Edit: Guys, i had to sacrifice myself with the tags cuz these were ones i wasnt finding fics with, i hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me😞😞
prompt: you spend Christmas with your boyfriend, Jack
warnings: probably foul language idk if you know my writing there’ll be some in there.
a/n: CHRISTMASWITHJACKCHRISTMASWITHJACKCHRISTMASWITHJACKYIPPEE. so i had originally wrote this for christmas but what better way than to release this almost 6 months late yk?
Snow flurries fell onto your eyelashes as you stood, shivering, outside. Jack had insisted that he bring you to an outside skating rink the night of Christmas Eve to “get into the Christmas spirit.” He even bought you new skates so that you could really get the experience.
“Jack.” You growl, slipping as you step onto the ice. He easily catches you and laughs a little before saying,
“I told you sweetheart, I’ve got you.”
You sigh and look up at him searching his warm blue eyes for any hostility. Finding none, you cherished the warmth that radiated on you when Jack presses up behind you to make sure you don’t fall. He rested his hands on your hips as he pushed the both of you forward at a pretty slow speed. The snow gently decorated Jack’s blond hair and eyelashes, as well as yours. You smiled up at him when he turned his head down to look at you.
“You look so beautiful tonight.” Jack whispered in your ear. Blood rushed to your cheeks as they burned bright red.
“You look even more handsome than ever.” You whispered back, reaching up and dusting off some of the snow on his eyelashes. Gliding up to a small wall on the rink, Jack made sure you didn’t hit the wall hard when you ran into it. He was standing over you, hands on either side of your hips. Jack’s nose softly bumped yours as he leaned down, resting his forehead against yours.
“Hey baby.” You laugh softly, eyes meeting his. Jack’s lips softly caught yours, a kiss that was just as sweet as he was.
“I’m so grateful that I’m able to spend Christmas with you.” Jack said, voice trembling slightly. His hand came up to cup your face, thumb gently caressing your cheek.
“Oh Jackie…” You whisper, smiling up at him. You knew that he couldn't go home to his family this Christmas because of the small tour they had from NYC to Nashville, so in return, he opted to stay with you for Christmas. Staying in Raleigh wasn't too bad, really. Jack knew all the places that were quiet that you two could go while he had this small break.
"I'm more than grateful that you chose to spend your Christmas with me." You smile. You thought maybe you saw a small tear escape Jack's eye. You pull him into a tight hug, fearing that if you let go he'd disappear. Jack rests his chin on top of your head, pushing off from the wall and slowly skating backwards. You suddenly weren't nervous about skating, being close to Jack made any fear go away. Jack guided the two of you around the rink once before letting go of you and grabbing your hand, lacing his fingers in yours.
"I'll skate right beside you, love. I'll catch you if you fall." Jack grinned, going the pace you were going.
"Jack, I don't kno-" You started, slipping halfway through your sentence. Jack's strong arms caught you, his soft laughter filling the air. The flurries of snow clung beautifully to Jack’s features as he laughed. You groan in frustration as Jack helped you steady yourself. His laugh reminded you of how these moments are rare because of how busy he is. Tears pricked your eyes as you both skated beside each other.
Jack looked down at you and suddenly frowned, his hand coming to cup your face.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” Jack asked.
“Nothing, it’s just so wonderful to have experiences like this with you. They’re so rare because you’re gone all the time.” You whispered. Jack smiled softly and squeezed your hand.
“I wish I could have more moments like this with you.” He smiled. The both of you skated in silence for a little while before it started to get a little more cold.
“Hey babe, I’m getting a little cold.” You shivered, hand trembling slightly.
“You ready to leave then?” He responded, bringing his other hand to warm yours. You nod your head and smile, squeezing his hands. Jack took off his scarf and wrapped it around you, hands cupping your face after he finished.
"Jackie you don't need to give me your scarf-" You start.
"I'll be ok, I play hockey for a living, remember? Plus I grew up in New Jersey, it's a lot colder down there." Jack cut, hand sliding down to your lower back, pressing his palm against it as he guided you off the rink. You held tight to him as he helped you off, strong hands holding you with ease. You both slid your skates off your feet and tugged your warm boots, now filled with snow, back on.
"Back to my place?" Jack offered, trying to set his mysterious plan in motion.
"What have you got planned now, Jack?" You question, eyes narrowing at him. He only smiled, eyes crinkling with love as he gazed down at you. Honestly it wasn't anything too grand to him. Just a few gifts he bought you, dinner he already made, a couple movies he planned to watch, then finally settling down in bed with you. Jack had even gotten you matching pajamas to wear, something he'd always wanted to do.
"You ready? Let's go back home, baby." Jack sighed, taking your hand into his warm one.
Luckily, Jack had experience with driving in snow because in the amount of time it normally takes you to drive a mile in snow, he'd already driven 5. It was almost like second nature for him, probably given the fact he lived in New Jersey for his childhood. In no time you had gotten to his place, a warm and inviting house that reminded you of the one you grew up in.
Jack jumped out of the drivers side and came around to open your door, helping you out so you didn't fall. You followed in pursuit as he made his way to the garage door, also holding it open for you. You smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek as you walked inside.
"I already made dinner." Jack announced, unwrapping a pork loin from the tin foil it was resting in.
"Oh baby.." You trailed off, tears threatening to fall down your face. Honestly, when you met Jack you thought it would be impossible to fall even more in love with him. But here you are, tears falling from your eyelashes as you fell in love with him all over again. Jack's strong arms wrapped around you, rocking you back and forth.
"It's ok babe, I love you so much." Jack whispered, lips pressing against the crown of your head. One hand stroked your hair as he drew back and pressed a kiss to your lips.
"Now, dinner will be cold if we don't eat soon." He stated, pulling the rest of dinner out of the oven. You got out some lacy red napkins, setting a fork and knife on them next to your vintage Christmas plates. Jack really knew how to cook, surprisingly. It was probably because he had no one to live with him for a majority of his time here, at least until you came around. It was something you deeply admired, mostly because he genuinely seemed to care and enjoy cooking.
After dinner, Jack disappeared into the bedroom for a short bit while you cleaned up the table and dishes. He returned, wearing a pair of cowboy Christmas pajama bottoms, handing you the same pair of pants.
"I-I thought maybe you might like to match with me." Jack stuttered, face turning bright red as he offered you the pair of pants.
"Aww Jack, of course I'd love to match with you." You giggled, taking the pair of pants from him. You started to the bedroom, Jack hot on your heels. You thought he was going to stand outside, but instead he insisted on being in there when you put them on. Shimmying off your warm pants, you were left in your red, lacy panties. Jack sucked in a deep breath and pressed his palms against your hips.
"Guess I'll have to see these later, hm?" He whispered in your ear, one hand landing a soft slap on your ass. You bit your lip and laughed, pulling on the pants.
"Unfortunately, you will. But I promise there's more than what that came from." You responded. Jack smirked and pulled you to the bed. The both of you collapsed next to each other, limbs tangled together. Jack sat up and turned on the TV as you crawled under the sheets, the smell of pine and mint filling the air. Jack found the movie Love Actually and turned up the volume a little. Tugging off his shirt, he slid underneath the covers with you. His eyes moved from the screen to you, hand slipping into the pocket of his pants to pull out a small box.
"Y/N, I have something I want to give you..." Jack mumbled, hand coming to find yours.
"What is it, Jackie?" You whispered back, pulling your eyes away from the screen to look at him. Jack pulled the covers back, revealing a small, square, black box. Jack opened it, revealing a set of diamond earrings.
"Jack..." You whispered, hands trembling as you reached to grab the box from him. Jack tucked your hair behind your ears and put them in, marveling at how beautiful they looked on you.
"Nobody has ever given me anything like this, thank you so much baby." You gasped, planting kisses all over Jack's face.
"I love you so so much, Y/N. This has really been the best Christmas ever. Being able to share it with you has made it so wonderful."
"I love you too, Jack. I wouldn't want to spend Christmas with anyone else now. I want to spend it with you for the rest of my life."
prompt: you and jack ride out your first hurricane together and you end up riding something else as well
a/n: this has been on my mind since Debby landed in NC (unfortunately💔) and has been super duper mega nagging me…college sucks and im a little homesick so writing for the Canes makes me a little less homesick...I also began writing this way before he got traded to the Avs </3 (my poor jackie)
warnings: NSFW!
You had never experienced a hurricane before moving to North Carolina. You were more accustomed to snow and the cold, not high winds and rain. That’s probably why tornadoes and the torrential downpours scared the hell out of you.
Jack insisted on getting gas cans filled for the generator, water, and anything that you didn’t need the stove for. Obviously you did this for the snow, but you didn’t understand what a bunch of rain could do.
“Jack, why exactly do we need all of this?” You asked, face contorting in confusion. Jack looked up from where he was crouched next to the gas pump, hand holding the handle of the gas dispenser. He smiled softly at you and explained,
“Our power could go out for a while and I’d rather not go a few days without taking a shower or sweating to death.”
His blond hair gently floated in the breeze, pulling pieces of it down across his eyes. The eyes that were locked onto yours, those ocean blue eyes that loved you unconditionally. It was cloudy, causing the light to look grey and dull. You could never feel dullness when you were with Jack, that’s what made him so so special to you. He was always so compassionate, gentle, kind, and patient. That’s what made you fall in love with him even if he was a handsome man already. His laughter was contagious and his smile lit up everything around him, including people. You didn’t envy him for this, it was more like you thought it was admirable.
Jack lugged the cans of gas to the back of the truck and stepped into the drivers seat.
“Alright, let’s go home.” He muttered, cranking up the truck. Pulling out of the gas station, he settled his right hand on your thigh, thumb softly drawing circles on it. It was the little stuff he did that drove you crazy, specifically that. Jack knew it too and loved to tease you a little bit with it.
“Jack…” You warned, voice in a low whisper. Jack’s lips twitched up for a moment before settling back into the straight face he had been trying to maintain. It had begun to rain, only a constant drizzle, and the wind had started to howl. That was when you knew that the hurricane was here. You suddenly felt cold, a breeze of chilly air blasting you. Jack’s hand was searing against your thigh, causing a chill to run up your spine, making you shiver. His grip became tighter, tips of his fingers softly digging into your thigh. You could hear the soft breaths escaping Jack and you glanced at him, scanning his face. His eyebrows were drawn together, lips parted, and the tips of his ears were red. You knew that face all too well, he was just as riled up as you were.
“Fuck, Jackie.” Was all you had to say before Jack let out a loud groan. His hand slipped up closer to your groin, the feeling making you shiver with pleasure. You unintentionally spread your legs a little further apart, sliding down into the seat more. Jack’s pinky finger brushed against the zipper of your jean shorts, adding only a small bit of pressure. It drove you insane, really. Your hand flew up to grab his wrist, trying to force him to add more friction. However, because Jack was the hockey player he was, it wasn’t hard for him to stop your antics.
“Jack.” You whined, hand gripping his wrist tighter.
“Shhh, quiet down, sweet pea.” Jack whispered, pinky rubbing slow circles around your clothed clit. The drive was agonizingly slow, between Jack’s pinky softy rubbing your clit and the raging boner he had, it was certainly testing you. You snaked your hand over his thigh, right underneath where his length was. Jack let out a small hiss, hand gripping the wheel tighter. You let your fingers graze him, testing out the waters. Jack let out a soft moan, letting his head fall back against the headrest. Thankfully the windows were quite tinted, meaning that no one could see inside. Slipping your hand under his sweatpants, your hand made slow circles against him.
“S-Shit, you keep doing that and I won’t last, honey.” Jack sputtered, cheeks burning red.
“You like that, Jackie?”You murmured in his ear, placing a kiss to his lips afterwards. Luckily, you had just pulled into the driveway. Jack’s hands moved at blinding speed, unbuckling your seatbelt and hoisting you over the center console. You straddled his hips, core hovering over his.
