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cellythefloshie · 8 months

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;; Everybody Talks 500 Follower Celebration

Summary: Dating Gabe is too complicated, but he's not ready to call it quits. Word Count: 1.6k+

It started with a whisper, and that was when I kissed her.

The buzz of your cell phone was insistent. Repetitive. Annoying. So. Fucking. Annoying. It was all you could hear as you stood, elbow-deep in dishwater, at the sink in your kitchen. A symphony of cutlery dragging against steel, ceramic plates meeting pots and pants, and water rushing into the sink as you washed each dish free of suds surrounded you. Yet all you could hear was the buzz of each text and every notification that lit up your screen. And you fucking hated it.

You just wanted a moment of peace. Silence. A moment to feel alone, but you never get it. Hell, you couldn’t remember a single time where you had felt that relief and you could only think of one reason. Gabe.

You had been in an on-again-off-again relationship with Colorado Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog for almost a year. It had started out as a fling, and part of you wished it had stayed that way. But those late-night phone calls and midnight rendezvous could only happen so many times before you were waking up in his bed instead of catching a cab home. Before you were packing a bag to spend part of his off-season with him on a tropical island getaway. You should have loved the little luxuries that didn’t feel like luxuries anymore. There was so much good to be with Gabe, but it also came with its pitfalls. Pitfalls that made it all too hard to commit to something serious with him.

The hockey player lifestyle left you intimidated. He was gone more often than he was at home, and the game, the sport, his team, was always the priority. You couldn’t be the center of his world, because you would always be a mistress to his first love: hockey.

Playing on the national stage left Gabriel with a certain level of status. He was recognizable, beloved in the city of Colorado and adorned by his home country of Sweden, but not quite a celebrity. Which you were thankful for. The two of you could travel and often go unrecognized, but he had his following.

Die-hard fans would recognize their captain in the streets, which was the least of your worries. It was the people who flocked to his social media pages that really bothered you. Gabriel was a handsome man. Anyone could notice it, and you would be a liar if that wasn’t the very reason you had slept with him the first time after meeting him at a local bar. The most extreme of them all invaded his comments with shameless words. Sexualizations and fantasies were the very definition of too much information and it bled into your own social media account, too.

It had only taken one tag of you in a photo with Gabe for them to find you. Your follower count had quadrupled in mere days, as they had hoped to catch a glimmer of Gabe in your stories and in your posts. Then came the comments. The pleas of needing to know if the two of you were dating. The statements that he could do so much better than you.

So you privatized your accounts. And then you ghosted Gabe.

When it became too much, you had always recoiled. You couldn’t commit to the chaos that came with being in his life, and because of that, you had been ignoring his calls for days. Hence came forth the insistent buzzing of your phone against the countertop. He was trying to call you. To text you. To reach you, ‌but you ignored it all. You couldn’t fit yourself into his lifestyle. You had all but accepted that even if he hadn’t yet.

In time, the calls would fade like they always did, and you could move on.

The sink gargled as you withdrew the plug, the soapy water draining and your wet hands finding the hand towel to dry off. With the dishes done, your responsibilities for the day were done and you could finally disconnect.

Your hand reached for your phone out of habit, your outstretched hand stopping halfway as it vibrated again. It rattled on the countertop, the bright glow of a notification bright against the surface it was face down on. You should have grabbed it just to turn it off, but you were waiting for a delivery and Amazon always called.

So you left your phone there, on the counter, and disappeared into the bedroom. You changed out of your clothes and into something a little more comfortable. Then, you prepared for your nightly routine and an episode of your favourite show on Netflix, but it was all interrupted by a knock on your apartment door.

“Just a second!” you said, calling out to whoever stood on the other side as you grabbed your robe.

Must have missed the call, you thought to yourself as you pulled on your robe and made quick strides to the front door. You didn’t even think to look through the spyhole before you reached for the handle, and you regretted it instantly. It wasn’t a delivery man who waited for you on the other side of the door, but Gabe.

Shit.

In the shock of it all, you only had one response: to close the door, But Gabe was quick to place his hand firm against the surface, holding it open so effortlessly. Though you weren’t fighting hard to close it. You weren’t mad at him; you had just thought ghosting him would be easier. He thought otherwise.

“What did I do this time?” he asked.

It almost made you laugh, your head shaking from side to side slowly as you brought your free hand up to rest against your forehead. No matter the reason, Gabe was always quick to blame himself for his distance. He never was the one to blame, yet he always came singing the same tune. And he wasn’t leaving without answers.

Taking a step to the side, you clutched your robe shut and welcomed him inside. It was as he crested through the door you offered your explanation. “It’s not you Babe-”

You winced. Even you had a hard time trying to cut him off. You loved him, you really did, but the toxicity of the fandom wasn’t worth it.

“I’m not cut out for any of this,” you said, your words a heavy sigh that shook your shoulders.

Gabe met you with a confused stare. You had eased into his life so effortlessly on the surface, but he didn’t know of the struggles you were having.

Sighing, you nodded towards your phone on the counter. “Take a look. Start with Instagram and you won’t need to see anything else to understand.”

Crossing your arms over your chest, the two of you stood in the kitchen together as he went through your Instagram account and saw it all. The comments, the direct messages, the intrusive words and threats you had faced all without being official.

“I had no idea,” he breathed out, his hand discarding your phone on the counter before they found the curves of your body.

Gabe’s hands settled on your hips and pulled you into him. So close you could feel the heat of his body as he leaned in to place a careful kiss on your forehead.

You should have pulled away to maintain the distance you had so desperately been trying to create, but there was no feeling that compared to being held in his arms. There was no feeling like his kiss against your skin.

“Everybody’s going to talk, baby, but it’s something we can work through together, okay?” he whispered to you as his hands slid up the angles of your body.

His touch wrinkled at your pyjamas, getting a touch of skin on his way up to cradle your face in his hands. As he held you, his hands angling your head just right to look at him, he spoke his piece. “I just don’t want to be playing these games anymore.”

It was an ultimatum. The two of you could navigate it all together, but that was the catch. You needed to commit to him. To be his. No more running away when things got too tough. Or, he could walk away, you could forget every struggle you had used as an excuse to not be together, and never see him again.

The choice was yours, but you needed to make it now.

Saying yes to him would mean saying yes to the distance. To the time you would spend apart during the season. You would have to withstand all the gossip and every bit of unwanted attention that came with being his girlfriend. It meant saying yes to uncertainty. To risk of having to move to a new city, and to the struggles that came with the injuries he could face on the ice. But it wouldn’t all be bad.

There was so much good too. You had lived through glimmers of it already. He had taken you to parts of the world you couldn’t even pronounce, and you had made friends would have never connected with if it hadn’t been for Gabe. And his love. He loved you so tenderly, so fiercely, and you loved him too.

And with that thought, in that moment, you decided. A silent, careful nod telling him, yes. A glimmer of light ignited in his eyes, a smile curling over his lips as he leaned in to place a slow and careful kiss on your lips, and you let him.

#gabriel landeskog #hockey rpf #hockey romance #hockey imagines #nhl fanfic #nhl rpf #nhl fanfiction #rpf #;;500

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equallyshaw · 1 year

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𝔡𝔯𝔦𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔰𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔱𝔶𝔰𝔬𝔫 𝔧𝔬𝔰𝔱

Warnings: talks of trauma/ptsd, parents killed in car accident.

Word Count: 2.9 k

also it's 2019-2020 here. got her license in 2019, dont mind the mask. also, she is nameless. an oc without a name.

Sour Masterlist.

Tyson is interchanging between you and he, in this.

Happy New Years!! Hope you guys had a wonderful evening, wish all the best this new year :)

────────────

⊹

I got my driver's license last week

Just like we always talked about

'Cause you were so excited for me

⊹

We met at a Gabe's christmas party, in 2016. I knew Mel from my older sister, they both worked in the same industry. At 18 years old, I still hadn't learned how to drive due to a car accident when I was a kid. I remember I admitted that after we had spent the night with one another two months after we had been talking. You smiled at me, no amusement, no sarcasm or snort in sight. You genuinely, wanted to teach me how to drive and I remember blushing like a fool, and happy tears brim my eyes. Nobody had ever offered, besides my sister.

The very next time we hanged out, on a sunny April afternoon, you smiled and somehow got me to get in that damn drivers seat. I remember having an anxiety attack, I began to shake and cry. With flashbacks of that horrible accident, with me in the backseat. You instantly jumped out of the car, opened the driver's car and kneeled down next to me. Your hands found mine, then set a hand on my knee. Comforting me as much as you could, not knowing or understanding how I felt. You wiped my tears away, giving me a small comforting smile. I frowned then, my lips quivering. You shushed me, bringing my hands up to your mouth and giving them a kiss. You promised me you were there, and that you'd always be. A few minutes later, you hopped back into the passenger seat and told me that I could do this, even if I went less than ten miles an hour in this abandoned parking lot. Somehow, someway I actually drove. Afterwards we got froyo, and I still remember the absolute horrible stomach ache you got. We barely made it to my aunt's house, a few block's drive. You came out of the washroom, and instantly placed your hands on my cheeks, giving me a huge kiss. I remember smiling, and wrapping my hands around yours. We parted, and you told me right then and there. "There is no chance in hell baby you're not getting your permit now!" You playfully joked, and then we marched down to the DMV.

⊹

And you're with that blonde girl

⊹

September rolled around, and so did training camp. You weren't at the DMV like you had promised you'd be. You promised that you were going to fly out a week early just to come with me and be there. Yet, you were not. Then I drove down to downtown Denver, to spend a day in the city shopping before class and I saw you. And I saw her. I swallowed the tears that began to form, before I turned around and out of that coffee shop. Im certain, you noticed my hair as I whipped around.

⊹

And I know we weren't perfect but I've never felt this way for no one

And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay now that I'm gone

⊹

We were together from Feburary of that year, and seemingly broke up around the beginning of August, though I had no idea. You forgot to mention that part, Ty. I think back to the times of no clarity, times where I felt like I was walking on egg shells. Feeling like I had to be somebody different, though I wasn't good enough. You forgot to remember or failed to realize, how in love I was. But you knew. You knew how I felt, confessing the same exact thing to me. How did that change? How did I not become enough? It took me a few months to finally feel like I could breathe, without feeling guilty. It always felt like one step forward and three steps back. It was like I was the love of your life, then I wasn't.

It made me angry. How could you simply discard me? Was I know longer enough for you? You toyed with me for some time, got bored and dumped me without telling me? Or were we never what I thought we were? Gabe and Mel tried their hardest to be there for me, but you were his teammate; so he could only be there so much for me. Mel didn't understand and her and my sister would have conversations here and there. You Tyson, just didn't seem like the type to do that. Though, here we are. I just don't see how you could be ok with your best friend to slip away like that, or was I never your best friend?

⊹

And all my friends are tired

Of hearing how much I miss you, but

I kinda feel sorry for them

'Cause they'll never know you the way that I do, yeah

⊹

I knew around Feburary, a year from when we started to date; everybody was tired about hearing him. How I would sometimes see him around town with that blonde girl. I knew they were tired hearing of how much I missed you. Though, they'd never understand. Mel and Gabe would never understand where I would come from. I felt sorry for them, that they'd never see that kid like freedom and kid like spontaneity from him. He'd always have to feel like he had to be 'on' around them, in order to be taken seriously.

They'd never know of him showing up to my sister's house at 9 am on a Sunday with coffee and a donut from the bakey down the street. Or the random brunch dates he would drag me to. Though, I always wanted to go. Free coffee, wouldn't you go? I took a gap year between my senior year of highschool and college, and that year was spent intandem with him. We would stay up to late talking with morning walks with coffee, and my sister and I's dog. We would run off to the zoo every so often, or to the Denver art museum, or one time we went to Breckenridge to ski and snowbaord. Though middway through, he found me in the lobby doing an 'Après-ski' but with hot coco and a croissant. He smiled at me, before giggling as he sat down in front of me at the coffee bar. Nobody knew the real Tyson, that so very few understood and witnessed. Despite, him dropping me like I was nothing; I'll be forever grateful for that time of freedom and childlike bliss with him.

⊹

I still see your face in the white cars, front yards

Can't drive past the places we used to go to

'Cause I still fuckin' love you

⊹

Once I got my license, I used to drive to Mel and Gabe's a lot in order to babysit them. You and a teammate named Jt, moved into a townhouse near them and sometimes I'd take the long way to go past; always to see if you were home. I sometimes drive past the zoo, the museums, the canal where we cayaked, the coffee shops and places where we had brunch dates. The bowling alley where some teammbonding and better halves dates happened. There are some days that I just end up at a place, without thinking. Once I park, or catch the street signs; I then realize where im at. Then head home or someplace else. I still love you Ty, and unfortunetly I can't fucking stop. Im afraid I never will.

⊹

I still hear your voice in the traffic, we're laughing

⊹

There were SO many times we got stuck in traffic, where some of our deepest and most revealing conversations happened. Where some of our fights happened, too. So many times I find myself in the passenger seat, hoping that when I looked over to my sister in the drive's seat, it'd somehow be you. And vice versa. Before we started dating, and right after we met you wanted to take me to see the christmas lights around the city. On the 22nd before you left for home in BC. I smiled shyly, and nodded at the christmas party. We drove around the suburbs, looking at the lights before making our way towards the city. We got stuck in traffic ten minutes away from the zoo lights, and for the first time in my life, I felt incredibly connected to somebody my age.

After my parents died in the car accident, with me in the back seat; I always had trouble connecting with those around me because nobody understood what it was like going through something so life changing and horrific. So I kept to myself, especially the four years after. I finally made two friends, but other than that; I did not have anybody. Certaintly, no boy as a friend. You were my first friend guy friend, and that made me warm and fuzzy inside. In the most platonic and innocence way. I kept that hidden until late Feburary, and again no judgement or alternate thoughts came from you. You accepted that huge part of me, one that has forged a barrier between me and driving. Me and growing up as an adult, and moving on in life. I was always scared that when that happened, I'd be leaving a period of life, a chapter of life that my parents were not apart of. I was 14 when they died, and told myself I'd never drive in my lifetime. Then you came along. And while we sat in that traffic, as I struggled to hold it together, you made me laugh. You told me about growing up in BC, playing hockey, your little sister. Everything. How you were lucky to have JT through all of this, and that he was your bestfriend after only meeting him at training camp. For one of the first time's after the accident, I felt safe in a car. And it was because of you.

I reached out to you when the Pandemic began in March 2020, over a year since we had first met. Only seven months after you and I stopped talking, well you stopped talking. I simply just wanted to make sure you were safe, and to see how you were doing without hockey. I thought that you weren't gonna respond, then a crisp 2 minutes later you did. You told me how you were doing, how lonely you were feeling a week into being alone in the townhouse while JT went home to Chicago with his girlfriend. How upset that you were not able to secure a plane ride home to BC. And that you missed me. I remember pausing once that single message came in, and rereading it over and over again. I wouldn't cave though. He didn't deserve for me to cave. So I simply stated, 'me too.' And I left you on read for two more weeks.

After three weeks altogether, I got a facetime from you around 2 am Mountain time and you were having your first anxiety attack. I remember my heart beating out of my chest, not know what to do over the phone. Once you calmed down after about 10 minutes on facetime, you looked me in the eyes and apologized. Apologized for not only dropping me but how you treated me sometimes in our relationship. I nodded, thanking you. Yet, not givig him much to draw on. I again reiterated that I wished you the best, and hung up. I deleted out messages that sat at the bottom of my conversations list. I blocked your number, sighing a breath of relief. I needed that closure without realizing it.

Yet, he'd always be there with a thorn. You'd always have a sore spot in my heart but with a warning sign. Because you promised to be there, after everything we went through and how long it took me to get to said place; and you weren't there. Did you even love me, like I loved you?

•

@herusername: got my license baby !!!!!

Tags: @mel.landeskog and @sistersusername

350 likes, 87 comments.

@mel.landeskog: so proud of you honey!!!!

@sistersusername: so stinking proud of you. Mom and dad would be too🤍

@gabelandeskog: heck yes!!!! Got a new chauffeur now

@herusername: boy bye

@mel.landeskog: my (soul) sister got her licenses today. Never been so proud before, you’re gonna me an amazing aunt. I just know it. Also, a babysitter ;)

200 likes, 19 comments. @tysonjost has liked this photo.

Tag: @herusername

@herusername: ahhh love u. Can’t wait to meet baby landeskog !!!

@bigh0rny: congrats little one 👊🏻

@tysonbarrie: congrats !!

@ryanoreilly: yay!

@natemackinnon: awesome party, why wasn’t I invited??

@bigh0rny: I would like to know why I wasn’t either

@sistersusername: best hype squad in the world

@mel.landeskog: totally !!

@vanessamorgan: ahh congrats baby girl!!!

────────────

Hope you guys enjoyed!!!! Please reblog and like, with any feedback. I appreciate it :)

Random tags: @jayda12 @fallinallincurls @jostystyles @comphyjost @zegras2crosby @mack-samo @andreburakozy @makarhughes @slafgoalskybaby

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toffoliravioli · 2 years

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gabriel my brother in christ how much did you drink-

#question is who took this picture #i imagine he set up his phone and just ran over there in time as it snapped #gabriel landeskog #gabe landeskog #colorado avalanche #day with the cup

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overmygraves · 2 years

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MAXINE'S MASTERLIST

requests: open

genres: smut, fluff, au, probably anything you ask

players i do and don't write for

click here for promp lists!

smut ♥ ║ fluff ✿ ║ angst ★ ║ platonic ✦

RYAN GRAVES Homesick Blues ✿

MATHEW BARZAL I Did It For You ★ ✿

PLAYERxPLAYER Swedish Win (Andre Burakovsky and Gabriel Landeskog) ✦

#masterlist #nhl writing #nhl imagine #nhl fic #hockey fanfiction #hockey fic #hockey imagine #nhl #hockey #ryan graves #ryan graves imagine #mathew barzal #mathew barzal imagine #andre burakovsky #andre burakovsky imagine #gabriel landeskog

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eightmakar · 2 years

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empty cups | n.m. | 18+

Pairing: Nathan MacKinnon x Original Character

Word Count: 6.2k

Warnings: drinking, mentions of underage drinking, swearing, smut (fem. oral receiving, protected sex)

A/N: inspired by empty cups by charlie puth. basically all smut so you were warned

tagging: @harlowhockeystick @bitchinbarzal @matbaerzal @taking-shots @fallinallincurls @jostyriggslover96 @burkymakar @flashyfucker @capsvsducks @xsyntheticsensation @double-j @hockeylvr59

Despite being explicitly invited, Chase Bauer felt incredibly out of place at the house party. Should she really call it a house party? It felt like a house party, with all the people milling around, the loud music, the kegs of beer strewn about, but not a house party she’d ever been to. The beer wasn’t the cheapest shit college guys could manage to purchase, the people she partied with were nearly all millionaires, and they held their liquor much better than college guys.

Gabriel Landeskog walked up to her in her little corner, a big grin on his face and a bottle of fancy beer in his hand. “Bauer, why’re you all alone over here?” he asked, patting her on the shoulder.

“I was waiting for EJ to pick some better music,” Chase replied. “Some songs from this century would be great.”

“It’s not for lack of trying on our part,” Gabe laughed. He pointed to her empty hands and continued, “You need a drink.”

“I don’t like beer.” Chase scrunched her nose.

“We’ve got a lot more than just beer. C’mon.” Gabe turned around and began to walk into Erik Johnson’s kitchen, so Chase followed him, making herself smaller to maneuver through the large bodies in her way.

The kitchen was brightly lit in comparison to the rest of the house with shining bottles of every kind of alcohol Chase could imagine. There were brands she’d never heard of peppered in with bottles of Grey Goose and other top-shelf liquor she vaguely recognized.

“What do you usually drink?” Gabe asked her.

“I like sweet drinks mostly,” Chase said. She reached for a familiar bottle of lemon vodka.

“I think EJ’s got something if you want a mixer to make it sweeter.” Gabe began rummaging through EJ’s cabinets as Chase looked around the party.

Erik Johnson’s home was always the party house. He owned a huge, isolated home with the most gorgeous views imaginable, and more guest rooms than anyone could count, which worked well for the wild parties he threw throughout the year. He always invited the whole staff, all the coaches and equipment managers and Chase and her coworkers, the athletic trainers, but this was the first Chase had chosen to attend, to celebrate the Avalanche winning Western Conference Final and going to the Stanley Cup Final.

