#hockeykiri

[scarlettriot]

Breaking Point - Just Platonic

Pairing: Hockey Player Eijiro Kirishima x F!Reader

Warnings: Minors DNI, Swearing

Contains: As the pairing suggests, Kiri is a hockey player, reader is also plus size.

Summary: Mina suggests staying overnight when an away game is too far to drive back home on the same day.

Word Count: 3,040

A/N: This is part four in the Breaking Point series. Thanks for sticking with me! Still kinda sick but I really wanted to write this out! Friendly reminder this is a quirkless AU.

Other Parts:

Breaking Point - Part One - Locked Out

Breaking Point - Part Two - Intimacy

Breaking Point - Part Three - On Ice

Breaking Point - Part Four - Stitches

Tags: sleepynaya, @kenmakai, @ace-of-books, @swirrley, @mistyfoxsong - Thank you <3

Away games that were more than a three-hour drive from the university called for overnight getaways, Mina had explained to you, “It’s just with the game not starting usually until 8 or 9, we usually just prefer to stay the night and drive back in the morning.” It made sense, three plus hours there, then playing a game only to turn around and drive right back, that did seem exhausting. Hell, even the hour and a half drive last weekend was a pain in the ass.

“Usually I can find some deals on hotels though if I book five or more rooms. Sooo,” She drug out the question, swinging her feet off the edge of your bed, “Can I count you in?”

She really didn’t need to ask to know the answer.

Two days later, late Saturday afternoon, you were in the back of Eijiro’s jeep along with Denki and Izuku. Hanta followed in the car behind with Mina, Mezo, and Kyoka, Tamaki and Mirio were following behind them, and leading the pack were Tetsu and Itsuka.

Autumn had officially taken hold but Eijiro had yet to put the roof on his jeep, allowing for cool air to whip around your face and gave you a wonderful view of the orange and yellow trees that paralleled the highway.

“Is he gonna make it?” You overheard Izuku ask Denki who was smooshed between the two of you.

Denki was still frowning at his phone when he answered, “Doesn’t look like it. The shop is still busy and he doesn’t think he’ll be cut in enough time to get there by game time. Said he’d drive up anyway though…”

“You’ve got a good one, Denks.” Eijiro smirked and knocked his fist against his friend’s knee pulling a small smile from him.

“Yeah, yeah I do.”

You rested your chin atop folded arms, leaning against the lip of the car and getting lost in the calming prattle of your friends. Most of which being Katsuki going over plays from the last game and how they could be improved upon, easy enough for you to tune out and get lost in the thoughts of your own mind. Of course, a single thought didn’t stick around for more than a couple seconds, too busy bouncing from one thing to the next.

Papers that were coming due, exams, and, even though you still had two months, the winter holidays. You had no intentions of going home for them. Perfectly content spending them inside your apartment on campus even if everyone else decided to go to their respective homes. Being alone was fine, you could handle that far better than you could dealing with the judgment and whispers that followed you around your hometown.

The car swayed when Katsuki whacked Eijiro’s arm. “Are you listening?”

“Oh!” Denki’s excited chirp made you look over your shoulder, “There’s a rest station comin’ up! Can we stop? I want coffee!”

“Like you, of all fuckin’ people, need caffeine!”

“I dunno man, I could stretch my legs.” Eijiro sighed, “And I am the one driving. Sorry man, but you don't have much of a say.”

“Fine! No more than fifteen minutes though! Still wanna get checked into the hotel before the game.”

Denki already had his phone back out, texting Mina, Amajiki, and Itsuka to let them all know while Izuku patted his boyfriend's arm, reassuring him they were still far ahead of the schedule he had planned.

The rest stop was a sizeable one to Denki’s excitement. He was going to settle for vending machine coffee but here he had options. Meanwhile, you grabbed something to munch on and refilled your water bottle while talking with Mina who was still sad she couldn’t convince you to be with her in Hanta’s car, “I’m gonna make Kit Kat drive next time,” She grumbled, “That way you and Kiri can drive with us.”

“What does Kiri have to do with it?”

“You go in whatever car Kiri is in.”

“That’s because he always drives.”

Mina folded her arms over her chest, “Babe, you realize you could just tell me you like him, right?”

“Mina!” You hissed and she just rolled her eyes.

“Fine. Don’t admit it. Keep pretending everything between you two is just totally platonic… ya know, like the man hasn’t been watching you standing here the entire time we’ve been talking.”

“You just said we,“ You screwed the lid on your water bottle, ”He could be looking at you too.“

She shook her head of poofy pink hair. “Nope. He hasn’t looked at me like that since we were kids.”

That was news to you, “You and Eijiro…”

“For a couple months back in middle school.” She waved it off, “We were like thirteen and learned we are way better friends than anything more! My point is, I know what that guy looks like when he’s caught feelings, and he has, for you, in case I’m not being clear enough.”

You pushed open the door with your hip. “Mina… I think you’re reading into things a little much. There’s nothing there.”

“Doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be!” She called and then jogged off back to Hanta’s car while you walked back over to Eijiro’s jeep.

