#so sorry for cutting u out mitchy

[torontoicehounds]

Tyler Bertuzzi + Max Domi via Max' Insta Story | Leafs Outdoor Practice 02.08.24

[austronauts]

i finally got to watch the new Leafs Roasting Mitch video and omg auston sounds soo jealous when talking about how mitch "makes deals" (✨💖flirts💖✨) with members of the other team and mitch sounds so resigned to this like its an argument they've had to have before (the long-suffering eye roll of We Have This Discussion Every Day But Tone Thinks Whatever Tone Wants To Think)

ok ANON M SO SORRY im late in answering these but i'll just have u know i screenshotted this and sent it to my friend and we were both like "my god how is this such an accurate interpretation"

because you're SO RIGHT HELLO? noone else even picked out mitchy for this except auston! and the sly little way he said "cutting a couple of deals out there" like he chirps mitch about it alllllll the time and knew he'd be annoying mitch with this

but ultimately we know auston just does not like it when mitch is out there talking to the other strapping 6'3" 200+lbs lads on the other teams!!! he's like I DON'T CARE IF YOU AND CHRISTIAN DVORAK WERE LONDON KNIGHTS BESTIES. I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE HISTORY WITH NICK RITCHIE. I DON'T CARE IF SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENED TO THEM. IT SHOULDVE HAPPENED TO ME

and then he goes out there and scores a dick trick and everybody cheers

also mitch's exasperated DRAMATIC little eyeroll???? i'm OBSESSED with it.

[osakunt]

He y

Can i request takemitchi with a fem! (Or gn if ud like!!!) S/o?? But they are very good at all things medical?? So when she comes to visit takemitchi they see him and a bunch of other members hurt and shes instantly starts patching them up? Mf gives some of them lolipops and a good pat on the head and calls them good like 😭 miss??? Are u god????

But shes gives takemitchi VIP treatment (not in that sense sobs) gives him,,,hello kitty bandages,,,, and uses hello kitty themed instruments to patch him up.. Sorry this ended up being to long a h a

Also, can it be a drabble? Thank u!! Im sorry ;;

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➟ Takemichi x Female reader

➟ Mitchi do be getting beat the fuck up tho🏃🏻‍♀️ I feel like this came out a little long, but enjoy my love <3 !!!!

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Takemitchi frowns seeing the message pop up on his screen saying “I’ll be there in 5. See you soon <3” how was he going to meet up with you right now. When he was beat the fuck up. Not only was he beat up but he was with a few others too. Who exactly ? Toman members. Those including Chifuyu, Peh-yan, Inui, and of course Hakkai.

You saw a fake blond and a few others trying to stop their oozing noses or relieve their swollen lips and cheeks. “Take ? Takemitchi….can’t say I’m surprised” you sigh making your way to his aid. Your legs take another route when you turn to see the one familiar blond with a scar whose nose was just not stopping. Lifting up your head, you see Hakkai’s lip also bleeding. Thus making you forget about a certain someone.

Going for Inui’s aid and the others - you bandage up some cuts and stabilize his nose and the others you quickly patch them up. “Here’s a lollipop” you bend down to Hakkai’s height as he is sitting down. His eyes glow taking the candy and you smile giving the others candy and a pats on the head. When you remember about Takemichi, you quickly go his way - looking him over and starting to clean his cuts.

Once done the other’s look over to the blond and poke fun at all the the band-aids with little characters on them and bright colors “there you go” you kiss his cheeks packing up your cute little Hello Kitty themed medical instruments. ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂

[cthomashoodstory]

Best Years but Not in the Same Way (19)

Calum Hood x Reader

Previous Part

I’m sorry english isn’t my native. And also i got pictures from google and if one of it is yours and you want to take it down pls let me know. I’m so nervous to write this part sjsjsj i hope someone is reading. And btw if you found this post for the first time, i suggest you to read the entire parts i gave the link below! And so sorry if u get bored :(

Masterlist

-

”It’s literally 8 A.M in the morning, you better be have a good thing to showed me or i will hate you.” Calum called you in the morning saying that he had something to showed you and you have to come and now here you are. “What?” You asked him when you were in his room.

