#as does the way he can so ABRUPTLY flip the switch from laughing & goofing to having his serious face on. king of expressions

[kitnita]

jason robertson postgame — DAL vs STL — 12.27.23

[we just talked about — the comebacks are great, but you don’t want to get down two-nothing.] yeah, I mean … a couple breakdowns. it’s hard — it’s hard, I mean, we’ve been doing it all year — all past couple of years, but it’s not gonna happen every game. [I think it’s six — five out of the last six games you guys have either had a situation where you’ve had to come back and you did. and so in five of them you did and this was the first one that you didn’t win, or at least get points.] yeah. I mean, like I said, it’s hard, hard to do. um … [laughs] it’s hard, it’s hard to score. but you know, you don’t wanna get in that situation. but I mean, it did feel like we played pretty well in the third period, yeah. [and then what’d you see on your goal?] yeah, I mean, I just — we got a big kill, very big kill, and just got on the ice and had some, um — you know, was kind of fresh, so. just trying to … get open, and roop found me, and then I was able to score. [do you feel momentum off that? I mean, I know you’re not a penalty killer, but do you feel momentum off the penalty kill?] yeah, absolutely. it’s a big moment in the game. um, a two minute five-on-three in the nhl is … I mean, it’s, you’re not looking good. but I mean, our pk has been — our five-on-three pk has been excellent this whole year, um … our pk has been excellent, you know, the wall made some saves. um, it’s unfortunate we couldn’t tie the game up.

[inkandpen22]

Young Hearts Divided (7/?)

Pairing: James Potter x Female!Reader/ Sirius Black x Female!Reader

Warnings: mild swearing, fluff, angst 

Word Count: 2k

Part Summary: It’s officially Hogsemeade day. While Y/N goes with James as promised, Sirius does everything he can to test her limits and make her reveal what they’ve done. 

A/N: Hi everyone, sorry for the delay and sorry that this portion is so short. I promise I will get caught up with all of the series updates by the end of the week hopefully! X

Masterlist

Lily, Marlene, and I wait by the entrance leading in from the entrance courtyard for the boys to come down from the tower. Today is finally Hogsmeade day and I have mixed feelings about it. For over a week, I was looking forward to it. Then, my brother was abducted. My family had to go into hiding. Sirius and I... well... it's us. We're complicated. On the surface, we're everything two best friends ought to be. We already cared for and loved one another as friends. Yet, we added more love to the mix, even just an ounce more and everything got knocked off-kilter.

Arms snake their way around my waist and bring me into their chest.

"Are you excited?" James whispers in my ear and plants a kiss on my temple.

Sirius and the other boys appear around us, forming a circle. James remains around me like a blanket as my eyes land Sirius. In an entirely black outfit, Sirius looks more like the poster child for teen angst than usual. It's not a daily occurrence that we get out of our school uniforms, so when we do Sirius gets a lot of attention from the female population. Especially when he's in his worn leather jacket like he is today. Now, half of the school's population will be drooling over him. Does he do it to bother me? Does he think getting attention from other girls will make me fight for him?

"Looking forward to it," I reply, smiling into James's embrace.

Sirius shifts on his feet and nervously looks away at anything he can set his eyes on.

"What would you like to do first?" James asks, oblivious to the small interaction between Sirius and me.

"Stop at Honeydukes! I wanted to get some chocolates," Peter announces as if the question was directed at him.

"We can stop by the pub and get some butterbeer with everyone," James tells me quietly between us.

"Sounds perfect."  

I tilt my head to the side to see James and he peers down at me. He peers at me so admirably that I can feel the warmth rising in my cheeks under the intensity of his gaze. I glance away and scan our group of friends. Sirius's eyes pour into mine with an equal amount of intensity, but it's not due to admiration. He's pressuring me, reminding me of what he said the other day. I have a feeling this will be a long day. ______________________________ After wandering around Hogsmeade together, James and I meet everyone at the pub for some butterbeer. Gathered around a long wooden table, the seven of us sip on our drinks and chatter. I sit between James and Remus, while Sirius just so happens to be positioned right across from me. He hasn't caused a scene yet, but that doesn't mean he won't. It's Sirius, he doesn't care about being the center of attention. Whenever I'm in his presence with James, I fear he might drop the bomb from last weekend or what occurred in that classroom. Of course, I've thought about how he could do it when I'm not around too, but where would the fun be in that for Sirius. If he were to do it, he would do it publicaly.

As I talk to Remus about meeting tomorrow in the library, James drapes his arm over my shoulders to gain my attention. When I turn to him, he smiles charmingly.

"Y/N," he purrs.

"James," I greet playfully.

"There's something I've been meaning to tell you," he tells me, taking my hand and interlocking them.

