#Ryder Donovan | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cuttergauthier · 2 years ago

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Shy Girl

Female reader x Owen Lindmark

Warning: fluff, shy reader

word count: 1.0k

let me know what you guys think🤍

You’re a senior at the University of Wisconsin, you’ve been here for 4 years but you barely go to any parties since you’re shy. Since it’s your last year your best friend and roommate Melissa is making you go to a party.

She’s been friends with Wisconsin’s hockey since freshman year since her boyfriend Ryder was on the team for 3 years.

“Come on girl, you need to come out of your shell and party, it’s our last year we need to make the most of it” Melissa begged

“Melissa, you know I can barely talk to anyone, I don’t want to go and embarrass myself” I pleaded. I really didn’t want to go and embarrass myself In front of her hockey friends. I had already met a few of them but I still wasn’t comfortable enough with them to not be shy.

“please! I promise I won’t leave you alone until you get comfortable. Plus once you get a few drinks in you you’ll be fine”

“Fine” I groaned out

“yay!” she started jumping happily making me laugh

“if I embarrass myself I’m leaving” I say seriously

“deal” she replied giving me a hug

“perfect, then let’s get ready” I said going over to my closet to try and find an outfit to wear.

We both got ready and left our apartment around 9 to go over to the seniors house for the party.

Once we got there Melissa dragged me to the kitchen to get something to drink, she grabbed two white claws and gave me one.

The house was already full of people, most of them I never saw before.

“drink up girly!” she told me smiling

“I really hope I don’t embarrass myself” I signed

“you’ll be fine girl, let’s go find the boys, and trust me they’ve embarrassed their selves enough, they have no reason to laugh” she said encouraging me to be myself.

I nodded and we made our way to the living room to try and find some of the boys.

Melissa spotted Owen Lindmark and Shay Donovan talking so we made our way over there.

“Hey boys, this is my best friend and roommate Y/n” she said introducing me to the boys.

“hey” I said shyly,

“ Hey Y/n, I’m Owen and this is Shay, it’s nice to meet you” he said as they both gave me smiles.

“You to” I replied smiling

“Owen, mind staying with her for a sec, I need to talk to Shay about a project for some class?” she lied

I looked at her with my eyes wide, I could tell she was lying, plus she promised me she wouldn’t leave me.

“Yeah, no worries” he replied smiling, before they both walked away

“That was a lie right” he asked me

“Yeah… definitely” I say chuckling

“how come I never met you before?”

“umm, I’m sorta shy… I don’t usually go to parties since I don’t really talk to anyone except Melissa” I said shyly looking down at my shoes

“well I’m glad you decided to come tonight” I looked at him to see him smiling

“me too” I replied smiling

We continued talking for most of the night, he really was sweet, and he made me feel comfortable. Melissa ended up joining us later along with some of the sophomores who I got to meet, they were also really nice.

It was starting to get late and I had a few more drinks, so Melissa and I thought it would be a good idea to head back to our apartment.

“You ready to head home?” she asked me

“Yeah, I’m starting to get tired anyways” I replied

Before we headed out Owen stopped me.

“wait… is there any chance I could get your number? I’d like to continue talking to you” he ask me smiling

I nodded smiling, he gave me his phone and I put my number in it

“Text me sometime” I replied smiling and giving him a wink before leaving with Melissa

When we got into the Uber she looked at me a chuckled

“what?” I ask confused

“nothing, I’m just proud of you for giving him your number… and you winked that’s so not you, it makes me happy” she said squeezing my hand

“thank you, I’m really glad you dragged me here tonight… I had a lot of fun”

“I’m glad… and just so you know… Owen’s a really good guy” she said winking, making me chuckle.

You and Owen kept talking for a few weeks. You even hung out with him alone. You guys got close, he was really sweet, and you were starting to get feelings for him.

You had gone and had coffee with him this morning, he asked if you wanted to go watch him play, they were playing Minnesota at 4pm. I told him I would go to the game.

I had asked Melissa if she would go with me, she agreed. She told me she was happy I was finally letting someone else in. I had a lot of trouble making friends when I was a kid for being shy. Melissa was the only friend I ever really made, she never made me feel bad about myself for being shy and having trouble talking to new people.

That’s what I love about Owen. He makes me feel just as comfortable, he doesn’t care that I’m shy and he doesn’t make fun of me for it.

Melissa and I got ready and left for the game

The game went well and the boys won 3-0 to Minnesota. Melissa and I made our way to the locker room to wait for the boys. The few guys that came out first smiled and gave us a quick hello.

Owen and Shay came out last.

“Hey girls, Melissa, do you need a ride to the apartment?” Shay said before leaving

“Sure thanks Shay, Have fun you two” Melissa said quickly before going with Shay, leaving Owen and I alone.

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the night?” Owen asked me smiling

“No, do you have anything in mind?”

“Well, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go on a date with me” he said nervously

“I would love to go on a date with you”

He smiled before grabbing my hand and walking out of the arena.

