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hockeylovee12 · 11 days

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Crossing Enemy Lines

Chapter Five

Luke Hughes x Original Character

November 14th, 2023

In the middle of a vast lecture hall at NYU, Jordan sits in her 9 AM economics class, struggling to stay focused as her professors' monotone voice drones on about opportunity cost.

Suddenly she feels her phone buzzing in the back pocket of her blue jeans, a welcomed distraction.

She quickly glances around the room, making sure her professor or his TA’s aren't watching and carefully grabs her phone, sliding it underneath her notebook.

She unlocks the screen, and sees a text from Luke: Hey what are you up to?

A small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth as she types out her response.

Trying not to fall asleep in econ. It’s so boring

She hits send and tries to refocus on the lecture, but her phone buzzes again almost immediately.

Luke: Those classes are the worst. Last year at Michigan I had a 9am for stats. It sucked and my professor kinda sounded like one of those drowning goats from YouTube.

Jordan stifles a laugh, her shoulders shaking. Her friend, Taylor, sitting next to her, nudges her shoulder and leans in, whispering, "What's so funny?"

Jordan shrugs, trying to play it cool. "Oh, nothing. Just a meme I saw earlier."

Taylor raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but turns back to face the front of the class. Jordan looks down at her phone and types out another message: OMG stop you’re making me laugh.

Luke's response comes quickly.

Luke: Mission accomplished then. 😎 I'm just picturing you in class, trying to hold it together. It's a pretty cute mental image.

Jordan feels a blush creeping up her neck as she reads his words. She bites her lip, trying to suppress the giddy smile threatening to spread across her face.

Jordan: You're going to get me in trouble! But I have to admit, it's a lot more fun texting you than listening to this lecture.

She hits send and looks up, only to find her professor staring directly at her, a stern expression on his face.

"Class, I know it's early," he says, his voice carrying across the lecture hall, "but please put your phones away. This information is important and will be on your upcoming test."

Jordan feels her cheeks heat up as a few of her classmates glance in her direction. She smirks sheepishly and puts her phone back in her pocket, mouthing a silent "sorry" to the professor.

As she tries to refocus on the lecture, her thoughts keep drifting back to Luke. She can’t help but feel a slight thrill, at the thought of him picturing her, even when they’re apart.

The rest of the class seems to drag on forever, but Jordan finds herself feeling lighter and happier, despite the boring subject matter. She knows it's because of Luke, because of the way he can make her laugh and smile even from a distance.

As the professor finally dismisses them, Jordan gathers her things and heads out of the lecture hall, already pulling her phone out to see if Luke has texted her again.

*****

The New Jersey Devils players gather in the video room, going over video footage, from their match from last night against the Red Wings.

Coach Ruff stands at the front of the room, laser pointer in hand, breaking down the team's performance.

"Okay, guys," Ruff says, pausing the video on a particular play. "Let's take a look at this shift. Nico, great job on the backcheck here. You managed to break up their odd-man rush and turn the play around."

Nico nods, a small smile on his face, as he receives a few head pats and shoulder claps from his teammates.

Ruff continues his analysis, and in the midst of him discussing the power play, something Luke should really pay attention to considering he’s on the first unit, Luke feels his phone buzz in his pocket.

His hand twitches, itching to reach for it, but he knows better than to check his messages during a team meeting. He tries to focus on the video, on Ruff's words, but his mind keeps drifting to thoughts of Jordan and what she might be texting him about.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Ruff wraps up the meeting. "Alright, boys, that's it for today. Remember, we've got a big game coming up against Columbus. Let's make sure we're sharp and ready to go."

The team murmurs in agreement and starts to file out of the room.

Luke is one of the first ones out, making a beeline for the locker room.

He walks to his stall, taking a seat and pulling out his phone to check his messages.

Sure enough, there's a text from Jordan. He opens it eagerly.

Jordan: Just saw a dog on campus that looked exactly like you.

Luke laughs out loud, shaking his head as he types out his response.

Luke: Oh yeah? Was it incredibly handsome and charming?

Jordan's reply comes quickly.

Jordan: Nah, it was just really goofy-looking.

Luke: Wow, rude. See if I ever compare you to a cute animal again.

Jordan: Aww, I'm sorry. You're much cuter than any dog. Forgive me? 🥺

Luke grins, feeling a warmth spreading through his chest.

Luke: I suppose I can let it slide this time. But only because you admitted I'm cute.

As he hits send, he hears someone clear their throat. He looks up to see John standing there, a knowing smirk on his face.

"Texting your girlfriend again, Hughesy?" John teases, leaning against the stall.

Luke rolls his eyes. "She's not my girlfriend. And mind your own business, Johnny."

"Oooh, defensive," Tyler chimes in across the room. "Must be serious."

"Who are you texting, Lukey?" Jesper asks, looking up from his stall.

Luke sighs, pocketing his phone. "No one. Just a friend." he claims, causing his teammates to exchange some looks.

Luke stands up, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "I gotta go find Jack. See you guys tomorrow."

“See ya later, Romeo!” Nate shouts as Luke walks out of the locker room, he rolls his eyes before walking towards the trainer’s room, knowing Jack is probably there.

He can feel his phone buzzing in his pocket again and he smiles, having a pretty good idea who it's from.

*****

Jordan settles into her bed, propping her phone up against a pillow as she waits for Luke to answer her Facetime call. After a few rings, his face appears on the screen, a warm smile spreading across his features.

"Hey, you," he greets her, his voice soft and intimate in the quiet of his room.

"Hey yourself," Jordan replies, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the sight of him. "How was your day?"

Luke sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Busy. We had a long practice today, and Coach really worked us hard. I'm pretty wiped."

Jordan nods sympathetically. "I know the feeling. I've been studying all day, got like five tests coming up. I feel like my brain is going to melt out of my ears."