“Don’t be a tease, sweetheart.” Jack sighed, hands tugging your hips down. With one motion, you rolled your hips against his.
“Fuck.” Jack hissed, his hands gripping your ass. You softly mewed, dropping your head onto his shoulder. One of Jack’s hands unbuttoned the top of your jean shorts, his thumbs grazing the sensitive skin underneath. Your lips found his again, tongues clashing together. His soft fingers grazed the skin underneath your panties and you gasped at the contact. Jack shifted one of his hands to your back, stroking it softly.
"I feel like this is more for the bedroom, no?" You whispered, pressing your lips against his feverishly. He only hummed in response before opening the door and swiftly carrying you into the house. As the front door closed, Jack pressed you up against it, cock grinding into you. He moaned, clashing his lips against yours again. You tighted your legs around his waist, hands roaming his chest. Panting, Jack locked the front door and rushed to the bedroom.
"Tell me if I need to stop, ok?" Jack whispered. You nodded as he gently laid you on the bed. You groaned softly, missing the contact of his body against yours as he stood up to take his shirt off.
"Don't cry darling, I'll make you feel good in just a moment." Jack grinned, hand clasping at the hem of your shirt. You shimmied to help him out just a little as he pulled your shirt off. Jack softly settled his hips between your legs, hands falling beside your shoulders. He pressed a kiss to your lips before trailing down to the sensitive part of your neck.
"You smell so good, pretty girl." Jack murmured, teeth grazing your collarbone.
"Mmm, its my perfume." You respond, nails softly dragging up and down his back. Jack sunk his teeth around the bone, not enough to hurt but just enough to leave a mark.
"I like it. You should wear it more often my love." He groans, trailing one hand down to palm himself. You whimpered out and moved one of your own hands to replace his.
"Babe, will you let me help you?" You suggested, hands dipping below the waistband of his sweats. Jack only nodded and swallowed hard as you slowly pushed down his sweatpants. His cock sprung free and slapped his lower stomach with impressive length, the tip bright pink and leaking with precum. Your eyes slowly traveled up, taking in his insanely toned body. He was trimmed but not clean shaven, just how he knew you liked it.
"My handsome boy, aren't you being so good for me?" You teased, hands caressing his sides. Jack's blush only deepened as he leaned in and kissed you. He tugged down your shorts, revealing a skimpy lace thong you planned on surprising him with tonight. His breath caught in his throat when he saw them, fingers running over them gently. The sight of them made his cock twitch, making it impossibly more hard.
"When'd you get this? You look sexy in it babe." Jack said, nose bumping against your jaw. His hands fondled with the delicate fabric of them.
"I wanted them to be a surprise for later, but things changed." You grinned, half lidded eyes gazing down at his face. Jack didn't respond, but his hands pulled down the fabric. His gaze was fixed on how wet you were already. His thumb ghosted over your clit, making you jump at the contact. Jack looked up through his lashes, his hair falling in his eyes. You pushed him off and rolled over, pulling him underneath you. His hand flew to your face as you trailed your lips over his chest, down to his abs and lower stomach. Jack hissed as your lips drew near his cock, hand tightening its grip on your face lightly.
"S-Shit baby...Please don't tease me anymore, I need you." Jack whimpered, hand moving to the back of your head. You smiled up at Jack and ghosted your breath over his cock.
"Just because you're just so sweet, handsome." You replied, tongue dragging up his shaft. He let out a soft moan, eyes falling shut and eyebrows scrunching together. Slowly going down on him and hollowing out your cheeks as you come back up. One hand goes down to cup his balls, the other to caress the rest that you can't take. Jack's soft moans continued as you worked, climbing more and more loud. One of his hands gripped his navy blue comforter and the other was tangled in your hair, guiding you down. He almost fainted when you went to suck his balls, eyes lifting to make contact with his. They stayed connected as you went back down on him. His hand stopped you from continuing to suck him off, which made you raise an eyebrow.
"I-I wouldn't have lasted..." Jack explained, cheeks turning red with embarassment as he looked away.
"I know my sweet boy. You were just being so good and I wanted to show you how much I appreciate it." You smiled, standing up and placing a kiss to his cheek. Jack turned back to face you, glancing down at how close your pussy was to his cock.
"Will you uh...will you ride me?" He asked, eyes darting away from you.
"You don't have to ask, sweetheart." You laughed, pressing another kiss to his cheek, then one to his lips. You climbed onto the bed and over on top of him, watching him as his eyes tracked your movements like a hawk. Jack's hand gripped his cock, helping you guide yourself down. His breath caught as you slowly pushed his tip in your dripping cunt. Slowly you sank down, letting out a loud whine as his tip pressed into your cervix. Jack gasped and screwed his eyes shut, hands flying to your waist to help guide you. You rolled your hips once, twice, finding a good rhythm for you as you adjusted to him. You then began to bounce, falling foward on his chest, letting him see your tits dangle.
"Oh God, just like that babe." Jack choked out. His breath was erratic, hair a mess, and his blue eyes were clamped shut. The sound of skin slapping skin filled the room, spare the noises both you and him were making. You leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips, which he returned eagerly. He pressed his tongue against yours as the kiss intensified and his hips began to thrust upwards.
"You're so beautiful, love." Jack gasped, eyes locking with yours.
"I beg to differ, you're even more handsome." You whispered back, moaning out as he hit your cervix again and again. He began to feel that you were getting tired, so he swiftly flipped you, spreading you open underneath him. His hips slapped against yours with intensified speed, quicker than he's gone before.
"Oh fuuuck Jack, oh fuck Jack, please please please.." You begged, tears pricking your eyes as he pounded into you relentlessly.
"My pretty girl, taking me so good. Look at how much of a mess you are underneath me, my love. Want me to fill you up?" Jack said. You honestly didn't think that he was able to spill that much filth from his mouth, but he always surprised you. You nodded and he groaned, leaning down and kissing you as he picked up the pace even more. His hand reached down and began to rub that bundle of nerves, stimulating you even further. Tears fell down your cheeks as you came, your nails clawing down his back over and over. As soon as you came, he chased his own release, spewing his seed inside you with a loud moan. Jack continued to pump himself into you as he slowed his pace.
He pulled out after a moment, watching as his seed dribbled out of you. His hands came and cupped your face as he asked,
"Are you ok, my love? I wasn't too rough was I?"
"No, it was absolutely perfect Jack. It was so sexy how intense you were. I really didn't know something that filthy could come out of your mouth, though." You replied, kissing his palm.
"Honestly, I didn't either." Jack chuckled bashfully.
"Jack."
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"I love you so much, handsome."
"I love you even more, my love."
By the time the two of you had finished, it had begun to really storm outside. The wind shook the house and the rain pelted the windows, but you really couldn't feel more safe than in the arms of your lovers embrace.
summary: prompt fill. Wally's been your best friend since the Grade 4 puppet show. a disaster that brought you together for life. only now, years later and months away from graduation, Wally needs to get something off his chest. he just...didn't exactly plan to do it this way... (request)
pairing: Wally Clark x fem!reader
warnings: smut. friends to lovers. protective behavior. AU. silliness & fluff. Simon and Wally are bros (fight me).
bon reading, frens
___________________________☄️
Best Friends Club
Wally's chatting with Maddie and Charley before school, has his arm around your shoulders as you focus on your phone, laughing and joking and smiling wide until:
"Holy crap, Jake Tremblay just asked me to go out Friday," You announce, pretty eyes wide, blinking in shock at everyone.
Wally goes still, smile sliding off his face as his stomach drops and his heart ups and lodges itself in his throat. God, this hurts.
See, the thing is, you're Wally's best friend. And while he has his arm around you—is always reaching for you, hand on your back, arm, shoulder, whatever—it's never been anything but friendly. Best friendly. Because you and he are f r i e n d s. And it sucks. Royally.
Why? Yeah, no one needs three guesses to figure out that Wally's been in love with you since Grade 4. That massacre of a puppet show the kids put on for their parents during Spirit Week. You and Wally spent the entire performance using sock puppets to have a dialogue about who'd win in a fight: Goku or Sailor Moon. Didn't even notice the blood vessel about to pop in Mr. Toast's temple when things really started to spiral.
Wally only comes down to earth when you say his name for what must not be the first time, everyone's eyes on him. Yours, especially, beautiful and concerned as you stare at him expectantly.
"What was that?" He asks, feeling simultaneously dumb and unable to function.
You repeat, "I asked you what I should say..." and turn to face him fully. Still close enough that your body heat soaks through his hoodie. Fuck, how can he say anything negative when you're giving him that sweet, earnest expression? Seeking advice from someone you trust implicitly.
Against his better judgment—or maybe for it—Wally slaps on a smile and says, "Yeah. You should go for it."
This isn't the first time you've been asked out. Of course, those last few times you didn't look so keen on accepting the offer. When you turn back to your phone, Wally's face immediately falls. He doesn't look at Maddie or Charley, can't handle the pity he knows he'll see in their eyes.
Everyone in the circle knows about Wally's crush on you (fuck, it's so much more than that), but apart from insisting he talk to you, no one points it out. You're the only one who hasn't caught on, Nicole having informed Wally that you giggled over popcorn, what are you talking about? Wally's always like that, when everyone was at the APEX for a midnight screening of some scary movie Wally couldn't have cared less about.
And, sure, Wally is 'always like that': Goofy, charming, flirtatious; standing in line at concessions for you and holding your bag when you go to the bathroom... What you don't seem to grasp is that Wally isn't like that with anyone else. And now you're saying 'yes' to Jake Tremblay and Wally has to muster the strength not to punch a wall.
‗•‗
Simon closes his locker only to jolt backwards. Wally appeared out of the fucking ether, what the hell? He has his forehead pressed against the locker beside Simon's, shoulders slumped, looking all-in-all miserable to exist.
"Yoouu okay?" Simon ventures, raising a brow.
Slowly, Wally turns his head and nothing else, eyes puppy-dog sad and lower lip pursed in a pout, "No." And then, after turning to face the locker again, "She said yes to Jake Tremblay."
"Dude, I've told you a thousand times, talk. to. her." Simon says like a mother insisting Wally clean his room.
Pointed, "Oh, you mean like you talked to Maddie?"
Simon takes a moment to reevaluate his life before, in a placid, neutral tone, declares, "I regret this friendship."
"No you don't." Wally says, but he's still glooming into the locker. "What do I do?"
"Aside from talk to her?" Simon shrugs helplessly. How's he supposed to know? He and Wally have been paddling the same sinking boat for approximately the same number of years. "Do you...wanna threaten Jake?" Simon asks in a pitch similar to that used when asking children if they want to go for ice cream after a tantrum.
Wally seems to seriously consider it but glumly decides, "No. I want her to be happy." A heavy sigh. "Even if it's not with me."
"This isn't going to make you some kind of martyr, you know."
"I know."
Simon doesn't think Wally does know, but fine, he'll play along. "Maybe it'll go so bad that she swears off dating forever."
"A guy can dream," Wally mumbles as he straightens, and, Jesus, he looks like every kitten in the world just got launched at the sun and he was forced to watch.
Simon can see beneath Wally's utter despair to the gears turning in his brain. Can sense what ill-advised plan Wally is cooking up (because this isn't the first time he's done something stupid to ensure you're safe). In an effort to, a) avoid criminal charges and, b) make Wally feel better:
"What if I happen to be in the same place at the same time? I could keep an eye on things for you." Simon suggests and he already wishes he didn't say anything.
Wally brightens, "You'd do that for me?"
"Apparently..." Simon says, questioning himself. "Look, better me than you, right? Otherwise, it'll be exactly what it is and she'll never talk to you again."
"Why? What would it be if I do it?"
"Stalking, Wally," Simon states as he heads into History, Wally at his heels.
"Hey!" Wally protests, "It's not like that!"
Taking his seat, Simon just gives Wally a pointed stare, "Buddy, I know you read those BookTok romances, but following your BFF on her date with another dude isn't a romantic gesture. It's creepy a-f."
