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[eyeseverywhereitconsulting]

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[haddonfieldwhore]

agree to disagree - hayden christensen

hayden christensen x gn!reader

word count: 1k 🎧 hayden playlist

summary: you and your boyfriend hayden cheer for different hockey teams, which leads to some playful arguments

warnings: none just fluff, reader is a seattle fan but honestly you could imagine any other nhl team besides the leafs, slightly suggestive at the end maybe

being canadian, hayden had always been a hockey fan, and always a toronto maple leafs fans at that; some of the most stubbornly dedicated fans there were in the national hockey league. while you hadn’t always been as invested in the sport as he was, your casual enjoyment was enough for you to watch games with him at the start of your relationship, and he was happy to see you fall in love with it as he had. the only problem was you hadn’t exactly fallen in love with the same team he had, instead declaring yourself a seattle fan after watching them play.

tonight was one of the odd times each season that your respective teams would be playing eachother, which always made things interesting for you and hayden.

“listen you know the deal; i can be a good sport and cheer them on when they’re playing any other team…” hayden smiled, while setting down a selection of snacks and drinks for during the game.

“i understand- they’ve brainwashed you from a young age into thinking they’re a good team to cheer for. there’s no hope for you now,” you teased, sitting down on the loveseat and flipping to the right channel. he shook his head but laughed, smiling as he sat next to you.

“yeah and remind me again, what was your team doing back then? oh right, they didn’t exist yet.”

“yeah- whatever. when was the last time the leafs won the stanley cup?” you smiled, and he nodded jokingly, leaning in to give you a kiss. you smiled against his lips, enjoying the playful competitiveness that hockey brought out in the both of you.

the game was off to a rough start for your team, with the leafs quickly gaining the lead and keeping it through most of the first. you had curled into hayden’s side, his arm over your shoulders.

“we can still put money on this if you want to,” he smiled, kissing the top of your head.

“i thought canadians were supposed to be nice-“

“i know i know, i’m sorry.”

“that’s more in character,” you laughed, leaning into his chest as his arms wrapped around you.

•

you groaned as mitch marner scored his third goal of the game for toronto, and hayden tried not to laugh at your reaction.

“he hasn’t scored in 9 games and now he has a hat trick-“

“someone’s starting to sound like a sore loser-���

“yes, well it’s very nice that he’s remembered how to play, but he could’ve waited until tomorrow,” you whined, and this time hayden couldn’t hold back his laughter, his chest shaking as he buried his face in the crook of your neck.

“you’re funny.”

“i hate you for getting me into hockey.”

hayden laughed again as he peppered kisses up the side of your neck.

“you love me and you know it.”

“i know, i know,” you sighed, tangling your fingers in his curls and pulling his head upwards to bring his lips to yours. he returned the kiss before placing a gentle one on the end of your nose, before you both turned your attention back to the game.

seattle managed to tie the game near the end of the third, and the teams stayed tied through overtime, until eventually the maple leafs won in the shootout. obviously happy that his team had won but still trying to be a good sport, hayden kept his celebrations minimal.

“do you want me to be supportive or to just shut up?” hayden asked, rubbing your back.

“go ahead and gloat, you earned it,” you caved, knowing you would want to cheer if your team had won.

“thank you baby,” he smiled, kissing you softly, watching his team celebrate their win on the tv. you tidied up some of the dishes from the snacks and drinks scattered around the living room and placed them in the kitchen. hayden walked up behind you, his arms snaking around your waist and his chin resting on your shoulder.

“i’m sorry.”

“you’re sounding canadian again,” you teased, trying not to be too upset about the result of the game; after all, you’re team had still gotten a point for making it to overtime, so it wasn’t a total loss. hayden placed soft kisses up the side of your neck, and you spun around to face him, trapped between his arms and the kitchen counter. your hands cradled either side of his jaw as you brought his mouth to yours, tugging at his bottom lip gently with your teeth. a groan rumbled in his throat as his hips pressed against yours, his hands landing on either side of your waist as your fingers tangled in his curls once again.

“let me cheer you up,” hayden mumbled, his forehead pressing against yours as your eyes met. you nodded slightly, and hayden helped you up to sit on the counter, positioning himself to stand between your legs. already missing his lips on yours, you pulled him closer again, moaning slightly as his hand gently gripped your throat.

“hay…” you whispered as he pushed you back slightly, your wet lips parted as you stared up at him.

“remind me again though,” he raised an eyebrow. “who’s team won tonight?” he asked, a smirk on his face as you pouted.

“don’t be mean-“

“awww, is someone a sore loser?” he asked, wrapping your legs around his waist as he tugged your body closer.

“i thought you said you were gonna cheer me up?” you asked, and he placed a kiss on your lips.

“i know baby, i’m only teasing, i’m sorry-” you interrupted him with another kiss.

“you’re apologizing again,” you teased, and he brushed your hair out of your face.

“well, look where i’m from, it’s in my nature.”

you laughed, kissing him softer this time.

“i love you,” you smiled.

“i love you too.”

“more than the leafs?” you raised an eyebrow, and hayden laughed, resting his forehead against you collarbone before looking up at you, a look of pure adoration in his blue eyes.

“maybe just a little bit more.”

disclaimer: all screenshots, events, and/or interactions depicted in this are a work of fiction. i have no association with any parties mentioned

[pwhl-mybeloved]

The Professional Women’s Hockey League is officially preparing for expansion.

The league — with six franchises in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Minnesota, Boston and New York — will add up to two teams as early as the 2025-26 season.

League officials have not shared where they plan to send their request for proposals — which marks the first step in expansion — only that the league is looking for the right market size, fan base, facilities and economic opportunity.

“It’s about finding the best market, the best fan base and the best partners,” Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s senior vice president of hockey operations told The Athletic after Tuesday’s announcement.

It’s still very early in the process, but here are our top eight potential PWHL expansion teams.

Pittsburgh

It’s fair to imagine Pittsburgh will be among the top contenders for expansion. The Penguins — backed by Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Penguins, the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool F.C. — have been staunch in their support for women’s hockey and desire for an expansion franchise.

The Penguins hosted a PWHL game at PPG Paints Arena last season with almost 9,000 fans in attendance — the ninth-most attended game in the regular season. A women’s team could play its home games at PPG or at an expanded Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, which is around 22 miles north of the team’s downtown arena.

The facility serves as the Penguins’ practice facility with two NHL-sized sheets of ice and land on which to build. Penguins president of business operations Kevin Acklin has suggested that a new third sheet of ice, with seating in line with modern arenas for NCAA Division I programs, could serve as a base of operations for a PWHL team. That would include offices for management and coaches, locker rooms, training and medical areas — essentially anything and everything a professional team would require, want and “deserve,” Acklin told The Athletic in January.

Games could also easily be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh – a regional sports network FSG acquired in 2023 – which already carried some PWHL games last season, even without a team based in Pittsburgh.

Detroit

The city affectionately known as “Hockeytown” would be a natural choice for an expansion franchise. Hefford basically said as much at the neutral site game hosted at Little Caesars Arena last season, which set a U.S. record for attendance at a women’s professional hockey game (13,736).

“It just seems like an obvious (spot) for a hockey market that we’d love to be a part of,” she said. “And although not in our Original Six, it’s somewhere that we still, I think, have our eyes on. And tonight has just been another proof point that this is a market that loves hockey and I think loves women’s hockey.”

Given the attendance at the game last season and the fight for a Division I women’s team at the University of Michigan, there is an appetite for women’s hockey in the state and a strong grassroots system, with programs like Little Caesars and HoneyBaked Hockey Club. According to USA Hockey, Michigan ranked fourth in female hockey registration last season only behind Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York – three states that already have PWHL franchises.

The biggest issue with Detroit is the venue. The Red Wings and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons are full-time occupants at LCA, which also hosts plenty of concerts and other events. USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., less than 30 miles outside of Detroit, is a potential alternative, but with a 3,500 capacity it would be on the small side.

PWHL fans can pack venues such as Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. But what’s the best size and scope for every game of the season? (Mark Blinch / Getty Images)

Washington, D.C.

Before the PWHL officially selected its original six markets, D.C., often came up as a potential landing spot, and it made a lot of sense. The Washington Capitals hosted two successful Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association events that served as the barnstorming precursor to the PWHL. Back in April, Monumental Sports & Entertainment majority owner Ted Leonsis told CNBC he wants to make D.C. “the capital of women’s professional sports.”

Like Pittsburgh, a Monumental-backed PWHL team would have broadcast infrastructure via the Monumental Sports Network. But, like Detroit, it could struggle to find an appropriate – or available – arena. Capital One Arena hosts the Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the Georgetown men’s basketball team. The Capitals practice facility, where the PWHPA events were held, only has seating for around 1,200. Entertainment & Sports Arena – home of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, which is also owned by Monumental – would be an upgrade in size with around 4,100 seats, but it’s unclear if the facility has the capacity to accommodate a hockey rink.

Chicago

If the PWHL wants to lead its first wave of expansion with a major American sports city, Chicago will be tough to beat.

It’s a strong grassroots hockey market, with several youth programs and a number of notable home-grown national team players including Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Cammi Granato, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Abbey Murphy – who could graduate from college and be the team’s first-ever draft pick. You have to admit, that would be very cool.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the venue will be the biggest hurdle when it comes to a city like Chicago.

The United Center is likely too big and too busy. Wintrust Arena, where the WNBA’s Chicago Sky play, is interesting with around 10,000 seats. But it’s largely a basketball venue. Could it facilitate a sheet of ice? That remains to be seen.

Allstate Arena, home to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, seems like an easy alternative. It’s around 20 miles from the downtown core in Rosemont, Ill., where Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is located. It’s a big venue (18,500), but shouldn’t be as hard to get in as the United Center.

It’s also worth noting the Minnesota Frost are the only team in the American Midwest; a Chicago expansion could fix that.

St. Louis

Speaking of Midwestern cities, St. Louis checks a lot of the boxes. It’s a dedicated hockey market – the Blues’ attendance figures have hovered around 18,000 for over a decade now – with strong girls youth hockey participation.

The Blues have invested in growing girls and women’s hockey in St. Louis, with learn-to-play programs and previously hosting PWHPA events. CEO Chris Zimmerman has also been open about the team’s desire to host a PWHL game in the city.

Figuring out facilities in St. Louis seems less complicated than some other destinations. The Blues are the primary tenant at the Enterprise Center and have a new $83 million practice rink just outside of the city, the Centene Community Ice Center. The facility is home to the NCAA DI Lindenwood hockey teams and has capacity for over 4,500 people – a fine size for a new franchise.

The Minnesota Frost are currently the only PWHL team in the American Midwest. Expansion to Chicago or St. Louis could add another. (David Berding / Getty Images)

Halifax

While the first five cities on this list have been in NHL markets, a potential NHL partnership is not a prerequisite. Neither is being in the United States, although there certainly seem to be more major U.S. markets than what might be possible in Canada. That being said, Halifax is an interesting prospect, especially if the league wants to consider markets outside of Ontario or the greater Toronto area.

