“Perhaps that is where our choice lies -- in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”
― Elana K. Arnold, Burning
Summary: Some people would feel shame surrounding the amount of soulmate tattoos that Luna has splattering her skin, but she’s learned to love them more than anything. All it meant to her was that she has loved and will be loved. Sure, there was some heartbreak along the way, but if it meant that Luna could shower more people with her love - well, it was hard to be sad most days.
Author's Note: this was written for @fallinallincurls as a part of the summer fic exchange, run by the amazing @wyattjohnston! You can also check out the playlist I made for the fic here.
Part One
“I know my life’s meaningful because I’m a good friend. I love my friends, and I care about them, and I think I make them happy.” — Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life
Luna may be a lot of things, but one thing she isn’t is ashamed — at least when it comes to her soulmate marks. It may have taken her a while to get to that point, but now Luna has a harder and harder time taking issue with it.
“Is that another mark?” Max inquires. “I swear you have another one every time you come here to study.”
Luna shrugs. “One of the regulars at the museum gave me her number. Said she’d like to hang out sometime without her kids around.”
“So like…a date?” Max replies, squinting curiously.
“Nah, she’s happily married. It’s just another platonic mark and she didn’t get one anyways,” Luna explains as she dumps her textbooks on the library table. “All I’m taking from it is that I must be good at my job if parents want to hang out outside of work situations.”
“I still have no idea how you do it,” Max whispers. “But seriously, she didn’t get a mark? And you’re still hanging out with her?"
“I just like making friends and I’m bound to have some of them be platonic soulmates,” Luna says, smiling widely. “Besides, not everyone is going to feel the same way. I know that not every mark is going to work out, you know?”
Max raises an eyebrow. “You always say that it’s platonic. Don’t you ever want it to be romantic?”
“You know how that went, and I am perfectly okay forgetting that situation ever happened. I mean, the mark is gone and everything,” Luna sighs.
“Sure, whatever you say,” Max replies, rolling his eyes. “And you sure you aren’t hurt about not having matching marks?”
Luna shrugs. “I’ve learned to get over it, you know? It’s happened often enough to me that I can’t take it too personally anymore.”
“Okay, if you say so, but I’m here if you want to talk about it,” Max says, hesitatingly, knowing that Luna is trying to brush it off. “Time to study, though. Aren’t you excited about legal landscapes in arts and culture?”
Luna groans. “Ugh, don’t make me think about it. Can’t we talk about soulmate marks again?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Max snorts. “I’m about as excited as you are, but the sooner we get the homework over with, the better. We’re so close to finishing the course, I can feel it.”
“If by ‘feeling it’, you mean the weather is getting warmer, sure,” Luna says, rolling her eyes.
—
After a solid study session and knocking out a week’s worth of homework, Luna makes her way back to her apartment. The spring breeze holds a certain warmth to it, promising warmer days on the horizon. There’s a certain excitement Luna has for summer, even with the knowledge that summer camps at the museum are fast approaching. As much as she loves connecting with families, it can be overload during the summer.
Once Luna makes it to her apartment, she heads to her room and checks her email and notices a new one from her boss at the museum. Normally, she would wait until she was actually working to check, but the subject line caught her interest - Hockey Week Summer Camp.
Hi Luna,
As you know, I have been finalizing the details for our summer camp this year. We finally got confirmation for one of our week-long camps - the Hockey Week camp partnering with the Colorado Avalanche.
Now, everyone here is a fan of the Avs, but you’re one of the few staff that actually understands the game. Which is why I wanted to reach out to you first about your interest in helping lead this camp. I know that it is not your main job during the summer, but I know that you offered to assist as needed.
Please think it over and let me know by the end of the week how you feel about it. I have attached the tentative schedule to this email. While most of the activities would occur at the Denver Children’s Museum, it would end at the Av’s arena for the kids to learn from some of the staff that stayed over the summer.
Again, please think this over as it would be a large commitment, especially as I know you are getting closer to the research part of your master’s. Even as a part-time employee, I want to ensure that you are balancing your time correctly.
Sincerely,
Emma
“Oh my god,” Luna whispers. “This would be amazing. There is no way in hell I would be turning this down.”
Luna can feel herself vibrating with excitement until she arrives at the museum the following afternoon for her shift. She makes her way over to Emma’s office and softly knocks on the door. Sure, Emma said to think on it, but Luna couldn’t imagine saying no to the opportunity.
“Come in,” Emma says. “What’s going on, Luna?”
“Uh, hi,” Luna replies, sheepishly. “So I read your email last night and I know you said to think on it, but I really want to help out with it.”
Emma laughs. “I figured you would be more than a little excited for it. I also have Anthony set up to help lead that week as well, so you’ll be in good hands with the summer hires as well.”
“Thank you so much Emma, you have no idea how excited I am!” Luna exclaims.
“I think I have a small idea,” Emma says, smiling softly. “Now go get to work, I heard that the building blocks area was destroyed by a group of under fives.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll get out of your hair,” Luna replies, rolling her eyes.
The rest of Luna’s day passes by in a blur, her mind overtaken with thoughts of the hockey camp. Sure, it’s still weeks away, but if there’s anything Luna loves more than her museum work it’s hockey. While she didn’t grow up around it, it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement when she moved to Denver for her undergraduate degree. There’s just something special about it, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that some of the players are nice to look at.
—
By the time the week of camp rolls around, Luna can hardly contain her excitement. It feels surreal that it’s finally happening, and no amount of preparation could have helped her for what she was about to learn the morning of the first day of camp, even if she wouldn’t know about the impact it would have until later.
“You’re good to run the check-in booth, right Luna? I’ll have Alex there to help contain the chaos,” Anthony asks. “I’ll be there to help tomorrow, I just want to have another run through of our supplies.”
“Yeah, it’ll be fine,” Luna answers. “It’s a smaller group, right — only ten kids?”
“Correct, only ten since this is a pilot run,” Anthony replies. “Also Emma gave you the rundown, right? That one of the kid’s parents works in the Av’s front office? She’s the one that helped get this set up and will be helping us on our field trip at the end of the week.”
