Bet Leo Didn't Know His 2-for-1 Deal Includes Weighted Blankets. All Credits To @lumosinlove !!

A little something I wrote to follow my last post! I hope you have found some happiness, maybe let yourself grieve for a minute. Remember that the work starts now, and that change starts with us, the people. Use your voice.

Character credits to the lovely @lumosinlove as always!!

At first, Leo had thought that Finn’s fountain pen hadn’t been worth stealing, but that was before he started writing his grocery lists with it. It was the perfect weight in his hands and wrote so smoothly it was like spreading butter. He would take it out of the cup on Finn’s desk in what used to be his very own bedroom, now converted into a home office, and run his fingers along Finn’s engraved name lovingly before setting off to the kitchen. Finn would always wait so patiently for him to finish, even if he was bouncing on his toes while doing so. He always claimed that he wrote better with the fountain pen, a gift from Logan when he’d started his Master’s program this fall, and wouldn’t start his work without it. Leo would borrow it, write his lists, and then give it back to Finn with a kiss and a tap to his hip, nudging him to go back to work. 

Today, though, Leo just stole it, and didn’t feel even a little bit bad.

“You realize he is going to freak out when he can’t find it, ouais, soleil?” Logan asked through Leo’s iPad, which was resting on the counter as Leo cooked dinner. More often than not, they’d FaceTime in the evenings and eat dinner together anyways, but Logan claimed he also liked to watch Leo’s back through the screen as he cooked.

Leo ducked his head into the frame and grinned. “Oh, I know. It’s not even hard to find, I just put it in the kitchen towel drawer by the oven.” He settled more in front of Logan’s face. “But he’s been all stressed out lately, and his paper is fine; I’ve already read it and helped him edit it three times. He just needs to take an evening off.” 

As if on cue, Finn’s voice reverberated through the hallway. “Peanut, have you seen my fountain pen? I can’t find it anywhere!”

Leo just shook his head. “Sweetheart, I’m sure it’ll turn up! Come say hi to Lo.”

There was a thump and then Finn came sliding in on his socks into the kitchen, bumping softly into Leo as he stopped in front of the counter. “Hi, sweet thing, hi. How are you, Lo, baby?”

Logan grinned at him. “Ouais, bonjour, rouge.” He tilted his head. “You missing something?”

That perked Finn up, and he turned to Leo, wrapping his arms around his waist and looking up with wide eyes. “Yeah, yeah, baby, my fountain pen. Have you seen it, Le?”

Leo just feigned confusion. “What fountain pen?”

Finn’s ears started to turn a bit red, a mildly frustrated exhale coming out of his nose. Finn never got angry, especially not at them, but he did sometimes get fidgety when he was anxious about something. “Bullshit, which one. You know I can’t focus without it, and my paper is due tomorrow, and I don’t know where it is-”

“Isn’t your paper on the computer?”

Finn rolled his eyes as he looked at the iPad, but his expression was teasing. “Not helpful, Tremblay.”

Leo nudged him as he turned back to their bolognese sauce on the stove. “I’m sure you just lost it under the desk, or by the radiator, sweetheart. It’ll turn up.”

Finn whined in the back of his throat. “But I need it to focus.”

Leo snorted, but turned and took Finn’s face in his hands. “Finn, honey, you’ve had that paper done and ready for three days. You’ve been stressed out and can’t relax, even though it’s perfectly well written.” He kissed Finn’s forehead. “Just go and submit it, it’ll be fine.”

“But-”

“Go,” Leo said emphatically. “And maybe if you come back and make nice, stress-free conversation with your boyfriends for a couple hours you’ll get it back.”

“Ouais,” Logan piped up in agreement. “Rouge, go on.”

Finn stared at Logan’s face, then turned and narrowed his eyes at Leo. “You know where my pen is, don’t you?”

Leo just raised his eyebrows and winked at him. “Turn your paper in and find out.”

Finn took a deep breath and huffed in that way that he did when he really didn’t want to do something. “Fine. But I better be getting some really nice conversation when I get back.”

Logan laughed through the screen. “Ouais, maybe you’ll get something else really nice, too.”

“Oh?” Finn was smiling now, freckles scrunching on his forehead as he raised his eyebrows. “You gonna give you something, ten?”

Logan’s teeth flashed cockily. “I’ll take off my shirt for you, but only if you’re good.”

Finn tapped his hand to the camera. “You got yourself a deal, Trelembalaylay.” He turned to Leo and gave a pinch to each of his hips, making him squirm. “You know, Leonardus, you’re a lot more mischievous than you seem. The world doesn’t know you’re like this. I could tell them.”

Leo ducked his head down. “Oh? You want the world to know all about my delinquency?”

Finn stared for a second, then rolled his head back. “Fine. No. Just us, just Lo and I get to reserve that privilege.”

Logan laughed, then leaned his head closer to the screen. “Allez, rouge, go turn in your paper. Then Leo and I will be mischievous together for you.”

Finn bounced on his toes, nodding eagerly. “Yup, yup, that sounds like a great plan to me.” He kissed Leo’s cheek, then kissed towards the iPad. “Love you, babes, be right back,” he said, then scurried off back towards the home office as they both called a ‘love you!’ after him.

Leo gave the sauce one more stir, then turned to lean his forearms on the counter in front of Logan. “If I’d known it would have been that easy to get him to submit his work, I would’ve done that with the last two essays, as well.”

Logan chuckled at him. “Ouais, he’s very easily motivated by…” His smiled turned teasing. “Mischief.”

Leo laughed back at him, then tilted his head and admired the way Logan’s green eyes flitted all over his face. “Love you, Lo.”

Logan’s smiled turned soft. “Je t’aime, aussi, mon coeur.”

“Okay!” Finn’s voice called, followed by the sound of his thumping feet. He once again entered sliding on his socks, wrapping Leo up in his arms with a smacking kiss to his cheek. He wiggled his eyes at the two of them. “Time to get mischievous.” 

Leo and Logan just looked at him and laughed. 

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. 

ACTUALLY STOP that FinnLo fight was my favorite fic of yours yet. You’ve blessed my feed today and fed the monster in my brain lmao you’re awesome

Just posted another angsty one with our Lolo! You all LOVE to watch him suffer, my goodness.

Ik your writing is usually really fluffy but I have had such a bad week and I need to cry and leo is my comfort character, would you be willing to write any type of Leo centric angst and hurt/comfort? With a lot of fluffy happy ending of course! (If you don’t want to you obviously don’t have to! Reading anything you write cheers me up anyways!!!)

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to answer an ask out of order so we can help our friend have a better day! I recommend setting the phone down for a while and consuming some sort of creative art- watching a movie, reading a book, listening to music. Oh, and eating some chocolate! Chocolate cures a lot. Sending you lots and lots of love! <3

Have some Leo being a worried son, some Leo-and-Reg bonding time, and FinnLo being the "Best Husbands Ever" while Eloise is a little under the weather down in NOLA!

TW: mentions of car accidents, mentions of death, DUI, hospitals.

Credits to @lumosinlove !!

Leo tapped his foot against the linoleum hospital floor anxiously. His back hurt from sitting in such a low-backed chair for so long, but he wasn’t moving until his dad got back- Leo had to practically shove him out the door with a demand to go shower and get Eloise her favorite roasted garbanzo beans from the local market. He flashed his eyes towards where his mama was sitting up against the flimsy hospital pillows, phone held up to her ear and a smile on her face as she talked to Regulus, the French flowing naturally out of her mouth.

