#ryan lindgren fic

[wildrangers]

Say Don't Go // Ryan Lindgren

Word Count: 2.4K

Summary: Your situationship with Ryan devolves

{For my 1989 Vaults Track Challenge}

Warnings/tropes: unresolved angst, allusions to sex but no smut (like PG-13ish), cursing, cliffhanger

As your eyes slowly opened to the bright morning light filtering through your windows, you had a blissful moment of ignorance. Where you didn’t remember last night or the previous six months, or think of him at all. But when your phone vibrated on the night stand, your traitorous mind thought ‘Is it Ryan?’ and it all came rushing back.

I’ve known it from the very start

We’re a shot in the darkest dark

Oh no, oh no, I’m unarmed

To Ryan’s credit, he’d been honest from the beginning. When you met him at a bar and had immediately gotten lost in his blue eyes, he’d been up front that he couldn’t commit to anything serious. He was entering the last season of his contract and didn’t know what the next year would bring—all he could focus on was playing his best to maximize his next deal.

And that was fine for you, really. You’d been in a long-term relationship that had been fizzling out for some time before you’d pulled the plug a few months before, so the excitement of a fling was exactly what you’d wanted. You’d gone home with him that night and, even though you’d exchanged numbers earlier in the evening, you assumed that was that. But when he texted you the following weekend to come over, you figured what was the harm? You were both on the same page—it was simple.

The pattern repeated for the next few weekends, until one night, as you lounged in his bed before gathering the energy to head home, he spoke up.

“Would you want to come to this dinner at my friend’s house?” he questioned and you turned to face him, brow furrowed. “What’s the face for?” he chuckled.

“Last I checked, keeping it casual and meeting friends is a bad combination.”

“I mean, you don’t have to, I just…they keep busting my balls that I’m making up that I’m seeing someone” he replied, face turning pink.

And that sign of embarrassment, of vulnerability, had kept you from pushing further. Were you seeing each other? Why was he talking to his friends about you? Did inviting you along change things between you?

“Sure, I’ll go” you shrugged, placing a kiss to his cheek before rising from his bed. “They’re going to adore me though and then you’re done for.”

And they had. You had immediately begun teasing Ryan with Adam, clicked with Adam’s fiancée Sam, and enjoyed goofing around with the few other teammates there. You’d been surprised by how seamlessly they pulled you into the fold. Alexis had invited you out with them the next weekend and Sam had insisted you join them for brunch the day after. When Ryan had simply shrugged when you looked at him for approval, his blue eyes twinkling in amusement, you’d agreed to them both.  

I’m standin’ on a tight rope, alone

I hold my breath a little bit longer

Months later, you were completely enmeshed in his life. You’d joined the group at bars to celebrate wins, partied with his friends, brunched with the significant others. You’d desperately wanted to revisit what you were to each other, what you were doing at this point. But you loved hanging out with him and his friends, bonding with the girls, and getting to see more and more of his world. You were afraid to upset the precarious balance you’d somehow found with him.

Tonight though, you were nervous. You’d joined Sam and other significant others at her house for a couple of games at this point but this was your first time going to the Garden.

“Don’t worry, the girls will meet you right inside the venue when I drop you off” Ryan offered, soothingly rubbing the back of your hand with a calloused thumb.

“I know, this just seems like a big deal, actually coming to a game” you hedged, gauging his reaction.

“You’ve wanted to though, right?”

“I mean, yeah I want to support you” you replied and watched as the corner of Ryan’s mouth turned up just before he lifted your hand to place a kiss to your palm.

“You’re the best” he said, the sincerity of his words making you ache.

Before you could respond, Ryan pulled over to the curb and placed a quick kiss to your lips. “Have a good game, Ry” you smiled, stealing another kiss before opening the car door.

“Are you down to go out later if it’s a good game?”

“Of course. Now, go before you’re late and have to do bag skates next practice” you teased, butterflies soaring in your stomach at his deep chuckle.

Several hours later, you were waiting with a few others girls down the tunnel following a Rangers win. Everyone had been so wonderful and welcoming, making sure you were comfortable and taken care of while you were in the suite. It made you feel like you could belong here, like these could be your people.

“There she is!” a familiar voice called, and you smiled as Sam ran to meet Adam halfway. Ryan came out seconds latere and you waited in place, unsure of what to do. Did you greet him with a kiss or keep it casual, since that’s apparently what you were to one another?

“Ryan Lindgren!” you heard a voice call from beside you and confusion flooded your system at the mischievous look in Vincent’s wife’s eyes.

“What?” he asked nervously, hand settling on your lower back.

“Why have you been hiding your lovely lady from all of us? She’s just the best! Much better company than your grumpy self—you’re lucky she puts up with you” she teased and Ryan threw his head back in laughter. You were taken aback, having just met the woman a few hours beforehand, but Ryan didn’t seem surprised by her outspokenness.

“Trust me, I know how lucky I am” he smiled, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you into his side. “I just had to make sure she wouldn’t flee once she met you crazy lot.”

Everyone laughed, yourself included, as you turned your gaze to Ryan. He grinned down at you for a brief moment before placing a gentle kiss to your mouth, taking you by surprise. This was the first time he’d been physically affectionate with you while you were with his friends, beyond an arm around you or a hand in yours. You felt something shift between you in that moment and something like hope fluttered in your chest.

Why’d you whisper in the dark?

Just to leave me in the night?

Now your silence has me screamin’, screamin’

That night was different in every way. As the whole team and their partners overtook their local spot, Ryan never left your side. His hand was always somewhere on you—your shoulder, waist, hip, wrapped in your hair as he pulled you in for another deep kiss. The public affection was such a drastic change it was dizzying.

As people began to trickle out, you were giving Adam and Sam parting hugs. “Make sure you keep him in line, Y/N, he’s definitely hit his drink limit” Adam teased earning a playful push from his friend.

“You should know by now there’s no keeping this man anywhere he doesn’t want to be” you joked back, earning a parting laugh as they left the bar. You took another sip of your drink, turning to face Ryan when you felt his eyes locked on you. “What?”

“You should have warned me that I’d end up adoring you too” he said simply and your blood started roaring in your ears.

“What can I say? I’m irresistible” you teased and he smirked before pulling you into him, his mouth easily locking with yours.

When you two ended up in your bed shortly after, even that was different. Sex with Ryan was always good, as he was attentive to your wants and needs. But there had always been a barrier set between you, only allowing so much vulnerability while you were wrapped together.

Tonight, you were breathless from his near constant eye contact, his reverent kisses placed all over your body, his far gentler than normal pace. He was taking his time in a way he never had before, like he didn’t want this moment to end—and neither did you.

So, when you found yourself catching your breath beside him you took a risk, “Could you stay tonight?” you requested quietly, keeping your eyes closed to avoid his intense blue gaze.

“We agreed…” he started but trailed off.

You forced yourself to open your eyes after a heavy moment of silence. “We agreed on a lot of things that don’t seem to apply anymore” you pointed out and he gently moved a strand of hair from your face. “We’re already doing everything a couple does. I’m friends with your friends, I’m going to your games. Can you please just stay tonight?”

His eyes continued searching your face before he finally nodded, settling farther into your bed and pulling you into his side. As you settled on his chest, your breathing became synchronized as sleep approached. Just as it overcame you, you found yourself believing that this meant things were finally going to change between you.  

Despite these thoughts, when you awoke early the next morning you weren’t all that surprised by the coldness that met your outstretched hand rather than his warmth beside you.

Why’d you have to

Make me love you?

I say I love you

You say nothin’ back

The next week was the whiplash following a car wreck. You didn’t see Ryan, he ignored your calls, answered via text in one-word answers. You’d had enough of it, which is how you found yourself pounding on his door on a night you knew he had off work.

He finally opened the door, eyes widening when he realized it was you. “Y/N…I didn’t know we had plans.”

“Oh, fuck you Ryan, you know we don’t have plans and you know exactly why I’m here” you angrily retorted, breezing past him into his apartment. You refused to have this conversation on his door step.

“Enlighten me then” he replied and the coldness in his voice made you stop short.

“You’ve been ignoring me all week!”

“I’ve been busy.”

Rage and hurt roared through you as Ryan refused to engage with you, even though you were within feet of him.

“What are we?” you demanded.

“Y/N” he said, forced patience in his voice. “We both agreed from the beginning this was a casual thing.”

