#Elias Pettersson preference

[hughesybear]

“Elliotte unwraps his theory on Elias Pettersson’s struggles of late.” (25/10/2024)

transcript of 32 Thoughts segment below cut

Elliotte: Even though the Canucks signed Pettersson, I think they felt there was another level or two levels that they felt they needed to get him to. I think it was felt that, as great as he is, they needed him to be tougher. I don’t know if “meaner” is the right word, but tougher. Now, some people are not wired that way. But I think they felt he was wired that way, and is wired that way, but they had to encourage him to get there. And what I also believe is that they didn’t want it to be up to Rutherford or Allvin or Tocchet to do it.

They really believe in their leadership group, they believe Hughes is a strong captain, and they believe that Miller is a strong alternate captain, and that their group is a strong group. And I think they said “you guys are the ones that’ll have to do it.” Miller’s obviously taking that very literally - in that practice, and I think there have been some talks off the ice - but I think Hughes is involved too. I just think that Hughes would take that so seriously as a responsibility of his, I think you’re insane if you don’t think that he is trying to do that too.

Now, I think there are limits, you can’t go too far (…) I think the Canucks see it as, it might be better for Pettersson if it comes from his teammates as opposed to his coach or the GM. I think what the Canucks have said to their leadership group is “Elias needs to get to another level, you all see it, and we want you guys to get him there.” And I think they see it, they understand it, and they’re trying to push him there. And I think the message comes harder from some guys - Miller - as opposed to other guys like Hughes. But I think that’s the goal here, and I think they feel that tough love is the way - in the world, if we want to be successful, we have to be prepared at times for honest, tough criticism, as long as it’s meant properly. We all have to deal with that from time to time, and I think that’s what the Canucks are trying to do here.

Now, I think there’s a couple other things at play. I don’t think he always likes it - I think they’re hoping he will understand that it’s to make them win, but I don’t think he always likes it. I don’t know how serious it is, but I don’t think he’s 100%. So I can’t answer that, in terms of what percentage he’s at, but I think it’s a factor. I think a lot of players almost prefer it when the constructive criticism comes down the chain of command, whether it’s management or the coach, you don’t always like it when it’s your teammates because your teammates are supposed to have your back. But also, teammates are as good as anybody when you’re not yourself or you’re not performing to your best ability, it’s your teammates who tell you when you’re not doing your most. And I think that’s the way the Canucks see it here.

The other thing I would like to say is, the last podcast we talked about him being on top of social media too much. Well, someone called me and said “you didn’t go far enough.” And I go “okay, what did I miss?” And he said “his friends are sending him stuff too and telling him stuff.” And that is the worst. The worst. (…) So, what I look at is this: if you’re a friend of Pettersson’s, and you’re sending him clips, or transcripts, or saying “this guy said something about you” in Vancouver or Toronto or wherever it is, stop doing that. You are not being a good friend. That makes the problem worse. He doesn’t need that.

(…) I think at the end of the day, the goal here from the Canucks is, if this guy can get a little bit of a thicker skin, he’s going to be unstoppable. We need to push him to be that player. You can’t go too far, there are lines you cannot cross, but this is what I really believe the Canucks are trying to do. The number one thing I would do if I was Pettersson - I went back today and I watched, you remember his first game? The goals he was scoring, the fun he was having, he has to rediscover that. He came over as this almost blissfully naïve guy and started dominating the league immediately. Whatever that was inside of him at that time, he has to get back to that. I think there is still a great player there, and we’ve got to get that back out of him.

Kyle: As I said on Monday’s episode too, I hope he finds joy in the game again, or continues to find joy in the game again that continues to bring out what we saw when he first came to Vancouver six years ago.

[oleksiak-pettersson]

You made a wish at 11:11 - Elias Pettersson

Inspired by 11:11 by Arkells

Summary: a first date between two longtime friends leads to something even better

You were all done up

but it wasn’t for me.

Elias’ palms felt sweaty. It was October for gods sake! There’s a cold breeze nipping at his frame - he shouldn’t be sweaty.

His heart is racing. Elias shifts his weight back and forth on his feet, he never gets this nervous. He’s an NHL super star, I mean he’s played in front of all kinds of crowds and never caved to the pressure. So why does he feel like he may throw up on the street?

His eyes shift down to the fancy watch adorning his wrist, he is ten minutes early. He’s beginning to understand the male lead in every rom-com he’s ever been forced to watch by various different women in his life - like your life is about to begin but also simultaneously combust.

Elias needs this to go well. He’s been pining after you quietly for months now, maybe even years. If this date doesn’t go well, he’ll still have to see you often and boy does he love to see you.

There’s also the fact that an annoying blonde bearing the name Brock Boeser will roast the shit out of him. He may be one of Elias’ best friends but damn is he unable to let things go. It doesn’t help that you and Bella are quite good friends and the older Canuck is privy to all your “girl talk”, as he’s boasted to Elias before.

“Pull yourself together, Pettersson.” Elias mutters to himself, he’s trying his best to channel his Minnesotan pal and pep-talk his way out of the bordering on anxiety nerves he’s developed waiting outside of your building.

He lets out a deep breath, throwing his head back and screwing his eyes shut. He’s thankful it’s October and beginning to hint at the Vancouver winter to come. There’s no way Elias would be able to hide his nerves in the heat, a loose t-shirt would instantly give away the sweat-induced panic  He shoves his hands inside the pockets of his felt Nike quarter-zip. The plush interior of his pockets brings comfort to his fried nerves.

“Hey there handsome,” your voice startles him out of his reverie. “You ready to go?”

Elias turns to greet you, but words fail him once he catches a glimpse of you. His jaw drops slightly and he tries to recover quickly so you don’t notice. You do however and glee flashes over your face.

“You look incredible,” is what finally leaves his lips as he gathers his thoughts.

Cockily, you roll your shoulders back and stand a little taller. The compliment is exactly what you need to boost your confidence to go through with this date. Sure, you and Elias have been friends for a while and run in the same social groups but you’ve never hung out alone before. You’d never thought he’d ask you out and briefly thought he was inviting you to hang out with the group when he did ask. It took both Bella and Brock to convince you to agree.

“Just so you know,” you lilt teasingly, leaning your shoulder into his chest, face inches from his. “I didn’t dress up for you.”

He smirks, you both know you did but he’ll play the game. “Oh yeah?” He quirks an eyebrow to match the playful attitude you’ve adopted. His face moves closer to yours and you can feel the heat of his breath on your skin. He smells delicious and you want nothing more than to press a kiss to his plump pink lips.

You were up at the front

to tap on your feet

I was back at the bar

You had your eyes on the stage

Elias wasn’t usually keen on spending his night at the Roxy, but one of your favourite bands was playing a small show and he bought tickets faster than he’d admit to anyone.