"But...you'll do it for me?" Wally wants to confirm, his eyes all wide and pleading.
Simon sighs, thinking this is a terrible idea, but seeing Wally so sad breaks Simon's heart and he can't bring himself to take back the offer. "...Apparently."
‗•‗
Friday comes. It's all you've been talking about since Monday and Wally has had it up to here with Jake This and Jake That, and if he hears one. more. thing. about Jake, Wally's going to burst into a million pieces of ragehate and take the whole school with him.
But he smiles and nods and teases you like he would in any other situation, bumping your ass with his hip when he finds you bent over at your locker at lunch. You don't even need to look to know it's him, simply continue to shove your backpack in your locker and grab your jean jacket.
"Diner?" You give him a sunshine smile that Wally returns, almost forgetting about your date and Jake and how you're not actually Wally's girlfriend.
Not in this lifetime, his brain reminds him bluntly.
His blood stings.
Over lunch at the diner down the street, you outline exactly what Jake has planned. Dinner at the Italian place beside the Arcade (it's fucking Olive Garden, Jake, do better) and then—Jesus, really?!—stargazing on the roof of the old cigarette factory. An organized thing. The planets will be in some kind of super rare alignment or something, and local enthusiasts have banded together to share their telescopes.
"No offense, but since when do you care about the planets?" Wally wonders as he dips his fries into your ketchup.
You shrug, "I mean, it's something to do, right? And you're always telling me to 'branch out and try new things, dorkface'," You exaggerate the last part in a parody of Wally's voice before continuing as yourself, "so, why not astronomy?"
"Because it's outside and you hate outside things before May." Wally chuckles and shakes his head, "You're gonna get cold and complain and steal Jake's hoodie like you've stolen five of mine."
Wally loathed the idea of you stealing another guy's anything, but he smiles through the jealousy. Perhaps a little too intent on smearing more fries through your ketchup as his knee bumps the underside of the table in quick, nervous intervals.
Oh, he is not doing well.
He instantly notices how you've gone still, how you're studying his expression, words, behavior like a zoologist at the gorilla enclosure because Wally can't fucking keep his cool when he's forced to think about you being cozy and cute for someone who isn't him-shaped.
Wally keeps his eyes on his plate for a few moments; long enough that you gracefully change the subject and ask Wally what his plans are for tonight. As if they don't involve hanging out with his phone while he obsessively waits for Simon's updates throughout the course of your date.
"Nothing special," He says, patting himself on the back for keeping his voice even, "just hanging out at home."
‗•‗
It's 8:43PM when Wally's phone lights up with a call. As promised, Simon kept Wally abreast of every. single. thing. you and Jake did on your date. From flirty conversation over unlimited breadsticks to shifting to one side of the booth to split dessert.
It's only been an hour and a half since you and Jake were seated. What on earth could Simon have to tell him that couldn't be texted?
"Don't freak out—" Wally promptly freaks out "—but something happened."
Wally shoots up in bed, where he's been whiling away since he got home from school, and is immediately on alert. Heart pounding, blood pumping, ready for war.
"What's going on? Is she okay?"
"Oh. She's fine." Simon reports. He sounds like he's hiding, voice a harsh whisper just loud enough for Wally to hear. "Jake might be in a permanent body cast for the rest of his life, but she's totally fine."
Wally breathes a sigh of relief, although he's still confused, "What happened?"
Simon clears his throat, "She's probably going to call you in, like, a minute, so you have to act...just...be cool, okay?" And then, finally, he reveals, "Jake tried to stick his hand under her skirt. And I mean, he went for it. Full grope from behind."
At that moment, Wally sees fucking r e d. He's off the phone and in his car faster than a bullet, tearing out of his parents' driveway with a screech. Burns rubber around every corner; breaks several traffic laws; and pulls up just as you're about to get into an Uber. There's no sign of Jake. Unfortunate, since Wally has a surplus of adrenaline thrumming through his veins, and the only cure is beating the guy's face to a fucking pulp.
You look confused for all of a second before your face crumples. Wally gets out of the driver's seat and hurries toward you. Gathers you in his arms as soon as you're within reach, and holds you as you shake. He rubs your back, soothes you with soft words; managing to simultaneously shoo the Uber driver away with a polite nod and a gesture.
"Are you okay?" He asks after a minute. "Do I need to kill him?"
"...No," You mumble into Wally's chest. "I already did that."
Wally grins, though it's sad at its edges. You shouldn't have had to.
"That's my girl," He murmurs into your hair after he places a comforting kiss on your head. "Come on. I'll drive you home."
You go without resistance, even allowing Wally to fuss over you and buckle you in. As he settles behind the wheel, he glances at you again and realizes, "Whose jacket is that?"
You press your lips together and stare at your lap, "I got cold... Besides, after what he did, I think I earned it." You end firmly, crossing your arms.
"Did you take it before or after you kicked his ass?"
"After, duh." You say like it's so obvious, "We were inside before. But I didn't want to wait for my Uber in front of everyone who saw what happened. So...I made him give it to me."
Wally barks a laugh as he takes your hand, holding it in that platonic way, fingers not laced how he wants them to be, but he'll take what he can get. Your knuckles are raw where they made impact with whatever part of Jake you punched. Wally smooths the pad of his thumb over them. Gentle. Loving.
"Where to, sweetcheeks?" He asks, "Home or ice cream?"
"Home." You decide with finality which makes it hard to swallow around the lump of disappointment in Wally's throat.
Call him selfish, but he hoped you'd want to let him comfort you. Regardless, he does as he's told and pulls away from the curb, pulling a uey to head toward your house.
‗•‗
On Monday, Wally finds Jake in the boys' locker room after swim practice, his black eye looking like it needs a twin. Wally punches Jake hard enough that even he sees circling birdies.
He shakes out his hand as he leaves without a word, hardly feeling the pain through the smug satisfaction warming his belly.
‗•‗
It's the next weekend when you invite Wally over for a casual afternoon kick back. I need Best Friend Time, you said, all adorable and gloomy, wanting to put all thoughts of ever dating again behind you (thanks for putting that out there, Simon, you da man!). Wally's in, of course he is, on the road as soon as you hang up.
Your parents are having a late lunch with friends a town over, so it'll be just you and him for a while. Games and snacks and Domino's on the menu for dinner. When you answer the door for him, you've got some of that sunshine glow back in your eyes, your smile making Wally's heart flutter.
You lead him to the basement, everything already set up: coffee table pushed aside for the nest of blankets and pillows on the floor, bags of gummy worms and twizzlers (Wally's favorite) and those Canadian chips you like in a pile beside cans of Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero.
Wally wore his cleanest sweatpants for the occasion, matching your chill vibe. And damn those low-slung yoga pants and that fucking tight-as-sin tank top, no bra because you love to drive Wally crazy.
"Ready to have your ass handed to you again?" You joke as you get comfortable on your side of the nest.
Wally claps back, "Hah! You haven't won in three months, sugarlips, what makes you think today's the day?"
You just smirk and hand Wally a controller, "I have a plan." And that's all there is to it. You don't elaborate, don't hint, don't give Wally any indication whatsoever what this plan might be.
Fishy...but effective. You're already in Wally's head. Hmm, maybe that's the plan? Wally shakes himself to attention and starts the game, grinning like a shark as he gets the lead right off the bat.
Just as he's about to cross the finish line, "So much for your pla—" the world suddenly tilts sideways. He can't finish his thought, barreled over by your weight crashing into him as you grab the controller right out of his hand.
You squeal victoriously, the sound rebooting his brain, and he realizes what just happened.
"Hey!" He tries to grab the controller, but you hold it up and away from him, big smile on your face as the screen announces Wally's demise. "Not fair!" He wraps his arms around you and flips you onto your back; presses his weight into you as he uses the advantage of his longer limbs to snatch the controller back.
Apparently not taking this lying down, you band your legs around his waist then surge up, somehow summoning the strength of five Wallys to roll him onto his back again. Stunned, he stares up at you as you wave the controller victoriously.
"You were saying?" You chuckle, smug as ever, slightly out of breath.
Oh, but Wally isn't done yet, miss ma'am. He snaps his hands up, clamping his fingers for the controller which you arch your back to hold away from him, crying out when he takes advantage of your off-balance position to knock you backward. Once more, he has you squirming beneath him.
He grabs one wrist and then the other, transferring both into the grip of one of his large hands while he plucks the controller from you with the other. That's about the moment he realizes, uh-oh, he can feel your breath on his lips. Your face is such a beautiful shade of pink, and your thighs are on either side of his hips. Wally's body is completely flush against yours. All of him. Every. Last little bit. of him.
Wally should move. Definitely. He should move right now; just get off you and pretend everything's normal and you're not gazing up at him like that and his lips aren't so fucking close to yours, and the air hasn't been sucked out of the room that no longer exists around you and him because there's only you and only him and fuck. Shit.
"Wally~?" You say, voice a whisper tinged with something that makes Wally's cock twitch. Heat, maybe. Or need. You swallow, the sound audible, and, oh fuck, Wally watches your eyes flicker to his mouth then back, like you're finally on the same page, like you want it, too.
His hand flexes around your wrists, body settling more firmly on yours, and he stares at your face as he rocks his hips, just once, experimental, just to see what you'll do. He knows you can feel him, stiff and hardening further, all his inches against the heat of your pussy through your thin as fuck yoga pants.
Your reaction almost explodes Wally's brain. That sweet little whimper, how your eyes glaze over and your lips part; how you mimic the action with one of your own, sending sparks of electricity through Wally's nervous system.
"Fuck," He chokes out, grip loosening around your wrists, but not letting go. He drops the controller. Instead uses that hand to brush his fingers across your cheek and down the slope of your jaw. His breath mingles with yours, the heat in him rises, his heart beating a frenzied tattoo in his chest. Is he really going to do this?
"Please," You say, so soft, so perfect, that, yes, Wally is absolutely going to do this.
He gently bumps the tip of his nose against yours, smiles in wonder that this is really about to happen, and then slowly, to give you a chance to turn away if you don't want this, he leans in, stopping only to tease, "One more time, princess." His voice low and husky.
He feels you tense and then release before whispering, "Please, Wally..."
That's all he needs to lean in and kiss you for the first time, his lips capturing yours with years of hunger and desire and fucking love. So much love it threatens to go nuclear if Wally doesn't share the burden right this minute.
He moans, grinds his hips against yours, his cock throbbing against you, God, he needs you so badly. Has needed you so badly since he first discovered how his dick works and probably even before then. He lets his hand roam down down down, then up under your tank top, fingers caressing the soft shape of your breast.
You keen and arch into the touch, and, holy shit, he can't do this slow. Next time—please Jesus, let there be a next time—he'll do this right. He'll do candles and rose petals and Barry Manilow, but right now, he has to know what it feels like when you come around his cock.
His kisses turn urgent, his movements more hungry, and you match his crazy like a mirror. His shirt first, thrown behind the TV, then yours, tossed somewhere near the coffee table. Wally takes a second to admire your bare chest, licks his lips, and then descends, starving for a taste. He sucks your nipple, twirls his tongue around it, moaning as if it's the best thing he's ever had in his mouth.
Which, as soon as he peels your yoga pants off and resituates himself between your spread-wide thighs, he knows isn't true. This is the best thing he's ever had on his tongue. He spears it in and out of you, moaning and panting as he kisses your pussy deeply, brings one, two fingers into the mix; pumping into you over and over until you shake and beg and arch so fucking pretty for him.
"Fuck, baby, I need to feel you come," He groans, shoving his sweatpants and boxers off and throwing them somewhere to find later.
You agree enthusiastically, reaching for him as you hook one leg over his hip, the other over his shoulder—Goddamn, were you always this bendy!?—and cry out like a heavenly chorus when he drives his cock into you. Fuck, God, his eyes roll back in his skull, it's the most incredible feeling, an indescribable euphoria flushing through him from scalp to soles.
