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thedomesticanthropologist · 6 months

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Stay for the Sunrise [Sabal x Astarion] [m/m]

Heyyy guys! this is the first draft of my Tav/Astarion fic, its also a character study of my Drow Elf Monk, Sabal. I haven't edited it, its a first draft, but Im wondering if anyone is interested in reading it. If so, I may post to A03.

Eventually, it will be 18+/explicit but not in the first couple chapters.

"So... this is where we are stopping? ah, 'turning in for the night' as they say?"

The question was spoken with light hesitation, an undercurrent of vulnerability behind the attempt to remain casual. Sabal looked idly over at the uncertain High Elf before him, noting how he twisted his fingers together in front of him with nerves before releasing them to swing at his sides, restlessly shifting from foot to foot.

Astarion. The "magistrate" from Baldur's gate. Wholly convinced of his own charm and deceptions, but somehow severely lacking in the capacity to convince anyone else around him. But who was he, a Drow, to judge? they knew nothing of each other. Had met today, in fact, after falling from the sky and into each others lives in a manner that none would have ever been able to predict. If he wanted to lie (poorly) in an attempt to seem in control, then he could. It mattered very little to Sabal.

"... For tonight, yes. " He said slowly, calmly. Sabal had spent the last fifteen years on the Surface, wandering the Wilds and Civilization without much care for direction. In all that time, he had learned much about sleeping rough and making what you could out of what you could gather. Astarion was very obviously... what did they call it? 'fresh off the boat'. He knew this uncertainty well. It was a harsh thing, to have silk bedding and servants to feed you and brush your hair one day, and to be alone in the dark with nothing but your clothes the next.

He was... sympathetic.

Astarion's lips twitched as he chewed over how to respond to that. "It's funny- the night time usually means bustling streets, bursting taverns..." his voice took on a heady, heated tone as he spoke, obviously picturing the nights to which he was accustomed.

"This is.... a little novel, uh- to say the least." Their eyes met, and Sabal saw vulnerability. Questions that pride disallowed Astarion from asking. He didnt want to seem useless, or incapable - that much was obvious- but he was out of his element and about as lost as a man could be out here in the woods.

Sabal stood from his crouched position in the grass, casually sorting through the herbs he had just gathered as he considered how to handle the situation. Shadowheart and Gale were nearby, he noted, trying very hard to look like they werent listening in. What a mess this was already.

"What begins as novel can become quite natural in time. Today was rough on all of us, it is most natural to feel out of ones element. It is not every day that you get dragged through Avernus on a Nautiloid run by Illithids who have impregnated your mind with a life-ending time bomb in the shape of a toothed-worm." This blatant explanation was received easily, and Astarion snorted, crossing his arms over his chest protectively.

"Indeed." But he wasnt loosening up at all, if anything, it seemed the elf was regretting his decision to engage in conversation at all. Sabal tried again:

"A creature of the night, are you?" he asked lightly, trying to lighten the mood by drawing attention to how the high elf had spoken about Baldur's Gate and its bustling nightlife. To his surprise, Astarion looked gutted at this question, immediate panic flaring on his face. Sabal cringed inwardly and followed up as quickly as he could:

"What I mean to say is that you sound like you enjoy being out in the evenings. Are you used to staying up late?"

Relief. Immediate slumping of shoulders, a held breath let loose from his lungs in an audible huff.

"Ah, yes- I do so enjoy the taverns. Look, what I meant was- what is- what is expected of us this evening? do we simply bed down in the dirt like dogs?" Astarion's guard was way up now. Sabal had made some kind of grievous mistake in the last few moments, and he could see the white haired man starting to visibly back away from the conversation, no longer meeting his eyes but instead scanning the area for an easy and convenient escape opportunity.

".... Gale is tending to the fire, which will be in the center of camp. We scoured the beach quite thoroughly before finding you, and found it well supplied. We have food enough for us all, and a pot to cook it in once the fire is hot enough. We will place our bedrolls around the fire for warmth. It may not allow for privacy, but it will take a few days to gather enough resources to build proper transportable shelter." Speaking as one would to a spooked horse or wild animal with its leg caught in a trap, Sabal let himself over-explain the situation in a voice both soft enough to soothe and loud enough that their other camp mates would overhear easily.

"Shadowheart will sort through what we have liberated from the victims of the crash, so we can have an inventory of resources before we pack up tomorrow. There are enough bedrolls and packs that we should all be functional in the days ahead. Perhaps it may seem like sleeping 'in the dirt', as you say, but a bedroll is much preferred to the dirt itself. However... it has been quite a long day. These herbs," neatly sorted in his nimble hands, the flowering herbs smelled beautiful as he raised his hand and waved them in front of Astarion,

"Will make a calming tea to soothe the nerves. I was just waiting for the fire to be ready before I brewed some. Would you like a cup?"

Again, somehow, this was the wrong thing to say. Astarion eyed the herbs like they were feces, wrinkling his nose.

"Not my drink of choice, honestly. No."

"Alright. Well, I shall continue with my task regardless. Perhaps, since there is really only one job left, you could take it?"

Distrust and suspicion lingered in those crimson eyes as they flickered back to Sabal for a brief moment. He didnt trust whatever was about to be asked of him.

"And what job is that?"

"Night watch. Stay up, wander the perimeter. Keep us safe as we rest." *take time to yourself, decompress, process things, and get the space that you so obviously want from the rest of us*. It was an olive branch of a task, as they did not truly require a dedicated watch person in a camp this small with experienced travellers like himself who only meditated for a few hours a night. However, finally, he seemed to have said the right thing. That made for once, today, with this twitchy man.

"Ah! yes. You all get some much needed rest. I'll keep watch." Astarion was pleased, and thoroughly convinced that Sabal was giving him an important job that was going to be criminally easy as it already aligned with what he was intending to do for the night. Gale and Shadowheart both seemed to be nodding to themselves, happy to hear that their new camp mate was contributing to the team this evening.

Finally. All was settled. For tonight, at least.

As the velvety darkness of night descended upon the surface world and his human and half-elven companions took to their slumber, Sabal settled into a cross-legged position upon his bedroll, preparing for his nightly meditation. Many chose to lay on their backs for this, an illusion of sleep, but he was a Monk, and had no troubles taking a more wakeful pose. His muscles would hold his position well for the four hours required to rest and process through his memories, and he would subconsciously flex and stretch them in minimally-noticable ways so that when he finally roused it would be the same as if he had been supine all evening.

Tonight, his mind wandered through the events of the day only briefly before being dragged to the past. He walked the path of his past with calm, measured mental steps. Though Sabal was unable to drag himself away from his own story, he was no longer as troubled by its pains as he used to be. He was no longer the man he used to be.

His mind, attuned to the rhythmic pulse of the natural world and the internal functions of his body at last, drifted back into the abyssal depths of memory. It was a night etched in the shadows of Menzoberranzan, a city where treachery danced hand in hand with the spider goddess Lolth's whims.

