#ryder donovan

You’re a senior at the University of Wisconsin, you’ve been here for 4 years but you barely go to any parties since you’re shy. Since it’s your last year your best friend and roommate Melissa is making you go to a party.

She’s been friends with Wisconsin’s hockey since freshman year since her boyfriend Ryder was on the team for 3 years.

“Come on girl, you need to come out of your shell and party, it’s our last year we need to make the most of it” Melissa begged

“Melissa, you know I can barely talk to anyone, I don’t want to go and embarrass myself” I pleaded. I really didn’t want to go and embarrass myself In front of her hockey friends. I had already met a few of them but I still wasn’t comfortable enough with them to not be shy.

“please! I promise I won’t leave you alone until you get comfortable. Plus once you get a few drinks in you you’ll be fine”

“Fine” I groaned out

“yay!” she started jumping happily making me laugh

“if I embarrass myself I’m leaving” I say seriously

“deal” she replied giving me a hug

“perfect, then let’s get ready” I said going over to my closet to try and find an outfit to wear.

We both got ready and left our apartment around 9 to go over to the seniors house for the party.

Once we got there Melissa dragged me to the kitchen to get something to drink, she grabbed two white claws and gave me one.

The house was already full of people, most of them I never saw before.

“drink up girly!” she told me smiling

“I really hope I don’t embarrass myself” I signed

“you’ll be fine girl, let’s go find the boys, and trust me they’ve embarrassed their selves enough, they have no reason to laugh” she said encouraging me to be myself.

I nodded and we made our way to the living room to try and find some of the boys.

Melissa spotted Owen Lindmark and Shay Donovan talking so we made our way over there.

“Hey boys, this is my best friend and roommate Y/n” she said introducing me to the boys.

“hey” I said shyly,

“ Hey Y/n, I’m Owen and this is Shay, it’s nice to meet you” he said as they both gave me smiles.

“You to” I replied smiling

“Owen, mind staying with her for a sec, I need to talk to Shay about a project for some class?” she lied

I looked at her with my eyes wide, I could tell she was lying, plus she promised me she wouldn’t leave me.

“Yeah, no worries” he replied smiling, before they both walked away

“That was a lie right” he asked me

“Yeah… definitely” I say chuckling

“how come I never met you before?”

“umm, I’m sorta shy… I don’t usually go to parties since I don’t really talk to anyone except Melissa” I said shyly looking down at my shoes

“well I’m glad you decided to come tonight” I looked at him to see him smiling

“me too” I replied smiling

We continued talking for most of the night, he really was sweet, and he made me feel comfortable. Melissa ended up joining us later along with some of the sophomores who I got to meet, they were also really nice.

It was starting to get late and I had a few more drinks, so Melissa and I thought it would be a good idea to head back to our apartment.

“You ready to head home?” she asked me

“Yeah, I’m starting to get tired anyways” I replied

Before we headed out Owen stopped me.

“wait… is there any chance I could get your number? I’d like to continue talking to you” he ask me smiling

I nodded smiling, he gave me his phone and I put my number in it

“Text me sometime” I replied smiling and giving him a wink before leaving with Melissa

When we got into the Uber she looked at me a chuckled

“what?” I ask confused

“nothing, I’m just proud of you for giving him your number… and you winked that’s so not you, it makes me happy” she said squeezing my hand

“thank you, I’m really glad you dragged me here tonight… I had a lot of fun”

“I’m glad… and just so you know… Owen’s a really good guy” she said winking, making me chuckle.

You and Owen kept talking for a few weeks. You even hung out with him alone. You guys got close, he was really sweet, and you were starting to get feelings for him.

You had gone and had coffee with him this morning, he asked if you wanted to go watch him play, they were playing Minnesota at 4pm. I told him I would go to the game.

I had asked Melissa if she would go with me, she agreed. She told me she was happy I was finally letting someone else in. I had a lot of trouble making friends when I was a kid for being shy. Melissa was the only friend I ever really made, she never made me feel bad about myself for being shy and having trouble talking to new people.

