hi lovelies

Hannah needed Justin Kohl to finally notice her.

Garrett Graham needed to pass Philosophy or risk Coach ending his life before midterms.

So they made a bargain after class when he knew she did well on the assignment Garrett had leaned back, unfazed by the fact that he had gotten her name wrong “fake dating. We make people think we’re together. Justin notices. You win.” Garrett pointed at Hannah who furrowed her eyebrows.

She cocked her head “and what do you get?” She knew that it was a two way street so she didn’t know what he was meant to get from it.

Garrett motioned to his paper “an A,” he spoke in a duh tone as Hannah had stared at him for a long moment.

Then, against all better judgment, she’d agreed.

Neither of them realised what they were actually agreeing to.

Sure they knew it was going to be real to the world. 

With everyone’s eyes on them as the fifth line page as they were the newest and hottest topic. 

What Garrett didn’t expect was that he would actually want to be in a relationship with someone after this. 

What made it complicated was that it wasn’t Hannah, that he learnt to care for. 

It was you. 

The girl that was Hannah and Allie’s roommate. 

Hannah’s best friend.

The person she trusted with everything.

And the first time Garrett saw you, he completely forgot how to act like a functioning human being.

It was supposed to be a quick visit.

He’d knocked on the door expecting Hannah with her bag ready to go and study.

Instead, you opened it.

Your hair was messy and you were in one of your old band hoodies. 

Garrett stopped breathing for a second.

Just one.

But it was enough “hi there,” your fingers wrapped around the door as you cocked your head.

And he’d replied, far too late “hi,” his cheeks reddened and he swore he was in some cruel play teaching him about feelings. 

You smiled and he somehow felt lighter “Han, your boy is here!” You called out to her door where she burst out of her room. 

Hannah noticed immediately how Garrett was rattled. 

Of course she did.

Because Garrett Graham was many things, but subtle was not one of them.

Hannah giggled over her book“you know you were staring at her,” she said later that night.

Garrett scoffed as he shook his head “I was looking at the girl that opened the door.” He argued as he looked at his water bottle.

The girl grinned as she shook her head “you are,” she shot back, enjoying how she clearly she was pushing Garrett’s buttons. 

The hockey player rolled his eyes “I met her once.” He pointed out as he didn’t even know your name.

Hannah just smiled into her drink “all I’m gonna say is that love at first sight is a real thing.” He didn’t answer as he flipped to a different page in the notebook that he held. 

Which was answer enough.

What made it worse in the way that felt almost unbearable was that Garrett never acted on it.

He couldn’t.

Because the fake relationship was still going.

Because everyone thought he was Hannah’s boyfriend.

Because you were Hannah’s best friend, and he wasn’t about to turn your world into a mess.

So he stayed careful.

Polite.

Friendly.

He helped you carry things when your arms were full.

He remembered your coffee order once and then never forgot it.

He asked questions about you that he pretended were casual.

And every time, you told yourself the same thing: that he was dating Hannah and that you had to drown yourself in male attention until you could fully accept in your heart that he was off limits.

End of story.

Except it never felt like the end of anything.

What you didn’t know, and what you couldn’t know was that you weren’t totally invisible in the way that you intended to be.

You thought Garrett belonged to someone else.

You intended to take how you felt about hockey captain to your grave before anyone found out about it.

So every time your heart tripped over itself when he smiled at you, you shoved it down.

Every time he leaned in too close, you stepped back.

Every time he looked like he wanted to say something more, you convinced yourself you were imagining it.

Because you couldn’t do that to Hannah, and you sure as hell assumed that her boyfriend was smart enough not to cross that kind of boundary with you. 

So you made yourself small in all the places it mattered.

The breaking point, for you, came in October.

Garrett asked you to get coffee.

Just you.

Not Hannah.

Not a group.

Just you.

It was meant to be something so simple that you shouldn’t have been phased.

And for half a second, something bright and impossible flared in your chest.

Then reality snapped it in half, “oh,” you said carefully.

His expression shifted immediately “oh?” It felt like a slap to his face as he clenched his fist.

You cocked your head “why?” Your eyebrows furrowed as you felt like you were dancing on a tightrope.

Garrett actually let out a soft laugh “because I want to spend time with you.” He shrugged as he let his words hang in the air.

The silence that followed was sharp enough to hurt “it’s probably best I don’t,” you added quickly, forcing your voice steady.

Garrett looked like he’d been physically hit “right,” he said quietly as he licked his lips “okay.”

And then he walked away with his hands shoved into his hoodie.

And you stood there hating yourself for the rest of the day without really knowing why.

That night, he showed up at Hannah’s dorm looking like something had gone wrong in his chest “she said no,” he muttered he knew you were out on a date because Hannah had told him earlier that week that you were planning on going out with some guy from a class of yours. 

So the dorm was technically a safe, you free space.

Hannah didn’t even look up “no to what?” Hell, part of her didn’t even know who he was talking about.

“Coffee.”

Now she looked up as a grin formed on her face when everything clicked into place “you asked her out?” She pushed onto her knees as she clasped her hands together.

“I asked her for coffee.”

Garrett’s correction came with a scoff from Hannah “that’s asking her out.” She pointed out in a duh tone.

“It wasn’t supposed to be.”

Hannah studied him for a long moment “oh my god!” She clasped her hands over her mouth as she gasped.

“What?”

Garrett’s eyes went wide as he watched the girl “you like her,” the announcement came as Hannah pointed at him. 

“I don’t.”

She laughed as he shook his head “you do,” it was clear to her now that you were the reason why Garrett was getting soft; she had nothing to do with it.

It made him finally snap “I can’t.” The captain’s tone was harsh as he tugged his fingers through his hair. 

In that moment Hannah was ready to go marching down the quad to find you and announce that the boy who liked you was in fact very single “Garrett-” or at least force Garrett to accept that he clearly did like you.

Garrett shook his head as he got up “I can’t,” he repeated, quieter this time.

Because you were on a date with another guy.

Because the fake relationship still existed.

And the media frenzy that would follow from him for going for two best friends was bound to be uncomfortable.

Because he wasn’t supposed to want anyone.

And because, worst of all, he didn’t think you wanted him back.

The weeks that followed were a slow unravelling.

You noticed him pulling back.

Less teasing.

Less lingering.

Less of whatever you’d been imagining before you convinced yourself it was never real.

And it hurt more than it should have.

You told yourself it was relief.

That it was better this way.

That you were just being dramatic.

But it felt like a loss.

Everything broke on an ordinary afternoon in November.

You came home from a morning lecture when Hannah asked to talk.

Her tone made your stomach churn “sit down,” she said gently when you dropped your bag.

That alone made your heart drop.

