A Step Too Far but A Parent's Approval - Bode Leone Drabble
A/N: I suddenly got all this inspiration so I am going to post bomb about Bode Leone, especially since season 4 is coming soon!!
Pairing: reader x Bode Leone
Warnings: second hand embarrassment
It was one of those rare slow afternoons at the station. You and Bode were at the kitchen counter, quietly prepping sandwiches, when Sharon stopped in with Vince. She was smiling, carrying a plate of cookies she’d baked.
“Look at this,” Sharon said warmly, setting the plate down. “Working together even in the kitchen. You two make a good team.”
You felt your cheeks warm, but before you could answer, Eve came barreling in like a storm.
“A great team, actually. We call them Team Baby Steps,” she announced proudly, grabbing a cookie and biting into it like she’d just dropped the most normal comment ever.
There was a beat of silence.
Sharon blinked. “...Team what?”
Vince raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
Your stomach dropped. “Eve,” you hissed under your breath.
Bode pressed a hand to his face. “Oh, my God.”
But Eve wasn’t done. She gestured between you and Bode with both hands like a magician presenting her final trick. “It’s their thing. You know - slow burn, little looks, hand-holding, kitchen dates. Baby steps! It’s a whole vibe.”
Sharon’s lips curved into the smuggest knowing smile. “Ohhh. I see.”
You wanted the floor to swallow you whole. Vince chuckled under his breath, clearly entertained.
Bode muttered through clenched teeth, “You’re dead, Eve.”
Finally, realizing the look you were shooting her could kill a man, Eve’s eyes widened. “Oh. Ohhhh. Okay. My bad. That was… Yeah. Crossing the line. I’ll just - uh - ” She stuffed another cookie in her mouth and backed toward the door. “Carry on.”
Sharon chuckled as she watched her retreat. Then, turning back to you and Bode, she said gently, “Baby steps, huh?”
Bode groaned audibly. You buried your face in your hands.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
Later that night, after dinner was cleared and the others had drifted off to their bunks, you slipped outside for a breath of fresh air. The night was quiet, the cool breeze a relief after the day’s heat.
You weren’t out there long before the door creaked open and Eve stepped out, hands shoved into her hoodie pocket.
“Hey,” she said, softer than usual. No dramatic entrance, no cheerleader energy. Just Eve.
You raised an eyebrow. “Here to announce ‘Team Baby Steps’ to the whole county this time?”
She winced, scratching the back of her neck. “Ouch. Okay, fair. I deserved that.”
You sighed, folding your arms. “Eve, I don’t mind you teasing, but in front of Sharon and Vince? I thought I was going to die.”
She grimaced. “Yeah… I know. Totally overstepped. I got carried away. You know me - I see something brewing, I can’t not comment. But that’s on me. I’m sorry.”
The honesty in her voice caught you off guard.
Eve shifted her weight, glancing out toward the trees. “Truth is… I just want you to be happy. Both of you. After everything? You deserve it. And Bode… God, that guy’s been through hell. When I see the way he looks at you? Like you’re the first good thing to happen to him in forever? I can’t help rooting for you. Even if I’m… obnoxious about it.”
You felt the tension in your shoulders ease. She meant it.
Finally, you chuckled. “You? Obnoxious? Never.”
She grinned, relief flooding her face. “Okay, but just so you know, I’m not dropping ‘Team Baby Steps.’ That’s forever. I’ll… just be more careful when I break it out.”
You shook your head, laughing despite yourself. “You’re impossible.”
Eve bumped her shoulder against yours. “Yeah, but I’m the best wingwoman you’ll ever have.”
From inside, you both heard Jake’s voice yell: “I HEARD THAT! YOU’RE THE WORST WINGWOMAN ALIVE!”
Eve smirked, whispering, “Ignore him. He’s just jealous of my matchmaking skills.”
Eve slipped back inside after her talk with you, and nearly ran right into Bode standing in the hall. He had his arms crossed, watching her with that half-annoyed, half-curious look.
“You heard all that, didn’t you?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
Bode nodded. “Every word.”
Eve shifted, suddenly looking less sure of herself. “Look, I meant it. She deserves someone who’ll actually show up for her. And you - ” she jabbed a finger at his chest “you better be that guy.”
Bode smirked faintly. “I plan to be.”
That earned him the rarest thing from Eve: a genuine, proud smile with no sarcasm attached. She gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. “Good. Then I’ll back off.”
She started to walk away, but then called over her shoulder: “Well… back off ish. Baby Steps forever.”
Bode groaned, but the smile lingered.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
The next morning, Sharon found you in the kitchen making coffee before shift change. She moved in beside you, her presence calm but warm.
“I like the way he looks at you,” she said simply, sliding a mug your way.
You blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”
Sharon smiled knowingly. “Bode. That boy’s had walls around him ever since Riley died. With you, they don’t stand a chance. You don’t need my approval, but… you have it anyway.”
The words sank deep, and you felt your throat tighten. “Thank you, Sharon. "It means a lot.”
She reached out, squeezing your hand once before leaving you with the coffee.
Later, out by the rigs, Vince was tightening a bolt while Bode helped stack gear. The older man glanced at him, quiet for a long moment before finally speaking.
“You’re good for her,” Vince said, voice steady and low.
Bode froze mid-movement, looking up. “Chief?”
Vince gave him one of those fatherly, measuring looks. “She’s been through hell. You make her laugh again. That matters.”
Bode swallowed hard, nodding. “I… care about her. A lot.”
“I know,” Vince said simply. Then, with a small smirk, he added: “Just don’t screw it up.”
Bode chuckled nervously. “Yeah, dad.”And for the first time in a long time, he felt like maybe—just maybe—the people who mattered believed in him. Believed in you both.
A/N: Some Nico angst, let me know if you want a part 2!
Pairing: Nico Hirschier x afab!reader
Warning: cheating??, angst angst angst
You couldn't believe your eyes. You were staring at your phone in shock. You were casually scrolling through Instagram when a particular photo caught your eye. It was a photo of your boyfriend Nico with a girl - her touching his arm and standing too close for comfort, you noticed some lipstick marks on his cheek.
Obviously you were confused. He was just going to hang out at Luke's place and have a guys' night in. He definitely didn't tell you he was going to do a bar crawl with the guys. And definitely didn't tell you about hanging out with girls. You did trust him because he had a couple of female friends and have met them before. But this girl - you didn't know her at all.
