Aww That Poor Anon I Hope They Had A Better Day!! But That Fic Was So Good It Made Me Remember How Much

I love attack dog Logan with all my heart

Everyone needs a guard dog every now and then to protect them from the not nice homo sapiens. Logan just happens to be a pitbull: he'll bear his teeth, but the second the threat is gone he is a pile of snuggly mush. I also like to think Finn has a bit of a protective streak in him, to.

Enjooooy!!!! All credits to @lumosinlove !!!!

The lights of the rooftop bar made the people around Logan soft, even in the late night darkness. He guessed it must have been close to one in the morning, but he didn't bother checking his watch. He was too busy watching Leo at the bar.

Logan's Rangers teammates had texted the group chat a week previous, asking if anyone was around to have a mid-summer meet-up at their favorite place. Finn, ever the extrovert, had jumped at the opportunity to socialize with his brother, Percy, and Will, and Logan hadn't the heart to refuse his big brown eyes. Besides, it was nice to catch up with his teammates- even if all he had done for the past few hours was stare at his boys, particularly Leo.

The last time he had come to this bar, it had been after they'd knocked Gryffindor out of the playoffs in June, and Logan had spent the whole night yearning with every fiber of his being to be with Leo. The previous six months had been hard on them all, but Leo's hurt had been a different ache. He had been so calm and collected throughout it all: Logan moving, Finn breaking down, Jack, Finn's concussion- even playing during their playoff series. But losing to Logan's goal had been the final straw, and the weight on his shoulders had finally been laid bare for Finn and Logan to see. It felt good to be here with Leo, at the place Logan had missed him so terribly. Now he got to watch him order them more drinks, Finn off somewhere probably making friends. Logan rested his chin on his hand with a soft sigh.

Leo looked so good tonight, with a slightly sheer black button down shirt and dark purple 8-inch shorts that hugged his thighs perfectly. He was smiling and laughing with the bartender as he handed over some bills, his gold chain briefly catching the light as his arm shifted. He caught Logan staring and winked at him. Logan could feel himself shamelessly smiling back as Leo thanked the bartender and took their glasses. As he began to walk over, a man approached him from beside him and blocked his path. 

It wasn't uncommon for them to get recognized in public, but it still made Leo jump every time. He was good at putting up a front, though, and put on his charming smile as he greeted the stranger. It didn't quite reach his eyes, not like it did when he smiled at Logan and Finn, but it was genuine nonetheless. Logan huffed impatiently, resigning himself to a few more minutes of waiting, when something made him sit straight up.

Leo’s smile had abruptly fallen (Logan hated when it did that), his body tensing and his eyes widening. He didn't look afraid, just surprised and uncomfortable. Logan sat on edge for a few more seconds, waiting, then stood as the man said something else and Leo visibly flinched and deflated. He was not going to let his sunshine fade away like that, and walked quickly over.

When Logan approached, Leo caught his eye with a slightly panicked look. Logan didn't hear the tail end of the man's sentence, but he did hear the scoff as he wrapped an arm around Leo's waist.

“Case and point, I see,” the man said. He was rolling his eyes, and it set Logan's blood boiling.

“He doesn't want to talk to you,” Logan bit out. His voice was low, even to his own ears, as he looked the man right in the eye. He was taller than Logan, but not by much, and Logan was certainly stronger. “Leave us alone.”

The man held up his hands in surrender and backed away, turning to walk to the other side of the rooftop. Immediately, Logan spun around. He placed one hand over Leo’s heaving chest and raised the other to cup his flushed cheek. Leo’s breathing was harsh and his eyes were still trailing over the space the man had disappeared to.

“Breathe, mon soleil,” Logan said softly. No matter how angry he felt towards other people, he always softened for Leo and Finn, who deserved his care and gentleness more than anyone else. “What did he do to you?”

Leo clutched at the glasses still in his hands and finally looked down at Logan. “I- he said- Logan.”

Logan stiffened at the use of his full name and the defeat in Leo's voice. He took the tumblers from his hands and set them on the bar, then laced their fingers together and led Leo over to a spare section of wall, hidden under a light bulb that had gone out. There was a small table and a couple of chairs, and Logan sat down and patted his lap. “Ici, mon chou.” 

Leo didn't protest, just bit his lip and nodded. He sat himself sideways over Logan's thighs and clutched at the hand Logan offered him. “Sorry.”

Logan shook his head hard. “Non, don't be sorry, mon amour.” He kissed Leo's cheek. “What did he say to you?”

Leo took a heavy breath as if to prepare himself. “Just… he just wanted to make sure I wasn't letting the other team win.”

Logan's brow furrowed. “Quoi? What do you mean?”

Leo rolled his eyes at himself as they watered. “He said he was disappointed in my ‘playoff mistake’ and wanted to make sure my personal life wouldn't…” He made air quotes with his fingers. “...affect my future performance.”

Logan breathed in sharply and glared towards where the man had wandered off to, as if he could conjure him again just to give him a piece of his mind. “Non, Le,” he said firmly, turning to rest a hand on Leo's jaw. It was tight and his pulse was fast under his fingers. Leo just looked defeated. “Mon coeur, you know that's not true.”

“I know that,” Leo said shakily. He pressed his forehead into Logan's and closed his eyes. “But the season ended with me against you and with me in goal. And I love you more than hockey, but they don't and I-”

“Hey, lovers, how are we-” Finn stopped abruptly at their expressions and rushed the last few feet to them, pressing close. He rested a hand on Leo's back. “What's happening?” At a shaky sigh from Leo, Finn laced his fingers in his hair. “Sunshine, baby, what's wrong?”

Leo just flopped his head on Finn's chest. “Some guy came up and told me to get it together when I play Logan. To not throw away games and to stay focused.”

Hearing the story again did nothing to quell Logan's anger, and it seemed that Finn's face reflected the same sentiment back to him. He looked Logan in the eye fiercely. “He did what? Where the hell is he, I'll-”

“No, Finn,” Leo pleaded. He reached to grasp at the hem of Finn's shirt. “Just stay, please.”

“Okay, okay,” Finn hushed. He wrapped his arm fully around Leo’s shoulders and kissed his head. “I'm staying, not going anywhere, baby.”

Leo closed his eyes and sank into their bodies. He looked tired, like he'd given up, and Logan knew all of those rolling emotions he had felt a few months ago came running back to him; the loss, the frustration, the anger despite not wanting to feel that way. Logan unlaced their fingers and brought both hands up to hold his cheeks. 

“Soleil,” he whispered. “Regarde-moi, mon amour.” Leo slowly opened his eyes and looked helplessly into Logan's own. Logan pressed a hard kiss to his cheek. He needed Leo to understand. “You did the best you could. You are focused, you work hard, and you are so good, mon coeur. So good. Don't let him make you think you aren't.” He sighed deeply and brushed his mouth soft as a feather across Leo's own. “And no matter what happens, I will always love you more than hockey, d'accord? Always. You're everything to us.” He brushed Leo's hair back from his face and caught a stray tear with his thumb. “I can live without hockey. I can't live without you.”

Finn pulled Leo's sagging torso tighter against him. “That goes for both of us, baby. I love you always, okay? You're forever, sweetheart, and hockey isn't.”

Leo didn't say anything for a moment, just bit his lip and looked between them carefully. They just waited, carding his hair back from his face and caressing his skin, until he took a deep inhale, eyes closed. “Thank you,” he said simply. He reached for Finn's hand around his waist and kissed Logan's palm where it was still resting on his cheek. “I love you. I love you so much.”

Finn nodded into his hair and kissed his temple softly. “Let's go home, sweetheart.”

Leo sat up straighter. “No, it's okay. You've been looking forward to this, I'll be fine, I-”

“Non,” Logan interrupted. He wrapped Leo up tighter on his lap. “Home time. Then we cuddle.”

Finn let out a low whistle. “Threats of cuddles from Tremblay. That's the big guns, Le.”

Despite it all, Leo laughed. He kissed Finn, then Logan. “Okay. If you're sure.”

Finn scoffed. “Ditch my loser brother and weirdo friends to go snuggle with the loves of my life? There's no competition, baby.”

Logan laughed. “I'm sure Will and Perce would love you calling them losers.”

Finn considered that for a moment. “Well, Will isn’t a loser, but Percy definitely is.” He squeezed Leo’s waist. “I'll say our goodbyes, and then we'll leave. Wait for me here?”

Logan and Leo both nodded, and Finn wandered off to find their friends. Leo sank into Logan as he wrapped his arms firmly around his trim waist, content to keep him on his lap as long as possible. In turn, Leo threw an arm over Logan's shoulders, their chests pressing together as they watched the scene around them. People were laughing, chatting, drinking- absolutely oblivious to the hurt that Leo was feeling. It made Logan angry, that someone could make his sunshine this upset and the world just didn't stop. His world certainly did, because his world was Leo and Finn, and everything else, even hockey, was the background music to this blissful life of theirs. Logan side and rested his mouth against Leo's bicep.

“Alright, sweetheart?”

Leo's eyes were soft as they looked down at him. Logan met his gaze and nodded, leaning up for a kiss. “Je t'aime.” He gently pressed their foreheads together. “Just thinking about how much I love you.”

Leo closed his eyes and kissed Logan's cheek. “I really love you.” He sighed shakily, but he was smiling as he opened his eyes and gazed at Logan again. Logan couldn’t believe how blue his irises were. “Sometimes I can't believe I got so lucky.”

Logan squeezed Leo's waist harder. “Moi aussi, mon soleil. You're both so beautiful.”

“Look who's talkin’.”

They both laughed at Leo's impression of Finn. Leo's body was shaking on top of his own, so Logan didn't quite notice when the laughter turned to tears.

“Sh, sh, soleil,” he hushed, reaching up to wipe Leo's cheeks. “C'est bien, mon soleil.”

“I know, I know,” Leo said. His nose sounded clogged up and his eyes were dazzling. Despite it all, he was so pretty when he cried. “I'm sorry, I think- he just freaked me out, and then you're here telling me how much you love me, and I- it was just a lot of emotions.” He kissed Logan so hard it burned him up. “I'm okay. Really, I'm okay.”

“Are you sure?”

Leo nodded hurriedly and smiled again. “Yes, yes, I'm sure.” He bumped their temples together. “Thank you for loving me.”

“Always, Le,” Logan whispered. He ran a palm up and down Leo's side. “Always, mon coeur.”

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, enjoying each other's body heat, before Finn appeared and began to approach them again. Logan felt them both perk up, and he didn't have to look at Leo's face to know he was smiling, too.

Finn pushed Leo's hair back and kissed his forehead gently. He smiled. “Ready to go, baby?”

Leo looked at Finn softly, so softly, and nodded. “Yeah. Let's go to bed.”

Finn held out a hand for Leo, then for Logan. He pulled Logan close and ducked down to kiss him. “You alright, Lo, baby?”

Logan tapped his chest, then reached to take Leo's hand. “Ouais,” he sighed. And like Leo had, despite it all, he smiled. He laced the fingers of his other hand with Finn's, then brought each of their hands to his mouth to kiss the backs of them. “Ouais, mon rouge. Let's go home.”

