here to talk hockey :)

requested: kinda?

note: vivi doesn’t know i wrote this. so we wait for her reaction. this is the one time i will post something without her reading it first. hi viv i love you

cuddling deeper into spencer’s bed, you hear the water running from the shower stop. he has no idea you’re there, in his bed, wearing a t-shirt that smells like him and a pair of his sweats. after countless attempts to fall asleep, you finally decided to go to spencer’s. you knew he would be fine with it, and so would lily. she loved you. it also wasn’t a rare thing that you just randomly show up at night.

the door to spence’s room opens. your beloved boyfriend walks in, a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair shaggy and damp from the water, droplets falling down onto his chest. it’s quite the sight to see.

“love? what’re you doing here?” spence asks upon seeing you curled up in his bed. “not that i’m complaining, though.” a cute smile makes its way onto his face.

“couldn’t sleep,” you mumble, admiring your boyfriend’s body, from his abs that are slowly getting more defined, to the dimples at the small of his back when he turns his back to get a pair of sweats from his dresser.

“bad dream?” spence glances over his shoulder and slips his boxers on underneath his towel. you shrug. “love, you can tell me. you’re not the only teenager that still has nightmares.”

you huff. spence slips an identical pair of sweatpants to the ones you’re already wearing on, and he finally turns to face you. he grabs his towel and attempts to dry his hair, waiting for your response.

“just want you here with me,” you open your arms waiting for him to crawl into bed with you. he finally does, pulling your much smaller body into his. you fit together like puzzle pieces. your head rests right on his chest, your leg thrown over his torso, and spence’s chin resting on top of your head with his hand on your back keeping you close to him.

“what was your dream about?” spence murmurs quietly, his hand going underneath the shirt of his you’re wearing and caressing the skin.

you take a deep inhale, part of you mentally preparing yourself, the other half taking in the scent of his body wash you loved so dearly. “you left,” you mumble, your hand going up to fumble with the chain you had gotten him for his birthday. “you were needed in the city, so you up and left. no goodbye, just a text saying that we couldn’t be together anymore. it scared me, spence.” your voice is small as you talk. spence’s hand comes back around to your face and tilts your chin up to look at him.

“i promise you, y/n, i am not leaving you. not now, not ever. you’re coming right with me when they need me, got that? you’ve stuck by with me since we were sixteen, i’m not letting you go that easily. you mean the world to me. i am hopelessly in love with you, so much that it terrifies me. i’m scared that you won’t want to follow me to the nhl, that you choose to not have that lifestyle. because you deserve someone that’s there for you all the time.”

your hand goes up to rest on top of spencer’s hand on your cheek, your eyes watering at his words. “spencer knight, you are my everything. you’re the reason for the stars in the sky and why the earth turns. i can’t imagine my life without you. you’re foolish to think i won’t follow you, because i’ll be right there when you need me: behind the net at your games, your jersey on my back, being your number one fan all the time. i knew what i was getting into, got it? i think we got through the hardest part already. teenagers not being able to hang out every weekend is rough, but love, we got through that. i’m here through thick and thin. i promise.”

the smile that breaks out onto spence’s face is adorable – and contagious, of course. he leans forward and presses a kiss to your forehead. “i am so fucking in love with you.”

hot chocolate - jack hughes

summary: when brady comes to visit his favorite hockey family, he learns that his honorary little brother is having some girl trouble.

warnings: swearing, who knows what else 

word count: [3,088] 

a/n: to the anon who sent this blurb, i love you, and hope you like it:)

“So what’s it been like without me here to keep you all in line?” Brady asked with a cocky smirk. Your eyes rolled at the boy you’d known since he played with Quinn. “Hey none of that Y/n, you know you missed me. Nobody can pick on you if I’m not here.” You shook your head before glancing around the basement looking at all three Hughes brothers. 

warnings - smut obviously, and cursing

a/n - this is really late and very underwhelming :(but i hope you guys like it nonetheless. also huge shoutout to @fratboyvivimatthews for keeping me on track to write it and not giving up on me and helping me when i needed it and to @fratboyvesey for always hyping me up

(Thanks to Renee ( @patty-wagon-nols ) for the gif )

Requested: yes / no

Word Count: 766

You stepped out of your parent’s car already in your cap and gown. Spencer stood on the lawn with his teammates and their families as you walked up with yours. You stood by a few of the other girlfriends as the boys got their pictures. You greeted them and made small talk until the boys were done. Spencer walked over to you and gave you a tight hug.

“Are you excited, baby?” He said as he smiled down at you. You nodded quickly before giving him a quick kiss, trying to avoid bumping caps and earning a big groan from your little brother and chirps from his team.

Your parents stood back as everyone switched in and out for pictures. Couple pictures, girls picture, boys picture, family pictures. You stood next to Spencer as both of your families crowded in for one big picture. Spencer, along with a few other couples also had to get kissing pictures.

When the time finally came to leave for the high school, you climbed into Spencer’s truck and took off. You followed the convoy of other graduates.

Once everyone got their, it was a lot a waiting. You and Spencer walked around and talked to teachers and other students to pass the time. One of the teacher started yelling out names and you knew it was time to line up.

You took Spencer’s hand as you stood in line outside the gym, waiting to walk. The music started to play and everyone straightened up. The line moved slowly.