Chase cracked a small smile as she looked over at Josh Manson sitting on a couch against a wall, waving a glass of something dark around and loudly telling a story to an apathetic Sam Girard. Mikko Rantanen sat across from them, his girlfriend on top of him, straddling his legs as they passionately made out like no one else was in the vicinity.

Small groups of wives and girlfriends littered the walls, holding delicate glasses of wine and champagne, though Chase knew they could put back as much alcohol as their significant others. Other groups of players were interspersed around, some chatting lowly, some loudly, and others barely at all. Alex Newhook and Logan O’Connor had started an enthusiastic game of beer pong in the middle of the wide living room.

“How the fuck does EJ only have Crystal Light packets in this huge fucking house?” Gabe said, returning to Chase’s side and making her turn around.

“That strangely makes sense,” Chase laughed. Gabe handed her the small box of lemonade packets and she immediately took two out. She filled a Solo cup to the brim with lemon vodka and mixed the two packets in. Taking a sip, she gave Gabe a thumbs up.

“If I see you back in your corner, I’ll drag you to the dance floor instead,” Gabe warned.

Chase took another long, burning sip of her drink. “Got it, Cap.”

Gabe rolled his eyes and wandered away, over to one of the pods of players, leaving Chase alone with her cup to gaze around the party again. EJ was dancing with his fiancée on the “dance floor,” which was just an area of the room that was wide open. The enormous Darcy Kuemper, his wife, Kurtis MacDermid, and his girlfriend all danced with them. Chase thought they all danced like dads.

“Looking for someone?”

“Jesus!” Chase jerked around and found herself face to face with a serious looking Nathan MacKinnon. Beer in hand, he gazed at her, blue eyes a little icy.

“Shit, sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s all good, I was kinda zoned out,” Chase admitted. She drank her lemony drink again, trying her hardest to finish it soon.

A drunken Mikko bumped into Chase before Nate could say anything, dragging his girlfriend behind him and giggling as they went upstairs, but earning a sharp glare from Nate. Nate protectively put an arm on Chase’s shoulder and pulled her out of the middle of the room, out of the way of his drunk friends and teammates. Her feet were beginning to ache in her heels, so she took the chance to sit down on a barstool. To her surprise, Nate joined her, pulling a barstool over for himself as well.

Chase was convinced Nathan MacKinnon hated her. She didn’t know what it was; maybe the serious passion he played with, maybe the intense specificity he demanded with his equipment and his body, maybe the high standards he held himself and everyone else to. If and when she had to treat him, like she did recently when he got in a fight with Dumba for Minnesota, his body tensed up and he pulled away from her touch, which made her job as an athletic trainer much more difficult. She thought it might’ve been the fact that she was a woman, but he fiercely protected her at games, practices, and really any time someone tried to make a comment about her gender. When she’d first been hired, he and the rest of the team had been asked numerous times how they felt about it, and his response made her feel the most welcome and the most at home: “She’s part of the team and we treat her that way. We really only care about getting our job done and making a run for the Cup and she’s going to help us.”

“I’m not gonna lie, Bauer, I was surprised to see you came,” Nate said, fiddling with the bottle in his hand. He looked up at her and anxiously scratched his beard.

“You were?” Chase asked incredulously, puffing herself up a little bit.

Nate winced at her tone. “Good surprised,” he clarified, and she relaxed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at one of EJ’s parties.”

“I usually don’t come, but this one seemed special,” Chase shrugged.

“You didn’t come to the President’s Trophy party last year. God, that one was a mess,” he chuckled low in his throat and half-smiled at her.

“So I take it I missed a lot of fun?”

“Oh yeah,” Nate laughed again, the ice in his eyes beginning to melt a bit. Chase was pretty sure in the two years she’d worked for the Avs, she’d never spoken more than a couple words to him, but here they were having a conversation like old friends.

“Who was the drunkest?” She asked, swigging her vodka and trying not to react to the burning in her mouth and throat.

“Honestly, a lot of guys were pretty close. Josty was so fucked up he fell outside on the porch, broke his nose, and ended up just sleeping there.”

“Jesus,” Chase breathed with a small laugh. “I’ve never been that drunk in my life and don’t wanna be.”

“I have,” Nate said, pressing his lips together to hide a smile. “In juniors and at World’s.”

“Wow, in juniors? Nathan MacKinnon, under age drinker?” Chase smirked.

Nate rolled his eyes. “You’re gonna sit here and tell me you weren’t an under age drinker too?”

“Genuinely, I wasn’t. I had my first drink on my twenty-first birthday. I know, how painfully boring of me.” Chase had heard it all, every comment under the sun about her dislike of drinking.

“That’s not boring,” Nate said immediately. “If you don’t like it, it’s not boring.”

“I don’t like the taste, unfortunately. Plus my tolerance is sky high, so I’ve only really been drunk twice in my life.”

“Really? What are you drinking now?”

Chase took a sip of her drink, almost to show Nate she wasn’t boring. “Don’t laugh, but it’s lemon vodka with lemonade packets. It’s surprisingly good.”

Nate cracked a smile. “That sounds ridiculous.”

“It is,” Chase conceded, “but I do wanna get drunk, so this is how I have to do it. Straight vodka.”

“Hold on.” Nate got up and retreated to the kitchen. While he looked through the bottles of liquor, Chase people-watched.

Cale Makar was drunkenly singing to the ABBA song playing over EJ’s sound system with his girlfriend, André Burakovsky had apparently decided to only speak in Swedish for the rest of the evening, and JT Compher stood with his chest against his girlfriend’s back while having a conversation with Darren Helm, tugging his girlfriend far too close to him.

“Goddamn,” Nate said as he returned clutching a partial bottle of vodka with a bar-style top that allowed for better pouring. “Cale is wasted.”

“Good for him, he deserves it.”

“He does.” Nate offered Chase the bottle. “I snagged this. EJ’s got a whole distillery over there, so he won’t miss it.”

“Oh shit, thank you,” Chase said. “What about you?”

“This isn’t just for you,” Nate grinned, then threw his head back and poured vodka straight into his mouth.

Chase tried not to drool as she watched him. She was starting to feel a bit fuzzy, and she could feel her reservations about Nate slipping away by the sip. There was no denying he was incredibly attractive, a fact she was painfully aware of every moment she spent close to him.

“Now my turn,” Chase said. She surprised herself, but she tilted her head back and opened her mouth.

Nate’s grin widened as he began to pour vodka in her mouth. She always thought vodka tasted like hand sanitizer, and the burning taste engulfed her mouth and throat. She tugged away, mouth full, and Nate accidentally got a bit of vodka on her chin. She swallowed and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, watching Nate’s eyes glaze over as she did. Fuck, was he into that like she was?

Chase shoved the thoughts out of her mind and chugged the rest of her lemonade combo. The liquid burned all the way down to her stomach, but the heat continued down her body and between her thighs as she watched Nathan tip his head back and pour more vodka into his mouth.

The song over the speaker changed. Cale clearly didn’t know it, but he looked over at Nate and Chase and waved enthusiastically. He came over to join them, creating a triangle with a third stool.

“You don’t know this one too?” Chase chirped.

“I’m too drunk,” Cale shrugged, holding his hand out to Nate and motioning for him to hand over the vodka bottle. Nate did, and Cale barely leaned his head back, just moving the bottle, not unlike the way he drank water on the bench during games. He paused, swallowed with a scrunched nose, then poured more vodka in his mouth. Swallowing again, he shook his head and handed the bottle back to Nate.

Chase took it and drank from it again. She could feel the alcohol she’d already drank slowly lowering her inhibitions, slowly loosening her mind, and she knew she had to continue to drink if she wanted it to stay that way.

“I’m impressed you’re here, Bauer,” Cale said as Chase drank.

Chase wiped her mouth again and handed the bottle back to Nate. “Thanks, me too. I’ve always been afraid to come to one of these things.”

Cale’s rosy face frowned in concern, his eyes trying to focus on her. “Afraid?” he asked sadly. Nate looked at Chase too, but the concern looked different on Nate’s face. Almost more protective? She couldn’t tell, and with how fuzzy her whole body was starting to feel, she was even more confused.

“Well yeah,” Chase started, feeling her mouth run without a filter of any kind, just words spewing and spewing. “There’s a lot of men here and some of you I don’t trust to not do weird things to me while I’m drunk and I don’t trust myself to not do weird things and fuck, I’m drunk.”

“Weird things?” Nate asked.

“Weird things like Mikko and Susanna do. Like right now, Nathan, I want to kiss you so so bad, but I know I can’t, because you hate me but I’d still kiss you.”

Fuck. What the fuck just came out of her mouth? She couldn’t stop it.

“But that would also be weird because I don’t just want to kiss you I wanna do so much more than kiss you but I’ve never had sex before so I’d be bad at it.” Chase sighed and gazed at Nate, who looked incredulous. His blue eyes were wide as he drank from the vodka bottle, finishing off what little was left in it.

“I’m definitely too drunk for this,” Cale said, shaking his head. He got up and returned to his girlfriend.

“Shit, Nate, I didn’t mean—fuck,” Chase said. Her body was floating and swimming and felt like static on an old television.

“I don’t hate you,” Nate said softly. “Why do you think that?”

“Well, you never talk to me, you flinch away from me if I have to treat you during a game, you don’t want me to tape you up before practice, you don’t want me to put the dumb pressure leg things on you, you always glare at me when I smile at you, you don’t smile back at me.” Chase paused to take a deep breath. “So you hate me.”

“Bauer, I—,” Nate cut himself off with a chuckle. “Oh god, I did not imagine tonight being like this.”

“What do you mean? You didn’t imagine having to hang out with me because you hate me and I suck and I’m annoying?” Chase pouted.

“No, listen, I—,” Nate shook his head, “I don’t hate you, Chase, it’s the exact opposite, in fact.”

“You called me ‘Chase,’” she said, blinking in surprise.

“I mean, that’s your name.”

“Wait.” Chase held a hand up, having processed what Nate said. “It’s the opposite? The opposite of hate is love and you definitely don’t love me.”

Nate shook his head again. “Never mind, Bauer. I’m going to get a drink.” Nate got up and stalked off to the kitchen, leaving Chase alone.

The opposite of hating her? Nathan MacKinnon couldn’t possibly like her like that. He was much too, well, him. He liked teeny, blonde supermodel types, not loud former hockey players whose job it was to keep him healthy. No, not Nathan MacKinnon, who kept his specific regimens of health, kept his body in top tier condition, who demanded excellence from everyone, including her and her team.

Gabe appeared in front of her, clutching a new bottle of beer and a tall glass of clear liquid. “Can I join you?” He asked. Chase nodded, so he sat down where Nate had just been and handed her the glass. “Nate asked me to bring you water.”

“Because I’m drunk and told him I wanted to have sex with him but that he hates me?” Chase clarified.

“He didn’t give me specifics, but I’m sure that has something to do with it,” Gabe laughed.

“Now he definitely hates me,” Chase mumbled. She sipped some water, but she didn’t feel any less fuzzy. In fact, she could feel the rest of the vodka starting to hit her and the idea of going over to Nate, who now stood chatting with Nazem Kadri, and kissing him was becoming more and more appealing.

“He acts like that to all of us. That’s just Nate. Whatever he told you is the truth,” Gabe explained.

Chase hummed. “Well, he didn’t say he wanted to kiss me and have sex with me too,” she said, her words beginning to slur together the tiniest bit, her brain working hard to put letters together. “He was stuck on the hating me part.”

“I can guarantee he doesn’t hate you.”

“You can’t read his mind!”

“Neither can you. Look, Bauer, I’m guessing he said he had feelings for you, right? I can guarantee you he does. The amount of things I’ve heard him say about you matches what you’re saying.”

Chase looked at Gabe with wide eyes. “Nate wants to have sex with me too? Even though I’ll be bad at it because I’ve never had sex? He wants to—.”

“Bauer, go talk to him.” Gabe used his captain voice on her.

“I’m even drunker than I was before,” she commented. “Even with the water. And we can’t have sex when I’m this drunk. I’ll be even worse at it. What if I puke on his dick when I try to blow him? God, maybe then he’d hate me.”

“Okay, Bauer? Go talk to him.” Gabe got up and walked away before Chase could say anything else.

Chase took a deep breath and stood up. Her legs felt like jelly and she could’ve sworn she was leaning to one side. She giggled at herself, at the fuzziness coursing through her veins, at the thoughts coming to the forefront of her mind. She made her way over to Nate, shoved herself in between him and Naz, grabbed his arms and looked up at him.

“Hi,” she said, realizing how close her face was to his face.

Naz excused himself, and Nate looked down at her over his crooked nose. God, Chase wanted that nose in between her legs.

“Hi,” she said again.

“Hi,” he replied shortly. His tongue darted out to wet his lips.

“I’m still drunk and I’m sorry I thought you hated me and that I said I wanted to have sex with you because I know we can’t have sex I’m drunk and you’re famous and we work together and you’re good at sex and I’m very bad at sex.” Chase squinted to try and focus on Nate’s face but it was very difficult. When did he have two faces?

“I actually do want to have sex with you,” Nate said straightforwardly. “I think you’re smart and cool and hot and yeah, I like you. But I don’t think this is exactly the right time to do this.”

“That’s why you didn’t want me to treat you? Cause you liked me?” Chase put together.

“Yeah,” Nate laughed. “I tried to keep you away so I could focus, but having you around the past two seasons has not been a distraction at all, it’s helped me focus.”

“Oh,” Chase said, standing there. “Oh.”

“So we’ll have this conversation again when you’re sober,” Nate said. “I think I’m gonna leave anyway, actually.”

“Wait,” Chase frowned. “Don’t leave yet. We haven’t even gotten to dance. I don’t want you to leave. I’m drinking water now and it won’t take me too long to sober up. Please don’t leave.”

Nate sighed. “Okay, let’s go dance.”

Chase grinned, took his hand, and led him over to where Cale and his girlfriend had resumed their dancing and loud singing of random songs that came up. A rap song came on, definitely one Nate had introduced EJ to, because it was on their warm up playlist.

Chase turned around, facing Nate, pressing her chest into his. Nate’s eyes glazed over again as he put his hands on her hips, dangerously close to her ass. Chase wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged his forehead down to touch hers, demanding his blue eyes meet hers. She ground her body into his, and relished in the small buck of his hips he responded with.

Nate let his hands slide down her body to grip her ass. His breathing was slowly quickening, his touch slowly tightening, as the song changed to another rap song and they continued their dance.

Chase gasped when Nate pushed her away slightly and nudged his thigh between her legs for her to grind on. She immediately did, dragging the seam of her denim shorts along the length of his thigh. Feeling herself clench around nothing, she clutched harder to the back of his neck.

“You like that?” he asked, eyes still drilled on her, a smirk dancing across his lips.

“I’m drunk and you’re hot and I like everything you do,” Chase replied softly. “Please don’t leave yet.”

“When we’re dancing like this? Not a chance.”

She had no idea how long they danced, but by the time they stopped, she was sweaty and desperately craving more water. She and Nate separated and she hurried to the kitchen to chug water. Chase felt herself sobering up, the fuzziness beginning to fade, and with it, the confidence that had been flowing through her quickly dissipating.

Nate came to join Chase in the kitchen to get water, too. He filled up a cup and drank long sips. Chase stared at his Adam’s apple as he swallowed. He put his cup down after he finished, his lips glistening from the water, and Chase made a split decision.

Chase stalked over to him and kissed him.

Her hands found his cheeks, tracing his playoff beard with her fingertips. His hands rested on her ass again, tugging her closer as she pinned him against the counter behind him. His lips were soft and wet and warm and tasted like beer. His tongue gently made its way into her mouth, softly dancing around hers.

Chase pulled back and looked up at his red, puffy lips. “Fuck,” she said.

“Mmhmm,” Nate replied, then pulled her in for more. Nate kissed her like she was his tether to the ground, like he was floating and the only thing that could keep him down was her lips. His fingertips dug into her ass, and she was sure she’d have bruises tomorrow, but she didn’t care. She traced his bottom lip with her tongue, then pulled away again, just enough to speak to him.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Chase whispered.

“You’re still drunk,” Nate whispered back.

“I’m sobering up.”

“The guys will have something to say. They’ll never let us live it down.”

“So? I don’t care what they think. They won’t even notice.”

“Chase…”

“We don’t need their permission. We’re both adults.”

“You’re still drunk.”

“And I’m still sobering up. Nathan, I’m good. I’m probably like, the equivalent of two shots drunk now.”

Nate bit his lip and looked over her head at his friends. Chase turned around too, and she was right. No one was paying attention to them. Everyone was in their own worlds. It was the perfect time to sneak away.

“Fuck it,” Nate muttered. “C’mon.”

Chase giggled as Nate clung to her hand and dragged her away, upstairs to one of EJ’s spare bedrooms. There were solo cups strewn everywhere, and Chase didn’t care to know whose they were. She fell onto the bed with more giggles as Nate turned on the T.V. hanging on the wall in front of the bed.

“Why the T.V.?” Chase asked.

“Well, not to brag, but I’m about to blow your mind, and I don’t want to get chirped for how loud I make you moan,” Nate said, his eyes darkening with lust.

Chase shivered, but said, “Well, the only competition you have is my vibrator, but I’ve learned to be pretty quiet.”

“Oh really?” Nate raised his eyebrows, then flopped on the bed next to her. He rolled on top of her, positioning himself in between her legs and said, “I take that as a challenge.”

Nate leaned down and kissed Chase sweetly, with none of the previous fervor from downstairs. He kissed his way down her clothed body, bunched her shirt up around her stomach, and kissed the soft skin as he unbuttoned her shorts and dragged them down her legs. She wore her only pair of sexy panties made of a comfy lace, and Nate dragged his thumb across the band.

“Nice,” he complimented. “Who’d you wear these for?”

Chase smirked. “Mikko.”

“That’s a lie and we both know it.” Nate kissed her covered core and she jumped, making Nate chuckle.

“Nathan,” Chase said softly. “I’m nervous.”

Nate laid his head on her thigh, gazing up at her. “We can stop any time, you just say so.”

Chase took a deep breath. “Just, uh, go slow?”

“Hang on.” Nate hopped up and left the room, returning a few moments later. He tossed an unopened box of condoms and a brand new bottle of lube on the bed next to Chase, then shut the door behind him.

“Where did you get this?” Chase sat up and grabbed the lube, examining it.

Nate shrugged, “I know where EJ keeps his shit. I’ll buy him more.”

Chase’s heart pounded as Nate repositioned himself between her legs. He wrapped his strong arms around her thighs, pulled her to the edge of the bed, then kissed her again through her panties, making Chase shiver.

“You ready?” Nate asked. He kissed her again and looked up at her through his eyelashes.

Chase took a deep breath and nodded, then Nate tugged her panties down in a swift motion, threw them on the ground behind him, and gently dragged his hands along her thighs. Chase watched him with bated breath, thinking he was going far too slow but also could go never fast enough. He ghosted kisses along her thighs, teasing her even more, and she pouted.

“That’s some mind-blowing head you’re giving me,” she said, rather annoyed.

Nate looked up at her, grinned, and rolled his eyes. He stuck his tongue out and traced it on the lips of her pussy, and she nearly leapt out of her skin. Nate chuckled, then let his tongue dip into her folds.

“Holy fuck,” Chase yelped.

Nate swirled his tongue around near her entrance for a bit, clearly avoiding her clit, but Chase didn’t care. The simple gesture sent heat waves and ice through her entire body. Finally, Nate softly wrapped his lips around her clit.

“Jesus fucking Christ!” Chase yelped again. Nate’s tongue massaging her clit felt incredible, in a way she’d always imagined but could never have imagined, in a way she had started to believe she’d never feel. He looked up at her through his eyelashes and gently sucked on her clit. Chase’s legs began to shake and she could already feel how fast her orgasm was racing toward her.

“Use…use your fingers,” Chase gasped breathlessly.

Nathan unlatched his mouth from Chase, then shoved his middle finger into his mouth. He slowly teased her with it, gathering up more of her wetness, and slid his thick finger inside her, lips returning to her clit. He curled his finger to massage her walls, keeping pace with his tongue.

“Oh fuck,” Chase moaned, “oh fuck, I’m gonna come, oh fuck, fuck, Nate, fuck!”

Chase went sailing over the edge as her orgasm raked through her. Despite her legs shaking and her back arching, Nate kept his mouth on her as she fell apart for him. The constant stream of “fuck” that came from Chase’s mouth was so loud that she was grateful Nate turned on the T.V..

