Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Come on, ladies! Start getting dressed; we don’t want to miss the bus!” Coach Roberts shouted through the halls of the hotel, her voice echoing off the walls.

Riley Anderson groaned as she slowly woke up, having had a hard time sleeping the night before. Her body was sore from the intense practice they had endured, and the fact that the girls had to wake up at 5 a.m. certainly didn’t help her situation.

“Come on, Michigan! We’re gonna be late!” A warm, familiar voice called out to Riley.

It was none other than Val Ortiz, her team captain, number one idol, best friend, and secret crush. Riley felt her cheeks flush and blinked the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh, uh… yeah, you’re right,” Riley replied, stretching her arms. She rummaged through her bag, finally deciding on a pair of sweatpants and a baggy hoodie emblazoned with the school’s logo.

As she dressed, Riley couldn’t help but peek over at Val, who was also changing. Although she was used to seeing Val in the locker room, it never failed to make her heart race. Val pulled on a gray hoodie and black shorts, and just as she caught Riley staring, she giggled.

Riley quickly turned her gaze back to the wall, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.

“Make sure you have all your stuff, okay?” Val said, grabbing her duffle bag off the floor and placing it in front of the hotel room door. She then headed into the restroom to brush her teeth and tidy her hair.

Riley sighed and sat back down on her bed, muttering to herself, “Why am I so weird?”

After pulling her hair back into its iconic ponytail, she slipped on her socks and shoes, feeling a twinge of inadequacy for not having a more elaborate morning routine like her teammates.

Soon, Val emerged from the restroom, looking absolutely stunning. Her hair was styled in its signature side part, giving her an effortlessly laid-back yet ready-to-go appearance.

“Gee, Ri, if I knew you’d wait on me, I would’ve gotten ready faster!” Val joked, picking up her bag.

“I’m sorry… I just didn’t want to leave you by yourself,” Riley explained nervously, her heart racing.

“Aww, you’re so cute, making sure I don’t get left behind,” Val smiled, a light blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Riley’s emotions were all over the place now, and she found herself at a loss for words. Val walked over and sat beside her on the bed.

“So, um, the team and I were going to hang out after the game, and I was wondering if you wanted to join,” Val asked, placing her hands in her lap.

Riley’s heart rate accelerated as she felt Val’s warmth so close to her. The scent of fresh lavender and mint filled the air, and her palms grew sweaty, prompting her to wipe them on her sweater.

“I-I yeah, sure,” Riley stuttered, her gaze darting over to Val.

“Great! We’re going to have so much fun! Just don’t tell Coach, okay?” Val whispered conspiratorially.

Riley nodded, her excitement bubbling up.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

“I’ll get it,” Riley said, standing up. However, she tripped over nothing, stumbling into the door. “I’m alright!” she reassured Val before she could rise.

Riley opened the door to reveal Dani, who was grinning widely.

“You two better get your asses on the bus; Coach Roberts is cursing up a storm,” Dani giggled, clearly enjoying the chaos.

“We’re coming, Dani!” Val called, picking up her bag and grabbing Riley’s as well.

“Oh, uh… you don’t have to carry that—” Riley began to protest.

“Come on, Ri!” Val insisted, grabbing Riley’s wrist and pulling her swiftly through the hotel halls. They hurried to catch up with Dani, who followed closely behind.

“Finally! What took you two so long?” Coach Roberts asked as they boarded the bus.

“We were just chatting, Coach,” Val shrugged, placing both of their bags into the overhead compartment.

“Just get in your seats; we’ll talk about this later, Ortiz,” Coach Roberts sighed, shaking her head.

The girls quickly settled into their seats. Dani took an aisle seat next to Allie, who was gazing out the window with headphones in. Riley slid into a two-seater row by the window, with Val sitting beside her in the aisle seat.

As the bus began to move, Val wrapped an arm around Riley, who felt a wave of comfort wash over her.

As the bus rumbled down the road, the air buzzed with excitement. Val was deep in conversation with Dani about something that seemed to hold her full attention. Riley, seated beside Val, leaned in slightly, straining to catch snippets of their exchange. Though she didn’t care much for the topic, being close to Val was enough for her; it was a comfort she craved.

“Yeah, and we can totally play in the pool tonight!” Val exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Dani nodded in agreement, a grin stretching across her face. Seizing the moment, Riley gently laid her head on Val’s shoulder, feeling the warmth radiate from her friend.

“I brought drinks if you wanted to partake tonight,” Dani teased, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Val.

“I can’t drink around Riley; I don’t want her to feel left out,” Val replied, her tone earnest.

Riley’s heart raced at Val’s words, and she lifted her head to meet Val’s gaze. “I’ll be okay, Val!” she chimed in, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

“I’m not getting drunk around you, Riley,” Val said, her small smile reassuring yet firm.

“But I don’t want you to stop having fun because of me,” Riley argued, her voice soft but resolute.

Val squeezed Riley closer, her expression tender. “I promise I’ll be fine, Ri. I don’t need to drink,” she assured, her warmth wrapping around Riley like a cozy blanket.

“You two talk like a married couple,” Dani joked, her laughter filling the small space.

Val playfully punched Dani in the arm. “Ha ha, very funny,” she replied, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a smile.

Dani chuckled, and the group fell into a comfortable silence. As the bus continued its journey, the rhythm of the road lulled Dani to sleep, while Val settled into a more relaxed position, effectively cuddling with Riley.

To Riley’s surprise, her emotions were under control. She had both of her arms hooked with Val’s, feeling a blend of joy and contentment wash over her.

----

“Ladies, it’s game time! When you get into the locker room, immediately start getting into your uniforms. I don’t want to hear any chit-chat; you need to be on the ice at 7 o’clock exactly!” Coach Roberts announced as the bus came to a halt.

The trio—Val, Riley, and Dani—disembarked, their bags slung over their shoulders, and made their way into the arena’s locker room. Riley remained glued to Val’s side, still clinging to her arm as they walked.

“Nervous?” Val asked, glancing down at Riley with a gentle smile.

“Yeah, I’m always nervous before the games,” Riley replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Val nodded understandingly, wrapping her arm around Riley in a comforting gesture. The girls, along with their teammates, poured into the locker room, a flurry of energy and excitement. As they began to change, Riley opted for a small corner, seeking a little privacy amidst the chaos.

Despite Coach Roberts' request for silence, the room erupted with laughter and chatter, making it a lively, chaotic atmosphere.

“You know, Ri, you don’t have to change over here. No one here will judge you,” Val said, leaning casually against the wall near Riley.

“I-I know, I just—” Riley struggled to find her words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“Riley…” Val gently placed a hand on Riley’s bare shoulder, her touch sending sparks through Riley’s skin.

“Don’t worry about me, Val…” Riley said, trying to brush off her discomfort.

Val sighed, shaking her head slightly. “Well… if you say so, Michigan,” she replied, walking away to change with Dani.

As Val moved away, a pang of regret hit Riley. She felt as though she had hurt Val, but the truth was, she simply wasn’t comfortable being seen in that way. The internal conflict weighed heavily on her heart as she finished changing, wishing she could bridge the gap between her feelings and her fears.
————-
Riley finally slipped into her hockey gear, the familiar weight of the pads and the snug fit of her skates providing a sense of comfort amid the growing turmoil in her chest. As she stepped onto the ice, the chill hit her like a wave, but it was nothing compared to the ice-cold grip of anxiety that tightened around her heart.

As she glided across the rink, Riley's gaze fell upon Val and Dani, their laughter ringing out over the sound of skates scraping against the ice. A knot formed in her stomach as she wondered, ’Were they laughing at me?’ The thought sent her mind spiraling into a whirlwind of insecurities. Each laugh felt like a sharp jab to her confidence, echoing in her ears as her heart raced uncontrollably.

The air around her felt thick and suffocating, making each breath a struggle as if she were trying to inhale through a heavy fog. The excitement of practice faded, replaced by a heavy sense of isolation. Even surrounded by her teammates, Riley felt like an outsider looking in.

As she skated over to the benches, trying to join her teammates in their formations, her mind was a million miles away. The chatter and laughter of her friends faded into a distant hum, and she felt like she was moving through a dream—one where she was trapped in a glass bubble, unable to reach out or connect. The ice beneath her felt less like a solid surface and more like quicksand, pulling her deeper into her thoughts.

Riley couldn’t keep her emotions under control. The lights in the arena were suddenly blinding and the crowd was too loud. The other team looked threatening and coach Roberts was giving out the game plan.

"Anderson, are you with me right now?" Coach Roberts's voice cut through the chaos, firm yet concerned. She placed a heavy hand on Rileys shoulder, snapping the younger girl out of her mind and back into the game. Riley blinked the fog out of her mind and became focused, she nodded her head.
“Now get on that ice and play some good defense” coach Roberts gave her a caring look softly pushing Riley onto the floor behind her other teammates.

“They seriously have a freshman on their team?” One of the players remarked she was taller and more intimidating than Riley. She looked over at her other teammates and smirked “this is going to be a piece of cake.”

Riley frowned and slipped her helmet on not forgetting her mouth guard this time. Soon the girls were lined up on the ice and Val was picked to face off.

The opposing team chose a girl who was tall and lanky to face off. Riley watched as the other girl stabbed daggers into Val’s direction. Val didn’t seem fazed by this at all. She was completely relaxed and stood her ground.
“Now you girls better play fair” the referee said he was an older man with a crunchy voice.

“Of course” Val smirked
The ref blew his whistle and everything became a chaotic haze.
—————-

With just three minutes left on the clock, the Fire Hawks were sweating bullets, their energy visibly waning. The Panthers had effectively worn them down, their relentless offense taking a toll on the girls.

“What’s wrong, Valentina? Can’t keep up?” one of the opposing players sneered under her breath, her voice dripping with condescension as she effortlessly scored another goal, pushing the Panthers two points ahead.

Val’s eyebrows knitted together at the jab, a flash of frustration crossing her face. Riley noticed the tension in her teammate, her grip on her hockey stick tightening as a surge of determination coursed through her.

Riley summoned the last reserves of her energy, her legs burning as she darted across the ice. With a swift, determined movement, she intercepted the puck from a Panthers player, the cold rubber slipping neatly under her stick. Heart racing, she passed it to Val, her voice cutting through the noise of the arena. “We still have a chance to win this!”

As she skated toward the center of the rink, her adrenaline surged, igniting a flicker of hope among her teammates.

Val blinked, momentarily stunned by Riley’s unexpected burst of energy.

“Nice going, Michigan!” Sophia shouted from across the ice, her voice a beacon of encouragement that cut through the tension.

Val took a deep breath and focused. She positioned herself perfectly, centered her weight, and gave the puck a powerful swing with her stick. It sailed past the bewildered Panthers goalie, finding the back of the net with a satisfying thud. The crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers, the roar surging through the arena like a wave, electrifying the atmosphere as the Fire Hawks reclaimed the lead.

