#colorado avalanche smut

[hockeysnapsgalore]

Here’s the request for Cale!

[cellythefloshie]

;; Tainted Love 500 Follower Celebration

Summary: The stars seem to align for the first time when you and Ross Colton meet up for drinks while the Colorado Avalanche are in town. But it's a dangerous game you're playing because the spark is still there and is hard to ignore even with the both of you being spoken for. Kinks & Tropes: CHEATING (putting this in all caps because I want to make sure it's clear. It is a very prominent theme in this fic), alcohol consumption, car sex, unprotected sex, no forms of contraception used, pull-out method, dirty talk Word Count: 4.5k+

I've got to get away from the pain you drive into the heart of me.

The cold, caught somewhere between a fall and winter wind, reddened your cheeks more than blush ever could. It stung as you walked through the quiet streets; you head down and the collar of your jacket popped in a desperate attempt to stay home. It was late, the only life seen in the bars and restaurants on either side of you as you passed. The streets were empty, the bustle of traffic long forgotten. The only vehicle was a single cab picking up patrons or dropping them off. There were still four hours until closing time. 

This, usually, was late enough for you to crawl into bed. You'd throw on a Netflix show, or listen to an audio book until you fell asleep. But you made plans. With your boyfriend out of town, you shouldn't have, but you did. 

You felt like you had to, because this might have been the only opportunity you had to see Ross. 

In town for one night only, and with his curfew broadened just because they had granted him more time to spend with his family, you couldn't say no. You never had said no to him either. The two of you shared a connection like you couldn't describe. Ever since you had first met on a dating app after one casual swipe in the right direction, you had clicked.

And even after the first date didn't work out, the encounter lasted no more than 5 minutes. You still kept in touch. You would get the occasional check in text. But beyond that, the two of you had gone your separate ways. 

You had your boyfriend, and months later he had his girl. And your respective relationships remained unbroken, fully committed. But in time, even after months of not speaking to one another, you always ended up in each other's messages. Just to catch up, nothing more, always innocent - or at least, that was what you told yourselves. 

And that's what meeting up in a bar you'd never been to would be. Just catching up over a drink. Nothing more. 

That was what you told yourself when you stopped at the front door, her head tipping back to look up at the dimly lit sign. Your body quivered with a shaky breath. 

Nerves? No. Ross never made you nervous. 

You knew what you were feeling, but you couldn't admit it to yourself. It was wrong. Yet, you did it anyway. 

You were greeted with a gust of warmth, a smile spreading over your face as you entered the busy bar. Bodies crowded around the bar top, music blared, and each television was broadcasting one sports event or another. 

Finding a table near the back, the broadcast talking about tomorrow's Devil's game was a welcome distraction. You watched it as you draped your jacket over the back of your chair, and as you glanced over the menu, you had pulled up on your phone with the help of the QR code stuck on the tabletop. It was a distraction more than anything. You almost always ordered the same drink, no matter where you went. You just wanted to look busy until Ross arrived. 

He announced his arrival discretely to not draw the attention of the surrounding people. He did it simply by speaking your name as his hand caressed over the small of your back in a featherlight touch. 

Your smile was too wide as you answered him, “Ross.”

Without thought, you stood up from your seat and threw your arms around him in a brief embrace. And he returned it, the strength of his arms wrapping around you and pulling you close. And for a moment, the two of you just stood there - just long enough to enjoy his embrace, but not long enough for it to be awkward. Then, your limbs fell away from him so naturally as you perched yourself back up on your chair. 

From there, you admired him as he rounded the table to sit across from you. Ross was over dressed in every sense of the word. He wore a white button down, your eyes drawn to the black buttons that trailed down his chest, and he shrugged off his sports coat, the color one you couldn't quite make out under the dim multi-color lights of what you deemed a dive bar. 

He draped the coat over the back of his chair, and his eyes that were bright with his smile found you. 

“I'm a bit over dressed, huh?” His question laced with a chuckle as he sat. 

You nodded. “Just a bit.” 

“Just came from dinner with the family,” he explained, as if you needed one. You weren't going to complain. He looked good in a suit. There were worse things you could get stuck looking at. 

“How was it? They must have been excited to see you.” 

And that was how the conversation began. So effortlessly, so naturally, as you moved from one topic to the next. His family, yours, how he had settled into Colorado, his girlfriend, your boyfriend. You talked about it all over a drink that quickly led to two. 

Once you finished sucking back nothing more than melted ice cubes from the bottom of your glass, you were cursing yourself for being such a lightweight. You could feel the buzz of alcohol coursing through you. The jitters in your hands, and the racing of your heart in your chest. One drink more and your brain would have fogged, but there wouldn't be another. 

It was late, and Ross was already asking for the bill. 

He paid it in full. 

“Thank you, you didn't have to do that,” you said as you stood up from your seat. Thankfully, you didn't waver on your feet. 

“You can cover it next time,” he said in such a way you believed him. 

But you knew there wouldn't be a next time. He would be flying back to Colorado after the game, and he had a girlfriend. You had a boyfriend. It couldn't happen again. It shouldn't. 

Together, you shrugged on your coats in the first awkward silence of the evening. Was this where you should say goodbye? Should you let him go on ahead and order yourself some water?

“Let me walk you to your car?” Ross’ voice cut through the silence. He had made up your mind for you. 

You nodded. “Yeah, sure. That'd be great.”

Keeping your head down, you left the bar together. Ross’ frame leading the way through the crowd that was now dwindling. It would be closing time soon. 

Stepping out into the cold air, you took in a sharp exhale. Its harshness almost left you light headed - or maybe that was the alcohol. 

You should have drunk some water. 

“I'm parked just up this way,” you told him and began the walk along the sidewalk with a casual stride. 

You walked together, your arms bumping up against one another with each casual stride. The contact left a soft smile on your lips, your gaze rising to look at him out of the corner of your eye. His hands had dipped into his pockets, and his collar popped to keep himself from the cold. And you stared for a moment, admiring how the city light reflected off his features. And how it ignited his too-perfect smile when he caught you staring. 

“You look amazing tonight,” his voice cut through the silent street, sending goosebumps to rise on your skin. 

Your smile tugged a little tighter at your cheeks. 

He shouldn't be giving you a compliment like that. You shouldn't have liked hearing them. But you didn't stop them. 

“Thanks, but I feel a little underdressed.”

Ross’ smile split wider, and a laugh erupted from his lips as he threw his head back. It was a laugh so comforting, so familiar, that it warmed your entire body as you came to stand in the empty parking lot where your vehicle sat alone. 

“This is me,” you gestured to the mid size SUV with the lazy sway of your arm. 

“Well,” he sighed out almost hesitantly, “it was really nice seeing you-”

You nodded slowly. “Yeah. Yeah it was.”

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, smiles on your faces and your eyes fixated on one another. Unmoving. Not quite wanting to leave. 

Then, he was stepping forward, his arms encasing you in his embraces, and your arms winding around him in return. Your cheek rested against his chest, his warmth radiating to you as he held you. You stood there, your eyes shutting for a moment as you relished in the feeling of him. The feeling of his arms wrapped around your body. The feeling of his hands on your back, and one dipping down. Down to where your ass peeked out from the edge of your jacket. There he gave it a gentle squeeze, and you could feel his gentle exhale as your own was trapped in your own chest. 

He shouldn't have touched you like that. 

You shouldn't have let him. 

And you shouldn't have liked it. 

Drawing back slowly, you tilted your head back to look up at him. And Ross was looking back down at you. His bright eyes were half closed in a dreamy gaze and the corners of his smile had gone soft, leaving his lips slightly parted as he let out each exhale. 

It washed over your face in a blossom of heat, and smelt of the sweet alcohol on his tongue. Ross’ face was so close to yours you could practically taste it–no, you just wanted to. 

“Good luck tomorrow,” you muttered out a quiet goodbye, your limbs not ready to recoil away from his body yet. 

“You should come, I can get you a ticket,” he offered, his words a breath into your hair that ignited your skin as he spoke. 

“I might take you up on it,” you told him, but you wouldn't. 

“I'll see you soon,” Ross sighed, his words igniting your skin as he spoke. 

Yeah, sure you will. Was what you wanted to say. To mock him with those words and a hint of a laugh. Because you knew how this would go. You would go home tonight, and Ross would go back to the hotel room. He would ask if you made it home safe, and you would answer. But then you wouldn't hear from him for days, weeks, maybe months until you crossed his mind again, or he was left with the lonely opportunity to message you. 

Instead, you said nothing, and you smiled a soft, tired smile. 

It was then his hands fell away from you, his touch trailed down your curves, ghosting over the peaks of your hips before you were void of his touch, his warmth, and left numb by his absence. 

So suddenly you felt cold, empty as you stood there in the parking lot. Your head spun, your eyes shutting tight as you tried to process a single thought. But there, as you sought for reason, for logic, there was only action. 

Your arm lurched out before you could stop it, and your hand found what it was looking for as fingers wrapped around Ross’ wrist and dragged down to coast over his palm. Your fingers traced over each crease slowly until you could feel his fingers so close to slipping away, but then his hand captured your hand in return. 

The sudden grasp of your hands together had his body recoiling into your own. There was a moment of tension in your arms before Ross stepped back into his place in front of you. Then, he took another step, forcing you to step back again and again until you were trapped between his body and your car door. He didn’t say a word, and neither did you. You didn’t have to. You could see all of what he wanted to say in the look of his eyes and how they searched yours so desperately for what you wanted from him. 

But what was it that you wanted? 

You said your goodbyes, yet it didn’t feel like enough. It never did, and that was probably why you so desperately clung to any kind of relationship with him. To fill and satisfy a void your boyfriend left in you, but also in hope that one day have the satisfaction of being with him the way you always thought you might but never could be. 

You had always run to Ross in a sense, especially during hardships. He knew you better than most, and he knew more of your secrets than anyone - and you were the same for him. Through tears and through laughter, the love you shared was unique. Unlike any other. Tainted. So close to friendship, but there would always be more. 

And for the first time, it truly felt like you could finally cross those lines together. With his girlfriend back in Colorado, and your boyfriend away on business, it almost felt like fate that the two of you were left alone in New Jersey together. 

His girlfriend didn’t know you existed, but you knew about her. 

Your boyfriend didn’t know he existed, but Ross knew about him. 

The two of you knew every little detail of each other's lives with your partners and helped each other through problems in your relationships that no one else seemed to understand. And it all seemed to be for nothing as you stood there in the night just waiting, hoping that he would kiss you. 

You held your breath as Ross’ hand came up to stroke over your cheek. His touch was so warm, so gentle, that it left your every thought melting from your brain. You held no worry, only anticipation that coiled in the depths of your stomach and left your limbs to tremble. All you could focus on was his fingertips and how they traced every angle of your cheek, down over your jaw, and finally to your lips that quivered with an uneven breath. 

It left your chest aching as you held the softened gaze of his eyes as they moved in as he closed the distance between you. You managed a single jagged breath before it was stolen from you, the warmth of his mouth all consuming as the kiss started in what was the careful brush of his lips against your own. 

Then, it was like a dam broke. 

There was no innocence in how Ross kissed you. His teeth moved hungrily against you, mouth open, and tongues gliding along one another before teeth clashed and desperate inhales were taken before you both dove further into self indulgence. It left you dizzy, your body pressed firmly back into the dirty door of your car. There, Ross knocked your legs just a single step apart and wedged a single leg between yours. You could feel him against the inside of each of your thighs, and so close to their apex. With just the single tilt of your hips, you could have ground yourself against him. Instead, you fumbled in your coat pockets for your keys. 

Your fingers moved over the buttons blindly in your pocket, moving over one button and then the other until the lights flickered and you heard the locks disengage. The loud thud was like the gunshot at the beginning of a race. You couldn’t move your hands fast enough, and neither could he as you both reached for the same door handle, his hand gripped your, gripping it and pulling open. It sent you stumbling away from the door and into his body that helped you into the backseat of your car. 

It was a spacious SUV. One you had slept in the back seat of on a road trip years ago. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was what you had, so it would do. You crawled up the length of the bench seats, giving Ross room to climb in behind you - but there was no space left between you when you heard the door shut firmly behind him. 

His hands were quick to find your body, his grasp so firm on your hips to draw you back into him. Your bodies were a knotted mess as you tried to get situated in the back, the driver’s side seat digging into your front, then your side, and finally your back as you threw your leg over his to straddle him. With his warmth back between your thighs, you stripped off your coat to try to ignore just how hot he made you. Tossing it aside, your hands were freed to explore. Your hands found his body, your touch stroking over the angles of his own face as you kissed him, tasted him. 

You were sure you had kissed him once before, but it had been so long you had forgotten the taste he left on your tongue. It was intoxicating, coaxing a moan up your lips as your hands found their place to rest knotted in the dark wisps of his hair. You toyed with the locks that would threaten to curl if they were only a little longer, as his hands trailed down the curves of your body. Ross caressed just under your breast, his thumb curiously reaching up and grazed just shy of your pert nipple that was pressing into the inside of your bra with the desperation of wanting to be touched. Then, his hands dipped lower over the circle of your waist, the rushed movement wrinkling the fabric, leaving the small of your back exposed. 

Touching your skin was like adding gasoline to an already raging fire. It sent Ross’ lips wandering from yours as his fingers stroked your soft, exposed flesh. His kiss traveled down over your chin, tickled your neck, and found your collarbone with a playful nip. It sent your heart racing. 

He knew you would like that. 

But you had to be careful. 

“No marks,” you breathed out, your eyes shutting as you tried to ignore why that had to be. 

“Yeah,” he breathed out quickly, “yeah, got it.”

With your exchange, it brought you both to a pause. Your chests heaved for breath, and your eyes seemed to look at everything except at each other. A decision needed to be made. You could stop before things could get any more complicated, or Ross could take off your shirt as he so desperately seemed to want to as his hand dragged along its delicate hem. 

You bit your lower lip firmly as you tried to look out the already fogged window. You could see the rainbow of colors that were the city lights shining through each drip of condensation. Focusing on a single droplet, you followed it down to the edge of the window and took a breath that escaped you with a sigh.

You knew what you wanted to do, but before you could say anything, Ross’ voice filled the air, “We don’t have to-”

Your head snapped to look in his direction. “You don’t want to?”

“That’s not what I'm saying,” he answered slowly, his teeth biting his own lip as his eyes fixated on yours. 

You knew what he was getting at. You were nervous, hesitant, but you knew you wanted this. You just needed the assurance that he wanted you as badly as you wanted him. 

“Ross…” you breathed out his name. It was the very beginning of the thought that threatened the very tip of your tongue, and that was left strangled in your throat as you felt Ross grip the swells of your hips. 

He held you firm in each hand, and with that hold, he guided you back and forth over his lap. Your hips angled instantly, grinding your needy core over the expense of his lap. You moved to and fro with his moments, and quivered at the feeling of his stiff cock beneath the thick seam of your jeans. 

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked you, his words slow and clear. He knew what he wanted, but he needed to hear it from you, too. Ross needed you to make the decision on your own, and to hear it from your own lips, even if he had already made up his mind for himself. 

“I-” you gasped out, your heart beating up into your ears like drums. It pulsed through your body, right through to your core that throbbed against the stiff outline of his cock. 

You should have told him to stop. 

You should have pulled your coat back on and sent him on his way. 

But you didn’t. 

“Don’t you dare,” you answered him after a moment, your voice stern, “just,” you took in a long inhale, “let’s be quick - unbutton your pants.”

Your bodies strained in the tight place as you both fought close quarters to undo your pants. You leaned back against the driver's seat to try to get the angle just right to work your jeans down, while Ross pressed down onto his heels and lifted his hips up high to work his hands just low enough for his cock to spring free. 

And while his pants rested around his knees, and that’s all he needed to do to be ready for you, you struggled. You let out a frustrated huff as the head of the driver’s seat dug into your back, and your arms fought the tight denim down your hips. The awkwardness left you slipping. Ross’ hand was quick to catch you before you could fall awkwardly onto him and his stiff cock that was so exposed, hard and ready for you to take him. 

“I got it,” Ross’ words were a rushed promise, his hands gripping the fabric and pulling them down your legs until they rested on the floor of the car with your shoes - but your panties they remained. You watched as Ross admired them for a moment. The simple pale colored lace that looked gray in the darkness. 

Your core clenched as his finger toyed with them, pushing and tugging at the fabric as he lured you back in close to him. And when you were a mere breath away, his finger dipped beneath the fabric and dragged along your slick core, if only just to tease you as he pulled the damned fabric to the side. 

“I wish I could enjoy you, the way you deserve to be enjoyed,” Ross hummed out, his hand guiding you forward to hover above the very tip of his cock. 

You nearly quivered at his words. Many times, he had told you how he would fuck you. How he would enjoy tasting your sweet cunt on his tongue before leaving you moaning as you took his cock like the slut girl you were. But there was no time for those luxuries. 

Angling yourself over his cock, you took hold of it in your cold hand carefully. The hiss that left his lips left your grinning, but it was him that was left with the last laugh as he thrust up into your wet cunt, leaving you overtaken by a pathetic whimper that came with the feeling of taking his cock inside you for the very first time. 

“You like that?” Ross asked you in a whisper, his hands remaining firm on your hips to guide him along his cock with the slow roll of your hips. 

You nodded feebly, your mouth opening to tell him just how good his cock felt, only to unleash a moan instead. 

“Look at you,” his grin grew, “so pretty as you take my cock, and taking it so well you don’t even have the words to tell me - and you’ve always been so good with your words,” he purred, “such a shame really.” 

Ross reached up with his hand, his fingers stroking over your lips as you were left on the verge of another moan. One you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of having just yet. 

“I like when you tell me what a dirty slut you are,” his thumb tugged at your lower lip playfully as he thrust up hard into your cunt, coaxing that moan you had choked back into the depth of your throat, “but you sure do have a pretty moan.”

Your core clenched around his cock at the compliment, your hands lurching forward to grip at the leather head rest behind him. 

“Shut up,” you spoke through grit teeth. 

“Oh?” he raised a brow up, his heels digging into the floor again and thrusting so deep your body couldn’t physically take him any further. “You don’t like when I talk dirty to you?”

Your core clenched again, then you gasped, “no, I-”

You moaned again, your entire body reverberating with the sound. 

“You’re so close, I can fucking feel how desperate you are on my cock.” Ross didn’t bite his tongue. He liked to see you so close to the verge of pleasure, practically melting in front of him, and your cunt flexing around him. 

With weak legs, you met every single thrust, but it wasn’t enough. Not for him and not for you, either. 

Ross gripped the fleas of your ass firm in both hands and used it as leverage as he lifted you up and guided you to lay out on the leather seats all without leaving the warm wet embrace of your cunt. With you sprawled out, Ross gripped your hips and guided your legs to wrap around his hips just right. Every thrust made you tingle, made you moan, and soon your toes were curling, your body near recoiling with pleasure. Yet, he thrust through each wave, through every flex of your core, sending his eyes rolling back in his own pleasure. 

“I’m close,” he choked out, your heart suddenly racing with panic. 

“Pull out,” you told him, voice stern, “I’m not, fuck I’m not on the pill. Pull out.”

“What?” he seemed shocked, his cock still buried deep inside you for a thrust, then another before he pulled out and found the warm embrace of his own hand. 

You lay there, panting, legs still quivering, as he worked himself through his climax. His face softened, his body arching over you as he painted the inside of your thighs and the leather seats with his cum. 

“Should have given me a heads up,” he panted out after a moment. 

“Would it have changed anything?” You countered. 

His head shook, “no, but I would have gotten you to suck me off or something-”

“You wish,” you shoved him playfully, “now, get your pants back on.”

Ross settled back into the seat the two of you had started in, but you remained laying there for a moment. You were seeing stars as you stared up at the ceiling, your one hand dipping between your legs and swiping over your cunt to make sure there had been no accidents before you put your panties back into place. Then, each of your moments had to be deliberate. The cum on the inside of your thighs had already begun to dry, but the cum on the seats was still hot and sticky. You couldn’t risk getting it on any of your clothes. It would have to be something you had to clean up before you got home, but first, you had to say your goodbyes. 

You pulled your pants up slowly in silence, then your shoes before you heard the door open and the cold night air infiltrated the car. It sent a shiver coursing through you, your hands desperately reaching for your coat as you slipped out of the car behind him. 

“Are you good to drive home?” Ross asked slowly, his hands in his pocket. 

You nodded. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

“Message me when you get in?”

You looked to your empty driver seat, “yeah, just-” you sighed gently knowing you would be going back to the apartment you shared with your boyfriend even if it was empty for the next week, “don’t be surprised if you’re blocked in the morning when you try to message me.”