She finally came down, panting, and Nate slid his finger out of her and released his mouth from her. She grabbed his shirt and dragged him up to kiss him hotly, tongue immediately invading his mouth, tasting herself. Jesus Christ, he did what he said he would, and she was impressed.

“Where the fuck did you learn that?” she breathed.

Nate chuckled. “You did say earlier I was good at sex, if I remember correctly.”

“Jesus.” She was still trying to catch her breath when she realized Nate was still fully clothed, so she said, “You’re wearing clothes still. Let’s change that.”

Grinning, Nate stood up and pulled his shirt over his head. He unbuttoned his jeans and shoved them down his legs, along with his underwear, so he stood before her in all his glory. He was already semi-hard, and he clambered back onto the bed overtop of her.

“Do you want me to like, do anything for you?” Chase asked.

Nate quickly slid his arms under her and pushed her up on the bed, closer to the headboard. “Nope,” he said as he moved her. “I’m good. Are you good?”

Chase nodded nervously. “Y-yeah, I think so.”

Nate reached over for a condom and the bottle of lube. He stroked himself several times before he opened the condom wrapper, then slid the condom on. He grabbed the bottle of lube.

“Okay,” he said, opening the bottle. “If it hurts, tell me. If we use enough lube, we should be fine.”

“Yeah,” Chase agreed. “I’ll tell you.”

Licking his lips, Nate squirted lube on his dick, which he then spread around with his other hand. He squirted some onto Chase’s pussy, and she jumped.

“That’s cold, what the fuck?” Chase yelped.

Nate chuckled. “It’s not that cold.”

“Maybe through latex it’s not.”

“Alright, alright,” Nate conceded. “Do you want more lube or is that good for now?”

Chase brought her fingers to her pussy, spreading the lube around and inside her. “I think that’s good for now, but I’ll stop you if I need more.”

Nate leaned down and kissed her lips sweetly. “Please do. Are you ready?”

Chase nodded, biting her lip nervously. “Go slow, please.”

“I will.”

Nate straightened up, then guided himself into Chase. Her mouth fell open as he stretched her, slowly inching deeper and deeper. She flailed her hand until it found his so she could tangle their fingers together. His pelvis bumped hers, and she knew he was all the way in.

“Oh fuck,” Chase muttered. “Just stay there for a second.”

Nate did as she said, patiently waiting, looking amused as Chase tried not to squirm. Having him inside her felt so intimate, so delicate, and she never wanted him to stop.

“Okay,” she said after a moment, “move.”

Nate readjusted his position on the bed so he was laying overtop of Chase. He rested on one elbow, keeping his hand intwined with hers, then rolled his hips back so he slid out of her, then rolled them forward to thrust into her.

“Oh my god,” Chase moaned.

Nate established a slow, steady pace, thrusting in and out of her so she could feel every inch and ridge of him. She felt pressure, but not pain, and it was delicious, especially as Nate’s breathing became heavier and heavier on her neck and lips.

“Does it feel good?” he breathed, nipping at her earlobe.

“Fuck yes, it does,” she moaned back.

“Good,” Nate replied, straining a little. “Me too, it, oh, fuck, you feel so good.”

He kept the same pace and before long, they were both panting and sweating.

“Nate,” Chase gasped, “more, I need more.”

Nate obliged, attaching his lips to her collarbone and sucking hard as he increased the speed of his thrusts slightly and thrust harder into her. He released her hand and began to rub her clit. Chase’s free hand dug into his bicep, leaving tiny crescents on his skin.

Suddenly, Nate sat up, grabbed Chase’s legs, and pushed them out wider, stretching her hips, but also allowing himself to hit a different angle inside her. Chase’s mouth fell open and she couldn’t even moan; the pressure of Nate inside her felt so good it overwhelmed her senses and she couldn’t think clearly.

“Oh, fuck, Chase,” Nate grunted. “Oh fuck, I’m getting close.”

“I’m not sure if I’ll come,” admitted Chase, “but I don’t care.”

“I care. I’ll take care of you, okay?” Nate’s blue eyes were warm and lustful and genuine.

All Chase could do was nod in response. Her head lolled over as she scraped her nails from his bicep to his back, digging so hard she nearly made him bleed, and dragged her nails down his back as he fucked her. She swore she could feel him in her stomach, but then it began to hurt.

“Nate,” she breathed. “Nate, stop.”

Nate froze and brought his hands up to cup Chase’s face. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I think we need more lube. It’s starting to hurt a little. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Nate said, kissing her forehead. Chase watched, eyes hazy. He reached over to grab the bottle of lube again, squeezing some onto his fingers, which he then slid inside Chase. He spread the lube around and pulled his fingers back out of her. He squeezed more lube on his dick, stroked it to spread it across himself, then closed the bottle.

“I’m ready when you are,” Chase said and reached out to hold his forearm.

“Okay,” Nate replied. He spread her legs again, then gripped himself and guided his dick inside her. Chase’s back arched as he slid into her. She relished in the feeling of him, pressing her lips together. Nate leaned back over her and began to re-establish the rhythm he’d had.

“I’m sorry,” Chase breathed again. “I know you were close.”

“Shut up, Chase,” Nate breathed back, hungrily kissing her as he snapped his hips against hers. “I’m basically back where I was, oh, fuck.”

Chase placed her hand on the back of Nate’s neck. “You gonna come for me, Nathan?” she teased.

“Shit,” Nate said through clenched teeth. “Shit, I’m gonna come for you.”

Chase pulled Nate’s face close to hers and whispered, “Come for me.”

“Oh,” Nate moaned loudly, spilling into the condom, “oh, fuck, oh my god, fuck!”

Nate’s hips stuttered to a stop and he closed his eyes, panting. He kissed her sweetly as he pulled out of her, making her whimper from the loss of heat and contact. Without a word, he kissed his way back down her body to settle between her legs again. He licked Chase’s clit and she jumped.

“Shit,” Chase squeaked.

Nate slid his tongue down through her folds to her entrance, then pushed it into her. Chase moaned, hands grabbing at him until he offered her one of his hands. He moved his other hand to her clit, softly circling it, and within moments, he had her coming on his tongue, his name spilling out of her mouth.

“Oh fuck, Nate,” Chase breathed. Her body was exhausted and spent, and she didn’t know if she could move.

“Are you good?” Nate asked, laying next to her and pushing her sweaty hair out of her face. “Can I get you anything?”

“Fuck, maybe a Gatorade?” Chase laughed.

Nate chuckled, “I bet I can do that. Let’s get cleaned up first, though. You know you should pee like, soon, right?”

Nodding, Chase said, “Yeah, but I don’t know if I have the energy to walk right now.”

“Need help?”

“I think so.” Chase was embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

“Quit apologizing,” Nate said sharply. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Nate helped Chase sit up, then helped her to the bathroom. He pulled the condom off carefully and threw it in the trash, then took turns using the toilet and washing up. Nate went back into the bedroom and picked up Chase’s panties and his shirt.

“Here,” Nate said, handing it to her. “You can sleep in my shirt.”

Chase’s eyebrows furrowed. “Sleep? Here?”

“I’d, uh, I’d like to wake up with you, but I think we’re both too tired to go home.” Nate smiled softly.

“Oh.” Chase looked up at Nate. He was dead serious. God, he really did like her, huh?

“I mean, I can take you home if you want,” Nate added quickly.

“No no no. Let’s stay.” Chase stood on her tiptoes and kissed his nose. “But I definitely need that Gatorade.

Nate laughed, “I gotcha. Lemme get dressed.”

The two of them padded back into the bedroom, Chase pulling on her panties and Nate’s shirt, Nate pulling on only his boxers. Chase settled into the bed under the covers, grabbed her phone, and caught up on her notifications while Nate retreated downstairs for Gatorade.

Nate returned with his arms full of Gatorade, snacks, and phone chargers. “I thought you might be hungry,” he explained as he dumped the contents onto the bed, “and I know my phone is dead, so I stole a couple chargers too.”

“Thank you, Nate,” Chase giggled. “You’re very thoughtful.”

“Don’t tell anyone else that,” Nate joked as he climbed in bed with her. He grabbed one of the Gatorades, cracked it open, and drained it. He grabbed another and handed it to Chase, who opened it and took a few gulps.

Exhaustion hit Chase. “Oh shit,” she mumbled. “I’m fucking tired.”

“Me too,” Nate yawned.

“Can I, uh, can we cuddle?” Chase asked.

Nate smiled at her. “I was hoping we would.”

Chase grinned, put her Gatorade down, and scooted into Nate’s body, laying her head on his chest. His soft heartbeat was like a lullaby, and she knew she would be asleep soon.

“Nate?” she said sleepily.

“Yeah?”

“Please don’t let this be a one night thing.”

Chase felt Nate kiss her head. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Can I take you to breakfast in the morning?”

“Bold of you to assume I’ll be awake for breakfast.”

Nate chuckled. “Brunch? Lunch? Whatever meal we want when we get up?”

“That sounds perfect,” Chase giggled. “Goodnight, Nathan.”

“Goodnight.”

#nathan mackinnon #nathan mackinnon imagine #nathan mackinnon one shot #nathan mackinnon smut #nhl smut #nhl #colorado avalanche #nhl writing #hockey writing #hockey smut #colorado avalanche writing #colorado avalanche smut #avs

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ladylooch · 9 months

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The Best Part of It - Kevin Fiala

(The way he is struggling for his life in that GIF and I'm like.. it's okay. I'll breathe for you.)

A/N: So, I had this idea all along and kept saying no to it because it’s in an AU that technically does not exist on this blog, but does in my head. Only I would create an AU for my AU. 👑 anon, your original request came from the angst of the Al and Gabe (and Kup) trade. So I think this is fitting, to imagine what it would have been like for Sam and Kev last summer, if this author didn’t live in a happily ever after/denial mindset 🤣 I literally have been anguishing over this for MONTHS, but I am in love with the smut in this chapter… and I hope you enjoy! Thank you sweet 👑 anon for your patience!!

Read more about Sam and Kev here ( in their MN reality)

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: SMUT 18+ content, angst.

Darkness encloses me when my eyes open suddenly. I am groggy as I try to close my eyes again and go back to sleep. But my mind instantly begins to wander, wondering why I awoke in the first place. I don’t remember dreaming. I’m fairly certain the night is calm outside the bedroom window. I roll onto my left side, seeing the empty side of the bed.

Oh, that’s why.

Kevin is missing… for the third night in a row.

This off-season is turning out to be more tumultuous than I imagine. First, I hated the in-between. We knew nothing would happen with Kevin’s impending trade until after the Stanley Cup finals. But, it felt like the second Gabriel Landeskog hoisted the cup, turmoil began for us. We had been in Switzerland visiting his family, trying to relax when Kevin’s phone began blowing up.

“Get ready.” His agent had texted. Kevin sighed, grabbing my hand and brining it to his mouth. Hips lips pressed insistently to the large diamond that he is about to add a wedding band to in a few short weeks.

Kevin asked me how involved I wanted to be in conversations. I said not at all. My dream of us staying in Minnesota is ending and I have many feels about that. I want Kevin to focus on the fit for him. We know he will be able to secure an expensive, long term contract and he should focus on that. We both agreed no Canadian teams to make sure we stay in the U.S. Other than that, Kevin was given full freedom from me to pick our next team. I haven’t seen him much in the last few days as he has been tucked away in his father’s office on phone calls all afternoon and evening.

Last night, after dinner, Kevin had pulled me aside to speak away from his family.

“I’m closing in between two teams.” He told me, stroking my hair back from my face.

“Okay.” I smiled assuringly at him. It doesn’t reach my eyes. I can’t get it there yet.

“One is L.A., the other is Seattle.” I nod my head, surprised to hear of the latter. “What do you think?”

“Either one would be fine.” He nods then wraps me into a hug. “We are almost there, baby.” I know he is trying to reassure me, but instead I feel another crack ricochet through my heart.

I sigh now, remembering the turmoil he tried to hide from me this evening too. He had a specific window to talk to LA that closed last night before he could make a decision. Things have been difficult to navigate with the large time zone gap from where we are and Los Angeles. I think this is also giving Kevin pause. But Seattle is no different. This distance from family is seemingly his reality no matter where he is. And soon I will understand what it’s like to ache for home like he does.

I stretch my arms and legs out, then haul myself to a sitting position. Knowing Kevin is out of bed, likely stressed, means any hope of me going back to bed is gone. I want to get my hands and eyes on him. I walk over to the window that looks out in the backyard, not surprised at all to see him sitting by the edge of the pool. The lights are on and illuminate his form in the otherwise dark night.

Kevin is dragging his feet across the surface of the water when I step outside. Waves and rings radiate out from under his feet. My steps are soft, silent in their approach until Kevin sees me out of his peripheral vision. He glances up, not even smiling in greeting. He looks back at the pool.

I sit down, letting my feet gently glide into the water next to his. His hands are stuffed into the pocket of his Wild sweatshirt. I push my left hand inside it to fold into his right one. Then, I press my lips to his bicep.

"This decision might get clearer if you got some sleep.” I mumble.

"I don't think so. I close my eyes and my mind won't stop racing with these options.”

“Maybe you just need more time.”

“I don’t have more time. I need to give Craig an answer by the end of the day in California.” Craig is his agent and has been the driving force behind the intense negotiations the last few days.

“You’re going to make the right decision.” I card my fingers through the side of his head, gripping his neck before releasing him.

“Why is this so hard, babe? I’m being offered millions of dollars to live my dream and I can’t decide where to go.” He shakes his head in frustration. “Seven years of our lives and I have to make that decision in hours.”

“Because it is hard, Kev.” I trace a heart on his thigh closest to me. “And we pictured something else.”

“Babies and a house in Woodbury and your parents ten minutes down the road to help with the kids.” He mumbles spitefully.

"It's still me and you though… right? Forever. No matter where you play.” He nods. "And I know part of this struggle is because you're sad." He looks down at the pool water. "I hope you'll still let yourself be sad after today too.”

"I wanted it. Not just for me but for us.”

"I know and it's been taken from you."

"I'm really worried about you. I'm scared you won't want this anymore." He whispers, mouth falling into a deeper frown. "Or me.”

"All I need is you. We are good." Kevin slowly shakes his head. "I'm serious. Your dream is about to come true again. We are great, baby.”

"Then why do you feel so far away from me right now?” He kicks at the water and we both watch the droplets fall back into the pool across from us. All I can do is shrug in response and squeeze his hand tighter in mine.

"Have you decided and you just don't want to tell me?" He doesn't respond. My heart cracks a bit. Tears blur my vision. I hate this. I wish we weren't here. I wish this wasn't happening. I wish it had happened the exact way I imagined it would and not like this. I lay my head on his shoulder. He unlaces our hands to wrap that arm around me. He squeezes me tight to him.

"It's LA." I nod. Two tears race down my cheeks. My chin wobbles with the reality of our time in Minnesota being over. This is it. Our worst case scenario of leaving is reality. My body becomes heavy. Breathing feels laborious.

"Okay. LA... Go Kings Go?" I question, pushing through my sadness to be his supportive partner. He chuckles.

"I think so." His lips brush against my hair.

"Congratulations, babe. I'm so proud of you." I pull away to hold his cheeks. "You deserved this. You've worked so hard. It’s Minnesota’s loss.” He slowly cups my cheeks back, long strokes of his thumbs to gather my tear tracks.

“I think it’s ours too, Sam. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.”

“I am though. But also really thankful for my time there. I’m leaving Minnesota, but taking the best part of it with me to California. I’m so happy I get to share this with you." I smile softly back, leaning forward to kiss him. It's an aching kiss but the uneasiness between us disappears with it.

"You think we could go to bed now? Maybe get some sleep.”

"We can go to bed... but I don't have sleep in mind." He leans forward, tiling his head to sink his teeth jokingly into my throat. "Wanna mark this neck as mine." I hold the back of his head while he nips his way up to my ear. He sucks the lobe into his mouth. My eyes close in response. “Wanna watch as you bite your lips to keep quiet.” I lean my head into his as he pulls my shirt to the side. He sucks the skin of my shoulder into his mouth, abusing it with his teeth. He isn’t satisfied until he leaves a wet, purpling shape. Then he lets the cotton snap back into place. “Until you can’t hold back anymore and your sweet moan fills my mouth.”

“Kev.” I moan as if on command.

“Mmmm, yeah. Just like that.”

His hands wind under my thighs. He lifts me into his arms. Our wet feet and legs drip along the concrete to the patio door. I reach behind my back and push the door open. Then, I place my chin on his shoulder, softly bumping against it with each of his steps. We quietly go into our room where I shut the door with a soft click.

Kevin brings me to the bed, carefully laying me down. He stays standing, trailing his fingers along my body. He grabs the edge of my sweatshirt, pushing it up to expose my skin. Goosebumps protrude as his lips coat along the waistband of my shorts. I reach for his head, putting my fingers through the brown strands. As he moves up my body, my hand falls to his shoulder then down his abdomen. His cock twitches when I graze it over his shorts.

I push him back so I can fall to my knees at the end of the bed. He watches with glazed eyes at I pull him from his shorts. He jolts out in front of my lips. I play with the plump head, smearing my lips with him and collecting salty, pre-cum. Kevin slowly gathers my hair into a pony tail, keeping his hold loose. I drag my gaze up his thick abdomen, making eye contact with him as I work him into my mouth. He groans, dragging his bottom lip between his teeth.

“Fuck.” Desire curls in my core at his breathy curse.

I suck him back farther, rolling my tongue along the underside of his cock. I push my hand up to meet my lips. More saltiness dribbles out of his slit. His fingers bunch my sweatshirt up over my breasts. He rubs my nipples between all ten of his fingers, working them over like he is obsessed with their texture. I choke on him but moan, vibrating him against the back of my throat. He presses his hips forward more, eyes finally closing shut in pleasure like he can barely take it. His head stays tilted back toward the ceiling as I increase my strokes.

“Feels so fucking good.” It’s a strangled whisper. He pinches my nipples hard as his cock presses all the way back and partially down my throat. “Uh.” He widens his stances pulling back then fucking down my throat. He tilts his head back down to me with a quick inhale. I throb around the emptiness, whining as I take my time removing him from my mouth. I sit back on my knees as he drags his thumb along my bottom lip, musing it, pressing into the center until it turns white then explodes with red as the blood rushes back. “Get back in the bed, baby.” My pussy pulses in anticipation.

I work myself up to the edge, settling on my back to watch his slow, strip tease of me and him. By the time we are both naked, I need him more than I need to breathe.

“Quiet.” He reminds me as he strokes a finger through my folds.

He plays with me, rolling his finger trips and exploring my wet heat like he wants to memorize every part of it. It makes me ache. He brings his other hand up, thrusting two fingers in, then curling up. His thumb does soft strokes on my clit. I widen my legs with each pass, beginning to rock desperately into the fingers that hit my spot. My wetness fills the room. Kevin chews his bottom lip before he leans down, sucking my clit deep into his mouth. His cheeks cave in, tongue coming up to lap at the swollen bud.

“Oh.” I moan profoundly.

I bring my hand up, sucking the flesh of my palm inside to keep my noises from exploding into the room. My eyes squeeze shut in pleasure as my orgasm builds beneath Kevin’s mouth. When he takes another long, generous pass over my clit with his tongue, I come. His mouth becomes a vacuum and he sucks me hard through the waves. I clamp my thighs around his head to shudder until he is forcefully opening them to escape.

He grips his shaft, teasing my over stimulated clit with his head. He strokes down, finding my soaked entrance. He presses into me fully, then dragging out slowly. He breathes and grunts at the same time.

“Baby..” Ecstasy has his pupils blown wide when they meet mine. He sees the same visual from me. “I love you.” How he can speak is beyond me. It feels so good I can’t function. Words fail. Noises are stuck. My eyes can barely focus on him and yet also can’t see anything else.

“I love you.” I choke out in desperation. “Oh.” It’s loud, Kevin grins, then leans forward to cover my mouth as he increases his thrusts. His balls begin to slap my pussy. He changes the angle to quiet the smacking noise, driving deep and perfectly. My moans push at his hand, making it vibrate against my face. I reach wildly for his other hand, weaving our fingers together and gripping them hard.