In the recollection, Sabal was not the free elf beneath the moonlit canopy but the second son of House Zavrinn. The memory unfolded like a tattered tapestry, revealing the struggles within the labyrinthine corridors of power.

He saw himself, a young drow with silver hair and penetrating amethyst eyes, navigating the intricacies of a society where males were but chess pieces in a game of queens. His sisters, Ilvaria and Zira, stood tall in the hierarchy, their destinies woven into the fabric of Menzoberranzan's ambitions.

From a young age, Sabal was taught the harsh realities of drow hierarchy. Males, like him, were considered mere pawns in the intricate game of power. His elder sister, Ilvara, was the chosen heir, destined to carry the family's name to greater heights. His younger sister, Zira, was a jewel in the eyes of Lolth, displaying the rare gift of sorcery that promised to bring favor to their house.

Despite being relegated to the shadows of the matriarchal society, Sabal harbored dreams of rising above his predetermined station. His cunning and intelligence set him apart, but the rigid traditions of Menzoberranzan stifled his aspirations.

Ilvaria... Sabal felt his mind touch upon her. His grand and noble sister. Well, noble as in nobility, not so much in the spirit of the word. She had always seen her brother as useful, though, and that had been to his benefit. He had received martial training as well as pleasure-house training, dual wielding the life of a courtesan and a warrior with the grace of a tightrope walker. She had given him many missions into the tunnels, away from the city, and for that he likely owed her his life. Without that experience under his belt, the wild, twisting, deadly network of the Underdark tunnel systems would surely have been his death.

The memory's hues darkened as whispers reached Sabal's ears – the serpentine hiss of betrayal. He was pulled back to House Zavrinn, teetering on the edge of oblivion, facing the malevolent schemes of rivals. Loyalties crumbled like ancient caverns, and Sabal, with the keen instincts that marked him different from the pleasure-servants that most males were forced to become, felt the tremors of impending doom.

A clandestine ally emerged from the shadows, sought out in a moment of pure panic. A rogue untethered by house loyalties. Bargains were struck in the dimly lit corners, and Sabal, the pawn, became a player. The price for salvation was steep – the illusion of death.

In the memory, Sabal felt a very real and very painful, disfiguring slash across his handsome face. Part of the price. They had to see him taken down. The blood had to be real, for an illusion would fade. That part couldnt be faked. Then, the tickling touch of an illusionist's magic covering him as servants and family fell to poisoned blades around him. A life saving illusion of death draped over him like a shroud and he was discarded into the trash pit beneath the family's home, a deep hole leading down into the depths of the Underdark. His body, seemingly lifeless, came to rest near a concealed cache of survival.

In the blackness of the abyss, Sabal had awoken, disoriented and permanently scarred, but undeniably alive. He retraced the path in his memory, navigating the treacherous tunnelsof the Underdark for nearly a month until the cool night air of the surface kissed his face.

As Sabal watched this memory unfold in the sacred space of his elven meditation, the scars on his face tingled with phantom pain. The moon above him witnessed the duality of his existence – the memory of a past ensnared in darkness, and the present, where he sought solace beneath the silver light.

With the memory's conclusion, Sabal opened his eyes, his elven meditation complete. Sabal, the second son of House Zavrinn no more. Now, nearly fifteen years later, embarking on an unexpected journey where the shadows of Menzoberranzan were but a distant echo. Who would have thought that something MORE treacherous than his childhood home could exist in the overworld? then again, Illithid invasions werent particularly common. He just had a knack for finding trouble, it would seem.

The fire had burned down to nearly nothing, but the sun was still many hours from rising in the sky. Checking the bedrolls around him, he found the two faces he expected to see... and yet the third was still missing. Sabal stood, walking the perimeter of camp. He could see the tracks of Astarion's feet in the damp, dew-wet grass. Pacing. Wadering. Restless. But for this moment, at least, the pale elf was nowhere to be found.

He took his time finding the largest space of clear ground that he could, unobstructed by boulders or saplings, bushes or rabbit holes. It took some work to briefly clear a few small rocks, and soon, he was content. Time to start the day. His well-worn, simple shirt hit the ground with narry a sound, and his soft leather shoes soon followed. Bathed in moonlight and dressed only in his pants, the drow cracked his joints along his neck, hands, hips. There, ready. Slipping into a familiar routine, Sabal's breath synchronized with the ebb and flow of his movements, grounding him in the present moment. His muscles rippled beneath the moonlit skin as he transitioned into a series of advanced poses, finding balance and clearing his mind of the cobwebs of his past.

The moon bore witness to the drow-turned-monk, a creature of the Underdark adapting to the overworld's vastness. His movements were fluid, a dance of strength and grace that spoke of years spent mastering both the physical and mental aspects of his being. Each stretch, each controlled breath, was a testament to his resilience, learned patience, learned calm. None of these qualities had come naturally to him, but had been hard won instead over many years of determination and practice.

Sabal reached the conclusion of his exercises. His breathing came out with mild labour, heart pumping blood to each muscle with increased speed from his exertions. It was only then that he sensed a presence, a subtle shift in the air that raised the hairs on the back of his neck. Turning slowly, he faced the shadows where Astarion lingered half-hidden by the trunk of a tree.

The pale elf stepped into the moonlight, his features sharp and ethereal. His eyes met Sabal's gaze with a mixture of curiosity and interest. Astarion's expression, previously severely guarded, betrayed a hint of something a little more enigmatic.

"Quite the show you put on just now. Planning on saving any energy for the rest of the day?"

Though it was quippy and almost a barb, his drawling tone held no malice. Sabal heard interest, curiosity, and a little bit of 'Im impressed'. Despite his desire to remain cool and composed, the monk felt himself preening a little.

That was odd. He did not tend to preen. But then again, it had been well over a year since he last had a travelling companion. He was lonely, and despite the nature of their circumstances, he found himself struggling to be upset at suddenly having a team of people around himself. It was... nice, to feel those sharp eyes mapping him like a piece of meat. He liked it.

"Such movements provide energy. They help me focus my Ki, balance my mind. I am sharper, faster, and more capable for keeping them up. You have not yet rested?"

The so-called magistrate stepped soundlessly forward, moving with a very not-a-magistrate grace that clearly belied a more subtle, stealthy trade. Sabal was left to wonder, not for the first time, how he thought he was fooling anyone with his words about having lived a simple life. Surely today, when they inevitably ended up in battle, he would drop the act.

"I did, some. Enough."

"Then let us begin our day. I have a feeling it will be a long one."

#baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #bg3 fanfic idea #bg3 fanfiction #astarion #astarion romance #astarion ancunin #baldurs gate tav #astarion x tav #bg3 tav #monk oc #Sabal

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volleyball-dontknowher · 3 years

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Tell me you love me, Bokuto x reader

Words: 2.4k

Warnings: none, fluff, this is not angsty it is fluff please don’t take the title wrong

Summary: How does one ask the love of their life out when others hope to do the same thing

A/n: Guys this took me a couple days because I didn’t know how to write it then I had my sisters birthday and I spent a whole day lost downtown and so here it is lol sorry

^^NOt my gif

‘Everyone always hopes for a love at first sight type of love, and for Bokuto it was. The moment he walked into the class and saw you, the new girl, sitting at a desk talking to the girl next to you his heart instantly sped up and his cheeks flushed. He couldn’t stop looking over at you during class and the rest of the day all he could do was think about you and hope that you would be in one of his next classes. He was so excited to see you a couple more times throughout the day, like so excited he didnt know how to properly handle himself, or speak for that matter so when the teacher put you next to him all he could do was stare at you.

You outstretched your hand, “hi, I’m Y/n Y/l/n” you told him with a bright smile. With this bright gesture Bokuto also forgot how to breathe, all he could do was stare at you unblinking as he attempted to remember his own name. Lucky for him you saw another hand reaching over Bokuto’s desk.

“Akaashi Kenji,” he said with a tiny smile, “and this idiot is Bokuto Kotaro, nice to meet you.” He greeted before asking questions about where you were from and what classes you were in. Throughout this whole exchange Bokuto kept looking between the two completely awestruck at your beauty and completely jealous of Akaashi’s ability to have such a natural conversation with you. Before your conversation with Akaashi got too far the teacher promptly started class. The sigh of relief from bokuto was almost unreal, he was so thankful that he could now stare at the board and daydream instead of trying to act natural around you.

Bokuto was dumb, sure, but he also knew that you were absolutely gorgeous and that the other boys in the school would have to be blind deaf and stupid to not realize it. But he’d never felt this way so he had to make you his and he knew just what to do- write you a letter.

Bokuto spent all of practice muttering to himself trying to figure out what to say in his undying love letter. No one really paid him much mind because it isn’t unusual for him to mutter to himself and get really excited over absolutely nothing so it was just business as usual but when he got home was really when he was starting to make the magic happen.

Dear Y/n,

Hello Y/n, I’m Bokuto

The pretty girl next to me

I think you’re really pretty

“No no no no no,” Bokuto muttered to himself, he had been working on it forever and had made no progress and was now frustrated enough that he decided to give up.

Bokuto continued this cycle of trying to write to you and absolutely finally before he turned to Akaashi for help.

“Maybe actually talking to her will help,” he shrugged, not giving it very much thought.

Bokuto however took this as the most brilliant advice he’d ever heard. He immediately began treating you as though you were his absolute bestest friend and quickly got to know so much more about you. He even invited you to hang out and study with him and Akaashi without even realizing it until afterwards and he just sat in his chair in the library for another twenty minutes just thinking about how he had just spent time with you. He was so happy but so nervous because he thought that you might not have had fun but when you saw him the next day and told him it was fun his heart fluttered.

Everything was working out for the two of you but still Bo had no idea how to ask you out. He kept trying with the stupid letters and didn’t know how to say something actually impressive to you and at this point others had started looking at you two and this was the one time he didn’t want to seem like an actual idiot in fear of being rejected. So he continued writing.

Y/n, I know this seems weird to get a letter, but I just wanted to tell you that I think that you are absolutely gorgeous. Your eyes are like stars and I would love to stare into them all day, and hold your soft hand in mine as we go through life together.

What I mean to say is, Y/n will you go on a date with me.

Hi Y/n, This is Bokuto, I think that you are super pretty and super fun and I love being your friend, but since the moment I saw you I just knew that you aren’t

‘No no no’ Bo sighed frustrated that he kept making himself sound like a freaking creep, he just wanted to tell you that you are super cute and he just wants to kiss your face.

The days with you at school were always fun and filled with laughter but when he got home from practice he could only find himself missing your smile and your touch and just craving it like he’s never craved anything before. Bokuto wants nothing more than to kiss you goodnight and to cuddle on the couch and watch some horrible show that neither of you care about and just the idea of you coming to his games and cheering for him makes him want to work even harder. Then the possibility of you ever wearing one of his jerseys to a game gets him so excited he can hardly control himself- until he remembers that it’s all in his head-for now.

The worst day of the year was approaching, well according to Bokuto who just decided this on his own. He was not ready to ask you out because all of his letters had been horrible and he just knew that all of the boys would flock to you this Valentine’s Day and just the thought of it broke his heart. He just wanted to be as perfect as you deserved but he wasn’t and it was devastating.

Well he still couldn’t figure out the right thing to say and today was the day. He was dreading coming to school because he knew that your locker would be filled with perfect letters from other dumb boys and he was just hoping that they would say or do something stupid so you didn’t even acknowledge them. When he turned the corner and saw your desk covered in chocolates and flowers that had been placed there even before the first class had started and he was fuming. You however came in and smiled as you looked at the little to from notes and enjoyed a chocolate or two. You offered a couple to Bokuto because you know how much he loves them but he refused all of them and huffed as he stared straight forward the whole class, pretending to ignore you. Truthfully Bokuto had spent the time thinking about how he could do something grand to win your affection but he kept drawing a blank and mentally beating himself up. The rest of the day seemed to pass just as such, every class he entered had you sitting there with a new set of something from boys desperate to get your attention and Bokuto entering to a few gifts here and there that he quickly hid from you so you wouldn’t think that he has anyone interested in him.

You, Bo, and Akaashi studied in the library after school today for some big math test that none of you were ready for and you ended up doing a couple of problems before sitting there and talking for almost half an hour before the librarian got mad at you and kicked you three out. Slightly discouraged the three of you headed to a coffee shop for just a little bit before heading your separate ways.

When Bokuto got home he angerily dumped his bag on his bed and plopped down beside the pile of chocolates and letters that were gifted to him, unwilling to look at any of them. Little did he know that you did the exact same thing. You both ended up laying face down on your beds for what seemed like an eternity before you gave in and texted him first. You didn’t want to seem like a creep but you had been checking your phone nonstop and wanted to know the answer.

Hey um

Hey Bo, I just wanted to know if you got the love letter I wrote you

Sorry to bother you but did you happen to read the letter I wrote

Hey, does this mean it’s a no if so I can leave you alone

Well shit none of these worked, so there was only one choice.

You: Hey I like you, now read the letter I left on your desk

The moment his phone buzzed Bo popped right up and saw your message, he had no idea you wrote him a letter and this means that you had no idea that he did either. Bokuto had shoved all of the letters in his bag so quickly that he realized he never actually checked to see if one was from you, he just assumed that you were getting way too many things to possibly have been thinking of him and boy was he so wrong, but now he hoped that you had said the same thing that he had.