Luke chuckles, “I’m sure you’ll do great”

Jordan feels a blush creeping up her neck. "I don't know about that. But thanks for the vote of confidence."

They fall into easy conversation, trading stories about their days. Jordan complains about her homework and Luke tells her about the prank war that's been brewing in the Devils locker room.

"I swear, if I find one more rubber snake in my skates, I'm going to lose it," he laughs, shaking his head.

Jordan giggles. "Maybe you should retaliate. Put some itching powder in their gear"

Luke's eyes widen. "You’re an evil genius, you know”

Jordan laughs.

“Hey Jordan?” Jacob’s voice cuts through the screen as the door to her room bursts open. Luke freezes for a moment on the other line, before, quickly clicking the buttons to hide his camera and mute his microphone.

Jordan turns her phone face down on her lap, “What’s up?” Jordan says trying to come off as casual as possible

“Kelly is going out tonight, so it’s just us for dinner. Any preferences?” Jacob asks

Jordan lets a small smile cross her face as she shakes her head.

“Whatcha up to?” Jacob questions a smirk dancing on his lips

“Nothing just chatting with a friend about homework” Jordan lies

“Mhmm, ok well I’m gonna make salmon then, sounds good?”

“Ya sounds good” Jordan says, Jacob smiles again, before leaving the room, shutting her door completely-which is a very rare thing for a sibling to do.

“He’s gone” Jordan says her voice hushed as she flips her phone back over.

Luke unmutes himself and turns the camera back on “That was kinda close” Luke exhales

“Ya, but don’t worry, he just thinks it’s some guy from school” Jordan whispers

"Does he know about date?" Luke asks

"He just knows I'm going on one on Saturday" Jordan explains

“Ok good, I should probably get going though, Jack’s gonna be back any minute with our dinner” Luke says

“Ya me too, but I’ll talk to later ya?” Jordan asks

“Definitely, bye Jordan”

“Bye, Luke” She responds, letting his name fall off her tongue in a hushed tone.

*****

November 15th, 2023

Jordan’s 10 AM psychology class is in full swing, as her professor goes on and on about the different types of validity, for probably like the millionth time.

Her notebook is open in front of her but her pencil hasn't touched the page in minutes, as her professor's voice fades into the background and her mind drifts to thoughts of Luke and their upcoming date.

She pictures the restaurant he mentioned, which she had done a quick google search of prior, it’s a rather nice italian/seafood place, located away from the city.

She imagines the way he’ll look, with his tall frame, his curly hair, which kinda reminds her of a poodle, but in a cute, charming way.

Jordan's thoughts turn to her outfit, and she mentally rifles through her closet, trying to decide what to wear, even though this date is still three days away.

She wants something that screams come and get me, but not desperate, or easy, definitely not easy. Something that will make her feel confident and beautiful.

Maybe that navy blue dress she bought last summer, the one with the straight neckline and the tight skirt. Or maybe her favorite pair of dark-wash jeans, paired with a fun strapless corset and her leather jacket.

As she loses herself in thought, she has that faint feeling that her name is being called, then a small nudge to the shoulder, by the classmate to her left, forces her to regain focus.

“-rdan, are you with us?”

Jordan blinks realizing her professor is staring directly at her, an expectant expression on his face.

“I’m sorry what?” she asks, feeling a blush creep up her neck.

Her professor sighs, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “I asked you to explain the difference between content and criterion related validity.”

Jordan's mind goes blank, and she feels a surge of panic rising in her chest. She knows she should know this, they've gone over it in class before, and she’s seen it in her notes but right now all she can think about is Luke and their date.

Her classmate nudges her gently with her elbow, again, a concerned look on her face. Jordan takes a deep breath, trying to focus.

“Uh, I’m sorry I don’t know the answer” she admits, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Her professor lets out a heavy sigh “This is a key concept, we’ve been talking about for weeks. You need to learn if you would like to pass this class, please stop daydreaming and pay attention” He scolds towards Jordan.

Jordan sinks lower in her seat, feeling a mix of shame and frustration wash over her.

*****

Jack and Luke sit comfortably inside Jack’s range rover, heading towards the Prudential Center, to meet with their team, before their flight to Columbus.

Luke is in the passenger seat, his phone in his hand as he texts back and forth with Jordan.

Jordan: Are you excited to go to Ohio?

Luke Nope, I hate Ohio

Jordan: How do you hate a state?

Luke: I’m from Michigan, Michigan doesn’t like Ohio.

Jordan: Just a general overall hatred?

Luke: Nah, it's a whole thing. Pretty sure it's in our state constitution that we have to hate Ohio. I think it's right after the part about cherishing our Great Lakes and wearing socks with sandals. Jordan: Note to self: Never wear Ohio colors around Luke

Luke chuckles softly at Jordan's last message, a goofy grin spreading across his face. Jack glances over at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Who you texting?" he asks, a note of curiosity in his voice.

Luke quickly locks his phone, slipping it into his pocket. "No one," he says, trying to sound casual.

Jack gives him a look, clearly not buying it. "Seriously, man, Tell me."

Luke sighs, shifting in his seat. "It's just a girl, okay? No big deal."

"A girl, huh?" Jack presses, a hint of a smirk on his face. "The same girl from the bar the other night? You guys make up?"

Luke feels his cheeks heat up, and he looks out the window, trying to hide his smile. "Maybe," he admits.

Jack laughs, shaking his head. "I knew it! So, when are you gonna see her again?"

Luke hesitates, he can tell Jack about the date, just to get him off his back, just don’t give away details,

"We have a date on Saturday," he says, trying to sound nonchalant.

Jack's eyes widen, and he lets out a low whistle. "Damn, Lukey, moving fast!"

Luke rolls his eyes, feeling his face flush even more. "Shut it, Jack. It's not a big deal."