You started walking towards the bench as she exhaled.

And then she said it.

“We never dated.”

You blinked “what?” You dropped onto the bench next to her as your ears rang.

Hannah tucked her hair behind her ears “Garrett and I. It was fake.” You swore in that moment that the world stopped.

Like a record got scratched when the needle pushed off of it.

For a second, your brain simply refused to process the words “fake,” you repeated.

“Yeah.”

You cracked your knuckles as you ducked in your teeth “how long?” You ran your fingers along your arm.

She felt like she was setting off a live wire“the whole time,” her expression was blank as if she was waiting for you to respond first.

It felt like something inside your chest cracked open all at once “the whole time?” you whispered as you frowned when she nodded.

Your fingers pinched the bridge of your nose “so I’ve just been avoiding him for months for no reason?” You almost laughed as you couldn’t believe this.

Your body felt like it was drowning and your head was barely able to stay above water. 

Hannah argued back “it wasn’t for no reason because you didn’t know.” she said quickly as she shook her head.

“But I did,” your voice broke “I thought I was being respectful. I thought I was being a good friend. I thought-” your throat tightened, suddenly everything collided at once.

Every moment you’d stepped back.

Every time you’d stopped yourself from wanting.

Every time you’d felt guilty for even thinking about him.

Every moment you swore you were the worst friend alive for letting Garrett take up too much space in your brain.

And none of it had been necessary.

None of it had been real.

Your breath hitched, “oh my god,” you said again, but this time it didn’t sound like disbelief.

It sounded like overwhelm.

Hannah stood up, alarmed, “hey-” she reached for your hand 

You shook your head as you raised your hand to stop her “I need a minute.” Your brain felt like it had been going a mile a minute and you were desperate to slow it down.

But there wasn’t a minute.

Because there was never a minute when you wanted time to be on your side.

Because the door opened.

And Garrett walked in.

The moment he saw your face, everything in him stopped “what happened?” he asked immediately seeing how your expression was teary-eyed.

You looked at him like you didn’t know where to put all the emotion in your body “Hannah told me.” You blurted it out as you sniffled still wishing that the ground had swallowed you whole.

His expression changed instantly.

Tension. Realisation.

Then guilt “what did she tell you?” Garrett had come up with a whole speech to tell you how he felt, and this really wasn’t it.

Hell he had literally made John Logan ask you out so that Garrett could come and see you in a place that wasn’t the library or the dorm.

Your voice shook when you answered “that you two weren’t real.” He exhaled slowly, careful to not be the one to break the silence.

Behind him, Hannah quietly grabbed her jacket “I’m going to- I got nothing I’ll leave you two to this,” she said, already backing away so fast that neither one of you could argue.

He scoffed as he shook his head “traitor,” Garrett muttered, not looking away from you.

The door closed.

And the room felt too small “you thought we were together,” he said softly as he placed his bag on the floor.

You laughed once, but it came out broken “everyone thought that.” You shook your head as you brought your knees to your chest.

“That’s not an answer.”

You sighed as you looked out of the window “it was real to me,” you said, quieter now “and that was the problem.”

Something in his expression shifted “I didn’t know,” he said as he took a space on the bench next to you.

“I know.”

Garrett reached for your leg “I didn’t mean for you to-” he cut himself off as you shifted your legs away to block his hands.

Your hand wiped your cheer fearing that it was still damp from your previous tears “I know,” you repeated, sharper this time, then immediately softer. 

“I know. That’s not what I’m upset about,”

Garrett cocked his head “then what is it?” Your breath shook as your body felt numb. 

You pinched your fingers together in an attempt to steady yourself “everything I stopped myself from feeling,” you admitted feeling like an idiot. 

You didn’t want to admit the truth but when he looked at you, it was as if you’d lost your filter“because I thought I was respecting something that didn’t even exist.” The words landed between you like something fragile breaking.

Garrett went still.

Then, carefully, “you stopped yourself?” It made you roll your eyes.

You let out a shaky breath “don’t make me say it again.”A beat and then his voice dropped.

“Did you like me?”

Your eyes burned because the slight change in tense had you thinking that you were the biggest idiot of all “yes.” You nodded, your voice came out barely above a whisper.

Something in him broke open at that.

Because he had been so careful.

So patient.

So convinced he was the only one falling.

Like you were the person his mom promised him was out there since he was a kid “you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear that,” he said, almost letting out a laugh 

Your breath hitched as you felt sick his laugh was quiet, almost disbelieving, “since the first day I met you.” He carried on when you didn’t speak. 

That made your chest ache harder “I thought you were with Hannah,” you said with a sigh as you finally looked at him.

“I wasn’t.”

You nodded as you licked your lips “I know that now,”he turned his body to fully face you, slower this time, like he was giving you every chance to stop him.

Garrett hated how much he felt the need to care in this moment, hell he hated how you made him feel so many emotions he didn’t think he was capable of experiencing “I was trying not to mess anything up,” Garrett brushed his fingers through his hair. 

“That’s why I didn’t- I never intended on crossing any lines.” 

It should have comforted you that you both had the same moral compass in this “you already did,” you whispered your brain shouldn’t have felt this annoyed still. 

Like there was hurt in your heart that your mouth was having to figure out how to mask in real time. 

His gaze flickered to your mouth.

Then back to your eyes.

“Yeah,” he admitted quietly “I think I did.”

The air between you felt charged now. Fragile or maybe real.

“Can I-” he started, then stopped.

You nodded before he finished the question.

That was all it took.

Garrett closed the distance carefully, like he still didn’t fully trust it.

Like you might disappear if he moved too fast.

His hand lifted to your cheek, warm and steady.

And when he finally kissed you, it wasn’t rushed or uncertain.

It was like something that had been held back for too long finally giving in.

Soft at first.

Then deeper.

Like relief.

Like relief you didn’t realize you’d been waiting for.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours.

Neither of you spoke for a moment.

You just breathed the same air.

And for the first time all semester, nothing about it hurt.

Not a little crush.

Not a "she's cute" crush.

The kind of crush that had lasted since freshman orientation and had only gotten worse from there.

It was the kind of crush that had become common knowledge to everyone.

The hockey team knew.

The football team knew.

Your roommates knew.

Hell most of your sophomore class knew.

Your brother knew.

And the only reason Dean wasn't losing his mind over it was that he had complete confidence in two things.

First, that you weren't interested.

Second, that Tucker would rather throw himself into traffic than make the first move.

Honestly?

He wasn't wrong about the second part.

Tucker liked you so much that it occasionally rendered him incapable of functioning.

The first time you'd met him during orientation, he'd dropped his student ID while trying to introduce himself.

The second time, he'd walked into a sign because he was too focused on watching you laugh.

