Jules Martin
"What the hell happened here!" Coach said next, addressing a completely silent locker room.
"Zander happened. He threw his helmet at Jules." Levi said calmly, yet still visibly annoyed, and clearly not bothered whatsoever with ratting out Zander.
"He obviously didn't miss... Martin you're bleeding." What? "Are you alright?"
Fuck. I reached up to my cheekbone as soon as he pointed it out, sticky blood instantly speared onto my fingertips. "Shit." I widened my eyes at the sight of dark red coating my skin. "I'm n-n-not sure." I hesitantly answered him, hoping I didn't need any stitches because those things itch like a bitch.
"Pussy." Zander muttered under his breath, a clear smirk across his face.
That smirk was about to be wiped off his face though, and it did as soon as coach turned around, angerly. "Your dad has me under his thumb you say? Well, he can kiss my hairy ass!" He yelled while stomping over to him. "I have dealt with your shit long enough! Hand over your captain jersey." Oh wow. No way! He yelled once more, pointing his finger at Zander's face while loud gasps filled the room, everyone's eyes as wide as they could get.
"What?" Zander looked at him in complete shock while I pressed my lips together.
"Don't you speak English? You're not captain anymore until you get your act together, if you ever will. The team is losing and falling apart and it's because their captain is losing his mind over a silly girl!" Hey, she's anything but silly! "You act like a fucking child on and off the ice and I'm done! Done! And so are you! It's gonna be the bench for you until you earn my trust and theirs!" He pointed at all of us. Not sure if he ever will.
"You can't do this to me!" Zander still looked shocked, pure panic written all over his face.
"Watch me!" Coach yelled right at Zander's face.
"You're really going to bench me?" He laughed sarcastically, his spot on the team apparently not as safe as he thought. "Me? On the bench? That just not going to happen!" He shook his head, but I don't think he had a choice.
"Fine, you choose... It's either the bench until I say so, or you can leave for the rest of the season." As much as we were enjoying the drama, this threat was something we all felt, as not playing is all of our worst nightmare. Shit. "You don't have to decide now, but just take your stuff and leave, so we can clean up the mess you made." He didn't even let Zander answer and all of us watched him clench his jaw while grabbing his stuff and barging out of the room with grunts of frustration. The door harshly slamming shut behind him made coach roll his eyes. "So, Martin are you good?" He said, stepping towards me with a grimace on his face, his hand gently squeezing my shoulder. "Don't think it needs stitches, but make sure you don't go to bed with a bad headache." Yeah I know. "So." He cleared his throat while walking to the middle of the room? "Since Johnson is no longer with us as captain until... You know..." He sighed, disappointed that things had to go this way. "We'll have two alternate captains. "Levi Jackson, Jules Martin since you guys were to only two who managed to touch a damn puck today, the responsibility is yours." Uhmm, what did you say? Levi looked at me like he was thinking the exact same thing. "Your time to lead and shine. Don't disappoint." Coach Benson said sternly, with no emotion at all while both Levi and I were dying on the inside with joy, but somewhere I felt like I didn't deserve the win.
"Hey coach, what about me?" Ezra laughed as typical Ezra would do.
"Miller, being captain is a responsibility. You can't even tie your skates right." He answered dryly and the smile on Ez's face suddenly faded.
"It was only a joke though, but thanks." He barely said out loud, his face an obvious pout.
"Don't bother Ez, your ego is big enough. We don't need to boost that shit." Levi laughed while coach walked out of the locker room.
Ezra scoffed and rolled his eyes. "That's what you think. The ego is bruised now after this shit." These two, they will always be like this, and I wouldn't want to play without them!
The shower was much needed and surely refreshing. "I can't believe we're captains now." Levi said while getting dressed next to me, he sounded like he was happy yet worried at the same time. "The other guys can't stop glaring, like we don't deserve that spot." Maybe we don't, but who cares.
"I know, I have n-n-noticed too..." I shook my head, remembering Kai looked at me as if he wanted to break my leg at the next game. Slightly rolling my eyes I turned around to take a look at the mirror. I didn't have the expected headache from getting battered by that helmet, although the cut on my eyebrow wasn't looking very nice and my cheekbone was already starting to bruise. Damn, I can't really hide this shit. She's gonna know. I slapped my cap on backwards, knowing at least she's gonna like that part, before turning to Levi. "This is insane... How are we going to play w-w-with a team that rather s-sees us eat ice than lead." Panic started to make my hands clammy.