Ross’ feature faltered into a frown. “Regretting me already?”

Your heart sank. You didn’t know how to feel, or how you would feel in the morning when you had the night to fully comprehend the choices you had made. 

“Regret you? Nah, never.” You gave him a reassuring smile as you stepped in, your hands on his chest as you pressed up to give him a goodnight kiss. It was a soft, gentle kiss, one that had you pulling back like the gentle rise and fall of waves until he pulled you back in with both hands and kissed you deeply, making sure that you left with the taste of him on your lips. 

Then, you got into the driver's seat of your car, and brought the engine to life with the turn of your key. It reeked of sex, of cum, but it was nothing a good wash and a new air freshener couldn’t mask - but even then as you sat there, your eyes fixed on Ross as he stood there in the parking lot, watching you leave, you barely noticed the smell. No, the heavy feeling in your chest was too distracting. This time really felt like a goodbye. And not just a goodbye for now, but a goodbye forever. 

[angelwithdemonictendencies]

last time i was here the street were all bare; did you plant these flowers? are you paying them to bloom?

make yourself at home; chapter two.

5.6k. no warnings! just frustration and introducing more characters and that kind of thing.

(a/n: back again, favorites. here's chapter two of my baby for you. some of the side characters day ones will recognize (aiden is just jack quinn, okay?), and some are new. i hope you enjoy very much. let me know what you think (pretty please?) and tell me what's going on in your life so i can cheer you on. let me know what you want to see next sunday. leaning towards mt19 bartender or maybe something ax72. and either chapter three of this one or more of jack and vic. i hope this week is easy on you. until next week, xx angel).

olive awoke the following morning to lazy sunlight flowing through her window like hot fudge, thick and decadent. she opened her eyes and blinked in unfamiliarity for a moment, took in her surroundings, her mind and body adjusting to the fact that she was not in california, that she was instead back home.

she instinctively reached for her phone, scrolled through her notifications enough to understand that nothing had happened overnight that required her immediate attention. her get unready with me video had been approved, so she quickly posted that, read over her to-do list from management for the day.

good morning, gorgeous, began celeste’s daily text, as it always did, followed by the things olive needed to accomplish that day. she had a couple of calls in the middle of the day, an advertisement for a rain-boot brand to shoot, but other than that, her day was mostly open. i want to hear all about home! came at the end of celeste’s message.

olive stretched her arms out above her head, scrunching her nose up to wake up her face. what was there to report back to her manager, even? that she had a lot more possessions here than she anticipated? that she was even worse at talking to her parents than she remembered? that she wasn’t even brave enough to text back the one person here that she wanted to see?

after letting celeste know that she’d call her later, olive timidly opened her conversation with russell, then closed it again with a sigh. she didn’t want to hurt him, and was afraid that anything she said, anything she disclosed would do just that.

deciding that a walk might clear her mind, olive changed into a workout set, got ready in the bathroom, taking a few pictures in the mirror after she did so. her steps felt heavy, disruptive on the staircase as she made to head out.

“going out?” olive recognized her mother’s voice from a room over.

“just for a walk!” she said. there was a pause, perhaps during which danica was waiting for an invitation. it didn’t come.

"take a hat,” was what she landed on in its absence, and olive wondered if she was imagining a sense of deflation in her mother’s voice. “the uv gets high early now.”

“thanks, mom,” olive replied, snagging a baseball cap from the stair banister before leaving through the front door with all of the gratefulness of a toddler.

it was the beginning of june in the northeast, and the time change meant that olive woke up later than she typically did, so it was already hot and humid enough to make her miss the dry heat of the west. regardless, she pulled her long hair up into a ponytail, fixed her hat on her head, and set out on her walk, feeling a bit lighter, her head less cloudy with each step.

the back of her neck was a bit sticky, but the regularity of her breathing, the lullaby-like nature of her footsteps, it was calming in a way she needed. olive didn’t like high-intensity kinds of exercise, found them pressurized and stressful, but she liked to move, especially in the morning, liked to feel her joints and muscles shed their drowsiness and lingering tension.

her parent’s house was about a mile from the downtown area, and before she knew it, olive’s feet had led her to a familiar stretch, which was mostly the same, but a careful, observant eye could spot a few differences.

the sidewalk had been recently repaved, for example, was much wider and smoother, no longer the crack-filled surface that olive used to frequent on elementary school half-day afternoons. the library appeared to have been renovated on the outside, or at least cleaned up, and the bar must be under new management - the name was different than what olive remembered, and the sign outside the door looked much more modern than the lived-in, almost rustic feel that she could recall.

she passed the town hall, stopping to look at the bulletin board that was a permanent fixture outside of it. olive had fond memories of town hall meetings, chances to see friends from school after hours, to goof off and make fun of adults taking themselves seriously in unserious environments.

the bulletin board looked a little lackluster currently, in olive’s opinion. a few flyers for local businesses, cleaning services, seamstresses, and the likes of that, business cards and event reminders, but otherwise pretty scarce.

the poster that stuck out was a reminder to buy season tickets for the granite falls geckos, the paper pulling away from the board with humidity and age, given that the season had started a bit ago.

say you saw them before they got big! the poster read in bold block letters above a graphic that featured the team’s young stars. of course, russell was front and center, some halfway serious shot from media day that made olive smile. they had probably told him to give them a game face, she mused, but she knew anytime you asked russell to be serious, you were probably asking in vain. as such, even in a pose that was supposed to be intimidating, the corner of his mouth ticked up in a trace of a smile, and his eyes sparkled even through worn-out paper.

i knew him before anyone else, olive thought, however selfishly, although she knew in her heart that she didn’t need to tell anyone else that, that he wasn’t a gold-foil-covered chocolate medal to be bragged about. russell was the kind of person that was destined to be known by many, and olive just felt lucky to be one of those people.

shaking herself from her thoughts, olive made her way a bit further up the sidewalk and entered cool beans, the coffee shop at the end of the block. she inhaled deeply once in the doorway, the scent of roasted beans and sugar comforting and rejuvenating.

“welcome in,” some voice from behind the counter called, probably a knee-jerk reaction to the bell ringing on the top of the door, one that made her happy nonetheless. it was a weekday, so the seating area wasn’t necessarily crowded, but populated enough to tell olive that the store was doing well.

olive got in line, behind the singular person who was ordering at the counter, and looked around. there were two baristas behind the counter, by the shiny red espresso machine, and then the short, round-faced girl taking orders at the register, who looked vaguely familiar. olive thought about what sort of coffee she felt like this morning. she didn’t typically have a regular order, often opting for whatever felt right, whatever she was craving. sometimes it was a light latte, milky and sweet, and other times it was something bitter, dark, raw, like an iced americano.

when olive stepped up to order, she was met with the warm smile of the girl on the other side of the counter, the kind of smile that makes you want to smile, too. her name tag read mia.

“welcome to cool beans,” mia said, brushing her dark bangs away from her face. “what can I get started for you?”

“thank you,” olive said, “this might be annoying, but do you think you could make me whatever you feel like making? i’m indecisive this morning.”

mia’s grin grew, wide enough now that olive could see how sharp her incisors were, an obvious contradiction to the rest of her appearance. “know how to make a barista’s day, do you?”

olive gave a laugh. “barely,” she said, leaning on the counter a bit, tucking a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear, fingertips brushing her hat as she did so. “everything looks good and i’m overwhelmed.”

mia laughed, too, a high-pitched, but pleasant kind of noise, and it rang through the shop like church bells, making olive tilt her head. her laugh left olive a little starstruck. “you do need to help me out a bit, though,” mia continued, “just need a size, and if you’d like hot or cold.”

olive hummed, drummed her fingers on the counter in thought, her rings making a dull noise in contact. “let’s do cold, if you don’t mind,” she decided, “and medium, please and thank you.”

“good choice,” mia said, nodding to herself while writing something on a cup with a marker, then setting it on the counter to ring olive up. “gonna be six dollars today, love. name for the order?”

olive gave mia her name, paid, called out a thank you and left a generous tip, then turned to wait by the edge of the counter. she didn’t make it far, though, barely taking a step before she crashed into another person, sucking in a harsh breath as she felt hot liquid soak through her sports bra, the waistband of her leggings.

stuck for a second in something like shock, olive didn’t say anything for a moment, her gaze slow as it made its way to the culprit of the collision. olive looked up, met the guilty eyes of the person who had ordered ahead of her, now holding two near-empty cups. he appeared frozen, his face in a forever wince.

“now’s when you apologize, aidan,” mia said, and olive could hear a mixture of annoyance and amusement in her voice.

“i’m sorry,” aidan, olive presumed, mumbled. he looked sort of scared, his almost feminine features pained. “everyone’s been tellin’ me i have to watch where i’m going, and i'm trying, i swear, i just-”

“have no spacial or social awareness?” mia said, filling in the blank, tilting her head, teasing.

aidan sighed. he was still holding the empty paper cups like there was something valuable in them. he didn’t seem to mind that his own shirt was stained with coffee, nor did he seem especially cognizant of the temperature of it, as olive was. her face was flushed from the heat of the liquid, and while she didn’t think she had been burned, her clothes were now uncomfortable. “i really am sorry.”

olive mustered a slight smile, which wasn’t too difficult. aidan did seem apologetic, and if mia’s reaction was anything to go by, this was just the kind of person he was. olive had always been pretty quick to forgive, except in specific situations.

“don’t worry about it,” she said, wiping her wet hands on her thighs. “my fault, i'm sure. i can replace your coffees?”

mia was watching the interaction with something like keen interest as she shook up olive’s surprise concoction, poured it into a cup over ice. “olive, this is aidan. aidan, olive,” she said, slid the cup onto the counter. “and something sweet and honey-ish, for you.”

“thanks, mia,” olive said, picking up her cup and swirling it around, “and it’s nice to meet you, aidan, even under less than ideal circumstances."

“that’s generous of you,” mia said, before turning to her fellow baristas. “going on my fifteen, guys.” They gave vague affirmative noises.

mia came around the counter, forcing olive to appreciate just how short she was. olive wasn’t necessarily tall, but she had to have been a full half-foot taller than mia.

“aidan, baby, time to put the cups down,” mia said, not patronizing, just trying to encourage a sense of action and urgency from her friend. her words seemed to snap aidan out of his frigidity, as he walked over to the trash and threw his cups away, then wrung out his shirt over the bin until it was wrinkly and semi-dry where the stain had been. mia waved olive over to a door by the corner of the shop, a closet of some sort. “c’mon, you, i have a spare shirt you can borrow.”

“you’re a lifesaver,” olive breathed out, even though she didn’t need a shirt. she was only walking back to her house, and she didn’t really care if people on the way there saw her with a coffee stain on her clothes. however, she did not feel especially interested in turning down kindness, at this point in her trip home.

“you got a mop, mia?” aidan called from behind them.

“behind the counter, up against the wall,” she answered as she held the door open for olive, pushed up on her tiptoes to grab a shirt from the shelf on the side of the cramped room. “you won’t be the talk of the town in this, or anything, but it will do for now,” she said, handing the pale blue button down over. it was starchy in olive’s grip.

“i definitely don’t want to be the talk of the town,” olive responded, “so this is perfect. can’t thank you enough.”

mia waved her off, but her full cheeks were flushed a pleased pink. “anytime,” she said, following olive back out into the open air of the coffee shop, to where aidan was attempting to mop. he was, unfortunately, getting way too much water on the floor, arguably making more of a mess than there had been to begin with.

he looked up, blew out an exasperated breath, leaned his weight onto the mop. “i don’t know what i’m doing wrong,” he admitted.

“it’s fine,” mia said, holding her hand out, “just let me do it.” aidan shook his head. “just teach me, please. i need to do it.” mia nodded, like this was a common occurrence. maybe it was. as she showed aidan how to use the mop, olive approached the register once again.

“would you mind just doing two of whatever he ordered before?” olive asked the teenager behind the counter, pointing to where aidan stood. "thank you.”

after paying, olive looked at her phone and realized she actually needed to get back home to her computer. her first work call of the day was scheduled to start in less than an hour.

olive shouldered on her borrowed shirt, feeling a little spoiled, warm with content. as an only child, she didn’t know for sure, but she could imagine that this would be what hand-me-downs from an older sister might feel like. “i’ve got to head out,” she said to the mopping duo as she buttoned up her shirt, effectively concealing the coffee on her top. “but it was great to meet you guys. i hope i’ll see you around?” she adjusted her hat.

they both looked up to meet her gaze. “i’m always around,” mia said, “and you better find me.” to olive’s raised brow, mia laughed. “that shirt’s a loan, not a gift.”

olive smiled. “aidan, your drinks are on the counter, i think,” she clarified. the teenage barista had finished replacing them.

aidan looked a little taken aback by the gesture. “that’s really nice,” he observed. it was clear that he didn’t know what to do, what to say, which was endearing to olive. she knew what that felt like. “thank you.” his gaze flickered up for a moment. he nodded, tilting his chin up in gesture. “geckos fan?”

olive blinked, then realized her hat probably had some logo of the baseball team on it. she hadn’t noticed what hat she had grabbed on her way out the door this morning. her parents were fans, after all. maybe not directly of baseball, but absolutely of russell. she laughed, lightly, absentmindedly ran a hand along the brim. “something like that,” she said.

she waved a final goodbye and heard the joyful ring of the bell above her on the way out. the walk back home was swift, made even more pleasant by her drink. olive wasn’t usually a honey lover, but something about whatever mia had made her was exactly what she was looking for, just what she had been craving.

she found herself humming softly as she walked back, energized by her interaction with mia and mia’s odd friend. it had been a long time since she met someone new in this place. whenever she visited home during college, it was only for a few days at a time, so she felt obligated to stay home, or perhaps comfortable with doing so, seeing the same few people for the span during which she was there.

it was refreshing to understand that this town was a bit bigger than she remembered, that the faces of the town were not still confined to the features of her childhood bullies and disapproving family members.

there were no cars in the driveway when olive turned onto her street, which meant jerry was at work, danica was probably out running errands or at the daycare or something like that. olive was a little excited to have something genuine to ask her mom over dinner that night.

pressed for time, olive jogged up the stairs and grabbed her computer, brought it down to the dining room table to take her calls from there, where there was more natural light. her meetings were quick and routine, just check-ins and planning, one run by her manager, whose face was a comfort. as usual, she stayed on the video call when everyone but celeste had left the meeting.

“jesus, enough chatter from me, hm?” celeste said from her virtual box on olive’s screen, taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes. “what’s new? how’s home?”

“you know i love your chatter,” olive assured her, because it was true. she didn’t know how she would make it through so many logistics meetings and networking events without her manager and friend.

“only because you don’t let me forget it,” celeste responded. “now, don’t try to evade my questions. i’m only asking ‘cause i miss you.”

olive sighed, smiled, crossed her arms in front of her on the wooden table. “i miss you, too,” she said, honestly, “not much new. home is home. the same.”

celeste hummed like she understood. “don’t sound too excited, gorgeous. i might get jealous.” olive laughed, but it was short. “it’s actually fine. i’m complaining, but it’s fine.”

“have you seen him yet?”

olive paused at this, her gaze dropping down to her hands. celeste knew about russell, about their history, the extent of their relationship, but all from the los angeles perspective. to celeste, russell was olive’s nameless high school sweetheart, her faceless small-town fling. to olive - well, she wasn’t really sure what russell was to her, but he seemed to be more monumental than just a bundle of trope-y labels. even apart, even when she hadn’t seen him yet, his presence was felt.

“no,” olive said, soft, “i haven’t seen him. just been-”

“busy?” celeste finished, an amused sort of smile sparkling even through a computer screen. “seems that way. way too busy to see him, even for a moment, i’m sure.”

olive shot her manager a look. “i’m not sure i love your tone.”

“i’m not sure i love yours, either.” olive rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. she sighed, thinking. “has he reached out at all?” to a nod in response, celeste hummed. “and you haven’t responded?”

“i mean, i responded to the first text,” olive explained, waving a manicured hand around in gesture, looking up from her computer and out her window. “but then he said something really,” she paused, exhaled, remembering, “just really sweet, and i felt bad, because no matter when i tell him i'm not coming back it’s gonna be bad, and i just feel like if i don’t see him it will be easier for both of us.”

celeste nodded, holding her sharp chin in her hand. “ah,” she said, “you’re avoiding him.”

Olive scoffed. “it’s only been a day,” she defended.

“sure, but you have no plans that involve not avoiding him.”

“i guess,” olive said, “but it’s not like i don’t want to see him. i just think the whole thing will be-”

“easier, yes, as you’ve said,” celeste finished, waving her off. “thank god. because we don’t have enough people in this world looking for the easy way out.”

“you’re such a help today, aren’t you?”

celeste raised her hands in surrender. “just because i’m suggesting doing something you don’t want to do doesn’t mean i’m not helping.”

olive scrunched up her nose. “i hate when you’re right.”

“really? it is one of my greatest sources of joy.” celeste was kidding, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “i just know you, olive. and even if i don’t know him, i can tell that he’s important to you. maybe even more so than you let on.”

olive appreciated her friend, then. even if she didn’t necessarily agree, even if olive believed that sometimes easier was actually better, that it was a good thing to try to avoid hurting the people you care about, olive appreciated celeste, and felt lucky to have her, even through a screen, across the country.

“i really miss you,” she said.

“then finish packing and come home,” was celeste’s immediate response, like it was the easiest thing in the world. it could be easy, olive thought, so why did it feel so hard? why did home feel hard no matter which home she was referring to? “i’ll expect your rough cut for the boot ad in a few hours, and i’ll send your check-list tomorrow morning, okay?”

olive nodded. “i'm headed out to shoot now. it’s not raining, though.”

“you’ll figure something out,” celeste said, “anything you need from me?”

“all good for now. i'll text if anything comes up. love you.”

“love you, too. hang in there.” celeste’s image on her screen disappeared mid-wave goodbye. olive shut her computer with an exhale, headed upstairs to change and grab the boots she needed for her ad. they were a shiny red rainboot, a sleek design, the color selected specifically to fit seamlessly into her account’s feed. with her hands full of camera equipment, she made her way outside, the sun bright on her face.

“no rain rainboots, no rain rainboots,” she murmured to herself, thinking about how to make her photo realistic, engaging.

with so many things in her hands, olive stumbled over something at her feet, cursing under her breath at the sharp pain in her foot. looking down, she discovered that she had tripped over a lawn sprinkler connected to a hose. “that’ll do,” olive said, her mouth in an impressed sort of slant, setting down her things, creativity sparking like a rusty old lighter in her head. In her field, it was always a treat when she could showcase some imagination, something that went beyond surface level aesthetic appeal.

after a bit of maneuvering, olive had effectively set up a manmade sun-shower. she’d configured the settings so, if the sprinkler was out of frame, the water droplets just looked like a smattering of afternoon rain, cutting through the sticky humidity. all of the rainstorm practicality and realism, without the typical poor lighting that came along with it. perfect.

olive changed into the boots, then took a few different shots from a few different angles, some with the sprinkler on, some off. She was in a grove, capturing a wide array of the product’s attributes, and was in the middle of taking a short clip of her stamping the boot into a puddle when she heard the sound of an old engine sputtering off.

she didn’t have to look up to know whose truck was in her driveway. it was a sound she would know anywhere, one she’d heard a thousand times before, usually from the passenger seat perspective. olive didn’t have to look up to know that it was russell’s banged-up truck in the driveway of her parents’ house, but she did, anyway.

she did anyway, and was shocked to observe that russell had possibly become more beautiful since the last time she’d seen him. olive knew that he wasn’t the lanky kid she’d met all that time ago, but seeing him was a reminder that she was growing up too, into her body, into her face, into her mind and being.

russell hopped down from his truck easily, shutting the door carefully, then turned to face olive while fixing a cap down on his head. he moved like the athlete he was, but that ease came with a sense of comfort and confidence, too. his light hair still curled out from under the brim, the way it had since he was a kid. if he’d been beautiful last time she was home, russell was ruinous now, devastating, his features sharper, a slight stubble on his jaw, his high cheekbones illuminated by the late day sun. his immediate smile was what really undid her - made her stomach flutter like a moth's wings, made her fingers twitch like tiny fragments of lightning.

his smile followed her wherever she went, a constant phantom in her mind, so she guessed that it made sense that when it was here, now, up-close and personal, it was monumental, all perfect teeth and genuinity, naturally curving up higher on the left side than the right. focused on her, now, it froze her entirely, turned her legs gelatinous and her heart volcanic.

