#holidays with equallyshaw

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ᴛᴡᴇʟᴠᴇ: ɴᴇᴡ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ - Qᴜɪɴɴ ʜᴜɢʜᴇꜱ

and just like that, we are on the last day of holidays with equallyshaw

for those that have been here from the first to this one...ily guys

without further ado, happy holidays- i hope you all have a wonderful day with loved ones. and i also send extra love to those who could not spend christmas with loved ones for any reason. i see you and am going through the same thing🫶🏻🎄

word count: 1.3K

warnings: none!

ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟʟʏ, ᴅᴀɪꜱʏ ᴀɴᴅ Qᴜɪɴɴ were not meant to spend new years together. the two had decided for daisy to stay in boston where she is from, and spend time with her family. daisy though, didn't want to spend it without. it would have been their first new years out of the three previous ones that they'd spend not together. quinn seemed content the last time they finalized their plans for the holidays, but daisy was not content with them.

❅

daisy had been a ball of nerves all day. from the moment she woke up, the moment she got through tsa, the moment she picked up a coffee from the airport cafe and the minute she sat down in her airplane seat. she had turned off her location so quinn couldn't see where she was. they were texting back and forth after she boarded and then she heard the worst news possible, they were being delayed an hour. which meant by the looks of it- she would not be getting there until 9 pm. she texted bella brock's gf, letting her know her arrival time might be pushed back. and bella being the best, had no issue with that. she would make it work. she put her phone on silent, and pulled out her book to read.

she was in for a travel day.

❅

it was 9:15 pm when bella hugged her good friend, daisy. "oh my god i thought i was never getting out of there!" she exasperated as she flung her carry on suitcase and bag in the back, and hopped in the front. "i was worried you weren't." bella said putting her car in drive. "all that matters is that you got here safe and sound." she hummed pulling out of the airport pickup area. daisy nodded, "are we heading to your apartment?" she asked to confirm and bella nodded. "yeah, brock just left for dinner with the boys. i said that i would meet him there later since he knows about you already. but im so excited for q!" she said clapping her hands together. daisy blushed, "me too." she hummed responding to a picture quinn sent of his outfit to confirm that it looked good.

"quinn was being super mopey knowing that you weren't gonna be here this year.." bella let out, as they stopped at a light. daisy frowned, "well its a good thing im here." she hummed locking her phone. "he really said that he was fine with you not being here?" she questioned, as she began to drive again. daisy nodded, "yeah, he said that he was fine with it. he knows how much I've missed my family with starting work here in vancouver, and because of that i haven't been able to travel this season so far. i had a feeling he was putting on a front when we spoke about the plans a few weeks back." she explained and bella nodded. "yeah, im glad you're here. he was sad last night when brock asked about you. it was even more harder i assume because his parents went to jersey." bella concluded. "oh yeah, that was not a fun conversation to listen to when his mom said they'd be going to jersey again.." daisy sighed. "he puts on a brave face but when he could he definitely spoke his mind. i felt bad already leaving and then ellen told him last minute they weren't coming up and had me searching for new years flights day and night." daisy explained. "that's makes me so sad." bella frowned, to which daisy echoed.

❅

it was around 11 by the time daisy had finished her hair and makeup, which was simple and natural looking. just the way quinn adored it. she felt tingly with butterflies fluttering within her, as she smoothed down her pink strapless dress. "listen girlfriend...damn you look hot!" bella said knocking on the door before walking into he guest bathroom. daisy blushed, "he's not gonna be able to let go of you tonight. trust." bella said making daisy do a twirl for her. "lets get going but first we need to do a shot!" bella exclaimed, pulling her downstairs and into the kitchen of the townhouse. "alright alright." daisy smiled taking the shot of tequila and throwing it down. "damn never gets easier." she said after chewing the lime. "oo." bella echoed that sentiment, as she saw the uber notification go off. "brock sent us an uber, lets get going!" bella said throwing on her jacket with daisy throwing on her's as well.

the two hopped into the uber, and they were on there way to the private and upscale bar the boys had rented a private room in. daisy's leg bounced up and down, and bella took a quick snapchat for brock tagging it with "cargo has been secured". "im so nervous." daisy said and bella smiled, "my mom always says that if you still get butterflies or nerves before seeing the person you love no matter how long you've been apart, that that is something to hold on too. its a good thing. quinn is going to just about die." bella smiled trying to comfort her good friend. daisy nodded, and soon enough they were pulling up to the bar.

❅

the two gave their coats to the hostess who then took the two over to the private group. daisy walked behind bella who was texting brock that they were about to walk in. he texted back saying that quinn was in the corner with a few of the single guys. brock greeted them at the door, and daisy gave him a big hug. "thankyou for keeping him company." she hummed and brock smiled, "ofcourse!" he beamed. elias saw daisy from across the room and grinned and threw two thumbs up to her, which she mimicked. she waved to some of the wags who caught on to what was happening and they all smiled widely.

a zach bryan song was playing on the stereo, and once she caught sight of quinn in the corner, her heart just burst. he looked to be having a good time but seemed quite reserved. brock pushed daisy in front of him, and gave her a bit of a push to get going. she gave him a fake glare, before walking the rest of the way. the guys next to quinn face's lit up once they saw daisy, and then smiled and grinned toward quinn.

quinn was confused when the three guys he was with were grinning or smiling at him, like they knew something he didn't. he looked towards his left, and just stared at the girl who was supposed to be in Boston. his mouth was agape trying to process the situation, and she could only giggle in response.

"wait what?" he asked looking around and seeing the team watching him, before he stood up and wrapped his arms around daisy. daisy felt a sense of relief once his arms wrapped around her.

she'd caught him off guard, she'd gotten him good.

"oh my god - youre here?" he asked pulling away a bit to embrace her, and she only nodded in response. "couldn't ring in the new year without q!" she smiled before he pulled her in for a kiss. which made the guys and wags erupt with cheers. they pulled away, as somebody pushed a drink into daisys hand. "how'd you get here?" he asked, and she pointed to brock and bella. quinn smiled at brock who smiled back, and then he looked back down at daisy.

he wrapped his arms around her again, not believing that she was here.

"youre never letting me leave again, i assume? heard you've been miserable without me." she teased, and he shook his head. "never again. not a chance." he mused before pulling her in for another kiss. he pulled away after a few seconds, "wait! who said i was miserable?" causing daisy to giggle loudly.

and there you go folks!! hope you guys enjoyed this series (:

tags: @cuttergauthier @jackhues @toasttt11 @jayda12 @dancerbailey3

[cellythefloshie]

;; 12 Days of Kinkmas Day 6 - Nico Hischier - Unwrap Me

Summary: You let Nico unwrap one of his holiday gifts early.  Kinks & TW: pre-established relationship, lingerie, dry humping, very mild implications that Nico is a sub, dirty talk (reader to Nico), female on top, protected sex. Word Count: 1900

TAGLIST : @wingedwheelprxncess @mitchymainer @equallyshaw @starshine-hockey-girl  @beccaiscold @samanthasgone​

“Keep your eyes closed!” Your words were a playful instruction as you jumped back into the privacy of the bathroom and away from the clothes that had become piled up on the bed. You could have sworn Nico had peaked out at you from behind his hands and you weren’t quite ready for him to take a good look at you. Not yet.

Peeking around the door frame, you stayed there until you were sure he could see nothing but the darkness his hands cast over his eyes. Even going as far as to wave a hand around wildly to earn some sort of response from him if he was looking - but you were met with nothing more than his impatient sigh; “they are closed!” 

“Keep them closed, or someone else will be unwrapping your present,” you told him firmly, returning to the bedside and pulling on your silk robe quickly.

“My present?” You could see his thick brown quirk up behind his hand curiously, “so soon?”

“Just part of it,” you assured, “it’s something we can use again and again,” you assured him gently as you quietly moved the clothes that had been piled up on the bed. Instead, you left them in a heap on the dresser - you would put them away later. Then came the tough part, mustering enough confidence to let Nico open up his eyes. You teetered on your heels at the foot of the bed you shared, your hands smoothing over your robe before fixing your hair just right. Then with a heavy breath, you stepped forward and took hold of his hands carefully. You drew them back slowly from his face and watched his features light up at the sight of you. 

“Whoa,” was all he could manage at first his eyes dragging down the length of your body from shoulders to feet and back up again. His stare took in every detail, from the stockings you were careful to put on to prevent runs and how they fastened up somewhere lost beneath your robe - and how that same robe was draped over your body so effortlessly. He licked his lips, relishing in the sight of you and how your robe concealed most of what you had to offer him but left enough of your lingerie on display to keep him curious. Raising a hand, Nico ran his fingers over his jawline slowly, his mouth falling agape as he couldn’t find just the right words to say to you. 

Nico leaned back in his chair, his hand still on his face as he admired you like a piece of art, his legs spreading to account for the subtle discomfort that came with his stiffening cock. It pressed up against the confines of his pants. Pants that only grew tighter as you stepped forward, your heels clicking against the floor, and leaned forward so that your hands rested on both of his knees. cocking your head to the side, you offered him a sultry smile - or at the very least the best one you could manage - and made sure he got a good view of your cleavage before you spoke in a low, whisper that was laced with temptation; “unwrap me, Nico.”

His eyes lit up brighter than those on a holiday tree as his hands reached up and tugged at the robe’s tie just enough to send it tumbling to the floor. Your robe fell open fully at its release, and you could hear Nico’s strained exhale as your lingerie and body were in full view of him. His touch found your waist, stroking over the sleek satin finish of the fabric of your lingerie, and over the opaque panels that showed off just enough skin. Your breath hitched in your throat, his touch travelling up over the swell of a single breast and to your shoulder where your robe was already threatening to slip. He grasped at its collar firmly and guided it down the length of your body until you were completely free of it. 

“Keep going,” you encouraged him with a gasp, his touch driving your body hot with desire. Each touch of his fingers against your skin was like a burn that raged against your flesh, one that would not ease until you were completely satisfied. Nico held your waist, easing your step forward so that he could lower you down to sit on the breadth of his thighs. Feeling his stiff cock between your legs was almost enough to make you moan out - but instead, you pressed your lips firmly together and watched Nico’s face soften as he relished the sight of you. 

His large hands groped at your breasts, enjoying the bustier game you - and how his touch only intensified it further. He was slack-jawed, his hair falling down and framing his deep brown eyes so perfectly, and left completely in awe the more you let him explore you. His fingers grazed over the angles of your body, teasing exposed skin on his way down. Down to the swells of your hips, and to the garter that kept your stockings pulled up high on your thighs. 

Your name became a curse on his lips as you let your hips roll against his stiff cock beneath the confines of his pants. Large hands found your hips, gripping your flesh firmly as he began to guide you over his bulge with ease. The friction earned a heavy breath and a soft mewl from your lips as your panties began to grow slick with your wetness. He guided you back and forth along him slowly, making no effort to remove your lingerie as he relished beneath the friction. Nico threw his head back, his dark eyes going to the ceiling before they shut softly. A smile crept up over your lips as you knew that he would cum from this alone if you let him. 

“Nico, baby,” you muttered softly, your hands finding his neck, and your fingers reaching up to knit in his hair at the nape of his neck, “you going to toy with me, or are you going to fuck me?” Your words were dreamy as you smiled down at him, your face inches from his and your hot breath washing over his features. 

Nico stood up slowly, effortlessly, holding you in his arms and against his body with ease. He took careful strides towards the bed and didn’t put you down until he spoke his one condition for the evening; “The lingerie stays on.”

“It stays on,” you promised him with a smile, welcoming the comfort of the bed as he placed you down on it. You pushed yourself back slowly until you could rest against the pillows. It was from there that you watched as Nico eagerly removed his clothes until he stood naked in front of you. It was a welcome view as she crawled up the length of the bed, and did not stop until he was hovering over you. He took hold of his cock in one hand, and dragged it slowly over your body, letting it enjoy the feeling of your satin lingerie against the sensitive tip of his cock that glistened with his pre-cum. His cock became the tool he used to push your wet panties aside - your arousal greeted him and was slick against his cock leaving him shuttering at your warmth. It was almost enough to reduce him to his carnal desire to fuck you raw, and leave you oozing with his seed - but while his mind was fogged by desire, he was reaching for the bedside table and inside its drawer to the box of condoms the two of you kept stashed away. 

He couldn’t tare into the foil fast enough, earning a frustrated growl from his lip as it finally tore. His fingers fumbled over his own cock as he worked the latex onto his raging cock - his own contact was almost too much for him now. Nico couldn’t wait another moment, he needed to be inside you. He groaned out your name as the tip of his cock kissed your entrance, his head lulling back as he eased in the first few inches with ease. Then came a string of words mumbled in German so quiet from your his lips you couldn’t quite understand them - even after taking time to learn from him. 

“Do I make you feel good, baby?” you purred up at him and watched as his face softened and his head nodded slowly. His hair hung down into his face his dark eyes fluttering with pleasure - and in an instant, you knew that it wouldn’t take much more to make him cum. 

You moved your leg carefully up the length of his, hooking it behind the strength of his thigh before you carefully flipped him over so that his back was against the beg and you were up straddling his hips. You had done it with ease, Nico was never one to fight you if you wanted to be on top. It had earned a low moan from your lips as your core took him inside fully - sending a shiver up your spine. You took a composing breath, the pleasure of his cock inside you enough to bring your legs to a quiver - but you needed to compose yourself if you were going to ride him, you would need your legs strength. Reaching back, you braced yourself against the strength of his thighs. Then, you flipped your hair over your shoulders with a shake of your head to make sure Nico had a good view of your face and breasts and then you rode him. You rode him hard, letting his cock slip from you almost fully before coming down hard so that the tip of his cock was testing your limits. With every embrace of your core around his cock, the bunched fabric of your panties that rested to the side would graze the base of his cock and his balls as they threatened to spill. Noticing how he seemed to squirm beneath you at the contact you slowed your movements, letting the lingerie drag against him a little more intensely. 

“You like when I dress up for you?” You grinned devilishly wide.

“Fuck, yes,” was all he could manage, his dark and hungry eyes watching your breasts as they bounced, “I’m going to cum-”

You eased off him quickly, dropping to your knees beside the bed as he moved over the bed with a heavy breath. He stood in front of you, his eyes rolling back as he tore off the condom and pumped at his cock with his hand until he released thick webs over the swells of your breasts with a groan. He painted you, leaving his cum dripping into your cleavage and down over the lingerie - and when he was done he fell back onto the bed breathlessly. You smirked triumphantly, reaching out to use his knees to get up from the floor only for his hand to take hold of your wrists, keeping you in place. 

“No, no,” he tutted, “we’re not done,” his words were a promise as he leaned his head back into the bed, “just give me a minute and I’ll be ready to go again - and when I am ready I want to see my cum on you while I make you scream…”

[starshine-hockey-girl]

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes- Never Ever Have I- Chapter Twenty Six

Summary: Evie and Sidney begin "Operation Iceburgh" as he recovers from his surgery.

Author's Notes: I intended to add more pics but Google docs is being a bitch and I just want to get it posted

Warnings: brief discussions/allusions to suicide

@equallyshaw @pensfan5871 @penstxgal1968 @cellythefloshie @pattiemac1

Saturday, December 7th- Grand Ballroom- Fairmont Hotel- Pittsburgh

Sidney found Evie near the rear bar in the festively decorated ballroom space. She spoked animatedly to Kelsey Rust. He approached her and whispered in her ear, “It’s time.” She turned to him with a smile. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it while she said her goodbye. Together, they walked quickly to the stage where the party band was finishing up their song, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars - Marry You (Official Lyric Video)

The lead singer got the crowd's attention and spoke into the microphone, “Let’s give it up for guests of honor- Sidney and Evie.” 

Sidney, dressed in his tuxedo, led Evie, who wore a short white sparkly dress, onto the stage. The singer handed Sidney the microphone with a flourish. Sidney wrapped his arm around Evie’s waist and brought the microphone to his mouth. 

“Good evening everyone!” he started as the crowd cheered and Evie grinned. 

“Evie and I want to welcome you to our engagement party. It means so much to each of us that would take the time to come celebrate our love and romance,” he continued before he turned to Evie. “Evie, I was just thinking about the words to that song. He sang joyfully, 'Cause it's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you’. What do you say? How about we get married tonight?”

The crowd erupted in cheers when Evie took the microphone and said, “I thought you would never ask. Let’s do it, Beso!” 

The cheers turned into shocked expressions when Sidney took the microphone again. “I can’t lie to you. We had that bit planned, but we decided that since I am not playing right now and Evie’s always wanted a holiday wedding that we would go ahead and get married tonight.” Family and friends looked to Trina and Troy Crosby who shrugged their shoulders. “So if you all will make your way to the ballroom across the hall, we are going to have a quick wedding ceremony,” he added. “Give Evie just a few minutes for a wardrobe change and wait for the music. We will start in about thirty minutes,” he announced. The band cranked back up and sang the song. Sidney and Evie made their way off the stage. They danced and sang as they made their way through the crowd to the corridor. He pulled her into a tight hug. “Well, no turning back now,” he said as he kissed her, “Go, get ready Mon Etoile. I will be waiting for you at the end of the aisle.” 

“Thirty minutes, Beso,” she laughed, “Give me half an hour to transform into your princess.”

“You are always my princess, even in sweats,” he smiled back.

“I’ll see you in there,” she said as she began to walk away, “You can’t miss me. I’ll be the one in white.”

“Can’t wait,” he said as he blew her a kiss. 

“Me either,” she yelled back. 

THREE WEEKS EARLIER- NOVEMBER 14TH-RITZ CARLTON- PHILADELPHIA 

"So what's the idea," Evie asked. 

"Let's get married at the engagement party," he said. She opened her mouth to object and her stopped her. "Think about it, Evie," he said, "You already have the catering, band and decor planned. We just need to add another ballroom for a ceremony and additional floral decor."

"What about the ceremony? If you want a Catholic ceremony, it needs to be at a church," she protested.

"They make exceptions all the time. If they won't make an exception, then we will do a non-denominational ceremony," he argued.

"It will take a lot of work," she said as her mind raced with the details that would need to be completed. "What about the people in Nova Scotia who won't be there? They will miss it," she pondered.

"We can do both," he smiled, "Get married now and have the big party in the summer." When Evie hesitated, he got serious. "Evie, I am tired of waiting to marry you. I want you to be my wife. I want to be your husband. I know I said summer but I don't want to wait any more.Why should we? I am ready to stand in front of our family and friends and exchange our vows." Evie tried to come up with a reasonable objection without success. "Evie, you can have your dream wedding. You can have the Christmas wedding that you always wanted. Maybe this can be the silver lining from the surgery. We can have it all."

Evie warmed to the idea, "If we do it, and I mean IF, should we make it a surprise? I think we need to prepare your parents and Adriana will figure it out if we make changes to the set-up." 

Sidney smiled, "Keep it a secret-no one knows except for the wedding party and my family. What do you think? Let's get married. Say yes, please say yes."

“I think that it’s crazy, but I think we should do it,” she beamed.

“Really?” he asked, thrilled that she was even considering it. 

“Yes, let’s make your masterplan a reality,” cheered, “Let’s do it!”

NOVEMBER 18TH-SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney dialed Evie for a FaceTime call.

Evie: Beso-are you okay?

Sidney: Geno is being mean to me.

Evie: How is he being mean? What's going on?

Sidney: I am hungry and he won't make me food.

Geno shouted from the kitchen- He is lying, Evie.

Sidney: No, I am not, Evie. I just want a grilled cheese sandwich and he won’t make me one.

Geno: I made him two sandwiches already. No good for him. He too picky.

Evie: Is that true, Beso?

Sidney: They weren't like yours, Evie. He didn't use enough cheese like you.

Evie: I'll make you one when I get home. How about you have some of the leftover pasta from last night right now?

Sidney: When will you be home? I miss you.

Evie checked her watch and grimaced: I am going as fast as I can. I still need to talk to Adriana. 

Sidney whined: How much longer?

Evie: Eat some pasta, take your medicine and then nap. I will be back before you wake up. 

Sidney: You promise?

Evie: Yes, and I will bring you a treat if you quit giving Geno a hard time. 

Adriana laughed from the door.  Evie turned and smiled. 

Evie: Do we have a deal,  Beso?

Sidney: Okay, but come home soon. 

Evie finished her goodbyes to Sidney and waved Adriana into the conference room that she had turned into a makeshift office. 

Adriana: Gringo Boy is being a baby? 

Evie raised an eyebrow: A- be nice. He is still in pain and going a little stir crazy. He is allowed to be a little needy. 

Adriana: How many times has he FaceTimed you today? 

Evie blushed: That's Facetime number three

"So why are you in the office today?" Adriana asked as she came in and took a seat. 

Evie looked up, "I needed to walk the ballroom to see if my changes would work."

"Changes to the engagement Party?", Adriana asked incredulously. She would not go as far as to call Evie a Bridezilla, but the planning of the engagement party had been meticulous with multiple meetings to nail down all the details. With the date less than three weeks away, Adriana was confused as to what changes could be made.

"Yes, I'm just adding some space for the ceremony," Evie replied coolly. "The Knox is available and it will work for what we need."

 Adriana blinked slowly. "What kind of ceremony?"

 Evie smiled, "It has to be a secret."

"What has to be a secret?" Adriana leaned forward.

"Sidney and I are going to get married at the engagement party," Evie leaned forward and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "We are changing the engagement party into a wedding," she added.

"What? Why?" Adriana gasped. Then she looked down at Evie's abdomen. "Are you pregnant?"

