nycbaby21

[nycbaby21]

I would love some dialogue prompts of shy compliments or showing of affection! Thank you for all your work it’s so inspiring

Shy Compliments

"I really appreciate you. So much."

"They're beautiful. Your eyes, I mean."

"You always know how to make everyone feel comfortable."

"I really like your laugh. It... it always makes me laugh too."

"You... you really make the world a better place just by being in it."

"It's embarrassing to say, but I watched you work and you're truly amazing at it."

"You're so talented. Just... wanted you to know."

"I admire they way you see the world."

"Not to sound weird, but... you have a great fashion sense."

"I try not to make this awkward, but you should know how wonderful you are."

More: One Hundred Compliments | Grumpy Affectionate Dialogue

- Jana

[nycbaby21]

Fifteenth Day of Gift-Giving

Fifteen Fluffy Moments

each quietly doing household chores, meeting each other every now and then in a room, giving each other a smile or kiss while passing by

going on a walk together, walking their usual route, hand in hand, talking about work, friends and whatever they have on their mind

reading together on the couch, one lays their head on the other's lap, getting their soft hair played with

winning at game night, the tension during the game and the laughter when they realize one won by a small margin

napping together, either in bed or on the couch, just deciding that now is the perfect moment for a nap, enjoying each other's closeness

sharing their clothes, one wearing the other's sweater, the other one only going out with the other's scarf wrapped around their neck, smelling so lovely

reading the newspaper for the person who's making breakfast, telling them about the latest news, until they decide it's too sad for an early morning and switch to the quiz page

working on their hobbies next to each other, each doing their own thing, showing off what they've done from time to time, praising each other on what they've accomplished

fighting over the blanket, pressing their cold feet against the other's calf, cursing and play-fighting until they settle back down, holding each other close

doing each other's hair the way they like it the most, not letting the other one sneak a peek at the mirror

sitting in the car and singing a song together, both trying to outshine the other

bringing each other flowers without having a special occasion, just picking up a small bouquet from a vendor on the streets and bringing them home

cooking together, bumping into each other while going from the fridge to the stove, each knowing their parts, letting the other taste the food before deciding that it's perfect

showering together, washing each other's hair and trying to keep close to get some of the warm water

kissing each other goodbye, in the morning before work, when one goes on a short trip, when one goes out for the night with some friends

24 Days of Gift-Giving

[nycbaby21]

what a moment this is 💕🫶 #13 forever

[nycbaby21]

@ canadiansmtl: testing out our new wind machine

[nycbaby21]

I don’t blog about sports, but early this morning my favourite athlete Johnny ‘Hockey’ Gaudreau was knocked off his bicycle and killed along with his younger brother the night before their sister’s wedding. He had just turned 31 years old, married his next door neighbour and had a toddler daughter and a 6 month old son (who were planned to be flower girl and ring bearer at the wedding).

I adored Johnny because he was a such a small streak of lightning in a game full of huge dudes who were regularly a whole foot taller than him. His skills were just fucking phenomenal and he was so exciting to watch. I screamed with joy and cheered him on so loudly I lost my voice on many occasions. He represented his country for International Competitions and is the highest US point scorer.

I could get technical and talk about my favourite goals of his, his stickhandling, dangles, on ice spatial awareness etc but it is all on film for anyone to see, just too much to choose from. Nobody moved like Johnny Hockey.

As a person he was a sweet, kind guy who was universally liked in the sport and beyond. I do not follow celebrities on social media, but on hockey forums there are endless stories of his voracious love of mac and cheese (so much so Kraft put him in a TV ad) and skittles candies that he had a hockey stick covered in them and auctioned for charity.

In interviews he always talked hockey and his family. Whenever asked about new contracts and paycheques he would just shrug and say ‘yeah I bought my dad a boat so we can go fishing’ or ‘I just got a cool new wheelchair lift installed in my holiday home so my cousin can come and spend time with me’, or change the subject and talk about his dog, his wife and kids or The Birds. He was a real gem of a gentleman, modest and always ready to give credit to his team and dad (legendary NJ coach Guy Gaudreau) who motivated Johnny to skate as a toddler by placing skittles candies on the ice for him to fetch.

I’m am so sad for him, his family. This is just a blurb of feels about someone I counted down the days for until I could see them make magic on ice. I wish I could write a good tribute, dammit. Thank you Johnny Hockey.

[nycbaby21]

hi! do you have some ideas for secret dating in friend group? 💟

Hi :)

Secret dating in friend group

Their friends decided that they want to get them together, not knowing they've already done it themselves.

Lying to your best friends is hard. Especially when they know you so well.

They both had different reasons for why they didn't want their friends to find out about them.

Being on a secret date when suddenly all their friends show up. They have to act fast to not get busted.

When asked by their friends, they straight up denied any romance between them.

To counteract their friends' suspicions they now act like they don't even like each other one bit. Not even as friends.

They have quite elaborate plans to keep their relationship a secret in their friend group, not knowing that everyone is well aware of it.

I hope you like them!

- Jana

[nycbaby21]

❤️❤️❤️

A Shot at Love: The First Rose

5.7k words

Tonight, on ‘A Shot at Love’, who will be the recipient of the first rose?

The boys are invited on group dates, with one lucky guy being awarded the coveted one on one date. With two men being awarded roses prior to the ceremony, solidifying their place in the mansion for another week.

At the end of the night, voting will officially open and viewers will get to chose who moves on to next week.

Voting is only open for 24 hours, so be sure to cast your vote for who should get the first rose!

As you scanned the room, you took a deep breath, a smile on your face as his name sat on your tongue, eager to shout it out and see his reaction. But you kept your composure, as you finally called his name.

“John, would you like to go and chat?”

All eyes flew to John as he beamed, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket. The rest of the room gave him a few cheers, though you saw the looks of disappointment on the other men’s faces as they realized John was surely the recipient of the first rose.

As he joined you at the front of the group he took your hand in his, his smile making your stomach do backflips as you led him off to another room to talk. The rest of the guys hung back with Biz and Whit, questioning one another on how their one on one conversations went, trying to figure out why they weren’t chosen over John.

“So, Mr. John Marino. How do you feel?”

John sighed out of relief as he sat next to you on the couch, his smile not having left his lips since he’d heard you call his name.

“Honestly, I’m a little surprised. I mean, don’t get me wrong I’m feeling great! But, I know we didn’t get much time together so I didn’t expect to be called for the first rose.”

His hands were still holding yours as his thumbs brushed over your skin, tracing small circles as his eyes focused on yours.

“That is true, but, in the few moments we had. You made me feel so calm, you noticed me having a hard time and whether you felt like you did anything, you helped me so much in that moment. And that means so much to me. More than talking to anyone about their opinions on why certain people should or shouldn’t be here, more than talking about silly things like favorite colors and favorite foods. You were able to see me in a difficult moment, and that felt amazing that you recognized all I needed in that moment was a hug and reassurance.”

John could see in your eyes just how much that short interaction had meant to you. Not knowing in the moment that a simple hug and some reassurance would be everything you needed and more.

