#Colorado Avalanche x reader

[withwritersblock]

Daylight

~Daylight by Taylor Swift~

Author's Note: requested! I love Nathan Mackinnon Summary: erm friends to strangers to friends again to lovers? Warnings: swearing maybe? Word Count: 5,431 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

It was a huge life decision that she was convinced was going to fail miserably. Moving to the States felt like an awful decision but she was tired of staying in the same place she has lived in her whole life. 

Her newly found ex-boyfriend also had lived there his entire life and it showed. There was never any desire to grow or change. There was no way she wanted to stay in Nova Scotia her whole life. Despite it being one of the most gorgeous places in the world, there was plenty gorgeous places in the States too.

She sent her resume to probably a hundred different places and Denver ended up being the best option. They offered the most travel money and salary. It seemed perfect. Her apartment was only two blocks away from her job and on nice days she was more than willing to walk.

Today, it was April and her apartment was covered in boxes. The movers were able to bring everything into the apartment but after that there was nothing they could do. She was making good money, great money. Some of the best money she’s ever made in her entire life so she might’ve went a little big on the apartment; and a little big on the furniture.

Instead of happily unpacking, she found herself sobbing on the floor after she pulled out a framed photo of herself with her ex. It was something she either accidentally packed our the movers did. She was not sure.

They had been together since they were seventeen and they broke up a decade later. It was a lot of her life that she sometimes wished she could get back. There was times she wished she ended it sooner. Because who waits a decade to even bring up marriage. 

She got out and that’s all that matters. 

Wiping the tears from her face she stood up from the floor and stumbled towards her bathroom, the only room that was semi-unpacked. She decided to shower and get a freshstart on the day. Even though it was well into the afternoon.

After another hour she decided to head down to the coffee shop that was only two buildings over. They were nearly a twenty-four hour place, which is just the coffee shop she needs. 

It was starting to get dark as it was close to six at night, but the sun was setting over the mountains, casting a pink and purple hue to the sky. The sidewalks were suprisingly busy with tourists. It was evident by the way they were taking pictures and speeding down the sidewalks towards their next destination. 

She smiled towards herself as she stepped inside the coffee shop and it wasn’t crowded. Maybe people didn’t have as big of a caffeine addiction like she did. She walked behind the small line towards the counter, three blonde men stood in front of her and she kept her distance. 

She was tuning out their voices as she was listening to the Taylor Swift song playing in the background. After the last one ordered, the three of them erupted into laughter. 

“New contract, Caler, thanks for the coffee,” one of them said as they smacked their hand against his upper back. They all barked out a laugh before the first two wandered towards a table near the center of the shop. 

The man in front of her, Caler apparently, paid for the coffees before he followed his friends. 

The barista smiled towards her, looking somewhat exhausted. She felt a little guilty now that she was there. “Can I get an iced lavender latte to go?” Y/N asked her. She nodded immediately grabbing the largest size clear cup and started writing on it.

“Shut up man,” she heard one of them say from the corner but she chose to try her best to ignore it. She handed her card over to the barista and quickly paid for it, keeping her gaze towards her. “Nate don’t be weird,” she heard again. 

She took her card back and subconsciously glanced towards the three of them. She stopped short, holding her card in the air while she met one of their gazes. A man she hasn’t seen in eleven years.

Well, she’s seen him but not like this. Not face to face or in public. He was much older and had a different smile but it was Nathan. 

She thought Denver was too big to run into him, especially since he was dominating the NHL at the moment.

“Y/N,” he let out barely above a whisper as he crossed around the table, moving quickly towards her. Her eyes widened as she slowly put her card back into her wallet.

“Nathan,” she let out with a soft grin.

“What are you doing in Denver?” he let out excitedly, his hands were interlocked; almost as if he was trying to decide if he should hug her. She slipped her wallet back into her hoodie pocket as she stepped away from the counter. 

Glancing towards the other two boys whom she assumed were his teammates. She was a Canadiens fan since that’s who her parents root for. But she was never obsessed with the sport. Based off of the decor in the coffee shop, she could see from behind Nathan’s head that she should know who they are.

Swallowing hard, “I just moved here for a job,” she explained. His eyes widened as he smiled.

“Where’s Carter?” Nathan asked while whipping his head around to see the two guys staring towards him. He waved his hand at them hoping they would stop. 

Her mouth fell open while she took in a sharp breath, “We broke up a few months ago,” she let out.

He pulled his head back while nodding; crossing his arms over his chest. “That sucks, I’m sorry. You guys were together for a long time,”

She chuckled while tilting her head to the side, “Too long, but it’s all good. Needed a fresh start,” she explained while brushing a piece of hair away from her face. He nodded before pressing his lips together. 

“Denver’s a great place for that,” he mumbled.

The barista called out Cale’s name and the two other guys jumped up from their seats to go grab their drinks. They were all hot coffee in to go cups.

“It is,” she mumbled as she continued to look into his eyes, “H-how’s the season going? You know I don’t really pay much attention-” 

“Still a Habs fan?” Nathan asked as Cale handed him his drink. She smiled and nodded. “Well, we’re heading to the playoffs in a week so we’ll see.” 

“Better than the Habs,” she muttered jokingly. He chuckled as he continued to look into her eyes. “That’s great, I hope it works out for you guys,” 

“Tha-thanks,” he mumbled.

“Nate, we gotta head out,” the other guy said walking up behind them, “Got to get to the arena. Why don’t you get her number and call her after our meeting?” he teased as he pushed past them. Nathan chuckled as watched them walk away before he met her gaze again. 

“That’s Gabe, doesn’t know how to switch off being captain,” he explained. She smiled as she looked into his light eyes again, something in them made her heart flutter. He looks so good.

“I see,” she mumbled as she saw the barista hold out her drink towards her, “Thank you,” she said as she gladly took the drink. Nathan took in a sharp breath as he pulled his phone from his pocket.

“My number’s changed a few times since secondary school,” he explained as he held out an empty contact in his phone. She took a hold of it and added herself to his phone. “Just in case you need some friends in the city, I’ve got a few to spare,” he continued meeting her eye.

“Thanks Nathan, I guess I’ll see you,” she muttered. He nodded before he walked out of the coffee shop. She watched him leave and felt herself overthinking the conversation. Did that really just happen?

“I’m so sorry but how do you know Nathan Mackinnon?” the barista said as she leaned over the counter. Y/N pulled herself out of the small trance she was in and looked towards the dark brown haired girl beside her.

“We grew up together back in Canada. I haven’t seen him since we were sixteen,” Y/N explained, shocked to say the least. The barista smiled widely. 

“Wow, that’s like-so cool,” she said while shaking her head. She turned around and immediately started cleaning something.

Y/N nodded with a hum falling from her lips, she continued to walk out of the coffee shop to head towards her apartment again.

~~~

It had been a few days since she ran into Nathan and they had been texting constantly since Nathan was incredibly busy with the end of the season coming up and their first round in the playoffs against the Predators. 

Her apartment was slowly starting to come together. Majority of her furniture arrived and she convinced the movers to place it exactly where she needed it to be. Even after a handful of “wait can you actually put it on that side, thank you.” She hated being that person but she didn’t have anyone to help her move them.

The thought of asking Nathan to help crossed her mind but it was such a difficult and essential time in his life. They were in Minnesota for the last game of the season and even in the text messages it was obvious that he was nervous. But he was Nathan Mackinnon and he was not supposed to be nervous. 

For the first time by herself, she decided to sit down and watch a hockey game. Her former boyfriend was a huge hockey fan, specifically the Pittsburg Penguins. Because he was such a nice guy he had the multi-broadcast so she could watch the Habs play as well. Whenever they were playing at the same time.

She sat at the center of her new couch and draped a light pink blanket over her lap and she turned on the local Altitude broadcast. She put on her Lehkonen jersey that her father gave her after she said she was moving to Denver. 

He told her that if his two favorite people were moving to Denver at least she should have his favorite player’s jersey. He was joking mostly, but her mother didn’t find it that funny. But she promised that she would wear it every time she watched a game or went to one. Especially since her dad actually was close to heartbroken when he was traded.

The game started and she saw Nathan take the draw. She found herself smiling. She was also excited to watch the game again. She hasn’t been excited to watch the game since she was a kid. The joy of watching it with her dad and bonding with him over it was everything. Except Carter took that away from her. The game was ruined for her because of the rage he would get every time they made a bad play or lost the game.

But she was alone, a glass of rosè in her hand and her dad’s favorite player on her jersey. The apartment was nearly pitch black and the only light was the TV screen. 

The game ended with a difficult loss but she was happy to actually have enjoyed the game. 

All she knew was that the next set of games were going to be hard and she was excited to watch and excited to talk to Nathan about it. The more she thought about him over the last few months, the more she realized how close they used to be.

There was a time in her life where Nathan was always around and they were inseparable. Until he joined Halifax and he became a future star. It wasn’t intentional with how he left, he tried to reach out and be there but his life was going warp speed and hers was slowly moving on. 

She never forgot about him and he clearly hasn’t forgotten about her. She took in a deep breath before she stood up from the couch. Placing her empty glass onto the coffee table before she folded the blanket and draped it over the top of the couch.

Her father started to video call her and she pulled her head back for a moment. Never someone to call this late, let alone call her ever. She answered it and held it ahead of her waiting for him to show up on the screen. He smiled widely as he saw the Habs jersey on her body.

“Were you watching hockey?” he asked. She nodded as her lips curled upward into a small grin.

“I ran into someone,” she muttered. Her dad’s eyes squinted while he furrowed his eyebrows. “Nathan,” she let out simply. He tilted his head to the side for a second before his mouth fell open.

“Our Nate?” he let out. She wasn’t sure if he meant Nova Scotia’s or their little social circle. 

“Yeah, literally two days after I got here. How crazy is that,” she expressed.

“Man, you guys haven’t talks since he joined the Mooseheads, wow,” he let out. Something felt off with his tone, nearly sarcastic.

“Why are you talking like that?” 

“I’m not talking like anything,” he said, pouting his bottom lip slightly.

“Dad,” she nearly scolded.

He took a long dramatic inhale before shutting his eyes, “Nate told his mom about running into you and then she called your mother and we’ve been waiting for you to bring it up to talk about it,” he opened his eyes and glanced away from his phone, most likely her mother.

“I forget how tiny that town is sometimes,” she muttered before she ran her hand across her eyes.

“Are you guys talking?” her mother shouted, it sounded faint through the phone.

“We’ve been texting but he’s busy-you know- being a professional athlete.” she explained while laughing nervously.

~~~

The series against the Predators ended with a sweep for them which led to a long break until the next one for the Avalanche. Which led to Nathan coming over to help finish decorating her apartment. Aka, she went on a late night shopping spree while wine drunk and now her living room is full of boxes once again.

The doorbell rang and she felt her body jolt. She walked towards the door, taking in a deep breath. She pulled the door open and Nathan was standing there holding a bottle of wine. He smiled widely once he met her gaze.

“Hey,” he mumbled. She smiled as she stepped aside letting him into her apartment.

“Hey, you didn’t have to bring anything,” she expressed, referencing the very expensive bottle. He glanced down, smirking. 

“It’s actually not meant to be drunk tonight,” he let out. Meeting her eye, she nodded as she watched him delicately place it down onto the counter. Squinting her eyes suspiciously as she pursed her lips forward. He pressed his lips together as he continued to look into her eye. 

“I know it was a long time ago but I’ve been doing some thinking. The last time we hung out before I started playing for Halifax we talked about what would happen when I joined the NHL. Do you remember?” he asked, a smile toying to his lips. She shook her head as she leaned against the counter. “We talked about what would happen if I get a chance to win the Cup.”

She nodded, “Oh yeah,” she said with a smile.

“We talked about if I win, we’d drink a $500 bottle of wine and celebrate just you and me,” he expressed. She glanced down towards the wine before flickering her eye back towards him. Furrowing her eyebrows slightly, she tilted her head to the side. 

“Every playoff run I’ve thought about that conversation. Even though you were back in Nova Scotia, I still thought about it,” he explained as he tapped his fingers against the countertop. “This was the first season I bought a bottle. I bought it two days before we ran into one another at the coffee shop,”

“Wait, so you bought it before you knew I moved here?” she mumbled.

“If we won the Cup, you were going to be one of the first people I called,” he explained as he smirked towards her. She nodded as she took in sharp breath, “Anyway, let’s get to decorating.” he said switching the subject quickly. She pursed her lips forward as she delicately took a hold of the bottle. Slowly, she delicately ran her thumb across the label, hoping she would get a chance to open it with him.

“I’m looking forward to opening it,” she let out nonchalantly as she put the wine bottle onto a different more secluded counter.

He chuckled nervously as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Gotta win the Cup first,” he mumbled.

“You will, Nathan,” she said with a wide smile. He smirked as he stumbled backwards towards her living room. “I honestly don’t remember what I bought, so this should be fun,” she sat down in front of one of the boxes as he followed in pursuit. Without hesitation, he ripped open the box. He pulled out a picture frame an empty picture frame.

“An empty frame?” he let out while chuckling. She rolled her eyes playfully as she attempted to rip open the box in front of her.

“I told you I was wine drunk,” she defended as she finally ripped open the box. She let out a sudden laugh as the blanket she purchased came into full view. It was a red and white Habs blanket. She pulled it out and held it towards Nathan. His mouth fell open as he giggled.

“You’re going to have to put that away when I come over,” he said while shaking his head.

“Oh, just wait,” she teased while raising her eyebrows. She stood up from the ground and quickly sped walk down the hallway towards her bedroom. After a minute she returned to her living room holding up her Habs jersey against her chest. Nathan looked up towards her giggled. 

“Who is it?” he asked while moving his head back and forth trying to see the number on the side. Spinning it around, she showed the Lehkonen on the back. He clapped his hands together while tilting his head back. 

“Now you’re just rubbing it in my face!” he let out while laughing.

“At least he plays on your team now,” she said as she sat down on the floor again, delicately placing the jersey on the couch directly behind her.

“Fucking great guy,” he let out while raising his eyebrows. 

The rest of the evening was filled with giggling and showing off the ridiculous decor she bought. It nearly reminded her of how they were when they were teenagers. It was as if there wasn’t a decade between the last time they hung out like this. 

It’s been years since the last time she felt so giddy. It was almost impossible to let him leave. They hovered at her door for several minutes before he slipped out of the apartment. Hovering for a long time, lot of intense eye contact. Subtle smirks and lack of distance.

~~~

Tonight was a roller coaster of emotions. It was game five against the St. Louis Blues and Nathan had a hat trick and an assist. It should’ve been more than enough to push the Avs to the third round. Except the Blues tied it late and won it in overtime. 

She watched the game from her couch, despite Nathan telling her she could hang out with the WAGs. She declined because it felt weird to her since she wasn’t a part of the club. She had her Habs blanket wrapped around her shoulders, squeezed tightly to her chest just beneath her chin.

Her gaze shifted towards the bottle on the counter a few feet away. Knowing that they will get to open that bottle this season. The post-game show was playing in the background but she was only half listening as she was scrolling through her Twitter feed. Most of it was about anything but hockey, it was a decent distraction.

Her eyes widened as her phone started to vibrate in her hands, Nathan was calling her. Her lips curled upward as she saw his name, she knew he wasn’t going to be in a great mood but she answered it anyway.

“Hey,” she mumbled.

“Hey, can I see you?” he asked, his voice was grogging and raspy. It was sudden but she hummed unsure of how to reply, she couldn’t tell how he was truly feeling. “Okay, I’ll be over in like ten,” he said before he ended the call. She pulled the phone away from her ear, staring towards it for a moment before she delicately placed it beside her. 

She took a hold of the TV remote and put on New Girl to have in the background. She kept snuggling the blanket in the pitch black apartment, the TV being the only bit of light.

Her phone buzzed beside her and she glanced down to see a text from her dad. She smiled as she lifted her phone to read the message: Give Nate a hug for us, he’s got the next one.

She replied quickly before she turned off her phone and wandered towards her kitchen. She reached into the freezer and pulled out a small pint of ice cream. Quickly, she took a hold of a spoon and began to eat some of the ice cream before Nathan arrived. He was very determined on sticking his diet so he would not be phased by it even if she was eating it in front of him. 

After a few minutes, there was several knocks on the door and she set the pint down onto the counter. She walked towards the door and pulled it open. Nathan stood in the doorway, he looked exhausted. His lips fell into a small pout as he looked into her eyes. She reached her hands around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.

He loosely wrapped his arms around her waist as he slowly stepped inside gliding her inside. The door shut behind them as he continued to hold her to his chest. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” she whispered as she started running her fingers through the ends of his hair for a moment. He pulled away looking into her eyes, as if for the first time.

“I’m just glad you moved here,” he let out as he continued to look into her eye. She furrowed her eyebrows, confusion written all over her features. His lips curled up into a small grin, “It was a tough night but next game we’ll win,” he let out.

“That’s it?” she asked suspiciously.

“We lost, did it suck, absolutely, but there’s next game and we’re winning it. Simple,” he explained before he slowly slipped away from her grasp towards the couch. 

“You used to go silent after games you lost. There was a time you didn’t talk for nearly two days after you lost a regular season game back before the Mooseheads,” she expressed as she quickly reached for her ice cream and walked towards the couch again. He let out a dry laugh before he rubbed his nose.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Y/N, I’ve grown,” he said sarcastically while he took a hold of the Habs blanket and draped it over his lap, “You’re lucky Drouin’s over there,” he muttered as he held it open for her to sit beside him. Delicately, he laid it over her lap. 

Every times the Hab’s were even slightly brought up, he had to have a dig towards the fact that she was a fan, always hinting that she should convert to an Avs fan. Even left her a gift of Lehkonen’s Avs jersey on her doorstep. Said that Lehky’s gonna be sticking around, so you better get an updated jersey.

“It’s good to see you… like that,” she expressed, finding it difficult to get the right words out. 

“I would do the silent thing for a long time in the league. I would just get so mad that it was easier to stay quiet than talk,” he said as he held his hand out towards her. She stared towards him mildly concerned. He stole the spoon from her hand and took barely any ice cream and brought it towards his mouth.

“Did you just-”

“Yup,” he teased before he dropped the spoon back into the pint. She chuckled as she took a much bigger spoonful and brought it towards her own lips. “I’ve gotten a lot better and letting things go,” he continued. He took in a sharp breath, “Letting go most things,” he let out as he met her gaze for only a second before looked back towards the screen.

Swallowing hard, she stared towards his side profile. She was always fond of his nose, despite how crooked it looked since his teenage years, he was elegant. “What haven’t you let go?” she poked.

Looking back towards her, meeting her eye he fought the words he wanted to say. “It’s stupid,” he dropped his gaze towards his lap.

“Say it,” she pressed as she leaned forward, placing the ice cream onto the coffee table. 

“The night we talked about the Cup and the wine bottle or whatever back then, I remember that was the moment I realized I liked you,” he expressed, “I didn’t really realize it fully but that night I felt something for you I never felt before and then we never hung out again. Which was my bad so I-I guess that I never let go of the fact of what would have happen if I told you, I guess,” 

She smiled softly, staring down towards her lap. “What do you think would’ve happened?” she asked, sliding towards him slightly. He tilted his head back against the top of the couch. 

“Honestly, we probably would’ve gotten together and I probably would’ve ruined it,” he ran his fingers through his hair, awkwardly. 

“Why would you say that?” she pressed further turning her body towards him, leaning her head against the top of the couch. He turned his head, meeting her eye.

“Same reason why I stopped reaching out, being away from you would’ve been too hard,” he expressed. She nodded as she continued looking into his eye.

~~~

She was on the couch watching Nathan raise the Cup. He was crying tears of joy with the horrendous scraggly beard on his face. The Stanley Cup champion hat on his head, he had achieved his childhood dream. The summer of celebrations was about to happen. She wiped her hands across her cheeks, clearing the tears from her skin before she stood up. 

She took a hold of the wine bottle and placed it into the fridge because who likes warm wine?

A smile formed to her lips as the Avalanche jersey on her frame was something she never thought she would wear. Especially with how serious her dad was about the Habs. But she knew that he was rooting for Nathan and so was she.

She sat back on the couch and laid down as she watched the remainder of the broadcast, Nathan’s interview, and the team photo. An audible laugh fell from her lips after she watched Nicolas Aubė-Kubel drop the Cup. Everyone’s face was ridiculous.

She reached for her phone to see a text from Nathan: I can’t wait to be in Denver to celebrate with you.

The following morning she awoke to several missed called from Nathan almost as if he spent most of the night trying to get a hold of her. She rolled her eyes playfully as she began to call him back as she stumbled towards her kitchen and her coffee maker. 

It took a handful of rings before he answered.

“Hey,” his voice was nearly gone, so hoarse it was barely audible.

“Hey champion,” she teased.

“Still does not feel real,” he let out. 

“Denver was crazy last night, they’re excited for you guys to bring it home,” she explained. He chuckled.

“Can’t wait to see you,” he let out, “-And that wine bottle because it fucking happened and we are fucking celebrating,” 

It was that same night and she has spent most of the day simply waiting for Nathan. Ever since game five against the Blues, they started flirting more and the tension between them was getting more and more intense. 