“Calm down, baby.” Spencer whispered to you as he squeezed your hand. You smiled up at him and squeeze his hand back.

“I love you, Spencer.” You brought your clasped hands up to your mouth and kissed the back of his. The teacher gave the two of you an annoyed look.

“I love you too, darling.” As he finished his sentence, it was your turn to walk.

The two of you started down the aisle, walking slowly so all your friends and family can take pictures. At the end, you stopped and did your handshake, the one the two of you made up before you even started dating, and hugged before parting ways and walking over to stand at your seats. He smiled at you from the other side of the aisle. You returned it before clapping for the next pair.

The ceremony went on for way felt like hours in the hot gym, but it was finally time to get your diplomas. You all lined up in the hallway in order by last name. Spencer was a few people ahead of you. You were close enough to him to see him walk across the stage from the hall.

“They are so in love. It’s adorable.” You heard a girl behind you tell her friend. You smiled and clapped for your boyfriend.

A few minutes later, your name was called. You went up the stairs and across the stage, trying not to get freaked out by all the people. Shaking your principal’s hand, you grabbed your diploma and walked off stage before finding your seat. The rest of the ceremony wrapped up quickly.

“Would the senior class president please come to the stage.” You looked over to Spencer, who gave you a huge smile as the people around you got ready to officially graduate.

“I now present to you, the graduating class of 2019. Congratulations!” The building cheered as everyone moved their tassels from right to left. After everyone settled down a bit, the seniors were asked to move out to the football field to throw their caps.

On the way out, Spencer caught up to you and walked with you out there. Everyone got stationed and a teacher started a countdown,

“3! 2! 1!.” Caps went flying into the sky and Spencer wrapped his arms around you, pulling you back against him. Family started to file out and you got pictures with everyone you could.

After the second round of pictures was done, you and Spencer met back up under the tree on the side lawn. He greeted you with a quick kiss before sitting down and pulling you down with him.

“I’m so lucky to have you.” Spencer looked down at you with love in his eyes.

“You speak for both of us with that, baby.” He laughed as he hugged you tighter. Spencer put a finger under your chin and turned your head towards his. He leaned down for a soft, sweet kiss. As he pulled away, he kissed your forehead.

spencer’s point of view.

“Are you sure she’ll be fine with us just showing up like this?” I ask Jack as the two of us walk into the USA Hockey Arena – where Jordan’s practice was being held. We had just left two hours ago and now we’re back. Thanks, Jack.

“Nope,” Jack says, popping the ‘p’ of the word. He looks around before muttering to himself. “They’re probably in rink three,” And then we start to walk towards the back of the rink I know like the back of my hand.

“I’m not looking for her to be pissed at me, you know that, right?” I ask, glancing over at my best friend who just shrugs his shoulders. I let out a sigh.

“I know you like–” My eyes widen, and I don’t even let Jack finish his sentence.

“I do not like her!” I cut Jack off quickly, and I can feel the blood rush to my face. “No way, Jack. Absolutely no way. That’s your sister and sisters are off limits. I’m not that dumb.”

Jack chuckles to himself and shakes his head before pushing open the door to one of the ice rinks. There’s a few of the boys out on the ice, but there’s yet to be one in a different jersey. So Jordan wasn’t out there yet.

“Are you sure we’re even allowed to be here?” I ask and glance over at Jack cautiously. Practices are usually closed.

“I don’t think so, but don’t you wanna see J? There’s no way she gave it her all when you guys practiced together. She doesn’t want to seem like a show off in front of friends… But here? God, she’s gonna burst.”

We make our way up into the stands, sitting on the wood that covers the concrete steps. I keep my eyes glued on the tunnel, and a few seconds later I see Jordan emerge in a white ‘Bobcats’ jersey. A smile makes its way onto my face as I watch her fall perfectly into line with the rest of the team as they make their first lap around. She fits right in, and I don’t even have to sit and watch to know she already has a spot on that team.

The team captain, Matt Barclay, skates up next to Jordan and points a finger up to where Jack and I are sitting. “Spotted,” I mumble and Jack lets out a huff. Jordan looks up, and I can pretty much see how annoyed she is by the expression on her face. “Princess doesn’t look too happy.”

“She’ll get over it.”

A few minutes later, after stretches and a quick brief meeting at center ice, they’re working on drills. They’ve got both goalies on either side of the ice and they’re split up into groups. Of course, Jordan is with Matt. I don’t have anything against him, I barely know the kid, but I haven’t heard amazing things about him. I just know he’s gonna be at Michigan next year.

Matt feeds Jordan the puck and she’s suddenly taking off down the ice. I knew she had speed, but not as speedy as that. I watch as Jordan crosses over to the left, but then she’s quickly back over on the right, faking right before tucking the puck in on the left. It was done so smoothly, without a single flaw, I can’t help but let my jaw drop.

“Yeah, she’s got that effect on people,” Jack chuckles. “You thought she was good one on one with you? She was barely even trying, Spence.”

This girl continues to amaze me.

“Dude, I’ve never seen someone play with such skill but grace at the same time,” I say, and my eyes are still glued to the blonde as she makes her way to the other end of the ice to work with two on twos. She feeds the puck to the guy across from her, and they’re working together to get past the two defenders. One of the boys ties up Jordan with his stick, but she battles back and manages to turn away from him, right as she receives the puck. However, she doesn’t have a clear shot. She quickly sauces it back to #13, who one times the puck into the net.