You were the first one back of the group, dropping in your small bag of goodies and bottle before hoisting yourself onto the tire and then swinging inside. It was after you tore into the snack you bought when you looked up to see Eijiro walking back, hands in the pockets of his jacket.

He didn’t climb back inside though, instead, he leaned against the jeep, right beside your seat. “Would you like to talk about what’s going on with you?”

You nearly choked, “What? What do you mean?” Really hoping he hadn't somehow heard what Mina was going on about.

Eijiro spun around long arms resting against the lip of the car, his chin on top of them, and you realized he was mimicking you when he let out a wistful sigh just before you shoved his face and told him to shut up with a laugh.

“I was just enjoying the drive, Eiji. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a road trip, and, it’s just a really pretty time of year,” You gestured to your surroundings, “And it sure as hell isn’t gonna last long. I just wanted to enjoy it.”

He looked away from you and you were starting to realize he was getting better at telling when you weren’t giving him the full truth. “Fall has always been my favorite time of year,” those ruby eyes met yours again, “But, you’re sure there’s nothing else happening?”

“’M positive. You don’t have to worry about me so much,” You poked at the crinkle between his brows, “You’re gonna wrinkle this pretty face if you keep it up.”

The corner of his mouth propped up in a smile. He still didn’t look like he believed you but he wasn’t going to keep pressing the issue when he could hear Katsuki coming back to the car.

>>><<<

Everyone was back in their cars and on the road by Katsuki’s time limit meaning that roughly an hour and a half later you arrived at the little hotel Mina had found.

Though it looked more like an old home renovated into a hotel or an inn rather. It had white paneling with cherry red shutters over the many windows and a beautiful wrap-around porch with rocking chairs and bench swings. The inn itself and surrounding grounds were all decked out for the festive fall season with pumpkins and hay bails, tall stalks of corn, and some silly scarecrows. “Oh, it’s even cuter than the pictures online.” She gushed.

“You picked this place because it looked cute?”

She bumped shoulders with Katsuki. “I picked it because it’s ten minutes from where your game is, they serve breakfast and dinner, and they gave me a deal since we’re a group that kept us well within our budget.”

He sighed reluctantly but then walked with her inside to make sure everything was in order with the reservations.

By the time you had gathered your backpack and finished looking around the outside of the house, you'd come to the conclusion it was something out of a Hallmark movie, you walked inside the inn, following the sound of Katsuki’s disgruntled voice to the reception counter.

“I’m sorry, sir, the quickest we can get someone out here to fix the issue is going to be Monday so that room simply isn’t available.”

Katsuki had two fingers pinching the bridge of his nose while Mina gnawed on her thumbnail, clearly trying to think. “What’s wrong?” You asked Kyoka who was lingering towards the back of the group.

“The heater went out in one of the rooms and it caused a small electrical issue too. All the other rooms are occupied right now so two of us are kinda screwed.”

“Doesn’t need to be two… Eijiro, Denki, and myself, we all had singles since everyone else is paired off. One of us could just give up our room and can find a different hotel for the night. I don't mind being that person as long as I can get a ride.” You offered even though it really wasn’t her you should be telling that to.

“That’s nonsense,” Itsuka cut in, “If anything you and I can bunk together and so can Tetsu and Eijiro.” You gave her a look knowing damn well she didn’t actually want to be split up from her boyfriend for the night but Itsuka would always do the kind thing to help someone in need.

“Do any of the rooms have two beds?” You heard Denki ask.

“Well, yes…”

“Great, problem solved. Kiri and I will take one of those rooms and Y/N can have the other. No one else in this group needs two beds. That alright with you?” He asked Eijiro who’d been standing behind him who was quick to agree it seemed like the most logical option. “Perfect.”

Room keys were passed out along with a dinner and breakfast for the following morning, “We serve dinner at eight in the dining room but the kitchens remain open until 10:30, no orders will be accepted later than that.” She explained and soon enough, everyone was climbing up the stairs, hauling bulky bags behind them while the poor receptionist winced.

Your room, one with two beds instead of just one, was down at the far end of the long hallway lit by brass wall sconces, beautiful with their intricate designs. The heavy key slid into the lock with no resistance, the door swinging open to a spacious room.

It held two queen-sized beds with matching patchwork quilts draped over the foot of each of them. Small well-loved wooden nightstands, four of them, each with their own lamp and white doily underneath. Two doors were right beside each other, one leading to a small closet and the other a decent bathroom with a clawfoot tub that you were hoping you’d get time to take advantage of.

At the end of the room though was a bay window, climbing onto the cushion seat, you saw it overlooked the back of the property. A vast yard with little white tents, people casually mingling below, sipping cups of something while children darted around the maze in the dimming light of the day. Definitely something out of a Hallmark movie.

You’d gotten the text from Mina just after you plugged in your laptop. It was a reminder that the game started at 8 and everyone needed to be ready to go in about an hour to head for the campus. And that meant you had some time to go exploring.

