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haddonfieldwhore · 4 months

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bad idea - matthew tkachuk

flames!matthew tkachuk x draisaitl!fem reader

summary: in a bad mood after losing to calgary, your brother is a dick to you. you decide to get back at him with a little bit of help

warnings: mention of injury/fighting, language, implied smut, crying inside that i wrote anything oilers related

word count: 1.8k battle of alberta 2018

in all your years of watching your older brother leon play hockey, you were sure you had never seen a game as rough as this one. you knew it was to be expected; the game was advertised as the ‘battle of alberta’ for good reason, the edmonton oilers and the calgary flames quite literally going to war on each other from the very second the puck dropped. you weren’t the biggest hockey fan, but you rarely got to see your older brother with his busy schedule, and were looking forward to hanging out with him after the game.

it wasn’t even two minutes into the first period before leon laid a huge hit on calgarys matthew tkachuk, the younger player hitting his head on the ice as he landed and leaving the game for the time being.

while you were cheering for your brothers team to win, as were your friends and family sitting in the crowd next to you, you found yourself hoping that the calgary flame was okay. you would be crucified if you said it out loud, but you found the flames player kind of cute, and always enjoyed watching him play; despite the rivalry that seemed to be brewing between him and your brother. your eyes always ended up on him whenever he was on the ice, and you found it hard to look away. you were pretty sure that tkachuk was only a year older than you, and you found yourself breathing a sigh of relief when he returned to the game, seemingly uninjured.

as the game went on, edmonton had a two nothing lead, but after many more fights, (most of them involving tkachuk in some way) and four goals from calgary, the game was over.

‘this is gonna be a fun drive home,’ you thought as you walked out of the stands to find leon. you had to wait for awhile for the team to change and shower, and you were growing tired waiting around for your brother. your friends and family being bummed about the loss was not helping the time go by faster as you stood around awkwardly while they caught up with eachother.

it was around thirty minutes later that leon finally emerged from the hallway that lead to the visitors dressing room, greeting your group unenthusiastically.

“hey,” you replied, and he merely grumbled in response, barely paying attention to the fact that you were there; and it stung. leon greeted your parents and friends without much more warmth but still you suddenly felt invisible as he talked with them and not you. you hadn’t seen him in months, and he couldn’t even say hello properly? and to make matters worse, your parents had already seen him before the game.

“leon-“

“let’s go,” he mumbled, his jaw clenched as he bumped into your shoulder with his, causing you to stumble slightly.

maybe you were being overly sensitive, but no one seemed to notice how cold he was being; either letting it go because the team lost, or perhaps you were just expecting a warmer greeting from your big brother.

you tried to grab his arm to keep up with him as he walked away, but he pulled it away and shot you a glare.

“i know you’re pissed, but it’s not my fault you guys lost.”

“so it’s my fault?” he countered, and you sighed.

“that’s not what i said-“

“that’s what you’re thinking though, isn’t it?”

“no, leon!” you sighed, trying to remember how he was feeling right now. “if i had known you were gonna be such a sore loser i wouldn’t have come.” he had never been this grumpy after a loss before.

“then maybe you shouldn’t have,” his jaw clenched again, and you could tell from his expression that the conversation was over. you stopped walking while he continued down the hall, your parents catching up to you, oblivious to the argument between you and leon.

“you know what, i’m gonna catch up with you guys tomorrow,” you said, faking a yawn. your family had planned to go for dinner after the game while you were all in town. the oilers had a day off tomorrow, and you hoped by then your brother would be in a better mood.

“are you sure, honey?” your mom asked, and you nodded.

“yeah, i’ll just get a cab back to the hotel. i don’t think leon’s really in a celebrating mood so i’m sure he won’t care. i’ll see you guys in the morning,” you said, before hugging your family and watching them leave the saddledome.

you sighed as you stood in the now nearly empty hallway alone, and before you could do the smart thing and actually take a cab home like you said you would, your felt your legs begin to carry you in the opposite direction.

your feet slowed outside of a certain closed door, fiddling with your hands nervously as you lingered outside the flames dressing room. just as you were deciding that the players had probably already left and began to turn back, the door opened.

after one quick look at your jersey, branded with the oilers logo and leon’s number, matthew tkachuk shook his head with a slight laugh.

“i don’t know how you got back here, but if you’re looking for him you have the wrong locker room,“ he said pointing at your jersey.

“and if i’m looking for you?” you replied, and he looked you up and down again, slower this time as if actually taking in your appearance, not just your wardrobe.

“depends why you’re looking for me. if you’re going to stab me or something for beating your team-“ he joked.

“relax, leon’s my brother; you don’t have a security issue,” you laughed, and he smiled slightly. “and i promise i’m not here to stab you,” you raised your hands in surrender.

“that’s a relief,” he laughed, a more genuine smile on his face this face this time, and you realized that he was even cuter in person. his long curls were messy, still slightly damp from the shower, and he stood quite a bit taller than you. his expression changed as the words ‘brother’ and ‘leon’ clicked in his head, and he crossed his arms over his chest, his muscles flexing under his shirt. “so why are you looking for me?”

“i… uh,” you stuttered, not having thought this far ahead. “i don’t know. i kind of felt bad that my brother hit you so hard, but i guess you got him back in the end,” you said, your gaze falling to the floor. matthew had gotten a few good hits in on leon during a fight later in the game.

“well, i appreciate the thought, but i’m okay. and yeah, i guess we’re even; for now.”

“does that mean you wouldn’t be interested in doing something that would really piss him off?” you asked, looking up to meet his blue eyes, his eyebrow twitching upward slightly with intrigue.

“why do i get the feeling you’re hoping i am interested?” he took a step closer, and you could smell his cologne now. “big brother do something to make you mad?” he asked, and you found yourself smiling, despite the fact that he was teasing you.

“that’s irrelevant,” you rolled your eyes playfully, taking a step closer so you were only about a foot apart now as you looked up at him. “besides, i’m thinking as much as i would like to get him back, it’s probably best he doesn’t know what i’m thinking right now.”

“yeah, i’m sure he wouldn’t be too happy to know his sister was waiting for me after the game,” he agreed, his eyes travelling up and down your body again.

“leon and everyone left already. i told them i was going back to my hotel room…”

“will they notice if you’re not there?” he asked. and you shook your head with a smile. “then i think we could make a quick detour first..” he trailed off, throwing an arm over your shoulder and leading you down the hallway. “here, don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself.” he threw his suit jacket over your shoulders to cover your jersey as the two of you snuck out of the arena and to his car.

“embarrassed to be seen with me?” you teased as he opened the passenger door for you.

“i was more thinking about how it might look to the paparazzi if they happened to stumble upon us leaving together.”

“wouldn’t that be the scandal of the season,” you laughed as he started the car and drove out of the parking lot and towards his house.

you were barely inside the door before you were trapped between it and his body, matthews hands holding your waist firmly.

“you sure you want this?” he asked, his hips pressed against yours as you stared up at him. “it’s probably a really bad idea…”

“i thought you liked breaking the rules?” you smirked, placing your hands on his chest and sliding them upwards to tangle in his hair.

“hmm i have been known to do that,” he leaned down to capture your lips with his, and tou tugged on his hair as his hands slid under your jersey, bunching the material up. “either way, edmonton jerseys are forbidden in my house so this has to come off,” he smiled.

•

“so not that i care, but was this just to piss your brother off?” matthew asked as he walked back from the bathroom after getting cleaned up, dressed in just his sweatpants.

“sounds like you care a little bit-“ you teased, covering yourself with the blankets on his bed.

“i don’t!” he laughed, and you shook your head with a smile as he handed you a t-shirt to wear.

“mhm,” you hummed. “i’ll be honest, i’ve thought you were cute for a while. pissing leon off was really just a bonus.”

“good to know you weren’t just using me-“ you threw a pillow at him and he laughed as he caught it, crawling back into bed next to you. “okay, i kind of used you just as much, so i guess we’re even. i do love any chance to make your brother angry, but i think that this might be my new favourite,” he said before he kissed your lips.

“agreed,” you smiled, reaching over to grab your phone as it began to buzz on his nightstand. leon’s name appeared on the screen, and you rolled your eyes as you answered it, gesturing for matthew to be quiet.

“hello,” you said plainly, still a little mad at him despite how good of a distraction you’d had for the last two hours. you could see matthew moving closer in your peripheral vision, and you felt his breath on your ear.

“i’m sorry,” leon said on the phone held to your other ear, and you sighed, your breath catching as you felt kisses up the side of your neck. you froze as matty nibbled at the skin of your throat, leaving a light bruise behind as you tried not to make a noise.

“yeah, you were kind of an asshole. i’m kind of glad you lost, actually,” you said, and it was half true.

matthew had to stifle a laugh as he laid down next to you, covering his mouth with his hand.

“i wish you had come to dinner. we missed you,” leon sighed.

“it didn’t seem like you missed me very much earlier,” you replied. “i’d appreciate if you didn’t take it out on me when you lose.”

“i know, i’m sorry. i’ll see you in the morning?” he asked.

“yes, i’ll be there for breakfast. goodnight leon.”

“goodnight,” he replied, before ending the call. you tossed your phone aside as you hit matthew playfully on the shoulder.

“do you know how much trouble we would be in if we got caught?”

“i thought that was the half the fun?” he smiled, crawling on top of you and kissing your lips.

“maybe i’ve decided i want to live to do this again sometime.”

“i like that idea.”

disclaimer: all screenshots, events, and/or interactions depicted in this are a work of fiction. i have no association with any parties mentioned

#nhl #nhl fic #nhl imagine #nhl players #real person fiction #hockey #hockey fic #matthew tkachuk x reader #matthew tkachuk fic #matthew tkachuk imagine #tkachuk #matthew tkachuk #matty tkachuk #florida panthers fic #calgary flames #flames #leon draisaitl fic #leon draisaitl

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starsandhughes · 1 year

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Penalty Box— Trevor Zegras (Part Twenty)

SERIES MASTERLIST

previous: nineteen

next: twenty-one

***I SKIPPED THE AVES GAME WHERE Z GOT HURT!!***

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST

yourusername

liked by trevorzegras, jamie.drysdale, and 7,632 others

yourusername welcome to my postgame penalty box update: my boyfriend tried his best edition! now, you might be thinking— “y/n, last update z was at three games since his last penalty! what happened to four?” well, my lovelies, trevor rudely DIED in monday’s game against the aves, and i was a mourning widow, so i did not post that game. he remained dead on thursday’s game against the kraken, but he finally revived for tonight’s game against the oilers!

i, and i’m sure the rest of the world, would like to forget that this game exists. but alas, we cannot, and must persevere onwards to the rest of the season! during z baby’s 19:08 minutes of ice time (second most for forwards; stromer was first with 19:48!) he did not get a penalty! he had some pretty close calls shots wise, but the oilers’ goalie was a doo doo head. z did get hit again pretty hard and had to go to the locker room, but the wind was just knocked out of him and he returned shortly after!

special notes: the broadcasters on the oilers broadcast talked about z! the conversation went as such:

“zegras leads in anaheim in goals and points this season.”

“yep. top player, he’s obviously going to be under a lot of attention. he’s a wizard with the puck on his stick, i’ll tell ya.”

“is he ever; known as the king of the michigan

shoutout to benoit and vatrano to making things interesting!! throw them hands boys!!! tank (vatrano iydk) got a penalty hatty!! comtois had to serve one of them!

p.s. stupid refs for stopped z from throwing hands with ekholm! i wanted to see it! (the broadcasters high key did, too!!)

i love you, always, z baby <3

tagged trevorzegras

view all 223 comments

trevorzegras i love you, forever, y/n/n🧡 (sorry for dying and making you cry)

yourusername meh, i got to play nurse ;)

jamie.drysdale SHE MEANT THIS LITERALLY!!! NOT NSFW!!!

yourusername @/jamie.drysdale that’s what you think

jackhughes @/yourusername we have children!

jamie.drysdale @/yourusername we have a kid!

yourusername mommy’s a whore

trevorzegras yeah she is ;)

edwards.73 @/lhughes_06 FIX IT

lhughes_06 @_quinnhughes FIX IT

_quinnhughes @/lhughes_06 @/edwards.73 i’ve given up

user1 when your husband returns from the war🥵

user2 z praise! z praise! z praise!