But he knows that’s a lie.

“ Come on, kid, you've been grinning at your phone like an idiot for days. It's obviously a big deal.”

“Shut it” Luke scoffs

“Oh come on, give me the details, what are y’all up to?” Jack presses, with a wide grin plastered across his face.

“Don’t worry about it” Luke says

Jack's eyes leave the road, and shift towards Luke “Why all the secrecy?” Jack asks, curiouss

“No secrecy I just don’t wanna tell you” Luke shrugs

“You tell me everything” Jack retorts, with a chuckle of disbelief.

“Ok well I wanna keep this to myself” Luke explains, avoiding eye contact

Jack pauses for a moment, “Alright, Lukey” Jack says, shifting his vision back to the road, “Well I’m here if you want any advice.”

A smile crosses Luke’s laugh as he speaks, his voice laced with a teasing tone, “I think I’m alright, I’d like this relationship to last longer than two weeks”

Jack glances at him, before throwing a light punch to Luke’s shoulder.

“Jerk” Luke mutters, and Jack smirks.

They pull into the parking lot of the Prudential Center, and he grabs his bag and heads inside to meet up with his teammates, he can't wipe the smile off his face, can't shake the giddy anticipation building in his chest, for Saturday.

*****

Hours later, Jordan sits cross-legged on her bed, a canvas propped up on her lap and a palette of colorful paints carefully balanced beside her.

She's working on a piece for her art class, a vibrant abstract that's slowly taking shape under her careful brushstrokes and that was supposed to be due yesterday, but thankfully she received an extension on it, because she was a little distracted.

In her ear, she listens as Luke’s laughter mingles with the soft sounds of a running shower. Alex is in the room seeing as how room checks have already been done, and that last thing Luke wanted was to give his teammates another reason to tease him.

"So, who's your favorite artist?" Luke asks, his voice echoing slightly off the bathroom tiles.

Jordan hums thoughtfully, dabbing a bit of blue paint onto the canvas. "That's a tough one. I love so many different styles and periods. But if I had to pick just one, I'd probably say Van Gogh. There's just something about the way he captures emotion and movement in his brushstrokes, you know?"

"Yeah, I can see that," Luke agrees.

They talk about their favorite paintings, the museums they'd love to visit someday. Jordan tells Luke about her dream of studying abroad in Paris, of spending her days wandering the halls of the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay.

"What about you?" she asks, switching to a smaller brush for some detailing work. "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

Luke is quiet for a moment.

"Iceland," he says finally, his voice a little muffled as he dries his face. "I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights, to hike through those crazy landscapes with the glaciers and the hot springs. Plus, I hear the people there are really friendly and laid-back."

Jordan smiles, picturing Luke bundled up in a puffy coat and hiking boots, his breath fogging in the crisp Icelandic air. "That sounds amazing," she says softly. "Maybe, someday we should go together”

There's a beat of silence on the other end of the line, and Jordan feels her cheeks heat up, worried that she's overstepped. But then Luke chuckles, and she can hear the smile in his voice.

"I'd like that," he says warmly. "We could rent one of those little cabins, spend our days exploring and our nights curled up by the fire."

Jordan's heart flutters at the thought, at the easy way Luke includes her in his future plans. She knows it's still early, that they're just getting to know each other, but somehow it feels right, like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place.

"So, did you have any pets growing up?" Luke asks, changing the subject.

Jordan laughs, setting her paintbrush down and leaning back against her pillows. "Oh, yeah. We always had dogs in my family. Golden retrievers, mostly. They were like our unofficial mascots."

She tells him about Bubba, the rambunctious puppy who chewed up all her favorite stuffed animals, and Ginger, the gentle old soul who used to sleep at the foot of her bed every night.

"What about you?" she asks, curious. "Any childhood pets?"

Luke groans, and Jordan can practically hear him shaking his head. "No, no pets for me. Although one time, my brother found a lizard in our backyard and decided to adopt it."

"A lizard?" Jordan giggles, trying to picture a young Luke with a scaly companion.

"Yeah, he named it Godzilla and everything. But then one day, he thought it would be hilarious to put it on my head while I was sleeping. I woke up with this thing crawling all over my face, and I've hated lizards ever since."

Jordan bursts out laughing, imagining the look of terror on Luke's face as he wakes up to a lizard on his head. "Oh my god, that's terrible," she gasps out between giggles. "Your poor brother, though. He was probably devastated when you didn't want to be Godzilla's co-parent."

"Hey, he's the one who ruined it by using the lizard for evil," Luke protests, but Jordan can hear the laughter in his voice. "Besides, I think he was better off an orphan, than having my brother be his parent"

They dissolve into laughter again, the kind that makes Jordan's cheeks ache and her eyes water. It's the kind of laughter that comes from a place of pure joy, of feeling completely at ease with another person.

As their giggles subside, Jordan realizes that she's been talking to Luke for over half an hour, and that her painting is long forgotten on the bed beside her.

“I should let you go, don't you have a game tomorrow?” She asks

“Ya, you gonna watch me play?” Luke asks, a smile crossing his lips

Jordan know’s she’s got class tomorrow, from 9-3, but Luke plays at 2, she hesitates before responding “yes”

“Sounds good, goodnight Jordan”

“Goodnight Luke”

*****

November 16th, 2023

Jordan wakes up to the sound of Jacob knocking on her door. She glances at her phone and sees that it's 8 AM.

“Come in,” Jordan calls out, sitting up in bed.

Jacob opens the door and peeks his head in. "Hey, Jordy. Kelly already left for work and I’m heading to skate, so I wanted to see if you want a ride to campus?”

Jordan hesitates for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, thanks. I think I'm just going to walk today.”

Jacob nods, a smile on his face. "Alright, Have a good day, I'll see you tonight after the game."