"I don't know, maybe it'll be better now Zander isn't here to talk shit." Levi shrugged, yet the look on his face told me he agreed.
"I can heard you whine all the way into the shower. At least coach believes in you guys because, apparently I can't do shit." Ezra suddenly huffed while she walked to us from the shower space, as he's always last to leave. The slow sloth always takes his time. "I have reason to whine." He said, still seeming a little off from what happened at the game.
"Still sulking over Sophia?" Levi smirked and looked at me as we both waited with anticipation.
"Will you stop already. It's not funny anymore." Ezra suddenly scoffed while shoving his foot in his dress pants, clearly agitated.
Levi's face was a fun sight as he held his laugh. "Come on, we're just messing with you." He nudged Ez's shoulder, but that didn't seem to change his mood.
"For once I'm not the clown." He instantly rolled his eyes.
"Ez..." I shook my head, trying to light up his mood, but I don't think anyone could have.
"No, just stop. Even if I was interested, she didn't notice me for one second, and I was hard to miss since I was getting fucking slammed with pucks. Honestly, trying is just a waste of time." He put on the rest of his clothes with a heavy frown, his head low.
"He's so interested." Levi smirked and muttered at me.
I muttered back with a grin. "You really w-want him to get mad at you huh?"
"She hasn't even thanked me for stopping those idiots at the party. They fucking slipped something in her drink." Ezra suddenly continued on the topic while he just told us to leave it. "I don't know what she thinks, but clearly I'm not worth of a single fucking thank you." He huffed annoyed. He's in denial if he says he doesn't like her. "Who knows what would have happened."
"Yeah you're her knight in shining armor, we know. What are you going to do about it?" Levi chuckled.
"Uhm nothing." Ez was quick to shake his head. "She has given me zero signals she's somewhat interested, on the contrary! She has insulted me more than the our good friend Zander." He laughed, yet it sounded more like he had just put a knife through his own heart. "Nah man, just leave it. She looks cute, but the attitude isn't it." He shook his head, and that coming from a guy who just hooks up with random girls and doesn't even have conversations with them to get to know their so said attitude, that to me, meant he wanted her to be different. That's sad though.
"Alright then, whatever you say or want Ezzy, but I'm gonna go see my girl now." Levi said with the biggest smile across his face.
"You are exactly what I don't want to turn into if I ever fall in love again." Ez laughed, almost a bit too loud and mocking, much to Levi's annoyance.
Levi scoffed at his words. "If you ever find a girl that wants to be stuck with you, you mean?"
"Ouch, Levi. Be easy o-on him." I laughed at their continuous bickering.
"Are you gonna defend Ezra's love life or are you coming?" He smirked knowing Luna would probably be still with Grace... And Sophia.
"Ez. Are y-you coming too?" I smirked at him while swinging my bag over my shoulder.
"I have no choice... That nincompoop is our ride." Ezra widened his eyes at Levi who was already rushing out of the door on which I had no choice but to laugh.
It didn't take us long walking through the hallway to find everyone waiting for the players at the end of it and while my anticipating smile was expecting Luna a much different girl was fogging the view. Jesus, not her, she's still hanging around? My smile faded when it landed on Mara trying to make heavy eye contact with me as she left the wall to block my way through. "You have fans." Ezra whispered next to me, but I wasn't impressed by this fan.
"Sadly yes." I shook my head, trying to look over Mara to find someone else, and yes... The one I was looking for was standing behind Mara and a friend of hers. She was leaning against the wall as Grace ran towards Levi who was already ahead of Ez and I. I bit my bottom lip thinking about going up to Luna and putting my lips on hers and my arms around her waist. I just wanted her close so the day would end in the most perfect way possible, and that was only because of her. Luna's blue eyes fell on me and the smile she threw me certainly made my entire being shake. Just walk faster. I told myself while I couldn't contain the smile on my face to grow bigger each step I got closer, but I still had to get past that one big mistake I made one night and now seems to haunt me. How could I have been so stupid to sleep with her. I got close, and I could tell Mara needed attention as she left her friend like she didn't even know her, so she could talk to me or whatever she wanted. Please don't talk to me, please. "Hey you." She smiled while giving me a once over the second I was about to pass her and she stepped out in front of me. I tried to look at Ezra, widen my eyes at him for help or something, but he was already walking ahead. Fuck. "It has been a while huh." Mara continued without any reaction from my side, other than a blank face and a swallow. "I loved watching you play." She said, her voice far too high not to be annoying. What did I ever see in her? Blonde hair, full lips and the same body type as the girl you were crushing on. Right. I'm an idiot. My conscience was mocking me.