Our friends chit-chat around us, granting us some mild privacy amongst the group.

"And what is that?" I raise a brow.

James's features and entire demeanor shifts entirely. One minute he was all giddy, charming, and bright. Now, he's a tad anxious, starring down at our interlocked hands in my lap. What does he have to tell me?

"Goodness, I'm just going to say it," he sighs and finally meets my gaze. "Y/N, I like you."

All of that fuss for that? Of course, James and I like each other, we've been friends since we were kids!

I pat his hand, taking it in both of mine. "Aw, thank you, I'm quite fond of you too."

"I was wondering..." he laughs nervously, still fidgety. "You know if you wanted to... be my girlfriend."

My eyes grow wide for a second as an instinct reaction. Then, I snap out of it as I process his words. "Oh," I manage to mutter.

Abruptly, there's a noise from across the table and Sirius starts choking on his drink. The area of the table in front of him is wet with butterbeer. James and I are far too occupied to pay much attention. My focus switches between Lily patting Sirius on the back and James beside me. I thought he was simply being James, a goof and rarely serious.

"I... I umm," I struggle to form a response.

My mind has gone blank as though every ability to function has slipped from me.

Sirius flies up from his chair, insisting to Lily and the others that he's fine. He marches around the table and grabs my arm. I stumble up from my seat as he tugs me toward the door.

"You. Me. Outside. Now," he commands sharply under his breath.

"I'll be right back with you!" I point to James.

Sirius grips my bicep so hard that it'll likely bruise. Students walking by watch in confusion. Goodness, he's so dramatic. I couldn't get a word in before he pulled me away. He yanks me from the library and shoves me into a classroom. Now, he tugs me away from our friends and shoves me into an alley. He needs to learn to use his words like a  mature person.

Is that why he spit out his drink, because of what James said? I didn't process before as I was still stunned by James's confession. Sirius yanks me into the alley around the corner and releases me toward the wall.

"What the actual hell, Sirius?!" I swear at the boy. "First the library now this?! I have legs!"

"Are you genuinely kidding me?!" He has the audacity to yell back.

Curious eyes glance down the alley upon hearing Sirius and I shouting. This is so embarrassing. If I'm the center of gossip this week because of Sirius I will curse him.

"You can't honestly be considering for a second being with him! James likes Lily! He'll choose her in the end! He's just mad and confused because she isn't giving him the time of day!" He fires at me.

My chest rises and falls rapidly, he's just said what I've been telling myself ever since James asked me to Hogsmeade. I ignored the thoughts to give James a chance. Yet, let's be honest, James has had a thing for Lily since the moment he saw her. It's how I felt when I met Sirius... I'm taking that to the grave though. I wouldn't want to give Sirius the satisfaction.

"Wow, so I'm just a cover-up?! Rebound?! What does that make me?!" I argue, hiding my true thoughts.

Sirius releases a deep sigh as he combs his fingers through his hair.

"He likes you because to James, you're the next best thing after Lily but..." he stops himself, his volume not so defeating.

I cross my arms over my chest, "oh, so now you get shy?! What happened to grabbing me out of places whenever you like?! But what, Sirius?!"

Sirius's focus snaps in my direction and frustration return to his face.

"But to me, you're the whole damn world and you're still here with him! Is that what you want to hear, Y/N?!" He shouts at me. His voice cracks slightly at the end as emotion gets in the way.

I shuffle back into the wall and rest against it, overwhelmed by everything. The dirt beneath my shoes become the center of my focus. There's a silence between us as Sirius stares at me with glassy eyes. I hate this. I hate that I'm the reason his jet black eyes are shimmering and his voice is cracking. Sirius is usually so confident and unfazed. It draws everyone to him. He walks on clouds with the world beneath him. The entire universe revolves around him.

"I'm not going to beg you to be with me because fuck that," he breaks the silence, kicking some gravel beneath his feet with his black boot.

"But Merlin Y/N, I love you," he shakes his head, meeting my gaze.

My eyes start to well and what should be a happy moment hurts like hell. It's as though a troll is sitting on my chest. I can hardly breathe.

"I do," he nods slowly. "I meant what I said by the lake and since then you've been slipping away from me. I can't exist in a world without you in it. You're..." he sighs deeply, finding it hard to finish. "You're home to me."

I wipe a stray tear away from my cheek, turning my head down the alley.

"I hate seeing you cry," he mutters into the wind, wiping tears away from his own eyes. "I never wanted to be the cause of it."

"How do you think I feel seeing you cry?" I finally speak, my tone weak.

Guilt plagues his features and Sirius crosses the alley to me. He pulls me into his chest comfortingly. I wrap my arms around his waist as I cry into his shirt. He kisses the top of my head then rests his cheek there.