“It was so casual you introduced me to your friends?” you demanded and he refused to meet your gaze. “It was so casual you invited me to a game? So casual that you said you adored me that night, called me the best?”

“Adam was right, I’d had too much to drink.”

You stepped closer, taking his hands in yours, desperately trying to make him look at you. “Ryan, please, don’t say that.”

Only silence met you. “I think I’m falling in love with you” you admitted quietly, all the fight leaving your body. His only response was to remove his hands and take a step away.

The roaring sound of nothingness surrounded you two as you desperately waited for him to say something, anything, or at the very least look at you. “You don’t even have the guts to tell me to leave” you laughed bitterly, shaking your head. “You’re a coward, Ryan, that’s what you are.”

And with that, you stormed out of his apartment.

I would stay forever if you say

“Don’t go”

But you won’t

You fought with yourself before finally reaching over to your nightstand to grab your phone.  

Can we talk?

He had some fucking nerve. You shook your head angrily, quickly rising from your bed. You didn’t bother to answer his message, instead directing your pent-up energy on removing any trace of him from your apartment, your life. You stripped the bed, tossed the snacks you kept on hand for him in the trash, placed any random objects he’d left behind in a box you’ give to Adam’s fiancée at some point soon. But you couldn’t bring yourself to throw away the jersey he’d given you just a week ago—so you threw it in the back corner of your closet, tossing random items on top to bury it.

By the time you rallied yourself enough to sit down with your phone, hours had passed. You took a deep breath and opened up your photo album, tears stinging to your eyes as you began selecting any that included Ryan to delete them. Halfway through, a new text popped up

Y/N, please, just say something

You scoffed at his nerve and replied only with a middle finger emoji. Your phone screen quickly lit up with his name before you slammed the side button to decline the call. Within seconds, he called back again and you repeated the process, this time shutting your phone all the way off. The digital detox could wait until later.

You shook your head to yourself as you switched into leggings and a crew neck, pulling socks onto your feet. You weren’t normally a huge runner but the nerve he had to demand a response from you after his stifling silence the night before had flooded your body with too much energy. So, you laced up your sneakers and left your apartment hoping to lose yourself in the movement of your body, the crowds of people in the city.

And it worked, mostly, anyway. You knew you couldn’t go back to him—couldn’t let him continue to have his cake and eat it too all while making you feel like shit. Making you feel like you’d imagined what had been developing between you these past months. The worst part was, if he had just acknowledged you last night, asked you not to leave, you would have stayed. Maybe forever. But that clearly was never going to happen.

As you trudged up your apartment steps, legs aching and desperately wanting a shower, you stopped short at the blonde man sitting beside your door. You were frozen, the air stripped from your lungs as his blue eyes rose to meet yours. You took a step back without thinking, unsure where you’d even go.

“Please, don’t go again.”

A/N: Okay, so this was my attempt at unresolved angst which I have never done. Honestly...kind of want to do a part two but only if y'all would be interested lol. More from my self-imposed challenge and the Winter Fic Exchange coming soon

[ilyasorokinn]

can i request "forehead kisses" from the gentle prompts with ryan lindgren? <3

RYAN “LITTLE SPOON” LINDGREN

"forehead kisses" (from this prompt list)

after roadies. you would stay up, if ryan was coming in late, to wait up for him, unable to sleep knowing he would be there soon.

so, you parked yourself on the couch, fuzzy blanket sprawled around you, and repeats of old sitcoms played you weren't really paying attention because all you could think about was having ryan home.

your phone rang startling you from your thoughts, "hello?"

"hi." a smile instantly found itself on your face at the sound of his voice.

"are you almost home?" you asked.

"why don't you come open the door and find out?" you dropped your phone and rushed to answer the door. you opened the door and let out a relieved sigh.

you instantly wrapped your arms around him, melting into his arms. he wrapped his arms around you, holding you so close, there was no space in between you.

"i missed you."

"i missed you, too." you hummed, pulling away so you could examine the bruise forming on his jaw.

"he had it coming, " was all ryan said.

"oh, did he?" you raised a brow.

"yeah. chirping and taunting." he tried to shrug it off.

you signed, "did you put arnica on it, at least? "

"yeah." he nodded.

"see? aren't you glad I made you pack it?"

"so glad my girlfriend is smarter than me." he rolled his eyes.

"and don't you forget it, lindgren." you pushed a finger into his chest.

"all right, can we do this in the morning? i'm really tired." he yawned.

you smiled, "come on, 55. let's go to bed." you reached for his hand and walked towards the bathroom.

after brushing your teeth side by side, you climbed into bed. you first, then ryan after so. he wrapped every limb around you, forcing you to be the big spoon.

you smiled, running your fingers through his hair, "i love you." he mumbled.

"i love you, too." he leaned down and kissed his forehead.

taylor's 2.5k celly!

[easypeasylindyvesey]

the universe has literally ripped me to shreds

[troubatrain]

between you me and god i may have started a ryan lindgren fic

[senditcolton]

Hello would u ever write for Ryan lindgren bc if u do ever do that, that’d be dope

hello anon!!

i would love to write for my Lindy boy! there’s a fic idea that’s been bouncing around for a bit but i’m not sure how much of a reality that will become.

but he’s definitely one of the players i want to write for! so you’ll never know when inspiration might strike!!

[mrazxswift]

this was trouba in the video congratulating Foxy on winning the norris. it looks like he’s in the rangers filming room and no one else in the video was there. someone said maybe he’s filming something for a captaincy announcement 👀. this could be me totally reaching because I want him to be captain so badly but…

[princessphilly]

🌹

From a future Ryan Lindgren fic (blame @newlibrary and @kreiderrider):

“I’m not a cockblocker but I was really tempted when I saw that text Holly got earlier.”

Trisha pushed her dark red hair behind her back as Jadyn kept talking. Another day, another hot guy tried to hook up with Jadyn’s roommate. Holly was hot with perfectly highlighted blonde hair, dark blue eyes, and collegiate soccer player figure. Jadyn was probably jealous, Jadyn was pretty with her brown hair but it was obvious that Jadyn had a mean tinge to her personality. Holly was hot and genuine.

“So you let her see it,” Trisha asked, realizing that Jadyn was waiting for an answer.

Jadyn shrugged before saying, “Yeah. He’s hot, I wanted him for himself. Dirty blonde hair and blue eyes, you’d think he was hot too but you’re not his type, Trish. You’re probably a bit too brown for him”

Trisha rolled her eyes, mood changing from humoring the girl down the hall for her roommate’s sake to wanting her to get the fuck out of her face. For some reason, Jadyn liked to try to make Trisha feel bad or less than because she was mixed and usually Trisha ignored her but tonight, the gossip wasn’t good enough for this shit.

Opening the door to the dryer, Trisha calmly put wet clothes into it as she said, “Just as much as you aren’t his type? You’re probably a bit too fat for him,” angelically smiling as she gave Jadyn a taste of her own medicine.

[breezymichelle99]

Guys!!!! I dont know if yall are ready for this Ryan Lindgren fic. 🥵😳

[thisonesatellite]

For the Writer Asks: 5, 11, 21, 29 and 49?

Oh my dear - you had to wait so long.  i am SO SORRY.  But finally - FINALLY - with a thousand apologies - here you go!  ❤❤❤

5.  How much writing do you get done on an average day?

This is impossible to answer, because i do not count progress in amount written or number of words.  i find these measures to be absolutely inconsequential.  But if i get a solid idea out, all of it, that’s a good day.   😘

11.  Books and/or authors who influenced you the most

How much time do you have?  Because we could be here a while.  i am not kidding.  But - i will TRY to keep this as brief as possible.  (FAMOUS LAST WORDS ALERT.  😂  Especially since this list has to cover YA to present.)

Astrid Lindgren - for teaching me everything i know and believe, EVERYTHING.  First and foremost my love of books.  Favorite book: The Brothers Lionheart.

S.E. Hinton - for how she wrote all people, but most especially boys (and men), and for breaking my heart Every. Single. Time.  Favorite book - and one that changed the way i experienced fiction - Tex.  (Yes.  More favorite than The Outsiders.)

Katherine Paterson - for ripping me to shreds and then putting me back together better than i was before.  Favorite book: Jacob Have I Loved.

