“It’s been a rough couple of days for the Stamkos’. Mr. Chris Stamkos, passed away on Sunday after a hit and run accident. Steven Stamkos is currently being treated for his injuries in a hospital while sister, Nicole, has not spoken to the public since then. The representatives have asked that the family receive as much privacy as they can during this time.” I turn the TV off. Why didn’t I do it earlier? Seeing my family’s story on the news only brought back the pain again. But a smile appeared on me when I see Luke coming back from the bathroom. A towel wrapped around his waist and another being used to dry his hair.
“Everything alright?” He asks. Looking up and tossing the wet towel back into the bathroom.
“Yeah, just saw the news. Are we visiting my brother?” I toss the remote across the bed and walk over to Luke.
“If you’d like.” Luke begins to change in front of me and I didn’t mind all that much. Considering the fact that we have slept together before and I’ve seen him butt ass naked and it is a sight I wouldn’t mind waking up to everyday. Luke and I take turns in the bathroom and I grab all my things and head to the shower. Seeing Steven yesterday was painful and I was slightly out of control. Today I was hoping that the visit would be more calm and peaceful but still the pain is there.
Once the both of us were done, Luke and I headed to the hospital with a bouquet of flowers and cards and a teddy bear. When we arrived, Gabe was there talking to Martin St. Louis (the captain of Steven’s team). The two look over at me and stop their conversation to greet me.
“You alright?” Marty asks, hugging me.
“I’ll be fine. How is Steven doing? How is he handling the loss?” Marty sighs and his hands drop to his sides.
“Not very well but having you around is keeping him strong. So I suggest you visit him as much as you can while you’re in Australia, he’s a mess without you and we want Steven to have a quick recovery. The team misses him and we just want you to know that we’re here for you. The whole is there for you. We’re going to get through this together.” Marty gives me one long hug and rubs my back in the process. Gabe and him go leave.
“I don’t like how close that black haired guy was with you.” Luke complains.
“Luke, he’s 21 years older than me and married.” At that, Luke shuts up and we head over to Steven’s room. No one was inside and as soon as I entered, he looked up and smiled at me. Then to Luke. Thankfully Steven accepts Luke and I’s relationship because if he didn’t, I probably would just run away from home and leave with Luke to live somewhere where no one knows us. I place the bouquet of flowers on a table near him.
“Hey.” I say.
“Hi sis. Hey Lucas.” Luke hands him the teddy bear and the card. “You didn’t really need to get anything for me. Having you here is better than any gift.” Steven opens his arms for me and I accept them. Feeling the support in this embrace. I need him and he needs me. Everything fits perfectly.
“But you enjoy them. Don’t deny it Stevie!” Steve laughs a little.
“I admit having my little sister get me gifts is great. How are you?”
“I’m doing alright. I’m just trying to get on with it because I know dad wouldn’t have wanted us to continue grieving in our misery. Especially with how well our careers are and with me being here and yeah. I miss him. I do and I have been reading his last message to me over and over again. In a way its keeping me away from wanting to be a little depressed person. Luke has been helping me a lot and I’m glad you accept him.” Steven smiles and holds my hand. Seeing him smiling was what I needed to confirm that things will be alright. If he’s happy then I am.
“Luke is a great guy. I’m glad you’re happy now.”
“I’ve always been happy.” I swallow down and the lumpy feeling disappears from my throat. Steven sits up and properly holds both of my hands in his. I wanted to retract my hands away and not have to look him in the eyes but his hold was strong and I couldn’t do much to escape this.
“Sis, I know what happened those eight years where you were away from Luke. Please don’t try to tell yourself that you’ve always been happy. I know you haven’t and I’ve seen the bad side of you. I know how easy it’ll be to fall back but promise me that you’ll stay strong for me, the Tampa Bay Lightning, your team and most importantly…for Luke.” Again we embrace and I turn around, going to say something to Luke but I see that he’s not there. He left. A wave of sadness comes to me. He left. “I signalled him to leave.”
“Why?”
“Because he seemed broken. I can tell he really cares about you. Don’t let him go.” I lightly slap Steven on the arms and wipe away all of my tears.
“I won’t.”
****
After I spent an hour or two with Steven, I left. Gabe was still there and he offered to take me back along with the other Lightning players that were there. Everyone spent around a minute to comfort me and I was grateful that they were there for me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t get this amount of support from those I care about.
I waved them goodbye as I walked into the lobby of the hotel.
“Babe?” I turn around and see Luke. Tears were present in his eyes and Steven wasn’t lying when he said Luke looked broken.
“I’m sorry you had to see me like that.” Luke takes my hand and we make our way back upstairs and to my room. Tonight I have a game and I’ve decided to dedicate every goal to my father and to Steven. What else can I do? Blue stick tape and laces. In a little rush, I rummage through my luggage and toss things around. I’m pretty sure I brought my rainbow pack of stick tape and skate laces.
Once I found them, I worked on getting the laces first, loosening them a little and then putting them to the side before taking my stick and removing the old black one. Spending a little bit more time taping the stick. Wanting to get it perfect. What is the blue representing exactly? My brother’s team and it was also my dad’s favourite colour. The room was silent and it wasn’t until I was finished did I notice that Luke had fallen asleep.
I didn’t wake him up. I didn’t want to anyway. He needs the sleep. All I did was snuggling up behind him and kissed him on the cheek. Right now both of us are broken and we both need each other. That’s the great thing about us, he can fix the things I can’t and I can fix the things he can’t.
“I love you.” I hear him whisper. At first I thought he was sleep talking and wasn’t really conscious but when he turns around in my arms to kiss me on the lips and hold me against his body, I knew that this was real.
“I love you too.” And to think that all this may end in a few days makes me want to hide in a cupboard and cry. I don’t want to leave him and I really wish he didn’t have to leave. Everything has been perfect and I had doubts in me about whether or not we would actually be able to make us work once he’s gone. I sigh and get out of bed. I needed to talk to someone that isn’t Luke.
“Babe, is everything alright?” Luke asks sleepily from the bed.
“Yeah. I’m just going to go talk to someone first. I’ll be back. Don’t worry.” Luke nods and then instantly falls back to sleep. I stop for a moment, looking back at Luke. I really didn’t want to have to have this decision but I knew I need to. No matter how much it’s going to hurt the both of us. Silently I whisper a sorry before leaving.
A/N: sorry this chapter is shorter than usual! But for some reason I couldn't stretch it out any longer because I feel like I left this chapter on a good cliff hanger ;) OMG THANK YOU FOR 1,000 reads and 100 votes! You are all honeslty so amazing and thank you for the support! Can you please check out my friends story 'Static Past' by uhvickyy? it'll mean a lot to her! once again thank you and please don't stop voting/commenting and reading :D
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She Looks So Perfect (Luke Hemmings)+ extras
FanfictionBOOK ONE IN THE NUKE SERIES “If you dont swim, you'll drown." 8 years ago Nicole left Australia to move to America with her father to pursue a sports career (thanks to her friend Luke). Since then she hasn't seen her best friend nor hav...