Freshman year had only gotten worse from there.

By sophomore year, it was practically a running joke that everyone knew.

Everyone except Tucker himself.

The poor guy still seemed convinced he was subtle.

You weren't helping.

In fact, you were probably making it worse.

Because while everyone knew Tucker liked you, nobody knew you liked him back.

That part was your secret. And one that you guarded carefully.

Not because you were embarrassed.

Not because you weren't sure.

But because the second Dean found out you returned Tucker's feelings, everything would change.

Right now, Dean viewed Tucker as harmless.

A guy with a crush that would kill him before he announced it to the world.

A guy who admired his little sister from afar.

A guy who wasn't actually a threat.

The second Dean realised Tucker might actually have a chance?

Different story entirely.

So you kept your mouth shut.

And entertained yourself by teasing Tucker instead.

The boy’s house was packed.

Music blasted through the speakers.

People crowded every room.

And as always, you somehow ended up behind the kitchen island making drinks, specifically your favourite, a strawberry daiquiri “I need more strawberries," you called out as you stirred the mix in the blender.

Someone immediately slid the container toward you "I've built an efficient workplace environment." You giggled to yourself as you sipped your almost ready to be refilled drink.

Dean joked that if he was born to be on the ice, then you were born to be a bartender.

"You terrorise people."

You looked up.

And there he was.

John Tucker.

Standing across the island with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Cute.

Annoyingly cute.

He wasn't towering over everyone the way some hockey players did, but he was still a few inches taller than you. Just enough that you had to tilt your head slightly whenever you looked at him.

Which you definitely didn't do more often than necessary.

Absolutely not, "you volunteering?" you asked as you cocked your head.

The boy leaned against the door as he furrowed his eyebrows "for what?" Tucker licked his lips as he smiled.

"Kitchen duty."

Tucker glanced around “the bartender needs help?” He joked as you turned back to the blender.

You looked as if he was saying the most obvious thing in the world "I need qualified staff." You spoke in a duh tone.

His eyebrows lifted "qualified." He repeated the word as you nodded.

Tucker pointed his finger at himself "you mean me?” If he were a cartoon character, you swore he would have had smoke coming out of his ears.

You nodded again "I mean you,” his smile widened.

"You could've just said that."

You pointed a knife at him "don’t get cocky." He responded by sticking his tongue out at you.

The second Tucker stepped behind the counter, things became easier.

They always did.

Because, for all his awkwardness around you, the kitchen was where he was most comfortable.

You handed him strawberries and the knife.

Then suddenly, he looked like a completely different person.

Focused.

Confident.

Effortless.

You leaned against the counter and watched him work.

His knife skills were ridiculous.

Perfectly even slices.

Quick movements.

No wasted effort.

It was attractive.

Extremely attractive.

Not that you would ever admit that out loud "you know," you said casually as you leaned against the counter in front of him.

"Hm?"

You smiled as you ran your fingers against your arm "if hockey doesn't work out, I might hire you." Tucker snorted as he looked up "you'd hire me?"

You nodded as he laughed, pressing his hands against the counter “what would be my position?" He asked as you pretended to think.

You rubbed your chin with your pointer finger and thumb "assistant." You spoke as if you were sounding out a new word.

He looked offended "assistant?" Tucker sent you a glare as he grew unimpressed.

You nodded with a grin "you'll need to work your way up." You caught the laugh he tried to hide.

Tucker shook his head "you're impossible." He sighed as he leaned his head back.

"And yet you keep showing up."

The words slipped out naturally.

The reaction was immediate.

Tucker's attention dropped to the cutting board.

His ears turned pink.

And suddenly, your evening got significantly better.

An hour later, Logan walked into the kitchen.

You and Tucker had gone between talking and making drinks throughout the hour.

Logan stopped and let his eyes jump between the two of you.

Then he sighed dramatically.

You immediately pointed at him “what’s that look for?" You narrowed your eyes at him.

Logan shook his head, "I genuinely cannot believe we're still here." He pointed between the two of you as Tucker frowned.

"Still where?"

Logan laughed before he grabbed a beer “you are actually painful.” He pointed at Tucker as he disappeared back into the crowd.

You glanced at Tucker “any idea what that was about?" He asked as he looked confused.

"No."

You nearly laughed as you shook your head because you absolutely knew.

The rest of the night followed the same pattern.

You mixed drinks, and Tucker helped.

And every time you got bored, you found new ways to make him nervous.

Sometimes it was accidental.

Mostly it wasn't.

You brushed past him, reaching for ingredients.

You stole strawberries off his cutting board.

You leaned over his shoulder to inspect his work.

The poor guy never stood a chance.

At one point your fingers brushed while reaching for the same bottle.

Tucker immediately forgot what he was saying.

Mid-sentence.

Gone.

You bit the inside of your cheek "Tucker?" You furrowed your eyebrows as you turned to him "you stopped talking." You mumbled as he shook his head.

Tucker focused his attention on the floor "no I didn't." His words came out as barely a murmur.

It made you smirk "you absolutely did,” his face turned red and you had to turn away before he saw you smiling.

By midnight, people had started filtering out.

The house had grown quieter.

You finally found Hannah and Allie near the front door “ready?" Hannah asked as you nodded.

The three of you made sure that you had your things when Tucker appeared, almost suspiciously fast "I can walk you home." You immediately looked between the two girls, who looked at each other with a smile.

And you knew.

Instantly.

Traitors.

Absolute traitors.

Because it turned out that they had in fact noticed that you seemed far more interested in talking to Tucker than actually hearing out any guy that tried to make a move on you “that’s nice of you, Tucker," Hannah said while Allie nodded in agreement "very nice."

You crossed your arms as you furrowed your eyebrows

"I’m glad that you two think you’re slick.” You almost wanted to laugh when Allie feigned offence “we have no clue what you’re talking about.”Neither girl looked remotely convincing.

So you let the boy lead the way as you told the girls you’d see them in the morning for your shared shift at Malones.

The walk back to campus was surprisingly quiet.

Not awkward.

Just comfortable.

You walked beside each other beneath the streetlights.

Occasionally, your shoulders brushed.

Neither of you moved away.

The conversation drifted naturally from one topic to another.

Classes.

Summer.

Food.

Mostly food.

Which wasn't surprising.

Tucker could talk about cooking for hours.

And you could listen for hours.

You genuinely loved hearing him explain things.

The excitement in his voice.

The way his hands moved when he talked.

The confidence that appeared whenever food was involved, “you know," you interrupted you began as you fiddled with one of your rings.

Tucker stopped himself as he turned to you "what?" His eyes were wide as if he was worried he had done something offensive.

"You're kind of a nerd."