“No, she did not tell me that,” Luna replies with a strained voice. “But I can keep my chill. I promise it won’t be a big deal.”
Anthony nods. “Cool, cool. Just radio me when you’re headed back.”
Luna nods and walks to the check-in area with Alex. Her nerves only seemed to get more intense, but she knows the importance of being calm. Besides, it’s not like she’s going to be meeting any of the players today and even then, Luna’s professionalism would have won out anyways.
The day — and week — run as smoothly as possible leading up to the big field trip at the end of camp. As always, Luna charms the parents and was able to convince a few to possibly become members. But what was next is the part Luna’s most nervous for. Normally, field trips aren’t a part of summer camps since most everything can be contained within the museum and any off-site trips were usually for school presentations.
“Luna, you look like the world is going to end the second we step foot outside of the museum,” Anthony teases.
Luna scowls. “You don’t have to say it like that. I just — it’s a little bit scary taking the kids out, you know? Like, sure, I signed up for this and everything, but…”
“I know, it’s definitely weird, but it’s a small group, and it’s not like we’re taking public transport or anything,” Anthony says. “Besides, Emma is one phone call away and she’s great at fixing things.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Luna sighs.
“Now go work your magic and continue charming parents at check-in,” Anthony replies, smiling wide. “We still might make a few of them members.”
Luna rolls her eyes. “It’s not magic, it’s just called being charismatic.”
“Sure, whatever you say,” Anthony laughs.
Check-in is going smoothly, like it has all week. Most parents drop off their kids early to give them time to still get to work on time, but there’s a couple that show up right before Luna and Alex take the kids up to start camp.
“Oh thank god, I thought we were going to be late,” Gabrielle says, walking her daughter Kayla up to the booth. “You know, if you were going to be at the arena all day, we could have just met you there since I’ll be there all day.”
“You work there?” Luna asks, trying to be subtle.
She hadn’t confirmed which parent worked with the Avs previously, too nervous about making things awkward.
“Oh, I thought I mentioned that already. Yeah, I work in the front office with social media and community outreach,” she answers. “I’ll be there to help in the afternoon, actually, so I guess I can expect you to be there?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Luna replies, smiling. “Well, I guess we’ll see you soon! Are you ready to start your day, Kayla?”
Kayla nods shyly, and walks over to take Luna’s hand, like she has the last two days. Gabrielle smiles fondly before waving goodbye and heading off to her car. Luna’s mind is still reeling with new information, but keeps her cool like she promised Anthony.
—
Before she knows it, Luna and the rest of camp are off to Ball Arena. She still feels weird about the name change, but thankfully the kids are well-behaved enough to not make too many jokes about it. Kayla is especially excited since her mom will be there helping with the tour and for the skating portion of camp.
And, well, Luna really doesn’t have to worry about a thing. Everything goes off without a hitch and she may have convinced Gabrielle to come back more with Kayla. Anthony teases her about being able to convince any parent to join the museum’s membership program, but Luna just explains it as being able to hit the right talking points more than anything.
Part Two
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” ― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Before Luna knows it, fall has rolled around again, which means even more studying. It’s her final quarter of classes before focusing more on writing her thesis, which means even more library time with Max. Both are nervous, but something about having someone else who is suffering just as much makes things a little bit easier.
“Dear lord, how many more soulmate marks did you get?” Max exclaims.
“Shush, we are in the library,” Luna teases. “And not many, only three, but two of them are from the summer staff from the museum. The other one —”
“Is a parent from the museum?” Max guesses.
Luna rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m this predictable.”
“Well, I can’t imagine any other place where you meet that many people,” Max laughs. “Are they cool at least?”
“Duh, I wouldn’t have their mark if they weren’t,” Luna scoffs. “But they are cool – they’re office staff for the Avalanche.”
“That’s neat, have they offered any season tickets yet?” Max asks.
“I can’t believe that’s the first question you ask,” Luna answers. “No, they haven’t offered season tickets. Gabrielle said they might be able to get a couple of tickets for some weeknight games, though. And before you ask, yes, I’ll take you to any games I get tickets to.”
Max smiles brightly. “I knew me getting you into hockey would pay off.”
“Whatever you say,” Luna replies. “Anyways, I came here to study, not gossip about my new platonic soulmates.”
Max rolls his eyes, but lets it drop.
—
It’s a chilly November afternoon when Luna’s phone starts buzzing. She was about to head back to her apartment after a long day in the library, but she curiously checks her phone. Gabrielle’s name pops up and it piques Luna’s interest since she doesn’t get many texts from her.
Hey Luna, I know this is last minute…
But do you think you could watch Kayla a bit before the game tonight?
Like just at the office? I’m helping with some social media stuff and can’t get a sitter so last minute
Yeah, I could do that!
Do I need tickets or something?
No, no, you’re good
I think we have some nosebleed seats available if you wanna watch the game after
Tempting, but I do have some reading I need to finish
Am I good to just read in the office while hanging with Kayla?
Yes, that’s totally fine, I’ll get you cleared in no time!
No problem!
Luna and Gabrielle manage to work out the rest rather quickly, and Luna hurries off to the apartment to get ready to watch Kayla. This isn’t a common occurrence, but it's happened enough between pre-season and the first few official games that Luna didn’t question it.
“Thank you so much,” Gabrielle says, sounding exhausted. “It’s just — I couldn’t get a sitter in time and you know that it’s just me and —”
“Look, you know I don’t mind,” Luna replies. “Kayla is a great kid and I was just planning on studying tonight anyways.”
“I appreciate you,” Gabrielle sighs. “I might be around for some post-game interviews, but some of the other staff can take over if you don’t want to hang around the office all night.”
“Again: I was planning on finishing studying and preparing for my thesis tonight. There is no scenario where I go to bed early tonight,” Luna explains. “Besides, we always have fun, don’t we Kayla?”
