John Logan x Reader
s: She’s training to be an esthetician and needs a client to work on, and who is Logan to say no to his girlfriend.
wc: 0.7k
You walked into the Hockey House to find Logan sitting on the couch with a course textbook and notes. You walked over and sat down, turning your body to face him while crossing your legs. You gave him a sweet kiss before pulling out your agenda with a printed list from your esthetician instructor.
“Hi, my love.” He smiled, placing the books on the coffee table.
“Hi, handsome.” You smiled, kissing him again. “How was your day?”
“Tiring, but good. You look like you want something.”
“I do. I want to pamper my amazing doting boyfriend.” You leaned into his left side as he wrapped his arm along the back of the couch. “So Ms. Darlene has been teaching us the massage treatment, and she needs each of us to bring someone in to perform the training on.”
“And you want me to come in and be your client?” Logan smirked.
“Yes, I do. So, when are you free? It’s a sixty-minute session.” You pulled open your planner and a pen.
“We have practice until six-thirty, but I can come after.” He said, looking down at your schedule.
“Perfect. I’ll pencil you in for seven o’clock. Maybe after we can get dinner? Little impromptu date night?” You looked up, meeting his playful smile.
“Are you asking me on a date, Ms. L/N?”
“I am, Mr. Logan.”
“I’d love to, but be careful. Between a spa treatment and dinner, you’re gonna spoil me.” He laughed.
“I’d spoil you any day, anytime.” You caressed his cheek, pulling him close for a soft kiss.
The next day you had your treatment room set up. Your uniform was crisp and clean with your hair pulled back into a sleek bun. Soft rain music played over the speakers; the lights were turned off, with a few low-light orange-hued corner lamps on. You sprayed the room with his preferred fragrance he chose when he walked in. Currently, Logan was in the bathroom changing out of his post-practice clothes he threw on after his shower into a soft robe and slippers. You were glad it was just you and him, because you knew if the guys got wind of this, he would be teased immensely. After a few minutes, Logan walked out of the bathroom and sat down on the fluffy chair in the corner, awaiting your instructions.
“Welcome, Mr. Logan. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Is it alright that I sit in on this training session?” Ms. Darlene asked, walking in with a clipboard.
“Yes. As long as Y/N is comfortable, then I am.” He smiled sweetly at your instructor, which only made you blush harder. Ms. Darlene nodded, giving you a silent agreement to start.
“Mr. Logan, if you would please lie on the bed with your face in the cushion, we will begin your session.” You moved the sheet back for him and laid it over his bare back once he was comfortable.
“Your session will begin with a deep scalp rub, followed by an upper shoulder back massage, and finishing with a facial treatment. I have some tools here if you’d like me to use them?”
“Yes, can I have the chopsticks and the wooden combs?” He asked, sliding his arm off the bed to hold your thigh.
“Excellent choices.” You gently patted his hand, leaning over to place your tools on the side table next to you. The session went well, with Logan producing quiet moans and hums of agreement when something felt good. You could feel the tension in his shoulder blades, making sure to work extra hard in those areas. He flipped over for you to give him his facial, to which he promptly fell asleep within seconds. Gently rubbing down his bare arms, Ms. Darlene gave you a warm smile before leaving the room.
“Logan, baby.” You cooed softly, pressing a kiss to both apples of his cheeks. He stirred, opening his eyes, looking at you adoringly.
“I could live here.” You laughed, patting his shoulder. He got up and got dressed as you cleaned up. He drove you both to a quiet diner just outside of town. The quietness of the session carried through dinner.
“I can get used to those treatments, baby. I don’t think I’ve ever been that relaxed.” He pecked your nose.
“You just liked it cause it was me.” You rolled your eyes playfully.
“No, I loved it cause it was you.” He gently grabbed your chin, kissing you deeply.
