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nhl-stories · 2 years ago

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Serotonin – Cale Makar

Summary: Cale is just helping out a friend of a friend in a tough place, he ends up in deeper than he ever imagined.

Author’s Note: Warnings for mentions of substance abuse, suicide attempts, and mental illness. If you're feeling suicidal, please reach out, you can find some resources here

Word Count: 3.8 k

Album Series Masterlist

I get intrusive thoughts Like burning my hair off Like hurting somebody I love

Cale didn’t know what to expect; he was picturing the hospital from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which he watched in a college psychology class, and pulling into the parking lot mostly shoots down that theory.

He wipes his palms on his jeans before getting out of the car, grabbing the backpack he was sent to bring.

The building is old and imposing in the way most hospitals are, someone should probably change that, he thinks as he enters the lobby.

The inside is a little warmer and brighter, but he’s immediately met with front desk behind glass and a door he has to be buzzed through to enter, so any comforting vibes are quickly swept away.

“How can I help you,” the nurse has a syrupy sweet voice.

“I’m here to see Morgan Lee, I brought some stuff for them,” Cale holds up the backpack.

“Great, if you can fill out this form,” she opens a door in the window and slides out a clipboard, “and we’ll need to check the bag before you see the patient.”

Cale opens his mouth, not sure if he wants to protest calling Morgan ‘the patient’ or searching the bag.

“It’s just protocol sweetie, we do it for everyone.”

Cale hates being called sweetie.

The bag search takes forever, they go through every pocket, then keep the backpack and hand Cale a box full of its contents before leading him to Morgan’s room.

The facility seems nice, it’s not filled with zombies in matching gowns being handed medication; in fact, it kind of reminds him of a college dorm.

“Morgan, you have a visitor,” the nurse opens the door and calls in before waving Cale in, “you can stay until dinner time, and I’m gonna leave the door open.”

“Oooh open door, Cale you must seem like trouble,” Morgan smiles from the bed.

They’re wearing a hospital gown with a scratchy looking robe over top, those surgery socks with the textured bottoms on their feet. Cale can’t stop staring at the bright green cast on their right arm.

He doesn’t want to stare, make Morgan feel weird, but the situation is weird. He drops the box at the end of the bed.

“I think they’re keeping your backpack,” he lamely adds.

“I told you to put it all in a box,” they start digging through the contents, “you can’t hang yourself with a box.”

There’s a quick intake of air, he doesn’t realize it’s his own until Morgan looks at him with a sad look.

“Sorry, too soon for suicide jokes?”

Cale looks down at his feet, he can feel his cheeks turning pinker than normal. He wants to be a good visitor, not make Morgan walk on eggshells around his own comfort zone.

“I graduated from hospital fashion, so that’s a good sign,” they find a baggy DU sweatshirt and start to change, standing up from the bed and shimmying on a pair of sweats, they look happier and healthier already.

“How long are you gonna be in here?” It’s not the best first question, but anything is better than Cale standing in awkward silence.

“They think 15 more days, depending. I’m mostly through the worst of the withdrawals so it’s all about whether I’m a threat to myself and others.”

Morgan pulls the chair closer to the bed and gestures for Cale to take it before hopping back on the bed, “then it’s all outpatient service.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

“The thing about people with functioning drug and alcohol problems, is you don’t usually know they have a serious problem. It’s kind of the goal.”

Cale can’t believe this is the same person who called him crying a day ago.

“Besides we’re like really, really good acquaintances at best. If you were the first person to figure it out…” Morgan let’s out a heavy sigh, “I don’t know, it doesn’t matter now. I’m here and not being scraped off a sidewalk.”

“Still, sorry it had to get this far.”

Morgan shrugs, “so tell me what’s new with you, how’s the team? Reading any new books? Or any good Costco deals?”

Cale is happy to prattle on, he likes talking to Morgan. They always seemed engaged with whatever he’s saying, even if it’s mundane.

Their friendship is quite new, only really blossoming in the past year when they learned they lived in the same neighborhood. Cale wouldn’t say they were that close, but in the short time Morgan has always taken his book recommendations, happily sharing their thoughts afterwards, sharing their own reads back. They even seem genuinely interested in whatever he found at Costco.

Because he enjoys Morgan’s company so much, it makes him feel a little worse that he didn’t notice anything was wrong. Sitting in a psychiatric hospital for a visit makes him think there must have been red flags he missed.

Eventually the nurse pops her head back in, “Morgan, dinner is in 10, so you and your guest can wrap it up.”

“Thanks for hanging out,” Morgan gives Cale a playful kick in the thigh.

“No problem, I’ll gladly swing by any time I’m free,” he hopes it’s clear he means it.

“And can you do me a favor? Don’t mention this to Jade or Logan please?”

“Oh,” Cale tries to hide his shock, “you don’t think they’ll notice you’re AWOL?”

“One week in Jade will know what’s up, this has happened a few times...” the words feel like they carry the weight of the world, “But I don’t want them to freak out and worry. They’ll try and make me move in with them again.”

“Yeah, I can keep a secret,” his stomach sloshes uncomfortably, he’s not only terrible at deception, his body seems to have an allergic reaction to it.

|||

Cale first met Morgan through OC and his girlfriend, Jade. Jade had been friends with Morgan since high school and they all attended University of Denver together. Morgan had come to a few games and parties, but nothing really made a lasting impression.

Until they won the Stanley Cup.

Morgan seemed to be at every party, doing an incredible job of keeping up with the boys. In hindsight, maybe that’s a red flag in it of itself.

He doesn’t remember most of it, but he distinctly remembers Jade apologizing for Morgan’s behavior the morning after the parade. Cale can’t recall what exactly what they had done, he has a foggy memory of Morgan being a bit of a ragdoll at one point, but nothing too alarming.

Whatever it was, it was apparently bad enough for the grave expressions OC and Jade gave as they apologized. Probably another red flag.

But Morgan was back, maybe a little more subdued, for the festivities the next day. Cale was a bit too drunk to operate his phone and had asked them to help him order an Uber home, Morgan happily obliged and made a delighted noise when they realized Cale was practically their neighbor.

They shared the car and planted the seeds of their friendship.

Cale didn’t get a chance to visit Morgan in the hospital for five days, but OC did question him.

“Hey Cale, have you seen Mo around your hood recently? Jade hasn’t heard from them and she’s getting a little worried.”

“Uhhh–“ the uncomfortable sloshing returns, “Morgan hasn’t been around, but I talked to them the other day, they seem to be doing well.”

It’s not exactly a lie, more of a lie of omission.

“Oh. Good. I’ll pass that along to Jade. I told her she didn’t need to freak out, but they’ve been friends forever and been through some tough times, so she can’t help it sometimes.”

It feels like Logan knows that Cale knows something, or maybe he’s just talking out his own worries about Morgan. Either way, Cale feels a little sicker about not telling the whole truth; he just hopes it’s not showing on his face.

“I’ll let you know if I hear from Morgan again,” he can at least be mostly honest about that.

“Thank for looking out,” Logan claps him on the shoulder before he leaves.

Cale goes to visit Morgan afterwards; he brings his cribbage board because he thinks Morgan will like having an activity, so neither of them will feel obligated to talk.

“We can go outside to play, I’ve been told I’m not taking advantage of the grounds, so I’ll get brownie points from the staff too.”

They find a table in a sunny patch, “Logan asked about you today.”

“Yeah, I have about 24 hours before Jade talks to my parents and then she’ll be here first thing.”

“It’s nice to have someone who cares that much,” Cale feels like he’s stepping into very heavy territory.

“I’m not really the nicest to the people who care about me when I go into self-destruct mode and it’s harder to face someone who loves you despite the things you’ve said or done in the aftermath.

Their eyes start to water, and Cale feels a little guilty.