From picking you up to the moment you’d gotten to the bar, he’d kept you close to his body. Elias had kept a hand on your lower back with you tucked into his side. Somehow you’d manage to make it several blocks without him being noticed by loving Canucks fans. 

Upon entering the bar, he’d inquired about your drink preference before ushering you to the front of the stage.

The band hadn’t appeared yet, but the music was blasting through the speakers. The disco ball illuminated the dance floor. Elias watched as light danced off your face. You were at the front of the stage, tapping your feet to the beat while the girl beside you was gesturing wildly to you. 

A throat clearing behind Elias caused him to turn around. The bartender hands him two drinks, both alcoholic, and Elias hands his credit card over to start a tab. He’s going to stick to only the one drink but he wants to treat you to however many you want.

He’s cautious as he moves through the crowd with both hands full. It’s not as busy as he’s seen it before but he still has to dodge the occasional group of people to protect his drinks from spilling.

The smile he receives from you upon gallantly handing you your drink makes his heart flutter. The lighting hits your eyes causes electricity to run down his spine. 

Elias looks good, having shed his sweater at the coat check and rolling up the sleeves of his button up. He’s wearing the one you complimented one time. The moment you saw it, you blushed to yourself - he’d remembered.

You switch your drink in your hands, and slip your free hand into Elias’s. His hand dwarves yours, warming your icy palm. Using his grip on your hand, Elias pulls you closer. 

“Thank you for the drink,” you say, eyes fluttering up at the Swede. You want to kiss him, but the music stops and you both turn to the stage.

The girl you were chatting with is gone when the spell between you and Elias ends. She made away quickly upon realising that she no longer existed in the little world between you and your beau.

You made a wish at 11:11

I held your hips at 12:34

There was a kiss just waiting to happen

A cab was calling outside the door

Even if the bar wasn’t packed, you would be pressed against Elias. The moment the band started playing, he took position behind you. He made the perfect barrier from others; it left you the perfect amount of room to lose yourself in the music.

Occasionally you’ll turn around to serenade him sweetly. His blue eyes haven’t left your frame in the hour since the band went on. He could care less about the ongoings around him, all that mattered in this moment was you.

You whip around quickly, grabbing his wrist and twisting it to your view. Elias chuckles, amused by your actions. Your eyelashes flutter as you inspect the hands of the watch. He’s blown away by the smile you bear upon seeing exactly what you’re looking for.

Seamlessly, the band switches from the fast pace song to a slower boxier beat. Your body sways almost automatically at the switch. Elias’ arm is still in your grip as you move.

He leans in close to you, so you can hear him over the band. “What are you doing, älskling?” His lips caress your ear, and you shiver at the feeling.

“It’s 11:11, I’m making a wish.” You announce back, before going quiet and closing your eyes. 

It’s clear you’re mentally trying to wish something and Elias smiles at the way your eyes crinkle with emphasis. He finds a warmth in his chest at how cute you look focused. “You’re cute, y’know?” He murmurs, eyes filled with fondness.

He notices an eyelash under your eye, and reaches his thumb up to brush it away. A shiver runs through your body at his touch, his hands are soft and warm.

You want to kiss him, he wants you to kiss him. 

It’s a little later when you spin around. A slow song has brought the joint down a couple levels and most people are coupled off around you swaying back and forth. “Dance with me?” You ask, drawing his attention to you.

Elias had been glaring down a man dancing to your left. This guy had been trying to get closer and closer to you as the night progressed and the Swede was having none of it.

Not usually prone to jealously, it was a weird feeling for Elias. But he’s more than happy to wrap his arms around your waist.

You snuggle into his chest, letting your body fall against his. His arms are strong and you can feel his biceps against the small of your back. Your arms wrap around his shoulders, head falling against his collarbone.

Elias begins to sway you back and forth, his heart is beating steady and its rhythmic bumping lulls you into a relaxed state.

Elias is the first to break the silence you’ve created. “I'm having a really great time with you.”

The sentiment lingers in the air for a moment as you take in the words spoken. You smile against his clavicle. The same thing has crossed your mind several times tonight.

“Me too,” your eyes lift up to meet his. His smile grows and he leans down to meet you, your eyes shut as you purse your lips. 

The sudden vibration of his phone against both of your legs startle you away from each other. You're at the point where you could scream, Elias feels the exact same way. 

He’s quick to pick the phone out of his Jean pockets. The display reads “Yellow Cab Co.”, and he brings the device to his ear.

“Yeah, we’ll be right out,” he murmurs, his other hand leaving your hip to plug his ear that he’s not holding his phone to.

Upon hanging up, he clumsily shoves his phone back into his pocket. His hands come to rest on your hips. The lights dance around the room, music still blasting and people around you dancing.

“That’s the cab,” he says, ducking his head down to your ear. “I thought they’d take longer.”

You just nod. He leads you to the coat check and keeps his grip on your hips as you make small talk with the coat check girl.

You check his wrist watch and the time reads 12:34. A song you like comes on and he’s quick to sway you back on forth as you watch the coat check girl flick through jacket after jacket searching for yours.

I said: “if you go home

And get on the phone

And tell your girlfriends about me

I’ll go home

And sleep on my own

And dream of a girl named Lonnie”

Elias kept his hand on your lower back the entire walk out of the club. He’d even opened the door of the cab and helped you in.

His hands had been smooth as they’d made sure your seatbelt was secure.

When the taxi pulled up in front of your place, he was quick to get out and run around the car to your door. Elias held your hand as you exited the warmth of the cab into the brisk October night. He lets go briefly to pay the van driver and thank him enthusiastically, you swear you see him hand the driver an 100% tip and it makes you smile.

Your head looks up and you spot a star or two freed from the cloud cover. The moon is bright and illuminates the streets around you.

Elias walks you to the door of your building, his hand scratching at the back of his neck. It’s the first time tonight his nerves have been revealed to you.

“I had a great time tonight,” you smile, moving your hand to grab his. The smile Elias sends you back causes his eyes to crinkle.

“Me too,” he says, finally cupping your cheeks in his larger hands. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

“Finally,” you chuckle, eyes fluttering shut as you slip into your tiptoes to meet his lips.

They’re as plump as you thought they’d be. Your hands slip around his neck as he moves his head to push his lips further against yours. 

His lips purse and you take the opportunity to twist the hair at the nape of his neck in your fingers. He smiles against your mouth.

When you pull away, you’re both breathing heavily. You rest your forehead against his, smiling. “Let’s do this again.” You say as you break away from him. “I’ll text you tomorrow.”

He waits until he knows you’re safely in the building before he begins the short walk to his own. He shoots Brock a quick text saying he’d dropped you off safely. To which he gets a thumbs up in response.