That’s what I love about Owen. He makes me feel just as comfortable, he doesn’t care that I’m shy and he doesn’t make fun of me for it.

Melissa and I got ready and left for the game

The game went well and the boys won 3-0 to Minnesota. Melissa and I made our way to the locker room to wait for the boys. The few guys that came out first smiled and gave us a quick hello.

Owen and Shay came out last.

“Hey girls, Melissa, do you need a ride to the apartment?” Shay said before leaving

“Sure thanks Shay, Have fun you two” Melissa said quickly before going with Shay, leaving Owen and I alone.

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the night?” Owen asked me smiling

“No, do you have anything in mind?”

“Well, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go on a date with me” he said nervously

“I would love to go on a date with you”

———————————————————————————-

“I’m here!” You shouted, “Come love me! It’s only a few times a year you get me!”

It was Christmas break for you at school and you were home for almost a month this visit.

“Y/N!” Olivia squealed as she ran towards you from the kitchen where she was helping your mom cook dinner for everyone, “I’m so excited you’re home.” She swayed back and forth with you, “We have so much to catch up on it’s not even funny.”

“That we do, my dear sister.” You grinned as you pulled back from her to see Joe walking up to you, his arms open for a hug.

“Shiesty.” You laughed as you pulled away from Olivia, tucking yourself into his arms, “When’s my sister gonna be the Mrs. Shiesty?”

“Nice to see you too kid.” He chuckled, “and when you actually lock one down.”

“Hey!” Liv glared at him, knowing he was just joking.

All the banter and jokes quietened down as your mom called for dinner, your other sister running into the kitchen. She had been studying for an exam, to which your mom excused her from having to eat with the family.

“You never let me do that.”

“You moved away for college.”

“Touché mother.” You playfully glared at her as you dad chuckled from his seat at the table.

“When is Ryder coming in?” She asked as you all sat down at the table.

“Mom-“

“Who is Ryder?” You sister grinned as she sat down next to Joe, “Is this a new boy toy?”

“Something… like that.” You grimaced as you stuck your spoon in your mashed potatoes.

You quickly changed the subject to how Joe’s season was going, how work was for your sister and parents, making sure to keep the subject off of you and your potential love life.

**

“So is he a boy toy or an actual boyfriend?” Liv asked after dinner was over; you, her, and Joe settled on the couch.

“And there goes peace and quiet.” You sighed, “He’s a boyfriend.” You said, “He’s in some frat house and my sorority did a fund raiser with them. He’s a really sweet guy.”

"I know exactly how those frat boys are." Joe argued with you, "Did you really think you'd get by me with this one? Especially the ones that live out of state. He’s even worse!”

Olivia let out a cough as Joe corrected himself, "Us. Did you think you would get this past us?"

"Nice save babe."

You were Olivia's little sister and Joe treated you like the sister he didn't get. You were the closest thing and honestly, even though you weren't biological, you two sure acted like it.

"I didn't expect anything." You shrugged, "because whether you like it or not, I'm with him."

“What does this punk even look like?” Joe grumbled under his breath.

“Yeah, what does he look like?” Liv asked as you pulled out your phone.

“That punk has a name.”

“What is it? Kyle?”

“Clearly you weren’t paying attention earlier at dinner, but it’s Ryder.”

“Even worse.” Joe dramatically flopped back on the couch, “Just by his name, I can tell you he’s bad news!”

“Good thing I didn’t ask.” You quickly scrolled through your phone, finding a recent photo of you two from a surprise date he had taken you on.

“Oh okay.” Liv smirked at you, “I see you pulling.”

“She better not be pulling anything!” Joe grumbled.

“Okay Mr. Protective, chill out.” You chuckled at his antics, “I know you care and I know you’re just looking out for me, but I’m smart. I know what I’m doing.”

Joe continued to grumble under his breath about it causing you to roll your eyes.