_alexturcotte how much will power did it take to not post him getting hit and on his knees?

yourusername trevor had to sit on me again

jamie.drysdale and i threatened a divorce

trevorzegras both of these statements are true

yourusername it was a war zone

_alexturcotte sounds about right😂

user3 special note: z was singing along to the national anthem

_quinnhughes we’re getting close to uncharted territory

yourusername i know i’m scared

trevorzegras i’ll make it to seven just you wait

_quinnhughes i’m trembling at the thought

yourusername quaking in my boots

trevorzegras @/yourusername you’re supposed to be on my side!

_quinnhughes @/trevorzegras did you read the best friend contract? every other weekend she’s on my side

lhughes_06 lazarus?

jackhughes yes

_quinnhughes yes

colecaufield yes

yourusername yes

trevorzegras HEY

user4 tell me why z left the aves game i immediately thought of how much y/n was gonna cry

jamie.drysdale in her defense, we were all pretty worried

trevorzegras when he cares>>>🥵

user5 i find immense joy in the fact that every single nhl broadcaster agrees that z is a wizard and magic with the puck

jackhughes kindly screw up soon

trevorzegras don’t tell me what to do

yourusername excuse my boyfriend he’s a brat

jackhughes he’s not excused

yourusername see, this is why we got divorced

user6 look at the lil slut with his tongue out!

jamie.drysdale at least someone’s winning…

yourusername we’re gonna ignore the losing streak

jamie.drysdale i’m down for that

trevorzegras idk what you’re talking about. what losing streak?

yourusername atta boy

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bropunzeling · 2 months

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matthew/leon 💛 please!

💛 reunion kiss/relief (for u and also @msmargaretmurry)

The distance between Florida and Spain isn't all that large when you think about it. Definitely not in comparison to Leon's flight out from Edmonton. Nine hours and non-stop, compared to multiple legs and spending a short eternity in O'Hare. It shouldn't feel that long.

Leon swears he can feel every second of it.

By the time he's spat out into the rideshare zone, Leon's exhausted and mildly disoriented, clutching his bag and fumbling with his phone to call an Uber. He's hungry -- couldn't eat much on the plane, nothing sat well in his stomach -- and tired down to the bone. Every time he tried to shut his eyes, get some rest, he instead replayed the events of the night before on the inside of his eyelids. Watching the Panthers-Vegas game in bed with his phone three inches from his face, tracking number 19. Seeing him go down. Seeing him clutch at his shoulder. Seeing the way he skated later, like he couldn't keep his feet under him.

By an hour after the game was over, Leon had already booked flights.

Now, though, in the light of day -- sitting in the backseat of someone's SUV, watching the scenery pass and blur in his vision, clutching his phone in his hand like a lifeline -- Leon wonders if he's made a mistake. He texted Matthew as soon as he saw: how bad is it; are you out the rest of the series; should i come over; i'm booking flights. All sent in five and ten minute increments as soon as the final buzzer went. None of them answered. As much as he tries to tell himself there's good reason for that between the pain and the pain meds, he can't help wondering if it's really because Matthew doesn't want to talk to him. Won't want him there.

It's admittedly a little stupid, given that Matthew had tried so hard to get him to come to Florida after the Oilers got knocked out. Kept saying how good it would be to see him, how good it would be to actually spend time together. His parents would be in town. Leon could meet them, his little sister. Finally put faces to names. Take that next halting step towards something with a label, something they could talk about with people other than themselves.

Matthew had tried so hard, and Leon hadn't wanted to hear it. Losing was still fresh, stinging; the distance between them, normally easier to bridge, felt impossible to cross. He missed his parents, his sister. He didn't want to think about hockey and all the ways in which he was disappointed. He didn't want to sit around making nervous small talk while Matthew was on the ice, surpassing him.

It wasn't a fight, necessarily, but it wasn't not one, either. Leon had figured they'd take the time to cool off. Regroup once the playoffs were over, once Matthew had -- well.

All those thoughts and plans flew straight out the window the moment he saw Matthew hit the ice.

And now, here he is. Walking up the driveway to Matthew's house, a place he's only been to a handful of times. Hitting the doorbell before checking his phone, looking to see if Matthew texted him back; he hasn't yet.

The person who opens the door must be Matthew's mom; she looks like him, or Leon guesses he looks like her. Same eyes; same flash of a smile. "Come in," she says, obviously giving him a once over. "Leon, isn't it?"

"Uh," Leon says. He feels tongue-tied, fumbling his way through English in a way he hasn't in years and years. "Yes." He clutches at the strap of his bag. "Sorry to, uh. Show up like this. Uninvited. Um."

Matthew's mom hums. "I had a bit of a clue. He left his phone on the counter last night."

Leon's shoulders inch down from where they were stuck by his ears. "Oh," he says. "Is he asleep? I can, uh --" Wait should be the next word, but it's impossible to say. He's not sure he actually can.

She looks at him like she knows what he isn't able to get out. "You know where to go."

Leon does know where to go. He's only walked through this place a few times before, but the sense memory is so strong -- hanging around in the kitchen trading kisses between sips of coffee; how the edge of that picture frame had dug into his shoulder; the place on the rug where he'd stumbled, trying to shove Matthew into his bedroom, off-balance and unwilling to let go. The only thing he isn't sure about is what he'll see once he gets there.

The bedroom door seems so innocuous, and yet Leon holds his breath when he eases it open.

Matthew's asleep, hands curled towards his chest the way Leon remembers from nights in either of their beds, when his own hand would be taken ransom and impossible to extract. His mouth is open, hair matted. Even from here, Leon can see how much weight he's lost, the edges of bruises peeking out from under the collar of his t-shirt. Can't see whatever brought Matthew down last night, but the lack of visible evidence doesn't ease the sharp ache in his chest.

For a long minute, Leon just stands there, looking. Then, carefully, he sets his bag down by the door and crosses the room, easing himself down onto the side of the bed. Gives into impulse and strokes sweaty curls off Matthew's forehead, then leans over and kisses his hairline.

Matthew stirs, eyes fluttering open. At first, he squints, like he isn't sure what he's seeing; then, he shifts, and that movement must jar something, because he winces and curls into himself. Even as he does, though, one of his hands reaches for Leon's wrist, grabbing on, holding fast. "Leon?"

Leon lets out a breath. "Yeah," he says. "I'm here."

Matthew's smile is small, and yet so sincere it hurts to look at. When Leon kisses him again, he imagines he can taste it.

#ask meme #again... how so long

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youcouldmakealife · 5 months

Text

LBTE: Jared (142-144)

Holden Chase, head trauma, and unintended consequences.

If you're reading along, the series page is here.

142. Ellipsis

You know, seems kind of sadistic to give this title to a chapter that ends the way it did. Not an apology, just an acknowledgment.

He went to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his rookie year, refused to touch the Cup, just in case. Dumb superstition, but more than that, if he touches it, he wants it to be because he earned it, not because he paid twenty bucks at the entrance. He went to the Empire State Building with some of the Oilers once, and Julius wore a supremely bored expression all day, all ‘New York is beneath me’.

Even Jared has gone to the Empire State Building more times than David Chapman, resident of New York for years, confirmed.

Minnesota’s fucking cold, and he’s saying this as an Albertan.

Went to Minnesota on TOTI research trip (my brother worked for a Minnesota based company at the time and he got a tag-a-long to a work thing that he in no way, shape, or form requested). Anyway, can confirm: was fucking cold.

Jared gets started on his packing as well. Just the socks and underwear, since he’s sure Bryce has ideas about what he’s going to wear, and will be all appalled that Jared packed like, a red sweater when obviously it’s green sweater season, Jared, how did you not realise that it was green sweater season, don’t you pay attention at all to the sweater seasons?

Bryce is grey sweatered and borderline hyperactive in his cheerfulness on the flight out.

Foolish Jared, it’s clearly grey sweater season.

Jared imagines money’s been bet, but what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him. Or like, stress him out. Bryce happily co-existing with their teammates is worth him losing some money at cards once in awhile. Or like, often. He’s really not very good, from what Jared’s gathered, so obviously everyone is happy to have him join in. But Bryce doesn’t mind, so Jared doesn’t mind. Much. They play for stakes the call-ups and ELC guys can afford, so it’s not exactly going to bankrupt them, no matter how many games Bryce loses.

Bryce is enthusiastic and terrible, which makes him the ideal person to play cards against, even before you get into the fact he makes more than most of his teammates make less money than he does and therefore the stakes seem low to him. That’s a Stevie rule — nobody’s betting more than the player paid the least on the team can stomach. This is a way to pass time on the plane, not a gambling ring.

Ashley is pregnant. Like, Jared knew this, obviously he knew this, they were told right before they left — weeks after Raf and Grace found out, and he is not upset about this — but there’s a difference between knowing and seeing. She’s not like, about to give birth or anything, but they definitely would have noticed if they hadn’t been told in advance. Probably. Maybe.

Bryce would have noticed, at least.

Jared a) is obviously extremely upset about this and b) would absolutely not have noticed, but he’s right that Bryce would have.

Jared mortifies himself in front of David Chapman, which is great. Totally fine. Absolutely not something that will haunt him for the rest of his life, and may actually lead to a premature death due to intense shame.

“You’re exaggerating,” Raf says over breakfast the next morning. “He didn’t even notice.”

Two things can be true. Jared DID mortify himself in front of David. And David did not notice.

“No offence?” Raf says. “But David’s kind of — not oblivious, exactly? Well, kind of. Trust me, he didn’t notice. I can almost guarantee he’s already forgotten your name, let alone anything you said to him.”

Accurate summary except where Raf said ‘not oblivious, exactly’, because he IS oblivious, exactly. At least in this particular matter.

“I mean you were flirting with another dude in front of him all night,” Raf says. “So I don’t really blame him.”

So apparently Bryce was not the only one who got the impression that Jared was flirting with David. Great. Terrific. Wonderful.

“I didn’t mean to,” Jared moans. “It wasn’t flirting, it was like — word vomit.”

Jared thinks someone is pretty, Jared loses control of his mouth. Well. Remaining control.

“Maybe don’t call David out of your league when you’re explaining why it wasn’t meaningful flirtation?” Raf says.

“That’s great advice,” Jared says. It truly is. “Except I already did that.”

Raf shrugs. “Would have told you not to flirt with David but—“

Jared thunks his head back on the table.

Raf has endured so much.

He found this one pretty funny though, to be honest. Like, mortifying to witness at the time, but over breakfast the next morning? Hilarious.

Bryce is no longer mad at him by the time they get to Buffalo. Or maybe he is, but not mad enough not to sneak into Jared’s room for a gameday nap, and Jared’s too relieved to remind Bryce about his ironclad ‘no sleeping together on the road, yes that means naps too’ rule. Which is apparently less ironclad and more ‘unless I fucked up and hurt your feelings in which case do whatever you want’.

Annnnd the ironclad rule has been broken.

then Hartford’s a quick, surprisingly easy win, one that’ll probably lead to a dozen Moby-Dick references in game-write ups from beat writers who think they’re clever.

Cue William Dineen pointing out that orcas are dolphins, actually.

There’s also a difference between quietly missing his family a bit and the loud ‘thank fuck we’re almost home’ that’s going on with a lot of his teammates right now, Dmitry the loudest among them. Everybody’s glad to be going home. Nobody needs to say it repeatedly at increasing volume.

“He’s got kids,” Bryce says.

“Okay?” Jared says.

“He’s got kids,” Bryce says, like Jared didn’t hear him the first time.

Dmitry hasn’t seen his children in several weeks. He missed them very very much.

Dmitry says something loudly about missing his kids. Bryce nods earnestly like this isn’t the tenth time he’s heard it. Today.

