#leon draisaitl stories

[nhl-stories]

You Stupid Bitch – Leon Draisaitl

Summary: Leon is stupidly, hopelessly in love. Too bad the object of his affection has terrible taste.

Author’s Note: Just some good old unrequited love getting requited

Word Count: 7k​

Album Series Mastlerlist

You stupid bitch, can't you see? The perfect one for you is me

Leon hears the yelling before he gets to the front door. Screaming is probably a more accurate word. He stops and ponders whether he should ring the doorbell or not when the door opens and a woman almost runs him over.

“Good luck with that psycho bitch,” she half-addresses Leon and half screams it over her shoulder into the house before she storms off to her car.

“Nice to see you too, Dawn,” he mumbles before he lets himself into the house.

The house is almost a mirror version of his next door and he moves through the open floor plan until he finds Chloe.

“Fuck,” Leon stops in his tracks when he sees her lip bleeding, “did she do that?”

She touches her lip to see the blood while Leon goes to the freezer to grab an ice pack.

 “Dammit, and technically yes.”

Leon whips around at that comment, “calm down, it was during sex. The sex was foreplay for the fight.”

Leon gives her disgusted look while handing her the ice.

“Aren’t Germans supposed to be into really kinky shit? Cause I’m real sick of this resting judgmental face you have.”

Leon just continues to stare.

“What are you doing here?”

“You have my dog.”

As if on cue, Bowie comes running through the dog door followed by Chloe’s fluffy orange cat, Baron. He picks up his dog and snuggles him close, Baron jumps up on the counter feeling left out.

“So, you and Dawn are done?”

Leon tries to be casual, not seem too interested, but he’s dying to know. Despite seeming like a grumpy annoyed neighbor, which yes, he’s that too, he’s hopelessly in love with Chloe.  

“Yes, and don’t say I told you so.”

“I won’t, but she did string you along for months and then treated you horribly while you dated, if you can even call what you two did dating.”

Chloe ignores the fact that without actually using the words ‘I told you so,’ he basically did.

“Ohhh, but the sex was so good.”

“Other people are good at sex,” he’s glad his scruff is thick enough to hide the blush he can feel creeping up his face.

“You want to stay for dinner?” She moves the ice pack and touches her lip again, the bleeding’s stopped.

“I have food that I need to cook before it goes bad,” he starts to turn to leave and pauses, “want to come over?”

“Do I have to put on pants?”

Leon turns and peers around the kitchen island to see Chloe is only wearing a long sleeve t-shirt that only barely covers the good bits. Leon second guesses his invite.

“It’s fucking cold out.”

“You’re right next door, I’ll run.”

“And I was going to leisurely walk over.”

“Fine, I’ll put on pants.”

“And bring some wine.”

///

After her latest breakup, Leon resolves to tell Chloe how he feels; or at the very least make his feelings more obvious. He says he’ll do this every time and he never follows through, which is extra frustrating because Leon follows through on every other thing in his life.

He swears this time will be different.

It isn’t.

A parade of suitors, or at least that’s the respectable way to call them, parades through Chloe’s door until one sticks. His name is Michael or Matthew or something.

Leon doesn’t care to remember, but is polite enough when he meets him the first time. He gives off a weird vibe that Leon is suspect of, partly because of his own feelings and partly because Chloe infamously has bad taste in partners.

Leon gives them a month. If he was a betting man, he would have cashed out big.

30 days into their relationship Chloe is passed out on Leon’s couch, her black cocktail dress riding up precariously high, one heel still on.

She had barged in last night while he had some teammates over. She was completely plastered and complaining about something but was too incoherent to be entirely understandable, just enough that Leon knew the problem was whatshisface.

Bowie jumps onto the couch before Leon can stop him and starts licking her face.

She groans, but indulges the dog with a pet.

“Fuck, Bowie don’t let me drink that much ever again,” the dog just snuggles into her more, “and don’t let me spend the night in this brutalism hell your dad calls a home.”

She squeezes her eyes shut as if it will block out Leon’s neutral, modern décor.

“Sorry, I don’t live in the clown house you’re accustomed to,” he laughs but doesn’t get a snarky response, “how are you feeling?”

“Like drilling a hole into my head will make me feel better.”

“So, you either had a really fun or a really bad night.”

“Very bad, first Mitchell stands me up because apparently he’s not ready to be a public couple or some shit and then I got too deep into the open bar and probably did something to embarrass my brother, so that’s another thing I’ll have deal with later.”

She squeezes at her temples, like that will help the hangover, “and I clearly remember at least Connor being here last night, so I can only imagine I further embarrassed myself.”

Leon picks up a pair of neon orange, lacey underwear and tosses it towards her, “you insisted on showing us your tattoo,” Leon grins remembering her showing off the colorful ‘Pow’ tattooed on her butt cheek.

“Jesus, and you did nothing to stop me? Protect my modesty or whatever?”

“I enjoyed the show,” he gives a crooked smile.

She lets out a heavy sigh then opens her arms wide, “Can you carry me home?”

“What? No!” He fights but he knows if she asks again, he’ll do it, he can’t say no to her.

“This wouldn’t be a big deal if you let me build the skybridge between our places,” she sulks, “then Bowie could see his boyfriend any time he wants.”

Leon rolls his eyes and moves to pick her up, hoping it will shut her up.

“My dog is not your cat’s boyfriend.”

She wraps her arms around his shoulders to hold on and Leon feels warm all over. Is hyper-aware of where his hand is gripping her bare thigh, how soft her skin is against his calloused fingers.

“They’re totally obsessed with each other and they don’t have reproductive organs so it’s not like they can commit a crime against nature or anything.”

He just gives a neutral hum in response, trying to enjoy the moment of Chloe in his arms and not let the warmth migrate south.  He stops by the door and piles her purse and coat on top of her, covering up the neon underwear she never put back on.

He walks out into the cold and hopes none of their neighbors choose to look outside now. The last thing he needs is a picture of him carrying  a commando Chloe back to her house, his brain hurts just thinking about the fallout something like that would cause.

They get into her house, which despite the similar layout looks so different from his own home; all bright colors and loud patterns, nothing matches, yet it all goes together. He would never tell her to her face but he loves it, it feels like a lived-in and well-loved house.

Baron comes to rub up against his legs and he has to gently nudge him away as he carries Chloe up the stairs. He’s only been in her room once before, when painters had come on the wrong day and the fumes made it impossible to take a pre-game nap, he remembers never wanting to leave.

Leon drops her unceremoniously on the bed, his arms shaking a little from carrying her so long.  She mumbles something into the blankets as she moves to curl up like a cat in the middle of the bed.

It’s a giant circular bed with a deep blue velvet bedframe and headboard, something you��d imagine seeing in an old Hollywood movie.

Marlene Dietrich.

He remembers Chloe mentioning her during one their first meetings.

Alone in an elevator she just blurted it out, “I love Marlene Dietrich, my dad and I used to watch all her movies.”

“What?” He wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly.

“Marlene Dietrich, she’s German. You’re German,” she scrunched up her eyes and groaned in embarrassment, “never mind just ignore me, I just did that stupid annoying thing where you say the one thing you know about where someone is from as if that means anything to them.”

“Like if I said you’re from Canada and told you I’m a huge fan of Wayne Gretzky or maple syrup.”

“Yeah, though that doesn’t work as well because I actually know Wayne Gretzky and everyone loves maple syrup” she flashed him a smile before exiting the elevator.

Leon shakes himself out of the memory, realizing he’s been zoning out and staring at Chloe for too long, like some kind of creep. She doesn’t seem to acknowledge his presence.

“I always picture your room as more of a sex dungeon.”

“Sex dungeon is down the hall,” she doesn’t skip a beat even through a pounding headache and the comfort of her bed.

“Feel better, I’ll uh- see you later.”

“Wait, when do you head out on the road?”

“Tomorrow.”

She holds out her arms and makes a grabbing motion, “hug for good luck.”

She doesn’t make it easy for him, he has to crawl to the middle of the bed and it’s an awkward hug where his arms can’t quite get around her. But she squeezes him tightly and he wants to just collapse onto the bed and hold her until the rest of the world melts away.

Instead, he presses a kiss to her temple. Maybe lingering a second too long, taking the time to imagine a world where Chloe is waiting for him in her bed, waiting for his kisses and his touch and his love. He pulls away before he gets too deep into his fantasy.

///

Before Chloe was his neighbor or de facto dog sitter or even his unrequited love, she was a face in the crowd he couldn’t escape.

If Edmonton bigwigs stopped by practice or the locker room after a game she was there, with varying levels of enthusiasm. If there was a charity event at a hospital or a school or anywhere, there she was directing people on where to go or hands on a craft. If there was a gala he was forced to go to as a face of the Oilers, there she was dressed to the nines and rubbing elbows.