Nova Scotia is a smaller province than Alberta, Manitoba or British Columbia but it is geographically closer to where the league currently operates, which is largely in Northeastern U.S. cities and Eastern Canada.

The Scotiabank Centre – home of the CHL’s Halifax Mooseheads – has a capacity of around 11,000 and will host Game 6 of the Canada-USA Rivalry Series in February. The arena also hosts pro lacrosse. Truthfully, it would be surprising if Halifax was the seventh PWHL franchise, but the Rivalry Series game could prove to be an critical audition for pro women’s hockey in the Maritimes.

Quebec City

On Wednesday, the PWHL officially announced Quebec City will host a neutral-site game between Montreal and Ottawa this season. City councillor Jackie Smith has already called the game the first step to landing an expansion franchise in Quebec City, according to the Associated Press.

Quebec City has an NHL-caliber rink – the 18,000-seat Vidéotron Centre where the neutral-site game will be played – that could host a full-time PWHL team with little to no scheduling issues.

Not to mention, the city is a hockey hotbed that hasn’t had a major professional hockey team since the Nordiques left in 1995. The Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins played in front of a packed building during this year’s NHL preseason. The Quebec Remparts, the city’s QMJHL team, are typically among the leaders in attendance across the CHL.

It’s easy to imagine the city embracing a PWHL team.

Western expansion

League officials have said they are not putting any guardrails on potential expansion franchises – meaning they aren’t shutting down expanding far outside its current footprint.

Calgary has had successful women’s professional sports franchises in the past – the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno won the last-ever Clarkson Cup in 2019. The Seattle Kraken hold the record for attendance at a U.S. women’s national team game on American soil (14,551). The Vancouver Canucks are a billion-dollar-franchise and British Columbia has become a hotbed for elite young talent, including Canadian phenom Chloe Primerano. There’s California to consider, too, where many of PWHL owner Mark Walter’s franchises – the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks – are currently based.

There are places in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest that could and eventually should be home to PWHL franchises. However, adding a team on the other side of North America would come at a significant cost at a really early – and still growing – stage of the business.

Of course, it’s all going to depend on what is proposed. If, say, the Seattle Kraken are offering the kind of support and infrastructure we saw during the Rivalry Series, maybe the league won’t be able to say no.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

I still share plants opinion regarding IG. I think they’re phasing harry out, in part because he contributes very little compared to what they spend on him. And secondly the UK military no longer want him as the poster child post spare release. And the only reason why it hasn’t happened yet is because of Charles. But I personally don’t think that Charles influence will continue that much longer. IG wants to get rid of them, and if he doesn’t show up to the event in may it’s rather easy for the UK to not award the next games location. Would harry put up a stink?? Absolutely, but that’s when they’ll pivot on in on her and ARO.

I agree. I wouldn’t be surprised if Invictus Games has been trying to cut Harry lose since Megxit when they lost their Royal prestige. Because without Harry’s Royal status connecting them to the UK Ministry of Defense, what exactly is he needed for?

I think it was Plant who said this (but it could’ve been another blog) but Harry and Meghan have managed to make *every* *single* Invictus Games about them:

2017 Toronto IG: they debuted their relationship and it was all anyone talked about

2018 Sydney IG: they announced Meghan’s pregnancy and it was all anyone talked about. Not only, there’s pretty consistent gossip that the Sussexes only showed up for the ceremonies and barely attended the actual events/games.

2020 Dutch IG: postponed to 2021 because of Covid

2021 Dutch IG: postponed to 2022 because of the Olympics and no one wanting to risk their spots on national teams (though the official story is that it was postponed for Covid).

2022 Dutch IG: they turned it into Meghan’s Fashion Show (and stiffed IG with all the bills) and a BetterUp sponcon. But all anyone talked about was their pre-IG visit to Windsor to see The Queen for the first time since Megxit (a visit that Meghan had to leak directly because there were no photographs).

2023 Düsseldorf Games: another Meghan merchfest and BetterUp sponcon, but all anyone talked about was Harry’s papwalk visiting his grandmother’s grave on the anniversary of her passing and his comments about it.

It’s not good for any charity’s bottom line if their patron or sponsor is dominating the news to the point that their spotlight excludes the charity itself. There are definitely people at Invictus who understand this and who are probably fighting hard to let Harry go.

After all, Germany is able to do its own national Games independent of the charity and without Harry. Reading between the lines: Germany Invictus has some kind of corporate backing from the “main” charity to do this spin-off version. Especially if it was made clear that they didn’t want the Sussexes involved (as the press did when the announcement was made).

I know I said this before but I think it bears repeating: if Germany Invictus does really well without “main” IG and without Harry “promoting” it, I think they’ll go ahead and cut Harry loose altogether because it will have proven what’s been known since 2018 - that the Sussexes are a huge liability for the people they claim to support and advocate for.

[youcouldmakealife]

KS Fill: Matt/Aaron; good first impression

For the prompt: Aaron and his mom come to see Matt play on the West Coast.

This was a fill for a Kickstarter supporter; they've generously allowed me to share this so everyone can enjoy.

It isn’t easy, getting his mother to go to a hockey game without telling her that the reason he wants her to go with him is because he’s dating one of the players. That things are serious. Serious enough that he’s trying to get a woman who gets cold in the shade on a summer day into an arena. A woman who changes the channel if any sport is on TV — except baseball, but he’s been assured that’s an exception she only makes when he’s around or if the game is one he’s playing in. A woman who makes sure to watch all the athlete profiles during the Olympics but never watches their actual events.

“I became a bit of a fan,” Aaron says, the first time she throws up her hands and asks him why he’s so intent on driving all the way to LA to see the Leafs play.

“You don’t have to drive hours and freeze your poor mother to death to watch them,” she says. “You can see them any time in Toronto, can’t you?”

Aaron would call her dramatic, but again: shade on a summer day.

“I’ve made a few friends on the team,” Aaron says, during his second attempt. “Thought I might catch up with them at the game.”

“That’s nice,” she says. “Maybe bring one of your cousins instead, go out after the game? I would just slow you down.”

The thing is, Aaron knows that if he told her that he was seeing Matt, that maybe seeing was an understatement, but he hadn’t actually seen him since the Jays season ended, and timezones and the unpredictability of Matt’s schedule means he’s barely even seen him on a screen since then, he knows that she’d be bundling up in her warmest coat and making Aaron tell her everything on the drive, listening avidly when she wasn’t scolding him for not telling her about Matt sooner or demanding that she meet Matt after the game.

But for some reason, Aaron can’t do it. It isn’t that he thinks Matt wouldn’t be okay with it, because he’s more chill about all this than Aaron is, and his family all knows about Aaron, even if they haven’t met him yet. It’s — he doesn’t know. He wants her to see Matt first, maybe. See him without knowing that he means something to Aaron, see him without any expectations, biases, even positive ones.

He wants her to take one look at him and go ‘that one seems nice’, even though he knows that wouldn’t happen, that they’ll be a hundred feet away, Matt just a number, a name too small to read without squinting. He wants her to like him.

It takes a bit of pleading and a night at a nice hotel, a reservation at a place he had to get a friend on the Angels to name drop for him, and offering to go shopping on Sunday, let her pick some things out for him, but when he drives up to LA Saturday afternoon, she’s in the passenger seat.

There’s a dramatic shiver when they do get down to ice level, but they just split a very nice bottle of wine and a good meal at an award-winning restaurant, so there’s some goodwill going on, and she keeps her phone in her purse, which is more than Aaron can say for a lot of the people around them.

Aaron’s still picking things up, but he knows enough by now to see the Leafs look a little slow, getting caught out easily, which probably isn’t a good sign. The Kings haven't manage to take advantage of it yet at least, though they’re pushing, and every whistle seems to happen in front of the Leafs’ net, the shoving matches getting a little more intense each time.

Aaron flinches as Matt starts to get into it with a guy who has some pounds on him, relieved when one of the linesmen intervenes before the gloves come off.

“Is one of your friends out there?” his mother asks. Maybe she saw the flinch. Maybe he’s got some other tell, one he doesn’t even know he’s showing. She’d probably just say it’s motherly intuition.

“You see the guy in the corner?” Aaron says. “The one with 22 on his back.”

“The one who just punched someone?” she says with a disapproving sniff.

“Uh,” Aaron says. “It was more of a roughing—“

“The one who just punched someone,” she repeats.

Matt and the King are both still wearing their gloves, so Matt would get a roughing call at most, but there may have been a punch thrown, gloved or not.

“That’s your friend?” she asks, after a moment.

Matt’s arguing as he gets escorted to the box. Aaron doesn’t know why. He really did punch someone. It may not be fighting, but it is a roughing call. But then he sees that only one penalty box door is open, and he understands entirely, indignant on his behalf. The King was just as involved as Matt was, and there were guys on the ice who dropped their gloves, should be in the box instead, or at least keeping him company in there.

“I—“ Aaron says. “Something like that.”

They’re both quiet. In the box, Matt’s fuming, and it’s hard not to fume himself, especially after the Kings finally break the stalemate with a power play goal. Aaron hopes they turn it around, and not just because if they don’t, Matt’s going to be annoyed all night. Apparently he's a fan.

“He seems nice,” his mother says. “Your friend.”

“Really?” Aaron says. “You seemed stuck on the punching, there."

“Well, they do that, don’t they,” she says. “In hockey.”

“Yeah,” Aaron says. “They do that.”

Not like he’s never been involved in a brawl himself, but in baseball they’re events. Hockey? Matt’s not even considered a fighter and Aaron’s handed over a few ice packs already.

“I’m sure the other guy deserved it,” his mother says, then, “What was that for?” when Aaron ducks down to kiss the top of her head.

“Nothing,” he says. “We’ll make a hockey fan out of you yet, mami.”

“God forbid,” she says, with a shudder that may be for effect, or just from the cold, and leans into him when he wraps an arm around her shoulders.

[gcgauthier]

(RECORD STORE DAY 4/20/24) It's been ten long years since Jennifer Nelson's landmark "David versus Goliath" lawsuit (Good Morning To You Productions vs. Warner Chappell (2013-2015)) was at its high-point in Federal Court.

Along with her eventual win - and the creation of an Award-Winning Documentary about her journey - her actions not only drew attention to some dirty, little copyright law abuses, but she also managed to raise public awareness of what a single person was capable of accomplishing.

I couldn't resist her story! Her heroic achievement is not only inspirational, but has also become an integral part of world history!

Accomplishments like these need to be recognized, and the only way I know how to do it is to write and perform silly, little cartoon songs - which I did - hence, this record.

(Ahh, the ear-worms of childhood, right?)

Anyway, "Glucksey's Birthday Song," is available on all major streaming platforms, and FOR FREE on YouTube, (keyword - "Glucksey.") Also, please feel free to share the song with ANYONE who's having a birthday! (It should annoy them for only a minute.) And last but not least, I want to thank you all for your constant love and support. None of this could have been possible without you. Your friend, Chrizzz.

