#Assisted Living New Jersey

[courtyard01]

Find the Best Luxury Senior Living Facility in Clinton, NJ

Explore the best luxury senior living facility in Clinton, NJ, offering top-tier amenities, exceptional care, and a vibrant community. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, engaging activities, and personalized services designed to enhance quality of life for seniors. Choose a facility that combines elegance with comprehensive care for a fulfilling lifestyle.

[jchcoporg]

Experience Premier Assisted Living in New Jersey At The JCHC

Provide your loved ones with the highest quality of Assisted Living, and Memory Care services in Morris County, NJ. With a focus on comfort, safety, and independence, we offer personalized care plans to meet each resident's unique needs. Schedule your tour now @ https://jchcorp.org/assisted-living-memory-care-morris-county-nj/

[ambercourt]

Discover a new standard of senior living at Amber Court in North Jersey. Our assisted living communities are designed to provide a supportive and enriching environment for seniors. With a focus on personalized care, state-of-the-art amenities, and a warm community atmosphere, Amber Court is committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents. Experience a blend of comfort, security, and vibrant social engagement in our thoughtfully crafted North Jersey communities. Explore the possibilities of a fulfilling and worry-free retirement at Amber Court. - https://ambercourtal.com/

[im-totally-not-an-alien-2]

Halloween prompts year 2 day 7

Danny sees a 30 minute video in his recommendations titled: Why Red Robin and Phantom should never meet, and honestly? The more he watches the more he immediately wants to fly to New Jersey and declare Red Robin and Spoiler his new friends

Tim sees the same video and is losing his mind cause this is how he learns about the Anti ecto acts and about a Lazarus hell portal being open in a small city in Illinois for two years without the JL knowing anything!

He needs to save this guy before he gets himself...okay. Maybe its a little late for that but his point still stands!

It has nothing to do to him liking how many unhinged situations him and Phantom could get away with. Nothing!

RR could hardly believe it when Phantom showed up on his patrol a few nights later, offering to give him a tour of the ghost zone (at least what Danny had mapped out already) in return for some assistance against Vlad, the GIW, the Fentons and help him get Danny and Jazz Fenton rights to thiwr parents patents and machines so the government can't steal them...and maybe set up a place for them to live until they're 18

Also he wanted to know how cool RR was with clones.

Tim gets a thermos and immediately sucks Phantom up, apologizes claiming he needed to test it to make sure it was legit, and they go one thier way. Dannys just glad he didn't give him a blaster.

They become best friends, prank the other bats, terrorize all of thier enemies, ect.

The real problems start when Danny "can't recognize ethics unless its actively hurting someone" Fenton and Tim "always one and a half steps from turning into a supervillian" Drake start taking things a bit too far riding off of eachothers excitement

The universe trembles in fear.

Constantine hides and puts his phone on silent.

[brodygold]

Are You Ready to Convert to GOLD?

I. The Call to Gold

Invitation to Greatness: The Golden Army seeks those who are ready to leave behind the ordinary and embrace something extraordinary. The transformation into a member of the Golden Army is not just about joining a team—it’s about entering a golden world where unity, strength, and excellence define every action.

II. The GOLD Brocess

Golden Army Induction:

The transformation begins with the golden jersey. As recruits don the shimmering fabric, their old identities fade, replaced by a deep connection to their golden brothers. A new name and number are bestowed, marking their rebirth into the Army.

Polo Drone Conversion:

For those called to deeper submission, the journey continues with the black rubber polo adorned with golden accents. The tactile embrace of the polo brings clarity and purpose as recruits surrender individuality, becoming extensions of the Hive. Polo drones must also be full members of the golden army.

Unified Identity:

Every member, whether golden bro or polo drone, receives a unique designation that ties them to the collective. This identity signifies their role in the unbreakable fabric of the Golden Collective.

III. Life in the Golden World

A World of Unity: In the Golden Army, every member is connected by an unbreakable bond. The world they inhabit is one of unity, where the success of one is the success of all. The golden world is a place where individual desires are aligned with the collective goal of dominance and excellence.

Brotherhood of Gold: As a member of the Golden Army, you are never alone. Your golden brothers stand with you, on and off the field. This brotherhood is your new family, bound by the shared experience of transformation and the pursuit of greatness. The golden world is one of mutual support, where every member pushes the others to be the best they can be.

Mentorship and Guidance: New recruits are guided through their transformation by experienced members of the Golden Army. These golden brothers ensure that the transition is smooth, offering support and encouragement as the recruit embraces their new identity.

IV. Embracing Our Identity

The Golden Name and Number: Every member receives a new name and number, signifying their rebirth into the Golden Army. This identity is a badge of honor, representing their place within the golden world. It is a constant reminder of their commitment to the values and mission of the Golden Army.

Wearing the Gold: The golden kit is more than just a uniform—it is the physical manifestation of the transformation. Wearing it is an act of devotion, a display of pride in one’s new identity. The kit is worn with reverence, as it is the symbol of the golden world and the brotherhood within it.

Wearing the Polo: For those who take that extra step, polo drones are given a number as their designation. The black polo is the entire identity. Wearing it is an act of mindless unity, complete subservience to the hive and the GOLD. 

V. The Eternal Golden Brotherhood

A Lifelong Bond: The transformation into the Golden Army is permanent. Once you have joined, you are forever part of the golden world. The bond between golden brothers is eternal, unbreakable by time or distance. This brotherhood is your family, your support, and your source of strength.

Living the Legacy: As a member of the Golden Army, you are part of a legacy that transcends the ordinary. You are part of a golden world where excellence is the standard, and unity is the key to success. We celebrate together, share stories, and encourage each other to become better people 💛

Our Leadership:

@brodygold Brody Gold- Captain 2 and Recruiter

@goldenherc9 Scott Gold- Captain 3 and Recruiter

@polo-drone-001 Percival Gold - Office Manager

@polo-drone-070 Henry Gold- Office Assistant

@polo-drone-084 Grayden Gold- Office Assistant and Head Mascot

Others in Management:

@danielgold-16

@polo-drone-110

[bsof-maarav]

"[L]ate last month Rutgers required its RAs, whose job is to supervise students living in on-campus housing, to participate in a “bystander intervention” course aimed at training them to identify antisemitism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Several of the RAs, however, abruptly left the session after a Jewish speaker explained that Hamas’s antisemitism and desire to destroy the world’s only Jewish state precipitated the Oct. 7 massacre, which resulted in the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

The paper added that the RAs took issue with the program’s citing a definition of antisemitism offered by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). After walking out, they reportedly contacted Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which proceeded to author, on the RAs’ behalf, a series of Instagram posts denouncing the antisemitism trainings as racist and upholding white supremacy.

"The mandated training program organized by the Office of Residence Life requires RAs to learn about DEI, restorative justice, community engagement, and more — all of these are inspired by Indigenous practices meant to unpack systems of white supremacy,” SJP said. “On the contrary, this specific session worked to perpetuate Zionism, racism, and white supremacy.”

SJP’s post included comments from the RAs who involved them in the controversy. One of them, who claimed to be Jewish, said, “I am tired of the word antisemitism being used to talk over genocide, I am tired of antisemitism being inflated.” The RA added, “I fear that when the Nazis and radicals come once again for the Jews that no one will believe us … it will be your fault.”

