#calgary flames fanfiction

[swissboyhisch]

My Jersey

Pairing: Nikita Zadorov x Reader

Summary: After a little rain comes sun... And thunder. Thunder in the form of a six foot five Russian defenseman.

Word Count: 1389

Warnings: Shitty Bruins fans, harassment, some puck bunny comments, borderline sexual harassment, but also hinted sexual stuff at the end!

A/N: I love Zadorov and there is NOTHING on him anywhere. He's so cute as well. Easily the best dressed player in the league. Have you seen him in those suits... WOW. If anyone has any fic recs for him... PLEASE SEND THEM TO ME! Or even just to talk about him, feel free to send in something or message me. I'm always happy to discuss him.

THE MASTERLIST JOIN THE TAGLIST HOCKEY DISCORD

You, adorning your Zadorov jersey, shuffled along the rows of the Saddledome. You had a glass ticket that was next to the penalty box for the Flames. But for now, it was time to watch their warm-ups like many of the other fans. Around you was a large group of older Boston Bruins fans already in their seats. The way they were eyeing you made you nervous. The Flames players skated out for warm-ups skating past where she now stood. 

“What are you? Some kinda puck bunny?” Someone questioned from behind you. At first, you weren’t paying attention, but a tug on the back of your jersey pulled your eyes away from warm-ups. “Hey Zadorov slut.”

You turned to them after them tugging hard enough to cause you to stumble back into the seat behind you. “I’m just a fan, can you please stop?”

“What’s the accent, huh, sweetheart?” One of the other older guys questioned. 

“Leave me alone please.”

The grey-haired guy wouldn’t let go of the sleeve of your jersey. Even though you struggled and pulled. The last thing you wanted to do was ruin the brand new Zadorov jersey. No-one around them was coming to your aid. You looked around, hoping someone would help you cause it was like he wasn’t stopping. A loud sound from behind you startled them. The guys doing the harassing looked past you. You turned to see the 6’5” Nikita Zadorov standing against the glass glaring at the group. 

“Don’t touch her,” He shouted, slamming his fist against the glass.

They seemed to listen to the Flames defensemen because they didn’t speak to you for the rest of the warmups. At the end of the 15 minutes, Zadorov came over with a puck in his glove. He smiled and pointed to you. He chucked it over the glass. You flipped the cold puck over in your hand, the Flames logo staring up at you. The kids nearby got excited but were sad when you caught the puck. One thing you hated was seeing the sad kids and there was one girl that stood in front of you that was also wearing a Zadorov jersey. 

“Here you go sweetheart,” You smiled, passing her the puck. 

The young girl got so excited jumping up and down and holding it out to show her parents standing nearby. You smiled and laughed as the kids were all bouncing at seeing a Flames puck up close. By the time you looked up from the kids, the team had skated off the ice and back to the changerooms. 

“Thank you for that,” A woman’s voice spoke up.

You smiled at the girl’s mother. “It’s all good.”

Everyone started moving to their seats after warm-ups ended. After buying a coke from one of the food stands, you moved to the opposite side of the arena and found your glass seat. Right next to the penalty box. You watched on as the stadium filled with fans becoming the ‘Sea of Red’. Something that was exciting to witness for yourself. It wasn’t long before the teams returned to the ice ready for puck drop. You were ready to watch the Flames win.

Marchand knocked into Markstrom making the ref call goalie interference. But that wasn’t enough. You watched as Zadorov skated to drop the gloves with Marchand. 6’5” vs 5’9”. Not exactly fair but that didn’t matter to a defensemen protecting his team. He screamed something in the Bruin rat’s face as he shoved him away from the crease.

“Get him!” the guy beside you shouted.

The ref stopped and sent them both to the sin bin. You watched as Zadorov skated to the one right beside you. He was pissed off and helmetless from the fight. He looked… sweaty. And sexy. He caught your eye and smirked at you. Whether he remembered you from before the game or not didn’t matter.

Calgary came onto the ice, waving thank you to the fans still in the crowd. The final score was 5 to 3 with Flames winning. Each player had something they were throwing to the fans. Some had pucks, t-shirts or hats. Many kids were back down against the glass but you just stood at your seat. Making sure to take pictures before you leave. 

Zadorov spotted you in the crowd once more. Paying no mind to the people around you. He grabbed a puck and skated across the ice. Standing before you, he held up the puck once more and made sure you knew to keep it. After you nodded he flicked it over the glass. 

You flipped the puck over in your palm again. Just like before the game. This time, on the other side of the puck, was an instagram handle. One that you didn’t recognise written in silver marker. 

“Me?”

Zadorov smirked and nodded. Tyler Toffoli bumped into him, the pair sharing a laugh. The other members of the team were heading off the ice. Zadorov sent you one more smile before the pair left the ice. You sat back down, knowing the three stars were yet to be announced. While you waited, you pulled out your phone and opened instagram. You searched the handle and a simple account popped up. A private account to be precise. As you requested to follow him, the announcers started the star presentation. Toffoli, Zadorov and Lucic were the three stars of the game which was awesome to witness. 

You followed people out of the Saddledome and continued your path down the street into the city where you occasionally went for post-game drinks. After a win like tonight, it seemed like many people had the same idea as you. You ordered your drink and found an empty table to perch yourself at. People watching was the entertainment for the night. Drunk girls dancing like nobody was watching. When in reality everyone was watching them twerk. Guys arguing over something stupid. It was like most of your solo nights out at the bar. 

“Well I didn’t think I’d see you out tonight,” A voice spoke up over the music. It was the certain Russian accent you’ve heard only in interviews.

The seat across from you was pulled out and Zadorov settled himself into it. Over the music the hollers of his already tipsy teammates could be heard. If either of you looked in the back corner of the bar, his friends were posted up. All celebrating tonight’s win against the Bruins.

“Well I decided to stop by on my way back to my place,” You respond.

Zadorov holds out his hand, “Nikita.”

You slipped your hand into his and shook it, yelling your name over the music. “So, Z…”

“A nickname already?”

“There are like 5 other Nikita’s in the NHL,” You state, “I need to differentiate them all.”

The smirk that came across the Russian’s face should have been illegal. “Yet, my name is the one on show across your back.”

“Is that how it’s gonna be?”

Zadorov chuckled, “It’s definitely a sight for sore eyes. A sexy woman wearing your jersey… It’s something most men dream of.”

Two drinks were placed on the table between the pair of you. Both looked up to see Toffoli already retreating back to the corner. Upon closer inspection, they had gotten your order correct. Zadorov was drinking what looked like stereotypical Vodka but anything was possible. Knowing athletes, a majority don’t like to drink during the season. 

“Well…” You smirk, “I originally wanted Tkachuk’s jersey but he was traded to Florida before I could buy it. Don’t you think it would have looked good on me?”

Upon hearing your words, Zadorov slid his hand up behind your neck. Gently pulling you closer over the table so he could whisper into your ear. “How about we go back to yours and I’ll make it so the only name you say is the one across your back?”

“Hm… Try me,” I retort, sending him a sly smile.

“Let’s get going shall we.”

“Sure thing Tkachuk replacement.”

On the way out of the bar, once out of curious eyes, Zadorov pulled you close and hand settled on your ass. Giving it a squeeze. “Just you wait baby. The only thing you’ll be wearing is my jersey as I make you forget everything but my name.”

TAG LIST:

@penny4yourthoughts @mp0625 @hischierhaze @11zegras @lvrzegras @francesfarhadi @cixrosie @daisysthings

[chickensaladquinnfan]

Flames of Desire

Authors Note: ChatGPT writes some GREAT fanfic. Let me know if y'all want the next part<3

In the heart of St. Louis, the clash between the Calgary Flames and the St. Louis Blues was reaching its climax. Among the fervent crowd, Y/N's eyes were fixed on the ice, her excitement matching the intensity of the game. She was there with her best friend, their cheers blending with the roar of the fans.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, Kuzy, the skilled forward for the Flames, felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him as he skated onto the ice. His focus was unwavering, but amidst the sea of faces in the stands, one stood out—Y/N. Her smile lit up the dimly lit arena, captivating Kuzy in an instant.

For years, Kuzy had harbored feelings for Y/N, drawn to her presence like a moth to a flame. Yet, the timing was never right, their connection always slipping through their fingers. But seeing her now, amidst the electric atmosphere of the game, Kuzy couldn't shake the feeling that this might be their moment.

As the game unfolded, Kuzy's gaze kept drifting back to Y/N, his heart beating faster with each glance. Despite the intensity of the match, he found himself yearning for something more—a chance to finally bridge the gap between them.

In the stands, Y/N couldn't tear her eyes away from Kuzy, his skill on the ice mesmerizing her. With each powerful move, he embodied everything she admired about him—strength, passion, and determination.

As the final minutes of the game approached, the tension in the arena reached a crescendo. With a burst of energy, Kuzy led his team to a thrilling victory over the Blues. The crowd erupted into cheers, but amidst the chaos, Kuzy's eyes found Y/N once more.

Determined to seize the moment, Kuzy arranged for someone to bring Y/N to a secluded spot outside the locker room. And as she stepped into the quiet corridor, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Kuzy waiting for her.

Their eyes met, the unspoken words between them echoing in the silence. In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of victory and the promise of a new beginning, Kuzy and Y/N knew that their long-awaited reunion was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

[hockeyboysimagines]

All good boys go to Heaven, but Bad Boys bring Heaven to you.

Deleted Scenes

If you haven’t read the full story, please do before you read this otherwise it won’t make any sense! Reasons for exclusion are in Pink.

Thanks for reading!!

*These are in no particular order*

There’s no real reason this wasn’t included. But basically I had too much material and this felt like I was just harping on Hallie being upset but not upset about Matthew being a dumbass. So it didn’t seem like it was needed.

“Don’t.” Hallie said from behind a menu.

“What?”

“You know what.” She peered over the top to find Carly staring pointedly at her.

“I didn’t say-“

“You didn’t have to. I know what your thinking.”

“What are you psychic now?”

“No your just incredibly transparent is all. I’m not talking about this.”

“Well. I am.” Carly set her menu down and leaned forward “I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t go out with him, but I think you should just talk to him.”

“About?”

“The other night.”

“That’s done and over with and besides I really don’t care.”

“If you didn’t care you wouldn’t have gotten so upset.”

Hallie was quiet.

She did care. Sure he’d hurt her feelings by doing what he did with Allie, but the real reason she’d left the bar and cried in the shower was because it hurt to know that he could so easily do that when he was angry at her instead of trying to fix it.

It was partially her fault, and she could recognize it now even if she couldn’t say it out loud, but she thought maybe she meant a little more to him than that.

But as usual she was wrong.

And any trust she had in him went out the window.

“Can we just drop it? I don’t wanna think About it anymore okay? I was drunk and emotional and I’m never going to let it happen again.”

*********

This just didn’t fit anywhere really, plus again like some of my other stories I had too much material and this didn’t fit in any of the other ones either. I didn’t want to bring Johnny into any of their drama either.

“What’s your problem.” Hallie asked Matthew as he strolled ahead of her. Usually he walked with her after games no matter the result, but tonight all she’d gotten was a dirty look and he’d been ignoring her since.

“No problem.” He said curtly still not looking at her.

“Yeah I’m not buying it. So what’s your-“

“You and Johnny looked pretty cozy in the lounge.” He finally said. His voice was clouded with disdain.

Hallie frowned “What? What are you talking about?”

“Don’t give the act Hallie okay?”

“First of all, Johnny is my friend. My friend that YOU introduced me to. And second all of there was nothing ‘cozy’.” She said air quoting “about it. He was trying-“

“I don’t care okay. I’m tired and I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“You brought it up, and we’re talking about it.”

“We’re not. And if you think we are then you can find your own way home.”

Without another word she turned on her heel and walked back inside the arena, presumably to call an Uber or find Carly who was still inside.

He was so mad he didn’t even try to chase her, instead chucking his bag in the car and angrily starting it before backing out of the spot and exiting the garage. He drove for a while, angry thoughts clouding his brain.

He’d seen her smiling at Johnny, laughing at what was probably a dumb joke that wasn’t even funny. How could she? Why would she? Didn’t she know how he felt about her? Didn’t she care?

But as he turned onto a backroad he realized that she didn’t know how he felt because he didn’t tell her. In fact she probably had no idea. And he really couldn’t blame her. He’d acted like an asshole since he met her. Flirting with girls, drunk calling her in the middle of the night to come get him. Why would she care after all that?

And yet, here she was being so easily convinced by one of teammates to give him another chance. And he was accusing her of messing around, when he had no right to even do that at all.

“Fuck.” He sighed as he pulled a U-turn and headed back towards her apartment. He was, once again, swallowing his pride and apologizing, which is something he was going more of now than ever before.

He hoped she was home as he pulled up next to her car and got out. He glanced up at her window, and saw a faint light coming through the curtain. As he made his way up the steps he felt like each of his legs weighed 100 pounds. He hated that he upset her, and that he was again having to apologize for it.

He reached her door and knocked three times. When there was no answer he knocked harder and called out “Hallie?”

“Go away.”

He sighed and leaned his head against the door “I’m sorry okay? Can we talk?”

“No.”

He knocked again, and then again, and then the knock became a loud bang and she was forced to open the door.

“Are you trying to get me evicted?” She seethed at him. She looked annoyed but she didn’t look angry, which was good because had she been angry there would have been no talking to her.

“If it means you have to come out and talk to me then yes. Can I come in?”

“No you can say what you have to out here.”

He sighed and braced a hand on the doorframe “Look I didn’t mean what I sa-“

“That’s a lie. I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to have friends.”

“No I just-“

“I don’t wanna hear it.” She snapped “Johnny was trying to talk me out of never speaking to you again, and you say some shit like that to me? I’m done with this.” She made a move to shut the door but he stopped her and took a step inside.

“Get out-“

“No. I’m not getting out. Look.” He huffed “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just get so crazy when it comes to you. And yeah I’m a total fucking idiot I get it. I’m sorry for what I said, you know I didn’t mean it.”

“It doesn’t matter if you meant it. You said it. That’s what matters. I mean…” she trailed off, and he saw her lip tremble and her eyes get glassy “Do you really think that of me? That I would do something like that?”

“No Hal of course I don’t. I was just being stupid okay? I think your amazing.”

She didn’t look convinced, but stood there arms folded until he said softly “I’m sorry.”

She looked like she wanted to hit him, and he would have deserved it if she had, but instead she simply said “Okay.”

“So…can we hug it out-just a little bit?” He asked opening his arms with a small smile.

“Don’t push your luck-oof.”

“Get over here!” He cut her off, sweeping her into a tight embrace, and knocking her glasses off her nose in the process. He sighed contentedly and closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head.

“Love you Hal.”

“Yeah…I love you too.”

*************

I kind of just wrote this part because it came to me but then I didn’t really have anywhere to put it so I never added it. I wish I had though.

Hallie jumped when the bathroom door banged open, and wiped the shampoo from her eyes.

“Carly?”

“No it’s me.”

“Matty get out!” She screeched, hands flying to cover all her important parts.

“It’s not like you have anything I haven’t seen and besides this is my bathroom .” She heard some fumbling around and the sink turn on momentarily before she peeked around the curtain.

He was standing, shirtless wearing only boxers, hair everywhere while he brushed his teeth. He turned and smiled at her.

“Morning sunshine!” He said. He acted cool about it but he could just faintly see the outline of her body behind the curtain and the boxers he was wearing became acutely uncomfortable.

“Can’t you brush your teeth in the other bathroom?”

“How would I brush my teeth if all my stuff is in here?”

“You could take it and leave.”

“Nah. I like this sink better. And besides Noah and Carly are both in there which means I’m not getting within 10 feet of that door.”

She frowned and slowly moved back behind the curtain. He was quiet for a few seconds before he spit and do spoke again.

“So what’s your plans for the day?”

“Matthew I’m not having a conversation with you while-“

“Me? Nothing much. Lets get lunch later yeah?”

She held back a small laugh and turned it into a cough but heard it anyways “Okay fine we’ll go to lunch. Are you done brushing your teeth?”

She poked her head out to find his toothbrush gone but his face covered in shaving cream now. He turned to her and smiled, razor in his hand.

“Well isn’t this just so domestic.”

***********

I didn’t want to include any kind of details about what happened after the sex in the cabin because I didn’t wanna drag that scene out. I probably should have included this but again, I had too much material.

Hallie woke up the next morning and realized to her horror she was asleep next to Matthew, very few items of clothing between them.

Had she done the unthinkable?

