#I'm a flyers fan now I guess

[lee-laurent]

Finding A Way - Luke Hughes

Summary: Luke is smitten with the new media girl for the Devils, the only issue... she has a boyfriend already (and he's a Flyers fan)

Content: angst, fluff, cheating, unhealthy relationship, emotional abuse, mentions of sex but no smut

wc: 6.5k

notes: this fic deals with some serious issues, so if you're not comfortable reading PLEASE do not continue. your mental health is wayyyyy more important than a fic, i promise :) however if you do decide to read, enjoy! i've had this written in my notes app for a while and just decided to finish it and put it on here!

Adelaide giggled as Luke stopped suddenly, letting the ice spray over the girl and her camera. Jack watched from the other side of the ice with Nico, rolling his eyes at the sight. Luke had been flirting with the new media girl since the season started but was still adamant that he didn't like her in a romantic way.

"When is he gonna ask her out?" Nico asked, knocking his should with Jack's.

"He still claims that he doesn't like her," Jack shrugged, narrowing his eyes as Adelaide giggled again.

"Well, he's clearly lying. Because they're definitely flirting."

"I keep telling him to bring her over, but he refuses."

"What's going on?" Dawson asked, joining his teammates.

"My brother is trying to get with the media girl."

"Adelaide? I don't blame him; she's hot."

"We all know she's hot, Mercer. It's just that he's too chicken to actually ask her out."

"Luke, you're supposed to be practicing," Adelaide teased, wiping the ice from her camera lens.

"I was just coming closer so you can get some good shots of me," Luke cheesed.

"I have enough photos of you. Tell your brother to start moving so I can get some of him.

"Oh, I see how it is. You want pictures of Jack, but not me. Should've known. He always gets the girls," he smirked.

Adelaid blushed at Luke's teasing, hiding her face in her hands. She'd be lying if she said she didn't find the rookie cute. He had made her feel welcome since day one, which the media girl thought was strange seeing as Luke was the shyer of the two Hughes boys.

"I didn't say that at all, Luke. Now go practice before you get us both in trouble."

Luke offered her one last smile, before joining the boys in their next drill. He caught Adelaide's eye few more times during practice, but she was busy taking pictures and speaking with her coworkers to pay him much attention. However, he was able to catch her as he was leaving the locker-room.

"Ady! Wait! Do you need a ride home?" he panted.

"Oh, um, I have a ride. Thanks though, Luke."

"Oh, who's your-"

"Babe! Come on!" a man standing near the entrance shouted. Luke felt his heart drop at the other man's words. He had just called the woman that Luke liked "babe." He could have sworn she was flirting back... guess not.

"One second, Matt! I'm just saying goodbye to Luke."

Luke watch the other man, Matt, roll his eyes and cross his arms over his chest. Tapping his foot impatiently as Adelaide turned to the rookie one last time.

"Maybe I'll bum a ride off you and Jack another time. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon for the game," she smiled, patting him on the shoulder. Luke watched from afar as Matt interlaced his fingers with Adelaide's, talking to her quickly and quietly.

"Come on, Rusty. Where's Ady? I thought you were offering her a ride?" Jack asked, snapping his brother out his stupor.

"She just left with her... boyfriend?"

"She has a boyfriend? Damn. Could've sworn she was into you. Sorry, bro."

Jack's words just pissed Luke off further. He turned on his heel, storming off to the boys' car.

"Luke, you can't mope around for the rest of the day just because the media girl has a boyfriend. I mean, the whole team thinks she's hot, so I'm not surprised she's taken," Jack tried to cheer up his younger brother.

"You're not helping, Jack."

"Sorry, I'm trying," Jack rolled his eyes.

"Just leave me alone. I'm not in the mood to deal with your dumbass."

"Whatever."

"Matt, it's not like that. He was just being nice."

"Sure, he was, Ady. Because all those horny hockey boys you work with are always just 'being nice.'"

"You're being unreasonable. Luke is new like me. He's just helping me fit in."

"I don't want you talking to him unless it's work related."

"Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Ady sighed, looking down at the floor.

"It's ok, princess. I'm not mad," Matt cooed, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I love you."

"I love you too, Matt," she cracked a small smile, pressing a kiss to his lips.

Adelaide loved Matt. And Matt loved Adelaide. They'd been together for almost a year. He protected her from the guys she worked with, at least that's what he told her. Without Matt she wouldn't be safe. She needed him.

"Alright, have a good game. I'm out tonight with the boys, so make sure you get a ride with... what's her name? Sandra?"

"Sarah, Matt. Her name is Sarah. I've told you that like ten times today," Ady sighed, opening the car door.

"Whatever. Doesn't matter. I'll be out late, so don't wait up." And with that, Matt had driven off. Addy sighed, brushing her hair out of her face. She just needed to get through the game and ask Sarah for a ride home. Easy enough; she'd be fine. And everything would go as planned and-

"Adelaide!"

Her eyes shot up, locking with no other than Jack Hughes'. She looked around as if he'd be calling on someone else, but she was the only person in the room.

"Um, hi, Jack."

"Can I speak with you for a moment?" he begged.

"Yeah, sure. What's up?"

"So, you know my brother Luke?"

"Yeah? We work together?"

"Right, so... he has a HUGE crush on you and I was wondering if-"

"I have a boyfriend."

"Oh. Okay, but-"

"I love my boyfriend."

"But-"

"No 'buts.' This conversation is done. I love Matt."

"Yeah, you said that," Jack furrowed his brow, watching as she sped away to her office. Who was she trying to convince about loving Matt? Jack or herself?

Jack stood there, his mind racing. He watched Adelaide disappear into her office, a part of him still hopeful that maybe there was more to the situation than met the eye. But her words her clear, and it wasn't his place to push any further.

As he walked back to the locker room, he saw Luke waiting by the team's gear. The younger Hughes brother looked like he was trying to shake off a bad mood, but his face was still set in a scowl.

"Hey bro, you alright?" Jack asked, trying his best to sound natural.

Luke shrugged, not meeting his brother's gaze, "Yeah, just... not feeling great."

Jack hesitated before replying, "Look, I know you're bummed about Adelaide. But if she's with Matt and she says she loves him, then... well there's not much you can do."

Luke nodded, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. The team gathered for their pre-game talk, but the tension between the brothers was palpable. Jack glanced over at Luke frequently, wishing he could say something to make things better, but he knew some things were just out of his control.

Meanwhile, Adelaide was back in her office, trying to focus on the game. But the encounter with Jack kept replaying in her mind. She knew Matt could be overprotective, but his jealousy was like a thorn in her side.

As she was preparing to leave for the rink, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Sarah, confirming her ride home. She felt a small sense of relief. At least she wouldn't have to worry about getting home alone.

~~

The game was intense. Adelaide took photos from the sidelines, trying to stay fully focused on her job. But her thoughts just kept drifting back to Luke and her conversation with Jack. She saw Luke on the ice, giving it his all, and she felt a pang of regret.

After the game as the players were filing out, Adelaide was about to leave when Jack approached her again.

"Hey, Ady. Can I talk to you for a second?" he asked, his tone softer than before.

"Sure, what's up?" she replied, trying to hide her exhaustion.

"I just wanted to apologize if I pushed too hard earlier. I just thought maybe-"

"I appreciate it, Jack. But it really is just how things are. Matt and I... are committed to each other."

"Yeah, I get that. I just hate seeing my brother like this."

"I understand. It's complicated, and I wish it were easier. But thanks for understanding."

Jack nodded and gave her a small, sympathetic smile, "Alright, well, see you around, Adelaide."

"Bye, Jack."

As she walked out to meet Sarah, she felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. She loved Matt, but the situation with Luke had stirred up emotions she wasn't ready to confront. For now, she needed to get through the night and take things one step at a time.

~~

The days that followed were a blur for Adelaide. Her interactions with Luke were limited to work-related conversations and occasional small talk. She did her best to remain professional, but the chemistry between the two still lingered in her mind.

One evening, after a win against the Rangers, the team was out for drinks to celebrate. Adelaide was there with Sarah, trying to enjoy the night and push away the nagging thoughts of Luke.

Luke, for his part, was trying to keep his distance, but it was clear he was still hung up on Ady. When the group decided to hit up the nearby bar after the game, Adelaide and Sarah were among the last to arrive. And once he saw her in the bar, the alcohol in his system was not going to keep him from talking to her.

"Hey, Ady," he smiled, approaching her and Sarah. "Glad you made it."

"Hi, Luke," she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and hesitation.

They chatted casually at first, but as the night went on, Adelaide found herself increasingly drawn to Luke. They laughed together, shared stories, and for a brief moment, the complications of her life seemed to melt away. The alcohol added a sense of liberation, and she noticed Luke looking at her with an intensity that made her heart race.

Eventually, the group's conversation grew more rowdy, and Sarah got caught up in chatting with some friends of the team. Adelaide, feeling a bit detached, slipped outside for some fresh air. Luke, quickly noting her absence, followed her.

"Ady, you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yeah, just needed a breather," she said, looking up at the stars. "It's been a long week."

Luke stepped closer, his gaze locking with hers. "You don't have to put on a brave face all the time, you know. It's okay to feel tired and burnt out."

She smiled faintly, "Thanks, Luke. It's just... everything's been a bit overwhelming lately."

Before she could react, Luke reached out and gently touched her arm. The warmth of his hand sent a shiver down her spine. Adelaide looked up, her heart pounding. Luke's gaze was intense, and she could see the vulnerability in his eyes.

In a moment of impulsive recklessness, Adelaide leaned in, and their lips met. The kiss was electric, filled with a mix of desperation and longing. For a moment, all the complications, the guilt, and the responsibilities faded away.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless. Adelaide's mind was racing, torn between her love for Matt and the undeniable connection she felt with Luke.

"I shouldn't have-" Adelaide started, but Luke gently placed a finger on her lips.

"It's okay," he said softly. "We don't have to figure anything out right now."

She nodded, feeling a rush of confusion and regret. "I need to get back inside."

Luke watched her walk back into the bar, a mix of hope and apprehension in his eyes. He knew that this was just the beginning of a much more complicated situation.

Back inside, Adelaide's heart was heavy as she rejoined Sarah and the group. The guilt of what had just happened weighed on her, but she couldn't ignore the thrill and the intensity of the moment with Luke. As the night went on, she tried her best to act normal, but her mind was consumer by the memory of kissing Luke.

~~

The argument had started over something small- Matt's habit of not cleaning up after himself- but it quickly escalated. Adelaide and Matt were in the kitchen of their apartment, voices raised.

"Seriously, Matt? I've asked you a million times to clean up your dishes!" Ady's frustration was evident, as she slammed a dish into the sink.

"I'm tired of this, Ady!" Mat retorted, his face flushed with anger. "It's not like I'm trying to ignore you. I've been busy with work and-"

"Busy? You're always busy with work, but you can't even make a little effort here?!" she shouted, her hands on her hips. "It's not just about the dishes; it's about the respect!"

Matt threw his hands up in exasperation. "Respect? You think I don't respect you? I work hard so we can have a good life. I'm tired of you always nitpicking!"

"It's not nitpicking, Matthew! It's about being partners in a relationship. I feel like I'm doing everything on my own," her voice trembled.