#nhl fanfiction #nhl hockey #nhl fic #Hockey Fanfiction #hockey fic #hockey #fluff #owen lindmark #owen lindmark imagine #owen lindmark blurb #owen lindmark fic #owen lindmark fluff #university of wisconsin #shay donovan #ryder donovan #nhl imagine #nhl blurb #nhl blurbs #ncaa hockey fic

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lukeevangelista · 2 years ago

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being joe burrows girlfriends sister and he’s protective of you because you’re like a little sister so when he finds out you have a boyfriend (and he’s a hockey player) he gets extra protective ?

Protective Joe - R. Donovan

Wisco days 😌 photo cred to @llhughess

Obvi protective platonic Joe

And idk if ryder was in a frat house, but just go with it

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“I’m here!” You shouted, “Come love me! It’s only a few times a year you get me!”

It was Christmas break for you at school and you were home for almost a month this visit.

“Y/N!” Olivia squealed as she ran towards you from the kitchen where she was helping your mom cook dinner for everyone, “I’m so excited you’re home.” She swayed back and forth with you, “We have so much to catch up on it’s not even funny.”

“That we do, my dear sister.” You grinned as you pulled back from her to see Joe walking up to you, his arms open for a hug.

“Shiesty.” You laughed as you pulled away from Olivia, tucking yourself into his arms, “When’s my sister gonna be the Mrs. Shiesty?”

“Nice to see you too kid.” He chuckled, “and when you actually lock one down.”

“Hey!” Liv glared at him, knowing he was just joking.

All the banter and jokes quietened down as your mom called for dinner, your other sister running into the kitchen. She had been studying for an exam, to which your mom excused her from having to eat with the family.

“You never let me do that.”

“You moved away for college.”

“Touché mother.” You playfully glared at her as you dad chuckled from his seat at the table.

“When is Ryder coming in?” She asked as you all sat down at the table.

“Mom-“

“Who is Ryder?” You sister grinned as she sat down next to Joe, “Is this a new boy toy?”

“Something… like that.” You grimaced as you stuck your spoon in your mashed potatoes.

You quickly changed the subject to how Joe’s season was going, how work was for your sister and parents, making sure to keep the subject off of you and your potential love life.

“So is he a boy toy or an actual boyfriend?” Liv asked after dinner was over; you, her, and Joe settled on the couch.

“And there goes peace and quiet.” You sighed, “He’s a boyfriend.” You said, “He’s in some frat house and my sorority did a fund raiser with them. He’s a really sweet guy.”

"I know exactly how those frat boys are." Joe argued with you, "Did you really think you'd get by me with this one? Especially the ones that live out of state. He’s even worse!”

Olivia let out a cough as Joe corrected himself, "Us. Did you think you would get this past us?"

"Nice save babe."

You were Olivia's little sister and Joe treated you like the sister he didn't get. You were the closest thing and honestly, even though you weren't biological, you two sure acted like it.

"I didn't expect anything." You shrugged, "because whether you like it or not, I'm with him."

“What does this punk even look like?” Joe grumbled under his breath.

“Yeah, what does he look like?” Liv asked as you pulled out your phone.

“That punk has a name.”

“What is it? Kyle?”

“Clearly you weren’t paying attention earlier at dinner, but it’s Ryder.”

“Even worse.” Joe dramatically flopped back on the couch, “Just by his name, I can tell you he’s bad news!”

“Good thing I didn’t ask.” You quickly scrolled through your phone, finding a recent photo of you two from a surprise date he had taken you on.

“Oh okay.” Liv smirked at you, “I see you pulling.”

“She better not be pulling anything!” Joe grumbled.

“Okay Mr. Protective, chill out.” You chuckled at his antics, “I know you care and I know you’re just looking out for me, but I’m smart. I know what I’m doing.”

Joe continued to grumble under his breath about it causing you to roll your eyes.

“Tell me about him.” Liv smiled as she adjusted to be able to see you better on the couch.

“Well like I said, he’s in a frat house-“

“Terrible move.” Joe commented.

“-he’s an absolute sweetheart-“

“Don’t care.”

“- he can cook really well too-“

“Can you get on with it already? Get to the good stuff.”

“Joe?” you said his name sweetly.

“Yes?”

“Shut the fuck up.” You hissed, “Thank you. As I was saying, and he’s gorgeous.” You continued, “oh!” you exclaimed, “and he plays hockey!” “Nope!” Joe said as he stood up, “It’s a no from me! Already hate him.”

“You haven’t even met him, you dumbass.”

“I don’t care!” Joe defended, “I was a college athlete once with college athlete friends. I know how this entire charade works!” He continued, “He lures you in and then he’s cheating on you or you get hurt.”

“Well then, that's my decision to make then, huh?” you said, “Besides, I don’t think he’d do that. I’m not worried about it at least. It’s a college relationship. We’ll either get married at a frat party or we'll break up.”

“Or you’ll get married in real life.” Liv chuckled.