Very very much.

“They are getting so big and I am missing it all!” Dmitry groans. “All of the moments, Bullet! I have abandoned them!”

Bryce makes wordless soothing noises as Dmitry puts his face in his hands.

Very VERY much.

“Okay, he’s a little dramatic,” Gabe says, and Jared grins.

Also yes this.

Not seeing something coming is the biggest cliché. In general, but specifically in hockey.

I acknowledge, I do not apologise.

He doesn’t see it coming. Puck on his stick, back to the play. He does a shoulder check, and he’s clear, the Bruins defender on him peeling away, presumably for a change, and the puck’s off his tape, pass executed, on its way to Dmitry, and then there’s nothing at all.

So just to be clear: that pass was executed far enough before the hit that Jared was not eligible for contact anymore. It was a late hit. It would have been boarding even if it wasn’t, but it was late as well.

143. Washed Clean

“Okay, that’s okay, you’re fine,” he hears. It’s Gabe, he thinks, but he doesn’t open his eyes again to check. “You’re fine, okay Jared?”

“I’m fine,” Jared mumbles.

“You’re perfectly fine,” Gabe says back.

Gabe holds it together admirably until he gets home because he feels that’s what’s needed of him, but man is he freaking the fuck out right now.

“I want you to stay still for me,” Graham says. Jared assumes he’s saying it to him and not Gabe.

“Don’t move my head,” Jared says.

“Exactly,” Graham says. “Can you move your extremities?”

“You just told me to stay still,” Jared says. “Which one is it.”

The RELIEF Gabe feels at Jared being snippy.

“You’re okay?” he says from a careful distance, like if he breaches it he’ll break.

Bryce is 100% sure that if he gets within five feet of Jared right now he will not be in control of his own actions. He’s thisclose to not caring.

Getting out of there’s a mess. It’s the same as usual, honestly, doesn’t take any longer, or have any more logistical snarls, but whatever remained of Jared’s energy ran out before they even left TD Garden, and his head hurts too much to look at his phone, do anything but keep telling himself the painkillers haven’t kicked in, that he just has to wait, even though it’s well past time they would have started working. He feels like he’s going to cry every time he blinks. He hurts.

I can think of worse places to have a brutal headache than a hockey arena, but not many. Fluorescents, strong smells, so many people coming and going, people calling out, yelling — total nightmare.

Jared is on the verge of tears for a good hour or so, here.

“Back of the plane will be quieter,” Gabe says. “Let me check with Munch.”

Munch apparently gives them the last row without argument, which has Jared wondering just how bad that hit looked, because he’s as much a superstitious creature of habit as anyone Jared’s ever met, and no way would he cede his usual seat without good cause.

Munch is indeed extraordinarily superstitious, but Jared is as white as a sheet, and Munch doesn’t want to be haunted by ghost Jared. Also he has empathy. But mostly it’s the not wanting to be haunted.

He breathes small, shallow breaths, fighting the urge to grab Gabe’s hand and squeeze until someone else knows exactly how bad he feels. That’s unkind. Also his skin hurts, so it’d probably hurt him even more than it’d hurt Gabe.

Unkind may not stop Jared, but self-defeating will.

“How’s your head?” Bryce says, carefully quiet.

“Hurts,” Jared says. “My heart beats too much.”

Bryce looks extremely alarmed.

‘heart beats too much’ sounds like an alarming development without context, yes.

Bryce leans into him, nose nudging his hair.

“You scared the shit out of me, babe,” Bryce murmurs against his temple, barely louder than Jared’s own heart.

“Sorry,” Jared mumbles, and he feels the flutter of Bryce’s lashes when he shuts his eyes, forehead cool against Jared’s skin like maybe Jared’s running a fever.

Jared flinches at the sound of a toilet flushing, louder than it should be, but doesn’t put it together, cause and effect, until Stevie says, “Whoa, wifeys are going to be jealous.”

This is a real fucking soft moment for Stevie to blunder into. Also he’s usually better at this, but, you know: he’s a bit wired right now. Red Bulls. Finally getting to go home after literal weeks. Etc.

He doesn’t sound like his heart’s in it anymore, but Jared appreciates the attempt to keep it chill. Not chill enough, though: Jared can feel Bryce, a line of tight tension beside him, the space he put between them almost a presence in itself. And Jared knew Bryce telling Dmitry didn’t necessarily mean — he knew that. He shouldn’t be surprised.

He’s quietly so disappointed here. Easy to miss, since Bryce comes out in the same scene, but.

“Nothing to be jealous of,” Bryce says, and Jared’s half-expecting a ‘no homo’ moment, is just — tired — except Bryce says, “Considering we’re married to each other, so.”

So disappointed, and then Bryce keeps talking.

“Sorry,” Stevie whispers. “But — really?”

“Really,” Gabe says. He’s a few rows ahead, so if he overheard their conversation he’s not the only one. Jared doesn’t have the brain power to think about that right now. “Give them some space, Stevedore.”

Stevedore (dockworker) is such a good fucking nickname for a marine themed team. Only team it’d be better for is the Whalers.

Also such a Gabe nickname. Deep cuts from Gabriel Markson. Tate Williams would appreciate him.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Jared says.

“Yes I did,” Bryce says, and finds Jared’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

He really did. Standing at a distance from Jared when he was in pain, even though nothing was technically stopping Bryce from reaching out, getting updates from Gabe even though he was right there — once he sat down next to Jared he wasn’t getting up again. And once he was close enough to touch Jared nobody was hiding shit.

Jared is pretty sure that’s impossible, but he manages eventually, and not just a cat nap, because he wakes up to the change of air pressure, fingers still laced loosely with Bryce’s, who’s on his phone, typing awkwardly with his left hand.

Every time Bryce makes a decision he pretty much ensures it’s irrevocable. Okay: I’m out. Not letting go of my husband’s hand for the next few hours, anyone using the back bathroom can mind their own fucking business.

“I let everyone know you weren’t doing screentime,” Bryce says. “Your mom says to call them when you feel up to it. Her and your dad are super freaked out. And my mom. She sent me like, fifty texts while you were sleeping. Sorry, I’m talking too much. I was really — I’m talking too much. I’m sorry.”

He knows Jared has a headache so he’ll be quiet now, don’t worry.

(He was so fucking scared.)

“Yeah,” Bryce says, letting go of his hand to dig up a travel bottle. Jared’s fingers feel cold. He wonders if Bryce let go once when he was sleeping, or if he spent the entire trip with their fingers laced, texting Jared’s parents, Elaine, the group chat, awkwardly one-handed the whole time.

Second one.

Julius’ texts go from mildly concerned, to irritated Jared’s not answering, to moderately concerned, to angry Jared’s not answering, and then land on severely concerned. Jared wonders if they should wait to see if he hits infuriated that Jared’s not answering, or if he’s just going to stay in severely concerned until he gets a text back.

“Send him a thumbs up emoji and nothing else,” Jared says. “I wanna see how he responds.”

“I’m not doing that,” Bryce says, sounding utterly horrified, and Jared smiles.

Possibly the meanest thing Jared ever does to Julius, and he stole his blanket and introduced him to his evil sister. (Or, it would have been if Bryce had obliged. Which he was absolutely not going to do)

Jared doesn’t know if that’s something management already told them, but he doesn’t think so, because they’ve treated Jared the same since he got to Vancouver. He likes his coaches. Really hopes that isn’t about to change, go sour the way Jared’s relationship with Oilers management did.

Jared doesn’t mention coach reaction at length, focused more on team, but coaching staff continue to treat him exactly the same, minus a few awkward shoulder punches.

“I’m gonna drive you guys home,” Gabe says.

Bryce frowns. “I can—“

“No offence?” Gabe says. “You do not look good to drive right now, Bryce.”

Bryce 100% looks worse than Jared at this point.

They should buy him like, a fruit basket or something. Jared doesn’t really know what’s appropriate for ‘hey thanks for looking out for me after I got steamrolled and probably handling the guys so they didn’t come swarming us with questions’. Elaine will probably know. She’s good at those sort of things.

Elaine suggests a gift basket featuring chocolate.

“I don’t even know,” Bryce says. “Think there was a 7 on his jersey? It was a board battle, I don’t think it was on purpose.”

James, and no, it was not on purpose.

“You get him?” Jared asks, letting his eyes drift shut.

“Dima did,” Bryce says. “He said if I did I wouldn’t know how to stop.”

100% for the best, Bryce was not in his right mind; it wouldn’t have been a hockey fight, it would have been assault.

“Okay,” Jared says. “You don’t — you can touch me, you know. I’m not going to break.”

“Okay,” Bryce murmurs, fingers still slowly carding through Jared’s hair, and Jared can feel Bryce’s lips brush his forehead, so light that he knows Bryce doesn’t believe him.

Oh my darlings.

144. Unvarnished

“Have you just been sitting in the car the whole time?” Jared asks. He texted Bryce to meet at the car, but apparently he didn’t need to bother, since Bryce is exactly where Jared left him. He could have just arrived, but Jared has suspicions.

Bryce looks shifty. “I didn’t want to go far in case you needed me,” he says.

Jared is unsure what situation would involve Bryce being needed — certainly not a medical emergency, since Jared was being evaluated by medical professionals — but he holds his tongue for once, which is good, because Bryce is a very, very fragile man at the moment.

He doesn’t notice at first, on the phone with his mom, who sounds weirdly un-mom like, all soft,

The people who love him all had a really bad day yesterday. Jared accepts this in the case of Bryce, you’d think he’d acknowledge his own mom might be shaken.

Bryce looks simultaneously sheepish, apologetic, and completely unrepentant all at once. Jared’s kind of impressed. It takes skill to look like you’re very, very sorry, but also get fucking used to it.

‘I’m sorry and I will not stop’

Bryce clears the Gatorade and cheese and crackers to make room for himself. Jared would ask what he’s supposed to do if he wants one of those, but that’d probably get Bryce springing up and apologising for daring to take the space of any food or beverage that Jared may need in the future. He probably shouldn’t tease Bryce — he doesn’t look like sarcasm’s going to go over well at the moment. Jared’s not the only fragile one right now. Hell, Jared may be the less fragile one right now.

Jared has no idea.

Jared holds an arm out, and sighs when Bryce looks at it almost suspiciously.

“I’m lonely,” Jared says. It comes out over-the-top, but whatever, it gets Bryce tucking himself against Jared, albeit very carefully.

Bryce knows he’s being managed, but also, Jared said he was lonely.

after Jared hands him his phone, he reads Jared one from Stephen, saying he’s glad he’s doing okay and to let him or Gabe know if they need anything, one from Gabe saying basically the same thing, and one from Dima that’s a bunch of emojis Jared can’t really make sense of: whale, thumbs up, men holding hands, heart, prayer hands — or pleading, Jared’s never sure which it’s supposed to be — hockey stick, net.

Dima: 🐳👍👬❤️️🙏

Jared: 👍

“I guess we’ll see,” is all he says. If they disappoint Bryce he’ll — he doesn’t even know what he’ll do. They better not.

Man’s already offered to set the Saddledome on fire for Bryce, you think he’ll leave Rogers Arena intact just because they play in it?

“You see my fight?” Dmitry asks. “Kicked his ass for you.”

“Bryce isn’t letting me do screens,” Jared says.

Dmitry wheels on Bryce. “He needs to see my fight!”

Dmitry thinks Bryce’s priorities suck.

“Bryce is having a very intense conversation with Grayson about whether plus-minus should be abolished as a performance metric,” Gabe says. “So he’s fine.”

Bryce is pro abolishment. Because there are better ways to track a player’s defensive stats and what’s meant to be an individual performance metric is fundamentally a team one, and that’s bullshit. Grayson doesn’t even care that much, but now he’s stuck defending it to Bryce and his wildly gesticulating hands.

“Okay this is not me being homophobic, first off,” someone says in the hall outside the bathroom. “Seriously, I’m not that guy. Totally happy for them, love is love or whatever.”