Michael Ende - for being the first and most important writer to intruduce me to the question of what it means to be human.  Favorite book: The Neverending Story.  (Fair warning:  DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MENTION THE MOVIE IN MY PRESENCE.  EVER.  You have been warned. 😂)

Margaret Mahy - for introducing me to books with a prevailing sense of delicious doom, and teaching me that fantasy and supernatural stories were A Thing.  Favorite book: Memory.

Paul Zindel - for giving my teenage self hope when i needed it.  Favorite book: The Pigman.

Eduardo Quiroga - for showing me that writing could be unbearably gorgeous and lethal at the same time.  Favorite book: On Foreign Ground.

Anthony Ryan - for writing Blood Song.  Which made me look at plot, character, world-building, and emotion in an entirely new way, and teaching me that necessity is the greatest force in the universe.

James Ellroy - for being the baddest badass around, and - with eternal apologies to Dashiell Hammett - for introducing me to Noir.  Favorite book: LA Confidential.

Heinrich Böll - for a beautifully realized writing style that is different from EVERY SINGLE OTHER WRITER’S ON THE PLANET, which gave me the feeling of coming into my own both as a reader and as a person.  And teaching me that in the right context and framework, exposition is a weapon, and not a necessary evil.  Favorite book: Billiards at half-past nine (Billiard um halb zehn).  This is a book which every single aspiring writer should read.  Period.

And finally: Charles Bukowski - for being the color of my soul.  Favorite book: You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense.

i could go on for days, for weeks, but i will stop here.  And i think i deserve an award for keeping this list so brutally short, and confining myself to one book per author.   😂

Also - yes, many of these are YA books, because that is the time period that shaped me the most as a person.  But - i have re-read most of these as an adult, some of them many times - and they all hold up.

21.  Who is/are your favourite character(s) to write?

i already answered that here.

29.  Favourite villain

Ooooooooooooh - good question.

Rumple as the Dark One, i think.  There is something so deliciously, joyously evil in that character.  Plus - he is funny.  

But to be honest - since we kill the flame, Regina and Cora are very close seconds, for the different ways they embody evil alone.  (Again with necessity being the mother of all driving forces!)  i cannot wait to sink my teeth into my prospective EF fic, and unleash a mercilessly Evil Queen.

MUAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

49.  Which character would you most want to be friends with, if they were real? 

That one i answered here.

Thank you, Marta, for these awesome questions!  ❤

LOVE AND HUGS!!!

[tippedbykreider]

I just want to say I think you’re amazing and I hope you have the best last day at work!!

I really miss your writing (you are so incredibly talented) so I would love to know, if you were to write for a player you haven’t done so for before, who would it be and why?

Happy holidays!

Oh my goodness, I was not expecting an ask like this 😭😭

Thank you so much ❤️ I am coming out of retirement to take part in Demi's fabulous winter fic exchange so keep your eyes peeled for that 👀

To answer your question, I think I would wrote for Ryan Lindgren as he has a literal choke hold on me 🥵

Have a lush holiday season, my lovely ❤️❤️

[wildrangers]

If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird / Ryan Lindgren

Word Count: 4.6K

Enemies(ish) to Friends to Lovers

Warnings: *MINORS DNI* Smut (oral {f receiving}, protected sex, mild dirty talk, praise kink), cursing, drinking, mentions of previous toxic relationship

In the time Hanna finished showing you around her and Adam’s first home together, the housewarming party was in full swing. “It’s beautiful, but really, we both know why I’m here” you replied, grinning at the annoyance in her face.

“Fine, let’s go find Stewie” she replied and you followed as she led you into the main living area.

You spotted Adam caught up in conversation with who you assumed were some of his teammates. A small yip caught your attention as the small puppy you’d been looking for flew towards you.

“Stewie Doo!” you cheered, leaning down to scoop him up. “Watch the makeup, dude” you laughed as he began kissing your face.

“Y/N! I didn’t see you get here, how are you?” Adam asked, giving you a hug. Before you could answer, a man’s voice called out, “I can’t believe you left me dude!”

You glanced up to see a bearded guy smiling at Stewie, who began wiggling in excitement.

“Hey, I just got him” you joked, holding the puppy closer. “I’m Y/N, by the way.”

“Alexis” he grinned, hand outstretched to shake yours. Hanna must have trusted you two would get along because she and Adam left to make their rounds.

“I’m guessing you play with Adam?” you asked, glancing over to the group of guys he’d separated himself from while attempting to steal Stewie back.  

“Yup, how do you know the happy couple?”

Conversation flowed easily between you as you told him funny stories from when you and Hanna had worked together. Turned out Hanna was right in assuming you two would be fast friends.  “Want to meet some of the other guys?”

“Sure” you smiled, grateful for an in with a group since you didn’t know anyone there but Hanna and Adam.

“Guys! This is Y/N. Y/N, this is Key, Ryan, and Braden” he said, pointing to each guy as he said their name.

“Nice to meet you all” you smiled before setting down a newly whining Stewie who bee-lined it for Ryan. “Here I thought Alexis was the competition for Stewie’s affection.”

“Nah, me and Stewie here go way back” he quipped and you laughed. You quickly stopped when he didn’t join you; maybe you’d misread his tone. Awkward silence descended until Alexis, thankfully, started up the conversation again.

Several hours later, your mind wandered back to the party as you drove home. You’d easily gotten along with the guys, except for Ryan, who didn’t say a single word to you following that initial, awkward encounter. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be at too many other gatherings that Hanna and Adam hosted.  

***

“Maybe you can talk to her this time, yeah?” Alexis teased Ryan causing his frown to deepen.

“Oh, fuck off Laf” he grumbled, walking away as his teammate laughed.

“Need anything in here?” Ryan offered as he entered the kitchen.

“Boys giving you a hard time?” Hanna questioned, probably noting his blush reddened cheeks.

“If you and Foxy hadn’t insisted Y/N and I would hit it off, maybe I would have acted half normal when I met her” he sighed.

“We didn’t mean to freak you out! I just thought you two could be a good match but she would absolutely murder me if I even suggested it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, when we first met, she’d just gotten out of a really shit relationship, so the timing sucked. And the better I got to know her the more I learned she hated being set up with people. Another coworker tried and she ghosted the guy out of spite.”

Ryan felt his lips quirk up at the anecdote. “So, it falls to me to be sneaky about it?”

“Oh, stop it. You don’t have to be sneaky, I just wanted to plant the seed in that thick skull of yours.”

“Which I warned her was a bad idea” Adam chimed in, entering the kitchen and shooting his girlfriend a look.

“Yes, he did, but he also agreed you’d get along and, of the two of you, you’d be the better one to nudge in the right direction.”

“Which really says more about Y/N than you” Adam teased and Hanna jokingly smacked his shoulder as the doorbell rang.

“Ryan, could you greet whoever that is?” Hanna asked sweetly and he shot her a mock glare before doing as requested.

He pointedly ignored Laf and Key shooting him thumbs ups as he made his way to the front door. He took a deep breath as he pulled it open, revealing you standing on the doorstep.

“Hey, Y/N, right?” he asked, he thought, fairly smoothly.

“Yup, that’s me” you grinned at him and he felt his nerves fully kick in; he was noticing your smile did that to him.

“Hanna sent me to let you in, her and Adam are finishing up in the kitchen” he explained, moving out of the way so you could escape the cold.

“Sorry you got stuck with the task.”

“Well, someone’s got to do it, right?” he joked but you only nervously smiled at him before going to greet Key and Laf.

The rest of the evening passed in much the same way. You joked and laughed easily with everyone but shut down when he tried to join in, to the point that he finally gave up and just stayed quiet. He felt his heart drop as you gave everyone a hug goodbye before simply shooting him a little wave.

***

“Why can’t Laf be Adam’s best friend?” you grumbled as you and Hanna got ready to meet up with them.

“What’s with you? Ryan’s seriously one of the nicest guys.”

“He basically told me I was a burden to interact with last time I saw him!” you scoffed.

“Babe, he has a dry sense of humor, like you do with literally everyone but him” Hanna chastised.

“I tried! When we first met, I joked with him and he looked at me like I had eight heads and all of them offended him” you grumbled. Truth be told, that initial meeting had left a bad enough taste in your mouth that you hadn’t really given him another chance the next time you saw him.