He looked personally offended "I'm talking about cooking." He shook his head as you laughed "exactly." You nodded like you were proving your point exactly.

Tucker furrowed his eyebrows “you spend your weekends inventing cocktail recipes." He knew all about that because you were usually doing it from their kitchen.

Dean did have to admit there was a reason why you were his favourite sister "that's different." You shook your head as you smirked knowing that you were pushing Tucker’s buttons.

"How?"

The boy cocked his head as he scrunched his eyebrows "because I'm charming." You grinned as Tucker laughed.

A real laugh.

The kind that made you insides feel warm immediately.

God.

You were in trouble.

By the time you reached your dorm building, neither of you seemed particularly interested in ending the conversation.

So Tucker walked you inside.

Through the lobby.

Up the stairs.

Past two floors.

All the way to your hallway.

You noticed several people staring.

Mostly because everyone knew who John Tucker was.

And because he was following you around with that familiar look in his eyes.

The one everybody recognised.

The one he'd never quite learned how to hide.

When you finally stopped outside your dorm room, Tucker stopped too.

Close enough that you could see the faint freckles across his nose.

Close enough that you had to tilt your head back slightly to look at him.

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

Then you smiled and Tucker immediately noticed “no.” He shook his head as you laughed.

"What?"

He pointed at your face “you’ve got that damn smile.” Tucker sighed as he was not looking forward to this.

You placed your hands on your hips "what smile?" You licked your mild as you were almost amused now.

"The one you get when you get an idea in your head for something."

You had a reputation for a particularly wild streak that often came out when you got that grin.

You raised your hands in defence “can’t promise anything." You shrugged making him groan.

And suddenly you couldn't help yourself anymore.

Maybe it was the late hour.

Maybe it was the fact that you'd spent over a year pretending.

Maybe it was because you were tired of watching him look at you like you were something special while genuinely believing he had no chance.

Whatever the reason, you decided enough was enough.

So rather than leaving him at the door, you instead opted to invite him into your room.

Part of you was glad that your roommate was spending her night at her boyfriends.

"Tucker."

His expression immediately became cautious, “yeah?" He tried to subtly look at your pictures that were on your wall.

You let your door shut softly behind you “can I ask you something?" You cocked your head as you smiled.

He sighed growing nervous as he nodded "how long?" His eyes narrowed as the question came out.

"How long what?"

You tilted your head “how long have you been in love with me?" The reaction was immediate.

Catastrophic.

The poor man looked like his soul had left his body.

"Oh my God."

You burst out laughing “oh my God isn't a timeframe." You slapped your hand over your mouth to muffle your laughter.

"You know?"

You almost felt bad that he looked so embarrassed "Tucker." His hands covered his face.

"No."

You reached for the boy who pulled away "Tucker." You sighed feeling bad for him.

"You thought nobody knew?"

"This is humiliating."

You laughed harder as he shook his head "Dean knows." His groan echoed down the hallway.

You were practically crying now “why don’t we just start a list of people who don’t know?” And somehow Tucker looked even more embarrassed, even as he tried to be annoyed.

Which only made it funnier.

Eventually he lowered his hands "you really knew?" Your smile softened as you nodded

“yep.”

Tucker let out a harsh breath “for how long?" You had him reconsidering every moment of his life when he thought it was subtle.

You shrugged “a while,” his gaze locked onto yours.

Steady.

Hopeful.

Dangerous.

Tucker was holding a breath that he wasn’t aware was trapped in his chest "then why didn't you say anything?" The answer felt simple now.

So simple you couldn't believe you'd waited this long.

Because if you had admitted it sooner, Dean would've figured it out.

Dean would've realized Tucker actually had a shot.

And then your brother would've killed Tucker.

Because the Southern boy was the only person from the team who hadn’t gotten the warning lecture from your brother.

So you wanted this moment to belong to you.

Not Dean.

Not the team.

Not anyone else.

Just you.

And Tucker.

So you stepped closer.

Close enough that his breathing visibly stalled.

And finally told him the truth "because everyone already knew about your crush." Your eyes scanned his face as his brow furrowed.

"And?"

It felt like a cruel joke from the world to Tucker "and nobody knew about mine." You licked your lips as you smiled.

Silence.

Complete silence.

Tucker stared.

You stared back.

His brain visibly short-circuited “your-” he cut himself off as you laughed

"Yeah."

His eyes widened “you like me?” He pointed to himself.

He was in disbelief.

Like he'd spent so long convincing himself it was impossible that he couldn't process another reality.

You laughed softly "honestly, Tucker?" He swallowed as he nodded

You felt like a dork as you spoke "if you had made a move months ago, I would've said yes." The smile that appeared on his face stole every coherent thought from your head.

Bright.

Happy.

Disbelieving.

The happiest you'd ever seen him "you have got to be kidding me." Tucker shook his head as you nodded.

He swore this was as a dream "you’ve liked me this whole time?" He had always hoped that this would happen but never thought it could.

“Yeah.”

And suddenly Tucker laughed.

A genuine, joyful laugh.

Like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders “you know," he said as he ran his fingers over his arm.

"What?"

Tucker hadn’t even admitted this to himself "I spent an entire year convincing myself I didn't stand a chance." You reached up and grabbed the front of his shirt.

"That was pretty stupid."

His eyes immediately dropped to your lips “yeah,” he nodded as his hands landed on your hips to steady himself.

Tucker scanned your face for any kind of hint that this was a joke "very stupid." He agreed with you as you smiled.

You nodded as you closed the gap between the two of you "definitely," for the first time since orientation, John Tucker didn't look nervous.

Just certain.

Certain enough to lean down.

Certain enough to close the distance.

And when he kissed you outside your dorm room, you found yourself smiling against his mouth.

Because after nearly two years of everyone knowing Tucker liked you—

As you spent them at your brother’s place soaking up the sun from the backyard. 

Dean didn’t mind it as he enjoyed the freshly cut fruit you brought with you, and the rest of the boys occasionally joined you. 

So today you didn’t think twice when Garrett came out. You flipped your phone over hiding the message from Beau, inevitably talking about how he wished he wasn’t heading to practice because he could have gotten you at his place in that little orange bikini “you got a sec?” Garrett asked as he sat on the fold out chair that was in front of you. 

You nodded as you sat up, reaching for your water bottle “what’s up?” You cocked your head as you looked at him. 

The Graham boy tugged his fingers through his hair “I think that I like Hannah.” His confession surprised you as you knew all about their fake dating scheme. 

But your nerves got the best of you “I mean I’d hope so.” You let out a snort as you slapped your hand over your mouth as your eyes went wide. 

Your cheeks reddened as you mentally cursed yourself “I mean- I think you are coming to ask me how to tell her?” You scratched your jaw as he nodded. 