“i guessed you were busy, but not this busy, ol.”

olive’s breath suddenly felt strangled escaping her throat, as if her heart was fizzing in her chest like a just-opened can of soda. She suddenly felt a little stupid, or at least a little juvenile, standing in her front yard making fake rain, like she’d been caught in some embarrassing act. his voice rumbled through her like something seismic. she could hear the smile in it, the teasing, and no one called her that except for him.

she straightened, ran her palms along the tops of her thighs, trying to hasten the process of adjusting to his presence. “just shooting an ad,” olive responded, her feet keeping her still where she stood as russell walked over to her, leisurely, like he had all the time in the world. she waved her hand vaguely towards her boots. “had to get creative.”

he stopped a few steps from her, not insecure but cautious, maybe, as his gaze dripped lazily down her frame, drinking her in greedily. “i’ll buy whatever you’re selling.”

olive rolled her eyes, but could have sighed in content, too, at his unwavering support, at his seemingly blind belief that was anything but blind, in reality. her job had left her wary of others’ perceptions, but it had never felt like a chore to be perceived by him. more like a privilege. “what’re you doing here, rus?” her words came out sort of breathy.

russell squinted at olive for a moment, like he didn’t know what to say, like he was deciding where to go from here. he had shown up without invitation, after all, unexpectedly. olive had hoped that when she decided she was ready to see russell again, if she decided she was, she would be the one to plan the whole thing, so that she could control the whole situation. she didn’t like surprises. this was a surprise, and she felt unprepared, jittery with nerves.

“had to make sure my intel was correct,” he mused, “wanted to make sure you were actually home.” he rocked back and forth once on his heels, letting out a visible exhale. “hadn’t heard from you, ‘s all.”

olive swallowed, made some lazy gesture to herself. her red boots felt too big for her. “i’m home,” she said, a light laugh tinting the words with something she didn’t like. guilt, perhaps, at not answering his text. at throwing a wrench into the one thing that seemed to work, over and over again.

russell made some humming noise, his brow pinching for a moment, maybe confused at her lack of explanation, the fact that she hadn’t given some excuse for her delay in seeing him. olive was confused, too. coming back home had always been easy, when it came to him. there was practically a script to follow. this used to be simple. what could she do now that she had elected to light the script on fire?

being so close to him without touching him, especially after being apart for so long, it made each heartbeat feel slow like sludge, made her feel almost sick. she didn’t have to shut him out completely, she reasoned, as long as she didn’t let it get too far. olive could toe the line, she told herself, could carefully balance enough distance to be smart and enough closeness to remain sane.

olive cleared her throat, made space for words that didn’t come, willed her feet to take a step closer to him, timid, careful.

russel’s mouth ticked up at this, amused. he leaned back into his posture, adjusted his hat, crossed his arms across his broad chest, waiting. waiting for her to move, to break her silence. he’d been the one doing the waiting, up until now, so it was only fair.

a step apart, now, olive tilted her head back slightly to look russell in the face. his long lashes framed eyes that swam with a million conflicting things. the air sparked with a clash of sameness and difference.

olive’s arms hung limply, awkwardly at her sides. “it’s good to see you,” she said.

“yeah?” russell seemed to soften, at this, to hear something substantial in her styrofoam-stiff words. he uncrossed his arms, his hand drifting towards hers until their fingers touched, feather-light, almost undetectable. a touch that made her shiver, nonetheless, felt like being plunged underwater after a day in the shore-side sun.

olive nodded. “i missed you, rus.” it came out like a prayer, with all of the devotion and desperation to match.

russell gave a short laugh, like olive had made a joke, any hesitation evaporating as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, until her cheek was pressed up against the cotton of his shirt.

she swore the world melted away, for a minute. olive closed her eyes, swallowed roughly, felt her own arms slowly reach around russell until her palms rested on his shoulder blades. everything was simple, like this.

“i missed you, too,” he mumbled into her hair, squeezed her tighter. they existed like this, together, for several moments until olive regained some semblance of self-awareness and pulled back, however reluctantly.

she cleared her throat again, smiled up at him, easier than before. he smiled back at her, seemed unwilling to retreat too far from her, instead opting to reach his hand up, brush his fingers along her hairline.

“how long do i get you?” he asked.

olive might have winced. her gaze definitely sank down to her feet, unable to look him in the eye, tell him the complete truth. “i’m home for a bit,” she said, vaguely. russell’s eyes were full of contradiction, again, half-way drenched in excitement at seeing her for a while, halfway aware of the fact that she had clarified that she was home for some time, not that he’d get her for that time.

she tried not to think that she was a terrible person by hiding the truth from him. she tried to feel like she was doing the right thing.

“how’ve you been?” she asked, instead, wanting to change the subject, but also just wanting to know. “fresh off a national title, hm?”

russell laughed, walked over to the stairs of her front porch and lowered himself down onto them, resting his elbows on his knees. olive followed suit, mirrored his posture, just to his right. “already feels so long ago,” he admitted, “onto a new team, new league, new game, practically.”

olive nodded thoughtfully. it was crazy to think that he was a professional now, not surprising, but a reminder of the passage of time, of dreams, being realized. and she knew what it felt like, to feel thrust into something foreign, to have something you thought you understood suddenly come into question.

“what about you, then, kid?” he knocked his knee against hers playfully. “last time we spoke you were, what, goin’ on some podcast? how’d that go?”

olive furrowed her brow. “thought I sent that to you. you didn’t listen?” it was a weird feeling, the prospect that he didn’t dwell on their every interaction as she did.

but russell just gave a bashful kind of smile, tilting his head, scrunching up his nose. “i did,” he said, flushed, “just tryna’ play it cool, ‘s all.”

olive rolled her eyes, secretly pleased. “you’re so nonchalant, rus, it’s killin’ me.”

russell exhaled, a sound of bliss at this fragment of normalcy after bits and pieces of unfamiliarity. “you’re sweet, ol, thinkin’ i know what nonchalant means.”

olive just sighed, laid her head gently onto his shoulder, the both of them looking ahead, out at the well-kept lawn. he reached his arm around her shoulder, pulled her closer. it was easiest to pretend she wasn’t crossing a line, olive observed, when she wasn’t looking at him. “still got that piece of junk, do you?” she asked, nodding towards his truck.

she felt his laugh in her back. “don’t be mean,” he pressed, “she’s been with me through everything.”

he meant it lightly, but olive heard what went unsaid. that his truck had been with him through everything. that she had not.

russell seemed to sense her change in emotion, at any rate, his thumb tracing gentle circles in her upper arm. “so, what’d you do today? besides your shoot, which i interrupted.”

olive smiled, closed her eyes, thought back on her day. “not much,” she answered, “some calls, went for a walk, got a coffee spilled on me-”

“at cool beans?”

olive opened her eyes, tilted her head back so she could look up at russell from his shoulder. “how’d you know?”

he gave a sly smile, shook his head in a disbelieving laugh. “of course you’re who aidan was rambling about at practice.”

olive’s smile quirked at the mention of her new acquaintance. “you know aidan?”

russell scoffed without malice. “that’s my center fielder you’re talking about.” he shot her a look. “should have known, after he came in all flustered over the girl who bought his coffee.” he sucked on his teeth, made a tsk sound. “haven’t seen the affliction in action in a while, can’t believe i missed the symptoms.”

olive elbowed him in the gut, straightened until she was looking at him head on, halfway laughing. “good grief, not this again, rus.”

russell just raised both of his hands in surrender. “nothing against you, ol. i just feel bad, losing yet another comrade to the fleming flu, it’s terrible, really. please, leave me to grieve my friend in peace.”

It was sometime around sophomore year in high school that russell had come up with the concept of the fleming flu - in other words, the symptoms someone exhibited after meeting olive for the first time. nervous energy, prone to stuttering, a little daydreamy. even as a teenager, russell had loved to make fun of olive for the distinct effect she had on others, though always in good fun.

olive groaned, held her head in her hands. “you’re impossible.”

“hey, hey, now,” russell said, almost apologetic, wrapping her in his arms and holding her close again. “i can only say it ‘cause i’ve got the worst case, haven’t i?” he dipped his head down until she could feel his breath on her ear. “pretty sure it’s chronic, kid.”

“we need to get you help,” olive said, shaking her head.

“‘fraid there’s no cure,” russell said, “aid’ll be fine, though. guy forgets about things before they finish happening.”

olive laughed, trying to ignore the way her body basically sighed in relief at being held by him. if she didn’t acknowledge it, maybe she could believe she wasn’t doing anything wrong. “he seems sweet,” she said, recalling aidan’s demeanor. “a little clumsy, but sweet.”

olive could have fallen asleep like this, sinking into russell’s chest. there was a comfortable silence, a pause that could have been a few moments, could have been an hour. the sticky air now just felt pleasantly warm.

“got any plans for tonight?” russell asked, at some point, his voice textured with a slight rasp after however long a silence. “i have my own place now, if you want to see it.”

olive’s exhale felt weighted. she wanted to see his place, sure, wanted to spend as much time with him as possible, but she knew it wasn’t a good idea - that once they were alone at his place together it would be long before history repeated itself and someone ended up hurt.

“i just,” olive tried, voice stable despite feeling anything but, “i just don’t think it’s a good idea for me to come over tonight.”

russell was quiet, searching her eyes for something. the pause felt like a grand piano on her heart. olive could feel his probing gaze on her profile, looking for some signal, some sign. it tore her apart that she couldn’t give him one.

“okay, kid,” he said. “i’ll see you tomorrow? maybe we can do something?”

if there was one thing that olive knew about russell, it was that he would never push her further than she wanted to go. in that sense, as long as she laid the boundaries, he would follow. it appeared to be the laying of boundaries that posed a problem.

“yes, please.” olive nodded, wanting to see him but not wanting to be one-on-one, knowing she wouldn’t survive it, knowing being around other people was safer. “maybe we could meet at the bar downtown?”

russell’s eyes flashed, momentary, but olive caught it, a rocket-ship flare of disappointment. “yeah,” he said, still, “yeah, perfect. i’ll bring some of the guys.”

olive stood up and hugged russell goodbye, and she couldn’t ignore the way he held her, then - like her feet were buoyant in the air, like she was floating away, and he was the only thing keeping her on the ground.

as his truck roared to life, pulled out of her driveway, she gave a little wave, to which russell honked the old horn twice, like he used to do, every time he’d leave her house.

that night, olive slept in bouts of doubt, amidst tantrums of guilt. olive slept poorly.

fin. (until the next chapter).

[ladylooch]

I have thots….

Mile high club

Timo is an obvi choice but may I present to you Barzy? Or MILES

And obvi if we’re talking OC’s for sure lio and con

Mmkay back to my bevies

😘🍻

I am having tequila high noons tonight… so it’s gonna be lit 🔥

The way you are making me choose about who to write this about.. what a predicament. 

But… my Woody girls are thirsty…. So let’s go with Miles MF Wood.

“Surprise!!!!” Miles yells as your sneakers hit the tarmac. The last fifteen minutes have been very confusing to you. You had arrived at the airport in Boston, ready for your new adventure together in Colorado. But everything took an unexpected turn when the car continued onto the tarmac of the airport. You were shuttled to a specific hanger that holds a private security area and the nicest airport lounge you have ever seen.

“We are flying private.” He wiggles his thick eyebrows at you.

“Baby, what…. This is… so…”

“Free!” He grins. “Paid for by our new team as a welcome to the Mile High City.” His arms stretch out to the side. The gap in his teeth is extra pronounced with his excitement. 

“Oh my god. I’m finally dating a real superstar.” You snort as you poke his stomach. His smile falls off. 

“Hey.”

“Sorry, you tee’d it up for me.”

You both get settled on the plane quickly taking off before you even register what is happening. Your take off drink of choices was mimosas due to the late morning time. 

“Cheers to our next adventure.” Miles clinks your glasses together. You take a sip, then his tongue chases the bubbles in your mouth, stretching out his seatbelt to maximum length.

“Babe.” You laugh at his aggressive kissing. Your plane is just hitting ten thousand feet and you feel a bit anxious as you always do during the first part of any flight. Something about being in a smaller plane isn’t very comforting to you.

“We are fucking before this plane ride is over.” Your boyfriend’s words snap you out of your anxious thoughts.

“What?”

“There is no way you’re getting off this plane without me being inside of you.”

“Babe!” You smack his huge thigh, glancing back at the flight attendant gathering together your cheese board appetizer. “No way.” You look at the lack of door between the cabin and the pilots as well as the openness of everything. Plus, you’re way too anxious of a flyer. “It would be so obvious.”

“I do not care.”

“Well, you’re not the only one participating.”

“You owe me. A bet is a bet.” Your face goes white. Shit. He is not actually making you pay up for your drunken bet that he wouldn’t go three years without getting replacement teeth. “You’re too vain.” You had giggled at him. Miles never “got around” to getting new teeth… and you didn’t really think anything of it because you love him and he’s so cute and sexy either way that whatever. Who needs teeth?

Damn, when did teeth get so negotiable to you.

Only Miles Wood could do that to you. And only he could make you unbuckle your seatbelt to straddle his lap. His prize for winning the bet was naming a time and place of his choice for you two to have sex. Apparently, this is the time and place. 

He reaches around your body to grab the inflight blanket provided. He folds it around your back. You have a full view of the flight attendant who has the cheese board in her hands, ready to walk it out to you. You make eye contact with her. You purse your lips. She immediately knows and turns around, closing the curtains.

“Oh my god. She closed the curtains.” You put your forehead on Miles’ shoulder in shame.

“Baby, they definitely deal with this all the time. With way grosser people than us. Let’s give them a show.”

“Miles, you fucker.” You whine as you reach for his belt. You cannot believe you are doing this. He is rigid beneath your fingers already panting at what you’re about to do. His blue eyes are wild with excitement as he grins at you. You take him out of his pants, unable to make eye contact with him as you stroke along his taut skin. He chuckles. 

“Baby, we don’t have to.” Him giving you the out makes you want it so much more. Your eyes meet his and he grins wider. “Yesssss, I knew you wanted to.”

“I see why you told me to wear the dress.” You had been debating between leggings and a dress, but he insisted on this.

“I’ve had this planned since I found out we were flying private.” He leans forward, sucking along your collarbone. “Fuck that feels good.” He moans as your fingers wrap tighter around him, stroking his length. “Oh.” He moans. 

“Okay you need to be quiet.” You say pointedly. He’s the loud one in this relationship. 

With his help, you shift your panties to the side. Miles leans his chair back, then guides your hips as you put him at your entrance. Your head falls back as you slide all the way down onto him. His thickness is intoxicating while stretching you to capacity. You roll your head forward again, watching the way his eyes flicker with waves of desire. His lips are pursed to keep his groans to himself.

Miles bucks into you. It’s a little awkward with not being able to move, but you find your rhythm quickly, wanting release.

“Ohhhmygod.” Miles’ head falls forward to your breasts, shoving between them as you squeeze his face between the mounds. “Baby.” He moans into your right breast, leaving a kiss there afterwards. 

Neither of you last long. It feels too good and so public and honestly, you needed this to relax and enjoy the rest of the flight. You rut into him with slow movements to bring you both down gently. Miles comes out from your breasts, puckering his lips for a kiss.

“I’m glad this is how we started our life in Colorado.”

“Me too.” You admit, brushing his curls off his forehead.

[hockeylvr59]