“I think you should reconsider it all.” “You know, you’re better when your mouth doesn’t move.” You grumbled as you watched Joe roll his eyes before glaring at you, “Joe, I’ve known you too long for you to scare me. You look like I ran over your puppy more than you are scary.” you chuckled, “Either way, I’ve got to run in a few.” You said as you saw the text come through that you were waiting for.

“Why?” Liv pouted, “We were getting to the good stuff.”

“Well the topic of this conversation just landed so I've got to go handle that.” You said as you stood up, tucking your phone into your back pocket.

“I don't believe it. I don’t think he’s coming.” Joe said as he stood up, “You’re full of it today.”

“He’s literally on a plane now.”

“And? I don’t think you’re actually dating. There’s no way he’s coming to visit you. He’s good looking- you’re you.” Joe said, “and I really hate the fact he’s an athlete!”

“Joe! You’re a fucking athlete!”

“Watch your mouth young lady.”

“Liv, please control him before I handle him myself.”

“I’ve been trying for years.” She chuckled as she watched you walk towards the door, “Be careful, We’ll see you and Ryder soon.” She grinned.

Ryder followed you to the car, his hand on the small of your back, the other tugging his suitcase through the parking lot.

“So he doesn't think I’m real?” Ryder asked.

“Nope. They think you’re fake.” You said, “Probably because of how hot you are.”

Ryder let out a loud laugh at your bluntness as he got into the passenger seat.

The drive home wasn't terrible, but you knew the moment you got there, it was going to be a good show between Joe judging Ry and your family meeting him for the first time.

It wasn’t the technical first time for your parents as they had met him over FaceTime, but not in person.

You pulled into the driveway, you helping Ryder get his stuff out of the car.

“I’ve got it babe.” He said as he pressed a kiss to the side of your temple, “Go on inside.”

You listened, only grabbing his carry on as you walked into the house, seeing your family sitting there.

“Behave.” You said, mainly aiming your statement towards a certain tall brunette.

“I think we should get to know you better Ryan.”

“Ryder.”

“Whatever. How about dinner tomorrow? Mine and Liv’s treat.”

“I think a double date sounds pleasant!” Olivia agreed, her looking hopeful at you.

“I guess.” you said as you looked towards Ryder who reluctantly agreed.

It wasn't long after that that Liv and Joe had went to their own home, you and Ryder heading upstairs to your childhood bedroom.

“I told you they’d somehow rope us into something.” You said as you brushed your teeth, “It never fails!” You continued, slightly waving your toothbrush.

“Babe as much as I love you and your dramatics, you’re getting toothpaste everywhere.”

“Are you even listening to me?” You asked after spitting in the sink.

“I am, but I’d like to not get toothpaste in my eye either.”

You rolled your eyes at his comment as you rinsed your toothbrush before putting it in its holder and popping your retainers in.

“I'm just warning you, he will be judging you hardcore tomorrow.”

“So is he your brother or?”

“Something like that.” You sighed as you crossed over to the bed, tugging the decretive pillows off, “Wow, sleeping next to me and you dont even know my last name.”

“I’m just messing with you.” He laughed, “You’re not a Burrow; you’re a Hubbard, right?”

“Ryder!”

“Did you see the way he looks at her?” Liv asked Joe as you and Ryder were off in the bowling alley, trying to find the right size balls, “He adores her.”

“I don’t see it.” Joe shrugged, “I don’t like him.”

“Give him a chance.” She said, “At least he wasn’t late like someone was on our first date.” She grinned, “Matter of fact, he was early and he held the door for everyone.”

“I apologized for that already!” Joe defended himself, “and I hold the door for you all the time!”

“I think you’re being dramatic.” Liv sighed as she turned towards her boyfriend, “Give him a chance. You can tell she really likes him.”

You all had moved on from bowling after kicking everyone’s asses, finding yourself at the pizza parlor next to it for dinner.

“After you.” Ryder grinned as he pulled out your chair before giving your shoulder a squeeze.

Joe was not going to let some twenty one year old in a new relationship show him up.

“Here babe.” Joe said as he pulled Olivia’s chair out, you letting a chuckle fall from your lips as you watched her fact twist from confusion to realization of what he was doing.

“Be careful, your jealousy is showing.” She whispered to him.

“I am not jealous!” He harshly whispered back.

“Yeah okay.” She chuckled.

“So Ryder, what are you plans after college?” Joe asked as he looked at the menu, even though he knew exactly what he was going to get. He just didn’t want to make eye contact with you or Ryder.

“I’m planning on playing pro hockey.”

“Sounds interesting.” Joe commented. Ryder gave a nod to him.

“You’ve had an incredible season this year.” Ryder said as he watched Joe almost break, but keeping his composure, he retaliated the nod.

Joe was determined not to like this kid.

He really wanted to be able to say ‘I told you so’ to you, but it wasn’t the case right now. He actually was starting to like Ryder; as much as he didn’t want to admit it.

Ryder didn’t talk over you, he was well mannered, he didn’t give you an attitude if you disagreed with him, and most of all, he truly adored you and Liv and Joe both could tell it.