You stayed up, waiting for him because you wanted to know the truth. The two of you had been dating for almost two years, he never gave you an inkling that he would cheat on you - you just wanted to be sure.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
"Hey, babe!" You heard as the door opened and closed with his keys into the keys bowl. You stayed quiet - waiting. "Babe-?" You heard him shuffling towards the living room, you knew he would find you here. "Why didn't you answer me?" You stared at him heartbroken.
"Can you explain this?" as you held up your phone towards him.
He froze. The grin he always carried vanished quickly. "It's not what it looks like-"
"Don't." You cut him off, making him stop in his tracks. "Don't be like that. The whole world saw it, Nico. I saw it. And you let me find out like this? Through social media?"
His shoulders sagged, defeated. "It was something stupid. She kissed me and I didn't-"
"You didn't stop her," finishing his sentence. Your throat was tight, your hands started shaking. "You didn't think about me, our future? Do you have any idea how humiliating this is? To see it online before I hear it from you?"
Nico's eyes softened, guilt written all over his face. He stepped closer towards you, careful, desperate for your touch. "I messed up - I know. But I swear to you, it didn't mean anything."
"And what do I mean? Our relationship?" You whispered, your voice raw with emotion. "Because right now - I can't tell." you pointed between the two of you.
The silence that followed was thick and brutal. He still looked at you like he wanted to reach out, but you stayed still, rooted in the distance between you.
Finally, you shook your head. "I don't know if I can do this anymore. I don't know if I can trust you again."
His breath caught, his lips parting like he wanted to beg, to plead - but no words came. Only silence followed.
You walked past him, the sound of your footsteps sharp against the hardwood floor. He didn't follow. He just stood there frozen in the living room, staring at the space you left behind - not knowing if you'd ever come back.
A/N: Just a little drabble, can be read like a little side story.
Pairing: reader x Bode Leone
Warnings: Eve ships you haaard.
The call came in mid-morning - small brush fire, nothing major. By the time your crew had it under control, you were sitting on the tailboard of the engine, wiping sweat from your forehead.
Bode dropped down beside you, handing you a bottle of water. His fingers brushed yours when you took it, and you swore your stomach flipped.
Of course, Eve caught it instantly.
“Ohhh, look at that handoff,” she said in a loud whisper, cupping her hands like she was announcing for a stadium crowd. “Leone assists with hydration - smooth, confident, textbook teamwork. Give it up for the happy couple!”
You nearly choked on your water. “Eve!”
Bode pinched the bridge of his nose, chuckling under his breath. “You’re unbelievable.”
Jake, sitting on the other side of the truck, groaned. “Can you not? Just one call without you turning it into a soap opera?”
Eve ignored him completely, leaning forward to squint at you and Bode. “Oh my God, did you just blush? She blushed. Jake, did you see that?”
Jake deadpanned, “Nope. I saw nothing. Hearing nothing. Don’t care.”
Bode leaned closer to you, muttering just for your ears, “She’s not gonna stop, you know.”
“Clearly,” you whispered back, trying not to laugh.
Eve gasped dramatically. “They’re whispering now!”
Jake threw his hands up. “I swear to God, Eve, if you don’t quit narrating like this is The Bachelor, I’m walking back to the station.”
That only made her grin wider. “Admit it - you ship them too.”
Jake groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “I support them like a normal person. Unlike you, who’s about two seconds away from making a fan club banner.”
Eve clapped her hands together like that was the best idea she’d ever heard. “Oh my God, yes! Team - ”
“Don’t you dare,” you cut in, pointing at her with a warning glare.
“Team Baby Steps!” she finished proudly.
You groaned, burying your face in your hands, while Bode laughed so hard he nearly doubled over.
The One Thing He Didn't Win - Quinn Hughes Imagine
A/N: finally the third Hughes brother I'm writing for hehe ^^
Pairing: Quinn Hughes x influencer!reader
Warning: some angsty shit
Quinn didn’t even know why he cared so much. You were just another person on a screen, thousands of miles away, with too many followers to ever notice him. But every time you posted, he found himself watching longer than he should — the way you laughed at your own jokes, the softness in your captions that made you seem less untouchable.
He thought maybe, just maybe, you’d see him differently. Not as “Quinn Hughes, hockey player,” but as Quinn, the guy who couldn’t cook to save his life, who still triple-checked his laces before games, who just wanted someone to text late at night.
So he reached out. He tried. And when your reply came — kind, polite, and final — it hit harder than any cross-check.
You seem really sweet, but I’m not interested. Hope you understand.
He read it over and over until the words blurred. His chest ached in a way he couldn’t tape up, couldn’t skate off.
At practice, he laughed along when the guys teased him, but later, alone in his apartment, the silence pressed in. He left your message unread, buried under dozens of new notifications. Still, his thumb hovered over your profile, the temptation to check if you’d posted again gnawing at him.
He told himself it didn’t matter. That he’d get over it.
But some part of him still wished he was the one you’d chosen to notice.
A/N: Fuck I love Bode. He's such an amazing character in Fire Country! This could be read as a standalone or as a second part to "Break your Promise, Please"
Pairing: reader x Bode Leone
Warnings: nothing? Just some fluff. Eve is nosy and shipping you.
Smokey’s was louder than usual that night, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses rolling through the air. You slid into a booth near the back, the neon glow from the jukebox washing the table in soft blue light.
Bode sat across from you, a little stiff at first. He’d shown up in his cleanest button-up, sleeves rolled, hair pushed back in a way that looked both effortless and like he’d spent way too long in front of the mirror.
“You’re kind of staring,” he teased, catching your eyes on him.
You smirked, leaning back against the booth. “You clean up nice, Leone. Didn’t know you owned a shirt without soot on it.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, well… figured I’d make an exception tonight.” His voice dipped lower, softer. “Since it’s you.”
The server dropped off two drinks before you could answer. You wrapped your hands around your glass, trying to hide the way your cheeks warmed.
“So,” Bode said, resting his elbows on the table, his focus entirely on you. “Is this our first date? Or are we pretending it’s just two friends grabbing drinks?”
You raised a brow, lips twitching. “Depends. You asking me out on a date, Leone?”
