#NASHVILLE YOU WON

[maestro-of-miscellany]

there are people out there who got to witness phoebe bridgers, boygenius, phoebe and taylor singing nothing new AND a speak now tv announcement and I just want to say i'm really happy for them

[dxntloseurhead]

bro, i literally fell to my knees watching the taylor nation live where speak now tv was announced, i could not imagine being there in PERSON and seeing that . i would actually die i think

[burning-brighter-than-the-sun]

taylor sang “i can see you” and “maroon” in LA? they won... 

[patito-oward]

Always Been You

masterlist

Prompt: And the other is about how Pato falls in love with the reader, just how he says "oh yeah she's THE ONE"

since this prompt was pretty vague I took a lot of liberties with it, but I still hope you like it :)

Summary: After being dumped by his long term girlfriend, Pato realizes everything he’s ever wanted in a relationship has been right in front of him

WC: 4.1k

It happened very suddenly. Here’s the thing, Pato didn’t mean for it to happen at all. On the list of things he had planned for the year, this was definitely not on it. A 500 win? Definitely. A championship? Yep. Extending his contract with Mclaren? Right again. But starting the off season by being dumped by his long term girlfriend and realizing he’s in love with his best friend was not anywhere in his mind.

It all started at the last race of the season, Pato was leading the championship, and granted he got a podium on this race he would finally have his championship victory. To celebrate and support, almost everyone he knew came to Nashville. Pato rented out a block of rooms at a hotel, and one of the many people who showed up for him was his childhood best friend, YN.

So maybe it all started in 2008, when YN and Pato were in second grade and met on the playground at recess. YN was sitting on the swings reading a book when Pato approached her, he was new to San Antonio and didn’t have any friends, and wanted to know if they could be friends. From then on the two were inseparable. Pato was a daredevil at heart, and would often hurt himself, and YN would take the delicate time of walking him to the school nurse and kissing his injuries better. Pato always made YN laugh, and made sure she was never sad, no matter what happened in YN’s life, Pato was there everyday to make her smile.

As they got older their relationship changed, it lost a little bit of their childish innocence, but they grew so much closer. YN was at Pato’s first win in karting, and she was more excited than he was. When YN’s childhood dog died, Pato was at her house at 6:00 AM and spent the whole day with her, trying to cheer her up. They’d even started their own holiday traditions, every year on Christmas Eve, the two of them spent the day making cookies together and exchanged presents. YN had practically become family, she didn’t have the best home life, and the entire O’Ward family was so loving that she ended up spending more time with them than her actual family.

The two dated for a few months in eighth grade, and were each other’s first kiss, but when Pato began racing for F4 and was in France every weekend the two agreed it was best they just stayed friends. Since then that is all they had been, things in YN’s home got significantly worse as they went through high school and despite whatever Pato may have felt, he knew she needed his friendship and wasn’t willing to risk their relationship.

With Pato coming up through Indycar and YN being a full time student and having a job, it was easy to assume the two would drift after high school, that was never the case. They still saw each other everytime Pato was in Texas and Pato made sure YN made a couple of races every year. She remained his biggest supporter as he went from her hometown best friend to the most popular driver in Indycar.

Fast forward to now, things were going pretty perfect for Pato. He finally won the 500, he’s about to win the championship, and he’s got a great girlfriend, Maria. He figures he’ll marry her, he does love her, she’s supportive and nice and insanely hot. They’ve been dating for over a year and things have been going really well. The only time they’ve ever really fought is over YN, when she found out there was a “history” between them, and in hindsight Pato realizes maybe he should’ve told her sooner, but he never really thought about it. Yeah they’d dated for a few months a lifetime ago, but she’s always just been his YN, he doesn’t even think of her like that anymore. YN was one of the most sure things in his life, and sure for awhile he always thought what if?, but that was in the past.

All that being said, he didn’t think twice about inviting her to Nashville to watch him possibly win the championship. YN wasn’t able to make it to the 500, or any other race this year, and he wished she was there. She knew more than anyone how much this had meant to him, coming up after losses she was always the person he went to, and he wanted her to see him now that it had all been worth it. YN was reluctant to come, but after a lot of begging from Pato she agreed.

Thursday night he made sure everyone he invited out came to dinner with him at a steakhouse. There were 20 people at the restaurant, but Pato ended up with Maria sitting next to him and YN sitting across next to Elba. Maybe Pato should’ve realized it, the tension in her shoulders and how Maria’s smile tightened as he laughed at YN’s jokes, but he didn’t. So Maria sat there all night, and she really tried to be understanding, but she felt as if she was third-wheeling her own relationship. She had to listen to a million inside jokes she didn’t understand, and watch as his family fawned over YN.

It was at that dinner she realized that she’d spent a year dating a taken man. Pato was too good of a man, she knew he wasn’t doing it on purpose, but it became undeniable. As she watched him, she realized everything she felt for him, he felt for the woman across the table. At first she felt possessive, the need to prove that he was her partner, and that no matter what he’d chosen her over YN, but as time passed she felt less possessive and realized that there was no way to continue the relationship. It wasn’t fair to her, she deserved a man who loved her and only her, and Pato deserved to be with the person he loves.

After the dinner, they headed back to the hotel where Pato, who was utterly clueless of her realization, continued to be the perfect man, only making it so much harder for Maria to leave. She didn’t know how long she should let it go on for, if she broke things off now would she be getting in his head and ruining the weekend for him? Would continuing a relationship she’s already checking out of be just as cruel? Could she stand the rest of the weekend watching her boyfriend making heart eyes at another woman?

After sleeping on it, or rather not sleeping very much at all, she’d come to the conclusion that a clean break was best for everyone. They ordered breakfast to the room and as they sat at the small dinette she knew she had to bring it up.

Pato was halfway done with his breakfast, but she hadn’t eaten much at all, mostly just pushing her food around with her fork. “Pato, I think we need to talk.”

It’s rare that she’s this serious, and Pato knows that can’t be good, his silverware clatters as he sets it down and looks up at her. “Uh oh, what’s wrong?”

She hesitates for a moment, not knowing the best way to start the conversation. “It’s YN.”

Pato’s shocked, he doesn’t know what he expected but it wasn’t that, “What about YN?”

She figures there’s no reason to beat around the bush, “You’re in love with her.”

Pato’s a lot of things, surprised for sure, but also shockingly defensive and angry. “What? Babe, that’s ridiculous. I know you were upset about us in middle school, but I swear there’s nothing going on! I would never even think about cheating on you!”

She rested her hand on top of his, “I know you would never cheat on me, and I know you said there’s nothing and I believe you, but I saw the way you looked at her, and how she fit into your life, and it makes so much sense because you love her.”

Pato doesn’t really know what to say to that, “I love you.”

“But you are in love with her. Listen I love you, Pato, and you’re such a good man, but it’s not fair to either of us to continue this relationship. Not when your heart clearly isn’t in it.” Maria struggles over her words, voice cracking and eyes watering, but a soft smile is on her face as she says them.

“Are you saying what I think you are? You’re just giving up?”

“Pato, I’m letting you free, tell her how you feel, you deserve that kind of love.”

And maybe what she’s saying finally resonates with him because the best thing he says is, “I never meant to hurt you.”

She lets out a broken laugh at that, a single tear rolling down her face, “Oh, Pato, you never could, we aren’t meant for each other, but we still had a lot of fun, right?” He nods at her.

After that she’s on a plane and back to her home before he knows it. Pato’s sad, he feels a little empty, someone who had been such a big part in his life just walked out leaving the biggest mess in her wake. He thought about her words, but shook them off. He loved YN, of course he did, but it wasn’t like that, she was like a sister to him.

Although it’s not his sister he messages asking if she wants to come over. YN is at his hotel room within a minute of him sending the “you busy?” text. YN asks where Maria is, but all he has to say is “gone.” and YN knows to drop it.

YN knows him better than anyone, knows that he has an irrational fear of being destined to fail at every relationship. She knows he has never actually broken up with a girl, only ever been broken up with, and she knows he spent over two years single because he was afraid of being hurt. But she also knows that there’s no way anyone could spend more than an hour with him and not be in love with him, God knows she is.

It’s the way he knows her, inside and out, but it’s also the way he makes everyone around him laugh, and spends hours interacting with his fans to make them all happy, and how caring he is with animals and babies. YN is only human, how is she supposed to feel when her insanely attractive best friend is doting over her niece?

YN puts it all aside because she’s his best friend first, she’d made that promise to herself a long time ago and she’s always kept it. She sits with him and watches Friends reruns with him, he’ll talk when he wants to, but until then she’ll be by his side.

They don’t end up talking, the one good channel the hotel room has switches from Friends to Modern Family, and then Pato has to go practice. A quick google search helps her find the best tacos in Nashville, so while he’s gone she runs out to get them dinner. They had dinner plans with his parents and Elba, but YN texted Elba long ago to let her know that plans were changing. He’s a superstar, so of course he doesn’t let his life affect him and it still the fastest person in the first practice, YN thinks that’s a good sign.

When he returns he seems to be a little better, talking to YN about track conditions over their dinner. YN has had enough of waiting for Pato to bring it up, and she can tell he’s feeling better, so she has to work up the courage to ask him what happened.

“Are you going to tell me what happened with Maria or am I supposed to guess?”

His smile drops, turning into one that’s much smaller and forced. “She just left.”

“No explanation? She just woke up and was gone?”

“Oh, she had an explanation but it was bullshit. She probably just got tired of me, it's no big deal.”

YN furrows her brows at that. “Pato stop it, you’re so great anyone would be so lucky to be with you. Maybe there was some merit behind what she said.”

“Well she said I was in love with you, but I told her so many times we’re just friends and that’s all we’ll ever be.”

YN’s stomach sinks at that, it’s not like she expected him to confess his love, but he didn’t need to friendzone her that hard. “Oh.” Is all she can think to say.

“I mean you’re great, but you’re like a sister to me!”

YN forces out a laugh, “Right.” She also can’t help but feel like maybe it’s her fault this all happened, was her pining really that obvious? “Well then, she’s stupid for leaving because she’s not going to find anyone better.”

Pato’s smile is genuine for the first time since the conversation started, “Thank you, you’re the best friend I could’ve asked for.”

“Right, and don’t forget that when you’re trying to figure out what to do with all your championship earnings.”