Jared freezes, because starting a statement with a homophobia disclaimer is pretty much a guarantee something extremely homophobic is about to follow. He sees Gabe doing the same out of the corner of his eye.

“But like, Bullet’s married to Math?” the guy says. “Bullet’s like, friendly happy go lucky dude and Math’s like — Math’s kind of mean.”

This is objectively the funniest conversation Jared could ever overhear. And after his death glares/60, this season, it is so very deserved.

“Stephen’s mean,” Jared hisses at him. “And old! Mean and old. That’s who you picked. A mean, old person.”

Hmm, good work proving you’re not mean, Jared. (Stephen is two days older than Gabe.)

Everyone’s over-the-top friendly, asking him how his head is, telling him they’re glad he’s feeling better, saying congrats for their marriage like it just happened, while Jared mumbles ‘thanks’ until it stops sounding like a word to him.

People are showing care and concern for Jared and he does not like it.

Jared waits by the car after a very weird practice. Bryce is back on the plus-minus subject with Grayson, and he looked so happy that Jared didn’t want to drag him away from it.

‘Please’, says Grayson. ‘I don’t even care anymore., I just want to go home’

“Yes!” Jared says. “They keep asking me how my head is and telling me how glad they are I’m feeling better. Like, everyone keeps coming up to me and saying that like they’ve got a script or something.”

Those fuckers.

“They’re just acting like it’s all like—“ Jared says.

“Like it’s all what?” Gabe asks.

“Fine,” Jared says. “They’re acting like it’s all fine and normal.”

And here’s the rub. Nobody’s treating him any differently, and for all he said they wouldn’t, he didn’t actually expect that.

“You know I’m out to the team, right?” Gabe says. “And have been for awhile? You guys aren’t exactly the first queer teammates they’ve shared a room with. The guys who need time to adjust have already had that time.”

“Yeah but it’s like,” Jared says. “I don’t know. Different this time.”

I mean, it is different, in that it’s two teammates and also Bryce is a veritable super star, but also Jared: stop talking.

“I don’t know,” Jared says, frustrated by the pinched look Gabe’s giving him. “A bigger deal? It’s like. I don’t know. You wouldn’t get it.”

Baby gay exceptionalism.

“Isn’t it so nice to have lunch with these trailblazers, Gabe?” Stephen asks. “Laying the groundwork for future generations. I hope we can be like them someday. No, that’s asking for too much. I only hope that we can understand them one day, even just a little.”

Stephen came out around the age Jared is now. That was years and years ago, because, as Jared mentioned, he is mean and old.

“I’m not hopeless,” Gabe says. “Can’t be hopeless when I have you.”

“Ew,” Stephen says flatly. “You know how I feel about schmaltz, Gabriel.”

“I’m a little hopeless sometimes,” Gabe sighs.

Still madly, hopelessly in love.

“It’s absolutely adorable that you think there is any scenario in which I’d let this go,” Stephen says, tossing his hair.

“Steve,” Gabe says.

“Yeah, yeah,” Stephen says. “‘If you keep tossing your hair it’ll lose its dramatic effect’, I know.”

One of my favourite lines in the entire universe. It was a privilege and also a delight to revisit Stephen Petersen when he isn’t deep in fight-or-flight.

He swears Gabe’s eyes twinkle. He thought that was just a thing from books.

“You’re not as nice as you pretend to be,” Jared says, stomping away.

Stephen Petersen is his soulmate, what did you expect.

“Mathematics!” Dmitry says, arms out.

“Quit hugging me it’s been forever since I got hurt!” Jared says, veering around him, and stomps the rest of the way to his stall.

It has been two days.

“What?” Jared snaps, and gets a dozen ‘don’t look at me’ raised hands. “What?”

“He is kind of mean, though,” Langley says, then, “You’re just proving my point, Math!” when Jared throws a glove at him.

This room is a little terrified of him. It’s great.

#liveblogging the end

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greazyfloz · 1 year

Note

MISS GIRL YOU HAVE BECOME MY FAV ACCOUNT OMG!!!

Unfortunately I have fallen under Michael Bunting’s spell so can I request something angsty “you win, I’m done” with him ?! 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Hope you have a great day/evening <3

OMG I'M LITERALLY IN LOVEEEE WITH BUNTS!!!

Angst: 26. "You win, I'm done with this" w/ Michael Bunting

Two Years

Michael and I met when I first moved to Toronto a little over two years ago. It was almost like love at first sight because we Started dating around a month or two later. One thing about Michael, as he gets heated very easily on the ice, luckily, I have never experienced this. Michael firsthand.

Today was our two year anniversary and I already know that Michael forgot. I don’t know how he could’ve forgotten since last week. He told me that he was going to take me to the nicest places in Toronto for dinner after his game.

All day he said nothing to me about our anniversary, and I was going to hold off on saying it first. As he made his way to the door, I followed him, and he turned to press a kiss on my lips.

“Okay, bye babe. Love ya“ he says, as he gets to shut the door.

“bye Mikey, and oh yeah, happy anniversary to you too” I tell him that he stops from closing the door and re-opened it

“oh my God” he says, seeing I wasn’t amused, “fuck”

“it’s fine. See you after the game“ I say to him. He pulls out his phone to check the time.

“fuck, I’m already late” he says under his breath, “I’ll make it up to you I promise”

Even leave, shutting the door behind him, and I make my way up to our room. I open the closet and grab my leather pants and a white leafs jersey with his last name and number on the back.

After I’m ready to go to the kitchen and heat up something quick before receiving a text from Steph saying she was here. I take a couple of bites before realizing I wasn’t very hungry, then throwing it out and making my way out to her car.

“hellooooo” she says, excited to see me

“Hey” I say back trying to sound as excited

“wait, what’s wrong? you look sad”

She pulls out of our driveway and begins driving into the city.

“no reason to be sad, it’s Mike and I’s two year” I say, then look at the window as I hear Steph gasp

“he did not forget”

“he did”

“oh, my god no way. What an ass”

“oh, but he said he’ll make it up to me” I say, looking back at her as we drive through the busy streets of Toronto, “I really don’t wanna go to the game tonight”

“I don’t blame you” she says she turns into the parking garage.

We made our way into our seats with the rest of the wags. Steph was telling everybody that Michael forgot about her anniversary just out of the conversation we were having.

As the game went on, I noticed Michael was not having it. The team was losing and they were currently playing the Oilers who are typically a pretty tough team. I usually hold my breath whenever he plays the more rough teams because I know one day he’s gonna do something so stupid and possibly get himself hurt.

“I seriously cannot watch this“ I say to Gio’s wife and she giggles a little

“oh, I thought you’d be used to it by now“ she laughs

“how could I get used to that?“ I say, in a silly tone as a couple of the other wags laugh along.

Then his neck shift came. And I knew something bad was gonna happen when Kane was trying to get physical with Auston in front of the net. I watched my boyfriend skate around all the other players in front of him to jump on the player, taking them both to the ground.

“oh, boy“ I say, as I stand to try and get a better look across the ice.

I watch my boyfriend, get up from the ice after the refs pull him and Kane away from each other. I shake my head as I sit back down in my seat as he was put in the box.

When the next period came along, the game became more physical for all players. He really stood out as being the angriest player on the ice as I watch him, have a meltdown mouthing off of the other players.

The game ends, and some of the wags already go down. I said with Steph and Johnny’s wife and kids before we made our way down to ice level.

When we go down there, Michael and Mitch were already out chatting with some of the other players and their wives as he waited for me. When they noticed us, Mitch went right up to Steph giving her a hug and I walked over to Michael.

He wrapped his arms around me, but only quickly giving me a hug before pulling away. “oh, so now you can’t even act like I’m a good boyfriend?” he says quietly to me as he pulled away.

“what?” I ask and he ignores as he looks back up with the group.

“all right guys. We gotta head out now“ he says turning around and I follow him as we walk towards his car. He doesn’t say a word to me the whole way there. I’m thinking it must be because of the game and he’s taking it out on me which isn’t like him.

“Jesus y/n. I forgot our anniversary I know I’m sorry. but why the fuck are you going around telling everybody?” he says looking at me as soon as we shut our doors to his car, ” I told you I’d make up for it”

“I told Steph. And then she brought it up in a conversation we were having with the rest of the wives. So go fight with Steph about it” I say, rolling my eyes at him

“No! I wanna fight with you about it!” He yells at me

I laughed dryly before looking back at him, “just drive“ I say to Michael and he angrily throws the car into drive, stepping on the gas and speeding home.

We make it home, and I walk into the house, slamming the door behind me. I hear Michael re-open the door and enter.

“what the fuck?!” he yells out, and I turn around and open my mouth to say something back, but he beats me to it, “I forget a fucking anniversary, and you start acting like a psycho?! Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you?!” he yells at me and I feel the tears begin to form in my eyes. I lift my hand up to brush underneath.

“oh, for fucks sake’s you’re not actually gonna cry?!” he continues yelling

“yeah, I am” I yell back

“holy fuck, grow the fuck up and stop acting like a two-year-old! Are you still mad that I forgot about a stupid anniversary?! Huh?” he yells even louder than before making me shake a little before the tears really start streaming down my face, “stop fucking crying! I don’t know what game you’re fucking playing but I don’t wanna play“

“you win, I’m done with this” I say, quietly before, turning and locking myself in our bedroom. I walk over to the closet and grab a bag to put a few things in to last me until he goes on the road again. I hear him banging on the door, followed by a couple curse words.

As I get closer to the door I can make out what he saying better.

“what do you mean you’re fucking done with this?“ I hear him on the other side of the door. Fear takes over my body as I reach for the door handle and decide not to turn it. I take a couple steps back and just look at the door.

“open. The door.” I hear him say again as the door knob twists, “I just wanna fucking talk. We’re not over Because I forgot about our anniversary.“

With that, I open the door quickly, and he looks at me and he opens his mouth probably to yell at me, but I beat him to it this time, “no, we’re over because you’re acting fucking crazy”

“how the fuck am I acting crazy you’re the one breaking up with me because I forgot an anniversary“

“do you even realize anything you’re saying?” I say, finally brushing past him as I make my way to the door.

“Wait, you’re actually leaving?” he says, as he finally sees the bag under my arm

“yes Michael, goodbye”

#michael bunting #Michael bunting x reader #nhl imagine #nhl imagines #nhl writing #nhl fanfiction #hockey imagines #hockey imagine #hockey writing

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hockeyandhrsepwr · 1 year

Text

Silverstone

Je T'aime series

Previous Part: Montreal

F1 Driver reader x Jack Hughes

Two weeks after the Montreal GP, it's time for Silverstone, and the Stanley cup finals heat up

Silverstone weekend doesn’t end well, with you having a slow pit stop & ending up in 7th. You’re frustrated, but at least you still got some points. Making your way through the media pen, you get waved over by your favourite interviewer Natalie.

“Y/N, how are you feeling after today? I imagine it’s not the result you wanted?”

“Yeah, not what we were hoping for, but we know what we need to work on & we’ll come back stronger after the break. I’m really happy for Mick with his win though. He deserved it.”

“It was great to watch him today. I’m glad to see the result didn’t get you too down. Ready for the summer break?”

“Heh, things don’t go your way sometimes but that’s the nature of the sport. We’re still in a good position point wise. But yeah, well get some work in over the summer in the factory after a little break and try to improve.”

“Going anywhere exciting?”

“Uh yeah, I’m heading back to the US for a bit. My friend Thomas, who I mentioned in Montreal, a bunch of his friends have a lake house that they all go to in the summer during the NHL break. I’ve visited over the past few years, so I’m going over there for a few weeks to catch up & have a bit of a break, then I’ll be back in Maranello for the week or so heading into Zandvoort.”

“That sounds nice! So, it’s a bit of a tradition then, for you to go there?”

“Yeah, so he first brought me 5 years ago, but now I’m friends with all of them too so I’ll go even if he can’t make it. Most of the hockey guys will make an appearance at some point over the summer, bit it’s a bit up in the air who I’ll actually see. It’s always a nice way to recharge though, the area is beautiful.”

