Christopher 'Kip' Grady

Follows back from @rinksaint

[kipgrcdy]

Christopher 'Kip' Grady

Mixed canon tv show & books, with personal headcanons sprinkled throughout Sideblog ~ Follows back from @rinksaint ~ Penned by Nessa, 33, she/her

carrd || memes

Bestie (heavily affiliated with): @rinkholy

Affiliates: @captainewyork @falling-for-a-fantasy @fcrgocd

Gifs credit

[falling-for-a-fantasy]

semi plotted starter for @kipgrcdy

It had been four days since anyone had last heard from him, and he'd had no destination in mind, just kept walking until he couldn't anymore. After that, he just stayed still and waited; he had no idea what he was waiting for, only that he didn't want to live like this anymore, and he was too scared to do anything about it. So here he sat, waiting for the ocean to swallow him up like the hollow shell he was and take him out to sea where he might finally feel at home in his own body again. Home. He has a home, one with Kip, the man he loves and who he's betrayed. The man whom he'd told countless times he'd let down, that he wasn't good enough for, and here he was proving it. At least he'd had the decency to come with a warning label, that was when he'd felt a strong hand on his shoulder, and for a wonderfully mad moment, he thought it could be his father and that he might be dead. That's when he saw Scott speaking to him, his words falling on deaf ears, and then Luis was beside him already on the phone to somebody, but only one word cut through the humming in his mind, "Kip." The rest of Luis words fizzle out, and he vaguely registers that he's giving the name of a hospital to whoever was on the phone. Feels Scott lift him to his feet, where he registers that his trousers are soaking wet with seawater, and his mouth is dry, then everything goes black. When he next wakes fully, he's in a hospital gown, with an IV drip in his arm, giving him fluids, among other things, and he feels fuzzy as he shifts his head. When he sees someone at his bedside, clarity rushes through him; his mind now catches up with what he'd done, and all he feels is shame. "Fuck.." the word is quiet and strangled as he looks away, desperately trying to hide the tears he knows he doesn't deserve to let fall, "..m'sorry."

[kipgrcdy]

It had been the longest four days in existence. Kip didn't know it was even possible to feel the weight of such panic. It was suffocating. Every time Elio's phone went to voicemail, it got heavier.

He felt useless. His mind replayed all the things he should have said, all the words he could have used to show Elio that he was loved. Could he have stopped this?

His legs had buckled with relief when he'd gotten the call. He'd packed a bag from Elio's apartment, bringing spare clothes, toiletries, and anything else he might need. Kip didn't have time to process his feelings, running on adrenaline as he rushed to the hospital.

The nurses have been kind, letting him stay even though he's not next of kin. Kip refuses to move, glued to the side of Elio's bed, hand holding his. He's half asleep, doubled over with his head resting on the mattress, when he feels movement.

"Hey -" He scrambles to sit upright, eyes filled with relief. Kip shushes him softly, hand lifting to cup his jaw. "It's okay. How are you feeling? You've been out for a few days. They've put you on fluids and IV meds to help with a fever." He's trying (and failing) to hold back tears. "Scott and Luis brought you in. They've visited every day."

[bigassbowlingballhead]

[kipgrcdy]

~ @vcmpdctor || liked for a one liner starter ~

"Hey. Sorry, I couldn't sleep." Kip curls up under the covers, holding the phone to his ear. "Did I wake you?"

[kipgrcdy]

~ @bysk1ppy || [TXT] : i'm grabbing coffee, want one? ( owen for kip ) ~

[text; Owen 💕] I would love one 😍 [text; Owen 💕] Could I get a latte with a shot of hazelnut, please? [text; Owen 💕] And a brownie maybe? 👀

[caprozanov]

✘ ♕ ✘ The bar around them had been getting louder as more people packed in. It wasn't entirely chaotic, nothing like a club, but Ilya felt comfortable being lost in the dim lighting, sitting in the corner with his friend. He'd met Kip during one of his games in New York and was glad he did. The pair hit it off almost immediately. The fact that he was now moving to Boston only excited Ilya. He loved his teammates dearly, but it would be nice to have another friend outside of hockey. He also had a feeling that Kip and Svetlana were going to get along well.

