get some?” she asked, looking up at him.

“Definitely.” He replied.

As he stood in the line for the coffee, he looked back to steal a look at her. She was smiling so brightly, so carefree, and it made him feel proud.

Once they arrived home, Y/n wrapped herself in a fluffy blanket, curling up on the couch as Nathan joined her, his arm draping over her shoulders. The lights were dim, the room glowing slightly from the warm lights.

“I’m exhausted after all that running around,” Y/n admitted, her voice quiet as she snuggled closer into Nathan’s side. Her eyes fluttered slightly, the calm and warmth of the evening already putting her into a relaxed state.

Nathan chuckled, his hand gently brushing through her hair. “Told you I’d wear you out,” he teased, though there was a softness to his words. He kissed the top of her head, then picked up the remote to start the movie they picked.

The movie played, but Nathan could feel the weight of the day catching up to him too. He glanced over at Y/n, who was resting her head on his chest, her breathing slow and eyes barely opened. The warmth of the blanket and his presence made it hard to stay awake. Nathan smiled to himself, already knowing where this was headed. He leaned back into the couch, trying to stay alert.

Y/n’s hand found his, intertwining their fingers as they settled into the stillness of the evening. The movie continued to play in the background, but neither of them was really paying attention anymore. There was something peaceful about the way they fit together.

It wasn’t long before Nathan noticed her breathing had evened out, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He looked down to find her eyes closed, her body relaxed in a way that told him she had drifted off to sleep. He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“I love you,” he whispered. It was a quiet confession that came naturally.

“I love you,” she mumbled from her sleep, snuggling up even closer to him.

He leaned back again, allowing himself to relax completely, the soft glow from the TV and the rhythm of Y/n’s breathing luring him into the same peaceful sleep.

[prettytoxicrevolver]

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[hockeylvr59]

Here With Me Part 30 || Taylor Makar

Author’s Note: Taylor takes Kelsey to Banff National Park for a hike after which they finally get some much needed alone time, even if it does lead to more embarrassment for Kelsey. FC: Marina Laswick (@marooshk on instagram).

A/N2: Since apparently T isn't allowed to have any goals he can at least get an update.