i am so overwhelmed by how much y'all have blown up my notifications. i have missed writing and watching off campus has really gotten me back into it. thank y'all for the support. i love each and every one of you. xoxo
✩ Stranger Things Summer [masterlist]
✩ Autumn Memories [masterlist]
Eddie Munson
✩ Two Punks In Love
✩ My Brother’s Best Friend
✩ The Dungeon Master and the Theater Nerd
✩ Romeo & Juliet
✩ Amoureuse Means Sweetheart
✩ The Hidden Wheeler
✩ Automotive Plant’s Secretary
✩ Rocker Mayfield
✩ Unsent Letter
✩ Eavesdropped Conversations
✩ Forced To Be A Carver
✩ Hidden Henderson - Part 1
✩ Hidden Henderson - Part 2
✩ Hidden Henderson - Part 3
✩ DnD Convention
✩ Dreaming of You
✩ Royalty in Hawkins: I
✩ Royalty in Hawkins: II
✩ Stranger Things in Gossip Girl
✩ When Harry Met Sally
✩ Band’s First Album
✩ Fixing It
✩ Family Video Store
✩ Fourth of July Celebrations
✩ Life On The Road
✩ The Time You Met In A Cafe
✩ Needing
✩ Glasses
✩ Trust Bonding
✩ Love At First Sight
✩ Winning: I
✩ Winning: II
Headcanons:
✩ Metal Heads
✩ Night Out With The Gang
✩ Touch-Starved Lover
✩ Vacation
✩ Promposal
✩ First Date
✩ I Love You
✩ Cold Rainy Days
✩ Graduation
✩ Valentine's Day
✩ School Eddie
✩ Domestic
✩ College
✩ Modern!Eddie Midnight Texts
✩ Sunday Morning Cleaning
✩ Playground
✩ Fruit Picking
✩ Cleaning Out The Storage Unit
✩ Project Completion
Steve Harrington
✩ Let Me Show You
✩ Home Remedy
✩ Unrequited Love
✩ Picnic Date
Headcanons:
✩ The Girl Next Door
✩ Babysitters Club
✩ Mr. Popular
✩ Gardening
Max Mayfield
✩ Big Sister Program Headcanon
✩ Healing Together Headcanon
John Logan x Graham!Reader
s: Being Garrett Graham’s twin sister was the best thing in the world. It meant having a built-in best friend from day one. But after their mother passed away, Phil couldn’t stand the sight of his daughter, being that she was a spitting image of his late wife.
w: trigger warning!! - mentions of abandonment and abuse, trauma, phil graham
wc: 4.6k
an: my first of many off campus pieces
Garrett and I were holding onto each other at her funeral. Tears streamed down our faces as we sat there painfully watching our father pretend to be a mourning widow. He stood at the podium giving his speech and did as he always did, hiding behind the mask the public saw. After the funeral was another story. The screaming intensified. The sheer fear quickened. I didn’t dare leave Garrett’s side. Our mom’s family knew what kind of person our father was, but she begged her family to keep quiet for the sake of all our safety. Garrett slept in my room the moment Mom took her last breath. We weren’t allowed to cry, especially in front of him. He saw it as a sign of weakness, so we held onto each other under the blankets, letting the noise of the ceiling fan cover our sobs. The morning after laying her to rest, Phil burst into my bedroom, throwing a pamphlet at Garrett.
“You’re getting shipped to boarding school, and you,” his voice dripped with hatred and disgust, looking at me, “are going to North Carolina.”
✦✦✦
I parked at the airport, practically running down the parking garage stairs towards the arrival entrance. I got there just as the plane was letting the passengers off. After not being able to see Garrett for the past six months, the energetic emotions coming over me made it impossible not to cry. Being a twin is different than just having siblings. It means that the other person is your literal other half. So when that other half isn’t with you, the pain can become incomprehensible. He came into view with his black leather bag hanging off his shoulder and his curls unruly. I screamed happily, running towards him.
“Gare!”
“Y/N!”
He dropped his bag on the floor just as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I cried into his shoulder, breathing him in. Every time we were apart, I would cry myself to sleep for a week. Garrett was my other half. Half of a twin, half of a best friend, half of a whole. Each time one of us was separated, the other would fall apart, because despite the trauma we shared, we only had each other.
“God, I missed you so much.” Garrett set me back down on the ground.
“I don’t think that’s possible. I’ve missed you so much; I had to name our new baby goat ‘Little G’ after you.”
He barked out a laugh, wrapping his arm over my shoulder.
“Well, you better get used to me. You’re a Briar student now.” He wrapped his arm over my shoulder, walking out of the airport.
I drove us back to our grandparents’ compound out in the country. After being sent here by Phil, I became accustomed to the farmer’s way of life. Being a child moving from the Boston area to the South came with an accent change. I went to a small school down the road from the farm, and continued my education at the local community college while still working the farm with the family. But each month I was away from Garrett was another month of pain. I worked hard to get a scholarship at Briar, and even though I would be working my ass off to keep afloat, I couldn’t ignore the need to be connected with my brother again. Here I was, packing everything I owned into suitcases and boxes to move in with Garrett at his off-campus house. I knew his friends and teammates well. Just as much as he traveled down here, I traveled up there. They became another set of brothers to us, which I thank God every day.
“You ready to move?” Garrett moved around my empty room, leaning against the doorframe.
“Yes and no.” I chuckled, sitting on the bed. “Yes, because I miss you and you’re my brother and I can’t live without you. But no, because Nana and Pop Pop have been there for me since I got left at the door with a backpack and box of tissues.” I looked out the window at the long acres of farmland.
“It’s okay to start your life, Y/N. It’s okay to move and be your own person. They understand. Nana and Pop wouldn’t want you to sit here wishing you were somewhere else.” Garrett sat next to me. “Christmas and summer, we come back. Each time, no matter what.”
“I know, I’m just tired of saying goodbye.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.
Two hours later, after having a long-needed bonding time with our family, we buckled into the rental truck heading towards the highway. This was going to be one long road trip up to Massachusetts.