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

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

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

All credits to @lumosinlove <3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You okay there, Robbie?”

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

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

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

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

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

Finn tried to hide his surprise. “Shoot.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Mr. O'Hara?”

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel nodded eagerly. “Okay.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logan's mouth was red. “Salut.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo kissed his forehead. “Oh yeah?”

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

“What'd you tell him?” Logan asked. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

Logan and dumo father son vibes hurt comfort? love your work!!

Just a quick little drabble on this lovely Monday! I hope you all are doing so so so well!

Credits to @lumosinlove

“Mon fil,” Pascal said. His smile was as warm as always when he saw Logan. “To what do I owe the surprise?”

Logan felt relieved to be able to speak his mother tongue. “Salut. I- can I come in?”

Pascal stepped to the side and let Logan enter. Immediately, he was grabbed around the waist in a hug. “Tremzy! What are you doing here?”

Logan smiled down at an excited Katie. She had grown now, almost up to his chest. “I’m here to talk with your dad.”

“Can we play Mario Kart after?”

“Of course, just give me a few minutes.”

She ran down the stairway to their basement to set up the XBox. Pascal was looking at Logan knowingly and beckoned with his hand. “Come. I’ll make us some tea.”

Five minutes later, they were sat at the counter together, Logan knocking his heels against the stool like he’d never left. He loved his life now more than he could say, but he did sometimes yearn to be back here, shoulder to shoulder with the kids, speaking French and cooking with Celeste. Pascal looked at Logan like he knew that. He probably did.

“Everything okay?”

Logan nodded. “Ouais. Actually, it’s- it’s really good.” Logan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box, flicking it open with his thumb. Pascal’s eyes widened, but he waited for Logan to say something. Logan laughed nervously and looked him in the eye. “They’re rings.”

“I see that.”

“For Finn and Leo.”

“I assumed that.”

Logan felt like he was vibrating. “I’m going to ask them to marry me.”

Pascal’s smile was the widest Logan had ever seen it. “Mon fil. Of course you are.” At Logan’s still nervous expression, he furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong?”

Logan took a shaky breath in. “I just- I don’t know. Sometimes I don’t feel I deserve this, I don’t know.”

Pascal rubbed a hand on his back. “What do you mean?”

Logan closed his eyes against the tears he could feel at the back of his eyes. “I hurt Finn. A lot. And we’ve talked about it before, and we still talk about it now, but… it’s still painful to think about.” He opened his eyes and looked into Pascal’s. They were worried, and a bit sad, but always gentle. “I hurt Finn, but I still get him, and I get Leo. It feels…”

“Too lucky?”

“Ouais.” Logan let his head fall back a little. “I just want to be a good husband to them.”

“Logan.” Pascal’s voice was softer now as he pulled Logan into a hug. “You will. You’ll be such a good husband to them, mon fil.” He squeezed Logan tightly. “You love each other, and you treat each other well. And you being nervous just shows how much you care, how dedicated you are to them.”

Logan nodded. “Ouais. Ouais, you’re right.”

“And you and Finn hurting each other doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy now, d’accord? You had a few rough years together, but you’ll have many more beautiful ones, and this time with Leo, too.” Pascal went silent for a few moments before speaking more carefully. “Are you also nervous because- the distance?”

Logan sighed. “Non, not- a little, ouais, but not really. We said we wanted to get married regardless. It won’t be easy, but I want to marry them.” He saw their eyes so clearly in the forefront of his mind. “I want to marry them more than anything.”

Pascal’s laugh shook their bodies. “Then what is all the worrying for?”

Logan smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know.” He hugged Pascal tightly. “Merci.”

“Any time, you know that.” They pulled apart and each took a sip of their tea. “Now, there is a girl downstairs who’s waiting for her favorite person to play with her. Why don’t you go join her, d’accord?”

Logan nodded and picked up his mug. “Ouais, I’ll go join her.” He caught Pascal’s eye once more. “I’m going to be happy. With them.”

Pascal’s laugh lines stretched as he smiled. “Oh, mon fil. You already are.”

Can we get cubs engagement announcement to the team, siblings and parents, etc?? I LOVED the first engagement fic so freaking cute 🥹🥹

This was so cute! Thank you for the prompt. <3

All credits to @lumosinlove !!

Finn took a deep breath. This was totally fine. He could do this. It was just his parents. They'd be happy, so happy, he knew for sure. But the nerves still buzzed at the edge of his vision.

They'd spent the first three days of their engagement happy and private, barely leaving their apartment, save for going to the grocery store or the gym. Even then, any more than thirty minutes spent apart was a gaping chasm, and every time they’d stepped back through their apartment heated kisses were shared and clothes were immediately off- not that Finn was complaining. But they hadn't even told anyone yet, and weren't planning on doing so for at least a week.

Until Finn went and spilled the beans to his brother.

Alex, Natalie, and Kasey were visiting Gryffindor for a few days to clear out Kasey and Natalie's old apartment. They'd originally kept that one and Alex's in New York so that they could travel between and visit friends, but after a few years it seemed silly when all of their friends would happily let them stay in their guest rooms anytime. As such, Finn knew he couldn't get out of a meet-up with his brother.

Finn also knew he couldn't keep his mouth shut if he tried. And neither could Alex.

They'd gone to lunch and then out for an afternoon drink. Finn had apparently been jittery, anxious every time a text came through from his fiancées, ranging from sweet love confessions to dirty things he wouldn't dare say out loud. Alex must've noticed, because he smacked Finn's thigh in the middle of the cocktail bar.

“Dude, what is going on? You're jumping out of your skin or something.”

Finn had just bit his nail with wide eyes, bouncing his leg and staring Alex down. But Alex wasn't taking a non-answer.

“Fish, come on.” After a brief silence, Alex put him in a headlock. “Fish, Fish, Fish-”

“Logan and Leo proposed!”

Immediately, Finn had smacked his hand across his mouth. A few people were looking at them, and it was Alex's turn to stare with his mouth ajar. “What?”

Finn had taken the rings out of his pocket and told the whole story. Alex had been happy, shaking him with a whoop! and a hard hug. He'd even yelled out to the restaurant, My little brother's getting married!, which warranted a round of applause and a free drink for them each. In all of the excitement, Finn had forgotten to tell Alex not to say anything.

Logan and Leo had found the whole thing amusing actually. So amusing that, after kissing a flustered Finn, Logan and Leo had suggested blowing off some steam, which took up the next few hours- and then they slept through the entire night.

It wasn't until the following day that Finn actually called Alex up and asked him if he'd told anybody.

“Um,” Alex had said, voice suspiciously high-pitched. “No?”

Finn had groaned. “Really?”

“I couldn't keep it in! And only Kase and Nat, and they keep a secret really well. Or, at least Kasey does.”

Finn had scrubbed a hand over his face. “We just can't help ourselves, huh?”

“We get it from mom.”

And so it was decided. They'd made the spontaneous choice to drive the three hours to New York to tell Haley and Ramsey over dinner. They'd taken the subway from Logan's apartment, and Finn was holding tight to his hand as Leo held the door for them.

“It'll be fine, sweetheart,” he whispered. He pressed a palm to Finn's lower back. “They'll be so happy.”

“Ouais,” Logan said. He turned briefly and pressed a palm to Finn's cheek, eyes mischievous. “If you don't freak out, we'll give you a treat at home.”

Finn perked up. “What kind of treat?”

“The cowboy kind,” Leo teased in his ear. Finn could feel his smile against the shell of it. “Saddle up.”

Finn felt a little warm. “Huh.”

“Allez,” Logan said, gesturing to a table. “There they are.”

They had a half-booth, half-table, Alex and Natalie squished in along the wall with Finn's parents. Haley had stood up, using both hands to wave them over.

Finn took a deep breath. “Let's do this. I want my prize.”

Logan kissed his cheek, then led them over.

“There they are!” Haley said again delightedly. “C'mere, sweet boys!” She hugged Logan and Leo first, squeezing them as tight as she always did.

Kasey had stood up, too, to clasp hands with Finn and draw him into a slap on the back. “You two can't keep quiet can you?” he asked. 

Finn laughed. “No.”

Kasey squeezed his shoulder. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“Finn O'Hara, what is on your hand?”

Finn pulled back from Kasey's hug abruptly. He stared at the hand that he'd had on Kasey's back, the one with his engagement rings that had surely been visible to the whole table. “Uh…”

“Oh my God!” Haley gasped. She had Logan and Leo's left hands in her own two, and was staring bug-eyed. “Oh my God!” 

They all laughed as she pulled her two future sons-in-law into a hug, arms tight around their upper backs. She was crying, and so was Ramsey, who came up to take Finn into his own arms.

“Dad,” Finn said into Ramsey's shoulder. His throat was tight.

Ramsey just squeezed them tighter. “I'm so happy for you, bud.”

“I really love them.”

Ramsey pulled back to look him in the eye. “And they really love you.”

Finn wanted to reply, but couldn't, as his mom swept him into a hug. “Oh, my baby!”

For some reason, being in his mom's embrace caused Finn to really cry. “Mom. Mom, I'm getting married.”

That set Haley off, too. “You are, honey.” She lowered her arms to cup his face. Her smile was the widest Finn had ever seen it. “Now you can finally have your dream wedding.”

Leo laughed loudly as Finn turned bright red. “His dream wedding?”

Haley looked over at Leo and Logan, who had their arms around each other. “Mm hm,” she nodded. “Up until he was ten he had all these plans for his dream wedding.”

“Mom,” Finn said. He put a hand over his flushed face. “Stop.”

She just kissed his cheek. “My baby's getting married!” she whispered excitedly.

There was a wolf whistle from Natalie, who had stood with Alex to hug Logan and Leo. “Well done, Freckle. Couple of studs you got.”

“Hey,” Alex pouted. “Kasey and I are your only studs.”

Kasey kissed his cheek. “You can't argue with cold hard facts, hon.”

Alex scowled, but leaned into his arms.

After that, it was a flurry of hugs and congratulations before they finally sat down and ordered some wine and pasta. Leo was telling Haley the whole story of their engagement for the third time, Logan's hand clutched in his and resting on the table. Finn sat on the other side of Leo with Kasey, across from Alex and Natalie. He rubbed his palm up and down Leo's thigh to get rid of his nervous energy. 

“So,” Natalie said. She held out her hand expectantly. “Let's see them.”

Finn placed his left palm in hers, allowing her to examine his finger. She smiled and nodded approvingly. “Very you.”

Finn shrugged. “Yeah, they did a good job.” He glanced at his fiancés. Leo's gold chain was around Logan's neck and catching the light. Logan turned to Leo and said something with a smile, Leo kissing his cheek while Haley and Ramsey beamed at them. Finn turned back to his end of the table. “They beat me to it.”

Kasey furrowed his brow. “Huh?”

Finn took a sip of wine. “I was going to go to the jewelers next week and pick out rings. But they beat me to it, the both of them.”

Natalie laughed. “It's not a competition.”

Finn narrowed his eyes. “No, but my vows are gonna be so good they're gonna cry.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “That's kind of the goal of all of the vows.”