Warnings: relationship tension, awkwardness, smut, cursing? // Word Count: 7,958

~~~~~~

Twenty Nine

When the alarm Taylor set went off shortly after 6am Kelsey jolted awake with a groan having been restless for most of the night. Rolling out of Taylor’s arms and then bed, she made her way to the bathroom doing everything she needed to there before finally returning to Taylor’s room to throw on one of the outfits she had brought for a day outdoors. Once fully dressed, she pulled her hair into a ponytail and finally made her way downstairs where Taylor must have already wandered as she hadn’t passed him again upstairs. 

She found him in the kitchen getting bottles of water ready and filling a backpack with plenty of water and snacks. 

“How can I help?” She asked softly, yawning as she leaned against the counter. 

“Make yourself coffee for the car.” Taylor insisted, stepping toward her to kiss her softly in a morning greeting. “Everything else is already ready. Water, snacks, sandwiches, sunblock, bug spray. I’m gonna go change and then we can figure out breakfast.” 

Nodding, Kelsey went through making herself a cup of coffee in a travel mug that Taylor had left on the counter for her. She wasn’t particularly hungry but she knew Taylor was going to make her eat something so she looked through the fridge to see what might be light enough for her to force down. 

Spotting some yogurt, Kelsey grabbed it along with some fruit and made herself up a small dish, topping it off with just a little bit of granola. 

Before she could eat there was a knock at the door that made her jump. Who the hell was at the Makar’s door at 6:30 am? When the knock came again, Kelsey raced out of the kitchen and upstairs interrupting Taylor as he was pulling on shorts. 

“Someone is at the door…” Kelsey whispered, panic filling her voice. 

“Probably just Mark.” Taylor replied immediately not at all phased by her distress.

“Why is Mark here at 6:30 in the morning?” Kelsey questioned. 

“If I had to guess I’d say he’s planning on crashing our hike.” Taylor declared, pulling a light colored dry wick shirt on and grabbing a pair of socks from his drawer. 

Shaking her head, Kelsey rubbed at her face. It was way too fucking early for that and she hadn’t had coffee yet. 

“Ugh. I’m too tired to care one way or another but you’re dealing with him.” Kelsey mumbled, retreating downstairs where she’d left her breakfast and the travel mug full of coffee which she clearly already needed some of. 

After a moment, Kelsey heard Taylor on the stairs and then the front door opened. Soon after, Taylor and Mark both entered the kitchen where Kelsey was leaning against the counter munching on her light breakfast. 

“So what hike did you have planned?” Mark inquired of Taylor causing the two of them to chat back and forth while Kelsey glared lightly at how peppy their uninvited guest was this early in the morning. 

After washing out her dish and putting it to dry, Kelsey took another few sips of her coffee before leaving the kitchen needing just a few minutes of quiet. 

She usually wasn’t this cranky in the morning but having not slept well meant that she was more on edge than usual and she was looking forward to having a day alone with Taylor which apparently wasn’t happening. 

Taking some deep breaths, Kelsey tried to calm herself while drinking her coffee to the point where she was going to need to make another mug before they actually left. After a few minutes, Taylor entered the room eyeing her for a moment before approaching. 

“We don’t have to go on a hike if you’re too tired.” He offered. 

“I want to go Taylor.” Kelsey stated, sighing softly. “I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.” 

“Are you sure you’re good?” Taylor pressed a little bit. 

“Fine.” Kelsey mumbled. Taylor’s gaze didn’t let up and Kelsey let out another long sigh. “I slept like shit okay. And I thought today was going to be the one day I’d get you completely to myself. But it’s fine. I’m fine. Let’s just go.” 

“Kels…” Taylor started. “I can send Mark away and we can go just the two of us.” 

“Let’s just go Taylor.” Kelsey said. “I’m not gonna be that bitch okay.” 

“Hey…come here.” Taylor murmured squatting down in front of her and rubbing his thumb over her hand. “No one would think you’re a bitch okay.” 

Kelsey looked at him signaling that she didn’t believe him but that she wasn’t about to fight him over it. 

“Please let’s just go.” She whispered, body deflated. 

“Alright.” Taylor agreed. “I’ll go make you some more coffee and load the car.” 

As he stood, he kissed her forehead and then retreated back to the kitchen shaking his head softly at Mark as he sent Taylor a questioning look. 

“She wants to just go.” Taylor shrugged. Given that it seemed like there wasn’t any option to make her completely happy at this point, Taylor was just going to respect her wishes, she wanted to go so they would go. 

Making her another mug of coffee the way she liked it, Taylor put shoes on and took the bag out to the car, letting Mark also throw his in the back as well. 

By the time he was walking through the front door again, Kelsey was sitting on the bottom step, putting her own shoes on. 

“Ready?” He asked after moving to grab her coffee. 

“Yeah.” Kelsey agreed, taking the mug from him with the slightest smile. “Thanks Tay.” 

With Taylor locking up, they headed out to the car and Kelsey slid into the passenger seat as Taylor climbed behind the wheel with his cousin already situated in the backseat. 

As Taylor backed out of the driveway and headed toward the highway, no one said anything. Taylor sipped at his smoothie while Kelsey drank her second cup of coffee and Mark alternated between scrolling through his phone and unsuccessfully attempting to sleep. 

Eventually, Taylor put his country playlist on quietly in the background as he drove down the highway toward Banff needing something other than silence during the just shy of two hours drive. 

After about 40 minutes, Kelsey twisted slightly in her seat and tipped her head toward Taylor. 

“Hey Tay…can you see if you can find somewhere to stop. I need the bathroom.” 

“Yeah, I’ll find somewhere in Canmore, we could use gas anyway.” Taylor agreed. Kelsey had no idea how far Canmore was, she hadn’t really been paying attention to signs, but she assumed it was close if Taylor mentioned it specifically. 

It was less than ten minutes before Taylor was taking an exit and pulling into a gas station to fill up. 

“Be right back.” Kelsey murmured, hopping out to head inside and use the gas station’s bathroom. 

By the time she exited, the car was no longer at a pump but parked outside the building with Mark standing beside it. Clearly Taylor had also decided to use the bathroom while they were here though she hadn’t passed him on her way out. 

“Hey Kelsey.” Mark started. “I’m sorry if me tagging along upset you. Just wanted to get to know the girl T loves better.” 

“Guess I’m learning everything with T is a family event…” Kelsey joked lightly. 

“What can I say…once you’re in…you’re in.” Mark shrugged, smiling. 

“Maybe just send a warning text next time…” Kelsey suggested. “And not just to T because he’s not always great at telling me shit.” 

Laughing, Mark nodded and pulled her into a hug which Kelsey returned. 

Before either could say anything else, Taylor appeared from inside and unlocked the car doors. Breaking the hug, Kelsey climbed back into the passenger seat and looked toward Taylor who had a small convenience store bag he was looking through. After a moment he pulled a small candy bar out of the bottom of the bag and handed it to her. Taking it, Kelsey looked at the package. Aero Bar. It was not a candy that was available in the States that’s for sure but she definitely remembered Taylor mentioning that it was his favorite. 

“This is your favorite…why are you handing it to me?” Kelsey questioned curiously. 

After setting the bag with the rest of its contents at her feet, Taylor rested a hand on her thigh. 

“Try it.” He murmured, backing out of the parking spot so that they could get back on the road toward Banff and the hike. 

Opening the wrapper, Kelsey broke a small piece off before popping it into her mouth. It was basically just chocolate. Aerated chocolate. It was good, but it was also still not even 8am so there was no way she was finishing the whole bar. And if they left it during the hike it was absolutely going to melt. So Kelsey took a few pieces and then offered the rest to Taylor who declined before passing it back to Mark to finish. 

“It was a little chilly out there.” Kelsey murmured. 

“Not supposed to get any warmer really either.” Mark reported. Yesterday had been in the 80s but looking at her phone, apparently it was only hovering around 50 now. And Kelsey had only worn a t-shirt so hopefully she didn’t get too chilled during the hike. 

“It was 80 yesterday.” Kelsey stated, shaking her head at the big temperature swing. 

“You and your American temperatures.” Mark teased. 

“Hey now. I will concede that some American measurement systems suck. Temperature however is not one of them.” Kelsey defended. “Especially for practical use. Fahrenheit is more precise and reduces the need for decimals. And humans can tell the difference between a single degree Fahrenheit when it comes to comfort.” 

“Alright no need to get heated.” Mark joked. 

“Haha. So funny.” Kelsey deadpanned before turning to Taylor. “Are we there yet?” 

“What are you? Five?” Mark chirped. 

“Like another half hour, Kels.” Taylor responded, chuckling as Kelsey exaggerated a pout. “If you pout you’ll miss the views.” 

It was definitely a pretty drive and looking out the windows Kelsey’s anticipation grew at how good the views could possibly be once they were actually hiking. When Taylor finally pulled into a parking lot it took him about three trips around before he found someone who was actually leaving and whose spot he could take. 

Climbing out of the car, Kelsey stretched her legs from the drive and then moved around to the driver’s side where Taylor was climbing out. Knowing that she hadn’t been easy to deal with this morning, Kelsey wrapped her arms around him for a moment while pressing up on her toes to kiss him softly trying to show him she appreciates his patience and grace as the up and down anxiety of the trip got the better of her. 

After a moment, she pulled back and Taylor rested a palm on her lower back to guide her toward the trunk where Mark was waiting to grab their packs. Grabbing theirs, Taylor also grabbed a hoodie, packing it into the top of the bag. 

“Since you’re always cold…and didn’t pack any of your own.” He mumbled, referring to their conversation the night before when he had started packing a few things for the cabin and Kelsey had commented on him adding a sweatshirt she could steal since they didn't fit in her bag. 

“I love you Tay.” Kelsey replied in acknowledgement. 

Before they left the lot, Taylor paid for parking and made sure the sticker was in the window. Then they made their way toward the washrooms for Kelsey to attempt to empty her bladder once more before they were out in nature and she’d have to relieve herself in the way she hated most. Then they applied a quick coat of sunscreen to protect themselves because even if it wasn’t hot out, there was still a good chance they would burn.

Finally, they set off onto the trails and Kelsey was a bit surprised by just how crowded it was. The congestion had her primarily focused on making sure that she didn’t get separated from Taylor so she didn’t have any idea that they were approaching Lake Louise until Taylor stopped after weaving through some people and gently pulled her in front of him, his hands resting on her hips. 

Suddenly turquoise blue water surrounded all around by mountains filled her vision and Kelsey audibly gasped. 

“You’re joking…” She mumbled. “Oh my god Tay.” 

“This is only the beginning, Kels.” Taylor replied, giving her a moment to take it all in. “Our hike will have even better views, promise.” 

Eventually it became impossible to block out the crowds and so Kelsey nodded for them to continue on, a look of awe still present on her face. With Taylor checking to make sure Mark was still with them, they headed along the lakeshore trail for a short stretch as they passed a large hotel. Reaching the first trail divide, Taylor guided them right and they started uphill along a trail that also ran alongside the lake. It was relatively easy terrain, the perfect way to warm up and Kelsey couldn’t help but smile every time she got a glimpse of the lake below them. 

After what felt like a little over a mile to Kelsey they reached a small lake that Taylor identified as Mirror Lake and she smiled as he pointed out the Beehive Mountain which rose above it. With no real reason to linger on besides pausing to hydrate a little and for the boys to grab a snack, they continued and diverged right onto a trail marked as the Little Beehive Trail. Following that slightly rougher trail they again turned right to continue to Little Beehive. As they climbed Mark chatted about whatever random thing came to mind and though Kelsey chatted back a bit she was mainly focused on just taking the beautiful day in even if it was definitely chilly and she might have to have T pull the sweater out at some point. 

Reaching the sign for Mt. St. Piran, it became apparent that this was definitely a path less taken because while they’d previously been on well carved out paths, this one seemed a bit more overgrown. Still, Kelsey trusted Taylor and continued down the path as it led through some thicker woods before opening up a bit once they rose above the treeline. Now surrounded by boulders outside the thin path and with the altitude rising more steeply, Taylor urged Kelsey to take the lead so that he could serve as more of a security net. 

“Sure and I guess I’ll catch T.” Mark chirped. “Or just take him along with me.” 

“Watch it.” Kels joked. “Or we can just say a bear got you.”

Mark feigned hurt before shaking his head. 

“Now I really understand why you weren’t worried about Carvy.” He stated. 

Walking along the narrow path, Kelsey made sure to take her time to ensure her footing was solid. Thankfully there were plenty of switchbacks to make the climb easier but it was still quite the hike. 

“I get it now. You weren’t worried about keeping her safe.” Mark piped up from behind Taylor. “You just wanted your turn to stare at her ass like she’s been staring at yours all day.” 

“I mean I work hard for this ass for a reason.” Kelsey threw back before starting up another switchback, peeking over her shoulder at Taylor who was slightly pink though it was hard to tell if it was from the hike or embarrassment. 

Nearing the summit, the narrow path turned to nothing but rock and Kelsey very carefully made her way over them until she reached the top. Though some fog lingered in the air, it was mostly clear and the views of the entire area surrounded her. As Taylor and Mark joined her, Taylor guided her down just a little bit to one side in order to get a little bit better of a view. 

From up here, Lake Louise looked even bluer and Kelsey could only smile amazed at what they had just done. 

Stepping into Taylor’s side from slightly above him, Kelsey let him wrap an arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder just taking it all in and listening as he named the mountains and the third lake in the view. 

“This is stunning.” Kelsey declared, just basking in a few minutes with him while Mark explored the rest of the summit. 

“I like showing you beautiful places.” Taylor stated softly. 

“I like when you show me beautiful places too.” Kelsey agreed. “I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. This is just incredible. How lucky are we to live in a world where places like this exist?” 

Lifting her head, Kelsey kissed his cheek before reaching into her pocket for her phone to take a photo of the gorgeous view below them. This was definitely a day to remember. 

“Selfie?” Taylor asked before taking her phone from her when she nodded eagerly. Turning slightly so that the lakes and best portion of the view were behind them, Taylor took a few pictures of the two of them so that Kelsey could pick the best one. 

“Hey! No taking selfies without me!” Mark yelled before scrambling over the rocks to get to them. 

Rolling her eyes fondly, Kelsey let Mark sneak in beside her while Taylor took a few more photos. 

Satisfied, they headed to some of the more stable ground at the peak where they could perch to take a short break, drinking water and getting something to eat. Kelsey had had an energy chew on the way up but otherwise hadn’t eaten since breakfast so she was starving. Eating most of a PB&J sandwich and downing three fruit pouches, Kelsey packed all her trash up into a plastic grocery bag for Taylor to stash back in the backpack once he and Mark were done eating. 

At the peak, there was a completely uninterrupted breeze and Kelsey shivered slightly before reaching for the backpack at Taylor’s feet to grab the hoodie he’d stashed there. It was definitely going to be oversized which wasn’t ideal for hiking but the descent was going to require less exertion and so Kelsey knew her body was going to feel the chill more easily. 

Pulling it on she could only smile because it smelled like her boyfriend and that was a smell she had missed more than she could describe. It sent that spark of attraction through her that drew her attention to things she previously hadn’t fully noticed. 

The way Taylor’s shirt clung to his torso from sweat, the way his shorts clung to his thighs, his hair peeking out from the hat on his head…all of it implanted itself into Kelsey’s brain causing her to need a swig of water to try to suppress the flood of hormones. 

Thankfully the boys had finished eating and were packing back up to start their descent. This time Mark took the lead with Taylor following and Kelsey trailing behind. Descending down the first few switchbacks, Taylor would walk a few steps ahead of her before pausing to make sure that Kelsey made her way without issue. It was a slow process with such a steep incline and Kelsey’s knees definitely already hurt at the end of it but eventually the summit was once again towering above them. Having reached the bottom of the switchbacks, Kelsey called out for a break and moved to stretch her knees a bit to try and alleviate some of the pressure she’d put on them. She also needed water and to take a few more pictures of just how beautiful Lake Louise and the surrounding scenery was before it was once again hidden by trees. 

After about a five minute break, they continued down the mountain pausing every kilometer or so to give their knees a bit of a break even if it wasn’t quite as steep now as it had been before. Kelsey couldn’t deny that she was enjoying her view of Taylor’s back and ass as he hiked in front of her and that it only made her want to jump him even more. 

Eventually Mark switched to the back again, not enjoying the fact that it was harder to chat their ears off from in front of them than it was from behind. 

“So has Taylor told you he produced two of the tracks on my new EP?” Mark questioned, switching topics. 

Stopping, Kelsey turned to face him, a look of surprise on her face. 

“Wait what?” 

“Guess he hasn’t told you then.” Mark grinned, hyped to be able to share the news. “Yeah T produced two tracks on my EP, one’s called Way Back Home with a little bit more of a moody country guitar feel and the other is super upbeat called Let’s Ride. Release is the first week of July.” 

As they resumed their hike down the mountain, Mark continued on about how this might be his favorite EP yet and how Taylor had helped produce a few of his songs in the past as well. Letting him talk for a bit, Kelsey looked at Taylor wondering why he had never mentioned this to her. It seemed like it was something important to him and yet he’d given no indication. She wasn’t going to question him about it in front of his cousin but it was something they needed to talk about later. 

When Mark asked her about her own music tastes, Kelsey just shrugged. 

“I don’t really listen to a whole lot of music but when I do it’s pretty much whatever. Country. Pop.” Kelsey admitted. “Lately I probably listen to the playlist T made me more than anything.” 

Stopping to take another short break, Taylor told Mark about some of the songs on the playlist while Kelsey grabbed one of the protein bars to get a little more fuel and finished off most of her water. Thankfully they were at least halfway down and the hardest part was definitely over as the incline decreased the rest of the descent. 

After checking that the boys were ready, Kelsey started off down the trail again knowing that if they waited around any longer she wasn’t going to want to get going again as fatigue started to settle in a bit. This was definitely the longest hike she’d been on in awhile and probably the most difficult, even if skill wise it wasn’t all that challenging. 

With the boys behind her, Kelsey continued their hike, letting out a small breath as they reached the first portion of the trail where there was a concrete path and only a gradual decline. That meant that they were almost done and slowly Lake Louise appeared between the trees once more, still that stunning turquoise blue that Kelsey really couldn’t believe was real. 

Finally reaching the lakeside trail, Kelsey paused for just a moment to take it all in one final time before they hiked the last little bit back to the car after using the bathrooms. 

When they reached the car, Taylor offered Kelsey a fresh bottle of water for the trip home and Kelsey took it gratefully. 

“Any chance there’s pain meds?” Kelsey questioned softly, wanting to get ahead of any misery that might hit during the car ride home. Tossing her a bottle, Taylor grabbed water for himself before putting the bottle away once she’d popped the meds. Cooling down for a few more minutes, Kelsey groaned mentally as Taylor adjusted himself in his shorts causing arousal to pool in her underwear. She needed him so badly that it was starting to drive her crazy. 

Forcing her gaze away from her boyfriend, Kelsey moved to climb into the car feeling tired but on edge. She needed him so much but thinking about it certainly wasn’t doing her any favors. 

Thankfully it wasn’t long before Taylor and Mark climbed in the car and Taylor started the drive back to Calgary. It also wasn’t long before Mark was tapping her shoulder from the backseat asking if she wanted to hear the songs Taylor had produced before they’re released. 

Kelsey was definitely intrigued and so she took Mark’s phone plugging it into the car’s speakers before selecting the tracks he had mentioned. Neither song was something that Kelsey would naturally be drawn to but she’d watched as Taylor tapped on the steering wheel to the beat of each and it made her stomach swirl with more desire. It was Mark’s voice but this was something that Taylor had made and there was something so sexy about knowing that this song existed because of her boyfriend’s brain and skill musically. A skill she hadn’t even known he possessed. 

Even after switching the music back to Taylor’s phone, Kelsey’s mind lingered on how hot it was discovering a new thing that made her boyfriend happy. No amount of water that she drank seemed to cool off her hormones and she shifted in her seat feeling achy and frankly just horny. 

The rest of the drive couldn’t pass quickly enough and given that it was two hours, it felt like it dragged on forever. When they arrived home, they all climbed out of the car to stretch their legs and after Mark transferred his backpack back to his car he followed them inside to use the bathroom before leaving. 

After he finished in the bathroom, Mark pulled Kelsey into a tight hug. 

“Thanks for letting me tag along today, was nice spending some time getting to know the girl T adores so much.” Mark murmured in her ear. “Next time you can tell me to fuck off though, I won’t be offended.” 

“Noted.” Kelsey replied as she ended the hug and moved to use the bathroom herself while Taylor said goodbye to his cousin. 

“Sorry for dropping the music thing on her, figured she knew.” Mark declared hugging his cousin. “You found yourself a good one T.” Mark added. “Though you don’t need me to tell you that.” 

Taylor quickly shrugged off the apology, hugging his cousin before pulling back. 

“She’s the best.” He stated softly, glancing in the direction of the bathroom. She might be a handful at times but he really did adore her and the look on his face showed it. 

“I’m out.” Mark said, giving Taylor one last pat on the back. “But tell Kels not to be a stranger okay.” 

He was out the door and his car had left the driveway before Kelsey returned from using the bathroom and washing her hands. 

“So…” Taylor murmured, focusing on his girlfriend. “Mom is working late and dad is having a guy’s night so we’re on our own.” 

Kelsey hadn’t been expecting that but it certainly wasn’t a big deal. They could figure out something for dinner after they took showers. 

“Alright.” Kelsey shrugged. “Not like we can’t take care of ourselves. What do you want to do for dinner?” 

“No idea.” Taylor replied, stepping closer to her while lifting an arm in an offer for her to slide into his side. Shaking her head, Kelsey maintained the distance between them. 

“Tay…if you touch me right now I may lose it.” Kelsey admitted, still massively turned on with the scent of his hoodie still surrounding her. 

“And…?” Taylor questioned, smirking slightly. “Just us Kels. But a cold shower is all yours if you want it.” 

There was really no comparison between having Taylor and having a cold shower, yet she still hesitated for reasons she didn’t understand. If she was going to be with him though they’d need protection and it certainly wasn’t something she had packed. 

“Do you have condoms?” 

“Yes Kels. Brand new box upstairs.” 

After a moment, Taylor tugged her into a hug and his breath fanned across her ear as he spoke. “It’s your call Kels. Whatever you want.” It wasn’t a long hug, but it was long enough that Kelsey felt him half hard in his shorts signaling that he wanted her too. Long enough that another wave of desire rolled over her, making her whimper. 

“Please…” She breathed, body nearly shaking with want. 

“Upstairs Kels.” Taylor signaled, tapping her ass lightly until she started up the steps to his bedroom. Following behind, Taylor closed his door behind them, locking it just to be safe before pulling her body back toward his to kiss her. 

They hadn’t kissed like this in so long and Kelsey couldn’t help but moan into it as Taylor’s hands gripped her waist, sliding up under his hoodie and the shirt she’d worn under it. Feeling frantic, Kelsey quickly pulled Taylor’s hat off his head before sliding her hands down to immediately start tugging at his shirt wanting it off. 

“Hey…breathe.” Taylor murmured, breaking the kiss while breathing heavily. “There’s no rush.” 

“Waited three weeks…” Kelsey mumbled back before kissing him again hard. Though the stubble on Taylor’s face rubbed at her, it was something Kelsey mostly ignored and even enjoyed slightly, more focused on his lips against hers. 

Still kissing, Taylor lifted her up and carried her over to his bed, laying her down on it while hovering over her. Pulling back to breathe he brushed his nose against hers gently and spoke softly. 

“Kels…trust me. I’m gonna give you my dick if that’s what you want. Just calm down and actually enjoy it.” 

As much as she wanted to relax, it was all too much and Kelsey couldn’t help but squirm under him, needing him now. Realizing that Kelsey wasn’t going to be able to calm until her body found some sort of release, Taylor shifted slightly and moved his hand to press against her core through her clothes while he kissed her again. 

Instantly, his touch drew another moan from her throat and Kelsey arched her hips into his hand, eager for the friction. Within just a few minutes of Taylor stroking her, Kelsey’s muscles tensed before finally relaxing as a mini orgasm rolled through her. 

“You with me now?” Taylor questioned, shifting his hand up to her hip to allow her a moment to settle without being overstimulated. Nodding, Kelsey sighed and reached for Taylor once more, her hands sliding up under his shirt. 

“Better…but still need you inside me.” 

Chuckling, Taylor shook his head. 

“I told you I’d give you my dick.” He murmured, reaching over to the bedside table containing the box of condoms and a bottle of lubricant. After retrieving the necessary items, Taylor hovered over Kelsey again and slipped his fingers below his borrowed hoodie until he reached the waistband of her leggings. 

Easing the stretchy fabric off her hips, Taylor took her leggings along with her underwear down and off her legs until they hit the floor as he knelt at the foot of the bed. Then his long fingers worked the button and zipper of his shorts open before he shed the clothing from his own lower half. 

Sliding back up the bed, Taylor kissed Kelsey again before reaching for the condom and lube beside her. It only took a moment to sheath himself and apply a generous coating of lube before he settled himself over her fully, his dick nudging at her folds. 

“Tay please.” Kelsey pleaded as Taylor paused to ensure her consent before pressing inside of her inch by inch. Between the lubricant and Kelsey’s arousal, Taylor slipped inside of her smoothly and Kelsey moaned happily at the stretch of her body around him, finally being filled the way she needed most. 

“Ungh…yes.” She mumbled, her head thrown back against the pillows in pleasure. 

“So needy for me.” Taylor chirped softly, kissing along the exposed skin of her neck before capturing her lips with his once more and slowly starting to roll his hips to create friction. 

It was far from the slowest sex they’d had but it also wasn’t rushed, both just enjoying the way the other felt as their bodies reconnected in the most intimate way. Kelsey tangled her fingers in Taylor’s hair and tugged gently as his dick brushed against all the spots that sent sparks up her spine. She’d really missed this and moaned into his mouth to show her appreciation for how it felt to be wrapped around him. 

With it having been three weeks since they’d had a chance to be intimate, both were pushed quickly to the edge by the smallest things. For Taylor, the grip of her around him made his own hand pale in comparison and the fact that she was currently still wearing his hoodie only served as an additional turn on. For Kelsey, the feeling of him inside of her, his weight over her made her finally feel whole, once more safe and complete, surrounded by him. 