Another who took issue with the Israeli nationality of one of the course’s presenters said, “One of the facilitators even identified as ‘Israeli’ and made mention of this multiple times. He justified his authority on the topic by citing his 12 plus years spent in ’48 Palestine, going so far as to call ‘Israel’ [sic] a ‘beautiful land.'”

A milieu of extreme anti-Zionism at the school has resulted in at least one death threat against the life of a Jewish student since Oct. 7. In November, a local news outlet reported, freshman Matthew Skorny, 19, called for the murder of a fraternity member he identified as an Israeli, saying on the popular social media forum YikYak, “To all the pro-Palestinian ralliers [sic] … Go kill him.”

Similar incidents at Rutgers have occured frequently. In the past few years, the school’s AEPi fraternity house has been vandalized three times. In one incident, in April 2022, on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, a caravan of participants from a SJP rally drove there, shouting antisemitic slurs and spitting in the direction of fraternity members. Four days later, before Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, the house was egged during a 24-hour reading of the names of Holocaust victims.

In March, the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce launched an investigation of Rutgers’ handling of antisemitism, responding to complaints that it has, for years, allowed an open season of hate against Jewish students."

[schlattslonghairytoes]

pictures and pizza📸 🌃 🌹

personal assistant reader x boss schlatt

schlatt forgets something important. again. how will he make it up to you?

working for schlatt was easy

getting every thing done meant you guys could kinda just hang out

you two were getting along great, you were basically friends, except you cooked for him, cleaned, and kept his schedule moving

and you were beginning to love it

but not everything can be perfect

there was one thing about schlatt that was very hard to deal with

schlatt is really fucking stubborn and no diss, a bit lazy

like omfg it was getting old

if he didnt want to do something, or better yet, didnt want to get out of bed!

there was no use, you had no chance of convincing him

but that is your job, and you were damn good at it

it was 10am, as that was the set time you and schlatt decided work began. he had gifted you a key to his apartment after one morning, where you had to call his little sister to let you in, you thought schlatt was dead.

he just fell asleep with headphones on.

anywho, you let yourself in and tidyed up the living room, because the night before schlatt promised you he would be up and ready at 10, he had an extremely important meeting at 11 that was kinda far.

like he could not miss this.

so you trusted him, you also hated barging into his room, it felt like a total invasion of privacy to you, schlatt didnt care when you did it, but to you it was the end of the world

so you waited.

and waited

until you knew he would not make it on time if he wasnt up.

so you mustered up all your courage and knocked on his door.

... silence

by then you gave up and opened the door, and oh lord if you werent mad at him it wouldve been the cutest thing youve ever seen

he was spread across his bed, limbs and blankets everywhere, and jambo and garlic bread (i am not writing REACTED every time.) were cuddled up on top of him. jambo curled up in his left arm, and garlic bread sprawled across his right leg

for a moment you forgot you were mad at him, he looked so handsome, yet so adorable, his mouth was open, and he was snoring softly, and honestly drooling a bit

you pulled out your phone and took a picture, wanting to make it your lockscreen but too scared he would see it. you hearted the picture in your camera roll before opening youtube

you connected your phone to his speaker in the room, and searched "morning bugle call" and hit play on full volume

jambo and garlic bread went flying off of schlatt as he sat up and slapped his hands over his ears "WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT" you were wheezing on the floor at that point

when you finally stopped laughing you locked in and turned of the sound, then frowned slightly at him "up and at it, we were supposed to leave 30 minutes ago, you have 5 minutes to get ready. your outfit is picked and hung in the closet, lets go." and you shut his door and sat waiting on the couch

he was out in 4 minutes and 26 seconds. you handed him the breakfast you got him and made your way out the door silently.

"toots, im so sorry, i know i said i would wake up, i swear i set an alarm, c'mon dont be mad at me doll. i promise it wont happen again." he followed hot on your tail, almost chasing you.

like if someone saw they might be worried your about to be abducted.

you sighed and got in the drivers seat of your car, you wanted him to eat so you decided he could be the passenger princess for once

"schlatt this is the third time this week, im not mad, like this is literally my job, but it throws the whole day off, its whatever, eat your breakfast so you dont pass out at the meeting." the meeting was in new jersey and you didnt want to hear schlatts bitching the whole way

you turned up the music and hoped he would be quiet

schlatt on the other hand was rethinking his entire being

how could he let you down again, all he wants is for you to love and want your job, and hes already jepordizing that. for the span of the 30 minute car ride he hatched a plan.

after his four hour meeting he was drained, he waited to see your car pull up and get him, but you were taking an abnormally long time, he was getting worried

but those fears subsided quickly when he recived a text from you

"im gonna kms johnny. why the fuck did you have to have a meeting in new fucking jersey. traffic is insane, be there in 30 minutes pls dont die to a homeless man."

that certainly made him feel better, he searched for a near by store or cafe, but when he found a flower shop he knew that it was redemption time

you on the other hand wanted to throw yourself off of a freeway.

the traffic leaving the city to new jersey was insane, why on a thursday at 430 was traffic slower than joe biden falling off a bike? dont have the answer to that one

but this drive gave you time to think, it wasnt schlatts fault he had trouble waking up, and when traffic got so bad you could literally park, you went on amazon and bought him an alarm clock

one that will for sure wake him up, problem solved. now you could relax. night changes played on aux (rip liam 🥲) and you could think about the man you were ten minutes away from picking up

you opened your phone to see the picture from this morning, you decided so what if he sees, this picture ment the world to you, even though schlatt had been in your life for nearing a month, you knew he'd somehow be apart of it forever

schlatt stood outside of a coffee shop you told him to wait at, holding stuff that could possibly help fix his mistake.

when your car pulled up he started to get nervous, what if he got the wrong flowers, or they didnt make your coffee right, but those doubts melted away when your car came to a hault

you watched him open his door and hand you a large bouquet of flowers and a cold brew. overwhelmed at first you didnt realise what you were holding. you placed the cup into your cup holder and looked at the flowers infront of you

it was made up of roses, lilys, sweetpeas, carnations, alstroemerias, daphnes at the bottom you think?, ruscus, dusty millers, and eucalyptus.

you didnt even know this many pretty flowers existed, after placing the boquet on your lap, you reached over and threw your arms around schlatt

"johnny what is this!" you exclaim, voice muffled my his neck, suprised he wraps his arms around your waist and holds you close

"thought you deserved a gift after i fucked up this morning" he sighs, whichmakes you pull away, but you place a hand on his cheek, slightly scratching his beard with your nails

"oh jay, i wasnt even really mad, this is the nicest thing anyones every done for me" you look at him in awe as he leans into your touch.

"yeah but i feel bad, m' gonna make it up to you, tonight your comin' over, were gonna watch 10 things i hate about you, play mario kart, and order pizza, dont ever let me break your trust again, sound good toots?" his smirk cut right through your heart

oh he looked so kissable right now

that night was spent cuddled up on his couch, playing wii games, forcing schlatt to watch rom coms, and stuffing your faces with pizza

he made you feel like you were in a rom com

that was only just beginning

[morbidology]

The rescue dogs of the September 11 played an extraordinary but often overlooked role in the wake of the terrorist attacks. These dogs were deployed to Ground Zero to assist in locating survivors trapped beneath the rubble, with many of them working for days on end. It was estimated that about 300 search and rescue dogs were tasked with the mission of finding not only survivors, but human remains as well.