“Do you know how to play?” He changes the subject.

“Absolutely no clue.”

“That’s fine, I hear that I’m a good teacher.”

Cale has never seen Morgan smile so wide. He’s always thought they had one of those contagious smiles, but he feels a sense of pride in being the cause of it now.

“I suck at this. Are you sure you’re good teacher?”

“There’s definitely a learning curve, plus I’m basically a pro.”

“Wow, is Cale Makar bragging?”

“Is it bragging if it’s true?” Morgan gives him a shove.

They play one more game and Morgan still sucks, but admits they have fun despite that. They have to call it quits because Morgan has group therapy so they head back to their room.

Cale hands over his cribbage board, “you can borrow this, if you want to practice with someone here.”

“I don’t want to take your board; you have a road trip coming up.”

“Don’t worry I have another one.”

“You own two cribbage boards? I was definitely being hustled.”

Cale chuckles, “I don’t think it’s hustling if there are no stakes.”

“A technicality,” Morgan smirks but takes the board nonetheless.

They awkwardly stand in Morgan’s room, just goofily smiling at each other. Not sure if they want to end their time together, even though they have to.

“Do you want to sign my cast?”

“What?”

“If I have a famous autograph, I’ll be the coolest person in group,” Morgan bites back her smile.

“In that case, sure.”

Morgan finds a marker and hands it over. Cale holds their cast, dangerously close to brushing their fingers while he signs.

“Thanks, I’ll see you after your road trip?”

“Yeah, rematch?”

Morgan gives a thumbs up and a wave as Cale leaves.

|||

“You little rat!”

Cale whips his head over to the voice in the hallway, but feels a punch in his arm before he can identify the voice.

“Cale Makar, I thought you were a nice boy,” Jade comes into focus in the hallway after the game, she’s fuming and Cale wonders if she’s been letting this fester for the whole hockey game.

He can assume what she’s mad about, but he can’t seem to wipe the dumbfounded look off his face as he stares.

“You signed her cast, and you didn’t tell me or Logan where she was? What the actual fuck.”

She punches him a few more times for emphasis.

The other guys trickling out of the locker room can’t help but stare, it’s not a normal occurrence for Cale to get yelled at by anyone.

Logan finally emerges and tries to calm his girlfriend down, or at least stop her from causing a scene.

“She made me promise not tell.”

“Oh, well then that’s okay, people in psychiatric hospitals notably have good judgement.”

Cale winces.

“Jade honey, don’t blame Cale.”

Jade let’s out a huff, like she’s still not sure.

“We should be glad Mo is reaching out to someone, instead of pushing everyone away,” OC reasons.

“Fine, I guess I’ll forgive you,” a small smile begins to form, “you seem to be a good influence, Mo made a friend in the hospital, and they’ve never done that before. And because of cribbage of all things.”

Cale feels his face heat up. He’s been called a good influence dozens of times in his life, but this one makes him feel giddy.

“Keep it up is what I’m saying. You’re in the trenches with us now, especially when Morgan is back in the real world.”

“Yeah of course, I think I graduated from really, really good acquaintance to actual friend.”

Then Jade pulls him into a tight hug, making a full 180 in the span of a single conversation.

|||

Cale comes from home from a road trip and finds Morgan sitting against the door to his place.

“Should I be concerned or excited for this visit?” He tries to keep it light, but his heart is racing with legitimate concern.

“I didn’t escape from the mental institution if that’s what you’re thinking, I got released three days ago.”

Morgan stands up so Cale can unlock his door.

“It’s just I took a leave of absence from school and in hindsight that may have been a mistake.”

“Yeah? I didn’t even finish college so I’m not exactly well-informed on grad school, but I can’t imagine missing two weeks is that easy to make up especially near the end of the semester.”

“That was my reasoning, but it’s only been three days and my schedule is a little too open.”

They follow Cale into the apartment, and flop onto the couch like they own the place. Cale feels the need to keep an eye on Morgan but also doesn’t want to be suffocating and he has luggage to put away and laundry to start.

Morgan keeps going on like they just need to talk so Cale goes about his business while he listens.

“I can only go to so much therapy or meetings and I don’t have a new sponsor yet, and all my friends except you and Logan have real jobs, so I’m feeling a bit aimless. Maybe I should pick up a hobby.”

“Maybe you could pick more shifts at work,” Cale decides chores can wait a bit and flops down on the couch next Morgan, picking up their legs to rest across his.

“Well I work at a bar, which is great for hiding alcoholism, not great for sobriety.”

“Yikes, probably not. What did you do in the past?”

“Throw myself into school or lie about getting sober.”

“Right,” Cale feels a bit out of his depth here, “Want to go on a hike?”

“Like right now? Didn’t you just get back from a road trip, shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I’m not gonna make you climb a mountain,” he stands up and offers his hands to help Morgan up, “exercise gives you endorphins.”

“Isn’t that from Legally Blonde?”

Cale can feel his ears burning but notices Morgan is flushing too, he realizes they’re still holding hands, neither making the first move to let go.

And that’s how Cale finds his off time filled with trails around Denver. Sometimes just the two of them, not really talking, just heavy breathing and enjoying the views. Sometimes with OC and Jade, which weirdly makes Cale’s nervous, it’s somehow more intimate than when it’s just Morgan and himself.

His heart sings when Morgan sends him a picture of a hike, they took on their own, or with some people from group, or Jade. He likes knowing they’re filling their time with something; that he’s a good influence, a good friend even when he can’t physically be involved.

And he can’t help but want Morgan involved in his life too. It’s why on one of their “double date” hikes he finally gets the courage to ask.

“You want to come to our next home game Mo?”

Morgan is still gasping a bit from the last incline they hiked up, but they smile through it regardless.

Jade is the first to speak up, “It’s a playoff game, will that be too much for you?”

“I don’t know, but I can’t come anyway. I’m getting my 30-day chip that night.”

“Oh fuck, Mo I completely forgot. I wanted us to be there to celebrate with you,” Jade pouts.

“It’s not that big of a deal.”

“No that’s a huge deal, congrats,” Cale smiles through his selfish disappointment.

“Jade, it’s okay if you miss the game,” Logan adds, his own disappointment shining through a bit too, the whole conversation becoming a bit of a downer.

“It’s not the first time I’ve been a month sober, go cheer on our team for me Jade. And I’ll go to the next game,” Jade makes a noise of concern, “and if it’s too much I leave early to go to a meeting or something.”

“Fine, but I’m still getting you a cake to celebrate on another day.”

It turns out a game and a playoff game on top of that is too much. Morgan barely makes it through the first before they have to excuse themselves.

They text Cale: Sorry I’m too lame to hang, but still screaming and cheering in spirit

Cale can’t help but feel sad when he isn’t greeted by Morgan, watching everyone else get celebratory hugs from loved one feels like a stab in the gut. Jade gives him a hug that makes him a feel a bit pathetic.

“We’re going to Mo’s for some ice cream cake if you want to join, I know they’d like you there.”

He feels a little less pathetic and feels something warm make its home behind his sternum.

|||

They win the next game but then it seems to all go to shit.

He doesn’t mean for the hit to be that bad. He could make excuses about the heat of the game; about the blood that buzzes in his ears that makes him so singularly focused on the ice. But it doesn’t change what happens, how it looks in the replay. It looks bad, it is bad, and yeah, he probably deserves the suspension he gets.

It doesn’t help that they lose the game, in OT of all things.

He’s angry and blames himself for all the team’s problems, deep down he knows it’s irrational, he just can’t help it.

Morgan calls him, their name flashing on his phone would usually cause his heart to skip a beat, but he’s just tired. He answers anyway.

“Hey, how are you?”

There’s no pity or even concern in their voice, just a normal greeting like Morgan doesn’t know what happened. He’s torn between relief and anger.

