#I'm excited to get back to work on the Real Boy Carlo one. I had a VISION and just. Ahhh

[xdeerlybelovedx]

I haven't posted in a while, so lemme share some Lies of P WIPs that I got cooking in the background ♡ Some random outfit stuff and then an actual illustration. In true me fashion, the last one is just gonna be a bunch of doodles of Romeo pfft~

[poithead51]

why do you hate media so much?

matt poitras x fem!socialteam!reader

-

hi y’all this is my first EVER fic so please be nice as i’m starting this new journey. just a lil story based off of a dream i had LMAO

word count: 2.7k

warnings: none, some cursing. just some good old pining with our mp51. reader is 21!

-

“This is where your office will be for the time being. Why don't you put your things down and get comfortable, and l'll come get you in a few. I'll take you to meet Don, Cam, Jim, and the boys."

She nodded and smiled at her new boss, putting her bag down on the chair of her new, albeit small, office. It was probably 10��10ft, but it overlooked the city of Boston in the way she'd always dreamed of. She finally made it - got a position working in media for her childhood, hometown team - the Boston Bruins.

As she paced around the room, all she could do was smile to herself, anxiously awaiting her boss, Angelica, to come retrieve her so she could meet the team.

Boston born and raised, she had always been a hockey fan - specifically a Bruins fan. Brad Marchand's name and jersey number were her laptop password far before he wore the C' on his chest. Jack Edwards' voice was both familiar and nostalgic, as it echoed around her childhood home in the fall, with family crowded up around the TV set watching their B's.

"Y/N, are you ready?" Angelica's voice broke her away from her memories. She grinned as Angelica motioned for her to follow down out of her office and into the Garden. She looked around in disbelief - all of her hard work truly paid off to get here, especially at only 21 years old.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Neely are in an important meeting at the moment. l've made them aware that you are here and ready to start working. We'll go meet Monty and the team now, if that's alright. You can get right on with your first task, the hometown video I mentioned. That's a short and easy one that they'll love to do, and it'll help them get to know you and vice versa. Alright?" Angelica smiled.

"Sounds great." she replied kindly, trailing behind Angelica slowly, as she glanced around the path on the way to the locker room. Her hands started to sweat as they got closer to the door, knowing that Brad Marchand was back there. The other guys too, but mostly Brad.

Angelica knocked on the door before turning to her new hire. *Here goes nothing!" she smiled.

Montgomery comes to the door, a small grin lacing his normally stern face. Angelica speaks again. "This is Y/N, our newest media hire. She hails from Boston University. She gestures to her side proudly, as Y/N offers her hand for Monty to shake. "Mind if we come in and get her started?"

Montgomery laughs. “Sure thing. God knows they're tired of me laying into 'em." He holds the door open for the ladies and clears his throat.

"Gentlemen, we have visitors." His voice booms through the space as he leads the media team to the space the team is sitting.

Y/N glances around. Holy shit. That's him. That's Brad Marchand. And Charlie McAvoy. And David Pastrnak. And Charlie Coyle.

She pinches her own hand to remind herself that this is real life.

Angelica clears her throat to speak. “Hi everyone!You all know me, from the marketing and media team. I wanted to introduce to you our newest member of the media group, who will be working closely with you all as a creator for our social accounts and website. Please give Y/N a warm Bruins welcome."

The team smiles, claps, and Carlo lets out a whoop. Of course he did, she thinks to herself, recalling all of the silly videos of Brandon she's seen over the years on the Bruins pages.

Angelica gestures silently over to her new hire, prompting her to introduce herself. "Hi guys, my name is Y/N and I am so excited to be here. I'm a hometown fan hailing from BU," she is interrupted by a whoop now from McAvoy.

She laughs before continuing. “I'm 21, and just finished my degree in digital marketing a year early. I'II be around you all for the time being creating content for our pages like Angelica said, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know you all. Especially you, Marchy!" she giggles, as laughs, cheers, and boos are heard around the room.

Out of the corner of her eye, she watches a slightly unfamiliar face shove Frederic's side with a puss on his face, as Freddy laughs at him. She narrowed her eyes. Who is that?

Monty notices her confusion and steps in. “Alright boys. Does anyone have any questions for Y/N before I let her take over to do her job, since half of you can't do yours?" He scoffs.

Trent starts to speak loudly, as the one next to him lowers his head. "Potsy wants to know-"

“I don't think Y/N, Angelica, or myself want to answer whatever question is going to follow that, Trent.” Monty interjects. “You're dismissed for the day. Practice at Warrior tomorrow at noon, optional skate at 10:30. Do the media and go home." He rolls his eyes, grabs his suit jacket and leaves the room with Angelica, who slips a thumbs up to her new hire.

The room goes silent, with everyone turning to look at their new media girl. She waves timidly before starting to speak. “Alright guys - just an easy one for me today, no hassle. All you have to do is tell me where you come from! What's your hometown. Bonus points for country, state, province, whatever." She smiles. "Anyone want to go first?"

Zadorov jumps out of his seat. "I've been waiting for something like this! I finally can explain my accent." he grumbles as laughs break out throughout the room.

"Alright!" she replies. *This is not mandatory this first go around, but I'd really love it if everyone would participate. I'd love to get to know you and vice versa. You ready Nikita?"

"She knows my name!!!" Zadorov exclaimed, met with cheers and gloves being thrown at him from various spots around the room as the team begins to clean up. As their new media girl turns to leave the room, she makes eye contact with the same player she watched shove Frederic not too long ago. She smiles at him kindly, and he quickly turns around and grabs his things.

She reads the back of his jersey.

51. Poitras.

Oh... The rookie. He's back from injured reserve, she presumes, trying to not read into how quickly he dodged her eye contact and smile.

For the next hour and a half or so, she learns Zadorov hails from Moscow, Swayman from Anchorage, Frederic from St. Louis, and Marchy from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She pretended she didn't know that one already.

She speaks one-on-one with the majority of the team, with the soft spoken folks like Zacha and Peeke slipping out after bidding her a goodbye and brief thank you.

51 never said anything.

She watched as Poitras, who's first name escaped her, waited for Lohrei and Frederic to be done with their quick interviews, and immediately ushered them out of the room upon completion.

No words spoken to the media girl or either of the players, just frantic hurrying out of the locker room.

The whole situation just seemed strange. She tried to rationalize her thoughts, acknowledging that this random rookie didn't know her, and had no reason to dislike her. Maybe he had something going on. A party or shoot to get to, a dinner reservation, or maybe just didn't feel well and wanted to go home and play Xbox or something.

It wasn't her fault. Not on day one.

-

By day 45, it definitely started to feel like her fault.

51, or Matt as she now knows, continued to dodge her constantly - around the office, around the rink, even on his way in and out of the locker rooms. Matt had not done content for media in her entire month and a half long duration with the Bruins. It started to feel personal.

Luckily, she had finally found a rapport with the majority of the team. Marchy, her childhood favorite, became a confidant, always wanting to partake in anything to give him attention. She got a few lip sync videos out of him. Zadorov another she grew close to. But unshockingly, no one came close to touching her relationship with Brandon Carlo. Though truly not that much her senior, Brandon became an older brother figure to her, frequently partaking in her content, chatting with her, and inviting her out with him, his wife Mayson, and their kids.

She had grown so fond of her Bruins family, and it showed in her content. Her silly interviews had started to do numbers on Instagram and TikTok. The Bruins presence on social media skyrocketed, and she began to receive tasks from her bosses to include as many players as possible.

Her newest task? Intro to the new guys.

Of fucking course.

She started with Lohrei. He was the easiest - just wanted to do what he knew he had to and get back to the ice. She liked that about him. Being the same age, they had a similar respect for each other. And sent each other TikToks on occasion.

After Beecher, Koepke, Jones, Zadi, and Lindy #2, Kastelic was next - though not new to the league, only the B's. Though she knew he was from Arizona and is a former Ottawa Senator, she learned Kasty is an NHL nepo baby.

“Y/N... You can't start calling me nepo baby.. it's not like l'm a Tkachuk." Mark rolled his eyes, the girl laughing in response, clutching her abdomen.

"Kasty, as far as l'm concerned, you might as well be the lost third brother. You're just as much of a rat!"

"Oh... That's low..." he cackled.

"Whatever. Get outta here, and send the next guy in!" she called.

"Will do!" Kasty replied diligently, turning on his heels to go out into the hall. She knew Matt was next. He was the only new guy' left. Being a fan favorite, she knew he needed to be in this video series.

What is taking so long??

She crossed her arms and tapped her feet anxiously, waiting for Poitras to come into the interview room.

“Dude, you actually need to grow up. This is part of the job." She hears Mark's voice through the wall. Her stomach sinks. Is he talking to Matt?

She approaches the door, leaning her ear up against it. "Do you really think this does you any favors? You're such a kid. This isn't the minors, Matt." Kasty's voice booms nastily.

She feels the tears well up in her eyes. She had the feeling that Matt didn't like her, but to fight with a teammate over having to be in an interview video? Was she really that bad at her job?

She walks away from the wall when she hears scrambling on the other side. She wipes her tears as Mark comes back into the room, the one and only Matt Poitras trailing behind him. Kastelic rolls his eyes. "Matt hates media, sorry. He needs to be out as soon as possible or he'll start to freak out." Mark leaves, slamming the door behind him.

Matt sighs, running his hand through his hair.

"Sorry, Y/N. Can we just get this over with?" he says, uneasiness audible in his voice.

She takes a deep breath as she turns her camera back on. "Sure thing, Matt. Why don't you tell me a little about your life growing up?"

-

A few days later, she aggressively flops down onto the carlo family couch. "Brandon, I have a genuine question."

Brandon cocks his eyebrow, bringing dinner over to Y/N and Mayson. "This can't be good." he chuckles.

She throws her arms up exasperatedly. "This is not a joke! I need answers.” Brandon ushers her on. “Is there a reason Poitras hates media so much?"

Brandon lets out the smallest giggle under his breath, making eyes at Mayson. The girl continues, solemnly. "Is it me? Did I do something?"

"Oh my god. No. You didn't. Open your eyes!" Brandon all but yells, not wanting to wake up the kids.

She furrows her brow. “Brandon. I've known you for just under two months and here I am, eating dinner on your couch with your family. Poitras won't do much as speak to me, and he avoids me and media at all costs. I don't know what I did to him." she feels her eyes start to water again.

Brandon sighs. “Dude, have you ever considered that you make him nervous?"

"What? He's a professional hockey player Brandon, that makes no sens-"

“Y/N, he has a crush on you. Since day one. It is slowly killing all of us." Mayson starts to giggle as Y/N's jaw drops, Brandon looking very proud of himself.

"What?"

"You have to say something to him. Please. For the rest of our sake. Monty almost killed him last week when he fucked up that drill in practice - he got distracted when he noticed you in the stands with the camera. If you don't say something to him soon, Monty's gonna send him to Providence!!" Brandon laughed, a lot less quiet this time. Mayson, also still laughing, shushed him between giggles.

-

Monday morning, she shows up to practice with her camera, an evil (Carlo) plan in her brain.

Up in the stands, she notices as she catches Matt's eye. She waves and smiles as he skates into Lohrei's back distractedly. Mason shoves him in response, laughing as he realizes he had been looking at the girl up in the stands.

When Monty calls practice, she heads down to the locker room, searching for Matt. She knocks, signifying her entrance into the room. she calls into the room. "Hey guys, it's Y/N. I need Potsy for an exclusive. Boss's orders." She smiles as she rounds the corner, her order met by whoops and wolf whistles.

Matt blushes, giving his team the stink eye as he approaches her. He starts quietly. “What is this for? They know I don't like doing media."

She gives him a soft smile. "It's a silly TikTok. Ranking snacks. You're a hot commodity, Matty, fans want to see you online!" He blushes again, grabbing his water bottle and following her out of the locker room.

They hear a faint "GET IT!" from Pastrnak as the door closes.

-

Matt sits down in the interview space, accepting her phone with TikTok open on it.

"Loosen up, it's just a video. Everyone loves you - they want to see you be silly" She smiles.

He blind ranks the snacks, frustratedly putting cheetos above protein bars after he didn't plan accordingly. He grins timidly as he gives the phone back to her. He pushes his chair back, and starts to get up to leave. “I hope that was enough. I gotta g-”

“Matt, wait." She gently grabs his arm. "Sit back down for a second. I have more questions!"

His face heats up as he sits back down. "About what? I thought I already did my get to know you thing weeks ago." He rolls his eyes unconvincingly.

She giggles in reply. "They're questions from me.”

"Of course they are, you're the media girl. I don't understand."

"No. This is Y/N asking Matt a question. Not the media girl asking the rookie." She smirks. "I just want to know - why do you hate media so much?Did I do something? You did fine when it was Angelica."

Matt sighs. "It's nothing personal, Y/N. I just get nervous."

She smirks again. "Matt, I know it's personal.”

Sighing louder this time, Matt speaks again. “Y/N, whatever Freddy or Kasty or whoever else told you is not true, I have nothing against yo-"

"Matt, I have a crush on you too."

Matt freezes. "What?"

“I know that's why you won't do media. Why do you think I keep asking you to do it anyway?"

"Boss's orders?" He smiles shyly.

"Something like that." She pulls a piece of paper out of her camera bag, scribbling digits onto it. "Here's my number, Pots. Don't lose it, okay?"

She gets up, turns on her heels, and opens the door back to the locker room.