Shit. I muttered to myself when I saw Luna watch this play out and her smile quickly changed into something else. "Mara, I'm..." I tried to say but she quickly cut me off while putting her hand on my bicep. .
"I'm happy to see you too." Huh? That's not what I was about to say. "Do you have any plans? I mean we could go out for dinner? I don't know you're already dressed fancy so..." I don't want to go anywhere with you... Just no. Stop trying so hard.
I sighed deeply, it was either that or roll my eyes. "I'm sorry, I actually d-d-do have plans tonight." Just not with you. I wanted to say but I didn't want to be an asshole.
"Like what?" She frowned at me, her flirty mood gone in a blink of an eye.
I sighed again while shrugging my arm away from her touch. "I'm sorry, I don't have time right now." Ever. I said with a blank face before gently guiding her aside so I could do what I wanted ever since I left her this morning. With Mara peering holes in my back I rushed off to Luna, shaking my head and mouthing help to her as my way of letting her know I just got some unwanted attention. My gesture made her laugh while she waited patiently for me to reach her and as soon as she was within reach I pasted my lips on hers, the smell of her vanilla and berry perfume instantly filling my senses. My hands cupped her face as I lowered myself to her level, her hand grabbing my jacket and instantly pulling me into her. She kissed me back, carefully but addictively swiping her lips across mine before letting go ever so slowly. "I hope that wasn't just to make her jealous?" She smirked while glancing at Mara, but I only had eyes for her and the way her cheeks were flustered.
"Because I w-w-wanted to." I whispered into her ear, one of my hands still cupping her face, my thumb enjoying the softness of her skin as it gently caressed her rosy cheek. Mhh I missed you.
"She looks as if she wants to cry though." Luna chuckled, before turning her face back to me, her mouth instantly parting. "What the hell happened to you?" She said, her voice filled with shock and worry as she stood on her tiptoes, reaching up to touch my bruised cheekbone. "Are you okay? Your eyebrow too... What-" She rushed, her eyes frantically wandering over the clean cut.
"Zander." I sighed, not able to look her in the eye as I said so, lightly shaking my head as I rather not talk about that idiot.
"What!" She took a step back, taking a deep breath as she shook her head. "Where is he! I'm gonna kill him! He can't just hurt you because he's mad at me!" Her face became visibly angry as she clenched her jaw, looking around the place to get a glimpse of our former captain. I couldn't help but find it endearing that she was so protective over me, attractive even that she felt so strong to face him after everything he put her through. "Fine, I'll go find him myself." She huffed when I didn't say a single word, completely in awe by her bold words and cute frowny face. Aren't you Rambo in disguise.
I was even more in awe when she shook her head more and started to walk away to the locker room, my hand instantly grasping her puffer jacket at the back to stop her, my face twisted in a smirk. "Get back here y-y-you little crackhead." I whined with a chuckle. She's so cute when angry. "You're not going to find him there." I smiled more when she turned around and looked at me with a pout. "I'm fine, I don't want you t-to go after him and get hurt."
"Ah, so you think this little crackhead can't handle him? Jules I will fight like Tyson for you." She smiled as my heart just melted. I don't doubt you can. I intertwined my fingers with hers, and pulled her back into me without resistance. "I'm serious." She pouted once more.
"If I were Zander I would be terrified of you." I pulled my brows up at her with wide eyes. "But he g-g-got what he deserved." I couldn't help but smirk.
"He deserves a kick in the nuts, so unless you did that I don't think he did." She said, her tone still slightly angry. Ha kick in the nuts? What he got definitely feels like it. "Look at your eyebrow Jules, It's cut. It's sexy though, but you're still hurt." She whined, but looked even more endearing doing so.
I shook my head at the way she eyed me up like I was an afternoon snack. "Relax, he got even worse."
"Even worse? Now I'm curious." She pulled her brows up while her hands laced around the collar of my dressy vest, her lips also curved into a smile as soon as her gaze fell on mine.
"I'll tell y-y-you but first just kiss me." I basically begged into a whisper, my hands around her waist slightly lifting her up.
"Tell me now." She whined, of course she did and so I just silenced her as I gently made my lips collide with hers. I can't resist that pouty face.
"Okay fine, one more." She begged, standing on her tip toes to press her lips into mine once again. The sensation of her lips on mine lasted longer than intended, but it felt just so nice and soothing.
"You are kissing the new alternate c-captain." I whispered into our kiss, her eyes instantly going wide.