He grunts in response.

“Ooh, never a good greeting.”

“Any reason you called?” He doesn’t recognize his own voice with the tone that comes out on its own accord.

“Just wanted to catch up, see if you wanted to hang out or something. Get your mind off the playoffs for a bit.”

“Don’t you have your own problems to worry about? Fix yourself before getting in my business,” he snaps before he can stop himself.

He wants to be angry; he wants to wallow in his frustration and disappointment. Morgan just happens to be the first person he can target it at.

“Oh. Justdon’tbetoohardonyourself,” they spit the last bit out in one word before hanging up.

Cale has even more reason to be hard on himself now. He gets a sick enjoyment from picking at his wounds rather than licking them.

But the guilt weighs on him.

It weighs on him when OC sends a glare his way during practice, clearly hearing how Cale acted towards Morgan.

It weighs on him when he gets back into the lineup, even when he has two points on the board.

It weighs on him as he sits in stall and stares at his hands, having lost the series. It feels like everything went wrong because of him, and he hates that there is a degree of truth in that thought.

When he finally feels like he’s mentally beat himself up enough in the locker room, he gets up to beat himself up more at home.

Morgan is there sitting against his door. Cale thinks of turning around and running, but since he’s being a glutton for punishment at the moment, he faces this head on.

“Sorry about the game, sucks,” Morgan stands up and hugs him.

Before he knows it, he’s hugging them back and crying.

“I’m sorry,” he sobs out, knowing it’s not enough but all he can give right now.

“It’s okay,” they rub his back, their cast feeling weirdly soothing.

“It’s not, that was a really shitty thing to do.”

“If anyone knows about lashing out when things are bad, it’s me. You’re forgiven.”

Morgan pulls away and gives him a reassuring smile, Cale wants to believe that he’s forgiven. They seem to sense that.

“Seriously Cale. Right before I went to rehab the first time, Jade had threatened to tell my parents about my problems, so I told her if she did that she would never find another friend because she was completely unlovable and I only kept her around because of how pathetic she was.”

“Oh my god.”

“Yeah, doesn’t make it okay to say those things, it’s been like a decade I’m still trying to make it up to Jade, but you’re forgiven for letting your emotions get the better of you.”

“At least you had drugs to blame it on, that was all me,” Cale smirks, before he widens his eyes, realizing how fucked up that was to say.

But Morgan bursts out into a laugh, it feels like winning in a miniscule way.

“Now we’re real friends,” they ruffle his hair, “an acquaintance would never feel comfortable enough to make that joke.”

The word friend doesn’t sit quite right with Cale, like wearing a shirt that’s a size too small.

Morgan grabs his hand and gives it a squeeze, “I’m glad we’ll be on good terms before you go back to Calgary.”

He grabs their fingers peeking out of the cast and takes a big swing, “Calgary has some good trails around, if you feel like getting away for a bit, we can celebrate 60 days of sobriety.”

Morgan is trying to bite back a smile, “Yeah, that sounds fun.”

They stand in the hallway, grinning at each other like dopes and holding hands. Neither wanting to say goodbye but not really sure what to do next.

Then Morgan kisses him. It’s not quite a peck yet not quite a deep, passionate kiss. It’s something different: tender and meaningful.

“I’m not really supposed to date anyone for a year,” Cale furrows his brows in response.

“It’s an NA/AA thing, we’re supposed to focus on recovery and ourselves before we start putting energy towards other people.”

“Oh, yeah that’s–” Cale tries to hide his disappointment.

“But you’ll be the first person I call when I get there,” they intertwine their fingers, “cause maybe you can graduate from friend to something more.”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” neither one can wipe the stupid grin off their face.

#cale makar #cale makar imagine #cale makar fic #colorado avalanche #colorado avalanche imagines #colorado avalanche fic #hockey imagines #nhl #hockey #nhl imagines #hockey fics #nhl stories #non binary oc

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hockeylvr59 · 10 months ago

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Here With Me Part 32 || Taylor Makar

Author’s Note: Taylor and Kelsey have an enjoyable morning before Tracy and Cale arrive at the lake and Cale being a drama-king leads to an evening dock talk for Taylor and Kelsey. FC: Marina Laswick (@marooshk on instagram).

A/N2: It's my birthday and though I've had no muse to write lately I've had this one banked so why not.

