#ice skating chicago

[raisingkidsinchicago]

Chicago’s Top Picks for the Weekend (Jan 3-5)

 Juliana Yeager  Photo Credit: Navy Pier Winterland Illuminarium at Navy Pier This is the last weekend to experience the magic of Winterland—a family adventure you won’t forget! From the moment you arrive, you and your little ones will be swept into a whimsical holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, fun activities, and moments you’ll treasure forever. This 45-minute journey is the…

[paladin--strait]

plz plz plz connor bedard with #7 I LOVE YOUR WORK

tiny skates - connor bedard

AHHH THANK YOUUUU 🫶 i love this prompt with him 😛 also, her sons name was originally gonna be connor so they could match but it got too confusing, so it made it nate! so if you see any parts where i may haves missed changing his name, please let me know!

-

i stand in the aisle of the local hockey store, nate's little hand in mine. he stares at all the gear, pointing at the brightly colored jerseys and the sticks that are twice his height. i look at all the prices of the things he needs to play, and sigh. it's not like i can't afford it, it's just a lot of money for something he'll grow out of and have to get new ones in just a few months.

nate all of a sudden took a liking to hockey when some of his friends let him play with them in their backyard. he instantly fell in love with the sport, coming home and insisting that he plays.

nate holds the socks and tape while i hold the bigger things, walking over to look at the skates. i hum, wondering what size i should get him. i look down at his little feet, then back at the sizes of the skates. my brows furrow as i set down my things, pulling a box off the shelf and telling connor to sit on the little bench.

i slip off his crocs and open the box, mumbling to myself as i slip them on his feet. "how do these feel? too tight? too big?" i ask with a smile.

he kicks his feet a little, giving his toes a little wiggle. "good mommy!" he beams, his eyes full of happiness.

i giggle at his excitement, putting on the other skate. "still good?"

"yes ma'am!" he says and i can't help but smile at his manners.

"those look good, little man." a voice says from behind me, making me jump a little. "sorry, didn't mean to scare you." he laughs awkwardly.

"it's alright." i smile up at him. he's cute, a wide smile and fluffy hair hidden under a hat.

"first time buying hockey gear?" the mystery man asks, and i nod sheepishly.

"can you tell?" i laugh along with him. "i tried to google what to buy him, but it's all so much. i don't even know if i'm buying the right things..." i frown, looking at all the things littering the floor.

the man nods, his lips pursed. "i can help you if you want. i've been playing hockey for a while now so..." he rubs the back of his neck, watching as i put the skates back in the box.

"oh i don't want to be a bother..."

"no bother, i'm happy to help." he beams, then looking down at my son. "what's your name buddy?"

"nate!" he grins, his voice happy and loud from his excitement.

"oh really? my friends name is nate too!" the man says, bending down to look at all the stuff i've picked out. i can see my sons face light up as i watch them interact. "so...these skates are normally for goalies, so he'll need these..." he stands, walking down the aisle and coming back with a new box.

it's the same brand and size, but i watch as he helps nate try on the different pair of skates. i smile as nate seems to get even more excited, barely able to sit still. "alright, these are the ones you'll need." connor says, looking up at me. "the rest of the stuff you got is just right."

i thank him as he stands, a smile on my face. "thank you, i really appreciate the help. i was nervous about him playing, but now i'm actually...starting to get a little excited." i laugh.

he laughs along with me, standing beside me as we watch my son run up and down the aisle in his skates. "he's cute, like his mom." he grins, acting casual.

my head snaps towards him, a deep blush creeping over my face.

"you guys should come to my game sometime, i'll get you both tickets. do you need one for dad too?" he asks, pulling out his phone.

"oh no, his dad...isn't around. and, what do you mean come to your game?" i ask, crossing my arms as my brows furrow.

"you don't know who i am...?" he asks, a small smirk on his face. i can tell he's not cocky, genuinely curious.

"no...?"

he laughs at my answer, pressing on a few things on his phone. a team photo of a bunch of guys in white jerseys pop up, then he zooms in. "that's me." he points, beaming.

"oh, okay...?" i say, squinting at the photo. "sorry but, i still don't recognize you."

he puts his phone in his back pocket, "it's okay, i play for the blackhawks in the nhl." he says, crossing his arms.

"nhl? isn't that like, the best it gets?" i say, my jaw dropping a bit in shock.

he laughs, bending down to help take off nate's skates. "yeah, just about."

i can't help but be shocked, my face full of surprise and confusion. i'm still trying to wrap my mind around it, spacing out as i stare at the skates.

"hello?" his voice snaps me out of my daze, a little smirk on his lips. "i asked if you needed me to help you take this to the counter?"

"oh! that would be great. but, i can't help but ask. can i take a photo of you two? once he figures out that he's met you before he'll probably be upset i didn't get a picture." i laugh awkwardly, hoping he won't be mad.

he grins, standing up. "of course!" i smile wide at his acceptance, sitting nate up so the photo is good. i snap a quick picture, looking at it through the screen on my phone. "also, do you maybe think i can get your number?" he asks.

his words catch me off guard, his bluntness making my eyes widen. "oh...sure." my face flushes red as i hand him my phone, watching him type in his number. he hands me back my phone and i pocket it, helping him carry everything to the counter.

i sigh as the cashier rings everything up, the price increasing more and more. i know it'll be worth it, especially if nate is happy. just as i'm pulling out my card, the haul of gear is already paid for. i look over at connor in surprise, who's smiling as he puts his wallet back in his pocket.