“Yeah. That feel good, baby? You like when I fuck you like this?” I nod wildly. “Love fucking you so good you can’t stay quiet.” Heat builds along my skin with my hot breath. My pussy clenches him as my orgasm rises from deep in my core. I turn my face away from his hand, he brings it to my neck, holding there as I bite down on the comforter. The pleasure builds and builds. It’s so incredible. Amazing. Pure primal satisfaction that grips me hard then violently shoves me into explosive, white hot heat. The force got my orgasm squeezes Kevin so hard his knees buckle.

“Oh fuck!” Kevin shouts. He launches forward, sinking his mouth into my shoulder to catch his groans as he comes. His cock sputters with each jerky pump of his hips into me. I close my eyes, wrapping my legs and arms around him to keep him close. One of his hands goes to my hair, tangling in the strands, while the other, grips my arm around his neck. Our skin sticks together greedily.

“Fuck you so good you can’t stay quiet.” I whisper his words into his ear.

He chuckles, pulling up so he can kiss my lips. His thumb strokes my cheek as our tongues meld together. We taste like each other’s sex. It’s addictive. I never want it to end or for him to slide out of me.

Eventually he must.

He grabs a towel to clean me up because I’m too tired and incapacitated to go do it myself. After that, he drags me into his body, tracing circles along my spine until his hand falls still and his breathing air raises his chest. Our naked skin is still warm from before. He sleeps easily for the first time in days. I can’t help but ghost my fingers along his nose and cheeks. He doesn’t even stir. He looks achingly perfect right now in my arms.

“I love you so much.” I coo to his sleeping face. He twitches slightly. His arms instinctively pull me closer in his sleep, then he settles completely. I smile, resting my head against his bicep to leave him be.

I let myself think about L.A. again, wondering if we will still be these people at this time next year. Will we still love each other as much as we do right now? Or will this change tear us to shreds? A contentment in the depth of my gut tells me we will be okay.

I have no idea that at this time next year, we will be preparing to become a family of three, ready for the next, life-changing moment together.

#Letters in Your Last Name AU #hockey writing #my writing #NHL Fan fiction #writing request

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yourfavewriteress · 4 years

Text

the turn in our relationship | gabriel landeskog

Teaser: “This is really not just platonic for me anymore, and I’d rather tell you so that you know.”

Warnings: definitely a longer one; mentions of cancer

October 2019

“I thought you said she was going to be here,” I groaned.

“I thought she was going to be here, too!” Tyson exclaimed. “She canceled last minute and I thought you liked to hang out with me and not just her, Y/N.”

“Obviously,” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “It’s fine, I’ll just call her later.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked, looking down at me outside of his front door where his party was currently going on. The same party that I was supposed to spend with Kacey, Tyson’s sister, until she decided to ditch and not tell me.

I had met Kacey a while ago through school and we immediately became best friends. And, because of her close relationship with Tyson, the three of us were always together. But, tonight, I wanted to see Kacey because I was 100% sure she was the only person that would know what to do in the situation I was currently in.

“I’m fine, Tyson. I just need a drink.”

“Okay,” He sighed. “Can you have fun tonight? You need it.”

“How sweet of you,” I glared at him. “Yes, as soon as I drink something.”

We went inside, and when Tyson went to rejoin his teammates, I beelined straight for the kitchen where the drinks were. As I was looking through the selection, one of Tyson’s teammates appeared. I recognized him as Gabe, the captain of the team.

I have had very little contact with the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, other than the one time Tyson introduced us at a party. Since then, we never really crossed paths, even though I had built a friendship with EJ, someone he was also close with.

“Hey, Y/N,” Gabe smiled. I furrowed my eyebrows, surprised he even remembered my name. I recovered quickly, smiling politely,

“Hi, Gabe.”

“Why did you make that face?” He laughed. “Is there something wrong?

“No.”

“So,...?” He trailed off, still smiling.

“I didn’t think you remembered my name.”

“Well, I remember,” He responded, grabbing a beer from the fridge. “Is Kacey here?”

“No,” I sighed. “Which is great.”

“I’m sure you’re still gonna have fun,” He said, leaning on the counter. “Tyson would probably lose his mind if you didn’t.”

“Yeah, he would,” I laughed. “The perks of being frie-”

“-Landy! The game’s starting, let’s go!” EJ exclaimed, walking into the kitchen. “Y/N, nice of you to show your face for once.”

“You’re welcome,” I grinned at him.

He rolled his eyes, “Whatever. We’re gonna do shots later so you better not leave.” He warned me.

“I’ll see you later, Y/N,” Gabe emphasized my name, making me roll my eyes, suppressing the blush that was creeping up my neck.

****

After failing to find any quiet inside of Tyson’s house, I settled for finally making my way to the backyard, sitting on the steps. I really wish Kacey showed up tonight. I sighed, looking up into at the sky that was littered with stars.

A few minutes alone with my thoughts and fears was enough to force tears to cloud my eyes. As I wiped them, I heard the door open behind me. It closed moments later and I felt someone take the place next to me. Wholly expecting it to be Tyson, I continued holding my head up with my hands.

“It’s crazy how uncontrolled drunk hockey players are.”

I froze, immediately knowing that the voice did not belong to Tyson. Or EJ, for that matter. I picked my head up slowly, locking eyes with Gabe. For the second time in one night.

“Yeah, you guys get pretty wild,” I commented, looking back up at the sky.

“Are you doing okay?” He asked, and I could feel his stare in the side of my face.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I responded.

“I know we’re not close but I know that look,” He said, smiling softly. “Are you sure you’re good?”

“Like you said, we’re not close. I’m not gonna bore you and you don’t have to act like you care.”

“I do care, though,” He said. “And, it’s wouldn’t bore me. This party is boring me.”

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. “Welcome to the club.”

We sat in silence for a few moments before I spoke again. “I had a really tough day and I just wanted to see Kacey because I feel like she’s the only person that would know how to hold me together right now. But, even if she was here, I still have no idea what to say.”

“Why do you need to be held together?” He asked, his voice soft.

“You can’t mention this to anyone, especially Tyson,” I said, turning to him.

“I won’t.”

“I don’t even know why I’m about to tell you this,” I breathed.

“Look, we don’t really know each other, you don’t have to worry about me telling anyone what you’re gonna say. You can just get off your chest, here with me, have fun tonight and talk to Kacey tomorrow. You’ll feel better.”

“Are you sure you won’t tell anyone?”

“Y/N, I promise you that it will stay between us. You have my word,” He smiled, reaching over and squeezing my hand.

“It’s personal,” I sighed, running my hands through my hair. He nodded. “I found this lump, on my, you know.” I gestured towards my chest area.

“Are you serious?” His face dropped.

“Not the best reaction, captain.”

“Shit, I’m sorry, you’re right,” He moved closer to me. “Keep going.”

“I was showering and I feel like everything just froze. I didn’t know what to do. So, I googled, which was probably the worse decision. Everything on the internet makes you think you’re gonna die.”

“Anyone would have told you that the internet is the last place to look for anything like that,” He smiled.

“I had my appointment this morning and I got a mammogram done,” I said. “And, I’m really fucking scared of the results.”

“Have you told anyone?”

“Nope, just you,” I looked down. “Sorry, I know you probably expected something a little less serious.”

“Hey, I asked and I wanted to know,” He assured me. “But, look, you’re what, 27, right?”

“26.”

“Even better. You’re young, Y/N, and you don’t know for sure. It could be nothing.”

“Or, it could be cancer.”

“Look at me,” He said. His hand found mine again, squeezing gently. “Don’t think of the worse, I know it’s hard. But, come on, last I heard, all the guys are scared of you. Even if it is something, which we don’t know for sure, I’m positive it’s no match for you.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. Gabe smiled, pulling me into him, hugging me tightly. “I guess we’re no longer acquaintances anymore.”

“Yeah, that was a real turn in our relationship, without a doubt,” He laughed, his chest rumbling against mine.

After the party had ended, I made my way home. I did see Gabe again while taking shots with EJ. When I saw him, I thought I was going to regret telling him everything, since he is a stranger. But, I knew for some reason that I could trust him. Probably because Tyson trusts him so much.

Once I got home, I saw a text from Kacey.

‘Hey, there’s some really crazy shit going on with the fam, sorry I couldn't make it tonight. I’m just dealing with a lot right now.’

‘Dude, do not worry about it. Everything okay? You wanna hang or space? I’m here for you.’

‘I definitely want to talk to only you, but I’m heading home like now so I won’t see you for at least a couple of weeks.’

‘Facetime me WHENEVER’

‘i will, how was the party?’

‘spent some time with gabe actually.’

‘don’t even text me the details, it has to be over facetime tomorrow, WTF GABE!? did y’all kiss?’

‘bye Kacey lmao we did not.’

November 2019

Two days after the party, I got a text from an unknown number.

‘Hey, it’s Gabe. How are you feeling?’

‘Hi, I’m fine. How did you get my number?’

‘I’m pretty sure we were in the same group chat once and I saved it. Just to know who was talking in the chat.’

‘Sneaky.’

We texted every day for at least a week, just getting to know each other. He was actually a really funny guy and we got along really well. There was never a dull moment in our conversation and I found myself waiting around for texts from him. And, I knew I was developing a crush but I was positive he was responding just out of pity for me after what I told him at Tyson’s party.

Speaking of, I was getting ready for my follow-up appointment, practically pacing around my room as I got dressed.

'What time is your appt again?’ Gabe texted me.

‘Soon, I’m getting ready now.’

‘Kacey and Tys are going right?’

‘No, they're dealing with family stuff right now. I’m going alone.’

‘You’re lying..’

‘No, and you’re distracting me from getting ready.’ Before I could set my phone down, Gabe’s name flashed across my screen. I contemplating not answering, not only because I knew why he was calling, but also because we had never spoken on the phone before. All of our communication has been through text.

I answered, holding the phone up to my ear. “Yes, Gabriel?”

“I’m just calling because I know what you’re gonna say if I text this to you so I wanted you to know for sure. I’m coming to get you and you’re not going to your appointment alone.”

“Gabe,” I sighed. “That’s really sweet of you but we basically just met a week ago, there’s no reason for you to take time out of your life for me.”

“For the last time, we’re friends, and that’s not gonna change at this point. I’m not taking no for an answer. I’m not going to let you go alone, Y/N,” His voice softened at the end and I paused.

“I’ll text you my address,” I mumbled, deciding that it wouldn’t be bad to have Gabe there. He knew exactly what to say at Tyson’s party, who’s to say he won’t do that at the hospital?

Once we ended the call, I finished getting ready, continuing to pace in my living room as I waited for Gabe. I grabbed an apple to try to distract myself but lost my appetite after the first bite. Luckily, there was a knock at the door. I opened it, seeing a smiling Gabe.

“Hey,” He said.

“Hi, I’m giving you another chance to back out, no hard feelings at all.”

“Shut up,” He rolled his eyes, pulling me into his chest and hugging me tightly. I oddly felt safe in his arms, hugging him back. “You ready to go?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

****

“Y/N Y/L/N?” The nurse appeared from behind the door. My breath hitched in my throat and Gabe paused in his sentence about Tyson’s locker room antics.

Gabe eyed me before holding his finger up to the nurse. He looked back at me, “Hey, you’re gonna be fine. I’ll be right out here.”

I furrowed my eyebrows at him, staring at him for a second before looking down. “Yeah.”

“Unless you want me to come in with you?” He asked. I blushed slightly, remembering that we had just gotten close a week ago and there is no reason for him to be in the room. But, I still feel like I might fall apart without someone in there. In all honesty, I think I would have fallen apart already if it hadn’t been for him.

“Oh, um, no, that’s okay. You can wait out here,” I stood up. Before I could move, Gabe stood up as well, looking down at me.

He grabbed my hand, eyes moving over my face. “Y/N, if you want me to come in with you, I absolutely will. You don’t have to go in alone, I mean it.”

“Would you?” I mumbled.

He nodded, smiling slightly before wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me towards the nurse. As the nurse took my vitals, Gabe stood off to the side, periodically smiling at me. I couldn't help the butterflies that were flowing around my stomach as he kept his full attention on me.

Once the nurse was done and we were left alone in the room, Gabe spoke up. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m nervous but I just want to know at this point. I’m exhausted from thinking about it.”

He smiled in response but before he could respond, the door opened again and my doctor appeared.

“Y/N, nice to see you again,” She smiled brightly.

“Hi, doctor. It’s nice to see you, too,” I responded. “This is my friend, Gabe.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You as well.”

“Okay, I figured we should just get right to it. I’m sure this has been on your mind a lot.”

“I’m kind of scared,” I said, my eyes darting to Gabe. He smiled comfortingly at me, squeezing my leg. Holy shit, his hand is on my leg.

“Yeah, I think I’ve never experienced this much anxiety.”

“I’m sorry about that,” She nodded. “But, I do have really good news.”

“Are you serious?”

She smiled, “Yes, the lump is not cancerous at all. You are 100% in the clear.”

“I expected the absolute worse,” I mumbled.

“Most people do,” She laughed. “But, I am going to give you a referral to a dermatologist that can help.”

“Okay, that sounds good.” I nodded. She made up the referral before leaving the room.

“What did I tell you?” Gabe smiled.

“I almost peed myself, I swear.”

He laughed, hugging me tightly. “I didn’t doubt it.”

March 2020

It had been months since my cancer scare and I was back to work. Kacey and Tyson were back and I had told them everything. Kacey freaked but was happy that Gabe was there for me.

In fact, they were both so happy that Gabe and I became close that they made it their mission to put us together in various situations. Inviting me to a gala where I would have to dress up and see Gabe, check. Split up carpools so Gabe and I were alone, check. Make Gabe and I partners in beer pong, check. Make Gabe and I sit together at team parties, check times 300000.

And now, it’s at the point where I can’t continue to be friends with Gabe.

“I’m falling for him.”

Tyson paused, smirking. “I knew it.”

“Tyson, it’s starting to physically hurt to just be his friend,” I admitted. “This isn’t cute anymore, it’s a little too real.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“What should I do?” I responded.

“Just tell him,” He shrugged.

“No way.”

“Why not? If you tell him, you get it off your chest. If he doesn’t feel the same way, which you and I both know is not true, at least you won’t feel like your feelings are invisible because you told him and he’s not like that.”

****

Taking what Tyson said, the next day I was standing in front of Gabe’s door. I thought about turning around but Tyson's voice continued to ring in my ears. I knocked three times, breathing after. There’s no turning back now.

The door opened, “Hey!” He smiled widely, “What are you doing here?”

He pulled me into a hug before I could respond. I prayed that he couldn’t feel the thud of my heart in my chest. “I need to talk to you.”

“Okay,” He said, pulling away and looking down at me. “Come in.”

I walked past him into his house, turning back around.

“Do you want to sit? You’re making me nervous.”

“Yeah.” We sat down in his kitchen, him staring intently at me.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I smiled. “I just wanted to tell you something that I haven’t really been able to get out of my head. You being there for me when I had that scare meant the world to me. For you to just be there during one of the worst times of my life, I can’t even explain how that makes me feel. You’re one of my closet friends and I know that I made jokes a lot about how you didn’t have to worry about me after I got the results, but I knew we would be really good friends by how easily I told you something that was struggling to even tell Kacey.”

He smiled widely, “I’m honored.”

“Ever since then, we’ve just gotten closer and I really do appreciate you and who you are. But, Gabe, this is really not just platonic for me anymore, and I’d rather tell you so that you know.”

He paused for a moment, clearing his throat. “First of all, you know how much you mean to me and you’re one of my best friends. It means a lot to me that you’re telling me this and how you’re feeling. But, Y/N, I am kind of seeing someone, tonight actually.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” I smiled, even though I felt like I had just been punched in the chest for the 100th time. “I just wanted to get it off my chest.”

“Hold on, Y/N, it’s just that I-”

“-No, seriously, it’s okay. I feel like I made things weird. I should go,” I mumbled.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Gabe said, reaching out to grab my hand as I stood up. “Let me finish.”

“No, it’s fine, really. I’ll talk to you later.”

He looked at me, “Y/N.”

“Gabe, I don’t really want to talk about it anymore.”

He sighed, “Can you call me when you’re ready to talk? And listen?”

I nodded.

April 2020

“Gabe?” I asked, opening my front door. “What are you doing here?”

“When I said I was seeing someone, I meant I had a few dates with this girl EJ introduced me to. I was getting ready to go out with her that night.”

“Gabe, it’s re-”

He cut me off by pushing his way into my home. I closed the door behind him, sighing. “I stopped by her place after you left and told her I couldn't go out with her anymore.”

“What?”

“I met her before we ever really talked and she’s nice but we’d been on at least 5 dates and I still didn’t want to kiss her or anything.”

“You don’t need to explain anything to me,” I mumbled.

“Yes, I do,” He responded. “When we talked at the party, I knew that there was something between us. But I was overthinking so I kept seeing her. I thought you were too good for me. And, I felt like you were going through real shit and I just wanted to be there for you and not push anything.”

“Me? Too good for you?” I scoffed. “Gabriel, you went to a doctor’s appointment to find out if someone you barely knew had breast cancer. You sat in the room!”

“And, I would do anything for you,” He mumbled, stepping closer to me. “This is more than just platonic for me, too, and I would have told you that if you would have called me like you said you would.”

“I thought I embarrassed myself,” I blushed.

“You didn’t,” He smiled.

“I’m sorry.”

He stepped closer to me, pulling me into his chest and hugging me tightly. “Since when could you not just tell me how you’re feeling?”

“Since I was positive you didn’t feel the same way.”

He laughed, pulling back slightly so that he could look down at me. “Well, you were wrong.”

He grabbed my face, leaning down to press his lips to mine. I smiled against him.

“I want to take you out, on a real date,” He mumbled against my lips.

“I’d like that,” I kissed him again, right before my front door swung open.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” I groaned and Gabe laughed, looking over at his teammate.

“I told you we should have knocked!” Kacey said, following Tyson, who was smirking at Gabe and I.

“Hey, I knew this was coming, I’m not surprised,” He laughed, walking in and making his way into the kitchen. “No pressure, but you guys do look good together and I take full credit.”

“Carry on, we’re just gonna start up in the kitchen,” Kacey smiled sheepishly.

“Start what?” Gabe asked.

“A forced movie night because apparently, I’ve been neglecting them,” I responded. “You should join.”

“I wouldn’t want to get in between your odd trio thing,” He teased. I shoved him lightly.

“Don’t be rude.”

“I’ll stay,” He smiled. He kissed me again, his arm wrapping around my waist to pull me closer to him. “As long as I get to keep kissing you.”

223 notes · View notes

hockeylvr59 · 4 years

Note

Sledding and Gabe!

A/N: Have a soft, 838-word winter sledding blurb feat. Mel and Linnea.

________

You had been friends with Gabe since you were little and he was totally your soulmate...just in a completely platonic way. He was the big brother (by a whole two months) that you never had and you weren’t sure what you would do without him in your life.

Needless to say, you were so proud of him. He was living out his dream in the NHL, he had married a wonderful woman who in turn was also practically a sister to you and now he was a dad and was doing a fantastic job at it. Witnessing all of his successes filled you with joy but it was also hard being so far away from him because you were witnessing them through facetime and not in person.

Gabe and Mel had both tried to get you to take a vacation in Denver from the moment little Linnea was born but you didn’t want to intrude on their time with their newborn. Gabe finally got you to cave in late January and by mid-February, you were taking the transoceanic flight to the States and then out to Denver to meet your adorable ‘niece’ and to spend a week with your best friend.

Upon your arrival, Mel had insisted that Gabe take you out for dinner and drinks so the two of you could have a much-needed catch-up session. Sure you talked all the time, but doing it on the phone with the time difference and doing it in person were two different things. It had been great to spend some time with him one-on-one but it had been just as great to spend the following days getting lots of baby snuggles and going to Gabe’s games just like you had for so many years.

It was your second to last day in Colorado when you awoke to a fresh snowfall. Though Linnea was still little and didn’t understand, she was now sitting up by herself and so Gabe had insisted that the four of you go to a park for a little bit to enjoy the winter weather. Though you couldn’t stay long because you certainly didn’t want the baby to get sick, just seeing her all bundled up in the snow while Mel took a few pictures was adorable.

As much as Gabe loves his daughter, he was easily distracted from watching her by the other children in the park, sledding down the hills. You had just handed back a smiling Linnea to Mel when Gabe called out your name.

“Y/N! Remember when we used to go sledding?” Of course, you remembered and you laughed softly at his excitement. “C’mon. We should totally do it again.” Looking over at Mel you just saw her roll her eyes at her husband causing you to laugh once again.