In response, the Panthers’ coach swiftly called for a time-out, signaling for his team to regroup. Meanwhile, the Fire Hawks formed a jubilant huddle, their voices blending into an excited cacophony of cheers and shouts.

“Riley, how did you even do that?!” Sophia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with disbelief and joy. In a spontaneous fit of happiness, she lifted Riley off the ground, spinning her around as laughter bubbled up within the group.

Riley couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across her face, a warm flush of pride igniting her cheeks. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling a delightful mix of embarrassment and elation. Her gaze instinctively drifted toward Val, who was basking in the moment, radiating confidence. Seizing the opportunity, Val removed her helmet and wiped the sweat from her brow, relief washing over her as she caught her breath.

After a moment, Val settled onto the bleachers to rest, and Riley took a deep breath, letting the adrenaline from the game start to fade. She walked over to Val, her heart still racing from the exhilarating play. “You did great, Val!” Riley exclaimed, her smile brightening as she took off her own helmet. She grabbed a water bottle and took several generous swallows, quenching her thirst.

“Thanks, Ri,” Val replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. “But I couldn’t have done it without you.” With a warm smile, she wrapped an arm around Riley, pulling her in for a tight hug. The embrace enveloped Riley in a comforting warmth, momentarily fogging her brain with feelings of joy and anxiety.

“They were looking at you like you were weak just because you’re a freshman… that’s so messed up,” Val explained, her voice tinged with nervous energy. “But you showed them up, and that’s super cool of you.”

Riley noticed a subtle shift in Val's mood, prompting her to glance up at her captain. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, Dani skated over, her short hair dripping wet from the sweat. “You two ready to get back on the ice?” she called out, her voice cutting through the moment.

“Oh, uh, yeah—” Riley stammered, her blue eyes shifting to Dani. With a playful nudge, she extricated herself from Val’s hold and skated toward the ice.

Dani shot Val a knowing glance, raising an eyebrow in playful suspicion. “You two should get married already,” she joked, her grin infectious.

“Dani… I’m going to get you!” Val giggled, rising from her seat and skating alongside Dani, the two of them heading back to the ice with laughter echoing behind them.

——

The Fire Hawks ended up winning the game, and the girls hurried to the locker room, bursting with excitement. Some rushed to the showers, while others freshened up, their laughter echoing off the walls.

Riley, however, retreated to her little corner, feeling the anxiety from earlier crawl back into her veins. ‘Was Val mad at me earlier?’ Her mind spiraled into the worst places, amplifying her worries.

“Riley… you alright?” Val asked, stepping into the space. She was only in a bra and sweatpants, which made Riley instinctively stare at the floor, heat rising to her cheeks.

“Um—I no,” Riley replied, her honesty hanging in the air.

“What’s wrong?” Val lifted Riley’s chin gently, forcing her to meet her warm brown eyes.

Riley’s face flushed as she gazed into Val’s honey-colored irises. “I-I just feel like I made you mad before the game started… I’m sorry I didn’t open up to you earlier. I just get anxious, and I feel like I’m annoying and not as cool as everyone else, and—”

“Woah, woah, woah, slow down, Riley,” Val interrupted, her voice steady and calming. “You’re not annoying for wanting privacy in the locker room. I was the same way when I was your age. I’m not mad at you.” She pulled Riley into a warm embrace.

“But you and Dani were laughing earlier, and I thought—”

“We were just talking about the party,” Val explained, running a soothing hand through Riley’s hair.

Riley took deep breaths, trying to steady her racing heart. She could hear Val’s heartbeat as she rested her head against Val’s chest. Val didn’t mind Riley’s semi-damp hair dampening her skin; she simply held her tighter. Slowly, Riley began to calm down and eventually pulled away from the hug, Val’s arms remaining loosely around her.

“I’m sorry…” Riley murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Stop apologizing, Riley,” Val softly replied.

Riley nodded, but then she immediately realized that she was still holding onto Val’s arms—and they were really close. Val wasn’t wearing a shirt, and panic threatened to bubble up inside her. ‘Don’t freak out,’ Riley thought to herself.

She slowly let go of Val and managed a smile. “Thank you, Val.”

“You’re welcome, Michigan,” Val smiled, walking over to her bag and slipping on a sweater, giving Riley the privacy she needed.

“Great job out there, ladies! You all played exceptionally well! You’re free for the rest of the night,” Coach Roberts announced.

The girls erupted into cheers and laughter, their excitement filling the room.

————-

Once the Fire Hawks finished getting dressed, they headed out to their destination, carefully sneaking out of the hotel where they were staying. It was easy to slip away since the coach had fallen asleep almost immediately.

Each girl decided to Uber to the party house, and as they pulled up, Riley felt her hands begin to sweat.

“Woahhh, Dani, you sure know how to pick a party!” Allison cheered, stepping out of the large car.

Riley followed suit, stepping out in blue jeans and a hoodie. She felt boring and basic compared to her older teammates, who flaunted short skirts and crop tops. Anxiety crept back in, amplifying her insecurities. ’Everyone is laughing at you. You look so immature right now.’The thoughts made her chest clench.

Pulling on her sleeves, she stumbled over her own feet as they walked up to the glowing, loud house.

“Remember, guys, don’t get too drunk,” Dani announced, attempting to keep the mood light.
The girls agreed and entered the house.

Teenagers jumped around, dancing with red cups held high in the air. A strong smell of alcohol, smoke, and sweat filled Riley’s nostrils as they entered. She squinted in the dimly lit house; the only source of light was the flashing neon glow from the DJ's booth. The music blared loudly, making it nearly impossible to hear any conversation without yelling at the top of their lungs.

“I’m going to get in the pool, see ya” Dani yelled, taking off her shirt which is normal for her since she never wears a shirt. She ran through the crowd of people and headed out the back door of the house.

Riley scanned the crowd, but Val was nowhere to be seen. In fact, none of the Fire Hawks were in her line of sight. ’They left you.’ ‘ They don’t want to be around you.’ Her eyebrows tightened as she pushed through the throng of sweaty bodies, desperate to find some space to breathe.

Navigating into the kitchen, she spotted a large punch bowl filled with a suspicious red beverage, likely teeming with germs. Grabbing a red Solo cup, she scooped some of it up, but just as she was about to take a sip, someone stopped her.

“Sorry, Michigan, but Val would kill us if she found out we let you drink,” Sophia said, snatching the cup from Riley’s hand and placing it on the counter.

“You alright?” The curly-haired girl asked, her glasses fogged up from the humidity, making it hard to see her eyes.

“I was looking for you guys,” Riley shouted over the blaring music that pierced her ears.

Sophia leaned closer, her warm smile cutting through Riley’s anxiety. “You should head out to the pool with Dani. If I find Val, I’ll send her out for you.”

Riley nodded and made her way toward the back door, pushing and shoving her way through a sea of drunken bodies.

As she approached the sliding glass door, she could see the crowd of people outside. She scanned the backyard, searching for any familiar faces.

When she finally slid the door open, the humidity hit her like a mist. The sharp smell of chlorine stung her eyes as she walked over to where Dani was starfishing in the pool, gazing up at the sky.

Riley hesitated, not wanting to disturb her friend but also feeling anxious about the other partygoers approaching her. She slipped off her shoes and socks, leaving them by the grass, and sat on the edge of the pool. Rolling up her jeans, she let her legs dangle in the cool water.

‘This is pathetic,’ her mind intruded.

“Dani…” Riley choked out.

“Oh hey, Michigan! I didn’t see you there. What’s up?” Dani splashed playfully as she swam over, propping her elbows on the pool’s edge and smiling up at Riley.

“You looking for Val?” Dani asked, making Riley’s eyes widen in surprise.

“How’d you know?” Riley replied, caught off guard.

“Well, I mean, it’s pretty obvious. You two get kinda weird around each other,” Dani explained with a teasing grin.

Riley felt her cheeks flush, struggling to find the right words to respond.

“She’s in the restroom, but I’m just messing with you. Don’t take it personally,” Dani laughed before diving back into the pool.

Riley got up from the pool and rolled her jeans back down. She walked over to the patch of grass and slipped her socks back on, the wet fabric absorbing the water. The texture felt strange, but there was no way she was going to walk around barefoot at a party. Once her sneakers were back on, she made her way into the heart of the gathering.

As she navigated through the crowd, trying to stay on the outskirts of the dancing masses, she stumbled upon a few couples making out. Riley quickly shielded her eyes as she walked past them, keeping them covered and forgetting to watch where she was going. Suddenly, she collided with someone, her body crashing to the floor.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry…” Riley blurted out, scrambling to her feet.

Unsure if her voice would carry over the noise, she crouched down to get closer to the other person. To her surprise, it was Val.

“Riley! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Val exclaimed as she stood up, dusting off her jeans.

“I was looking for you too,” Riley replied, both of them smiling at the coincidence.

“Come with me; we can hang out upstairs,” Val said, grabbing Riley’s hand and pulling her toward the staircase. They carefully maneuvered through the crowd, avoiding a few people smoking, which made Riley scrunch up her nose.

The pair walked down a hallway, and Val opened a door that revealed a surprisingly empty room. She shut the door behind them, and the music outside became a distant thrum.

The room was bathed in a soft purple hue from LED lights that lined the edges of the walls. A twin-sized bed, adorned with a pink blanket, took center stage, its fluffy white pillows invitingly arranged. Posters of bands Riley didn’t recognize covered the walls, adding to the room’s eclectic charm.

Riley turned her attention to Val, who was perched at the head of the bed, gazing out the window with a clear view of the pool.

Fidgeting with her fingers, Riley nervously sat down beside her.

“It’s much better in here. That music was stressing me out,” Val said, glancing over at Riley.

“Yeah, I’ve never been to a party like this before,” Riley admitted. It was true; she had only attended a few birthday parties, nothing nearly as wild as this.

“Well, since you’re a Fire Hawk, you’ll see plenty of parties like this in the future,” Val replied with a grin.

“I hope I get used to it,” Riley said, settling more comfortably on the bed and scooting a little closer to Val.

“I’m really going to miss doing this…” Val sighed, her eyes glazing over as if tears might spill.

“I’m going to miss you too,” Riley said, swallowing hard.

“Hmm.” Val hummed thoughtfully.

“I mean—I'm going to miss playing with you on the team, of course!” Riley awkwardly over-explained, trying to lighten the mood.

Val giggled, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall.

“I’m going to miss you too, Riley,” Val said, placing a gentle hand on Riley’s leg.

Riley’s heart raced as she felt the warmth of Val’s hand resting gently on her leg. A spark ignited within her, and she looked up to find Val smiling knowingly at her. With a tentative, shaky hand, Val tucked a strand of hair behind Riley’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

“I know you like me, Michigan…” Val said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Riley gasped, her heart plummeting. ‘She hates you.’ ‘You’re disgusting.’The harsh voices in her mind twisted her chest into knots, tightening around her heart.