“You’re impossible, that’s just his face” Hanna insisted but you didn’t feel like arguing anymore.

An hour or so later, you were seated at a high-top table with Hanna, Adam, and Ryan; a few other guys had stopped by to greet you but went off with their own partners or friends to celebrate their win. You’d think that a win would put Ryan in a good mood but he still sat there, slightly scowling, while conversation flowed around him. When Hanna’s favorite song came on, she pulled Adam onto the dance floor, leaving you and Ryan in awkward silence.

“Hey, do you think you could grab me another drink?” you asked. “My heels are killing me or else I’d go myself.”

“Sure, vodka cranberry?” he asked and you were shocked he’d noticed your drink of choice.

“Yeah, thanks” you smiled, handing him your debit card.

“No worries, I got it.”

“No, I insist” you said and his lips flattened into a grimace as he took your card and headed to the bar.

You had a wonderfully calm few moments to yourself, taking in the crowd and chuckling at some antics the other guys were getting into when you felt a hand on your shoulder. “Y/N?”

You turned, expecting to see Laf or Ryan but your blood turned cold as your eyes met your ex’s.

“Can I help you with something Kyle?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“Shit, just wanted to see how you were. No need to be such a bitch” he smirked, knowing how much that would upset you and doing it anyway. You tried hiding your shaking hands in your lap before he saw them.

“Well, I was fine until you showed up. Now can you leave?”

“You’d really treat an old friend like that?”

“She said she’d like you to leave.”

***

Ryan turned from the bar to see a smarmy looking guy with you. He’d planned to hang by the bar for a minute to give you two privacy but changed his mind when he saw your shaky hands beneath the table and remembered Hanna mentioning you had a shitty ex. As he made his way to you, he caught the tail end of the conversation.

“She said she’d like you to leave” he said sternly, settling your drink in front of you on the table before placing himself between you and the man.

“Oh sorry, didn’t realize I was interrupting a date” the guy said, shooting you a look that made Ryan see red.

“You’re not but I’d still suggest you leave.”

“Or what?”

Ryan chuckled, like he did when someone challenged him on the ice. “So, I could easily rock your shit myself but see that guy dancing? Oh and that pair at the bar? We could all meet you outside if you’d like” he replied, sending the dude a menacing grin. The guy tried to hold Ryan’s gaze but quickly turned and fled.

“Are you okay?” Ryan asked quietly, finally turning to face you. His heart sank at the terror in your eyes and how queasy your expression looked. You shook your head, chugging the drink he’d set down. “Let me get Hanna.”

Before you could answer, he went and retrieved her, quickly filling her in as they walked back to the table. Hanna helped you up onto shaky legs as Adam placed a hand on your back to guide you out of the bar, his girlfriend whispering soothing words in your ear the whole way. It wasn’t until he watched your taxi leave that he realized he still had your debit card in his pocket.

***

The next morning was a Sunday, which you were immensely thankful for. Last night was still replaying in your mind when your phone buzzed on your nightstand. Figuring it was Hanna checking in, you grabbed it only to see a text from a number you didn’t recognize.

It’s Ryan, Hanna gave me your number. I have your card. I can drop it off if you want.

You chuckled to yourself, unsurprised that he was such a stale texter. You mulled over his offer. He’d really saved your ass last night and you felt a flood of gratitude fill your chest. You weren’t sure you liked him but he’d certainly helped you in a way he had no obligation to.

Let me come to you, I need to get out of the house anyway. Text me your address and I’ll come by in a couple hours?

All he sent back was a thumbs up emoji followed by his address. You realized it was only a few blocks away and figured the walk there would be good to clear your head. You got out of bed and preheat the oven—baking also steadied your mind and cookies made a nice thank you gift.

The next few hours were spent whipping up chocolate chip cookies and making yourself look somewhat presentable to head out into the world. The crisp air grounded you on the short walk to his apartment building. You sent him a text you were there and the front door immediately buzzed open for you.

You didn’t expect to see him waiting in his doorway, shooing someone back into the apartment behind him. “Hey” you greeted, feeling shy all of a sudden. You hadn’t really thought about how it would feel to be alone with Ryan, especially at his place.

“Hey, sorry, want to stop in for a minute? Jax here loves to run for it whenever he can” he smiled, gesturing behind himself. Confusion flooded your mind as your heart fluttered at his smile and you realized it was the first time you’d ever seen it.

“Sure, I come bearing gifts anyway” you smiled back, holding up the cookies. Ryan moved just enough to let you in while keeping his body between you and the large dog behind him. “Hi there, Jax.”

At the mention of his name, Jax turned his attention from the door to you, his tail wagging eagerly at the attention. You offered the plate to Ryan before leaning down to pet him, surprised to see a smaller dog wander out from another room to join you. “And who are you, cutie?” you cooed.

“That would be Jasper. And you didn’t have to bring me anything” he replied and you glanced up to see his cheeks pinken.

“Jasper, so nice to meet you” you said, giving both dogs a final pet before standing. “I know, but I wanted to thank you. I really appreciated what you did for me yesterday.”

“Y/N, you don’t need to thank me. Are you doing okay today?” he asked, eyes searching your face in a surprisingly gentle way.

“I’ve been better but yeah, I’m alright. He’s a real prick.”

“Yeah, I noticed that much” he quipped. He seemed to be trying to match your tone and joke it away but you noticed the anger that lingered in his eyes.

“I don’t want to keep you though, I just wanted to bring you those and grab my card. I’m sure you have practice or something soon.”

“I’m actually off today and don’t really know what to do with myself” he admitted, laughing quietly to himself. “Would you like a drink? I’m dying to try one of these.”

“Sure, water is good” you replied, quickly grabbing a cookie before he took the plate with him into the kitchen. You took the chance to look around his apartment while his back was to you and you nearly choked on your cookie.

“You okay over there?” he called as you fought for your breath back. You couldn’t quite answer so he returned to check on you, face paling as he noticed what had caught your attention. He grimaced as he handed you the water bottle that he’d gotten for you.

“The Notebook?” you questioned, suppressing a laugh.

“Yeah, it’s my favorite movie” he admitted, avoiding your gaze.

“You’re shitting me.”

“I am not!” he replied defensively and you finally let your laugh out. “Great, the first time I make you laugh and it’s at me not one of my jokes.”

As you caught your breath, you noticed a cat tree in the hallway. “You have cats too? I’d pinned you for a dog guy.”

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know, you’re just this big, stoic guy I assumed you’d have dogs” you admitted, now feeling embarrassed at your assumption.

“I’ll have you know Lily and Luna are actually my favorites” he countered and you felt your eyebrows shoot up. “I may as well just show you.”

He made his way down the hallway without another word so you followed. He turned left and gestured for you to enter the room. “No fucking way” you breathed out, taking it in.

The entire room was dedicated to his pets. There were shelves strategically built into the wall for the cats, who were snoozing in a window seat, to climb. There were at least half a dozen beds of varying sizes, tons of toys strewn everywhere, and a cabinet full of their food and treats.

“Holy shit, this is amazing” you breathed out, shocked at the love that had clearly been poured into this room.

“You think so?”

“I mean, it shows you’re actually just a big softie despite the tough guy act.”

“I do not have a tough guy act” he argued and you shot him a look. “I can’t help what my resting face looks like and if I recall correctly, you weren’t exactly the warmest person. At least not to me anyways.”

You felt guilt hit you, sharp and painful. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

He seemed surprised by your admission but just nodded. “I’m sorry too, I know I don’t make great first impressions.”

You two stood in awkward silence before you finally spoke up. “So, I’ve never actually seen The Notebook.”

“Well, we should fix that, don’t you think?”

***

“Birdie, can you grab me the bag of pretzels while you’re in there?” Ryan called from the living room.

You rolled your eyes at the nickname he’d given you that first day you’d spent together. After watching The Notebook, you’d admitted it was a sweet movie but had teased him relentlessly about how obsessed he was with it.

“I can’t believe you don’t love it! I mean, ‘If you’re a bird, I’m a bird?’”

“So, you’re a softie and a secret romantic” you’d goaded and he’d rolled his eyes.

“Whatever, birdie.”

Despite you arguing for months now that it was a dumb nickname, your protests had only made him dig his heels in more. Hanna found it endearing but Adam agreed with you. While the four of you hung out, most of the time it was just you and Ryan at his apartment. You were obsessed with his animals and they quickly grew attached to you, to the point that when Ryan had road games you just crashed in his guest room and took care of them so he didn’t have to get a sitter.