✦✦✦
We pulled up to the house the next day. The afternoon sun cast a glowing halo over the trees onto the house. It never seemed to amaze me how beautiful the house was. The covered front porch had a massive hand-painted banner hanging with the sign saying “Welcome Home, G Twin”. Most likely the wording was from Dean; I smiled wide. Garrett got out of the truck first, opening my door. I followed him up the steps and through the front door.
“G Twin!” Dean ran towards us first.
“She’s home!” Tucker set down the spatula.
“There she is!” Logan got up from the couch.
A chorus of welcomes and a bear hug greeted me. I laughed, hugging them back. Dean gave me a cheek pinch, and Tucker gave me another big hug, following Dean and Garrett outside to get my bags and boxes, leaving me alone in the foyer with Logan. He hugged me gently the second time, lingering a little.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi, Logan.” I smiled, trying my hardest to hide the creeping blush.
John Logan. My brother’s best friend, the Briar Hawks forward, and the most handsome man I have ever laid my eyes on. The first time we met was when I came up to visit Garrett for Thanksgiving freshman year. He leaned against the front porch with his wide smile. I looked up to meet those glowing brown eyes, and suddenly the cold air left my body and a new warmth took over. I was a goner the second we locked eyes. Each visit made it harder and harder to hide those feelings.
“I’m glad you’re here. I mean here at Briar U, not just here at the house. Not that I don’t want you here, because you’re always welcome. But I mean here at Briar, because it is a great school and you’ll love the girls and I know you’ll make great friends. But also cause you’ll be around, and I get to see you.”
“Logan, breathe.” Chuckling, before I could respond, Dean yells at Logan to come out and help. He gives me a shy smile. “Welcome to Briar,” turning to run outside. This was going to be a long two years.
✦✦✦
By the second week of classes, the house got into a rhythm. Early-morning practices meant the house was quiet, which meant I had power over the speakers and the kitchen. I pressed play on my morning playlist before taking Tucker’s pink apron, wrapping it around my body. There’s something about growing up on a farm that early mornings had on a person. The calming before the day really began, and the work had to get done. Granted, the men had earlier mornings, but I stayed in the kitchen and garden with Nana. I cooked breakfast, making sure to pack leftovers for the guys before heading out to campus for class. I was still getting used to the campus and where each building was. I stood in front of the clock tower looking at a map before turning around twice. I sighed, looking up to find Logan walking my way.
“You look lost, beautiful. Need help?” He shoved his hands in his jean pockets, his hockey bag hanging over his right side.
“Oh, thank God. Logan, yes, please. I need to get to the Anthropology building.” I desperately asked him.
“Yeah, that’s on the other side of campus. C’mon, I’ll walk with you.” He smiled, leading me towards that direction.
“You don’t have to. I’m sure you’ve got your own stuff to do. Just as long as I’m pointed in the right direction.” I chuckled, following.
“I don’t mind. Plus, I’d feel horrible if something happened to you or you got lost.”
I’d feel horrible… not Garrett would kill me. Not Garrett would wring my neck if I didn’t walk you, but I would feel horrible. I blushed, giving in to him, walking side by side towards that part of campus. We kept a comfortable silence until the building came into sight.
“The rink isn’t too far from here. You can walk over and watch the end of practice.” Logan looked over. “Not that I’m asking you to spend all your time at the rink, but that once we’re done, I can give you a ride home.”
“You’re doing it again.” I smiled.
“Doing what?” Logan panicked.
“Rambling.” I paused for a second, stopping at the stairs going down. “Do I make you nervous, Logan?”
“What? I, you?” He blushed before agreeing, “Yeah, kind of.”
“I’d love to come see y’all practice. I’ll be there after class.” A newfound confidence came over me. Before I could think, I leaned up slightly to kiss his cheek. I left him standing against the railing as I made my way to class.
“What are you doing to me, Graham?” Logan whispered to himself, slowly turning away towards the rink.
✦✦✦
After class ended, I walked over to the Briar U rink. The walk wasn’t too far, but it also wasn’t close. I didn’t mind, though. I got to take in the scenic view of campus. The trees were beginning to change color slightly. It was still a little warm out, so it wasn’t chilly, but cool enough to need a sweater. As I was walking towards the front entrance, I ran into a girl I knew from one of my classes.
“Hey, Hannah, right?” I smiled. She turned slowly, smiling back just as bright.
“Hi, that’s me.”
“I’m Y/N. We have Classical Compositions together.” I shook her hand.
“We do! Now, I remember you. Do you work here too?” I followed her inside.
“No, my brother and friends are on the team. One of them asked me to come watch the end of practice.”
“Oh, really?. Who’s your brother?” She set her bag down inside the employee’s room.
“Garrett.” I leaned against the doorframe.
“Garrett Graham is your brother?” Hannah turned, shockingly.
“Yeah,” I chuckled. “We’re twins. I just transferred.”