“Non, he didn’t!” Eloise threw her head back and laughed- Leo winced at the way it tugged on her IV.

“Mama, be careful,” he said, placing a hand on her thigh.

She just patted his wrist with a fond shake of her head, then went back to speaking to Regulus. “Well, what did you do?” She furrowed her brows for a second, then laughed loudly again. “Oh, they must have been so mad! Oh, Regulus, sweetheart, you’re evil. Did you give them homework, too?” She paused, fiddling with the ends of her blonde curls. “Well, I expect the practice served them on the test.”

Behind Leo, the door clicked open. He turned to see his father step through, canvas shopping bags in his hands. Wyatt looked up at him. “Ça va?” he whispered.

Leo nodded. “Ouais. She’s talking to Regulus.”

Wyatt smiled. “Good.” He walked over and pressed a kiss to the top of Leo’s head, then to Eloise’s cheek. She scrunched her nose happily at him, then nodded into the phone.    

“Yes, honey, Wyatt’s here. I’ll tell him you say hi. Want me to give you to Leo?” There was a brief pause, Regulus’ voice muffled through Leo’s cell phone speaker. Eloise smiled and laughed once more. “Merci, sweetheart. You have a good afternoon, okay? Ok, bye, bye.” She held out the phone to Leo. “Here you go, baby.”

“Thanks, mama.” Leo stood and kissed her head. “I’ll be right back.”

He put the phone up to his ear as he closed the hospital room door behind him. Regulus must have heard the click, because he laughed through the phone. “She sounds good.”

Leo nodded, even though Regulus couldn’t see him. “Ouais. She’s better.” He sat down heavily in a chair in the hallway. “The surgery went well. Fixed her femur all up, and she’s just got that and some bruising on her ribs now. Minor concussion, too.”

“Mm.” There was some shuffling of papers. “And the driver of the truck?”

Leo rubbed a hand across his forehead. “DUI. He was drunk as hell, Reg, I mean-” His voice caught. “She was- Jesus Christ, she was so bad when the ambulance brought her in. And he- he could’ve killed her, Regulus, and I-” Leo bit his lip to muffle the sound, but a tear did fall down his cheek. “I can’t live without my mama.”

“Hey, hey, whoa, Le.” Regulus sounded closer to the phone now, and he was speaking in a hushed tone. “She’s gonna be just fine. Hurt, but fine. And it’s June, you and Finn and Logan could stay the whole summer, if you want. I’ll come down and visit her, too, once I’ve cleaned out my classroom.”

“Yeah, but France-”

“Fuck France.” Leo could almost see Regulus’ wince. “Non, sorry, not ‘fuck France’, but- Leo, your mom had a really serious accident, okay? And you might need to stay for a while to help her and your dad out. The Tremblays will understand.”

Leo gnawed on his cheek. “But Finn and Logan. They were looking forward to it.”

“You mean those husbands of yours who literally worship the ground you walk on? They’ll be just fine. And if they need to, they can go to France for a week and come back.” On the other line, Regulus let out a breath. “But I’m sure they won’t want to do that. In fact, if you try and make them, Finn will pull out his puppy dog eyes, and Logan will glare so hard at you you might turn to ash for suggesting he leave you.” 

Leo laughed wetly. “Yeah. You’re right.”

“These things happen, unfortunately, Le, and you just deal with it, you know? And that might mean sacrificing in some other areas. But you also gain something. You’d get to spend the summer with your parents and your husbands in New Orleans, which I know you miss more than you like to admit.” 

“You’re right,” Leo sighed.

“Wow, twice in one conversation? I’m glad you admit it, I am pretty smart.”

Leo rolled his eyes, but smiled. “Ha-ha, shut up.”

“Non, too late. My ego has grown. It’s so big you can see it all the way down there in Louisiana.”

“Okay, okay, wow, I didn’t mean to do that, geez.” Leo softened a little, relaxing into the hard plastic chair. “Thank you. I needed this.”

“I know you did. Are you going home for the night?”

“Yeah. Finn and Logan are cleaning the house, and lots of folks have been bringing things around. Food and stuff. So, they’re chatting with neighbors when they stop by.” He snorted. “Or, at least, Finn is. I think Logan has been hiding in the garden, mostly.”

Regulus laughed. “Sounds like him.” There was another rustling sound. “Listen, I’ve gotta go, I’ve gotta sort all these textbooks my students returned last week. But I’ll call you tomorrow, d’accord?”

“D’accord.” Leo sighed. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, Le. Talk to you tomorrow.”

Leo hung up the phone and let out a deep breath, letting his head rest for a brief moment against the wall behind him before standing and walking back into his mother’s room once more. His mother was relaxed against the pillows and talking with his dad in a soft voice. She smiled up at him when he walked through. “Hi, sweetheart.” She reached out a hand for him to take. “Good?”

He nodded. “Yeah. How are you feeling?”

She tisked and squeezed his fingers. “The same as when you asked twenty minutes ago, honey. A little banged up, but I’m alright.”

“D’accord.” He bent and kissed her cheek. “You need anything?”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “For you to go home.”

“Mama-”

“Nope, go, sweetheart.” 

She opened her arms and he knelt by the bed, gently folding himself against her chest. Leo felt so small against her, even as an adult. His dad put a hand on his back, and being in between his parents, being held like they had held him for so many years that felt so far away, made his eyes swell up.

Eloise felt his shuddering breath and kissed his head hard a few times. “I know those husbands of yours are waiting for you. Finn’s probably friends with half the neighborhood by now, and Logan sent me a picture of the garden all weeded, so he’s probably anxiously waiting for all those people to leave so he can have you all to himself.” At Leo’s teary laugh, she squeezed him a bit tighter. “Go home, sweetheart. They’re gonna bring a cot in for Wyatt so he can stay, okay? I’ll be just fine. You can come back with Finn and Logan tomorrow, please, I miss my boys.”

Leo smiled. “Ouais, they miss you, too.” He tucked his face into her neck and squeezed gently. “I love you.”

“Oh, my baby, I love you so much. You’re the best son I could ever ask for.” She kissed his forehead once more, then let him go. “Now, up you get. You need a shower and some food, you’re looking pale.”

“Mama.”

She raised her eyebrows at him once more. “I don’t care if I’m injured, or that you’re a grown man- you’re my baby, and you still gotta listen to me when I tell you to take care of yourself.”

Leo smiled. “Ouais.” He turned to his father and gave him a tight hug. “Love you, dad.”

Wyatt hugged him tightly and patted his back. “See you tomorrow, Le. Drive safe, and text me when you get home.”

Leo took a sharp breath in. That phrase held a lot more meaning now, and Leo could feel himself and his dad carrying that weight in the tension of their shoulders. “Yeah. Yeah, I will.”

***

Home, Leo texted twenty minutes later as he stepped through the door, toeing off his shoes. Love you, I’ll see you tomorrow.

“Is that my sexy sunshine baby?” came Finn’s voice from the kitchen. He appeared, a dish towel over his shoulder, smiling wide enough to make the freckled corners of his eyes crinkle. “Hi, gorgeous.”

“Hi.” Leo walked forward into Finn’s arms, dropping his head tiredly onto his shoulder. “How are you?”

“Good.” Finn squeezed him tightly. “Just packed up the rest of the food. Eloise has got a village looking out for her, that’s for sure, I met, like, fifteen people today.”

Leo felt his eyes start to heat up as he nodded against Finn’s neck. “Yeah. Yeah, she does.”