Garrett had known you since your senior year of High School after you came along to a preseason camp after you were dropped off a week early. The two of you then had a class together and somehow the newfound friendship. 

It obviously helped that you were seeing him at least once a week because of hockey related events “I don’t want to look like an idiot.” His words made your heart break. 

The Garrett you knew had never cared about how a girl made him look, so to have him holding himself back was a lot “for the right girl you’re never gonna look like an idiot.” You shook your head as you sighed. 

It made the boy smile “how’d you do it with your mystery man?” Garrett had been teasing you about it ever since he started realising that you had a cycle of bouquets in your room. 

And when you blushed at a question it became Garretts new favourite joke as he continued to tease you about it “well I made a move when I was drunk so that’s not really a good rule of thumb.” You laughed thinking back to that day. 

You really didn’t know what you would have done, because changing your name and moving to Mexico wasn’t an option “but I think that love is meant to be complex and sometimes a little scary.” You shrugged as you fiddled with your bracelet.

Garrett couldn’t help but smile “when did your lover boy get you all sweet?” His words made your nose scrunch in disgust. 

You gagged “my boyfriend did not make me some love sick puppy you ass!” You whined as you shook your head. 

It made the boy laugh as he threw his head back “and when do we get to meet him?” The boys had met every guy just about that you had dated, you almost felt that Garrett was just as intimidating as your brother. 

So it was suffice to say that you preferred holding them all off for as long as they could handle. 

You shook your head “I think the answer would actually surprise you.” You smiled as you remembered back to how Beau and Garrett sat behind you and Hannah in one of your classes this year. 

Part of you was looking forward to when the boys formally found out about who your boyfriend was. Because you knew you’d be able to laugh once the boys were doing plotting the ways to kill Beau. 

Dean walked out as he grinned “you still mooching off our WiFi?” He teased as he ruffled his fingers through your hair making you groan as you reached up to hit him. 

The blonde laughed sat down next to you “I have been mooching off your backyard space.” You corrected him as Garrett watched the interaction between the two of you. 

Sometimes he had to admit that you two made him envious that you had siblings, and other times you were the very reason why he was glad he didn’t have siblings “what’s going on out here?” Dean asked as he pointed between the two of you. 

Garretts eyes went wide “we were-” “just talking about tonight!” You cut the boy off not trusting what he’d say to your brother. 

Both boys cocked their heads wondering what you were talking about.

Your cheeks turned a warm shade of red “it’s drunken Shakespeare.” You began as Dean cut you off with a laugh. 

The blonde shook his head “we are not going to that.” He announced as Garrett hit the back of his head “c’mon I’m sure it’d be fun.” Garrett nodded in agreement. 

The captain ran his fingers through his hair “and I’m sure Beau would be down for it.” The mention of your boyfriend was purely because he was your brothers favourite drinking buddy. 

But Garrett didn’t miss how your lips formed a smile when you thought about the football player. Of course he wasn’t going to ask about it with Dean stood feet away from him. 

Sure Garrett enjoyed pushing your buttons but if he wasn’t right that Beau was your mystery man, he wasn’t going to announce it to Dean. Especially when your brother would personally see to your death if he found out about the boy in your bed. 

Dean remained oblivious to the silent conversation “fine if Beau goes.” Dean let out a sigh “I will come too.” 

What Dean didn’t know was that Beau was coming along after Allie decided that his attendance was the price of her being the captain of your unfortunately named Di Well ship. 

You nodded as you looked at your watch “shoot I gotta go before Allie kills me.” Since her break up with Sean, you and Hannah had fallen into the position of being her cheerleaders. 

Which also meant that you had eaten your body weight in hot Cheetos, not that you cared that much anyways. 

Dean sighed as you patted the top of his head “bye boys I better be seeing you two tonight!” You cheered as you kissed your hand to the air as you grinned before they waved you off, watching you head back inside.

By the time you got back to your room it felt like a tornado had gone through the apartment “you have to come tonight!” Allie pleaded as you dropped your bag on the floor as you let the door shut behind you.

Hannah’s room appeared to be mainly Allie’s clothing tossed around the floor “I have just had a really stressful day and just want to watch a movie.” You leaned against her doorframe as the drama student scoffed. 

Her eyes brightened when she saw you “tell her that you both have to come tonight!” She pleaded with you as she clenched her fists. 

Hannah wanted to argue but you shook your head “we are best friends.” You announced as you stepped into her room “and that means we are gonna be sat in the front row where we will be once we’ve drank our feelings away.” You motioned to the new bottle of vodka that you had bought for your pregame. 

Allie nodded in agreement “c’mon you guys have eaten through my feelings so now is the time that we gotta drink through them too.” She smiled as Hannah collapsed onto her bed with a huff. 

You cracked a grin as you made eye contact with her “the boys will be there.” You knew over the last few days that Hannah had been mentioning Garrett more but you didn’t want to seem like you were meddling. 

Especially after Beau warned you that it could end up thrown back in your face if you pushed for her to date Garrett if she ended up with Justin. 

You stepped into her room “and besides who is gonna sit and laugh with me when we have to remind this one of her lines.” Allie responded with throwing a pillow at you as you grinned.

It made Hannah laugh as she nodded “we are like your best line buddies like ever.” She looked at Allie as you joined her on her bed.

Allie groaned as she looked between the two of you “you two sit here while I go make us some margaritas!” She clasped her hands together as she realised that she now had the perfect excuse to come along to make her favourite drink.

Hannah turned her attention to you when Allie walked out to the bedroom “you really think Justin is gonna be there?” Hannah cocked her head as you nodded.

Your fingers ran through your hair “Beau got him to help with the whole fruit snatching thing they’ve got going on with Tucker.” You had been the one to eat the kiwi and of course your brother eating his banana was the reason why Tucker was now on an orange. 

It was also the reason why you had somehow been instructed to bring a coconut with you tonight.

Hannah let out a laugh “and Garrett?” You had to mask the fact that you were mentally cheering at the thought of Hannah thinking about him “he is coming because the boys are all coming.” 

Allies voice cut through the walls “I’m hearing a lot of talking and not about what you are wearing tonight!” Her complaint made you giggle “I thought I looked cute!” You shot back in a teasing tone. 

The brunette walked back with a lime in one hand and a knife in the other “you could wear a bin bag and still look cute.” She announced as she ran her tongue over her teeth.

Her eyes landed on this red top she had been trying to convince you to wear for months. Allie was convinced that it was actually made for your body “but I would be able to remember my lines a lot better if this was in the crowd.” 

Her smirk was almost dangerous “don’t make me pull the sad card because you know I will.” You pinched the bridge of your nose as you looked at Hannah. 