Kayla nods shyly and holds onto Luna’s hand. Gabrielle smiles softly, and heads off for the night. Normally Luna wouldn’t like to blur the lines like she has in this moment, but it was hard to say no to Gabrielle and Kayla, especially if it wasn’t too inconvenient. Besides, it’s not like they visit the museum enough to make her feel truly guilty about hanging outside of that space.
The evening passes by quickly, and before Luna knows it, she’s handing a sleepy Kayla back to her mom. Gabrielle seems to be caught up in conversation with one of the players, so Luna hangs off to the side so they can finish up their conversation.
“Oh, I can take her,” Gabrielle says, picking Kayla up. “Did you have fun tonight, honey?”
Kayla nods before curling into her mom and falling asleep. Luna tries her best to not freak out that the player Gabrielle is talking to was Cale Makar of all people. He’s one of her favorite players on the team, and she definitely isn’t going to show it.
“So you’re the babysitter?” Cale inquires softly.
Luna snorts. “No, I’m just a good friend who can help out in a pinch.”
“She’s my museum friend,” Gabrielle says. “You know, the one who —”
“Is getting their master’s degree?” Cale finishes.
Luna blushes. “Oh, I didn’t realize I made it into casual talk, Gabrielle. I’m moving up in the world.”
“Oh, please,” Gabrielle huffs, rolling her eyes. “No, it’s just that the players noticed my new soulmate mark. And unlike some people, I don’t get that many. Not that it’s a bad thing —”
“You’re fine, Gabrielle,” Luna says, smiling widely. “Anyways, I should let you two finish up. I’ll catch you later!”
After waving goodbye, Luna rushes off to her apartment, trying to not freak out. The fact that one of her favorite players knew who she was, even if it was tangentially, was wild to her. She immediately texts Max, freaking out.
I can’t believe I met him!!!
Soooo any soulmate mark yet?
Oh my god, you’re the worst
I hate you
We’re no longer friends
Riiight of course
But no mark?
Contrary to popular belief, they don’t appear immediately
But like….I also would not be opposed
I know you wouldn’t 😏
Rude 🙁
Lmaoooo
But honestly just waiting for the soulmate mark
Bold of you to assume I’ll see him again
Like???
In what world do I see him again
Idk, he knew who you were
That has to count for something right?
Not in my world it doesn’t!!
Anyways I’m going to bed
This was too much for one day
—
Weeks pass and Luna comes to watch Kayla several more times. Gabrielle feels terrible about it, but Luna constantly assures her that it’s not that big of a deal. That’s what platonic soulmates are for, aren’t they? Besides, if it means that Luna gets to see Cale a few more times, then she doesn’t see any reason to complain.
“So, you seem to be fixated on one of our players,” Gabrielle says casually one night, as they finish up a movie at her place. “Care to drop any details on that?”
“I have…no clue what you’re talking about,” Luna replies, sheepishly.
“What’s that thing you always say about platonic soulmates? Something about how we can always tell each other everything?” Gabrielle teases.
Luna groans. “You’re the worst. But okay, I might have a teeny tiny crush on Cale, okay? He’s just cute and seems nice.”
“Well, well, well, you are in luck tonight then,” Gabrielle says. “Someone might be thinking the same thing about you.”
“Cool, I tell you about my crush and now you’re going to make fun of me for it?”
“No, I’m serious. Cale might have mentioned something last time you came by and I might be able to set something up.”
“I don’t want to make things weird and this seems like it might make things weird,” Luna says. “Like, I can admire from afar. That’s what I’ve been doing since he came here for the playoffs.”
“Look, I wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t mean it, okay? And I promise this isn’t breaching some weird contract or whatever. I just see two good people who maybe kind of like each other and I have the chance to set you up,” Gabrielle explains.
Luna hesitates. It’s been a long time since she’s been on a date, much less with someone she hardly knows. But she’s never going to get a chance like this again, and if things end badly, well…she’ll cross that bridge when she gets there.
“Fine, I’ll give it a shot,” Luna sighs. “But only because I trust you.”
Gabrielle cheers quietly, trying to not wake Kayla. “I promise that you won’t regret it. Can I give him your number?”
“I suppose so,” Luna says. “I hope this goes well.”
“I’m sure it will,” Gabrielle replies, smiling widely.
It’s a few days before Luna receives a text from none other than Cale Makar, although it feels like an eternity. After leaving Gabrielle’s place, she can’t help but regret her decision. Sure, Luna is used to putting herself out there, but it’s always for the sake of meeting new friends, never a romantic interest. But she has to reassure herself that Gabrielle wouldn’t have offered to help if she didn’t think it would end well.
This is Luna right?
I don’t have the wrong number?
….depends on who’s asking
Oh!!
It’s Cale
Cale Makar from the Avalanche
Gabrielle gave me your number
I hope that’s okay
She said it was but…
Chill, you’re fine!
I said it was okay
Also yeah, this is Luna 😀
Okay, cool
I wasn’t sure if Gabrielle was serious or not
Like I figured she would be
But idk
She was definitely very serious
I’m surprised that you took her up on the offer though
Wasn’t sure if it would be too bold
Tbh she asked in front of Gabe and Nate
Probably knew I wouldn’t say no in that situation
And I’ve been putting off texting you long enough
Nate wouldn’t stop bugging me for updates
….that doesn’t surprise me tbh
So like…do you want to go get coffee sometime?
You beat me to it
Rude 🙁
Look, you just told me it took you three days to just text me
All I’m doing is spreading up the process
I can’t believe you’re already bullying me
This is unfair
Is it bullying if it’s true?
I’m starting to regret this
Fineee I’ll lay off
But seriously, do you want to get coffee sometime?
Sure, I think we can figure something out 😀
—
It’s only a couple of weeks later when they meet up in the early morning at a local cafe to grab coffee together. With the way their schedules line up, it's the soonest they can see each other outside of a game setting.
“Sorry for making you get here so early,” Cale apologizes.
Luna rolls her eyes. “How many times do I have to say that I don’t mind? Besides, this’ll give me more time to actually work on my thesis anyways.”
