NHL x READER

Snowflakes and Mistletoe | matthew tkachuk

Words: 880

The air was filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and pine as soft Christmas music played in the background. Y/N adjusted the garland on the banister for what felt like the hundredth time, determined to make everything perfect. Hosting a Christmas party was no small taskâ€"especially with a houseful of hockey playersâ€"but she loved every moment of it. Matthew Tkachuk had been buzzing around the house all day, lending a hand when he wasn't sneaking cookies off the platter or making her laugh with his ridiculous Christmas sweater featuring a cartoon reindeer with sunglasses.
"Babe, it's just our friends. They're not gonna care if the garland is two inches to the left," Matthew teased as he leaned on the railing, watching her work with an amused grin.
Y/N shot him a playful glare. "This isn't just any party. It's Christmas! And I want it to be special."
He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "It's already perfect because you're here," he said softly, kissing her cheek. She melted into his embrace for a moment before playfully elbowing him.
"Nice try, Mr. Charmer, but you're on snack duty. Go check the oven before Brady burns the pigs in a blanket again," she said with a laugh.
Matthew groaned but obeyed, leaving her to finish the final touches. Soon, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their first guests. Y/N opened the door to see Brady, Matthew's brother, holding a massive stack of presents and grinning from ear to ear.
"Ho, ho, ho! Santa's here!" Brady announced as he stepped inside, followed by his girlfriend, who was carrying a tray of cookies.
"Brady, you brought enough gifts for an army," Y/N laughed, taking the top box to help lighten his load.
"Well, it's a house full of hockey players. Gotta keep everyone happy," he replied, giving her a big bear hug before heading toward the kitchen.
Before long, the house was bustling with people. Matthew's teammates from the Panthers arrived one by one, each bringing something to add to the spread. There were platters of food, bottles of wine, and more desserts than anyone could reasonably eat in a week. The tree twinkled with lights, and the room was alive with laughter and conversation.
"Okay, secret Santa time!" Y/N called out after everyone had eaten their fill. She handed out the small wrapped gifts she and Matthew had helped organize. The room erupted in laughter as Brandon Montour unwrapped a gag giftâ€"a giant inflatable flamingoâ€"while Carter Verhaeghe received a ridiculous Christmas tie that lit up.
Matthew couldn't stop smiling as he watched Y/N laugh with his teammates and chat with Brady. She fit into his world so effortlessly, and seeing her so happy made his heart swell. When she wasn't looking, he pulled Brady aside.
"She's something else, huh?" Matthew said, nodding toward Y/N.
Brady clapped his brother on the shoulder. "She's amazing. Don't mess this up, Matty."
"I won't," Matthew said, his voice filled with certainty.
As the night wore on, the group moved outside to admire the Christmas lights. The Tkachuks' backyard had been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a fire pit. Matthew and Y/N passed out hot cocoa as the group huddled around, swapping stories and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
"Alright, who's ready for a snowball fight?" Brady announced, already scooping up snow with a mischievous grin.
The backyard quickly turned into a battlefield, with Y/N and Matthew teaming up against Brady and his girlfriend. Laughter echoed through the crisp night air as snow flew in every direction. Matthew managed to sneak up behind Y/N and scoop her into his arms, spinning her around as she squealed.
"Matthew! Put me down!" she laughed, though she couldn't stop smiling.
"Not until you admit our team is winning!" he teased, his face inches from hers.
"Fine! You're winning," she conceded, her cheeks flushed from the cold and laughter.
He set her down gently, brushing a snowflake from her hair before leaning in to kiss her, the world around them fading for a moment.
Later, as the guests began to trickle out, Y/N stood in the doorway, thanking each of them for coming. When the house was finally quiet again, she turned to find Matthew standing by the tree, holding a small box with a red ribbon.
"What's that?" she asked, her heart skipping a beat.
Matthew walked over to her, his usual confidence tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Just a little something I've been holding onto for a while," he said, handing her the box.
Inside was a delicate gold necklace with a tiny hockey stick charm. "I know it's not much, but I saw it and thought of you," he said softly.
Y/N's eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him. "It's perfect, Matthew. I love it."
"I love you," he said, pulling her into a warm embrace.
As they stood by the twinkling tree, the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, Y/N realized this was the best Christmas she'd ever hadâ€"and it was all because of him.