#also that photo... his curls... his grin at kris.. girl...

[hunterrrs]

Bike rides, banana bread and being ‘a bullet’: How Sidney Crosby leads Penguins into a new era - SUCH A GOOD ARTICLE (also baby sid buying a car...)

Whether it was when Crosby baked banana bread for the Penguins two years ago or all the times he has recognized something was up with a teammate and checked in on them, everybody seems to have at least one Sid story to share.

Just as striking to these fledgling Penguins has been seeing how Crosby goes out of his way to make every one of them feel like part of the team.

“He’s so welcoming. It’s honestly crazy how he’s a better person than he is a player given how outstanding he is as a player,” prospect Jonathan Gruden said. “But he’s just an unbelievable person who makes you feel like you’ve been here 18, 20 years along with [Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang]. It’s incredible.”

For Broz, it was that ride on the exercise bikes or sticking around after an informal skate in the middle of July to share pointers with a prospect. For Gruden, it was Crosby texting a young pro who had just gotten called up to the NHL and inviting him over to his house to watch football with the guys.

And for Rutger McGroarty, it started with the text message that Crosby sends many players when they join the organization and quickly evolved from there.

It had been a whirlwind week for McGroarty when the Penguins finalized a trade to acquire him in August. His phone would not stop buzzing as the congratulatory messages poured in. As McGroarty scrolled through them, he froze.

“Oh, it’s Sidney Crosby! Not a normal text you’d get on your average day,” he said. “I was actually sitting next to a couple of my buddies and I showed them.”

A month later, McGroarty was cracking up on the bench at a joke Crosby made.

“He’s a really funny guy,” the 20-year-old said. “It feels like there’s no age gap.”

Crosby sat back at his locker stall at the practice rink the other day, flecks of gray peeking through his black hair and sweat dripping off his chin, as he thoughtfully discussed his leadership style and getting through to Generation Z. For example, McGroarty was literally in diapers when Crosby made his debut.

“I try to put myself in their shoes, but obviously things change. They evolve,” Crosby said. “I think the biggest thing as a rookie is just all the unknowns. You’re in a new league, new team, new teammates, new city. Everything is new. The faster you feel comfortable, that’s a huge part of being able to be at your best.”

Crosby knows his first taste of the league was different, right down to living with Lemieux. He laughed while joking that all these kids won’t crash on his couch.

For the 20th straight season, Crosby is trying to get the Penguins on the same page. They will ice a veteran-heavy team in Wednesday’s season opener. But eventually, the kids are coming — sooner should the team struggle again this fall.

Crosby’s little gestures will help these prospects feel more at home when they arrive. They still may be a bit starstruck. But they will know they belong here.

“It may not seem like it,” Gruden said. “But to a young guy, it means a lot.”

[feistypaants-archived]

Between The Pipes [Chapter 5]

Rating: M Words: 1742 Pairing: Kristanna Summary: When a new owner takes over the Arendelle Ice Breakers, Kristoff isn’t sure about his future with the team. That is, until a PR nightmare throws the newest member of the media team, who also just so happens to be the daughter of the new owner, right into his arms. Kristoff and Anna can’t even stand the interviews they have to do together… how on earth are they going to fix this mess? Hockey!AU.

[Chapter Index]

Where To Read: [AO3]

Notes: a short boi, sorry! .... hopefully still semi-enjoyable...  decided to denote a POV change mid chapter with a bigger break in paragraphs. Hope that’s fine!

Thanks for all the love y’all are the best!!

Enjoy!

Sven had kept true to his word, and after practice for the last few days he had been inviting her out to lunch or dinner to help her learn the basics of the sport. In return, she happily bought him whatever food or drink he wanted. 

“So that, and icing, are two major things that will cause a stoppage of play.”

Anna spent a lot of time nodding and writing notes these days. She wanted to prove that she could do more than just smile pretty for the camera, wanted to prove that she could figure this all out and be an actual reporter for the team. Or at least more than just a recognizable face. 

“Other than penalties.”

“Yeah, those too,” Sven chuckled, nodding. “And unfortunately, some of our boys really like to get penalties.” 

She couldn’t help but laugh. From seeing how they behaved in practice, it wouldn’t really surprise her to see a long list of penalties per game. “Hey, as long as they get it done, right?”

“Right.”