“If you say so,” Cale says, still worried.
After ordering their coffee and some breakfast, they take a seat at a table in the corner of the cafe. Luna would be lying if she said she wasn’t at least a little bit nervous. She’s still in disbelief that any of this is happening, but she won’t take any of it for granted.
As she takes her coat off, she notices Cale eyeing her arms. Well, she can’t really blame him with how many soulmate marks litter them. As much as she isn’t ashamed of them, it does feel a bit intimidating having someone stare at them so intently. Max is usually the only one bold enough to do so, and Luna has known him for years.
“That’s, um, that’s a lot of marks,” Cale says nervously, like he might be reprimanded.
And he might have been, if it was anyone other than Luna. But she’s used to it at this point.
“Don’t worry, they’re all platonic or familial,” Luna explains. “And not all of them are reciprocated anyways, so it looks like a lot more than normal.”
“Sorry, I know that was a bold question for our first time hanging out,” Cale replies sheepishly.
Luna shrugs. “I’m used to it at this point. I know most people don’t have this many soulmarks, and I can’t blame you for being curious.”
“If you say so,” Cale says. “So, what’s your master’s focused on? Gabrielle mentioned it briefly, but I think most of it flew over my head.”
Part Three
“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever
Before Luna realizes it, winter rolls into spring and the weather finally starts to warm up. Her advisor warned her that time would go by faster than expected once she dove head first into working on her thesis, but she didn’t quite believe it until it was happening.
And maybe going on a handful of dates with Cale helped move things along as well. They hadn’t made anything official yet, but Max likes to tease that they’re basically together. Luna tries to not worry about the lack of a soulmate mark, even though she knows it's normal for her. It’s just…not everyone sees it the same way.
“So, you and Cale…any updates?” Gabrielle inquires tentatively, as she pauses the movie.
Luna sighs. “No, it’s the same as last time. It’s like we’re both waiting for something to happen before we make our first move.”
“Would that thing happen to be a soulmate mark?” Gabrielle suggests. “You know that you don’t have to wait for one to ask each other out.”
“I know, but this is just the first time in a long time where I haven’t gotten one with someone I care about,” Luna explains. “You know me, I’m the girl who always gets platonic marks within days of meeting someone. Romantic marks seem to take their time with me and I don’t want to disappoint him, I guess.”
“Have you considered functioning like almost everyone else and asking out someone they like even without a mark?”
“Yeah, I’ve thought about it, but…I’m just scared, I guess. It’s been a long time since I’ve cared for someone like this.”
Gabrielle shrugs. “Doesn’t mean you can’t ask him out. I know I’ve said it a million times, but for most people, these things take time, especially with romantic partners. I mean, you’ve said you’ve had partners previously.”
“Yeah, but…” Luna says, trailing off.
“Let me guess, it didn’t end well? And it’s making you scared?” Gabrielle guesses. “Look, we both know Cale is one of the kindest people to ever exist. I promise he won’t have this big reaction like you’re building up in your head.”
“I guess you’re right,” Luna replies softly.
“And if it does end badly? It’ll be easy enough to avoid him,” Gabrielle says.
Luna snorts. “Yeah, I’ll only ever remember it whenever I see his face plastered around during hockey season.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Gabrielle laughs. “But seriously, just talk with him about it, okay? Surprisingly, dragging this out makes things worse.”
“Yeah, mom, whatever you say,” Luna teases, rolling her eyes.
—
It takes Luna a couple of days to build up the courage to text Cale about wanting to talk through everything. With how much they’ve both been dancing around the subject, it feels intimidating and Luna almost backs out of saying anything. But she knows that it’ll need to happen eventually, and she might as well bite the bullet.
Hey Cale!!
I was wondering if we could meet up some time to talk
Like nothing bad
I just have some stuff I wanna talk through if you don’t mind
Yeah, that would be great actually
I’ve been wanting to talk about about some stuff as well
I can come over to your place today after practice
Just let me know when you’re on your way ♥️
Luna paces around her apartment for the rest of the day, hardly able to focus on her thesis. By the time Cale texts her saying that he’ll be there in twenty minutes, Luna’s already gone through a million different scenarios, none of them ending well. While she knows that’s being a bit overdramatic, it’s hard to not get caught up in her head.
When she hears Cale knocking at her door, she nearly jumps out of her seat. Luna rushes over to open the door, and lets him right in. They’re both quiet at first, neither wanting to broach what was coming next.
“Um, I guess I could go first since I texted you about it,” Luna says, awkwardly.
Cale shifts nervously. “I have a feeling we’re thinking about the same thing.”
“I don’t even know why I’m nervous because I think I know my answer but…I was wondering about making it official? Like, us dating and everything?” Luna asks softly. “I know that we don’t have soulmate marks yet or anything, but I know that sometimes they don’t always appear right away, but…”
“You don’t have yours yet?” Cale responds, sounding more confused than hurt.
Luna freezes. In those million different scenarios going through her head previously, this was not one that she thought of. The thought of someone getting her mark, but Luna not getting one in return…
“I didn’t know you had one,” Luna whispers. “You never said anything.”
“I…I guess I was waiting for you to say something. Like, you’re always talking about your platonic marks right away, but you never mentioned getting a mark for me,” Cale explains. “I guess that makes sense why you never said anything.
Luna takes a shaky breath. “It’s just…romantic soulmate marks take a while for me. And I guess I feel a little bit self-conscious about it since it’s not the same for platonic marks.”
“So it’s not that it’ll happen for you, it might just take some time?” Cale asks.
“Yeah,” Luna replies shakily. “I’m sorry I never said anything to you about it, though. I just hoped that it wouldn’t take so long.”
Cale reaches over to Luna and pulls her into a hug. She tries to not cry, afraid of scaring Cale off by being too intense about the whole situation.
“Look, I want to give us a shot, regardless if you have a mark or not, okay?” Cale says softly, pulling away.
“Okay, if you’re sure,” Luna replies, holding back tears. “I’m sorry for making this harder than it had to be.”