As Taylor continued to roll his hips against hers, he slipped his free hand down to rub at her clit without any barriers in the way. With the combination of it all, Kelsey flew over the edge, crying out against his mouth as the intensity of her orgasm overwhelmed her. Hips stuttering as she clamped down around him, Taylor gave into his own orgasm pumping the condom full and groaning her name. 

Remaining inside of her until their breathing settled and Kelsey’s body relaxed around him, Taylor carefully pulled out before disposing of the condom into the trash can in his room and wiping himself clean with a tissue. Then he settled onto the bed beside her once more, kissing her softly and checking in to make sure she’s okay. 

“Better now?” He asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Nodding, Kelsey kissed him softly again, basking in all the happy hormones. “Good. Now go pee and shower. I’m gonna go start dinner.” Though she pouted a little, Kelsey knew that Taylor was likely starving and they did need to get some food since they would already be eating if it weren’t for her detour. 

Slowly pulling herself out of bed, Kelsey wiped herself down with a tissue before throwing her dirty clothes back on and moving to dig in her bag for something clean to wear after a shower. As she did so, Taylor threw his own shorts back on and she heard him use the bathroom quickly before heading downstairs. 

Moving into the bathroom herself, Kelsey stripped out of her dirty clothes before starting the shower and setting it to be warm but not hot. Taking her time, she went through her full routine, washing her hair, face, and body because she wasn’t sure if she would get a full relaxed shower at his family’s cabin. Feeling completely relaxed, she got out and dried herself off before getting dressed. Brushing her hair out, Kelsey looked in the mirror to find that the skin around her mouth was super red. Kelsey had used her usual face soap, but maybe something she had touched throughout their hike had caused her to have an allergic reaction. She’d ask Taylor what he thought when she went downstairs and she’d definitely keep an eye on it but there wasn’t much else she could do for now. 

Finishing up, Kelsey took her things back to Taylor’s room and got everything situated back into her bag. Then she made her way downstairs to trade off with Taylor so he could also get a shower before having dinner. 

When she got there he was putting some butter in a pan to melt before the steaks sitting on the counter beside him got added. 

“So…” Kelsey started. “I think I have a rash…I have no idea what from and I feel fine breathing wise and everything but the skin around my mouth is all red. Any thoughts?” 

“I can get you an antihistamine if you want…” Taylor declared, otherwise having no suggestion. 

“Couldn’t hurt.” Kelsey agreed. While Taylor fetched the pill, Kelsey got herself a glass from a cabinet, filling it with water. “Thanks. Now I can take over this while you shower.” She declared having figured out that Taylor was just making steaks in the skillet and broccoli in a pot on the stove. Nothing complicated. 

Nodding, Taylor kissed her cheek before heading back upstairs to get cleaned up himself. While he did, Kelsey got the steaks cooking and checked on the broccoli before scrolling through her phone looking at the pictures she’d taken on their hike. 

By the time Taylor came back downstairs dressed in clean shorts and a fresh t-shirt, dinner was ready and Kelsey was transferring it onto plates for them to go sit and eat. 

While Kelsey took the plates, Taylor brought in bottles of gatorade to replenish their electrolytes. 

“So uh…about that rash…” Taylor murmured sheepishly. “It’s brush burn from my stubble.” 

“I…are you sure?” Kelsey questioned, moving around the table to brush her fingers against his jaw and upper lip. Though the scruff wasn’t all that visible it was a little bit bristly, more so than she had expected. 

“The way you were kissing me…yeah.” Taylor declared. 

“Oh…” Kelsey murmured gently touching above her lip because it really did sting. If he was right at least it wasn’t an allergic reaction or something but that knowledge also didn’t help much. 

Pulling her hand back, she moved to sit down so that they could eat, both starving after a long day’s hike and their extra curricular activities. It didn’t take long for them to devour their dinner and after cleaning up Kelsey stepped into Taylor’s chest needing his affections having not gotten their usual post sex snuggle. 

Pulling her close, Taylor moved with her into their family room, sinking into the couch and pulling her on top of him. 

“Any TV requests?” He mumbled softly causing Kelsey to shake her head as she burrowed herself into his body. All she needed was this, his warmth and security. 

They hadn’t had alone time like this since she arrived and Kelsey found herself finally relaxing, enjoying the silence outside of the tv and being with just Taylor without wondering what anyone else might be thinking. 

Of course, eventually his parents would be coming home and Kelsey cringed at the thought of them seeing how red her mouth was. If there was any dead giveaway that they’d fooled around it was that. And while Laura had told her that they didn’t care, Kelsey couldn’t help but think that they’d judge her for it even if they didn’t say anything. 

Burying her face further into Taylor’s chest, Kelsey focused on his scent and the rhythm of his heartbeat, slowly drifting off after a long physically and mentally exhausting day. She only stirred at the sound of the front door and footsteps entering the house. Laura’s voice filled her ears a moment later and Kelsey silently groaned as she realized Taylor’s mom was home and she was still on the couch where she’d have to face her. 

At the very least she could be not lying head to toe on Taylor’s body looking super intimate when his mom walked in so she shifted to get up off of him, sinking into the area previously occupied by his feet when he sat up, holding her to keep her from leaving the couch altogether. 

“I brought dessert.” Laura called from the kitchen causing Taylor to jump up immediately to see what his mom had decided to treat him with. Kelsey on the other hand stayed put. It hadn’t been that long since they’d had dinner and well at least the family room lighting wasn’t as bright and judgmental as the kitchen’s was. 

Even over the TV, Kelsey could hear Laura head upstairs, probably to change, before coming back down. She could also hear cabinets and drawers open in the kitchen as Taylor clearly worked to get some of whatever dessert Laura had brought home. 

After a few minutes, Taylor came back into the family room with two plates and forks. 

“Strawberry cake?” He offered. 

“No thanks T.” Kelsey declined, not really wanting anything sweet. 

Not pushing, Taylor just set the second plate down on the coffee table, leaving it there for her if she changed her mind. When she didn’t and his had been gone for a few minutes, Taylor offered it again. 

“Are you sure?” 

“I’m good T.” Kelsey insisted softly. Eventually Taylor grabbed the second plate, taking a few bites before putting one on the fork and offering it to her. 

“It’s really good…” He added, full on puppy dog eyes on display. Because he looked so pathetic, Kelsey opened her mouth to let him feed her a bite. It was okay, definitely tasted off in the way that told her it was gluten free but it wasn’t bad. It just didn’t really do anything for her. 

Eating another few bites, Taylor offered another one to her causing Kelsey to shake her head. 

“I don’t want anymore T.” She insisted, “but thank you.” As he continued eating the second plate, Taylor tried to offer her a few more bites causing Kelsey to sigh and shake her head. She was a bit relieved when he finally shoveled the last bite into his mouth before moving to take the plates into the kitchen to be cleaned. 

That relief didn’t last when different footsteps entered the room and the couch sank beside her as Laura sank down leaving a decent amount of space between them. 

“How are you doing Kels?” Laura asked. 

Sinking her head further into her arms and knees which had already been pulled to her chest, Kelsey did her best to hide her face. 

“Tired.” She mumbled softly. 

“Anything else?” Laura prodded gently. 

“No.” Kelsey mumbled, still hiding her face. 

The couch shifted a bit and Kelsey felt Laura’s hand rub up and down her back. Eventually Kelsey lifted her head a bit revealing her red mouth before dropping it again, her shoulders starting to shake slightly. 

“C’mon Kels, let’s go get you some moisturizer for that.” Laura offered standing and holding a hand out to Kelsey. After a gentle tug, Kelsey stood, though now it was more than her mouth that was red as embarrassment coated her cheeks and she blinked back tears from red rimmed eyes. 

Guiding Kelsey upstairs, Laura led her toward the master bedroom. 

“Apologies for the mess but my husband lives here.” Laura stated, trying to lighten the mood as she dug through a drawer in the bathroom before coming up with a bottle that she handed off to Kelsey. It was a basic moisturizer, unscented but with aloe. Taking it, Kelsey squirted a little onto her fingers before rubbing it onto her face making sure to use an extra gentle touch on the area around her mouth. 

All the while she still refused to meet Laura’s gaze, eyes downcast as she mumbled thanks. 

“Is there anything else Kels?” Laura asked gently, not used to the downtrodden shy girl that was once again in front of her. 

Immediately, Kelsey shook her head in reply. 

“If nothing else is wrong, why do you look like you’re about to cry hun?” 

Kelsey immediately rubbed at her eyes with the hand that hadn’t used moisturizer but as much as she tried to make it appear like she wasn’t going to lose it, her bottom lip still wobbled unconsciously. 

Stepping closer, Laura reached out in a signal that she was going to hug Kelsey but was giving her time to refuse. When Kelsey didn’t, Laura pulled her into her arms hugging her tightly. 

“Kelsey sweetheart…what you and Taylor do alone is none of my business as long as you’re careful. I’m not your mom. There’s no judgment here and you’re safe to just be yourself with us.”

As much as Kelsey didn’t want to start crying, the tears spilled from her eyes into Laura’s shoulder anyway. It was baffling to Kelsey that Taylor’s mom was so calm and accepting when she had been so scared of the lecture she’d been certain would come once it became evident that Kelsey had had sex with Taylor in their house. 

Even as she cried, Laura only continued holding her, rubbing her back once again until Kelsey’s body finally started to settle. Squeezing her, Laura pulled back just enough to speak. 

“Feel any better?” She asked softly. 

Nodding, Kelsey bit her lower lip gently. 

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m such a mess this week.” 

“Kelsey, we’ve thrown a lot at you the last few days, cut yourself a little slack, it’s okay.” Laura assured her. 

Letting out a deep breath, Kelsey nodded. 

“I’m gonna go find T.” She murmured, knowing he probably was wondering where they disappeared to. 

“Of course. If you need anything hun just let us know.” Laura insisted, letting go of Kelsey fully. “And feel free to tell Tay to shave.” 

Heading back downstairs, Kelsey followed the voices, finding Taylor and Gary in the kitchen talking about Gary’s golf game. As soon as she entered the room, both sets of eyes turned to her and Gary smiled, immediately opening his arms in a hug. 

“There she is.” He exclaimed. “You and T have to tell us all about your hike today. How was it?” 

Hugging him, Kelsey then stepped into Taylor’s side where his arm was lifted to welcome her back into his grip. 

“I had no idea he was taking me to Lake Louise.” Kelsey murmured. “Words can’t even describe how beautiful it was.” 

Recapping their hike, including Mark crashing it, Taylor and Kelsey talked about their day, sharing the pictures Kelsey had taken with Laura and Gary. Then they talked about plans for tomorrow with heading to the cabin by mid morning so that they could be there and settle and have groceries by dinner. 

As they continued to talk, Kelsey twisted in Taylor’s arms a bit, burying herself into his torso more fully. She really was starting to get tired as it got later and later and she just wanted his arms around her completely. After all, they had gotten up insanely early and it was starting to get late. 

“T, why don’t you take Kels to bed already.” Gary declared after a few more minutes, observing her sleepy behavior. 

Kelsey felt Taylor nose against her head and she yawned before squeezing him tighter. 

“Bed Kels?” He whispered, not moving until she nodded and reluctantly pulled away so that they could head upstairs and get ready for bed. 

“See you tomorrow.” Kelsey murmured to his parents before slowly making her way up the steps. After using the bathroom, brushing her teeth, and changing into pajamas, Kelsey slid under the blankets of the bed just waiting for Taylor to join her before snuggling up against his body. 

Tomorrow they were headed to British Columbia and Kelsey made a promise to herself that she would do her best to leave the drama and fear here and not into the next step of her trip. She really just wanted to enjoy this time with Taylor, that was why she was here. Everything else needed to be pushed to the wayside. 

Kissing Taylor softly goodnight Kelsey rested her head on his chest. “I love you Tay.” She whispered. “But can you please shave in the morning?” 

After a moment his chest rumbled beneath her as he chuckled slightly and she felt his breath across her forehead. 

“Love you too Kels. Now sleep.” 

That was exactly what she was going to do.

[huttons]

i've found love (and all that goes with it)

Word Count: 5.9k

Summary: Some people would feel shame surrounding the amount of soulmate tattoos that Luna has splattering her skin, but she’s learned to love them more than anything. All it meant to her was that she has loved and will be loved. Sure, there was some heartbreak along the way, but if it meant that Luna could shower more people with her love - well, it was hard to be sad most days.

Author's Note: this was written for @fallinallincurls as a part of the summer fic exchange, run by the amazing @wyattjohnston! You can also check out the playlist I made for the fic here.

Part One

“I know my life’s meaningful because I’m a good friend. I love my friends, and I care about them, and I think I make them happy.” — Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

Luna may be a lot of things, but one thing she isn’t is ashamed — at least when it comes to her soulmate marks. It may have taken her a while to get to that point, but now Luna has a harder and harder time taking issue with it.

“Is that another mark?” Max inquires. “I swear you have another one every time you come here to study.”

Luna shrugs. “One of the regulars at the museum gave me her number. Said she’d like to hang out sometime without her kids around.”

“So like…a date?” Max replies, squinting curiously.

“Nah, she’s happily married. It’s just another platonic mark and she didn’t get one anyways,” Luna explains as she dumps her textbooks on the library table. “All I’m taking from it is that I must be good at my job if parents want to hang out outside of work situations.”

“I still have no idea how you do it,” Max whispers. “But seriously, she didn’t get a mark? And you’re still hanging out with her?"

“I just like making friends and I’m bound to have some of them be platonic soulmates,” Luna says, smiling widely. “Besides, not everyone is going to feel the same way. I know that not every mark is going to work out, you know?”

Max raises an eyebrow. “You always say that it’s platonic. Don’t you ever want it to be romantic?”

“You know how that went, and I am perfectly okay forgetting that situation ever happened. I mean, the mark is gone and everything,” Luna sighs.

“Sure, whatever you say,” Max replies, rolling his eyes. “And you sure you aren’t hurt about not having matching marks?”

Luna shrugs. “I’ve learned to get over it, you know? It’s happened often enough to me that I can’t take it too personally anymore.”

“Okay, if you say so, but I’m here if you want to talk about it,” Max says, hesitatingly, knowing that Luna is trying to brush it off. “Time to study, though. Aren’t you excited about legal landscapes in arts and culture?”

Luna groans. “Ugh, don’t make me think about it. Can’t we talk about soulmate marks again?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Max snorts. “I’m about as excited as you are, but the sooner we get the homework over with, the better. We’re so close to finishing the course, I can feel it.”

“If by ‘feeling it’, you mean the weather is getting warmer, sure,” Luna says, rolling her eyes.

—

After a solid study session and knocking out a week’s worth of homework, Luna makes her way back to her apartment. The spring breeze holds a certain warmth to it, promising warmer days on the horizon. There’s a certain excitement Luna has for summer, even with the knowledge that summer camps at the museum are fast approaching. As much as she loves connecting with families, it can be overload during the summer.

Once Luna makes it to her apartment, she heads to her room and checks her email and notices a new one from her boss at the museum. Normally, she would wait until she was actually working to check, but the subject line caught her interest - Hockey Week Summer Camp.

Hi Luna,

As you know, I have been finalizing the details for our summer camp this year. We finally got confirmation for one of our week-long camps - the Hockey Week camp partnering with the Colorado Avalanche.

Now, everyone here is a fan of the Avs, but you’re one of the few staff that actually understands the game. Which is why I wanted to reach out to you first about your interest in helping lead this camp. I know that it is not your main job during the summer, but I know that you offered to assist as needed.

Please think it over and let me know by the end of the week how you feel about it. I have attached the tentative schedule to this email. While most of the activities would occur at the Denver Children’s Museum, it would end at the Av’s arena for the kids to learn from some of the staff that stayed over the summer.

Again, please think this over as it would be a large commitment, especially as I know you are getting closer to the research part of your master’s. Even as a part-time employee, I want to ensure that you are balancing your time correctly.

Sincerely,

Emma

“Oh my god,” Luna whispers. “This would be amazing. There is no way in hell I would be turning this down.”

Luna can feel herself vibrating with excitement until she arrives at the museum the following afternoon for her shift. She makes her way over to Emma’s office and softly knocks on the door. Sure, Emma said to think on it, but Luna couldn’t imagine saying no to the opportunity.

“Come in,” Emma says. “What’s going on, Luna?”

“Uh, hi,” Luna replies, sheepishly. “So I read your email last night and I know you said to think on it, but I really want to help out with it.”

Emma laughs. “I figured you would be more than a little excited for it. I also have Anthony set up to help lead that week as well, so you’ll be in good hands with the summer hires as well.”

“Thank you so much Emma, you have no idea how excited I am!” Luna exclaims. 

“I think I have a small idea,” Emma says, smiling softly. “Now go get to work, I heard that the building blocks area was destroyed by a group of under fives.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll get out of your hair,” Luna replies, rolling her eyes.

The rest of Luna’s day passes by in a blur, her mind overtaken with thoughts of the hockey camp. Sure, it’s still weeks away, but if there’s anything Luna loves more than her museum work it’s hockey. While she didn’t grow up around it, it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement when she moved to Denver for her undergraduate degree. There’s just something special about it, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that some of the players are nice to look at.

—

By the time the week of camp rolls around, Luna can hardly contain her excitement. It feels surreal that it’s finally happening, and no amount of preparation could have helped her for what she was about to learn the morning of the first day of camp, even if she wouldn’t know about the impact it would have until later.

“You’re good to run the check-in booth, right Luna? I’ll have Alex there to help contain the chaos,” Anthony asks. “I’ll be there to help tomorrow, I just want to have another run through of our supplies.”

“Yeah, it’ll be fine,” Luna answers. “It’s a smaller group, right — only ten kids?”

“Correct, only ten since this is a pilot run,” Anthony replies. “Also Emma gave you the rundown, right? That one of the kid’s parents works in the Av’s front office? She’s the one that helped get this set up and will be helping us on our field trip at the end of the week.”

“No, she did not tell me that,” Luna replies with a strained voice. “But I can keep my chill. I promise it won’t be a big deal.”

Anthony nods. “Cool, cool. Just radio me when you’re headed back.”

Luna nods and walks to the check-in area with Alex. Her nerves only seemed to get more intense, but she knows the importance of being calm. Besides, it’s not like she’s going to be meeting any of the players today and even then, Luna’s professionalism would have won out anyways.

The day — and week — run as smoothly as possible leading up to the big field trip at the end of camp. As always, Luna charms the parents and was able to convince a few to possibly become members. But what was next is the part Luna’s most nervous for. Normally, field trips aren’t a part of summer camps since most everything can be contained within the museum and any off-site trips were usually for school presentations.

“Luna, you look like the world is going to end the second we step foot outside of the museum,” Anthony teases.

Luna scowls. “You don’t have to say it like that. I just — it’s a little bit scary taking the kids out, you know? Like, sure, I signed up for this and everything, but…”

“I know, it’s definitely weird, but it’s a small group, and it’s not like we’re taking public transport or anything,” Anthony says. “Besides, Emma is one phone call away and she’s great at fixing things.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Luna sighs. 

“Now go work your magic and continue charming parents at check-in,” Anthony replies, smiling wide. “We still might make a few of them members.”

Luna rolls her eyes. “It’s not magic, it’s just called being charismatic.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” Anthony laughs.

Check-in is going smoothly, like it has all week. Most parents drop off their kids early to give them time to still get to work on time, but there’s a couple that show up right before Luna and Alex take the kids up to start camp.

“Oh thank god, I thought we were going to be late,” Gabrielle says, walking her daughter Kayla up to the booth. “You know, if you were going to be at the arena all day, we could have just met you there since I’ll be there all day.”

“You work there?” Luna asks, trying to be subtle. 

She hadn’t confirmed which parent worked with the Avs previously, too nervous about making things awkward.

“Oh, I thought I mentioned that already. Yeah, I work in the front office with social media and community outreach,” she answers. “I’ll be there to help in the afternoon, actually, so I guess I can expect you to be there?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Luna replies, smiling. “Well, I guess we’ll see you soon! Are you ready to start your day, Kayla?”

Kayla nods shyly, and walks over to take Luna’s hand, like she has the last two days. Gabrielle smiles fondly before waving goodbye and heading off to her car. Luna’s mind is still reeling with new information, but keeps her cool like she promised Anthony.

—

Before she knows it, Luna and the rest of camp are off to Ball Arena. She still feels weird about the name change, but thankfully the kids are well-behaved enough to not make too many jokes about it. Kayla is especially excited since her mom will be there helping with the tour and for the skating portion of camp.

And, well, Luna really doesn’t have to worry about a thing. Everything goes off without a hitch and she may have convinced Gabrielle to come back more with Kayla. Anthony teases her about being able to convince any parent to join the museum’s membership program, but Luna just explains it as being able to hit the right talking points more than anything.

Part Two

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” ― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

Before Luna knows it, fall has rolled around again, which means even more studying. It’s her final quarter of classes before focusing more on writing her thesis, which means even more library time with Max. Both are nervous, but something about having someone else who is suffering just as much makes things a little bit easier.

“Dear lord, how many more soulmate marks did you get?” Max exclaims. 

“Shush, we are in the library,” Luna teases. “And not many, only three, but two of them are from the summer staff from the museum. The other one —”

“Is a parent from the museum?” Max guesses.

Luna rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m this predictable.”

“Well, I can’t imagine any other place where you meet that many people,” Max laughs. “Are they cool at least?”

“Duh, I wouldn’t have their mark if they weren’t,” Luna scoffs. “But they are cool – they’re office staff for the Avalanche.”

“That’s neat, have they offered any season tickets yet?” Max asks.

“I can’t believe that’s the first question you ask,” Luna answers. “No, they haven’t offered season tickets. Gabrielle said they might be able to get a couple of tickets for some weeknight games, though. And before you ask, yes, I’ll take you to any games I get tickets to.”

Max smiles brightly. “I knew me getting you into hockey would pay off.”

“Whatever you say,” Luna replies. “Anyways, I came here to study, not gossip about my new platonic soulmates.”

Max rolls his eyes, but lets it drop. 

—

It’s a chilly November afternoon when Luna’s phone starts buzzing. She was about to head back to her apartment after a long day in the library, but she curiously checks her phone. Gabrielle’s name pops up and it piques Luna’s interest since she doesn’t get many texts from her.

Hey Luna, I know this is last minute…

But do you think you could watch Kayla a bit before the game tonight?

Like just at the office? I’m helping with some social media stuff and can’t get a sitter so last minute

Yeah, I could do that!

Do I need tickets or something?

No, no, you’re good

I think we have some nosebleed seats available if you wanna watch the game after

Tempting, but I do have some reading I need to finish

Am I good to just read in the office while hanging with Kayla?

Yes, that’s totally fine, I’ll get you cleared in no time!

No problem!

Luna and Gabrielle manage to work out the rest rather quickly, and Luna hurries off to the apartment to get ready to watch Kayla. This isn’t a common occurrence, but it's happened enough between pre-season and the first few official games that Luna didn’t question it. 

“Thank you so much,” Gabrielle says, sounding exhausted. “It’s just — I couldn’t get a sitter in time and you know that it’s just me and —”

“Look, you know I don’t mind,” Luna replies. “Kayla is a great kid and I was just planning on studying tonight anyways.”

“I appreciate you,” Gabrielle sighs. “I might be around for some post-game interviews, but some of the other staff can take over if you don’t want to hang around the office all night.”

“Again: I was planning on finishing studying and preparing for my thesis tonight. There is no scenario where I go to bed early tonight,” Luna explains. “Besides, we always have fun, don’t we Kayla?”

Kayla nods shyly and holds onto Luna’s hand. Gabrielle smiles softly, and heads off for the night. Normally Luna wouldn’t like to blur the lines like she has in this moment, but it was hard to say no to Gabrielle and Kayla, especially if it wasn’t too inconvenient. Besides, it’s not like they visit the museum enough to make her feel truly guilty about hanging outside of that space.

The evening passes by quickly, and before Luna knows it, she’s handing a sleepy Kayla back to her mom. Gabrielle seems to be caught up in conversation with one of the players, so Luna hangs off to the side so they can finish up their conversation.

“Oh, I can take her,” Gabrielle says, picking Kayla up. “Did you have fun tonight, honey?”

Kayla nods before curling into her mom and falling asleep. Luna tries her best to not freak out that the player Gabrielle is talking to was Cale Makar of all people. He’s one of her favorite players on the team, and she definitely isn’t going to show it. 

“So you’re the babysitter?” Cale inquires softly.

Luna snorts. “No, I’m just a good friend who can help out in a pinch.”

“She’s my museum friend,” Gabrielle says. “You know, the one who —”

“Is getting their master’s degree?” Cale finishes.

Luna blushes. “Oh, I didn’t realize I made it into casual talk, Gabrielle. I’m moving up in the world.”

“Oh, please,” Gabrielle huffs, rolling her eyes. “No, it’s just that the players noticed my new soulmate mark. And unlike some people, I don’t get that many. Not that it’s a bad thing —”

“You’re fine, Gabrielle,” Luna says, smiling widely. “Anyways, I should let you two finish up. I’ll catch you later!”

After waving goodbye, Luna rushes off to her apartment, trying to not freak out. The fact that one of her favorite players knew who she was, even if it was tangentially, was wild to her. She immediately texts Max, freaking out.

I can’t believe I met him!!!

Soooo any soulmate mark yet?

Oh my god, you’re the worst

I hate you

We’re no longer friends

Riiight of course

But no mark?

Contrary to popular belief, they don’t appear immediately

But like….I also would not be opposed

I know you wouldn’t 😏

Rude 🙁

Lmaoooo

But honestly just waiting for the soulmate mark

Bold of you to assume I’ll see him again

Like???

In what world do I see him again

Idk, he knew who you were

That has to count for something right?

Not in my world it doesn’t!!

Anyways I’m going to bed

This was too much for one day

—