The attitude between us now in comparison to moments ago is a complete flip. Granted, it's me and Sirius. We're never predictable. Everything we do, we do passionately. One minute we're wild and having the best time arguing like a divorced couple. It's a rollercoaster of a relationship. From the moment we met, I knew Sirius would bring me the greatest happiness and the greatest heartache. He's everything to me.

I struggle to speak smoothly into the warmth of his chest. "I can't hurt anyone. I can't take on any more drama. I wish things were simple again. Things were so much easier a mere week ago. Yet now everything has gotten all jumbled."

"It doesn't have to be, not if you let me help you," he whispers.

"Please help me," I plead, clinging to him.

Sirius tucks his fingers beneath my chin to meet his gaze. His eyes are bloodshot and his lashes wet. I must look like a raccoon with my eye makeup. Thank goodness Sirius's shirt is black.

"I will always be here for you," he assures me as he caresses my cheek. "What's your problem is mine too. It's you and me, okay? I will get you through this."

I nod as an immense weight lifts off my chest. I need Sirius more than anyone and to hear him say these things eases my mind.

"Do you want to head back to the castle? I'll tell everyone you didn't feel well or something," he conjures up.

I nod silently and his hand slips behind my neck while he plants a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll be right back," he states and starts heading back toward the pub entrance.

I watch him stroll away, using the sleeve of his leather jacket to dry his eyes.

"Hey, Sirius?" I call. My voice is still shaky.

He skids to a stop, spinning on the heels of his boots unsteadily. "What's up?"

"I love you. I...” I laugh, a tad nervous as I kick about some pebbles randomly. “I wasn’t ever planning on tell you, but I’ve loved you since I first saw you on the train. i just-” 

"I know," he replies without missing a beat.

“You did?!” my jaw nearly hits the floor. I whine, tossing my head back with embarrassment. “This whole time you knew... I mean of course you did. I know it’s not a great confession like you did just now,” I ramble on anxiously. “But I just thought you should know that ‘hey, the feelings are reciprocated. I know I can be a hard ass and indecisive, but so can you.’ I figured we-” 

A faint smile appears on his lips, a complete contrast to the wetness of his eyes. He glances behind him then jogs back to me. He wraps his arms around me again and plants a kiss on my cheek.

"I know, My Love," he tells me. “ Thank you. I love you too.” 

_______________________

Masterlist

Tags: @hannah220506 @agirlwholovescoffee @a-classic-eye @devilstradegy @blackbirddaredevil23 @tay-mariee @blackpinkdolan @findzela @emilianamason

[peaceoutofthepieces]

chapter 20.5

When I Live My Dream (Please Be There To Meet Me)

To go with chapter 20!! It took longer than expected and got longer than expected and I should be asleep already but it’s done!!! It’s again not at all entirely necessary to read, but it probably will explain some things! And also it’s sweet. It’s really a Sobbe piece, but the amount of subtle Van Der Stoffels turns out to be very unsubtle. So!!! Enjoy!! (I promise I will add a ‘keep reading’ break to all of these tomorrow!)

~^~

Robbe is waiting for Sander. It’s become a very familiar occurrence. Only this time he’s at the skatepark, sitting in a cluster with his friends against one of the surrounding walls. Moyo and Aaron are goofing off at the side, being loud and obnoxious and overall nuisances. Robbe rolls his eyes fondly and switches his gaze to the other two members of their party. They’re watching something on Jens’s phone, Lucas slumped against Jens’s side and giggling as Jens shakes his head, and Robbe realises they’re watching his prank on Jens last April. He can vaguely hear Jens’s coughing through the tiny speakers and Lucas laughs fully, bringing his hand to his mouth to quiet it. Jens digs his elbow into his side but there’s a tiny smile on his lips even as he catches Robbe’s gaze and flips him off. Robbe gives him a cheeky grin and winks and Lucas notices the interaction, giving Robbe a mini round of applause.

“Have you heard anything from Sander?” Jens asks, nodding at the phone being crushed in Robbe’s grip. “When did he say he’d be here?”

“Uhm,” Robbe glances at his phone. With a sigh, he admits, “Now.”

Lucas tilts his head. “What does he look like, again?”

“Uh, bleached hair. Little taller than me—“

“—leather jacket, camera around his neck, looks way too cool to interact with any of us?” Lucas finishes, raising a brow. When Robbe only blinks at him, he nods at something over Robbe’s shoulder.

Robbe whips around, and there he is. In all his leather, artsy glory. He smiles when he meets Robbe’s eyes, and Robbe picks himself up to go meet him where he stands, still a good few feet away.

