Can We Get Something For Leo’s Birthday?🥹 I Think It’s Today But I Can’t Find Where The Exact

I know I’m vaincre Finn and Logan seem to already know about Leo’s past with jack archer but I don’t remember him telling them so I MUST ask you, how do you think they found out ? How do you think that conversation went? I LOVE UR WORK THANK U FOR WRITING DONT FEEL PRESSURED TO WRITE THIS

I love when your asks give me writing prompts! I can't promise I will get to all of them right away, but keep them coming!

Enjoy Leo being the town-favorite NOLA sweetheart that he is, Logan falling in love with butterscotch cookies, Finn being, once again, obsessed with his boys, and Eloise Knut being Mom of the Year.

All credits to @lumosinlove !!

Leo ushered Finn and Logan through the front door, all sweaty from their evening, post-dinner run. They were bickering over who won the sprint back to the house, a little out of breath, and Leo pinched each of their hips to remind them to take off their shoes before walking through towards the kitchen. A familiar, sweet smell hung in the air and he followed his nose to find his mother standing near the oven. 

“Hi boys,” Eloise said, smiling. “How was your run?”

“Good, mama,” Leo replied. He kissed her cheek. “You baking?”

But before she could reply, there was a thump and Logan stumbled in from taking his sneakers off, nose tilted up. “What smells so good?”

Finn snorted from behind him. “Nice manners, Tremblay.”

Logan rolled his eyes playfully. “Salut, Eloise. It smells good in here.” 

Eloise just waved him off with a laugh. “Thanks, Logan, honey. Just making some butterscotch cookies. Not an approved post-run meal, but you’re on vacation time, so I figured an exception could be made for one night.”

“Definitely,” Finn said. “Thanks for feeding Logan’s sweet tooth this week- those bulk sour strips are getting expensive.” 

Logan just shoved him gently. “Mais, non. Leo makes me sweet stuff now.” 

Leo would never get tired of the way they looked in his home’s kitchen, laughing and joking with his parents. Eloise eyes were bright as she turned to smile at Leo; she saw right through him always. “Well,” she said. “I taught him well then.” She went over to the fridge. “I must’ve done an exceptional job, too, because he’s not only got one but two lovely boyfriends.”

“Don’t pretend you weren’t already a fan, especially of Tremblay,” Wyatt said as he entered the kitchen and kissed her cheek. “He was always your favorite.”

“Ouch, Eloise,” Finn said, a hand over his heart in a wounded gesture.

“Oh, hush,” Eloise said. She wasn’t even embarrassed, just amused. “Leo, sweetheart, grab the pitcher from the fridge and some glasses? I made some decaf cold-brew. Wyatt, there’s milk in the fridge and I just restocked the sugar bowl.”

“We can help,” Logan said.

Eloise just shooed them away with her hands. “No, you boys go sit out back. Leo and Wyatt have got it.”

Leo and Wyatt both sent her an exasperated, but fond, look, and set about gathering the pitcher and glasses. Leo loved when his mother did this- she was a good hostess always, but he especially loved it in the summer when she would make homemade iced tea and coffee for the ever-rotating guests that would be over in their backyard. Leo and his father always set up and cleaned up so she could just enjoy the company of their friends, and had been for as long as Leo could remember. Sometimes, too, Wyatt would grill some sausages and they’d have late night sandwiches with their neighbours, or just the three of them. Leo didn’t realize how much he’d missed his hometown during his rookie year, especially after getting together with his boys. But this week had been spent going to all his old haunts after his Cup parade: his cove, his old gym, the nice sundae place he and his dad frequented, the market where the blues guitarist played. He had been bringing Mr. Jones baked goods at that market every week for as long as he could remember, and it had felt so good to do so again. Mr. Jones had seen him today, walking up with Finn and Logan and a container of zucchini bread, and had smiled so wide it had almost made Leo cry. 

“My boy,” he had said, hugging Leo briefly over his guitar. “What’ll it be today? Any requests?”

Finn had actually answered, with his signature grin. “Any B.B. King?”

Leo had almost melted right through the ground.

Later, they’d stopped by briefly to visit his old hockey coach, who ran youth summer camps at Leo’s old rink. Mrs. Auclair had let out a loud shout, and then a small gasp at Finn and Logan beside her. “My sweet boy,” she’d said in French. Leo had missed her Cajun accent. “You gotta warn me next time so I don’t get starstruck!”

To Leo’s surprise, Logan had laughed and made a comeback in French, much to her amusement. When she’d asked Finn something in French, he’d hesitated, which in turn made her laugh and switch to English. They’d immediately started a conversation, mindful of the little eyes on the ice that were skating around, and Leo had felt so happy in that moment that the bittersweet feeling of being back home had started to fade and transform into sunshiney, bone-deep warmth.  

Now, he and his dad brought out a plate of cookies and the iced coffee to their glass table outside. Logan and Finn were sitting close on two of the wooden chairs, old and well-loved, Finn running a hand through Logan’s sweaty hair. When they saw Leo, they both looked up and their smiles widened. Leo still didn’t really know what to do with that, only knew that it made him feel better than anything ever had. 

“Hi, nutter-butter,” Finn said as Leo bent and set the tray down. “Need any help?”

Leo shook his head and accepted Finn’s kiss on his forehead. “No, thanks. You want some iced coffee?”

“Ouais,” Logan said. He shifted to sit up straighter. “Merci, mon coeur.”

Leo smiled and poured two glasses of the dark liquid, adding a dash of milk to Finn’s and lots of milk and sugar to Logan’s. He heard a whistle from behind him. “Damn,” Wyatt said. “Is there even any coffee in that?”

Logan flushed and Finn laughed. “I’ve been saying that for years. The sweet tooth is incurable.” Finn held his up. “Mine, however, is perfectly balanced. Not too strong, and not too weak, like Mr. Sugar Bomb’s over here.”

Logan grumbled under his breath and Wyatt winked at Leo with a smile. Leo blushed slightly, but poured some for himself and his parents and sat down as Wyatt placed the tray of cookies on the table. Eloise followed, her blonde curls bouncing on top of her head. “How are we, boys?”

“Good,” Finn said. “Thanks so much, Eloise. These look so good.”

She looked pleased. “Help yourselves, honeys.”

Logan immediately reached for a cookie and moaned when he took a bite. His eyes closed and he nodded repeatedly making Leo chuckle. “Ouais,” he said after swallowing. He looked at Eloise. “These are really good. Can we have the recipe?”

Leo snorted. “You mean can she give me the recipe? You can’t bake, sweetheart.”

Logan patted his thigh, already reaching for another cookie. “Ouais, that’s what I meant.”

Leo rolled his eyes but kissed the top of his head. “I’ll take a picture from mama’s recipe book.” He looked to Eloise. “If that’s okay?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” she said. She took a sip from her iced coffee. “You know, it’s been a while since I made these. I used to make them all the time for your team, remember, sweetheart? The iced coffee, too, and sweet tea. Lord, Wyatt and I used to bring those plastic baseball coolers, didn’t we? The ones with the spouts.”

“Iced tea? At a hockey game?” Finn asked, amused.

“Yeah,” Leo replied with a shrug. “People really loved it. Buses and stuff used to get hot.” He grimaced. “It was awful playing a full game of hockey and then stepping out into the humid air, too.”

“I’m just impressed you had that many kids wanting to play hockey here,” Finn said. He had an arm around Logan in between them and was stroking Leo’s shoulder with his hand. “It just doesn’t seem, like…”

“Like a hockey town?” Wyatt supplied. Finn nodded. “Not really, but in the city you can find everything.” He jerked his head to Leo. “We just got lucky Le had such a good coach and a talented group of kids the years he played.”

Logan turned to look at Leo, swallowing another bite of cookie. “Did any of your other teammates make it to the NHL, Le?”

Leo looked up abruptly from where he had been picking up a cookie. His mother’s eyes were already on him, careful and watching. She was frowning slightly, her lips pursed, but didn’t say anything. He flicked his eyes across to Finn, who had furrowed his brow, and finally landed his gaze on Logan, who looked like he was going to shy away a little. Leo put a hand on his thigh and squeezed before turning to pick up his coffee again. 

“Yeah,” he said. “A couple. But I don’t- we don’t really keep in touch anymore.” He took a bite of cookie and straightened with a small smile. “That’s okay though. I like the Lions better anyway.”

Finn squeezed his shoulder gently, but when Leo turned to look at him he was smiling. “Well, I’d be offended if you didn’t.”

That made them all laugh and Leo listed into Logan’s side a little, feeling the texture of his ribs through his shirt. He felt a little lighter, but when he looked across the table he could see his mother’s eyes still watching him and swallowed. 

***

Later, when he was finishing drying up the dishes, his mother walked in through the back door and gently closed it behind her. Wyatt and his boys were still outside and chatting, laughing. Leo had placed a kiss on Finn and Logan’s foreheads and had come inside to begin cleaning. He just needed a moment, and they seemed to recognize it, following him with their soft gazes as he’d carried the plates, cups, and pitcher inside. 

His mother came up beside him and took a plate from his hands to put in a cabinet. “You alright, sweetheart?” she whispered gently in French. He’d missed the way her voice curved around the vowels, so different from Logan’s and Pascal’s and Sirius’. 

“I’m okay,” he said, but his voice was soft.

She bit her lip. “Do they know about…?”

Leo shook his head. “No. No, I- I haven’t told them yet. Hasn’t come up.”

She grasped onto his biceps to turn him towards her. He was stronger than her, much taller, too, but she had always been good at making him feel held and surrounded. “I think you should, honey.”

Leo nodded and felt his eyes sting. “I know. I know, I should, mama, but- I don’t want to make them feel guilty-”

“Why would they feel guilty?” she asked, brows furrowed.

Leo breathed shakily. “Because… he wanted to hide, and I didn’t. And now, with them, we…”

“You feel like you’re hiding?” Eloise asked gently. When Leo nodded, she tisked her tongue and reached up to bring his down into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her waist. She was warm and strong, as always, and he hoped he always felt this safe in her arms. “Oh, honey.” She stroked his hair. “There is a difference between not coming out to the world because you’re not ready, and hiding from each other.” She pulled back to grab his face between her two palms. “You’re boys don’t hide from you, Leo. Not like him. They’re not like him. So don’t hide from them, honey. They love you so much.”

“Yeah,” Leo said. He was nervous, and a bit sad, but he still smiled when he thought of them. “Yeah, they do.”

“I love you, honey,” his mother said, pulling him into another hard hug. “I love you so much. All I want is for you to be happy, and they make you so happy. That’s all I could ask for my sweet boy. And I know I don’t know… everything about what happened, but they should.” She stroked a hand slowly through his hair and said her next words quietly. “They’ll listen, I know they will. They deserve you sweetheart.” She kissed his cheek. “And when you’re all ready, you can tell people. But it doesn’t mean that you’re hiding right now.”

As if on cue, the back door opened. Leo watched over his mother’s shoulder as Finn and Logan walked in, looking at him with careful eyes. With a last squeeze, his mother pulled away. “I’m going to go join Wyatt out back.” She smiled softly at Leo. “Good night, sweetheart. I love you.”

“Love you, mama,” Leo whispered and leaned down to kiss her cheek. 

She winked at him and turned around, placing a hand on each of his boys and giving their arms a squeeze. “Night, boys.”

“Bonne nuit, Eloise,” Logan said softly.

They both watched her as she closed the back door behind her, then turned to Leo. Finn walked up and took his hand. “Le?”

Leo just squeezed his hand, then reached his other one out for Logan’s. He smiled at them both. “Shower?”

Logan leaned up to kiss him softly. “Ouais.”

Leo tried not to be quiet in the shower, he really did. Finn and Logan didn’t ask any questions, just washed his hair and body gently. Logan tucked himself under Leo’s chin when they wrapped themselves in towels, and Finn gently handed them each a pair of boxers with a kiss to each of their cheeks. Leo stayed in the bathroom a moment longer, combing through his curls with some cream and gathering his breath. To his own surprise, he looked calm on the outside. His mother was right, he supposed. His boys loved him, they listened to him, they never judged- what reason would he have to be nervous? 

He took a deep breath and shook out his hair lightly, squeezing it gently with the microfiber towel his mother had given him a few years ago. He felt arms wrap gently around him, and he looked back to see Logan staring up at him with his devastating green eyes. He pressed a kiss to Leo’s spine. “Ça va?”

Leo nodded. “Yeah, let me finish with my hair. I’ll join you in a minute.”

But Logan didn’t move, still a warm weight against Leo’s back. Leo smiled at himself in the mirror. A barnacle, that one.

When he finished, he turned around to face Logan. “Tired, sweetheart?”

Logan nodded with his face squished into Leo’s chest. “Ouais. The heat makes me sleepy.”

Leo laughed. “Can’t make fun of me for not liking the cold in the winter anymore, can you?”

“Non, I still can,” Logan grumbled, but he was smiling softly. 

He moved his arms to loop around Leo’s neck and looked up at him expectantly. Leo snorted, but grabbed him under his thighs to hoist him up and wrap his legs around his waist. Logan was heavier than he looked, all thick muscle, but Leo supported him easily and ran a hand up and down his back. He bit at Logan’s shoulder. “You’re so strong and sexy. Just want to eat you.”

Logan laughed in his ear. He pulled back slightly to bite at Leo’s shoulder as well. “You, too.”

Leo kissed his neck with a smile and walked into his bedroom. Finn was already sat up in bed with his glasses down his nose, book in his hand. He glanced up at them and smiled as they came to sit next to him. Leo tried to gently set Logan down on the bed, but Logan shook his head and held on tighter. 

Finn snorted. “You’re such a little shit, Tremblay.”

“Non,” Logan said.

Leo sat down on the edge of the bed with a laugh, Logan now in his lap. “Ouais, you are. I love you, though.”

“You do,” Logan said. He leaned into for a kiss then leaned back with a sigh and a smile. “You know, I said that to you three months ago to the day.”

Finn leaned over to scuff the back of his head. “You mean we said that.”

“Ouais, but I said it first.”

“Because you jumped the gun, Logan.” 

“How could I resist?” Logan asked. He kissed Leo’s cheeks hard, and Leo squinted one eye shut with a grin. “Look at him.”

“Look at both of you,” Finn replied. He patted the bed next to him. “C’mon, up here.”

Logan swung a leg over Leo’s lap and crawled next to Finn. He opened his arm for Leo to come and tuck himself into his side, but Leo just sat crisscrossed on the bed and stared at them for a minute. Logan furrowed his brow, but Leo just shook his head and smiled. Finn put his book down, and Leo took each of their hands.

“Thank you,” he said. “Thanks for coming home with me this week.” 

Finn kissed his hand. “Of course, baby.”

“I just mean,” Leo started. “It’s been really nice to bring you home.” He tilted his head. “I’ve always wanted to take someone- or, someones now, I guess- home to meet my parents.”

Logan still looked slightly confused. “Soleil… did you ever-?”

Leo sat up straighter. “Date someone else?”

Logan nodded. “Ouais. I just- I thought about what I said at the table. And I just thought maybe you’d- with someone else on your-” He paused for a moment in that way he did when he was thinking of the English words. “D’accord, I’m sorry. I- did I say something wrong? Out in the garden?”

Leo shook his head. “No, you’re okay. You’re- you’re not wrong.”

Finn also sat up. “Someone on your team?”

Leo nodded and looked down. “Yeah. Yeah.”

Logan made a noise in his throat. He knelt his way over to Leo and straddled his lap, legs extending out towards the end of the bed. His hands began to mindlessly card their way through Leo’s still-damp hair. “What happened?”

Leo ran his hands up and down his waist. “What do you mean?”

“Something happened.”

Leo laughed slightly, but it was rough. “And how do you know?”

Finn answered for Logan. “Because whoever it was put that look on your face.” He also crawled over to sit beside them. Leo could feel his body heat from where he was pressed against his side. “I don’t like that look.”

“Me neither,” Logan said. He kissed Leo’s cheek. “Don’t like you sad.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “I’m not sad.”

“Then what are you?” Finn asked.

Leo shrugged. “I don’t- it’s not really-”

“No, it is important,” Finn pushed. He softened his tone and his eyes were gentle. He was always so gentle with them. “Really, Le, what are you?”

Leo closed his eyes and leaned into Logan’s hands. “Angry I think.”

“Quoi?” Logan asked. He gripped Leo’s hair a bit harder and Leo opened his eyes to look at him. “What did he do to you?” he repeated.

Leo took a deep breath. “His name was Jack. Jack Archer.”

Finn scoffed. “Basic name. Not a fan.”

Leo rolled his eyes bit, but smiled. “You don’t know anything about him yet.”

Finn shrugged. “Don’t need to, your face says it all. And besides, am I wrong?”

Leo shook his head. “Not- not really, no.”

“Allez,” Logan said. He settled his hips further down into Leo’s. “Tell us.”

“Okay,” Leo said. He breathed shakily. “Okay, yeah. He played hockey with me, and is now on Tampa’s farm team, but we also had classes together in high school. We- we were a… ‘thing’ I guess.” His boys looked concerned, but they let him continue. “But he never- he never wanted anyone to know. Which was fine. I didn’t want anyone to know about me, either, for a while. But he also-” Leo felt the tears start in his eyes. “He would- ignore me, I guess, sometimes. In public. Like, one second we’d be joking, and then I’d get too close, I guess, or accidentally touch him, and then he’d- he’d just jerk back. Or tell me to back off, but not in a nice way?”

Finn let out a frustrated huff. “Fucker.”

“No, Finn,” Leo said. “No, he really- I mean, in general he was nice. But he just- I think he was just really scared. I mean, we were in high school.” He kneaded his palms into Logan’s lower back. “And I was fine for a while, keeping it a secret. And I also…” Leo breathed, his cheeks turning a flushed red with shame. “I also just really liked having that attention from someone. Finally, you know? After spending so long hiding it, it felt good to not have to hide it, at least to one person.”

Logan kissed his cheek. “Ouais. Ouais, I understand.”

Leo leaned back to look at him and Finn. “But I also knew that that wasn’t how I deserved to be treated. And so I- when I wanted to tell my family, I broke up with him. I didn’t want to hide anymore. But then the NHL was looking, so I didn’t start anything new, and then I got on the Lions, and, well-” He shrugged with a smile. “You know the rest.”

“Yeah,” Finn whispered. “Yeah, we do.”

“Leo,” Logan said suddenly. He looked a bit scared, a bit sad. “Do we- are you still hiding? Do we make you feel like you’re hiding?” 

Leo shook his head hard. “No. No, you don’t. It’s okay. You- you don’t ignore me in public. We still go on dates, we still hug on the ice.” He stroked Logan’s cheek. “It’s hard. I know it is. But we don’t hide from each other.” Finn cupped his cheek, and Leo kissed his palm. “And I’ll- I’ll wait for you. Whenever you want to, we’ll come out, but I’ll wait for you.”

Logan directed his gaze back to him. His words came out in a rush, so unlike his normal way of speaking. “Désolé. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m not-”

Leo interrupted him with a hard kiss. “Non, no, Logan. It’s my decision, too, and I’m deciding it’s okay to wait.”

“Me, too, baby,” Finn said. He leaned in and kissed Logan. “I’ll wait for you. I love you, I'll wait for you forever.”

Logan's face had a complicated expression. “You- I don't want you to wait forever. Just- just not right now.” He pushed his forehead against Leo's. “I’m still sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Leo said. “You two- you’re nothing like Jack. He didn’t-” Leo felt his eyes tearing up. “He didn’t- God, sometimes he didn’t even look at me, and I wanted him to look so bad, I don’t- sometimes I don’t even recognize who I was back then.”