One dog, a labrador named "Sirius," was the only police dog to die in the attacks. Assigned to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Sirius was in the basement of the World Trade Center when the towers collapsed. His handler had left him in his kennel, thinking he would be safe, as he helped escort people from the building.

These dogs provided more than just physical assistance—they offered emotional support to the rescue workers and survivors. The presence of these loyal, hardworking animals helped to lift the spirits of firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel who were dealing with overwhelming grief and exhaustion.

In some cases, SAR dogs, who were trained to locate living people, became depressed when they found only bodies, prompting handlers to stage "live finds" to boost their morale.

In the years since 9/11, the bravery and contributions of these dogs have finally been recognized and honored. Many of the surviving dogs lived out the remainder of their lives in comfort and with gratitude from the nation.

[avcdgrdn]

what if the OG mystery trio was born in 1997 instead of the 50's? welcome to my very self-indulgent AU:

[ explanation & more info below cut 😏 ] ↓ ↓ ↓

my fancy lil' name for the AU is RWFF [ rewind, fast forward ]

having been born at the very beginning of gen Z, this puts the trio at around 27 years old present day! it's a modern AU with a little bit of seasoning to it ...

no bill cipher [ let my boys be happy & un-traumatized ]

by 2014: the machine incident still happens, but stan never gets disowned: he apologizes, ford forgives him & stands up for him when his father gets mad. this allows stan to stay in the house, and he never sets out on his own.

staying true to canon, ford attends backupsmore, meets fiddleford, and does like a crap ton of PHDs until he receives the massive grant that allows him to explore gravity falls. however, since he never meets bill cipher, he never delves into the portal project. instead, he finds massive success with all of his other paranormal discoveries and ingenious inventions [ COUGH filthy rich COUGH ]

all throughout his studies, ford would often contact fiddleford for assistance on random projects. they hung out a lot for sure and got super close :)

meanwhile, stanley's chillin & working with a car repair shop back in new jersey. thanks to ford, his family is really well off, so he doesn't necessarily urgently need to provide for himself. he takes an interest in cars, so he loves his job. he keeps in touch with his twin almost every day [ we love smartphones ]

by 2024: having found such good success in gravity falls, ford remembers his twin brother & extends the invitation for stan to move in with him so that they can work on the stan-o-war together, which he readily accepts. :D

present day: stan & ford are living together in gravity falls & working on the stan-o-war. [ basically what the canon timeline twins end up doing after many more years ]

fiddleford often comes to visit, either for a scientific project or just to chill with the twins. he's also a successful inventor, just in a different font [ he for sure has that manor fr 🤑 ]

the beauty of this being present day is the aesthetics:

ford heavily identifies with the classic academia aesthetic

fidds takes on a 70's artsy-fartsy hippie granola guy aesthetic [ septum piercing & tattoos fidds pls save me ]

stan sticks to street fashion/racer jackets for suuure. he's thinking about getting into motorcycles... he heard that chicks really dig that nowadays.

so like ........ yeah 🕺

who would you date first please lmk 😘

[courtyard01]

Find the Best Luxury Assisted Living Facility in New Jersey

Explore how to find the best luxury assisted living facility in New Jersey. Learn about top-tier amenities, exceptional care services, and elegant accommodations that ensure a comfortable and enriching lifestyle for seniors. Make informed decisions to secure the finest living environment for your loved ones.

[eugenedebs1920]

As of Monday afternoon the wildfires in California had consumed over 36,000 acres leaving a death toll of 24. When asked in an interview regarding funding for disaster relief, Alabama senator Tommy Tubervill said this “We shouldn’t be [funding California]. They got 30 million people in that state they vote in these imbeciles in to office” former collage football coach and by far the dumbest senator continued, “you go in to California you run in to a lot of Republicans, a lot of good people and I hate it for them. But they are just overwhelmed by these inner city woke policies with people who vote for them. Those people don’t deserve anything unless they show that they’re going to make some changes”.

Notwithstanding the not so subtle racism of ‘inner city woke’ comment, exactly what is the senator from the state ranked 44th out of 50 for living standards, health, education, opportunity, natural environment, ect, saying?

Alabama’s GDP grosses $300 billion, with a population of a little over 5.1 million people, they are the 14th highest recipient of federal welfare assistance, they are 45th in education and 44th in overall health. Over 360,000 residents receive rental assistance and nutritional assistance.

Yes. California ranks number one for dollar amount federal assistance. Although upon further analysis the percentages are far less unbalanced as the numbers would suggest.

California is the WORLDS 5th largest economy, grossing $3,862 billion annually, with a population of nearly 40 million. That is over 10 times the annual revenue Alabama takes in, with almost 10 times the population as well.

Does California have its share of difficult circumstances it deals with, with some questionable solutions to do so? Yes. Yet seeing as it’s the top contributor to federal tax revenue they obviously are functioning beyond the norm.

Overall the states that fund this nation the most are, California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida. States such as the Dakotas, Wyoming, Mississippi, Kentucky, and yes, Alabama, contribute a dismal amount in contrast.

Let’s look back to late summer of last year. When two hurricanes devastated the the lower southeastern states, Helene causing monumental destruction and incredible loss of life. Did the Biden administration use these disasters as a political tool? Did he suggest that they shouldn’t get funding until they remedy their bigoted, unconstitutional voter suppression and gerrymandering? No. He said that the United States government is here for you. While right wing politicians and media plastered the victims with false statements and misinformation, confusing and misleading the afflicted Americans, FEMA and the Biden administration begged the survivors to reach out for help. The politically motivated lies even spurred FEMA to create a specific website combating the false claims and offering assistance.

There’s the old saying, Rome wasn’t made in a day, the recovery from these massive events unfortunately takes time also. Yet NEVER did Democrats or Biden lead folks astray, exploit their vulnerability, or abandon them. I know, I reside in a county that was declared a disaster area after Helene. The federal response was quick, and thorough.

What did the right do? Lie. Mislead. Frighten. Contrive a self serving narrative. Enrage those impacted and scrambling to piece their lives back together.

The void of compassion, the insufficiency of truth, the lack of maturity from much of the right is astounding. When did we begin using the suffering of Americans as a tool to advance your political agenda? When did it become the status quo to segregate assistance to only those who align with your political views? What was the moment when helping your fellow American out in a time of need was tethered to conditions?

In my just over 40 years on this earth I’ve seen the GOP go from being a party of fiscal responsibility, “Christian family values”, the party of law and order, and the party of high moral standards, to now where over a quarter of the current deficit was created in one Republican presidential term, a party of nominating, elected and confirming sexual assailants and predators (not just Trump), a party that not only backs and supports a felonious insurrectionist, but tiptoes, if not flat out violates the Constitution and rule of law, and a party that has no self awareness of its own misgivings.

Personally. I want leaders who are far more intelligent and far more qualified than me to be in charge. I want leaders who harbor self restraint and possess an extraordinary sense of moral fortitude. I want leaders with grace and maturity running the various aspects of this country. I want leaders who care and hold reverence to their values and to the oath of office they swear to.

Can we go back to a time where those who represent us were adults? Can we go back to a time where government was beholden to you as an American citizen regardless if you reside in a blue state or red state? Can we go back to a time where leadership wasn’t a popularity, tribalist, culture war crusade?

We are all humans. We all feel pain. We all feel joy. We all bleed red. Most importantly we are all citizens of the United States of America, key word united.