“Tell me about him.” Liv smiled as she adjusted to be able to see you better on the couch.

“Well like I said, he’s in a frat house-“

“Terrible move.” Joe commented.

“-he’s an absolute sweetheart-“

“Don’t care.”

“- he can cook really well too-“

“Can you get on with it already? Get to the good stuff.”

“Joe?” you said his name sweetly.

“Yes?”

“Shut the fuck up.” You hissed, “Thank you. As I was saying, and he’s gorgeous.” You continued, “oh!” you exclaimed, “and he plays hockey!” “Nope!” Joe said as he stood up, “It’s a no from me! Already hate him.”

“You haven’t even met him, you dumbass.”

“I don’t care!” Joe defended, “I was a college athlete once with college athlete friends. I know how this entire charade works!” He continued, “He lures you in and then he’s cheating on you or you get hurt.”

“Well then, that's my decision to make then, huh?” you said, “Besides, I don’t think he’d do that. I’m not worried about it at least. It’s a college relationship. We’ll either get married at a frat party or we'll break up.”

“Or you’ll get married in real life.” Liv chuckled. 

“I think you should reconsider it all.”  “You know, you’re better when your mouth doesn’t move.” You grumbled as you watched Joe roll his eyes before glaring at you, “Joe, I’ve known you too long for you to scare me. You look like I ran over your puppy more than you are scary.” you chuckled, “Either way, I’ve got to run in a few.” You said as you saw the text come through that you were waiting for. 

“Why?” Liv pouted, “We were getting to the good stuff.”

“Well the topic of this conversation just landed so I've got to go handle that.” You said as you stood up, tucking your phone into your back pocket.

“I don't believe it. I don’t think he’s coming.” Joe said as he stood up, “You’re full of it today.” 

“He’s literally on a plane now.”

“And? I don’t think you’re actually dating. There’s no way he’s coming to visit you. He’s good looking- you’re you.” Joe said, “and I really hate the fact he’s an athlete!”

“Joe! You’re a fucking athlete!”

“Watch your mouth young lady.”

“Liv, please control him before I handle him myself.”

“I’ve been trying for years.” She chuckled as she watched you walk towards the door, “Be careful, We’ll see you and Ryder soon.” She grinned. 

**

Ryder followed you to the car, his hand on the small of your back, the other tugging his suitcase through the parking lot. 

“So he doesn't think I’m real?” Ryder asked. 

“Nope. They think you’re fake.” You said, “Probably because of how hot you are.” 

Ryder let out a loud laugh at your bluntness as he got into the passenger seat.

The drive home wasn't terrible, but you knew the moment you got there, it was going to be a good show between Joe judging Ry and your family meeting him for the first time.

It wasn’t the technical first time for your parents as they had met him over FaceTime, but not in person.

You pulled into the driveway, you helping Ryder get his stuff out of the car.

“I’ve got it babe.” He said as he pressed a kiss to the side of your temple, “Go on inside.”

You listened, only grabbing his carry on as you walked into the house, seeing your family sitting there.

“Behave.” You said, mainly aiming your statement towards a certain tall brunette.

**

“I think we should get to know you better Ryan.”

“Ryder.”

“Whatever. How about dinner tomorrow? Mine and Liv’s treat.”

“I think a double date sounds pleasant!” Olivia agreed, her looking hopeful at you. 

“I guess.” you said as you looked towards Ryder who reluctantly agreed. 

It wasn't long after that that Liv and Joe had went to their own home, you and Ryder heading upstairs to your childhood bedroom. 

“I told you they’d somehow rope us into something.” You said as you brushed your teeth, “It never fails!” You continued, slightly waving your toothbrush.

“Babe as much as I love you and your dramatics, you’re getting toothpaste everywhere.”

“Are you even listening to me?” You asked after spitting in the sink.

“I am, but I’d like to not get toothpaste in my eye either.”