"Noooooo!" Evie shrieked. Adriana raised an eyebrow as Evie explained. "It was Sidney's idea. You know I wanted a Christmas wedding because my parents had one. It was the reason we chose the date for the engagement party. With Sidney's surgery and recovery time, we have the opportunity to actually get married on my parent's anniversary," she rambled. "I mean everything is basically planned. We just needed the ceremony space. The Knox ballroom is available. We just need to adjust the contract a bit to add it, change the menu a bit and add wedding cake."

Adriana smiled, "Evie…..You are going to get married in three weeks? Have you thought of everything? You need a bouquet. Will your dress be in by then? I thought it was going to take six months for the dresses.”

“Shit, I forgot about the dress.” Evie said in frustration, I can’t believe I forgot about the dress.” 

“Hey Evita,” Adriana soothed, “You just need a fairy godmother or kick ass best friend. You’re lucky that you have one of those. We’ll get it all worked out. Focus on what matters right now which is getting Sidney healthy. We’ll divide and conquer the rest.”

Evie smiled, “You’re the best A.” 

Together they sat down and created a list of everything that would have to get done. They divided it into different categories- Evie, Adriana and Sidney. Evie was in charge of bridal party wardrobe and floral decor changes. Adriana would handle the logistics of the hotel. Sidney was assigned the task of the marriage license, wedding officiant and other legal issues. By the time she left to go home, Evie felt confident that Sidney's masterplan was going to become a reality.

EARLY EVENING- SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

“Beso,” Evie called out as she entered the house, “I’m home.”

“I’m in the living room,” he groaned as she walked inside. She picked up the pace when she heard the sound of his voice. He was lounging on the couch with the TV. 

Geno poked his head out of the kitchen. "You home! Thank God- he is impossible to please.” Sidney glared at Geno and folded his arms. Evie walked over to the couch and kissed the top of his head. Geno continued to complain. "First pasta was too cold, then pasta was too hot, and we wait until it was just right," the Russian complained. 

Sidney shrugged his shoulders, "I like it at the right temperature- that's all."

Evie pursed her lips together, "Did you take your pain medicine? What's your level at?"

Geno walked in, "He refuse pill. Think he is tough man."

Evie got up and retrieved his medicine along with some orange  juice. She placed the pill in Sidney's hand. "Take it," she demanded. He opened his mouth to object. "Then stand up," she challenged, "by yourself." He took the pill without further complaint. "Now say thank you to Geno for taking care of you," she commanded. 

"Thank you, Geno," Sidney obeyed.

Evie gave him another kiss in the head, "I am going to walk Geno out. Think about what you want to eat."

“Just order in food,” Sidney pouted, “I want you here with me, not in the kitchen. You were gone too long.”

Evie smiled as she returned to the couch with phone in hand. She reclined on her end of the couch and he moved gingerly to rest his head in her lap. She ran her right hand through his hair as he looked up at her. “Tell me about your day,” he requested. She told him about the mountain of emails that waited for her. She had worked as much as possible from her phone while they were in Philly, but her first full day “back in the office” was full of demands. “Did you tell A about Operation Iceburgh?” he asked with a smile. He was really quite pleased with himself for coming up with the code name for their plan. “What did she say?” he asked. 

“Well, she asked if I was pregnant,” Evie chuckled. Sidney’s eyes widened in surprise. “People will make assumptions about why we are moving it up, Beso,” she smiled, “They will figure it out when I get drunk at the wedding or when my belly doesn’t start to grow.” 

Sidney grimaced, “I don’t want people to think we are getting married out of obligation. I want them to know the truth.”

Evie caressed his cheek, “I think that we are safe, Sidney. We’ve been engaged for a couple of months. I am pretty sure that people will know the truth.” She gazed into his eyes and saw his pupils dilating slightly- the telltale sign the pain medicine was kicking in. 

“We are getting married because we are in love,” he insisted. 

She nodded her head in amusement, “Yes, we are, Beso. We are getting married because you love me and I love you. People will figure it out.”

“We are in love,” he said emphatically. 

Evie steered the conversation into a different direction, “So what did you parents say when you told them?” His eyebrows knitted together. “You did call them, right?” she asked, “Beso, we need to tell them soon so they can arrange travel.”

“I forgot. I got busy arguing with Geno and forgot,” he answered sheepishly, “I will call right now.” He dug his phone out of his pocket and FaceTimed his parents. 

Troy: Hey Sid- How are you feeling? Did you survive the day without Evie?

Sid: I am okay. The pain is manageable today. Today was awful without Evie. 

Trina: What made it awful, Sid?

Sidney: She wasn’t here. I missed her. Also, Geno was mean to me. 

Trina: Geno was mean? How was Geno mean?

Sidney: He wouldn’t make me food until Evie made him.

Evie lifted the phone out of his hand and spoke directly to Trina.

Evie: Sidney was being particular about his grilled cheese sandwich. Apparently Geno doesn’t use the same amount of cheese as I do. They settled on pasta instead. Isn’t that right, Sidney?

Sidney nodded his head as if his parents could still see his face. 

Evie: Here’s Sidney back. 

Sidney: I have an announcement to make. 

He paused and looked at Evie.

Sidney: Well, we have an announcement to make. 

His parents looked on in anticipation.

Sidney: I am going marry Evie sooner. No waiting until summer. Summer is too long to wait. 

Troy and Trina looked at each other and then at Sidney. 

Trina spoke slowly: I am sorry. What did you say?

Sidney: I am going to marry Evie at the engagement party. Not going to wait. Nope, going to do it then. She is going to be my WIFE. 

Sidney's speech started to slow and he smiled helplessly. He leaned his head back and smiled at Evie. His parents looked at each in confusion. 

Evie grabbed the phone again. 

Evie: We decided to get married at the engagement party. It’s going to surprise everyone except the wedding party and family. 

Troy: Why the change in plans? Is there anything else going on?

Sidney’s eyes got big and he grabbed the phone back: SHE IS NOT PREGNANT. No, she is not pregnant. She going to get her period this weekend. Definitely not pregnant. Not pregnant yet, but one day she will get pregnant. I will do it. Evie, I am going to get you pregnant one day. We’re going to have babies. I want to have babies with you.

Evie grabbed the phone again and patted Sidney’s head. 

Evie: Wow, that was TMI, Sidney. 

Evie blushed and smiled timidly at Trina and Troy who were bouncing between the need to laugh and confusion on the new plan. 

Evie: Since Sidney is on injured reserve and won’t be playing for a while, we are going to take the opportunity to have the Christmas wedding that I wanted. We will be able to have the same anniversary as my parents. 

Trina: Wow. That’s a big change. What about all the deposits we put down here?

Evie: We are going to keep everything the same. We’ll re-do the ceremony and vows and then have the big party still. 

Sidney grabbed the phone and smiled at his parents. 

Sidney: It’s in less than three weeks. You need to come. And Taylor, too. She needs to come because we are getting married. Yes, we are getting married because we are IN LOVE, not because Evie is pregnant. 

Troy: Sid, that’s great. You sound like you could use a little rest since your pain meds kicked in. 

Sidney: Yep, I am sleepy. 

He yawned loudly before he perked up.

Sidney shouted: Evie! 

Evie laughed: Yes, Sidney?

Sidney: We’ll be married at Christmas. When we go home to Nova Scotia for Christmas, I will be your HUSBAND-not your fiancé. 

Evie: That’s true. Now say goodbye to your parents. 

Sidney smiled a goofy grin: Bye. My fiancé told me to say bye. Bye!

Evie took the phone from his hand: Sorry for the goofiness. He just had pain meds. I will update you with the details. See you soon. 

She placed the phone on the side table and looked down at Sidney who continued to gaze up at her lovingly. 

Sidney: Check that off of the list. 

Evie: Speaking of list, I have a list of stuff for you to start doing for the wedding. Can I trust you to get it all done?

Sidney: Yes ma’am

He mock saluted her and she mussed his hair. 

Evie: I think it’s time to get you some dinner into you before you crash. 

Sidney: Yes ma’am

Evie laughed: I don’t know, Sidney. I am digging this agreeable and compliant version of you. 

Sidney wiggled his eyebrows: Don’t get used it, Evie. I will return to bossiness when I feel better. I’ll show you who’s in charge around here. 

Evie: Promises, promises. You have another two and half weeks before you can do that.

BLACK FRIDAY-NOVEMBER 22ND-SIDNEYS HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney was in the basement watching the Penn State game with several guys from the team when a notification popped up on his phone. 

His head popped up when he heard the door leading in from the garage slam shut. Sidney got up from the sectional and called back to the guys, “I’ll be back. Evie’s home.” When he emerged at the top of the stairs, he saw her standing in the walk-in pantry. He could tell from her head movement that she was in search of something specific. 

“Mon Etoile,” he said softly, “How did it go?”

She didn’t turn around. Instead, she stepped further into the pantry. “Do we have any chocolate? I NEED some chocolate,” she whined. The slight nasal tinge to her voice told him that she had been crying. Adriana had not exaggerated with her text. 

“Remember- you threw all the sweets and junk food in the trash yesterday?” he answered. “You said that you had stuffed yourself on Thanksgiving so you needed to get back in control,” he said hesitantly. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she squealed as she remembered. “Let’s eat healthy” Evie had been very thorough in her purge of the pantry. “Why did you let me do that, Beso?” she continued to whine. Sidney paused and stared. She turned to face him. Her face was stained with tears and she put her hands on her hips. It was abundantly clear to Sidney that there was no good answer to her question, but he answered anyway. 

“You said that you have to fit into a dress in two weeks. You didn’t want to gain any weight,” he offered. “Personally I don’t think that you have to worry about that at all,” he began to add, “I think that your body is absolutely perfect. Any dress you pick will look great.”

She stepped out of the pantry and slammed the door. The noise was loud enough for the group of guys below to look up in surprise. “Well, I don’t have to worry about that now,” she huffed. 

“You don’t have to worry about what now?” Sidney questioned. 

“I don’t have to worry about fitting into a dress because I can’t find a damn dress,” she cried out loudly. 

“What do you mean you can’t find a dress?” Sidney blinked, “You’ve been gone all day long. You didn’t find a dress?”

“No, I didn’t find a dress, Sidney,” she crossed her arms over her chest. “We went to six stores and nothing,” she said as she fought back tears. Sidney walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I am not going to find one,” she cried into his chest, “I am not going to find a dress for the wedding.”

"Nothing in six shops? Really?" Sidney soothed. He felt her body tense beneath his touch and she placed her hands on his chest to push out of his grasp.

"Yes, really," she hissed, "You can ask Adriana if you don't believe me."

Sidney stepped back and began defensive maneuvers, "I believe you. Can you explain it to me though? I don't understand why it's so hard."

Evie started a tirade about dress lead times which necessitated getting an off the rack dress. The options of those dresses were limited and according to Evie, cheaply made and not good enough. By the end she had worked herself into a lather.

"Evie," he stared into her eyes, "It doesn't have to be the perfect dress. I think you are being too picky."

"YES, IT DOES! IT HAS TO BE PERFECT," she yelled, "I have to look beautiful for you. I have to look beautiful."

Sidney's mind raced. There had to be some sort of solution. "Are you sure that you can't get the other dress?" He asked for confirmation. He had been present, although heavily medicated, during a desperate phone call to Kleinfeld's bridal salon. "Would they sell you the sample dress?" he probed.

Evie's head popped up, "I forgot to ask."

"We'll call Monday," Sidney soothed, "We will find the perfect dress. I promise you. Don't stress yourself out."

Evie inhaled deeply, "Okay. How are you coming on your list? Is the priest set? Can he come down?"

Sid pursed his lips together, "about that…."

Evie stepped back and looked up at his face, "What?"

"Technically according to church law, the marriage ceremony must be performed inside of a church," he answered. When he saw the panic spread across her face, he added "Don't panic, don't panic." She leaned against the kitchen island and crossed her arms. "We can't get married in the eyes of the church here, but we can do that at the July ceremony in Halifax." She moved and began to pace. "Evie, don't panic," he added, "We can have the ceremony here performed by a justice of the peace or wedding officiant. Everything will be legal and we can do the religious part later." She stopped and stared at him. "I already booked the best rated one. We are all set," he smiled.

"Really? Thank you, Beso" she gave him a soft smile "What about the prenup? Does your lawyer have it almost ready?" she asked. Sidney stared at her. Evie crossed her arms again. "Have you even called your lawyer?" she probed, "Well?"

"You were serious? That wasn't a joke?”, he deadpanned.

"Yes, I was serious," she answered, "Of course we need a prenup."

"No, we don't. I am not doing it," he responded, raising his voice. "I can't believe you are even suggesting it. No, no way- It's going NOT to happen."

"Yes, it is. You have to have a prenup to protect your money. Ask the guys. They get prenups," she raised her voice in response.

"Protect my money from whom?" he raised her volume to match hers.

"From gold diggers!" she screamed.

"I am not marrying a golddigger," he stepped forward and screamed, "I am marrying YOU. Are you a gold digger all of a sudden? Since when?"

Evie stepped forward and yelled back, "Do you think I am? Is that what you think?" Downstairs Geno and Letang exchanged glances. The words were unclear but the volume said it all.

"Evie, what the hell are you talking about?" Sidney took his tone up a notch, "You brought up gold diggers. You brought up a prenup, not me!"

"People will ask, Sidney," she brought her voice down a notch.

"So what? Let them ask," he dropped his tone.

"They will think I am taking advantage. They will assume I am only after your money," she insisted.

"And?" his tone rose again.

"What do you mean and?" Her volume rose again.

"I don't give a fuck what other people think. I know that you are not." He yelled, "This is exhausting, Evie. It's tiring and frankly, insulting." 

"I just….." her voice lowered, "I just don't want people to think…." Her voice trailed off.

"Look, I know that Thad fucked with your head about that, but when are you going to let it go," he pleaded, "When are going to trust me?" 

"I do trust you," she said in a hushed tone."

"You are not acting like it. You are not acting at all," Sidney answered with a pained expression on his face.

"Beso," she took a step towards him, "I do trust you. You know that."

"Then start acting like it," he sighed, "I am going to go back downstairs. I don't want to be around you right now."

"Beso," she stepped toward him and put her hand on his chest, "I don't want to fight. I'm sorry. I don't want to fight."

"Me either," he said, "I will talk to you later." He turned and walked away. When he got downstairs, Geno greeted him with a cold beer. Sidney grabbed it from his hand and took a long swig. "Did everyone hear?" he asked quietly.

"We heard voices but not what was said," the Russian answered casually, "Don't worry. Everyone married. We know women."

Sidney took another swig. He wasn't necessarily embarrassed that his teammates heard them fighting. It was more that they fought at all. He shook his head and tried to clear his head. 

He smiled at his phone before he sat. Geno looked over with a grin "See, I told you no worry." Sid nodded his head and relaxed.

Upstairs, in their bedroom, Evie undressed, started a hot shower before she went to pee. She groaned as she wiped. "Damn," she thought to herself, "That explains so much." She also smiled at the memory of Sidney's drug-addled conversation with his parents. Even high as a kite, he knew that her period should start that day. Nothing slipped past his notice.

She took a long, leisurely shower and dressed in soft, fleece pajamas with fuzzy socks. Evie pulled the blanket up to her chin and rested her head on the pillow. She stared at the ceiling and replayed each dress from the day. Surely, one of them would work. As each dress was eliminated in her mind, she tried to force her mind to relax. The adrenaline from her argument with Sidney still pulsed through her veins. She opened her eyes and looked at her phone. It was a little after eight PM.

With a sigh, she stood up and walked out the bedroom. She wandered aimlessly until she eyed the door to the attic. The only thing left unpacked from her official move into Sidney's house were the dozen or so large boxes from her parent's house in Dallas. When she sold the house, the one luxury that she allowed herself were professional packers.

It was too soon after her parent's deaths to go through the contents of the house herself. Each item contained too many memories. With the exception of her bedroom furniture, every single household item was donated to a local thrift shop benefiting LGBT youths. Her bedroom furniture and all personal mementos of her parents were boxed up and delivered to her small grad student apartment. After graduation, the contents were moved to her apartment. Then it moved to her cottage and now to Sidney’s house. She mentally corrected herself- our house. It had been moved to our house.

Evie opened the door and climbed the stairs. The attic was uncluttered. Most of Sidney's mementos were stored either at his parent's home or a climate controlled storage unit. The boxes from her parent's home were stacked neatly to the side.

She walked over to the first box and opened it. Inside were the contents of her childhood bedroom. She took out her phone, turned on Spotify and hit shuffle. Gingerly she picked up the homecoming mum that had been placed on top. Evie's fingers ran over the long ribbons that were bedazzled with glittery letters. Each ribbon contained a different message- Homecoming 2009, HP Scots, HP Belles Captain, Thad and Evie with a heart.

She remembered the pride she felt that night she wore the mum to the game. Thad Wilson was her boyfriend. Together they made quite the power couple. He being the star of the football team and she being a drill team officer. Little did she know at the time that none of it would make a difference in her life. Evie put the mum down and glanced at the rest of the box.

Downstairs, in the basement, Sidney glanced at the stairs every few minutes. It didn't take long for Geno to notice. One of the benefits of being teammates for so long was the ability to decipher the unsaid messages. Sidney's message was loud and clear. He was desperate to find Evie and resolve their conflict, but was unwilling to risk appearing rude to his guests. So when the game ended, Geno stood and abruptly said that it was time for everyone to go. "Go, go, go," the Russian barked, "Sid still recovering. He need Evie to take care of him. Out- everybody out."

Sidney smiled a sly grin and escorted everyone upstairs. No sooner than when the door shut, he started climbing the stairs. He opened the bedroom door and saw the bed empty. "Evie," he called out in case she was in the bathroom. When he received no response, he turned to leave. Possibly she had gone down to the kitchen he thought to himself. As he walked down the hall, he heard the sound of music. He turned in the direction of the sound and saw the door to the attic open.

Sidney climbed the stairs while calling out, "Evie?" When he reached the top, he stopped and gazed at Evie. She sat with her back to him. A box of mementos spread before her and she sang a sad song.

https://youtu.be/9-rKvhsjwKU

That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale

I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet

Lead her up the stairwell

This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town

I was a dreamer before you went and let me down

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To come around

"Evie," Sidney said softly. She turned to him and he saw her tear-stained face. She got up and ran to him. He embraced her as she threw herself into his arms. The song continued as he held her.

Maybe I was naive, got lost in your eyes

And never really had a chance

My mistake, I didn't know to be in love

You had to fight to have the upper hand

I had so many dreams about you and me

Happy endings, now I know

Evie pressed her face and whispered "I'm sorry, Sidney. I am so sorry." He pressed his hand behind her head.

And there you are on your knees

Begging for forgiveness, begging for me

Just like I always wanted but I'm so sorry

Evie leaned back and sang to Sidney who looked confused.

'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale

I'm gonna find someone someday

Who might actually treat me well

This is a big world, that was a small town

There in my rear-view mirror disappearing now

And it's too late for you and your white horse

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To catch me now

When the song ended,.he questioned, "Evie?" as he wiped her tears, "What are you doing up here? Why are you crying?"

She stepped back and pointed to the boxes. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to go downstairs. I came up here to go through these boxes." She moved towards them.

"What boxes are they?" he said as he followed her.

"It's stuff from my parent's house. I never had the courage to go through them. I am not sure what made me do it tonight," she explained.

"Why are you crying?" He asked.

She looked back at the open boxes. "These boxes are everything from the Thad years," she offered, "I was going down that not-so-pleasant memory lane when our break-up song came on."

"What's the name of the song?" He asked, curious to learn more.

"White Horse," Evie informed him. She turned to Sidney. "I used to listen to it on repeat after he broke my heart." He pursed his lips and she stepped towards him. "I always focused on the chorus of 'That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale'" she stated as she wrapped her arms around Sidney's waist. She pressed her forehead against his chest and kissed it softly. "I should have focused on 'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale.I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well," she said gazed into Sidney's eyes.

"I did," she sighed, "I found you. I wasn't his princess, but I am yours. You gave me the fairytale."

He smiled, "Yes, you are. You will always be my princess." He bent down to kiss her softly then he pressed his head against her forehead. "Unfortunately for our fairytale to work, we need to talk about earlier."

"Okay," she replied, "Can I say something in my defense? He nodded his head which caused her head to move in response. "It seems as if I had a surge of monthly hormones that were announcing the arrival of my period. It's not an excuse but it explains my overreaction a little bit, at least to me." She stepped back and sat down on the floor. Sidney followed suit. "The wedding stress is getting to me and I haven't been good about communicating that," she confessed.

He waited patiently for her to continue. "I know that I need to let go of the gold digger fear," she offered, "but I don't understand why you are so adamantly against it."

"I am against it because it is preparing for us to fail. I don't want to think about what may happen if we were to break up," Sidney stammered, "The thought of it gives me heart palpations. If I lose you, I lose everything. I won't care about the money. I won't care about anything." Evie watched as the panic spread through him as he spoke. He was right. Even just speaking about it caused a severe physical reaction.

Honestly, Evie's heart began to race at the thought. She had been so consumed with not wanting to appear like a gold digger that she lost sight of the circumstances that would proceed it. The thought of being separated from Sidney made her heart ache. "I'm sorry, Beso," she whispered, "I thought the prenup would protect you, but I hurt you." She put her hands on either side of his face, "If you don't want a prenup, we don't have to do it. I will drop the subject and we will never talk about it again." Sidney exhaled and she kissed him.

"I don't want one," he admitted, "We don't need one."

"Okay, mark it off the list," she smiled.

They stood silently for a moment. "Want to do another box?", he asked. He walked over and opened the next one. It was much larger than the previous two. Sidney picked up a large, red leather scrapbook embossed with names Vanessa and Mark. He held it up to Evie. She put her hand over her mouth in surprise. "Is this what I think it is?" he asked. She nodded her head. "Let's go downstairs and look at it together," he suggested. She stood, gathered her phone and led him downstairs.