“Well,” Finn scoffed. “Then mine will make them cry the hardest.”

Alex shook his head. “You're so fucking weird.”

Finn stuck his tongue out at him. “I'll tell mom you're being mean to me.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “You can't do that.”

“Mom!” Finn said, turning to look at his parents. Haley's eyebrows were already raised in exasperation. “Alex is being mean to me.”

Haley sighed and looked to Leo and Logan. “Are you sure you want that one?”

They both laughed. Leo wrapped an arm around Finn and placed a kiss to the top of his head. “Yeah, we're sure.”

Finn just smiled dopily. Haley cooed and took out her phone. “Go on, boys, get together for a picture.” She gestured frantically with her hands. “Finn, Logan, honey, go stand behind Leo, come on.”

Finn and Logan complied, scraping their chairs back to stand behind Leo. They each had an arm around each other and an arm draped over Leo's shoulders, who was so tall, even in the chair. Finn kissed his forehead, then Logan's. “All good, lovers?”

Haley beamed at them and counted down. “Three, two, one, smile!”

The camera flashed, and their smiles were preserved for forever.

***

“Fuck me.”

Leo rested his chin on Logan’s hoodie-covered head to look at Finn, who'd flopped down on the other side of the couch and tangled his ankles with theirs. He laughed. “That can be arranged.”

Finn smiled sleepily. “I seem to remember we just did that.” He yawned. “I meant I was tired. But I'll take you up on your offer tomorrow, let me rest up.”

Logan stretched, reaching behind himself to grab on Leo’s shoulders and arch upward. Leo snorted. “Well, at your service, my liege.”

“Mm,” Logan hummed happily, eyes closed. “Merci.”

Leo kissed his head. “You have no shame.”

Logan just scratched at Leo’s scalp. “Allez, what time is it?”

“Nine o’clock, baby.”

“Ouais, I've got to call my family. It's Thursday.”

Every Thursday possible, the Tremblay family had a group family video call. Finn and Leo usually said a quick hello, but it was mostly for Logan’s parents to keep track of all their children and check in. Sometimes they didn't all make it, depending on their game schedule, but during the summer it was a sacred and special thing. Even more special that tonight, after revealing it to the O’Haras the day before, Logan was going to tell his parents and sisters the big news.

Logan sighed, pressing back into Leo once more before standing with a groan. His back popped which made Leo laugh. Logan just sent him a scowl.

“I love you,” Leo said with a smile. “Even if you're an aging athlete.”

Finn tweaked his foot. “That joke gets less funny the older we all get.”

Leo winked then leaned his chin up for a kiss from Logan. Logan's face softened before he cupped Leo’s jaw, Leo’s lips soft as a feather against his own. He kissed him once, twice, three times before lingering a moment. 

“D'accord,” he said. “I've got to go tell them.”

Finn smacked him on the butt and leaned up for a hard kiss of his own. “Go get ‘em, Tremblay.”

Logan smiled sheepishly then walked to their bedroom.

He grabbed their iPad from their dresser and flicked out its kickstand, placing it on the bed in front of him as he sat back against the pillows. The icon of their family group chat was a picture of their childhood cats, Mille-feuille and Colette, who'd passed away just before Logan's senior year of college. He smiled and clicked on the video camera icon. Immediately, his family's faces filled the screen. Sydney was with their parents in Rimouski, and Aubrey was visiting Noelle for a couple of weeks, so they were pressed close together in the frame. A flurry of French greeted him and he smiled.

“Salut,” he said. “Ça va?”

His mother immediately launched into a story of some rabbits eating the lettuce in the garden, Noelle saying that they should build the gate around it lower into the ground and higher upwards. His mother tisked at her, which launched another playful argument, and Logan tried to pretend he was listening, but he was biting his nails. 

Aubrey, who was telling them about a new salad recipe she'd made the other day, stopped suddenly in the middle of her sentence. Her eyes bugged out and her mouth parted. “Merde,” she said.

“Quoi?” his mother asked. “What's wrong?”

Aubrey looked at Noelle and then back to the screen. “Look. At Logan’s hand.”

Logan jerked back to attention. Busted. 

Noelle gave a gasp, which set his parents and Sydney off in a confused frenzy, until Sydney realized and started slapping at their father's shoulder. “Oh my goodness, look, look, look!”

Logan smiled sheepishly, holding his left hand up in front of his face. His mother leaned in to get a closer look over her glasses. When she realized, she let out a shout and jolted backwards, covering her mouth in surprise. Logan's dad was smiling.

“T!” Noelle called in English. “T, baby, come over here right now!”

There was a thumping sound, and then Thomas was in the frame behind Noelle and Aubrey. “What? What's happened?”

“Our little Lolo is a betrothed man.”

Thomas squinted, then a huge smile broke over his face. “Fuck yes! Way to fucking go, Tremz.”

“Merci.” Logan said. He could tell his face was bright red.

Sydney tapped the table in front of her anxiously. “You still haven't told us the story, Lolo.”

Logan rolled his eyes. “I'm getting to it.”

“Allez.”

Logan narrowed his eyes at her before sighing and telling them what had happened. His mother gasped when he got to the part about Leo walking out of the room; Marius, Thomas, and his sisters laughed. He smiled. It felt good, to share this with his family. There was a time when he'd have been scared out of his mind to reveal these sorts of details of his life with them. Now, he talked about Leo and Finn and smiled, especially when his father asked to see them.

“Allez, we've got to talk to our sons-in-law,” he said with an arm around Iva's shoulders. They were both slightly teary-eyed.

Logan held up a finger and turned to the slightly ajar bedroom door. “Soleil? Rouge?” he called.

There was the sound of footsteps and then they were standing in the doorway, Leo's arm around Finn's waist and both of them smiling at him. Logan's heart jolted. 

“Sup, baby?” Finn said. 

Logan patted the bed. “Ici. They want to see you.”

Finn's grin widened and he jumped heavily on the bed, jostling them both. He wrapped two arms around Logan's shoulders and pressed a smacking kiss to his cheek before turning to the screen. “Hi, folks,” he said in his Finn way. “How are we?”

“Finnegan,” Noelle said excitedly. “I hear you're a promised man.”

Finn waggled his fingers. “Twice over, Christmas. Got me some bling.”

Marius laughed. “Hi, Finn. We’re so happy for you. Where's Leo?”

“Here!” Leo crawled, much more gently than Finn had, onto the bed on Logan's other side. Logan smiled at him and Leo kissed his forehead, lacing their fingers together. “Howdy, y'all.”

“Gentlemen,” Thomas said. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks, T.” Finn raised his eyebrows and leaned in conspiratorially. “You're the first on the team to know, so keep it on the DL please.”

Thomas’ eyes lit up with mischief. “Oh man. Special privileges. They're gonna be so jealous.”

Leo snorted. “That's one way to think of it, T.”

Finn reached around to brush his thumb over the back of Leo's neck. “We'll tell them at Cap and Loops’ get-together this weekend. Still gotta call Leo's parents when they get back from vacation tomorrow.”

“Well.” Iva clapped her hands together. “Boys, we are so excited to make you part of the family. Our Lolo is very lucky.”

Logan could feel the smile Leo pressed into his hair. “We're lucky, too.”

They all just smiled for a moment before Aubrey let out an uncharacteristic snort.

“Quoi?” Logan asked, straightening. “What's so funny.”

“Nothing,” Aubrey said, trying to hide her amusement. “Just- Leo, are you ready to go from being an only child to having a gazillion siblings?”

That made them all laugh. Leo's smile was bright and wide, and Logan vowed to kiss it when they ended the call. “I don't really have a choice, do I?” he said rhetorically. He squeezed Logan's hand. “Y'all are trouble.” He let go to smack the back of Finn’s head lightly. “But not more than him and Alex.”

“Hey.”

Iva beamed. “Oh, Leo, Finn, we are just so excited!” Logan didn't think he'd ever heard his mother talk so animatedly. She raised her eyebrows at her son. “You keep your father and I updated with the plans, you hear me? No being shy about this, Lobear.”

Logan rolled his eyes and blushed. “Ouais, maman.”

They chatted for a few more minutes before Noelle, Aubrey, and Thomas had to leave to meet some of Noelle's teammates for a drink, and Sydney, Marius, and Iva had to finish cleaning the kitchen. With lots of excited ‘I love yous’, the iPad screen finally went dark. Logan let out a heavy breath, flopping back against the pillows. Leo scratched the hair at the base of his scalp.

“Mm.” Logan leaned into his fingers and opened his eyes sleepily. “Soleil.”

Leo smiled and kissed him softly. “Proud of you, sweetheart.” 

Logan sighed contentedly. Leo's mouth was soft and gentle against his own. He was going to be lulled to sleep until he felt two arms squeeze hard around his waist. He broke away with an amused wheeze. “Rouge-”

Finn ignored him and rolled into him. “Way to fucking go, Tremblay.” He kissed Logan hard, bracketing his thighs with his knees. He was smiling widely when he pulled away. “We're getting fucking married.”

Leo and Logan laughed. “Ouais,” Logan whispered. 

Finn knelt up away from their faces to let out a whoop! and then he was back to crushing Logan's body beneath his own. His nose was so close to Logan's that Logan’s eyes crossed. He jostled them around a bit with a happy laugh, then knelt up again to do the same to Leo, kissing him in that sloppy way he did when he was really excited and energetic.

“Geez,” Leo said around his laughter and Finn's heavy kisses. “Jesus, Harz, oh my Lord. You need- mm- you need to go for a run or something.”

Finn pulled away and shook his head rapidly. “No I don't. We're getting married, peanut!”

They both just laughed and let him tackle them into the bed. Logan's heart was so full.

***

Leo hummed to himself as the ringtone sounded through his AirPods. He could vaguely hear Logan and Finn puttering around in the living room and the soft music they'd put on, but the sound of the sizzling pan and his phone overrode that. After a few moments, there was a swooshing sound and Eloise and Wyatt's faces appeared on the screen where Leo had his cell phone propped against their salt jar.

“Hi, honey!” Eloise said with a wide smile. Her and Wyatt were both tan. “How are you?”

“Good, mama. How was vacation?”

“Caught a big one off the coast, Le,” Wyatt said. “Allez, the guide took a photo on a professional camera, so I'll send it to you once I receive the drive.”

Leo smiled at his father. He loved how he and his parents switched from French to English so easily, their sentences half and half. “Ouais, sounds good dad.  Y'all look tan.”

“Oh, honey, that Florida sun really gets you. Doesn't it, Wy?”

“Sure thing.” 

Eloise nodded then rested her chin in her palm. Her fingers were painted a nice peach. “What's new with you, sweetheart?”

Leo bit his lip around a grin. He made sure that when he spoke he was looking at them. He saw two sets of his own blue eyes reflected right back at him. “Logan proposed.”

Eloise's mouth fell open and Wyatt's eyes crinkled as a smile took over his face. “He didn't.” When Leo nodded, Wyatt let out a barking laugh. “Congratulations, bud.”

Eloise still looked shocked, but her eyebrows were furrowed. “Honey, I thought you were- you showed us the rings!”