“Um...I think we’re kinda missing something bud…” You responded, motioning up the hill to the one thing the sledders had that you did not. Gabe clearly understood but just shrugged, mischievous smile on his face.

“That can be remedied…” He declared, reaching out to tug you with him over to the hill where the kids were sledding. Looking back over your shoulder, Mel just laughed and you knew that you were going to have to go along with whatever antics Gabe had in mind. Near the bottom of the hill, Gabe approached a pair of children, one of which was wearing an Avs hat. “Hey...how’s it going?” He asked them and you watched as their eyes went wide in recognition. “Mind if my friend and I borrow your sleds for a few minutes? I promise we’ll bring them back and then I can sign your hats for you…” Gabe offered and immediately the children nodded handing their sleds over to him.

Sleds in one hand and yours in the other, Gabe pulled you up the hill before dropping the sleds to the ground and motioning for you to climb on.

“C’mon. I’ll race you to the bottom...for old times sake.” He declared and when he smiled that damned smile of his there was no way that you could say no. So the two of you raced down the hill before running back up for a few minutes, your laughter filling the air. It was just like old times' sake and you cherished getting to spend this time with your best friend.

After returning the sleds, Gabe made good on his promise and signed a few things for the kids before you returned to Mel and Linnea and the four of you headed back to the house for a fire and some hot chocolate, childhood movies playing on tv while Linnea napped on Gabe’s chest.

Though some things changed with adulthood, others stayed the same and all of it fills your heart with so much joy. No matter what changed, Gabe was always going to be your best friend and you were always going to be a key figure in his life, distance or not. Forever.

#gabe landeskog #gabriel landeskog #gabe landeskog imagine #gabriel landeskog imagine #blurb #colorado avalanche imagine #cavalanche #hockey imagine #hockey imagines #nhl imagine #nhl imagines #Anonymous

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puckinghell · 5 years

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The Moment You Know | Gabe Landeskog

Summary: Based on “The Moment I Knew” by Taylor Swift. Words: 3337 Note: Angst angst angst I’m sorry. In fact, I wasn’t planning on ever posting this cause I usually don’t do angst. But it’s summer and nobody is here so. Why not.

You’ve never been a big fan of going out, not one to hang around in bars or get smashed in clubs. You much prefer getting drunk in your friend’s backyard or watching Netflix series until your eyes close on their own, but tonight, your friend hadn’t put up with it.

“Come on, Y/N, you’ve had a shitty week, let’s just get shitfaced and dance, maybe meet some cute guys.”

It was true that your week hasn’t been the best. Your boss was an asshole, always making little comments about your appearance, and on Tuesday, you’d finally snapped, telling him that the way you curled your hair really was none of his business.

The good thing was that he’d not made another comment again. The bad thing was that now, you didn’t have a job anymore.

On Wednesday, your car broke down, and you didn’t have the money to get it fixed now that you were unemployed. On Thursday, you ran into your ex at the grocery store, where he was flaunting his much prettier, much skinnier new girlfriend in your face. And on Friday, this morning, you’d dropped your cereal all over the kitchen floor.

That honestly might’ve been the worst of all.

So, no, Lacey wasn’t wrong about this being a bad week for you, and she was also not wrong about you needing to get your mind off of it. In fact, you were pretty sure if you spent one more night alone with all these thoughts in your mind, you’d actually be ready for an asylum, so you’d agreed.

That’s how you currently find yourself sitting on a barstool, leaning over the bar, tipping back your fourth – or fifth? – gin and tonic, complaining about your life to Lacey. You’re pretty sure she’s not been listening to you for at least 10 minutes, but the alcohol has loosened your tongue and you’re not sure you could stop talking even if you tried.

“I just want one good thing to happen to me,” you whine, resting your chin in your hands. “One! Just, let me find some money in a coat pocket, or some nice stranger buys me a coffee. Just a little pick me up, you know?”

You go to take a sip of your drink, but at the exact moment you do, someone steps back and bumps into you, sending your glass flying out of your hand and the drink spilling down your chest.

A curse escapes your lips and the person who bumped into you yelps. He turns around with lightning speed, grabbing your arm and stopping you from falling off the barstool.

Maybe five drinks was closer to the real amount than four after all.

“I’m so sorry,” the stranger says, and the first thing you notice is that he looks genuinely remorseful. The second thing you notice is that he’s really hot.

If you’d not been so miserable, maybe you would’ve thought it a happy accident.

“Of course,” you groan, steadying yourself on the barstool and slamming down your – now empty – glass on the counter. “Of course! Couldn’t let me have this one night, could you, universe!”

It’s dramatic and way too much of a reaction but you can’t help but feel like the world is crashing down on you. Instead of running away screaming, like he probably ought to have, the stranger raises an eyebrow.

“I can just buy you a new drink, you know,” he says dryly, and you shoot him a dirty look.

“Can you just buy me a dry shirt, as well?” you bite, but to your surprise, he doesn’t look feigned at all. No, instead, he laughs.

“You can have mine?” he offers, and that’s when you pause your anger at the world to actually take a look at him.

The guy in front of you is tall and muscular, a dark button up stretching around his arm muscles. He’s blonde, with a little scruff – but not so much that it makes him look scrappy – and he has the most amazing, kind blue eyes you’ve ever seen. He has one eyebrow raised and his lips are curled up slightly at the ends, like he’s trying to fight off a smile.

He looks yum, and you almost take him up on his offer to give you his shirt.

But that wouldn’t be classy and you’re nothing if not classy, so you sigh. “No, it’s fine, it’ll dry.”

That’s when Lacey pipes up. “But definitely buy her a new drink. She’s had a week.” Ever the wingwoman, she’s noticed the way the guy’s eyes raked over your body, and your own inspection of him hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

“Oh, well, in that case.” The guy grins at you now, before turning to the bar and ordering another gin and tonic. He gets himself a beer, and situates his body between you and Lacey, leaning against the bar. “You wanna tell me about your week?”

“Do I look like the type to vent all my problems to a complete stranger?” you tell him, even though at the moment, you probably kinda do look like that type.

You kinda are that type, when said stranger looks like this one.

The guy laughs lightly and extends his hand, shaking yours. His grip is firm but not overpowering, and, somehow, it’s actually kinda hot when his fingers brush across your knuckles.

“I’m Gabe,” he says. “26, from Sweden originally, but now living here in Denver, I have a dog called Zoey and my favorite food is mac and cheese.” He looks proud of himself as he continues. “See, not a total stranger anymore. You basically know as much about me as my friends.”

You quickly tell him some facts about you, then go off on a rant, about your job and your stupid ex boyfriend and your damn car and your cereal, to which he laughs.

“Really?” he hums. “All that and it’s the breakfast food that gets you?”

You glare at him. “I take my breakfast very seriously, I’ll have you know.”

He rolls his eyes at you, then rests his hand on your arm. Spikes of electricity seem to shoot up your skin where he touches you and his little eyeroll makes you laugh, and suddenly, the rest of your week doesn’t seem like such a disaster anymore.

And that’s the moment you know you want him to take you home.

Gabe went home with you that night, and you might’ve thought it would just be a one time thing, but somehow you find yourself going back to him night after night. In the beginning, it’s just because you’re lonely and he doesn’t really have anything going on with anyone either, and, well, it’s like you complete each other, at least in the bedroom.

He knows how to push all your buttons and you know exactly how to get him there, and when his lips are pressing featherlight kisses into your hips, or his teeth are nipping at your thighs, you completely forget all your insecurities about the stretchmarks and the extra meat there and just exist, there with him, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced with someone else.

Usually, you wake up earlier than him; despite you not having a job, you’re used to wake up early from your previous one, and your body clock simply refuses to reset. Gabe, however, is used to late nights, performing at night, and sleeping in a little longer, which means that you’re always up and out of his house before he’s even wake.

One morning, however, you wake up and he’s not there. It annoys you slightly, because your favorite thing to do when you wake up is to just lay there for a few minutes and watch him sleep. It sounds creepy, but it’s not really; he just looks so peaceful and comfortable like that, his eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks and his chest rising and falling steadily with every breath.

You can hear the shower running, however, and the thought of a potential repeat of last night gets rid of that annoyance quickly.

“Goodmorning,” Gabe’s raspy morning voice sounds, when you close the bathroom door behind you.

“Want company?” you respond, and when he hums in affirmation, you slip into the shower with him, wrapping your arms around his waist and letting him kiss the top of your head. It’s innocent enough, at first, with him shampooing your hair and you simply kissing his chest, and it’s almost too domestic, makes you wonder if you’re crossing some kind of line you’re not sure either of you has actually set in place. So you press your ass against his crotch and the innocence wears off quite quickly after that, leaving you a moaning mess pressed against the cold hard tiles of the bathroom wall.

You take a bit longer than Gabe to get dressed and ready after that, and when you finally get downstairs, the apartment smells like pancakes and you see Gabe behind the stove, whistling along to a country song that’s on the radio. When he sees you, he smiles, and before you realize what’s happening, he’s dramatically lipsinging to Simple by Florida Georgia Line, and then you’re dancing, he’s spinning you under his arm in the kitchen and you’re both laughing when he burns the pancakes, and as you watch him throw the pit black pancakes in the trash, realization hits you like a truck.

That’s the moment you know you’re in love with him.

Gabe likes your apartment better than his own, because his is big and empty and yours is filled with little knick knacks and feels like home, so one day he brings Zoey over and from that point on neither of them really ever leave.

You don’t mind; you found a new job and coming home to a dog wagging her tail and Gabe in the kitchen or on the couch, makes the apartment feel more like home than it probably ever has before. When Gabe goes on road trips, Zoey stays with you, and you’re happy she does because it feels like a piece of Gabe gets left behind.

You miss him when he’s not there. That realization hits you one night when you’re laying in bed wearing one of his hoodies, Zoey curled up at your side while you’re watching a Netflix movie about… well, you don’t really know, because all you’ve been doing is scrolling through Twitter, looking at what people are saying about the Avs.

Their fans are great, but some of hockey Twitter isn’t a fan, and they’re louder; there’s criticism that’s fair and balanced, but mostly it’s just completely ridiculous, rude takes that include yells like “they suck” “why are they even a hockey team” “trade them all”, and the worst one, “Landeskog isn’t even a good captain”.

The words ignite a fire in your bones and you’re burning with anger. You know how hard Gabe is working to get this team back on track and you know he’s the only reason the locker room is as tight as it is, and most importantly, you’ve seen the toll this is taking on him, seen the exhaustion set in his features and felt the tiredness in his limbs.

You want nothing more than to throw your phone against the wall but you know that won’t help you much, so instead you throw it on the floor and turn around to bury your face in your pillow so you can scream without the neighbors thinking you’re getting murdered. Zoey barely looks up, simply accepting that you’re a bit dramatic sometimes.

That’s when you hear the door click into the lock downstairs and now Zoey reacts, jumping up and running downstairs.

“Hey, baby,” you hear Gabe’s tired voice echo through the hallway, and you wait for his heavy footsteps up the stairs. He walks into the bedroom with Zoey on his heels, smiles at you before dumping his bag on the floor and then he flops onto the bed face first. He’s still wearing his suit and his dress shoes, but he’s just lying there limply, letting out a soft puff of air as he pushes his face closer to you, resting his head against your thigh. You reach out and thread your fingers through his blond locks, and he hums appreciatively.

“Rough trip,” you declare more than asks, and he nods with a sigh.

“When is it not, lately,” he growls softly, and you watch as he closes his eyes and leans into your hand like a cat looking for a scratch. “Let’s just not talk about it.”

You want to be there for whatever he needs, want to let it go if that’s what he wants, but you’re genuinely not sure if you can, not when the anger is still vile in your throat and you feel something burning behind your eyes.

You sink down, slowly moving down the bed until your face is at the same height as his, your noses almost touching. He smiles.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” you hum back, pressing your lips against his. “I’m really proud of you, you know.”

Something softens in his eyes and you can tell he’s being 100% truthful when he says: “That’s really all that matters to me, anyway.”

That’s when you know this could really be a once in a lifetime love.

The only sound that can be heard is the clicking of your nails against your phone screen, and then the noise your phone makes to tell you your message has been send.

Hey, you, I’m just now leaving, can I come around later?

You leave work and go home, take a shower and get dressed, then sit on the couch and with a deep breath, pick up your phone.

No messages. No missed calls.

It’s been like this for a while now; Gabe is not staying over nearly as often and never seems to answer your texts the same day, and although you still have Zoey with you, it’s starting to eat at you from the inside.

You know its playoff hockey and he’s busy, but he’s not even bothered to react to any of the good luck texts you’ve been sending, and you know he’s in Denver today cause they’re playing at home tomorrow, and you just really hoped you’d see him tonight.

You’re not even sure you can remember the last time you saw him. Last week? Two weeks ago? Times goes fast when it goes by in a daze, and you feel like you’ve been sleepwalking for weeks.

Another morning, another text.

Good morning, are you busy?

Of course he’s busy, he’s always busy, but what you’re really asking is are you too busy for me. Cause when you started dating, the first few months, the answer to that question was always no. It didn’t matter if he had a game or practice, if there was a media scrum or if he had plans with the team. He might not respond right away, but he’d always respond, always make time for you at some point of the day, and even if it was past midnight when he got home, he always got home.

It had started to feel like your apartment was his home. But clearly, it’s not like that anymore.

You walk Zoey and buy groceries, then you vacuum your apartment before you allow yourself to check your phone again.

A message.

But not the kind you hoped.

Yeah, really busy babe. You okay? Talk to you tomorrow alright?

Tomorrow, always tomorrow. But tomorrow hasn’t come for a few weeks now and you’re starting to think it’ll never come.

I’m fine.

Normally, Gabe looks straight through you. It’s one of the things you love about him, how you can’t bullshit him, how he knows you without you even trying, how he’s just simply always there when you need him. How, when you say you’re fine, even though you’re not, he simply scoffs and takes you in his arms and kisses you and makes it feel like it won’t be long before you’re fine again.

But this time he doesn’t answer, and you’re not fine.

That’s the moment you know it’s not going to be fine in a while.

“Hey girl! How are you doing?” Lacey has you wrapped up in a hug before you’ve even fully opened the door and you laugh as you hug her back.

“I’m so glad you could make it,” you tell her honestly, and she laughs.

“Are you serious, your birthday party? I wouldn’t miss that for the world, you know that!”

An uneasy feeling creeps up on you, but you push it away.

Gabe said he’d be here. He’ll be here. You just need to give him a little time.

You open a bottle of wine, get drinks for all your friends and family. Everyone is around, everyone you love is there to celebrate your birthday, and yet, you can’t let yourself be happy. Every time one of your friends asks you about Gabe, your heart sinks a little further into your stomach.

“Where is he, Zoey?” you whisper to the dog, scratching her ear.

The hours pass by, and fear is creeping into your veins. All you’ve been picturing, all night, is the front door bursting open, Gabe coming in with that “baby I’m right here, everything’s fine” smile of his, the one you love so much that calms your heartbeat and feels like coming home, but so far, the door has remained shut. So now you’re standing there, in your new dress, with absolutely nobody to impress, and you can’t help that the tears that have been burning behind your eyes for weeks are finally starting to push their way through.

You would’ve been so happy.

You can feel yourself breaking, can feel your defenses crumbling and your hope crashing, and you just wanna be alone. But no sooner have you sank down onto the bathroom floor, and Lacey is there, wrapping her arms around you and whispering soft words into your ear as you cry, sobs seemingly tearing your body apart from the inside out.

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry,” she says miserably, because a best friend always knows when there’s something really wrong, and she knows exactly what’s hurting you.

“He said he’d be here,” you bring out, but Lacey doesn’t react, because what are you supposed to say to that? What are you supposed to do when the one person that means the most to you doesn’t show up?

Again?

You don’t know how long you sit there, but finally there’s no more tears to cry, no more energy left into your body.

“We’re not gonna let him ruin this for you, baby,” Lacey says, her voice kind but determined. She grabs a make up wipe and starts cleaning up your face. “We’re gonna go out there and they’re gonna sing happy birthday to you and you’re gonna get drunk and forget all about his dumb ass, okay? Look, we’ve got the best Landeskog here.”

You release a breathy laugh when you notice that Zoey has come waggling into the bathroom, releasing a long sigh when she lays down with her head on your thigh, and you somehow manage to pick yourself up and force yourself back inside, back to your party, with all the people that love you.

And without the one person that’s supposed to love you the most.

They sing you happy birthday and you try to keep up a conversation with your relatives and all your friends seem to notice something’s up, but none of them mention it, instead making silly jokes to try and get you to laugh, and more often than not, you actually do. But when everyone’s left, you sink into the couch, no more power or energy in your bones, your mind dull and dark.

He calls you later, says “I’m sorry I didn’t make it.” And you tell him that you’re sorry too.

But that is the moment you know.

#gabe landeskog #gabriel landeskog #nhl imagine #gabe landeskog imagine #gabriel landeskog imagine

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svechnikoffee · 5 years

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take me back to where i belong

take me back to where i belong – nokantrol for @babrielandeskog

words: 6k, last time i checked?

warnings: language & one brief, brief mention of the blackhawks. beyond that, nothing I can think of beyond a gratuitous love letter to whataburger with a side of tyler seguin/jamie benn

notes: a belated happiest of holidays to you, b! thanks for your patience on this wild behemoth of a fic. the holidays are just as good a reason as any to bring together dumb colorado boys and dumb dallas boys, esp over airplanes and biscuits & gravy.

as one of my favorite writers ever, it was an absolute honor to be able to write for you—hope you enjoy!!

title taken loosely from “home” by morgxn, which I only came across after it played in the background of a dylan larkin video haha

It’s dawning on you that you definitely should’ve taken up your mom on her offer of earplugs and a sleep mask as you were hurrying out of the house this morning. It’s been a headache of a day—you’d woken up early to help her cook Thanksgiving lunch, then spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with your cousins and tickling the little ones while their dads sat around the TV watching football.

You’d even managed to slip away into your old bedroom to FaceTime with Tyler and Jamie, and Jamie’s friend Tyson. He seemed nice enough, though clearly unprepared to meet new people given that he was in the middle of shoveling down a DQ Blizzard when Tyler turned the camera to him. You might’ve been preoccupied with stuffing your belongings back into your suitcase, but you were genuinely relieved that Tyler had found someone to hang out with during the brief holiday.

Tyler had straight up begged you to stay in town for Thanksgiving, claiming he needed your company to get through the loneliest holiday for a Canadian in America. You just snorted and patted his head, which had been in your lap like always, shushing him with a finger to his lips.

“You’re so full of shit, you know that Ty?” He waggled his eyebrows in response. Part of you did feel sorry for him, though. He’d spent last Thanksgiving with Rads “going stag”, as they called it, but the older man had worked out a visit from Makar and his parents over the long weekend and looked like he was going to keel over from excitement. Which wasn’t really a stretch from his normal self, but still.

Last you’d heard, Jamie was having a BC friend visit, and even Jackie had booked an Alaskan cruise with her girlfriends after Tyler insisted he’d be fine on his own. Now, you just feel bad for the poor guy. He’d been taking a break from going out—I’m just trying to look out for my liver, (Y/N)—and you knew he’d be a sad sack and spend the night in with the pups.

So you compromised and took the beginning of the week off to spend with your family in Chicago, and promised Tyler you’d be back by Thursday night at the latest. It all worked out perfectly since he and Jamie didn’t have a game again until Saturday…which brings you to this moment right here, sitting in a darkened plane with the hottest guy you’ve ever laid eyes on. And you regularly find yourself around some pretty fucking beautiful people. Klinger still won’t tell you what he uses for his skin.

The worst part about flying from Chicago to Dallas is there are never any direct flights with a legitimate shot of you getting on. You can’t complain, considering the fact that working for an airline means you fly for free, but after a jam-packed day like today, you’d like to put your feet up and skip the layovers.

Luckily, the flight you’d managed to get on flew through Denver without a plane change, which meant you were peacefully out for the count while the second batch of passengers got on. You’d been on so many flights for work within the past few months that falling asleep was just second nature to you now. Plus the luxury of a window seat? Score.

Of course, things don’t always work out like they should, so you were jolted from your nap with a loud snort and slurp before spotting the straight up god sitting at the end of your row. Seriously, you’d taken enough flights to know that meet-cutes just didn’t happen, but here you were now.