Bo: Read what I wrote you, in your backpack

He was grinning at this point and haphazardly threw the things one by one off the bed until he saw your messy handwriting on the front of a little piece of paper.

Hey Bo, I know it’s cheesy but do you want to go on a date with me? _ yes _ No ❤️ Y/n

Bokuto stood there in absolute shock, you had given him almost the exact same letter he had given you. You had no idea what he meant about it being inside your backpack but you didn’t care, you dumped your whole bag out only to find the paper the two of you had been doing problems on with his note scribbled on the bottom and tucked in your bag before you realized it. Little did you know that Bokuto had done another thousand stupid drafts in his head today before realizing your time together was almost up and he was too scared to ask you in person so he just settled for scribbling something quick down when you went to the bathroom and hoped that you found it eventually. It was one of those moments that only fate could have led you to and it was something that you were thrilled about.

Bokuto luckily messaged back first and you two set up a date two weeks later (he had a match this weekend and even though he wished he could skip it you refused and pretended you were busy as well) and the date went absolutely perfectly. The two of you just get along so well that there is little work ever needed in your relationship especially because Bokuto has gotten good at the one thing he dreaded most, writing love letters. Literally any time he thinks about you now he writes you a little letter and either gives it to you or sticks it somewhere for you to find later. At this point he has become a full poet and is writing you the most complex and emotional things that he didn’t even know he had the ability to do.

Dear Y/n,

Here I am on the bus to Nationals thinking about my darling love. You never fail to astound me with your brilliance and your uncanny ability to light a room up with just your smile. As I feel the nerves attacking my insides I am able to push them away at the thought that you are going to be there and cheering me on. Nationals will be over by the time that you read this but just know that you are my light and you keep me going every single day and I am going to bring a part of you onto the court today so I am able to be the best me because you truly are the better half of me.

With love,

Sometimes they are long and sweet but other times you now get little notes like this,

I farted here an hour ago and you just walked through its ghost cloud. Don’t forget I love you, Bokuto

Other times you got just what you needed,

Y/n, I love you so much and I hope you have an amazing day, I noticed that your lunchbox just happened to be emptied so I am taking it upon myself to bring you lunch at work today.

See you soon, B❤️ o❤️ k❤️ u❤️ t❤️ o

I love you

You never know what to expect from him but it always makes you beyond happy and you begin doing it back to him and you can always tell when he finds one of your letters because he either leaves it on the counter so it can dry from his tears staining the paper or he goes and finds you with the letter in his hand with big eyes like 🥺 “y/n, do you think this?” As he begins tearing up again and every time you reassure him that you love him more than you could ever put into words and he just lays his head in your lap and sobs because he is so happy and doesn’t know how to handle it.

Bokuto keeps every single letter from you and puts them in a scrapbook with his favorite pictures of you and little things from all of your dates and puts everything in time order even adds a new note to the end that you have to flip through the whole thing to see and gives it to you as a personal gift on your wedding night, his only regret is that he didn’t ask you sooner.

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help-i-need-a-cool-username · 2 years

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I didnt end up making anything for today (Day 9) so instead here's the first draft of a weapon for Day 26 (did i pick self-insert despite having 27 rwby ocs just so i could draw a spear... maybe)

Im not a engineer or a weapons expert so this is probably super impractical. But i figured if we hardly ever see anyone reload and everyone's weapon can shrink down to a travel size then i could stop researching polearms and just draw a spear that should work with grimm (long stick to repel, slashing edge and stabbing points to take it down, hook to grab a grimm's/opponent's leg) and try very hard to ignore the perfectionist in me who likes to have everything be as accurate as possible

#rwbymarch22 #hinacu rwby #rwby #weapon #self insert #i wanted a ranged weapon and then i made it two ranged weapons #can you tell i really dont want to be involved in close combat?#bruh i wouldnt even be a huntress id be a random person in like vale. but i wanted to do a weapon so

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yutasbirthchin · 5 years

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It’s Complicated

Text AU ft BAP and BTOB - Part 31

Previous / Next

a/n: I wanted a way to give a short update/add some story to some of the characters so here ya go. Also I get to introduce my favourite character!! I hope y'all love her as much as I do.

Junhong watched you peacefully sleeping and it filled his heart with joy, you were beautiful and you were his. But then he frowned. You hadn't shed a tear, in fact you'd barely spoken since you'd found out Mina was pregnant. He was worried about you. He was worried that he might lose you and, even worse, that you might actually believe Mina. He'd never had sex with her, of course he hadn't, he was loyal to you. The only exception being the occasional kiss with Mina to keep their relationship believable.

He had called his mother earlier to tell her about the Mina situation and she was on his side, which he was grateful for, he'd worried that Mina's family might have gotten to her first and filled her head with lies. He wondered if ‘dating’ Mina had ever been the right thing to do. As annoying as it was he would do anything to keep you, and that's what he had done. But was it the right decision? He didn't know. He didn't know where Mina would take things next, and that scared him. He shuffled forward in the bed slightly, tightening his grip around you waist so that he was closer to you. You stirred but didn't wake up. Junhong pressed a kiss to your head and smiled. He loved you more than anything.

Yongguk woke up to the feeling of kisses being peppered all over his face. He kept his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep but it wasn't long until he lost control and his lips pulled up into his usual gummy smile. He opened his eyes to see his girlfriend perched up in the bed leaning over him, his smile got wider. “Morning, baby.” He said, placing a hand on either cheek and pulling her down towards his lips. He then moved his hands down to her waist, pulling her down for a cuddle.

She snuggled into him and lay there enjoying the warmth but after a while Leyla struggled in his arms. “Awww, come on baby, I have to get up!” Yongguk shook his head.

“I don't want to let go.”

Leyla giggled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Well if you get up with me now we can have a shower and get dressed and eat together and you’ll have spent more time with me than if you just cuddle me for five more minutes.”

Yongguk made a noise as if he was thinking it over. “Sounds like a good idea.” He said eventually, but didn't loosen his embrace.

“You're so predictable.” She replied, rolling her eyes but she had a massive smile on her face. Yongguk went to kiss her but she dodged it. He tried again, but she maneuvered away. He pouted at her, making her laugh. “I love you.” Leyla placed a hand on his cheek, leaning in to kiss him.

“I love you too.” He said against her lips.

“Now come on.” Leyla shrugged his arms off, sitting up and grabbing his hand. “Time to get up.” she finished as she stood up, dragging him with her.

Sungjae groaned at the body squirming around on top of him and pulled the cover up over his head, only to have it pulled back. “Daddy, daddy, it's time to get up!!”

He looked over at Jess who was chuckling to herself. “It’s supposed to be your turn to get him up.” He whispered and she shrugged.

“He likes you more.”

“You’re lucky I love you.” He said as he sat up, coming face to face with Jess’ four year old.