He greets him with a quick, light kiss, and Sander’s hesitant response leads him to the obvious realisation, now that they’re up close. Sander’s nervous. Robbe locks his arms around his neck and shoots him a smile that he hopes appears comforting. “You can still turn around and run, if you want to,” he reminds him.

Sander huffs, glancing briefly over Robbe’s shoulder, but he shakes his head. He gives Robbe another kiss, this one lingering, toe-curling, and Robbe’s clinging to him even when he pulls away, hands fisted in his jacket as Sander’s hand skims over his back. “No, I’m okay. Besides you’ll be there to protect me, right?”

Robbe smiles, leaning in close once more. “Always,” he promises, and steals one last peck. Then he takes Sander’s hand and tugs him along with a reassuring, “Come.”

Jens stands hastily when he sees them walking over, hitting Moyo’s back until those two join him, and Lucas bites back a smile and rises with much more dignity and grace. Sander squeezes Robbe’s hand tightly. Robbe squeezes back. The boys are simply standing there, eager grins on their faces. Robbe feels like he shouldn’t really have to introduce them, that really it just makes the situation more awkward, and they all already know each other. Still, he finds himself saying, “Sander, this is Jens, Lucas, Moyo, and Aaron.” He indicates each boy in turn and then finishes, “Guys, this is Sander.”

“Jack Frost,” Moyo finally greets excitedly, performing an easy ‘bro hug’, and the tension is broken. Jens follows his lead and gives Sander an extra pat on the shoulder when he moves away. Lucas settles on a fist bump, but his friendly smile is turned up to full watts for the blonde and Sander returns it easily, seeming grateful. He turns to Aaron, who’s only watching him with awed interest. Robbe holds his breath and waits for it to unfold.

“You’re Robbe’s boyfriend?” Aaron asks, oblivious to Jens’s amusement and Moyo’s incredulous stare. Sander’s shoulders straighten almost imperceptibly, but Robbe is in tune to his every breath. He can’t help but find the whole thing ridiculous.

Sander looks a little uncertain, but his voice is sure when he says, “Yes.” Robbe thinks he even detects a little pride. He can’t help the smile that takes over even as the moment drags on, the group’s eyes flicking between the two in anticipation. Then, Aaron pulls Sander into a hug.

Sander immediately looks to Robbe, widening his eyes, and Robbe’s lips tremble in his effort to hold back a laugh. He fails when Aaron pulls back just to say, “I’m a big fan,” with a final pat to Sander’s back.

Jens and Lucas are slightly better at stifling their laughter and Moyo only grows more incredulous, shaking his head as he says, “Man,” with all the disappointment of a wronged father. But Sander only laughs, replying with a hesitant, “Thanks?”

Robbe can’t help sliding his arms around his waist and pressing a kiss to his cheek. Sander smiles brilliantly at him and completely ignores Moyo’s dramatic coos. Robbe, however, is more than happy to flip him off. “Don’t you have to start filming for the vlog?”

Moyo puts on a look of offense, but pushes Aaron towards some of the ramps. “Yeah, yeah, come on.”

Jens and Lucas settle back down in their previous spots and Robbe pulls Sander down with him. Sander settles back against the wall and catches Robbe before he can sit next to him, pulling him to sit between his legs instead. Robbe falls against his chest happily, smiling when a kiss is dropped on top of his head, hugging Sander’s arms around him. Jens tilts his head and then shakes it, disbelieving. “You’re such a lucky asshole. I still don’t understand how you did this.”

Robbe shrugs, feeling more than a little smug. He shakes with Sander’s quiet laughter, and he twists his head around searchingly. Sander gives him a short kiss and Robbe melts, sinking lower in Sander’s hold and kissing the hands now clasped at his chest. He doesn’t even notice Jens’s phone pointed at them until he’s blinking after the flash, raising his brows. Jens shakes his phone at him. “For future teasing material.”

Robbe whines when Sander sits up straighter. “Can you send it to me?”

“Of course man,” Jens grins at him, seeming satisfied, and something settles into place in Robbe’s chest. This is what he’s been hoping for. The effortless melding of these two worlds, of everything finally connecting. Jens is his best friend and the first person he ever really felt like he loved with every part of his heart, without any underlying hurt or resentment. Even when he’d had feelings he knew went unreturned, he couldn’t blame Jens. Loving him didn’t hurt the way loving his parents did, and it was way beyond his care for Jana or Moyo or anyone else.

The only other person he loves as wholeheartedly and unconditionally as Sander. He’s not one bit surprised at the warmth blooming in his chest as he’s able to witness the two of them together, the easy interaction between them. Sander rests his chin on his head and a smile breaks across his face, the happiness filling him beginning to overflow.