Thanks, Jake. Good luck today!" Jordan calls out as Jacob closes the door behind him.

Once she hears the front door close, Jordan flops back onto her bed, a grin spreading across her face. She has no intention of going to class today - not when Luke and the Devils are playing at 2 PM.

She grabs her phone and sends a quick text to Luke.

Jordan: Good luck today, superstar! I'll be cheering you on from my bed.

Luke: Haha, thanks, Jordan, I’ll try to score for you ;)

Jordan smiles, before setting her phone.

She spends the next few hours working on some homework assignments, trying to stay focused despite the anticipation building in her chest.

Finally, 2 PM rolls around, and Jordan settles onto her bed with her laptop, ready to watch the game. She puts in her headphones and pulls up the streaming site, her eyes immediately scanning the ice for Luke's familiar figure.

The game is intense from the start, both teams fighting hard for every inch of ice. Jordan finds herself on the edge of her seat, her heart racing with every shot on goal.

And then, halfway through the second period, it happens. Luke gets the puck on his stick, weaves through the defenders like they're standing still, and snaps a shot past the goalie's glove.

"Yes!" Jordan cheers.

She's so caught up in the moment, so focused on Luke, that she almost doesn't hear her bedroom door opening behind her.

"Jordan?"

Jordan jumps, her heart leaping into her throat as she quickly slams her laptop shut and yanks out her headphones. She looks up to see Kelly standing in the doorway, a confused look on her face.

"Kelly! Hi! I didn't hear you come in," Jordan stammers, trying to catch her breath.

Kelly frowns, glancing at the laptop on the bed. "I thought you had class today? What are you doing home?"

Jordan's mind races, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. "Oh, my 2pm was canceled so I decided to come back and get some studying done.”

Kelly nods slowly, there's a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "I see. And the cheering?”

“Just uh finally understood my econ homework” Jordan says, forcing a laugh, hoping it doesn't sound as fake as it feels. Kelly studies her for a long moment, and Jordan holds her breath, praying that her sister-in-law will buy the lie.

Kelly nods, and her smile widens “Ok, well don’t let me keep you from studying, I’ll be in the living room if you need anything”

Jordan nods, relief washing over her. "Will do, Thanks, Kel."

As Kelly leaves the room, closing the door behind her, Jordan lets out a shaky breath. She knows she won't be able to watch the rest of the game now, not with Kelly home and the risk of getting caught.

With a sigh, she grabs her phone and sends a quick text to Luke.

Jordan: Ugh, had to stop watching. Kelly came home early and almost caught me. But I saw your goal! You were amazing out there. Can't wait to hear all about it later.

She sets her phone aside and tries to focus on her homework, for real this time.

*****

After a thrilling 5-2 victory over the Blue Jackets, the Devils' locker room is buzzing with energy and excitement. Luke, still riding the high of his first multi point night, with a goal and two assists, and is grinning from ear to ear as he towels off his sweaty hair.

"Luke!" a member of the Devils' PR team calls out, poking his head into the locker room. "Media wants to talk to you. You're up for post-game."

Luke nods, taking a deep breath and trying to compose himself.

He follows the PR rep out to the media scrum, where a cluster of reporters and cameras are waiting for him. He takes his place in front of the backdrop, the Devils' logo prominently displayed behind him.

"Luke, congrats on the big win tonight," one of the reporters says, holding out a microphone. “You’ve scored a goal your last two games now, what has contributed to your improved performance?”

Luke grins, shrugging modestly. "Just feeling good, I guess. When the team's playing well, it's easy to feed off that energy. We've been working hard in practice, and it's starting to translate onto the ice."

The questions continue for a few more minutes, ranging from his thoughts on the team's defensive performance to his personal goals for the rest of the season. Luke answers them all with poise and professionalism, even as his mind keeps drifting back to Jordan, to the way her voice sounds when she's cheering him on.

Finally, the PR rep signals that the interview is over, and Luke makes his way back to the locker room, a spring in his step and a glint in his eye.

As he enters the room, he's greeted by a chorus of cheers and wolf whistles from his teammates.

"Rusty!" Dawson calls out, grinning broadly.

"Two apples and a goal, Hughesy? You're making the rest of us look bad," Jesper teases, tossing a ball of tape at Luke's head.

Luke laughs, ducking out of the way and flipping Jesper off good-naturedly. "Hey, someone's gotta carry you slugs to victory."

"Oh, is that right?" Nico chimes in, raising an eyebrow. "And here I thought you were just trying to impress a certain someone."

Luke feels his cheeks heat up, and he shoots a glare at Jack, who's sitting in his stall with a shit-eating grin on his face.

"You told them?" he hisses, his voice low.

Jack shrugs, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "I might have mentioned that you have a big date coming up."

Luke groans, burying his face in his hands as his teammates start to hoot and holler around him.

"Lukey's got a girlfriend, Lukey's got a girlfriend!" Nate singsongs, doing a little dance in his skates.

"She's not my girlfriend," Luke mumbles, but he can't quite keep the smile off his face. "We haven't even gone out yet."

"But you want her to be your girlfriend," Dawson says, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Come on, Hughesy, spill the beans. What's she like? Is she hot?"

Luke scoffs, and rolls his eyes, hoping his silence is enough of an answer, which it is, but only because coach comes in the room, and tells them to hurry up because they gotta get to the plane.

*****

November 17th, 2023

Jordan emerges from her bedroom, dressed and ready for her English Lit class. She's wearing a comfortable but cute outfit - her favorite pair of jeans, a cozy sweater, and a pair of ankle boots. Her hair is pulled back into a messy bun, and she's got a backpack slung over one shoulder.

As she walks into the living room, she sees Jacob and Kelly sitting at the breakfast table, sipping coffee and chatting quietly. They both look up as she enters, smiling warmly.