It wasn’t long that you all parted ways, Joe and Liv still talking about you and Ryder; even a hour later.

“I like him.” She said as she snuggled into his chest, “He’s sweet.”

“It’s a facade.”

“Give it up, Burrow,” she chuckled, “You like him too, especially after he commented on your season.”

Joe groaned, knowing she was right, “Will you let it go if i say it?”

“Yes.”

“I like Ryder and I think he’s good for Y/N.” He grumbled, “Are you happy now?”

“Yup!” She grinned, “and I cant wait to tell Y/N.”

“Don’t you dare!”

On the other side of town, you were having a similar conversation with Ryder.

“Do you think he likes me?” Ryder asked as he snuggled into bed beside you causing you to prop up on your elbow.

“I think so,” you said, “but he won’t admit it. He’s still going to act like a hard ass to you.”

“Do you realize that’s okay? I met Joe Burrow and he likes me?” Ryder chuckled as he looked towards you.

“You’re just with me because my sister is dating him.”

“I am not.” He softly smiled as he brought his hand up to move the piece of hair that fell in front of your face away, “I’m with you because I love you.”

“That’s- that’s uh the first time you’ve said that to me.”

“I know.” He whispered, “but I wanted to wait until I meant it and I truly mean it.”

“I love you too Ryder.” You said as you softly pressed a kiss to his lips before laying down in his arms that were outstretched towards you.

Moments had went by of you two just lying there, waiting for sleep to overtake you both.

“I can’t believe Joe Burrow likes me.” He grinned as his head whipped towards you.

“You realize you’ll never live this down, right?”

“Oh I know.” He said, “but it’s worth it.”

#ryder donovan #soft thoughts w/ari #joe burrow #joe burrow imagine #ryder donovan imagine #nhl imagine #nfl imagine #aris 1k celly

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whatashameshespuckedinthehead · 2 years ago

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any wisco girlies out there? bc 🥹

#shay donovan #ryder donovan #mama i love him #wisco hockey

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quinnwho · 2 years ago

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update on ryder donovan (from his twitter)

#Ryder donovan #wisconsin hockey #nothing wrong with taking a break <3

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maattamatthews · 1 year ago

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inbox is still open!! pls send me requests!!

Update

Well…

it’s been a long time coming, but i’m back in the saddle!

i know i haven’t been super active on here as much, nursing school is a thing, and i want to give yall a little update!

so for now, i am putting As I Am on hold. i know, i know, but i dont have the time to write it and create the best possible story for you all. However, i will be opening my requests this thursday for the whole weekend!! I will be posting an updated “Who I Write For” list and yall can go ham with the requests!!

love you guys and happy to be back 🫶

-annie

#toronto maple leafs #maple leafs #umich #auston matthews #olli maatta #kirby dach #trevor zegras #alex turcotte #jack hughes #ryder donovan #shay donovan #johnny beecher #nico hischier #nolan moyle #nolan patrick #red wings #kandre miller #mat barzal #spencer knight

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stingsbf · 10 months ago

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the… best friends???

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bandcampsnoop · 5 days ago

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11/24/24.

Donovan's Brain. I don't know why I hit play given the cover of this, but I'm so glad I did. "Holly Green" greeted me with psych/pop sounds that reminded me of The Beatles or The Dukes of Stratosphear. Some of this also recalls the finer moments of Caleb Landry Jones.

But, this listen was more enjoyable the more I learned about the band. Donovan's Brain seems to be Ron Sanchez (Bozeman, Montana) and a revolving cast of friends/characters who've been involved in music/independent music for nearly 40 years. The sidebar states that members of Donovan's Brain have included members from the following bands: Windbreakers, Long Ryders, Rain Parade, Spinal Tap, and Radio Birdman.

The Cynics (Get Hip Recordings) stopped by Bozeman, befriended Sanchez and put out a single. "Lightproof Visions EP" was originally released in 1996 on German label Magical Jack Records.

#Donovan's Brain #Ron Sanchez #Bozeman #Montana #The Beatles #The Dukes of Stratosphear #Caleb Landry Jones #Windbreakers #The Long Ryders #Rain Parade #Spinal Tap #Radio Birdman #The Cynics #Magical Jack Records #Bandcamp

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ripleycano · 2 years ago

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a late happy new year from me!

thank you for accompanying me into 2023, i hope only good things await you in the year ahead :)

#demonia #sylvia cassidy #andre mateo #sinclair #thomas callaghan #donovan ryder #marius gunner #boa #adonis #gia aranea #victoria mateo #shiloh #oc tag #oc #original character #art #digital art #hey there art department

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hislittleraincloud · 8 months ago

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C'mon, they dropped the B2 teaser the same time they dropped HOD S2 trailers? 💀

Posting Team Black bc I'm fucking 10000000% Team Black 🐉🔥 and so is AB Wednesday 🤓

youtube

JUST based on trailer v. teaser:

Excitement for HOD S2: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

Excitement for B2: ⭐⭐½

Come on, Hollyweird, you can fucking do better than this.