Here With Me Part 30 || Taylor Makar

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

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

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

~~~~~~

Twenty Nine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You and your American temperatures.” Mark teased. 

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

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

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

“What are you? Five?” Mark chirped. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark feigned hurt before shaking his head. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Wait what?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you have condoms?” 

“Yes Kels. Brand new box upstairs.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Better…but still need you inside me.” 

Chuckling, Taylor shook his head. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“So uh…about that rash…” Taylor murmured sheepishly. “It’s brush burn from my stubble.” 

“I…are you sure?” Kelsey questioned, moving around the table to brush her fingers against his jaw and upper lip. Though the scruff wasn’t all that visible it was a little bit bristly, more so than she had expected. 

“The way you were kissing me…yeah.” Taylor declared. 

“Oh…” Kelsey murmured gently touching above her lip because it really did sting. If he was right at least it wasn’t an allergic reaction or something but that knowledge also didn’t help much. 

Pulling her hand back, she moved to sit down so that they could eat, both starving after a long day’s hike and their extra curricular activities. It didn’t take long for them to devour their dinner and after cleaning up Kelsey stepped into Taylor’s chest needing his affections having not gotten their usual post sex snuggle. 

Pulling her close, Taylor moved with her into their family room, sinking into the couch and pulling her on top of him. 

“Any TV requests?” He mumbled softly causing Kelsey to shake her head as she burrowed herself into his body. All she needed was this, his warmth and security. 

They hadn’t had alone time like this since she arrived and Kelsey found herself finally relaxing, enjoying the silence outside of the tv and being with just Taylor without wondering what anyone else might be thinking. 

Of course, eventually his parents would be coming home and Kelsey cringed at the thought of them seeing how red her mouth was. If there was any dead giveaway that they’d fooled around it was that. And while Laura had told her that they didn’t care, Kelsey couldn’t help but think that they’d judge her for it even if they didn’t say anything. 

Burying her face further into Taylor’s chest, Kelsey focused on his scent and the rhythm of his heartbeat, slowly drifting off after a long physically and mentally exhausting day. She only stirred at the sound of the front door and footsteps entering the house. Laura’s voice filled her ears a moment later and Kelsey silently groaned as she realized Taylor’s mom was home and she was still on the couch where she’d have to face her. 

At the very least she could be not lying head to toe on Taylor’s body looking super intimate when his mom walked in so she shifted to get up off of him, sinking into the area previously occupied by his feet when he sat up, holding her to keep her from leaving the couch altogether. 

“I brought dessert.” Laura called from the kitchen causing Taylor to jump up immediately to see what his mom had decided to treat him with. Kelsey on the other hand stayed put. It hadn’t been that long since they’d had dinner and well at least the family room lighting wasn’t as bright and judgmental as the kitchen’s was. 

Even over the TV, Kelsey could hear Laura head upstairs, probably to change, before coming back down. She could also hear cabinets and drawers open in the kitchen as Taylor clearly worked to get some of whatever dessert Laura had brought home. 

After a few minutes, Taylor came back into the family room with two plates and forks. 

“Strawberry cake?” He offered. 

“No thanks T.” Kelsey declined, not really wanting anything sweet. 

Not pushing, Taylor just set the second plate down on the coffee table, leaving it there for her if she changed her mind. When she didn’t and his had been gone for a few minutes, Taylor offered it again. 

“Are you sure?” 

“I’m good T.” Kelsey insisted softly. Eventually Taylor grabbed the second plate, taking a few bites before putting one on the fork and offering it to her. 

“It’s really good…” He added, full on puppy dog eyes on display. Because he looked so pathetic, Kelsey opened her mouth to let him feed her a bite. It was okay, definitely tasted off in the way that told her it was gluten free but it wasn’t bad. It just didn’t really do anything for her. 

Eating another few bites, Taylor offered another one to her causing Kelsey to shake her head. 

“I don’t want anymore T.” She insisted, “but thank you.” As he continued eating the second plate, Taylor tried to offer her a few more bites causing Kelsey to sigh and shake her head. She was a bit relieved when he finally shoveled the last bite into his mouth before moving to take the plates into the kitchen to be cleaned. 

That relief didn’t last when different footsteps entered the room and the couch sank beside her as Laura sank down leaving a decent amount of space between them. 

“How are you doing Kels?” Laura asked. 

Sinking her head further into her arms and knees which had already been pulled to her chest, Kelsey did her best to hide her face. 

“Tired.” She mumbled softly. 

“Anything else?” Laura prodded gently. 

“No.” Kelsey mumbled, still hiding her face. 

The couch shifted a bit and Kelsey felt Laura’s hand rub up and down her back. Eventually Kelsey lifted her head a bit revealing her red mouth before dropping it again, her shoulders starting to shake slightly. 

“C’mon Kels, let’s go get you some moisturizer for that.” Laura offered standing and holding a hand out to Kelsey. After a gentle tug, Kelsey stood, though now it was more than her mouth that was red as embarrassment coated her cheeks and she blinked back tears from red rimmed eyes. 

Guiding Kelsey upstairs, Laura led her toward the master bedroom. 

“Apologies for the mess but my husband lives here.” Laura stated, trying to lighten the mood as she dug through a drawer in the bathroom before coming up with a bottle that she handed off to Kelsey. It was a basic moisturizer, unscented but with aloe. Taking it, Kelsey squirted a little onto her fingers before rubbing it onto her face making sure to use an extra gentle touch on the area around her mouth. 

All the while she still refused to meet Laura’s gaze, eyes downcast as she mumbled thanks. 

“Is there anything else Kels?” Laura asked gently, not used to the downtrodden shy girl that was once again in front of her. 

Immediately, Kelsey shook her head in reply. 

“If nothing else is wrong, why do you look like you’re about to cry hun?” 

Kelsey immediately rubbed at her eyes with the hand that hadn’t used moisturizer but as much as she tried to make it appear like she wasn’t going to lose it, her bottom lip still wobbled unconsciously. 

Stepping closer, Laura reached out in a signal that she was going to hug Kelsey but was giving her time to refuse. When Kelsey didn’t, Laura pulled her into her arms hugging her tightly. 

“Kelsey sweetheart…what you and Taylor do alone is none of my business as long as you’re careful. I’m not your mom. There’s no judgment here and you’re safe to just be yourself with us.”

As much as Kelsey didn’t want to start crying, the tears spilled from her eyes into Laura’s shoulder anyway. It was baffling to Kelsey that Taylor’s mom was so calm and accepting when she had been so scared of the lecture she’d been certain would come once it became evident that Kelsey had had sex with Taylor in their house. 

Even as she cried, Laura only continued holding her, rubbing her back once again until Kelsey’s body finally started to settle. Squeezing her, Laura pulled back just enough to speak. 

“Feel any better?” She asked softly. 

Nodding, Kelsey bit her lower lip gently. 

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m such a mess this week.” 

“Kelsey, we’ve thrown a lot at you the last few days, cut yourself a little slack, it’s okay.” Laura assured her. 

Letting out a deep breath, Kelsey nodded. 

“I’m gonna go find T.” She murmured, knowing he probably was wondering where they disappeared to. 

“Of course. If you need anything hun just let us know.” Laura insisted, letting go of Kelsey fully. “And feel free to tell Tay to shave.” 

Heading back downstairs, Kelsey followed the voices, finding Taylor and Gary in the kitchen talking about Gary’s golf game. As soon as she entered the room, both sets of eyes turned to her and Gary smiled, immediately opening his arms in a hug. 

“There she is.” He exclaimed. “You and T have to tell us all about your hike today. How was it?” 

Hugging him, Kelsey then stepped into Taylor’s side where his arm was lifted to welcome her back into his grip. 

“I had no idea he was taking me to Lake Louise.” Kelsey murmured. “Words can’t even describe how beautiful it was.” 

Recapping their hike, including Mark crashing it, Taylor and Kelsey talked about their day, sharing the pictures Kelsey had taken with Laura and Gary. Then they talked about plans for tomorrow with heading to the cabin by mid morning so that they could be there and settle and have groceries by dinner. 

As they continued to talk, Kelsey twisted in Taylor’s arms a bit, burying herself into his torso more fully. She really was starting to get tired as it got later and later and she just wanted his arms around her completely. After all, they had gotten up insanely early and it was starting to get late. 

“T, why don’t you take Kels to bed already.” Gary declared after a few more minutes, observing her sleepy behavior. 

Kelsey felt Taylor nose against her head and she yawned before squeezing him tighter. 

“Bed Kels?” He whispered, not moving until she nodded and reluctantly pulled away so that they could head upstairs and get ready for bed. 

“See you tomorrow.” Kelsey murmured to his parents before slowly making her way up the steps. After using the bathroom, brushing her teeth, and changing into pajamas, Kelsey slid under the blankets of the bed just waiting for Taylor to join her before snuggling up against his body. 

Tomorrow they were headed to British Columbia and Kelsey made a promise to herself that she would do her best to leave the drama and fear here and not into the next step of her trip. She really just wanted to enjoy this time with Taylor, that was why she was here. Everything else needed to be pushed to the wayside. 

Kissing Taylor softly goodnight Kelsey rested her head on his chest. “I love you Tay.” She whispered. “But can you please shave in the morning?” 

After a moment his chest rumbled beneath her as he chuckled slightly and she felt his breath across her forehead. 

“Love you too Kels. Now sleep.” 

That was exactly what she was going to do.

[powermakar]

Take a Picture - Jt. Compher

Merry Christmas ya filthy (slut ) animal!

well, this happened... 472 words of filthy smut with no plot

I have a soft and extremely horny spot for Jt okay

warning: cum play, unprotected sex (be careful please!), lots of swearing, pictures being taken during it too, and I think that's it

Jt Compher x fem reader

Jt wasn’t the most experimental person in the bedroom but when you two did do something new, 9 times out of 10 it would become his favorite thing. 

Now that is how you ended up laying on your bed with his head between your thighs. The scratchiness of his beard and the way he works his tongue over your clit sends you over the edge within minutes every time. “Fuck Jt how are you so good at this?” you ask, catching your breath. 

“Lots of practice. And I love watching you cum,” he smirks. You just hum in response as Jt flips you over onto your stomach and lifts your ass up. “I’m going to fuck you so hard tonight,” he says unbuttoning his pants. 

“Fuck me so hard Jt, I can take it,” you say reaching down to play with your clit. Jt smacks your ass and you can feel his spit slide down your folds. Before you know it, you are screaming his name as he is ramming his cock into your pussy. “Harder please, please,” you beg.

“I don’t want to hurt you, love,” Jt says but speeds up his pace anyways. The only thing that could be heard was breathy moans and skin slapping together. 

“Baby ‘m gonna cum soon,” he moans.  He spills into you embarrassingly fast, but at that moment he didn’t care. He wanted to try something new. Pulling his cock out of your tight hole, he gathered some of his cum on his fingers. Jt begins to rub the cum over your pussy. He sticks two fingers into your hole to gather more and rubs it on your clit, teasing you. This makes you clench your pussy and cause more to slip out. “Fuck, you should see yourself y/n you are so fucking beautiful like this,” he praises. 

“Take a picture, I want to see it,” you say, arching your back a little more. You thought that Jt was just going to grab his phone, but no, he grabbed his old polaroid camera. He took multiple pictures with and without his hands all over you. 

“So fucking un-believable,” Jt whispers in awe. He puts his favorite polaroid on top of his phone to put in the back of his phone at a later time. Jt fingers you roughly seeing all of his cum being pushed and pulled out of your sweet pussy making you both chase your next orgasm. 

“I’m close baby,” you say, squeezing your erect nipples. 

“Me too,”

“What?” you laugh

“Playing with my cum in your pussy is enough to send me over the edge babe,” he says gently slapping your pussy. That right there caused your third orgasm to rip through your body. In return, you sucked off Jt until he is spilling into the back of your throat.

[wyattjohnston]

with the posting of the masterlist, the summer fic exchange 2k24 has come to an end! 33 fics written by 31 people. i am eternally grateful that these exchanges are still going strong and that people are having fun with it!

please read all the fics below, even if it's a player you don't normally read for. a lot of work has gone into these fics and they all deserve your time. make sure to reblog and leave comments when you've read it!

please respect all warnings at the beginning of fics. if a fic has been marked as smut or 18+ and you are younger than, do the right thing and do not read it.

i'm still unsure if i'm running a winter exchange or if i'm going to maybe reconsider the timing, but please come back and feel free to ask questions around november/december if i haven't said anything!

the summer fic exchange 2k24 masterlist

Boston Bruins

Jeremy Swayman

Indoor Cat by @nhl-stories for @ bqstqnbruin

Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov

i’ve been yours since you stepped through the door tonight by @writingonleaves for @ callsign-denmark

Third Time's the Charm by @typical-simplelove for @ kurlyteuvo

Frederik Andersen

But Baby, It Feels Like Love by @callsign-denmark for @ mp0625

Chicago Hawks

Teuvo Teravainen

I Think I Dreamed You Into Life by @kurlyteuvo for @ lila-rose

Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon

hide the sun by @ohmyeyesmyeyes for @ wyattjohnston

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid

i'm half-doomed and you're semi-sweet by @offside-the-lines for @ hiding-from-reality-56

Leon Draisaitl

… but you're going to by @senditcolton for @ thewintersoldierdisaster

Blue Hair and Pronouns by @hiding-from-reality-56 for @ nhl-stories

Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk

always attract by @dunnerlars for @ sc0tters

truth or dare by @boqvistsbabe for @ ohmyeyesmyeyes

Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield

four weddings and a funeral by @thewintersoldierdisaster for @ prettytoxicrevolver

Juraj Slafkovsky

Summer Vacation by @prettytoxicrevolver for @ lam-ila

New Jersey Devils

Dawson Mercer

Baseball and Love by @lam-ila for @ hischier-papaya

Jack Hughes

CHASING YES by @puckology101 for @ tonsypep

Nico Hischier

home is just another word for you by @fallinallincurls for @ puckology101

felt like magic by @laurenairay for @ selfindulgentpoorlywritten

good luck, babe by @nol-pat for @ fallinallincurls

turbulent by @wyattjohnston for @ dunnerlars

walked in and dream came trued it for ya by @gravestrain for @ nol-pat

New York Islanders

Mat Barzal

First Time Feeling by @huuuuughes for @ ahockeywrites

truth or dare by @dunnerlars for @ writingonleaves

Matt Martin

I can't help it if I like it by @laurenairay for @ comphy-and-cozy

New York Rangers

Alexis Lafreniere

Romance in The Hamptons by @lifeofpriya for @ wildrangers

Matt Rempe

MEDICINE by @lila-rose for @ 2 manytabsopen

Pittsburgh Penguins

Anthony Beauvillier

one night standards by @comphy-and-cozy for @ offsidethelines

Tattoos of You by @bqstqnbruin for @ senditcolton

Ryan Graves

The First Time by @selfindulgentpoorlywritten for @ gravestrain

Seattle Kraken

Philipp Grubauer

Pfirsich by @mp0625 for @ huuuuughes

Toronto Maple Leafs

Joseph Woll

sunset by @hischier-papaya for @ lifeofpriya

William Nylander

I Wish You Would by @wildrangers for @ typical-simplelove

Vancouver Canucks

Quinn Hughes

somehow still stuck on you by @matthewtkachuk for @ boqvistsbabe

walkin' with his head down, i'm the one he's walking to by @tonyspep for @ laurenairay

if the person you wrote for hasn’t read and reblogged your fic, please tell me.

i only tag the person who wrote the fic as there are limited tags.

[withwritersblock]

The Fall of Home

~The Fall of Home by Los Campesinos!~

Author's Note: idk honestly it's mostly word vomit ngl Italics are flashbacks Summary: Nate wins the cup and needs his childhood best friend to celebrate with him Warnings: Swearing, implied smut, shouting Word Count: 3,990 Nathan Mackinnon x fm!reader

She sat on the couch watching the dying minutes of the Stanley Cup finals. She watched Nate push Gabe towards the bench, her heart beating hard against her chest. It was t0o close. Not enough to feel as though they had done it. The Avalanche jersey covering her frame had Mackinnon on the back. It was Nate’s old jersey from his first few years in the league before the Avs switched to their new ones. 

Her childhood best friend had done it as the last ten seconds of the game the puck was in the Avs offensive zone.

It was like watching in slow motion as she watched the bench itch with anticipation as the clock winded down from five seconds. The buzzer goes off and the entire team throws their gear everywhere as they cheer and scatter on the ice. Her hands cover her mouth as her eyes well up in tears.

It had been his dream since the second Nate realized what hockey was. She watched him pretend to lift the cup on the lake behind his house countless times. Now in mere minutes she would get to see it done in real life. Except it is on her TV. 

Her fiance smiled widely as he hugged her side. “The cups coming back to Scotia!” Daniel mumbled as he kissed the side of her cheek. She smiled politely as she stared at the screen seeing Nate on the screen.

Daniel didn’t know that Nate and herself grew up next door to each other or that he was her first kiss. Or the first person he called after he got drafted first overall. Or the fact that they act like they're in a relationship every time they see each other again. Cuddling, kissing, dinner with each other’s parents.

And sex. A lot of it.

Except Nate hasn’t been home in two years. His family has gone and visited him in Colorado instead. She visited him once in Denver and stayed with him, in the same bed. Except nothing happened between them because of Daniel. Daniel entered her life during a difficult time. It was two months before COVID really went rampant. They went COVID crazy and moved in together right when the lockdown happened. His idea.

Nate stayed in Colorado, despite many of his teammates using the time to visit and stay with their families. But she had Daniel. She didn’t need Nate.

Except she still missed him as the months progressed and the further they had time apart it was as if the feelings she had for him were getting less and less suppressed. But he had a new life, new people, new and better successes. Hell. He just won the Stanley Cup. 

She even had a new life. Sure, it was still in the same community she grew up in but she had Daniel and a life that she’s supposed to be happy about.

“Are you crying?” Daniel questioned, a small furrow in his eyebrows. She shifted her gaze towards him for a brief second as she blinked rapidly. She looked back towards the screen to see Nate get handed the cup.

“Cole Harbour, you got another cup!” the announcer shouted as Nate shook the cup in the air with a wide smile on his features. She hasn’t seen him smile so wide since he was drafted.

“It’s just-look at ‘em,” she was referring to Nate.

“Yeah, they’d deserved it from the beginning,” Daniel said as he stood up from the couch to get another beer. 

She watched as Nate handed it off to Jack Johnson, a player who’s waited over a thousand games to achieve this. She tilted her head back as she wiped the tear that fell onto her cheek.

~~~

It had been several hours later and multiple Instagram story reels that have kept her up as she watched the team celebrate. She remained on the couch, a glass of wine in her hand. Her phone screen lit up with a call coming from Nate. She furrowed her eyebrows harshly as his contact photo popped on the screen. It was a picture of them back in his Halifax days. He was kissing her cheek, sweaty and still in his jersey.

Pulling the phone to her ear, it was loud on his end of the phone. “Y/N!” Nate shouted, “I need you in Denv-ver, when I get there tomorrow!” he shouted. He sounded blacked out. She smiled to herself, happy to hear his voice. His voice was practically gone but it was still amazing to hear. “I need to see you, we’ve got to-to celebrate,” he slurred. 

“Ask me again tomorrow,” she said laughing, “Enjoy your night Nathan,” she said, getting ready to hang up.

“Wait! Wait,” he chuckled, “I’m sorry you couldn’t come to Tampa, I wanted you here so bad,” he explained, the words taking forever to leave his lips. “Bu-but you’ve got a fi-fiance,”

Her features scrunched together as his voice was rasped as he was fighting hard to get the words out. “What does Daniel have to do with-”

“Because-” he hiccuped, “Because he has you and I don’t,” he let out. Her eyes widened as the words left his lips. Her stomach began to do flips as the words played in her mind on repeat.

“Because he has you and I don’t,”

“Because he has you and I don’t,”

“Because he has you and I don’t,”

“Oh dude, come on! Give me the phone, Nate! Give it to me. We said no drunk calling!” Erik’s voice rang out on Nate’s end of the phone. “Sorry, Y/N. He’ll call tomorrow when he’s sober!” Erik’s voice was closer to the phone as he spoke.

“Oh okay,” she mumbled as the phone call ended. Her hand began to shake as she pulled the phone from her ear. What the hell did he mean by that? 

It was hard to take anything he said seriously because he was drunk, he probably won’t even remember calling her. She brought her wine glass to her lips as she drank it all in one swig.

She lifted her gaze from her lap to the sound of loud footsteps coming from her hallway. “Baby, we’ve gotta get up early for that thing with your parents tomorrow. Remember? Come get some sleep,” Daniel said, his voice groggy from probably just waking up. 

She met his eye, praying for an ounce of butterflies or a feeling in her chest that told her he was the one. Or the spark that everyone talks about when you meet your soulmate. But nothing came out of it. She took a deep breath as she nodded, “Yeah, I’ll-” she cleared her throat, “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“So, things are pretty serious with him,” Nate mumbled as he messed with his fingernails, avoiding her gaze. She hummed as a reply as she avoided meeting his gaze. 

She was laying in his king sized bed in his apartment in Denver, contemplating on why she decided staying with him was better than a hotel. Because all she wanted to do right now was kiss him. It’s been three hundred and forty three days since she last kissed him and she missed the feeling of his lips on hers. 

“Why didn’t he come with you to visit me?” he asked, turning his gaze to her trying to read her features. She pulled her lips between her teeth as her eyes widened slightly. She took a sharp breath before looking towards him, her eyes landed on his bright blue eyes. His eyes were slightly swollen as he was recovering from a broken nose still from a few weeks back. 

“He doesn’t know that we’re friends,” the last word difficult to leave her lips, “He just thinks that I’m on a trip with friends to Denver to see a few games,” she explained. Nate fought off a smirk on his lips as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip.

“How’s your mom keeping that secret? If I remember correctly all our childhood photos together are all over the living room,” he said, raising his eyebrows. 

She chuckled as she inched towards him, slightly. “My brother decided to have four kids in the span of three years. So she replaced all of our photos with my niece and nephews.” 

Nate let out a huff of air as he shook his head, “I don’t envy him. Triplets, right?” he asked and she nodded.

“They’re adorable, but a handful,” she muttered.

She met his gaze as she took a deep breath. He smiled softly as he adjusted the pillow under his head. “Is he a Penguins fan or Avs fan?” Nate asked, referring to Daniel. It was common in their small community to be either a Pittsburgh Penguins fan for Sydney or a Colorado Avalanche fan for Nate. 

She scrunched her features together and Nate’s hand hit his chest like a fake dagger. “You couldn’t find an Avs fan to date?”

She rolled her eyes playfully as she laid onto her back, forcing her gaze to the ceiling. “You should get some sleep,” she muttered. 

Nate laid facing her still, admiring every detail about her. The way her hair laid across his pillow. The curve of her lips and the flutter of her eyelashes. “Y/N,” he let out barely above a whisper, his heart racing. She turned her head to meet his gaze. His eyes trail from her eyes to her lips. Needing to kiss her but he couldn’t. Nate was not one to make moves on someone else’s girlfriend. 

But this was Y/N. She was everything he’s ever wanted. Even down to the fake wedding they had when they were nine, it was the first time they kissed. They were nine, kisses at that age barely count but it was the first of many. 

She met his gaze, pursing her lips forward slightly as she watched his eyes flicker between her lips and her eyes. “He’s lucky to have you,” he let out finally. She smiled softly, “But I’ll beat the shit out of him if he hurts you,” 

“You would knock him out with one punch, he’s not very strong,” she muttered as he chuckled.

The next morning she was woken up by Daniel shoving her awake, “Wake up,” he mumbled as he began pacing in their bedroom. She rubbed her hand across her eyes as she was adjusting to the sudden touch to her body. “What the fuck is this?” he asked, shoving his phone into her face, she pulled her hand away as she stared towards the Facebook post that her mom shared early this morning. 

It was hard to read as his hands were shaking, “What-”

“What the fuck is this?” he asked again, dropping his phone onto her chest. She furrowed her eyebrows as she looked over the Facebook post. 

The caption said  From the lake behind our houses to the big stage! Our family couldn’t be more proud. Can’t wait to see the cup in your hands this time! #GoAvsGo #NateDogg

She cringed at the wording but her breath caught in her throat as she saw the collection of photos she added. Each photo shows Nate with her family. Majority of them with Nate and Y/N cuddling cozy and even one of them with him kissing her cheek. “Daniel, I can explain,” she said as she began to stand up from the bed.

“How fucking long were you going to keep this a secret?” he accused as she dropped his phone onto the mattress. Her mouth opened as she tried to find words to say. There was nothing to say. “I mean his contact photo in your phone is him kissing you!” 

“Wait, you went through my phone?” she countered as she looked at her phone in his hands. 

“No, he called you and I saw the picture. I mean, is the jersey you wore last night his? Like off of his fucking back?”

“I never wanted to lie or keep it from you. What was I supposed to say? Oh by the way, my best friend growing up is now this super famous athlete, I never see anymore.” she expressed. 

“He’s not your best friend, all these fucking pictures your mom posted is you two looking coupley. This one is from a year ago when you were in Denver, I mean what the actual fuck. Have you been cheating on me?” 

“What no! Will you stop shouting and sit down and have a conversation?” she countered. He shook his head while taking a deep breath. He reluctantly sat down beside her on the bed, refusing to meet her eye.

There was silence for a moment, “Nate and I grew up beside each other. We were born four months apart, our parents are best friends. He was my first friend. We had a weird relationship,” she hesitantly looked towards him, he was still fuming. “We were never in  a romantic relationship but,” she let out a huff of air, “Sometimes it felt like we were?” 

“I haven’t seen him since the last time I was in Denver, and nothing happened between us. He knows about you and Nate would never even try anything,” she explained. He shook his head.

“So what? You guys have had sex?” he questioned. Her mouth clamped open and shut and he groaned. “I can’t believe you’ve kept this from me!”