Matt's face hardened. "Maybe if you were a little more understanding, you'd see how much I'm trying. But no, you're just focused on what I'm not doing."

Her eyes filled with tears, "I'm not asking for perfection. I'm asking for some consideration. I'm tired of feeling like I'm always the bad guy here."

Matt's anger seemed to shift into frustration. "You know what? Maybe we need some space. I can't keep doing this every day."

The harshness in his voice stung, and Adelaide felt her heart sink. "So what? You want to just walk away?"

"No, I'm just saying maybe we need to take a break from fighting all the time. I need to cool off," Matt said, grabbing his jacket. "I'm going out with the guys tonight. Maybe that'll help."

Adelaide watched as he stormed out, the door slamming behind him. She was left standing in the kitchen, feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration. The apartment felt cold and empty without him.

With no one else to turn to, Ady grabbed her phone and, in a moment of desperation, texted Luke, asking if she coud come over. Her unresolved emotions driving her to seek comfort elsewhere.

When she arrived at Luke and Jack's apartment, her mind was clouded with the aftermath of the fight. Luke opened the door, his concern clear as day as he saw her tear-stained face.

"Ady, what happened?" Luke asked, pulling her into the apartment.

"I just... needed to get away," she replied, her voice breaking as she sunk into the couch.

Luke sat next to her, "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I don't even know where to start," she laughed bitterly. "Matt and I had this huge fight. It's like we can't even get along anymore."

As Adelaide opened up about her frustrations, the conversation slowly shifted from comforting to more personal. The tension between the two grew palpable, and before they knew it, their emotions overwhelmed them. The lines between comfort and intimacy were blurred, leading them to kiss passionately.

~~

The next morning, Adelaide woke up with a jolt, her head pounding. She turned to find Luke beside her, a mixture of confusion and guilt washing over her.

"Luke, I... we shouldn't have," Adelaide began, her voice trembling. "This was a mistake."

Luke's face hardened. "A mistake? You think this was just a mistake?"

"Yes," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I love Matt. I shouldn't have let this happen."

Luke sat up, frustration evident in his voice. "So, what are you saying? That I'm just some rebound? That this meant nothing?"

"No, it's not like that," she said, reaching for his hand. "It's just-"

"Just what?" Luke snapped, pulling away. "Just that you're confused? Or that you don't know what you want?"

"It's not about you, Luke!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "It's about me and my choices. I'm committed to Matt. I need to figure out what I want."

Luke was seething. "Well, maybe you should've figured it out before coming here. This is exactly what I was afraid of- being used and then thrown away when it's convenient."

Adelaide recoiled, hurt by his words. "I never meant to hurt you."

Luke looked away, frustration and pain written on his face. "I thought we had something real, but now I see I was just a distraction."

"I didn't mean for this to happen," Adelaide said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry."

Luke's expression softened slightly, but it was clear he was still hurt. "I get it. But I need time to process this. I can't just pretend it didn't happen."

"I understand," she replied, her voice just above a whisper. "I need to go."

As she gathered her things, the awkwardness and emotional distance between them was almost tangible. She glanced back at Luke, who stood silently by the door, a mix of anger and sadness in his gaze.

"I'll give you some space. I'm really sorry, Luke."

With that, she left his apartment, the weight of her actions heavy on her shoulders. As she drove away, the gravity of what had happened began to settle in, and she knew that repairing the damage she had caused would be an arduous journey.

~~

Adelaide's hands shook as she gripped the steering wheel, her mind racing with the burden of what had just happened. Her thoughts were a chaotic swirl of guilt and confusion. She took a deep breath as she pulled into the parking garage, trying to steady herself before heading inside.

When she entered the apartment, the living room was dark, the only light coming from the sun filtering through the blinds. Matt was sitting on the couch, his posture tense and his face partially hidden in the shadows.

Her heart sank at the sight of him. "Matt, you didn't stay with the guys," she said, her voice shaky as she closed the door behind her.

Matt's gaze met hers, his eyes sharp and questioning. "Yeah. I decided to come home after all. I've been thinking."

"Oh, um, okay," she replied, trying to keep her composure as she walked further into the room.

Matt stood up and approached her, his expression a mix of concern and irritation. "So where were you? I tried calling, but you didn't answer."

Adelaide's heart raced. "I was out for a bit... I needed some fresh air. It was a rough day, ya know?"

Matt's eyes narrowed. "A bit? You were gone for hours. Did something happen?"

She hesitated, scrambling to come up with a believable excuse. "I just went for a drive to clear my head. Fell asleep in a parking lot. It's been stressful with everything going on."

Matt studied her for a moment, clearly unconvinced but unsure of what to say. "You didn't go see Luke, did you?"

The question hit her like a ton of bricks. She forced a nonchalant laugh, trying to mask her nervousness. "No, of course not. I haven't seen him. Why would you think that?"

His expression softened, but he still looked troubled. "I don't know, I guess I just... I felt like something was off. I didn't want to jump to conclusions."

Ady stepped closer to him, putting a hand on his arm. "Matt, I promise you, nothing happened. I was just out trying to process everything. I needed some space, and I didn't think to tell you because I thought you were also out."

Matt weighed her words, the tension in his shoulder easing. "Okay. I just- I don't want us to keep fighting. I care about you, Ady. I don't want there to be any secrets between us."

"I don't want that either," she said, her voice filled with sincerity she hoped would convince him. "I'm sorry for not being more communicative. I'll do better."

Matt nodded slowly, "Alright. Let's just try to move forward and work on things. I don't want to lose you."

Her heart ached, but she forced a smile. "I don't want to lose you either. We'll figure this out. I love you."

"I love you too."

They embraced, and Adelaide held him tightly, feeling both relief and guilt. As Matt settled back onto the couch, Ady joined him, trying to push away the lingering feelings from the night with Luke.

The weight of her deception was heavy, and as she sat beside Matt, the realization that she was living a lie began to settle in. She knew that maintaining the facade would be difficult, and the consequences of her actions were far from over. For now, though, she focused on keeping up the appearance of normalcy, hoping that time would help heal the rift she had created.

~~

Luke felt like he was in a fog. The events of the previous night and that morning replayed in his mind. He knew he needed to talk to someone, but he wasn't ready to fully disclose what had happened. He decided to seek comfort in his brother, hoping for a little bit of guidance in his situation.

Jack met Luke at the rink, finding his brother sitting alone in the locker room. He approached him, a concerned look on his face.

"Hey, Rusty. You've been awfully quiet this morning. Everything okay?" Jack asked, sitting down beside him.

Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Not really, man. I'm feelin' pretty messed up."

Jack cocked an eyebrow, sensing the seriousness of the situation. "You wanna talk about it or..."

"Sort of. It's... complicated," Luke said, avoiding eye contact. "I had a rough night, and I'm trying to make sense of things, I guess."

Jack frowned, "You sure you don't wanna spill the beans? Sometimes talking helps, ya know?"

Luke hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's not really something I can just talk about. I made some... choices that I'm regretting, and I feel like I've fucked things up, royally."

The older Hughes studied him carefully. "I get it. But you know, if you're feeling like you screwed up, you should at least be able to talk to someone you know won't judge you. I'm your brother, it's what I'm here for."

"Not that simple. I just don't wanna drag you into this. I just need to figure out what to do next."

"Are you like in serious trouble?"

"No, Jack... not serious trouble."

"I don't need to call the cops?"

"No, Jack," he laughed bitterly.

"Alright, well, don't bottle it up. You've got people who care about you, and we're all in this together."

Luke nodded, grateful for Jack’s support but still feeling the weight of his decisions. As they got ready for practice, Luke tried to focus on the task at hand, though his mind was still troubled by the consequences of the previous night.

~~

Adelaide avoided Luke like he was the plague the next few days. She poured herself into work, using the camera as a shield to hide behind her. She kept her interactions with the team strictly professional, but her heart began to ache the first time her eyes met Luke's.

Jack noticed the change in his brother and the photographer. Their friendship had vanished, replaced by a strained silence. One day after pratice, Jack cornered Adelaide in the hallway outside the media room.

"Hey, Ady, got a minute?" he asked, casually leaning against the wall.

"Sure, Jack. What's going on?"

"I noticed that you and Luke have been... off lately. Did something happen?"

Her heart raced, but she forced a large smile. "No, nothing happened. We've just been busy with work and all!"

"Come on, Ady. I know you better than that. You two were inseperable when he started here, and now I don't think I've seen you talk to him in days. Did you guys have an argument or something?"

She sighed, the guilt weighing down her shoulders. "It's complicated. I don't want to get into it."

"Oh. Look, I get it if you don't wanna share. But just know that I'm here if you wanna talk. I care about you, so seeing you both like this is kinda hard."

"Thanks, Jack," her voice barely above a whisper. "Appreciate it."

"See you on the ice!"

"Yup."

God, what had she gotten herself into?

~~

The rink was filled with sounds- the sharp scrape of skates on ice, the hollow thud of the puck hitting the boards, the shouted command of coaches, and the occasional shutter of Adelaide's camera lense. Luke Hughes moved with a ferocity that caught the attention of everyone on the ice. His usual smooth, calculated movements had been replaced by agressiveness. Every stride was powerful, every check delivered with a force that echoed through the arena.

"What's up with Rusty?" Jack muttered to Nico, who was stretching nearby.

Nico followed Jack's gaze. "Not sure, but he's been playing like he's possessed. Did something happen?"

Jack shrugged, keeping his eyes on Luke. "Don't know. He's been... off lately. Keeps to himself a lot more."

As practice continued, Luke's focus remained unbroken. He intercepted passes, delivered bone-rattling checks, and fired shots with pinpoint accuracy. His teammates began to whisper among themselves in the locker room, buzz building about the youngest Hughes.

"Hey, Lukey, what's going on with you?" Nico approached him.

Luke shrugged, "Focusing on my game. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that you're playing like you're trying to prove something. Or like you're trying to forget something."

Luke clenched his jaws, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his towel. "Drop it, Nico. I'm just trying to play better."

"Alright, man. But if you need me, I'm here. Don't shut out the team."

Luke didn't respond, instead shoving his gear into his bag with a force that spoke for itself. Whatever was eating at him was serious, and the team feared it would affect more than just his game.

~~

Adelaide was at her desk, her fingers flying against her keyboard as she edited photos from their last game. She was immersing herself in her work, hoping it would distract her from her inner turmoil. She was focusing on her job and spending as much time with Matt as possible.

The door to her office swung open, and Luke stepped inside, his presence immediately filling the small space. Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening at the determined look on his face.

"We need to talk," his voice barely concealing his anger.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. "Luke, I'm busy right now. Can it wait?"

"No," he said firmly, closing the door behind him. "We're not leaving this room until we sort this out."

"What is there to sort out? We made a mistake, and we need to move on."

"A mistake?" his voice rose. "Is that all it was to you?"

Adelaide flinched at his tone, "It's not that simple, Luke. You know it's not."

"Then make it simple for me," he demanded, stepping closer. "Do you have feelings for me or not?"

She looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. "It doesn't matter what I feel. I'm with Matt. I've made a commitment to him."

Luke's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "So, you're just going to ignore what's between us? Pretend it doesn't exist?"

"What choice do I have?" she voice shook. "I love Matt. I can't just throw that away because I slept with you one time."