Then he pulled out a very cute floral dress. “I bought this for you last month for Ash birthday party today. I don’t know if you like this or not, but here it is. I hope you like it. And also the heels, i love it so i bought it to you.” He gave it the dress and heels and now you were just speechless because this dress is hella cute and expensive.

“I forgot it’s Ashton birthday...,” you paused. “Do you have something to be give to him?” He shooked his head. “Let’s get out then?” He nodded an you two headed out.

After 5 hours went out to store by store and had lunch, you and Calum finally arrived at home at 2 P.M.. You bought a Leather Lace-up Ankle boots for Ashton as present because he said he love wearing boots and he kinda collecting it right now so it might be a good gift for him. And Calum bought an electric guitar for him.

“Hey i think I’m gonna get ready, since i took an hour to do make up so... bye.” You waved at him and ran to his bedroom to get ready.

An hour later, you our from his room and you saw him stood waiting for you. “You were ready? Since when? Damn you look so hot!” You said it out loud and he blushed.

“Since 30 minutes ago i think? And you look so beautiful.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of you. “I think we should stay at home rather than go to Ash’s party.” He gave you a serious face.

“Why?” Suddenly you felt so disappointed because you just prepared for an hour, you got a very beautiful mini dress from him and now he wants to canceled it?

He laughed. “I don’t want any men to steal you away from me. I mean look at you right now.” He teased you and put his hand on your waist. You were inch away from his face and now you wanted to to something but you afraid. You were still afraid until today.

“Should we go?” You asked him and he nodded while pulled his hand away.

You went out and he drove fast. You didn’t interact with him on the car. It was just too awkward for you both.

An hour later you and him arrived at Ashton’s place. It was just 4 P.M and his house already crowded. You held your present for him and Calum also did the same. You and him went in and looking for Ashton. You finally met him. He was stood at the corner with Luke and Michael and Mitchy Collins.

“Aye my favorite couple.” He hugged Calum first and then Calum gave the present. And then you hugged him. “Awh thank you so much, Cal and Bar. Enjoy the party.” You walked away from them and joined Kaitlin, Crystal and Sierra on the counter.

“Oh my God, look at your dress, you really stealing the spotlight!” Crystal complimented your dress. “I knew it Calum has a taste.”

You frowned. “Oh Calum showed us the dress after he bought it last month. Oh virtually of course. Don’t worry he didn’t cheat with us. His heart is belong to you.” Sierra explained and you smiled while rolling your eyes.

“So how’s the progress with you and Calum? Are you guys kissed already?” Kaitlin asked you excitedly. You knew she’s a bit drunk since she held the red glass.

You shook your head and nodded at the same time. “We are not dating, we’re still friends but we ever kissed and thats it. No more further explanation.” You grinned and poured beer to your glass.

After hours you’ve been mingled with everyone, you decided to go to the bathroom to freshing up. While on the way you pulled out your phone from your sling purse and you shocked you got 20 missed calls from Mike and you got so much message from him, your mom, Julia, Tranter and other friends. But one notification that caught your eyes was a missed call from Justin at 3 P.M.. What the hell is going on? You could feel your face is pale and you panicked and ran fast to the bathroom. You locked the door and sit on toilet. You called Mike Immediately and you scared to death. Your mind flashback to when he called you 30 times because he worried when Justin and Selena got back.

“Saara Palvin are you okay? Why you didn’t pick my call?” He sounded so worried, exactly like 3 years ago.

“My phone went silent and I’m fine I’m at Ashton’s birthday party. What happened? Nevermind i will find it by myself and i promise you i will be fine, i won’t hurting myself ever again. Okay? Bye.” You hung up the call and searching on Safari about Justin Bieber. That’s really what you searched because deep down in your heart you knew if Mike, Julia and Tranter texted or called you at the same time, it really had something to do with Justin. And coincidentally Justin did called you and it really ruined your mind. The search came up and you saw a news about Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin engaged at Bahamas today. Wait what? Engaged? Justin is engaged? With Hailey? You read the headline again and locked your phone. You don’t care. You don’t care at all. He could do anything he wanted.

