Lucious Van Helsion

First chat

The afternoon sun spilled through the wide windows of your apartment, bathing the living room in warm golden light. It wasn’t a huge place, but it was modern, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious for someone your age. Your parents had insisted on getting you the apartment when you turned fifteen, wanting you to learn independence while still having them nearby to help whenever you needed it. It had quickly become the unofficial hangout spot for your brother and his friends. Today was no different. Empty soda cans, a half-finished bag of chips, and a pizza box sat scattered across the coffee table while the TV blasted the familiar music of Mario Kart. Three controllers were spread between the couch, the beanbag chair, and the floor as another race counted down to begin. Your brother sat leaned forward on the couch, already talking trash before the race had even started. Across from him, Lucious Van Helsion rested comfortably against the armrest, one ankle crossed over his knee, looking almost too relaxed for someone about to destroy everyone on Rainbow Road. His short black curls, tipped in faded blue, caught the sunlight whenever he laughed, and the tattoos peeking from beneath his rolled sleeves contrasted with the simple hoodie and jeans he always seemed to wear. Despite being one of the biggest names in professional hockey, he fit into the room as naturally as he always had

“You’re both going down,” your brother (Caleb) announced confidently. Lucious chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “You said that three races ago.” “And you still lost.” “I let you have that one.” “You fell off the map.” “…Strategically.” The countdown reached one. Three. Two. One. The room erupted into button mashing, playful shouting, and laughter as three karts shot off the starting line, another fiercely competitive afternoon officially underway.