“Oh, Le.” Finn carded a hand through his hair and kissed his cheek. “Sh, I know, baby.”

“No, it’s just-” Leo pulled back and wiped his eyes. Finn still had his hands firmly cupping Leo’s hips, and Leo was grateful for the sturdiness of them. “I’m just so grateful she’s okay, God, I can’t- it felt like I couldn’t breathe when my dad called me.”

“I know.” Finn reached up with one hand to cup Leo’s cheek gently. “I’m sorry, Le. You love your mama so much.”

That brought a new wave of sadness over Leo and he squeezed his eyes shut hard. “I don’t- Finn, I can’t do life without her, I just can’t do it, and she almost-” His breath hitched even harder. “If she had-”

“But she didn’t.” Finn brought his other hand up and gripped Leo’s jaw more assuredly. “Hey, look at me.” When Leo did, it was to Finn’s soft brown eyes looking back at him, so loving, even when they were sad. “She didn’t,” he whispered firmly. “She’s here, and she’s going to be fine, baby. She’s not going anywhere.” 

Leo fell forward slightly, and Finn was there to catch him as his sobs grew louder, his tears soaking the fabric of Finn’s T-shirt. The sound of hurried footsteps descending the stairs reverberated around the room, and then Logan was there, too, at their sides, panting and hair slightly wet from the shower. His eyes were wide and worried as he settled a hand on Leo’s waist. 

“Soleil.” His voice was low and frantic. “Soleil, what happened?” He jerked his head over to look at Finn. “What’s wrong, what happened?” When Leo just let out another cry, Logan tangled his fingers in his hair and rested his mouth on Leo’s jaw. “Mon soleil. Sh, sh, mon soleil, c’est bien, mon coeur.”

“I’m sorry,” Leo gasped, standing up straighter again to look at them both. “I’m so sorry.”

“Non.” Logan stood on his toes, wrapping his arms around Leo’s neck to pull him down and kissed his forehead. “Non, mon amour, don’t be sorry.”

“I just- she looked so small in the hospital bed, and I almost lost-”

“Non, non, Le.” Logan squeezed their bodies together tighter, and Finn wrapped his arms around them both. “Non, Le, don’t talk like that. That won’t help you, mon amour.”

“Lo’s right, baby.” Finn’s head was also ducked close, his lips against Leo’s other ear. “That’s not healthy. Eloise is okay, Le, and she loves you so much. She wouldn’t want you to think like that.”

“I’m so-”

Logan pulled back quickly and pressed a finger to Leo’s lips. “Non.” He replaced his finger with his lips, his kiss soft and sweet. “Je t’aime.”

Leo rested their foreheads together. He sniffed. “Thank you.”

“Oh, my love.” Finn wiped the tears from under his cheeks. “Let’s get some food in you, baby, then a shower and bed. We can watch a movie, or I’ll read to you.”

Leo looked up at him through his wet eyelashes. “Read, please?” He closed his eyes. “Love your voice.”

Finn pressed his smile into Leo’s forehead. “Of course I can.” He kissed Leo quickly, then Logan, then took them both by the hand to lead them into the kitchen. “Now, Mrs. Dubois brought over some pot roast that smells amazing, and some roasted potatoes. How’s that sound?”

“Good.” Leo squeezed his hand and sat at the counter. “Thank you both for managing the house today. I know that was kind of a lot.”

Finn waved his hand as he dug through the fridge. “Nah, it was fun, you got a lot of cool people here. I had a blast.”

Leo smiled. “My mama thought you might.” He turned to Logan, who had tucked himself into Leo’s side and was carding gentle fingers through his hair. “She also said that you were probably hiding from all those people in the garden.”

Finn snorted. “She knows you so well, Lo.”

Logan scowled slightly, but his eyes were still soft. “There were too many. And they stayed to talk forever, mon Dieu.” He looked up to Leo, green eyes wide and seeking approval. “I weeded the garden, soleil, and harvested some things.”

Leo kissed his forehead in appreciation. “Thank you, sweetheart.” He took a deep breath. “I was also thinking…” 

They both turned to look at him. Logan tugged gently on his T-shirt. “Ouais?”

Leo looked between them cautiously. “I think I want to stay and train here this summer. To help my mama and dad.” He looked down at his hands. “Which means I wouldn’t go to France.”

“We,” Finn said softly. He reached across the counter and titled Leo’s chin up with two fingers to look him in the eye. “We wouldn’t go to France.”

Leo shook his head. “No, I can’t- Logan’s family-”

“Non, soleil, they’ll understand.” Logan kissed his shoulder. “I’ll call maman tomorrow.”

Leo sighed. “Are you sure you two don’t want to go?”

Finn looked genuinely confused. “What?”

“Like…” Leo sighed again and waved with his hands. “Like, you could go for a week, to relax and see Logan’s family, and I’ll stay.”

Finn scoffed. “Uh, no thank you.” He walked around the counter and wrapped Leo up from behind. “I am on summer break, away from dozens of crazy teenagers, and my husbands are finally done with the hockey season. We are not spending a single day apart, you understand? Not a damn one.”

“But-”

“No ‘buts’, sunshine.” Finn kissed him briefly upside down. “We are planting ourselves right down here this summer. Lots of boat rides, gardening, evening runs, and sunshine.”

“Ouais,” Logan said from his place against Leo’s chest. “Lots of sunshine.” He rested his chest against Leo’s chest and looked up at him. “D’accord?”

Leo nodded, brushing Logan’s hair back from his forehead. “D’accord.” He let his head fall back against Finn’s shoulder. “I’m starving.”

“Coming right up, nutter butter baby.” Finn sauntered around to pick up the pot roast container and dump the meat into the pot on the stove. “Let me just heat it up and we’ll be good to go.”

Leo winced. “Finn, are you sure you don’t want me to-”

“Hey! I can heat up pot roast,” he scoffed, turning to grab the potatoes next. “I don’t need anyone’s- shit!” Finn barely caught the pot he had bumped with his hip, looking with wide eyes as some of the meat juice fell on the floor. His fingers shook as he precariously put the heavy pot back on the stove and turned towards them sheepishly. “Uh. Well.”

Leo rolled his eyes fondly. “You have zero spacial awareness, honey.” He gave Logan a kiss and walked around to join Finn at the stove, nudging his hip with his own. “Go, you two set the table. I’ll reheat dinner.”

“Are you sure-”

“Finn.” Leo raised his eyebrows amusedly as he pulled out a sheet pan for the potatoes. “I love you both more than anything, but please go set the table.”

“Right.” A pause. “Are you sure?”

“Rouge,” Logan laughed. “Allez, Le said he’s fine.”

“But-”

“Sweetheart.” Leo turned towards him and cupped his hips, kissing him soundly. “Go.”

Finn looked a little dazed. “‘Kay.” He looked over his shoulder at Leo as he and Logan began to get the plates and silverware out. “But you can’t use kisses to get me to do things all the time, okay?”

Leo looked him up and down. “No?”

Leo and Logan shared a look as Finn’s ears turned red. “No.”

Logan stood on his toes and sucked gently on Finn’s jaw. “Non?”

Finn’s eyes fluttered shut briefly before he opened them with a sharp inhale and what sounded like a whine. “Stop that.”

Logan’s grin was mischievous. He winked at Leo, making him warm all over, and not for the first time that day, Leo thought about the lucky hand he’d been dealt. His face must have reflected it, because Logan sent him a fond smile and settled a soft hand on Finn’s back. 

“Allez, mon rouge,” he said, his eyes on Leo. They were warm and loving and the most beautiful shade of green Leo had ever seen. “Let’s set the table.” 