“Dude, you finished the pretzels yesterday, I told you that” you chastised and he groaned in annoyance. You smirked at his bad memory and grabbed a bag of popcorn for him instead.

“Will this do?” you questioned settling in beside him.

“Given what you’re about to put me through, it’s the least you could do” he frowned, digging into his snack as he hit play. It was your turn to pick and Ryan wasn’t pleased that you’d chosen a horror movie.

“Big baby” you teased, knocking your shoulder into his. He proved you right by jumping and swearing every five minutes, finally curling up beneath a blanket. Once it was over, he left to use the restroom and you were playing on your phone when his lit up on the couch. You noted an unfamiliar name had sent the text…who the fuck was Rose?

Jealousy surged into you, unexpected and fierce. You had no claim to him but that didn’t stop your chest from aching. Since your friendship had started off so tensely, you’d tried pushing your growing feelings for Ryan as far down as they’d go—you didn’t want to complicate things.

Ryan returned a moment later and scooped up his phone, smiling at whatever Rose had messaged before typing his response. You heaved a big sigh before getting up to grab your coat.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, surprised.

“Nothing, I’m just going to head home” you replied shortly.

“Bullshit, you’re pissed.”

“I’m not mad, just don’t want to interrupt you and Rose” you snapped before you could stop yourself. A long silence filled his apartment.

“Y/N?” Ryan questioned, amusement in his voice.

“What?” you sighed, refusing to turn around.

“Rose is my cousin.”

Jealousy was quickly replaced by embarrassment as you bent down to grab your shoes. “Y/N, stop just look at me” he begged.

You took a deep breath before finally facing him. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

“You don’t need to be sorry, just don’t leave” he requested quietly.

“Why not?”

“Because if I saw a random dude’s name on your phone, I’d react the same way.”

His admission hung in the air between you before you both surged for each other. Your lips crashed together and his hands quickly removed the coat you’d just put on, your own fingers finding the hem of his shirt and yanking it over his head.

Coherent thoughts left your mind as you pulled him back to you and felt his growing eagerness press into your stomach. You groaned at the sensation, making quick work of removing his jeans.

“No fair” he breathed out raggedly, shaky hands reaching for your shirt to even things out a bit more. You grinned at his comment, removing the sweatpants you’d stolen from him before palming him through his boxers “Fuck” he breathed out unevenly.

“Okay?” you questioned, noting his nerves.

“I’ve wanted this for months” he confessed, eyes boring into yours. The admission stole your breath away and him kissing you again didn’t help you regain it. Your tongues twined deliciously together as he backed you down the hallway. His hands, a bit steadier now, removed your bra somewhere between the living room and his bedroom. He gently nudged you onto the bed, hovering over you, one hand kneading your breast while the other teased the hem of your underwear.

“Please Ryan” you breathed out, bucking your hips up towards him. He smirked, dropping his head to suck on a nipple before placing teasingly gentle kisses along your stomach down to your hipbones. His blue eyes rose to meet yours as he slid your underwear off and you shivered in anticipation.

He spread your thighs, head dipping down to lick a slow, tantalizing strip up your center. You hissed at the contact and his hand pressed your hips down before they could buck up again.

“No patience” he chastised.

“I’ve been patient for months, Ryan, would you just, fuck—” he silenced your complaints by plunging a finger inside you.

“Better birdie?” he teased. You wanted to say something sarcastic back but he quickly added a second finger and dropped his lips to your clit which made forming a sentence impossible, so you just moaned in reply to his question.

He curled his fingers and found your spot quicker than any of your exes ever had. Between the steady pumping of his fingers and him sucking on your clit, you were writhing beneath him within moments. “Oh my god, Ryan” you breathed out, digging your heels into his back. 

“You’re already so wet for me” he breathed out, taking a second to glance up at you. The sheen of your arousal on his mouth made you all the more impatient so you sat up, dragging his face to yours. You moaned again at the taste of yourself on his tongue while his hands dug around in his nightstand for a condom. You flipped yourself on top of him once he was ready for you and sank onto his length.

“Shit, give me a minute” he ground out and it took all your willpower to just kiss him for a moment while he composed himself.

***

Ryan was overwhelmed. He’d wanted you since that first party and his desire had only deepened in the months your friendship had grown. Now, you were wrapped around him and his senses were in overdrive. He nodded into the kiss and you rolled your hips drawing a groan from both your mouths.

You rested your hands on his shoulder as you rocked into him and he opened his eyes to look at you. Your eyes were closed and your face looked more relaxed than he’d ever seen it. Your mouth was parted ever so slightly, your lips kiss swollen, and he finally let himself acknowledge that he was in love with you—that he had been for quite some time.

“God, you’re so beautiful” he breathed out, gently running a thumb over your cheek. Your eyes met his and he swore he saw the same emotion in them as you leaned down to capture his lips again. He wrapped his arms around your waist to pull you closer, your chests flush together as your tongues moved in perfect rhythm together. He noticed your movements were getting sloppier so he snuck a hand between you, finding your clit.

As soon as he ran his thumb over your bud, you pulled away to rest your forehead against his shoulder, your breath becoming more ragged as your speed picked up. “I’m so close Ryan, please don’t stop.”

“I’ve got you, birdie” he replied and to his surprise that nickname, the one you hated, was your undoing. As your walls clenched around him, he squeezed his eyes shut at the sensation. Your whines were driving him crazy and he quickly flipped you so you were beneath him.

***

You had barely caught your breath when Ryan was suddenly on top of you, plunging in even deeper as his hands roughly grabbed your hips. His eyes were shut and his face was twisted with pure pleasure as he set a rough, ruthless pace that quickly had your core tightening again.

“How the fuck are you going to make me cum again?” you breathed out without thinking and he laughed.

“Because you’re taking me so good” he praised and you whined in pleasure at his words. “You like that huh? Like being told what a good girl you are?”

“Fuck, yes, yes” you panted out, hand reaching between you to circle your clit.  You felt yourself tightening, the sound of skin slapping skin intoxicating.

He groaned at your response, his rhythm getting a little sloppy but his speed never letting up. Your eyes met and he dropped his forehead to yours, your breath mingling together. “I can feel how close you are. Cum for me” he demanded, his eyes locked on yours and your second orgasm tore through you at his command.

You fought the desire to close your eyes at the pleasure, even more desperate to see him come undone for you. The intensity of your gaze seemed to push him over the edge and he groaned as he slammed into you a few more times before stilling, buried deep inside you.

“Fuck, Y/N” he breathed shakily, forehead dropping to your shoulder. “That was incredible.”

“Yeah, you weren’t so bad yourself” you replied, trying to catch your breath. You stayed together like that for another moment before he gently pulled out and cleaned you two up. Your eyes remained shut as you slowly came down from your high and settled back into your body.

You felt the bed sink as he returned but you couldn’t make yourself open your eyes yet; you felt so peaceful, so safe, like this with Ryan and you wanted to relish in it.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen” he said quietly, and the sincerity in his voice made your throat tighten.

“You’re just saying that because we had mind-blowing sex” you replied, trying to downplay how much his words impacted you.

“Hey, look at me” he commanded quietly and your eyes drifted to his. “I’m saying that because I’ve thought it since I first saw you at that party.”

“You don’t have to say that, Ryan” you argued softly.

“But I want to, because it’s true. Why do you think I was such a weirdo that night? I was dumb struck.”

You chuckled at his words, finally turning to face him fully. Your thumb gently traced his cheekbone as you replied, “I’m sorry, I’m not very good at taking compliments.”

“You don’t need to be sorry” he insisted, his hand resting on your hip. “I have all the time in the world to show you I mean what I’m saying…if you’ll have me.”

“I want nothing more” you admitted, emotions swelling in your chest. He smiled and it knocked the wind out of you, the love and affection apparent on his face.

“Then I’m yours” he promised and you allowed yourself to believe him. But you also couldn’t help yourself from leaning in slowly, noting the catch in his breath as your lips met his ear.

“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” you whispered.

“Oh, fuck off” he groaned, jokingly shoving you away as your giggles filled the room.

A/N: I hope y'all enjoyed! I have been wanting to write about grumpy man's obsession with The Notebook for a hot minute so I hope this finds its niche audience.