Warnings: smut, past emotional abuse // Word Count: 6,479

~~~~~~

Thirty One

The bedrooms in the lake house did not have room darkening curtains so Kelsey stirred as soon as the sun started rising above the horizon. Unlike when they had gone to sleep, only Kelsey was still on her side, her head on Taylor’s shoulder as he sprawled out on his back. Her arm was still draped across his body and her palm rested lightly over his abs. Unconsciously her brain sought out her favorite spot, even if there wasn’t going to be hair growth back quite yet, and instead was greeted by the tented fabric of his boxers.

A spark of curiosity filled her and she carefully lifted the covers to see that Taylor’s dick was indeed awake even if he was not. Letting the blankets fall, she slowly slid her hand back down, grazing her fingers against the soft skin of his stomach along his waistband. Slipping her fingers under the elastic, she continued to tease gently, gradually sliding further south.

Hearing a groan fall from Taylor’s lips, Kelsey paused her movements waiting to see if she would get any other reaction from her boyfriend. When she didn’t, her fingers continued their teasing movements, grazing against the growing stubble of Taylor’s pubic hair. Exploring a few inches further south caused her fingers to bump lightly against the base of his dick and Kelsey didn’t hesitate in wrapping her fingers around his length, jerking slowly.

He was so warm, solid, and heavy in her palm and Kelsey closed her eyes just focusing on the feel of him.

Suddenly, the shoulder that had been propped up by Taylor’s body hit the bed as her boyfriend rolled from being partially under her, to slumped over her, his dick now trapped between their bodies since her hand had released him with the shock of the movement. For a moment he didn’t move but then he raised his head, his mouth connecting with hers in a series of sloppy, lazy kisses. As they kissed, Taylor ground his hips down into her body, his dick rubbing against her where she wanted him most.

Needing more contact, Kelsey slipped her hands under Taylor’s boxers again, this time palming the firm ass all his hockey training had given him. She hadn’t intended any of this when she had aimlessly started touching him, however, she couldn’t deny the way her underwear was becoming soaked with arousal, feeling him between her hips and kissing her with full tongue.

With her whole body tingling, Kelsey needed more and twisted her hands to try and push the boxers from Taylor’s body unsuccessfully. Frustrated, Kelsey whined into Taylor’s mouth, wordlessly expressing her need for him. Pulling back just a breath, Taylor spoke against her lips.

“Should I get a condom?”

“Please.” Kelsey agreed, needing him inside her.

Kissing her for another thirty seconds or so, Taylor pressed up off of her and slipped out from under the covers. As he moved toward his bag, he slipped the boxers from his hips, letting them pool on the floor at his feet. Revealed fully to her eyes, Kelsey admired every inch of him as he bent over to dig through his bag. She had to be the luckiest girl on the planet.

That sentiment only grew as he turned to face her showing off exactly what she was about to get.

“Want you.” Kelsey murmured, shifting up onto her knees to face him as he stood at the side of the bed. Though they shared a few need filled kisses, Kelsey realized that she was missing the additional intimacy of skin to skin contact and reached down, quickly pulling her sleep shirt off over her head. Now when she kissed him, her breasts pressed against his bare chest making everything feel just that much better.

After tossing the condom packet and a bottle of lube further onto the bed, Taylor's hands slipped to the back of Kelsey’s thighs. In the blink of an eye, he had lifted her to wrap her legs around his waist and had carefully laid her back on the bed. That quick flash of speed was replaced by the languid pace he’d been moving at all morning and he kissed her again, occasionally leaving her lips to tease his way across her upper body.

Seemingly getting his fill of just kissing, Taylor slipped his hands down to Kelsey’s waist to carefully pull her underwear from her body, removing the last item of clothing separating them. Then he reached for the condom he’d tossed onto the bed, tearing the wrapper and sheathing himself in the latex before applying a generous amount of lube. All of that situated, he settled himself back between Kelsey’s thighs.

“All good?” He questioned softly, his eyes warm as he looked at her.

“All good.” Kelsey echoed, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his hair as he pressed into her slowly. Absolutely nothing compared to the stretch of him inside her and a moan started to rise in her throat. It was then that her brain remembered where they were and how his parents could literally be two feet outside the door. Biting back the moan, Kelsey let out a shaky breath instead. They could do this but they had to be quiet. It was one thing for his parents to know they’d had sex, it was another for them to hear them in the midst of it.

Kissing him again to help silence herself, Kelsey focused on how it felt to be intimate with him.

Still maintaining the languid morning mood, Taylor moved slowly in his thrusts, movements that allowed Kelsey to feel every inch of him. It also kept things quieter, an added benefit but not really the intention.

Gradually, the coil in Kelsey’s stomach wound tighter as Taylor pressed into her over and over again. But as his movements started becoming less steady, Kelsey knew that this alone wasn’t going to push her over the edge even if she was enjoying it tremendously. Thankfully, Taylor seemed to make the same observation and so he adjusted himself slightly, shifting a hand to slide between their bodies and rub his thumb against her clit.

It may not have seemed like much but it sent sparks flying through her body and Kelsey gasped into his mouth. This was exactly what she needed. Now confident that she was going to get there right behind him, Kelsey tugged Taylor’s hair gently.

“You can cum Tay, I’m right behind you.” She murmured against his lips. Still stroking her clit, Taylor’s movements became more erratic and she felt his body draw taut above her before relaxing as he released into the condom after just a few more thrusts. As he came down from his high, Kelsey hit her own, spasming around him and whining softly in the back of her throat.

Panting as Taylor pulled out, Kelsey watched as he got up to dispose of the condom before returning to her side. Both knew they could only cuddle for a moment before Kelsey needed to get up to pee and clean up but she was going to bask in that moment and Taylor’s hug, his fingers trailing lightly over her back.

“Well that was unexpected.” Kelsey said lightly, a slight giggle in her voice.

“Unexpected for you?” Taylor joked. “Last I checked I’m the one that woke up to your hand around my dick.”

“It was right there.” Kelsey added, still playful. “What was I supposed to do?”

Rolling his eyes fondly, Taylor tickled her sides.

“Go pee Kels.” He instructed a minute later, stopping his teasing and kissing her lips softly.

Stealing a second kiss, Kelsey reluctantly got out of bed, reaching for clothes to throw on to get her to the bathroom in case his parents were in fact awake. Without a mirror in the room, Kelsey couldn’t tell how she looked but even if her hair was messy she at least had clothes on her body. Once Taylor at least had boxers back on, Kelsey opened the door to cross the living space toward the bathroom. She was immediately grateful she was decent because his parents were both present in the kitchen discussing what to make for breakfast.

“Good morning Kelsey.” Gary greeted.

“Morning.” She murmured, her cheeks flushing a bit unconsciously as she made her way into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

After peeing, Kelsey wiped herself clean of her bodily fluids and any lubricant that had been left behind. Then she combed her fingers through her hair trying to make it look a little less tangled and splashed some water on her face. Deciding that was as good as it was going to get until she officially got dressed for the day, Kelsey moved to step out of the bathroom only to bump into Taylor who was standing outside the door already dressed for his workout. His presence made her jump and she cursed under her breath causing him to laugh as he moved her forward so he could step into the bathroom behind her.

Crossing back to their room, Kelsey closed that door behind her as well and then lifted her suitcase up to find something to wear for the day. A quick check of her phone revealed that although today was going to be one of the warmer days, it was still going to be chilly, so she pulled out the single pair of pants she had brought and a t-shirt along with clean undergarments. She’d have to borrow one of the hoodies T had packed for her if she was going to spend any time outside today. And she’d definitely have to figure out how to make her wardrobe work given that she had not packed for the weather to be this chilly.

Dressing herself in at least the lighter layer, Kelsey ran a brush through her hair and put deodorant on, deciding she’d brush her teeth and do a light layer of makeup after having her coffee and breakfast.

Feeling more put together, Kelsey left the bedroom once more, making her way into the kitchen to make up a cup of coffee to actually get her brain working. With Taylor already standing making coffee, Kelsey moved over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

“When you’re done with yours can you get one started for me?” She questioned.

“This one is yours.” Taylor declared, his tone hinting at the unspoken ‘who do you think I am’.

“Tay. I can wait for a second one to be made, I’m not gonna take yours.” Kelsey murmured.

Turning slightly, Taylor glared at her softly, his look communicating for her to take the coffee because he had made it for her not himself.

“Okay, fine. Thank you.” Kelsey murmured. “I love you.”

Immediately Taylor’s facial expression softened and he pressed his lips to her forehead in a quick kiss before sliding the mug of coffee over to her as his parents shared an unseen look.

Taking the mug, Kelsey stepped out from Taylor’s proximity to get the cream from the fridge and a little bit of sugar to make it more palatable before moving to the living room to get out of everyone’s way as breakfast was made. Honestly, she couldn’t have asked for a better start to the morning and she smiled to herself as she sipped at her coffee.