“So, with that being said. John, will you accept this rose?”

He tried his best to hide the blush that was creeping onto his cheeks, but you immediately could see his excitement. The look on his face as he smiled down at you, rose in hand, and it was all for him.

“I would be honored to accept this rose.”

Your inner voice squealed in excitement as you pinned the rose to his jacket, hands resting on his chest as you took in the feeling. Not wanting to get ahead of yourself, but very much happy with the idea of John being a contender for your heart.

As your eyes moved from the rose to meet his, you’d wondered if he was thinking the same thing as you. But before you could search his expression for some sort of clue, his lips were on yours. A hand resting on your cheek as he kissed you, nothing crazy but just enough to have your heart racing. One of your hands leaving his chest to tangle in his hair as you felt your heart racing.

John, like the gentleman he was, stopped before he’d gotten ahead of himself. Wanting to be respectful with it only being the first night, though he was fairly confident he’d have plenty more chances in the future to kiss you if he’d done so well on night one.

As John pulled away you tried your best to hide your blush, a smile plastered on your face as you giggled to yourself.

“What? Do I have something in my teeth?”

He playfully questioned as you smacked his chest. “No of course not! You’re just, you’re cute John Marino. I can’t help blushing around you.”

The two of your rejoined the group, the rest of the guys now lined up for the rose ceremony. John took his place to the side as he awaited the fate of the rest of the men, while you found yours at the front with Biz and Whit.

“Gentleman, tonight’s first rose ceremony will unfortunately see two of you eliminated. John has received the first rose of the night, and now it is time to see who will join him and move on to next week.”

Biz moved to step to the side, but not before Whit could stop him.

“Biz, you forgot something.”

“No I didn’t? Oh, god, I’m drunk guys forgive me.”

Biz cleared his throat as he reached into his pocket pulling out, you guessed it, more Pink Whitney.

“This first rose ceremony is sponsored by Pink Whitney, the official vodka of ‘A Shot at Love’. Remember to always drink responsibly, except you Luke because you’re not 21. You just can’t drink, period.”

The guys shook their heads laughing as you rolled your eyes.

“Can I start now?”

Biz and Whit took the places off to the side as you grabbed a rose, your hands sweaty as you looked at the men in front of you. One by one calling the names of those who would stick around for another week.

“Quinn…Nico…Auston…Mat Barzal…Luke…Matt Rempe…Cole…Trevor.”

Three men remained, but there was only one rose. Jamie nervously bit his lip, while Vince’s eyes were focusing anywhere but you, and Jack seemed the most calm, a soft smile on his face as waited for the final name to be called.

Taking a deep breath, you knew that it wasn’t going to be any easier the longer you waited, you called the final name.

“Jamie-“

His eyes went wide as he stepped forward, clearly surprised to know you’d picked him, but of course thankful.

“Jamie, will you accept this rose?”

“Yes, of course!”

Pinning the rose to his jacket he gave you a hug before joining the group of chosen men. Vince and Jack both looked to the ground as Biz and Whit had to point out the obvious.

“Gentleman, I’m sorry but you have not received a rose tonight. it’s time to say your goodbyes.”

The two men said goodbye to the group before they each gave you a hug, wishing you luck and thanking you for the time they’d spent with you, despite it being short. Then they headed off to pack their bags, the rest of the group all gathering around to say toast.

“I just want to thank each of you for an amazing first night, I feel like there is such a great group of guys here. And you definitely are not going to make this easy on me by any means. Cheers to ‘A Shot at Love’ !”

-

The next morning the remaining ten men gathered in the living room, impatiently waiting for the arrival of the group date letter.

“Gentleman, any takers?”

Biz held up the letter and Jamie volunteered being the closest to Biz, taking the letter and opening it to reveal your message for the guys.

“Cole, Matt Rempe, Nico, Quinn, and Trevor. It’s time to putt your skills to the test and drive your way into my heart.”

The selected group cheered as they knew they were headed out to golf, the remaining guys a bit discouraged their names weren’t called. Left wondering why they hadn’t been chosen, or if perhaps one of them would be lucky enough to get a coveted one on one date with you later.

-

“Hey boys!”

The five chosen guys looked up to find you waving from the balcony above, all of them smiling from ear to ear at the sight of you. Trevor having the brilliant idea to race the rest of them up the stairs to be the first one to greet you, to which Cole was the only one to challenge him. The remaining guys taking their time to join the three of you, taking in the view from the Top Golf platform.

You laughed at Trevor and Cole fighting over who could hug you first, the two of them continuing to bicker as you greeted Quinn, Matt, and Nico.

“I’m sure you all can see clearly that we are golfing today! But I figured Top Golf would be a little more fun, we can have some drinks and good food. And hopefully I don’t hit anyone with a golf club.”

The guys chuckled as you all moved to grab your clubs, Nico immediately helping you find one that would suit you best.

“I think this one, that’s perfect. Practice your swing and see how that feels.”

“Oh god, everyone is watching and will definitely be able to tell I do not golf regularly.”

Nico laughed as he helped to position your hands, enjoying the opportunity to get closer to you as he felt like he didn’t have that great of a chance the night before. You tucked some hair behind your ear as you smiled at him, watching as he assessed your stance, approving and waiting for you to give a practice swing.

“That was great! Now let’s try it with the ball.”

Nico continued helping you get set up, the other guys watching or talking amongst themselves. Despite Nico’s help you still felt nervous to have them all watching, and the boys could tell, though they thought it was cute to see how nervous you were.

“You got this y/n. If it makes you feel any better, there is no way you will suck as bad as Trevor.”

Quinn’s comment made you laugh, Trevor quickly protesting despite his mouth being full of nachos. “Just you wait Quinn, guarantee I score higher than you today!”

Finally you took your swing, the ball surprisingly going far as cheered, hugging Nico and thanking him for his help.

“Okay, maybe I should retire early cause that was the best I have ever done. Maybe I'll just sit back and watch all of you and admire how good y’all look golfing.”

Taking a seat on the couch you playfully munched on some fries as each of the boys stepped up to show off their skills. Cheering each of them on only made them all more competitive, wanting to get more of your praises than the last guy. It was clear that Quinn was the better golfer of the group, Trevor and Cole spending most of their time trying to hype one another up or joking around. Despite trying to follow their conversation, they lost you quickly as they both spoke a mile a minute.

After a few minutes, Matt joined you on the couch as he sipped his water. “Do you golf much in the offseason?”

He shook his head as he smiled, your heart skipping a beat at how cute he was. Despite being a giant, Matt was more like a big teddy bear. His nervousness around you only made you want to get to know him more, to attempt to calm his nerves and get him to open up.

“To be honest, I am not much of a golfer at all. I like spending time with family in my offseason, of course I train, but I try to dedicate as much time to family as I can.”

“I love that. So I take it you’re very close with your family?”

“Oh yeah!”