You’re on cloud nine as you make it up to your apartment. Every moment of your date is replaying in your head. It went perfectly.

As you hang your keys up, you slip your purse off your shoulder and sneak your phone out of the bag to check your notifications. Elias had agreed to handle all the logistics so you hadn’t touched your phone once that night. 

The second you pick it up, it illuminates with Bella’s contact photo. You answer quickly, throwing the speaker phone on as you move about your apartment. 

“Tell me everything,” she squeals down the phone, you can hear Brock in the background shuffling closer to the phone.

“Hi Bells, hi Brock,” you say teasingly, “I had a great night thanks for asking. How was yours?”

Your cat is quick to approach you and nuzzle his head against your legs. You lean down and scratch between his ears.

“Yeah yeah, we had a great night,” Bella’s attitude is clear even through the phone. You know she’s rolling her eyes at you. “How was your date?”

“Petey had a good time. Did you?” Brock adds and your heart flutters.

“I had the best time. I wish he kissed me sooner though.” You plop yourself on the couch, your cat following suit to place himself in your lap and pure loudly.

“YOU KISSED???” Bella yells and you almost toss the phone across the room to save your eardrums. Brock’s chuckle is also heard. “Did you know about this?” She must be talking to her boyfriend.

“Yeah, he texted me earlier.” The Minnesotan drawls back. 

You can’t help the squeal that falls out of your mouth at his admission. The butterflies in your stomach are emphasised when the aforementioned swede appears in your notifications having texted you.

It’s a simple text saying he made it home safe and you reply saying you’re glad and you had a great time. You text back and forth quickly, heart rate increasing.

“Um, hello? Y/N are you there?” Bella’s voice causes you to focus on your phone call once again.

Meanwhile, Elias is laying in his bed. He’s contently texting you back and he feels on top of the world. He smiles to himself when you bid him a good night and sweet dreams.

He types up a quick response before plugging his phone in for the night and turning over in his bed.

The duvet is plush and warm, his pillow perfectly fitting against his head. The weight of the day seems to slip off his shoulders as he relaxes into the mattress. The darkness of the room allows him to fall into unconsciousness.

The images behind his eyes take form immediately. He’s in a house, a kitchen to be more specific. He can see into the living room where a cartoon plays on the TV.

There’s toys scattered around everywhere and Elias turns back to the kitchen counter where he’s making coffee.

He picks up the cup and walks his sock-covered feet into the living room where a toddler girl is sitting on the couch, sippy cup in hand.

“Papa coffee?” The little blonde asks, blue eyes wide with curiosity. She looks like a mix of you and Elias, she’s clad in Canucks themed pyjamas and her hair is a mess.

“Yeah, Papa made coffee. Baby brother kept mama and papa up all night.” He explains delicately, free hand reaching out to tame her unruly hair.

“Mama ‘sleep?” The little girl inquires, moving up the couch to sit against her father.

“Mama is still asleep yeah, and she’s got baby brother with her.” He croons in response, leaning over to kiss her head.

“Lonnie love papa,” she replies, eyes focusing back on the tv as she brings her sippy cup to her mouth.

“Papa loves you too Lonnie.”

Elias wakes up the next morning happier than he’s ever been. Even more when he sees your text.

Ohhh oh ohh ohhh, I knew from the beginning

Ohhh oh ohh ohhh, it was you from the beginning.

[stereax]

☕️ things you think the nhl genuinely does well for their players? And/or things you wish could/would change in the org?

I think, to start, you need to overhaul how player safety works. The lack of consequences for players is nuts. Repeat offenders need to be penalized appropriately. You can't let dangerous players like Matt Rempe continue to be the poster children for CTE.

Player assistance - I'm not sure how effective this is. We've had players like Valeri Nichushkin fail it; we've had former players like Scott Darling deride it. We've also had players like Spencer Knight and Connor Ingram who've cited the help they get from it as crucial to their mental health.

THE MEDICAL STAFF. Oh my god the medical teams are AWFUL in the NHL. I know it's the standard to play through injuries but holy fuck. On the Devils alone we had three cases of medical staff failing to spot a concussion or other major injury after a head hit and letting players continue to play for several more shifts before pulling them. You hear actual horror stories annually of players saying "oh, I messed up my shoulder in game 4 and played with it the entire season" (Tim Stutzle) or "oh, my knee's been fucked since January, sorry for not putting up more points" (Elias Pettersson) or "oh, I played a playoff game with a broken sternum and I couldn't even dress myself, so if I got hit there, there's a chance I could have died" (Matthew Tkachuk). We're seeing that players who prioritize their health, who sit out to recover instead of pushing their bodies (think Sidney Crosby here) are able to continue playing at a high level past 35, when previously this was considered too old to be a top talent NHL player.

Tying into that, LTIR. Teams need to be incentivized to use LTIR so that their stars can heal, goddamn it. You tell me "close the cap circumvention loopholes", I reply "I'd prefer if players are playing healthy and not forced to play while hurt, and LTIR is a major step in allowing players to heal without penalizing a team for their injuries". I don't know why it's a buzz topic now that teams like Vegas are "abusing LTIR" - good??? Every team in the league should "abuse LTIR" if it means helping to preserve the quality of life for its players down the line??? Why is this controversial???

But also - players who are definitely not coming back to play in the NHL (think Shea Weber, Carey Price, Nicklas Backstrom) should have the ability to retire without losing out on the final years of their contract while not penalizing the teams with them on their roster. Currently, these players undergo "LTIRetirement", a process where they're stashed on the LTIR until their contract is up, at which point they officially retire. This not only disadvantages the teams carrying these contracts but also puts unnecessary burdens on these players. Think how the 2018 WJC perpetrators were considered "NHL non-roster", effectively having no cap hit, and do something similar for LTIRetirement.

Just... eugh, I really wish some fundamentals about hockey culture and the culture of injury were changed. Every time I hear about how a player is trying to regain day-to-day functioning after an injury (go read up on Tanner Pearson's hand injuries and how the Canucks bungled the surgeries), part of me dies inside. Jack Eichel literally had to force his own trade out of his team because the Sabres weren't willing to give him medical autonomy. Which is another thing - the player should ALWAYS have final say in their injury treatment, not the teams. Whoever decided that... I'm shaking my fist.

[oeldeservesthenorris]

Canucks: Quinn Hughes looking, talking, playing like true captain material

'For me, there are the assists, but he’s a terrific leader. He has been one of our best when it comes to being vocal. I haven’t really seen a bad game out of him. He’s very consistent.' — Rick Tocchet on Quinn Hughes.

Don’t let that boyish look fool you.

Aside from the obvious with multi-talented defenceman Quinn Hughes — sublime edge work to spin away from frustrated forecheckers, laser-like passes to trigger the transition and orchestrating the power play like a conductor — there’s also a growing and noticeable maturity.