Once they got settled together on the couch, Sidney opened the album. The first page contained a large photo of Mark proposing to Vanessa on one knee. On the opposite page, she had written the story of Mark's proposal. The evening was supposed to be a celebration of Mark's graduation from law school at SMU. However, right after the obligatory speeches from Mark and his parents, he called Vanessa up to the front to give a speech thanking her support before dropping to one knee. Sidney silently read the story while Evie looked at his face. "Wow," he said, "That was a sweet proposal." He turned his attention to the picture. His finger touched Vanessa's face. "You really look like them," he said before he turned to face her, "They made a beautiful baby."

"Thank you," she blushed as she turned the page.

When they got to the pages containing Vanessa's bridal portraits, Sidney looked up at Evie. "What are these?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

“I thought that your parents got married in December. These pictures are taken in early fall or summer,” he said.

“Oh, those are her bridal portraits. I think it may be a southern thing,” she explained. “Brides get dressed up in their gowns and take pictures. It’s like a trial run of the wedding day for hair and make-up. Then one of the pictures gets enlarged and displayed at the wedding.”

“Oh,” he said and looked at the picture again. “That dress is gorgeous.”

“Yeah,” Evie said softly, “Once I decided to embrace the princess vibe, it was the style I wanted to emulate. My original dress was slightly different though. It was strapless, not off the shoulder.”

Sidney continued to stare as he flipped through the pages. “Where were the pictures taken?” he asked.

“At the arboretum,” Evie replied, “I was planning on going down once I got my dress and take bridal portraits there too. I am not sure now.”

When they got to the photos of the actual wedding ceremony and reception, Sidney thoughtfully looked at each page. “I can see why you wanted a Christmas wedding now, “ he said, “Everything is beautiful. Will ours look similar?” Evie smiled and explained the details that would be similar such as her bouquet and aisle decor. Then she explained the items that would be different like the cake and reception lighting.

Sidney yawned as she talked. It was his first full day off of pain medicine. His body was feeling the effects. He readily agreed when she suggested bed. After they slid under the covers, Evie rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "It's too bad you can't find a dress like your mother's dress," Sidney yawned, "It would be perfect."

"Yeah," Evie agreed, "I have no idea where to look."

They drifted off to sleep. Eventually Evie rolled over and curled into a ball. She floated into a deep sleep and began to dream.

Evie stood in a bridal suite of an unknown wedding venue. She wore nothing but the embroidered panties she had purchased especially for the wedding. There was a loud knock on the door, which startled her. "Evie!" Adriana called out, "It's time. They are about to start the music." Her head swiveled around, saw her reflection in the mirror and began to panic. She brought up her arm to cover her bare breasts.

"Evie, " Taylor called, "Are you dressed yet? Sid’s waiting on you.” Evie turned to look to where her bridal gown was supposed to be hung and the space was empty. She raced around the suite to search for the dress, but found nothing.

Taylor called again, “Evie, come on!”

A familiar voice called out from behind her, "Give us ten minutes." Evie swirled around. Her mother, Vanessa, stood near the couch, holding Evie's satin bridal robe. She held out her arms and Evie raced into them. "Mi Chiquita," her mother soothed, "Where is your dress?"

"I couldn't find one. I don't have one to wear," Evie sobbed.

"Why didn't you want to wear my dress? I kept it for you," she kissed the top of Evie's head.

Evie's head snapped up, "What do you mean you kept it for me?"

Vanessa pointed to the box on the couch. Evie ran to look at it and ripped it open. Her mother's dress was neatly folded within it. Evie took the dress out and held it gingerly against her body. "Try it on," her mother suggested. Evie stepped into the dress and turned to her mother for assistance. She zipped up the dress and together they stated at Evie's reflection.

Vanessa smiled, "Chiquita, it's like it was made for you."

"Why didn't you tell me, Mami?" Evie whispered, "It has always been my dream dress."

"I planned to tell you. I was just going to tell when you got engaged. I thought I had time but….," her voice trailed off.

"But you left me," Evie looked her mother in the eye, "You left me all alone. I needed you and you left me."

"Oh Evie," Vanessa put her hand on Evie's face, "I should have stayed. I shouldn't have left you when you needed me the most."

"Why didn't you stay?" Evie cried, "Didn't you want to stay?"

"I didn't want to leave," Vanessa explained, "I was drowning in grief. I couldn't find my way to the surface. I didn't know a way out so I gave up. I couldn't see how much it was going to hurt you, baby."

They stared at each other for a moment. "I regret it," Vanessa said, "I regret that I am not going to be here for your wedding day. I regret not being here to meet Sidney and my grandbabies. I regret leaving you alone. I wish I could stay with you forever. I don't want to leave you alone."

"I am not alone anymore. Sidney is with me," Evie said, almost defiantly. "I have a family now and they love me," she said.

"I know," Vanessa said, "Go, go and join your new family. Let them love you and take care of you." Vanessa turned to go.

Mami," she cried, "You didn't tell me where the dress is."

"You were so close. It's there. Dig deeper" she said

"Mami," Evie cried out, "Mami, don't go! Don't leave me!"

Vanessa ran back and squeezed her daughter tight, "I will see you again Mi Chiquita. Daddy and I love you. I will see you again."

"Mami, don't leave," Evie cried over and over as her mother disappeared.

Besides her, Sidney stirred to the sounds of Evie's cries. He wrapped his body around hers and kissed her head. "Evie, I am here. You are okay. I am here."

Evie woke up with a start, "Beso?"

"Yes, Mon Etoile," he whispered, "I am here. Were you having a nightmare?"

"Yes, about the wedding dress," she answered, "Then my mom came and helped me. We found a dress together." Evie wasn't sure why she felt to keep the details about the dress a secret, but she did. "We talked and she said she was sorry that she left me alone. When it was time for her to go, she said she didn't want to leave me alone again."

Evie rolled over and stared at Sidney. "I told her that I am not alone anymore. I have you and I have a family again. I am not alone."

"And I will never leave you and not come back," Sidney stated firmly as he caressed her cheek, "I will never leave you alone."

"I love you, Beso" she sighed.

"I love you, too," he said, "let's go back to sleep."

"Okay," she kissed him softly before rolling over again. She relaxed as he wrapped her in his arms again. "It was nice though- to see her in my dream. It was almost like she was here."

"I bet it was," he squeezed her tight, “I bet it helped you so much.”

NOVEMBER 23RD- SIDNEY'S HOUSE-SEWICKLEY

Evie stood in the kitchen when she heard the doorbell. She shouted, "Come in!" as she watched Sidney make coffee for her.

Adriana walked into the house and meandered into the kitchen after petting Sam. "Please tell me that you are in a better mood," she laughed as she entered. Evie had moved closer to Sidney and stood behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his back. She sighed contentedly as he worked. "Ahhhh, it seems so," she grinned, "Behold the power of the Beso. We should call you the Evie Tamer."

Sidney shook his head and smiled, "Nah, I prefer Evie in her natural wild state." He felt Evie giggle into his back and kiss him gently. "I will leave you ladies to your dress hunt," he teased, "Keep the faith. I think your dream was a good sign."

Evie walked him to the door and waved as he pulled out of the garage. She turned around and said, "Come with me." Adriana followed as Evie marched to the attic.

"Evita," Adriana called from behind, "I thought we were hunting for a dress?"

"We are," she replied as they climbed the stairs to the attic. Evie opened the door and ran to the box that Sidney took the wedding scrapbook from. On top was her baby book, then her baby blanket on top of the dress that she wore home from the hospital. Underneath was a large padded envelope with every card that Evie had given her parents. Finally she reached the bottom and saw the sealed white cardboard box with Stardust Bridal embossed across the front. Evie let out a loud squeal as she lifted the box. "Holy shit, it's heavy," she said with the excitement barely contained.

"What's heavy?" Adriana asked.

"I think it's my mom's wedding dress," Evie looked up.

"What?" Adriana responded.

Evie set the box down and used the box cutter to carefully open the edges of the box as she explained the dream about her mother to Adriana.

"So that's the dress?" Adriana rushed to assist Evie. Together they got the lid off of the box. Evie's hand delicately touched the white beaded satin gown. Adriana looked at Evie as the tears ran down her face.

"Try it on, try it on, try it on," Adriana shouted. Evie stripped off her clothes and stepped in the dress. She turned to let Adriana zip the dress. It fit Evie like a glove. It dawned on her that she didn't have a mirror so Adriana took a picture. "You need a petticoat, but it looks amazing," she gushed.

"I can't believe it," Evie grazed her fingers over the beaded lace, "Mami married my dad in this dress on the same date. That has to be good luck, right."

"It's the best luck," Adriana said as she surprised herself with tears, "but you don't need luck, Evita. Gringo Boy and you are meant to be."

"Are you ever going to quit calling him that," Evie grinned.

"When he makes me an Aunt?", she laughed. "Let's go find you a petticoat and veil. Then you can officially mark it off of your list."

"Don't forget your dress," Evie interjected.

"Damn," Adriana asked, "You are really going to make me wear matching dresses with Taylor?"

Evie paused, "Fine- y'all decide on a color - deep red, black or metallic gold and pick whatever dress you want."

December 5th- Sidney and Evie's house- Sewickley

Evie woke up to the sensation of Sidney's lips and tongue on her neck while his hand roamed under her pajama top. In the weeks since his surgery, Evie had developed the habit of wearing pajamas to bed to remove "temptation" for Sidney as he recovered. Behind her, she felt as hips grinded into her. She looked back to gauge whether he was fully awake or asleep. Another habit that developed is Sidney, while fully asleep, initiated sex with this exact same behavior. Evie would politely, yet firmly, remove his hands from her body while whispering explanations of "It hasn't been three weeks, Beso." and "Keep your hands to yourself, please."

She was fully prepared to do the same when he whispered hoarsely, "It's three weeks today, Mon Etoile. It's been three weeks." Her body, full of pent-up sexual energy, began to respond. When his hand slid under the elastic waistband of her pajama pants, she moaned softly as it made its way between her legs. However, her mind raced to control the situation. Her hand went to his hand that began to explore her folds. She grabbed his hand and pulled it out of her pants. Evie then delicately extricated herself from his grasp and wiggled to the far side of the bed.

Sidney groaned and wiggled to follow her. She rolled over and placed her hand against his chest. Sidney was fully awake and aroused. "Evie, it's been three weeks exactly," he whined, "I need you. I need you so much. Look at how hard I am for you."

Evie resisted the urge to glance at his erection pressed tight against his boxers. "Listen," she said with authority, "I have been thinking about this."

"Less thinking and more fucking," Sidney said with a grin. When she did not return then grin, he asked, "Thinking what?"

"I want to wait," she replied. The look of disbelief conveyed all of his thoughts without saying a word. "Beso, we have already waited this long. I want to wait until our wedding night. I want that night to be special," she added.

Sidney blinked slowly, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. "Are you serious?" he asked. He studied her face and her sincerity was obvious. He pinched his nose, "Tell me why again."

"I want the first time as your wife to be special," she explained.

"I think that being the first time married would automatically make it special," he countered, "Besides, I am fairly sure that the first time is going to be pretty quick."

Evie smiled sweetly, "I know that it doesn't make a lot of sense given the amount of times that we have fucked and other things. It means a lot to me. It's almost like I will be a virgin again."

"A virgin?" he smirked. He rolled over and placed his forearm over his eyes. Evie watched him mentally process her words. "If that's what you want," he sighed. He perked back up. "Hey, do virgins give handjobs?", he asked. Evie got up from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. "I'm kidding, Evie," he called out. She turned and crossed her arms. He gave her a big grin. She smiled and shook her head.

Evie continued her walk to the bathroom and stripped her pajamas off as she walked. Sidney watched her from the bed. He stood up, walked to the bathroom door and leaned against the door frame. His gaze went from the top of her head and down the length of her nude body. He licked his lips as she stepped into the shower. He looked down as she poured body wash and lathered her smooth skin. His hand went into his boxers and started to stroke his throbbing cock. She called out to him, "I see you, Beso."

"I can't help it," he whined.

"I did it in May," she teased.

"Is this payback for the playoffs?" he laughed, "That's not fair!" She opened the door and stuck out her tongue. "Pretty please? You gotta help me out here," he pouted.

She smiled, closed the door and put on a show while he jerked his hand back and forth. When she heard the tell-tale grunts and groans of his orgasm, she called out, "You're welcome, Beso."

"You need to be ready Saturday night," he said breathlessly, "I am going to fuck you senseless."

"You better," she teased.

TWO HOURS LATER-ALLEGHENY COUNTY MARRIAGE BUREAU

Sidney grabbed Evie's hand as she came around the back of the car and led her up the stairs to the courthouse. Their completed marriage license waited for them to pick it up. Sidney sighed as they reached the back of the line. His status as Pittsburgh Penguins Captain opened doors and parted lines all across the city, country and world. Unfortunately, it was not effective at the marriage license bureau and he was forced to stand in line like the rest of the prospective grooms.

Sidney pulled his cap lower on his head. Evie pulled up her hoodie and grinned up at him. He reached for her hands and pulled her into his body. She whispered, “Maybe wearing the Penguins hat wasn’t the best idea?”

He kissed the top of her head, “What are you afraid of? I don’t care if people know that I am marrying you.”

Evie looked up, “Oh, I know that.”

He flashed a smile, “Then what are you afraid of?”

She returned his smile, “I am afraid that someone in this office or in this line will decide to leak that we have a marriage license before Saturday night. The wedding is supposed to be a surprise, right?”

They moved up with the line. Sidney glanced around, “You’re right. What if I hide in the bathroom and you text me when you get up there.” He kissed her quickly and escaped to the restroom.

Twenty minutes later, Evie texted Sidney. As she waited, the clerk pulled out the marriage license. “Ms. Montgomery, I just need you to confirm that information is correct,” the clerk whispered. Evie looked up and smiled, thankful for the quiet tone. She studied the license carefully. When she was sure that all the information was correct, she looked up and smiled. “Good,” the clerk smiled, “I will tell you that I am not sure that I can prevent this from getting leaked. We have some die hard Pens fans around here.”

Evie leaned forward, “I just need it to stay secret until Saturday.” She reached into her wallet and fished for cash. She came up with a crisp one hundred dollar bill and slid it across the counter. “Can you help us with that?”, she smiled.

“Your secret is safe with me,” the clerk smiled, “Tell Mr. Crosby congratulations. He landed himself a beauty. He’s a lucky man.”

“We are both lucky,” she smiled back. Evie was walking down the hall. Her eyes searched for Sidney. She shrieked as a hand grabbed her hand and pulled into an alcove by a courtroom. “Sidney!” she gasped and playfully swatted his chest, “You scared me.”

Sidney held a finger up to his mouth and shushed her. He whispered, “Did you get the license?” Evie looked around quickly, noted the presence of a young couple then shook her head affirmatively. “Good,” Sidney whispered, “My new friend, Harry, and his fiancée need a favor from us.”

Evie turned to look at Harry, who appeared to be in his early twenties, dressed in freshly pressed slack and buttoned down shirt. Next to him was a very pretty, yet very pregnant brunette, who wore a short white lace dress with an empire waist. The young man extended his hand, “Hi, I am Harry and this is my fiancée , Marissa.” He looked at his fiancée with a look of love that rivaled Sidney’s. “I had the good fortune to run into Sid in the men’s room. I mean what are the odds that I would run into my hockey hero here at the marriage license office.” Sidney moved closer to Evie and slid his arm around her waist as Harry continued to speak. “Anyway, Marissa and I want to get married today, but our witnesses flaked out on us. It’s really important that we get married today. Marissa is due any day now and we want to be married before the baby comes.” Evie looked at Sidney and then at Marissa and nodded her head in understandment. “So would you be willing to do it for us? It would mean the world to us if you could help us out.” he asked hopefully.

“Absolutely! I would be honored to witness your ceremony,” Evie said brightly as she leaned into Sidney’s body. Just then the courtroom doors opened and the previous couple walked out, followed by a gaggle of family and friends. Marissa let out a soft sigh. Evie took her hand and whispered, “You look gorgeous and radiant. Let’s go get you married to your man.”

They all walked in together and took their positions in front of the judge. Marissa cradled her bump and grinned up at Harry. The elderly judge cleared his throat, "Please join hands." The young couple joined hands.

Evie pulled out her phone and nudged Sidney to do the same. When he looked at her in question, she gestured that he needed to take video of the ceremony. It took a moment before he grinned and nodded in understatement. Both armed with cameras, they turned as the judge began the ceremony.

We’re here today to witness the union of Harry and Marissa in marriage. Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other today should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony – it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.

Evie felt tears filling her eyes. She imagined her own wedding to Sidney. While the script would be different, the universal nature of marriage became apparent to her. She and Sidney would soon join the club so-to-speak.

Do you, Harry, take Marissa to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Harry: Yes, I do.

Evie looked to Sidney. He turned his head to look at her while holding the camera straight. He mouthed the words "I do".

And do you, Marissa, take Harry to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Marissa: Yes, I do.

Sidney stared as Evie wiped her tears and mouthed the word, "I do."

The brief ceremony continued with the exchange of simple gold bands. Evie continued with her self-imposed duty of the wedding photographer but felt as Sidney's hand searched for her hand. She gave it to him to hold.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss! Congratulations!

Sidney and Evie cheered wildly as the young lovers sealed their marriage with a kiss. The foursome stood by the courtroom doors as the judge completed the paperwork. Harry shook Sidney's hand, "I can't tell how much this means to us. To have Sidney Fucking Crosby as our witness, man, we are blessed."

Evie giggled and gazed at Sidney. He smiled joyously, "It was an honor to be included. I hope you have a wonderful life together, especially with that little Penguin on the way."

Marissa joked, "Just wait until everyone hears about it. They will be so jealous." Sidney and Evie exchanged a look. Sidney looked at Marissa, "About that.". He pulled out his wallet and pulled out ten crisp one hundred dollar bills. "If you could not tell the part about us until Sunday morning, we would be really grateful," he said smoothly as he palmed the cash to Harry, "We are trying to pull off a surprise wedding Saturday night."

Harry and Marissa gasped at the cash, "Oh yes, we can keep a secret."

Evie interjected, "Where are you spending your wedding night?"

Marissa blushed, "He is taking me to the Cheesecake Factory and then home."

Evie smiled, "If you would allow me, I would love to arrange a night at the Fairmont for you. You can have the best suite available. Everything is on us." Harry and Marissa tried to object. "Please let us do it for you. This has been such a treat for us to witness," Evie argued as Sidney wrapped his arm around her waist. Her spontaneous generosity was just another reason he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Evie sent a few texts and exchanged numbers with Marissa to send pics.

They waited while Harry and Marissa exited. As soon as they left and they were alone in the courtroom, Sidney pulled Evie into an embrace. She laughed as he showered her with kisses. "Eighty hours," he whispered, "Eighty hours until I can call you my WIFE."

"I can't wait,Beso," she smiled.

"Me either," he kissed her passionately.

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ꜱɪx: ᴀʟʟ ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴍᴀꜱ ɪꜱ ʏᴏᴜ - ᴄᴏɴɴᴏʀ ʙᴇᴅᴀʀᴅ

part of holidays with equallyshaw

warnings: none!

word count: 4.5k + 🫣

also for context, she is a year older than him, so shes 19 right now almost 20.

ᴄᴏɴɴᴏʀ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴇʟ ʜᴀᴅ been friends since birth, or well they used to be. ironically noel ended up in chicago after growing up in vancouver for 14 years and when connor had gone off to regina. it seemed as though noel had forgotten about connor, he had surmised. and hoped that once he came to chicago - officially - that the two would see one another again.

ofcourse as luck would have it, they would.

❅

"noel!" she heard her name yelled from downstairs. she sighed, putting down her romance novel, and took in the white flurries that had miraculously come just in time for christmas eve, in a day. she stood up, picked up her coffee mug, and headed down the three flights of stairs. when her father moved her and her brother to chicago, they quickly fell in love with the brownstone that just happened to be available as soon as he took the job. especially in the area that they were, and because noel adored the area so much she opted to stay in the city and go to school in the loop. after her freshman year of dorm living, she convinced her best friend abby from highschool to join her in off-campus housing- and now here she was back in her bedroom, for holiday break.

noel had made it down to the landing, right before the foyer and heard her dad talking with somebody, and the two were laughing. her eyebrows crinkled, unsurely. as soon as she hit the top step, connor froze. he swallowed, his gaze shifting from noels father and towards his best friend and the girl that he had loved for some time. she jogged down to the last step, and that's when she recognized him. she tilted her head just a bit, and gave a weary smile. "connor?" he stood silent for a minute before speaking, "hey noel, its good to see you." he said and she nodded softly. "yeah, you too." she hummed, pulling a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "how long has it been?" she questioned, shifting her hold on the mug before her dad swiped it from her. "ill get you some more." he said before leaving the two.

"about 6 years almost." he stated and she nodded, "right." she hummed looking at the historic wood floor. "oh! congrats by the way. my dad was really excited that chicago drafted you. apparently, they needed a good ole canadian to lead the team again." she said grinning, and he nodded smiling. "yeah i was pretty stoked when i remembered that you guys had moved here. my parents had hoped that we'd cross each other's path at some point. they were thankful and relieved to know your parents were here." he exclaimed and she nodded, "they always did say that you were like their second son. which doesn't hurt." she grinned, "do you want something to eat? drink?" she questioned and he shrugged, "did i hear coffee?" he smirked and she nodded, "ofcourse! my dad can never go a day with out." she hummed, pulling him towards the kitchen. "nice house by the way." he said as they went through the dining room and then down two halls. she nodded, "yeah. things changed a lot when my dad got the job. my dad was finally able to give the historic home my mom had always dreamed of." she shrugged, before htye entered the black and white marble floor. "connor!" her mom gushed, putting down her knife and rushing over to see the boy.