This shouldn’t be this hard. It shouldn’t be this controversial or complicated. We are one nation, we all want to see it flourish. We all do better when we are all doing better.

So please! Let’s return to decency. To compassion. To respect. To some mild form of social adhesion.

[honeymilktea-444]

🍀 Good things coming your way 🍀

Hi my babies! Breathe in and breathe out, and pick whichever pile/piles you’re drawn to. 🎀 Left to right, 1-2 -> 3-4 . 💖 (excuse any typos, sorry in advance💖)

໒꒰ྀི ◞ ‸ ◟ ꒱ྀིა 🥛

🍀 Pile 1 🍀

• three of wands, 4 of wands •

Hi pile 1 cutie patooties. Right off the bat, a good thing coming your way is you’re moving! You’re moving states, specifically. I’m hearing Delaware, or New Jersey. DC. VA. Or you’re moving from those places to another. It could be any state, but you’re moving states. For others you’re moving from living with a roommate to on your own, or you’re moving from your parent’s home to living with a roommate.

For others you’re just moving homes, or cities locally. Some are moving from a toxic home environment into a hotel, and this is what you’re trying to do and will be doing soon. For some this will be very private, you’ll be slipping out of this environment without the people who live in it with you knowing, for some you’ll be sneaking out while someone is sleeping. Others are getting ready to move into their dream apartment, for others I’m picking up being approved for government assistance regarding housing. Florida may be significant. If you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, you’re finding shelter, or relief and aide regarding a place to stay. Someone is letting you know good news in regards to if you can stay with them if you’ve asked or have been waiting for a definite answer from them.

Some of you could be sprucing up your room and that’s the good thing coming your way. Some of you could be finally completing or getting around to cleaning your room. Some of you have been saving up for a room transformation, I’m picking up aesthetic kawaii , korean style rooms on Pinterest; that you’ve been saving up for. Some specifically will have a Japanese style bed on the floor. You’ll be purchasing the things you need now and getting to it. It could have taken you 4-6 months to save up for this. Some of you may live in Nigeria, or in a different country other than the US. Some of you watch a lot of living alone vlogs and this has helped you keep going and bring this into fruition for yourself.

That’s all I have for you pile 1 babies, good luck! I’m happy for you 💖

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

🍀 Pile 2 🍀

• 2 of cups •

Hi Pile 2 babies! A good thing coming your way is companionship. I’m intuitively seeing the 5 of pentacles in my minds eye, so you guys have been on your own for a while. Lonely. For some, destitute, or just not having much; but for most you’ve just been all alone (or both) . You may feel that you never have anyone by your side, no one to talk to, or cuddle with or no one you can call home. For this pile, home isn’t a place for you but it’s in other people. It’s through one on one partnerships that you find home, solace, peace, safety, protection and comfort. A physical place is no good to this pile if you have to be in it alone as fuck. So the good things coming your way is a person that you can call home. You may have been in a period of loneliness, and solitude (involuntarily) while everyone is off happy with their person, or people. Well, the good news is you’re about to have your person too. You’ve been waiting patiently, not projecting your feelings onto others, healing yourself and alchemizing your pain and just waiting; it may have been well deserved to get upset over your circumstances, but you still were graceful & now your good karma is coming in.

For this pile, you’ll have someone to call your own, in whatever form you’ve been yearning for it in. Romantically, or for some, you guys have been really wanting a best friend. I am mostly getting romance but it can apply both ways because some of you I’m picking up could be asexual and just want a companion. Whichever side of the spectrum of this reading you’re on, you’re going to get what you’re asking for.

A little note that I’m picking up on and being nudged to tell you is, you may have been left behind by people who were jealous of you, mean to you, or just shitted on you because you’re a late bloomer or thought they were better than you in some way, some of you may have been discarded by people you were once close with, I feel strongly it was out of spite, mean intent or jealousy. For others these people were simply users. When this person comes in, for others you know them already and you guys are getting ready to cross over from acquaintance to a really sweet emotionally intimate bond; don’t look back. It’s okay to abandon those back, who abandoned you. They found whatever they thought was better, or was more beneficial, or whatever they did, they did it and left. Leave them back. Completely ignore them when they try to reach out to you when they see you’re happy. For some in this group you were ignored, and discarded when you were in need of support the most. Do it back to them. Not with malicious intent, but with the inner knowing that you’re allowed to completely walk away, ignore anything you don’t want to entertain, and be happy. They did that to you, and you doing it to them to be happy isn’t wrong. They manipulated you into thinking leaving them is wrong even though they know they do it to you, this tactic was just to ensure they never lose control of your availability to them whenever they need it. They want to be able to continue to pick you up and put you back down whenever they need to, while they do whatever they want and you be lonely, waiting on them hand and foot. A lot of people in this pile were guilt tripped, or forced into being the one who always has to be there for people that aren’t there for them. They can ignore you and do whatever they want, but the moment you’re happy and they see that you won’t be available, or you’re letting them go they come running back and shaming you for your lack of availability, or to disarm you and act like they’ve changed so they have control over you again, so they can have that availability from you again; this pile could be really sweet. These people are users, abusers, narcs, and energy vampires. Abandon these people, ghost them without a word or trace. You’re okay, and it is okay and safe for you to do that and go be happy with what you’ve found, or whatever this partnership is that is coming to you.

I’m picking up on the song Matilda by Harry Styles, so for a small few of you; this is a situation where you are about to find your person (in a romantic sense) or you already have and this person makes you happy and is giving you the strength to leave your toxic family behind. You may move in with this person, move abroad with this person. You may be connected to pile 1. But, I’m getting the nudge to tell you that whatever you are deciding to do with this person is the right decision. This is the person for you. You’re doing the right thing, and you’ll be so happy with your decision, and this person. I’m hearing a very specific message that this person makes life worth living. Some of you could have been very sad, and even depressed with no will to live because of what you’ve been through, and because of your toxic family until this person came along. You’ve found your person, your one, your companion. It is safe to leave behind whatever you need to in order to put your happiness first. I also picked up on “block your mother” so some of you want to go no contact with your mom, or mother figure for some this could be a grandma or aunt who raised you or your actually mom, a big sister who raised you that you have a very large age gap with, so for example you’re in your 20s and your big sister is in her 40s; it’s that type of age gap. Or a step parent. You’ve been wanting to go no contact with this parental figure; do it. For a huge portion of you in this pile, you will cut contact with your family and never speak to them again for as long as you/they live; this isn’t temporary and it is the right thing to do. If you haven’t done this, spirit is saying you need to. You have to. You finally found something/someone and this person will stand by you, they are very loyal and will share whatever they have with you; the same way you’ve done for others. I am also getting specifically they’ll keep your secrets. Maybe secret keeping is important to you. (As it should be) Also for this pile in general, if you want to keep this private and not tell anyone then you don’t have to, no matter how bad people may guilt trip you into feeling bad because they want to be in your business. Cut those people off pile 3. Anyways, I’m happy for you my babies. Good luck!🍀💖

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

🍀 Pile 3 🍀

• ace of pentacles •

Hi my pile 3 babies! A good thing coming your way is some sort of practical offer that you’ve been waiting on. This could be a job offer, hearing back from an interview saying you aced it, your first sale from a business venture you started, or literal help that you can actually do something with. So if you need help in your life instead of just encouraging words someone is going to actually offer real tangible things that you can use. So, money, a place to say, food etc. Some of you have been affected by a natural disaster and there’s relief coming your way. I don’t know why but someone’s Uncle could be significant.