“I’m not mad at you… I’m just…” Val faltered, searching for the right words.

“I’m sorry…” Riley stammered, her cheeks flushing a bright red with embarrassment.

“No, no—you don’t have to apologize. I feel the same,” Val replied, her voice trailing off, laden with unspoken emotions.

As the music grew louder, vibrating through the room, Riley felt an overwhelming rush of courage. In a moment that surprised even Val, she threw her arms around her, burying her face against Val’s chest.

“I’ve always looked up to you,” Riley confessed, her voice trembling. “I couldn’t figure out why I felt this way before. I thought you would hate me if you found out how I felt… so I hid it from you. I’m so sorry, Val. I love you. I’ve loved you for so long.” Her voice cracked, and hot tears spilled onto Val’s shirt.

“I’m sorry, Riley… I’m not mad at you. There’s nothing wrong with you, I promise,” Val murmured, wrapping her arms around Riley, pulling her closer. She could feel Riley’s heart pounding against her own, their bodies warm and intertwined.

Riley looked up at Val, her eyes shimmering with vulnerability, and Val met her gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. They leaned into each other, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss. Val held Riley tightly, grounding her, while Riley wrapped her arms around Val’s waist, feeling safe and cherished. The kiss was tender and full of unspoken love, a sweet mingling of salty tears and soft lips. Though it ended quickly, it left both girls breathless and satisfied.

“Michigan… I’m sorry,” Val whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Riley simply held onto Val, unable to find the words. Her face burned from the kiss, and her body felt like jelly, as if she were floating in the warmth of the moment. The pulsing music of the party heightened the atmosphere, each beat resonating with the rhythm of her heart, thrumming through her chest.
——-

Chapter Text

The party seemed to be going on into the late hours of the night. Riley and Val held each other for about an hour before Riley's body caught up with her brain. She lifted her head and sat up on her knees, her cheeks still flushed red from the kiss.

"I thought you were sleeping," Val said, lightly cupping one side of Riley's face with her warm palm.

"I almost did... I-I really liked the kiss," Riley admitted, her eyes wandering anywhere except for Val.

"Me too," Val softly said, tucking some of Riley's stray hairs behind her ear.

The room was quiet for a few moments. The music booming through and then going into a much softer slower tone.
Val rose from the bed, stretching her muscles, and nervously glanced over at Riley, her lip caught between her teeth, a gesture so unfamiliar that it made Riley give her a confused look. She had never seen her captain appear so anxious before.

"Um, so... this might sound cheesy, but do you want to, like, hang out sometime outside of hockey?" Val's cheeks heated with a tent of red as she stumbled over her words.

Riley felt her mouth go dry, a mix of nerves and excitement swirling within her. 'Does she really want to hang out?' joy echoed in her mind, overshadowing anxiety.

"I-I, um, yeah, sure," Riley stammered, her hands nervously fidgeting in her jacket pockets, attempting to mask the overwhelming amount of emotions threatening to spill out. She tried to maintain a chill dominar, as if she wasn't on the verge of doing a backflip.

"You're cute," Val breathed out

“And you’re cool!” Riley said, immediately regretting her totally uncool compliment.

“Erm, I mean, you’re pretty too. I mean, you're cool and pretty. I think you’re both pretty and cool equally,” Riley rambled on.

“Calm down, Michigan… I know what you meant,” Val said, placing a hand on Riley’s shoulder again.

Riley smiled and nodded her head.

“We should probably get back out to the party; the girls are probably wondering about us,” Riley choked out.

“You’re right, plus you look like you’ll pass out if I compliment you again,” Val joked, helping Riley off the bed.

The pair walked out of the room together, Riley keeping her hands in her jacket pocket to look nonchalant about what just happened in the other room.

As they walked, Val kept bumping into Riley, their arms brushing against each other.

“Omg, I’ve been looking all over for you two~” a very wet and drunk Dani slurred, stumbling over to Val and Riley.

“Oh shit-“ Val said before Dani roughly flung herself onto Val, wrapping a heavy arm around Val’s shoulder.

“What were you two doing in there?” She asked.

“Looking out the window. Dani, you know you aren’t supposed to get this drunk,” Val groaned in annoyance.

Riley covered her mouth to hold back her laughter.

“Wellll, I was trying to show these stupid Panthers I could drink more than their biggest players~” Dani burped out.

“The Panthers are here?!” Val asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Riley leaned over the banister, peering into the bustling kitchen below. “Yep, and they look wasted too,” she giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I’m going to assume this is our cue to head out,” Sophia said, analyzing the chaotic scene before them as she walked up the stairs.

Val nodded, glancing at Riley, who gave her a knowing look in return.

“Where’s Allison?” Riley asked, scanning the room.

Just then, the blonde came stumbling down the hallway, her presence marked by a loud, “I’m here!” accompanied by a strong whiff of alcohol on her breath, making Riley’s nose scrunch up in disgust.

Val rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.

Sophia approached, wrapping an arm around Allison to steady her. “I got her, Captain!” she said with a playful salute to Val, a wide grin on her face.

Riley took the lead, guiding the group down the stairs and toward the front door of the large house. However, the large number of dancing partygoers seemed oblivious to their need to pass through, swaying and laughing as they blocked the way. The group squeezed through, bumping shoulders and dodging flailing arms, the noise of the party surrounding them.

“Excuse us!” Val called out, trying to navigate the crowd, but it felt like wading through a sea of bodies.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of pushing and weaving through the crowd, they burst through the door and into the cool night air. The cold breeze hit them like needles against their skin, shocking their senses.

Val gently placed Dani on the ground, while Sophia sat Allison next to her.

“Coach is going to kill us if she finds out we went to this party,” Sophia muttered, glancing around nervously.

“Damn right she is,” Val replied, wrapping an arm around Riley, whose eyes widened at the unexpected affection.

“I’ll go on ahead and call an Uber,” Sophia said, tapping away on her phone for a moment before walking over to one of the chairs on the porch and taking a seat.

Val turned her attention back to Riley. “Good thing you wore a jacket, Riley,” she chuckled, a playful smile on her face.

“Yeah, I’m really glad I brought it with me. But why’d you wear a crop top?” Riley asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

Val shrugged, a sheepish grin appearing. “It’s actually a pajama shirt. I didn’t anticipate a party after the game, so I had to improvise,” she explained.

Riley, emboldened, snaked a hand around Val’s hips, pulling her closer. “I’ll keep you warm,” she joked, even as she felt the nervous shakiness in her hands from being so close to Val. It was a struggle to stay upright with the warmth radiating between them.

Val smiled softly and rested her head against Riley’s. They held each other closely, finding comfort in their warmth.

Soon, the Uber arrived, and the girls loaded into the car.
—————-
The driver pulled into the hotel parking lot, and the girls stumbled out of the car, making their way to their rooms. Val had to carry Dani on her back to get her to her room, which she thankfully shared with Allison.

Once the drunken girls were finally dressed and tucked away, Val headed to her own bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. Meanwhile, Riley changed into more comfortable clothes, opting for a baggy band tee and some shorts. She waited for Val to enter the room before she settled down on her bed.

Val yawned and pulled off her shirt, revealing a lacy black bra. Riley felt her cheeks flush and respectfully averted her eyes.

After changing into a cozy sweater and shorts, Val joined Riley in the room. Both girls slid into their beds, and the room fell into a peaceful silence.

“Um, Val…” Riley squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, Michigan?” Val hummed, her tone casual yet inviting.

“Are we going to talk about the… kiss?” Riley trailed off, feeling a tightness grip her chest as she uttered the words.

The room fell into an awkward pause, and it felt as though the walls were closing in on her. The air was thick with anticipation, making it hard to breathe.

A small shuffling sound drew her attention to the other side of the room. Turning her head, she found Val looming over her, an unreadable expression on her face.

“I liked it…” Val said softly, settling on the edge of the bed while keeping her eyes locked on Riley’s.

Riley's heart raced, a mix of relief and nervousness flooding her. The weight of the moment hung in the air, and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she struggled to find the right words.
I liked it too... but what does it mean for us?” Riley asked, her gaze searching Val’s for answers.

Val hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I—I don’t know yet… that’s why I invited you to hang out. I wanted us to have a chance to see each other outside of hockey,” she explained, her tone soft and vulnerable.

“Oh...” Riley breathed, a flutter of hope igniting in her chest.

“Riley, I like you,” Val said, her voice steady yet tender. “I want to get to know you better and spend more time together because I don’t want us to just rush into something serious, you know?”

The sincerity in Val’s words wrapped around Riley like a warm embrace, and she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. “I understand,” Riley replied, swallowing hard as emotions swirled within her.

“Now… stop overthinking and go to sleep,” Val said with a yawn, stretching her arms overhead. She leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on Riley's cheek.

“Good night, Michigan,” Val added, before making her way to her bed and sliding back under the covers.

Riley was momentarily stunned, caught off guard by the sweet gesture. She sat in her bed, her cheeks flushing as a small grin spread across her face. Feeling warm and content, she settled into her blankets and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Riley and Val were jolted awake by a few soft knocks on the door. Riley groaned, rolling over beneath the blankets, while Val yawned and stumbled out of bed, making her way to the entrance of the room.

“Hello?” she called out, her eyes still heavy with sleep as she opened one eye to peek through the door.

Standing there was Coach Roberts, her hand on her hip and a small grin playing on her lips. “So, did you all have a good time last night?” she asked, a knowing look in her eyes.

Val's eyes widened in surprise. “W-we’re sorry, Coach! The girls and I just wanted to have some fun after the game—I take full responsibility for everything that happened,” she stammered, her voice laced with concern.

“Hmmm, I was going to make you all run laps around the gym, but I’ll let this slide since you were honest,” Coach Roberts replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Val let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Coach…” she said, a grateful smile breaking through her earlier anxiety.

“Now, start getting dressed. The bus will be pulling up soon,” Roberts instructed, turning to walk down the hall to check on the other teammates.

Having overheard the exchange, Riley sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. “Is everything okay?” she asked groggily.

“Yeah, Coach found out about the party… she’s not mad,” Val shrugged, “I’m going to take a shower real quick, I’ll be back Michigan” Val said walking into the bathroom of the hotel.
Riley hummed and got out of bed. She stretched and reached for her phone that was charging on a night stand, Val probably plugged it in for Riley.
She unlocked her phone and was surprised by the lack of text messages she had.
Riley sighed and typed to her mother.
‘We won the game yesterday’ Riley texted her mom.

She then checked up on her friends Bree and Grace’a social medias. They had posted some selfies and a few post about their whereabouts.
Riley sighed, she hadn’t talked to Bree or Grace since the camp. She just couldn’t believe they would hold such important information from her. It made her wonder what else could they have possibly said about her. she decided to make the first move and text their old group chat a simple
“Hey”

As Riley hit send on her message, she felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The silence in the room was punctuated only by the sound of water running in the bathroom, the steam slowly beginning to fill the air. She hoped that Bree and Grace would respond quickly, but as the seconds ticked by, doubt crept in.