He leaned over, grabbing the pen and notepad from her before drawing a diagram of the rink. “So… here’s the anatomy of an ice rink.”

They spent another thirty minutes discussing every marking on the ice, learning who was positioned where, what faceoff circle was used when, what all the marks around the net meant, and every other little thing that she questioned him about. Anna’s brain was starting to hurt. It wasn’t complicated, but it was just so much.

“I think it’s time for another drink,” she laughed, twisting in her chair and looking around for the server.

A smile was on her face until her eyes landed on him, walking through the door with a cocky grin pulling at his lips. She felt her cheeks flush, and a thick lump form in her throat as her fingers tightened on the back of the chair.

Sure, she had been seeing him at the rink, but rarely out of gear, and rarely… this put together.

His dark wash jeans were tight and fitted around his thighs and ass, a cream colored Henley stretched over his chest, and it was all topped off with a warm, all-the-colors-of-autumn flannel rolled up past his forearms. Sighing deeply, Anna bit at her bottom lip, startling when a finger tapped her shoulder. 

“You’re drooling.”

Anna jumped, wiped at her lower lip, and frowned as her lipstick smeared across the back of her hand. “What?” She laughed, pressing her hands flat against the table. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Fuck, did he know?! 

Sven grinned and raised his hand in the air. “Kris! Over here!”

Anna shrunk, face beet red and thumb raised to her mouth, teeth chewing nervously on the nail. Why was she getting so flustered? She had been pretty successfully avoiding him over the last few days, knowing that she was horribly embarrassed after the incident in the weight room, and knowing that the second he opened his mouth she’d probably be irritated again. 

But lord, she liked to look. 

She could feel his presence behind her, looming over the back of her chair as he moved to sit in the only free chair at the table, his hand skimming the backrest of her seat. “Why’d you invite her?” He started, jerking his thumb towards her as his eyes locked on Sven. 

“Well, to be fair, she and I were already here, and I invited you.” Sven lifted one brow, frustration obvious on his features. “Didn’t I tell you to try and stop being an asshole?”

Anna couldn’t help the laugh that came out as more of a snort, and Kristoff’s eyes jerked over to her, looking her up and down quickly before he rolled his eyes.

“We were going over the basics. Any brilliant bits of insight you’d like to bestow upon her?” Sven seemed as if he was trying to keep it casual, but Anna could sense a tiny bit of tension rising around the table. 

It was probably because of her. 

Kristoff lifted one hand to signal to the curious waiter that he was ready, and quickly ordered a beer. “Insight?” He laughed, leaning forward with his arm pressed against the table top. “Maybe don’t get a job in a sport you know nothing about?”

Anna felt her shoulders tighten, and clenched her fingers on the table edge. She would not let him get to her. She would not let this asshole get under her skin. 

“Another great piece of advice. Thanks so much.”

“Kristoff.” Sven’s voice held a warning, as if the strict captain was starting to emerge. “I’m serious.”

He scoffed and rolled his eyes, taking a swig of his beer as soon as it came. Then stayed quiet. As if he decided it was better to say nothing at all, because he probably didn’t have anything nice to say anyway.

Anna felt herself shrinking, felt herself frustrated and upset from one sentence. All he had to do was open his mouth, and her good mood was shot. “You know…” Sven turned to her, and Anna smiled while reaching down to grab her bag. “I should probably go. Thanks,” she patted his shoulder and moved to stand.

“Oh, come on,” Sven leaned further back in his chair, and she jumped slightly when he kicked Kristoff under the table. “You don’t have to go on account of this dickwad.” 

Kristoff was practically glaring at Sven.

“Seriously, right Kristoff?”

Kristoff rolled his eyes and lifted the bottle to his lips, voice monotone and clearly sarcastic. “Oh, please, don’t go.”

Taking in a deep breath, Anna raised her bag to her shoulder, straightening her posture. “No, it’s fine. I’m very clearly not wanted here. But, Sven,” she turned to him then, leaning forward and squeezing his shoulder again. “Seriously, thanks so much. Can we meet again tomorrow?”

He smiled and nodded. “Maybe do a mock-interview?”

Anna felt herself lighten. Sven was a good friend, and she was grateful that he wasn’t hitting on her like some of the other players were. “Sounds great.”

She stood straight again and turned to Kristoff. “Kristoff, a pleasure as always.”

“Always. See ya.”