“Well, welcome to Briar. Now you have one more friendly face to look at.” Hannah handed me her phone as we exchanged numbers. I waved to her after talking for a bit before she clocked in. I followed the signs going towards the rink and sat kind of hidden from the team. I didn’t want to disturb their practice or get them in trouble with Coach Jensen, even if he did have a soft spot for me. Twenty minutes later, Jensen blew the whistle, telling the team to shower. Logan took off his helmet, looking right at me and smiled wide. He threw me a shy wave before following everyone else towards the tunnel. I waited by the doors and waved to a few teammates I knew. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, looking down to see a text from Garrett.
Gare: hey, i have a study session with my new tudor. i won’t be able to take you home.i asked logan. just look for him on his way out.
You: ok, thanks, G. have fun on your study date.
Gare: it’s not a date.
You: ok, whatever you say. tell her i say hi
Gare: wait how do you know her?
You: so it is a girl
I giggled to myself as Logan found me with a coy smile himself, leading me to his truck. The butterfly feeling in my stomach each time he looks at me just intensifies before I can even register the feeling. The cold night air hit me harder than I realized, and I now regretted not bringing a warmer jacket. I forgot how quickly Massachusetts gets cooler than North Carolina. Logan threw his bag in the back bed of the truck and walked over to where I was. He wrapped his orange hoodie over my shoulders.
“Oh, thank you. Wait, Logan, you’ll be cold.” I tried to take it off, but then he held my hand, stopping me.
“I got my practice hoodie on. I’m good, beautiful.” He smiled, opening the passenger door for me. I smiled lightly. He closed the door after I got in and rounded the hood, getting in the driver's seat. The hoodie was slightly larger on me, with the sleeves coming past my hands. It was incredibly warm and comforting. It smelt like him, which only made my smile grow bigger. The sun was just barely visible over the horizon. The dark night sky set into view as Logan pulled out and drove us home.
“The guys are going to Malone’s for dinner, but I thought we could go back to the house, make a quick dinner, and watch a movie?” Logan looked over at me.
“That sounds nice, Johnny.” I smiled shyly.
“Oh, no. Where’d that confidence go? You had so much earlier; now you're getting shy on me?” He teased, turning down the street towards the house. I rolled my eyes, shoving his arm lightly.
He pulled up to the house, running around to get my door. I followed him inside and started towards the kitchen to make us dinner while he set up a movie. He turned down the lights to a low, dim setting, giving the ambiance of a low-light restaurant. I came over, placing the two plates down.
“This is nice. I like quiet nights.” I smiled.
“I like any night with you, darling.” Logan smiled back softly, his cheeks turning pink. I blushed harder, looking down at my lap. I needed to remind myself this wasn’t a date. This was just two friends hanging out. Nothing more, nothing less…right?
✦✦✦
Logan and I didn’t speak much of the other night. It wasn’t that we didn’t want to, but that it just didn’t come up; I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it. We cuddled into one another under a blanket on the couch. We laughed when something funny happened, winced when the actors had an intense scene, and blushed when they kissed. It felt like a date; oh God, how I wanted it to be a date. Now, we’re at Malone’s for a Karaoke Night. Hannah is sitting with Garrett at the bar when Logan and I walked in. Another beautiful girl was standing close to them as they listened to someone singing.
“Hey! You made it!” Hannah wrapped her arms around me. I looked behind her to see three Pina Colada glasses empty.
“Yeah, we did. You guys having fun?’ I giggled quietly.
“I found my drink.”
“I can see that.” I turned my attention to her friend.
“Hi, I’m Allie. Hannah’s best friend and current train wreck.” She smiled sadly into her drink.
I moved over to talk to her and Hannah, ordering a drink for myself. One drink turned into three, and now the soft feeling of liquor was taking over my body. Tucker got up on the small stage singing “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.” Who was I to not join him? I sipped my drink, standing in front of him, singing along. Allie joined me as we danced. Hannah laughed, coming over.
From the bar, Garrett looked at Logan.
“You like her.”
“What?” Logan choked.
“Y/N. You like her. And don’t deny it. We can all see it. I’ve been seeing it since summer after freshman year.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because she’s my sister. You’re my best friend. She deserves to be happy, and honestly, if someone is going to date her, I’d rather it be someone I trust.” Garrett leaned closer. “But if you hurt her and break her heart, I will come after you. I will hunt you down and make sure you never make it to league.” He patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Garrett, if I hurt her, I give you permission to.”
✦✦✦
Today was the Saint Anthony’s game. I got up early to make the guys a filling nutritional breakfast. Music was softly playing over the speakers when I felt a warm hand on my lower back.
“Good morning, beautiful.” Logan’s deep morning voice rumbled against my back.
“Mornin’, Johnny.” I blushed, handing him a plate.
“The guys are still asleep; do you wanna join me outside for breakfast?”
“I’d love to.” Before I could move, he lifted my arms above my head. He took his sweatshirt off and put it on me.