He lets out a real laugh at that, a stark contrast to how mopey he’d been the rest of the day. “One, greedy, and two, I’m not buying you anything else. I'm tired of you getting mad when I spend money on you.”

“Pato, a graduation gift is fifty bucks, not a two thousand dollar tennis bracelet.”

He leans back in his seat and shrugs, smirking as he says, “Yet I’ve never seen you not wearing the bracelet.”

YN’s eyes go to her wrist where, sure enough, the bracelet was, just like everyday for the past three years. When Pato gave her the bracelet she refused to take it, saying it was too much and he needed to return it. After arguing for ten minutes she thought he’d finally agreed to take the bracelet back, but found it later sitting on her dresser. “What can I say? You have good taste.”

The rest of the night mirrored the morning, but had a much different tone, the two of them sat sprawled out on the couch quoting the episodes of Friends that were on, having seen them so many times they were known by heart.

When YN went to her own hotel room Pato realized how empty the place felt again, something he hadn’t noticed all day. He chose not to think too hard about how effortlessly YN took up space in his life.

The next morning, Pato had already scheduled to have everyone meet in the lobby so he could take them to the track for the day. YN had clearly told everyone about Maria because despite some odd looks no one asked about her and he was grateful for that. He didn’t think twice when everyone began to split into different cars and he pulled YN along with him, or when they arrived at the track and Pato sent most people up into a suite, but brought YN and his immediate family to the pits. Maybe that’s how it’s always been, and how it’s supposed to be.

Pato gets swept up in work for the rest of the day and YN gets to spend some real time with her second family. As soon as they’re alone, Elba doesn’t hesitate to start interrogating her.

“What happened with Maria?”

“Apparently she told Pato he’s in love with me and just left.” YN shrugs as she says it, still a little puzzled by the whole thing.

“Huh.”

“What? No ‘huh’ I know what that means just tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I just thought Maria knew by now and didn’t care, maybe she’s not as smart as I gave her credit for.”

“What do you mean? Knew what?”

“Come on, YN, Pato’s been in love with you since you were nine, I wouldn’t want to be dating him.”

YN is struggling to process what she’s hearing, and automatically turns to deflection. “He is not.”

“Oh my god.” Elba starts giggling maniacally.

YN has no clue what could be funny, “What!?”

“You’re in love with him too!”

“I am not!” Despite her refusal, YN can feel and Elba can see the heat rising up her neck.

“You totally are! All this time I thought you had to know it’s so obvious, I mean, he follows you around like a puppy, but you had no idea!”

“Ok, keep your voice down.” YN puts her hand over Elba’s mouth really not wanting anyone else to hear their conversation. “Even if I did like him, and I’m not saying I do, he does not feel the same. I mean you should’ve heard how hard he friendzoned me yesterday.”

Elba looks sympathetic then, “Babe, I think my brother has spent so long denying himself what he wants he doesn’t even know what that is anymore. I love him dearly, but relationships are not his strong suit.”

“Then I guess we’re at a stalemate because I am certainly not going to be the one to ruin our friendship.”

Elba’s exasperated, “Oh my god, you two are exhausting!”

By the time Elba finished her intervention, qualifying finished resulting in Pato getting the pole. Mclaren has been dominant the last few weekends, and this weekend is no different with all three cars in the fast six. Pato is in the driver’s lot, getting ready to head back to the hotel, everyone else had dispersed from the track, and Felix has tracked down Pato and is calling after him.

“Hey, Felix! What’s up?”

“Bro, you’re about to win this fucking thing.” There’s nothing but excitement from Felix for his best friend.

“I know, I just hope tomorrow is a clean race and we can bring this thing home.”

“You’ve got this, I know it. Hey, where’s Maria been all day?” Felix says it like he’s just realizing she’s not around.

“Who knows. Yesterday morning she woke up determined that I’m secretly in love with YN and got on the next plane out.”

“So you guys are done?”

“Yeah about as done as you can be.”

“And YN?”

“YN is my best friend.”

“No, I'm your best friend.”

“Sorry, Fro, even you lose to YN.”

“I don’t want to win what YN is winning.”

Pato rolls his eyes and stomps his foot, huffing, “And what exactly is YN winning?”

Felix puts his hands up in self-defense, “Listen, all I’m saying is if you looked at me like you do YN, I think Emille would feel threatened.”

“Very funny.” Pato kicks the ground, staring at his shoe, he thinks about his relationship with Felix versus his with YN, sure it’s different, but him and YN have so much history. “Look, I don’t know what I feel for YN, but I don’t care either because she’s too important as a friend for me to lose her.”

“Mate you’ve been practically dating for years, I don’t think making it official will ruin anything.”

With that last piece of advice Felix takes off, leaving Pato alone with his thoughts. The whole drive back to the hotel and the rest of the night he spent thinking about YN. If everyone closest to him is saying one thing, how could they all be wrong? He thinks about everything they’ve been through together.

His first win in karting when she was the first person he ran to when he got out of the car; how she comes to every family reunion and often traveled to Mexico to spend time with his family; their senior prom when she was sad about not having a date, but she was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever seen that night; except for Christmas mornings when she’s in her pajamas and he gets to watch her eyes light up as they answer presents together. Maybe it’s been in front of him all along. What’s been missing from all of his other relationships has been right there.

It’s a lot to take in, but it doesn’t really matter because, like he told Felix, he wouldn’t risk their friendship if she doesn’t feel the same. He can handle a trail of failed relationships, but he could never handle losing YN. He went to bed that night knowing he had to just focus on the race and on bringing home the championship.

The next morning he’s awoken by a knock on the door. “Patricio! Open up, room service!”

He knows who’s behind the door before he opens it, there’s only one person who cares enough to bring him breakfast. When he lets YN in he sees the bag full of takeout food from a nearby diner. “Breakfast of champions, for the champion.”

Of course she’s already decided he’s a champion before the race. No one has ever believed in him as much as her. “Calm down, I don't want you to jinx me.”

“Au contraire my friend, a jinx would mean you’re winning by luck, and you are winning by sheer talent.”

It always amazes him how smart she is in the morning, he knows no more than 5 words for a solid hour after waking up, and she’s always speaking a million words a minute. “7AM is too early to be speaking another language.”

“Aw, pobrecito, ¿estás cansado?” She knew very minimal spanish, but had picked some up from time spent with his family, and used it pretty exclusively to tease him.

“You’re so not funny my brain hurts.” He is slouched over the table with his head resting on his arms.

She begins to unpack the food in front of him, “Alright, come on, time to wake up you’ve got a big day.”

The smell of eggs and bacon is what gets him to lift his head and start eating. He tries not to focus on the fact that she got him exactly what he eats every race day because that’s a can of worms he doesn’t want to touch. Regardless he eats the meal, and is sad when she pulls out her pancakes and begins to eat with him. She offers him a bite which he takes, but they both know he won’t eat any more than that because he doesn’t like big meals before a race.

After they finish, YN starts picking up their trash and Pato thanks her, “You take such good care of me, can’t believe you brought me breakfast I’m not worthy.” She’s glad for her back being turned to him because she can feel how much she’s blushing.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur, leave it to YN to be the eye in his hurricane, bringing calm before the storm. The race was close, a shitty pit stop meant Pato had to make some big passes to make up position, but Pato ended up pulling away with the final race win of the season and the championship.

YN and Elba leave the suite a few laps early so they can be on pit lane when he gets the win. After his victory lap and celebratory donuts he pulls into pit lane. Immediately his crew is flooding around him as he struggles to get out. Once he does there’s a giant group hug around Pato. Rossi and Fro also both make their way to his pits to congratulate him.

When Felix pulls Pato into a hug he whispers into his ear, “Why haven’t you gone to your girl yet, she’s waiting for you.”

Felix’s words had weight to them, all these people were surrounding him, but none of them had been on this journey with him as long as her. She waited for him for the last 15 years while he chased a career and different women, and now he’s at the peak of his career, having everything he ever wanted, and she’s not the one by his side. It hits him like a ton of bricks how bad he wants her to be the one celebrating this win with him, and every win for the rest of his life. Walking over to YN he pulls her into a hug, hoping that everything he’s feeling can be conveyed through the touch.

YN is in his ear, “I’m so proud of you, I always knew you could do it.”

He can’t find the right words, so all he says is, “I’m so glad you’re here.” he’ll explain later.

Holding her in front of thousands of people, Pato isn’t scared of losing their friendship anymore. He’s not sure of a lot, but he knows they’ll be ok, and that he’s loved her since before he knew what love was.

[sweetdispatch]

We are toxic - J. Hughes

Purple Chemistry | Previous Chapter

summary: Two games between Rangers and Devils but with two different endings between you and Jack

warning: NSFW, graphic sex (18+), oral (m receiving), dacryphilia, cum play, swear words

words: 2.4k

note: sorry for the wait but some things were out of my control but this was sitting my drafts so i want to finally post it, again sorry for the wait! one last chapter left for the story

---

After Jack came back from Nashville, a small part of you hoped that he'd show up at your doors to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you but this never happened. You wished he would come for sex at least but he didn’t do it. You were a little bit sad but you repeated to yourself that you’re just friends and he doesn't owe you this. 

A week later, it was another New York Rangers - New Jersey Devils game. Without games between these two teams, you felt like your relationship with Jack is getting better but you were also aware that they have three more games to play. After their second game of the season, Rangers won 5:1. Jack was the only one to score the goal for Devils. 

As you thought, Jack showed up in your place to take his anger out of you. Fact, that you're a Rangers girl turned him because even if he lost on the ice, he could dominate you in bed. You were at his mercy and you enjoyed it as much as he did. When you opened the door, he hadn’t said a word. He immediately pulled you into a kiss. 

You melted when Jack was kissing you so passionately. While you two were making out in the corridor of your apartment, you took off his suit jacket and started unbuttoning his shirt. In a quick move, he got rid of your shirt and bra. His kisses were going lower on your neck and boobs. Your hands were pulling his hair at the pleasure. 

Jack turned you around and pushed your bare chest to the wall. He kneeled and took off your sweatpants and underwear. Later, he started unzipping his pants when you pushed your ass more towards him. He gave you a spank and grabbed his dick into his hand. He reached into his wallet for a condom and slowly entered you. 

You moaned at the feeling of his dick stretching your pussy and Jack covered your mouth with his hand.