The blond man has his reading light on, which is a definite faux pas in your mind, but you pause at the fact that he’s actually reading a physical book. Not just any book at that, but you recognize the dark purple cover and intricate detailing of one of your favorite reads of the year. He must notice you staring, because he just turns the page and smiles before asking, “See something you like?”

You blush and scrub at your cheek before realizing the man hasn’t even lifted his eyes from the page.

“Actually, I do.”

That’s enough for him to raise his head and give you a full look at his face. He has gentle eyes that you can just bet are a blue you could get lost in, given what you can see in this lighting. The man’s beard is cropped clean and short, and you wish you could send a photo of his face to Tyler with a message reading, Real men don’t leave spaces in their mustaches.

“And what might I interest you in?”

“The book you’re reading, it’s one of my favorites,” you admit. You know you’re not the type to play coy and charm the pants off this guy, so you decide to do the best with what you’ve got. If he doesn’t like that, it’s not your problem.

It must be a good open though, because his eyes light up in response.

So it begins, from talking about how good All You Can Ever Know is, and how the author makes the nuance surrounding adoption and racism so poignant and real to their audience. You find out the man’s name is Gabe, and there’s a barely noticeable lilt to his words that he attributes to being from Sweden. Gabe glares at you when you jokingly ask for help setting up the new IKEA bookshelf in your living room, and in turn you offer him the extra cookie you’d saved from your earlier flight.

He tells you his plans got derailed last minute and that he was planning on crashing a friend’s Thanksgiving, because there just isn’t enough time around this holiday to head all the way back to Sweden. After a few hours with him, you’re not sure you want to let him go just yet, so you offer to drive him to his friend’s place since you’d left your car at the airport anyways.

You cringe inside when you realize how creepy that must sound and are a second away from laughing it off when he looks you in the eye gratefully and accepts.

After telling him about your travels, which is something you have in common, Gabe probes deeper and asks about the things that make you you, and something stops you from giving him the canned answer you give everyone else who asks.

“I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Walk into a bookstore and see my name on the shelves, you know?” You sigh wistfully at the dream you’ve had since you were a kid toting around a notebook and pen everywhere you went.

“Imagine that: (Y/N)… what’s your last name?” He quirks an eyebrow at you.

“You’re not getting that out of me—you could be a stalker, for all I know!” You laugh when he rolls his eyes in response. “It’s (Y/L/N),” you finally offer. “(Y/N) (Y/L/N).” Worst comes to worst, he’ll probably just find your LinkedIn and ask to connect or something.

“Wait…(Y/N) (Y/L/N).” His eyebrows scrunch up and you can see some kind of gears turning in his head. You’ve never seen this guy before in your life (you definitely would know if you had), so you wonder how he could suddenly be so familiar with your name. There’s nothing to do but laugh again when his face literally bursts into a sunbeam in recognition, the smile overtaking his eyes. You want to take a photo of it; it’s too much to take in with the naked eye all at once.

“You wrote that article in the inflight magazine, the one about the travel tips to Chicago!” You freeze, your grip running tighter on your phone.

“How do you even know that?” You exclaim, eyeing him suspiciously. “I was asleep for like 10 minutes before you started talking to me!”

“I get bored,” the man explains easily. “And I always check the Hidden Gems features because I travel a lot for work. It didn’t hurt that you wrote about one of my favorite cities.” He winks at you and you know you’re blushing now. Guys don’t really bother to flirt with you, let alone big, beefy ones with big, rugged hands and soft blue eyes.

“Oh, well. That’s quite a compliment, considering I write all of them. Thank you,” you manage to get out. Goodness, why did you have to be so awkward all the time.

“You’re welcome,” he replies earnestly.

“Listen, if you’re not in a hurry to get to your friend’s place…have dinner with me.” Something about Gabe makes you feel bold, like you’re the Sun and it’s up to you to rise and seize the day. You know you shouldn’t trust this stranger you’ve literally just met (your mind supplies that you were the one to offer him a ride in the first place) but the alarm bells aren’t going off in your head just yet, so you figure it’s worth a shot.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I know a place.” Actually, you can’t think of any places that might be worthy of housing Gabe, but you’ll act first, and deal with the repercussions later.

“Sure, let’s do it,” he replies easily, smiling up at you from his perch atop his carry-on.

Of course, you have to keep up the bravado from just moments before, all the while racking through every restaurant you can think of nearby. You’re not sure where Gabe’s headed, and while you’ll most likely stop by Tyler’s before heading back home, you want to stay relatively close by.

“How do you feel about fast food?” You blurt out, your mind immediately jumping to the Whataburger you frequent on your way to work in the mornings.

Gabe smiles wryly at you before nodding. Patting his stomach lightly, to which you vehemently fight against imagining the abs that must live beneath his sweater, he musters out a nonchalant, “I’m sure I can break my diet tonight, just for you.”

You roll your eyes and shove at his arm; you feel like you’ve known Gabe for years as opposed to the few hours you spent with him 35,000 feet above ground. Maybe time doesn’t exist that high up in the air.

“Your parents live in Chicago. You live in Dallas,” Gabe checks off as he shoves a spicy ketchup smothered fry into his mouth. “What’s the deal with that?”

“It’s not that complicated, really. I grew up in Chicago, loved it, got an internship in Dallas during college and loved the work, and I’ve been here since I graduated. I get homesick a lot though, so the flight perks come in handy.” You bite your cheek to keep from getting emotional; any mention of missing your parents still gets you teary.

“Wow,” Gabe breathes. You’re too preoccupied with trying to discreetly blink the tears away before he notices, that you don’t have time to gauge his reaction.

It’s the truth, though. You never thought you’d leave the Midwest, with its ability to shift through all four seasons in a day. But you did, and you can’t feel bothered to apologize for the fact that you’re still not sure where you would call home. What you loved about Dallas the first time around was that it was your space. Everyone you knew in Chicago had practically known you since you’d been in diapers, and you never realized how heavy that burden had been until you left.

You’re just about to say something when Gabe clears his throat to speak.

“(Y/N), I can’t believe you moved over a thousand miles away from home right out of college and have been sticking it out this entire time. You’re really brave.”

“Oh, um. Thank you?” You wipe your nose and sniff before taking a bite of your burger. No one had ever reacted like that before. You’re used to people ribbing you for your flight benefits or joking about how there’s no way you can go back to Chiberia after a few years in the South.

“I get it, though,” Gabe continues. “I moved to Canada when I was in, what do you call it, high school? Then after a few years, I settled down in Denver for work, and that’s where I’ve been ever since.” You quirk an eyebrow, wondering if his parents had been in the service given how he’d had to move all over the world. Now, your move seems small in comparison.

“And you mentioned you were born in Sweden, right? I’ve always wanted to go,” you say wistfully. One day, you’d get your backpacking trip around Europe. One day.

Gabe nods eagerly, and thankfully doesn’t comment on your blatant change of subject. He reminds you of a big golden retriever with how often he smiles and seems to enjoy every moment he’s in. He runs a hand through his hair before diving into what it was like growing up in Stockholm, and how he feels like he’s back home anytime he can smell salty sea air. It’s not all too different from Jamie’s childhood, you realize belatedly. You think they’d get on well.

The two of you continue to trade stories back and forth in the tiny Whataburger down the street from Love Field, and you can’t ignore the want bubbling up from deep within.

When Gabe inputs the address into Google Maps and holds it up for you to see, you have to blink and bring his phone closer to your face to get a better look.

“Wait. Gabe. Whose house are you going to?” Gabe pauses, looking uneasy for the first time since you met just a few hours ago.

“I told you, he’s like my best friend’s best friend. Jamie.”

“Oh. My. God. Oh my God. Gabe. Gabe.” You burst into peals of laughter and have to hit your steering wheel multiple times over because no fucking way. This cannot be real life, right now.

“(Y/N)?” He still looks hesitant, and you’re sure you know why.

“Gabe,” you wheeze. “Gabe. Oh my god. You’re going to Jamie Benn’s house right now? How do you even know him?”

His eyes narrow for a long moment, assessing your frankly embarrassing stature, and he shifts to take his phone back. You’re aware of how you probably look, like a huge Jamie Benn stalker or something, but this turn of events is just too ridiculous to wrap your mind around, let alone, stop laughing at.

“Do you…know him, too?” He asks warily.

“Gabe,” you repeat. “He’s one of my best friends here in Dallas.”

If real life played out the way it did in cartoons, you know you’d see a series of anvils falling from the sky or something equally ridiculous to depict his surprise. Gabe looks flabbergasted, and at a complete loss for words if his sputtering is any indication.

“No fucking way, (Y/N). You sure you’re not just messing with me right now?” He’s finally able to squeeze out right when you start wheezing again. You nod and wipe at the tears streaming down your cheeks; it’s unbelievable how this guy’s got you crying twice for two astronomically different reasons, all within a span of 30 minutes. Gabe must be just as delirious or amused as you are, because he joins you quickly after.

When your giggles finally subside and you trust yourself to drive, you slot your key into the ignition and get started on the drive over to Preston Hollow. You make this exact drive nearly every day, what with the airport being so close to work, but the drive from the airport to Jamie’s house is one you know all too well, having literally gone straight from various work trips to movie nights at his place numerous times over. Just a few weeks ago, Tyler had been walking Gerry over and you’d nearly run the puppy over when he bounded into the street at the sight of your car.

“So, (Y/N),” Gabe starts when you pull out of the Whataburger parking lot. “How exactly do you know all these Stars players?” You bite back a groan; Tyler always gets a kick out of how much you hate telling this story.

“I told you I interned here during college, right?” Gabe nods, and you just barely keep yourself from slamming on the brakes when he flits his tongue to swipe across his upper lip.

“I fell in love with Dallas, and with my line of work being what it is, it’s all about who you know. So after I moved back to Chicago to finish school, I knew I had to make some connections if I wanted to find a job in another state. There weren’t many networking events here, so I kind of had to improvise. My friends took me to a lot of Stars games when I was interning, and I remembered that Casino Night was coming up…” you trail off as you slowly come to a stop at the next red light.

“So I’m guessing you went and seduced some big, sexy hockey players, huh?” Gabe moves closer to dig his elbow into your arm.

“That’s exactly what happened, how did you know,” you deadpan.

“No, for goodness sake’s, Gabe, I didn’t seduce them. I’ve never followed hockey that closely, so I didn’t recognize their faces. Jamie talked to me for almost 20 minutes about working in the Metroplex before a random PR girl came to take him away.” You laugh at the memory of a bumbling Jamie Benn trying to talk to you about taxes and insurance benefits before Tyler had swooped in and hip checked him before winking at you.

With the help of alcohol and some distance from the cameras, Jamie was all soft excitement and fun innuendos while Tyler had just melted into a literal puppy after the event ended. Jamie had asked for your number after you shared some drinks with him and Tyler that night, and you’d always wondered what would’ve happened if you hadn’t had to fly back home the next morning.

Regardless, you kept in touch with the boys until you got a full-time offer with the company you’d interned for the previous summer. When finally making the move to the Big D, you suddenly had 15 fully-grown hockey players at your service when you pulled in with your giant U-Haul. No way could you have imagined any of that from your failed attempt at networking.

“So…your best friends are hockey players, then,” Gabe trails off. You’re not sure where he’s going, but you just nod.

“Yeah, I go to their games and I can finally tell them apart on the ice, but I’m more of a baseball girl myself.” It’s true, you’d grown up in Cubs territory and their World Series win ranked in your list of favorite moments from your entire life.

“Do you know any other hockey players?”

“Mmm, I don’t think so. I guess I know who Sidney Crosby is? But that’s only because Tyler’s obsessed with him.” Gabe laughs brightly and you hear an of course he is under his breath.

“Wait…do you know Tyler, too?”

“Um, yeah (Y/N). I kind of have to, considering I play hockey, too.” This time you really slam on the brakes, which is just fine because no one’s on the road, anyways. You’ve only got another mile or so until you make it to Jamie’s place, and you’d like some time to wrap your head around the fact that this dream of man regularly plays against your best friends.

“You’re a hockey player from Sweden…who plays in Colorado,” you utter our slowly. “You’re somehow friends with Tyson, who’s friends with Jamie, which probably means that Tyson’s a hockey player too, right?” Everything is wild and nothing makes sense.

Gabe at least has the courtesy of looking sheepish. He scratches at his neck and shrugs.

“Yeah, Tyson’s one of my best friends in Denver. You can’t tell him that, though, or else he’ll get a big head.”

“Okay, just give me a second to wrap my head around this. Also, get out your phone because we need to record their reactions when we walk in together. Good thing I have a key,” you whisper conspiratorially.

“I think I kind of like bossy (Y/N).”

You know Jamie’s already expecting you, especially since Tyler had texted he was still hanging out with the guys. Gabe’s already got the video rolling on his phone when you slide the key into the lock. You call out a hello as you slip off your shoes and gesture for Gabe to follow when you hear an “in the kitchen!”

Marshall and Cash come bounding up to you while Gerry takes a moment to survey the new guest. Gabe gives him a generous amount of pats, which has Gabe on his knees scratching the puppy’s belly in no time.

“And that’s why we gave a key to (Y/N) in the first place—she somehow always brings us free Whataburger.” You roll your eyes at Jamie’s bravado, he’s clearly raised his voice so you could hear him.

“Holy shit! Landesnerd!”

You turn and mouth Landesnerd? to Gabe in question, to which he shrugs and probably just zooms in on your face with the camera.

Tyson runs over to see Gabe, bypassing you completely. Jamie’s slower to stroll out and he raises an eyebrow at you before pulling you in for a squeeze. He smells like cedar and soap like always, and it’s so familiar to you now that it almost hurts. Tyler comes steamrolling out of the kitchen yelling your name and throws himself into your arms when Jamie finally lets go. This one’s all Aveda shampoo and Armani cologne, and you playfully bite at his shoulder, which has him yelping and jumping away as always. It’s only been a few days, but you’ve missed your boys something fierce.

Plus, it’s only a matter of time before they realize who you walked in with.

“Hold up, hold up, hold up.” Tyson finally pauses, literally scratching his head at the sight of you. “Do you guys know each other? Gabriel, how did you even get into this house?”

Gabe’s still getting everything on video, and you’re so glad it’s all getting caught on tape. Tyler tilts his head side-to-side, glancing between you and Gabe before finally turning and elbowing Jamie in the ribs. He makes a few contemplative noises before finally whispering to Jamie, who’s eyes shine with mirth when he lands his gaze on you, of all people.

“Hey, Landy, what’s up man? How do you know our girl (Y/N), here?” Tyler continues smoothly, pulling Gabe in for one of those complicated handshake turned bro taps. Jamie does the same, but you can tell from the way Gabe shoves at his chest that Jamie’s chosen to chirp him. Of course.

Tyler just waggles his eyebrows at you suggestively when Gabe finally responds, ruffling Tyson’s hair at the same time.

“It’s just gotta be fate, right? We were on the same flight over, we had Whataburger together, and here we are now.”

“You watch yourself, Landeskog, throwing around words like fate and together. Our (Y/N)’s too good for Colorado scum like you!” You lunge to tackle Tyler to the ground, which just begins an all-out brawl once Marshall and Cash get word of the fun.

Jamie just sighs all too knowingly, and stops in the kitchen to grab the bags of chips he only saves for special occasions. Something tells you it might be a Goon night after all.

When Jamie officially deems it too late for you to go home, he sends you to the guest room on the second floor to spend the night, just as you have numerous times before. You’re thankful he’s pulling the trigger and has a shit ton of extra rooms for everyone to stay in, one of which already has a new toothbrush and one of Jamie’s spare hoodies.

When you wake up the next morning, it’s to the smell of hazelnut which has you out of bed and downstairs almost immediately. Tyson doesn’t even look half awake yet, but Jamie slides over a mug of black coffee to you wordlessly. The shower’s going down the hall, which tells you exactly where Gabe is.

“Can we do breakfast,” you whine at Jamie. He’s become the big brother you’d never had, and you know he dotes on you as a result of being a lifelong youngest child. Jamie just grunts in response as Tyson flops his hands over his ears with a long, pronounced groan.

“Let’s do Norma’s, I want biscuits,” you continue. Jamie nods and pulls out his phone, presumably to check in with Tyler.

“It’s good, I promise,” you reassure Tyson. You pat his head of curls gently and get another sad moan in return. Poor guy, sleeping in must definitely be a BC thing.

You and Gabe are the first ones to arrive at Norma’s an hour later, Tyson texting that he and Jamie would pick Tyler up on their way over. You knew if you were to confront either of your friends about what they were trying to do, the big dumb cow eyes would come out to play, and you really didn’t have time for that right now. You just want to enjoy the time you have with Gabe before he leaves, and be able to keep moving forward without even more unrequited feelings weighing you down. Fuck, you don’t even know if it’s been long enough to characterize these feelings as feelings.

As Gabe steps into the bustling diner, you can see the exact moment everything begins to process in that big, blond brain of his. He opens his mouth, then shuts, just smiling down to himself. He stands off to the side while you give your name to the hostess, and make your way over to join him against the wall.

It smells like heaven, if the celestial beings cried tears of grease, and the diner itself is packed with people of all ages. There’s a booth just next to the bar that’s opened up, and you can’t suppress the giggle that erupts when you imagine yourself and four massive hockey players squeezed into it. Gabe calls your name quietly, and you look up to see mirth dancing in his blue, blue eyes.

Completely unaware of the image burned in your brain, he asks, “What’s with all the Texas flags everywhere?”

You have to chuckle at that. Norma’s is known for straight-up Southern comfort food, and their infamous booths decked out in full Texan attire. It was the first thing you’d noticed your first visit, after the giant pies up front that were easily the size of your entire torso. You still remember trying to take sneaky photos to send to your parents all those years ago. Now, they all knew you by name.

“G, it’s Texas,” you reply simply. There really is no other way to put it. “Sweet tea, Whataburger, and good ol’ American football—that’s the Texas way,” you drawl exaggeratedly.

It’s only a couple minutes before the rest of the boys make it to brunch, and if y’all didn’t stick out before, you definitely do now. Tyson’s the closest to you in height, but there’s no denying he’s just as capable as the others in easily benching your weight.

While the people in Texas can be a little softer in the middle, they’re that much kinder in spirit. The city boy in Tyler has slowly been weathered away over the years, and you can’t even pinpoint the Canadian in Jamie anymore. Which is why Gabe with his perfect face and eyes and hair and everything sticks out like a sore thumb in this establishment. It’s like trying to stuff the Sun into a one story home, and telling yourself you still need a lamp.

Tyler kicks at your foot lightly, and it snaps you out of your reverie. The hostess is already leading Jamie, Tyson, and Gabe to a larger booth in the back, so you and Tyler pull up the rear. He offers you his arm, just like always, and he leads you to your seat with a flourish. Jamie’s already saved a spot for Tyler right next to him, patting the cushion with his paw-like hand, which leaves you with the seat next to…Gabe. Of course.

Jamie’s smirking at you when you look up, so you pointedly gesture to the arm he has stretched out behind Tyler to get him to stop. His smirk turns into a shy grin then, and he just shrugs good-naturedly before turning back to his menu. You already know what you’re getting—a Number 7 with extra gravy, as always—so you turn your attention back to Gabe, who’s bouncing between studying the laminated menu and looking around the diner to see what everyone else is eating.

“The biscuits here are the best things I’ve ever tasted,” you offer. Gabe’s brow is still furrowed, eyes flicking back and forth between the menu choices.

“Okay, but can it beat Denver Biscuit Company?” Tyson all but yells from Gabe’s other side. Some other customers nearby turn their heads in interest, and the curly-haired guy is straight up lucky there’s no one with a fishing vest on in your vicinity right now. Don’t mess with Texas is right.

“Oh my god, Four, we can’t take you anywhere,” Gabe hisses, reaching under the table to pinch at Tyson’s thigh.

“Gabe! What the fuck! It’s a free country, Landesnerd!” Tyler’s straight up giggling now as he leans even further into Jamie’s side, and you’re always a sucker for his giggles.

“This has to be a Colorado thing, why are you guys like this?”

“Oh yeah, Benny? Wanna tell Tyler and (Y/N) about the shit we got up to in Kelowna? Don’t kid yourself, bud, you’re not that great.” Tyler’s eyebrows shoot to his hairline and he mouths over a what to you before turning back to Jamie, who’s huge eyes are looking extra cow-like with a side of feigned innocence.