"You feel so...big, Wally, oh my god," You gasp when he begins to move, and doesn't that just rub his ego the right way?
He genuinely can't even find the brain cells to reply, too busy losing himself to the sensation of being inside you, finally, so much more intense than any and every fantasy he's had of you and him entwined like this.
"Baby," He moans, hips pumping faster, fat tip hitting your sweet spot over and over and over until he feels you tighten around him, hears you gasp, and then moan in ecstasy.
He wishes he could last, that he could keep going until you come again, again, again, but he's waited so long for this and it's overwhelming, he can't do it. With one, two, three more quick thrusts, Wally tenses and then groans, grinding his release into you; leaning down to take your lips in a feverish kiss.
As you and he recover, he rests his forehead against yours, releases your wrists—oops—and cradles your face in one hand, his most precious girl a vision in the afterglow. You shift, your hands on his jaw, and you're looking at him like the sun, moon, and stars.
"How long?" You eventually ask.
Wally doesn't need you to clarify. He knows exactly what you mean.
"Grade 4."
He watches you absorb the information, nod, and then your eyes meet his when you make your own confession, "Grade 3. Ms. Houette's class. You made a joke about seagulls that was so lame it was funny."
Wally about short-circuits. He begs your finest pardon, but what was that? "Grade...3?"
"Grade 3."
"...are you saying that I could've been loving on you—" He emphasizes with a roll of his hips, winces from oversensitivity, "—since before I even understood what that meant?"
"I'm saying I've had a big, stupid crush on you since Grade 3." You say, innocent and solemn, "You take that however you want."
Wally chooses to forego the existential crisis and simply enjoy that he has you under him. There's a lot of time to make up for and a lot of fantasies Wally wants to bring to life, which you and he do with gusto until your parents get home and call down a hello.
Later, after redressing in a tornado and greeting your parents face-to-face; after stammered updates and weak conversation; after retreating to the basement to watch a movie and cuddle—Lord, you feel so good in Wally's arms, he never wants to let you go.
After all that, during a lull in the movie, you finally ask, "So, are you going to tell me how you knew what happened with Jake before I told you?" And you prop your chin on his chest, looking up at him with amusement.
Wally gulps, facing the screen as he desperately tries to come up with a feasible answer. Nothing comes to mind, though, so he's stuck offering:
"Uuuh...?"
You sit back, on your knees between his legs, and raise a brow, "I know Simon was there. You can tell him that Groucho glasses do not a disguise make."
Sheepish, "He's a good bro...?"
"A very good bro," You agree primly, "A bro who stalks one of his best friend's other best friend because...?"
Now Wally knows he has to tell you. He sits up himself, hands finding your waist, eyes earnest and sweet as he admits, "I wanted to make sure you were okay. I didn't know anything about Jake and you never let me vet any of the guys you go out with—"
"Yes. All three of them." You say flatly, rolling your eyes.
"One, three, five, doesn't matter, baby, I always wanted to make sure they were good enough for you..."
"So, did you make Simon follow me and Dan to the movie last year?" You wonder.
Wally glances away, guilt muddling his expression.
"...Did you follow me and Dan to the movie last year?"
"If I say no, will you believe me and let me cuddle you some more?"
Your jaw drops, eyes round, and for a second, Wally's sure he's about to get the boot. Not just from your house, but from the Best Friends Club altogether. He's already mourning the loss of your touch when you abruptly burst into laughter, crashing into him like you did before, only this time a lot gentler.
You nuzzle your face into his neck and then kiss his face all over, grinning down at him with the same beautiful smile you always give him.
"You're not mad?"
You shake your head, "I made Xavier come with me to that football game you took Melissa to last fall..."
Gobsmacked, Wally blurts, "You hate sports," since it's entirely relevant to how you stalked him as much as he stalked you on dates neither of you wanted the other to be on.
"I don't hate sports. I like sports. I hate all the pauses and the time outs and the—"
Wally cuts you off with a kiss, at first just a stamp of lips to lips but slowly melting into something softer, deeper, more heated.
Wally pulls back a fraction to say, "I love you, babygirl," looking deep into your eyes. One hand on your hip, the other in your hair, releasing a long, shaky breath as he waits for you to say something.
Finally, a smile spreads across your face and you kiss him again, short and sweet and meaningful.
"I love you, too, Wally Clark." Then, completely off-topic and far less romantic: "Do you wanna come with me when I stalk Simon's date for Maddie?"
Tires screech as Wally's brain comes to a full stop. Sorry, what was that? "Wait, Mads wants you to follow Simon?"
"Oh yeah, she's liked him for ages, but he never seems interested so...you know...she doesn't wanna risk the friendship."
"Jesus Christ." Wally looks at you, totally serious when he sighs with the exasperation of an ignored parent, "You know, I've told him, like, a thousand times to just talk to her." A helpless shrug, "He never listens."
‗•‗
Several days later, when you aren't looking, Wally steals the jacket you stole from Jake. Does terrible things to it before throwing it in Jake's face the following day.
Wally replaces the jacket with his letterman and has never been prouder of himself when he sees you slip it on without question.
fin.
☄️___________________________
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if you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy Marshmallow Miles.
a cutie-smut-lite oneshot wherein Wally wants to celebrate your birthday away from Split River. Because he can.
a/n: i am so so excited to share this!! i worked so incredibly hard on it, worked on it for a few weeks, and it has really paid off :) i have not written any fic this long ever, so it might be a bit repetitive, but i tried my best. hope you all enjoy <3
summary: with seth coming to stay with your family for the summer, your father sets some ground rules, that you can't help but break
word count: 9.2k (grab a snack or something y'all...she's a long one)
“What’s going on?” You ask your parents as you stumble upon them frantically tidying up the entire house. They had gotten home from a shopping trip a little bit ago, and were running all around organizing things, setting things out, and cleaning.
“Didn’t your father tell you? He invited an NHL player to stay with us while he helps your dad out with the summer camp team. He’ll be here in a few hours.”
You let out a sigh and take a seat at the kitchen table as they scrub and scrub at the sink and floor. This was a usual occurrence within your household, with your dad being the coach of a local hockey team for kids aged ten to thirteen, he was always having people come and stay while they assisted him, if they weren’t from here. This year, though, he was coaching a newly formed summer camp for hockey, open to other kids who wanted to try it for a short time.
The work he does for the kids is great, he’s been doing this for years, and has even seen a couple of the boys he worked with years ago make their way to being drafted, one of them even making his debut in the NHL at the beginning of the season.
Every year, he finds ways to get kids interested in the sport and keep with it when they do, and this year, that meant inviting none other than Seth Jarvis from the Carolina Hurricanes out to help mentor this new group of kids.
Just as your mom said, Seth was expected to be arriving today, with the premature end to the Canes season, and was set to be staying at least a couple months here, since you lived a few hours outside of Raleigh. You’ve seen clips of him here and there, your friend always raving about how cute she thinks he is, but you’ve never been into hockey, so you had no clue who this man is or what he’s even like.
It might come as a surprise, with your dad being a coach and everything, but you tried your best to stay away from the sport as a whole. You’ve seen the way guys that play can act, some believe they’re better than everyone else, way too cocky, way too disrespectful; even the kids he coaches have said questionable things here and there to try and fit in with the culture.
“And I want no funny business from you, (Y/N),” your dad points to you when he finishes with the floor, pointing the brush he was using right at you before dropping it in the side of the sink your mother hasn’t cleaned yet.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“No making comments towards him or about him, no flirting, and absolutely no dating him or sleeping with him.” You can’t help but roll your eyes as he sets the ground rules for Seth’s stay, slightly embarrassed that he would even bring up you potentially sleeping with the guy.
“Believe me, you don’t have to worry about that. I stay far away from hockey players ever since I dated that one dickhead.”
“I told you to stay away from Dean as well, and you didn’t listen.”
“Well, he was really cute, just unfortunate he was a major asshole.” Your mother can’t help but laugh, remembering the situation that went down with your small summer fling a couple years ago. “I won’t be doing that ever again, so you have my word.”
“Good. You better not break that promise, I don’t need Seth being distracted with my daughter.”
His comment elicits another eye roll from you, your arms crossing over your chest as you sit back in the chair, looking out the window to the backyard with the bright shining sun, the grass greener than ever and a beautiful sight to gaze at.
“What’s for dinner?”
—
As the hours tick by, the sun slowly starts to lower in the sky, bringing a stunning orange hue to the houses that line your street. Just as your feet plant on the last step of the stairs, there is a knock on the door. Being polite, you head to open it, but your parents appear, your dad gesturing you to go stand by your mother.
With a slightly defiant sigh, you stand beside her and wait for him to open the door. When he does, there stands a man so handsome, your knees almost buckle. You have to keep yourself steady, and it’s even more of a struggle when his soft brown eyes meet yours. The sun behind him casts a beautiful glow around him, making him appear almost like an angel sent from the gods.
“Hi, I’m Seth, you must be Lewis,” he introduces himself to your dad, sticking his hand out for you to shake.
“Yeah, welcome to Greenville, how was the drive in?” You and your mother stand there awkwardly as they converse.
“Good, not too bad, only an hour and a half. I really appreciate you letting me stay here, it would’ve been a long summer of driving three hours every day to and from.” A short chuckle escapes you, catching the attention of the twenty-three year-old hockey player, smirking softly over at you.
“Our home is always open to visitors. I offer it to everyone I invite to help with the teams, it’s the least I can do, really.” Your father looks back at you and your mother, his eyes widening. “Oh, where are my manners. Seth, this is my wife, Jane, and my daughter (Y/N).”
Seth steps over and shakes your mother’s hand, but she pulls him in for a hug, as she usually does with people she meets. He then steps in front of you, your hand meeting his, his grip firm yet gentle.
“Nice to meet you,” you smile at him, doing your best to hide the fact that you think he is insanely cute.
“Likewise, (Y/N).”
God, the way he says my name.
The two of you share a look for a few seconds before your dad clears his throat to catch your attention, though you were still too busy swooning over Seth’s features.
“Well, dinner should be ready in a little, Seth, I’ll show you to the guest room in the meantime.”
“Great!”
Seth steps away with his suitcase, following your dad down the hall, directing him to the room that he’d be staying in, your mom heading back to the kitchen to check on the food. You were tasked with setting the table, so you grab four plates, four glasses, and four sets of silverware and place them around the dining room table.
“Seth seems very sweet,” your mother says, appearing in the dining room with a plate of veggies, placing it on a pot holder since it was still very warm.
“He does. But who knows, he’s probably like all the other guys dad has stay here.”
“Don’t be so harsh, he could be the complete opposite. From what your dad has said about him, he’s very nice and won’t be causing any problems.”
“You say that now…” you mumble to yourself. Thankfully, your mother drops the topic just as your dad and Seth appear in the room.
Everyone takes a seat at the table, with your dad at the head of the table, your mother to his right, Seth to his left, and you next to your mom. Dinner went very well, the topic mainly being centered around Seth as your parents ask him question after question about himself, which he happily answers with no issues.
You couldn’t help but notice how much he kept glancing over at you, despite you not having said a word. He couldn’t seem to help himself, his cheeks turning pink every time he caught you staring, having picked up on the habit from you, chuckling to himself each time, hoping your parents didn’t notice.
Once dinner ends, you help your mom with cleaning everything and putting away the leftovers while your dad and Seth head out back to chat about how the summer will go, what time he needs to get up every day, even going over the schedule for planned events so far.
“I like him,” your mom speaks up, looking out the back door window to catch a glimpse of the Canadian nodding along to your father’s words. “He’s going to be great help with the kids.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he will. Seems like he knows hockey well.” She smiles over at you and throws the towel on the counter.
“I told him we’d be having a movie night, if you’d like to join. We’re watching the new Bob Dylan movie,” she tells you, patting your shoulder before disappearing down the hall.