It didn’t take long before Kelsey was summoned to make herself a plate for breakfast and she loaded it up with eggs and bacon, thanking Laura and Gary for the food. Devouring everything on her plate and finishing her coffee, Kelsey got up to take care of her dishes. Seeing Taylor also finish as she moved to get the rest of the things she needed to get ready, Kelsey asked if he could grab one of the sweatshirts he’d packed for her before he left to go workout.

Said hoodie was laying on the bed by the time she finished and Kelsey put all her things away, grabbing the first of the two books she had packed. Though it might be too cool to sit out for long, Kelsey was going to try to get some fresh air and read while Taylor trained. Throwing the hoodie on, Kelsey smiled at how huge it was on her body, making her feel warm and safe. Then she padded out to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water before making her way onto the porch with her book in hand.

Laura and Gary must have been getting themselves ready for the day because she hadn’t seen either of them but that didn’t matter much as she settled herself into one of the comfy chairs before cracking her book open to sit and read. It definitely was chilly out but it was manageable, especially curled into a ball with a book in her lap.

Losing herself in the words on the page, Kelsey barely noticed when Laura came out, settling into one of the other chairs with a book of her own. They read silently until voices came from the hill beside the house.

“Those two never can be quiet.” Laura murmured, raising an eyebrow at the sound.

“Of course not.” Kelsey added, shaking her head softly. It wasn’t exactly easy to block out the sounds of Gary and Taylor going back and forth with each other, but Kelsey did her best and focused on the words on the page in front of her. She only had to reread paragraphs a few times which overall was a success.

Eventually, Laura got up and moved back inside as it became clear that Taylor was wrapping up his training for the day. When her boyfriend appeared over her, he was dripping in sweat and had a smoothie in hand.

“Cozy Kels?” He questioned, adjusting his ball cap over his sweaty hair.

“Just chilling…” She shrugged. “Good workout?”

A simple nod of the head was his answer as he chugged more of the smoothie.

“Gonna shower but then I was thinking I’d take you out on the lake…”

“Sure T. I’m down but there’s no rush.”

Taylor paced around the porch for a minute while he finished his smoothie before he slipped back inside. Judging by how long it usually took Taylor to shower, Kelsey read for another ten minutes before marking her spot and closing her book. Then she headed inside herself to put her book away and grab shoes to go out on a boat with him.

Once all that was done, and just to be safe, she threw her phone in the waterproof floating pouch she had brought and sealed it shut before sliding it back into her pocket.

Taylor was out of the shower not long after that and after putting her shoes on Kelsey followed him downstairs and outside where they met up with his dad who was giving the boat a quick hose down before they took it out onto the water.

“How can we help?” Kelsey asked.

“Once T and I flip it to drain the water you can towel it down.” Gary directed, tossing the hose aside now that he was finished with it. Together the boys flipped it over to pour the water out and then flipped it back onto its bottom. Taking her cue, Kelsey grabbed the towel from the ground where Gary had put it and started to dry off the inside of the boat starting with the seats.

When she was finished, Gary and Taylor carried it down to the water, carefully setting it into the lake alongside the dock and tying it in place. While they hooked up the engine to it, Kelsey retrieved the life jackets from the storage shed where Gary had said they were located and carried them down to the dock.

With everything situated, Kelsey put her lifejacket on before climbing into the boat with Taylor’s help. Sitting down, she waited for him to climb in too, his lifejacket getting tossed under his seat, before he untied the boat from the dock and pushed off slightly before giving the engine a start.

It wasn’t a very powerful engine but it did the job of motoring them around the lake steadily. Out on the water, Kelsey could see the houses scattered around the shoreline but it was the view of the mountains in the distance that took her breath away. It really couldn’t get much prettier than this.

“Pretty huh?” Taylor mused, watching the expression on her face as he steered the boat slowly around the lake.

“Gorgeous Tay.” Kelsey agreed, just taking it all in. “You know…any trip I’ve ever taken basically anywhere was to a beach…” She reflected. “But I think you’re converting me into a mountain and lake girl instead. It’s so peaceful.”

A pleased grin crossed Taylor’s face and he slowed the boat to just drift through the water.

“You’ll like Colorado then.” He murmured.

Kelsey’s heart jumped and then fluttered in her chest hearing Taylor reference Colorado. Moreover, referencing her being in Colorado. Never before had he connected those two thoughts and it caught her slightly off guard. He’d talked about wanting forever with her but he’d never given that forever any context before and she couldn’t help the giddy grin that spilled onto her face.

“Yeah?” She questioned, wanting to hear what other thoughts he had on the topic.

“Yeah.” Taylor affirmed. “It’s a fun place to be. Great people, lots to explore. Plenty of beautiful places I can show you.”

“Sounds amazing.” Kelsey murmured honestly. After all, there was a reason she had applied to med school in Colorado in the first place. That reason just so happened to be sitting across from her praising the state he’d only been in a few dozen times. Admittedly, it was their shared smiles that said everything that they hadn’t in words and made her heart flutter once more.

Taking in a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, Kelsey just let herself relax fully. She was here with the boy she loves with glimmers of their future together being presented to her. His parents had welcomed her with open arms quashing each fear she’d had one after another. Things were good.

As they continued drifting around the lake, Taylor told her stories of his memories on the lake itself, where the best fishing spots were, the antics and trouble they’d gotten up to over the years and it only made her smile more.

“Would you mind if I came and kept you company when you go out fishing?” Kelsey questioned.

“It’s kinda boring Kels…” Taylor mused. “But sure…if you want to.”

“I do.” Kelsey affirmed. It didn’t matter if she was just sitting and reading while he fished, it was time with him and Kelsey wanted to soak up as much of it as she could.

Conversation faded a bit and Kelsey just basked in the view. She really never had been anywhere like this before and it was stunning. If Colorado was anything like this she knew at least scenic wise she could be very comfortable there.

Boating around the lake for a little while longer, Taylor eventually started back toward the dock as lunchtime approached. Cutting the engine as they approached, Taylor drifted the boat alongside the dock with precision before hooking the tether around one of the dock’s poles to secure it in place. Then he climbed out, careful not to rock the boat too much before reaching a hand out to help Kelsey back onto dry land.

She wobbled slightly as she tried to regain her legs but quickly balanced herself, laughing softly at how she had gotten sea legs after just a short boat ride.

“You good?” Taylor questioned as he checked his work in securing the boat.

“Yep.” Kelsey murmured. “My equilibrium just needed a second there.”

Taking off her life jacket to leave with the boat, Kelsey slipped her hand into Taylor’s as they headed back up to the house.

“Thanks for that T.” She murmured, stepping sideways to bump into him gently and playfully.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kels.” He replied, squeezing her hand, his voice soft.

Kicking their shoes off at the door, they climbed the stairs to the kitchen where his mom was already working on pulling things for sandwiches from the fridge.

“Good boat ride?” She asked, smiling at them.

“Yeah it was.” Kelsey agreed. “The lake is beautiful.” She leaned against the island as Taylor moved to the fridge, tossing her another bottle of water. “Anything I can help with?” She asked not wanting Laura to feel like she was ungrateful.

“No, just getting things out so you guys can make your own sandwiches.” Laura replied. “And I think that’s it so have at it.”

Both thanking Laura, Taylor moved to get food and Kelsey rounded the island following behind. Making herself a sandwich she added some chips onto her plate before taking it and her water out onto the back deck to sit and eat.

“Would it bother you if I did some homework after lunch?” Taylor asked softly while sitting across from her.

“What no of course not!” Kelsey exclaimed after swallowing. “Have you been putting off homework for me? Taylor…”

“I worked ahead, it’s fine. But I should probably do some soon.” He shrugged, his body language showing that he wasn’t at all stressed about it which helped Kelsey relax a little.

“Do your homework Tay, I’ll be fine.” Kelsey assured him. “I can read or see if your parents want to play some games or something.”

“We’d happily play some games with you Kelsey.” Gary declared walking through the backdoor with his own lunch.

“See I’ll be fine.” Kelsey assured Taylor, nudging his leg under the table.

Finishing her lunch, Kelsey moved back inside to dispose of her plate and maybe take another look at what games they had. In the kitchen, she saw Laura working to clean up, her food still sitting on its plate.

“I can clean up.” Kelsey declared as she tossed her plate into the trash.

“Thanks Kelsey.” Laura declared, picking up her plate to go sit and eat. Nodding, Kelsey moved to finish putting everything from lunch away. She really didn’t mind, after all they were feeding her and everything else for these two weeks. Once everything in the kitchen was dealt with, Kelsey resumed her quest to look through the cabinet of games again to try and figure out what she’d play with Taylor’s parents after they finished eating.

Ultimately, they settled on starting with another round of Catan without Taylor there to swoop in and beat them all. Then they walked her through a game of Ticket to Ride since Kelsey had never played it before. Thankfully, the concept was simple enough that Kelsey was able to pick it up easily and she enjoyed jockeying with Taylor’s parents for prime train routes. Finishing that game as well, they cleaned up and Kelsey thanked them for playing with her.