"Is that all you think this is? A fling?" his voice was filled with heart.

Adelaide felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "No, but it can't be more than that. It's too complicated."

Luke took a step back, "You're scared. You're scared to admit that you want something different. That you might actually care about me. That you aren't happy with Matt."

"That's not true," she whispered, her resolve crumbling. "I do care about you, but it's not fair to anyone if I act on it."

"Fair?" Luke scoffed. "Life isn't fair, Adelaide. You can't just ignore your feelings because it's inconvenient."

She shook her head, the tears spilling over. "I'm trying to do the right thing. I can't hurt Matt like this."

"And what about me?" his voice cracked. "Do I not matter?"

"Of course you matter," she cried, reaching out to him. "But I can't do this. I can't be with you."

Luke stared at her a moment, his breathing heavy. Then, without warning, he crossed the distance between them in two quick strides and cupped her face in his hands. Before she could react, his lips were on hers, kissing her with a desperation that took her breath away.

She was stunned at first, but then melted into it, her hands gripping his shirt to ground herself. For a moment, all her feelings of guilt and doubt vanished, replaced by the overwhelming feeling of being with him. Of being with Luke.

But reality crashed back in and she pulled away, panting. "Luke, we can't."

"Don't tell me you didn't feel that. Don't tell me you don't want this."

"I do want it. But I can't. I have to think about Matt. I have to think about everyone else."

Luke's shoulders fell, the fight leaving his body. "Fine. If that's how you feel, I'll back off. But don't expect me to just forget out this. About... us."

Adelaide sat back down, staring blankly at her computer screen. The photos she was supposed to be editing blurred together, her mind far too preoccupied. She sighed, rubbing her temples in a futile attempt to clear her mind. They kiss that they had just shared haunted her, the memory replaying over and over again, making it impossible to do any work.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Matt: "Dinner tonight? Been missing you lately <3"

Guilt twisted her stomach as she typed back her response. "Sure, sounds great. I miss you too."

She hit send and put her phone down. She felt like a fraud. Everything felt tainted by her feelings for Luke. She decided to take a break from working, grabbing her coat and leaving the office. She was craving some fresh air. As she walked, she called Sarah. The one person she knew she could talk to about anything, and right now, she really needed her advice.

"Hey, Ady! What's up?"

"Hey, Sarah. Can you meet up? I really need to talk."

"Of course. How about the coffee shop near the area in fifteen?"

"Perfect. See you soon."

Adelaide arrived quickly and ordered herself a latte. When Sarah walked in, she felt a wave of relief. Sarah took one good look at her and knew something was wrong.

"What's going on, Ads?"

"I've messed up, Sarah. Big time."

Sarah reached across the table and held her hand. "Tell me everything."

Over the next hour, Adelaide spilled her guts to her confidante. Telling Sarah all about her feelings for Luke, the kiss, the night they spent together, and the guilt that was tearing her apart.

"Ady, it sounds like you're in a really tough spot. But you have to honest with yourself and with Matt. This isn't fair to anyone, especially not to you."

"I know. But I don't know how to choose. I care about them both so much."

"Maybe you need some time to figure things out. Take a step back, give yourself some space to think about what you really want."

"You're right I just need to clear my head. Thanks, Sar."

"No worries, Ads. That's what I'm here for."

~~

"Luke, we need to talk."

"Not now, Jack," Luke muttered, not even looking away from the TV.

"Yeah, now," Jack insisted. "You've been acting insane. What's going on?"

"I can't, Jack. Just... drop it."

"Nope. Not happening," Jack sat next to him, turning off the TV. "Whatever this is, it's eating you alive. Talk to me."

Luke's frustration boiled over. "It's Adelaide, alright? We... we kissed. We... slept together. And then things got out of hand."

"You and Adelaide? Seriously?" Jack's eyes widened in shock.

"She said it was a mistake, that she loves Matt. But... I can't get her out of my head."

"Holy shit, Luke. That's... a lot. But you can't keep it bottled up. It's tearing you apart."

"I know... but I don't know what to do."

"Look, you need to talk to her. Clear the air. This tension is gonna kill ya both. And if she really loves Matt, you need to try to respect that and move on."

"Yeah. I know. But it's so damn hard."

"I get it, bro. But just take it one step at a time. And remember I'm here for you. Even when you royally fuck up like this."

~~

That evening when Adelaide walked in the door, she could already feel Matt's anger. He was pacing back and forth in the living room.

"Adelaide. We need to talk," his voice was taut with anger.

"What about, Matt?"

"About us! About how distant you've been. It's like you're here, but you're not really here," he snapped, his eyes searching hers for an explanation.

"I've been under a lot of pressure with work. You know that."

"This isn't just about work, Ady! You've been avoiding me. We barely talk anymore, and when we do, it's about the team or the game. When was the last time we slept together? When was the last time you were focused on us? What happened to us?"

She felt a pang of guilt, but also a rush of anger. "Maybe if you weren't so obsessed with your career, we wouldn't be having this problem! You're never around, Matt. And when you are, you don't speak to me!"

"That's not fair. You knew how important work was to me when we got together. I thought you supported me."

"I do support you, but I can't be the only one making sacrifices. This is a partnership, not a one-way street."

"A partnership? That's rich coming from you! You used to be my biggest cheerleader, and now I don't even recognize you!"

"Maybe I changed because you never made me feel like I mattered!" she spat back. "It's always been about you and your career, your dreams. What about mine, Matt? What about mine?"

"I never stopped you from chasing your dreams! You can't just blame all our problems on me! You made choices too."

Ady tried her best to think of a response, but Matt continued before she could.

"I can't do this anymore, Ady. I don't even know who you are anymore," his voice breaking with resignation.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe we both need to figure out what we really want," she looked down at her feet.

"I thought we wanted the same thing. But I guess not. Maybe we've grown too far apart."

"I wish things were different, Matthew. I really do."

"Yeah, me too."

For a moment, it seemed like they were about to part ways without another word. But then Adelaide made a gut-wrenching decision. "Matt, there's something I need to tell you. I.... I cheated on you. With Luke."

The confession hit Matt like a punch to the gut. His eyes widened with shock, then narrowed with rage. "What did you just say?"

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen. It was a mistake-"

"A mistake?" Matt exploded. "You think that's just a mistake? You've been lying to me, hiding things from me while I thought we were trying to fix things!"

Adelaide tried to reach out to him, but he stepped back, his anger turning into something darker. "I didn't want to hurt you. I was confused, and I made a terrible choice."

His face turned red with fury, "You've betrayed me, Adelaide. You've crossed a line. I can't just let this go. You've been living a lie while I've been trying to make thing work."

"I'm so sorry, Matt. Just let me explain."

"No!" his voice echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls. "I don't want to hear it. You've shattered everything we had. I'm done. I can't even look at you right now."

~~

Adelaide sat in her dimly lit apartment, feeling the weight of the last few days pressing down on her. The space felt unusually empty, and the silence was almost deafening. She had spent the entire day reflecting on everything that had transpired and was now preparing for an important conversation.

Her phone buzzed, signaling Luke's arrival. She took a deep breath and went to open the door.

Luke stood there, his expression a mixture of resolve and concern. "Hey," he said softly as he stepped inside.

"Hey," Adelaide replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "Thanks for coming over."

They moved to the living room, sitting across from each other. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words. Adelaide broke the silence first.

"I wanted to talk about everything that's happened. I know I've hurt you. And I've hurt Matt. And I need to take responsibility for that."

Luke nodded, his gaze was steady but pained. "I appreciate you saying that. I was hurt, and it's been hard trying to understand like... why everything went down the way it did."

"I never meant to hurt you. I was confused. Stuck in a relationship that had been loveless for a while. I was avoiding issues instead of talking about them."

"I get that. I was confused too. We both made mistakes, but we can acknowledge that."

"I think... no, I know that I want to be with you, Luke. I just... can we take things slow? Like super slow? I think I need to process everything that just happened," she giggled lowly.

"Yeah, of course. I'd like that a lot, Ady. Let's take this one day at a time.

"Sounds perfect."

Luke smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Now, why don't you tell me why I'm your favourite Hughes brother," he smirked.

She rolled her eyes, "If I must..."

[foundtherightwords]

🤫🍕🐈 "AQPD1" thoughts 🤫🍕🐈

I just got back from the movie, and here are my rambling thoughts (below the cut to avoid spoilers as usual.)

I have to preface by saying that I'm not a huge fan of the Quiet Place franchise or anything - I quite enjoyed the first movie and thought it was a really clever concept, but I didn't think it needed a second one at all. In a way, that gave me the perfect mindset to watch this because I had very few expectations of it (other than seeing Joe on the big screen for the first time!)

First of all, this is more of an apocalyptic thriller/monster movie for me than a horror. I was tense, but I was never scared. But that's OK because I wasn't scared by the first two movies either.

Second, this is a lot more character-driven than the first two movies. All the monster stuff only serves as a backdrop to explore Sam and Eric's emotional journeys as they navigate this end-of-the-world scenario. Fans of the franchise and horror movies may want more of the monster, but I think it has a good balance between drama and horror.

In fact, I wish the movie delved even more deeply into the characters. Sam has a fairly solid arc, and I like that her goal is so simple and relatable - it's the end of the world and she's dying anyway, so let's just get pizza. Eric is such a sweet puppy, but we know next to nothing about him (the articles aren't lying when they describe him as "a man of mystery"!) and I find it kind of weakens his connection with Sam a bit. I remember that in an early screening of the movie, Eric was suicidal because his father rejected him. I wish they'd kept that, because it both paralleled and contrasted nicely with Sam's own journey, and it would make their friendship and the ending even more powerful. There is also a hint that Eric has a fear of water (either because of his encounter with the monsters or something in his past), but it's never explained, which makes the ending a bit rushed to me.

Still, I enjoyed the movie and was ecstatic to see Joe on the big screen. Eric has one hell of a character entrance, and I totally did this when he appeared:

Some more random thoughts:

Frodo is too darned adorable. Between him and Eric, I spent most of the movie going "aww" or squealing.

The pizza/card trick scene is so, so sweet and made me tear up. My headcanon is that Eric wants to become a magician but his dad forces him to study law.

They cut out the stuff about Eric's shoes!!! There is only a very brief moment where Sam gives him the Reeboks to change into, but otherwise it's not addressed at all. I guess it's for pacing/time, but it's a shame.

In fact, there are a lot of scenes/moments from the trailers that are not in the movie. They're not important, but it's kind of annoying.

It's so funny that in the red carpet interviews, everybody was saying Alex Wolff would be the first of the cast to die... and his character IS the first to die!

The buzzcut has grown on me immensely, but seeing his curls on the big screen made me miss Joe's hair (especially in the earlier scenes, where it's all floppy and looks so cute.)

Anyway, that's it for now. Oh and I wanted to get one of those flyers/posters, but my theater didn't have any! These would have to do for now (I may have to go to a different theater to watch the movie again and see if they have a poster I can take home):

[wehaveagathering]

how are you feeling about the flyers draft picks/activities? i don’t hate luchanko but i would’ve rather seen them trade up to the 20s for him with a future second and/or 3rd round pick (or laughton or something) + 32. i can’t believe they passed on buium so I’m hoping they knew something we didn’t about him. i’m doing my best to trust in danny but i’m skeptical of his first round.