An exaggerated eye roll and then she stalked off, hands gripping the strap of her bag tighter. She felt a burning on her back, and itch on her neck, and she scurried out even faster, a blush rising on her cheeks. 

God damn it.

—

-

—

Kristoff let out a low whistle as she left. So sue him, she had a great ass and she was wearing these tight, high waisted jeans that did nothing but emphasize it, and boy oh boy he was completely fine with looking. He laughed as she darted out of sight, and turned his attention back to Sven, who was glaring at him with disdain. 

“What?” Kristoff grinned, tapping his bottle on the table. “What!”

“You know what, you prick.”

Rolling his eyes and reaching over to steal a fry from Sven’s plate. ”She’s a spoiled little rich girl who doesn’t deserve the job she got.”

Sven kicked him again, eyebrows furrowing. “At least she’s trying! She could just not care.”

Kristoff scoffed, crossing his arms and slumping lower in his chair. Sven was right, but he wouldn’t admit that out loud. 

“Look, man,” Sven started, clasping his hands together in front of him on the table. “I know you’re like super weird whenever you feel like something could affect your career, but just…” he rolled his neck, curls bouncing with the movement. “She’s a nice girl, I don’t think she asked for this job. Besides, it’s not like she’s doing anything that’s hard. Just interviewing. Anyone could do that job.”

He let out a hmph before scratching at the back of his head.

“Give her an actual chance, dude.”

Kristoff didn’t know exactly what it was about her that was getting so deep under his skin. It wasn’t just the attraction, right? He’d been attracted to other girls who worked at the rink, and that never got him quite like this.

Was it the threat that she was related to the owner? That letting her get close could just result in more hurt? In career-ending fights?

Or was it the way she could handle him, kick him back down a notch, the sheer fire in her personality that made him sweat with just a glance?

He groaned, leaning forward and pressing his head against the table. “Fine, fine. I’ll…” he swallowed, rolling his head to look up towards Sven with sad little eyes. “I’ll try. But I’m not promising anything.”

Sven clapped a hand on his back, grinning. “It’s all I’m asking for, buddy.”

Let’s see how long this lasts. 

—

Eventually he got home, a few drinks later, and sat down in his office to watch back some tapes. He needed to figure out where he was lacking last season and make it better. 

At least, that was his intention.

But then he wound up on her social media accounts, and couldn’t stop scrolling. Photo after photo of her in different places, smiling brightly, posing, showing off outfits, and all around just writing about her experiences. Far enough down, there was a photo of her in an L.A. Kings jersey, and he felt his features contort with disgust. Poor choice, in his opinion.

Beyond that she had a few pictures with some assorted players, and he felt like some of his suspicions were being confirmed. A girl like that, looking like she does, surrounded by horny hockey players that would do pretty much anything to have sex with her… there was no way she wasn’t taking advantage of it. Especially with how she posed with them, with how their hands rested low on her hips. Especially with how she was putting herself on display.

That, he realized, was what was bothering him. 

She knew he was attracted to her, and fuck he knew she was attracted to him, and she must be plotting. But there was no way. He would not have sex with the owner’s daughter. He would not risk his career like that. No matter how hot she was. Nope. 

She would not win.

He’d be nice. 

But that was it.

He could handle this, easy peasy.

Until the next day, when Sven asked him to fill in for lunch with Anna, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. 

[chaos-weekly]

“NOLLIE!” Didi screamed her best friend’s name from across the apartment. She was pretty sure she could hear Nollie’s surprised jump from her room. She stormed across the apartment, tearing open the door to Nollie’s room and surging in. Only once she was on the bed beside Nollie—who seemed to have just woken up at eight in the morning—did she shove the phone in her face.

“You didn’t show me these pictures! You did NOT show me these pictures! You didn’t even mention them!” Didi was outraged! Her friend has taken her sexiest photoshoot yet with one of the sexiest guys to walk the face of the earth—he beat out JJ, not that she thought JJ was sexy—and hadn’t told her at all!

Nollie at least had the decency to look guilty. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She fell back into her pillows, the duvet pulled over her face. Didi tore it off.

“Nope, you’re talking about these with me. This is the most interest I think you’ve ever shown in a guy. Like, the most. He’s in love—or at least lust—with you, Nollie. And I can tell you feel the same way.”

Nollie glowered at her, but Didi wasn’t giving up.