“I think I’m going to go lay down for a bit if you don’t mind.” Kelsey added, partly feeling tired from having gotten up really early and partly feeling some anxiety creep in at Cale and Tracy’s pending arrival.

“Of course we don’t mind.” Laura insisted and after refilling her water Kelsey headed into the bedroom she was sharing with Taylor, shutting the door behind her. Though she scrolled on her phone for a while, unsurprised by a lack of contact from her parents, eventually Kelsey closed her eyes and after tossing and turning for less time than she expected she fell asleep.

Waking with a start, Kelsey’s brain first processed the sound of activity in the kitchen. Groaning softly, she forced herself to sit up before checking her phone. 4:51 p.m. It had been nearly two hours since she’d come to lay down and she definitely hadn’t anticipated sleeping that long.

Through the door she could hear a mix of voices including two that were more unfamiliar than the rest. Cale and Tracy. Over all of them boomed Taylor’s as he seemingly chirped his brother for something that Kelsey couldn’t quite pick up.

Slipping out of bed, Kelsey fixed the covers before running a brush through her newly messy hair, attempting to not look like she had just spent over an hour sleeping. Then she made her way to the door, opening it quietly. With her eyes landing on Taylor standing and animatedly talking, she moved over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and tucking herself into his side.

After a moment, Taylor squeezed her tight and dropped a kiss to her head.

“Oh hey Kelsey” Cale commented before Taylor fired back at his brother regarding whatever they had been talking about. Still tucked in his side, Kelsey nodded at Cale and tried to fight off the remnants of sleep while Taylor’s thumb stroked her side absentmindedly.

With her body more settled from the contact, Kelsey looked toward the kitchen where Tracy and Laura were getting things out to start on dinner. As Tracy turned from pulling something from the fridge her eyes met Kelsey’s and a smile spread across her face.

“Hi Kelsey.” She stated warmly. Putting down what she had in her hands, Tracy scurried across the kitchen toward Kelsey. Doing her best to mask her discomfort, Kelsey squeezed Taylor tight for a moment before releasing to accept Tracy’s hug. Hugging was something that Kelsey was only used to doing with people she was close to, yet she didn’t want to seem rude when Tracy was clearly trying to make her feel welcome. The excitement was just a little much.

After hugging her, Tracy turned to head back into the kitchen and taking a deep breath, Kelsey followed asking what she could do to help. Really she just wanted to have something to busy her hands before the anxiety sank too far into her mind. Cutting up vegetables for a salad would go a long way to keeping her mind busy and calm.

After a minute more of bickering, the boys headed outside with Gary to prep the grill and likely continue their antics. While they worked on readying the food, Laura and Tracy chatted talking about everything from what Cale and Tracy had been up to during the week to the weather.

“It’s going to be a cooler week that’s for sure.” Laura said, agreeing with Tracy’s prior statement.

“Great…I did not pack for that.” Kelsey mumbled, her quiet voice still audible from a few feet away.

“We have a washing machine.” Laura started.

“I packed extra.” Tracy chimed in, cutting Laura off. “You can borrow whatever you need. We’re probably about the same size.”

Half nodding, Kelsey mumbled a ‘thanks’ as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t meant for anyone to hear her.

Conversation dipped for a moment but as Tracy moved to grab something from one of the drawers next to Kelsey, she gave her shoulder a quick squeeze before returning to her task.

After that, Laura and Tracy resumed talking but Kelsey kind of just blocked it out, focusing on making the salad for dinner. She heard the door open as the food was taken to the grill but she just focused on her own breathing as she worked. The sounds of the rest of the things used for prep being cleaned and other things being taken outside followed, just barely registering in the back of Kelsey’s mind.

Once the salad was finished, Kelsey switched to cleaning up the scraps along with the knife and cutting board she’d used.

“Looks great Kelsey, thanks.” Laura declared, taking the salad bowl and salad spoon outside to the table.

“What do you want to drink Kelsey?” Tracy questioned while standing at the fridge.

“Water is fine.” Kelsey stated softly as she dried her hands, her items now clean.

With everything inside taken care of, they headed out onto the deck where Taylor was once again manning the grill while Gary supervised and Cale glowered. Kelsey followed behind waiting for Laura and Tracy to claim seats. Gary’s was also obvious based on where his drink was located. Quickly surveying the table, Kelsey slid into the seat across from Tracy waiting for the boys to finish cooking dinner.

Thankfully it didn’t take long before they were pulling the food off the grill onto platters and heading over to the table. Sliding in beside her, Taylor sat down and gently brushed his hand over her thigh before reaching for food as they all started to serve themselves.

Dinner passed by fairly smoothly, snippets of conversation proceeding though everyone was mostly occupied with the food on their plates. Even as plates were cleared, no one moved to get up, just sitting and relaxing instead as conversation picked up a bit more. As Taylor and Cale talked about their training in the morning, Gary piped in.

“Tomorrow is the first day for the Farmer’s Market.”

“You guys should go and show Kelsey.” Laura added quickly. “Pick up some things for the rest of the week.”

“We can definitely do that.” Tracy declared, smiling. Neither Cale nor Taylor seemed to care much one way or the other so apparently they were going to the farmer’s market though Kelsey had no real idea what that entailed. “Was thinking about taking Kels on a hike tomorrow since it should be nice ” Taylor added, glancing over at Kelsey. “Can do that after the farmer’s market and lunch though.”

“Wigwam Rim Trail or Sheep’s mountain?” Cale suggested, listing a few of what Kelsey assumed were local hikes.

“Silver Springs Lakes” Taylor declared having already decided where he wanted to go.

“You guys can come with us if you want.” Kelsey stated, speaking for the first time. While she would love a hike with just Taylor, she knew that the likelihood of that happening was small so she might as well be the one to put the invitation out there instead of being upset by the inevitable.

The smiles she received told Kelsey that it was the right call but it didn’t make her not wish for time alone with Taylor. Needing a moment, Kelsey pushed her chair back to stand and started to gather up dishes, deciding to take them inside to load the dishwasher. She could only handle about half on her own so she knew that someone would end up following but even ten seconds to herself was something.

Almost everyone ended up following her inside. Gary brought the remainder of the dishes while everyone else moved to ready the table inside for playing games as evening took hold making it harder to see outside.

“We’re playing crib right?” Cale questioned, though the tone was more of a statement.

“Nope.” Taylor said dryly. “We can play Uno, Apples to Apples, Catan, or Yahtzee.”

“Why not crib?” Cale grumbled, his face showing he was clearly not pleased at being told no. “I don’t want to play those games.”

“It’s fine. You guys can play cribbage.” Kelsey said, trying to defuse the situation. “I wanted to go watch the sunset over the lake anyway.”

Finishing loading the dishwasher with all the items from dinner, Kelsey moved around the island sending Taylor a smile as she descended down the stairs to get her shoes and head down to the dock.

After sliding her shoes on, Kelsey stepped outside, closing the door behind her. Immediately a deep breath spilled from her as the cool air enveloped her along with the simple noises of nature. The quiet was a welcome contrast to the noise that surrounded Taylor’s family. She loved Taylor so much but she had to admit she was struggling to adapt to the chaos.

Making her way down to the dock, Kelsey picked a spot and sat down, leaning back on her palms as her legs stretched out before her. Breathing slowly, Kelsey just took in the view of the trees and mountains in the evening light. There were a few boats on the water but it was still peaceful and Kelsey attempted to let her stress bleed out of her body as she enjoyed this moment alone.

It was crazy how she had only been here a day and already this dock was where she felt most comfortable. There was just something about it that she couldn’t put into words.

Kelsey was unsure how long she’d been sitting there when she heard the sound of one of the doors of the house opening. Not bothering to look up, Kelsey just continued enjoying her quiet time. After a minute or so she felt someone approach before moving to sit down beside her. Again, Kelsey didn’t need to look to know that it was Taylor and she shifted a bit closer to him.

“Who won?” She asked softly as to not break the overall peacefulness of the moment.

“Mom and me.” Taylor replied just as quietly. “How’s everything down here?”

“Beautiful.” Kelsey murmured. “I think this is my favorite spot.” After pausing a moment, Kelsey continued. “But if you’re asking how I’m feeling, I’m fine T…just didn’t want to cause a conflict.”

“You sure you’re okay?” Taylor mumbled. “Because you promised to tell me if you aren’t and it seems like you have a lot on your mind.”

Sighing softly, Kelsey glanced over at her boyfriend.

“I promise I’m okay.” She assured him reaching over to brush her fingers over his thigh. “But yeah, just stuff I’m dealing with.”

Taylor’s expression shifted to look even more concerned and Kelsey bit her lip.

“Like I was just getting used to your parents and now there’s two more personalities in the picture…two more extremely intense personalities…and it’s just a bit overwhelming.” She explained. “Tracy is sweet…she’s just a bit much. And your brother…well it doesn't seem like he really wants to get to know me or that he doesn’t like me or something…I don’t know.”