I feel great. I feel incredible. I was pretty uncertain and definitely shocked re: Luchanko at first but I've changed my mind. Danny made the right moves and while I might be upset that we didn’t get Buium or Helenius (and I am especially upset that we didn't get Dickinson but that's on the Sharks who I am pissy at rn. I promise in like three days i will be very excited to see him in teal), I see the vision. This is long term.

Here are just some of the first quotes I’ve found on Jett Luchanko:

Guy seems to me like a power-play oriented, playmaking, speed-skating, young Morgan Frost. Suzuki, and apparently Luchanko, are net front danger zone scorers, and Luchanko clearly seems disposed to pass first, playmake, and score in exactly the same zone that Michkov likes to score in. Net front. Behind the net. Michigans. (Watch that video I just linked! Look where he scores from!) Everything I'm reading here seems like he’s tailor-made to playmake for Michkov - and if he’s not? Well, this wasnt exactly a big swing, was it? We traded back and traded away, which was THE THING I SAID WE SHOULD DO, LIKE, A MONTH AGO:

Here's that link, in case you don't believe me.

We might not have traded to a shit team, but we still got the 2025 pick. Everything I said in that post is still applicable. This was "not the draft for big swings." So we didn't take a big swing. Danny took a guy that the Flyers clearly seem to think is a fantastic possible center for Michkov, which is, and should be, their top priority. One of the main criticisms that fans had of the Giroux era was that the Flyers didn't surround him with the talent he needed to succeed, and we don't want to make that mistake this time around?

The problem is that this isn't the draft that's full of that elite talent. Some of them, maybe. The Flyers very clearly wanted to trade up for Lindstrom, but CBJ didn't bite, because they wanted Lindstrom, and I get it. Lindstrom is a fantastic center. So they took the next best center for Michkov, who turned out to be Luchanko. It was what they wanted out of this draft – Michkov's center, or at least a possible one. He wasn't the best player available – clearly, since they traded away from Buium, and gained a 2025 3rd rounder in the process (nice!) – but he is a phenomenal choice for Michkov. And if he doesn't pan out? Well, it's a good thing we didn't trade up for him.

Now, 2025. This is the deep draft. This is the draft that does have that elite talent. And we may have 6 picks in the first and second rounds.

Now that is the draft for big swings. Michkov is coming over this season. We move as few pieces as possible. Who does he work well with on the team? Who doesn't click? How does his play fit, where are the gaps, what do we still need with him on the wing? How does he feel? What and/or who does he need, personally? Three first-round picks in 2025 mean that you have a LOT OF ROOM TO WORK WITH. I assume Luchanko doesn't go to the NHL this season – haven't seen anything to suggest he will, and with the general quality of this draft being one that still needs time, it's fair to assume that he'll stay with the Guelph Storm in the OHL. So when we watch him play in Canada this year and see how he improves and how he communicates with the Flyers, and see Michkov on the ice in orange, we'll have an idea of what we need in 2025. Do we keep the PHI, COL, EDM picks where they are? (My guesses are 14, 25, 32. Quote me!) Or do we package them and trade up? That's a big swing in a deep draft full of huge talents. 25+32 to trade to 20. 20+14 to trade up to 5, or 4. Or maybe 25+32 is enough to get us up front. 10, even. And then once you have that high pick - like we saw today, anyone can fall. We saw it with Michkov last year. Imagine.

I love this draft. I think Danny cooked. I think this was a long-term vision and I'm stoked for Jett Luchanko. Welcome to Philly, bud! I can't wait.

[antrea]

hello

if you wanted to know my thoughts about morgan frost and his decision to follow donald fucking trump on ig here they are. if not that's fine this is kinda my own ranting exercise lol

also i don't think this ramble will follow a structure so sorry about that.

ok so as many ppl will know i was in japan during election day (did mail in early voting due to this) so i didn't really react to much on the tumble but invasive thoughts would follow me if i was just sitting there trying to relax in an onsen or like waiting for a train or something. and it would just like frustrate me to no end. like i know in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter AT ALL and there are much more serious things to be worried about instead of some random athlete's political stance. but it's just horrible as a fan to find out that i dedicated all this time (and honestly money - looking at you, adidas stadium series jersey with full stitched lettering) to supporting a player and now the question is like ok so which are you: are you homophobic/transphobic, sexist/women-hater, racist/xenophobic, a climate change denier, etc. etc., all of the above, or what? but you know it's like my own fault for trying to think i know these people (didn't you learn this lesson from kpop? i guess the fuck not) like just bc he seems to treat his sis and mom right and seems to be a nice boy to all the media doesn't mean that we know him!!! d'oh!

then there's the whole like canadian aspect of it all, like well thank goodness he's not actually american and could vote for this guy! but then sometimes it feels even worse that he's canadian and STILL likes some part of trump enough to follow him on ig the day after the election (and yeah i used some third party app to confirm this, because if he followed trump back in 2016 or before for the memes and shits and giggles and didn't unfollow later, honestly i would prefer that so much over following him in nov 2024.), when literally ryan poehling who owns like trump books doesn't even follow the guy on ig then wow you must fucking LOVE trump then. it makes me SO mad. like if the actual conservative americans on the team -- which i'm sure there's a bunch -- don't follow him on ig and you're making a point to as a fucking canadian then like -- !!!!!! like just keep your politics private at that point because i do not want to fucking know!!! why exactly do you love him so much?!?!?! fuck!!!!

i also feel so bad when i think of ppl who have been following him and the flyers for so much longer than i have bc i literally didn't know who morgan frost was this time last year so it hasn't even been long since he's been my favorite athlete and i already feel like this :(

the final thing i've been grappling with is like how do i go on from here. as i bet everyone could tell just by looking at my blog this year i've basically giffed the shit out of him and taken loads of pics as well at voorhees or at games. in the list of upsetting and annoying things, i KNOW that if this was like any other team's player and they did something like this i would be like "ew gross, that player is gross and so is anyone who is still a fan of them". but then it's happened to MY fave guy and i'm just like :| like in general i think it would be great if i just stopped stanning real life people entirely but it's so hard. i think one thing that has helped is that frost has kinda sucked overall this season so i haven't even needed to see him much lmao. i think the best i can do is just dial back my posts and thoughts about him and just treat him as an Average Player. again, it sucks, because i'm out here going like "well i can sort of still like him because he hasn't done anything like actually posted 'yay trump!' or like explicitly endorsed him" but isn't the follow itself pretty telling of him???? again it's like how freaking of a hypocrite am i for not holding the same standard for these privileged white men just because this one was my fave and the others don't play for my team.

i guess one thing i'm completely ok with is let's keep the rpf rolling lmao. esp if he's a homophobe or something let's keep him kissing boys.

[loremaster]

the premise of rain code band au

so you have context for whatever i end up drawing for it

so yakou started out in a band with yomi and friends (probably like. seth and dominic... no martina yet), he was the guitarist and yomi was the singer... they definitely dated though neither of them would ever admit to it now

but yomi of course is an asshole with a big ego that keeps getting worse, yakou puts up with it until he meets his (future) wife who convinces him to stand up for himself. yomi of course does not take it well, invites martina into the band and starts dating her instead. yakou gets ostracized by the rest of the group and quits the band, settles down, gets married.

she isn't a musician but she's still got a beautiful singing voice. she loves to sing along to his guitar playing. but eventually she dies (probably due to medical malpractice. fucking huesca) and yakou gets so depressed he doesn't touch his guitar again for years

meanwhile the whole world is obsessed with famous pop idol SHINIGAMI!!!!!! despite (or because of?) her abrasive personality she has tons of die-hard fans... but nobody knows anything about her personal life. she's a total mystery off the stage!

shinigami's success is really due to yuma and makoto (twins??? idk). makoto is her pr manager who handles her public image and her schedule; yuma is her creative director and songwriter, the genius behind her catchy tunes.

yuma is very competent at his job but is not enjoying his life. he feels immense responsibility for her success, and overworks himself so shinigami can keep topping the charts. he's not much fun to be around, and doesn't trust anyone else with his duties. shinigami and makoto conspire against him for his own sake, and fire him - or at least, send him on an indefinite leave. shinigami says his songs are shit. he takes her seriously.

yuma is moping down the streets when he meets yakou, also down on his luck... yakou takes pity on the kid and gives him a place to stay. he has no idea who yuma really is, and yuma doesn't tell him - mostly because of the shame of being fired. so yakou treats him like an unpaid intern.

somehow yuma ends up inspiring yakou to pick up his guitar again... which inspires yakou to put out a flyer for band auditions. he's not expecting any responses, but halara, desuhiko, fubuki, and vivia show up and he's impressed with all four of them!!! NOW THEY'RE A BAND!!!!

but... they start out as a cover band because they have no original songs. (desuhiko tries to write original songs. they are very bad.) yuma wants to help but he doesn't want to make himself a big deal... so he ends up sneakily slipping a song he's anonymously written under the studio door for yakou to find. the song is great... but the other band members can't seem to get the hang of it.

from then on the story would take more of an episodic nature, where yuma gets to know each of the band members' idiosyncrasies and learn how to write music (still anonymously) that fits their style. (i'd actually imagine the audience wouldn't know yuma's deal yet either, that'd be like... an end of the season reveal. i guess i'm imagining this as an anime huh) and in spending time with each of them he gets to actually befriend them as well and invigorate their passion for the band and willingness to work together. each time they'd get a cool new song that has a cool new solo for the focus character/instrument of each... episode? yeah

i'm going to post more about what those individual character based adventures will be later (feel free to supplement with your own ideas)

for now i am tired good night

[infinitelilith]

Nine people I'd like to get to know better

Because sure I might as well do one of these too. @angelosearch tagged me for this and I'm honoured

Last song: The Time Flyer remix for the Final Horizon DLC because oh my god this pushes every button in my brain in alllll the right ways. I've been the number 1 Tomoya Ohtani fan for years now but I'm starting to like Kanon Oguri more and more with every song I hear from him. Hope he sticks around

Favourite color: It's been purple for years but recently I do find myself going for pink a little more often (god it's so over for me) but that's also because pink+black is the BEST combo

Last movie/TV show: Recently rewatched the first Eva Rebuild movie for the first time in years and yeah it is just the first few episodes of the anime with a higher budget but guess what? The first episodes of Eva fucking rule! It's before the show got bad (that's a joke)(kinda)! I've also been watching the recent anime adaptation of Pluto and while I have some issues with it so far, I'm sure Naoki Urasawa will deliver with another ending that'll stay with me for a lifetime

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Spicy because I'm a masochist and I got shit to prove!!