Had she had sex with Matthew?

In cabin with all their friends?

Was she high?

The answer to all of those questions was yes, even maybe the last one. There was no other logical or acceptable answer other than she was high on some serious shit for her to do what she did.

She closed her eyes and let out a long breath, panic bubbling up in the form of bile. She very slowly but effectively inched out from under him without waking him, and painstakingly cracked the door barely wide enough for her to slip through. The house was quiet, which meant no one was up yet and she bolted to her room, closing the door behind her as a tear slipped over her lower eyelid. And then a laugh. And then more tears.

And then she wiped them away because she heard a door open somewhere in the cabin and knew that their friends would be waking up soon. She wasn’t sure how cool she could play it, especially in front of Carly.

She would definitely know something was up. She took a deep breath and stood, changing before she slowly exited her room, peering into the hallways. She didn’t see anyone, and turned to quietly close her door. When she turned back around, Matthew had materialized from nowhere and she jumped.

“Jesus!” She clutched at her heart and looked up at him.

“Where’d you go this morning?” He asked quietly. He looked a little hurt, and Hallie immediately felt bad.

“I just-I went to my room.”

“Why?” When she didn’t answer he spoke again “You regret it don’t you?” He looked crestfallen and Hallie could have started crying right there just looking at his face.

She lifted a hand up to his chest, placing it over his heart “No. of course I don’t. I just don’t feel like it’s anyone’s business what happened last night. At least not right now. I just wanted to keep it between us. That’s all.”

He smiled at her, placing his hand over hers “Last night was amazing. And I-“ but he stopped and cleared his throat “I just want to make sure you felt that way too.”

“It was. But let’s talk about this some other time okay? When it’s just us.”

“Okay.” He smiled and glanced over his should before he leaned down and gave her the sweetest of kisses that made her weak in the knees.

“Come on.” He said “Let’s start breakfast.”

************

This is part of the drive to the cabin, but I didn’t feel like it was significant to the story so it got cut.

“I’m glad this is funny to you.”

“It’s hilarious.”

She and Matthew had been stuck in traffic for almost 45 minutes and she was getting more annoyed with him as the time went on. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was in love with him or wanted to kill him but either way, it was grinding on her nerves and they were practically raw by now.

If she was being honest she was upset more because she didn’t believe him about what had happened the other night. She wanted to, but she didn’t trust him. Although it felt great to be around him again, her guard was up.

“Hallie listen. About-“

“Don’t. Don’t ruin this. We’re having a nice time together, we don’t have to talk about it anymore.”

He looked a little troubled but nodded “Okay. I am sorry though, for what it’s worth.”

“It’s worth a lot. Thank you.”

***********

I had a whole sequence where they had a big fight after the sex in the cabin and they split up but then I felt like since they spent most of the first chapter arguing, that they deserved to be happy and blissed out for a while. So I took it out.

“You know what I think? I think your afraid.”

She glared at him, eyebrows furrowing “Oh yeah? Of what?”

“I think your afraid of the way I make you feel.”

She swallowed and opened her mouth to speak “How you make me feel? You make me feel like I’m losing my fucking mind!” She screamed hands flying up.

“You know what I mean. You can act like you don’t have feelings for me, like this is just about sex but you know that’s a lie.”

“Oh please.”

“Yeah oh please is right. I’m done with this. I can’t take this back and forth anymore. Do you fucking want me or not? It is not that difficult to decide. But I am done with this happening between us. I can’t do it anymore. It’s fucking killing me Hallie. Please.” He sounded desperate as he stood there in her kitchen, eyes pleading with her.

When she didn’t speak he turned and walked angrily towards the door.

“Wait.” He paused, hand on the doorknob and half turned. She was still in the same spot but her hands were down by her sides now.

“Fine.” She said quietly “I’m afraid. I’m terrified.”

His hand fell from the door “But why?”

“Do you really need to ask that question? You know why.”

“I’m not that guy anymore Hallie and you know it. I mean I’m really trying here, and I’ve never done that for anyone before. I mean can you not see that? Can you not see that I want to be with you?”

She sighed and nodded, eyes closing “I know. And I’m sorry. I’m just so-“

“Scared? I know.” He reached for her, pulling her into a long hug “But please just give me a chance. Trust me. Or at least try. Can you do that?”

She nodded against his chest “I can.”

************

I just didn’t want this part. That’s why it wasn’t included.

Hallie bounced off the sofa when she heard a knock at her door and pulled it open, expecting Matthew.

“Hey you-“ but she came face to face with Carly instead, who looked at her confused.

“Excited to see me?” Carly asked.

“Oh Uhm hey what’s up?”

“I was in the neighborhood and I left my bag and jacket here last week so I figured I’d come pick it up.”

“Oh yeah definitely.” Her eyes swiveled over Carly’s shoulder just in time to see Matthew himself turn the corner and freeze when he saw Carly.

“Uh why don’t you come in quick? I’ll grab your stuff.”

She gave him a look and he quickly disappeared back from wherever he came from. She found her jacket, chatted with Carly for a minute and then walked her out the door, hoping to god Matthew had parked around the corner instead of in the lot. She watched Carly leave, holding her breath until she was gone from the parking lot, before she texted him.

Coast is clear

He came in a a few minutes later, looking grim.

“Damn that was close.” He said pulling her in by the waist.

“I know I thought we were caught.” He kissed her deeply, lips moving against hers feverishly.

“Mmmmmm. I missed you today. Coach was riding me at practice and it wasn’t like I could tell him I was slow because I spent all night riding you.”

“Matthew!” She gasped, as his hands drifted under her shirt, brushing against the underwire of her bra.

“What?”

“How’d you like to get back on?”

He pulled back to look at her “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

*************

I forgot I even wrote this part, because it wasn’t saved on the original document.

“Where are we going?” Noah asked as he sat in the passenger seat of the Audi.

“The grocery store, and then I need to get new socks.” Matthew leaned back to get his sunglasses from the backseat when he spotted something.

A pair of pink, lacey underwear that belonged to Hallie were lodged between Noah’s seat and the center consul. He swallowed and glanced at Noah, who seemed not to notice, and very slowly plucked them out and dropped them on the floor of the back, before swatting them under Noah’s seat.

He smirked a little, remembering her frantically searching under the seat just that morning when he met her before she had to work.

While sneaking around wasn’t really practical, it was totally hot. But they had gotten careless. Lost underwear, almost getting caught by Carly. Last week they’d been in the shower together while Noah was knocking on her door, to drop off clothing Carly had for Hallie. He supposed they could only keep this going for so long, but he would as long as she’d allow it.

“What are you doing?” Noah asked beginning to turn to him.

“Nothing nosey, Jesus.”

*********

That’s all! I hope you enjoyed this! Let me know what you guys think!

🤍🤍🤍

[2-fast-2-curious]

No one asked for this but it’s my birthday so...

[M4F] Happy Birthday To You 

[Friends to Lovers] [Listener’s Birthday] [There You Are] [Cake?] [Why So Sad?] [Confession] [Kiss] [L-Bombs]

[izzylovesyou2022]

Comment, Reblog this, or Message me with your thoughts on me writing a NHL fanfic based around "first girl in the NHL"

[callmemana]

🤭🤭

Consequences - Matthew Tkachuk: part 3

summary: you absolutely hate Matthew Tkachuk so it’s just your luck when you wind up pregnant with his child.

a/n: all the stories i write usually have like 20 parts/chapters to them but im going to try to limit the amount this time haha. i guess it will depend on if you guys want more!! so comment and let me know :)

thanks for all the love on part 1 and 2!! <3 

Keep reading

[asunsetgrace16]

Johnny Gaudreau: A Tribute

Johnny Gaudreau was born in Salem, New Jersey.

He was drafted by the Calgary Flames 104th overall in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He played hockey for Boston College for 3 seasons, from 2011-2014. He won the National Chapionship title in 2011, and the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey's best player in 2014.

Johnny spent 9 seasons with the Calgary Flames and 2 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his first full season with Calgary, he was selected to go to the 2015 All Star Game and was a Calder Memorial Trophy, and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most gentlemanly player in 2017. He was a 7-time NHL All Star through his career. Johnny was known as "Johnny Hockey" and had incredible skill and success on the ice, despite his size. He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets for the past two seasons and quickly became a favourite.

This is a tribute to our beloved player, may Johnny and Matthew forever rest in peace.

For Johnny...

from me

I am forever going to be sad over losing Johnny, but I am also angry. Two amazing people would still be here if that driver simply decided not to get behind the wheel yesterday night. I wasn't a hockey fan when he was still playing for the Flames, but he was one of four players I knew. He always made me smile when he was shown on camera, and his memory will live on forever in Calgary. His positivity and kindness, his electric game. Johnny was so much more than a hockey player. He was a husband, a father. A son, a brother, a friend, a teammate. My heart and prayers go to his wife and children, parents, sisters, and family. And please, please, take time to grieve. Take time to remember Johnny and what he meant to you, and to the game. Rest in peace, Johnny Hockey, fly high.

I believe that it is a testament to a person's character that when tragedy strikes, there are hundreds or thousands of people mourning for them, regardless of whether they knew each other or not. That is what Johnny has done for the hockey community. His infectious excitement and passion has moved people in ways he probably never imagined. We may never hear Johnny Hockey echo through an arena in celebration of a goal, but we will hear it in celebration of his life, of his game. We will keep his legacy alive. Forever.

Here's to #13

from @chukys-mouthguard

Johnny was never mentioned on my blog prior to this news. And while I know I don’t need to explain or justify my sudden sadness, I’d just like to reiterate this point above. We don’t have to post about someone or obsess over them online to love them. Johnny was never a player I would’ve written fanfiction about or shared unhinged thoughts. I’d loved him and admired him from my time playing hockey, and he was unlike anyone else. I frequently explained that compared to all the other players I love or “obsess” over, Johnny is in a league of his own. The sheer love and admiration I had for what an amazing hockey player, but an even more amazing person he was is something I can’t put into words. Rarely do athletes or celebrities have an impact on me, but Johnny did. The idea that I won’t get to see him take the ice again in Nationwide Arena, I don’t get to hear commentators call him Johnny Hockey anymore, and most importantly the fact that this heartbreaking tragedy is undoubtedly sending shockwaves through a family that was looking forward to a weekend of celebration of love and togetherness at their sister’s wedding. It all hurts. And there are no words right now. I want to blink my eyes and have someone tell me I’m dreaming. My own mother called me on my way to work to tell me the news because she didn’t want me to find out through social media, that’s the impact this man had on me and I’m sure so many fans across the hockey community. My sister even reached out to make sure I was okay. So yeah, people can say “they are just an athlete” or “why are you so upset over someone you don’t know?” And I respect people having those opinions, but when players truly make a mark on the sport and the fans, it resonates with you. Because you feel like you know them, like they invite you into their world and give you a chance to look at them in new ways. My thoughts are with the entire hockey community that knew johnny, and most importantly his family as they endure this terrible loss of Johnny and Matthew 💔

johnny gaudreau has been my favorite nhl player since his college days, and I have no words right now. I have multiple jerseys of his, signed memorabilia, but I sadly never got to meet him and tell him how much i loved him as a person and a player. My love for him, if you know me offline, s was unmatched compared to any other player I obsess over online. This world is so cruel and I’m heartbroken. I’m so thankful to have seen him play on multiple occasions, but blue jackets games will not be the same without his #13 on the ice 💔😞

from @perfectlysaltycat32

I just want to say the passing of Johnny and Matty Gaudreau is such a sad and unfortunate moment. Every time I looked through social media and saw more snippets of what happened and how he is remembered it just gets so much more sadder. It's really tragic how this happened *the day before* their sisters wedding. A time where the whole family is sharing one of their happiest moments, and now it's going to be a time of grief. I think it is absolutely gorgeous how all the Calgary fans came together in memory of them with their memorial. They are truly loved everywhere in the hockey community. I hope that every player has access to good therapy and counseling because this is such a rough way to start the season, but I am glad with how positive all of their friends, family, and teammates are. It really just once again shows how loved both of them are. They had a great life, were amazing people, and it deserved to be longer. But now they can watch over their families, teammates, and friends. I'm sending my condolences to everyone affected. Johnny was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, friend, captain, and teammate. He is and always will be Johnny Hockey. Matty was also an amazing husband, son, brother, teammate, and friend. It is deeply saddening that his wife has to raise her expecting baby without him. I hope everything goes smoothly as they can for her, and she and the baby can be healthy. Everyone loves you both, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. You will be loved and missed. 🕊️❤️

from @wehaveagathering

When I first got into hockey I heard about a guy named "johnny hockey" and I thought that this was like, a legend — someone like Gretzky or Lemieux, who had been so good that he'd had the game incorporated into his name forever. Imagine my surprise when I learned that this dude was just Johnny Gaudreau, not just a legend but an active one too, one still playing. I thought that was really cool. I figured he must have done something really special to earn that nickname. Turns out it wasn't just what he did — it was who he was. Rest easy, Johnny Hockey. You built a legacy that will live for a long time.

from @traiteursroe

I want to take a moment to talk about Johnny and Matty Gaudreau today. Absolute icons. “Johnny Hockey” has been a name that has been recognizable in sport since 2014. He was a gentleman and a fast fucking skater. His brother Matty was smart and talented. The fact that they’ve been taken away from their families by a drunk driver is heartbreaking and inexcusable. Spare a thought and a prayer for them today.

from @crow-the-unknown

just saw the news about johnny gaudreau and his brother's death and i'm honestly at a loss for words. my heart aches for his family and all the friends he's made throughout his career. i can't even put into words how horrible and devastating this is for everyone in the hockey community. sending my prayers their way. i'm fucking wrecked about this. if i could say more i would but. i don't even know. it doesn't even feel real.

from @callsign-denmark

Rest in Peace Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. This was a horrible and tragic loss to the hockey community but more importantly a tragedy to your families. My prayers go out to them all. The hockey community has woken up today to the tragic knew of the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau who were killed last night while riding their bikes in their hometown by a drunk driver who was speeding while trying to pass other vehicles who were going slow to pass the brothers safely. Both brothers were hit from behind, and died due to their injuries. They were in their home town for their sister Katie's wedding which was set to take place today. Johnny and Matthew were not just hockey players, but brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, uncles and friends to many people who are now without their loved ones on a day that was supposed to be filled with joy and love. Please let all of us in the hockey community, as fans, to take a moment of silence no matter what team you cheer for, and send out a silent prayer to the family who will no longer get to hold Johnny and Matthew in their arms, who will no longer get to watch them grow old playing the game they loved, and to the children growing up without a father and uncle to guide them throughout life and love them. While we feel sorrow and sadness over this lose, it's nothing compared to their families who will have to live this life without them.

from @19mercer

all of the insta story posts from many hockey players, teams, and other sport leagues for johnny and matthew gaudreau make me cry. all of the support for their families is genuinely so sweet. i wish nothing but the best for their families during this hard time. i will forever be grateful that i was able to watch him play in the nationwide arena. i am forever grateful for johnny and his time as a blue jacket. and his time with us. thank you for everything 13. rest easy johnny and matthew.

from @bibliomoth

I adored Johnny because he was a such a small streak of lightning in a game full of huge dudes who were regularly a whole foot taller than him. His skills were just fucking phenomenal and he was so exciting to watch. I screamed with joy and cheered him on so loudly I lost my voice on many occasions. He represented his country for International Competitions and is the highest US point scorer. I could get technical and talk about my favourite goals of his, his stickhandling, dangles, on ice spatial awareness etc but it is all on film for anyone to see, just too much to choose from. Nobody moved like Johnny Hockey. As a person he was a sweet, kind guy who was universally liked in the sport and beyond. I do not follow celebrities on social media, but on hockey forums there are endless stories of his voracious love of mac and cheese (so much so Kraft put him in a TV ad) and skittles candies that he had a hockey stick covered in them and auctioned for charity. In interviews he always talked hockey and his family. Whenever asked about new contracts and paycheques he would just shrug and say ‘yeah I bought my dad a boat so we can go fishing’ or ‘I just got a cool new wheelchair lift installed in my holiday home so my cousin can come and spend time with me’, or change the subject and talk about his dog, his wife and kids or The Birds. He was a real gem of a gentleman, modest and always ready to give credit to his team and dad (legendary NJ coach Guy Gaudreau) who motivated Johnny to skate as a toddler by placing skittles candies on the ice for him to fetch. I’m am so sad for him, his family. This is just a blurb of feels about someone I counted down the days for until I could see them make magic on ice. I wish I could write a good tribute, dammit. Thank you Johnny Hockey.