"I'll call you!" He calls after her.

“I’m sure you will.”

-

hope u like it bruins gals :P accepting NON SMUT requests for rn

[sports-on-sundays]

Can request one where y/n is the sister of a f1 driver ( u can choose) and they find out she is dating either Fermin,pedri,or gavi because she appears at one of the games?!

found us out / Fermín López

Summary: Fermín x Sainz!girlfriend!singer!reader - Things don't blow over well with Carlo Sainz when you're caught dating a Barcelona player.

Warnings: censored cussing, a little bit of Spanish, reader being a singer isn't really important at all- i just made it a fact in order for things to tie in together and made more sense, mention of nausea, this ended up being pretty long

Requested?: Yes.

Author's Note: Boy, what a crossover! As I was reading this request I literally started giggling in excitement to write this because I knew how fun this would be. I think it's clear that this has to be the sister of Carlos, though. Always good when there's a little bit of drama.

You exhale, fiddling with your fingers under the table as you listen to your father and your brother discuss plans.

You wish that exhaling would release not only the carbon dioxide from your body, but also all the unnecessary stress building up in your chest.

The plans they're discussing are for a small party. Of course, it's a little party that you're expected to go to. It is an entire family event. Or so you've heard...

On the surface, having a family gathering surrounded around Real Madrid playing a literal fourth-tier team (Arandina) in the Copa del Rey sounds really lame. And secretly, you do think it's really lame. But the point is looking forward to watching them slaughter the underdogs. Which is fair enough.

Suddenly you interrupt: "Isn't El Derbi next week? Wouldn't that be better for a family get together?" You're sure they've already thought of that, but if there's any possible way you could get out of this, you'd love to find it.

"Haven't you been listening?" your father questions. "Carlos has plans already. He needs to leave Monday morning, and won't be back until Friday. That won't work."

You clench your jaw. No, you weren't listening, because you were stressing out about your plans for that weekend.

You figure if you're going to tell your brother and father, right now is just as good a time as any other time. You sigh and say, "Well, I'm busy on Sunday, actually..."

Both pairs of brown eyes snap to you, and Carlos says, "What do you have going on? And the Madrid game is on Saturday, anyway- shouldn't it be fine?"

Really, why shouldn't it be fine? What lie will you come up with? Because you can't really say what you're busy with on that day. You manage out, "Some friends... we planned weeks ago to go out that day. Have some fun, you know... Sorry. I guess... Would it be fine if... Surely I wouldn't be missed...? The, uh, thing he have planned is... for Sunday night...."

Carlos sighs, leaning back. "Come on, Y/n. You can't cancel? Family over friends, right?"

But you shake your head as you finish your meal. You stand up with your plate, knowing that if you stay any longer, you'll be guilt tripped into doing what they want you to do, despite what you want to do. So you say, "What's done is done. You can still have the party without me." And you walk out of the room.

Hours later, you're laying in bed. You should be sleeping, but instead you're staring up at the ceiling and thinking.

'Family over friends, right?'- Carlos' words from earlier play through your head in the exact tone he had said it. Yeah, family over friends, Carlos. You've been seeing him and the rest of your family on and off frequently for the past month. But the one you really want to see? You haven't seen him in over a month, and you miss him, dearly. You just want to be able to see him. To surprise him.

And you know he misses you, too, by the constant text messages he sends you.

And, with perfect timing, your phone buzzes on your bedside stand next to you. You pick it up right away and smile to yourself when you see it's him. Telling you he can't sleep. Asking if you want to face time.

You don't even respond, and just call him first.

A smile immediately sneaks up on you when you see your boyfriend. His golden brown hair is all messed up, as he's leaning on a soft pillow, and he has a blanket pulled up all the way to his chin. His brown eyes look even deeper in the dim lighting, but they light up when they view you across the phone. "¡Hola, mi corazón!"

Immediately you feel butterflies fly up in your stomach at his little pet name. "Hey, Fermín," you say, much more casually. "How are you doing?"

He shrugs, and his eyes flutter down a little. "I can't sleep... I wanted to hear your pretty voice. And see your pretty face."

You smile softly, but ask in concern, "Why can't you sleep?"

But a cute little grin appears in his face, and he laughs a little. "Because I'm thinking about you."

"Oh!" you chuckle. "I see..."

You continue chatting together softly for who knows how long. But this is what you do. One of you calls and you can't help but just chat for minutes or hours or however long.

You just love the sounds of each other's voices and the sparkle in each other's eyes.

Saturday evening, just as family member are starting to arrive at the house, you walk to the door, pulling your hair into a ponytail, about to walk out. Your brother stops you, saying, "So you are really going?"

You turn, meeting his eyes as you grab your black long coat. "Yeah, I am. I'm sorry, Carlos..." you add when you see the disappointment in his big brown eyes.

He shrugs, and says what he always does: "Alright. Well, just be careful. And have fun. When will you be back?"

You hesitate. This is the very question you didn't want him to ask. "Uh... Probably Monday morning... I'll text you, though."

His eyebrows knit together even further. "Monday morning? I thought you were just having a night with your friends."

"One of them suggested we could stay at her house and spend the following day doing something else," you lie, nearly effortlessly now."

"Why not just come home?"

You sigh at the question. The truth is, you booked a hotel so you could catch Fermín as soon as possible in the morning and spend more time with him, since you'll have to get to Madrid right away again afterwards. You just want to get going. But you know Carlos only asks questions because he cares. Being nine years older than you, he's always been very protective of you. Too protective. But you know it's just because he cares.

He just cares too much, and it makes you angry. It's hard to keep secrets from his honest eyes.

"Because I was invited to hang out more and I haven't seen this friend in a while!" This one is only half a lie.

"Oh..." he slowly nods. "Well... where does this friend live, then? Far enough for you to just stay there, or... I mean, you haven't seen this friend in a while, so I'm assuming they don't live in Madrid?"

"Nothing- er, yeah, we, uh... she lives in, uh, Sigüenza! Yeah, Sigüenza! And, well, you know, she just moved there and there's uh, you know, it's Sigüenza! The cool stuff there, in... Sigüenza..." You've lost it. You're literally pulling sh*t out of thin air now.

And Carlos can tell. "You're lying. Where are you really going?"

"No, no! I am going there! My friend just moved there! There's castles and sh*t she thinks is cool and she wants to show me! And like go around like I think there's a restaurant she likes and... yeah! And then we'd probably just maybe go to a club for an hour or two or something tonight and then go back and hang out at her house!"

Carlos looks thoroughly unsure. "Is it good for you to go to a club...? Be careful..."

"Oh, come on!" You're speaking too quickly. "There'll be a few of us, and we're not stupid! You know that, Carlos! Don't worry about it, we'll be fine! I'm an adult, for God's sake!"

"Well..." he murmurs, "I hope you're not lying to me. I hope you wouldn't do that."

You swallow, but nod, and feel terrible as you say, "Of course I wouldn't. Why would I lie about something like this?"

"I can think of lots of reasons, but I won't get into it." Carlos says with that look of concern still in his eyes. "Well, be careful. I can see you're impatient to go, so I'll let you. Have fun. Te amo, Y/n."

"M-hm!" you say, and rush out the door. You didn't want to be leaving this late, but you figure you'll just have to hope you get there at a reasonable time.

Fermín nods as João (Félix) discussing the upcoming game with him, watching the Portguese man's eyes as he speaks his thoughts. So he catches it when João raises his eyes, looking over Fermín's shoulder.

You grin, bringing your finger to your lips as you walk down the hall towards the two, behind Fermín's back, making eye contact with João. João subtly nods, makes eye contact with Fermín and says, "Nothing. I was just seeing things."

You thoroughly appreciate João's playing along. And his good acting.

"Seeing things?" your sweet boyfriend asks his teammate. You reach Fermín just as he's turning around to look anyway. He he lets out a confused, "Uh- oh!?" noise when you pull him into a hug, before (pretty much) yelling, "Wait, Y/n?!"

You giggle, and nod your thanks to João, who's smiling and practically chuckling himself. He nods and gives a small wave, before turning to saunter away, a smile on his lips. "So, how's my Fermín?" you ask softly.

Your boyfriend hugs you so tight, it slightly hurts, but you don't complain. You're probably hugging him tighter. He's giggling, and starts showering your cheeks with kisses, before exclaiming softly, "Very good, now that you're here! But why are you here, huh? ¡Mi corazón!" He's so adorable about your little surprise arrival. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"So it could be a surprise! And so I could see you acting all cute and surprised like this!" You grin up at him, your hand on his chest.

"Stop that!" he laughs, touching his nose to yours, holding you close. But then he gets a little more serious. "How long of a drive was it? I'm assuming you were in Madrid?"

"Madrid to Barbastro? It wasn't so bad. I would drive any difference to get to you, though..."

This makes him chuckle and give you those soft little lovey-dovey eyes that you love to see. He strokes your hair as you rub his back a little, before murmuring, "You were staying with your brother? What did you tell him?"

You smile at this question. Fermín- he always thinks deeply about a situation- especially if it's involving you. He always worries and makes sure everything went well with you. He really cares. "Just told him I'm staying with a friend," you chuckle and add, "In Sigüenza!"

"Sigüenza? Have you ever even been there?" He smiles, clearly amused.

"Uh, maybe, like, once. Not sure if he completely believed me, but I got out of there. So that I could come here and see you! Figured a game like this would be better for me to come to. You know, maybe since it'll be such a small stadium, it'll be actually easier for me to just get in and hide in the crowd."

Fermín nods, gently stroking your cheek, looking into your eyes and says, "If you think so." He's just so focused on taking in your presence.

He leans in and kisses your cheek again, when (of course) Ferran Torres turns the corner, slaps Fermín on his back, and says in a teasing voice with a chuckle, "Got to get going, Fermín. Glad you're having a good time with your girlfriend, but-"

"Oh, Ferran!" you snap, pulling away from your boyfriend to glare at the older man. "Would you shut up?! We haven't seen each other in forever. But I guess you wouldn't get how it feels, since clearly you could never pull-"

"Hey, hey!" Fermín laughs, putting a hand on your shoulder. But he's grinning. He loves your spunk. "Leave the poor guy alone. He's right, corazón. I do have to get going now."

Ferran just waves as he walks off, giggling mischievously. You roll your eyes and turn back to Fermín. "So annoying." But you're grinning. You hug him a last time, peck his lips, and murmur, "I'll go to my seat now. I'm excited to watch you do great out there, mi chico guapo."

He grins and says as he starts to turn to walk the way Ferran walked a minute earlier, "You just watch. I'm going to go out there and score a goal. For you. Okay?"

You grin back and nod as you pull on your mask, hat, and sunglasses- hopefully enough to hide your face from cameras. "I'll be watching for it."

He nods, that lovely adorable little smile on his face, waves to you, blows a kiss, and walks away from you.

Adrenaline fills every cell of your body as the ball hits the back of the net. A goal. But not just any goal.

Your Fermín's goal!

Your muscles send you to your feet, and you cheer, clapping your hands together, watching your boyfriend. You're sitting in a seat very close to the pitch, and you know that if he wanted to, Fermín could come over and hug you right now. But he knows he can't. He understands and respects that you can't be being pointed out. It has to stay a secret.

So, instead, he eyes you, with all the joy in the world.

You grin back, nodding at him. You can't help but giggle.

After the game, you return to Fermín's arms immediately, as if there's a magnetic force between you and him. "Hola, mi prícipe azul," you mutter softly with a little chuckle, before squealing and saying, "You did so good! What a goal! You're amazing!"

"Stop..." he murmurs back, but is clearly loving your praise.

You smile and lean up, about to kiss him, when suddenly your phone starts buzzing and ringing in your back pocket. You hesitate, eyes locked with your boyfriend's, before sighing and leaning away. You slip your phone out of your pocket. "Oh..." you stare at the screen. "It's Carlos."

Fermín nods understandingly and leans away. "I'll keep quiet. I know you have to answer it."

You nod, sending him a grateful smile, before leaning against the wall and answering the phone with a bubbly, "¡Eh, Carlos! ¿Cómo te va?" You hope you don't sound so cheery that is sounds like you're faking it. Well, it's not like you're not happy. You are!

Carlos completely ignores your question, cutting right to the chase. "Where are you?"

"Uh...? I'm at my friend's house. In Sigüenza. Why?"

"Really?" Carlos asks slowly. "How far of a drive is it from Barbastro to Sigüenza? Because I doubt it's under fifteen minutes."

You feel your heart drop to your stomach, and you lean more heavily on the wall behind you as your knees start to shake. Fermín sees this and takes a step toward you. He opens his mouth to say something, but you prevent that with simply a shake of your head. You swallow and put on a confused voice as you respond to your brother, "Sorry...?"

"You heard me. Y/n, what the hell? Why the hell did you lie to me? Why the hell are you in Barbastro? Why the hell are you at a Barcelona game, instead of on the sofa next to me right now?"

"Listen-" you cough, nervousness pounding in your head. Your eyes sprout tears, but you wipe them. Fermín- bless his heart- puts a hand on your shoulder, and gives you the eyes that seem to say, Just say the word, and I'll stand up for you.