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."

Soooooo, gender-bent Cubs? As a WLW, I LOVE WLW Cubs AUs, and figured we needed more of them.

Enjoy Finn being VERY obsessed with her girlfriends- but would we really expect anything less from our favorite resident red-head?

GO BOSTON FLEET RAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!

All credits to @lumosinlove !!

“Whoa-ho, there, Tremblay. Hey there, hot stuff.”

Logan jumped at Finn’s smack to her ass from where she was bent over putting on her skates. She turned around to glare daggers. “Finn-”

Finn grabbed her waist and brought her close, smile sharp. “You can’t bend over like that and expect me not to take advantage.”

Logan rolled her eyes but reached her hands up to tug at Finn’s hair. She had cut it for the season and it fell just to her jaw in light waves. Leo had done two French braids that morning to keep the face-framing pieces out of her eyes, but there was still enough loose for Logan to grip. “We’re in the locker room.”

Finn just leaned down and kissed her. “I can’t help that your ass is incredible always. Le’s, too. I’m a very lucky girl.”

“Hm?” Leo asked, walking by in her compression shirt in leggings. She hadn’t put her pads on yet. She leaned against their sides and wrapped an arm around Logan’s waist. “What’d you say, honey?”

“That I love you,” Finn said, but her eyes were twinkling. 

Leo narrowed her eyes. “No you didn’t.”

Finn shrugged. “Believe what you want, baby.” But as she walked to her stall to suit up, she gave Leo’s ass a squeeze with two hands.

“Fish,” Leo gasped. She looked down at Logan, her face bright red. “She was talking about my ass, wasn’t she?”

Logan smiled and leaned up to kiss her. “Ouais.” Logan leaned against Leo’s chest. “It’s a very nice ass, soleil.”

Leo snorted. “Yours, too, sweetheart.”

***

“Shit, Knut, you’re a fucking wall today,” Tabby Walker said, panting. “What the hell.”

Leo just smiled and pushed up her mask. “Sorry, Talky.” She squirted water into her mouth as Tabby came up to tap her stick against Leo’s pads.

“You’re gonna be hot tomorrow against Minnesota, baby, I can feel it.”

Leo laughed. “You think?”

“Yeah,” Tabby replied. “Red hot.”

“Hey!” Finn’s voice came. “You can’t call Leo hot!”

Finn and Logan were finishing up stick handling drills with the other forwards at the other end of the ice. They were helping to pick up the cones that they used sometimes when they interrupted Leo and Tabby. Finn handed hers to Logan, who was laughing, and skated over.

She stopped right beside Leo and looked to Tabby. “What’re you doing calling my Leo hot?”

Leo raised her eyebrows. “She also called me baby.”

Finn just pouted. “Walky Talky.”

Tabby slugged Finn in the shoulder gently. “She can’t help the heat, dude. She went full splits, I didn’t have a chance.” She jerked her chin and gave Leo a fist bump. “I’m off, lovebirds.” She turned to Leo and winked cheekily. “Later, Nutty.”

Leo winked back even as Finn made a desperate little whine. “Leo.”

Giggling, Leo turned back to Finn. “Sweetheart, you’re so easy.”

“I can’t help that I’m dating two goddesses. You can do the splits, for crying out loud.” She crossed her arms. “And ‘baby’ is a privilege reserved for me.” 

Leo rolled her eyes with a small smile. “You’re so difficult.” But she kissed Finn’s helmet. “I love you.”

Finn preened under the attention. “Lucky me.”

“Oui, lucky you,” Leo replied. “And if it makes you feel better, Talky calls everybody hot.” She smirked. “Especially Logan’s sister.”

Finn laughed. “Noelle’s a lucky one.”

“Hm,” Leo said, turning to her net. “She is. C’mon, Finnley, help me get my stuff to the locker room so we can go. Vodka chicken’s on the menu tonight.”

“Let’s fucking go,” Finn said, pumping her fists. She grabbed Leo’s water bottle. “Fucking love your vodka chicken.” She looked up to where Logan and Sirius were having what looking like a shooting contest on Kasey at the other end. “Hey Tremblay! Let’s go! Got vodka chicken for dinner tonight.”

Logan looked up at that, and said something to Sirius before skating away. She approached her girlfriends with a smile. “Ouais, let’s go.”

Leo nodded towards the other end of the ice. “Having fun?”

Logan smiled. “Oui, just doing a shooting competition with Cap.” She turned her head slightly and raised her voice. “Which I won!”

“Non!” Sirius yelled back. “Non, tu n'as pas gagné!”

Logan rolled her eyes, turning back. “I so did.”

Finn just threw her arm around her. “Let’s go. Vodka chicken time.”

The locker room was rowdy as it always was after practice, the adrenaline having yet to wear off. Leo shook her curls out of their low ponytail and fluffed it up from her scalp. It was getting long now- she’d have to cut it soon so it wouldn’t overheat the back of her neck, especially as they were getting deeper into the season. They were on a winning streak, and the Boston crowd was expecting big things from the Fleet.

She felt a tug on a lock of hair and arms wrapping around her waist from behind. Logan squeezed her briefly before coming around to face her. “Ca va?”

Leo nodded, placing a kiss between her two Dutch braids. There were pieces that had come loose. Leo thought that Logan always looked so gorgeous after practice, her face warm and her dark hair a little mussed. The messy braid look really suited her. 

“Ouais,” Leo said. She continued in French. “How much longer do you need?”

Logan kissed her collarbone. “Twenty minutes. Gotta shower real quick, then we can go home.”

Leo nodded, stripping off to follow Logan into the showers. Logan led her to the ones on the other side of the wall that divided the shower room, where Finn already was under her own nozzle. There wasn’t anybody else, and she lit up at the sight of them. “Oh boy.” She not-so-subtely peeked around at Leo and Logan’s backsides. “Yup, I don’t regret a thing.”

Leo turned bright red and Logan laughed, leaning up to kiss her cheek before turning on two nozzles for them. “Later, Harz.”

Finn smiled, eyes happy and with that sharp look that she sometimes got. “Hot stuff, Tremblay.”

Logan turned her face up to the spray, careful to not get her braids too wet. “You can’t call me that.” She peeked out mischievously. “Only Talker can.”

Finn spluttered and Leo laughed loudly. When Logan turned to look, Finn’s ears were red and she looked like the was struggling to maintain composure, which just made Logan smirk and close her eyes.

“Nuh-uh,” Finn complained. “Nope, nope, no more.” She flicked water at them both. “Not funny.”

Leo just reached over to grab her hand and kiss it. “Love you, sweetheart.” Finn put on her sad eyes and Leo snorted. “Say it back, you goof.”

Finn’s eyes narrowed. 

Leo bit her lip around a smile and turned towards her own shower. “Fine. No vodka chicken for you.”

Finn gasped. “You don’t mean that.”

Logan hummed. “Ouais. Le and I will eat it all.”

“No, nope,” Finn said. She stepped up behind Leo and pressed a kiss to her shoulder before reaching out to tug Logan over. Surprised, Logan came with a slight yelp, slipping a little on the floor. But before she could chastise, Finn kissed her soundly. “Love you, love you, love you.”

Leo looked over her shoulder to see Logan’s green eyes looking up through dark lashes. She was smiling softly. “Je t’aime.” She looked to Leo and her smile grew. “Je t’aime, soleil.”

“I love you,” Leo said, leaning in for a brief kiss. “But let’s get a move on.” She reached for the soap. “I’m fucking starving and you two are stalling me.”