GET YOUR FLEXI-COPY AT THE FOLLOWING NORTH AMERICAN LOCATIONS (April 20, 2024). SUPPLIES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED! - Chilliwax Records, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2C8 - Beat Street Records, Vancouver BC V6B 1L4 - Sloth Records Calgary, AB T2S 0B7 - Sonic Boom Records Toronto, ON M5T2C7 - Twist And Shout Records Denver, CO 80206 - Supervinyl, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - A-1 Record Shop, New York, NY 10009 - Amoeba San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117 - Easy Street Records & Cafe - Seattle, WA 98116 - Electric Fetus - Minneapolis, MN 55404 - Louisiana Music Factory, New Orleans, LA 70116 - Music Millennium, Portland, OR 97214 - Waterloo Records Austin, TX 78703

[through-rosey-glasses]

PWHL Teams and Which Taylor Swift Era They are in

My sister and I were talking about how Minnesota Frost is clearly in their Tortured Poets Department Era, and that inspired the rest of this post. This is just a fun little thing I did, please don't take it too seriously or personally.

(Also for swifties, I used the old versions of album covers as it refers to that era. Red TV is totally different than Red ya know.)

Minnesota Frost:

Currently in their The Tortured Poets Department Era. Basically messy despite being on top of the world. The album came out after the raging success of Taylor Swift in her Era's tour and winning her fourth album of the year at the grammy's. This new album brings out snappy lines targeted at fans and revelations at how Taylor Swift didn't live up to the ideal many fans had of her. In Minnesota we had the recent firing of the favored general manager and drafting of a controversial player. You can't convince me that Ken Klee wasn't blasting But Daddy I Love Him, as he made all his messy decisions.

Boston Fleet:

Speak Now was a Taylor Swift era filled with spite and determination. The whole album was written by Taylor Swift alone, partially because her ex and some critics accusing her of not being a proficient writer on her own. After losing the Walter Cup, the Boston Fleet have the confidence that they can make it far and the determination to be better. (I also think spite comes naturally to Boston, not like they need a motivation or something.) This era is very youthful but honest, and I think that energy would be great to see in Boston next season. Someone blast better than revenge.

Montreal Victoire:

A personal favorite of mine, the Red Era of Taylor Swift had it all. Heartbreak, style, chaos, parties, love. This era was also risky and complex, Taylor Swift blended country and pop, bringing critical acclaim and a wider fanbase. Montreal has had a fun, but chaotic summer. Their draft picks are a fair mix of old and new. (With that wild Kessel pick) Their name and logo got rave reviews. People see the the good foundation the team has and are waiting in anticipation for what's to come.

Toronto Sceptres:

Reputation is a come back era, and Toronto has something to prove. Following a devastating injury to a star player, the team wasn't the same during the playoffs. This season they are going to have to show that they are still that team. Reputation is a fan favorite album and I have found Toronto to have the strongest fanbase. (They sell out most often and have the largest social media presence.) The team knows they are good and they have the support, they just need to rebuild.

Ottawa Charge:

Folklore is an era of surprising change. During Covid and following the cut short run of Lover, Folklore was an unannounced reinvention of Taylor Swift. It wasn't an intentional change, but one forced by the way of the world. Ottawa needs to find its grove and step into its own again. I haven't heard much from Ottawa on anything really, and I hope its because they got some cool alt indie surprise on its way.

New York Sirens:

Listen I am not only picking 1989 because it has a cool New York aesthetic. This is the era of leaning in and giving it your all. When Red didn't win album of the year, Taylor Swift decided to move to New York and reinvent herself. New York was last in ranking last season, but got first in draft. They have been working off season with insane draft picks and that somehow it worked out trade with Boston. New York has the star power, the New York city life, and the rebranding to help turn them into something new.

[doingdathockey]

Dubas' participation in this event said a lot about his leadership style. As he is also handling general manager duties on an interim basis through July, Dubas could have left this portion to the amateur scouting crew. Instead, he made time to travel from Toronto to Buffalo to be involved in a couple long days of draft prep in the midst of a chaotic time for not only Dubas, but also his family - wife Shannon, son Leo, and daughter Lennon.

"I think number one, it was important for me to be here with the staff, because I haven't worked with them the whole year," Dubas said. "So be here in support of them, get to meet people who I don't have as long a track record with.

"But, more importantly, just to get to see the process that the team goes through and learn the way that they go about it, so that I can try to be helpful and help the process as we go through the next few weeks before the draft in Nashville."

And it wasn't just that Dubas was there - it was that he was completely engaged. On Dubas' first day in Buffalo earlier this week, he got to Pittsburgh's suite bright and early before the rest of the crew arrived. Once they did, Dubas greeted everyone warmly, and made it clear right away that he was deferring to them in this process, and that it shouldn't be the other way around.

Dubas was focused and observant during every session, with each player getting his full attention, as he really only looked away to make notes. He was true to his word about not wanting to interrupt the flow, only asking follow-ups here and there. For example, when a forward mentioned that he had driven his line last season, Dubas said, "what exactly does driving a line mean to you?" And when another said he liked listening to podcasts, Dubas wanted to know which ones.

Dubas did have one specific question he asked at the end, which was some variation of: "if I was going to watch one game of you at your absolute best from this year, what game would you tell me to watch?" Some kids answered without much hesitation, but there was one prospect in particular who thought long and hard. And instead of pressuring him for a response, Dubas offered him the chance to think about it more, saying he could text him with his reply by the end of the day, with the two exchanging numbers.

It was clear that Dubas relishes this particular area of the draft process, saying, "I really enjoy this part of it. Enjoy getting to know the players and who they are, in case you draft the players, so you know the type of people that are coming into the organization. And also, I know it's only been a few days, but start to identify the types of people that we want to bring in that are going to become great Pittsburgh Penguins."

And speaking of great Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby was drafted by the organization all the way back in 2005, the year most of these kids were born. Having grown up watching him, they all possess so much admiration and respect for the captain, which definitely came across.

"I know there's no perfect people, but he's as close to perfect as it gets," one prospect said before wanting to know more about what sets Crosby apart from everyone else, as the Penguins gave the kids a chance to ask questions of their own at the end.

Dubas truly lived up to his stellar reputation as a leader who fosters collaborative relationships with everyone around him during his stop in Buffalo, leaving a great impression on the Penguins scouting staff, who appreciated having him around and getting the chance to have some good conversations.

"I think I speak for everybody that's here with the Penguins that we've enjoyed one, getting to know him, and two, learning from him," Pryor said. "Obviously extremely intelligent, and we can learn a lot from him. He's been really open asking us questions. We've been able to ask him questions as well and kind of pick his brain. So, anytime you get a chance to spend with him and get to know him and understand him and his path - he's been extremely successful and he's really intelligent, so it's always good to be able to pick his brain."

people gushing about dubas and sid… excellent

[doctorhelena]

Steggy Fic: Teach My Feet to Fly, Chapter 7/14

Summary:��Peggy Carter, a world class ice hockey player learning to figure skate as part of a Canadian reality show, has an iron-clad rule about never, ever dating a teammate. Which means that she’ll simply have to get over the ridiculous attraction she has to her new figure skating partner, Steve Rogers.

Note: This story is complete, and has 14 chapters in total. New chapters are posted weekly on Fridays.

It’s also a very long-delayed thank you gift fic for the lovely @teaandatale!

Rating: PG

Read Chapter 7

Read from the beginning

Excerpt:

Toronto, Canada Battle of the Blades, Week 5 First Week of Competition (Thursday)

Rehearsals for the opening group number in the second week were no less chaotic than they had been for Week 1. It was partly, Peggy supposed, because not only were the figure skating techniques themselves getting more difficult, but each team also now only had a week to learn two new full routines: both the opening group number and their own new program. It was very easy to get the sequences confused - well, easy for the hockey players to get confused, at any rate. 

“I’m on your left,” Steve reminded Sam again, as, out of the corner of her eye, Peggy watched Dugan slide into the boards in a valiant attempt to avoid crashing into Sam and Steve.

Sam made a face. “Sorry. guess we’ll all have to take another lap.” He turned to Pietro. “Did you take it already? I assume you took it already.” Pietro grinned. He was a notoriously fast skater, and while he somehow made it work to his advantage while ice dancing with his sister, if left unchecked he did tend to skate far too fast for even the star hockey forwards to keep up - in figure skates, at least. Peggy wondered why on earth he hadn’t chosen to compete in speed skating instead. Lack of support for the sport in Sokovia, maybe.

It was also just a very odd routine to begin with, having been choreographed by Loki Laufeyson, Jarvis and Dottie’s assigned choreographer, who tended toward the avant-garde. Loki, wearing dramatic black and somehow managing to pace moodily while on skates, was getting increasingly impatient with the hockey players’ continued inability to “imbue every movement with glorious purpose”. Although Dottie, to be fair, seemed to be quite good at it.

Of course she was.

Read the rest of the chapter on A03

[misshoneyimhome]

would you be willing to do a Joseph Woll smut? maybe his girlfriend losing her virginity to him. i feel like he’d be so sweet and caring in the prep and aftercare but the next morning she’s craving joseph again

Well, of course, love! Although, I have to admit, I'm really not that great at first times, apparently - at least not in my opinion 🙈

I tried to keep to soft and romantic, but perhaps I made it too soft? 🤍

Anyway, I still hope it's enjoyable ���

Warnings; smut 18+; first-time, reader losing her virginity, fingering, protected sex (p in v);

Word count; 4K (it was not intended to be this long)

・✶ ｡ﾟ

The First Time | Jospeh Woll ⚡️🌺

Joseph Woll - Quite possibly the friendliest guy around, and he happened to be your boyfriend.

Being a tad older than you, you weren’t entirely sure why he'd opt to be with someone like yourself. Joe was a skilled hockey goalie, and with his genuine kindness, he could easily charm any young girl. Meanwhile, you were just a young woman trying to find your way through grown-up life.

Yet there he stood, Joseph Woll, with his gentle gaze and soft smile, choosing to be by your side. It had only been a few months since you officially became a couple, but it felt as though you'd known each other for an eternity. Every moment spent with him was brimming with joy, warmth, and a feeling of belonging.

You often found yourself pondering how lucky you were to have him in your life. He was more than just a hockey player; he was your confidante, your staunchest supporter, and your rock. And now, as you sensed your relationship blossoming, you couldn't help but wonder where this journey would take the two of you.

**

You’ met Joe in a charming café in Toronto, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and fate orchestrated a serendipitous meeting. With your arms burdened by books and papers, you stumbled clumsily, causing your belongings to scatter across the floor. And in the midst of this chaos, Joe emerged like a knight in shining amour, swiftly coming to your aid.

With a friendly smile and a gentle demeanour, he assisted in gathering your scattered possessions, his presence quelling the embarrassment that threatened to engulf you.

Handing back your books, a soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Looks like you could use a hand there," he remarked, his voice warm and comforting.

Blushing slightly, you nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, I'm usually not this clumsy though," you replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

He simply smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No worries, happens to the best of us."

His smile was utterly captivating. His brown hair tousled just right by the occasional breeze from outside, and his prominent ears giving him an endearing and charming appearance.

"Well, thanks anyway," you said sweetly, but for a moment, neither of you seemed to step out of each other’s way.