“Well,” Finn said. “I love you who you are now.” He kissed Leo gently then moved to sit behind Logan. “We love you for who you are now and who you will be, baby.” 

“Ouais,” Logan said. “No more hiding, soleil.” He tucked his head over Leo’s shoulder and Leo wrapped him up tight. “No more.” 

Leo’s tears fell onto Logan’s bare shoulder, but he didn’t seem to mind. “I love you. I love you so much.” He laughed a little and hid his face in Logan’s neck. “You know, he hated my mother’s butterscotch cookies.”

“Quoi?” Logan said, loud in the quiet room. He pulled back with wide eyes. “What, why?”

Leo couldn’t help but laugh. “He said they were too sweet.”

“Non,” Logan retorted. He looked offended. “Pas question, je ne te crois pas.”

“Believe it, sweetheart,” Leo said. He looked up to Finn. “He also put three shots of espresso in his lattes.”

Finn scrunched his nose. “Ew. That is not perfectly balanced.”

Logan kissed Leo’s forehead firmly. “Sounds like he wasn’t good for you, anyways.”

Leo gazed at them both adoringly. “But you both are perfect for me.”

Both of their gazes softened. Finn leaned in to place his lips gently on Leo’s temple, then Logan’s. “I love you.” He shifted to go lie down. “Now, I believe it’s bed time. C’mon, I’ll read to you.”

“Ouais,” Logan said with a last kiss to Leo’s lips. He brushed their noses together. “Je t’aime.”

“Love you,” Leo whispered. He crawled into Finn’s open arms and Logan curled up on his chest, their legs tangled. “And I’ll- I can tell you more stuff about him, if you want.”

Finn put an arm around them. “Only if you want to.” He shrugged. “Don’t want to stroke my ego too much, you know?”

Leo laughed. “He wasn’t that bad.”

Finn grinned mischievously. “Right, but I’m perfect for you. Can’t really beat that.”

“No,” Leo sighed happily. “No you can’t.”

Logan grunted against his chest. “Allez, soleil, rouge.”

Finn reached down to smack his butt lightly. “I’m going, Tremblay, gotta appreciate our Leo thoroughly first.”

Logan peeked out through one eye with a smirk. “Oui?”

Finn kissed his hand and touched Logan’s forehead. “Focus, baby.” He settled back and opened the book. “Alright, where were we, Le? Chapter six?”

Leo nodded and leaned his head against Finn’s shoulder. Jack Archer seemed so far away in that moment, even though he was probably also visiting his parents just about fifteen minutes away. But he didn’t crowd Leo’s mind like he used to- not with Logan’s weight on him and Finn’s gentle voice in his ear. Leo closed his eyes, basking in the warm Louisiana air and the smell of his childhood bedroom, now mixing with Finn and Logan’s scents. This, he thought, was worth the waiting. 

absolutely LIVE for Leo using southern style pet names like: darlin, sugar, honey etc and finn and Logan absolutely loving it

GUESS WHO'S BACK WITH HER COMPUTEEEEERRRRR!!!! This means I can write faster, which is SUCH a relief. I've already banged out a couple of prompts today, and am so excited every time I get new ones!

Have some FinnLo being jealous of fur babies, and Leo being the sweetest sunshine that ever shone. :)

Credits to @lumosinlove :)))))

It all started with a dog and a cat getting more affection than him.

Well, that wasn’t necessarily true. But Logan liked to pretend it was so he could justify the way he narrowed his eyes at the two animals when they were the subject of Leo's affections.

They were in Nice for a few weeks by themselves before guests were supposed to start arriving for their wedding. It hadn't been difficult to pick the location, and they had more than enough money to pay for their non-professional athlete friends and family members to come, but the process was long and stressful and Logan, quite frankly, had had enough by the time the hockey season had ended. A few weeks with just his soon-to-be husbands sounded just perfect to him- sand, sun, and the beautiful French sea.

And it was perfect- until Leo's affections had been diverted elsewhere.

The nice ladies down at the tailors where they bought their sweaters had over the years grown quite fond of Leo. Logan could relate, obviously- it was hard not to love the epitome of sunshine in human form. Leo brought them coffee and pastries a few times a week from the place they all liked and always bought sweaters and shirts to bring back as gifts for birthdays and holidays, which Eloise absolutely loved. But more than the ladies adoring him, the store's beagle, Antoinette, and calico cat, Xavier, had really, truly fallen in love with him. They always rushed to him, sat in his lap, licked at his hands gently. So when Madame Colette had asked if Leo wanted to pet sit while she and her husband were on vacation for a little while, Leo had of course enthusiastically obliged.

Logan never thought he'd be so jealous of four-legged animals. 

“Hi, darlin’, hi!” Leo cooed as Antoinette rushed to greet him at the door. “Sweet girl, how are you?”

She barked happily and hopped on her toes until Leo knelt down to scratch her ears. She tilted her head into his hand, tail happily wagging and making soft, appreciative noises through her nose. Logan scowled- he was the one that normally received head scratches.

There was a meow from the other side of the kitchen, and Logan almost scoffed. Xavier sauntered around to nudge at Leo's other hand until he scratched his head, too. Logan's fingers gripped tightly around his mug of coffee.

“Hi, sugar, how are you? Were you sleeping? You're so pretty, look at you.”

Antoinette barked again, Xavier meowed, and Logan huffed.

At the noise, Leo looked up and smiled. “Good morning, sweetheart.” He held up a bag. “I've got some nice bread and pastries to go with the eggs this morning.”

Logan just petulantly took a sip of coffee.

Leo’s eyebrows furrowed. “What's wrong?” When he saw Logan's eyes dart to the animals still at his feet, he let out a laugh. “Logan, you can't be jealous of a dog and a cat.”

Logan blushed. “I'm not.”

“You are.” Leo scratched each animal one more time before standing and walking around to the other side of the counter. He pressed against Logan's back, large hands cupping his hips, and began to kiss his neck. “I agreed to marry you, remember?”

Despite himself, Logan smiled and leaned into Leo's mouth. “Ouais.”

“I'm going to be your husband, yeah, baby?”

Logan felt his heart kick like it did every time Leo used a pet name. They sounded so good in his accent: the way the ‘o’ in ‘honey’ had an exaggerated ‘u’ sound; the way Logan saw a NOLA sunset every time Leo said ‘sweetheart’; the drawn out ‘a’ sound in ‘baby’, like how all people from New Orleans said it. Logan wanted more and more of those words from Leo's mouth only.

He turned to cup Leo's jaw and kiss him. “Je t'aime.”

Leo smiled against his lips. “I love you.”

Logan kissed him quietly again, content with Leo's warm hands on his hips and his soft hair slipping through his fingers. They maybe got a little too into it, because there was a protesting meow from close by, and they knocked their noses together as they pulled apart.

“Sorry,” Leo whispered, kissing Logan's nose and mouth quickly. They both turned to find Xavier examining them expectantly. Leo smiled. “Don't you worry, darlin’, I didn't forget about you. I bought you your food.” He picked Xavier and the shopping bag up and walked towards the living room where the food bowls were, Antoinette following close at his heels. “C'mere, sweethearts, let's get you some breakfast.”

Logan scowled again as his eyes followed Antoinette’s wagging tail and clacking feet. Another warm presence came up behind him and a kiss was pressed to his shoulder. “What are you so grumpy for?”

Logan turned to face Finn. Their noses were brushing. “Leo loves the cat and dog more than us.”

Finn just stared at him for a second before breaking out into a grin. “No he doesn't.”

“This week he does.”

“No he doesn't,” Finn repeated. He wrapped his arms more firmly around Logan's waist. “He just loves animals. Like our own Disney princess, Snow White or Cinderella or something. Rapunzel, maybe, they've both got good hair.”

Logan leaned back against Finn's chest. “He calls them ‘darling’ and ‘sugar’.”

Finn's eyes were confused. “So? He calls us all sorts of things.” His eyes went soft. “I love the way he says ‘baby’ and ‘sweetheart’. And ‘honey’. A tall glass of Southern lovin’.”

Logan elbowed Finn lightly. “He calls them those names, too.”

Finn blinked. “Huh.” He looked to the archway that led to the living room. They could hear Leo talking softly to Xavier, trying to get him to eat. “Well, that's- I mean…”

“It's not fair.”

“Well, I wouldn't go that far, but-”

They were interrupted by Leo walking back through to the kitchen. Somehow, Antoinette had ended up in his arms. She looked content, head on his shoulder and eyes closed, like a sleeping baby. Logan could feel Finn freeze behind him. 

When Leo saw them both, he smiled. “Hi.” He patted Antoinette's back. “We're gonna sit in the sun for a few minutes, then I'll get started on breakfast.” He leaned across the counter to kiss them each briefly, then sat in the breakfast nook that always caught the morning sun. It lit his hair up in gold and reflected in his bright blue eyes as he settled Antoinette in his lap. She looked up at him with wide eyes, tail wagging as he kissed her forehead. “There you go, darlin’. Lay down, sweetheart, we'll rest for a few minutes.”

Finn let out a breath in Logan's ear as Leo continued to coo at the dog. “You're right,” he whispered. “That's so not fair.”

Logan nodded and kissed his cheek, and they watched as Leo stroked Antoinette’s back gently and closed his eyes against the sun. 

***

The week continued as such. They awoke, and the dog was scratching at the door to be let in and snuggle into Leo's chest, the cat not far behind. Logan narrowed his eyes as his coveted pillow spot was taken. They didn't know enough to appreciate the firmness of Leo’s chest underneath their bodies. 

Finn had taken to running with Antoinette in the mornings, which made them both tired and happy- Leo and Logan had found them both asleep on their backs and starfished on the bed on multiple occasions in the hot summer afternoons. And, despite stealing their fiancé, both Finn and Logan had to admit that Antoinette was cute, Xavier, too. The cat especially liked when Logan sat at the counter with him to watch Leo cook, scratching behind his ears. It was worth it for the fond smiles Leo sent them both.

The pet names, however, were still an issue. 

“Hi, sugar, hi,” Leo said to a jumpy Antoinette. “I know, baby, I know, I'll get your leash.” 

Finn and Logan, who were cuddling on the couch, peeked around the archway to watch as Leo got Antoinette's bright blue leash and clipped it to her collar. 

“I'm taking the dog out!” Leo called as he opened the door. He blew them a kiss with a smile. “Be back in a bit.”

When the door clicked shut, Finn let out a groan and flopped his head onto Finn's chest. “Fuck,” he said. “Fuck, she's stealing our fiancé from us. They both are.”

Logan kissed his head. “He calls them more pet names than us.”

“I know.” Finn let out another groan into Logan's sweatshirt. “And the worst part is, I can't even be mad because he's so gorgeous and sexy, and the names he does call us sound so gorgeous and sexy, and every time he says them my body just melts. Ugh.”

Logan smiled into Finn's hair. “Oui, he's so gorgeous and sexy.”

“Right?” Finn shifted to turn onto his back, drawing Logan's hands to rest on his stomach and playing with his fingers. “Do you think, if we asked, he'd call us those things, too?”

Logan considered this for a moment. “Ouais, I think so. But I think it'd be- mais, allez, not weird, but…”

Finn nodded. “We've been together for so long that it'd be odd to add new names to call each other.”

“Yeah,” Logan sighed. “Are we being crazy?”

Finn hummed. “A little bit, I think, yeah.” 

“I just,” Logan started, then sighed. “Je ne sais pas, I'm not… jealous. I just really like the way he says things.”

“Yeah.” Finn twiddled Logan’s fingers. “We're really lucky. He's so good.”

“Ouais,” Logan whispered. He pressed his nose into Finn's hair and closed his eyes. “You're so good.”

Finn laughed. “And you're sweet.” 

There was a meow from beside them and they both looked to find Xavier looking up at them with demanding eyes.

Finn scoffed. “Oh, don't even get me started on you.” After another meow, Finn rolled his eyes and sat up a bit, reaching for the cat. “All right, all right, c'mere.” He rubbed a hand down Xavier's soft back as he settled down on Finn's stomach. Finn sighed. “Maybe they aren't so bad, after all.”

“Non, they aren't,” Logan agreed, reaching around to caress Xavier's ears. “They're not so bad.”

When Leo came in and found them both snuggling the cat, Antoinette quick to hop on the couch with them, he smiled so wide that it heated Logan from his head to his toes.

***

Logan awoke the next morning to find the bed empty and delicious smells wafting in from the kitchen. Logan could hear soft music, too, as he went to the bathroom. He stretched as he brushed his teeth. Finn was probably out for a run, he supposed, but he'd still go to the gym with Logan and Leo in the afternoon. 

Logan splashed cool water on his face before going back to the bedroom and reaching for one of Leo's sweatshirts. The house was cold with the air conditioning unit his mother had had installed a few years ago. He yawned as he entered the kitchen to find Leo in boxers and a T-shirt. His back was lean through the fabric, and Logan pressed against him to kiss along his shoulder. 

“Morning, sweetheart.”

Logan hummed. “Bon matin. What are you making?”

Leo reached behind to pat his butt lovingly. “Those baked eggs you both like. Just put them in the oven.”

“Merci.” He nudged Leo's hips until he turned around, smiling softly. Logan leaned up to kiss him. “You left me in bed.”

Leo stroked a hand down his cheek with an amused expression. “I'm sorry, honey.” He pressed a lingering kiss to Logan's forehead. “Better?”

Logan nodded and smiled. He wrapped his arms around Leo's neck and fell against him slightly. “Ouais, merci.”

They smiled at each other for a moment before something caught Leo's eye over Logan's shoulder. His eyes brightened. “Oh, hi, sweetheart.”

Logan turned in Leo's arms to find that Xavier had climbed up onto the counter. He felt the coldness on his hips acutely when Leo let go of him to reach around and pick up the cat, who immediately curled into Leo's chest. Logan glared at him.

“Hi, darlin’,” Leo said soothingly. He scratched under Xavier’s chin to make him purr. “Hi, baby, you're so precious.” When he looked up and saw Logan's expression he let out a sigh. He set Xavier down and nudged him towards the living room, then stood and cupped Logan's face. “Okay, what's wrong?”

Logan felt his face heat. He darted his eyes around the room. “Nothing.”

But Leo was already shaking his head. “No. No, something is wrong. You and Finn have been all weird this week.” He ran a hand through Logan's hair. “Tell me, Lo. Please?”

Logan let out a breath through his nose. He forced himself to look into Leo's concerned eyes. “D'accord. It's just… you…”

Leo's eyes were questioning. “I…?”

Logan rolled his eyes at himself. “You call them names.”

“Who?” Leo looked thoroughly confused. 

“Antoinette. And Xavier.”

Leo's confused expression turned into an amused smile. “Are you actually jealous of a cat and a dog?”

Logan bit his lip. “Non, you just call them things. Nice things. Things you don't call us.”

Leo stepped closer into his space. “But I call you nice things, too.” A kiss to his forehead. “Like honey.” A kiss to his cheek. “And sweetheart.” A smile pressed to his mouth. “And baby.” At Logan's shiver, Leo nudged their noses together. “Yeah, you like that one.”

Logan couldn't take it anymore. He captured Leo's lips with his own, allowing himself to be kissed deeply for a moment. Leo’s thumbs were soft on his cheeks, and he smelled like home, and was so warm against Logan's body. Logan got a little lost in the moment, and was surprised when Leo pulled back to look at him. 

“Seriously,” Leo said. “I can stop calling them names, if you want. Whatever makes you happy, Lo.”

But Logan shook his head. “Non, non, it's not that.” He carded his hand through Leo's curls. “Finn and I- we like the names you call them.”

Leo's smile was amused. “You want me to call you ‘darlin’ and ‘sugar'?”

Logan suddenly felt embarrassed. “Ugh,” he groaned, smushing his face into Leo's chest. “Désolé, soleil. I'm sorry.”

“No, Lo, don't be sorry,” Leo laughed, running a hand up and down Logan's back. “I just thought they were too cheesy when we started dating.”

Logan pulled back to look at him. “What?”

Leo shrugged. “I thought they were too stereotypically southern, I guess, I don't know.” He leaned in mischievously. “And you don't exactly call someone ‘sugar’ in bed. Sweetheart, on the other hand…”

Logan kissed his smile. “Non, ‘sugar’ doesn't sound so good in bed. But out of bed…?”

Leo's eyes were sparkling. “Why would we ever leave bed?”

Logan scoffed. “I'd prefer we didn't. Why are we in the kitchen? We're all alone.”

Leo tucked his face down into Logan's neck with a light laugh. “I'll call you and Fish whatever you both want, okay, baby?” He paused. “Darlin’.”

Logan just hummed happily, squeezing Leo's back harder. They held each other, swaying for a moment to Leo's playlist. Logan almost fell asleep, but then the song changed, and the familiar guitar plucking and soothing voice of John Denver reverberated around the room.

“Hey,” Logan whispered, pressing a kiss to Leo's cheek as he pulled back. “This is our wedding song.”

Leo's smile was soft. “It is.” He reached for Logan’s right hand, running his palm down the length of his arm to lace their fingers together. He settled his hand more firmly into the dip of Logan's lower back. “You wanna practice, sweetheart?”

Logan squeezed his hand. “Ouais.”

It started out practiced, swaying and stepping in time in the kitchen. Leo's hand was good in guiding Logan around. He only let go for a brief moment to put the song on repeat. Eventually, they stopped trying to dance so formally and Logan drew Leo closer to press their foreheads and chests together. This soon, too, grew too spacious, and Logan ended up with his head resting on Leo's collarbone, Leo's nose in his hair.

Logan didn't know how long they spent there, dancing in the soft light coming through the window, but it was long enough for the doorknob to turn and for Finn and Antoinette to come tumbling through and into the entryway. Logan watched as Leo's eyes lit up with fond excitement at the sound of Finn's fumbling. He didn't turn, just snuggled into Leo's chest again.

“There you go, girl, go get some water!” A breath. “Well, what have we here?”

Logan felt Leo press a hand to the back of his hair. “We're practicing for the wedding, sugar.”

Logan felt hand grip his hips by Leo's and a hard kiss was pressed into his neck. “Looks like someone had a talk with our sunshine.”

Logan blindly turned his head for a real kiss. Finn's skin was slightly cool. “Ouais, we did.” He turned back into Leo's chest. “But he won't call us ‘sugar’ in bed.”

“Yeah, that's not attractive,” Finn laughed. His warmth left Logan's back and then his face appeared over Leo's shoulder. He kissed Leo's cheek and cupped Leo's hips. “Can I join?”

Leo tilted their temples together. “Are you sweaty?”

“The dog and I took a little dip before coming back.”

Leo turned to face him with a raised eyebrow. “Does that mean Antoinette is dripping puddles on the carpet?”

Finn winced. “Maybe a little. It's just water!”

Leo sighed and closed his eyes. “What are we gonna do with you, baby?”

“You can keep calling me ‘baby’, that's for sure.”

Leo just hummed and leaned into Finn's head, which was now resting on his shoulder. Finn smiled briefly at Logan before closing his eyes, too. He rubbed one hand over Logan's ribs. “We’re getting married!” Finn whisper-yelled.

Logan and Leo each chuckled, Leo turning his face to kiss by Finn's ear. “Yeah, sweetheart.”

“Yay, yay, yay!”

“Rouge,” Logan said, reaching up to trace under Finn's eyes. 

“Yeah?”

“Sh, mon amour, we're dancing.”

“Right,” Finn said softly. “Right, sorry.” He instantly relaxed under their hands, closing his eyes and resting against Leo again. “I love you.”

“We love you, honey,” Leo replied. He kissed Finn's cheek one more time. “Let's dance.”