Relationship status: Yeah wouldn’t you like to know...I'll say "single" to keep things simple

Last thing you googled: This image because me and @cecelovesrats have determined that it's actually about Sisyphus

Current obsession: TAKE A GUESS NOW AND FOREVER

Alright I'll tag some people but oh my god please don't feel obligated to make one of these if you don't want to

(I'll also limit the tags to people I've actually interacted with before because there are some other KH fan accounts on here I really like but I don't want to tag someone who might have never even noticed me lol)

@cecelovesrats @purple-beans (we're already friends but hey I'm curious)

@fangirling-heart @otakunerd03 @donitkitt @naarwhall @gayruledge @feralcringeman @oliviawonderfulcat19 (we've never really talked but yall seem chill)

[okwritingandpain]

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da: The Beatles x Reader

Chapter 2

What happened? Everything felt hazy and fractured. She was laying on something soft, a bed perhaps. Sitting up, she looked around. Everything looked odd. It reminded her of what her grandparents had described their houses looked like. Colorful wallpaper, strange furniture, and odd clothing that was hanging in the open closet. She got up to look through the selection. Dresses of all different colors plagued the interior room. Red with white polka-dots, the palest pink, and a housewife's aprons littered the closet. It made her heart skip a beat. Where was she? Where was Paul? She remembered him saying that she could save the Beatles, but what did he mean? Looking down she noticed her outfit had changed to a light blue dress. How did that happen? Suddenly a knock came from downstairs. She rushed downstairs to answer it. Opening the door revealed a skinny, handsome man. His eyes were brown and he had a very particular angular face. His dark brown hair glistened in the light. She suddenly realized she was in an apartment of some sort.

"Hiya there I'm George!" He smiled, handing her a flyer. "My band and I are playing this weekend and we're trying to build some awareness." It was strange seeing George so young and alive. He had passed before she was even born.

"You're George Harrison, right?" She asked, reading the flyer. He nodded.

"In the flesh!" He remarked, in a jittery way. "You remembered my name from the last few gigs?" He looked at the ground shyly.

"Of course! You're the lead guitarist! You know, in the Beatles--" wait what year was it? Were they still the Quarrymen? Honestly, she didn't know a lot about the Beatles. Obviously, this was during a time when they weren't crazy famous.

"You seem like a true fan!" He laughed with a slight blush. "What's your name?"

"I'm Y/N." She twisted her hair shyly.

"That's a beautiful name." He remarked with a slight smile. Looking into his eyes, her heart fluttered.

"Will I see you later?" She asked, smiling at him.

"I have a feeling we will. I hope maybe the boys will like you..." He said, turning to leave.

"The boys?" She muttered, closing the door. Was she going to meet the Beatles? Is this what Paul wanted? He barely knew her and now she was back in the 1960s! Deciding to go to their show, she checked the time. The band started at 7 pm and it was currently 4 pm. She had some time and quickly got to work on her appearance. Anything she could find she applied. Makeup, hair products, and so on. She checked the time again. 6 pm time to go. Scavenging for a key, she locked her apartment door. Heading out, she checked the flyer for directions. She had no idea where anything was, so she asked around the best she could. Finally, she arrived at the restaurant they would be playing in. George was standing with three other men looking around. He quickly noticed her. He waved childishly. The others got on and waved at her.

"Hiya, Y/N!" George yelled over the crowd. Smiling, she walked over.

"Hey, George." She softly said. The other boys were staring at her wide-eyed.

"Did you score a girlfriend, George?" The round-faced one laughed. He had dark eyes and hair. His eyes were the shape of almonds.

"Shut up, John!" George crossed his arms blushing. The others snickered. John smiled at Y/N as he looked her up and down.

"Haven't seen you around before," John smirked. She rolled her eyes.

"Guess I only caught your eye now." She joked, with a small laugh. John's face became stern before he burst out laughing.

"You got a good one, George!" He bellowed. George blushed harder.

"She's not my bird!" He chirped. The others laughed harder. Taking a glance at the other two boys, she saw a familiar face. A young Paul McCartney was smiling and laughing along with who she assumed was Ringo Starr. Ringo had the bluest eyes and rings on his fingers. Paul was bright and cheery with a certain glow to him.

"You must be John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr." She smirked, looking at the other three. Their faces had a look of shock.

"She's a true fan!" Ringo cried. He jumped up with glee. Of course, she was a true fan...at least for knowing their names. Paul looked at Y/N suspiciously, though he hid it through a warm smile.

"We got to start soon." He said, turning to leave. The others nodded.

"See you after the show?" George asked, with a cute smile.

"Of course!" She said, going over to an open table. Paul waited for George to catch up to them. He glanced at her with curiosity. Did he somehow recognize her? Were the rules of time travel, young Paul and old Paul shared memories? It was confusing. Putting it off her mind, she waited for the band to begin playing. Girls lined up around the stage excitedly. A young woman around Y/N's age sat at her table.

"You a fan?" She asked, taking a sip of her drink. Y/N shrugged wondering what to say.

"I would like to believe so." She responded as the girls began to scream. Oh, no here they come. Ringo twirled his drumsticks in his hand, Paul warmed up his left-handed bass, John adjusted the microphone, and George played a quick rift on the guitar. John announced the song before he started singing.

"Oh darling, please believe me I'll never do you no harm Believe me when I tell you I'll never do you no harm..."

The girls kept screaming.

"Which one do you like the best?" The woman asked, placing her head in her hand. Thinking for a moment, Y/N realized she couldn't make a good judgment yet.

"I'm not sure..." She trailed off. The woman laughed.

"Oh, come on! Which one is your favorite?" The woman pestered her. Pressing her lips together, she said the first name that came to mind.

"Paul." She said, plainly. The woman smiled.

"He is cute." The woman looked at Paul with dreamy eyes. Y/N looked at the band. Paul got her eye. He looked at her, still suspicious. Seeing the other girls screaming at him, he laughed a little to himself. He looked back at her and winked. The girls immediately turned to look at her. They all screamed with jealousy making Y/N jump back.

"He winked at you!" One of them screamed.

"How could he wink at her!? I'm far prettier!" Another said.

"Ladies please, I just wanted to wink at my lovely gal." He sneered. What was his deal? The girls stormed around her. They were yelling questions and the woman next to her stared shocked at her. George noticed the commotion and after their song, he got down to pull the ladies away from her. John and Ringo helped as well. George glared at Paul.

"What were you thinking!?" George spat at Paul. Flicking the saliva off his face, Paul crossed his arms in defense.

"You're broad was distracting me," Paul said his face tightening. John's fist clenched.

"You could have asked her to leave after we finished the song, or ignored her! If you want to be in this business you can't just make a fuss because one girl is distracting you!" John snapped at Paul. Ringo rolled his eyes, trying his best to stay out of it. The other three continued to yell at each other. Y/n stood there, waiting for a chance to speak.

"Alright," Ringo finally said. The others kept yelling. "I said, 'Alright!'" He pushed the group apart. They stopped to look at him. "We're not breaking up the band over one small fluke!"

"S-sorry." George hunched below the others.

"Sorry, Ringo," John said, looking toward his friend.

"Don't apologize to me," Ringo said, looking at Y/N.

"Yeah, sorry..." Paul muttered. They turned towards Y/N.

"We're kind of crazy, aren't we?" John laughed looking at his friends. George giggled his heart out while Ringo slapped him on the back. Paul stood distant from the group.

"I guess you are." Y/N laughed. The girls were still around them, staring.

"That's it for tonight everyone!" John yelled for all to hear. People started shuffling out of the room. The guys went to put their instruments away, except for Paul.

"I'm sorry if I distracted you," Y/N said, walking up to him. He glared but cooled down after a moment.

"It's not your fault, Luv. I just needed to blow off some steam I guess." He mumbled. She looked at him worried. Was she causing the Beatles to break up even sooner?

"Do you want to talk about it over dinner or something?" She asked. Oh, no why did she ask that? It sounded like a-

"Are you asking me on a date?" Paul asked, with a slight smile. They both blushed as red as roses.

"If that's what you want it to be." She smirked, winking at him. He paused with a smile.

"See you on Saturday at 1?" He asked, heading towards the band.

"It's a date." She laughed.

"A date." He smiled.

[joe9cool]

So Good-Joel Farabee-2

A/N: I do not know or associate with anyone on The Flyers, I only own my characters. Also you do not have permission to copy or post my stories anywhere. Thank you

December 2022.

“Atta boy guys! Way to battle and fight hard!” Joel cheered along with the locker room. They had beaten the Rangers at home. So far the season had been a bunch of ups and downs (mostly downs) but they were a rebuilding team. So there was hope for the future.

Upon exiting the locker room to the family area. He looked around to see the usual guys with their families. Sometimes parents flew in. He was fortunate that his family didn't live too far away and that they could drive Or fly to see major games.

“Hey Joel” He looked to his right to see Claire smiling at him. He had seen her at some games with Laurence and Ella. He had purposely avoided her since that night and had so far been successful. At the most he gave her a smile and a wave. Once the anger had worn down.

He had tried to push her into the back of his mind and that was the only way to successfully do that.

Until now.

“How have you been?” She asked.

Fuck she looked good. She must have just come from work and she dawned what he would say was ‘Professor Attire’ that she filled out perfectly, complete with square frames. Claire looked like every college kid's fantasy.

All of the sudden all of the memories from that August night came flooding back.

He was fucked.

“Joel?” He Realized he spaced out as Claire looked At him confused. “I'm sorry Claire, I spaced out. Happens often.” Fans didn't call him empty Headed for nothing.

“I asked if you were joining the team for Christmas at my family's house? My mom hosts some of the team And the families every year. I know you didn't come the past few times and then COVID happened. But its always a blast.”

“Umm I'm not sure.. I mean I still haven't finalized Plans with my family…” He trailed off, knowing That his parents or His brothers weren't able to come with the busy schedule.

“It's the 20th Joel.” and Morgan said you probably will be Attending with him.”

He made a mental note to murder Frosty. “Yeah I guess I'll show up for a few hours.”

She smiled. “Great! You don't need to bring anything. My family is making Everything.”

“That's a ton of food.” She laughed. “My mom owns a restaurant, remember? She is accustomed to the Chaos”

“True.” They smiled at each other, and Joel's heart skipped a beat. 

“Well I'll see you at my house for Christmas. You know where Danny lives in Haddonfield right?”

He nodded, thinking of the former player turned assistant GM. “Yeah I have been to his place a few times.”

“Then my mom’s house is literally next door. Its obnoxiously decorated so you cannot miss it. Think of the Griswold’s house in Christmas Vacation.

Joel laughed.. “Nothing wrong with that, that’s my favorite Christmas movie. Her smile brightened. “Mine too! I’ve annoyed everyone around me by quoting the movie. 

“Hey Claire, we’re heading out.” She turned back towards Sean and Laurence.  “Oh they are my ride. I’ll see you on Christmas, and good luck against the Hurricanes!” They had one more game in Carolina before they could enjoy Christmas break. As he watched her retreating figure his heart did another flip confirming what he already knew

He. Was. Totally. Fucked.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just as Claire said, her mother's home was the most decorated on the block. As he pulled up he took a deep breath. Even on the plane ride back he was lost in his own world. He wondered if her boyfriend Luke would be there. Then chastised himself for thinking that he wouldn't. It was still a family event, and it was Christmas.

The past couple of days he felt his hand hovering over the follow request on her Instagram. She was private, but had a ton of followers, practically the entire team and their wives or girlfriends. Past and present members even had some friends in common, no doubt cause of hockey. He looked at Laurence's photos to see if maybe Claire was posted with Luke. No such luck. Not even wedding photos were she was a bridesmaid.