"What?" She whispered back, dumbfounded and I kissed her again, this time catching her bottom lip between my teeth to finish with, a soft hum telling me she wanted more.
"You just k-kissed the new alternate captain twice." I smirked softly into her parted lips. Come on it's not that hard of a riddle.
"What?" She repeated, her face still all surprise.
"Do you want me to do it again?" I chuckled, but before she had a choice I leaned in once more, cupping both sides of her face while I ever so gently kissed her.
"Hold up..." She interrupted me from deepening the kiss a little. "Alternate captain? As in AC jersey? As in you captain, He who shall not be named not captain. You know, forget about the douche he doesn't even matter. You're the new captain?" She rushed, as she looked up at me with big eyes and an even bigger smile.
"The douche is benched u-until further notice." I chuckled. "And yeah that jersey."
Before I could say anything else she was already talking. "Holy shit! I mean, hell yes! Do you want to make a fuss or not, because I can totally do that."
"Just keep in on the down low." I instantly chuckled as she awaited my response, and before I could say anything else she grabbed my face and pasted her lips on mine. "Yes, yes. Oh god yes. Finally." She enthusiastically whispered into my lips, trying not to draw any attention like I asked. "I'm so happy right now! That spot should have been yours from the moment you got here!" She whispered before pecking my lips with the biggest smile.
"I have to share it with Lee though." I tried to calm her enthusiasm, but she pulled me into a hug, her arms laced around my neck.
"Though nothing... You finally get to shine!"
"Like the moon a-among the stars right?" I whispered into the side of her face and she instantly pulled back.
"I guess that piece of tape did bring you luck after all." She couldn't hide the content smirk on her face and she didn't have to, it was a fucking adorable sight to see.
"Well, you did." I whispered, burrowing my face in her neck, wanting to have her close to me all night.
As if she could read my mind she whispered back. "What are you doing now?" Hanging out with you, I hope.
I pulled back a little before people would start to look at us. Not because I was ashamed, but more so because the other players were already putting a label on her, all thanks to Zander. And the last thing I wanted was for people to make things up while seeing things they know nothing about and just assuming, because nowadays that seems to be everybody's fucking hobby.
"I'm all yours." I smirked at her and it immediately made her smile. "Also thanks for coming to watch me play. We completely sucked but-"
"Your team sucked, you didn't." She cut me short. "Besides, watching you play might have become my new favorite thing to do." She suddenly smirked through her soft smile. "Besides this." She reached up again, barely reaching me but I decided to lean down a bit for her until she could kiss me on last time.
"Smooth Larsson." I grinned while she stood back, eyeing me up again.
"Learned from the best." She winked and it was cute that she tried even though I couldn't call that a wink. "Ignore what I just did." She widened her eyes at her own failed attempt. "Weird question." She said, her face filled with mischief. "Do you have sweatpants with you?" What? I know gray sweats are your kink, but that doesn't mean I bring them with me everywhere I go.
"Nope." I frowned, and she instantly scrunched her nose.
"Alright, then you'll just have to be uncomfortable." She pulled up her shoulders, the mischief still all over her face and more so a cute little suggestive smirk. To do what? "I have an idea, come." She rushed while grabbing my hand and dragging me across the hallway towards a cuddly Levi and Grace and a freezing looking Sophia. "Do you guys have any plans tonight?" Luna asked them, her tone joyful.
"Depends on what you're suggesting." Levi wiggled his eyebrows and I know he'd be fine with anything as long as Grace would be tagging along.
Luna briefly looked up at me, smiled and then suggested her a plan to get everyone together. "Movie and pizza night at my place."
"Ahem, our place." Sophia quickly added.
"Yeah, our place." The cute blonde next to me rolled her eyes.
The look on Grace's face instantly was one filled with joy. "Say pizza and I'm in."
"Me too!" Levi added, pulling Grace into his side and I just had the urge to do the same to Luna. Guess I'm in too.
"And nobody is going to ask me?" Sophia pouted in a soft kind of way, like she felt left out in her own house.
"Hey Ezra!" Luna suddenly called him, who was talking to some, how do I say it politely, well bunnies. "You're welcome to join too." But all he did was frown and leave the two girls for what they were, desperate for attention.
"What are you doing Luna?" Sophia gritted through her teeth, keeping her voice low.
"To join what?" Ezra said while finally completing the group, a curious frown still covering his face. "Sorry I wasn't listening."