from @blusical

Johnny was more than a hockey player. He was a friend, father, son, brother, whatever you say. And please, don't forget about Matthew too. In fact, don't forget about any of the Gaudreau family, they're struggling too.

from @slavet0thegrind

Man, the news about Johnny Gaudreau's passing has shaken this entire city. I've never cried over the death of an athlete before. Until today. He may have been traded, but everyone in Calgary loved that man so much. The fact that right now the steps of our arena are covered in purple Gatorade and flowers on honor of him says so much. I have also heard that people are flocking to what we refer to as "the Red Mile" tonight to honor him, which is a street downtown that turns into one big party whenever the Flames play a game during playoffs. Everyone pours out of the arena and heads down there to celebrate, or watches the game at bars on that street if they're not at the game. Johnny reignited the Flames when they were starting to burn out, he led that team for so long. We didn't call him Johnny Hockey for no reason. And for him and his brother to be tragically killed the day before their sister's wedding by a fucking drunk driver... It's unbelievably heartbreaking. Rest in Peace Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau 💔😭

from @areyoutherelarry

There are not any words to express how deeply sad and awful it is to hear about the killing of the Gaudreau brothers. They seemed like wonderful humans who positively impacted those around them. They had families who were clearly ripped through by this horrific tragedy. There are wives who will have to raise kiddos without their partners, and kiddos who won't have their dads around. Parents who outlived their kids. A sister who didn't get married. It's bleak shit. There's also a team that has faced so much tragedy. Boone Jenner has had to support the team through two tragic deaths (and faced his own personal loss this year), anyone who was around when Matiss Kivlenieks died, and Sean Monahan who was so excited to be reunited with Gaudreau. This is just heavy shit.

from @brb-counting-stars

today is such a hard day, but take inspiration from johnny to live life by being the kindest and generous person you can. take inspiration from the way he didn’t know if he would be able to make it into the show and pushed on anyways. take inspiration from the kind of brother he was. take inspiration from all the stories of what he would do for fans he spent mere moments with but those memories stayed with them for years, the philanthropic work he would do all throughout his career. take inspiration from the guy that grinned as brad marchand yapped at him from the opposite penalty box and then went on to score a hat trick, the teammate that was so beloved he inspired his buddy to sign with a team so that they could play together again. take inspiration from the nine-year-old kid that earned the nickname “love machine”, the twenty-seven-year-old man who finished his bachelor’s degree nine years later because he made a promise to his mom. and of course, you can’t forget the stories of him taping pucks to himself for weighing in at the combine, or writing a paper in college on how to make a ham and cheese sandwich, or how he would wipe red sauce off his meatballs, or how he got sick from mainlining nutella to gain weight for the season, or how he tried to cash his first paycheck at a random bar atm, or how he wore yeezys to ride a horse at the calgary stampede. live life to the fullest and remember johnny’s kindheartedness, humility, and positivity. his presence and spirit will really be missed throughout the hockey community.

from @hufflepuffhabs

Ever since seeing the devastating news yesterday afternoon while at work, I've been thinking of what the right words are in a situation as hopeless as this. There is no return button, no undo. In Memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Ever since seeing the devastating news yesterday afternoon while at work, I've been thinking of what the right words are in a situation as hopeless as this. There is no return button, no undo. A family, a community left with empty spots. All the circumstances make it only sadder and more tragic. There are no right words, but there are tokens of hope, showing up and lighting a candle in memory and remembrance for not only two incredible hockey players but humans. When I was a little tween hockey fan, I really liked the Calgary Flames. Mostly because they drafted a Swiss guy 1st round, but they had many other young prospects, Johnny being probably the brightest. But as for many, it was his character that impressed me most, a Skittle loving child-at-heart guy that left it all on the ice. I will always remember how disappointed he was when they did not all him to do a stunt with a burning stick at the All-Star Game. May Johnny and Matthew rest in peace. And may we think of their family and of all families that have lost loved ones in this tragic way.

from @tattoed-and-toothless

Fly high and rest easy Johnny and Matthew 🕊 You left behind a lot of amazing memories to be remembered by. The hockey world is rallying around your family, they'll be well taken care of ♥️

from @sportspuckball

I've driven that road. Fuck that driver for literally ever. May Matthew and Johnny's memories forever be a blessing to all who loved them, knew them, and were impacted by them. So many of us knew Johnny, but I'm also thinking a lot about the high school kiddos that Matthew coached. Every aching moment of this fucking sucks. Don't let anyone tell you that grieving someone you don't know personally is stupid -- grief is grief and it is yours. Do what you need to process it as you see fit. The only thing any of us *need* to do is respect the family's privacy as they grieve, too.

from the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.

from the Calgary Flames

It is with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community. The pain we feel for Johnny's wife Meredith, children No and Johnny, parents Jane and Guy, sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family is immense. Ownership, management, players, and staff of the Calgary Flames express our heartfelt spates during their time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️

from Brad Treliving

I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's passing. John was truly a special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice. His thousand-watt smiles and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends, and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him but marvelled at his excellence on the ice. John was a beloved teammate and a friend to so many in the hockey community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. My heart goes out to the entire Gaudreau family - to his mom and dad, Jane and Guy; his sisters, Kristen and Kate; his loving wife, Meredith; his precious children, Noa and Johnny; and everyone affected by his unimaginable loss. Family was everything to John, and in his memory, please hug those close to you tighter and longer today and every day.

from Gary Bettman

(paraphrased)...While Johnny's infections spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname "Johnny Hockey", he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endears himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path... ...He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames form 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League's brightest young stars while compiling the franchise's fits-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Honey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head coach following his own five-year pro playing career. We send our most heartfelt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Columbus and Calgary organizations, his many friends hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created incredible memories on and off the ice.

from Pascal Vincent

I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. This tragedy has left me speechless and in shock. Over the years, I had the privilege of getting to know the real Johnny Gaudreau - the person behind the hockey player. He was a humble and unassuming young man with extraordinary talent, who never sought to be in the spotlight. Instead, he enjoyed life's simple pleasures and possessed a quiet strength of character. His passion for the game and exceptional hockey sense allowed him to achieve greatness, yet he remained grounded and true to himself. I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family, including his wife, children, and parents. My thoughts are with them today. It's an honor to have known not only the incredible hockey player but also the kind and beloved person Johnny was to everyone he met. Wherever we went, people admired him on and off the ice. Despite his success, he remained humble and genuine. Johnny, you toughed so many lives with your kindness and contagious smile. I feel fortunate to have known you so closely. Your memory will stay with me forever. Rest in peace Johnny.

from @love-youu-softly

When I first got into hockey, I was feeling really lost. The flames were one of the first teams I became a fan of, and so many nights were spent alone in my room at 20 years old watching the flames and Johnny hockey. Will forever be important to me.

from @primakira

johnny gaudreau was the first player i ever learned about when i was trying to get into hockey. he was a spitfire on the ice and an even greater person off of it. i'll probably write something longer later since i can't even type this through my tears, but for now, thank you so much for everything, johnny. 💙 rest in peace to his brother matthew as well. such an unimaginable tragedy. my heart goes out to the entire gaudreau family and to everyone that loved them.

out of all the players i like in the nhl, johnny has a special place in my heart because he was the first player i ever knew. he's the reason i got into the sport during the pandemic. even before connor mcdavid or sidney crosby, there was johnny hockey. as soon as i saw his small stature and big smile, i was hooked. his smile was infectious, his hands were amazing, his skating was mesmerizing (his lil strides were so cute too), and his heart was all-encompassing. every night, you couldn't believe the things he could do. he was a spitfire on the ice - constantly underestimated but tenacious as hell. furthermore, he was kind, humble, funny, and down to earth. there's a reason everyone loved him. hell, his team would wage a war for him (matty tkachuk i'm looking at your penalties during that stars series). off the ice, he was a family man through and through. he loved his family so fucking much and he loved his community so much. all he wanted was the perfect place to call home for his kids and he found it. johnny encapsulated the joy of hockey, and he took that joy with him today. my heart goes out to everyone who loved him and matthew, especially their family and friends. the world lost two bright stars in a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy. thanks for everything, johnny. may you and matthew rest in peace. 🕊

from @bedsyandco

so shocked and saddened by the news of johnny and matthew gaudreau’s passing. this is such horrible news and I can’t even fathom the grief and loss that everyone who knew them is feeling right now. I truly hope that their family and friends have the utmost support and love right now. sending love and prayers to everyone affected by this loss 🩷

from @soffsh

Truthfully what is there to say, I knew getting on here would be so utterly painful. Seeing all these black and white pictures of Johnny and Matthew doesn’t seem real. The world has lost an incredible hockey player, father, husband and person in Johnny Gaudreau. I was hoping and praying last night that we wouldn’t be making these posts today, but we weren’t that fortunate. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. As well as the whole fan base of not only the Columbus Blue Jackets but the Calgary Flames who have lost a friend and a family member. Johnny and Matthew you will be missed so dearly amongst the hockey community, but not nearly as much as by your family. Rest in Peace, boys.

from @alexandretexiers

Only a few days ago, Kivi would have been 28. Just for another unimaginable tragedy happening only days later, took the lives of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Both brothers were taken from their mother and father, sisters, wives and children. Children who are all under two, with one not even born yet. I’ve been crying most of today, and I can’t even imagine the pain their families are in. One of their sisters was supposed to get married today, with her brothers by her side as groomsmen. And the bastard that killed them doesn’t even feel any remorse. Rest easy, Johnny and Matthew. You both will be dearly missed

from @rumandwhine

Had to take a day before I could even try to articulate any of this; I've never been this genuinely devastated by the loss of a public figure before. I can't express enough of my heartbreak and condolences for the entire Gaudreau family, I can't even imagine their loss and I won't insult their grief by trying. All I can do is thank them for letting us, the fans, get to know their amazing son, brother, husband, father for a while - it was truly a joy to watch and root for him. And to everyone else - the other fans in mourning or shock or whatever indescribable emotion you're feeling right now - all I can do is remind you that time is precious. Hug your parents, call your siblings, tell your partner you love them. I've already gotten years more than Johnny and Matthew will ever have; I intend to try and make the rest of the ones I'm allowed to mean more then the ones before them. I think that's the only way any of us can really honor their lives. Stay safe. And take care of yourselves.

from @wannabehockeygf

I wish I had all the words, but I don’t. They were so incredibly loved, and so young. My heart goes out to their family and friends. RIP Johnny Hockey & Matthew Gaudreau. Life is so fucking precious.

from @sweetestdesire

The Columbus Blue Jackets have unfortunately lost a few too many, and my heart is aching so bad for Johnny Gaudreau and his family. I can’t even begin to imagine how the team, his wife and children, and his family must be feeling right now. It’s times like this when we realize just how precious life really is. A life that touches others goes on forever. May Johnny and his brother, Matthew rest in peace.

from anonymous

this whole situation is so incredibly devastating. i’ll always remember johnny being afraid of both the CBJ cannon and the penguins at the calgary zoo 😔. while everyone should mourn and grieve as they do, please take the time to remember the happy moments and wonderful memories! seeing the outpour of love from brings me comfort and i can only wish the same for the gaudreau family.

from @bitchinbarzal

Dogs loved him, penguins startled him He was an amazing guy! I met him in Ohio, nicest guy - he deserves to be remembered that way 💙

from @mikkomacko

The first hockey jersey I ever bought was a #13 flames jersey I didn’t grow up in a hockey state, don’t have any friends or family that watch or follow the sport. Every time I asked for a jersey on a holiday or birthday I never got one. No one here knew what to get, where to look for one. I found the jersey for resale and used scholarship money my freshman year of college to buy it. I’m an Avs fan. I went to school in Colorado. But Johnny was one of the first players I ever saw on the tv and I liked his name and number. And I loved how he carried himself on and off the ice. I loved his love for the game and the way he played it. No matter the team, the number, the jersey, whatever I always wanted him to win. Today has been tough for so many and while it’s heartbreaking it’s so heartwarming to see how many players, fans, athletes, and people in general loved and cheered for not just Johnny but his brother too. Sending healing thoughts to his friends, family, and teammates. And to everyone else that was a fan of him like me.

from @strangelymint

I didn't watch much hockey growing up, I've only really started to consistently watch it and keep up with it since the playoffs of the 2021-2022 nhl season. However, the few times I did watch it growing up and starting to keep up with hockey, I remember watching Johnny Gaudreau so well. He was one of the players that made hockey and the Flames so fun, and he had such a huge positive impact on Calgary that I felt even before I watched those playoffs. I wish I got to watch him play more. Rest in peace to Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau and my heart goes out to their family and friends.

from @richards-mike

30/08 - dear johnny hockey, everyone knew your name. i knew it as well. it's difficult to put everything that i'm feeling into words & you kept being in my mind since i opened instagram at work today and that the first post that i saw was the devastating news that you passed away in some deeply disturbing and disgusting circumstances. you were the kind of player that was unique. you had a great talent on the ice, there is no doubt about it, but most importantly a you had the biggest and greatest heart of gold out there. you were the kind of player that everyone could cheer for and that we could admire in silent. you were our ✨special little guy✨ hockey was part of it. but the human part was the most important as well. we never know how much we can lose before we do. your remind us all today that life is fragile. but you reminded me that the world is still a good place. that people still can come together to remember the impact that a simple human can have when they choose kindness. you may be gone today, johnny but you will never be forgotten <13

from @annieqattheperipheral

(paraphrased) I keep getting waves of omg he's really gone. Like really really. We know there are going to be a lot of pregame tributes but like how you gonna do that and then expect anyone to do their jobs after without the entire arena from fans to teams to staff erupting in tears, times 32 rinks across the continent and probably flames and cbj's ahl teams and other teams too. agh. Grieving is so much. I'm glad we have our supports here with each other. Whenever i need to let something out i might post here (always tagging so you can step away, filter if you ever need to knowing what you can or can't handle that day). And so when johnny and matty's spouses each posted about their husbands this weekend.. i was amazed. And happy. I mean as i could be. Because it meant that they were being taken care of, they were supported so well they had no inclination of going inward and isolating. (I mean i withdrew so hard after i hit so many blocks with my family. I didn't post until a month later, informing so many ppl in my life.) Instead the gaudreaus were so open and sharing and that filled me with so much awe of the love and care within their family. Johnny and matty were so . well . loved. Matthew Tkachuk is one of the few players i keep notif on for and he was the one i learned the news from and every time he posts he proves yet again how incredible his family is, that he is being taken care of as well. That's a guy who has let us into his grief and i can't thank him and other players posting enough, that it's not radio silence. That we're sharing in this pain. Incredibly grateful.

from Matthew Tkachuck

Absolutely devastated. I will miss seeing that smile! RIP Hockey! love you bro 💔

from Rasmus Andersson

Trying to find the right words today is not easy. You were a hell of a hockey player but it's the person Johnny that was always is going to be with me, one of my closest friends, it didn't matter if we hadn't spoken in a day or a week we always knew where we had each other! There hasn't been a dry eye in the Andersson house today we all love you Johnny. Looking back at this picture with a smile and a tear, we were very hungover laughing about this the next morning... To Meredith Noa and Johnny Jr we're always here for you and we love you ❤️ Rest in peace uncle Johnny and Matty 🕊️

from Mikael Backlund

I can't believe it's true... I'm gutted. I'm going to miss you buddy. My thoughts are with the entire Gaudreau family. 💔

from Blake Coleman

It's hard to find the words so I'll keep it short. One of the best guys to be around, always had that big smile on your face and never passed up a good time. A great dad and husband to that beautiful family of yours. You will be missed by so many. Praying for your entire family in this incredibly difficult time. Thanks for the memories Johnny, you won't be forgotten. Rest easy #13

from Elias Lindholm

Completely heartbroken. Gonna miss you my friend. Sending all our love to the Gaudreau family. Rest in peace Johnny and Matthew 🕊️❤️

from Cole Caufield

We all lost an amazing person, both on and off the ice, in last week’s tragedy. My deepest condolences go to the entire Gaudreau family, especially Johnny’s wife and two kids, who I had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing will be able to fill the void in their families and loved ones hearts, but I hope it provides some comfort to know how these two positively impacted the lives of so many. They will truly be missed.  Getting to play with your hero is something that most people only dream of. I was lucky enough to be Johnny’s teammate this past summer and it didn’t take long to realize how great of a person he was. He was the most welcoming, genuine, and funniest guy I have ever met. He was someone everyone gravitated towards and I took every chance I could to be around him. Not only was he an amazing hockey player and teammate, but he was down to earth and truly cared about every person he encountered. The last few years playing as #22 have been some of the best years of my life. It truly has been a dream come true and I will forever hold those memories and that number close to me. I wore #13 at a point in my career because of Johnny and now I will be wearing it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and proved we had a future in this game at the highest level. I will forever be grateful to him for inspiring me and others.  Rest in Peace, Johnny hockey.