“It’s a little chilly outside. Can’t have you turning blue on my watch.” He winked, leading me out back. My brain buffered slightly, grabbing the cups of coffee and walking outside. He placed the plates on the small coffee table in front of the bench. Logan took the blanket off the armrest, laying it over our laps. We sat there enjoying the nature around us, talking softly about random things. He’d make a few jokes trying to get me to laugh, which without fail, I did. Logan made it so easy to talk to him. Everything felt lighter when I was with him. This was what I had been longing for for the past two years: to be with him even if we were just outside eating breakfast.
“I need to tell you something.” He said, placing his coffee mug down. “I really like you. I don’t mean in a friend way; I mean in a I want to take you on dates. I want to sit with you on the couch and cuddle like we did last week, but this time kiss you. I want to see you in the stands wearing my jersey. I want to come support you in what you’re doing. I want to call you my girlfriend and treat you the way you deserve.” Logan looked at me with sincerity in his eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I have felt this way about him for so long; it felt like relief.
“I really like you, too, Johnny. I have ever since freshman year. God, I have wanted to be with you so badly; it hurt. You’re who I think of when I wake up and dream of when I go to bed. I want to be your biggest supporter. I want to be your sounding board. I want to be who you go to-” He stopped me halfway, holding my face in his. I nodded in approval, kissing him softly. I wrapped my hand around his forearm, steadied myself. Kissing Logan felt like kissing a soft cloud. I melted instantly into him, leaning my head into his hand. A loud cheer came from the kitchen window, making us both pull back and look up to see Garrett, Dean, and Tucker screaming happily. We both chuckled, hiding our faces in each other’s shoulders.
When we left, Garrett looked off; I couldn’t quite place why, but he didn’t seem like himself. I didn’t want to push any further, knowing it could throw him off his game. I sat in the stands with Hannah, Allie, and Beau. I wore one of Logan’s jerseys, smiling like an idiot. I watched Logan on the ice during warm-ups. He came alive on the ice. He was another person out there in his element. But he was also the only man to ever be this beautiful while sweating and slamming into other guys.
“Girl, close your mouth. You’re about to make the row below us a splash zone.” Allie nudged my shoulder. I gasped.
“Oh my gosh, shut up!”
Beau and Hannah laughed, passing us cups of popcorn.
The guys were amazing. I didn’t realize how much I missed watching them play. Sometimes it was hard keeping up with the puck, seeing it fly on the ice between the players. It was a close game in the first two periods, but in the third and fourth, Briar cleared that win. I was proud of them. Hannah, Allie, Beau, and I stood up, cheering loudly for our boys.
After the game ended and the crowd lessened, I followed Beau, Allie, and Hannah down the empty hallway just outside the boys’ locker room. I heard a woman behind me call my name. I turned around and stood still in shock. My blood ran cold, my heart quickened, tears welled up in my eyes. I quickly blinked, reaching for Beau’s hand.
“What’s wrong?” He turned around, seeing him. “I’ll go get G and John.” Beau ran down the hall with Allie and Hannah looking confused.
“Y/N, who is that?” Hannah asked. Phil and Cynthia, his fiancée, walked closer.
“Phil.” I cleared my throat. After all this time, I haven’t seen or spoken to him. This is the first time in thirteen years.
“Y/N. Oh, my dear, it is so lovely to meet you. Your father speaks so highly of you and Garrett.” Cynthia took my hands in hers, pulling me into a hug. I reluctantly hugged her back, staring daggers into my father’s eyes behind her.
“It is nice to meet you, too.” I smiled with a tight lip, only keeping my eyes on her.
“What? No hug for your dad?” Phil chuckled. I swallowed hard, my eyes darkening in hatred.
“Phil.”
“I’m your father, Y/N. You’ll address me as such.” He grunted.
“You lost that privilege when you left us to fend for ourselves as children.”
“Watch how you speak to me.”
“Oh, that’s rich.” I laughed, despite myself. “Does she know?” I turned my attention to Cindy. “Do you know anything of our past? Not the fairytale, not the lies, not the story the public knows; but the truth. That he left us at the cemetery when our mother died. That he used to beat us when we talked back. That he would tell us we had to earn his love only for him to tell us we are worthless in the same breath. That he favored Garrett because he played hockey. That he never showed up for me. That he would rather spend the money to give Garrett a good education and future in hockey at a boarding school, than to send me somewhere similar. But, no, he shipped me alone with a backpack and tissues to my grandparents’.” I stared between them. Allie and Hannah stepped back slowly, following Beau’s direction out of the hallway. Moments later, Logan and Garrett could be heard running down the hall. Thirteen years of pent-up anger all spewing out at once. Cynthia cowered slightly, moving her hands down, and in that slight motion I saw it: the bruise at her wrist.
“You haven’t changed.” My face turned downward in sadness. “Cynthia, you have to get out. Please don’t stay another victim of his abuse.” I pleaded with her as she turned her head away. Phil moved closer to me, his eyes darkening.
“I told you to watch yourself. You will not jeopardize this relationship, too.”
“Like that has ever stopped you. So, go ahead.” I got in his face. “Hit me. That’s what you wanna do, right? That’s how you control people.” I looked between him and Cynthia. “Hit me!” I screamed. “Hit me!!” I screamed louder. Phil raised his hand.