You give your boyfriend another quick nod before responding into the phone, lies coming to your brain naturally, on the spot, "Listen, Carlos. I'm sorry for not telling you. My friend in Sigüenza I guess is a fan, and she thought it'd be so fun for us to all go to the game together. So, you know, there wasn't much I could argue with when someone buys you a ticket to a football game. You... You know? I'm sorry for lying. I really am. I just didn't tell you because I knew you'd be upset. You know, about me going to FC Barcelona's game instead of staying home with my family and watching Real Madrid's the night before. I really am sorry, Carlos. I hope you'll... forgive me. But... How did you even know I was at the game... Carlos?" You swallow, waiting for the answer. Fermín takes your hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

"The television showed you. Over and over. The commentators were pretty fascinated to see Y/n Sainz at a Barcelona game. Especially the one in Barbastro."

"Oh, f*ck that!" you snap. "My f*cking disguise didn't even work! Why don't they get their stupid cameras out of my life for once! Ugh!" you say angrily. Fermín gently rubs your shoulder, which is at least some ounce of comfort. "So, what? How did you see it, anyway? Have you just been caught red-handed watching a Barcelona game, too?"

"No. I was flipping channels, and there you were. But there's still something that's not making sense." Your eyebrows scrunch together as your grip on Fermín's hand tightens. Was there a hole in your lies that you missed...? Then Carlos asks, "Where were your friends?"

The lump in your throat grows larger. "What do you mean?"

"You were sitting next to some fat old man with a jersey from twenty years ago and a bunch of snotty kids on the other side-" Carlos has never been one to go out of his way to compliment anything associating with football club Barcelona. "-so where were your friend sitting, then?"

It feels as if all the muscles in your body flex at this one. Your mind goes blank, desperately searching for yet another lie to save yourself from telling your older brother the truth. It's like you've dug yourself in a hole that you're desperately trying to climb out of. It feels like you've nearly reached the top-

but your hand just slipped, plummeting you straight back down to the bottom, where you started.

And you break.

Tears stream down your face, and Fermín immediately tries to grab the phone from you, but you pull it away, swallowing as you blubber into the phone, "I don't know, Carlos... Okay... I don't know..."

There's a second or two of silence on the other end, before Carlos says, now in a more tender, less interrogating voice, "Y/n, all I asked is where your friend are. Is everything okay? Are you alright? Y/n, you're worrying me..."

"Please, Carlos... I'm fine... Just... Please..."

"Can you please just tell me the truth?"

"No..." you sniff, leaning into Fermín more and more. "I can't, because you'll be mad at me... It will ruin our relationship..." You don't know if you're talking about your relationship with Carlos or your relationship with Fermín.

"This is ruining our relationship! You keeping stuff from me! Y/n, you're my little sister! I don't want anything bad to happen to you! Just tell me what's wrong, and I can help!"

"You're the one making it all wrong. If you'd just leave me alone-"

"No. Y/n, you need to be honest with me right now, okay?"

"No, I don't. I don't, and I f*cking won't." At this, you hang up and fall into Fermín's arms.

He holds you there, close to his chest, before whispering, "I'm sorry..."

You look up slowly, sniffing, and wipe your eyes. It doesn't do much, since your tears are still coming. "For what?" you whisper. "You've done nothing wrong... It's just... Everything is messed up. Nothing went how I wanted it to... Fermín, I'm scared."

His eyes are tender, and he strokes your cheek. "My Y/n... I hate to see you cry. There's nothing to be scared of." He puts his arm around your back and starts leading you down the hall. "If Carlos finds out, Carlos finds out. He loves you, and you know that. I know you've spent all your energy hiding this, but mistakes happen, okay? I'll be by your side, but what's done is done." You nod, wiping up your soaked face with your hands, and let him lead you, until you get to the street. He sighs and murmurs, "F*ck. Missed the bus back to the hotel..."

"Oh..." a wave of guilt washes over you. "Fermín, I'm sorry... Isn't your team worried about you?"

"No, no. Don't worry about it. Either they completely missed my absence, or they got the memo that my girlfriend has just arrived and I might have other plans. Let's hope it's the second one, because that would be just a tad bit too silly if they just flat out forgot about me." There's a teasing tone in his voice, in an attempt to lighten the mood. Make you feel better. "You drove here? Where is your car?"

"Oh... yeah, right..." you sigh. After all the rush and emotions, you completely forgot you had your car here. You glance to Fermín, and catch in his expectant eyes a glint of excitement, too. You smile softly, understanding completely what this is from. You roll your eyes. "And no, Fermín. I didn't pull up in a Ferrari. That would draw too much attention." You can't blame him for being excited. You have driven a Ferrari before, (and many other super sick vehicles) and you know Fermín would love to go for a spin in one (or another of the insane sports cars you've driven.)

Fermín thinks they're cool, and as the daughter of Carlos Sainz Sr. and the sister of Carlos Sainz Jr., you tend to be able to get your hands on some pretty luxurious cars, it just so happens. And it's not like your family (especially your brother) won't jump at the drop of a hat to lend you something like that. You're Carlos's baby sister, and he'd do anything to treat you. So when you take advantage of that, every so often Fermín gets to go for a ride.

And you suppose Carlos has no idea of that.

Yet.

And just like that, you feel nauseous again.

When you arrive at Fermín's hotel room, you immediately both put on pajamas and get into bed. All night, he holds you close, never letting go. You lean your head against his chest, basking in the comfort. He knows it's hard. He understands what you're going through.

"Te amo," he whispers, just as you're drifting off to sleep. You never get a chance to say it back, because you're asleep before you can.

"I'm coming back to Barcelona with you."

"Lo siento, ¿qué?" Fermín asks, his head whipping up from tying the drawstrings of his sweatpants as he exits the hotel bathroom. His light pink lips are slightly parted as he stares at you, eyebrows raised.

"You heard me. I'm coming back to Barcelona with you," you repeat, locking eyes with him.

Fermín crosses the room and slips onto the hotel bed next to you, gently placing his hand on your thigh. "Mi corazón..." he mutters. "Of course I would never complain- I would love it if you came back to Barcelona with me. But don't you think that's not the best idea? Don't you have things to deal with back home in Madrid?"

You hesitate and mutter. "Sure I do. But I'd rather come with you back to Barcelona."

He frowns, nodding. "When are you going to go back to Madrid? And what will you tell your brother?"

Suddenly you snap, slipping out of bed, "I don't care, Fermín! And I don't plan to tell my brother anything! I know he'll call, but he can't make me pick up. I'm sick of him pretending like he's in charge of my life!"

"Y/n, come on. We both know he just cares about you. You know how worried sick he'll be if you randomly cut off communications and don't even tell him what happened to you. You can't do that to him. I know if my sibling did that to me, I'd be worried sick, too, and you and Carlos are very close. And he's much older than you. You know how he thinks of you. You can't do that to your brother," he tries, looking for eye contact. But you continue looking down.

"Fermín, no." You speak quietly, but firmly. "I won't. I'm scared, and I don't want to deal with him right now. And I know you said you'd be by my side, but I know you can't be. You can't possibly come to Madrid with me, and then get back to Barcelona."

Fermín sighs, and takes your chin, forcing you to look him in his eyes. "I understand you want to avoid your brother, but you can't have him worrying like that. It's just not right. He's only so concerned and protective because he cares, Y/n."

Your jaw clenches. You try to look away, but he doesn't let you. You swallow, looking at him, and murmur, realizing there's not much you can do, "Alright. Can we compromise?"

Fermín looks a little surprised at your sudden giving in, but nods. "Maybe. What are you thinking?"

You sigh. "I come back to Barcelona with you, but I still text Carlos. But I tell him I won't call, and if he wants to talk to me, he has to come to Barcelona himself and do it."

Fermín's immediate reaction is to protest with, "You expect him to drive from Madrid to Barcelona? You know how long of a trip that is!"

"Well, too bad, Fermín!" you snap. "It's what I'm willing to do! If he cares enough, he'll drive up. And trust me- he does."

Your boyfriend frowns, considering this, and finally nods. "Okay, then... I guess it's fair enough." And that's that.

You sit between Fermín's legs on the couch, watching the television as you munch on buttered popcorn and Fermín plays with/braids your hair. It's been three weeks since when Barcelona faced off with Barbastro, and since then all you've communicated with your brother is that if he wants to discuss anything with you, he's got to come to Barcelona and do it himself.

Do you miss your older brother? Yes. Yes, you one hundred percent do. Are you scared of your brother's attitude and reaction? Yes. Yes, you one hundred percent are.

As Fermín leans close, now stroking your arm with one hand, your phone buzzes in your lap. You give the bowl of popcorn to your boyfriend and pick up your phone.

You stare in shock at what you read on your phone. Fermín leans over and reads the text from Carlos along with you:

Carlos: I just arrived in Barcelona. I'm hoping we can meet somewhere in the morning, if you're not busy? I've been worrying lots

Fermín's hand gently moves to your waist, and after a few seconds, he whispers, "What will you do, my Y/n?"

"I don't know..." you sigh in hesitation.

"Can I make a suggestion?"

You look up at him from behind, meeting his eyes. You can't help but giggle at each other. He sighs, before turning serious again and saying, "Just send him my address and tell him to be around at 9:00 A.M."

"Fermín!" you snap, as though he's a complete lunatic. "You think we can just do it, just like that?!"

"Sure," he nods, cool headed. "I'm not scared of him, just because he drives cars fast and he's got big muscles. I run fast and... have slightly less big muscles than him." He grins, and you can't help but smile, too, at this. Fermín has a way of making serious things light-hearted. "Anyway, if you do it this way, I'll be there with you. Maybe it'd be easier to show him rather than tell. And I'll do the talking that you're still nervous to do. I will." He looks at you with sincere eyes.

You stare ahead, considering this for a while as Fermín slowly and absentmindedly rubs your thigh. Finally you sigh and mutter, "I guess that's the best thing... It's a shame it has come to this."

Fermín laughs softly, shaking his head, but you don't mind it. "You knew that at some point it would come to this. Y/n, you know this will be fine. It will be. I promise. Your brother loves you too much to do any of the stupid things you're scared of happening."

You frown, but then turn around hug him tightly. "Okay... Fermín." You look him in the eyes. "Okay. I know. It's still nerve-racking, though."

"I know, I know," he responds.

You sigh, take out your phone, and, despite yourself, text him.

Fermín gives your upper thigh a little pat.

You look up and study his handsome, lovely face for a few seconds, before kissing him all over. He lets you, chuckling a little. He always seems to laugh when you show him lots of affection, and you love it.

And before long, the two of you are fast asleep there.

When the doorbell rings at 9:01 A.M., your heart drops to your stomach. You knew it would happen. You prepared yourself. But you still can't help but shiver with nervous.

Fermín is trying making breakfast, and you're sitting at the island in the kitchen. He looks up from the food and is about to speak, but you say before he can, in a hurried tone, "I'll get it. You just stay here and keep making breakfast."

He hesitates for a moment, but then nods. "Alright... Call if you need me. And he's welcome to come in, too."

You nod and then head to the door. You exhale slowly, before opening the door.

Immediately, you're wrapped in a huge bear hug from your strong older brother, and he snaps, "What the hell? Why have you been avoiding me like this?! Are you embarrassed? It's fine! I've thought about it, and if you're dating a Barcelona fan that's fine... As long as he's a good guy, it shouldn't matter that much, right?"

You blink in surprise, leaning back, away from him, and meet his eyes, which are very similar to your own in shape and color. He's not stupid. Clearly he's tried to figure it out. But the concept of me dating an actual player for the club is so ridiculous, he just expects it's some random culer dude? Just this concept makes your heart (which was already in your stomach) seem to fall down to your knees. You swallow and awkwardly smile. If you could speak, you would, but no words whatsoever come to mind, and your mouth feels much too dry to form any words.

"So... I'm assuming this is his flat? Is he here? Can I meet him? What's his name?"

You allow yourself to breathe a little, and swallow. "Yes, this is his flat... And he's here... In the kitchen... You- You can meet him..." You open the door wide for him, and have to try a few times, before your voice finally allows you to call, "Fer- Fermín!"

"Fer...mín? That's his name?" your older brother asks. You nod slowly meeting his eyes again. You can't imagine that Carlos would know who Fermín is... right? It's not like a gives really any of his attention to any football club other than Real Madrid... Perhaps just the name sounds familiar? Well, it's not like Fermín has a super uncommon name or anything...

Your head is starting to hurt from all this overthinking. You swallow. "Yeah, yeah... That's his name."

You watch with dread (which you never though you'd feel at the sight of him) as your boyfriend enters the room. He has a smile on his face, but he's eyebrows are knitted together.

For a moment, the two stand there.

It's strange, for you. Here are (probably) the two people you care about most. The two people you spend the most time with, the two's whose opinions you value the most. Here they are, together. Two who you care about so much, but have always been separate. And you've always kept it that way.

It feels off, to have the two in the same room, right here, in front of you.

Their heights don't differ much, but Fermín's younger, gentler features contrast with Carlos. Fermín has lighter, nicer kept hair, while your brother of course has the same shock of dark hair you have, and right now, it's grown out a bit, curling at his ears.

You stare at the two.

You swallow as something like very vague recognition is reflected on Carlos's face. He says slowly, holding his hand out to shake Fermín's, "Hola... Have we met before...?"

You can't help but shake your head a little. Carlos, not recognizing a first team Barcelona player when he's right in front of him.

Or, pretty much first team, anyway.

A (cute) little nervous crooked smile appears on your boyfriend's face. He sends you a brief little glance with only those chocolate brown eyes, before looking back to Carlos. He shakes his hand as he swallows and says, "Well, you know, I... uh, I actually play for FC Barcelona."