‘You’re a terrible friend’ ‘who would want to talk to you’ Riley’s mind echoed with the poisoned words of her anxiety. her phone buzzed, and Riley’s heart leaped. She quickly glanced at the screen to find a response from Grace: “Hey! How is everything? Miss you!”
Riley felt a wave of relief wash over her. “It’s great! We won our game yesterday.How about you guys?” she typed back, her fingers moving quickly over the screen.

As she waited for a reply, she heard the bathroom door crack open slightly. Val peeked her head out, droplets of water glistening on her skin. “You good in there?” she asked, a playful smile on her face.
Yeah, just catching up with Bree and Grace,” Riley replied, her heart racing at the sight of Val. There was something so effortless about Val’s presence that made Riley forget her earlier worries.

“Tell them I said hi!” Val chimed before disappearing back into the bathroom.

Riley smiled to herself, feeling a warmth spread through her. Just then, her phone buzzed again. “We miss you too! Can’t wait to hear about your highschool experiences so far, ” Grace’s message read.
Riley took a deep breath, considering her response. She didn’t want to seem too eager but also wanted to maintain the connection. “Not sure yet. I’m having a lot of fun! We should all catch up when I’m not busy.”

As she hit send, Riley felt a sense of ease wash over her. She was glad that Bree and Grace didn’t hate her and we’re still willing to talk to her.

Suddenly, Val emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp and tousled, wearing a comfy hoodie and shorts. “Ready to conquer the day?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“oh I- I’m probably going to shower now, you can leave me here, I’ll be out soon” Riley explained to Val, val nodded “I’ll probably be hanging out in Dani’s room, send me a text when you’re ready” val said grabbing her phone and walking out the hotel room. Giving Riley her privacy.

Meanwhile Val walked down the halls of the hotel to visit a very hungover Dani.
When Val opened the door she was faced with a disheveled Dani, her hair a wild mess and her eyes squinting against the morning light. Dani was sprawled across her bed, surrounded by empty water bottles and snacks from the previous night.

“Ugh, who let the sun in?” Dani groaned, throwing an arm over her eyes as if to shield herself from its brightness.

Val chuckled, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. “Good morning, sunshine! How are you feeling?” She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms with a teasing smile.

“Like I got hit by a truck,” Dani mumbled, slowly pulling herself up into a sitting position. “What time is it?”

“Still pretty early. We’ve got time before the bus, but you might want to hurry up if you don’t want to miss breakfast,” Val replied, trying to suppress a laugh at her friend’s state.

Dani groaned again, this time more dramatically. “Breakfast? I can barely hold anything down, that’s all I’ve been doing is throwing up all morning”

Val walked over to the bedside, giving Dani a light nudge. “Maybe you shouldn’t have drunk so much. You’re lucky I have medicine in my bag”

Dani flopped back into the bed and sighed letting out a dramatic “fine!”
“yay,” Val grinned. “But only if you come to breakfast with me”
With a sigh that carried a hint of resignation, Dani swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up. “Fine, fine. Just give me five minutes. I need to make sure I look somewhat presentable.”

Val laughed, watching as Dani rummaged through her bag for a clean shirt. “You’ve got this. Just splash some water on your face, and you’ll be good to go.”

As Dani stumbled into the bathroom, Val took a moment to glance around the room. The remnants of the previous night—a mix of laughter and a little bit of chaos—still lingered in the air. It made her smile.

While waiting, Val pulled out her phone and shot a quick text to Riley: “Just checking in! Dani’s still alive, so we’re on for breakfast soon. Hope you’re feeling fresh!”

A moment later, her phone buzzed with a reply: “Haha, I’ll be out shortly! Save me some pancakes!”

“Will do!” Val typed back, feeling a warmth inside at the thought of spending more time with Riley.

Dani emerged from the bathroom, looking a bit more human but still sporting a sleepy expression. She was wearing a black sports bra with a jacket to cover up and some sweatpants that covered her bellybutton. It was normal for Dani to go out in just a bra.“Alright, let’s tackle breakfast before I change my mind,” she said, determined in her voice.

“Now that’s the spirit!” Val exclaimed, leading the way out of the room. As they strolled down the hallway, the excitement of the day ahead filled the air.

“Oh yeah, what were you and Michigan doing in that room?” Dani asked, wrapping an arm around Val's shoulder playfully.

“I already told you… we were just looking out the window,” Val replied, trying to maintain her composure.

“And I know when you’re lying, V,” Dani smirked knowingly, raising an eyebrow.

Val rolled her eyes, opting to change the subject instead. She pulled out her phone to check a notification from Riley. “I’m heading out now,” the message read.

“Alright!” Val quickly replied, a grin spreading across her face.

---

Once Val and Dani found a seat in the dining area of the hotel, they settled in and waited eagerly for Riley. Moments later, Riley came rushing down the hallway, her blue hoodie and leggings giving her a sporty look. Her iconic ponytail swung back and forth, adding to her lively energy.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to make you guys wait!” she apologized, breathless from her hurried pace.

“You're good!” Val smiled, standing up from her seat to greet her friend. She placed a comforting hand on Riley’s back, guiding her toward the breakfast bar.

Dani followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the array of food. The three of them grabbed their plates. Val opted for a balanced breakfast, selecting fluffy pancakes, sweet grapes, scrambled eggs, and a cup of coffee with a splash of cream. Riley decided to keep it simple, scooping up a stack of pancakes alongside a refreshing glass of orange juice. Meanwhile, Dani chose a strong black coffee paired with golden toast topped with vibrant sliced tomatoes.

Once they settled at their table, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Soon, other Firehawks began to trickle down the hall. Sophia waved excitedly from a distance, while Allison giggled, her laughter ringing out.

Val, Dani, and Riley all waved back, welcoming the girls as they joined them for breakfast.

Riley took a satisfying bite of her pancakes, relishing the taste of something that wasn’t a protein bar for once.

“Last night was crazy,” Allison said, pulling up a chair next to Dani, her eyes sparkling with memories.

“Tell me about it! I’m still trying to fight this hangover,” Dani groaned, taking a long sip of her strong coffee, hoping it would work its magic.

“I’m just glad Coach didn’t get mad at us,” Sophia replied, relief evident in her voice.

“Yeah, I was literally so scared this morning,” Val chimed in, letting out a nervous laugh as she used her fork to stab at a grape on her plate.

“Mmhmm, me too,” Riley added, swallowing a mouthful of her fluffy pancakes. Just then, her phone chimed again, prompting her to pull it out and check the screen.

“Hey, Riley! Nice hearing from you again!” Bree’s message popped up, replying to the previous conversation in their group chat.

“We have to see each other soon,” Riley texted back, a wide grin forming on her face as she felt a surge of excitement.

“So, do you guys have any plans once you get home?” Allison asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Oh yeah, me and Val were planning to hang out sometime during the week,” Riley replied, glancing over at her phone while continuing the conversation. She then looked back toward the group. “What about you guys?”

“Probably going to buckle down and do some homework. We have a world history test on Thursday,” Sophia answered.

“I’m going to crash as soon as I’m home,” Dani said, holding her head as a sharp pain shot through her skull. “I hope this bus comes soon,” she groaned, wishing for relief.

“I completely forgot! I’ll be right back,” Val said suddenly, getting up and rushing to her room.

Riley looked up from her phone, puzzled. “Um… well, Riley, did you enjoy the party?” Sophia asked, breaking the slight tension in the air.

“Yeah! It was so fun! I mostly hung out with Val, and we talked and stuff,” Riley replied, a smile spreading across her face as her cheeks turned a light pink.

“Did she tell you her secrets to being such a good player?” Allison teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“They were probably flirting or something,” Dani joked, her playful tone causing Riley’s mind to wander. ‘Did Val tell them? How does Dani know?’

“We were just—looking out the window, haha!” Riley laughed nervously, grabbing her drink and taking a large gulp.

“Oh, Dani, chill! You know Riley and Val are close,” Allison said, playfully elbowing Dani in the ribs.

“Fine,” Dani rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile.

Moments later, Val returned with a few pills in her hand. “Sorry about that, Dani! I completely forgot about your medicine,” she apologized, handing the pills to her friend. Val’s gaze drifted over to Riley, whose face was as red as a tomato.

Val raised an eyebrow curiously, wondering what had just transpired among the group.

“Lady’s finished eating so we can start getting on the bus” coach Roberts interrupted.

The girls giggled and eventually finished eating their food
——————
Once everyone finished gathering their belongings, Coach Roberts stepped in to help load the girls' bags onto the bus. “Now, please keep the noise level to a minimum; I don’t want to hear any complaints on the way home,” she said, rubbing her temples as she settled into her seat at the front of the bus, just behind the driver.

“Yes, Coach!” the girls echoed in unison, organizing themselves and figuring out their seating arrangements.

Riley slid into her usual window seat, and Val followed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Are your parents picking you up when we get to school?” Val asked, glancing at Riley.

“I don’t know yet. My mom hasn’t texted me back since this morning. She’s probably exhausted from work,” Riley replied, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

“What about your dad?” Val pressed gently, concerned.

Riley's expression darkened at the mention of her father. “He’s probably drunk or something. I don’t really like texting him,” she shrugged, her mood shifting noticeably.

Sensing the change, Val intertwined her fingers with Riley's. “It’s going to be okay… Just tell your mom I’ll take you home,” she said, rubbing her thumb soothingly against Riley’s hand in an effort to comfort her.

“Thank you…” Riley murmured, resting her head against Val’s shoulder, feeling a sense of warmth and safety.

The bus ride back to school was relatively quiet, filled only with the hum of the engine and the occasional bump in the road. Riley soon drifted off to sleep, while Val chatted softly with Dani, glancing back at her friend every now and then, ensuring she was comfortable.
——————
As the bus rolled to a stop, Val gently cupped Riley’s cheek to wake her. “Come on, Michigan, it’s time to go,” she said, her voice wrapping around Riley like a warm blanket.

Riley yawned and stretched, blinking sleepily as she took in the familiar surroundings. Val had already grabbed both of their bags and was making her way toward the bus exit, prompting Riley to follow closely behind.

Outside, their friends had gathered to say their goodbyes. “See you guys in class!” Sophia called out as she packed her bag into her mom’s car, adjusting her glasses and waving cheerfully.

Allison and Dani hopped into Dani’s car, flashing peace signs before speeding away. Meanwhile, Val had stowed their bags in the back seat of her car and was now at the passenger door, opening it for Riley.

Riley’s heart fluttered at the gesture as she settled into Val’s brightly decorated car. The dashboard sported a few hockey team stickers, the floor mats were emblazoned with the school’s logo, and a fluffy red cover adorned the steering wheel, bringing everything together in a way that felt uniquely Val.