Then the bathroom door is knocked. “Saara? Are you okay? It’s me Kaykay. I saw you running to the bathroom worriedly. Are you okay?” She asked yo politely and you unlocked the door so she could come in. “Hey girl, what’s wrong?” She wiped out the tears that feel down to your face. You really managed to not cry in front of her but you failed.

You tried to breath slowly. “I think I’m going home now. I’m not feeling good right now. Justin is engaged with his girlfriend.” You finally confessed to her and she hugged you. “I don’t want people to know about it. What is my excuse then?”

She pulled the hug. “Just said that your mom needs you right know and they would understand. Calum would understand. You had to lie to them for your own sake. You need to rest, Miss B. And when you talked to them just thinking about a funny moments so that you wont cry.” You nodded and put the lipstick on your lips and out from the bathroom. You were separated from Kaitlin and walked towards the boys who sat down on the chairs laughing together.

“Hi guys i think I’m going out now, my mom is need my help right now and i will go to her place now. Bye guys, once again happy birthday Ashy.” You hugged Ashton, then Luke and Michael.

“Let me drive you there, Bar.” He held your arm but you brushed it off.

You looked at him. “No, you need to be here for Ashton. I will be fine okay? Have fun baby.” You kissed his cheek and left him as fast as you could because you were about to cry if you still there with him. You ordered Uber and headed home.

You finally at your bedroom and lean on the wall. You cannot cry because what’s the point of it? He has a good life and so are you. You are happy with your life, you surrounded by a very good people, the best friends who always support you, you’re happy.

You changed your clothes into pajamas and you sat on your living room. And you saw Calum texted you.

You felt bad for lying to him but this was the only thing you could do. He might get hurt if he knew the real answer. You really try hard to move on from Justin. It was harder than you thought. The past still haunts you until today. The memories still haunts you.

You turned on the tv and watch a random show but you didn’t really paid attention to it. Your mind kept thinking about Justin over and over. and you decided to keep your mind busy thinking about other by watching a criminal tv show.

It surprisingly distracted you for hours until you heard a message notification.

Ah these big mouth guys. Why in the hell they told Calum about it? So that why he asked you if you okay twice. He probably hated you right now. You couldn’t do anything but sighed. Calum must be hurted right now. Why all of this happened?

Then you heard your door being unlocked and you saw Calum walked in with flowers on his left hand and a totebag on his right hand. Wait what was he doing here?

“Cal?” You were so shocked when he showed up. He smiled to you and you knew he was hurted judging by his expression.

“Hi Bar,” he greeted you and handed you the flowers. “I just want to be here with you to cheer you up.” He signaled you to sat on the couch with him. And then you sat with him and put the flowers on your lap. “I bought you chocolates, lots of chocolate,” he pulled it out one by one. “Then a red lipstick because i know you love to wear it, and a tiny teddy bear. I honestly suck at this so thats the only thing i bought for you.”

You smiled to him and hold his hand. “Thank you, Cali. You really cheered me up.” “And i want to-“

But he cut your talk. “I know what happened, Ashton told me.” He held your hand tight. “I want you to be honest with me, i was so confused when you said you didn’t want me to drove you. I thought i made a mistake.”

You sighed. “Im sorry i didn’t want to hurt you, i didn’t want you to know that I’m hurt, I’m messed on the inside. I didn’t want you to hate me just because I’m still trying to find my way out from my past. I hate myself for keep hurting you until today.”

“Hey hey please don’t cry.” He hugged you and you cried on his chest. “I know moving on is the hardest thing to do, but i know you can do it. I trust the process, Bar. I trust us.”

You pulled the hug. “You can always find and fall in love with another brain, another soul, rather than stay and wait for me to heal the feeling.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I love you and i only want you in my life. I will always love you no matter how hard this situation is. I will wait for you.”