Weeks pass and Luna comes to watch Kayla several more times. Gabrielle feels terrible about it, but Luna constantly assures her that it’s not that big of a deal. That’s what platonic soulmates are for, aren’t they? Besides, if it means that Luna gets to see Cale a few more times, then she doesn’t see any reason to complain.

“So, you seem to be fixated on one of our players,” Gabrielle says casually one night, as they finish up a movie at her place. “Care to drop any details on that?”

“I have…no clue what you’re talking about,” Luna replies, sheepishly. 

“What’s that thing you always say about platonic soulmates? Something about how we can always tell each other everything?” Gabrielle teases.

Luna groans. “You’re the worst. But okay, I might have a teeny tiny crush on Cale, okay? He’s just cute and seems nice.”

“Well, well, well, you are in luck tonight then,” Gabrielle says. “Someone might be thinking the same thing about you.”

“Cool, I tell you about my crush and now you’re going to make fun of me for it?”

“No, I’m serious. Cale might have mentioned something last time you came by and I might be able to set something up.”

“I don’t want to make things weird and this seems like it might make things weird,” Luna says. “Like, I can admire from afar. That’s what I’ve been doing since he came here for the playoffs.”

“Look, I wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t mean it, okay? And I promise this isn’t breaching some weird contract or whatever. I just see two good people who maybe kind of like each other and I have the chance to set you up,” Gabrielle explains.

Luna hesitates. It’s been a long time since she’s been on a date, much less with someone she hardly knows. But she’s never going to get a chance like this again, and if things end badly, well…she’ll cross that bridge when she gets there.

“Fine, I’ll give it a shot,” Luna sighs. “But only because I trust you.”

Gabrielle cheers quietly, trying to not wake Kayla. “I promise that you won’t regret it. Can I give him your number?”

“I suppose so,” Luna says. “I hope this goes well.”

“I’m sure it will,” Gabrielle replies, smiling widely.

It’s a few days before Luna receives a text from none other than Cale Makar, although it feels like an eternity. After leaving Gabrielle’s place, she can’t help but regret her decision. Sure, Luna is used to putting herself out there, but it’s always for the sake of meeting new friends, never a romantic interest. But she has to reassure herself that Gabrielle wouldn’t have offered to help if she didn’t think it would end well.

This is Luna right?

I don’t have the wrong number?

….depends on who’s asking

Oh!!

It’s Cale

Cale Makar from the Avalanche

Gabrielle gave me your number

I hope that’s okay

She said it was but…

Chill, you’re fine!

I said it was okay

Also yeah, this is Luna 😀

Okay, cool

I wasn’t sure if Gabrielle was serious or not

Like I figured she would be

But idk

She was definitely very serious

I’m surprised that you took her up on the offer though

Wasn’t sure if it would be too bold

Tbh she asked in front of Gabe and Nate

Probably knew I wouldn’t say no in that situation

And I’ve been putting off texting you long enough

Nate wouldn’t stop bugging me for updates

….that doesn’t surprise me tbh

So like…do you want to go get coffee sometime?

You beat me to it

Rude 🙁

Look, you just told me it took you three days to just text me

All I’m doing is spreading up the process

I can’t believe you’re already bullying me

This is unfair

Is it bullying if it’s true?

I’m starting to regret this

Fineee I’ll lay off

But seriously, do you want to get coffee sometime?

Sure, I think we can figure something out 😀

—

It’s only a couple of weeks later when they meet up in the early morning at a local cafe to grab coffee together. With the way their schedules line up, it's the soonest they can see each other outside of a game setting.

“Sorry for making you get here so early,” Cale apologizes. 

Luna rolls her eyes. “How many times do I have to say that I don’t mind? Besides, this’ll give me more time to actually work on my thesis anyways.”

“If you say so,” Cale says, still worried.

After ordering their coffee and some breakfast, they take a seat at a table in the corner of the cafe. Luna would be lying if she said she wasn’t at least a little bit nervous. She’s still in disbelief that any of this is happening, but she won’t take any of it for granted.

As she takes her coat off, she notices Cale eyeing her arms. Well, she can’t really blame him with how many soulmate marks litter them. As much as she isn’t ashamed of them, it does feel a bit intimidating having someone stare at them so intently. Max is usually the only one bold enough to do so, and Luna has known him for years.

“That’s, um, that’s a lot of marks,” Cale says nervously, like he might be reprimanded.

And he might have been, if it was anyone other than Luna. But she’s used to it at this point.

“Don’t worry, they’re all platonic or familial,” Luna explains. “And not all of them are reciprocated anyways, so it looks like a lot more than normal.”

“Sorry, I know that was a bold question for our first time hanging out,” Cale replies sheepishly.

Luna shrugs. “I’m used to it at this point. I know most people don’t have this many soulmarks, and I can’t blame you for being curious.”

“If you say so,” Cale says. “So, what’s your master’s focused on? Gabrielle mentioned it briefly, but I think most of it flew over my head.”

Part Three

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

Before Luna realizes it, winter rolls into spring and the weather finally starts to warm up. Her advisor warned her that time would go by faster than expected once she dove head first into working on her thesis, but she didn’t quite believe it until it was happening. 

And maybe going on a handful of dates with Cale helped move things along as well. They hadn’t made anything official yet, but Max likes to tease that they’re basically together. Luna tries to not worry about the lack of a soulmate mark, even though she knows it's normal for her. It’s just…not everyone sees it the same way.

“So, you and Cale…any updates?” Gabrielle inquires tentatively, as she pauses the movie. 

Luna sighs. “No, it’s the same as last time. It’s like we’re both waiting for something to happen before we make our first move.”

“Would that thing happen to be a soulmate mark?” Gabrielle suggests. “You know that you don’t have to wait for one to ask each other out.”

“I know, but this is just the first time in a long time where I haven’t gotten one with someone I care about,” Luna explains. “You know me, I’m the girl who always gets platonic marks within days of meeting someone. Romantic marks seem to take their time with me and I don’t want to disappoint him, I guess.”

“Have you considered functioning like almost everyone else and asking out someone they like even without a mark?”

“Yeah, I’ve thought about it, but…I’m just scared, I guess. It’s been a long time since I’ve cared for someone like this.”

Gabrielle shrugs. “Doesn’t mean you can’t ask him out. I know I’ve said it a million times, but for most people, these things take time, especially with romantic partners. I mean, you’ve said you’ve had partners previously.”

“Yeah, but…” Luna says, trailing off.

“Let me guess, it didn’t end well? And it’s making you scared?” Gabrielle guesses. “Look, we both know Cale is one of the kindest people to ever exist. I promise he won’t have this big reaction like you’re building up in your head.”

“I guess you’re right,” Luna replies softly. 

“And if it does end badly? It’ll be easy enough to avoid him,” Gabrielle says.

Luna snorts. “Yeah, I’ll only ever remember it whenever I see his face plastered around during hockey season.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Gabrielle laughs. “But seriously, just talk with him about it, okay? Surprisingly, dragging this out makes things worse.”

“Yeah, mom, whatever you say,” Luna teases, rolling her eyes.

—

It takes Luna a couple of days to build up the courage to text Cale about wanting to talk through everything. With how much they’ve both been dancing around the subject, it feels intimidating and Luna almost backs out of saying anything. But she knows that it’ll need to happen eventually, and she might as well bite the bullet.

Hey Cale!!

I was wondering if we could meet up some time to talk

Like nothing bad

I just have some stuff I wanna talk through if you don’t mind

Yeah, that would be great actually

I’ve been wanting to talk about about some stuff as well

I can come over to your place today after practice

Just let me know when you’re on your way ♥️

Luna paces around her apartment for the rest of the day, hardly able to focus on her thesis. By the time Cale texts her saying that he’ll be there in twenty minutes, Luna’s already gone through a million different scenarios, none of them ending well. While she knows that’s being a bit overdramatic, it’s hard to not get caught up in her head.

When she hears Cale knocking at her door, she nearly jumps out of her seat. Luna rushes over to open the door, and lets him right in. They’re both quiet at first, neither wanting to broach what was coming next.

“Um, I guess I could go first since I texted you about it,” Luna says, awkwardly. 

Cale shifts nervously. “I have a feeling we’re thinking about the same thing.”

“I don’t even know why I’m nervous because I think I know my answer but…I was wondering about making it official? Like, us dating and everything?” Luna asks softly. “I know that we don’t have soulmate marks yet or anything, but I know that sometimes they don’t always appear right away, but…”

“You don’t have yours yet?” Cale responds, sounding more confused than hurt.

Luna freezes. In those million different scenarios going through her head previously, this was not one that she thought of. The thought of someone getting her mark, but Luna not getting one in return…

“I didn’t know you had one,” Luna whispers. “You never said anything.”

“I…I guess I was waiting for you to say something. Like, you’re always talking about your platonic marks right away, but you never mentioned getting a mark for me,” Cale explains. “I guess that makes sense why you never said anything.

Luna takes a shaky breath. “It’s just…romantic soulmate marks take a while for me. And I guess I feel a little bit self-conscious about it since it’s not the same for platonic marks.”

“So it’s not that it’ll happen for you, it might just take some time?” Cale asks.

“Yeah,” Luna replies shakily. “I’m sorry I never said anything to you about it, though. I just hoped that it wouldn’t take so long.”

Cale reaches over to Luna and pulls her into a hug. She tries to not cry, afraid of scaring Cale off by being too intense about the whole situation. 

“Look, I want to give us a shot, regardless if you have a mark or not, okay?” Cale says softly, pulling away. 

“Okay, if you’re sure,” Luna replies, holding back tears. “I’m sorry for making this harder than it had to be.”

“No, you didn’t make anything harder. You’ve only ever made things easy,” Cale whispers, wiping away the tears that rolled down Luna’s face.

“God, Gabrielle was right,” Luna laughs, grabbing Cale’s hand that stroked her face. “You’re too kind for your own good.”

Cale smiles. “Maybe I am, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, not when it comes to you.”

—

Luna walks into the museum office one spring morning and notices Emma standing by her desk. This either meant something very good or very bad if Emma had the time to wait around for Luna to start her shift. Her nerves start thrumming, worried about what’s coming next.

“Uh, good morning, Emma,” Luna greets, setting down her bag. “Is something up?”

“No, I just heard from a little birdie that you and Cale made things official recently,” Emma answers, smirking.

Luna rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe Gabrielle spilled the beans. We literally just made it official a couple weeks ago, anyways.”

“I’ve just been wanting to see you happy, and Gabrielle just happened to know why you’ve had an extra pep in your step,” Emma replies. “Oh, would you look at that? Your boy is here?”

“Huh?” Luna says, confused, turning around.

And none other than Cale is walking through the door with coffee from Luna’s favorite cafe. Emma silently goes back to her office, leaving the two as much privacy as possible.

“What are you even doing here?” Luna inquires. “How did you even know I was working today?”

Cale shrugs, handing Luna her coffee. “Gabrielle owes me a favor, and she got your schedule from Emma.”

“Well, I guess that would explain why Emma knew we were dating,” Luna says, laughing. “I can’t believe how fast this has been getting around.”

“I mean, we did have a long build-up,” Cale says. “The guys haven’t been able to shut up about it ever since I told them. Which reminds me…I wanted to invite you to a team dinner in a couple of weeks. It’d be a good chance to meet everyone and I want you to officially meet them as my girlfriend.”

Luna blushes. “Oh, yeah, I think I could do that. Just let me know the details so I can make sure I’m free.”

—

By the time the team dinner rolls around, Luna is a bundle of nerves. This is her first time meeting almost everyone, and the few players she has met, she met them as Kayla’s unofficial babysitter. Cale has told her multiple times that everyone will love her, but she knows that the Avalanche is basically his second family.

“I promise everything will be fine,” Cale assures her one last time, as they approach Gabe’s house. “And they know better than to ask about soulmarks, okay? Nobody is going to mention it unless we do.”

Luna nods. “I got this, it’ll be totally fine. Nothing bad will happen.”

“And I’ll be with you the whole night,” Cale says. “Now, let’s go.”

Unsurprisingly, Cale is right — at least when it comes to the team being welcoming and respectful. They do, in fact, get separated at some point, but Luna does her best to not freak out about it, especially since she seems to be in good company with the WAGs she’s with. As much as she’s used to talking to strangers at the museum, this feels a bit out of Luna’s element.

“I’m so glad that you and Cale made it official,” Melissa says. “He kept beating around the topic for a while.”

“Yeah, I guess we were both waiting for the other person to make the first move,” Luna replies, hesitantly.

“Well, we’re glad to have you around at these events. I’ll have to add you to our group chats so you can keep up with everything going on. There’s some WAG stuff going on, especially with playoffs coming up,” Melissa explains.

“Oh,” Luna says, surprised to be immediately included. “I would really appreciate that, thank you.”

Before she knows it, Luna and Cale are headed out for the evening. As nice as it was to meet some of the important people in his life, Luna is grateful to be headed back home. Something about it felt special, knowing that Cale was ready for her to get to know the team. It felt like he truly meant what he said about not caring that Luna didn’t have her mark yet and well…it helped put her at ease.

—

Another summer rolls around, but this time Luna is a little bit less stressed. Sure, camps are as hectic as ever, but there’s something reassuring about having Cale around on top of it all. She was surprised when he decided to stick around for a little bit before heading home to Calgary, but Luna wasn’t going to complain about it.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted,” Luna complains, flopping onto her bed after a long day. “I love kids, but summer camps do something to them, I swear.”

Cale laughs. “It’s a fun change of pace for them. They get to do fun stuff that isn’t at school or with their family.”

“Yeah, I know, but I’m grateful every day that I don’t have to worry about having my own kids for a very long time,” Luna sighs. 

“You want kids?” Cale asks, raising an eyebrow. 

“Honestly…ask me in winter when I’ve had time to recover from summer camps,” Luna groans, sitting up and taking off her cardigan. 

Cale looks at her, confused, before reaching out and touching her left shoulder. Luna looks down and sees something that wasn’t there when she was getting ready. Or, well, maybe it was — she’s hardly been awake when getting ready this week, it’s entirely possible that she missed it.

“You have my soulmate mark,” Cale whispers in amazement. “I — this must have just happened.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Luna says softly. “Well, that’s a nice surprise isn’t it?”

Cale smiles brightly, before bringing her into a kiss. And at this moment, Luna had a hard time feeling stressed about anything.

[cuteandhughesy]

This Love | Mikko Rantanen (instagram edit)

summary: your and mikko’s instagram posts after you finally get back together - from vacation, date nights and the new hockey season

warnings: none other than suggestive comments <3

face claim: sydney sweeney

a/n: hey guys! another insta edit for you to feast on - they will all come slowly and surely and you can check out my masterlist to see which fics will be featured! also working away on my vince dunn xmas fic as well as filtering through requests and picking some of my favourite xmas ones ! tis the season ❤️🎄

link to this love

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liked by cradnec, mel.landeskog and others

yourusername vacation and man of my dreams ☀️

tagged cradnec

comments

user1 also the man of my dreams

user2 holy shit titties

user3 you look STUNNINH

landeskog_92 what a man 😍

yourusername back off

user4 you’re glowing

user5 ugh looks so beautiful

mel.landeskog i’m jealous

user6 mikko can’t handle all that😍

cradnec you’re my favourite girl

kaileyrankin shut upppp 😩

user7 so pretty

user8 boobies

tracymakar_ need to visit this vacay spot asap

liked by landeskog_92, syddbad and others

yourusername back home and cozying up for fall ❤️ a dump of some moments from last week ft. my fav flamingo mug I steal from mikko

tagged cradnec

comments

syddbad miss your face

user1 how does it feel to live my dream?

user2 give the rest of us a shot

juliannemanson still thinking about those coffees

cradnec do I always look that handsome 😍

yourusername so humble

user3 love thissss

landeskog_92 hate that mug

yourusername the flamingo mug lives forever 🦩

user4 you’re so pretty

user5 need that mug immediately

user6 🤩🤩🤩🤩

6erikjohnson6 mikko is so devishly handsome

cradnec stop it you 😍

yourusername yeah stop it. 🤺

liked by kaileyrankin, cradnec and others

yourusername had a long and exhausting week at work and came home to the cutest stuffy 🥲 plus mel and I finally got our boys out of the house for a breakfast date 🤩

tagged mel.landeskog, cradnec & landeskog_92

comments

user1 how cute 🥰

user2 who doesn’t love a good jellycat 🐰

mel.landeskog love you and our bottomless mimosas

yourusername i’m still recovering

user3 this is so sweet

user4 hottest couple

user5 serving looks in those scrubs

jellycat always here to brighten your day

landeskog_92 mikko stunting per usual

cradnec model

user6 i’m looking at your man respectfully

liked by mackinnon29, charlotttewalker and others

yourusername date night 🫣

tagged cradnec

comments

6erikjohnson6 holy shit

6erikjohnson6 this is insane

yourusername jealous?

landeskog_92 I am ✋🏻

user1 omfg 😩

user2 the hand placement are you serious

user3 i need him

charlotttewalker you look so beautiful

user4 am I interrupting???

traceymakar_ so pretty

kerrytoews gorgeous

user5 you are both so hot life is so unfair

cradnec 😍

liked by charlotttewalker, 6erikjohnson6 and others

yourusername hockey season is back in full swing and I can’t tell if I love it or hate it 😩 on one hand mikko now loves the puck more than me and on the other hand I get the bed to myself while he’s away… 🤣

tagged cradnec & coloradoavalanche

comments

mel.landeskog this but my husband doesn’t play but still applies

landeskog_92 I don’t like these comments mel.

user1 slaying

traceymakar_ amen

user2 i’m obsessed with your boyfriend

user3 you’re such a hottie

user4 🥰

mackinnon29 mikko looking hard in pic 3

user5 mikko is dedicated to the game fr fr

charlotttewalker no thank god for you or else i’d loose my mind y/n

user6 give me a chance

user7 mikko doesn’t even know what he’s got 😩

juliannemanson preach girl

kaileyrankin okay ski queen

liked by bowen.byram, cradnec and others

yourusername it’s been way too long since i’ve posted a selfie - on another note i’m missing summer 😭

comments

user1 BEAUTIFUL

user2 holy fuck 😍

syddbad missing that smile - you look stunning

kaileyrankin stfu you are hot

user3 summer hits so different

mel.landeskog yesss you posted this ❤️

user4 blessed to see this

user5 hottie

user6 the hair is giving in this pic

cradnec 🤩 wow

user7 i’m convinced you’re perfect

liked by mel.landeskog, syddbad and others

yourusername mel told me to come over and help make halloween treats with the kids - they weren’t expecting the amount of dedication and seriousness I brought to the table

tagged mel.landeskog

comments

landeskog_92 get off my island - I eat off there

yourusername you also eat off mine and you don’t even want to know what’s happened on that island

user4 OMG ^

user1 I already know the kids loved it

user2 need a halloween treat 🎃

user3 slay

mel.landeskog i’m still going through cookies

user4 so hot

cradnec 😍😍😍

user5 boobs 🍈🍈

user6 you ate

6erikjohnson6 slippers on the counter 😬

yourusername slippers down your throat ?

user7 such an icon

liked by charlottewalker, calemakar_ and others

yourusername happy november dump (last slide includes a no context bereal mikko sent me)

tagged cradnec, charlotttewalker, mel.landeskog, tracymakar_, kerrytoews & juliannemanson

comments

user1 the bereal is so wholesome

user2 you’re both so nice to look at

6erikjohnson6 need mikko to carry me like that toy car

cradnec come over

user3 😍

calemakar_ squad up

tracymakar_ I can’t 💀😭

user4 tell mikko to score for my fantasy team

user5 i’m so happy for you 😭

user6 you’re so stunning

landeskog_92 look at lehky 🥰

user7 bad

charlotttewalker love you

cradnec you look pretty 😘

liked by josty17, cradnec and others

yourusername has the best bday weekend thanks to my hunny 🤍 also I can’t with mikko using my head as a place to rest his bowl! i’m just trying to cuddle with him 🥲

tagged cradnec

comments

user1 happy birthday!!!!

user2 birthday girl

cradnec ❤️🥳

user3 so beautiful

mel.landeskog 26 🎉

user4 don’t look a day over 18

user5 he’s so lucky

charlotttewalker happy birthday girly 🥰

traceymakar_ ahhh the queens bday 🍾

user6 mikko is so sweet

juliannemanson can’t wait to celebrate with you

user7 the bowl 🤣

user8 that pizza looks delicious- hbd 🎉

6erikjohnson6 need mikko to punch me in the face

yourusername same

liked by mackinnon29, jtcompher and others

cradnec happy birthday babe ❤️

tagged yourusername

comments

user1 everyone shut up. mikko posted

6erikjohnson6 caption king

user2 she’s so bad

user3 😍😍

user4 happy birthday queen !

bowen.byram hbd y/n

landeskog_92 happy 35th birthday y/n

yourusername gabriel

user5 happy birthday 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

mackinnon29 happy birthday y/n

kaileyrankin yasss my queen

devontoews happy birthday!

user6 you’re so lucky mikko 😍

user7 happy birthday mrs. rantanen 🥳

coloradoavalanche happy birthday to an honorary av ❤️💙

user8 give me a chance

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a/n: not spell checked currently.

I do not own any of these photos - full credits to original owners.

[izzylovesyou2022]

Comment, Reblog this, or Message me with your thoughts on me writing a NHL fanfic based around "first girl in the NHL"

[senditcolton]

in anticipation of homecoming: craving… what’s mikko like as a boyfriend? alternatively, what’s jt like as a fwb/fuck buddy? 😜

- @comphy-and-cozy

thank you!!! for helping me get in the "homecoming: craving" mood @comphy-and-cozy because this fic is giving me the most annoying type of block where i know exactly what i want but just! cant! write! it! but hopefully this will help!

first up, boyfriend Mikko

he's... big. and like obviously mean that in the sexy way but I feel everything about him is big. his heart, the way he expresses his love, his grand gestures, his support, etc.

this man wants to make sure that there is no doubt in your mind that he loves you

like gift-giving would be his love language. partially because he does love spoiling you but also partially because of his career. the other love languages are hard to consistently give when he's halfway across the country.

flowers delivered to your front door/work, breakfast made and ready for you when you wake up after he's left for morning skate, new outfits and jewelry for special occasions, bringing you something from other cities because he thought of you when he saw it, etc.

but when he is able to be around you, he's still pulling out all the stops. cooking dinner for you, cuddling with you one the couch/bed, going out on fun dates or staying home to spend time with you.

he's just insanely supportive of everything you do because you are always so supportive of him.

again, he just wants to make sure that you know he loves you.

now...

fwb/fuck buddy JT Compher on the other hand...

i'm more partial to fuck buddy/booty call/regular hookup JT. like you met him at a bar in Detroit one night, went home with him, and it was fantastic

but you aren't looking for anything serious - neither is he - but the sex is great so why would you not still sleep together?

he's like the ideal regular hookup.

i mean, obviously you always leave his house very satisfied. like it is very clear that he enjoys sleeping with you and he isn't just doing this to get himself off.

but outside of the sex, he just gets the arrangement. very good at communicating, no pressure to always say yes, doesn't treat you like an object (unless you're into that [but even still, it doesn't extend outside of the bedroom]), etc.

basically, he doesn't act like a douchebag.

maybe one night you express this to him. say that being with him is like a breath of fresh air based on your past hookups and he just looks at you bewildered

cause like, babe, this is the bare minimum. the bar is on the floor.

basically, the vibes are different simply based on the situation but the main common denominator: they both make it clear that they care about you.

[misshoneyimhome]

Through the Dark I Husband!Nathan Mackinnon ✐

[secretlittlerandezvous]

🌟 Requests are open 🌟

Hi, I’m taking requests for NHL teams/players

✨Teams:

- Boston Bruins

- Tampa Bay Lightning

- Colorado Avalanche

- Seattle Kraken

- LA Kings

But don’t worry, I’ll happily write about any player!

✨ What I write:

- Fluff

- Angst

- Smut (sometimes)

- Mix of all

- Fake social media AUs

Send away ☀️✨🤍

[prettytoxicrevolver]

Pool Party | Cale Makar

summary: you and Cale host a pool party wc: 630 ps: this one is really bad tbh

Since the season was finally over, you and Cale had spent the majority of time relaxing and enjoying your time together. During the season you were constantly at work while Cale had games, practices, roadies, media days, and so on. The first few days of summer break were always together cuddling, sharing meals, watching movies, and lazing away. 

You and Cale had just finished up breakfast, the two of you migrating into the living room and collapsing onto the couch together. You were scrolling through your phone, Cale’s head resting on your lap and his eyes fluttering slowly shut as you run your free hand through his hair. 

“Hey,” Cale says and you move your phone to look at the rosy cheeked boy. 

“Wanna host a pool party?” 

“Today?” you ask and Cale shrugs. 

“Why not? It’s supposed to be over 90 degrees outside and I’m already missing some of the guys,” he admits shyly and you can’t help but grin at his explanation. 

“Okay.” 

Cale and you spend the next half an hour inviting people over, calling, texting, and setting a time so you two could get the house in order before everyone showed up. 

“Do we have time to run to the grocery store?” you ask, glancing over at Cale. 

“With the way you drive? Absolutely,” he jokes and you shove him lightly. 

The two of you head out into the warm weather to grab snacks, drinks, and anything else you might need to host others at your house for the day. 

You’re in the middle of pouring a bag of chips into one of your sharing bowls when the bell rings. 

“Got it,” Cale says, pecking your cheek before heading towards your front door. 

“Cale!” 

Your face brightens when you hear your best friend's voice and when it's followed by the sound of her kids yelling you can’t help the giggle that escapes your lips. You wash your hands and head to the foyer where Cale is in the middle of swinging your niece around in a hug. 

“Aunt (y/n)!” 

You’re tackled by her two kids, the two wrapping their arms around your legs and you jokingly fall to the ground opening your arms up to pull them towards you. 

“Oh my gosh! You guys are so big now!” you exclaim and it sends the pair of siblings into a fit of laughter. 

After getting your hugs in, you finally stand and make your way to your best friend and plant a kiss on her cheek as your greeting. The kids run into your house, following Cale into the living room. You catch up with your best friend as you walk and the kids are already incredibly excited about the pool party. 

“Are other kids going to be here?” Your best friend asks nervously. 

“Gabe and the family are coming too,” you tell her and she nods in relief. 

The six of you finally head out to your backyard, the kids already jumping into the pool while you grab your best friend's stuff and put it to the side so it's safe. You two take a seat, continuing to chat while Cale wanders off to answer the door again. 

For the next half hour, the two of you switch off, greeting people, replenishing food and drinks, pointing people to the bathroom and so on. As the day wears on, people come and go and you and Cale end up on the same lounge chair, his arms wrapped around you and your head resting on his chest. 

“I think this was a success,” he murmurs in your ear and you smile tiredly. 

“I think we should make this a regular thing.” 

“Anything for you my love,” Cale responds, pecking your lips before returning to this previous conversation. 

[hockeylvr59]

Here With Me Part 31 || Taylor Makar

Author’s Note: The Makars + Kelsey head to the family lake house to start off their week there. Cribbage is not Kelsey's game... FC: Marina Laswick (@marooshk on instagram).

Author's Note 2: IT'S TAYLOR'S BIRTHDAY! And that deserves a new chapter.

Warnings: relationship tension, awkwardness // Word Count: 6,734