“Well, have a lovely break y/n, and well see you in September!”

“Thanks Natalie, you have a nice break too!”

You wave and walk on to the next interview. You can’t wait to head back to Michigan and just chill for a few weeks. But first, you’re going out with Mick to celebrate his win & spend a bit of time together before you head in different ways for the summer. You hoped that you’d be able to make it back to the US and watch Jack in the cup finals, but the Devils have the series 3-0 against the Oilers. They play tonight so there’s no way you’ll make it to what could potentially be the deciding game. If they lose, which hopefully not, you’ll be able to make it to the next one. It’ll be a late night tonight with the time difference, but it gives you time to celebrate with Mick, since he really deserved the win.

Once we clear off back to the hotel, you get a chance to call Jack.

“Hey babe, I’m sorry about today” you sigh, “it is what it is, but I’m not here to talk about me. Ready?”

You can hear the nerves in his voice “Were as ready as we can be. It’s not the end of the world if we lose, but It’d be great to sweep it”

“You’re going to kill it. I just wish I could be there to see it.”

“Soon, babe soon.” You hear someone yelling at him, so you know it’s time to go. “Good luck & fuck the oilers. je t’aime.”

He says it back before hanging up.

Knocking on your door pulls you out of your little funk, wishing you could be there tonight. “One sec” you jump up & grab your purse before opening the door to Mick & Esteban.

“let’s GOOOO” they yell & you smile. If you can’t be with jack, at least you’ve got these guys to distract you from the sadness. The group of you head out into London ready to tear it up.

Four hours later, you make you way back to the hotel, drunk but not blackout because you need to be able to watch the whole game. You get some coffee, get comfy & facetime Thomas.

“Excited?” he asks when he picks up, showing you his living room in Montreal

“yeah, but so fucking nervous. Stupid TV won’t connect.”

Yo finally get it to work just before the game starts. You see Jack there and start crying.

“Babe, what’s wrong” Thomas says in alarm.

“I just, I just love him so much” you bawl, “and I miss him.”

“Okay Jesus, calm down.” Thomas is muttering “god you’re drunk” You nod, tears streaming down you face as you watch the game get underway.

Its fast paced & back & forth as Edmonton try & put one in and keep their chances alive.

No one scores in the first 2 period, your stress rising exponentially.

GO GO GO GO GO YEAAAAHHHHHH!!! You cry when the Devils score twenty seconds into the third. Then someone pounds on your door.

“oh shit, you’re in trouble” Thom whispers from the phone as you slowly walk over.

“y/n what the hell its 4am” Charles whispers. Oops, you forgot he was next door.

“I’m sorry” You whisper back, “Jack’s team scored” he rolls his eyes. No matter how many times you try & explain it, he doesn’t understand why people enjoy it. “Hey, it’s the finals. If they win, it’s like winning the drivers’ championship with a few races left. If you lose you still have time but it’s better to win as quick as possible.”

“Y/N!” you hear from Thomas, so you turn around. Charles follows behind & jumps on your bed as you turn your attention back to the game. “Who is it?” you ask Thomas as you stare at the fight going down. “Think its Mercer, but It was hard to see” he says as the refs pull the players apart, shoving both into the penalty box as the clock ticks down.

“McDavid must be shitting himself right now.” You joke.

“who’s McDavid?” Charles pipes up.

“he’s basically the Verstappen of the team, the generational talent. But it’s the first time he’s gone to the finals and could win. Now shush.” Putting your hand on his mouth, Thomas is laughing as you focus on the TV, 2 minutes left. Poor Vitek’s getting pounded by shots from the Oilers but nothings getting in. Devils get it back into their end & as the final minute hits Nico smacks a one timer straight through the legs.

“They win right?” Charles says as you sit there in shock.

“Shut it” Thomas hisses from the phone, both of you knowing that’s it’s not impossible for Edmonton to score 2 in less than a minute. But they don’t and ten seconds left in the game, it finally sinks in

“Holy shit, holy shit. Thomas!!!! They fucking did it.” You’re losing it, tears streaming down your face but huge smile on your face as the buzzer sounds. Charles is laughing at you as he pulls him phone out and films your reaction.

“ I can’t fucking believe it. Hes a champion. Where’s my phone?” you’re looking frantically as Charles passes it to you & you pull up the camera.

“Jack, you did it!!! I’m so fucking proud of you. you deserve this after everything you’ve put in. You’re my superstar and We’re going to celebrate so hard. Tell the boys I say congrats!!” Charles grabs your phone and says “She’s still pretty drunk, so I’m going to get her to bed, but congrats man. She’ll see you soon.” And sends it off.

Thomas s still on facetime on your laptop absolutely laughing his ass off. “I don’t think I can sleep” you mutter, already laying down in bed eyes half closed. “Too much excitement” the two boys laugh as they both say good night and Charles slips out. You drift off, dreaming about the fun you’re going to have this summer.

“Fucking hell” your head is absolutely killing you when you wake up, but you have to get going. you’ve got a flight booked to Jersey that leaves at 12. You search for your phone before finally seeing it plugged in. thanks Charles. The first thing you see is,

Jack Hughes secret woman and your heart drops. Did something happen last night? No, you trust Jack. But you continue reading.

The New jersey Devils won the Stanley cup after sweeping the Edmonton Oilers 4 – 0, ending their series with a shutout 2-0 game. Celebrations took over the Prudential center, and star player Jack Hughes when pulled into an interview said “to win with my brother (Luke Hughes also plays for the devils and was on the ice with Jack when that buzzer sounded) and have so much of my family here means everything. This is what every player dreams of, honestly, I don’t really have words yet.” When asked how he plans on celebrating the win, he mentioned “seeing my girl”. This is the first time we’ve heard of a potential love interest, but it appears she’s busy in her own right as he also mentioned she would’ve loved to be there but wasn’t able to with work. Not sure what work she does, but surely the potential cup deciding game would be worth missing work for. What do you think?

Jesus, why is this “breaking news” when they just won? Surely that’s not the most important thing to report right now. But you know how the media is from your own experiences, so you’re not surprised. You’re pretty used to ignoring the nonsense by now.

You read your messages from Jack, knowing it’s too early to call him. You start packing up so you can get going, when a knock on the door interrupts.

“He won!” mick yells as you open the door & half of the grid is there smiling. You grin, “hell yeah he did” as you gesture them in. Most of them are sticking around London for a few days, but they’ve come to say bye, since they knew you’d be gone as soon as possible.

Lots of hugs and ‘tell him we say congrats later, everyone’s gone but Mick.

“you’re going to have a fun summer” he jokes, and you throw a pillow at him. The two of you walk down together so you can grab a cab & go to the airport.

“See you soon sailor” you hug Mick and go on your way. You can’t wait to get back to Jersey and then Michigan.

Nine hours later, you’re landing in Newark, exiting the airport to see Ellen waiting for you. Rushing over you wrap your arms around her, both of you excited. She’s going to bring you back to Jack & Luke’s, which is where they’re staying anyway.

He doesn’t know you’re here yet since you didn’t tell him what time you’d be getting in. He knows you were trying to make it back on the Monday, but not when.

“They’re probably still asleep” Ellen comments when you’re nearly to the apartment, and you laugh “how late did everything go last night?”

“Oh, it was like 6am by the time they got back so.” “Not surprising” you laugh.

You park & make your way to the apartment where Jim lets you in. You walk around into the kitchen & see Jack, Luke, Quinn, Nico, Dawson & johnny sat around the counter, drinking coffee and looking a little worse for wear.

Jack looks up and says “I must be still drunk. I’m seeing y/n.” The rest of the boys turn towards you & laugh. “Not drunk babe,” you say, and it takes a minute but then he jumps up and runs to you, grabbing you and squeezing.

“I missed you so much.”

“ moi aussi” you kiss him before pulling him over to the table so you can congratulate the rest of the boys and get some food.

#fast cars & sharp shoes au #f1 imagine #jack hughes #jack hughes x reader #driver!reader #ferrarri #new jersey devils #hockey blurb #je taime series #jjwritesshit

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hopetorun · 4 months

Note

For your fic writers ask list, 7, 18, & 32 pls - a/carouselstars ♥️

7. What is your deepest joy about writing?

it's a very straightforward one, i think, but i just love getting to shape a whole story and craft something coherent and complete and compelling and satisfying! it's very rewarding to have an idea of something in my head and make it into a whole thing! especially a thing that other people enjoy or connect with or moved by!

18. Choose a passage from your writing. Tell me about the backstory of this moment. How you came up with it, how it changed from start to end. Spicy addition: Questioner provides the passage.

January 22, 2022 Rogers Place, Edmonton Flames 3 – Oilers 5

Matthew gets there first, collapses down onto the bed. He thinks about taking his pants off first, because he feels like putting on a show, but he doesn’t actually move before the door opens. Matthew still doesn’t move. Leon’s hand lands on his ass, firm, and he squeezes.

“You played well tonight,” he says. Matthew hums.

“We still can’t beat you,” Matthew mutters. It’s muffled by the pillow. Leon smacks his ass a couple times, not hard enough to hurt.

“I’m just glad we finally won a fucking game.”

A few more footsteps, and then the bed shifts and creaks as Leon drops down next to him. His arm falls across Matthew’s back, and they’re sharing a pillow. There’s a heartbeat of silence, and another, and Leon sighs, gusty.

Matthew wants—he doesn’t know what he wants. He wiggles closer to Leon, until their hips are touching. Leon sighs again, and he presses even closer to Matthew. “Tippett’s gonna get fired,” he says. “Feels shitty to be excited about someone losing their job.”

The silence after that feels heavier. Matthew doesn’t know what to say. “We dropped seven games in a row,” Leon continues.

“I know,” Matthew says.

Leon snorts. “Of course you do.”

“I pay attention.”

This time, when Leon squirms, he ends up with his head tucked against Matthew’s arm. It’s not like he’s never seen Leon tired before; long games, long season, late nights on the bed in here. But this is different. It feels like Leon wants something from him, comfort or reassurance or maybe just someone he can say this shit to.

Matthew gets his arm out from between them and manages to tangle his fingers in the ends of Leon’s hair. It’s still wet at his nape.

“They made Bouch first star tonight,” Leon mumbles.

Matthew can’t choke back his snort. “He’s a good kid,” he manages. Leon bites at the muscle of his arm. “Maybe if you were less pissy.”

(from preference)

when i first started putting this fic together, i did a lot of timeline research -- what games the flames and oilers played, the outcomes of those games, penalties, highlights, etc, but also some broader stuff like win or loss streaks going into the games, the timing of coach firings, so on. a lot of the time those details didn't really inform what i chose to do in the story, but they really clearly did here and i enjoyed being able to pull so much stuff in, even if people reading it wouldn't necessarily need to pick up on it! the repercussions of a 7-game losing streak and the emotion tied into that, plus the knowledge that tippett was in fact fired shortly after this game, gave me a nice setup for leon to be more vulnerable with matthew, and specifically to be vulnerable about something that isn't sex. and then for them to have sex that doesn't feel like it's a little bit about hockey, which is important for them!

i actually thought a weird amount about the three stars/winner's room connection for this story. a lot of fic i think pretty just uses those to determine who's doing the picking for the winner's room, but they're chosen by local media and it gets weird sometimes! i wanted there to be some discretion there, like they're suggestions but deviating from them is normal. anyway it also cracked me up that leon was not first star of this game (2g, 2a, including the gwg) and evan bouchard was (2g). also a fact that informs one meaningless line of dialogue in this scene: bouchard played 43 games for the 2015-16 london knights.

sorry to leon for making fun of him for being pissy. i do it with love.

32. What is a line from a poem/novel/fanfic etc that you return to from time and time again? How did you find it? What does it mean to you?

i really wish i did a better job keeping track of lines i love! i ought to just record them all in a journal or something but i always get distracted. anyway i had to go on a quest to find the name of this poem bc i think about it a lot but am, as mentioned, bad at keeping up with things: rehearsal notes by len verwey, which ends with

where the script says scream a step to the side and possibly a finger touched to the mouth will do.

but also, and on a very different note, i think all the time about the dedications in the series of unfortunate events books.