“Daddy!!” Sam squealed in excitement and jumped on him, enveloping him in a big hug. Sungjae’s grumpiness dissolved, as it always did when he laid eyes on the adorable toddler.

“Good morning, Sammy.” He hugged him back and pecked his cheek before leaning forward to whisper in his ear. “Shall we jump on Mommy to wake her up too?” Sam nodded his head enthusiastically, a huge smile playing out on his face. Sungjae counted down silently on his hands and when he reached one the two of them pounced on Jess who was not expecting the attack and screamed in laughter.

Sungjae sat back watching Sam and Jess play around and couldn’t stop the pull of his lips. If you’d have asked him four or five years ago he would have said there is no way on God’s green earth that he would have ever dated a girl who already had a child. But three years ago when he’d met Jessica and her one year old he didn’t think twice about it. He was convinced it was the best decision he’d ever made.

He got up and stretched, walking around to the other side of the bed to pick up Sam, swinging him around and making him giggle. “Come on little one, let’s get you ready for preschool.”

Changsub walked into his class late as usual, receiving a roll of the eyes from his professor. What did he expect? Did he really think Changsub was going to get out of bed early enough to make a 8 o'clock class? Of course not. His eyes landed on Helen, sat at the back of the class away from everybody else. He didn't understand why no one had tried to talk to her, she was gorgeous and seemed nice. He chose to sit in the same row, but a few seats down as he didn't want to make it obvious. She turned her head and watched him and he sat down. Their eyes met so he smiled and she smiled back. She had an amazing smile, the type that draws you in. He really couldn't understand why everyone avoided her, she was the type of beauty that should have guys falling at her feet.

After emptying the contents of his bag he realised he didn't have a pen. He leant forward and tapped the shoulder of the guy in front of him to ask for a pen, but he didn't have one. Suddenly Changsub wished he hadn't sat so far in the back, but then he heard tapping on his right and turned to see Helen holding out a pen to him. “Oh, thank you.” He whispered, taking the pen. She didn't say anything, turning her attention back the the class.

“Here's your pen back.” Changsub said at the end of his class, reaching the pen out to Helen. She took it and put it back in her bag, giving him a smile as she turned to leave the room. “Hey, Helen.” He called out to her and she turned to look at him. “You look really pretty today.”

Thank you.

Changsub blinked after her in confusion. He definitely understood what she’d said, but he hadn't heard it. What just happened?

Ilhoon stood near the entrance to the campus, waiting for Peniel. He hadn't expected to see him walking towards campus hand in hand with Amelia. He watched as the two of them got closer to the gates and then said their goodbyes. The arms wrapping around his waist made him jump and he turned to see the Izzy’s adorable face. “Hey, baby.” He said as he leant down to kiss her.

“Hey! Is Peniel here yet?”

“Yeah.” Ilhoon pointed her attention to the couple. “He's over there with Amelia.”

Izzy looked at them and then back at her boyfriend. “She looks happy.”

He nodded and then looked down at his girlfriend. “It doesn't bother you, does it?”

She shook her head. “No. I trust that you love me. And I think I'd feel the same about an old best friend of mine, even if I didn't have a crush on them. I'd want to make sure they're happy.”

Ilhoon pressed another kiss to her lips, and she smiled into it. “I don't deserve you.”

“Nuh-uh it's the other way around.” She said against his lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Whew, calm down you two. We're in a public place.” Peniel said, making them both jump away from each other. They all laughed.

“We saw you with Amelia, you guys are so cute!” Izzy exclaimed and Peniel smiled, his ears turning red. “Awwwwww! You're blushing!”

“Leave the poor guy alone, you. Don't tease him.” Ilhoon told Izzy, playfully. She mock frowned, pushing her bottom lip out as far as it could go.

“You guys are cute too.” Peniel said with a laugh.

Daehyun smiled to himself, things were different and he liked that. A few months ago they were just two friends who would spend their Tuesdays together before going to afternoon classes, but now they were more than that.

Their hands bumped into each other for what felt like the thousandth time and this time Daehyun gave in, grabbing Youngjae’s hand. Unfortunately Youngjae immediately froze and pulled his hand away. Daehyun sighed, he should have expected that, Youngjae had the same reaction every time he tried to hug him or put an arm around him.

They carried on walking in silence, before finding their usual bench and taking a seat. “Youngjae it-”

“I’m sorry.” Youngjae cut him off, catching Daehyun off guard. “I’m sorry I just… I… I don’t know.”

“You don’t have to apologise. I was going to say it’s okay.”

“I don't think I can do this.” Youngjae leant back and ran his hands through his hair. “Why is everything so hard?”

“Because it's new. It's like if you had an accident and ended up with a big scar, or even if you had a spot. You're insecure about it, you think that everyone is looking at you and all they see is the scar or spot and they judge you. And heck, some people probably are but after time you learn to live with it and you stop caring. It's the exact same concept. You feel like everyone is paying attention to you and watching your every move so that they can judge you any time you do something ‘gay’. It's okay to feel like that, it's normal and you don't have to apologise to me for it.”

Youngjae nodded taking a deep breath. “Thank you, Dae.”

“Don't mention it.” He replied, reaching a hand out to squeeze Youngjae's thigh.

“I'm really glad I have you.” Youngjae mumbled to himself.

Jongup was sat in the library working on a draft of his essay. He heard a bang and looked to find the source of it, then he smiled.

“Shit. Fuck. Ouch. Yes, I’m fine thank you, don’t worry. Fuuuck. Oh. Yeah. Thank you.” Olivia caught his eye and rushed towards him, balancing all her belongings in her arms.

“Nice entrance.” Jongup said as she sat down next to him.

“Fuck that hurt.” She said, rubbing her knee. “I don’t even know what I tripped on.”

“Knowing you, probably nothing.”

“Shut it, Jongup. You’re right, but shut it.” He looked over her as she sorted her things out. Hair in a messy bun, the white t-shirt that she’d obviously spilt coffee on (again), the bright green tracksuit bottoms, black flip flops that looked like they would fall apart any second. She was a mess, as always. “What?” Olivia asked when she noticed him looking.

“You look like shit.”

She laughed. “When do I not? I fucking spilt my coffee again this morning. AGAIN.”

“You should really stop wearing white.” He responded as he reached in his bag for the old t-shirt he always carried around for cases like these. “Here you go.”

“Thank you! Honestly, Jongup, you’re a godsend. I’ll get it back to you tomorrow.”

“I know you won’t listen, because you never do, but you may as well keep it because all I ever do is carry it around with me incase you need it.”

“I’ll get it back to you tomorrow.” She repeated, standing up to go and change. True to her nature she tripped and if it wasn’t for Jongup catching her she would have fallen.

“Jesus, Liv. Be careful.”

“Unfortunately my clumsiness is on such a high level that being careful makes no difference.”

Jongup shook his head as he watched her leave. “Cute.”