From what he gathered she worked for a foundation or something, Leon didn’t pay her much mind, though he was curious. She was young, within a year or two of his age, but she could run a room of rich, white men.

She simultaneously fit in and stood out in every crowd and that fascinated Leon, who often felt out of place in the off-ice world hockey had forced him into.

Then at one gala, she was talking to Connor and he found his in. Instead of having an enlightened conversation he was met with a spill of red wine when she turned around quickly as he was walking up. She apologized profusely as Leon could feel the wine drip down his chest.

She insisted on taking care of the dry cleaning, giving Leon the address of her place. When he went to pick up the suit he was greeted with his now-clean suit, a new custom-made suit, and a note:

Thought you could use a spare gala suit in case you run into a drunk socialite who’s ruder than me. I probably owe you dinner too

xo, Chloe Cohn

Suddenly it was clear, she wasn’t just someone who worked for the foundation, she was the name behind it. It was a pretty ubiquitous surname around the city.

All of this to say, it’s why Leon is willingly at a gala event mid-season, any excuse to be in the same room as Chloe.

It’s also come at an especially crucial moment in time because Chloe said she’s taking a break from dating. A first for her, or at least a first since Leon has known her. Making it a perfect time for Leon to double-down on his resolution, without competition from anyone else.

For once, he actually starts to follow through. It’s nothing big: wrapping an arm around her shoulder for casual contact, bringing her flowers to thank her for watching Bowie, sitting closer than normal when they have an evening glass of wine.

It’s pathetically small if he thinks about it, but it’s forward motion so it feels like a breakthrough.

Chloe is across the room wearing gown so deeply purple it’s almost black. While she has a fairly boyish figure, there’s nothing boyish about how she looks in that dress, somehow finding a floor-length dress that can show off too much skin on display to be appropriate for this event. Leon can feel his throat getting dry as he watches her chat up a group.

“If you keep staring like that, all of Edmonton will know you’re in love with her before she does,” Connor laughs as he and Lauren sidle up next to him.

“You’re leering,” Lauren adds, “not that I can blame you, but tone it down in public.”

Leon takes a large swig of his drink in response.

“Hey guys, thanks for coming. Oilers always help donations go up,” Chloe’s brother Peter, the head of whatever enterprises the Cohn family owns, comes up and shakes their hands.

“Of course, happy to help while enjoying an open bar,” Leon jokes and Peter laughs along with him.

“And I assume you’re keeping an eye on my sister,” Lauren chokes on her drink next to them, “lord knows she needs someone to keep the riff raff away.”

“Well- uh,” Leon stutters.

Peter always makes him nervous, he’s almost a decade older than Chloe, making him have a paternal air about him. Leon always has a hard time reading whether he’s being a stern father figure or a joking older brother, his relationship with his own sister is so drastically different.

Peter claps his shoulder, “I’m kidding, many have tried but she’s the only one who can keep herself out of trouble.”

“Stop harassing my neighbor, Petey,” Chloe teases her brother and before cuddling up to Leon, like she’s protecting him from her own sibling.

He looks his sister up and down, “You’re not planning on embarrassing yourself tonight, are you?”

“I apologized about my behavior at your birthday,” she says like a petulant child.

Leon sees Connor and Lauren get pulled away into another conversation and now he’s trapped in this passive aggressive sibling moment.

Her brother just gives her a l look that screams, ‘I’m not mad just disappointed.’

“Besides I have to cause a scandal here and there if I seem too similar to the golden child people might start putting me in charge of more things.”

“And god forbid that happens.”

Leon knows this is a weird gray area between the siblings. Equal parts a long running gag and a major point of contention. Chloe more than happy being in charge of the of the Cohn Foundation and nothing else, while her brother believes she’s smart enough to take on a bigger role in the business-side of the operation.

“And you have to admit, it’s been a while since I caused an ‘incident’, that’s personal growth.”

“The last incident was you bringing a prostitute to dad’s funeral, so no one has forgotten about that one.”

“They were a stripper, not prostitute and I was dating them, Dad had met them and was a fan. And at least in my mourning I didn’t try to marry someone without getting a prenup.”

“Okay truce, Clo,” he holds his hands up in surrender, “But cool it on the champagne, you have a speech to give later. Draisaitl maybe keep an eye on her,” he smirks.

“Leave Leon out of this,” she subtly flips him off before shooing him away to go mingle.

She’s still pressed up against Leon’s side and then looks up and smiles at him like they’re the only ones in the room. He gingerly moves his hand to her waist.

“But actually, maybe keep an eye on me, I do have to talk.”

The warmth connecting them is severed when a voice calls out to Chloe and an older woman goes in for a hug. He hates the feeling of her skin slipping away under his fingers.

“I should have known I’d find you by the dashing Mr. Draisaitl.”

Chloe does a quick intro, stopping Leon from slipping away to another conversation. Though another conversation with a random Edmontonian might be worse than this, the more VIP the person the more likely they seem to give advice on his on-ice performance.

“I just wanted to grab you and let you know Caleb is moving back to Edmonton.”

“Oh.”

Her face loses its emotion and Leon thinks maybe another conversation would be better than this.

“And I was thinking if you were free, you’d help get him reacquainted with the city.”

“Um- I – I could probably find the time,” she stammers, “He’s really moving back? He always said he’d rather die than come back here.”

“People thought you’d never come home, but things change,” there’s something under the woman’s tone that Leon doesn’t like, “I’ll give Caleb your number.”

“Great,” Chloe has a stiff smile as the woman walks off.

As soon as the woman is clearly out of earshot she turns to Leon, “I’m gonna give my little speech now, but do want to share a car home afterwards?”

“Yeah,” he gives a soft smile, hoping it will help relieve some of the tension crossing her face.

Later, they’re waiting for a car to pull around; Chloe leaning into his side trying to combat the cold in her thin dress. She puts more weight on him, like all her exhaustion caught up with her in the distance from the door to the curb. His nerves are singing at the contact.

When they climb into the back of the car Chloe scoots right up next to him, even though she has the whole back seat to spread out in. Leaning her head on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around her and pulls her tight.

He wants to ask her about this Caleb guy, but he doesn’t want to pop this bubble they’re in. He needs to enjoy this moment.

If he was braver, he’d seize this moment and confess his love.

///

Turns out Caleb is an ex-boyfriend or the one who got away or something along those lines. Chloe is never completely clear about it.

All Leon knows is he really hates him.

Leon can already feel all his forward progress slipping away and he’s worried with the upcoming road trip that when he comes home Chloe will have a new boyfriend. He’s even more worried that this one might actually last. Caleb has some history and connections Leon doesn’t know he can compete with.

He feels more certain about it when he happens to look up at the jumbotron during their final game of their homestand and sees Chloe squeezing Caleb into her side as she cheers into the camera. They look natural together. Leon takes his anger out on his mouth guard, tensing his jaw.

“She’s wearing your jersey.”

Connor doesn’t normally do small talk on the bench, but he can tell this is not the kind of anger that lights a fire under his teammate and makes him perform better. It’s the kind of frustration that makes Leon unbalanced and erratic.

“I can have Lauren try and get some intel while we’re away.”

It’s not a good solution, but it’s enough for him to loosen his jaw up a little; it gets him back on solid ground.

“So, what’s up with you and that new guy,” Lauren casually asks while on a walk with Lenny and Bowie.

“I don’t know,” Chloe shrugs, getting a little uncomfortable.

“Connor just said you guys were looking cozy on the jumbotron, I thought I’d ask,”

She’s working her best nonchalant tone to make Chloe comfortable enough to spill, it works.

“I’ve been in love with him like my whole life,” she groans like there’s never been anything more embarrassing in the world.

“So, something’s going on then?”

“Yes? No? I don’t know, it’s weird.”

Lauren just nods, encouraging her to go on.

“Little rich girls are supposed to grow up and marry little rich boys and he was so cute and smart that I was always fine with those expectations if it meant I got Caleb in the end. But for him I was never well-behaved or pretty or womanly enough but I just kept coming back and trying again.”

The dogs seem to sense the shift in the mood and whine and look at the women.

“By the end of uni I moved back home and he moved to Toronto and I thought I got passed all of it. But he’s back and it’s been years, we’re full adults, so maybe it’s different this time around.”

“Maybe,” Lauren has worry pooled between her brows, “but maybe it isn’t.”

To say the news puts a damper on Leon’s outlook is an understatement. He has a reputation for being grumpy or brooding, but this is a new level and it’s not going unnoticed. The only consolation is he’s excelling on the ice, it might not be the best coping mechanism but it’s working for him.