#most of those B2 stars are for how GOOD Winona fucking Ryder looks after 35 years #jesus christ whatshername looks really good too #but as far as generating thrill #hod season 2 #beetlejuice 2 #beetlejuice beetlejuice #trailers #tim burton you are overrated but let's see how it goes #tim burton #george r r martin #rhaenyra targaryen #rhaenyra the rightful queen #i'm wondering now if donovan would be team green 👀#now that would be a good foundation for their first fight 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣#team black #i honest to gods would be writing hod fic if it weren't for this garbage muse that sucked me in with her damn...feminine wiles

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huggybug · 2 years ago

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periodically this post pops back up in my notifications and it makes me giggle

#moyle not even making the list is so funny #oh how the times have changed #also ryder donovan wtf? didn’t know i liked him so much

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lukeevangelista · 2 years ago

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“call me right fucking now.” With Ryder Donovan, thanksss ☺️

“God Y/N please answer.” Ryder sighed as he watched the snow pour, his nerves getting the better of him, “Call me back right fucking now.” Ryder hissed through his voicemail as he slammed his phone down on the counter, the wind starting to pick up.

“God you have me so worried.”

You two had gotten into an argument, you storming out from your shared house in the snow.

An alert had just came across the news about a car pile up not far from your house causing Ryder to worry like crazy, it getting worse the long you didn’t return his calls.

“Fuck it.” He said as he grabbed his keys, going to search for you.

He had spent the last hour looking for you. The first place he headed to was where the wreck was, him feeling relief when he didn’t see your car there.

“Where could you have went to?” He tugged at his hair as he turned down the street, heading back home. The snow was getting worse and it was becoming hard to see so he didn’t have a choice at this point.

The relief he felt when he saw your car in the driveway was indescribable. He threw the car into park, jerking off the seatbelt as he opened the door.

He got out, quickly making his way through the snow to the porch, jerking open the front door as he saw you standing by the coffee maker in the kitchen.

“Don’t you ever leave like that again.” He said as he brought you into his arms, his breathing uneven as one hand held the back of your head, the other wrapped around your waist, “You had me so worried.”

“I’m sorry Ry.” You whispered, “My calls wouldn’t go out. I’m not sure what happened. I tried calling you a few times but-“

“It doesn’t matter.” He cut you off, “You’re safe; that’s all that matters.”

#ryder donovan #soft thoughts w/ari

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ajesterwrites · 2 months ago

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4. date at the mystic grill

summary: you invite stefan to the mystic grill

pairings: stefan salvatore x fem!reader, jenna sommers x reader (aunt), bonnie bennett x reader (platonic), caroline forbes x reader (platonic), matt donovan x reader (platonic...mostly)

warnings: none <3

word count: 3.3k

YOU PACED around your room, irritation accompanying each step. In one hand, you held your phone to your ear. With the other, you pinched your forehead to relieve a growing headache.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" You hissed. "You gave Jeremy drugs? He's fourteen! You know he's in an extremely vulnerable place right now! God, how could you be so stupid?!"

"Hello to you too."

"Ryder!"

Ryder chuckled on the other end. You released your forehead and squeezed your fist. If only he was in the room with you. You'd stare into his pretty eyes and slap the smirk off his face. Maybe you'd mess up the dark, shiny curls on his head too.

"Chill out, okay? He asked for them. It's not like I walked up to him and said,'I know you're a freshman and all, but how would you like to get high?'"

"I know..." You sighed. Maybe you'd overreacted... kids did drugs all the time. Hell, you'd been mixing lethal combinations from the time you were fifteen until about three months ago.

And if he didn't get them from Ryder, he'd get them from someone else. At least Ryder knew him and would look out for him....sort of.

"For what it's worth, I am sorry." You could practically hear Ryder's smile on the other end. "I missed you, Y/N." You scoffed. "I mean it. We should hang out tonight."

You looked herself over in your vanity mirror. He would love your outfit: diamond earrings, a lacy black dress, and your trusty leather jacket. If only he wasn't such a douche.

"Sorry, I can't. I'm meeting Bonnie and Caroline at The Grill tonight."

"What?"

"You remember Bonnie and Caroline, right? I mean, you haven't met them but..." You turned in the mirror, inspecting your body. You looked good.

"Yeah, I remember..."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that you guys haven't spoken in months and..."

"And what?"

"I didn't know you three were stll friends," Ryder admitted.

You stopped turning. "Of course we are, silly. I've known them since forever."

"Y/N... you remember what Dr. Blake said, right? About–"

"I know," You snapped, no trace of the nonchalance you had before. "But he also said that I should try to get things back to normal so no one suspects anything. Bon and Care are my normal."

"I trust your judgment."

A faint voice crackled on his end. "Is that her?"

"Who's that?" You asked. You couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman...whoever it was, they didn't seem happy.

"... No one. I'll call you back, Y/N."

Click.

