#chl news

[offsidenewsco]

The QMJHL swapped the 'M' in its name from Major to Maritime yesterday and we know what you're thinking: What the HELL is a Maritime?

Not to fear, Offside News is here! Read all about the #QMJHL name change: https://bit.ly/41ngDdg

[hms-incorrect-quotes]

addendum:

whole: anyway, where we droppin’, boys?

whole: these are all the new maps that they’ve added, and that’s a newspaper.

mind: have you ever actually interacted with a woman in your life, whole?

‎

[opens-up-4-nobody]

It turns out teaching is a lot more fun when you're not violently depressed

[604to647]

Fics that Live in My Mind, Rent Free (Pedro's Version) - Part 2

Welp! It seems there are link and tag limits? Who knew? Not this newb 😂😂 When I said that I've read so many good fanfics, I really meant it. Again, below the cut is a continuation of the list of some of my fave Pedro character fanfics that I've read on this site - ones I think about and revisit often. These are all fics I should have/would have reblogged if only I wasn't so weirdly nervous about it; in 2024 we will muster up some courage and reblog (it will be slow, probably, but I promise I will be trying!). This is a good time for me to also say that one of the reasons I am motivated to step out of my comfort zone on this is because of the genuine joy every comment/reblog/like has brought me this year as a new writer - thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the kind reception on anything I have ever posted. 🥹 ilysm 😘

Anyways, we press forward (Part 1 of Rent Free PPCU fics can be found here):

Din Djarin (The Mandalorian, GOAT)

Of Shadows and Roses by @the-scandalorian (Bodyguard!Din x Royalty!Reader)

All Mine by @mellowswriting (Possessive!Din after Reader uses herself as bait)

Narcissus by @bits-and-babs (Armour/mirror sex)

Looking out for you by @beskarandblasters (Jealous!Din after Reader uses herself as bait)

Cherry Liqueur by @decembermidnight (Reader teases Mando in public)

Breaking in the New House by @beskarandblasters (I love Husband!Din and Wife!Reader fics)

Javier Pena (Narcos)

Sweet Dreams by @javiscigarette (Javi can't sleep)

Phone Sex...amiright? by @tightjeansjavi (Reader calls Javi at work)

Sharing is Caring by @ezrasversion (Corrupt DEA Agent!Javi, Mafia AU!Joel Miller, Reader Threesome)

The Saint, the Sinner, and the Devil by @joelsgirl (Corrupt DEA Agent!Javi, DBF Mafia AU!Joel Miller, Reader Threesome)

MIA by @itsharleystuff (Jealous!Javi with Undercover!Reader)

Surprising Javi P with a Lingerie Set by @swiftispunk

Not here...not now by @gracieispunk (Reader visits Javi at work)

Bunny by @whatsnewalycat (Sex Phone Operator!Reader; Part 2 is great too!)

Ease by @javiscigarette (Javi takes care of Reader after a bad day)

Joel Miller (TLOU)

Say It Right, Peeping Neighbour, and Right Place, Right Time by @chaotic-mystery (All the DBF and BFD fics are amazing; these are my fave)

Quickie by @joelscruff (This falls in the middle of the Boyfriend's Dad series, but it's the first one I read and I was hooked!)

That Funny Feeling by @bluebeary-jay (Joel loves pet names 🥹)

I've Got Lust on My Tongue by @itgetsdark-x (Bratty reader a la Maddy Perez)

The Babysitter, Part 1 by @proxima-writes (There's a Part 2 as well!)

Under the Table by @toxicanonymity (A lot of good Joelkemons, but Speakeasy is a classic and maybe my fave?)

Online Friends, Sticking it to the PTA, and Caught Sunbathing by @walkintotheriveranddisappear (All of Emma's Joel fics are really hot [honestly you can't go wrong], but these are my faves)

Late Night Smoke by @bettercallwillow (Dbf smoking. sigh)

Calling Joel Daddy by @inkedells (I honestly love it when authors bold the dirty talk 🤭)

Gimme What I Want and In the Next Room by @atticrissfinch (The masterlist is some of the hottest Joel fic, if I may say so; these are my faves)

An Open Window by @velvetmud (Joel being a peeping tom; I also always hope for a sequel to this one!)

Crave by @toxic-seduction (Part 2; Reader finds Joel in the QZ)

Good Luck Charm by @javiscigarette (Joel watches the football game)

Ravish by @psychedelic-ink (Webcam Model!Reader; Part 2 is also incredible!)

I Know it When I see It by @bageldaddy (Pornstars!Joel and Readers. This series has me and everyone else, I think, in a chokehold. Reading, as well, the writer's thoughts and feelings about the porn industry and the care put into the characters is such a joy and makes the fic that much more rich)

Chaser series by @livingemkayde (Nanny!Reader and a love triangle; not finished but so good I'm happy to wait forever)

Right my Wrongs by @chloeangelic (Father in Law!Joel)

In A Feud with Her Neighbour by @proxima-writes (Read this delicious fic and the bonus scenes will be the icing on top)

Kiss and Tell by @toxic-seduction (Stepdad!Joel and mom goes away for the weekend)

Peaches and Cream by @javiscigarette (Joel buys reader peaches)

Didn't Cha Know by @chloeangelic (The Joel Reader has been pining for is her boyfriend's brother)

Gif to breakup the text block:

Camgirl by @phuckinphia (Another Camgirl but this time she's Sarah's friend 🫣)

The Right Wrong Number by @proxima-writes (Sarah's soccer coach!Reader)

Nightmares by @fruispunk (QZ!Reader has nightmares that Joel hears and mistakens for something else)

Damage Done by @bluebeary-jay (Joel accidentally triggers Reader; mind the tags. Heavy angst, heavy topic that is beautifully written)

Yes, Mr. Miller by pedropascallme (Babysitter!Reader, Part 2 Thank You, Mr. Miller is also excellent)

How Long series by @gracieheartspedro (Link is to Part 1; series is complete and wonderfully hot and emotional. Reader's boyfriend Tommy is a cheat😢)

Francisco "Catfish" Morales (Triple Frontier)

Fictional Death by @psychedelic-ink (Frankie comforts Reader)

Well Fed by @the-ginger-hedge-witch (Frankie is HAPPY 🥹)

Forest Ranger AU by @the-ginger-hedge-witch (I'm not an outdoorsy person but this AU makes me wish I was)

It's Always the Quiet Ones by @thot-of-khonshu (Frankie surprises Reader)

Pero Tovar (The Great Wall)

Kinktober 2022 - Breeding by @moralesispunk (Guard!Pero and Royalty!Reader)

Bodily Exchange by @absurdthirst (Mafia AU!Pero and daughter of mafia boss Reader)

Damnation or Salvation by @absurdthirst (Pero is sent to retrieve Reader)

Dying Wish by @absurdthirst (Pero makes Reader's father a promise; okay at this point, just all of Keri's Pero fics 🤭)

Marcus Moreno (We Can Be Heroes)

Beat Poetry on Amphetamines by @psychedelic-ink (Marcus comes home hurt)

[selineram3421]

*lies awake at night and has an idea*

[Its 4 a.m. by the way.]

Other Worldly

Prologue

Alastor X Shy Reader

(Oneshot turned short story)

Warnings? ⚠

⚠ selectively mute reader, mentions of death-drowning, shaking head = no, signing-ASL ⚠

They were an oddity.

How could such a meek and bashful thing like them end up in this fiery inferno.

Alastor watched from the bar as they bumped into the check-in counter and squeaked before getting off balance and falling.

Clumsy, jumpy, barely making a sound other than some odd squeaks.

Yes, they were quite the wonder.

An entertaining one.

❇

You were somewhat new to Hell. At least two weeks in.

There was an accident where you worked in the aquarium and well..you kinda caused a mass drowning? It sounds impossible but it happened.

It was very challenging to get up after your fall, but you managed and wound up at the hotel.

With the help of the Princess, you were able to figure out what kind of demon you are. It came with pros but it also came with cons. One con being that you couldn't speak unless you wanted to hypnotize someone.

It made you a little sad, but also relieved. You didn't do well around others, too shy to speak up or get involved with anything that put you in the spotlight.

Maybe it was for the best.

There would be one thing you wouldn't give up though.

❇

Alastor was in the hotel's library.

There wasn't a whole lot of demons coming into this room, especially after some guests saw him walk in here a few times.

It didn't matter. At least there were multiple things that could entertain him. A small music room with instruments, projectors in another with film reels and other types of tapes, and the most dazzling room of all was the astronomy room.

The Princess made sure to have this room's dome ceiling painted with an accurate mural of the Earth's night sky.

Deciding to mess with the trinkets on the shelves, the demon in red walked towards the back of the room and glanced at the star charts. Tapping at some of the books and measuring tools on the desk nearby before sitting down on a chair.

No one ventured this far into the library. He was probably the only demon who knew of this room's existence.

And then he heard something.

Someone had entered the room.

Turning around and looking between the shelves, Alastor spots the timid demon that he enjoys flustering so much near the armillary sphere in the middle.

A little spook wouldn't be too bad.

He thought with a small grin, starting to summon up a shadow creature. However both dissipated when there was a note sung into the air.

"Let's go in the garden

You'll find something waiting

Right there where you left it lying upside down

When you finally find it, you'll see how its faded

The underside is lighter when you turn it around "

The Radio Demon sat there, mouth agape as they sang.

"Everything stays right where you left it

Everything stays

But it still changes

Ever so slightly, daily and nightly

In little ways, when everything stays "

Like a siren- a water sprite? A nymph? It was hard to pinpoint what he could compare their voice to.

It was other worldly.

Their voice echoed due to the room's acoustics.

He didn't notice that he had gotten out of the chair, didn't notice he was making his way towards them, didn't notice when they stopped singing until they gasped.

Blinking out of his trance, he found them facing him and covering their mouth with their hands. A panicked look in their eyes.

"You stopped.", Alastor spoke up. "Why not finish?"

They shook their head quickly and backed away.

Before he could say something else, they moved their arms down, one made into a fist on their chest and moving in a circle clockwise. Then they ran out. (Sorry)

He stood there for a while, his smile widening. Maybe there was more to them than he thought.