“He’s my past, Daniel, he doesn’t matter!”

“But he was a huge part of it! And clearly still is! He’s called you like four times!” he let out as he stood up from the bed. “And you know what, I don’t want to be with someone who keeps such a massive part of their life secret. I’ll move my stuff out by tomorrow,” he expressed, furious. He took a hold of his phone and stormed out of the bedroom.

“Daniel!?” she called out. She let out a huff of air before switching her gaze to her phone that was now lying on the floor.

“You look at those fucking photos and tell me how to feel!” Daniel shouted again. “I can’t compete!” he said before he left.

She tried to feel something for Daniel leaving. Her body was stiff as her mind was racing with thoughts of Nate. Instead of Daniel. She was wrong. He does matter. He always has and despite all of the time apart, he was still so important to her. 

~one week later~

She laid in the bed that she once shared with Daniel. He moved out the next day from the apartment after several more fights regarding Nate. He took the ring from her finger and threw it out of the window. Y/N knows she should’ve told Daniel about Nate. It was easier having him be a celebrity in her life than someone she loved. Someone she loved in more ways than one.

She’s spoken to Nate every day since they won. He would call twice. Once in the morning to recap the drunken things he would say well into the night. His drinking slowed down as the weeks progressed but he’s been celebrating every day since. Each night he would call and beg her to come see him in Denver. Every night she would consider it until she would realize he was too drunk to remember. She’d always leave it out the next day they’d talk.

She laid naked beside him as she traced her manicured finger along his chest. Tracing each line of his muscle, each outline. His hand fluttered his fingertips along her skin. He would trace his index finger from the base of her neck in a zig zag to her lower back.

“When do you go back to Denver?” she questioned barely above a whisper. He took a few seconds to reply as he continued the pattern on her back. 

“Tuesday,” he let out, shifting his gaze from the ceiling to her. She lifted her head to look down towards him. She leaned down and pressed her lips against his softly. He lifted his other hand from his side and rested it onto her cheek. “This might be the last time I’m back here for a while,” he let out as he stroked his thumb across her skin. 

She raised her eyebrows teasing as she pecked his lips, “Let’s make the most of it then,” she muttered between kisses. He smirked into the kiss.

It was sensual and slow, something they’ve perfected over the years as if they know exactly what the other person wanted. Nate pulled away from her lips, resting his forehead against hers. “I’ve missed you a lot,” he said as his hand on her cheek moved to the base of her neck. She opened her eyes to meet his gaze. Her cheeks heated up as she smiled.

“Me too,” she mumbled as he leaned towards her, kissing her.

She shook her head as her phone began to vibrate beside her, she lifted her phone up to see Nate was calling her. She took a deep breath as she put the phone to her ear. “Hi,” she mumbled.

“Come to Denver,” Nate said simply. His voice groggy as if he hasn’t spoken much yet. Pulling her head back against the pillow, she scrunched her features together.

“What?”

“I know you and Daniel broke up, I don’t know why you won’t tell me about it. But all I know is that I’ve been trying to see you because my dream has just happened and I want my best friend to be with me. The other half of this conversation can’t happen over the phone, so please come to Denver. Don’t make me wait till I bring the Cup home, please,” he let out as if he’s rehearsed it. 

She was stunned. Her eyes blinked slowly as she swallowed hard. “How’d you know about Daniel?” she asked, ignoring the rest for now.

“Y/N, our mother’s still live next to each other and they talk a lot. Come to Denver, I’ll book your flight. I just really need to see you,” 

“Okay,” she let out faster than how her mind could process anything.

“How fast can you get to the airport? I want to give you enough time to pack and get ready,”

~~~

She was walking through the airport in Denver trying to find Nate. It took about thirty minutes for her to find him sitting near the passenger pick up doors. He lifted his head, as if he could sense she was close to him. 

She stopped as she saw him stand slowly from his seat, shoving his phone into his pocket. He was glowing. It’s been over a year since she last saw him in person but her entire skin began tingly when she saw him as every moment between them played in her mind like a flipbook. 

Every kiss. Every intimate moment. Every conversation. Hockey games she wore his jersey to. Her graduation from university he flew from Denver to see. Their very first kiss at nine years old, their fake wedding. 

She walked towards him and he began walking towards her. Once they met, she let go of her suitcase and her carry-on bag and jumped into his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he squeezed her tightly against his chest. He took a sharp breath, breathing in her floral perfume. Her hand rested on the base of his neck, running her fingers through the small pieces of his hair.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he muttered into her ear before she slowly pulled away from him, his hands remaining on her hips.

“I just spent way too many hours on two airplanes, don’t lie to me,” she muttered as she met his eyes. They were brighter as well as his smile. He was happier than he’s ever been. 

“Still beautiful,” he mumbled as he pulled her against his chest again. 

~~~

It had been a few hours since she got to Nate’s apartment. She had showered and got rid of the airport smell from her body and they were now sitting on his couch watching an action movie he had picked out. They were quiet but there was a looming tension between them. 

“What happened with Daniel?” Nate asked, keeping his gaze on the screen, trying to avoid looking towards her. She dropped her gaze to her lap, the conversation they’ve been avoiding.

“The day after you guys won the cup, my mom had posted something on Facebook,” she said as she let out a huff of air.

“I saw, it was nice,” he mumbled, Y/N fought off a smile.

“He felt blindsided because he didn’t know that we knew each other. Or knew each other that well and you had called a few times before I woke up and he saw my contact photo for you,” she paused again.

“He claimed I was cheating on him with you and he thought when I visited you in Denver that I cheated on him with you. He then threw my engagement ring out of the window and stormed out. Stayed with my mom that night so he could get his stuff out of my apartment,” 

“What the fuck? He threw your ring out of the window? That’s a dickhead move,” he said while shaking his head.

“I mean, not telling him about us was a dickhead move too, Nate,” 

“I don’t understand why you didn’t tell him,” Nate muttered, shifting his gaze to her. She tilted her head to the side as her lips fell into a pout as her eyes lowered to his lips before she met his gaze again.

“What did you mean when you said ‘he has you and I don’t’?” she asked him. His eyes widened as he pressed his lips together.

“You remembered that?” he asked. She nodded. “I’ve always thought one day we’d end up together, married with like four kids or something. I always thought one day I could convince you to move to Denver with me. Or after I retired we’d start a life together. But you started dating Daniel. I realized I waited too long. And I was going to go back to Halifax during those first months of COVID. But you were with Daniel, I couldn’t be around you and him. So I stayed in Denver.”

“And then he proposed and I lost my chance. I lost my chance because I wasn’t going to make a move on you when you were with him. So, I thought that if we stayed apart, I stopped visiting home, these feelings would just go away. It’s worse, Y/N.” he muttered as he scooted closer to her, forcing their faces to be near inches apart.

“I think sappy romantic stuff is bullshit. But Y/N, you’re my soulmate. I’m in love with you, have been in love with you long before I even knew what love meant,” he rested his hand on her cheek, “At fucking nine years old, I knew who I wanted to marry and seventeen years later I still know who I want to marry. It’s always been you.”

She delicately rested her hand on his chest as she smiled, “I can’t believe you did that math so fast,” she teased. He rolled his eyes playfully.

“Shut up,” he muttered before he pressed his lips against hers urgently. She returned the kiss quickly as she climbed onto his lap, straddling him as her hands were holding his cheeks.

“I was scared,” she muttered as she pulled away, “I was scared that you’d become this famous athlete and forget about me. So I pulled away,” she mumbled before pecking his lips. “I’m in love with you too.”

He smiled as he kissed her again. “Best fucking year,” he let out.

[comphy-and-cozy]

A kiss to distract with Svech please 💚

I have to confess I am very shocked you didn't make me write barzal but I am more than happy to provide with our favorite russian

Prompt: A kiss to distract

Pairing: Andrei Svechnikov x Reader (f)

Word Count: 711

Warnings: Adult themes/content, implied smut, a tiny bit of angst

“...and the Colorado Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup!”

The announcers voices crack with excitement as confetti bursts from the ceiling, the pile of gloves and helmets on the ice as the camera pans to the dog pile celebration. There’s an unmatched euphoria that’s contagious, and it’s hard not to get chills watching anyone win the coveted trophy, even if it’s not the team or players you’d prefer.

Andrei’s eyes are glued to the TV, unable to pull himself away despite the deep hole growing larger in his chest. Part of him wants to turn it off, to not watch another moment of the Avs celebrating something that he yearns for, the other part of him committing the sight to memory as motivation – so he can remember this moment when it’s finally his turn to lift the Cup.

You’re beside him, watching his inner turmoil fester, even more so when Phil Pritchard walks out onto the ice with Lord Stanley, shining brighter than any other accolade or award or achievement. You can practically feel Andrei’s heart sink when Landeskog takes it, the 34.5 pound trophy weightless as he lifts it for the first time. 

“Drei,” you say softly, though he makes no motion to show he heard you, or even remembers you’re there beside him. “Andrei.”

“Hmm?” His eyes don’t leave the screen, though his jaw is now clenched tightly without his knowledge, ticking as he grits his teeth. 

“Maybe we should turn this off?”

“I want to watch it,” he says, only realizing that he’s gripping the edge of the blanket in his fist when he goes to stop your hand from reaching for the remote. 

“Baby, I don’t think we should –”

It’s a dark look sent in your direction that stops your sentence, the glare so unlike him. It’s also what confirms your suspicion that something is wrong – he just doesn’t know it yet, or is too stubborn to admit it. 

So, you do the only thing you know will be a foolproof distraction. At least, you’re pretty sure.

Andrei’s eyes flash when you crawl into his lap, obstructing his view of the TV when you straddle his hips. He’s irritated, huffing in frustration as he leans over, craning his neck to see around you. “Dorogoy, please.”

You ignore him, instead leaning forward to kiss him. He kisses you back, his shoulders relaxing only slightly, before he’s pulled away and trying to see around you again.

It’s your turn to huff, annoyed that he doesn’t seem interested in kissing you – usually one of his favorite activities — still set on torturing himself instead. But you’re determined, not willing to give up yet.

Andrei’s attention snaps to you when your hands tug at the hem of your shirt, pulling it over your head and tossing it behind you. With a smirk, you take his hands, resting loosely on your hips, and place them on your breasts over your lace bralette. 

“I think you have something much more exciting to look at, don’t you?” you ask. The implication is crystal clear, hanging out into the open for him to accept or deny.

In typical boy fashion, all remaining thoughts fly out of his head upon the feeling of your breasts in his hands, this time not fighting it when you lean in to kiss him again. Instead, he lets his hands roam your body, succumbing to the desire you’ve stoked in him, slowly, pulling him away from the certain pain and frustration that comes from watching someone else win what he covets.

You’re all his, though, smiling when he scoops you up into his arms to finish what you started – in the bedroom. It’s a thorough distraction, one full of moans and love bites and red scratch marks on his back that he loves so much, enough to make him completely forget what you were distracting him from in the first place.

It’s only later, much later, when he’s holding you in his arms, feeling your soft skin beneath his fingertips, that he remembers how you got here in the first place. He smiles to himself, because although the disappointment still lingers – will always linger until he gets to touch that trophy himself – he’ll always have you to make him smile.

[hockeylvr59]

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. 

[ahonice]

Until Now

Until Now

Cale Makar x Reader x Tyson Jost

Warnings: drinking, toxic relationships, some sexual scenes but no actual smut (ok maybe a little smut, depends on what you define it as).

WC: 11k (got a little carried away sorry babes)

*Some things might not actually match up to the real life timeline and something just straight up never happened, this is a work of fiction.*

*March 15th 2022*

“I don’t understand why you’re getting so upset.”

That phrase only made you more upset. Tyson had just found out he was being traded a couple hours before and he immediately began packing his things, and yours.

“Tyson I cannot just pick up my life and move across the country. My friends are here, my family is here, I have a job that I love here, I am not leaving.” 

“If any of the other guys were traded their partners wouldn’t have to think twice about going with them. Why do you have to be so difficult? Quit your job, I can provide for the two of us, and we can come back to visit during the holidays. All I want is my girlfriend and for us to be there for each other.”

“No, what you want is a trophy wife and I will not be that. This is over Tyson, thanks for the headstart on packing my shit. I’ll be back in the morning to get all my stuff.”

***

You had plenty of options of where to stay overnight, plenty of them having no ties with Tyson or any of the Avalanche players for that matter, but you still found yourself at Cale’s front door. After knocking and getting no answer you began heading towards the stairwell but the sound of a door opening stopped you.

“Y/n? What are you doing here? It's late, come in.” 

“He is getting traded.”

“I know, it’s so unfortunate, I’m gonna miss him.”

Cale didn’t just assume you were leaving your life in Colorado behind, you appreciated that.

“We broke up. He wanted me to just drop everything and follow him like I’m some sad little puppy who can’t function without its owner.” 

“Oh. Well, do you need somewhere to stay tonight?”

Yes. “No. Just wanted a friend to talk to, I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do now.”

And that is what Cale was that night, a friend for you to talk to, as well as a friend who did not let you leave once the both of you realized it was almost 3am and gave you his guest bed to sleep on.

 ***

You had called out of work on your way to Cale’s last night knowing you wouldn’t be able to bring yourself to teach rambunctious high school students about whichever history course of yours they were enrolled into. 

Walking out of the guest room you were met with an empty apartment, which was to be expected as the Avalanche had a practice scheduled at this time. I cleaned up any mess I made in the guest bedroom and tidied up around the living room, texting Cale a thank you for everything before slipping out of his apartment and heading over to yours.

***

“Where did you go last night? None of your friends could tell me where you were, I was worried sick.”

The first words to come out of Tyson’s mouth upset you more than they probably should’ve.

“I’m not yours to worry about anymore Tyson.”

You walked towards the bedroom without another word, more rage blinded you as you saw all of your things Tyson had previously packed now out of their boxes and put back where they used to belong. 

Before you were able to yell out towards your ex you felt a presence at the door.

“I’m not breaking the lease, this is where you live too. I’m not just gonna leave you with nowhere to stay, I’m not that cruel.” 

“I can’t afford this place by myself, you know that.”

It was true, while you loved your job, you were still a public school teacher in a very underfunded school district. Tyson always offered to just cover all of the rent, but ended up settling for a 70/30 split rent, you insisted on helping out even if it was the smallest amount of money. 

“I know, I paid for the next three months in advance. If you plan on moving out please just wait three months, I know you don’t like money wasted.”

“Tyson, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” He trailed off realizing the time. “I should go, I have a flight to catch.”

You nodded, sniffling. You don’t know when you teared up, but they were now clouding your vision. 

“Baby, please don’t cry. I know we aren’t together anymore, but I don’t want to lose contact with you. Please reach out to me, I know I will reach out to you.”

“What about Cleo?” 

Cleo, the cat you two had together, had never been Tyson’s biggest fan. You liked to blame it on her not liking men, but Tyson always fired back with a “She loves Cale.” That was true, she loved Cale, probably more than she loved you.

“She can stay here with you, she would probably run away if I took her.”

You laughed at his statement.

“She would miss Cale too much anyways. “ You joked. “Thank you.”

“Of course, you know she loves you more than me.”

“No Tys, thank you for everything. These past three years have been amazing, I love you.”

“I love you too Y/n.” His phone ringing interrupted him. “I really need to go, my uber is here. Don’t be a stranger Y/n, I expect to be hearing from you.”

***

*April 11th 2022*

Tyson definitely reached out more than you did, but he still got the occasional message from you with an update on Cleo or something that happened to you during work that day. He did get a picture of you in the jersey he sent just days after he moved out, the green material and the number 10 feeling foreign on you, having never worn anything with “JOST” on it that wasn’t navy or maroon. 

Almost a month later you sat in your apartment watching the Wild game, wearing Tyson’s jersey cuddled up with Cleo, who you had somehow gotten to wear the Wild bandana Tyson sent a few days ago, sending him a selfie of the two of you with a text message right after saying, “Rooting from you, Cleo isn’t suffering in that bandana for you to lose the game!” 

A knock on your door interrupted the trance you had been in while watching the game, your first plan to ignore whoever was at your door was abandoned as the person continued knocking, now almost banging on the door.

You cautiously opened the door, immediately fearing who or what could be behind that door.

“Hey.”

It was Cale.

“Hey Cale, what’s up.”

“I haven’t seen you in a while, just wanted to check in. You’ve been ignoring my messages and calls, I know because you’ve been ignoring everyone else.”

He has a right to sound as upset as he is. Cale, as well as all the rest of the Avalanche roster and their partners, have been given the cold shoulder ever since Tyson moved, but after almost two weeks of radio silence they had all seemed to give up, all but Cale.

“Look Cale I’m really sorry but I just couldn’t bring myself to be around his friends. Everything reminds me of him.”

“Is that why you’re wearing his jersey right now? To help get him off your mind?”

“Cale–”

The Canadian wouldn’t let you finish what you were gonna say.

“I’m taking you out to eat, I know you’re hungry. Go change.”

Cale always knew how to read you because you were starving. He made his way inside, shutting the door behind him and immediately making his way towards Cleo who was still laying on the couch. He pet her, quickly pulling off the Wild bandana she wore and making a mental note to buy her an Avalanche one.

“I can tell she has missed you. If you were anyone else she would be in my bedroom hiding.” You spoke, walking out of the bathroom is an old hoodie rather than Tyson’s jersey you were wearing just moments prior.

“I missed her too, did Tyson not want her?”

“No, he knows she doesn’t like him, she doesn’t like any men.” You spoke with a chuckle.

“She likes me.”

“That’s because you’re special Cale.”

He blushed as the two of you walked out, not even realizing you forgot your phone on the coffee table in the living room. A text from Tyson lighting up your phone reading, “I miss my girls, when I’m in Denver next can we meet for dinner?”

***

“There is no way that actually happened.” Cale laughed, nearly choking on his coffee. 

He had taken you to Waffle House as that was the only open that sounded somewhat appetizing, you had arrived nearly two hours before, the two of you getting lost in the conversation talking about anything and everything, which was now leading to the senior prank that was pulled last year.

“I swear, they took the tires off of the principal's car and placed them in the trophy display case.” 

“That is so funny, did they get in trouble?”

“Oh yea, they were suspended and weren’t allowed to walk at graduation, but I think it was worth it. It was hilarious.”

Soon the laughter faded out into a comfortable silence.

“We should probably head back, it’s almost 9pm. I’ve got work in the morning.” You said, even though you never wanted this night to end. 

***

Cale walked you up to your front door, claiming he wanted to see Cleo one more time.

“You know you can come see her whenever you want to? I’ll unmute your contact info, I was wrong to try and ignore you.”

“You had your reasons, but yes please do that. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” You trailed off not knowing what to do, the tension in the air feeling all but friendly. Luckily the sound of your phone ringing cut through it, you quickly shuffled to where you had left your phone hours before. The screen lighting up with the name “Tyson 🤍” you never brought yourself to change his contact name. 

“It’s Tyson, tonight has been very fun. We should do it again soon, just message me whenever you're free.” Cale nodded, a quiet “Goodbye.” leaving his lips as he walked out the door.

You answered the phone, letting out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding in.

“Hey Tyson.”

“Where were you?” 

“Tys–”

“No! You haven’t answered me in hours, i know you couldn’t have been sleeping because you keep your ringer one so where were you? Are you okay?”

His last question did not match his angry tone at all.

“I was out with a friend and I left my phone in the apartment. Tyson you have no right to yell at me like that.”

“Y/n I was worried, am I not allowed to be worried about my girlfriend?”

“Ex-girlfriend. Tyson, if I have to remind you that we are broken up one more time I don’t think I can play along with this whole “friends” act. I am not yours to worry about anymore.”

“Fine.”

“Tyson please stop messaging me, it is for the best. We both need to move on, our relationship is over and there is nothing we can do to fix it. Agreeing to stay friends was a big mistake.”

“There is something that we can do to fix our relationship, you can come move out here with me. I still love you Y/n and I know you still love me. Leave your job, I found a private school twenty minutes away from the arena that needs teachers.”

“Would you just stop it Tyson! We are over. I'm not leaving my life in Denver, I am done having this conversation with you. Goodbye Tyson, please stop contacting me.”

“Wait no Y/n please–”

You hung up before Tyson could finish his sentence.

***

 The next day Tyson would not stop calling you, during the school day you had to turn your phone completely off because “do not disturb” wasn’t even helping. By the time you arrived back at your apartment you’d had enough.

“Enough Tyson! I told you to leave me alone I’m blocking you–”

“Woah put the claws away, it’s just me.”

Cale.

“Oh I’m sorry Cale, I thought Tyson was calling me again.”