His grin was slow, deliberate. “Maybe I already did.”
You froze for a beat, your mind scrambling. You knew Bode could be confident, but this… this exceeded your expectations.
“Maybe not right now,” you said carefully, still easing into the idea. You hadn’t been on a date in over seven years - if you counted your time locked away.
He didn’t miss a beat. Just nodded, steady. “Of course. Baby steps,” he said, reminding you of the promise you’d both made the other day.
Before you could answer, a loud, very poorly whispered voice carried across the bar.
“Oh my God, they’re actually doing it,” Eve hissed.
You glanced over your shoulder. Sure enough, Eve and Jake were standing near the counter, both of them not even trying to be subtle. Jake had his arms crossed, looking unimpressed, while Eve leaned forward like she was front row at a show.
“Eve,” Jake muttered, rolling his eyes, “this isn’t a movie.”
She elbowed him hard enough to make him grunt. “Shut up, they’re talking feelings right now!”
Bode groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “Unbelievable.”
You hid behind your hands, cheeks burning. “Oh God. They’re spying, aren’t they?”
Bode leaned across the table, voice low, amused. “Definitely. Wanna give them something worth spying on?”
His smirk made your pulse jump.
From across the bar, Jake muttered, “He’s laying it on thick.”
Eve shushed him again. “Shh, let the man cook!”
You laughed despite yourself, shaking your head. “They’re not going to let us live this down.”
“Then we give them a show,” Bode teased, leaning forward, his hand brushing yours on the table.
Eve let out an audible gasp. Jake groaned. “It’s literally just hand-holding, calm down.”
“Shut up, this is progress!” Eve argued, clutching Jake’s arm like she was watching a season finale.
You couldn’t help but giggle, lowering your voice. “I can’t believe this is happening. We’re on a date, and they’re - ”
“ - commentating like it’s a sporting event?” Bode finished, amused.
“Exactly.”
The two of you tried to ignore them, but every time Bode leaned closer, you could hear Eve squeal. Every time you laughed at something he said, Jake muttered under his breath, “finally.”
At one point, Bode slid out of the booth to sit beside you instead of across. The move earned an exaggerated “oooooooh!” from Eve and muttered, “God help me,” from Jake.
Bode just grinned, ignoring them. “See? Baby steps,” he said quietly, his arm brushing yours.
Your heart hammered, but for once, you didn’t pull away.
Across the bar, Eve slapped Jake’s chest excitedly. “I told you! They’re endgame!”
Jake just shook his head, though the smile tugging at his lips gave him away.
But then Eve leaned too far forward trying to catch another glimpse and knocked her elbow into Jake’s drink. The glass toppled off the counter, crashing to the floor with a loud shatter.
The whole bar turned to look.
Including you. Including Bode.
You both turned in sync, catching Eve frozen mid-gasp, her hands in the air like she’d just been caught breaking into a safe. Jake stood beside her, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Smooth,” Bode called out, his voice dripping with amusement.
You covered your face, laughing so hard your shoulders shook.
Eve pointed at Jake instantly. “It was him!”
Jake groaned. “Unbelievable. You dragged me into this.”
Bode chuckled, leaning closer to whisper in your ear. “Guess the show’s over.”
You smiled, still laughing. “At least until next time.”
The next morning at the station, the shift felt unusually lighthearted. You were at your locker, tugging on your boots, when you caught Eve hovering nearby with the most obnoxious grin on her face.
You groaned immediately. “Don’t. Say. Anything.”
“Oh, I wasn’t gonna say anything,” she sing-songed, leaning against the lockers. “Except… how was the date night?”
You froze mid-lace. “Eve.”
She wiggled her eyebrows. “Don’t ‘Eve’ me. I saw you two at Smokey’s. Correction—we all saw you.”
From across the bay, Jake let out a tired sigh. “For the record, I didn’t want to be there. I was blackmailed into spying.”
Eve gasped dramatically. “It wasn’t spying—it was moral support.”
Jake shot her a look. “You spilled my beer on the floor because you leaned too far trying to hear their conversation. That’s not moral support. That’s a hazard.”
You covered your face with your hand, wishing the floor would open up beneath you. “This is never going to end, is it?”
Eve beamed. “Not a chance. You were holding hands!”
Jake shook his head, muttering, “That was the least dramatic thing I’ve ever seen, and you act like they got engaged.”
“Hand-holding is intimate!” Eve argued, smacking his arm. “And Bode sliding into the booth beside her? That was textbook smooth. Don’t deny it.”
Jake groaned. “I’m not denying it. I’m just begging you to stop narrating it like it’s a rom-com.”
You buried your head in your locker, mumbling into the metal. “Why me?”
That’s when Bode strolled in, coffee in hand, blissfully unaware of the brewing chaos. “Morning,” he said casually.
Eve immediately turned, eyes sparkling like a cat who’d just cornered its prey. “Bodeeee.”
He froze, sensing danger. “...What is going on?”
Eve pointed between the two of you like she was refereeing a game. “How’s the happy couple?”
You choked. Bode coughed into his coffee.
Jake groaned again, dragging a hand down his face. “Here we go.”
“Relax,” Bode muttered under his breath, stepping closer to you. His shoulder brushed yours briefly as he passed your locker, a silent reassurance. Then, out loud, he added smoothly, “Baby steps.”
Eve gasped so loud the entire bay turned to look. “He said it!”
Jake muttered, “God, I’m glad I asked for a transfer.”
A/N: just a little more conclusion on what I had written last week ^^
Pairing: Jack Hughes x afab!reader
Warning: just some fluff hehe
Unfortunately, the whispers didn't stop one bit.
Even after Jack's reassurances, even you promised yourself not to look, the word still popped up everywhere. Under Instagram posts, on X (Twitter) clips, even in comment sections of new articles that had nothing to do with you.
You weren't naïve - you knew dating a professional athlete meant being in the spotlight. But you hadn't realized how quickly people decided to put you in a box you didn't belong in.
And the worst part? The label was starting to stick.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
It came to a head after a big Devils win. Jack had two assists and a shootout goal, which should’ve made for an easy night of smiles in the locker room and quick interviews.
But one reporter, half-smirk on his face, decided to push a little further than usual.
“Jack, we’ve seen your girlfriend around a lot this season. Some fans have started calling her—well, let’s just say—a puck bunny. What do you make of that?”