"mrs. murphy! how are you?" he questioned as she pulled back a bit to inspect the now 5'11 boy. "good good! how are you?" she questioned, returning to her chopping board. noel took her coffee mug out of the nespresso machine, and placed another one for connor. she took out the medium roast pod from the drawer, before grabbing coffee creamer from the fridge. oh shoot, she thought, she didn't know what he liked in coffee. "hey connor? what do you want for coffee?" she questioned, turning back towards him. "whatever you're doing is fine." he said before her mom pushed connor into the island chair. "sit sit, i want to hear all about your time here so far. tell me about regina too!" her mom said continuing to prepare dinner. noel brought her mug to her lip, not to drink just yet but to hide the small grin that was forming. connor flicked his gaze towards noel for a brief second, before looking at noel's mom. noel turned back towards the coffee machine, putting some creamer in his cup before bringing it over to him. she sat down next to him, and he made a weird face. "this is so you." he said but continued to drink it. "last time i checked, i didn't start drinking coffee until i was 17." she said without really catching her self. connor nodded softly, a wave of uneasiness filled him. "so connor! tell us about your parents!" her mom butt in, and noel silently thanked the universe for it.

a few hours later, with a home-cooked meal and some cookies placed in a tin, noel was walking connor out. "please come back soon! we'd love to have you for dinner again." her mom said hugging the boy tightly. "i can never go without your cooking again! giving my mom a run for her money." he joked, and her parents laughed. she pulled away before he went to hug noel's dad. "ill walk him out." noel announced and then she walked him back through the halls and to the front door. "wheres your brother?" he questioned, "oh! he's uh, he lives in the loop now with his girlfriend." she said shrugging waiting for him to slip his shoes back on. she peered out the window next to the door and smiled, it was still snowing. "well drive safely, its still snowing." she said as he finished. he nodded, "would you, would you like to get coffee with me tomorrow? my parents fly in tonight late, and so they wont be up for a while." he explained. she waited a brief second, before nodding. "id love that connor." she smiled before pulling him in for a hug. a good chill went up connor's spine and butterflies erupted from within noel. she began to pull away, and she could feel his breath at one point. she tried to hide her blushing as they pulled away for good, "how about philz coffee in lincoln park, say 9 ?" he questioned and she nodded. "ill be there." she grinned, before opening the door. she waited a few seconds before shutting the door, once he opened the small courtyard gate and then he was gone.

❅

it was 9 am the next morning, and noel had just sat down at a table with a hot coffee. her leg tapped anxiously, as she waited for him. and even though connor wasn't that guy, she was worried about him bailing on her. because, again- she was the one who stopped talking to him once she moved. her roommate and best friend abby had just woken up when connor walked through the door. abby and noel were on the phone, and abby was harping about something when she noticed connor find her within he coffee shop. he waltzed over to her, and sat down in front of her. she held up a finger, and nodded at whatever abby was saying. "ill be by afterwards and then we can talk about this." noel said before saying bye to her friend. "sorry my best friend was trying to explain what happened last night when she went out." she shrugged, sipping her coffee. "no problem, im gonna go order and ill be back." he said standing up and walking over towards the counter. she sat back, pulling off her long coat and sipped her coffee.

connor heard his name called a few minutes later, and he quickly swiped it from the counter. "so! tell me about your friend." he said, trying to start the 'catching up' conversation. she smiled, "i met her the first day of highschool, and we've been inseparable since. we had joint grad parties, and we roomed our freshman year at depaul, and now were still together down the street actually." she said shrugging, "she's been my best friend through everything. i couldn't have picked a better person to share so many amazing memories with." she added, and connor nodded. "that's nice." he hummed, sipping his iced coffee. "yeah, it made moving here a lot easier." she finished. he nodded, "yeah, it was hard after you left but me leaving at 15 definitely helped." he began, "oh right ! you left for regina." she said before grinning, and then out a soft chuckle. "you're such a child!" he said joining her. "i promise im an adult but everytime, its made me laugh." she hummed, her giggles claiming down. "but anywho, continue!" she squeled, placing her arms on the table. "it was good! met a lot of my close buddies there. was basically homeschooled when my mom was there." he shrugged, "oh right! they do things differently here." she said sipping some coffee. "but that was sweet of her to relocate. im sure melanie likes being back home now." she giggled, and he nodded. "yeah, it definitely helped my parents relationship. oddly enough, they got closer when she came to live with me. and now that they go back and fourth with my sister, its evident." he said sipping his coffee. "how is mads doing?" she questioned, "shes good! started her sophomore year at Calgary in business and is working at lululemon as she takes classes, up at bc." he said and noel smiled, "that was her dream. ubc." she hummed smiling widely. connor took in her wide smile, and in turn smiled.

"god i miss that girl. sister i never had." she hummed, "is she here for christmas?" she questioned and he nodded. "oh that's right! my mom wanted to know what you guys were doing tomorrow." he said.

❅

an hour later, the two walked out the coffee shop doors and they began their descent toward her apartment, that she lived in. they chatted the whole way there, catching up and laughing over some good times. they took the elevator up to the third floor, and quickly made their way over to the door. "abby?" noel called out, opening up the door all the way for him to slip through. "abby?" she called again, slipping her shoes off. "hey! hey?" abby said stepping out to the hallway and didn't realize connor was there. "ouu! you're connor bedard the one she neve-" and noel cut her off, "yes abby, miss chatty cathy." noel joked, as abby grinned. "anywho im abby her best friend and you are connor bedard that everybody in this city knows about but i could really care less." she said before turning back to the kitchen. noel snickered as she rolled her eyes playfully, "that's her." she said as connor said, "that's her." he laughed, as she began to take him on a tour of the apartment. "and here is my room." she said allowing him to walk in first. she leaned against the doorframe, watching him inspect her room. he took in all the photographs she had on the all and the one next to her bed. a picture of them when they were 12, and they had finished up a school project. "you still have this?" he asked, picking up the frame and looking at it closer. she nodded, "yeah that was one i knew i had to take from my parents house, it was too good not to." she mused, taking off her jacket and hanging it up.

she sat down on the bed, and he set the frame down before joining her. she sat there pretzeled styled, "so what trouble did you get into when i left?" she teased.

❅

when connor left to uber back to his fancy apartment building, abby drilled noel with questions. "oh come on you still like him!" abby accused her as noel just blushed. "he was the first guy i really liked, and always believed that if i hadn't moved away we would have ended up together. but he found somebody back in vancouver." noel said tucking her chin on her knee. "wait, but i thought that rumor wasn't true." and noel shrugged, "beats me." she hummed. "but he for sure likes you i know it! i saw the way he looked at you when yall walked in. it was hard not to notice. like you hung the stars and the moond!" abby further explained- the last part sing song, but noel shrugged. "nah. thats just connor. he probably looks at mads and his mom the same way, hell he probably looked at my mom that same way yesterday too. its just how he is." she shrugged but abby wasn't buying it. "whatever you say, but are you guys going to have them come over tomorrow?" she questioned. "i don't know, i sent a text to my parents but haven't heard a thing. but we used to have christmas morning together, we'd pile into one house and open presents, and then have brunch before afternoon mass for us." noel explained, "i always looked forward to christmas eve since the three of us and my brother would have a sleepover at whoevers house it was at that year, it was our tradition. the murphy-bedard christmas story." she smiled, a flurry of memories flooding her mind. "maybe you'll get lucky, and find yourselves under the mistletoe your parents put up." abby grinned, sipping coco. noel rolled her eyes, before standing up. "ill see you tomorrow, im going to chill in my room." she said beginning to walk off, "no phone sex!" abby called and noel groaned playfully.

back at connor's place, he was talking to his sister madi. he was explaining each and every detail of that day, his face lightening up the whole time. madi just sat back and grinned, asking questions here and there. she hadn't seen connor be this giddy in a long while. "did you ever tell her?" madi questioned as connor finished, "tell her what?" he asked as his eyebrows crinkled, while leaning to grab his hot coco. "did you ever tell her about your relentless crush as a kid?" she grinned, before sipping hers. he shook his head, "i don't know what your talking about." he mused and she chuckled. "connor i love you but don't act like a dummy. brendan and i both knew that yall liked one another. so no lying here." she chastised. he sighed, resting the mug on his knee. "she's never once expressed anything, so i never said anything. so why would i say it now?" he questioned, and madi did the same. "maybe then you two would finally get together." melanie stated as she walked into the living room that overlooked the city. "you knew?" he asked, bewildered. melanie laughed, "its a parents job to recognize these things. do you remember how heartbroken you were when she left and what she didn't call or text you she'd made it to chicago? absolutely wrecked." she mused, as madi snickered. "see?" madi said, cocking an eyebrow. connor sighed shaking his head.

❅

"im back!" noel announced walking into the brownstone. "sweetie, good you're here!" her mom said coming out to greet her at the door. ""whos here?" she questioned "im gonna go change and ill be down to have some brunch." noel said and her mom shook her head, taking her coat and bag and placing it near the door. "no need." her mom smiled taking her hand and pulling her into the kitchen and where the breakfast table stood. "noel!" she heard the famous melanie bedard voice call out as soon as she entered, "melanie!" noel smiled widely and melanie walked over. "soo good to see you again missy. we've missed you." she smiled pulling back a bit to place her hands on the side of her head, like she had as a child. "nelly!" madi said from beside her, and melanie let her go. madi and noel hugged each other tightly, truly the sisters they never had. "oh my god i could cry!" noel said giggling and madi joined in. "if you do im gonna and it isn't gonna be pretty." she said as they smiled at one another. "i cant believe you grew!" noel said as they parted, "i cant belive you didn't." madi joked and everybody laughed. noel was the odd one out in the family, barely coming out to 5'4 while her family was 5'10 and above. "hush now. im sure i could still drop kick you and beat you on beam." she said eyeing her, and giving her a playful finger point. "that you could." madi hummed, pointing right back at her. "hi tom!" she said as she finally found the very tall dude, "hi sweetie! so good to see you." he said and she nodded, "you as well. all of you guys!" she smiled looking back towards the rest of the family. connor was missing. "he's with your brother." madi answered her, and noel nodded.

"coffee?" her dad asked and she nodded, taking the expresso. "been saving the last one for you." he smiled placing the mug in her hand, and she grinned. "thankyou." she smiled, sipping her peppermint coffee. "thanks dad." she hummed, placing it on the counter. "ill be right back, i need to go check something." she said to her mom and her mom perked up, "grades?" she questioned and noel nodded. "let us know hun how ya did." her mom smiled, and noel nodded again. noel made her way upstairs to the third floor, and heard laughter coming out of her brothers room. she hurried to her room on the opposite end, and shut her door behind her. she leaned against it trying to collect her thoughts, which ranged from grades, money and ofcourse connor. all the above, as any college student thought.

she sat down at her old desktop her dad had given to her a few years ago for her birthday, saying that the old computer still worked well. she signed in quickly doing the damn double sign in her college did, and she waited for the screen to load. as soon as it loaded, she did a double take before smiling widely. her hard work had paid off, earning herself a 3.7 gpa. she logged off and headed back towards her door and when she opened it, she was surprised to see connor standing their patiently with a hand raised to knock. she swallowed hardly, a blur of anxiety washing over her.

"uh..hi!" she said opening her door like she had at her apartment, and allowed him to walk through. as she was shutting it, she saw her brother do a small salute before he jogged down the stairs.

"whats up connor?" she questioned, as he sat down in the desk chair. he spun around in it, and leaned his forearms on his knees. "everything ok?" she questioned heading over to her closet and slide the door open. "i wanted to talk to you about something, something that I've wanted to speak to you about for years, now." he said nervously, and she looked back at him as she tried to grab a bin from the top shelf of her closet. she growled, turning around and hopping a bit to grab it. with no luck. connor stood up and took a few big steps, reaching her. he grabbed it, and she now only recognized how close she was to the 5'11 hockey player. she swallowed, "thankyou." she said staring directly into his blue eyes. he smiled, "ofcourse." he said not moving an inch. he was too mesmerized by the girl, as cheesy as that sounds. "we shoul-" he cut the girl off by doing the one thing he'd wanted to do for years. it was the same thing she'd wanted to do as well.

he pulled her in closer as his hands found her back, and hers found his neck. she even stood on her tippy toes, to find the back of his head. they pulled away after a few seconds, blushing like fools. they rested their foreheads against one another. their breathing heavy as they looked at one another. "you don't know how long I've waited for that to happen, truly." she hummed smiling. "you don't know how long I've waited you to do that so i could tell you how much i liked you." she added, "liked?" he questioned, and she grinned. "ok i still do, i..honestly never stopped." she said giddily. "I've had a crush on you for so long, i just always told myself you didn't like me back." he said pulling away a bit more. she shook her head, "i never said anything because i always thought you had a thing for shannon." she said giggling a bit. he shook his head, placing a finger underneath her chin. "it was always you noel, always nelly." he smiled, leaning in again to kiss her. she felt heat creep up throughout her body, noel not being able to get enough of the dark blonde boy. connor was absolutely mad about this girl, and kissing her made him go absolutely wild. she pulled away when she felt they were getting carried away, "okay connor as much as i'd like to continue this. we need to go back down there." she said pulling away from him. "but i promise that once i start up school again, and your parents go back north- there will be much more time for this. whatever this may be." she hummed, picking up her phone from the desk. connor nodded, coming up in front of her, and pushing her gently back into the desk. "promise you're not gonna disappear on me again. ghost me?" he mused, cocking an eye brow. he was being semi serious, she could tell. "i promise not too. you're stuck with me boy." she grinned pushing him back and took ahold of his hand, pulling him into the hallway.

❅

it was around 9 pm when the bedard family were leaving for the night. they promised to come for one last dinner before the three of them went back up north, and the murphy family would keep them to that promise. noel had just walked into the kitchen to grab a tin and place some cookies her mom had made the day before. connor came in and stood behind her, placing a soft hand on her back. "coffee tomorrow morning?" he questioned, placing his hand on the counter beside her, and he now hovered behind her. "shore. how about someplace near here? i can pick you up if you'd like." she offered but he shook her head, "ill pick you up, so you don't have to walk any place nor pick me up." he offered and she nodded. "i guess that'll be okay, but i swear to god connor if you try killing us, im never letting you drive in this place again!" she said and connor chuckled. "she isn't joking, she'll hold her promise. or grudge." brendan her older brother said as he walked into the kitchen. connor quickly shifted away from the girl, but brendan only laughed. "didn't we just have the conversation?" brendan teased leaning his arms on the counter, and noel whipped her head towards connor. "what conversation?" she questioned and connor blushed. "me giving him the go on asking you out, once and for all." brendan said shoving a cookie in his mouth. "suttle brendan, suttle." noel said shaking her head with a fake scowl. "just no funny business, or at least don't kiss in front of me. i don't want to see that." he said fake gagging. madi then walked in, "see what?" she asked and connor groaned. "told them i don't want them to kiss in front of us. we already have to deal with their presence, we don't need all that kissing or touchiness." brendan said making madi giggle. "i agree." she said taking a cookie and biting it. "can we like not? but you knew?!" she whipped at madi who nodded. "good lord, seems like we were the only oblivious ones." she hummed, and madi nodded. "we had a running bet on what age you two would realize." madi grinned. "oh fuck off, the both of you." noel said closing the tin full of desserts and held it out for madi. "thankyou, gonna go finish this tonight." she smiled before leaving the kitchen. "text me soon?" he asked connor who nodded. brendan left the room so now it was only the two lovebirds. noel sighed, cleaning up some of the cookies.

"i cant believe that everybody noticed before we did." connor said chuckling. "i know, i fear its gonna haunt us forever." she hummed, and connor looked over at her. watching her sort cookies, for a few seconds. he smiled softly, "you know as a kid, its so dumb, i used to ask santa for you to- y'know, like like me." she gushed, popping an oreo ball in her mouth. "oh really?" he grinned, taking a peanut butter cookie and taking a bite out of it. "uh uh, remember when we heard the song 'all i want for christmas?' she paused waiting for him to nod, and he did. "i always used to say, all i want for christmas is for connor to like me or maybe y'know kiss me." she mused as her nerves flared. "really?" he quizzed and she nodded. "oh most definitely. every year before i moved." she smiled softly.

"come on connor, were leaving!" they heard melanie call out and noel had an idea.

"wait! come here." she whispered, grabbing ahold of his hand and pulling him out of the kitchen and towards the back room that was a small reading area, library and had a fireplace. she stopped in the doorframe and waited for him to realize.

"what?" he questioned, watching as her smile turned into a grin. "use your eyes, bedsy." she hummed, "bedsy? thought you hated that nickname." he mused, and she shook her head. "nah i just hated that i didn't come up with it." she smiled. he smiled back before looking around and then up above them. "oh. i get it now." he said looking down at the girl. "do you now?" she hummed, and he nodded leaning in closer. he placed his hands on her pale cheeks, before kissing her softly.

it was cut short.

"i literally told you not to kiss in front of me." brendan called out before pretending to gag. noel giggled, pushing her forehead into connors chest in embarrassment. "oh my god! ew no!" madi said recognizing where they were at.

"mommmm!" brendan called out and noel only laughed in response, as madi called out for melanie making connor laugh too.

"the murphy-bedard story - continues!" melanie screamed, with her mom adding a cheer with her.

"ready to face our audience?" noel grinned looking up at him, and he nodded. "just one more." he hummed before kissing her once more.

hope you all enjoyed!!!

tags: @cuttergauthier @toasttt11 @jayda12 @jackhues @dancerbailey

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ᴛᴡᴏ: ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴍᴀꜱ ꜱᴏɴɢꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ - ᴛʀᴇᴠᴏʀ ᴢᴇɢʀᴀꜱ

country singer x trevor blurb!

warnings: swearing, cheating, etc. im sorry about this one besties🥺

word count: 4.1k

masterlist for holidays with equallyshaw.

𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝘁 at a country festival, in spring of 2022. after a rough end to the season, him and jamie headed out to a country festival in southern california and just so happened to stumble upon 'miss daisy' the newest, up-and-coming country artist. the two hit if off very well and spent the rest of the weekend tied to one another's hips. daisy thought that it was just a weekend thing and nothing more, but then the day that they all went their separate ways, he was texting her how long she was at home in california for before traveling for summer festivals, and then it blossomed into so much more. daisy was unsure about it, just because her and her boyfriend of three years had just broken up. her ex did not like the success she was having and believed that she had changed. he also did not like how much more successful she was than him, it hurt his precious ego. she was nervous about rushing into another relationship, but trevor made it all very easy, and loving him was the easiest thing she'd done in her life; she'd believed.

❅

it was november a year and a half after meeting and getting together, when her ex boyfriend hit her up. she was in a club box at the ducks arena with her best friend abbi, when she felt her phone buzz. she peered down at it, a simple text stating "enjoying the game?" and sh quickly looked up to see if anybody in front of her had noticed her. her eyes quickly found his, in the box next to her's. she felt a rush of emotions hit her, and she swallowed tryings to blink back tears. she'd be lying if she did not say seeing him had made her heart flutter, and a wave of butterflies formed. abbi looked over and saw who her best friend had her eyes on, and daisy quickly looked back toward the ice. a few minutes later, she headed towards the open bar in the suite and ordered a simple cocktail. "actually can you wait on making it, im gonna head to the washroom." and the bartender nodded going to another patron. she headed out of the suite towards the washroom, "daisy!" she heard her name roll of the southern drawl. she continued her descent towards the washroom, but his longer legs had made him catch up to her.

he grabbed her softly by the arm and made her turn towards him. she yanked her arm away from him, giving him a scowl. "don't do that." he said looking around, to see if anybody had seen them. "don't do that? fuck off tyler." she spat, turning back around but he grabbed her again. she put her arms up, "don't touch me!" she growled, her hands going frantic. he raised his arms up in innocence, and she took a step back. "what? what could you possibly want?" she quizzed, crossing her arms over her chest. he hesitated before speaking, rolling on the balls of his feet. "i-i wanted to let you know that-" she cut him off, "spit it out tyler." she spat, getting impatient. "i have a song coming out tomorrow...and uh, its about you. us. everything." and the way her said 'everything' was shot to her gut, she took a large breathe of air in, and shook her head. "well good for you tyler." she huffed, before turning around and walking off towards the washroom.

it was later on in the evening when she say in trevor's car waiting for him to come out after media and post game stuff, her thoughts began to run wild. she had quickly texted her manager, to see if she knew about this; and she had. her team thought it would be best to not say anything just yet, but that proved to be the wrong choice because of how angry daisy was. why was he releasing something over a year and a half later? but she knew why. some ego or selfish feeling had washed over her as soon as he had said those words. he would be releasing music before she would be. she hadn't released anything since she headlined the weekend her and trevor had met, nothing had come to fruition. she didn't like anything, no she abhorred everything. and that made daisy the perfectionist angry, beyond livid. she knew that she'd have to hit the studio at some point, and knew she'd have to do some writing this week to get to that point. but she knew that he was doing it because one, his ego could not handle not putting anything out and two, he wanted to attack her name and who she was. make it seem like it was her fault, she knew that much.

her thinking was cut short when trevor opened the door and hopped in, leaning over quickly to kiss daisy. she leaned into it, before pulling away and buckling. "good job hun, you did so good!" she gushed, her subdued energy only glinting for a few seconds. trevor noticed...because he noticed everything about her. he looked over as he turned on the car, feeling wary. "you ok, z?" he questioned softly, turning towards her completely. she nodded giving him a tight-lipped smile, "yes, why wouldn't i be?" she hummed taking ahold of his hand that laid open between them, on the console. he knew not to push her tonight, so he nodded and gave her hand a quick kiss before driving off.