It was hard to decipher exactly what was the tension from, lust or longing. It was impossible but tonight was the night she was going to try and dissect it and figure it out. She ran her fingers through her recently styled hair and stared into her reflection, trying to decide if she was happy with the way she looked. 

It didn’t matter as Nathan rang her doorbell three times. She leaped out of the bathroom and jogged down towards her front door. She pulled it open and smiled towards him. Without hesitation he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. A giggle fell from her lips as slowly glided her inside of the apartment. 

“It was better than I ever could’ve imagined,” he mumbled against her hair. “Wish you were there to experience it,” 

She slowly pulled away, meeting his gaze as she rested her hands on the base of his neck, “I’ll be there for the next one,” she let out. He smirked as his gaze flickered towards her lips for much longer than he would like to admit. 

“Yeah?” he let out. She nodded, keeping his gaze towards her lips. “Where’s that bottle?” he said slowly slipping away from her grasp. Perhaps in the need of some liquid courage. 

She pointed towards the fridge and he immediately pulled it open to look towards the bottle that’s been on his mind for over a decade. He pulled it out and delicately rested it onto the counter. She had already placed two glasses onto the counter as he was fetching the bottle. 

He popped it open, a grin wide on his lips. They giggled as he happily poured two large glasses of wine. He placed it back down as he slid the glass towards her. He brought it towards his lips at the same time as she did and they both took a long sip. It was probably the fanciest wine she’s ever had. He shut his eyes content as he took in a long breath. 

It had been several hours later and safe to say they were giggling and incredibly wine drunk. They were laid across her bed, nearly a bottle and a half shared between them, both of them were quite the lightweight. 

“No-no cause look I’ve got a bruise from that hug-alright!” he let out while laughing, he tossed his body to the side to try and find the bruise from the impact, he was unsuccessful, it just ended in more fits of laughter. 

They slipped in and out of different conversations as they were sprailedd out on her bed, distant at times and really close at others. In this moment it was one of those times where they were incredibly close. Their nose bumping at times from how close they were.

“When I moved here, I genuinely didn’t think I would see you,”  she expressed. He hummed as he kept his gaze on her lips, his bright red cheeks were not hiding the fact of how intoxicated he was. Her rambling words were a sign of hers. “Like it didn’t even cross my mind that you lived here because it had been so long but I’m so glad I ran into you,”

“Me too,” he let out.

He reached over towards her and took a hold of her chin as he leaned towards her kissing her delicately. It wasn’t urgent but so delicate that it was almost a confession of love in the process. 

He pulled away, keeping a small distance between their lips. A smile formed to her lips before she leaned towards him, kissing him again. She slowly rolled onto her back allowing him to climb on top of her. 

[prettytoxicrevolver]

Hockey

How to Navigate:

❤ Heart = Fluff  ★ Star = Taylor Swift Song Fic  ⬥ Diamond = My Favorite Italics = No Work Posted Currently

New York Islanders 

Montreal Canadiens 

Vancouver Canucks 

Colorado Avalanche 

Toronto Maple Leafs 

New Jersey Devils 

Boston Bruins 

[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.

4.3k

warnings: 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.

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

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.

[withwritersblock]

This is Home-Daddy/Daughter Dance

~This is Home by Bryan Lanning~

Author's Note: a new series I'm trying Summary: Nate takes Ava to a daddy/daughter dance Warnings: none! Word Count: 1,688 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

Tonight was a huge night for Nate. Not because it was a division rivalry, not because it was a playoff game, and not because it was the Stanley Cup finals. It was his first ever daddy, daughter dance. 

His daughter hasn’t stopped talking about the dance since she found out about it. Nate was so happy to find out that he didn’t have a game and he was home. There was a lot of milestones that he has missed from hockey but this one, he wasn’t going to miss.

He stood in the bathroom, leaning towards the mirror, shaving the subtle off of his face. Soft music was playing in the background. He was nervous, which he had no reason to be. The only person he needed to impress was his daughter. Ava did not need much from Nate to be impressed, she loved him with every fiber of her being. But Nate wanted everything to be perfect. 

Y/N peaked her head around the bathroom door, smiling towards Nate. He met her gaze through the mirror. “Hey honey,” he mumbled as he smiled towards her. He leaned down and washed his face before he dapped it off with a towel.

“How’s my girl?” he let out as he took small steps towards her. She tilted her head to the side.

“Very impatient waiting for you to be ready,” she let out, a small smile on her lips. He chuckled as he tilted his head back.

“We don’t have to leave for another hour,” Nate let out while he reached his hands towards her. She happily stepped into his grasp. He loosely wrapped his arms around her waist.

“She’s got your patience,” she teased as she rested her hands on the base of his neck. He rolled his eyes playfully as he ran his hands up her shirt to rest his hands onto the small of her back.

He hummed before he leaned towards her, kissing her softly. “You tell my baby, I’ll be ready in thirty minutes,” he whispered against her lips. She hummed as she slowly slipped away from his grasp. “Unless, you want to uh-assist me in the shower?” he mumbled as he pointed towards the glass shower behind him.

“Nathan!” she scolded as she laughed nervously. He barked out a laugh as he slipped his sweatpants from his body as he wandered towards the shower. 

“You’re loss, my love,” he shouted as he turned on the shower. 

Y/N rolled her eyes as she continued out of the bathroom towards her daughter’s bedroom. She was sitting on the bed swinging her tiny legs back and forth as she was watching The Lion King. Her body straightened as her eyes widened. 

“Not yet my love, he’s still getting ready,” Y/N whispered. Ava groaned as she fell onto her back, not caring if her curls were flatten. No little girl cares about those things. “Have you thought about your dance moves?” she tried to distract her. She slowly sat up and met Y/N’s gaze. Ava shook her head. “Well, let’s see it beauty,” Y/N said as she reached for her tiny hand.

Avs climbed off of the bed and kept her hand in Y/N’s. Y/N pulled her phone from her pocket and played the first song that she saw in her playlist. It was an upbeat pop song. She placed it back into her pocket. They began to shimmy and dance along to the music. 

“Those are some great moves, baby,” she told Ava as she sat back down on the bed to continue watching the movie.

“I know,” she let out confidently. Y/N giggled as she sat on the floor in front of Ava, watching the movie with her.

After fifteen minutes Nate called for Y/N. Ava jumped off the bed excitedly, “Hold on, Ava girl,” Y/N muttered as she walked out of the bedroom towards her own. Nate was standing in their bedroom adjusting the suit jacket on his frame. 

She has seen Nate in a suit more times than without one but every single time she feels faint. He spun around, meeting her gaze, his arms dropping to the side. “Am I over dressed?” he asked quietly. She shook her head instantly, “I’m gonna call Gabe, see what he’s wearing,”

“Nate,” she reached her hands over, resting them onto his arms. His eyes softened as he met her gaze, “You look great, I’m sure Gabe is dressed the same,” she offered. He took in a deep breath as he nodded. “Are you nervous?” she asked, trying not to laugh. He smacked his lips together as a grin started forming. “Nate, it’s a daddy daughter dance,”

“Our daughter’s opinion of me matters a lot,” he whined.

“You know she adores you,” she tried to reassure him.

“But this is a big deal for her,” Nate muttered out as he rested his hands onto the small of her back.

She rested her hands on the base of his neck, “You won a Stanley Cup without being nervous for a second but this-this two hour dance is making you nervous,” she let out while giggling.

“Winning that Stanley Cup is the reason I am going to this dance, so I think it goes hand and hand,” he let out teasingly. She rolled her eyes playfully as she leaned towards him, pressing her lips against his delicately. “Alright, where’s my little girl?” he let out as he slowly slipped away from her grasp.

Y/N walked ahead of Nate towards Ava’s bedroom, she was sitting on the bed watching the screen. “Are you ready, Ava girl?” 

She gasped as she climbed off of the bed, adjusting the burgendy colored dress as she jogged excitedly out of the bedroom towards the living room. Nate was standing in the center of the living room, holding a tiny necklace with the letter M on it. She stopped short as Nate spun around to look towards her. Ava smiled widely. Nate’s lips began to quiver, she’s always been perfect. His little girl, his daughter.

“Look how beautiful you are,” Nate let out as he kneeled down. She excitedly ran towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He stood up, holding her up. 

“It’s bur-ge-ndy! Like the Avs!” she struggled to say the word, but it was close enough. Nate lips fell into a pout as he looked into his daughter’s eyes. 

“I love it!” he let out as he brought the necklace up, he let it dangle to show it to her.

“For me?” she let out excitedly, but shyly. 

“Of course,” Nate muttered as he delicately sat her down on the top of the couch. “Hold your hair up, baby,” Nate expressed as he imitated holding hair up. She nodded and followed his actions. Nate slowly wrapped the necklace around her neck and buckled it.  “How do you like it?” Nate asked. Ava looked down towards the Necklace and nodded excitedly.

“Thank you,” she let out.

“Okay, okay. Let me take your photo before you guys head out,” Y/N offered. Nate excitedly picked Ava up again and rested her onto his hip. 

“Smile,” Nate sing-songed. Ava smiled widely, leaning her head against Nate’s head. She was smiling so hard, her eyes were squinted nearly shut. Nate smiled as he held Ava tightly towards him. 

“Okay, you two. Go have a great night,” she ushered them towards the door.

“We will,” Nate sing-songed as he shoved his keys into his pocket before he walked towards Y/N. He leaned towards her, quickly pecking her lips before he walked towards the front door.

“Alright Ava girl, are you ready to see Linnea and Uncle Gabe?” Nate asked as they walked out of the house together. He delicately placed her on the ground, allowing her to run towards the car. 

“Yes, yes, yes!” she shouted as she jogged towards the car, she waited outside the backseat door, hopping excitedly.

~~~

The daddy daughter dance was almost over. Ava and Linnea were both nearly asleep by the end of it. There was only one more dance left in the night. Ava was resting her head onto Nate’s shoulder, she wasn’t asleep but she was happy being in his arms like this. Her arms were tightly around his neck. Nate was swaying back and forth to the country song that was playing in the background. 

He met Gabe’s eyes, he spun around, forcing Nate to look towards Linnea. “She asleep?” Gabe asked as he spun back around to meet Nate’s gaze. 

“She is or she’s about to be,” Nate let out, a chuckle falling from his lips. Gabe rolled his eyes playfully as he ran his hand up and down his daughter’s back.

“Ava asleep?” Gabe asked. Ava lifted her head and shook her head, a tight lip grin on her lips. She smiled towards Gabe and Nate before she rested her head back onto Nate’s shoulder. Nate chuckled as he glanced towards all of the other dad’s carrying their little girls.

“We better make this event every year until it’s not cool for them,” Nate expressed as he looked towards Gabe.

Gabe chuckled, “We better be home every year,” 

“Right,” Nate chuckled, “Are you ready to go home, baby girl?” Nate whispered into Ava’s ear. She lifted her head and nodded, a huge yawn leaving her lips. 

Gabe nodded, “I’m going to get her home, hopefully she’ll stay asleep,” Gabe expressed, waving towards the pair. 

“Say bye to Uncle Gabe,” Nate whispered towards Ava.

“Bye Uncle Gabe,” she let out softly before she tapped her hands against Nate’s shoulder. “Can we do this again?” she asked Nate quietly. Nate smiled towards her, taking a hold of his keys and phone. He shoved them both into his pockets, one after another.

“We’ll do something like this every year, I’ll promise you that, baby girl,” Nate said as they started walking out of the small banquet building. 

“Pinky promise?” she asked holding out her hand. Nate smiled widely as he happily pinky promised her. “Best night ever,”

[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. 

[cuteandhughesy]

CUTEANDHUGHESY ➱ NHL MASTERLIST

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⊹˚₊ welcome to my nhl masterlist ⊹˚₊

under the cut you will find all of my works linked, as well as the upcoming works that will be published in the near future !

includes the summary and symbols that describe what the fic includes (see legend at the bottom).

requesting is currently OPEN / closed -> requesting rules

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a majority of my fics contain smut and mature themes and are marked as so. you are responsible for your own interactions with posts on the internet - with that being said, I strongly discourage anybody under the age of 18 from consuming my writing! check the symbols next to each link to see if it’s appropriate for you or not.

───── NEW JERSEY DEVILS ─────

Luke Hughes

➱ ceilings (1/2) ✿ ✯ ⚠️ ♕

➱ ceilings (2/2) ✿ ♡ ✯ ♕

✎ you are a bet for luke and his friends, but that doesn't stop you two from actually falling in love, luke just prays you never find out the truth.

➱ when the seasons change ✿ ♕

✎ each season comes and with each one, you're falling deeper in love with your best friend. (4 + 1 series)

➱ please please please ✿ ♡ (not full smut)

✎ navigating a secret relationship with your brothers teammate is turning out to be a little harder than you expected. the 3 times you and luke were almost caught + the 1 time you are caught.

➱ baby that’s what’s friends are for… ✿ ♡

✎ friends with benefits with luke hughes (umich!luke x reader) (headcanons)

➱ we can’t be friends (i’ll wait for your love) ♡ ✯ (coming soon)

✎ everyone said luke hughes was only going to break you heart—and you didn't believe them, but maybe you should've listened.

Jack Hughes

➱ the great war ♡ ✯

✎ during a friends getaway to the hughes lake house, you are faced with the ongoing struggle of trying to get along with the middle hughes brother. the 3 times you were sure you and jack hated each other + and the 2 times you aren’t so sure.

➱ cool ✯

✎ after your breakup with jack, you thought your EP release party would be dreadful- especially after your single about him is the biggest hit. what happens when you see him at the party and all past feelings come rushing back.

Nico Hischier

➱ i’ll be home for christmas ✿ ✯ ♕

✎ nico hischier acting as your fake boyfriend to try and get your family off your back this holiday season seems like the perfect solution - or so you thought.

Jonathan Kovacevic

➱ love looks pretty on you ✿ ♡ ✯ (coming soon)

✎ dating one of the members of the new jersey devils roster was frowned upon, and breaching that rule could result in the loss of your job—however, when johnathan kovacevic comes into the picture, the rules seem to fade away.

───── TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ─────

Matthew Knies

➱ you are in love ♡ ✿

✎ being john tavares' sister was easy. also easy is being apart of the toronto maple leafs admin team, loving your job and being apart of lifelong friendships. not easy is having your brother invite the newest leaf to live with you all - especially when he is your new crush.

➱ I guess they call it fallin’ ♡ ✿ ✯ ♕

✎ you and matthew promised yourselves once you took each others virginity's, nothing would change. fast forward 3 years - between casual hook ups and spending all your time with one another: you can't help but fall deeper and deeper in love with your best friend.

➱ 5 times ✿

✎ where a fan creates a mini compilation of all the times you and your boyfriend, matthew knies, were seen kissing and being cute on camera.

➱ crawling back to you ✿ ✯

✎ the 5 stages of realizing you're falling in love with your boyfriend's best friend (college!au)

William Nylander

➱ yours ✿ ✯ ♕

✎ you enlist williams help in trying to get his best friend kasperi kapanen’s attention. with a combination of practice dates, dating lessons, injuries and hiccups, william is determined to get you the guy - if you still want him that is. (in a world where covid didn't exist)

➱ wedding season ✿

✎ ever since you and william started dating , the two of you have been attending friends and teammates weddings - and everytime you can't help but longing for you own wedding.

➱adore you ✿

✎ the 5 times fans were more excited about meeting and seeing you rather than your boyfriend, william nylander.

➱ us. ✯

✎ you work as one of the assistant chefs for the toronto maple leafs organization, often taking charge and helping with team buffets and meetings. your job is hectic and crazy and you wouldn't give it up for the world. william nylander can relate, and his role on the toronto maple leafs is his top priority. when the two of you end up falling for one another - and pushed away from each other, the job becomes more complicated.

➱ wonderful christmas time ✿

✎ you and william living through the christmas eve traditions with your kids - as well as frantically preparing for santa's arrival

➱ I can see you ✯ ✿ (coming soon)

✎ 2016: fresh out of college with a degree in sports journalism and media studies, you are quickly hired by the toronto maple leafs team. you meet william nylander, a cute rookie on the leafs who instantly takes a liking to you. 2024: as the years go past, you and william are constantly testing the waters - seeing how far you can push the limits of your professional positions. now, with leaked messages and pictures on twitter, you are uncertain how your relationship with william will be taken.

Simon Benoit

➱ dazed & confused ♡ ✿ ✯ ♕

✎ working for the leafs social media team was nothing short of uneventful - especially when the leafs new french defence man is adamant on making you flustered.

───── BOSTON BRUINS ─────

Jeremy Swayman

➱ never let me go ♡ ✿ ✯

✎ jeremy thought he lost his chances after charlie beat him to you - but years later with jeremy becoming your best friend, a weekend at the carlo’s lake house may just prove otherwise.

➱ the alchemy ✿

✎ having your own sports podcasts was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding jobs you could ever have. when a particular episode with the bruins goaltender blows up - you are jeremy are pushed together to film more videos. it doesn't help that everybody is shipping you two together - making your growing crush on him become harder to mask.

➱ oh boy! ✿ (coming soon)

✎ going into labour during a hockey game was definitely not in your and jeremy’s itinerary—but you aren’t about to let that stop you from having this damn baby with your boyfriend at your side.

───── MICHIGAN WOLVERINES ─────

Mark Estapa

➱ let it happen ✿ ✯⚠️

✎ fighting for the best seat in a university classroom with mark estapa wasn’t your first choice - neither is having to tutor him in the midst of it.

───── NEW YORK RANGERS ─────

Matt Rempe

➱ sleepover ♡ ✿

✎ your roommate and matt's roommate are hooking up - leaving you with no choice but to stay with matt during your shared schools trip (college!au).

➱ I can do it with a broken heart ✿⚠️ ♕

✎ after a gruelling breakup with you boyfriend, you thought taking the opportunity to teach some nhl players how to figure skate for the nhl youtube channel would be the best distraction. after seeing who your assigned player is though, you're not sure if it'll be as easy as you thought.

➱ no sex in the elevator ♡ (part 1)

✎ tension between you and attractive stranger grows as you end up trapped together in an elevator

➱ tripping, falling with no safety net ✿ ♡ (part 2) (coming soon)

✎ almost three weeks has passed since your adventure in the elevator, and you haven't stopped thinking about the attractive stranger since then. just when you think you'll never see him again, you run into matt in the most unattractive place.

➱ i’m your favourite fantasy ✿ ♡ (coming soon)

✎ you've got your best friend wrapped around your finger, and there's nothing he loves more than treating you like a princess (headcanons).

───── COLORADO AVALANCHE ─────

Mikko Rantanen

➱ this love ♡ ✯

✎ you and mikko used to hook - up, but after an argument, your arrangement ends, leaving nothing but sour greetings between you both. It doesn't help that mikko is your neighbour - and everything seems to end up with you on each others doorstep.

➱ i’m talking nonsense ✿ ♡ (not full smut, but mature themes)

✎ 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.

───── SEATTLE KRAKEN ─────

Vince Dunn

➱ baby please come home ✯ ♡ ♕

✎ you’ve always had a crush on your best friends older brother even though you’re pretty sure he isn’t that fond of you. so when your parents flight gets canceled while they’re away on holiday, you are graciously invited to spend the christmas holiday with your best friends family - vince and his sour attitude included.

➱ love is not dying ♡ ✿ (coming soon)

✎ vince is your brothers new roommate—so you really shouldn't go home with him...right?

────── VANCOUVER CANUCKS ──────

Quinn Hughes

➱ is it new years yet? ✯

✎ friends with benefits is great in theory but when the holiday season approaches, you begin to believe that may no longer be the case.

➱ met you at the right time, this is what it feels like ✿ ♡ (coming soon)

✎ falling in love with quinn through your shared years at college (headcanons).

➱ quinn x virgin!reader (blurb) ♡

➱ quinn x virgin!reader (blurb) ♡

───── UTAH HOCKEY CLUB ─────

John Marino

➱ under the mistletoe ✿ ♡

✎ john can't help but keep his hands off you, resulting in a very scandalous christmas party sneak off.

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⊹˚₊ BLURBS ⊹˚₊

connor bedard (1)

quinn hughes (1)

quinn hughes (2)

vince dunn (1)

luke hughes (1)

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⊹˚₊ LEGEND ⊹˚₊

fluff ✿

smut ♡

angst ✯

trigger warning ⚠️

author’s favourite ♕

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

⊹˚₊ TAGS ⊹˚₊

🤍⊹˚₊ cute and hughesy insta fic - posted under fics

🌟 ⊹˚₊ - cute and hughesy insta edit - posted under insta edits

🎄⊹˚₊ - cute and hughesy christmas - posted under xmas related posts + fics

🎞️ ⊹˚₊ - cute and hughesy playlist - posted under playlists

🫧⊹˚₊ - cute and hughesy recs - posted under all my fic recommendations

⊹˚₊ Authors Message ⊹˚₊

hello everyone! if you here I hope that means you enjoy my writing! i’ve been writing for years and I thought it was finally time to publish! hockey is my all time favourite sport and obsession - so what better way to share the love !

thank you and enjoy!

© cuteandhughesy - all work is written and owned by me. please do not copy, translate or transfer any of my work to any other blogs or websites or claim as your own work.

[withwritersblock]

Love You, Miss You, Mean It

~Love You, Miss You, Mean it by Luke Bryan~

Author's Note: idk what this is but this song has been stuck in my head for DAYS Summary: Nate is still hung up on his first love, for good reason Warnings: swearing maybe? Word Count: 2,303 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

Everyone remembers their first love, the first person that made them feel special. It was hard to forget, nearly impossible to let go. Nathan has spent years trying to let go of his first love. But maybe he doesn’t have to. 

2011

“Nate Dog, how are you?” her father mumbled out, slapping his hand against Nathan’s shoulder. Nathan tilted his head back, smiling towards her father. His hands were absentmindedly running along her legs soothingly. Stopping around mid thigh every time. She was asleep, a bright pink wooly blanket draped over her frame. It rested just below her chin. 

“I’m doing good, sir. I was getting ready to head out, but she fell asleep. I know I’m past my curfew,” he explained rushedly. Her father chuckled as he walked towards the rocking chair. “I didn’t want to wake her,” he mumbled. He met her father’s gaze for a few seconds before he shifted his gaze back towards her. She looked so peaceful and exhausted. School was starting to overwhelm her. 

“That’s alright, did you tell your momma that you were still here?” her father asked as he brought the beer towards his lips. Nathan shook his head as he kept his gaze towards Y/N. Nathan slowly dug into his pocket, pulling his phone out. She stirred, adjusting the blanket closer to her chin.

His gaze landed on multiple text messages from his mom. He clenched his jaw as he quickly typed back a response. “I should probably get going, she’s not too happy with me,” he mumbled while he shoved his phone back into his pocket. 

Her father stood up from his chair, “I’ll let you say goodbye, I’ll see you tomorrow probably,” he said with a dry laugh. Her father soon left the living room. Nathan ran his fingers through her hair.

“Hey sweet girl,” he whispered as she slowly woke up. She hummed as her eyes opened. “It’s past curfew, baby, I gotta go,” he whispered. She pouted as she sat up, swinging her legs off of his frame. 

“How long was I asleep?” she asked, running her fingers through her hair. He inched towards her, wrapping his arm around her waist. 

“Not long, forty minutes maybe,” he let out as she tilted her head against his shoulder. She took a deep breath, reluctantly standing up from the couch. She held out her hand for him. He gladly accepted it as he stood up. He let her guide him towards the door.

“Come on, boyfriend, let me walk you out,” she said while smiling. He smirked as he scanned her frame shamelessly. She stepped out of her house, the screen door slamming shut behind them.

The brisk Canadian summer air hit their skin as they walked towards her driveway. “You know, girlfriend, I was thinking of taking you to the lake behind my house, probably not entirely freezing to swim in,” he said while laughing. 

“I can handle probably not freezing,” she mumbled as she leaned against the driver side door. 

“Yeah?” he mumbled as he ran his hand from her shoulder towards her hand. She hummed as she met his eye. She smirked as she scanned his features, “What’re you thinking gorgeous?” he mumbled. 

“I’m thinking it’s about damn time you kiss me,” she said as she delicately ran her manicured fingers along his chest muscles. He chuckled nervously before he leaned towards her, kissing her softly. Always conscious of her family being around. He raised his hand and delicately took a hold of her cheek, his hand slowly gliding from her cheek to the back of her neck. 

He pulled away, resting his forehead against hers, “I have to get going,” he mumbled before he pecked her lips. 

“You don’t have to,” she said as she met his gaze, giving him puppy dog eyes of desperation. 

“I may not be alive, if I wait any longer to get home for curfew,” he teased as he chuckled, “Which was thirty minutes ago,” he raised his eyebrows while smirking. She rolled her eyes as she kissed him for a few seconds. 

“If you must,” she let out dramatically, stepping away from the driver side door. He bit his bottom lip as he tried to avoid the smile forming to his lips. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, baby,” he mumbled as he opened the car door as he climbed inside. He shut the door as he watched her cross her arms over chest. She began walking towards the house. He turned the car on, but waited for her to walk  back inside her house before he began pulling away.

The popular country radio began to play as he drove down the street towards the main road. He was humming along to the Blake Shelton song as his phone started to ring. He glanced down towards it seeing Y/N was calling him. 

He laughed as it wasn’t even ten minutes since he’s left her house. Lowering the stereo, he brought the phone towards his ear. “Hi Gorgeous,” he mumbled, a toothy grin on his lips. 

“Hello,” she said quietly, “What time do you want me to come by tomorrow?” she asked in a sing-song tone. He smirked as he shook his head. 

“Probably around ten?” he mumbled as he took a left turn. 

2013

Nathan stood on the frozen lake while he stick handled the puck. He would skate back and forth tossing the puck towards the center of the lake. He would skate towards it at top speed, practicing stopping abruptly. 

“Nathan!” his mother shouted. He spun around, smiling towards her. It was a scene she’s gotten used to for the last fourteen years of his life. She waved him towards her. He quickly leaned down, picking up the puck before he sprinted towards the edge of the ice. He reluctantly stepped off onto the snow. “Dinner’s ready, and Y/N’s almost here,” she said smiling. 

Nathan leaned down and started untying his skates quickly, “Y/N’s coming to dinner?” he asked, his cheeks flushing red. 

“I invited her, she hasn’t been around much. Everything alright with you two?” she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

“We’re good, great actually, just been avoiding the conversation,” he mumbled as he ripped one of the skates off of his foot. He stepped into the boot that was beside him. 

“The draft is only a few months away,” she let out as she crossed her arms over her chest. “You guys haven’t talked about it?” she questioned. Nathan shook his head as he stood up straight, his skates in his hands. Alongside his stick and the puck in his pocket. “Anywhere you’re going Nate will be far,” 

“I know, Mom, I know. That’s why we haven’t talked about it,” he said as he licked his lower lip. He met his mom’s gaze, pursing his lips forward. “I can’t talk about it with her. Not yet,” He shook his head as he walked towards her. She nodded.

“Come on, I made your favorite,” she mumbled as she started walking towards the house. Nathan soon followed after her. He stopped into the garage first, dropping off his stick and skates in the back corner. It was starting to get dark, the sun was creating a beautiful orange glow over the snow. He spun around to see headlights pulling into his driveway. He smiled as the familiar car turned off. 

She stepped out of the driver seat, locking the car in the process. He smiled a toothy grin as he walked out towards her, meeting her halfway between the garage and her car. “Hey beauty,” he let out. Her gaze softened as she continued towards him. 

“Were you out on the lake?” she asked him as she held her arms out towards him, pulling him into an embrace. He pulled her tightly towards him. 

“Yeah, sorry-bit sweaty,” he mumbled, as he pulled away, “Didn’t know you were coming,” he said. 

“It was last minute, hope that’s alright, my love,” she mumbled as he guided her towards the entrance through the garage into his house. 

“Of course it’s alright,” he said happily as he pulled her towards his side.