The locker room seemed to freeze. Cameras zoomed in, other reporters shifted uncomfortably. Everyone knew the word. Everyone knew what it meant.
Jack blinked once, twice, and then sat forward in his stall, his expression sharp in a way few people ever saw.
“First of all,” he said evenly, “that’s a pretty disrespectful question. She’s not some stereotype. She’s her own person, with her own life, and she happens to support me. That doesn’t make her a puck bunny — it makes her a great girlfriend.”
There was a flicker of surprise across the room. Jack rarely raised his voice in interviews, but his tone now was firm, unshakable.
“She’s not in this for attention. She’s not here for clout. She’s here because she actually cares about me. And anyone saying otherwise doesn’t know her, or me, for that matter.”
A hush followed his words, the kind that came when an athlete wasn’t just giving a quote, but making a point. Jack leaned back, tugging his hoodie over his head, and muttered, “Next question.”
The reporter cleared his throat and moved on. But the moment didn’t go unnoticed.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
Of course you had seen the clip online before Jack even got home. It was everywhere within hours - on X, Instagram, TikTok... Fans were replaying it, captioning it, praising Jack for shutting the question down so quickly.
“Protective Jack >>>”
“He loves her fr.”
“This is how you defend your girl.”
When Jack walked into his apartment later that night, you were sitting on the couch, phone in hand, eyes wide.
"You-" you started, holding up your phone. "You really said that? In front of everyone?"
Jack rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish now that the heat of the moment had passed.
"Yeah, I mean... you don't deserve that. Not even close."
You stood, crossing the room to wrap your arms around him. "You didn't have to do that."
"Of course I did," he murmured against your hair. "I'm not gonna let people talk about you like that. Not when I know who you really are."
Your chest tightened, but this time it wasn't from hurt - it was from how much you loved him.
The comments still came, sure. But now, there were just as many people defending you, pointing out Jack's words as proof that the whispers didn't matter.
A/N: just a little more conclusion on what I had written last week ^^
Pairing: Jack Hughes x afab!reader
Warning: just some fluff hehe
Unfortunately, the whispers didn't stop one bit.
Even after Jack's reassurances, even you promised yourself not to look, the word still popped up everywhere. Under Instagram posts, on X (Twitter) clips, even in comment sections of new articles that had nothing to do with you.
You weren't naïve - you knew dating a professional athlete meant being in the spotlight. But you hadn't realized how quickly people decided to put you in a box you didn't belong in.
And the worst part? The label was starting to stick.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
It came to a head after a big Devils win. Jack had two assists and a shootout goal, which should’ve made for an easy night of smiles in the locker room and quick interviews.
But one reporter, half-smirk on his face, decided to push a little further than usual.
“Jack, we’ve seen your girlfriend around a lot this season. Some fans have started calling her—well, let’s just say—a puck bunny. What do you make of that?”
The locker room seemed to freeze. Cameras zoomed in, other reporters shifted uncomfortably. Everyone knew the word. Everyone knew what it meant.
Jack blinked once, twice, and then sat forward in his stall, his expression sharp in a way few people ever saw.
“First of all,” he said evenly, “that’s a pretty disrespectful question. She’s not some stereotype. She’s her own person, with her own life, and she happens to support me. That doesn’t make her a puck bunny — it makes her a great girlfriend.”
There was a flicker of surprise across the room. Jack rarely raised his voice in interviews, but his tone now was firm, unshakable.
“She’s not in this for attention. She’s not here for clout. She’s here because she actually cares about me. And anyone saying otherwise doesn’t know her, or me, for that matter.”
A hush followed his words, the kind that came when an athlete wasn’t just giving a quote, but making a point. Jack leaned back, tugging his hoodie over his head, and muttered, “Next question.”
The reporter cleared his throat and moved on. But the moment didn’t go unnoticed.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
Of course you had seen the clip online before Jack even got home. It was everywhere within hours - on X, Instagram, TikTok... Fans were replaying it, captioning it, praising Jack for shutting the question down so quickly.
“Protective Jack >>>”
“He loves her fr.”
“This is how you defend your girl.”
When Jack walked into his apartment later that night, you were sitting on the couch, phone in hand, eyes wide.
"You-" you started, holding up your phone. "You really said that? In front of everyone?"
Jack rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish now that the heat of the moment had passed.
"Yeah, I mean... you don't deserve that. Not even close."
You stood, crossing the room to wrap your arms around him. "You didn't have to do that."
"Of course I did," he murmured against your hair. "I'm not gonna let people talk about you like that. Not when I know who you really are."
Your chest tightened, but this time it wasn't from hurt - it was from how much you loved him.
The comments still came, sure. But now, there were just as many people defending you, pointing out Jack's words as proof that the whispers didn't matter.
A/N: Max Thieriot is one fine man and I can't help but write about his characters.
Pairing: Reader x Bode Leone
Warnings: reader has a daughter, ex-con, ...
“You do know you’re tying it wrong right?” a voice said behind you. You turned to find Bode watching you with that familiar, amused glint in his eyes. You rolled your eyes.
“I’m just practicing, Mister Nugget. But please - show me how it’s done,” you said, handing him the rope with a dramatic flair.
He chuckled and took the rope from your hand. Your hands brushed - just barely - but the spark was immediate. Again.
Ever since the firefighter training program began, something has been brewing between you. Whether he felt it too, you weren’t sure but you’d been denying - whatever it was - because of your past.
After your fair share of heartbreak. You made a vow: no men, no sex - for five years. You were halfway and you intended to see it through. Especially for your nine years old daughter, Alyssa. She deserved stability - especially after her dad left you both in pieces. Your life of crime was haunting you, all because of him.
You quickly cleared your throat and wiped your palms on your pants. When you looked up again, a faint blush dusted his cheeks.
Did you imagine that?
You rubbed your eyes but it was already gone - and Bode was back to demonstrating the knot. You nodded your head as he explained each step, inching closer so you could see how the rope wove together.
When he finished, you looked up - realizing too late how close you’d gotten. Your chest nearly grazed his upper arm, and you could feel his breath on your cheek.
Your breath hitched.
You stepped back quickly, scratching the back of your neck to hide the fluster. You didn’t see the faint frown tug at his lips as you looked away, heat rising in your cheeks.