It was easy enough to find your way to the back of the inn, through the dining room and a gorgeous library that nearly had you drooling, but you kept on track. It would seem you weren’t the only one eager to know what those tents were. Tetsu, Itsuka, Mina, Hanta, and Izuku were all huddled around.

“It’s fresh cider.” Itsuka hummed handing you a warm cup. “Absolutely delicious!” Tetsu was pulling her off to another tent where Mirio and Tamaki had taken up carving tools and were discussing different patterns they could pick from.

“This was a great find, Mina.” Izuku smiled, “Maybe Katsuki will actually want to stay for a couple hours tomorrow and not leave right at the crack of dawn.” Hanta snorted a laugh, “Yeah, yeah, wishful thinking.”

“Maybe I’ll just mention to him that his boyfriend wants to stick around… you know he’d do just about anything for you, babe.”

He blushed, bringing the cup back to his mouth, “Yeah, I know.”

“Do you guys play this team again in the season or is this the only time?” You asked and Hanta brought up the schedule on his phone.

“Actually we do play them again, just after the new year.”

You looked around and tried to imagine the place covered in holiday lights. Izuku seemed to have a similar idea. “I’ll run it by Kacchan and see if he’d want to use this place again, and if they aren’t already booked up around then.”

Breaking off from the group, you’d wandered into the maze, following twists and turns where they may lead you, finishing off your drink as you went. Admiring all the decorations that were thrown in.

“There you are!” You spun around to see Eijiro brushing off his coat.

“You did not just cut through the maze.”

“Ha, me?” His palm went to the back of his neck, “No, that’s childish! It wasn’t like I’ve been looking for you for twenty minutes and then saw your hoodie and couldn’t find the path so I just… made my own?”

All you could do was shake your head. “Why ya lookin’ for me?”

“I was wondering if you could braid my hair back again like you did for the last game? It held up really well.”

“Oh, sure! But, I need some bobby pins for your bangs and those are back in my room,” You checked your phone, “And we’re gonna have to be quick if we’re gonna make Katsuki’s leave time.” You took his hand and led him back out of the maze the proper way.

He sat on the floor in front of your bed, pins in hand and at the ready. Of course, the last time you’d done this it had been on a whim when you had two hours to kill before his game and now you had thirty minutes.

A French braid was the best option you’d learned last time after working on a Dutch braid only to find out it made his helmet fit funny. You ran your fingers through his thick hair, collecting it all back before sectioning it off into pieces.

Eijiro's shoulders weren’t ridged anymore when your hands were up in his hair and he no longer tensed when your nails scratched his scalp and a small moan escaped him.

A couple weeks ago, after their first loss of the season, Eijiro had plopped his head down in your lap at the end of the very long day and you felt him relax as your fingers played with his hair, his eyes drifting shut. He'd even fallen asleep until Katsuki's yelling startled him awake.

You messed up only once on the braid, “Pin please.” He passed one back. “And another.” You tilted his head to the other side and slid the other in place. “And we’re done, with seven minutes to spare. Go check it out.”

You pointed out where the bathroom was. “Looks awesome! I gotta grab my bag and then I’ll meet you at the car.” He hurried to pull his shoes back on, “Thanks, babe!”

Eijiro was halfway down the hall when he realized what he said and he turned back around to you, “Uh, sorry, been hanging around Mina too much I guess.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you at the car… babe.”

“You’re not gonna let me live this down are you?”

“Not a chance!”

>>><<<

Everyone managed to get to the campus ice complex at roughly the same time. There was about forty-five minutes until game time and Katsuki already knew where to find the locker rooms.

You walked in beside Eijiro. “Damn,” You mumbled and burrowed your hands further into your hoodie. “I think it’s colder here than at our rink back home.”

He tugged your sleeve, pulling you off to the side before following the rest of the guys. “Yeah, sometimes that’ll happen but,” He unzipped his bag and pulled out his home sweater, “Here, this should keep you nice and warm.”

“Eijiro…”

“’S fine!" We’re in away sweaters anyways!" That wasn't why you were hesitant though, "Plus, that thing's gonna be a hell of a lot warmer than any hoodie you have.” He waited until you pulled it over your hoodie. “Better?”

You nodded, “Yeah, yeah it is. Thanks, I’ll give it back to you after.”

He zipped the bag back up, “I’ll get it tonight, don’t worry about it.” Eijiro waved over his shoulder, running to catch up with the rest of the team.

You looked down at yourself in his sweater. It fell to your thighs and you were going to have to keep pulling the sleeves up all night but it was so warm and cozy. The logo stood out more on their home sweaters, the big UA, Eijiro’s little ‘A’ stitched on the left side, and you knew his name was embroidered across the back along with the number eight.

It even smelled like him. Woodsey, like cedar, filling your nostrils.

Other people started entering the complex, a few wearing your school's colors too and you took that as your cue to go and find the rest of your friends.

Mina spotted you and waved with a shit-eating grin on her face. “Everything’s still just platonic, right?”

“I was cold.” You reasoned but she wasn’t hearing it. If she had any lingering doubt that her childhood friend had a crush on you, they were all gone now.