You stay put for a moment, your own gaze drifting to where Seth stands, his hands in his pockets as he listens. Again, he can feel you staring at him and he quickly sneaks a glance in your direction, hoping your father doesn’t follow his movement.
Before he can catch another look, you dart off up the stairs and to your room, sighing heavily as you throw yourself onto the bed. Your eyes flutter closed and all that ran through your mind was Seth, his crooked teeth that form such a sweet grin, his energetic voice enough to send butterflies to your stomach, how silky his hair appeared to be…how much you wanted to tangle your fingers in it…
This was going to be a long summer.
—
It has now been a week since Seth has arrived here, and every day, he’s out of the house and at the local ice rink with your dad, assisting in teaching the kids the basics of hockey and how the game is played. You hear about their day every night during dinner, and he seems to be really enjoying having this opportunity to be an assistant coach.
Since the beginning of his stay, your friend Valerie has asked you multiple times to come over and see him, but with him being away all day, there has never been a good time for them to meet. Plus, you were nervous for them to meet, knowing just how crazy she can be about hockey players, especially Seth, one of her favorites.
However, with your parents spending the weekend away at the beach house they own, Seth had some free time, so you figured this would be the best time for the two of them to meet.
Seth hops in your car and you drive to your favorite coffee spot, immediately spotting Val, who was beyond eager and excited for today. You made sure to tell her to be cool and not freak out, but you knew deep down that wasn’t going to be a possibility.
“Hi, oh my god, I love you so so much!” She greets Seth the second you two step over to her. Seth chuckles and opens his arms to offer a hug to her, which she gladly accepts.
“It’s nice to meet you. How long have you been a fan for?”
“I was raised on Canes hockey, it’s in my blood. And I’ve been a fan of you since you made your debut, you’re incredible.” She was gushing over him, practically drooling at the fact that his attention was on her.
“Aw, well thank you, I’m glad to hear it. I can see if I can snag some tickets to a game next season for you, behind the bench,” he smiles, and then looks over at you, “for both of you, obviously.”
“Oh, (Y/N) doesn’t like hockey.” You awkwardly shuffle your feet, hating that you were put on the spot by her, in front of Seth no less. Glancing over at you, he raises an eyebrow in curiosity.
“You don’t like hockey?” He repeats in disbelief, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. You shake your head and shrug a little in response.
“Not entirely. Growing up around it so much, I tended to steer away from it when it came to my interests.”
“Well, that is going to change this summer so you can go to the game with Valerie,” he insists, crossing his arms with a confident expression on his face. You copy his stance and cross your arms over your chest, staring him down.
“Not gonna happen.”
“Oh I think I can make it happen,” Seth winks over at you.
After the three of you order, you decide to walk to the local art museum, one you’ve been to plenty of times, but Seth brought it up a couple nights ago at dinner that he’d like to see it one of these days, and it was the perfect day for a museum trip.
“So, what got you into art?” Val asks him, taking a sip of her iced coffee, her eyes focused on him. He opens the door for the both of you before following inside.
“I don’t know, I like all the different aspects of it, how every person can have a different perspective looking at the same piece of art, how detailed they can be, everything about it.”
The three of you stroll along the galleries, Valerie attached to Seth’s side at this point, talking his ear off about everything. You break off from them, going in a different direction in the Impressionism gallery you were in, taking in the beautiful brushstrokes and wispy details that create such dramatic yet inviting images.
“Monet has always been a favorite of mine,” Seth’s voice sounds from right beside you, and you whip your head around to face him. Valerie seems to be missing, and Seth chuckles at your silent questioning.
“She went to the bathroom. That girl can talk.” You laugh with him and look to the ground for a split second before your eyes meet his again.
“Yeah. She was very excited when I finally agreed to let her meet you. I didn’t think my dad would be too happy with it, but since he’s not here for the weekend, I figured it would be alright.”
“She’s very sweet,” he comments, looking back to the painting and taking a deep breath.
The painting depicts a morning sunrise, the purple and blue mixing in the sky, green on the side to denote the trees around a river. It’s a very pretty mix of colors, and you stare at it for a good few minutes, getting lost in the details.
“I love that his main subject is nature. His work is always so relaxing to look at.”
“What’s your favorite of his?” Seth asks, glancing at you again.
“The Japanese Bridge. I love the contrast of the greens he uses and the water lilies underneath,” you describe. “I saw it in an art class I took in college and fell in love with it.” You lift your sleeve up to show him the tattoo you have it.
His eyes widen and he gasps, turning towards you and carefully taking your arm in his hand, running his thumb over the spot on your forearm.
“That’s gorgeous, wow! I guess you really do love it, enough to tattoo it on yourself, that’s some commitment,” he teases lightly.
“Guess you could say that.”
You couldn’t deny the butterflies that erupted in your stomach at his touch, noticing just how warm and soft his skin is. Though Valerie returns shortly after Seth drops his hand from your arm, standing by his side as close as she could get once more.
“Let’s go to the Renaissance gallery,” she suggests, pointing across the hall to the other grand room, filled with paintings and statues.
The rest of the afternoon goes the same, with Val talking Seth’s ear off, asking him about his life, almost like they were on a date. It was starting to feel like you were the third wheel, so you continued to stay to yourself, giving them time to be with one another.
However, you could see that Seth was starting to get a little overwhelmed with her constant conversation, and part of you felt bad; you had no idea she wasn’t going to give him any space. But, he also wasn’t doing anything to let her know that he would like to have some time to look at the art. You could tell he wasn’t the type to say anything, though, not wanting to be rude or anything.
Eventually, Val has to leave to have dinner with another friend, bidding both of you a goodbye and heading to her car.
“I’m so sorry, I told her to keep her cool, I had no clue that she would act like that,” you groan as the two of you get back into your car. Seth chuckles and waves you off like it’s nothing.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s totally fine. I’m glad I was able to make her day and meet her, it’s always nice meeting fans.”
“She’s definitely a big fan of you.” Seth nods and buckles his seat belt, pulling his phone from his pocket. “So, what do you want to do for dinner?”
“We could do that burger place your dad was telling me about,” he suggests.
“Sounds good.”
Later that night, around one in the morning, you were getting ready for bed, but decide to refill your water before doing so. Heading down to the kitchen, you hear what sounds like a plastic cup drop and a short curse following. Stepping through the doorway, your eyes land on Seth standing at the sink, turning around when he hears the floor creak under your feet.
“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to drop that,” he sighs, turning around to face you. “It slipped from my hand.”
“That’s alright. I was awake anyway, I need more water.” He moves off to the side, leaning against the counter and watching you with admiration. Seeing you in your pajamas, which were a pair of sweats and a plain black t-shirt, he couldn’t help but grin, feeling his heart flutter in his chest.
“What are you doing up so late?” He wonders. At the sound of his voice, you turn around to face him while taking a sip from your now-filled cup.
“I could ask you the same.”
He awkwardly looks down at his hands and lets out a breath, nodding his head in the direction of the living room, silently inviting you to join him. The two of you step into the living room and plop down on the couch close to one another. With another heavy sigh, his hands rub his face and he glances over at you.
“I’m not entirely sure, I just couldn’t sleep, so I thought a glass of milk would help. But I…guess I have a lot on my mind.”
“Anything you want to talk about?” You offer. Silence hangs in the air for a moment as he contemplates on saying what he wants. Instead, he places his right hand on yours, which was resting on the back of the couch cushion, stroking his thumb along the back of your hand.
No words are said, the tension between the two of you thickens, and your breath catches in your throat at the simple action. It’s unexpected, but you welcome it.
“I…haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” he finally admits in the lightest voice you’ve heard him speak in so far. Surprise washes over you, confusion also filling your mind. “I know I’ve only been here a week, but I think you’re so cute and…I know your dad told me to stay away from you, but—”
“He told you that too?” You interrupt him, causing him to laugh. Your chest tightens at the way his eyes crinkle up, his crooked teeth on full show as the corners of his lips almost reach his eyes.
“Yeah, when we went on the back deck, the first thing he said was not to go messing around with you, meaning romantically and physically. It was incredibly awkward, not gonna lie. I mean, we’ve talked on the phone here and there, but to meet for the first time, face-to-face, and the first thing he tells me privately is not to sleep with his daughter? I didn’t know how to react.”
“What did you say?” You had a huge grin on your face, loving the fact that he had gotten so flustered when speaking to your father about this.
“I said I wouldn’t, obviously. And truly, I had no intentions of breaking that rule, but…” he pauses and brings his other hand up to your face, brushing a stray tendril of hair from your face and tucking it behind your ear, “after today, seeing you get so lost in the paintings and statues, it’s fueled my admiration for you. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
The way his voice lowers with his last sentence sends a shiver up your spine, your breath catching in your throat once again. His hand remains on your face, a subdued grin on his lips, much smaller compared to his previous one, but still enough to show his feelings.
You are far too stunned to speak, between his words and his touch, you had no clue what to say or do. So, Seth decides to take control of the situation. He scoots his body slightly closer to you, keeping his hand on your face.
“Is this okay?” He whispers his ask for consent. You nod meekly and gulp nervously, eliciting a short snicker from Seth. His thumb rubs against the apple of your cheek, noticing the heated skin under his digit. “Can I kiss you?”
Once again, his question throws you completely off-guard, even with how close the two of you are in this moment. It takes you a second to process and respond, but you give in with a confident nod, your tongue darting out to wet your lips in preparation. But that’s not enough for him.
“I need verbal confirmation, sweet girl.”
“Yes,” you voice out, your heart fluttering at his slight demand. Seth takes it slow and leans forward, pausing right before he gets to your lips.
“We can stop this at any moment if you’re uncomfortable, just tap my chest, alright?” He tells you, keeping his voice the same tone and decibel from before. With another short nod, you wait for him to meet your lips.
And when he finally does, your entire body ignites with pleasure, even from a simple little kiss. Seth’s lips are just as soft as his hands and he tastes of the chocolate milk he drank only a short while ago. You almost immediately melt into his touch, kissing him back with the same amount of pressure.
Once the both of you feel a bit more comfortable, the kiss deepens, with Seth’s hand trailing down to grab your neck and pull you closer, the action causing a soft moan to sound from your throat, getting lost against his lips. He can’t help the breathy chuckle he lets out upon hearing you moan for him already.
“Mm…someone’s eager?” He teases playfully, the kiss breaking for a moment. You shove his chest to stop the kiss for the moment, wiping your lips with your hand.
“Shut it. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” You avoid his gaze, too embarrassed. A sigh sounds from his mouth and he tilts your chin up to meet his eyes.
“Hey, I wasn’t trying to make fun of you for it,” he apologizes. “I though it was cute.” Your face heats up even more than it already was at his compliment. A small grin finally tugs at your lips and you lean in to kiss him once more.
“It’s alright. I really enjoyed it. And…” your voice tapers off for a moment as your finger traces along his exposed collarbone, “I think we should do this more often.” Seth can’t help the shiver that courses through his body, a smirk spreading on his face at your suggestion.
“I’m game.”
As Seth’s time with your family continues on, the two of you start to sneak around your parents, mainly just your father, to see each other almost every night. Whether that was Seth quietly sneaking up to your room or you sneaking down to his, you made sure to spend at least an hour with each other every night around midnight before finally heading off to bed.
Things were going very well, you were really falling for him, which you hated, but he was so easy to like. His smile and laugh were the most adorable sight and sound you’ve ever seen and heard, he is always so gentle and caring with you, and you’ve had a fair share of deep talks over the course of his time here, leading the two of you to get to know each other on a more deeper level.
Now, a month has passed, you two were still sneaking around and spending nights in each other’s rooms, quietly chatting away or making out. You didn’t expect to like him as much as you do, but it’s been a wonderful time. Now, with your parents going on another vacation, this time for an entire week, you and Seth decide to take advantage of this as much as you can.
“I have plans for us today,” Seth murmurs in your ear as he comes up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, swaying you side to side gently. You were standing at the stove, cooking some pancakes and eggs for breakfast for the both of you, Seth having slept in a little with his time off.