“Thanks for... uh, showing me,” you said quickly, taking the rope from his hand. The station sirens blared. You exhaled in relief. “Saved by the bell,” you muttered under your breath, hoping he didn’t hear. Unfortunately, he did. And it disappointed him - just a little.
He’d thought there was something between you - something real, even if it was still unspoken. But ever since that night at Smokey’s, you’d been icing him out.
“Come on, Leone! Live a little!” you said, laughing as you handed him two shots of tequila and grabbed two more for yourself.
He’d laughed with you. He liked that side of you - free, vibrant, untethered. You didn’t let that part of yourself out often. He didn’t know everything you’d been through, but he had a pretty good idea. After all, he’d been through something similar.
You clinked glasses. He counted down from three, and together, you downed the shots.
“Wooo!” you whooped, throwing your hands into the air.
He laughed, catching your wrists before they could fly any higher. “Okay, [L/N]. That’s your last one for the night.”
“Let’s bring you home before you hate your drunken self tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t wanna~,” you whined, dragging out the words.
That playful side of you - the one that let go, that trusted him enough to stop being the strong, serious one - turned him on more than he cared to admit. With everyone else, you were unshakable. With him, you allowed yourself to be something else.
You’d met at fire camp - he at Three Rock, you at Black River. Your paths had crossed, but you never let yourself get close . He had Rebecca. She was one of your closest friends. After losing her, something in you shut down, pulling away from anyone who might hurt you again.
It hurt him, but he understood. Still, when you both made parole and entered the training program together, he was quietly grateful to have you back in his orbit.
He tugged on your wrist, slung your purse over his arm, and steered you toward the exit. Your friends shared a knowing look behind your back as you waved goodbye, but you were too tipsy to notice it.
You didn’t want to leave - but you didn’t resist either.
By the time he had you buckled into the passenger seat of his truck, you were rambling about some ridiculous high school story. You were plastered, but he wasn’t. His alcohol tolerance always outpaced yours, you underestimated it every time you went to Smokey’s. He knew driving you home wasn’t ideal, but letting you walk to your apartment in your inebriated state felt way worse.
As he drove, he caught you staring at him - soft, dreamy, like you saw right through the walls he’d built. In one way you did, that made him smile.
He knew you liked him. Since fire camp, really. And he liked you too, though he’d respected your boundaries. Still, you made it impossible not to flirt; you were magnetic, and even his mom, Sharon, adored you - half-joking once about wanting you as a daughter-in-law.
When he parked in front of your apartment, he reached over to unbuckle your seatbelt. But he froze. Your eyes were on his, locked and lingering.
You leaned in.
So did he.
Your lips met in a dizzy, searing kiss. His hands found your waist. Yours tangled in his hair. He groaned, deep and low, and the sound pulled a moan from you. When his hand slid higher, pausing reverently before cupping your breast, you melted into him - until suddenly you didn’t.
You pulled away without a word, fumbled with your seatbelt, and stumbled out of the truck. No goodbye. No thank you.
Bode slammed both palms against the steering wheel, just missing the horn by inches. Dragging a hand down his face, he cursed the ache between his legs. One kiss had wrecked him.
The next day, you acted as though nothing had happened. It drove him insane. But when he saw the picture taped to your locker - your daughter’s smiling face beside yours - he remembered your promise. Your reason. So he stayed back, only moving when you moved first. For your sake.
Just like earlier today.
Even now, hours later, he couldn’t stop thinking about how close you had stood, how your chest brushed his arm. The memory tortured him—especially below the belt.
“Bro, what’s up? You’ve been out of it since the call,” Jake asked, glancing at him from the driver’s seat.
Bode shoved his mic aside. Jake followed.
“It’s [Y/N], man,” Bode admitted, his voice low. “I know her reasons for keeping her distance, but… she keeps giving me mixed signals.”
Jake’s eyes sharpened, that knowing look he always gave when he’d been paying more attention than you realized. “Have you even talked about what happened after Smokey’s?”
Bode shook his head.
Jake groaned and rolled his eyes so hard it almost hurt to watch. “Dude!” Too loud.
Bode hissed, shushing him quickly. You sat in the backseat, lost in thought, oblivious. Thank God.
“Just do it,” Jake muttered more quietly. “After our shift. Or I’ll make you.”
Bode sighed. Maybe Jake was right. Maybe it was time to talk. Maybe, just maybe, he could convince you to break your promise. Because if you let him in, he knew he’d never let you regret it.
The shift ended quietly. You were cleaning in the bay when you saw him approach, fidgeting with his hands.
“Hey, [Y/N]. Can we talk?” His voice was rougher than he intended.
You swallowed, set the rag aside, and followed him into the kitchen. Empty. Perfect.
“I can guess why you want to talk,” you said, spine stiffening as you sat across from him. The silence between you was thick, hesitant. Bode opened his mouth, then faltered. You beat him to it.
“I’m sorry - ”
“Hey, what’s up, guys!” Eve’s cheerful voice rang out as she walked in. She froze at the sight of your faces, both too serious. “...Okay. Awkward. I’ll come back later.” She backed out quickly.
You both chuckled, tension broken for a heartbeat.
Bode scratched his cheek, nerves raw. “So… yeah. I think we both know we’ve got this thing going on. And I thought it was going well. Until Smokey’s.”
You flinched at the name. He noticed. Still, he pressed on.
“I hope you don’t think it was a mistake. Because I don’t. I keep thinking about that night—it’s been driving me crazy.”
“Bode.” You laid your hand over his, steady and small. His big hands folded over yours instinctively, clinging.
“It wasn’t a mistake,” you admitted softly. His eyes lit up, hope sparking.
“I really liked that kiss too. And yeah, I was drunk but you know what they say - drunk thoughts are honest thoughts.” You tried to laugh, and he smiled with his whole face.
“But… you know my promise. To Alyssa.”
He nodded, jaw tight. “I know. But, [Y/N]… break your promise. Please.” His voice cracked with desperation. “I promise you, I’ll treat you right. And I’ll treat Alyssa right.”
You stared at him, heart thundering. His eyes were raw, honest, pleading like his life depended on your answer.