❅

the next morning she was up and out of the door, barging in on her producer whom she had trusted her first single and ep with, in the midst of listening to tyler's new single. she was fuming when she barged in to see her producer who at this point, was pretty much an uncle figure to her. "miss daisy, what can i do for you hun?" he questioned, pulling her into a hug. "i have so many ideas, i just need to get them onto paper. somehow." she said pulling away to sit on the couch. he nodded, sitting back down and crossing a leg over his other. "what sound are you going for?" he questioned, remembering that she had wanted to change her style just a bit the last time they spoke. "i-i." she shook her head, "we'll get to that. but i already called abbi and maya to come to help write." she said throwing her hair up in a bun, and he nodded. "alright, lets do this thing." he grinned, pulling out a pen and paper and daisy began to explain what she had been thinking and feeling recently.

christmas isn't canceled (Just You) was born into fruition that day, and it was different. it was very much different than her previous music, but she adored it. she headed home that day with a huge smile on her face, ready to play it for trevor. but trevor wasn't too thrilled about it. as soon as she walked in, he looked up from the couch but did not say anything. "hi! you wouldn't believe what we did at the studio today! i nee-" she stopped speaking when she had rounded the couch, and saw what was on the tv. tyler's song. she sighed, turning towards trevor. "i-i didn't know i promise! i found out last night at the game, my team didn't tell me or els-" he cut her off, "or what? what would you have done daisy?! he practically confessed his love for you and how no matter what he'll love you, no matter what you did, and that he'd drop everything for you. i thought he hated you? isn't that what you said to me the night we met? how your egotistical ex was a douchebag who only cared about his career and hated that you were apparently a fame whore, huh? honestly, i don't know what to believe anymore, z." he said standing up now and beginning to walk into the kitchen.

she blinked back tears, "trev, stop. wait!" she said called after him before following him. he turned around, "you know everything trevor, everything. i promise, what i said was true. he is doing it to spin this onto me, so he gets good press. because again, the girl is always the issue. you need to trust me that what he wrote and put out doesn't matter to me, only you and i. i would never, and you know this- i would never go back to him for any reason. he's doing it to get a rise out of me." she pleaded, no begging for him to believe her. she softly pressed her hands to his cheeks, pulling his face down just a bit to look at her. "you know me, you know my heart trevor. you know that it's all yours, my whole being." she said softly, as tears pricked at her blue eyes. oh, how he loved those eyes.

he sighed, before shutting his eyes, "i don't want you at the game tomorrow. i need some space." he annouced before heading upstairs. her hands stayed where they were in mid-air, before bringing them back down to her chest, and letting out a silent and violent sob. she sobbed for a few minutes, before sniffling through anger and despair- and knew exactly where she needed to go. she slammed the garage door, hopping into her car and pulling out of the garage. she drove for about 20 minutes to laguna beach, as if it was second nature to her. she parked in front of the small beach house and shut her door, walking up towards the door. she banged on it a few times, sighing as the person on the other side took forever. "you!" she said pointing a finger at his chest, and taking three steps inside before shutting the door behind her. he held up his hands in innocence, but that only made her more pissed off.

"youre so sick and twister tyler, you know that? you are harming a healthy fucking relationship for what? harming my image, with a fake song! what-what tyler?!" she yelled at the country singer, and he only shook his head as if she was dumb. "what?!" she screamed, and he looked at her deeply. "you already know that answer, daze." and the way the nickname rolled off his tongue made her heart swell, again. she shook her head, "no. you made your choice, you get to live with that. forever." she said holding her ground. "despite what you think and thought of me, i thought you were a better person than that. i thought your mama raised you better than that!" she said, anger flowing through her at a rapid pace. he chuckled, "and we also know that you wouldn't be over here if you too didn't feel the same way about things, and me." he teased, a coy smile forming. she rolled her eyes, "god you are such a dick! why can't you have a simple conversation before accusing me of the only thing you think you know about me? im still the same person tyler, think a little or can your pea size brain not comprehend that?" she quipped, ready to open the door but he shut if with one hand above her head. "if you walk out that door, there's never going to be an 'us' ever again, there's never going to be a future where we can even be friendly." he threatened, and she hated him for it. "why would i want to be friendly with you, when you've dragged my name through the mud, huh?" she questioned, without looking back at him. "because you'll need a friend when your hot shot of a boyfriend breaks up with you." and she turned towards him. "excuse me?" she spat, and he chuckled. "maybe ask your boyfriend what he did while you were away over the summer, in europe. ask what he did when he was at the boots n barbecue (idk) festival." he announced, and she swallowed heart. "what?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

"your superstar boyfriend cheated on you daisy. and say what you want about me as a boyfriend or person but i would never cheat on you or anybody. you know that much, daze." he said, as he watched her think. she waved her hand, "you're lying. he'd never." she said barely above a whisper, again. but the look that he was giving her, she knew. she knew he wasn't lying and that he'd never lie about such a thing. she swallowed, "i-i have to go." she said turning back towards the door and opening it, "its true. i wasn't lying when i said if you walk out that door, they'll never be an us or any friendliness from me." he announced, a glint of hope coursing through his veins.

she looked at the ground and sighed, before shutting the door behind her. god, she hated herself. and how much she still loved him.

"now give me your coat." he hummed, taking two steps forward into her space and began to pull it off himself. "oh, valentino. nice." he grinned through soft words. he pushed the coat off, still staring down at the girl. goosebumps washed over daisy, as his gaze poured into her eyes. his blue eyes matching hers, perfectly. he grinned, leaning closer stopping just before her lips, and then moved his lips towards her right ear. "still the same perfume as always?" he whispered, exactly where it was the most dominant behind her ear. maison francis rouge, 540. the exact one he had gifted to her for christmas before he broke up with her. amber, woodsy and floral just like her, he had always said. even coming up with three different songs for her. he placed a soft kiss underneath her ear, and she felt herself instantly place her hand in his semi-medium dark brunette locks, and he chuckled. "tyler..." she said in a whisper, as he did it again but on the other side. "come on darlin..." he hummed, as he pulled her towards the bedroom.

❅

the morning of december 17th, she felt arms around her waist in a bedroom that looked exactly the same as the time it did when they broke up. he hadn't wanted to change anything, because she had been the one to decorate it. she heard her phone ring with a call from somebody. "turn it off." tyler groaned, his face in her neck. she scooted over and felt dread wash over her, as she saw trevors contact. "he'll think something is up, if i don't answer." she said sitting up to take it. "hi t-" he cut her off, "where are you right now?" he asked without hesitation. "what?" she asked growing nervous, looking down at tyler who's head perked up at her question. "where are you daisy? and don't lie to me." he said pacing on the other end, "come on trevor. what are you trying to get at?" she questioned, rubbing her eyes. "are you with him? are you?" he questioned, looking up at his parents who had dropped in early for the holidays. trevor had been suspicious lately of how much time she was spending at the studio, she'd never spent so much time in all of their relationship. but a tip from jamie from abbi her best friend, had him worried. "oh come on trevor, you know im at the studio. im trying to get a single out before christmas." she said looking in front of her. he shook his head, "just-just please come home. that's all i ask." trevor said vulnerable, and she swallowed. "ill be there soon." she hummed before hanging up. she hadn't said home, trevor thought as she did so.

"I have to go." she said throwing the covers off and throwing on her underwear from before, and tyler objected. "no, don't gooo." and she rolled her eyes. "i knew this whole thing was a mistake." she said walking over towards her black dress from the night before, putting on her bra in the process. "then are you gonna tell him that you know? that you know what he did?" tyler said getting up, and putting on his boxers. she had trouble zipping up her dress, and tyler swooped in and she instantly felt electricity run up her spine. she shrugged it off and continued to walk out the door. "daze, you have to tell him." he said as he followed her downstairs. "tyler." she said his name in a way he hated it because he knew her answer. "come on daisy!" he yelled out, and she turned around to him giggling. "you only want me to tell him so you can have me again, so i can be all yours. well you know what, what if i don't want to be yours, again?" she quipped sliding on her light trench coat. he shook his head, "you're lying daze. i know when you're lying." he chuckled. "so what?! you think me telling him about us, this - right after i tell him i know about him and what he did, that he isn't going to be any less mad about it?" she spat, stepping into her heels.

"are you gonna stay with him, if he chooses to not leave you ofcourse." he countered and she giggled. "whatever i decide, ill text you." she said sarcastically before walking out into the garage and into her car. tyler watched from doorway before heading back inside.

❅

she shut the garage door behind her, her black boots she threw on in the car clunked on the marble floor. she sighed hearing voices from the kitchen, and she made her descent towards the stairs. she had made it into the bedroom, when she heard footsteps after her. she turned around to trevor who took in her little black dress, a black oversized jacket she had also thrown on in the car. he crossed his arms, not saying a word. he just stared at her. "tyler you're making me uncomfortable." she said turning around and heading towards her closet, to grab some change of clothes. he walked in behind her, shutting the door as well. "ty-" she stopped herself when she saw the look he was sporting.

guilt, shame, anger, betrayal, and despair were all evident on his face.

"i cheated when you were in europe." he confessed, biting the inside of his cheek. she nodded softly, "i know." she said just above a whisper, and his eye's found hers. "what?" he questioned, eyebrows crinkling. "i know, i found out a few weeks ago." she said turning back around to take off her jacket. "who told you?" he questioned, and she shook her head. "it's not important." she hummed, shoving her boots off. "who daisy? who?" he said but he knew the answer, and as she turned around she saw the tears that had begun to form.

"him. right? because its always him." he hummed, putting a hand on his hip. "trevor-" he cut her off, "you've been seeing him haven't you?" he questioned. when she didn't answer, he knew the answer. "i don't know how i can be angry when i did the exact same thing but at least it was with a stranger and not fucking tyler!" he screamed the last part, now fuming. "oh fuck off trevor, if you could have done it with emma you would have!" she screamed back at him, and he laughed. a wicked laugh filled with slight amusement. "now you're gonna go on and on about emma, again are you?" he questioned, a slight amused look on his face. "me? you're going on and on about tyler! i think its warranted, if you're bringing up my ex all the time!" she shrieked, throwing her hands up. "at least she isn't out there writing songs about how the one got away! how the girl that i love, is busy with some 'past time'!" he said now throwing his hands up. "good god trevor, are you jealous? are you jealous of him, huh? because believe me i could bring up the fact that i saw you text emma a month after we got together, how do you think i felt? feeling less than and thinking that she was who you really wanted!" she said and he stood there shocked, "don't act surprised. jamie tried to play if off but i knew trevor. i fucking knew, and i still let you fool me! i allowed you to whisk me away that summer and fool me into believing that you liked me and that i was the one for you. but you going on and cheating on me in fucking public, might i add- really shows how you really feel huh?" she spat, taking a moment to breathe.

"i get i get that you are upset with me, i get that you feel betrayed. i get that you don't like tyler, i get that what tyler did was shitty. believe me, I've already given him earfuls. but-but you cant expect me not to get upset about you texting her and then doing what you did this summer. we both fucked up. we need to be civilized adults and move on trevor." she finished, sniffling. he tilted his head just a bit, his lips turning inward. "ill have my stuff out by the end of the game tomorrow, trevor." she said turning back around, and throwing a bag of clothes together. she began to walk out of the closet before looking back at trevor, "i hope you know that song i wrote in july. that- that was everything i felt and more, i meant that song trevor. don't forget that." she said softly before walking out.

out of his life forever.

❅

she smiled softly, as she took pictures for her holiday ep. ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴍᴀꜱ ꜱᴏɴɢꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ. (which would without question, go #1 on the country charts and pop) today was the 22nd, and somehow she had written and recorded the few songs to put out the very next day.

the track list went: mine, river, christmas isn't canceled (Just You) and my grown up christmas wish. (mine and canceled is by kelly clarkson) abbi her best friend took ahold of her best friends hand as they exited the studio together, as tyler continued to text her. he hadn't heard from her as she left that day. she never did tell him of the inevitable breakup.

"you know as much as tyler is an ass and has made some questionable choices recently and despite what he said when yall broke up..i know you still love him daisy. i know that even while you were with trevor, you were hoping for a way out - the whole time." abbi said as they got into the car. daisy sighed as she put her hands on the wheel. "yeah thankyou for reminding me." she said monotoned, and abbi giggled. "seriously, as much as i loved you with trevor and how much he brought out a different side of you, we both know and so does the world that tyler brought way more out of you. the better side of you. yall were each others first love for christ's sake." abbi said wiggling her eyebrows. daisy rolled her eyes, before pulling out into downtown la traffic. "alright alright abbi, thanks for the talk." she hummed, pressing tyler's contact name on the screen in front of her.

❅

her and tyler walked into the popular breakfast place, christmas morning. the two decided to spend christmas together, just the two of them. frankly, because tyler hadn't booked a flight home to dallas in time. they held each others hand before Tyler let her walk in front of him towards the booth. she slid in across from him, and smiled. the two had decided they didn't want to hide their relationship from the world anymore, and though it might look messy from the outside- they were prepared to set the record straight. again, even if it was messy. he took ahold of her hand, smiling like the cheshire cats- the both of them.

trevor noticed the two walk in as soon as they had, as he was sipping his cappuccino from the table with his family. he swallowed hard, watching as the two sat down smiling like fools. even if it stung trevor, it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. he knew deep down that her and tyler were the one's for each other- he'd just been a stop on her way back to him.

tags: @toasttt11 @jayda12 @dancerbailey3 @jackhues @cuttergauthier

please like and reblog if you enjoyed, id appreciate it vv much❤️

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ᴏɴᴇ: ᴄʜɪᴄᴀɢᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ - ʟᴜᴄᴀ ꜰᴀɴᴛɪʟʟɪ

holidays masterlist.

warnings: none. just some bad jokes.

word count: 2.1k

It was t minus 5 days until christmas, and lola was finally getting time to decompress from a stressful semester. she felt like she hadn't been able to breathe, since thanksgiving. which, would be a pretty accurate description to any college student. but now that she as able to decompress, she kept thinking about luca and how she hadn't seen him since the beginning of October. over her fall break, she took the train up from chicago to ann arbor to catch a game and spend the weekend with him. and then she was back to USC after that. and now she did not know when she'd see him again, now that he was back in ontario. or at least that is what he'd said to her when they spoke about their breaks last.

lola was in her bed taking a nap around 2 pm after chugging down a hot latte from dunkin, but decided that a nap was needed. from downstairs her mom had opened up the door to luca and quietly gushed, pulling him into a hug. lola's mom, sister, brother and dad had all been in on the secret of him surprising her. when he saw how hard her thanksgiving break was, and the fact that she hadn't been able to come during that time; made him reconsider his christmas break plans. he stayed an extra few days in ann arbor before driving down to chicago. "you ready?" her sister jess asked and he nodded, smiling widely. "lets go." she said softly pushing him up the stairs. their mom and dad behind them, with jess taking a video. luca looked behind to jess to make sure that he could walk in, and she nodded. he opened the door to her christmas tree and christmas lights on, brightening up the dark room just a bit. jess moved with luca, as he went to gently shake her. lola groaned turning a bit more into her side away from everybody, and the luca shook her a bit more. "lola." he whispered leaning down a bit more, and then that's when she began to wake. jess just about died at the confused face she had when turning towards luca, before turning back into her side.

"lolaaa." he said a bit louder, while wrapping his arms around her. her eyes shot open, and she pulled him as close as possible. "oh my god." she repeated, pushing him back a few inches to make sure that it was really him. "luca?" she said still in disbelief, "yeah sunny, its me." he hummed before she pulled him back in for a hug. jess stopped the video, walking to the door where her parents stood. luca shifted on the bed, as lola moved over. "how long has this been planned for?" she questioned, sitting up now. a faint haze of sleep hanging over the girl, "since thanksgiving." he said pulling some hair behind her ear. "lucaaa." she said wrapping her arms around him, and he pressed a kiss to her head. "im actually really shocked, dad kept it so long." jessa announced, and that caused jess to get playfully pushed. "alright you two, we will be downstairs when you guys wanna come down for dinner." her mom said before pushing the two out. lola looked up at luca, and just shook her head. a bright and wide smile began to form on her face, just staring at the beautiful boy she somehow found. "hi sunshine." he hummed, using a nickname he'd had since his time in the steel. "hi luc." she hummed, before pulling him in for a big kiss.

❅

"oh lets go here!" lola said excitedly, as the two had just sat down with their coffee at a coffee shop within walking distance to her house. "where?" he questioned, smiling widely as he watched lola get all excited and giddy pulling it up. "lets go to the zoo lights!" she turned her phone around and he nodded, as she scrolled through some pictures. "we used to go as kids when we were young, it was so much fun! we got to see the animals, drink hot coco and walk around." she said thinking about her childhood. "then we should walk to the lakefront or something, or instead of the zoo we can go to the christmas market, im su-" he grabbed ahold of her hand to let her know she needed to breathe for a hot second. "we can go to the zoo, walk to lakefront and go to the market. its only 1." he said rubbing her hand softly, and she nodded. "I just want to make sure we make the most of today." she said frowning just a bit, and he nodded. "i know." he smiled.

the two had just parked a few blocks away from the kris kringle market that was stationed in the daley plaza, a few blocks from the river. the two walked hand in hand down the busy blocks and lola smiled widely once she saw the lights. she shook luca's hand out of excitement, and he smiled taking a mental screenshot of her reaction. they'd have to come back next year, if he was still at michigan ofcourse. lola pulled luca towards the nut station, and the two waited in line for some warm nuts. "you know i don't like nuts like that." he teased, and she grinned. "you'll love these." she said leaning up and giving him a peck on his cheek. she ordered a small bag of the nuts, and paid too quickly to luca's liking. "oh hush, you'll get the next thing." she teased now, and the two began to walk around for a bit. "oh there's hot chocolate, we need to get some in the little mug." she said pointing out a boot mug somebody had. "really?" he asked, amused. she gave him a dramatic nod, "oh yeah buddy, gotta add it to the collection at home." she grinned, as he pulled her into line. his phone began to buzz, and he pulled it from his pocket. adam's contact popped up, and he pressed accept, and quickly changed the view to lola who was hopping up and down singing to the christmas music that played overhead, which adam found amusing. "hey!" she said, as luca turned the camera towards him and then put it down a bit so lola could see adam.

"how rude, adamo." she stuck out her tongue before eating another nut. "sorry lolo." he said sarcastically, "bye fantilli." she huffed before pulling out her own phone. adam and luca talked for a few minutes before adam asked lola what they were up to that day, to which she popped back into view with a grin. "we are at the christmas market and then were gonna make our way to the zoo and then the lakefront." she smiled, and adam gave her a excited face. a dramatic one. "have fun you two...im sadly in Florida right now and -" lola cut him off, "oh hush, at least you have some sunshine." she said and adam laughed. adam and luca talked for another few minutes, before they hung up. "ready?" she grinned looking up at luca as they were the next one's in line, and luca nodded. "so." he said rolling his eyes playfully.

lola didn't and could never know how the universe gave her luca. how she'd been incredibly blessed with a heartwarming, kind and let's be honest, golden retriever boyfriend. she was extremely nervous about her leaving for USC and him to michigan, and how it would affect their relationship. if they'd even have a relationship. but luca made sure they did not go a day without talking to one another, even if it was 1 am his time and 10 pm her time. he made sure that one of them was going to see one another for breaks, or whenever she came home for something; he'd try his absolute best to drive down. even if it was all within 24 hours. luca looked at her as if she hung the moon, and she looked at him as if he did as well.

❅

the two headed over two hours later towards the zoo, as the sun was setting. quickly parking, lucking out with one of the last spots available. she quickly hopped out before luca could come over and open her door for her, but he held out his hand and pulled her in close. "come on sunny." he hummed, as they walked towards the entrance. as soon as they entered, she smiled widely pointing towards the polar bear tank. "lets goo." she said dragging luca for a few seconds before he caught on. they walked up towards the tank, and she pointed over towards one that was almost hidden. he wrapped his arms around lola form behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. listening to her read the polar bear facts out loud to him, and he stared off into the distance watching the great beasts. she pulled out the park map, and smiled. it was pretty spot on from when she was a kid, "seals...next!"

the two had been there about an hour, by the time the lights had been turned on. as soon as they did, lola looked up and smiled like a little kid on christmas morning. it was the little things that did it for lola, and experiencing this with luca; was everything to her. "gosh california just cant compare at christmas." she said "this cant compare to christmas in toronto." he teased, trying to one up her. she patted a hand on his chest, rolling her eyes. luca allowed her to drag him to wherever next, absolutely adoring their time with one another. even if it was as simple as this, nothing too extreme or grand; it was by far his favorite things to do with her. she stopped abruptly at a exhibit in the wolf and lion section, and he crinkled his eyebrows just a bit at her. "look! its your people!" she said attempting to make a poor joke, and he looked at the exhibit and then back at her. she put her hands out in front of her, before dropping them to walk over to the sign. "wolv-er-ine." she pronounced, tracing it underneath with her finger. luca laughed loudly, and warmly. it may be the dumbest joke but because she was being so sarcastic, it was adorable to him. "good one sunny." he smiled, still chuckling. "lets head indoors to get some more coco, eh?" he asked taking ahold of her hand.

the two grabbed coco, warming up a bit. "lights next?" luca asked and she nodded, as they sat down. "so i was...i was thinking about coming out for spring break...." he began and he knew her answer. she smiled widely and nodded, "oh my god yes! id love to host you luc. there's so much that we could do!" she said clasping her hands together, and grinning. "oh i bet." he hummed, and she blushed while drinking some coco. "how's adam been doing? i see he's been having quite the ride so far, but how's he doing outside of it all?" she questioned softly, swirling her travel cup of coco. he shrugged, "not bad. he's enjoying his time, and its great that he has some michigan players there too as well as lauren." he explained, and she nodded. "maybe when im back in la, i could possibly coerce adamo in to giving me some free tickets?" she grinned, tilting her head just a bit. "im sure he'd love nothing more! i can text him tonight." he smiled, and she nodded. "oh! ill need another one, so i can bring somebody." she said as a matter of fact. he chuckled, nodding and looking at the time. "lets go see some lights, and then head back?" she offered, and he nodded.