-

To be continued.

Next Part

[knifeshoerpf]

He’s Home - William Nylander

Request:  Nope A/N: I finally wrote something??? Wow??? Is this a sign?? Probably not, idk. But yes here you goooooo! Warnings: swearing, nothing much more.

It’s kinda funny, but Willy’s phone buzzes with a notification from Twitter.

TSN Hockey @TSNHockey

BREAKING: The #MapleLeafs have signed F William Nylander to a six-year, $41.4M contract and he will play this season. #NHL #NylanderWatch #TSNHockey  Willy laughs, shaking his head, as the texts start to pour in.

A Matts 14:02 Fina fucking lly Mitchy 14:02 YESSSSS BOI Kappy 14:03 why do u have to b such a dramatic bitch Willy takes his time replying to the messages. He’s waiting for one in particular, but as the minutes go by and he doesn’t see your name in his notifications, his frown deepens.

It’s fine, she’s probably busy right now, he tells himself.

“Going home” is the caption Willy finally settles on. It’s short and sweet and to the point, he thinks, as he uploads the black and white image of his leafs gear bag to Instagram.

Again, there’s a swarm of comments and likes and DMs.

(There’s many DMs from girls)

But nothing from you.

Willy bites his lip, and huffs.

“Will! We gotta go, the car’s here!” His youngest sister yells from outside the house, and he snaps out of his head space.

“You're way too excited to get rid of me, huh?” He runs his hand through her hair, and picks up his bag.

“I will miss you but I miss watching you score, Willy.” She says, her face scrunched up, and he laughs.

“I’ll get right on that, then.”

“The prodigal son returns!” Kappy declares, and it reverbs in the mostly empty Pearson Airport parking lot. Willy laughs and slaps his hand against Kappy’s, pulling him into a hug. 

“Missed ya buddy,”

“Missed you too. C’mon, let’s get going.” Kappy says, and soon they’re pulling out of the parking lot.

Kappy’s chattering keeps Willy’s mind off of you, but not for long. The car they’re in passes a very familiar neighbourhood and it jolts Willy.

“So Freddie is like, ready to suplex the entire D core into the ice -- ”

“Stop! Stop stop -- stop the car! Pull over there!” Willy yells, and Kappy, bless his heart, does exactly what he asks for although extremely bewildered. Willy all but jumps out of the car and dashes into the apartment complex.

“Dude what the fuck?” Kappy asks, catching up to him as the lift doors close. Willy jabs the button for the 3rd floor. “Can’t explain now,” he says, tapping his foot against the floor of the elevator as Kappy eyes him weirdly.

The doors open, and muscle memory basically drags Willy to the white door with a lopsided gold number 6. He raps on the door, and then thinking twice, covers the peephole with his hand. 

Just in case.

“Are we robbing someone?” Kappy whispers, and Willy has to do a double-take. “What the f -- yeah, we’re robbing someone, that’s why I fucking knocked --”

The door swings open and the two boys straighten up.

Willy’s thankful he covered the peephole, because the moment you make eye contact with him, the smile on your face drops and you slam the door in his face.

Well. Not exactly the reception he’s been waiting for.

He knocks again.

“Go away!” Your voice comes through, and Willy shakes his head.

“Kappy really has to pee!” he yells back, and said man turns to look at him, eyebrows raised and mouthing several swear words.

The door opens slightly, just enough distance for your face. You raise an eyebrow.

“Yeah dude, Kappy really has to pee and you know how far my house is -- we’re not gonna make it and you know we can’t just go into a mall without getting mobbed. Please?” You turn to Kappy, who slowly nods. “Yes, please let me in before I...pee myself.” He says to you, face devoid of any and all emotion.

You sigh, covering your face with your hand, and open your door fully. Kappy utters a quick thank you and enters, and you point him in the direction of your bathroom. Willy steps in, shutting the door behind him.

There’s an awkward silence that fills the room once Kappy leaves. You turn, about to retreat into the kitchen when Willy speaks up.