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midnightsdarkangel · 7 years

Text

Trust (part 1)

Summary: Reigen never expected to be cursed, to have to live with the adjustments made but here he is, and Serizawa had to find out sooner or later. He just hoped his boyfriend could overcome the monster he had become.

(this is a mini series off of a body horror au i have with Reigen, i thought i’d write what happens when Reigen finally comes cleans and confesses. Part one is Serizawa and part 2 which i’m currently writing is Mobs reaction. Please tell me if you like it and want more!)

"This is new, you normally don't wrap up warm in winter."

Serizawa was waiting outside Reigens apartment come Sunday morning with the promise of grabbing a bite together. He had knocked on Reigens door only to hear crashing and the multiple utter of curse words from the other door as he stepped back, shoving his hands into his pockets for warmth when he saw the door bang wide open.

Seri found himself with a big smile that caused him to laugh. Reigen stood there pouting slightly with a blush on his face. He was certainly dressing big for sure today, a large scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, not quite fitting into place. A long overcoat Serizawa never saw him wear even once and the shades- my god the shades were fairly big and had black lenses so you couldn't see his eyes. If anyone else had seen Reigen in that moment it would had looked as if his mother was the one who dressed him excessively, like one would do to their child in the winter chill.

"I thought id be adventurous."

"And the glasses-"

"..REALLY adventurous- Now stop the chatter and lets get going, its freezing."

Reigen said promptly, grabbing Seris hands with some warm fingerless gloves he decided to wear as their fingers entwined.

During their quiet walk, the wind blew ever so faintly against Seris hair as he had a habit of glancing of Reigen at the corner of his eye. Something was up with him, this much he could catch on. He certainly didn't miss the look of discomfort the smaller man had tugging his scarf away from his neck, or when his hand rubbed against his eye irritably. Yet he assumed Reigen simply just overdressed and was regretting it, while it was indeed cold, Reigen was that type of person who really didn't acknowledge the cold while in his own world. It was obviously today he was suffering from his own choice of clothing. Yet Seri gently squeezed his hand against his lovers to try and soothe him, his thumb gently rubbing in circles against Reigens palm which caused a small laugh from Reigen as the chill ran up his spine. Perking up at his reaction he gently held Reigens hand happily but felt a bump on the side of his wrist that caused him to instead tense bad. Reigen removed his hand without moment's hesitation holding it to his chest but when he saw Seri's face his heart dropped as he looked away.

"Sorry, its just a stupid bump from when i tried to move the desk a few days back and banged my wrist. Its just swollen."

His hand waving in a nonchalant manner as he proceeded to walk on ahead, his hands now tightly burried into his coat pocket as he took a few steps forward but paused turning back.

"You coming?" he asked confused, his arm extended out implying he wanted them to link arms as Serizawa felt his heart race;

"A-Ah yes!"

After that they didn't really question the supposed 'bump' on Reigens wrist. The two of them decided to go to a cafe not too far from where his office actually was as the door chimed upon being opened. While Seriwaza was able to casually put his coat off and hang it behind his chair, Reigen found himself more reluctant. Taking the coat off and the gloves he hastily shoved in the side pockets, he decided to keep the glasses and scarf on.

"Isnt that a bit too warm to wear?"

Serizawa inquired curiously as Reigen pulled his seat backwards and plopped down, dragging the chair legs against the ground, shuffling forward. His hand quickly grabbing the menu and opened it to cover his face.

"Mn don't worry, ill be taking it off soon."

He was about to gesture with his hand but flinched and thought better of it- a noticeable flinch Seri was ever so quick to notice. Since it was a sunday morning it had meant the streets were quieter than normal apart from the rushing cars that made as ambient noise for the two. The store itself had only a couple of people, mainly couples or people on their own with books. It was a nice cafe Reigen had discovered one evening when taking a break from his work, the perfect place he thought to bring his partner to.

"Sorry i asked you asked out this early, i wanted to talk to you without a rush of people around here.."

Serizawa smiled gently at his words; "Its perfectly fine...Its been a while since i've seen you anyway."

"About that.."

Reigen muttered, the menu was still a barriror between the two men. His leg twitching from under the table, tapping ever so quietly against the floor.

"I havent been feeling myself lately Seri..."

"Ah Shiego told me you weren't letting him around the office either, are you ill?"

Reigen promptly laughed at that question and shook his head.

"Yes? No- its a bit hard to explain. Which..which is why i thought it only fair i show you today."

His hands clutched the menu before relaxing again.

"Remember that one case we did? A week back with the old lady-"

"Mrs Tahibana, yes of course, she was the one who had that possessed music box."

Reigen nodded.

"Yeah...her."

After that Reigen was uncharacteristically quiet for a few seconds, which to his luck the waitress had begun to walk over to them as he closed the menu and coughed for Seri to quickly cut the conversation short for a second.

"Ah yes, green tea for me."

"Um just lemonade."

When she was out of plain sight, exiting through the kitchen door Seriwaza leant forward in his chair to whisper. "What about her? Did something happen? I thought you handled the box?" His voice ever so slightly raising volume as Reigen put a finger to his lips hastily.

"Shhh, your drawing attention to us."

He hissed under his voice, gently pushing him back into his seat.

"I did-well i thought i did...not completely id say.."

Reigen was beginning to stumble on his words, his voice lowered slightly as a nagging fear began to rise in his throat. "This is why...i brought you today.."

Taking a deep breath he reached out and grabbed Seris hand, gently pressing against it, needing his warmth as reassurance. Seri wasn't hesitant in turning his hand around to gently return the hold of his lovers hand. The two had been dating for a solid month, and despite the awkward moments or miscommunications, the two had built a steady trust already. Something Reigen never saw himself doing if it was with anyone else. He had built a barrier between him and everyone else, it was just something he accepted; as if there was a line in front of him. A big red line that he was frightened to cross, everyone else stood on the other side, their faces blank, void of all emotions as he wished to run across the line to join them- to speak but they always turned their backs and walked off, leaving him alone.

Until Serizawa came along. By that time, he had no interest in crossing that line. Sure Mob was the first one to tug him to the other side, but it was Seris warmth and love that helped him steadily cross that line between his world and theirs.

So...as much as he hated it..he needed to tell him the truth.

"Something happened...after we exorcised that music box..when you left and i went to give it back to the lady..something shot out of the box. I assume we missed something, because the little fragment of that spirit latched right onto me."

"Your possessed!?"

Serizawa stood up in a panic which caused some curious stares from customers as Reigen hurriedly grabbed him by his jacket sleeves and pulled him down.

"Shh! We'll get kicked out- let me explain!"

For a moment Seri wasnt calming down, his mind began to rush with guilty thoughts. Reigen frowned concerned and quickly cupped his face with both hands.

"Seri, look at me ok, its ok none of this is your fault..i need you to listen because that's not all ok..?"

