Jack and I sat at a nice little restaurant near our hotel having dinner. Sometime tomorrow, we'd be on a plane heading back to Jersey and hopefully, he'll be back on the ice playing soon. Despite the conversation Nicole and I had earlier, I was still nervous to have the "L" word conversation with Jack.

Once we'd ordered our food, the waitress walked away with our orders, looking up at Jack. He's looking out the window, watching a few street lights begin to come to life as the sky grows dark, sunsetting in the distance. Getting a quick read on Jack's face, I can see he was probably just as nervous as I was. Turning to face me, he sends a smile my way, placing his hand in mine and giving it a light squeeze, brushing my knuckles with his thumbs.

He takes a deep breath looking into my eyes before starting the conversation that's been pending for a day. "Lotte, I know you were probably really caught off guard when I said that I love you. You make me happy and with you, I don't feel like I need to put on a facade. You've never placed me on a high pedestal like everyone else has." Looking into his eyes and sending a smile, I see that he has more to say, and let him continue.

"It's probably too soon to say it, but I know what I feel, and I love you. I love the way your tongue pokes out from the side of your mouth when you're concentrating. I love the way you have your hair in a messy bun, with your blue light glasses and your oversized hoodies. I'm always amazed by how bright and sparkly your eyes get when you're doing what you love. You don't have to say that you love me back right now, or ever, but I just wanted you to know what I love about you." A small smile graces his features and it feels like he's almost let out a sigh of relief to let it out and lay it out there. Tears began prickling in my eyes, my ex never put so much attention to the little thing like Jack has.

"Don't cry, sweet girl. Talk to me." Jack's hands leave my own as his thumbs move to my cheeks, wiping away any tears that have managed to fall. I place my own hands on Jack's cheeks, "Jack I love you too." My voice is barely above a whisper, but it's clear that he hears me seeing as his eyes are now the ones to slightly tear up. "I don't think there are any words to describe how special you are to me. Ever since I went to my first game there was just something about you that felt different, but in the best way. I love how you go out of your way to do things for me, like with all the flowers that randomly appear at my doorstep." We both laugh lightly, remembering the way I'd react through Facetime and phone calls about the unexpected deliveries.

"I also just really love how passionate and dedicated you are to hockey and your family. Can't forget about your willingness to do random video ideas with me, which reminds me, we have to film another one soon." We both lean in, our foreheads touching. "I love you!" We both seemingly say at the same time, smiling like two little love-sick puppies. Bridging the remaining gap between us, we share a delicate and sweet peck just as our food arrives.

As our food gets placed in front of us Jack finalizes the conversation by saying, "Sweetie, I go out of my way to do things for you because I know you deserve it. You've been amazing to me since the day we met. You deserve the best, always!" Picking up my hand slightly, he kisses my knuckles before placing my hand back down on the table. The rest of our date was spent making small talk while eating and telling stories of our childhoods.

~~

After finishing our meal at the restaurant, we find ourselves walking back to our hotel hand in hand. A phone ringing stops us in our tracks, Jack takes his phone out of his pocket and picks it up. "Hey Quinn what's up?" There's a long moment of silence in the air as Jack listens in to what Quinn is saying. "Uh... I'll ask her and I'll let you know. Send me the address... Yeah, thanks Quinny. Bye." Hanging up and placing his phone in his pocket, Jack turns to me.

"Quinn says that a bunch of the guys and their girlfriends are hanging out at a bar not too far from here. He invited us, so if you're down we could head over there." I take a second to think about it, but ultimately decide that the night's still young and we might as well enjoy the time we have left in Toronto. The air is chilly as we walk a little ways further away from the hotel before arriving at our destination. The loud music can be heard from outside and once we step inside, we see a lot of the All-Star guys letting loose, drinks in hand.

Jack grabs a hold of my hand as we walk through multiple groups to make it over to the table where Quinn, a few of his teammates, Jesper, and Nicole are sitting. "Hey guys!" A chorus of heys fills the air as Jack and I slide into the booth. We waste no time in busying ourselves in conversation and drinking, enjoying the company of our friends. "Jack, can you scoot out of the booth, I need to go use the bathroom." He slides out of the booth standing off to the side waiting for me to get up. He leans into my ear, "Do you want me to wait for you outside of the bathroom?" I shake my head assuring him that I'll be back soon.

Walking towards a little nook in the back, past all the tables, the music slowly fades the closer I get to the bathroom. Once I got inside, I let out a sigh of relief, finally getting my break from the loud music. Walking to the mirror after using the bathroom, I quickly check my make-up in the mirror surprised at how it managed to stay intact in this hot and crowded bar. Walking out of the bathroom I'm so focused on fixing my top that I don't notice a figure walking right towards me.

After only taking a few steps from the bathroom, I feel myself collide with an unknown figure. "I'm sorry, that was my fault. I wasn't paying attention." I finish adjusting my top, looking up to find the unknown figure I bumped into. He was slightly taller than me, and a few strands of hair looked out of place at the top of his head. A strong smell of alcohol fills my nose and I know it's not coming from me. "Uh sorry again, but I have to get going." As I step to the side to walk past him he stands in front of me, blocking my path.