~~~~~~

Thirty

When Kelsey awoke it was to Taylor’s lips pressing featherlight kisses to her forehead as she slept snuggled into his chest. Blinking away sleep, she gazed up at him as he peered down at her with warm grey eyes. 

“Morning.” He mumbled. “Must have worn you out yesterday.” 

“What time is it?” Kelsey asked, not ready to make the effort to move to look at a clock. 

“Like 9.” Taylor replied. 

For Kelsey that was definitely late but yesterday had been exhausting both physically and mentally. Sighing softly, Kelsey stretched against him, attempting to coax her body into regaining function. 

“Guess we should get up.” She murmured reluctantly, not really ready to leave the confines of his warm embrace. 

“Can cuddle for a few more minutes.” Taylor assured her, his fingers brushing through her slightly tangled hair. Nodding, Kelsey hugged him tighter and relaxed against him basking in the stolen moments before facing the world. 

Eventually though her bladder also woke up and Kelsey groaned as she pried herself off of him needing to throw on clothes to head to the bathroom and get ready for the day. 

Running through her usual morning routine, Kelsey put on a light coat of makeup and brushed her hair before throwing on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts even though if today was anything like yesterday she was going to end up a little bit cold. She hadn’t expected temperatures to be this low when she had packed. 

Once she was as ready as she could be, she made sure her suitcase was organized and moved it to the top of the stairs to take down when she went. With Taylor in the bathroom shaving as she had requested, Kelsey popped her head in to see if he needed her help with anything. Assured that he had it under control, Kelsey stole a kiss on his cheek before gathering her things and heading down to see if there was anything she could help his parents with, be it breakfast or loading a car. 

“Good morning.” Laura greeted her warmly the second Kelsey stepped into the kitchen. “You guys slept in. Your hike yesterday must have worn you both out.” 

“Guess so.” Kelsey shrugged. “I hope it’s okay we slept in.” 

Immediately, Laura shook her head and laughed softly. 

“Kelsey, you’re on vacation hun, of course it’s okay you weren’t up with the sun. We aren’t on any strict time frames. Make yourself a cup of coffee and relax.” 

“I’m okay. What can I help with?” Kelsey inquired. 

“Nothing right now.” Laura assured her. “Have a cup of coffee and help yourself to whatever you can find for breakfast.” 

Nodding because she wasn’t about to fight with Taylor’s mom about this, Kelsey got herself a mug from the cabinet she’d learned held them and picked out a coffee pod, starting it in the keurig. Then she returned to the fridge which was basically bare and cabinets trying to find something to eat. Spotting a gluten free pancake mix, Kelsey pulled it from the cabinet and cross checked the required ingredients with what was left in the fridge finding that yes there were enough eggs for her to make up a batch. 

Cracking the eggs and adding the oil and water, Kelsey measured out the pancake mix and whisked it together before pulling out a pan and spatula. While the pan got hot, she sipped at her coffee, jumping when a pair of arms slid around her waist from behind. 

“What’cha making?” Taylor asked as her body unconsciously relaxed back against him. 

“Pancakes for us. I’m assuming your parents already ate.” Kelsey murmured, scooping a bit of batter into the pan to start sizzling away. Flipping them as needed, Kelsey went through the bowl of batter forming a plate of golden brown pancakes next to the stove while Taylor watched. 

The fact that she had come downstairs on her own knowing his parents were probably up and the fact that she had felt comfortable enough to dig through cabinets and start cooking breakfast had him looking at her with extra fond eyes. He wanted her to feel comfortable here and this was the first morning she seemed to be truly at ease, just being the girl he was in love with without the tension and stress that had plagued her all week. 

As she finished up the last of the pancakes, Taylor stepped away to pull maple syrup from the fridge along with some butter, placing both on the kitchen island. Then he proceeded to start a cup of coffee for himself before rinsing the dishes Kelsey had used. Together, they sat on the barstools at the kitchen island and divided up the pancakes before topping them to their preferences. While they ate, Taylor’s knee bumped against Kelsey’s causing her to smile. 

By the time they had finished and had hand washed all the dishes, Gary had popped in three times, greeting them good morning but clearly waiting for his son to be finished to be put to work. When he swung back into the kitchen a fourth time, Taylor could only roll his eyes in amusement, having observed the same thing. 

“So I figure we’re taking separate cars since you and Kelsey will be coming back Friday for the wedding.” Gary declared.