However, when he’s off the ice, he’s wallowing in his depression. Currently, it’s taking form in lying face down on his couch for the past 3 hours, not sleeping, not thinking, just in a fugue state.

The doorbell rings.

He’s not expecting anyone so he doesn’t make the effort to move. It rings again and he’s tempted for a second to go check. It’s when he hears a key in the door that he knows it’s Chloe. He still doesn’t move, worried that if he looks at her, he might cry or something.

She sets something down on the coffee table and sits down on the floor in front of him.

“I wanted to check on you, since you’ve been ignoring my texts and then came and took Bowie in the cover of the night.”

“You weren’t home when I got back,” he mutters into the couch.

“Okay, but it’s weird for me not to see you for so long after you come home, just wanted to see if you’re feeling alright,” she gently rubs a hand up and down his shoulder and back.

He finally turns his head to look and can’t help smiling back at her sweet, coy smile.

“Yeah, just the season catching up with me,” the lie feels heavy on his tongue.

“You can’t tell on the ice; you’re playing really well.”

“Thanks,” he sees the bouquet of orange and yellow flowers on the table, “Those for me?”

“Thought it could brighten the place up,” her smile is infectious, “boys deserve pretty things too.”

She’s the only pretty thing he wants, needs.

Leon finally sits up; he hates how much lighter he feels in Chloe’s presence. Ignoring her wasn’t helping him get over anything, just making it worse.

“Wanna hang out and order some food in?” He might as well go all in.

Her smile fades for a second, but she recovers quickly, “I would but–“

“You have plans that’s fine,” a chill runs through his chest.

“Yeah, but I can cancel if you need someone.”

She places a hand on his knee, her touch lights him on fire; he can’t tell if the burn is good or bad.

“No, don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure? It’s really not a problem.”

“Really, it’s fine.”

“Okay, another time then,” she uses his knees to help herself up and gives him a quick peck on the cheek, “soon.”

“Yeah, soon.”

///

He doesn’t really mean soon with any gumption, but he comes when she calls like a puppy.

Not that he could really turn this down: it’s for a kid.

He comes into the Cohn wing of the children’s hospital, he’s not wearing any Oiler gear he doesn’t want to be too noticeable, when he sees Chloe making faces against the glass of a kid’s room.

He can’t help the warm feeling that grows in his chest, or the husky laugh he lets out.

“Oh hey, you made it!” she makes one more face, and the child on the other side of the glass kisses her nose.

It’s the last thing he needs to see while he’s trying to “get over” her, not that he’ll ever actually get over her. But it’s hard not to feel something stir in his chest when he sees how much she cares about people.  She could just live her life as a rich heiress and instead she’s here.

She walks over and gives him a big hug, “I know that this isn’t the ideal way to spend an off day, but it really means a lot to me.”

“Happy to help.”

“She’s down this way,” she grabs his hand to pull him along and it takes all his concentration to stop from flinching at the electric current between them.

She stops him just outside of the door and peers around the corner, “Hey May… I have a surprise for you.”

“A kidney?” The little voice responds.

Leon’s heart breaks a little.

“Okay sorry, I might have come on a little strong, but I promise it’s a really good surprise,” she walks further into the and waves Leon to follow him.

When he rounds the corner the little girl’s eyes bug out of her head. Leon can’t help but grin.

“Hi May, good to see you again.”

She stares in awe for a few seconds longer before running up and giving him a hug. Leon feels his back strain when he bends down so he picks her up to squeeze her tight.

Leon had met her a few times at Oilers visits, she’s obsessed with Bowie and therefore a little obsessed with his owner. When Chloe had learned this information, she got the young girl a stuffed dog that look remarkably like Bowie, forcing Leon to sign a little note in a locket the dog wore around its collar.

He sets the girl down and she starts talking a mile a minute.

“Did Chloe give you the picture of us?”

“Yeah, I have it on my fridge so I see it almost every morning.”

May had autographed the photo of the pair coloring around Christmas. It was stuck to his fridge under a Köln magnet; partly because it was cute and partly because Chloe thought it was ‘so fucking cute, this little girl is melting your icy heart.’

Leon shows May about 1,000 pictures of Bowie, he doesn’t want admit he loves when he can show off the dog, most people would get bored after a couple.

“Maybe when I get out of the hospital I can meet him,” May has a pair of eyes that could put Bowie’s to shame.

“You have yourself a deal,” Leon shakes her hand, exaggeratingly shaking her arm until she dissolves into giggles.

The soft, loving smile on Chloe’s face is a bit of a bonus, too.

The trio plays a few card games, he can’t help but notice the stupid grin Chloe gets every once in a while, reading a text, he tries to power through without getting too angry.

“Chloe are you sure you can’t give me a kidney?”

Leon has half a mind to forfeit the rest of his season to give her one of his.

“If I had a spare kidney to give I would,” she gives a sad smile, “but you know nurse Jordy?”

The little girl nods, squeezing stuffed Bowie closer to her.

“I gave him one of my kidneys when he was 12, and look at him now! He’s healthy and he’s helping you guys out and that’s gonna be you next.”

“I don’t want to be a nurse,” she pouts, picking up on a specific detail like only a child can.

“You don’t have to be, but a new kidney is heading your way and you’re gonna get healthy and strong like him.”

That seems to appease her, until it’s time to say good bye. She gets a bit teary and it makes Leon never want to leave.

“Thanks again for doing that,” Chloe says as she walks to the parking garage with Leon.

“Of course, she’s a sweet kid.”

Chloe’s phone buzzes and she’s quick to open the notification, that goofy grin spreading across her face.

Since he’s a glutton for punishment he asks, “who’s got you smiling like that?

“Just Caleb, he’s so stupid,” her tone has too much adoration in it.

“Say hi to your boyfriend for me.”

He doesn’t mean for it to sound so brusque; he just can’t help it. He hates how his blood boils thinking about it, how he wants to be the one that makes her smile like that to herself, like the joy is bursting out of her.

She pinches her lips together and narrows her eyes at Leon, “it’s not–“

 She pauses to like she’s needs to rethink her phrasing, instead she just rolls her eyes and gives him a little shove.

Leon gets in his car and drives home angry.

///

He doesn’t consistently pick up on the road, but he does on this trip. Two nights in a row.

The first night it’s a woman who looks too much like Chloe. He thought it would be therapeutic, despite the looks Connor gave him as he left the bar with her. It’s not. That’s what he gets for not following Connor’s advice, even non-verbal advice.

Her eyes are the same shade of light brown as Chloe’s, he has to turn her over to avoid any eye contact. But her hair still reminds him of Chloe’s and he fucks her fast and rough, just to feel angry, to feel anything.

The next night he picks up a woman who looks nothing like Chloe. She’s all tits and ass and that fake shyness that comes with trying too hard to be pliant and agreeable. Leon lets her spend the night, to give himself the illusion of intimacy.

They have an off day the next day, so he fucks her again then takes a nap after she leaves.

He’s debating whether to be social and go out to dinner with the guys or stay in and order room service so he doesn’t have to sulk in front of anyone.

There’s a knock on the door and he’s a little grateful that the decision seems to be made for him.

What he’s not expecting is for Chloe to be on the other side, wide Cheshire grin. She’s wearing a long white winter coat and a dress that’s far too short for the weather, a pair of thigh high boots leaving a sliver of bare skin visible.

“You gonna let me in or what?”

He wants to ask how she knew his room number, but he can guess: Connor. So, he skips to the next question.

“What are you doing here?”

“I had business in town”

Leon steps aside, she breezes past, the smell of stale wine wafts past him.

“And that involves getting drunk?”

“Yeah, it’s called a business lunch,” she says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world

She picks up the pair of underwear the girl apparently left behind and twirls it around her finger, “you apparently had some business too, good for you.”

He feels his ears turn red and watches her sit on the edge of the bed, he leans against the hotel dresser to keep his distance.

“Seriously, Clo, why are you here?” he points to the ground to make it clear that he means this place, right now.

“I wanted to take you to dinner.”

“I was just gonna order in…”

“C’mon let me take you to a fancy schmancy dinner, my treat.”

“I can pay for my own dinner.”

“We get it, you’re rich too, whatever. it’s been a while since we hung out, just the two of us. So please let me take you to dinner,” she sticks out her bottom lip and bats her eyelashes.

He groans in defeat, though he wishes he had more will power to make her beg a little longer.

“Great, wear this sweater I bought you,” she holds out the shopping bag she brought.

He furrows his brows and pulls out the sweater, it’s a deep teal color and maybe the softest thing he’s ever felt.

“You don’t own enough colors, and this will bring out your eyes.”

“Thanks, for the gift and the insult.”

“Shut up and get dressed,” she rolls her eyes.