"Morning, Jords," Jacob greets her, setting down his mug. "You're up early."

Jordan shrugs, adjusting the strap of her backpack. "Yeah, I've got class at 9. Figured I should probably be on time for once."

Kelly chuckles, shaking her head. "I still don't know how you manage to function at that hour. When I was in college, I avoided 9 AMs like the plague."

Jordan grins, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter. "It's not so bad once you get used to it. Plus, my teacher is pretty cool. He makes the lectures interesting."

Jacob nods, taking another sip of his coffee. "Speaking of class, what happened yesterday? I thought you had a full day, but Kelly said you were home when she got back."

Jordan feels a flicker of panic in her chest, but she tries to keep her expression neutral. "Oh, yeah, my last class got canceled. The teacher sent an email the night before, but I didn't see it until I was already on campus for my second class. So i just came back”

She takes a bite of her apple, chewing slowly to give herself a moment to compose her thoughts.

Jacob studies her for a minute, as if he’s looking for something.

She glances at the clock on the wall, realizing that she needs to get going if she wants to make it to class on time. "Alright, I should probably head out”

Jacob stands up, stretching his arms above his head. "You want a ride? I'm heading to the rink for practice, but I can drop you off on the way."

Jordan hesitates for a moment, tempted by the offer, before deciding to decline, “That’s okay, I think I’ll walk”

Jacob shrugs, grabbing his keys from the counter. "Suit yourself. Have a good day, Jords. Learn something new."

Jordan laughs, rolling her eyes. "I'll do my best.."

*****

Luke sits in his stall, methodically taping his stick as he goes through his pre-game routine. Around him, the locker room is a buzz of activity - teammates stretching, chatting, getting into the right headspace for the game ahead.

But Luke barely notices the noise, his mind a million miles away. He can't stop thinking about Jordan, wondering what she's doing right now.

He takes a deep breath, trying to center himself. He knows he needs to focus, needs to be fully present for the game ahead. The Flyers are a tough opponent.

But even as he tries to push thoughts of Jordan aside, he can't quite shake the butterflies in his stomach, the giddy anticipation that comes with the promise of seeing her again soon.

Suddenly, his coach's voice cuts through the chatter, calling the team to attention. It's time to hit the ice, to put everything else aside and focus on the task at hand.

Luke stands up, grabbing his helmet and gloves and falling into line behind his teammates. As they make their way down the tunnel and onto the ice, he feels a familiar rush of adrenaline, the roar of the crowd washing over him like a wave.

The first period is a blur of motion and speed, the puck bouncing from stick to stick like a rubber bullet. Luke is in the zone, his skates carving through the ice like blades, his mind completely focused on the game.

But the Flyers are relentless, their forecheck suffocating and their defense stifling. The Devils struggle to gain any momentum, their passes just a little off, their shots just a little wide.

As the buzzer sounds for the end of the period, Luke skates off the ice feeling frustrated and drained. They're down 1-0, and he knows they need to find a way to turn things around if they want to have any chance of winning.

In the locker room, the coach tries to rally the troops, his voice stern but encouraging. "We're not out of this yet, boys," he says, looking each player in the eye. "We need to simplify our game, get pucks deep and work harder on the forecheck. We can still win this."

Luke nods, wiping the sweat from his brow and taking a long swig of water. He knows the coach is right, knows that they have the skill and the determination to come back from this deficit.

But as the second period starts, it becomes clear that the Flyers have other ideas. They come out flying, their skates a blur as they swarm the Devils' zone like angry bees.

Luke does his best to keep up, defend rushes and create chances for his team. But the Flyers are relentless, and before he knows it, they're down 3-0, the game slipping away from them like sand through an hourglass.

As the second intermission rolls around, the mood in the locker room is grim. Guys are hanging their heads, muttering curses under their breath. The coach tries to keep things positive, but even he seems to be running out of words.

Luke sits in his stall, his head in his hands. He can't help but feel like he's letting his team down, like he should be doing more to turn the tide.

But even as he tries to rally himself, to find that extra gear that will help him push through the fatigue and the frustration, his mind keeps drifting back to Jordan.

He wonders if she's watching the game, if she's cheering him on from her couch or her bedroom. He pictures her face, the way her eyes light up when she smiles, the way her laugh makes his heart skip a beat.

And somehow, for the first time in his life, he feels like there’s more to life than hockey, and he doesn’t know if he should be ecstatic or terrified.

As the final buzzer sounds and the Devils skate off the ice with their heads held low, Luke feels a sense of disappointment wash over him. It's never easy to lose, especially at home in front of your own fans.

But as he makes his way back to the locker room, he feels his phone buzz in his pocket. He pulls it out to see a text from Jordan, a simple message that makes his heart swell with warmth.

You played your heart out tonight. I'm so proud of you. Can't wait to see you tomorrow.

#luke hughes #nj devils #original story #crossing enemy lines

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butchhamlet · 6 months

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a scene-by-scene playlist for macbeth--one song for each scene. you know the drill by now. track list with rationale under the cut; special thanks to @blackcatarts for help with the selection :3 happy halloween season, y'all.

track list + rationale

act one

1.1 (the witches enter) - Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Lorde Cover) (feels self-explanatory, plus the vibe of it feels like panning in over a foggy battlefield)

1.2 (duncan finds out macbeth slayed) - Aneurysm by Nirvana (found this one on this macbeth playlist a while back and it has remained a macbeth song to me forever and ever; the manic energy fits the battlefield fervor here)

1.3 (macbeth and banquo meet the witches) - They by Jem (“and it’s ironic too // ‘cause what we tend to do // is act on what they say // and then it is that way… who are they? where are they? how can they possibly know all this?”)