“Fine by me.” Taylor agreed as Laura also joined them in the kitchen, now dressed and looking like she was ready to hit the road. “I was wanting to show Kels Lundbreck Falls on the way so that way you guys won’t have to stop if you don’t want to.” 

“We haven’t stopped there in a while have we?” Laura inquired. “That actually sounds like a really nice idea.” 

Taylor shrugged in response while Kelsey attempted to downplay her confusion. She assumed Taylor was talking about a waterfall but beyond that she knew nothing. But she was along for the ride so whatever stops they made along the way she was fine with. 

First though they had to get the cars loaded, so Kelsey finished off her coffee before washing her mug, ready to carry her bag out to whichever car it was going in. 

Despite the insistence by all that Taylor could handle loading the cars, Kelsey refused to let him do it all, instead toting cases of water and alcohol and bags of non-perishable food that had been bought to take down as well as her own bag. Filling up water bottles for the drive and grabbing some light snacks, Kelsey filled the passenger compartment of Taylor’s relatively nice beater. 

With both cars ready to go, Taylor chatted with his parents about the trip and how they’d meet at the falls in about two hours. Using the bathroom before they left, the house was locked up and they headed to their respective cars with Laura directing Taylor to drive safe. Taylor programmed the gps on his phone and got a playlist going before backing out of the driveway once his parents had left from behind him. 

Before fully leaving Calgary, Taylor stopped for gas but then they were on their way, views of the city and its suburbs turning into countryside with every kilometer.

“Do you need the heat or seat warmers on Kels?” Taylor asked about thirty minutes after leaving his parents house. 

“A little more heat couldn’t hurt.” Kelsey agreed softly. “But focus on the road not on me.” She added as he fiddled with the heat dials to direct some warm air into the compartment. 

There was nothing but farmland as far as the eye could see and Taylor joked that the drive would get more interesting…eventually. 

Eventually still hadn’t come by the time he took an exit ramp two hours into their trip. It was maybe a minute later when he pulled into a parking lot next to his parents car and turned the vehicle off. 

Climbing out, Kelsey heard the sound of fast running water while she stretched. After doing the same, his shirt rising to reveal a peek of abdominal muscles that made Kelsey a bit weak, Taylor took her hand and guided her toward the sound. After just a few steps, the reason they had stopped here came into focus. Two forty foot waterfalls appeared in front of them and Kelsey could only smile. Given the surrounding geography she certainly hadn’t expected this. The sound alone was serene and Kelsey closed her eyes for a moment just taking it in. 

“Worth the stop?” Taylor whispered to her, a smile present in his voice as he squeezed her hand. 

“Yeah.” Kelsey agreed, opening her eyes once more to look around. 

“C’mon. Let’s go down below.” Taylor directed, gently tugging her along the path to a set of steps that descended. As they reached the bottom, Kelsey spotted Taylor’s parents also taking in this change of viewpoint. If it was possible, it was even prettier from down here and Kelsey’s smile only grew. 

While Taylor chatted with his parents about how the drive had been so far, Kelsey pulled out her phone to take a few pictures of the falls. Repocketing the device, she leaned into Taylor’s body for a moment before following after him as he started walking around the rocky area bordering the river that created the falls. Each time he stopped to take something in, he pulled her against him and Kelsey hugged him tight just enjoying his touch.

After exploring and taking it all in, they started to head back to the stairs to return to the cars when Laura stopped them. 

“Let me get a picture of you two before we go.” 

The request caught Kelsey off guard, but Taylor didn’t seem opposed so she just wrapped an arm around him before smiling for his mom’s camera. Looking at the pictures, Laura seemed pleased and nodded at them that they could move now. 

Having climbed the stairs back to the parking lot, Kelsey spotted the bathrooms and declared that she was going to go before they got back on the road. Since Laura and Gary had gone when they arrived, they decided that they would just get back on the road and would see them at the lake house after stopping for some groceries since Taylor had a key. Once Kelsey and Taylor had both emptied their bladders, they climbed back in the car and Taylor adjusted the gps for the address of the lake house. 

The drive started the same as it had been but it quickly became clear that they were approaching a more mountainous area as the terrain changed. As quickly as they started driving through trees instead of fields, the roadside in front of them turned to rock on either side. 

“What’s up with that?” Kelsey murmured. 

“There was a rockslide a long time ago. Killed and buried like a hundred people.” Taylor explained. 

“Mother nature can be brutal.” Kelsey acknowledged,  but it was crazy to think that all of this rock was from that. What it must have been like to be nearby when that happened. 

As they continued driving, Kelsey snacked and sipped at her water just taking in the views around her. Mountains, lakes, and numerous trees were a stark contrast to the first half of the drive. After that it wasn’t long before they crossed the border from Alberta to British Columbia and Taylor informed her that they had about an hour left. 

While he’d been fidgety the whole drive, now Kelsey could tell that he was starting to get excited too. Resting her palm on his thigh she looked at him and took in the change in his body language.

“I can’t wait to show you the lake.” He grinned. “You’re gonna love the stars.” 

The closer they got, the more Taylor told her about the lake house and the memories his family had made there. With the way he talked, Kelsey could tell it was a really important place to him and that he was eager to arrive. 

Thankfully, it wasn’t much longer until he was turning off the road they’d been on for the last hour and a half and the gps signaled that they were less than 5 minutes away from their destination. As he pulled into the driveway, a cute grey house appeared in front of them. 

“We’re here.” He declared, putting the car into park. Gathering her water bottle and purse and the snacks and trash from at her feet, Kelsey climbed out of the car. Taylor was waiting for her just a few steps away and she followed him up to the front door, waiting for him to slot the key into the lock to let them in. 

As the door opened, Kelsey was greeted by light floors, light walls, and dark kitchen cabinets. Stepping forward, she set everything down onto the countertop beside her before continuing to look around. In front of her was clearly a combined dining and living space. A few other doors led to what she assumed were bedrooms or bathrooms or something. 

“Gonna open a few windows to let some fresh air in.” Taylor declared, “but the bathroom is second door on the right.” 

Nodding, Kelsey moved to use the bathroom given all the water she drank in the car. When she was finished and had washed her hands, Taylor used the bathroom as well before they headed back outside to bring their bags and everything else that had been loaded into their car inside. 

Initially, everything just landed in the kitchen until it was all inside and Taylor could provide further directions on which room was theirs and where things needed to go. Kelsey assumed some drinks would go in the fridge and some would go elsewhere but until that was confirmed she just waited. She also needed Taylor to direct her to where the kitchen trash was to clean up their mess from the car. 

After closing the trunk and locking the car, Taylor came back inside and moved to grab both his bag and hers. 

“Our room.” He declared, tilting his head in a c’mon motion as he walked around the island to the door immediately on the left and across from the bathroom. It was a typical bedroom with a closet, bed, two nightstands, and a small dresser. Plopping their bags down on the floor near the bed covered in a navy comforter, Taylor turned to her. 

“Let’s put the rest of the stuff away and then I’ll give you a tour.” 

Returning to the kitchen, Taylor and Kelsey worked their way through the things that had been packed in their car, popping some of the alcohol and sports drinks in the fridge before stashing the rest past the first door off the kitchen which was a utility room/storage closet. After being directed to where trash bags were stored and the trash can was located, Kelsey put a bag in the can and disposed of the trash from their trip. It didn’t take long for them to put everything else away in its proper place so Laura and Gary didn’t trip over it all when they arrived. 

“Do I get the tour now?” Kelsey questioned. 

“You’ve seen the kitchen, storage, bathroom, our room.” Taylor declared, pointing as he started walking through the house. “Dining table is small but pulls out. Living room. Cale and Tracy’s room. Back deck.” Following him, Kelsey took in everything he pointed out, looking outside at the large back deck. 

Instead of going outside though, Taylor turned around and headed back toward where their bedroom door was. Trailing behind, Kelsey descended the steps as Taylor pointed out his parents door at the bottom of the stairs. To the right was another living room with a large TV mounted on the wall and a plush couch alongside the glass fireplace with another bathroom tucked underneath the stairs. 

Opening the door leading outside from downstairs, Taylor motioned for her to come out with him. Outside was a patio with outdoor furniture that just needed cushions and a fire pit. And as she stepped outside, Kelsey could see the glimmers of water reflecting off the lake from approximately 40 yards ahead of her as the yard gradually sloped down, turning to rock before meeting the water’s edge. There were trees blocking the view of the lake from being fully clear across her periphery, however, from here she could see the dock poking out into blue water. 

Feeling drawn to it, Kelsey padded down the pathway toward the dock, Taylor now following her lead. As she got past all the trees the lake as a whole opened up to her and Kelsey could only smile. No wonder Taylor liked it so much here. There was something about the clean air and sound of the water lapping gently against the rocky shore that felt serene and simple and pulled the tension from her body. 

After a moment, Taylor’s arms wrapped around her waist from behind and Kelsey sank back against him, bodies pressed close, her head resting back against his shoulder as she traced patterns along his forearm. These were the special moments, the ones where neither needed to speak in order to communicate. The ones where Kelsey could feel how much he loves her just through the easy stillness of his usually restless body, the secure but gentle way he held her. 

Her trip had been so chaotic the first few days but all of it was worth it to have moments like this with him. She’d travel to the bottom of the ocean or to mars for moments like this. 

Though she wasn’t sure how long they stood there just looking out at the lake and enjoying each other, it had to have been at least 10-15 minutes. They probably could have stood there longer if it weren’t for the breeze coming across the lake that made a cooler summer day feel chilly. Sensing that even Taylor was cold, Kelsey twisted herself in his arms, pressing up a bit to kiss him deeply, her fingers brushing against his jaw. 

His fingers, in turn, grazed along her lower back as he kissed back and when they were both semi breathless they broke the kiss, making their way back up to the house to close the windows that had been opened and hopefully warm up a bit. 

Stepping inside, it was clear that Taylor’s parents had also arrived as footfalls echoed from upstairs. Following the sound, they headed back up and greeted his parents who by the looks of it had already taken care of the windows, unpacked everything, and were starting on dinner. While Taylor helped his dad with cleaning and starting up the grill, Kelsey offered her assistance to his mom in seasoning and preparing the food. 

Passing the food off to the boys, they grabbed drinks and headed onto the deck where there was a table and chairs for eating but also another seating area. Popping open a cooler, Kelsey sank into one of the more comfortable seats and pulled her legs up under her, having taken her shoes off while inside. It was cool but otherwise a beautiful evening and Kelsey could only smile fondly, watching Taylor talk animatedly with his dad while the food cooked. 

“How are you feeling after today Kelsey?” Laura questioned, looking over at her from the chair beside her. 

“Glad to be out of the car. Excited to see why Tay loves this place so much.” Kelsey shrugged. 

“You could probably tell Tay doesn’t do much driving.” Laura teased. 

“He was fidgety the whole time but beyond that fine.” Kelsey assured her. “Even if he doesn’t drive much he’s not a bad driver. Just a long drive and I’m used to doing the driving.” She clarified before taking another sip of her drink. 

“My boys never could sit still.” Laura admitted. “Hence why Tay has taken over the grilling.” 

“He grilled when we went to Connecticut for a weekend, it was good.” Kelsey said. 

"He definitely seems to enjoy it." Laura declared.

"Well I enjoy it too. He can cook for me any day." Kelsey replied, laughing softly. “One of the things that tells me he was raised right.” 

“Don’t give me too much credit. I think he only knows how to grill, steam broccoli, and cook eggs.” 

“He’s made me homemade mac and cheese and we cook together somewhat regularly so he’s got a few more cooking skills than that.” Kelsey insisted, causing Laura to nod thoughtfully. 

“Food’s up ladies.” Gary called as Taylor worked to pull all the food from the grill. Grabbing her can, Kelsey moved from her chair to one of the ones around the outdoor dining table. Gary brought over plates and silverware from inside while Taylor brought the food and Kelsey breathed in the smell wafting from the tray. Delicious. 

“Looks and smells fantastic T.” She murmured, wanting her boyfriend to know she appreciated his efforts. His cheeks turned a bit pink but his expression was proud as he settled into the seat beside her. 

Once everyone had gotten a portion, they dug in and though it wasn’t a complex meal it absolutely hit the spot after a long day. 

“So are you up for some board games after dinner Kelsey?” Gary questioned lightly. 

“Sure.” Kelsey agreed, unsure of what exactly he had in mind but willing to go along with it. 

“Have you ever played cribbage?” Though Gary asked the question, it didn’t even need to be answered as Kelsey’s face morphed into confusion, never having even heard of it before. “Well then we’ll just have to teach you.” 

Popping another bite of food into her mouth, Kelsey nodded. If they were willing to try to teach her she was willing to try to learn. 

“Sounds good.” She verbalized once she had finished chewing. 

Light conversation continued while they ate and Kelsey nudged Taylor’s foot occasionally, keeping some level of contact with her boyfriend through the rest of dinner. 

When plates were cleared, Kelsey offered to do the dishes. After all, the closer the sun came to setting, the cooler it felt and Kelsey fought back shivers as goosebumps covered her arms. 

Heading inside, Taylor followed after her, carrying the rest of the dishes before starting to set up the indoor table for games while his dad cleaned the grill for later use and his mom meandered her way in.  It didn’t take long for Kelsey to load everything into the dishwasher and by the time she had finished and used the bathroom, everyone was waiting for her to join them, a fire burning in the gas fireplace to take some of the chill off the room. 

Sinking into the chair next to Taylor, Kelsey looked at the game set up in front of her. There was a deck of cards and a board with pegs. As Taylor dealt out cards, Gary started explaining the ultimate goal of the game, what cards were worth, and scoring. And though she was paying attention, it all went right over her head, making absolutely no sense. 

“Once we start playing it’ll be clearer and with 4 people you play with partners so I’ll walk you through it.” Gary assured her from his seat across from her. 

Taking his word for it, Kelsey took her cards and did with them as directed, playing what she was told by either Taylor from beside her or Gary from across from her as they went around the table. Still, her eyes were glazed with confusion as she had no idea what was happening or why even as they explained it. Game play changed though she once again had no idea why and still had no idea what anything was worth. Looking at her hand Gary explained what it was worth and why as he moved the scoring pegs but there was no way Kelsey would be able to figure it out on her own. 

It seemed so easy to the rest of them and Kelsey frankly felt stupid for not understanding. It wasn’t a feeling she was used to having and she took a steadying breath to try to prevent herself from getting worked up. 

With a few more pegs being moved for reasons Kelsey couldn’t identify, the deal shifted to Laura and it all started over again. Attempting to play a card on her own, Gary quickly corrected her and Kelsey let out a silent sigh before nodding and playing the card she was instructed to. Why couldn’t she play the card she had picked out? The whole point of the game made absolutely no sense to her. 

But she didn’t say anything, letting them tell her what to play and what not to play and score for her as her confusion continued and she stared blankly at the cards. She wanted to understand but no matter how hard she tried it just didn’t make sense. Feeling tears well in her eyes, Kelsey pushed her chair back and stood up from the table. 

“Gonna get water, just play for me.” She mumbled. Wasn’t like she had really been playing for herself anyway. Unfortunately the kitchen was literally right there so they could still see her as she made her way toward the cabinets and fridge to get a glass with ice and water. Closing her eyes to blink the tears back while ice filled her cup, Kelsey took a deep breath and then switched to filling it with water. The game had to end eventually right? And then she could maybe suggest playing something else. Something that didn’t make her feel like an utter moron. 

Gulping water down, Kelsey topped off the glass before turning to the table and sinking into her seat. As soon as she did, Taylor’s hand dropped to her thigh, his thumb rubbing back and forth slightly. 

“Count is 18 Kels.” Taylor murmured. 

Sighing, Kelsey moved to play a random card because she was past the point of understanding anything. 

“You should play the 7 instead.” Gary directed. “You’ll get points for a pair.” 

Without saying a word. Kelsey played the seven and diverted her gaze to the fireplace watching the flames flicker and praying that the game would be over soon. 

When it came back around to her, Kelsey tried to play another card only to be told she could only play the 2 without going over 31. Pegs continued to move and Kelsey let Gary count her cards not even attempting to understand where he got the point count he did anymore. 

As she dealt the cards for the next round, Kelsey could only hope that this would be the last one. She didn’t even care who won at this point. She was literally just going through the motions to get the game over with. 

Hearing “that’s game” as Gary moved pegs was the biggest relief and Kelsey reached to help gather the cards as Gary put the pegs and board away. 

“Alright. You guys can go do whatever.” Gary declared drawing another look of confusion from Kelsey. 

“We can play a different game.” Kelsey whispered. 

“T can show you the cabinet and you can pick something out.” Laura agreed as she got up from her own chair heading toward the bathroom. 

The cabinet in question was only a few steps away from the dining table in the living room and Taylor opened its doors to reveal their collection of games before stepping aside. Kelsey couldn’t fully read his body language but she wouldn’t be surprised if he was disappointed with her. 

“I’m sorry I’m too stupid to understand cribbage.” She whispered. “I really tried to get it.” 

Looking through the game boxes, Kelsey pulled out Catan though it was unclear if anyone actually still wanted to play games or not. She and Taylor had played a two person version when they were in Connecticut so even if the 4 person version was slightly different, it was the same overall concept. 

Returning to the table, she started to set the board up, arranging the tiles, getting the dice ready, and doling out pieces by color. Then she sipped at her water while taking calming breaths while she waited to see if everyone would return. 