“Is he bothering you? Because I can talk to him for you.”

“No Cale it’s nothing you want to get involved in I promise.”

“Do you wanna meet for a late dinner after my game is over?”

“Yea I’d love to, good luck tonight by the way.”

You could hear his smile over the phone as he suggested you wear one of his jerseys tonight.

“--and put Cleo in that new Avalanche bandana I sent you.”

“Will do Cale, but I should probably go. I’ll see you later.”

“Goodbye Y/n,”

***

The knock on your door pulled you out of your trance, quickly lowering the volume on your speaker as you walked towards the door to answer it.

“Hey Cale, you can come in, just give me a second to change and grab my shoes.” 

“Ok, take your time.” His breathing stopped as he saw you turn around, his name and number branded on your back. He quickly walked towards the couch to take a seat, noting what songs were playing over your speakers so he could play it in the car.

“What artist is this?” He asks as you walk out of your bedroom, still in his jersey, but in jeans instead of the sleep shorts you were wearing when you answered the door.

“Harry Styles, he is one of my favorite singers ever.”

“Oh yea the one from that band, you went to see him in concert last year?”

You found it sweet that he remembered. Tyson had joined you at the concert but couldn’t even bother to learn the name of the artist, who you so lovingly adore. 

“Yea I did, it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I’ve been listening to him since he was in One Direction and I just love his music so much. I’ve begun collecting his merch, and I think I’m gonna start collecting his records. I don’t even have a record player though.” You looked up trying to catch your breath, “Sorry I didn’t mean to ramble, I don’t mean to annoy you.” You spoke looking down again, a blush forming on your cheeks.

Cale gently grabbed your chin, making me look up at him, “You don’t need to be sorry, I don’t think you realize how adorable it is when you’re talking about something you love.” 

“Be careful, if someone else heard you say that they might think you’re flirting with me.” You chuckled out.

“Well they would be correct.” Cale paused for a moment “We should go, I don’t know how busy Waffle House is going to be right now.” He finished while walking out your door leaving you standing in your living room too stunned to move.

“Did he actually just say that?”

“Yes I did, can we go now? I’m hungry.”

***

“Is everything ok? You’ve been silent all night.” Cale said. It was true, but he had just dropped a bomb on you.

“Did you mean what you said? That you were flirting with me? Do you actually not find it annoying when I talk? Because if you’re just here to pity me because of Tyson then just leave.” You blurted out, immediately embarrassed by your short rant.

“No Y/n, not at all. Nothing you could do would ever annoy me. Did Tyson ever make you feel that way? Because I will beat him up.”

“Cale, please, stop. Let's just forget about it, I don’t like talking about it.” 

“Ok, but please eat your food before I do. Somehow I’m still very hungry.

***

“Cale, we should probably head back, it’s almost 1am.”

“Oh my goodness I didn’t even realize how late it was getting, I just lose track of time when I’m with you.” Cale spoke while standing up and gathering his things, “-And I don’t mean that in a bad way, I really enjoy spending time with you.” 

“Thank you Cale, I appreciate you.” You said while following his actions. “I don’t think you realize how good it feels to hear those words, especially when the person saying them is being genuine.”

***

Cale knew there was something off about your relationship with Tyson, even before he had moved to Minnesota. The way you responded to compliments and criticisms spoke enough on how poorly Tyson had treated you, he wanted to make that right. He wanted you to accept compliments without arguing, and he wanted you to know that no criticism that was thrown your way would change the way he felt about you. Cale wanted you, he always had ever since the night he met you almost three years ago, the same night you met Tyson.

*May 9th 2019*

The Avalanche decided to celebrate their season coming to an end at a club in downtown Denver. That club just so happened to be where you were working as a bartender, the job you had while in college. 

“We better be making good tips tonight, these guys make like one million dollars a year.”

“Don’t be a bitch and that won’t be an issue.” You spoke laughing at your friend, Callie’s, reaction.

“Put your tits away Y/n.” She fires back while walking away to her side of the bar. You laugh while you finish preparing your side of the bar.

Soon enough it was time for the team to come up to the private floor, you had no idea how they would act. Would they be respectful? Would they be creepy? Either way you need to get those tips, college is expensive. 

“Y/n if you pull your tits out anymore i think you would flash them.” Callie said, fake judging you.

“I need money, and your ass is out Callie.”

“I also need money.” The two of you laughed but were quickly silenced by the sound of footsteps outside the door.

Your coworker led them inside and they all took seats, some at booths and some at the bar. You immediately began taking orders and working on drinks, trying to get everything done as quickly as possible as to have a little down time before the next rush of orders came through. After about 15 minutes the bar had died down and you were able to start talking, more gossiping than anything, with Callie. 

“That blonde with the red cheeks has not stopped staring at you, like not once has he even blinked.” Callie told you, not bothering to be quiet because no one was around, or so you had thought.

“I have also not taken my eyes off of you since I got here.” 

You and Callie quickly turned around to see a boy with curly brown hair.

“I’m Tyson by the way and you are?” Tyson gestured over towards you, making sure you knew who he was talking about. 

“I’m Y/n.” 

“And I’m Callie, not that either of you are acknowledging my existence right now.”

You giggled and apologized about your friend before falling into conversation with Tyson.

“So you aren’t old enough to drink, but you are old enough to be a bartender? How does that make sense.” 

“You have to be 18 to serve alcohol, 21 to drink alcohol. It’s just how this country works, you’re gonna have to get used to it Canada.”  

“I don’t mean to interrupt, well yeah I actually do, but Y/n you have a job to do that isn’t flirting with Tyson here.” Callie chimed in, causing a blush to rise to your cheeks.

“I am sorry but she is right, I have to get back to work. It was very nice meeting you though.” Tyson gave you a smile before you turned to take orders and make drinks for his teammates.

As you were making a drink someone sat down in the stool in front of you, the blonde Callie pointed out earlier who “hadn’t taken his eyes off you”. 

“Hey can I get you anything?” You asked, setting the whiskey sour down for the man who had ordered it.

“Do you have apple juice?” The blonde asked.

“I believe we do, would you like that with vodka? Or what do you want?” You asked back, a little confused because that wasn’t a question you were asked before.

“No, can I have just apple juice? I’m not old enough to drink and water is boring.” He said avoiding eye contact with you.

“Of course, just give me a second to find it.” You responded while looking around the bar for the bottle of apple juice. Handing the cup to him after you finished pouring it, he began asking about you and why you’re working as a bartender.

“Well I’m actually a student at The University of Denver and I work here for money to pay off my loan debt.” You told him. “I am a few days away from finishing my second year of school, so don’t worry about ordering apple juice, I would also have to order that if I were on the other side of this bar. I’m only 19.” 

“You aren’t allowed to drink alcohol, but you can make and serve alcoholic drinks? How does that make sense?” He asked you, almost baffled at the news you just told him.

“It confused me too Cale–” Another voice cut in, Tyson took the seat next to the boy who you have now been able to place a name on, Cale. “-Hello Y/n, it is nice to see you again. I was worried my teammates would steal you away from me for the rest of the night.” 

“Well they couldn’t even if they tried cause you would just interrupt them anyways.” You chirped at him, making it obvious that he just walked in on a conversation that you were really enjoying. 

“Alright well I was just gonna order another drink, and also was hoping to talk to you some more. Would it be ok if I joined in on you and Cale’s conversation Y/n?” He asked in a tone, knowing what your answer would be. 

“What would you like to drink Tyson?”

***

“Come on boys, they're closing.” A blonde man came up to grab both Cale and Tyson’s shoulders. They quickly nodded their heads towards the guy grinning at you with some of his teeth missing. Cale opened his mouth to say something, but Tyson had beat him to it.

“Can I get your number Y/n? I wanna take you out sometime.” A blush rose to your cheeks, you weren’t blind he was attractive and you would actually be stupid if you didn’t give it to him. So that’s what you did, not noticing the defeated look on Cale’s face. Tyson beat him by asking you out, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be your friend.

*May 2nd, 2022*

The first round of playoffs began tonight and you could tell Cale was nervous, but so were you. Not only for your friend, who so deserved to win the cup, but also at the fact that this was the first Avalanche game you would be attending since you and Tyson broke up as well as the first time you would even be speaking and seeing the other players and partners.

“Why don’t you wear my jersey tonight? I know you aren’t wearing your jacket so you’ll need something to wear.” Cale suggested, walking into your apartment already knowing you were struggling to pick out an outfit without even walking into your room. What he didn’t know was that you had your headphones on so you didn’t hear him come in or speak to you, Cale also didn’t know that you were only dressed in your underwear while rummaging through your closet. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head as a crimson color crept up to his cheeks, sure he has seen you in a swimsuit before, but this was just different. He quickly turned around and tried to make his way out of your room unnoticed, tried to. He ran into your bedside table while walking out, causing your lamp to tumble over, and making you jump in reaction. Quickly whipping your head around and saw a very red Cale looking at the blue lace that covered your intimates, rubbing his neck in shame.

“Oh Cale, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in.” 

He was surprised at your tone, why weren’t you the littlest shocked at him seeing you basically naked, did you want him to see you like that? Were you into him like he was into you? He cut his own thoughts off.

“I’m so sorry, um I’ll just be in the living room waiting.” He spoke before basically running out of your room. You found it adorable how flustered he got, it was just some skin you didn’t really see the big deal.

You quickly got dressed in one of Cale’s jerseys and some black leather pants. Putting on some accessories and your signature perfume before walking into the living room and bending over to put on your booties, catching Cale staring at you once again. 

You would be lying if you said you weren’t attracted to Cale, you always had been ever since the night you had met him. But nothing could ever happen, you were with Tyson, well you used to be. Cale was there for you whenever you needed it, he was everything you wanted in a partner. He was everything Tyson was and more. Maybe you did begin flirting with Cale a bit more noticeably a few weeks after the break up, but could anyone blame you it's Cale fucking Makar. 

“Ready to go?” you asked, turning to face him. He nodded in response quickly getting up, you could finally get a good look at his game day suit and god did he look good. Hiding the crush you had on him was getting harder and harder every moment. 

***

“Y/n! Ugh I have missed you so much!” Mel was quick to greet you once you stepped into the friends and family box. You had no idea how everyone would react to you attending an Avalanche game not as Tyson’s girlfriend, but as Cale’s friend. 

“Hey Mel, sorry I haven’t been in contact–” The captain's wife was quick to shut down your apologies.

“Don’t. I know it couldn’t have been easy to constantly surround yourself with things that remind you of him. I was a little surprised when Cale told us that you guys had been spending all your time together.” 

“Yea he has been a great support system for me, it feels nice to be friends with him again.”

It was known that after your relationship with Tyson had become something more serious, moving in together and getting a cat, that you and Cale had drifted apart from one another. He was your closest friend, you would’ve even considered him your best friend, but Tyson wasn’t a fan of the two of you. He claimed that he didn’t trust Cale because he had ulterior motives and didn’t just want to be your friend. 

“You’re not dating? Oh I’m sorry Gabe mentioned that you and Cale had been going on dates, I just assumed.” Your eyes widened at not only the assumption, but also at the bedazzled jean jacket with Cale’s name and number on it that was brought for you. You just shook your head at Mel’s apologies and took the jacket from her. “Maybe I’ll wear it to the next playoff game.” You told her with a fake smile on your face. Had you and Cale actually been going on dates without even realizing it? Did Cale think you were going on dates and you were the one in the dark about it?

***

You continued to attend all of the playoff games that took place in Denver and by the end of the first round it felt like you had never lost contact with everyone. They were kind enough to never mention Tyson in front of you, knowing it was still a hot topic and you appreciated that a lot more than they could ever know. You had to have Mel and Sydney stop you from texting Tyson, apologizing for the loss but also congratulating him on finishing the season with the Wild.

 With Cale being so busy you haven't been able to hang out with each other, but you’re still texting and calling whenever the both of you are available. Tonight was the first game of the second round and you were trying to figure out what to wear and that damn jean jacket was just staring at you from its spot in your closet.

 “It wouldn’t be horrible to wear it, I mean just because I’m wearing it doesn’t mean we’re together I’m just wearing a jacket, just like how I wear his jersey.” You spoke to yourself, an internal battle happening in your mind as you finally slipped the denim over your shoulders. 

“Do you still have my jean jacket?” A voice that was all too familiar to you spoke from the entryway of your room. Tyson. “You know you should probably stop keeping the front door unlocked, who knows what kind of weirdo could just walk in.”

You slowly turned around, tears welling in your eyes as you looked at the man who you had loved so much. His hair was grown out and he wasn’t clean shaven anymore, he looked different. 

“Tyson, what- um how- what are you doing here?” On any other occasion you would’ve been embarrassed by stumbling over your words but you were too shocked to care, the tears that had been settling in your eyes finally began falling as neither of you spoke, both keeping your eyes on each other scared that if you looked away that they would no longer be there.

His presence shouldn’t bother you this much, you shouldn’t allow him to bother you this much. 

“My season is over, I wanted to come down to support the team. They’re still my friends even if we aren’t on the same roster anymore.” He answered while walking towards you, him just being centimeters away from you by the end of his statement. 

“No, what are you doing here Tyson? Why are you in my apartment?” You ask softly, trying to hide yourself from him. You didn’t want Tyson to see you in such a vulnerable state. 

Tyson reaches up to gently grab your face, his thumbs wiping your tears away as he leans into your lips. As much as you wanted to fight him, and to not let him kiss you, you couldn’t stop yourself from falling into the kiss and wrapping my hands around him, managing to bring him closer to you. The kiss quickly deepens as you walk back towards your bed.

“I’ve missed you.” Tyson spoke in between kisses. His hands began roaming your body, but stopping as he touched the jewels that spelt out “MAKAR” on your back.

“I need you to take his name off of your back.” Tyson said, the jealousy was apparent in his voice.

Tyson knew that Cale always had a thing for you, he was horrible at hiding it. Tyson was never the biggest fan of you being friends with Cale, he didn’t trust the younger Canadian knowing that Cale had been in love with you since you met the both of them that night in May, Tyson had been too.

“Tyson, we need to stop this.” you said, pulling away from him. His lips chasing yours before letting out a sigh.

“Why? I am off of work all summer and so are you? Please can we just be together again? Be us again? I miss you so fucking much and I don’t know if I can keep doing this without you by my side. It was horrible after we broke up, I cannot function without you. Please Y/n, at least just consider going on a date with me? I’m in Denver for the next month and a half, I’m staying at a hotel.” Tyson rambled as you considered his words, you were doing horrible as well nothing Cale or any of your other friends could do or say was able to fully close up the hole in your heart that Tyson left you with.

“You can stay here, there is a guest room. No need for you to pay for a hotel room.” You whispered, shocking yourself with the offer. Him staying with you for almost two months would probably be one of the worst mistakes in your life, but you didn’t want him staying in a hotel, you knew how much he hated them.

“Y/n thank you, I hate-” Tyson started. “Staying in hotels. I know.” You finished.

“Can we skip the game please, go get some dinner and talk about everything. I think that is what we need, to just go over everything that happened and how we are feeling.” Tyson suggested to you, a little nervous that you would say no. 

Your heart spoke before your brain could, “Yea I think that would be what’s best for us moving forward.”

***

You quickly changed into a dress and some heels, Tyson changing into a dress shirt and slacks. He had made reservations for the two of you at your favorite Italian place before he had even got to your apartment because he knew you would say yes, you hated him for knowing you so well. You walked out after putting your favorite earrings on, the ones you haven’t worn since the last date you had gone on with Tyson.

“You’re wearing my earrings.” Tyson muttered so quietly you almost didn’t hear it. 

“They’re beautiful Tyson, of course I’m going to wear them. You also put a lot of thought into the gift, they mean a lot to me.” You were fully aware that Cale had gone out and bought your anniversary gift for Tyson because he had no idea what to get you, and Cale had seen you eyeing that pair of earrings every time you went window shopping with him, he even saw the tabs open on your computer once, one of them being the link to the online shop that sold those earrings. They were all you could’ve ever wanted as a gift, and Tyson didn’t even know that. 

“We should get going before we miss our reservations” He said standing up, ending the slight stare down the two of you were having, you wanted him to admit he didn’t get you those earrings but he never would. That was the biggest issue, your relationship was built on lies.

***

“Please be my girlfriend again” 

Tyson didn’t even wait for the hostess who showed you to your table to leave before speaking.

“Tyson–”

“Y/n I have been so miserable since you left me, I’m not eating, I’m not sleeping, my game has been complete shit. Without you I am nothing, I need you back. I fucked up, I know that, but please if you just give me a second chance I will be the loving boyfriend that you deserve. Please Y/n.” He pleaded, tears building up in his eyes. 

“Tyson, can we please just treat this like a normal date and discuss our future in private.” He nodded as you both quickly shoved your heads into the menu, even though you both knew what you would be getting already.

***

Dinner was filled with the two of you catching up, you telling him about the things you have been up to since he moved and him telling you about Minnesota and the team.

“Did you stay close with any of the players or their partners?” Tyson asked after your stories had stopped being shared. 

“No, the only one I talked to and saw on a regular basis was Cale. I kind of shut everyone out except for him after we broke up, but I’ve started to go to games again. Which reminds me I need to inform them that I’m alive and just missing the game tonight.” You said while pulling your phone out to see a few texts already.

From: Mel🏒❤️

Hey! Just wondering if you were dead or not lol.

From: Mel🏒❤️

I’m gonna assume you’re not coming tonight, hope everything is ok. Text me when you can.

From: Mel🏒❤️

Text Cale too. He is worried.

From: Makar🥰

Hey Y/n after the game tonight could you go down to the tunnels with Mel and Syd? I want to talk to you.

From: Makar🥰

Mel just told me you aren’t up in the box with them, are you gonna be late to the game?

From: Makar🥰

Is everything alright Y/n? It isn’t like you to ignore messages.

From: Makar🥰

Text me whenever you see this so I know you’re ok, I’m going out onto the ice now, I hope you’re watching from wherever you are.

You quickly typed a response to Mel’s texts.

To: Mel🏒❤️

Hey I’m alive. Tyson is in town, came by my apartment and now we’re at dinner discussing everything. Tell the girls I’m sorry I couldn’t make it and if Cale asks anything do not mention Tyson please, just tell him I’m sick and that I just needed rest.

From: Mel🏒❤️

Oh shit.

You chuckled lightly at the text before going into your conversation with Cale.

To: Makar🥰

I am so sorry Cale but I woke up super sick this morning and needed some rest, sorry I didn’t text earlier I’ve been sleeping all day. Good job on the game today! Cleo and I were rooting for you the whole time!❤️❤️

You sent the text congratulating him on the game even though it was only the 1st period, he probably wasn’t going to see it until after the game had ended.

“Everything ok?” Your head shot up, having forgotten about the real reason why you were not in attendance at the game the voice of your ex startled you.

“Yea I just had to text Mel quickly, what were we talking about?” You asked, placing your phone in your purse.

“How you just began attending Avalanche games recently.” He answered.

“Oh yea, I felt a bit awkward going after we broke up but Cale convinced me to go for the playoff games. The girls have been super nice about everything. I was scared they would hate me for having cut off our communication with them, but they said they understood why I did it.” You explained while playing with your food, a habit you displayed when you were nervous.

“So how is Cale?” Tyson's question shouldn’t have shocked you as much as it did.

“Oh um he is great. He has had an amazing season, hasn’t he been texting you bragging about everything he has accomplished?”  You didn’t know if you should tell Tyson about how close the two of you had become in the two months he has been gone, afraid of his reaction. 

“Well he has blocked my number and all of my socials so the only updates I get on him are through the boys, but they usually just talk about the two of you when I ask about him. They say that the two of you have been going on dates and spend every night together, and that he asked for a playoff jacket to be made for you with his name and number on it. Is there something you’re not telling me Y/n?” 

With Tyson there is no trust, he gets extremely jealous and once he has the thought of you being with someone else he fixates on it and sees the guy as a threat. You would say his only threat is Cale. 

“Tyson, nothing is going on with me and Cale. We’re just friends, if you can’t trust me then why should I bother attempting to rekindle our relationship if you can’t trust me and my best friend.” You spoke, frustration clear in your tone. You could tell that you were making those around you uncomfortable so you proposed that the two of you pay the check and continue your conversation in a more private place, or just somewhere that wasn’t filled with happy couples.

***

“Are you sure nothing happened between you and Cale while I was gone.” Tyson asked for what felt like the 100th time, but it was probably just the third or fourth.

“Yes Tyson, for the last time nothing happened between us and nothing is happening between us right now. But if anything did happen you aren’t allowed to be upset, we are broken up. I can do and see whoever I want and so can you.” You basically yelled at the boy who sat on your couch.