"Hello? Ryder?" You looked at your phone's home screen and scoffed in disbelief. This jerk just hung up on you! "Asshole."

A door slammed shut downstairs. Curious, you left your room to investigate, and found Jenna loudly rummaging through the cupboards.

"Jenna?"

Hands still searching, she glanced at you and smiled. She hadn't gotten used to having you around yet but was enjoying the company. "Hey, Y/N."

"What are you doing?"

Jenna brought her full attention to the cupboards. "Just... looking for something," She grunted, now on her tiptoes.

"How was your presentation?"

"Let's just say I wanted to down an entire bottle of vodka when it was over."

That explained her behavior. "That bad, huh?"

Jenna pulled out the largest cocktail glasses she could find and filled them with ice. "How was school?"

"Oh, the usual," You shrugged, watching Jenna fill the glasses with Sprite... the closest she could get to vodka, apparently. "Although there is a new kid this year. His name is Stefan."

"Ooh," Jenna commented, wiggling her eyebrows as she placed a glass in front of you. "Is he cute?"

You blushed and smiled sheepishly. "Yeah."

Jenna smirked and sipped her drink smugly. They didn't have sit-downs often, but during her past visits, she'd always ask if you found a boyfriend or potential crush. And every time, you would practically bite her head off as you insisted that you didn't have time for boys and their foolishness.

The closest you ever came to committing to someone was in your relationship with Matt, but even Jenna could see you weren't fully content. So when you broke up, it wasn't much of a surprise. Everyone saw it coming. Everyone except Matt.

"You're dressed up," Jenna observed as she sized you up. It wasn't your best outfit, as it was relatively simple, but it did its job. She crossed her arms over her chest. "Should I be worried?"

"Not at all," You promised, chuckling. "I'm going to The Grill to hang with Bonnie and Caroline."

"Oh, okay, I got this!" Jenna said eagerly. This was the parental moment she'd been waiting for. "Wait for this... don't stay out too late. It's a school night."

"Beautiful," You said. Jenna grinned, celebrating the small accomplishment with a fist pump. You raised your glasses and clinked them together triumphantly. "You really have this whole parenting thing in the bag. You should have your own kid someday."

Jenna laughed. "Thanks, but I think two volatile teenagers are enough."

You put you empty glass on the counter and pushed yourself off the chair, ready to go. "Have fun!" Jenna called after you. Just as you started to reply, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" You announced, rushing to answer the unexpected visitor. When you opened the door, you were surprised to find none other than Stefan awkwardly standing on your porch steps, his hands tucked in his jacket pockets. "Hi."

"Hi."

You raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation. He cleared his throat. "I wanted to apologize for my disappearing act earlier. I know it was...strange."

"Not as strange as Hitchcock come to life," You joked. He laughed. You smiled, finding herself slightly in love with the sound—it was music to your ears. "Don't worry about it. Hemophobia is no joke... Wait, are you hemophobic?"

"Uh... something like that," He answered vaguely. "Anyways, I thought you might want this back."

He pulled a familiar brown leather book from his pocket. You gasped. "My journal!" You exclaimed, taking it from his hands. "Thank you so much, I didn't even realize it was gone!"

He nodded. "Glad I could help."

"Not that I'm not grateful, but... you didn't read it, did you?"

"No."

You held back a relieved sigh. "Okay, good. Can I ask why? Not that I wanted you to—definitely not—but I'm pretty sure that anyone else in this town would have."

He frowned. "I wouldn't want anyone reading mine," He said as if that were as obvious as the sky's color.

You were taken back by his response. "You keep a journal?"

"Yeah, if I don't write it down, I forget it," He explained. "Memories are too important."

You nodded. Most guys you met seemed to think that journals were a "girly" thing. It was refreshing to meet a boy who saw the value in recording thoughts and dreams...even if it was just a therapy assignment.

"Sorry, can you hold on one sec?" Stefan nodded cluelessly. You turned around and headed to the kitchen just as your aunt was leaving. "Jenna!"

Jenna stopped. "Hm?"

"Can you please put this in my room?" You asked, holding out your journal. Jenna's eyes darted to the book and she stopped her jaw from dropping open.

Truth be told, this was a big step for you. The only person you ever let touch it was Holly, and this didn't go unnoticed in Jenna's mind.

She bit back a smile, swallowing her excitement, and tried to keep a casual demeanor. "Sure."

As she reached for the diary, her eyes averted to the door, and she flashed an impressed look when she saw the stranger's face. "Who's that?"

You glanced at the door and smiled shyly. "Stefan," You responded in a low voice, not wanting your aunt to get any ideas or for the guest to hear you.

"The new kid you were telling me about?" Jenna mumbled. You nodded. "Wow, he is cute. Go get 'em, tiger."

"Jenna!" You whisper-yelled. Jenna laughed at the flustered look on you face before leaving to put away your diary.