"Aw was that puck bunny talking you ear off." Ouch. Of course Sophia snapped at him and all of us were strapping in for the ride, a very amusing one as always. They always brought the kind of drama you love, but don't want to go through yourself, yeah that's it.
"At least she's talking to me... You're just always snapping like a fucking turtle." Ez, you're playing with fire again. He rolled his eyes like there was no tomorrow, earning himself the typical Sophia scoff, which we all came to know well.
"Ez, pizza, movie, us and the boys, Luna's place." Grace said, sheepishly looking over at Sophia as if asking for permission.
At first Ezra seemed hesitant, looking at all of us but Sophia. "Will she be there?" He nodded towards her, other than that completely ignoring her.
"I fucking live there, what do you think." He wasn't wrong about the snapping turtle though.
Before saying anything else Ezra threw Sophia a fake smile. "Fine. Count me in. If only just to annoy her." He told Luna, forgetting Sophia existed for the next second.
"Are you fucking kidding me." Sophia pouted and as much as she seemed annoyed the look on her face was kind of endearing. "I guess fifth wheel Soph has nothing to say about who we invite at our place." Well Luna can be convincing.
"Shhh, you love me either way!" Luna nudged Sophia's arm and she couldn't help but smirk all of a sudden.
"I'm not so sure anymore." She said with a smile on her face.
"Aw, you'll thank me later." Luna smirked back, her gaze alternating between Ez and Sophia. Oh, oh smooth Luna, trying to play cupid.
"So." Levi loudly changed the topic. "Mom and dad will go get the food, okay?" Levi looked at Grace. Mom and dad? Actually that kind of fits. Levi even clapped his hands and rubbed them together next. "I'm paying, we have something to celebrate."
Sophia's mouth just fell open at Lee's announcement and by the look on her face she thought... Well... "Grace are you pr-"
"God no!" Grace's eyes went wide. "No, I don't know what he's talking about."
Levi's face was also blank at the thought, before shaking his head. "I'll explain later babe. Alright everyone text me your order and we'll meet at Luna's place." He said. "And Soph's." He added as Sophia glared at him, giving him no other choice. "You guys fine to drive with Luna?" I am. Levi addressed both Ez and I.
"Lee, I drive a Mini. I don't think Ezra fits in the backseat, plus their bags..." Luna wasn't sure we were all going to fit and pulled her cutest thinking face.
"Why not? Isn't that a clown thing? Crawling into tiny cars?" Sophia snapped, but it made all of us laugh but Ezra of course, knowing she was insulting him with it.
"Isn't spitting venom a snake thing?" He instantly snapped back, his face annoyed and disappointed.
"God help us!" Luna shook her head as the bickering already started. It made me want to put the smile back on her face and so I draped my arm over her and pulled her close, her hand looking for mine as it hung relaxed on her shoulder.
Levi chuckled. "I'll put the bags in my truck, just take these two bunglers with you." Thanks Lee, bungler, really?
"I can drive your car? If y-y-you let me? That way Ez can sit in the front too. I think it'll fit." I said. I have been wanting to give the Mini a go for a while now. She says it's a scrap car. I would say it's a classic.
"Not even halfway through my sentence she was already grabbing the key before pushing it into my hand with a smirk. "You're the only person I trust to drive her." She looked up at me, the look on her face one I wanted to frame.
"Oh it's a she? I'll b-be extra careful then." I took the key from her, but not without leaning in and quickly putting my lips on hers.
I was driving her car and I already knew it wasn't going to be the last time. The look on Luna's face as she watched me through the rear view mirror said enough. I made her smile grow wider at a certain red light, reaching back to caress the side of her leg, her cheeks instantly a deep shade of pink. Little touches like this felt major when it came to her. The ever slightest feeling of her body brushing against mine was enough to set me ablaze, enough to make my thoughts go over every single reason why I was falling in love with her.
The night was only just beginning, and I had a feeling while watching the sun set in the background this was going to be a good one, but maybe not for everyone. While Sophia and Luna were japing away about girl stuff in the back seat, Ezra looked rather uncomfortable in the passenger seat. Not because of the size of the car, but he looked like he was fighting a battle with his own thoughts while letting his eye wander off into the side mirror, surely not looking at himself. Oh Ez...
----------- 🌙 -----------
💛 Hi loves! I can't even say HOW EXCITED I am for the next chapter! I have it planned with funny conversations, drama and cuteness! Any thoughts on this one?
🌙 Any predictions? What's gonna happen? A normal pizza night or????
⭐️ Vote if you liked this one