1.4 (duncan names malcolm his successor) - Money Money Money by ABBA (he’s plotting! he’s planning! stars, hide your fires! look just trust me on this one)

1.5 (lady macbeth reads the letter & reunites with macbeth) - She’s Kerosene by the Interrupters (every lyric of this song is about lady macbeth.)

1.6 (lady macbeth welcomes duncan to her castle) - Silver Platters by Les Gold (“no need to be cordial // you could be immortal // if you take the risk // could you take the risk?” + “step out on the dance floor // this is what you asked for // such a pretty face // what was it underneath the mask for?”)

1.7 (the macbeths argue) - Fight For Me by AlicebanD (macbeths song of all time!!!)

act two

2.1 (dagger scene) - Disturbia by Rihanna (the supernatural begins to bleed into the world! will someone please direct a macbeth where this comes on during this scene)

2.2 (post-murder argument) - Prowl Great Cain by The Mountain Goats (very macbeth song. placed here for “and i feel guilty, but i can’t feel ashamed!” & mention of sleepwalking & betrayal & prowling [cf. his line about tarquin in 2.1])

2.3 (porter scene, duncan’s death comes out) - Daniel in the Den by Bastille (“felled in the night by the ones you think you love // they will come for you” + “and for every king that died // they would crown another”)

2.4 (hey. don’t cry. duncan’s horses ate each other) - When He Died by Lemon Demon (literally a song about the world getting fucked up after a guy dies what can i say)

act three

3.1 (banquo gets suspicious) - Aha! by Imogen Heap (entire song about people pretending to be better than they are, including an actual serial killer. + “cost you to keep me quiet” with banquo…)

3.2 (the macbeths are fracturing) - The Horror of Our Love by Ludo (EXTREMELY MACBETHS SONG. here because this is the scene where they start to switch places, with him the one buying into violence as the answer & telling her not to worry about gory details)

3.3 (banquodeath) - Bury A Friend by Billie Eilish (rdj meme voice: he has murdered his friend)

3.4 (banquet scene) - Bird Song by Florence + the Machine (song about killing the witness and then being haunted by that witness and completely losing your shit trying to shut their ghost up…)

3.5 (hecate) - Hecate by Wendy Rule (i don’t give a shit about this scene i’m sorry. interpolation boooooo)

3.6 (lennox talks politics) - Dark Doo Wop by MS MR (foggy apocalyptic ones. “it’s all gone to shit // it’s out of our hands”)

act four

4.1 (double double toil & trouble) - Hot Knife by Fiona Apple (i’m a hot knife i’mmmm a hot knife i’m a hot knife he’s a pat of butter… you’re just gonna have to trust me on this one. my school’s macbeth had heavy drumming all through this scene and it’s associated with this song to me forever)

4.2 (macduff’s family is murdered) - Pretty Little Things by the Crane Wives (songs about pretty/fragile things being destroyed because of men’s betrayal… thinking about how lady macduff blames her husband for abandoning her to the wolves :( )

4.3 (malcolm and macduff) - All or Nothing by the Dream Masons (songs that are about both malcolm and macduff. the first verse especially is very malcolm, as a young prince stranded among enemies; the chorus is especially macduff-deciding-to-kill-macbeth-or-die-trying)

act five

5.1 (lady macbeth sleepwalks) - Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song) by Fiona Apple (LADY MACBETH GUILT SONG! “those boon times went bust // my feet of clay, they dried to dust // the red isn’t the red we painted, it’s just rust” w her imaginary bloodstains, + “i’m either so sick in the head i need to be bled dry to quit // or i just really used to love him // i sure hope that’s it”)

5.2 (the scots and english gather) - Marked Man by Mieka Pauley (songs i considered for 4.3 as well. they are coming to Get His Ass)

5.3 (macbeth preparing to fight) - For the Departed by Shayfer James (songs about knowing you’re about to get got but what does it matter when you’re already damned)

5.4 (the fucking wood is moving guys) - Kingdom Fall by Claire Wyndham (songs i almost put on the prior scene, for “i’d rather watch my kingdom fall // i want it all or not at all,” but eventually i placed it here because… well, we are watching the kingdom fall, my guy)

5.5 (tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow) - Drowning in the Sound by Amanda Palmer (okay, this is kind of because of “sound and fury,” but also it’s soooo macbeth act 5. “and the body is a temple but the temple is a prison and the prison’s overcrowded and the inmates know it’s flooded and the body politic is getting sicker by the second” + “do you ever feel like this should be officially the end? // and that you should be the one to do the ending, but you can’t?” + the inevitability…)

5.6 (scots + english arrive) - Lion’s Teeth by the Mountain Goats (song about trying to kill a powerful and tyrannical figure. also sounds like a fight scene)

5.7 (macduff and macbeth come face to face) - Bury Me Face Down by grandson (so obsessed with how firmly this guy would rather go down fighting than do literally anything easier)

5.8 (macbeth’s head presented, malcolm crowned) - King of the World by WAR*HALL (a new king is crowned after one dies by violence. fleance is still out there somewhere. the cycle of violence continues. this one doesn’t work unless you imagine the witches watching pityingly/sinisterly in the background)

#max.txt #macbeth #LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOO GANG! I LOVE THIS DAMN PLAY #scene by scene playlist #playlistgate #Spotify

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phoebepheebsphibs · 4 months

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NOT THE SHAKY LINES AROUND DRAXUM TOO (That alone gives me angst pangs 😭) HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm perfectly normal about this guy what do you mean :')

HECK YEAH HUG UR SON GOAT DAD

This does beg the question though- have you thought about where Draxum was during the invasion? (within the lore/au/etc of this story/comic, at least?) Why WASN'T he there when Mikey almost died?

food for thought :3 and fun

I love this comic so much 😭 uyghjdfqwseuhghugsivyjbhkjdcvb

(Real quick cuz I love this detail— but if you look closely you can see that the shaky lines surround just Draxum in one panel… but then spread to Mikey too when he starts crying.)