~~~

She sat with her back leaned against the headrest of his bedroom. His head was in her lap as he caressed the inside of her thighs. There was an old episode of Friends playing on the screen.

He tilted his head back as she ran her fingers through his hair, “We have to talk about it,” she expressed barely above a whisper. He shifted his gaze back down towards her legs, staring at the skin of her inner thigh as he ran his fingertips along the skin.

“About Joey and Rachel? Yeah, they definitely should’ve had a chance together,” he deflected.

“Nathan,” she let out. He swallowed hard before he spun around, wrapped his arms around her stomach as he rested his head onto it. He shut his eyes as he took in a deep breath. She continued running her fingers through his hair soothingly. “We have to talk about it,” she repeated as she tilted her head to get a better look of him. “We’ve avoided it long enough,” she whispered. 

He took another deep breath as he propped himself up and hovered over her. He scanned her features for a few seconds before he leaned towards her. “Can we avoid just a little bit longer?” he said quietly. Her eyes widened as her eyes darted towards the wide open door. He slowly leaned towards her, delicately brushing his lips against hers. 

She leaned towards him, kissing him softly for only a moment. “Nathan Raymond Mackinnon, we cannot avoid this conversation,” she said before she pecked his lips once more.

“You’re so stubborn,” he said as he plopped back down onto her body, his head resting on her chest as he snaked his arms around her body the best he could. He sighed. “I don’t know how to do life without you anymore,” he mumbled as she ran her hand up and down his back.

“You won’t be without me,” she reassured, “We’ll be in different time zones but I’ll still be here because I love you. I’ll miss you like fucking crazy but I’ll still be here if you need me,” 

“I’ll always need you, baby,” he whispered as he pressed his lips against her collarbone. 

“And I’ll always be here,” she whispered. 

2017

It had been two years since they broke up. It was hard, nearly impossible to move on. His thoughts were consistently consumed with her. He was convinced that she would show up to his doorstep one day and say that all was right between them. 

Long distance was harder than either of them imagined. She was incredibly focused on her studies while he was trying to help turn the organization around. Their phone calls became less and less with fewer words shared. 

She would always end the call with “Love you, miss you, mean it, I’ll see you in my dreams, my love,” It was something she would say after every phone call since the beginning of their relationship. It never seemed to not be genuine, every time she would say those words she meant it. 

He struggled, his team was struggling. This year has been exhausting and embarrassing. He was tired, exhausted. It was impossible not to think of Y/N. She always knew what to say to help him and guide him through the issues he was having. 

Though it's been two years since they last spoke, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Even after many one night stands, all across North America. His thoughts were still consumed with his first love. His soulmate, perhaps. 

He sat in his stall, one of the last guys in the locker room. He was still wearing half his pads as he stared blankly towards the floor. He needed to get out of the locker room, the staff were definitely waiting on him. He wasn’t ready to leave, turning his back on the season that probably will haunt him for years to come.

He made a vow to himself. In that moment of silence, in that moment of defeat, that they would never be that low in the standings again. They will reach the playoffs for years to come. He stood up, quickly finishing getting his gear off.

It had been thirty minutes since then and the boys were on the bus to the airport, to take a disappointing flight back to Denver. His phone was resting on his lap, he watched the screen light up with an old photo of himself and Y/N. It was taken the day he was drafted. 

He froze for a moment, the memory of their last conversation entering his mind. The tearful words leaving her lips, the heartbreak in her voice. The heartbreak on his own. 

He pulled the phone towards his ear, his heart fluttering at the idea of both of them at the same moment. Pausing, nervous as they wanted to speak.

“Hi,” she mumbled. His eyes shut at the sound of her voice.

“Hey,” he choked out, glancing towards Gabe who was giving him a puzzled face. 

“I don’t know about you but I fucking miss you,” she said, her voice cracking as she spoke. Nathan tilted his head back, feeling his eyes fill with tears for the first time that night.

“I miss you too,” he mumbled, he forced out a quiet laugh.

“I still love and miss you so much, Nate,” she let out.

Nathan smiled to himself as he dropped his head, “Mean it?” She chuckled as she was smiling widely. “Seriously though, I’ve been thinking about you a lot recently,” he forced out. He could hear her smiling.

[prettytoxicrevolver]

Colorado Avalanche

How to Navigate:

❤ Heart = Fluff  ★ Star = Taylor Swift Song Fic  ⬥ Diamond = My Favorite Italics = No Work Posted Currently

Cale Makar 

Pool Party

Nathan MacKinnon

Erik Johnson  

Gabriel Landeskog

Martin Necas

Jack Drury

[cuteandhughesy]

This Love | Mikko Rantanen

summary: you and mikko used to hook - up, but after a classic miscommunication, your arrangement ends, leaving nothing but sour greetings between you both. It doesn't help that mikko is your neighbour - and everything seems to end up with you on each others doorstep.

15.8 K

warnings: NSFW! enemies to lovers | ex! friends with benefits | angst | asshole! ross colton | asshole! mikko rantanen | descriptions of blood and a cut (reader cuts herself | alcohol | suggestive themes + comments | smut | kissing | brief breast play | oral (f receiving) | fingering | unprotected p in v intercourse | pulling out | read at your own discretion.

link to masterlist

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you switch from your left foot to your right, fingers running along the strap of your work bag. the material is a momentary distraction from the awkwardness that floods and sits thick in your apartment elevator.

there's no noise other than the hum of the elevator raising up the shaft and the gentle ding that comes with reaching every floor. you don't look around, eyes downcast at the dark green carpet.

beside you, a throat clears, a subtle reminder that you're not alone.

you can't help yourself from looking - your eyes darting to the left. mikko isn't looking at you, his eyes are focused straight ahead with his eyebrows pulled tight. his large hands are shoved in his dark gray sweat pants, his black compression shirt hugging his biceps so perfectly, that if it was 3 months ago - you probably would've pounced on him right in the elevator.

but, you don't.

three months ago, yourself and mikko were actively jumping each others bones. always stealing glances in the lobby, groping each other in the hallway, mikko trailing kisses along your neck while you tried to unlock your door, and having sex: on a regular basis.

it was pretty much dating - only without the labels and commitment. it was good while it lasted. really good.

you had been new to the building when you introduced yourself to your handsome, tall, and blond neighbour. his accent had your stomach swooping, and the way his large hand had covered yours as they meet in a greeting had your cheeks flushing. mikko was just as enamoured with you as you were with him, and he invited you out to the bars that night. one thing led to another and he was bringing you into bed, treating you to three orgasms.

you two were obsessed with one another. he made you breakfast when he didn't have early practice, and you made him laugh after a bad game. not to mention the toe curling, earth shattering sex: you still think about it (not without cursing yourself for it). the situationship was perfect.

but then something changed. you had been at one of his games, waiting for him with the rest of the girls in the tunnel. he had greeted you like normal, large forearm wrapping around your shoulders, hips pressing into your backside. somebody said you two were a cute couple and...mikko got cold. you just laughed it off, respecting the agreement you both had, but mikko had pulled away from you. he didn't touch you for the rest of the night and didn't even hang around you at the bar afterwards.

you asked him about it in the elevator that night. you're not even sure what you fought about, and can't remember what you threw at him or what he said back. and then you went into your respective apartments and didn't talk again.

you were hurt. hurt because maybe you did want a full relationship with mikko, not just the sex and non commitment. you wanted love. you were ready for love with him. clearly, mikko found that laughable and now here you were.

today, in that elevator, you and mikko rantanen were not friends.

you sigh, looking up towards the electric screen which lets you know you're almost on your floor. you can feel mikko look over at you, but you don't give him the satisfaction of eye contact - because when there's eye contact there's usually a sour look, followed by a jab and then before you know it you're arguing.

still feeling mikko's stare, you finally give in and look back towards him. you raise your brows when he doesn't look away. "what?" you snap.

"you look like shit." he deadpans. his accent sounds thicker today, which unfortunately sends the butterflies loose in your stomach.

registering the actual words he said, rather than the finnish accent, you sigh loudly. "gee, thanks."

mikko takes a hand out of his pocket, running it through the fresh buzz cut atop his head. "rough day at work?"

your brows pull together, "why do you care?"

"i don't." mikko says immediately, "just making conversation."

"well don't."

the ding of the elevator has you looking away, breaking the staring match between you. the metal doors open at your shared floor.

you adjust the strap on your shoulder, stepping forward to leave the stuffy space. mikko moves at the same time, which results in you bumping into his strong chest. you shut your eyes in frustration, taking a sow breath through your nose.

"go ahead," mikko huffs, hand outstretched towards the hallway.

"no, please," you shove your hand out, "be my guest."

"really, I insist." mikko grits.

the elevator doors shut again and you huff, pushing the button so they slide open once more. this time you don't wait for him, pushing past mikko and down towards your apartment.

you can hear him following behind you, probably too close for your liking, so you don't dare turn around to see. digging through your bag, you find your keys.

you miss the keyhole the first time, dropping your keys to the ground.

upon hearing your hushed curse, mikko looks down to his right to see you bent over, black scrub pants hugging your hips in a way that's so right it has his own pants getting tighter.

you stand back up, shoving your key in aggressively, ignoring the blonde's snicker as you open the door. just before you are out of his sight, mikko calls you back.

he's half way inside his own apartment, gripping the door his his long fingers. "same time tomorrow?" you give him an odd look which has the corners of his lips turning up in a subtle smirk. "our elevator ride. are you going to be in a mood again?"

you squint, "is this funny to you?"

"no," he says quickly, "it's not funny. that's what makes this awkward hating thing so much fun."

"akward hating thing?" you mimick, "god you're so incredibly infuriating."

mikko tongues his cheek, "thank you."

you scoff once again, slamming the door.

—

"I had a really good night."

"yeah, me too." you lean farther against your open door, looking up to meet the eyes of your tinder hook up. you're pretty sure his name was jett, but you can't be too sure.

after, like mikko predicted, your rough day at work, you spent the night scrolling dating apps in hopes of feeling something. jett (maybe) was nice. he caught your attention and before you knew it - he was in your bed. it wasn't something you typically did - but with your long work day yesterday on top of mikko's quips, you needed to get laid. it helped that jett (you're pretty sure) was 6 foot of solid muscle.

"well," he says, patting against his jeans once, "I should probably get going to work."

you laugh, "I should as well."

then he leans in, down into your space. you can hear an apartment door open just as jett (probably) closes the gap between you both, placing a heavy kiss on your dry morning lips. he pulls away with a small smile, bidding you goodbye once more before taking the stairs down to the lobby.

the door next to yours clicks shut. "seriously?"

you suppress a groan, turning your body so you can face mikko. "what?" you grit out, crossing your arms over your horse pyjama shirt - you're pretty sure it was a gift from erik johnson, hopefully mikko doesn't remember that detail.

"parading your hook up for the world to see?" clearly, he's not concerned about you wearing his friends gift, because he's not even looking at you when he bites out the snarky question -too busy locking his apartment door.

he's dressed in a similar outfit as the night before, and knowing the time, mikko is most likely on his way to morning skate.

"like you said, rough day at work. needed to blow off some steam."

mikko eyes your sickly sweet smile, clearly trying to get him to bite back. so he mirrors your expression, pocketing his set of keys and turning towards you. "well, you've always loved blowing."

you can feel yourself flush at his sexual innuendo. your clear your throat, "are you done?"

"are you done making out with random men in the hallway?" there's a certain bitterness to his words that has you scoffing.

you can't help but bite back, "I wasn't making out with him. we were saying goodbye with a quick kiss."

"whatever you want to call it." he huffs. he moves past you without another look in your direction, his shoulders tight. mikko sounds more miserable than normal with his last comment - he almost sounded...

you laugh out and it has mikko stopping in his tracks, shooting a glare over his strong shoulder. "what?"

you clap your hands together gently, subconsciously already having turned your body in his direction. "oh my god! you're jealous."

he bellows a deep laugh, spinning back around. "jealous? me? no, i'm not jealous of your sorry excuse of a parting kiss."

"ah, you're so jealous. this is fun to watch." you smirk.

"this is a common area. leave the PDA at home next time?”

"this is my home." you tease, shrugging your shoulders.

mikko pauses, almost taking a step towards you. much to your disappointment, he doesn't engage, just licks his teeth and turns around, stalking grumpily to the elevator. his thick thighs are flexing as he moves, back muscles shifting as well. both are just as drool worthy, and it has you feeling hot again.

he makes it to the elevator and scratches the back of his neck as he waits for it to arrive.

you don't wait around, shutting the door before he can look back at you. leaning against the door, you close your eyes, taking deep breaths. and just like you always did when you saw him, you think about what went wrong.

you can never come up with an answer through, just in a loop of what was.

—

the avalanche had won their game. it had mikko feeling good, leaning back casually in the elevator as he enjoyed the peaceful journey up.

although he was a little dissatisfied because you hadn't been in the elevator, he tried not to dwell on it. because of his game performance, media had run later than usual, so he had missed you on your way home from work.

the door dings open, and mikko's subtle smile that had been adorning his face all night fell. he sees harvey, the old man who runs the maintenance at your open apartment door, a sullen look on his face as you two speak.

he starts making his way to his own apartment, and the conversation becomes clearer.

"the family upstairs had already vacated for the night," harvey sighs, "but the guys will be here really early to fix it, it's too dangerous otherwise."

mikko can't help but peek inside when he passes, and the sight before him immediately has him stopping. "holy crap," he whispers behind harvey.

you groan at his presence and it lights an unpleasant fire in his stomach.

"what happened?"

you watch as mikko looks at your ceiling, the once white plastered flat area now half fallen down, cracks covering the space. "it's fine," you sigh.

harvey's eyes widen, "it's not fine, and i'm not sure how long it will take to repair. you gotta get out of here."

you meet mikko's large blue eyes, swimming with what you think is concern. but it's mikko, you think, so it's definitely more amusement at your predicament rather than care for your well being.

harvey turns toward the 6'4 athlete behind him, "the residence above her had fell asleep with the bathtub running, which is obviously a big no no. the floor got so wet and soft that it cracked, and then when they moved around in a hurry to stop the water, the floor gave out, leaving this hole and all these cracks."

"shit," mikko whispers, and then his eyes meet yours again. "are you okay?"

you don't allow his question to affect you, only sending him a quick nod. "yes, it's fine."

harvey, although a sweet man, sends you a deadly glare. "no, i'm not letting you stay here. you got somewhere you can go?"

you frown, swallowing thickly. "maybe? hotels are still open right?"

harvey is in the middle of a shrug when mikko pushes closer to your open door. "she can stay with me."

you send him a bewildered look, "like hell i'm staying with you."

harvey's brows pull together ever so slightly, sending you a concerning glance, "you two know each other?"