Jens starts questioning him on his art and photography while Lucas just smiles at them softly, seeming almost as content as Robbe. He’s another thing that has simply slotted into place, a Broerrr they had never realised they were missing until they had him. He catches Robbe’s gaze just as Jens begins giving Sander the shovel talk, and rolls his eyes. Robbe mimics the motion, smile only widening.

Still, he chastises, “Jens,” with as much exasperation as he can muster and his best friend turns to look at him.

“What? You know this is my job,” Jens says, completely serious. “Now, I’m gonna assume you’re being safe—“

Before Robbe can jump over and cut him off, Lucas is already slapping a hand over his mouth, with all the casual air of a wave. Jens shuts up immediately, blinking, and Lucas gives Sander another of his sweet smiles. “Ignore him. I always do. He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.”

He pulls his hand away abruptly as his face distorts in disgust. Robbe assumes from that and Jens’s smug smile that Jens licked him, and he can’t help the laugh that escapes. Sander manages to keep his to a quiet huff of breath. “Fuck you,” Lucas laughs, wiping his hand on Jens’s cheek. Jens only blows him a sarcastic kiss.

Sander’s laugh comes out fully, now, and Jens and Lucas turn their gazes to him in awe. Robbe completely understands. Still, it’s not often he gets to tease them back, so with another laugh of his own he knocks Jens’s foot. “You okay there Jens?”

Jens licks his lips, collecting himself before saying, “I knew you were, you know, from online and the fact Robbe never shuts up about it, but up close…” He trails off and Lucas just nods rapidly, still staring, and Sander’s arms tighten around Robbe.

“What?” he asks, a little nervous, a little self-conscious, and God, Robbe is in love with him.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs, explaining it for them, then leaning up to kiss Sander’s chin. “I did tell you.”

The blush that takes over Sander’s cheeks is lovely.

That’s when Moyo and Aaron come bounding back over, Moyo smiling briefly at Robbe and Sander’s display before focusing on Jens and Lucas. “You bitches still think you’re up for doing this thing?”

Jens and Lucas share a glance before Jens nods, slightly reluctant, and Robbe feels for them. Sander asks, “What are you doing?”

Jens nods at the rest of the park. “We’re going to try to do a trick at the same time. They’ve been making us practice all week.”

Sander pokes him. “Not you?”

“Lucas is better than me at it,” Robbe says simply. “I’m just doing solo stuff.”

Sander smiles. “So I’ll still get to take pictures of you.” Robbe rolls his eyes but nods, accepting one kiss and stealing another.

Moyo crouches down and starts slapping Robbe’s knee. “Sander could be our behind the scenes Broerrr! Oh man, today could be his initiation!”

“Look at his face. You think that belongs behind the scenes?” Jens points out, like Moyo was stupid for even suggesting it.

Moyo glances over at him. “I’m thinking of his talent, man. Don’t relegate our baby Sander to just his looks. I know you’re more than that,” he tells Sander seriously. Jens flips him off and blows Sander a kiss.

“A skatepark seems like a bad place for initiation. I don’t recommend it,” Lucas warns.

“Nah he’s just gonna be our behind the scenes man for the day. See if he’s up to it,” Moyo explains.

Lucas’s draw drops. “Then why the fuck did I have to be scared to within an inch of my life?”

Moyo snorts. “It could’ve been worse. We could’ve used a real spider.”

“Spiders are worse than death,” Sander says gravely. Lucas fist bumps him, seeming grateful for the show of solidarity.

“I didn’t let them. I would never,” Jens reassures Lucas, patting his cheek. Lucas bats him away, sticking his tongue out.

“But basically you weren’t dating any of us or cooler than all of us combined. Sander is a special case,” Moyo adds.

“No,” Sander pipes up. “That doesn’t seem fair. Whatever initiation you want to set for me, I’m up for it.”

Moyo looks at him like he just grew to love him ten times more. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, obviously trying and failing to find an idea. Surprisingly, it’s Aaron who butts in. “Why doesn’t Robbe teach him how to skate?” Then, “You don’t already know how, do you?”

Sander shakes his head as Moyo’s eyes light up. “That could work,” Jens agrees. “If he can do any kind of flick by the end of the day, initiation passed. We all know Robbe won’t let anything harm a single hair on that pretty head, so it’ll be safe enough.”

“Is that possible? To learn it in a few hours?” Sander questions, dubious.

Robbe tilts his head back to look at him. “Are you doubting your teacher?” When Sander only blinks at him, he lowers his voice to add, “Probably not, but it doesn’t matter. If you manage to move like two feet they’ll applaud you for days.” Sander huffs a tiny laugh and nods his acceptance.

Lucas crosses his arms over his chest, shaking his head. “Unbelievable,” he says, though it’s joking, because he looks at Sander with just as much awe as the rest of them. Except probably Robbe.