Logan smiled against the fabric of Leo’s T-shirt, sun-warmed from the light streaming in through the windows. He decided that he didn't care if nobody made it to their wedding, if it was raining, or even if there was a thunderstorm- none of that would stop him from dancing with his husbands. He couldn't wait to feel the coolness of their wedding rings, the soft fabric of their suites, their skin, warm on excitement and adrenaline. Logan had been given the greatest gift he hadn't even thought to look for, and nothing would ever compare to the love he felt every time he touched Finn and Leo’s bodies, or heard their voices, or saw them smile. 

And so, content and swaying to the acoustic guitar of Annie’s Song, Logan settled into the warmth of them and closed his eyes. 

i needdddd more teacher finn!!!! like him talking to his students about his hockey husbands 🫠🫠

Happy V-Day to all who celebrate! Have some Fish-reflections on young love while he falls in love more and more each day. :)

Love your prompts, keep them coming! I've got almost all of them written. :)

All credits to @lumosinlove <3

“Okay,” Finn said with a sigh. He fell back into his chair and looked at his students. “Time's up. Pencils down.”

There was a light clatter as they all dropped their writing implements, a few rubbing their foreheads against the inevitable headache. Finn smiled at them and clapped his hands once.

“Well done. I'll give you an MCQ packet for the break, and don't forget your Pride and Prejudice essays that are due the week we get back, on the Friday. I want your drafts by the Monday, please, for feedback.” He stood. “This AP test doesn't know what's coming.”

There was a light chatter as they all stood up to hand in their practice FRQ exams and took the packet Finn handed them. They looked tired and worn out, but they were ready. They always were- Finn made sure of it. 

“What did you think?” one of his students, Robbie, asked his classmate, Marianne.

She looked at him over her round glasses. They suited her. “We can't talk about it, you know that, Robert.”

Finn hid his smile behind a packet. She never called him by his nickname. He heard Robbie sigh and looked up to find him watching her longingly as she and her bouncy curls left the room with her friend, Claire, throwing a thank you! over their shoulders. Robbie sighed again and turned towards his backpack, catching Finn’s eye. He blushed. Finn raised his eyebrows at him.

“You okay there, Robbie?”

He nodded, but his smile was forced. “Yeah. Got a basketball tournament over break down in South Carolina. Pretty excited.”

“Well,” Finn said, standing to approach him at his desk. “You’re doing really well. You're still on track to be top of your class.”

Robbie shook his head. “I don't think so. Marianne has a higher GPA. Her entire life is academics, and the school newspaper, and the cello.” He counted each one off on his fingers. “I might get salutatorian, though.”

Finn bit the inside of his cheek in amusement. “Well, she's an honorable competitor to lose to.”

Robbie let out a wistful, airy chuckle. “Yeah. She is.” He paused and looked at Finn quizzically. “Mr. O’Hara, I have a question.”

Finn tried to hide his surprise. “Shoot.”

Robbie was chewing his lip nervously. “Did people ever,” he started. “I don't know, not take your academic achievements seriously, just because you were good at sports?”

Finn tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

Robbie huffed. “It's just- sometimes people ask me why I even bother with school, you know? When I've got a scholarship to play basketball in college and everything. Especially stuff like English. They don't understand.”

“Well,” Finn said, resting his hands on the desk. “You can always just enjoy school. That's not their business. My teammates teased me all the time, but I found a purpose in retirement outside of hockey, you know?” He glanced at the shelf of books he kept at the back of the room. He let students check them out, and they were filled with his own annotations. Some of them even had Leo’s, from all the times he'd read and reread Finn’s books from college. Finn smiled. “And even if I hadn't made it to the NHL, academics gave me something else that I would've been happy doing.”

Robbie’s eyebrows shot up. “You would've still been an English teacher?”

Finn nodded, smiling widely. “Oh, I absolutely would've. But I'm grateful I played hockey. Met my husbands.”

Robbie considered this for a moment. “And do you think that you and your husbands would've still gotten together, even if you hadn't played hockey?” At Finn’s silence, Robbie’s eyes widened. He spoke nervously. “I'm really sorry, you're not supposed to ask a teacher that.”

Finn laughed. “No, it's okay.” He thought for a moment. In his head he could imagine him and Leo running into one another in a bookstore, both reaching for the same trashy romance novels they read when they were really tired. “They definitely would have. Leo loves to read as much as I do, we would've gotten along really well. And Logan…” He paused again. He could picture Logan’s green eyes and smile so vividly. “Well, he'd be hard to get rid of in any lifetime. He's pretty stubborn. And he likes to be read to.” 

Robbie chuckled, shouldering his backpack. “Well, he fights on the ice like he's stubborn, so I'm not surprised.”

Finn grinned, then blinked hard, eyes going to his watch. “Speaking off, I've got to get going soon. Gotta catch my husbands before warm-ups tonight.” He clapped Robbie on the shoulder. “Have a good break, bud.”

Robbie smiled. “You, too, Mr. O'Hara.”

Finn watched him walk out of the room. Just as he stepped through the doorway, Marianne approached him. She was rubbing her arm nervously and talking a mile a minute. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes wide, but Robbie’s smile was so big that it seemed to relax her shoulders slightly. She swung her backpack around onto one arm, reaching inside to pull out Pride and Prejudice, sticky notes sticking out of the top. Marianne pointed to something on the page and continued talking. It was obvious that she wanted Robbie to follow along, but all he could do was stare at her, a small smile on his face. When she realized this, she paused, blushing, and fidgeted with the corners of the pages nervously. Robbie said something gently and gestured towards the library, which was at the end of the hall and open until late in the afternoon. Marianne nodded and they walked off together. Finn smiled at their retreating forms.

“Mr. O'Hara?”

Finn jumped slightly. He turned to find another student, Daniel, standing by Finn’s desk nervously. Finn eased his shoulders and smiled. “Hey, man. What's up?”

Daniel blushed. “I was wondering if I could get an extension on the essay,” he said, his Austrian accent thick with nerves.

Finn tilted his head. “Daniel, I can only do that so much for you. You're taking an AP class.”

His face flushed even more. “I know, it's just- the English is harder than what I was expecting. I'm struggling to analyze it.”

Finn sighed. He crossed his arms and leaned his hip against his desk. “Tell you what. I have an idea, okay? And if it doesn't work, I'll give you an extension, but I want you to try. The exam is in three weeks.”

Daniel nodded eagerly. “Okay.”

Finn reached for a photo frame on his desk. It was of him and Logan and Leo on the Harvard campus at sunset. They'd gone for a visit to see a football game and to go to the library, where Finn had led them both to a dark corner and kissed them breathless. Finn smiled at the memory. He turned the frame for Daniel to see. 

“My husband, Logan. The shorter one,” he said. “He's from Quebec, so English is his second language.” He looked up to find Daniel staring hard at the photo. “I used to read to him in college to help him understand the hard texts. He found it easier, sometimes, to hear the words and talk about them with someone.”

Daniel nodded. “That's nice.” He looked at Finn. “But what do I do?”

Finn smiled at him. “What if you got Jesse to read to you? He's doing great in AP Lang, and he's an incredible writer. He took my class last year when he was a junior.”

Daniel blushed even harder, stark against his golden hair. Finn had suspected for a long time that he and Jesse liked each other, even if they didn't know it. When Daniel had moved their sophomore year from Austria, Jesse had taken right to him, inviting him to join the tennis team and always being an ear to listen, even when Daniel struggled to find the words. Finn felt his heart ache a little for them. He wanted to give them a push in the right direction, but he more than anyone knew that these things took time. So he settled for looking at Daniel's unsure face over his glasses. 

“I think you should try it, Daniel. He's a good friend, he'd be happy to help. He can read you passages, talk them out with you, read your essay back to you.”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, he's a good friend.” He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, taking one last look at the photo in Finn's hands. “Thank you, Mr. O'Hara. I will try it, and let you know if I still need an extension.”

Finn grinned widely. “Sounds good.” He jerked his head towards the door. “Now get outta here. I gotta go watch my husbands play some stick and puck.”

Daniel nodded with a shy smile, saying a quiet goodbye before walking out of the room in that slightly nervous way he always did. Finn laughed softly. It seemed like years ago he watched Logan carry himself the same way, guarded against a language he wasn't totally confident in. Not anymore, though. Now he could take Finn and Leo apart in two languages, whispered in their ear in the early morning or gasped in their bedroom late at night. Or both. Even watching him yell on the ice got Finn all toasty. 

Finn sighed wistfully, taking another look at the picture in his hands. He turned, placing it in its rightful place on his desk alongside all the others. There were loads of pictures spread all around his desk area, even hung up on the wall behind him. Some were of him and his Lions or Harvard teammates, some with his family. Most, however, were of him and Finn and Leo, or some combination thereof, all wrapped up in one another and smiling in every frame. Finn hadn't known that delirious happiness could be so long lasting, but he was now falling more in love each and every day and living a more blissful life than he could have imagined. True happiness, he supposed, was one of those feelings that was almost unshakeable. 

Finn checked his watch one more time and hissed through his teeth. He grabbed the grading he'd need to do over the weekend and his bag, rushing to lock his classroom door and jog down the stairs. He waved to the secretary, Mx. Tulane, on the way out and searched frantically for his keys. Logan would've laughed at him, and Leo would've gently scolded him for never putting them in the same place, and all Finn could think about was blue eyes and dark brown hair and the greatest love he'd ever known. He was desperate for some good luck kisses.

An hour later saw him slightly out of breath and flashing his pass to the stadium security guards, jogging to where he knew his husbands would both be. He was correct, and found them on their pre-game loop around the back halls of the stadium. Logan had used to warm up on the bikes, but ever since returning to Gryffindor he joined Leo in his and Finn's old warm-up.

I don't want soleil to be warming up alone anymore, he'd said. And I've spent too much time away from you both to do it anymore than I have to now. Plus, then you always know where to find us to kiss us before the game.

Indeed, Finn had known where to find them. They were running ahead of him, both in their spandex and some shorts. They were talking happily, and Leo said something that made Logan shove him playfully. Leo just laughed. It sounded like sunshine.

Finn couldn't contain his excitement anymore and ran forward. At the last second, Logan heard his footsteps and turned, eyes widening in delight. He slowed down, expecting Finn to stop, but Finn just kept running. He bent down and wrapped his arms securely around Logan's waist, picking him up and jogging a few steps before halting and squeezing him tightly. Logan was laughing freely, more freely than he did with anyone else, as Leo slowed down, too, with a smile on his face.

“Hey, teach,” Leo said. He looked Finn up and down. “You look hot.”

“Hi, butter baby,” Finn said. “And my Lolo.”

Logan wriggled around in protest, but Finn just held him tighter and kissed his cheek a few times. Logan was still laughing and turned his head to cup Finn's jaw, bringing him into a proper kiss. Finn sighed against his mouth contentedly, setting him down on the ground so he could hold Logan's face firmly with both hands. Logan's fingers were all in his hair and tugging at the strands. Finn felt a bit dizzy.

A warm presence made its way to their sides. “Do I not get a treat, too?”

“Mm,” Finn hummed against Logan’s mouth. “One sec.” He pressed a last firm kiss to Logan's mouth before pulling back with a smile. “Hi, Lo, baby.”

Logan's mouth was red. “Salut.”

Finn kissed his cheek before turning to Leo, grabbing his hips and pulling him flush. “And how's my sunshine?”

“Good,” Leo said. He smiled into Finn's first kiss. “Better, now that I'm with both of you.”

Finn just kissed him deeper. He clutched one arm around Leo's waist and one at the back of his neck, using this leverage to dip him suddenly. Leo gasped against his mouth, grabbing at Finn's shoulders. Finn loved to do this to the both of them, to take them by surprise and romance them, no matter how cheesy they thought him to be. He loved the feeling of their bodies and skin beneath his hands. He didn't think he'd ever tire of it.

After a long moment, Finn broke their kiss, staring down at Leo's flushed face and hair that seemed like it was floating towards the floor. Leo was smiling exasperatedly and lovingly at him. “You sure know how to sweep boys off their feet, huh, O'Hara?”

Finn kissed his forehead. “I've had lots of practice.” He helped Leo stand and opened his arm for Logan to join them. “How are we feeling, lovers?”

Logan kissed his jaw. “Ready. Right, Le?”

Leo traced a finger down Logan’s jaw and leaned down to kiss him lightly. “So ready. Colorado doesn't know what's coming for them.”

Logan leaned into the touch. Finn watched them love each other and smiled. He drew them closer to his body. “I missed you today.” He rested his head on top of Logan's. “I thought of you.”

Leo kissed his forehead. “Oh yeah?”

Finn nodded. “Robbie was nervous about being an academic and an athlete. I think he has a crush on Marianne, who's the smartest girl in school. She's not an athlete.”

“What'd you tell him?” Logan asked. 

Finn closed his eyes and swayed into the warmth of their bodies. “That I have husbands who like to read or be read to, and even if I hadn't played hockey and had chosen to just go into teaching, they would've loved me regardless.” He paused, then snorted lightly. “Oh, and Jesse and Daniel are totally crushing on each other. Jesse is going to help him with the hard English.” Finn could feel Logan’s smile against his shoulder.

“Mm,” Leo said into Finn's hair. “You mean we could've had a sexy English teacher from the beginning?”

Finn squeezed his hip. “Hey, you loved when I played hockey. I was a very sexy seventeen.”

“Ouais, you were,” Logan laughed. “The sexiest seventeen.” He kissed Finn's shoulder and Leo's chest. “Allez, we need to finish our warm-up.”

“Go on,” Finn said. He kissed them both hard once more each and patted their butts firmly. “I love you, good luck, I love you, you'll be amazing, I love you. Have I mentioned that I love you?”

Leo kissed his forehead and ran away. When he was far enough down the hallway, he turned to jog backwards. “I love you!” he shouted, eyes twinkling. “C'mon, Lo, I'll race you back!”

Logan pressed a fleeting kiss to Finn's cheek. “Je t'aime,” he said, then he was off and chasing after Leo. Leo's smile was bright and toothy, Logan yelling at him in French and him responding in kind, both of them laughing hard. 

Finn couldn't help the fond feeling that arose in his chest as he watched them run away. He missed them with every step they took, but no matter- they'd be back in his arms in a couple of hours, ready to go home and read a book before bed. Finn bit his lip around a grin and turned to go to the family box.

Hi everyone!

I received an ask today requesting a fic with Barty Crouch Jr. and Evan Rosier in it as main characters alongside the Cubs, and I just want to say that I won't be writing anything with them, nor any other characters in the Marauders fandom besides the ones that 1) are explicitly mentioned in SW/Vaincre AND 2) that are directly involved with the Cubs (a great example being Regulus as Leo's best friend). Otherwise, this is a Cubs blog, and will stay that way.

I don't know if any of you have seen, but there has been a massive legal infringement on transgender rights in the UK, with their Supreme Court deciding that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, which will affect how transgender folks are treated under the Equality Act. She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has publically, ARDENTLY supported this ruling, as well as making some aphobic comments on social media. As such, I will not be involving any of her characters that don't need to be added. O'Knutzy is its own entity, courtesy of Hazel's brilliant brain, and is not created by the She-Devil.

I'm writing a post about this because I don't want any of you to think I don't read the asks, and to give this anon a justified answer as to why I wouldn't be writing the prompt. This is not to make anyone feel bad, nor to tell them to distance themselves from the Mauraders fandom. I know many people have found community and joy there! However, if you continue to interact with content, you must be aware of the effects it has. Supporting it, while not directly contributing to anything HP-related, signals that it is still an active fandom capable of being monetized (think: the Harry Potter TV series, for example- it only is happening because HP continues to be so popular in the secular world), which allows Her to continue having influence and a voice. I am not here to speak for the transgender friends that have found and continue to find community in the Marauder's fandom- they obviously have the right to engage with whatever content they would like, just like every other person! This is also not to stop people from enjoying the queer media they enjoy. But I encourage you to center trans voices and listen to them as things in the UK move forward (or, backward, I really should say). Furthermore, please support them, inform yourselves, and engage with queer media that is queer in its essence and is positively queer (such as Heartstopper! Or the hundreds of other books, TV shows, comics, movies, artists, etc. that are LGBTQIA+ and that we already have!).

As for me, I will continue to be just an O'Knutzy blog! They're so cute and lovely, and I love the community that I have found here!

I wrote a LOT yesterday, so expect another post in a couple of days! Have a lovely evening! <3 <3

Omg such a huge massive fan of ur writing!! I find myself coming back to your page every so often just to make sure I haven’t missed an update from you!

I’ve been experiencing some serious academia-based burnout lately and just found that I’ve really been neglecting my mental and social health lately and just been bad at overall taking care of myself.

I’d love it if you could write the cubs in this type of scenario going through something similar, and finally getting the support they need (though they try to resist at first fs). Usually Leo is my ultimate comfort character, but maybe this one would be slightly more impactful if it was Finn-based. He’s typically the most social of them all and can def relate to the academia burnout aspect of it, I imagine. It’s totally up to ur discretion - however you choose to write it, if it’s a prompt that appeals to you! I’d read anything you write ☺️

I think academic burnout is kicking us all in the ass right now, at least a little bit. Hope you got some rest, friend, and that all your exams and assignments went well! Make sure to drink lots of water and eat well, pretty please. :)

Have some Finn DEFINITELY not following those instructions. O'Haras give 110% all the time to a fault, so sometimes they need a little TLC, it seems. Luckily, Finn has one husband who is a GREAT chef and loves to feed him yummy things and another husband who loves to distract him from school work, ever since they went to Harvard together.

Credits to @lumosinlove !!

“Finn?” Leo called as he opened the door to their apartment. When nobody answered, he furrowed his eyebrows and toed off his shoes. “Finn?”

Still no response. Leo chewed on his cheek and thought for a moment. Maybe he was napping. 

He poked his head through their bedroom door, but there was still no sign of Finn. The bed was perfectly made from this morning, the corners tucked in nice and neat like Leo liked. Finn’s book was on the bedside table, untouched. Leo felt an anxious feeling rise up in his throat.

“Finn!” he called again. The bathroom door was open, and there was nobody. He went to look in his old bedroom, now their home office. “Finn- oh.”

There he was, hunched over his computer and scribbling on a notepad. His hair was a bit messy, as if he had been tugging on it, and Leo could hear the music coming from his headphones, it was so loud. He was muttering to himself and tapping his foot. Two coffee mugs were pushed to the side.

“Oh, honey,” Leo sighed. He approached cautiously and tapped on Finn’s shoulder. “Sweetheart.”

Finn whipped around, eyes wide in confusion before they settled on Leo. He took off his headphones and offered a smile that was strained at the edges. There were purple circles under his eyes. “Oh. Hey, baby.”

“Hi.” Leo leaned down to kiss him softly. “What are you doing?”

“Finishing this paper,” Finn said, swiveling his chair back around to face his computer. “I’ve gotta get it done before practice tomorrow. And I’m doing my bibliography, but I can’t find one of the sources I used, I’m sure I had it downloaded, and I-”

“Baby,” Leo whispered. He massaged Finn’s shoulders, not missing the way he leaned back into it. “I think you should take a break.” 

“No, Le, it’s fine, really, I-”

“Finn,” Leo interrupted, a bit more sternly. “You’ve spent every free second in here and writing, it’s not good for you. You’re exhausted, honey.”

Finn looked like he wanted to protest, but he didn’t say anything. He let out a defeated sigh and rubbed his eyes. “My eyes hurt.” 

“It’s because you’ve been sitting in front of the computer for so long.” Leo kissed his temple. “I’ve barely seen you in days.”