"we're neighbours"

"we're friends."

you say at the same time. you give mikko another disapproving look but he just shrugs.

"we're friends and neighbours," the blonde tells harvey, sending him a shiny grin. "pack a bag and let's go. you're not staying in a hotel alone."

you grit your teeth. "mikko, it's fine."

"y/n." he warns through a smile, "I insist."

harvey just smiles, "well, what a gentleman."

you send the maintenance manager a tight lipped smile, doing your best to look happy at the new arrangement, "oh you have no idea."

harvey doesn't catch on to your tone as you spin around, slightly stomping through your apartment to gather your things. you find a duffel bag pretty quickly, shoving an array of clothes into it.

"don't forget anything," you hear mikko call into your apartment, "harvey says it might be a couple days."

you scoff to yourself, unplugging your charging cables from the outlet, "mikko you're forgetting I live here, I can pop over if i need anything."

"not if it's a construction zone."

you don't brother answering, only rolling your eyes. he is right, you won't be able to access your things properly if there's men in here patching up your ceiling and any other damages caused. so you do pack your skin care and makeup, along with things like your meds and all your underwear.

you meet mikko back at the door with slow steps. he's not looking at you when you approach, himself and harvey in a conversation about something or other and you can't be bothered to listen in and find out about. you shift on your feet, trying not to panic about having to live with your ex hookup for the foreseeable future.

you eyes wander around your now dusty apartment, the con-caved ceiling behind you and the drywall covering the floor. you knaw your lip, trying to keep your emotions at bay.

"alright, let's get out of harvey's hair and head next door." mikko says, as if he could sense your worries.

you blink tiredly, "ok."

mikko rolls his eyes when you push past him, arm brushing his abdomen. he's glad you don't linger there, because he can feel his abs tense at your touch. he follows behind you, pulling out his keys.

your standing silently at his closed door, switching weight between your two feet, no doubt uncomfortable from the weight of the bag on your shoulder and the situation you're about to be in.

mikko sighs gently, unlocking the door.

quietly, you enter. it's just like it was three months ago: suspiciously clean. you suppose it's because mikko was very rarely home, and when he was, he wasn't making a mess. mikko always liked that you were the opposite, leaving a tornado anywhere you went. you werent dirty messy, just messy enough that mikko felt like he was at home. your socks were usually left on his couch, a mug on the coffee table, your lipgloss on the bathroom counter.

you place your bag on one of his bar stools, eyeing his back suspiciously as he bends to look into his fridge. "you thirsty?" he mumbles.

"are you not going to make fun of me?" you blurt out, brows raised.

mikko faces you with a look of confusion, "why would I make fun of you?"

you scoff, "my apartment literally fell apart, leaving me helpless. this is exactly the situation you'd be sure to drive me up the wall about."

mikko has a filthy thought at your words - images of him pressing you against the wall of his room with his body. your legs spread open as he thrusts up into you.

he clears his throat, "no. i'm not going to make fun of you."

"oh." you frown slightly.

mikko catches it and his chest fills with guilt. you just look so exhausted and stressed and kind of adorable. he shakes his head to try and be rid of his feelings. "want a tea?"

you fiddle with your thumbs and sigh gently, "I only like - "

"chee tea," he interrupts you, pulling out and waving around the flavoured tea packet from the cupboard.

he pronounces it wrong, like he always has. "it's chai tea." you correct gently.

mikko flicks on his kettle, "that's what I said, chee."

you suppress the giggle that works its way up your throat.

"are you going to say thank you?" he teases a moment later, long thick fingers preparing your drink. you ignore how he makes it in your favourite flamingo mug, and uses two perfectly sized scoops of sugar...feelings would resurface other wise.

"thank you." you quip, accepting the mug once he slides it over the counter. it easy when he's like this, you think. this is the mikko that you fell for many months ago. you don't dwell on those thoughts much longer, picking up your mug to take a sip of the tea.

he made it perfectly, even though the temperature burns your mouth a little. you hiss, and mikko gives you a knowing look. "don't start." you warn.

he chuckles, "wasn't going to."

you nod, blowing on the top of the beverage before taking another sip.

mikko turns back your direction after putting away the milk carton, crossing his impossibly large biceps over his chest. "you can have the bed. i'll take the couch or I can get out the air mattress for myself...i'll put it in the office."

you put your hand up, "no. i'm not going to be responsible for you getting a shitty sleep on the couch and then sucking on the ice as a result. you take your bed."

he smirks, "it would be your fault." he teases and you send him a look, "i'm being serious. take the bed, i'll be fine."

"don't try this with me," you warn, "i'll take the couch."

you see his face scrunch up in annoyance, "why can't you accept my kind gesture?"

"because, mikko," you breath, "I can't go in your room and sleep in your bed, it's... it's too much."

his shoulders deflate and you look away, back down into your steaming mug grasped tightly between your hands.

"I was just trying to be nice - I can be nice sometimes."

"yeah, thanks, but i'll be okay." you whisper.

it's silent for the rest of your tea, and mikko busies himself with doing the few dishes in the sink.

after, mikko grabs extra sheets and a blanket from his closet and helps you make your bed on the couch. nothing is shared between you but the occasional brushing of limbs, which obviously has you feeling nervous.

"i'll be leaving early tomorrow, we have a road trip." mikko says in the middle of fluffing a pillow.

you nod, "okay."

"but stay here until your apartment is done. i'll only be gone three days. there's no point in spending money on some shitty hotel room."

he's not even looking at you and it makes you almost sad. "are you sure?"

he grunts, "obviously."

"obviously," you mimick, in a high pitched voice. you clear your throat, finishing tucking the sheet underneath the plush couch cushions.

his lips quirk up in amusement, "I don't sound like that."

"obviously," you tease him, standing to your full height.

he joins you, all 6"4 of him towering over you. "i'll leave the key on the counter if you're sleeping."

you nod, "i'd hope so."

he gives you a look.

"goodnight," you smile sickly.

mikko raises a brow, "goodnight, y/n."

you spend the night turning and tossing. you can't believe what's happened. your apartment, staying with mikko...it was very overwhelming. you try not to think about how the last time you slept on this couch, you were sleeping beside the finnish native. his hair was longer then, his skin tan from the summer. he wanted you back then, and now...he hated you for reasons unknown.

he hadn't been that intolerable tonight, you think. he didn't nitpick you too bad, and he made you your favourite tea - helped you get your bed ready. it gave you a glimmer of hope that maybe things could get better. maybe you and mikko could get that friendship back that you missed so much.

but the morning came. you were awake when mikko exited his room, dressed in his slacks and a button down. he didn't even say anything to you, only tossing the keys beside you on the couch.

and your glimmer of hope is gone.

—

thankfully, although the damage looked like a lot of work, it only took two days for everything to get fixed in your apartment.

you were pretty much only in mikko's apartment to sleep. your last couple shifts at the hospital kept going into overtime, resulting in 10 hour days that left you exhausted. there's nothing to really clean up at his apartment, so you just grab your stuff and get relaxed back into your own space.

you're glad you didn't spend too much time at his place, because the whole apartment was filled with memories - ones that were so soft and sickly sweet they left a bad taste in your mouth.

you were off on saturday, which was the day mikko was coming home from the avs road trip. it was just after 11 p.m when mikko knocked on your door. your eyes had been fluttering closed on the couch, body on the verge of sleep when he arrived.

you look through the peephole even through you knew it would be him, your hand clutching onto his gold key.

"you got my key?" are the first words mikko says.

your lips tug down, brows scrunched together. "yes," you scoff.

he raises his brows, his palm up and outstretched in your doorway. you slap his key down in his hand with a sarcastic smile. "thanks." you grit.

"relax," he whispers, shaking his palm out after your rather harsh slap. "no need to get all irritated."

you take a step back, mimicking his high brows, "you're the one who came here with an attitude."

mikko laughs once, "I don't have an attitude, but thanks."

mikko walks away from you, granted it was about four steps before he stopped at his door, angrily shoving the key in the lock and jiggling the knob until the door opened.

he doesn't look at you, barley flinching when your door shuts with a rather loud bang for this late at night. he takes a gentle sigh, walking into his apartment. mikko had already tried to get into his apartment before he knocked on yours, figuring you'd still be living there - clearly not. he was in a shitty mood because the team lost both games on the road, ending their winning streak and all he wanted to was climb into bed - not knock on your door and argue.

he tosses his duffle bag by the legs of the bar stools, huffing as he pours himself a glass of water. he lets his eyes wander around the space, surprised that there's no mess or sign of anybody living there (like usual).

then he sees that damn flamingo mug, your lipgloss smeared on the rim. mikko then opened the cupboard above the kettle, and finds that all your chai tea bags are gone.

a gentle smile takes over his face and he gently closes the cabinet. he leaves the mug by the sink and heads to bed.

—

8 months ago

your eyes scan through the section of shelves that carry the boxes of tea bags, hands on your hips as you search for your desired pick.

you hum, dancing from flavour to flavour; green, orange pekoe, english breakfast, apple cinnamon...

"I don't see chee." mikko states. he's mimicking your stance with his hands on his hips, one foot propped out in a way that makes his thigh look extra strong.

your brows furrow, a glimmer of a smirk appearing, "chee? that's not a tea."

"you said chee." mikko muses, turning his large body towards yours.

"chai," you correct with a smile, "pronounced like lie."

mikko hums once, and then tries again "ch...ee."

you laugh and mikko throws you a playful look, "don't make fun of me." then his bottom lip juts out, looking plump and wet.

you mimick his face and his arms fall flush with his sides. you laugh again, stepping forward into his chest. "i'm not, i promise," the end of your scentence is quiet, pushing up on your toes to grab mikko's face.

he closes the distance between you, kissing your pouted lips deeply. his hands grip your hips over the blue sundress you're wearing, pulling you impossibly closer.

with a groan, you drop back down to the heels of your feet, breaking the kiss before mikko can slip his hands under your dress. "we're in public."

mikko grunts, "let's go home then."

home.

you breath a laugh, "we can once I find my.." you turn towards mikko just as he reaches for the top shelf, grasping onto a box of your beloved chai tea.

"I got the chee," mikko smirks, "let's go."

you giggle, grabbing onto the cart to push it down the isle. mikko tosses in the box and slaps your butt gently.

—

"fuck." your curse, fiddling with the nut that holds your shower pipe to the shower head.

you had finished a night shift at the hospital, wanting nothing more than to get home and shower off any traces of sweat, antiseptic or bodily fluids that may be on you, but of course, your shower head breaks off as soon as you turn it on.

you drop your arms again, running a hand through your oily hair, freshly down from your ever so tight bun. you had already contacted the front and asked for maintenance, but they couldn't do anything until tomorrow and there was no way you were going to stew in your filth until then.

"god damn it," you huff, pulling out your phone. you open your contacts and scroll until you find him. you knaw your lip, hesitantly opening the chat and typing a message.

y/n

hey, sorry to message you but my shower is broke and I need help fixing it. can you help?

you shut your eyes at how desperate your message come across. you don't wallow much longer because your phone buzzes with a response.

mikko rantanen

who is this?

your mouth drops open slightly, because, was he being serious. when another message doesn't come through you start typing.

y/n

it's y/n. you seriously deleted my number that fast?

mikko rantanen

I thought it's what you would've wanted me to do

oh. you frown ever so slightly. your phone buzzes again.

mikko rantanen

i'll come help you

y/n

the doors open. let yourself in.

you attempt to get the pipes back together once more while you wait, which turned to be very unsuccessful.

you're up on your tip toes when mikko walks into your apartment, making his way to the bathroom he's showered in many times before. he takes a moment to admire the way your scrub top has ridden up, exposing the dimples on either side of your spine.

mikko clears his throat and you jump slightly, turning towards him with your shower head clutched tight.

"having some trouble?" he teases, brows raised at your flushed cheeks and messy hair.

your squint, "listen, i've had the longest shift at work and all I want to do it shower. maintenance cant do anything until tomorrow. the last person I want help from is you, so please don't provoke me."

his big hands shoot up in surrender and he takes a step back, "I can leave if you really don't want my help."

you take a big sigh, closing your eyes momentarily. "no. although I many not want your help, I need it. can you fix my shower?"

he smiles triumphantly, "happy to help."

you send him a close mouthed smile, and you push the shower head to his chest, hitting right between his hard pecks. mikko looks down slowly and then his eyes dart back to you. "what's the magic word?"

"mikko." you deadpan.

"nope, that's not it."

"please." you grit out.

he smirks, hands overlapping yours. for a moment, your shocked at his bold movement, but then his fingers are gripping the shower part and your remember he's literally just grabbing the things you shoved at his chest.

he steps into your tiled shower, biceps flexing as she starts to work on putting the parts back together. you can see the tiny trail of hair below his navel as his arms lift, leading down beneath the band of his athletic pants.

mikko fixes it in like, 5 minutes, which was a little bit annoying. even more annoying when he sends you a knowing smirk: a little I could fix it and you couldn't smirk.

you tilt your head with a sarcastic face, "my hero."

he breaths, "I know right."

"don't push it." you say, your hand out infront of him to further your words. mikko chuckles slightly at that, watching as you move past him and test the dial, turning on the shower and watching the water as it successfully pours out the head.

"thanks," you say quietly, "now leave. I can't be in these dirty clothes any longer."

"you're welcome," he says deeply, "not going to walk me out?"

you send him a glare over your shoulder, "go away."

he tongues his cheek with a smirk before walking out. when you step into the steamy shower and finally have a moment to reflect, you realize that it was the first time since you and mikko 'broke up' you didn't truly argue. it was...refreshing.

—

7 months ago

mikko's strong arms wrap around your waist, your soft skin only covered by his dress shirt.

"wondered where you went." his voice is hoarse, words mumbled into the crook of your neck as he leans in.

you sigh contently when mikko's lips start pressing gentle kisses to your exposed shoulder and throat column.

"the sunset is really pretty today." your head falls back against mikko's chest, fingers tracing the veins along his hand. the warmth of the august sun is settling on your exposed skin, a reminder of the dwindling summer.

"you're really pretty," mikko teases, kissing your cheek as his hands slide down your body, slipping underneath the hem of his shirt to touch you. "thought you maybe left."

you spin around, arms coming up to warp around his neck. mikko's hands grab a fistful of your naked ass, tugging gently. "wouldn't do that unless you knew I was leaving."

he smirks, "good." then he leans down, capturing your lips in a hot kiss that has you moaning out.

you're thankful that your apartments balconies are enclosed, because you didn't want anybody to see the way mikko has you come undone on his balcony.

—

you have a bag of garbage in your hand and smiley face slippers on your feet when you run into gabe landeskog and his wife melissa in the hallway. it's almost 8 p.m. and the sight of them has you stopping dead.

"y/n," they smile in unison, all white teeth and blonde hair invades your space as they swoop you into tight hugs.

when you and mikko were seeing each other, you were often with him when the team all hung out. you had grown close with the landeskogs, and you and melissa often texted and had lunch dates.

"hey," you say, very aware of the star pimple patch stuck your forehead, "how are you guys?"

"good," gabe says gently, "i'm getting close to getting back out there."

you smile, "that's amazing."

the elevators ding, opening just as cale makar makes his way out, heading in your direction. your brows furrow, because why the hell are you running into two avalanche players in an apartment they don't live in.

"what's going on?" you breath a laugh, watching as cale smiles politely in your direction, moving past you and the landeskogs. then he knocks on mikko's door and everything makes more sense.

"mikko is having a party," gabe says, "it was his turn to host."

just as gabe finishes his scentence, the door next to yours swings open, revealing the finnish native dressed in a black hoodie and light jeans. you can smell his cologne and your knees almost buckle.

"you didn't know?" melissa asks.

you shake your head, switching the garbage bag to your other hand before your fingers have the chance to cramp.

"moose!," gabe calls out, pulling you under his arm, "you're having a party and didn't invite y/n? have you no soul?"

your eyes widen as gabe laughs. cale's expression mimics yours, mumbling something incoherent before moving past the winger and into the rather crowded apartment.

"oh, it's fine." you tell the couple, "mikko doesn't have to. we aren't really friends."

"and?" gabe questions.

"you're our friend," melissa smiles, tugging a strand of your hair playfully.

mikko looks at you all sheepishly and that has you swallowing thickly. "you don't need to, mikko. seriously i'm like totally not ready to mingle with people," melissa gives you an all too knowing look, "seriously i'm in my pyjamas."

"then get changed," gabe sing songs, releasing your shoulders. swiftly, he takes the garbage bag out of your hand. "i'll do this, you go get ready."

gabe leaves, somehow knowing where the hell the trash shute is. you curse the swede silently. melissa sends you a poke and a smile before leaving you in the hallway, crossing the threshold into mikko's apartment.

mikko is still standing there, staring at you with an emotionless expression.

you shrug, "seriously, I don't have to come if you don't want me to."

he sighs gently, "the doors unlocked." then he leaves, shutting the apartment door between you.

you nod to yourself, spinning right around and back into your own apartment. you do the best you can at getting presentable. not wanting to waste the skin care you had already applied by putting on makeup just to wash it off, you just rip off your pimple patch - thankfully the redness has disappeared.

you drag a brush through your hair before putting on the first pair of leggings you find and and plain fitted tshirt. you don't bother with shoes and keep your smiley slippers on. you spray your perfume and then you're leaving, turning to your right and letting yourself into mikko's apartment.

the smell of cologne hits you immediately, but you expected that in a room full of men with too much money. you smile politely at faces you recognize, making your way through the space, teammates of mikko's stopping you to greet you excitedly, hugs and small talk alike. nathan even cracks a smile when he sees you, which was crazy.

you see that mikko has set up a table for drinks near the built in fireplace. there's nothing crazy on the table with it being the middle of the season, and most of the bottles look untouched. melissa is standing there, and you march your way over.

"melissa," you hiss, "i hate you for this."

she smiles at you, "don't hate me. gabe started it."

"yeah and when I find him i'm going to kick him in the dick."

the blond snorts, pouring 7 up into her cup of tequila. "everyone is so happy to see you though, everybody misses you."

you frown, "I miss them too." and you do. although they were mikko's teammates primarily, they had become your good friends in the months you two were seeing one another. logan o'connor and his fiancé always wanted you to join their hikes, bowen byram was constantly sending you new imessage games and devon towes was always talking to you about all your mutually watched tv shows.

the team had been your only friends when you moved to denver, and now you barley saw them.

you clear the emotions from your throat, "maybe if mikko wasn't so stuck up and -"

"hey, ross!" melissa says quickly, deescalating your upcoming flur of anger. the brunette in question turns towards you both, already sporting his wide, shining smile. "ross, you remember y/n, right?"

ross colton then turns his body towards you, and you blush under the gaze of an attractive man (what's new). ross has always been handsome to you, all styled hair and strong muscles. he was pretty. pretty in a way that was almost distracting and way out of your league.

"yeah, I haven't seen you in forever."

you notice that melissa has slipped away, and you have to remember to flick her arm for that later.

"how have you been?" ross smiles.

"i'm okay," you breathe, "all things considered."

"you look great."

"really?" you wince, "i'm pretty sure this shirt has a stain on it and my skins all oily from the pounds of moisturizer i put on..."

"i'm complementing you, y/n, take it."

your cheeks heat up, "okay. thank you ross. you clean up nice." you immediately regret that, your choice of a compliment coming off very grandma like. "I mean-"

"thank you," he smiles.

"you didn't think I sounded like an elder?"

ross laughs gently, seemingly standing closer than he was when your conversation first started. "no, I'll take any compliment from a pretty girl like you."

"like me?" you splutter.

he laughs again, arm reaching out to squeeze your bicep. "is that okay?"

mikko, your brain screams. what about mikko?

"yeah," you whisper anyways. you tell your brain to zip it: because why the hell would you be thinking about mikko. I mean sure, ross wasn't as tall as mikko, or as big as mikko. you've always liked blondes, but brunette hair was good too.

"okay," ross whispers back. you flash him a smile and he releases your arm. "how about you put your number in my phone? we can hang out when our schedules line up."

you almost jump for joy. this is what you wanted, you think. ross seems stable, like he wants more than just that unfulfilling hookup culture that mikko wanted. "yeah," you say, "for sure."

you punch in your number, adding a little smiley face emoji beside your name in the contact.

"sweet," he smiles, pocketing his phone, "I gotta get back to logan but i'll text you."

"alright," you nod once, "i'll be seeing you."

"yeah," then ross leaves, disappearing back into the small crowd of people gathered in mikko's apartment. you watch as ross joins o'connor and a couple other people on the couch, taking his seat. for a moment you let yourself wonder if ross knows his teammate has been all up in your guts on that very couch.

you snap out of it, turning back to the table and making yourself a drink.

"what the hell did he want?" mikko's deep voice mumbles from above you.

you sigh, "nothing."

he moves so he's standing closer to your left, making his own drink beside you. "didn't look like nothing." mikko mutters.

you roll your eyes, turning to face him. "are you watching me?"

he looks into your eyes, "it's hard not to notice when you're eye fucking my teammate."

"I was not-" you pause, surveying the expression of the blonde's face. his brows pull together when you suddenly stop speaking, eyes burning into yours inquisitively. "why is it any of your business anyways?" you question.

"you're in my house." mikko spits. his cup is still only half made, abandoned on the sticky table top.

"you're jealous again."

he laughs, "that's funny."