Taking another deep breath, he got out of his car and saw Travis Sanheim and his girl right Behind him. After exchanging Pleasantries they walked up together. The door opened right away to see a middle aged woman who resembled Claire and no doubt that was her mother. 

“Hello everyone! Merry Christmas!”

“Hi Vero.” She hugged the couple before her eyes were on Joel. Feeling awkward he waved. “Hi I'm Joel. I'm on the team.”

She laughed before pulling him into a hug. “I know who you are! I'm Canadian and have lived here for over ten years. We bleed black and orange. I'm Veronique, But call me Vero. I'm so glad you could come.” She gestured them inside, and once again Joel handed her a bottle of wine. It was becoming his thing. “I'm sorry I know Claire said no gifts, but I can't come empty handed.”

The older woman laughed. “Oh that's so sweet. I raised my daughters the same way. He went to find some of his team in The massive living room, however his Eyes were surveying the room and he very quickly Found who he was looking for.

He smiled brightly when his eyes came across her. She looked beautiful, her dark hair styled to perfection. Her red dress looked cozy and festive. 

However his smile went away fast when he took in her facial expressions. She wasn't happy. In fact, she looked ready to cry.

Then he saw the person next to her and stiffened. 

A tall blonde-haired guy. Was standing next to her, his back angled towards Joel so he couldn't see his face. This had to be Luke.

And based on what he saw, He could already tell this guy was a major prick.

He was luckily distracted by Kevin and his wife coming up to greet him. It was a good distraction as it got him mingling with other teammates and his mind was off Claire. 

Until dinner was ready. As he took his seat at the long decorated table Claire and Luke sat diagonally Across from him. 

“Joel! I didn't see you. I'm glad you made it.” She smiled and he returned it. “Oh and I'm sorry this is Luke, my boyfriend.” 

He tried to refrain from making a grimace as he leaned over the table to reciprocate The handshake the other guy was holding out. “I'm Joel Farabee.”

“Luke Cross. Nice To meet you.” He sat down and took a sip of his wine. “So are you a hockey player like everyone else?”

He didn't miss the tone in Luke's voice when he said ‘hockey players.’ “Yes I'm with the Flyers.”

The blonde shook his head. “I don't know how you do it. I mean, I'm sure the money is nice. But is it worth nearly killing yourself for a hunk of Metal?”

The room seemed to be silent with the Last comment. Luke looked Around and laughed. “I'm sorry. I meant “The Cup.”

“It's more than a ‘Cup’.” York interjected and Sean shook his head. “I've tried to explain it to him”

Luke laughed. “I just don't get sports. I mean I feel like it's not necessary. You're not contributing to anything.”

Joel wanted to take the bowl of mashed potatoes in his hand and aim right towards his smug face. The fact that he was so comfortable trashing someone’s passion in front of his own girlfriend, who was Canadian and a hockey player herself. He didn’t want to imagine what went on in private 

Vero, who Was trying to keep the peace, changed the subject to focus on her other daughter Alexandra and her husband. While Alex was a lawyer, her husband Noah was a tattoo artist who ran his own shop in Philadelphia. “Do you mind showing me some of your work?” Owen asked. Noah was more than thrilled to show off his art, which Joel had to admit, was really good. “How did you and Alex meet?”He asked Noah in a separate side conversation. As it was any more possible, Noah’s smile got even bigger as he was about to talk about his favorite subject, even more so than tattooing 

“Last year Claire came in to get a tattoo, and Alex came with. We got to talking, and I just..” He trailed off and stared down his plate. “I just knew.”

“You guys just met last year and you’re married?” Tyson asked, not being able to comprehend such a short timeline. Noah laughed and began playing with the black band on his inked finger. “Yeah. We spent all of Claire’s session talking and began seeing each other immediately. Asked her to move in six months later, and then bought the ring two weeks later.” Alex now joined the conversation. “We were both cynical, as we have had our hearts broken, but it just felt right. When he asked, I said yes and we practically ran to city hall.”

Claire smiled. “We were all a bit shocked, but they are perfect together, and hey I get free tattoos now.”

Of course, the moment had to be ruined by Luke. “That’s crazy. Getting married so quick. Marriage is a serious commitment not to be taken lightly. You got to take your time. Get your life together first.”

Joel observed both sisters. Alex looked ready to rip his head off, while Claire looked dejected. “Yeah, but things are falling into place now. I just got my masters and I start my PhD program next fall.”

“Oh my god.” Luke interrupted. “Sean I got to show you what I just ordered.” He whipped out his phone and after a couple scrolls he turned the phone to face the group. “Its coming next month, my new toy.”

It was a picture of a truck, with an obnoxious shade of yellow. Sean’s jaw dropped.  “Dude you got a damn Hummer?”

Joel didn’t miss the way Claire stiffened. 

“Yep! Paid cash and customized it. Its got all of the features-” Claire excused herself to get more wine, while Alex followed her. If Joel had to guess, it wasn’t to fill up her wine glass, or maybe it was to down an entire bottle.

He chimed in on the conversation, trying to make his silence obvious, however not one person seemed to notice the sisters absence, so Joel told Travis he was going to get more water from the kitchen hoping that was where the girls were. 

The house was huge, so when he stepped into the kitchen he was confused, until he heard voices. Walking towards them, he stopped in front of the clear glass door when he saw they were in the wine cellar, Claire on the verge of tears while Alex was speaking. They looked at him and he realized he was probably looking like a massive creep. Alex opened the door.  “Are you lost Joel?”

He shook his head.  “Um no. I uh- just wanted to see if Claire was okay.”

“Alex, he can come in.” 

The door opened, and Joel came in. “I saw your reaction to his comment.” He couldn’t say his name. She sniffled.  “He didn’t tell me he bought a Hummer. I mean he mentioned it, but I didn’t think…” She trailed off..  “God this probably sounds soo stupid. We’re not married, and its his money, he can do what he wants with it. So I don’t know why I am upset.

Because he’d rather buy a sixty thousand dollar car than a ring. Joel thought but he didn’t dare say it. “Look I know I don’t have much experience with relationships, but if it upsets you you need to talk about it. Isn’t communication important or something like that?”

Claire laughed. “Oh Joel, you’re so young, but wise. Some girl is gonna be very lucky One day.”

that stung. “Yeah well. I'm not focusing on that.”

She smiled. “Let's go. I'm sure everyone is wondering where we went.” The group lect the huge cellar with a bottle of wine so it didn't look suspicious.

“Where did you go?” Laurence asked. Claire shrugged. “We all ran into each other trying to find another bottle of wine.”

“Darling. Not too much, don't want to be drunk.” Luke chimed in with a smile. Unaware that his own girlfriend was in tears over him. Claire ignored him.

Despite that hiccup, the rest of the night went off perfectly, and Joel found himself forgetting about Luke. He also couldn't help but notice Claire being drawn to him more.

However it none of that mattered as at the end of the night, Claire and Luke left together to go back to their life and Joel was going back to his condo alone.. well he had Morgan and Tyson. 

A.N. I am posting this quickly while I work on Chapter 3. Let me know if you guys are feeling this story.

[dalekofchaos]

Triple H has a problem booking black wrestlers well

So MVP brought up a good point about HHH's regime being bad when it comes to black wrestlers and why the Hurt Business did not get reformed.

Yeah let’s open up a dialogue about it. You ever notice that Latino wrestlers only feud with Latino wrestlers? Or how they put all the black women and Asian women together for a filler match? Minorities are midcard acts and nothing more in HHH’s WWE. Guess this also explains why we don't see Omos...

this reinforces why HHH is mid as a booker and Bobby deserves better, for the fans sake if not for his own. I mean, how the fuck do you have BOBBY FUCKING LASHLEY constantly do the job to KKKross until he conveniently wins at Wrestlemania? In what fucking world do you see value in Mid Kross, but not the All Mighty BOBBY FUCKING LASHLEY????

Wish I could say I was surprised, but the guy who did blackface and squashed Booker T during a feud about HHH being a racist to black Booker T and as head booker he doesn't book black people well? Yeah not surprised at all.

When it comes to how African American wrestlers are presented in the WWE, they’re always portrayed as either crazy, a jobber, and most times a combination of both

The Hurt Business had TONS of potential when they formed a couple of years ago, but creative gave up on them. Vince McMahon did them wrong when he was in charge , and now Triple H is doing them wrong as well by not reforming the group.

The Hurt Business never should have been broken up. Seeing four strong Black men handling business and dominating was cool to see but we all know WWE’s history when it comes to Black male wrestlers. The fact that Triple H didn't want to bring them back is telling.

You can argue he books Bianca and Jade well and that's true and that's all we get for black wrestlers being booked strongly. The New Day and Street Profits ain't winning a lot lately and once again The New Day are being fed to Kross and his auraless faction. And R-Truth is booked as a comedy act and that ain't changing anytime soon. Boy, I miss R-Truth's Ron Killings TNA days.

I'm gonna be honest, i really dislike the way bobby/profits have been handled in the Levesque regime. really thought Montez Ford would be off into the big time by now, but alas.

Hell, even Naomi has been given the shaft. Every major match she's in, she loses. So what, you only brought her back to do the job?

The fans loved The Hurt Business. The Pride was ridiculous. They didn't officially call them The Pride for AN ENTIRE FUCKING YEAR! All you had to do was pair Lashley and the Profits, add MVP as the mouthpiece and have Omos be the muscle. But no, Bobby is not a good talker and played to his weakness instead of his strengths and jobbed to the definition of MID, The Profits did not change as characters, they wouldn't keep them as heels and they threw in B-Fab over MVP.

It's ridiculous how Shawn Michaels sees the value of black wrestlers and pushes them to the moon, but they are an afterthought to HHH. Trick Williams is a king, Oba Femi is a beast, Je’von Evans is the best high flyer in NXT, Kelani is the first women's NA Champion, Lash and Jakara are given weekly TV time and Jaida is a badass.

Like, it's obvious Shawn Michaels knows black wrestling is a draw, if only HHH could see the same...