“Ever since fire camp, I knew you were meant to stay in my life,” he whispered. “Even if it was just as friends at first. But you belong with me, [Y/N]. I love you. And I swear, I’ll take care of you the way you deserve - both of you. Always”
Your resolve cracked piece by piece until a sigh slipped past your lips. You leaned in and kissed his cheek softly, tenderly.
“Baby steps,” you murmured, your hand brushing over his beard.
He closed his eyes, leaning into your touch like it was all he’d ever wanted.
“Baby steps,” he echoed, his voice almost a vow.
Outside the cracked kitchen door, Eve crouched down, wide-eyed, spying shamelessly. She mouthed, Oh my God. Then she spotted Jake standing behind her, arms crossed.
“Seriously?” he muttered.
Eve shushed him with a frantic wave. “They’re having a moment!” she whispered.
Jake rolled his eyes, but even he couldn’t hide the small smirk tugging at his mouth.
A/N: Welp, welcome to my blog. It's been years since I've last written an imagine. I've had major writer's block and personal issues going on. I'm back but I don't really know for how long.
Pairing: Jack Hughes x afab!reader
Warnings: casual mentions about sex, , ...
You didn't expect dating Jack Hughes to be easy.
What you hadn't expected was the nickname that came with it.
It started as whisper behind you at games. Then, it moved online - photos from the stands, screenshots of you next to his parents or brothers, comments underneath filled with the same two words.
Puck Bunny.
It made your blood boil, not because it was cruel but because it wasn't true. You had your own job, your own goals, a whole world outside the Devils or the NHL. You don't even hang around locker rooms. You weren't chasing the clout. You weren't even a lifelong hockey fan - that is until you met Jack.
But try telling that to strangers with too much free time on their hands and too little imagination.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
Tonight it really hit you, Jack had scored twice against the Rangers. Prudential Center was electric, fans roaring for him, his name echoing through the arena. She was proud, her throat raw from cheering, until she overheard the girls in the row behind her.
"She's only here for the seats," one said.
"Total puck bunny energy," the other snickered. "Bet she'll dump him if he ever gets traded."
Your chest tightened. You stared at the ice, blinking fast, keeping the tears at bay. For once, Jack's celebration skate back to the bench wasn't enough to distract you.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
Later, at his apartment, Jack noticed the way you curled up on the couch, scrolling silently on your couch. He came out of the shower with damp hair, naked chest and blue sweatpants hanging low on his hip, and immediately frowned.
"What's wrong, babe?"
"Nothing," you said quickly. Too quickly.
Jack raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You've got that look on your face. The one you get when my brother says something dumb on Instagram."
That dragged a reluctant smile out of you, but it didn't last. "It's just... people keep saying stuff about me... Calling me a puck bunny."
Jack froze mid-step, then dropped onto the couch beside her, his expression stormy. "Seriously?"
You nodded. "I know it's dumb, but it's literally everywhere. People think I'm only dating you because you're a hockey player."
For a second, Jack was quiet. Then, with complete seriousness, he said, "Well, if that were true, you would've left me the second I made you watch three hours of film on neutral zone play."
You choked out a laugh. "That was freaking torture."
"Exactly," Jack said, smug now. "And yet, you stuck around. You even made popcorn. That's not puck bunny behavior - that's, like, girlfriend of the year behavior."
Despite yourself, you smiled. "I just don't want people thinking I'm some stereotype."
Jack's face softened. He reached for your hand, weaving their fingers together. "Listen. You're not a stereotype. You're you. And the people who actually matter - me, our families, the guys - you know we all see that. The rest?" He shrugged. "They don't know you. They don't get to define you."
Your throat tightened at his words. "You really think so?"
Jack squeezed your hand. "Babe, you're the least puck bunny person I've ever met. You still don't know half the rules and we have been dating for seven months."
"Hey!" You protested, swatting at him.
"It's true!" He said, laughing. "You literally asked me last week what icing was - for the fifth time."
You groaned, buring your face in his chest, but his laughter was contagious.
Jack tilted your chin up gently, his expression softening again. "You're here for me, not hockey. That's all I care about."
And just like that, the weight lifted off your shoulders. The whispers, the comments, the labels - they didn't matter, not when Jack looked at you like that, not when he believed in you so fiercely.
❀ ───── ✦ ───── ❀
That weekend, when you walking into the arena, you still heard the whispers. But this time, you didn't flinch. You held your head higher, met Jack's eyes on the ice, and smiled.
Because if there was one thing you were sure of - it wasn't fans who knew you best. It was Jack.
A/N: Welcome to my blog. It's been years since I've last written an imagine. I had major writer's block and personal issues going on. I'm back but I don't really know for how long.
Pairing: Luke Hughes x afab!reader
Warnings: insecurities about self-esteem, ...
"Yo, [Y/N]! Pass me the prosecco please!", you heard your co-worker Trent shout to you. You quickly passed him the bottle while finishing the drink you were preparing for the customer in front of you.
Suddenly you heard a few shouts coming in from the direction of the door. You had the subconscious reaction to roll your eyes. Trent laughed at you because he knew why. Some NHL players whom are regulars at the bar you work at. You lowkey despised them because they were always rowdy and would stay late if they didn't have practice in the morning. Which annoyed you, a lot - especially when you wanted to be home on time for your cat, Oreo.
Your little fluffball has terrible separation anxiety after being left for dead on the street before you saved him. After a few weeks he got to know your schedule and when you would come home late he would ignore you for a couple of days. You, of course didn't want that because he wouldn't eat the food you'd serve him. Such a stubborn little kitten you had.
When you looked at the stampede of hockey players - one stuck out like a sore thumb like always, Luke Hughes. With his 6'2" stature, you were able to pick him out of every type of crowd that frequented the bar. His good looks definitely had nothing to do with it.
Definitely not.
You undoubtedly didn't have a little teeny tiny crush on him because of his beautiful hazel(?) eyes or his nice smile or possibly not because of his charismatic but nerdy aura he gives off every time he orders. Because you know, Trent certainly hasn't hinted to you that he only wants to order with you when you're working. You would roll your eyes every damn time Trent would mention it. You'd think someone like Luke Hughes would be into someone ordinary like you. You had no special or striking features that would make men drop their jaws to the floor. You don't have an extraordinary body like the models you see on TV or in magazines. You were regular old Plain Jane. You were also 'definitely' not insecure about your body and/or face.