“Do not touch her!” Garrett placed himself in front of me. “I told you to leave us alone. Why don’t you ever listen? Stop calling, stop coming by the house, stop showing up.” He fumed.
As Garrett yelled, my anger intensified. Even as children, it took me a while to calm down. Something that Garrett and I had in common. We didn’t calm down easily. Logan knew this. He stood with his back against Garrett’s, blocking the sight of our father.
“Y/N, listen to me. Listen to my voice. Breathe for me, ok?” He walked me back to the locker room where the girls were with Beau, Dean, and Tucker. I paced the room, trying to calm my nervous system back down. It took five minutes for Logan to wrap his arms around me, holding me close to his chest, rubbing my back. Everything faded after that. All the emotional energy drained from my body. Logan wiped my tears, softly placing reassuring kisses on my temple. The next thing I know, Garrett’s chest is heaving, walking over to Logan and me. Without saying anything, he hugged me close.
✦✦✦
I lay in my bed back at the Hockey House with my head on Logan’s lap. He gently ran his fingers through my hair, soothing my cries. Years of therapy eroded when it came to my fight or flight. Every so often, I stared out the window in a blank stare. Not once did Logan pressure me to talk. Garrett knocked on the door. I nodded to Logan, letting him answer for me. Gare walked in with a cup of hot chocolate, something he used to do when one of us was upset.
“Wanna tell me what happened?” He sat on the floor by my head, looking somber.
I didn’t respond right away, but looked at him, trying to find an answer.
“Why didn’t you tell me about her? She called my name as if she knew me, but I didn’t know anything about her existence.” I sniffled. Garrett didn’t say anything at first. He looked down at the floor.
“I was mad earlier because Dad texted me he would be there with Cindy. They’ve been seeing each other for a few months now. She’s marrying him and wanted to meet us. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you, just not the right time or place to talk about it.” He sighed. I know opening up was not something he did often or ever. I reached over to hold his hand.
“I’m not mad at you. I just wish the situation was different so you could’ve told me beforehand.”
He looked up at me with sadness in his eyes. Garrett and I talked for a little bit before Hannah came into the doorway. She smiled at us lightly before taking him to his room. I was grateful to her and Logan that we both had them to lean on.
The sun was setting behind the storm clouds outside. It was quiet as the rain outside pattered against the window. He moved down on my bed, lying next to me.
“I don’t know the full story. I don’t need to know right now. But, baby, you will always have me.” Logan held me close, rubbing my back.
“And you’ll always have me too, Johnny. Thank you for taking care of me.” I nuzzled my face in his neck.
“You never have to thank me for taking care of my girl.” Logan kissed my temple, lulling me to sleep. I didn’t need to delve into the deep heaviness of my past today, but I knew that I would someday. But for now, the rain and Logan’s heartbeat soothed me into a state of contentment.
To my 25 - 35 year olds, you've reached the age where people around you are starting to give up on themselves because they think it's too late. Don't let that energy rub off on you. It's not too late.
The autumn season was coming to an end, and sadly, the weather was getting colder by the minute. There really wasn’t anything that Eddie and I wanted to do before we were confined to the inside of our home. We had a portable fireplace that we would use every once in a while, especially when we hosted friends. I suggested that we make a fire for the last time this year, and we could cuddle under a blanket with a warm cup of coffee. To Eddie, that was perfect, except he needed snacks. Smore’s were the obvious answer, so I stopped by the store on my way home from work that Friday night. I made a cute little tray with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. Eddie made the fire as I brought out the tray and two mugs with coffee. We talked and chatted all night about anything and everything. There was something about the end of a season that made you feel nostalgic and a little more romantic. Eddie was a softie at heart, even if he was encased in leather and tattoos.
“We needed this date night.” Eddie wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer into him.
“We did. Life has been so busy lately. I feel like since we graduated, it’s been nonstop. Then again, I wouldn’t live my life any differently.” I leaned into him, lifting my head to sweetly kiss his jaw. Eddie smiled and hummed contentedly as he continued to hold me. We sat, drank, and ate out desserts for another hour or two until it got really late. We cleaned and packed up everything before heading inside. I shook out our puffer coats, setting them down on the hooks. Eddie put a vinyl on the record player. He grabbed my hand, spinning me towards him.
“Eddie.” I giggled, resting my hands in his.
“Baby.” He mimicked. We danced to the songs playing. “I feel like we’re an old couple after living our lives, a couple of kids, and a couple more grandkids.” I chuckled, laying my head on his chest.
“I know. Tattooed and wrinkled, still listening to heavy metal.” Eddie laughed. I laughed with him. “My sweet, sweet boyfriend. Mine for the rest of our lives.” I held his face.
“My sweet, sweet girlfriend. Mine for the rest of our lives.” Eddie repeated, leaning down to kiss me.