[emerald-cloud23]

Trying to figure out how much time passes in canon between seasons – according to the show itself (and then making rough guesses)

This is so long– also, doesn't include Dragons Rising

Pre-Pilots & Pilots: I don't remember them saying anything about that, though I imagine that it has been less than a year as they (Cole, Jay, Zane) obviously aren't as close as they'll become later in the show, maybe not even 6 months. I'll settle on 4 months for now

Pilots & Season 1: Once again, I don't remember them stating anything in particular so, once again, it's been less than a year. Maybe even just two or three months. The core four ninja have become closer but we can immediately see how distant they still are with that first mailman scene where it's apparently the first time ever the other three find out that Zane is practically an orphan as well as Cole hiding his true relationship with his father from them. Between the Pilots & S1 I imagine the ninja have encountered Lloyd before (according to their reactions they know him but the viewer doesn't), even telling Wu about him and he decided "No, I'm not gonna look after my brother's son"– sorry, going off-track. I'll go with like 3 months

Season 1 & Season 2: Looking at the end of S1 it has probably only been a few hours or like a day as everyone is fixing Ninjago City from the damage that the finale caused

Season 2 & Season 3: Canon mentions that it has only been a few months since the finale of S2. With Lloyd traveling around the island and accepting awards and stuff as well as Wu & the ninja taking over a school (most likely Darkley's), I'd say it's less than 6 months but I can't exactly decide on anything

Season 3 & Season 4: I don't think anything had been said in the show but with the statue from the finale becoming so dirty, the ninja no longer staying together and Jay apparently recording a 70+ episode tv show with a holiday special??? Another few months– only because I don't know how else Jay would've been able to make his own tv show and much less one with so many episodes and even a contestand that had previously participated. Oh, also it needs time for his fans to, well, start being his fans and viewers. I don't know how much time something like this would take but seeing as even Wu being unaware of why the other three aren't training with Lloyd I'd say they gradually left the team in the span of, probably, 4-6 months. If I didn't take Jay's show into consideration I'd say 1-2 months because that seems more logical with the 'skipping training'-bit

Season 4 & Season 5: Canon doesn't say anything. Buuut I feel like Morro wouldn't have waited much longer than necessary to start his search for the realm crystal. He'd find out what happened to Wu, find out about Lloyd & the others as well as that no one knows where the FSM's tomb is. He seems pretty smart so that would probably take barely any time at all, less than a week probably. However,, Wu has to buy a piece of land (most likely already with the buildings on it because construction can take monthssss), register his store, buy his shop's inventory and new uniforms (both the deepstone suits and the advertisement shirts & hats), also he needs to get the flyers designed, printed and delivered to him. This, unfortunately, takes time, and probably a lot more than just a few days. Despite hating the thought that Morro waited so long since escaping the cursed realm, I'll say that it's probably been a month

Season 5 & Season 6: There's a few things that I need to take into consideration as canon, once again, says nothing. The S5 finale takes place on new years so this is a good starting point. I only know new years as the last day of the year so that's where I'm going with this. S5 ends at the end of december. S6 needs to happen months later for a multitude of reasons: the people of Stiix being pissed at the ninja and rebuilding their city over water with Strangleweed (which S5 mentions not really anyone wanting to do), the ninja becoming famous for the destruction of the cursed realm, the ninja recording a tv show for kids and going on tv shows, being interviewed, getting fans & Nya training her elemental powers and Spinjitzu. So, if I view S5 at the end of the year then S6 feels like it takes place (or would take place if it hadn't been undone) in spring, so like march or april

Season 6 & Day Of The Departed: I remember that DOTD canonically is on like october 30th or 31st (I can't remember this for the life of me) so there's a good time period for the ninja to get their fame under control. Otherwise I don't have much to say

Day Of The Departed & Season 7: I believe canon said it's been a week since Cole became human again, so there you have it. That'd be early november

Season 7 & Season 8: Canon says it's been exactly a year since Wu disappeared in the time stream. There you go, a crystal clear answer to how much time passed since the previous season's finale. Thank you canon

Season 8 & Season 9: It is said that Garmadon ruled over Ninjago City for a week now, that means for 7 days Lloyd, Nya, Pixal, Dareth and Misako thought that Wu and the core four were dead (god, I always forget just how depressing this was for them)

Season 9 & Season 10: And we're back to nothing being said in canon, great. Well, there's the monastery that needs to be rebuild (as well as all of Ninjago City) and the murals being designed and needing to be painted, also there's some shorts on Lego's YouTube channel that still have the murals being painted, so they happen before S10. But all this takes time. But because I don't want Garmadon's warning about the Oni to appear so weak, I'd say a minimum of 6 months needed to pass. Most likely a lot more but, again, I want to keep his warning as something rather fresh and recent to Lloyd so he'd remember it when visiting his father in Kryptarium

Season 10 & Season 11: Canon (or rather Wu) says that it's been some months since their last big victory. In order for Cole going from super ripped in S2 to giving me almost an entire breakdown over being the exact opposite (no, genuinely. My first time seeing him without his super muscular body made me so, so frustrated and I don't even know how to put it into words but mAN–)… Uh, another 6 months? They all became incredibly lazy to the point where Wu eventually had enough, so half a year is the maximum time period I'd give them. Also, as we saw (and as they said) they haven't been in tune with each other as a team when fighting/fleeing. So, if you've spent years with people doing nothing but that I can't imagine you'd become so uncoordinated in a short period of time (but that's just me, a loner)

Aaand now we're entering the time period where it is difficult to make guesses–

Season 11 & Season 12: I would've assumed it's been a few days but because of S13's comment on it having been weeks since the ninja were at the monastery... I'd still like to say S12 happens just days after S11–

Season 12 & Season 13: I just mentioned the comment, sOO– Maybe Prime Empire took weeks in the actual world. I don't know. I can't make sense of this sentence. Like, ily Lloyd, but man. You're not making the time periods of this show easy. Especially because Wu and Pixal were both still at the monastery in S11 and S12 and I can't imagine the two not having taken care of it in that time when the others were gone. I just can't. So, somehow between the start of S11 and the start of S13 it has been weeks in which no one took care of the monastery. Even if they had been on an unmentioned vacation between S12 and S13, I feel like they would've taken care of the trash around the monastery. Though, something like this would explain the amount of leaves in the courtyard and Lloyd trying to urge Cole to stop relaxing on his free day to help with laundry and stuff (their gaming session is adorable btw, they need to interact more in canon pls)

Season 13 & Season 14 (The Island): I don't think anything is mentioned about S13, though they say that last month a bunch of criminals broke out of Kryptarium. So, unless that happened while the ninja were in Shintaro, it's been at least a month. Also, Misako, Wu and Clutch Powers went missing on an expedition they went on. When Cecil from the Explorers Club comes to visit them he mentions that when a member is 'presumed dead or lost at sea' they remove their belongings from the club. Soo, for them to be presumed lost at sea I'd say it would take like 1 week but "just to be safe" the club waits a total of 2 weeks after members set out on expeditions before deciding that it's been too long without hearing from them so they must be dead. But, seeing as Wu was also in Shintaro and he went on this expedition the ninja must've been back a few days before they went on this expedition, which I just assumed they started 2 weeks ago, so it's been maybe like 2.5 weeks to a month between these seasons

Season 14 (The Island) & Season 15 (Seabound): Canon doesn't say anything but I see S14 as setup for S15 so it would probably be like a few days between them

Season 15 (Seabound) & Season 16 (Crystalized): Canon says it's been a year since Nya's sacrifice. Another crystal clear (no pun intended) answer by the show

oKAY, GREAT. THAT'S ALL. If anyone wants to chime in for my rough time period estimations and calculate this whole thing, feel free because I'm not doing it! Like Cole says in Crystalized: "I'm not much of a math guy".

[gritty-big-naturals]

Okay but what's the story with DeAngelo? I'm sorry, I'm just new and I don't understand what's funny about it

So DeAngelo is a known Trump supporter, and has a long history of starting shit on social media, arguing with fans, causing problems on the ice to the point where he was benched, just general shitheel behavior y’know?

He was playing on the Rangers for a few years and in January 2021, there was an incident that got him booted off the team. This is just a screenshot for the official release about it on the NHL site, but I’ve heard various things through the rumor mill including Chris Kreider punching him. No one really knows what was said or how things shook out, but it must have been nasty enough for the reaction it got:

So the fact that he’s now going through the same process with the Flyers is just a beautiful Fuck Around and Find Out moment. There hasn’t been any word afaik about why the Flyers are getting rid of him, but I can guess. Don’t have much sympathy for him at all, I’m afraid.

TL;DR: bastard man gets bastard consequences and it’s funny to witness

[tea-with-evan-and-me]

I’ve been in this fandom since Murder House but after Dahmer something changed I’ve never quite seen anything like it before in this or any other fandom.

Me too! And I agree with this. I have literally never seen anything like this. I'm kinda glad for him that he is no longer on social media

You should pop over to the Chris Evans, Henry Cavill and Sebastian Stan blogs 💀 The Evan Peters fandom has got nothing on those fandoms crazy, toxic drama! It’s INSANE. When Chris Evans popped out with his girlfriend (now wife) a couple of years ago, a deranged group of fans went around in LA handing out and pinning up flyers with pictures of her, portraying her to be racist 😨😨😨 Craaaaazy times! It’s hasn’t really calmed down either. They have the most vile comments when they post on Instagram too.. Same with Henry Cavill. I had to leave those fandoms. 🙅🏻‍♀️

oh my god 😵 that sounds wild. i guess, bad as it may be, it can always be worse!

[musicals-n-cartoons]

Watching and Dreaming Reaction

Almost a week late, but here is my eleven (and final) Owl House reaction!

Before the Special

I am so nervexcited about hitting play. This is it after all. Endings are very important; many pieces of media were ruined by a bad ending. I don't think they will drop the ball, but still.

Anywhere, predictions! Man, that was a great trailer, wasn't it? Luz is dressed as Belos? That giant heart is making a surprise comeback? Lyrics!? My guess, the Collector sent them all to different games (like the pacman thing), and then Luz is put into a Belos roleplaying thing. Did Belos convince the Collector to do this as a sort of forced empathy thing? Is this a manifestation of Luz's guilt? Luz trying to find out more about the Emperor's relationship with the Collector? The Collector makes Luz into the bad guy out of jealousy? Actually, that last one might be it. Whatever the case, it looks like Luz is forced to fight all her friends, but they will manage to snap out of it long enough to do the whole "you got to wake up" "how?" "you turn on the lights" thing. I just know that's going to be a good moment, I can't wait.

It looks there is going to be a sad Collector scene. Is he by himself, or is he talking to Belos/"Raine"? I'm still thinking that Luz is going to do one last "empathized with sad kid" routine to convince the Collector to start caring about others. And then they save Raine and kill Belos! Now that I think about it, Luz and co needs a plan to drive the plot until the Collector talk. She must be sneaking around as Belos for reason after all.

Wait duh, they will be trying to beat the Collector at his own game! And then Luz will try to change it to her own game.

Ok, enough speculation, on with the show!

Side note: I caught that unauthorized thumbnail of Willow. Some people are saying that it's likely from a post-victory montage. Does that mean that Willow will become a professional Flyer derby player? Good for her.

The Special

oh, we are picking up immediately after the end of For the Future

Luz is losing consciousness and blinking while everyone was taken

back here! wait, the subtitles are saying "Papa Titan", that's a spoiler

oh, we are meeting Belos!Luz sooner than I expected

"power noodle" never change Luz

ooh, Amity is mad. Luz needs to trust her friends more

Eda!

ah, these are like nightmare dreams for the main trio

Eda fears being treated as a monster by her family, eh?

now it's King's turn. he gets to hang out with Bill!

siblings...

back to Luz... in Willow's mind? oh, she is meeting all her friends individually

here's Hunter being jealous of Luz. does this mean that Luz is feeling guilty about her life being better than him?

here's Gus putting on a show

alright! time for a witch's... battle?

wait, they're fake puppet people!

no wait, they're real, just controlled

ah, the "wake up" scene. ngl, it's not as climatic as I expected

aww, we're done with that already?

Luz wakes up on a chessboard

time to wake everyone up

ray-ray? the Collector is too cute

this was an attempt to make the trio repent? Belos going back to the old playbook I see

oh no, Belos knows about titans being immune to Collector magic!

so powerful the heart still beats

"just fix them" huh, the Collector doesn't know what death is

Raine's fighting back! you go bard!

here lies the puppet squad. but what's this? puppet Amity is making a move? I've seen the fan theories, I think I know where this is going

oh, I got the order all wrong. in retrospect, I guess it made sense that the trailer only included scenes from the very beginning

games montage: Pacman, marbles, blocks

embarrassed Collector

ah! King is using "them" to refer to the Collector!