Finn bit his lip nervously. His hands were fidgeting with his hoodie strings. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a bad husband lately.”

“No, you haven’t.” Leo spun him around in his chair and knelt on the floor. He ran his hands up Finn’s strong thighs and rubbed gently. “You’ve just been busy. Too busy. It’s not good for you.”

Finn’s eyes were anxious when they met Leo’s own. “I don’t- this was such a stupid idea. Studying while playing hockey.”

“No.” Leo shook his head and cupped Finn’s cheeks. “It’s not stupid. Lo and I think you’re so smart, honey.”

That got Finn to smile a little. “Yeah?”

“Of course.” Leo took his left hand and kissed over his rings. “We also think that you’ve been spreading yourself too thin. You want every essay and piece of work to be perfect, Finn, and it’s wearing you down.”

“I know,” Finn said softly, nervously. He reached down to play with some of the curls by Leo’s forehead. “I don’t know how to- I don’t know, not give one hundred percent into something.”

Leo laughed. “I think that’s an O’Hara thing.”

Finn laughed with him. “Yeah. Yeah, probably.” He peeked out at Leo through his lashes. “Can you read over my essay, please?”

“Of course.” Leo used Finn’s thighs as leverage to stand and then bent down to give him a kiss. “Here,” he said, coaxing Finn into standing, too, then sitting him down on the futon they’d put in there. He took out his phone and handed it to him. “You call Lo and we can talk to him for a little bit. I’ll read over your essay and finish your bibliography, okay?”

“‘Kay,” Finn replied, opening Leo’s phone. “The source list is in my notebook.”

Leo sat down at the desk and shook his head fondly. “Why don’t you just immediately cite your sources when you use them? It’d save you this whole process.”

“Because the thought of doing that is just too much, and it’s so boring.” 

Leo clucked his tongue. “Well, you’re lucky I love you.” He went into Finn’s files and snorted when he found an article title to match a note in Finn’s notebook. “And I found the source you were looking for.”

“What? Where?”

“In your files, honey.”

“What? I looked over that a gazillion-” He cut off, then made a happy sound. “Hey, sweet thing.”

“Salut,” came Logan’s soft voice. “Ça va? Where’s Le?”

“Here!” Leo called, fingers flying over the keyboard. “Finishing Finn’s bibliography.”

Logan let out a sigh. “Mon rouge, you always do this. You always wait until the last minute to cite your sources.”

“That’s what I said!”

“Hey,” Finn pouted. “This is not ‘chastise Finn time’. I am a burnt out boy.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Leo stood and crossed over to Finn, leaning down to kiss him on the lips softly a few times. “So sorry, sweetheart.” He wrapped an arm around Finn’s shoulders to draw his head to rest against his chest and looked down at the phone with a smile. “Hi, Lo.”

“Salut,” Logan said again. He had a cup of tea in his hands and his sweatshirt hood was pulled over his waves. “How are you?”

“Good.” He kissed Finn’s forehead. “We’re feeling a little tired from schoolwork right now, so we’re gonna take a break.” He looked down at Finn pointedly. “And then make a schedule so we don’t run ourselves to the ground.”

Finn put on an innocent smile. “Oops.”

“Rouge,” Logan sighed. “Are you okay?”

Finn nodded, but he was cut off by a big yawn. “I’m better. Like seeing your face.” He winced and looked up at Leo again. “And yours. Sorry, I haven’t been around much.”

“It’s okay.” Leo kissed his temple again then went back to the desk. He sat down with a heavy sigh. “Jesus, Finn, these are a lot of sources.”

“I’m thorough.” 

“You’re something, all right.” Leo ran his finger down the list in Finn’s notebook. “Gimme fifteen minutes, then I’ll read it over for you. Then I’ll make us dinner. I’m thinking bolognese.”

A groan sounded from the telephone. “I miss your bolognese.”

Leo smiled even as he typed. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll make it when you come up next week.”

“That’s right,” Finn said, a little more jovial now. “We get to play our biggest Frenchie rival next week. I’m very excited to pin you against the boards.”

“Fish,” Logan laughed.

“I’ll pin you against other things, too, don’t worry,” Finn reassured. He let out a soft sigh. Leo could imagine the fond tilt of his head. “Can’t wait to hold you.”

“Moi aussi, mon mari. Me, too.” 

Finn and Logan chatted for a while, Leo piping in every now and then. Eventually, Finn decided that the futon was too far and came to stand behind Leo and drape his arms over his shoulders. They propped Logan up on the desk against one of the used mugs. Leo was mostly focused on the essay in front of him, but he leaned into the soft kisses Finn periodically pressed to his face and neck, calmed by the feeling of his warm skin and Logan’s deep voice. 

“‘Kay,” he said after a while. “All done.” He turned slightly to look Finn in the eye and smiled. “It’s good. It’s really good, honey.”

Finn tapped his hands rhythmically against Leo’s chest. “You sure?”

“Positive.” Leo leaned up to kiss him and there was the clicking sound of a screenshot. He laughed and pulled away. “Logan, honey, you have a million of those. Your phone will run out of storage.”

“Ouais, I don’t care.” Logan let out a satisfied sound. “I love them. I love you.”

“Love you, baby,” Finn said back. He kissed Leo’s forehead. “And I love you, sunshine. Thanks for helping.”

“Always.” Leo saved Finn’s essay and shut down the computer. “You can read it one more time tomorrow with fresh eyes, but then you’re turning it in, deal?”

Finn wrapped his arms around Leo as he stood. “Deal.” He gave Leo one last kiss and picked up the phone. “C’mon, Lo, baby, we can go help Leo make dinner.”

“Ouais, I want to watch his back.”

Leo snorted. “You always want to watch my back.”

“Because I love it.” 

“Yeah,” Finn agreed as they made their way into the kitchen. “You’ve got a sexy back, sunshine, it’s not our fault we can’t keep our eyes off of you.”

Leo smiled at him as he took ground beef out of the fridge. “No?”

“No. All of our brain cells leave when we see your back.” Finn settled Logan on the counter and leaned the phone against the napkin holder. “Can you see?”

“Ouais. Can you ask Leo to take his shirt off?”

“No!” Leo laughed. “That’s how I burn myself. You always ask this, and it’s the same answer every time.”

“Damn,” Finn said defeatedly. He turned to Logan and shrugged. “At least we tried, baby.” 

“Okay.” Leo clapped his hands and turned to cup Finn’s hips. “Sit, honey, I want you to relax. You want some tea? A snack?”

Finn’s smile turned soft. “I can make myself tea, peanut butter.”

Leo shook his head. “No, I’ll do it. You’ve had a tough day.” He kissed Finn’s nose. “Let me take care of you.”

Finn feigned a sigh. “I guess I can let my blonde bombshell hottie take care of me.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Go,” he said with another kiss. “Go, sit and talk with Lo. I’ll make you tea, then dinner. Then we can snuggle, ‘kay?”

“M’kay.” Finn wrapped him in a hug. “I love you.”

Leo tucked his face into Finn’s neck. “Love you.” He tapped Finn’s hip and pulled away. “Now, go, please.”

Finn obliged, picking up the phone and going to sit at one of the stools on the other side of the counter, swinging his legs happily as he began to talk to Logan again. It made Leo warm inside to see him so relaxed and willing to accept some care. It was hard for Finn, not being able to just fix things and do things for everyone around him. But Logan was a good distraction, always willing to just sit and listen to Finn ramble on about whatever thought was running through his beautiful, beautiful brain. Leo set his cup of tea in front of him with a kiss to his cheek, then went back to preparing the sauce. He was stirring it on the stove and waiting for water to boil for the pasta when the chatter behind him abruptly stopped. He turned around to find Finn watching him and pointing the camera of the phone at him. He smiled, confused. “What?”

Finn shook his head. “Nothing,” he said with a grin. He winked. “Just watching your back.”

Leo let his head fall back, his cheeks warming. “Shut up.” He set the spoon he was holding down on its spoon rest and went to stand behind Finn, wrapping his arms around him. The camera was flipped back so Logan could see them. Leo kissed the top of Finn’s head and peeked out at the phone screen to meet Logan’s gentle eyes. “Love you.”

Logan smiled. “Je t’aime, soleil.”

Finn leaned to the side so he could kiss Leo’s cheek. “Love you, baby. Thank you.”

Leo just traced the purple under Finn’s eyes gently. “You’re welcome, our little scholar.” He pressed their foreheads together. “You’re going to be such a good teacher.”

And when their smiles were pressed together and there was another sound of a screenshot, they pulled back, laughing, to look at Logan, who was smiling proudly at them through the screen. Leo let the warm feeling fill him up for a moment before kissing Finn again and going back to the stove, blushing at the wolf whistle Finn did at his back. He knew that Finn would sleep heavily tonight, and that the stress of his Master’s wouldn’t go away in just a day. But they could manage it. And then one day, in the near future, Leo would kiss him goodbye in the doorway as he went off to school in those slacks and button downs that were currently in his closet, his glasses perched on his gorgeous nose, and, most importantly, the rose-gold bands on his fingers and around his neck. And maybe, if they played their cards right and negotiated, Logan would be there to kiss him goodbye, too.

Leo let out a content sigh at the thought and dumped the pasta in the water. 

Hii!! If you'd wanna write something about Leo being a bit younger than Finn and Logan that would be lovely! Maybe him being slightly insecure about it and FinnLo reassuring him, or maybe he misses his mama and needs some extra hugs, or perhaps Finn and Logan have to teach him something about adulthood, like paying bills or smth. Whatever you feel like really! No pressure though 🥰

Have a lovely day!!

Personally, I feel like Leo was pretty ready for a lot of adult stuff, like paying rent and cooking for himself and taxes. I headcanon Wyatt as working as an accountant or in finance and actually LOVING IT, he's a total math and numbers nerd (if you were wondering, Eloise works at a nonprofit and volunteers at a women's shelter and you can fight me on that). So I feel like Mama and Papa Knut prepared Leo really well for the real world. HOWEVER, it's hard on ANYONE to move away from home, especially if you're lucky enough to come from a loving one or are from a place you love to go back to, like Leo.

Hence, have some sweet little nutter butter needing a pick-me-up from his boyfs who couldn't even chop a carrot properly before they met him (it's okay, they've learned, and they help Leo prep and can make a few good recipes)!

All credits to @lumosinlove

P.S. I just got back from a LONG hike, so I am going to curl up with a blanket and bang out some of these prompts staring at me in my inbox. Thank you for being so patient, and please keep sending me your ideas! XOXO

Leo liked hanging out with Regulus’ college friends. They were funny and charming, and didn't seem to have any idea about anything related to hockey, which suited him just fine. They were a bit artsy, kind of like the friends he wished he'd had when he was in high school. 

It was another end of year party, after Regulus’ sophomore year, and Leo was talking to Amanda about her French essay.

“It was kind of cool,” she was saying. “Looking at the demographics of different dialects and where they came from. But there's almost nothing out there on Cajun French, at least not that I could find.”

Leo laughed. “I could've been your textbook.”

She smiled. “Should've thought of that.” She shrugged. “But I found enough sources to justify the length of my section on that dialect, so it's all right, I guess.”

He nodded, trying to still listen, but he caught sight of Finn and Logan across the way. Finn had a hand low on Logan's back as he mixed them both drinks, and Logan had turned to talk to him, smiling with his lips against Finn's jaw. Logan had grown his hair out again, the curls less frizzy now that he actually took care of it. Finn was running his long, nimble fingers through the dark locks, and Leo could just imagine the feeling.

“I've never asked,” Amanda said. “You didn't go to college, did you? Not even for a little bit?”

Leo turned to her, brow furrowed. “No, why?”

She nodded her head from side to side. “Just trying to put the pieces together.” She considered her next words. “They were already in the NHL when you met, right?”

“Yeah,” Leo said. “They met at Harvard, then Finn got drafted to the Lions, then Logan, then about- three? No, a two years later, I came along, right out of high school.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “How old were you when you got together?”

Leo suddenly straightened. “Uh, nineteen.” He looked at her shocked face. “What?”

Amanda shook her head rapidly. “Nothing, nothing. It's just- does it bother you?”

Leo was confused. “That they knew each other beforehand? No, I actually like learn-”

“No,” Amanda laughed, then sobered. “No, the fact that they're a bit older than you.”

Leo just looked at her. “Uh, no? I don't think I've ever thought of it as a bad thing.”

“But they were, like, out of college for a few years when you met. You would've just been starting.” She looked at him apprehensively. “And that doesn't- I don't know, it doesn't make you think?”

“About what?”

Amanda seemed a bit lost for words. “About- about whether they're… you know, it.”

Leo was taken aback. “It? Of course they are, I love them.”

She sighed. “I'm not trying to, like, make you insecure or criticize.” She shrugged. “I was in a relationship when I was in middle school, all the way up until halfway through this year. I thought he was ‘it’, too. I guess I'm…”

“You're what?”

She looked him right in the eye. “I'm curious.”

“Curious?”

“About what it's like to know- like, really know- that you've found the loves of your life when you're so young.”

Leo looked at her carefully. “I think- I think for us it works. And for some people it doesn't.” He bit his lip. “It's also different for us. Logan and Finn were always destined for each other, even if they were a disaster at Harvard. But if I wasn't really it, if they didn't love me completely and wholly, they wouldn't have been with anyone else but each other.”

“And that doesn't bother you?”

To Amanda’s obvious surprise, Leo smiled. “No. No, I think it's romantic.”

“Oh.” She looked down. “I'm sorry.”

Leo patted her arm. “Don't be. It- it's okay to have questions.” 

He looked up to where Finn and Logan were talking with Regulus, who got approached by someone else. He excused himself, leaving the other two by themselves.  

Leo turned back to Amanda, gesturing with his thumb. “I think I'm- I'm gonna just…”

“Yeah,” she said with a small smile. 

“I hope you did well on your French essay.”

Her cheeks flushed, pleased. “Thanks, Leo. I'll see you later.”

“See you.”

Leo wandered over to where his boyfriends were, seemingly bickering quietly underneath a string of lights. He came up behind them and rested his hands on Logan's hips. Logan turned up to him with a smile. “Soleil,” he said happily. He turned into Leo's arms and leaned up for a kiss. “Ça va?”

Leo nodded. “Ouais. What are we talking about?”

Finn snorted. “Which M&M flavor is best. I said pretzel.”

“Non, the caramel ones.”

“Those aren't even that good, they're just pure sugar.”

Logan huffed, then tugged Leo's forearm gently. “Allez, Le,” he said. “Which one's better?”

“Personally,” he said, bending his neck down to be closer to them. “I prefer the peanut ones.”

Their answering smiles warmed him from his head to his toes.

***

Later, when they were all cuddled up in bed, cooling down in a late-night afterglow, Amanda's words kept nagging slightly at Leo’s brain.

“Guys,” he said from his place on Logan’s chest. “I have a question.”

Finn, walking over from where he threw the cloths in the laundry hamper, came to flop on his stomach beside them, his chin resting on Leo’s hip bone. “What is it, my peanut M&M?”

Leo snuggled closer into Logan's warm skin. “Does it ever… I don't know, like, bother you that I'm younger?”

Finn looked taken aback. “What? No- I mean-” He suddenly looked defensive  “Did someone say something?”

Leo pressed his nose into Logan's chest. “At the party today. Amanda asked if I was sure about you guys, because we met when I was so young.”

Logan shifted underneath him. “Quoi? Sure?”

Leo carded a hand through Finn's hair. “Like, if I was sure you guys are forever for me. If I am sure.”

“You are forever.”

Leo smiled at the grumpy, possessive tone that Logan sometimes got. “That's what I told her. I told her that, if I wasn't, then you two wouldn't have wanted anyone else but each other.”

Finn kissed his palm. “But we do want you.”

“You've made that very clear,” Leo laughed. “And I know that the two of you, or me with just one of you, would never compare to the three of us.” He brought his foot to rest on Finn's lower back. “But I do think about it. The fact that I'm a little younger.”

“Quoi?” Logan asked. “You're more of an adult than we are.”

“Hey.” Finn flicked Logan's leg. “Speak for yourself.”

Logan wrapped Leo up tighter. “You were way more mature at nineteen than I was when I was nineteen.”

Finn nodded solemnly. “That's true. Nutty, you're way ahead of your years.”

“Thanks, I think?” Leo smiled. “But sometimes- I don't know, sometimes I don't feel like that.”

“What do you mean, mon coeur?” 

Leo shrugged. “I feel like- I don't know, sometimes I really miss home. New Orleans. Like, it's still home to me, but Gryff is home to me, and you're home to me, so I feel home in all these places. I just can't let go of New Orleans yet, and sometimes…” He pressed into their hands. “I really, really love you, but sometimes I feel like I need a hug from my mama.”

Finn smiled at him, carding a hand through his hair. “That's not because you're younger. That's just because you're so sweet.”

Leo felt sheepish, turning his smile into Logan's chest.

Finn cooed. “Aw, our little sunshine's embarrassed.”

Logan laughed, leaning his head down over Leo to press wet kisses to his forehead and cheeks. “Ouais, mon soleil, you're just the sweetest.”

“Guys,” Leo said, but he felt warm. “Stop that.”

“Non, non, never.” Logan settled further against the pillows, bringing Leo with him and cradling his head with his hand. “Toujours, soleil.”

Finn shifted further up the bed, laying down beside them with a leg thrown over their bodies. “Do you ever feel insecure about it, baby?”

Leo considered this for a second. “I guess… sometimes I wonder what people think. Because you were in your mid-twenties when I was nineteen and we got together.”

Logan groaned. “No we were not.”

“Way to call us old, peanut.”

Leo kissed Logan's chest. “I'm just sayin’- a lot of people would think that's weird. But as we've gotten older, it seems less weird.”

Finn smacked his hip lightly. “Will you quit it with the age thing?”

“I'm sorry, honey. C'mere.” He pulled Finn in for a kiss. “Better?”

Finn nodded satisfactorily. “Very much, yes.”

“Allez, where's mine?”

Logan was looking at them both expectantly. Leo rolled over a bit to hover over him, leaning down to brush their lips together. When they pulled apart, Logan didn't even open his eyes, just turned his face toward Finn, jutting his chin out.

“You needy thing,” Finn said, but complied. Their lips made a soft breaking sound as they pulled apart. “Needy baby boy.”

“Mm, ici.” Logan pulled Leo down to rest on him again and tangled his ankles with Finn's. “Ouais. We sleep like this.”

Finn brushed his hair back from his face. “Needy thing.” He looked to Leo. “Sweet thing.”

Leo snorted. “I thought that was Logan.”

Finn shook his head. “It's both of you. I'm a lucky guy.”

Leo nudged their noses together. “That you are.” He breathed deeply and settled once again on Logan’s chest. The skin was warm, like a heater, lulling his eyes into closing. “I love you.”

“I love you so much.”

“Love you,” Finn sighed. “My sweetest things.” He stroked a hand up and down Leo's ribs. “Your age doesn't matter, baby. You could be two years younger, or two years older, or ten years older, and we'd still love you.”

Leo scrunched his nose. “Ten years older?”

“Mm,” Finn said, biting Leo's jaw. “Sexy silver fox.”

Leo pushed his face away with a laugh. “Ew, no, that's so gross.”  When Finn leaned in to suck at his jaw again, licking at the skin, Leo made a protesting noise. “Finn.”

Logan patted Leo's butt. “I love how you are in this life, peanut. Exactly like this.”

That made Finn perk up. “Do you think we're together in every life?”

“Yes,” Leo answered immediately. He tilted his chin up to look between the two of them. “I don't want to love anyone else but the two of you.”