from Boone Jenner

I'm absolutely heartbroken to be posting this but John deserves to be honoured, today and always. Take the hockey out of Johnny. You have one of the best friends, teammates, sons, brothers, husbands, and above all, fathers out there. It's impossible to put into words how much we will miss you man. I'll miss the backdoor tap ins, our battles at the card table, our gold matches, but most of all I'll miss you wearing black dress shoes with shorts on every Florida trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with eh Gaudreau and Morris family and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy and loss. I love you buddy. May Johnny and Matthew rest in peace.

from Jarome Iginla

While I never had the privilege to play with Johnny, the times we met or played together, I could feel how special he was. Johnny hockey made our sport better in many special ways. My family and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have spent time with Wim, and we will always be his fans. With broken hearts, we pray for the Gaudreau family and friends during this devastating time.

from Lanny MacDonald

You were magic, Johnny Hockey

I was in the 'Dome the night he scored in overtime to send the Flames to the second round of the playoffs in 2022. I swear the foundation of that old building was shaking, the eruption from the crowd was so violently joyous. It was the outpouring of love, awe, and gratitude for our fiery hero...watching the passion and fervour Johnny Hockey played with felt electric. There are no words that can match the tragedy of what has happened. Waking up to the news of Johnny and Matthew's passing hit my family like a ton of bricks, not only for their senseless deaths, but the gripping heartbreak for their loved ones who face the unimaginable. Let the hockey world rally around the Gaudreaus, their families and friends, and although we can't even start to understand the depth of their shock and pain, I hope they are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. Go easy on those legends up there in heaven's hockey rink, boys. You're getting there earlier than expected, but they'll take good care of you. Godspeed Johnny and Matthew, Godspeed ❤️

from Jaromir Jagr

I honestly never thought I'd write a text like this to a post. Yea that goal was my last NHL goal. Yes, that's a pretty nice goal. Yes, it was a beautiful pass above all. Unfortunately, life can sometimes be incredibly cruel. Thank you Johnny for being there and giving hope to all the guys with your incredible performances, that though they are not the biggest and toughest, they can succeed at the NHL world class just like you did. My condolences to the whole family. R.I.P to you and your brother

from Wayne Gretzky

Janet, myself and our entire family are devastated as this senseless tragedy. We are sending our love, thoughts, and prayers to the Gaudreau family. We lost two young men who were loved and a huge presence both on and off the ice. Johnny and Matthew, you will always be remembered and missed.

[anastasiyaigorevnadobrodevskaya]

Broken shells - Matthew Tkachuk - blurb

A/N: Now, I know Easter is almost over, but life is a bitch, okay? Anyway, I had some thoughts and @nhlandotherimagines​ approved, so here we are.

Word count: 594

The kitchen table was covered by an old table cloth I am not too sure where I dug it from. The surface was littered with various brushes, pieces of paper with some designs printed on them. There were pints of paint and paint containers, and lastly several eggshells.

I am no artist by any means, but painting eggs is fun, and doing it once a year won’t hurt anyone. Unless?

“What are you doing babe?“ Matthew comes to stand behind me, placing his palms on the back of my chair.

“Painting eggs. Want to join?“ I ask with my gaze focused on the task at hand. A red egg with white polka dots.

“Sure.“ He hums, taking a seat by my right. “How do I do this?“

Putting the eggshell down I look around the table. “Okay. So here are some I already painted with white so you can take those and design them as you please.“ Explaining I look up. A soft look covers his face and there is a glint in his eye. “What?”

“Nothing, you are just so excited. It’s cute.“

Blushing slightly I fumble with my hands grabbing some brushes. “Alright, you flirt. Let’s see how talented your hands actually are.” I say pushing the brushes in his face.

He takes them smirking. “I thought you would want to finish this first. But sure I can show you how talented my hands are.”

“Paint the eggs, Matthew.“ I say unimpressed he found a way to make innuendos. But then again, considering the activity, he’ll have more than enough opportunities. Yay me! // “It’s not funny. Stop laughing at me!“ Matt exclaims more than slightly offended.

“I am sorry, but.“ A chuckle I was not able to suppress interrupts my speech. “You broke like the fourth eggshell in a row.“ I try and hide my smile behind the back of my palm. I should’ve known that with his strength and patience this will be far from calming.

He sits there slouched in his seat with yet another colorful eggshell shattered into pieces in his palm. His hands might be talented, but they sure aren’t meant for delicate painting.

“Fifth.“ He says quietly, his gaze not moving from what used to be an egg in front of him. A frown grows on his features making that playful glee disappear from his face and posture. “Why am I so bad at this?“

“You can’t be great at everything, Matt. If it makes you feel better I messed up this one.“ I show him an eggshell I was previously working on. What was supposed to be a chicken ended up being a potato instead.

“At least you didn’t break it.“ He mumbles under his breath burying his chin in the soft fabric of his red hoodie. Crossing his arms over his chest he exhales heavily. I try my best to make out the next words he mutters, but come out empty-handed.

Seeing his defeated look and red eyes on the verge of tears I push myself from the table. I walk around and stand next to him. I nudge his hands so they are no longer full of shattered eggs, which grants me his attention and he looks up. I push him forward slightly and slide in behind him. 

Wrapping my arms around his torso I place my cheek on his back. Placing his hands on mine he leans back into me. Relaxing, the tension leaves his muscles. I slowly take his palms in mine and whisper in his ear.

“Let’s do this together, okay?“

[huggybug]

Would you please write one with either Matthew Tkachuk or Tyson Jost where you get in a fight and you try to leave the house but he won’t let you, like “I know we’re fighting but I need to know you’re safe” 🥺 thanks!

her crazy’s beautiful to me - matthew tkachuk

word count: 1.5k words

it’s my first fic back! who’s excited? me! title from beautiful crazy by luke combs because i was listening to it and i started thinking about matthew so then i came to write this:) anywho.. please enjoy and (as always) feedback is greatly appreciated

“You can’t just expect to get away with this Matthew!” You groaned in frustration.

“I’m not trying to get away with anything!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air.

“You’re telling me you didn’t hang around a group of girls all night when you were in LA?” You ask, looking him dead in the eye.

You knew that he did. You saw the pictures that were all over social media. How could you not? You family and friends were all sending them to you, to make sure you saw exactly what your boyfriend was up to on the last stop of their road trip.

There weren’t exactly incriminating. He was sitting at a table with Johnny and a couple other guys, the girls were standing next to the table, leaning in a little too close for your liking but ultimately, they weren’t doing anything wrong.

“Babe, seriously ask any of the guys. I didn’t do anything” He tried to defend himself.

“I don’t want to ask the guys Matthew! I don’t want to ever be in a position where I have to ask someone whether my boyfriend cheated on me or not” You were done. He had been defending himself ever since he got home last night and you were able to escape it today, you went for a workout and then a facial before going grocery shopping, anything that kept you out of the house and away from Matthew.

It was a preventative measure. You weren’t sure what you wanted to do. As frustrating as this situation was, you were sure that it wasn’t something to end your three year relationship over but at the same time, you weren’t ready to kiss and make up.

There was a lot of things you wanted to say… more specifically yell but you were holding back. You knew that if you did that, Matthew would come right back at you. It was the one thing you loved and hated about your relationship. You and Matthew were just like on another; overly emotional and hot headed at your worst times.

Your friends said it was a recipe for disaster. That two people who were so alike would never work together, that you’d end up ripping each other apart within weeks but you didn’t. Your relationship was incredibly healthy and it always has been. Then again, you’ve never seen pictures of him surrounded by girls in a club before.

“I was with all the married guys, if I was planning on picking up girls, why wouldn’t I be with the single guys?” It was a fair point, convincing even but you didn’t want to think about that. Your emotions were building up and you were about to explode at him.

“I don’t want to think about this anymore, I have to get out of here”

“Please just let me explain” He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“I don’t want to hear it Matthew”

“But-”

“No! Just get out of my way” You huff, trying to move past him but he’s body blocking the door.

“Hey, I know you’re mad at me but I need to know you’re safe” His eyes are wide, staring at you and you can feel your resolve start to dissolve. “Please don’t go”

“Matt…” You said softly.

“Don’t run away… go to our room or I’ll go and you can stay out here. I’ll give you safe, just… please don’t leave, I need you to be safe” You looked past him to look out the window. Calgary winters were no joke, the snow was coming down hard and you knew you wouldn’t get far in your car anyways.

“Fine just… give me some time” You turned and stalked off to your bedroom, closing the door behind you and dropping down onto your bed.

…

Three hours. You were sitting on the edge of your bed, staring at the wall for three hours. You thought about a lot. About Matt, about you, and finally about your relationship.

You were leaving the room with a very different mindset than what you entered it with. It was quiet in the apartment when you walked down the hall. The living room was dark, there was only a small lamp on which made you barely able to make out your boyfriend who was sitting on the couch, head in his hands as his elbows dug into his thighs.

“Matthew?” You mumbled, your voice coming out a lot smaller than you’d anticipated. His head shot up as you flipped another lamp on so that you could see a bit better.

“Hey” His voice was rough, he cleared his throat and you finally met his eyes. They were red and a little swollen. He had been crying.

You took a deep breath before sitting next to him, leaving a decent amount of space between you two. “I was ready to leave” You let out with a breath and you could feel him freeze beside you. “When I walked into that room, I was ready to start packing my stuff and go”

“And? Why didn’t you?” He was avoiding eye contact but you could hear the quiver in his voice.

“Because I realized how stupid it would be. I realized that I love you too damn much to pack up and leave” You sighed. “Do you know how I felt when everyone we know was sending me those pictures? Sure, they weren’t exactly bad but still… do you understand how that made me feel? I was so embarrassed Matt! Embarrassed that first of all, you were out doing god knows what while you’re on a trip for work and secondly, that everyone seemed to know about it”

“I know… fuck! I’m so sorry, I know it was shitty and I wish I could’ve told you before those pictures came out but I seriously didn’t think it was a big deal. Those girls… they just came over and they weren’t even there for five minutes, I swear!”

“I just feel betrayed. Maybe I’m being dramatic, I don’t know. I just don’t like it, I hate how I feel about you right now and I hate that I can’t stop picture you in that club with those girls” You thought you had figured out how you felt back in your bedroom but suddenly, talking to Matt has brought even more feelings up for you and now you’re stuck trying to work through them in front of him.

“Tell me what to do and I’ll do it” He looked up at you and your heart sunk at the sight of him. He looked absolutely wrecked. “I swear, I’ll do anything. I can’t lose you”

You knew he was looking for an answer but you weren’t sure what to say. “I don’t want you to have to do something for me to stay”

“Then what do you want!” He raised his voice and you shrunk back. “I’m sorry” He ran his hands over his face.

“No, I deserve it” You were being unfair, you knew that. “I just want to go back to normal, I want to be okay with you going out to bars when I’m not there because I’m being ridiculous right now and if you say nothing happened, I want to believe you”

“You’re not being ridiculous” He said quietly.

“Yes I am!” You groaned. “And you shouldn’t have to try and make me feel better when I’m being crazy”

“Stop” Matthew reached for your hands hesitantly, taking one in both of his. “You saw a picture of me in a bar with a group of girls with no context, you didn’t know what was happening. You have every right to freak out”

You could feel tears falling from your eyes which made you want to laugh. “You… you are too understanding, Matthew Tkachuk”

He smiled softly. You took a deep breath in attempts to focus your thoughts.

“I don’t want to leave”

“Good” He affirmed.

“I trust that nothing happened. I trust you” You felt vulnerable just saying it, like he could use it to his advantage somehow, as if he would ever do that.

“Thank you” He said cautiously. “I love you and I promise, if anything did happen, I would have told you” You believed him. It’s not like he’s ever given you a reason not to.

“I love you Matt, so much and I’m sorry that I flipped out” You sincerely apologized but he just shook his head.

“You always have every right to freak out on me okay? I know I might mess up on dumb stuff like forgetting anniversaries or something but I promise you, I would never do anything to jeopardize our relationship”

“I know” You nodded, pressing your forehead against his as he leaned in. “Thank you”

He chuckled. “For what?”

“For understanding. For not letting me leave. For being the worlds greatest boyfriend to a crazy lady. Pick one” You say and he laughs.

“I’m lucky to call you my crazy lady”

[swissboyhisch]

All-Star Love

Pairing: Matthew Tkachuck x Lemiuex!Reader

Summary: The NHL All Star weekend is always fun. But bring in a romance... Then that's when it becomes interesting.

Word Count: 1742

Warnings: None I think. Please tell me if I'm wrong.

A/N: This comes from a fanific I've written myself. I adjusted it for this but I loved this idea/scene.

THE MASTERLIST JOIN THE TAGLIST HOCKEY DISCORD

All-Star weekend 2020. This year it was being held in St. Louis. You had arrived on the Pittsburgh plane with Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry since you were currently working with the team. Despite being Lemiuex’s child, you had earned yourself a position as an assistant coach at such a young age. You grew up playing the game. Now you were also the captain of the Canadian Women’s team. 

The last few years, you had attended the games alongside Sidney, who was an older brother after he lived with you and your family after he was drafted in 2005. It was a staple weekend in the season schedule. You had the chance to see all the friends and players you were close with and get to have some fun. Often you could even find yourself doing media stuff. 

This year the NHL had introduced the Elite Women’s 3 on 3. You were the youngest on the Canadian team by 5 years. They also have allowed the women on the teams to compete in the skills competitions. You had been placed into the Shooting Stars event. This meant that you were competing against your boyfriend, Matt, and his brother, Brady. Others in the skills competition include Mitch Marner, Patrick Kane, Tyler Seguin, David Perron, Hillary Knight, Danid Pastrnak and Ryan O’Reilly. 

Right now you were dressed in a pair of jeans and your team jersey. Standing in line waiting to be called to the stage where you’d be shooting from. With Mitch, Matt and Brady in front of you, the four of you were chatting and laughing. Each of you were excited to shoot off the platform. 

“Now your Gatorade Shooting Stars… from your St. Louis Blues, number 57, David Perron!”

The arena came to life, all cheering on one of the home team players. Perron, with his son in his arms, made his way up the stairs from ice levels. Handing out beanies and high fiving the fans as he went up to the platform.

“From the Toronto Maple Leafs, number 16, Mitch Marner.” 

Mitch followed Perron up the steps. Handing out hats as he went. Matt stepped forward to the bottom of the stars, looking up at all the fans. He had a hand on your lower back. Brady had let your stand next to your boyfriend whilst you three waited.

“From the Calgary Flames, number 19, Matthew Tkachuk.” Matt follows Mitch up. “From the Ottawa Senators, number 7, Brady Tkachuk.”

“The Canadian Women’s All Star, number 11, (Y/N) Lemieux.”

As you walked up the many stairs, you handed out rolled up t-shirts to fans. It was weird to have this many cameras in your face though. If you were honest, the walk up to the platform looked a lot shorter from the bottom. Especially the amount of stairs you had to climb. You reached the platform and waited for the rest of the players to join herself,Matt, Brady, Mitch and Perron. When everyone had gotten there, it went straight into the competition. First to shoot was Perron. He scored a total of 14 points. Mitch was next on the platform. He scored an awesome 22 points.

“Our next shooter, Matthew Tkachuk,” Nick started. “Your brother Brady is following you so we thought, hey, why not get one more Tkachuk up here. Why not bring up your Dad. Give it up St. Louis, for all-star Kieth Tkachuk!”

Yourself and Brady grin, tapping your sticks as you watched Keith join Matt on the platform, an arm around his shoulder with a wide smile on his face. Nick motioned for Brady to join them as well. You decided to give him a light shove as a joke.

“You should be up here as well,” Brady commented as he joined his brother and father.

You laughed at Brady’s comment. Sending a wink to Matt as well who had the biggest smile on his face.

Keith turned to face you, giving you a joking look, “I think we’re missing someone up here.”

“I ain’t no Tkachuck,” You reply. “Enjoy the moment, big guy.”

Matt stepped forward from where he was standing, holding his hand out for you. “Well, maybe we should change that, hey?”