#ask meme

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keyshui · 1 year

Text

i present to you, a very unserious post in which i insult every NHL team!

(this is all exaggerated so don’t get mad at me)

anaheim ducks - why is it that 1/3 of the way through the season you remember how to play hockey? like at this point it’s useless since you’re not making the playoffs and if you keep up like this you sure aren’t getting bedard

arizona coyotes - i do not like your jerseys. you would be forgettable but you suck too much for it

boston bruins - the only thing your team has going for you are your goalies and i hope next season you end up where the ducks are rn: not good enough for the playoffs and not bad enough for the draft lottery. sorry garnet hathaway (please come back)

buffalo sabres - i can define your entire team in one word: disappointment

calgary flames - anything good about you died when matthew tkachuk decided to go to florida. sorry!

carolina hurricanes - something about the “canes” nickname annoys the shit out of me. i hope you get a first round exit purely so the fans enjoying their team being good for once can be upset about it

chicago blackhawks - do i even have to say anything? because ew

colorado avalanche - literally how did you win the cup last year? thanks for the cup winning goalie btw <3 kuemper is better as a cap

columbus blue jackets - you don’t deserve bedard and i hope you lose the lottery since you’re clearly not pulling yourself out of the tank like the ducks

dallas stars - your jerseys are fucking ugly and the only stars player i can think of is tyler seguin (seriously… why that green…)

detroit red wings - you have the most obnoxious fan base i have ever had the displeasure of being in the same stadium with. LET GO OF THE 90s!!! PLEASE

edmonton oilers - how do you have two of the best players in the league and still manage to fail to get a cup every single playoffs

florida panthers - honestly if it weren’t for matthew tkachuk trade and the all stars game you’d be a dying, forgettable team

los angeles kings - i literally cant think of anything to put here. that’s how little you matter.

minnesota wild - one time in like 2019 the wild squished the caps at a game i was at so i decided that the wild suck. other than that y’all are so forgettable that i don’t have anything else to say

montreal canadiens - how is it that you keep managing to get beaten so so badly by teams that suck?

nashville predators - uuuugly ass jerseys and stuuuupid ass name

new jersey devils - jack hughes isn’t as hot as y’all think he is both in terms of attraction and skill

new york islanders - i hold a deep seated hatred for all new york city teams. you and your fanbases are so goddamn annoying

new york rangers - same with the islanders except 10x worse purely because of the little rivalry the caps hage with you (hope tom wilson squishes you tonight <3)

ottawa senators - really says something about your team that you had to name brady tkachuk of all people captain

philadelphia flyers - literally what is your logo i hate it. the only thing you have going for you is gritty and even that gets tiring REAL fast

pittsburgh penguins - i don’t care if the caps/pens rivalry doesn’t exist anymore it’s ingrained into me i hate you all and especially sidney crosby. you’re an aging team. retire already. ovechkin is better and malkin is overhyped

san jose sharks - wasted a sick ass team name on a depressing team

seattle kraken - y’all were doing so good at the start of the season what the hell happened. now it’s just disappointment…

st. louis blues - you’re one of those teams that i forget isn’t fake sometimes. like you’re not forgettable you’re just not… real

tampa bay lightning - i don’t get the hype the fanbase has for vasilevsky and your gray/yellow jerseys are way better than the normal ones

toronto maple leafs - auston matthews is not hot even slightly y’all just have competency kinks and it’s sad

vancouver canucks - quinn hughes looks so haunted and depressed all the time for a reason

vegas golden knights - did y’all think you were being funny when you decided to match with the kings?

washington capitals - jesus fuck just retire the entire goddamn team at this point. stop sending your prospects to the ahl and fucking play them if you want to give your roster some “youth” (i’m looking at you gmbm & laviolette)

winnipeg jets - if it weren’t for the fact that i used a website to make this list alphabetical order i would’ve forgotten you

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sergeifyodorov · 4 months

Note

if mo punched their GOALIE ? we would get a LINE BRAWL

i think this is like... specifically an Event tbh. like... okay, it's 2018. january, some western league guy their age is a calder favourite. oilers and leafs playing each other for the first time this season, mcdavid's won his first hart. willy does one of his classic Willy Rushes and stops right next to mike smith, a notoriously foul-tempered bastard -- in our universe, mike smith won't become an oiler for another few years. in this one, they trade for him now. it is one of their better decisions (that, as oiler decisions often are, will become worse later.)

smith hisses something at willy that makes him clench his jaw and skate away. he is composed. he is trying to be composed.

you see, up until now, the oilers and leafs have been civil. not very civil, but civil -- an extra slashing or roughing call a game, an extra couple of chirps, an uptick in hits, but it's two games a year so people don't notice. but the players do. and the players all know why.

(or, a select few of them know why. ryan nugent-hopkins asks to take faceoffs against stromer whenever he can. connor cannot tell him how much this both helps and hurts.)

the leafs get a power play soon, nothing too spectacular. offensive zone trip, not malicious, they just happen. bit of a dive from naz, but that's kind of his specialty. the power play is different, though, the leafs' clean, almost too-perfect setup made a mess by the oilers' pkers, and the leafs play harder and harder until all nine skaters and smith end up in the crease. mike gives willy a shove, a gentle movement out of the crease

(--slightly less than gentle, but this is hockey--)

and morgan, who will not abide, just snaps. goes for him. he's been patient, he thinks, in the split second between his glove coming off his hand and his hand connecting with smith's unmasked, unprotected cheek. he's waited to see if the guys will let this calm down on their own, but it is left to rot and there is nothing we can do but turn the log over and expose what is underneath.

the line brawl lasts twenty minutes. morgan is suspended, clay keller loses a fang. there's an image, almost famous, of leon, the sole face turned towards the camera as oilers and leafs alike surround the net, with his lip split and a perfect, blood-red stream bisecting his chin, dripping onto his jersey. there is another smear of blood on his forehead. it is obviously not his.

#asks #amatts is born a week early au

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crossbackpoke-check · 5 months

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56 and any Yamo pairing! 🫶

i just wheezed so hard when i saw what the song was i almost snorted coffee out of my nose i am so sorry for this one

#56 - kyoto phoebe bridgers + yamo

the story of how this song ended up on my wrapped is too long so it’s going in the tags but. let me set the scene for you.

2026 NHL GLOBAL SERIES™️ JAPAN - Presented by YPPI

November 13 & 14, 2026: Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks

Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

It’s a pitiful excuse of a consolation prize for not being able to go to the Olympics, but Kailer’s not going to look a vacation horse in the mouth. The arena’s cool. It’s huge. The people are cool. There’s so many more of them than he thought there’d be with jerseys that have his name on the back, and a lot more that have the familiar orange and blue. He takes a picture of the fifth Oilers Yamamoto jersey he signs—this one’s the good Reverse Retro—and texts it to Connor, says,

no one here has even heard of mcjesus

and gets a moon face emoji in response. Leon’s influence. Kailer’s still never really deciphered what that one means, and he doesn’t think Connor knows either.

They don’t have a lot of time off between games, but Kailer’s trying to be a good tourist. His dad had been so happy when Kailer had told him about the series that Kailer’d had to stop him from trying to book a flight a year in advance, and his mom’s been just as bad, sending him every article she sees about Best New Spot in Tokyo! Cool Restaurant! Have You Seen This Japanese Cat Café? that she scrolls across on Facebook since June. Suzy’s in the same boat, so they’ve been crossing off their compiled travel-guide list together, looping in as many guys as they can. Everyone’s been pretty game. All the teams are crammed into close quarters at the same hotel, which means everyone wants to spend as much time as possible outside of it, and it helps that Kailer’s gotten pretty close with all the other guys that the NHL picked up as Global Series figureheads. Robo’s memes? Absolutely fire. The groupchat loves them.

For every item he crosses off the list, Kailer takes a picture and keeps it tucked in his phone notes. It’s like speed-running a scavenger hunt—they’re only here for four days—but he’s doing a pretty good job. His favorite so far has been all the gardens. They’re stunning, trees shining bright red and yellow, and every vendor has been selling maple candies, maple cakes, and even fried maple, though the official maple festival doesn’t start until next week. The second garden he visits, he does it on his own after practice, buying two cakes from a cart near the gate and walking until he loses the bustle outside. It’s easy to get lost in the winding pathways, heading deeper into the quiet, and there’s dozens of benches underneath the burnished leaves where young couples are tucked away on dates, or old friends are laughing and catching up. In some of the little clearings, there’s small shrines where people leave offerings, a prayer for good luck or good fortune.

Kailer stops at one without any people and sets the second maple cake on top of it, then sits and scrolls through all the texts that he’s missed. His mom gets replied to with a picture of him outside the garden gate, grinning and surrounded by other travelers. He sends his brother a picture of a trashy graphic I Love Japan t-shirt with the threat that he’ll buy one for him, and Kailer’s dad gets a picture of the meticulously arranged and cut bonsai that are across from the bench where he’s sitting. The Seattle groupchat gets a recycled meme from Robo, and he gets two thumbs up and an “LMAO” before he can even exit the thread. Finally, Kailer takes a picture of the half-eaten maple cake in his hand, holding it next to a fallen maple leaf on the bench, and gets halfway through typing another message before he thinks better of it.

(On the plane over, Drieds was reading them a story about how when they first introduced the high-speed railway, people were afraid to use it because they thought it would be too fast for their souls to keep up.

“Bro, if that were true, you just left your soul in the middle of the Pacific,” Ebs had laughed. “Planes are faster than trains.”

“Are they?” Matty asked. “Isn’t the train in Japan the fastest in the world?”

Drieds couldn’t make it through the rest of the story over the sound of everyone ripping Matty to shreds, so Kailer didn’t get to ask whether or not they found out anything about planes. Kailer’s not worried about his soul, but the logic makes a strange kind of sense; after all, he traveled 429 miles in five and a half hours once, and that was a little too fast for his heart to keep up.)

Fuck it. Kailer’s been trying to write a response for the past ten days, and he’s sick of swiping in and out of the message, staring at the keyboard so long he starts to see swirls in his vision.

Kailer drafts the text again and sends it, no context, no caption. A text travels faster than a high-speed train or a jet. Maybe it’ll pick his heart back up on the way.

#I don’t know how this song ended up on my Spotify wrapped because phoebe bridgers is too emotionally damaging for me to listen to like.#at all unless i am In It HOWEVER. there is this one silly video that brings me so much joy and made me feel semi-reasonable about listening #to kyoto & it’s the one video of the two painter guys painting the room & the lil guy is being a menace & the other guy just looks at him s #fondly & so lovingly & is that not the thesis of kailer yamamoto. be small be a menace be beloved by everyone. ANYWAY #liv in the replies #look this was going to be such a different thing and then. my brain went HEY BUDDY GUESS THE FUCK WHAT kyoto is a city in Japan.#day off in kyoto. guess who’s Japanese. guess what the nhl loves to do as HIFE publicity. also growing the AAPI audience is HUGE and i thin #they should. like originally i had NO idea what this was going to be (i’m so lying. the line ‘i’m gonna kill you’ but incredibly fond a la #the two painters video kept replaying in my head and i was like l m a o. klimmer & kailer. no plot all vibes it’s klimmer & Kailer that’s i #there is no real plot there is no actual idea the amount of googling that i did to write just this is UNREASONABLE i would love to be norma #about anything ever but i ALSO invented so much backstory to this that has no way of appearing in the actual fic and also jokes for ME #for instance. YPPI is the american manufacturer for yamaha motorcycles and. suzuki. yamamoto. (it’s not my brainworms it’s due to a fancam)#respectfully also i cannot write this fic. i have never been to japan and i think it would take me eight years to google enough #to be relatively comfortable like y’all have never seen the extensive research i put in to fucking phiLLY and a whole other COUNTRY???#where the premise of the fic is learning how to be a tourist in your life and sometimes you have to grow out of things?#yeah i AM going to make something with the idea of Momijigari and life is ephemeral. is that a plot? no it’s vibes.#kailer goes to japan in the fall and realizes he’s a liar. who lies. (he misses [redacted]) (the redacted is because i haven’t decided)#also also. the garden reference is because a) i spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON GOOGLE and found out things to do in saitama and also that #kailer’s grandpa had a meticulous garden and i just think that’s neat #hiding-from-reality-56 #random ficlet is unbeta’d un-anything’d i don’t know WHERE this came from or the real plot of it at all. ok thanks byeeeee

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stereax · 10 months

Note

GOT AN IDEA

tell me whos gonna get the cup next year. like who would u say will get it. ik u cant say but who you do think it will be, lets make predictions

Hmmmmm. I did do a bit of an analysis on that a bit ago, but with Free Agency Frenzy almost fully in the rearview mirror, things have changed...