❅

as they were finishing up the light exhibit, it began to snow. lola saw it first and quickly nudged luca who looked down at her before he saw one fall in front of him. she smiled wickedly, looked around and stared in awe at how it looked with the lights. luca wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her in close as they saw fireworks begin from navy pier a few miles away. she looked up at him, catching him already looking down at her.

sure, chicago may be her biological home and the city she felt the most connected to…but luca was her home, far beyond this magical city.

mutual tags: @dancerbailey3 @jackhues @toasttt11 @jayda12 @cuttergauthier

Please like and reblog if you liked! It’d mean the world 🥹🫶🏻

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ꜰɪᴠᴇ: ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴀ ᴡᴏɴᴅᴇʀꜰᴜʟ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ - ɴɪᴄᴏ ʜɪꜱᴄʜɪᴇʀ

part of holidays with equallyshaw

warnings: none! just not a great piece lol.

word count: 1.5k

ɴɪᴄᴏ ʜᴀᴅ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇᴅ that he had been touch by angel, the first time he saw celine for the first time. and when he spoke to her, he believed in them. celine bernard, ever cunning (in a good way!) and sweet fell head over heels that night. hands were held, kisses on the cheeks were given and a promise to see one another - soon. her cheeks full of crimson and his whole being full of butterflies. a grin erupted on her face, when he walked her back to her apartment in new york, whispering promises to one another- what a wonderful world, she thought.

❅

that was 2 years ago now, at this point. a year went and came, and ended with an engagement- the couple head over absolute heels with one another. everybody in their respective friend groups and families knew the moment they met their partner, and saw how they interacted, they knew they were it for one another. and now 2 years in, they were to be wed. at the most unconventional time, but that's just who they were. the two were to be wed on friday, December 22nd at the courthouse, before spending the evening with their closest loved ones at a small boutique hotel in west village on the 24th of december.

after a win against the red wings, nico quickly whisked his partner away for a dinner in manhattan before heading over to the hotel in west village. "

"can you really believe were actually married?" she said hushed, as she leaned in towards nico. he smiled, taking ahold of her hand from across the table, "yeah, i can." the ever confidant nico gushed and she rolled her eyes softly. "ever the charmer love." she hummed, before taking a sip from the champagne fluke.

❅

the morning of, celine woke up just in time for a brunch with her bridesmaids, his mother and her mom. she had a spring in her step, the moment she stood up. she quickly made her way into the hallway heading upstairs to the insulated rooftop restaurant. she heard cheers, as soon as she stepped off the elevator and she quickly found her wedding party. "hi mutter." she said hugging her mother in law, and katja gave her a long and warm hug. she then turned towards her mom who pulled her in, making celine smile. "thankyou for being here, i appreciate each and every one of you." she smiled sitting down and raising a mimosa. the girls clinked their glasses together, feeling the heavy presence of champagne. making the new yorker grin.

❅

celine stood in front of her floor length mirror, smoothing down her silk white dress. her silver jimmy choo shoes clinking as she went to go grab her glass of water, and feeling startled when she heard a knock on her door. she sat it down, and hurried over. she opened it to nico looking absolutely smashing in his black tuxedo, he got customized just for this special occasion. it had her initials sewn into the border of the interior. he smiled widely, holding up the blush pink peonies in his hand. she smiled, opening up the door wider and letting him walk in. as soon as he shut it, nico took her hand to twirl her around a few times. "shcatzi." he hummed lowly, before pulling her in by the hips. he sighed heavily, while looking down at his wife. "hi ni. im almost ready, and then we can head down." she hummed trying to get out of his hold but he didn't budge. she giggled, "seriously two minutes and im good." she said but he still didn't move, "nico. im serious." she giggled, as pulled her in closer. "just one kiss. all i want." he grinned, and she rolled her eyes playfully whilst leaning up to give him a quick peck. "satisfied?" she questioned, quirking an eyebrow. "it'll do, for right now." he hummed letting her move away and finish making sure her makeup was complete.

❅

the two made their way into the small reception, immediately greeted with cheers and whistles. the two weaved themselves through tables up towards the center one that held their grooms and bridesmaids. she sat down after nico pulled out her chair for her, before draping an arm around her chair. he leaned in closely, "thankyou for making me the happiest man alive." and those chocolate swiss eyes poured into her soul, sending a good shiver up her spine. she smiled widely, "and thankyou for me making me the happiest woman alive." she hummed before closing the distance between them. it was cut short when the mc for the night waltzed up to the center of the dance floor - taking in all of the attention - and glimmering.

"welcome ladies and gents to the celebration of our favorite humans - celine and nico hischier!" jack began, waiting for the cheers to subside. "whom i promised not to embarrass them or at least not horribly..." he trailed off, causing celine to push her forehead into nico's shoulder. "i kid i kid, but im incredibly honored to have been chosen to speak with you all tonight and possibly steal their thunder." jack joked causing celine to chuckle, leaning into nico. "when i first met celine, i was dumbfounded. and yes, i know that's a big word i know." he said through chuckles, "but i was. i didn't understand how nico could have found what he had found in celine. she was an angel, absolutely the kindest person we'd have ever met. need soup when your sick? she's already coming over with homemade soup. need a pick me up? ready with her - well nicos credit card to grab a coffee or tea, to cheer us up. need a birthday gift? she's got the most thoughtful present at the ready." he paused, "need some real below the deck advice or wake up call? yeah... she's got you." he trailed off, causing the crowd to laugh as he looked back at the two. "then we've got nico..who with his ever charming swiss ways somehow charming miss celine." jack began, earing a playful glare from the captain. "i remember the night when the two of them met, nico called me as soon as he had dropped her off at her apartment. this man was speaking a mile a minute, and it was about 1 in the morning and so i just hung up on him. then an hour later, i get a call from tyler and he is screaming at me because nico ended up calling tyler-" and celine cut him off, "uncle tyler!" she yelled out causing the devils players to laugh. that was his nickname on the team, and tyler adored it.

"yes! uncle tyler, she is the one that came up with that beautiful nickname and now we tease him with it. but anywho! i got an earful that evening and then the next day when we went in. safe to say i never hang up on nico anymore, because ill have tyler to hear from but also ms. celine." he paused, laughing with the crowd. "but seriously, i couldn't have picked a better ending for the two of you, my closet confidants and best friends- congratulations again. so glad you arent as grumpy as you were before." he finished, causing celine to laugh loudly with the rest of the players. a running joke on the team before celine appeared, was that he was a grumpy captain or captain 'serious'.

celine turned towards nico smiling like a fool, "that was fun!" she beamed and he mimicked her, "that was fun." and she giggled. the couple then turned towards their best man and maid of honor and conversed as the food made its way out.

❅

celine sat there watching her friends and family converse with one another while basking in some quiet minutes before she'd inevitably get up to dance. she was sipping some champagne when nico gave her a quick kiss on her head, before sitting down next to her. "hi hun, you ok?" he questioned, his brown eyes flashing concern. she nodded, seeing that emotion fade. "just taking all of this in, not every day my whole family is all in one place." she hummed, setting down her champagne. "i got worried there for a second, when you didn't come see my aunt. thought you'd run off." he said leaning back a bit, and rubbing her upper back softly. she nodded, "sorry! my sister was trying to tell me something that's all. and then i saw that you had moved on so i sat down." she explained, "but i promise ill come find you if i need a breather." she hummed and he nodded.

"i still cant believe this is my life. " she said drinking more of the golden drink, "I've waited my entire life to experience the love i saw my parents show and have, and i found that with you. and i couldn't be more thankful this christmas." she said tilting her head just a bit, as he smiled. "im thankful every day the love that youve given and shown me, and im thankful for the person I've become since the minute i met you. i adore this life and you, celine hischier." and she smiled, "and i adore you, mr.hischier." she smiled before he placed a hand on her cheek, pulling her in for a big kiss.

oh, what a wonderful world the two have.

god this is horrible, but i needed to get it out. such bad writers block rn lmao

tags: @toasttt11 @dancerbailey3 @jayda12 @jackhues @cuttergauthier

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴇɴ: ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏʟɪᴅᴀʏꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜɢʜᴇꜱ- ʙᴀʀᴢᴀʟ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ - ᴍᴀᴛ ʙᴀʀᴢᴀʟ x ᴏᴄ ʜᴜɢʜᴇꜱ

social media addition

↳ part of holidays with equallyshaw.

↳ the blurb itself

@mirandabarzal: annual hughes-barzal holiday trip did not disappoint

tags: matbarzal, jackhughes, _quinnhughes, lhughes_06, elblue6

211k likes, 98.9k comments.

—

@/matbarzal: love you my beautiful wife

↳ @/lianabarzal: yuck

↳ @/lhughes_06: yuck indeed

↳ @mirandabarzal: ilu hun

@/jackhughes: the gang back together 🤪

↳ @/trevorzegras: just missing me

↳ @mirandabarzal: not a chance lmao

@/_quinnhughes: I just know dad was glaring at jack

↳ @mirandabarzal: no he was, it was when he was talking about his recent driving experience

↳ @/lhughes_06: I thought dad was gonna kill him

↳ @mirandabarzal: me too

@/taryntkachuk: theo and marie getting too big 🥲

↳ @/matbarzal: ik its not fair!

↳ @mirandabarzal: not fair in the slightest

@/titobeauv91: miss my fav nice and nephew ):

↳ @mirandabarzal: maybe I take a trip to chicago ??👀

↳ @/titobeauv91: I vote yes !!!

↳ @/matbarzal: gonna need all the pics in the world

@/elblue6: such a great trip! cant wait to go back (:

↳ @/matbarzal: same here mama hughes!

@fan01: so I guess the rumors arent true...they arent separating lmao

↳ @fan02: they could be who knows, they may just be putting out a united front ?

↳ @fan03: check mat's post lol

@holl.horvat: unfazed queen

↳ @/sydneymartin: I wanna be her when i grow up

↳ @mirandahughes: I could say the same about yall 🤍

_

@ / mat barzal: annual hughes-barzal holiday trip was one for the book

Tags: mirandabarzal, jackhughes, lhughes_6 & _quinnhughes

102k likes, 23.4k comments.

—

@/elblue6: the last one 🥺

↳ @mirandabarzal: cuties

@/lhughes_06: we clean up nice

↳ @/jackhughes: no fr

↳ @/matbarzal: gotta dress up for success

↳ @/_quinnhughes: and you still lost the 'hardest shot' at the driving range...

↳ @/matbarzal: If I dont recall..ive won 3 times in 5 years so

↳ @/lhughes_06: tides are turning

↳ @/jackhughes: trust we will beat you again and again

@/lianabarzal: 3rd and 4th 🥺

↳ @mirandabarzal: my favs

@/mattymarts17: I already know theo is gonna be better at golf than you

↳ @mirandabarzal: Unfortunately he has three uncles waiting in the wings to perfect his game

↳ @/jackhughes: you'd be correct

@/tysonjost: mom and dad's night out

↳ @mirandabarzal: 🤫

↳ @/matbarzal: 😈😈

↳ @mirandabarzal: ew gross

tags: @toasttt11 @jayda12 @jackhues @dancerbailey3 @cuttergauthier

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɴᴇ: ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ - ʙʀᴏᴄᴋ ʙᴏᴇꜱᴇʀ

part of holidays with equallyshaw

warnings: swearing.

word count: 2.8k+

takes place over christmas and janurary! not really christmasy but idc lmao.

ʜᴇʀ ʜᴀɪʀ ꜱʟɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ʙᴀᴄᴋ in a tight bun, her black dress clung to her irresistible curves and her free spirit is what caught broody brock boeser's attention, on this cold snow-free evening in vancouver. abba music pounded throughout the club, as divya 'viv' screamed the lyrics with her longtime uni friends. viv had just graduated this semester after 5 long years at uni of british columbia and she was more than ecstatic to raise some hell this weekend before heading home to toronto. after her 5 years in bc, she had no reason to stay on this side of canada so she was going to head home before heading to new york- hunting for a position on wall street.

brock watched as the dark haired girl danced and spun around with her friends, and felt the hair on his very neck raise. him and viv or 'vivian' as he called her, had hooked up many, many times over the course of her time on the west coast. it never led to anything, despite her giving him false hope. despite, them being exclusive to one another during the season. and him being faithful to her during the offseason - though she didnt know.

one of her friends since freshman year was on her way back from the bar, when she spotted some of the canucks. she rolled her eyes, slipping through people to get back to her group. "you'd never guess who's here tonight!" maya boomed and the girls all looked at her before shrugging. she then turned towards viv and viv felt a wave of guilt wash over. she had really like brock as a person, and hated toying with his emotions but she had told her self and her parents had too, that she couldn't date anybody while in school. her parents were pretty strict parents, but were leniant in other ways. "good god." she hummed, throwing back a shot of tequila to which she shut her eyes quickly, as the burning sensation died down. "he really did a number on ya, huh?" ginny another girl had teased while poking her elbow, "yeah for sure." viv lied. oh, he had in the most innocent of ways. but she had done it worse, breaking his heart over and over again.

❅

it was a while later when one of her friends sasha made her ways over toward elias, which then meant the two groups were bound to converse with one another. and as luck would have it, brock and viv found themselves close to one another. in proximity ofcourse, but viv didn't dare look at him. brock made a peace offering about 30 minutes later, holding out a cup of vodka cranberry and she knew she couldn't resist the free drink. she swiped it from him giving him a small smile, giving him a small nod. "how have you need davya?" he questioned, and she almost choked as he said her full name. "uh good! just graduated so im glad to be free of this place." she mused, sipping her drink. he nodded, "well that's great, congratulations!" he said smiling widely, a genuine smile was evident. she smiled back, the one that he had seen many, many times and he felt himself blush.

"still planning on wall street?" he questioned, and she nodded. "don't you know it. its not too far from home that my parents wont need to complain, but far enough where i feel like i can be my own person and find my own way." she said shrugging. he nodded, taking it all in. he hadn't said five words to her since may, and he had been dying to talk to her since then. "i always used to say that if vancouver didn't select me, i wanted to go to new york. something about it made me feel alive. if that makes sense." he said rambling a bit, and she could tell he felt embarrassed. "oh ofcourse! i totally get that...that's why im a sucker for it." she said whispering that last part and the two of their gazes connected. viv felt her chest begin to heat up, and the return of the familiar longing for him was evident.

he moved in closer to her, "maybe ill have to come visit you vivian." he mused, words and breath heavy on her neck. she felt herself shudder with pleasure, and looked at how close their faces were to each other. she grinned before leaning in and kissing him. he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her in closer. they pulled away after a few seconds, "would it be crazy to ask you to come back to my place? again?" he questioned and she giggled, "thought you'd never ask...take me home." she whispered, with a cunning smirk on her face.

❅

two days later she woke up with an arm draped across her torso and chest, as her back was pressed into the mattress. she looked over and saw brock's familiar and luscious blond locks and smiled, rubbing small circles on his arm that was draped. god, she really needed to leave she thought. she had to catch a flight to toronto..but she didn't want to leave. being with brock felt right, it felt real and felt like home. though, her toxic side would never admit that. if she didn't get home, she'd hear so much from it. especially if she missed christmas and christmas eve. she felt the bed shift a bit, before brock rested his chin on her shoulder. she looked down, as she met his longing gaze. "morning vivian." he said softly, before she leaned in and kissed him. "morning brock." she hummed.

"whatcha thinkin about?" he questioned, pressing a kiss to her shoulder before exploring along her chest and neck. she softly moaned before he was now on top of her, and she had her hands wrapped in his hair. "just how my parents would kill me if i didn't make my flight tomorrow..but i shamelessly don't want to leave." she said shrugging and not daring to look at him. "whys that?" he said coyly, beginning to pepper her with kisses. she sighed, "because then they'd have the guy that they're forcing me to marry come find me. and like i don't want that." she said as if it was nothing. his eyebrows crinkled, as he froze. "sorry for this cockblock of a conversation." she said sitting up and he quickly moved off of her, as she wrapped around the throw blanket on the chair, next to the bed.

she wrapped her self and went to grab her phone from the kitchen where'd she had left it. "what do you mean, like an arranged marriage?" he questioned as she was about to leave. "yes." was all she said before walking out and then walked back in as quickly. "i don't want to be tied down to somebody that i don't love and especially not this quick after graduation, but they don't care." she said dropping the blanket, and bent down to grab her clothes.

"thats why you never wanted to be together, like be together for real." brock said putting the words together. she nodded. "she sighed, slipping on her underwear and jeans, her long locks draping over her chest. she turned back towards him, "that's why i kept breaking your heart...and mine." she said, the latter being softer. he stood up, and walked over towards her as she threw on her faux leather jacket. "what? you've liked me this whole time? just as much as i did?" he questioned and she scoffed, "well obviously brock, why do you think I've come back for the past 5 years almost? even if it crushed me saying no and leaving, you-you drew me back in and i loved our time together, even if it meant breaking my heart each time." she exclaimed, buttoning up her jacket. she looked up at brock, once she finished.

he stood in front of her and gave her a sad smile, and she hated it. she hated this look that he did whenever she broke things off, and would say no. "i keep hurting you, why do you keep holding on to hope, huh?" she exasperated. "because i love you! cant you see that!" he said raising his voice, acting as if viv didn't feel the same way. or as if she didn't see it.

"that will never be enough, brock! never!" she said running her hands through her hair. she sniffled, "that will never be enough and has never. its never been enough to be able to call off my wedding that as far as i know is in a few months. you're never gonna be enough for me, and i -i cant do anything about it." she said through tears, watching so many emotions flash through his blue eyes. he shook his head, "you're love will never be enough for me, and my love will never be enough to set me free." she said softer, and he titled his head just a bit at that; and his face dawned a pleading look. she shook her head, "im sorry brock." she said before walking out.

❅

it was janurary 20th, and she was heading into scotiabank with her older cousin and her husband. she had been living with her cousin for the month almost, after she told her parent's she needed time away from them. she told them that she couldn't go through with the marriage, and obviously they were not too pleased with her. they berated her and believed that she was bringing shame to the family. she said she was leaving, no matter their thoughts or feelings. once she had come back from vancouver, her older cousin sought it all out of her. her cousin absolutely adored the fact, that she had been seeing brock for almost 5 years. her cousin secretly wished that the two would somehow find each other again.

the two sat down in the club seats, and watched the players just beginning to take the ice for period 1. her husband handed over two beers, and viv quickly chugged half of it. "have you spoken to him..at all?" she questioned and viv shook her head. "nope." she sighed, quickly finding brock as he took his spot on the blue line for the anthem. she stood along with the rest of the arena, and listened to the anthem but through it all, she flashed back to all the times her and brock spent together. throughout the game she could not take her eyes off of the blonde-eyed beauty, that she had come to love. god, how she missed him.

at some point during period three with the two teams tied, the arena decided they would begin a segment on the jumbotron for 'kiss cam.' and ofcourse, her and cousins husband would be shown on the camera, despite there being a seat in between them empty. the girl next to her tapped her and pointed up, viv was terrified. she shook her head, a flash of fear in her eyes. the camera still did not move, and her cousins husband put his face in his hand, not believing that this was happening. the camera then moved away, and viv sighed a sigh of relief.

the camera flashed back to viv and her cousin's husband and they shook their heads again, and ofourse the crowd was eating this all up and the teams began to watch as well. brock looked up and felt his heart drop to his stomach, this couldn't be happening he thought. he looked away at the exact moment that her cousin came back and kissed him passionately in front of the crowd. the crowd, hooting and hollering. viv's cheeks heated up when her cousin laughed, sitting down back between them. "that was fun." she mused as viv rolled her eyes.

❅

two hours later, with a vancouver overtime win; coming from the princess himself, viv found herself, her cousin and her husband at the soho house bar. after about an hour of being there, she saw some of the vancouver canucks waltz in. she sighed, finishing her cranberry vodka and decided to call it a night. "no im gonna get a taxi, ill see you back at the condo." she said getting up, and began her dissent towards the front. she passed the team, with brock quickly recognizing the shade of dark brown hair from anywhere. he followed her out, and saw her waiting at the pickup area.

"vivian!" she heard to the right of where she was standing and she felt tears prick her eyes, once she realized it was him. "brock we cant do this here." she said as her uber pulled up, "then take me wherever you're going." he said confidently. she looked towards the uber and the grabbed ahold of his hand pulling him with her. "are we going home?" he questioned, "ill introduce myself." he added quickly and she sighed. "no, i left home once i came back. been staying with my cousin aditi or adi and her husband." she said leaning back into the seat. he watched the tension dissipate just a bit, and then took ahold of her hand that was resting on her thigh. he pulled it closer to him and rubbed her thumb softly. she looked towards him, and saw the look he had made her swoon these past years.

"come on." she huffed, pulling him out of the uber and up towards the condo. she opened it up quickly, and walked in and opening the door wider for him. she sat down her purse on the table near the door, and watched as brock took in the condo. the condo featured so much of her culture, yet it was modern and so different from other family members' homes. especially her parents.