Seri weakly nodded that Reigen wondered if telling him would be a good idea. Thinking of alternative ideas in his head he glanced the bathroom doors in the corner of the cafe as he stood up and gently led him away from the table as he waved at the lady to put their drinks there for when they get back. Once he ushered him inside the cubical he locked the door behind them. It was rather cold from the draft leaking from the window just above as there was hardly any space between them as their bodies pressed against each other at the door.

It was surreal in that moment for Reigen, just feeling the racing of the heartbeat between the two of them, how much larger Seri was than he was and the warmth he could feel. But he could also notice every emotional shift in his face, he was confused of course, and overly concern from the quickening of his breathing Reigen noticed as he gently took Seris hand and gently moved him around rotational so that his back was agaisnt the door and Reigen could step back and sit back on the toliet seat. Gee, how romantic he scoffed to himself in his thoughts.

For a moment they didnt speak, just so that Serizawa could regain composure.

"Ok you calm? Because your going to have to be in a second.."

"Just- Just tell me what you mean. What do you mean that ghost got into you, i hadn't even noticed anything."

Serizawas voice was low, yet he could tell the panic in his tone. Reigen laughed weakly feeling his body slouch more on the seat as he gripping his hair. This was it. Now or never, if he didn't show Serizawa this then he never would. But imagining the horror on his partners face was something he didn't want to look forward to- but he had to do it. It was time to put their trust on the line...

His hands hesitantly went to the scarf and began to unwrap the layers one by one. Seris eyes narrowed in confusion until his face went dead pale.

"T-Theres..."

"An eye on my neck? Yeah, there's one on my wrist too...you see..That spirit never took control of me..but somehow it was able to do other things...like...this."

He closed his eyes wearily as he felt his heart race before slowly looking up to Serizawa as he removed the shades only to hear the sudden gasp from the taller man.

Half of his face was DEFINITLY not normal, a huge stitched line ran across his face, where his right eye would be instead was a huge gaping hole with sharp teeth that opened and closed in response to the new development of light.

"I..I sent you and Mob away because I didn't want you to see me like this..."

He laughed wearily letting the shades drop from his hand and clatter onto the floor. The same with the scarf as it laid freely on his knee dropping down the side. He looked away sadly, his voice barely above a whisper;

"I didnt want you to see me as a monster"

It wasn't long until he felt the tears prick his eyes that he began to laugh sadly trying to wipe them off as if they burnt his skin; "Look at me...Some world's greatest espier I am! I look like some freak case.." His hands clenched tightly, digging his nails into the skin leaving a mark as his body was shaking with anger and just disgust. Disgust in himself, that Seriwaza had to look at the monstrosity that he had became. He wouldn't be surprised if he turned around and ran, never to contact Reigen again. Just self deprecating thoughts tumbling in one by one into his mind as his knees shook, the tears falling into the fabric of his trousers as he began to laugh louder.

"I wouldnt be surprised if you hated me-"

"Stop that."

Serizawas voice was loud and commanding. Reigen was baffled as he looked up only to feel two large hands quickly grasp his face with speed yet it was so tender. His eyes widened to see the tears that feel from Serizawas face, his body was shaking but it wasn't in fear, no...it was of hurt.

"Why would you ever think that...your not a monster Reigen, not by a long shot-"

Ah..he made him worry...

"Serizawa look at me...I have a hole in my face, i think i am quite frankly a monster-"

"What you look like doesn't make you a monster!"

He argued back, his voice booming with such emotional intensity as he gently took Reigens hand and pressed it to his chest.

"When you and I met...I was terrified of my powers, I had harmed people and i was scared that you'd look at me the same way others had. Like some freak...but..you didnt. You were the first person to accept me for who i was. Just because you look like that doesnt mean YOU yourself have changed! Your still the same man i know...and love.."

Serizawa spoke softly as he gently stood Reigen up to see him fully.

"Im not going to run.."

...

Reigen let go of the breath he was holding, his laugh was now something vunrable and almost a sense of relief. The tears fell quietly as he found himself leaning on his lovers chest, clinging onto the fabric of his shirt. He felt arms wrap around him, letting him melt into the embrace, he felt exhausted exposing that to Serizawa. The man was just full of surprises but...but that's what he loved about him.

"I love you.."

Seri smiled softly at that and gently caressed his face, wiping any remaining tears with his thumb. "Our drinks are getting cold.." Reigen quietly noted; It was something they could discuss more once they were outside. Seri carefully bent down to pick up Rigens glasses and scarf, gently putting them on with care instead of the half assed performance Reigen had done in the morning. Waiting until Reigen was happy to leave and was covered up they grabbed each others hands and unlocked the door. Ready to face the world together.

"So..Does the extra mouth drink also?"

"Oh my god did you seriously ask me that." Reigen snorted amused.

God he loved him.

#writing #mob psycho 100 #mp 100 #reigen arataka #Katsuya Serizawa #seriei #body horror #angst #they are pure and i love them #i hope its ok aaaa #part one of many feels

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writingguide003-blog · 5 years

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Stanley Cup playoffs roundtable: our writers forecast the postseason

New Post has been published on https://writingguideto.com/must-see/stanley-cup-playoffs-roundtable-our-writers-forecast-the-postseason/

Stanley Cup playoffs roundtable: our writers forecast the postseason

The puck drops Wednesday as 16 teams kick off their quest for the Cup. Our writers predicts the winner, key players and dark horses

Most entertaining team that didnt make it

From 3 November to 27 December, the Buffalo Sabres lost only one game. But after that, they dropped off horribly. Through their final 19 games of the year, the Sabres won only four, and on Sunday, the team fired head coach Phil Housley. It was fun while it lasted, and its a shame it didnt last longer. CH

Most entertaining team that didnt make it: Entertainment can come in sardonic forms, and in that respect Ive been constantly entertained by the many missteps the Ottawa Senators have made as an organization this year. From embarrassingly humorous Uber videos, to an owner that went after well-respected local media, to trading away the teams best players and then finishing dead last, the Senators are in the pole position to win the NHL draft lottery. And that would probably be the sign of a team turning the corner … until you remember theyd already traded away the pick. JK

Its Montreal, who thrilled hockey fans by going 7-2-1 in their final 10 games in a last-ditch attempt to qualify for the postseason. The Habs 96 points tied an NHL record for the most points by a team that didnt quality for the postseason and they improved 25 points over last year. CR

High-seed most at risk of going out early

Calgary had a terrific season, and have been one of the most interesting (and often entertaining) teams to watch. They Flames score a lot (288 total goals this year) and frequently when short-handed but they also concede a ton (220 this year), and though goaltenders Mike Smith and David Rittich have each, at times, been solid, there is still a question of whether either can be clutch in the playoffs. CH