How interesting~

I'm still on break but I couldn't help myself with this one. 🐚 (Old note)

~Seline, the person.

Part 1

.

Alastor ML I🎙 | ChL OW🦀

[sergeifyodorov]

every active first overall pick | 2017, nico hischier

The first Switzerland native to be selected first overall in the NHL, Hischier was selected sixth overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Halifax Mooseheads in his age-sixteen season, where he led all QMJHL rookies in scoring and won CHL Rookie of the Year. He would also win silver with Switzerland at the 2024 World Championships. In February of 2021, Hischier was named captain of the New Jersey Devils, becoming then the youngest captain in the league.

2016 | 2018

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Adoration

You know, between Sabrina and Zoe, it's hard to tell who gets screwed over more in this episode.

Let's get into the seventeenth episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fifth season: Adoration

We start off with Zoe talking with Andre about a movie he made when he was younger. Apparently, he made it to declare his love for Audrey. The fact that he thought making a movie to please someone as abusive as her either means Andre is a real idiot, or Audrey is an absolute goddess in bed.

We then cut to school the next day, where Marinette and Zoe are put in charge of organizing it. The two met up at Marinette's room, where Zoe comments on how beautiful it looks... even though she was already there at the end of “Gabriel Agreste”.

Okay, in all seriousness, this is a minor error compared to the other retcons this show has made, and I can see the writers forgetting that scene since Zoe didn't say anything in it anyway, but this does have a purpose. While thinking about where to hold the dance, Marinette settles on the Eiffel Tower, and asks Zoe if she can talk to Andre about it.

The two go to Zoe's place, and surprise, surprise, Chloe throws a hissy fit about Marinette stepping on one of “her” stairs. Okay, writers, just admit you're running out of ideas for Chloe to antagonize Marinette. Zoe stands up to Chloe, who then goes to Audrey, but she's so apathetic, she doesn't even intervene, so Zoe calls it a win.

Marinette: What happened to the scared Zoe who moved here from New York a few months ago?

Zoe: It's all thanks to you, Marinette. You're the one who helped me change!

Uh... how? Outside of “Sole Crusher” and “Queen Banana”, the two have never really had any meaningful interactions. It's almost like Zoe has had absolutely no development since her introduction last season, and the writers are trying to convince us that they actually gave her character development.

Andre decides to approve holding the school dance under the Eiffel Tower, he tells Marinette and Zoe not to tell Chloe. Chloe overhears this, and gets angry for... some reason. Seriously, what did they even do? All Marinette and Zoe did was ask to hold a dance, Chloe overheard it, and the very next scene, she's talking with Lila and Sabrina about how to get revenge. She doesn't even make it about the dance, she just gets angry Zoe is talking with her father. Again, after five seasons, it really seems like the writers are running out of ways for Chloe to incite conflict, because this is just lazy.

At the Agreste Mansion, Adrien talks to Gabriel about asking Marinette to the dance, but Gabriel forbids him from doing so. Nathalie convinces him to concede, but then he calls Lila. The next scene has Chloe talking with Sabrina about a plan she has.

Chloe: Do you want to be demoted from underling to punching bag? You want to join the baker girl and the half-of-a-sister?

Sabrina: (gasps) No! I'm your friend!

Chloe: (shakes her head) My underling. You are my underling. If you're not willing to do anything for me, then get lost!

This can't seriously be the script the writers stuck with, right? Now Chloe's just saying things you'd hear from a dark lord from an RPG. Granted, it's hard to tell how honest Chloe is since her chewing out Sabrina is revealed to be a plan by Lila, but given how Chloe has been this episode, it's hard to really believe she was exaggerating anything. Either way, Sabrina is upset enough for Monarch to send an Akuma her way, akumatizing her into Vanisher again through a whistle.

Vanisher's design is pretty lazy, even back when it first appeared in Season 1. It's just Sabrina with a purple filter when she isn't using her powers to turn invisible. I guess it kind of makes sense given she's not meant to be flashy, but this just screams “cutting corners”. The Miraculous power shown this time is the Dog Miraculous' Fetch, allowing Vanisher to steal as many things as she wants.

Vanisher comes back into the room, and we actually get a funny joke where Chloe asks Lila if she's a witch, even if a funny joke in this kind of show only gets a reaction along the lines of...

Anyway, Marinette and Zoe plan out the dance some more, where Marinette talks about how hard it is to tell Adrien she loves him, to which Zoe agrees, revealing she has her own crush on someone. As the two talk, Vanisher sneaks in and we get a montage of her tagging things with her whistle. During the montage, Marinette assumes that Zoe has a crush on Adrien, which will be more important towards the end.

Once things with the dance are set up, Vanisher uses Fetch to teleport all the things she touched into Marinette's bag. Chloe accuses Marinette of being a thief, and even though Lila isn't in the rest of the episode, everyone's about as gullible as they normally are in a Lila episode, so they decide to believe Chloe. Mr. Damocles prepares to expel Marinette, but Zoe takes the blame for it, allowing Marinette transform into Ladybug.

Ladybug figures out that Vanisher is behind this because Chloe threw some paper flowers that accidentally fell onto her, so she summons her Lucky Charm, a pinata. While Ladybug fights Vanisher, Adrien gets to a safe place to transform into Cat Noir. Ladybug hands Cat Noir a bottle of some kind of spray-on glue and just as Ladybug breaks the pinata above Vanisher, Cat Noir sprays her with it, covering her in confetti. Ladybug ties up Vanisher while Cat Noir Cataclysms the whistle, freeing the Akuma.

Ladybug de-evilizes the Akuma, uses Miraculous Ladybug to fix the damage, Chloe yells at Sabrina for failing, and even though this blows her cover, somehow isn't punished for it, Sabrina gets a useless Magical Charm from Ladybug and because I've already seen the rest of the season, I already know that Sabrina is still going to work with Chloe for some reason.

Anyway, Marinette and Zoe talk about the latter supposedly having feelings for Adrien.

Marinette: I know... you're in love with Adrien. Don't sacrifice your feelings for him because of me. He has the right to hear your declaration.

Zoe: Adrien? But you're the one he loves.

Marinette: Even if he loves me, he'd be flattered to know that you love him too. Let him know how you feel about him. Zoe, you're an amazing person. One can only feel honored to be loved by you.

Zoe: Are you sure?

Marinette: Of course! You can't keep it to yourself! Zoe: But... Adrien’s not the one I’m in love with.

Marinette: Oh? Who is it, then? (Zoe simply looks at Marinette and smiles) Oh... Oh! Oh. I am truly, very honored. I mean it, Zoe.

Zoe: Thanks, Marinette.

Oh my God... I can't believe Zoe has feelings for Alya.

Okay, in all seriousness, let's discuss this scene. While I'm glad that we have confirmation that Zoe has feelings for Marinette, which is a big deal after the show danced around the idea with Juleka and Rose, and the reveal itself is done very well with Zoe and Marinette's facial expressions doing all the work, my problems with this scene stem from a different issue, and it ties back to my earlier point about Zoe.

Zoe as a character has always been criminally underdeveloped. Other than the fact that she's nice and is different from Chloe, very little is done to establish who she is as a person. With every focus episode she gets, the writers just slap on some kind of trait or idea to try and get viewers invested in her. In “Sole Crusher”, she had her vague backstory about being bullied, in “Queen Banana”, she became Vesperia, in “The Kwamis' Choice”, she temporarily replaced Cat Noir as Kitty Noire, and in this episode, we have her feelings for Marinette. None of these are really bad things, but the show just expects us to connect with Zoe for all of these things that happen to her with little buildup or character development. Like I said earlier, the show tries to act like there's been character development with Zoe, but it doesn't work because she's barely gotten to do anything that isn't the writers trying to shove her into the main cast.

As for the reveal that Zoe has feelings for Marinette, it sort of falls flat because again, the two have barely spent any time together since “Sole Crusher” and “Queen Banana”. Yeah, Zoe was present in other episodes like “Gabriel Agreste” and “Crocoduel”, but she was only part of the group and didn't really interact with Marinette on her own. It's hard to really see this reveal as impactful because not only did we not get a lot of hints that Zoe was into girls, but we didn't even get a lot of hints that Zoe had developed feelings for Marinette in the first place. That's not to say this couldn't work. In The Owl House, there weren't any hints that either Luz or Amity were into girls, but the difference there was that their growing feelings for each other became an ongoing story. Here, there's nothing that really comes of Zoe having feelings for Marinette other than so the show can say they have an LGBT character. If there was an episode about Zoe struggling to deal with her unrequited feelings for Marinette, or an episode where she tries to ask another girl out, this could have worked, but nothing really comes from this.

And finally, there's the reason behind this reveal. The episode goes out of its way to establish that Zoe has feelings for Marinette not to really expand on Zoe's character, but rather, to expand on Marinette's. Zoe's coming out story is less of a big reveal about her sexual identity, and more of a cautionary tale about not being able to confess your feelings to someone you care about until it's too late. The reveal that Zoe has feelings for Marinette isn't about Zoe taking a risk that could jeopardize her friendship with Marinette, it's about giving Marinette the confidence she needs to tell Adrien she loves him, and even then, that moment is undercut because the very next scene, Gabriel uses his influence to order Adrien to go home when he's about to kiss Marinette. The episode basically ends with Marinette trying to reassure herself that progress was actually made when we know Gabriel screwed that up.

So basically, THIS EPISODE WAS A GIANT WASTE OF TIME! Oh my God, this was bad, and it's hard to really explain. I'm not really as angry as I was towards episodes like “Kuro Neko”, “Penalteam”, or “Illusion”, but this episode just had so many little things that got to me that all piled up by the end. The attempt to give Zoe character development didn't really work, Gabriel and Chloe had no reason to incite the conflict other than because they felt like it, Lila had no real purpose being here (yet she gets to be in the end card instead of Chloe), the Akuma was underwhelming, Sabrina still hasn't gotten any major character development herself, and the ending just felt like a cheap excuse to keep the story going. This is still one of the worst episodes of the season, but I still think “Derision” and “Illusion” are worse.