Joe wasn’t entirely certain why he felt so drawn to your gentle manner, but a small part of him wished fervently that this moment with you could stretch on indefinitely. So instead of letting it fade, he chose to take a leap and prolong the conversation.

"So… you’re into pianos?" Joe suddenly inquired, his brows furrowing with curiosity as he glanced at one of your books.

“Oh, well, yeah, it’s kind of a New Year’s resolution, but I haven’t really managed to play much,” you admitted shyly.

“Well, I happen to play the piano myself, and I know quite a bit about it. If you don’t mind, I could join you for a drink and share some insights?” he proposed, indicating the empty seat opposite you.

"Sure, I'd like that," you replied, a touch of excitement fluttering in your chest.

And so, amidst cups of steaming coffee and shared laughter, your dialogue flowed effortlessly. From exchanging thoughts on your favourite books to swapping anecdotes from your lives, you found yourselves completely absorbed in each other's company, the hours slipping away unnoticed.

**

Joe had naturally been the most romantic gentleman when your relationship began. Following your initial meeting, he'd been nothing but considerate, arranging a proper date at a cosy, intimate restaurant. True to his gentlemanly nature, he picked you up and drove you home, focusing solely on engaging in heartfelt conversations and deepening your connection.

On subsequent dates, he whisked you away to museums, followed by more coffee outings. Then, on the fourth date, he extended a heartfelt invitation to his home to cook you dinner. He even serenaded you with a few tunes on his piano, creating an atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale.

His approach was unlike that of most men you'd encountered in recent years. They were typically the stereotypical frat boys, fond of getting drunk and hitting on young women, often resorting to groping. While many of your friends may have been drawn to such individuals, you shared no such inclination.

You preferred to keep to yourself, finding solace in the simple joys of curling up with a good book and savouring a cup of tea. And this suited Joe perfectly.

You weren't one to partake in wild nights out clubbing every weekend or engage in promiscuous behaviour. Instead, you possessed a depth that made you far more intriguing. Always composed and serene, you listened to Joe with a peaceful smile, your laughter like sweet melodies.

As weeks evolved into months and your bond with Joe grew deeper, you found yourself increasingly at ease and secure in his company. Yet, one aspect remained a source of insecurity for you. Though not entirely uncommon for someone your age, discussing the topic and admitting the truth still felt awkward: you were a virgin.

And aware of Joe's past relationships, you knew that he wasn't.

But what troubled you most was the longing to confide in him, even though you were unsure how to broach the subject. You had a strong feeling that Joe, being the kind-hearted person he was, would never judge you. The challenge lay in finding a way to mention it, as casually as possible.

You thought about the issue for some time. However, on your next date, where Joe had once again invited you over for homemade pasta and relaxed piano lessons, it seemed as though fate had decided the moment had arrived.

After enjoying the most simple and romantic dinner a man had ever prepared for you, you found yourselves nestled together on the sofa, your favourite TV show playing in the background.

On the third date, Joe had given you a quick peck as he escorted you to your door. And by the fourth date, your kisses had grown slightly deeper. However, tonight, you felt a longing for more – yet Joe, always respectful, was almost frustratingly so. You didn't want to come across as too eager, but as soon as his lips met yours, you were captivated and craving more than just a fleeting kiss.

And as you cuddled on the sofa, you found yourselves irresistibly drawn into each other's arms, sharing a sincere, passionate kiss. Your tongues danced in sync as you gently explored Joe's mouth, your fingers twined in his hair while he held you close.

He positioned himself half on top of you, mindful of his larger build, as your legs entwined with his. And it was then that you felt it. Through his thick jeans, you could feel his member growing firmer with the escalating intensity of the kiss, and suddenly, a new sensation enveloped you. Something you had only felt in solitude - a rush of desire.

Easing back a little, you broke the kiss, allowing both of you to catch your breath.

"Are you okay?" Joe asked tenderly, earning a slight nod from you. "So, what's on your mind?" he asked softly, locking his pleading gaze with yours.

Feeling a bit apprehensive about expressing your thoughts, yet also buoyed by a surge of confidence, you decided to speak up. After all, he must be thinking the same thing, judging by the noticeable bulge.

"Um, well…" you began slowly. "You... um... you're turned on?" you half inquired, half stated as gently as possible, not wanting to embarrass him. But Joe remained unruffled. Instead, he simply chuckled softly, briefly glancing down before returning his gaze to you.

"Oh yeah... sorry, I can't really help that, this um, this just feels really good," he admitted softly, a broad grin spreading across his face.

And you couldn't help but smile too. "It really does…"

There was a brief moment of comfortable silence as you pressed your lips together, maintaining eye contact with the man above you.

"Are you sure? I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable," Joe expressed once more, his concern and kindness shining through.

But you simply shook your head gently. "You're not… I just…" Once again, you hesitated for a moment before revealing your true desires. "I just haven’t… ever… done something," you softly admitted, feeling your cheeks slowly flush.

And once more, Joe offered nothing but a gentle smile. "y/n, you don’t have to feel embarrassed about being a virgin…"

His words eased your anxiety a little. "Really?"

"Of course not! Honestly, I can only respect that choice, y/n," Joe added tenderly. "Just promise me you'll tell me if I ever cross a line…"

"Oh Joe, you're not! And to be honest, I really do want… more… it's just… I don’t know how," you admitted once again, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joe remained silent for a moment, considering how to proceed. It was no secret he desired you; his body language spoke louder than words after all. Yet, the last thing he wanted was to make you feel pressured into something you didn't want.

"Well, if and when you're ready… I'd like to show you."

**

Joe had insisted on waiting a few days before taking things further, wanting to ensure you felt ready and not pressured. Which you had reassured him countless times. And finally, the night arrived when you would share your most intimate self with him.

You had naturally heard a lot from girlfriends, so you had some idea of what to expect, yet you couldn't help but feel a little nervous. You'd be completely naked, and Joe would touch your most private areas.

But of course, he had gone out of his way to make you feel at ease. With candlelight and soft piano tunes, he had set a comfortable atmosphere at his home, aiming to keep it romantic and gentle.

And he had succeeded. As soon as he gently took your hand and led you to the bedroom after a casual dinner, all sorts of anxiety washed away. He was nothing but sweet and caring. Guiding you to lie on the bed, he kissed you deeply, his hand gently cradling your face as your lips moved together. His tongue politely sought permission to enter, and you welcomed it eagerly.

You felt incredible under Joe's touch. The way he carefully moved his hands around your body, gently massaging you as he pulled you closer to him, felt nothing short of amazing.

And Joe took his time with you, making sure you felt at ease as he kept the kiss deep and passionate, gradually feeling himself becoming aroused too.

Then, breaking the kiss momentarily, his eyes locked onto yours. "Are you certain about this?" He asked softly, to which you gave him a sweet smile and nodded.

"Yes, Joe," you replied, your voice soft and tender, yet tinged with excitement. With your consent, Joe positioned himself between your legs, kneeling as he guided you to relax completely. His gaze remained fixed on you, ensuring he would notice any hint of discomfort.

Then, gently, he began to move his large palms up under your shirt, feeling your smooth skin against his soft hands, before he encouraged you to sit up slightly so he could pull your shirt over your head. As you sat with your breasts exposed in your lacy bra, carefully chosen for the occasion, Joe remembered to kiss you again.

Giving him a smile, you signalled for him to continue. Still with his lips on yours, he used his skilled fingers to unclasp your bra. Although it looked good on you, Joe wanted to feel your skin against his. Your breasts were perfectly round and your nipples hard, indicating your arousal. He then guided you to lie back down as he slowly moved his lips to your neck, placing gentle kisses while his hand massaged your breast.

"Does that feel nice?" Joe murmured against the sensitive skin of your neck, sending a delightful shiver through you.

"Y-yes," you muttered, feeling yourself yielding more and more to him.

"Good, just relax," he spoke tenderly, before shifting to the other side of your neck and attending to your other breast with his hands.

"Mmm," you softly moaned, surprising yourself as you melted into his touch.

Being with Joe was truly wonderful. Already, you felt remarkably at ease under his touch, and you almost couldn't wait for him to proceed further.

Yet he maintained a leisurely pace. With care, he withdrew his tantalising lips, moving to kneel beside you, before he located the button on your jeans with his fingers. Skilfully, he unfastened them and slowly pulled them down your legs, revealing your matching lacy underwear.

You felt a twinge of embarrassment at being so exposed to Joe, yet somehow, he made you feel comfortable, creating a calming atmosphere in the room.

Returning to your lips, he gently planted another kiss. "If it makes you more comfortable, you can slip under the covers while I undress," he suggested, his voice incredibly soothing. And with a soft nod, you complied, while he slowly undressed as well, revealing his erect member.

You couldn't help but gasp as you beheld his size, proudly standing against his lower torso. It appeared quite large to you, though lacking any real comparison. All you could ponder was how it would fit inside you, as you had only experimented with your fingers a few times, and they didn't even come close to his dimensions.

Joe seemed to sense your slight astonishment. "Don’t worry, I'll make sure you're comfortable," he reassured you, returning to the mattress and joining you under the covers, where he once again connected your lips in a tender kiss.

Gradually, you relaxed once more, his calm demeanour rubbing off on you with each passionate motion. And as Joe slowly moved to remove your final piece of fabric, exposing your heat to him, he broke the kiss, yet keeping his gaze fixed on you at all times. Carefully, he encircled his long fingers around your core, smoothing your skin as he inched closer to your sensitive flesh.

Then reconnecting your lips, he delicately trailed his fingers between your folds, gently caressing your sensitive bud and lightly probing your entrance. You released a small breath, briefly breaking the kiss, before resuming as you felt the pleasurable sensations he was inducing.

And only when Joe felt you were completely at ease did, he let his fingers tenderly stroke your clit, sending small sparks of pleasure through your body. Your hands instinctively reached for his hair, intensifying the kiss as you felt a new wave of excitement beginning to build.

"Does it feel good, sweetheart?" He whispered softly into the kiss, and all you could manage was to moan in response. "Good…"

Joe couldn't help but relish the way you lightly moaned and shifted under his touch. All he desired was to ensure he brought you pleasure, and from the way your fingers tangled in his hair, he took it as a positive sign.

Breaking the kiss once more, he pulled back to observe your expression while gently applying a little more pressure as he circled your clit. Then noticing your moans becoming more rapid and uninhibited, he sensed that you were experiencing the pleasure he aimed to provide you.

And indeed, you were. The knot in your lower abdomen tightened as Joe continued to tease your nerve endings, and soon you felt your legs trembling lightly, losing all sense of control. Your hands shifted to grip onto his shoulders as the intensity within you heightened, and soon you realised this must be what an orgasm felt like.

"Oh… Joe…" you softly moaned, closing your eyes tightly as he maintained a steady rhythm, bringing you closer to climax. "Yes…"

And before long, you felt a small spasm wash over your body, as you allowed yourself to succumb to the moment, your mind enveloped in a blissful haze.

Joe couldn't help but smile as he witnessed the pleasure, he was bringing you. "Did you enjoy that?" He chuckled lightly, though he already knew the answer, as he withdrew his fingers slightly.