Breathing, Kelsey squeezed Taylor’s thigh again to reassure him.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle, it's just…it’s a lot and Cale was getting upset so I figured it would be better for me to give everyone some space and come breathe.”

Pausing again, Kelsey glanced out at the lake and mountains in front of them as the sun sank further in the sky.

“Your family loves you so much Tay…” She started. “Just…I’m an only child. An only child who has never been loved like your family loves you. I mean….your mom hugged you last night…I don’t think mine has ever hugged me like that even when I was little. And she’s pissed at me for being here, neither her nor my dad have even tried to check to make sure I’m still alive.”

Sighing softly Kelsey finished her rambling.

“So yeah it’s just…I’m overwhelmed but I’m okay Taylor. I’m so glad I get to be here with you and get to know the people that love you, it’s just sometimes a lot for me.”

Having just dropped a lot on him, Kelsey stopped to let it all sink in. After a moment, Taylor’s arm draped over her shoulders and she leaned against his side.

“I can see if I can get Tracy to chill out a little.” Taylor murmured. “I know she came on a little strong but she is genuinely excited to get to know you.” Nodding, Kelsey tipped her head back to kiss Taylor’s jaw.

“Cale is…he’s just protective. It’s not that he doesn’t like you or want to get to know you, he just…” Taylor paused, letting out a deep breath of his own.

“My highschool girlfriend was emotionally abusive.” Taylor admitted. “She would question why I even bothered with hockey because I wasn’t good enough to make it. She would find a way to be unhappy about every single thing I did and blame me for her unhappiness. Our entire relationship was based around her needs…I…mine didn’t matter.”

“Cale saw it all and just…you’re the first person I’ve been with seriously since then and he’s just concerned about me even if you’re nothing like her. It’s nothing you’ve done and he’ll come around.”

With Taylor seemingly finished, Kelsey twisted to kneel beside him, wrapping him in a tight hug.

“Thank you for telling me.” She whispered, a fierce sense of love rushing through her as he hugged her back just as tightly.

“I’m in a pretty good spot with all of it now.” Taylor assured her. “Just...that’s why my family is the way it is when it comes to you. Cale most of all.”

Pulling back just enough, Kelsey kissed him gently, trying to pour her love for him into the kiss.

When she stopped she teased at the hairs on the back of his neck gently.

“For the record. You are good enough. You make me so fucking happy and I just want to make you as happy as you make me so I need you to speak up if there’s something you need that I’m not doing.”

“I know.” Taylor replied, his nose dipping into her neck for a moment as small tremors rolled through his body.

For a while they stayed just like that, but eventually Taylor nudged her softly.

“You’re going to miss the sunset you came down for if you stay like this.” He teased.

Kissing him softly once more, Kelsey settled back onto her butt, her knees stinging slightly from kneeling on the hard wood of the dock for so long. They didn’t bother her for long though as she took in the orange sky as it turned to pinks, blues, and purples.

“It’s so beautiful.” Kelsey murmured, voice in awe. “I feel like I could watch this every night and still be awestruck.”

“Why don’t we?” Taylor suggested causing Kelsey to turn her head, expression mildly confused.

“I mean I guess we could.” Kelsey replied though she felt like she was missing something.

“I mean why don’t we come down for a few minutes every day, be it sunrise, sunset, or to look at the stars. We can touch base with each other about the day and just talk.” Taylor elaborated.

It clicked that Taylor was offering her a daily escape from the chaos of his family. Those precious moments with just the two of them.

“Yeah. Yeah, let’s do it.” Kelsey agreed, the remaining tension in her body melting away.

With the sun finally sinking below the horizon, Kelsey tipped her head back to kiss Taylor once more.

“I love you Tay.”

“And I love you.” He echoed as they exchanged soft short kisses. Soon they would have to go back up to the house and rejoin the chaos but this time on the dock…that was theirs.

#taylor makar #taylor makar imagine #colorado avalanche #colorado avalanche imagine #hockey imagines #hockey imagine #nhl imagines #nhl imagine #taylor makar nws #nws #lemon #nhl smut #hockey smut #cavalanche #046

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laurenairay · 1 year ago

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I still can’t believe that this many of you follow me but I appreciate all of you so much!

This weekend I wanted to celebrate with a little blurb prompt list weekend! I thought I’d try something a little different, something to get my creativity shaken up after posting a few longer fics recently, so I have curated a series of 12 blurb prompts, each based on a different type of kiss, and I would like to do each of them for a different player – so once a player’s name is updated on the list below, then he’s taken!

Please take a look at the list of players that I write for, and send in your ideas!

First Kiss - Nolan Patrick Shy Kiss - Andrei Svechnikov Surprise Kiss - Quinn Hughes Cute Kiss - Matt Martin Forehead Kiss - Matthew Tkachuk Passionate Kiss - Jack Hughes Sad Kiss - Anthony Beauvillier Goodbye Kiss - Elias Pettersson Reunion Kiss - Erik Johnson Funny Kiss - Tyson Jost Stop Talking Kiss - Jeff Skinner Accidental Kiss - Cale Makar

#blurb prompts #lauren celebrates 1.5k

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withwritersblock · 11 months ago

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Castles Crumbling

~Castles Crumbling by Taylor Swift~

Author's Note: some crazy dad!cale angst. that was sorta requested Summary: Cale and his family after the Game 7 loss against the Kraken Warnings: Kraken mention (jk) crying, swearing I think? Word Count: 2,175 Cale Makar x fm!reader

The clock was ticking down and they were still down by one in the dying seconds of game seven against the Kraken. The suite was full with the wives and girlfriends and the injured players. It was silent as they were watching the game come to a close. No cheers from the crowd, silent as they all were leaving their seats. Y/N leaned her body against the edge of the suite as she watched all of the players skate on the ice.

Cale’s head hung low as he skated in a small circle. She knew that he blamed himself for how the series turned out; from his suspension he got. She covered her mouth with her hands as she felt her eyes fill with tears. She shifted her gaze towards the TV screen to see a zoom in look on Bo crying.

She began crying at the sight of the emotions of the boys on the ice. It was difficult to be a first round exit after winning a cup. Knowing what it takes to win a cup.

It was a tough game, it was a tough season. Selfishly she was glad that it was over, Cale needed to rest up and so did the rest of the players.

Her kids were at home, watching the game with her parents. Her daughter, Hannah, is very close with Cale. She’s only four years old but loves everything about her father’s career. Her son, Jackson, was only seven months old. He was too little to even know what was going on. He was asleep as it was well past his bedtime, but Hannah was allowed to stay up since it was an important game for the team.

She tightened her fists as she watched the team do the end of series handshake. Cale was in the middle of the pack which made it hard to watch him. She knew it was going to be a long couple of months watching the playoffs without them in it.

After another hour, she was waiting outside the locker room to meet up with him. She watched a few of the players exit, teary eyed or stoic. After a while Cale walked out, his head still hung low. His hair was wet as he covered his frame with an Avalanche hoodie with his number on the front and a pair of black shorts.

“Sorry, I took forever. I wanted to shower, clear my head a bit,” he mumbled as he finally approached her, afraid to meet her gaze. She nodded as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Don’t apologize,” she mumbled as she rested her hand on the back of his head. He wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. He shut his eyes, fighting the tears filling his eyes. He wasn’t emotional, he couldn’t show his emotions. “I’m so proud of you, no matter what.”

“I love you,” he let out as he pulled away from her. He took a hold of hand as he guided her towards their car in the parking garage. “Is my girl going to be awake?” he asked, glancing towards Y/N.

“I was hoping my parents could get her to bed but it seems like she’s waiting for you to put her to bed,” she mumbled as she squeezed his hand. Cale nodded, taking a breath. “We could circle the block a few times so you can prepare for confrontation,” she let out. Cale chuckled dryly as he ran his hand across his nose.

“You see me drive past our street, just don’t say anything,” Cale mumbled as he turned towards his car. He unlocked it as he tightened his grip around her hand. He pulled her towards him. She furrowed her eyebrows as she met his gaze.

“Cale,” she questioned as she scanned his features. He stayed silent as he scanned her features, his eyes tearing up slightly. He clenched his jaw.

“I can’t look at my teammates because I’m so disappointed in myself. How am I supposed to tell my daughter that I failed my team,” he said as a sob left his throat.

Her eyes widened as she quickly wrapped her arms around him. “Honey, you know that is not true,” she muttered as she pulled away, keeping her hands resting on the base of his neck. Her thumbs ran along his jawline.

“This is not all on you, my love. It was a tough series for every single one of you. Everyone is banged up one way or another. It is probably for the best-” he clenched his jaw as he rolled his eyes, “It is probably for the best that you all get the rest time you deserve. Cale, you played your heart out. It was not meant to be this season. Recover and rest to be better next time around. I am so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself for pushing yourself the way you did.” she paused as she felt her eyes tear up.

“You tell our daughter that you can’t win them all, but you played your asses off. I love you, you know that?” she mumbled as she scanned his features. He leaned towards her, kissing her like it was the last thing he was ever going to do.

“You’re fucking incredible,” he mumbled against her lips as he pulled away from her reluctantly.