“So, I’m back! In case you didn’t notice, haha.” You level him with a stare and he stops smiling. Rolling your eyes, you turn away to go back to your work.

“Babe come on, say something?” Willy says, and you face him, arms crossed.

“Say what, Willy? You made your feelings very, very fucking clear when you told me I was ‘not that important right now’ a week ago, remember?” You shoot back, venom in your voice, and he winces.

“Okay in my defense I was worried about the whole signing thing, okay? And I just had a lot on my plate --” Willy starts, running his hand through his hair when you cut in.

“I don’t care. I think it’s because you’re not that important to me right now.” You reply, and his eyes widen. It’s a second before he gets the reference, before he sees your point, but in that moment hearing you say he wasn’t important crushed him. And he gets it.

He reaches forward and touches your arms. You move to turn away, but he just steps towards you and holds you.

“Hey,” He starts, his voice quiet. “Hey, just look at me, yeah babe?”

His soft voice, him calling you babe, him being here after months and months of not seeing him -- its all too much. Fuck, you missed him so fucking much and to think, if this was happening just a week ago, you’d both be all over each other and over the moon. Except you’d called him and he’d been so curt. And when you started needling he’d just snapped. Fuck. Your eyes start tearing and you start crying, shoulders shaking.

“Babe, babe, babe, fuck c’mere,” Willy soothes, pulling you into him and you go, all the fight in you gone. He tucks your head under his chin and holds you tight. “I’m so fucking sorry, okay? I’m so fucking sorry I spoke to you like that. I just -- there was so much going on and I was just so fucking scared and nervous and done and you asked me when I was coming back and -- I don’t know, I just lost it. I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I’m so sorry I spoke to you like that. I love you, okay? I really do. And you’re always, always gonna be important to me, I swear.” Willy presses a kiss to the top of your head, and you nod.

You pull away from him, and he wipes your tears off your face. You finally take a good look at him - his hair’s longer than you remember, his face is scruffy, but his eyes still have that look in them that you know is just for you.

“I missed you, you fucking asshole,” You say, smiling, and he laughs.

“I missed you too, babe.” He says, bringing a hand up to caress your cheek. Impatient, you tip toe and lean in, pressing your lips to his. Holding your face, Willy presses into you, deepening the kiss, and you throw your arms around him. You’d missed this so much, you’d missed him, and nothing was going to take him away from you for a long while and that thought --

“Are you fucking with me right now?”

You jolt away from Willy, who still chases your lips until you shove him away. He groans.

“I’m done fake-peeing! You’re welcome, by the way,” Kappy shoots at Willy, and then turns to you. “Hi, you look like a really sweet and wonderful girl. Can you tell me what the fuck! Is going on!” He half-yells, and you open your mouth ready to...you’re not even sure what, but Willy steps in.

“Kappy...this is Y/N. She’s my girlfriend.”

“You...have a girlfriend...and why have I literally never heard of any of this?” Kappy asks, eyes wide, and Willy looks at you. You shrug, smiling.

“Because it’s new -- ”

“How new?”

“We met 2 months before I left for Sweden, dude.”

“Holy shit, that’s new.”

“Yeah,” Willy says in a ‘duh’ tone that gets a chuckle out of you, before continuing. “That’s why I didn’t say anything about her to anyone. Not even my parents, or Alex -- ”

“Uh -- ” You cut in, and the boys turn to you. “Alex -- your brother -- he, uh, he knows.”

Willy blinks. “What? No he doesn’t, I didn’t tell him anything -- ”

You cover your face with your hands. “I called you once late at night and he picked up cause you were out. And uh -- well. He knew I was...not just a friend.”

Both the boys look confused and you sigh. Fuck. “I may or may not have said some really inappropriate things the moment he picked up, okay?”