"Yes," you simply breathed out as you slowly came down from your high.

There was a tender moment lingering, yet the air was thick with steamy desire. Then, with his eyes still locked onto yours, Joe slowly let his fingers slip further down, gently stroking your moist flesh as he approached your entrance. He studied your face, ensuring you still felt relaxed under his touch.

And when he noticed your controlled breathing, he slowly pressed a finger against your opening, gently pushing as he felt your tight walls around it.

“Mmm…” you moaned softly. Even with just one finger, it felt much better than anything you'd ever tried on your own.

And Joe felt rather satisfied with how well it was going, how wet you were, which had been part of his intention when bringing you to climax first. And as he observed your face showing small signs of pleasure, he slowly added a second finger, ensuring it felt good while also gently stretching you.

Despite feeling his own arousal building, his cock throbbing and slick with pre-cum, his primary focus was on your need. And as he felt your wetness coating his fingers, your walls tightening around his digits as he stimulated you, he thought that you might be ready for him soon.

Your fingers lightly dug into his shoulders as you savoured the pleasurable sensation of his fingers inside you. However, the more he massaged your insides, the more you yearned for him. Another small knot was slowly forming in your stomach once more, and now as you understood what it meant, you felt an even deeper desire to be satisfied.

“Joe…” you softly mumbled between moans. “Please, I want you…”

And your wish was his command. “Alright,” he whispered in your ear, before gently withdrawing his fingers from your core, leaving you feeling a bit empty, yet filled with anticipation.

Then kneeling back, he leaned over to the nightstand where he retrieved a condom packet, carefully tearing it open before sheathing himself. Your eyes followed his every move attentively, your core patiently waiting to be fulfilled.

Hovering over you once more, Joe positioned himself in missionary, his gaze still locked on you as he aligned himself with your entrance. “Let me know if it hurts,” he spoke firmly, earning a nod of confirmation from you. Your hands found their way to the back of his shoulders again, your eyes deeply connected with his as he slowly eased his length inside you.

“Oh… God…” you muttered under your breath as his member stretched your tight walls.

Joe felt nothing but pleasure as he filled you up, slowly reaching the very depths of your insides before he paused. Both of you needed a moment to catch your breath; you were overly stimulated, while Joe needed to exercise restraint. The sensation of you around his sensitive member was heavenly, and he felt a surge of pride being the first one you let in.

“I’m going to start moving, okay?” he softly inquired, earning another nod from you. And then very carefully, he withdrew a little before pushing back in, and then again, very slowly. Your nails almost dug into his skin as you felt the exquisite stimulation of his cock against your walls, your mind drifting into another blissful haze and your vision slowly blurring.

And Joe soon found a steady rhythm that brought you both pleasure, still slow and cautious as he didn’t want to overwhelm you. However, as your moans gradually grew louder with every thrust, he found it increasingly difficult to hold back. Gradually, he began to increase the pace, your wetness allowing him to slide in and out effortlessly.

“Mmmm… yes, oh…” he muttered under his breath as he rocked his hips against you, his cock throbbing with every motion. Similarly, you felt your core dripping and pulsating as he made love to you.

“Joe… Mmm… I think- I think I’m going to…” you couldn’t even finish your sentence as a rush of pleasure coursed through your mind, body, and soul, his length guiding you to another orgasm, your eyes closing as you surrendered to the euphoria once more.

Which only brought Joe closer to his own climax as your tight walls clenched around him, his pace picking up once more. He had to close his eyes as well as he felt himself about to reach the peak, and with a few more thrusts, he finally let out a deep grunt and surrendered to his climax.

“Oh yes…” he moaned loudly, allowing himself to thrust slowly and deeply a couple of times as he released into the latex.

There was another moment of silence as you both regained control of your breaths, your hearts beating faster as you slowly returned to reality from the euphoric state.

Pearls of sweat had formed on Joe’s forehead, his eyes opening again to meet yours in a romantic gaze.

“Was that alright?” he softly inquired with a crooked smile, and you couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Joe, it was absolutely wonderful,” you flashed him a satisfied smile. And for another few seconds, you allowed yourselves to just enjoy the intimate moment.

“Good…” he returned your satisfied smile. “Just try to relax, sweetheart, and I’ll be right back,” he informed you with a soft tone before carefully withdrawing his length from your core. Offering him a nod, you watched as he walked to the bathroom to dispose of the condom.

And while he was cleaning himself up, you couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness wash over you. Your mind still basking in bliss as you reflected on tonight and how sweet and gentle Joe had been, how understanding and caring he had shown himself to be.

It hadn’t been painful at all, contrary to what some of your friends had warned. Instead, Joe had taken his time to ensure you felt nothing but pleasure, even bringing you to your very first two orgasms.

As you lay there in the romantic yet passionate ambiance, a smile played on your lips. And as Joe returned to the bed, he wore an equally contented smile, a damp cloth in his hand, which he delicately used to help you clean your juices from between your legs.

It was nothing short of an amazing evening, the way Joseph helped you explore your own body and desires, followed by him offering you a t-shirt to sleep in and whispering sweet nothings as you simply lay in his embrace. You chatted for a brief while, both of you wearing broad smiles, as he tenderly caressed every inch of your body, still ensuring you felt relaxed and comfortable even after making love. And as satisfaction filled your mind and body, tiredness descended upon you both, and gradually you drifted off to sleep in each other’s warm embrace.

**

As morning slowly crept in, you still felt a lingering sense of pleasure in your core. And what made your early smile widen even more was waking up spooning with Joe, his large frame enveloping you, while his morning wood pressed against your back.

And sensing your slight movements, Joe also slowly stirred from his slumber.

“Morning,” he softly murmured into your hair, planting a gentle kiss as he held you close.

“Morning,” you replied with a husky morning voice, before turning around in his arms, your tired gaze meeting his.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Oh, I think we both know I slept wonderfully,” you let out a light chuckle. “How about you?”

“Hmm, I slept well too, especially with you in my arms…”

You couldn’t help but smile as your eyes remained locked. “Did you have any… uhm, dreams about me?” you inquired, slightly mischievously.

“Hmm, not specifically,” Joe chuckled lightly, propping his head on his elbow. “Why?”

“Oh, well then you must just be really happy to have me here…” you teased sweetly, hinting at his once again firm member tucked away in his boxers.

“Yeah, that’s kind of normal,” he chuckled again. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not happy to have you here,” he added, smiling before leaning in for a tender kiss.

“Hmm,” you hummed into the kiss before pulling back slightly, your mind filled with desire for the man lying beside you. “Well… maybe… it deserves a little attention…” you sweetly suggested.

“Oh, you're already up for round two?” Joe grinned playfully, pulling you a little closer to his warm body.

“Maybe…” you admitted softly. “I guess it was just that good…”

And Joe couldn’t exactly disagree with you. Flashing you a flirtatious smile, he then kissed you again, this time in a deeper and more passionate manner, before pulling apart.

“Well, then I guess I shouldn’t keep you waiting, miss,” he said with a smile before attending to your desires with a playful chuckle.

[bruinsbabydaddyy]

Desert Sunsets

He was nervous, Like sweating from every pore nervous. But of course, you wouldn't have noticed that between the steep climbing and the Arizona sun, you could only focus on surviving this beast of a hike you for some reason agreed to go on. You wouldn't have if he wasn't so weirdly adamant about going. Usually, when you tell him you don't wanna exercise with him he just sighs and walks away. But not this time, this time he practically begged, and played every card he had including a movie night of whatever you wanted and multiple promised coffee runs. What made things even worse was you weren't even in the cool air of Toronto you had grown accustomed to in the multiple years of living with Auston.

 but you were back in AZ and usually, you did okay with the summer heat when you had AC in the comfort of your Scottsdale apartment even with the sun setting it was still scorching, but on the plus side apparently, Auston couldn't take the heat either and had lost his shirt about a mile and a half ago and that was the only motivation you needed to keep your head up, as you were approaching what you were praying to be the top he looked back at you and you noticed something in his eyes, a kind of fear like he was waiting for you to run for the hills and not look back but you couldn't, you wouldn't dream of it these past few years had been the best of your life, you would walk to the ends of the earth if he asked you too. A shaky voice broke your thoughts “babe come up here for a sec” “give me a second felix is really into this bush” as you pull the doodle to your side and make your way up the little pathway the view hits you,various shades of pink an orange fill the desert sky and all of the thoughts leave your head “is this what heaven feels like” is all you can seem to get out.

you hear a chuckle behind you as you take out your phone to capture the moment,it felt like eternity as you were trying to get that perfect picture that you'd completely end up forgetting to post in the end but what broke you away from that screen was the shaky breath coming from the man behind you and as you turn around you immediately felt yourself tearing up and from the looks of Austons face he was about to as well 

“honey I owe everything I am today to you,you have got me through some of my hardest days and made my best a thousand times better,You have stuck by my side and single handedly been my biggest support system when i was trying to navigate through a whole new life in Toronto,you have been the best mom to felix and I know your gonna be an even better one to our kids one day. Hell you dropped everything to move across the country with me and I know I'll never be able to repay you for everything you've done for me and our relationship but I'd like to spend the rest of my life trying if you'll let me” by this point you fully sobbing and he's even slipped a few tears. “I would love to” you manage to choke out in between sobs that are slowly turning into laughs as you see his face relax and the stress in his eyes fade to a love you've only seen in movies and Taylor swift songs. He pulls you into the tightest embrace he can muster and he holds you in front of the desert sunset

[almighty-letu]

Day 7 Aleheather Week 2024

Day 7, November 17th - Future

Create something that shows how YOU picture Aleheather's future.

After surviving a near shark attack at the end of All Stars, things could only go up from there.

Heather and Alejandro hit it off when the show came to an end, seemingly with no revival in sight. They exchanged phone numbers, texted practically every day, called, and went on dates. Alejandro even introduced her to his family and though the reception was cold at the start they quickly warmed up to Heather and welcomed her into their family unit.

When the time came for Alejandro to meet Heather’s family, she was deeply embarrassed. His family was posh and grand while hers was a mess in every sense of the word. Being the middle child of five kids and two neglectful parents can only turn out so well. At the end of the day, Alejandro made it clear he did not hold any of her family’s behavior against her, though now he knows why she tried so hard to maintain distance from them.

It didn’t take long for things to escalate and eventually Heather moved out of her parents’ house to live with Alejandro in Toronto. They weren’t married yet, but with how often they were in each other’s presence there was no reason to delay the inevitable any longer. Plus; Heather really wanted out of her parents’ house. Alejandro helped her with the moving truck and the transition had been as smooth as butter.

Most days were cozy and they fell into a routine. Alejandro would wake up first, go to the gym, and come home to shower. Meanwhile Heather would get ready for the day and get breakfast ready before they went their separate ways - Alejandro worked as a branch manager in an architecture firm, and Heather worked freelance as a content creator and marketing agent. Alejandro would arrive home at 6PM and they would get dinner ready together, and spend the remainder of the evening watching a movie or show on TV.

Although Heather was still getting used to letting down her walls and being openly affectionate with Alejandro, for the first time in her life, Heather felt at home.