“I know… you probably think it’s lame,” Val said, giving Riley an awkward grin.

“I think it’s cute,” Riley replied, tucking a few stray hairs behind her ear with a smile.

“Thank god! I thought you’d think I was boring,” Val sighed in relief.

“I would never! You’re so cool, Val,” Riley giggled, making Val blush as she turned on the car. The engine sputtered and popped before starting up.

“Don’t be alarmed; it’s just a really old car!” Val warned, shifting gears and heading toward the school exit.

“Just let me know where to turn and stuff, okay?” Val said, placing her hand on Riley’s thigh. Riley nodded, trying to suppress a startled yelp at the unexpected touch. She was never going to get used to Valentina Ortiz’s touch.

“You can take a left here,” Riley guided, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.

“Mmhmm,” Val hummed. “You can put on some music if you want.”

Riley’s mind raced with possibilities: ‘What should we play? She’ll hate my music. She’s going to think I’m lame.’

“You can play ‘Get Up and Glow’ if you want,” Val suggested casually.

“Wait—really?” Riley’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yeah, I still listen to them sometimes,” Val shrugged nonchalantly. Riley smiled and grabbed Val’s phone, opening the music app to play the band’s latest album. To her delight, it was indeed in Val's recently played list.

“I don’t let the girls know because they’d never let me live it down,” Val said, turning the volume up a bit.

“But you’re the captain! Can’t you just make them stop?” Riley asked, intrigued.

“Well, yeah, but I’m just the captain; I’m not in charge. I set the example for everyone else. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me much,” Val explained.

“Go right at the stop sign,” Riley pointed out, noticing the sign at the end of the road. “I guess I see where you’re coming from.”

Val nodded and made the turn. “Oh yeah, how was your conversation with Grace and Bree?” she asked.

“They were happy to hear from me! I was kinda avoiding them ever since camp. I thought they hated me and honestly forgot about me,” Riley admitted.

“I’m glad you guys are talking again; it’s always good to have friends outside of hockey,” Val smiled, giving Riley’s leg a light squeeze.

“You have to stop thinking everyone hates you, Riley. It’s not a good mindset,” Val said, momentarily taking her eyes off the road to glance at Riley.

“I know, it’s just… whenever bad things happen, that’s where my mind goes,” Riley replied, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

“We can work on that,” Val assured her.

“Thank you,” Riley said, a light blush creeping across her cheeks.

As Val drove into Riley’s neighborhood, she slowed down. “What did you want to do for our hangout?” Riley asked, fiddling with the sleeve of her jacket.

“Oh, I was thinking maybe we could see a movie and do some shopping? What do you think?” Val suggested, her tone unsure.

“That works for me! Um… would this be considered a d-date?” Riley stuttered, her heart racing.

Val’s face heated up at the question, surprising Riley. “Yeah,” she said, trying to suppress a smile.

Riley bit back her own grin. “I can’t wait.”

“Me neither! I’m sure we’ll have a blast,” Val agreed as She came to a stop at the stop sign, Riley chimed in, “My house number is 4456.”

Val nodded, her eyes scanning the street carefully for Riley’s house. It wasn’t long before she pulled up in front of a cozy home.

“Well, looks like our time is up,” Val said playfully, letting out a mock huff.

“Yeah…” Riley replied, her voice trailing off as she felt the moment linger.

“I’ll text you when I’m free, okay? We can set up the date,” Val suggested, a hint of excitement in her tone. The word "date" echoed in Riley’s mind, causing her heart to flutter.

“what should I wear?” Riley asked, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk.

“Hehe, something cute,” Val giggled, scratching the back of her neck, her cheeks flushed.

“I look forward to it,” Riley said, beaming as she leaned over and planted a quick peck on Val’s lips. It was a spontaneous move, her body acting on instinct.

Both girls froze, surprise etched on their faces. Val’s eyes widened in shock, mirroring Riley’s own astonishment.

Quickly, Riley grabbed her bag from the back seat and scrambled out of the car. “Thank you for the ride! I’ll talk to you later!” she stuttered, her heart racing.

“Yep!” Val saluted from her window, still processing the kiss as she pulled out of the driveway, her face warm with a lingering blush.

Chapter Text

Riley let out a huff as she watched Val drive away, a part of her wishing she could stay in the car. She walked up to her front porch and opened the door, noting that it was unlocked—an indication that someone was home.

Rolling her eyes at the sight of her dad, she walked inside. “Hey, monkey,” he greeted her with a casual smile.

“Where’s Mom?” she asked, not bothering to return his greeting. She set her bag down next to the dining room table.

“She’s at work, covering an extra shift,” he replied. “How was your game? I heard you guys won.”

Ignoring his question, Riley headed upstairs to her room and shut the door behind her. She let out a deep breath and flopped onto her bed. Laying on her stomach, she pulled out her phone and began scrolling through Instagram.

Riley opened her DMs with Grace and Bree and typed, ‘Do you guys want to call?’ Almost immediately, two typing bubbles appeared, followed by her phone ringing.

“Hey, Riley!” Grace beamed, waving at her camera.

“Hey!” Riley smiled back.

“It’s been so long, girl! What have you been up to?” Bree asked, adjusting her glasses.

“I literally just got back from the best time ever,” Riley replied.

“Well, you totally have to spill!” Grace chimed in eagerly.

“Okay, okay, strap in because it’s a lot,” Riley warned, making Bree and Grace raise their eyebrows playfully.

“The game went great! As usual, the Firehawks killed it, but I know you want to hear about what really happened… I ended up going to my first high school party, and I have a date!” Riley explained, her excitement bubbling over.

Bree and Grace’s jaws dropped in disbelief.

“Omg, what?!” Bree gasped.

“You got a date?” Grace giggled, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Yep,” Riley nodded proudly.

“With who?” Bree pressed eagerly.

“You won’t believe me,” Riley teased, hovering over the answer.

“Come on, Riley, we can’t wait all day!” Grace urged.

“Okay, okay… I have a date with Valentina Ortiz,” Riley confessed, a light blush spreading across her cheeks.

Bree and Grace beamed with excitement, clapping their hands together. “You’re so lucky, Riley!” Bree exclaimed. “We’re so happy for you! I didn’t know you and Val would get so close!”

“Yeah, I hope you two have a great time on your date! Send us pictures!” Grace added, her smile wide.

The girls’ conversation continued for hours, filled with discussions about the latest celebrity gossip and genuine life updates. Just then, Riley heard her bedroom door creak open, making her jump. To her surprise, it was her mom.

“I’ll call you guys later!” Riley said quickly, hanging up the phone. A wide smile broke across her face, her cheeks warming as she greeted her mom.

“What’s up, Mom!” she said, getting up from her bed to embrace her in a warm hug.

“Hey, Ri! Congratulations on your game. I’m proud of you,” Jill said, wrapping her arms around her daughter.

“Thanks, Mom!” Riley replied, pulling back from the hug. “How has work been?”

Jill sighed, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. “Don’t worry about it, Ri. It’s just been a bit busy lately, but I promise I’ll be around more. I’m sorry about your dad.”

“Don’t apologize for Dad’s mistakes,” Riley said, sitting on her bed.

“But it’s not fair to you, sweetheart,” Jill explained gently.

“I don’t want to talk about him anymore,” Riley emphasized, her tone firm as she made clear her feelings about her father.

“That’s fine. We can change the subject,” Jill said, moving to sit next to Riley on the bed.

After a brief silence, Riley felt a surge of nerves. “Um, I’ve got a date…” she squeaked out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jill’s face lit up. “Really? That’s wonderful, honey! Who’s the lucky guy?” she asked, playfully elbowing Riley in the ribcage.

Riley’s heart sank. ‘Mom can’t know about Val,’ her mind raced with anxiety. “Oh, um… well his name is…” Her eyes darted around the room, searching for an answer. “Um… his name is Jake,” she lied, her voice trembling slightly.

“Jake? Hmmm, I’ve never heard you talk about a Jake before,” Jill said, raising an eyebrow curiously.

“I met him at the game! He was cheering me on,” Riley explained, but her flushed face betrayed her.

“Well, I can’t wait to meet him! When are you two hanging out?” Jill asked, genuinely excited.

“I don’t know yet. He hasn’t texted me since we planned it,” Riley replied, her heart racing.

“Just let me know so I can take you. Speaking of which, who took you home?” Jill asked, taking off her glasses and pushing them to rest atop her head.

“Oh, Valentina took me home!” Riley said, a smile creeping back onto her face.

“That was nice of her! Can you give her this the next time you see her? Tell her I said thank you,” Jill said, reaching into her purse to retrieve a twenty-dollar bill. She handed it to Riley, who nodded gratefully.

“I’m glad you had fun at your game! I’ll try to make it to the next one. Now, I’m going to start dinner. I’ll let you know when it’s ready,” Jill said, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

Riley noticed her mom's fatigue. “Why don’t we just order pizza?” she suggested.

Jill’s eyebrows raised in surprise, then she shrugged. “What the heck, sure!” she replied with a smile, closing the door behind her.

Once alone, Riley decided to take a bold step and text Val. She opened her messages and began typing, but her nerves got the better of her. ‘Hey’—delete. ‘Hello’—delete. ‘What’s up, Val?’—delete.

Riley groaned and set her phone down. “Why is this so hard?” she muttered, picking her phone back up only to hesitate again. Just then, she noticed Val was texting her.

‘Hey, Riley, is 3 o’clock tomorrow a good time for you?’

Heart racing, Riley immediately typed back, ‘Sure!’

‘Great! Whatcha up to rn?’ Val responded.

‘I'm waiting on my mom to order pizza… what about you?’ Riley sent, her stomach knotting. “She’s going to think I’m lame,” she sighed, burying her face into her pillows. After hitting send, she turned off her phone, feeling her cheeks flush.

Riley perked up at the sound of her notifications pinging. She quickly glanced at her phone, her heart racing.

‘Yummy! I’m catching up on my shows! I don’t get to watch a lot of TV between hockey and class, haha!’

A smile spread across Riley's face, but her stomach fluttered with nerves as she typed her response. She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the keys. What if she said something silly? What if Val thought she was boring? Taking a deep breath, she finally managed to type, ‘What show are you watching?’

As soon as she hit send, she felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. Would Val think her question was lame? She bit her lip, anxiously waiting for Val's reply, her heart pounding in her chest.

‘The end is near! Its kinda old but I think you might like it!’ Val sent back

Riley let out a sigh of relief reading over the text.
‘I’ll have to watch that sometime!’

‘When you watch it tell me how you feel because it’s a lot to get into’ Val explained

‘Maybe we can watch the first episode together?’ Riley sent the text her feet kicking back and forth off the edge of her bed.