Here are my WAY too early predictions for the playoffs.

Metro -

1. Devils - Conference Leaders

2. Hurricanes

3. Rangers

4(WC2). Penguins

Atlantic -

1. Maple Leafs

2. Panthers

3. Bruins

4(WC1). Senators

Central -

1. Stars

2. Avalanche

3. Predators

4(WC1). Wild

Pacific -

1. Golden Knights - Conference Leaders

2. Oilers

3. Kraken

4(WC2). Kings

This would give us a bracket as follows:

Devils v Penguins

Hurricanes v Rangers

Maple Leafs v Senators

Panthers v Bruins

---

Stars v Wild

Avalanche v Predators

Golden Knights v Kings

Oilers v Kraken

My picks to win?

Devs v Pens - Devs. Even though I give the Pens a playoff berth (which they really could blow) because of some of the good short-term moves Dubas has made to solidify the team, I really doubt they can beat the Devils in a seven-game series. Devs v Pens games always have the aura of "our grandparents threw a party and we were the only ones that came". They're just too old to make a serious Cup run. And Jarry is more often injured than not.

Canes v Rags - Rags. The top three teams in the Metro last year have what could be described as a rock-paper-scissors relationship. Devils overpower Rangers through offense, Canes stifle that offense with good defense, Rangers goaltending blocks Canes volume shooting. Plus, Shesty's mad.

Leafs v Sens - Sens. That's a hot take, but let me justify it. Despite the Leafs breaking the curse this year, they have many glaring issues - most notably, they've gotten way worse over this offseason and are even more cap-strapped than usual. They can't really acquire at the trade deadline even if they want to. On the flipside, the Senators' main issue was goaltending. They got a good goalie in Koorpisalo. I do see this going six or seven, but I honestly believe the Sens can upset the Leafs.

Cats v Bruins - Cats. The Cats already beat the Bruins last year. Arguably better Cats versus clearly worse Bruins? Not even a contest.

Stars v Wild - Stars. The Wild can't seem to crack the first round and they're dealing with $14.7m in dead cap. Contrast with the Stars, who are able to make deep runs for the Cup and don't have $14.7m less to play with. Easy choice here.

Avs v Preds - Preds. The Preds made some really good moves in free agency, adding Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn, among others. The Avs lost their captain for another year and coped by signing Miles Wood to a 6x2.5. Holy overpay. It's almost like they're trying not to contend.

Knights v Kings - Knights. The Kings are an aging husk of a team that managed to lose the PLD trade where Winnipeg was begging for anyone to take him. The Knights just won the Cup. How is this a contest?

Oilers v Kraken - Kraken. The Kraken have depth and have four solid lines of players. The Oilers shipped off Yamamoto and Kostin to the Red Wings for literal table scraps. Darnell Nurse is on one of The contracts in history. Campbell is massively underperforming. C'mon, further the tragedy of the Edmonton Oilers. I know you want to.

Round 2 becomes:

Devils v Rangers

Panthers v Senators

---

Stars v Predators

Knights v Kraken

Predictions:

Devs v Rags - Devs. Shesty probably gets a panic attack when he sees Timo's smiling face. The Devils have learned that the speed game is paramount for them (which is what they use to beat the Penguins as well) and they can track meet the Rangers seven days a week. This really becomes Devils Offense versus Shesterkin. I think the Devils win this one.

Cats v Sens - Cats. This one's gonna set some penalty minute records. The Tkachuks are going to kill each other and their teams' penalty kills. While the Sens upsetting the Cats would be ironic and further a Senators Cinderella Run, I think the Cats win here. I mean, one solid hit on Stützle and half the offense is gone.

Stars v Preds - Stars. The Predators have a Saros, the Stars have an Oettinger. What the Stars have is their top point scorer NOT being a defenseman. That's right - the Preds' top point scorer last year was a defenseman (Roman Josi). I put the Preds above the Avs because the Avs are seemingly trying to be bad now, but I can't put them above the Stars.

Knights v Kraken - Kraken. I just want to see a battle of the expansion teams in the playoffs. Giving the edge to the Kraken only because of Knights playoff fatigue, but it can go either way. Just make it happen, Bettman. That's all I want.

So the Conference Finals become:

Devils v Panthers

Stars v Kraken

My predictions here?

Devs v Cats - Cats. This one could REALLY go either way. I'm giving it to the Panthers because they're a more physical team that the Devils have historically struggled with. Expect this to go to six or seven if nobody's injured.

Stars v Kraken - Stars. I think the Stars beat the Kraken seven days a week. There's no real reason for this (maybe outside of Oetter>Grubi) but just a general vibe that the Stars are just the better team in that matchup.

So your Stanley Cup Final is:

Cats v Stars.

And my winner?

Stars. Anything can happen in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This one can go either way (damn, I've said that before). I'm calling Stars in six or seven because I think they can be slightly more consistent over the Cats, who can be notorious for being hot and cold. Once again, injuries will play a big role here - if Robertson, for example, is out of commission, the scales tip drastically towards the Cats. If Benn is injured it might be better for the Stars...

#stereanswers #stereanalysis

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golden-knights-of-the-realm · 10 days

Text

The Golden Knights lose the final game of the season in a game I was sure that they could win. Turnovers galore and pucks that should have been saved were the cause of this loss. The Ducks scored two goals in the first minute and a half of the third and that was what lost us the game as we could not come back at all.

The Golden Knights goal was scored by Eichel with assists from Theodore and Karlsson.

There were over twenty shots in this game and only one went in, I know they were trying to take it easy but it would have been nice to see a win before the playoffs. There was even a hat trick for the Ducks by Vatrano.

Final score: 4-1

I really think that Thompson should start game one and I honestly think that Hill has really struggled since he came back from injury and it has been worrying.

Depending on how the Blackhawks and Kings game goes, we will be facing either the Oilers or Stars. If the Kings win it’s the Stars and if the Blackhawks win then we play the Oilers. I don’t know who I would rather have us face. (As of the writing of this post the Kings are in the lead 3-1 in the third and it seems like we will be playing the Stars).

We couldn’t even score during a six on four this makes me terrified for the playoffs because it is looks like we will be playing the Stars first round because with this loss and a Kings win we will be falling back to the second wildcard spot in the west.

Thank you all for following along with my regular season recap posts, the next time I make a recap post it will be of a playoff game! I have really enjoyed writing my thoughts out about each of the games and I am planning on continuing these next season. 💛🤍

#nhl hockey #hockeyblr #nhl #ice hockey #hockey #nhl players #hockey players #vegas golden knights #vgk #golden knights #vgk hockey #vgk lb #golden knights hockey #golden knights lb #vegas golden knights vs anaheim ducks #vegas golden knights hockey #vegas golden knights lb

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ladylooch · 9 months

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Letters in Your Last Name - Chapter 15

A/N: I also kinda hate GMBG for what he did to us, Sam. I KNOW okay. I kNOWWWWWW about the cap hell okay. But still. FiFi should have retired a Wild player and I will never forgive Billy for taking that from us.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: Angsty (this is really a theme in these chapters RN), Swearing, lil smidge of smutty themes.

Things are decidedly NOT okay.

I listen intently, standing in my brother’s kitchen 6 weeks later as he describes his conversation earlier this morning with Wild General Manager, Bill Guerin.

“I believe what he’s saying. They thought I would squeak through waivers because I’m still rehabbing. Unfortunately, Edmonton has a lot of goalie uncertainty, so they decided to grab me.” My brother takes off his Wild hat and runs a hand through his hair. Yep, no longer a Minnesota Wild player, my brother will now be an Edmonton Oiler for at least the remainder of this season.

“How… are you even going to get into Canada?” I wonder when I find my voice after the initial shock wears off. “Canada is not letting in international travelers.”

“Well, I’ll be considered a business traveler. The team is working on getting my visa approved. Then I’ll be able to cross the border. What sucks is I still have to quarantine for 14 days. I can’t seem to get around that hurdle.” He mutters in annoyance. Understandably so considering COVID is what created his heart condition in the first place.

“When are you leaving?”

“As soon as I can get packed. I’m going to start driving up as far as I can.”

“You’re driving!?” I gasp. From here to the Canadian border is at least 5 hours in good driving conditions. From there, it’s another 15 hours to Edmonton

“It’s the only way at this point. Air travel is limited between here and Canada and I can’t book a flight until I have my visa.”

“This is such crap.” I snap, pushing away from the island.

“It is what it is, Sam. We can’t change it.” He sighs, coming around to give me a hug. I hug him back tightly and close my eyes, feeling the sadness take over my body. “Felicia is going to need your help while I’m gone. We decided her and the kids are going to stay here for now. The quarantine requirements are tough and we don’t know if the kids can handle a hotel that long.”

“Okay. Of course, I’ll be around for her.”

“Thank you.” He gives me one more tight squeeze before he releases me. “Alright, I have to finish packing and then I’m hitting the road.” I nod in response. “See you when I see you.”

“Bye, Al.” I sigh. We have certainly lived apart for several years previous to Alex joining the Wild, but this goodbye feels harder than any of those did. I swallow the lump in my throat and look down at my phone buzzing on the counter. It’s Kevin. I click ignore because I can’t talk to him right now. I’ll lose it. And I don’t want to do that in my brother’s house when he already has enough stress.

Felicia joins me in the kitchen as Kevin’s text comes through.

I’m home. Where are you?

I type in a quick response. With Alex and Felicia. Go ahead and eat without me. I’m going to be awhile.

“This sucks.” Felicia greets me with a hug. I rub her back comfortingly when we step apart.

“Yeah… I’m here for you though. Just let me know what you need.”

“I will. My mind is so scattered right now that I can’t think of what that is yet. But I’ll let you know. Thank you.” She sighs and grabs her cup of now cold coffee from the island.

“Did you talk to the kids?” I ask her.

“We did. Sawyer is beside himself, but I don’t think Serena really knows what is happening.” We share a sad look and I have to drop my gaze so she doesn’t see the tears forming in my eyes.

It’s going to be a rough day.

A few hours later, I make my way back to mine and Kevin’s apartment in Minneapolis. The whole drive I’m going through the motions until I pull into my spot in our garage next to Kevin’s car. I release a heavy sigh and resist the urge to break down into tears. In the grand scheme of things, this is not the end of the world. But it’s certainly heavy and hard.

“Hey.” Kevin jumps up from the couch when I enter our apartment. “I heard about Al at practice.” He is crossing the room to me and takes note of the scowl on my face. I’m seemingly going through the stages of grief as I take note of the hostility I feel burning in my chest. I want someone to blame and considering Billy Guerin put my brother on waivers, he seems like a great person to start with.

“Fuck Billy.” I scowl at Kevin.

“Okay, get it out now.” He encourages me. “Definitely don’t say that to his face if you see him at the game later.”

“I’ll tell him to his face. I don’t care!” I snap at him, throwing my purse on the counter. “Like what the fuck!? An international team change in the middle of a global pandemic when he has a young family!?”