"No don't go, the party is just getting started." Uneasiness moves through me as his hand wraps around my wrist. I try to keep a straight face, trying not to let this stranger know that I'm worried and slightly panicking. Rather than question what he means by that, I try to sidestep him again, to get away. My attempt fails and I only end up cornered against a wall. "I have to get back to my friends now. Maybe we could continue this party later?" My voice slightly wavers as I hope he'll believe that I'll come back later to "continue the party", whatever he even means by the party. He shakes his head, not allowing me to leave. My stomach drops as his face moves closer to mine, the alcohol on his breath getting stronger the closer he gets.

I silently pray or at least hope that Jack or anybody will notice that I haven't come back to the table yet. "Lotte, are you still over here?" Jack's voice fills the air as he rounds the corner, Quinn following. Once Jack turns the corner towards this unknown man and me, I look over at him. He must notice the panic in my eyes and he moves faster on his feet to get me away from this man. He walks up to the man from behind and pulls him away from me and into the wall across from us. "Get away from her Aho!"

𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐩𝐨𝐯

Seeing Sebastian practically against Charlotte I only saw red. Pulling him away from her I shove him into the opposite wall. He stumbles a little, the shove happening so fast I take him by surprise. I can smell the alcohol on him, my anger seemingly rising even more. Who does he think he is? I don't even want to think about what he would've done if Quinn and I would've come just a few seconds later.

Before I can gather my thoughts, my arm moves back and the next thing I know, my fist collides with Sebastian's face. His head flies back as a result of the hit and his hand wipes under his nose as blood starts to fall. "What the hell man?" Now fully alert after the hit, Aho shoves me back, delivering a punch to my cheek. "What do you mean, 'what the hell'? That's my girlfriend you asshole." A smug smile makes its way to his face, only causing my blood to boil over.

"That's your girlfriend Hughes? If you would've given me more time, I could've shown her a good time. She would've left your sorry ass in a heartbeat." Taking hold of his shirt, I flip him down to the ground. Something comes over me and I start rapidly punching him and he's laughing. That asshole is laughing. I have no idea where Quinn is, but I'm hoping he got Charlotte away and at least back to our table. While I'm thinking about Charlotte and hoping she's back at the table, Aho takes advantage and ends up flipping us over, causing me to end up on the floor.

Sebastian piles on the punches and I could feel a burning sensation on my lip. My lip was probably split and pain began creeping up on my cheek. Footsteps rush to us, Quinn pulling Sebastian off of me and Jesper giving me a hand up. "Dude, you okay?" Nodding my head while wiping my lip, I can only think of one person, "Where's Charlotte? Is she okay?" Behind Jesper, I can see Quinn telling Sebastian off, causing him to walk off and hopefully out of there.

"Charlotte's okay, she's back with Nicole." Breathing a sigh of relief, the guys lead me to Charlotte. Nicole was hugging her and I could see that her eyes were red, tears on her cheeks. Walking towards the table, Nicole must've told her I was there as Charlotte quickly left Nicole's side, running to hug me. "Oh my god, are you okay babe?" She pulls away from me scanning my face.

"Jack your lips split and your cheek is red. What happened?" My hands lightly hold onto her arms and rub up and down, hoping to calm her down. "Baby I'm okay. Don't worry about what happened, all that matters is that you're okay." Pulling her close again, we embraced in a hug and I put my hand to the back of her head, wanting to pull her closer. Breathing into her hair, relief floods my body.

"Do you wanna go back to the hotel? We don't even have to talk about what happened right now if you don't want to. We can just watch a movie and get some rest." My hands are resting on her cheeks looking into her eyes, waiting to see what she wants to do. She ultimately agrees to head back to the hotel. We say goodbye to all of our friends, and Nicole comes to give Lotte another hug whispering something in her ear. Waving goodbye we head out into the night, hand in hand. The cool air occasionally touches the split in my lip causing me to wince slightly.

Stopping by a pharmacy on our way back to the hotel, we get a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small pack of cloths. Walking into our room, Lotte grabs my hand bringing me into the bathroom. Only then do I notice the bruises and a little bit of blood coating my knuckles. She directs me to sit on the counter, which I do and she moves to stand between my legs. "It's gonna sting a little bit, okay?" Nodding, I wait for the stinging to hit and when it does, I slightly wince. Lotte apologizes every time I wince until she's done cleaning up the cut on my lip and a few on my knuckles.

Getting ready for bed, we change into our pj's and decide to put on the Hunger Games movie. My back is up against the headboard and Charlotte's head is on my chest as the movie starts. "Lotte, whenever you want to talk about what happened tonight, just know you can talk to me about it whenever you want. I want you to know that no matter what, I'll protect you." She whispers a soft thank you, and I lean forward to place a kiss on her head and start playing with her hair. About ten minutes later I hear light breathing coming from Charlotte. I can't help smiling and feeling at peace with her sleeping on my chest. Not long after, my own eyes close and the smile never leaves my face as I drift off to sleep.

Edited: 12/21/24

~
melissa speaks

hey lovely people! Super sorry for taking like three weeks to update. I had a pretty busy week last week, whichgave me no time to write anything. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I tried to make it as long as possible! If there's anything you'd like to see happen, please fill free to let me know. I'm open to any ideas you might have of what you'd like to see! Oh also thank you so much for 17k it's literally insane!

Have an amazing day or night wherever you are!

Take care of yourselves ♡