"am I wrong?" you ask, arms crossing over your shirt. mikko watches the way your boobs push together in your v-neck, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallows.

"i'm not jealous, i'm being absolutely reasonable." mikko sighs, "my ex is flirting with my teammate right infront of me. am I not allowed to question it?"

"am I really your ex if we never dated?"

mikko looks taken back by your question, licking his lower lip as you stare at one another. then he's clearing his throat, stepping closer to you.

he chooses to ignore your last question, only answering the initial accusation, "why would I be jealous of somebody like him?"

you gulp, looking up at him as mikko leans down slightly to whisper.

"maybe you should back off a little," you bite out. mikko scoffs at your threat and it has you frowning, "just because you didn't want me, doesn't mean somebody else doesn't."

mikko pulls a face of what seems like confusion, "you don't even know what you're talking about."

you roll your eyes at his rude accusation, your throat tightening with all too familiar emotions. you look away quickly, leaving mikko to watch as you turn on your heels and leave him standing alone, left with nothing but both untouched drinks on the table.

—

melissa has an expensive pair of dark sunglasses on when you sit down - so tinted you're not even sure if she notices you at first, busy looking over the menu.

"hey," she greets with a smile - clearly aware of your presence.

"hi," you huff. you're still in the burgundy v-neck from the night before, you've only switched out your black leggings for a pair of jeans - smiley slippers turned converse.

melissa texted you early the following day after the get together at mikko's apartment, buttering you up with the promise of breakfast and what she claims as 'quality time with your best friend' - she had you at breakfast.

"I didn't see you leave last night," melissa muses.

you laugh gently, "that was the point."

she eyes you over the menu, one perfectly shaped brow raised. "something happen?"

the menu that you had previously picked up was slapped down to the table. irritated, you run your hands through your straightened hair, a heavy breath leaving your lips. "mikko happened! god, mel, he's so fucking frustrating."

she sends you a small pitiful smile, "what he do this time?"

what he do this time - because melissa knows better than to assume you two have just stopped your arguments and sudden hatred and just left one another alone. she is too smart and knows you and mikko too well: both stubborn.

"well, it's started when ross asked for my number -"

"he did?!" melissa gleams.

"yeah, anyways," you dismiss, "he was all in my business because he saw ross and I talking - he was basically shaming me for talking to a friend. like are you kidding?!"

she hums, "sounds like he was jealous."

"yes!" you chant, "he totally is and i told him he was and that made it worse. he said 'why would i be jealous of someone like him?'" you mimick the finnish natives deep voice and then scoff, "god melissa, what does he even mean by that."

melissa takes a slow sip of her orange juice, brows pulled together. "sounds like he's trying to convince himself all while trying to tell you. maybe he's still got some feelings for you-"

"definitely not," you cut your friend off, "he made that clear when he blew me off at the thought of being in a relationship with me."

the blonde frowns gently.

"I don't even like fighting with him," you whine, "but he seems so admit of poking the damn bear until I have no other option but to bite back."

"gabe says that mikko never talks about what happened," melissa says gently, "anytime somebody asks him about you, he shuts down. maybe you two need to have a conversation and find out why."

you brows draw together, "why what?"

"why he never talks about what happened and why he treats you in a way that consists of arguing and jealousy." melissa says. you pull a face so she sighs, "something isn't right about it - don't you think you owe it to yourself to figure it out."

you pick up your menu again, "I don't want to get my feelings hurt again. although we fight, i'd rather not get along then not have mikko in my life at all."

melissa looks like she has something else to say, but then a young teenage employee is stopping at your table - effectively ending her train of thoughts.

"hey guys, i'll be your waiter today, what can we get started for you?"

nobody brings up mikko for the rest of the meal - you make sure of that. busy asking your friend about the kids and your shared book club.

the rest of the day is spent by yourself in your apartment, watching movies until your eyes start to hurt - a sign for a break and to start your dinner.

you're mid bite of chicken alfredo when somebody knocks at your door. the sound has you freezing, slowly placing down your fork to stand.

through the peephole you see mikko standing there, eyes looking down the hall as he waits for you to answer. you swallow your chicken, wiping your face before you open the door.

mikko looks almost surprised to see you, most likely assuming you wouldn't answer after your last conversation- you're honestly surprised that you did.

"last night," he starts, "I was mean. I hurt your feelings."

mikko pauses, watching your face for any sort of reaction - waiting for you to say something. you don't though, only crossing your arms and raising your brows as if urging him to continue.

"i'm sorry." he sighs.

"okay," you hum, "thank you for apologizing."

mikko shoves his hands in his pockets but immediately takes them back out. he's clearly debating saying something more, you can tell by the pull of his face and by the way he rubs the back of his neck.

"what?" you deadpan.

mikko looks at you shocked for a moment, brows raised and eyes wide. then his shoulders fall and he's sighing, "whatever happened between us a couple months back - can we just move past that? I'm tired of fighting with you."

you blink three times...'whatever happened between us' - like he wasn't the one who blew you off. although you want to defend yourself and your feelings, you don't.

you take a deep breath, "sure. we can move past that."

a ghost of a smile graces his plump lips. "maybe we can even be friendly?"

you squint, "we will see."

he bites his lip, "c'mon i'm trying to be nice."

"last time you tried to be nice it ended with getting your keys thrown at me."

his mouth drops open ever so slightly, "I didn't throw them at you, I lightly tossed them beside you." mikko argues.

you raise your brows at the blonde, and with the look on your face he stops himself, taking a slow breath through his nose and plastering a smile on his face.

"so what do you say?"

mimicking a sarcastic grin, you uncross your arms and jut your small hand in his direction. he looks down at your palm and tongues his cheek, a small breath of a laugh leaving his lips. mikko grabs your hand in his own, shaking it once.

"no more arguing," you hum.

mikko smiles, "no more arguing."

—

5 months ago

"hello? are you listening to me?"

mikko blinks hard, "what?"

bowen byram just lets out a hearty chuckle, swishing around the beer in his bottle against the high top table.

"I said -"

mikko's eyes dart away, moving through the crowded denver bar until he spots you again. your head is thrown back, laughing at something melissa has just told you.

you're holding a clear cup of some orange drink in one hand, your other palm pressed against the pale pink material of your summer top.

mikko has never known someone so beautiful, he thinks.

as if you can feel his stare, your head turns and you're locking eyes with one another. immediately, mikko feels his lips tug up in a smirk.

you smile back. one of your eyebrows pull up in a question for his stare.

mikko just shrugs, slow smirk becoming impossibly bigger. you shake your head in disbelief, a breathy giggle slipping between your lips. it has mikko biting his lip, not once breaking the eye contact between you.

"wow, you must really like her."

bowen's words have mikko clearing his throat, head swiveling around to meet his young teammates gaze. bowen's wearing a knowing smirk, taking a slow sip of his beer.

mikko shrugs but smiles with all his teeth. that's enough of an answer for bowen.

—

not arguing with mikko is actually not as hard as you initially thought it would be. sure, sometimes you both can't help yourselves and start poking at one another about stupid things.

but in the elevator you just smile at one another politely and ride up to your floor in peace - sometimes even small talk is exchanged between you. mikko even goes as far as taking out your garbage so you don't have to trek down to the trash shute. it's...nice - familiar. he's starting to remind you of the mikko you were in love with and that always sends your heart rate sky rocketing.

you're thinking about your and mikko's change of relationship while you're cutting your celery - which you probably should've been paying more attention to, rather than thinking about the 6"4 attractive sex god you once had the pleasure of having. your hand slips, the knife you had been using veering to the left and catching your index finger.

you hiss, dropping the blade to grab your finger. "fuck."

the blood seeping out beneath your fingers is enough indication that you had nicked your skin. suddenly you're panicking, everything you know about your profession exiting your brain. you have always been good with human fluids and injuries- that's why you got offered the job in denver in the first place: you were a great nurse. but anytime it came to your own body and self inflicted injuries - you clamped up.

with another shaky breath you leave your apartment, struggling momentarily to open the door without the proper use of your hands. you use your elbow to knock on mikko's door, praying that he's between a practice and game.

it's not a moment later that he opens the door, his eyes a bit hazy - probably just waking up from a nap.

you feel yourself get emotional, tears beginning to leak down your cheeks while you stand in front of him.

mikko's eyes widen and he reaches out to you, eyes dancing between your face and blood covered fingers. "what happened?"

you sniff, "I cut myself, and i'm too scared to see if I need stitches."

"oh, for the love of— come in and let me check." mikko guides you into his apartment with an arm around your shoulders, his free hand is over top yours, applying more pressure to your wound. you get to his bathroom, and you finally get a glimpse of yourself in his mirror.

your mascara is smudged under your eyes and your lips have swelled up like the typically did when you were crying.

"okay, let me see." mikko whispered, his hands prying your tight grip away until he can see your finger.

your eyes clench shut, and your breath quickens as you cry harder.

"i'm going to run it under the water so I can see it better, okay?"

"okay," you whisper. you let your eyes open so you can watch as he manoeuvres your finger under the tap. your breathing is a bit laboured which has mikko using his free hand to rub your back - if you weren't so emotional you'd probably be blushing.

"looks like it's not bleeding anymore."

you wince as you watch the water turn red, washing away the blood.

mikko's eyes dart to the side of your wet face, brows pulled together in the middle. "does it hurt?"

you shake your head, "I - no, I don't think so. I don't know," you cry.

he doesn't laugh or tease you about your stuttering, he just eyes you gently. he brings your hand back towards himself, using the paper towel by his sink to dry your finger. "it's not deep - doesn't need stitches. you probably cut it weird, that's why it bled like that-" he smirks gently, "but you're smart so you probably knew that."

you've stopped crying for the moment, and mikko is grateful for that. he wipes the skin with alcohol before putting a baindaid on your finger.

he's wrapping the tails around your digit when you sigh, your free hand coming up to wipe your face. "i'm sorry if i woke you up from your nap, I know how important they are."

mikko shrugs, "you're more important than a nap." you feel yourself soften at his words. he taps your freshly bandaged finger twice, a close mouth smile on his face. "that feel okay?"

"yeah," you whisper, "thank you, mikko."

"that's what friends are for, right?"

you nod, "right."

he thumbs behind him, back into the hallway that leads to his living room. "did you want to stay? you were pretty upset."

you huff, images of your crying face flashing through your mind, "don't remind me...i've never been an attractive crier."

he laughs gently, "nah, you looked," he hums for a moment, "pretty." mikko almost reaches up and brushes away your stray hairs, but he doesn't.

you wish he had. you clear your throat, eyes wandering down to your covered finger. you run your pinky over the edge of the baindaid as a distraction, "always a flirt." you tease him.

you look up just in time to watch mikko smirk softly, a tinge of pink covering the tips of his ears. "only for you."

there's a moment then, were your eyes and mikko's met in a soft gaze. thousands of emotions and unspoken words swimming between them. you breathe out, your minty breath hitting the white crinkled fabric of his shirt.

he blinks slowly and you mistake him for being tired - bored of your meltdown. you shake your head, breaking eye contact. "i'll go now," you take a few steps back, "let you get rest...i don't want to be responsible for you playing like shit."

your comment has mikko thinking about when you last slept in his apartment, vacated out of your own. although he's hurt by your sudden change of attitude, he doesn't show it. he knows you don't want the soft connections and commitment, so he just nods, "well it would be your fault."

you pause with a gentle smile, also thinking back to that night you spent on mikko's couch just a few weeks ago. you say goodbye again and walk out of his apartment, still fiddling with the brown bandaid on your finger.

mikko wishes you stayed.

you wish mikko wanted you.

—

4 months ago

you shove another one of your favourite chocolate cookies in your mouth, chewing quickly. the movie on tv isn't anything new, in fact you'd seen the hunger games well over 100 times by now. it still has you hooked though, blindly shoving another cookie in as your eyes watch the screen.

the tea mikko made you before the movie started is probably cold by now, sitting in the flamingo mug you claimed on the coffee table. when mikko said he'd never seen any of the hunger games movies you had sat him down, pushing him to the couch and bribed him with a make out and some dry humping to watch the movie. spoiler alert: it worked.

another cookie is in before you swallow the previous one, crumbs falling down your hoodie.

you're eyes snap to your right when mikko's thumb brushes your lips, gently wiping stray chocolate crumbs of your mouth.

"watch the movie," you say between swallows.

he breaths a laugh, "I am."

"no," you tease," you're watching me."

he just shrugs, clearly not feeling guilty. using the sleeve of your hoodie, you wipe over your mouth. mikko's brows come together and he pushes your hand away, using his own hands to wipe of the smudges of chocolate.

you flush, which makes him smirk. then he's pulling your face towards his. it isn't long after that you have to rewind the movie, missing the most important parts because mikko and you got distracted with each other.

—

two weeks after the whole crying in your old situationships/neighbour/friends apartment - you get a text from melissa landeskog.

you finish a gulp of wine, picking up your buzzing phone.

mel landeskog

gabe says mikko has been happier...

mel landeskog

did you take my advice and talk?

you sigh, placing down your glass.

y/n

we haven't really talked about it, no.

y/n

but you'll be happy to know we called a truce

y/n

and it's kind of working? we haven't had a real fight in a couple weeks

you catch yourself smiling at your phone at the mere thought of mikko. you stop yourself with a shake of your head just as a reply comes through the phone.

mel landeskog

yay! this is progress

mel landeskog

does that mean you can come to the game tomorrow night to keep me company? i haven't hung out with anybody but the kids in forever.

y/n

only if you buy me a beer

that's how you ended up at the ball arena, a place that just a few months ago you never thought you'd step foot into again. you have luke landeskog between your body and the plexiglass of the rink, your hands tight on his little hips.

gabe still isn't playing, not yet out of the lengthy healing process of his last injury. melissa still liked to bring the kids to games though. linnea loved seeing all her uncles and friends at the arena, and luke was starting to get to the age where he recognized what was happening in front of him.

"look, linnea!" melissa exclaims, bent down to her daughters level, "is that nate?" the blond is pointing through the glass and in the direction of the star player.

linnea giggles, shouting a yes and bangs on the boards. nathan's too far to hear her, but the little girl is excited anyways.

luke dances in your grip, hands pressed to the glass with a gummy smile. you laugh at his excitement, pointing out players as they warm up around you.

you're looking at melissa when a body comes at you, nathan's skates snowing the boards as he makes a hard stop. the kids giggle and wave excitedly as he waves back at them, his own smile cracking on his lips.

"does mikko know you're here?" melissa asks.

you send her a bewildered look, eyes wide. you pray nathan can't hear her question. "mel, people can hear you, ya know?"

your friend giggles, shrugging her shoulders. "well? does he?"

"no," you say, "why would I tell him?"

"you do know he plays for this team right?"

you whip your head around to look at her, but she's sporting a teasing grin, clearly trying to egg you on.

"ha ha," you muse, looking back through the plexiglass to watch the avs warm up.

"do you like mikko?!" linnea shouts up at you.

melissa shushes her immediately, reminding her to use an inside voice. you take a deep breath and try to remember that children are just curious.

"of course I do," you smile, "we are friends."

"oh, are you?" melissa muses.

you send her a look before glancing back down to the strawberry blond girl. "do you like mikko?"

"yes!" she cheers, banging on the glass when you see another player approach in your peripheral vision. "hi mikko!" linnea cheers.

your head snaps up, locking eyes with the man of the hour. you're at an advantage with the ice being a foot lower than the stands and you're almost eye level with mikko. he's still a bit taller though, and that's just hot in itself.

you wish you didn't flush at the sight of him, knowing that melissa would tease you about it later.

his brows raise slightly, surely wondering why the hell you're at the game. then he smiles all slow and syrupy at you....and you might just die.

you tickle one side of luke, using your other hand to take one of his chubby fits and wave it in mikko's direction. the fin smiles at the baby, tapping his stick against the glass at him. luke laughs, pushing against the surface.

then mikko takes his stick and hits the glass by your face, pulling your attention away from the kid. he gives you one more smile before turning away, although he stays in the same spot, just practicing his stick handling with his back turned to you.

you make the mistake of looking at melissa and she's already beaming at you, a raise to her brows. "friends indeed," she hums.

"stop." you warn, cheeks surely permanently flushed red for the foreseeable future.

after the third period ends with an avalanche victory, it's only minutes after the team leaves the ice your phone is buzzing in your lap.

mikko rantanen

i didn't know you were coming

mikko rantanen

want me to drive us home?

you smile at the way he worded the question, even though there was nothing special behind his words.

"I know who y/n is texting," melissa sings in a baby voice to luke, hugging him in her lap.

you ignore her.

y/n

melissa drove me

mikko rantanen

that's not what i asked. do you want me to drive us home?

his assertive texts give you a momentary flashback to other times mikko had been assertive with you. there's nothing to overthink, you remember. mikko is simply just offering to take you back to your shared apartment building - a place he's already going. he's saving melissa a trip, if anything.

y/n

okay, yeah.

you pocket your phone and turn towards your friend. "mikko is going to take me home."

melissa smirks, "I thought so."

you roll your eyes playfully but stand up from your seat, bidding goodbye to the landeksogs and making your way through the arena and down into the avs locker room hallway, flashing your badge at the security guards.

when mikko spots you, he smiles. in that moment it was easy to get caught up in the familiarity of your old selves - walking back to mikko's car and talking about the game. your heart cracks at the memories, because no matter what he's still the guy who doesn't want to love you the way you craved him too.

—

3 months ago

you're breathless, chest heaving up and down as you lay flat on your back. a smirk is playing on your lips, heart racing as you take a moment to collect yourself.

mikko rolls over and up on to his elbow, leaning over your body. he's smiling softly down at you.

"i like the freckles on your nose," he whispers, "and the ones on your cheeks. and i like your eyes and your lips."

you grin, a hand reaching up to run through his blonde curls - the action much softer than minutes ago when your were gripping his hair at the roots as he brought you over the edge.

"or I just like you." mikko muses, his free hands moving up until he can hold your face, his thumb stroking gently over your cheek bone.

"always the charmer," you whisper back. "I like you too."

your words send prickles down mikko's spine, the redness of his skin deepening down his chest and up past his neck.

his hand leaves your cheek and scoops behind your back, bringing your body flush to his own. your naked boobs push against his strong chest, his large leg slotting between yours.

sex with mikko was always phenomal, but the tenderness he showed you after was always the best part.

_

your pleather jacket makes a crinkly noise as you uncross your arms. you pull out your phone from the oversized pocket to check for an unread text from ross colton. you knaw on your lip again, and you're sure all your lipstick is gone now form the constant nibbling. there's no texts, no missed calls, no unheard voicemails.

you're being stood up - on fucking valentine's day. you shift on your feet in the hotel lobby, leaning forward to see if maybe ross has pulled up to the curb - waiting for you in a car with a bouquet of roses. but nobody is there.

you're embarrassed, standing alone in your tights and skirt. you even put on your favourite red top to match the holiday aesthetic. you did your makeup nice and styled your hair for what?

you sigh, pocketing your phone again. you can already feel the looks of pity from maintenance man harvey and jaclyn: the middle aged woman who runs the front desk.

you're going to go upstairs and cry - that's the only thing to do. you spin on your heels, avoiding eye contact as you sulk back towards the row of elevators. your hand shakes as you reach out and push the button.

the doors open not 10 seconds later. your eyes meet mikko's just as he pulls out his phone.

"hi," he whispers, blinking three times fast. he looks handsome. he's wearing dark jeans and white dress shirt. the first two buttons are undone, exposing his chain. he's got a gray peacoat on as well, pulling the look together.

"hey," you force a smile, "sorry, i'm going up."

his eyes dance over your face, no doubt taking notice of your teary eyes and flushed cheeks. "are you okay, y/n?"

"i'm great," you cheer quitely. you side step him, walking into the open elevator. his body spins to follow your movement, worried eyes still on yours. "just going to head to sleep. long day."

"are you sure-"

"yes, i'm fine." you chirp, the elevator doors sliding closed and separating the two of you.

mikko takes a deep breath, staring at the silver doors as they carry you up to your shared floor. you we're definitely not okay.

"she was stood up."

mikko turns, eyeing harvey and jaclyn as they sit behind the lavish reception desk. harvey is taking a slow sip of what smells like coffee, brows raised as he looks at him.

jaclyn was the one who spoke, her lips turned in so she can kiss her teeth.

mikko frowns, taking four big steps forward until he reaches the table, leaning on it as he eyes the employees. "she was?"

"huh uh," harvey hums, "she came down here twenty minutes ago all dolled up and she just stood by the door until, well, you saw her go upstairs."

"she didn't have to say anything," jaclyn says, "you don't get all dressed up for valentine's day for no reason. whoever she was supposed to see tonight - they didn't show up."

mikko curses silently, running a hand over the top of his head. his hair is longer now, pieces of blonde hair curling between his fingers. "I feel terrible."

"you didn't do anything wrong," harvey says, "but you could be the one to make it right."

mikko's brows furrow together, "what do you mean?"

"you're friends right?" mikko nods.

"then go check on her." jaclyn interrupts. "unless you're heading somewhere."

"no, I'm not." mikko does have somewhere to be. him and a couple of the single guys on the team were going to hit up a local bar and get a couple drinks. he was already opening the text thread to tell them he wouldn't be there.