"you left home?" he questioned softly, and she saw that it was laced with concern. "yeah my parents told me that this guy that they had been planning for me to marry, was gonna be making an appearance soon and i said no. i told them that if they went through with this, that'd they would be losing me. that i would not go through with it. id rather lose everything i own and have if it means ill be happy or have a chance to be. i had even made calls to my best friends in vancouver but my cousin said that i can come here first. and stay as long as i needed to." she said shrugging and pulling a bottle of water from the fridge. "want one?" she questioned and he nodded, taking one from her.

"she too never went through with her arranged marriage, and she's been able create her dream life and with the husband of her dreams." she said smiling softly, "who was sitting next to you tonight?" he questioned, and she nodded. he silently cursed himself and she saw his red cheeks. she shook her head, "all good brock. seriously. you had no idea based on what our last conversation was. i would have thought the same thing." viv said trying to soften the blow.

"i have spent the past 5 years absolutely head over heals for you and i would absolutely shoot myself in the foot if i didn't even attempt to mend or not even mend, but give us a chance." she paused as brock looked over at her. a sliver of hope coursing through his veins.

"i would be a fool not to at least attempt to explore my feelings and whatever it is between us. officially, that is." she said but looked away when he didn't say anything. he was just too stunned to say a word, he couldn't believe that the girl of his dreams who is a firecracker, kind, poised and absolute breathtaking would be now saying this. that she finally had the opportunity to explore this.

"really?" he choked out and she looked back at him. she nodded and he moved closer to her so now he was directly in front of her, and pulling a stray hair behind her ear. "pinky promise." she grinned, holding out her pinky. he looked down at it quickly, before looking back into her brown eyes.

pinky promises were their thing, it is what they said when the other was being serious. they'd come up with it after hooking up a few times her freshman year, and it stuck.

"pinky promise, b." she said and he smiled back, pulling hers and his pinky together.

they pulled away, and he wrapped his arms around her back while hers found his neck. they rested their foreheads against each others, taking in this moment together. because they didn't know how long they would go without seeing each other. well mostly viv.

but brock had other plans, "come home with me." he offered and she opened her eyes to find his already looking at her. "what?" she questioned in disbelief but also wanted him to say it again.

he smiled widely, pulling her as close as possible before speaking again. "come home with me." he stated, and she smiled softly. and not even a beat later, "take me home b." she smiled before he pulled her in for a long and deep kiss.

"oh! and can we celebrate christmas, i got you a gift.." she said pulling apart, and he grinned. "you and you're timing but yes, id love to spend christmas with you." he mused before kissing her once more.

hope you all enjoyed! pls like and reblog, if u did (:

tags: @cuttergauthier @jayda12 @toasttt11 @jackhues @dancerbailey3

[equallyshaw]

this time, next year - with luke hughes

Warnings: nothing.

Word Count: 2.6k +

← day six. surprise finale. →

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you two had met when he came out to visit jack before the season started after he graduated from highschool. you had also just graduated, and was in new york with your best friend, her mom and your's for your present. you two had been walking into the coffee bar at the hotel in manhattan when you guys bumped into one another. you nearly fell on your butt, but the strong, tall and lanky dude instantly out of reflex, grabbed your arm before you lost your balance. your best friend sasha, stood to your side and gawked. who was this cutie and how did he do that so fast? jack and quinn were with him, and smiled at their younger brother was instantly smitten. throughout both of their stays, they met up a ton at the hotel pool and restaurant with their family that they were with. you revealed that you'd be coming to new jersey in the fall to study Exercise Science and Kinesiology just like luke would be at the U of M. the two of you immediatley clicked, exchanging numbers and social media accounts. then your trip was over, before their's and you made your way back to boston where you and your best friend was from.

fast forward to christmas 2022, two years after they began to date long distance. you would drive or take the train to meet him at away games with sasha and your other friends. you two would meet up in michigan, new york, boston or the hughes lake house for various breaks; before the lake house was sold. you brought out the very best in luke, and vice versa. you brought him out of his comfort zone, no longer the shy hughes boy around people. the two of you were very smitten with one another but these past few months after the last time you saw one another in late august; was difficult. the two of you constantly bickering, going days without texting or facetiming. using academics, prior commitments and other things as different excuses. everything was just 'off'. both of your friend groups together and just as themselves, realized that you two were going through a rough patch. they knew you two loved one another, but it just all became too much all of a sudden. nothing was working, and collectively the friend group agreed - without telling the couple - that they thought they should take a break. they needed one, and at the very least they'd realize if they truly wanted to make the relationship work or not. hoping that this break, could solitidify the relationship and help them realize if they wanted to fight or not. because recently, they were exhausted and frankly over it.

you were in michigan at the hughes house in canton, one day before luke would be leaving, before he was heading off to nova scotia for iihf world jrs. you two were in the car, after getting dunkin and had just gotten into another argument. it was stupid and so blown out of proportion. but you two, knew that this dynamic was not working anymore. you two were oh so done with it, exhausted from fighting, exhausted from not coming to compromises or agreemants. for the first time since things started to go downhill, you were done. you looked at luke as you two sat in the drive way of his house. his hands finally unclasped the steering wheel, his knuckles no longer crimson white. you pulled some hair behind your ear and sighed, alerting luke. tears pooled your eyes as you looked over at him, and just by that expression; he knew. "i ca-can't keep doing this luke. i can't keep dreading every conversation we have, because i fear that it will just turn into an argument. i can't keep going back and fourth over nothing. i can't keep going days without hearing from you, and thinking that we are done. that you are just going to slip silently out of my life. i can't keep hoping for something that doesn't amount to anything." you sobbed, both of your hearts breaking.

luke sat their silently, looked down at his hands and stared. he couldn't look at you without crying. "i can't sleep, i can barely eat, ive been constantly getting sick the past few months. i i just am done, luke. im sorry." you confessed hunching over covering your face, and crying. your sobs broke his heart, and nodded in understanding. luke placed a hand on your back, rubbing it up and down, trying to comfort you. and then in a split second, you were in his arms as you both cried. you knew this was the end for the time being, for the near future. "i wanna say that there is hope for us but everday i wake up and don't feel hopeful anymore. and i can no longer force it." luke started, "i don't know if i can anymore. trying to force something that isn't their anymore. i love you so much y/n but i think we need some space for awhile. especially with me leaving after the season, i think it's time we step back for a bit." luke explained, and you nodded. you agreed wholeheartedly. the following few hours were spent in securing a last minute flight, now that you were no longer traveling to nova scotia with his parents. you were leaving that evening for boston, and soon enough you were at the airport.

you sat next tp luke as the two of you said your goodbyes, atleast for a year. luke much to his dismay, agreed that it would be best to wait until he was in new jersey full time to continue your relationship. he placed his hands gently on your face, "i love you so much y/n but am prepared to let you go, ok? i cant promise our future or your future, i can't say that we will be together in a year but please don't wait for me. please try to move on in some way, and i will try to do the same." luke said with tears streaming down his cheeks. you nodded, wiping your own. "i will, i promise." you said as your voice cracked, breaking both of your hearts. "i love you lukey i love you so much." you said before kissing with much passion and sorrow. you two pulled apart, resting eachothers forheads against one another's for a few seconds before you pulled apart. you sniffled, wiping your nose and hopped out. luke sat their looking out through the windshield, as you grabbed your suitcases and carry on. he watched as your dropped your bags off at the baggage check. that was the last time for a year, he'd be seeing you. it took him a minute and a traffic guy to yell at him through the window for him to drive off. he no longer saw your hair, or your bags. knowing you were gone from his life for the time being.

this time, next year - hopefully.

luke's first season in new jersey.

your family was staying at soho house in new york city, a 30 minute drive from newark where the hughes brother lived. your family was celebrating this year in new york, something the family hadn't done for years. there was something special about christmas in new york, especially when you had somebody to share it with. you smiled up at harrison her boyfriend of 8 months. his family being natives of the city, invited them over for christmas eve once they heard their plans to spend the week in nyc. harrison and her were currently in front of macys storefront, looking at the christmas windows and walking all over manhattan. popping in to different stores, all over downtown new york. they walked into ralphs coffee after walking from saks fifth avenue, down the street. they were standing in line to place their order as luke noticed a familiar laugh in the cafe. he instantly began to look around, and at long last, his eyes laid on you. jack finally caught on to where he was staring, and saw you. his eyes went wide, hitting luke in the chest. "ow, what was that for?" luke demanded shooting a glare at his older brother. "its y/n!!!" jack said freaking out, which luke rolled his eyes. "she's not alone." jack added quickly, and the family that included ellen, jim and quinn looked over at the same time. you felt eyes on you, looked past harrison and saw the family that you once though of as your own. your breath stalled in your chest, before you looked at harrison and shifted a bit, so he was now blocking you from their view.

you took ahold of harrison's hand, leaned up and pecked him. he smiled, wrapping his arms around your lower back, placed a quick kiss on your head before releasing you from his arms. "should we head over to the hotel next?" you questioned, and he nodded. you two ordered your usuals, and then moved over to look at merchandise waiting for your coffee. thankfully the coffee shop was next to the parking garage that you two had parked in and so it gave you a few minutes to linger in ralph lauren before harrison pulled the car up. you were looking at men's suit ties, hoping to find one last gift for harrison. you felt a familiar presence near you, and you looked up and jack and luke in the next aisle whispering rapidly. you sighed, walking off into another section hoping they would not follow. "y/n?" you heard luke from beside you. you looked up from the men's accessories, and took in all 6'2 of him. you swallowed nervously, before looking away. you adjusted your purse and bags, before feeling your phone ding with a text from harrison. "wait, y/n!" luke said as you were about to walk off. you stopped instantly, and slowly turned around to luke. you said a silent plea in his eyes, and you nodded already knowing what he was gonna say or ask. "little owl, tonight, 7:30 pm." was all you said before walking off.

once you got in the car, harrison grabbed your hand and put them in the middle console, and you smiled softly as you drove off towards the hotel.

it was now 7:30 pm, and you had just sat down and waited for luke. luke appeared in the small pub style restaurant and looked for you. he found you and made his way over. you stood up and he leaned over and hugged you. you didn't realized how much you missed the familiar wamrth, scent and now much stronger arms. he sat down across from you, and the waitress came up and asked for drink orders. you two ordered your usuals and a charcuterie board. you both felt comfortable right off the bat again, like it was only yesterday you two had been together. "how's school?" he questioned as you skimmed the menu, you looked up catching his eye. you looked back at the menu, blushing. "its good, going to be graduating early this year." you admitted and luke smiled. "you always were a smart cookie." he grinned, and you smiled. "yeah, uh thanks." you said shyly. "hows the season going?" you questioned, sipping the arnold palmer that was set down. he smiled widely, "its going great. awesome, really. having jack there has been amazing too." he said and you could feel the immesnse love and passion for his game, just by him being there. it was his aura, that lit up brighter than last time you saw him. "good good. " you smiled. luke cut right to the chase, "you moved on right? thats your boyfriend?" he asked. you nodded, anxiety rising. "yeah..harrison. he goes to nyu and is a finance major. we've been dating since april." you confessed. luke nodded looking down, "but i- i haven't fully moved on luke." you added and luke looked up with hope seaping through his eyes. "at the beginning he knew that he was simply a distraction a rebound, but obviously things have changed. things are different." you paused sipping your drink, "but that doesnt really change things." you sighed. luke felt hopeful. "have you moved on?" you questioned and he shook his head. you nodded, feeling like an ass. "dont feel bad, i just didnt meet anybody that i wanted to pursue something with." he now paused sipping his drink, "because i didnt want to move on from you and what we had. i haven't stopped loving you." he said place his hand near yours, and you looked down at it. in a split second, you took ahold of his. "i haven't either." you two said both now, on the brink of crying. "i havent moved on, i cant. i dont want to." you said sniffling. thankgod for this low lighting, making this moment a bit more intimate.

3rd pov.

the two spent the evening catching up, planning for when she could come visit newark and getting the families together for christmas. now she just needed to break up with harrison and that terrified her. luke pulled up to harrison's apartment in west village, and you sighed with nerves radiating through your body. "ill be here okay?" he confirmed and she nodded, and he gave her one last hang squeeze before she got out. she nodded and got out, and walked out towards the front door of the building.

she now stood face to face with harrison, knowing she lied to him. he had ended up in the same restaurant as her family and they thought that she was with him and vice versa. that's when her sister realized the promise from last christmas, and she said something along the lines of potentially meeting up with luke. "don't lie to me y/n." harisson demanded and she shuddered. she then shrugged, "its true. i did see my ex or i guess my boyfriend. i guess we really never broke up for good...." the girl trailed off mumbling to herself. "listen, dont even try to explain yourself or defend. just leave, ill send you stuff to your apartment." harrison said, leaving the room. she swallowed, making her way out of the apartment. and never looked back.

she and luke walked hand in hand in downtown westfield, which was 30 minutes outside of newark. luke and jack had found this area when looking for coffee one day and had come back during the fall. it was christmas morning and the two were heading to go find some coffee, before heading back to newark where his family plus hers would be celebrating the holiday. once the families had realized the two were back together; they without hesitant got together for christmas eve dinner, and caught up like old times. the two of them clearly smitten, and in their own world at dinner. it was like things had never changed

the two of them walked out the coffee shop hand in hand, as light snow began to fall. the young girl smiled up at the sky and swung their hands. luke smiled down at her, she was giddy as a kid. y/n looked at him and the two of them stopped, got closer so they were now chest to chest. "i love you lukey."she smiled inching her face closer to his. he smirked, "i love you too y/n/n." he stated placing his lips on hers. she smiled into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him, and spun her around. her giggling was intoxicating.

•

@lhughes_6: hanukah came late this year, but the wait was worth it 🙏🏻

Location: sohonewyork

Tag: y/username

45.9k likes, comments disabled.

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@y/username: happy holidays from me and mine. 🤍

Tag: @lhughes_6

2.9k likes, commenrs disabled.

—

hope you guys enjoyed !!!!!

RANDOM tag: @jayda12 , @huggybug , @hugheshugs @mack-samo and @sillingers

[equallyshaw]

all i want for christmas - nico hischier

Warnings: nothing but a bit of angst. my MO.

Word Count: 1.98k

← day two. day four. →

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if there was one thing that people knew, is that they wanted you two back together. for good. though, nico had good intentions two months ago; it wasn't panning out to what he had intended. he wanted to really focus on the team, the season ahead. he didn't really have much time to put enough energy and time into the relationship that you had shared for two years already. but you agreed, you didn't want your heart to be broken over nico not being there enough. not showing up when it most mattered, you understood. you always had. so you headed back to denmark your native country. you had been staying with your parents for two months since the breakup, and you were doing relatively well all things considered. it was nearing december 12th and that's when your mom started to ask questions and ultimtely be a pest. "mom!" you started as you looked up from your computer, she met your glare and was taken back. "stop, please just stop asking about nico. were done. its over. im here now. im not going back." you said flustered and simply over it. she nodded going back to lunch and sipped her espresso. her questions over the past few days had begun to stir things within you. for the first time in two months, you looked at his instagram. his friends instagrams and hell, even googled to see how he was doing. you sighed wiping your face before returning to the email at hand. you wondered if nico was also thinking about you, it was a mere two weeks until your third - would of been - third anniversy. you stood up and took your computer up to your childhood room and ponded the idea of texting him or not.

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you

you turned over in your sleep as it was nearing 6 am, and groaned. it was now december 21st and you had not stopped thinking about nico. you were annoyed at yourself that you wanted him. despite having a mutual break up that went well you felt guilty and pissed off that you still wanted him. thanks mom, you mused silently. you fidgeted your fingers over nico's contact that hadn't been looked at since you had to talk to him about sending over some things from the states. you growled, before pressing the message icon. before exiting the app altogether.

it was true, you wanted him more than anything this christmas. as cheesy as it may sound, that was the reality and dilemma you were dealing with right now. straight out of a hallmark movie. but nico wouldn't want to speak to you right? especially since they were nearing some very important games you had read. your mind raced back and fourth over the idea and found yourself looking at nico's contact again for the third time that day. "just text him, sweetie." your mom said from across the room. you looked up at her and she smiled, urging you to do it. "you won't know until you know. what's the issue?" she questioned setting down her coffee. you looked down at the contact and sighed, "what if he still doesn't want me? like i know that he said that he wanted to focus on the game but what if it was more than that? my worst fear and worry that i have never admitted to anybody was that i wasn't good enough. wasn't pretty or skinny enough." you paused sniffling, "what if he wanted somebody different and broke up with me because of that?" you pondered out loud and your mom felt her heart break for her only child. your mom shook her head, "if that's the case - fuck him. he isn't good enough for you. and to hell with what anybody thinks of your weight, your looks, your hair color or occupation. fuck them, fuck him, if they don't accept and adore you." she said trying to comfort you. you nodded and wiped your tears and typed out the message.

────────────

nico, i hope this message finds you well. i honeslty dont even know why im texting you but i am. thanks to my mom for the past week asking me questions about you, i can't get you out of my mind. ive tried, ive replayed the conversation over and over. and alas here i am. i just want to talk thats all, catch up. though, i understand if you found somebody else since we broke up. i understand and understand if i wasnt good enough for you or your world and lifestyle. ill stay away. though i wish the best nevertheless, always. xx (y/initial)

────────────

that was garbage, you thought. pure word vomit.

you pressed send and closed your phone hoping that it would be a bit before he responded. it was only 8 am over on the east coast so he would probably being having a team skate or practice for all you knew. you got off the couch and walked over to your mom and hugged her. she kissed your head and you ended the hug. "im gonna go for that walk." you stated before walking out of the house. it was now getting colder in denmark and you zipped up your nike puffer and headed down your street and towards the local forest trail that no doubt would be busy. per usual.

all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere

Won't you please bring my baby to me?

it was the next day and your mom and dad took you into downtown aarhus which was a three hour drive from coppenhagen. a seaport town, that held fond memories for you and your small family. your three dined for dinner at one of your favorite swiss restaurants. you had taken nico the second time he came to visit and the two of you dined for about 3 hours before you two took in some frozen yogurt and overlooked for the harbor just talking. as you thought about that that evening looking into the harbor as you drank some hot coco, your eyes pooled with tears. you sniffled, but smiled at the memory. you wanted that here and now, you wanted that again come his offseason. you begged the universe to make a christmas miracle to happen. you would do anything, you thought. a few minutes later, you and your parents started up towards the heart of downtown when it began to snow, just your luck. a white christmas was upon your favorite place. you guys stopped outside a pub and you snapped a photo. because of how bad the snow was it looked white outside. you snapped a photo for your instagram story and smiled. you placed a red heart on the bottom, before you made your way inside the bar for the evening, that most likely would turn into staying over night in the upstairs hotel.

a few hours later, you were getting ready for bed and you heard your phone ding from yor bedroom. your eyebrows crinkled before turning off the bathroom light and grabbing your phone off your bed. it was nico.

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

────────────

y/n, ive been waiting for you to text honestly ever since we broke up. ive been waiting to hear that you wanted to catch up to maybe tell you that i miss you and i would finally hear your voice again. ive thought about texting or calling your myself but i didn't really have the right to since i am the one that intiated the breakup. and no, i never found anybody else. i certaintly wasn't looking nor did i want to. i just wanted you. especially, here with me for christmas and our anniversary. i want you here and ill pay whatever to get you here asap.i love you y/n, i never stopped. "

────────────

your eyes went wide before bringing a hand to your mouth. this was exactly what you wanted. okay, yes, it was like a hallmark movie you grinned. you made your way down the old hallway and knocked on your parents door and the door opened a few seconds later. your mom looked down at your and saw the smile on your face. you nodded with happy tearms brimming your eyes. "he want's me still, he want's to fly me out as soon as i can." you said excitedly. she smiled and wrapped her arms around you. "finn! we are leaving early tomorrow so she can get on that plane." your mom annouced and your dad came out of the bathroom. he smiled and you pulled out your phone to let nico know that you were available the next day. he responded ten mintutes later with a screenshot of the flight ticket and you smiled.

I just wanna see my baby standing right outside my door

you stepped outside of the airport in newark and spotted your driver instantly. jack stood outside his range rover and you playfully rolled your eyes. "jacky!" you beamed throwing your arms around him and he lifted you up. the two of you had always been close, seeing one another as sibilings. "you dont understand how much he has missed you missy." jack said throwing your bags in the back as he shut your door. you smiled knowlingly, you had also been missing him like crazy. "where is he?" you asked, buckling. jack put the car in drive and you two began the 30 minute drive to his townhouse. "he's at the house, he had an appointment that ended later than he would have liked it to." jack said truthfully and you nodded, and then the two of you caught up on the way there.

jack waved as he took off towards his apartment in manhattan and you knocked on door. nico sprinted towards the door, alerting your once shared cat "missy". you wanted to bring missy home, but knew nico needed her more than you did. hockey got to be a lot after awhile mentally and being captain only added to it. nico swung the door wide open and instantly wrapped his arms around you and twirled the two of you. you giggled into his ear, which sounded like music to him. the two of you had happy tears coming out, as he set you down. you looked at one another in the eye, and smiled. he brought his face down towards yours and for the first time in almost 3 months, the world stopped for a brief moment. that's how it was with you two, a kiss could freeze the world. especially, when it held as much as it did like this one. "you came." he hummed as you two pulled apart. you nodded, "yes. no place i'd rather be." you said as he wiped your tears from your cheeks. "i love you so much y/n and i was a fool for letting you go. please, please dont leave again." he whispered as snow flurries began to flutter down. you looked up and laughed. nico's anxiety rose, as the answer to his words was still unanswered. you looked back at nico and smiled, "no place i'd rather be." you smiled before kissing him once more. he spun you around once more, before walking inside.

missy greeted you and you pulled her into your arms and listened to her purring. she had missed her favorite person, though nico came in a very close close second. nico wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed his chin on your shoulder watching missy's eyes slowly close. "and just like that, our favorite person has indeed returned." nico whispered before placing a kiss on your temple. you indeed had returned to your favorite people.