[ilyasorokinn]

and then for one i wouldn’t normal request could you do ‘other’ number 4 for Ryan Lindgren please :)

CRAPPY COMMENTS

4. "i'll kick his ass." (from this prompt list)

tw: lots of the use of the words tits and ass

being in the public eye as much as you were, you were used to the hate comments and didn't let them get to you. one comment, not really hating, stuck out in particular.

you grabbed your camera and started recording, "welcome back to the vlog. today, we're starting out with something different. what are we starting with? well, i woke up this morning to a glorious comment on my newest post, I'll insert it here, and what does it say?"

you pulled up the comment, "wow, her boyfriend really lets her go out like that? tits and ass out?" you read and rolled your eyes, "i have my answer, but let's let the boyfriend in question answer this question for himself."

you carried your camera into the office where ryan was doing something, "ry?"

"huh?" he asked, looking away from the computer screen. you set your camera down so you were both in frame and sat down on his lap.

"loganhendrix075 asked why you let me go out the way i do."

"what?" he looked confused.

"he's confused why you let me go out with my tits and ass out." you showed him the comment he scoffed.

"loganhendrix075, you can suck it. and i quite like it when her tits and ass are out."

"ryan! you can't say that." you hit him in the arm.

"what? it's the truth." he shrugged.

"i'm cutting that out."

"no, you're not." he shook his head, "i'll kick his ass and anyone else's ass who comments craps like that."

"awh, you're so sweet." you cooed, leaning over and kissing his cheek, "anyways, that was all. goodbye, love you." you hopped off his lap to get on with your day.

"so glad i could be of service."

taylor's blurb "night"

[wildrangers]

I have no idea what I would request for it to be about, but if you wanted to write another fic about Ryan Lindgren, I definitely wouldn’t hate it 😁

I do like writing for our grumpy man! I tend to write a lot less in the summer but I’m sure I’ll circle back to him and others next season 💕

[wildrangers]

Warrior {part two} // Ryan Lindgren

Word Count: 2K

Summary: The New York Rangers suffer another tough loss as the Eastern Conference Finals continue. (Note: this is technically the second part but can be read alone; you just get more relationship context with the first part)

Warnings: Swearing, sad Ryan, fluff, mentions of injuries

“God, this game is stressing me out” you said, massaging your temples as you watched Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final from the Friends and Family box at MSG. The girls around you murmured their agreement, none of them taking their eyes off the game below. The boys were playing well but Tampa was a tough team; though no one had said it, this game felt critical to them being able to make it into the Finals next week.

You shot up in excitement as you watched Ryan get control of the puck, quickly shooting it off. The split second it took to go into the back of the net felt like a lifetime but the box blew up when the horn sounded. Tate and Kelly threw their arms around you and you squeezed them tight, pride overtaking you.

“I definitely didn’t have Lindy getting a goal tonight on my bingo card” Tate joked making you all laugh. “Never tell him I said this, but me neither” you admitted. The mood remained high until later in the period when Tampa evened it up again. You felt even worse as the third period started and Ryan took a puck to his bad ankle.

“He must be hiding a magnet or something in there” Kelly joked, trying to lighten the mood as your eyes stayed glued to his limping form. You were relieved he was standing and able to hop the boards onto the bench.

“I’m starting to think other teams are placing bets on if they can whack that ankle” you replied, making sure he wasn’t going off to the locker room. Half an hour later, it looked like overtime would be necessary as the final moments of regulation creeped away. “Come on guys, end this now” Tate muttered under her breath, eyes glued to the ice.

You all watched in horror as Tampa’s same D-man scored again. Silence descended over the arena and you slumped back into your chair. Your heart broke for Chris as he remained kneeling on the ice for a moment, guilt clearly written on his face. You gave his girlfriend’s shoulder a squeeze.

You knew they’d pull Igor and maybe get lucky but for some reason, a sense of dread had settled over you. Your fears were confirmed a moment later when an empty net goal made it 3-1 with less than a minute to go. You watched in stunned silence as the crowd swarmed the walkways, hurriedly making their ways to the exits. Your gaze turned towards the bench and saw every man on it looking shell-shocked and devastated. You kept reminding yourself there was a chance for another comeback but the loss stung and you worried about Ryan.

As the buzzer blew, you watched as a fight broke out in the corner. You knew Adam was down there at the center of it, so you weren’t surprised when Ryan flew into action. You squeezed Tate’s hand watching as your boyfriends fought to protect one another. After a few moments, the scruff cleared up and you frowned taking in the sight of Ryan’s forehead dripping blood. “Wouldn’t be a playoff hockey game if he didn’t add on an injury” you mumbled to yourself.

The girls waited until the arena emptied out before quietly making your way down the tunnel, all of you preparing for the worst when you saw your respective partners. Players soon filed past, obviously wanting to get away from the rink and this loss as soon as possible. You saw Adam emerge and felt your nerves flair when you didn’t see Ryan alongside him.

“Is Ryan alright?” you asked him as he squeezed Tate to his chest. He nodded to you over her head, “He got picked for media with Troubs so they’ll be a bit.”

You nodded, giving them both a hug so they could leave before settling onto the ground with Kelly at your side. “I really hope our guys do the first round of interviews; Jacob gets so antsy when he has to stay after a big loss” Kelly sighed.

You nodded, though you weren’t as worried about Ryan having to stay. It really didn’t matter because you were in for a long, quiet night once he did make his way out to you. Some guys had to blow off steam after losing but Ryan just settled even farther into himself as he processed the game over and over in his mind. You were dreading what the next 24 hours would look like; it was unbelievably difficult to watch him suffer with no way to soothe him.

Awhile later, footsteps echoed down the hallway. You breathed a sigh of relief when you made eye contact with Ryan as you and Kelly stood to meet them halfway. Jacob barely stopped long enough to kiss Kelly’s cheek before they excused themselves. You knew better than to fuss over the swollen, bandaged bump on his forehead so you just pulled him close to you, hoping your touch would bring him some comfort.

He released a deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around you, burying his head into your neck to breathe you in. You stayed like this a moment longer before he pulled away, placed a brief kiss on your mouth, and took your hand, leading you to the car. Unsurprisingly, the car ride was a quiet one making it feel much longer than normal.

It was closing in on midnight when you and Ryan emerged from the elevator and made it to your shared apartment. As he dropped the keys by the door, he made his way towards the bedroom with you close behind. “When did they tell you to change your bandage?” you asked. He glanced down at his watch before answering, “Right about now but I really just want to soak in the tub, my legs are so sore.”

“You go ahead, I’ll grab the supplies and then clean you up, okay?” you offered. Most times, he wanted to take care of himself but he nodded at you gratefully before entering the bathroom. After assembling everything you’d need, you found him lying in a steaming hot bath, eyes closed. You took a moment to admire him: the strong lines of his jaw and cheek bones, the slope of his shoulders that were the only thing peeking out above the water.

As you kneeled beside him, his eyes opened, meeting yours. Your heart broke a little at the sadness within them and you placed a gentle kiss on his brow. “Let’s see the damage, yeah?” He nodded and as gently as you could, you peeled the large bandage off his forehead. You weren’t shocked to see a couple of stitches on his forehead, blood stains surrounding the cut itself. You tsked at the cut before warning “This is going to hurt” as you placed the rubbing alcohol wipe onto it. Ryan hissed and your other hand soothingly rubbed his cheek as you carefully wiped away any leftover debris.

Once you were satisfied with your work, you reached behind you for a new, smaller bandage but paused, surprised to see Ryan’s eyes firmly on yours. “Thank you for doing this, love” he said softly.

“You know I’m happy to” you replied leaning in for a kiss. His hand emerged from the water to wrap around the back of your head, neither of you caring that he was dampening your hair and dripping water onto the floor. As your lips moved in harmony, you took a moment to appreciate how he was finally, after all this time, allowing you to see him in such a vulnerable state. You knew it wasn’t easy for him so it meant all the more to you. You pulled away, focusing your attention back on his cut, quickly covering it with the new bandage.

“There, good as new. Or, I guess, as good as can be expected this time of year” you smiled and Ryan chuckled. You went to stand up but his hand wrapped around your wrist.