“What?”

Keith, Brady and Nick stepped back from the platform and Matt grabbed your hand, pulling you to the centre of the platform they were standing on. Your hands flew to your mouth as you watched Matt slowly kneel to one knee and open a ring box. In the box sat the most perfect engagement ring you had ever seen.

“No way,” you breathed, looking at Matt who had the biggest smile on his face.

“You’ve been my best friend since we met all those years ago right here in this very arena. When little (Y/N) bumped into me as she ran to get away from her dad. You’ve been considered part of this family since then but I think I need to make it official, make sure you don’t stand out too much with that last name. Will you do me the greatest honour of changing your last name from Lemieux to Tkachuk?”

You nodded, too shocked to answer in words. The arena roared to life when Matt stood up and kissed you. He pulled the ring out of the box as you dropped your gloves. You cried as Matt slid the ring on your finger. Once he had sealed the deal, you lunged at him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders excitedly.

The players around them and on the bench, as well as the whole arena, were screaming and cheering. Mitch and Brady made sure they were heard over everyone else. 

“I can’t believe you,” You laughed as you pulled away from Matt. Brady was the first to hug you congratulations. He had the biggest grin as well. The smile gave him away. “You knew!”

“Of course I did,” Brady chuckles, “I helped choose the ring.”

Brady was interrupted when Keith pulled you into a hug. “I think you should just keep your last name, it’s more recognisable.”

“Tkachuk is better, that's for sure.”

Nick soon joined the happy group. You were tucked into Matt’s side like usual. Nick held his hand out to Matt who shook it happily before handing Matt a new jersey. It was a grey All-Star Canadian jersey like you were wearing. You grabbed it from Matt, checking the back which now had Tkachuk on it.

“Oh my god,” You grinned, pulling off your current jersey for the new one.

“Hey, have a look at the photo up on the board you guys.” There was a photo of Keith kneeling by the bench in front of a young Brady, Matt and yourself. You had attended the weekend with her father and hung out with the boys. One of the rare times you got to see the Tkachuk brothers as a kid. “How exciting is it to be on this platform being here, history in the making, with your sons and soon to be in-law?”

“I’m so proud of these guys,” Keith stated, smiling at you three. “They’ve earned being here. Matt and Brady grew up here, watched me play here. I mean, Matt met (Y/N) just outside the home change rooms in this arena.” At that, there was a picture of Matt, Brady and Taryn, the youngest Tkachuk, standing with Keith now on the screen.  “I love these guys. I know they love the Blues deep down.”

“Oh, we’re excited to have you here. 18000 people wanna know, how many pucks can Tkachuk chuck, chuck? So why don’t you have a go at this.” Keith took Matt’s stick from him as the three young adults stepped back. “Come on, Keith Tkachuk everybody!”

Keith shot the puck, nearly getting it in the 10 pointer net. “Not a lot of love for that arch there Tkachuk,” You chirped as he turned to give Matt his stick back.

He hugged the three of you before Matt stepped up to the platform. But only after a kiss from you. Keith’s arm wrapped around your shoulder as they watched Matt drop his gloves.

“How characteristic…” You giggles, stopping when he pulls off his Calgary jersey to reveal an old St. Louis Cardinals jersey.

“Who’d he fight?” Keith laughed. “He won’t touch you.”

“He’ll fight me,” Brady mumbled from beside you.

The three of you chuckled as you watched Matt take his first shot. As he took his next few shots, you listened to Brady and Keith chirp your boyfriend, well now Fiance. Matt ended up with 24, getting a 10 on his last one.

“Look at you go,” You smiled, pecking Matt when he switched spots with Brady. 

Brady stepped up to the plate. Matt pulled from under his dad’s arm into his. Having you stand in front of him with his arms around you. When Brady took his first shot, Matt laughed at the fact his brother didn’t do anything special as a tribute to their hometown. 

“Next up we have the last of the three musketeers.”

You stepped onto the platform, with a good luck kiss from Matthew. You had 7 shots to hit the targets laid out on the ice below. With the first shot you hit a 5. After your 6 other shots, you came to a total of 24 as well. Tie with Matthew. After everyone else had taken their shot, it was only Matthew and yourself that had the highest score. No-one had outshot you two. 

“Since you both scored an amazing 24 points, we go to a sudden death shootout. One shot. Highest score wins.”

Matt shot first, missing the arch but a hair. You shot next. The puck went flying over the arch. Actually hitting Jarry who was chilling at the end of the end with some of the other goalies. 

“Injure your goalie, why don’t ya?” Matt chirps as he steps up once again. 

Round two. Matt shoots and hits the 5 points. Only way for you to beat that was to score the same or hit the arch for 10 points. You took a moment before finally shooting the puck. It went straight into the arch. You grin, cheering as you turn to where Matt was standing.

“Better luck next time Tkachuk!”

He smiled, coming up to congratulate you. He pressed a kiss to your lips. “Next time, you’ll be a Tkachuk as well.”

TAG LIST:

@findapenny @mp0625 @hischierhaze @11zegras @lvrzegras @francesfarhadi @cixrosie @daisysthings

[hockey-fics]

Me or Him ~ Matthew Tkachuk 

Summary: Your friendship with Matt becomes a point of contention in your relationship, and perhaps for very valid reasons. 

Length: ~3,900 words 

A/N: I completely forgot I wrote this like a couple months ago and thought it wasn’t good enough to post. But I’ve had a couple drinks tonight and my standards for myself aren’t as high so I’ll post it now. 

“I have to head out now,” Adam tells you, his hand on your lower back as you stand at the kitchen finishing up the dishes from breakfast. Turning on the tap you stick your soapy hands under it, wincing slightly at the temperature of the water. Giving your hands a quick shake the burning subsides before you wipe them dry on the dish towel. 

Pivoting back to face Adam you lean up, giving him a quick peck on the lips. “Have a good day at work.”

Adam kisses you back before pulling you into a hug, leaning down to be at your height. His prickly stubble rubs against your bare shoulder and you pull away before you can even stop yourself. He was an incredible boyfriend, he really was. But over the last couple months you found yourself becoming more and more annoyed with him. Every little thing he did seemed to rub you the wrong way. 

Adam sighs noticeably but you choose to ignore it. “Can I come back over after work tonight? We could order take-out and watch a movie or maybe like go out on a date night?”

“I’m going to a dinner party with Matt tonight,” you inform him quickly, leaning against the counter and gazing up at Adam. 

“Of course you are,” he mutters under his breath, shaking his head as he stares down at the ground. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You prod, your fingers clenching around the edge of the counter behind you. Your relationship with Matt had always been a point of contention in the relationship with Adam. But you had always assured Adam that the two of you were just friends. Truly you were just friends, you had never done anything that two friends wouldn’t do. 

But you were close. Really close. Perhaps your relationship was a little more complicated than you had ever admitted even to yourself, let alone to Adam. Hell, you had followed Matt to an entirely different country, though you would never admit he was entirely the reason you moved to Calgary. You managed to convince yourself and everyone in your life that the University of Calgary was the school you were most excited about being accepted into. Obviously you had to admit to everyone that Matt was a big factor in being brave enough to move to a new country, but that wasn’t nearly as shameful as admitting he was the only reason. 

“I’m just getting really sick of it,” Adam tells you, slamming his hand with his car keys onto the counter. The loud smack it makes causes you to flinch but you don’t acknowledge it. 

“Sick of what? Me having friends?” You retort, testing him. 

Adam scoffs at the comment, shaking his head once again. “You know that’s bullshit. Don’t throw that at me to make me seem like the bad guy. I wouldn’t be complaining if you were just going out with some friends. But he’s taking you to a dinner party like you’re his girlfriend.”

“That’s not true, Adam. We’ve been friends since we were like, I don’t know, five. Everyone knows Matt and I are just friends. He just wants to bring someone since everyone else is going to have dates.”

“Are you even hearing yourself right now?” Adam snaps. “He wants you there because he wants to have a date. You’re fucking going on a date with him, Y/N.” 

“I am not!” Your voice is rising now, defensive and angry. “We’re friends, Adam. Stop being such a jealous asshole.”

“You’re not going.” Adam is suddenly calm, a decision already made in his head as he leans against the counter, waiting for your response. 

“What?” You mutter, confusion jolting through your body. “I can do whatever I want. You can’t tell me what I can or can’t do.”

“Then we’re over.”

You’re stunned not only by his words but by how calm he says them, like he had been thinking about giving you this ultimatum for awhile. Like he was just waiting for a reason to bring it up. 

Swallowing heavily you wipe your sweaty palms on your leggings. “You’re breaking up with me because I’m going to dinner party with my friend?”

“I’m breaking up with you because I don’t want to be in a relationship with someone who clearly has feelings for someone else.”

“What does that mean, Adam? I don’t have feelings for Matt.”

“Then pick.”

Shaking your head you stare at him dumbly for a few minutes. “Pick?”

“Me or Matt. Pick.” His voice is so stern and certain you know that he means it. 

“Don’t,” you croak, your eyes blurring with tears as the silence of the apartment begins to feel overwhelming. The lights suddenly too bright and the temperature seeming to rise with every moment. “Don’t make me choose, Adam.”

As you stare at him you can see the hard, stern facade starting to fade. His face softening, eyes glossy with tears. “It shouldn’t be this hard, Y/N.”

“I’m always going to pick him, Adam. If you can’t live with that then-.”

“Then it’s over,” he finishes, nodding slowly. Stepping closer to you he reaches out, pulling you into his arms. Leaning down he presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. “I don’t want to lose you, Y/N. I love you so much. But I can’t come second place to another man in your life.”

Clinging onto him you feel tears slipping from your eyes, dampening his work shirt. “I’m sorry, Adam. I just, I can’t,” you sob, shaking in his arms. “I can’t not have him in my life, I…I l-“

“I know,” Adam whispers, cutting you off. “I’m going to go now… but I still care about you, reach out if you need anything, okay?”

Nodding you reach up to wipe your eyes when he pulls away, noticing your tears left on the blue fabric of his button up. “I’ll um, I’ll gather your stuff up and bring it to your house as soon as I can.”

Adam nods slowly, leaning over to kiss your forehead again. “There’s no rush, don’t stress about it, okay?

“Okay,” you whisper, stumbling back and leaning against the counter again. 

You watch as Adam walks to the front door, noticing the way he stops and turns back to you. “I know you say that he’s just a friend. But maybe you should really think about if you might be hiding some feelings towards him.”

You can’t think of anything more to say to him, can’t think of a response that would be adequate in that moment. So you stay silent till he’s out of your door, till it really hits you that he’s gone and then let a few more tears slide down your cheeks. 

Two and half years. Over. Just like that. 

You try your best to hold yourself together throughout the rest of the day. But multiple times you couldn’t keep your tears in, ending up a sobbing mess on the couch or in your bed or in the shower. But you manage to get through doing your hair and makeup, getting dressed and ready and before you know it Matt is there to pick you up for the dinner party. 

You had thought about telling him a few times, thought about cancelling. But you hated not following through with plans and you knew Matt would ask questions that would only cause more tears. So you kept the breakup to yourself. 

“You look nice,” Matt tells you as you get into the passenger’s seat of his car, pulling on your seatbelt.

“Thank you.” Your voice is quiet, deflated. You can tell that Matt notices but he chooses not to ask questions about it. 

“How was your day?” 

Turning your attention from the road you look over at him. “Fine. Yours?”

“Good,” he replies, glancing over at you. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you assure him, doing your best to sound chipper and like your normal happy self. 

Mostly you didn’t want to ruin the night for him, but you were also scared that you might not even be able to get the words out of your mouth. You had rarely told Matt about any of your relationship issues. Not because you were trying to hide the issues, you were trying to hide the fact that he was almost always the cause of those issues. So you know what Matt’s perception of Adam was, that he was perfect for you. 

The dinner goes by with relative ease. You partake in small talk over a glass of dry red wine that you pretended to enjoy. You pick at the meal in front of you, your appetite seemingly missing as thoughts of the day threatened to spill into the forefront of your mind. When the conversation shifted towards you or Matt you forced a smile on your face, blinking away the fog of thoughts that would settle on you anytime you let your attention drop. 

But by the time the night was over you felt exhausted, in every way you could think. Mentally, emotionally, and even physically. You were simply drained. 

“You’ve been pretty quiet all evening,” Matt comments from the driver’s side of the car. 

“Just been a long day,” you mutter in reply, picking at a hangnail on your thumb.

Matt glances over, just long enough to notice your deflated appearance. “So are you going to tell me what’s going on or am I just going to have to figure it out myself? And don’t even try to tell me nothing is wrong, we’ve been friends for too long for me not to know something is wrong.”

Inhaling deeply you focus on the windshield, watching a few droplet of rain begin to splatter across it. “Adam and I broke up,” you admit, swallowing heavily. “Or, uh, he broke up with me, I guess.”

“What? When?” Matt stammers and you can tell he’s looking at you a little longer than he should while driving but you don’t dare look over at him as your eyes gloss over with tears. 

“This morning,” you whisper, bringing your hands to your cheeks to wipe away the tears that had slipped from your eyes.

“Why? What happened? And why didn’t you tell me? We didn’t have to go tonight, fuck, I’m sorry, I wish I knew. I feel like such a dick now.”

“No, Matt, don’t,” you state quickly, turning your head to look at him. “Don’t feel bad, you didn’t know. I wanted to go tonight, I didn’t want to ruin it for you, I don’t know. I just didn’t think it was the right time to tell you.”

“You could never ruin anything for me,” Matt assures you, turning into the parking lot of your apartment complex. “Can I come up for a bit?”

Sniffling quietly you nod, “yeah, I’d like that.”

“Can you give me like twenty minutes? I just have to run and do something.”

Nodding slowly you push open the car door, stepping out into the drizzly evening air. “Yeah, uh, I guess. What are you doing?” You feel your heart sink slightly as your mind races through all the things he could possibly be needing to do. Things he couldn’t do with you around. Was he supposed to be meeting up with someone else tonight? Was he still going to see her? And why did that thought make you feel so sick?

“Just have to go do something, I won’t be too long.”

Blinking quickly you fight back the tears in your eyes. “Okay, I’ll um, I’ll see you soon.” Closing the door you hurry into the lobby of your apartment before the rain had drenched you too badly. 

Up in your apartment you’re hit with the silence, the stillness. It felt different at night. Adam was almost always there, or you were at his place. You couldn’t remember the last time you were alone at night. Shrugging your jacket off you hang it up on one of the hooks by the door that Adam had put up for you after you bought it and left it leaning against the wall for almost a month. 

Your heels come off next before you venture into the quiet apartment, finding yourself in the kitchen for no apparent reason. You simply didn’t know what to do with your time till Matt showed up, a sense of confusion deep inside of you. 

It doesn’t take long before you’re buzzing Matt back into your apartment and opening the door for him. In his hands he has a bottle of wine and a plastic grocery bag. “I bought wine and ice cream and those weird thin pretzels you love so much for some reason.”

“What? Why? This is why you left?” You stammer, giggling softly with a layer of tears in your eyes. 

Matt shrugs, stepping into your apartment and kicking off his shoes. “I feel like I saw the wine and ice cream thing in movies before,” Matt chuckles, walking into your kitchen to set the items down. “Come here.” Opening his arms Matt pulls you into a hug, his hand running up and down your back gently. “How are you feeling, like really?”

Wrapping your arms around him you hold back another round of tears. “I’m okay.” You weren’t sure if it was a lie. You weren’t really sure how you were feeling. How you were supposed to be feeling. 

“So, what happened? I thought things were really good with you two.”

Pulling away you reach over, grabbing the bottle of wine from the counter. “This seems like more fun than talking about it.” Pulling two wine glasses from the cupboard you pour some of the pale yellow liquid into them, handing one to Matt before motioning for him to follow you into the living room. 

“You don’t think you maybe should talk about it?” Matt enquires, sitting down on the couch beside you. “You two were together for a long time, I don’t want you to just like…keep everything inside.”

“I’m fine, Matt. I really am,” you croak. Bringing the glass to your lips you take a large sip. “Things weren’t actually as perfect as I made it out to seem. We had issues, nothing major, but I don’t know…it had to happen, I guess.”

“What does that mean? It had to happen?”

Taking another large sip you glance up at the ceiling before shaking your head. “He just…he gave me an ultimatum and I couldn’t do what he was asking of me so he ended it.”

“What was the ultimatum?”

“I don’t want to talk about it, it’s not that big of a deal.” Before you know it your glass of wine is empty and you’re heading to the kitchen for more. 