"can't last forever" yeah, but Collector boy here can outlive you I'm pretty sure

cool, some Collector lore. so their siblings are known as the Archivists?

play a game with the titans? ooooh.... the archivists used him as a distraction to trap the baby titans. or even killed them, considering that Collector is ignorant of death

Collector is willing to settle for a pretend friend, how tragic

ah, they are going to do an owl house livewatch, I see

come on Raine, stop him!

ha! take that Be- wait, no!

it's like a cancer spreading around the iles

puppet Amity managed to scratch out a light glyph, waking them all up

ah, Luz is showing them all the places in her memories

ha, grugby is nonsense

Collector is looking left out from the trio's banter

Collector calls it titan magic, but again with the "titan's favor" thing! I don't like this idea that Luz was "given", dare I saw "chosen", her glyphs

but bonding time is over now, Belos is making his move

ha, call back to when Tinella Nosa stole that rat's home

wow, a dragon transformation, real original Belos

kindness and forgiveness, not like that Collector

oh no, Luz did a heroic sacrifice

damn, do all protagonists need to die nowadays

this is a very unfortunate way for Collector to learn about death, considering Luz is almost definitely going to come back

King and Eda's going beast mode

Luz reformed in the in-between, time for a meeting for Papa Titan?

"I should have thanked them" oh Luz. a people pleaser to the end

! is that confirmation that Hooty is tied to the titan!

"both king and queen", ah, so like snails then? or do titans reproduce asexually?

he was watching over King from beyond the grave, oh no, I'm feeling things

Luz is talking about her guilt with the titan, finally, some therapy

Luz is getting her own power up, cool

first Amity now Collector, it seems all magic is failing

oh god, Luz is literally a light glyph

omg, furry Luz! The prophecy is fulfilled!

I'm disappointed in you Luz, you didn't prepare any lines?

aww, Eda finally gets to teach Luz some traditional witch magic

and King helps with the titan wahs!

what's with the grass

ah, Camila remembers her glyph lessons

wait, is that actual land off in the distance?

hooray, Raine is saved!

the inevitable Good Witch Luz speech, yes!

Wait, wasn't Bonesborough on the left arm? or, was it the right arm?

ha, typical, Belos is trying one last trick

haha, he's dead now

"I loaf you" sobbing, it's perfect

And that's the end of the episode! now's for the epilogue

Luz's friends reunited with their parents. oh, and Odalia was there also

Darius is there to be Hunter's guardian. but Camila is still his human guardian, right?

Lumity kiss!

Amity is still not used to Hooty, huh. something to bond with Camila over

Collector is going back to the stars

Titan magic is dead

Long live palismen magic!

time skip... to leaving for university

Vee with a nose ring!

god, they did a "goodbye to the magic" fake out - trice!

Hunter is now a full-blown palismen carver

Boscha sells sports equipment. ok

Matty has a real mustache now

magic sigal removal

aww, a baby slitherbeast. and a baby selkidomus! nature is healing

Gus got a human exchange program. does this mean that the Human Realm is aware of the Demon Realm?

Eda is the headmaster of a university now

King's looking a little older

King-ceanera! what a cute way to show a quinceanera while still having a multiyear time skip. I do gotta ask, however, is this culturally sensitive?

aww, it's cute how big King's glyphs need to be to make that small light.

that was delightfully meta, what with the saying goodbye to the camera and the fakeouts from earlier.

Reactions to Other Reactions

Dana signed Luz's scholarship lol

It was neat how the titan was kinda a father figure to Luz

someone called Future Amity a lesbian sky pirate. I can see it. but wait, now that I look closer, I see that I missed that Amity is a book-hunting adventurer now

Amity's undercut reminds me of the way a fanartist who I quite like draws her

Dana confirms that Hunter's new palismen's name is Waffles

8k notes on Tumblr baby! the Owl House's number one for almost a week!

Luz died and was reborn, it's an Easter miracle! this can't be a coincidence, Disney's schedulers must know what they're doing

yeah, it's both funny and sad that Luz can believe that Amity wouldn't misquote a book but not that her friends won't hate her. the biggest flaw imo of this season is that they never dedicated enough time to resolving Luz's guilt in a satisfying way

some people think that Belo's death scene was bad and anticlimactic? not every death needs to happen during the climax, god. he was defeated already, ok? him trying to hoodwink Luz one last time and failing is just a funny way to get rid of him afterward.

and why are Philip fans so disappointed in him being called ungenuine? the man literally tried to commit genocide. no one can believe that he was genuinely trying to save anyone, and the Titan was right to tell Luz that she is nothing like him. god, you have an unhappy childhood and suddenly people start believing that murdering the Other is a logical response...

yeah, the Collector leaving everyone to go to his family just doesn't seem right. let's pretend that he visits often

oh, the Disney channel broadcast put Weirdmageddon right after this one? that's very funny

Luz is wearing Amity's necklace omg

oh, I missed the other basilisks at the university! I'm so happy for them! this means that Vee can be reunited with them

yeah, I love how Titan Luz looks so evil. she continues to look dark and edgy while actually being sweet and nice. It reminds me of how Disney villains used to be queer-coded. now the bisexual is villain-coded! it's also why I find the fan-made personality of beta Luz to be very funny. I'm pretty sure most people are misunderstanding "Lucia's" character...

wait, Titan Luz had no fluffy tail, weak

Amity didn't get to see Titan Luz! biggest casualty of the need to focus on the main trio tbh

Luz really is the Titan's blorbo

apparently, the show notes call Titan Luz "Luzan"? and somebody on Reddit suggests calling her "Luzifer". both are fun suggestions, but I think I prefer Titan Luz just a little bit better.

What's Next?

I know a lot of people are sad that The Owl House is over, but I like to be optimistic. This is not an ending, but a completion! After 4 years of hard work, the animators have finally finished, they're free from their labor! We should all celebrate!

Myself, I plan to rewatch The Owl House yet again, so that's most of the year taken care of. And putting college!Luz into the Sims is definitely on the agenda.

Of course, Disney is still making other shows. I liked The Ghost & Molly Mcgee, and Moon Girl seems cool to me. Sure, they're both less serialized than Owl House, but tbh I think serialization is less important than people make it out to be.

And there are other shows out there. I have been meaning to finish Kipo & the Wonderbeast, Dead End: Paranormal Park, and SpyxFamily. And I never started Craig of the Creek, Big City Green, etc. Contrary to what some people say, animation ain't dead yet.

[acheronist]

1, 2, 8, 11, 23, 24

who was the first team you ever became a fan of? i was 4 weeks old at the 1998 stanley cup celebration parade... i'm drw ride or die

2. teams you have a soft spot for? i hate to say it i like the flyers... they're like the undomesticated version of the red wings... and i guess i have a soft spot for the sharks now because they've adopted a bunch of my flop red wings that did not survive the rebuild roster culling !?

8. what’s on your hockey bucket list? this is such a strange question.. see dylan larkin lift the cup? i would love to play like 3 on 3 pond hockey near the iron docks in marquette tho i saw a video of it once and thought it must be soo beautiful to experience

11. favorite bromance? DOES IT NEED SAYING....

23. create your own hockey awards what would the first award be and who would you give it to? the isabel acheronist award for goalie most likely to pull off gay stripper slutdrop moves in a shutout

24. if you had unlimited tickets to see one of your favorite teams play for the rest of your life who would you pick? my wingies .... obviously.... i cannot emphasize enough how much i dont give a fuck about any other team LMAO

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony's Stupid Daily Blog (871): Tue 6th Aug 2024

Up early for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival…well not quite. I set my alarm for eight, planning on getting the bus to the town for half eight and boarding my train at 9:20. My alarm went off and like an idiot I thought I would just have 5 more minutes and when I woke up again it was half 9 and my train would've been half way to Newcastle by now. After taking 20 to punch myself in the bollocks for being so stupid I rang a taxi to take me to the town and had to buy another train ticket to Edinburgh. This I didn't mind so much but when I looked in my backpack and realized I'd left my charger in the house I rolled my eyes because I knew it was going to be one of those days and because I would have to wait an hour an a half until I got to Edinburgh so that I could go to my hotel room and punch myself in the bollocks again for my second major fuckup of the day. This time around I've had to use a hostel I've never used before because the A&O Hostel in the city centre that I normally use is charging a frankly disgraceful £220 for one fucking night in shared dormitory!!! There are some performers up at the Fringe who aren't going to MAKE that amount of money for Christ's sake! This one near the train station I was in tonight was only charging £50 which is still mental but nowhere near as extortionate as A&O. Anywho I threw my shit into the hostel and headed of for my first show of the Fringe: The Grim. This show, taking place at the Underbelly near the university was about to undertakers working the nightshift at a morgue to prepare the body of a serial killer for his funeral the next day. During the shift they keep receiving strange phonecalls and one of them tells a folk story that puts both of them on edge. I won't give away any plot points but it's brilliantly spooky and peppered throughout with OnlyFools and Horses / Odd Couple style humour and frankly I'm as astonished as you are that I even made it to this show because we've established already that I've gotten so dumb in my old age that I can't even work an alarm clock. After I got something to eat I was standing in line for an open topped bus tour of the city as I do every year when an old lady tripped on her shoe and fell face first onto the pavement but she instantly no sold it, got back up and continued walking. She said she was fine but I'm guessing she was just trying to put as much distance between herself and anyone who might've seen it to avoid any embarrasment. I'll ask my followers on Twitter if they think this is the case when I upload the footage later on. I had another horror themed show to go to later on but I ditched it when I saw a poster for the incredible David O'Doherty and couldn't pass up an opportunity to hear his Beefs 2024. David was spectacularly surreal as always and didn't even let the fact that a string of about fifteen latecomers walked in five minutes after the show started and even worked it into his routine. The highlights of the show were a song about his birth which had my crying laughing and the biggest laugh of the night came during his rant about "handsome comedians" and the "anxiety" they have to deal with. It's always a joy to see the D.O.D. On my way home someone spotted the Pixies shirt I was wearing and said "If you like the Pixies you'll love this" and put a flyer in my hand for a play called "To Watch A Man Eat". I looked up the description of the show later on and it's about an office worker who tries to stay at work or out after work as long as possible because he finds his wife insufferable and because she constantly stares at him while he tries to eat. To be honest, yeah that does sound like the kind of thing a Pixies fan would like to watch. Fair play to this guy although I think that given his income depends on him being able to talk people into the building I'm guessing this is a promotional tactic he uses often regardless of the attire "Hey if you like Swastika t-shirts stained with mustard then you'll love this show".

[bebecue]

not even a big fan of them but nmixx new song dash has been stuck in my head, especially the part where one of them goes 'now i just wanna continue my pace'. Also spoiler alert i guess but the mv is funny cause at the end there's a flyer that blows onto the screen that says 'hey bastards, i'm still here' like damn nmixx 😭

OKAY NMIXX????? this is probably the only song i like from them so far lmao

even the "change up" bridge is good?? this sound really suits them

also... me when i'm in one of the toilet stalls and someone turns the lights off: