NHL & Umich fics

Why won't you just leave me alone!-N.M

The party had started off great. Blanks and Nolan had invited everyone they knew, filling our house with laughter and music. I mingled, trying to ignore the stress of the past semester, but then someone made a snide comment about my recent breakup, and it felt like a punch to the gut. The words cut deeper than I wanted to admit, and before I knew it, the anger and hurt boiled over.

Nolan stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Y/N, what happened? Are you okay?"

I glared at him, my fists clenched at my sides. "Just go away, Nolan. I don't need you hovering over me."

He didn't budge. "I'm not hovering. I'm just worried about you."

His persistence only fueled my frustration. I spun on my heel and headed towards the back door, needing to escape the prying eyes and the oppressive concern. Nolan followed, undeterred. I could hear his footsteps behind me as I stepped into the cool night air.

"Y/N, talk to me," he called out, his tone more pleading now.

I whirled around to face him. "Why can't you just leave me alone? Why do you always have to be the hero?"

He stopped a few feet away, his expression softening. "I'm not trying to be a hero. I just care about you. And seeing you upset like this... I can't just ignore it."

I crossed my arms over my chest, my anger waning as the pain seeped back in. "It's just... everything's a mess, Nolan. And tonight was supposed to be an escape, not a reminder of how broken I feel."

Nolan's eyes held mine, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. He stepped closer, his voice low. "You don't have to go through this alone, Y/N. I'm here for you. Always."

His sincerity disarmed me, and I felt the tears welling up. I turned away, not wanting him to see me break down. But he gently placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me.

"Let me help," he whispered.

I took a shaky breath, the tears now flowing freely. "I don't even know where to start."

He pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me protectively. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. Just let it out. I'm here."

I buried my face in his chest, the sobs coming uncontrollably. For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to feel the pain, the sadness, and the frustration. And Nolan held me through it all, his presence a steady comfort.

As the tears subsided, I pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "Thank you," I whispered.

He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle. "Anytime, Y/N. You're not alone in this."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as they seemed. With Nolan by my side, I felt a strength I hadn't realized I possessed.

We stood there for a while, the sounds of the party distant now, replaced by the soothing rhythm of our breathing. In that moment, I knew I didn't have to face my struggles alone. Nolan wouldn't let me.

As we walked back inside, I glanced at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. "You're really stubborn, you know that?"

He chuckled, his arm draped around my shoulders. "And you're really hard to get rid of. But I wouldn't have it any other way."