Carlos opens his mouth, shuts it, and opens it again. "Okay..." he says slowly. "That... It makes sense, now... that Y/n was at the game in Barbastro..." he seems to be talking more to himself. He glances to you, and his eyes linger, before shifting back to Fermín and saying, "Fermín... Fermín Gómez...?"

That crooked little smile appears on Fermín's face again. "López."

You watch as your older brother nods, and then looks to you slowly. "Y/n, can I...?" he trails off, glancing to Fermín.

Fermín seems to get the hint that you didn't even pick up and nods, saying, "I'll go finish making breakfast. Carlos and Y/n, you're welcome to just stay here in the living room." He gives a cute little awkward smile, and walks out of the room.

Now you don't want him to go.

But your brother gently takes your wrist and tows you to the couch, forcing your eyes to wander from the doorway that Fermín just left through. You look to Carlos and swallow. Those eyes. So incredibly earnest. "You're not... mad?" you murmur softly.

"Mad? I'm disappointed you hid it from me, and didn't trust me. A part of me doesn't feel right about you dating a Barcelona player, but it's not like the club someone is playing for decides how good of a boyfriend he is, or if he's meant to be with my sister or not. I'm shocked- I was expecting it's a Barcelona fan, not a player. But whatever..." He trails off, swallows, and finishes, "No. No, I'm not mad."

"Oh... Oh, okay... I'm... I'm sorry."

He nods, not looking at you. "I forgive you. I'm sorry, too. There had to have been a reason why you didn't trust me. So I'm sorry."

You say, "I forgive you," though you're not even one hundred percent sure what you're forgiving him for.

If you thought introducing just your older brother to Fermín was just terrible, introducing him to your whole family is like actual hell.

Fermín keeps his arms tightly around your shoulders as you sit on your couch. You feel stiff and rigid as Fermín manages the awkward questions and empty small talk. Your family is always so open, but with Carlos insisting everyone meet Fermín here, it's unnatural.

Why don't they accept him? They accept other people's friends, girlfriends, etc., much easier. Fermín is acting so sweet and polite.. like he always does... What don't they like about him?

Unlike Carlos, do they really care that much about stupid football club rivalries? Gosh, there are plenty of fans of different clubs who get on just fine.

How is Fermín being a player any different?

He's a culer, just like any fan, right? I mean, I don't know what I am. Am I a culer?

Who cares? I'm Fermín López's girlfriend and Carlos Sainz Sr.'s daughter. Think that's enough for one person!

Suddenly you're pulled out of your racing mind when Fermín's hand settles on your waist and he says, "...right, Y/n?"

"Uh, huh?" you ask, looking at Fermín just as he pecks your lips with a little laugh. You blush and murmur, "Gosh, Fermín, not here."

But he pulls you tighter to his side and says with a soft, slightly defiant little smirk, "I'm so happy that you all have accepted me as Y/n's boyfriend, Sainz family." The faces of your family members span from confused to uncomfortable to (only a few of them) genuinely accepting. But Fermín adds with a chuckle, kissing your cheek, "Although, of course, your opinions, or anyone's, about our relationship doesn't matter to me." He meets your eyes with those deep brown ones.

You swallow and nod, getting up the courage in that moment to respond with, "Yeah, Fermín... You know, I think I agree with you..."

[bengiyo]

Don't Care for an Old Man's Underwear! Ep 6 Stray Thoughts

This watch is made possible by the continued efforts of @isaksbestpillow

Last time, Makoto kept getting praised for the progress he's been making, and then really stepped in it big time. Daichi was having a hard time because his boyfriend can't come out due to the expectation that he would return to his hometown after graduation. Mihoko chatted with Mika, and they decided to host a BBQ to give Daichi and Madoka a chance to be around people in public, and Mika hoped it would bring Kakeru out of his room. Unfortunately, Makoto was too excited and outed them. Meanwhile, Kakeru bonded with a boy in his class over skincare. I'm still rooting for Makoto.

No, noy the cake!

Moe coming through again. She's right to point out that the focus should not be on Makoto here. As a fujoshi, admitting she doesn't care about real life romance is also sending me. I think she also had that conversation in the hallway to make sure Kakeru heard it too.

Wow they brought out an even worse man.

I love Shimura so much. She's like, "He's already got what's coming to him."

Kakeru's nemesis is at this seminar!

Great comedy with the flier. Holy shit.

I'm glad we're spending time with Mika this episode.

Look at that. Kakeru is maybe starting to bond with his unexpected rival.

I'm so sad for Mika. She wanted to share something important to her with the family and no one is here to receive it.

Mika deserved to go off and she is right. You could feel a lifetime of being dismissed come out of her in that moment. It's always something small that reveals a huge burden. She wanted to share a small thing she was proud of and couldn't get that. The casual sexism has hurt her for decades, too.

Oh good, Makoto figured it out and told Moe.

Yes, Carlos, drag us back to the gays!!!

Wow. These bench scenes continue to give me so much life. It's a shame that so much of the world is covered in hostile architecture designed to keep people out of public spaces.

I'm feeling so much for Daichi and Madoka. It's hard to be mad at Makoto when what they're frustrated by are their circumstances. Madoka feels a sense of duty and responsibility to his family that he doesn't think his queerness is compatible with, and there's not much Daichi can do about that. Daichi wasn't afforded a closet. He was bullied before he could even figure himself out.

This is a phenomenal moment between Mika and Moe. In a show spending so much time about the sexism of men, I like that Moe acknowledged that she dismissed her mom, too.

I like returning to the story about the tanuki to reveal that Mika was the one who bore the brunt of caring for Moe when she was sick. Mika has done the best she can with her choices, but it's not what she wanted to do. I totally get her taking these petty wins

Okay, I love them fighting for tickets for her favorite boy band. It makes sense now that they might represent the youth she feels like she didn't get to have.

I'm crying about the tickets, and now the first family dinner of the show.

And they're having curry!

Incredible show.

This episode was one of my favorites, because we do need to reckon with the fact that many women are still alive and still unhappy about the lot they've been given. There is no way to fix everything that's happened in the last twenty years, but we can let them enjoy the things that bring them a little joy in their lives. This was also earned from the earlier work at Comica. I really loved this. It really was as simple as acknowledging all that Mika does as a first step.

[sankta-starkova]

LETTERMAN

035; the real campers of shallow lake

previous chapter | next chapter | masterlist

summary: the one where ej and andy get to spend time together in the camp until the production gets in the way, threatening to ruin their summer and relationship

wordcount: 1.6k

A frustrated Andy walked into the barn with the others to see EJ, Carlos and Val standing at the front.

EJ smiled at her and she gave a half hearted smile back. She hadn't been able to talk to him about the letter yet but would do it after the rehearsal.

She had tossed and turned all night about it. She couldn't understand why he would tell Val about it instead of her, they used to tell each other everything.

"Thanks for coming in early guys. We've We've working on a way to save the show and give Corbin and that Channing guy the reality style juice they want," Carlos explained as he gestured to a board.

"I'm sorry, save the show?" Gina questioned, looking up at the three confused.

"He just wants a little more excitement from us, a little mo-" EJ started but Carlos cut him off.

He cut him off, "He thinks we're boring!" everyone gasped, shocked as to how he could think that, "He's actually missing our rehearsal to scout out the kids at deep lake camp in Temecula,"

Carlos looked at the board, pulling off a slide, "But not to worry, we have a plan and it starts with 5 letters," he explained, "The real campers of shallow lake, RCOSL,"

"You know how normally we act like regular people, we pick up on social cues and care about feelings?" EJ explained. He knew this was his last chance to prove to his father that he could take a gap year and he wasn't going to blow it.

"The key to any great reality show is the three Bs. Bombshells, betrayals and Bitch slaps," he explained.

Everyone gasped at the language they used, like it was a Disney channel show and squaring was prohibited, "Can he say that?" Gina questioned.

"Look, I love the housewives more than anyone but how are we gonna pull this off when we're real students who don't have millions to burn?" Kourtney asked, not understanding the logistics of the show.

Val turned over the board to show a bunch of squares with question marks drawn in them and labels underneath. Carlos read out all the names, explaining that was what made the perfect show.

"You Kourt, will be the Judgey one," Carlos said as Val placed a picture of Kourtney on the label.

Ricky signed, "But do we want to look like villains on TV?" He questioned and Andy agreed with him, voicing her concern.

Ricky was labelled the jilted ex, Ashlyn was the one with the dark past, Maddox was the cryer, Gina was the one with the catchphrase, EJ was here for the wrong reasons, Andy is his high school romance, Vals the shrink, Jets the bad boy and Carlos is the instigator.

"I know that was a lot but did everyone get that?" He asked and everyone nodded, about to get up when he continued talking, "Good, cause there's more,"

Carlos walked back before quickly grabbing a clipboard with four goals written on it, "Someone needs to run out crying, someone needs to get slapped, someone needs to throw a drink at someone and someone needs to get caught on a hot mic,"

"Channings coming in fifteen," Val said and everyone got ready for the performance of their lives.

By the time he got there, everyone was ready for the first song they were doing, a little bit of you with the two children who were playing the younger Anna and Elsa.

Carlos caused fake drama as the instigator and the kids didn't understand, having not been invited to the pre rehearsal meeting.

They all managed to fulfill their roles throughout the day. Gina and Kourtney started a fight which ended in the first tick box of the day (throwing water on someone) which made Carlos' day.

Maddox cried and Jet tried to be a bad boy but it didn't go well - he wasn't great at the role. Kourtney was judgier than usual and of course Andy and EJ had to pretend everything was okay.

For him it was but for Andy it wasn't. She couldn't find the right time to pull him aside and talk about it but bottling up all of her anger and sadness was driving her crazy.

The day felt like it went slowly due to the added pressure of the secret weighing on her. She had to find out what it was about.

Andy hoped it was just them  miscommunicating but she was going through so much right now that she couldn't deal with him being halfway across the country when she needed him most.

The group all stood together at the end of the day in front of Channing, hoping that he would approve the show to keep running.

"Well, I underestimated you guys," he said, sighing his bag over his shoulder, "What a mess, in an award winning way,"

Once he left everyone cheered, proud that they had managed to save the show by creating even more drama in the group.

Andy didnt feel like celebrating though, she still felt the heavy weight of knowing EJ's secret. She didn't think he'd do something like that to her.

He quickly rushed back in, announcing that he had forgotten about the group photo.

Everyone quickly got back into position and because of their overly romantic part to play, Channing placed EJ and Andy together, not noticing the tension between the two.

"Pretty boy in the bottom, get a little closer to her, yeah, perfect," He said as EJ wrapped his arm around her, her head stiffly falling on his shoulder.

"All right smile guys, we're almost home," EJ said enthusiastically to the group.

Andy scoffed, "Almost home as in salt lake or Saint Louis?" She whispered so only he would hear, looking up at him.

At that moment, Channing snapped the photos, taking a few more. To anyone else it might look like two lovers staring into each others eyes but it was a lot more then that.

EJ tried to smile but he couldn't help but feel the guilt of knowing he'd been caught as he realised he should have told her earlier

"Thanks again, the Bleu man's gonna be so happy," Channing said before he walked out, taking his camera with him.

The couple stood up, walking away and the group started to bicker, Val stepping in to try to calm the group.

The group gasped as they found out that Maddox and Jet were ziblings seconds before Jet stormed out of the room.

"I have done a terrible thing!" Announced Carlos, realising hes been shipping the two.

EJ walked over to Andy, "Whatever you saw in the letter, it's not what it looks like," he promised

She chuckled, "St Louis Caswell? I thought we were spending this year together, we were gonna go to college together," Andy said, frustration evident in her voice.

"And we will. Dad wants me to go to caswell success school but if this musical works out I can change his mind, for us," he said, "I'm not leaving without a fight,"

Andy sighed, feeling defeated, "I told you something that I'd been keeping from you and you couldn't even admit to this, I gave you every opportunity," she explained.

"Elton John Caswell, I am so disappointed in you," Ashlyn said and everyone gasped at the reveal of EJs real name. If Andy wasn't mad at him she would have laughed but instead she turned away from him.

"I need you at home right now Caswell. I need to be able to come back to something that I know will be there," she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

It was breaking his heart to look at her like this, to see her so upset, "I'm going to make it work, you know my dad's an ass, but I can prove that I'm good enough for you," he explained.

"I need some air," she said, turning the other way and running out of the barn, the doors slamming closed behind her.

"Andy, please," he called out, watching as Maddox ran out after her.

Maddox found Andy sitting on a bench by the edge of the field. EJ had taken her to it on the first day to watch the fireflies.

"You okay there?" She asked, coming to sit down on the bench next to her hesitantly.

"Yeah, I just needed some time to cool down before I kill him," she joked, chuckling half heartedly.

Maddox smiled before looking over at Andy, "He loves you. I've never seen him look so happy. He's made mistakes before but he's leant from them and he'll learn from this," She said.

Andy nodded along to her words, "My mums ill, and I don't want to really tell anyone but I told him because I needed support. He could have gotten support from me for this, not run to Val,"

"I'm sorry," Maddox said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "And EJ probably doesn't want to be a burden. I'm sure he's felt that way for his family and sees himself as in the way. Maybe try to see his side of it?"

Andy chuckled, "You're really good at the whole shrink thing, might take Vals role," she joked.

Maddox laughed, "And have her be the one that cries all the time, I can't have my spotlight taken like that," she joked, the two girls laughing.