"here," jaclyn hums, plucking a pink rose from the vase that sat on top of the reception desk. "take this and go make her happy."

mikko thanks them, getting back to the elevator and pushing the button rather frantically until the doors open.

25 minutes have passed since you'd made it back up to your apartment. you cried while scrubbing the makeup off your face, but thankfully your tears have stopped. you swapped your skirt and jacket for your favourite pink sweat set. you're moping around your kitchen, glasses slipping down the bridge of your nose. you huff, moving to push them back up but a series of knocks on your door stops you.

you don't bother checking who it is, pulling open the white door slowly with a blank expression.

mikko looks up when the door creaks and he watches your face contort into one of cunfusion.

"what are you doing here?" you whisper.

"I live here," he teases. "this is for you," he hands you the delicate rose, and you frown while holding it to your chest.

"what is happening right now?"

"i'm not going to let you be alone on valentine's day, y/n."

"how do you know-"

"come with me." mikko grabs a hold of your free hand and brings you next door. you've noticed now he's not wearing his coat anymore, and another button of his shirt has come undone.

you walk into his apartment and are greeted with the tv on, its light casting a cool glow in the living room. it smells like candy, thanks to the candle on his kitchen counter. there's a few lamps on around the apartment and your favourite chocolate cookies are on a plate centered on the coffee table.

"what's all this?" you ask, words gentle as you gawk at the space infront of you.

he shoves his hands in his pockets, "I thought because you didn't get to go out for valentine's day, I would get you over here to relax and watch a movie."

"mikko-" you stop yourself, rose still clutched in your palm. "you didn't need to do all this."

"I wanted to." he insists. then he walks into the kitchen, flicking on the kettle.

you watch him wordlessly, your mouth hung open. he opens his cabinet and takes out a chai tea bag, plopping it into that mug you love so much.

confused, your brows furrow. "where did you get those?"

mikko glances at you over his shoulder, "what? the chee tea bags? i've always had them."

you don't mention his mispronounced word, walking forward until you are standing beside him. "no. when I stayed here a little bit ago, I finished them off."

he nods slowly, "okay. I bought more." he pours the steaming water into the cup, the liquid turning brown as the tea bag gets soaked.

"you don't like chai tea." you whisper.

he shrugs, scooping two piles of sugar into the mug. "no, but you do."

oh.

you look up at him with a million emotions, placing the rose down on the counter. mikko clears his throat, passing you the cup. "let's watch a movie."

you two end up on the couch moments later, both with your own throw blankets as the movie starts. mikko had chosen 'love, rosie' which was one of your favourite movies for valentine's day. you had told mikko this during one of your very first pillow talks and you're surprised he remembered.

"did you not have plans tonight?"

mikko looks over at the sound of your voice. you're not looking at him, eyes still on the screen while you hold you drink.

he shrugs, "nothing important."

"really?" you meet his eyes, "you were dressed up."

"just a thing with a couple of the guys," mikko says, "wasn't anything I wanted to go to anyways." he adds when he sees your worried face.

a beat passes.

"this movie reminds me of you."

your brows raise, "because I told you i liked it?"

mikko ponders momentarily, lips pursed. then he shakes his head, "you remind me of rosie. you and her love the same way."

you're speechless in that moment, eyes wide as you look at him. mikko's head falls back against the couch cushions, what looks like a smile beginning to tug at his lips.

"anytime I miss you, I watch this movie."

then you begin to smile, following suit and leaning back into the plush cushions. "that's a really nice thing to say to me."

"Thought that after all the terrible things we've said, I better say something worth while."

by the time to movie finishes you're both laughing with one another, the movie filling a void of happiness in both of your chests. only you had cried during the wedding scene - but you always had.

the credits begin to roll when you feel mikko's eyes on the side of your face. you don't hesitate to look over at him. "what's up?"

he bites his lip, "are you going to tell me who stood you up?"

your face falls, "how did you know I got stood up?"

"harvey and jaclyn are very perspective," he hums. you just nod once, taking a slow bite of your cookie. mikko continues, "plus you looked upset when I first saw you."

another nod.

"so," mikko hums, "who stood you up?"

"I don't want to tell you."

he chuckles gently, "why not?"

you don't crack a smile and that has mikko sitting up straighter, brows furrowed as he reaches out towards you. "why not?" your nervous expression had his stomach plummeting ever so slightly. "do I know him?"

you sigh, "yeah, but - "

"tell me."

"mikko, I don't want to start anything-"

"tell me who."

"seriously, you can't do any-"

"y/n." mikko warns.

you exhale deeply, hands falling down to your lap so you can fiddle. you don't look at him when you say, "it was ross."

the next morning at practice, mikko cross checks ross colton into the boards, definitely harder than necessary for a practice drill.

when ross turns around his face is red, "what's your problem dude?!"

mikko leans down slightly, "apologize for standing y/n up or a cross check will be the least of your worries."

ross scoffs, pushing off of mikko's chest, mumbling a 'yeah, whatever' on his way past.

mikko was fuming. if ross wasn't his teammate he would've smashed his face into the ice as soon as he stepped out. to ask his ex out in his apartment to then stand her up on valentine's day...mikko couldn't think about that or he would chase ross down.

—

it's after 10 when mikko gets home from his game, exhausted from the hard battle with the bruins. he is still wearing his suit, minus the tie, while he fills a cup with orange juice.

the avs lost, which was always frustrating. that combined with the ross thing was putting the blonde in a very sour mood. he chugs his drink in three gulps.

there's a soft knock on his door as he rinses the dish. he makes his way over, brows furrowed with annoyance at being bothered so late. he pulls open the door.

you stand in the hall, "did you say something to ross?"

mikko sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "listen..."

"I told you not to say anything." you show him your phone, the screen displaying the very brief chat between you and ross.

mikko frowns, taking your cell.

ross colton

i know standing you up was shitty

but tell your guard dog to back

the hell off

y/n

what?

ross colton

mikko. he fucking checked me

and told me to apologize or whatever

y/n

I didn't want...

mikko doesn't read the rest, scoffing as he gives you your phone back. "he's a dick," he muses, "I told him to say sorry to you, not treat you like a child."

you shove your phone in your jeans back pocket, "mikko, I didn't want you to say anything. the last thing I wanted was to put you in an awkward spot. this is why I didn't want to tell you-"

he leans against his door frame, arms crossed. "even if you didn't tell me who it was, i would've found out."

"mikko," you sigh, frustrated.

"if you think I wasn't going to say anything after he stood you up...you don't know me very well. nobody should treat you that way, y/n. you deserve more than that. better than that.."

your shoulders deflate, "stop saying things that..." you stop yourself, bottom lip coming between your teeth.

mikko gulps, pushing off the doorway. "stop what?"

your eyes bore into his, hesitant but desperate all at the same time. "stop saying things that make me want to kiss you."

mikko feels himself get warm, stomach swooping with nerves he hasn't felt since he met you. he takes ahold of your hand, pulling you into his apartment by the tips of your fingers. you go willingly, stumbling forward until you can push the door shut. mikko holds your gaze the entire time, pushing your body against the now closed door.

you tilt your head up so you can look at him properly. he's still gripping your hands, thumb running along your knuckles in a way that's so gentle and familiar it had your knees feeling weak.

a hoarse whisper, "kiss me." mikko squeezes your hands three times quickly and licks his lips, "please."

you don't need to be told again, pushing up on the balls of your feet until you're close to his face. mikko leans down just enough so you can press your lips against his.

his brows pull together, enchanted by the soft press of your mouth on his. you pull back after 5 seconds. mikko's eyes flutter open just as yours do, chests tight as you stare at one another.

just as you go to drop down again, mikko's hands are on you, one arm gripping your back to pull you up against his abdomen and chest, holding you to him. his other hands finds your face, just as both your hands grab his shoulder and neck and then you're devouring each other.

the kiss is passionate, full of heat and longing for what once was. months upon months of not having one another all boiling down into this heated exchange.

his hand is hot on your face, an all so familiar feeling that has you reeling with anticipation. the thought has you smiling into the kiss, mikko following suit. you're placed back to the ground and mikko is bringing you over to his couch, not once stopping the clash of teeth and lips you're both locked in.

he spins you around so that the back of your legs hit the couch cushions. the feeling has you dropping down, breaking the kiss as you fall into the plush cushions. mikko towers over you with a gentle smile. "you're so beautiful." then he's dropping to his knees infront of you, grabbing your legs to pull you to the edge of the couch.

you squeal, legs falling open to cage him in. using your hands, you push off his black suit jacket, the expensive item falling to the floor beside him. you smirk when his biceps flex underneath the tight material of his dress shirt. "I need you so bad, mikko."

he groans quietly. his hands dart up and pop open the button of your jeans, quickly tugging down the zipper. you help him when he moves to tug the denim down, lifting your butt off the couch so he can pull them away, soon joining his suit jacket.

mikko pushes your legs further apart, placing wet kisses against your thighs. he starts at your knee cap, slowly making his way down to your core.

he has one hand wrapped around the thigh he's kissing, and his other hand reaches forward, tugging your underwear to the side until you're exposed.

the air against your core has you whining, bucking your hips up. mikko smirks at the sight, "where do you need me, kulta?”

you moan at his native tongue, head rolling back. mikko wrapping your other leg in his arm has you looking back down at him, lip between your teeth. he's looking at you with raised brows, so close to where you want him.

"I need you on my pussy, mikko, please."

mikko has always been a good man, you think. because after your first beg he dives in, licking a heavy strip up your folds until his tongue reaches your clit, gently rubbing the sentive nub.

you moan loudly, your hand reaching out to grab ahold of his curls. you're thankful that he's started to grow out his start of the season buzz cut, because in this moment you'd never been happier to tug and pull his blonde locks.

he sucks oh so perfectly on your clit, and you think you could cum already. he pulls off with a pop, his long thick fingers immediately taking over and plunging into your hole, slowly pumping in and out.

your mouth falls open as he looks into your eyes, "you taste so good - better than I remember."

he continues pumping his digits into your warmth. using his other hand he pushes up to your face, capturing your lips in a messy kiss. the taste of yourself combined with his fingers and sloppy kiss have you cumming.

you groan loudly into his mouth, legs shaking as he works your through your orgasim. "fuck," you heave, head falling back. "you're so good at that"

"yeah?" mikko teases with a smirk.

your fingers start fiddling with his buttons, "yeah." you confirm. "you're wearing too many clothes."

you drag his dress shirt down his arms, gasping as more and more skin is revealed. he looks better shirtless than you remembered.

"so are you," mikko mumbles, clearly not bothered by the way you're ogling his arms and abdomen. he rips off your oversized t-shirt, leaving you completely bare. "no bra?" he smirks.

"no," you giggle, "i was getting ready for bed...oh."  mikko attaches to one of your nipples, sucking on the bud until it becomes painfully hard.

he switches to your other boob, his hand wasting to time groping the unattended nipple.

"mikko, I wanna...please I need you inside me."

he release your boob and nods at you, eyes glazed over. "fuck...yeah, lemme..." mikko stands up, grabbing your hands so you're also at full height. his hands start fiddling with his dress pants, eyes burning into your bright ones as he does. you smile slowly, your own fingers joining in helping him take off his pants.

he finally gets them off, pushing them down his legs until they fall around his ankles. you blink slowly, watching the way his boxers strain to contain his hard dick. you reach forward, palming him through his boxers until he moans, eyes downcast to watch you stroke him over his underwear.

"take these off." you whisper, locking eyes with him through your lashes.

he swears, waisting no time in pushing down the last article of clothing that stands between you.

you smile gently, hands running up his strong chest until you reach his neck. mikko reaches down, connecting your lips in another desperate kiss. he missed you so much, he could kiss you for the rest of the night and be satisfied with only your lips.

your hands drag back down his collarbones, down his pecks until they rest over his nipples. he shivers at your touch until you're giggling, pulling away from the kiss.

mikko's hand slips between your bodies, making its way between your legs until he finds your core, still dripping with your release.

as he's gathering your slick you groan, gripping his bicep to keep yourself upright. "where do you want me?"

mikko just might melt. he slicks up his cock, pumping it slowly. "fuck, kulta, on your back. I need to see you."

your stomach swoops. you get back to the couch, dropping onto your back infront of him. automatically your legs fall open, making room for the 6"4 winger.

mikko wastes no time climbing on top of you, slotting between your thighs just like he used to. "you ready?" he asks you, still fisting himself, the tip of his dick pressing against you.

you nod, hands holding onto his broad shoulders. "yes, fuck, please."

with that, mikko lines up with your entrance and wastes no time pushing into you. in sync you both moan, eyes fluttering closed at the familiar sensation.

he begins thrusting, the hand that was previously pumping himself grabbing ahold of your thigh, hauling it over his hip until you can wrap your calf around his lower back.

"you feel so right...so good." mikko huffs, leaning down to kiss the corner of your mouth. he trails his lips down your face until they get to your neck, sucking on your sweet spot.

'you feel so right'

you could cry at that, because it did. you missed him so much that you couldn't believe what was currently happening. mikko's thrusts become harder, sending you up the couch in a way that so hot - you're moaning loudly.

"mikko..." I love you.

"I know, fuck." he grunts, his eyes flickering down to where your bodies connect.

but he doesn't know, you think. you feel a tear slip out of your eye and you turn your head, trying to ignore your brain and let your body go back into its euphoric state.

it's not hard when mikko is quite literally splitting you in half, thrusting in a way that's so deep it has you tightening around him. "I think i'm close." you rasp, meeting his blue eyes once again.

he was already watching you, mouth hung open as he breaths heavily. "you gunna cum on my cock?"

you nod, "yeah."

"cum on me," he moans. your eyes squeeze shut, your walls clamping down on his dick as you hit your peak, releasing all over him.

you moan once again, body falling flat against the couch cushions. mikko's thrusts increase speed, spluttering slightly as he chases his own release.

"i'm gunna cum here, m'kay?" he presses his free hands against the bulge in your lower stomach. it has you nodding, moaning quietly.

it's only three sharp thrusts later until he pulls out of your entrance, rubbing his dick over your stomach as his cum shoots hot and sticky over you. he grunts loudly, pumping his dick a few times until all of his seed is on you.

"fuck." he moans.

"yeah," you rasp.

mikko's eyes flicker up to meet yours and he smiles softly. he crawls back up your body, and just when you think he's going to kiss you again, he leans over the side of the couch to grab his suit jacket. he uses the material to wipe up a majority of his cum.

"isn't that expensive?" you muse.

he shrugs, balling up the fabric and tossing it near the bar stools. "i'll get it dry cleaned."

you smile very briefly, "not worried about them seeing your cum all over it?"

he cracks a smile, "maybe i'll just throw it out."

his eyes flicker down to your plump lips and you feel yourself flush. he leans in, eyes fluttering a few times. then he's pulling away, clearing his throat. "do you work tomorrow? you should probably get some sleep, no?"

you swallow thickly, sitting up. "yeah, it's probably late." you didn't work tomorrow, but facing the embarrassment of being kicked out after a hook up was not something you needed right now.

mikko knaws his lip, "okay, yeah...yeah, i've got practice tomorrow."

"okay," you hum, busying yourself by throwing your clothes back on. you curse yourself for having jeans on, having to jump slightly to pull them over your uncomfortably wet underwear. "i'll see you around, right?"

"of course," mikko hums, "neighbours and all."

you let yourself out, mikko watching your back with a frown.

when you get into your own apartment, nothing can stop the sobs that rips from your chest.

__

you hadn't seen mikko all day. you heard him leave for practice around 7, and he returned a couple hours after that.

you had moped around your apartment all day, nothing but guilt of the day prior and regret for not confessing weighing heavy on your chest.

you had called melissa earlier in the day, already crying before she picked up. you had vented about your feelings, and what happened the night before and how you couldn't just be another hook up for mikko. instead of an 'I told you so' from your friend, she was so supportive. this time in a much lighter sense, she suggested you talk to him and just lay your heart out there - talk about everything.

"if he's not the one, then you telling him won't change anything. but if there's something there...it will be worth it."

—

three days has passed and you still hadn't seen mikko - not in the elevator, not in the hallway or lobby. he hasn't reached out and it sort of had you feeling angry. you're not in high school - you were grown adults. and sure, even if he didn't want you the way you wanted him, he should have the decency to tell you. not repeat the whole hating game that you had already gone through.

the avalanche didn't have a game today, you had checked. you hadn't even heard mikko leave for any sort of practice or team thing - he must've had an off day.

you were ready to talk. you wanted to know why all those months ago he blew you off and started hating you. you wanted to know what went wrong. you needed to know if you were just a booty call.

so you matched over there, placing three heavy knocks on the white apartment door that belonged to mikko rantanen.

a beat later the door is pulled open. he's wearing a long sleeve team branded shirt and sweatpants. at the sight of you his face changes, brows pulling together in what seems to be confusion.

"6 months ago...why did you stop talking to me?"

he pales, "what?"

you sigh heavily, "why when after somebody said we'd make a cute couple...why did you turn on me. why did you start hating me?"

he stands up straighter, shoulders back. "what? I didn't turn on you...I was respecting you if anything."

"respecting me?" you bite out, "mikko you did anything but respect me."

"that's not true," he says, "I wanted it to work out but you changed...in the elevator that night-"

you breath a laugh, "that's not true! I didn't change - I loved you the entire time!"

his face falls and he takes a step back, "what?"

"god mikko," you laugh, "I was just respecting the stupid arrangement. the whole friends with benefits thing we had. but I loved you...god, I loved you so much. and then when we fought in the elevator...you blew me off just at the thought of being with me - being in a relationship....you broke me. and then you started picking fights and being an asshole so I fought back! because I wasn't going to let you continue to stomp on my heart without doing anything about it."

he runs a hand over his face, "are you being serious?"

you hands fall to your sides and you feel your eyes welling up with tears. "the sex was a mistake mikko. if all you want is sex...I can't do that with you. I thought maybe you felt something for me - a couple nights ago I..." you take a shaky breath, "mikko, I love you."

he takes a step towards you, a frown tugging on lips. "that night in the elevator...I thought that you didn't want me anymore. I only started being angry with you when I thought you hated me. i've never hated you, y/n, never. I thought you only wanted sex."

"what?" you whisper. at some point during your confession you had stepped into his apartment. the door remained open behind you so mikko reached forward, pushing the door closed gently. you watch him the entire time.

"I only argued with you because it was the only way I got to talk to you after we ended our relationship. I only got mad at you because I couldn't have you anymore. I only got jealous because I didn't think any guy was worthy of you or your time - and there not! you're so amazing."

"mikko-"

"a couple days ago, when he had sex again...it felt so right. the entire time I was so happy just to be with you again I couldn't bare the thought of being just a hook-up so I pretend it was more."

you sniffle, tears falling down your cheeks. "we were really bad at communicating huh?"

he takes another step towards you, "I've kept a box of chee tea in my cabinet since i met you and i've kept your chocolate cookies in there as well. I watch love, rosie every night and I cry at the wedding scene. there's a picture of us still up in my room. I've never not wanted you in every way humanly possible."

mikko grabs a hold of your face, tilting your head back until your eyes meet. "do you remember when we went to the grocery store together that one time? and we got the tea?"

you nod.

"that was the moment I fell in love with you."

you stomach swoops and your mouth goes dry.

mikko's lips curl gently, "and do you remember when you had to stay here with me after your ceiling fell?"

another nod.

"that's when I realized i'd never stop loving you...and I haven't. i'm in love with you. and i'm so sorry for not telling you before, i'm sorry for pulling away from you all those months ago. i'm sorry."

"im sorry too," you whisper, "I should've just talked to you." you laugh gently, "melissa told me I should've."

he laughs too, "gabe told me the same thing."

"maybe we should've listened to them."

mikko smirks all slow and hot and you blush. "yeah, we should've." mikko's thumb rubs your lower lip, tracing the outline gently. "I want you to be with me. all the damn time."

"I want that too," you smile, gripping mikko's wrists by your face. "now, please kiss me."

mikko smiles, leaning down and pressing a long kiss to your lips. he never planned on stopping.

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

[alltaternotot]

The Recovery Plan | N. MacKinnon

Summary: Nathan and Y/N have a date planned, but a nasty cold gets in the way.

WC: 2K

CW: Sick fic! Bad communication, slight insecure reader, so the tiniest little bit of angst. Tooth rotting fluff, Nathan is a sweetheart. Confessions, swearing, lightly proofread. Let me know if I missed anything!

A/N: Hart trophy and best boyfriend award goes to this fella!

<><><><>

You let your phone ring and ring, then go silent, the third call coming through and going to voicemail.

One thing everyone knows, you, his teammates, the media, basically the whole hockey-enjoying public, is that Nathan MacKinnon is a health nut. Like, twenty-four hours a day, never shuts off kind of health nut. In the few months you had been exclusive, he had maybe three cheat days, and had never seen you sick. So when you woke up with chills, a fever, a cough, and a head stuffed to the brim with pressure, you decided to let Nate’s calls go to voicemail and curl up in your cocoon of blankets.

He was leaving in a few days for a long, important road trip, and you were not going to be the reason Nate couldn’t play. A cold was absolutely unacceptable to pass along to him. No amount of phone ringing or anything else could convince you otherwise. You would just have to instacart some NyQuil and some soup and tough it out solo. You were not going to bother him with your issues when he had much more important things to be worrying about.

