Pucking Ever After

1. The Unconventional Family Unit

We live together, we work together, we fuck our wife together.

Defining the quad. At the heart of the story is the unique four-person relationship between Rachel, Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari. They are legally married (Rachel to Ilmari, and Rachel to Jake), but function as a committed quad, sharing their lives, home, and intimacy. This structure is openly acknowledged and navigated by the characters and those around them.

More than partners. Their bond extends beyond romance and sex; they are deeply intertwined in each other's daily lives, careers, and personal growth. They share responsibilities, support each other through challenges, and find comfort and belonging in their collective unit. This unconventional family is their chosen reality.

Public and private. While their relationship is known within their close circle (the hockey team, friends, family), they also navigate the complexities of being public figures in the sports world. They balance the demands of their careers with the needs of their unique family structure, finding ways to make it work despite societal norms.

2. Deep Emotional Bonds & Vulnerability

You make Mars feel whole, but you make me feel seen.

Beyond the physical. While physical intimacy is a significant part of their relationship, the emotional connections run deep. The characters share moments of profound vulnerability, expressing fears, insecurities, and unwavering love for one another. These emotional exchanges are as crucial to their bond as their shared physical experiences.

Mutual support. They rely on each other for emotional support, particularly during stressful times like pregnancy, career decisions, and navigating their complex family dynamics. They actively listen, comfort, and validate each other's feelings, creating a safe space for vulnerability within the quad.

Unspoken understanding. Years of shared life have built a deep, often unspoken, understanding between them. They can read each other's moods, anticipate needs, and offer comfort or challenge as required. This emotional attunement strengthens their connection and allows them to navigate life's complexities together.

3. Fierce Protection & Possessiveness

"You're mine," he growls. Surprising the fuck out of all of us, he presses his lips to Jake’s mouth, kissing him.

Claiming their own. The men, in particular, exhibit strong protective instincts towards Rachel and possessiveness over each other within the quad. This is shown through actions like Ilmari shielding Rachel, Caleb defending Jake, and spontaneous displays of claiming each other, even in front of others.

Guardian roles. They see themselves as guardians of their family unit, ready to defend it from external judgment or internal conflict. This protective drive fuels their actions, whether it's Ilmari's intense reaction to Rachel's discomfort or Caleb's willingness to take charge in an emergency.

Love and ownership. Their possessiveness isn't about control but about a deep-seated love and sense of ownership over their shared bond. They want everyone, including each other, to know the strength and exclusivity of their connection, even within the non-traditional framework.

4. Navigating Communication Challenges

Communication, right? Kitchen rules apply. Sudden death.

Openness and conflict. Despite their deep bond, the characters face communication hurdles, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or hurt feelings. The discussion about emergency contacts highlights how assumptions and unspoken expectations can cause tension, even in a relationship built on openness.

Finding their language. They have developed unique ways of communicating, blending verbal declarations with physical affection and shared experiences. They learn to read each other's cues, both spoken and unspoken, to understand needs and resolve conflicts, sometimes resorting to playful banter or established "rules" to diffuse tension.

Growth through dialogue. The willingness to confront difficult topics, even when uncomfortable, is key to their growth as a unit. They push each other to articulate feelings and needs, ensuring that issues are addressed rather than festering, ultimately strengthening their foundation.

5. Finding Belonging & Acceptance

This isn’t a team, it’s a family.

Integrated lives. The characters are deeply integrated into the Jacksonville Rays community, both professionally and personally. The team, staff, and even neighbors are aware of their unique family structure and largely accept and support them, treating them as "Team Price."

Chosen family. Beyond the formal team structure, they have built a strong network of chosen family, including friends like Tess and neighbors. This wider circle provides additional support, celebration (like the surprise party), and a sense of normalcy within their extraordinary lives.

Feeling seen. The acceptance from their community and the deep understanding within the quad allow each member to feel truly seen and valued. This sense of belonging is a powerful affirmation of their relationship and individual identities, reinforcing that they are not just tolerated but celebrated.