It speaks of captain material.

Hughes is the product of a rich family sporting lineage and his respect, dedication and professionalism are building blocks in what is already a remarkable record-setting career with the Vancouver Canucks.

When Hughes, 23, and Elias Pettersson, 24, were promoted to the leadership group following the All-Star Game and donned an ‘A’ as alternate captains, along with J.T. Miller, 30, it was a sign of changing times.

Captain Bo Horvat had been traded and the consensus was to allow Hughes and Pettersson to methodically grow into their new roles and see who might eventually blossom to wear the ‘C’ next season.

That process has been sped up.

Hughes was always an engaging interview with frankness and vast knowledge of the game. It was more evident when he became an alternate and taking his energy and enthusiasm to another level hasn’t gone unnoticed — especially by the coach.

“For me, there are the assists and what he has been doing, but he’s a terrific leader,” Rick Tocchet said following a two-helper effort by Hughes on Sunday that elevated the blueliner to the 60-assist level for the second-consecutive season.

“I’ve been here seven weeks and he has been one of our best when it comes to being vocal. I haven’t really seen a bad game out of him. He’s very consistent. Obviously, the assists are great and his breakouts are incredible.

“That’s why (Paul) Coffey, (Scott) Niedermayer and (Ray) Bourque are great breakout guys and he (Hughes) is climbing that ladder.”

Bourque had a remarkable run between 1986-87 and 1993-94 where he put up 65, 73, 60, 63 and 71 assists. Coffey went even higher into the assist stratosphere between 1981-82 and 1985-86 with 60, 67, 86, 84 and 90 helpers.

Bourque served as captain of the Boston Bruins for 15 seasons and it’s not unusual to see a defender get that honour. This season, Jared Spurgeon, 33, serves in that capacity with the Minnesota Wild, while Roman Josi, 32, is captain of the Nashville Predators and Jacob Trouba, 29, wears the ‘C’ for the New York Rangers.

It’s customary to award your best player the captaincy, but it’s not always the best fit.

arkus Naslund was a reluctant captain because he preferred to let his game do the talking as an elite left winger. He would address the media — and often on a daily basis — but there was never a complete comfort factor because you have to be wired a certain way to answer repetitive and taxing queries.

The same could apply for Pettersson.

His play speaks volumes and the glare of the media spotlight isn’t the favourite part of his profession. It’s not a knock. Like many, he’s more comfortable in a one-on-one interview or small scrum.

So, what does this all mean?

Your captain has to be prolific because walking the walk is always going to beat talking the talk. He has to excel on the ice, play hurt, support the bench and be a voice of reason in the room.

Hughes logs a ridiculous amount of ice time with an average of 25:23 minutes that ranks sixth among all defencemen — and he has surpassed the 30-minute mark on four occasions, logging more than 28 minutes in 11 games.

“I want to play as much as I can,” he stressed. “I feel really good. Of course, some minutes are too much, but if I’m playing well — not lazy defensively and pushing offensively — I know I can play them.”

That’s leadership.

If that isn’t enough, there was one brief but testy shoving match between Hughes and Dakota Joshua that ended a long and draining practice last month on a fitting note.

Hughes got his back up during a two-versus-two scrimmage with the nets in close proximity at the defensive zone. It ramped up the testosterone and Conor Garland stepped in as referee. All in all, it served a purpose.

“For me, I’m trying to be a leader now and I want everyone to get better,” reasoned Hughes. “I need him to be the best he can be. And I need to continue to push myself to get better and push other guys.

“Petey and Millsy need to do that because, right now, we’re not getting enough from everyone and that’s why we’re not in the playoff spot. Everyone is a little edgier now with the way the season has gone.”

Joshua applauded the Hughes moxie because the fight in the mighty mite forced the big winger to ramp up his game in the mini scrimmage.

“That’s what it’s going to take to make this team better,” said Joshua. “Make sure everybody is pulling on the rope and I loved that and seeing him (Hughes) get fired up like that. We could use more of that every day around here.“

Hughes also got a hockey degree in human behaviour by playing with and soaking up the Luke Schenn tutelage. He became and better person and player from that union.

Captain material.

Source: https://www.princegeorgepost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-quinn-hughes-looking-talking-playing-like-true-captain-material/wcm/9b3c9f08-7442-4c1c-9c1e-7352dc85f9b8

[snugglyducklingbrewhouse]

snugglyducklingbrewhouse’s birthday bingo celebration!

In honor of my birthday in June, I decided to host a bingo event again.

The old event cannot be found due to me literally deleting my old blog and starting from scratch.

For those you who do remember last year’s event, I basically took the same board and changed a few things.

Rules:

You do not need to get a perfect bingo (5 squares in a row, column, or diagonal)

You can choose any 5 squares you want

Bonus challenges: totally optional but you can also choose one of the following special types of bingo (I do not expect anyone to do any of these): four corners, inner box (around free space), outer box (top and bottom rows plus both the far left and far right columns), any box of 4 (2x2 box anywhere on the board), X (both diagonals), and + (center column and center row)

Obviously the squares you choose will drive the story, but I am pretty open to genres, including smut (I am turning 27)

I prefer reader inserts now a days but if you are an oc person, I will gladly accept oc fics. I want to be inclusive in terms of types of writing. Obviously not in terms of players since there are just some players I refuse to read for.

No word count minimum (or maximum) but preferably longer than a blurb especially if you fit 4+ squares in one story

Deadline

June 30th

My actual birthday is June 17th, but I want to give enough time for anyone that wants to write

I will accept early entries. If you are choosing to do one of the harder challenges, you have until July 31st because I know those are hard and most don’t make sense with the board

Players

I am not as open minded as last year, but some players have been added

Obviously, I can’t control who you choose to write since I know not everyone writes for all of these players, and I am totally okay with that

Absolutely no Seattle kraken players unless as a side character and not as a current or former love interest. Those are my babies and I do not read (or write) for them anymore

If none of these players spark your fancy, then feel free to shoot an ask asking about a specific player I haven’t mentioned. I am still open minded but I still have my limitations

Listed in no particular order (because I am chaos):

Nico Hischier

Dawson Mercer

John Marino

Matthew “ratthew” Tkachuk

Quinn Hughes

Elias Pettersson

Cale Makar

Nathan MacKinnon

Sebastian Aho (canes)

And there’s more I’m probably forgetting so feel free to send an ask about a specific player not on this list

Final notes

Have fun with this!

This is meant to be fun, not stressful

If this is too much for you, you do not need to participate as a writer. Feel free to join me as a reader

Again, both reader insert and oc fics will be accepted

My ask box is open for questions about anything related to this (this is partly because Taylor has so much music and I might love her music but that doesn’t mean I absolutely adore each and every song)

Have fun!