THE BIGGEST IDIOT OF THE EPISODE IS... ANDRE (THE OTHER ONE)

While Gabriel came close to getting his third Biggest Idiot Award in a row, I ultimately gave it to Andre because the episode tried to make him out to be a good father even though he's scared of his own child. He made an entire movie to show how much he loved someone as terrible as Audrey, wanted to keep organizing a school dance a secret from Chloe, kept enabling her even when she framed a classmate, and didn't even punish her afterwards when it was obvious she framed Marinette with the help of an Akuma.

[brahmsthirdracket]

A little bit of a baby hughes brothers fic from my drafts I didn’t really know where else to post. Enjoy!

Jack can’t fall asleep.

He tugs his blanket up over his face and breathes in deep. If he shuts his eyes and really concentrates he can almost trick himself into believing he’s at home in his real bed, and in a few hours he will wake up and go to school and see his friends and play hockey and everything will be normal.

His blanket doesn’t smell like home anymore though. It smells like airplane and rental cars and home is a thousand miles away. He’d pressed his nose against the plastic plane window and watched as they flew over a whole ocean, hours and hours of nothing.

When their parents had first told them, Jack had thought they were joking. It had sounded like something out of a story, like they were going to Mordor or Hogwarts and it had taken his dad pulling up Google Maps on his laptop right there at the kitchen table, to convince him that Switzerland was a real place. To Jack’s amazement, his parents had even seemed happy; telling them about the huge garden they’d have, the mountains they could ski in, even the fancy chocolate, blah, blah, blah.

“There’s a great programme in Zurich,” his dad tells them, eyes fixed on Jack, steady and warm. “Plenty of CHL alums, even some NHL.” He reaches across and pats Jack’s hand where it’s still holding a picture of some stupid wooden house in a stupid made-up country. “A new environment, new coaches can offer a different perspective. We’re not worried about you boys playing out there for a coupla years.”

Jack would very much like to differ. To his left, Quinn looks vaguely sick.

“Can we get a dog?” Luke asks, when it becomes obvious that their parents are waiting for some kind of response.

“Maybe,” says his mom, which is all it takes for Luke to fling himself out of his chair and throw his arms around their parents’ necks, squealing and vibrating like an alarm clock, the little traitor.

Later, when they’d held a second, more urgent family meeting, the news finally sunk to the pit of his belly.

“Fuck,” Jack had said, for like the third time.

“Yup.” They were slumped shoulder to shoulder against the headboard and Jack had felt Quinn shrug next to him.

“Maybe it won’t be so bad,” Luke had piped up from the foot of the bed where he was scratching stickers off the bedpost. “Dad said we can go to Eurodisney.”

“They have Disney here, idiot.”

“Hey,” says Quinn, as Luke’s face falls. “Lukey’s right. That would be really cool..”

Now, if he squeezes his eyes shut and concentrates really hard, he can almost trick himself into thinking he’s still lying on Quinn’s bed in Toronto, and if he opens his eyes he’ll see a constellation of glow in the dark stars. Jack swallows hard around the big, sore lump in his throat but it’s no good. He has to roll over and press his face into his pillow so he doesn’t wake Luke and Quinn, curled up together on the other air mattress.

Jack was supposed to share with Luke so Quinn could have a mattress to himself, because he was bigger but Luke had refused, and said Jack was horrible.

“Fine by me,” Jack had retorted, tossing Luke’s pyjamas out of their shared suitcase. “Not like I want to share with a whiny baby.” Quinn had shoved him good for that, and he’d landed hard on the floor, winded. Jack, blind with hurt and humiliation, had picked up The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and launched it right at Quinn’s face.

The fallout was truly epic, both of them wired on too little sleep and too many sugary plane pretzels. It took their parents pulling them apart and Luke bursting into noisy tears to make them stop, still panting and scrabbling on the wooden floors.

“Enough!,” his dad shouted over them, shaking Jack for emphasis. “Goddamnit. Do you three realize that right now, you’re the only friends you’ve got in this country?”

“Don’t remind me,” Quinn retorted, throwing his stuff back into his suitcase. Jack yanked himself out of his father’s grip and stalked down the corridor to lock himself in the bathroom and sulk. He’d refused to come out to poke sticks in the huge old tree in the yard with Luke, or walk to the little supermarket for ice cream, even refused Quinn’s vanilla and strawberry peace offering.

“Jack, c’mon, this is stupid. I said I was sorry already! This is melting!” He hears Quinn sigh, and then a slurp. “Okay, fine. You’re being a moron but whatever. That’s your pejorative.” Quinn is so dumb, Jack thinks. Just because he’s in middle school now doesn’t mean people won’t know he’s just making up words.

Every time he feels his resolve weaken he presses his face into his knees and thinks of his parents sitting across from him at their dinner table and saying You’ll make new friends, baby.

He has to come out eventually though, because he hasn’t eaten since the flight, but he refuses to speak to anyone all through dinner. There’s no furniture yet and his mom has no pots and pans to cook with, so they sit on the terrace, backs against the sun-warmed stone wall, and eat huge cheese and ham sandwiches from the supermarket, washed down with milk and apples. It’s cooler now, but the sunlight is still warm where it streaks through the tall, dark trees that surround them.

Jack pretends not to care about the neighborhood kids who’d waved from their bikes or the soccer ball his mom found stuck in a hedge, and puts himself to bed before it’s even dark. He curls up on his side and waits for someone to come up and give him a cuddle, but in the end it’s just Luke and Quinn, tripping over boxes and whispering.

The house is quiet, so quiet now, the only things Jack can hear are his brothers’ sleeping breaths and the pad of his bare feet on the floorboards. His hand grazes along the wall, seeking, until he finds his parent’s room. He’ll restart his protest tomorrow, he thinks, worming under the blankets into the perfect, warm, Jack-sized space between them.

***

“Dude,” Luke squeals, hand coming up to cover his mouth. It’s his favorite thing to say these days, because Quinn came home from school one day and suddenly everything was dude-this and dude-that. It would be kind of annoying except it’s Luke. Jack probably copied Quinn too, when he was that age, he thinks.

Jack lifts the wooden spoon and the pot with it, superglued together by their third failed treacle attempt and they both collapse into giggles again.

Their dad and Quinn left early to drive down to Zurich to pick up their new car. Jack and Luke had been left behind to help unpack boxes; the treacle a consolation prize and reward for not breaking any wine glasses.

They’re horribly hot and sticky, stripped down to their underwear and sitting on the counter to take turns trying to stir their concoction when the doorbell rings.

”Boys, there’s a friend for you!” His mom calls but Jack’s too busy pretending his teeth are glued together.

”We’re stuck to the counter!” Jack protests. He pretends to try and get up, flailing his arms and setting Luke off all over again. His teeth unstick themselves real fast when he looks up and sees who’s trailed his mom into the kitchen.

It’s the boy who’d waved to Jack yesterday in the street.

“Hi,” he says, smiling. He’s barefoot and tan, in shorts and a t-shirt with the arms cut off, a cap backwards on his head. He’s got big smile and a basketball tucked under one arm.

Jack can feel himself turning pink all over. He draws his knees up to his chest, suddenly shy, and wishing he was wearing more than his Raps underpants. He’s been in locker rooms all his life, and never felt embarrassed about changing in front of people.

“Hey,” says Luke, waving a spoon in greeting, not embarrassed at all.

“Nico,” says the boy, pointing a finger at his own chest. “Would you like to play?” he asks in slow, careful English, jerking his thumb in the direction of the street, his big brown eyes fixed on Jack. The treacle in his belly flutters like sticky butterflies.

”Uh,” says Jack dumbly.

“Only if you take your brother,” his mom interjects, eyeing Jack.

“Of course,” Nico says, easily, smiling at Luke. “Now we are three and three, it will be fairer.”

“They’ll be right out Nico, as soon as they’ve cleaned up,” his mom says. She winks at them. “Go wash or you’ll be a wasp buffet.”

“Be cool,” Jack hisses at Luke once they’re in the upstairs bathroom, trying to rinse the treacle off. Luke gives him a weird look from where he’s trying to towel off the stickiness in his hair.

“Dude! I’m always cool.”

”No being a crybaby if you fall on your ass.”

“Says you! What’s your problem?”

Jack doesn’t bother to respond, just sticks his head under the tap and hopes the cold water washes the heat from his cheeks.

[joekeeryswife]

Bets - E.M

angst, angst, angst. fluff throughout though. lots of mistakes (i’m sorry). enjoy loves <3

also new format for my imagines, who’s excited tehe

-month 1-

never in his entire life did Eddie Munson think he would be speaking to Jason Carver civilly. "so, do we have a deal Munson?" Jason said, his hand out so Eddie could shake on it, sealing the bet completely. Eddie sighed but nevertheless shook Jason's hand. he knew. he knew it was wrong, he knew he shouldn't be doing bets on people but money was tight. he needed the money desperately and if that meant making bets with Jason Carver he would do it.

everyone in Hawkins High knew about your little crush on Eddie Munson and that was because you were very open about it. you didn't care about peoples status in school, or how wealthy they were or where they came from. if you liked that person you liked them for them. you were the head cheerleader and many of your teammates thought it was weird that you liked the 'freak' but you didn't care. you'd never really been able to hold a conversation with Eddie, he always thought it was either a massive prank that you had a crush on him, or he was in a rush, not having any time to speak to you.

many boys in Hawkins had a crush on you, and who wouldn't, you were beautiful. you had the perfect smile, the perfect face, the perfect body and you were always so kind to everyone, even if they weren't nice to you. it was a Thursday morning when the bet was sealed and from that point forward Eddie had three months to make you his 'girlfriend'. he knew from when he shook Jason's hand that this would be the easiest $300 he ever made.

he left Jason standing in the car park of Hawkins High and walked in, seeing you standing at your locker with a few of your cheer friends surrounding you. he doesn't know why but he felt nervous. Eddie Munson never felt nervous. of course you were beautiful and smart and caring but no, he shouldn't feel nervous for just talking to you. your friend Chloe saw Eddie approaching you and gave you a subtle nod toward him, making you instantly blush once you turned around.