I heard one theory that Drax was out of the country getting magic supplies and junk… I like that idea, of him traveling to Japan to learn about ancient Yokai culture and legends…

But personally I think he was just. Busy. Or trapped. Similar to how Cass was there, she just wasn’t “there” there. I assume that he was either at the school, at his apartment, or down in the Hidden City somewhere. He probably wanted to find the guys but got caught up in the Krang attacking wherever he was, and didn’t get a chance to call them or check in until a fair amount of time after everything was done.

{For my comic of Draxum’s Nightmare, however, I like to think that he was doing nothing in particular. He was relaxing, enjoying his day, plotting some mad scientist stuff, and didn’t even hear about the Krang attack until hours after it was over. He was maybe in the Hidden City shopping and renovating his lab, doing some fine work, maybe getting a new robe too, and of course filing paperwork with the Council of Heads so that he was no longer a wanted (goat) man. And then when he goes home to his apartment, via portal of course, he turns on the TV and sees the news. His heart drops as he realizes what he missed. Draxum is not a begging man, but he actually begins to pray that they all made it through safely or survived, because of course they’d be in the middle of it. His phone blows up with texts from April and Mikey and Donnie and Raph and probably not Leo except for a meme that says “I lived, sheep man!” with him giving a peace sign while he lies on a stretcher with a leg cast and arm cast and enough bandages to qualify him as a mummy. But they lived. They are okay… mostly. They didn��t need his help after all. Sure, it might’ve been easier if he was there, but there’s no point in dwelling on the “what ifs”, especially since it all worked out. Splinter calls. Cassandra calls. Mikey calls. He goes to help them and hears about the entire battle… not like he was worried, he’s seen what they can do— MIKEY DID WHAT.

Oh.

Oh heads.

And his greatest fear haunts him. Because… he wasn’t there. And one small mistake could have cost the life of the one Hamato that saved him… changed him… accepted him. When no one else did. When everyone saw him as either a failure or a villain… and he could have lost that one precious child.

And he could have helped, he knew what to do! He knew how to use that kind of magic and he’s had experience opening portals to other dimensions!! HE COULD HAVE DONE IT BUT MIKEY DID AND HE HAD NO IDEA HOW TO DO THAT AND IT SHOULD HAVE KILLED HIM—! …Mikey should be dead at this very moment.

And Draxum would never have had a chance to say goodbye.}

I hope you enjoyed that haha

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coleskingdom · 1 day

Text

Lost in Translation

Will Ospreay x F Reader

Minors DNI 18+

@midwestmade29 @madhatterbri thanks for putting up with my Will fixation.

“Thank God that’s over” Will relief showing in his tone. “However love what was that look you were giving me from behind the camera.” legs still spread in the chair, where they’d just finished filming. “ Did I say something wrong? “ his words held doubt and anxiety. “This is your dressing room for the day right?” as I walked towards the door. “ Yeah, but tell me what I did.” his voice slightly pleading. “ You only sat there looking like gods gift to women, talking about stroking a goat. It’s petting here in the states, stroking means something entirely different here.” Locking the door smiling as I walked back to him. “Christ, first my meme face and now this. At least it wasn’t something like the battle I started when I said grind.” his laughter filling the room he stood as I walked back to him.

The mischievous look in his eyes as he focuses on me. The scruff tickles my face as he leans in and kisses like he's intent on conquest, and I'm already claimed in one sweeping kiss. His kiss makes me feel painfully empty with a desire to be filled, hyper-aware of every inch of my body. Every part of me he isn't touching. Until his hands are on me, dragging me down on to the chair with him as if I weigh nothing, pulling me into his lap.

Until my ass is against his thighs and there's something hard and hungry and oh-so-thick pressing up against me, hot even through the fabric of his athletic pants , burning against the naked backs of my thighs. Until his arm is hard around my waist, caging me against the hardness of his body, giving me everything I need with the pleasure of his touch crushing against me. Until everywhere he touches me, pressed chest to chest, stomach to stomach, makes me aware of my senses, when he touches me my body comes alive under his hand.

He bites at my mouth, stinging and bruising and all delicious heat.

I bite right back. Fighting him, giving back need for need, kiss for kiss, lick for lick, nip for nip until we're a tangled mess of rushed breaths and grasping hands.

Tangling my fingers in his hair, I stroke back through his dirty blonde hair. He lets out a thrumming, feral growl against my lips before burying his face against my throat.He sensitizes my skin with the rasp of his beard, then ignites me again with kisses and gentle, slow bites trailing at my throat, following my pulse.

My gasps come low, at first, turning into startled cries as he lifts me, shifts me, his possessive, rough hands on my thighs.

Making them shake as he pulls them apart, repositions me, settles me down on his lap again until I'm straddling him.

Suddenly, this is so much more intimate.I'm wide open, my panties drenched and pushing up against sensitive, needy, wet-slicked flesh.

His hands dig into my ass, making that empty clutch in me, that need to be filled, pulse ten times harder.

He grabs at my shorts, handfuls of my flesh, and brings me down against him.

The pressure of his cock against his pants is almost fucking me, sliding and rubbing between my thighs, scorching my own wetness into me with heat and friction, and there's no escaping it when his body is so large between my legs that my inner thighs ache. It's the effort to span him, to straddle him, bared in all but name.

“Will we can’t here. We can go back to the hotel.” my words barely recognizable.

His answer cuts off my words burying his face against the low neckline of my tank top, dragging the delicious friction of his stubble over the upper curves of my breasts. He only pauses to dip his head, captures my nipple in his mouth, sucking and nibbling and teasing through my top and bra.

It's molten, the fabric trapping the wetness and heat of his mouth, slicking it against my skin.