No pressure tags: @cellythefloshie @swissboyhisch @mp0625 @puckmaidens @this-is-ally-and-im-confused and obviously anyone who wants to participate or spread the word

[severalforraelee]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you a few messages :)

Thank you all for reading The Girls and giving me all of your love! I really appreciate it and am glad you enjoyed the story as much as I did.

Just a reminder that I will be going on a small hiatus. I don't know how long it's going to be, probably a month or so, but I need time to adjust to my new job and to revamp my blog.

I will be doing blurbs for The Girls now that the last part is posted. Send in your requests!

Requests are also open for one part imagines. I will write for Tommy Shelby, Elias Pettersson, Peter Parker, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Carlos Sainz. Send in your requests!

My next story will definitely be for Lando Norris.

I'm debating what kind of schedule I want to do when I return from my hiatus. I'm going back and forth between writing both a Lando Norris story and a Max Verstappen story at the same time, or waiting until I finish the Lando story to start the Max one. If I do the Max story at the same time, updates will most likely take longer because the stories take me longer than blurbs or one part imagines. Please vote in the poll if you have a preference if you would just like the Lando story with faster updates, or both the Lando and Max story with slower updates!

An example of the schedule would be:

Lando and Max stories at the same time

Week 1: Lando part

Week 2: The Girls blurb

Week 3: Max part

Week 4: one part imagine

repeat

Lando story then the Max story

Week 1: Lando part

Week 2: The Girls blurb

Week 3: Lando part

Week 4: one part imagine

repeat

Thank you!!

raelee

[typical-simplelove]

Summer fic anon here, hello!!! I’m looking forward to writing for you 🫶🏻

I’m sure I’ll send at least one more ask after this but I hit some basics:

1. Do you have a top 5 out of the guys on your list?

2. Are there any tropes you love? Any you hate?

3. Do you prefer reader insert or OC?

4. Do you want it set in the off-season so it matches the summer theme?

Thanks 💕💕

Hi!! Thanks so much for reaching out :)

1. Elias Pettersson, William Nylander, Tyson Jost, Andrei Svechnikov, and Mathew Barzal

2. I LOVE friends to lovers, especially childhood friends to lovers. Enemies to lovers comes as a close second

3. I do prefer reader insert, but it's honestly up to you!

4. It's totally up to you :)

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[writingonleaves]

hey love it’s your luck of the puck fic exhange writer!

now before I begin writing anything for your fic I have a couple of questions.

1. who do you want me to write for from your list? I write for all of the players but if you don’t have a favourite then pick your top three!

(jack hughes, quinn hughes, trevor zegras, andrei svechnikov, matthew tkachuk, brock boeser, nico hischier, charlie coyle, tyson jost, nolan patrick, mat barzal, brady skjei, cole caufield, luke hughes, elias pettersson, jake oettinger)

2. any players or topics you would like me to avoid mentioning?

3. OC or Reader insert? (If it’s oc then please list a name or the vibe you’d like their name to go by)

4. Is there a certain trope you like or one you dislike?

- 🍀

hey friend!! hope you’re doing well. looking forward to seeing what you come up with💚

1) my top three from my list are nico hischier, quinn hughes and trevor zegras. but if none of those are speaking to you, anyone else from that list is perfectly fine by me:)

2) hmm, nothing comes to mind!! i’m pretty flexible to everything

3) i prefer OCs, but if reader inserts are your thing, go for it!! for an OC, i’m also flexible. i do love naturey names (lily, willow,) or like “place” names (brooklyn, sydney) but that’s not a deal breaker

4) i love pretty much all tropes tbh. i do have a soft spot for friends to lovers, second chance romance, brother’s best friend / any previous connection to lovers (if that makes sense). but seriously, whatever you come up with im sure i’ll love❤️

[ilyasorokinn]

Hi, this is your summer fic exchange anon!!

1. So based off of the players and themes you selected:

(Themes: reader insert or OC (please refer to bio). fluff, hurt/comfort, angst - with a happy ending. Players: Frederik Andersen, Tyson Jost, Andrei Svechnikov, Elias Pettersson, Joel Farabee, Nick Blankenburg, Nico Hischier), do you have a specific set preferences in mind (Ex. you would really prefer if I wrote for Joel Farabee/you would prefer anything fluff) or could I just pick any of these things for the story?

2. I like to write based off of songs so do you have any specific songs (or artists) in mind or could I pick any song?

3. Do you prefer for the fic to be set in the summer or it doesn't matter to you when the story is set?

4. Do you like already established relationship stories or do you prefer a story that establishes the relationship?

5. What’s your dream career if you have one? I like to personalize my stories as much as possible

Thank you :)

hi! i’m so excited!!

okay, players wise i’m open to any, but specifically probably blanks or freddie.

my favorite artist are taylor swift, harry styles, gracie abrams, phoebe bridgers and the 1975 (i feel really basic saying that lol).

season of the story doesn’t matter to me, it’s up to you!

i like established relationship a little more

and my dream career is either something in sports or medicine (like paramedic or something)

thank you! i can’t wait to see what you come up with!!

[wildrangers]

Hi!! This is your winter fic exchange anon. I have a few questions for you:

1. So based off of the players and themes you selected (Nico Hischier. Quinn Hughes. William Nylander. Matt Boldy. Connor Dewar. Joel Eriksson Ek. Mason Shaw. Kirill Kaprizov. Cale Makar. Jack Hughes. Elias Pettersson. Andrei Svechnikov. Trevor Zegras. Ryan Lindgren. Alexis Lafreniere. K'Andre Miller. Dougie Hamilton. fluff, smut (18+ only), angst - with a happy ending. Reader Insert or OC), do you have a specific set preferences in mind (Ex. you would really prefer if I wrote for Cale Makar/you would prefer anything fluff) or could I just pick any of these things for the story?

2. I like to write based off of songs so do you have any specific songs (or artists) in mind or could I pick any song?

3. Do you prefer for the fic to be set in the winter, around Christmas or New Years or any other winter holiday, or it doesn’t matter to you when the story is set?

4. Do you like 3+1 or 4+1 stories?

5. Do you like already established relationship stories or do you prefer a story that establishes the relationship?

Thank you :)

Hi!! I’m so excited to see what you come up with 🥰

1. So I put a ton of people to make it easier for her to match me up with someone. I’d say my top 5 would be Nico, Cale, Quinn, William, and Joel but again anyone on that list works too. I don’t really have a preference for type of fic as long as it’s resolved at the end. I slightly prefer reader insert but OC would be great too!

2. I LOVE THIS. I am a huge Swiftie but also enjoy Greta Van Fleet, Florence and the Machine, Harry Styles, and Maggie Rogers. If you’re not familiar with those artists though, that’s totally cool and you can surprise me with a different artist/song.