When he comes back out of the bathroom, Chloe is laying back on the bed texting. Her legs dangle off the edge and her dress rising dangerously high. It takes everything in him to stop himself from pushing between her leg and taking her apart until she’s saying his name and forgetting that there’s anyone else in the world.

She notices him borderline lurking and sits up on her elbows, “looking good Draisaitl, ready to go?”

He shrugs eating in still seems like the better option.

They end up at a restaurant that is probably still too fancy for what either of them are wearing, but the hostess knows who Chloe is before she even gives a name, so he guesses it’s okay.

“Miss Cohn, we’ll bring your dad’s vintage out to you.”

“Sounds great, thank you,” she smiles and waits for the hostess to be out of ear shot, “my dad like bought up a bunch of wine he liked at a bunch of different restaurants, I don’t know what it is but they’re usually good.”

Leon shrugs, just going with flow.

“He obviously thought he would leave much longer than he did, cause they still give me bottles like 5 years after he’s died, and he drank heavily and smoked cigars so he had no business thinking he’d live into his late 90s.”

Leon loves when she talks about her dad, loves the soft face she gets when she talks about him.

He died before Leon was even in the picture, but it feels like he’s getting a peek behind the curtain when she opens up about him, their bittersweet relationship that came with the 70-year age gap, yet didn’t change the love between them.

A waiter comes by and pours them each a glass of red wine.

“I guess cheers to your dad then,” Leon smiles.

“Yeah, cheers,” they clink glasses.

“Chloe, what are the odds,” Leon stiffens at the sight of Caleb coming by with a glass of dark liquor.

“Caleb hey,” she stands up to hug him, “what are you doing here?”

“Tying up some loose business ends in Toronto, why am I surprised you got a table here on short notice,” he doesn’t even turn to acknowledge Leon, and Leon drains his glass of assumably insanely expensive wine in one gulp.

He pulls out an unoccupied chair at the table, “Yeah, um do you want to join us?”

“Sure Chloe, thanks,” he says as if he didn’t force himself onto their dinner

Finally, he turns to the other man, “nice to finally meet you Leon, she never shuts up about you.”

Leon can’t help but smirk at that and tries to give his firmest handshake in response.

Leon only hated the idea of Caleb before, but after spending five minutes with him, he just hates the guy. He went out of his way to talk about things Leon didn’t know about like childhood friends and would talk over Chloe when she tried to include him.

Thankfully the waitress came by to take their orders, because Leon is about five seconds from texting Connor to pull the emergency call card for him.

“I’ll have the gnocchi,” Chloe says closing her menu

“That’s a lot of carbs,” Caleb hums, not even looking up from his menu.

Chloe twists her lips to the side, for a second Leon thinks she’s finally going to tell him off.

“Yeah, change that to the branzino.”

Leon had seen Chloe do a lot of things for a relationship, but shrinking herself was always the worst.

“I’ll have the gnocchi and the chef’s salad,” Leon hands his own menu off and winks at Chloe, “you can have some of my gnocchi.”

The rest of the dinner is equally tortuous, and as if he could read his mind Connor calls just as they’re debating another bottle of wine after dinner.

“Sorry to run out but Davo wants to talk,” Leon is out of his seat before he finishes the excuse, and is rushing out of the restaurant before Chloe can get out of her chair to hug him.

///

Chloe comes by his house a few days after the road trip ends, she’s wearing an Oilers sweatshirt he’s pretty sure is his. She looks better in it anyway.

“Have you seen Baron? Caleb doesn’t like cats so I kicked the little guy out last night and he hasn’t come home and I’m getting a little worried,” the panic rises in her voice.

Leon knows where Baron is, he’s cuddle up with Bowie on his dog bed; he let the cat in when he started crying outside his back door. But he doesn’t tell Chloe that, because Caleb hating Baron is somehow the last straw.

“The guy hates your cat, too?”

Chloe taken aback by the comment, with her ‘missing’ cat and all.

“He walks all over you, he tells you what you should eat, and he basically hates your child. Why the fuck are you doing this to yourself, he’s a shitty person.”

“We’re not really together it's–“

“Chloe it doesn’t matter if you’re not actually something, he’s a waste of your time. They’ve all been a waste of your time, you can never pick someone who actually cares about you and I’m sick of watching it!”

“Where is this coming from?”

“You stupid bitch, I love you!”

In his wildest dreams, or nightmares, Leon never thought this is how he’d confess his love: with name-calling. But the words are out there and there’s a weight lifted from his chest.

Chloe blinks too many times, like she’s trying to make a hallucination disappear. She opens her mouth and a strangled sound comes out before she closes it again.

“What?” She finally squeaks out.

“I’m sick of seeing you throw yourself at people who don’t care about treating you right and then breaking your heart because I’m in love with you and I would never do that to you.”

“Wow, and what was that first part? I’m a stupid bitch?” The ghost of a smile graces her lips.

Leon takes a step forward, still not wanting to overstep by touching her, “yeah everyone else thought I was really obvious so I had to say something to get through your thick skull.”

Then his hands are full of Chloe, her arms around his neck, her lips on his, her tongue in his mouth.

It’s everything he’s been wanting for so long he doesn’t know where to start or focus, he wants his lips everywhere, his hands everywhere. His brain malfunctions before he can even figure out where to start, so he just tries to follow Chloe’s lead.

She pulls away and Leon feels his face following, hoping to reconnect. He nearly whimpers at the loss of contact.

When he finally looks at Chloe, she looks a bit frazzled; she’s running a hand through her hair and her eyes look wild.

“I don’t– I don’t love you, because that would be insane,” she’s gesticulating wildly, “since I haven’t thought about us that way.”

Leon feels his heart sink into his stomach.

“But this is something,” she starts to kick off her shoes, “I’d very much like to explore.”

She whips her jacket in the direction of the door and grabs Leon’s face and pulls his lips to hers again. His mind is back online and he pulls her by the hips against him.

Something nags at him before he can get in too deep, “and this isn’t just sex? Cause I can’t do that Clo.”

“No, I mean not that I’ve never thought about it” she attaches her lips to his jaw, “I have eyes and a vibrator, of course I’ve thought a little about it,” she feverishly moves closer to his mouth.

She finally comes up for air and is breathing heavily, she holds Leon’s face and looks him dead in the eye, “But you want what’s best for me and that sounds really good, because I’ve never had that before. And I want what’s best for you too, and maybe I can give that to you.”

Leon feels like his heart might burst out of his chest.

“Really?”

She nods, desperation in the little movements, “And I’d love to talk more about that but that love confession really turned me on and I want to have sex, like right now.”

Leon let’s out a husky laugh, but isn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He lifts her up and almost falls up the stairs in excitement. He’s waited for all of this for so long.

///

Chloe falls back onto the pillow, sweaty and flushed.

“Holy shit,” she turns to look at Leon, running her hand through his sex-rumpled hair, “all those times you said other people are good at sex, you meant yourself?”

“I mean–“ he laughs and turns on his side, wanting to memorize her blissed out face, “I don’t want to brag.”

“No, you should brag. I’ve had sex with a lot of people and that–“

Leon rolls on top of her and covers her mouth, “let’s not talk about your past lovers right now.”

She gives him a quick peck before pushing him off and heading to the bathroom, giving him a bit of a show on the way.

On her way back she hears some scratching at the door, she opens it up and Baron and Bowie come bounding in, jumping up onto the bed.

“Oh my god Baron, you were hiding out here?” she crawls under the covers and pulls the fluffy cat close to kiss.

“Christ, Chloe, we’re still naked.”

She chuckles, “I’m so sorry to scar the children, but Baron has probably seen much worse; he’s a bit of voyeuristic perv.”

“Yeah, well Bowie is innocent,” he laughs while Bowie tries to crawl up to lick his face.

“Look Baron, both our boyfriends live in the same house now, double dates all the time.”

“Boyfriend?” He feels a little woozy hearing Chloe talk like that.

“On a trial basis of course.”

“Of course,” he smirks.

“Cause I’m notoriously bad at this stuff so you might want to rescind the offer after the novelty wears off.”

Leon pulls her into another kiss, because he can and he doesn’t think that will ever get old.

[sunshine-gumdrop]

Love them to death!

Their wags ship it, too!

[dvhaime]

something about matthew and leon’s teammates hitting 50 goals on the same night

[fannyyann]

leon did this for me and all the other 1D to hockey pipeliners

[bbpuckdrop]

:)

[ghostwnby]

'FMRN' by lilyisthatyou is so MattDrai coded its actually making me sick.

[annieqattheperipheral]

leno the poet

wow look how big beautiful the world is

its unbelievable

-leon draisaitl

[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.