“Y’know, people don’t believe me when I say Jordan is better than me,” Jack says, and I look over to see him with a small smile on his face. He’s watching Jordan, too, and I can tell he loves every second of it. “They just assume because she’s a girl she doesn’t have the skills, or because she started late she had a disadvantage. But if anything that just drove her to improve as much as she can. She’s got so much attention from schools, at least four offers.”

“She’s amazing.” I mutter, and I look over at the coach on the bench. Like the rest of us, he’s watching J, even if she’s only standing there talking to Matt. She nods along to something he says and she falls back in line behind him. “Do you think she’s got a shot with these boys?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Jack says with no hesitation whatsoever. “I’m only worried about one thing. She’s got a weird playing style that most people aren’t used to. So it’ll take a bit for her line to adapt to that, and their coach may not want that.”

“How could you not?” I ask. “But he seems impressed, Jack. I think she’s got it.”

“I hope so.”

Practice ends roughly two hours later. It lasted until nine much to my dismay. But I don’t mind too much, I love watching Jordan play. Jack and I make our way down to the main floor and then we head back towards the locker rooms to wait for Jordan. We both lean against the far wall a few feet away from the locker room doors, and about twenty minutes later Jordan emerges from the room. She lets out a rather loud breath, almost as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders.

“You okay there, J?” Jack asks, and Jordan keeps walking away from us.

She doesn’t even bother turning around to face us. “I have nothing to say to you.” She grits out.

“Come on, Jordan,” I sigh, and that must set off a spark. She whips around, her two braids nearly swinging around and hitting her in the face.

“Or you.” She bites out, her voice laced with venom, and she points her finger right at me. “You left me with Trevor. You couldn’t have had Cole pick me up? Or Alex? Oh, but don’t worry, Spence. I know you bad better things to do.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Jordan?” I ask, because in all reality I really didn’t know what she was going on about. “Neither of us could pick you up because we were in the middle of a session. Trevor was in the middle of a cool down. So we asked him to go and pick you up. So sorry we didn’t want you to take the bus.”

Jordan’s eyes narrow into slits as the door to the locker room opens. Matt walks out, and he looks between the three of us. However, his eyes then stay and linger on Jordan. I clench my fists at my side.

“Everything okay?” Matt asks, and I keep my eyes locked with Jordan. I hope she can tell how furious I am, but knowing her, she doesn’t. She only thinks about herself.

“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine,” She says, and after a few seconds of more eye contact she finally tears her gaze away from mine.

“Come on, let me walk you out. It’s too dark for you to be out there alone.”

“Thanks.”

I glare at Jordan as she walks away with Matt. I don’t even know why I’m so jealous and angry that Matt is the one walking her out to her car. I don’t like her and I know that, that’s literally breaking all rules of bro-code. I can’t do that to Jack.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumble as Jordan’s figure gets smaller and smaller with each step she takes. She doesn’t even look back once. “You know what? Whatever. Let’s go.”

“Honestly starting to wish she stayed in New Hampshire. I forgot how much of a handful she could be,” Jack says, and we finally start to walk out of the building, taking the steps Matt and Jordan took only seconds before. “Don’t get me wrong, I love J more than I love myself. She just needs an attitude check sometimes.”

“Do you think Trevor said something?” I blurt out before even thinking first. Trevor and I have never been good friends, and knowing him he’d want to get Jordan as far away from me as possible. We were just starting to become friends, too.

“He had to of, honestly. He was the last one that saw her before she came here,” Jack sighs as we walk towards his car. I can see Jordan and Matt’s figures in the dark, and I try not to look over. But I finally do, and god do I wish I hadn’t. Jordan gets into Matt’s car and he closes the door for her, and I wish I could slap the smirk that’s probably on his face right off.

“Do you think she likes him?” My voice is quiet, quieter than I intended, and Jack stays silent for a few seconds before speaking.

“I don’t know, Spence. J is weird when it comes to guys. She had this boyfriend back in soph– you know what, not my story to tell. But long story short, it’s hard to tell with her. I wouldn’t count on it though.”

“Mom! Where’s my hockey bag?” I yell as I trample down the steps, almost falling down at least three times in the process, and I barrel into the kitchen where Mom is sitting. She’s startled by my sudden entrance, and she places her book down on the table.

“I don’t know, honey. It should be in the garage or mudroom,” Mom says and I huff. “Why do you need it all of a sudden?”

“Because the school’s coach is letting me practice with them to see if I can be on the team and I need to be at the rink in fifteen minutes and I can’t find my bag!” I ramble frantically before sprinting off to the garage. I spot the only bag that doesn’t have any sort of logo on it, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook yet. I still have to get to the rink and get ready in now thirteen minutes.

Hurrying out of the garage, I grab my car keys from the countertop and say a quick goodbye to Mom before I’m out of the door. I type the address to the USAHA into my phone before going well over the speed limit to get to practice on time. Luckily for me, I get there with barely five minutes to spare. I find the locker room, and I’m met with a dozen or so hockey players in front of me. As soon as the door behind me slams shut, their attention is all on me.