“You don’t want your neighbors to hear how dirty girl you’re letting me fuck you next to the door” He whispered into your ear and that was the first thing he said to you today. You shook your head, unable to answer him. 

When Jack felt that you’re ready, he started thrusting into you roughly with his hand still on your mouth. The pleasure was taking over your body. You were a mess under him and let him take his anger on you. He took your hair to the side and started kissing and biting your shoulder. 

With his second hand, Jack started circulating your clit. You rolled your eyes at the feeling. You missed this side of him when he’s using you however he wants. You threw your head with pleasure and he started placing kisses on your exposed neck. You placed your hand on the wall to stabilise your shaking body. 

Jack was still pounding into you. You were moaning into his hand and he smiled to himself hearing you so helpless under his touch. It felt so good and your orgasm hit you hard. He was still thrusting into you to help you get rid of your orgasm and get his own release. With a final push, he growled and cum. 

You leaned on his chest and Jack quickly wrapped his arms around your waist. He let you stay like that for a couple more seconds. When you felt that you’re back in your strength, you pushed out of him. He took out his dick out of you and followed you into a shower. Both of you stood under the water helping each other to clean. 

After 20 minutes, you stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel for yourself and Jack. He politely thanked you and followed your moves. You went into the closet and pulled out clothes. You had plenty of his shirts and sweatpants so you gave him. To your surprise, he stayed with you and laid next to you in bed.

Jack started talking to you about the game and you were listening to his every word. Although, you didn’t care much how it looked from his perspective, you wanted to be there for him. He was describing everything with details and all you could do was to nod to his every word. When he was done with his monologue, you joked but it turned out into another argument.

“Good that Devils have you because otherwise Shesterkin would have a shutout” It was an innocent sentence but he got worked up when he heard it. 

“Are you serious? I’m telling you about the game and all you care about is the fact that Rangers didn’t have a shutout?” He couldn’t believe your words.

“That’s not what I said, I meant…” You couldn’t finish your thought because he interrupted you.

“I’m telling you what’s been laying on my heart after the game and you pulled out the Rangers bullshit. I get it that you’re happy but a little empathy would be nice” He said with sass in his voice.

“You’re putting words that I didn’t say in my mouth” You fought back.

“But you thought about it!” He said a little louder and you looked at him.

“If you’re gonna accuse me of something, you can just leave. I wanted to joke and lighten the mood but you had to ruin it” You rolled your eyes.

“Oh I ruined it?” You nodded. “Fuck you Y/N. I don’t need those kinds of jokes from you” He replied with venom in his voice. Before you could say something, Jack grabbed his suit and left your apartment. You sighed and decided to let him cool down. 

The next day, Jack woke up and he knew his outburst was unnecessary. He knew that you were just messing around with him about it but he couldn’t explain why this pissed him off so much. Maybe it’s because he really liked you and you were against him? He didn’t know how to apologise. He sent you quick I’m sorry message but you ignored it.

You were lost in what you two are. One day you’re all touchy and loving towards each other but the next day you’re giving each other silent treatment. Nothing was summing up and you sank in the thoughts. This time, you needed a couple days to think if you still want to get this friendship going.

Week later, you went to see Jack in his apartment. You were nervous to knock on the door not knowing what to expect from the conversation. What if he also realized that the two of you are acting toxic? Luke’ voice brought you back to reality. 

“Jack’s not home?” He asked you.

“I don’t know, I’m standing here trying to find the bravery to knock on the door” You replied.

“Everything's gonna be fine. Jack couldn’t shut up for the past week about how bad he messed up so I’m guessing you two will sort things out” Luke replied and opened the door. He let you enter first. 

You took a deep breath and walked into his apartment. It was bizarre for you to be here. Since Jack started living with Luke, you were meeting at your place. You saw that Jack’ not sitting in the living room so you went straight to his bedroom. You stood in front of the doors. Luke noticed it and went to open the door for you and pushed you into his older brother's room.

“Hi” You said shyly.

“Hi, I didn't expect you here” Jack replied. “What do you want?”

“I think we need to talk” You sat on his bed and he quickly sat next to you.

“You want to end this, don’t you?” 

“What? No. I wanted to say that…” You took a deep breath. “I like you, like a lot but I feel like we’re toxic towards each other and I want to fix it… If it’s even possible” 

“It is, I think. It’s just tough for me to be close with you knowing that you’re against me in hockey when this is huge part of my life”

“Jack” You grabbed his hand. “I am not against you. I might root for your rival team but I care about you. That’s why I never mention Rangers around you. I made a joke and that was a bad call and…” 

“No, don’t finish. Don’t apologise to me for trying to lighten my mood. I acted like a dick. Also, I don’t want you to keep your real self from me because I don’t like your team. If this is something you want to talk about, you should. I’ll always listen just like you’re listening to me” He caressed your hand. 

“Does it mean we’re fine?” You asked not sure what to expect.

“We are, all we need is to be true to ourselves and talk more instead of running away from confrontation what we’re always doing” He half hugged you on the bed.

Finally, the two of you sorted things out properly. You felt that now, you won’t be having any issues in communication. At least this is what you’re hoping for. You were tired of explaining to him things you say. Jack had the same. He didn’t want to run away from problems to later beg for forgiveness. 

Time flew fast and there was time for another game, the New York Rangers - New Jersey Devils. After two matches in Prudential Center, it was time to have the games in Madison Square Garden. It was the first match where you could see Jack playing because you didn’t bother to go to his games in New Jersey. You were excited to see your favorite team and your favorite person to play against each other.

You were celebrating when you saw the final score showed 3:1 for Rangers. To witness the Rangers win against Devils felt special and you were delighted to see it. A part of you felt bad for Jack’ another loss to them but it didn’t bother you that much. Second game in a row, he was involved in a goal that stopped your team from the shutout. 

After the game, Jack asked you if he can get back to your apartment with you. Happily, you agreed and waited for him in your car. It felt like forever sitting there and waiting but you knew this is something he needs right now. You saw his walking figure from afar and started the car. He sat in the passenger seat and hadn’t said a word. You started driving, letting the silence fill the car. 

When you two arrived in your parking lot, you turned off the car and faced him. Jack looked at you and without any words, you two understood each other. He was the first one to leave the car and you followed him into the building. You unlocked the door and went straight into the kitchen to grab some water. One bottle to hand to him.

“I don’t know what we’re doing wrong. The preseason games showed that we can beat Rangers but now we’re acting so hopeless” He sighed and took a sip.

“That’s why you should never take the preseason games seriously. Teams always experiment with tactics and players” You tried to cheer him up. 

“I know but it still hurts like hell. Three games and three fucking loss” You could tell that he’s mad how the tables turned. You wanted to make him feel better and you kneeled in front of him. He looked surprised. “What are you doing?” 

“I want to suck your dick to help you relax” You replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

You unzipped his pants and slid them with his underwear from him. Jack quickly took off his coat. Gently, you grabbed his dick and started moving your hand around his length. He growled under your touch. With each move, his cock was getting harder. You placed a kiss on his tip and started sucking it slightly. He pulled your hair from your face and made it into a ponytail. 

“Don’t tease, just put it into your mouth. I need your warm lips” You obeyed him and slowly started sinking with your mouth around his dick. 

Your moves were calm and Jack didn’t like it. With his hand still in your hair, he was pushing your head. You relaxed your throat and let him fuck your face. He was pushing his hips while you were sitting on your knees letting him do whatever he wanted. You knew this is what he needed right now. 

With each thrust, Jack was pushing his dick further into your mouth. His tip was hitting the back of your throat and nose was touching his pubes bone. You were gagging around him and tears were spilling from the corner of your eyes. He looked at you and enjoyed this view. Your face was covered in tears and spit with his dick deep down in your mouth. 

You could feel that Jack was close because his dick was trembling in your mouth. With a loud groan, he cum inside your mouth and you swallowed it. You opened your mouth to show him and he caressed your cheek. You stood up and he brought you into a passionate kiss. You threw your hands behind his neck and you two melted in this moment. 

“Thank you for this, you’re a goddess woman” He pulled from you and looked into your eyes.

“It was a pleasure to help you” You smiled at him.

After a couple seconds you pulled aways from each other and the atmosphere became weird. You two never were this close with each other. You enjoyed this but Jack looked like he’s bothered by the fact how close and vulnerable you were. He quickly put his pants and underwear back on and changed the topic.

“How about we’ll watch a movie?” He went into the living room and grabbed the remote control.

“Umm, sure” You answered and followed him. Two of you sat down on the couch and started watching Batman. You wanted to cuddle with him but Jack was keeping a small distance. You didn’t want to bother him and sat quietly. Your knees were touching but nothing more. You hadn’t said a word to themselves, fully focused on the movie.

---

Next Chapter

[thewritingofspencerrose]

Mamma Masterlist

yay quinn on a well deserved norris trophy win!

"Oh my God," Is all I can say as Quinn's name gets called for the Norris Trophy. Jack standing to my left prompts my legs to do the same, trying my hardest to take a wiggling Ellie from Quinn while Cohen sleeps on my hip, just five months old.

My face nearly splits open from the smile I'm wearing, Quinn ducking in to kiss my lips as he places Ellie on my other hip, kissing the top of her head and the top of Cohens. He moves down the line, hugging Luke and Jack and his parents before moving to the stage.

"Here, Elle Belle, come sit with Uncle Jack," Jack offers, her running over as soon as she's on the ground to take a seat with her 'favorite' uncle.

Thank you, I mouth, Jack just smiling as Luke takes my hand that's not holding the baby to my lap, offering me a smile as the tears trail down my cheeks in joy.

Tears are in my eyes as Quinn makes it up, standing in a room of legends to take his trophy and the microphone.

"First off," He begins, smile bright as day. "I'd like to thank my teammates. It's a great group of guys, and - um -" He pauses, and although I've caught him on more than one occasion practicing for this moment in our bathroom mirror, he needs this moment to think through the next minute and a half.

"The reality of winning an award like this is you can't do it alone, and you really need good players around you. And I certainly have that, so thanks fellas."

"Um- to my coaching staff, great group of people, love playing for you guys. Um- Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford, thank you for your continued mentorship and trust. To the Aquilini family, Roberto and Francesco, for being here, nobody cares about the city and the fans more than you guys, so thank you."

"Momma," Ellie tries to whisper, stealing my attention, "Daddy got his award?"