“Non, me neither,” Logan grunted. He wiggled a bit, wrapping his legs around Leo's calves. “Don't like that thought.”

Finn snorted. “You're a grumpy and possessive baby now.” He tucked his face into Logan's neck. “But you're both mine in every lifetime. No take-backs.”

“No,” Leo smiled. He could feel Logan's breathing evening out below his cheek. “No take-backs. Good night, sweethearts.”

“Good night, nutter butter.”

Logan just made a soft sighing noise, but he pulled Leo closer. Leo smiled, taking one last chance to look at how their skin shone in the moonlight, how their lips parted around their breathing, before closing his own eyes. He could get used to this in every lifetime. 

Absolutely live for finnlo reassuring leo that they don’t want to get married without him I think something like that happened in vaincre didn’t it? I have been looking for the name of a fic that had that in it or the chapter of vaincre that happened in for ages and I can never find it

Hi there! I believe it's the same chapter that Finn gets a concussion (yikes!). So probably one of the later May chapters. :)

these fics are so good! Can you do a Cubs panic attack hurt comfort fic? I feel like Leo is always the comforter, can we see his boys rally to care for him when he’s feeling super anxious 🙏🏼

Everyone has a bad day. Sometimes the clouds hide the sunshine. But it's okay, he's got two boyfriends who are always going to be there for him!

Please keep sending in prompts! <3

All credits to @lumosinlove :)

On my way up, Logan sent as the elevator doors closed behind him. He leant against his suitcase handle, watching as the numbers increased on the screen above the doors. Though it had only been a few weeks since Leo and Finn had come to New York for a game, it felt like months. Logan, for his part, was looking forward to a week with no hockey (with the exception of watching the All Stars) and with his boyfriends. He yawned, slightly tired from the early morning drive, but perked up when the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

As he stepped out, he heard a door open quickly from down the hall, and he looked up to find Finn jogging towards him. Leo was leaning against the doorframe to their apartment, arms crossed and with a soft smile on his face.

Logan barely had time to get his suitcase off the elevator before Finn was squeezing him around the waist and lifting him up with an excited laugh.

“Baby's home!” he said, far too loudly for the empty hallway, but he didn't seem to care.

Logan laughed in his ear as Finn spun him around. He could see Leo laughing, too, over Finn’s shoulder. “Salut, rouge.”

In one motion, Finn set him down and drew him in for hard, happy kisses. Logan almost couldn't keep up.

“Hi,” Finn said in between each press of their mouths. “Hi, hi, hi, I missed you.”

Logan kissed him lingering once more before pulling back. “Missed you.”

Finn turned him around to walk towards the door. He pressed against Logan's back, one hand on his waist and one dragging his suitcase. It was impractical and clumsy as they moved towards Leo, but Logan wasn't ready to be out of Finn’s arms quite yet. 

When they arrived in the doorway, Leo was looking down amusedly at them. Logan admired the way his shoulder muscles showed through his T-shirt before stepping into his space. 

“Hi, honey,” Leo said with a smile. “Welcome home.”

Logan just reached up to wrap his arms tightly around Leo's neck, Leo doing the same around Logan's waist. Leo smelled spicy, like he'd been cooking, and like their laundry detergent. Logan breathed it in before pulling back slightly to cup around the base of Leo's neck. “Bonjour, mon soleil.”

Finn pressed against Logan's back again as Leo leaned down to kiss him. Logan sighed against Leo's mouth. They kissed softly, languidly, until Leo cupped Logan's face in his palms to hold him there a moment. When they pulled apart, Leo bent down to tuck his nose in Logan's neck. “Missed you.”

There was a sizzling sound from the kitchen and Leo let Logan go. “Whoops, that'll be the meatballs.”

“Meatballs?” Logan asked, following Leo curiously over to the stove.

Leo nodded. “Got all your favorites on the menu this week. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken wings, lamb stew, spicy burritos, chili. Some creme brulee- I finally got a tray with sides for a water bath. Homemade bread.” Leo paused, turning a few meatballs over to let them finish browning. “Oh, and your maman sent me her cassoulet recipe. Figured I'd sneak that in as well.”

Logan smiled against Leo's bicep. “Merci, soleil.” He looked up to gaze at Leo's side profile. “But you don't have to do all that if you don't want to. I don't want you to stress.”

“That's what I said!” Finn called from where he was putting Logan's suitcase in their bedroom.

Leo shook his head. “And I told you it's fine!” He dropped a kiss on Logan's head. “I know you don't eat as well in New York. I want you to feel at home.”

“I do feel at home,” Logan said. “You're here.”

Leo smiled happily down at him and leaned in for a kiss. “I love you.” He inspected his meatballs. “Now, go have a seat, sweetheart. I'll finish this up to let the sauce simmer for a few hours, then I'll make us some lunch.”

Logan sighed but complied, going over to take his rightful place sitting on the counter.

***

The BLTs for lunch the first day were good. So was the spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Logan didn't mind spending the whole day in the apartment, sitting at the counter in Finn’s arms to keep Leo company while he cooked. It felt so good just to be together again.

The following day had been a relaxing one as well. They'd gone for a morning run all together, then brought pastries back to go with the eggs and bacon Leo cooked. Leo had no sooner finished his plate than he was washing the dishes and getting out more ingredients to prepare food for the All Stars week. But it was okay- they sat on the couch together to watch the skills competition with piles of homemade wings, onion rings, and loaded fries.

It was the third day that Logan started to get worried. By the look Finn gave him as they stepped through the apartment door, hand in Logan's after coming back from the pharmacy, he did, too.

“Le?” Finn asked cautiously. “You okay?”

“Hm?” Leo looked up at them. He was stirring at the stove with one hand and measuring out some stock with the other. He paused to step away and pour what looked like brownie batter into a pan. “I'm okay.”

“Do you need help?” Logan asked.

Leo shook his head, distracted. “No, thank you. Go put on the All Star game, I'll join you in a minute.”

Logan and Finn looked at each other warily as they shrugged off their coats.

***

“Shit.”

Finn jerked his head up from his place on Logan's chest on the fourth day. They both peered over the back of the couch at Leo's back. 

“Le,” Logan said. “Ça va?”

Leo waved his hand. “Nope, no, it's fine. I forgot to add in the garlic before sautéeing the rest of the veggies. Just gotta mince some.”

Finn flashed his eyes to Logan before standing and walking over to the counter. “I can do it, Le.”

But Leo's arm was furiously moving with his chopping. His words were rushed and a bit frantic. “No, no, sweetheart , it's okay, I-” He was interrupted by the timer on their stove going off. “Oo, that'll be the creme brulee.” 

He grabbed a couple of oven mitts and opened the door, peering for a second.

“Le,” Finn said. “Are you sure-”

“Promise, sweetheart, I've got it.” Leo held the hot tray with one hand and stirred the pan on the stove with the other. “I just gotta make sure the garlic doesn't- ah!”

Finn took in a sharp breath. There was the sound of the tray clattering onto the counter, and then Leo was rushing towards the sink to run cold water over his arm where the boiling water from the water bath had burned him. Logan couldn't see his face, but his back muscles were tense. 

Finn looked alarmed as he carefully approached Leo's side. He gently touched Leo’s arm. “Le…”

Leo was still for a moment. Logan couldn't even hear him breathing. Then, maybe it was Finn's presence, or maybe his soft voice, but Leo's shoulders hitched with his first sob.

“Oh, baby.” Finn reached to shut the faucet off and opened his arms. “Baby, c'mere.”

Leo turned into him, crying freely now. He cradled his arms against his stomach and fell against Finn. Logan didn't think he'd ever seen Leo cry like that, helpless and lost and completely boneless. And when he spoke, his words came out disjointed. His breathing was static and much too rapid for Logan's liking.

“I'm so sorry,” Leo sobbed. “It's just- he's never here. And- and I want to do something, and this is how I- I want him home, and now I've wasted our time-”

“Sh, sh, baby,” Finn whispered. He had a hand in Leo's hair and one tight around his heaving ribs, applying pressure. “I've got you, sunshine. Breathe, baby, breathe.” 

Finn twisted his head slightly to rest it on Leo's shoulder, facing Logan. He wasn't crying, exactly, but he looked sad, heartbroken- even a little guilty, Logan thought. Guilty that he and Leo were bearing this sorrow in front of Logan. They talked about how much they missed each other, but sometimes Logan thought he would never know how truly deep their ache ran.

Logan stood and walked over cautiously to where Finn and Leo were standing by the stove. Leo had stopped crying so hard now, but his breathing was still shaky against Finn's shoulder. Logan leaned against the island opposite them. “Soleil?”

Leo pulled away with a sniffle and wiped his nose. “Hi, honey,” he said. He tried for a smile, but then his breathing caught and he put a hand over his eyes. “Fuck.”

Logan immediately took Leo in his arms, Finn moving to rub a hand up and down Leo's back. Leo wasn't crying, but his breathing was harsh against Logan’s neck.

“I'm sorry, Lo,” Leo whispered. “I'm so, so sorry.”

Logan turned his head to press his mouth to Leo's ear. “Sh, mon soleil. It's okay.”

“No, Lo, it's not, I've spent the whole time in the damn kitchen-”

“Leo,” Finn said, somehow firm and gentle in that way he always was. “We just want you to breathe for us, baby. Just for a minute.”

Leo nodded into Logan's neck, holding tightly around Logan's waist. He didn't seem to know how hard he was squeezing, but Logan didn't dare move. He squeezed just as tightly back.

After a few minutes, Leo's breathing calmed down enough that he started to get heavy in Logan's arms. Finn raised his eyebrows, and Logan nodded minutely. Finn leaned in to kiss Leo's neck. “Le?”

“Mm.”

“You wanna talk, baby?”

Leo just buried his nose further into Logan's neck and shook his head. “No.”

Logan turned his nose into Leo's curls. “Why not, mon soleil?” When Leo didn't answer and Logan felt a couple more tears fall onto his shoulder, he made a soft noise and kissed the side of Leo's head. “Mon coeur, don't cry. It's okay.”

Finn rested his forehead on Leo's shoulder. “Please tell us what's wrong, baby.”

Leo mumbled something, but it was unintelligible. 

Logan scratched at Leo's scalp. “Quoi?”

Leo sighed. “I'm embarrassed.”

Finn and Logan looked at each other with sad eyes. Logan tugged once gently on Leo’s hair. “Regarde-moi, mon soleil.”

Leo took a deep breath and stepped back. His cheeks were blotchy and his blue eyes lined with red. Logan took his face in his hands, stood on his toes, and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Finn had one arm wrapped around Leo's torso, palm rubbing up and down his stomach.

“I'm sorry,” Leo said. “I really wanted this week to be special for you.”

“It is, Le,” Logan replied gently. “Every day with you is special.”

Leo looked down at the floor. “I just wanted to make you feel at home.”

“You make me feel at home, mon coeur. You and rouge.” Logan rubbed his thumbs underneath Leo’s eyes. “You're so good to me, and you're so kind, and so thoughtful, and so beautiful. We have the rest of our lives to eat the delicious food you cook.”

“Yeah,” Finn said. “Le, we love when you cook for us, but that's not why we love you.”

“Ouais.” Logan leaned up to kiss Leo lightly. He took Leo’s hand in his to kiss just above the slightly burnt skin on his forearm. “I want to be with you, soleil. That's all I want.”

Leo pressed their foreheads together. “I'm still so sorry.”

“Non, don't be,” Logan said. “I love how sweet you are.” Logan smiled against Leo's cheek. “But maybe tonight we don't cook.”

Leo laughed tearily. “Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you.”

“Tell you what, nutter butter,” Finn said, shifting to stand by their sides with his arms looped around Leo's waist. “I'll box up the veggies and the beef and we can make chili together tomorrow. You'll sit at the counter looking all pretty and tell Lo and I what to do.”

Leo looked mildly horrified. “Uh-”

“Don't worry your pretty little curls, it'll be fine.” Finn pressed a wet kiss to Leo's cheek and spoke with his nose nudging where his lips had been. “Tonight, however, I'm going to take you both out to that Turkish place, then we will come home and have dessert. The creme brulee looks great, all it needs is the sugar, and you know how much I love a blow torch.”

Leo couldn't help but smile, a little bashfully, and nod. “Okay. Okay, yeah, that sounds good.” He turned to look at Finn. “Thank you.”

Finn kissed him. “Any time, you know that, baby.” His expression got a little more serious. “And, Le, if you ever feel like that again, please tell us?”

“Ouais, we won't judge,” Logan said. He nuzzled his nose under Leo's jaw. “We just want you to be alright.”

“I promise,” Leo whispered into Logan's hair. They stood still for a minute, tucked together and close. “I promise.”

“All righty,” Finn said jovially. He pressed a smacking kiss to each of their cheeks. “You go get all nice and handsome for me, and I'll clean the kitchen, okay? Lo, can you take our sunshine to the shower, and then put some cream on that burn?”

Leo rolled his eyes playfully. “I can shower myself.”

Finn waggled his eyebrows. “But why would you do that when Logan Tremblay is so ready and willing to go with you?”

Leo looked down at Logan and smiled. “You have a good point.” He took Logan's hand and started towards the bathroom. “We'll be right back!”

Logan grinned, looking over his shoulder to find Finn watching them fondly. Love you, he mouthed. Logan mouthed it back and continued following Leo to the bathroom. He pushed forward and wrapped his arms around Leo's waist, causing them to stumble.

Leo caught them and covered Logan's hand with his own. “You okay, sweetheart?”

Logan nodded against Leo's back. “Je t'aime.”

Leo spun and kissed his forehead. “I love you, too. Now c'mon, we got a sexy redhead waiting for us.”

“I heard that!”

Logan laughed and let himself be dragged beneath the hot spray. 

YAY YAY YAY!!!!

New year, old stories to be completed—and three pictures that perfectly sum up this new chapter of Starboys 🏎️ 

Characters belong to @lumosinlove

cw: I'm introducing Vaincre characters from here on, so please read only if you're comfortable with potential spoilers!

Happy New Year 💕

The golden boy, the youngest glory

"Ready, Fish?"

With the back of his hand, Finn wiped the cold bead of water tickling the corner of his mouth. The half-empty bottle slipped from his grip and landed upright on the floor, narrowly missing the plastic box where Finn kept his beat-up tennis balls. 

He blinked hard, trying to shake off the fatigue, and stretched out his back. He dabbed at his dripping forehead with the hem of his sweat-stained Puma tank top and rolled his tense neck with a satisfying pop. 

It was a rare occasion when Finn and Alex were in the same place long enough to spend more than a few hours together, let alone an entire morning just for the two of them. 

Back in New York, before Alex went off to college and Finn was selected to race in Formula 2 for the Scuderia Junior Academy, they had settled into a strict routine that Finn used to complain about all the time and now missed immensely. Weekdays began with a 5 a.m. alarm and a run under the early lights of an awakening city—a specific path around the neighborhood that set the tone for their frenetic lives of school, friends, and responsibilities. A path that always included long talks about anything and everything, and quick stops for coffee on the way home—hot when it was cold outside, to warm their frozen fingers; iced when summer mornings brought the sticky heat. 

After two weeks of work at the factory—rushing between testing the latest upgrades, hard training, and repeating race simulations for the three upcoming Grand Prix—it had been a joy to come back to his brother in a place Finn had slowly come to call home. 

That was until Alex had dragged him out of bed at six on a Saturday morning. They had run to the gym, following Finn's usual itinerary along the breezy promenade. Two hours of torturous exercise later—definitely not payback for the early wake-up call—Finn had asked Alex to help him with his reaction drills.

"Your turn," Finn now said, stealing the two lime-colored balls from his brother's hands. 

Alex was about to protest but Finn cut him off. He positioned himself in front of him, legs spread, a tennis ball in each fist, raised to shoulder height. His dark red eyebrows were arched teasingly. "Come on, you always liked it." 

"Fine," Alex grumbled, mirroring Finn's position and slightly bending his knees. His smile hid a hint of nostalgia. "But after this, you owe me breakfast."

"Bagels?" Finn offered.

"Duh," Alex scoffed and made a whole scene of getting into position for the drill, hands outstretched and ready, hovering over Finn's. "Okay, let's do this. How bad could—"

Finn dropped the first ball from his right hand. It fell fast past Alex's grasping hands and hit the floor with a loud bounce. 

"Hey—"

Finn let go of the other. Alex reached out tentatively, but Finn caught it easily with a deft move, quicker than a blink. 

"All right, Flash," Alex exhaled, rolling his annoyed eyes. "You've made your point. Can we go now?" 

"Nope," Finn laughed. "One more." 

He knew he was foolishly lingering, as impatient and excited as he was probably more than a little worried. But he could wait a little longer, just in case—at least until Alex finally caught the small ball and aimed it threateningly at Finn’s head. 

In moments like this, though, Finn was sure there was nothing to worry about.

They headed back to Finn's apartment, pretending to get in one last jog, but quietly settling for a brisk walk, discussing serious business under the faint October sun. 

What do you mean, Al? Of course the Rangers have the best goalie tandem in the league. 

It was half past ten by the time Alex sat on a stool at the kitchen counter, his hair a damp mess from the shower, and eyed Finn skeptically. "Are you making breakfast?"

Finn didn't look up from where he was carefully halving a sesame bagel. "If I told you where these came from, you wouldn't believe me." 

"Hmm, let me guess," Alex laughed. "Was it Mom's or Dad's idea?"

"Both?" Finn guessed. He went to the fridge for smoked salmon and cream cheese. "I said once that I was craving those bagels from that place down the street…" 

"Oh, no..."

"Uh-huh," Finn chuckled, turning back to the kitchen island. "I mean, it's not like I can cook anything else, but—it was a whole mom’s I’m-just-sending-you-a-few-things sized box, and now the refrigerator is completely stuffed."

Alex hummed quietly in response—too quietly. He leaned over the counter, letting his head collapse into his hand. He picked up a fork and stole an uneven slice of tomato from the cutting board, giving Finn a funny look all the while.

"What is it?" Finn asked cautiously. 

Alex shrugged and took a bite of the tomato. "Just waiting," he mumbled between chews. 

"For?" 

"Breakfast," Alex shot back when he caught Finn's suspicious look. "Oh, and for you to tell me why you're so jumpy today," he said around another bite. 

Finn couldn't hide how desperately he'd hoped Alex would understand. 

"Or, let's say..." At that, Finn was already laughing. "Whose second toothbrush might be in your bathroom, for example."

Busted. Finn smiled brightly. "She told you, didn't she?" 

"Not exactly." Alex's voice wavered between guarded and uncontainable. "She texted me, 'You owe me fifty bucks,' and when I asked her why, she said I should ask you." 

"You're both crazy," Finn snorted, then zeroed in on what Alex had just said. "Wait, you two bet on us? On your own siblings?"

"No—no. I mean," Alex rubbed a hand over the rising blush on his face. "It started as a joke and... you know Noelle. She was dying for me to know, but..." Finn saw Alex, always the journalist, choosing his words carefully. "Is it true though? Has it finally happened?" 

"Finally—" 

"Come on, Fish," Alex grunted.

Finn set the knife aside and sank onto a stool. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a carefree laugh, somehow in disbelief. 

"It's true," he said quietly, watching with a lump in his throat as a sparkle of excitement lit up Alex's eyes. "We finally admitted that we—uh…"

"Are insanely in love with each other? This is shocking news to me—Finn!” Alex cackled as Finn threw a handful of capers at him. He stood up and stretched out his arms. "Come here, you idiot."

Finn stumbled towards him. How was he supposed to tell him how grateful he was? Alex’s hug was comfort, security in uncertainty. To Finn, having his brother by his side, supporting him every step of the way—it meant everything, far more than he could ever begin to say. 