[sc0tters]

Just One Tub - Leon Draisaitl

summary: who would have thought that your freezer breaking on a hot summers day, would be the perfect start to your love story?

request: yes/no (was actually meant to be for a summer fic exchange but it is now December so…)

warnings: swearing, mentions of drinking.

word count: 2.91k

authors note: so this was all ready to go in August before I totally fell off of Tumblr but I pressed save rather than post so I figured I’d edit it before I published it and now here it is!

You knew it was dangerous falling for him.

From the moment you knocked on his door needing a place to leave your frozen foods after yours decided to stop working in the heat of June. Leon was days away from going home after an anticlimactic end to the season, but when you showed up the idea of packing was pushed to the back of his mind.

There was something endearing about the way your voice cracked with panicked rambles as you begged him to hold your ice cream and frozen meals that you weren’t prepared to lose when your freezer broke. Leon didn’t know how or why things changed, but in the midst of offering him a spoon as you sacrificed a pint of mint chip ice cream that didn’t make the cut to join his freezer, he knew you were different.

And before he was even ready to snap his fingers, Leon found himself more focused on learning your quirks and less about packing his suitcase for his inevitable return home.

𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨

Leon grinned as your giggles were masked with soft sips of red wine “no I’m being serious!” He complained recounting the story of how he never cooked in his kitchen after the time he burnt a pot of cooked pasta.

You shook your head half-amused, half-concerned as you placed your wine glass down “I’ll teach you to cook sometime.” Your offer lingered in the air making his cheeks grow warm at the thought of spending more time with you “you don’t have to do that.” He shook his head not wanting to have you see just how bad his skills in the kitchen were.

It was bad enough that he already had your lasagne engraved into his tastebuds forever, and that was something you said you just ‘threw together.’

But it seemed that you were on a different page as a lightbulb popped above your head “consider it a thank you for housing my ice cream.”Your offer made him nod as he scratched his beard “I’ll be gone for three months though.” His tone was disappointed as he was still trying to figure out how to approach his pretty neighbour, and to this day he swore he wouldn’t have if you hadn’t knocked on his door.

So call him stupid but he was willing to ask your electrician to come over and teach him how to blow a fuse, in the hopes of getting you over more.

You couldn’t help it as you looked around his living room “what is it that you do for a living?” The hockey memorabilia that lay scattered on the walls dawned on you. Yet it still didn’t occur to you that he could have been a hockey player, honestly you thought he was a fan.

After all, a lawyer wouldn’t exactly have court memorabilia just lying around…

It felt like the world stopped around him as you seemed to be the only person in the building who didn’t know who he was “i-i work in sports.” He watched tentatively, almost immediately assuming that he was caught “cool.” You shrugged growing distracted as the timer on the air fryer went off.

Like puzzle pieces falling into place Leon realised that he could have been screwed “I’ll get plates.” No Leon was definitely fucked.

𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨

Just like clockwork as Leon came back you had caught on to what his true profession. It had been weeks of teaching him how to cook but now after days of radio silence from you, Leon had to admit he was confused when you didn’t schedule a weekly cooking session.

So as he watched you walk back into your apartment he couldn’t help it when he practically followed you in “are you okay?” His face displayed amounts of concern, as his voice made you freeze

The truth was that you had known for weeks after a season highlights video popped up on YouTube where you learnt all about what he actually did. And at first you really didn’t care, but when you told your friends about it they considered it a red flag from the German.

So with the logic of if he was hiding his profession what else could he be hiding, had made you pull away “I’m fine Le.” You had shortened the boys name highlighting that you were irritated “you know you’re doing that thing when you lie.” He crossed his arms following you into your apartment.

It made you furrow your eyebrows “doing what?” You tapped your foot on the floor partly intrigued as to what he could have picked up on “you hollow out your cheeks when you’re hiding something.” It was something always had your parents knowing you were lying and part of you was amused that someone had brought it up after all of those years.

So as the small smile formed on your lips you finally broke “why didn’t you tell me?” You asked holding up a newspaper that’s front image was of him in his full hockey gear.

It was clear you were more confused than hurt or even irritated and that’s what stuck with the boy most “you gave me a chance to be just me.” His confession had you cursing yourself for opting to avoid him “look you will always be just you to me.” You watched his lips form into a smile at the words.

He nodded running his fingers through his hair “but if I am fully honest with you then I hope to get the same back.” Your words made his heart bloom with joy, he liked being just Leon to you.

𝙊𝙝 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙗𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨

The boys knew that something was going on with Leon. First it started with silent daydreams in the middle of team outings, before they knew it then Leon started feeling much happier. The grin that was left constantly left plastered on his face served as only one of the mere hints to the fact that he was clearly in love.

So as any good teammate would, the boys started with basic badgering. In the hopes of getting to know who the mystery girl was.

But what the didn’t expect was that they’d finally learn about you when Leon wasn’t even around “hi Lenny!” You grinned looking up from your clipboard to see one of your favourite patients with someone you had never met, his dad.

The widened eyes were a clear give away as he laughed “thought Lauren mention that I would bring him in today.” Connor laughed as he held his hand out for you to shake “No it’s just that Le made you seem shorter.” Your mouth was never one for keeping you in check and today seemed to be no different.

Now it was the boys turn to freeze “you’re the girl from next door with the ice cream?” It made total sense, Leon’s description of you was bang on, and as your cheeks shone a crimson shade of red you couldn’t deny it.

It made Connor laugh “I hope that it’s the only thing the bugger has shared.” Leon had watched you break a blender upon seeing a spider in it and eat a cake from the floor that you spent all week making.

Lenny reminded you that he was there was he let out a bark, making you crouch down to stroke him before you started your examination “it is but he is like so clearly adores you.” Connor had to admit the joy he got watching you hide your cheeks as you so clearly felt the same way.

It seemed that you weren’t going to remain a mystery girl to his teammates for long because by the next week, all of them were changing their dogs vets to you.

𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜

Years had gone by and Leon wished he could say that his curiosity about you had diminished. But as you integrated yourself further into his circle, he knew he was so incredibly screwed.

Day by day he was falling deeper in love with you “are you even listening to me?” Connor whined as he snapped his fingers in front of Leon’s face. It was the all stars break and as neither boy joined the list, they instead opted for a holiday in Mexico.

Leon practically begged you to come along as he didn’t want to third wheel, and knew that you deserved a break to be a good bit of company.

You were stood at the bar chatting away with some guy that nobody from the group had ever seen before “someone needs to remind him that he should go up and get her back.” Lauren smirked as she sat on her fiancés lap.

It made Leon roll his eyes “I am not jealous.” He shook his head cutting himself off when he heard you laugh “you sure about that?” The couple teased making him scoff.

Lauren knew all about how you were into the German as she had been up to be your shoulder to cry on during the many nights where he had left your apartment after making sure his outfits were good enough for the nights that he was going out on. His smiles and laughter as he spoke about the excitement of how a girl would invite him out for a night out as he prayed that you would ask him out.

You never thought that you’d ever see the girl outside of the center, but Lauren loved getting to know the girl who made Leon’s smile grow larger than she had ever known it to be.

As the blonde duo watched on they couldn’t help but smirk they watched him get up “you going to go get her?” Lauren couldn’t help but be somehow proud of herself as she had given you the confidence shot to get you over to the other guy.

Because of course whilst Leon had gone on these dates, you could never find yourself with the confidence to do it too. But at least this trip seemed to be your breaking free moment “maybe she needs someone to make sure she’s okay.” Leon shrugged as he looked to his took his jacket off knowing that he was going to completely over power the other guy in size and build.

Now Connor and Lauren would have totally be lying if they hadn’t rolled around to watch what happened in front of them “hey peach.” A chill came down your neck as you felt the Germans hand rest against your back.

It seemed that the American in front of you matched your expression “hey bro I didn’t know that she was taken.” As he raised his hands in surrender slowly backing away, your rambles of protest seemed to do nothing for him.

Leon realised that his hand was still on you as you turned to him “peach, really?” Laughter erupted from your lips as you shook your head “honestly it could have been buttercup.” He shrugged as you noticed the couple hide on their lounger when they saw you looking back at them.

You knew you couldn’t have been mad for too long “what was it about him that you hated so much?” Your question lingered in Leon’s mind as he sighed knowing that he couldn’t truly tell you what he thought. Because honestly, it was the fact that he hated how it was someone else who made you laugh the way he could. That was when he knew that he couldn’t try be with another woman ever again, you were all that he wanted.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨

Valentine’s Day had always been a bit of an odd day for you. It wasn’t necessarily a sad day, but somehow your luck always meant you were home alone watching Netflix with a tub of ice cream as you waited for your dinner to arrive.

Even as it had been almost a year, your question from Mexico still lingered on his mind with every date night he got ready for, because you seemed to constantly plague his mind, even if you weren’t in his presence.