Kappy bursts out laughing, and Willy’s eyes are wide. “I was horrified and I told him not to tell you. Can we just -- can we move on?” You say, praying for a sinkhole to open up below you to swallow you up so you wouldn’t have to deal with both of the guys laughing at you. “Yeah -- wait,” Kappy starts, pausing to laugh a little more, before continuing. “I’m happy for you, both of you. But holy shit, William, if you ever make me wait in a random person’s fucking bathroom “fake-peeing” while you make out with your girlfriend again, I’m going to undo your contract and send you back to Sweden myself.”

[tangers]

🍁! (For my sideblog mitcheemarns?) 💙💙

alyssa! you’re like the one leafs fan follower i have and i support u so much, i would die without the constant influx of mitch content u put on my dash so thank you for that!! your blograte is under the cut! ♡

come celebrate 100 followers with me!

MAPLE LEAFS BLOG RATE  🍁 url: not my fandom | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | mitch marner (i mean, it is him)icon: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |  travis dermottmobile theme: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | morgan reilly (your blog title makes me laugh so much)desktop theme: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | frederik andersencontent: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | william nylanderoverall: 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | auston matthewsfollowing: not yet, sorry | i am now! | of course | until the day i dieleafs player your blog reminds me of: obviously mitchy moo but it feels like a cop-out so i’m gonna go with kasperi kapanen !

[tyson-berry-blog]

William Nylander #1 - Not What You Think

Anon asked: Yo image idea where ur austons bff but u and nylander can literally not get along at all and everyones always joking that its bc u guys are too similar or theres just so much built up tension u need to hook up or somethin so one day auston takes u to a team party maybe?? and drunk nylander sees u w some other mans and gets jealous so he pulls u aside and starts an argument and it either ends in aggressive smut or him blurting out that he is actually in love with you u decide :)

Here you go anon! This one kind of got away from me and ended up being way longer than I intended. I had a lot of fun writing this and had to restrain myself from making it even longer than it ended up being. I hope you enjoy it!

You shut your textbook in triumph and placed your head in your hands. The library was bustling around you with students finishing assignments in a last minute attempt to boost their grade before school let out for winter break. The last assignment you needed to hand in was a paper for your literature class that only needed to be edited and you had no motivation left to do it. You did have two days left until it was due which is why you picked up your phone and thumbed through the messages you had waiting.

Unsurprisingly you had several from your best friend Auston and all of them seemed to be about some team gathering at Morgan Rielly’s house.

“Leave me alone,” you typed out. “I’m doing work.”

“False,” came the immediate reply. “You never answer your phone when you’re working.”

You rolled your eyes but knew he was right. It was a policy you put into place much to Auston’s annoyance. You put your phone on Do Not Disturb so you could only be reached in the event of an emergency and as much as Auston begged, you didn’t put him on the list. If you answered him every time he texted, you would get almost nothing done.

Before you could respond your phone buzzed again.

“Please come to Mo’s. It’ll be fun.”

“Will William be there?”

“I don’t know what your problem is with him. Willy is a chill dude.” “I’ll take that as a yes.”

You hesitated. You honestly didn’t mind William, quite the opposite. He was the one that seemed to have a problem with you and you had no idea why. Auston had brought you as his plus one to the first team gathering because out of everyone in Toronto he said that you made him feel the most comfortable. Eventually you started accompanying Auston to most events, even long after he became familiar with the team. As Auston grew closer to his teammates, you did as well. You got to see the guys for who they really were and not who the media tried to make them out to be. They no longer seemed like untouchable athletes, but instead a group of guys who got to do what the loved. With that realization came the feelings you had no control over. William Nylander was no longer a scary, force to be reckoned with but instead a goofy twenty-one-year-old whose smile lit up any room he entered. Except when he looked at you. Any time his eyes met yours it was like someone doused him in water, effectively killing the light. You tried to not let it get to you but sometimes it hurt.

You didn’t realize you had zoned out until your phone vibrating in your hand startled you back to reality. It was an incoming video call from Auston that had you rolling your eyes before accepting. You put your earbuds in and looked at him with your eyebrows raised.

“Please come.”

“Why do you need me there? You’re fine with the team.”

“I know that but can’t I want to have my best friend with me?”