3. Id prefer it to have a winter setting but it doesn’t have to be holiday specific or a huge focal point.

4. YES LOVE THESE

5. I love both equally. I tend to write stories that establishes relationships so I’m always impressed when writers can create an established relationship right off the bat. Whatever your heart desires ☺️

Let me know if any more questions pop up!

[laurenairay]

HI!!!!! i'm your summer fic exchange writer and i'm just stopping by to see what you would be interested in for your fic, so i can make this exchange as fun for you as possible 💓💘🩷

who are your top four players you'd like to read about?

what are your favorite artists or songs?

what are your top three tropes that you like to read?

and do you prefer reader or oc?

i can't wait to really brainstorm your fic and start writing for you 💗

Hello!

1) this is tough 😅 of the list I wrote down, maybe Elias Pettersson, Nathan MacKinnon, William Nylander, and Jeff Skinner? If you’re not feeling those though, please let me know!

2) I’m really loving everything from Ashley McBryde, to Dove Cameron, to Kane Brown right now…and I have a soft spot for 2010s emo pop-rock too lol.

3) I love a classic childhood friends to lovers, and I’ve been really into both fake dating and exes to lovers lately!

4) I do love an OC if you’re comfortable with writing one, but I do read a lot of reader insert too, so go with whatever flows right for you!

Thanks!! ❤️

[tonyspep]

Hi! So I got matched to write your fic for the summer fic exchange 2k24. ☺️

I was wondering if you could maybe provide some small prompt ideas so I can get a feel of what you’d like and what you’re into.

Also saw you would like to read fluff, smut and AU, did you have anything specific in mind? I saw you’ve reblogged quite a bit of grey’s anatomy (loveee) would that be something you’d be into? Also will you provide me with your top 3 players you’d like for the fic to be about?

Some other questions:

- Do you have a stronger preference for reader insert or OC?

- What are your favourite tropes to read?

👋🏼

hi!!! i'm so excited to see what you write for me!!! i know whatever it is, it's going to be great and i'll love it!!! omg i'd love a grey's au that would be amazing lol. some of my favorite tropes are friends to lovers/omg they were roommates/grumpy x sunshine. my top three players would be erik johnson, jack hughes and elias pettersson. it can be reader insert or an oc whatever works for you, i'll be happy either way 🩷💓💘

[selfindulgentpoorlywritten]

hiya! it's your luck of the puck exchange writer again! promise this will probably be the last ask you get from me!! some final questions as i start sitting down and writing your fic

i know you mentioned your top players, but i wanted to give you the list i got and ask you to give me your top 5! just want to be totally sure that i'm writing for a player you want! the list i got: Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Elias Pettersson, Ryan Graves, Sidney Crosby, Jamie Oleksiak, Matthew Tkachuk, Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Cale Makar, Nate MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Jani Hakanpää, Frederik Andersen, Philipp Grubauer

do you have a preference for a fic about the development of a relationship or a glimpse into an already existing one?

hope you're doing well! 💚

Oh thank you! I have a goldfish’s memory so I appreciate that. Top five are Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Cale Makar, Sidney Crosby, Matthew Tkachuk

I prefer the development of a relationship, generally!

[ya-pucking-nerd]

hi!! It's your winter fic exchange author! I hope you're doing well. I just have a few questions to ask before I begin!

of the people you listed as wanting to read about (Elias Pettersson, Tyson Jost, Owen Power, Cale Makar, Nathan Mackinnon, Erik Johnson, Joel Farabee, Kirby Dach, Tyler Seguin), is there someone you've absolutely been loving the most recently?

Do have a preference if there is or isn't a holiday/winter theme?

Anything you absolutely do not want to read in terms of tropes and such?

Thank you!!

i’m definitely a petey and cale girl, but please feel free to write for anyone, i don’t want to restrict you :)

i have no preference

not a huge fan of enemies to lovers

hope this helps and i’m so excited to see what you make 🫶🏼

[starrybethany]

Elias Pettersson - Ed Sheeran & Pink Roses

Word count: 3603

A white gown covering every inch of my skin because he says we should show skin “after the wedding.” A veil, because “a lot of my friends find you attractive and I don’t want to deal with that on my wedding day.” And a rock that weighs my hand down because it shows his power.

The eyes staring back into mine aren’t my own. A year ago I was so happy, but then this relationship was so rushed- so passionate- so dominate.

It took over every part of my life.

He took over every part of my life.

And the worst part is, I let him.

Somehow no one notices me slip out of the dressing room. No one hears my heels click against the marble floor of the fancy ass hotel he demanded we have this wedding at, and no one watched as I slipped into the passenger’s seat of my sister’s car.

“You don’t need to tell me ‘I told you so’,” I state blankly, keeping my gaze forward and on a window of the hotel.

I’m waiting for his mother to stop out, full of rage like she always is, and demand me to get back in the hotel and marry her son so that they can both torture me for the rest of my life.

“I know.”

“I can’t be here, Y/S/N.” I slump down in the old seat, thinking back to the first date we had when she picked me up outside the restaurant. I giggled and gushed about him all the way home and she sat there, driving, and smiling quietly.

“I know.”

My gaze moves to her and, like she can feel it, she looks back over at me. I guess she can see the look in my eyes. She can see the broken, desperate, lost little girl who fell too quickly into love and just as quickly out of love.

“I can figure something out, Y/N. I’ll take you to the airport and we can go from there, okay?”

“Do you have any clothes I can change into?” I mumble, avoiding her eyes by searching her backseat.

I find some jeans and a baggy sweatshirt one of her ex-boyfriends left behind by the time we make it to the airport. I enter the bathroom without a word, wiping off the three layers of makeup I have on before exiting to her getting off the phone.

“I just emailed your ticket to you. Let me know when you land.” She pulls me into a tight hug and I cling onto her dress, crumpling the fabric in my fists and holding on for dear life.

“I don’t know what I would do without you,” I murmur, relaxing my eyelids which I absentmindedly clenched.

“I love you, Y/N. Be safe.”

“I love you too.”

I watch longingly as she walks out of the airport and back to her car. This is my last chance- I could hop back in her car, race back to the hotel and change hurriedly just in time to make it to marry the man who I’ve claimed to love for the last year.

I could commit to a marriage like I promised I would five months ago. I could go on our honeymoon to Greece and relax on a beach like he wanted, I could have two kids and stay at home with them like he wanted, I could spend the rest of my life in the suburbs of Toronto like he wanted.

But I find myself walking up to the check-in desk, numbly showing them the ticket on the email my sister sent me. And I find myself boarding the flight to God-knows-where. My eyes focus on the wing of the plane as they make their announcements and I catch the familiar word “Vancouver.”