His smile grew ten times bigger as he turned to face you on the couch, his body language immediately showing you that he’d relaxed as he began telling you about his mom and sister’s. Talking about how they’d come to see his debut at the Stadium Series and how they were his biggest supporters. It warmed your heart to see this side of Matt when the majority of people saw him as just a guy who fights all the time on the ice.

“Y/n, can you please tell Quinn he was wrong?”

Trevor interrupted your conversation with Matt, pulling your attention as you got up to head to his lane where he had been golfing. Giving Matt a squeeze of his hand as you walked past him, wanting him to know you’d appreciated the conversation.

“Tell Quinn what Trevor?”

“That he was wrong, and I am actually a good golfer.”

“Well let’s see something, I can’t judge without seeing some proof.”

Trevor agreed, setting the ball on his tee as he urged you to stand back so he didn’t hit you with his club accidentally. You softly chuckled to yourself as Quinn appeared next to you, whispering his digs about Trevor in your ear.

“He’s gonna choke, just watch…What target are you aiming for Z?”

“Shut up Quinn!”

Trevor took a deep breath before he swung, the ball going nowhere near any of the targets. Cursing to himself as he walked back to the couch in embarrassment.

“It’s okay Trevor, you still hit the ball.”

You threw your arms around Trevor trying to cheer him up as you could see him discouraged. His competitive nature overtaking his ability to enjoy the date and just have fun. He softly smiled at you, appreciating your attempt to cheer him up before he took a seat back on one of the couches. Going back to the nachos he was enjoying earlier.

“Let’s see your skills Quinn, since you were talking such a big game!”

The boys joined one another on the couch as you headed back to Quinn’s lane, messing with him as he tried to focus on his swing.

“What do you guys think of y/n?”

Nico asked the group quietly as he sipped his drink. The boys all glancing from him to you, as they didn’t know who would speak first.

“I think she’s pretty amazing. She is always so engaged, picking up on little things you mention and wanting to learn more. I just, I appreciate her seeing past us being hockey players you know?”

Matt spoke up to the surprise of the others, though they all agreed. Nico smiling as he watched you laughing at something Quinn had said, admiring how beautiful you were without even trying.

“Plus she’s pretty gorgeous huh?”

Nico playfully spoke as the others agreed without hesitation. Trevor and Cole headed back to their lanes, golfing a bit more as they were battling to see who could hit the ball further.

“Those two care more about spending time together than spending time with the girl we all came here for.”

Matt laughed at Nico’s comment, the two of them tipping their drinks to one another as the date was soon coming to an end.

You bid the guys farewell as they headed back to the house, the group only making you realize how much harder this journey would be as you get to know each of the guys. Learning about them, their families, their interests. You’d found yourself getting attached to each of them, which would only mean the rose ceremonies would become even harder.

-

As the guys arrived back at the house, those not invited on the date asked a million questions. Some of them are a bit discouraged about not having the chance to show off their golf skills to impress you. Others just hoped it meant they were going to be the lucky guy to get the one on one date with you.

“Guysss, we have a solo date letter!”

Mat Barzal entered the room flashing the letter in his hand, standing at the front of the group to read it. His reaction immediately told the group he was not the lucky one, but he chose to take his time to build up the anticipation for everyone else.

“Auston, break my heart and you’ll end up in the dog house.”

Auston smiled as the guys shook his shoulders, patting him on the back with cheers as he’d gotten the date they’d all been hoping for. He tried to control his excitement, but inside he was screaming with joy. The night before he had a great feeling about your conversation, so being awarded the first one on one date reassured him you’d felt the same way.

-

As he made his way out of the van, finding you patiently waiting for him, he couldn’t help but smile. Lightly jogging over to you he wrapped you in a hug, slightly lifting you off your feet as he spun you around. The giggles coming from you only make him wrap his arms around you tighter.

“Hello to you too Auston!”

He set you down with a smile, exchanging hellos as he began to assess the multiple reusable shipping bags that were set on the ground behind you.

“Any ideas of what we might be doing today?”

Peeking in the bag his eyes went wide as he smiled at you. “Are we doing something with dogs? Please say yes!”

The second you’d chosen to have a one on one date with Auston, you knew you wanted to involve dogs. He had a dog of his own, and you’d always loved the animal. Growing up with dogs, and having volunteered at shelters your entire life, you felt it would be a great opportunity to get to know each other more.

“Yes! We are going to be taking some donations to this local animal shelter and volunteering with some of the dogs today. You’re a dog dad, I have previously been a dog mom, and I thought this was the perfect date for us.”

“I’m so freaking excited, oh my god!”

Auston picked up the majority of the bags, not wanting you to have to do any heavy lifting, while you led the way to the shelter entrance. The owners waited for the two of you to arrive, greeting you with smiles as they saw all the donations you were bringing.

“Y/n, Auston, thank you so much for being here! And all these donations, wow! Thank you so much!”

Workers had gathered to take the donations, beginning to sort through the items while the owners took the two of you in for a tour. Auston’s hand instinctively grabbed yours as the two of you headed towards the kennels to meet some of the dogs.

“Shut up, this is heaven!”

Auston’s smile only made yours grow ten times bigger as you both were eyeing all of the dogs, wagging their tails and barking, excited to see new faces. A younger dog, a bernedoodle to be exact, immediately caught Auston’s eye.

“He looks a little bit like Felix huh?”

Auston’s eyes quickly met yours, as he was shocked you knew his dog’s name. Sure you knew about Auston, and his team, but the fact you knew something more personal about him, it warmed his heart.

“He does, makes me miss the stud. What’s this little guys name?”

Auston looked to one of the workers, “that is Cooper, he’s been here about 7 months now. He came in when he was a puppy, he just turned 2 last week. Poor guy just hasn’t had much interest from anyone.”

You could see on Auston’s face that he was drawn to the dog, the look in his eyes that of sadness. Wishing he could help the dog, but knowing that he couldn’t be the saving grace the dog needed. Though maybe today he could at least show the dog love and affection to make his day.

“Can we take him out?”

Auston smiled at your suggestion, kneeling down in front of Cooper’s kennel as he laughed at the dog spinning and jumping in circles.

“Absolutely!”

The worker led you and Auston out back to the fenced in field, allowing you time with Cooper to play. Auston immediately ran around while the pup chased after him, eventually falling to the grass as Cooper peppered his face with kisses.

You joined the two of them in the grass, Copper climbing into your lap as you played tug of war with one a rope toy he’d brought out from his kennel.

“This is honestly the best date of my life. A beautiful girl, dogs, I’m in heaven for sure.”

Auston’s words made you blush as you cuddled up with Cooper. “Well I’m happy to know that you’re enjoying yourself. And I can’t believe we lucked out with this adorable puppy that looks so much like Felix.”

He nodded as he gave the dog some love, “It is crazy how much he looks like him. I don’t know if I could handle two pups right now though. Felix might also not like it if he had to share me.”

“What if he has to share you with me?”

You were a bit shocked at your own words, being forward never your style, so you tried to laugh it off. But Auston didn’t mind it, appreciating the comment as he smiled.