Andy was glad she had gotten everything she felt off of her chest and she felt ready to talk to EJ about it all and get it all out of the way. She wanted to be with him and wasn't going to let this stop her.

The two girls talked for ages about deep subjects like their fractured home lives and silly things

For a minute everything felt like it was just a normal day and it was the camp she had wanted to go to from the start

Taglist:

@maggiecc @hesfasttandshesweird

[songsfordustmites]

okay... del toro's pinocchio. I have many conflicting feelings about it. all of my initial thoughts underneath the read more if anyone wants to read it. I typed out a lot.

if I didnt care about the original story then I would give it a 8.7/10, but I do care about it immensely so I would give it maybe a 6.2/10. I felt the cricket was insufferable here. pinocchio should have killed him like in the original story. I did like the music. when pinocchio started singing I rolled my eyes but then it got good.

this adaptation is missing a bunch of characters, but the story is really different. they still get swallowed by pescecane (thank you for not making it a whale!) but that basically is it. his nose works a lot different here. I kinda didnt like the story until pinocchio dies for the first time which was around thirty or forty minutes into the film. I dislike geppetto having a son beforehand. I understand that it gives pinocchio this expectation that he cant ever reach and really creates this tension between geppetto and pinocchio but I felt it was unnecessary. I think pinocchio being an awful son is good enough.

they completely got rid of mangiafuoco and replaced him with volpe...which means there was no gatto too if volpe is a different character now. idk. can I really compare the stories if they aren't even the same but use the same characters?

things that I liked about it: the setting. I think having it set in fascist italy was quite interesting. I also like how pinocchio does not become a real boy in the end. I feel it fits so well with how much they changed the story. pinocchio couldn't become exactly like carlo so of course he stayed as a puppet! I think that was cool. I think it gives a completely different meaning than the original story. I also really love pinocchio's design in the film. okay maybe I have more positive things to say about this film than I thought.

I also really loved when pinocchio first comes alive and he doesnt know how to really walk yet. I also loved what they did with the black rabbits. I got so excited when they appeared on screen. ALSO I loved when they gave him his legs back. instead of him getting whole new legs, geppetto made some legs and feet for him and just tied them onto the legs that got burned. I thought that was a great idea! I just really enjoyed how they did pinocchio in general.

one complaint which isnt specific to this film, but it's all of the different accents. I see this in a lot of english films that take place in countries where english isnt the main language, but the accents are all different. some characters have english accents, some have italian accents. I wish they all had italian accents. I kinda wish I watched this in italian instead of english anyways.

also lucignolo 😔 my wonderful lucignolo. they didnt do much with him. so sad.

I was watching the behind the scenes extra thing while typing this and so now I know why there is no mangiafuoco. I understand them wanting a main antagonist in the film, but pinocchio doesnt really have a main antagonist. mangiafuoco is only in the story for a few pages and literally spares pinocchio's life, volpe and gatto spend more time with pinocchio but they're not there throughout the original story, pescecane is there for like three pages (mentioned earlier in the story but once pinocchio enters pescecane, he leaves quite quickly)..umm there is more I could say. there is the fisherman who tried to eat pinocchio and also the carabinieri. I'm trying to think of more antagonists. there is l'omino who brings all of the kids to paese dei balocchi and then there is the farmer who stole pinocchio to use him as his watchdog and umm there's more, but I am trying to explain that there isn't one main antagonist in the story. pinocchio meets so many characters.

there is a lot more than i can say. i might write out a more serious review later on if i remember to do such a thing. after watching the behind the scenes thing it makes me like the film a lot more. maybe increase it to a 7.6/10 for a guy who cares about the original story.

[shadow-tumbler]

Written in the stars

Chapter 4: Bright part 2

3rd person pov

"Hey, Dad," Julie greeted as she walked into the family room. She had spent some time after the boys left just staring at the picture frame of her and her mother, and now that she was feeling better she had decided it was time she talked to her father about the whole house situation since she knew he was currently trying to get everything set up. "Wat'cha working On?" "Well, now that the house is on the market, we need to add some photos to the website," Ray explained before gesturing for the girl to come over "Help me pick some good ones" Julie obliged and moved across the room, sparing a glance in the direction of the couch where her brother Carlos was busy playing a video game. She grabbed the feet he had propped up on the pillow and pushed them down making Carlos send a look in her direction which she ignored "Got this batch right here" Ray said while Julie leaned over his shoulder to look at the pictures of the house.

"These are really nice," Julie

complimented. "Yeah?" Ray asked

"Yeah!" Julie says smiling "Thanks," Ray said. "These didn't turn out, though." He switched the photos to the ones of the studio where four bright dots were seen in frame.

'The ones from mom's studio. It's

like. ..little lights and dots all over the

place. Kinda look like orbs, right?"

"Orbs?" Carlos asked, instantly sitting

up with a curious look on his face

while Julie just stared at the screen

She assumed the dots were because

of Luke, Alex, and Reggie. However

the only thing that didn't make sense

was the fourth dot which made Julie

wonder if they were actually the

ghosts standing there or just the light

reflecting weird in the room. "I've seen some freaky stuff about those on YouTube" Carlos said as he leaned over the couch to look at the pictures better. "People say they're ghosts." Julie stood up at that and

looked to her brother, her thoughts

still swirling around the fourth dot

that could mean there's been a fourth

ghost all along that none of them knew about. "Do you think that's Mom and she made some friends?" Ray chuckled softly, "That's a nice

thought, but there are no such things

as ghosts" he says "Sounds like someone's spending too much time on the internet," Julie said, despite knowing that Carlos was right. "You can just trash those" Julie says to ray "All right" Ray hummed. "So trash trash, trash." "Um, Dad?" Julie asked. "Yeah?" Ray said as he looked to the girl, "I was thinking, if we're just moving cause of me, and you and Carlos wanna stay, I'm fine with that," Julie told him. "I vote we stay!" Carlos exclaimed

almost instantly, his hand flying up in

the air. "I don't wanna have to clean

under my bed" Carlos spoke "Noted," Ray said. "What made you have second thoughts?" He asked "I don't know," Julie admitted. "I guess a combination of things, I know that

tía says that moving is moving on, but I don't think that's the answer" she says "I totally agree with you on that," Ray said as he stood up. "I mean, I think. ..I think moving on has to come from the inside. And one of us took a huge step this morning" Julie smiled softly at that, wondering just how many people heard her sing "All our memories of Mom are here and we should be too,'' she said. "Can we stay?" Ray smiled and raised his hand in excitement, "All votes are in. Yes! Yes, Yes! Thank you! He pulled Julie in for a hug and looked to Carlos. "Get in here, Come on" Ray says "I love you, Dad," Julie said as she hugged her father right, Carlos joining in. "Mm! Big tight group hug," Ray muttered making the kids chuckle. "Okay Somebody help me find my phone, I need to call the real estate agent" he says "Oh, um, I think I saw it in the kitchen" Carlos said. "Kitchen" Ray whispered before himband Julie walked off to check the kitchen, leaving Carlos behind. The boy watched after them until they werevgone before going back to the pictures of the studio his father had deleted and recovering them His eyes flickered over the screen and the four dots before he let out a small chuckle and leaned back in his chair "Ghosts".

Charlotte's pov

"Whoa-oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh

Whoa-oh-oh."

"See 'em look, hear 'em "o0h-ah"

Hands up, throw back, booyah

We're the best, no doubt

Check it out, yeah, we make 'em say

"wow"

"Made moves, on the rise now

Run stuff, get a piece of that pie now

We're the best, no doubt

Check it out, yeah, we make em say

"WOW"

I grimaced as i poofed into the school gym, my eyes flickering around the crowd of students who were apparently here for a 'spirit assembly.' Or at least that's what i had been able to pick up when i was eavesdropping on Julie and Flynn i hadn't meant to, but I had heard the boys talking about Julie's attempt to play for her teacher the next day and i wanted to support the girl, even if it was in silence. I had followed her to school that day, making sure to stay out of sight so that Julie wouldn't catch her. Now i was standing in the gym looking around for the girl since i knew Flynn had dragged her in this direction. It took a minute, but i eventually saw Julie standing on the other side of the gym with Flynn by her side, their eyes on the group that was performing at that very moment

"Yeah, we're going sky high, never

gonna settle

Living in the fast lane, pedal to the

metal

We see it, we want it, we get it, we got it

Everybody lose control."

I scrunched up my nose as I watched the girls dance around their outfits all monochromatic with the girl in all pink running the show. It reminded her of Jessica and the dream squad, the thought making me shudder. being reminded of Jessica was not something i wanted, Jessica was a girl at school who used to bully me a fair bit but I shake that those memories out of my head.

"We came to play, where you at?

We're going hard, just like that, yeah

We the bomb, chain react

Blow their minds and watch them."

"See 'em look, hear 'em "ooh-ah"

Hands up, throw back, boo yah"

I glanced over at Julie again my eyes widening when the boys suddenly appeared beside her. I was quick to hide myself in the crowd, hoping that i would blend in enough that the boys wouldn't even notice me. I could see Julie whispering to them angrily, but the boys only smiled at her.

"We're the best, no doubt

Check it out, yeah, we make 'em say

"wow"

Made moves, on the rise now

Run stuff, get a piece of that pie now

We're the best, no doubt

Check it out, yeah, we make 'em say

"wow"

I made a face when the girls

got down on the ground, images of

Jessica popping into my head and

making the which coursed me to roll my eyes. I never had been a big fan of the flashy colors look and preferred my jeans and one of my graphic tees. Sometimes I would throw on a leather jacket usually stealing Reggie's when the boy wasn't in the mood to wear it. Besides I liked the more rock approach to music anyways, not whatever those girls were doing.

"Come follow me, we gon' make history

'Cause we are the champions like

Freddie Mercury

Yeah we gonna rock you, oug, never never gonna

not do

Always making headlines, yeah, we're

the hot news."

The head girl reminded her a little too

much of Jessica it was creepy to be completely honest. They weren't

bad, but it just wasn't my i much rather be watching Julie sing.

"See 'em look, hear 'em "ooh-ah"

Hands up, throw back, boo yah

We're the best, no doubt

No doubt

Check it out, yeah, we make 'em say

"wow."

I found myself glancing over to Julie and the boys again, a look of

amusement crossing my face as i

watched Alex mimic the dance moves

that the girls were currently doing

"Wo-ow, wo-ow

Wo-on, Wo-Ow

Wo-ow, wo-ow

Wo-ow."

"Oh, Alex," i whispered, smiling

widely at the sight of the blonde's smile as he danced until Luke quickly made him stop since Julie looked a bit upset and nervous

"Check it out, yeah, we make 'em say

"wow"

The girls posed after that and the

whole gym erupted with applause

I grimaced as i watched the head girl accept the applause. "Thank you! Thank you!" she cried out, her voice making the me roll my eyes. I didn't even have to know the girl to understand she was exactly like Jessica and had to be one of the most popular, if not the most popular girl in school.

"We love you, Carrie!" people in the

crowd yelled and i looked to Julie at that, frowning slightly at the nervous look on the girl's face. "Oh, I love you too!" Carrie said. "Make sure to check out my new YouTube video, Oh, go Bobcats." Everyone cheered again before the girls all walked off together "Thank you, Dirty Candy," the woman I assumed was the principal said. "That was sweet." The whole crowd fell silent and the principal smiled awkwardly. "Okay then, Before we let you go, we have a few more announcements..." i tuned the principal out after that, obviously

not caring about the announcements.

Instead, i began to try and creep

closer to the stage, hoping that the boys wouldn't see me as i did. Luckily they seemed to be too focused on getting Julie less nervous to notice me. "We look forward to our girls

swim team defending our state

championship, Go Bobcats!" the

principal announced, the students all

beginning to get up and leave the gym while Julie made her way up on stage.

I tried to hide myself amongbthe leaving students, my hands balling into fists excitedly as i said, "You got this, Julie" It took a moment, but Julie eventually let out a small shaky breath before beginning to play. I smiled as the piano notes filled the air, glancing around at the students and frowning when they didn't seem to be paying any attention to Julie. "Idiots'' i muttered before looking back at Julie excitedly, ready to cheer the girl on no matter what.

"Sometimes I think I'm falling down

I wanna cry, I'm callin' out

For one more try to feel alive."

I was frozen in place, my face paling a bit at the sound of the song while my mouth fell open. I hadn't known what Julie was going to sing, but i definitely hadn't been expecting this. My eyes flickered over to Luke instantly, memories of the two of us sitting up late at night while writing this song flashing through my head. It had been only a couple of weeks before their deaths and Luke had spent countless nights helping perfect the lyrics with me while the others stopped by and dropped off pizza or other food here and there. This had been their song and i had almost forgotten about it with everything going on. I hadn't realize Luke had kept onto it this whole time or that he had been thinking about me enough to know that i would've wanted Julie to sing it.

"And when I feel lost and alone

I know that I can make it home

Fight through the dark

And find the spark."

The students were slowly coming

to a stop at this point and i looked away from the guys, my smile

growing even more as i watched

the song finally be played in front of

an audience.

"Life is a risk but I will take it

Close my eyes and jump

Together I think that we can make it

Come on, let's run."

At that moment, the boys all appeared

on the stage with their instruments.

Me jumped a little before smiling and beginning to move along to the beat. I couldn't even pay much attention to the way the crowd had all begun to crowd towards the stage with wide eyes as they cheered on the whole band. I was too focused on mouthing the words to myself as i air played the guitar notes that i would've been playing if i were up there.