“No, you didn’t make anything harder. You’ve only ever made things easy,” Cale whispers, wiping away the tears that rolled down Luna’s face.
“God, Gabrielle was right,” Luna laughs, grabbing Cale’s hand that stroked her face. “You’re too kind for your own good.”
Cale smiles. “Maybe I am, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, not when it comes to you.”
—
Luna walks into the museum office one spring morning and notices Emma standing by her desk. This either meant something very good or very bad if Emma had the time to wait around for Luna to start her shift. Her nerves start thrumming, worried about what’s coming next.
“Uh, good morning, Emma,” Luna greets, setting down her bag. “Is something up?”
“No, I just heard from a little birdie that you and Cale made things official recently,” Emma answers, smirking.
Luna rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe Gabrielle spilled the beans. We literally just made it official a couple weeks ago, anyways.”
“I’ve just been wanting to see you happy, and Gabrielle just happened to know why you’ve had an extra pep in your step,” Emma replies. “Oh, would you look at that? Your boy is here?”
“Huh?” Luna says, confused, turning around.
And none other than Cale is walking through the door with coffee from Luna’s favorite cafe. Emma silently goes back to her office, leaving the two as much privacy as possible.
“What are you even doing here?” Luna inquires. “How did you even know I was working today?”
Cale shrugs, handing Luna her coffee. “Gabrielle owes me a favor, and she got your schedule from Emma.”
“Well, I guess that would explain why Emma knew we were dating,” Luna says, laughing. “I can’t believe how fast this has been getting around.”
“I mean, we did have a long build-up,” Cale says. “The guys haven’t been able to shut up about it ever since I told them. Which reminds me…I wanted to invite you to a team dinner in a couple of weeks. It’d be a good chance to meet everyone and I want you to officially meet them as my girlfriend.”
Luna blushes. “Oh, yeah, I think I could do that. Just let me know the details so I can make sure I’m free.”
—
By the time the team dinner rolls around, Luna is a bundle of nerves. This is her first time meeting almost everyone, and the few players she has met, she met them as Kayla’s unofficial babysitter. Cale has told her multiple times that everyone will love her, but she knows that the Avalanche is basically his second family.
“I promise everything will be fine,” Cale assures her one last time, as they approach Gabe’s house. “And they know better than to ask about soulmarks, okay? Nobody is going to mention it unless we do.”
Luna nods. “I got this, it’ll be totally fine. Nothing bad will happen.”
“And I’ll be with you the whole night,” Cale says. “Now, let’s go.”
Unsurprisingly, Cale is right — at least when it comes to the team being welcoming and respectful. They do, in fact, get separated at some point, but Luna does her best to not freak out about it, especially since she seems to be in good company with the WAGs she’s with. As much as she’s used to talking to strangers at the museum, this feels a bit out of Luna’s element.
“I’m so glad that you and Cale made it official,” Melissa says. “He kept beating around the topic for a while.”
“Yeah, I guess we were both waiting for the other person to make the first move,” Luna replies, hesitantly.
“Well, we’re glad to have you around at these events. I’ll have to add you to our group chats so you can keep up with everything going on. There’s some WAG stuff going on, especially with playoffs coming up,” Melissa explains.
“Oh,” Luna says, surprised to be immediately included. “I would really appreciate that, thank you.”
Before she knows it, Luna and Cale are headed out for the evening. As nice as it was to meet some of the important people in his life, Luna is grateful to be headed back home. Something about it felt special, knowing that Cale was ready for her to get to know the team. It felt like he truly meant what he said about not caring that Luna didn’t have her mark yet and well…it helped put her at ease.
—
Another summer rolls around, but this time Luna is a little bit less stressed. Sure, camps are as hectic as ever, but there’s something reassuring about having Cale around on top of it all. She was surprised when he decided to stick around for a little bit before heading home to Calgary, but Luna wasn’t going to complain about it.
“Ugh, I’m exhausted,” Luna complains, flopping onto her bed after a long day. “I love kids, but summer camps do something to them, I swear.”
Cale laughs. “It’s a fun change of pace for them. They get to do fun stuff that isn’t at school or with their family.”
“Yeah, I know, but I’m grateful every day that I don’t have to worry about having my own kids for a very long time,” Luna sighs.
“You want kids?” Cale asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Honestly…ask me in winter when I’ve had time to recover from summer camps,” Luna groans, sitting up and taking off her cardigan.
Cale looks at her, confused, before reaching out and touching her left shoulder. Luna looks down and sees something that wasn’t there when she was getting ready. Or, well, maybe it was — she’s hardly been awake when getting ready this week, it’s entirely possible that she missed it.
“You have my soulmate mark,” Cale whispers in amazement. “I — this must have just happened.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Luna says softly. “Well, that’s a nice surprise isn’t it?”
Cale smiles brightly, before bringing her into a kiss. And at this moment, Luna had a hard time feeling stressed about anything.
hydrangeas where your face should be – Dougie Hamilton
Summary: Dougie had all but given up on ever finding his soulmate
Author’s Note: This is me breaking out of my comfort zone and writing a soulmates au for @huttons as a part of @wyattjohnston's summer fic exchange.
There's some accidental deadnaming, but the character was unaware of the transition and under the influence.
Title from Flowers Where Your Face Should Be by The Wonder Years
Word Count: 2.4k
Dougie always knew he was different.
He knew it at age 5 when he was the only kid in his class with red hair; everyone was eagerly waiting to point that out.
He knew it at age 13 people started to notice him on the ice; said things like he could make it to the OHL maybe even beyond if he worked hard.
He knew it in Boston and Calgary when he didn’t quite fit in; all shy and awkward and out of place in the hockey world of loud, gregarious men.
But all of those differences paled in comparison to his soul marks.
He was already a little different for having two. It wasn’t completely unheard of; his mother had two, an anchor and tulip, the tulip fading away as her bond with his dad grew over the years.