"hey y/n" he watch your friends one by one leave you so you and him could be alone. "hey Ed's. you okay?" you asked, taking your English book out of your locker.  he nodded and smiled at you, you felt like at any minute you could collapse just from that beautiful smile he pulled. "i'm okay sweetheart. listen, there's a drive in on Saturday and i was wondering if you wanted to come with me? we can also go for food if you want" never in your life did you ever think Eddie Munson would be asking you out.

the redness quickly covered your face as you stuttered out a small 'yes' and with that he sent you a small smirk and walked away. you couldn't believe it. you quickly closed your locker to try find your friends and when you did they all started squealing. they asked so many questions all at once that you hardly heard them. "what did he say y/n? he looked pleased with himself" Kathrine said, everyone had huge smiles on their faces as they listened to you tell them that you had a date with Eddie after months of you spilling your 'love' for him to them.

"oh god i'm so happy for you" Daisy said, pulling your into a hug. one thing you loved about your friends was they were always supportive. whatever you did they congratulated you and vice versa. the friendship you all had was 100% not toxic and you loved that you could go to any one of them at any time. "after school we have to help you pick out an outfit. you need to look extra pretty since this is what you've been wanting for ages" Daisy carried on, wrapping her arms fully around your shoulders as she guided you to your English class which you all shared, thankfully.

the school day finished as quickly as it started and you and your friends all met up at the car park so you could go back to your house to pick out an outfit for your date which was two days away. the all got into your car, Daisy in the front, Chloe, Samantha and Tori in the back. you all listened to the ABBA cassette tape, all singing along to each song. "y/n you've wanted to be with Eddie for months, do you think he will be a good boyfriend if you guys go out?" Tori asked as she lent forward in her seat. "i have no idea but i'm just happy he's finally noticing me" you squealed, excitement filling your body.

you finally arrived at your house and all of you made your way to your bedroom to pick out the perfect outfit for the drive in. it took you about half an hour to pick out an outfit, it was a dungarees and a shirt underneath paired with some black converse. it was pretty but also comfortable. "Eddie is gonna think you look so pretty y/n. you look beautiful" Samantha said, all the girls squealed. this was the perfect outfit for the date and you couldn't be more excited to go to a drive in with Eddie.

Saturday rolled around a lot quicker than you anticipated and you were nervous. really, really nervous. Eddie was picking you up at 2 so you could get food at Benny's Diner. you had gotten ready in record time, your makeup was very minimal with you wearing a little bit of eyeliner and mascara and your hair was blown out and suited your face perfectly. you heard your doorbell ring and you quickly put on your converse and grabbed your bag before heading downstairs. you opened the door and saw Eddie standing there with baby pink tulips in his hands.

"afternoon sweetheart, these are for you" you blushed brightly and took the flowers out of his hands. "thank you, they're beautiful. come in, i need to put these in a vase" you moved to the side so he could come in. he walked inside and followed you to the kitchen and watched intently as you put the flowers into the vase. "how did you sleep?" Eddie said, making small talk as you concentrated on placing the flowers in the perfect position in the kitchen. "i slept okay, excited for today so it took me a while but i slept fine. what about you?" you finished, finally seeing the vase was the the perfect position on the kitchen counter.

"i slept well love. you ready to go?" he asked, putting his hand out so you could take it. you smiled softly and walked hand in hand to his van. he opened the van door for you and once you had gotten in the van he closed the door and jogged around to the drivers side. the drive was filled with you and Eddie laughing about different things that had happened in your lessons that past week. as he drove, Eddie would sneak glances at you as you spoke, you always looked so focused when you were telling him different stories about school.

as Eddie listened intently, he realised what he was doing and he hated himself for it. you were the kindest, most beautiful girl in the entire world and here he was betting with your feelings. if it was anyone else he wouldn't care. but because it was you, he hated himself more and more for even taking the stupid bet on.

you guys arrived at the diner and Eddie got out of the van quickly so he could come round and open the door for you. you blushed and got out of the van and saw Eddie's hand stuck out so you could lace your fingers together yet again. you walked to the diner, Eddie's thumb stroking the back of your hand gingerly as he spoke about his band and how they had a show coming up on Tuesday, at the Hideout like always, so they were preparing for that. "could i maybe come to a show? i've never seen you guys preform" you asked, honestly a bit anxious for his answer.

this was your first date and he probably didn't want you at his show, you barely knew him. he turned his head and smiled at you "sure, you can bring your friends if you like". he opened the door to the diner and stepped to the side so you could walk into the diner. "thank you" you said as you walked into the diner, the air conditioning blowing across your face as soon as you walked into the door.

you and Eddie walked to an empty table and sat down opposite each other. you guys ordered your food and started talking about Eddie and his band again. "the hideout is a bit sketchy, a lot of drunks there but other then that it's not bad, it's good that we are performing you know? we gotta start somewhere" he said, every time he spoke about his band he always spoke with such passion and love for it. "is that what you wanna do for your career?" you asked, curious to see if he wanted to play in his band and one day become as famous as Metallica.

"oh, yeah. that's what i've always wanted to do honestly. be on a stage with millions of people enjoying the music that we make. it's always been my dream i guess" he said as a small red blush covered his cheeks. Eddie had no idea what you were thinking. were you going to make fun of him? were you gonna tell the whole school so everyone would make fun of him more than they already do? but you did neither of those things. you smiled brightly at him and took his hand into yours.

"i can see you being one of the biggest bands in the entire world" you said as your food finally arrived. you and Eddie joked with one another as you were eating, but you were also getting to know each other more. Eddie told you about his living situation and how he lived with his Uncle Wayne on the trailer park. you loved hearing Eddie talk about his Uncle. he spoke about him like he was his father, which he practically was, and it was so lovely to hear about him. Eddie listened to you talk about your home life and about your friends. you were very close with your girl friends and you loved them like they were your sisters and Eddie could see the love you had for them as you spoke.

after you finished your food you paid and got up to go to the drive in. Eddie opened the van door for you yet again and then drove to the drive in. it took about 20 minutes for you to get to the 'venue' where the movie was being held and in the 20 minutes Eddie let you listen to a cassette tape the band had made and it shocked you a little but nevertheless the music was good. really, really good. it wasn't the usual type of music that you would listen to, you love ABBA and Blondie and Queen, but Corroded Coffins music was amazing.

you arrived at the drive in and saw at least 20 cars already there, ready for the movie to start. Eddie told you that you were watching Grease which was your absolute favourite film. you loved Danny and Sandy's love story and the music that fit with practically every scene. as the movie started Eddie watched as your eyes lit up when the beach scene started, he could see you getting excited as the film progressed. Eddies feelings throughout that day progressed more and more and he realised he was falling for you. very quickly. a lot quicker then he expected to and he knew sooner or later he needed to end this bet.

-month 2-

after the drive in you and Eddie spend practically every minute with each other. even if you had cheer practice he would pick you up after and you would go back to his trailer until you had to be home, on weekends you would wake up, get ready and Eddie would be at your door before you know it with flowers and different plans that you wouldn't be able to know until you got there.

every single day your feelings for Eddie grew and you didn't think they would be able to but they had. Eddie was practically in love. he was waiting for the perfect moment to ask you to be his girlfriend but tonight he was 100% doing it. to be honest Eddie had forgotten about the bet because he was spending so much time with you. he hadn't spoken to Jason, hadn't really seen him except from school so the bet for him was long forgotten.

today was the day where Eddie was finally gonna ask you to be his girlfriend. it wasn't gonna be the big, extravagant way like every girl dreamed of, it was gonna be small and subtile because Eddie was shitting himself. he knew you wouldn't say no but he'd never done this before. he'd been with girls but not one of them were his girlfriend and he wanted you to be his girlfriend since the date at the diner.

it was 5pm and Eddie was on his way to pick you up. every time you saw Eddie he had a new bouquet of flowers for you and you were surprised you weren't a florist by now. your kitchen and bedroom was filled with different variations of flowers like sunflowers to tulips to peonys. every time it was a different bouquet and you loved it. Eddie wasn't the first boy to get you flowers but he was the most consistent and remembered which flowers he did and didn't get you. he also always left a little note in the bouquet whether it was a small 'you're so beautiful' or 'you make me the happiest i've ever been'

the little notes always made your heart flutter. this time Eddie had left the flowers at his trailer with a note, a note which he knew would change everything. you were sat in your living room waiting for Eddie to come knock on your door like he usually would but today he didn't. he just beeped his horn and waited for you to come to the van. you furrowed your eyebrows and quickly grabbed your bag which was next to you and walked out the door. he was looking at the door waiting for you with a huge smile on his face.

you got into the car and Eddie immediately lent in for a kiss. this wasn't your first kiss with Eddie but each time you kissed him your legs felt like jelly and your heart fluttered. "hi sweetheart" Eddie said as he pulled away from the kiss. you nodded your head and smiled taking ahold of his right hand as he began to drive. you let your other hand also go to his right hand, both your hands now holding his one free hand. "i feel like i haven't seen you in ages. i missed you" Eddie said as he turned a right corner.

"i saw you yesterday Ed's. that's not to long ago" you laughed, looking over at him as he concentrated on driving. he let a small smile form on his face as he listened to you reply back to him. "i know but am i still not allowed to miss you? is it a crime?" he joked, making you laugh out loud and squeeze his hand gently. "i really did miss you though. and because i missed you so much i have a surprise for you back at mine. i think you're really gonna like it" he carried on, glancing at you briefly before he turned into the trailer park.

"you've not given me any time to prepare myself because we are here now. what if i cry?" you replied, anxiety filling your body. you didn't wanna cry in front of him. he wasn't even your boyfriend yet and he's already getting you surprises. "you won't cry jesus. it's not bad. seriously" he reassured, bringing your hand up to his mouth so he could kiss it softly. after he said that he pulled up to his trailer and unbuckled his seatbelt, getting out of the van and waiting for you to follow him into his trailer.

you sighed shakily and got out, putting your bag over your shoulder before catching up to Eddie who's hand was outstretched for you to grab. you walked hand in hand into his trailer before Eddie led you to his bedroom. Eddie opened the door and walked in before moving out of the way so you could look in the room. it was a lot tidier then before but yet again you didn't care about what his room looked like, your room became messy the day after you cleaned it so you definitely couldn't and wouldn't judge him.

you saw a huge bouquet of flowers on his bed with a note on the front. the bouquet was filled with Pink hydrangeas, baby's breath, tulips and lilac roses. the arrangement was beautiful and it made your breathing stutter. these flowers were the most beautiful things you'd ever seen. "there's a card there, you have to read it" Eddie encouraged you, making you walked towards his bed. you sat down, him sitting down next to you and you read the card.