You turned back around and walked over to Stefan, who tried his hardest to fight his creeping smile. You hoped he hadn't heard that embarrassing exchange. "Hey, so... I was on my way to meet a few friends at The Grill—it's kind of like a mix between a bar and cafe—and I thought maybe you'd like to join me. You know, as thanks for returning my journal."

"Sure."

"Really?" You asked, smiling at his nonchalance. "Great, let me just grab my coat. It's supposed to be like forty degrees out tonight."

You pulled your coat off the nearby rack and stepped outside, making sure to lock the door behind you.

As you and Stefan walked along the sidewalk on that chilly September night, the only sounds that cut the strained silence were the music blasting from passing cars and the gentle howl of the wind. The hairs stood on your arm—and it wasn't from the cold.

"So, how do you like it here in Mystic Falls so far?" You suddenly asked, trying to break the suffocating quiet. "Not too peppy, I hope."

Stefan chuckled softly, giving a light shake of his head. "No, it's not. I was actually born here, but I moved a long time ago when I was a kid."

"Oh. So what do you do in your free time when you're not meeting strange girls at cemeteries?"

"I like to read and write," He answered. You smiled. So did you. More recently, you'd picking up drawing. "Most of the time, I stay with my uncle."

"Uncle?" You repeated. "No parents?"

"No, they died."

You frowned. That must have been why he was at the cemetery. "I'm sorry for your loss," You said gently. You of all people knew what it was like, and although you weren't keen on sharing your experiences, you were tempted to so he wouldn't feel alone. But after months of pity and fruitless attempts to relate from your neighbors, you knew how ineffective that really was.

"It's fine," Stefan responded dismissively. Maybe his parents have something to do with the move. Or maybe he just wanted to save himself from the awkwardness of receiving condolences. "What about you?"

"Nothing to tell here. My parents are gone too, so it's just me, my aunt, and my brother," You explained. It wasn't exactly something you enjoyed talking about and yet somehow got mentioned in every conversation, so you were especially eager to change the subject. "What's your favorite color?"

"Blue."

You lifted a brow. "Sky blue or ocean blue?"

"Steel blue."

"That's a new one," You commented. "My favorite color is red—crimson, to be exact. Who's your favorite superhero?"

"I don't have one," He casually revealed, readying himself for your appalled reaction. He'd had this discussion countless times and had yet to meet a single person who wasn't shocked by the confession.

And it turned out he was right. The revelation made you gape at him. "You don't have a favorite superhero?" You asked rhetorically. You'd known something about him was different because he gave off this...vibe, but everyone you'd ever known at least had one favorite superhero at one point in time.

Stefan shrugged. "I don't know, I've just never been into that kind of thing."

"Alright," You said, nodding. "But you said you're into books, right?"

"Definitely," He enthusiastically confirmed. "My favorite would have to be The Great Gatsby, maybe The Odyssey, on a good day."

"You are the first person I've ever heard say that," You admitted with a laugh. He smiled. "What are you, like a child prodigy or something?"

"No, I've just always loved to read. I guess you could say I'm a little old-fashioned that way."

You nodded. "Okay, and what about your favorite band or singer?"

"Currently?" He asked. "Um, it's a tie...between Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline."

"Oh, so you like old music," You remarked, amazed by his outdated but golden taste. "In that case, what is your favorite movie or show from the 20th century?"

"Seinfeld and I Love Lucy."

"Hold up, what?" You asked, surprised with his immediate response. "Seinfeld I get but I Love Lucy? Have you forgotten about the hilarious 1950s masterpiece I like to call The Donna Reed Show?"

"You want to compare Donna Reed to Lucy Ricardo?"

"Donna Reed is an icon!"

"So is Lucy Ricardo!" Stefan argued. "Have you ever watched I Love Lucy?"

You began to say yes but quickly realized that wasn't true and closed your mouth. Stefan gave you a smug, playful grin before saying,"That's what I thought."

"Well, have you ever seen Donna's show?" You asked, not at all offended by his complacent tone. If anything, you thought it made him even more likable.

"When it came out," Stefan said without missing a beat and then broke into another grin.

She laughed. "Alright, Grandpa. How old are you anyway?"

"Seventeen. You?"

"Sixteen," You said. "But turning seventeen in June."

"Are you excited?"

"Not really," You admitted, tucking your hair behind your ear as you looked down. Normally, you wouldn't open up to a stranger, but the whole town knew of your troubles and he would learn eventually, assuming he hadn't already.

Besides, there was something about him. Maybe it was his old soul. But he seemed to brim with wisdom and understanding. There was something just so comforting about Stefan, like he was looking into your soul without a trace of judgment.

"It's gonna be my first birthday without my parents."

Anniversaries were some of the hardest days to get through. But you were determined to push through and make it the most epic birthday party ever. As proof that you really moved on. Denial at its best.

You looked up to discover that you were approaching the Mystic Grill. "Looks like we're here. You are going to love Bonnie and Caroline. They're awesome."

"Any friend of yours must be," Stefan said, opening the door for you. You smiled and thanked him as you walked through. Smart, cute, good sense of humor, and a gentleman? Either he was a fallen angel or a spawn from Hell...someone like him seemed too good to be true.