“Babe, Billy doesn’t have control over who picks him up off waivers… He was trying to move him to Iowa so he could continue to rehab. Al hasn’t even played this year. It probably seemed unrealistic that a team would take a gamble like that.

“Whatever. It’s still his fault.” I cross my arms over my chest, hating that Kevin is being so reasonable about this.

“Are you okay?” Kevin asks after a moment of silence.

“No!” I squawk before bursting into tears.

He comes around the counter and wraps me into his arms. I squeeze myself to him, digging my fingers into his back as I cry. This sucks. There are no other words to describe it. It just does.

“I’m sorry, babe. If you want to stay home tonight, I understand.” He murmurs. The Wild play the Kings at the Xcel at 7:00pm. Going there and knowing my brother has no part in this team anymore will be difficult. But, I’m not just Alex’s sister anymore. I’m Kevin’s girlfriend and he deserves my support.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll go.” I nod, pulling away and wiping my tears off my face.

“Okay… But promise me you’ll avoid Billy.” He looks into my green eyes, his brown orbs serious. He sees the fire in them and his expression turns a little nervous. “I’m serious, Sam.”

“I know, Kevin.” I snip at him. “I’m not a fucking idiot.” I start to walk away from him, heading into our bedroom for some alone, self-wallowing. “And don’t tell me what to do.” I mumble over my shoulder at him.

Kevin’s hand comes to his mouth and I can tell he is trying to stifle a laugh at how childish I’m being. He purses his lips and nods his head at me in understanding.

“Don’t.” I seethe at him, watching his brown eyes dance in amusement. “I’m really upset.”

“I know, but it’s kinda sexy watching you get all mad.” He finally releases the laugh, unable to hold it in any longer. He licks his lip as his eyes dip to my chest, taking in my flushed skin.

“I’m not going to have sex with you! My brother just got moved to a different team. For fuck’s sake, Kevin.”

“Okay. I mean, I’m disappointed, but I understand.”

“You have two hands attached to your body that can help you out.” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Sure.” He nods to me, crossing the room to where I am- his hands still stuffed into his pockets, his shoulders all casually relaxed. He licks his lip as he looks down at me. “But when you want me as a distraction, I’ll be out here… ready for you.” He leans down and places his lips against mine. His tongue is suggestive as it slides against my bottom lip and it takes everything in me to stay rigid. “Five minutes maybe?” He challenges as he pulls a breath away from me to look into my eyes. He sees right through my fake resistance.

“Just for that smart comment, it’ll be 10.”

“I’m a patient guy.” He grins at me, patting my butt lightly before crossing the room to the couch. _ _ _

Walking into the Xcel Energy Center without Felicia this evening was terrible. There is no other way to describe it. I felt the urge to burst into tears when I shuffled inside, but I barely made puck drop, so I was encouraged to press forward and get to the Family Suite. When I entered, the other girls were so sweet, giving hugs and gentle reassurances of the shitty situation to me. I made it through all of those and only cried when Lauren wrapped me in a hug.

“Sometimes, this league sucks.” She assures me as we sit next to each other in the seating area about half way through the first period.

“It’s just been a tough few months with them and now this is kind of the icing on the crap cake.” I mutter, crossing my legs and arms tightly to shield myself from the uncomfortableness of it.

“Absolutely. It’s been tough for you too. I’m here if you need to talk or vent or cry.”

“Thanks, Laur. I know… I think tonight I’d rather just focus on Kevin.” I give her a sad smile and she nods her head in understanding.

We turn our attention to the ice where the Wild are already ahead 1-0. The puck is in the Minnesota end and I cringe as I see Kaapo Kahkonen sprawling on the ice after being crashed into by a few players from both teams. The net is wide open as the puck comes to the blue line. But Kevin is there. He executes a perfect poke check before he is dashing down the ice on a breakaway. Three Kings players rush after him, but Kevin is too fast. He is down the right side boards, creating just the right amount of space, before he cuts into the center of the slot. He pulls the puck to his forehand and a quick shot snaps the twine behind Jonathan Quick.

“YES!” I scream, jumping to my feet and clapping with the rest of the arena. Kevin celebrates and grins as his teammates mob him. I watch his face on the Jumbotron and feel some of the sadness in my heart ease away.

The first period ends with the Wild ahead 3-0. I feel we can all breathe a little easier. The Kings are a pretty lackluster team these days and the confidence of another Wild win is building in the arena. I avoid mingling with the other girls at intermission and instead stay silent in my seat. I send Felicia a quick text to check in and she assures me that all is well in the Stalock household.

The second period begins and the rest of the girls return to their seats. I take the opportunity to grab a snack- a handful of pretzels- along with an alcoholic beverage. Soon, I settle back into my seat with my cider and watch as Kevin returns to the ice for a face-off in the Minnesota zone. The play begins with the puck bouncing back to center ice. Kevin takes off in pursuit quickly, zeroing in on the defenseman as he turns to grab the puck. Kevin lifts his stick as both players turn towards the corner. At the last moment, Kevin pushes to guide the defensemen into the boards, but the King’s player catches an awkward edge and goes flying into the boards face first, crumpling up from the momentum. Kevin falls into the boards too and the resulting image is awkward and concerning.

“Oh my god!” I exclaim, my hands coming to cover my face. I watch as the teams begin to pile up to fight and Kevin becomes consumed by the hockey players on the ice. The King’s player, Matt Roy, has crumpled to the ice, but thankfully he seems to be able to move. I close my eyes and say a quick thanks to the Hockey Gods before turning my attention back to the pile where Kevin is. Eventually, the player that has Kevin in a headlock is taken care of by Jared Spurgeon. Kevin immediately turns from the scrum and goes to Roy who is still down on the ice. The ref is pushing Kevin away insistently to the penalty box. As he skates away, Kevin keeps looking back in obvious concern.

“Ugh Kevin…” Lauren grimaces at me. “Yikes.”

It takes a few minute for the training department for the Kings to get Roy off the ice. Every second feels like minutes as they talk with him, heads down seeing to the extent of how serious this is. Thankfully, within a few more minutes, Roy is up, skating off on his own power. I clap graciously in response and turn my attention to the penalty box where Kevin is waiting. The refs are still discussing on the ice what to do. They break apart and the Wild penalty box opens for Kevin to skate out to the bench. Game misconduct.

I look at the large scoreboard hanging from the ceiling, seeing there is still well over half the second period to go before the game is over. Kevin disappears to the Wild locker room and the game begins again without him.

“That might turn into more than just this game.” I mutter to Lauren. “I hope Roy is okay.” My finger nail comes to my mouth and I chew on it uncertainly. My legs begin to bounce nervously and I just want to see Kevin. He’s never been ejected from a game before, but my understanding is he will stay in the locker room for the remainder of the game. I purposefully do not reach out to him as I want to be respectful of whatever else he may need to do now that he is off. I’m sure there are a few conversations to be had.

The rest of the game is a blur of motion. The Wild end up winning the game 5-3, but it hardly feels like a win to me. I’m too worried about Kevin. I’m not sure what to expect when I do see him.

As we head down to the elevators, Lauren and I chat with Shyla.

“Poor Kev. That was tough to watch.” Shyla says as we enter the elevator.

“Yeah.” I respond, folding my arms across my chest. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he is facing a suspension.”

“Probably.” Lauren agrees with me. “Timing sucks too because he’s been playing lights out.”

“I know.” I sigh, running a frustrating hand through my hair. “We will just have to see.”

When we reach the ground floor, the elevator doors open and I step out, surprised to see Kevin waiting for me in the hall. I slow my pace and stop next to him, waving to Lauren and Shyla.

“Chin up, Kev.” Lauren squeezes Kevin’s arm as she walks by him. He gives her a smile that looks more like pursed lips than anything else.

“Not ideal.” I say when Kevin’s eyes meet mine. He responds by pushing himself off the wall and starting towards the player’s parking lot. At this point, congratulating him on the goal seems like a moot point.

“Nope.” I hear him mutter from in front of me.

“What’s going to happen?” I ask when I catch up to him, lacing my arm through his. He doesn’t pull away but he also doesn’t attempt to get closer to me.

“I’ll probably have a hearing with the league tomorrow. At least that’s what Dean and Billy think. They said they would let me know when they hear.”

“Ugh.” I grunt out, pursing my lips in displeasure. Can this day get any worse? I glance at his face and it’s set in a hard, unforgiving frown. “Don’t beat yourself up.” I say to him, watching as his brown eyes darken. “Hey. It was an accident.” I pull him to a stop and he pulls away sharply before running a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Sam, I just want to get home. Can we not talk about this right now?” He starts to walk again. I follow him silently, knowing it’s best if I back off. The sound of my boots hitting the pavement claps back to us as we walk to where Kevin’s Audi is. We get inside and Kevin begins to drive us home. I slowly pull my seatbelt over me as we exit the parking ramp, heading back towards Minneapolis. We take I-94 for most of the way until we exit to wind our way back to our building.

“I didn’t mean to hit him like that.” Kevin finally whispers to me as we wait for a red light in downtown.

“I know, baby.” The tension inside of me dissipates at his words and I reach out to touch his cheek. My heart hurts for him as I watch the internal struggle rage just below the surface. “Hockey’s an unpredictable game. And sometimes it’s dangerous.”

“I thought he would go into the boards sideways, so I pushed.”

“I know. He lost an edge, Kev. It happens.”

“What if he isn’t okay?” He wonders, turning with fear in his gorgeous eyes.

“Honey, he skated off on his own. That leaves a lot of hope that he will be.” I rub his cheek with my thumb. “You’re a good man. It was an accident.”

He turns away from me and begins to drive when the light flips to green. We are silent the rest of the way to our building. I don’t know what to say to make it better, so I don’t even try. I hold his thigh in comfort so he doesn’t feel alone.

When we arrive at our building, we head directly to the elevators. Once inside, Kevin blows out a heavy sigh, closes his eyes while leaning against the wall. I purse my lips and look at him. It’s going to be a rough night and likely a couple of days as we navigate both this and Alex’s departure.

“I’m here.” I say quietly to him.

“I know.” He responds. The elevator dings and he walks out without me. I pause for a moment and then follow him down the hall. He opens the door and holds it open for me as we step inside. I shrug off my jacket as Kevin walks down the hall to our bedroom, presumably to change.

While he is in there, I take out a wine glass and give myself a healthy pour of Pinot Noir. I savor the first sip as it coats my mouth and slides down my throat. I take another healthy gulp as Kevin returns to the living room. He plops silently down on the couch and flips the TV on. The sounds of ESPN enter our apartment. Slowly, I move towards him, coming around the couch and standing in front of him. I push him back against the cushions gently and straddle him. My hands run to his shoulders then up to his neck to hold his cheeks in my hands. He melts instantly into my touch.

“This sucks.” I affirm to him, watching his face contort briefly into discomfort. “You can’t let it change you though. You know who you are. You know what type of player you are. Don’t listen to what anyone else has to say about what happened. You know your truth.” He nods in response and I pull him into my chest. His arms wrap desperately around my body as he buries his face deeper into my breasts. I hold him to me with one hand on the back of his head and the other across his shoulders. I gently rest my cheek against his head as well, wanting him to feel held and understood. We stay like that for several minutes.

“How do you always know what to say?” He mumbles to me.

“Tonight, it’s the wine.” I respond with a smile. He sighs out a laugh and nuzzles his nose against my breasts. His head rises and I pull back to look at his face. His features look more relaxed but there is still an edge of sadness to him.

“Thank you.” He tells me.

“I could suck your dick if that would help.” I suggest to lighten the mood. He sighs and runs his hands along my thighs.

“I love your mouth.” He pauses and looks at my lips. “But, for now, just come here.” He pats the seat next to him, so I flip to my side, snuggling into him. He slides his hand around me and dips into my jeans, groping my bare butt. I give him a look and he shrugs innocently.

I know exactly where the rest of this night is going.

#letters in your last name au #kevin fiala #Kevin Fiala Fic #los angeles kings #my writing #hockey fan fiction #hockey writing #NHL writing

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