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i hope you guys enjoyed day three! so sorry for the day late posting. but alas, here we are ahaha.

RANDOM tags: @jayda12 @bitchinbarzal @lhugh @starshine-hockey-girl @matbaerzal @pucksalotguys

[equallyshaw]

suprise for christmas - tyson jost

Warnings: nothing.

Word Count: 1.1k+

← master post. day two. →

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kit hadn't seen tyson since he left for buffalo, she hadn't been able to transfer her position from kohls to buffalo just yet. soon, she kept telling him. in the mean time she cleared the apartment and stayed with a wag and old teammate. it was nearing christmas, and it was the busiest time for kit at work. tyson knew that, however; he had just been traded so he had been extra moody and needy since he left. they hadn't seen eachother in over 3 weeks due to her job. so, how they were both feeling was expected. besides, the two had been dating since he came to denver and hadn't taken the foot off the peddle since. kit was hoping her boss would let her take a few extra days off before transitioning to buffalo, in order to surprise her partner. it was currently december 20th and she had yet to hear anything. she was beginning to grow restless as she stared down her work email, as well as watching the time for her flight. she had five hours before she was set to fly up to buffalo. her email refreshed and she saw the email from her boss, either a yes or no. she silently prayed to the universe and opened it, she skimmed the sentiments from her boss before she saw the answer she had been waiting for her. her boss had granted her the extra few days off, and with that she jumped off the couch and began to rummage her things together.

kit was now sitting in the airports private lounge as she turned off her location, hopefully not alerting tyson. tyson had just texted her, stating he was gonna start decorating the christmas tree that evening to brighten the dampered mood he was in. despite being traded without warning, he was somewhat relieved that he was now on a team that cared about him. cared about his mental wellbeing, his wellness, physical health, above all else. he now longer had to walk around egg shells, which made kit more than happy. she was elated that he was getting along with the players and they had welcomed him with open arms. despite having been there for less than a week, he even went to tage thompsons thanksgiving he was throwing for the team; if they couldn't go home or didn't have anybody coming out to them. kit reminded tyson to eat some extra turkey for her as she was finishing the final moving boxes to be sent out his way. he even texted her the reminants of the turkey and a picture of pumpkin pie, which put her over the edge. though tyson promised he would have the best christmas dinner with her to make up for it.

kit was in the lounge, a mere 20 minutes before she was supposed to board the plane. she made her way over to the gate, and sent one last text to tyson. she played it off that she was gonna be taking a nap before heading over to a local kohls to check in on her team as district manager before parting for buffalo on the 23rd. tyson brought it and she was now ready for her 3 hour nap that was outbound for buffalo.

3 hours and 30 minutes later, she exited the airport looking for the uber she had gotten to take back to the apartment. the driver came out and helped her with her carry on, and 2 suitcases. she thanked them and hopped in the back, taking in all the snow that was coming down. somehow the flight hadn't been delayed and she was forever thankful. she could only spend so much time on the plane before growing antsy. they made their way through the downtown, taking a drive along the ocean. she smiled out the window, beaming at how gorgeous the city was and hoping, hoping hard that tyson was here to stay for some time. hoping that they wouldn't be picking up and leaving- anytime soon.

they stopped infront of the apartment building, and she made her way after thanking the driver for the ride. she walked inside the building and went up to the front desk letting them know that she needed to pick up her keys from them. they whisked her on her towards the elevator, and was on her way to the 4th floor. her leg shook as the elevator went painstakingly slow. her anxiety rising every floor. she had butterflies about not only surprising him, but butteflies of seeing him. even when they spent some time apart- they both got nervous to see one another. just a bit. she took a deep breath and walked out of the elevator staring at the two large apartment. she saw #4 and made her way over. even though she had a key, she smiled a bit as she knocked 3 times. it took about 15 seconds before she heard the lock of the door and then the door opened. she frowned with lips quivering as she saw a tired and dischevaled tyson. he had just woken up from a nap. he rubbed his eyes, trying to see if he was imagining this. the love of his life had flown in early to see him, he must of been imganing. he thought she wasn't done until the 23rd. "hi hun." she smiled and in an instance he wrapped his arms around her. she did as well, and then felt her body leave the ground for a few seconds. he couldn't believe that she was here in buffalo, his heart swelled at the thought of her surprising him. "oh my god...." he breathed as he moved his nose to the crook of her neck. she giggled as he set her down and she rubbed her hands up and down her back. "babe..." she said softly bringing a hand to the back of his head feeling his hair. something she had always done as a comfort thing. he pulled back and brougt her in for a big kiss. the biggest one he had done in a long time. one filled with love, nerves, excitment and everything he couldn't form in words.

they pulled apart and he let her walk in before grabbing her bags. she looked around at the clean and crisp apartment, smiling at the christmas tree that still had yet to be decorated. "crap-- the tree!" he said now realizing his surprise wasn't done yet. she turned around and smiled, "we can do that tonight." she mused before pulling him in for another kiss.

a beautiful and wonderful surprise for christmas.

────────────

hope you guys enjoyed day one!!!

Please reblog and like, and I appreciate any feedback :)

Just some random tags: @comphyjost @antoineroussel @mack-samo @cellythefloshie @fallinallincurls @laurenairay @starshine-hockey-girl

[equallyshaw]

last christmas with kent johnson

Warnings: none

Word count: 2.0k+

← day five. day seven. →

Authors note: sorry about being a day late…arthritis was being a honest to god bitch yesterday. Hope you guys enjoy this piece! Happy holidays :)

────────────

kent and brianna met his first day, first year at the university of michigan, and the two were inseperable. brianna was the yin to his yang, two peas in a pod. the freshies were defintetly over the lovebirds when christmas rolled around that year. she was there at every home game, and would sometimes go to away games if her and her friends scheduled allowed it. they knew by their first christmas together - though apart - they were it for one another. there friends and family knew, by the way they spoke of one another and when they had met during parents weekend that fall. this was now the first christmas they'd be spending in ohio, now that kent was a full fledged nhl'er. brianna drove the 3 hour trip down to columbus with her parents and siblings; to spend it with him and his family that came down from canada. brianna was excited, and her twin sister kept joking that she was going to be getting engaged this christmas. though kennedy thought that it should have happened last christmas, but they were also young so it was understandable. instead of a engagment ring, kent did end up giving brianna a promise ring the day before he flew to canada while she drove back to chicago.

last christmas kent promised his heart for the long haul, they just needed to spend some time apart for a bit - georgraphically ofcourse - and also allow her to complete her senior year the following year. yes, she's an older gal. ;)

last christmas kent told her that it would be coming in the future, because he knew that he wanted to spend his life with this woman. he knew it from the moment he met her. then he met her twin sister who said if she didn't approve of him, nobody else's opinion mattered. she was the one giving the green light. once she gave him the ok, they hadn't look back since. brianna knew that if kennedy had said no, she would have listened because that was her twin; she sometimes saw things that brianna did not and vice versa.

brianna and her family pulled into the condo highrise, and let the guard know that they were visting kent and they let them through, once they confirmed the name. kent was waiting next to the parking spot for guests and brianna instantly jumped out when they pulled to a stop. "hi!" she beamed, throwing her arms around kent. he chuckled, wrapping his around her and kissing her head. they pulled apart and allowed kent to greet her twin, her younger brother and her parents. he then grabbed ahold of brianna's hand and her suitcase and took the family to the elevator. "your hotel is all set for you guys. also sent some goodies up for you guys for your stay." he announced to the family, who thanked him profously for the hospitality. "will your parents and brother be in the same hotel?" brianna's mom asked, and kent nodded. "yes! they'll be down the hall." he smiled and the parents nodded. "good, we can grab some breakfast tomorrow." her dad stated and kent smiled. "they'd love that. they couldn't stop talking about hanging with you guys. that's for sure." he mused, and the elevator opened to the 15th floor. "same, these two couldn't stop talking either." brianna said half joking. "don't expose us bri." her dad jokingly spat and the group laughed.

brianna and her family walked in the condo, and kyle instantly opened his arms for brianna who at this point was like his sister. "kyle!!" she said giddily, "how are you? how was your finals? your final porftolio?" she questioned the brother. he smiled, "really good! so glad it's finally over. you?" he asked and they pulled apart. she moved to hug kents mom. "same! im so over this year already." she joked to which kyle finger pointed at her; he agreed. "hi mrs johnson! im so glad you guys made it safetly!" brianna said hugging his mom, who had treated her like her own since the gecko. "oh me too! im glad you guys made it too. this christmas will be special." she smiled whispering the last part just for her. brianna pulled apart, giving her a confused look before smiling. "cant wait." she said, trying to not replay that comment over and over in her mind. she hugged mr johnson, who like his wife treated her like a daughter.

"let's go to the living room, and catch up!" mrs johnson announced, and everybody moved to the living room. kent and brianna stayed in the kitchen for a moment, before heading to his room to drop her things off. she sat down on his bed, and wrapped her arms around his waist. he looked down at her, grabbing her face gently with his hands before giving her a huge kiss. she pulled away and he brought her back in. she giggled, blushing at full force. he finally pulled away much to his dismay, but left his hands on her cheeks. "im sorry, i just missed my girl." he mused pulling her back in for a tight hug. the two had not seen one another since september, right before he had to leave for training camp. he had spent two weeks in ann arbor spending time with the sophmores/the jrs that was left from his time and ofcourse his girl, brianna. it had been a hard few months without seeing eachother constantly, now that he was no longer at the school physically. however, he was contuining his courses from a distance and online. "only a few more months and then ill be here full time." she smiled taking off her jacket. she pulled off her sweatshirt she had underneath, and kent took it and placed it the closest. a part left empty, just for her. "let's go before they start asking questions." she mused, pulling off her boots and waiting for kent. "you go ahead, ill be there in a few minutes. need to use the washroom." he lied, she nodded smiling and walked out. he sighed, rushing to the walk in closet and digging for the box he had been waiting to give her for a few months. he looked at the box, and opened it revealing a vintage gold band and opal diamond. the diamond was also vintage, and had purple, blue, cream and pink hues within surrounded by a circle of diamonds. she was going to love it, something told him.

the next day, was the 23rd and a snowstorm/blizzard was upon them. kent and brianna cuddled up with one another as they spent the morning/afternoon together alone before the families were getting together for an early dinner later. "im so happy to be here kent, you have no idea." she smiled up at him. their legs were entangled with one another's, and their arms wrapped around eachother as she laid on his chest. he smiled widely, "me too,love." he said softly before leaning down and kissing her. the movie the holiday was on in the background as they talked, caught up and kissed. nothing could get better than this, she thought. both of them looked at the promise ring on her right finger as it laid on his warm chest. kent smiled, knowing what was going to be happening in a few hours. "last christmas solitified everything for me, kent. even though i knew before that i wanted to spend my life with you; still, i was scared that you wouldn't." she confessed looking past him and out the window. his heart broke hearing her fears, he shook his head. "never in a million years miss brianna, never." he said and she looked back up at him before she kissed him long and hard.

it was 3:30 pm when kent stopped the car on the side of the road, revealing a spot right before the restaurant. "hun, what are you doing?" she questioned and then looked back at his parents and brother. they all shrugged, and then her family stopped as well behind them. "we will meet you guys inside." his mom said and they all got out along with her family walking past the car. "kent?" she questioned, her heart began to race. was he gonna break up with her after what he said today? why did he want to speak to her alone? her eyes swelled with nervous tears. "babe..?" she whispered, as he took her hand. he saw the fear in her eyes, and knew he had to calm her down pronto. "let's go outside." he promptly stated, and hopped out. she sat there a brief second still confused, and realized she forgot her gloves. "i forgot my gloves, babe. its -2 out here." she said conceringly. he nodded, taking her hand in his and blowing on them as they walked out towards the woods. "where are we going?" she asked as they made their way a little further. the families appeared behind them, and waited near the cars allowing them to have a semi private moment together. kent aburptly stopped, knowing that this was where. the view was almost whiteout and knew he needed to hurry up a bit. "kent, what the hell are you-" she paused as she turned around towards him and gasped, throwing her hands to cover her mouth. she let a sob escape as she looked at kent's face.

kent was down on one knee in front of the woman he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.

"brianna liliana wilson, since the moment we met in that horrid history class, i knew that you were something special. i knew that you were special and needed to know you more, and be your friend. even if that was all you'd be. once you met my parents and brother about two months later, i fell in love with you. i saw how you treated them, you cared about each and every word they spoke, especially when it was at my exspense. then getting your sister's approval honestly cemented it. that christmas season was magical, because we were together. you were my girlfriend, even though sometimes it annoyed the hell out of the guys. knowing that they loved and approved you, made it even better. then last christmas after spending a year together, i saw the expression you had when i gave you the promise ring on christmas morning. i knew you wanted this ring but you and i both know that with me going off to ohio after that season with the boys i needed and wanted to prove to you that i loved you, i saw a future with you despite the distance, and to reassure you that nothing would be changing when i left. and also fuck whoever said that distance makes the heart grow fonder, for being so right." he paused as they both chuckled, "with that being said, will you do me the honor of becoming my lifelong partner miss brianna liliana wilson?" he questioned with tears swelling his eyes as she jumped up and down. tears streaming down her cheeks. "oh my god, yes kent!!! a million times yes!!!" she screamed, and he slid the ring on her finger. she gazed at it for a mere second before wrapping her arms around kent and kissing him.

brianna heard cheers erupt from where they had just come from. she looked over and saw their families. she blushed like crazy, and kent stood up pressing another kiss or two. they began to jog towards the families, ready to celebrate over an early dinner. the mom's gushed at the ring quickly and the dad's congratulated kent. the sibilings going crazy.

this christmas was special, kent's mom was indeed correct. last christmas cemented that they wanted to be with one another for life. through all the up's and down's, the distance over the hockey season, the offseason spent in and out of the us and canada would be worth it. they were eachother's people, and last christmas was just the starting point for the rest of their lives together.

•

@kentjohnson.13: last Christmas I gave her a promise ring, this Christmas I gave her the real thing and she said yes!!!! Time for a blue reunion 〽️🏒💙

Tag: @brianna.wilson

32.9 k likes, 344 comments

||

@lhughes_6: congrats bud! Reunion soon 👊🏻

@thomasbordeleau: yay!!!! My fav people are getting married 😭😭

@brianna.wilson: ah yes the only one in our group who’s make it a reason to reunite with the boys. I get it 🤪🤪

@brianna.wilson: but can’t wait to marry you bff

@kylejohnson: AHHHH YOURE MY SIS FOR REAL NOW

@kennedywilson: yay!!!! Finally get two new bros

@mileswilson: rUdE @kennedywilson but congrats sissy!!

@ethanedwards: mom and dad are getting married 🥹🥹

@nolanmoyle: Wolverine wedding 💙

@markestapa: heck yes !! Congrats guys

@brendan.brisson: let’s go buddy boiiiiii

@mackiesamsokevich: my favs!! Congrats guys

@dylanduke: my bestie bri getting married 🙈🙈

@owenpowers: BLUE FOR LIFE

@nickblankenburg: :’) happy tears rn besties

@colesilinger: let’s gooo

@tatemacrae: GUYS STAHP IT

@tatemacrae: also, only kent would do it it in the middle of a snowstorm 😂😂

@adamboqvoist: atta boy!! Can’t wait to have you full time in Columbus bri!

@mattybeniers: yay!!!! So happy for you two

@briannasbestfriend: I can’t believe this is happening rn !!!!

•

@brianna.wilson: partner for life.

Tag: @kent.Johnson13

1.9k likes, 200 comments

||

@briannasbestfriend: sO emotional over here

@kent.johnson13: can’t wait to marry you this summer 🤍🤍

@tatemacrae: so happy for you two!!! Can’t wait to be standing beside you this summer 💗💗

@nickblankenburg: heck yes !!!

@owenpowers: so happy for you two! See you guys soon :)

@lhughes_6: the minute I get back to mi, we are hanging out

@ethanedwards: ^^^^ same here

@brianna.wilson: will do !!!

@thomasbordeleau: couple that wears parkas together stay together

@dylanduke: * fake parka

@brianna.wilson: bite me DYL

@mileswilson: new brother incoming summer ‘23

@kent.johnson13: new bro incoming summer ‘23

@kylejohnson: welcome to the fam!!!

@colesilinger: I just know the ring is iconic

@briann.wilson: it is :)

—

Hope you guys enjoyed !!!!

RANDOM tags: @jayda12 @mack-samo @kentjohnsonpower @nolanmoylee @powermakar @lhugh @huggybug @hugheshugs @hhughes

[equallyshaw]

No new blurbs today, have had a shit show of a scheduled medical day and I’m too tired to even think about writing

[equallyshaw]

Will be getting next holiday blurb up tonight, absolutely fried from getting up at 6 to do some stuff and then work and travel home for break lol im tired

[equallyshaw]

ᴅᴀʏ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ: ꜱɴᴏᴡᴇᴅ ɪɴ - ʟᴜᴋᴇ ʜᴜɢʜᴇꜱ

• part of holidays with equallyshaw

• warnings: none!

• word count: 978

mila had just woken up for the morning when she saw flurries in front of their bedroom window. she smiled to herself before getting up to get ready for the day. she quickly went to the ensemble washroom to wash her face and teeth, before heading over to their closet to get changed. after that she sat down at her vanity when luke walked in, he came up behind her and they shared a kiss. "here you go, mi." he hummed, showing her a cup of coffee and she smiled taking it from him. "thankyou, lukey." she hummed, before setting it down on the vanity. "also, we've been given the day off because of the snow." he said pulling out his phone. "the snow? it was only some flurries." she said confused as she brushed her hair, while he shook his head.

"no, its been going all night. come see." he said and she followed him to the bedroom and looked out and saw how bad it was. "we get to spend the whole day together, uninterrupted." he said wrapping his hands from behind her and resting his chin on her shoulder. "oh really?" she hummed, "what should we do?" she teased and he scoffed. "oh, I've got plenty of ideas." he smirked before pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

❅

"this was not on agenda." he said she she placed a good amount of cookie dough in front of him. she grinned placing a kiss on his cheek, before going to her side of the counter and began to press into the dough. "what? can't make some cookies?" she hummed, looking up at him. he sighed, before beginning to roll it. "gonna prove me wrong?" she teased and he met her gaze, "don't you know it babe." he hummed. it was not long until the cookies were placed in the oven, and the two went to lay down on the couch for a bit.

she pulled out her book as he placed her feet on his chest to rub, as he watched some tv show. she read for about 30 minutes before she went to go check on them, and it wouldn't be long until they could take them out and then decorate. "almost?" he questioned opening his arms up for her, as she walked back into the tv room. she nodded, sitting down in his lap and consequently, his chest as well. they snuggled into one another.

"i dont know when the last time we had time like this, at least not during the season at least." she said quietly, and he nodded. "hmm." he responded, pressing a kiss to her head. "well, im definitely going to savor these moments then." he responded back and she grinned, before looking up at him and he connected their lips together.

the cookies were pulled out 15 minutes later, and then luke had to painstakingly wait another 20 minutes for them to cool, and then they could decorate. "ready?" she teased like he was a 5 year old. he nodded profusely, as she divided the frosting packets between them and then headed over to her side. they spent the next 25 minutes decorating and catching up on things over the past month.

before they knew it, it was time for luke's pre-game nap. despite there not being a game or practice. "come here." he whispered, as mila followed her longtime boyfriend into bed. "were missing one thing." she whispered as she rested her head on his chest. he looked down a bit concerned before she spoke again, "we're just missing a dog." she hummed smiling a bit. luke knew how much she wanted a dog, and he wanted one too. it was difficult with both of their schedules to raise one. "how about we revisit that topic in the spring?" he offered and she grinned looking up at him. "is that a yes?" she said quirking an eyebrow, and he smirked. "maybe." and she would take that.

❅

it was around 7 when mila pushed luke back in the kitchen, promising that he could have a cookie before dinner - if he helped. they made some simple pasta and turkey meatballs with veggies and bread. if there was one thing luke could cook with the back of his hand, it would be this. mainly because mila and his mother ellen had engrained it within him, and he was thankful for that.

they sat across from one another laughing and conversing freely.

"no but john did do that! he had no idea." mila confirmed, and they pretty much died of laughter at that point. at a recent team gathering, and some of the guys had drank a bit too much and john had been one of them. and while luke had left the room for a few minutes, john had been on one and luke couldn't believe it.

the two then cleared the table in silence for a few minutes, and then luke spoke up.

"thankyou for today this has been one of the best days in a long while." he said and her eyebrows crinkled, "you're kidding right?" she mused before sipping some wine. he shook his head, "no im being serious. just being with you and not having expectations or anything like that, and literally you just reading while laying with me, is enough." he said genuinely and she smiled softly. "im not kidding." he whispered, pulling in his close by wrapping his arms around her waist. she looked up at him, "thankgod for snow." she joked, and he grinned. "thankgod for snow." he repeated before kissing her deeply.

"how about we fulfill some of those 'activities' you had in mind earlier." she whispered, pulling away just a bit and giving him a wicked grin. "don't have to tell me twice." he said before throwing her over his shoulder, causing her to laugh loudly.

reuploaded with a diff person...anywho!

tags: @toasttt11 @dancerbailey3 @cuttergauthier @jackhues @jayda12