The problem was, today was Nate’s off day, and the original plan was to meet up at your favorite cafe for a light lunch, then take a trip to Red Rocks. There was absolutely no way that was happening now. You hoped he would just assume you were tired and make his own rain check of the date. You didn’t let the thoughts swirl too long before falling asleep.

Nathan was completely and utterly worried.

You had never blown him off like this, not once in your year-ish long friendship or your few months of dating. He knew you always had your phone on you, and there really wasn’t a good reason to not have it. He was calling from the cafe, now 15 minutes past your arranged meet time. After dialing you about five times, he dialed Miles Wood instead, who happened to live in the same complex as you.

“Hey Dogg,” Woody answered, “what’s up man?”

“Hey, um, have you seen Y/N? I’ve called her a bunch, we were supposed to meet up but she isn’t picking up the phone.” Nate explained, hearing a faint hmm on the other end.

“I haven’t. I’m a ways out from home otherwise I would go check for you. Maybe she forgot?” Woody offered, secretly hoping it wasn’t that because of the awkwardness that would ensue if that was the case.

“Ok, I’ll go check on her. Thanks Woody.” He said, and hung up the phone after their goodbyes.

He threw on a cap and his sunglasses, making sure he had all of his essentials before locking up and getting in the car. You had given him a spare key in case of anything, so it was going to be no problem getting in. He just hoped for the best, but still assumed the worst secretly. He had a nasty habit of doing so sometimes.

Once he arrived at your complex, admittedly speeding a little to get there, he found your car still parked in its reserved spot. That was slightly relieving. He basically skidded into the guest spot and hopped out, locking up quickly. He chose to take the stairs up to your floor, deeming it faster than waiting in the lobby for the elevator. Your door was locked, understandably, the irrational thoughts slowly leaving his anxious mind. He slid the key into the lock, twisting and opening the door softly to a dark apartment.

Not a single light was on, the only light coming in from the window in the living space. It was very, very quiet, unusual for the space when you were in it. He loved how you lit up every room you graced. Things were tidy and normal, so no crazy robbery and kidnapping. He roamed around, looking for a sign from you in the kitchen, the living space, and the balcony, finding nothing.

Finally, he came to your bedroom, slowly twisting the handle in case you were inside, he didn’t want to startle you if you were. He noticed the black out curtains drawn, the room completely dark save for your salt lamp in the corner. Your floor was messy, tissues littering the ground and stacked high in the trash can. Your phone was on the nightstand, plugged in face down. Your bed was an absolute mountain of blankets unlike anything he had ever seen, just a tuft of your tangled hair sticking out the top on the pillow.

“Oh, baby.” He muttered to himself, a pang of guilt washing over him.

Now he understood. His girl was sick and sleeping while he was definitely ringing her phone off the hook. He stepped closer, trying to find you under all of that fabric. Your head was poking out onto your pillows, hair a mess and cheeks blazing red. You had a crumpled tissue in your hand. He stuck his hand out, running the back along your forehead. You were roasting under there, but he could feel your body shivering from the chills. You stirred, but didn’t wake.

He quickly stood straight, leaving you with a quiet click of the door. He locked up, dashing back down to the car and speeding to the local Walgreens. He filled his basket with all sorts of cold and flu necessities: medicine, cough drops, peppermint tea, your favorite Gatorade, a few of those crackable instant cold compresses, and a thermometer. He hoped no one would stop him in here, wanting to be as fast as he could. Luckily it didn’t appear that anyone knew or cared that he was there, shouting a thanks over his shoulder.

The next stop was Whole Foods, so he could grab some chicken noodle soup that was remarkably close to how his own mother made hers, when Nathan or his sister were sick as children. He threw in a sandwich for him to eat later, an extra couple of your favorite drinks and a chocolate croissant for you when you were feeling up to it. He checked himself out, making his way back to your apartment as quickly as he could. He walked back in with everything, trying to be as quiet as possible. He quickly set up a little tray of soup, medicine, and gatorade. He heated up some water in your kettle and steeped a couple of the tea bags. He cracked the cold compress and wrapped it in a paper towel before making his way back to your room.

He set the tray down on your desk, walking over to your window to crack it under the curtains, airing out the stuffy, overheated space. He checked the thermometer, making sure it was calibrated and working. Now he could finally sit down on the edge of your bed, and start the Nathan MacKinnon recovery plan.

He placed the thermometer on your forehead, dragging it across and down, 102.2F flashing back at him when it stopped thinking with a beep. That made him worried, more than anything else. He grabbed the cold compress, resting it on your forehead so, so softly. You stirred again, this time waking up. The throbbing pressure in your head had only gotten worse, the pain now rattling your jaw and your teeth. You were sweating under all of those blankets, but so impossibly cold at the same time. You groaned in pain before rolling over into a heavy mass that was dipping your side of the bed. Nate’s hand found your face, his thumb brushing over your cheek in feathery dashes.

“N-Nate?” Your voice coming out hoarse and patchy. “No, no you need to get out of here.”

“I’m not going anywhere, babe. You need to break this fever.” He said, his hand sliding down to brush over your shoulders.

“No, you can’t get sick because of me. You have so much to worry about right now, I’ll be fine.” You insisted, watching his face slide into a sad frown through sleepy, delirious vision. “I’m just gonna instacart s-some meds. Go home before you catch this.”

“I beat you to it already. I’m not leaving so you can stop trying to convince me.” He crouched down, “do you think you can sit up to take something?”

You nodded, gingerly sitting up, trying to keep the pain from getting any worse. The blankets slid down as you sat up against the head board, now noticing that you had slept until 3:30pm. You guys would have been enjoying the beauty of Red Rocks by now. Nate grabbed the tray of goodies from your desk, setting it down gently. He popped the two gel caps out of the package, silently asking for your hand before unscrewing the cap to the Gatorade.

“We need to keep you hydrated, so keep taking sips of that,” he mentioned, watching you weakly swallow the cold medicine. “I hope you like chicken noodle soup, it’s very good.”

He picked up the spoon, taking some and guided it to your lips, letting you take a few bites. It definitely helped to settle your stomach, but chewing was painful. You honestly had no strength for more than half of the little bowl of soup, so Nate picked it up and returned it to the desk, placing the Gatorade next to you again. This time, Nate rounded the bed, climbing in and grabbing the remote, earning little hoarse nonononono’s from you.

He didn’t listen, of course, just adjusting so your head was resting in his lap, pulling a couple of the endless blankets up over your shoulder. He laid his hand gently over the cold compress, keeping it in place, while he picked an easy watch kind of show. Finally he sent a text to Woody, letting him know you were ok and that they were going to have a sleepy day in. His hand found your head, dragging his fingers through the tangles so you wouldn’t have to brush a huge birds nest out of your hair when you were back on your feet.

“Nate, please go, I can’t even imagine getting you sick. You guys have h-hard division rival teams coming up, they need you more than-“ you tried to reason.

“I told you already that I’m not leaving. Your fever was pretty high, and you needed to eat and drink something. I’m here to support you, whatever that looks like, and today it looks like this.” He explained, calmly and softly like it was the easiest decision he had ever made, “plus, I’ve been with you the last two days, slept here, and I haven’t gotten sick. And if I do get sick, I’ll figure it out with the staff. I’ve done it before.”

“I ruined the whole day, and my body hurts, and I don’t want you to have to deal with me right now.” You said, your eyes beginning to mist up with frustrated tears, “please, I promise I can deal with it.”

He realized you had begun to cry softly, a couple of tears dripping onto his shorts, “oh baby, you didn’t ruin anything!” He turned your body so you were laying face up, his hands coming to brush away your tears, “Also, I’m not dealing with you, I want to be there for you when you’re struggling. I don’t want you to handle it by yourself. This is just what you do when you love someone.” He rambled, the words coming out quicker than he could think.

He… loves you?

That’s the first time either of you had said it. He had planned to take you on a nice date, give you flowers, wine and dine the hell out of you, before finally telling you he loved you. Of course he knew he loved you, so he gave up the momentary wave of apprehension and went with it. No time like the present, even if that present was stuck in bed with a brutal cold.

“You love me?” You asked, choking on the words a little bit.

“Yeah, I do.” He said, looking deep into your eyes for any sign of rejection, “and I want you to be ok, so rest. We can talk about it more when you’re ready to.”

You turned back towards the tv again, Nate grabbing the cold compress to put back on your head. You close your eyes, feeling sleep call you. Nate returned to carding his fingers through your hair, keeping a slow and steady pace. Every once in a while he would run the compress over your neck and shoulders, trying to cool your burning body. The meds were already helping to bring the fever down. He could feel your breath begin to even out against his leg.

“Nate?” You asked, almost too quiet to be heard.

“Hmm?” He hummed, leaning down to hear you better.

“I love you too.” You admitted, feeling his lips press into your head before sleep overtook you again.

<><><><>

:)

[cailinsblog]

Can you please write something, anything with Nathan Mackinnon, I've re read your imagines with him a couple of times, and I love it !

Omg yesss I love Nathan I got you💕💕💕

Nathan’s Little Rookie |nathan Mackinnon

Nathan Mackinnon x reader

Masterlist

Nathan MacKinnon was known for being intense and fiercely competitive on the ice, but off it, with his wife Y/N, he was the epitome of love and care. And ever since Y/N had told him two months ago that they were expecting their first child, that care had turned into full-blown protectiveness.

Y/N was barely showing, but Nathan treated her like she was carrying the most delicate treasure in the world—which, to be fair, she was. From the moment the pregnancy test showed positive, Nathan had stepped into the role of protective dad-to-be with enthusiasm that was both heartwarming and a little over the top.

---

It was a quiet Sunday morning, and the sunlight filtered gently through the curtains of their cozy Colorado home. Y/N stirred in bed, slowly waking up to the smell of fresh coffee. She smiled, knowing Nathan was already up and busy in the kitchen. Sure enough, a few moments later, he appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray with a perfectly prepared breakfast.

“Good morning, mama,” he said softly, setting the tray on her lap before leaning down to kiss her forehead.

Y/N chuckled. “Good morning, daddy. You didn’t have to do all this.”

Nathan shrugged, sitting beside her. “Of course, I did. You need to eat, and you need to rest. I’ve got everything covered.”

She took a bite of the toast he had buttered just the way she liked it and sipped on her decaf coffee. “You do know I’m only two months along, right? I can still make my own breakfast.”

Nathan gave her a pointed look. “You’re growing our baby. That’s more than enough work. Everything else? I’ve got it.”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh, even as her heart swelled with love. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Nathan smiled, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just want to make sure you and the baby are okay.”

---

Later that day, Y/N decided she wanted to tidy up the living room. She was halfway through fluffing the couch cushions when Nathan walked in and immediately froze.

“Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?” he exclaimed, rushing over.

Y/N looked at him, puzzled. “I’m fixing the pillows?”

Nathan gently took the cushion from her hands and placed it back on the couch. “You’re not supposed to be lifting things,” he said seriously.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “It’s a pillow, Nate.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he replied, guiding her to sit down. “You’re supposed to be relaxing. Let me handle it.”

She sighed, but there was no arguing with him when he was in full protective mode. “Fine. But you’re going to have to ease up at some point, you know. I can’t sit around doing nothing for the next seven months.”

Nathan knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. “I know I’m being a little much,” he admitted, his voice soft. “But this is our baby, Y/N. I’ve never been more excited or nervous about anything in my life. I just want to make sure everything is perfect.”

Y/N’s expression softened, and she leaned down to kiss him. “I know, and I love you for it. But we’re in this together, okay? I promise I’ll tell you if I need anything or if I’m feeling tired.”

Nathan nodded, though the protective glint in his eyes didn’t fade entirely. “Deal. But I’m still making dinner tonight.”

Y/N laughed. “Fine by me.”

---

As the weeks went on, Nathan’s protectiveness didn’t waver. He insisted on driving her everywhere, carrying all the groceries, and even vetoed her idea of reorganizing the nursery closet, claiming it was “too much effort.”

One evening, they were curled up on the couch, watching a movie. Y/N was nestled against Nathan’s side, her head on his chest as his arm draped protectively around her. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his breath, the warmth of his presence grounding her.

“You’re going to be an amazing dad,” she murmured.

Nathan glanced down at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and vulnerability. “You really think so?”

Y/N nodded. “You’re already so dedicated and caring. Our baby is lucky to have you.”

Nathan pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I just want to give them everything, you know? And I want to make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way.”

“You already are,” Y/N said, placing her hand over his heart. “And I can’t wait to see you with our little one.”

---

One weekend, Nathan surprised Y/N by bringing home a stack of baby books. He spread them out on the kitchen table, his face lighting up as he explained each one.

“This one’s all about what to expect in the first year,” he said, holding up a thick, colorful book. “And this one has tips for new dads.”

Y/N chuckled as she flipped through one of the books. “You’re really going all in, huh?”

Nathan grinned. “Of course. I need to be prepared.”

They spent the afternoon reading through the books together, laughing at some of the more ridiculous tips and marveling at the journey ahead. Every now and then, Nathan would pause to rest his hand on Y/N’s stomach, even though it was still too early to feel anything.

“I can’t wait to meet them,” he said softly, his eyes full of wonder.

Y/N placed her hand over his, her heart swelling with love. “Me neither.”

---

One night, Y/N woke up to find Nathan missing from their bed. Concerned, she got up and found him in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair they had just assembled. He was holding a tiny onesie, his expression a mix of awe and anticipation.

“Nate?” she said softly, stepping into the room.

He looked up, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry, couldn’t sleep. I just... I can’t believe we’re going to have a little person in a few months.”

Y/N walked over and sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

Nathan nodded, his hand resting on her stomach. “I’m so glad I get to do this with you.”

Y/N kissed him, her heart full. “Me too.”

As they sat there, rocking gently in the chair, they both felt a sense of peace and excitement for the journey ahead. Nathan’s protectiveness, while sometimes overwhelming, came from a place of pure love. And Y/N knew that with him by her side, their little family was going to be just perfect.

[withwritersblock]

Blessed

~Blessed by Thomas Rhett~

Author's Note: been a long week and a lack of creativity but here's some nate magic Summary: Y/N travels to Dallas for game one Warnings: none Word Count: 2,230 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

It was late and she tried to stay awake. It was well past two in the morning and it was becoming harder and harder to stay awake. She was ready, waiting in her scarlett red lingerie. She sprawled out onto the bed in different poses, trying to show off the new lingerie she had bought.

But as the minutes ticked by, it was starting to get harder and harder to stay awake. She had fallen asleep between two-thirty and three-thirty, she wasn’t sure. “Baby,” she heard a voice, she jolted awake panickly looking around for only a second before she met Nate’s gaze. He had a wide smile on his lips as he rested his hand onto her waist. “This new?” he asked as he slowly trailed his fingertips up her side.

“It was,” she whispered as she leaned backwards, leaning her body against the headboard, “I bought it for when you made it to the second round,” she mumbled. He chuckle shyly as he tossed his hoodie from his frame. He quickly climbed on top of her, hovering over her frame.

“And how did you know we would make it?” he asked as he bumped his nose against hers. She giggled as she leaned her head back. 

“Because I know you Nathan Mackinnon,” she mumbled as she ran her fingers through the ends of his hair. He rolled his eyes as he leaned down and kissed her delicately. 

“You know me?” he whispered against her lips before he kissed her again. She hummed against his lips. She pulled away, putting her hand against her lips. He furrowed his eyebrows harshly, “Are you alright?” he asked. 

“I just have to get used to this again,” she mumbled as she slowly ran her thumb across his jawline. The playoff beard already long and only going to get longer. He chuckled as he tilted his head to the side, showing the beard off. “I do like it,” she mumbled as she continued running her thumb across the scruff of beard.

“Maybe I should start growing it out more,” he mumbled as he took a hold of her hand, kissing her fingertips.

“Yes, you should,” she let out confidently as she pulled him towards her, kissing him urgently. “And so I can stop getting acne around my mouth because of this thing,” she said as she took a hold of his chin. He chuckled before he kissed her urgently again.

~one week later~

It was announced Sunday night that the Avs would be facing the Stars. Which was a huge deal for Y/N because she was from Dallas. Her entire family were huge Stars fans, they had season tickets and everything. Y/N had a few Stars gear saved but over the years it was replaced by Avalanche gear and his jerseys. 

Her family brought up the idea that she spent a few days in Dallas to visit her family and to watch Nate. She didn’t hesitate to say yes. 

“Did you give it any more thought on traveling to Dallas?” Nate asked as he stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. She looked his toned frame up and down and felt her cheeks flush. 

“N-no, I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate at work right now, Love. But the girls and I will be watching,” she mumbled as she stood up from the bed. She wandered towards him, delicately resting her hand onto his bicep. He pouted his lips as he tilted his head back. He looked down towards her, clenching his jaw slightly.

“I was kinda excited that there was going to be at least one Y/L/N in the building rooting for me,” he let out while licking his lips. She rolled her eyes as she smiled. 

“You know, my mom will be wearing your jersey with a Stars hat so there’s that,” she offered as she continued running her hand slowly up and down his arm. 

“Your little brother has an Oettinger jersey so there’s that,” he mumbled a toothy grin on his lips. “At least he’ll have twenty-nine on his jersey,” he tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her towards him. 

“We’ll all be at Landy’s house cheering you guys on,” she mumbled, puckering her lips forward. He smirked before he leaned towards her kissing her gently.

“I gotta go finish getting ready,” he whispered against her lips. She gently rested her hand against his cheek, running her fingers across the scruff of the beard on his face.

“How much time do we have before we reach your almost late for the plane time?” she met his gaze, raising her eyebrow. He rolled his eyes before he took a hold of her head with both of his hands. He pulled her towards him, kissing her urgently.

“Maybe twenty minutes,” he whispered against her lips, He guided her towards the mattress. “I need you,” he muttered.

“Do you now?” she mumbled, he hummed against her lips.

~~~

The plane ride Tuesday morning was filled with Avs fans. It was loud and rowdy well before the game even started. The flight was at eight in the morning and lot more excited than she was. It was too early in the morning for her to fully process that she was even awake. 

She texted with Nate early in the morning about how she would be stuck in the office all day and wouldn’t be able to talk until before his game. There have been many days where work would be too much to handle and she wouldn’t be able to talk to him. He understood and went about his business.

This time she was only thirty minutes from landing in Dallas to visit her family and support her fiance. She was getting giddy and quite literally was bouncing up and down without realizing it. 

The older gentlemen beside her delicately tapped his hand against her arm. Her eyes widened as she pulled the headphone away from her ear. He smiled widely. “Don’t mean to pry but you seem like you’re actually vibrating,” 

Y/N chuckled nervously, “I-uh I’m visiting family,” she let out. He nodded suspiciously. “And I’m surprising my fiance,” she mumbled. 

“Does your fiance live in Dallas?” he asked. She shook her head. His eyes widened as he glanced down towards his Avs jacket. “Does he play for the Avs?” he pressed further. She smiled ass he felt her cheeks flush. She pulled her phone from her pocket and flashed her phone screen towards the gentleman. “Nathan Mackinnon?” he asked excitedly.

“Yeah, we’ve been together since we we’re twenty,” she mumbled.

“He’s a lucky guy,” he muttered nudging her arm teasingly. She smiled awkwardly.

Her flight landed after another thirty minutes and she was manuvering through the airport in search of her family. It had been almost a year since she’s seen them. It was crowded but she could spot her family in a crowded room in a second. 

Her little brother, who was not so little anymore, poked above the crowd at six foot five. She giggled as she excitedly jogged over to the four of them. “My older sister! Wow, I didn’t know I had one of those still,” Jason, her little brother, said as he hugged Y/N. She rolled her eyes dramatically as she squeezed her arms tightly around him. 

“Oh shut it,” she said as she shoved him backwards. He rolled his eyes as he smiled widely. She quickly hugged her younger sister, Bethany. 

“Damn, girl, look at you,” Bethany said as she dramatically looked her sister up and down. Y/N rolled her eyes as she hugged her sister once more. Y/N pulled away and walked towards her parents. 

Her mother smiled widely as she began unzipping her coat. “Look what I got made!” she said excitedly. Y/N eyes widened as her mother took the whole coat off to reveal a shirt. It was green on the front and maroon on the back. 

The white words across the front read Go Stars Go but… she quickly spun around to show the maroon on the back with white words read my future son-in-law is Nate Dogg. Y/N’s eyes widened as she let out a loud laugh.

“Oh please tell you showed this to Nate,” Y/N let out while shaking her head. She spun around and met Y/N’s gaze and nodded. “How did he react to that?” she asked as all five of them started walking out of the airport. 

“He said he liked it and said that he wants all of us to have our own versions,” she offered. Y/N rolled her eyes dramatically.

“What did he really say?” she asked.

“He laughed and asked if it was real,” she mumbled.

~~~

They were sitting in their seats in the lower bowl. Her brother and sister beside her. Her brother was wearing his Jake Oettinger jersey and her sister was wearing a Stars hoodie. Y/N was wearing her WAGs jacket with Mackinnon on the back. Her mother was wearing her new shirt and her father was wearing his own Oettinger jersey.

The game was going exactly as Stars fans were hoping it would. The last two minutes in the first and the Stars were up by three to nothing. “I’m sorry, sis, looks like it’s going to be a rough one for ya,” her brother said as they watched a puck drop in the Avs offensive zone.