You were just a Bartender, doing your job every time you had to come in.
"Hey, [Y/N]! It's always lovely to see you working.", you heard one curly headed guy say to you. You looked up to see Luke, of course, you would recognize his voice everywhere. "Hey Luke, totally not long time no see.", you said with a chuckle. Luke and his teammates, but certainly his brother Jack would frequent the bar a lot. Especially because you offered a place to dine as well - the food was good but surely not that good. You tried it some time and it did not sit well with your stomach and intestines. Maybe it was a wrong batch that time.
He chuckled as well and winked at you. "Can I... get 8 beers and 3 soda waters, please?", he asked while turning around and counting the heads of his teammates. "Sure, will be coming right up.", you put in his order, stuck out your hand for his card and you quickly felt his hand brushing yours while he put his card in your palm. You felt a little shiver going down your spine when he did that. He definitely saw you do it because he gave you a small smile. Your cheeks blushed a little red but you quickly turned around hopeful he didn't see it.
When you were done with his order you put it on a tray so he could take it back to his table. As you handed him the tray his hand would brush yours yet again. You'd think it would've been on purpose and as you looked him in the face - that just confirmed it because he was smirking at you. That damn smile. You would always swoon about it, but silently. You gave him a stern look but it just made him smile more at you. As he turned around to finally go back to his table you let out a visible sigh, slumping down your shoulders. Which made your co-worker Trent turn towards you. "Was the little shit flirting again?", he asked. Even though he would joke about them or tease you about Luke, he had a aversion for hockey players because he got hurt by one and other co-workers had as well. He didn't want you to get hurt but he had an inkling Luke wasn't like those other players, who were well players. He had mentioned that Luke's aura feels like one that is looking for a long-term and steady relationship. He was an empath and all that. You would roll your eyes every time he mentioned it.
The night flew by like nothing. The NHL players were pretty tame tonight, even though they had won their game that had happened the same night. They would always get rowdy and let loose of their worries which would always concern you. But lately they have been calm and just chilling at their booth. You weren't asking for them to be rowdy, you were just appreciating the calm atmosphere going on at the bar. They had ordered a lot of drinks and each time Luke was the one getting the drinks. That too has been a common occurrence going on. Him joining you at the bar, sometimes flirt with you - sometimes use a random pick-up line he definitely asked ChatGPT about. It would make you blush, involuntary giggle or even roll your eyes at him. You wondered were the courage came from because usually he would just be friendly or even quiet when waiting for the drinks.
At the end of the night, pretty close to your closing time. He came up one last time, of course to handle the bill but he also did something else. He asked you out. He did what??? You were wondering if you actually heard him right?
"You said what?", you asked him astonished. He rolled his eyes at you and repeated himself with a chuckle. "I was wondering if you wanted to get some coffee with me some time.", he smiled at you while leaning on the bar you just wiped down. You stayed quiet in shock for almost a minute which made him awkwardly swing from side to side. You shook your head at first before answering. "But, I'm just a bartender.", you said with hesitation. He frowned at you. "What makes you say that?", turning his head down to the side, looking at you like a little puppy. You cleared your throat before answering. "I'm just some girl working here. Of course I have to be nice to you otherwise you wouldn't come back. I'm also just some plain chick from around town.", you said shrugging your shoulders. He frowned just even more which makes him really adorable but you gotta stay serious for the situation going on. "Why are you being like this, [Y/N]?", he asked truthfully. "I've seen you around town, yes. In the grocery store helping some old lady. At the park with your friends enjoying a picnic. I've seen you and I am seeing you right now. You are not just some plain chick or just a bartender. You are a lovely and certainly a pretty girl, I've had my eye on for weeks." He paused for a second, pretty desperately adding the next. "I just want to ask you at to get to know you in a romantic way. So please, go out with me." He added with a sigh, almost flopping down on the bar with his head and shoulders.
You looked at him astonished yet again. "I never would've guessed you feeling like that about me..." But quickly added the next. "And I would love to get to know more about it next Wednesday" This made him perk up at that. You quickly wrote down your number on the receipt he had lying in front of you and handed it to him. He stood up straight and made a little jump when he picked up his receipt which made his brother - you certainly hadn't noticed - holler at Luke. The two of them made their exit, but before the door closed on them, Luke made a quick turnaround and gave you a little wave. You quickly waved back before returning to your closing duties. Trent left an hour before this so you were glad you were alone at the bar. Only left with Chelsea in the back, who was cleaning up the kitchen as your bar's cook.
As you were laying in bed, you suddenly got a message from an unknown number. Guessing it was Luke you opened it.
I'm looking forward to next week! Let me know where you want to go and I'll make some space in my agenda.
x Luke
You smiled at the message and quickly typed one back.
I'm looking forward to it as well. I'll think about it tomorrow and will let you know when and where. But the next date it will be definitely your choice!
x [Y/N]
You got a next message in only thirty seconds.
Oh so there are already plans for second dates. I like your vision you have going on, keep that going!
x Luke
You rolled your eyes, maybe you shouldn't have mentioned it as of now but yet you only dreamed about an opportunity like this.
Goodnight Lukey
x [Y/N]
Goodnight Peach. Sweet dreams xx
You liked the nickname he gave you as you turned on your side to finally get some winks in.
Helloo, I’m officially back for writing imagines. I do need some inspiration to write so please do give me suggestions in the ask box or in the comments! I have written for the NHL and KPOP before and I’m open doe other fandoms as well! Xx
A/N: Welcome to my blog. It's been years since I've last written an imagine. I had major writer's block and personal issues going on. I'm back but I don't really know for how long.
Pairing: Luke Hughes x afab!reader
Warnings: insecurities about self-esteem, ...
"Yo, [Y/N]! Pass me the prosecco please!" you heard your co-worker Trent shout to you. You quickly passed him the bottle while finishing the drink you were preparing for the customer in front of you.
Suddenly you heard a few shouts coming in from the direction of the door. You had the subconscious reaction to roll your eyes. Trent laughed at you because he knew why. Some NHL players whom are regulars at the bar you work at. You lowkey despised them because they were always rowdy and would stay late if they didn't have practice in the morning. Which annoyed you, a lot - especially when you wanted to be home on time for your cat, Oreo.