"And rise through the night, you and I

We will fight to shine together

Bright forever."

It was only when people began

pointing to the stage in amazement

that i realized everyone could see the boys. The fact only made the me even more excited and i looked to the stage before looking to my hands.

"And rise through the night, you and I

We will fight to shine together

Bright forever."

Remembering what Reggie had done

earlier that day, i focused really hard before my eyes lit up as my electric guitar fell into my hands i glanced back up at the stage,watching as the boys all looked at the crowd in shock. "Uh, is this really happening?" Julie questioned Luke but the boy only smiled. "Just go with it," he told her and I grinned as i watched my best friend walk up and begin to sing into the microphone. However, the song seemed like it was missing something Smiling softly to myself, i glanced down at my guitar before poofing away from the crowd. Luke leaned into his microphone, smiling as he began to sing.

"And times that I doubted myself

I felt like I needed some help

Stuck in my head with nothing left."

As he sang the last line, a new guitar

seemed to join their sound, guitar riffs

unlike any other joining the sound and making the music sound even better. Furrowing his eyebrows, Luke opened his mouth to continue but halted as soon as he heard a new voice join on stage i appeared between Reggie and Luke, my hands flying over my guitar strings as i leaned into my own microphone and sang out, "I feel something around me now"

The boys and Julie all quickly turned

to look at me while the crowd

cheered even louder. Julie furrowed

her eyebrows in confusion, her eyes

flickering over the me who she had

met the day prior. I could tell She wasn't even sure how i had appeared on the stage but the moment she looked to the boys who were all playing with shocked looks on their faces, she began to put two and two together. Especially when she saw the way Reggie was beginning to tear up, a smile on his face as he watched the my. The Charlotte she had met the previous day was the char the boys were always talking about. This was their Charlotte

I had my eyes closed as i sang, the feeling of playing coursing

through my veins and making me feel so alive that i was playing almost effortlessly,

"So unclear, lifting me out."

I let my eyes open and allowed myself to glance to Luke, him staring at me in disbelief as a single tear rolled down his face and he smiled widely at the me. I then looked to Alex who was struggling to keep it together himself before i finally looked to Reggie who was already beginning to walk my way. I smiled widely as Reggie

approached me,

"I found the ground

I'm marching on"

Reggie had a smile on his face despite the confusion in his eyes and he leaned close to the microphone, the two of us sharing it while our eyes were locked on each other. We began to sing together, our voices meshing together in a perfect harmony while we both looked so excited that we might burst.

"Life is a risk but we will take it

Close my eyes and jump

Together I think that we can make it

Come on, let's run."

Julie and Luke took the lead after that

and Reggie didn't move away, his eyes

still on me as I merely smiled and winked at the boy before turning

away and closing my eyes as i began these amazing guitar riffs that just added to the whole song. Everyone's

eyes were wide, even Julie who kept

glancing at the me in surprise. As for the boys, they were suddenly playing with so much more energy and enthusiasm that the music just kept getting better snd better as they

progressed. By the looks on their faces i could tell They couldn't even put

together what was happening, but the

realization that i was there with them was enough to make them play harder, happy tears filling all of their eyes as their band was now even more back together again.

"And rise through the night, you and I

We will fight to shine together

Bright forever

And rise though the night, you and I

We will fight to shine together

Bright forever"

I began making my way over the Alex, stepping up onto the small stage he was on and jamming out next to my best friend while the blonde just shook his head in astonishment and the two smiled at each other.

Luke glanced back at me, smiling before turning back to his microphone and feeding off of the energy i was putting out with my chords,

"The times that I doubted myself."

Julie walked towards him, holding her

microphone out so that Luke could join her. He smiled and walked forward, leaning close to her microphone as they walked across the stage together.

"I felt like I needed some help

Stuck in my head, with nothing left."

Julie took control of the mic and the

two began to rock next to each other

as she sang out, I was smiling at

the obvious chemistry between the two while i continued to walk around Alex's drums as i played.

"And when I feel lost and alone

I know that I can make it home

Fight through the dark--"

Julie walked right through Luke

making the crowd go crazy while the

two just smiled,

"-and find the spark."

Julie held the last note and i

jumped off the little stage, landing

right next to Reggie as i hit a chord

that made the crowd go crazy and

bringing the song into the chorus.

I went over to Reggie, the two of us sharing the microphone as we sang. Luke and i harmonized together while Reggie and Alex backed them up. While this happened, Luke and Alex were both watching me and Reggie in amusement before exchanging a look.

"And rise."

"And rise."

"Through the night."

"Through the night."

"You and I."

"You and I."

"We will fight."

"We will fight."

"To shine."

What was left of Sunset Curve all

harmonized together, their voices

meshing together perfectly and making Julie smile,

"Together."

Julie could sense the close bond

between the four and her smile only

grew as she backed them up,

"Shine

together.

'Bright forever,"

the four sang together.

Me and Reggie never looking away from each other and actually taking a step closer Julie raised an eyebrow at the two and looked to Luke who just smiled and shook his head while the girl sang out,

"Bright forever."

They all came back together in the

end, the crowd cheering loudly as they finished off the ending of the song

"And rise through the night, you and I

We will fight to shine together

Bright forever"

I ended the song with one last guitar riff before me and Alex ended on the same beat like always The crowd erupted into applause, but Reggie and me did not break eyecontact. Reggie was breathing heavily as he stared at me, a look of amazement and disbelief on his face and he brought hisbhand up and gently touched my cheek. Oh how I've missed this

At being able to touch my skin, Reggie

let out a shaky breath, his eyes glossing over as he allowed his hand to cup my face, his thumb rubbing across her cheek as he whispered,

"You're here." i couldn't speak, my whole body erupting with butterflies at the way Reggie was looking at me while tears of my own filled my eyes. I managed a small smile at him, the two letting out breathy chuckles as the tears escaped. I glanced away, Reggie's hand still cupping my face as i looked to Alex and Luke who were watching me as well. I gave them all a watery smile, happy to finally be reunited with them, before poofing away and leaving the boys to all blink in surprise before exchanging a look.

I was back the boys all bowed along with Julie, but suddenly disappeared from everyone's view which made the whole crowd gasp.

"Did you see that?"

"What just happened?"

"What?"

Julie furrowed her eyebrows and

glanced behind her, her eyes widening as she realized all four ghosts were now gone including their instruments

"Wow!"

"What was that?"

"Did you see that?"

Julie let out an awkward chuckle as she looked back at the audience. She

couldn't let them know that four ghosts were playing with her or everyone would think she was crazy. She had to come up with an explanation and quick. However, she wasn't the only one freaking out. I had just appeared on stage surprising literally everyone there. The boys no doubt had questions and i had to try and come up with the right things to say Julie and i were going to have a lot of explaining to do.

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Now!! A couple final thoughts.

YES Grace deserves to be boss at video games. YES Judd bond with your son. YES FINALLY OWEN DIDN'T COMPLETELY SAVE THE DAY HE WA JUST NEEDED!!!

Like thank GOODNESS gosh

Anyway! Time for the episode. . .

REVIEW

Now I'll be honest: I did actually really like this episode! It's definitely not my favorite of the season so far (especially due to the conspicuous lack of Tarlos -.- /lh), but I still thought it was a pretty solid episode. Definitely very unique, although the plot to me kinda dragged a little bit. We had the barbed wire, and then alllllll of that intertwined, with some sprinkles of Tommy in there, then randomly smack in the middle the medical rescue (at least we got to see TK! And Nancy :))) - though he seemed rather quiet this episode, but he's probably just chilling :)); glad he was concerned for Owen though, but, well, eh, we'll talk about that in a moment :)) ) which sorta fed into Tommy's episode arc, and then back to the rest of it, before finally, the gift tracking-down. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Just felt a little bit funky to me.

Now things I DID like!

Gonna get TK out of the way real quick because there wasn't much of him because it's not about him (not always/right now I mean) but he's my baby so I have to talk about him (and Carlos, though there's obviously not much to say there lol) for a minute and just get it out of the way xDD. As usual, loved my boy, that hasn't changed, even the brief glimpse of Carlos we saw in the promo (not like a literal split second, but, yk lol xdd). Still manifesting/excited for Carlos to take the detective test, especially if it means stressed, studying Carlos (TK helps? 👀👀👀👀 Studying or with stress whichever one lol, or both, goodness knows he's taken plenty of tests with all his firefighter-ness and paramedic-ness). Anyway, I thought the little bit of TK checking on Owen was cute :)). For radiation poisoning, I mean. Also, the "And my nightmares", about the roundworm - yeah, probably mood XD. Lol, anyway!! That's enough about TK, and Carlos.

Now! I accidentally took a while talking about him/them/that and I really do need to hurry right now, so I hope I do the others, yk, the main parts of the episode xdd, justice, lol. Now first, the Ryders!

As usual, I LOOOOOOOOOOVE them 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍. Like, they're babey. Okay?? They're just babey. Now, with Charlie (and I guess, kinda in a way, Wyatt??) especially lol. I really loved the bonding between Judd and Wyatt, even if it was a rocky road/slope (I don't even know right now lol who knows what I want I just do), and had some really awkward moments that I had to hide from. It was scary 😭😭😭😭😭 /lh /hi. Anyway, lol, I'm glad they're starting to work it out :'))) ❤️❤️. Literally, my babeys <33333. All of them, lol xd. Parent and kid alike, any four of 'em - 5, I guess, if you want to count Wyatt's mom. Whatever the heck when face/name is lol xdd. I should probably know- well, not "know by now", since we've known her for like, an episode (as she wasn't in this one I guess I mean, idrk lol), but eh, still, I should probably know lol. Anyway!!

Owen. Nice job not being the ENTIRETY of the solution or episode. Not the ENTIRE focus. Nice, lol. Also, we find out you're a weirdo /j. But seriously though, just imagine the team coming up like "Uhhh???? Cap believes in aliens????" and TK's just like "Just don't question it, y'all. Just move on and don't question." XDDD. Anyway, nice job my dude, lol. And pretty funny, again too, you just weren't the complete (well last time it was more just 'physical' I guess because ~Carlos~ and thought about saying Tarlos so also ~Tarlos~ but to a lesser degree lol) hero :))). Nice, lol :D xD!

And, finally, Tommy. Hunny. Darling. Huh. Honey. Babe. Babey. Love. Babes. Baby. HOOOONNNNNNNNEEEYYYYYYYYY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. You don't deserve this darling :'((((. All of these terms are platonic XD. Anyway, I love her so much, but bestie, neither of us deserve this :'''((((( 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. You deserve so much better, honey - not that it's better than him, but I mean like, than this sadness.

So sad 😢😢😢, but I'm glad the candles kit back up :'). He was here. Charles was here watching and is ready to protect who he loves <3333 😭😭😭. And I love that the candles re-/lit 😍😍😍. Heartbreaking, and magnificent.

Now, the plot! I did actually like it :)). Kinda depressing and sad, what happened to them (like, those people, the artists <3 <33), but nonetheless, VERY interesting. And yeah, like I said earlier, certainly very unique. Lol, anyway, yeah! Quick notes:

Wyatt is babey :))) He is mine your honor <3333

Nah but his mom gets it, and then Judd after her, and then probably everyone else, in the firefam and outwards, before me lol, but still XDDD. Anyway, lol, last quick note:

IS THAT TIM'S CAT????

THAT'S PROBABLY TIM'S CAT

Dying thank you <3333 😭😭😭😭

Two deaths (noy literally - in the ~ p a a A a A A a s t ~) in this episode today, dang.

Lol, anyway, yeah!

Overall: I very much likes the episode. It wasn't my favorite, but, in fact, I haven't found an episode (specifically this season, but, really, at all, to be honest) that I DIDN'T like yet. And, well, while I don't want to jinx myself, I don't think I well! I'll have ones I enjoy more and/or ones I'll enjoy less, but I just love this show :DDD!! I don't think it's possible for me to actually fully dislike or even hate an episode :)).

So yeah! I'm scared of the promo, having feelings, and while this wasn't my absolute favorite episode of the series in general or the season so far, I still really enjoyed it and had a fun time :)).

So!!! This has been my episode review of. . .

9-1-1: Lone Star, Season 3, Episode 6: The ATX Files

I'm super excited for the next one 😁😁😁 :)))!!! And that will be my review of. . .

9-1-1: Lone Star, Season 3, Episode 7: Red vs. Blue

See you next week :)))))!!!!

[bumbershots]

A CERTAIN ROMANCE

CHAPTER FIVE: A SPECIAL DAY

Author’s note: Hello! We have finally reached the awaited date between Harry and Alma. I was really excited for this chapter, hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did, forgive me in advance for any mistakes, my beta reader (my boyfriend) was unavailable, so this is a good time to say that if anyone out there has the time and willingness to beta read any future chapters send me an ask or message to let me know. Enjoy! (:

Story masterlist ** Word count: 2.6K **

Harry wakes up feeling excited, nervous and hungry. He takes care of the latter, decides to make some blueberry pancakes, turns out he can't eat more than two and a cup of coffee. Not that the pancakes weren't great, in fact they were fantastic, he even decides to brag about them on an Instagram story that is published for his close friends only. Nick quickly replies to it with a laughing emoji.