"Yes, baby, Daddy won," I answer, Jack and Luke smiling the brightest.

"And to my family more than anything-" I can't help but look to the Hughes beside me, people who have been in my life for years, and be eternally grateful that I was accepted into it. "My brothers, its surreal to be able to go through the same profession as you guys, and my parents, for your continued support and love."

"And to my wonderful fiance," Oh God I'm not prepared for this. His eyes meet mine, smile growing impossibly larger. "This has been the first season I've been blessed enough to be a father, and truly I feel that's what drove me to be the best captain I could be. I love you and thank you for bringing our gorgeous kids into the world."

I blow him a kiss, tears still streaming as Lu squeezes my hand, chuckling.

"He was nicer to you than he was to us," He mumbles, entirely a joke, but it does earn a small laugh.

"And most importantly and lastly," Quinn continues, eyes on the trophy in hand, "to Roman Josi, congrats on a great season, wherever you are-" His eyes scan the crowd, chuckling when he finds the man in question. "There you are, when I think Nashville Predators, I think you, and you're a fantastic player and they're lucky to have you."

He turns, eyes landing on their next target.

"And Cale, I probably love watching my brothers play most, but I'd say you're next on that list, and I've learned a lot from you, so um, congrats on another great season, and appreciate you guys. Thank you."

His eyes meet mine, smile wide and eyes wrinkled at the corner in joy.

This is my boy, the father of my children and the man I love.

I could not be more proud.

[thatsdemko]

making the bed - l.norris

pairing: lando Norris x songwriter!singer!reader

fc: Gracie Abrams

summary: everyone assumes a certain song you wrote on guts is about a McLaren driver…

yourusername

liked by oliviarodrigo, charles_leclerc, lewishamilton, & 2,518,459 others.

yourusername: guts is out everywhere!!! so proud of my bestie oliviarodrigo and her AMAZING talent! thank u so much for letting me work with u!! making the bed was mine turned yours and I hope you enjoy miss livs version xx

5,000 comments

y/nupdates: knew it was you who produced that song

landoslover: mother I hope that song isn’t about you know who

oliviarodrigo: LOVE YOU!

landoy/nlover: so it’s defs about him right??? he hasn’t interacted on her posts in MONTHS.

y/ntourupdates

liked by landocarlos, y/nforever, y/ncult, & 2,428 others.

y/ntourupdates: y/n during her show in Nashville where she sang making the bed as a surprise song for the fans!

400 comments

y/n1234: ugh delete she was crying SO much after that song :(

landolago: I was there you could tell she really didn’t want to sing it

y/nsbabe: going to beat up that vroom vroom guy that broke her heart!

landonews

liked by sushilando, leclerc16ish, mclarenspastry, & 1,358 others.

landonews: well… Lando seen recently in Italy with some girl

400 comments

y/nbitch: NOOO

landosgirl238: me trying to figure out if that’s y/n

dancingqueeny/n: no y/n is in England for a show :(

y/npluslando: it’s really over huh :(

yourusername

liked by landonorris, danielricciardo, y/nupdates, & 1,354,572 others.

yourusername: difficult. out now.

5,600 comments

y/nvroomvroom: WE WON! LANDO LIKED AND A NEW SONG!

charlesmonacomonza: lando y/n crumbs!!! time to eat them up!

landomclaren: so like… was making the bed even about him at all?

y/ncuntology: you can tell this song definitely is about him though. she was spiraling bad with him. wouldn’t be too surprised if making the bed truly was written inspired by lando

y/nsweetie

liked by teamy/nn, bitchcedes, y/nmother, & 2,358 others.

y/nsweetie: y/n’s face when someone mentioned lando norris… oh they are so back

30 comments

landosjolly: I KNEW IT! I knew she couldn’t write a bad thing about him

russellgeorgeprincess: so it really was y/n with him in Italy?

lewishami: I was at the show she did mention having been on a needed vacation…

carlosferrari: omg I knew my parents didn’t break up

y/nhq

liked by landonorris, maxverstappen1, yourusername, & 4,528 others.

y/nhq: the photographer vs the photo lando.jpg

355 comments

yourusername: 🥹

swiftiey/n: so like.. who is making the bed even about?

yourusername: it’s about myself lol.

tags: @oconso @xcicix @imsorare @weasleyswizardwheezes-blog @monzabee @lpab @frreyaa @motorsp0rt @lovelytsunoda @smoothopz @jaehyunluvcult @iloveyou3000morgan @lunnnix @leclerc13 @ophcelia @ihrtdan

CURRENTLY TAKING REQUESTS! send in ideas here!

[thankyouforthememoriesworld]

So I (🔎) decided to dig more into 2016 because I had plenty of evidence for overlap but also didn't lol. Note this was Azzi's first year with Fairfax Stars and Paige played for North Tartan. Long story short, there was overlap but they were in different divisions. Paige played on NT 8th team the summer before her 9th. Azzi was apparently playing on a 10th grade team the summer before her 8th grade. But they were indeed in the same locations.

---------------------------------

North Tartan Summer Jam - June 2016 (No Overlap I can tell)

A fun little quoted tweet from North Tartan account in 2016 featuring Fairfax Stars and Azzi Fudd lol "They are legit"

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/744032001620082690

Fairfax Stars 15U displays 3 future BCS players. Malu Tshitenge 6-4 C 2019 Elizabeth Martino 5-10 G 2020 & 2021 Azzi Fudd 5-10 G 2021.

The same guy tweeted on the same day:

https://x.com/brethoops/status/744011067588653057

North Tartan Starks 2020 team features Trifecta Paige Bueckers 5-10 G Mallory Brake 6-0 F & MacKenzie Kramer 5-7 PG. 3 future talents.

Now looking at the schedule for Summer Jam 2016, Azzi's Fairfax 15U did play North Tartan 10th EYBL but Paige actually wasn't on this team yet and played on the 8th NT team. Hence why they never played.

Tournament Schedule:

https://tourneymachine.com/Public/Results/Division.aspx?IDTournament=h201510192243367598877fa9d1c264f&IDDivision=h20160609131643192b6faa6c1558d4b

Azzi played several levels up while Paige did not participate in this tournament it seems (it only included North Tartan 9th and up). Now if you are wondering why Paige didn't play levels up I refer you to this tweet years later from her coach: https://x.com/22TTStarksMom/status/1151503192166948864

AAU Super Showcase - July 2016 in Atlanta (Overlap)

Then, Azzi had this tweet from July 2 2016: https://x.com/azzi_35/status/749378901768536065

AAU Sup Showcase Sched Wed 7/6 3:00pm vs. North Tartan - ct. 7

They were both at the super showcase but again, same deal - different divisions. https://image.aausports.org/dnn/girlsbasketball/2016/supershowcase/9-11SSTEAMS.pdf

They ended up advancing but losing to North Tartan (not Paige's team).

https://x.com/FairfaxStars/status/751563695000543232

Paige's team won the super showcase for 9th grade

https://x.com/22TTStarksMom/status/753615080315613184

Battle of the Boro 2016 in Nashville (Overlap)

Paige was part of the Freshman Division and won:

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/753287011583332352

And seemingly, it seems North Tartan on all levels won championships:

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/753331171023609856

Her team was undefeated in July thus far

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/753287923965976576

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/753285630654906368

Azzi was part of the Sophomore Division as part of the all tournament team:

https://x.com/FairfaxStars/status/754125955795419136

https://nyghoopsreport.com/news/battle-in-the-boro-all-tournament-team

-------------------------

On a different note - you can pull some scouting comments for Azzi's game since she was in middle school: https://nyghoopsreport.com/search?query=Azzi%20Fudd

Also the North Tartan twitter congratulating Azzi's team in 2017 and 2018 which I found endearing.

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/876517915373309953

https://x.com/NorthTartan/status/1008389932413603841

I particularly enjoy "standing room only" for their match up in 2018: https://x.com/preferredscout/status/1008061107330789376

Last random thing I found - here's an incredibly old interview of Paige, my guess is from 2017 just from the headband

https://x.com/MrCmonNow/status/1167555153169268736

I don't know what to say other than bravo. Phenomenons from a young age ✨.

Bonus: Baby P with her baby voice 👶🏻

[bxtxnx]

The one and only piece on T-squares you will ever need to read, because I know this thing the best.

I was just looking up posts on T-squares yet again to see if I can find the answer to dealing with them, since I have two in my chart and let me tell you, it's rough.

Alsa, no matter how much I search, nothing especially note-worthy comes up and it further proved to me that I know this placement better than anyone.

So listen up, girls, guys and other persons of interest. Because no one else knows the T-squares as well as I do.

To get the formalities out of the way for those that don't know - a T-square is formed by two planets that are in an opposition to each other, plus a third planet forming a square to both of these planets. This ends up looking like a nice, big, red triangle in your chart.

Some people say that the solution to the T-square is in the so called "empty leg", others say that you need to look for positive aspects to the T-square (sextiles and trines), because they are the solution and the fix for the T-square, which causes a person to remain stagnant in their life, unable to achieve anything no matter how much effort they put in.

That's wrong.

The empty leg won't help you, a positive aspect won't help you either.

With the T-square, you have to go to the eye of the storm, you have to deal with it head on. The solution to the T-square is in it's apex, it's focal point, aka the planet that is forming a square to the other two planets.

When a planet is at the apex of the T-square, it becomes so prominent, that it starts acting like a personal placement. Having Mars at the apex of a T-square affects you in the same way an Aries Sun will. And you deal with MAJOR issues related to that planet. That planet is a source of great struggles related to it's nature, but it also brings you your greatest success and achievements.

Make sure you remember the following keywords:

Mars: aggression, violence, competition, being the first, ambition

Saturn: challenges, delays, limitation, positions of high status, high positions in the hierarchy

Pluto: transformations, crisis, critical life and death situations, sexual things

Uranus: society, standing out and being unique, groups of people

Oprah Winfrey has a T-square with Mars at the apex, Soyeon of (G)-IDLE has one with Saturn at the apex, Megan Thee Stallion - a T-square with Pluto at the apex, BTS - Uranus at the apex.

Oprah with her Mars at the apex of her T-square has dealt with violence and assaults since was a child. Her bio online says "...she is a living symbol of the self-made person in spite of all odds." This one sentence alone shows the manifestation of her Mars apex - her fighting spirit.