Leo laughed with his whole body. “I did, too. This past weekend.”

Eloise raised her eyebrows. “Quoi? And, why, Leo Knut, did you take so long to tell us?”

Leo could feel himself flushing. He coughed. “Well, we- um, we were going to wait until this upcoming weekend.”

“Mm hm,” Eloise said, her eyes knowing. “And you didn't because…?”

“Finn spilled the beans to Alex.”

Both his parents laughed, giving fond shakes of their heads, which is where, Leo realized, he picked up the habit. His mother pointed her finger at him. “D'accord, allez. Tell us everything, sweet boy.”

So Leo did. His parents listened intently, as they always did, interrupting only with exclamations and gasps, a laugh or two in there as well. Leo kept himself busy with the spicy vodka sauce he was making to go with their breaded chicken and pasta. It felt natural, to cook in his Gryffindor kitchen while talking with his parents about Logan and Finn, the two boys just behind him as they dusted and washed the leather sofa. He knew they were only getting half the conversation, Finn even less as Leo and his parents switched effortlessly between their two languages, but he'd tell them later.

Or now, which is what Eloise requested.

“Now, bring my two boys over here, please. I want to see them.” She let out an excited noise and tapped his father on the forearm repeatedly. “Oh, Wy, we're getting some more kids!”

Wyatt just laughed. “Sure are, honey.”

Leo smiled at them and took out his AirPods, shutting them off in their case. He looked over his shoulder to find his fiancés on the couch, Finn reading to Logan softly above the music that they still had playing. It sounded like one of Leo's old country albums.

“Guys,” he said. “Your mother-in-law requests the presence of her two new favorite children.”

Finn's head immediately popped up. “Oh boy.” He grinned widely and patted Logan’s back. “Up and at ‘em, Tremblay.”

They both stood and came over to where Leo had moved to the other side of the counter so they could all fit.

“You know, Eloise,” Finn said mischievously. “You can't really have two favorites.”

Logan shoved him. “Non, you can. What do you think this relationship is?”

Finn nudged him pleadingly. “Let me try and win her over as the favorite, you already had your chance.”

Leo felt his heart warm at the way his parents smiled at them. 

“Oh, my boys,” Eloise said. “We are so excited!”

“So excited,” Wyatt agreed. He nodded. “Well done, Logan. It looks nice.”

Logan blushed. “Merci.”

Leo looked at his father with narrow eyes. “Did you know?”

Wyatt shrugged. “Logan asked me for permission a while ago. But you'd already bought your rings for them, too, so I didn't say anything.”

Finn turned to Leo and Logan. “Did you both ask for permission from our families?”

Leo blushed. “Maybe.”

“Then,” Finn started. “Did all of our families know?”

Wyatt shook his head. “I don't think so. Marius called me, and he'd talked to Haley. We all knew it was going to happen, but we didn't think it'd happen at the same time.” He laughed. “We figured one of you would ask, then the other at a later date. We had a bet going on who would ask first. Marius and I are both fifty bucks richer each, I guess, but just barely.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Thanks, dad.”

Wyatt winked. “Logan seemed impatient.”

Logan laughed nervously. “Ouais. Ouais, I was.” 

Eloise elbowed Wyatt lightly. “Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped with something!”

Wyatt kissed the side of her head. “There was nothing to help with, dear. Plus, Logan called when you were out for wine night with the Michelle and Elliot, and when that happens y’all don't come back for ages. I wanted it to be a surprise for you, too, honey, so I told him yes for both of us.” 

Eloise narrowed her eyes but accepted another kiss from him. “You're lucky I love you, Wyatt Knut. And that this is a good surprise.” She turned her eyes back to the screen. “Now, Logan, Finn, sweethearts, tell me. How's summer? We’re looking forward to y’all coming down in a couple weeks, Wyatt’s got the cellar stocked with cocktail mixers for you.” 

Leo took that as his cue to leave the conversation and head back to his cooking. When his mother wanted to talk to his boys they chatted for hours, and he figured he might as well be productive with his time. 

He kissed each of their cheeks before walking around to the other side of the counter, opening the oven to check on the breaded chicken. Behind him he could hear his parents’ voices, slightly tinny through the phone, Finn's barking laugh, and Logan's softer accent. Wyatt and Eloise had asked to see the rings and Finn was busy showing them off, holding Logan's hand as though he was displaying a perfume bottle in a store. Leo shook his head fondly. He didn't really mind if he wasn't the favorite son any more (even though his mother would always call him her baby)- his future husbands were worthy opponents to lose to. Plus, it's not as though their relationship shied away from competition. 

Leo bit his lip as his face heated up against the spine-melting memories of the last few days. He leaned against the cabinets beside the stove as he turned to look at Finn and Logan. They were still laughing and talking, Finn regaling Leo's parents with a story about a crazy squirrel fight he'd witnessed on his run the other day. He caught Leo's eye and winked before going back to the story, Eloise and Wyatt laughing through the screen. Logan saw him do it and turned to look, too, his face lighting up even further when he saw Leo. He pursed his lips to lightly blow a kiss. Leo placed a hand over his rapidly beating heart. If he could, he thought, he'd get down on one knee and ask them to marry him all over again.

***

“Mm, are you sure we have to go to this party?”

Leo grinned against Finn's mouth as they kissed across the car console. “You love parties.”

“Yeah,” Finn said. “But you look so good in that shirt and with your curls that I'm finding it difficult to want to leave the car.” He turned to look at Logan in the row behind them with a smirk. “How about I find us a shaded space to park on a back road and we have some fun in the back seat?”

“Non,” Logan said. He leaned forward to kiss Finn’s cheek. “We have to tell them.”

Finn groaned and banged his forehead into the headrest. “But we just got engaged!”

Leo smiled and reached across the console to cup Finn's head and kiss his cheek. “C'mon, sweetheart. Let's go.”

Finn huffed but opened his driver side door. Logan jumped out to open the trunk and grab the cooler with Leo's portion of the barbecue- various salads, corn bread, and some of his mama’s butterscotch cookies.

“I can get that, Lo, if you want.”

Logan shook his head firmly. “Non.” He leaned up for a kiss. “I got this, soleil, you go enjoy the party.”

Leo smiled at him. He looked good, with his partially-unbuttoned pink shirt and blue checkered shorts- like a summer dream in the August heat. His hair was longer, too, the curls fanning out over his ears and lighter from the summer sun. 

“Ugh,” Finn said. “You have to stop.”

Logan turned to find Finn glaring at them with his arms crossed. “Quoi?”

“Your arms,” Finn said, gesturing to where Logan's biceps were flexing while holding the cooler, tan skin on display against his black tank top. Finn stared at him for a moment before flashing his eyes to Leo. “And you, just-” He waved his hand up and down. “-fucking everything, ugh.” He hung his head. “This will be the longest party of my life.”

Logan and Leo both laughed. Leo took Finn's hand and tugged him to the gate on the side of the house. “C'mon.”

The party was in full swing when they walked around to the back yard. There were lawn games set up and tables lined with food. Celeste and Lyall Lupin were by the large grill Sirius and Remus had, plates of marinated meat beside them waiting to be cooked. Finn and Leo went ahead to greet Thomas and Noelle. Logan saw Thomas give them each a huge slap on the back and a big smile, and Noelle looked like she was about to buzz out of her skin. Logan grinned softly. 

“Hey there, Tremz.”

Logan turned to find both Remus and Sirius approaching him. They were both in summer clothes and Remus pushed his sunglasses up into his hair to give Logan a hug. “How are you?”

“Good,” Logan said. He gestured to the cooler. “Where can I put this?”

“Over here,” Sirius said. He picked up one side and helped Logan bring it over to one of the tables. “Leo's handiwork?”

“Yeah,” Logan laughed, opening the cooler so they could both begin unloading some salads. “He made that farro salad you like, Loops, and some spicy corn bread and some not spicy cornbread. Oh, and his mama's butterscotch cookies, they're my-”

A gasp from Remus interrupted him. Sirius looked up, alarmed. “Quoi? Mon loup?”

But Remus ignored him. His eyes were on Logan's hand that was holding a Tupperware container. Logan looked down at his hand and then back up sheepishly. A slow, wide smile crept its way across Remus’ face. “Really?” 

Logan nodded.

“Oh my God!” Remus whispered excitedly. He darted forward and pulled Logan into an excited hug. “Oh my God, congratulations!”

“Quoi?” Sirius asked again. “What, what's happening?”

Remus pulled back and smacked Sirius on the arm. “Look.”

Sirius looked Logan up and down a moment. His eyebrows were furrowed. “I don't understand. What am I-?”

Remus rolled his eyes. “His hand, baby.”

Sirius took another moment to scan Logan. When his eyes caught on his ring, they widened. “Non.”

Logan nodded quickly, his face warm. “Ouais. Leo proposed.”

“But I thought- mais, you had bought-”

“I did. And Leo did. At the same time.” Logan laughed sheepishly and brushed his hand over the back of his neck. “Guess we had the same idea.” 

Sirius just stared at Logan for another moment. Then he barreled forward and pulled him into a clumsy hug, knocking Logan backwards a little bit. “You're getting married,” he whispered in French.

“Ouais,” Logan said. “I'm getting married.”

Sirius slapped his back a few more times. Logan knew they were probably being too obvious, but it felt so good to tell others besides their family that he couldn't find himself to care.

“Mon fil,” came Dumo's low voice. “I'm assuming this has to do with the ring on your finger, and the ones on Leo's and Finn's?”

Logan and Sirius broke apart to find Pascal looking at them with a knowing smile on his face. His eyes were crinkled at the edges and he opened his arms for Logan.

“Leo proposed,” he whispered into Pascal’s shoulder. “And- and I proposed.”

Dumo laughed. “Of course you did it at the same time.”

Logan didn't even have it in him to snark back. Pascal patted him on the shoulder a few times before letting him go with a smile. 

“Did you tell your families?” Sirius asked. 

Logan rolled his eyes. “Finn accidentally told Alex. We were going to wait a bit.”

Pascal laughed loudly. “That sounds like him.”

“Alex is around here somewhere with Kasey and Natalie,” Remus said. “Let's hope he hasn't spilled the beans, yet.”

Logan laughed. “Kasey told him the other night that he couldn't talk about it anymore until we told everyone.”

It seemed, though, that they wouldn't be keeping it in any longer. There was a shout from across the yard that sounded like James. Logan peeked around Remus’ shoulder to see Lily pulling Leo down into a tight hug, chattering excitedly in his ear, and James holding Finn's hand and staring, bug eyed. He looked up at Finn's face with a huge smile. “No fucking way!” 

Finn laughed and accepted James’ hug. 

Sirius sighed. “Not a secret anymore.”

Logan smiled. “Ah, non. But that's okay.”

“Little brother, get over here!” Noelle shouted. She was standing beside Lily, who was looking at Leo’s ring. “Come greet your admirers!”

From there it was a lot of hugs and back slaps, congratulations and way to gos in limitless supply. Logan clutched tightly to Leo's hand as Finn did a dramatic retelling over their engagement story, complete with hand movements and terrible impressions of Leo and Logan's accents. Leo shook his head fondly multiple times and Finn winked at him before continuing. It got people laughing, Logan supposed, even if Finn exaggerated certain bits in that very obvious, sarcastic way he did. 