“You don’t want to maybe slow down with the wine?” Matt says with chuckle but you can tell it’s not as much of a joke as he’s insinuating. 

“Matt, I’m grieving,” you proclaim dramatically, giggling as you pour another glass before returning to the couch. “Honestly though, I’m kind of tired of talking about it…about him.”

“We just started talking about it, Y/N.”

“So? Why does it matter how long we’ve been talking about it? I’m still tired of it.”

Matt takes a sip of his wine, nodding slowly. “Okay,” Matt mutters. “Do you want to watch something?”

Grabbing the remote you turn the television on, immediately finding Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix. You didn’t want to go through your normal ‘what should we watch?’ routine with Matt and a comedy seemed like a good idea. 

After another refill of wine you return to the couch, scrolling through your phone for a few minutes before you turn your attention back to Matt. “I was thinking maybe I should get a dog…or a cat, or something.”

“Something else like what? A fish?”

“I don’t know, fish are kinda cool,” you giggle, bringing your wine to your lips again. 

“I can’t picture you as a fish person.”

Laughing you look over at Matt, eyebrows furled. “Is that like a good thing? Or a bad thing? I can’t tell.”

“I don’t know, it’s just a thing, I guess.”

Giggling you gulp back the rest of your glass of wine. 

Matt reaches over and grabs the empty glass from you with a chuckle. “You’re seriously going to regret this in the morning if you don’t slow down.”

Laughing you reach over, plucking the glass back from him. Your body is leaned over his, face to face with him now. “I don’t have any plans tomorrow anymore anyway. Saturday brunch dates with Adam aren’t going to be happening anymore so why shouldn’t I keep this up?”

“Okay,” Matt says quietly, his eyes softening. “It’s okay if you’re upset about this, you know that right?” You feel his hand land on your side, a tingly feeling spreading through the rest of your body. 

Your eyes flick down to his lips and before you even have a chance to think through what you’re about to do you’re pressing your lips to his. Slotting one of your knees between his legs you lean even closer, lips moving frantically with his. 

A couple moments later Matt pulls away, breathing heavy. “Y/N,” he whispers, eyes filled with confusion and concern. “What…what was that?”

“You, um, you didn’t like it?” You whisper, your mind cloudy.

“I, I mean, yeah, I did. I do. Fuck, Y/N. I just…you just broke up with your boyfriend. You’re drunk. I don’t know what you want me to say right now.”

“Tell me you love me, Matt,” you whisper, pleading eyes staring into his. 

“I can’t.”

Sniffling you lean back a little, tears welling up in your eyes once again. “Because you don’t?”

“Because twenty four hours ago you were telling some other guy you loved him. I don’t know what this is. You’re drunk and I think you’re confused and sad and-“

“I’m not confused Matt, I’m so far from fucking confused. Just kiss me, Matt. Please just kiss me.”

“No,” Matt snaps. “I’m not going to be your rebound, you’re like my best friend. I’m not going to fuck that up because you’re upset that your boyfriend left you.”

“This isn’t because I’m upset about Adam,” you plead, fingers curling around the soft fabric of Matt’s t-shirt. 

“Then what..what’s going on?”

“Do you want to know why we broke up, Matt? Do you really want to know?”

Matt stares at you silently for a moment, perplexed. “Yeah, of course.”

“Because I’m in love with you, Matt,” you state without hesitation, the alcohol taking away your fear. “Not that I ever told him that, but he knew. He told me I had to pick…him, or you. And it was always going to be you, Matt. It always will be.”

“I-,” Matt begins, his voice hoarse and nervous. “You’re just drunk, Y/N.”

Scoffing you climb off the couch, away from him. “You think I would just make that up? For what? That’s so fucking pathetic. Being in love with my childhood best friend…so much so that my boyfriend dumps me over it.”

“It’s not pathetic,” Matt replies, getting off the couch and walking over to you. His hands find yours and he tugs you into his body, warm arms wrapping around you. “I didn’t know…I didn’t know that you felt that way about me.”

“Just get off me, I don’t want your pity,” you mumble into his chest, making no move to back away from him. 

“It’s not pity,” Matt whispers, not so much as loosening his grip on you. “Why would you even think that?”

“Because it’s pathetic that I’m so in love with you, that I have been for so long…that I don’t think I ever won’t be in love with you. And I just have to live with just being your friend.”

Matt’s hand rests on the back of your head, holding you tight against him while his other is wrapped around your waist. “You don’t have to.”

Sniffling you wriggle your way free from his grasp, vision blurry and eyes stinging as you gaze up at him. “What do you mean?”

Matt sighs, eyes flicking nervously around the room. “We should talk about this in the morning.” 

“I need to know what that means, Matt.” Your voice is hoarse and barely above a whisper as your tears begin to dry up, your vision slowly becoming clearer. 

“I’ve had feelings for you for years.”

Shaking your head you take a step back, feeling defensive. What if he was just saying this to make you feel better? What if he was just lying to you? “What?…Why…why did you never say anything then?”

“Why didn’t you?” Matt exclaims. Taking a step closer he reaches over, hands grasping around your biceps. “You were in a fucking relationship, Y/N. Why would I say anything? I never had a chance, you were in love with some guy who seemed so perfect for you. And you don’t know…you don’t know how bad it hurt to watch you with him. But I couldn’t say anything, couldn’t do something to damage your relationship and I couldn’t lose you so I didn’t say anything but don’t think that I didn’t want to. Fuck, I’ve wanted to tell you so many time. I don’t even know how you didn’t know.”

You take a deep breath, starting up at Matt wide-eyed. You were pretty certain you had never heard him like this, rambling on about feelings and emotion with such intensity that you found yourself holding your breath. “I…I,” you stammer, shaking your head. “You had all those years, as teenagers, and you never said anything.”

“You didn’t either,” Matt reasons. “But I didn’t know back then. I didn’t know that my feelings were this serious…this real. I thought, you know, you’re so fucking hot. Everyone would think that. I was worried that maybe I was just attracted to you. You were, are, one of my best friends and I didn’t want to ruin that if I was just confused about my feelings. But then we got older and I realized I really was in love with you and then you got into a relationship and I honestly thought it wouldn’t last. Not because Adam wasn’t a good guy, I just thought, you came all the way from St. Louis and that had to mean something. But every fucking month that went by and you were getting more and more serious with him and I didn’t know what to do other than accept we would always just be friends. And-“

“Matt,” you exclaim, cutting him off. “Take a breath,” you whisper, throwing your arms around his shoulders. “We have plenty of time to talk about it in the future, can you please just kiss me right now because I’ve spent my whole life thinking about kissing you.”

Matt lets out a relieved breath of laughter. “Sorry, yeah, yes, of course.” Leaning down he presses his lips to yours and the tingle it sends through your body is electric. Your stomach fills with butterflies and you press your body closer to Matt’s craving his touch in a way that you couldn’t describe, in a way that was so full of love and lust and every feeling you could possibly have for the boy you had been secretly pining after for years.  

[typical-simplelove]

Rewrite the Stars (M. Tkachuk)

Author's Note: Based on the song from the Greatest Showman, this is for the lovely @ya-pucking-nerd for @antoineroussel's Winter Fic Exchange. I truly hope you enjoy this as much as I loved writing it. Enjoy!

Summary: When you get a new job outside of Calgary, it seems like the best move for you, but when a confession of love is revealed, you can't but wish if you could rewrite the way things are meant to be.

Warnings: gender-neutral!reader; angst but resolved; pain; tears; feelings of heartbreak; alcohol; a few curse words

Word Count: 4.4k (including song lyrics)

You know I want you It's not a secret I try to hide I know you want me So don't keep saying our hands are tied You claim it's not in the cards But fate is pulling you miles away And out of reach from me But you're here in my heart So who can stop me if I decide That you're my destiny?

The noun definition of longing is “a yearning desire”. As an adjective, longing is defined as “having or showing a yearning desire.” On the other hand, the verb definition is “having a strong wish or desire.” It doesn’t matter what definition one uses, longing is the only word anyone will ever use to describe how Matthew feels. The sun rises and shines through his apartment, and Matthew has one singular thought on his mind, one person. He gets his coffee each morning and wants coffee with one singular person. He goes through the motions each day and everything revolves around the one person in his head. The sun sets, and he closes his eyes, and that one person is the last one he sees.

It only sucks, though, that he doesn’t really have you.

It was a Sunday afternoon tradition that you and Matthew would order takeout and just hang out. Sometimes, you’d play board games, watch movies, jam out to Taylor Swift (much to Matthew’s dismay), or catch up about your weeks. This Sunday was no exception. Matthew showed up at your apartment with takeout from your favorite sushi restaurant.

When you opened the door, Matthew noticed you had a somber expression on your face. It was slight, but with one look at you, Matthew that today’s Sunday tradition was going to be a bit different. He knew you. He knew you so well to the point that even if you could pretend you were happy as can be, he could tell when you weren’t. He wasn’t going to push you, though. He knew you had a mission for this afternoon’s lunch, and Matthew wasn’t going to be the one who diverted you from that path.

Matthew places the food on your counter and begins to pull everything out of the bag as you grab plates.

“I picked up soy sauce and chopsticks from the restaurant,” Matthew announces. It was the first thing either of you have said to each other all day.

“Mm, great,” you reply, somber, and not with much enthusiasm.

He hates this. He hates how quiet and somber you are. He hates how your outward demeanor is sad and muffled. He wants to pull you into a hug and hold you close to comfort you. As much as Matthew wants to poke and prod you for information, he knows that he can’t do that. You’re not going to admit and explain what’s bothering you if Matthew prods you too much or before you’re ready. “Movie?” is what Matthew asks after you both have laid out the food on the placemats on the coffee table.

“Yeah, you pick,” you answer. You took a shaky breath as you sat and sipped your green tea. Matthew knows the tea is hot because he burnt his tongue seconds ago before you sipped yours. It’s really hot, but when you don’t wince at the pain, Matthew knows you’re numb and holding something in.

You never let Matthew pick the movie. Whenever you both decided to watch a movie, you’d present Matthew with a choice of two movies, and you’d “force” Matthew pick the movie you wanted. It was never Matthew’s choice, and when it was, something was wrong, very wrong. He couldn’t take it anymore. “Hey, is everything okay?”

“Of course; why do you ask?” you answer unconvincingly.

“You seem quiet, you’re less enthusiastic than normal, and you’re not acting like yourself. I’m worried about you.”

You look down at the plate in your hands. Matthew can tell you’re contemplating something, something big, and it’s eating you up inside. All he wants to do is take it away and make you feel better. “I’m moving.”

Matthew can’t be hearing you right. “What?”

“I got a new job, and I’m moving,” you murmur. “It’s a great opportunity and everything, but it sucks that I have to leave. I’m not ready to leave my family or my home or you.”

“Oh, I’m flattered,” Matthew jokes to try to lighten the mood. It puts a small smile on your face, so Matthew feels he succeeded partially.

“All I wish is that this opportunity would be here in Calgary, so I wouldn’t have to move.”

Matthew takes your plate and his and places it on the coffee table. He scoots over to you and wraps his arms around you. He holds you close as he says, “sometimes, we need to move on from certain places and people to live to our fullest potential. Sometimes, that means that it will come with heartbreak and pain. It might hurt, but you have to know that those places and people will always be there for you if you want to return.”

“When did you turn into a philosopher, Mr. Tkachuk?”

“When my best friend is in need of some wise words, I tell them what wise ole Mama Tkachuk said.”

You burst into laughter. “I’m going to tell your mom that you called her that.”

“No, please don’t,” Matthew immediately rushes out. “Are you feeling any better?”

You nod. “A little. You know, I always thought that you’d be the one to leave and move on to better things, not me.”

“Well, then I’d be bringing you with me.”

“And why would you think I’d go with you?”

“You mean to tell me you wouldn’t follow your best friend around the world?” Matthew asks with shock in his voice.

“You said it not me,” you tease. Matthew just shakes his head.

“Movie now? I was thinking we could start the Matrix movies,” he tells you as he reaches for the remote.

“Nope,” you answer and reach for the remote quicker. “I want to watch The Princess Diaries.”

“If you say so,” Matthew responds with his familiar smile. That was the you Matthew knows. He never thought he’d live in Calgary without you. You were the one who helped make the city feel more like home. With you not there, Matthew knows that he’ll be okay, but his heart? He doesn’t know how his heart could possibly move forward. He loves you, and all he wants is to love you.

As you and Matthew sat there, cuddled on your couch, eating sushi and watching a movie, the only thing Matthew could wonder was if this was the last time he had you by his side.

What if we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine Nothing could keep us apart You'd be the one I was meant to find It's up to you And it's up to me No one can say what we get to be So why don't we rewrite the stars? Maybe the world could be ours Tonight

“I brought some takeout with forks and plates,” Matthew announces as he steps into your apartment. “I figured all your kitchen appliances and utensils were packed up.”

“You thought right,” you answer as you take the bag and begin to take out the food. “It feels too weird but so real at the same time, you know?”

“Well, I know that regardless of how weird it feels, you’re going to do great,” Matthew answers, somberly. Now, it was his turn to feel upset at the state of your friendship. Seeing all the boxes piled up in your apartment made it real. You were truly leaving, and Matthew wasn’t going to have his best friend living a few blocks down.

You seemed to have noticed that Matthew was acting strangely, but knowing Matthew, you know that you can’t force him to open up to you unless he was ready. You don’t say anything as you begin to eat the curry Matthew brought. “What do you say, one last movie?”

Those final three words seemed to send Matthew into a dangerous spiral he didn’t want to admit. You could see it in the way his eyes clouded over with darkness and his posture slumped. Something was bothering him. Something that you knew would eat him up inside unless you helped him figure out what the issue was.

“So, no movie? I’ll even let you pick.”

“Not one of those rom-com movies, please,” Matthew begs. “I don’t think I can take a love story tonight.”

“I did say you could be the one to pick the movie.”

“No, you pick, just no love story, please.”

“Why no love story?” you ponder.

“I don’t really want to watch someone else fall in love and get married when I can’t have that,” Matthew admits.

“Wait, who’s breaking your heart?” you question with shock.

Matthew gives you a longing look. It sends heat into the pit of your stomach as you meet Matthew’s striking gaze. You instantly know it’s you who’s breaking his heart; you don’t want to be the one to do that. “Matthew,” you whisper.

“I know I shouldn’t be putting this on you, especially with you moving and all and leaving, but I love you,” Matthew explains. “I’ve loved you for years, and I’m not forcing you into anything. As happy as I am that you have this opportunity, I want you to stay because I want you here with me. I probably should have told you all this years ago, but, I don’t know, I wasn’t ready. I thought I had time to be ready to tell you and be in a relationship with you, but then you get this—which isn’t your fault, I’m not blaming you for anything—job opportunity that’s taking you out of the city. I love you, and I want what’s best for you.”

“You know I love you,” you tell him. “More than you could ever know. I, uh, I thought the same thing, too, but then I got this new job. I’m sorry, Matthew. I can’t stay here in Calgary. As much as I love you, I can’t.”

He nods. “I know. Believe me, I know, and I’m not expecting you to stay, but when I tell you it hurts like hell to see you leave, I’d be understating it.”

Both of you don’t say anything as you look away from each other and down at your food. How do you move on from here? How do you continue to be in each other’s lives without the truth contaminating your friendship? What changes, and how much does it change?

“Matthew,” you say as you take a step towards him. You place your hand on top of his, and he looks up in response. “I’m really sorry. I so badly want this with you, but I can’t. I need to go, and I need to grow in my life professionally.”

“I know, and I’m not going to make you or force you to stay,” Matthew tells you. “Whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you and love you all the same.”

“I love you, Matthew.”

“I love you, too,” he answers and pulls you into a hug.

Right people, the wrong time it seemed.

You think it's easy You think I don't wanna run to you But there are mountains And there are doors that we can't walk through I know you're wondering why Because we're able to be Just you and me Within these walls But when we go outside You're gonna wake up And see that it was hopeless after all

“So, this is it, huh?” Matthew tells you as he’s helping you pack the remainder of your belongings. All you have left are the books on your bookshelf in your living room. He was handing you books as you placed and organized the remainder of the books into the boxes.

“I’ve still got a few more shelves, but I guess so.”

“You know what I meant,” Matthew says with a lightness in his voice, a lightness that you’re both struggling to keep up. “Do we have to deconstruct the shelves, too?”

“No, Elias and Annica want the shelves for their guestroom which saves us a ton of work.”