This time, it’s Gabe’s turn to laugh and turn the conversation to shenanigans he and Klinger got into when playing at Worlds together. You don’t know for what, but you feel like you’ve been rewarded with something when he turns to give you a private smile after ordering an extra side of biscuits.

“For us to share away from the hooligans,” he whispers.

Jamie and Tyler had a quick practice over in Frisco after breakfast, so you’d brought Gabe and Tyson back to your place to hang out before meeting the guys again later. Tyson had holed up in your den to call his girlfriend Emma, and last you had checked he had fallen asleep on your futon. You hadn’t expected anything less. Now, you and Gabe are left watching Love Actually in your living room while sipping on some leftover apple cider you’d reheated on the stove.

“Hey Gabe?” It comes out as barely a whisper, but his eyes flick to yours as he murmurs in response. He taps your ankle with his toes, stupid fuzzy socks nudging against your bare skin. You wish you had the liberty of reaching over and tucking your hand into his, pulling him to wrap his strong, wiry arms around your frame. He looks like a scene on your couch, with your favorite throw strewn across his frame.

“Yeah, (Y/N)?”

“What happens now?” You’re scared to even utter the words, afraid he’ll just brush it all off. Luckily, he seems to have given this a lot more thought than you have.

“Well, I know I really like you, and I think you like me,” he replies easily. “We can be really good together, and I want to give it a shot—give us a shot.”

This is crazy. You’d met him only 24 hours ago, and here he was talking about a long distance relationship. Friends of yours had done this in the past, but you never imagined a whirlwind meet-cute like this for yourself. It was ridiculous to even wrap your head around—this legitimately only happened in rom-coms.

“You sound crazy right now, Gabe.”

“Here’s the thing, though. I’m all in. I don’t mean to sound cocky or presumptuous here, but I have the means to fly us both back and forth even if you didn’t get free flights. I don’t know how we got here over the past day, but I do know that I trust you and I’m willing to try. Are you?”

“Pinch me.”

“What?” Gabe barks out a surprised laugh.

“Pinch me, Gabriel. Prove to me that I’m not dreaming.” And because it’s Gabe, he does.

“Ow! Okay, I get it, I’m not dreaming. You didn’t have to pinch me so hard with your dumb big hockey player fingers!”

“(Y/N), come on. Seriously?”

“I have thin skin! Also…if you’re that committed to this, I can be too. I really like you, too. Also, mess with my heart, young Gabriel, and I’ll send the dogs after you.” You point a finger at his amused face and realize that yeah, maybe it’d be nice to allow good things to happen to you.

“Don’t worry, I can take Tyler in a fight. Jamie…maybe not. But you can’t tell him that.” You don’t get the chance to respond as he pulls you in for the first kiss of the rest of your life.

One Year Later – Chicago, IL

“I love Chicago—ever since a buddy of mine forced me to explore with him a few years ago, I fell in love with the architecture.” You expect the tips of his ears to go pink sheepishly or something equally indicative of embarrassment, but he sounds bold, confident. It’s always a turn-on when guys are unapologetic about their passions, but you never would’ve expected his to be architecture—even then, that of your hometown.

It makes you love him that much more.

“It’s the clean lines of all the modern buildings,” he continues, “and the way it contrasts with everything around it. Look at the Wrigley building or the Tribune building and compare it to the Sears Tower.” He sighs contentedly as he peers out the window of the train car, skyline still just about the size of your thumb from this distance.

“You really know your stuff, eh, Blondie?” Gabe’s head whips around at that, and you bite your lip to keep from snorting right then and there.

“Blondie, huh?”

“It figures, though,” you continue. “Big head must mean a big brain for all that random shit you know.” If anything, spending time with Gabe and the boys in Denver has only provided you with more material to help keep the big Swede in check. It must show, since all you hear is a muffled, “Fuckin’ Four” in response.

It feels good to hop off the Orange Line and feel the cold air on your face. Having spent the last few winters in Dallas, it’s disorienting to feel the pins and needles pricking your face again. Gabe slots his fingers through yours and smiles toothlessly as he presses a chaste kiss to the back of your gloved hand. This city might not be home for you anymore, but this smart, kind, hilarious, ridiculous human being next to you has proven himself more than worthy of that title.

“Oh come on, you sap. You said we had dinner reservations!” Gabe had, indeed, told you in explicit detail what he looked forward to doing to you that night, and it encompassed a lot more than just dinner plans. You’re glad it’s so chilly outside, because you can blame your cheeks flaming pink on the weather.

The two of you walk for a bit in comfortable silence, and the familiar streets make way for a slew of old memories. You remember running from campus to the old train station with your college roommate so you could catch the last train to Schaumburg, sitting in front of the Bean with a box of macarons crying over your ex-boyfriend, and even the time you’d somehow ventured into the shady part of town late at night and had called your dad in a panic.

They’re all fond memories, of course, crucial parts of the saga you call your life. But when Gabe tightens his grip and smiles down at you with so much warmth in his eyes, you can’t imagine ever looking back at this city without thinking of him and all that he adds to every moment of your life. You have all the tools and willpower to make your life yours—just like he pointed out that first night, you moved to Dallas on your own and made an entirely new life for yourself. But he adds so much color and meaning you’d never even considered before, that he makes everything more. If you were functioning on a solid 7, he’s the one that dials everything up to a 12.

And you’re struck with this huge revelation as you’re walking down Wacker in the freezing cold that you want this, want him, forever. It doesn’t make any sense, but your heart starts pounding in your ears, and you never really were very good at keeping a poker face, because all you want to do is tell him all of it now now now.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, babe.” Gabe chuckles and runs a thumb across your cheek. “But I have a feeling that’s not all you want to say.”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

His eyes widen almost comically, and if you weren’t so nervous about what you’d just said, you might be making fun of him for it.

“Seriously, (Y/N)? You couldn’t wait just three more hours?” His voice is suspiciously watery, and he sounds like you’d just sucker punched him in the solar plexus.

“Wait. What?”

Gabe shakes his head fondly. “Look up,” he whispers.

Too caught in your thoughts earlier, you hadn’t realized where he’d brought you. The sun’s just setting and the sky’s an inky violet lit up by the various buildings comprising your favorite skyline. You look up and gasp at what beholds you because, goddamn.

The first time Gabe had come to Chicago with you, he’d brought you to this exact building on his impromptu architecture tour of the city. Gabe had told you how it was urban legend that the architect of this building had scrapped all his original designs after the death of his fiancée, and designed the building to take after her engagement ring when looked at from the sky.

“No. No fucking way. Gabe.”

There’s no response, so you turn to grab his arm but he’s no longer where you left him. Panic comes over you for a brief second, but it all melts away when you turn to find him kneeling on the ground next to you. He has a huge smile painted on his face, and it almost distracts you from the little jewelry box engulfed by his huge hands.

“(Y/N), I should’ve known that you’d ruin the surprise somehow, but I guess it’s okay because it just brings you one step closer to being my wife. When we came here the first time and I told you that story of the architect, that was me promising you that one day you’d be back with an engagement ring of your own.

“You complete me in a way I never could’ve imagined—you’re it for me, you complement me in every way. You inspire me every day because I see how hard you work for every single thing, and I’m so damn lucky to have found someone that brings that kind of resilience into our relationship. I love you to the end of this earth, and there’s no one else I would rather choose to build my life with.

“Man, it’s really fucking cold down here, (Y/N). Marry me?” The tears have been spilling down your cheeks for quite some time now, so it should come as no surprise to Gabe when you nod and throw yourself into his arms.

“Of course, Gabe, of course. I love you so much.” Gabe presses a loud, wet kiss to your temple in response and laughs heartily when you groan.

“Thank you for choosing me,” he whispers before untangling your limbs and taking your left hand in his. Pulling off your glove and holding it between his teeth, as he does, he slips the ring onto your finger, and you know you’re crying again at just how perfect everything feels. So you pull your new fiancé close and press your lips against his, while Gabe sweeps his tongue in little kitten licks against your lower lip in an effort to deepen the kiss. It only serves to make you laugh though, pure joy coursing through your veins.

“I can’t wait to be your wife,” you say when you finally pull back.

“Don’t you mean, you can’t wait to be Mrs. Babriel Landeskog?” You shove at his shoulder as he smiles unapologetically, taking the opportunity to nuzzle his face into your neck.

Your ring finger suddenly weighs more than it ever has, your favorite human has his arms wrapped tightly around you, and you can hear faint remnants of the carolers singing just a few blocks away at the Christkindlmarket. But what really gets you is the promise of the future as you feel Gabe smile against your skin. A crucial part of what makes a home is having him by your side, and luckily, that’s where he’ll be for the rest of your lives.

#gabriel landeskog imagine #gabe landeskog imagine #colorado avalanche imagine #hockeynetwork #hockey imagine #first time posting in hockey tumblr #enjoy!!#happy new year!#babrielandeskog

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equallyshaw · 2 years

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The Medicated Series: features OC’s with medical issues such as depression, anxiety, physical disabilities such as MS or Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as any other autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s, endometriosis, infertility, etc. (not an autoimmune but you get it) I feel, as a person with a physical disability, that there is a lack of representation and have always wanted to see myself in y/n stories.

Cale Makar Medicated Series Master Post:

Links for information regarding rheumatoid arthritis:

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

triggers/warnings:

Original Character: Eliza Nicole James, 23 years old. Brunette Hair, Blue Eyes, short and curvy.

Word Count:

Part Six:

Eliza's POV:

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Today was Tuesday, the day I would be telling Martha that I would be leaving, and that today was my last day. Also, I would be meeting with Joe Sakic after I got off of work around 3pm today. Today was a big day, even though I wasn't looking forward to it, Cale was being so sweet about it. He picked me up for work, after his morning workout and got me my favorite coffee + breakfast sandwich and told me he would be around at 3 to take me to the arena. He had been so incredibly sweet and considerate after I spent the night at his place, though we did not do anything, he still was a gentleman and made sure I was okay with staying over. It was weird for me, but getting to wake up next to him made it worth it.

I dragged my feet into Erics' office around 2pm and he knew the moment I crossed the threshold, what I was about to tell him. "Eliza, Im so happy for you!" He beamed getting out his chair and meeting me, to give me a hug. "I'm gonna miss you so so much." He said tearing up, and pulling down his mask. I frowned, pulling down mine as well. "I'm gonna miss you so much, Eric! You've been my rock these past years." I said wiping some tears from my face. "I know, but now you can reach SO many more people Chica." He mused and I nodded softly, "Guess I have an excuse to come back though." I smiled. He nodded laughing, "Yes! Martha will not allow it if you don't promise to come back every week." He joked. "Cale, said that he would visit with me if he wanted me to. Before, it was just an excuse to see me but he actually likes Martha and the other kids." I commented sitting down next to him in the two guest chairs. He nodded, "I know! He seems to want to be more hands on too. He came to talk to me last week about what or if there was anything that he could do himself. Volunteer, donate-" I cut him off. "Really?" I said with happy tears pooling into my eyes. "Yes Chica! Cale is a fucking gem. If he wasn't for team women, i'd snatch him up so quickly" He joked and I laughed, shaking my head. I rubbed the back of my neck, "It still feels weird y'know? Like this is all I had wanted for 13 years and now to leave- feels weird. Exciting and scary at the same time." I explained. "We are always here for you, we always have a spot open specifically for Eliza James. Our founding warrior." He said sweetly, rubbing my arm. I nodded, "Well, I am so glad to have your support Eric, it means the world. Now, I just gotta rip the band aid off and tell the kiddos. Today." I exclaimed. "Let's go tell them." He said stnading up and pulling me with him.

We walked into the playroom that housed many kids today, all my regulars. Eric walked in and got there attention as soon as he stepped through the glass doors. "Hi Guys! How are we today?" He questioned. They all responded chaotically and could not help but laugh. "Im glad you guys are doing well! I want you guys to listen to Eliza for a second, ok?" He said stepping out of my way for me to stand in front of them. "Auntie E!" and "Miss Eliza" all came my way, and I frowned sadly at it. I was going to miss those nicknames. "Hi guys, I have something really importnant to tell you ok?" I started off pulling a chair to the center so I could get closer to there level. I rested my elbows on my knees sighing softly, "I have some big news to tell you guys today." I paused making sure that all 12 of them heard me. "I have decided to leave Hillside Pavillion today, for good." I stated and that's when the meltdowns started. "Guys guys!" I said trying to calm them down, but nobody wanted that. Eric helped me out, and finally after a few minutes of trying to calm them- they did. I pulled some hair behind my ear and contemplated my next words, "I have enjoyed my time here with you guys. Who would of thought we'd be here two years ago? I didn't and I am so ecstatic that Eric and you guys get to continue being the pride and joy or Hillside Pavillion. I see myself in you guys so much, but I also see so much more confidence and self love than when I was your age. And I am so grateful, that I got to be a little bit of help in helping you guys reach your ever growing potential. You guys are like my kiddos, and I am going to miss you so much. And know, that this was such a difficult decision. I thought of you guys in all my thinking and conversations, and even though you may be angry or sad- both feelings are acceptable, I will be able to reach even more kids like you and others who are going through unimaginable things." I paused and smiled at few who were coming forward to burrow into my side. I wrapped my arms around them, trying to hold back the ever growing tears. "Besides, I won't be far away. I'll be working with the Colorado Avalanche, and am always a phone call away. I might also be able to invite you guys for games, wouldn't that be fun?" I questioned looking down at the two in my arms, and then to Martha who seemed to perk up at that. "I love you guys so much, and always remember that you are stronger than you appear. That you are more than just your illness, or diagnosis. You guys are warriors, and inspire me everyday." I mused looking at all of them. It was like a silent aknowledgment before the kids came up and hugged me. Eric came up behind me and joined in as well. "Im gonna miss my barbie partner!" one kid eclaimed and another said, "Im gonna miss reading with you everyday." and I softly frowned, but I smiled as Martha spoke. "Im gonna miss you coming in everyday with a smile on your face,de-despite any pain you have. Im gonna miss seeing you smile." She said and I nodded wiping back a tear. I was gonna miss them so much.

A few minutes later, I met up with Martha and sat her down in her favorite reading nook. "Do you really have to go?" She said sadly, and I nodded. "Yes, I do BUT Cale and I will both be back for different events and to see you. Besides, I have an open policy in my new office for you guys anyday. Ok? Your mom can call me whenever you need to talk." I said trying to read her face. She nodded softly, before lunging towards me and hugging me. I pulled her in, and rubbed her hair. She softly sobbed, and I wiped silent tears away. I loved this girl like my own, I saw myself in her but she also had so many traits and fierceness that I did not posess at age 8. She was such a brightlight these past two years, and having been there since the first few weeks of diagnosis- meant that we held a bond like no other. I would see her 4-5 days a week if she wasn't at ballet, theater, softball or soccer to name a few. Through all the up's and down's, and the unknowns and questions, I was there. I was there for her, like I had wished somebody was there for me. I knew her deepest darkest secrets, that she didn't even tell her mom. She trusted me and I trusted her. I pulled away, and wiped her tears from her small eyes and smiled. "Pretty as always." I mused rubbing her cheek. She smiled, before looking past me and smiling ever wider. She jumped out of my arms, and I knew who was there before I turned around and heard her squeal. I grinned turning around in my seat, and seeing Cale kneel down to the kid's level and talk to them. I looked at the front desk ladies that were looking in, and winked at them. They knew exactly what they were doing, even if the higher ups did not like it. I met Eric at the door as well, and leaned into him. Smiling sadly. Eric noticed and motioned towards the door and I nodded, before walking out.

"I know you wish that that would be you, right?" He asked softly as we moved away from the door. I nodded, "I can't help but think that it's wrong that I don't want kids. But like, it's 2022. Not every woman needs to bear children. But looking and watching him with kids ,makes me sad. And also hopeful, that because he is good with kids that it wouldn't be so bad. He's the partner that I had been hoping for." I explained and Eric nodded, pulling me back into my office. It was not 2:50 and needed to clear out my things. "Well, just by the looks of it- I don't think that having kids with him would be an issue. By the way he looks at you and talks about you, he would bend over backwards for you." Eric commented and I nodded. "When he picked you up two weeks ago, the front desk ladies let it slip that he was asking what books to read, or documentaries, or schlolary articles to read about Rheumatoid Arthritis. He wanted to know also how to take care of you if you needed it, and things he should look for regarding any flare ups and stuff. He spoke to them for about a half hour before I came and told you he was at the door." Eric paused, and I gave him wide eyes. "No way." I said smiling like an idiot, "Way!" Eric exclaimed. "And then he's been texting with me, on stuff he is finding out. Obviously, I am no expert but your teachings these past three years have helped me out in that department. When I tell you that lover boy is hooked, committed and willing to help each and every way- I am not exagerating. No man his age would even think about educating himself or comprehend what he's reading about. He literally read three books in a week after he spoke to them. And now I think he's at 6 books. Im like how the hell do you have so much time? Especially if he's spending time with you?" He joked, sending me a wink. I fake gagged and continued putting my books and plaques away in a box. I froze, thinking about what Eric had confessed. "Wow." was all I could say. No person in my life had ever done that, much research. Hell, after thirteen years my parents and sisters had never done much. It was always me being the one to educate them, and tell them shit they wouldn't even remember five minutes after. Cale was something else, he could be something more if he stayed on this path of acceptnance, understading, compassion and love. But, I guess time will tell.

Around 3:05, a knock was heard at my office door. I looked up at saw Cale, giving me a smile. "Hi!" I beamed, moving away from my box and meeting him at the door. "Hello Auntie E." He mused, pulling me in for a hug. "Awe, im gonna miss that nickname." I said softly frowning as we pulled apart. "But you'll have new ones." he said on the brightside and I nodded. "What can I take?" He questioned at the four boxed, that laid on the floor. "You can take those two, and I will have Eric take the others." I said putting my phone in my bag and zipping my purse closed. He nodded, walking out and Eric came in to grab the other two. I softly smiled grabbing the Peonies that the front desk ladies had given me this morning, and I slowly walked towards my door. I had done so much these past two years officially in this role. The late nights, and early morning coffee runs I had to make or well Eric did. The presentations that were scraped the minute Eric showed me them, because they were too colorful and the highers up would not like it. Constantly telling me that they needed a little Gay in there life, never failing to amuse me. The countless meltdowns I witnessed or the one's Eric witnessed with me, as we tried to navigate this whole thing. Though bittersweet, I was excited to move on and start putting my footprinte some place new. Cale met me at the door, and held out his hand and we walked into the hallway. "I just need one last goodbye. Ok?" I said looking up at him and he nodded, taking my purse and flowers. I walked into the playroom and all the kids stopped what they were doing and ran towards me. "Oh no! Don't run me over." I joked as they hugged me. "please come back soon!" Jess mused and that got a chorus of yes'. I nodded, taking in there faces one last time in this capacity. "I will be back soon. Maybe I will even bring some treats or some familiar faces." I grinned and they grew excited at that. "Be good for Eric, remember not to push his buttons too much." I joked causing them to laugh. They all stepped back after a few minutes, and I smiled at Martha who moved in for one last hug. "I'l always be here, Martha. I promise." I whispered and she nodded before releasing. I stepped back, to take in all the kiddos one last time in this position and I turned back around and Cale stood there waiting for me. "Ready?" he asked and I nodded, taking my bag from him.

We arrived at the arena around 3:45 pm, and I grew even more nervous. Tomorrow, would be my official first day but I wanted to speak to Joe a little more so he could understand my health and what came with it. But as Eric said before, he'd have there heads on a stick and he would dorp a lawsuit on them SO quickly if they even so much looked at me the wrong way. Hopefully, I would not have to use that card and could become apart of the team smoothly. and without issue.

Cale and I walked towards the players entrance, and I noticed that there were a lot of cars here. "Nothing special is happening, guys probably just wanted to workout and skate. That's all." he said after I asked him if anything was happening. "Okay." I responded, breathing in and out. We walked towards an elevator that was right off the door, and I mentally thanked whichever person thought to put it in such a conveniant spot. "Smells a lot nicer, than I imagined." I sacastically said as we went up to the fourth floor. Cale chuckled, understading exactly where I was coming from. We walked out into the offices area, and walked towards Joe Sakics' office. "Do I look okay?" I asked stopping halfway there and started to self doubt. "I hope he likes me." I threw out there as well, and Cale shook his head. "I promise you, he does and you look great as always. Now please, get in there so I don't have to hear how I took so long to get you here . GO!" he said softly nudging me towards the door and I softly giggled, before saluting him. I turned around and walked towards the door. I softly knocked, getting his attention. "Ms.James!" Joe Sakic said, shocking me with how much excitment her had. "Hi!" I responded as he motioned for me to sit down.