After, Lyall and Celeste called for dinner, and then it was back to the normal chaos of the party. Logan and Remus won a competitive game of corn hole against Pascal and Sirius, who was cursing in French underneath his breath half the time. Remus laughed at him and chirped back. Sirius just glared at him playfully before breaking into a smile. 

At one point, when they'd settled down around the two fire pits, Logan found himself on Leo's lap in a camp chair. Finn was off mixing drinks with Celeste and Hope Lupin, and Logan watched his freckles darken in the dying light. They framed his smile as he laughed. His hair looked bronze in the sunset.

Leo kissed the back of his neck. “Ça va?”

Logan nodded. “Ouais.” He turned to look. The setting sun also made Leo's hair shine, but it was golden, save for the gray streak. Logan reached up to play with the corkscrew curl. “You both look good. In the sunset.”

Leo smiled. “So do you. Makes you look even more tan. Turns your eyes to jewels.”

Logan bit his lip, smitten, and leaned in to kiss Leo softly. Leo smelled like summer and his cologne and tasted like Logan's future husband. He wanted to kiss Finn and taste the same flavor. 

“We're getting married,” he sighed against Leo's mouth.

Leo kissed his cheek. “We are.”

“Allez,” Logan said, settling himself more firmly in Leo's lap. “Let's go. Now.”

Leo snorted and shook his head. “No, you've gotta let my parents have enough time to buy plane tickets. My mama would cry if she missed our wedding.”

Logan slumped against his chest with a happy hum. “Our wedding.”

Leo smiled and tucked Logan's face into his neck. “Not too soon. I wanna enjoy being your fiancé for a bit, first.”

Logan hummed again and kissed Leo's jaw. 

A hand settled itself on Logan's back. “Order up, husbands.”

Leo laughed and accepted his drink. “Not yet.”

Finn shrugged. “I'm testing it out.” He gave Leo a quick kiss. “How are we?”

Logan sat up to take his drink. “Bien, merci.” He took a sip. Finn was just looking at him with a smile. “Quoi?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.” He looked between them. “You both just look gorgeous in the sunset.”

Logan settled against Leo's chest that was shaking with laughter. He let out an airy laugh of his own before reaching out his hand. Finn took his fingers and squeezed.

“Allez,” Logan said. He yawned. “Let's finish this drink and then say goodbye. I'm sleepy.”

Leo pressed a kiss to the back of his head. “I'll go pack up the containers.”

“Uh uh,” Finn said. He waved Leo off. “You cooked it all, and Lo unloaded it, so I'll load it, peanut butter. Give me ten minutes.”

Leo raised his eyebrows. “It does not take ten minutes to load the cooler.”

Finn winked at him. “It will when I keep getting distracted by watching my future husbands from across the yard.”

Logan could tell Leo was blushing and could practically see his eyeroll, even without looking at his face. He smiled into Leo’s shoulder and peeked out at Finn.

“Ugh,” Finn said. “So gorgeous.” He kissed their cheeks hard and then backed away. “Be back! Don't get married without me!”

Leo squeezed his arms tighter around Logan. “We sure picked a weird one.”

“Mm,” Logan hummed. “Ouais, we did.”

“I think we keep him around anyways.”

Logan kissed Leo's cheek. “Ouais. I'll keep you, too.”

Leo kissed him on the mouth slowly. “Sounds good to me.”

They sat there in silence, watching as their teammates laughed and chatted. It was calmer- some of the kids had gone inside to watch a movie. Pascal, Sirius, and Kasey were all passed out in a couple of Adirondack chairs. Lily, Natalie, and Alex were taking pictures of them and laughing. Remus and Thomas were playing some sort of board game on a picnic blanket with Cole and Layla. Logan stretched. New York was good, but Gryffindor would always be home.

Finn appeared in front of them, cooler in his hands. “Ready?”

Logan nodded. “Ouais.” He yawned again. “Tired.”

“Let's get up, sweetheart,” Leo said. “Bedtime.”

They stood and said their goodbyes with promises to meet some of their friends for lunch or dinner soon, and before Logan knew it he was being sleepily shuffled along by Leo to their car. Finn had the trunk open.

“Your butterscotch cookies were a hit, butter baby,” he said, closing the trunk door. He pouted. “None left for us.” 

Leo opened his free arm to let Finn press against them. “I set some aside for us at home, don't worry honey.”

Finn kissed his cheek. “I knew I agreed to marry you for a reason.” He twirled the keyring around his finger. “Let's go home.”

“Un moment,” Logan sighed. He sank into their bodies. “Let me hug you. We just got engaged.”

Their smiles against his skin lit him up warmer than he ever thought possible.

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.

Hi everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

Concussion Finn makes me 😭 would love to read some Harvard era concussion angst if you feel so inclined, love your writing!

As someone who has had multiple concussions, I really do feel for Finn. Poor baby Bambi!

I don't think I have it in me to write pure angst. HOWEVER, I made a compromise. Have some Harvard-era concussion angst with a healthy helping of LeLo softness and Finn being a silly, sleep-talking concussed goose.

All credits to @lumosinlove

“Ayo, Tremz! Why don’t you bring some of this up to Bambi? He’s probably hungry, and he hasn’t been downstairs all day.”

Logan looked up from his own taco to see Percy holding up a plate with three of them on it, laden with pico and guacamole and cheese, just the way Finn liked it. He was holding it out expectantly, and Logan furrowed his eyebrows. “Quoi? Why me?”

Percy rolled his eyes. “Because you’re the only one who actually gets any information out of him or anything. He’s been faking it or something for the rest of us, I don’t know.” His eyes glanced to Will, who was hovering nearby with a plate of his own. “Would you- would you mind just checking on him?”

Logan nodded and finished off his last taco with a large bite. “Ouais,” he said. He took the plate from Percy. “Merci, Perce.”

Percy nodded. Will’s eyes looked between them in that gentle, careful way that they did. He and Percy shared a look before Will took a deep breath and turned to Logan. “Tell him we said hi, okay? We’re a little worried.”

Logan sighed. “Ouais, me too.” He turned towards the stairs. “I’ll be right back.”

He tried to control his breathing as he ascended, the plate shaking slightly in his hands. It wasn’t good, he thought, that every time he entered their room it felt like he would crawl out of his skin. It hurt looking across at Finn’s back in the dim light, all hunched in on himself. In the months he’d known him, Finn was never quiet. He was loud and bubbly, friendly to a fault, and now… now he looked defeated, Logan thought. And even worse, in the midst of the overwhelming emotions surfacing, Logan hadn’t been able to resist him. He’d spent too much time in Finn’s bed, holding him, reassuring him- too much time, even for best friends. And Finn was his best friend, but he was also- everything. Finn was everything, and Logan didn’t know what to do about that.

He knocked quietly on their bedroom door on the second landing, and upon not hearing an answer, gently opened it. The blackout curtains were drawn, and Finn was in his bed, eyes closed, and earplugs in his ears. Logan had seen teammates with concussions, had been there when his older sister, Sydney, had gotten one when she was in high school, but this- this was bad. It had only been a few days since their game against Yale, but it was really, really bad. Finn slept most of the time and any little light or noise drained him. Logan could see that, even in the peacefulness of their bedroom, the tendons in his neck were straining. There was still a rumbling sound of the music coming from their team dinner downstairs, and Logan hoped that Finn couldn’t hear it.

Logan took a deep breath, and crossed the room. He set the plate down on the table beside Finn’s bed and placed a hand gently on his back. “Harzy,” he whispered. “Harzy, wake up. Percy made you food.” Finn shifted, but he didn’t wake up. Logan tried again. “Harz. Fish, Finn.” His voice was a little bit firmer, a little bit more desperate. “I’ve brought you dinner.”

Finn rolled slightly and his eyes, warm brown and tired, opened slowly. “Lo.”

Logan smiled. “How are you? I have tacos.” Finn just made a grunting noise and closed his eyes once again. Logan knelt down and pushed his hair back from his forehead. He was warm. “Shit, Fish. What’s wrong?”

“Lo,” Finn whispered. It was high pitched and sad, and he looked like he was going to cry. “Lo, it hurts.”

“What hurts?” Logan asked hurriedly. “Finn, what hurts?”

“My head,” Finn replied. He was breathing a little sharply and in tearful huffs. “Logan, the bass, it really hurts, and I miss everyone, and-”

“Sh, sh, it’s okay,” Logan hushed. He stood up. “I’ll go tell them to turn it down, it’s okay-”

“No,” Finn protested. He reached out his hand to grab at Logan’s wrist. “No, stay.”

“Finn, you’re hurting, it’s gonna-”

“Please.” Finn’s voice was going to break Logan, and he couldn’t look away. “Stay, please you-” His eyelids fluttered and he squeezed Logan’s wrist. “You make it better.”

Logan felt all his resolve fade out. “Okay. Okay, but you have to put on my noise cancelling headphones over your earplugs, oui?”

Finn nodded. “Okay.”

Logan reached for them where they were lying on his bed and helped adjust the pillows so Finn could sit up. He bent down to put them on Finn’s head, and let himself run a hand down the back of Finn’s hair as he pulled away. “C’est bien?” he asked, looking at Finn’s face so he could read his lips.

Finn nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, stay.”

“Finn, I really don’t-”

But Finn didn’t hear, or wasn’t listening, or both. He moved over in his bed and patted beside him. Logan sighed and climbed in, pulling the covers over both of their bodies. He adjusted himself so Finn could lean back against his chest. Finn settled against him and Logan ducked to press his nose gently into his hair. He wondered if Finn could feel how hard his heart was beating in his chest. Logan could only hope that none of the boys would knock on the door- he hardly knew what to do with himself, let alone what to tell them.

Logan lifted one of the headphones off and away from Finn’s ear. “Fish?”

“Mm.”

“Ten minutes, then you need to eat, d’accord? And I’ll ask them to turn off the music.”

“Twenty.”

“Non, Harz, you’ll feel even-”

“Fifteen.” Finn let out a deep breath. “Just- just stay, for fifteen minutes. Please?”

Logan sighed. He leaned his head back against the wall in defeat. “Ouais,” he whispered. “Ouais.”

Fifteen minutes later, as Logan scooted out from behind Finn and handed him his plate of tacos, he didn’t have the heart to look back and see Finn’s eyes watching him. He opened the door once again, and went down to ask Percy to turn down the music

***

Logan woke up in the early morning light with a view of Finn’s face across from his. He was sleeping peacefully, turned into Leo’s right side, with his sling holding his arm protectively. Above him, Leo was slightly propped up against the pillows, his perfect cupid’s bow lips parted slightly with his breathing. He had one arm gently around Finn’s waist and the other around Logan’s shoulders, pulling them close to him. Logan was surprised that none of them had moved during sleep.