She has won beauty pageants while in university, her Mars once again acting up (but in a positive way), by helping her thrive in competitions.

After leaving college, she became the first female and first black newscaster in Nashville. See the pattern?

Soyeon of (G)-IDLE with her Saturn at the apex of her T-square and her fellow members of the group weren't able to debut, because their label didn't give them a song fitting for the group. One song after the other, no song was a good fit for the group to record and make their debut with. A delay and a challenge, courtesy of Saturn.

So, what did Soyeon do? Decided to write her own song and pitch it to the label. In the end, (G)-IDLE debuted with the song LATATA, written by Soyeon.

Over the years, Soyeon has been the producer of the group, creating and overseeing the recording of the songs; she has been the creative director of the group, coming up with and overseeing the concepts, among many other things she has been doing.

All of this shows how impactful Saturn at the apex of her T-square is - she deals with struggles and challenges in her path and she takes the difficult path of dealing with them on her own, even when she is surrounded by people more competent in a particular sphere. She deals with the issues and assumes high positions in the hierarchy (in her case - producer / creative director) and becomes an authority in her sphere.

Pluto at the apex of Megan Thee Stallion's T-square has forced her to deal with some pretty traumatizing things. Losing her mother and great-grandmother in the same month, getting shot and dealing with a lawsuit and problems with her label which affected her work.

Despite all of this, Megan has proven to be a survivor, being able to get out of various crises fairly well, enough to be able to keep moving forward. This shows the true power of Pluto, being able to survive and thrive after the darkest of times. The sexual nature of her lyrics is also another way Pluto is able to drive Megan to success.

BTS with their T-square having Uranus at the apex are the epitome of all things Uranuan. Just the fact that they are a group of seven members is one step to Uranus bringing them success.

That success didn't come immediately though. When the group first debuted, they stood out but not in a good way. They were ostracized and made fun of both by the public and by their colleagues in the industry.

Because they came from a small entertainment company which didn't have a lot of funds, the group wasn't able to receive the type of promotions and marketing other groups from more established companies do, so the group took a different approach to marketing themselves with vlogs and videos of the members dancing and singing, plus other types of videos.

In the end, BTS' unique sound, plus their songs full of social commentary took them where they are today, while the promotional content the group made, made them stand out and become the blueprint for promotional marketing of K-pop groups, with many other groups following in their footsteps and doing the same types of content and shows that they did.

This is why I say the apex of the T-square is extremely important in a chart. It's as important as your Sun. It is what brings you the biggest challenges, but also the biggest rewards.

If you have a Mars apex, you need to live like an Aries by being a fighter and always chasing the next achievement, if you have a Jupiter apex, you need to live like a Sagittarius - constantly absorbing new knowledge to the point you become a walking encyclopedia and being loud and flamboyant.

This is it. While the other planets in the T-square also play their roles and have their influence, this is how a T-square works and is dealt with. This is how a T-square goes from keeping you stagnant, running in one place, to the fastest vehicle that takes you to the greatest heights. ☽

[stockcarbaby24]

Kyle's pole and Logan in Nashville made me a little loopy.

Sargewood drabble under the cut 🫣🩷🩵

Broadway was abuzz with music, sights, and lights, but Kyle didn't care about any of it. He weaved his way through the screaming crowds, cheering as they poured from open bar doors. He had finally lost Colton, and was far enough into the throng of people that he could blend in. No Andretti merch, no Indy gear, no pink AutoNation identification. Kyle just looked like a man roaming the sparkling city looking to get drunk off the atmosphere.

Kyle was on a different mission though.

The blond hair, was easy enough to spot, but it was the white shirt and familiar form that Kyle truely recognized. Logan turned, standing outside the picture window of a dive bar, empty beer in his hand, and phone in the other. He looked gorgeous under the sharpe blue lights of the signs above him.

Kyle wanted so badly.

The driver quickly cut towards his friend, calling his name in an attempt to be heard over the din of Nashville. Logan didn't react, which gave Kyle the chance to slip up to him, placing a hand on his waist as he got next to him. "Been looking for you all night!" He shouted trying to be heard still.

Logan turned, smiling wide and eyes brighter than Kyle had seen all week- in months, it seemed. He was beautiful. He looked perfect.

Kyle felt like he had already won the race.

Logan leaned closer, hand going to Kyle’s shoulder. "Let me buy you a drink! You were a killer out there, mate."

It was still early enough in the night, they could go anywhere- the city was their oyster. But looking at those electric blue eyes, Kyle felt drunk enough already. He licked his lips, feeling dangerous and reckless after his pole. Feeling like he could do anything tomorrow- tonight. God he just-

"Where's your hotel," Kyle asked, the hand on his hip curling tighter. More possessive. He was stupid from it, recklessly trying to ruin what they had. But Kyle needed to- Logan deserved to feel good after what he'd gone through the past month. He was gorgeous and perfect, and Kyle was high off that P1- like he could finally be that person to give it all to Logan.

Logan leaned back enough to look at Kyle's eyes. Unclear, and searching at first, but Kyle saw when they turned with realization. Logan's lips dropped, his eyes blowing out, and Kyle wanted.

"You," Logan licked his lips. "Are you sure?"

"More than anything, darlin'"

[lfghughes]

Can I request going to the NHL awards with Jack and like matching I just want something cute and fluffy with them celebrating

a/n: but remember when i jinxed his win guys. this is my redemption post

This was your first time at the NHL awards and your first time on a red carpet in general. Before coming here you were definitely nervous but you weren’t going to give up your plus one spot that Jack had offered to you. As you looked at your boyfriend, a small smile spread on your lips at his suit that he was wearing. “I was ready to fight you if I saw you in a tshirt for this.” You teased which caused him to roll his eyes at you. “You’re never going to let me live down the all star red carpet are you?”

You quickly shook your head, maybe if you had gone with him to that you could have convinced him to at least have worn a nice button up. Once you were both ready you met up with his parents and immediately Ellen started gushing as she took in the two of you. “Look at my two babies.” A smile grew on your lips at her words and how easily she had accepted you into the family. “I’m so happy you’re wearing a suit and not a tshirt.” She pointed out which caused you to laugh. Glad everyone was on the same page as you.

At the red carpet it was exactly how you had pictured it. Cameras were everywhere, Jack was being stopped pretty regularly to get interviewed and to sign things. Every once in a while you would get into a photo with him but mostly you stuck near his parents. You would be lying if you said you weren’t in complete awe of your boyfriend and the way he acted like a natural even though you knew he wasn’t a fan of interviews. “I want to get a photo of you two, go stand with him.” Ellen ushered you forward and you did exactly as she asked.

“Mom, should we do an awkward prom pose?” Jack teased as Ellen snapped away on her phone. When she got her pictures, you went back to her to see the photos she had gotten. “Babe, look” Jack got your attention and you couldn’t help but laugh as he pretended like he was snapping photos of you on an imaginary camera. “You’re such a dork.” You shook your head as you watched him go up to the next interview. During this one they had asked what made him a gentleman and his response about holding the door open made you laugh.

“That’s your son.” You pointed out to Ellen who was shaking her head at her son. “He sure is.” You were glad to get inside into the ac and to finally be able to sit. “I can’t wait for us to go celebrate on broadway after.” Jack whispered to you as he sank down into his seat next to you. You were definitely looking forward to that too but first you wanted to see Jack win his award. Except well when it came around to it, he hadn’t won. Your hand went to his leg, giving him a reassuring squeeze as he shrugged. “It’s okay.” But you could tell he was a little bummed about it.

The rest of the night felt like it dragged a little but this was still an experience you would do all over again. When the night came to an end, Jack and some of his friends still wanted to go out and you definitely weren’t going to turn down a night out in Nashville. “Alright, you kids be safe. Okay?” Ellen warned the both of you. “Of course mom, we will.” He told her, giving her a hug goodnight. “Also baby, I’m proud of you always.” Your heart grew ten sizes as you watched your boyfriend with his mom before he came over to you. “I’m proud of you too and you are my favorite gentleman.”

[phant0mmm-jaiden]

SPNNASH BUT ITS ALL THE STUFF I GOT (check out my photo-op post too)

starting off strong, y’know that noise maker Jared used in my photo op with him?

I still have it. He just gave it back when we had to leave the pictures. Just “Hope you have a great birthday” while giving me it back. I don’t know what to do with it, I guess it’s just here now KAKDJFJ I was going to let J2 keep the noise makers because like. wtf am I going to do with them, but we just have them still

SIGNED LOUDEN SWAIN SHIRT AAAAA I’ve said it once i’ll say it again THEYRE SO NICE while the band was signing my shirt, Rob talked with me and my group about the drive to Nashville and the convention happening in our area next year. Me when people have conversations with me 🤭🤭 as someone with social anxiety any successful social interaction with people- especially people who I look up to- is the most important thing like ever. I love that they’re so nice and so social with fans it stops be from overthinking it

LOUDEN SWAIN GUITAR PICK i took of the stage after the band left. I don’t think I was supposed to take them but no one stopped me either so 🎉 I have it and I think it’s really cool. It’s used- idk by who specifically but they’re all cool so it could have been used by any one of them and i’d still be winning

SIGNED DICK JR. AND THE VOLUNTEERS SHIRTS I’m actually a fake fan because I couldn’t see his concert because we drove into Nashville that day and missed it KAKSJDN But I love them so much, I wish I saw them, but I still saw Richard play at the Louden Swain concert, up close because we were in the pit by where he was playing, and I felt really cool. This is a side note but i also really wanted the Ro-Bert (come down and squirt- some lemon on your shrimp) shirt but by the time we looped back around to get it the vendors were closed 😭 if they don’t have it at the convention near me I’m gonna crash out lol

Dean Winchester Bracelet replica, I want to wear it 24/7, unfortunately it’s a little lose and it scares me sometimes but that won’t stop me from wearing it as much as possible

The Roadhouse Game Night Keychain and Pin, the game night was so fun- albeit stressful cause social anxiety, but we won the Family Feud part soooo I feel good abt it at the end of thing WHY WASNT LAWYER THE #1 ANSWER FOR “what would Sam be if he wasn’t a hunter” HE WAS IN LAW SCHOOL it was still #3 BUT STILL. very fun 10/10 recommend

Sam and Dean Initial Blanket, it’s so soft i’m laying down with it right, my friend also got a really good supernatural blanket so now we’re twinning

Did you make it this far? Did you know I’m working on a Supernatural OC? you can find her on my page, feel free to ask question! (please ask questions I crave to talk about her)

[ourpickwickclub]

This is for the person sending asks saying it’s wrong to reference MLs “bought awards”.