~~~

The drive back to their house was fast and silent. They were just listening to Cale’s playlist as they were both trying to think of the best things to say to Hannah. She was nosy, most kids her age are. She also has no filter and Cale was preparing for her to let Cale know it all.

He parked in the garage, turning the car off at the same time as he shut the garage door behind him. He shifted his gaze towards Y/N in the passenger seat and pressed his lips together nervously.

“What if we just camped in the garage? She’ll fall asleep eventually,” he said jokingly. His eyes widened as he nodded, “I’m an awful father,” he let out through a dry chuckle as he rested his head on the steering wheel.

She leaned towards him, “I was thinking the same thing, I don’t know what will come out of that little girl’s mouth,” she said while chuckling.

After a few seconds, Cale let out a long drawn out breath as he opened the car door. She followed in pursuit as they both walked towards the door that led into their house. Cale pushed the door open as he stepped inside there was loud excited shrieks from Hannah from the living room.

It was soon followed by tiny stomps towards the kitchen, where the small hallway led from the garage. “Daddy! Dad!” she yelled as she ran into the kitchen. Her thin hair strands were tied back away from her face as she grinned widely. Cale leaned down, a groan leaving his lips, as Hannah ran into his arms. He excitedly wrapped his arms around her as he picked her up in the air. A giggle left her lips.

“Hello, my darling, why are you still up?” he asked her as he tickled her side. She giggled as she threw her head back.

“Nana and Papa let me watch the whole game!” she bragged as she threw her arms to the side dramatically. Y/N’s parents slowly entered the kitchen exhausted. They didn’t live in Denver and during playoffs last season they stayed with them to be able to watch Hannah during the games.

During a few of the games, Hannah was able to join them at Ball Arena but every game would’ve been too much.

“They did?” he asked as he slowly put her down on the ground.

“Yeah, it was fun,” she mumbled, brushing her hands across her face.

Her parents walked towards Cale giving him a hug, “I’m sorry,” her father let out as he rested his hand onto Cale’s arm. Cale nodded as he pressed his lips together.

“But you didn’t win,” Hannah continued her thought after the interaction. Cale chuckled as the rest of the family looked towards Hannah in horror.

“Hannah,” Y/N let out in a whisper, scolding her. Hannah pouted her lips.

Cale shook his head as he leaned down towards her level, “You’re right, I didn’t. But that’s okay,” he said as he forced a smile on his lips.

“Why?” she asked. Cale chuckled as he scooped her up, giggles left her body as she was hanging upside down on Cale’s shoulder.

“You need to go to bed, sweetheart,” Cale said, giving Y/N a wink.

“No!” Hannah protested on Cale’s shoulder.

“Yes!” Cale sing-songed as he carried her towards her bedroom. He delicately tossed her down onto the bed. Giggles continued to leave Hannah's body. “Climb under the covers,” he instructed as he leaned down onto his knees as he leaned his body against the tiny bed.

Once under the blanket, her head secured on the pillow, her eyes met Cale’s. Their identical eyes. “You didn’t win,” she let out again, a small pout on her lips.

Cale smiled sadly as he took the small ponytail out of his daughter’s hair. He slowly ran his fingers through the pieces of hair. Her eyes were getting heavy in the process.

“No, Daddy didn’t win,” he mumbled as he clenched his jaw, “But it’s okay,” he let out as he continued to run his fingers through her hair.

“Why?” she asked as a yawn left her body.

Cale took in a deep breath as he looked into his little girl’s eyes, “You know how I got hurt a few times during these past few months?” he let out. She nodded, “Well, Uncle EJ was hurt for a while, Uncle Nate wasn’t feeling great. Uncle Bo was hurt a lot too. Sometimes if we lose right now, we’ll be better in the future. And then we’ll win some games,” he said while nodding excitedly.

She nodded dramatically, furrowing her eyebrows. “Not hurt anymore, right?” she asked. Cale nodded as he smiled widely. He ran his thumb across her tiny cheek. Her eyes were blinking slower and slower by the second.

“Nope, I’m all good, lovebug. You get some sleep, I love you,” he whispered towards her, kissing her tiny forehead.

“Love you too, daddy,” she mumbled as she watched him stand up. He winked towards her, forcing a giggle leaving from her throat.

Cale left the bedroom as he slowly shut the door before he quickly turned down the hall towards his son’s room. Jackson was a heavy sleeper for a baby, which always worked in Cale’s favor. Many times instead of going straight to bed when he would get home from road trips, he would sneak into Jackson’s room. He would take Jackson’s from his crib and rock him in the rocking chair for an hour before he went to bed.

He snuck into the room and walked towards the crib. He leaned over and stared towards his son. He was wearing elephant themed pajamas that himself and his mother picked out. Cale thought it was the cutest thing. He felt his eyes tear up again as he admired his little boy.

He slowly reached down and picked him up. He slowly secured him in his arms, Jackson not stirring once. Cale smiled towards his baby as he walked towards the rocking chair. He slowly began to rock as he stared towards his chubby cheeked baby. Hannah and Jackson were slowly becoming the reasons why he wanted to win.

He wanted them to be proud. Have an amazing person to look up to. That was the new goal. Which is why every loss hurts a little more.

He blinked as a tear fell on his cheek as he continued to slowly rock back and forth. He lifted his gaze to see Y/N standing at the doorway. He pressed his lips together as he tilted his gaze back down towards his son.

She slowly stepped inside the nursery, shutting the door delicately behind her. “Cale? Do you want to get ready for bed?” she asked quietly as she kept her back pressed against the door. He shook his head as he took a deep breath.

“I’m good right here for a while, if that’s okay, my love?” he asked. She nodded as a sad smile formed to her lips.

Taking small steps towards him, Cale lifted his gaze to meet hers. She decided to ignore the tears fighting to fall from his eyes, knowing it would be better off. “I’ll be in bed when you're ready,” she continued as she kissed his cheek. He nodded as he looked back towards Jackson.

After a few seconds, she left the nursery. Cale took a deep shaky breath as he looked back down towards his son, “I’ll make you proud, kid,” he mumbled as he leaned down and pressed his lips to the baby’s little forehead.

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