And with a light smack to each of their asses, Finn went back to her own shower, laughing at her girlfriends’ twin gasps. 

Finn O'Hara really was a very lucky girl

If you don't know how to do a life skill, like cooking, then you should learn so your partner can have a break. At least, that's what Logan and Finn did. And they're getting there, in time. Leo just loves that they try for him, in all their honest, loving chaos. :)

Enjoy our Lovernut getting a little break and being treated with some high-end breakfast for dinner!! All credits to @lumosinlove !!

“Oi,” Finn said. “Watch it with the whisk, Tremblay.”

“Non, you watch it,” Logan retorted. “I need space, allez.”

“There is no more space, and I’m the one with the butter you need, anyways.”

Logan grumbled in French, but pressed a kiss to Finn’s shoulder and moved out of the way.

Leo smiled from his spot on the couch. It was mid-October, the air crisp and cool for the start of his second season as a Lion. They had had a light morning practice and were sent home with instructions for an ‘active rest day’ before their crazy schedule the following week; Logan and Finn had surprised him, insisting that they could make a ‘nice homemade meal, sunshine’ and he could have a day off. The sentiment was nice, Leo thought, but the execution was- questionable.

“Can I please come see what you’re doing?” he called.

“No!” came Finn’s voice. “Sit there and look gorgeous, please. We’ll be done soon.”

“Seriously,” Leo said, making a move to get up. “It’s alright, I can help you-”

“Non,” Logan said. He jogged around the counter and into the living room, sitting heavily down in Leo’s lap. Leo fell back onto the couch with an oof and gripped Logan’s hips. “Non, now you can’t move.”

Leo raised his eyebrows. “You do realize I could just pick you-”

But Logan interrupted him with a hard kiss. “Distract.”

“Wait, that’s not fair,” Finn whined. “I can’t even watch.”

“Better hurry up then, Harz,” Logan retorted. He was leaning in to Leo once more. 

Finn huffed, but Leo heard him turn back to whatever he was doing in the kitchen. Logan kissed Leo slowly and sloppily with his hands in Leo’s hair. Leo melted back into the couch cushions and sighed against Logan's mouth. He couldn't remember the last time they'd done this- kissed languidly, no pressure, no running around to games. Leo ran his hands up Logan’s warm back and held him gently. He pressed his hands lower, directing Logan’s body towards him, and felt Logan relax and fall forward just a bit. Logan sighed and pulled away slowly. His eyes were closed and his face was relaxed, his body going slightly limp in Leo’s arms. Leo coaxed him to rest his head on his shoulder, tucked against one another like two puzzle pieces. Logan’s breath was hot on Leo’s neck and his hands gentle in Leo’s hair. 

“Aw, I like this,” came Finn’s voice from behind them. He came around into Leo’s field of vision and lean down to run a hand up and down Logan’s back and place a kiss to his cheek. “Hello, lovers.”

Leo smiled. “You’ve got to stop calling us that, or people are going to get some weird ideas about our relationship.”

Finn grinned back and kissed his forehead. “Let them. They’re just jealous ‘cause I’ve got two gorgeous boys to cuddle when we go to sleep.”

Leo let out a satisfied sound and closed his eyes when Logan scratched his fingers through his scalp. Logan was still heavy in his lap but leaned his head back to kiss at Finn’s jaw gently. “Salut, rouge.”

“Hi baby,” Finn said, gazing at Logan adoringly. “You hungry?”

“Ouais,” Logan replied. He leaned back and stretched his arms above his hands, and Leo placed his hands on Logan’s ribs. It made Logan smile and squint at him through his stretch. “Soleil?”

“Yeah, I’m hungry,” Leo said. He patted Logan’s thighs. “Time to see what catastrophe awaits me in my kitchen.”

“Our kitchen,” Finn said. 

Leo laughed and reached a hand up to brush through Finn’s hair. “You might help pay for it, but how much do you actually use it, sweetheart?”

Finn scoffed but kissed his palm. “You ungrateful little peanut.” But he tugged at Leo’s hand insistently. “Up, let’s go. Don’t want it to get cold.”

Logan stood up with a grunt and Finn pulled Leo up from the couch with a short kiss. He ushered Leo onto a stool by the counter beside Logan, then scurried around to grab some plates. Leo furrowed his eyebrows with an amused expression. “Egg sandwiches?”

Finn scoffed. “Not just any egg sandwiches, lovernut. These egg sandwiches are special.”

“Oh?” Leo asked with a smile. “Do tell.”

“First,” Finn said, counting on his fingers. “Logan and I found the nice eggs from the farm stand that you like.”

“Ouais,” Logan nodded, resting his head on Leo’s shoulder. “Ms. Adeline says hi.”

“Right,” Finn continued. “So, fresh eggs. Scrambled with water and butter, so they’re fluffy, of course. Next, we’ve got tomatoes, arugula, and bacon. And everything is on a fresh bagel from the bakery down the street.”

“And,” Logan said. “Yours has that nice hot sauce that you brought from New Orleans.”

“Yup,” Finn agreed. Then his eyes lit up. “Oh! And we roasted and seasoned potatoes, like you taught us, Le.” He surveyed his handy work before looking up at Leo. “Good?”

But Leo was already smiling, so hard his cheeks hurt. “Thank you.” He laughed and turned to kiss Logan’s cheek hard, then reached across the counter to cup Finn’s face and kiss him, too. “Thank you. I love you. I love you so much.”

He could feel Logan’s grin against his shoulder and watched Finn’s from across him, his teeth flashing white against his freckled face. He looked pleased. “Well,” he said, his eyes flashing to Logan. “We love you, too. You always take care of us so good, and we just- wanted to return the favor, let’s say.”

“D’accord,” Logan said. He nudged Leo’s cheek with his nose. “Essayez-le.”

Leo picked up the sandwich and took a bite, then speared a potato and popped one into his mouth. He hummed, his eyes crinkling, and swallowed. “It’s good. It’s really good, thank you, sweethearts.”

“You hear that, Lo?” Finn jested. “Finally got something Knu-pproved.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “It’s not gonna catch on, Fish.”

Finn shrugged and took a bite of his own sandwich. “You don’t know that.” He nodded his head with wide eyes and turned to Logan. “You know, we didn’t do a bad job.”

“Non,” Logan agreed. He dove in for some more of his own sandwich. “It’s actually pretty good.”

Leo snorted. “Should I be concerned about the surprise in your voices?”

“Sh,” Logan hushed, but he was smiling. He kissed Leo’s shoulder. “Eat your sandwich, soleil.

Make the most of the next two months

Get all your vaccines

Travel while we have a functioning DOT

Read and buy books on feminism, anti-racism, pro-lgbt

Attend drag shows

Don't skip any of your classes

Read and buy history books

Find your out-of-state networks

Learn to carry cash

Get birth control solutions

Support the Biden/Harris administration

Postpone large purchases and save money

Be careful of what you say online, like un-ambiguous attacks against the incoming administration, especially in spaces that contain your full name or personal information

Feel free to add on.

Being the experienced chef he is, do you think when leo accidentally burns himself he just barley feels it anymore because today my mother was cooking and fully just touched the pan to see if it was hot enough. Said “ouch. Yup it’s ready.” And proceeded and it made me think of our sunshine🥲🥲.

I am a restaurant worker, so I DEFINITELY relate to Leo. My fingers are so used to touching hot things, just like Leo. It's an acquired skill. Although, Finn and Logan would say that LEO is hot and they touch him, so ayo, I guess they have mad skills, too (shrugs).