There were sudden, burning tears in his eyes—happy tears. And when Alex pulled back to ruffle his hair, Finn let them fall.

"Al..." his voice dropped to a whisper. "You think..." this is okay? Tell me it's okay. Am I allowed?

"You're okay, bud," Alex looked at him so proudly that Finn suddenly felt ten times lighter. "I'm so happy for you, you have no idea," Alex laughed giddily, voice cracking with emotion. "And I'm here for you, you know? We are, for both of you." He grabbed Finn's shoulders and squeezed them tightly. 

"I'm..." Finn paused hesitantly. His thoughts raced back to Alex and Kasey—the injury, their sudden reunion after a long, odd silence. He had wanted to ask for a while, but hadn't known how. "I'm here for you, too. Okay?" He wiped at his own wet cheeks. "Anytime." 

The frowny smile he got back, the quick nod... Maybe Alex wasn't quite ready. 

"Thanks," was all he managed to say. So Finn padded silently back to his cooking station with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. 

"Capers?" Finn asked then, busying himself again. He had his eyes on the food, but couldn't have missed the relieved look on his brother's face when he shot back a cheerful, "You know it.

The rest of the morning flew by. Around lunchtime, they found themselves sprawled out on the couch, scrolling through social media and the latest motorsports news. A classic. It was an old habit of Alex’s—diving into the gossipy side of sports journalism was actually part of his job. Years ago, they would spend hours like this in one of their bedrooms. Slow weekends, hot chocolate, just sniffing around this much-dreamed-of world that had felt far away at the time—fantasies of one day, maybe. 

Now their names made front pages, and Finn's face graced magazine covers more often than not—cars, watches, fashion advertisements. Alex's signature was quiet beneath his pieces, yet striking, powerful, respected. Sometimes Finn wished he could stay as silent and just be. No more trending hashtags, no more crazy made-up theories about his love life every time he was spotted walking less than two feet from a woman. No more crowds waiting for him outside restaurants—places he knew would be perfect nooks for unforgettable date nights. 

That one small, family-run restaurant in Cap D'Ail, a spot of white, light browns and strings of warm, soft lights floating in the air, gently swaying with the sea breeze that swirled around the terrace. Built on a cliff, intimate, framed by crystal clear water and the infinite hues of the night. The perfect setting for Logan's green eyes to shine and...

"Does Leo know?" Alex piped up. 

Leo. Leo's stunning blue eyes.

Finn's head snapped to Alex. "What?"

"About you and Tremz," he said, slowly pushing himself up against the cushion. He flipped the phone in his hands a few times before adding, "You're always together these days...the three of you," and glancing past Finn, through the picture window. 

The question fell out of the blue, so close to Finn's wandering thoughts that it startled him.

"He doesn't," Finn shook his head—an imperceptible nod, more to himself than anything. Something heavy sank deep into his core. Was it guilt? 

"We—me and Lo, we... haven't talked about it yet. We were just thinking about telling you," he admitted. "You, Noelle, Aubrey, Syd. Our parents..." 

Alex looked at him with curious eyes, a warm mirror reflection. 

"But?" He prompted. Maybe he'd heard the unspoken words Finn was struggling to put together. And when he didn't answer, Alex pushed their elbows together. 

"You can tell me, Fish," he blinked, offering him the safest of smiles. 

Finn's phone buzzed where it lay unlocked on his thigh, giving him an unfairly convenient excuse to catch his breath before what felt like an imminent free fall. 

He got a picture from Logan, a blurry shot of a bookshop window, the one Logan always took him to whenever they set foot in London together. But when a second picture popped up in the chat, Finn's heart did a complicated thing. At the sight of Logan's carefree smile, it fluttered in his chest. At Leo's matching grin, it began to race wildly. Where their cheeks were pressed together under layers of hats, hoods and dark sunglasses, Finn's heart settled peacefully. And then a bitter note of jealousy struck when he realized—did you two just go to Hatchards without me?? he typed frantically. 

Logan's reply was immediate: 

Got lots of books and stuff for you

Wait Leo says not to tell you

It's a surprise

<3

"Oh my God, look at you," Alex laughed loudly next to him—at him. "You're hopeless." 

"Shut up," Finn muttered under his breath, suddenly embarrassed. His nervous fingers went to scratching the heavy stubble on his white-hot cheeks. 

He looked at Alex again, willing himself to say something, anything. But his brother beat him to the word, once again.  

"My next trip is in a month," Alex said. He was worrying the inside of his lips, his eyes unfocused. He was nervous too, Finn realized. "I'll stay here in Monaco for a while. At least while you guys are overseas..." 

Finn stayed still and just listened. 

"I can't let Nat go back and forth for three weeks in a row, and Kasey has rehab and doctor's appointments every other day, so... yeah," he looked back at Finn and gave a sharp nod. "It's been three weeks, but... they've been really, really good." Alex smiled, genuinely and sincerely. "And I tried to get out of the way, you know? I didn't want to... overstay my welcome or, like, intrude or anything..." 

Again, the one thought that kept running through Finn's mind came up. "Have you ever... felt like that?" 

"Never," Alex shook his head. "Not even once, and... I understand if you're worried that Leo might say something—"

It was Finn's time to nod in disagreement. "I trust him," he said. "I know we both do." 

How could they not? 

"Then let him in. Let him choose. Maybe he doesn't want to lose you as much as you don't want to lose him." 

—

Finn's flight was scheduled for the next day at five and, quite surprisingly, his suitcases were already packed and waiting by the front door. He wasn't really looking forward to the long trip, especially now that Kasey, Logan and Leo couldn't be with him. At Silver's request, Logan had to stay in Silverstone and travel with his team, while Finn's new teammate, Kasey's temporary replacement, had flown to Austin early to meet his family.  

After Alex had left, Finn had taken some time to let the day sink in. He'd FaceTimed his parents while he cleaned up the mess he and Alex had left in the kitchen, and then got ready for an early night. But as the sky grew darker and only a faint golden light filled the living room, Finn found himself still on hold, unconsciously waiting for that one call that had kept distance less far, less lonely, for so long. Nights of rambling and rants about busy days, sharing thoughts, opinions and advice about everything that was going on in two so similar, so far apart lives. 

Logan's voice, his carefree laughs at Finn's silly jokes, even in those weeks that always felt like a race against time—those moments had always been a calming anchor. And somehow they had gotten even better lately, when blue eyes and dimpled smiles showed up more often than not on the same blurry screen, between cooking dinner for two, sharing books reviews, and seriously, Harzy, where do you even find the patience with this one? He's so annoying, just to hear Logan's offended gasps next to him.  

Finn waited, socked feet on the coffee table and book in hand, under the warm, yellowish light of the reading lamp by the couch. He sank into chapter after chapter of a fantastical word—a novel Leo had lent him—until the insistent growling of his stomach became too distracting to ignore, calling for a quick take-out.

He scrolled through EatIn for a good five minutes. The notification of a message flashed across the top of the dim phone screen—a text from Kuny in the drivers' group chat, on top of five new emails and a pending software update. No call, no reply to his last text to Logan, left on read a few hours earlier. 

Finally, Finn placed his usual sushi order and went back to reading, tossing the phone and his troublesome thoughts aside, just as the doorbell rang—once, twice, three times. 

"Coming," he called, wondering who the front desk had let through when he wasn't expecting visitors. But any concern was quickly silenced as he swung the door open. 

"Sushi delivery," said a beaming Leo, whose blond curls poked out of a black Silver Racing cap. He held up a handful of bags from Finn's favorite downtown Japanese restaurant. 

"That was quick," Finn blurted out without thinking, gaping at the bags. 

And then a soft snort brought his eyes up to two hilariously perplexed faces. "What?" 

What? "Oh," Finn realized he was still staring, dumbfounded. "Hi—I mean, hi," he laughed at his high-pitched, surprised squeak, and almost leapt at Leo, looping his arms around his neck in a tight hug. 

"Our dinner—" Leo tried to warn him between sweet chuckles, holding the bags out to Logan, who, Finn noticed, was delightfully looking at them with his head tilted to the side. 

"How... what are you doing here?" Finn asked, pulling away from Leo's warm embrace. 

"We brought you dinner, obviously," Leo said with a scoff, as if Finn had just asked something stupid. 

"And presents," Logan lifted an off-white tote bag that seemed quite heavy even in his strong hands. The green embroidered logo on the front read Hatchards Books. 

"As if you hadn't told him already," Leo drawled as he shot Logan a knowing look. 

A devilish, very bite-able grin painted Logan's full lips, a little chapped from the English bitter cold, begging to be kissed better. 

"You're so predictable, Lo," Finn snorted, reluctantly looking away and finally letting them in.

Logan blatantly ignored them, swatting Finn's ass with his bags on the way in. He waited for him as he locked the door and handed Finn the food with a sharp look and a soft whisper. 

"Dinner upstairs?" 

Ten short steps led from the living room balcony to what had once been a bare, spacious roof deck. The moment Finn had signed the papers to buy the attic, his father's keen eye and expert touch had redesigned it into a private sky lounge, a little gem overlooking the beating heart of Monte-Carlo and the features of a boundless coastline. 

Finn turned on the patio heater. Its warmth added to the cozy atmosphere, blending with the light beige color of the lounge chairs and sectional sofa, and the wood accents of a large coffee table where Logan had chaotically placed three sets of chopsticks, along with a bottle of white wine, glasses, and various boxes of delicious-looking treats—all Finn's favorites, it seemed. 

The outdoor lights were dim, allowing a few faint stars to twinkle high above their heads despite the city's harsh reflections. Finn caught Leo standing next to the glass railing with his nose tilted skyward and a star-struck smile lighting up his peaceful face. 

"I'd run for the dumplings," Finn said as he joined him, "if you want a chance with that one around." 

They both turned in time to catch Logan red-handed with half a gyoza dangling from his mouth. 

"Quoi?" he munch-mumbled. "I'm hungry!" 

Their laughter blossomed in unison, louder to Finn's ears than the rumble of the plane passing low overhead, and the hum of traffic below.

Logan's green eyes, dark in the faint light of the night, narrowed on them. 

"So very predictable, indeed," Leo said as Finn gently led him to the table. His hand wavered on the small of Leo's back, tentative—until Logan flashed him a mindful look that sent goosebumps up Finn's arms. 

"Whose team are you on, Knut?" Logan teased, making room for Leo on the sofa as Finn took one of the loungers. 

"I'm afraid I'm legally obligated to say yours." Leo stretched one arm out over the back cushion, putting on a thoughtful expression. "Something about a non-compete clause in my contract, I'm not sure. Besides," he turned to Finn, nose wrinkled around a fine sheen, "my mama would probably disown me if I said otherwise..."

"Ha!" Logan pointed a mocking finger at Finn.  

"...but my dad, on the other hand..."

"Excuse you, I'm right here—" 

"Oh, no, no, no," Leo tutted. "We're not going there, nuh-uh. I hear enough bickering from those two. Feel free to discuss the matter with my parents next weekend."

"Are they coming to the race?" Finn asked.

"Yeah," Leo's smile grew so wide it must have hurt. "Haven't seen them in a while... and the U.S. Grand Prix is sort of a family tradition. Only this time..."

"You won't be on the stands," Logan said softly.

"Pretty special, huh?" Finn felt the hook of Logan's telltale gaze as their eyes met—he’s sweet. 

"Three days Paddock pass-special," Leo nodded, and Logan whistled low under his breath, drawing a contagious laugh from both of them. 

"I really don't know how they're gonna react when they meet you." Leo's ocean blue eyes were lost in the night sky, then suddenly hesitant as he spoke again, "Only if you... um, want to... of course." 

Finn peeked back at Logan, who nodded briefly. There was still so much they could do for him. But for now, Finn was having fun. He crossed his arms and tipped his chin up in a very well practiced offended frown.

"I don't see why," he said in a low voice. "It's not like I'm everyone's favorite around here." 

"Are you kidding—" Leo started just as Logan whispered, "He likes all the attention," loud enough for Finn to hear. 

Leo kicked him in the shin with one of his long legs and snorted a laugh, "Wait till you meet Wyatt Knut. Oh, I know he's gonna lose it." 

With burning cheeks, Finn crossed his legs on the soft cushion and grabbed a pillow for his lap. "Well," he picked up a box from the table and his chopsticks. "Let's hope the rookie doesn't steal my scene then." 

"Oh, right," Logan said, casually stealing a salmon nigiri from Leo's plate. "Who's filling in for Kase?" 

"Oh?" Finn frowned in confusion. "I thought the news was out. The team decided to give our junior driver a chance."

It was almost imperceptible, but Finn was sure Leo lost a little color in his face around a hard swallow. He reached for his glass and took a small sip of the bubbling wine Logan had poured for them.

"Really?" Logan sounded surprised. "Isn't Archer running in F2?" 

"He's twenty-something points off the lead," Finn pointed out. "And his next race is Abu Dhabi. He might as well take a shot at this instead." 

"Sorry, guys," Leo got up from the couch. "I need to use the bathroom. Be right back," he murmured before hurrying to the stairs. 

Finn shifted just in time to see Leo disappear into the house. "Is he okay?" 

"You're such a worrier, mon cœur."

Finn's eyes followed the sound of Logan's soothing voice. "I know..." 

"I missed you," Logan whispered, and warmth spread through Finn's veins, chasing away the brisk cold on his skin. 

"I missed you too, baby. This is the best surprise ever." 

"Couldn't wait until Monday," Logan's jaw twitched around a gentle smile. "And... we both kind of needed a breath of fresh air." 

"Huh? What's going on?" 

Logan shook his head, lips pressed into a hard line. "Silver's dropping the bomb about the Blacks and the partnership deal. Tomorrow. Press is going to be all over it..." 

Finn leaned forward, elbows on his knees. One hand moved up to pinch his lips, to rub his jaw. He sucked in a lungful of air. "'What'd Sirius say?"

"He thinks we can divert any unwanted attention with the reveal of the special livery."

"And what about you two?" 

"Leo should be fine, I think... And I promised not to curse at reporters this time." Logan's faint smile turned mischievous. "And to make it to Sunday without getting fined by the FIA." 

Finn dug his thumb and forefinger into his eyes. "It's going to be one of those weekends, huh?" 

"Ugh," Logan groaned just as desperately. "I really don't want to think about it." He took his glass from the table and tipped it to Finn, eyes growing soft, finally seeming to relax, but still tinged with concern. "At least I got you, non?"

Finn followed suit, raising his own glass in a silent toast. "Always, baby." 

—

The Circuit of the Americas lived up to every driver's expectations. Finn was no stranger to the demanding, yet satisfying feeling of piecing together the perfect lap between steep uphills, tight hairpins and sequences of fast, flowing corners. Nor was he unfamiliar with the energy, the wild atmosphere that usually painted the entire weekend in shades of red, blue and white stars. From the grandstands and garages to the decorated run-offs of the track, everything mirrored the Lone Star flag waving proudly near the crest of the Turn 1 hill.  

That's how Finn found himself walking around the paddock on Thursday morning in a bright red t-shirt and blue jeans, struggling to adjust the cowboy hat perched on top of his misbehaving hair. It was a bit of a cliché, a tradition of the United States Grand Prix that everyone had embraced over the years—including a rather amused Remus Lupin, who was busy chatting with Lily Evans by the team hospitality entrance. 

"Look who finally made it to work," Remus sneered when he saw Finn coming.

"Blah blah blah. I missed you too, Loops," Finn said, sidestepping to hug Lily instead. "What's up, Lils?" 

"Looking good, O'Hara," she said, tipping the wide brim of her velvet camel hat. It matched Remus', sitting perfectly on his sandy blond hair.

"What are you two up to?" 

"Gossiping, mostly," Lily said, beaming with faux innocence. "Oh, and technically looking for my husband. I kind of lost him between breakfast and the five minutes I was in the shower." 

"Sirius left early too," Remus began, stumbling over his words as a faint blush crept to the tips of his ears. "I think—he… uh. He texted me pretty early, yeah." 

"Right," Finn said. He watched unconvinced as Lily failed, rather spectacularly, to hide a wicked grin. "Any sign of Logan? Leo?"

Logan had snuck out of Finn's room at dawn with a thousand kisses and the promise of more cuddles later that night, but no further explanation. 

"Haven't seen them around." Remus shrugged, "But the event starts in..." He checked his watch. "About fifteen minutes. Maybe they're already at the Paddock Club or—"

"Holy—shit," Lily's voice dropped to a breathless whisper, her green eyes wide.

Finn and Remus turned in sync to… quite the view.

"Did you... did you know about this?" Finn thought he heard Remus ask. To whom, he couldn't say.

Now Finn would have answered, if words hadn't deserted him. If the deeply unbuttoned shirt that fit Logan's shoulders under a fringed green vest hadn't been too distracting. Or the denim jacket and light blue bandana tied softly around Leo's neck, perfectly framing his sharp lines—a sliver of sunshine in a bright, cloudless sky. Leather boots, belts, and wide-brimmed brown hats completed the look of the four Silver boys as they casually strutted toward them. 

A wave of searing heat spread from Finn's chest to his hips, slowly burning him from the inside out. 

"Howdy," James greeted in first—washed denim jeans and a bad impression of a Southern accent. He swooped in to pull an awe-struck Lily into a hard kiss. 

Behind him, Sirius, Logan, and Leo were quiet, looking somewhat embarrassed, confident, and resigned at the same time. 

"Well, hello, cowboys," Lily laughed, her eyes flitting curiously between them. "Anyone care to explain?" 

Finn had to glance at Remus then, who was also uncharacteristically silent. Their eyes met briefly and they both pretended they didn't look like someone had just slapped them hard in the face. 

Sirius was the first to speak. Finn dared a closer look at Logan and then at Leo, eyebrows arching in interest at their twin smirks. 

"A special livery requires special attire, doesn't it?" Sirius began tentatively, as if trying to convince himself. He pointed his thumbs at his loose black shirt. 

"And, oh-so-casually," James spun around to show off his outfit, "we have a Hugo Boss collab to rock."

"And press to distract, apparently..." Leo added, crossing his arms and ankles in one elegant motion.

Very, very distracting indeed, thank you.

Logan pasted on his fakest smile. "Oh, and I'm retiring by the end of the season—ow!” he grunted a laugh as Leo flicked the back of his head. "Knutty."

It struck him then, unbidden and consuming. A lightning bolt from the bluest of skies. An electric spike swept over Finn's entire body, this time tightening his chest. It was undeniable how Logan and Leo glowed next to each other. Whether it was on track, with Leo's firm voice listing strict instructions in Logan's ears. At night, sitting at a kitchen table, miles away from Finn, telling him bits and pieces of their days. And here, in the middle of a semi-desert paddock, dressed in glamour for no sensible reason at all—those two shone like the brightest stars in the firmament before Finn's eyes. 

Suddenly, Finn longed to feel how Leo so beautifully coaxed that rare bliss out of Logan, carefree laughs and heart-melting smiles that Finn knew were private, exclusive. Breaths he'd kissed from his mouth, yearned for and cherished. And intriguing tastes that Finn now secretly craved. 

The most perfectly complicated knot of feelings.

"Fish?" Logan's touch was warm on his forearm. 

"Yeah?" 

"See you later?" 

Finn could only nod, blinded by forest green and cornflower blue and the pungent scent of two perfectly layered colognes. 

They all left, Lily in tow, snuggled between James' and Sirius' arms, abandoning Finn and Remus in a deafening silence that grew louder with every stray, passing voice.

"We should..." Remus cleared his throat. 

"Yep, yeah." 