“That’s a girl.” The blonde standing almost directly in front of me says in disbelief. I have to stifle my laugh at the look on his face.

“I am indeed,” I say, suddenly regaining confidence and walking into the locker room. I can feel all of their eyes on me, and I pray I don’t trip over something. “Your coach said–”

“We know what he said.” The one standing by the door, stick in hand, says. “We weren’t expecting a girl.”

I raise my eyebrows at him, my eyes flickering down to the ‘C’ on his chest. “Is that a problem?” My hand goes to my hip and the boy across from me smirks.

“I mean–” He begins, but he can’t finish due to coach walking into the locker room.

“Stop giving Jordan trouble, Matt. I get it, you’re intimidated,” I can tell Coach is kind of playing with Matt by the smirk playing on his lips, and this causes a few of the boys in the room to snicker. “Out to the ice. Leave her be.”

I huff as all the boys leave the room one by one. Once I’m alone in the locker room I take it slow. I don’t want to rush getting out there at all, but I know I can’t take all the time in the world, even if my nerves are racing. After I get all my gear on, I start to head out towards the ice. The boys are skating laps, so as soon as I step onto the ice I follow in line with the rest of them.

“You’ve got an audience,” I hear from beside me, and I look over to see Matt. I can see a smirk on his lips and I can’t help but roll my eyes at the blonde. He points up into the stands and I follow his finger, and then I see two boys sitting besides each other. Spencer and Jack.

“Fuck.” I mumble as I follow the rest of the boys into a stretch.

“Are you related to–”

“No.” I spit out, and Matt chuckles. Obviously he knows. We all look too alike to even try and deny it. The beauty marks, the piercing blue eyes, hell Jack and I even skate the same way. The only difference is that I have more dirty blonde hair than brunette. It’s undeniable that I’m a Hughes sibling.

Matt skates to the center of the circle that has formed, and I fill in at an empty spot on the outer ring. Most of the boys haven’t even glanced my way, which in a sense is kind of good. They aren’t letting me distract them, and that might benefit me when we really get things going. I hope it will, at least.

I follow along with the stretches, they’re simple enough. And before I know it we’re going into full on drills and I’m trying to impress the best I can. A part of me feels pathetic for doing that, I’ve never been one to purposefully show off in front of a lot of people, especially guys, but right now I have no choice whatsoever. It’s all or nothing.

“Good practice today boys,” Coach says as he walks into the locker room. “You too, Jordan.” He nods at me and I return the subtle gesture. “What’s your preferred number?”

I’m caught off guard by his question, and I can feel the blush creeping up my neck with everyone’s eyes on me. “Uh, six,” I say, and then I can feel the smile make its way onto my face.

Coach nods. “Practices are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from seven until nine. Tuesdays and Thursdays are optional training days at the facility. Sometimes we share with the NTDP team, but it’s not an all the time thing. I’m delighted to have you on our team, Hughes.”

“Thank you,” I smile, and Coach gives a rundown of what practice is like. He tells us the overlook of what the rest of the week looks like: a game on Wednesday and a game on Friday. Home and Away.

“Your jersey will be ready by Wednesday, don’t worry,” Coach says. “I’ll see most of you tomorrow.”

Once he leaves, it’s the rest of us left in the room. Most of the boys begin talking amongst each other, but I’m just stripping my gear off quickly and getting back into street clothes. I throw Quinn’s old NTDP hoodie on and a pair of leggings before I’m lacing up my sneakers.

“Do you need a ride home?” I feel a hand on my arm, and sure enough it’s Matt.

“No, I drove here, but thanks,” I say and shrug his arm off me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

Matt nods. “You got it, Hughes. I’ll introduce you to everyone tomorrow.”

I give Matt a smile before I’m headed out of the locker room. Once I’m in the hallway I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I don’t know what it was about those boys, or about Matt, but my heart was racing.

“You okay there, J?” I hear the familiar voice of my twin brother, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes at him.

“I have nothing to say to you.” I say, not even turning around to face him as I make my way down the hallway.

“Come on, Jordan,” Spencer sighs. I whip around to face them.

“Or you.” I bite out, pointing my finger at Spence. Both of them look taken aback. “You left me with Trevor. You couldn’t have had Cole pick me up? Or Alex? Oh, but don’t worry, Spence. I know you bad better things to do.”

Jack opens his mouth to talk, but Spencer beats him to it. “What the hell are you talking about, Jordan? Neither of us could pick you up because we were in the middle of a session. Trevor was in the middle of a cool down. So we asked him to go and pick you up. So sorry we didn’t want you to take the bus.”

My eyes narrow at him and the door to the locker room opens. Matt walks out, and he looks between Spencer, Jack, and me. His eyes stay on me. “Everything okay?” Matt asks, and I purse my lips.

“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine,” I say, my eyes not leaving Spencer. My blood is boiling at this point.

“Come on, let me walk you out. It’s too dark for you to be out there alone,” His voice is soft as he speaks. He’s different than when he’s out on the ice. When he’s on the ice, he’s aggressive and tough. But off the ice he’s the opposite, and he seems like a really sweet kid.

“Thanks.”

Jack and Spencer both glare at me, and it isn’t until Matt is by my side that I finally turn around to walk out.