She felt safe. She wasn’t constantly judged and criticized for merely existing. She wasn’t being watched every second of the damn day for someone’s entertainment, or put with her back against the wall to think strategy. Finally she found someone who understood her and treated her like the queen she is!

Though she would never admit it to his face, Alejandro was very good support for her to have. He was patient most days, he annoys and teases her to get a rise out of her but it’s all in good fun, and he is always there for her no matter what. Heather still wondered when he was going to say sike and pull the carpet from beneath her and reveal some hidden scheme of his - a long con to backstab her the next time they are called back to the show; because they know it’s going to happen eventually. It always comes back. But Alejandro maintained docile and sweet toward her. Even when she was not in the mood for affection, he’d always offer an ear to vent to.

Sometimes Heather wished she wasn’t so afraid of intimacy. She envied Alejandro’s ease in initiating affection and saying nice things without the urge to shrivel up and die right then and there. At the same time, oddly enough, she was also touch starved; which made for a curious combination when she’d snap at him for being romantic, and the next second melt under his touch. But he understood how hard this is for her, and he knew she was trying her best to adjust.

Talk of marriage came up quite a few times, mostly when they were drunk on wine on weekends, but it was all fun speculation and daydreaming. To be honest, the only reason they haven’t gone through with it yet when they already live together is because of the show. They couldn’t lower their guards; it could come back at any moment, and they dreaded the awaited phone call demanding them back to that hellish nightmare.

Still, Heather and Alejandro made due with what they had and they had fun doing it. Alejandro often appeared on Heather’s social media show, and she gained quite a following after her last appearance on Total Drama, gaining millions of subscribers.

One night, after dinner, Heather lay on top of Alejandro draped over the couch as they watched Netflix together. His hand tangled gently in her locks. “This show is really good.” She commented.

“Hm.” Alejandro hummed.

Heather snickered. “I thought we had it bad back on Total drama, but this-” She pointed at the TV screen where Squid Game was playing. “Now that’s something to reconsider.”

“You think Chris is watching this show right now? Same as us?” Alejandro remarked thoughtfully.

“Only if it’s to steal ideas for his next season.” Heather chuckled.

Simultaneously, both of them turned to stare at their phones lying idly still on the coffee table, waiting for the dreaded ringtone. They joked, but they were still apprehensive about their time on the show and when they’ll be forced back into the ring.

Thankfully, both phones remained silent and they breathed a sigh of relief.

Years went by, and eventually the show slipped away from their minds. “It must’ve gotten pulled from the air” they thought, tension releasing from their shoulders. When the show did eventually make an unexpected come back, it only further established Heather and Alejandro’s doubt that they would ever come back when the two new seasons featured brand new cast members.

They were finally free!

The same year the second season of the reboot was airing, Alejandro decided enough was enough - there will not be a better time than the present to make their lives a reality. He bought the best, most expensive, beautiful ring he could find, and prepared a perfect date night for them.

He made them reservations at a five star restaurant after they went to watch a Vivaldi candlelight orchestra. With the ring in his pocket, Alejandro offered Heather his arm and escorted them to their table with a perfect view of Toronto. He pulled up her chair and sat across from her.

“You look positively ravishing tonight, mi amor.” He purred as the waiter poured them a glass of wine for each of them.

Heather laughed, leaning forward. “Well you look pretty dapper yourself.” She blinked flirtatiously.

“I hope tonight has been to your taste so far.” Alejandro ducked his head in embarrassment. “You deserve the world.”

“I must say, the timing is rather odd.” Heather hummed, twirling her glass. “We’ve gone on plenty of dates in the past, yet none quite come close to this. I can’t help but think there’s a special meaning behind it.”

Alejandro smiled with half-lidded eyes. “Can’t a special occasion simply be me showing off my undying devotion to you?”

Heather pursed her lips. “I don’t know. Knowing you and your big theatrics, you love to show off. With that said, you seem a little off tonight.”

“How so?”

“Jittery. Uncharacteristically nervous.” Heather sipped her wine. “It’s unlike you to be flustered.”

Alejandro mock gasped. “Well how can I not be nervous with such a mesmerizing beauty sitting in front of me?”

“Oh stop it.”

Their dinner arrived and conversation between them resumed in a lighter tone. “I have to confess, Heather; these last few years living together with you have been the most wonderful years of my life! It’s been a delight having you around, and I feel as though every day spent with you were a true gift.”

Heather lifted one eyebrow. “... Thanks?” She looked away, flustered.

“Although we’ve had our fair share of rough spots, we managed to make it through unscathed. If that’s not a true testimony to the strength of our relationship, then I don’t know what is.” Alejandro rummaged his pocket for the ring box. “So… I thought long and hard about this, and I decided to take our relationship to the next stage of our lives. If you’ll have me.”

Heather’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide when Alejandro went down on one knee. She steepled her hands over her mouth to stifle the breathless gasp slipping past her lips.

“Heather, will you-”

The proposal was abruptly cut short when Heather’s phone went off. She quickly snatched it out of her bag in a hurry, only for the color to drain from her face. Alejandro paused, taken aback by the horror dawning in her eyes. She showed him the caller ID.

Chris.

Standing up, Alejandro stared at her, equally horrified. No. Not now. Why of all cursed times did it have to be now?

Heather hesitated but eventually answered the call. “What do you want? I am in the middle of something important here.” She demanded. Her expression fell, and she stared at Alejandro anxiously. “Forget it! It’s been years, Mclean!” Another paused, and she bit her lip. “You can shove that contract where the sun don’t shine because I am through with this stupid show!” She closed her eyes and let out a deep, long suffering sigh through her nose. “When?” She listened, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Fine. It’s not like we have a choice on the matter. Screw you!”

She angrily ended the call, hissing through clenched teeth.

“Mi amor?” Alejandro gently called out to her, fearing the worst.

It was up to her to break the terrible news. Heather relented. “Chris wants us back for another season.”

The tension in the air thickened around them. The promised prize dangled in front of them threatened to tear apart everything they built for themselves over the last few years. The mutual loving trust between them turned sharp and deadly, and for a split second they eyed one another distrustfully. Would they go back to square one? Would one phone call regress them back into being rivals?

Alejandro blinked. What am I thinking? The game is not important. She is! He shook his head and approached Heather, gathering her in his arms in a warm, comforting hug. “Hey. We’ll get through this somehow. Nothing has to change between us, right?” He soothed. “We’re the absolute best players in the game! We’ll devour the competition for lunch and get the million dollars in time for dessert. We can do this!”

Heather relaxed in his grip, leaning against him and breathing his sweet aroma that comforted her. Just when they thought they could relax and live on with their lives… the game pulls them right back in. It’s like their ankles were trapped by balls in chains; never going farther than a couple of steps - always within range of Chris and his jerk producers.

But Alejandro was right about one thing. They are together now. Nothing states they had to split up for the sake of the show. They could antagonize Chris with their relationship all they want!

“We’ll be allies then.” Heather promised, meeting his gaze steadily. “No backstabbing between us. No betrayal… Until we reach the finale together.”

“... Or one of us gets voted off first.”

“And even then, whoever goes home first MUST come back to help the winner in the finale. Capiche?”

Alejandro chuckled. “Always business with you, eh?” He cupped her cheek. “Deal.” His eyes glanced sorrowfully at the dinner table. “It’s truly a shame this night didn’t turn out the way I wanted.”

“Hey.” Heather nudged him softly. “Whatever happens between us in the game, won’t change anything alright? We’ll just… Put this on hold for now, okay? The wedding can wait til we get back.”

Heather and Alejandro stayed there, embracing one another for several long minutes, relishing in each other’s presence and lamenting the way their lives turned out. They could never be truly free from their past… but at least they had each other.

[hugheses]

9-13-19: From No. 1(s) to another

Jack Hughes has a large support group, which extends outward from his parents, brothers, a large family with several members based on the East Coast and plenty of mentors in the hockey community who are connected to him through his father or his own journey. His general manager was once his father’s agent. His coach spent six years at the unique hockey factory from which he just came. He spent a few weeks playing on the same team as the veteran goaltender in Slovakia at the world championships, and his coach was also on the staff there. There’s also this interesting tidbit about the roster — he has two teammates who were also the No. 1 pick in an NHL Draft. Great players can talk about their experiences and veterans have seen it all, but this specific part of Hughes’ experience would be hard for all but a small fraternity of players to relate to. Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier have been through an NHL season as the most recent No. 1 pick, the most intriguing 18-year-old in the league. Hischier did so with the Devils two years ago. “I actually just saw him the first time (Thursday) to be honest, but I’ll try to do my best to help him out wherever he needs me,” Hischier said. “I want to do exactly the same thing that the other guys did to me. I thought I felt really welcome in that team. Everyone was treating me well but was treating me like a normal player as well so I’m done trying to do all that as well.” Some of Hall’s experiences as a rookie with the Edmonton Oilers might be similar to what Hughes will face this season. Hughes is a much-hyped American prospect, but he spent much of his childhood living in Toronto. The Canadian media will likely treat him as a son of Toronto and an honorary citizen, so some of the attention could be similar to what Hall experienced as a No. 1 pick north of the border. “I think if I look back to my rookie season as an 18-year-old, and all the hype and all the talk, I would say, ‘Try to enjoy it as much as you can,’” Hall said. “Expect a little bit of failure, expect to come out of some games just with your tail between your legs a little bit and the season is not going to go perfect so there’s going to be some ups and downs. You’re never as good as you think, you’re never as bad. From there, I think it’s just growing as a player, as a leader, as a person and knowing that eventually when you’re 20, 21, 22 you’re going to be one of the faces of the franchise and how are you going to be when you’re that.”

[pcttymcrlecu]

being a good man ✒︎ m.knies

summary: the next chapter of your relationship with Matthew is clearly going to be difficult but looking back at the previous chapters may be enlightening enough

featuring: matthew knies x gn!reader

word count: 2.1k

warnings: none

note: apart from wearing a camisole (which isn’t really anything) i don’t think there is anything that could imply that reader identifies as a specific gender so i’m tentatively putting this as gender neutral.

dedication: this sweet little one shot was written for elle (@gravestrain) for demi's summer fic exchange! i thoroughly hope you enjoy this - i will give you a little disclaimer and ask you exercise a little kindness/caution and read this all with a grain of salt, it's my first time writing for matty.

and a little side dedication to thank demi (@wyattjohnston) for hosting this awesome event.

You and Matthew had been talking about going on some kind of holiday over the summer. Something for just the both of you and to celebrate the fact that not only had he had his NHL debut in the playoffs no less, but also that you were on track to graduate in the major of your choice with a dream job prospect on the horizon.

You had both travelled with friends and their significant others before. You had also heard your friends speak highly of weekend trips and holidays they had been on with their significant others. Your little group of friends kept questioning if you and Matt would ever go on a trip alone, especially now that he was going off to play in the major league. Both of you had brushed off the thought of even doing it, deciding it would be a graduation thing, yet your plans were shifting. Something you had accepted when you agreed to date Matt; you knew that his goals were the NHL, and you supported him entirely. Coming in at a close second to his parents in being proud of him when he got signed for the playoffs.