“I think Felix would love you, and he’d gladly share me.”

It made you happy to know that Auston had even considered what his dog would think of him bringing you around. Sure it was a dog, and you’d like to assume Felix was friendly with everyone. But the fact he thought about you and him being together at the end of this warmed your heart.

The two of you continued your time outside with Cooper before returning him to his kennel, completely worn out from his play time. Moving on to help with setting up new kennels for incoming dogs, as well as helping with feeding time. It made you happy to know you’d picked a date that despite it being some volunteering, Auston was so willing to participate and didn’t think twice.

You bid your goodbyes to the workers, and of course to Cooper, before you headed off to have a little more one on one time.

“I really want to thank you for today.”

Auston sat next to you as you sipped some water, a questioning look on your face. “Thank me? Why?”

“Well I don’t know, this date just felt special. I’m not gonna speak about any other guys because that’s not how I want to spend my time with you. But I know that this is a date I’d do again and again. Volunteering and giving back is something I’ve made a priority since I got to Toronto, and it makes me happy that it’s something close to your heart too.”

You smiled as you took his hand, holding it tight as his thumb traced circles over your skin.

“It is, I’ve always loved to be involved in my community, and to give back. And, when I was thinking of things for us to do I just kept coming back to this idea, and something told me this was the right choice.”

The two of you continued on with conversation, Auston talking about Felix, then his family. But you couldn’t help but want to go deeper and talk about things that he’d not brought up.

“So, I wanted to revisit what you mentioned yesterday. About the fact that you all could have any girl you wanted on your arm. What’s been missing for Auston that he hasn’t found the right girl yet?”

He let out a soft laugh as he pondered the question, letting out a sigh as he shrugged.

“I’ve dated, like most guys in the league have. But, the girls that I’ve been with. They see me simply as a pro hockey player who makes lots of money, lives this extravagant life, and they see my circle of friends I keep. They don’t see me, Auston Matthews. Just a kid from Arizona that just so happened to make it big. I don’t care about the flashy stuff or that I’m friends with big name celebrities. I’m focused on one day finding my person, a girl I can give a ring to. Someone I can start a family with, have the dogs running around the yard with the kids. Making breakfast together on Sunday mornings. That’s what I want. And I’m not just trying to make you blush, I truly think I could see that with you. And, I can’t help but be nervous around you or scared about whether or not you feel the same.”

Seeing the look on Auston’s face it was easy to see his nerves, to see past the NHL star persona. Seeing in his eyes he meant every word he said. Your heart skipping a beat as you were taking your time to think of how to respond, no words seeming like they’d come close to being as sweet as his.

“I don’t want to simply say I feel the same, because that sounds like a cop out, but I feel like I can’t even come close with how heartfelt that was.”

Auston laughed as held your hand tighter, his other hand tucking some hair behind your ear. Thumb resting on your cheek as his smile faded, you biting your lip as he slowly closed the distance. His lips meeting yours, the kiss being everything you’d hoped for and more.

He took control, but kept things respectful, deepening the kiss slightly as he only continued with your permission. Eventually pulling away he couldn’t help but laugh, you doing the same as there was no hiding your blush.

“Well damn, you’re a really good kisser too. Definitely not making this any easier on a guy you know.”

You buried your face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around you, kissing your head before helping you to your feet.

-

The guys gathered in the living room the next morning, those who had not yet been called for a date hoping to hear their names called.

“Group date card boys!”

Trevor entered the room holding the coveted date card envelope, smiling as he read it to himself.

“Mat Barzal, John, Luke, and Jamie, you boys are cute enough to eat.”

The boys looked at each other with smirks as they tried to imagine what that could mean. Their dirty thoughts of course running wild, but knowing it was too good to be true as this show was broadcast on television after all.

-

“Hello boys!”

You waved to the boys as they entered the private room of the restaurant, each smiling wide as they hugged you. A soft giggle coming from your lips knowing what was in store for them.

“So, I’m sure you think we are just going to enjoy some nice lunch today, a fun chill date. Right?”

The guys nodded as they awkwardly looked at one another. Their expressions showed they’d become nervous at the suspicion in your voice.

“You boys will be enjoying some lunch, but you will not know what you’re eating until after you take a bite.”

Their jaws fell to the floor as they all laughed, immediately wishing they’d been chosen to go golfing like the other group.

“I really enjoy traveling and trying cuisines from different countries, so I thought you boys could try some today. The guy who eats the most will automatically get a rose for tonight’s ceremony.”

The guys took their seats at the table, you finding your place across from them as they each were adorned with bibs around their necks. John shook his head as he glared at Luke, the younger boy simply laughing to himself as he shyly looked down at the table.

“What’s so funny over there?”

Playfully questioning John he pointed down to Luke while he spoke, “Rusty over there is like a human garbage disposal, this isn’t even a competition with him.”

“Rusty? Like Ocean’s 11?”

Luke’s eyes went wide, shocked you knew the reference. “I watch movies Luke, I don’t live under a rock.”

Everyone laughed as the first dish was brought out, hidden under lids as the guys took deep breaths.

“Let’s start easy…sushi with eel.”

The boys didn’t even flinch, each of them eating the sushi with no issues. Little did they know the next round would be a drastic change of pace.

“This time, I’m not telling you what you’ve got.”

The guys looked to one another, though Luke didn’t hesitate, taking a bite of the unknown food as the others slowly followed. Mat and Jamie both making faces as they painfully swallowed. John keeping a straight face as he rushed to get the bite down.

“Any guesses?” The guys shook their heads as you tried to contain your laughter, “Those were Rocky Mountain Oysters.”

“Bull testicles? You’re kidding?” Mat immediately shook his head, a hand soon coming to his mouth as he gagged. The others simply tried their best to not let the thought eliminate them from the opportunity at a rose, though this clearly was no enjoyable game for them.

“Okay looks like Mat is out…next dish?”

The remaining three guys each took a minute to try and decipher what was in front of them. Though it didn’t look bad at all, they knew that was too good to be true after the last dish. Each of them picking up the toast and taking a bite, Jamie’s facial expression making you burst out laughing as he shook his head. Needing to spit out the food into his napkin.

“Jamie is out…that my friends was vegemite.”

John and Luke shrugged, as if to say that was an easy round. The next dish coming out and being revealed, each of them a bit unsure of it just based on the smell.

“John you really don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to, I’m not forcing you.” You laughed as a pained expression came across his face, trying his best to focus and force himself to take a bit. His competitive nature getting the best of him as he didn’t want to let Luke win.

Luke on the other hand didn’t even pay attention to John, simply taking a bite of the food and barely making a face. Though immediately chugging some water after he’d swallowed it down.

“What, the hell, was that?”

John questioned as he chugged his water, trying to get the taste out of his mouth. “Black pudding.”

John stared at you with a sorrowful look, as if begging you to stop the game because he knew his stomach couldn’t handle anything more. But since he and Luke had both successfully tried the last treat, another was brought out for them.

“We might run out of food if neither of you bows out.”