The buzz of the earlier shots settled in the Russian's chest, giving him a pleasant fuzzy feeling as he sipped his beer. Hearing how nonchalantly Kip dedicated himself to switching his loyalty to another team made him roll his eyes with big exaggeration. Before he could give his friend shit about it, though, the Admirals captain was brought up. Ilya shrugged. "I would not say 'well'. He is old dinosaur who is shit stick handler. What else is there to know?" Even as he insulted Hunter, though, there was a soft smile on his lips giving way to the fact that somewhere deep, under all the banter, there was respect for the other captain.

[kipgrcdy]

Kip shouldn't tell him. It's not his secret to tell. But on the other hand, it's been exhausting keeping it hidden. Having to grieve the end of a relationship in secret? It was more difficult than he could have ever anticipated. All he wanted was to talk to someone about it. Someone who knew Scott, who was in the hockey world, who might understand.

"He's the reason I'm moving to Boston." The words tumble out, encouraged by the alcohol that's buzzing around his system. Kip flushes. "Uh -" Hand lifts, rubbing the back of his neck. "We were together. Dating. And now we're not. So I decided a fresh start was needed." He swallows. "Please don't tell anyone. I shouldn't even have told you that but -" A sigh leaves his lips. "It's been exhausting and sad. And not being able to talk about it has made it feel so much worse."

[caprozanov]

✘ ♕ ✘ Though Ilya didn't want Kip to be embarrassed about anything, he had to admit that the flush on those tanned cheeks was incredibly endearing. And sexy. As someone with a sweet tooth, the Russian actually loved the gift and knew he'd be breaking into it later that night. "No, not stupid. Very sweet," he said in earnest before settling forward at the bar, both forearms resting along the edge.

The compliments felt good, even as his date rambled a bit through them. "Of course I do," he answered playfully with a smirk. Ilya glanced to his drink as a feeling of guilt settling in his stomach as the smile faded. Thankfully he already knew Kip, which meant that Kip knew him and what he did for a living, but that didn't make this any less hard. Ilya had never been ashamed of his sexuality, but if he wanted to keep his job, to keep doing what he did, he had to keep it a secret. Keeping a man like Kip a secret felt like a crime, though.

"Yeah, was good," he answered, nodding before finally meeting the other's gaze again. "Kip... You know me. You know that maybe some things I probably can't talk about, yes? Not here. The bar is good, better than a booth. Here we are friends having a drink." He lowered his voice, looking far more embarrassed than Kip ever did as he continued. "Cannot be anything more. Here. You understand this, yes?" There was a pleading, apologetic look in his eyes as he studied Kip's expression.

[kipgrcdy]

Kip knows that look. The apologetic expression that silently begs him not to say anything. He had seen it on Scott's face too many times to count. It brings up a complex mix of emotions that he doesn't fully have the capacity to process. Mainly, disappointment. Which is followed by guilt because that's selfish and he hates that he defaulted to those feelings.

"Hey - You have nothing to worry about. I understand." Kip twists his glass in his hand as he nods, leaning back a little in his seat. Tongue flicks out to wet his lower lip as he thinks about what he wants to say. "Look, I get it. Probably better than most. So don't worry." He feels cryptic, trying to get his reassurance across in as few words as possible. The last thing he wants is for Ilya to spend the evening worrying about Kip getting handsy or overly flirty.

"We're just two friends hanging out cause neither of us has dates on Valentine's Day." He gives him a soft smile before reaching for a menu. "Can we order some fries? I didn't eat much today." He'd been too busy worrying about the date, panicking over it. "Or nachos? Those look good."

[rinkholy]

Eden sighs, frowning as they stare at his texts. What do they even make of it? What could they even say? They sniffle and wipe at their eyes, trying to push down the sudden wave of guilt that rushes over them.

[TXT Kip 🥰]: i'm not worth crying over. you know that, yes?