You had finally settled on the couch when a harsh knock came at the door “what the hell?” You mumbled letting go of the remote as you got up again “I’m coming!” You repeated assuming that it could have only been an irritated delivery man with your pizza.

Your wallet was in your hand as you made your way to the door “Leon?” You furrowed your eyebrows seeing him soaked from the pouring rain “you are going to catch a cold.” You clicked your tongue as you ushered him inside of your warm apartment.

Your eyes traveled down to the bouquet that he held in his hand which resulted in him panicking as he thrusted the roses into your chest “t-these are yours!” He stammered forgetting all about the words that he had come up with on his walk to the florist.

It made you softly smile sensing his nerves “what’s going on?” You asked letting the door shut behind him as your hand reached for his.

The gesture made his heart bloom “I hated that he was the one who made you laugh.” His confession made your eyebrows furrow as you cocked your head “I don’t follow.”

Leon took a step closer to you “in Mexico you asked me why I hated the guy that hit on you.” His calloused fingers were rough against your cheek as you tilted your head to him, leaning into his touch.

His breathing was heavy “I don’t like the fact that there gets to be a guy who makes your world whole and he isn’t me.” The words seemed as if they had the power to freeze time where it stood.

You felt nauseous thinking that this was all just a dream as your mind played tricks on you “why can’t it be you?” The question painted the walls as his ears ached his heart pounded so loudly.

But that was the question that remained unasked for all these seasons, why was it that two people fit so well together but couldn’t find a way beyond mere friends.

Each of your families knew the other and at this point everyone saw it as a mere matter of time until you guys would be more than just neighbours.

The answer was on Leon’s tongue but his lips stayed sealed as his mouth went dry “I want this but if you aren’t all in then I’d rather not lose you than get the joy of calling you mine.” You whispered shutting the gap between the both of you.

There lay the answer as the atmosphere suddenly became warmer around you both “please say it.” You pleaded bringing your hand up to cup his own cheek.

That was all it took to light what seemed like a fire beneath his ass “I’m yours forever and always.” Leon declared dipping his head down to let his lips brush against yours.

You swore that the harps played as you melted into his touch letting your body mould against his “shit that’s my pizza.” You pulled away from him hearing a knock at the door.

𝘼 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙥 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙚

You swore you hadn’t dropped from cloud nine over the last twelve hours “you looking at it won’t make it any less real.” Leon smiled as he walked out of the bathroom “I just can’t believe we’re here.” Your cheeks grew sore because of how big your grin had been that day.

Leon had his towel loosely hung by his hips “and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” His voice was rough as he pressed a kiss against your shoulder “but I can’t believe you refused to join me in the shower.” He nipped at your skin, causing you to let out a gasp.

Your hand raised to softly hit his chest “well Mr Draisaitl you have to work for rewards like that.” It made him laugh as a knock came at the door “well I think that your husband deserves a treat Mrs Draisaitl.” The hockey player made his way to the door.

It made you grow confused as the sounds of someone calling “room service.” Came from the other side “thank you!” You watched as Leon shut the door bring what he ordered in.

There he held a tub of ice cream, the very same brand and flavour that you begged him to put into his freezer first all those years ago “you did not.” A laugh left your lips as he held out two spoons in the other hand.

The gap between you both closed to nearly nothing as he smiled “figured it was only right we started off marriage with how we started back then.” Leon placed it on the table next to you “what did I do to get a boy as sweet as you?” You asked as your arms wrapped around his neck so that you could peck his lips.

The comment made him scoff as he picked you up resulting in a squeal leaving your lips “don’t give me a chance to remind you that I am a man, peach.” Leon dropped you onto the bed as he crawled onto the mattress to join you.

Well it looked like that ice cream was going to have to wait.

Let’s just hope that it doesn’t melt this time.

[kairos44]

Story cover for the upcoming fic The Vacation by @lurlur and @tapedsleeves

Look out for their amazing fic to be posted tomorrow to A03, a multichapter work featuring Matthew Tkachuk/Leon Draisaitl, Brady Tkachuk/Tim Stützle and a vacation!

Thank you @hrpffandomeventblog for organising this event!

[cheddaryouthanme]

My MattDrai Fic Recs, in honor of the upcoming MattDrai SCF

One-Shots:

what does daylight look like 

By notthequiettype

" "Matthew," Draisaitl says, and shifts on to his elbow so he can look up at Matthew. "Don't-- please don't say this was nothing to you."

There's an expression on Draisaitl's face that Matthew's never seen before, a carved wrinkle between his brows, the corners of his mouth turned down. He looks sad, worried, and Matthew's struck by how much he doesn't look like a stranger, a guy across the ice, a target for Matthew's agitation. Matthew feels an almost tilting sense of vertigo for a second. "It wasn't nothing." "

As close to fluff as I can stomach, but that extra bit of sweetness makes this one so enjoyable to read and re-read. This is a "people in the NHL are gay and the world is fine with it" fic where the biggest obstacle to their relationship is playing for divisional rivals in the same Province. However, this suspension of disbelief is rarely taken too far, or done at the expense of having Matthew and Leon feel like real, layered people. Because of this, the story's earnestness feels earned, rather than saccharine.

(come on, come on, come on) get through it

By anonymous

"Matthew really doesn’t know where Leon’s head is at, on the rare occasion that he pulls stuff like that. He wants Matthew to himself; he doesn’t care if Matthew fucks other people. He wants Matthew to fuck other people so he can want Matthew to himself."

This story does not get the love it deserves. Who are you, anonymous, so I can give you the flowers that you so deeply deserve? This fic only receiving 208 kudos on AO3 is one of the greatest injustices of our time. If I had to guess, I'd say it has something to do with the angsty nature and (spoiler!) ambiguous-but-seemingly-not-optimistic ending. But the angst is worth it, friends! It's so incredibly well-written that by the end, you're left with so many lingering emotions that you just have to re-read it to process it further. The prose - particularly in the sex scenes, which carry hefty emotional weight because of the fuck-buddies-with-baggage nature of Matthew and Leon's relationship - is phenomenal, and would put most published hockey Booktok writers to shame. More people need to read this fic.

Edmonton 10

By Helenish

" “Well?” Leon said coolly. Leon wasn’t just an Edmonton 10, Matthew reminded himself, which was really a 6 but it was dark and you were horny, but an actual anywhere in the world smokeshow. All he had to do was shut up and play along.

“Okay,” he said. Leon’s smile turned smug. Great dick, Matthew chanted to himself in his head, world-class dick, really, big and uncut, a little curved to the left, from a guy who was freshly showered and smelled like pine trees, who’d like it too much and get up in his head about it after—

“Thought so,” Leon said, sounding almost bored. Matthew dutifully pictured his entire body filling up with cool, purple liquid, because the shrink had said they could pick any color they wanted, but it didn’t stop him from leaning forward and looping one hand around the back of Leon’s neck to draw him closer. Leon let him, his smile starting to falter, and Matthew slipped his hand up to cradle the back of Leon’s head and kissed him, an easy, tender brush of his lips. He pulled back enough to look into Leon’s eyes, holding his gaze. Leon blinked. Matthew smiled."

If I had to recommend one MattDrai fic to a new reader, it would be this one. It's just perfect. It's funny, it's sexy, it's grounded, it's surprisingly emotional, but above all else it's so, so, so well-written. All of the things that, in my mind, exemplify what makes MattDrai fanfiction so great.

(mild spoiler!) Without giving too much away, the �� part at the end made me gasp the first time I read it because of how well it hit the bulls-eye for me as a character beat and emotional climax. Impeccable storytelling.

Multi-Chapter:

let me look at you by isozyme

"Leon feels awkward and unsettled until they get home and he has Matthew naked in his bed, where he’s able to put his hand around Matthew’s ankle and let out the air that’s been stuck in the bottom of his lungs. Matthew looks awful — pale, battered, and end-of-season skinny. He’s scruffy and still has acne in his beard at almost thirty years old and Leon has no idea why he wants to fuck this guy so bad. And worse — wants to kiss him and protect him from the shitty parts of his family and show off to Connor how hot it is when they're in bed together."

This one is McMattDrai (Tkachuk/Draisaitl/McDavid) in case that's a dealbreaker for anyone. It shouldn't be, though! Because this story is incredible, and I waited eagerly for each new chapter to be published when it was put on AO3 last summer. Funny, blunt, unexpected, raunchy, tender at times, and a bit kinky. This story never failed to surprise me by going exactly where I hoped it would go one moment then veering hard right in another direction the next. You're not going to find a lot of 10 chapter fics this rich, descriptive, committed, and unique throughout.

head above water by yourblues

"He gives Matthew a cocky little smirk about it, like it’s supposed to be impressive that he didn’t need instructions to find them. Awful, Matthew thinks. He’s awful, and yet all Matthew wants is to get his hands or his mouth or literally anything on him. There’s been something hooked behind his breastbone all week, pulling him toward this with a single-mindedness that Matthew usually only feels with hockey. He doesn’t think he’ll be able to think straight until they’re done here."