“It would have been a full circle for us to put the shelf together when you first moved in and then deconstruct it when you move out.”

“Do you think you’d have cursed me out as many times, too?” you joke.

“Oh, shut up,” Matthew says and smacks you lightly with a book. You and Matthew continue to work in unison and silence. Once the books are all in their designated boxes and all the shelves were empty, you tape up the boxes and wait for the movers to arrive. The couch was wrapped already, so there was nowhere for you and Matthew to sit. You both opt to sit on the counter and in silence. This date had been on both of your calendars for the past few weeks. Now, though, that it’s finally come, you’re not ready for it.

You and Matthew continue to sit there in silence. Neither of you knows what to say at this moment. When you first told him, it seemed to be something that would never come. When he told you he loved you, today became a day you didn’t want ever to come. You turn your head to face Matthew to say something. You’re not sure what you’re going to say, but thankfully, the movers buzz up and say they’ve arrived. You remove yourself from the counter and get ready to welcome them into your house.

Matthew stands in a corner, out of the way, to make sure the movers handle your delicate boxes with care and they don’t rip you off. Once all the boxes and furniture are out of your apartment and into the moving box, you and Matthew are standing on the balcony of your now-empty apartment.

“So, this is it, huh?” you finally say.

Matthew nods. “You’re going to do great there.”

“You think so?”

He looks down at you. “I know so.”

“Thanks, Matty,” you whisper with a shaky breath. You told yourself you weren’t going to cry, but the minute Matthew spoke his words, you knew you couldn’t keep the tears at bay anymore. “I don’t know if I’m making the right decision anymore.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Matthew reassures and pulls you into a hug. He lets you cry it out. “I know it’s the right decision for you, I promise.”

“But how do you know?”

“I just do because I know this change is going to be great for you.”

Once the tears have subsided, you look up to Matthew. “I don’t want to leave you. I’m not ready to leave you.”

“Just because you’re leaving Calgary doesn’t mean we’re not friends anymore. I promise that I’ll always be here for you.”

“I don’t know if I’m strong enough to leave. What if I don’t like it?”

“What did you say to me when you told me at first? You told me it was a really great opportunity for you professionally,” Matthew reminds you. “It’s okay to put yourself first and your job. It’s okay to be selfish and do what’s good for you.”

You nod. “I know, I know, but I, just—”

“We’ll all be here to welcome you back to Calgary if you ever choose to come back.”

“I love you, Matthew. Thank you.”

“I love you, too,” Matthew replies and pulls you into a hug. It was goodbye, but Matthew knows it’s not forever. He’ll see you again. He knows he will.

No one can rewrite the stars How can you say you'll be mine Everything keeps us apart And I'm not the one you were meant to find It's not up to you It's not up to me When everyone tells us what we can be How can we rewrite the stars? Say that the world can be ours Tonight

You leaned forward to pull out the pack of tissues from your purse to wipe away the tears. You were sitting on an aisle seat with two people on your right and a row of three to your left. You weren’t ready to cry in front of everyone.

“Shit,” you mutter to yourself when you notice that you only have one more tissue in the pack. It’s only been two hours into your flight but you’ve already sobbed like crazy. Matthew drove you to the airport, and that’s where you said one last goodbye to him. The minute you got through security, you broke down. You were leaving Calgary once and for all, and that wasn’t something that was settling in your stomach well. When you got the job offer, you knew that you’d be making many sacrifices. You knew that it would be tough, but with Matthew—the man you loved—still being in Calgary was the biggest sacrifice you were making.

In all your years of friendship, you knew you loved Matthew. You knew from the minute you laid eyes on him, Matthew was the person for you. His soft eyes always looking at you with care in his eyes. His curls that really needed a professional wash once a week. His goofy but endearing smile never failed to put a smile on your face. It was all just friendship for you—until it wasn’t. It was friendship until he told you he loved you. That’s when it all changed. That’s when it became something you dreamed about. You thought about loving him and thinking about how great it would feel to be with him.

You wipe your tears with the tissue and lean your head back against the chair. Taking a deep breath, you try to calm. You knew you were doing what was best for your career, but with Matthew still in Calgary, you wanted to stay in Calgary for the boy. You were always told not to give up your career for a boy; it was professional and personal suicide. It was Matthew, though. You knew that Matthew would have been worth it to stay, but you know that it’s all the better for you to leave.

It was the right thing for you to do to leave, but then why did it hurt so much? Was leaving Matthew really worth all this pain?

All I want is to fly with you All I want is to fall with you So just give me all of you It feels impossible It’s not impossible Is it possible? Say that it’s possible

Matthew downs the beer in his hands and heads to open the door. He so didn’t want to talk to whoever was on the other side of it. It was the first New Year that he’d be spending without you, and all he wanted to do was force the heartbreak away. He knows that you leaving was the best thing for you, but he also hates himself for letting you go without at least trying something with you. He should have tried because then maybe he wouldn’t feel so broken inside.

“Yeah,” Matthew says annoyed as he opens the door.

“Happy New Year,” you say with a smile. “I brought champagne. I figured if I was in town for a few days, I might as well stop by, yeah?”

“Hey, hi, you’re here!” Matthew exclaims and welcomes you into a hug. He breathes in your familiar scent and is comforted. It’s been a while since he’s seen you in the flesh, and for you to be here was the greatest holiday miracle he could ask for. “Come on in.”

After catching up on the small, mundane topics, Matthew asks the question he’s been meaning to ask for the past hour since you showed up at his doorstep. “How’s the new city?”

Matthew’s looking at you as his words soak in. Your eyes cloud over at the question.

“It’s okay,” you reply. It was really bad, you think to yourself. You barely left your home unless you were going to work. You spent all but one hour of your time at work catching up on work. Each day, it seemed, resulted in more and more paperwork and tasks that would pile up. You knew that it was part of the job, but it seemed so much worse than you ever thought it could be.

“Just okay? What happened to your big adventure with a new job?”

“Not really what I thought it was going to be,” you breathe out and shift in your seat.

"It’ll get better; I’m sure of it.”

“Hey, Matthew?”

“Mm?”

“How long did it take for Calgary to feel like home?” you ask. Matthew thinks of what you said for a moment. Sure, he could say almost instantly, but that wasn’t the truth. Calgary felt like home maybe two months after he moved, but in actuality, it felt more like home once he met you—four months after he moved to Calgary. He couldn’t tell you that, though. He wanted you to thrive in your new city, and if he told you that you were the reason why Calgary felt like home, then you would lose hope in your new city feeling like home.

“A few months, I think,” Matthew lies. He really wants you to make your new city your home. As much as it pains Matthew for you not to be in Calgary, he had to do everything in his power to help you thrive.

“I hate it there, Matthew,” you admit. “I’m so busy catching up with work that I don’t have time to go out with my coworkers. I don’t have any friends, and I hate the job. My boss sucks, and my coworkers don’t have any advice for me. I hate it, Matthew. I hate it so much.”

Your confession broke his heart. He didn’t want you to be upset, but hearing your words angers Matthew. He knows he should have stopped you from moving; he could have stopped you from all this anger and heartbreak. Mostly, though, he wants to hurt your boss for making you hurt this badly.

“Well, you know like I always said, Calgary is always here for you if you want to come back,” Matthew tells you. “I’m here if you want to come back to Calgary.”

“Yeah?” you say excitedly. “I’ll think about it.”

“Think about it because I know I’ll love to have you home.”

How do we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine? Nothing can keep us apart Cause you are the one I was meant to find It's up to you And it's up to me No one can say what we get to be Why don't we rewrite the stars? Changing the world to be ours

When you flew back to your new city, you thought about Matthew’s words constantly. I’m here if you want to come back to Calgary, he said. I’ll love to have you home, he continued. You have no reason to doubt a single word he said, but could you do it? Could you leave and head back to Calgary after you left less than a year ago? Could you be brave enough?

You were when your supervising manager dropped a stack of paper onto your desk and said she needed it by noon. Yeah, you couldn’t take this shit anymore.

Once the work your supervising manager needed was done, you took a trip up to HR and asked for the forms to file your two weeks notice. They gave it to you, and by the end of your day, you placed the filled-out forms on your boss’ desk and walked out of the building free. You head to the post office to grab some boxes to start to pack. For the first time in weeks, you felt lighter. You were ready to leave and head back to Calgary and Matthew. Matthew, you were going home to Matthew.

In the two weeks you had left, you finished up your job and worked to repack your apartment. Thankfully, you never unpacked the guest room, so you had less to repack. On your fifteenth day, your last day, the movers arrived to load up the truck. They would be in Calgary in five days with your belongings waiting for you to unpack them in your new apartment.

You were spending the night at a hotel near the airport after you gave your keys to your landlord. You were leaving, and there wasn’t a feeling better than that.

You know I want you It's not a secret I try to hide But I can't have you We're bound to break and My hands are tied

“I’m coming,” Matthew yells as he dries his hands on the towel. He swings the door open and says, “I was on the toilet.”

“Did you wash your hands?” you ask with a smirk.

“Yeah, of course,” Matthew answers. “What are you doing here? Actually, come in first.”

Matthew ushers you in before he turns to you and waits for you to talk. “You know how you said that you’ll, um, love to have me home?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Does that offer still stand?”

“Wait, are you moving back?” Matthew asks, incredulously.

“The moving truck is en route and will be here in roughly four days.”

In amazement, Matthew scoops you up into a giant hug. “I know the holidays passed, but this is the best gift I’ve ever received.”

“I’m back, Matthew, and I shouldn’t have ever left. I’m sorry; I should have—”

Matthew interrupts you with a soft kiss. His hands are soft on your face as he cups you and continues to kiss you. His lips are soft on yours, and finally, you get to run your hands through his curls. All you’ve wanted over the years is to run your hands through his hair, and now that you’ve finally got it, it’s so much better than you ever thought it was going to be. “I love you, and I’m so glad you’re home.”

“I’m not going anywhere else ever again. Only here, with you,” you reply before kissing him again. Yeah, you were home.

I hope you enjoyed this @ya-pucking-nerd!

[hockeyboysimagines]

The Battle of Alberta

A short blurb featuring Brady Tkachuk

Warnings: some language, fluff. Mentions of alcohol.

I have been so MIA, but seeing Brady so excited I had to write this.

“This is gonna be SO LIT!” Brady screeched as he shook Hallie by the shoulders. The entire Tkachuk clan had flown in the day prior and was seated around their house. Thomas was outside with Taryn and Keith, and Matthew was chatting with his mom, leaving her with Brady, who was buzzing. He’d been bouncing off the walls since the previous day, more excited than she’d seen him in a very long time. It was both funny and annoying and she realized why she never wanted a sibling. He’d woken everyone up at the ass crack of dawn with his antics and she was exhausted just looking at him.

The Battle of Alberta had Calgary buzzing under normal circumstances, but in the playoffs?

Things had been insane. A virtual sea of red could be seen everywhere they went in the days leading up to game 1, which would take place tomorrow evening. Calgary as a whole, was on fire. But no one was quite as excited as the Tkachuk’s.

“How much coffee have you had today?”

“Fucking none-“ he slapped a hand over his mouth and looked around for Thomas.

“He’s outside, but nice censorship.”

“My bad. I always forget he’s only 3 because he’s just so rad. Kid takes after his uncle.”

Hallie rolled her eyes and chuckled before Brady spoke again “Are you excited? This is your first playoff series after all.”

“Of course she is.” She glanced over her shoulder to find Matthew behind her smiling “She’s excited to see all of this out on the ice.” He waggled his eyebrows at her and winked, as two spots of pink appeared on her cheeks.

“Don’t ruin my buzz.” Brady said frowning and then made a noise of disgust “Seriously though this is awesome and I’m so pumped.”

“You mentioned.”

Brady slapped Matthew on the shoulder and made his way loudly through the house and outside, presumably to find the rest of the family. Matthew took a seat next to Hallie. She sometimes found herself just staring at him, like she couldn’t believe she was here with him. It seemed like so long ago she was dodging him as much as she possibly could, and now she couldn’t imagine life without him.

“So listen-“

“No.”

“I what? I didn’t even-“

“No.”

He smiled a little and let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head “How did you even know what I was going to say?”

“You we’re going to say “Hey babe can we get it in tonight? And the answer is no.”

“Whyyyyyy?-“ he whined slouching against his chair.

Hallie glanced around over her shoulder and lowered her voice “Your whole family is staying in our house, and our child is sleeping on a bed in our room.”

“So? We can be quiet.”

“Quiet isn’t in your vocabulary.”

He giggled and reached a hand forward to run his fingers through her hair, which now fell just below her chest. He made sure to let his hand slide slowly down her breast, her breath hitching in her throat.

“Damn you.” Hallie whispered. Matthew smiled at her and pecked her on the cheek, before he stood and disappeared through the house.

Hallie turned back and suddenly a wave of nausea washed over her and for a brief moment she thought she might vomit. She subtly slid off her stool and walked towards the bathroom attached to their bedroom. It was cool and quiet and she leaned against the wall, heart thudding and stomach churning as she tried to keep it down.

It was an all too familiar nausea, one she’d felt before. She’d been putting off taking a test for weeks, mostly because she knew the answer but mainly because this wasn’t a distraction Matthew needed. But she had to know for sure.

She kept a stash under the sink, in a tampon box. She pulled one out, shimmied her jeans down and sat to pee, setting it on the counter and finishing while she waited.

It took less than 30 seconds for the test to finish.

Positive.

Two pink lines, unmistakable there in the tiny oval on the pregnancy test.

She sighed.

This wasn’t good. Matthew had been laser focused on the playoffs, and he didn’t need to be worrying about another baby right now. She carried the test from the room and sat on the bed, still staring. She was happy, but also not and it was a very confusing feeling.

“Hey Hal what are-“ Brady threw open the door and his eyes zeroed in on the pregnancy test “Holy shit!” He exclaimed, hands flying up to his head.

“SHH!” Hallie took two large steps forward and slapped a hand over Brady’s mouth. She thought she’d locked the door behind her, and she felt a panic set in.

“Okay I’ll be quiet.” He mumbled behind her palm, hands up in surrender. When she removed her hands he smiled so large his face could have cracked “Are you pregnant?”

Hallies lip trembled and she nodded, handing him the test.

“This is fucking awesome!” He whispered gleefully, but then stopped when he saw her face “Are you crying?”

“It’s not the right time. He has so much going on, and he’s been playing so well I don’t want-“

“Hallie are you kidding? He’s gonna be so excited! Remember how he was before Thomas was born?”

“I just don’t want to add any stress for him right now. Plus we still haven’t gotten married.”

“This is the good kind of stress! Who needs to get married anyways. This is so exciting!!!” He swept Hallie into a bone crushing hug, eyes closed and still smiling “I’m so glad your my sister-in-law. Now.” He stepped back and as gently as one who was as inebriated as he was could, wiped the smeared mascara from under her eyes “I’ll go stall so you can pull yourself together. It’ll be our secret okay?” She nodded and he gave her another hug before he left the room, stumbling only once when he bounced off the doorframe.

Hallie took a deep breath and eyed the red playoff jacket hanging on the back of the chair. She slipped it on, turning to the side. Her stomach was still flat, not even a hint of a bump showing yet so she wasn’t going to give herself away by wearing something loose or baggy. She would act totally natural until the playoffs were over. No reason to rock the boat.

Right?

*********

The saddledome was louder than Hallie had ever heard it, as she and Taryn followed Brady and Emma. Carly was already sitting with the rest of the Tkachuk’s, some of whom she had met for the first time. She had tried to remain as cool and collected as possible. She realized as she walked that a lot of people were looking at her, and it dawned on her that the fire red jacket and TKACHUK in large white lettering was easily recognizable as a wag playoff jacket. She smiled and held her head a little higher. It made her proud to be wearing this name across her back.

She couldn’t wait to have it as her own last name.

“I need beer.” Brady said suddenly, stopping short and causing them all to slam into him from behind. They watched and giggled as Brady stuffed a beer can into each pocket and held a third in his hand, shoving his wallet into Emma’s purse.

“Braeden!” Chantal scolded him as they sat down in their seats. Thomas was seated on her lap, smile so large and bright as he looked around, waiting for Matthew to come out on the ice.

“Mom I’m thirsty!” He said as he cracked one open and took a small sip. Keith rolled his eyes and reached over to grab Hallie’s knee.

“Are you okay?”

Hallie blinked and nodded slowly “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?” He glanced around and then spoke lowly “Something seems off.”