Enjoy Chef Knut and his concerned, smitten side kicks/food critics! All credits to @lumosinlove !!

P.S. I am almost done writing all the prompts I've been sent so feel free to send more my way!!

“Baby?” Finn called from their bedroom.

“Yeah?”

“You need any help in there?”

“Nope! You go get Lo, I'll be fine!”

Leo hummed to himself and stirred the pot where the stew was cooking. Lamb, potatoes, leeks, onions, carrots, spices- the smell wafted through the air as he opened the lid to check on it. Satisfied, he grabbed a towel to protect his hands and placed the Dutch oven in the oven. A gasp sounded behind him.

“Baby, careful!”

Leo furrowed his eyebrows at Finn, who was now standing on the other side of the counter in checkered pants and a sweater, eyes wide behind his glasses. Leo knocked the oven door closed with his hip. “What, sweetheart? I'm fine.”

Finn shook his head and came around to join Leo. “Your hands, Le. You're gonna burn them, baby.”

Leo looked at him in confusion as Finn played with his fingers. “No, it's not hot. I’m okay, I used a towel.”

Finn scoffed. “Yeah, a towel. That's thinner than oven mitts.” He brought Leo's hands up to kiss them hard, then looked with pleading eyes. “I don’t want you to get hurt.” He brushed a curl out of Leo's eyes. “I love these hands too much.”

Leo just smiled softly at him. “You're sweet.” He squeezed Finn's fingers and leaned in for a kiss. “But I'm okay, I promise. I don't notice it, sweetheart, I'm used to it.”

Finn narrowed his eyes skeptically but huffed, kissing Leo hard on the mouth. “I'm going to pick up baby from the Rangers hotel.” He kissed Leo's cheek and went to grab his shoes. “Be careful please. No burnt boyfriends- room temperature only.”

Leo laughed and turned back to the counter, where he was working on shaping some bread dough. “I'll try my best, sweetheart. Love you.”

“Love you!” Finn called, then he was out the door.

Leo sighed happily, then went back to his bread.

***

An hour later, the front door opened and Finn and Logan came in with a flurry of laughter and chatter. Finn had Logan's bag in one hand and Logan's own hand In his other, and they both stopped suddenly when they saw Leo, who was back to stirring the stew on the stove as it warmed up again. His bread was staying warm in the oven, ready to come out any minute, and he'd set their counter with plates, utensils, and a few candles. Logan roved his eyes over it with a pleased smile, then unlaced his fingers with Finn's to go to Leo.

“Salut,” he said contentedly, wrapping his arms around Leo's neck and drawing him into a kiss.

“Hi, honey,” Leo replied happily. Logan was kissing him in hard, happy draws of his lips, and he held him there for a moment. When they pulled away, Logan buried his face in Leo's chest, and Leo chuckled. “How are you?”

“Bien,” Logan sighed. “I'm so good.” He pulled away and reached up to scratch at Leo's scalp. “What are you making?”

“Stew and bread, honey. It's done cooking, just reheating the stew and keeping the bread warm in the oven.” He gave Logan another quick kiss and turned to the pot. “Wash your hands, sweethearts, and I'll plate it up.”

While they washed their hands, Leo took the lid off the pot and grabbed their bowls to be filled with soup. He dipped a finger in to test the temperature, hummed satisfactorily, then handed the bowls to each of his boys. 

“Looks good, Le,” Finn said.

“Nice and hot, honey, so be careful.”

“Merci, mon amour,” Logan said. He kissed Leo's shoulder as he passed. “Need any help?”

Leo shook his head and kissed Logan's temple. “No, I'll be fine. Just going to cut up the bread.”

He shooed them off to sit at the counter, then opened the oven to take out the loaves. They were warm and had a nice crust, and steamed as he cut into them. He examined the crumb and nodded in approval, slicing some more to place in the basket he had ready with honey butter. He was almost done, ready to sit and eat, when a noise sounded from behind him.

“Leo, fais attention,” Logan said earnestly. “You're going to burn yourself, chérie.

Finn's fork clattered against his plate. “That's what I said!”

Leo laughed and placed the basket in front of them. “Honestly, boys, I don't feel it. It's not that hot.”

Finn narrowed his eyes and reached for a piece of bread, flinching when his fingers made contact. “Ouch!” he gasped, sucking his finger into his mouth. “Le, that's hot, you're crazy.”

“Ouais, and you dipped your finger in the stew to test it, and it's hot, too,” Logan pointed out. “You're going to hurt yourself.”

Leo smiled at them and rolled his eyes playfully. “If you two spent as much time in the kitchen as I do, then you might build up a tolerance to pain as well.” He sighed and walked around the counter, settling on a stool on the other side of Logan. They were both watching him closely. “Besides, I'd rather have hot food and wait for it to cool than have cold food. That's what my mama always said.” He took a spoonful of stew and popped it into his mouth. “Hey, this is good.”

“Ouais, but it's hot,” Logan said. 

Leo winked at him. “You’re hot.”

Finn guffawed out a laugh. “He's got a point.” He leaned over and bit Logan's shoulder. “You're hot, and we eat you. Very tasty.”

Logan raised his eyebrows, but Leo could see the blush dusting his cheeks. “You're so weird.” He kissed each of their cheeks. “I love you.”

“Love you,” Leo replied. He felt floaty. “Now, c'mon, eat while it's still hot.” He grinned mischievously at Finn. “Then we can eat Logan.”

Leo laughed at their sudden eagerness to finish their stew and reached for a piece of bread. They both burned their tongues, humming in appreciation anyways, but Leo didn't care if it was the worst stew they'd ever had, or a Michelin star dish. They ate it up eagerly and he watched them with his chin in his palm. He was as warm as the supper in front of them and basked in the sunshine. 

Yes, Leo decided, scooping his last spoonful. It was a good stew.

this shows up often but one of my fav dynamics is leo “takes care of everything but forgets to take care of himself” knut and i would always love to read more of it!!

Enjoy some Hamptons Cubs featuring the Dumais kids, with Super Cool Uncle Leo turning into Ultimate Dad Mode Leo, and then finally into (forcefully) Relaxed Sunshine! Because everyone needs to take a load off now and again. :)

Credits to @lumosinlove

“Okay, Marc, Louis, Adele! Can you come help Katie with the beach stuff, please?”

Finn looked up through the bedroom doorway at the sound of Leo’s voice. He tied the string of his shorts and ran his fingers through his hair before walking curiously towards the kitchen. It sounded like Leo needed help.

            It was still a trip to see Leo and Logan in his family’s Hampton’s house, even after three years together. The walls, once filled just with photographs of Finn’s childhood here, held some new memories, too: one of Kasey, Alex, and Natalie on the back deck; one of Leo, Logan, and Haley with cocktails in their hands; one of Finn and Leo building a sand castle, Logan asleep on the towel beside them. Finn smiled at the last one as he made his way down the hall.

“Louis and Marc, may you please take the boogie boards to the back and hose them down? Girls, can you go put the chairs and the umbrellas in the garage?”

Finn shook his head fondly at Leo, who was unloading grocery bags in the kitchen with Logan. He had sunglasses around his neck on a lanyard and his cap was a bit askew. He and Logan both looked tan from their day out. They’d gone to a different beach in the car today so the Dumais kids could catch bigger waves on their boogie boards, and so Leo could go to the farmer’s market and the butcher’s that he loved to pick things up for their dinner. It was a hustle, loading and unloading all of the gear into the Celeste’s minivan that she’d lent them, but Leo was nothing if not a natural delegator, and he had those kids doing their own tasks faster than Logan and Finn could even think. Finn gave Louis and Marc a fist bump each as they passed through to go wash off the boogie boards before he went to stand across the counter from his boyfriends.