‘I’d like that! You’re so cute’

Riley sucked in a sharp breath surprised with the text Val sent

‘You’re cuter!’ She replied chewing on her lip nervously as she sent the text

‘I wish I could see you again… you make me feel free’ Val admitted

‘I wanna see you too… good thing we’ll see eachother tomorrow’ Riley sent

‘Yeah!’ Val replied, and Riley felt a rush of warmth spread through her.

Suddenly, her phone lit up again with another message from Val.

‘Do you want to watch the first episode together tomorrow after our date? I can buy snacks! We’ll just have to go back to my place after we go shopping!’

Riley's excitement bubbled up, and she nearly dropped her phone. ‘That sounds amazing! Do you want me to bring anything with me?’ she typed quickly, her fingers shaking

Val's reply came almost instantly. ‘Just yourself and maybe a jacket!’

Riley giggled, her nerves momentarily forgotten. ‘Perfect! I can’t wait!’

Just as she was about to type more, her phone buzzed with another notification.

‘It’s gonna be so much fun! See you tomorrow, cutie!’

Riley’s heart soared. ‘See you tomorrow!’ she replied, a bright smile on her face.

Feeling light-headed with excitement, she was about to set her phone down when her mom’s voice called from the kitchen. “Riley! Dinner’s ready!”

"Coming!" Riley shouted back, her heart still racing from the conversation with Val. She took one last look at her phone, the screen glowing with Val's messages, before reluctantly placing it down and heading to the kitchen, her mind buzzing with thoughts of their upcoming date.

——————-

The next morning, Riley jolted awake to the sound of heavy footsteps thundering down the hallway and stopping abruptly outside her door. Her heart raced as she blinked the sleep from her eyes, instantly recognizing the familiar, infuriating presence.

“Riley,” her dad called, his voice grating against her ears.

“What,” she groaned, irritation bubbling to the surface. She wasn’t in the mood for his nonsense.

“Your mom told me about your date and—”

“What do you want, Dad? Just spit it out!” Riley snapped, her voice sharper than she intended, echoing through the closed door.

There was a brief silence on the other side, a tense pause that made Riley’s heart pound louder. “I was going to give you some advice…” he began, his tone patronizing.

“I don’t want any advice from you! Just leave me alone!” Riley interrupted, her pulse quickening as frustration surged. She could feel her hands clenching her sheets into fists, the anger boiling inside her. “I have to start getting ready!”

Another silence followed, thick with unspoken tension. Riley could almost feel her father's disappointment seeping through the door, but she didn’t care. She was done with his lectures, his opinions—especially on something that mattered so much to her.

“Riley, just—” he started again, but she cut him off.

“I said, leave me alone!” she shouted, the finality of her words hanging in the air like a heavy weight.

With that, she turned away from the door, her heart racing, feeling the need to escape the suffocating tension that lingered between them. She had a date to prepare for, and she refused to let him ruin it.

“You’ll regret this,” he yelled, his voice dripping with anger as he slammed his fist against the door with a resounding thud.

Riley jumped, adrenaline coursing through her veins, and let out a shaky breath. The sound reverberated in her chest.

“Wow, you're so mature, Dad. Where’d you learn that move?” she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but it faltered under the weight of her anxiety, her throat tightening as the reality of the confrontation sank in.

The silence that followed felt thick and oppressive, her pulse racing as she braced herself for his response. She could almost feel the heat of his anger seeping through the door, threatening to engulf her.

Before Bill could respond, Jill had snuck up behind him. “Leave Riley alone, Bill. It’s too early for this.”

A wave of relief washed over Riley as she heard her mother step in to handle the situation outside her door. “Come help me make breakfast,” Jill said, pulling her drunk husband away from Riley’s door.

Riley sat up in bed and stretched, feeling the tension ease. She reached for her cell phone and quickly texted Bree and Grace.

‘Good morning, guys…’ she typed.

‘Hey, Riley!’ Grace replied almost instantly.

‘Good morning!’ Bree chimed in.

Riley felt her excitement build. ‘I’m going to need your help picking out an outfit.’

‘Ohhh, you should totally wear a flannel! Those make you look great!’ Grace suggested eagerly.

‘Hmmm, okay! And for pants?’ Riley texted back, her mind racing with possibilities.

‘Black skinny jeans! You can never go wrong with jeans,’ Bree responded confidently.

‘Good thinking! Should I keep my hair up or down?’ Riley asked, wanting their input.

‘Wear it down! You never let your hair down, so it would be cool to see,’ Bree answered quickly.

Riley smiled, feeling grateful for her friends. ‘Thanks, guys! I’ll send you pictures when I’m ready.’

With that, she locked her phone, anticipation bubbling inside her as she prepared for her big day.

————————

Three o’clock arrived faster than Riley had anticipated. She was putting the final touches on her outfit: a white T-shirt with a blue plaid flannel paired with black skinny jeans that hugged her figure perfectly. Anxiously, she combed her fingers through her hair, trying to ensure it looked just right. She had borrowed some of her mom’s perfume and a delicate bracelet to tie the whole look together.

After slipping on her plain white Converse, she stepped outside, her heart racing as she waited for Val to arrive.

“Riley, please be home at a reasonable time, okay?” Jill said, pressing a gentle kiss on Riley's forehead as she headed out for work.

“I will, Mom,” Riley replied, her foot tapping nervously against the ground.

Fortunately, her father was still inside, fast asleep, likely to remain in his oblivion until late into the night.

Just then, she caught sight of the familiar car rolling up, its tires making a soft creak as it approached.

“Hey, Michigan!” Val called out, a bright smile lighting up her face as she stepped out of the car.

“Val!” Riley smiled walking over to her.
Riley wrapped her arms around Val’s body in a tight warm embrace. Val tightly held Riley to her body as well.

“We are going to have so much fun tonight!” Val giggled, pulling away from the hug.

She walked over to her passenger side of her car and opened the door for Riley.

“I love your outfit! It’s so cute” Val complimented.

“Thank you, I love your outfit too!” Riley replied

and she meant it. Val looked amazing in her black crop top and blue jean shorts that hugged her thighs. She wore Converse and had her hair styled half up, half down, with a bun keeping it out of her face

Riley slid into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt as Val got into the driver's seat, securing her own seatbelt. The car roared to life as she started the engine and pulled away.

“How have you been?” Val asked, glancing over at Riley.

“I’ve been pretty good, I talked to Bree and Grace and finally caught up with them!”

“That’s great! I’m happy you reconnected with them.”Val smiled.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Riley reached into her pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill her mother had given her the other day. “My mom wanted you to have this. She said thank you for giving me a ride home,” she said, placing the bill in Val’s cup holder

“Oh, she didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it! Hopefully, she won’t give me twenty dollars every time I come over since I hope to be over more,” Val blushed

Riley giggled and nodded her head “I hope you come over more too!”

Val stopped the car at a stop sign and typed on her phone for a moment. She played a song by 4town.

“I didn’t know you listed to 4town” Riley’s head perked up

“Of course I do,” Val giggled. She placed her hand on Riley’s softly intertwining their fingers.
Riley felt her cheeks heat up at the physical contact.
—————-

As they entered the bustling shopping center, Riley felt an immediate wave of anxiety wash over her. The crowd seemed to pulse and swirl around her, and her thoughts raced: 'What if I embarrass myself in front of Val?'

Val must have sensed her tension. With a gentle, reassuring touch, she pressed her warm hand against Riley's back. "Hey, I got you," she whispered, her voice soft and steady.

Riley took a deep, centering breath. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she looked up at Val with a grateful smile, silently mouthing "thank you."

Val's eyes sparkled with encouragement. "Let's have some fun, okay?" she said, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Mmhm," Riley murmured, feeling a spark of excitement begin to replace her earlier nervousness.

As Riley and Val stepped through the large glass doors, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere of the mall. The high ceiling made the space feel open, and bright lights shone down on the shiny tile floors. The air was filled with delicious smells—freshly baked pretzels from a nearby stand, rich coffee brewing at a café, and sweet cinnamon rolls from the food court.

Shops lined both sides of the mall, each with colorful displays that caught their attention. Trendy clothing stores showcased the latest styles, while small boutiques offered unique accessories. The sounds of happy conversations and laughter filled the air, mixed with upbeat music playing softly in the background, creating a fun and friendly vibe.

“Do you want to check out hot topic?” Val asked as they walked down the marbled floors.

“Totally! That’s one of my favorite stores!” Riley said
Val smiled and took Riley’s hand into her own.

“Is this okay?” Val asked making sure Riley was okay with the public display of affection.

“Yep” Riley nodded, a light blush crept across her face.

The pair made their way over to the store and were immediately greeted by the the associates

“Welcome guys! Let us know if you’ll need any help alright?” He announced

“Thank you!” Val answered

Riley looked around the store for a little, she let go of Val’s hand gently and looked at the latest band shirts.

“You know, I’ve always wanted to dye my hair” Riley said

“Really? I thought you were just a plain Jane” Val giggled

“A lot of people think that surprisingly”

“I should have assumed Riley Anderson had some edge to her silly me” Val joked

“What do you think of this shirt?” Riley asked holding up a black shirt that had a cat on it holding a guitar

“It’s so cute! You should totally get it”

Riley grinned, feeling a rush of excitement at Val’s encouragement. “You really think so?” She held the shirt up to herself, imagining how it would look paired with her outfit.

“Absolutely! It’s fun and quirky, just like you,” Val replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Plus, it’ll definitely make a statement.”

Riley chuckled, her nerves beginning to fade as she felt more comfortable in the store. “Okay, I’ll try it on! Let’s see if it looks as good as it does in my head.”

As she made her way to the fitting rooms, she glanced back at Val, who was busy browsing through a rack of colorful accessories. Riley couldn’t help but feel her body go numb with joy, it was nice to have someone who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. Val is always there for her.

In the fitting room, she quickly changed into the shirt. The soft fabric felt good against her skin, and she admired the playful cat design in the mirror. “Not bad,” she murmured to herself, a smile creeping onto her face.

Stepping out to show Val, she called, “What do you think?”

Val turned, her eyes lighting up. “Oh wow! That looks amazing on you! You have to get it!”

Riley felt a surge of confidence. “Okay, it’s settled then! I’ll take it.” She quickly changed back and rejoined Val, who was now holding a pair of funky bracelets.

“Check these out!” Val exclaimed, holding them up. “They’d go perfectly with your new shirt!”

Riley laughed, her earlier worries forgotten. “You’re right! Let’s grab them.
—————-
“We should totally take some pics in the photo booth!” Riley suggested

“Omg yes!” Val marveled they linked their arms together and walked to the Photo Booth.

Riley slide in to the far right and Val followed after her.

Val reached into her pocket to get a few coins and inserted them into the machine.

They posed for about three diffrent pictures before their eyes met.

Riley smiled and Val grinned.