“I don’t want to be with just anyone, I want to be with you Y/n. Am I not making that clear enough because I think I’ve said that plenty of times tonight.” Tyson yelled back. 

“Let's just calm down, I’m gonna go change, you can turn on the tv. Play the game or something.” You told him before turning to walk towards your bedroom. 

Once you’ve entered the room to search for a shirt to wear over your spandex, you saw one of Tyson’s Wild shirts sitting on top of your bed. One of your favorite habits of his, he always left a shirt out for you to change into after a night out. Contemplating whether or not you should put it on or just find another shirt to wear, you decide to just put on Tyson’s shirt thinking you’ve hurt his feelings enough for one night. 

Quickly putting some fuzzy socks on you walk out to the living room, freezing at the sight.

“I think she missed me.” Tyson was cuddled up with Cleo, she was wearing a jersey that had his number on it but the name said “DADDY” you were amazed at how he was able to get it on her as well as wondering where the hell he found a jersey that fits a cat.

“Please tell me you didn’t order a custom jersey for our cat.” You said trying to hide your laughter.

“I did, but don’t worry it's a jersey meant for a baby. I’m not that crazy to order a jersey made for a cat.” He responded, as Cleo went to lay on his chest.

“I wouldn’t put it past you.” He gave you a fake glare before laughing and patting the spot next to him. “I can tell she misses you, I would find her cuddled up in your old dresser sometimes with some of the clothes you left here.” He smiled at that and situated himself and Cleo so that you could sit next to them. 

“The avalanche game ended, they won, now it’s just playing the highlights.” He whispered to you, your bodies so close that a volume louder would cause a headache. You nodded and focused on the tv, well tried to focus. You and Tyson had broken up 2 months ago, which meant it had been 2 months since you had sex, and god were you frustrated. Sure you had a vibrator, but nothing was gonna beat actual sex, especially sex with Tyson. Thinking about it made it worse, so you shifted on the couch uncomfortably, crossing your legs to try and relieve some of the tension in your body, before looking at the TV, which was showing a compilation of Cale’s three goals, he got a fucking hat trick and you weren’t there to see it. You quickly picked up your phone to send a text to him.

To: Makar🥰

Congratulations on your hat trick tonight!! I cannot believe I missed it, I am so sorry. I’ll be there for your next one though 😁❤️

“What does he want?” Tyson asked, annoyed while looking at the contact in your phone.

“I’m just congratulating him on his hat trick tonight, and apologizing for not being able to attend the game.” You answered with a sigh, leaning over the couch and setting your phone down on the table in front of you. Which gave Tyson a very nice view of your ass. Was it a horrible idea to sleep with your ex while he is trying to win you back, or just in general? Absolutely, but you don't care, you just need to have a release. You stayed bent over, deciding to text Mel just to try and get Tyson a little riled up. 

To: Mel🏒❤️

Girl I know this is a bad idea but I think I’m gonna sleep with Tyson😭 

To: Mel🏒❤️

I haven’t had an orgasm in two months, seriously if he doesn’t fuck me I don’t know what I’m gonna do. Wish me luck!! 

From: Mel🏒❤️

Get that dick babe!! 

From: Mel🏒❤️

But seriously the second he leaves Denver I’m setting you up with someone. This has to be a one time thing, you’re better off without him.

You smiled at the messages before turning your phone on do not disturb and setting it down, missing a message from Cale.

From: Makar🥰

Hey Y/n, I’m coming over to your place. Hope it’s ok because I’m almost there.

From: Makar🥰

I’m bringing soup and tea, I assume you’re asleep so I’ll just let myself  in.

Unaware that Cale was on his way you sat back down on the couch leaning your body onto Tyson’s. You hoped he would’ve picked up on your signals, but he just wrapped his arm around you and did nothing else.

“Tyson how many more signals  am I gonna have to give you until you fuck me.” You whispered in his ear, and that was it. 

His mouth instantly found yours, your tongues fighting for dominance as he grabs your hips to straddle his own. 

Soon the clothes were coming off, Tyson was in just his boxers as you were only in Tyson’s Wild shirt. The marks being left on your neck made the shape of a T, one of Tyson’s favorite things to do during sex, it claimed you as his. He began lifting your shirt up, not all the way, but just enough to be able to latch his mouth onto your nipple. So caught up in the moment, your moans and his grunts caused by your bare core grinding against his clothed one, you didn’t hear your front door unlock and the sound of footsteps entering your apartment. You did however hear the sound of soup hitting the floor, you felt it too. You yelped, catching Tyson’s attention whose first instinct was to protect you. He quickly pushed you onto the couch and moved up to cover you, he still didn’t know who had entered your apartment. 

“What the fuck are you doing here.” Cale yelled towards your ex, your eyes widened as you tried to find your shorts, or anything to cover your exposed bottom half.

“I could ask you the same thing Makar.” Tyson asks, getting angrier by the moment. Cale having a key to your apartment, bringing you things thinking you were sick, and being protective over you did not sit well in Tyson’s stomach. You had spent the whole night trying to convince Tyson that nothing was going on between you and Cale and now all that work was out the window. 

“I knew it, I fucking knew there was something going on between you two. Y/n tried to tell me that nothing was happening but I’ve always known you loved her, you never got over her even after you lost her to me.” Tyson spoke venomously.

“Fuck you Tyson, and you Y/n–” Cale pointed at you. “I’m really disappointed in you. After all this time trying to get over him you just fell back into his trap. Was this your plan all along? To string me along and get my hopes up and then break my heart, because if so you accomplished it. Whore.” That's when Tyson swung and tears welled in your eyes. Cale regained his balance as a face of guilt washed over him, but he left before you could say anything to him or he could say anything to you. 

You quickly got up finding your spandex and put them on before running out the front door to chase after Cale. 

“Where are you going? Are you seriously chasing after him? He just called you a whore.” Tyson yelled as you made your way to the hallway.

“He’s my best friend.” you whispered back towards him, not even thinking he had heard it, but Tyson nodded at you as a way to tell you to go after him.

***

Luckily Cale lived in the same building as you so all you had to do was go up the stairwell to get his floor, but he had some leg and speed advantage on you, as well as a head start because you couldn’t get your damn shorts on, so Cale’s door was shut. 

“Cale open the door.” You said while knocking, more like pounding, on the door. “-Please.” You were met with silence as you continued to beg to be let in. Eventually your legs got tired and you began sliding your back down the door, the tears you had been holding back finally slipping free as you lost control of your breathing. 

“Cale, please.” Your voice was barely there, he wouldn’t be able to hear you unless he was at the other side of the door. “I’m so sorry.” Even if Cale was on the other side of the door your weeps were enough to make the words coming out of your mouth sound like a foreign language.

You continued to cry until you heard the door to the stairwell open.

“Come on Y/n, we have to go. You need to go to bed.” Tyson tried to coax you into coming back to your apartment but you weren’t having it.

“NO TYSON-” you shouted. “-I fucked up ok. I need to make it right, he is my best friend and I cannot leave or go to sleep until I have talked to him.” Your words grew quieter as a new wave of tears washed over you. 

“Baby…” he trailed off before walking over to you, “Let's go Y/n. He doesn’t wanna talk to you right now, you can try again tomorrow. Just give him some space. Come on love, I’ve got you.” Tyson picked you up bridal style, too tired to care you wrapped your arms around his neck and snuggled into his chest, almost immediately falling asleep. Neither you or Tyson heard Cale’s door open or the faint “Y/n.” that left his lips.

***

“Wait so Cale walked in on you and Tyson doing it and called you a whore? What a fucking dick, why does he think he has the right to just enter your apartment and get upset at what he sees.” Mel exclaimed.

You had asked her to meet you for coffee so you could debrief what had happened the night before.

“Mel, I don’t think you’re focusing on the thing I want you to.” you sighed “he told me that I strung him along and broke his heart, do you think he likes me?” 

“Sweetie, is the sky blue? Cale has liked you ever since the night he met you, that same night you met Tyson.” Mel said, laughing shortly after because of your reaction.

“I need to go, I need to talk to him.” You said rushing out the door.

“Good luck Y/n!” You sent a smile before sprinting to your apartment.

***

Luckily the coffee shop was less than a mile away from your complex so you got there quite quickly. Not wanting to deal with the shitty elevator you took the stairs, quickly regretting that decision by the time you got to the third floor, but nonetheless you still made it to his door in one piece, you just couldn’t breath. You quickly recollected yourself before knocking on Cale’s door. 

“Cale, please open up, I need to talk to you.” You said hoping he could hear the desperation in your voice. He did.

His front door opened and you were met with the sight of your best friend who looked just as horrible as you did, possibly even worse. His eyes were red, his nose crusted, and his face puffy and glistening from tears. You would have laughed if the circumstances were different, but right now his appearance crushed you. You had a staring contest, neither of you moving or speaking, your breathing was even rigged. You broke the silence, “Can I come in?” he nodded in response, fully opening his door for you to walk in.

“Look Cale, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have slept with him, well we actually didn’t have sex last night we were just- nevermind, but still that doesn’t give you the right to call me a whore. That hurt Cale.” You said trying your hardest to get the tears out of your eyes.

“I know I’m sorry, that was way out of line, but you have to look at it through my eyes” Cale paused trying to figure out his next words carefully. “-Y/n, I’m in love with you. I have been for awhile, and seeing you with Tyson was horrible, but seeing you broken because of him was even worse. I really thought you were making progress, you were hanging out with the guys and their partners more, you seemed like you were finally you again and to see you just throw all of that out the window because Tyson showed up on your doorstep unannounced hurts the most. What were you thinking Y/n?”

 “I wasn’t. Ok Cale, I wasn’t thinking. Tyson is back and he really wants to get back together with me and have me move out to Minnesota with him. He really wants me to be his again.”

“Do you want to be his again? Do you want to be anyone’s? Why can’t you just be your own person and not settle, not be ok with being claimed as an object by a guy who doesn’t even realize how good he has it with you? If you do move out there, what about your life in Denver? What about your friendships? What about your job? What about us? What about our relationship?”

“Cale you’ll always be my best friend, I’ll always lo–”

“NO DON’T SAY THAT! I don’t wanna be your best friend, I wanna be your boyfriend, your lover, the guy who is there for you no matter what, the guy who loves you no matter what. I want to be the one who lets you see how wonderful you are, to help you gain back that self confidence you lost to Tyson, I want you to see how much you deserve and I wanna give you that and more Y/n. I wanna marry you, I wanna give you your dream wedding, I know you’ve been planning it since you were young. I want to start a family with you, one boy and a girl. We'll name them those names you’ve had picked out since childhood, Dylan and Jane. I know you want Dylan to be older but you would be happy with twins as well. Y/n I want to give you the life you’ve always wanted, the one that you deserve, Y/n I–” 

Cale was cut off by your lips, you had never even thought of spending the rest of your life with Cale, until now, sure you had thought he was cute and over the past couple of months you had gotten much closer with him, but you never had considered that he could be the one for you, until now.

The kiss was desperate on both sides. Cale had wanted to kiss you since the moment he saw you, he wanted to know what you tasted like, if you chewed mint or fruity gum, it was fruity, he wanted to know how you felt wrapped in his arms, he loved it. Pulling away he chased your lips before sighing to himself and letting his head fall onto your shoulder. You welcomed his embrace by wrapping your arms around his torso, staying like that for a while before he felt wetness on his hair and heard your sniffling.

“Hey, hey are you ok? What’s wrong?” Cale asked gently, grabbing your jaw to make you look at him.

“It’s just, ugh it’s stupid-”

“If it is making you cry it isn’t stupid.” Cale told you affirmatively before motioning you to continue.

“Those things you said to me about my future, well our future, were you just saying that or did you mean it?” You whispered, ducking your head to try and hide from him, hoping that wasn’t all just for show.

“Every word of it.” 

You lifted your head to see Cale smiling softly at you, a blush spread across his cheeks. 

“Was it too much? I didn’t mean to overbear you or anything, you just needed to know how I feel.”

“It was a lot, I’m gonna be honest–” you both let out a chuckle, “but it was amazing. That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, ever.” The blush on both of your cheeks were deepening as you began leaning in, letting your lips mold together once again.

***

It was a few hours later that Cale had to leave to go to the rink, time in between you first showing up and him having to leave was spent kissing, talking, baking cookies, and some more kissing. 

“Will you be there tonight?” Cale asked while double checking he had everything in his bag.

“I don’t know, probably not. I’m telling Tyson that we’re officially over and that I’m not moving with him tonight and I already know that conversation isn’t going to go well.” You answered truthfully, not wanting him to get his hopes up too much.

“Ok.” Cale nodded, picking his bag up and heading out the door.

“I’m sorry. Good luck Makar, score a goal for me tonight.” He smiled as he walked out the door. You stayed on his couch a little while longer before heading out the door and walking up to your apartment. 

***

“Tyson?” You shouted as you walked into your front door, “Are you in here?” You were met with silence, so you walked up to the guest room where he was staying and knocked on the door.

“Tyson?” You asked again, this time in a softer voice. You heard the sound of sniffling coming from the room and decided to enter.

“Tyson are you ok? What is wrong?” You asked, finding him curled up into a ball on the bed, tissues surrounding him.

“I’m getting traded. Again.” He weakly stated. 

“Oh Tys…” You didn’t know what to say, what to do. He had just joined the Wild and they’re already having him pack his bags. “-where are they sending you now?” 

“I have no idea, no one has picked me up yet. Why do they want me gone? I just started with them, am I that horrible at hockey?” 

“No Tyson, don’t say that about yourself. This is what happens in sports, players get traded. You can’t let it affect your game, and your life as well, that’s what happened when you went to Minnesota.” You worried he would take your bluntness the wrong way.

“I know that, it just still hurts.” You hummed at his response, not knowing what else to say. 

“Have you spoken to Cale yet? Or is he still ignoring you?” You instantly froze, how were you supposed to tell him that not only were you not moving back with Tyson, thus telling him you will not be getting back together with him, but also tell him that not only had you made up with Cale, you also made out with Cale.

“Yea, I actually just got back from his apartment. This is probably not the best timing but–”

“You’re not getting back together with me?”

“Tyson. I love you, I always will, but our relationship is not healthy. I need to put myself first, and I get how that might be selfish but I cannot put myself in a relationship that has made me feel unworthy of so much. I’m so sorry.” Now it was your turn to tear up.

“Y/n, I understand. I never thought you would actually come back to me. I’m sorry too, that our relationship made you feel like that, that I made you feel like that.”

“You’re taking this surprisingly well.”

“You belong with Cale, I hope you know that. Obviously I wish that we could be together, but if it's not me it should be Cale. Last night I saw how much it affected you, him being upset with you, and seeing you sitting out there for so long made me realize that not once in our relationship did you fight that hard to make things right with me, I didn’t either. It hurts, but I understand that he means more to you than me, but I love you so much that I wanna see you happy, even if it’s not with me.``

You smiled at him, sitting up and wiping the last of your tears away.

“-but if things don’t end up going well with Cale I’ll always be here.” Tyson added in a jokingly flirting tone causing you to laugh. 

You got up and instantly started getting ready, you were going to the game tonight and you were gonna wear your Makar jacket. 

***

“Oh Y/n you made it!” Mel said enthusiastically when you entered the friends and family box. “How did it go this morning?” She added needing to know all the details.

“Really well…” You trailed off trying to quiet your voice down so those around don’t hear all of your business. “-we actually kissed, like a lot.” 

“YOU GUYS KISSED?” Mel yelled, the opposite of the reaction you were hoping for.

“Shhh Mel come on dude.” You said moving your hands around trying to get her to understand how badly she needed to shut up. “Anyways, we kissed, and he confessed to me and told me all these sweet things like really sweet things that made me cry.” You told her, smiling at the memory of it.

“What kind of sweet things?” Mel asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Nothing like that you perv, but maybe I’ll tell you in the future.” You smiled towards your friend before you began paying attention to the game in front of you.

***

The Avalanche ended up winning their game in a shutout, 7-0 and letting them advance into the finals of the Stanley Cup, Cale also got a hat trick tonight. You followed Mel and the other family members towards the dressing rooms to meet up with the players.

You stood there leaned against the wall, nervously playing with your necklace. Gabe had exited the locker room a few minutes earlier and quickly took the attention of Mel, leaving you to your own devices while you wait for Cale, he still didn’t know you were here so you didn’t know how long it would take for him to exit the locker room. 

From: Makar🥰

Hey! Game is over and I just finished up, about to head back to my place. I hope your conversation with Tyson went ok, and I hope I can see you again tonight. Maybe you can go up to my apartment and I’ll meet you there? I’ll pick up some food.

To: Makar🥰

Look up dummy.

Confused, Cale looked up from his phone and met your eyes. His face instantly turned into a smile before he quickly walked over to you and dropped his bags.

“Hey you-” but Cale didn’t let you finish your thought, he grabbed your face and brought his lips down to yours, ignoring the hollering and whistling from the players around him. It wasn’t until Gabe shouted out a “Get a room you two!” Did you guys part from each other.

“You made it. Did you see my goals.” He whispered, a blush coating his cheeks.

“I did, all three of them. Congrats honey.” You whispered back.

“Ugh you’re gonna drive me crazy with that name.” He groaned, his head leaning back.

“Well I don’t have to call you it then, I can just continue to call you Cale.” You teased.

“No no no, please continue to call me that. You’ll get a nickname of your own soon, I just have to find the perfect one. Babe? No, that doesn’t sound natural. Love?”

“Oh I like that one.” You giggled a blush reaching your face.

“Alright love, let's go, I am starving.” Cale said, picking his bags back up off the ground.

“You’re not even gonna acknowledge me wearing your playoff jacket? I’m offended Makar.” You quipped, purposefully walking in front of him so he could see his name and number branded on your back. 

“Oh shit.” He said lowly, obviously flustered at the sight. “You look amazing, like really amazing. My last name looks pretty good on you, wanna take it forever?” He winked as you turned round to face him.

“One thing at a time Makar we aren’t even dating yet.” You said while walking up to his car.

“Well then will you be my girlfriend Y/n?” 

“Of course.”

“Great, now will you marry me?”

“Shut up and drive before I walk home.”

*A/N y’all this is the longest thing i’ve ever written lmao. i hope y’all enjoyed it, i kinda just write things and hope they make sense because planning and proofreading a story is for suckers. but if anything doesn’t actually line up to what happened in real life then oh well it’s a work of fiction. HOPE Y’ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY*

[cuttergauthier]

Who I Write For

Hey everyone this is a list of who I write for.

If you have someone else in mind, send me an ask and i’ll let you know if i want to write for him. I’m not picky

Also if anyone would want me to start an AU let me know!