The Jets feel like the obvious choice here. Theyve gone 3-5-1 in their last nine and havent really looked dominant for two months now. Still, as many points as the Calgary Flames accumulated this season in topping the Western Conference, theyve been past the first round just once in the last 13 seasons. Im not bullish on their chances. JK

Tampa Bay are the second round against the Boston Bruins. Although the Lightning tied the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings with a record 62-win season, the Atlantic Division is the strongest in the NHL. Tampa and Boston finished Nos 1 and 2 (tied with Calgary) in the entire league for points. The Bolts are the strong Stanley Cup favorite, but Boston should not be counted out. CR

Dark horse to win

The Boston Bruins. They finished the season strong, grabbing 13 wins in their last 20 games, peaking at the right time of the year. The Bruins lost two of their three games against Tampa Bay this year (including their last game of the season), but if they somehow manage to topple them in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Bruins could emerge well positioned to take the whole thing. CH

The St Louis Blues. The excellent Justin Bourne laid out his bargument on why it will be a weird-ass team that wins the Stanley Cup this season, and if theres any team outside of Tampa Bay, Boston or Washington that qualifies, its the Blues. On 2 January, the Blues were dead last in the NHL. Since then, theyve put together a crazy good run, going 30-10-0, good for first in the league in points during that span. Twenty-five-year old rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington has been a ton of fun to watch with his .930 save percentage over that stretch. JK

The St Louis Blues were 15-18-14 at the end of the calendar year in last place in the entire NHL. Nobody gave them a chance to make the postseason then, and few believe they can knock off the Winnipeg Jets now. But after 1 January, the Blues went 30-10-5 to post the best record of any team and the Blues may surprise some people. Although the Jets were dominant in the season series (3-1-1), the teams havent played each other since December, so throw that record out the window. CR

Most important player in the postseason

Nikita Kucherov. Every other team in the East and whichever emerges victorious in the West had better hope Kucherov comes down with a bad case of Rick Nash syndrome and completely ghosts in the playoffs to hold out any hope of finding a way to beat the high-flying Tampa Bay Lightning. CH

Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning forwards 128 points were the most in the regular season since 1995-96. All eyes will be on the 25-year old, as he seeks to continue the artistry hes portrayed night in and night out in the playoffs, when things generally tighten up on the ice. JK

Boston center Brad Marchand, a 5ft 9in agitator who can beat you with both defense and offense. Marchand has won the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward four times in seven years, and this year he finished in the top five in scoring, accumulating 100 points for the first time in his career. Marchand centers Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak, considered the best line in hockey. CR

The Boston trio including Brad Marchand (63), Patrice Bergeron (37) and David Pastrnak (88) is considered the best line in hockey. Photograph: Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports

Can anything top the Knights story last season?

What if Barry Trotz, the man who coached the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory last year, does the same this year with the homeless New York Islanders? CH

Like, probably not, right? I mean, maybe if the Carolina Hurricanes bright back the Storm Surge that they officially put to bed towards the end of the regular season, win the Stanley Cup and then NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presents the Stanley Cup to a Bunch of Jerks, then we might be onto something. JK

Maybe this years Golden Knights. Like last year, there are doubters. But theres still an aura about them and the players seem to respond to coach Gerard Gallant because he creates a positive atmosphere within the team. They also still have Marc-Andre Fleury in goal, and leading scorers like William Karlsson and Jonathon Marchessault are having great years again. The Knights sputtered going down the stretch, going 3-5-2 in their last 10. But is a team that, when it catches fire: watch out. CR

One bold prediction

The Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup and Gary Bettman is forced to present the Cup by playing a game of duck-duck-goose with the entire team, and then doing a running jump off a trampoline and slam-dunking a basketball into it. Bettman still gets mercilessly booed. Somewhere, Don Cherrys head explodes. CH

For just the third time in Stanley Cup playoffs history, well see a goaltender score. Theres data to suggest that teams facing a deficit should be pulling their goalie far earlier, and were starting to see that happen more and more. Goalies are better all-around players than they ever have been, so I wouldnt be surprised to see a goalie look to ice a game late with something that looks like a breakout pass but actually finds its way into the back of the net. Ron Hextall style. JK

The Colorado Avalanche, the lowest-seeded playoff team with 90 points, will knock off the 107-point Calgary Flames in the first round and get all the way to the Western Conference finals. Its kind of crazy to think they could even get past Calgary, who are the only NHL team to have five players with 70 points or more. And Colorado missed one of their scoring stars down the stretch as Mikko Rantanen missed the last eight games with an injury. CR

Eastern Conference final

Washington Capitals over Tampa Bay Lightning, four games to three. CH

Tampa Bay Lightning over Washington Capitals, four games to two. JK

Boston Bruins over Washington Capitals, four games to one. CR

Western Conference final

Calgary Flames over St Louis Blues, four games to two. CH

St Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks, four games to three. JK

Vegas Golden Knights over Winnipeg Jets, four games to two. CR

Stanley Cup final

Washington Capitals over Calgary Flames, four games to two. Only one other team has managed 62 wins in a single season, as the Tampa Bay Lightning did this year: the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings, who, as it happens, also featured a high-powered Russian scorer atop the teams point-getters, followed by a Canadian guy named Steve. But despite their regular season success, the Wings failed to win the Cup in the spring of 96, falling in seven games in the Western Conference finals to the Quebec Nordi er, Colorado Avalanche (who went on to sweep the Florida Panthers to take the Cup). Call me crazy, but history is in danger of repeating itself. Tampa Bay played Washington three times in March. Tampa Bay took the first game, 6-3. They won the second by a 5-4 score, but needed overtime. The third time, on 30 March, they lost 6-3. Three games dont make a trend, but if the East comes down to a contest between the Caps and Lightning, as it did last year, my money is still on Washington. CH

Tampa Bay Lightning over St Louis Blues, four games to two. I predicted the Lightning would win it all before the season began and I see no reason to stray from that prediction now. This juggernaut of a team had the fourth-most points in NHL single season history (128) and their incredible regular-season success feels like its sustainable over the next few months. Whoever they draw in the second round will likely be a bit beaten down after a hard-fought opening series and I dont believe any team in the Western Conference can measure up, talent-wise. Itll be the Eastern Conference finals, likely against hardened and tested sides like Washington or Pittsburgh, that present the sternest challenge, but that should be the teams only real threat. This is a historically good group that is playing a different brand of hockey than the rest of the league right now. JK

Boston Bruins over Vegas Golden Knights, four games to two. Even with Marc-Andre Fleury doing his magic act in goal for Vegas, the Bruins are just too strong offensively, led by their top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Both scrappy and skilled, Marchand hit 100 points for the first time in his career. But the Bruins have depth beyond the one big line. They had five 20-goalscorers and eight Bruins matched or passed career highs. Once this team gets on a roll, its hard to stop them. After the All-Star break, Boston strung together a 19-game point streak. CR

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/us

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