“Really? And what would that be, hm?”
“I’m going to teach you how to skate.” You freeze and turn around in his arms, looking at him in disbelief.
“What?”
“We’re gonna go to the rink, and I’m going to teach you how to skate. It’s easy once you get the hang of it, I promise.” You roll your eyes and turn back around, his arms still not dropping from your body.
“Is this apart of the continuous tries for you to get me to like hockey?” He hums softly, hiding his face in your neck, pushing your shirt out of the way so he could kiss along your skin.
“A little. But since you told me a few nights ago that you’ve never even stepped foot on the ice, I’ve been thinking about getting you out there. Don’t you think it’d be fun?”
“What’s fun about falling on my ass and breaking my tailbone?” He groans and finally breaks away from you, leaning against the counter beside you with his hands propped up behind him.
“I promise you won’t fall, baby. Please? I really want to share my one love in life with you.” The way he says this sends chills through you, it seemed to be very important to him, to be able to share a moment like that together, and it brings a smile to your face.
“Fine,” you give in, flipping the pancake that was done from the pan to the plate, stacking it on top of the other ones that were finished. Seth immediately reaches over and grabs it, despite it being piping hot, and takes a bite.
Instantly, he’s attempting to cool his mouth down, breathing in air and attempting to fan his mouth with his hand as the cake-like texture burns his tongue; this entire ordeal sends you into a giggling fit as you watch him struggle and yelp in pain.
“You’re such a dumbass, why would you do that?!” You manage to say through your laughs, grabbing the pancake from him and placing it on the plate you had set out for him.
“I didn’t think it’d be so hot,” he finally mumbles with a full mouth, the doughy treat having cooled down by now.
“I literally just took it off the pan, what do you expect?” He swallows the bite he took and shrugs his shoulders.
“People tell me I’m not the brightest tool in the shed,” he replies nonchalantly.
“You mean sharpest tool in the shed?” You raise an eyebrow. He pauses to think over his words, his cheek turning pink with slight embarrassment.
“Guess that proves my point,” he jokes, grabbing the rest of his pancake that has now cooled down. “So once we finish breakfast, let’s get dressed and head out.”
The two of you soon find yourselves at the local ice rink that he spends five days out of the week at with your father, teaching kids the basics of hockey and working with them to work up their skills in the sport.
“I still don’t have a good feeling about this,” you grumble as Seth ties your skates, already having put his on when you arrived. He insisted on tying them for you, claiming that since you didn’t even know how to skate, he wanted to make sure they get tied correctly; though you could tell by the playful look in his eyes that he wanted to do it just to be a gentleman.
“Alright, you ready?” He stands after patting the side of your foot to be sure your skate was secure enough.
“Not entirely, but you’re not gonna let this go.”
He lets out a short laugh and grabs your hand, entwining your fingers together and bringing you over to the entrance to the ice. He steps back so easily, since skating is second nature to him, keeping his balance and everything. The second your skates hit the ice, you are like a newborn deer, your arms flailing, attempting to keep yourself upright as much as you can.
“Okay, so you wanna keep your knees aligned with your shoulders,” he instructs. “And push off with the side of your foot.”
“That helps none.”
“Just try. I won’t let go of your hands.”
Just as he promised, his hands remain holding your gloved ones, his grip tight and telling of how he plans to keep his word. Pulling you along, he gives you instructions every now and then, saying to readjust the position of your foot or steady relax your upper body. Eventually, you make it a full lap around the rink, but only because he was pulling you along.
“Do you think you can do a lap without me dragging you?” He teases lightly, stopping you by placing his hands on your hips, resting his forehead on yours.
“I’ll try, but if you see me start to go, grab me.”
“Will do.”
Seth’s hands drop from yours and you carefully steady yourself, following his guidance by pushing off your skates, moving forward a bit. You wobble a little, your arms waving as your balance starts to go, and Seth is quick to move close just in case.
“I’m good,” you confirm, finding that movement once again. He stays close by and watches you with a smile, matching your pace beside you; you were far too focused on keeping yourself upright that you didn’t even notice the way he has his eyes on you.
“Fuck yes!” He shouts when you finally make it another full lap without any assistance from him. “I’m so proud of you!” He wraps you up in his arms, spinning around carefully with you.
“That was actually kinda fun!” You exclaim when he sets you back down on the ice.
“Well, we have all day to skate around and for you to improve your seemingly natural skill, so let’s go!”
The rest of the afternoon is spent circling the ice rink, Seth’s giggle ringing out around the somewhat empty building. Other than the two of you, a young girl was practicing some ice skating routines in the middle of the ice, and on one end there were a couple teenage boys shooting pucks at a goal, who, earlier, had immediately recognized Seth and asked him for some tips.
Some hours had passed, though neither of you were even aware, until the sun was starting to lower in the sky and your stomach started to growl, a sign that you should probably end your skating date and get some dinner.
“So…did you have fun today?” Seth asks you as the two of you step into your home around seven at night, the sun finally starting to set along the horizon, the vibrant orange hue shining right into your eyes from the kitchen window.
“I did,” you smile up at him, wrapping your arms around his waist and curling yourself into his body. He chuckles and his own arms circle you, bringing you as close to him as possible. “I’m very surprised I didn’t fall once.”
“Not gonna lie, I am too,” he teases lightly. “I was expecting at least two falls.”
“Hey!” Pulling away, you smack your hand against his arm and feign an offended gasp.
“Don’t act so surprised! Falling is normal. Hell, I’ve been skating since I was five and I still fall over nothing.”
“Well, maybe I’m special.” Seth’s gaze soften a little and he grabs you to drag you closer to him again, his eyes flickering between your eyes and your lips.
“Mm, you absolutely are,” his minty breath brushes against your lips, teasing you and leaving you wanting more. You swallow thickly, nervously inching your way closer to him, silently telling him what you want. Thankfully, with the relationship that you two have built up over the past month, there is an immediate understanding and he leans in to meet you for a kiss.
In that moment, everything seemed perfect, like you two were untouchable, falling even harder for one another with every kiss, no matter how long or short. However, nothing lasts forever, and in the morning, with your parents returning before you were even awake, you were in for a long day.
Upon entering the kitchen to make yourself a bowl of cereal, you encounter your father, sitting at the table reading the morning newspaper.
“Do anything fun this weekend?” He questions from behind the thin paper, not even lowering it to speak to you.
“Not really. I hung out with Val a bit, cleaned my room, watched that—”
“So you weren’t at the ice rink yesterday with Seth?” The newspaper lowers and reveals your dad’s irate expression, steam practically coming from his ears. Turning around, you freeze, unable to come up with an excuse.
How did he know?
Your mouth opens and closes, and as if he was reading your mind, he sighs heavily and answers the one question you have.
“Marvin saw the two of you skating around. Says you two were very close and cozy with each other.” Instantly, your shoulders drop, like there’s a weight pushing down on them, the weight of betrayal from your father’s gaze.
“Um…” You are trying your best to think of something, but every single word gets caught in your throat. You two had been caught. And there is no way out of it.
“I had one rule for you this summer. One. But you can’t ever follow the rules, can you?” He lets out a short, almost cynical laugh. “And the funniest thing, you said you swore off hockey players and that it would be no issue, and I trusted you. So for me to get a call from my colleague last night, saying my daughter and the man I invited into my home to help me coach are at the rink, skating around, holding hands, kissing?”
Your face heats up and a worried breath leaves your mouth, your hands nervously running over your face. To hear him say it back to you, it hit you like a ton of bricks. You had gone against the one boundary he had, and you felt awful, even if Seth had been the one to initiate everything, you gave into him so easily; it was just as much your fault as it was his.
“And Seth is a different story, I’ll talk with him later, but you…you specifically doubled down on that rule. And I come to find out that you’re going behind my back to see him? Because I know damn well you two haven’t been with each other like that since just yesterday if you’re hanging all over one another and kissing.”
“Dad, I-I know I promised not to, but…”
“No, there are no excuses! You broke that, and because of that, you’re not allowed to be around Seth anymore. I’ll be paying for a place for him so he’s not here and you’re not messing around with him and distracting him.”
“We never even did anything more, we just talked and-”
“I don’t want to hear it!” He shouts, startling you enough to make you jump a little. There is a short pause as he attempts to cool himself down, not wanting to scream at you. “You are to not see him anymore, unless it’s for dinner, which he will still be invited to.”
“Okay,” you murmur defeatedly. Sure, you were an adult and all, but he was right, you made a promise to him to keep your distance from Seth in terms of anything more than a simple friendship; all you could think about was what he was going to say to Seth.
Later that night, after spending the day in your room, blaring your music with your window open and organizing your bookshelf to fit your new additions, you lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, tears dripping from your eyes and down your cheek, onto the soft blue cotton pillowcase.
Just as you were closing your eyes, exhausted and ready to fall into a deep sleep, there’s a quiet knock on your door. Sitting up, your eyes strain to see the door, wondering if your ears were deceiving you or if someone was actually there.
Then, the same sound fills your ears again. You plant your feet on the fuzzy carpet and pad over to the door, opening it as slowly as you can. In front of you stands Seth, an apologetic look on his face, not even sure if you want to see him right now.
A surprise to him, you step aside and let him in, quietly shutting the door as to not draw attention, even though your parents were asleep in their room on the first level; you weren’t even sure how Seth managed to be so quiet with coming upstairs, as he usually does.
“I hope you don’t mind me sneaking up here,” he whispers, shuffling his feet nervously and stepping towards your bed. He’s dressed in his usual torn up Canes shirt and a pair of black sweats, his hands hiding in his pockets; you couldn’t help but admire how cozy and cuddly he looked, but you weren’t allowed that anymore.
You don’t say anything, shaking your head a little and dropping your eyes to focus on your hands. Seth stands there, unsure of what to even say or do. So, he does what he knows best.
“Come here,” he whispers, pulling you right into his chest, wrapping his arms around you as tightly as he can and nuzzling his face into your hair.
Tears instantly pour down your face and staining the ratty t-shirt covering his shoulder, but he of course didn’t care one bit. He just held you, and you assume your father had given him a stern talking to as well.
“I’m not supposed to see you anymore,” you mumble against his shoulder after your tears finally subside. Seth still hadn’t let you go, not wanting to just yet, realizing how emotional you are over this.
“I don’t care,” his tone matches yours. “Why don’t we lay down?”
With a short nod, you break the hug and step over to your bed, crawling under the covers with Seth joining you moments later, bringing you right back into where you were before, curled into his chest. Your fingers find the hem of his shirt and start to mess with it, the smooth fabric acting as a soother for you, along with his fingertips running up and down your back underneath your shirt.
“Everything’s gonna be okay,” he tells you as he presses a few kisses along your forehead.
“I broke his promise,” you choke out.
“I did too.”
With no response from you, Seth cradles your chin and raises it up so that your eyes meet his chocolate brown ones that you’ve grown so fond of. A kind smile displays on his lips, the look in his eyes enough to make you melt.
It was a look of understanding, of reassurance, of comfort. One that is enough to make you melt right there on the spot.
“I’ll talk to him again in the morning and get things straightened out,” he whispers as he places even more kisses to your skin. With a soft sigh, you can’t help but snuggle closer to him, your anxieties and worries washing away with every minute of being in his arms.
It was a feeling you’d never grow tired of, and you hated to think that this was all going to end at the end of the summer, when he has to go back to Raleigh to prepare for the season.
“I can practically hear your mind racing, beautiful,” he chuckles lightly. “Just relax, it’ll be alright.”
“What did he say to you?” A quiet sniffle from you sounds through the room as your head lifts from his shoulder to look at him while he responds. He huffs shortly, biting his lip nervously as he decides on if he should tell you or not.
“He said he’d be getting me an Airbnb for the remainder of my stay. Said it’d be easier and more homey than a hotel, but he can’t trust you around me…so he needs to do this.”