How to request

I DO NOT WRITE SMUT

New jersey Devils

Jack Hughes

Nathan Bastian

Dawson Mercer

Luke Hughes

Nico Hischier

Timo Meier

Brendan Smith

Vancouver Canucks

Quinn Hughes

Brock Boeser

Elias Pettersson

Cole McWard

Anthony Beauvillier

Dakota Joshua

Toronto Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner

Auston Matthews

William Nylander

Matthew Knies

Morgan Reilly

Buffalo Sabres

Owen Powers

Tyson Jost

Devon Levi

Erik Johnson

Jeff Skinner

Tage Thompson

Dylan Cozens

Casey Mittelstadt

Carolina Hurricanes

Michael Bunting

Andrei Svechnikov

Jack Drury

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pierre-Oliver Joseph

Ryan Graves

Ty Smith

Columbus Blue Jackets

Nick Blankenburg

Kent Johnson

Cole Sillinger

Adam Boqvist

Zach Werenski

Adam Fantilli

Vegas Golden Knights

Brendan Brisson

San Jose Sharks

Thomas Bordeleau

Tristen Robins

William Eklund

Henry Thrun

Luke Kunin

Anaheim Ducks

Trevor Zegras

Mason McTavish

John Gibson

Frank Vatrano

St Louis Blues

Jake Neighbours

Colton Parayko

Ottawa Senators

Josh Norris

Brady Tkachuk

Mathieu Joseph

Jakob Chychrun

Zack MacEwen

Tim Stutzle

Thomas Chabot

Minnesota Wilds

Matt Boldy

Brock Faber

Brandon Duhaime

Los Angeles Kings

Alex Turcotte

Quinn Byfield

Brandt Clarke

Pierre Luc Dubois

Alex Laferriere

Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk

Sam Bennett

Mackie Samoskevich

William Lockwood

Aaron Ekblad

Josh Mahura

Brandon Montour

Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar

Bowen Byram

Nate Mackinnon

Miles Wood

Detroit Red Wings

J.T. Compher

Dylan Larkin

Joe Veleno

Jake Walman

Boston Bruins

Mason Lohrei

Johnny Beecher

Jeremy Swayman

Jake Debrusk

Charlie Mcavoy

Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield

Arber Xhekaj

Kirby Dach

Christian Dvorak

Alex Newhook

New York Islanders

Noah Dobson

Mat Barzal

Philadelphia Flyers

Morgan Frost

Cam York

Jamie Drysdale

Joe Farabee

Tyson Foerster

Noah Cates

New York Rangers

Alexis Lafrenière

Adam Fox

K’Andre Miller

Braden Schneider

Chris Kreider

Zac Jones

Arizona Coyotes

Logan Cooley

Dylan Guenther

Clayton Keller

Nick Schmaltz

Chicago Blackhawks

Lukas Reichel

Seth Jones

Alex Vlasic

Connor Bedard

Tampa Bay Lightnings

Brandon Hagel

Anthony Cirelli

Seattle Kraken

Brandon Tanev

Jamie Oleksiak

Philipp Grubauer

Will Borgen

Dallas Stars

Wyatt Johnston

Jake Oettinger

Rope Hintz

Craig Smith

University of Michigan

Luca Fantili

Rutger McGroarty

Nick Moldenhauer

Phil Lapointe

Jacob Truscott

Tyler Duke

Marshall Warren

Frank Nezar

Ethan Edwards

Michigan State University

Red Savage

Isaac Howard

Maxim Štrbák

Ohio State University

Joe Dunlap

Cam Thiesing

Davis Burnside

Caden Brown

Matt Cassidy

Minnesota University

Luke Mittelstadt

Jimmy Snuggerud

Ryan Chesley

Oliver Moore

Brody Lamb

Boston College

Cutter Gauthier

Will Smith

Ryan Leonard

Gabe Perreault

Drew Fortescue

Jacob Fowler

Will Vote

University of Wisconsin

Cruz Lucius

Charlie Stramel

Zach Schulz

Random Teams

Nick Granowicz

Jay Keranen

Colton Dach

Nathan Gaucher

+ more

AU’s 

Nick Granowicz x Msu Reader

Josh Norris x Tkachuk sister

Trevor Zegras x Hughes sister

Cutter Gauthier x Hughes sister

Matthew Knies x Matthews sister

Jack Hughes x Mercer au

[wyattjohnston]

here we are! finally with the masterlist! all the thanks in the world to the 39 people who signed up for the exchange and the lovely D who came in as my saviour and wrote a pinch hitter fic without even being signed up

please read all the fics below, so much love and care was put into them and they all deserve your attention. a reblog if you can would also be incredible.

please respect all warnings at the beginning of fics. if a fic has been marked as smut or 18+ and you are younger than, do the right thing and do not read it.

keep your eye out for the winter fic exchange 2k24 sign up post. if you want me to let you know when it's happening you can click here.

the summer fic exchange 2k23 masterlist

Buffalo Sabres

Jeff Skinner

gotta trust how you feel inside by @laurenairay for @ nhl-stories

Tyson Jost

i should've fought harder by @butgilinsky for @ typical-simplelove

a Devon Levi fic was written by @waysicouldhave for @ jackhues but they have since deactivated.

Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov

Every Summer Has a Story by @comphy-and-cozy for @teokka

HATE HATE HATE by @luvmmarner for @ comphy-and-cozy this is a multi-chaptered fic, so keep an eye on it!

How Long? by @lifeofpriya for @ luvmmarner

Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar

all's well that end's well to end up with you by @fallinallincurls for @ ya-pucking-nerd

i've found love (and all that goes with it) by @huttons for @ fallinallincurls

Mikko Rantanen

Do That by @selfindulgentpoorlywritten for @ kurlyteuvo

Summer Baby by @typical-simplelove for @ buttercupjosh

Nathan MacKinnon

It Starts With a Cookie by @luvsherleafs for @ princessphilly

Dallas Stars

Jake Oettinger

taking on the world together by @laurenairay for @ jarmorie

Los Angeles Kings

Pierre-Luc Dubois

as the seasons change by @gravestrain for @ bqstqnbruin

never said a thing by @wyattjohnston for @ pcttymarleau

Minnesota Wild

Marc-André Fleury

Genève by @teokka for @ callsign-denmark

Montreal Canadiens

Juraj Slafkovsky

If I Say It, Will You Respond? by @puckmaidens for @ 2manytabsopen

Nashville Predators

Tyson Barrie

simple by @jxmieoleksiaks for @ laurenairay

New Jersey Devils

Dougie Hamilton

hydrangeas where your face should be by @nhl-stories for @ huttons

Jack Hughes

make it weird by @wyattjohnston for @ torontoflames

something in the way she moves by @miracleonice87 for @ wyattjohnston

Nico Hischier

See You Again by @bqstqnbruin for @ selfindulgentpoorlywritten

Underneath the Stars by @buttercupjosh for @ ilyasorokinn

Timo Meier

Sweet Like Cinnamon by @wildrangers for @ matthewtkachuk

New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin

Polaroid Dreams by @kurlyteuvo for @ lifeofpriya

Mat Barzal

Alone With You by @cellythefloshie for @ miracleonice87

Disney Magic by @lam-ila for @ tinyhockey

tell me why by @torontoflames for @ luvsherleafs

where you lead i will follow by @ilyasorokinn for @prettytoxicrevolver

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby

Triple Axle Celly by @callsign-denmark for @ starshine-hockey-girl

Ryan Graves

a lake house story by @ya-pucking-nerd for @ thomasschabot

Seattle Kraken

Jamie Oleksiak

to the ends of the earth by @jarmorie for @ laurenairay

Tampa Bay Lightning

Brayden Point

one day all my love will come back to me by @matthewtkachuk for @ senditcolton

Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies

being a good man by @pcttymcrlecu for @ gravestrain

Vancouver Canucks

Anthony Beauvillier

Alone With You by @cellythefloshie for @ miracleonice87

The Invisible String by @starshine-hockey-girl for @ jarmorie

Quinn Hughes

i can still see it all by @ghostyjosty (jostystyles) for @ wildrangers

mango dragon refresher by @jackhues for @ lam-ila

saw you in a dream by @thomasschabot for @ puckmaidens

Surprise Party by @prettytoxicrevolver for @ ghostyjosty

Vegas Golden Knights

Nolan Patrick

Soothing Swedish Summers by @2manytabsopen for @ waysicouldhave

Winnipeg Jets

Adam Lowry

breakable heaven by @senditcolton for @ cellythefloshie

i am slowly making my own way through reading all the fics--if i haven't read yours and you want to make sure i don't forget, please send it to me.

if the person you wrote for hasn't read and reblogged your fic, please tell me.

[ladylooch]

Hey! Could you please do fluff with Kevin? There isn't much out there for him.

First of all, I agree with you 100%. Not enough love for this boy in the hockey writing world, but that’s okay. I’m happy to provide Kev content.

Also, LMAO at you requesting fluff and me hearing, KEVIN SMUT? YES!!!! Hahaha. Ya girl is absolutely unhinged for this one.

Thank you for requesting this sexy, Swiss prince.

To say it’s been a rough couple of weeks would be putting it lightly.

Kevin was hurt in a weird accident with a Colorado Avalanche defensemen in the beginning of March. He went knee to knee with him trying to enter the Colorado zone. Kevin had immediately dropped to his knees, wincing in pain. Watching on TV in LA, I had held my breath when I saw the obvious discomfort gracing his face. He tried to come back for the third to no avail. 

I’m not coming back, but I think I’m okay. 

That had been the text he sent. 

How okay he really was is still up for debate a month later. 

I’m standing in our closet, looking at the various swimsuit options I have. My husband wants to end our date night with a dip in our hot tub. I am debating between the teal bikini and a purple one piece with cut outs along the chest and back.

“That one.” Kevin murmurs to me, nodding at the bikini. 

“I don’t know, these straps come off easily.”

“Exactly.” He says, grinning and wiggling his eyebrows. 

“This is going to end up floating around us isn’t it?” I ask, tilting my head at him. He laughs knowingly.

“I’ll grab us some wine.” He calls as he walks from the closet in his green and yellow board shorts.

“Mhm.” I nod. 

I make quick of changing, thinking of the dancing California sunset that’s sure to provide an incredible ambiance for our night cap.

I pad out to the living room, glancing through the glass doors and seeing Kevin already descending the stairs gingerly to the backyard where our salt water pool and hot tub are. I grab my Stanley tumbler, filling it with a good chunk of ice and some filtered water from our fridge. I double check the lights for the stairs are on for after the sun sets. If my tops going to end up being removed, I want the rest of the lights off. Our new neighbors don’t need a front row view of my handsy husband.

My Givenchy flip flops slap against my heels as I walk down the stairs. Kevin is already in the hot tub, arms braced on the side, looking to the West where the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. I stop in my tracks, pulling my phone out to snap a quick picture of the view in front of me. The shadow of the descending night highlights Kevin’s broad shoulders as they support his head propped on his hands.

“It’s so beautiful.”

“Yeah you are.” He murmurs, turning and standing so he can hold my hand while I step in to join him. He floats me over to where he was, handing me a glass of sparkling white wine. It’s the perfect compliment for the pasta and cheesecake we had at a local Italian restaurant in Hermosa Beach earlier.

“How is your knee?” I ask him after a brief sip. The bubbles burst on my tongue as Kevin leans forward to press his lips to mine.

“Good.” He murmurs against my lips. His teeth tuck my bottom lip into his mouth, nibbling just enough to omit a soft hum from me. An easy grin stretches his lips as he pulls back.

“It needs to be darker.” I warn him, glancing at the neighbor’s window that’s a stone’s throw from our fence. The yard space in California leaves much to be desired.

“I know.” He nods in agreement. “That’s why you’re not on my lap yet.” I let my feet float up into said lap, settling them on his strong thigh. He leans back into the jets on his side, sighing and closing his eyes as they hit just the right spot on his spine. He lets out a soft grunt of approval that has a pulse squeezing my inner walls.

“I miss watching you play.” I say to him, reaching out to drag my finger nails along his arm resting on the edge of the hot tub. “The team misses you too.”

“Yeah, I know. I hope I handle tomorrow well.” He speaks to me with his eyes shut. Tomorrow he is expected to skate a full practice in a non-contact jersey. I take another sip of my wine, watching as Kevin seeps deeper into the hot water. He chews on his bottom lip delicately until it slides from beneath his teeth, snapping back in place. His lips plump from the friction, making my mouth go dry from more than just the wine. “Kevin.” I whine at him. “Stop.”

“What? This feels good.” He murmurs, fingers dipping to rub at the balls of my feet. His thumbs dig into the sore muscles there, rubbing away tension from running along the beach earlier.

“You’re teasing me.” I whisper to him, sliding deeper into the water as my nipples pull taut against my top. His eyes slowly open, pinning me with their darkness. 

“I want you begging for me by the time it’s dark.” His teeth glisten in the shadows caused by the setting sun. I break eye contact, reaching for my wine again. He leans back against the side. When his eyes close again, I narrow mine at him. He wants to play games? Sure. I’ll play. 

I move my feet from his lap with no protest from Kevin. I slide the bottoms of my swim suit off my legs without disturbing the water as much as possible. I pull them from the water then toss them onto Kevin’s face. He startles at the surprised. He grabs them from his face, opening his eyes with a slight scowl. When he realizes what’s in his hands, his eyebrows raise in excitement.

“I’m done waiting.” I drawl to him, pushing off from the edge and making my way to him. His arms wrap around my waist, lifting me on top of his lap. I can feel his erection building beneath me as I press my mouth against him. My tongue laps at the seam of his lips, pushing in to swirl with his. 

“Needy.” He scolds me as I slide my mouth to his cheek, then down his throat. I suck the skin there, scraping my teeth just enough, so he melts beneath me. 

“Who’s needy now?” I whisper in his ear, tugging his ear lobe between my teeth. His hands come to my hips, rubbing my naked folds into the bulge of his lap. I whine at the friction of his shorts against my sensitive bud. My head tilts back as he pressed hard up, watching as I rut my hips into his like he’s buried deep inside of me. Our neighbor’s light pops on, drawing Kevin’s attention. He presses my hips all the way down, halting my movements. We both wait with heavy breath for the light to dim again. When it does, we both buck our hips into each other.

“Off.” I mumble to him, undoing the tie keeping his shorts together. He wiggles them down, his erection jutting out. I glide my hand along it for a few strokes, grinning at the groan of ecstasy sputtering from his lips. 

“Baby, put me inside of you.” He begs me, eyes twisted in needy discomfort. I lean forward, nipping at his top lip, then licking his mouth as I complete his request. “Oh fuck..” He sighs into my mouth. My tongue laps at him before I match his moan of appreciation. I work my hips up and down, then back and forward, alternating the movements as his finger tips dig into my flesh. I wrap my hand around the back of his neck as he tilts his head to rest on the edge. His eyes open, slightly hooded, as he watches me bounce on him. “Just like that. Good job, baby.” His one hand releases from my hip, moving to my clit to rub encouraging circles with each thrust.

“Kev.” I whimper to him, leaning forward so my breasts rub against his face. He smiles, knowing what I want. He slides the bathing suit off to reveal my swollen nipple. He tugs it into his mouth with his teeth then sucks his cheeks in to pull me deep into his mouth. I move faster on him, working us both closer to the edge. “More.” I beg as I feel the first flirt of orgasm. “Just a little.” He takes over the tempo, pulling his thighs up so I can change the angle by leaning back. His other hand removes from my hips, letting me fuck us to the ultimate high while playing with my other breast. My back arches and he pumps his hips deep, moaning with me as I crash into the white hot heat gripping my core. Kevin follows me with a profound moan as my walls pull more from him with each pulse. 

I collapse forward, gripping his neck as my face buries into his wet shoulder. His hand moves behind me- one on my ass and the other on my lower back. He lifts me almost all the way, then drops me back down him as I continue to flutter around his seeping head.

When I come to, I notice the darkness covering our yard. I sigh happily, pulling back to search his beautiful face. His content smile sparkles in the moonlight.

“I like when you’re impatient.” He whispers, worried about disturbing the glow between us.

“I’m always desperate for you.” I tell him, kissing along his jaw until I reach his lips.

“I’m ready for bed soon.”I lay my cheek back against his shoulders, enjoying the rocking of the hot tub bubbles against my spent body. Kevin slides out of me, then tucks me as close to his body as I can get.

“Me too, but just a few more minutes of this.”

He murmurs his agreement against my hair, followed by a sweet kiss.

Later, after we are dry and dressed in pajamas, I rub his injured knee with delicate finger tips as we drift off to sleep. I hope my touch will help heal him, but I feel comfort in knowing we’ll be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

[withwritersblock]

To Love Someone

~To Love Someone by Benson Boone~

Author's Note: just pure fluff Summary: Alex and Y/N spend their first afternoon together in their new apartment in Montreal Warnings: meh like a sentence that implies smut Word Count: 1308 Alex Newhook x fm!reader

It was a long conversation that led to longer and even more conversations. Alex was traded to Montreal Canadiens over the summer from the Colorado Avalanche. It wasn’t a shock, Alex was given a heads up that he was most likely going to be traded. He had no idea where until he received the call. Y/N sat beside him as he spoke on the phone and found out he was heading back to Canada. In his mind it was probably the most perfect option.

It was a shorter plane ride to have his family come watch his games or to visit home during breaks. The team was young, he could fit in really well. He hated that he had to leave the team he won a Stanley Cup with. His best friend, who he won the cup with their rookie year. It was hard. One of the hardest things he’s ever done.

The next hardest thing was seeing if his long-term girlfriend wanted to move with him or go long distance.

They had been together for two years, it was the awkward time frame where either could’ve been the best option. Or ending the relationship to avoid future issues.

Y/N wanted to go with him. Of course she did. Except it terrified her. It meant that she was one hundred percent in the relationship. She was starting a life with him instead of just living their lives together.

Alex needed her to go with him. He needed one constant from his life. He wasn’t going to beg for her to come with him. He needed her to want to come with him. The conversations they had eventually led them to this moment. 

Y/N was holding the keys to their new apartment. Their apartment together in the heart of Montreal. He carried a bag of take out food with a wide smile on his face. She slowly opened it and pushed the door wide. The apartment was filled with boxes the movers dropped off the day before. 

“It looked smaller in the pictures,” she let out as she stepped inside admiring the modern interior. She never truly liked the modern aesthetic as she preferred the farmhouse style. In this moment it was everything she ever wanted with the only person she’s ever truly wanted. 

There were huge windows overlooking the city of Montreal. It was later in the afternoon and the sun was starting to set, creating a hue of orange mixed in with the blue of the sky. There were clouds in the sky that looked like cotton candy. “Wow,” she mumbled as she placed the keys on the kitchen counter before she walked through the maze of their boxes towards the large windows. 

Alex delicately placed the takeout on the counter beside the keys as he followed Y/N towards the windows. She stood still staring out of the window as Alex walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He looked towards the sky that was becoming more orange within the minutes of them standing inside their new home.

“You have no idea how happy I am you’re here,” he mumbled as he delicately pressed his lips against her shoulder. She smiled as she tilted her head back to meet his gaze.

“Are you nervous?” she asked him while she turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck. He tilted his head to the side, while shaking his head nonchalantly.

“Not my first time changing teams. Done the whole move across the country thing a few times now,” he explained while looking into her eyes. Her eyes squinted as she began running her fingers through the ends of his hair.

“You didn’t win the Stanley Cup with them,” she countered teasingly. He took a sharp breath while nodding.

“I’m going to miss the guys and Colorado. I loved every moment I had there but the Habs-” he paused while shaking his head. A small smile formed to his lips as his eyes began to light up. 

“The Habs want me, Y/N. I mean you see the social media stuff I have to do tomorrow. They’re excited to have me,” he explained. 

“And they should be. You’re an amazing person and a great player,” she said with a wide smile.

“And what else?” he asked, raising his eyebrows as he guided her hips backwards.

“You’re handsome,” she began and he hummed in response, “Funny, smart, and kind, and I’m done boosting your already high ego,” he slowly began biting his lip as he let out a chuckle. She rolled her eyes as she leaned towards him and kissed him softly. 

She pulled away as she met his dark brown eyes. “Come on, our poutine is getting cold,”  he said with a wide smile before he began to maneuver through the boxes towards the kitchen. Y/N let out a huff of air before dramatically rolling her eyes.

“I cannot believe you convinced me to get that,” she let out while scrunching her features together.

“Oh come on, Baby. You live in Quebec now, you have no choice but to love it,” he said while unpacking the takeout containers. She rolled her eyes as she leaned against the white granit countertop.

“I’ll try it but I won’t enjoy it,” she said as she opened up her own box staring at the fries completely covered in gravy and cheese curds.

Alex handed Y/N her own plastic fork before he instantly smashed his fork into the fries and brought it to his mouth. He took a large bite as a dramatic moan left his lips. Y/N laughed as she hesistantly took some of it on her own fork.

“Baby, just try it,” he said with a mouthful.

She ate it and surprisingly it was a lot better than she thought. She still would prefer cheese fries instead of having gravy. “Not horrible,” she mumbled as she reached for another bite. 

“See I told you,” he mumbled. She smiled towards him before she took another bite. “I love you, you know that?” he let out.

“I love you more,” she mumbled. She swallowed her bite as she shook her head, “But Canada needs to get better food.”

His eyes widened dramatically as he fought off a smile forming to his lips. “Oh and American food is so great?” he teased.

“I never said that. America is really good at stealing other countries' food,” she explained. He shook his head as he chuckled.

~~~

It was a couple hours later and they were laying on the blow up mattress, her head laying on his chest. She ran her fingers up and down his chest as his hand loosely played with the hem of her tank top.

“This thing will go flat in like two hours,” she muttered as she lifted her gaze towards his features. His lips curled upward as he shifted his gaze downward to meet her eye. He pressed his lips against her forehead.

“Of course, the one thing they didn’t drop off was the mattress,” he muttered as she sat up slightly. She looked down towards him. Her hand landed on his cheek as she slowly ran her thumb across his cheek. Tracing the stubble on his skin. He took a hold of her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “I love you,” 

“I love you too,” she mumbled as she leaned down and kissed him delicately. “I’m happy I came with you. I don’t think I could handle you being so far away,” she explained as she continued running her thumb along his skin.

His hand climbed up her back, beneath her tank top. Her skin arose in goosebumps. “Roadies were already hard enough,” he mumbled before she leaned down and kissed him a little more urgently this time.