Almost immediately after Stefan stepped inside, you were greeted by your ex, who you'd forgotten hung out here with his best friend, Tyler Lockwood, after school. Sure enough, Caroline and Tyler were standing by the pool time, watching you and your....friends...intently.

Great, now Matt was going to think you were trying to rub this in his face—as if what you did before wasn't bad enough.

"Hey, I'm Matt," He addressed cooly, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Hi," Stefan greeted and gave Matt's hand a firm shake. "Stefan."

Matt's gaze averted to you, and you forced a smile, offering a small awkward wave. "Hey."

"Hey," He drawled. Your eyes danced around The Grill to find anything else to talk about, and you breathed a small sigh of relief when you noticed Bonnie waving at you.

"Oh look, there's Bonnie!" You practically exclaimed. "We should go."

You spared an uneasy look in Matt's direction and beelined for Bonnie's table. Stefan followed wordlessly.

"Hey, guys!" You chirped. Caroline muttered a cheerful goodbye to Tyler, who narrowed his eyes at you, and your two besties jumped to embrace you. You didn't miss the way Caroline looked at Stefan, like he was a delicious platter of meat she wanted to take a bite of. It seemed that Stefan didn't miss it either. He quickly shunted his eyes to you. You smiled reassuringly.

After a round of introductions, everyone got settled. Stefan slid beside you. Bonnie and Caroline sat on the other side—Caroline made sure she was eye-to-eye with Stefan. Bonnie placed a cup in front of you, who looked at her questioningly.

"Large vanilla iced coffee, seven pumps of vanilla syrup, nine shots of sugar, heavy whipped cream, and extra caramel drizzle," Bonnie listed before stopping to take a breath. "Just the way you like it."

"You know me so well," You said, impressed. Three months away and Bonnie still remembered your order. If there was even a slim chance Bonnie wanted you to feel guilty, it was working. "Thanks, Bon."

You sipped your iced coffee, remembering how much you used to savor it before everything happened. The bitter taste of coffee mixed with delicious pumps of vanilla, caramel, and whipped cream...it was heaven in a plastic cup.

You expected to smile, but instead, you grimaced, adjusting to the explosion of sweetness. You managed to swallow your repulsion. The drink didn't taste terrible, but during your time in the center, you hadn't been allowed to consume sweets. Not unless you...

No. You couldn't think about that right now, not when you were with your friends. You weren't in the center anymore. You were free. Free to eat and drink whatever you desired with clean hands.

Unaware of Bonnie's baffled stare, you continued to sip, this time enjoying it.

Caroline looked at Stefan, a lively smile brightening her features. "So Stefan..." Bonnie blinked out of her trance. "...you were born in Mystic Falls?"

"Mm-hmm. And moved when I was still young."

"Parents?" Bonnie asked.

He smiled awkwardly. "My parents passed away."

Bonnie glanced at you, then at Stefan, considering your very obvious similarity. "I'm sorry to hear that. Any siblings?"

"None that I talk to. I live with my uncle."

Bonnie and Caroline nodded, unsure of how to respond. Sometimes, it was hard to talk to people when you couldn't relate to them or their situations, and so far, they hadn't found any common ground. You leaned back and sipped your drink, racking your brain for something to say. Anything to say.

"So, Stefan," Caroline spoke up, beating you to it. "If you're new, then you don't know about the party tomorrow."

"It's a back-to-school thing at The Falls," Bonnie explained. Mystic Falls threw celebrations for practically any event, and you weren't surprised that Caroline was the first to mention it. After all, she was the queen of throwing parties, a title that no one else in the school's history had even come close to earning. But as much as Caroline loved hosting festivities, she almost enjoyed attending them even more.

"Are you going?" Stefan asked, turning to you. You hadn't been planning on it, but Bonnie was quick to intervene.

"Of course she is," She said, giving you a look. You laughed quietly and nodded.

"Yeah, it'll be fun," You added and looked at your friends, your eyes lighting up as you reminisced about the previous bonfire. "Remember last year?"

Caroline scoffed. "Everyone remembers last year."

"What happened last year?" Stefan asked.

The girls traded looks. You raised your eyebrows and stifled a laugh. "Let's just say the fire department got some free beer."

The group continued to chat for a bit with Bonnie making jokes left and right, and Caroline casually drilling Stefan for whatever bits of information she could get out of him. Though you suspected she'd already run at least three background checks on him.

Eventually, the stars emerged. When ten o'clock came around, Caroline and Bonnie had already left for home, but you and Stefan stayed back a bit and conversed about the most random topics, very interested in getting to know one another.

And for the first time in forever, you didn't feel like the broken girl who was holding onto too many secrets for your own good. You felt...normal.

It was a great feeling. But any feeling could only last for so long.

#stefan salvatore x fem!reader #stefan salvatore x reader #bonnie bennett #tvd x reader #tvd x you #the vampire diaries #caroline forbes #jenna sommers

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