You had met in your first year at university through a mutual friend, and even though you were sceptical about being friends with him, you put faith in your friend that they were friends with good people. And Matt was better than good people. You’d even go as far as to say he’s close to being one of the best people. 

Even though you were hesitant to even accept his invite to mini golf that one night after midterms. He had waited outside until your last midterm with a small box of chocolates and a handwritten note. Clearly, someone had helped him out. His sweet face was haunted with nerves, or maybe that was obvious from the fact he was pacing a hole into his shoes on the concrete. Or perhaps you knew he was riddled with insecurity because you’d been watching him for nearly five minutes as he furiously mumbled to himself a very obviously pre-planned speech to the point where he hadn’t noticed the rest of your classmates or yourself emerge from the building. 

When you had eventually interrupted his nervous rambling, he had barely managed to get the invite out. Still, you were happy when the words finally left his mouth. And you were happier with just the two of you that evening, getting to know one another. What made it better was that it didn’t end with just one dinner and plastic putts. Although he was busy not only with his studies but being part of the hockey team, he still managed to make time for you and growing your relationship. He was in this wholeheartedly, which made it so easy for you to fall in deep the way you did.

With all the changes in both your lives, you could barely stop to count what had changed and stayed the same. But with Matt’s professional career starting, you knew that it meant that even though he would be returning to Toronto, you still had classes waiting for you in Minnesota. This was somewhere you couldn’t follow him and cheer from the sidelines. Considering for the entire duration of your relationship, you’d always been in the same state, this was bound to be a big challenge for your relationship, and you wanted to set it up for success in any way you could. You had both planned to spend as much time as you could together before the new academic year and the NHL season began, and you would both suddenly have other responsibilities and less time to see one another.

You stayed in Minnesota after the spring semester had ended to spend some time with your family before spending the rest of your summer with Matt. You had gone on a family trip to Cancún, a trip which you’d taken many times when you were much younger but stopped around the same time you had started preparing for university. The reminder of one of your favourite childhood memories made you realise just how far you’d come. Your parents had called it an early graduation present, of which you had argued you still needed something to look forward to next year. They’d reminded you that even though you would always have their support and could always fall back on them when you needed it, your life was about to become everything you had been dreaming about and working towards for the last couple of years was finally all coming together.

Mexico had treated you well, but while you’d be lounging on the beach and exploring the city, the hot weather had demanded bare shoulders. Bare shoulders demanded more attention to sunblock reapplication, which slipped your mind in some afternoons at the pool and lunchtime picnics. The sensitivity of your shoulders and arms now and the dulling throb, whenever too much pressure touched you was the consequence of your enjoyment. Matt was a happy listener when you got downtown at night to speak with him;. However, he joked about it when you whined; the look of mild concern was ever present whenever the burns were mentioned.

It was only after returning to Matt after saying goodbye to your family at the airport and flying from Mexico to Arizona instead of home that the holiday conversation came up again. It was during, what had become, an average night since you’d been staying with the Knies family, with you and Matt making dinner together. Matt’s main responsibility whilst in the kitchen was helping you reach for things that caused too much grief to your still-healing burns. You couldn’t help but praise him for being such a good little sous chef for you. It wasn’t that he wasn’t great in the kitchen, he could do enough to keep himself fed, but you were sure you’d taught him a thing or two since he’d started actually helping instead of being a pro-taste tester as he had declared himself initially. Even if he didn’t take any of the recipes or skills to Canada with him, the time you spent together was so much more important to you.

The holiday suggestion (read: declaration) came as an offhanded mention that the flights were booked and all you had to do was pack your bags accordingly. Your hands momentarily stopped stirring the sauce, turning to face Matt where he stood by the counter, picking at the leftover cake you’d both baked the night before. His eyes weren’t even on you as he spoke, it wasn’t until your silence had clearly made him uncomfortable (maybe a little insecure), and it was then when he finally looked up at you as he threw a piece of cake into his mouth. His face had the same unsure look as it had been all those years ago. The little reminder of how you came to be in this very moment had your heart fluttering already.

“Stop snacking, you’ll ruin your appetite,” You chided as you took a breath and turned the stove down before turning around to fully face your boyfriend; wooden spoon pointed at him, “Pack my bags to … where?”

When the word Iceland came out, your face was a vision of surprise and confusion. You didn’t even have to ask before his slightly panicked but clearly excited rambles quickly flowed out his mouth. His words very softly trailed off as he simply motioned over to your bare shoulders where the small straps of your camisole exposed them; the slight sheen of the soothing cream and aloe he had demanded her help spread over them shining in the light. 

“Thought I’d spare you from blistering for all of the summer break,” He muttered, almost shyly, as he added the vegetable to the sauce as you had instructed him to before he had brought the trip up.

A gentle warmth filled your chest and washed over your cheeks at the thoughtfulness of your boyfriend. Quickly checking, the pan was still simmering away, and the vegetables were slowly cooking; you stepped over to him. Arms gently wrapped around him and giving him a firm squeeze when his arms reciprocated the action.

“When did you decide on Iceland?”

“Well, you’ve always wanted to go, and it just seemed like the right time,” The sheepish look on his face told you that there was definitely more to the story than just that, so you pulled away, resting back in his arms as you looked up at him with a slight raise of your brow, “I started looking around the first time you mentioned you’d got sunburnt.”

A light laugh left your mouth as you pulled his back towards you before pushing him away, gently squeezing his cheeks, “You’re precious,” You set yourself back up by the range, sorting out the sauce before taking it off the heat.

“How quiet you’re being is making me a little nervous here,” A wispy laugh left him, clearly riddled with nerves as he watched you start to plate everything up ready for dinner, “Mum helped plan it, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Oh Matty,” You cooed, looking back towards him with an adoring smile, “I’m not worried about anything – I’m just…trying to process.”

“Process?”

“No one’s ever done something so … elaborate for me before?” The words were uttered softly as you grabbed a handful of knives and forks and handed them over to him as you continued, “I don’t know what to say.”

“Perhaps ‘Yes, I’ll go with you.’ might work?” His suggestion only made you laugh again as you took him in. His forehead was slightly creased with an inkling of worry as his hand fiddled with the silverware you had placed in his hands. 

The domesticity of your entire situation filled you with joy, and the words that had left Matt’s mouth swirled in your head like a hurricane. His kindness and gentleness with you throughout your entire time together. How patient and considerate he was of you when you started dating, and you were still unsure, to how he made sure to always keep an eye out for you at parties when you weren’t 100% feeling the crowds, to simply wanting to make sure you not only enjoy your holiday but your health is his main concern.

You both stood in a slightly tense silence, mainly due to the anxiety starting to come off in waves from Matt. The memories of all the times Matt acknowledged you and the choices where he considered you. It was as if he had already decided you were going to be a constant part of his life even when you were still battling between your heart telling you it wanted to be with him and your brain telling you that being with him is not only going to be hard work, but it’s also going to be nothing more than heartbreak. 

And yet here you stand with your heart intact, fuller than you thought it could be. Not only had Matt made you whole entirely by yourself, but he had made you want to be more than whole. He’s made you want to walk through life holding his hand, knowing that if you stumble, he will catch you and be there to push you forward and get you safely to the other side. He’s made it clear that this is not something for him to pass the time, but his feelings for you run deep through his veins. No one has ever seen you in the way Matt has, and at every turn, he has made sure to not only tell you that you’re seen, but he always went the step further to show you that you’re seen. 

“Yes Matthew, I will join you on that plane,” Moving closer to him to place your hands and his cheek and gently caress the lines of worry that were starting to fade at your words, you smiled up at him once more, “Hell I’d join you anywhere you’d ask me to go.”

So maybe it was time to show him that you see him, and maybe him seeing you fall isn’t such a bad thing.

Because yes, Matt was definitively a great man but better than that, he was a good one.

[mariacallous]

Connecting the dots of recent research suggests a new future for traditional websites:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered search can provide a full answer to a user’s query 75% of the time without the need for the user to go to a website, according to research by The Atlantic.

A worldwide survey from the University of Toronto revealed that 22% of ChatGPT users “use it as an alternative to Google.”

Research firm Gartner forecasts that traffic to the web from search engines will fall 25% by 2026.

Pew Research found that a quarter of all web pages developed between 2013 and 2023 no longer exist.

The large language models (LLMs) of generative AI that scraped their training data from websites are now using that data to eliminate the need to go to many of those same websites. Respected digital commentator Casey Newton concluded, “the web is entering a state of managed decline.” The Washington Post headline was more dire: “Web publishers brace for carnage as Google adds AI answers.”

From decentralized information to centralized conclusions

Created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, the World Wide Web redefined the nature of the internet into a user-friendly linkage of diverse information repositories. “The first decade of the web…was decentralized with a long-tail of content and options,” Berners-Lee wrote this year on the occasion of its 35th anniversary.  Over the intervening decades, that vision of distributed sources of information has faced multiple challenges. The dilution of decentralization began with powerful centralized hubs such as Facebook and Google that directed user traffic. Now comes the ultimate disintegration of Berners-Lee’s vision as generative AI reduces traffic to websites by recasting their information.

The web’s open access to the world’s information trained the large language models (LLMs) of generative AI. Now, those generative AI models are coming for their progenitor.

The web allowed users to discover diverse sources of information from which to draw conclusions. AI cuts out the intellectual middleman to go directly to conclusions from a centralized source.

The AI paradigm of cutting out the middleman appears to have been further advanced in Apple’s recent announcement that it will incorporate OpenAI to enable its Siri app to provide ChatGPT-like answers. With this new deal, Apple becomes an AI-based disintermediator, not only eliminating the need to go to websites, but also potentially disintermediating the need for the Google search engine for which Apple has been paying $20 billion annually.

The Atlantic, University of Toronto, and Gartner studies suggest the Pew research on website mortality could be just the beginning. Generative AI’s ability to deliver conclusions cannibalizes traffic to individual websites threatening the raison d’être of all websites, especially those that are commercially supported.  

Echoes of traditional media and the web

The impact of AI on the web is an echo of the web’s earlier impact on traditional information providers. “The rise of digital media and technology has transformed the way we access our news and entertainment,” the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2022, “It’s also had a devastating impact on print publishing industries.” Thanks to the web, total estimated weekday circulation of U.S. daily newspapers fell from 55.8 million in 2000 to 24.2 million by 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.

The World Wide Web also pulled the rug out from under the economic foundation of traditional media, forcing an exodus to proprietary websites. At the same time, it spawned a new generation of upstart media and business sites that took advantage of its low-cost distribution and high-impact reach. Both large and small websites now feel the impact of generative AI.   

Barry Diller, CEO of media owner IAC, harkened back to that history when he warned a year ago, “We are not going to let what happened out of free internet happen to post-AI internet if we can help it.” Ominously, Diller observed, “If all the world’s information is able to be sucked up in this maw, and then essentially repackaged in declarative sentence in what’s called chat but isn’t chat…there will be no publishing; it is not possible.”