"How have you been? You excited for your first day tomorrow?" He asked and I nodded smiling. "Yes! Im very excited, but obviously nervous about meeting so many new people." I confessed and he waved me off. "Everybody in this orginization and team, are class act. They are all excited to meet you as well. They wanna meet the mastermind behind the HillSide's fieldtrip here. They enjoyed it and would love to do it again." He explained and I nodded, trying to process everything. "That's amazing!" I said, smiling. "That means a lot. I am glad, to be working with people who are excited about the intitatives that our group will be undertaking and continuing. I know that a lot of the Wags thouroughly enjoy charity work and I will continue that and hopefully make it even bigger." I commented, and Joe nodded enthusastically. "Can I ask you a question?" I asked and he nodded, giving me the floor. "Why didn't you want to interview me? Not that I am complaining by any means, but it just seemed so fast that it confused me a bit." I asked honestly, and he nodded. "Well, when you invited the team to Hillside, I was curious. I was curious to see who had ran it so well. And then after getting in contact with Eric, he explained to me that it was all you. And that it had been you for the past two years while he ran the buisness side of things. Then once I asked you to facilitate the Hillside Night- I just had a feeling that you'd be an awesome addition to our team as Head of Community Outreach. It was a no brainer. And then I asked the team what they thought of the events, and they wanted you apart of the team if possible. Especially Cale, he said that he'd never seen somebody so passionate before. And I got that from a lot of them as well like Gabe, EJ, Nazem, Nate and Mikko. So I thought, why not?" He mused and I nodded. "Well that answers my question." I said laughing and he did too. "SO what did you want to talk to me about today?" He asked and I pushed some hair behind my ear, my nervous tick.

"Well as you may know I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I wanted to let you know a little bit about that and how it effects me. Though I know you can't legally do anything about it and I know you definetly don't want Eric coming in here and torching the place." I paused as he laughed, and I laughed too. "But I wanted to let you know that it can affect me day to day sometimes. I am at a place, where I can pretty much figure out how I will wake up the next day but sometimes I don't and it blindsides me. Sometimes you may see me with a cane and then the next day I will be without it. Others I will walk slower and others I can pretty much do a fast mom walk. Some days, I have really bad fatigue but other days I am ok. Everything is up and down, and I really hope you don't get upset if I have to call off for a day or maybe a week. It has happened and it will happen eventually. But even if I call off, I still work from home because even though I might be having a flare up, I am at home so I am more comfortable. SO yeah, again you cant technically do much but I just wanted to let you know up front." I said and he nodded thankfully. "Well thankyou for sharing that, you did not have to but am glad that you felt comfortable enough and trusted me to let me know. We actually have a few people here who have medical issues, and nobody will treat you any differently. If something comes up, let me know and I will take care if it right away. Finally, I am always here if you need anything. Bednar too, who you will meet tomorrow. Anything that comes up, we are a phone call, text or office away. We also have others here who you can speak to if something happens, god forbid it does but know that you have safety here and people that look out for one another." he finished and I nodded, extremely grateful for his attitude and compassion. Feeling safe and included, was at the top of my list.

Cale's POV:

I watched Eliza walk into the office and as soon as I heard them talking, I bolted down the stairs to the floor below to helpe the guys. It was Gabe and Andre's idea to decorate her office a bit. Welcoming her into the work family, she was probably gonna regret joining. Just joking. I walked into the office and saw the balloons all done, and they saw a orchid on her desk. They had also put up a welcome sign, decked out in Avalanche colors. "You don't think it's too much right?" Nazem asked as I walked in. I inspected everything and shook my head, "No she will love it." I said and they all cheered. "Mel, told me that she enjoys coffee and what she likes, so I am gonna stop and get that on the way as a little treat. EJ is also getting her some flowers, well Jackie is- there is no way in hell he can't tell what is what." Gabe said and EJ began bickering with him, the other guys joined in too. Mikko, Andre, Gabe and Naz were super excited to have her join the orginization that they decicded to surprise her. They all really liked her from what I said about her, as well as when they spoke at the Hillside event at the hospital and the Hillside night. Such a random group of guys, but I liked it. It was for sure chaotic trying to have them decide on the color scheme and then decide to do the avs colors to play it safe. Then one person said someting about a banner, and then another about flowers or a plant. Then it esclated from there, and now it seemed they were chipping in for a supply of coffee for a year most likely. This is what she needed coming into this role, not only staff that supports her but having some guys on the team support her as well? She was winning even before she stepped through the door. My phone buzzed, and there was a texted from Eliza, stating that she was done and that she was confused on where I was. I told her I would meet her at the elevator in five. "I gotta go." I said taking one last look around, before putting some more tape up.

Eliza' POV:

Joe Sakic left, to go meet with somebody so I stood in the hallway waiting for Cale to come meet me again. I leaned up against the wall, and looked at the floor thinking abot tomorrow and the work that I was hoping to do. I was excited, but nervous about meeting the team too. That's the part that really terrified me but I had Cale and Joe in my corner. Bednar too, but I hadn't even met the dude yet. I pulled out my phone to text Cale again when I heard footsteps. I looked up and saw a player, obvioulsy. No way in hell, that it was just a regular staff memeber. I looked down nervously and started to text Cale. "You're Eliza right?" The voice questioned, and I looked up before nodding. "Yes and you are?" I asked. He rubbed the back of his neck, "Im Nathan Mackinnon. I work with Cale." He stated and I nodded, breathing in heavily. He was the dude that didn't think Nate and I had a future together. "Listen I just wanna say-" I cut him off, "I really don't wanna hear what you have to say Nathan, I don't. You don't even know me first off and secondly, you commented on something that you probably don't know anything about. And if you had came to the Hillside event, you would have learned a bit about it." I remarked and he nodded, looking down. "You don't know me enough to comment on my life or my health ok? So please dont apologize and say that you didn't mean it. You clearly did, if you said it to Cale yourself." I finished, walking past him to the elevator. I pushed the button, and it opened revealing Cale himself. He could see the sense of relief as I saw him. I walked in, pressing the garage level and leaned agains the wall. He knew, without having me to voice it.

We pulled up to my apartment and we headed up towards my floor. Becca was out of town for the next few days, so I knew I would be alone when Cale left tomorrow evening for a away game after the home game. When we walked inside, he set the two boxes down and went to go get the other two. I pulled out my phone, letting him know I was taking a quick shower. I quickly grabbed my clothes and towel, and made my way into my shower. I turned it on, and then turned on some music, and waited for it to heat up. I sat on the toilet, looking towards the floor, and sighed. The faitgue was coming on fast, as the adrenaline was coming down from the day. I hopped in the shower and quickly washed me hair, body and face. And then stood for a few minutes, taking in the hot water before getting out. After another five minutes I stepp back out onto the rug and quickly dried myself off and wrapped myself in the towel.I slipped on my house shoes and cursed myself, I didn't grab my brush from my room. I hurriedly tried to open the bathroom without Cale noticing from the living room. That wouldn't have been an issue if he wasn't in my room tidying up for me. I froze as I caught sight of him, as he was doing so. I tried stepping back out of my room ,hoping he wouldn't catch me but he heard me and turned around. He looked down at the towel, before meeting my gaze. "Sorry I uh was trying to get my brush." I said nervoulsy walking in and grabbing it before shuffling back out. I locked myself in the bathroom and cringed. I sighed, leaning against the door and cursed myself. How could I have been so stupid? But I also did not think he'd be tidying up my room for me so I didn't have to worry about it. He knew how I liked not going to bed sometimes wiht a messy apartment and that Becca helped me but since she was not here- he had decided to help without me asking him. And ofcourse, that wouldn't have been a big issue if I wasn't you know nude under this towel. It wouldn't have been weird if we had done anything, and that's the thing we haven't. Like obviously, I had thought about it but having never done it before, it scared me. It was a big step not only as a couple but as a female. Losing it for the first time, scared me. It made me embarrsed because it's not like I could do what they did in movies, my body wouldn't allow it. And that's also partially why I stayed away from boys in college. I was embarrased about what I could and could not do. I sighed, brushing out my hair and trying to ease back into the music. I quickly changed and did my skincare, before venturing back out into the hall.

I heard Cale from the kitchen, so that mean the ghost was clear. I walked into my room that was newly cleaned, and I smiled putting my clothes in the hamper. Sweetie pie, I thought. I walked back out, going straight for the fridge to grab a water. Cale was currently putting away the dishes into the dishwater and I smiled as he did it. I re opened the fridge and began to look for the mexican food I had saved from yesterday and I tapped my foot as I searched for it. "What did you want for dinner?" Cale asked and I froze, before shutting the fridge. "Anything is fine." I respnded, but knew I would have something to say about each place he offered up. "Actually- there is a place down the street that has to die for pierogis. We can order it on doordash so we don't have to leave." I suggested and he nodded, as I pulled out my phone. I opened up the menu, handing him my phone since I knew I was gonna get my regular order. He scrolled down and back up, before figuring out what he wanted. "What are you getting?" He asked as I placed the order. "Well, I ordered a appetizer of grilled chicken and there amazing sauce. Potato and Sweet Cheese pierogis, sausage and Pączki's. Which you have to try!!! The dessert if a fan favorite." I mused and he nodded, "Will have enough for lunch tomorrow, which makes me not have to worry about it." I added as I hopped off the bar stool and walked into my room for a second, searching for a book that I wanted him to read. Now with some new knowledge, I think Cale would like the book. I walked back in and set the book down, "What's this?" he asked opening it. "Its my favorite book on arthritis. I heard that you have taken a interest to the subject." I grinned sipping some water. He nodded, skimming over the opening pages. "Ye-yeah." he said confirming it. He looked up and smiled, "Thankyou for this. Thankyou for allowing me even more into your life." He said thankfully. I nodded, "Thankyou for taking it upon yourself to research it. Eric told me about the conversations you and he have had as well as talking to the front desk ladies. It means a lot Cale, more than you know." I smiled as I rounded the counter. I put my hands on his cheeks softly, pulling him in for a kiss. He responded immediatly, pulling me in closer by my waist. I couldn't get enough of him, intoxicated by him. I moved my arm so now it was around his neck, trying to get closer if possible. His hands continued to rest on my waist, pulling me in.

I startled him as I began to kiss down his chin onto his neck, taking in my newfound energy. He froze for a brief moment, and I stopped and stepped back. I looked at him, trying to read his face. "Did I do something wrong?" I asked sheepishly, and he shook his head. "No, I just don't want you to do anything you don't want to that's all. I don't want you to get uncomfortable at all." He explained. I rubbed my eyes with my hand, and turned around and moved away from him. Well yeah I didn't want to have sex but I did want to make out. Was that a crime? "Im sorry." he said and I waved him off, "It's whatever." I said un enthused. "I didn't mean to upset you." he said standing up and walking over to me. I didn't move. "Liz..." He said putting a soft hand on my lower back, and I sighed shutting my eyes. I turned to face him and stared at him with a small glare. "I wanted to makeout. That is all. I would have stopped." I said and he nodded, "I just wanted to make sure." he responded and I nodded. I rubbed the back of my neck, "It's fine, thankyou though. But you realize that at some point I would like to you know have sex?" I said and he nodded. "I know, but I want it to be special and the right time." He smiled softly wrapping his arms around me. I did the same, taking in his presence. I was going to miss it, for the next few days.

The Next Day:

So Cale told me before he went home, that I would not need to worry about getting coffee or a breakfast sandwich- which he knew was a weakeness of mine. That he had it all taken care of, and I obliged much to my dismay. I pulled into my new spot at the arena with the rest of the staff, and sighed taking it all in. This is freaking crazy, how the heck did I end up here? I hopped out, and saw Cale sweetly waiting at the staff entrance for me. I smiled as I got closer, my nerves fading just a tad bit. "Good morning, you excited?" He questioned as I stepped right next to him. He opened the door and I nodded, "Yes, very. And thankyou." I responded. "You know, you don't have to come with me. You can go get ready for your morning skate. Ill be okay." I said, and he shook his head. "Nah, I can't not walk you to your office. Besides, I need to see your reaction to your surprise." He non chalantly said as the elevator opened up to the third floor. I eyed him as he allowed me to go first, I sighed and stopped to look out at the sheet of ice. It was so much bigger without people in it. "Woah." I exclaimed softly, and Cale nodded. "You get used to it, eventrually." He mused and I nodded, turning back around an walked towards my office again. I eyed the walls that held numbers outside of them, looking for room number 22- my favorite number. My old sports number before I got diagnosed. Who woulda thought that that was the very number, i'd get for my office?

As soon as we walked up to my office, I stopped seeing balloons and a banner. I looked up towards Cale and playfully slapped his arm. "Ugh, I hate you." I mused and he put his hands up in defense, "It wasn't just me." He said and I cocked my head to the side, before turning to walk into the room. That's when I saw them. Gabe, EJ, Nazem and Andre scattered throughout the room. EJ sat in my desk chair, Gabe and Nazem sat in the two in front of my desk, and Andre sat in the comfy one in the corner. They were bickering about something as I walked in, and as soon as they noticed me, they all stood up and yelled 'Surprise!'. I brought a hand to my chest and smiled, taking in all the decorations, a orchid that laid on my desk, and my coffee + breakfast combo. I turned towards Cale, taking in his smile and ever rosy cheeks. "Oh my god!" I exclaimed, setting my back down next to my desk. "Thankyou guys! This was so sweet." I mused looking down at the orchid and then to EJ who sat back down in my chair. I raised an eyebrow, and without saying anything he hopped up like he had been pricked. I softly giggled, pushing some hair behind my ear. "Thankyou guys, and thankyou to whoever got me this." I smiled pulling the coffee closer. "And you go it right!" I beamed. It was the little things that did it for me.

"Ofcourse! Once Cale let it slip that you were coming to work here we knew we wanted to surprise you." Gabe explained, "And you can thank Mel. She remembered your coffee order." He added and I grinned. She had remembered our random conversation from that dreadful game. I mentally took note, to text her and thank her. Perhaps, maybe taking her out to get some coffee. "Well, I will have to thank her today. But seariously, you did not need to do this at all." I said refercning the room and they all waved it off. "Our pleasure, and here." Andre or who I presume is Andre since the others I had seen over facetime or Nazem at the restaurant. "No, you did not!" I said taking the card from him, opening it and seeing a Starbucks giftcard that had $200 on it. "No no, this is too much!" I said giving him a look of gratefulness and mixed with a frown. "NO! Cale has told us how much coffee you need in the morning to be bearable so this saves us." He added and I playfully rolled my eyes. "Rude." I threw at Cale who only chuckled, but blushed profusley. "OH! Can't forget about these." EJ said picking up a bouquet of hidden flowers and I smiled. "Thankyou!" I said taking the bouquet of blush hydrangas- must have been a pretty penny. "My god, these are gorgeous." I mused taking a second to look at them. "Thankyou." I said again to all of them, and then Nazem pulled out a bag of expensive looking candle brand. Joan Malone it read, and beamed. "Working here, you'll need something to smell nice." He said sliding over the bag and took it, taking a quick peek in the bag. "Can never have too many candles." I mused shutting the bag. I looked around at all of them, "Thankyou again. This is all way too much but thankyou." I said gratefully and they nodded. They left a few minutes after, already on about something Andre did something stupid this morning and they were gonna run with it at practice.

I giggled, sitting at my desk and smiling. This was real. "You okay?" Cale said sitting across from my desk, and I nodded. "Yeah, just hard to think i'd ever be anywhere but Hillside and then that happens? Oh my god, I've hit the jackpot." I mused shutting my eyes for a brief second. "Ofcourse! They love and care about you, just like I do." He responded and I pretended to not look deeper into that comment. "Here." he said alerting me, and when I reopened my eyes I saw that he was holding out a bag from the giftshop. "Cale." I said in a sing song voice, pretending to be annoyed. But he knew the differance between the voices, he knew when I was annoyed. "ohmygod." I rambled looking into the bag and seeing the third jersey. My favorite jersey. I looked up at Cale, unsure of what to say or do. I set the bag on the ground after I pulled it out. I opened it up and stared at the logo, and beamed. I then turned it around, and saw the famous number 8 number and Makar. I frowned, and Cale thought I was upset. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked down. I shook my head and put it back in the bag, before rounding my desk and grabbing his hands. "Thankyou Cale, I love it. You didn't have to but I appreciate it so much. Besides, I do remember a text saying that you would be fixing my no avalanche merch problem." I smirked as he looked up at me. The fear in his eyes were washed away as he did so, a huge smile dawned his face. I bent down and gave him a kiss on the cheek, before walking back to my desk. I moved everything either to the ground or behind me at another desk. I turned around after organizing everything, to knocks at my door. Cale and I's heads shot over to the doorway and saw Joe Sakic and Coach Bednar.

"Good morning Miss James, how are you doing this morning?" Joe announced as he walked in. "Good morning, Mr.Sakic. Im doing well, you?" I asked stepping up from my seat. "Good good, I just wanted to pop in with coach Bednar to introduce you two before heading to skate." He said eyeing Cale at the last part. Cale excused himself, and headed out the door. "Yes, it is great to meet you Coach Bednar." I said walking over and extending my hand. "You as well Miss James, but please call me just Bednar." He said accepting my hand shake. I nodded, "And call me Joe." Joe added and I nodded. "What does your schedule look like this morning?" Coach Bednar asked. I looked to Joe for a brief second, "I have a meeting with some staff at 10." I explained, and Bednar looked down at his apple watch. "You still have a good 2 hours- how would you like to watch some men on skates chasing a puck?" He joked and I giggled. "Yes, let's go watch them do just that." Joe answered for me and I nodded. Bednar left first, and Joe stayed behind. I went back to my desk for a brief second, to make sure my purse was secure in my desk drawer. "Eliza, can you please be honest with me?" Joe said startling me. I shut the drawer and nodded, standing up all the way. He stepped on his feet unsure of how to start, "I just want to confirm that you and Cale are together? Just so we can make sure that when you two are at work- no funny buisness. All professionalism." He stated and I nodded. "Yes, we have been dating for a bit. I promise though, that nothing will happen. I promise." I confirmed and he nodded. "I know, just wanted to make sure." He said and ushered me to follow him down to the ice.

We sat a few rows away in the 200 section, the level the suites were on. I eyed the team, taking in all the crisp sounds and noises coming off the ice. "Have you been a fan of the team for awhile or did you grow up watching them?" Joe asked a little while later. I sighed softly, "I watched them a little bit when I was younger with my dad. Around the time I was diagnosed my dad and I would stay up late watching games to pass the time when I couldn't sleep when I was in a lot of pain. But after a few years, and finally being able to sleep I kinda stopped watching. So I watched from 2012-2015 and then stopped." I answered honestly and he nodded, "Did your dad miss having a hockey buddy to watch the games with him?" He asked curiously. I nodded my head softly, "Yeah for sure. He's never said it but I remember the first time I told him that I was going to do something other than watch the game and well yeah. I think I also outgrew the sport in general, but watching Cale and also meeting the team the first time, I got hooked again and my dad actually enjoys what I have to say about the Avs." I responded. "They are defintly the team to watch." He mused and I nodded. "Also, im not sure if you knew this but staff gets tickets to all the home games and away games if you wanted to travel with the team." He added and I looked towards him, my smile growing. "Really? Oh wow, I'll need to get my dad to a game. God knows, he deserves one. And a beer or two." I joked and Joe laughed. "I am sure he will enjoy it." He mused and I nodded looking back at the ice. "Well, Eliza- looks like it 10 am. Time to hit the ground running." Joe said alerting me. I nodded, standing up and walking back up towards the hallway.

I pulled out my phone in the elevator, opening up Cale's and I's messages.

[Eliza: I don't know how I will ever thank you enough. Thankyou thankyou thankyou, Cale. I will forever be grateful how you didn't take no for answer when we first spoke. And now I am here, and most importantly around people who may or may not like me lol. The guy's are the sweetest but Im sure it was there other half who helped them. Just overall, sweetie pies. You being the biggest one. Im the luckiest girl in the world. okay thats all.]

I hope you all enjoyed!!! Please reblog/ comment, it would mean so much. I would love the feedback. Also, how cute is the group of guys? Honestly, writing what I would love to have happen to me.

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