“Seriously, is everything okay?” Matt asks, and he glances over at me as we walk out of the rink and into the cool December night. The cold bites against my cheeks and nips at my nose.

“Yeah. Just a little bit of drama, that’s all. But thanks, I appreciate the concern,” I give him a soft smile and he returns it. “So, do you know Jack and Spencer?”

Matt purses his lips and he nods. “Uh, yeah. Yeah I do. I’m not great friends with either of them, but we’ve all talked before. They’re nice.”

“You don’t have to sweet talk them to me, Matt. I know Jack can be an asshole at times. Spencer is on my bad side at the moment,” I sigh, crossing my arms over my chest as the two of us walk towards my car. I hear the door to the rink close, and I turn to see Spencer and Jack walking out.

“I’m not sweet talking,” Matt chuckles. “I just don’t know them all that well. But uh, a few of the boys and I were gonna go grab something to eat if you wanted to join?” He almost sounds nervous, as if I’d say no, but I feel the blood rush to my face.

“I don’t see why not,” I try and bite back my smile, and even though it’s dark I can see the deepening of Matt’s cheeks. “As long as we don’t stay out too late.”

“We won’t, I promise. Do you wanna ride with me or follow me over?”

I pop open the trunk to my car to throw my bag in. “What’s easier for you?” I lean against the tailgate and cross my arms, looking at Matt.

“Some company wouldn’t be too bad.”

I smirk to myself and turn to close the trunk to my car. “Let’s go.”

Matt swings his lanyard around his finger and I follow him over to his car. I don’t know what it is with hockey players and their Jeeps, but Matt has one as well. However it isn’t as nice as Jack’s.

Matt opens up the passenger’s seat and throws his hockey bag in the back, then gesturing me to get in. I slide in and he closes the door before going over to the driver’s side.

“I’m just gonna text the boys. They won’t mind, I promise. Ethan has taken a liking to you and so has Luke, even if you did manage to score more against him than he lets up in games.” Matt says as he takes out his phone. He taps against the screen for a few seconds before he locks it. “We’re just gonna go to a diner down the street. It’s fast, so we shouldn’t be out past ten. We’re all normally starving after practice.”

“Oh trust me, I know,” I giggle. “I grew up with three hockey player brothers. We were pretty much raised on hot chocolate and dozens of pizzas.”

“That’s the best way to grow up,” Matt sends me a smile as he looks over his shoulder to back out of the parking spot. “How long have you played?”

I shrug. “I was seven-eightish. I was a dancer before I was into sports. I wanted to be the black sheep of the family for a while, but then I discovered I actually really loved hockey. It was in my blood, I’ve pretty much got ice running in my veins. What about you? Do you have any desire to play college hockey?”

Matt nods as he takes a right turn. I suddenly start to vaguely remember this being the route Spencer and I took to the diner the other day, and I smile, even though I’m rather annoyed at Spence. “Yeah, I actually signed with University of Michigan a few weeks back. What about you? You’ve definitely got offers.”

“I would say you’d be my new favorite Wolverine, but that’d be insulting to Quinn and Josh. But yeah, I’ve got a few offers on my hands. Boston College, Boston University, University of Wisconsin, University of New Hampshire, and Harvard.” I recite, as it’s pretty much engraved in the back of my mind. “My parents want me to make a decision like, now, but I can’t do that. There’s too much going on in my family at the moment to even think about myself for two seconds.”

“Why do none of those surprise me?” Matt laugh quietly to himself. “You’re pretty and smart.”

“And good at hockey!” I chime in, a smile on me face.

“And good at hockey,” Matt confirms, a cute boyish grin on his face. “I wanna get to know you better.”

Those are the words of disaster right there. Those are the seven words that can make or break a friendship. “Matt,” I sigh, awkwardly fumbling with the few bracelets lining my wrists. “Growing up, guys have only dated me to get close to my brothers, or have only wanted to be friends with me to get close to them. Same went with girls, they only wanted to date my brothers. Not saying I don’t trust you, but I just met you. I don’t know what your intentions are.”

Out of my peripheral vision, I see Matt nod. “I get that, Jordan. I really do. But I promise, I’m not gonna use you at all. If I wanted to get close to Jack I would have already, we’re always training together. We just don’t click well, that’s all.”

“Thanks, Matt,” I smile softly at him and he looks over to catch my eyes. We stare at each other for a few seconds before Matt suddenly snaps out of it, as the red light we’re stopped at turns to green.

Matt pulls into the parking lot of the diner that’s nearly empty besides a few cars littering the parking lot. The two of us get out of his car and then make our way inside, where I recognize a few of the boys on the team sitting at a booth.

“Hey guys,” One of the boys calls out gaining the attention of the rest of them. “Congrats on making the team, Jordan.”

“Thanks,” I smile, and Matt puts his hand on my lower back to walk me towards the table. I would’ve pushed it off, but I’m too exhausted and hungry.

“Jordan, that’s Ethan,” Matt gestures to the boy that just spoke. “Luke, Tyler, Rhys, Josh, and Mason.” Matt points to each of the boys as he says their names and I nod along.

“Nice to meet you all. Sorry I didn’t get your names before I left,” I say.