“Of course it’s just on me.”
“Hey, it’s not. But I think he’s so upset that he found out from someone else and not himself, so he feels even more betrayed.”
“Still, that doesn’t make it okay to yell at me alone and just give you a slap on the wrist and say hey, I’ll send you somewhere else so you don’t have to be distracted by my daughter trying to seduce you.” Seth, unable to remain serious, can’t help the laugh that escapes his lips, shaking his head when he sees you frown at his response.
“It doesn’t make it okay, and believe me, I’m going to tell him in the morning I was the one who started all of this, despite you saying many times that we shouldn’t be doing it. I couldn’t stay away from you.”
“Neither could I,” you whisper against his lips. The two of you share a passion-filled kiss, realizing that this may be the last time you’ll be able to see one another for who knows how long.
By the morning, when the sun is shining bright through your curtains, Seth is long gone from your bed, most likely gone with your father to the rink for the day, your mother also at work, the house silent and still as ever.
To get your mind off of everything, you decide to spend the day in the city, getting lunch by yourself and just roaming around, doing your best to keep your mind off the situation that was currently surrounding you. There was no escaping it, no matter how hard you tried.
All you could think about was Seth, and the fact that you weren’t going to be able to kiss him, unless the two of you start to sneak around again, which you didn’t want to do; you’ve already upset your father enough, you’d hate to continue to do it and sneak Seth in through your window with a ladder.
However, there was a small sliver of hope that Seth could change your dad’s mind, as unrealistic as it sounded, maybe he could have a change of heart hearing his side?
When dinnertime came around, the atmosphere was tense and incredibly awkward. Not many words were shared, the only sound was four sets of silverware clinking against the china plates and chewing sounds. It was starting to make your head spin, but you were in no place to start a conversation.
Your mother tried her best to engage in light chatter, asking Seth and your dad about what they did with the kids that day, but the responses from your father were short, and Seth just kept his eyes down on his plate; it was almost like he had gotten reprimanded just as much as you did, though you weren’t entirely sure if he brought the topic up like he said he would.
“(Y/N), could we talk for a second?” Your dad comes up to you while you are rinsing the dishes off. Dropping the plate in the sink, you turn the water off and wipe your hands dry before you follow him out to the back deck.
Things are just as awkward as they were during dinner, but you felt some semblance of positivity, with the tone of his voice being light and almost apologetic.
“Seth talked to me this morning over breakfast,” he begins, wringing his hands together nervously. “I may have come off a little too harsh with you, and I want to apologize.”
Your eyes widen in shock, your head whipping over to look at him, not believing what you heard just yet. Instead of responding, you wait for him to continue.
“He told me that he’s the one who…made the move on you and instigated this whole thing,” he’s waving his hands in the air, gesturing to the two of you sneaking around, “and while I’m still not happy that you decided to go along with it, it was wrong of me to assume it was just you.”
“Thanks,” you awkwardly nod and drop your gaze to your hands, picking at a hangnail anxiously. “I am sorry for breaking that rule, honestly. But we spent that day together and…he was just so charming, I got so caught up in things.” A small smile cracks out onto your dad’s face, surprising you even more than his apology.
“He’s a great guy, and while I’m not happy that things happened the way they did, I can’t stay mad at you for long. I know how you swore off hockey guys, so he must be different.”
“He is,” you grin, thinking about all of the conversations with Seth you’ve had over the past month, and how you’ve really started to fall for him; he truly is nothing like guys you have dated in the past, there was something about him that was so captivating, in a good way.
“You know, my punishment was quite overbearing,” he states after a few moments of silence between the two of you. “Seth is staying here and I won’t keep the two of you from seeing each other.”
“Really?” Your eyes light up as he says this.
You couldn’t believe it. Seth’s talk with him had worked.
“Yeah. As long as it stays PG.”
“Dad,” you groan, hiding your face in your hands as it heats up with embarrassment. Of course he would say that.
“I’m serious, (Y/N). That’s the one rule I expect to stay true, no funny business.”
“I can promise you that.” There’s a pause in the conversation, not much else needing to be said. Stepping over, you give him a tight hug, your heart fluttering in your chest at the thought of getting to spend all night talking with Seth without having to worry if you’d get caught or not.
“It probably won’t be anything more than just a summer fling anyway,” you add quietly, almost disappointed and hurt to admit it out loud.
“Most likely, but now you can enjoy the last month instead of being sneaky,” he says, almost like he was reading your mind. You chuckle and break the hug, pulling back to look up at him.
“Gee, thanks,” your voice is filled with sarcasm, being topped off with an eye roll from you.
“Now, I think Seth mentioned something about a movie night that he was planning, so why don’t you head inside, mom and I will finish up the dishes, and we’ll give you two some privacy for the rest of the night.”
He opens his arms up for another hug and you gladly accept, happy that he was able to come to his senses and realize that this may not be the worst thing in the world.
“Thank you,” you mumble against his chest, sincerity filling your tone. A smile appears on his face, feeling confident in his decision now.
“Of course, honey. Now go inside before he eats all the snacks.”
With a soft giggle, you open the sliding door and rush back in through the kitchen and to the living room, finding Seth sitting on the couch with a ton of pillows, a few chairs from the dining room, and an endless amount of blankets piled up on the floor.
“Well hello there. Welcome to movie night, please take a seat,” he says in a fake posh accent, sticking his hand out for you to take and guide you to the couch.
“What’s all this?”
“We are going to watch as many movies as you desire, after we build a fort and fill it with pillows, blankets, and snacks. And I have popcorn waiting to be popped.” He gestures to all of the items spread out for you, the countless snacks covering the coffee table, from bags of candy to chips and chocolates. All of which were your favorites.
He remembered.
Seth can sense the thoughts running through your mind and steps closer to you, a genuine smile on his face and his eyes as kind as ever.
“What did you say to him?” You question, nodding your head towards the kitchen, keeping your voice down in case your father was listening. He chuckles lightly and rubs the back of his neck nervously, a light blush dusting over his cheeks.
“I may have bribed him with tickets to a game and invited the team we’re working with to attend a morning skate and even get on the ice with us for a bit,” he states.
“You did not.”
“I very much did,” he replies confidently. “And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I really like you, and I don’t want anyone to come between us. So I did what I could.”
“You could have just talked to him like a normal guy,” you suggest, raising an eyebrow at him, moving closer to him. His hands plant on your waist, thumbs rubbing against the curve of your body as his eyes flicker over your features, trying to gauge your mood, if you were happy with this or if you didn’t like the fact that he pretty much bribed your father for his ‘blessing’, so to speak.
“I could have, but remember? You’re very special to me, I had to get creative,” he winks with a small smirk.
Once your parents are in their room down the hall, the two of you get to work building the fort, making sure the chairs are perfectly aligned and the blankets aren’t going to fall. While Seth makes the popcorn, you arrange the bunch of pillows inside the fort, making them as cozy as possible so you there is a little cocoon for the two of you to fit in.
Eventually, you bring your laptop into the fort, all of the snacks spread on the floor in front of you, the bowl of popcorn ready to be dug into. Seth opens his arms for you and you take a seat next to him, leaning into his side and focusing on your laptop, sitting on the chair directly in front of the two of you.
“What are we going to do when you go back to Raleigh?” You can’t help but ask the one question that’s been on your mind for days.
The movie was about halfway through, the popcorn gone and the bowl tossed aside, a bag of gummy worms opened, as well as sour straws. A short sigh passes his lips and he finishes chewing the handful of Sno-Caps he tossed back moments ago.
“We’ll find a way to make it work,” he reassures you, turning his head to kiss your temple. “I promise. I don’t want this to be some random fling. You mean a lot to me, (Y/N), and I will do everything in my power to make us work.”
His words send your heart soaring in your chest, for the first time, feeling optimistic about this entire situation you found yourself in.
“Really?” Your head turns to gaze into his eyes, wanting to see if he was serious about this. He meets your eyes and nods, his hand raising from your waist to rest around your shoulder, his fingers lightly running up and down your bicep.
“Uh huh. This past month, sneaking around with you, getting to know you, having those late night talks, it’s become one of my favorite things, and there’s no way I can let you go like nothing happened.”
His other hand comes up to caress your cheek, feeling the heated skin under his touch. The moment is so intimate and sweet, a side of Seth that you know so well and have grown to adore, sometimes even more than his goofy and unserious self.
“I don’t want to do that either,” you whisper with a small grin. “I really like you, Jarvy.”
Seth can’t help himself being so close to you, the way you whisper his nickname, how good you smell from your shower a couple hours ago, he ends up leaning in, closing the space between you to steal a quick kiss.
“I really like you too. Promise we’ll figure this out?”
“Promise,” you nod in confirmation, set on keeping whatever this has been in your short time together.
“Alright now that that’s settled,” he pauses his thought to push all the candy out of the way, reaching over to pause the movie, “wanna make out for the rest of the night?”
His question elicits a boisterous laugh from you, playfully smacking his chest as he tackles you gently, laying you on the mass of pillows beneath you.
“You’re such a boy,” you reply with a small shake of your head, gazing up at him in the dimly lit space.
“Can you blame me? I have a pretty girl underneath me, what else do you expect me to do, huh?”
“Be a gentleman and cuddle with me while playing with my hair.”
There’s a pause after your suggestion, Seth pondering for a moment like he was genuinely thinking about it, glancing off to the side at the movie paused.
“Hm…we can do that after we make out for at least an hour,” he says with a cheeky smirk and wink, leaning down to kiss you sweetly, lips moving passionately against yours.
“Mm, you’re so needy,” you tease him, mumbling against his lips. He sighs against your mouth before trailing his kisses down your jaw and to your neck.
a/n: @smileysvech reached out to me a few days ago about potentially writing a birthday fic for the All-American prince, Jack Drury, and the rest was history!
summary: you and Jack celebrate his 25th birthday--his first one in Denver after he was uprooted from his life in Raleigh....
You wake up to the crisp, cool air of a Denver morning. The sun is still climbing the sky, peeking through the blinds of the apartment you share with Jack. It's his 25th birthday today, and you're eager to start the surprise you've been planning for weeks. You've noticed he's been a bit down, missing the camaraderie of his old teammates from the Hurricanes, and you want to show him that he's not alone in this new chapter of his life. You slip out of bed, careful not to disturb the gentle snores coming from Jack's side, and tiptoe into the kitchen.
You start by brewing a pot of his favorite coffee, something you picked up from a local roastery that reminds him of the small café near his old apartment in Raleigh. The smell of freshly ground beans fills the room as you prepare a simple yet hearty breakfast; you know he's been craving comfort food lately, a taste of home amidst the unfamiliar.
As you move through the apartment, you gather a few small gifts you've picked out, each one carefully chosen to reflect a shared memory or an inside joke from the time you've spent together. You wrap them in paper with a subtle mountain pattern, a nod to the Rockies that now serve as the backdrop to your lives. The gifts are simple, but you hope they convey the depth of your feelings.
You hear Jack stirring in the bedroom, and your heart skips a beat. It's showtime.
You hurry back to the bedside table and place the steaming mug of coffee next to him, along with the wrapped presents. As he opens his eyes, you lean in and whisper, "Happy Birthday," planting a soft kiss on his cheek. His eyes widen in surprise, and a sleepy smile stretches across his face as he sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What's all this?" he asks groggily, reaching for the mug.
You give him a mischievous smile. "It's your birthday, remember?"
Jack's eyes light up as he takes in the sight of the gifts and the smell of the coffee. He sits up, taking the mug from you, and wraps his arms around your waist. "You didn't have to do all this," he murmurs into your hair.
You lean into the warmth of his embrace. "But I wanted to. You deserve it, especially on your first birthday here in Denver."
Jack takes a sip of the coffee, savoring the familiar taste. "It's perfect. Thank you," he says, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
You pull away slightly, taking his hand in yours. "But that's just the start. I've got a whole day planned for us."