“Thomas hasn’t been sleeping much lately, you know. Playoffs.” She said trying to keep a straight face. Taryn, Emma, Brady, Chantal or even Matthew would have accepted that as a reason and moved on, but Not Keith.

“Don’t lie to me. I raised these morons-“ he gestured at a very drunk Brady, and Matthew’s face, which had appeared on the Jumbotron as he spoke “What’s going on?”

Hallie bit her lip and swiveled her eyes towards the rest of the group and then back to Keith. He stared at her for a moment before he cleared his throat.

“Does anybody want anything? I need to get a water.”

“I’ll come!” Hallie jumped up “I need to pee.” She and Keith headed down the steps and out on to the concourse before he turned to her, making sure they were out of earshot.

“I’m pregnant.”

Keith’s face went from concerned to confused before a large smile stretched across his face, and Hallie was reminded for a moment how much Matthew looked like him.

“Oh my goodness. No way!” He grabbed her shoulders and then pulled her in for a hug “Does anyone know?”

Hallie wiped at a tear and nodded “Yeah Brady found out on accident, but that’s it.”

“Why are you crying?”

“We aren’t even married yet Keith I-“

“Ah who needs marriage.” He waved his hand but his smile was wide and his eyes were twinkling.“How far along are you?”

“That’s what Brady said. I’m not really sure. 12 weeks? Maybe less. I just found out two days ago.”

“Well no one will hear it from me, but-“

“I promise after the series I’ll tell him.”

“Good. Now, I have to go buy something so we don’t look suspicious. Come on.” He gave her hand another tight squeeze and together they walked through the concourse.

************

It was a hard fought 5 games but the Flames just couldn’t pull it off. A horrendous call at the end of game 5 may have tipped the scales and forced a game 6 but they would never know.

Brady during that time had become an internet sensation, his wild antics in the crowd and die hard support of his brother was nothing short of endearing to both fanbases.

The Tkachuk’s hung around for a few days after the playoffs ended to help Matt and Hallie pack up the house and begin to get ready for the journey back to St.Louis. Hallie didn’t have a plan, but she was winging it at this point. She wanted the announcement to be special, and Matthew had been so down about the elimination to Edmonton she wanted it to lift him up, and not stress him out.

She slipped on a black sundress, stowing the test in the pocket and made her way outside, taking a deep breath and plastering a smile across her face.

The air was warm and the sun had begun to set over their backyard. The drinks had been flowing, and the mood was light on the last night in Calgary. The team was there, the family was there and this would be the perfect time to let the cat out of the bag.

She made her way to the porch and glanced at Brady who smiled and nodded. She cleared her throat, gaining the attention of a few people, but most were too involved in their conversations. Brady however wasn’t having it.

“Hey! Hallie’s trying to talk shut up!” She rolled her eyes and chuckled remembering this going similarly to the first announcement.

“I just wanted to say, it’s been a pleasure having you all, and although we didn’t win this series I do have some good news.”

She found Matthew in the crowd and smiled. He was looking at her strangely, a small smile on his face.

She pulled the test out of the pocket of her dress and held it up “I’m pregnant!” She squeaked.

A large roar sounded and Matthew’s mouth fell open.

“No fucking way!” Noah yelled, slapping Matt on the back “Congrats buddy!”

“This is so exciting!” Carly screeched, rushing forward to hug her, followed by Johnny who she clung to, unsure if this might be one of the last times she was able to hug him.

“Congratulations.” He whispered in her ear, squeezing her tightly.

“I knew it first! Guess we know who the favorite is huh?” Brady said elbowing Taryn gleefully.

She accepted hugs and cheek kisses from various family members and teammates until only Matthew himself was left, still rooted to the spot dumbfounded.

“Are you mad?” She whispered, approaching him slowly.

“Am I-what? Of course not. I’m just shocked, we were so-“

“I know I just. I want you to want this.”

“I want this. I want all of this. All of this with you.” He reached forward and pulled her into a very long kiss.

“Hey there are children present!” Johnny yelled. Hallie felt a tug on her dress and pulled away, to find Thomas smiling up at her.

Matthew scooped him up and showed him the test “Hey buddy do you know what this means?”

He shook his head and Matthew smiled at him “It means your gonna be a big brother!”

Hallie smiled and let her hand drift over her stomach. She couldn’t feel the baby yet, but it was in there.

Another perfect piece to her perfect family.

But she had another surprise.

A surprise that involved an early gender blood test.

“A big brother to a little sister.” She said.

[izzylovesyou2022]

I Got The Girl (She Got My Heart)~ Mat Tkachuk *pt 1*

TW: none for this chapter

The golden hour settled over the three-story brick house as a slim finger trotted to the garage to put her gardening tools back where they belong. Her short, wavy, half-pink, half-purple hair stuck out under the baseball cap she wore. She was happy to be done gardening for the day and pleased with how her work turned out.

Alvara flipped her hat around so it sat backwards on her head and squinted down the street to see if any signs of Mat's white Jeep came around the corner. Her sun-kissed lips twitched when they saw the familiar Jeep.

She waved frantically and stood on her toes to ensure Mat properly saw her. Not that it was all that necessary: Mat's big grin told the whole story.

"Petal!"

Mat's grin grew wider as Alvara threw herself into his arms. After a long day of hanging out with his teammates, Mat needed time with his best friend.

"Welcome home, Mattie," she whispered, tilting her head up so she could see his face. Days of helping her in the garden had definitely helped his tan and she counted a few new freckles on the tip of his nose.

Gardening had been Alvara's hobby since she had been four, but Mat enjoyed helping her any chance he got. Sometimes she'd come home from school or work to find new pots hanging in her garden thanks to Mat.

"I see you worked in the garden today, petal," Mat observed as he lead Alvara up the stone path to their front door.

Alvara nodded and gestured towards the furthest corner of her garden.

"I might need your help pulling those weeds up tomorrow, Mattie. They're killing my flowers."

Mat chuckled at the pout on her face and patted the top of her head.

"That's no problem, petal. I'll do that after I get home from my run tomorrow."

Alvara made a pleased humming noise and pushed open the door so they could get out of the sun and into the air-conditioned house.

They'd bought this place together during Mat's second year with the Flames. Alvara had insisted on paying the bills as a compromise for Mat buying the house and Mat didn’t put up much of a fight.

He watched with a wide grin as Alvara pulled a beer out of the fridge and then pulled one out for herself. The tradition of having a beer with his best friend never really grew old.

“Ah, it’s like you know me like the back of your hand, petal,” he observed, letting out a half-gasp, half-laugh as her hand punched his shoulder.

“Hmm, yes, I’ve known you my whole life and have been living with you for 5 years. I ought to know you pretty well by now otherwise I haven’t really done my job as your bestie.”

Mat’s breath hitched as Alvara stood up on her toes and brushed her lips across his cheek.

“I’ll be waiting outside for you, rebel,” she whispered, flashing Mat the cheeky grin he’d come to know as she bounded past him.

“Oh no,” Mat mumbled under his breath as his heart began to pound in the best way possible, “I think we’re in trouble.”

[callmemana]

🥺🥺

Consequences - Matthew Tkachuk: part 4

summary: you absolutely hate Matthew Tkachuk so it’s just your luck when you wind up pregnant with his child.

a/n: i’ve been sooo excited to post this part because we’re finally getting some REAL drama. there are notes i wanna make but I don’t want to spoil what happens so maybe I’ll mention them in the notes for part 5 .Also if you didn’t see, i’ll be posting an update every sunday! let me know if you’d like to be tagged in a tag list. anyways, i hope you guys enjoy!! also im going to mention warnings in the story. i should’ve done it before but it didn’t cross my mind.

thank you all SO SO SO much for the lovely messages and love on this story so far!! you guys have no idea how much it means to me :)

warnings: a LOT of swearing, lil tiny bit of fluff and lots of angst (just the way i like it :))

word count: 2.2k

consequences masterpost here

Keep reading

[thebiggestfan1]

Do you take requests for your writing? If you do can you write something about Matt Tkachuk falling for his childhood best friend after their families trying to get them together for years

at the beginning I was a little hesitant about what I was even writing but I love how it turned out <3 hope you will too!

PS: If you have any requests, please send them! In my pinned posts is my masterlist and there is also a link to the list of the players I will gladly write about

word count: 1975 words

TW: swearing

For as long as you could remember, you and Matt have always been best friends. You had each other's backs and there were no secrets between you two - except for the one little fact that you've been in love with him for what felt like forever.

You couldn't remember when it started but you realized that you fell for him many years ago when Brady made fun of you and Matthew liking each other and your face was all red and your hands felt so clammy and your heart was beating so fast you thought everyone in the room heard it.

But there was no way that you'd risk loosing him. Matt was your everything and losing everything you had wasn't worth not having to keep secrets from him.

Since you and Matthew met each other - when neither of you could even walk - your parents and his fell in love with the idea that you'd be perfect for each other. Even as you grew older, they still gave you the looks that said it all - that they never changed their minds. Your families got closer as you and Matt got closer and to separate the two of you was something that would never happen, not on your parents' watch.

When you were sixteen, you told Matthew you loved him. You were so nervous, thinking about all the things you said wrong, all the things that you could still say wrong; but Matt only grinned, threw an arm over your shoulders and said "love you too, Y/N/N." He didn't even think it was something you said out of love.

And you took it. You acted like it didn't hurt when he declared his love to you only in a friendly manner or when he asked you for your friend's phone number. Your heart broke a little every time you saw Matt with another girl but you had to act like it was nothing.

When Matthew got drafted to Calgary, he asked you to go with him - to leave your home, your friends and everything you knew - and as the fool you were, you said yes.

His career looked so promising and you were happy for him. But there were moments when you hated him and hated yourself; often when Matty threw a party in your shared apartment and kissed anyone he liked and then took them to his bedroom. And you sat on the couch and watched as he didn't even look at you, giving all his attention to some beautiful girl he just met. So you got drunk everytime it happened, solving your problems with a bottle of alcohol. And it kind of worked - you didn't forget your broken heart but the pain that you felt there dissolved for a few hours. Matthew deserved better than those one night stands but you deserved even more.

Sometimes you regretted moving to Calgary with him. But in the moments when Matthew made you laugh and treated you like you were special, you fell for him even more - like when he always took you as his plus one and didn't even bother to ask anyone else or when everyone in the room looked at you as you two laughed at the inside jokes no one else understood. On one lonely night when he lost a game and only you were there to comfort him, you and him drank a few bottles and then went out, finding the first tattoo salon you saw and getting matching tattoos. His name brightly contrasted with your skin, the words written in a font that imitated the one on Matthew's team's logo. It somehow felt good to see your name permanently written on his shoulder - it meant that at least he still was your best friend, if not more than that.

"You're ruining me, Matt," you whispered after you stumbled back into your apartment. "You're ruining me and it makes me sick to think that I'll always forgive you for it."

But Matthew didn't listen; he watched your lips as they moved but the words didn't make sense to him. And so you let it be that way.

...

On Monday, everything Matthew thought he knew changed. You sat with his whole family, laughing at something his mom said, the jersey he gave you earlier that day too big on you. He liked the way it looked on you - he liked the way all of his clothes look on you.

"It's nice to see that you are as much in love with her as she is with you." Brady skated over to him, the both of them warming up before the game started.

"So it's not only our parents, but now also you?" Brady gave Matt a cheeky grin in answer and shook his head with raised eyebrows.

"Y/N is a fool for loving you for so long without you returning her feelings. And you're a fool for knowing so and doing nothing about it. And, hey, don't be so sad of loosing this game, she might lick your wounds afterwards." That cocky bastard. Before Matt could really understand what was his brother saying, his coach called him to the bench.

And so he waited. For the start of the game, for the right time and place; and as Brady smiled at him once again, Metthew threw off his gloves and punched him in the face.

...

"Do you want to talk about it?" you asked Matthew after you two said your goodbyes to his family and left for your car. When he hugged you tightly after the game, his mom and Taryn gave you "the look", showed you thumbs up and even as you tried to hide it with an eye roll, you started blushing.

Flames lost against Senators and Matt played like shit the whole game, not even to mention the fight between the two brothers.

"No." he answered harshly but then stopped in his tracks, softening up and realizing he was walking too fast for you to keep up with him. He took your hand in his and started walking again, this time slower.

Your body tensed at his touch and you had to really try to silence the butterflies in your stomach before asking: "What did Brady say?"

"Nothing important," Matt said. You watched him carefully, the way his grip on your hand tightened and how his face looked sour after saying these words. As if they tasted wrong on his tongue.

"Okay," you breathed out, in no mood to argue with him. "Okay."

It certainly was not okay.

...

Matt knew he was fucked the moment he smelled your hair when he hugged you after the game and when he had to find new excuses to touch you.

Yes, he's noticed the way his feelings changed a few months ago and yes, he did nothing about it, just tried to stop thinking about you in other ways than friendly ones. But no girl could ever replace you in any way and he knew it. And now, Brady knew that, too.

Matthew knew about your feelings, that's true. And he was an idiot for hurting you by avoiding them, by acting like nothing changed.

But everything changed a long time ago and there was no reason to keep that a secret; he was no longer scared of loosing you because he knew that no matter what, you two were meant to be together.

...

Something changed. The parties continued but... Matthew was no longer interested in the girls there, or it at least looked that way. He never said what happened and you somehow started thinking that it all started because of that game where Brady said something to him and he punched him in return.

There has never before been much of awkward silence between you two. You could literally count awkward moments of your friendship on your hands. But since that incident - it didn't matter if it was while watching TV or in a complete silence - everything got weird. Even leaning into his touch when lying on the couch felt different.

It was one of those moments again and you were starting to feel helpless. Was it something you said? Or something you did? You were overthinking every single one of your decisions when suddenly Matthew broke the silence:

"I've been thinking about you a lot lately."

You said nothing in answer but the butterflies in your stomach fluttered wildly.

"About us." he added hesitantly. Us, you thought to yourself. Us like what? Friends? Lovers?

"And?" you asked all nervous. Was this the moment you've been waiting for for years? You turned your head to look Matthew in the face and with some satisfaction, you realized he was nervous, too.

"You and me - us together - would that be so weird?"

A smile slowly grew on your face and you felt the tears welling in your eyes.

"No," you whispered, his face so close to yours "Not at all."

This was the kiss you had imagined for years. This was the kiss you've been waiting for for years.

And then you kissed his tattoo, your name inked into his skin forever, and you knew that for as long as the tattoo will last, so will the bond between you two.

...

Hardly anything changed. You've been surprised b ythat but Matt jokingly said that you've been halfway through a relationship even as just friends - but it was true.

"We might as well have been dating the whole time," you laughed lightheartedly.

"A lot of people thought so." Matt smiled at you, giving you a light kiss on the tip of your nose.

Matthew parked the car in front of your parents' house and before you knew it, he was already opening your door and helping you out. You've been invited to this family meeting where would be both of your families and since they all wanted you and Matt to be a pair since you were babies, it will get wild when you go inside hand in hand and tell everyone the news.

"You already met my family so this saves you a traumatizing experience," you muttered, smiling as your boyfriend snorted with laughter.

"Likewise." Matthew pressed a last kiss in your hair and knocked on the door.

"Well, if it isn't Y/N and Matthew! Come inside!" It was Matt's mom and she hugged you so tightly you thought she crushed some of your bones. A strangled laugh escaped your lips and Matt, fully entertained, helped you out of his mother's grip. His hand automatically found yours, fingers intertwining and you blushed slightly, still not used to how affectionate he is in public.

"So, we've been waiting-" You looked over at Matt's mom, at how wide her eyes were and when you realized that she was staring at your connected hands, you smiled a little.

"Surprise," Matthew laughed awkwardly.

"Oh. My. God. It's happening!" Taryn screamed across the whole house before jumping on you two, trying to conceal her happiness. "Brady, you owe me fifty!"

Brady ran in through the kitchen dooor, looking at you and his sister, clearly annoyed.

"Shit, I thought it would take them less time to express their silly feelings."

"Did you really bet on us?" you asked, faking the surprise. Of course they did.

"Are you two really together? I didn't think this would actually happen-" Your mom embraced you and you answered by nodding.

"I didn't think so, too." you added, looking straight into your boyfriend's beautiful eyes. You felt the happiest you've ever been in your whole life, with all of your dreams suddenly becoming reality.

Throughout the evening you never stopped smiling, all the time hoding onto Matt's arm. And when you were left alone for a moment, you whispered into his ear:

"It's no longer you and me. It's us now."

"'us' - I like the sound of that." And so did you.