Y/N smirked as she watched Nate whisper something to Cale. “Yeah, looks that way,” she mumbled as she watched Nate win the draw. The first period slowly came to an end and the Avs quickly skated off of the ice.

“What were they doing out there?” her brother asked as he nudged his arm against hers. 

“They had eight days off, give them a break,” she mumbled as she brought her soda to her lips. 

The intermission seemed to go by fast as the boys were back on the ice. The Avs were playing a lot better, faster, and more aggressive. During the entire second period they outplayed the Stars and began to cut into the deficit with two power play goals. After Cale’s goal, Y/N leaned towards her little brother.

“Yeah rough one,” she teased as she watched Nate skate towards the glass before he leaned down to take the draw. Her brother rolled his head as he leaned his head back as he watched the second period slowly come to an end.

After forty seconds into the third, Nate scores. She jumps into the air cheering. Watching the boys celebrate. Her brother shot up a fist bump, angry that the Avs came back to tie it but happy that it was Nate. Her father was similar. But her sister and her mother excitedly jumped up for the goal. Their seat neighbors were confused until they saw the speciality made WAGs jersey as well as her mother’s shirt.

“That was hot,” her brother mumbled as the game continued. Y/N rolled her eyes playfully. 

“You said it,” he let out with a huff of air.

The Avs won in over time and it was one of the greatest goals she has seen them score this season. She jumped in the air and teared up as she watched the entire bench jump onto the ice towards Miles. 

It took another hour for Nate to be done with the post game activities with the team for him to visit Y/N’s family. He promised to get dinner with them after the game. He left the locker room with a wide smile when he saw her family. “Hey guys, sorry about the loss,” he said with a teasing smirk. Her father rolled his eyes as he gave Nate a quick hug. 

Nate’s eyes widened as he saw Y/N waiting beside her brother. “Shut up,” he let out as he pulled away from her dad and quickly walked towards Y/N engulfing her in a hug. “I thought you couldn’t come,” he mumbled as he lifted her in the air. She giggled. 

“Turns out, I’m an excellent liar,” she muttered as pressed her lips against his cheek. “You were amazing,” she mumbled as he pulled away. Keeping his hands on her hips he examined her features. 

“This is a new thing now right? Every away game, you’re coming with? I mean with that win, you’re obviously good luck,” he let out as he scanned her features. She rolled her eyes playfully. He turned his head to the side to look towards her mom’s shirt. He laughed out loud as she spun in a circle showing it off. “Wow, it’s real,” he let out laughing. “That’s awesome,” he mumbled. 

“Just so they know when I cheer for an Avs goal it’s because of my son-in-law,” she said with a wide smile before she walked towards Nate and gave him a hug. “Come on, let’s get to dinner,” she said as Nate excitedly walked back towards Y/N. 

“Woody’s goal? Baby, that was awesome,” Nate let out as he took a hold of her hand. She rolled her eyes.

“Your goal was pretty awesome,” she let out. He nodded as he met her gaze. Gave her a wink before he dragged her closer to him.

[asunsetgrace16]

✧ 𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧⎥ 𝗡𝗠29

Pairing: Nathan MacKinnon x fem!reader

Summary: It turns out that it is possible to die of a broken heart

Warnings: sad sad sad, swearing,

Notes: I take it back. Kind of. I don't think my groove is entirely back, or maybe it was just the fics I was working on. I wrote this in four hours around midnight and this is my first attempt at writing something sad. I will say that it was hard to not cry writing this, so hopefully 🤞 you guys feel some emotions too. There isn't much dialogue in the beginning. Also, broken heart syndrome is in fact a real thing

masterlist ⎥ navigation

Word Count: 3.7k

Nate is numb. He’s been numb since about 10:30 last night, when the police knocked on his door. He had been home for 20 minutes max, having just gotten back from Cale’s house, supper with him and Gabe and Mikko. Tracey was up in Calgary for a few days. Y/N had dinner plans with her work friends, it was Shannon’s birthday. The world tilted on its axis as he was told that Y/N was killed. They soberly tell him what happened forty-five minutes ago. Hit-and-run…they are looking for the driver…happened in the restaurant parking lot…no, she was the only one. Nate’s pretty sure he stops breathing, because he feels a firm hand on his elbow guiding him back into his house, coaxing him to take deep breaths. Blood rushes in his ears like a wave, and he thinks, Australia, their honeymoon. He lifts a hand to wipe his face. When did he start crying? 

The police stay for a while, watching him carefully until they are sure he won’t spiral into a panic attack, ironic all things considered. When he is semi-into it, they explain everything again. 

Ok,” Nate says, “would you...you mind, um, coming back in the morning? I need to hear this once some of the shock wears off.” His voice is quiet and strained. He doesn’t fight the tears silently rolling down his cheeks. They agree to his request, leaving with a handshake and squeeze on the shoulder, hints of agony shining through their masks of professionalism.

Nate stays sitting at his kitchen table, head in his hands. Sobs shake his body, uncontrollable and awful. He cries so hard he thinks he might cry himself sick. Eventually, he leans back, face twisted with emotion and damp with tears. Slowly, he heads to bed. Each movement is mechanical. He tosses and turns, his sleep is plagued by once-sweet memories of Y/N turned into cruel reminders that she was ripped from him.

Eventually he gives up and moves to the guest bedroom. He cries more, more than he ever has. He wants Y/N, he wants to kiss her, and hold her, and take her to games and-.

-

Next thing Nate knows, he is waking up to the sun streaming through the curtains. He is confused at first, the stiffness of the bed isn't what his bed feels like. As he opens his eyes, last night comes rushing back. He doesn’t want to believe it. They had just started their life together, with promises of love and kids and 60 more years. The tears start again, slower than the previous night but no less gut-wrenching. Reluctantly he heads to the bathroom. He looks worse than imagined. Red and puffy eyes that unfortunately make the blue pop, pale skin and chapped lips. Nate’s hands shake as he splashes water on his face. 

Taking a deep breath, he tries to get some semblance of a list to make sense in his mind. He shoots off a vague text to Bedsy, letting him know that he might be late for practice, not knowing how long the police will take. 

It turns out that it only takes half an hour. The same officers from the night before knock on Nate’s door at 7:30, introducing themselves and Parker and Walker. They recount the night before in more detail. Y/N was killed at 9:48 pm, during a hit-and-run in the restaurant parking lot. She was the only one, none of her friends were even injured. They tell Nate that it was an instant death, painless…that she didn’t suffer. Nate is frozen in his chair, back ramrod straight and hands clasped tightly. Walker leaves a copy of his first report, and his phone number in case Nate has questions. He walks them out, shaking their hands and thanking them for coming over again.

Returning to the kitchen, he pulls out a notepad and pen. Nate lists off the things he needs to do. Call his parents. Call Y/N’s parents. Call the funeral home. Talk to C-Mac and Bedsy and the team. Get through practice. 

He decides to wait on calling his parents, saving that for the afternoon. Same with the funeral home. He is in a daze the whole time he prepares for practice. He makes his usual protein drink, but he thinks that he used orange juice instead of water. Nate’s not sure. He also isn’t entirely sure how he made it to the arena without running a red light.

His whole walk to Bedsy’s office is stressful. He dreads the thought of having to have this conversation more than once. He knocks on the open door, seeing C-Mac there as well. 

“Hey Nate, I got your text.” Bedsy starts, looking at Nate, concerned, “You ok? Respectfully, you look like shit.”

“Feel like it too. Can uh, both of you come down to the dressing room? Like now? I have some, some uh,” Nate stops, swallowing, “some news, and I want to say it as few times as possible.”

“Sure, all right.” Bednar and C-Mac glance at each other, worried. They’ve seen Nate be not ok before, but this is new. Nate is silent during their trek to the dressing room, still holding his orange juice and green protein powder monstrosity. Bedsy opens the door, gesturing for Nate to go through first.

“Hey Nate, you forgot your jacket at mine last night. You didn’t pick up when I called.” Cale tells him. Nate is standing where Bedsy usually stands.

“Uh…ok thanks, Cale. I was um…I was a little preoccupied last night. Sorry” He responds. His voice is shaking, his hands are shaking, Bedsy and C-Mac are getting increasingly concerned and Nate feels on the verge of a panic attack.

Cale grins suggestively at him, “Ohhh, I see, I see how it is. Getting a little lovin’ on with Y/N I s-”

Nate interrupts abruptly, cutting straight to the chase, “Y/N is dead. She’s dead.”

The whole locker room freezes. Cale’s jaw drops. Someone's water bottle hits the floor.

“Holy shit-” 

“Oh my god.”

“Nate, you need to sit down.”

The voices swirl and blend around him. Nate’s vision loses focus, and cotton balls are stuffed in his ears. Hands find his elbows, easing him into a stall. Someone kneels in front of him. Nate stares, glassy eyes unseeing. 

Slowly, he comes back. His throat is raw and scratchy and he needs water. Mikko tosses over a water bottle and a clean, damp towel.

“Start from the beginning, Nate.” Jo urges softly.

So Nate recounts the story. The entire team is close around him as he repeats what he was told this morning and last night. Their faces reflect the horror and agony Nate feels. Tears fall when he says that her death was instant. He hears sniffles from somewhere, and everyone else is crying now, too.

“It’s good,” he says, “knowing that she wasn’t in pain, but it is awful knowing that there was no chance of saving her.” His voice breaks, he covers his mouth with a hand sobs as quietly as he can. Cale hugs one side and Jo’s on the other. Once the tears slow, he takes the towel that Mikko’s holding. 

“Practice is canceled, today and tomorrow.” Bednar says, “I don’t want Nate to be left alone. Cale, Jo, Mikko, go with him and grab Gabe too. I will talk to the league, see about rescheduling the game tomorrow. I will have to tell them, Nate.”

“No, you guys play. Say I’m out day to day or something. A practice muscle strain.” Nate objects.

“Nate, your wife died less than twelve hours ago. We will not be playing hockey. I’ll phone in and say we forfeit. I will tell Bettman that the news doesn’t go out until you, me, and C-Mac give an interview.”

“Ok.”

-

The afternoon follows a similar pattern. Cale drives Nate home, Jo phones Gabe. Mel brings soup when she comes with Gabe. She folds Nate into a hug as he cries. He makes the excruciating phone call to his parents and hers. Cale smartly suggests doing a triple call so there’s only one conversation. 

“Where should I bury her?” Nate asks, “Here, or should she be back home?”

“Nate, her home has been with you for years. Keep her close to you.” Y/N’s dad tells him. Nate nods forgetting that they can’t actually see him. Gabe takes notes while they discuss the funeral over the phone. Granite headstone, brown casket, service at St. Andrew’s and burial in the graveyard nearby. The reception will be held in the hall near Nate’s house. He doesn’t want people in his house. The date is set for March 5th. 

The media has a field day upon the announcement that the Avs have forfeited their game against the Stars. Sid calls him within a minute.

Nate forces the team to play their next game three days later on February 28th. It’s at home against Buffalo. They lose in an uncharacteristic fashion, so much so that the Buffalo players notice something is really wrong.

Gabe takes care of most of the funeral arrangements, and Nate is forever grateful. He meets with the funeral director, sending with him the clothes he picked out for Y/N to be buried in. Before he leaves, he hands Nate a box.

Opening it, Nate finds her purse. Her phone. A box with her wedding rings. Jo finds him with shaking shoulders and his head in his hands.

On March 2nd, a week after Y/N died, Nate asks for a press conference. The Avs lost both games they played in that week, with Nate a very conspicuous absence. Bedsy asks over and over if Nate is sure that he wants to go through with it.

“I’m sure. It won’t be a secret for much longer.” Nate says. Bedsy just nods. The trio of Nate, Bedsy, and C-Mac file into the media room.

Nate starts, wanting to get this over with as fast as possible. “I’m aware you all have been wondering where I have been this past week.”

The reporters nod. Nate takes a deep breath.

“On February 23rd, I received news. News that my wife was killed in a hit and run accident. It happened in a restaurant parking lot as she was heading to her car.” He stops as hands fly up. C-Mac picks someone.

“Nate, I am very sorry for your loss. Is this why the game was forfeited last week?”

“Yes, it was. It was a shock to all of us, and none of us were in any condition or mental state to play.”

“How is this going to affect the rest of your season?”

Nate scoffs quietly. His wife is dead and they are concerned with hockey. “I have decided to take an extended leave of absence from the team. I won’t be playing in the game tomorrow night, nor will I be for the rest of the season. My life was completely torn apart a week ago, I have more important things right now. I do ask that I be left alone right now, no reporters at my house or on the street. I want privacy.”

With that, Nate walks out. Cale is waiting to drive him home and he takes one look at Nate and pulls him in for a hug. He is tired of crying and tired of people saying they are sorry and tired of missing Y/N and tired of being tired.

-

No. 1 

February 24, 9:09 pm

Nate: Hey guys, I have some news.  Davo: Period at the end of the sentence. This won’t be good Nate: Y/N was killed last night, hit and run Sid: Oh my god, Nate Sid: Are you ok? Were you hurt? Davo: Oh shit Nate: I’m fine, but I guess that’s relative right now Nate: I wasn’t there. She went to dinner with friends. It happened in the parking lot Auston: I am so sorry, man. I realize that that is probably not what you want or need to hear, but I don’t know what else to say Nate: No no, it's ok. I appreciate it. I think I’m still in shock, so not much room for anything other that devastated right now Ryan: Is there anything we can do? Nate: No, not right now. Funeral’s on the 5th, if anyone wants to come. My place is full, but any of the guys would let you stay with them Sid: Of course we want to come, it's just a matter of whether we can Ryan: Even if any of us play, once the news is out most teams will probably want a player there for support Davo: I checked and it's in the middle of a break for us. Ryan and I will be there, Leon too probably Jack: We’re out west on a road trip, but I could try and pull some strings to come. Nico will try to be there too Owen: We are at the end of a homestand that day, but I’ll probably get to come. Can’t do much worse than we already are Owen: That was bad, sorry. Lame-ass excuse for a joke Nate: Don’t be. It almost made me not frown. Thank you Juraj: I’ll be there. We are in LA the day before. Newy will want to come Baby Connor: I’ve got a break before our trip down there. I’ll be there. Dammit why am I baby Connor again? Nate: Cause you are a baby. I really appreciate it, guys. Thank you Baby Connor: Dude obviously. You can’t just drop the worst news of your life and not expect your number 1 buddies to rally the troops and support you Nate: The kid’s gonna kill us all. I didn’t need to cry again but everything makes me cry now, I guess Baby Connor: Oh my god, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to Nate: I know, just messing with you

-

The funeral goes perfectly. Nate’s and Y/N’s parents arrived a few days ago and have been staying with him. It’s a comfort to have them there, though most days he feels like he’s wading through quicksand. There is usually a teammate there, or two. Sid flies in the day before, same with all the guys from the groupchat. Naz comes from Calgary. EJ and Tyson come, and Josty and Bo make the trip out with Owen. Alex comes with Juraj. Nate spends the day crying silent tears and hugging more people than he cares to remember. Mikko, Cale, EJ, Jo, Tyson, and Sid are pallbearers at the funeral. He gives a speech, short as he can get away with. His voice breaks and wavers the whole time. Y/N’s parents and Nate’s say a few words, and the priest reads the eulogy. 

The weather is mild for the burial, Nate almost wishes it was miserable. The day passes in a daze, making awkward small talk with people he barely knows, Thankfully they leave within an hour. The rest of the people there manage to lift the mood a little and Nate moves from crying to barely frowning. Connor Bedard sticks close to him most of the time. Nate is grateful for him, he’s a good kid with a good heart. He hugs Connor extra hard before he leaves to catch his flight to Utah.

-

“Nate!” Cale calls, knocking on his door again. He’s normally never late, but things still aren’t normal. Nate was the one who suggested that they go skate, not practice, but just to skate. A change of scenery. Cale finally gives up and digs his key out of his pocket. He’s a little confused when he sees that none of the lights are on. Nate hasn’t been himself, but this is weird. Nate’s dog Aspen appears from the hallway. 

“Hey buddy, where’s Nate?” Cale asks him. Aspen circles Cale once before heading back towards Nate’s bedroom. Cale follows him. Nate’s door is shut tight and Aspen has his nose shoved in the corner. Opening the door, Aspen bounds to Nate’s side, where he looks to be still asleep. He whines, getting his nose under Nate’s hand.

“Oh my god.” Cale whispers. Nate is a shade of gray no living person should ever be. “Oh my god.” He moves to the bed. Nate is cool when Cale touches his wrist. He fumbles for his phone, dialing 911 when he doesn’t find a pulse.

-

“Sid…” Kathy calls up the stairs, “Get down here, you have to see this.”

Sidney hustles down at the tone of her voice. Kathy is standing behind the couch, remote gripped in one hand. He stands behind her, hand on her waist. Her hand drops the remote, coming up to cover her mouth as they hear the news.

"... and now we have saddening news coming from Denver, Colorado. It is with our deepest condolences that we announce the death of NHL star, Nathan MacKinnon. He was found early this morning after failing to meet teammate Cale Makar, for morning skate. Makar called 911 when he found MacKinnon in bed after he didn’t answer the door. According to law enforcement agencies, MacKinnon died peacefully at home overnight, but suddenly, with no chance of resuscitation once they arrived on the scene. His death comes just weeks after the death of his wife, Y/N. What this means for the Avalanche and the rest of the season, we don’t know. More, after the break.” 

Sid thumbs open his phone to the news app. Every headline is the same variation of announcing Nate’s death. Tears fall on the screen.

Colorado Avalanche teammates of Nathan MacKinnon, coach Jared Bednar, yet to speak on the star’s sudden death.

Breaking News: NHL Superstar Nathan MacKinnon, dead at 29. What does this mean for the Avalanche?

“The NHL offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to Nathan and Y/N MacKinnon’s families during this time of tragedy.”

“Nathan MacKinnon, announced dead this morning weeks after his wife, Y/N MacKinnon, was tragically killed…”

Details about Nathan MacKinnon’s death are expected soon.

-

THE COLORADO SUN

Details emerge on the death of Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon

J.P Burrow, 12:00 pm March 30th, 2025

Four weeks ago, the hockey world was shocked when Nathan MacKinnon, 29, appeared in a press conference after being notably and unusually absent from two home games, both lost in depressing fashion to weaker teams. What he revealed that day was the furthest thing from what anybody expected.

We were told that a week prior, MacKinnon’s wife Y/N, 27, was killed in a hit-and-run car accident. Her funeral was three days later. Understandably, MacKinnon withdrew from the public. His teammates were a constant source of support, but that only goes so far when grieving your spouse. He decided to take the rest of the season off.

MacKinnon and Y/N were married for three years, and together for nearly ten. They were fan-favorites throughout the league, despite them being notoriously private. MacKinnon never smiled as much as he did when he was talking about his wife. 

Now, thirteen days ago, the world was rocked again when it was announced that MacKinnon was dead. Details surrounding his death have been revealed after an autopsy. The report revealed that his heart sustained damage after Y/N’s death, caused by a sudden, constant surge of adrenaline in the days following. This causes a disruption of blood flow in the heart, similar to a heart attack. It is fittingly called Broken heart syndrome, where the death of a loved one can trigger the condition. Death is rare, but it happens.

We reached out to friends of MacKinnon’s across the league, his own teammates commented in a press conference earlier today.

Connor Bedard: Nate was a close friend of mine, he helped me a lot when I first got into the league. I looked up to him a lot. Once I got to know him outside of hockey, I learned just how amazing of a person he is– was. I was shocked to learn that he died. We had just landed in Denver for our game against them when Cale [Makar] called me.

Sidney Crosby: It was a lot for all of us, the whole month. I’ve been close with Nate for ten years, he's my best friend, so to say that I’m going to miss him is an understatement. I saw how much Y/N dying crushed him, they were made for each other. Hockey was his first love, but Y/N was his true love.

Gabe Landeskog: The season changed for all of us after Y/N died and Nate took time off. There will be no replacing Nate, his skill, his passion…it left a hole. I’m not going to sugarcoat things. This will be really difficult to come back from. It won’t be this season, maybe not even next season, but we are going to fight, for Nate. He would want us to.

-

“He really died of a broken heart.” Cale says before turning to bury his face in his wife’s hair, crying silently. He hasn’t been the same since finding Nate, taking his own leave from the team.

For the second time in a month, the Avalanche and company are reunited, standing in black around a grave beside the one they stood around three and a half weeks earlier, but another person short. Y/N’s headstone will be put in the same day as Nate’s. EJ is holding Aspen’s leash, who took him in when Nate died. He’s retiring, he told everybody when they gathered the second time. The past month reminded him that life is short. He is moving back to Denver to take over Nate’s house. They had found a notebook in his bedside table that had the beginnings of a will written in it. He wanted EJ to have Aspen, and the house if he wanted it. Pictures, his suits, and Y/N's wedding dress were to go to his parents, donate his and Y/N's clothes, and box away his Avalanche gear and ship it to Sid in Nova Scotia. Their wedding rings go to Sid too.

“But now they are together again.” Jo says, smiling through his tears. The thought brings some comfort to them, knowing that Nate has been reunited with the love of his life, and won’t spend the rest of his life missing Y/N.

[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.