After a few minutes Laura and Gary returned to the table calling for Taylor to come join them. Refreshing themselves on the rules quickly, they rolled a die to see who would go first before starting gameplay. Getting their initial pieces on the board they went around the table, rolling dice and collecting resources. It was amazing how much more fun a game was when you understood how to play it even if you weren’t winning. 

Early on it seemed like Gary was going to kick all their asses to the point that Laura and Kelsey began refusing to trade with him. Given that Taylor was still basically silent that meant Gary no longer had anyone to trade with and his progress slowed. He was still just as chatty though, making up for the fact that Taylor was quiet. As the game progressed it became clear that Gary wasn’t the one they should have been worried about. Despite making no trades, Taylor won the game handily. 

Now that Kelsey understood their strategies better she could adapt her own. As such, she suggested they could play again if everyone was down. 

Hearing no complaints, they cleared the board to restart, rerolling the die to determine order and setting up their starting positions. When Taylor still got one of the prime starting locations Kelsey mentally sighed. He was going to kick their asses without saying a word again wasn’t he? 

Glancing over at him while they played revealed a determined look on his face but beneath that his expression was blank. He still hadn’t said a word to her since they finished that awful game of crib and she knew that he wasn’t happy with her. That all her efforts to not create drama and have a good day had failed because of her inability to understand a freaking game. Her stupidity. 

Though her stomach was swirling, Kelsey tried to keep things light, focusing on the game and at least not coming in last. Once they were alone, she could try to figure things out with Taylor. 

As their second game progressed it seemed like Gary might take this one but at the last minute, Taylor swooped in and stole the game out from under him making him the ultimate victor of the night. 

“I think I’m going to go take a shower if that’s alright with everyone.” Kelsey declared, not really wanting to play anymore given Taylor’s silence. 

After helping to clean up, Kelsey moved to get pajamas and her personal products before retreating to the bathroom, towel in hand. Not bothering to turn the water temperature up much past freezing, Kelsey undressed and climbed underneath the spray. In a way it felt like penance for once again messing things up. 

At the same time, Laura had pulled Taylor downstairs and was hugging her baby who had been unusually quiet for the last few hours. 

“What’s wrong Tay?” She questioned gently. 

“Just frustrated.” Taylor said, fatigue in his voice. 

“What are you frustrated by?” Laura pressed. 

“Just…everyday something else comes up with Kels.” 

Laura didn’t reply, instead rubbing her hand up and down Taylor’s back until he moved to pull back. 

“I’m just tired of it.” Taylor said. 

When Taylor didn’t say anything more, Laura spoke softly. 

“How can I help?” 

“Tell Kelsey I just need like a half hour alone to regroup and then we can talk?” 

“I can do that.” Laura declared, giving Taylor one more squeeze before heading back upstairs to wait for Kelsey to finish her shower. 

By the time Kelsey got out of the shower she was chilled to the bone and had cried all she could cry. Neither the towel nor her thin summer pajamas did much to warm her but as she went about her normal evening routine she did her best to block it all out and cover the signs of crying, not wanting Taylor to know. 

Except as she exited the bathroom, Taylor wasn’t anywhere upstairs. Instead, Laura was the only one she could see, standing at the kitchen counter putting water into an electric kettle.

“I was going to make tea, join me for a cup?” Laura requested. “Taylor is downstairs, he just needs a few minutes.” 

Kelsey really didn’t want to deal with Taylor’s mom alone but a nagging voice in her head was screaming ‘DON’T CREATE ANY MORE DRAMA!’ 

So instead of the ‘no thanks’ that she wanted to say, a meek ‘sure’ spilled from her lips as she passed into her and Taylor’s room to put her things back in her bag. Taking a deep breath she steeled herself to return, standing on the opposite side of the island from Laura as she pulled down two mugs from the cabinets. 

From downstairs, Kelsey could hear the sound of video games. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what Taylor was doing. 

“What kind of tea would you like Kelsey?” Laura asked as the kettle started to boil beside her. 

“Doesn’t matter.” Kelsey shrugged. “Long as it doesn’t have a crazy amount of caffeine.” 

After putting a tea bag in the mug and pouring water over it, Laura slid it and a spoon across the island. 

“It’s a sleepytime blend.” Laura said. “Sugar is in the corner and milk in the fridge if you want either.” 

Nodding, Kelsey just stirred the spoon in the mug aimlessly as the color grew darker. 

After a moment Laura moved toward the living room and Kelsey followed after tossing her tea bag, relieved to see the fireplace was still going and picking the spot on the couch closest to it, her skin aching for any warmth just as her hands had with the mug. 

“How are you settling in Kelsey?” Laura asked after a moment from the chair across the room.

“Fine.” Kelsey murmured over the rim of her mug as she blew on the liquid inside. 

“Just let me know if there’s anything at all you need.” Laura urged. 

Nodding her head once, Kelsey let her gaze drop to the flickering of the fire beside her. 

“When are Cale and Tracy coming?” Kelsey asked softly after a few minutes as the question came to mind. 

“Last I talked to them they were planning to be here mid afternoon tomorrow.” Laura replied. “I was told to plan on them for dinner.” 

Though she had secretly been hoping for more time, another few days would be ideal, at least she could attempt to mentally prepare for more of Taylor’s family in this enclosed space. 

“Okay.” She murmured, taking a sip of her tea now that it had started to cool. 

As Kelsey stared off into the flames again, the volume from the tv downstairs disappeared and Taylor’s footsteps echoed as he climbed the steps slowly. She didn’t dare look up but after a minute the other end of the couch dipped and Kelsey felt Taylor’s hand graze over the foot she had tucked underneath herself. It wasn’t much…but it was something. 

Knowing that Taylor wouldn’t want to get into anything while his mom was in the room, Kelsey just focused on drinking her tea and trying to keep her heart from beating out of her chest. She just wished she knew what Taylor was thinking, how mad he was at her for everything that had happened. 

Eventually, movement from across the room caused Kelsey to look up and she watched as Laura took her mug to the kitchen, placing it into the dishwasher before she returned to the living room. 

“I’m going to head to bed but if you need anything just come get me.” She stated, though Kelsey wasn’t sure who that was directed to more, her or Taylor. 

Though Kelsey expected Laura to approach to hug Taylor goodnight, Laura first appeared in front of her, bending over and opening her arms for a hug. It was not something Kelsey was prepared for but she complied, allowing Laura to hug her. Releasing the hug, Laura moved to Taylor who had stood for his mom, wrapping his arms around her and accepting her kiss on his cheek. 

Biting her lip at the affection they expressed, Kelsey got up from the couch to go put her own mug in the dishwasher. She was fairly certain her own mom had never hugged her like that, not even when she was little. 

Murmuring goodnight as Laura headed downstairs, Kelsey looked over at Taylor, unsure of what would happen now. 

“Want to talk?” He questioned, the sound of his voice almost jarring after hours of silence. 

“Yeah…” Kelsey nodded, moving back towards the couch and Taylor where it was warmer. “Again…I’m sorry I’m stupid…” 

“It’s my fault.” Taylor replied. “I guess I wasn’t fully prepared to help you adjust to everything and it got overwhelming.” 

That was not at all what Kelsey had expected him to say and she twisted her torso a bit to face him from where she had buried herself into the corner of the couch. 

“So you’re not mad at me?” That wasn’t what she expected to say either but the words slipped out before she could stop them. 

“Kels…” Taylor breathed. “No, I'm not mad at you. Come here.” As she shifted out of the corner, Taylor’s arm draped across her shoulders. “It’s just frustrating that you’re still struggling to relax here even though I know you’re trying...that’s all.” 

“So we’re okay?” Kelsey questioned, chewing on her lower lip again. “Because I know I’ve been causing you stress but I’m trying not to…” 

“We’re okay.” Taylor affirmed. “I just got overwhelmed. But I played Mario Kart for a few and it’s all good now.” His thumb brushed over her upper arm as he spoke and Kelsey closed her eyes, basking in his touch. 

“All you have to do is tell me if you need some time alone, Tay. I get it.” Kelsey breathed. “We just need to remember to communicate.” 

“I promise I will.” Taylor declared. “So long as you come talk to me if something is bothering you.” 

“Ok.” Kelsey agreed. “But I’m okay now that we’re okay.” 

Kissing her head, Taylor shifted to lounge more against the corner of the couch pulling her with him and tucking her against his side fully. 

“I love you Tay.” She whispered, her fingers playing with his as he held her. “And I am happy I’m here with you.” 

“Love you too Kels.” Taylor echoed, giving her a little squeeze that told her he was happy she was here too. 

After cuddling for another 15-20 minutes, Taylor nosed her head. 

“I should get a shower before bed.” 

As much as she didn’t want to get up, she wasn’t going to begrudge him that, so she shifted away allowing him to stand. 

“Okay. I’m probably going to head in to meditate and settle in bed.” 

While Taylor got his things for a shower, Kelsey got water to take to bed. Given everything, Kelsey could use the time with a centering meditation to fortify her. 

By the time she had finished, so had Taylor and as he handled his things, she pulled the blankets back on the bed for them to slide under the covers. Sinking into bed herself, she waited for him to approach before opening her arms. 

“Can I hold you?” She questioned softly. It wasn’t something they had done before, he was always the one holding her, but tonight Kelsey needed to feel him in her arms instead of the other way around. 

Nodding, Taylor slid in beside her and laid down with his back toward her before snuggling back into her arms. Cradling his body, Kelsey wrapped an arm around his side, holding him to her as she breathed into his shoulder blade. 

And either Taylor was exhausted or he enjoyed being held like this because it wasn’t long before his open mouth breathing filled her ears signaling he’d already fallen asleep. 

Focusing on his scent, Kelsey also found herself drifting off, her body finally filling with warmth once again.

[withwritersblock]

The Day I Knew I Needed You

~The Day I Knew I Needed You by Marloe~ Author's Note: requested! This was fun to write :) Summary: Nate falls in love with his new neighbor. Warnings: reader is a single mom, so if that's not your cup of tea... Word count: 5,340 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

It was a new chapter in her life. A chapter where she was fully independent. She’s spent the last five years still living with her parents, after having her son at eighteen. She finally found a job that paid well enough to branch out on her own.

Her son, Evan, was so excited to have his own bedroom. He had many plans to decorate it with as much Spider-Man stuff as possible. 

She rounded the corner towards her apartment with a box in her hand. Evan began to bolt away from her.

“Evan!” She called out, swiftly dropping the box by the door before chasing after him. Evan was standing in front of a blonde man who was kneeling down on Evan’s level. 

“I like your shirt,” she overheard the man say. Evan was wearing an Avalanche shirt that her brother, Tyler, bought him.

“You’re Nathan Mackinnon,” she heard Evan say from the distance. 

“That’s right,” she heard him say while laughing. 

“Evan, honey, you cannot run off like that,” Y/N let out urgently, “I’m so sorry,” she told the man, who happened to actually be Nathan Mackinnon. 

“Oh shit,” she mumbled. Her cheeks ran hot as she was suddenly aware of the sweatpants and tank top covering her frame. Her heart slammed against her chest.

Shifting his gaze towards Y/N. His entire body froze. She was beautiful. More than beautiful. He’s never seen anyone so effortlessly pretty. The smile on her lips was enough for him to fall to his knees. He swallowed harshly, his skin ran hot as he scanned her frame. He cleared his throat before he chewed on his bottom lip for a second.

He smiled as he stood up. “Strong kid, he nearly knocked me down,” he said jokingly. She let out a nervous laugh as she waved her hand towards Evan.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

“Oh don’t be, he’s all good. Did you guys just move in?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. She nodded, looking back towards the apartment door with a box in front of it. “That’s awesome, it’s a great building.” he shoved his hands into his pockets for a moment before he stepped towards her. 

“I’m Nate but it seems like you guys already knew that,” he offered as he pointed to Evan’s shirt. Y/N let out another nervous laugh. Suddenly, Evan was squeezing against Y/N’s side, nerovusly. 

“I’m Y/N and this is Evan,” she said as she ran her hand up and down Evan’s small back. 

He swallowed harshly, a small smile forming on his lips. “Nice to meet you guys,” he let out softly. “My apartment is that one, if you guys ever need anything,” he explained as he pointed to the apartment with 5G on it. She nodded.

“Thank you,” she said with a toothy grin to her lips. “Good luck tonight,” she offered. He smirked as a laugh left his lips.

“Will you be watching?” he asked as he began walking backwards away from them. 

“If I can get my TV to work then definitely,” she expressed as she began guiding her and Evan towards their new apartment. He smirked as he gave them a thumbs up before he darted towards the elevator. She dropped her gaze towards the floor for a second before meeting Evan’s gaze. 

“That was Nathan Mackinnon,” Evan whispered. Y/N tossed her head back laughing. 

“Come on, kid,” she mumbled as she guided him towards their new apartment. She walked back up towards the door, taking the keys from her pocket. Quickly, she put the key into the door and unlocked it. She pushed it open, letting Even run wild into the new space.

Leaning down, she took a hold of the box and bumped into the door as she stepped inside. “Go find your room,” she called out. He didn’t hesitate as he started down the hallway that led to it. Carefully, she placed the box next to all of the other boxes. It was her final one. She rested her hands onto her hips while staring into the sea of boxes. 

She had no idea where to start. Everything was scattered and she only had two pieces of furniture that didn’t come with the apartment. Her own mattress and Evan’s. But most of her furniture will be delivered tomorrow. Which meant she needed to start unpacking at least some of the things she could.

~~~

It had been a few days since she first moved into the apartment, things were starting to finally get together. Evan was loving having his own room and Y/N was feeling the same way. It was finally starting to feel normal. She brushed her hair away from her face as she slipped out of the apartment. 

Keeping her gaze down, she was staring at the text message from her mother. Instead of paying attention to where she was going, she bumped directly into some. Lifting her gaze up, she saw Nate in front of her. His frame was covered in a dark blue suit.

“I’m sorry,” she let out urgently. He held his hands out towards her, hesitantly taking a hold of her arms. 

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly. His eyes widened as he had a small smile on his lips. 

“Yes, I’m sorry. I need to pay attention to where I’m going,” she said jokingly. He pulled his arms back to his side. Their eyes connected for a few seconds before he replied. He raised his hand up and dragged it across his crooked nose.

Clearing his throat, “How are you guys settling in?” he asked while crossing his arms over his chest.

“Really well, almost done with everything,” she expressed as she pointed towards the elevator. He nodded as they began to walk side by side down the hallway. “Great game the other night,” she mumbled.

He chuckled while meeting her eye briefly. “We lost,”

“It went into overtime,” she said encouragingly. He tilted his head from side to side before he pressed the elevator button as he leaned back. 

Their eyes connected again as he had a small smile on his lips. Squinting her eyes slightly, she fought off a smile forming on her lips. He took a fast inhale of breath as he shut his eyes for a few seconds.

“This might seem a little–can I take you out sometime?” he asked. 

The question felt awkward on his lips. He was not accustomed to asking girls out after two conversations. He liked to be friends first before even thinking about making a move. But he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He couldn’t blink without seeing her beautiful smile. 

A wide grin formed on her lips at the thought. She hasn’t gone on a date in years, felt her heart flutter at the idea of being with someone again. Her smile faltered as she took a deep breath. Every ounce of joy that she had at the idea slipped her mind. 

“Nate, I have a son,” she said in her rejection.

The elevator doors opened and they both stepped inside. “I met him, he’s pretty cool,” Nate said softly. They spun around, watching the doors close in front of them.

“I don’t date anymore,” she mumbled before taking a deep breath.

“Because you have a son?” he questioned, turning his head to the side. She met his eye. His lips curled upward as their eyes remained connected. She hummed as her gaze dipped down towards his lips.

“But I appreciate the offer,” she let out softly. He hummed as he watched her trail her gaze back up to his eyes. He pressed his lips together while pulling his phone from his pocket. 

“Well if you or Evan ever need anything…” he trailed off as he handed her his phone. She met his eye again, squinting her eyes slightly. Her cheeks flushed as she saw the subtle smirk on his lips. 

The elevator doors pulled open, revealing the lobby. He took his phone back, glancing down towards the contact she created. He began walking out first, he quickly spun around. He began walking backwards, “Oh and by the way, the offer still stands for whenever you decide you’re ready to date again,”

She stood still, feeling the elevator doors close behind her. She pursed her lips forward as she watched him tilt his head back. He grinned widely before he spun around and started walking faster out of the building.

She let out a nervous laugh as she felt her phone vibrating in her hand. Looking down, she saw that her mother was calling her. Without hesistaiton, she brought the phone towards her ear. “Hey Mom, I’m leaving the apartment now. I’m sorry,” she muttered as she took faster steps out of the hotel lobby. 

“Oh no rush, honey, I am having grandbaby withdrawals. We are having dinner and going to watch the Avs game. Do you want to stick around?” her mom asked. Y/N’s eyes widened as she felt her heart pound against her chest. 

An image of Nate’s perfect smile flashed in her mind. Rolling her eyes, she began walking towards the parking garage that was directly next door to the apartment building. 

“Yeah, we’ll stick around. I know we’re missing you guys too,” she expressed cheerfully. 

It didn’t take long for her to drive to her parents house. The entire drive her mind kept wandering towards Nate. How perfect the suit fit his frame and how bright his eyes looked with the dark blue suit. She pulled into the long driveway and instantly climbed out. She jogged up the driveway towards the garage door.

Raising her hand up, she quickly typed in the code. She stepped inside and jogged towards the door that led to the rest of the house. “Hello!” she sing-songed as she entered the house.

“Mom!” Evan called out running towards her. She let out a breathy laugh as she happily took the dramatic hug from her son.

“Hey honey, how was work?” her mom called out. 

“It was a good day,” she said as she pointed towards the couch. Evan bolted and jumped onto the couch. She walked towards the kitchen, where her mother was making all of them dinner. 

“Is there a reason my grandson believes Nathan Mackinnon lives with you guys?” her mother questioned while laughing. “Evan has not stopped talking about it,” 

Y/N’s lips parted as she felt a smile form on her lips. Clearing her throat, she quickly wiped the smile right off. “Turns out Nathan Mackinnon lives a few apartments away from us,” she expressed. Her mother spun around, her mouth completely fell open. Y/N tried to hide the smirk forming to her lips but her mother could read her like a book.

“Have you spoken to the Avs star player?” she asked teasingly before stirring the comically large pot on the stove. 

“A few times,” Y/N mumbled. “He offered to help us if we ever needed anything.” she explained further, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Oh really?” her mother questioned. She hummed as a reply. “Seems like a charmer,” 

“We barely spoke, Mom,” she offered. Her mom nodded dramatically. “I promise,” she expressed while dramatically taking large steps backwards away from her mom.