The time had finally come for Thanksgiving to occur. The kids wanted to have their own, as a Friends-giving, but with no money and some being away for the holidays, they needed to do one quickly. It wasn’t the same type of dinner feast as portrayed in every American home, but it made do. Steve’s parents were hosting their company’s Thanksgiving event at his house, so the kids moved their outing to the Wheeler basement. Nancy loved to host; it was another reason why she loved coming around to Steve’s house. The older kids brought the more traditional and filling dishes while the younger ones supplied their function with drinks and games. Mike forced Lucas and Dustin to get to his house earlier to help set up and clean. Nancy supervised, of course. It turned out to be a fun and relaxing night for all of them. It wasn’t often that the kids in Hawkins, Indiana, got to relax when there was always something happening. They each got a to-go box when they went back home. Robin yelled at Steve and Eddie to drive the younger ones home due to the late hour. Overall, they felt more like a family than most of their own blood relatives.
Eddie and Y/N wanted to get creative. They were flipping through a couple of magazines at the record store when they came across Candle Decor. It was a new craze, and candles were perfect to keep the trailer a little warmer in the colder months. There are a few different ways to make candles at home, or at least decorate pre-made candles. Yeah, Wayne had a collection of Yankee Candles, but this was something that could add color and special meaning to the home. Honestly, Wayne didn’t care, but Eddie and Y/N were bored. They skipped from the record store with a few new releases towards the craft shop. It was a block away, and they were already thinking of certain designs they wanted to recreate.
“We can make our own, or take pre-made ones and bend or paint them. Which ones do you wanna do?” Y/N looked up at her boyfriend while he stared at the aisle shelf in front of them.
“I think we should do all three. Well, at least try to.” Eddie pushed the cart. They agreed to reuse the jars they have at the house and get wax and a wick. They stayed in the candle-making aisle, looking at the different types of scents they could add.
“Vanilla, orange, floral, cinnamon, eucalyptus, or vanilla bean?” Y/N looked at the different kinds.
“Vanilla is good, basic, and not overpowering. Vanilla bean, on the other hand, is sweeter and has a deeper scent. I would do that one. The orange is too much; it gives me headaches. Floral is like vanilla, basic. Cinnamon is a good one, too, for the fall and winter months. It smells like Christmas.” She crossed her arms. Eddie stared at her with a blank look.
“Vanilla Bean and Cinnamon it is.” He shrugged before adding them to the cart and walking away. They got paint and taper candles; those are the kinds that are tall and skinny. They paid for their things and made it back to Y/N’s house. Because it was a surprise for Wayne, they didn’t want him to see what they were doing.
Eddie comes over to his girlfriend’s house to paint a lot and for his DnD campaigns. She had all the brushes, newspapers, bowls, and an instruction book to follow for the candle making. While Y/N was reading out loud what to do, Eddie was cleaning the jars for use. Instead of a normal wick, they opted for a wood-burning wick. The woman who worked there said it would be better and sound like a crackling fire. They painted the bigger ones with different designs and symbols on them. The taper ones, they soaked in hot water, then bent them into different shapes. Wayne loved them, and every time someone came over, he pointed them out right along with his mugs.
Steve had to babysit Dustin for a few days. It wasn’t something he wanted to do, but had to. Mrs. Henderson practically begged Steve while she was on business out of town. Now, Dustin was more than capable of taking care of himself while she was away, but giving a mama bear peace of mind meant more to Steve. Well, it meant more to his girlfriend, but he still agreed. Instead of being at the Henderson household, Dustin packed a bag and stayed with Steve at his home. Steve’s girlfriend would come over every morning to hang out with the boys. She baked with Dustin, helped him with some tricky homework, and practically did all the taking care of. Steve was there more as a formality. Until Y/N had had enough, she wasn’t working hard for nothing.
“Get your bikes, we’re going on a ride this morning.” She said, tying her shoelaces.
“What? I don’t feel like bike riding.” Steve yawned, walking into the kitchen.
“Aw, that’s so nice. I don’t remember asking. Dustin’s already outside. Get your stuff.” She patted Steve’s cheek before walking out front. Y/N led the boys through the neighborhood, and then they decided to bike down by the lake. They stopped to take in the scenic view and rest. Dustin needed to take home a few leaves for a school project. It had something to do with science and how the cold weather affects the changing foliage of the leaves.
“You guys hungry? We can stop by the local cafe and get something.” Steve suggested.
“Yes! You two have been starving me.” Dustin groaned loudly.
“Bud, you ate two hours ago.” Y/N looked at him.
“I’m a growing boy. That essentially means I’m being starved.” Dustin got back on his bike, riding ahead of the couple. Steve and Y/N followed behind. They biked for another fifteen or so minutes before stopping at the cafe. They hooked their bikes to the ramp and got a seat inside. Steve had to admit it felt nice to have some normalcy in the house. His parents were always away, so being around people he considered family was comforting.
They made sure to clean the house and have Dustin go home with clean clothes and a full belly the day his mom picked him up.
“Thank you both for taking such good care of my baby.” Mrs. Henderson gently pinched Dustin’s cheek. He groaned, turning his head away like a baby getting its face wiped.