"Dear y/n. you are the most beautiful, perfect, smart, caring girl i've ever met. every moment i spend with you makes me fall for you more and more. every time i'm away from you my mind always goes to you, wondering what you're doing, when i'm next gonna see you, when i'm next gonna be able to hold your hand even though i know it'll probably be the next day. the reason i've been putting in so much effort is because i'm in love with you. i'm so in love with you my heart swells every time i hear someone say your name. i want to be able to call you my girlfriend and i would be so lucky if i could be with the most beautiful girl in Hawkins. so, y/n, will you be my girlfriend?"

you finished reading the note, a bright red blush covering your face. your heart was beating so fast as you kept re-reading the last part 'will you be my girlfriend?' and you'd never felt so happy. you turned to Eddie and brought him in for a kiss. he let his arms wrap around your waist so he could pull you closer to him. he kissed you back and smiled through the kiss. he had you, he was your boyfriend, you were his girlfriend and he couldn't be happier. "of course i'll be your girlfriend" you laughed as you pulled away from the kiss. your smile was huge. you wanted this for ages and it was finally happening. Eddie Munson was your boyfriend.

-month 3-

after Eddie became your boyfriend everything changed. he would walk to class with you and carry your books, he would pick you up for school every morning and you would walk through the corridors hand in hand, you would sit with him and his friends for lunch (obviously your friends were there too) and you were just so much happier.

it was a Saturday morning when Eddie was woken up to a knock on the trailers door. he wasn't expecting anyone to come over so this was confusing to him. he got up out of bed and walked to the door, thinking about who could be at his door at 9:30 in the morning. he opened the door and was shocked to see Jason standing there, a wide smile on his face. "Munson" Jason said, acknowledging that this was in fact Eddie's trailer. "Carver, what are you doing here?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"well, it's been more than three months now freak and you've officially made $300. congratulations. i didn't actually think you would do it" Jason said, laughing whilst taking the $300 dollars out of his jacket. Eddie took the $300 and internally punched himself for forgetting why he spoke to you in the first place. "i have another preposition for you Munson. keep this act up for another month and i'll give you an extra $400 dollars." Jason said, a huge smirk on his face. something about this felt wrong to Eddie but with him being half asleep he just nodded his head and closed the door in Jason's face so he could go back to sleep.

you and Eddie were meeting so you could go watch the new film out 'Three Men and a Baby' which you begged Eddie to watch with you. Eddie forgot that he even agreed to the new bet that he and Jason had set in place but the bet didn't matter to him anymore. the money didn't matter to him because he had you. he fell for you a lot harder then he thought he would and he regretted ever agreeing to the bet.

it was 6pm when Eddie realised you were coming over to his, ready for the cinema date you had. he got into his signature Eddie Munson outfit and was waiting for you to knock on his trailer door. you finally arrived at Eddie's trailer at 6:15 and when you knocked on the door Eddie immediately answered, pulling you in for a kiss when he saw your smiling face. "you ready to watch the film sweetheart?" he asked, closing the trailer door behind him as you both made your way to the van.

"i'm so excited, i've been wanting to watch this for ages" you replied, your smile widening more as you spoke about this film. the whole drive to the cinema was filled with you both listening to Eddie's cassette tape which he loved tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. you arrived at the cinema and noticed Jason and all his friends standing there, Eddie also noticed this which made him anxious. very anxious. Eddie parked the van and you both walked hand in hand to the front of the cinema.

"hey y/n, Munson" Jason said, nodding his head at Eddie, giving him a knowing look. "oh hey Jason" you said, sending him a soft smile. you didn't really like Jason but because you were on the cheer team you had to be civil with him. "y/n, sweetheart why don't you go inside quickly and find which room we are watching the movie in. i just need to speak to Jason quickly"

you looked at Eddie confused but nevertheless nodded your head. you stood on your tippy toes and left a small kiss on Eddie cheek which made him smile. they all watched you walk off into the cinema and once Eddie knew you were out of ears reach he walked up to Jason. "i don't think i can do this bet anymore. if you want your money back fine but i can't do this to her. i love her and making this bet was wrong. i'm not continuing this anymore" Jason looked at Eddie in shock.

"wow. the Eddie Munson, the freak, is in love with the head cheerleader. i've gotta hand it to you Munson you really know how to make a girl fall in love with you. was $300 all she was worth?" Eddie was pissed. you were worth more than any amount of money in the world, Eddie was lucky to have you because you were practically a supermodel and he was nothing. "you know that's not why i took the bet. i love y/n. yes, at the start i didn't really like her like that but i do now. i really do. she's the best thing that ever happened to me and i'm sorry Jason but i'm not continuing this bet whether you like it or not" Eddie walked away from Jason to find you.

you were inside the cinema, you were playing with the acrylics on your hands out of boredom. you looked up from your hands when you heard the cinema door open to see Eddie walking in with an angry expression on his face "what happened Ed's?" you asked as you walked towards him, a curious but loving look on your face. "nothing sweetheart, cmon let's go watch the movie" he replied, leaning in to kiss your forehead. you and Eddie walked to the cinema room which was playing 'Three Men and a Baby" and quickly found your seats as the movie started playing.

throughout the whole movie Eddie was worried. he was worried that Jason was gonna tell you about the bet which he regretted so much. he knew that he shouldn't of done it and he knew that it was wrong but Jason Carver could be so convincing and Eddie, at the time, thought that the money would help him.

the movie ended, Eddie hardly paid attention to it which upset you a little but you knew that he really didn't care for the movie. he preferred horror and you definitely did not so you would have the exact same reaction if he made you sit through a two hour horror film. as you and Eddie walked out of the cinema you saw Jason and all his friends still outside the cinema. what were they still doing here?

you and Eddie walked past the group without them saying a word until Jason shouted something out to you. "hey Eddie do you think we should let y/n know about our little bet?" you furrowed your brows in confusion and looked at Eddie, hoping he would be just as confused as you were but he was looking down at the ground, looking as pale as a ghost. "what bet?" you asked, turning around to Jason as you hoped to find out what the hell he was talking about.

"oh. Munson here hasn't told you?" you looked between the two boys as Jason approached you with his hands in his pockets. "jesus Munson, didn't even have the decency to tell her?" Jason egged on, making Eddie shift uncomfortably, his hands began to sweat as anxiety filled his body. "okay i'm really really confused can someone tell me what bet we are talking about here?" you asked as you adjusted your bag strap on your shoulder.

"three months ago me and Eddie here made a bet. a bet that he would be able to make you his girlfriend in three months in exchange for $300. it's been a bit over three months right Eddie?" hearing Jason say this made your heart ache. "wait Eddie, you bet on me?" Eddie wanted the earth to swallow him up and take away this pain that he was feeling. hearing you say that made him feel worse. your voice was quivering, your eyes were filling with tears and Eddie knew it. he slowly nodded his head, his eyes never leaving the ground.

he heard your breathing stutter as you let go of his hand. never in your entire life had you ever felt so embarrassed, hurt, ashamed, disgusted. the list of words go on. you had no idea that this was even going on behind your back and there was nothing you could do. "ahh jeez i'm sorry you had to find out this way y/n. i thought Munson would have told you. sorry you had to get your feelings hurt sweetheart. i guess that $300 dollars wasn't worth it" Jason said, leaving you and Eddie alone in the cinema car park.

Jason and his friends were laughing as they walked away. you sniffled as your heart began breaking. Eddie knew once heard your shoes on the pavement that you were walking away from him and he couldn't let that happen. he needed to explain himself to you before you ran off and never spoke to him again. "y/n, sweetheart, please wait a second" Eddie said as he followed closely behind you. you ignored him completely as you let your tears fall out of your eyes, soaking your cheeks completely.

you felt him grab ahold of your forearm gently and turned you around. "y/n you have to understand i completely forgot about the bet. i didn't remember until this morning when Jason came to give me the $300 dollars but it wasn't worth it" Eddie said, his heart breaking even more as he looked at the pained expression that was displayed on your face. "did you bet on me because you knew i had feelings for you?" you didn't want it to be true. you didn't want your feelings to be the reason you were used but deep down you knew.

you watched as Eddie sighed, his chin quivering slightly as his own tears built up. "yes but you have to understand i comply forgot about the bet. i did truly fall in love with you and i promise you that i didn't meant to hurt you love. i really didn't and if i could go back in time and change it i would. i love you y/n" Eddie tried to explain but it was all to much. he used you because you were an easy target for him and it was an easy way to make money.

"i'll see you around Ed's" you said, giving him a sad smile before turning away from him as you started walking toward your own house. you felt broken. how could someone as sweet as Eddie bet on your feelings? that entire walk home you had salty tears streaming down your face. you were in shock. before this you saw a future with Eddie, you saw yourself growing a family with him but not now. he used you for money. used your feelings to benefit himself.

Eddie walked back to his van in pure disappointment. he was disappointed in himself for hurting you so badly because he loved you. he loved you so much and he knew that if he spoke to you about it you would of let it go but because he left it so long. he was certain that you would never even look his way again. he knew he had to make it up to you because he needed you. he needed you in his life and he couldn't let you go.

he drove home teary eyed as he remembered the look on your face when he admitted to you that it was true. Eddie was one of those people who acted before he thought about the consequences the action could have. he had no idea how he was going to solve this situation but he had to and he would do anything to get you back.

once you arrived back home to your house you ran straight past your parents and went up to your room. you didn't really wanna see or speak to anyone because of how hurt you were. betting on your feelings was unacceptable and the fact that Eddie knew about your crush and still went ahead with the bet destroyed you, you hated that this happened now. you and Eddie were in an amazing place in your relationship and now that was out the window. you loved Eddie so much and you needed him. after making your relationship official you spent every moment with Eddie and now you didn't want anything to do with him.

Eddie got back at his trailer and went straight inside, seeing Wayne sitting on the couch watching some random show which is on the TV. "hey Eddie. how's your night been son?" Wayne said, sipping the coffee he had in his hands. Wayne finally looked up from the TV after not hearing a response from Eddie. he saw him with his chin quivering and his chocolate button eyes filled with tears which were about to spill any second. "oh Ed what's happened?" he asked as he got up from the sofa so he could walk toward Eddie.