“Don’t worry,” Robbe reassures him. “You’ll be the victim of many more pranks to come.” Lucas kicks his foot, but he’s smiling, and Robbe laughs.

“Yeah we still get pranked like, all the time,” Jens points out. “That’s the price of having friends, sweetheart.” Lucas huffs at him, but the statement is true, so he drops the argument.

“Alright, you guys want to do this now? Or do you need to wait until tomorrow?” Moyo asks them again.

Lucas shakes his head. “I’m going home for the weekend tomorrow. It either has to be today or wait until next week.” Jens doesn’t flinch at the words, obviously already aware, but Robbe is curious. Lucas has told them a little about his friends back home, Kes and Jayden, but beyond that they don’t know much. He thinks Jens might have a little more insight, but he hasn’t pushed yet. No matter how much some of Lucas’s offhand comments remind him of his own situation, once. He wonders if there’s a reason for Lucas going back now, when he hasn’t seemed to visit once since moving here, or if he’s just thinking too much into it.

Moyo claps his hands. “Then today it is.”

“Okay,” Jens sighs. “But we’re doing some warm ups first.”

As they move away, Robbe looks around at Sander. “Do you actually want me to try to teach you?”

Sander smirks. “An excuse to have your hands on me? I don’t know why you think I’d ever say no, Robbe.”

Robbe blushes and hides it by climbing to his feet, pulling Sander up with him with a gentle smile.

It is a little fun, trying to teach Sander with the blonde’s hands on his shoulders and Robbe’s on his waist. They get off to an awful start, Sander barely getting both feet on the board before teetering to the side and slipping off. They laugh at it at the beginning, and then Sander grows serious, brow furrowed in concentration, and Robbe loves him.

“I love you,” he says, so simply, and Sander would fall flat on his face on the concrete if Robbe wasn’t holding onto him. He tumbles off the board and into Robbe’s chest, eyes wide and surprised, and Robbe stares back at him warmly, trying to convey all the honesty of his statement. Sander cups his face and looks at him in wonder, shaking his head slightly.

“I love you too,” he says, just as simply, and the air in Robbe’s lungs rushes out in a gust of relief. “God, I love you so much. For so long,” Sander continues, in amazement, and Robbe pulls him close and kisses him, as giddy as a child.

They continue as normal after that, only with a few extra smiles and an added warmth in Robbe’s chest. His heart has never felt so content, knowing it’s not only safe, but cherished in return. It’s a feeling he never would have let himself crave, about a year ago. Before he came out, before he learned to love himself. Before he met Sander.

Now, though, as he watches Sander roll a few feet on his own with only a minor wobble, he basks in it, feeling happier than he ever remembers being.

It eventually comes time for Jens and Lucas to do their thing, and Robbe and Sander migrate over to watch. Jens is tapping his fingers against his board, the only sign of any nerves. Lucas stands composed, spine straight, but his tongue pokes into his cheek every few seconds. Robbe gives them both what he hopes is a reassuring smile.

“Do you want me to film it the first time, or do you want a practice run?”

“The last time I did something this level, I broke my arm. The least you could do is get it on film,” Lucas says.

Jens jerks his head around to him. “You what?” Then, “I’m not letting you break your arm.”

“Well, I hope not,” Lucas says easily. Jens gives him an unimpressed look. “It’s fine. We’ve been doing it all week. We’ll be fine, yeah?”

As far as Robbe knows, they haven’t actually managed to do what they’re planning, but he decides not to point that out.

Jens acquiesces, and they take their place at the top of one of the ramps, facing each other. They lock their hands together between them and kick off at the same time, racing down the groove and back up the other side, letting go of each other at the last second. Robbe holds his breath as they both spin, Lucas twisting in a 180 degree turn in the same time Jens does a 360, and he only releases it when they both land firmly back on their boards, reconnecting their hands with Jens now at Lucas’s back.

They glide to a stop in the middle of the crevice and Jens throws his arms around Lucas’s shoulders, whooping happily. Moyo screams in glee and the other three join him, Robbe pumping his fist in the air as the two begin to laugh.

Later, they’re sitting at an outside table nearby, Robbe once again tucked against Sander as the others go to throw their trash away and pay for their food. He’s enjoying the comfort of their little bubble, relishing the silence, until Sander interrupts it with, “Jens and Lucas are cute.”

Robbe turns to raise a brow at him. “I did not bring you along to comment on how attractive my friends are.”

Sander laughs quietly, but shakes his head in denial. “No, I mean together.”

“Oh.” Robbe shrugs. “Jens was the first one to befriend him when he moved here. Kinda accidentally, but I guess it worked it.”