Because the universe didn’t always get it right with one guess. There are 8 billion people on the planet, how can some unseen, almighty power be expected to narrow it down to just one option.
For some a second mark might grow over time, like something could happen to change the course of your life and a new soulmate grew along that path. For others the two were always there, never to fade or change.
But Dougie’s two marks were different; because they were identical hydrangeas in different colors. Boldly staring up at him from each thigh.
His parents told him to be patient, finding a soulmate would come naturally like it had for them. But Dougie felt so different he couldn’t imagine anything happening naturally; no fairytale moment where his soulmate might brush the mark by chance and everything just clicked into place.
So, he took to voraciously reading about soul marks, hoping to find an explanation for the twin green and pinkmarks that mocked him. He pored through books on botany to try and make sense of some hidden, deeper meaning behind the flowers. He never could settle on one single thing that made sense of everything.
He thought he met his soulmate in the 10th grade. Paisley Van Wormer played on the volleyball team. She was smart and kind and clearly going places.
Anyone would be lucky for Paisley to be their soulmate, in fact every boy in the school thought she must be their soulmate. Dougie thought he had the edge because her parents owned the local nursery and she would spend her spare time around flowers.
The other boys would dare each other to touch her soul mark on the back of her shoulder. It was frowned upon to purposefully touch a soul mark without permission, like you were trying to circumvent the path destiny set out for you.
But all the boys who touched the green apple never had a lifechanging moment, just got detention if they were caught.
The summer before senior year, Paisley shaved her head and suddenly no boys wanted to touch her soul mark. No boys but Dougie, who was still completely infatuated, but wouldn’t dare touch Paisley without her permission.
He planned to ask her to prom despite the chirps he got for liking ‘the bald chick.’ But during his attempt to psych himself up he bumped into a ladder she was using to hang up a sign for prom, he caught her at the last second and realized one of his hands was on her shoulder, brushing over the apple.
The world didn’t shift in the way he always dreamed of, instead it shattered his heart.
He threw away his childhood obsession with his soul marks and threw everything into hockey. For the most part it worked; everyday he got to live out his childhood dream. He played with one of his idols in Chara, he got to play in the league with his brother.
Still, it could get lonely.
He saw teammates find their soulmates, settle in for a future while he bounced from team to team. He got labeled a locker room pariah by the media, even when he felt like he was finding a home. He felt unwanted by the first team he felt truly himself with.
Then he landed in Jersey. And things seemed to be looking up. Two years in and he felt things coming together, felt like he was part of a family who wanted him there.
He took rookies under his wing, even when he had a hard time believing he was the old veteran with a decade of experience under his belt. He joked with the media, tried to come a little more out of his shell.
It took nearly 30 years, but he felt like he had finally become the person he was supposed to be. And he didn’t even need a soulmate to feel complete anymore.
Of course, that’s the thing about destiny; it comes whether or not you’re looking for it.
❀•❀
Dougie decided to stay in Jersey for the summer. He knows he’ll miss the time with his family, but he feels the need to keep carving out space that’s just for himself.
He starts the off-season with a wrist surgery and looks forward to some relaxation before the grind of rehab begins.
One week into his post-surgery R&R, he starts to have an excruciating pain in his mouth. When the pain killers for his wrist don’t quite quell the pain, he texts Jack about the dentist he saw to fix his teeth. Feeling less like an adult since he hasn’t found a new dentist since the move.
Dr. Van Wormer, tell them I sent you and they can probably squeeze you in 😜
He texts back: Don’t get too big of a head someone will knock that tooth out again
He gets an appointment within a day; he won’t let Jack know about the namedrop. Though based on the fairly extensive collection of Devils memorabilia, he doesn’t think he needed to do that.
It turns out he has a wisdom tooth that they didn’t take out the first time when he was 18. The thing finally decided to make an appearance when he was already dealing with his arm. Perfect timing as always for Dougie.
He can tell the dentist is smiling even behind the mask while he pulls on a pair of gloves.
“Nice to finally get you in my chair, wish it was under better circumstances. You’re pretty much the only current Devil I haven’t seen yet.”
Dougie isn’t a huge fan of dentists trying to have conversations, but there’s something familiar and calming about this man.
“If you have time I can get this guy out today, I won’t put you all the way under but you’ll be a little loopy for a while, so if you drove, we can schedule another day.”
Dougie wiggles his arm in its sling, “I took a Lyft.”
“So, is that a yes to moving forward?”
“Uh- yes please.”
The grin clearly widens under the mask.
Dougie is given some laughing gas, it doesn’t fully put him under, but he manages to doze off during the lengthy dental procedure.
He wakes up groggy and feeling a little airy and high in another room, gauze stuffed in one side of his mouth.
There’s a gentle touch on his shoulder, “how are we doing?”
The dentist squats down in front of him and smiles unmasked, a spark of familiarity down Dougie’s spine.
Dougie gets a glance at the name on his badge
“I went to high school with someone with that last name, it’s not very common,” he babbles before his brain realizes what he’s doing.
“Yeah, you went to high school with me.”
Dougie doesn’t know if it’s the drugs wearing off or the news or the combination, but he stares opened-mouth. Drool pools in his mouth and threatens to drip out, the dentist laughs. It’s huskier and lower, but it’s Paisley’s melodic, intoxicating laugh.
Or is he allowed to even think about that name? He doesn’t even know what their new name is, he knows he should ask, say anything, but his brain is foggy.
“I know I look a lot different. It’s Parker now.”
“Nice to meet you, Parker,” Dougie awkwardly shoves out his free hand to shake.
“I’d love to have a whole catch up with you, but you’re obviously not in the right mindset for this kind of life altering news,” Parker’s eyes sparkle and Dougie doesn’t know how he didn’t immediately recognize them.
“But I’m done for the day so how about I get your post-care information and I’ll drive you home.”
Dougie gives a goofy smile that must look extra stupid with the gauze and nods.
“Okay let me grab my stuff and” Parker uses Dougie’s thighs to help him stand up again, “holy shit.”
Dougie furrows his brows, not getting it at first. Then the feeling hits him.