So Vancouver’s my next destination. He will never suspect Vancouver, hell I would never have expected Vancouver. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s a good thing, maybe it’s time for a fresh start in a new location all the way across the country.

Maybe it’s time to focus on myself.

I step off the plane, unsure of what I’m looking for, or more likely, who I’m looking for. What’s in Vancouver that my sister wanted to send me here? “Y/N!”

I turn in the direction of the voice, raising my eyebrows in surprise at the familiar face.

“Hi Holly,” I greet her quietly, pulling her into a hug. I haven’t seen Holly since high school ended and the curling team her and my sister came to a stop.

“You remember Bo, right?” She questions, motioning to the tall man beside her who I’ve met a couple of times at various parties and events.

I nod. “Hi, Bo.”

Holly sits in the backseat with me on the ride back to their house, holding my hand like I might fall apart at any moment. Which I just might. It hasn’t hit me just yet that I ditched my fiancé at the alter and I feel like it will at any moment- not to mention the fact that I don’t know what’s going to come next.

I’m a pull away from falling apart at the seams.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asks after showing me the guest room I’ll be staying in. I shake my head and she leaves without another word.

Her and Bo appear at the doorway for the next couple of days, showering me with food and comments like “I’m here if you want to talk” but mostly leave me alone to lay in bed and think.

I’m grateful for it. I want to gather my thoughts before anything else. I approach things with a plan and logic, and not only leaving the person I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with but also leaving behind my home has my mind in a craze.

The door opens softly and feet pad against the floor, along with the rolling of wheels. “Your sister was able to swing by your place and grab most of your things.”

My bones scream at me as I turn around slowly, sitting up straight in bed to see Holly setting two suitcases against the wall. She tries her best to mask her surprise at my movement, but I still see it.

“He ruined Ed Sheeran for me.” She sits on the edge of the bed, fearing that if she moves too close, I’ll clamp up like I’ve been doing since I got here. “He said that his songs raised expectations for women, and it wasn’t a good thing. Women should have low expectations for all men so then they would be happy with what they got.”

I wipe the snot from my nose.

“And he ruined pink roses for me. When he saw me admiring them, he said that roses were such an overrated flower. They symbolize romance and love and romance is dead and love isn’t real.”

I rest my head in my palms, sobbing softly. Holly rests a gentle hand on my forearm. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to let me know that she’s there.

“And fuck, he did all of this, Holly, he put me down, he made fun of my interests, he told me that my job wasn’t important, but I still loved him!” I’m yelling by the end of it but I can’t stop. “I thought I loved him so much. I thought I loved him with my entire heart, my entire being, my whole soul, but I was just trying to do that. I was just trying to be good enough to be a part of his world.”

I allow her to pull me into her arms and I cry on her shoulder. She knows that I’ve already realized that I’m enough. She knows that I realized that I’m too good for him, that he’s the problem and I’m not. She knows that she doesn’t need to tell me that.

But she does anyway.

“Do I look too nerdy?” I question, nervously tugging at the sleeves on the dress.

“You never look nerdy,” Holly reassures me, looking up from the vegetables she’s cutting. Bo nods in agreement, sending me a kind smile.

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” Bo questions as I step further in the kitchen.

“I don’t know,” I admit, making the couple laugh. “I’m just nervous to meet your teammates and their partners. I mean, they probably don’t think too highly of me considering I’ve been living in your place rent-free for two weeks. And I arrived with just a couple hours of notice.” I shake my head at my own actions. “Can I do something? I need to do something with my hands, do you want me to cut those vegetables?”

“Y/N, you are fine,” Holly giggles. “If it makes you feel better, there are some dishes in the sink that you can wash.”

“Oh, thank god,” I sigh in relief, rushing over to the sink like it’s my life source.

“And don’t feel bad about staying here. They understand, we’ve all been through rough times,” Bo emphasizes. I just smile at him.

His teammates arrive slowly, and I introduce myself kindly to everyone, wanting to present a good impression since I’m also representing Bo and Holly in a way. Then he walks in. Enchanting blue eyes that are pulling me closer, blond hair that begs to have my fingers run through it, plump lips that cheer for me to press my own against them.

It takes me aback. I haven’t felt this way since the first time I saw him.

And, if I look closely enough, he looks like him in a way.

I scurry away with one last look, taking a large sip of my water and ignoring the look that Bo gives me. He walked in on a late-night breakdown last week, so he knows the look I get before it happens.

“Excuse me,” I murmur, rushing down the hall to the bathroom. Everything is too loud, everything is too fast, everything is too overwhelming. I raise one hand to press against my racing heart, staring myself down in the mirror to bring myself back to Earth.

Ground yourself, Y/N, ground yourself.

There’s a knock on the door. “Y/N? Are you okay in there?”

“I’m fine,” I lie, biting my lip. My shaky hands open the door and I step out, Bo waiting politely outside the door. “I’m fine.”

He nods, obviously not buying my lie, but guiding me down the hall with a gentle hand on my back. “Oh, have you met Elias and Quinn yet? Guys, this is Y/N.”

And now I’m face-to-face with him. I try my best to just look at him quickly and give a small smile, barely noticing the one on his face.

“How are you?” Quinn asks.

How am I supposed to answer this when I have no air in my lungs? I’m taking too long, now all three of these guys are giving me an expectant look and I seem rude for taking so long to answer-“Fine,” I squeak out, “Um, you?”

“Good.” Quinn gives me an odd look. I don’t look at Elias.

“How are you, Petey?” Bo asks his younger teammate.

“Fine.” I see the shrug of his shoulders.

“I saw on your Instagram that you got up to some grilling last night,” Bo responds.

They all laugh and as Elias begins to answer, I excuse myself from the group and rush to grab another drink.

I hide in my room when Elias leaves so that I don’t have to say goodbye.

“Hi Elias, great game,” Holly compliments when she sees the young player leave the locker room.

He stops in front of us and my eyes stay glued to the picture on the wall next to me, heart thumping so loud that I’m positive they can hear it.

He mumbles something in response and Holly continues, “Y/N really liked your goal.”

She hits my arm and I make a noise, looking up at Elias with wide eyes. His eyes are much bluer than I remember them to be. They hide so many secrets and memories and stories that I could watch them for hours and not be bored.

The corners of his lips turn up in a smile and my gaze snaps back to the photo, biting my bottom lip hard and hoping the blush on my neck doesn’t travel to my cheeks.

I half-heartedly listen to the rest of their conversation, only turning to meet Holly’s eyes when Elias has turned the corner.

“Bo said you had a weird vibe with him,” she teases.

I roll my eyes, leaning back against the wall with a huff. “I don’t have a weird vibe with him.”

She laughs. “Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.”