You should take a Tupperware full of them to your date ;)

The reason behind his excitement and nerves make his heart race, he decides to type in a polite 'fuck off' to his mate before heading to the shower. Under the warm spray of water he tries to sort out his thoughts. Harry doesn’t want to think about his upcoming trip to California. 

It was necessary for the album or so he thought last week, after going through a box with the very few memories he kept from his ex. He wasn’t in a right state of mind then, he feels pathetic. The only reason why he wanted to spend time in Los Angeles was because everything there —from the pavement to the sky— was tainted by her. 

Why would he want to go back to that place where the constant reminder of his pain was literally living in the same neighbourhood? Because it would provide him the cathartic release he was looking for. That’s the line he used after Sarah and Mitch tried to dissuade him from flying across the Atlantic and Harry was so proud of himself when it worked. 

That very same day, he got the first text from Alma, it was the address like she promised. ‘In case one of your talents isn’t stumbling upon my work place ;)’ the second text read and Harry had to endure Sarah’s questionnaire about the girl that made him blush with a mere wink emoji. Not that he minded talking about her, he could go on all day.

He usually preferred a shower before breakfast, usually even work out before then but well, hunger clouded his judgement earlier today. Even with that taken care of that dread still niggled him away. Just slightly. So, he decided to pick up his guitar for a moment and strummed. There was no real intention to play seriously, or to write anything down on the journal by his desk. It was more of something he enjoys too much not to do it, a way to keep his hands and mind busy, faffing around with chords. With a bit of luck he might come up with a song, a tune which just worked, that just... clicked.

Contrary to what people might believe, genius didn't strike him here and then. Not like when he'd come up with Sign of the times or Two ghosts. But finding a neat little pattern of chords a good thirty minutes later makes him smile, it's something he can work with. It needs a little polishing from Mitch and company, sure, but it has a good rhythm. He scribbled down some notes on his journal and sent the audio to his fellow musician.

Maybe he will find the words in one of the old notebooks that are somewhere in the other room, perhaps on the ones that are still on his unpacked suitcase from Japan. Silently he also hoped to find the lyrics around London. He had lived in the capital for a few years now, but he had been different then. Now he likes to think that he's a man, no longer the teenager from the boy band or the shiny new solo artist. He has new perspectives, sights, smells in this new home of his. New ideas.

Harry gazes out his bedroom window; the view is not great –mostly of the other houses in the complex. His mind focused on the cloudy sky, confused because he swore it was sunny just a few minutes ago, can bet on his life that he woke up to dazzling sunshine rays of a warm yellow colour peeking through that same window. He puts his guitar away on the bed with care and makes a beeline to his wardrobe. He needs to figure out what to wear, pronto.

Skipping her afternoon kip was not something Alma did, it was a rare occurrence which meant one thing: something special was happening.

Walking down Oxford Street, trying to decide where to get some lunch without a care in the world, that was until the calmness faded, when her schedule for the day hit her.

She had a date with Harry. A date, with Harry Styles. It was weird to go by his full name in her head, she couldn't bring herself to call or think about him as The Harry Styles.

Maybe she'd settle to call him Harry the tube guy.

The clock on her phone showed that it was no longer single figure hours, she needed to get some food now or starve until her shift was over, and then he would have to watch her feast at whatever place he chose. Alma groaned, thought how ridiculous it was to worry about him watching her eat. Harry was a grown man; of course he knows that women eat too, right?

Walking into the nearest Sainsbury's she decided to take a deep breath. He's just some guy, she concluded after paying for her chicken baguette. Nothing to stress about.

Harry showered again, while belting out some classic pop tunes. Namely Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, something that in the past he'd swear blind you'd misheard and it was actually The Rolling Stones or Pink Floyd. But he'd come to terms that he liked what he liked.

Towel clad in the bedroom, trying to shirk off hypothermia, he was quick to put on some pants and jeans, before throwing on some simple white tee proclaiming some fading band name. He uses a dry clean towel from the closet and attempts to dry his hair, as he styles his flopped mop the thought of a haircut crosses his mind. It was getting a bit long.

One last look at the clock and he is ready to leave. "You'll be fine. Trust me." He quietly speaks to himself before closing the last few buttons of his green parka and fixing the newsboy cap on his head.

When he walks out of Colindale tube station, a little earlier than half past five, he sees the bakery from her instructions just below the large modern building Alma was kind enough to describe. She was right; the bakery is right across the street, he waits for the green man to light up to cross, shoving his hands in his pockets. The huge front windows of the establishment allow Harry to see her behind the till, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. She looks better than she did three weeks ago. He hesitates about going in for a few minutes, but feels it ought to be better than to lurk on the street.

Alma can feel his presence the moment he sets foot into the shop, her eyes are drawn to him and a content close lipped smile is the best greeting he could ask from her. The only customer in the place can feel the shift in the atmosphere when they lock eyes. So, picking up her bag full of baked goods, she steps out and leaves them alone.

"Sorry if I'm too early." He begins while she takes off her apron and hangs it in the back wall.

"You're right on time," Alma says after checking her watch, "I'm off Carlos, see you tomorrow!" She hollers to the employee that is taking a non-allowed nap in the back. Harry holds the door open for her and follows out of the warm store. "Shall we take the tube?" At his affirmative response, she then takes out her Oyster card and leads the way.

The café was not somewhere Alma expected Harry to go, the little shop with soothing music and simple stools full of the scent of organic coffee brewing is dazzling and unique. A bit like him, she thinks. She liked it. It reminded her of the places she used to frequent when she had recently moved into the city.

Harry orders a black coffee at the counter before asking Alma what she'd like.

"A cappuccino, and remember I'm paying for our food," she hands him a tenner that he reluctantly takes from her.

"Absolutely," he iterates the order to the woman behind the counter and adds two salted caramel cupcakes handing over the cash. "If you get a seat, I'll bring it over."

Alma thanks him before scampering across the room to sit at the back two seat table tucked in the corner. It was right beside the large back window, dimly lit. Before she sat, she removed her signature burgundy coat and Harry couldn't help his eyes being drawn to certain aspects of his companion. Nice arse, he remarked with a raise of his brows before the woman behind the counter tells him for the third time that his order is ready, a look of disdain as she probably caught his gaze. Giving her a sheepish smile to appease her, he manages to balance the two plates and mugs in his hands and walk over to the table.

"They asked if you wanted whipped cream or foam and I settled for foam, hope that's not a problem." He plonks himself on the seat across from her, removing his parka in a clumsy manner before hanging it in the back of the chair.

"No problem, I actually despise–

"Whipped cream, yeah, I kind of remembered what you told me about that birthday party of yours," the green eyed lad finishes for her and scratches the back of his neck. "You know with that dare..."

Her eyes flickered down to the cupcakes laid out before them and she started picking the caramel out of one, hoping to hide the nerves his words caused.

"Right enough, yeah... I can't believe you remembered that or that I told you about it." She chuckled nervously at the anecdote she chose to share with him, it was a bit inappropriate due to the amount of vomit around it, literally. But he shrugged with a charming smile. No big deal. "Nice place," she noted.

"I know it's a bit of a strange choice. It doesn't strike me as, you know, the kind of place you put so much effort into for a first date..." Harry stops talking and now his eyes meet the cupcake in front of him. "Bollocks I must have sounded so daft, I'm sorry." Lucky for him, she doesn't laugh, instead she reaches out to stroke his hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

"Nothing to be sorry about, I can be quite daft so..."

"I doubt that Miss suave." He gets a laugh out of her then, one that is almost a snort and earns a few glances from other customers.

"I’m far from it! Honestly, I once accidentally stepped on dog shit and didn't notice until my date couldn't bear the stink anymore and checked my shoe, in a very fancy restaurant. Terrible story. Trust me, I can be daft." Alma held up her hands and the musician giggled at her.

"Promise you won't laugh?" he raised an eyebrow at her, pleading. She promised. "Well, I kind of always wanted to have a first date here. It's always one of the first places I visit when I'm back in London, the food is amazing, and service is excellent. Came here completely hung-over after my twenty-first birthday party. I guess it has a lot of good memories." Pinked cheeks gave away Harry's embarrassment, he wanted to relax and for her to be more comfortable around him.

With a sincere smile Alma placed her hand over his resting on the table. "I think that is very sweet." This reply was not what he had expected; she leant in and beckoned him closer. "For your information Harry, this is exactly a great place for a first date." Up close he swore the darkness of her eyes were about to swallow him whole and spit him out to an alternate universe. He swallowed hard and took a sip of his coffee to distract himself a bit. Perhaps caffeine was not a good choice on a day where his heart was speeding so frequently.

"Did you have a good day today at work?" he asks with a familiarity that Alma can get used to.

"Yeah, had a bit of free time to plan my next video blog. It's been ages since I uploaded one." She bashfully admits. "This cupcake was delicious, a great flavour choice." And just like that they fall into easy conversation until their cups are drained. The place is almost empty around quarter to eight and they both know it's almost closing time –the death glances from the employees behind the counter gave it away. They put on their garments again before leaving.

Harry makes his way to the door expecting Alma to follow. Instead she first gathered up their mugs and plates, to place them neatly on the counter and thanked the three workers behind it with a genuine smile. Harry looked surprised; she didn't quite have to do that. She noticed.

"Just being polite," she stated the obvious, before walking under his arm that held open the door. He chose not to comment and fought back a smile.

They stood outside, not really sure of what to do next. Usually he would suggest going back to his place. It was near, but he watched her yawn discreetly and he suddenly remembered that she had a real job, well actually jobs in plural. He broke the silence.

"It was nice to see you again Alma." He meant it and she smiled as she toyed with the buttons of her coat. British summer weather was hardly cold, but today it seemed to be punishingly windy. Harry near gave a shiver, but instead took a deep breath before speaking again. It was now or never. "It'd be quite great, if I could... I'd like to see you again. Please." He shifted on one foot, nearly drowned in the silence that followed.

"I'd quite love to see you again," Harry gave a slight gulp, very slight and got out strength from the words she spoke to take a big risk, the first of today.

He stepped closer and cradled her face in his hands before leaning down and kissing her cheek. It wasn't the full on kiss he wanted to give her. But it is something he'd been dying to do since he first saw her today, something he hoped would make clear how attracted he was to her. Harry smelled like coffee and caramel. God this man's lips are prettier up close, she thought right before he straightened up.

She stayed close to him before speaking again. A low murmur so that the passing London traffic wouldn't steal her words from him.

"This was an amazing date."

Alma walked with him the long distance of one mile to the tube station, their hands brushing against each other. He was desperate to just hold hers, kiss her soft knuckles and ask about the lightning-shaped scar on her little finger. But decided against it, he knew that West Hampstead was not a common area for paparazzi, but he didn't want to risk her. Especially after the splendid afternoon they just shared.

They said their farewells.

"I'll call you," he said again. She warned that he better, before entering the station, he took great delight in watching her walk away from him, his gaze falling once more to her bum now covered by the coat. Harry spun on his heel and walked the short distance to his home.

Surely London could help him find the lyrics for that tune, this city definitely had something.

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[tarlos-spain]

Sicktember Day 29 - Motion Sickness

Fandom: 9-1-1 Lone Star

Pairing: Carlos Reyes/TK Strand

Characters: Carlos Reyes, TK Strand

Seasickess

Carlos is not used to boats, but a memory from TK's past helps

It was the first time Carlos had traveled by boat and he also knew it would be the last.

He and TK had decided to take a vacation, TK had told him that she would be excited to take him to New York, show him what his life had been like before he went to Austin and let him learn about his past.

That included a short boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. It wasn't more than a few minutes but it was the longest in the cop's life.

"Come, sit here and close your eyes." TK told him when Carlos finished throwing up overboard. "How can people like to travel by boat? It's real torture for the head and stomach."

TK laughed and stroked his cheek.

"Look how over the top you are from time to time, babe." "Over the top? There's nothing over the top about feeling your guts churn like you're inside a washing machine and I assure you not throwing up when you have nothing in your stomach, it's not pleasant at all.

TK circled Carlos' waist and laughed, although the policeman didn't understand why. He just stared at him, not knowing if he was offended because he was somehow laughing at him or if he had missed something he didn't understand.

"Sorry, I was just remembering the first time I got on a fire truck." Carlos rested his head on TK's shoulder and let the story sink in, better that than concentrating on the stomach that rose and fell with every movement of the boat. "I was four, maybe five, while he hadn't wanted me to get on before in case I fell off or if my father wasn't attentive.

The thing is that I arrived at the barracks hand in hand with my father, I had barely slept the night before with the idea of going to work with him, getting to know the quartet inside as one more... well you can get the idea.

My father had prepared me a real uniform but in my size, with the case, gloves, boots, everything. I remember I spent ten minutes jumping up and down and laughing.

He had to sit me on his bed and tell me to sit down or else we couldn't go anywhere.

The truck was imposing but I was so eager to get in that I didn't realize how much juice, water and milkshake I had had since I had gotten up. Plus, since everyone knew me from the barracks, I had bought more juice, which I drank.

I was the barracks mascot, because my mother didn't usually take me, between her work and the idea that she didn't want me to become a fireman like my father."

"Oops well that didn't work out well for her."

"No and that and she thought that after that day, I would be left with some kind of trauma or something and I would never want to know anything about being a firefighter again.

My dad was thrilled at the thought of seeing little TK firefighter, I remember him making me laugh all day, even when I turned into the little girl from the exorcist.

"You threw up on your dad's fire truck?" "I wish it had only been in the truck."

This time it was Carlos who burst out laughing as he imagined the scene before TK continued telling the story.