“Oh wouldn’t that be a shame!”

John’s sarcastically spoke as the lids were removed, the two guys immediately covering their noses as they gagged. Mat and Jamie exchanged fist bumps as they were glad to have been eliminated as to not have to try whatever was in front of John and Luke.

“As much as I want that rose, I’m out.”

John threw up his hands as he quickly ran from the table, joining Jamie and Mat as far from the food as possible.

“Okay Luke, looks like you get the rose!”

“I don’t have to eat it?”

“Um, I mean, no? You technically won because John quit.”

“I’ll still try it, to really solidify that I won.”

Before you could protest, Luke took a bite of the food, his face finally showing that he was human as he slowly chewed, trying to control his gags.

“What is it?”

He spoke with his mouth full as he chugged his water in order to get the food down. You couldn’t speak, in shock he’d actually followed through and ate the food.

“That was a century egg.”

Luke’s eyes shut tight as he took a deep breath, trying to rid himself of any queasiness. Chugging more water before he stood up from the table victorious, the others simply clapped for him as they didn’t understand his ability to truly eat anything out in front of him.

“Well, you earned this fair and square.”

Hanging him the rose you wrapped your arms around him in a hug, attempting to go in for a kiss but opting for his cheek. “Sorry, just, the egg. Your breath is a little..”

“It’s okay. I’ve got a date with a whole bottle of mouthwash when we get back home.”

-

“No way you ate that thing Luke!”

The guys sat around as they waited for the rose ceremony to begin, all shocked to hear that Luke ate a century egg. All of them asking Quinn if he believed the story, to which Quinn reiterated that Luke does eat anything and everything.

“How did you guys get to golf and we got nasty food? It’s ridiculous in my opinion.”

Mat Barzal let out a frustrated sigh as he sat back on the couch, sipping his cocktail as his grip on the glass tightened. “Relax man, not every date is gonna be exactly what you want. But you gotta make the best of it.”

“Well I didn’t come here to eat gross food, I came here to win a girl's heart.”

The guys tried to change the subject, Quinn immediately bringing up Trevor’s horrible golf skills to distract from Barzal’s outburst.

“Gentleman! We had some great group dates, a very nice solo date. As a reminder, Luke was awarded a rose from the second group date, and Auston received a rose from his one on one date. So you two will be sticking around another week.”

Auston and Luke gave each other a fist bump as the rest of the group shared a collective sigh. Realizing that meant there were two less roses on the table.

“Now, we noticed a little tension in the room, so before we head in for the ceremony, how about a shot?”

-

The guys filed in, finding their places in front of you while Auston and Luke found theirs off to the side as they were already sporting their roses.

“Gentleman, this truly doesn’t get any easier. As I get to know each of you more, and form these connections, I don’t want to say goodbye to anyone. But, that is unfortunately the name of the game.”

As you picked up the first rose, there was only one name that immediately rolled off of your lips.

Tag list: @dasiysthings @tkwrites @ijustreallylovethem @sweetestcaptainhughes @asunsetgrace16 @loveforaugust @hockeybabe87 @jaayddd @svexhenthusiast @patron-saint-of-scraped-up-knees @petite-potato4

[nycbaby21]

quinn i think its time for a haircut…

[nycbaby21]

skating

prompt: “You can keep holding my hand, you know, you don’t have to let it go.” + “I like it when you hold onto me. It’s nice.”

word count: 884

“Jack for the last time no. You guys can handle it all on your own,” I say trying to ignore the boy adding more mini marshmallows to the cup of hot chocolate I just made. A loud groan comes behind me and I laugh at the boy’s dramatics. “Why is he whining this time,” Quinn laughs walking into the room. I turn and smile at the older boy then my eyes land on my best friend. “He is being a big baby and crying about me not going skating with you later,” I say bringing the warm cup to my lips. 

“Wait what? You aren’t coming,” Quinn asked looking at me with sad puppy eyes. I sigh slowly accepting the fact that my nice warm quiet afternoon was off. “You skate all the time without me. One more time isn’t going to kill any of you,” I respond finishing the sentence when Luke slowly trails into the kitchen heading my way and reaching behind me for the coffee pot. “Luke tell her she is coming with us this afternoon,” Jack whines yet again. The youngest Hughes brother looks my way and I sigh. “J you know that I’m not a skilled skater like the three of you. Do you remember the last time I skated with you,” I ask seeing a smile creep its way onto his face.

“What happened,” Quinn asked with an amused look in his eyes. “When I went to visit Jack last year he insisted I go skate with him. We got to the rink and he was helping me at first to get my footing. And then he just ditches me for this group of beautiful fan girls,” I say looking over at him and he makes an exaggerated face. “You told me to go for it,” he says back dramatically. I laugh and shake my head. “I didn’t mean dropping my hand while you were helping me skate. And leaving me to fall on my ass,” I say giggling at his face. 

“C’mon we all aren’t like Jack,” Quinn laughs ruffling his younger brother’s hair,” I promise I won’t drop your hand and let you fall.” I let out a long dramatic sigh. “Okay fine. Let me go put on something warmer,” I say leaving the kitchen for the guest room I was staying in. The only noise coming from the kitchen was celebrating. As I put on my layers I smile thinking about how much I love the guys.

“Okay sit down I got your skates,” Quinn said squatting down in front of the bleachers where I was sitting. I look down at him and his concentrated face. I couldn’t help but blush when he glanced up and caught me staring. After he laces my skates up he stands and brushes off his pants. Slowly backing up he reaches out to grab my hands and help me up. “Okay, I’m gonna step on the ice and then help you out okay,” he says gently. He steps onto the ice with ease and grace. He reaches out for my hands and I take a deep breath. “I got you y/n/n. I promise,” his words are soothing and I accept his hands. Slowly we skate over to the edge and I have one hand on the side and the other interlocked with Quinn’s.

After about fifteen laps I finally had let go of the side and we skated towards the middle. “You’re a pretty good teacher Q,” I smile looking over at him. He smiles and his cheeks are pink but that had to just be from the chill. “Well you have been an okay student,” he jokes and I bumped his shoulder out of reflex. I start to stumble and Quinn’s arms shoot around my waist to steady me. When I finally even my breathing I look up to see him looking down at me with such concern and adoration. “Thanks for not letting me go,” I whisper. “Yeah of course,” he responds helping me stand back up. The two of us continue skating around in comfortable silence.

Jack and Luke are chasing each other around zooming across the ice and laughing. My eyes flow them dart back and forth and then they drift to Quinn. “I think I have the hang of it Quinny. You can go goof around with them,” I say moving away slightly skating a little away and turning with a proud face. He smiles and shakes his head skating back towards me. He brushes his hand against mine and glances up at me looking for any sign I was uncomfortable. I smile at him and lace our fingers again. “I’m all good. I’d rather skate around with you over those two any day,” he laughs,” you can keep holding my hand, you know, you don’t have to let it go.” I look over at Jack who gives me a wink and raises his eyebrows. I laugh at him and roll my eyes. “ I just didn’t want to keep bothering you by clinging to you.” He stops and looks me in the eyes and smiles. “I like it when you hold onto me. It’s nice,” he smiles and we start skating again. Maybe I am glad that I came skating after all.