~~~

It was past ten at night, normally she would already be in bed. But she kept staring at the new contact name in her phone. She shouldn’t press the call button because why would the star of the Colorado Avalanche want to hang out with someone who had a kid. Let alone want to go on a date with someone who had one. 

There were a few seconds where she was trying to decide if it would be a mistake to invite him over. But slowly, she pressed the call button and brought it towards her ear. She was half expecting him to send her straight to voicemail or let it ring and ring. 

Instead it rang for a few seconds, “Howdy neighbor,” he said teasingly.

A sudden laugh fell from her lips, “I feel like I should hang up now that you said that,” she shot back through laughter.

“What can I do for you, Y/N?” he asked in a sing-song way. 

She took a hesitant breath, feeling her chest tighten in the process. “Do you want to come over and watch a movie or something?” she asked while shutting her eyes. He smirked as he nodded, as if she could see him. 

Widening his eyes, he began to stand up from his seat on the couch. “I definitely would like to do that,” he expressed cheerfully. 

“You can just walk in,” she said softly, “Don’t want to wake Evan up by the doorbell,” she explained while awkwardly shifting with a blanket covering her lap. 

“I’ll be super quiet,” he whispered into the phone before hanging up. A smirk began to toy to her lips as his voice sent a shock to her frame.  She tilted her head back against the top of the couch. Slowly, she watched her front door get pushed open, she saw Nate peek his head into the house. His eyes were wide as their eyes connected. “Is it safe?” he asked in a hushed tone.

She threw the blanket off of her as she stood up from the couch. “It’s safe,” she mumbled softly as she crossed her arms over her chest. He slipped inside, letting the door shut quietly behind him. 

“Hi,” she said as she met his light eyes. She watched as a tight lip smile formed to his lips as he awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other. “Thought you would be asleep,” she said softly as she looked over his features. He dragged his tongue across his bottom lip as he took a few steps towards her.

“I should be but couldn’t sleep anyway,” he mumbled as he watched her body straighten. She nodded slowly as she wandered towards the couch. She faced away from him as she sat down. Nate cleared his throat as he kicked off his shoes and rested them near the door. “What are we watching?” he asked as he mimicked jogging towards her but barely moved forward.

She tossed her head bak and laughed as she collected the blanket over her lap. She took a hold of the blanket that was dangled over the top of the couch. Carefully she tossed it towards him and he flinched as he covered it over his lap.

“I’ve got no ideas,” she expressed softly. He smirked as his eyes squinted slightly. 

“You just wanted an excuse to see me, didn’t you?” he asked teasingly. She shrugged while brushing her hair away from her face. “I’ve got a few ideas, give me the remote,” he let out as he held his hand towards her. 

She happily handed it towards him as she kept her gaze on him, admiring every small detail on his face. The way his lips were slightly curled upward at every moment. The way his cheeks were flushed slightly. She admired the way his nose was crooked, she was certain she remembered the exact play that caused it to be like that. 

Her eyes widened slightly as she looked back towards the TV screen. Nate was scrolling through the huge list of action movies, she expected nothing less. 

~~~

It had been two months since she first moved into her apartment. Evan was adjusting well and so was Y/N. Nate was at her apartment nearly every night he could. They would text during the day and she would ask him to come over after Evan was asleep. For a while, it was nice to have a friend that didn’t have anything to do with playdates. 

He was fun and made her laugh for most of the night. It seemed like every night they would get progressively closer and closer together. Each night, they would watch a couple movies; switching who’s turn it was to pick them.

She was handling the remote, scrolling through Netflix trying to decide what they should watch. “You and Evan should come to the game this weekend,” he offered as he turned his phone screen off and dropped it face down onto the couch. She tilted her head to the side dramatically. Their eyes met, a smirk toying to Nate’s lips.

“I don’t know,” she mumbled. Nate’s bottom lip fell into a dramatic pout. She rolled her eyes playfully. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” she continued while looking over his features. 

“Why not? I’ll get you guys seats in a secluded place, no one has to know that I got them for you guys,” he explained as he inched closer to her.

“He’s never been to a game in person and my dad has been wanting to take him to his first one,” she explained, trying to find any excuse. She couldn’t fully wrap her head around why she didn’t want them to go. It felt intimate, weirdly. Intimate.

“Bring your parents, your brother, bring everyone.” he begged. He took a hold of her arm, pulling her towards him teasingly. She stared towards him suspiciously while taking in a deep breath.

“Fine,” she drew out the word as she leaned forward to take a hold of her phone.

“Yes! How many tickets should I get?” he asked excitedly, pulling his own phone from his pocket.

“Five please,” she let out somewhat defeatedly. She began to type a message to her family group chat letting them know of the updated weekend plans. He was urgently texting his connections to get some seats in the lower bowl. Close to the glass, but not super close to distract him. 

Quickly, he held up his phone towards her to show that he bought the tickets. His lips fell into a pout as she saw the price of the tickets. “Jesus, Nate! You didn’t have to pay that much. Oh my god!” she let out urgently as she reached towards him. They were only a few inches apart. Quickly, she took a hold of his phone and brought it closer towards her face.

“I get two free ones, these are for the other three,” he said as he shrugged slightly as if the payment was nothing. 

“It’s that much for three tickets!? Holy shit people must love you,” she said as she handed the phone back towards him. He rolled his eyes playfully.

“I don’t make the prices,” he mumbled as he tilted his head back against the top of the couch. “You are still okay with coming right?” he asked, his eyes widened as he scanned her features. He dragged his tongue over his bottom lip as he watched her smile softly. 

“I’ll think about it,” she mumbled as she slid closer to him. “I haven’t been to an Avs game since before you were on the roster,” she said, letting out a dramatic sigh. 

His mouth fell open as he began to steal some of the blanket into his hands while looking deeply into her eyes. “That’s like seven years,” he let out. She nodded dramatically while humming. “I have to say I’m a little offended,” Their shoulders bumped as he spoke.

“I’ve always planned on going to games, but then I don’t know if you know, I had a son,” she said teasingly. 

“Who’s an Avs fan, might I remind you,” he teased again as their eyes met. “He knew my face and my name; and you were robbing him of the best–”

“Oh my god,” she interrupted him by leaning her head against his shoulder. She let out a breathy laugh. “I agreed already didn’t I?” she let out quietly. 

He pressed his lips together as she slowly lifted her head up, looking into his eyes. “Can I ask you something?” he asked suddenly. She nodded as she leaned back slightly. “You don’t have to answer,” he continued.

“Just ask, Nate,” she let out softly as she scanned his hesitant features. 

He swallowed harshly, “Where’s his dad? You and Evan never talk about him,” he questioned, suddenly avoiding her gaze. She clenched her jaw for a second as she took a deep breath.

“We dated all through high school. He was the star football player with like a million D1 scholarships. When he found out I was pregnant senior year, he broke up with me and pretended the pregnancy never existed. So when Evan was born, I did everything in my power to be the best mom. I mean my parents and brother also did so much for me and him. It didn’t matter that his dad wasn’t there,”

“Sounds like you guys are way better off without him,” he offered, looking into her eyes. She nodded softly as she felt her heart jump into her throat. 

“It helped that he barely played in college and didn’t make it big,” she said with a dry laugh leaving his lips.

“Serves him right,” Nate said teasingly.

“Yeah, I thought so,” she mumbled as she continued to look in his eyes. “But Evan’s incredible without him,” she expressed softly. 

“You are too,” Nate mumbled. The corner of her lips curled upward as she fought off a smile. Looking into his eyes, she felt her heart start to slam against her chest. “Put on a cheesy rom-com,” he offered as he pointed towards the TV. A nervous laugh fell from her lips as she took another hold of the remote and started scrolling through the TV again.

He forced his gaze back towards the TV, feeling his cheeks pink up in the process. 

~~~

The game ended with a 3-2 victory for the Avs. Nate ended up getting a point on each goal. Evan was enjoying every minute. He was jumping up and down at every goal. Dancing to every song that played and enjoying himself a giant container of popcorn. 

Her family wouldn’t stop asking questions about why Nathan Mackinnon bought them tickets. Asking about how close the two of them have gotten. She didn’t know what to say. She had nothing to say for a while. All she said was that they were friends. That’s all.

They were in the process of leaving the stands when her mom took a hold of her arm. “Can Evan stay the night at our house tonight?” her mom asked, a small smile on her lips. She squinted her eyes slightly as she looked over her mom’s features. “I miss my grandson, he’s told me you haven’t given him any ice cream in weeks!” 

Y/N rolled her eyes as she tossed her head back, “He just had like a thousand pieces of popcorn,” she explained as her eyes landed on her little boy walking side by side with her dad. She let out a dramatic huff of air, “But yeah, he can. But please, make sure he goes to bed soon. It’s already late,”

“We’ll see. Grandma’s house isn’t his house anymore.” she explained while skipping slightly. Y/N rolled her eyes playfully. 

“Nate!” she heard Evan shout. Lifting her head up, she saw Nate walking towards them. Her eyes widened as her heart jumped into her throat. Evan bolted towards Nate. Nate knealed down and waited for Evan to give him a hug. Evan wrapped his arms around Nate’s neck. Nate returned the hug as a laugh fell from his lips.

She smiled softly as she met Nate’s gaze. Evan pulled away and started talking excitedly towards Nate. Nate was nodding along, laughing and joking with Evan. 

After a few seconds, Nate stood up as Evan took a hold of his hand. “This is Nate!” he expressed as he dragged Nate towards her parents. Nate was only looking towards Y/N as he approached the group.

“How did you guys like the seats?” he asked as Evan let go of Nate’s hand. He jumped up and down as he walked towards her brother. Her dad’s eyes widened as he looked towards Nate and then back towards Y/N.

“Still cannot believe it, thank you, kid!” her dad said as he held out his hand for Nate. He instantly shook his hand.

“Of course, no one should go seven years without going to an Avs game,” he said teasingly. Y/N rolled her eyes dramatically as she fought off a smirk. 

“We’ve tried dragging her to games but she wouldn’t budge,” Tyler offered as he dramatically wrapped his arm around Y/N. He raised his eyebrows teasingly, “But the Dog swoops in and she all of a sudden wants to come to a game,” 

“Ty,” she scolded barely above a whisper.

“I told her I was a little offended that ever since I joined, she hasn’t come to a game,” Nate explained as he continued to look into Y/N’s eye. 

“Trust me, we were offended too,” her mother teased. “Well, we should be heading home.” her mom said as she met Y/N’s gaze for a second.

“I was gonna drive Y/N home but since you two live in the same building, why don’t you give her a ride,” Tyler said as he delicately pusehd Y/N away from him. Nate dropped his head while laughing.

“I was gonna offer anyway,” he let out before he raised his hand up and dragged his hand across his chin.

“Evan, come here,” she said as she watched him bolt away from her father. She knealed down in front of him. “You’re gonna stay with grandma and grandpa tonight, okay?” she explained softly. 

“Really?!” he asked while jumping up and down slightly. She nodded while smiling softly. “Thanks Mom!” he shouted as he ran back towards her dad. 

She rolled her eyes playfully as her family said their goodbyes. She shoved her hands into her pockets as she watched her family walk away from them. Her parents were holding hands with Evan. Every few seconds, they helped him jump into the air.

Nate walked closer towards her, standing side by side. “Thank you for this,” she mumbled as she met his eye. 

“Any time,” he mumbled back as his cheeks were flushed red. She smiled softly as she took a few steps forward.

“Come on,” she mumbled as she spun around to maintain his gaze. He chuckled softly as he followed after her.

The drive back to their apartment complex was full of chatter from Nate. He was talking about the game, in grave detail. If he didn’t talk about it now, it would all disappear and he wouldn’t remember a second of the game. He asked her about Evan, asked about how he enjoyed the game. 

She told him that every time Nate touched the puck, Evan shouted that Nate lived near them. It was adorable. 

Nate pulled into his parking spot, instantly putting the car into park. He shifted his body towards her, looking into her eyes. “So how was the game, really?” he asked as he unbuckled his seatbelt. She followed in pursuit.

“Definitely a lot better than the last game I went to,” she let out as she leaned her head back against the headrest. 

“Yeah?”

She hummed as a reply. He cleared his throat before he started climbing out of the car. She nodded as she began to follow in pursuit. 

Nate quickly rounded the corner and waited for her to walk side by side with him. Instead she began walking ahead of him. He scanned her frame as he shook his head slightly. “Y/N,” he mumbled. 

She spun around on her heels meeting his gaze. He stood still as he looked over her features, his breathing was slightly unstead. His lips parted for a second before he clamped his lips shut. 

“Nate?” she questioned while tilting her head to the side. A breathy laugh left her lips as she looked into his gaze. He took a few steps towards her while taking a deep breath.

“We’ve got movies to watch,” he offered as they started walking towards the elevator to take them to their floor. 

He took a hold of her arm, pulling her towards him. A gasp left her lips before he leaned down and kissed her urgently. She hesitantly rested her hands onto his arms as she began to kiss him back. He looped his arms around her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck. 

After a few seconds she pulled back. “Nate,” she mumbled.

“I know, I’m sorry,” he tilted his head back as he scanned her features. She shook her head as she leaned towards him, kissing him urgently. She ran her hand across the base of his neck as she parted her lips allowing him to deepen the kiss. “Should we head upstairs?” he mumbled against her lips.

“Please,” she mumbled as she pecked his lips. He smirked as he began walking ahead of her. He took a hold of her hand and began leading her towards the elevator. 

~five years later~

Nate was sitting on the couch, staring at the ring box in his hand. It was a diamond ring that Y/N’s sister-in-law helped him pick out. Tyler, Nate, and Tyler’s wife went ring shopping several weeks back. It took several weeks to decide if it was the right one. But her sister-in-law swore it was perfect.

He was trying to decide when was the best time to do it. But it didn’t matter until he got Evan’s permission. Clenching his jaw, he took a deep breath. Tilting his head back, he looked towards the clock on the wall. Y/N would be home in an hour. 

“Evan! Can you come here please?” Nate leaned back as he shoved the ring box into his pocket. Nate heard muffled yelling from upstairs but it was soon met with loud footsteps climbing down the steps. He stood up as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Evan walked through the hallway towards the living room.

Nate kept his hands in his pockets as he watched Evan stare towards Nate expectantly. “What’s going on?” he asked softly. He looked towards the kitchen then towards the giant clock on the wall.

“Let’s go sit,” he offered as he pointed towards the couch. Evan nodded slowly as he followed after Nate’s footsteps. Nate sat on the couch, leaning forward. His hands stayed in his pocket, his grip tightened around the box. Evan sat down directly next to Nate. 

“Nate, you’re scaring me,” he mumbled.

“Sorry,” he let out while laughing. “I’m just nervous,” he muttered. Evan furrowed his eyebrows harshly while crossing his arms over his chest. Nate took a deep breath as he pulled the ring box out of his pocket. He flipped the box open and showed Evan the ring. Evan’s mouth fell open as a gasp left his lips.

“No shit,” Evan mumbled.

“Dude,” Nate let out while shaking his head. Nate tried to stop himself from laughing but the way the word fell from his lips nearly made him laugh loudly. 

“Sorry,” he let out as he leaned closer towards the ring.

“Before I asked your mom, I wanted to see if you were okay with it,” Nate explained as he handed the ring box towards him. Evan took a hold of it and brought it towards his face. He was examining every single tiny detail of the ring. Nate took a deep breath, “Can I marry your mom?” he asked softly.

Evan giggled softly, “It’s about time,” he offered as he shut the ring box. He handed it towards Nate again. Nate tossed his head back while rolling his eyes. 

“Are you sure?” Nate asked softly as he met Evan’s eyes. 

“I don’t know anything different. Do I have to wear a suit at the wedding?” Evan asked as he stood up from the couch. Nate smiled widely as he watched his kid dance awkwardly in front of him.