Somehow this was turning into a thing between all three of you “you gonna wear those boots then?” You had these knee high boots that you had been trying to get onto Hannah for weeks. 

Hannah got up as she nodded “now are we gonna play a little music or just stand here in silence?” Her playlist was always hooked up on her laptop as she pressed play. 

The sounds of the mixed playlist that all of you had created deciding that the perfect tunes list for your apartment had to come from all three of you. 

As Madonna echoed against the walls of the apartment, the three of you were almost done getting ready for the night “you know you’re gonna smash it tonight.” You placed your hands on Allies shoulders as you gave them a squeeze. 

The comforting gesture made her smile as she nodded “you too Han.” You grinned as the girl scoffed “she’s the one getting on stage tonight.” 

Allie put down her blush brush as she pointed at Hannah “we are all gonna have the night of our lives.” She wriggled her eyebrows suggestively to the two of you. 

You shook your head “oh please you have two boys fighting for your attention.” Allie began by talking to Hannah before she turned her attention to you “and you have a boyfriend who just about worships the ground you walk on.” 

She finished by looking back in the mirror “and I am about to complete my first show with no Sean proving that he was wrong about me!” You raised your glass to that one as you pulled both girls into a hug. 

They were quick to return the gesture “we gonna do a girls night before thanksgiving?” The words slipped from your lips as you looked to your calendar seeing that the break was merely three weeks away. 

It earned an immediate nod from the girls “you think you can keep your boy away from ya for that long?” Allie teased as your cheeks turned red. 

You playfully rolled your eyes “I’ll tell him Dean is here and he won’t say nothing.” You joked back not noticing how Allie tensed at the mention of your brother. 

So the real question was, how long was it going to be until Hannah found out that you had a favourite between the two guys she liked? You found out that Allie and Dean were starting to find a connection of their own that didn’t involve you? And Dean finding out that Beau and you were dating?

Despite the fact that the apartment felt so strong, it seemed like it could only last so long with all of this bubbling beneath the surface. 

Despite the fact that you were twins, the four minutes he spent on earth before you were born.

Were enough to cement his position in always keeping you safe. 

When your dad went off there were only a handful of times that Garrett didn’t get between you both and that came down to the fact that he wasn’t there when it happened. 

He had been your protector and also your biggest confidant. When your mom passed away it was the hardest thing for the two of you to learn how to live without the other right there next to them. 

It also meant that there were a few stupid promises that had been kept since the day before you were sent to California. 

Like the one where the suggestion of tacos and sundaes meant that one twin needed the other more than anything else, well them and the meal you two often had in the back of your mom’s car. 

And that was exactly how you told Garrett you needed to talk to him “are you sure you don’t want me in there?” Logan asked as his hand reached for yours. 

You squeezed his hand as you forced a smile onto your face “yeah baby I need to tell him alone.” You nodded as you hoped it would make Garrett be a little softer on Logan. 

Because how exactly are you not meant to kill the guy that knocked your sister up?

Your eyes travelled to the hockey house, standing quiet and peaceful as if it was blissfully unaware of the news that was about to be released within it’s walls “he loves you no matter what.” Logan reminded you as he squeezed your hand.

You felt sick as you pressed your head against the headrest “maybe he just doesn’t need to know about the baby-” you proposed as you looked down at your stomach. 

It made Logan laugh “and what would our plan be in like seven months?” He pointed out as he knew that there would come a point where you were clearly showing.

A harsh sigh escaped from your lips as you frowned “maybe I am just in a real big food coma.” You shrugged, bringing your hands to your head. 

Logan shook his head as he smiled, “as beautiful as I think you’ll be.” He trailed off as he leaned over the centre console “I do think that your brother will more than likely figure out what is happening when we start having to make a nursey.” Logan had been planning exactly how you guys would decorate a place. 

You always had assumed that if you were still together by the end of junior year, that you’d move in together so it was a logical thought during the start of apartment hunting. Because as much as you were starting to accept the concept of having a baby, you also knew that you were going to need space to house another whole human.

The weather around you was kind, ensuring that the day had perfect warm sunny weather for a day like this “lets go before I change our names and move us to Mexico.” You grumbled making Logan laugh once more “no more farm in Vermont?” 

The joke made you turn to Logan with a glare as you tried your best to hold back a laugh “no but seriously we really should get in before the neighbours think that something is up.” Logan nodded as he got out of his truck. 

He was quick to run around to your side, like he always did. Making sure that your door was opened by his hand and never yours “I love you baby.” Logan’s voice was soft as he kissed your lips. 

You blushed at his words “you are lucky you’re cute because I love you too.” Your hand rested on your stomach as you thought about the predicament that you were now in. 

And the many TikToks that you saw doomscrolling of children making a mess that you swore was meant to be the birth control that you missed out on a few weeks back. 

Logan pushed the door open to the house as you held the food. Both of you were quiet as you refused to speak first.

Almost as if you were fearing that you were going to let out some unintelligible word vomit or going to be actually sick.

Garrett was sat on the couch when you opened the door to the house “hey guys.” Garrett looked as if he had struggled to get any sleep since he waited for you to come over.

Logan placed a hand on your shoulder “I’ll go elsewhere.” Logan disappeared down the hallway before Garrett's eyes narrowed.

The second the sound of a door clicking shut echoed through the house; Garrett looked between the tacos in your hands and the tears already gathering in your eyes “what's wrong?" he asked immediately.

You hated how fast he noticed, how he could read you like the back of his hand “nothing." You shook your head as you avoided his eyes not wanting to break immediately. 

"That's a lie."

You dropped onto the couch beside him with a groan, placing the food on the coffee table as Garrett watched every movement carefully “you brought tacos and sundaes." Your stomach twisted as you watched Garrett contemplate reaching for some food.

"Yeah."

Garrett watched you swirl your spoon in your sundae “you only do that when something's wrong." The room fell quiet and Garrett's heart sank.

Because his mind immediately jumped to every possible worst-case scenario. Had someone hurt you? Were you sick? Had Logan done something stupid enough to finally earn a funeral?

"Did somebody die?" 

His brain racked through all the possible people that could have been gone at that point. 

"No."

Your eyebrows raised as you shook your head “are you hurt?" Garrett scanned your body for bruises or something that could have shown him that you were hurt.

"Did Logan cheat on you?"

Your head snapped, finally accepting that you really couldn’t leave him with the guessing game he had going on “what? No!" You gasped almost concerned that Garrett even thought that it was a possiblity. 

Garrett visibly relaxed for half a second before immediately becoming worried again.

"Okay then what is it?"

You stared down at your hands.

The speech you had rehearsed in the truck suddenly disappeared from your brain.

