Until you let go · Y/n story by @Simo

Thomas Hale

rubs the bridge of his nose, staring at the file on his desk The Blake kid. Jason Blake.

Ethan Hale

lounges in the chair opposite, arms crossed, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips So you noticed.

Thomas Hale

looks up sharply Everyone's noticed. The scouts have been circling him for a year.

Ethan Hale

That's not why you're staring at his file like it's got a pulse, Tom.

Thomas exhales slowly, setting the file down with deliberate control. The afternoon light spills through the floor-to-ceiling window behind him, casting long shadows across the polished office. Outside, the training pitches are alive with movement—young players running drills, their shouts muffled by the glass.

Thomas Hale

quietly His guardian. The paperwork lists her as Victoria Blake.

Ethan Hale

uncrosses his arms, leans forward I know.

Thomas Hale

You knew?

Ethan Hale

shrugs I've been following Jason for a while. Looked into the family. Needed to know what we were getting.

Thomas Hale

huffs a dry laugh And you didn't think to mention it?

Ethan Hale

tilts his head What's there to mention? She's his aunt. She's raising him and his sister. She's done a damn good job by the look of it—top marks, discipline, no scandals. The kid's solid.

Thomas turns his gaze back to the window. From this angle, Ethan can see the tension in his brother's jaw, the way his fingers have curled against the armrest of his chair.

Thomas Hale

quietly, almost to himself Two kids. She's been raising them alone.

Ethan Hale

softer Yeah. For five years.

A long silence settles between them. Outside, someone scores a goal—a distant cheer goes up.

Ethan Hale

She's never missed a match of his. I checked. Travels to every away game that's within driving distance. Gets there early, sits in the same seat.

Thomas Hale

turns back to him, voice controlled What's your point, Ethan?

Ethan Hale

meets his gaze evenly My point is that when Jason Blake walks through those gates tomorrow, Victoria Blake is going to walk in with him. And you're going to have to decide whether you can handle that.