"Okay. Harz," he muttered, his words muffled as he dragged a hand across his face. "You're off to... Sky Sports and Viaplay. Flash interviews. Then we're doing the track walk together." 

"Always so romantic, Loops," Finn casually threw an arm around Remus' shoulders. "Hey, you know who's up for the drivers' press conference?" 

"They want the new guy. You're boring old stuff, my friend."

"Damn," Finn sighed. "Not complaining, but... ouch." 

"It's the circle of life." Remus elbowed him playfully before looking up with a small, knowing smile—subtle. "We're screwed, huh?"

"Oh man," Finn huffed out a loud laugh. "Aren't we?" 

—

"Espresso." 

Natalie's voice broke the early morning quiet of the team's hospitality lounge. 

"Macchiato," she groaned, flopping into an armchair in the coffee area where Finn was busy topping his cappuccino with cinnamon. "And make it double, please, and thank you." 

Finn's free hand snapped to his forehead in an over-the-top salute. "Yes, ma'am." 

"Fucking jet lag."

Finn grabbed a cup and started the coffee machine. "Up all night again?"

"I think I slept... like eight hours in three days."

"Yikes," Finn winced. He let a cloud of foamed milk swirl into the dark, fragrant brew, then sprinkled some cocoa powder on top. "This calls for extra sugar." 

"Definitely," she mumbled.

Finn set the steaming cup on a saucer. He placed it on a small tray along with a teaspoon, a tiny basket of sugar packets, and a couple of warm, buttery mini croissants. 

"There you go." He laid the tray on the glass table in front of her and sank into the nearest armchair. 

"Wow, Freckle," Natalie marveled dozily, her words fading into a drawn-out yawn. "Five-star treatment."

"Seems much needed," Finn scrunched his nose as he reached for his own coffee. 

"You and me both." She pointed between their faces, clearly noting the purple circles under his eyes. "What's keeping you up?" 

"No clue," Finn lied, and Natalie shot him a look. 

"You really think," she paused to take a small sip of coffee, unfazed. "You can hide something from me, of all people?" 

Finn couldn't help the small, wry smile that twitched his lips. "You'd be surprised," he murmured around the rim of his cup.

"What was that?" 

"Nothing," he blurted, unable to escape her inquisitive gaze. "I guess I'm just worried, that's all."

"Hm. And does that have anything to do with a certain hot-tempered brunet? Say, someone throwing threatening death glares at anyone with a microphone within a mile radius?"  

"That's overprotective Logan Tremblay to you."

Finn omitted the details, of course. The past couple of nights spent with Logan curled up in his arms—a bundle of nerves. Jaw clenched, teeth gritted, falling asleep as morning light spilled through the window, voiceless and exhausted, with Finn's fingers still tangled in his hair, a familiar touch to hold on to. 

"Is this about the—" Natalie air quoted, "—Black Gate? The cowboy thing didn't work out?" 

Finn nodded briefly, utterly drained. 

"Damage control for Sirius' sake." He shook his clouded head. "But of course everyone is hungry for more. It's a pretty big deal, the Blacks leaving Silver. Who would believe the sudden 'mutual decision' to end a ten-year partnership?" 

"As if it was anyone else's business." 

"And all forgotten by Monday, as usual. But in the meantime we're stuck with a couple of mad drivers in full guard mode." 

Finn's fingers tapped nervously on the cooling ceramic of the cup, restless. "And then... there's Leo."

Out of his sunny, always catching energy. 

"Leo?" 

"He seems a little... stressed. I don't know."

Tired, maybe. Shadowed by a veil of worry that Finn couldn't chalk up to pressing media attention alone. 

"I just wish there was something I could do to help."

Natalie studied him for a long moment, her brown eyes sweeping across his face. Finn saw the ghost of a wistful smile when she clicked her tongue. "There's something special about you O'Haras, huh?" 

It startled a small laugh out of Finn, warm and incredulous. "I'm not sure where that comes from, but I'll take it as a compliment." 

The front door cracked open. It caught their attention, revealing a bright, fresh face in the doorway. 

"Buongiorno!" Jack Archer chanted in thickly accented Italian. He walked in, proudly wearing his brand new team uniform, complete with a red baseball cap flipped backward over his dark hair.

"Look at you go," Finn held out his arm for a quick fist bump. "Already embracing the team culture."

Natalie simply waved a hand. "Morning, baby rookie."

Archer smiled back at her as he leaned against the counter. "How's Kasey?"

"Oh, he's annoying me, so... way much better." 

"Bet he wanted to come," he quipped. 

"Ha. He tried to talk me into coming once or twice, but..." She took a steadying breath, then looked at Finn with such gentle, guarded fierceness that left him speechless. "I know for sure I left him in very, very good hands."

Jack nodded sympathetically, looking between them. "Glad to hear that."

"How about you?" Finn jumped in. "Ready for today?" 

It was Archer's first ever Formula One qualifying. Finn remembered how emotional that felt—the fervent, uncontainable energy, the anticipation, and the urgency to prove yourself worthy of the privilege of sitting in such a prestigious spot. He could see the same thrill glinting in Jack's blue eyes.

"So ready," he laughed, bouncing a little on his feet. "But hey, I wouldn't mind some good advice."

"Anytime. Actually, we can..." Finn began, pulling the phone out of his pocket. "Okay, I have to be somewhere in... shit, well, ten minutes ago, but," he stood up and patted Archer on the shoulder, already poised to sprint out. "Catch you before FP3?"

"Yeah, totally," Jack's eyes lit up. "Thanks, man."

"O'Hara," Natalie called. Finn had barely taken a step toward the door. "Are you sure you're not forgetting anything?"

"Jesus," Finn did a double take and grabbed the envelope she held out between her manicured fingers. "What would I do without you?"

Natalie rolled her eyes, the outline of a wry smile curling her full lips. "Get out of here."

The paddock was alive, too loud and too hot for mid-fall Saturday morning. Finn had to stop a few times for autographs, pictures and good luck wishes before he finally made it to the Silver Hospitality forecourt. 

Leo spotted him in the distance and waved cheerfully. He looked better than he had all week, his eyes less somber, though still too weary for Finn's liking. But it was a welcome sight that somehow helped Finn calm his nerves. 

Leo was holding a blonde woman close to him, chatting excitedly with a slightly embarrassed Logan. A tall, also blond man stood at their side. The fine features the three of them shared were unmistakable. 

As it turned out, Eloise and Wyatt Knut were exactly as Leo had described them, a force of nature brimming with energy, high spirits and unbelievable kindness—traits Finn had long recognized in their son. 

Leo had his mother's eyes and her same sharp wit. Finn had soon found himself wrapped in a motherly hug, warm and loving, as Eloise thanked him over and over for no particular reason. Though she didn't miss the chance to slip in a cheeky remark about him racing for the wrong team—you should really consider moving to Silver, honey. The three of you would make the best team out there—coloring Leo's light skin several shades of red. 

Wyatt Knut was just as energetic, though a little more reserved. Finn could tell by the way he'd squeezed his hand in his own that he was holding back his excitement, while his well-worn Scuderia cap spoke volumes. 

Finn and Logan had planned to surprise them upon their arrival on Friday, but by the time they had finished debriefing after the free practice, Leo had essentially kidnapped his parents and disappeared. He was glad, though, if Leo's better mood had anything to do with it. 

Now, between conversations, Finn noticed Logan eyeing the envelope in his hands and nodding his head in encouragement. 

"Boys," Eloise said with an angelic smile, "we shouldn't keep you any longer, I'm sure you're quite busy." 

"Actually, Mrs. Knut—"

"Finn, please. It's Eloise for you." 

"Right," Finn chuckled, rubbing a hand over his neck as he sought Logan's eyes for support. "Well, these are for you," he opened the envelope Natalie had secured for him and pulled out two golden VIP passes. 

"Guys..." Leo breathed, his startled gaze bouncing between them. 

"Consider yourselves our guests of honor," Logan said. "For a full race weekend experience. You can do the grid walk on Sunday if you'd like. And watch all the sessions from our garages."

"Both," Finn added playfully, turning to Wyatt. "Whichever you prefer." 

Wyatt clasped Finn's shoulder, then Logan’s—a silent, heartfelt smile tugging at his thin lips. Eloise's grateful embrace carried the same fondness Finn saw in Leo's glazed stare. He shot him a wink just as Logan bumped into his side. 

"You shouldn't have to..." Leo whispered softly.

Finn felt the sudden urge to tell him that he'd do anything to see him this happy, always. He knew from the look on Logan's face, scenically playing the annoyed roll of eyes, that he was tightly holding onto similar thoughts. 

But this was neither the time nor the place. Finn had already spotted a few TV crews creeping around and the last free practice session was about to start. 

Besides, he had no idea what the hell was going on with him. What was he meant to make of any of these thrumming needs?

He accepted the tenth round of thanks, an invitation to dinner at the best steakhouse in town according to Leo, another warm hug from Eloise, and a fierce good luck, son from an ecstatic Wyatt Knut—the silky lanyard of his pass already hanging around his neck.

Before he left, Logan put on one of those wicked smiles that Finn wished he could always bite off his lips. 

"See you on track, O'Hara," he jabbed, making everyone laugh. 

"Yeah," Finn smiled. It was a relief to see that some of the worry had slipped from Logan's scratchy, sleep-deprived voice. 

Finn loved him. God, he loved Logan immensely. But right then he knew he had to focus on himself and his performance, to keep an overload of problems at bay. 

After all, he'd made himself a promise. He had a championship to win, against none other than the man of his dreams—and his race engineer at his side. Two people who somehow managed to make Finn feel so overwhelmingly good. 

And helplessly confused.  

"Good luck, Tremblay." 

The car felt incredible, sharp and consistently balanced even on the hot track. The first two qualifying rounds had flowed as smoothly as water and Finn was confident he could secure a solid pole position, setting himself up for a much needed win tomorrow. 

Now the lights in Finn's box were vivid, as urgent as his need to get back on track and run the car in those milder sunset shades for the last stint of the day. He sat in the cockpit and waited while the mechanics made their final adjustments. 

As he peeled the smudged tear-off from his visor, Remus' voice crackled through the radio. 

"Harz, we're putting on a new set of soft." 

Finn pressed the yellow radio button on the steering wheel. "Sounds good." 

"And—I need you to improve the middle sector." 

"What's the last lap time?" 

"1:37.017," Remus spelled out. "Logan's is tied with James' at .214." 

Good, but not enough, Finn thought. Logan had this innate, annoyingly brilliant ability to set the perfect lap with the clock about to run out. One last flying lap to get those couple of tenths out of nowhere, just when everyone else thought he didn't have the right pace. 

"Archer’s going out first," Remus added. "He's instructed to give you slipstream if you think you'll need it." 

Finn and Kasey had used the tactic countless times, helping each other secure at least one spot on the front rows of the grid.  Jack wasn't new to these tricks, of course, and after a long talk that morning, Finn trusted him to deliver as well. 

Archer hadn't needed advice, exactly—more like reassurance and a nudge to tackle the new challenge with confidence. 

As presumptuous as it might have seemed, though, Finn didn't want Jack's help. He knew he held all the cards to perform at his peak. And maybe—just like the young rookie he'd been a long time ago—Finn desperately needed to prove something to himself once more.   

"Thanks, guys," he simply replied.  

"Let's bring it home, man." 

Amazing speed through the twentieth and final corner for Thomas Walker, but no further improvement. Nadeau, however, crosses the finish line with a fastest third sector and goes sixth to beat his teammate. 

Logan Tremblay takes provisional pole as O'Hara starts his flying lap with the session nearing its end. Here comes Potter across the line to move up to second—and we have a Silver front row for now.  Halla does improve, but remains fourth behind Archer—an amazing Saturday for the rookie, who'll have the chance to start his first Formula One race from second row tomorrow. 

Fastest sector one for Finn O'Hara as he makes his way through some traffic out there. Once again Tremblay vs. O'Hara for pole is our battle. 

Absolutely phenomenal in this car, finding more time down the high speed straight—and it's another purple sector for the American driver. 

More traffic coming in between turns 13 to 15 as most cars in-lap on their way to pit lane, but—whooa, my goodness. That's a close call for O'Hara with his teammate going into Turn 16! 

It was an instinctive reflex. 

Finn hadn't fully registered what had just happened in front of him. He braked, hard enough to tip his car to the left, over the curb and into the run-off, narrowly avoiding contact. His flying lap was completely ruined.

"Remus," he gasped over the radio.

He'd sounded too calm to his own ears, even as blood began to boil in his veins, mixing with a wild rush of adrenaline. Someone had just cost him the pole. Someone had deliberately moved into the middle of his lap and almost caused a massive crash. Not just someone, Finn realized with a flash of clarity, but his own teammate.

Remus' voice was apprehensive. "Yeah, we saw that, Harz..."

"That was fucking—"

"I know, I know," Remus promptly cut him off. He knew better than to let Finn cause a scene that anyone could hear. "Just come back to the box, please. We'll discuss this later."

Not a single word came out of Finn’s mouth as he drove to the Parc Fermé. He jumped out of the car, steering wheel in hand, and quietly followed the other drivers to the pit lane. A cameraman tracked him all the way to his box, probably expecting him to react, or maybe snap like some drivers used to—like Logan sometimes did. Finn just kept his helmet on and the dark visor down. 

He had expected to find Remus there, ready to apologize for a mistake that wasn’t even his fault. Finn knew he would try to explain with his steady, calming manner that there was nothing they could do. Whatever happened between teammates never got penalized by the stewards. It stayed between team walls. 

Instead, standing outside his garage, shoulders hunched and a restless hand tormenting his soft-looking curls, was Leo. 

"Harzy," he almost jumped on his feet when he saw Finn. "Are you okay?" 

"Le?" Despite everything, Finn found himself smiling. He raised the visor to meet Leo's anxious eyes. "What are you doing here?" 

"I..." Leo let out a long sigh of relief. "I'm so sorry, Finn. Are you hurt?" 

"What? No," Finn undid the helmet and slid it off his head, along with the balaclava. "Leo, I'm fine. It was just impeding." 

"I know, I..." he began, and glanced towards the mixed area where Archer was being interviewed. 

So he'd made it to the top three…

When Leo turned his back to Jack, he looked even more freaked out than before. "You... It looked bad—on screen. The bounce on the curb..."

"I'm fine," Finn repeated, reaching out to grab his arm reassuringly. "Are you, though?" 

"Yeah. Yeah, sorry. I just..." Leo swallowed hard. "I wanted to make sure he didn’t—"

"He fucking impeded you?!" Logan's thunderous voice made them both spin around. 

"Lo," Finn shot him a warning look. "Not here." 

"What the fuck?" 

"I know." Finn took a deep breath. "I need to talk to Remus first, but... He's young, guys. Honestly I’ve seen senior drivers doing worse than that."

Logan crossed his arms, an angry frown tightening his lips. "Still."

"Listen," Finn ran a hand over his sweaty hair, his pulse suddenly jumping. The onslaught of feelings he'd experienced in the last forty-eight hours was surreal. He felt defeated, frustration still seething at the edges of his fist, clenched around the chin bar of his helmet. Exhausted for too many reasons at once. 

And yet there stood a glimpse of hope—fierce eyes staring at him… protectively, he realized. 

"You two shouldn't worry about me, okay? I promise, I'm fine. I just need to put an end to this crazy day and get out of my head for a minute." 

Leo nodded understandingly. "We can call off dinner if you'd rather—" 

"Please don't," Finn said. It came out almost like a plea. "Dinner with the Knuts is exactly what I need right now." 

"Ouais," Logan agreed, watchful eyes fixed on Finn's. He was trying to read between the lines, something he'd learned a long time ago—always finding his way to Finn. "Me too." 

A full, bright smile split Leo's lips. "Okay, one more thing. Then I better go before Sirius kills me," he said. He sounded a little giddy. "My parents want to invite you to stay with us next week, just so you know. They were over the moon about the tickets." 

"Really, it was nothing," Logan said, and Finn’s heart melted in his chest. 

"You don't have to say yes," Leo urged. He took a step back towards the pit stall, grinning innocently, "And you definitely didn't hear this from me. But we'd love to have you guys over."

With a soul-crushing wink, Leo walked away. Logan's sharp breath filled the next beat of silence. 

"Rouge."

"Hm?" Finn whispered back. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Logan was staring after Leo, too.

They turned to each other, keeping a short distance between them—just two drivers confronting each other after a tough qualifying session.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Logan asked.

"I love it when you call me Rouge."

"Finn."

"I told you, I'm fine."

"That wasn't fair."

"It wasn't," Finn admitted. 

"Beginner's luck," Logan grumbled. 

Finn's mouth shifted to the side, one corner lifting slightly. A bead of sweat slid from a rebellious lock of Logan’s dark hair onto his temple. Finn watched, mesmerized, as it traced its way around the crinkle of Logan’s eye, down to the corner of his full mouth, along his jaw, and finally dropped from his flushed face.

"Come on, Tremz. I'll overtake the rookie and chase you down as fast as I can. You have my word."

"Ah," Logan lost some of his fight at that. "Bet you won’t catch me, though."

"Oh-ho," Finn bit his lips. Something about that Logan smile drove him crazy. "Try me. I can give you a head start tonight," he murmured.

"Non," Logan laughed. "We have a race tomorrow, in case you forgot."

"Right," Finn inched closer. Logan didn’t so much as blink.

"A race I'm going to win. And then..."

It wasn’t much of a choice for Finn when it came to it. Had he imagined spending every second of their free time glued to Logan's side? Absolutely. Had Finn already pictured a beaming Leo showing them around his childhood home? Walking them through streets, corners, places he'd grown up in? Maybe.

Besides, they had already been thinking about a nice, short escape before flying to Mexico City—just the three of them. 

"A quick detour to New Orleans?" To Finn, it sounded like the perfect golden mean.

Green eyes glinted at him, almost in awe. The last rays of sun framed Logan's tan skin like gold.

"Parfait, mon amour."

Oo so active I love!! Can you do a Finnlo fight with old scars/trauma resurfacing? And Leo heals all, I love when he gets one on one with each and helps them understand each other better.

Oof, I do love a good FinnLo working through trauma sort of situation, it has to be said. And Leo hates seeing them hurt, poor sunshine baby. :(

HOWEVER, I do think it's kind of beautiful that, no matter how long you know someone, there is always more to learn about each other, something that I see FinnLo kind of struggling to recognize sometimes. So, have some (yikes) FinnLo ANGST with a perceptive and intelligent sunshine coming to help ease the pain.

Character credits to @lumosinlove !!

“Salut, maman.”

“How are you, sweetheart?” his mother asked in French.

“Bien.” Logan switched the phone to his other hand as he put the dried utensils away. “Le just made a nice dinner. Are you on your way to the airport?”

On the other side of the line, Iva let out a sigh. “Actually, Lobear, I have some bad news. Your father got caught up in a work thing- one of the administrators in the hospital committed fraud and now he’s having to deal with the fallout. It’s a mess, sweetheart, we’re not going to make it.”

“Quoi?” Logan sat down heavily at one of the counter stools. “What do you mean? Maman, can’t you come?”

“Logan, I can’t just leave your father and go to France right now. He’s stressed out and working long hours, and-”

“But I-” Logan took a breath and rested his forehead in his hand. “Sorry, I was just excited for a family vacation. The girls are all coming next week.”

“Logan.” His mother’s voice was stern, but still sad. “I know, sweetheart, I know. I’m so sorry. The girls are upset as well.” She let out a sigh. “We’ll try and visit you and the boys at some point this summer before you have to go back to New York, but it’s looking really bad. There’s a lot of frustrated doctors and patients.”