"Everything went well at the beginning, I remember being excited, happy and looking forward to seeing what a day at my dad's job was like. But just twenty minutes after leaving with the truck, I started to feel sick.

I assure you, I don't remember ever throwing up like that in my entire life. I threw up in the truck, all over my father and two of his coworkers. Since there was no emergency, we went back to the barracks and things went from bad to worse.

My father told me sometime later that the smell of vomit stayed in the barracks for weeks."

"Oh, my boy, I'm so sorry." "Don't worry, by the time I was fifteen, I was over the trauma and you know how my story ended. Apparently I finally stopped getting dizzy getting on a fire truck, or maybe it wasn't such a great idea to mix milk and juice that day. Bottom line, it's okay to throw up and I assure you my dad and I have treated a lot of people on this ship." "And the other conclusion is that you've distracted me, concentrating on your story and we've already arrived at our destination without throwing up." "Nah, I didn't do it on purpose, babe." TK said with a chuckle and got up to head for the gangplank outside the boat, but Carlos pulled him back. "I was going to kiss you but I wasn't sure if you wanted me to with all the puking I've been doing. It must not be the best taste in the..."

Before he finished, TK pressed his lips together and kissed him hard, probably the most romantic gesture that ship had seen in a long time.

"I'm going to kiss you whenever I can, babe." "Thank you, baby, for telling me about a very ridiculous moment in your life for the sake of making me feel better." "I really don't know what you're saying." TK stood up again and this time he was the one pulling Carlos up. "Come on, the Statue of Liberty is waiting for us.

[noelacciari]

alright this is kinda bad but I'm gonna ask anyway. so I'm a new/casual hockey fan and this girl I'm friends w is super into hockey and I'm kinda having to bluff my way through convos rn so could you give me a basic summary of the roster and stuff pls :)))

okay babe, so this is how we’re gonna set this up for you… personality quiz style. (also wait I’m assuming you mean Bruins so. im very sorry if this was about another team lol)

Step 1: pick your star

- Do you strive for perfection? Do you look for stability in a relationship? Can you appreciate a good beard? Do you need a perfect man to project all your feelings regarding men onto and then you never have to even look at another man in real life? Then Patrice Bergeron is the guy for you. He’s perfect. Like legit. Has been nominated for the Selke Award (best defensive forward) approximately a gazillion times, eventually they’re going to change it to The Bergy. Gorgeous play maker, dominate on the face-off circle. Quiet leader in the room. A pillar of the Boston community. The only person who can tame Marchand (we’ll get to him later). Every person in New England is AT LEAST 30% in love with him, regardless of sexual orientation. (I’m not even kidding). Future Hall of Famer. Without a doubt. (Forward (Center), #37, first line)

- Do you enjoy carbs? How about charming smiles? Do you enjoy men who toe the lines of fashion? Do you like a show, flashy lights and stunning tricks? Do you like people who make you smile, no matter how bad your day is? Then David Pastrnak is your man. Better know as Pasta (said with a deep Boston accent), he’s been tearing up the ice from the moment he arrived in TD Garden. A member of the Best Top Line in the League (alongside Bergeron - and that other guy who we will get to later). His goals are always absolutely nasty, just. Sexy, sexy hockey. Off the ice he’s sunshine personified, known for his chipped tooth smile, wearing checked suits and floral shirt, and just being generally the best. (Forward (winger), #88, first line)

- Are human sized chipmunks something you think would be pretty cool? How do you feel about Long Island? Would you think it’s funny if a guy who was a star player on a Boston team dated the daughter of a Pittsburgh coach? Do you think it’s even funnier if a guy who tweeted “I hate the Bruins” then proceeds to get drafted by them? Then Charlie McAvoy is your star d-man. At the ripe old age of 21, Long Island native Charlie McAvoy already carries a huge chunk of responsibility on the Bruins defense core. A future leader for the team (captain. imo), Charlie puts up incredible minutes, and is the perfect complement to his d-partner Zdeno Chara (we’ll get to him too). Also known as Cheeks (on tumblr) or Mac (by his teammates), Charlie isn’t afraid to throw his weight around on the ice, and he looks good doing it. Dude is a Bonafide Stallion. (Defense, #73, 1st Pair)

Step 2: Pick your Dad

- Are you vegetarian? How do you feel about EXTREMELY tall men wearing easter bunny onesies? Do you prefer to bike to work instead of taking the train? what about pigeons? If you consider pigeons friends, then Zdeno Chara is your new dad! (Boogie Woogie Woogie). You know how Bruins fans like to say - Don’t Poke The Bear? Well Big Zee is that hypothetical bear. Our beloved captain and father earned himself quite the reputation on the ice, known for his hard AF slap shots and even harder punches. Clocking in at 6′9″ and 250lbs, Zad is still a beast at 42 years old - and he apparently has no plans to retire. While his age doesn’t appear to be slowing him down on the ice, Zee has shown his softer side off the ice with his inspirational and extremely cute Instagram. He came into Boston in 2006 and was named Captain upon signing, and has forever changed the culture of the Boston Bruins. Chara facilitates an inclusive but hard working locker room, and his legacy will live on in Boston long after his retirement. (Defense, #33, first pair)

- Are you a dog person? Also are you American? Those are really the only 2 qualifications you need to chose David Backes as your dad. Although some of us older folks like me (at the stunningly old, reaching retirement age of 26) might consider Backes to be more of a daddy, the majority of Bruins tumblr view him as their Dad. Common nicknames include Dadkes and Papa, and his effect on the team after being brought back into the line-up during the playoffs has endeared him to fans. While his deal is… not great (he’s expensive!!) and he hasn’t performed up to how much money he’s paid, it’s clear that he’s a leader on the team. The young guys look up to him, and the older guys respect him, and that’s what we’s appreciates ‘bout him. Also. He LOVES animals. Backes and his wife Kelly (who have known each other since kindergarten how cute is that shit) have their own charity that helps animals!! (Forward (Winger/Center), #42, currently 2nd line)

- Were you really into magic as a kid (or currently)? Have you always gravitated to your one friend’s dad who was super quiet but super smart and taught you how to play chess at that cookout one time? Then your new dad is David Krejci! Sometimes called The Wizard, Krejci is known to make magic happen on the ice. Between no-look passes and somehow being able to know exactly where his wingers are going to be before they even know, tbh. Krej is probably the MOST underrated player on the Bruins, but he’s always dependable, and always seems to be there when you need him.  (Forward (Center), #46, 2nd Line)

Step 3: pick your weirdo

- Have you never eaten a vegetable willingly in your life? Do you consider yourself a chef - specifically for children? Do you think getting your teeth knocked out is fun and exciting? Then Jake “JD” DeBrusk is the dude for you! Goofy AF off the ice and a sniper on it, Jake is extremely worthy of being your chosen weirdo. He has a lucky winter hat named “tuukka” that he’s been wearing all playoffs, and he might only have one brain cell but we love him for it. At one point called a draft bust, Jake has been proving himself to be an elite player, and has been a steady winger for Krejci all season. Plus. He’s cute af. (Forward (winger), #74, 2nd Line)

- Is getting under other people’s skin one of your favorite activities? Do you like to piss people off by being better than them at everything? Does licking someone’s face in the middle of a hockey game seem like a Good Idea to you? Back in step number one did you chose Patrice Bergeron as your Lord and Savior? Then Boston’s favorite Pest - Brad Marchand - is the guy for you! Brad started off as an undersized fourth liner, and has worked his way up to one of the top scorers in the league. Outside of Boston he’s probably the most hated player in the NHL - earning himself a reputation for being a pest (at best), and sometimes being dirty (at worst). This year we are proud to announce that he did not get suspended once! Though he did come in just short of 100 Penalty Minutes. Marchy was our top scorer this year, and has become an integral part of this team. (Forward (winger), #63, 1st Line)

- Are you secretly an arsonist? Are frogs your favorite animal? Do you have a crush on that Pretty Jock that’s in all your classes and sometimes smiles at you in the lunch line? Then Danton Heinen is the weirdo for you. Danton has been a quietly steady performer for the Bruins this season, spending time on the top line with Bergeron and Marchand when Pasta was out. He’s growing into quite the play maker, and he’s known for making good decisions on the ice that lead to goals. Danton also happens to look like a frog, which is an important character trait imo. He’s a tumblr favorite, but he’s a good person to like even in real life, because he makes an impact on the ice. (Forward (winger), #43, 3rd Line)

Step 4: chose your conventionally attractive white boy

- OKay we’re not doing the questions thing because judging by your ask you may not even be interested in men so i’m just going to dive straight into the description. He’s tall with a strong jaw and perfect curls and pecs of a God. Charlie Coyle is a Weymouth, MA native who Boston brought back home at the trade deadline. He’s been a bit of a hero this playoff run, and he looks damn good doing it. The B’s have been searching for a good 3rd line center, and Charlie has filled the role perfectly. Personally, I am deeply in love with him, in case you could not tell. (Forward (center/winger), #13, 3rd Line)

- an integral member of the Bruin’s all important Line 1A (aka the 4th line), Sean Kuraly has got it all. Piercing blue eyes? Check. Perfectly highlighted hair? Check. Cute little chin? Double check. Though he’s been photographed wearing jorts and an open flannel shirt with nothing underneath it, Sean is still a certified Babe. He’s been Klutch in every playoff run he’s had with the B’s, and is the scoring force behind the 4th Line’s brawn. Not to mention, his signature celly is a leap from the ice! (Forward, (center/winger), #52, 4th Line)

- Brandon Carlo… how do I begin to explain Brandon Carlo? Brandon Carlo is flawless. He has two bible tattoos and a designer bulldog. I hear his hair is insured for $10,000. I hear he does Tri-City Americans commercials… in Washington. His favorite movie is Miracle. One time he met David Backes on a plane… and he told him he was pretty. One time he punched me in the face… it was awesome (’cause he missed). In all seriousness though, Monte is a hardworking, defensive defenseman, who has really shone this season. He doesn’t show up on the scoreboard often, but he makes it really hard for other teams to get goals. Even though he struggles to score empty netters... he’s still a babe. (Defense, #25, 2nd Pair)

Step 5: Chose your shorty

- If you’re thinking - wait, shouldn’t Marchand be in this category? Isn’t he the smallest guy in the World? Then Torey Krug is the Short King for you. An ELITE offensive defenseman, Torey is absolute dynamite on the ice. In game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals Torey made history by becoming the first Bruins player ever to record 4 points in a stanley cup finals game. Krug is quick on his feet and can snipe from the blue line, but isn’t afraid to lay down the law when he needs to. Notorious for loosing his helmet so he can show off that flow, Torey also has a bulldog named fenway and a BABY on the way. (Defense, #47, 2nd Pair).

- Is talk shit, get hit a favorite saying of yours? Can you appreciate biceps the size of your head? Then Noel Acciari is your man. He might be short but he’s built like a tank, and he uses that bod to plow through guys on the ice. Noeldozer is known for laying down the cleanest hits, and we love when he takes out the trash! The Rhode Island Native got married last summer, and has a golden retriever named Thor. His mouth is currently fucked right up but I promise he’s actually kinda pretty. (Forward (winger/center), #55, 4th Line)

- Are you one of the apparent hoards of people that think a Boston accent is sexy? Could you get into a guy who says the fuck word on live television? Are collarbone tattoos a thing you admire? Do you like sexy, tough little son’s of bitches? Great! Matt Grzelcyk is the little guy for you. A BU grad who’s become a cornerstone of the Bruins d-core, Grz is a tough little cutie who works hard and gets shit done. More of an offensive defenseman, Matty G has been there for the team even when all of our other defenseman were injured. His Dad has worked at the Gahden for like a million years, and playing for the B’s is a dream come true for Matt and his family. He got taken out in Game 2 of the Finals, and the Bruins are currently seeking revenge. Dude’s got a good beard going too. (Defense, #48, 3rd Pair)

Step 6: Pick your goalie

- As much as we love Jaro, there’s only one goalie you need to know about when you’re learning about the Bruins... 2 U’s 2 K’s 2 Points... Tuukka Rask! The clear MVP of the Playoffs this year, Tuukka has been a brick wall in the net for the B’s. He’s known for being quick tempered and a little... wild, at times, having been caught on camera beating the shit out of a bunch of milk crates and on time brandishing a skate blade at the refs like a knife. Though some fans seem to never forgive Tuukka for the B’s loosing the 2013 playoffs, around these parts we love and respect and rely on his prowess in the net. Off ice, he kinda looks like the grinch (and knows it), though apparently Bergy thinks he looks like Harry Styles (i wish i was kidding). He’s also got 2 adorable little girls! (GOALIE, starter)

So now you’ve got 6 guys that you know about, right? I would pick 1 or 2 of those to be the ones you pay attention to. Listen for headlines about their goals/play, if you’re watching games, look for their numbers on the ice. All you gotta do is be able to say “Wow did you see that Coyle goal on Saturday night?” and all of a sudden you sound like an expert! (This works even better of you choose a guy not from the first category). 

If you have more questions about specific players or lines, feel free to reach out! I know not a lot but I know many people who actually do know things lol

(Also to any of Bruins tumblr who made it this far, I KNOW i’m missing your faves okay. Wagner, Clifton, Nordy, MoJo, Moore, and half the providence roster deserve a spot on here. But I’ve already written too much)

(Also Also, special thanks to Lil for helping me with Monte’s description)