"i fucked up Wayne. i really did" Eddie cried, leaning into Wayne's hug. Wayne was confused. Eddie hardly ever cried and he if he did he did it in his room, alone. before Wayne could reply Eddie spoke up from Wayne's shoulder. "i fucked up so badly. i made a bet that i would be able to date y/n for three months and she's found out but i swear Wayne i completely forgot. now that i know her and i've fallen in love with her i've realised how badly i've fucked up. i've hurt her, i've embarrassed her and she's never gonna wanna speak to me again"

Wayne had never ever heard Eddie cry like this. Wayne could hear the disappointment and sadness in Eddie's voice and he couldn't feel anything but sympathy for him. but he also felt so sorry for you. Wayne heard you and Eddie speak to each other when you would be over at the trailer and he could tell that the two of were in love. really in love. Wayne knew Eddie acted before he thought and this time he let his thoughts get the best of him and now he's ruined a perfect relationship.

"oh Eddie. i'm so sorry. i know how much you loved her. i really think you should give her a bit of space before speaking to her again. i think you must of really hurt her Eddie" obviously this wasn't what Eddie wanted to hear but he knew Wayne was right. you definitely needed time before you saw and spoke to Eddie again. as he listened to Wayne, Eddie was thinking about how he could get you back.

he wanted to do something sentimental to the two of you and the only thing he could think of was flowers. flowers was the first 'gift' Eddie had got you and it always brought a smile to your face, it brought a smile to Eddie's face seeing you smile and when flowers were involved everyone was happy. he knew bringing you flowers would never ever make you for the fact that he bet on your feelings but he knew who he wanted and he wanted you.

"give her a bit of time Ed's and do what's right" Wayne looked at him dead in the eye so Eddie knew he was serious. Eddie nodded his head and sighed, rubbing his left eye aggressively as he tried his best to get rid of his tears. Wayne let go of Eddie, allowing him to go to his room to undoubtedly sulk.

you were doing the same, in your room your whole body got from embarrassment. you were so embarrassed that Jason brought the bet up in front of all of his basketball team friends who were also sort of your friends. everyone now probably knew about the bet Eddie and Jason made about you and you couldn't help but be anxious for school on Monday. you know you shouldn't miss Eddie at all and you were deeply hurt by what he had done but you did miss him. so so so much. and you couldn't control your feelings.

you wanted Eddie to explain himself and you wanted to see him so he could do so. it was crazy. this whole situation was crazy and you hated how this has unfolded. if Eddie told you at the start of the relationship maybe you would be feeling different but you couldn't say because you were never put in that situation. you decided a shower was the best thing for you right now, showers always made your stress and anxiety's practically vanish.

Eddie, in his bedroom, immediately started planning what he was going to do to get you back. he was going to buy a huge bouquet of flowers and apologise with the best apology he could. yes, it wasn't going to excuse the fact that he bet on you, nothing could excuse that. but, if he could do something sentimental for you he was going to do it. whatever you wanted him to do so he could get you back he would do it.

that Sunday morning Eddie woke up early to go straight to the florist. he got there earlier then the florist, Danielle, who was surprised to see Eddie standing there waiting for her to open the shop. Eddie followed Danielle into the florist and immediately looked around the shop for the most perfect bouquet for you. something that would fit your character but nothing around the shop caught his eye. he needed the perfect flowers in the bouquet for you, he wanted everything perfect.

Danielle saw Eddie struggling as he wandered around the shop, she could see he obviously panicking. "do you want me to help you? you seem a little stressed" Danielle said, making Eddie's head snap toward her. he sighed in relief before making his way over to her. "let's just say i fuck- messed up a relationship and i need to get my girl back. i need something perfect for her" he said, stuttering over his words as he spoke.

Danielle nodded her head and smiled softly at him. "i can make you a bouquet, is there any particular flowers that you remember her saying she loved? every girl has at least two favourite flowers" she replied, getting her equipment ready to make the bouquet for him. Eddie thought for a minute before remembering you specifically saying you loved tulips. tulips and sunflowers were your favourite flowers. "she loves tulips and sunflowers, they are the main ones i remember" Eddie replied, remembering your face lighting up when he asked what your favourite flowers were.

after Danielle heard this she got to work almost instantly seeing Eddie was in a hurry. she made the bouquet in 20 minutes and when she returned it looked perfect. the most perfect bouquet he had ever seen, better then the flowers he got you when he asked you to be his girlfriend. "is this okay?" Danielle said as she watched Eddie's eyes moved over the bouquet in her hands. he sent her his signature Eddie Munson smile and nodded his head. "they're perfect."

the whole way to your house Eddie was rehearsing what he was gonna say. he knew he should probably stay away from you but he could, he missed you too much and it hadn’t even been a day since he last saw you. once Eddie was outside your doorstep he almost got cold feet. to be honest Eddie was shitting himself. the practice he did for the speech had completely left his mind as soon as he turned up at your front door but it was now or never and Eddie just wanted you back.

he got out of his van and picked up the flowers carefully before walking towards your front door. he saw that neither of your parents cars were in the driveway so they definitely were not home making this slightly easier knowing it would be you opening the door and not your dad. he took a deep breath before knocking on the door. he waited and waited for you to open the door but he got no response.

he’d hoped that you’d just not heard the knock do he did it again and this time he heard footsteps approaching. his heart started beating and he felt a little faint as he waited for the door to open so he could see your beautiful face. you opened the door and Eddie thought you’d never looked more beautiful. your hair was in a messy bun, you had no trace of any make up on your skin and you were wearing a tracksuit which fit your body perfectly. Eddie noticed the slight bags under your eyes which was 100% from all the crying you must of done the night before making Eddie’s heart break more.

“Eddie what are you doing here?” you asked, your voice wasn’t filled with any anger, it was calm and kind and that was one thing Eddie loved about you. even when you were angry at someone you were always still so nice to them. Eddie took a deep breath before speaking “y/n, i’ve come here because i know i’ve fucked up. i know i’ve ruined everything we had and i hate myself for it. you were always so nice to me even though everyone else thought i was a freak but you didn’t care. you liked me for me and that’s why i fell for you in the first place. i know that you don’t want to see me and that’s fine, i want you to take all the time you need because what i did was disgusting and no one should ever have their feelings played with. i knew it was wrong and i still went ahead with that stupid bet and sweetheart i am so sorry, i truly am. if i could go back and change it i promise you i would because you deserve so much more than some stupid freak who bet on you”

as you listened to Eddie talk you could hear the sadness and sympathy laced in his tone. he obviously knew what he did was wrong and you couldn’t help but tear up as you listened to his apology. “there was one thing from this bet which i am actually proud of which is i got to fall in love with you. being with you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me y/n and i’m so grateful every day that you chose me. i understand that i’ve hurt you and i just want you to know that that was never my intention. never in my life would i ever want to hurt someone as kind, smart and beautiful as you. i am so so sorry y/n. i really am and i will do anything you want for you to forgive me. i need you in my life because waking up without your face this morning broke me and i will never forgive myself for hurting you”

after he finished his speech Eddie took a deep breath, holding the flowers out to you. he didn’t realise how tightly he had been holding them until you took the bouquet from his hand. he saw the paper at the bottom of the bouquet was wrinkled from his grip, it was obvious that he was nervous. you looked at Eddie in his eyes before walking into his body and wrapping your arms around him. he immediately melted into you, missing the feeling of you in his arms so deeply that he never wanted to let you go. his cheek rested on top of your head as he squeezed you gently.

“i really am sorry y/n” he said as you looked up at him. your eyes were bloodshot and looked a little sore but again, he still thought you looked beautiful. “i’m not gonna say it’s okay because it’s not. but, i love you Eddie and i accept your apology” you said, sending him a shy smiled. he lent down and kissed you, his arms around you loosened as he finally felt his nerves leave his body. “you have to work for at a bit still” you said, making him smile brightly at you. “i can live with that” he said, leaning down to kiss you again. even after everything he did Eddie knew in his heart that you were the one for him and he was going to do whatever it took for you to get back to how you were before you found out about the stupid bet he made. “i love you so much” he whispered as he left small kisses all over your face, he had finally (kind of) gotten you back and he couldn’t be more grateful for you.

[offsidenewsco]

Tonight the London Knights and Saginaw Spirit match up in the Memorial Cup Championship, the culmination of a year of Major Junior hockey. What does that mean, exactly?

We've got you covered! Our primer on the CHL and Memorial Cup covers:

-The Memorial Cup Format

-CHL leagues, teams, and some of their NHL alumni

-A FAQ about junior hockey age guidelines and drafting

-Junior A/B/C tiers in Canada, and the Three Tiers of USA Hockey

Read the primer here.

[kishmishorkissish]

Okay so am gonna talk bout shubman

Pehle to bande ko ek team de di jaati hai jisne do saal bhot khatarnaak perform kiya hai, to vo pressure+ captaincy ka vi rehta hi hai.

Jb ye news aa rhi thi mujhe lga rumour hoga kyuki gt mai hor vi ache players hai jo international level pai captain hai ,they could have let him gain some experience , usko thoda bhota to pta hi rehta, descision making waale mai rkh lete usey to kya pta agle saal vo acha kr ta no doubt go abhi vi kr rha hai but man he is learning in a hard way 🙂🙂

mere ko ye batana ki pichle do saal shub tha kya descision making mai gt ki ? Like tha to kuch to experience hai hi uske paas 😌😌

Aur fer ye chlta hi hai ki stadium mai chants start ho jaati hai, but banda jeet gya tha uss time. Kl wala vi match tha haath mai but nhi ho paya koi nhi next match to hai hi 🙂🙂🙂

Aur fer do match se chl vi nhi rha ye😔😔, koi nhi aage waale matches vi hai abhi to . Bhai itna postive kha se soch rhi hu mai .