The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft alleging copyright infringement from the use of Times data to train LLMs. “Defendants seek to free-ride on The Times’s massive investment in its journalism,” the suit asserts, “to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it.”1

Subsequently, eight daily newspapers owned by Alden Global Capital, the nation’s second largest newspaper publisher, filed a similar suit. “We’ve spent billions of dollars gathering information and reporting news at our publications, and we can’t allow OpenAI and Microsoft to expand the Big Tech playbook of stealing our work to build their own businesses at our expense,” a spokesman explained.

The legal challenges are pending. In a colorful description of the suits’ allegations, journalist Hamilton Nolan described AI’s threat as an “Automated Death Star.”

“Providential opportunity”?

Not all content companies agree. There has been a groundswell of leading content companies entering into agreements with OpenAI.

In July 2023, the Associated Press became the first major content provider to license its archive to OpenAI. Recently, however, the deal-making floodgates have opened. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, home of The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and multiple other publications in Australia and the United Kingdom, German publishing giant Axel Springer, owner of Politico in the U.S. and Bild  and Welt in Germany, venerable media company The Atlantic, along with new media company Vox Media, the Financial Times, Paris’ Le Monde, and Spain’s Prisa Media have all contracted with OpenAI for use of their product.

Even Barry Diller’s publishing unit, Dotdash Meredith, agreed to license to OpenAI, approximately a year after his apocalyptic warning.  

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson described his company’s rationale this way in an employee memo: “The digital age has been characterized by the dominance of distributors, often at the expense of creators, and many media companies have been swept away by a remorseless technological tide. The onus is now on us to make the most of this providential opportunity.”

“There is a premium for premium journalism,” Thomson observed. That premium, for News Corp, is reportedly $250 million over five years from OpenAI. Axel Springer’s three-year deal is reportedly worth $25 to $30 million. The Financial Times terms were reportedly in the annual range of $5 to $10 million.

AI companies’ different approaches

While publishers debate whether AI is “providential opportunity” or “stealing our work,” a similar debate is ongoing among AI companies. Different generative AI companies have different opinions whether to pay for content, and if so, which kind of content.

When it comes to scraping information from websites, most of the major generative AI companies have chosen to interpret copyright law’s “fair use doctrine” allowing the unlicensed use of copyrighted content in certain circumstances. Some of the companies have even promised to indemnify their users if they are sued for copyright infringement.

Google, whose core business is revenue generated by recommending websites, has not sought licenses to use the content on those websites. “The internet giant has long resisted calls to compensate media companies for their content, arguing that such payments would undermine the nature of the open web,” the New York Times explained. Google has, however, licensed the user-generated content on social media platform Reddit, and together with Meta has pursued Hollywood rights.

OpenAI has followed a different path. Reportedly, the company has been pitching a “Preferred Publisher Program” to select content companies. Industry publication AdWeek reported on a leaked presentation deck describing the program. The publication said OpenAI “disputed the accuracy of the information” but claimed to have confirmed it with four industry executives. Significantly, the OpenAI pitch reportedly offered not only cash remuneration, but also other benefits to cooperating publishers.    

As of early June 2024, other large generative AI companies have not entered into website licensing agreements with publishers.

Content companies surfing an AI tsunami

On the content creation side of the equation, major publishers are attempting to avoid a repeat of their disastrous experience in the early days of the web while smaller websites are fearful the impact on them could be even greater.

As the web began to take business from traditional publishers, their leadership scrambled to find a new economic model. Ultimately, that model came to rely on websites, even though website advertising offered them pennies on their traditional ad dollars. Now, even those assets are under attack by the AI juggernaut. The content companies are in a new race to develop an alternative economic model before their reliance on web search is cannibalized.

The OpenAI Preferred Publisher Program seems to be an attempt to meet the needs of both parties.

The first step in the program is direct compensation. To Barry Diller, for instance, the fact his publications will get “direct compensation for our content” means there is “no connection” between his apocalyptic warning 14 months ago and his new deal with OpenAI.

Reportedly, the cash compensation OpenAI is offering has two components: “guaranteed value” and “variable value.” Guaranteed value is compensation for access to the publisher’s information archive. Variable value is payment based on usage of the site’s information.

Presumably, those signing with OpenAI see it as only the first such agreement. “It is in my interest to find agreements with everyone,” Le Monde CEO Louis Dreyfus explained.   

But the issue of AI search is greater than simply cash. Atlantic CEO Nicolas Thompson described the challenge: “We believe that people searching with AI models will be one of the fundamental ways that people navigate to the web in the future.” Thus, the second component in OpenAI’s proposal to publishers appears to be promotion of publisher websites within the AI-generated content. Reportedly, when certain publisher content is utilized, there will be hyperlinks and hover links to the websites themselves, in addition to clickable buttons to the publisher.

Finally, the proposal reportedly offers publishers the opportunity to reshape their business using generative AI technology. Such tools include access to OpenAI content for the publishers’ use, as well as the use of OpenAI for writing stories and creating new publishing content.

Back to the future?

Whether other generative AI and traditional content companies embrace this kind of cooperation model remains to be seen. Without a doubt, however, the initiative by both parties will have its effects.

One such effect was identified in a Le Monde editorial explaining their licensing agreement with OpenAI. Such an agreement, they argued, “will make it more difficult for other AI platforms to evade or refuse to participate.” This, in turn, could have an impact on the copyright litigation, if not copyright law.

We have seen new technology-generated copyright issues resolved in this way before.2 Finding a credible solution that works for both sides is imperative. The promise of AI is an almost boundless expansion of information and the knowledge it creates. At the same time, AI cannot be a continued degradation of the free flow of ideas and journalism that is essential for democracy to function.

Newton’s Law in the AI age

In 1686 Sir Isaac Newton posited his three laws of motion. The third of these holds that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton described the consequence of physical activity; generative AI is raising the same consequential response for informational activity.

The threat of generative AI has pushed into the provision of information and the economics of information companies. We know the precipitating force, the consequential effects on the creation of content and free flow of information remain a work in progress.

[hostilemuppet]

Brozone & Acquaintances: Fame and Blunders (The Rise And Fall, The Epic Highs And Lows Of Trolltwt) Part Six

split into a new post bc the last one (parts 1-5, crossposted on ao3 (including intermission)) got too long. as always, cowritten by the evil genius @squirrelpatties

cloud guy: infamous leaktwt contributor, with a specific fixation on branch (and to a lesser extent anyone close to branch, but branch is his #1). he got his hands on several embarrassing baby photos of branch, which even jd was concerned about, because "we never published those ones, they were just for grandmas wallet". some of his most well known leaks were "barb was admitted to rehab" "creek got a BBL" and "smidge had a miscarriage" (the latter overshadowing the other two by a significant margin)

sky toronto: egotistical millionaire who bought twitter and changed the logo into a tie. whenever creek posts a new off-the-wall conspiracy theory to his impressionable audience, sky replies that hes "Looking into this..." (theyre oomfs). many of his experimental party supplies have killed a disgusting amount of animal test subjects but that doesnt mean hes not willing to test on trolls. branch almost dies when hes hit by someones neuro-mind-link party popper.

smidge vs barbtwt: several influential barbtwt members with a tie to a certain infamous leaker who shall not be named (they paid him. he didnt need the money he just likes messing with people) get their hands on smidges medical records, initially to prove shes trans (shes not) but they instead learn about her miscarriage. instead of backing off, showing her sympathy and feeling guilty about this disgusting breach of privacy, they coordinate to make this public knowledge the next time smidges name trends. twitter is divided into "smidgetwt supporting her wholeheartedly through this horrible situation" "smidge antis who think 'she had it coming'" and "barbtwt happy that smidge is suffering". this sparks a debate on the ethics of trolls smoking while with eggs, with pro-egg-smokers saying its their body their choice and anti-egg-smokers saying "are you out of your damn mind". this is how smidge reveals she is simultaneously pro-egg-smoking and pro-life. its a bloodbath. she drops off the face of the internet never to be seen again........ unless 🤔

cloud guy (part 2): after years of providing the public service of "making branchs life miserable", cloud guys twitter account (and IP) is sadly permabanned when poppy demands sky toronto take action the third time branch is doxxed. sky toronto originally didnt care but after a solid week of her pestering him, he gave up, but only because he forgot to take "no doxxing" out of troll twitters TOS, and the backlash would be worse than hes willing to deal with right now. sleep well, soldier 🫡.

dante vs poppy: dante is branchs stalker. routinely stakes out by branchs pod to take photos of him for his shrine. its not a sex thing but whatever it is is way weirder than a sex thing. branch has moved pods 3 times but dante always manages to find him. perhaps he has friends in high places? regardless of the "how", the "what" is poppy wants him fucking Gonezo. unfortunately dante, as an ambassador for classical trolls, is not under poppys jurisdiction of pop trolls. she decides the only way to deal with the "rando stalking my partner" situation is to catch him with one of branchs traps. except, dante can fly, so rope traps arent effective and poppy needs to get creative and potentially very violent. she asks branch if he still has those spikes she begged him to take down. he does but he repurposed them as hat racks. now he needs to find somewhere else to put his hats!

gus tumbleweed: lowtiergod-esque fighting game streamer whos known for yelling and screaming at his opponents when he loses. he goes into long, drawn out, nonsensical similes and metaphors to describe how much he wants the player who beat him to kill themself or otherwise die painfully

tiny (in game chat): git rekt f4gg0t gus (on mic): someone outta hog tie ya and hang ya up in the middle o town like a pinata caught sleezin with the mayors daughter tiny (in game chat): bro

is invited to take part in a tournament for charity during pride month. when beaten by a gay guy he regresses to violently homophobic hatespeach. youd think thisd be a career ender but its amazing what "pretending to be attracted to your fellow straight male friends" can fix! he makes a halfhearted comment about thinking one of his streamer friends is handsome and/or has a nice ass and everything is back to normal, and he faces zero consequences for his actions.

holly darlin: fellow twitch streamer, although in different circles to gus tumbleweed. she is undefeated at chess but otherwise unremarkable, yet because shes a woman everyone hates her. after a year or two or constant hate she decides "fuck it" and commits to selling snake oil. the hell are they gonna do? call her a whore? shes already got every variation and misspelling caught in autofilter, buddy. she peddles for the same company that supplies the diet pills satin and chenille hype up on their podcast. its how she and satin meet. theyre lesbians now. it makes the hate holly gets SOOOOOO much worse but satins used to it so shes unaffected. chenille gets no say in the matter

synth: third and final twitch streamer (...so far). the gay guy who beat gus in a tournament for charity and was met with violent hatespeach. beforehand was one of the smaller creators in the tournament but afterward he blew up a lot more. he does a lot of charity streams, mostly for the benefit of disabled children, out of the goodness of his heart and NOT the glory like some OTHER trolls mentioned two paragraphs previous. hes just a good guy! also almost had a thing with branch when they were both confused about each others identities.

synth: today marks a year since i almost kissed a very attractive twunk in pop village and then found out he was a lesbian who thought i was a lesbian minuet: gay culture

broppy: theyre doing great! absolutely NO problems whatsoever! im sure it will last forever!