[nycbaby21]

solid 8/10 he was a bit fidgety but stayed put

[nycbaby21]

the hughes pout

[nycbaby21]

"So what if I was?"

prompt: “Aww. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were worried about me. + “So what if I was?” 

word count:2,139

warnings: blood, maybe two cuss words

“C’mon it’ll be fun y/n,” Liana begged me. “I’ll get on my hands and knees,” she added going down when I grabbed her shoulders and stopped her. “No it’s okay no need for all of that,” I laugh,” I’ll go. Just because I love you.” Everyone laughed and grabbed their skates and headed for the door. That was the thing about when Mat came back home for a visit, he was never alone. Someone always came with him, whether that be a girl or one of his teammates. Luckily for me this time it was the latter.

“Okay so how are we gonna do this,” Tito asked sitting down lacing up his skates. As I sat beside him on the bench right next to the frozen lake, I began to tie my own skates up. “Obvisouly the two of you can’t be on a team that’s unfair,” my best friend pointed out to her brother and his friend. “So it’s a lose-lose situation,” Mat groans stepping onto the oce. “What do you mean by that,” i snap back already sick of the constant attitude he had since he came home three days ago.

“Oh c’mon. You’re a smart girl, or is that just a front so you can go off and party your way through college,” Mat smirks throwing yet another dig my direction. We didn’t always have such a draining relationship. Once upon a time I considered Mat a friend, not just because I was best friends with his sister but we were friends. Something changed and as sad as it was to realize him stepping away and being cold towards me just made me realize something I had tried to push away for so long. I had feelings for Mat and everytime he has a smart remark or a comment about me it breaks my heart just a little more.

“Some of us actually care about an education rather than trying to get by on our pretty looks,” I quip back stepping onto the ice and doing a small turn. “You think I’m pretty,” he smirekd my way and I wanted nothing more than to swipe that smug look off of his gorgeous face. “How about you and Beau goof around while we skate for a bit,” Lia suggested. I knew that she missed her brother and playing hockey with him. I took and deep breath and then let it out. “No Li you play around with them for a little. I’m a big girl I’ll be fine skating by myself,” i smile at her and watch her face brighten. “Are you sure,” she asked and when I nodded she launched forward pulling us both down as she hugged me.

After some time I was growing bored so the same small circles so I started to do some spins and tricks, remembering some of the small details from ice skating lessons years ago. As I did a jump and turn I didn’t stick it and fell on my butt. Sighing I get up and dust off the ice. “Wow that was just sad,” I hear Mat shout from across the lake. I flip him off and try the jump again this time going harder. I landed it perfectly but with just a little too much force and the hit started to crack. I froze not knowing what to do. My eyes snapped up to meet the other three. They could all sense something wrong and they were a distance away. Mat slowly skated my way, Tito and Lia behind him. He was the closest to me so he would het there first. 

“Hey look at me okay.”You’re gonna be fine,” his voice was calming and I nodded shifting my weight and hearing the crack get louder. I look down and start to wobble. “Hey no, look at me okay? You can’t look down,” I met his eyes and didn’t break my focus on them. He carefully made his way closer to me and surveyed his surrounding looking for the best way to get me out of this mess. He didn’t have anytime to think because the ice gave way. I tensed up waiting for the freezing lake water to surround me but the only thing i felt was a warm body colliding with mine and us both falling onto the ground a few feet away from the hole in the ice. 

“Shit,” Mat hissed out and I looked up feeling a dull ache in my head from moving ti too fast. I realized that my forehead made contact with his nose on the way down and it was know bleeding. “Oh my gosh. Mat I am so so sorry. Are you okay,” I ask pulling some tissue from my pocket and applying pressure to his nose to stop the bleeding.

“Aw. If I didn’t know any better I’d say that you were worried about me,” he says forcing a laugh. I roll my eyes and hold the napkin onto his nose to try and stop the bleeding. I look down at him scanning his face for any other injuries, finally meeting his brown eyes. His forehead crinkles and he takes in my scared expression.

“So what if I was,” I whisper scared if I spoke any louder he would laugh at me or run for the hills. His hand came up and held the wrist of the arm helping stop his nose bleeding. He pulls my arm away from his face and goes to open his mouth when we are interrupted. “Oh my gosh Mat are you okay,” Tito asked rushing towards us quickly taking my place and observing Mat. 

I step back and notice a group has gathered around us checking on the hockey player. As I move to make my way back to the house, I turn around and notice Mat’s eyes still on me. I feel a hand on my forearm and run to see Liana standing next to me. She gave me a sad smile. “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes and into something warmer okay,” she says sweetly leading me inside. 

“How long,” her voice breaks me out of my trance and I snap my head towards her. “What,” I was shivering, not sure if it was from the cold or her question. “C’mon y/n. We’ve been best friends forever, I know you better than anyone else. And you know me better than anyone else right,” she asked waiting for me to respond. I nodded my head and pulled a sweatshirt over my head. I joined her on the couch and she tossed her blanket over to cover us both.

“So I know when you are upset and more so when you are hiding something,” her eyes give me a once over and I sigh knowing she is right. “A little over a year now,” I respond turning my head and not making eye contact. Of course, I knew what she was asking. She wasn’t dumb by any means and she was my best friend of course she could read my emotions better than anyone else. “You’ve liked my brother for that long now and never said anything,” she asked pity creeping its way onto her face. “Yep. It’s sad I know,” I sniffle fighting back the tears threatening to spill. I feel her presence and then arms wrapping around me. 

“Oh, sweetie no. It is nowhere near sad,” she reassures me, hands running up and down my arms comforting me. “It is though. He has never seen me that way and he never will. Especially now that he is on the Islanders. He could have any model he wanted. Why would he pick me,” I cry finally letting all of the emotions I have had stored up for the past year out. “ No model holds a candle to you, babe. You are the most compassionate, generous, and understanding person I know. You have always had this glow around you and make anyone feel so seen and understood. Plus you are like smoking hot,” she says making me stop crying and laugh. “Thanks, Li,” I snort laughing and she joins in.

When everyone finally made their way back inside Mama Barzal helped Mat get settled in bed and finished up dinner. We all sat around the table and ate our soup trying to warm ourselves up from the exciting outdoor hockey game we held. Slowly one by one everyone finished and started to head to the living room for game night. I stayed behind to help clean up. “Hey, sweet girl. Would you mind taking this up to Mat? I need to finish this up and you don’t have to help me clean,” she smiles over at me, knowing I can’t say no to the woman who became like another mom to me many years ago. 

“Of course I will,” I smile trying to hide the panic in my voice. I grabbed a bowl of the soup and put it on the bed tray along with a spoon. I carefully made my way upstairs and to his door. As I tried to steady my breathing and calm my shaking hands the door opened. “Oh shit y/n/n, I didn’t see you there,” Tito laughed moving over to the side and opening the door wider for me to come in. I slowly made my way into the room. I hadn’t seen the inside of Mat’s room since Li and I were like 17 sneaking out of his window because it was easier than using hers.