“I’m a professional. You know how those things get. It’s literally our job to act that way. You have to act that way!” Okay. So Nollie was right. But this wasn’t just acting. Pretending with JJ in public was acting, but this? This was real.

“He’s not a professional. He doesn’t do this for a living. And the chemistry?” Didi groaned in frustration, falling onto the bed next to Nollie. Even looking at the photos, even glancing at them, she could feel the sexual tension. “I can’t believe I had to get these from Ainsley! You clearly are into him, and he’s more than into you.”

Nollie rolled her eyes, but Didi was pretty sure she was blushing. “Ainsley just wants me to hook up with someone hot. Or date someone. He thinks it’ll fix everything.”

Didi turned on to her side, giving Nollie a pointed look. “As your best friend, I want you to hook up with someone hot. Just get that tension out. You never have to talk to him again! Although, you definitely should. He’s super sexy. Have you seen his tats?” Maybe Didi had a crush on this dude, too. He was seriously too hot for his own good. No wonder he’d landed Kendall Jenner.

“Yeah, clearly,” Nollie said, definitely blushing at this point. It made Didi grin. “But he’s Kendall’s ex, and while I don’t think he’s as bad as she says he is, I’m not gonna go there. Plus, I don’t want to just have sex.”

“Then date him, too. If he’s not as bad as Kendall says, then he can’t be that bad. She fell for him, too.”

Nollie sighed, hands covering her face. Maybe Didi was pushing this too far, but this was important.

“I don’t want a relationship right now, either, okay, Didi?” She didn’t quite snap at her friend, but Nollie definitely was stressing about something. Didi propped herself up on one elbow to get a better look at her friend.

“Nollie. What’s wrong with dating a guy? Or even just a one night stand? Have him sign an NDA if your scared of publicity. He who shall not be named had me do that,” Didi pointed out, mentioning a particularly not great hook up. That had been an awkward meeting two days later when his lawyer called to make sure she didn’t (and legally couldn’t) blab.

“Not a good example.”

Okay. So Nollie wasn’t wrong there. But Didi still had a point.

“C’mon, Nollie,” she pleaded. It was time to be quiet, Didi reminded herself. That would get her best friend to talk faster than constant prodding would.

And it worked.

“I don’t want to just have sex or a relationship for validation. I need better than that.” Nollie’s voice was soft. This made sense, based on what Didi knew of Nollie’s past with insecurity and other issues, which wasn’t too much. Nollie kept a tight lid on most things. It was something Didi had come to accept that she couldn’t change entirely.

“Okay,” she sighed. “I’ll drop the sleeping with a hot guy issue, even if the hot guy in question is London Lovell. But at least be friends with him, okay? The roller skating photos you showed me the other day were way too cute and wholesome.” Unlike the motorcycle pictures. Which were decidedly not wholesome.

“Rollerblading,” Nollie corrected. She was silent for a while. “But fine. I told him to text me if he wants to learn to rollerblade. If he does, I’ll say yes. But I’m not gonna initiate anything.”

Didi grinned in victory at that. “Trust me, he’s gonna text you.”

////

Bishop whistled lowly, right in his ear. London swatted his friend away, but he didn’t disagree. The pictures Mindy had taken of him and Nollie turned out just as intense as the actual almost-kiss had been. Man, just thinking about Nollie and his tension with her drove London crazy. And he was coming to see that she was much more than a pretty face. She could rollerblade with annoying ease, she was confident, she was supportive, she was friendly. London knew she hadn’t heard good things about him. Most people hadn’t. Kris and Kendall Jenner had made sure of that. But Nollie had been nice to him, and even after he’d been a bit of a jerk, she was nice again when they met a second time. London found her authenticity refreshing.

“They weren’t kidding when they said she’s the next Kendall Jenner,” Bishop said, clearly holding back his amusement. His words were strained in the way they always did when he was about to laugh at London. It happened a lot. But that was why they got along. Bishop wasn’t freaked out by his tats or disgusted by what Kendall had told literally everyone.

London spun on Bishop with narrowed eyes. “Choose your next words carefully.”

Bishop grinned defiantly. He knew he was about to get kicked out of London’s place for the day, and yet he didn’t care at all.

“You’re not gonna be single long if that picture tells me anything.”