Back in 2020, we had a lot of discussions about this and maybe you weren’t here then. You can google all of this, but Sony and ML’s lawyer, Joel Katz, was implicated for rigging awards for the Grammys and Nashville award shows. Her label then, Sony, was accused and widely known to push for awards to use as marketing tools. ML’s sales have never been very strong for music or concerts. Shoot, at most of her shows you could often find a ticket on a resale site for the price of a Happy Meal, which we also posted here. It’s fair to say that without awards to use to market, ML’s career would have faded out a while ago. Also, of note, ML’s good friend and director of her videos, Trey Fanjoy, was head of the Country Nashville Grammy Committee. Her lawyer, her label, her agency, and her friend/director all had massive influence and were all cited as unfairly using that influence to benefit artists they chose. And it is a real shame because it is so unfair to albums and artists who are unfairly removed from nomination lists due to these politics. Always follow the money.

You can read many articles about all of this online. Does it prove that ML’s awards were bought? No. Is it usually true that where there is smoke there is fire? Yes.

And it is interesting that just after Sony and Katz quietly settled some of its lawsuits on these topics, they released ML. Now, it is being said that NDAs were used to silence people over the years. It’s all corrupt and probably a reason Blake hates being in Nashville and moved back to OK years ago.

But most important, after all the smearing of Blake and Gwen that ML and her team, including cutthroat Marion Craft, have done, which absolutely hurt Blake’s career, do I feel bad calling her awards bought? Not even a tiny bit.

ML has talent, but nothing close to an amount commensurate with the awards she has won. She’s a bit of a vampire in how she sucks other artist’s aesthetics and talent to make herself seem original and more talented than she is in reality. Again, we have posted pics of all the fashion, songs, logos, posts, album covers, video themes that she has blatantly swiped from Blake and Gwen and other artists.

So, I’ll probably keep referencing her “bought awards” because I believe many of them were just that.

- B

And also, WME block voting played a huge role! Thanks to the anon who reminded me!

[ladylooch]

Hiii! How about recently starting a relationship with Nico before the summer break, and obviously not traveling back home with him since it is far too early to meet the family. But now he is back in the States with his entire family and they are dying to meet you but you are still a little apprehensive about it all. 😊

Nico's New Girlfriend

A/N: Ooo I hate how long this took. So sorry, anon! Thank you for your patience 😘

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: None!

Nico is barely awake on the phone screen in your hand. You are both watching the final episode of Ted Lasso together via FaceTime while he is back home in Switzerland- 3,900 miles away, not that you’re counting. His eyes are droopy, long lashes extending out to dust along his cheek bones. He promised if you two watched a show together, he would be able to stay awake longer. Poor thing has been training so hard. His eyes were sluggish when the opening credits began.

“Nico. You should go to sleep.” You say, startling him back awake.

“I’m not sleepy.” He mumbles back, widening his eyes and looking back at his TV. 

“You are. And you need to be up early for your Nashville flight.” Nico sighs, running a hand through his hair as he sits up, clicking the TV off.

“It’s hard knowing I’m going to be flying over you and not seeing you.” He grumbles. Nico invited you to attend the NHL awards with him this week, but it all felt too soon. You both discussed it at length. But your apprehension won. This is so new and meeting his whole family on a massive, public scale while being photographed with him felt like too much. How would you live with those pictures out there forever if things were to end? You shiver again at the uncomfortable thought of losing him.

“I know. I’m sorry.” You bite at your fingernail regretfully.

“It’s okay. I want you to be comfortable. Maybe by Christmas.”

“Definitely by Christmas.”

“Good, Nina makes the best hot chocolate with whipped cream and nutmeg on top.” Nico sighs as he remembers it. “I can’t wait to share you with them. You should know they have been asking about you. They told me I should beg you to reconsider.” You pout at him, loving the way his eye crinkle in the corners with his small smile.

After many more attempts to get Nico off the phone, he finally agrees to go to bed. You go about the rest of your day in the afternoon, doing some shopping and preparing for the week ahead at work. You fight off the Sunday scares by going to bed early.

That night, while you’re sleeping, a Hischier you haven’t met drops into your Instagram DMs. 

Hi Y/N, it’s Nina, Nico’s sister. I am sorry to introduce myself so abruptly, but… I think you need to know how sad Nico is that you are not joining us in Nashville. He won’t say anything to you because he does not want to put pressure on you. But he wants you there. He feels his success this year was because of your support. He wishes to share it with you, whether he wins or not. Please reconsider! I’ll help with whatever I can!

You smile, biting your lip at hearing from Nina. Nico loves her. And talks of her often. He is convinced you two will be best friends. To hear from her with such a heartfelt and honest confession does something to your reservations. It cancels most of them from your brain and before you even know what you’re doing, you’re booking a last minute flight to Nashville. The price and fees are outrages and the flight time is shit, but damn, Nico is worth it.

It takes assistance from one of the WAGS to get in touch with a Devils’ employee who can assist with getting you close to Nico for the surprise. The NHL Awards are sure to be locked down with security and you need to be sure you can see him. You suit up into a simple black dress that isn’t eye catching, but fancy enough that you can walk into the arena with him. Your pass is tucked safely in your clutch to avoid being stolen. Your hair falls in curled tendrils down your shoulders and a pair of strappy sandals help give you some heigh to push your way through the crowd. Once you’re at the fencing, your fingers fiddle with the picture of Nico in your hands for him to sign.

The Devils nominees all arrive together. You smile, watching as Nico awkwardly navigates around, showing his suit, doing interviews, and shifting around from foot to foot at all the attention. Fans scream his name from every direction. His family searches the crowd for you while Nico tends to his captaincy duties. Fans line the bike rack all around you. They press you further up against the rack as other players walk by, signing and posing for pictures. They can grab whatever they want from these other players. You only care about one. 

Nico gets closer, nibbling his lip and signing every thing thrusted in front of his face. He’s so gracious with fans, even when he doesn’t want to be.

“They deserve the best from me.” He told you once before when you were stopped multiple times while out at dinner. He had offered to say no to these interactions when you were together, but you loved watching Nico in this setting. The way he takes time to ask follow up questions and makes sure the picture turned out right or giving hugs when asked. 

And that’s how you know he will come to you without any effort on your part.

You don’t say anything as he gets to the kid right next to you. He barely is looking up anymore, just trying to sign as many things as he can before the NHL representative pushes him into the arena. He reaches for the picture in your hands as his family stops behind him to watch you two. Nina makes eye contact with you excitedly while pulling up her phone to film the interaction.

“Do you think I could have a picture?” You wonder, leaning a bit more forward. Nico snaps up at the sound of your voice. He grins, electricity jolting through you at being the recipient of that awestruck look.

“Babe…” He is in disbelief but smiling so wide his dimples pinch perfect slits into his cheeks. “What?”

“Surprise!”

He can only stare back at you. His hand is paused with the picture between you, marker hovering. Fans call out his name insistently, but he can’t pull his eyes off of you. You step onto the bike rack, reaching out for him to move closer. He does wrapping his arms around your waist as the security guard is getting ready to yell at you.

He buries his face into the nook of your neck. You press your nose into his hair, closing your eyes to ignore the hundreds of cameras taking pictures of you. Those pictures are posted on social media stories across a handful of platforms. It won’t take long for the fans to find you. What scared the shit out of you a week ago now gives new life as you realize why Nico wanted you here so bad. Its so obvious in the way he holds you and cradles your face when he pulls away to kiss you.

Nico Hischier is in love with you.

“I can’t… tell you what this means to me.” 

“You don’t have to… Nina did.” Nico sighs, looking over his shoulder at his sister. He leans back down to hug you again, murmuring that he still isn’t quite sure this is real.

You make eye contact with Nico’s family over his shoulder. The four of them watch their beloved boy crumble into soothing contentment with his new girlfriend. Nico knows he should let you go, but he can’t yet. You feel like home even though he just left home.

His family, the people he adores and honors every moment of his life, know exactly why Nico feels so content now. 

They could see it in the way he talked about you so far this summer. It’s why Nina reached out and Jack smirks as he walks around you two to continue to sign autographs.

You’re the one. Indisputably. And now the rest of the world knows it too.

[foxes-that-run]

But Daddy I Love Him

Daddy I love him is an Ariel quote, when Ariel gives up her voice for love. Taylor has given up love for her voice (career), but also not spoken up for what she wants most. But Daddy I Love Him is a continuation of a theme of how fame and fandoms have affected Taylor's personal life. What I love about this song is it sounds like an older Taylor Swift song, she embraces a country sound and speaks her mind.

While the parallels to the reaction to a relationship in May 2023 can be seen, this overlooks much of her experience with this behaviour. I don't mean to say it is not an element, but it is far from a complete story to say it is about ending a 3 week relationship with someone about whom she also said "And I'll forget you, but I'll never forgive" on the same record.

In her NYU Graduation address in May 2022 Taylor had part of the concept in this already swirling in her mind, a full year before she dated Matty Healy:

Having journalists write in-depth, oftentimes critical, pieces about who they perceive me to be made me feel like I was living in some weird simulation, but it also made me look inward to learn about who I actually am. Having the world treat my love life like a spectator sport in which I lose every single game was not a great way to date in my teens and twenties, but it taught me to protect my private life fiercely. Being publicly humiliated over and over again at a young age was excruciatingly painful but it forced me to devalue the ridiculous notion of minute by minute, ever fluctuating social relevance and likability. 

What Taylor is referring to is the treatment by the media and fandoms throughout her career, but this was never more of an issue than 2012-2014. Nothing is a terrifying as a teenager on fledgeling social media. This TikTok creator describes it perfectly:

From tabloids, twitter, tumblr, even people who looked like Taylor were abused.

So yes, Harry has had and worn t-Shirt with the song title for years, and yes they have both dressed up as Ariel. But that is not all that makes this song about Taylor loosing her love over fan behaviour... it's because she did. She lost the love she wrote 1989 including "This love left a permanent mark / This love is glowing in the dark"  about. And it continues today, there are a lot of people who still call Harry's partners vile names and think it is OK to treat others poorly because they suggest he could care for someone. I think anyone who's read this far knows exactly what I mean, probably first hand.