Logan nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Ouais. Ouais, I understand.” He hung his head back and tried to fight against the tears forming in his eyes. “I love you. Tell dad I say hi.”

“I love you, too, Logan. Sleep tight, my love.”

The line went dead, and Logan slouched forward to rest his head in his hands. He took a shaky breath and let out a soft sound. Time with his boys in Nice was invaluable, but it had been ages since the Tremblay family had been all together and not surrounded by hockey, just each other. And Leo and Finn had been so excited to come on a family vacation. Logan felt his chest ache for them.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Leo came through the doorway. “Finn’s making a fire out on the- whoa.” He stopped abruptly and came up to rest a hand on Logan’s back. “Lo, what’s wrong?”

Logan quickly wiped away the tears that had fallen on his cheeks. “Everything’s fine, soleil,” he whispered in French. He was too tired for English.

“No, it’s not.” Leo guided Logan into his chest and they wrapped their arms around each other. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“There’s an emergency at my dad’s work- one of the administrators committed fraud, and he’s having to deal with the legal stuff. It’s a complete mess. Maman just called to say they can’t make it.”

“Oh, mon coeur.” Leo squeezed him tightly. “Oh, Logan, I’m so sorry.”

“I know.” Logan felt his voice shaking. “It’s just, I was so excited to finally have a family-”

“Lovers, I’ve got the fire started!” Finn’s voice came from down the hallway. “What do you want to drink, we’ve got-” He stopped in the doorway. “What’s going on, what’s happening?” When Logan groaned and more tears slipped out, Finn’s face dropped and he rushed over. “Hey, baby, what-?”

“I just wanted them to be here with you-”

“Sh, I know, honey, it’s alright.”

“Non, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just miss my parents, and-”

“Lo, English, I can’t understand.”

Logan looked up at him from his place in Leo’s chest. “I was.”

Finn shook his head, eyes pained. “No, Lo, you weren’t. I don’t like this, you need to tell me.” 

Logan bit his lip and tilted his head back, slightly frustrated. It hurt, sometimes, having to translate the things he was feeling into words that Finn could understand. And Logan was tired, so tired, because they had gotten up early, and had gone for a long run, and then spent the whole day wandering around, and his head hurt. It hurt so badly, trying to switch between languages, and translating, and communicating. He let out a sigh that must have come across harsh, because Finn took a step back, cheeks red. “Hey, whoa. Lo, what the hell?”

Leo looked frantically between them. “Finn.”

“No, I don’t like not knowing what he’s saying! Logan, c’mon-”

“Finn, I don’t think you should push-”

“Allez,” Logan said softly, breathing in and out through his mouth, which just seemed to make Finn panic more. He rubbed his hands over his face and stood, heading towards the patio door. “Allez, I need some space.”

“Logan. English, please, I need to understand, I can’t understand you.” 

“Finn.” Leo’s voice was soft. “Finn, he just needs a minute. Just give him a minute.”

The last thing Logan heard was Finn’s frustrated huff, and then he closed the patio door behind him.

***

French was tricky for Finn, Leo had figured out. He tried his best, spending time watching movies and TV shows with French audio and English captions, and did some grammar exercises when he could, but his lack of progress and fluency was clearly frustrating him. Most of the time, unless the two of them were alone just together, Leo and Logan spoke English in Finn’s presence. It didn’t really bother Leo much, to switch between the two languages, but it clearly sometimes bothered Logan- when he was overstimulated, when he was tired, when he was feeling things he needed to just let out, and he couldn’t do that as automatically in English. He’d gotten better, but there were times when Leo could physically see him flinching and wincing, the act of translating taking a toll on his body and mind. And Finn, Leo had come to realize, didn’t quite understand how difficult it was.

They watched Logan’s back disappear through the patio door and into the dying French sunlight, Leo still gripping Finn’s hand gently from when he’d stopped him from following Logan outside. Finn was breathing heavily, face and neck red from frustration and worry- and maybe a little anger, Leo thought. He drew those freckled fingers to his lips and kissed them gently. He gave Finn a tug. “C’mere, sweetheart. Let’s go for a walk.”

But Finn was still staring out the door. “No, Le, he’s just sitting out there, and I don’t understand-”

“Finn.” Leo tugged harder, forcing Finn to look at him. “I know you’re upset, but you need to let him be, okay? His dad had a legal emergency at work, so his parents can't come, and he's exhausted. Let’s go for a walk and talk.”

Finn looked a little taken aback at Leo’s firm tone of voice, but nodded. The fight had just evaporated from his body. “Okay. I’m sorry, Le, okay.”

“Hey.” Leo kissed him softly, then kissed the purple underneath his strained brown eyes. “I love you. And Logan does, too.” He laced their fingers together and squeezed. “Let’s go, I know just the place.”

They didn’t go far, just to the beach near Logan’s house, but it was far enough where they could both get some air. Leo pulled Finn back against his chest and laced their hands across Finn’s stomach. The sunset was just turning orange, casting a glow over the world and the water. Leo kissed the back of Finn’s head. “You look beautiful in the sunset.”

There was a hitching breath, a soft whimper, and then Finn started to cry, silent, shaking sobs wracking through his body. Leo leaned around and kissed each tear, waiting.

Finn pressed into his touch. “He just- in college he would just walk away from me. I would try to talk to him about- about us, and he would use French to- to get out of talking, and I can’t do it anymore, Le, I just can’t.”

“Sh, I know. I know, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Leo felt like his heart was breaking. “I’m so sorry, let it out, baby.”

“Leo, I don’t know what I did wrong.”

That made Leo suck in a breath. “Nothing. Finn, you did nothing wrong. You’re just- you’re having trouble communicating.”

Finn let out a sad sound and shook his head. His eyes were squeezed shut tightly, as if he was in pain. “No.”

“Oh, honey.” Leo wrapped him up tightly. “Honey, you are. It happens, even for you two.” He licked his lips nervously. “Can I- can I say something?” 

“Yeah.”

“And when I say this, I need you to know that this is not to hurt you, and that I love you so much, okay?”

A brief pause. “Okay.”

Leo took a preparatory breath. “I think- I think you need to let Logan speak in French. Sometimes.” Finn flinched, but let Leo continue. “When he gets emotional, or frustrated, it’s sometimes hard for him to translate. And I know it doesn’t seem fair, but you need to let him feel for a minute for himself, then let him explain it to you.”

“Yeah.” Finn rested his head back against Leo’s shoulder. “But he can’t- he can’t use it as an excuse not to talk to me. I need him to, like, say he needs space, I can’t-” His breath hitched again. “I just feel so lost, and I hate not being able to help him.”

“Sh, sh, honey, I know.” Leo kissed where his hair fanned out over his ears. “But sometimes you don’t need to help him, at least not right away. Sometimes you need to just listen, and let him come to you when he’s ready.” He brushed Finn’s hair back from his face. His eyes were still closed, but not as tightly anymore. “And he will. You know he will. He’ll always talk to you, he’ll always tell you how he feels. And I know it’s unfair that I can understand him first, I know, baby, and I know it makes you feel frustrated. But he loves you so much, Finn. And he’ll talk to you once he can express how he feels in a way you can understand.”

Finn was silent for a long time. After a few minutes of gazing at the sunset, he tilted his head and pressed a kiss to Leo’s jaw. “In college, when Logan brought me here, we swam one night right out there.” He pointed to a spot in the distance, and Leo braced for the story he knew so well. “And I told him I wanted him. And he just- he spoke French at me and…” A new wave of tears fell from his eyes and his voice broke. His heart was fast under Leo’s palm, breathing quick and uneven. “God, that hurt so badly. That hurt more than anything else I’ve ever felt in my life.”

“Finn.” Leo felt himself start to tear up, too, and pressed his nose into Finn’s cheek. It wasn’t like Finn to panic so harshly. “Finn, baby, breathe. I need you to breathe with me, baby, you’re scaring me.”

“Sorry,” Finn gasped. “Sorry, sorry, Leo-”

“I’ve got you,” Leo whispered, pressing their foreheads together. “I’ve always got you.” 

They breathed together for a few minutes. Finn’s body was hot against Leo’s own, as if he was feverish, and Leo had half a mind to take him into that ocean and wash away the memories. Instead, when Finn’s pulse slowed, he pressed a soft kiss to his lips and pulled back to look at him. “Feel better?” At Finn’s nod, Leo kissed him again. “Good. Let’s go back to the house, sweetheart. I’ll talk to Lo.”

Finn’s eyes turned anxious. “Do you think he’s mad at me?”

“No.” Leo shook his head. “No, I think… I think he loves you more than he can say, and he doesn’t want to hurt you.” 

Finn deflated. “I know. I know, I’m sorry.” He looked up at Leo through his lashes. “I love you. I love you both so much. I’m just- I don’t know why I get frustrated.”

Leo bit his lip. “Maybe it’s just one of those things you don’t quite understand about each other yet. That you’re still learning.” He brushed their noses together. “I think that’s kind of beautiful, that you’re still learning each other.”

Finn smiled slightly. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re right, it is.” He kissed Leo’s cheek. “Thank you, peanut.”

“Always, sweetheart.” Leo patted his hip. “C’mon, up you get. Go take a shower, and I’ll go talk to Lo.”

They both felt lighter, clearly, as they stood, but Leo didn’t miss the way Finn looked longingly at the water once more. 

***

Fifteen minutes later, Leo let his head thump lightly against the wall beside the bathroom door. He could hear the shower running and Finn talking to himself, which was a good sign, but his heart was still pounding in his chest. They hadn’t seen Logan when they walked through the house- Leo assumed he was still on the patio. He pressed a hand over his chest, took a deep breath, and walked through the living room to the back door. 

Through the glass, he could see Logan hunched over, adding another log to the dying fire. He looked serious, muscles tense, and when he heard Leo slide the door open he jerked a bit. His eyes were red when they met Leo’s. “Salut.”

“Salut.” Leo closed the door softly behind him and went to sit in the chair on the opposite side of the fire pit. “Ça va?” When Logan just shook his head, Leo let out a sigh. “I just took Finn to the beach,” he whispered in French. “We talked for a while, he’s in the shower now.”

Logan looked up at him. “D’accord, is he-” He stopped, squinting at Leo briefly across the flames, before he sucked in a breath. “Were you crying?”

Leo felt a nervous feeling work its way up his throat. “Ouais.”

Logan’s face looked like heartbreak. “And Finn, was he-?”

“Ouais.”

Logan groaned, falling forward to rest his face in his hands with a shaky breath. “I don’t want to make him cry. Oh God, I made him cry-”

“Sweetheart, look at me.” Leo stood and went to kneel between Logan’s legs, the warm fire at his back, and cupped his face in his hands. “Look at me, Lo.” When Logan did, Leo wiped away the wetness on his cheeks. “Finn was just scared, and frustrated. He doesn’t like not being able to understand you.”

“Je sais.” Logan’s voice was broken and sad. “Je sais, Leo, I’m so sorry-”

“Sh, sh, I’ve got you.” Leo pressed a firm kiss to his forehead, then rested their temples together. “I know you’re trying, I know it, Lo, but he sometimes doesn’t. He just wants to fix anything that’s hurting you right away. But he also has to let you feel, and I told him that. And once you figure it out, then you can translate and tell him, but he needs to let you do it yourself.” Leo pulled back to look him in the eye. “But you can’t just walk away, Lo. You have to tell him, in English, that you need a minute, and then take it.”

Logan closed his eyes like the words hurt him. “It- it’s a bad habit. With him.”

“He told me.” Leo thought for a moment, then lowered his voice. “He told me about the sea again. The story about you two in the water at night, while we were at the beach.”

“Merde.” Logan let out a pained sound. “Mon rouge…” He sniffed and held Leo’s wrists. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you always have to deal with- with us, us not communicating.”

“Non,” Leo whispered firmly, thumbs rubbing Logan’s jaw. “Hey, no, don’t say that. I want to help you, Lo, because I love you, not because I feel like I have to.” He sighed. “But you have to talk to him about it, okay? He doesn’t want to hurt you, and you don’t want to hurt him. And you don’t hurt each other, really, you just- you need to take a pause for a moment, that’s all.”

But Logan’s expression was disbelieving. “I made him cry. I made you cry.”

“Non, Logan.” Leo pressed their bodies together harder. “You didn’t, your actions did. The situation did. How much we love you made us cry, but never you, sweetheart. You’re all we could ever want.”

“I love you,” Logan said softly, kissing Leo so gently it felt like bathing in sunlight. “I love you so much.”

“I love you.” Leo stood, holding out his hands to pull Logan into standing up. “D’accord, Finn’s probably out of the shower now. Let’s go see him.”

Leo could tell Logan was nervous by the way he gripped his hand tightly as they made their way through the house. It was getting dark now, their bodies casting long shadows on the walls. There wasn’t a sound of water running through the pipes, so Leo figured Finn was in their bedroom. He tugged Logan along slowly and stopped in front of the door, turning to face him and kiss him briefly. “Good?”

“Ouais.” Logan pressed his forehead into Leo’s chest, hugging him, before cautiously turning the knob.

The room was bathed in just the warm light of a lamp. The window was open, letting in a cool breeze coming off the ocean, ruffling the white curtains. Finn was sitting up against the pillows on the bed, now in boxers and a sweatshirt, glasses perched on his nose as he read from a paperback. He looked up as Logan entered, Leo standing in the doorway. His eyes, though warm, were red-rimmed, and his cheeks were flushed. “Hi,” he whispered, voice cracking through what sounded to Leo like tears.

Logan let out a soft sound. “Mon rouge.”

Then he was crossing the room in two strides to straddle Finn’s hips on the mattress, wrapping his strong arms tightly around Finn’s shoulders. A soft sob escaped Finn’s body as he held Logan just as tightly, fingers gripping the muscles of Logan’s back. “Lo, I’m so sorry, I-”

“Non, non, Finn.” Logan pulled back to cup Finn’s face and kiss the skin, catching the falling tears with his lips. “Non, mon rouge, désolé. Mon amour, ma vie, mon tout, je suis tellement désolé. Don’t cry, I don’t want you to cry.” He kissed Finn on the mouth and then looked him in the eye. “I should not have walked away.”

“I should have let you have space, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, baby, about your family, I-” Finn cut himself off, kissing Logan hard once more. “I love you.”

“Ouais.” Logan began kissing his cheeks again, then moved down to his neck. “Ouais, je t’aime, ma vie, mon cœur, ma lumière, je t’aime.”

Finn let his head fall back with a soft smile. “Now this French I find sexy.”

“Finn.” Logan lifted his face from Finn’s neck and ran his hands through Finn’s hair. His eyes were serious and yearning, but he was so gentle it made Leo’s heart ache. “I’m being serious, I don’t want you to feel like that. I’m so sorry I keep making you feel like that, I’m going to try. I’m going to communicate better, I’m going to try.” 

“Then I’ll try, too.” Finn rested their foreheads together. “I don’t like not being able to fix things. But you need time, sometimes, and I know I won’t always understand right away.”

“But I’ll tell you.”

Finn smiled and kissed Logan’s cheek. “But you’ll tell me.” He sat up straighter, then looked to where Leo was standing. He smiled and held out an arm. “Now, where’s our sunshine?”

Leo tilted his head to rest against the doorframe and gazed at them softly. “Hi.”

“C’mere, baby, c’mere.” He pulled Leo against him when he walked over to the bed, scooching a bit so he didn’t fall off. Finn pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Thank you, baby. It’s not your job, and it’s not why we love you, but thank you for catching us.”

“Ouais.” Logan moved off of Finn’s lap to sit in Leo’s and draped his arms around his shoulders. His green eyes were wet, but Leo saw his smile right up until he closed his eyes and kissed him. “Merci, mon coeur.”

Leo nudged their noses together. “I told you. I do it because I love you, not because I have to.” He looked at Finn. “And you catch me, too. You caught me right in your arms when we met, even if you didn’t know it, and you’ve caught me every time I’ve fallen since.” 

Finn’s smile widened. “I like catching you, baby. You look so pretty in my arms.” He kissed Leo’s blushing cheek. “Je t’aime, peanut.”

Leo laughed. “I love you.” He turned to Logan, who was watching them both with soft eyes. “Je t’aime aussi.”

“Oui. Toujours, mes amours.” He settled his hips further into Leo’s and nicked Finn’s cheek with his thumb. “That wasn’t that bad, Harz.”

Finn waggled his eyebrows. “Been learning. Though, I gotta say, most of my French is not very appropriate, so I will need some help with that.”

Logan laughed. “Ouais, we can help you.” He tilted forward and rested his cheek right where Leo and Finn’s shoulders were touching, his eyes turned to look at Leo. “I’m sleepy.”

“Mm.” Leo tilted his head to rest on top of Logan’s. “Shower? Then we can go to bed.”

“Can I be in the middle?”

Leo and Logan both straightened to look at Finn, who was biting his nail with slightly nervous brown eyes. Logan smiled widely. He took Finn’s hand and kissed it. “Ouais, mon amour.”

“Kay.” He ran a hand through Logan’s hair. “Can we snug?”

Leo scoffed. “Like that’s even a question.” He kissed Finn’s neck then took Logan by the hips to lift him off the bed to stand. “We’ll be ten minutes, honey, promise.”

“Hurry back.”

They left Finn to his book and went to the bathroom. Leo was grabbing some towels from the closet while Logan let the water heat up when a thought made him laugh. “You know,” he said. “I think it really would be funny to teach Finn French.”

“Huh?” Logan asked, stripping his clothes. “Quoi?”

Leo shrugged, hanging up the towels and reaching behind himself to pull his T-shirt off. “I’m just saying, his accent would be horrible.” He wrapped his hands around Logan’s waist as they stepped into the shower, guiding him beneath the hot spray. “And he would probably only use it to say dirty things to us, anyways, even if he knew more.”

Logan tilted his head back to face the water and laughed. “Ouais, he would.” He looked back at Leo over his shoulder. “But I wouldn’t complain.”

Leo smiled. “No. Neither would I.”

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened. Leo wiped his hand on the shower glass to clear it, then grinned even wider when he saw Finn staring at them, hips resting against the sink. “Sweetheart?”

Finn played with his own fingers. “Didn’t want to be far from you. Can I stay?”

“Of course, baby.”

“Cool.” Finn boosted himself up to sit on the side of the sink, letting his legs swing. “You know, I like this show. Might have to shower stalk you more often.” 

Logan blew him a kiss. “Whatever you want, mon coeur.”

Finn nodded. He whistled lowly when Leo and Logan both turned away from him to grab their exfoliator and soap. “Damn, this is a nice show. And it’s free, even better.”

Leo rolled his eyes fondly and shared a look with Logan. “He’s back.”

Logan bit his lip. “Ouais. He’s back.”

“Can you, like, make out or something, please? As an experiment.”

Leo furrowed his eyebrows. “An experiment for what?”

“To see how long I can sit still here for.”

Leo and Logan shook their heads, but leaned in for a kiss that started out brief, but Logan’s tongue ran over Leo’s lips and then Leo was melting underneath the warm water.

“Yup, that’s what I’m talking about.” They looked over to see him resting back against his hands, a delighted smile on his face. He waved his fingers. “Don’t stop on my account.”

Leo just winked at him and drew Logan’s body closer again. “I guess we gotta give it to him.”

“Ouais,” Logan said, looking up through his dark eyelashes. “Whatever he wants. Forever.”

Leo nodded. “Forever. Now, c’mere, Tremblay, and give me a kiss.”

And with Logan’s smile against his own and Finn’s happy noises, Leo felt himself soften… or maybe it just felt like the beginning of sinking into forever.