It was strange, not waking up in the middle. Normally, Logan preferred to wake up surrounded: Leo all along his back with his arms tightly around his waist, Finn tucking him under his chin. But he also really did like to wake up and look at both of his boys at the same time, all peaceful and soft, unsuspecting of his loving gaze. He glanced up at Leo; their talk the night before had resolved their issues and eased Logan’s anxiety, but he still couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. His and Finn’s conversation from the previous afternoon ran through his mind.

I maybe got a little protective… that first night.

From Leo?

Logan took a shaky breath and turned his nose into Leo’s chest. As if sensing he was awake, Leo stirred slightly. His eyes, when they opened, were a gorgeous, bright blue. They’d always been striking to Logan, from the day they’d met all those months ago. Even now they still managed to take Logan’s breath away in a second, and he’d do anything to keep Leo looking at him in that gentle, careful way he did. They saw right through him, every thought on his face on intimate display. He almost couldn’t bear it, and propped himself up on an elbow to lean over and kiss Leo carefully. When they pulled away, Logan touched their heads together softly. “Je t’aime. Je t’aime, I love you more than anything.”

Leo smiled against his mouth. “I love you. Hi.”

“Salut,” Logan whispered, then kissed him again. He settled his face into Leo’s neck. “Missed you.”

“I miss you always, sweetheart,” Leo replied. The words made Logan’s heart tug gently. Leo pressed a kiss to his hair and rested his head on top of Logan’s. “How’s our boy?”

Logan turned his head to lay against Leo’s shoulder so he could look down at Finn, who was still sleeping against Leo’s chest. “C’est bien. I think. Didn’t hear him talking any more.”

That made Leo laugh softly. “No, neither did I. That was really funny, though.”

Leo sounded so happy and content and looked so beautiful that Logan had to turn and kiss him some more. They stayed like that for a while, Leo holding him tightly around his shoulders, their mouths pressing together softly, until a small gasp made Logan look down.

“Whoa,” Finn said. His voice was groggy with sleep, but his eyes were bright as he watched them. He smiled. “Nice.”

Leo’s nose scrunched around his grin. “How are the boats, honey? Did you make it before they left the harbor?”

Logan laughed at Finn’s confused look. “Huh?”

“Ouais,” Logan said. He scooted down to lay his head beside Finn’s and kiss his cheek. “Did they take your money?”

“Uh,” Finn started. “I- I don’t know? What are you talking about?”

Leo ran a palm up and down Logan’s side. “You don’t even stop talking when your sleepy and concussed. That has to be a super power.”

Finn blinked hard. “Did I talk in my sleep?”

“Uh huh,” Leo answered. “Something about boats and money.”

“I- I don’t even know what to say about that,” Finn said. He shifted closer to Logan. “I’m just happy both of my boys are back with me.”

Logan reached over to brush his hair off of his forehead. “Ouais. Ouais, me, too.”

Finn looked at him carefully with his tired eyes. “Did you talk?”

Logan nodded. He pushed his face further into Leo’s chest and felt Leo drop a kiss onto his forehead. “Ouais. We did.” He pressed his mouth against Leo’s ribs through his shirt. “C’est bien.”

“Good,” Finn whispered. “That’s good.” His eyes were droopy, and he yawned. “Stay. Stay for fifteen minutes.”

“Twenty.”

Logan and Finn both turned their heads to look up at the sound of Leo’s voice. Logan felt his mouth part into a smile, and saw Finn’s do the same. He remembered, then.

Leo for his part, looked confused. “What?”

“Nothing,” Logan said. He tilted his head up for a kiss and snuggled back down next to Finn, their heads sharing Leo's chest as a pillow. He tangled his legs with Leo’s and let out a long sigh. “Twenty minutes sounds perfect."

Bet Leo didn't know his 2-for-1 deal includes weighted blankets. All credits to @lumosinlove !!

It was the scent that woke Logan abruptly from his sleep. Bacon- definitely Leo up and about, Logan thought. The sun shining through their curtains was on his face, and he leaned into it as he moved over to Leo’s empty side of the bed- only to find it not empty. 

He jerked his head up only to collide his nose with Leo’s bicep, which was tucked up underneath the pillow as he slept on his stomach. Logan pushed up onto his forearms with a soft grunt to get a better look at his face. Leo always looked so beautiful when he slept, blond hair like a halo splayed on the pillow, his face finally relaxed. He seemed like an easy-going person, and he was- but he carried tension in his jaw and neck, especially when he was frustrated by not being able to sleep. 

Last night was one of those nights. Logan had awoken at around two in the morning to find Leo sat up and rubbing his face, breath coming out in angry huffs. He’d been having particular trouble sleeping lately and almost every night for a week had been awake for a few hours in the middle of the night. Finn was a heavy sleeper and never really noticed. But Logan, too used to being squished happily in between his two boys, always did, and rubbed Leo’s back softly until his breathing inevitably evened out again.

The night previous, though, it seemed Leo was particularly frustrated. The lack of sleep had caught up to him, Logan could tell. He wasn’t surprised by the stiffness of Leo’s upper back and neck, but he was surprised by the tears falling down Leo’s cheek when his blue eyes caught Logan staring.

“Sh, Lo go back to sleep,” he had said. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

But Logan had shook his head. “Non. Turn over.”

Leo had looked at him surprised. “What, honey?”

“Allez.”

Logan had settled him back down on the pillows, turned him onto his stomach, and straddled his hips. Leo sighed, grunting softly as Logan’s hands started massaging the tension out of his muscles. “Feels good.”

Logan had hummed back, smiling softly when Leo groaned at a particularly tight knot being loosed in his neck. 

A rustle had sounded beside them, and Logan had looked over to find Finn staring at them. “Wha’s hap’nin’?”

Nobody had responded, but Finn must have seen the tear-tracks on Leo’s face, and he scooted over to cup Leo’s cheek. “Oh, baby. Trouble sleeping, huh?”

Leo had released a shaky breath. “Yeah. Just really tired of not being able to rest.”

Finn had just placed a kiss on his forehead, stroking his hair. “Wanna be in the middle? When Lo’s done?”

Leo had just shaken his head. “No, too hot.” But he reached out to take Finn’s hand, upturned on the pillow. “Just stay.”

Finn had just kissed him.

They had stayed like that until Leo’s breath had finally evened out. Logan had gingerly climbed off and laid down again, but continued stroking Leo’s back. Finn reached his arm around to rest on Leo’s hips. “God, our poor boy,” he had said, nose in the back of Logan’s hair. “I just hate that we can’t do anything sometimes.”

Logan had tangled their legs together. “Ouais, rouge. Me too.” He had wiggled a little bit more back into Finn. “I think mostly he just wants us there.”

Finn had just breathed out, pressing a kiss to Logan’s neck. Eventually, he fell asleep, but Logan stayed awake, watching Leo’s back for a little longer in the moonlight before succumbing to his own exhaustion. 

Now though, in the morning light, Logan got to observe as Leo’s face was finally slack, mouth open slightly and breathing softly. Logan traced his full lips gently, then brushed some curls back from his face. Leo’s face shifted in his sleep, his breathing hitching under Logan’s touch. He was so achingly gorgeous, and Logan could spend hours just staring at him, at Finn, too. Sometimes he did, staring and marveling at how lucky he was to have two such boyfriends, beautiful inside and out, that loved him, that he got to love in return. 

Logan stayed there for he didn’t know how long, just watching, until Leo shifted a little more exaggeratedly and opened his eyes. They flitted over Logan’s face before he sighed, smiling softly. “G’morning, sweetheart.”

Logan said nothing, just leaned forward and kissed his forehead then touched their temples together. He could feel Leo take a deep breath and pressed against him harder. 

Eventually, Leo spoke. “Thank you,” he said, his voice soft and more settled into his accent. “I’m sorry I keep waking you up.”

Logan shook his head hard, leaning back to look Leo in the eyes. “Non. Non, soleil. Je t’aime, mon coeur.”

“I love you, too.” Leo bit his lip. “I just don’t want to keep disturbing you. My not being able to sleep shouldn’t mean that you can’t sleep either. You and Finn.”

But Logan shook his head again. “Non,” he said firmly. “Non, soleil, it’s okay. It’s one of my favorite things.”

Leo raised his eyebrows, surprised. “Really?”

“Ouais,” Logan replied, smiling at him. “You get so soft when I rub your back. I love seeing you relax, mon coeur. You deserve it.”

To Logan’s surprise, Leo’s lip wobbled a little bit. “I- thank you, Lo. That… that means a lot.”

Logan brushed underneath his dampening eyes. “Sh, sh, soleil.” He kissed his cheeks. “No more crying.”

Leo nodded shakily, then lifted his fingers up to brush Logan’s cheek. “I really like when you sit on my hips. When you lay on my back.” He closed his eyes, smushing his face into the pillow. “Love the weight of you. Love your skin.” 

Logan grinned. “Ouais?” He shifted down the bed to rest his body over Leo’s back. “You like this?”

Leo let out a small laugh. “Oui, je le veux.”

Logan pressed a hard kiss to his cheek and fully settled himself on top of Leo, reaching his hand out to intertwine his fingers over the back of Leo’s hand. Leo’s skin was smooth and warm against his own, and Logan pressed kisses all along it. They both were giggling at the beginning, but Leo’s breathing eventually evened out, closing his eyes again and gripping Logan’s hand. Logan rested his head sideways on Leo’s upper back after pressing a lingering kiss to his neck. They were both relaxed, content. Logan could have stayed there forever. 

Footsteps sounded from the hallway and Logan watched as their bedroom door open to reveal Finn, shirtless and in a pair of boxers. He was carrying two water glasses and smiled when he saw them. “Le still asleep?”

“No,” Leo mumbled. “Just resting.” He opened his eyes and lifted his head to look at Finn. “Hi, Fish.”

Finn smiled, setting the glasses down on the bedside table and kissed Leo’s head, then Logan’s. “Hello, lovers.” 

“Bon matin,” Logan said. “What did you make?”

Finn winced. “I attempted bacon. And eggs, like you taught us Le. And I put some tomatoes in the oven under the broiler, but they came out a bit charred.”

That got a laugh from Leo. “That’s okay. Char equals flavor.”

“What ever you say, nutter butter.” His face turned soft. “You feeling better?”

Leo leaned into the hand Finn pressed to his cheek. “Uh huh. Got my very own weighted blanket. Very heavy.”

Logan lifted his head and pinched his side. “You like it.”

“So do you.”

“Hm,” Logan replied, resting his face back down. “Ouais, I do.”

Finn stared to shuffle over. “How about two?” he asked, then climbed on top of Logan.

“Oh, Finn, Jesus-”

“Rouge, rouge, we are going to-”

With a final grunt, Finn let all of his weight go. Logan could feel his strong thighs straddling their waists, his breath against Logan’s neck. “Nice and comfy.”

Leo weezed a little, and that got them all to laugh. “You’re lucky I’m strong, or you’d have a panini for a boyfriend.”

Logan bit at his bicep, which was flexing under the strain of the two of them. “Ouais, so strong.” 

“Strong and sexy,” Finn added, and Leo rolled his eyes hard. “All right, all right, c’mon. Breakfast will get cold.” He rolled off with a grunt. “I brought you water. Gotta stay hydrated, busy day.”