Your little fluffball has terrible separation anxiety after being left for dead on the street before you saved him. After a few weeks he got to know your schedule and when you would come home late he would ignore you for a couple of days. You, of course, didn't want that because he wouldn't eat the food you'd serve him. Such a stubborn little kitten you had.
When you looked at the stampede of hockey players - one stuck out like a sore thumb like always, Luke Hughes. With his 6'2" stature, you were able to pick him out of every type of crowd that frequented the bar. His good looks definitely had nothing to do with it.
Definitely not.
You undoubtedly didn't have a little teeny tiny crush on him because of his beautiful hazel(?) eyes or his nice smile or possibly not because of his charismatic but nerdy aura he gives off every time he orders.
Because you know, Trent certainly hasn't hinted to you that he only wants to order with you when you're working. You would roll your eyes every damn time Trent would mention it. You'd think someone like Luke Hughes would be into someone ordinary like you. You had no special or striking features that would make men drop their jaws to the floor. You don't have an extraordinary body like the models you see on TV or in magazines. You were regular old Plain Jane.
You were also 'definitely' not insecure about your body and/or face.
You were just a Bartender, doing your job every time you had to come in.
"Hey, [Y/N]! It's always lovely to see you working," you heard one curly headed guy say to you. You looked up to see Luke, of course, you would recognize his voice everywhere. "Hey Luke, totally not long time no see.", you said with a chuckle. Luke and his teammates, but certainly his brother Jack would frequent the bar a lot. Especially because you offered a place to dine as well - the food was good but surely not that good. You tried it some time and it did not sit well with your stomach and intestines. Maybe it was a wrong batch that time.
He chuckled as well and winked at you. "Can I... get 8 beers and 3 soda waters, please?" He asked while turning around and counting the heads of his teammates. "Sure, will be coming right up," you put in his order, stuck out your hand for his card and you quickly felt his hand brushing yours while he put his card in your palm. You felt a little shiver going down your spine when he did that. He definitely saw you do it because he gave you a small smile. Your cheeks blushed a little red but you quickly turned around hopeful he didn't see it.
When you were done with his order you put it on a tray so he could take it back to his table. As you handed him the tray his hand would brush yours yet again. You'd think it would've been on purpose and as you looked him in the face - that just confirmed it because he was smirking at you.
That damn smile.
You would always swoon over it, but silently. You gave him a stern look but it just made him smile more at you. As he turned around to finally go back to his table you let out a visible sigh, slumping down your shoulders. Which made your co-worker Trent turn towards you. "Was the little shit flirting again?" he asked. Even though he would joke about them or tease you about Luke, he had a aversion for hockey players because he got hurt by one and other co-workers had as well. He didn't want you to get hurt but he had an inkling Luke wasn't like those other players, who were well players. He had mentioned that Luke's aura feels like one that is looking for a long-term and steady relationship. He was an empath and all that. You would roll your eyes every time he mentioned it.
The night flew by like nothing. The NHL players were pretty tame tonight, even though they had won their game that had happened the same night. They would always get rowdy and let loose of their worries which would always concern you. But lately they have been calm and just chilling at their booth. You weren't asking for them to be rowdy, you were just appreciating the calm atmosphere going on at the bar. They had ordered a lot of drinks and each time Luke was the one getting the drinks. That too has been a common occurrence going on. Him joining you at the bar, sometimes flirt with you - sometimes use a random pick-up line he definitely asked ChatGPT about. It would make you blush, involuntary giggle or even roll your eyes at him. You wondered were the courage came from because usually he would just be friendly or even quiet when waiting for the drinks.
At the end of the night, pretty close to your closing time. He came up one last time, of course to handle the bill but he also did something else. He asked you out. He did what??? You were wondering if you actually heard him right?
"You said what?" you asked him astonished. He rolled his eyes at you and repeated himself with a chuckle. "I was wondering if you wanted to get some coffee with me some time," he smiled at you while leaning on the bar you just wiped down. You stayed quiet in shock for almost a minute which made him awkwardly swing from side to side. You shook your head at first before answering. "But, I'm just a bartender," you said with hesitation. He frowned at you. "What makes you say that?" Turning his head down to the side, looking at you like a little puppy. You cleared your throat before answering. "I'm just some girl working here. Of course I have to be nice to you otherwise you wouldn't come back. I'm also just some plain chick from around town," you said shrugging your shoulders. He frowned just even more which makes him really adorable but you gotta stay serious for the situation going on. "Why are you being like this, [Y/N]?" he asked truthfully. "I've seen you around town, yes. In the grocery store helping some old lady. At the park with your friends enjoying a picnic. I've seen you and I am seeing you right now. You are not just some plain chick or just a bartender. You are a lovely and certainly a pretty girl, I've had my eye on for weeks." He paused for a second, pretty desperately adding the next. "I just want to ask you at to get to know you in a romantic way. So please, go out with me." He added with a sigh, almost flopping down on the bar with his head and shoulders.
You looked at him astonished yet again. "I never would've guessed you feeling like that about me..." But quickly added the next. "And I would love to get to know more about it next Wednesday" This made him perk up at that. You quickly wrote down your number on the receipt he had lying in front of him and handed it to him. He stood up straight and made a little jump when he picked up his receipt which made his brother - you certainly hadn't noticed - holler at Luke. The two of them made their exit, but before the door closed on them, Luke made a quick turnaround and gave you a little wave. You quickly waved back before returning to your closing duties. Trent left an hour before this so you were glad you were alone at the bar. Only left with Chelsea in the back, who was cleaning up the kitchen as your bar's cook.
As you were laying in bed, you suddenly got a message from an unknown number. Guessing it was Luke you opened it.
I'm looking forward to next week! Let me know where you want to go and I'll make some space in my agenda.
x Luke
You smiled at the message and quickly typed one back.
I'm looking forward to it as well. I'll think about it tomorrow and will let you know when and where. But the next date it will be definitely your choice!
x [Y/N]
You got a next message in only thirty seconds.
Oh so there are already plans for second dates. I like your vision you have going on, keep that going!
x Luke
You rolled your eyes, maybe you shouldn't have mentioned it as of now but yet you only dreamed about an opportunity like this.
Goodnight Lukey
x [Y/N]
Goodnight Peach. Sweet dreams xx
You liked the nickname he gave you as you turned on your side to finally get some winks in.