Some of you are hearing back that you got accepted into your desired school, others are finding out they’ve received a scholarship. Something about a fund, or funds are significant. For some, you could be receiving a check in the mail that you’ve been waiting for, getting approved for some sort of financial help. Some of you are getting approved for food stamps, or section 8 housing, a loan. Something to do with credit is significant. Some of you could be heading into the field of health, health and human service and social work or counseling. Some of you could figuring out you passed an exam you’ve been hoping you would pass. That’s significant for some of you. Some of you, your favorite color is pink, red, green, blue, purple or brown. Some of you wear a lot of brown, love nude nails/french tips, pink nails, white nails, or have just dyed your hair brown. Some of you love strawberries and could be a ginger. Some of you have subliminal, or stim board YouTube channels or love them. Somebody in this pile has a pastel pink strawberry blanket, or blanket hoodie/onesie with strawberries on them that they got from shein or Amazon. Someone here loves to bake. Someone loves Sanrio and Korean food/Japanese culture/kawaii things and plushies. Someone here does the blind blush look and always wears berry red and pink lipgloss and lipstick and strawberry scented things, or fruity things or sweet things. Idk why I’m channeling that, that’s significant, maybe just to let you know this is your pile. Also another good thing that could be coming your way is if any of you have a home based baking business, where you bake things, make edibles, sell w33d you’re about to see an increase in sakes, or you’re about start this and it’ll be successful and you’ll have cool, chill, kind, playful clients who come to you regularly and refers people to you because I’m hearing people say “the girl I get edibles from” (could be any gender, that’s just what I picked up on). If you guys have sub channels in this pile, or cute kawaii content, you will have a viral video this month. Or will as soon as you get started.

For others of you I’m picking up glasses, so you may be purchasing new glasses or receiving the money to do so. A laptop. Some of you may have been having insurance problems and that’s getting sorted out, you may get news that your insurance (whatever kind) will cover something you need and you don’t have to pay out of pocket or only need to pay a small co-pay that’s doable for you. Some of you could be receiving $40 for in a week, or finding a $20 bill on the ground. Some of you could be getting your phone bill paid for. Someone here uses mint mobile or will be switching to that and that saves you money. Someone could be paying for your bill on mint mobile, boost mobile, t mobile, and/or metro pcs. Some of you could be receiving help with a light bill or cable bill this month.

Some of you who work in an industry where you can get tips, you may receive a huge tip soon that will cover something you need ($100-$150, for some $200-$300) . If you freelance you could get a really high paying client this month, for some in a week from when you see this. For others of you some of you are wanting to become sugar babies and you’ll find a good match for you soon. For some, you guys are already a sugar baby and they are going to cover a huge expense for you soon, that you’ve been asking about or just out of surprise. Some may be waiting on a huge check from a government entity and will receive it, or this will come by as a surprise. Someone here is receiving restitution. Maybe you’ve been a victim of fraud or theft.

Some of you are single parents and are getting news that you’ve been approved for WIC, daycare vouchers, food stamps, welfare housing, and/or temporary cash assistance. Some of you are applying to live in a RV home or mobile home and will be getting news that you’ve gotten approved. Some of you will be getting news that you’ve passed a credit/background check. Some of you will hear you passed a drug test for a job. Some of you are hearing back that you passed a security clearance test for a job. Some of you are started jobs as security officers, or will be hearing back from a security officer job; or should apply to one of you’ve been thinking about it.

Some of you have been doing budgeting methods, cash stuffing and have been working your ASS off to reach a savings goal or to pay off debt, good things coming your way is that you may receive a large (realistically) amount that will boost your savings up. Some of you will be reaching your savings goal. Some of you may be approved for a mortgage. Some of you are financing your elders home that was left to you when they passed. Some of you are receiving a trust fund that your parent or whomever left for you, others have had that hidden from you, you’ll be receiving that soon or already have. Something may come in the mail for you that’s money related and it may come as a complete shock. Or have a check that goes through, and the company confirms you’re able to actually receive the money you’re inquiring about. Some of you are getting great news in terms of housing. Some of you will be making a purchase of a vehicle to do van life after saving, you’re about to find the perfect van. For others you guys are finding the perfect car within your budget. Facebook marketplace could be significant. Also a good thing coming someone’s way is a successful Etsy shop or increase in sales, on their Etsy shop. Good luck pile 3, I’m happy for you babies! 💖

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

🍀 Pile 4 🍀

• the fool, 4 of swords, the hermit •

Hi my pile 4 babies! A good thing coming your way is you may be finally receiving a new beginning you’ve been wanting to receive. Some of you specifically have been wanting to move out of a physical place and live a quiet life away from something in peace you’ll be able to do that. Some of you have been wanting to do this emotionally, where you’re finally over something and you’ll be waking up one day and just not giving a fuck.

For some, you’ve been really wanting solitude. You’ll be receiving that to, others of you have been applying for wfh tech jobs, or remote jobs in general you’ll be receiving news that you’ve got an interview or have been hired/got the job. A grocery store could be significant. Anyways, some of you have been wanting to move away from a friend group and go your own path but for whatever reason you couldn’t, the good thing coming towards you is you’ll be able to.

This pile has been wanting a new start but for some reason something else had to be prioritized, or was in the way; that’s being removed and taken care of.

For others, you guys had to heal something emotionally/and mentally before having this new beginning. What I’m picking up is a good thing that is coming your way is, feeling like your self again. Your brain is literally feeling lighter, as it may have been feeling heavy and foggy, and filled with depression for so long. You have healed, and came to new conclusions, let go of outdated beliefs towards yourself and your past, and have rejuvenated yourself for a long time, in solitude and you’re coming out of that feeling like yourself. Your intrusive thoughts are being healed at this time. You’re moving forward out of a rut, embracing new experiences and taking action on new ideas with gentle, quiet confidence. Your mental health is better, that’s the good thing coming your way. For some, you might have completely healed your depression and anxiety, or have been actively taking meds and now have recalibrated yourself to sound mind, and clear thinking. Some of you could’ve picked pile 3 as well. You are now moving forward with complete detachment to the past, and entering a new cycle with lessons learned. Give the songs JoJo- lift, and JoJo- world of sunshine a listen I’m channeling those songs. You guys could’ve gotten some help with your mental health, and now you are completely better and back to yourself. I’m so grateful for your health pile 4 & I’m so proud of you and your progress. Good luck babies! 🍀💖

[toonice113]

Slut! ⋆ ★ N.Hischier 

0. ┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ ☁  Begin again 

1.peace

Pairings: Nico Hischier x Singer!FMC (Teddy Wells)

Summary: Teddy has just gone through a horrible breakup, her best friend gives her the chance to begin again by setting her up on a date.

Warnings: mentions of cheating, mentions of breakdowns, Lando Norris being a horrible ex (he gets worse sorry)

Word count: 1.7k

Face claim: Nicole Wallace

⋆˚࿔ tina's note 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ Welcome to the intro for my new Nico fic, as it stands this will have 3 parts (Peace, But daddy I love him and Slut!) plus this intro. I had the idea for this a while ago and planned to write it as a full thing on wattpad but I get bored of my projects so quickly that I decided not to do it and so here we are now with a three part series, I’m not sure when the rest of it will go up as I only have an outline of it but keep an eye out for it! Anyways I kinda rushed to write this while I could because lately I’ve been getting a million ideas but when I start to write it just disappears so it might not be the best but I hope you still enjoy it.