[TXT Kip 🥰]: i don't know what i'm trying to say...just that i'm sorry. you deserve someone who makes you really happy

[kipgrcdy]

[text; Eden 💙] I disagree. You're worth crying over. You're a really special person. You've been there for so much, it sorta feels sometimes like you helped form part of the person I am today. Like you're ingrained in me. [text; Eden 💙] I appreciate the apology. Thank you.

Kip chews at his lower lip for a moment, thinking.

[text; Eden 💙] I hope you find someone who makes you happy too, in the future.

[kipgrcdy]

~ @audaciiae || cont'd from x ~

"You say eccentric, I say intimidating." Kip snorts, kicking at a rock as they move through the trees. "You're all so intelligent, I've been overthinking everything I've been saying all weekend." He can't bear the thought of them thinking Francis's new boyfriend is stupid.

"A few months now. But we've been friends for a while. I was dating someone else, but we broke up and I sorta realised that I might've had feelings for Francis all along." He flushes a little as he thinks about his boyfriend, trying to contain the happy smile that threatens whenever he comes to mind. "He makes me really happy. We're both different but we click in all the right ways, if that makes sense? We complement each other, I think." He looks over at Camilla. "What about you? Are you dating anyone?"

[caprozanov]

( txt ➞ Smoothie King 🍒 ) : if I thought you would go easy on me, I wouldn't want to play at all ( txt ➞ Smoothie King 🍒 ) : I will see you then, Grady.

[kipgrcdy]

[text; Hockey's Hottie 🏒] See you then, Rozanov.

Kip arrives at the bowling place a little before 7pm on Friday, trying to ignore how fucking nervous he feels. It's stupid. They've already had one date, surely the second is supposed to be easier? But it's not. It feels like there's more weighing on it this time.

He orders two drinks at the bar, paying for a lane and making his way over to set everything up. He texts Ilya the lane number before sitting, literally twiddling his thumbs as he waits.

[kipgrcdy]

~ @allxheathens || cont'd from x ~

Kip turns his head on the pillow, eyes drifting over Scott's features. How is it possible to love someone this much and not be able to be with him? It seems unfair that they could click like this and still have the universe be against them. "You still wear them?" It softens Kip's whole expression. He'd thought that Scott might throw them away after the breakup.

"No, it's not creepy, I think that's really cute." Kip makes a note to look out the window of the Kingfisher more often, to maybe catch a glimpse of the man who's stolen his heart. "I'm there a lot these days. Sometimes not even drinking, it's just - Easier than being alone, I guess."

The nights feel long without Scott. He's back living with his dad, and it just all feels like a step backwards. "I miss you so much; sometimes it's suffocating." He stares back up at the ceiling, finding it easier to be vulnerable when he's not looking at him. "I don't know how to move on from us."

[dxmnedderelict]

starter for @rinksaint -> from Mitch to Kip <3

"I told you I'm not a good person to be around. I'm most likely never gonna want anymore more than this,,,, but that doesn't make me a good enough person to stay away from you either. I still want you."

[kipgrcdy]

"Why do you want me?" Kip finds himself so fucking confused by Mitch. He's tried his best not to develop feelings, and some days are easier than others. "Do you think you'll ever want something real with anyone? Not necessarily me."

[kipgrcdy]

~ @rinkholy || cont'd from x ~

"Yes, but we're also exes." Kip mutters, fingers reaching up to gently card through their hair. "The dynamic is more complicated, and you know it."

"No, it's okay." He rests his chin on the top of their forehead. Eden will always have a special place in his heart. He's long abandoned the idea of anything more happening between them, but he does see them being in his life forever. He can't imagine them not being. They've been through too much together. "Go on then. Tell me about Troy and how you feel about him." And then. "You're not pushing him away, are you?"

[kipgrcdy]

~ @audaciiae || cont'd from x ~

"I know." Although, in that moment Kip can't imagine ever finding someone. He's stuck in this cycle of pity and self-loathing that has him questioning everything about himself. Which he also cannot stand because that's not him. He's never like this. But Scott Hunter has turned everything in his world upside down.

