Chapter 5

AlexandriaA/N: I do not encourage underage drinking, it's for the plot

The music was already pulsing through the walls before we even stepped inside William Eklund's house. Gabi and I exchanged a quick glance—one of excitement mixed with just a little bit of apprehension. The Sharks had just won, and if there was one thing I had learned since befriending Will, it was that hockey players knew how to celebrate. The entire team was here, along with their friends, and judging by the sheer number of people inside, probably half of San Jose.

The second we walked in, we were hit with a wave of noise—laughter, cheering, the unmistakable bass of whatever remix was playing through the speakers. A keg stand was happening in the kitchen, and the open bar in the living room was already crowded with people trying to get their drinks in before things got even crazier. Gabi nudged my arm, her eyes scanning the room.

"Found them," she said, tilting her head toward the corner of the room.

Will and Macklin were surrounded. A small group of girls—gorgeous, confident, all dressed like they had been waiting for this exact moment—were practically draped over them, smiling up at them, twirling their hair, leaning in just a little too close. Will looked mildly entertained, while Macklin, though polite, didn't seem as engaged in the conversation.

"Guess we're about to ruin their fun," I murmured.

Gabi smirked. "Or save them."

Without hesitation, we walked up to them, slipping seamlessly into the conversation. "Wow," I drawled, arms crossing jokingly smirking I state, "Two goals and suddenly you're the most popular guy in the room, huh?"

Macklin turned toward me immediately, a slow smile creeping onto his face. "Lex." His voice was warm, familiar even though we hadn't known each other that long. "Didn't see you come in."

"Clearly, you were distracted," Gabi quipped, her gaze flicking toward Will, who just laughed.

The girls around them seemed momentarily startled by our presence, eyes flicking between us and the guys. To their credit, Will and Macklin handled it smoothly, offering polite excuses before stepping away to fully turn their attention to us. The girls didn't look particularly offended—if anything, they just shrugged and wandered toward the dance floor, already finding new people to occupy their time.

"You guys played amazing tonight," Gabi said, grinning.

"Seriously," I added. "That second goal, Macklin? You made it look easy."

His eyes lit up, and for a second, he looked like the excited rookie he was. "You think so?"

I nodded. "I mean, I don't know hockey the way you guys do, but it was pretty badass."

Will clapped Macklin on the shoulder before turning to Gabi. "Come on, let's grab drinks for everyone."

And just like that, I was left alone with Macklin.

I shifted on my feet, glancing around the party for a second before looking back at him. "So, do you go to a lot of these?"

He shook his head, chuckling. "Not really. I mean, I'll come out to a party like this if it's for the team, but most of the time, I'd rather just chill."

"Same," I admitted. "I mean, I'll go out every now and then, but school's my priority."

He nodded, eyes filled with understanding. "Makes sense. You're in nursing, right?"

"Yeah," I said, surprised he remembered. "Freshman and possibly going to specialize for pediatrics. I've got a long way to go, but I'm excited and passionate for it."

"That's really cool," he said, sounding genuine. "I get it, though. I'm the same way with hockey. Feels unreal to be here sometimes, playing for the Sharks."

"Yeah? Is it everything you thought it'd be?"

He smiled, thinking for a moment before answering. "Yeah. I mean, it's a lot, but I love it. And I get to travel more now, which is exciting."

My face lit up. "I want to travel, too. One day, when I'm done with school and have the time."

"Where's the first place you'd go?"

"Japan," I answered without hesitation.

His eyebrows raised. "That's sick. Why Japan?"

"I don't know," I said, smiling to myself. "I've always been fascinated by it. The culture, the food, the history... it just seems like a dream trip."

"I respect that," he said, nodding. "I want to see more of the world, too. Hockey's giving me that chance, which is pretty cool."

He hesitated for a second before asking, "Why pediatric nursing?"

It was a question I got a lot, but it never bothered me. "I love kids," I said simply. "And I love helping people. I think I'd be good at it."

Before he could respond, Will and Gabi reappeared, drinks in hand. Gabi passed me a shot glass, grinning. "To Will and Macklin performing amazingly in today's game!"

We all clinked our glasses together before knocking them back. The burn of the alcohol was immediate, but it was quickly replaced with a warmth that spread through my chest.

The night blurred into a series of moments. Another shot. Then another. Laughter. Talking. The world tilting slightly in that pleasant, lightheaded way that signaled I was officially tipsy. Gabi, ever the instigator, grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor.

"Come on!" she shouted over the music.

I didn't protest. The music was good, the energy in the room was electric, and for once, I wasn't thinking about school or responsibilities or anything other than the fact that I was here, having fun.

Gabi and I danced together, moving to the beat, laughing at nothing. She leaned in close, voice teasing. "So... you and Macklin, huh?"

I rolled my eyes, even as my cheeks heated up. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on," she said, smirking. "I saw the way you two were talking earlier. Sparks. Literal sparks."