“That’s sweet. I didn’t know Jens was into guys though.”

Robbe whips his head up to stare at him. “What? No, they’re not like, together. I didn’t know that was what you meant. What made you think that?”

Sander raises his brows. “Everything? It seems obvious.”

“Well.” Robbe doesn’t even know what to say. “It’s not like that. I’m pretty sure Jens isn’t even over Jana. Moyo said Lucas wasn’t dating any of us, remember?”

“Yeah, but I just assumed it happened since then,” Sander shrugs. “Like, ‘you weren’t dating any of us at the time’. You really never got that feeling?”

Robbe shakes his head, a little helplessly. “They’re friends. I didn’t think of anything beyond that.”

Sander does that eyebrow raise again. “They look at each other the same way we do. Do you really think that’s just friendly?”

Robbe glances over his shoulder, to where Jens and Lucas disappeared inside to pay the bill. He can just see them at the counter, turned slightly towards each other. Jens leans in to say something in Lucas’s ear and Lucas shoves him away, laughing. It doesn’t take them long to gravitate back into each other’s space. Now, Robbe can’t miss the way Jens brushes his hand down Lucas’s arm or the smile on his face, mirrored on Lucas’s own, and something breaks in his brain. The hand Lucas rests on Jens’s chest doesn’t seem at all platonic.

[lovabletomholland]

False Pretenses - Chapter 3

Fake Dating Series (College AU)

Tom Holland Imagine (Tom Holland x Reader)

Word Count: 1,675

Warnings: Language, Angst, Fluff

Summary: You see Tom shirtless and that has you reacting to him in a weird way. You meet Tom’s best friend Harrison and go ice skating for the first time, which is where a girl flirting with Tom puts your stomach in knots.

A/N: Did I upload this a day after I uploaded Chapter 2? Yes, yes I did. Alright here is Chapter 3. I really hope you guys enjoy it! It’s been fun writing this. All chapters are finished and I can’t wait for you guys to read!

Previously: Chapter 2

You wake up from the sound of the shower running and look over to Tom's side of the bed. He isn't there, however Tessa is stretched out on his side. You rub the sleep out of your eyes before reaching over and scratching behind her ear. Soon you hear the water turn off and a few minutes later Tom walks out wearing sweat pants, no shirt. Your eyes scan from his biceps to the abs on his stomach and you feel your heart rate speed up, you look away quickly feeling your cheeks heat up. "Good morning." You hear him say. "Morning," you mumble not trusting your voice right now. You feel the bed dip as he sits down. You chance a look at him and are relieved to find he put a shirt on. He's rubbing a towel through his hair with one hand and petting Tessa with the other. You both jump as the bedroom door swings open and you instinctively pull the cover up over your chest even though you're wearing a tank top.

"Tom," Harrison grins, you know it's him from pictures you've seen. Harrison walks in as Tom stands up. Tom takes two long steps before they are hugging, standing in the middle of the bedroom floor. "I've missed you man." That's when Harrison spots you in the bed and his eyes widen, "Oh shit, I forgot she was here too. Hope I didn't interrupt anything." He smiles brightly at Tom and then looks back at you. "You must be Y/N. Tom talks about you a lot. I can't believe he finally got up the balls to-" he stops abruptly and glares at Tom. "Ow, asshole!"

"Can I talk to you in the other room for a second?" Tom asks but he doesn’t give Harrison a chance to answer before he's dragging him out the door and you notice Harrison limping a little, which he wasn't doing when he first walked in.

"Wait, I wanted to introduce myself to Y/N." You hear Harrison complain before the door slams behind them. Weird. You sit up and run your fingers through your hair trying to get some of the tangles out. You wasn't expecting to meet anyone this early, you probably look a mess.

A few minutes later Tom and Harrison come back in closing the door behind them. Harrison sits down on the bed next to you. "Hey. It's nice to officially meet you." He pulls you into a tight embrace.

You giggle and hug him back, "Nice to meet you too." You pull back and give him a smile.

"So, this loser talked you into being his fake girlfriend, huh?" He grins at Tom and then looks back at you. "How unfortunate for you."

You laugh, "It's okay. At least I'm not stuck in the apartment alone for the holidays," you admit.

"I would have invited you either way," Tom tells you sitting on the bed. "Even if you didn't agree, I would have just told my mum the truth."

"I know." You crawl over to Tom and kiss his cheek before snuggling into his side. "I don't mind helping you out. It's what friends are for, right?" You look over at Harrison, "And Tom isn't a loser." You scowl at Harrison playfully.

"Maybe not to you but he'll always be a loser to me," Harrison tells you with a grin. "Let's go eat breakfast, I'm starving."