Vo jis post pai ish ne comment nhi kiya vo dekh ke aisa lga na ki ye log bta rhe hai ki indono ke beech sb theek hai 💀 like vo to pta hi tha but assurance di hai 😌😌😌😌 iss se jyada kya chahiye. Aur fer aditi ki story vi dekh li iss krke aur chill hu kyuki there is beauty in privacy 💀💀

(⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠)(⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠)

[theerurishipper]

I remembered seeing an old post that comparing Marinette and Chloe and how they have similar behavior. I forgot the detail but the more season I watch, the more it clicked.

They both don't think of problem as "how it affect others" it's always "how it affect me", they both think of Adrien as a property, they both also never get a "no" from their parents, now I think again. In Animaestro Marinette insist that she want to help despite her clumsyness and they end up give in with Sabine say "we should make double batch just in case".

And I think that's why Marinette is the way she is : she's good at putting boundaries but bad at respecting other boundaries, she thought if she insist enough they'll give in (and she's not wrong, almost everyone in the show end up give in to her demand/request, event Su Han) Her parents spoiled her in different way than Andre does to Chloe but in the end, they're spoiled and never/rarely get a "no" from their parents, they let them do what they want.

I wish I could say the difference between them is that Marinette has higher moral ground than Chloe but after s5 I don't know if that's valid.

Reding back now I feel bad for Adrien because those who pursue him think of him more as a property than actual person with feelings, except Kagami.

I think that's uncharitable to Marinette. She does have trouble understanding others, but it's often when she's trying to help and she always means well, it's just that she isn't good at considering others' perspectives. Chloe on the other hand doesn't care about the people she torments (I don't include Andre in this list for obvious reasons). The one exception to this is probably Sabrina, whom she likes but treats poorly regardless.

And I don't agree with the comparison between Andre and Tom and Sabine. Tom and Sabine are good parents. I don't think them agreeing to let Marinette help them is a bad thing, in fact it's good that they are allowing her such opportunities. She didn't browbeat them into anything or ask for anything that was unreasonable. Marinette's parents don't spoil her, they give her responsibilities (Timebreaker), and they do take her to task when they have to, (Simon Says). We see less of that in the future seasons, but we don't see much of her parents in general, so.

I also disagree that they think of Adrien as property. Both Marinette and Chloe think Adrien is perfect, as does almost everyone else, but they also genuinely care about him. Marinette tries to help Adrien many times throughout the show (The Collector, the New York Special, etc.) and Chloe also cares about Adrien as a person (Felix). Marinette is bad at recognizing Adrien's feelings and sometimes her crush on him overtakes that care for him (Glaciator 2), but she does care.

They can both be self-centered and can think of themselves, yes. But their reasons are entirely different. Chloe thinks about herself because she doesn't care about whether she hurts someone or not, because she considers herself better than them and derives joy from hurting them. Marinette is self-centered because she can be very anxious about things, and this can cause her to get stuck in her own head and forget to think of others. It's something she needs to work on, but she's also shown that she does try to work on it. Of course, Chloe isn't evil or anything and most of her worldview is derived from her abusive mother and her enabling father, but still.

But I will mention this:

I wish I could say the difference between them is that Marinette has higher moral ground than Chloe but after s5 I don't know if that's valid.

I do sort of agree. I harp on and on about the protagonist-centered morality that began pervading this show in Season 4, and that is once again the problem here. Marinette is not as bad as Chloe thanks to her intentions being pure and because of her willingness to grow and change, but the narrative started to justify her actions, which started getting worse. I think she can't be compared to Chloe, because the mistakes they make are different and stem from different situations and reasons, but my point that Marinette is never portrayed as being in the wrong still stands. She's the most amazing person in the world, and everyone must apologize to her.

Marinette is not a bully. She's not cruel and she's not arrogant. She's not like Chloe. But there's not just one type of mistake in the world, and Marinette is making an entirely different kind of egregious mistake by doubling down on her lying and covering for Gabriel, all after she spent a while deceiving her partner. She hasn't grown as a person, she hasn't learnt to consider other people and listen to them, she hasn't learnt not to deceive them (which is especially bad since that was the whole point of the conflict last season), she's doubled down on her flaws and her mistakes and she's gaslighting her boyfriend into loving his abuser. And the show portrays her as in the right.

(And not to be nitpicky here but I think the Season 5 finale dashed the idea that Kagami respects Adrien as a person, because she also seems to be on board with the lying and the gaslighting, so.)

I think it's not fair to compare Marinette to Chloe, but as of the Season 5 finale, she's awful in a completely different way. And honestly, I wish I could chalk it up to it being OOC for her, but it's not. She's poorly written as in she doesn't develop and is always justified, but honestly, it's not out of character for her, and so I can't even wave it away like that in my head. And she angers me more than Chloe does, because like, at least Chloe gets called out. But yeah, that's what I think.

Thank you for your ask!

[onmytape]

Colton Dach on the Showbound Podcast

spending the summer doing shoulder rehab from his injury and working on getting “stronger” and “faster”. and went back to kelowna after the mem cup to pack up his stuff because he didn’t have a chance after being traded to seattle at the wjc 

his grade 9 bantam team only lost two games all year (with zellweger, guenther, savoie?) he and some of his teammates skipped school on 2018 whl draft day because they knew they were getting picked high

on playing with kirby in saskatoon: “it would’ve been nice if he didn’t make the show at 18 so i could’ve played with him there [longer]”

took him 30 games to score his first whl goal. “wasn’t very positive” with himself

names Tristen Robins ("offensive weapon”) and Kyle Crnkovic as memorable players on the blades

When asked if he thinks the dub is the toughest league in the chl: “i played against the other two [at the mem cup] and going into it we’re like okay we’re just going to bully these kids, we’re just going to run them out of the rink and i’ll give it to the quebec team. Was probably the hardest, toughest guys to play against.” 

One of his teammates tried to look up the fights of the ohl players before the mem cup and (because of the limits of fighting in the league) couldn’t find anything to study and gave up. 

“Growing up I was always a feisty kid and I always thought when I get to the dub I'll be able to handle myself” first dub fight at 16 against a 20 year old. lost horribly.

Kirby spoiled that colton was getting drafted by chicago because he told one of their friends to grab the hawks hat after getting a text from someone in chicago’s management before the pick was announced.

Thought he was going to st. louis because he had the most conversations with them before the draft 

Montreal asked him which animal he’d be and he answered grizzly bear “bigger guy, not so fast but physical” and at the end of the conversation one of the montreal guys said “i don’t think you’re a bear” Guenther and Zellweger were present at the zoom call. “Zellweger said he’d be a wolf or a predator or something like that” 

Colton found out he was traded to kelowna while he was in chicago with kirby driving to the rink and duncan keith called kirby and told them colton was traded to kel before either of them knew

About kelowna: “they were great guys. It was awesome. Still best friends with a lot of them.” 

Kirby’s trying to sell colton his car so he can buy a new one. Colton doesn’t want to show up to camp without having played a single pro game with a g wagon. 

He was roommates with reid schaefer at the world juniors. Their room faced the hotel exit so they anxiously watched guys leave as they didn’t make the cut. Schaefer got a call that his car was being towed in seattle and Colton’s dad kept calling to ask if he had made the team yet. The phone calls made them think they were getting cut. 

Didn’t have high expectations because he was told during a meeting “just to let you know you're not here because of your play this season so far, you're here because what you did in the summer at our camp”

When asked what happens when they cut one roommate and keep the other - during the 2022 summer wjc zack ostapchuk and his roommate were told to pack their stuff and it wasn’t until the roommate had already left and ostapchuk was about to leave that they told him he wasn’t actually cut 

After losing to czechia nobody on the team talked until the next afternoon. Captain shane wright didn't let the team play sewer ball before the next game so they would focus better

About bedard: good ping pong player. Colton mentions coach chippy’s videos about bedard’s wrist curls 

Almost got kicked out of the media box during bedard’s ot winner vs slovakia because he was being too loud and banging on the desk while the staff was trying to work 

On the playoffs: played kelowna first, says his ex teammates knew how to trigger him on the ice and chirped him with inside stuff when he skated by the bench 

Calls guenther the “powerhouse” during playoffs 

After guenther met crosby he texted colton on instagram and colton was like “i hate you so much right now” 

After being drafted to chicago colton got a text from kane to congratulate him and made some comment about getting the “better dach” 

Calls seattle thunderbirds fans “unreal” 

“one funny story actually after we won, you know, boys did their laps with the trophy and take the team photos, two of the guys went out to the parking lot to get the coolers of beer and drinks so you know the guys can have some fun in the dressing room and they get locked out and because we're in the states it's 21 you know like you can't - they're not supposed to drink - right yeah, everyone's under 20. the commissioner is walking by and he's the one who told everyone that we can't drink or something like that in the room. the commissioner walks by outside these guys are stuck outside sitting on the cooler drinking beer. in full gear as well. just sitting there and he comes up shakes her hands says congrats and walks away. it was pretty funny”

“Partied friday night, saturday, sunday, skated monday/tuesday” after winning the whl champs

After they got back on the bus after losing the mem cup, the team was dejected and crnkovic stood up and yelled “we’re still champs” to rile the boys up again

considers himself “grumpy in the mornings” 

crnkovic is the funniest guy on the thunderbirds but the worst chirper. colton considers himself the biggest chirper.

Saunders is best dressed, crnkovic is the worst and can’t tie a tie.

says Ciona is most likely to be a coach when they’re done playing “lot of patience” “good leader” 

"Stranded on an island for a month with three seattle thunderbirds?" “Bryce pickford for sure. He would know how to handle a situation out there. Maybe Milic. You know if he brings his guitar he can sing some songs out there so that’d be nice. Maybe gunner (Guenther). Just get some laughs out there. Create some chaos. He was my roommate so it was pretty funny.”

“Any funny coach stories?” “I wouldn’t say it’s really funny it’s kind of awkward. So in kelowna last year we had to put one of our dogs down and my mom called me and told me that the night before and I go to practice the next day and I told one guy on the team and everyone's skating around it's kind of, everyone's not talking, just a quiet day and the coach comes in he's like what? what the hell? like did someone's dog die last night? and oh you know I just I sat there I'm like oh no wiping my eyes. one of the guys comes up to me gives me a hug and he's like, "yeah Colton's dog.”'

about bedard and media: “I always went behind him on the bus [at wj] so I can get a little extra air time on TV” “no he’s definitely, he does really good with that stuff. He’s very well media trained” 

On seeing kirby: they call after every game, don’t always talk about hockey. Call each other on off days to play video games. Colton went to montreal for kirby’s bday for a week while his shoulder was separated. “That was pretty special. I haven’t really got to watch him play since he’s been in Saskatoon.” 