Jack's smile grows as he sets the mug down and starts unwrapping the presents. Each one reveals a treasure trove of thoughtfulness: a book by his favorite author with a handwritten note from you on the inside cover, a framed photo of the two of you at the beach during your first vacation together, and a pair of socks with tiny hockey pucks on them, which makes him laugh out loud.
"These are amazing," he says, holding up the socks. "I can't believe you found these."
You laugh, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. "I know how much you love a good gag gift. Now, let's get ready. We've got a full day ahead of us. Breakfast is going to get cold if we don't eat soon."
Jack nods, his eyes still sparkling with joy as he puts on the socks immediately. You both sit down at the small dining table, the sun now casting a warm glow over the room. The gifts are scattered between the plates of scrambled eggs and toast, and Jack takes his time savoring each bite, the comfort of your presence making everything taste even better.
After breakfast, you lead him to the living room where you've laid out a map of Denver, marked with little red hearts at various locations. "I know you've been missing your friends, but today is about us exploring this new city together," you explain.
Jack's eyes scan the map, curiosity piqued as he sees spots he's been meaning to visit since the trade. "Where to first?"
You smile, taking his hand. "We're starting with a hike at Red Rocks. It's a beautiful morning, and I thought some fresh air would do us good."
Jack nods, excitement growing. He throws on some sweats and a hoodie, and you both set off into the crisp morning. The drive is filled with laughter as you play a mixtape of his favorite songs from over the years, the car's speakers echoing with the soundtrack of your relationship.
At Red Rocks, the towering sandstone formations greet you, bathed in the soft early light. You choose an easy trail, one that winds through the rocks and offers panoramic views of the city in the distance. As you walk, Jack points out the landmarks he's learned in his short time here, and you share stories about the places you've discovered since moving in together. The conversation flows naturally, a blend of nostalgia and excitement for the future.
The air is cool and dry, with a hint of pine that fills your lungs as you climb. You both break into a light jog for a moment, the kind of spontaneous playfulness that's always been a hallmark of your relationship. You reach the top, breathless, and Jack pulls you into a hug. "This is perfect," he says, his voice filled with warmth. "I needed this."
You share a quiet moment, watching the city come to life below. The early risers are already making their way to work, their cars like ants in a line along the highway. You can see the Ball Arena in the distance, a silent monument to the passion that brought Jack here. You both sit on a rocky outcrop, the morning dew seeping through your pants as you take in the view.
The next stop on your surprise itinerary is the Denver Art Museum. You've been hearing about Jack's love for modern art, something that blossomed during his time in Raleigh. As you wander through the galleries, you're surprised by how much he knows about the pieces. He points out the brushstrokes and the emotions captured in the abstract shapes, explaining the stories behind the paintings with a passion that's contagious. You feel a sense of pride in seeing him in his element, sharing something he loves.
You meander through the exhibits, taking your time to appreciate the art, occasionally stopping to admire a piece that resonates with both of you. The air inside the museum is hushed, the only sounds the distant echoes of other visitors' footsteps and the occasional murmur of appreciation. It's a stark contrast to the noisy arenas where Jack usually spends his time, and you can see the peace it brings him.
As you move from one gallery to the next, you notice a painting that captures a moment of stillness amidst chaos, reminiscent of a quiet moment in the locker room before a big game. You gesture to it. "Jack, look at this one."
Jack's eyes light up as he approaches. "It's like the calm before the storm," he murmurs, lost in thought.
You nod, understanding the parallel all too well. "It's like us," you say softly. "Finding our quiet moments in the middle of everything."
Jack looks at you, his expression reflective. "Yeah," he agrees. "It really is."
Leaving the museum, you head to the next spot on your list: a cozy bookstore tucked away in the Highlands neighborhood. You know Jack has been searching for a rare book about the history of the NHL, and you've called ahead to ensure they have a copy waiting. The smell of aged pages and fresh ink fills your nostrils as you enter, a scent that always brings comfort.
Jack's eyes widen as he spots the book displayed on the counter. "You didn't have to," he says, but the excitement in his voice betrays his protest.
You smile, handing it to him. "I know how much you've been looking for this. Happy birthday, babe."
Jack flips through the pages, a child-like glee on his face. "This is incredible," he whispers, leaning in to kiss you. "Thank you."
You spend the next hour exploring the bookstore, your fingers tracing over the spines of books, sharing titles recommendations, and discussing the merits of various authors. The clinking of coffee cups from the adjoining café blends with the occasional crackle of the bookstore's old-fashioned sound system playing classic rock. It's a simple pleasure, but one that feels rich and meaningful in the context of the day you've crafted together.
As the sun starts to dip in the sky, casting long shadows across the city, you suggest heading home to prepare dinner. You've been practicing a new recipe, a twist on Jack's mom's famous lasagna, a dish that's been a staple at his birthday celebrations since you two started dating. You've made it a point to learn all his favorites, a way of bringing his past into your shared present.
Jack seems content as he flips through the book you've given him in the passenger seat. "You really know me," he says, looking up with a smile.
You return the smile as you navigate the car back to the apartment. "It's what you do when you love someone," you reply, glancing over briefly before returning your eyes to the road.
Once home, you both slip into your cooking rhythm, Jack sipping on a beer he grabbed from the fridge while you prep the ingredients. You've turned on some music, a mix of your favorite jazz tunes that always seem to keep the kitchen vibe light. The smell of garlic and tomato sauce fills the air, mingling with the aroma of the freshly baked bread you picked up the day before. The kitchen is a mess of chopped vegetables, cheese, and ground beef, but you don't mind. It's a mess that means love.
As you layer the lasagna, Jack sets the table with candles and a simple bouquet of flowers. You glance at him, his concentration on the task surprisingly weighty, and you can't help but feel a twinge of affection. He's never been one for fancy dinners out, always preferring the comfort of a home-cooked meal. It's these small gestures that make you realize how much he values your efforts to make him feel at home.
The oven timer dings, signaling that the lasagna is ready. You both pull it out, the cheesy top bubbling and browned to perfection. The apartment fills with the tantalizing aroma of melted cheese and spicy tomato sauce. You plate the food, adding a side salad and garlic bread. The flickering candles cast a warm glow over the dining table, making the space feel intimate and welcoming.
As you sit down to eat, Jack raises his glass of water. "To you," he says, his eyes meeting yours. "For making this birthday feel like home."
You clink your glass against his, feeling your cheeks warm with a blush. "To us," you reply, taking a sip. The lasagna is a hit, the flavors melding together just as well as the two of you have in the past few months. You watch as Jack's eyes close in satisfaction with each bite, his smile growing wider with every mouthful. It's moments like this that remind you why you put so much effort into the day.
After dinner, you clean up the kitchen together, the rhythm of your movements in sync, like a well-oiled machine. The conversation drifts to the rest of the season and his excitement to play in a new conference. You listen intently, asking questions about his teammates and the city's expectations. It's clear he's starting to feel more at home here, and that brings you a sense of peace.
You suggest a quiet night in, and Jack readily agrees. You both sink into the plush couch, the TV flickering with the glow of a movie you've watched a hundred times. It's one of those nights where the familiar comfort of each other's company is all you need. You lean your head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek. His arm wraps around you, fingers tracing lazy patterns on your arm, as the laughter from the screen fills the room.
As the movie plays, you find yourself lost in thought, watching the flicker of the screen reflect in Jack's eyes. He's been through so much in his career, the trade and the pressure to perform, and you know it's taken a toll on him. But here, in the quiet of your shared apartment, he seems to let his guard down, even if just for a little while. You cherish these moments, the real him, stripped of the hockey mask he so often wears in public.
The film ends, leaving a comfortable silence in its wake. You glance at the clock; it's later than you thought. "Cake time?" you ask, already knowing the answer.
Jack's eyes light up. "You got me a cake?"
You nod, standing up to grab the box you've stashed away in the fridge. It's from a local bakery, a small chocolate cake with a single candle on top. The flame dances in the dim light as you place it on the coffee table. "Make a wish," you whisper.
Jack grins, his eyes shining with excitement as he leans forward to blow out the candle. He takes a deep breath, and you hold your breath in anticipation. What could he possibly wish for? The room seems to hold still as the flame flickers out. "Wish made," he says, winking at you.
You cut the cake, the scent of rich chocolate wafting through the air as you serve a slice to him. He takes a bite, his eyes closing in pleasure. "Best birthday cake I've had in a long time," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.
You both sit cross-legged on the floor, eating cake straight from the plates, the cushions and blankets around you creating a cozy fort. The quietness of the apartment is a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of a birthday bash, but it's exactly what Jack needed. You watch as he savors each bite, the stress of the season and the weight of his new team slowly lifting from his shoulders.
After the last crumb of cake is gone, Jack pulls out a small gift of his own, hidden behind the couch. "I wasn't sure if I should give it to you now or wait," he says, his cheeks flushing slightly.
You take the present with a curious smile. "You didn't have to get me anything," you protest, but the excitement in his eyes makes you eager to see what he's chosen.
Jack laughs. "I wanted to. Open it."
You open the small box and let out a gasp. Inside was a ring, simple yet elegant. Your heart skips a beat as you look up at Jack, who is now on one knee, holding the ring in his trembling hand.
"You've been my rock through all the changes," he says, his eyes searching yours for an answer. "I want to spend every birthday with you, in every city, for the rest of my life."
You stare at the ring, your heart racing. "Jack," you manage to breathe, your voice barely a whisper.
Jack's eyes are filled with hope and vulnerability, and you see the fear of rejection flicker in them for a moment. But then you smile, the biggest smile you've ever given him, and his face relaxes. "Yes," you say.
"Wait, let me ask properly," Jack says, his cheeks reddening. He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"
The world seems to stop around you as you look into his eyes, the earnestness of his question echoing in the quiet apartment. The ring in the box seems to grow brighter as you consider the gravity of his words. This is the man you've supported through the highs and lows, the one who's made you laugh when you thought you had no more laughter left, the one who's held you close through the darkest nights. You feel a lump in your throat as you nod, tears welling in your eyes.
"Yes," you say, the word feeling like a declaration of love that's been waiting to be spoken.
Jack's smile widens, his eyes sparkling with relief and joy. He takes your hand, sliding the ring onto your finger with a gentle touch. It fits perfectly, as if it had been made just for this moment.
You both stare at the ring for a moment, the reality of what just happened sinking in. You lean in to kiss him, the warmth of his lips a reassurance that this is real. The kiss deepens, filled with the promise of a future you hadn't quite allowed yourselves to dream of yet.
When you pull away, Jack's eyes are shimmering with happiness. "I've been carrying this around for weeks," he admits, a hint of sheepishness in his voice. "I wanted to do it right, but I didn't know if waiting was the right move."
You laugh, wiping a tear from your cheek. "It's perfect," you assure him, the ring feeling surprisingly right on your finger. "I couldn't have asked for a better proposal."
Jack's grin is contagious as he stands, pulling you into a tight embrace. His heart beats against your chest, and you realize that this is it: you're engaged to the love of your life, in the quiet solitude of your apartment on his birthday. The simplicity of the moment is what makes it so beautiful, a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of the world you both usually inhabit.
As you sit back down on the couch, Jack's hand doesn't leave yours. The ring feels surprisingly right, a symbol of the unspoken promises you've made to each other over the years. You snuggle closer, the warmth of the couch and each other's bodies a comfort after the adrenaline rush of the proposal.
The TV is still playing, but the background noise fades away as you both look into each other's eyes, the weight of your new commitment hanging in the air like a soft snowflake that's just landed.
Jack squeezes your hand. "So, what do you say to making some more memories in this city?" he asks, his voice low and filled with excitement.
You nod, your heart still racing. "I'd love that."
Jack grins, leaning in to kiss you again. This kiss is softer, filled with the promise of a lifetime of moments like this. "Good," he says, his voice a low rumble against your lips. "Because I've got a few more surprises up my sleeve."
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