He's grateful for Francis in that moment, grateful to have someone he can come to who understands. He stands, looking around, eyes falling to the pictures on the wall. He picks it up, gaze drifting over the people in the photo. "Are these your friends?" He tilts it towards Francis when he re-enters, showing him. "You're an attractive group of people."

[kipgrcdy]

~ @rozanovmenace || cont'd from x ~

Kip laughs softly. "I know the feeling. I've only ever been on one other blind date, and it ended after thirty minutes because the guy was definitely some sort of psychopath." Dating in New York is wild. You never know what you're gonna get.

"Sorry, the gesture seemed cuter in my mind, but now that we know each other, it's a bit stupid." A flush colours his cheeks as Ilya looks at the chocolates. Thank fuck he hadn't brought flowers. Chocolates are more discreet, at least. "Oh - Thanks -" He leans forward, ordering a gin and tonic from the bartender before sitting back in his seat and allowing himself a moment to take Ilya in. "You look really handsome tonight." And then. "I mean, you always look handsome but -" He clears his throat, willing himself to be less awkward. He knows he'll settle into it - It's just the initial nerves working their way out of his body. "Yeah. You look good."

"So - How was your day? Did you have practice?"

[captaincwyork-deactivated202605]

@kipgrcdy liked for a lyric one liner from scott's playlist.

paladin strait - twenty one pilots

"I'm all in, I'm surrounded, put my money where my mouth is."

he was going to do things differently this time ( no more hiding - no more panicking ) , and that was why scott had come out the way he had. "you are a priority to me." lips press against the side of kip's head. "the biggest." HE'D ONCE THOUGHT NOTHING COULD EVER COME BEFORE HOCKEY , he'd put every ounce of himself into his career , but the truth was , he'd never known what it was like to be truly happy , until he'd walked into that smoothie shop.

[kipgrcdy]

The words cause Kip's whole expression to crumple, emotion flooding through him. Truthfully, he'd been carrying around this fear that Scott would regret coming out. That he'd realise Kip wasn't 'worth' it. The media frenzy has been unstoppable; his whole life has been splashed across the newspapers. He doesn't regret any of it - But he worries Scott might.

He nods, burying his face in his boyfriend's neck and taking a soft breath. "I'm so proud of you. You're an inspiration to so many people." He reaches for his hand, twisting their fingers together. "I'm going to spend the rest of our lives together trying to make you as happy as you make me."

[captaincwyork-deactivated202605]

[ @kipgrcdy liked for a starter. ]

he's through the door in seconds , ditching his bag & rummaging in his pocket. HE'D WANTED TO DO THIS WHOLE THING , had something romantic planned , until the plane got grounded and he'd been left in another country , waiting. yeah , sure , he'd let kip know & his boyfriend had seemed okay with it , but scott still felt like shit. THIS WASN'T WHAT HE'D PLANNED.

"hey baby." he's jumping over the sofa in seconds , settling beside him. kip looks exhausted - which isn't a surprise given how much he's juggling right now with studying and working. pressing a kiss to his cheek , he brings out a tiny velvet box. HE'D AT LEAST HAD HELP PICKING THE RING , elena had been very specific about what kip would like.

"i uh...got something to ask you."

[kipgrcdy]

Kip's tucked up on the sofa, surrounded by his notes and the remnants of a takeout. Scott's delayed flight and their date night being cancelled meant that he'd try to use the time to catch up on an assignment. If he can get it done tonight, he might actually manage a lie-in in the morning.

"Hey -" He smiles, finishing off the note he'd been writing. "If you're going to ask about food, I've already eaten, but I did order some for you, which I've been keeping hot in the oven."

Then he finally looks up and sees the expression on Scott's face. Eyes drop to the box, realisation forming a bubble of excitement in his stomach.

The notes are tossed to the side, Kip scrambling a little to give him his full attention, his heart pounding. He's trying not to get too ahead of himself. It could just be a keyring. Or a charm. Or anything else that might come in a small velvet box. God, he hopes that's not the case. He hopes this is it. "Is that what I think it is?"