It’s different than how he imagined it, he can’t look up at Parker, just stares at his own thighs, where the lingering feeling of his touch prickles under the marks.
It feels like everything in his brain and heart just settles. Not the seismic shift in his reality he always expected, just that everything is as it should be. He’s wrapped in a warmth that feels like his mom hugging him when he was little. It feels like comfort and home and unconditional love.
It makes him want to cry with relief.
When he finally looks up, Parker mirrors his feelings. And his face breaks into a smile.
❀•❀
Parker drives Dougie home but they decide not to talk about the two elephants in the room, post-dental surgery doesn’t really feel like the right time for it.
Dougie understands but he doesn’t want Parker to leave, feeling like the tenuous bond won’t be able to survive the separation. Parker gives him some pain killers that make him too sleepy to think about the cross-town distance.
Parker surprises him the next morning with an overnight bag and a load of dentist-approved recovery food.
“I’m here for the long haul,” Parker shrugs and makes himself at home in Dougie’s living room.
Something flips in Dougie’s gut at sight: Parker looking so at home in his space. A tiny piece of what he’s been missing all these years.
He tries to act casual, like this is an everyday occurrence, and awkwardly sits a cushion away on the couch. Parker bridges the gap by pulling his legs up on the couch, his feet touching Dougie’s thigh. His toes curl into the green hydrangea on his left thigh.
It’s like a fire lights behind his sternum, not some white, hot passion but like a fireplace you want to curl up by.
“How’s your mouth feeling?” Parker avoids the obvious.
“Fine, the pain meds are working wonders,” he smiles the best he can, like that proves it.
“I would hope so, I prescribed them.”
The silence stretches too long to be comfortable, especially between two people who have so much more than small talk to get to.
“I touched your soulmark in high school once,” it’s the first thing that comes to his mind.
Parker furrows his brows, no recollection of the moment that broke Dougie’s heart.
“Senior year, it was an accident.”
“Oh, the apple? I don’t even have that one anymore.”
He leans up and turns one foot to the side, a small bear below the ankle bone. Dougie can’t help but run a finger over it, Parker shivers in response. That at-peace feeling washing over them again.
“I always wished it was you,” Parker says it with so much reverence, like any other way might break the spell.
“But I never could figure out how you were connected to an apple or a bear, and then we graduated and you were drafted by the Bruins. But by then I thought our chance had passed already.”
Dougie feels a lump in his throat, mourning the loss of all the years they could have had.
“It’s probably for the best, I obviously still needed to find myself, become myself.” Parker adds like he can read Dougie’s mind.
“I always thought it was you until I touched the apple. I wanted it to be you so bad and then that happened, it broke my heart,” he feels the need to bear a little more of vulnerabilities to Parker.
“Even after I shaved my head?” It’s supposed to be a joke but his tone is off.
“I didn’t just like you because you were pretty. You were smart and nice to everyone, even to the guys who were dicks and tried to touch your mark.”
“I heard you yelled at the guys on the hockey team who did that to me.”
“Freddie did too,” Dougie shrugs off the compliment.
Dougie continues to rub a thumb over the bear as another silence consume the room.
“Can I see your mark?”
“You want me to take off my pants?”
“What’s a little nudity between soulmates?”
Dougie feels overwhelmingly shy, like he’s a scrawny kid in an NHL locker room for the first time.
He stands up and lets his sweats drop to the ground and step out of them. He’s not sure whether to stand or sit when Parker grabs his hips and maneuvers Dougie in front of him.
Parker’s face is unreadable, he’s staring like he’s trying to decipher, figure out what Dougie always wondered his whole life.
“Do you know what hydrangeas symbolize?”
“Beauty and grace and some other stuff.”
“Yeah, they also symbolize unity because there’s so many little blossoms making one big flower.”
He looks towards the right mark, getting close with his fingers but not quite touching, “pink hydrangeas symbolize love, normal soul mark stuff.”
Parker then focuses to the left mark, actually touching the skin ever so gently. He doesn’t talk for a while but Dougie can’t bring himself to speak, he doesn’t want him to stop.
"My parents gave me green hydrangeas after I told them I was transitioning."
He finally looks up, eyes a little glossy.
“They represent rebirth,” his voice cracks a little and he gives each flower a kiss, each giving Dougie a burst of warmth.
“The universe knew you’d love me before and after,” Parker is crying, but his smile is undeniable.
Dougie doesn’t know what to say, doesn’t have all the words, doesn’t want to say the wrong thing. So, he pulls him off the couch and holds him tight against his chest, because he knows the universe was right about loving Parker then and now.
I am in absolute tears (in the most positive way possible) reading this fic!!! It genuinely means so much reading about a trans oc and the way you wrote Parker has me grinning from ear to ear!!!
The way you wrote their relationship is so sweet and I just know I’m going to be rereading this all the time ❤️ Genuinely feel like I can’t put into words how much I adore this fic!
I have some ideas brewing and think of getting out of my comfort zone and writing a soulmate au, I'm not super familiar with it so is there kind of world rules you'd like me to follow? Are there things you definite don't want to see? Things that are musts for you?
Excited to try something a little different
hi anon!!! that's super exciting - I'm really excited to see what you come up with! I'm generally pretty open when it comes to soulmate au's, but I can definitely give you some tropes/ideas I really enjoy:
it’s completely random how you find your soulmate: one of you gets a name and the other gets a fingerprint, one of you has to hear your soulmate and one of you has to see them, etc;
the trope where you feel colder/warmer based on the distance you are from your soulmate and they always just keep missing each other (like seeing each other at games/practices, but unable to pick each other out) (also doesn't have to be temp based, but could play off of any of the other senses)
very fond of platonic soulmates as well, so please don't feel the pressure to give everyone in the fic a romantic soulmate (also love this if you decide to go the multiple soulmates route as well)
I've found that this list has a lot of fun tropes as well if you're looking for some other ideas to go with
There aren't too many things I don't want to see in regards to the soulmate au's! I think my only main issue is just when finding a soulmate becomes the main characters biggest goal. I don't mind if it's a ~side quest~ type of deal, but it can sometimes be a bit much if it's their main focus in life.