Breakfast at the Holland house is chaotic to say the least and you love it. You didn't really expect anything less considering there are currently five boys in the house. You wonder how Mrs. Holland does it all the time. Tom and his brothers bicker and tease each other which just makes for a very lively table. They accept you wholeheartedly into their little group, and that puts a smile on your face.

***

Later in the evening you find yourself at the ice skating rink. You tried to get out of it but the boys just wouldn't let that happen. Tom takes your hand, lacing your fingers together as he pulls you out onto the ice, "I got you." He gives you an encouraging smile.

You are very shaky and you have fallen several times as Tom's brothers and Harrison skate around the two of you like pros. You know Tom is really good too, you're just holding him back. He says he doesn't mind and you can tell he means it, but you still feel bad. This should be his time to hang out with his family and best friend that he hasn't seen in a few months. "Seriously Tom, I can just watch, go spend time with your brothers and Haz."

You go to pull your hand out of his but he tightens his grip, "You'll get the hang of it. You're already getting better."

You sigh and try to keep up without falling again and Harrison comes and takes your other hand, which helps a lot. After a little while you're really getting it and it's been a while since you've fallen so Haz let's go but Tom keeps a hold of your hand. He's finally able to keep up with his brothers and talk to them and Haz. That's of course when you fall down hard, taking Tom with you this time. He lands on top of you. Your limbs tangled with his.

"Oh my God, are you okay?!" Tom moves to the side and looks at you in concern but you're laughing and soon he's laughing with you. Once the two of you calm down, Harry and Harrison help you get back to your feet.

"That was quite a spill, are you sure you're okay?" Sam asks, concern on his face. They all look concerned. You thought for sure they'd make fun of you for not knowing how to skate but they haven't, they've just been really supportive. If it was Tom who kept falling you're pretty sure they'd make fun of him though.

"Yeah, I'm good. I need a break though. I'm going to get some hot chocolate." You grab the side of the rink for support and you notice Tom start to follow you. "No, I can make it on my own. Have fun. I'm fine," you tell him with a smile but he continues to follow you. "Seriously Tom, I'm good." You say it more forcefully this time. He frowns at you at first but then he skates over towards his brothers and Harrison.

You make your way out of the rink and sit down pulling the skates off. You switch them out for your boots before you grab a hot chocolate. The cup warms your cold hands. You sit on a bench near the rink so you can watch the boys. They're laughing, goofing around and showing off by doing spins and flips, especially Tom. He's better than all of them. When the four of them are just standing in the middle of the rink talking, a girl walks up to Tom and starts talking to him, she flips her long blond hair and runs her hand down his arm. You get this odd feeling in the pit of your stomach and you’re happy when the feeling starts to ease because Tom pulls his arm away and you see his eyes start to scan the area. He finally spots you and skates away from the girl, leaving her in the middle of a sentence. You watch as he heads to the exit nearest you.

You're certain the only reason why he did that is because Harrison is the only one who knows the two of you aren't really dating. Tom is usually a big flirt or at least he used to be up until a couple months ago. You're not sure why that changed, you just put it off to the fact that he was really focused on school.

He plops down next to you and steals your hot chocolate, taking a big sip, "Oh, that's really good."

You giggle, "I know, seeing as it's mine." You look down at your hands. "So, she was really pretty," You say nonchalantly.

"Who?" He asks taking another sip of your hot chocolate.

You nod your head to the blond girl who is now staring at you, anger and jealousy in her eyes. If looks could kill, you'd be dead for sure.

Tom follows your gaze, "Oh, yeah I guess." He shrugs and gives you the hot chocolate back. He looks down and sees that the skates are gone and your boots are back on your feet, "I take it you're not going back out there?"

You shake your head, "Nope. I'm okay being benched," you joke. "I'm fine watching, you're really good."

"Thanks." He rubs your knee before he stands up, he bends over and kisses your forehead, "We won’t stay much longer." You feel your cheeks heat up again and your stomach flutters from his touch. Gosh, you wish it would stop doing that.

You're actually there for another hour but you didn't get bored, the boys took turns sitting with you. Harry first, then Sam, and last Haz. On your way back to the house Tom stops to pick up his little brother, Paddy, from a friend's house and then all of you are back in the warmth of his mom’s house. You actually had a lot of fun today, even if you kept falling and probably have a few bruises on your legs, butt, and hips.

***

The next few days are similar, only you guys do different activities and at least these didn't end with you falling every few seconds. You crawl into bed the night before Christmas Eve with Tom. Tessa was actually sleeping in Harry’s room tonight which Tom made a fuss about at first. You feel happy and content, that is until you open Facebook and see a picture James posted. He's kissing another girl in it, and not on the cheek like you've been doing with Tom.

Chapter 4

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