“Don’t worry about it,” Mason says. “But we ordered you guys milkshakes. Hope that’s okay with you.” Mason looks over at me and I nod.

“Yeah, that’s fine, thanks.”

I end up clicking with all the boys almost instantly, which I’m extremely grateful for. For the most part they’re pretty nice too. I know this isn’t all of them, but I’ve gotta start getting to know them somehow. And I know it’ll take a bit for some of them to warm up to me. I don’t blame them. Some girl just waltzing in and taking a spot on their team probably isn’t the most reassuring.

“We all usually end up hanging out at my place after practice on Fridays. I don’t know how your brother or boyfriend would feel about that, though,” Luke says from across from me, and I can see the subtle smirk playing on his lips.

“Boyfriend?” I question. “Spencer is not my boyfriend.” I giggle at even saying it. I just met the kid.

“I don’t know, he seemed a little upset earlier when you were arguing,” Matt nudges me and I roll my eyes.

“We’re not dating. I just met him. Plus he’s away all the time, I can’t do that. I need someone that’s gonna be here all the time.”

“Okaaay,” Matt sings, and I roll my eyes again, but this time with a smile on my face.

Majority of the day flows by slowly. Spence picks me up so we can go to English together, and before I know it I’m walking with him down to the cafeteria.

“Let me warn you,” Spencer starts, and he glances over at me as he speaks. “The boys get rowdy at lunch. They’re really annoying, honestly, I don’t understand how we don’t get in trouble.”

“It’s all good. The boys are Brewster were the exact same,” I say. Spence and I walk towards a table where a few girls are sat, along with Trevor, Cole, Alex, Jack, Johnny, and Case.

“Jordan!” Cole smiles and he wraps his arm around the girl next to him. “Abby, this is Jordan, Jack’s sister. J, this is my girlfriend Abby.”

I sit down next to Spence at the two open seats, and I greet Abby with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Right back at you,” the pretty blonde says.

Alex then introduces me to his girlfriend, Francesca, and after that I look at Jack.

“So, where’s this ever so famous ‘Chelsea’ I have yet to meet? I’m starting to think she doesn’t actually exist.” I smile innocently, but my brother just rolls his eyes as he takes a sip from his water.

“She exists!” He exclaims, completely exasperated. “She’ll be here soon, don’t worry.”

I nod and conversations flow as normal. “Oh, by the way, we leave at noon,” Spencer says and I give him a weird look. “Well, not we. We leave for training at noon, so after this we’re done.”

“Well aren’t you a lucky duck?” I give Spencer a teasing smile and he smiles back at me. “So, what’s the sitch with the hockey team here?” I ask, gaining the attention of a few of the boys sitting with me.

“We only have a boys team,” Trevor says shaking his head slightly, and I have to resist the urge of rolling my eyes. But that doesn’t stop Cole from doing so.

“Zegras, you know that’s a lie,” Cole glares at Trevor, and a part of me feels triumphant. “Technically, yes, it’s a boys team. That’s only because no girls really go out for the hockey team. They just like to date the players on it.”

Spencer nudges me. “I’m sure you could talk to the coach or one of us could for you. Pull some strings, you know?”

“Spencer Knight I do not need you to ‘pull strings’ for me,” I raise my eyebrows at the blonde that’s sitting next to me, who immediately raises his hands in defense.

“That is not what I meant, I swear,” He starts. “It’s just that the season has already started, so it’s unlikely he’ll let you join. I was just saying that one of us could put in a good word. Say that he isn’t wasting his time.”

I purse my lips and nod. I appreciate the offer, honestly. But I would much rather do it myself, prove that I can face their coach and bring it up myself.

“I like you,” Francesca giggles from across the table. I can’t help but smile, because Alex and Cole both mean the absolute world to me, and their girlfriends liking me is a huge win in that department.

“I told you you would!” Alex exclaims and glances over at me, giving me one of those cute Alex smiles. “It’s hard to hate any of the Hughes’, trust me.”

“Alex, I honestly wouldn’t put it past her if she didn’t like me. I’d be a little on edge if my boyfriend was really close with my teammates sister, so props to you Francesca, not everyone can do that.”

Fran laughs once more. “J, don’t worry about it. You were in the picture before I was, so I wouldn’t ruin a friendship over that. Besides, Alex said you had a boyfriend.”

I freeze at the mention of Brady. It’s been months, but the mention of him or his name makes me freeze and the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I glance over at Jack who’s already giving me a look.

I fake a cough as if that’ll get rid of any of the awkwardness. “Ex-boyfriend,” I force out a chuckle. “That’s been done for a few months now.”

“I thought you didn’t date at Brewster? You didn’t have time for it?” Spencer asks and I shrug, popping off the cap to my water bottle and taking a sip.

“After Brady, I didn’t. Wasn’t worth it, y’know? Just kind of needed time to myself.” I say simply and I see Spencer nod subtly out of the corner of my eye.

Before anyone can say anything else, I see a smiling blonde walk up behind Jack and sit down in the open seat next to him.

“Is this Chelsea?” I ask, and the girl looks over at me.

“Yeah. And you are?” I know she doesn’t mean for it to come out rude, but it came out a little harsh. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow.

“Chels, that’s Jordan, my little sister.” Jack says, and Chelsea’s eyebrows furrow and she looks over at Jack.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a sister?” She asks I knew she wouldn’t understand why. No one ever understands why because it’s a stupid reason. But Jack and I decided it together.