My eyes landed on the bed and then on Mat. His nose was bruised but the bleeding had stopped. He lay there in bed black compression shirt on under the covers. “Your mom asked me to bring you this,” I say quietly putting the tray on the bedside table and turning to walk out of the room. He reaches out and grabs my hand pulling me backwards and to him. “I’m gonna go see if Mama B needs any help,” Tito says excusing himself. Mat laughed,” Real subtle buddy.” My eyes drift down toward our connected hands. “Will you sit please,” he asked his voice shaking.

“Are you okay,” I ask sitting near the edge of the bed never once pulling my hand from his. “Physically yeah. My nose isn’t broken or anything just bruised up pretty good. Mentally not so much,” he sighs looking down at our hands, his thumb rubbing circles on mine. “Why aren’t you okay mentally,” I ask finding his eyes with my own. “Because I am an idiot. All of these years I never noticed. The one thing I was trying to find was here the whole time,” his voice wavers and he pulls his bottom lip in between his teeth, a nervous habit he and his sister share. 

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I say breaking eye contact and letting my eyes drift around the room until they land on a small picture frame on his dresser. It was of the two of us and Liana after his draft. “You wanna know why I kept that one,” he asked. I turn to look at him and nod. “Because no matter how hard I tried to hate the picture I couldn’t, because you were in it. You with that beautiful smile and those sweet eyes looking at me. I had the biggest crush on you growing up. I guess I just always hoped you felt the same way,” he said his brown eyes scanning my face for any kind of discomfort. “What,” I whisper wondering if I had heard him right.

“You have always been in my life, not always by my choice but you were there. Every good or bad memory you were there. And when I moved out and to the city I didn’t see you as much. So I got upset thinking you were only ever there because of Lia. I don’t know what I was thinking honestly. So whenever you came with them to visit or I came home I was an ass to you because I hurt my own feelings thinking something more.” After his long speech, I couldn’t help but lean forward and capture his lips with mine. It was a sweet short kiss and then when I pulled back he rushed forward grabbing my cheeks and bringing me back into him. I shifted forward and went to run my hands through his hair when he hissed and pulled away in pain.

“Oh my god Mat I am so sorry. I completely forgot about your nose,” I rush out grabbing his face and moving it all different angles to see if I caused any further damage. “So worth it,” he smiled leaning forward and connecting our lips again. 

[nycbaby21]

MY TOWN IS GETTING A HOCKEY TEAM!! They had one before I was born but now they are getting it back!!

[nycbaby21]

going live

Cole Caufield Imagine

prompt: influencer reader doing a get ready with me live and Cole interrupting

word count: 717 short and sweet

“Uhm… that’s a good question username. I would say my favorite holiday would be Halloween. I love spooky season,” I say reading the comments flooding in while I apply a layer of foundation to my face. Every once in a while I glance up to the mirror in front of me. The background of the video is Cole’s bathroom, but no one watching knows that. We have been dating for a little over six months and we still hasn’t announced our relationship.

I smile reading the comments about how happy and glowing I look. I hear the little pitter patter of feet on the floor and find our sweet baby come into the room sitting at my feet. I bend down and love all over our dog, well Cole’s originally but now our baby. As I show my fur baby some love, my human baby leans against the door frame watching us. “Hi baby,” I smile sliding just our of frame to give him a kiss. He just smiles and whispers a small hey back.

As I get back into frame the comments are going so fast I can hardly read them. All of them saying around the same thing, oh my god the secret boyfriend, i wonder who he is, c’mon guys it’s obviously so-and-so, or as long as she is happy we should all be happy. “Thank you y/nismyworld. I am in fact very very happy,” I say looking over to Cole who has now moved to sitting on the lid of the toilet watching me continue to get ready. As I finish my routine I answer as many questions as I can and sing along to the music playing. 

The beginning chords of Enchanted start to play and my smile widens looking over at Cole. “Why am I smiling so much? Well I’ll tell you, so we actually had our first date at The Eras Tour. So during the song apparently while I was freaking out over Taylor, he was just looking at me with such adoration and the cutest older couple behind us recorded the whole thing. It has become like our song basically as cheesy and cliche as that may sound,” I say thinking back to the night of our first date. I thought Cole was insane for buying us tickets when he had just met me. 

As the song plays I can’t help but think how tiring it is hiding our relationship. “Can I have this dance,” Cole asks walking my way holding his hand out. I can’t help but laugh and him and reach out for his hand. I can only imagine how we must look, my hair still in rollers and makeup half done is a huge messy shirt and shorts and Cole in his sweat and compression shirt. “You trust me,” he says leaning down into my ear. I look up and smile nodding my head. “Of course,” I smile wondering what he was going on about. “I think it’s time,” he says glanicng behind us towards my phone. I follow his eyes and nod.

I step away from him and back into the frame and hold my hand out to him now. He laughs and places his larger hands in mine. I pull him forward and the two of us spin around and dance like absolute dorks. It felt like only the two of us existed . When the song ended we stopped and his back was towards the camera. I switched our positions and Cole was now standing behind me resting his head in the crook of my neck.

“Everyone I would like to officially introduce you to my loving boyfriend Mr. Cole Caufield. Number 22 on the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL,” I smile reading over all of the comments about people saying that they knew it or how he looked just as happy as I did. We even had a couple of hockey fans in the chat freaking out. “Okay now that that is all over and done with, I really do need to get ready for this red carpet,” I smile into the camera. I turn and look over at Cole and raise my eyebrows,” Now that everyone knows, wanna be my plus one?” He laughs and immediately says yes. 

[nycbaby21]

progress

I haven't post in a really long time I had a lot going on but I am back now. Hopefully you like this :)

"I really don’t like you" + "so you don’t hate me anymore? Progress"

word count: 1,915

“I really just wish the two of you could learn to get along,” Luke sighed holding open the front door of the lakehouse for me. I easily walked under his arm and turned back to look at him. “I’m sorry Lukey, I really am. It’s just he makes it so damn hard to be nice to him,” I groan rolling my eyes throwing my bags on the floor near the door. “Believe me I know how hard it can be, but he is my brother,” he started as he put up the food we had just got up while I leaned again the counter watching himr. “And you are one of my favorite people in the entire world. So if the two of you could be in the same room for more than 20 minutes without arguing, it would be great.”

I thought about the younger boys words as I followed him in dropping my bags by the door. When I was six my family moved into the house next door to the Hughes’. While I am the closest to Quinn in age, Luke is the one I am actually closest with. You could always find Quinn and Jack of practing hockey in some way, but Luke would sit and have a tea party with me or play house with me. He was the absolute sweetest. Ever since the day I met Jack he had became a pain in my ass. He is a very confident guy, which he has every right to be. He is ridiculously talented in hockey, one of the most caring and passionate people I have ever met, and as much as I hate to admit it he is insanly attractive.