Logan moved off of Leo with a kiss to his back. “What are we doing? I thought we were on summer vacation?”

Finn’s eyes glinted. “Lots of things. Fun things.” He winked at them. “Taking-off-clothes things.”

Leo laughed as he stood up. “That sounds lovely, but I do have to run some errands today. And I told Reg I’d meet him for a late lunch after he’s done with his morning math camp.”

Logan shook his head. “I still have no idea why he chose to do math during the summer. With children.”

Leo shrugged as he took a sip of water from the glass Logan had handed him. “Me neither, but he likes it. Keeps him busy and ‘away from the lovebirds’, as he so lovingly calls Remus and Sirius.”

Finn scoffed. “Well, regardless, he is ruining my summer plans. Which, as I have mentioned, are lots of fun and do not require clothing.”

Leo kissed him before walking through the bedroom door. “Sorry, sweetheart. I promise, from three o’clock onwards, I’m all yours.”

Finn patted his ass firmly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“I sure hope so.”

Finn and Logan stared at his retreating body. Finn groaned. “God, I can’t believe he just looks like that.” He looked down at Logan. “I can’t believe you look like that.” He pouted. “You won’t cancel our summer plans, will you?”

Logan just grinned up at him. “Noelle is visiting Thomas, so I did tell her I’d go skate with her at the indoor rink before lunch.”

Finn huffed and hung his head back. “Fuck, you two. Foiling everything.”

Logan put a hand behind his neck to kiss him sloppily. “Like Le said, this afternoon, I’m yours.” He smirked. “Maybe we tire Leo out enough that he sleeps.” Finn’s eyebrows shot up.

“I heard that!” came Leo’s voice from the kitchen. “Let’s go, I’m starving!” A pause. “Harz, these tomatoes aren’t so bad. I think I can salvage them by cutting off a few burnt bits.”

Finn groaned and rolled his eyes as he and Logan moved to the kitchen. “I’m sorry peanut. I really tried.”

Leo just grinned that beautiful pearly smile at him. “I know, sweetheart. I love you.”

Logan kissed Finn’s cheek as he smiled. “Love you, too. Love you both.” He narrowed his eyes. “Even if you are spoiling my summer plans.”

That just made them all laugh

can you write something about the cubs seeing each others childhood rooms/homes for the first time?

we kind of got a little with Leo’s home in NOLA and that moment of Logan thinking about walking through the house and “looking for signs of him” was just so freaking precious I NEED MORE

I just imagine in my mind leo had an attic room that was floor to ceiling wall to wall book shelves and Finn just being OBSESSED and them seeing old pictures of each other ugh it would just be so adorable

:)

TW: MCD spoilers in Little Women!

Credits to @lumosinlove

This was all he needed, Logan thought as he watched Leo and Finn unload Leo's Jeep. He roved his eyes over Leo's forearms, starkly tan against the white cooler, even in the porch light. Finn whispered something to him and kissed his cheeks, taking the cooler from him with a smile. Leo looked pleased and content. Something settled in his shoulders, being in NOLA, Logan could tell. He wanted to feel the relaxed muscles and put a hand on Leo's lower back. 

Leo turned to look down at him. “Hi, sweetheart.” He kissed Logan softly on the forehead. “You okay?”

Logan nodded, tucking his nose into Leo's shoulder. “Ouais. Merci, for today.”

“Yeah,” Finn agreed. “Thanks for the boat ride.”

Leo raised his eyebrows. “Just the boat ride?”

Logan felt warm as Finn's cheeks and ears flushed around his freckled grin. “And other things.”

Leo leaned over to kiss his forehead, too. “You're welcome, sweetheart.” He patted Logan's waist. “Bed time, c'mon. I'll clean the cooler while you get in the shower.”

Finn and Logan tried to insist on helping, but Leo waved them off and distractedly put ice packs back in the freezer. They each took one last look at his long, lean legs before quietly creeping up the stairs.

Leo's bedroom was set at the end of the hall, right beside another door. Logan and Finn glanced at it curiously before opening the door to Leo's room. Logan felt something nestle deep in his chest.

The room even smelled like Leo. It was warm and inviting, and meticulously organized, as all his things were. His bed was neatly made, pillows fluffed against the headboard with a stuffed duck resting on them, and there were three books stacked on the night stand beside it. His dresser held other little signs of him: his cologne, his Honors Society cord, some birthday cards, a couple photos. Most of them looked old. There was one of Leo and his parents on the boat when he was little, another of him and his cousins on Leo's draft day. But then there was a photo without a frame, leaning against a tournament trophy. Logan peered closer and smiled softly. “Rouge, ici.”

“Mm?” Finn asked. He looked up from where he was getting their toiletry bags and pajamas. “What is it, baby?”

“Allez, look.”

Finn walked over and rested his chin on Logan's shoulder, arms tight around his waist. Logan leaned back into his body. He felt as Finn smiled against his neck with an amused sound. “He’s just such a sweetheart, isn't he?”

“Ouais,” Logan sighed happily.

He reached to touch the edges of the photo. It was of the three of them at Dumo's cup party just a few weeks previous. Finn was in the middle, a hand tight around each of their waists and a big smile on his face. Logan was leaning against him, expression soft and tired, and maybe a bit tipsy. He and Leo had their arms crossed over Finn's abdomen, Logan's strong hand rubbing Leo's forearm. On Finn's other side, Leo had his head tilted with a wide, happy grin, his blue eyes twinkling and his cheeks a gorgeous shade of blushing red. Logan ran his thumb over it. For such a new photo, the edges were frayed. 

“I forgot we took that,” Finn commented. He kissed Logan’s skin. “I wonder when he printed it.”

As if on cue, they heard Leo's footsteps approaching. The door opened slowly, and Finn and Logan both turned to look. When Leo saw them, he smiled widely. “Hi.” He saw where they were facing and glanced between them and the photo. His cheeks flushed. “Oh. You found it.”

Finn reached a hand out to draw Leo to them. Logan pressed his nose into Leo's chest before looking up at him. “When did you print it?”

Leo's face got even redder. “The day I arrived here in New Orleans.”

Finn bit his lip in amusement and nudged Leo's jaw with his nose. “But the edges are frayed.”

“I just missed you,” Leo whispered, obviously slightly sheepish. “I hold it when I go to bed.”

Logan shifted him and Finn so he was facing Leo directly. He reached up to tangle his hand in Leo's hair, drawing him down for a kiss. “Je t'adore.”

“You're so good, baby,” Finn said. He pressed a hand to Leo's cheek. “What did we do to deserve you?”

Leo just shrugged and kissed his palm. “Good things.”

Finn smiled and brought his hand down to caress Leo's ribs. They stood there in silence for a minute before Finn let out a noise. “Hey, what's the other door out there?”

Leo's grin was all teeth. “Oh! C'mon, I'll show you.” Then he was out the door.

Finn and Logan looked at one another curiously before following. Leo put a finger to his lips then crept up a winding stairwell of the now-open secret door. They ascended slowly, careful to limit the creaking. When they reached the top, Leo flicked on a light. Finn let out a gasp and a laugh. “Oh my God!”

Leo turned to them and smiled proudly. Lined along the walls of the small attic were a couple of bookshelves overflowing with novels. Beside them was a rocking chair and a small ottoman, Winnie the Pooh pillows resting on top of each of them.

Finn took a step forward and touched along the spine of a hardback. He smiled softly. “Peanut, this is amazing.”

Leo looked proud and pleased as he stepped behind Finn to cup his hips. “It's my reading nook.”

Logan walked up to the other bookshelf. There were children's books on the top shelf, but the rest of them were chapter books, a few with French titles. “How long have you had this, mon soleil?”

Leo reached out to wrap and arm around Logan's waist and pull him in. “Since I was about seven. We don't have a lot of extra stuff, and we have the cellar, so Dad and I found some disassembled bookshelves and the rocking chair at yard sales, then fixed them up here. Also got a used AC unit and repaired it, too. That's how I learned to use a drill.”

Finn looked over his shoulder with raised eyebrows. “You can use a drill?”

Leo looked smug. “Sure can.”

“Hot.” Finn went back to flicking through the book he was holding. “I can't believe we've never heard of this place before.”

Leo blushed a little. “I wanted to wait until you came home with me for the first time. To surprise you with it.”

Finn turned in Leo's arms, book clutched to his chest, and kissed him. “Best surprise ever.”

Leo smiled into Finn's next kiss. “I'm glad you like it.” He kissed Finn once more, than Logan's forehead. “C'mon, choose a book. We can read it before bed.”

Finn considered a few before picking up a well-worn paperback with a nod. He looked up at them softly. The warm light made his eyes look almost golden. “Okay. Let's go shower and go to bed.”

Leo nudged him down the steps before turning to Logan. He, too, looked golden in the light. “You coming, sweetheart?”

Logan nodded. “Ouais.” He stepped into Leo's space and leaned up for a kiss. “Je t'aime.”

Leo touched their foreheads together. “I love you. Thanks for letting me take you home.”

“Toujours,” Logan whispered. “Always.”

Then he laced their fingers together and followed Leo down the stairs. 

***

Finn took a deep breath as he glanced up the stairway towards where he knew Logan's bedroom was. The Tremblay family was still wrapped up in welcoming Logan home and welcoming Leo for the first time. Iva had Leo wrapped in a hug, speaking fast French to him and making him laugh. It relieved Finn a bit to see him smiling. This house held a lot of good memories for Finn, but also a lot of strained ones: longing looks at Logan's back in the mornings, yearning desire whenever Logan took off his shirt to help his parents in the garden. He hoped that it would only hold good memories for Leo, touched by nothing bad save for the initial anxiety of entering into a world he hadn't been a part of previously. 

Finn took another breath and settled a hand on Leo's back, who was picking up his duffel bag.

Leo turned to him and stepped closer. His eyes were soft, maybe a little relieved, as they met Finn's own. “You alright, honey?”

Finn nodded. “Yeah. Just love you.”

Leo smiled. “I love you, too.” He glanced up the stairwell briefly, then behind him. Marius and Iva had disappeared into the kitchen, and now it was just Logan and his sisters chatting away in rapid French. Leo leaned in closer. His beautiful blue eyes pinned Finn where he was. “It's okay to be nervous, sweetheart. You both hurt for a long time.”

Finn sighed and closed his eyes. Leo always saw right through him. “I know. I know.” He leaned into the hand Leo settled on his waist and opened his eyes with a soft smile. “But it's okay now. Because he loves me. And I love him.” He swayed into Leo's warm body. “And we both love you, how special is that?”

Leo grinned. “Pretty special.” He nodded towards the stairs. “Let's go put our stuff down. Then Lo said he wanted to take us for a drive.” 

Finn nodded and picked up his and Logan's bags before leading Leo up the stairs. Leo pressed a hand to his lower back as they made their way to the end of the hall where Logan's bedroom was. “I love you,” he whispered into Finn's ear.

Finn turned to blindly kiss his shoulder before slowly opening the door. 