This whole work is great, but for me the story reaches untouchable heights in the 5th chapter that very few other fics have ever been able to reach for me. I find myself re-reading it as soon as I'm done every time. Take my word for it, even if you only read the 5th chapter (read the whole thing though, because the build-up is worth the payoff, trust me).

[twobites]

RAW | Leon Draisaitl 05.06.24

I'm sure this series will write its own story ... Every shift for however many games is gonna be important. The first one isn't gonna be any more or less important than the next five hundred that everyone's gonna have.

[19871997]

im so sorry for everything terrible i said about instagram stories back in 2016 dylan strome reposting the erie otters' retirement of number 97 for connor and leon draisaitl promoting the amazon series via the two minute mcdrai edit back to back Maybe you brought something good to this world

[hiding-from-reality-56]

Blue Hair and Pronouns - Leon Draisaitl

Word Count: 2230 Pairing: Leon Draisaitl x Original Nonbinary Character Rating: Teen and Up (see warnings) Summary: Blake and Leon have been friends for seven years. Leon's fresh off a game-seven loss, and has a month before he's attending Connor McDavid's wedding as one of the Best Men. He also happens to need a date. Tags: Getting together, angst with a happy ending, friends to lovers, fake relationships Warnings: Mentions of intoxication and alcohol (please let me know if I'm missing anything)

Hi, welcome to my submission for the Summer Fic Exchange 2k24, put on by the amazing @wyattjohnston! This fic is written for @nhl-stories, and features a pairing of Leon Draisaitl/Original Nonbinary OC! I've never written RPF with an OC insert, so please be gentle! This was certainly an unforgettable experience, and I'm so glad I tried branching out in my writing! I hope you like it!

“I’m coming, I’m coming, you can stop ringing-” Blake throws open the door with an exasperated sigh. “What are you, six?”

“You were taking forever, I was just making sure you knew I was here. You got my e-transfer?”

Blake rolls their eyes, prepared to retort with ‘Six-year-old behaviour,’ but decides to answer the question anyhow, albeit with a hint of mischief in their tone. “No, you should send it again, make sure I really got it.”

“Nice try, where’s my dog?”

Blake huffs out a laugh, stepping aside to let Leon in. “Probably eating my couch cushions again-” they put up a hand to stop Leon’s retort before it can even leave his mouth, “I know that was “only once,” but we’ve established I’m never letting you live that down. He was taking a post-walk nap, but I doubt he’s still asleep after that.”

After Leon’s toed off his shoes and lined them up neatly on the edge of the mat in the entryway, he follows Blake into the master bedroom, where a somehow still snoring Bowie lays, snuggled up in the exact spot Blake considers their side of the bed.

“Hey Bowie, I missed you,” Leon coos, flopping onto the other side of the bed and pulling the dog to his chest. Suddenly alert, the scruff of brown fur starts yipping excitedly and licking every square inch of Leon’s face he can reach.

Blake stands opposite the bed, observing the reunion with a bright smile. It’s only been a few days since Leon took off for Florida with the team in their quest for the Stanley Cup, the Oilers unfortunately falling short of glory in the end.

The Leon they’d seen on the ice in the dying seconds and in post-game interviews is far removed from the one they’re looking at now - for one, the hideously long ugly beard’s been shorn. The tears and sweat have been wiped away, and an air of happiness has replaced the defeated expression from just yesterday.

“Alright. Traditions are traditions; to the couch!”

The post-playoffs loss “Tipsy Time,” as Blake had dubbed it, became a thing back in 2017. Blake’s Uber had dropped them off at the wrong house, and they were a few too many drinks deep in their post-breakup misery when they’d staggered up the walkway and decided to just relax for a bit on the doorstep before figuring out their way home. They hadn’t been there for long, or at least they’d thought, before the door they were leaning against was being pulled open, and a slightly scowling Leon Draisaitl was looking down at them. Ever the gentleman, he invited Blake in, disregarding their smeared eye makeup and disheveled demeanor. After an impromptu nap on the couch and some water, Blake drunkenly spilled about their latest failed relationship while Leon listened, clearly a little buzzed himself. 

When pressed on why he’d been drinking alone in his home, he roughly mumbled about “playoffs,” and “the fucking Ducks, man,” leading to Blake’s sobering realization that they were in an NHL player’s house. Of course, they’d recognized him when the door had opened, but the reality of it all took a while to sink in. Blake was mortified, as one would expect, rapidly apologized, and tried to leave (which wound up with them on the ground contemplating their shitty depth perception). Leon had insisted they stay until they were “at least sober enough to walk in a straight line,” and sat opposite them on the couch while he nursed his drink and some trashy reality show played in the background. 

Of course, once you’ve drunkenly cried over an ex on Leon Draisaitl’s couch, a connection is formed, whether either party wants it or not. It turned into a very careful escorting down the block, exchanging numbers so Leon would know that Blake hadn’t “died or something,” progressing rapidly into a weekly binge-watch of 90 Day Fiancé, and eventually Blake becoming Bowie’s dog-sitter when Leon was away. It definitely made for an interesting whirlwind of a summer, but the unlikely friendship blossomed like they’d known each other for years.

Blake picks up the shot glasses they’d filled and walks carefully across the floor, sitting gingerly beside Leon and managing to not spill any alcohol. They extend their hand, holding out one of the shots for Leon to take. “So. Game seven. I’m sorry it didn’t go the way you guys wanted.” 

Leon doesn’t answer, just grunts before taking the offered vodka shot from Blake’s hand and downing it without even a slight wince at the burn. 

“Sucks, yeah - nothing we can do about it now. Bigger problems to worry about.”

“You know you’re allowed to be upset about this, right?” Blake places a gentle hand on Leon’s shoulder while flipping through the channels.

Leon shrugs in response, setting the shot glass down on the side table.

“It’s been less than forty-eight hours, you don’t have to pretend everything is fine again.”

“I really can’t worry about it right now. Done enough crying and yelling and swearing down in Florida. Besides, I have to worry about Davo’s wedding now.”

“What do you mean? You just have to show up.”

“I mean there’s the fact that I’m one of his Best Men. And then there’s the issue where I don’t have a date. So I guess what I’m asking is if you’ll come to the wedding as my date. I’ll get lit up if I don’t bring someone.” “So you decided to ask the world’s least gender-conforming weirdo to be your date? Yeah, I can see how that’ll be received so much better,” Blake says wryly.

“Blake, please. I’ll buy you a dress, or a suit, whatever you want to wear, and cover your airfare and accommodations. I’m kinda desperate here.”

“You’re asking someone who was bullied out of hockey the minute they were perceived as different to be your date. At a wedding full of guests who got to live the life I never got to. Do you see why maybe I’m not too interested in being around constant reminders of my own failures?” 

“I’m sorry. I guess I never thought about it that way.”

“Besides, nobody is gonna believe we’re an item anyways. I’m like, the polar opposite of a WAG,” Blake adds, trying to lighten the suddenly sombre mood.

“Blue hair and pronouns has been my type for a while,” Leon replies with a smile.

Blake’s not too sure why that one stung more than it probably had any right to, but the next thing they know, their face hardens and they’re snapping back, “You’re not fucking funny, Leon. Fuck you, go on Tinder or wherever it is you find your one night stands, and take someone from there.” 

Leon opens his mouth, takes one look at Blake, then closes it before crossing the room, sliding on his shoes, and leaving with Bowie hot on his heels.

“I’m gonna kill Leon Draisaitl. Nobody will ever find his body.” 

“You can’t do that, Jade,” Blake replies, tipping their head over the arm of the couch to squint at their best friend. 

“And why the fuck not?” She sounds far more affronted than Blake had initially thought she would be. Which, valid - the pair has been through a lot in the last few years, and Blake wouldn’t hesitate to punch someone for Jade. So they suppose it makes sense that Jade would be ready to commit murder for them.

“Because he’s like the second most popular guy in the city, and him being dead would seriously fuck with the Oilers’ dynamic.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I appreciate the offer, though. Shit, hang on. Speak of the devil,” Blake rolls their eyes, holding up their phone to show Jade Leon’s caller ID. They hold a finger up to their lips and swipe to answer. “What do you want, Leon.” Blake winces at the bite in their own tone, not expecting to sound this aggressive. It’s been less than twenty-four hours since the argument, but Blake still feels a little bad for the way they’d snapped.