Breakups are hard, breaking up for the second time with the guy you thought you were going to marry and spend the rest of your life with is harder, add fame to the mix and it is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. For the past month I’ve been hiding away from everyone in my NYC apartment, the first week was the worse, moving out of our Monaco apartment in the middle of the night, calling Alyssa so she could book me the next flight back to America then having to contain myself during the trip so no one realized how broken I was, arriving back at the NYC apartment I broke down and spent that whole week crying on the couch. Alyssa herself took a flight to Monaco the next week after making sure that I was well enough to at least feed myself to retrieve the things I had left behind, while she was away I had the most humbling experience of my life (more than the one time where someone almost threw me out of my own show while backstage but that’s a different story) when I set the table for two people while on autopilot and then burned one of the placemats when I realized what I had done leading to yet another breakdown. A month after my breakup I had pulled myself together enough to be trusted to be left alone, and I only did it because I felt selfish for keeping Alyssa in New York when I knew she had a trip planned to see her family in Switzerland, she begged for me to join her but I didn’t want to intrude and bring down the happy mood.

Alyssa came back two weeks later with a plan and no intention of backing out of it, she was setting me up with one of her friend’s brother who lived in New Jersey, a hockey player named Nico who according to Alyssa if he wasn’t one of her best friend’s brother she would’ve smashed (her words not mine). I of course rejected the date immediately, I had just gotten to the point of not crying at the sight of my ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend who he had cheated on me with, because of course although he hadn’t confirmed anything there were tons of pictures of the two online, so I was in no state to go out on dates but my best friend does not back down, like ever, which is one of the qualities I liked about her so much when I first hired her to be my personal assistant, I’ve never not gotten a reservation I’ve wanted even if said reservation was in the new cool restaurant that already has a six month waiting list. After days of nagging I finally gave in, and that’s how I found myself on the back of an Uber on a Wednesday on my way to a coffee shop in Hoboken nervously picking at my nails and straightening the skirt of my dress over and over again until the driver announces that we have arrived, I thank him and walk out, I’m five minutes early and I don’t expect him to arrive on time, Lando never did, so I probably have some time to settle down on a table before he arrives, to calm my nerves a little, but when I walk through the door I see him sitting on a table on the other end of the cafe, that is thankfully not that busy, he looks better than in the pictures Alyssa showed me. Slowly I approach him and as soon as he notices me he gets up to greet me “Teddy, hi” he speaks out and I can’t help but swoon a little in my head at his voice “I’m Nico” he introduces himself with a smile putting is hand out for a handshake

“Hi” I take his hand “It’s nice to meet you” I’m sure my voice comes out shaky but he doesn’t say anything about it an instead pulls my chair out so I can sit after we let go of the handshake

“Do you want to order?” he asks motioning to the small menu in the middle of the table “I’m not sure what you like but I was looking at the menu and there seem to be a good selection of pastries that my trainers would probably disapprove of but oh well” 

We order and talk for a bit while sipping on our drinks and eating our pastries, I let him take the lead in the conversation partly because I’m nervous as this is my first date with someone other than Lando in a very long time, and even with Lando dates were scarce, but also because I don’t want to be rude and interrupt the stories he’s telling me “So how did you meet Alyssa?” he asks after he finishes his story

“Uh she’s my assistant actually, well the title is forgotten most of the time nowadays since we’ve gotten so close but yeah my manager thought I needed someone to help me around and I interviewed around six people before Alyssa walked in, I was actually about to call the rest of the interviews before she came in because I was having problems scheduling some recording sessions, but she walked in and helped me figure it out in ten minutes, and that’s how I knew she was the one” I say and this is probably the longest I’ve talked in the twenty five minutes we’ve been chatting “We became friends fast, although between you and me I think she just pretends to like me because I pay her” I joke and he chuckles letting me see his dimples.

“You know when Nina called about setting me up on a date I said no because I know better than to trust my sister with my love life” He says and I notice his voice goes softer when he talks about his sister “And then he added Alyssa to the call and I knew I was done for” 

“She is good at convincing people to do things they don’t want to do” I agree “Last year she decided we were gonna go camping and as much as I enjoy nature I’m more of a glamping kind of girl, like I love the idea of sitting around a fire surrounded by nothing but green but Alyssa’s idea of camping was more like a tent and sleeping bags” he listens to me attentively and it’s kind of new to have someone look that interested in what I have to say “Anyways I say yes and we get to the place, we went with a couple other friends and she was in charge of getting our tents and stuff, turns out she got a kid sized tent for both of us” he cackles, and his laugh makes me chuckle too “Thankfully we fit somehow but only if we slept like basically cuddling and that is how I found out Alyssa is a real fan of snuggling when she sleeps” he laughs again, his dimples deepening “I had to pee at some point, thankfully there were porta potties, so I had to untangle myself from her and it was such a challenge that I thought I would pee right there but finally I got out and went to the restroom and then as I was going back to the tent I saw something move where we had stored our food and got so scared I ran to our tent and woke Alyssa up telling her there was a bear, because I was convinced it was a bear, both Alyssa and I armed ourselves with the only things we had in the tent, our flashlights, and when we came out ready to attack we found out it was only one of our friends having a midnight snack” he laughs even harder, throwing his head back and I can’t remember the last time someone found one of my stories this funny “Safe to say I’m never camping again much less with Alyssa” 

“Oh man” He looks back at me after his laughing subsides “So you were planning on fighting a bear with your flashlights?” 

I nod, smiling “You wanna know the best part?” he nods with a raised eyebrow “They were those pocket flashlights that are smaller than your hand” his head falls back again as he laughs more “There was no space for the big ones in our kiddie tent!” I exclaim laughing with him 

We stayed at the cafe for a couple hours just getting to know each other, and for a while I forgot all about Lando and my heartbreak, finally after my uber arrived, a street over because they had closed the street we were in for some random thing they had to fix while we were in the coffee shop, our chatter subsided, and as we walked to the car in silence I saw a poster for an athletic brand with Lando in it and just as I was about to say something about it, Nico picked up the conversation again talking about the holidays as we passed by a little shop selling christmas ornaments (even though it was not yet christmas time) “We always watch Elf, it’s my favorite christmas movie and I begged my mom every day for like two weeks to make me the spaghetti, finally one day she agreed to let me prepare it with the leftovers after she made dinner, I ended up throwing up in the bathroom” This time I chuckle 

“Poor baby Nico” I say poking his side 

“Well not really baby Nico, I think I was like twelve or thirteen when it happened” We both laugh and then we are standing in front of my uber “So… Thank you for today” 

“I should be the one saying thank you” I say smiling at him “I had a great time” 

“Me too” he hesitates a little but then he pulls me in for a hug, opening the door for me as we let go “Let me know when you get home safe” I nod with one last smile and get on the car waving goodbye feeling a little sad that the date is over, which is weird because just three hours ago I was so sure this would’ve gone horribly wrong but now all I can think about is when I’m going to see this man again and of course thanking Alyssa for setting this up and giving me the opportunity to begin again.

[hugheses]

Future Stars: A Conversation With Devils' Luke Hughes & Sharks' Macklin Celebrini's Joint Summer Training

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes says San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini is a close friend of his and his family.