(jun 25th, 2023)

[toasttt11]

oscar bedard

Oscar Leo Bedard

Number: 98

Season: Sixith

Position: C

Height: 6”3

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

S/C: R

NHL: NJD

Prev Team: VAN

NHL

The first overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft to the New Jersey Devils.

International

Team Canada

•2023 World Championship- Gold, 11 G, 11 A, 8 GP

•2022 World Championship- Silver, 8 G, 13 A, 8 GP

•2022 World Junior Championship- Gold, 10 G, 12 A, 8 GP

•2021 World Championship- Gold, 12 G, 11 A, 8 GP

•2019 World Championship- Silver, 9 G, 10 A, 8 GP

•2018 World Junior Championship- Gold, 9 G, 10 A, 8 GP

•2017 World Junior Championship- Silver, 8 G, 9 A, 7 GP

•2016 World U-18 Hockey Challenge-Gold Medal, 8 G, 9 A, 7 GP

•2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge- Gold Medal, 8 G, 8 A, 6 GP

Sixth Season (2023-2024)

New Jersey Devils

60 G, 72 A, 132 P, 72 GP

Alternative Captain.

Fifth Season (2022-2023)

New Jersey Devils

55 G, 70 A, 125 P, 82 GP

Alternative Captain.

Fourth Season (2021-2022)

New Jersey Devils

45 G, 69 A, 114 P, 82 GP

Signed a 88 million dollar contract for 8 years

Alternative Captain.

Third Season (2020-2021)

New Jersey Devils

32 G, 50 A, 82 P, 70 GP

Alternative Captain.

Second Season (2019-2020)

New Jersey Devils

30 G, 40 A, 70 P, 56 GP

Rookie Season (2018-2019)

New Jersey Devils

27 G, 25 A, 52 P, 68 GP

Received the Rookie of the Year award.

Signed a Contract for 12 Million dollars for three years.

WHL

Vancouver Giants

(2017-2018)

72 G, 71 A, 143 P, 55 GP

Four Broncos Trophy.

Bob Clarke Trophy.

CHL Player of the year.

Draft Year.

Vancouver Giants

(2016-2017)

65 G, 70 A, 135 P, 54 GP

Four Broncos Trophy.

Bob Clarke Trophy.

CHL Player of the year.

Vancouver Giants

(2015-2016)

50 G, 65 A, 115 P, 54 GP

Exceptional status.

Jim Piggot Memorial Trophy.

Bob Clarke Trophy.

Rookie of the Year.

Personal

• Born August 9, 2000

• Son of Melanie and Tom

• Has a sister Madi and a brother Connor

[selineram3421]

I was holding this back for a while but now I'ma dive head in.

Isekai'd

Prologue: Survival

Vash (Tristamp) X Reader

Warning! ⚠

⚠ Cussing, you get yeeted into the desert at some point, forget surviving on Earth, how the hell are you gonna survive on Noman's Land!? ⚠

Your day had been shit.

College was taking most of your money and you were living off of instant noodles to survive.

As soon as you got home, you flopped down face first onto your bed, completely done with everything. Letting out a groan, you turned on your side and got your phone to find an anime to watch.

I hate this. I'm not living, I'm surviving.

Scrolling down the list of recent releases, you spot the new version of Trigun.

"Oh, its out now.", you mumbled and sat up, looking around your apartment. "I should make something to eat."

After setting up your laptop and getting food ready, you put on your head set and pressed play. The episode started out with the fall and then it got a little too much with one problem after another.

I get they want us to witness some of the shenanigans but this is too much. You thought, slurping on the noodles. Welp, good thing I don't have any classes on the weekend. I'm gonna stay up all night.

When the episodes for season one finished, you noticed the sun rising behind the blinds on your window.

"I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT!?", you shout and groan, covering your face in shame. "I can hear my mom scolding me already."

You get up and go over to your bed after cleaning the desk up.

"Whatever, its the weekend and I live alone. No one is here to nag at me.", you yawn and close the blinds, getting ready to knock out. "I can sleep for as long as I want."

Yesterday was hell, and you were too tired to change your clothes.

Feeling yourself start to drift off, you wonder how the humans on Noman's Land can survive in that heat.

Not my problem. You think before closing your eyes.

.

..

...?

Why aren't I going to sleep? And when did it get so hot in the room?

Opening your eyes, you end up seeing a blue sky with two scorching suns instead of your ceiling.

Huh? Two suns!?

You sit up quick and feel the hot sand. Looking around, only seeing sand dunes.

"No..", you say, feeling yourself shiver in disgust.

I hate the heat!

"NO!!", you cry out and stand up. "I was only wondering how they survived! I didn't want to be in the same situation!"

Why and how did I end up here!?

"What the fuck is going on!?", you cry out.

My friend made me some dividers! Yay✨

~Seline, the person.

Next: Part 1

ML Vash | ChL Isekai'd

[sergeifyodorov]

How does world juniors work and where would one watch?

This is my first season watching the nhl and I’m from nz so I suspect we wont be represented lol but I’m keen to learn more and watch some! Any recommendations on what ones to watch?

omg anon WELCOME and also ... a brief WORLD JUNIORS PRIMER for you all...

Puppy Bowl!

If you're from NZ I'm not sure you know about the Puppy Bowl -- a show run concurrent to the Super Bowl, but all the participants are puppies? It means absolutely nothing but it is adorable. The World Juniors are basically that, but also it is exactly as important as the Olympics what are you talking about. Their official name is the "IIHF U-20 World Championship," which is a pretty self-explanatory name -- it's a tournament for players 20 and under (I believe they have to be at least sixteen, but because young athletes mature physically a LOT in those four years, the vast majority are eighteen-nineteen-twenty). Tradition dictates it starts on Boxing Day, and it runs for about three weeks -- it starts with a round-robin, followed by a single-elimination tournament, a bronze-medal match, and a relegation match.

Players are selected by their national hockey administration -- for Canada, it's Hockey Canada, but all countries within the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) have their own. The intricacies of ~Sports Bureaucracy~ are really long and only a LITTLE relevant, but every country ices the best roster they can, which means players are often "loaned" from CHL teams, NCAA universities, European league teams, or, occasionally, the NHL. (Note: You can usually tell how good a World Junior team is by how many players have been drafted/signed by NHL teams: the Canadians, Swedes, and Americans are almost always entirely draftees or under-18s, while the other teams in the upper division might only have a handful, or even only one, drafted player.)(Second note: The quality of a team has less correlation than you might think to them winning a single-elimination tournament.)

Like I said earlier, it starts with a round-robin: there are ten teams in the main WJ (we'll get to this in a second), divided into two groups of five, who each play each other once. The worst-performing team of each group is sent to the relegation match post-tournament, and the eight other teams do a single-elimination match until one team wins gold.

Teams and Divisions

This year, the top ten teams are: Canada, the US, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Norway, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Latvia. Because of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia is banned from participating in IIHF tournaments, but when it's not it's always in the top ten (likely instead of Norway, Switzerland, or Latvia.) UNLIKE the NHL, the IIHF has multiple "divisions" of teams, and at the end of the tournament the bottom two teams play a match to avoid relegation from the official ~IIHF World U20 Championship~ to Division I, which is right under it. There is also a Division II and a Division III -- and after some sleuthing, there IS a New Zealand team in Div III!!!!!

Canada and Broadcasting

Unfortunately, the WJC is basically only popular in Canada -- essentially a Boxing Day tradition to watch the babies play and cheer for our teams' prospects, or, usually, just Team Canada. In fact, Hockey Canada has bid to host it basically every other year until 2030. Because of this (or maybe a bit of a chicken-egg situation), the WJC is... kind of hard to find online if you're outside of Canada? I know for a fact it's broadcast on TSN (one of our sports networks) without any regional blackouts, but I don't think there's anything available in NZ that will be streaming it, especially because it's not one of the IIHF top ten countries. If you're not already doing so, you'll probably have to sail the high seas for your fix. (If you don't know where to do this, you can slide into my DMs and I can send you a link!)

Who to watch?

There's basically two routes for this: one, pick the team you think is going to win, or two, go look up what prospects your NHL team has that are playing at the WJC and watch them (Note: neither the Avs nor the Oilers have any WJC prospects this year!) The IIHF website has the game schedule listed, including time-zone adjusted start times -- they're all staggered, so if you have a lot of free time you might be able to watch more than one!

Personally, as both a Canadian and a Leafs fan -- both WJC-chosen Leafs prospects are Team Canada players, including their captain Fraser Minten -- I would recommend Team Canada (unashamed homer bias here.) They're usually one of the favourites to win, and they're almost entirely either drafted or not yet eligible, so you can see either your prospects or you can look at Celebrini and hope (if your team is bad) that he's coming to you one day. The Americans are generally considered Thee tournament favourites, if you prefer your teams highly touted.

To me, the WJC has twofold appeal: one, junior hockey is, for lack of a better term, messier than high-level hockey? Pucks are more likely to bounce in silly ways, rushes can get crazy, and you can get both a super high amount of shots and a super high amount of goals. Hormonal teenagers playing super high-stakes hockey for the first times in their lives and they can get really, really into it! The passion a kid has scoring a medal-winning goal in front of a sold-out crowd is absolutely unrivalled by all but the Cup Finals. (OMGGGGG THIS IS YOUR FIRST HOCKEY SEASON TOO... ok don't let me start talking about nhl playoffs because THIS is the puppy bowl that is the super bowl. but worse! i mean better but it's worse (for your cardiovascular health.))

Two, that these guys are still so young, and that at least a few of them have long, illustrious, potentially-Hall-of-Fame NHL careers ahead of them. For a lot of young stars, the World Juniors is an important part of their Lore. Watching someone become something as an adult after you've seen him as a junior is... magical? World Junior hockey is diamond-in-the-rough hockey. There's no polish, but it's the rawness of the million-dollar stone that sells it.