I groaned, shaking my head. "You're imagining things. Nothing's going to happen. I have school. And Macklin—he has hockey. And a million other girls who'd kill for a chance with him."

Gabi just laughed, spinning me in time with the music. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that, Lex."

I didn't respond, just let the music take over, let myself get lost in the moment. But somewhere in the back of my mind, her words lingered.

Because the truth was?

I wasn't so sure she was wrong.

—— new POV ——

Macklin

The second Lex walked away, I found myself watching her without even realizing it. She moved to the music like no one was watching, completely lost in the moment. The black corset she wore hugged her perfectly, the matching mini skirt showing just enough to make my thoughts wander. And then there were the Converse high-tops—classic Lex.

She always looked good, but tonight? Tonight, she was something else.

"Yo."

Will's voice yanked me back to reality. I turned to him just as he waved a hand in front of my face, a knowing smirk plastered across his lips. "Are you even listening to my story, or are you just gonna stare at my best friend all night?"

I scoffed, immediately shaking my head. "I wasn't staring."

Will raised an eyebrow, slurring slightly as he leaned against the counter. "Bullshit." He took a lazy sip from his drink, eyes flicking between me and Lex as she laughed at something Gabi said. "Look, man, she's like a sister to me. Always has been. But if there was anyone I'd actually trust with her, it'd probably be you."

His words caught me off guard. "Dude, I don't—"

"Relax," Will cut in, laughing. "I'm just saying. She's... complicated, you know? Not in a bad way, just—" He hesitated, his usual easy-going expression shifting into something more serious. "She doesn't open up easily. Her past... well, that's not my place to tell."

Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten, but I didn't push. If Lex wanted me to know, she'd tell me in her own time.

I exhaled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Not that it matters, anyway. She was literally just telling me how school is her number one priority. She's smart as hell, man. Way out of my league."

Will snorted, shaking his head. "Nah. That's you talking out of your ass." He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin returning. "Don't sell yourself short, bro. You're Macklin freaking Celebrini."

I rolled my eyes at his drunk pep talk, but a small part of me held onto what he said.

Before I could think about it any longer, a memory flashed in my mind—our first meeting. It was last week, after practice, when I had been leaving the locker room. Lex had been walking in probably to find Will. I hadn't been paying attention, and when I opened the door, she had bumped straight into me, water spilling onto both of us from my left open water bottle that I just finished drinking from.

Her greyish eyes had locked onto mine, startled yet apologetic. She truly has gorgeous eyes, something about that moment had stuck with me ever since.

My thoughts were cut short when movement on the dance floor caught my attention. A random guy I didn't recognize had approached Lex. He was standing too close. Too comfortable.

At first, I told myself it wasn't my business.

But then I saw her face.

Her smile was gone. Her body language shifted, stiff, uncertain. She wasn't pushing him off, but she also wasn't engaging. And something about that sat wrong with me.

Will nudged my arm. "Hey, am I tripping, or does she look uncomfortable?"

I didn't hesitate. "You're not tripping."

Before I could second-guess myself, I was moving. Lex might yell at me later if she wanted to handle it herself, but I'd rather her be mad at me than something happen to her that she didn't want—especially when she was drinking.

I slid in between them easily, keeping my voice casual. "Hey, Lex, Gabi. Wanted to show you something by the bar."

Lex's eyes met mine, and there was no mistaking the relief there. She took a small step toward me, but before she could move further, the guy grabbed her wrist.

"I'm talking to her," he said, his voice sharper than before.

Lex immediately yanked her arm back, her expression shifting into annoyance. "Yeah, well, I don't want to talk to you."

The guy's face hardened, his frustration clear. Before he could say anything else, I stepped between them fully, placing a hand on his chest—not pushing, just enough pressure to remind him that I was there. That I wasn't backing down.

"Look, man," I said, my tone cool, steady. "Let's not start something you can't finish." He eyes me then will who is standing behind me.

He looked up at me—three inches shorter but still trying to act tough. After a moment, he scoffed, rolling his eyes like this wasn't worth his time. "Whatever," he muttered before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly, but the adrenaline was still there, buzzing under my skin.

Lex let out a long breath before suddenly stepping forward and loosely wrapping her arms around me. She was still tipsy, her balance a little off, but the hug was warm, real. "Thank you," she mumbled against my chest. "You saved me."

I chuckled lightly, keeping a steadying hand on her back. "As long as you're okay... I mean You and Gabi."

Lex pulled back, her expression a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. I could tell she didn't want to dwell on what just happened, so I did what I could to lighten the mood.

I smirked. "Come on, let's play some cup pong. Bet you I'll win."

That earned me a laugh, and just like that, the night started to feel a little normal again.

-=+=-EndYIPPEEEE3 chaps one day How do you guys like it so far? Any suggestions? Did we like seeing macklins pov?

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