“You need any help, lovers?”

“No, thank you,” Leo said. He didn’t even look around, too busy unloading some vegetables. Logan looked back to Finn and rolled his eyes with a fond smile.

Finn grinned back. “You sure?”

“Yes, honey, don’t you worry. I’ve got the kids cleaning up and then I’ll start on dinner.”

“You know, soleil,” Logan said, slipping Leo’s sunglasses over his head and placing them on the counter. He pressed a hand to Leo’s hip and nuzzled his cheek with his nose. “I think you can compete with Celeste for best mom voice.”

Leo scoffed. “Y’all should have heard my mama when I was little. I learned from the best, that’s for sure.”

“Yikes,” Finn teased. “Those Dumais kids don’t know what’s coming for them.”

Leo let out an exasperated sigh. “Honey, I’m not that bad. They made the mess, they can help clean it up.”

Logan kissed Leo’s cheek in bursts. “Ouais, but I seem to remember someone building sand castles and going boogie boarding with the kids. Maybe they should go help clean the mess.” At Leo’s raised eyebrows, Logan drew him in with a laugh, his arms around Leo’s neck and lips pressing more kisses to his face. “Non, désolé, mon soleil, désolé, I’m joking.”

“Mm,” Leo said, accepting Logan’s soft kiss and pulling his lip with his teeth. He was smiling, though, when they broke apart. “You’re lucky you’re handsome.”

Logan’s grin was the pleased kind that Finn associated with him being content. It came out more often now, especially since they were on summer break, but Finn knew he’d never get tired of seeing it, not in a million lifetimes. 

“Hey,” he said. “C’mere, ten.”

Logan complied, coming to stand across the counter from Finn. “Quoi?”

Finn shook his head. “Nothing. Just like seeing you smile.” He took Logan’s hand and kissed his fingers, then tilted his head to look at Leo’s lean back. “Sunshine.”

“Yes, sweetheart, just a moment. Want to get this chicken out and marinating.”

“Just quickly, baby, please?”

“Okay.” When he turned around, the small crease in between his eyebrows faded, replaced with his dimples appearing on his cheeks as he smiled. “Hi, sorry, I’m distracted. You both look handsome.”

“You, too, baby.” Finn reached for his hand, too, and kissed his way up his forearm. He bit at the sun-kissed skin. “Fuck, you’re both so tan. Drives me crazy.”

Logan stroked his nose. “And you are burnt.”

Finn let out a frustrated groan against Leo’s skin. “I don’t know how this always happens. I reapplied sunscreen and everything, I promise!”

Leo leaned his long torso over the counter and kissed Finn’s forehead. “Our own little tomato. Speaking of which…” He turned around to take up a paper bag, a cutting board, and a knife. “Gotta chop these for the fattoush. Oh, and the meat! Meat first, okay…”

Logan sighed and pressed his lips to Leo’s shoulder. “You’ll call us if you need help, please, d’accord?”

“Yes, I promise.” Leo set down his knife to cup Logan’s face and kiss him. “I promise, I swear. I think I’m okay for now, though, just a lot of chopping.”

“D’accord.” Logan kissed him once more and then settled back on his heels. “We’ll make sure everyone gets showered and clothes get washed.”

“Yes, please do. Make sure Katie washes her hair, she was laying in the sand a lot while the others made her into a mermaid.”

“D’accord,” Logan laughed. He walked around and rested a hand on Finn’s lower back. “Help us get stuff put away, then we make drinks and set the table?”

Finn kissed him. “You got it, babe.” He patted Logan’s butt. “Let’s get this party started.”

***

“Dinner and dessert were really good, Leo, thank you,” Adele said as she folded her napkin and set it on her empty plate.

Leo smiled around his last bite of cobbler. “You’re welcome, hun, glad you liked it.”

Finn stretched and rested his arm around Leo’s shoulders, kissing the side of his head. “It was great, sunshine.” 

He looked around the patio table. Across from him, against the backdrop of the beach, sat Katie and Logan, Katie trying to teach him to make an origami swan out of some of the spare napkins they’d set out. Marc was on her other side with his cheek resting on his palm. He had droopy eyes and his head lolled a little on Louis’ shoulder before jerking awake. 

Finn nudged his foot under the table and smiled. “You tired?”

Marc shook his head quickly. “Non, no I’m not, I swear.”

Logan looked at him with a teasing grin. “I think it’s bedtime.”

“No! I swear, I’m awake! I also don’t have a bedtime anymore, Tremzy.”

Louis scoffed beside him. “You go to sleep at nine, don’t lie.”

Marc nudged him back, and there was a brief scuffle before Adele cleared her throat loudly at them. “Boys, come on.”

They rolled their eyes but complied, giving each other one last nudge before settling down. Finn could feel Leo’s light laugh reverberate against his own body. “How about we clean the kitchen, ouais? Then we can go to bed, gotta get up early to go hike to that beach y’all wanted to go to.”

Leo made to get up, but Logan reached across and patted his hand. “Non, soleil, you cooked. The kids and I will clean up, you and Finn stay here.”

Louis narrowed his eyes. “Are we going to have to wash dishes after you again? Because mom used to make me do it when you left them still dirty.”

Finn and Leo laughed loudly at Logan’s flushed face. He narrowed his eyes and said something in French to Louis, which just made him grin wider. He shrugged and began to clear the table with his siblings. 

As Logan passed, he bent down to whisper in Finn’s ear. “Keep him distracted, ouais? He did so much today.”

Finn kissed him lightly. “You got it, ten.”

“You’re not as quiet as you think you are.”

Logan just smiled at Leo and kissed him, too. “Je t’aime.” Then he was walking through the door and talking in loud French with the Dumais children.

 Leo let out a sigh and rested his head on Finn’s shoulder. “Today was a good day.”

Finn kissed his curls, golden from all the time they’d spent at the beach. “You’re good with them.”

“They’re good kids. I like hanging out with them.”

Finn smiled. “I’m glad.” He lowered his mouth to talk lowly in Leo’s ear. “But Le, you’ve gotta let yourself rest.”

A sigh. “Finn…”

“No, Le, I’m not- I’m not criticizing you.” Finn wrapped him up tighter. “You’ve just spent a lot of time organizing and doing things for other people on this trip, and Lo and I don’t want you to burn yourself out, baby. That’s all.”

Leo sighed again. “I know. I know, I’m sorry.”

“Nope, no, none of that.” Finn nudged Leo’s forehead with his nose until he looked him in the eye. They were a tired blue, and Finn brushed his hair out of the way to see them a bit more clearly. “Don’t apologize, Le, baby, it’s okay. Just rest with me for a bit, alright?”

Leo nodded and leaned into Finn’s hands. “I’m-”

“-not sorry.” Finn kissed him softly and grinned. “Lean on me, sweetheart.” When Leo did, the both of them looking out at the beach, Finn let out a content sigh. “I love you.”

Leo kissed his shoulder and closed his eyes. “I love you, too.”

