Duke Imagines ?? (Really just Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard)

ADITL XIV

   "Kids, its time for bed. I've said this a million times."

   "But moooom. We gotta watch dad's game!" Nine year old Mike pleads.

   "Yeahhh!" Three year old Lilly agrees.

   "The second half, just let us watch that."

   "That's a whole other hour, Mike. It's already nine o'clock."

   "Just until uncle Luke and daddy go back on the bench." Lilly says.

   "Fine, fine. But after that, it's time for bed. And when you two are exhausted in the morning, don't get mad at me."

   They both jump onto the couch and watch the game excitedly. I sit next to them and put my arm on the back of the couch.

   Just like his father, Mike yells at the referee. Lilly giggles and I tell him to calm down with a smile on my face.

   A Heat player suddenly bumps into Grayson, knocking him down hard. I expect him to get up swiftly, like he usually does, but he stays down. Luke rushes over to him along with another teammate and the referee blows the whistle.

   I pause the television quickly. "Okay, time for bed."

   "Noooo!" They both yell.

   "Is dad okay?" Mike asks.

   "Oh, he's fine. Now let's go to bed, guys." They groan as I pick Lilly up and usher Mike upstairs.

   I put Lilly in her room first and kiss her forehead. I turn light then walk to Mike's room.

   I tuck him in and kiss his forehead. "Night Mike."

   "Night mommy."

   I stand and head towards the door.

   "Mommy?"

   "Yes dear?" I turn back to Mike.

   "When daddy gets home, could you tell him I love him?"

   I smile. "Of course. Now get some rest, you have school tomorrow."

   I turn off his light and close the door quietly. I head back downstairs, sit on the couch, and resume the game.

   Grayson is carried off in a stretcher, his hand to his face. I know what that means. He's in bad pain.

   A commentator announces that a medic has confirmed: Grayson has broken his leg.

   A simple fall can do so much.

   The Pistons court is not as cheerful anymore. The boys end up losing, but the coach is not yelling. He understands why.

   I turn the tv off and stare at the ceiling. Oh gosh. Why Grayson? Why couldn't have been anyone else, even Luke?

   About two hours later, Luke walks in, arm around Grayson. Grayson carries two crutches and Luke sets him on the couch.

   "He is not talking at all. I'm taking him to get a cast tomorrow." Luke says.

   I nod. "Thank you."

   "Anytime." Luke pats Grayson's shoulder then walks back outside. I hear his engine drive away and I wrap my arms around Grayson's torso.

   "I'm so sorry, baby."

   He grunts.

   "Mike told me to tell you that he loved you."

   Grayson cracks a small smile. "Do they know?" He whispers.

   I shake my head.

   "They're gonna be really upset."

   "Yeah... they love seeing you play."

   He sighs and pulls me closer to him. "I love you."

   "I love you, more." I give him a quick kiss and smile at him.