“Of course, Mrs. Henderson. We had a great time.” Y/N smiled, nudging Steve.
“Any time, truly.” Steve smiled back. Steve chased Y/N back inside the house, with her laughter filling the home.
Eddie and I moved to Indianapolis with the band after graduation. One thing I loved about living there was our amazing loft apartment overlooking the city and gardens. The other thing I loved was the grocery store Trader Joe's. It had amazing things, especially during the seasonal months. I ran down the stairs, dressed in my oversized cardigan that Eddie brought back from their tour in Seattle.
“Eddie! Since it has become official, the autumn weather is coming. Which means, we are going to Trader Joe’s this morning to get a few things, and you know they have the best pumpkin-flavored things.” I nudged his shoulder as he sat at the kitchen island.
“Oh, hell yes! Their pumpkin ice cream and bagels are so good.” Eddie enthusiastically got up, forgetting the notes he was writing.
I grabbed our reusable bags and headed down to the car. Eddie opened my door before getting into the driver's side. I wrote down a few essential items on a list that we needed in the house and some seasonal stuff that I knew Eddie and I couldn’t live without. When the seasons change, Eddie and I make a deal to get every new item to try out, but within reason. Obviously, if we weren’t going to eat it afterwards, use the product, or could give it away to friends and family, we wouldn’t indulge in it. He parked in the back of the lot before running around to get my door.
“Such a gentleman. Thank you, kind sir.” I got out of the car, holding his hand.
“You’re most certainly welcome, my dear lady. I will forever be at your service, and I will do so with gratitude.” Eddie bowed, kissing my hand and leading me into the grocery store. We giggled before walking in, and seeing the pumpkin and fall-flavored items everywhere made us both giddy.
We are slightly ashamed to say we bought at least two hundred dollars worth of items, and only a fourth of that were essentials. We got all types of items from sauces, to yogurts and ice cream, to breads and cakes. We laid everything out and stared in awe. The pumpkin bagels with pumpkin cream cheese were divine. Eddie had the pumpkin oatmeal, which I don’t typically like, but he loved it. We both agreed that the butternut squash macaroni and cheese and the butternut squash lasagna were top-tier this season. It was by far the best pasta dishes they had. We tried soups and they were okay, but Wayne was going to love them. We got a few cheeses to try out and make dishes with. But the main star of the show, which will forever be in our favorites list, was the pumpkin cream cheese croissants and pumpkin ice cream. There’s something about being with Eddie that made my sweet tooth blow up… so did our weight.
a/n: yes i’m obsessed with trader joe’s and i think eddie would be too
Eddie and Y/N were cleaning out Eddie’s room and dressers. Wayne got on him for leaving the bedroom a pigsty. It wasn’t like Wayne to care too much, but when it got to the point of spilling out into the hallway, it needed to change, and now. Eddie groaned and grumbled until he called his girlfriend to come over and help him out. She obliged, telling Eddie that he would be doing most of the work, and she was there to keep him on his toes. That’s how they got led to where they are now. The laundry is done and put away, but Y/N counted how many clothes Eddie actually had. Most of them were torn anyway, but she took it upon herself to drag Eddie with her to the thrift store for an updated look and more clothing.
“Eddie, could you just please let me spoil you with a few new clothing items?” Y/N looked through the rack of jeans.
“No, it’s embarrassing for my girlfriend to buy me clothes, plus I pay for everything.” Eddie rolled his eyes, laying his head on her shoulder.
“Well, I love you and I don’t care. I’m getting you new stuff whether you like it or not, and if you’re here or not.” She continued through the selections, making her way towards the shirts. Y/N grabbed at least four pairs of jeans and four shirts. She handed him the clothing before kissing him lovingly and shutting the door. Eddie gave in eventually, taking the clothes she handed him and changing through each selection. It was eerily quiet for a boy who loves to talk. She waited a few more minutes before she saw him walk out in style number 1.
“Oh, ok. Those look great on you, baby. Do you like them?” Y/N asked, running her hands down his chest to smooth over the wrinkles.
“I do, but I don’t like you spending money on me,” Eddie grumbled for what felt like the tenth time that day. “I can pay it myself, just not until my next paycheck.” He said, refusing to look at her.
“Eddie,” She took his hands in hers. “This is in no way, shape, or form a pity purchase. I want to love on you and spoil you. I know you don’t need anything, but wouldn’t it be nice not to go to the laundry mat for another four days or so? Plus, then when we go out, I can say I styled you.” He just stared at his girlfriend before walking back into the changing rooms for style number two.
“What’s the difference between me buying you something like this and you purchasing things on dates? Kind of not fair there, Ed. Don’t make me cry, I know you don’t like to see me cry.” Y/N crossed her arms, leaning against the side of the room.
“Fine.” Eddie pondered, stepping out again. “I’ll let you do this, but we’re making boundaries and rules.” She nodded quickly, kissing him again. This time, she dragged him into the changing room with her.