I hope that helps, but let me know if there's anything I missed!
Hi 👋 This is your fic exchange anon this is my first exchange so I probably will bother you again down the line
Very excited about making an OC, anything you want out of that (Name, looks, personality, job, etc)?
2. As far as plot any trope you want to read or topic you want to explore?
3. Out of your list of players is there someone you want to read the most or just let this anon take the wheel?
Hi!! I’m super excited as well, and feel free to send as many asks as you need to ❤️ I’ll do my best to answer as quick as possible as well! Also I hope these answers help out a bit as well:
1. I’m not too particular about the OC, as long as they fit into whatever world you create! It would be cool to see a non-binary/male/trans OC, but I also totally get that is not everyone’s thing when writing, so I’m really open to any character you create ❤️
2. It’s not a trope per say, but I do love a good AU! My favorites include soulmates, non-player (aka they work in anything outside of being in the NHL), coffee/flower shop, anything in that realm! As for actually tropes, I do have a soft spot for friends to lovers, sunny vs grumpy, forced proximity (ex. road trips).
3. Totally open to any of the players I listed and would love to read about any of them! I do have an extra soft spot for Kreider and Dougie, but if there’s someone else on the list that is speaking to you, please go with them!
Let me know if there’s anything else I can answer for you!!
sign ups close May 26 at 11:59pm AEST (what time is that for me?)
you’ll receive your match no later than June 2
the final day to post your finished fic is July 31 at 11:59pm Anywhere On Earth
the deadline is SUPER important because i will be in europe from July 21, my internet may be spotty and chasing people up will be a nightmare.
Please reblog this and share it with your favourite hockey imagine writers. If you don’t want to share it with them yourself, you can send me an anon with some URLs and I’ll shoot them the post!
Guidelines
this is a hockey imagine exchange, meant for reader inserts or OC fics (not player/player)
if you signed up for the winter fic exchange 2k23 and did not finish a fic you are not eligible for this exchange without chatting to me first
if you signed up for the winter fic exchange 2k23 and did not reblog the fic written for you, you are not eligible for this exchange. you can go reblog said fic and show your appreciation right now, and then sign up. if the fic written for you has disappeared/been deleted… let me know.
the minimum word count is 1500 words
there’s no requirement to have written x number of fics prior to signing up
if you change your URL at any point after you’ve signed up, please let me know so that your sign up doesn’t get lost
you do not have to be following me, but please check back occasionally between sign ups opening and matches being sent as there might be changes
this is supposed to be fun. if you are going to be overwhelmingly stressed out about the writing process, due date or what people’s response will be to your fic then this isn’t for you. know your own limits.
any updates will be tagged with ‘the summer fic exchange 2k23’
you will need to allow anonymous messages once matches have gone out so that you can be asked questions–please. if you are unsure about how to change these settings, please let me know
i am doing this by myself so don’t be a dick.
Important Dates
sign ups close May 26 at 11:59pm AEST (what time is that for me?)
you’ll receive your match no later than June 2
the final day to post your finished fic is July 31 at 11:59pm Anywhere On Earth
the deadline is SUPER important because i will be in europe from July 21, my internet may be spotty and chasing people up will be a nightmare.
my DMs and ask box are always open (anons welcome!) if you have any questions.
you can sign up here.
This functions like Secret Santa/Kris Kringle, where people sign up and are then provided a person they will be writing a fic for.
On the Google form linked above, you will fill in a bunch of information including players and genres you like to read about and players you like to write about—I then do my absolute best to match these up with each other so that people are receiving what they want and writing within their comfort limits.
There are also spaces to tell me genres, players and teams you want nothing to do with, so that I won’t pair you up with a person who exclusively writes things you aren’t interested in.
After you’ve received your match (the person you’ll be writing for), you can then head into their inbox anonymously and really drill down into what your match would like to receive.
My inbox and DMs are always open if anyone still has any questions!
absolutely stole this idea from @thomasschabot, and i had such a blast writing her a birthday fic that i hope people can have as much fun writing something for me
i think it will be a nice little challenge for everyone, and also very selfishly i want to read some fics tailored to me lol
peep below for the bingo card and the extra info
my birthday is june 4 but for the US that's gonna be june 3. so! i'm gonna start reading reblogging fics at approx. 7pm june 3 EDT.
you should aim to get bingo! if you can't get 5 in a row, just pick 5 spaces from the card and i'll be more than happy!
please leave a note at the start of the fic with what 5 spaces you’ve chosen
if you can hit 1,500 words that'd be amazing. i'm not super keen on blurbs, and think that 1,500 is the sweet spot!
i prefer OCs (no surprise there!) but i also understand that not everybody is interested in writing them—so if you want to know my preference, it's OCs, but that doesn't mean i'll say no to a reader insert fic!
i am not super keen on smut. if it's part of the fic as a whole, then that’s typically fine. please don’t make it too explicit or kinky. please label accordingly. if you are a minor—don’t write any smut at all.
please stick to writing about players you've seen me reblog. if in doubt, ask!
avoid players who are under 21; avoid players who are married and/or have babies
if you are writing any of the players as fathers (for the babies square)—do not write any players under 25. i'm not interested in reading it :)
if you choose the playlist one, please include a link to the playlist because i’d love to experience it
tag me so that i see it, can read it and can reblog it with copious amounts of thank yous!
tagging some people who might want a little challenge or to share it around (but zero pressure on either front): @matthewtkachuk @thomasschabot @comphy-and-cozy @laurenairay @blueskrugs @senditcolton @cellythefloshie @broadstbroskis @fallinallincurls @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69 @sorryjustafangirl
literally anybody else can take part, too. love you all 💚
this is completely separate to the summer fic exchange 2k23 which will open for sign ups on 11 may
“Perhaps that is where our choice lies – in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”
― Elana K. Arnold, Burning