This affected Taylor the point the Clean Speeches on the 1989 Tour were on this topic, every night she talked about bullying, self worth and holding onto love.

The 'Daddy' is not just the fans and media, but probably her team also. I think the varied shapes in the CDs are to show this comes in many forms and roles, not just one experience. As Taylor said to Rolling Stone in 2014 before 1989 was released:

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I forget how the West was won I forget if this was ever fun I just learned these people only raise you To cage you Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best Clutching their pearls, sighing, “What a mess” I just learned these people try and save you ‘Cause they hate you

For the international fans like myself 'How the West was Won' is a 1960's film about American colonisation. I think the opening 2 lines do 2 things, place us in a country setting and also tell us Taylor cares more about speaking her mind than what may be higher bigger goals.

The second half of this verse goes on to set out that it is fans who are approaching her love lost as trauma porn, and I am here for it.

I also note the cage reference, Taylor (and Harry) have a long theme of being caged or trapped by fame, she has a literal cage in her Nashville apartment, he has a cage tattoo and they have used cage, glass boxes, fishbowls, snowglobe imagery. Here she points out the fans are not really there for her, they are seeking to control her.

[Pre-Chorus 1] Too high a horse for a simple girl To rise above it They slammed the door on my whole world The one thing I wanted

The pre-chorus furthers that the final straw has been broken, she's been cornered by fans to give up something she cares for.

Vigante Shit "Ladies always rise above / Ladies know what people want / Someone sweet and kind and fun /The lady simply had enough"

Is It Over Now? "I was hoping you’d be there and say the one thing I’ve been wanting, but no"

That is the only time Taylor has sung about ‘wanting one thing' before. This also reminds me of the Delicate Behind the Scenes, where she said she got a note from a lover and wants to be with him but realises 'it can never be him'

[Chorus] Now I’m running with my dress unbuttoned Scrеaming, “But, Daddy, I love him I’m having his baby” No, I’m not, but you should see your faces I’m telling him to floor it through thе fences No, I’m not coming to my senses I know he’s crazy, but he’s the one I want

In the chorus Taylor acts out a churlish child yelling at a father. The 'daddy' is many roles, her actual parents, fans, media and probably record company and PR people who told her she could be with the one she loved, throughout her life. She says the matching line to Harry's Kiwi, which has the same meaning.

Taylor 'floors it through the fences, fed up and unwilling to listen. This is great imagery, to break through fences, and also as metaphorical fences that have been placed around what considered acceptable for her. Cars are also a Haylor theme, including Run below and often used as a metaphor for their love escaping as it is here. (All I know is that you drove us off the road / Let’s get out of this town, drive out of the city, away from the crowds)

Is It Over Now?: Was it over when he unbuttoned my blouse?

Run: And my so-called friends, they don’t know I’d drive away before I let you go

In Kiwi Harry yells a tabloid line followed with it's none of your business. In his Harry's House ONO complete with pointing at the camera and crowd. Taylor also referenced these same tabloids headlines in the Reputation magazine.

Kiwi "I'm having your baby / It's none of your business"

[Verse 2] Dutiful daughter, all my plans were laid Tendrils tucked into a woven braid Growing up precocious sometimes means Not growing up at all He was chaos, he was revelry Bedroom eyes like a remedy Soon enough, the elders had convened Down at the city hall

In the second verse Taylor establishes that she has gone everything asked of her:

Style - "I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt"

Style - "So it goes, he can’t keep his wild eyes on the road"

Yet is denied freedom and the elders decree the match is unsuitable. I think the elders are her team. She describes the muse as chaos and revelry. This is very reminiscent of the I Knew You Were Trouble introduction poem, but while in 2012 Taylor was contrite and said it was too much she now revels in the revelry:

"And the crazy thing is I don't know if I'm ever gonna feel that way again, but I don't know if I should. I knew his world moved too fast and burned too bright, but I just thought, how can the devil be pulling you toward someone who looks so much like an angel when he smiles at you? Maybe he knew that when he saw me. I guess I just lost my balance. I think that the worst part of it all wasn't losing him it was losing me"

[Pre-Chorus 2] “Stay away from her” The saboteurs protested too much Lord knows the words we never heard Just screeching tires and true love

The 'daddy' has now forbidden the love, this is reminiscent of Love Story: "And my daddy said, “Stay away from Juliet”

[Chorus] And I’m running with my dress unbuttoned Screaming, “But, Daddy, I love him I’m having his baby” No, I’m not, but you should see your faces I’m telling him to floor it through the fences No, I’m not coming to my senses I know he’s crazy, but he’s the one I want

'Crazy' and Madness are a Haylor theme, particularly in the Blank Space music video, and these lyrics

Wonderland "And in the end, in Wonderland, we both went mad"

Kiwi "She's driving me crazy, but I'm into it (Oh) and "It's getting crazy, I think I'm losing it, I think I'm losing it"

But many more songs:

[Post-Chorus 1] I’ll tell you something right now I’d rather burn my whole life down Than listen to one more second of all this bitching and moaning I’ll tell you something ’bout my good name It’s mine alone to disgrace I don’t cater to all these vipers dressed in empath’s clothing

I love the last line, vipers dressed in empaths clothing, that is exactly what they are.

[Bridge] God save the most judgmental creeps Who say they want what’s best for me Sanctimoniously performing soliloquies I’ll never see Thinking it can change the beat Of my heart when he touches me And counteract the chemistry And undo the destiny You ain’t gotta pray for me Me and my wild boy and all of this wild joy If all you want is gray for me Then it’s just white noise, and it’s just my choice

The only time Taylor has described someone as wild in lyrics is in Style "So it goes, he can’t keep his wild eyes on the road"

Afterglow "Chemistry until it blows up"

I love the end of the bridge, elsewhere on the record Taylor describes her long term relationship as grey, staid and boring. For many years some fans have shoehorned this person into lyrics because they want to see themselves in her, as they settle down they want her too. From my point of view some rather loud warning signs in songs were overlooked, or seen as 'she's remembering the past/when they first got together' to avoid accepting she was unhappy and wanted out.

Out of the Woods "The rest of the world was black and white But we were in screaming color"

[Verse 3] There’s a lot of people in town that I Bestow upon my fakest smiles Scandal does funny things to pride, but brings lovers closer We came back when the heat died down Went to my parents and they came around All the wine moms are still holding out But fuck ’em, it’s over

This verse is where I think it becomes clear than the 2023 lens is at best reminding Taylor of a past love, because that relationship never came back. Matty has said they never dated in 2014, there was no controversy around her attending concerts then. They dated for a few weeks then stopped talking, and of story.

However Harry and Taylor did sing about a hidden relationship for years. In fact Taylor wasn't connected to anyone else in a serious way for three years. In particular

Wildest Dreams: I said, “No one has to know what we do”

This Love "This love came back to me, oh, oh, oh"

I know places : "Somethin' happens when everybody finds out / See the vultures circling, dark clouds" and "we're bulletproof I know places (Hide) and you know for me, it's always you"

…Ready For It?: "Island breeze and lights down low, no one has to know"

I Know Places TV's lyric video for got a very TTPD themed look.

[Final Chorus] Now I’m dancing in my dress in the sun and Even my daddy just loves him I’m his lady And, oh, my God, you should see your faces Time, doesn’t it give some perspective? And, no, you can’t come to the wedding I know it’s crazy, but he’s the one I want

Taylor is asking her fans, parents, media if they have grown up, from when they were teenagers playing with her real life, do they have perspective and willing to accept that she loves someone of her choosing?

And no, they can't come to the wedding, but I bet they have Eras Tour tickets.... and some showed up at Jacks.

[fannyyann]

Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers’ goalie-goading throwback, delivers hits — and wins — when it counts

by Hailey Salvian and Jeremy Rutherford 

Matthew Tkachuk put his father in “timeout.”

That’s why Keith Tkachuk, an 18-year veteran of the NHL and one of the league’s best American-born players, wasn’t available to talk about his son’s remarkable run that has taken the Panthers from “biggest disappointment” to one win from the Eastern Conference finals.

On a Toronto radio station in March, the elder Tkachuk called the Panthers “soft.” By many accounts, that assessment was accurate at the time, and the words seemed to light a fire under the team — as did Paul Maurice’s tirade on the bench the same day during a game against the Maple Leafs.

Florida won its next six games and went 6-1-1 down the stretch to qualify for the playoffs.

Now, there’s no time for distractions, and Matthew wants to keep a lid on his pops, who informed The Athletic of his “timeout” via text.

After upsetting the 65-win Bruins in the first round, the Panthers are the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup, leading 3-0 in their second-round series against Toronto with a chance at a sweep Wednesday at FLA Live Arena.

And the 25-year-old Tkachuk — in the midst of another career year that would have been MVP-worthy had it not been for Connor McDavid’s otherworldly season — has led the way, from scoring game-winning goals and delivering rousing speeches in the room, to delivering cross checks and goading goaltenders into fights.

He’s the player people love to hate, and he’s building a following of haters as he pushes the Panthers along in the postseason.

And even though the person who’s been most influential in Matthew’s career isn’t talking, others are. The Athletic spoke with a dozen people who for years have tracked Tkachuk’s brand of hockey — he’s a highly skilled agitator (a modest 6-2, 201 pounds) who opponents hate to play against.

Keith — known as ‘Walt,’ a nickname given to him by Winnipeg Jets teammate Eddie Olczyk because his surname was so similar to former Ranger Walter Tkaczuk — was traded to the Blues in 2001. Matthew, only 3 years old at the time, would start playing hockey with a youth program in St. Louis. Let’s just say he wasn’t a phenom.

Chantal Tkachuk, Matthew’s mom: They thought they were getting this ringer of a kid. We went to his first game and he was terrible. He was by far the worst player on the ice.

But that wouldn’t last long. Tkachuk improved steadily, adding a diverse skillset, and working through minor hockey, the U.S. national team program and the Ontario Hockey League.

Jimmy O’Brien, longtime family friend, owns OB Clark’s bar in St. Louis: They had a goal in their backyard, and 50 pucks would be lying in the driveway. Anytime you pulled up to the back of the house, you had to watch from running over the pucks because the driveway was littered with them.