“Stay?” he requested, again taking you by surprise. “Are you sure?” you questioned and he nodded firmly. You stripped off your clothes and sat down opposite him in the large soaking tub, the hot water loosening your muscles. The fit was a little tight but neither of you minded, your legs tangling together beneath the water.

You sat in comfortable silence together for several moments, your head leaning back, eyes closed as you simply enjoyed your boyfriend’s comforting presence. It took you a moment to notice he was sniffling and you quickly sat up reaching for him. His tearful eyes met yours and you shushed him quietly, leaning over to hold him against you. As he quietly cried against your shoulder, you rubbed his back soothingly, murmuring sweet nothings until he finally quieted. You leaned back just far enough to wipe away his tears: “Baby, tell me what you’re thinking.”

He sighed, grasping your hands as you curled up on his lap the best you could. “I just didn’t do enough and it cost the team. I’m so fucking scared our season will be over in two days” he admitted, refusing to meet your stare.

His tears and admission shocked you—Ryan was always the type of guy to put on a tough front no matter the situation. “Ry, you did more than enough. You were the only goal scorer, you were great defensively, and you gave it your all. And you still have Saturday, don’t count yourselves out yet. You guys have fought back from worse than a one-game deficit.” He took a deep breath, seemingly trying to let your words sink in. “I know you won’t believe anything I just said, but it’s true. You’ve fought day in and day out for this team and you should be proud of yourself, no matter what happens.”

“But we’re just so fucking close you know? I really thought we had this game and I just can’t wrap my head around a third straight loss like this, it’s so fucking frustrating.” He was still avoiding your gaze, stare fixed on the floor beside you. You nodded at his words, tracing patterns on his palms beneath the surface, “I know, love, I know.” You cupped his cheek, gently guiding his eyes to your own.

“No matter what happens, I am so fucking proud of you, Ry. You’re a warrior, you’re a leader, and you’re an amazing man. Whatever you need, I’m here, okay? Always.”

You saw his eyes line with silver again and quickly leaned forward placing gentle kisses on each lid, trying to keep his tears at bay. “No more tears, my love. You’re not done yet and you have to get your head on straight for Saturday, okay?”

He nodded before softly smiling at you, “Have I mentioned I’d be lost without you, Y/N/N?”

You grinned back at him, “Once or twice but I won’t stop you from reminding me. Now, can we please get out? We’re turning into prunes.” He agreed and you got up, helping him to his feet. You snuck a glance at his ankle and were glad to see it looked no worse for wear after taking another puck tonight. “Stop fussing, mother hen” he teased and you blushed; apparently you hadn’t been as sly as you thought.

You both got out of the tub, dried off, and put on pajama’s before settling beneath the covers. Normally, Ryan would pull you to him but tonight he chose to rest his head on your chest, arms wrapped tight around your middle, legs twisted together. You kissed the top of his head, avoiding his new injury, and slowly ran your fingers through his hair. He hummed at your touch, nuzzling deeper into your side. “I love you, Y/N” he mumbled and you returned the sentiment before closing your eyes. You fought your tiredness until Ryan’s body went heavy against yours and his breathing evened out. Satisfied he had allowed himself to fall asleep, you quickly joined him.  

A/N: I was clearly in my post-loss feels while writing this-here's to hoping the Rangers can bounce back this weekend! As always, let me know your thoughts and thanks for all the love :)

[wildrangers]

Warrior // Ryan Lindgren

Word Count: 2.5K

Summary: The New York Rangers are going to the Eastern Conference Finals. That's something to celebrate, right?

Warnings: Cursing, angst (resolved at the end)

continue here

You could hear people saying your name but couldn’t take your eyes off the screen. There was your boyfriend, Ryan, laying prone on the ice. Someone grabbing your hand brought you back to yourself and you blinked, looking over at Tate who was watching you with concern.

“He’s getting up, he’s going to be okay, alright?” she said, squeezing your hand. On your other side, you felt Fran rubbing your shoulder comfortingly. You nodded at her comment before returning your gaze to the screen. Ryan had gotten up at this point and was being helped off of the ice—he wasn’t putting any weight on his already injured foot, but he was skating, at least.

“I can’t decide if it’ll be worse if he comes back or is out for the rest of the game” you sighed. Ryan had been injured since the first playoff game and he wasn’t exactly at 100% before that had happened.

“I already texted Gabe, he’s going to update us as soon as he can, okay?” Fran said placing her phone in her lap. Gabe was the trainer working closest with Ryan throughout the playoffs so you were grateful he’d flown to North Carolina with the team. “Thanks Fran, I really appreciate it. Playoffs are stressful enough without feeling panicky every time he takes a hit” you said and the girls squeezed you again.

“I know, hun, but he’s going to be okay. He’s as tough as they come” Fran said before the two girls returned to watching the game. You knew she meant it to be comforting, but you felt that familiar rage simmering below the surface. You understood this was his career and that it’s playoffs. But you were also the one fighting with him to just rest on his days off, the one watching him wince in pain every time he took a step around your shared apartment despite the team’s doctors telling him to stay off of it as much as possible.

You closed your eyes, took a deep breath, and returned your attention to the game, hoping to distract yourself. But, as you saw a familiar face flash across the screen, you felt both your shoulders sag in relief and your anger bubble a little closer to the surface.

“Look! He’s okay, he’s back” Tate smiled, squeezing your hand once more. “Being back and okay aren’t the same thing” you said and immediately regretted the annoyed tone in your voice. “I’m sorry Tate, it’s just so frustrating to watch him play like this” you explained but she shrugged off the apology.

“It’s okay, we get it, right Fran?” Tate said as Fran nodded in agreement. “I know, that’s why you’re the best” you said smiling at them, shoving that fury down so it wouldn’t explode on two of your best friends. You missed the two girls exchanging a worried, knowing glance as you all focused on the TV again.

Tate was your co-worker and had introduced you to Ryan a little over a year ago. You were endlessly grateful that she had because Ryan was fierce and strong but also thoughtful and kind. He always said what was on his mind and didn’t shy away when you did the same. Which usually was every chance you got but you had never navigated playoff hockey with a professional athlete before, let alone an injured one. Fran and Chris had been together last time the Rangers went to the playoffs while Tate and Adam were high school sweethearts—this may be their first NHL playoffs as a couple but they had stuck together every other step of the way. Their history made this so much easier than it was for you. Or, at least that’s what you told yourself as you moped through the rest of the second period and most of the third.

“Holy shit, they’re going to do it” Tate squealed as they reclaimed their four-goal lead yet again. With less than 2 minutes left, you wanted to agree but also didn’t want to somehow jinx it. But she was right—they were really going to fucking do this. As the clock wound down, you felt your growing excitement and you all cheered as the buzzer sounded. You were able to stay in this good mood for the next hour as you all celebrated together. Close to midnight, you walked them out of your apartment with plans to meet up for dinner before the game in two days.

As you locked the door behind you, you heard your phone chirp from the living room. You went over and smiled as you read Ryan’s text: I can’t wait to celebrate with you tomorrow, get a good night’s sleep babe. We’re taking off now, love you

You sent back a quick note before getting ready for bed. You’d decided to surprise Ryan by taking the next few days off—either to comfort him or, in this case, to celebrate and spend time together while you could. As you scrolled through your Twitter feed, you found yourself clicking on the NYR Eastern Conference announcement. You normally avoided looking at comments but this was good news, so you didn’t expect to see anything negative. And what you saw wasn’t bad, necessarily, but you felt your temper flare anyway.

NYR55FAN: Way to go boys! Happy to see Lindgren back on the ice, the dude could lose a limb and he’d finish the game

The comment was hilarious, true, and already had over 100 likes. But it made you think of every time you offered to give Ryan’s ankle a massage or help him do the stretches Gabe had prescribed, only for him to insist he had a project or chore he had to get done. And just like that, you were furious at him for not listening to his trainers and making you see him in so much pain, some of which could be avoided if he would just set aside his pride and let you help him.

You shook your head as you closed your phone, hoping to sleep off the anger and frustration. Instead, you found yourself tossing and turning as more and more memories of Ryan in pain flashed across your mind. You heard the front door click open a few hours later and you shot up in bed before realizing it was already after 2AM and it was Ryan, not a burglar, at the front door.