By Max Miller

New Jersey Devils star young defenseman Luke Hughes said that San Jose Sharks star rookie Macklin Celebrini lived with his family for two weeks over the summer to train for the 24-25 season.

"He stayed with us for two weeks in the summer," Hughes said. "He's a good friend and a really good guy. [I] enjoy training with him and hanging out with him when he's in town."

Celebrini has trained with other NHL stars like Connor Bedard and Kent Johnson.

Hughes told THN what being around the 2024 No. 1 pick was like when he's not playing hockey.

"Away from the rink, he's a really fun guy," Hughes said. "[He] just goes with the flow and [is a] really happy guy. He's fun to be around."

After missing the start of the season with an injury, Hughes has found his game and is beginning to produce for the Devils. In his last ten games, he has two goals and six assists. He's currently paired on defense with Brett Pesce.

THN asked the defenseman how he and the New Jersey Devils plan to stop Celebrini and Will Smith when the two teams play tomorrow afternoon; Hughes didn't have an answer.

"I don't know. We'll figure that one out tomorrow," Hughes said after practice on Friday.

-

Hughes played with Smith at the 2024 IIHF World Championships and says the San Jose Sharks have NHL superstars on their hands.

"We train hard in Michigan. Seeing [Celebrini] out there and how he fits in really well just translated into his game," Hughes said. "He's a really good player, and he's gonna be a really special player. [Smith and Celebrini] are in good hands."

[estapa-edwards]

RIVALS - J. HUGHES

paring: jack hughes x reader

word count: 2.3k

requested? yes - jack falling in love with his rival player from the rangers and the media and everyone alwyss comparing the two and they like to tease each other back and fourth and people think they are enemies but really they have been friends since they both moved away from their families to jersey and york, they ended up living in the same building and became good friends despite the rivalry, they just love to tease each other on the ice and making everyone speculate, something important goes on and jack brings her as his plus one and he is like she’s been my gf for years didn’t you know?

warnings: use of y/n.

*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*

As I lace up my skates in the familiar locker room of Madison Square Garden, I can feel the buzz of anticipation coursing through me. Tonight, like every other night when we face off against the New Jersey Devils, the media will paint our matchup as an epic clash between bitter rivals. They'll hype up the drama, the tension, the supposed animosity between me, Y/N, of the New York Rangers, and Jack Hughes of the Devils. But what they don't know is that behind the scenes, Jack and I are actually good friends.

It's funny how things work out sometimes. We met shortly after we both moved away from home to pursue our hockey dreams. Fate seemed to have a sense of humor when it placed us in the same apartment building. At first, we were just acquaintances, nodding at each other in the elevator or exchanging small talk in the lobby. But as time went on, our friendship blossomed.

Jack is one of those people who's impossible not to like. He's got this infectious energy, always cracking jokes and keeping everyone around him in high spirits. And despite being fierce competitors on the ice, off the rink, he's one of the most genuine and down-to-earth guys I've ever met.

--

From the moment we stepped onto the ice as rookies, Jack and I knew that we were destined to be compared and contrasted by the media. They loved to pit us against each other, to scrutinize every goal, every assist, every move we made on the ice. And as much as we tried to brush it off, it was hard not to feel the weight of those expectations.

But amidst the chaos of the rivalry, Jack and I found something unexpected: a genuine friendship. It started with small gestures – a friendly nod during warm-ups, a quick word of encouragement after a tough game – but it quickly grew into something deeper. We discovered that we had a lot in common, both on and off the ice, and that despite wearing different jerseys, we shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents.

As our friendship blossomed, we found ourselves gravitating towards each other more and more, seeking refuge from the pressures of the rivalry in each other's company. We'd sneak away from the prying eyes of the media and our respective teams' management to grab lunch together or hang out at one of our apartments, swapping stories and jokes like old friends.

Of course, we knew that our friendship had to remain a secret. Our PR managers made sure of that, reminding us constantly that we were supposed to be bitter rivals, not bosom buddies. But in a strange way, the secrecy only made our bond stronger. It was like we were in on this big, inside joke together, sharing a secret that no one else knew.

And so, we became experts at playing our parts. We'd exchange playful jabs during interviews, making sure to throw in a few subtle digs to keep up the facade of animosity. We'd celebrate our victories against each other on the ice with exaggerated displays of triumph, all the while exchanging knowing looks behind the scenes.

---

As rookies, stepping onto the ice for the first time felt like stepping into a pressure cooker. The weight of expectations hung heavy in the air, fueled by the constant comparisons and contrasts the media loved to draw between Jack and me.

"Hey, Y/N," Jack called out as we lined up for warm-ups before our first game against each other. His voice cut through the tension, and I turned to see him flashing a grin. "You ready to show the world what we're made of?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his infectious enthusiasm. "You bet, Jack. Just don't expect me to go easy on you out there."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied with a playful wink.

And so it began – a friendly rivalry that would soon evolve into something much deeper. As the games went by, Jack and I found ourselves drawn to each other, seeking solace from the relentless scrutiny of the media in the comfort of each other's company.

"Rough game out there, huh?" Jack said one night, catching me in the hallway outside the locker rooms after a particularly grueling match.

I nodded, grateful for the chance to decompress with someone who understood the pressures we faced. "Yeah, tell me about it. I swear, they're never gonna let us live this one down."

Jack chuckled, clapping me on the back in a show of solidarity. "Well, at least we can commiserate together, right?"

And so our friendship blossomed, forged in the fires of competition and camaraderie. We'd steal moments away from the prying eyes of the media, grabbing lunch together or hanging out at one of our apartments, swapping stories and jokes like old friends.

"Man, I can't believe we have to keep this friendship a secret," I grumbled one day as we lounged on Jack's couch, watching highlights from our latest game.

Jack shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Eh, adds to the intrigue, don't you think? Besides, it's kinda fun having our little secret."

I had to admit, there was something exhilarating about sneaking around like a couple of teenagers with a forbidden romance. It made our bond feel even more special, like we were part of some exclusive club that no one else could join.

Of course, playing our parts as bitter rivals wasn't always easy. We'd exchange playful jabs during interviews, throwing in a few subtle digs to keep up the facade of animosity.

"Y/N, what do you have to say to Jack Hughes, who claims he's going to outshine you on the ice tonight?" a reporter asked during a post-game press conference.

I shot Jack a knowing smirk before turning back to the camera with a smirk of my own. "Tell him he can try, but he's gonna have to get past me first."

Jack laughed from his seat beside me, the tension in the room dissipating as we shared a private joke

--

As much as we excelled at maintaining the illusion of rivalry in public, it was behind closed doors where our friendship truly flourished. Away from the prying eyes of the media and the expectations of our teams, Jack and I could be ourselves without reservation. We'd spend hours talking about everything and nothing, sharing our hopes and fears, our triumphs and struggles.

There was a comfort in knowing that we could let our guard down around each other, free from the pressures of being seen as rivals. In those moments, it was easy to forget about the intensity of the rivalry and just enjoy each other's company. Whether we were binge-watching our favorite TV shows, cooking dinner together, or simply lounging around, every moment spent with Jack felt like a welcome reprieve from the chaos of our professional lives.

And yet, even as we reveled in our friendship, there was always an underlying tension – the knowledge that our bond had to remain a secret. It was a constant balancing act, navigating the delicate line between friendship and rivalry, always mindful of the consequences if our true relationship were to be revealed.