London growled in frustration. “I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.” Nollie was cool, he couldn’t deny that, but he heard the stories about how she didn’t date (and according to what he’d overheard from Felix Ainsley, she didn’t hook up, either). Nollie presented a challenge, but also a fun time. Of course, London wasn’t about to tell Bishop—who would one hundred percent judge and scold him—any of that. So what if London didn’t have pure intentions? This was Hollywood. It was like he was trying to hurt Nollie. He genuinely was starting to see her as a friend. He wanted to be her friend, surprisingly enough. No, London didn’t want to hurt Nollie, but definitely didn’t want to date her—or anyone—either.

“Uh-huh,” Bishop nodded. He apparently didn’t believe London. Great.

“I’m serious, Bish. And she just wants to be friends. Won’t even get milkshakes with me.”

“And you said you didn’t want to date her,” Bishop teased. London glowered at him. So what if he didn’t usually take girls—or friends—out for milkshakes? That didn’t mean it meant anything when he’d offered it to Nollie either time. The first time, she genuinely seemed to need it. The second time, he just wanted to get to know her.

“I don’t,” London grumbled, running a hand through his loose curls. No, Nollie didn’t want to get milkshakes with him, but she had offered to teach him how to rollerblade better. Skating, roller or ice, was not his thing. He was lucky he could stand in rollerblades. And then Nollie waltzed around like a princess. It was impressive.

“You’re scheming,” Bishop interrupted. “What are you planning?”

He shrugged. “She offered to teach me how to rollerblade.” And as much as he wanted to avoid those death traps, he wasn’t going to say no to her olive branch, either. Especially if it went in the direction the photoshoot had…

“And you haven’t scheduled this, why?”

London frowned. “I’m not sure.”

“Fix it.” Bishop was right. London did want to see Nollie again. So he pulled out his phone, was glad it wasn’t ridiculously early (or rather, late, he’d been up most of the night sketching ideas for a client and had only gotten about two hours of sleep), and sent her a text.

‘I don’t feel like dying next time I’m forced to rollerblade. Wanna save my life?’ It was cheesy, and not his best work by any means, but hopefully it’d make her smile. Nollie had a gorgeous smile, and London intended on seeing it again and again.

[exosmutxoxo]

‘Weird Selfies with Kris’ Moodboard

Requested by: @catou1305

A/N: Hey girl! Thanks so much for the submission, you look great :3 hope you like the moodboard & drabble!

*Side Note: NONE of the pictures above are mine! Credits to all the rightful owners, and if anybody wants me to take down a particular picture/give more credit, please let me know!

Word Count: 388

It’s another one of those lazy days when the only thing Kris wants to do is lie in bed with you and scroll through his phone aimlessly. And you’ve got to admit that this is way better than any fancy outing or outdoor adventure.

“God”, Kris sighs happily, “this feels great”.

“What does?” You mumble from your curled up position at the corner of your bed, your gaze fixated on the meme on your phone screen.

“This”, he gestures around him vaguely. “Relaxing with you on a weekend, doing nothing but entertaining ourselves with memes”.

You smile contentedly at his remark, not even bothering to respond. He knows by now that holing up at home is your favourite activity to do.

“Look here”, you instruct him, tapping on Snapchat and zooming in on his face from across the bed. He turns his head, wrinkling his nose playfully and instantly, his face is detected by the camera.

Giggling, you tap on your favourite dog filter and watch as dog ears and a dog nose appear on his image on your screen. He watches you with amusement, switching on his own camera on his phone and turning it in your direction, chuckling to himself as you pull a funny face.

This goes on for a while, the two of you entertaining yourselves by taking weird photos of each other. Until Kris shuffles over to your side, dragging the blanket with him. “Babe, let’s take a proper photo together”, he suggests, tapping on the front camera and snuggling up to you to fit both your faces in the frame of his phone screen.

“But we already have plenty”, you chuckle good-naturedly, although leaning in and throwing up a peace sign.

Kris snorts. “I look way better today as compared to the photos we took last time”.

Playfully, you shove him in the shoulder as his trademark narcissistic side reveals itself. He grins, tossing back his hair vainly. “And also because a good-looking face like mine needs to be complimented by a pretty face like yours”.

You burst into laughter at how smooth his comeback once. “You win”, you admit.

With a smile, Kris snaps the photo with a flourish and swipes back to the taken photo to peer at it. “And I look bomb here! It’s definitely a great day today!”