Riley placed her hand on Val’s leg and Val reached her hand up to caress the back of Riley’s head.
They pulled eachother in for a quick kiss that ended too soon for each others liking.

Riley pulled back, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Val giggled and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“We should get the picture!” Val diverted her eyes to the exit prompting Riley to slide out the curtains.

When riley got out to grab the strip of pictures she felt like her soul was floating out of her body. ‘Val is amazing’ she thought to herself.

“They came out pretty good Michigan” Val smirked winking at Riley and grabbing her copy of the pictures.

“We should probably get something to eat and then head back to my place?” Val explained

Although they weren’t at the mall for long it was still fun to get out. Riley was perfectly fine with anything Val wanted to do.

“How does Chinese food sound?” Val asked
“Pretty good!” Riley agreed

————————-

“I can’t wait to dig in,” Val said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “I ordered dumplings and some chicken with rice. You’re going to love it! I opted out for the broccoli because I remembered you mentioned you didn’t like it”

Riley smiled, feeling all of her anxiousness wash away the longer she sat with Val. “Sounds perfect! I’m so glad we came here.”

As their food arrived, steaming and beautifully presented, they both let out soft gasps of delight. Val immediately reached for the dumplings, dipping one in soy sauce before offering it to Riley. “Here, try this! It’s amazing.”

Riley took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise at the burst of flavor. “Wow, you were right! These are incredible!” She grinned, grabbing a dumpling for herself.

They continued to share bites and laughter, Val recounting stories from her day while Riley listened intently, savoring not just the food but the moment they were sharing.

“It was hard finding an outfit to wear today I’ll admit” Val opened up

“Wait r-really? Why?” Riley asked, taking another bite of her dumplings.

“Well… I didn’t want to overdress or underdress so I just went with the common ground” Val explained

“Mmmhm I see…. I think you look amazing” Riley blushed

“Thanks ri, I think you look amazing too” Val smiled

The two of them finished up their meals and ended up talking a bit more.

“So uh… when we go back to your place is anyone going to be there? Like your siblings or anything?” Riley asked

“Nope! Just me my brother is out of town for the week and my parents work late so the house is ours” Val smiled

Riley nodded and grabbed a napkin to wipe any leftover food off of her face and hands. Val doing the same.

“This is so much fun,” Riley said, her heart feeling full. “I’m really glad we did this.”

Val smiled warmly, reaching across the table to squeeze Riley’s hand. “I’m glad we did this too! Now let’s go back to my place!” Val grinned widely walking with Riley back to her car.

—————————-

The car ride back was pretty joyful, Riley and Val listened to the radio in a comfortable silence, their hands intertwined and their energy laid back.

Val pulled into her driveway revealing her very nice looking house. It was a light beige color and it had an upstairs like Riley’s house.

Val’s room was even nicer.

She had posters of various hockey idols, and organized desk dedicated to her class work and books. She had a few trophies lined up on a shelf next to her bed. Her bed was perfectly made and was decked out in red sheets
Their were fairy lights hung throughout her room to give it a cozy glow

“Wow your room is so cool” Riley complimented.

“Thank you! I tried to make it as organized as possible! You can have a seat on the bed, make yourself comfortable” Val said, grabbing her remote and turning on the TV to the first episode of the show.

Riley made herself comfortable sliding off her shoes and hopping on the bed near the wall. Val scooted on the bed and sat next to Riley resting a comforting arm around Riley as the show started.

Riley watched the opening cut of the episode and tried to stay focused but her eyes kept wandering over to Val.

Her eyes scanned Valentina’s face closely. Her lips were curled into a small smile as specific characters appeared on the screen. Riley shook her head and looked back at the screen for a few more moments but then her eyes were right back on Val.

She could smell all the different fragrances Val used like her perfume and her shampoo. Her lips looked soft and plush just asking to be kissed.

‘Stop being so weird’ Riley’s subconscious interjected.
Forcing Riley to look back at the show.

It worked for a while before Riley’s attention was back on Val. Her eyes traveled down to Val’s cleavage and her exposed shoulder. It made Riley’s face warm up.

“Michigan? You alright?” Val asked

“Oh—uh, yeah! It’s just hot in here,” Riley stammered

“Mmhmm... I see,” Val replied, mischief in her tone. She leaned in closer, raising an eyebrow. “You looking at my boobs?”

“N-no! I was looking at your—your face!” Riley sputtered

“You’re a terrible liar, Riley,” Val laughed

“W-well, I’m sorry! You invited me over to watch your show, and I’m making it weird,” Riley admitted genuinely

“It’s okay, Michigan. I’m not mad; it’s natural,” Val reassured her

“I just don’t want you to think differently of me,” Riley said softly, looking up at Val

Val’s expression softened as she paused the show. “We don’t have to watch this right now. We can just lay here if you want”

“R-really? But—“

“Riley, it’s fine! I told you, you’re okay. Now come here,” Val said, turning to face her and inviting Riley into an embrace

Riley hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around Val’s rib cage.

Val pulled Riley onto her lap Riley’s legs were on either side of her own legs. Riley was in paradise right now. Val was so warm and soft. Riley’s face was buried in the crook of Val’s neck and Val’s fingers were making light circles across Riley’s back through her shirt.

“Is this better?” Val hummed

Riley relaxed in Val’s arms. It felt like when Val and her first kissed at that party. Like she was floating. She didn’t have a worry in the world. The only thing that mattered in those moments were her and Val.

“I think I could get used to this” Riley smiled
“Me too..” Val ran a gentle hand through Riley’s hair
They stayed in their position for a while enjoying each other's presence.

“Val…”
“Hmm?”
“Can I stay the night?”

Chapter Text

“S-sure, If it’s okay with your mom and dad” Val answered

Riley sat up from her position now face to face with Val. This was probably the most intimate they had been since the party. She could practically feel her heart beating out of her chest. Her and Val’s faces were inches apart. Val had a deep blush spread across her face and it surprised Riley because usually Val was laid back and chill about everything.

“Can I be honest…” Val asked

“Y-yeah sure uh what’s up?” Riley asked feeling a chill of nervousness go through her body

“I’ve never done anything like this before…” she admitted

Riley let out a small breath of relief and smiled back at Val

“Me neither… we can just go slow with all of whatever this is” Riley said tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Val smiled and nodded her head.
“I don’t want to do anything we’ll regret if that makes sense” Val explained

“I understand,” Riley said, lifting herself off of Val and reaching for her phone.

‘Can I stay at Val’s tonight’ SHIT ‘Can I stay at Jake’s house tonight’ No she’s not gonna let me stay at a guy's house. Riley thought to herself.

‘Can I stay at Val’s house after my date with Jake? We ran into her at the mall’ Riley settled with this lie and sent the text to her mother.

“Now we wait” Riley said looking back at Val who was also typing on her phone.

“Mhmm” Val smiled, glancing over at Riley “do you mind if i change into something more comfortable?” Val asked, sliding off the side of her bed.

“I don’t mind at all, I’ll turn around to give your privacy” Riley started

“We change in the locker room together, you’re completely fine haha” Val said placing a light hand on Riley’s shoulder.
“Oh yeah, you’re right” Riley giggled.

Val slipped off her shirt and faced the other way from Riley. She lifted her shirt over her head and Riley couldn’t help but let her eyes wander up and down Val’s muscular back. To Riley’s surprise Val wasn’t wearing a bra this made her face heat up and she averted her eyes.

Val reached into her closet and grabbed a baggy shirt that looked like an old camp shirt.
She slipped out of her shorts and thank god the shirt she put on was longer than her pants because Riley would have probably passed out.

“I hope you don’t mind, I hate wearing pants!” Val explained turning around to Riley.

“N-no it’s okay… it’s your house haha” Riley nervously giggled.

“So uh… what do you wanna do now…” Val asked awkwardly standing in the middle of the room.

“We could play ‘never have I ever’” Riley suggested.
‘That was stupid, that game is so childish’

“Sure!” Val smiled, sitting plopping onto her bed crossing one of her legs and letting the other hang off the bed. “You can go first!”

Riley’s stomach twisted with nervousness.
“Uh… never have I ever skipped school” Riley asked, deciding to play it safe for now.

“you got me their Michigan” Val placed down a finger and smiled.
Riley’s eyebrows raised in surprise. She never expected her all star, A plus, hockey captain to do mischievous things like skip school.
“Why do you look so surprised?” Val asked curiously.

“I just didn’t expect you to do anything that would get you in trouble on purpose” Riley explained

“Ahh I see, remember Riley I was your age at one point, I can break the rules a little too” Val giggled.

“Yeah.. I guess you’re right!.. its your turn now” Riley smiled.

Val thought for a second rubbing her chin before coming up with something “never have I ever sleepwalked?” Val smirked.

Riley playfully rolled her eyes and placed a finger down. “How did you know I’ve slept walked before?” Riley asked

“You just gave me that vibe hahah” Val joked

The vibes in the room were playful and warm. Riley and Val went back and forth with many different questions. They were inturpted by Riley’s phone chiming.

She grabbed her phone and checked her notifications.

‘Did your date go well? And I suppose you can stay at Valentina’s house as long as her parents are okay with it, do you need any pajamas?’ The text read

Riley immediately texted back

‘I can just borrow some of Val’s clothes! The date went well, thanks mom!’ Sent the text and then looked over at Val.

“She’s okay with me staying! But can I borrow some clothes?” Riley asked

“Oh sure! Do you just want a shirt and some of my boxers?” Val asked, sliding off her bed once again.
She went into her closet and started looking for clothes that would fit Riley. Good thing she was tall and lanky so Val’s clothes wouldn’t be too baggy on her.

“I’ve got this” she holds up an old band T-shirt “and I’ve got these!” Val said, holding up a pair of plain black boxers with a white waistband.

“Those should work,” Riley nodded, hopping off the bed and grabbing the clothes from Val.

Val went and sat back on her bed in the same spot she was previously in. She watched as Riley took off her shirt which revealed her sports bra. Riley didn’t take it off
‘She's probably embarrassed’ Val thought. So she stopped staring at Riley and typed on her phone a bit.

Riley slipped the shirt over her head and gave the neckline a deep sniff. It smelt just like Val. To not come off as a weirdo she hurried up and took her jeans and underwear off once again thanking god the shirt was longer than her waist. She slipped the boxers on and stood up again.

“Do you wanna continue playing?” Riley asked, walking back over to the bed.

Val’s eyes scanned Riley’s body up and down. There was something about her teammate being in her clothes that made her stomach twist.
Her eyes then locked with Riley’s who was nervously biting her lip.
“Damn Michigan…y-yeah let’s play the game!” Val said
Riley hopped back on the bed and folded her legs together.
“It’s your turn I think,” Riley said, glancing at Val for a moment.
“Never have I ever…cheated on a test” Val asked
Riley smirked and put a finger down. Val gasped playfully and scooted closer to Riley.
“It was math okay?” Riley laughed.