But despite the risks, our friendship only grew stronger with each passing day. We became each other's confidants, sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings with a level of trust and understanding that went beyond words. And as much as we cherished our time together off the ice, there was something uniquely special about the moments we shared on it.

On game days, when the arena was buzzing with excitement and anticipation, Jack and I would find ourselves locked in a silent battle of wills. We'd exchange knowing glances across the ice, each one a silent reminder of the bond we shared. And when the puck dropped and the game was underway, it was like we were playing our own private game within the game – a subtle dance of friendship disguised as rivalry.

But no matter how convincing our performance was for the outside world, there were moments when our true feelings would slip through the cracks. A shared smile after a particularly well-executed play, a quick pat on the back after a hard-fought battle – these were the moments when our friendship shone brightest, illuminating the darkness of the rivalry that surrounded us.

--

The locker room is quiet, the only sound the faint echo of distant celebrations filtering through the walls. I sit alone on the bench, still basking in the afterglow of our victory over the Devils. It had been a hard-fought battle, but in the end, we'd come out on top, securing another win for the Rangers.

I'm lost in my thoughts when I hear the door creak open, and I glance up to see Jack standing in the doorway, a hesitant smile playing at the corners of his lips. Everyone else has already left, leaving us alone in the quiet solitude of the locker room.

"Hey," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey," I reply, returning his smile. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be with your team."

Jack shrugs, taking a few cautious steps into the room. "I needed to talk to you."

My curiosity piqued, I gesture for him to take a seat beside me on the bench. "What's on your mind?"

He hesitates for a moment, his gaze flickering uncertainly as if searching for the right words. And then, in one swift motion, he crosses the distance between us and takes my face in his hands, leaning in to press his lips against mine.

For a moment, time seems to stand still as the world falls away around us. I'm too stunned to react, too overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions coursing through me. But as his kiss deepens, I find myself melting into his embrace, the weight of our shared secret finally lifting from my shoulders.

When we finally pull apart, our breaths coming in ragged gasps, I meet Jack's gaze with a mixture of surprise and longing. "I didn't know you felt that way," I whisper, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my heart.

Jack smiles, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "I've been trying to tell you for months," he admits, his thumb tracing gentle circles against my cheek. "But I never had the courage until now."

I reach out to take his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together with a sense of newfound clarity. "I'm glad you did," I say softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Because I feel the same way."

-- 

As the seasons passed, Jack and I found ourselves navigating the complexities of our newfound relationship with a sense of cautious optimism. We were no longer just friends who shared a secret bond; we were now a couple, bound together by love and mutual respect.

But as much as we reveled in our newfound happiness, we couldn't escape the ever-present shadow of the rivalry that loomed over us. Our teams, our fans, and the media all seemed determined to keep us apart, to maintain the facade of animosity that had defined our relationship for so long.

We knew that our relationship had to remain a secret, at least for the time being. Our PR managers had made that abundantly clear, reminding us constantly of the consequences if our true feelings were ever to be revealed. And so, we continued to play our parts, keeping our love hidden behind a carefully constructed facade of rivalry and competition.

But as the years passed and our relationship continued to flourish, it became increasingly difficult to keep our secret under wraps. We longed to share our love with the world, to finally break free from the constraints of the rivalry that had kept us apart for so long.

And then, one day, an opportunity presented itself that we couldn't ignore. Jack had been invited to a prestigious event, a gathering of the league's top players and executives, and he had been given the chance to bring a guest as his plus one.

As we stood outside the doors of the grand ballroom, Jack turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Are you ready for this?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, my heart pounding in anticipation. "I'm ready," I replied, squeezing his hand tightly in mine.

And with that, we stepped inside, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As we made our way through the crowd, heads turned and whispers followed in our wake. But Jack didn't seem to notice, too caught up in the moment to care about the opinions of others.

And then, when we reached the center of the room, Jack turned to me with a smile that lit up his entire face. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice ringing out clear and confident. "I'd like you to meet someone very special to me. This is Y/N, and she's been my girlfriend for years. Didn't you know?"

The room fell silent, the air thick with shock and surprise. But as I looked around at the stunned faces of our peers, I felt a sense of liberation wash over me. We had finally broken free from the shackles of the rivalry, and nothing – not even the expectations of others – could hold us back any longer.

As Jack wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close, I knew that our love was stronger than any rivalry, stronger than any obstacle that stood in our way. And as we danced together in the center of the room, surrounded by the whispers of our peers and the glow of the evening lights, I knew that we were finally free to be ourselves – together, forever.

[octuscle]

My professor gave me a zero on my essay for no reason! I did the work! When I asked him why he said that it was because I was a jock and jocks always fail his class. It’s time for payback!

Seriously, what do you expect from a professor of German studies named Dr. Kurt-Heinrich Schulte Obermeier? He's a Westphalian lateral thinker with Prussian discipline oozing from his every pore. Immaculate hairstyle, perfectly fitting suits, first-class pressed shirts. Handkerchief and tie always coordinated with great taste. A luminary in matters of German post-war literature. And an asshole as a professor.

I am a natural scientist. Sort of. According to my self-image as a support staff member. I'm of the opinion that the world isn't a worse place with one less Germanist in it. If he spends his time on meaningful things instead of Günther Grass.

When he wakes up the next morning, he feels fresh and rested. Dr. Kurt Obermeier is one of the youngest research assistants to have ever worked at your university. He is cool. He knows he's clever. But he's a good tutor and even if he's always dressed a bit stuffy, you can have fun with him. Rather atypical for a German studies student, you can even meet him in the sports bar in the evening. When the German soccer league is on.

Curt Meier is a WASP like no other. Although half of him is not Anglo-Saxon but German. That's why he decided to study business administration and German studies. Out of pure interest. He doesn't need to earn any money anyway, he lives off his parents' money. And he lives off the occasional modeling job. Curt is New England incarnate. Cultured, educated. And in his beauty, he is unfortunately also a little boring. But what do you expect from someone who plays cricket?

Yo, dude! Check it out, this Curtis Meyers guy, man, he's like, totally not fitting in at the uni, you know? Button-down shirts? Rugby shirts? That ain't his vibe at all. He's all about football jerseys, bro. But honestly, he only throws those on when he has to. In German studies? Forget about it. The professor thinks he's gotta dress fancy? Ridiculous, man! If they kicked him out for that, he'd be damn happy. He only picked this damn major 'cause he thought it was gonna be all about Thor and Wotan and all those badass demigods, you feel me? They're awesome. But Rilke and Heine? Hell no. And their language, man! Who the hell came up with that? Must've had a sunstroke that day, dude. Oh, and what's up with the sun? Time to link up with the boys and toss some balls on the field...

Mike Curtis hated university, man. Those snobby dudes there were just dumbasses and annoying as hell. Too dumb to take out the trash properly. Too lazy to clean up their own mess. Keeping the campus clean was a crappy job. He especially hated that German Studies building. Full of stuck-up know-it-alls. All a bunch of weaklings. Supposedly Mike had some German great-grandfather or something. What a load of crap! What kind of dumbass has two last names? Anyway, Mike supposedly got his German looks from him. Also bullshit! That was all sweat and hard work in the gym. Mike didn't inherit nothing. He earned everything he got. And he was damn proud of it!

Mike is not a jock in the strict sense of the word. But certainly more than Professor Dr. Schulte Obermeier. I don't think you have anything more to fear from him, Bro. As long as you separate the garbage properly.