You rolled your eyes at his comment as you rinsed your toothbrush before putting it in its holder and popping your retainers in. 

“I'm just warning you, he will be judging you hardcore tomorrow.”

“So is he your brother or?”

“Something like that.” You sighed as you crossed over to the bed, tugging the decretive pillows off, “Wow, sleeping next to me and you dont even know my last name.”

“I’m just messing with you.” He laughed, “You’re not a Burrow; you’re a Hubbard, right?”

“Ryder!”

**

“Did you see the way he looks at her?” Liv asked Joe as you and Ryder were off in the bowling alley, trying to find the right size balls, “He adores her.”

“I don’t see it.” Joe shrugged, “I don’t like him.”

“Give him a chance.” She said, “At least he wasn’t late like someone was on our first date.” She grinned, “Matter of fact, he was early and he held the door for everyone.”

“I apologized for that already!” Joe defended himself, “and I hold the door for you all the time!”

“I think you’re being dramatic.” Liv sighed as she turned towards her boyfriend, “Give him a chance. You can tell she really likes him.”

You all had moved on from bowling after kicking everyone’s asses, finding yourself at the pizza parlor next to it for dinner.

“After you.” Ryder grinned as he pulled out your chair before giving your shoulder a squeeze.

Joe was not going to let some twenty one year old in a new relationship show him up.

“Here babe.” Joe said as he pulled Olivia’s chair out, you letting a chuckle fall from your lips as you watched her fact twist from confusion to realization of what he was doing.

“Be careful, your jealousy is showing.” She whispered to him.

“I am not jealous!” He harshly whispered back.

“Yeah okay.” She chuckled.

“So Ryder, what are you plans after college?” Joe asked as he looked at the menu, even though he knew exactly what he was going to get. He just didn’t want to make eye contact with you or Ryder.

“I’m planning on playing pro hockey.”

“Sounds interesting.” Joe commented. Ryder gave a nod to him.

“You’ve had an incredible season this year.” Ryder said as he watched Joe almost break, but keeping his composure, he retaliated the nod.

Joe was determined not to like this kid.

He really wanted to be able to say ‘I told you so’ to you, but it wasn’t the case right now. He actually was starting to like Ryder; as much as he didn’t want to admit it.

Ryder didn’t talk over you, he was well mannered, he didn’t give you an attitude if you disagreed with him, and most of all, he truly adored you and Liv and Joe both could tell it.

It wasn’t long that you all parted ways, Joe and Liv still talking about you and Ryder; even a hour later.

“I like him.” She said as she snuggled into his chest, “He’s sweet.”

“It’s a facade.”

“Give it up, Burrow,” she chuckled, “You like him too, especially after he commented on your season.”

Joe groaned, knowing she was right, “Will you let it go if i say it?”

“Yes.”

“I like Ryder and I think he’s good for Y/N.” He grumbled, “Are you happy now?”

“Yup!” She grinned, “and I cant wait to tell Y/N.”

“Don’t you dare!”

On the other side of town, you were having a similar conversation with Ryder.

“Do you think he likes me?” Ryder asked as he snuggled into bed beside you causing you to prop up on your elbow.

“I think so,” you said, “but he won’t admit it. He’s still going to act like a hard ass to you.”

“Do you realize that’s okay? I met Joe Burrow and he likes me?” Ryder chuckled as he looked towards you.

“You’re just with me because my sister is dating him.”

“I am not.” He softly smiled as he brought his hand up to move the piece of hair that fell in front of your face away, “I’m with you because I love you.”

“That’s- that’s uh the first time you’ve said that to me.”

“I know.” He whispered, “but I wanted to wait until I meant it and I truly mean it.”

“I love you too Ryder.” You said as you softly pressed a kiss to his lips before laying down in his arms that were outstretched towards you.

Moments had went by of you two just lying there, waiting for sleep to overtake you both.

“I can’t believe Joe Burrow likes me.” He grinned as his head whipped towards you.

“You realize you’ll never live this down, right?”