He didn't know what he expected, coming back into Logan's childhood room- most of his stuff was in Gryffindor anyways. But there were still little signs of him. A poster of Lightning McQueen that Finn had chirped him for so hard still hung on the wall; his sisters had given it to him for his sixteenth birthday after they spent the whole day having a Pixar Movie marathon during Christmas break. There was a singular book on his bedside table- the original version of Little Women. Finn had helped him read it his freshman year. Logan had tried to hide it, but he'd cried when Beth had died. Propped up on the pillows, probably done by Iva, was a stuffed moose. Finn forgot the name. He hadn't seen it since college.

He heard Leo laugh quietly from near the dresser. “Look at you both.”

Finn turned abruptly, heart beating a little faster in his chest. Leo was holding a picture frame delicately in his fingers. Finn rested his chin on Leo's shoulder to get a closer look. His breath caught. “Oh.”

It must have been taken Finn's senior year. In the photo, he and Logan were sat on OKN’s old couch, a pile of books and papers on the coffee table in front of them. They each had their Harvard Hockey sweatshirts on, Logan with his hood pulled up over his hair. It was long and slightly curly in the picture. His head was resting against Finn’s shoulder, Finn's temple pressed to his. Finn didn't even know a photo had been taken. All he remembered was one moment they were pulling an all -nighter, and the next he'd woken up slumped awkwardly with an aching neck, Logan awake and making coffee in the kitchen. He hadn't realized Logan had slept beside him. He'd assumed Logan had left him to sleep alone.

As if summoned, there was a rap of knuckles on the door. “Salut.”

Both Leo and Finn turned. Leo was smiling at Logan. Finn didn't know what he looked like, but it must have caused concern, because both his boys immediately furrowed their eyebrows. 

“Rouge,” Logan said, stepping forward to cup Finn's face in his hands. “What's wrong?”

Finn blinked. “I didn't know we slept together.”

Logan's smile was confused. “Quoi?” Leo nudged him and gestured to the photo. Logan blushed, then looked sheepishly back at Finn. “Oh. Percy took that.”

Finn shook his head. “I don't remember that.”

Logan laughed nervously. “You were really asleep.” He took a deep breath, then moved his hands to cup Finn’s neck. He pressed a kiss to his cheek before pulling away. His green eyes were soft and loving.

“I kept that on my bedside table all of senior year,” he said. He shrugged. “I missed you, mon coeur.”

Finn breathed in through his nose and pressed their foreheads together. He closed his eyes. “I missed you, too.” He kissed Logan briefly. “But now you're right in front of me.”

“Ouais,” Logan whispered. “Ici, rouge.”

Finn wrapped his arms around Logan's waist and squeezed, holding him there for a moment. When he pulled away, he found Leo leaning against Logan's bedside table, still looking at the photo. He was biting his lip and stroking his thumb over the edge of the frame. Finn looked at Logan and they both smiled. Finn turned. “Hey sunshine?”

Leo’s eyes were surprised. “Hm?”

“You wanna sleep together?”

They all burst out laughing, their bodies shaking. Leo clutched the photo to his chest and stepped into their space. His blue eyes were happy and twinkly, and Finn and Logan were so, so in love with him. 

“Yeah,” he said softly, lovingly. “You know what, I just might.”

***

“Boys, I'd like everything out of there by five! We've got reservations at the nice new French place at six thirty!”

Leo watched as Alex and Finn simultaneously rolled their eyes at their mother's voice in the exact same way. Leo knew they grumbled at being compared to one another, but they were so similar it was almost scary. 

“And don't roll your eyes at me!”

They both flushed red. Finn glanced towards where his mother's voice had come from in the kitchen, where she was making tea. “How did she-?”

“No fucking clue,” Alex said. He sighed. “Okay, let's do this.” He turned to Kasey and Natalie with a pout. “Help?”

Natalie bounced on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Nope!” she said, heading into the kitchen. “This is man labor. Your mom and I are trying out some new tea from the tea box I got her for her birthday.” 

Alex groaned. “Really?” He turned his head towards the kitchen doorway. “Mom! Is it true your stealing my girlfriend?”

“Oh, yes! Natalie, dear, come here, I've started with the white and peach tea!”

Natalie winked. “Coming!” she called, then was sliding away towards the kitchen.

Alex watched her for a moment then sighed, shoulders sagging. “Damn. Mom’s just robbing us.”

Finn poked him in the side. “Nuh uh, she's not robbing me.”

Alex stuck his tongue out just as Haley’s voice sounded once again through the doorway. “Logan, honey, you come here, too! I found a mint one I think you'll like!”

Finn’s eyes bulged. “How does she even know that?”

Logan just smirked. “That's my cue.” He kissed Finn's cheek, then stood on his toes to press his warm lips to Leo's. “Have fun.” Then he, too, slunk out of the living room.

Finn looked dejectedly at Leo. “You won't leave me, will you?”

Leo glanced at him, then at Alex, who had a similar expression directed at Kasey, and rolled his eyes fondly. “C'mon, O'Hara boys. Time to clean your rooms.”

Alex wrinkled his nose as Kasey brought him under his arm. “You're not my mom.”

Leo snorted. “Don't I know it.”

Alex looked like he was about to protest, but Kasey tugged his hand. “Let's go, Al. We've gotta take care of that mess.”

Alex scowled as Kasey dragged him down the hallway. “It is not!”

Leo watched them go amusedly, then turned back to look at Finn. He looked a little tired from the drive up that morning, the skin under his eyes more purple than normal. Leo rubbed his thumbs over it and kissed his nose. “C'mon, sweetheart. We've gotta move the rest of your stuff out. I'll help.”

Finn nodded and leaned into Leo's hands briefly. “Okay. Okay, let's go.”

Leo didn't really know why Alex and Finn still had lots of stuff left in their childhood brownstone home, especially considering they spent lots of time in the city and had plenty of opportunities to grab stuff- and the fact that they were both in their twenties and had moved out a long time ago. But Haley had declared enough was enough, and here they were, ready to tackle a host of childhood memories and to decide whether to keep or donate them.

Finn led the way down the hallway, past where they could hear Alex and Kasey laughing in Alex's own room, to a brown door. Leo had never been inside the O'Hara's home before, nevermind Finn's room. There wasn't really a need to come when Alex had his apartment and Logan had his. Most of the time, they went out to dinner because there were so many of them, or Leo cooked a nice meal at Logan's place. He wanted to look for all the little signs of Finn, just like he had in Logan's room. 

Finn opened the door carefully and whistled. “Damn, it's been a while.” He stepped aside and swept his arm. “After you, sunshine.”

Leo pressed a hand to his waist in thanks and stepped through the doorway.

It definitely was Finn's room. Not messy, but a little disorganized: trinkets on the dresser, a Rangers poster on the wall, a Harvard flag, a stuffed bulldog with a hockey jersey on the bed, books piled high on every available surface- even a stack on the floor. Leo was surprised Haley hadn't moved them. 

What really caught his eye, however, were the photos on his dresser. 

Most of them looked like they were from college. There was Alex and Finn on Finn’s draft day; Percy and Finn obviously drunk off their asses and hanging off of one another with streamers in their hair; Finn and Will standing together on the ice in their jerseys and smiling, Will with a C on his shoulder and Finn with an A. Leo smiled- he liked putting the pieces of Finn and Logan together, separately and individually. They'd spent so long intertwined, and that's what most of the Harvard stories they told him were about, but it warmed him to think they still had their own friends, their own people, their own experiences. Leo loved them both endlessly in all their multifacetedness. 

The photo on the far right made him stop. It was of Finn and Logan in a backyard somewhere. String lights shone behind them. Finn had his arm tightly over Logan's shoulders, Logan's head resting in the crook of his elbow. They were both smiling widely, obviously a little tipsy. Their jaws were a little less defined, their shoulders less broad, their legs slimmer. They looked so young. 

Two hands came to rest on Leo's hips. “That was the first fall we met,” Finn whispered into Leo’s shoulder. “Even then I was already falling in love with him.”

Leo swallowed around a lump in his throat. It hurt him, to think of them hurting. It hurt, selfishly, to think about the fact he didn't know them then; if they would have even been friends, much less lovers.

Finn seemed to sense the tension lingering in his body, because he wrapped Leo up tighter and pressed their bodies close together. Leo could feel the warmth and solid muscle of Finn, even through their sweatshirts. 

“I love you,” Finn said. “We love you. You make everything worth it, sunshine, because we got you.”

“I know,” Leo replied softly, leaning back against Finn's chest. “Sometimes I just- I imagine I was there. In school, making friends, studying, laying on the grass. Playing hockey, going to parties, laughing. Being young in that way.” He sighed and closed his eyes. “I always imagine it as being fall.”

Finn smiled against Leo's neck. “Fall in New England is pretty.”

Leo tilted his head sideways to rest against Finn's. “Can we go someday? During the fall?”

Finn nodded eagerly and kissed his jaw softly. “Whatever you want, baby. I'll take you everywhere.”

Leo let out a happy sound and turned his head to kiss Finn on the lips. Finn’s mouth was gentle and loving, pinning Leo in place in the way only he and Logan could do. Leo had never been kissed with such care and focus until he'd kissed them.

“Oh.” A voice interrupted them. They smiled against one another's mouths and then turned to look at Logan in the doorway. He looked them up and down carefully before nodding to the tray in his hands. “Haley made you tea.”

Finn squeezed Leo's waist one more time before walking to take the tray from Logan with a kiss. “Thanks, baby.” He set the tray on the bed and picked up a red mug with a fish on it. “What'd she make?”

“Lady Grey for you,” Logan said. He picked up a mug with flowers and walked over to Leo. “And a green and raspberry tea for you, Le.” He stopped when he saw where Leo was looking at. When he saw the photo, he smiled. “Oh.” He turned to look at Finn. “That was a long time ago, non?”

Finn nodded around his sip. “Your freshman year.”

Logan hummed, then leaned into Leo's chest. “Allez,” he said, tilting the mug towards Leo's lips. “Ça va, mon soleil?”

Leo nodded, reaching up to wrap his fingers gently around Logan's wrists. “It's good.” He kissed Logan's forehead and moved one arm down to wrap around his waist. “Thank you.”

“Hey,” Finn said suddenly. “Look here.”

They both turned to find Finn standing there with his phone. The warmth of the mug pressed into Leo's chest where Logan was holding it between them. He pressed his fingers into Logan's lower back to bring him closer and smiled. He felt Logan’s forehead rest against his collarbone. He could imagine his smile: sheepish and content, his green eyes peering out at the camera. 

Finn stayed there for a moment, then brought his phone down. He looked out over his classes at the screen and smiled. “Perfect,” he said. His eyes moved to look at them. His teeth were white against his freckled skin. “I'm printing this when we get home. Gonna blow it up and frame it in the living room for everyone to see.”

Leo laughed. “No you're not.”

Finn raised his eyebrows. “Watch me.” He walked up to them and wrapped an arm around each of their waists. He kissed their cheeks softly. “I love you.”

“Love you,” Logan sighed. He nuzzled into Leo's sweatshirt neck, then tilted his head up. Leo brushed his thick hair back off his forehead so he could gaze at his eyes. Logan grinned softly and leaned up for a kiss. “Allez,” he said against Leo's mouth. “Let's clean.”