His tongue that leave me writhing against him, rocking my hips, grinding myself against him greedily until I'm all, desperate need, completely stripped of my senses.

He makes a deep, satisfying sound with one last little lick, then lets go, looking up at me with those blue eyes smoldering.

"You were saying?" he growls. “Here, here is good.” I pant. He kisses me again - softer this time, a gentle thing that ends in a taunting nip, a promise. "Feel like being bad maybe breaking a few rules?"

I bite my lip, tasting him on it, then curl my fingers against his sweatshirt, gripping at the hem and tugging upward. His eyes brighten, then darken, and he leans back from me enough to grasp his shirt and pull it up over his head.

Every time my fingertips skim his shoulders, his chest, the ripples of his abdo-men, a shudder rolls tensely over his body. He's barely holding himself in check, breathing harder and harder, while every part of him I take in makes my body ache deeper and deeper.

Until my fingers stray down to his navel, that trail of tempting blonde hair, and lower. Will’s control snaps.

Suddenly, I'm tumbling on my back, spilled across the locker room floor. I almost laugh at the absurdity of the situation as he pins me.It’s the warmth and need and softness in those vivid blue eyes that cause me to shiver. His splayed fingers skim up my body, pushing the hem of my shirt up, taunting me with the his calloused fingers.

I suck in a breath as his hands rove higher, as he lifts the tank top over my breasts, baring me save for the barely-there bra cups that are no protection at all.

Not from his gaze. And not from the heavy, touch of a possessive hand curling against my breast, cupping and kneading my flesh against him, until I feel like putty in his hands.

A whimper slips out of me. I can't help but writhe, lifting myself up, eyes slipping half-closed as I bite my tongue on pleasure.

His knee braces against the floor between my thighs. Every time I move, I'm grinding myself against the hardness of his thigh.Struggling not to completely lose myself with every touch, every kiss, every heated glance.

I'm so weak for him. So shamefully weak, he strips what last strength I have as he lowers his body over me, licks his way up my stomach in sizzling trails, catches my bra cup in his teeth, and drags the lace down to bare me to him.

And to the kiss of his lips, as his mouth teases me once again with no buffering layer between us, pulling my hardened, tightening, tingling nipple into his mouth.

Desire shoots through me.

I'm so lost, such a mess, digging my fingers into his back, as I move against him. I don't even realize what he's doing until my shorts are open and suddenly there's the heat of hard, thick knuckles against tender skin, slipping down, exploring and brushing over my folds.

I can't stop my moan this time. It rips out of me, a sweet hot tremor as everything inside me clenches. His fingers well practiced as they glide down slow, knowing to find where I'm already wet. He has me in the palm of his hand.

He knows how to make me writhe. Knows how to make me spread my straining thighs and lift myself desperately toward his stroking fingers. Knows how to make me lose my breath when he teases one greedy point and then the next.

And he knows how to completely break any last resistance I had when he lets go of my nipple with one last loving lick, swirls his fingers through my dripping wetness, and growls huskily against my ear, "..always so ready for me." Oh, God. Just two fingertips, sliding inside me, slow and testing - but they're enough to set me off.

"Will!" | gasp, arching hard against the floor. Only the thick, pinning of his body holds me in place.

His fingers respond, surging slowly deeper, anchoring me with a rough confidence and certainty that twists me up and leaves me feeling so deliciously his.

He conquers my whole world, in this moment; there's nothing but the heavy rasp of his breaths in my ear, the heat and pressure of his body, the unyielding planes of hard muscle beneath my digging fingers, the movement of his fingers coming deeper and deeper.

Twisting. Pumping. Taking. Pushing me higher and higher each time he strokes, quickening his delicious pressure against my inner walls. I turn my head, lips against his ear. "Will," | whisper. He stops, gently slipping his fingers from my body. That raspy, commanding voice murmurs against my ear, my jaw, my throat.

"What about the hotel? You want me here, now?”

I nod, struggling to catch my breath as my entire body vibrates . “Please." He's already dragging my shorts, my panties away - peeling them down my legs, stroking over my thighs with his fingertips in the process.

Then I'm bared before him, the last scraps of cloth clinging to me, he slides down his pants. I bury my face against his shoulder, feeling hard heat pressing against me, thick and teasing against me until my stomach clenches and my breaths hitch. He rolls his hips against mine, a hard surge of muscle bunching under my fingertips, plunging his cock into my trembling, clenching depths.

The feeling of every inch of him gliding inside me, moving with such perfectly controlled strength and giving me that feeling of fullness.

One rough hand pins me to the floor , his fingers digging tight into my hip, having me to take him at his pace. l’m a whimpering mess just craving more. Then I feel it that moment when our hips crash together, when we lock so perfectly, when he fits inside me just right.

That moment when he's touching all those places that turn me into fireworks and stars. My clit throbs, buried under his pubic bone, gently grinding against me each time we collide. I'm gone. Bonelessly limp with pleasure, melted underneath him while he kisses me fiercely, delving into me until there's no part of me he hasn't touched. His hips crash harder. Faster. His thrusts come insanely deep, driving into parts of me that have only been touched by him. A feral growl pouring out his lips every time he makes me gasp a little louder.

He pushes his forehead against mine, and we're eye-to-eye when our O comes together. That moment when his whole body goes rigid and he growls my name. His dick swelling while my pussy pulls at every inch, and then I feel his release.

“Love , are you okay?” as he pulls me into him. “I think I’m going to need a shower and a massage after that.” grinning at him. The concern on his face eases, “Shower here, then a massage at the hotel.” his voice flirting the line between mischievous and loving.

#will ospreay x you #will ospreay x y/n #will ospreay smut #aew smut #will ospreay x reader #will ospreay fanfic #will ospreay imagine #aew fanfiction #aew fanfic

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