6. Balancing Public Persona & Private Life

We’ve all learned to weather it, but a private vacation with just us and no outside eyes feels perfect.

Life in the spotlight. As figures in professional hockey, the characters live under public scrutiny. They navigate media attention, fan interactions, and the demands of their careers, which often involve travel and time away from home.

Craving privacy. Despite being accustomed to public life, they cherish moments of privacy and seek opportunities to escape the spotlight as a family. Planning private getaways or finding secluded spaces (like the storage closet) allows them to connect intimately without external pressures or prying eyes.

Defining boundaries. They work together to define boundaries between their public roles and private lives, deciding what aspects of their relationship to share and how to protect their personal space and intimacy from the constant visibility that comes with their professions.

7. Parenthood Transforms Everything

Yeah, not to poop on your party, Mars, but tonight’s not really about you anymore," says Jake. "Rachel and Nugget upstaged you.

New focus. The arrival of two babies in quick succession fundamentally shifts the focus of the quad's lives. Parenthood becomes a central theme, bringing new joys, challenges, and a reordering of priorities, sometimes humorously overshadowing even significant personal events like a birthday.

Shared responsibility. They embrace parenthood as a collective effort, with all four adults actively involved in raising the children. This shared responsibility strengthens their bond and highlights the unique advantages of their family structure in providing multiple caregivers and sources of love for the children.

Emotional depth. Becoming parents unlocks new emotional depths in the characters, particularly evident in Ilmari's reaction to hearing his baby's heartbeat and Caleb's heartfelt confessions of love for his family. The children deepen their existing connections and provide a new source of shared purpose and identity.

8. Distinct Personalities Shape the Dynamic

Mars is the guy I share my fries with. You’re the guy I share my soul with.

Complementary traits. Each member of the quad brings a distinct personality that contributes to the overall dynamic. Jake is enthusiastic and emotionally expressive, Caleb is stoic and grounding, Ilmari is broody and protective, and Rachel is nurturing and adaptable.

Defined roles. While their roles are fluid, they often fall into patterns that leverage their strengths. Jake is the social connector, Caleb is the steady anchor and planner, Ilmari is the quiet protector and emotional core, and Rachel is the nurturing heart and adaptable switch.

Unique connections. The individual relationships within the quad (Rachel-Jake, Rachel-Caleb, Rachel-Ilmari, Jake-Caleb, Jake-Ilmari, Caleb-Ilmari) each have their own flavor, shaped by their personalities and shared history. These distinct bonds weave together to form the rich tapestry of their collective relationship.

9. Sacrifice and New Beginnings

Hockey is finished for me.

Prioritizing family. Major life changes, such as the impending birth of a child, prompt significant decisions about the future. Ilmari's spontaneous announcement of his retirement from professional hockey highlights the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the well-being and future of the family.

Shifting identities. Retirement marks a major shift in identity for a professional athlete. Ilmari's decision signifies a transition from his long-standing career to a new role focused on family, demonstrating his commitment to being fully present for his children and partners.

Embracing the future. While ending a career is a sacrifice, it also represents a new beginning. Ilmari's retirement opens up possibilities for a different kind of life, one centered on home, family, and shared experiences, like the planned trip to the Grand Canyon.

10. Spontaneous & Intense Desire

I’d join you, but I’ve got my hands full here for another hour," she adds, gesturing to the plastic box slung under one arm stocked with ice bags and wraps.

Finding moments. Despite busy schedules, travel, and the demands of parenthood, the characters maintain a vibrant and spontaneous sex life. They seize opportunities for intimacy whenever and wherever they can, often in unexpected or semi-public locations.

Shared pleasure. Their sexual encounters are characterized by intense desire, mutual pleasure, and a willingness to explore various dynamics and kinks within the quad. They are comfortable with each other's bodies and desires, openly communicating needs and boundaries.

Intimacy reinforces bonds. These moments of physical connection are not just about sex; they are powerful affirmations of their love, trust, and comfort with each other. Whether it's a quiet moment on a plane or an intense encounter in a storage closet, their shared intimacy reinforces the depth of their emotional bonds.

Last updated: July 6, 2025