“Understandable, your turn” Val batted her eyes at Riley.

“Hmmm never have I ever kissed a friend?” Riley asked “not including me o-of course” she reiterated

“Dani and I have made out on occasion I’ll admit, but it was just practice” Val blushed
Riley’s eyes widened “woah… what was that like” Riley asked curiously. Her cheeks heated up at the thought of Val and Dani kissing.

“It was alright nothing special… have you ever kissed anyone besides me?” Val asked

“N-no youre my first” Riley bit back a smile.

Val looked like she was going to say something but then hesitated. Riley immediately took note of this and asked “what’s wrong?”

“Well… I was wondering if maybe you wanted to try it” Val asked

“Kissing? W-we kiss all the time… what do you mean” Riley asked

“Making out… we don’t have to if you don’t want to it’s all up to you” Val blushed rubbing the back of her neck nervously.
Riley couldn’t believe Val asked her that question. Her mind started racing ‘what if we mess this up’
‘She’s never going to want to kiss me again’ Riley thought.

“Hey hey hey… we don’t have to do that if you aren’t comfortable with it” Val reassured Riley, scooting closer to her and wrapping an arm around her pulling her close.

“I-I want to it’s just….” Riley looked into Val’s eyes her eyebrows knitted in worry and concern.

“Riley I won’t judge you, remember I like you… i-I want you…” Val stuttered

Riley felt her body levitating at Val’s words.
She took a deep breath and locked eyes once again with Val before she slowly leaned into her. Their lips meeting in a soft kiss.

Val melted into the kiss and loosely wrapped her arms around Riley’s hips.
Val kissed her softly, taking it slow. She didn’t want to overwhelm Riley.

She lightly swiped her tongue across Riley’s lip wanting to taste more of her. This made Riley sit up on her knees to get closer to Val, their lips never disconnecting. Val smiled into the kiss and pulled Riley onto her lap. She let her fingers roam her body slightly teasing the bottom of Riley’s shirt.

Riley opened her mouth a bit to allow Val’s tongue to enter.
The room was spinning at this point for Riley. She reached a hand up to cup Val’s cheek softly as their tongues met.

Both girls moaned into the kiss.

Riley pulled away for a second, opening her eyes.
“T-that was” she huffed out
“Amazing…” Val finished her sentence.
Riley nodded and pulled Val back into a passionate kiss. This time it wasn’t as slow and precise. It was more fast and sloppy.

Val slid her hand up Riley’s shirt and softly grazed her fingers up her torso. She pulled away from the kiss to ask “is this okay?”
Riley nodded her head and leaned back into the kiss her lips moving in sync with Val’s.

Val’s hand inched closer and closer to Riley’s sports bra. She traced the hem of the bra and slowly slide her fingers under the stretchy fabric to feel Riley's boobs.

This made Riley gasp into the kiss and wrap her legs around Val’s back. Val pulled away from the kiss only to kiss down Riley’s exposed neck. She left soft kisses down her neck making Riley’s body shiver.
“I wish I could leave marks, but your parents would ask questions haha” Val mumbled in between kisses.

“Y-yeah…” Riley sighed out.
Val slid her hand from under Riley’s shirt and gave her a short hug wrapping her arms around her torso.

“Was I good..”Riley asked, laying her head on Val’s shoulder.

“You were perfect…” Val smiled.
“I’m glad we got to do this together” Riley smiled

“Me too.. if you want we can do it more often, you’re fun to kiss” Val smirked

“You are fun to kiss too” Riley blushed

“Im glad you didn’t freak out, I thought I went too far haha” Val chuckled

Riley giggled “I would have stopped you if I was uncomfortable at all” Riley reassured her

“Thats good… if you ever need to stop please tell me, I would feel terrible if we did something that would harm you in any way” Val explained resting her arms on Riley’s hips.

This made Riley’s heart flutter. Val’s concern for her made her feel special and important in a way.
She nodded her head and ran her fingers through Val’s hair. They were still in a very intimate position.
Val sitting on the bed while Riley sat in her lap. Never in a million years would Riley think she would be tangled up with Val Ortiz in her bed in the middle of the night. It felt unreal.

“Do you wanna watch that episode now?” Val asked
“Oh yeah we totally can!” Riley smiled.

Chapter Text

The sleepover was going splendid Riley was now invested in this show. So much so that her and Val spent the whole night watching it. Giggling and chatting about their favorite moments and complaining about what could have been written in.

The whole time they were watching Riley and Val stayed cuddled up together. Riley wrapped in Val’s arms for some episodes and Val wrapped in Riley’s for other episodes. It was a very eventful night that ended too soon in Riley’s opinion.

The pair we’re currently getting Riley’s belongings together placing them into one of Val’s spare bags.
“It really sucks the weekend couldn’t have lasted longer” Riley pouted as she finished tying her shoes.

“I feel you, but hey we can always hang out at school and after class!” Val reassured her she gently caressed Riley’s face softly.

“I guess you’re right” Riley said.
A honk could be heard outside notifying Riley and Val that it was time for Riley to go.
“Want a kiss for the road?” Val asked, attempting to cheer Riley up.

Riley nodded and leaned into Val kissing her softly on the lips. Val pulled Riley flush against her body and deepened the kiss. Riley wrapped her arms around Val’s neck and smiled softly. She let her hands roam Val’s body and stopped to entangle her fingers in thick curls. Val nibbled on Riley’s bottom lip, this caused Riley to suck in a sharp gasp as they kissed.

Another honk from outside made the girls jump, causing them to pull away from each other with startled expressions.

“Your mom must really want you home,” Val giggled, running a hand through her own hair, trying to shake off the moment's tension.

“Yeah…” Riley sighed, her voice trailing off as she looked toward the door. “I wish I could have stayed longer.” Her heart ached at the thought of leaving, and she felt a heaviness settle in her chest.

“I promise, next time you can hang out for as long as you want!” Val said, her eyes sparkling as she flashed a warm smile, hoping to ease Riley's disappointment.

“Thanks, Val,” Riley replied, her expression brightening as she picked up her bags. She walked toward the front door, but part of her wished she could stop time, just for a moment, to savor the time Val and her had together.

“Text me?” Val called over to Riley as she reached for the doorknob, her tone coming out more like a statement than a question.

“Of course!” Riley answered back, turning for one last glance at Val, who stood there with a hopeful smile.

As Riley shut the door behind her, Val let out a soft sigh, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety wash over her.

‘Was I too pushy with her?’ she wondered, her mind racing. ‘She probably thinks I’m a creep.’ The thoughts began to spiral, and Val started pacing back and forth, her hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

‘Fuck, she’s never coming back over,’ Val's anxiety tightened its grip on her, filling her with self-doubt and worry. She felt the earlier joy of their time together slipping away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of dread about how she might have come across.

In that moment, Val longed for reassurance, hoping for anything to snap her out of this panicked state. She took a deep breath, inhaling the calming scent of her favorite lavender candle burning in the corner, and walked into her living room. She sank into the soft, plush couch, feeling the fabric embrace her as she tried to find comfort.

The house was silent, amplifying the rapid thump of her heart. All she could hear was the sound of her own breathing, which she struggled to regulate. Her leg bounced frantically, the nervous energy surging through her as she pulled out her phone, hoping for an escape from her thoughts.

As she started to scroll through her messages, she took deep, measured breaths, trying to calm the storm within her.

One message caught her attention: ‘Hey Val, how’s it going?’ It was a missed message from Dani, her best friend.

Val raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and opened the conversation. She quickly typed back, ‘Hey Dani,’ feeling a small sense of relief with each tap of the screen.

Her heart rate began to decrease just a little. Dani had been her confidante for as long as she could remember, and chatting with her always brought a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst turmoil. It was like a safety net, helping to soothe her racing thoughts.

‘Everything alright? You’ve been kinda radio silent since the game,’ Dani’s reply flashed on the screen, concern evident in her words.

‘Oh yeah… Michigan and I hung out at the mall, and she spent the night,’ Val responded, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as she typed.

Before she could even put down her phone, it began to ring. The caller ID flashed Dani’s name. With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, Val answered, “Hello?”

“You and Michigan are hooking up?” Dani screamed into the phone, her voice full of disbelief and excitement.

“What?! No—Dani, what the fuck!” Val let out an annoyed sigh, rolling her eyes dramatically even though Dani couldn’t see her.

“Well, why would you go on a date and then have her spend the night?” Dani pressed, sounding genuinely confused.

“Um, because we wanted to hang out more!” Val explained, her tone defensively rising a notch.

“And what did you do during this ‘hang out’?” Dani questioned, clearly fishing for juicy details.

Val rolled her eyes again and, for a brief moment, found herself reminiscing about the previous night. She recalled how warm Riley's skin felt under her palms, and the gentle flutter of her heart as their lips brushed together in soft kisses. The memory brought a smile to Val's face, but she quickly blinked, interrupting the reverie, and focused back on the conversation.

“We just watched a stupid show and went to sleep,” Val answered, trying to sound casual but feeling her cheeks flush with warmth.

“Interesting...” Dani responded, a teasing lilt in her voice. “I’m not buying that for a second! You’re totally into her, aren’t you?”

Val felt the color deepen in her cheeks but couldn’t help smiling at the thought. “Maybe… but it’s complicated.”

“Complicated? That’s a recipe for drama, V!” Dani chuckled, her tone hinting that she was enjoying the gossip.

“Just—stop,” Val said, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “It’s really not like that. We’re just hanging out, okay?”

Dani’s laughter echoed through the phone, and Val felt a warm flutter of comfort as she realized her friend was just being playful. “Alright, alright! Just keep me posted, okay? I need all the details!”

Val smiled, shaking her head but feeling lighter. “I will. Promise.”

As they chatted on, the weight of her earlier anxiety began to lift, replaced by a familiar joy.
—————-

When Riley got into the car with her mother she was trying hard to keep her emotions all together.

“How was the sleepover? Did you guys talk about boys?” Jill asked in between a yawn

Riley felt a familiar pit in her stomach tighten at her mothers question. ‘She still thinks Jake is a real person’

Riley had to think of a bunch of lies and she had to do it quickly or else her mom would get suspicious.
“Yeah we talked about what I should do next time I go out with Jake… he was a very nice guy” Riley said, trying to sound enthusiastic about it.

“How is Val doing? She must have a busy schedule being captain and graduating soon”

“I mean she manages her time pretty well from what I’ve heard. From what it looks like, her parents are the busy ones.” Riley responded

“Maybe she can come over to our house?” Jill suggested

“N-no. Not while dad is there.” Riley firmly objected.

“Riley… you know he wont flip out like he normally-“

“Let’s drop it mom.. I’m kinda tired after last night” Riley huffed and turned to face the car window. Watching the trees and houses fly by.

Riley’s phone dinged a few times while she was in the car. However she didn’t bother checking them, not wanting to deal with the real world at the moment.
———-