Jack looks over at me and it’s almost as if he’s pleading for me to save this awkward conversation in front of all his friends. “It’s a really long story, Chelsea. Save it for a rainy day, okay?”

She stares at me for a few more seconds before turning to Jack. I sigh and lean back in my seat, but I feel a foot kick me from diagonally across. I look up, and sure enough it’s Trevor.

‘You’re fine,’ he mouths, and I glance over towards the love birds to make sure they aren’t watching or listening.

“Is she always like that?” I ask in a hushed voice and Trevor purses his lips, and he thinks momentarily.

“Not really. She just isn’t great around new people, and I mean she didn’t know you existed until two minutes ago. That would come as a shock to anyone. She’ll warm up to you, don’t worry,” Trevor says and gives me a small but sincere smile. And from Trevor? That’s surprising.

“Okay,” I sigh, and I grab my phone from my pocket to check the time. 11:49. The boys would be leaving soon. “So what’s the situation with you guys leaving at noon?”

“We all have our core classes in the morning, so we get to leave at noon to go train and practice at the rink. It’s convenient for us, and a lot easier so we aren’t missing any classes that count against us,” Trevor explains and I nod.

“I wish they had that at Brewster, but I mean everything was on campus for us. I only missed classes when we had a really far game.”

“Yeah, not the case with us,” Trevor chuckles, and then the bell rings.

“I’ll see you at two, J,” Jack says and grabs his bookbag from the floor. “I’ll drive by and pick you up or something. I dunno, I’ll figure it out.”

“Okay, have fun and please no injuries,” I say to Jack, and then I turn to Spencer. “That includes you, Knight.”

“Wouldn’t wanna disappoint you, Hughes.”

I give Spencer one final smile before we all head our separate ways. I’m headed to gym class, and a part of me is debating ditching and not going at all. But I know that’ll come back and bite me in the ass later.

“Jordan!” I hear, and I quickly whip around to see Abby walking quickly towards me. “Where are you headed?”

“Gym,” I grimace, and her eyes light up. “You too?”

“Yeah. I’ll introduce you to some of my friends in there if you want,” She says and I nod.

“Please,” I laugh. “I need girl friends. There’s no way I can survive the rest of the year with just those boys.”

Abby takes a turn down a hallway, and I’m right behind her. I’m glad she’s here, or I’d be absolutely lost. “Well, now you’ve got me, Fran, and Chels when she’s come around. And the other girls, but I’m not sure when you’ll meet them. I’ll make sure it’s soon though, don’t worry.”

“Thanks so much, Abby,” I smile gratefully at her and she returns the smile instantly.

“Of course. I can’t leave you hanging, no girl left behind,” She says and we walk right into the open gym class where kids are standing around, and I assume they’re waiting for class to start. “But if you don’t mind me asking, what is the story of why Jack decided to not tell anyone besides Cole and Alex about you?”

The two of us walk to a more less populated area of the gym. I know I normally wouldn’t tell anyone this story right away, but I feel like I can trust her. She’s sweet.

“So, obviously Jack is a pretty big deal,” I start out on a painfully obvious note. “Growing up, I was always in his shadow, no matter what it was. I got offered a scholarship to play hockey at a school where the lake house is, so I took it. Wolfeboro was already a home to me. When I was there I wasn’t being compared to Jack because only a few people knew he was my brother. And those were people we had been friends with for forever. There, I was just Jordan Hughes, not Jack Hughes’ little sister. I wanted to live my life without having to live up to someone’s expectations of me, so Jack and I decided together that we just weren’t going to tell anyone since there wasn’t really a point. I was barely in Michigan anyway and I certainly wasn’t expecting to come home. If this was planned, I’m sure Jack would’ve given everyone a bit of a heads up.”

Abby looks a little taken aback. I knew it was a lot to take in, and it’s a lot to even have to tell anyone. “Wow,” She mumbles. “I’m so sorry. Obviously I have no clue how that feels, but I can imagine it’s a pretty shitty feeling.”

I chuckle to myself. “Yeah, yeah it is. But I’m over it. Secrets out, scream it from the rooftops. Jordan Hughes is Jack Hughes little sister.”

“I think we’d get in trouble if we went to the roof,” Abby jokes, and in walks a few teachers that are all sporty looking. “By the way, that dude,” She points to one looking down at a clipboard. “Is the hockey team coach. So if you wanna go talk to him about the team, now’s your chance.”

“Got it. I’ll be back, wish me luck!”

“You don’t need it, trust me.”

I smile and then start towards the guy that has to be in his mid thirties. He looks approachable, and kinda nice, but a little intimidating at the same time.

“Excuse me?” I say, and he looks up from writing something down on the clipboard in front of him. “Um, I’m Jordan Hughes. I’m new. My friend told me you were the hockey coach, and I was wondering if there was any way I would be able to join the team? I know it’s a little late in the season, but there aren’t any teams around here that interest me.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, hoping that this guy would actually give me a shot. He lets out a sigh, and I nearly turn away in defeat. “It’s a tough call, Jordan. I’ve got boys that have been playing together for years, I can’t mess that chemistry up,” He says, and he pauses to think for a second. “I don’t want to say no. With the last name of Hughes, and the undeniable resemblance you have to all three of those boys, I know you’ve got something to offer me.”