It’s later that night that she peaks her head into the guestroom I’m still staying in. “It’s okay to move on, you know that, right? It’s been a month. And it’s been even longer since you’ve loved him.”

“You realize that since Elias is helping you move into this apartment, you’re going to have to talk to him, right?” Holly teases as she pulls the plates out of the box.

“You can just put those in the dishwasher to be washed right away,” I inform her, ignoring her words.

“What? Why?”

“Do you really think I’m just going to eat off of plates without washing them first? I don’t know who’s touched them,” I scrunch my nose up in disgust at the thought.

“Hello, hello,” someone chants out as the front door to my new apartment is opened. My eyes catch blue eyes first and I quickly divert from them, smiling at the three boys who enter my new apartment. “Sorry Y/N, only Elias and Brock could make it.”

“That’s okay,” I say quietly, “Thank you for the help.”

I hear Elias’ Swedish accent over Brock’s response but pretend to ignore it, busying myself by pushing a picture of my sister and I into a picture frame.

“Are you excited to be moving into your own place after living with these two lovebirds for two months?” Brock jokes, nudging his captain.

I giggle but nod, not trusting my voice just yet in front of Elias.

“Where do you want us to start?” Bo inquires. I direct the boys to their various tasks, avoiding the Swede’s gaze as I tell him his.

I sigh in frustration, the Christmas lights I’m trying to hang on my bedroom wall getting tangled as I hang them up slowly.

“Do you want help with that?” The familiar accent questions from the doorway of the small bedroom.

“No, I’m good,” I respond, not even sending a quick smile over my shoulder. He doesn’t listen. Feet pad closer to my bed until he’s climbing on it beside me, tugging the wire apart from itself gently and stretching his arms to make sure it won’t tangle again.

I try my best to ignore his presence as I work slowly to put the cable against the plain wall but it’s hard to do when his eyes are glued to the side of my face. As we’re turning the corner to move onto the next wall, my gaze catches his.

His cheeks are rosy, probably from all of the work around my apartment that he’s been doing, and there’s a cut on his cheek that I didn’t notice earlier. It looks like it hurt and I feel my heart jump at the thought of him in pain.

“What happened to your face?” I murmur out, my volume barely loud enough to be heard.

“I cut it while shaving.”

I try to keep the soft smile to myself, but I think that he still saw it.

I couldn’t believe it then when he was sliding the engagement ring onto my finger. It not only covered my ring finger, but also overlapped onto part of my pinky and middle finger. I threw a hand over my mouth, gasping about how much I loved it.

But I didn’t love it then and I sure as hell don’t love it now.

A knock on my door has me shoving the ring back into my bedside table, opening the front door.

My heart drops at the sight of the young blond on the other side. I haven’t seen Elias since he helped me move into this apartment a week ago, and I honestly thought I would have a longer amount of time to avoid him and form a plan on how to stay away from him.

But I guess I don’t get that.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Bo said you needed help with your Wi-Fi but he’s too busy with Gus to come over himself,” he explains. “So he sent me instead.”

I nod wordlessly, stepping inside to let him into my apartment. I watch as he takes off his sneakers, setting them side by side by my front door.

I lead him into the living room where the Wi-Fi box is, motioning towards the device.

“Have you tried unplugging it and plugging it back in?” He inquires, moving closer to it and hence, me.

My heart rate picks up at the feeling of Elias towering over me, and something I have enough knowledge to nod.

“We could just try that again?”

“Okay.”

I watch his calloused hand pull the wire out, eyes meeting my own as he explained, “We can wait for it to cool down and then plug it back in.”

I nod dumbly, stepping back like it’ll get me out of this unknown power that Elias has over me.

I feel his eyes studying me as I look around my apartment like it’s the first time I’ve been here. I feel him staring at my hair, my nose, my eyes, my lips.

“Do you not like me?”

His question has my eyes snapping back towards him.

“W-What?” I stutter.

“Do you not like me?” He repeats himself.

“Um, I, I-“”Or are you just scared of me?” He asks.

“Elias-“”Holly and Bo haven’t told us a lot about you, they said it’s your business and when you feel like telling us you will. They told us that you’ve been through a lot so if I make you uncomfortable, I’d just like to know,” he states.

God is he sweet. This shows me how much respect me has for me by not wanting to push information out of me and being aware of my boundaries. I judged him too fast, I know that. But he just made me so anxious and now, now he still makes me anxious but in a different way.

In a good way, if anxiety can be used in a good way.

“Elias I need to show you something.” He follows me as I head back to my bedroom, pulling the prize of a ring out of the drawer.

I set it in his hand and watch as his eyes widen, a “Wow” slipping out of his lips.

“I was engaged before I came to Vancouver,” I confess, nervously running a hand through my hair. “And I thought it was love but looking back on it- it wasn’t love. It was me being used as a trophy and him being used as a placeholder in my heart that’s never been completely filled. And, I’m really sorry for how I reacted, but you kind of looked like him in the right lighting but more than that- I felt for you what I felt for him in the beginning. I want to kiss you, and I want to hug you, and I want to go on cute dates to buy chocolate with you and- god- I wanted to do that with him in the beginning to but to be truthful, these feelings are lasting much longer with you than they did with him-“”So you felt that, too?”

I stop the pacing that I hadn’t even realized I’d begun to do, pausing to look at the slight smirk on his face.

“What?”

“The heart racing, the lasting glances, the desire to be near each other, you felt that too?” He inquires.

I nod slowly, watching as he sets the engagement ring back in the drawer and closes it. It’s like closing a chapter that’s been dragging on. I’m ready to move on.

And I get that chance to move on when Elias stands up to his full height, looking like his awkward self as he just stands there. But the lights from those Christmas lights he helped me hang up bounces across his face and hair and body in just the right places and I imagine him in the bed beside me as we wake up in the morning.

It’s something I want more than anything.

“Elias,” I speak softly, “Are you going to kiss me?”

He takes a small step forward but I’m too impatient to wait. My fingers grip his T-shirt as our lips connect. It feels like we’ve waited our whole lives to kiss yet we know we have the rest of our lives to continue kissing.

I totally forgot that I had music playing until “Thinking Out Loud” begins to play through my speaker. It makes me melt into the man holding me and we sway along to the song, enjoying each other’s company and the moment itself.

The next morning, I get a delivery at my front door.

Pink roses.

And a note.

Don’t forget to plug the Wi-Fi box back in. XO, Elias

[ice-hockey-is-pretty-cool]

Fun fact, the Sebastian Ahos aren’t the only players with a shared first and last name anymore!

Meet Matt Murray

And Matt Murray

——————

I have been informed that we also have another same name pair.

Thank you @podcasts-8-my-heart for bringing this to my attention :)

Here they are: elias pettersson and elias pettersson