“Don’t let Mitch hear that.”

“Oh Mitchy knows already. No one can replace you.”

“You’re just saying that to make me feel guilty.”

“Is it working?”

You sighed, “fine! What kind of party is this?”

Auston whooped, “it’s casual, a barbeque I think.”

“In this weather?”

“We’re in Canada, if there isn’t snow on the ground it’s outdoor weather.”

You looked him in the eye, “you owe me.”

“What do you want?” Auston asked without missing a beat.

“I want to wear your Leafs sweatshirt. The fuzzy one with the - ”

“With the number in the corner, I got it. You know they sell similar ones online, you can just buy one instead of always asking for mine.”

“Ha. Not on my college student budget.”

“They’re not that expensive.”

“Says the guy with the NHL salary.”

Auston chuckled, “I’ll pick you up around five.”

You looked at your watch, “that gives me no time!”

“You better get going then.”

You held your middle finger up to the camera and hung up on him. The girl next to you tried to stifle a laugh. You quickly put your finger down and felt your face blush.

“Boyfriend?” she asked.

“Oh definitely not,” you laughed. “My best friend.”

You didn’t have time to think about the look she gave you as you dashed out of the library and back to your dorm. You had hardly any time to change and cut it incredibly close to when Auston texted you saying he was out front. When you slid into the passenger seat a piece of fabric hit your face.

“Auston what the hell?”

“It’s the sweatshirt you wanted.”

“You’re so annoying. I can’t believe anyone would think I’m dating you.”

Auston looked at you, “wait what? And I’ll have you know, I’m a great boyfriend.”

“Some girl in the library asked if you were my boyfriend after our conversation.”

“That’s funny.”

“I know right!”

Auston paused, “well I can kind of see what she is getting at.”

“What?”

“I mean we are really close.”

“We’re best friends!”

“I know that obviously. I’m just saying.”

“Auston I need you to answer something for me.”

“Yes?”

“You aren’t into me right?”

“Gross. You’re like my sister.”

“Okay first off, gross? Really?”

“You know what I mean.”

“And secondly, that’s good because no offense but I definitely do not like you like that.”

Auston parked and looked at you, “glad we’re on the same page. But wait. Do you like someone?”

“No,” you answered quickly.

Auston narrowed his eyes, “I don’t believe you. You answered way too fast.” You put the hoodie on and refused to meet his gaze.

“You so do! Do I know them? Is it one of the guys?”

“What guys? We know a lot of guys.”

“It is! Is it Mo? He’s a good guy.”

“I don’t like Morgan.”

“Well why not? He’s cool. Okay let me think,” Auston mentally ran the roster through his head. When he looked at you with wide eyes, you knew he had figured it out. “Is it Willy?”

“No,” you answered with too much force.

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

You shoved him, “since when do you know Hamlet? You know what. Never mind. I’m going inside.”

“To your true love?”

“Shut up,” you hissed. “You do not tell anyone. It’s embarrassing.”

“Why?”

“Because he hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate you. I don’t think he is physically capable of hating anyone.”

“Auston please.”

“I won’t say anything, I promise.”

“Thank you. Let’s go inside, it’s freezing.”

Auston knocked on the door and it was quickly opened by Jake Gardiner on the other side.

“Glad you guys could make it. Mo is out back with the grill, and drinks and stuff are in the kitchen. Help yourself.”

“Thank you for having us,” you said.

“Someone has to make sure these kids are actually eating stuff besides take out.”

You gestured at Auston who had moved further into the house, “I know this one isn’t a complete failure.”

“Well he has you to look out for him.”

“It’s a daily struggle but I do the best I can.”

“And we thank you for your sacrifice,” Jake joked.

You said bye to Jake and moved down the hall Auston had gone down. In the short span you had been here he had somehow convinced Morgan to let him help out on the grill. You rolled your eyes fondly and went in search for the drinks. You had only been in this house once before so while it was slightly familiar, it had been a while. You grabbed yourself a bottle of water and squeezed past James van Riemsdyk to get to the living room. A few players and their significant others were sitting on the couches while a game played on the television. The only available seat was next to none other than William Nylander. You hesitated in the doorway before squaring your shoulders and walking into the room.