“I promise, just give me a shot,” I feel almost pathetic begging like that, but it’s been at least two weeks since I’ve played a game, let alone been out on the ice.

“How about this. We’ve got practice tonight. You can swing by and run through practice with us. If the boys aren’t playing as well as they normally do, I’m afraid I can’t have you join. But if there’s something special there that sets off a spark, then I’m sure we’ve got room on the roster and the bench for you.” He gives me a little smile and I grin in return. “Coach Harris, by the way. It’s nice to meet the fourth Hughes, Luke has mentioned you once or twice to me.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I promise I won’t let you down.”

“I’ll see you tonight, then? We practice at the USA Hockey Arena when there’s nothing going on. Tonight is at seven until nine. I hope to see you there, Hughes,” Harris nods at me and I smile.

“Don’t worry, you will.”

I walk back to Abby with a pep in my step and a shit eating grin on my face. Words can’t even sum up how excited I am.

“Well that smile is certainly a tell all,” Abby says and I nod.

“He offered to let me practice with the team tonight and we’ll go from there,” I say and Abby squeals with excitement. I can really see myself getting close with her, which I’m sure Cole would love.

Thankfully, two o’clock rolls by sooner than I anticipated and I’m rushing out to the main locker banks along with hundreds of other kids. I grab my phone to check for a text from Jack, and sure enough there is one from him, but it isn’t what I’m expecting at all.

Jack: hey, i’m in the middle of something so i can’t pick you up. trevor will be there, my car. go to the semi circle out by the guidance office

I curse under my breath. Sure, Trevor was nice earlier, but that doesn’t mean he will be now.

I walk out to where Jack told me to go, and sure enough I see Jack’s black Jeep with Trevor in the front seat. He’s got black ray-bans covering his eyes and a hand ruffling through his hair. I walk up to the car and tap on the window so he can unlock it.

“Guess what!” I exclaim as soon as I slide into the passenger’s seat. “The hockey team coach is letting me practice with them tonight, so then we’ll see if I’m alright to join—”

“Your voice gives me a headache.” Trevor cuts me off and I glare at him. He just shrugs and turns the radio up. I huff and reach for the aux cord, pressing a few buttons on the stereo before Anson Seabra starts playing through the speakers. “And you’ve got a trashy taste in music.”

“Do you ever say anything nice?” I snap, turning to look at him. “You could’ve said no to picking me up, I would much rather have had Spencer pick me up than you. Scratch that, I would rather walk home than ride with you.”

“Damn,” Trevor mumbles as he pulls out of school campus. “Trust me though, sweetheart. I asked Spencer if he wanted to. He didn’t want to. He had, and I quote, ‘better things to do.’”

too many men penalties must be served by one of the guys who was too many

if you get a shorthanded goal scored against you, the rest of your power play goes away

if ANYONE’s helmet comes off, whistle gets blown IMMEDIATELY

if ANYONE is down and hurt, whistle gets blown IMMEDIATELY, possession be damned

goalie penalties must be served by the backup goalie

10 minutes of 3-on-3 overtime

or, alternatively: 5 minutes of 3-on-3, then 3 minutes of 2-on-2, 1 minute of 1-on-1, and then the goalies fire pucks at each other

goalies can do whatever tf they want

everyone has to make both of their benches big enough for all the players; like wtf why are some of you banishing the backup goalie to the zamboni tunnel of shame

arenas must configure themselves so that there’s actually a tunnel behind the bench that goes back to the locker room, the whole coming in through the zamboni tunnel is inefficient especially for injury emergencies

if an injured player will not return to the game, a healthy scratch can replace him if he can race down from the press box and get completely ready and onto the bench before the end of the period

multiple pride nights and it gets just as much hype as stupid st. patrick’s day or military nights

more jerseys in womens cut and it’s the same price as mens cut

a consistent standard of punishment set by the department of player safety

all rules like “no facial hair” or “no long hair” that some teams mandate is going away, because you know what that’s fucking ridiculous

every team that does a dads trip is also required to do a moms trip

we’re bringing back the breakaway challenge in the all-star game

non-all-stars are allowed to participate in the skills competition; please i desperately want to see colton parayko in the hardest shot

new skills competition - goalies jousting at center ice

every team is required to send some of their players into a haunted house and record them every year

every team has to make one of those videos where the players give their teammates superlatives

the head coaches are allowed to get in a fight - one coach must toss a rainbow challenge flag onto the ice, and the other coach will toss out a green flag to accept, and a red flag to decline; then they rush out to center ice and fistfight

an alternate broadcast to every game in which players are mic’d up: an r-rated broadcast with all the obscenities

all the captains are in a groupchat together

every team has to have at least one female reporter on the beat

remove the entire nbcsn crew and replace with women

use the thanos snap on don cherry

any analyst that mocks or belittles a player for having fun gets fired immediately

give ilya bryzgalov his own show or let him do analyst work for games (bryz behind the glass?)

delete p*trick k*ne from the league

every team that doesn’t have a mascot is getting one, because we’re not a league of cowards

yes this is a direct callout for the rangers

the man himself turns 18 today 🎉