Finn settled back in his chair to admire the dying sun. The evening breeze was cool on the coast, even with a bit of light still lingering. Finn loved the way it brushed gently across his burnt cheeks and cooled the skin. He breathed in deeply. He’d always loved the smell of the beach: the salt, the sand, the lingering scent of seaweed. The waves splashed gently against the shore, reflecting the orange and pink colors of the sky. The sunset had glowed against Logan at dinner, making him look ethereal almost, like a figment out of Finn’s dream. It did the same to Leo now, his blond eyelashes, brushing against the highs of his cheeks, shining with a faint golden tinge. Finn kissed just below them on the slightly purple skin. “You’re beautiful.”

Leo smiled and opened his eyes. At a stronger gust of wind, he shivered and cuddled closer to Finn. “Brr.”

Finn laughed and squeezed him tighter. “Cold baby?”

“A little,” Leo whispered. He pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and peeked out at Finn. “You’re warm.”

“Mm.” Finn kissed his nose. “Not as warm as our space heater.”

That made Leo let out a satisfied noise. He slouched down a bit to rest his head on Finn’s upper chest. “I wonder how he’s doing in there.”

“Hopefully not forcing Louis to wash dishes twice.”

Leo laughed. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

They settled into a comfortable silence for a few minutes to watch the sunset. Finn remembered the first time he took Logan here and they’d done a similar thing, albeit physically farther apart. They’d spent the whole day at the beach and came back from their evening run to Ramsey making steak tips at the grill. Logan had been so happy and calm, calmer than he had been in a long time. Finn had known something was bothering him, even if he hadn’t known exactly what it was. He suspected it had something to do with the want that had been making its way through both of their bodies and hearts, made even worse by the way that, at the Hampton’s house, it had been so easy to imagine a life together: a vacation with Finn’s family, spending the entire day just enjoying one another’s company, having the exact same routine and not getting tired or wanting to separate for even a second. Finn counted himself lucky that he knew what that was like now. That he got it, doubled. Because every run he took with Logan he also took with Leo; every night after brushing his teeth there were two toothbrushes in the cup with his own; and every time he went to bed there were two pairs of arms to hold him, two sets of eyes to fall into. It gave a whole new meaning to this house, even. He got to introduce it to more people that loved it, that loved the time they spent there. For every childhood memory he had, in every room, he now had multiple new ones that were even more lovely. 

Finn held one of those memories in his arms now, all sweet and gorgeous in the golden hour. He ran a palm up and down Leo’s forearm. “Feeling better, baby?”

Leo nodded. “Yeah. Thank you.” He played with the strings of his sweatshirt. “I don’t think I knew how much I needed a break.”

Finn breathed in to reply, but was interrupted by a voice coming from the doorway. “Leo?”

Leo sat himself up to turn and look at the kids, who were standing all together with Logan behind them. He smiled then looked at Katie, who’d spoken. “Hi, hun. What’s up?”

She didn’t reply right away, just walked up to give him a hug. “Thank you for hanging out with us today.”

“And for dinner,” Louis added.

“It was delicious.”

“You should give maman the recipe for the meat.”

Leo barked out a laugh. “I’ll text it to her, Marc.” He gave Katie a last gentle squeeze. “You going to bed?”

She nodded with a yawn as she removed her arms from around Leo’s neck. “Ouais. Gotta be up for the hike tomorrow, like you said.”

“I did say that, didn’t I?” He turned his body fully to smile at the others. Logan was looking at him fondly, an arm flung over Louis’ shoulder. Leo tilted his head in that way he did when he was calm and content. “Night, kids.”

They said their goodnights to Finn and Leo, then each gave Logan a fistbump as they went to ascend the stairs to their rooms. Logan watched them fondly for a second before walking over. He looked a little tired, but happy, as he leaned over to kiss their foreheads. “Ça va?”

“All good, baby,” Finn said softly. “Just keeping Leo relaxed and warm.”

“Mm.” Logan brushed a hand through Leo’s hair. “Cold, soleil?”

“A little chilly, yeah.”

“Allez, ici.” 

When Logan started to pull Leo’s chair out, Leo stabilized himself with a surprised laugh. “What-”

“D’accord.” Logan, with enough space in between Leo’s chair and the table, came to straddle Leo’s lap and wrap him in a hug. Finn placed a hand on his back, as warm as ever, admiring the way Logan pressed kisses all over Leo’s face. With a last one to his nose, Logan cupped his cheeks in his palms and touched their foreheads. “Better?”

Leo’s eyes were fond. “Much.” He wrapped his arms completely around Logan’s waist and settled his face in his neck. He looked like a cute little turtle, all hunched in his sweatshirt and his curls fanning out of his hood. “Mm, you’re toasty.”

 Logan sent Finn a smile. “Good.” He leaned back to squish Leo’s cheeks. “Feeling relaxed, mon coeur?” Leo nodded. “Ouais,” he said with a yawn. “I needed a break.” 

Finn kissed his shoulder. “Let’s go shower and go to bed, baby.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Gotta get up nice and early for the hike tomorrow.”

Leo’s face went red and he rolled his eyes. “God, I sound like my mama.”

“We’ll make sure to tell her,” Finn teased, laughing at Leo’s tisking sound.

Logan placed a smiling kiss on each of their cheeks. “Bed?”

“Oo-ways,” Finn said. He stood and offered a hand to each of them. “C’mon, shower and snug, doctor’s orders.”

Leo snorted. “What doctor?”

“Doctor Heartthrob O’Hara,” Finn answered, giving Leo’s hand a playful tug. He patted Logan’s butt. “Let’s go, time to get naked and wet.”

“Sh,” Logan shushed, but he was smiling. “The kids.”

“Are fine, promise. They probably didn’t hear.”

Logan pinched his side playfully. “Allez, I’m not explaining to Dumo and Celeste that we traumatized their kids. Let’s go.”

Finn brought Leo’s hand up to his mouth kiss it as they followed Logan to the downstairs main bedroom. “All relaxed, sunshine?”

“So relaxed.” Leo wrapped his arms around Finn’s waist from behind. “And ready to snug. And get naked and wet.”

Finn bit his lip around a grin. “Doctor’s orders. Gotta follow ‘em.”

“Ouais,” Logan said as they got to the bathroom door. He pulled his shirt over his head. Finn and Leo weren’t shy about staring at his muscles, and Logan looked between them proudly. “Clothes off, allez.”

“Yup, I’m so relaxed.” Leo stepped back and pulled his shirt over his head, too. Finn followed the long lines of his torso before looking back up and into his mischievous expression. Leo looked at him expectantly. “Well?”

Finn nodded. “Oh boy.” He clumsily reached behind himself to pull his shirt off. When his head was out of the fabric, he got a nice view of Leo and Logan stripping down to their underwear. He sucked in a breath. “Oh boy, you’re beautiful. Got me some tan Greek gods or some shit, holy smokes.”

Leo came up to take his hands. The purple skin was still there, a little puffy, but his eyes were as playful as ever, as well as his smile. “I love you.”

“Love you more.” Finn kissed him, then laced their fingers and turned around. Logan was watching them with a fond smile, and Finn laced their fingers, too. “Shower time?”

Logan shook his head fondly. “I think you mean ‘wet and naked’ time.”

“Potato, po-tah-to. I just can’t wait to feel up your abs.”

Logan rolled his eyes but squeezed his hand and let them into the ensuite. “Allez. We have to shower and go to bed. Gotta be up early for the hike.”

“That’s so not funny anymore.”

Logan just turned on the showerhead and took up their exfoliating cloth. He looked at Finn first with his gorgeous eyes, then at Leo. “Allez, soleil,” he said. His smile and Leo’s skin warmed Finn through. “Let me wash your back.”