Every single word.

Garrett waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Until finally he groaned and leaned forward "you are freaking me out right now." A nervous laugh escaped your lips.

"Sorry."

Your shoulders tensed as you huffed.

Garrett shook his head "don't apologise. Just tell me." Your eyes started to sting.

You had imagined this conversation a hundred different ways.

Some versions involved yelling.

Some involved Garrett punching Logan.

One particularly dramatic version involved you running away to become those goat farmers.

None of them had prepared you for how hard it was going to be to actually say it.

Garrett watched your bottom lip wobble.

His expression immediately softened “hey,” your eyes lifted as his hand rested on top of yours "whatever it is, we'll figure it out." The familiar words nearly broke you.

Because that was the problem.

You already knew there wasn't a way to figure it out.

Not really.

The situation was already happening.

And neither one of you could try to put a stop on it.

Your fingers twisted the fabric of your shirt together "your promise you won't be mad?” Garrett snorted into his sundae as he shook his head. 

You shot him a look "I'm serious." As you remembered how the two of you used to stick your tongues out when you’d have your back and fourths as kids. 

"So am I." Garrett replied as he ran his fingers through his hair "you asking that means I'm definitely gonna be mad."

A watery laugh escaped you "Garrett," you giggled as you shook your head. 

He sighed before nudging your shoulder "I promise I'll still love you." That was enough because you knew that it was the truth.

Your eyes squeezed shut.

You took a deep breath.

Then another.

And another.

Before finally forcing the words out.

"Logan and I are having a baby."

Silence.

Complete and utter silence.

The entire room seemed to freeze as both of you remained quiet. You looked as if you were ready to brace for some kind of impact. 

Garrett swore he was going to throw up as the words echoed in his ears “how could you-” his lecture started as quickly as it ended as you burst into tears. 

Every bit of potential negative emotion in that moment washed away from him as he pulled you into his arms “we are going to smash this.” Garrett announced as he ran his fingers through your hair. 

Your tears soaked his shirt “we?” Your words were muffled against his chest “I’m not letting this kid not have the coolest uncle ever.” The two of you had always spoken about living on the same street when you were older, having kids that would be the closest cousins ever. 

“And besides Logan will be a good dad.” 

Your brother had seen how the boy had been around the young kids at hockey camps and as much as none of the other guys wanted to admit it, Logan was always the kids favourite. 

Garrett could feel how your cheeks tightened when you smiled “and you are going to be the best mom this kid could ever want.” Garrett had watched you as a kid with your baby dolls and the way you were so passionate about bringing them to his games and caring for those dolls. 

It made you look up at your brother now “you really think so?” You hadn’t really thought about what you’d be like as a mother. 

You had honestly been processing what it was going to be like telling everyone so you hadn’t gotten a chance to properly think about what was going to happen when your baby was out in the world. 

Garrett nodded “besides, watching you at dad’s wedding is going to be like the funniest thing ever.” The way he laughed made your heart drop as you had totally forgotten about how your dad was meant to get married to Cindy. 

The event was bound to have cameras and media around; as if there was one thing that Phil liked, it was being the centre of the media’s attention. 

Your eyes went wide “I’m gonna be fat like a whale!” Your lower lip quivered as you threw your head back into Garrett’s chest. 

The boys eyes went wide “fuck no I’m sorry.” Garrett mentally cursed himself as he cringed, rubbing your back. 

Logan stuck his head out of the kitchen “I thought you two were meant to be having a good conversation?” The boy felt like there were a bit too many tears coming from you for this to be a good thing. 

Garrett sighed “you gonna love me when I’m a whale?” Your question came out muffled as your face was still against Garrett’s chest. 

The boys didn’t know who the question was directed at but they weren’t going to give you a chance to ask the question a second time. Both boys were in the middle of profusely swearing up and down that the idea was so beyond preposterous. 

They were going back and forth as their words were drowning out the sounds of your sobs.

Tucker and Dean walked in and immediately stopped when they saw you in tears, Garrett comforting you and Logan looking like he was going to practically combust if someone else did something wrong “should we just come back later?” Dean spoke up first as he furrowed his eyebrows at you “and why do you look like someone just hit a dog?”

That was enough to make the floodgates open all over again “dude!” Garrett groaned, pulling you back into another hug as he rubbed your back. 

The blonde took a step back as he cocked his head “did you do something?” His attention focused on Logan who scratched the back of his neck “god no!” 

It made you look at him with a glare “well how else did we end up with a baby in my belly?” You grumbled, deciding that all of your few found sensitivities were Logan’s fault. 

Tucker dropped his groceries on the floor much like how that news slipped out of your lips “you’re pregnant?” Tucker and Dean looked back at each other trying to make sure that thery had both heard it right. 

You nodded as the boys smiled, practically charging over the couch to hug you “we’re going to be uncles!” 

Garrett couldn’t help it when he looked confused “you know I’m the only one in this room thats not one of the parents that’s actually related to the kid right?” 

His words made Dean glare at him “don’t you dare take this away from me, Graham.”

Because guys like Dean Di Laurentis didn't look at girls like you.

Not really.

And definitely not twice.

But most certainly not in the way he was looking at you.

You were standing in line at a campus coffee shop, bundled into an oversized sweater, trying very hard not to notice the hockey players who had just walked in.

Then one of them stepped beside you “hey." That voice made the hair on the back of your neck stand.

You looked up.

Dean smiled.

Not a smirk.

Not some cocky grin.

Just a smile that, if you didn’t know any better felt genuine "hi?" You looked behind you as if he was looking through you, only to stupidly be faced with his teammates.

"I've seen you around."

Your immediate thought was that he was either blind or just s

Your second thought was that he was making fun of you.

But then he asked for your name.

And remembered it.

Because he showed up again a few days later.

And then again.

And somehow, against all logic, Dean kept choosing you.

Which six months later, left you still trying to understand why.

Not because Dean gave you any reason to doubt him. It was exact opposite, actually.

He was the most affectionate boyfriend you'd ever seen.

Which for a man that lived and breathed casual, it felt like you were waiting to wake up from this always.

Always touching you.

Always pulling you into his lap.

Always kissing your forehead.

Always looking at you like you were the prettiest girl in every room.

The problem was that your brain refused to let your heart accept it.

Years of insecurity didn't disappear because one beautiful hockey player loved you.

So most of the time they crept back in.

Like tonight.

You and Dean were at a team party.

The house was packed.

Music thumped through the walls.

Girls crowded around the hockey players.

And every few minutes you caught someone staring at Dean.

A blonde near the kitchen.

A brunette by the stairs.

Another girl who literally laughed and touched his arm while he was talking.

You knew Dean wasn't encouraging it because you knew he loved you.