Jon Benne, longtime family friend and strength trainer: I used to take wrist shots at him, and he’d knock them into the net. So when I see him tip a goal in now, I’ve seen that a million times.

Jordan Janes, St. Louis Junior Blues coach (2009-10): Matthew would do some of these between-the-legs (moves) before anybody was doing that. I would always look over at Keith and smile because in my mind I’m thinking, “Holy s— ,” like this is incredible that a 14-year-old is doing this. But you could tell that Keith, who was a “go to the net hard” type of guy, it drove him crazy.

O’Brien: His father told him, “If you ever do that stuff in a game and it doesn’t work, you won’t get off the bench.”

Taryn Tkachuk, sister: He’s not going to do that stuff just to do it. The through-the-legs goal against Nashville, he was like, “There was no way I could’ve shot that regularly.” He practiced that all growing up, so he knows he’s going to be able to do it.

Rob Simpson, assistant general manager of the London Knights: He would try new things all the time. It speaks to how smart a player he is. He was always trying to be creative in different ways to produce or make plays based on what he is seeing against defenders or what they’ve done against him before. He’s always been a creative, out-of-the-box thinker.

There are elements of Tkachuk’s game that can be traced back to the fact that he is Keith Tkachuk’s son.

Don Granato, Tkachuk’s coach with the U.S. National Team Development Program (2013-15): I think you can give some credit to — if not genetics, then just being around his father over the years.

Chantal Tkachuk: When Keith was still playing, they got to go down to the rink, skate after practice. Some of the players would play around with them.

O’Brien: He was a rink rat. He was always hanging around his dad, always going to his practices.

Barret Jackman, Blues defenseman (2002-15): I remember the coaches would have to come by and say, “Hey Walt, practice was supposed to start 10 minutes ago. Can you get Matthew off the ice?”

Benne: Matthew would be sitting on the bench the whole practice, and Keith would come over and say, “Watch T.J. Oshie. Watch how he goes into that corner and comes out.” Matthew would just be sitting there with a helmet on, just absorbing it all.

O’Brien: It’s hard to get a better education in the hockey world than sitting there with professionals and watching them at a young age.

Chantal Tkachuk: Every night, we always watched hockey. The boys would get up before school and the first thing they would do is turn on NHL Network.

Taryn Tkachuk: That was the only thing we really watched on TV. We never really watched other shows on Disney channel.

Chantal Tkachuk: Keith retired in 2010 and stepped away from his career and took almost five years off. In that time, he totally devoted all his time to youth hockey. That happened to align with the most important developmental years of the boys’ lives.

Janes: Keith knew what it took to get there. He demanded a work ethic out of his boys. Goals or not, assists or not, he just wanted to see you work. If you worked, Keith was happy. He knew if you did that, everything else would come.

O’Brien: One of Walt’s favorite things to say is, “Hey, you didn’t win? Play better!”

Taryn Tkachuk: Oh, he says it all the time. If someone didn’t play as well and maybe they’re complaining, like, “The ref did this or that,” or, “The other team wasn’t letting me do this,” my dad is just like, “Play better!” Nothing else. It’s just “Play better!”

Janes: That quote is the most Keith quote I’ve ever heard.

Growing up, Matthew was always competing with his brother Brady (23), and sister Taryn (20). Whether it was roller hockey, basketball or a made-up game they called “trampoline football.”

Benne: Matthew, Brady and Taryn would be on the trampoline, which was enclosed, and I would throw the football in the air as high as I could into the trampoline. It became an MMA wrestling match to see who got the football.

Taryn Tkachuk: I don’t even know how the game got made up. I just remember it being very physical. Literally whoever had the ball, you were about to get decked.

O’Brien: We were playing a two-on-two basketball game, and there were some of the most violent fouls you’ll ever see in your life. I had a bloody nose when we were done.

Taryn Tkachuk: If we were playing basketball, Matthew would never let me just go in for an easy layup. Of course he was going to foul me.

Jackman: I remember during one of the lockouts, Matthew was 15 at the time, and he skated with some of the NHL guys. I went into the corner with him, thinking I was going to play him hard. He tried to reverse hit me, and then he came out of the corner with the puck on his stick. He didn’t back down, even at 15, and I was in my early 30s.

Chantal Tkachuk: The most somebody hates to lose, that would be him.

Tkachuk committed to play at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program a few years before his first season there. But, at 16 years old, there was a learning curve playing with the national team and in the USHL, an under-20 league. In his first USHL season, he scored only 17 points in 33 games. He would double that production one year later in fewer games.

Granato: We knew of his talent, but in his first year, his production wasn’t there.

Nick Fohr, U.S. NTDP associate coach (2013-15): He wouldn’t shoot it. He literally wanted to show off those hands all the time.

Granato: I would tease him a bit. I’d say, “Hey Matthew, do you like to score?” And he’d say, “Yeah.” And I’d say, “No, you like to stickhandle.” He was so good at it, but I needed him to see that he wasn’t going to be that up-and-down-the-rink player.

Fohr: He wanted to have that agitator piece to him because it was kind of ingrained into him at that point, but he wasn’t big enough or strong enough to do any of that stuff at 16 years old.

Chantal Tkachuk: It was the second year in the program. That was the point where we thought he could make it.

Fohr: He played most of his second year with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, which was an unreal line. Auston was the marked man, and Matthew — after being around his dad — was like, well, “Auston is my center, nobody is touching him.” And he started to become that guy. Any little scrum, he was right in the middle of it to make sure that his teammates were taken care of.

Granato: By the midpoint of the second year, he was playing just like he plays in the NHL right now. He was great in the same areas of the ice, great in the same ways.

In the 2016 Memorial Cup Final, the London Knights were in overtime against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Tkachuk, in his first (and only) season in the OHL, took the puck up the left side, toe-dragged around a defender and scored the game-winning goal.

Aaron Berisha, London Knights teammate: At first, it looked like he was on a harmless rush.

Simpson: Matthew could always elevate at the right times.

Robert Thomas, Knights teammate (2015-16), and family friend: We always joked that Christian Dvorak actually tipped it, but obviously Matthew got all the credit for it. Just a big-time player making a big-time play.

Simpson: It’s not just by coincidence that he’s big in the right moments. He puts in the work.

Fohr: He’s in those moments because it’s just who he is. You saw it on the overtime goal against Boston. He knows somebody’s got to go in there and get the puck, somebody’s got to go screen the goalie.

Simpson: He wasn’t the one who shot it in the net, but if he didn’t have the sense and savvy to pop out and screen the goalie, it doesn’t go in.

Fohr: It’s no surprise that you see him do it in overtime in Game 7 because he does it every shift, every game.

Janes: The way Matthew was (growing up) and the way he is today, he will do what it takes for his team to win a hockey game. Period.

Because of his ability to stir up drama on the ice and (at times) cross the line, Tkachuk is one of the most polarizing players in the league.

Fohr: He’s that guy that everybody hates unless he’s on your team.

Benne: I don’t think Matthew came into the league fearing anybody. He just played with that edge, like, “I’m here, I’ve arrived, and look out!”

Granato: He could stoke a situation and get it stoked and get everybody’s emotions running on overdrive. And then, even in a highly emotional state that he stirred up, he will execute where many, many skilled players cannot.

Fohr: If he’s agitated somebody somehow, now a little bit of their focus is on Matthew and it takes just a little bit of focus off what they’re good at and impacts so much of the game.

Granato: It’s like a diversionary tactic, and a highly effective skill that he brings. He’s always ready to score the goal after he disrupts the situation, where other guys just want to take his head off. He never loses sight of, OK, while you’re trying to do that, I’m going to be scoring a goal.

Benne: He’s just going to play hard. He’s going to hit you, and he expects to get hit himself. If you watch that game against Toronto, he hammered two guys, and then he got hammered. Not whining, that’s the way the game goes. That’s the way he plays. He’s pretty fearless out there, but I think he plays right on the line. That’s where he wants to be.

Thomas: It was in full force in London. He’d always find himself mixing it up. He’s feisty and he’s got all the skill in the world. Some people just have it, and he definitely has it.

Berisha: It’s funny when people play against him and say, “Man, I hate playing against him, he seems terrible.” He’s actually one of the best guys ever.

Taryn Tkachuk: Matthew has this switch. Off the ice, he’s a completely different person: super nice, super fun. Once he steps on the ice, the switch just goes off and he puts on these different goggles and just has this compete level that you don’t even know how to explain.

The most common ways to describe Tkachuk: He’s a throwback. He’s a unicorn. He’s just like Keith … and maybe better.

Eddie Olczyk, TNT analyst, former teammate of Keith (1991-96): You see (Matthew) and it’s like turning back the clock 25, 30 years to when we played with each other in Winnipeg.

O’Brien: Walt played in an extremely physical era, and the way Matthew plays is refreshing because it’s a throwback to how it was all the time.

Janes: One thing Keith taught these boys at a young age was, if you want to score, you’ve got to be around the net. They got that right from Keith. They just took it a step further as far as their skillset goes.

Fohr: It’s just a place he’s not afraid to go to. Some players are. They don’t want to go there because it’s a hard area to play in because the D are big and strong. There’s an art to getting there and doing it the right way and Matthew has mastered it.

O’Brien: When Walt was playing, you’d see a big guy out there and you wouldn’t think a guy like that has deft hands. But Walt had sick hands, especially tipping pucks. And that’s one of Matthew’s strengths, too.

Olczyk: Matthew will make a play and you go, “Well, there’s Walt.” It’s eerie, but it’s not surprising that the boys are a chip off the old block.

Chantal Tkachuk: To this day, they tease me because skating has always been Matthew’s deficiency, so they make fun of the fact that I taught him how to skate. Keith will take credit for everything else.

Granato: Matthew plays the same kind of style as his dad. He just does it with more talent.

Fohr: To be a thorn in the side of the opponents and then have that elite ability on top of it, that’s pretty special.

Simpson: It’s very hard to find hockey sense that is that elite but also comes with the poise to make the play when it matters most.

Taryn Tkachuk: He’s literally doing every single aspect of what different players bring in a hockey game. It just makes him so unique.

Benne: Matthew doesn’t care what the media writes about him. Matthew doesn’t care if the fans boo him. Boston is going to hate him now, and Toronto is going to hate him after this series. But that’s what drives him. He wants to perform. He wants to put on a show. But more important than anything, he just wants to win.