As you made your way down the hallway, you heard him cursing under his breath. You peaked around the corner and found him sitting on the arm of the couch, struggling to take his shoe off his bad foot. You watched in horror as he removed his sock revealing his bruised, swollen ankle. You took in a sharp breath and his head whipped around to face you. You saw confusion cross his face before he checked his phone, “Y/N, it’s almost 2:30 why are you still up?” he asked.

You walked closer replying, “I took off the next few days but please tell me your ankle didn’t look like that before you went back onto the ice earlier.” His eyes quickly moved away from yours and you knew the answer; of course, it had.

“You’re such a stubborn idiot” you muttered under your breath running your hands over your face in frustration. Unfortunately for Ryan, he mistook your statement for sarcasm so he replied, “What’s a sprained ankle when we’re halfway to the Cup.” When only silence met him, he turned to you, seeing your face growing redder and your fists clenched at your sides.

“Ryan, this isn’t funny. You’re injured and just keep getting more injured and insisting on playing through it. You're really going to hurt yourself!" you yelled at him, unable to stop yourself. He scoffed at you, “You’re kidding right? It’s play-"

“It’s playoffs, yes, I know, but contrary to what you want to believe you’re still a fucking human, Ryan, not some indestructible warrior” you spat, instantly regretting your word choice as you saw hurt flash across his face.

“When have I ever said I’m indestructible? This is what comes with playing hockey professionally, Y/N! Why are you picking a fight over this at 2:30 in the fucking morning?!” he yelled.

“I’m not picking a fight; I’m trying to get some fucking sense through that thick skull of yours!” you yelled, walking closer to him.

“Oh, so I’m stupid now too, huh? Thanks for the warm welcome back!” he screamed, shooting to his feet. His face immediately scrunched up in pain and you ran to his side, helping him sit back down on the couch despite him trying to do it on his own. Once he was settled you walked into the kitchen to get some ice for him. As you wrapped it in a towel, you found yourself holding back tears. You couldn’t believe you’d thrown him being called a warrior back in his face like that; you knew how hard he was fighting, how much that moniker meant to him. And you’d used it as an insult which made you feel like the shittiest girlfriend ever. That feeling faded quickly as you re-entered the living room only to find Ryan limping down the hallway.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me Ry!” you shouted as tears streamed down your face. He ignored you, going into your shared room and slamming the door behind him. You quickly followed behind, finding him sitting on the ottoman at the end of your bed in obvious pain.

“I don’t want to hear it, Y/N, I know I shouldn’t have walked by myself down here but I’m not a total invalid, you know” he sniped at you. When you didn’t answer, he looked up to find you holding his ice and shaking with sobs. “Baby?” he questioned and went to get up before you shot across the room and shoved him back down.

“Would you just stop doing shit to hurt yourself more, Ryan?!” you shouted through your tears, sitting on the floor in front of him. “I know how much this injury sucks for you and how much pain you’re in but have you stopped to think what it’s like for me to watch you go through this? To see you pushing yourself at home when you’re already doing too much on the ice? To have to watch you every game, waiting for you to take another bad hit?”

He hadn’t, actually, thought about that and he was kicking himself for it now. He was so focused on staying active, working through his injury, and playing games he hadn’t considered what it would be like for you to watch him do it. He immediately thought about the panic he’d felt when you’d returned home with a sprained, bandaged wrist after a workout class. He had worried and fussed, driving you nuts, but you had let him because you knew it made him feel better. He’d never stopped to think how you may have those same fears for him now, made even worse because of his job.

He reached his hand out to you and you took it in your own looking up at him through teary eyes. “I really didn’t mean to pick a fight but seeing you on the ice like that again was so fucking scary, Ryan” you said, lips wobbling as you fought back tears.

“Come sit with me baby, okay? Let’s just talk this through” he said and you nodded. Rather than sit beside him, you pulled over a spare chair, lifted his injured foot onto your lap and held the ice to the worst of his bruises. His heart warmed at the gesture—this was why he loved you. Because despite your anger and this stupid fight, you were still taking care of him.

“I’m not going to lie, Y/N, you’re right. I was so focused on the Cup and my ankle that I never imagined what it would be like for you, which was really fucking selfish of me. I’m sorry” he said.

You shook your head replying, “You’re allowed to be selfish right now, Ry, I know how much this means to you. I’ve just never done this before. All the other girls at least went through some type of playoff situation with their guys before, I haven’t. I didn’t know how to share my concerns without making you feel bad or frustrated with me for not sucking it up.”

“Babe, you don’t have to suck it up. I do because it’s my job but you don’t. You never do with me, you know that, right? You can always speak your mind” he explained. You knew he meant it so you nodded your head. You stood up, gently placing his foot on the chair, before settling onto his lap, wrapping your arms around his middle with your head tucked under his chin. You sat like that for a moment, just enjoying being together again after a tense few days apart.

“I do take it back though, Ry, you’re my fucking warrior. I just wished you’d let me carry some of your burden. I get you have to put on a brave face with the guys and on the ice but not here, not in our home. You’re not fooling me anyway” you said gently, making him smile and kiss the top of your head.

“I knew you didn’t mean it. I am pretty bad ass after all” he quipped causing you to lightly punch his chest as you lifted your head up to glare at him. “There she is” he smiled down at you before giving you a gentle kiss. As you pulled away, you caught his face in your hands.

“You have to promise me one thing, okay?” you said looking into his deep blue eyes. He nodded as he nuzzled his head into your hands. “Please listen to Gabe about the at-home restrictions. Just rest and stretch and let me take care of everything else. You have to save your energy for game nights. Can you do that for me?” you asked nervously biting your lip.

“I swear it” he replied, looping his pinky with your own causing you to giggle. “I’m sorry for being a stubborn idiot” he said, repeating your words back to you making you laugh harder.

“It’s okay, I should know by now that that’s just who you are” you teased causing him to fake offense. “Now, let’s get to bed, yeah?”

“Yes, please, I’m exhausted” he sighed, allowing you to help him stand. You quickly removed his suit before helping him into the comfy shorts you’d left laying out for him. Once he was settled laying down, you swapped his ice for his heat wrap, carefully wrapping his ankle just so before getting into bed with him. You felt yourself relax fully as you rested your head on his chest, his fingers running soothingly through your hair.

“Ry?” you mumbled, feeling sleep creep closer and he hummed in response. “I’m really fucking proud of you for making it to the Conference finals.”

You felt him smile and place a quick kiss to your head, expressing his thanks. “I have an idea for how you can congratulate me in the morning” he said causing you to roll your eyes at him. “We’ll see hot shot, we’ll see” you chuckled before finally drifting off to sleep.

A/N: In honor of the Rangers making it to the Eastern Conference Finals!! This post-season has made me love Lindgren even more, so this was fun to write. Debating writing more parts as the playoff's continue--would y'all read it? Any feedback welcome :)

[wildrangers]

Who I Write For & Masterlist // NHL

Players (organized by teams)

Carolina Hurricanes

Jack Drury

Pyotr Kochetkov

Andrei Svechnikov

Colorado Avalanche

Alexander Georgiev

Minnesota Wild

Matt Boldy*

{Summer Lovin'}

Jonas Brodin

Joel Eriksson Ek

Kirill Kaprizov

Mason Shaw*

{The Bear Dilemma}

New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes*

{Can This Be a Real Thing, Can It?}

Nico Hischier*

{If It's Meant to Be}

Timo Meier*

{Sweet Like Cinnamon} (Summer Fic Exchange 2k23)

New York Islanders

Mat Barzal

New York Rangers

Will Cuylle*

{Millenium Falcon}

Alexis Lafrenière

Ryan Lindgren*

{If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird}

{Say Don't Go}

{Warrior}

K’Andre Miller

Philadelphia Flyers

Erik Johnson*

{Setting the Scene}

Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews

William Nylander

{The Planets and the Fates and All the Stars Aligned} (Winter Fic Exchange 2k24)

{"Slut!"}

{I Wish You Would} (Summer Fic Exchange 2k24)

Joseph Woll

Utah Hockey Club

Clayton Keller

John Marino

Vancouver Canucks

Elias Pettersson*

{Home} (Winter Fic Exchange 2k23)

Quinn Hughes*

{Oh Captain, My Captain}

Notes: Feel free to request someone that's not listed, I just may not be super familiar with them. Also, I don't write for anyone under 21 or who is married.

24-25 Update: If a player is crossed out, I've previously published for them but will not be doing so moving forward.