But the little voice in your head was being particularly cruel tonight.

Look at them.

Look at you.

Of course they'd want him.

Why wouldn't they?

You found yourself drifting toward a quieter hallway.

Just for a minute.

Just to breathe.

Your feet carried you up to his room, the place you found yourself most nights.

A few minutes later you heard footsteps.

Then Dean's voice "thought I’d have to get some missing posters up soon.” You looked up to see him holding two drinks.

One for him.

One for you.

You forced a smile as your fingers dropped your bracelet “hey.” Dean immediately narrowed his eyes.

He knew you too well. In the few short months that you had been together, this man could read you like a book "what’s wrong?" He cocked his head as he shut the door behind him.

Dean handed you your drink as you frowned “it’s nothing.” You shook your head.

The boy crouched down in front of you “liar." He rested his hand on your knee as you looked away.

You knew it was one of those things that shouldn’t have been picking at your heart but it rang in your ears "it’s stupid." You pursed your lips together as you sucked at your teeth.

Deans fingers traced random shapes on the inside of your thigh "tell me anyway." You twisted the cup in your hands, clearly letting the mental coin toss play in your head.

He waited.

Patiently.

Eventually you sighed.

Tugging your fingers through your hair "I just-" You sipped at your drink as if it could buy you time.

Because you hated saying it out loud "I don't know." You shrugged almost wishing that he hadn’t caught you upstairs.

Dean stayed quiet.

So you continued "I look around at girls at these parties and they're all gorgeous." Your voice got smaller trying not to look stupid “then there's me."

Dean's entire face fell.

Not in annoyance.

In heartbreak.

Like hearing that hurt his soul “baby.” His hands pulled away from you.

As if he was walking on a tight rope trying to avoid hurting you.

You shrugged "it’s fine." You tried to convince yourself that it was normal to feel that way.

Dean was quick to disagree with you “it is absolutely not fine." You laughed weakly as you picked at the edge of your nail.

"It's not your problem."

The words didn’t get a chance to hang in the air before Dean decided that he had enough "the hell it isn't." Dean set his drink down on the floor and turned fully toward you.

His hands rested on your thighs "look at me." You hesitated and it made him repeat himself.

"Look at me."

So you did.

His expression was unbelievably serious "you think I settled for you?" He cocked his head as you almost looked annoyed.

Your eyes widened "what? No-" you went to explain yourself but he cut you off.

Dean wasn’t trying to argue with you but he really wanted to make sure that you got what he was saying “that's what you're saying." The hockey player sucked at his teeth “you think I looked at every girl on campus and somehow ended up with you by accident?"

You blinked as Dean leaned closer "I chose you." His words were both sweet and somehow effortless at the same time.

Your heart throbbed “Dean,” you couldn’t help it when you cracked a small smile.

His voice was barely a whisper “please listen to me.” His hand found yours as his squeezed.

It was as if you could hear a pin drop in here that’s how quiet Deans room was around you both "I like the way you laugh." Another finger intertwined with yours.

Still your heart pounded in your chest "I like the way you get excited when you're talking about something." All of the guys were used to listening to your tangents about what meats go on a sandwich or why the boys picked the wrong star in whatever Real Housewives collection they let you put on.

He licked his lips before he continued "I like that you snort when something's actually funny." You groaned knowing that it was something that he really wouldn’t let you live down.

Dean smiled as he nodded "I like every inch of you." Heat flooded your face as you scrunched your nose.

You sounded like a teen boy that had just been smothered in kisses by their grandmother "Dean." Your eyes rolled trying to act like you didn’t feel like you were drowning in love.

If you gave him the chance he’d kiss every inch of your body he’d do it "I do." Dean brought your hand up to his lips as he kissed your fingers.

His thumb brushed over your knuckles "you’re beautiful." You shook your head automatically.

Dean immediately caught it "nope." He narrowed his eyes at you like he had all the time in the world to deal with this.

"Dean-“

"No." He poked your cheek cutting you off "you don't get to argue with me about my own girlfriend." You laughed despite yourself.

"That's not how that works."

He stuck his tongue out at you "it is,” as he nodded.

"It isn't."

The two of you sounded like children "it absolutely is." His arm wrapped around your waist.

Strong.

Secure.

Like there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

"Besides."

He lowered his voice “do you know how obsessed I am with you?" His words sent shivers down your spine, shooting straight to your core.

You covered your face "oh my God." You shook your head as it was buried in your hands

"I'm serious."

You held back a laugh "you're ridiculous." Your cheeks were sore as you wanted his bed to swallow you.

Dean pulled your hands away as he wanted to see you "I am." He kissed your nose.

He had that smug look on his face as he had your total attention “but I'm also right." It was the truth.

Then your forehead.

Then your cheek.

Then finally your lips.

Slow.

Soft.

Patient.

The kind of kiss that felt like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold winters morning.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours “you know what I see when I look at you?" You swallowed almost nervous about what you’d hear.

"What?"

His eyes dropped to your stomach before they quickly went back to your eyes “the girl I want to come home to." Your chest tightened as you knew all about how he wanted three kids.

His thumb drew circles against your wrist “who I want in my jersey at every game." Getting to see you sat in the crowd was almost just as good as getting to get you out of the jersey.

Another kiss on your lips.

He stopped as he took the chance to really look at you, "the girl I can't stop thinking about." His voice was soft as if he was worried he’d scare you.

And just like that he was ready to hit what felt like the nail in the coffin "the girl I love." Your eyes immediately filled and Dean noticed instantly.

"Oh no."

You laughed.

You raised your hand to stop him "don’t." You blinked rapidly to avoid tears falling.

He was quick to tease you "oh, she's crying." You sniffled as you shook your head.

"I'm not crying."

The hockey player laughed as he shook his head "she’s definitely crying." You shoved his shoulder.

Dean grinned as he sat down next to you, quickly pulling you onto his lap.

The moment you settled against him, he wrapped both arms around your middle and squeezed.

Tight and protective.

Like he was proud to be holding you.

Like he wanted the entire world to know you were his “you know," he murmured into your hair, "those girls at the party?" You groaned, shoving your head into the crook of his neck.

The boy grinned as he ran his fingers through your hair “they can look." If anything he enjoyed getting the chance to show you off.

He didn’t stop there, no he was actually convinced he was going to be the most insufferable boyfriend that day “they can stare." It made him smirk how you squirmed.

Your cheeks reddened as you whined, "stop." He laughed as he shook his head.

His fingers danced over the waist of your pants "because at the end of the day?" His lips brushed your temple as he let out a soft breath.

Dean let his fingers rest under your chin as he forced you to look at him "I get the girl I want." That was more than any public claim mattered.