The problem with all of that is that he knows all of this too. He always had attention of the girls wherever we went. He always assumes every one is gonna drop at his feet. He constantly makes flirty remarks or calls me princess, and in all honesty I would fall at his feet if his attitude was a little better. Jack reminds me of a peacock so proud to show off his colors, while I would much rather sit on the sidelines and not be noticed. “I’m sorry Luke. I know the constant bickering between the two of us is annoying. I’ll try my very hardest to not let him push me to the point of wanting to smack him,” I say wholeheartedly looking up at my curly haired best friend. He smiles and opens his arms which I quickly walk into.

“Thank you. It means a lot to me,” he says into my hair as we stand in the kitchen holding each other. “Get a room,” I hear behind us and roll my eyes smiling. The voice is unmistakable and I turn locking eyes with Trevor for the first time this summer. "Jealous Zegras,” I smirk walking over and throwing my arms around his neck. His laugh vibrates my chest as he reaches around me and picks me up. He spins us around and I throw my head back laughing. Finally he set me down and I looked up at him. “Always jealous when someone else has their arms around my girl,” he winks and i lightly hit his chest. “Your girl,” I ask raising an eyebrow at the ducks player. “Yeah if she is anyone’s girl, she is mine,” Cole laughs stepping forward and throwing an arm around my shoulders. I laugh and lean into him rest my head on his chest. “I really did miss you dorks,” I laugh looking at the other two boys who just walked into the kitchen. Alex and Jack make their way to the fridge stocking it with the drinks they brought. Afterwards Alex moves over to greet me.

“Hey Lex,” I smile hugging him. “Shortstack,” he laughs ruffling the hair on top of my head. Conversation starts to flow and I feel eyes on me. “What no welcome hug for me princess,” Jack ask blue eyes staring into mine. As I open my mouth to make a smartass remark I look over to Luke who has pleading eyes. I take a deep breath and sigh looking at the older devils player. I walk over to him and give him a side hug trying to not think about how he smells amazing or how I can feel his abs under his shirt. “Nice to see you J,” I smile and walk over to the counter where Alex was standing and hop onto it. Everyone gives me a weird look, besides Luke who mouths “thank you.”

The conversation quickly picked back up and I yawned into my arm, tired from the ride to Michigan from UCLA where I was going to school. Alex noticed and stepped closer and leaned back against me so I could rest my head on his shoulder. “Hey we are finally the same height,” he jokes turning his head as far as he could to see me. His eyes squint with his infectious smile. I stick my tongue out and flick his forehead. He turns back and resumes the debate over whether a hotdog was a sandwich or not. I zone out the conversation and let my eyes wander around the room. They stop on a pair of eyes already looking my way.

Jack is looking intensely at me like he is deep in thought. I raise an eyebrow at him and he snaps out of it and looks away. Later on that night we are all sitting by the firepit drinking or roasting marshmallows. The spot next to me was open and Jack plops down right next to me close enough for our thighs to touch. He throws an arm around the back of the couch and looks over at me. “How’s it going at school princess,” he ask voice filled with cockiness. I resist the urge to smack him for the tired nickname and smile. “It’s okay, ya know just trying to get by. Finished this semester with a decent gpa,” I respond normally and he looks so confused, almost like he wants me to fight back. “I don’t know why you are worried about your gpa when all you do is study. I swear I have to drag her out of the dorm to actually make her see the sunlight,” Alex jokes. I roll my eyes and throw a marshmallow at him. “Dude remember that night we literally had to pick her up and drag her to that party,” Trevor laughed looking at Alex. “Drag is not the word I would use to describe that. You bardged into my room and threw me over your shoulder and made me go out to that stupid party,” I laugh leaning back which meant i was now leaning on Jack’s arm. “When did you guys go to a party,” he asked looking down at me. His eyes hold so much emotion and I go to ask why but I’m cut off. “Trevor wanted to hook up with this girl who was in a sorority at the college and dragged us to the party. He ditched us pretty early on and the of us ending up sitting in the corner making fun of drunk people,” Alex laughed looking my way. “And I scored didn’t I. That doesn’t compare to the wild night Caufiled had last week,” Z laughed turning the attention to the shorter boy.

As the guys went around the circle telling stories about all the girls they hit on Jack remained silent. “ What about you Jacky? How is the night life in Jersey,” Cole asked. I feel him shrug and say,” I wound’t know,” He got up after that to go get another drink and everyone looked to Luke. “He is telling the truth. He hasn’t gone out or on a date for that matter in a while,” he responds and I start to let my mind wander. The thought of him going out and getting girls has always made me a little jealous. That is a small part of why I give him such a hard time because I know he is a hot commodity and I have the smallest thing for him. I think that is why the constant picking and nicknames gets to me so much.

I tell all the guys goodnight hours later and head up to the house. As I was getting ready for bed I hear a faint knock on the door. “It’s open,” I call out running a brush through my tangled hair. Jack peaks his head in through the partly open door and hesitantly walks in. “ What’s up J,” i ask looking at the boy. “ I didn’t realzie you and the guys hung out during the year,” his voice lacks the normal confidence that it always has. I turn and look at him sitting on the bed and smile.  “Yeah every know and then. I see Lex way more than Z but we try and atleast get dinner every once in a while. Why you jealous Jacky boy,” I joke sitting down next to him on the bed.

He looks into my eyes and sighs. “Why haven’t we hung out or had dinner,” he ask forehead crinkled. His question shocks me for a second. “Because you live on the other side of the country,” I laugh not knowing what to say. Even when you are in town visiting you and Luke always go off and do your own thing. Why don’t we,” he asks looking around the room avoiding eye contact. He reminds me of a sad kid and it breaks my heart. “Jack anytime I have stayed in Jersey with you there is never a chance for the two of us to hang out. You are always surround by the team or the dozens of girls,” I say trying not to sound jealous but failing. 

He quickly looks up at me and a smirk slowly makes it way onto his face. “Kinda sounds like you are the jealous one now princess,” he says slowly leaning closer to me and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Why do you call me that,” I whisper all the sudden aware of the closeness between the two of us. He laughs and smiles really big. “When I first saw you playing dress up with Luke one day I thought you were the prettiest girl in the whole world. You were so sweet and deserved to be protected at all times like a princess,” he says meaning every word.

“All this time i thought you were doing it to get under my skin,” I say confused. “The only way I can guarantee you to talk to me is to annoy you,” he laughs looking from my eyes to my lips and back up. I laugh and roll my eyes. “You are such a boy. I swear I really don’t like you,” I laugh wondering where our relationship would be if either one of us would have spoken up. “So you don’t hate me anymore? Progress,” he jokes his laugh filling the room. I lean forward towards him and he thinks I am going in for a kiss but I grab a pillow and smack him with it. That leads to a pillow fight and the two of us spend the rest of the night finally getting along and maybe opening the door to the possibility of more.

[nycbaby21]

okay this was so cute

ref's friends/fam for his first game !