“Hey. I’m- uh. I just wanted to apologize for last night. I shouldn’t have said that, it wasn’t right. I’m also sorry that I didn’t stop to consider why you might not want to go, and I get it if you don’t want to. I guess what I’m trying to say is, the wedding’s in a month, just- let me know if you change your mind, alright?”

“I appreciate the apology, but I think I’m gonna need some time to think about it. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, but it still did hurt. I’m also sorry for yelling at you, there’s probably a better way that I could’ve responded. But yeah, let me sleep on it for a bit, okay?”

“You were more than justified to yell at me the way you did. I crossed a pretty big line. Take care of yourself, alright? I’m sorry again.”

Blake hangs up after a quick goodbye and drops their phone onto the rug. “You don’t have to kill him, Jade. I’m still hurt but he acknowledged his mistake and his apology felt genuine. And he’s never said anything like that before. I dunno. But enough about me, let’s order a pizza and watch sad movies,” Blake smiles.

Blake calls Leon back a week and a half later to accept his offer. Fuck it, what’s the worst that could happen? 

They’d tried to insist on paying for their own flight, but Leon simply emailed them a flight confirmation five minutes later with nothing but “Oops.” in the body.

Fast-forward a couple weeks, several hours of trying on clothes, six arguments about who was allowed to pay for what, and a four-hour flight, Blake is standing in the most gorgeous wedding venue. They’re having a wonderfully animated discussion with Leon and Derek Ryan about the Olympics when their next point is interrupted.

“Blake?” 

They stop mid-sentence, they’d know that voice anywhere. They turn around to confirm, and a huge smile breaks out across their face. “Oh my god, everyone shut up, my bestie is here,” they gasp, running forward to scoop the owner of the voice up into an excited hug. Blake does a little spin before setting their friend down again. 

“Kailer!!!!! It’s been sooo long! I missed you this season, you should come back so I can tell people I’m taller than an Oiler again.”

Kailer straightens his tie and sighs dramatically. “You’re taller than Hammer, you’ll survive.” 

“Hammer’s a child, he doesn’t count.”

“He’s not even a year younger than me, and you know that,” Kailer replies with an exaggerated eye roll. “So I see you and Leon got your shit together, then,” he continues with a shit-eating grin. Blake is confused for a moment, before remembering they came to this thing with Leon. Confusion must’ve shown on their face, because Kailer groans. “If I can figure out a proposal, surely you guys can work out whatever the hell it is you have going on between you.”

“There’s nothing ‘going on’ between us, we’re just friends,” Blake insists. Kailer gives them a ‘sure, bud,’ look, and seems like he’s going to retort with something, when his fiancée comes over with a glass of champagne in hand.

“Bailey, oh my god, you’re such a sight for sore eyes,” Blake exclaims, opening their arms excitedly. Kailer holds out a hand to take Bailey’s drink so the pair can embrace. 

“Congrats on the engagement, you guys are so gross and in love and I couldn’t be more excited for you,” Blake rambles as they pull away. “Show me the ring?”

Bailey blushes happily and extends her hand to show off the frankly enormous rock sparkling on her finger. 

“Damn, Yamo, you picked well,” Blake whistles in appreciation.

“I sure did,” he replies with a bright smile, but somehow Blake doesn’t think he’s referring to the ring.

“I’ll let you two go now, apparently Foegs is supposed to be floating around here somewhere, and Leon promised me he’d get him to find us so I can bug him and Alex,” Blake grins, opening their arms for one more quick hug from both of them before turning back to Leon.

After a beautiful ceremony, several speeches, and an amazing dinner, Leon holds out a hand, inviting Blake to dance. It’s a slow song, and Blake can’t help but rest their head on Leon’s shoulder as they move gracefully, every movement seamless like they’re made for each other.

Leon pulls Blake in after a twirl, holding their gaze with what can only be described as genuine fondness. Blake feels their cheeks warm, but doesn’t break eye contact. Leon leans down, and their lips are so close, they can feel his warm breath on their face as he speaks, “I was serious, you know.”

“About what,” Blake asks breathlessly. They might actually pass out if what they think is about to happen does. 

“Blue hair and pronouns being my type,” Leon murmurs with a grin. Blake huffs out a quiet laugh. So he had meant what he’d said last month - just not in the way Blake had interpreted it. Either way, Kailer will be glad they’re figuring their shit out, or whatever he’d said. 

“Shut up and kiss me,” they breathe. And he does.

[paladin--strait]

paladin's christmas/holiday prompt list! 🎄

so excited for my first holiday with you guys 🫶 can't wait to see what you guys come up with! please choose one or more prompts (max three) and a player! some require for you to choose who says the dialogue, but that's pretty easy 😗

🌨️ requests are open ! 🌨️

enter the prompt list here! 👇🧤

prompts ❄️

1. decorating the tree with them

2. first christmas with them

3. baby's first christmas (reader and player have a child)

4. making christmas cookies

5. christmas eve cuddles

6. christmas with his family

7. christmas with his team

8. christmas hockey game

9. buying presents for the team

10. stressful christmas dinner

11. building a snowman

12. snow angels

13. cuddling by the fireplace

14. attempting to wrap presents

15. mistletoe kiss

16. kissing in the snow

17. stuck in a snowstorm

18. christmas proposal

19. making hot chocolate

20. "no more christmas movies!" (you chose who says it)

21. secret santa with the team

22. putting to much tinsel on the tree

23. gingerbread house competition with the team

24. driving around to see all the christmas lights

25. "i can't believe you don't like peppermint." (you choose who says it)

characters available ⛸️🏒

quinn hughes

luke hughes

jack hughes

nico hischer

timo meier

marc andre fleury

matt rempe

cole caufield

trevor zegras

jamie drysdale

austin matthews

connor mcdavid

leon draisaitl

zach hyman

juraj slafkovsky

igor shesterkin

artus silovs

arber xhekaj

kirby dach

kirill kaprisov

kevin fiala

william nylander

vince dunn

artemi panarin

authors note ☃️

(in these short stories, absolutely no religions will be mentioned, i'm just using christmas since it's kinda the universal name for the holiday. if you would like me to use a different name for it, please let me know and i'll be happy to change it for you!)

[bropunzeling]

Hey, I just reread “only fools rush in”, and I was wondering how in your mind Leon showing up at Matthew’s place after the ASG went. Was his family still there or did they leave before his arrival? Anyway, love it, it’s a comfort read, if I could I would have given it a dozen kudos.

"So," Mom says. Technically, she's supposed to be sweeping the guest room for anything she or Dad have forgotten to pack, doing one last check for medications and phone chargers and lone socks. Technically, Matthew is supposed to be helping her.

In actuality, she's dragged Matthew down the hall, leaving Leon and Dad alone in the living room, which is exactly the fate Matthew wanted to avoid.

He should've known Leon would be too punctual.

"I didn't know you and Leon Draisaitl were friends," Mom continues, her tone of voice implying that she didn't miss the way Leon had touched him in the foyer, the hand that had lingered on the back of Matthew’s neck before he blurted out his parents hadn't left yet.

"Um," Matthew says. He can feel his ears and throat turning red. Can hear noise from the living room too -- Dad's booming laugh; the quieter, unintelligible sound of Leon speaking. His knee is jiggling from adrenaline. "We're -- uh." He swallows. Shouldn't the Uber to the airport be here by now? When he pictured this conversation happening, it was in a month or two, after he laid some groundwork, and with his -- boyfriend -- husband -- Leon not being stuck with his dad unsupervised.

Mom watches him, searching his face for something. Matthew doesn’t know what. Then her expression softens. "Is it something you want to tell me about?"

Matthew swallows again, running his fingers through the hair behind his ears. "Not -- not yet," he says, keeping his voice low. Now feels way too immediate, much too risky. If he makes one wrong move, he can’t trust that everything he and Leon agreed to two nights ago won't shatter. "But -- soon, maybe?"

Mom nods. "Okay," she says. "I can take soon." Then, quieter, she adds, "Can I -- are you happy?"

Matthew nods back. His throat is very tight. Happy seems like such a small word for how he felt sprawled out in Leon’s hotel bed, Leon's fingers laced through his own, but he can’t think of better.

"Oh," Mom says, and then she's pulling him into a hug, kissing him on the cheek and holding him tightly. "Good," she whispers. "That's all I need to know."

Matthew nods, pressing his nose into his Mom’s hair.

They stand like that for a few seconds before Mom pulls back, eyes suspiciously shiny. "Alright," she says. "You can go stage a rescue now."

"Thanks," Matthew replies, glad his voice isn't horribly wobbly. "Don’t let Dad forget his airpods."

Mom snorts and swats him on the shoulder. Matthew dodges and heads back down the hall, listening to Dad's voice booming as he tells some story he's told twenty times ans Leon's soft, almost stifled laughter. Not something he expected from this weekend, but. He isn't complaining.