“Mind if I sit here?”

William looked up and just liked you predicted the smile slipped from his face but he gestured to the seat anyway which you took as a sign to sit down. You found yourself sucked into a story Freddie was telling and did your best to ignore the guy sitting next to you. Morgan finally came in to announce that dinner was ready and everyone jumped up to help themselves. You decided to wait a bit for the line to get smaller and remained seated. Slowly the team trickled back into the living room and took their seats. Auston walked in and handed you a plate.

“Thanks, but you didn’t have to. I was about to get up.”

“Well now you don’t have to.”

Auston took the seat next to you that had been previously occupied by William.

William chose that moment to walk back through the door and stopped when he saw Auston in his seat.

“I think William was sitting there,” you whispered to Auston.

“Hey sorry bro. You can have your seat back.”

“It’s fine.”

“Nah it’s cool. I’ll move.”

“Really, it’s fine.” William ducked back out of the room.

Auston shot you a weird look but shrugged and went back to eating.

“I’m going to get some water; do you want anything?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

You placed your plate on the dining room table as you walked by and went into the kitchen. William had his back to the door and didn’t notice it was you when you came in.

“William?” you asked tentatively.

He spun around to look at you, eyes wide.

“Wait!” You put your hands out to stop him from bolting.

“What?”

“Can I just talk to you for a second?”

“What?” he repeated.

“Why do you hate me?” You blurted the words out before you could stop yourself and his eyes widened even more.

An awkward silence fell between the two of you.

“I don’t hate you,” he said quietly.

“Well it sure as hell seems like it.”

“I don’t.”

You crossed your arms and waited for him to continue. This movement brought his attention to your jacket which only made him scowl deeper.

“See that,” you pointed at his expression. “That doesn’t look like the face of someone who doesn’t hate someone.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“You said that already but have yet to prove me wrong.”

“I like you,” he gritted out.

“Excuse me?”

He took a deep breath, “I like you a lot, but you have a boyfriend so...”

“A boyfriend? I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“You’re dating Auston.”

This caused you to let out a laugh that did nothing but bring the scowl back to William’s face.

“It’s good to know you find my feelings funny.”

“I’m not laughing at you.”

“Whatever,” he said clearly not believing you. “Just do me a favor and not tell Auston until I’ve left.”

“William. Willy. I’m not dating Auston, nor have I ever been. We’re just friends.”

“You’re wearing his jacket.”

“That means nothing. This is a high quality jacket that I find very warm and cannot not afford on my college student budget.”

“You guys are always touching.”

“Auston is a tactile person. You should know that, you play with him.”

William was silent for a second, “you’re really not dating him?”

“Of course not. He is like a brother and besides, I like someone else.”

His face shut down again.

“It’s you, you idiot.”

“You better not just be saying that.”

“I’m not.”

This was the first time one of William’s smiles had been directed at you and you were by no means prepared.

“Um so,” you fiddled with your hair. “What does this mean?”

“I think this means we exchange numbers? Only if you want to, of course.”

“I want to.”

Willy’s smile somehow got bigger and you found yourself smiling back. He passed his phone to you and you entered your number. He did the same with your phone.

“I should probably go back. I told Auston I was just getting water.”

He nodded and you turned around to go back.

“Hey,” he called behind you.

“Yes?”

“You might need this,” he tossed a bottle of water at you.

You caught it easily, “right. Thanks.”

“I’ll text you.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

You walked back into the living room and sat down next to Auston.

“Geez, did you get lost? I was going to send a search party after you.”

“I just talked to William.”

“Oh god. Did you hurt him? Do I need to send a search party out for him?”

“If you need to find him, I can always text him,” you hid your smile behind your hand.

“Did you get his number?”

You nodded.

“Dude, nice,” Auston high-fived you. “Did you work out whatever problems you had.”

“I think so.”