"wait wait wait, you didn't have to do that!" i panic, looking at the expensive gear that's getting bagged. "i have enough money for it, i could've paid!"

"don't worry about it, really." he reassures me, "i love seeing kids like nate pursuing their dreams. text me his schedule, i'd love to come watch him."

i'm shocked by his kindness, my heart swelling with affection for this man i just met. "i will, thank you so much...nate, what do you say to mr. connor?" i say, pulling my son beside me.

"thanks you mr. connor!" he grins, his eyes gleaming with joy and love. before i can stop him, my son is attached to his leg, looking up at him. nate smiles at him, arms wrapped around his leg.

connor laughs, reaching down to pull him up into his arms. "you're welcome, buddy. i'll see you at some of your games, okay?"

"kay!" nate smiles, taking the lollipop the cashier gave him with a thank you.

connor helps us take the bags to my car, him and nate making small talk. i can admit he's good with nate, my heart pumping violently at the sight. nate's not even this close with his own father, and he just met this guy.

-

connor keeps up his word as the season goes on, taking us out to either dinner or ice cream after games. he's good with nate, and i can admit that i've taken quite the liking to him as well. he's sweet, cute with a heart of gold.

we finally called it official and hard launched our relationship a few months later, with both of us posting a picture of all three of us at nate's game, matching shirts for me and connor, and nate in his teams cyan jersey. it's a cute photo, instantly made my wallpaper on my phone.

who would've known that my sons new found love for hockey would also bring a new found love into mine as well?

[marvel-and-chicago-fan]

Break Through Au

Word Count: 1.6k

Summary: You go out ice skating on the lake with your brothers and Things don’t go as planned for you three

Warnings: CPR/Death, Falling through Ice, Hospitals, Yelling

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You were on the ice with your brothers Will and Jay, even though you weren’t allowed to, you guys still went regardless.

It was 10pm, no one would be out here to get in your way or yell at you to get off the ice.

“Cmon Y/n/n, it's better out here” Jay said while attempting to slide farther out to the lake. 

“I don’t know Jay, I kinda wanna stay over here. That way I get off easier than struggling to get off if I'm way over there.” you shrugged.

“Alright then, me and will be over there if you need us' ' He pointed towards the middle of the lake.

“Alright, I’m just gonna slide around.” You shivered. Maybe I should work more layers. You thought to yourself.

After a while you got bored and decided to go over to Will and Jay who were “fighting” over who got the better hockey stick.

Will pulled out his phone and checked the time. “Guys it’s 11 o'clock, she should head home now, if we all get a cold moms gonna know that we went outside without asking her, especially if Y/n gets sick”

“But I'm getting good at hockey,” you whined.

Will and Jay just have you that look. “Alright alright let’s go” You caved.

Because your brothers were better on ice than you were, they went up ahead of you. 

“GUYS! I'M NOT AS FAST AS YOU SLOW DO-“ Before you could finish your sentence a loud Crack interrupted you.

That made the two Halstead brothers come to a halt and turn around to you. “No,” Jay whispered. “Y/n don’t move, just stay still we’ll come to you”

Before you could say anything the Ice broke.

Jays pov:

“Y/N, SHIT NO” I screamed, my little sister just fell through the ice.

Me and Will immediately slide over to where she fell in and I immediately throw my whole arm in the freezing water to see if I can feel Y/n

“Give me your other arm so I can pull you once you get her!” Will shouts.

“Once I touch something that feels semi to a human arm I pull. I can tell it’s Y/n because once I pull I feel a bit of weight. 

“PULL WILL, PULL” 

Once we were towards the edge of the Lake I pick y/n up bridal style and rushed over to land.

“Put her down here.” Will says. 

“What the hell do we do?” I cry

“She’s not breathing, Jay, you need to run back to the house and call someone” Wills is studying medicine so he knows a couple of things about what to do in a life or death situation.

“WHO DO I CALL?” I shout

“I DO GIVE A FUCK, CALL 9-1-1 AND HURRY”

My body moves into autopilot as I’m running through the forest making sure I don’t trip on any rocks or roots. 

My legs are burning and I can’t breathe but I can’t stop, if I stop Y/ns gonna die and it’ll be all my fault.

As I reach the house I punch in the code to the door and run upstairs to my bedroom. 

I basically almost threw my  phone into the air while trying to pick it up.

“9-1-1 what’s your emergency?”

“It’s -it’s my sister, she fell into the lake and I don’t know if she’s breathing”

“Check if she has a pulse”

“My older brother is with her at the lake, he-he's studying medicine so he knows what he’s doing”

“What’s your name sweetheart?”

“Uhh jay, my names Jay”

“Alright Jay, How old is your sister and how long was she under water for?”

“I don’t- 5 minutes maybe, and her name is Y/n, but we all call her Y/n/n. I don't know what I’m gonna tell my mom, that my littler sister died because we didn’t listen to her?” I’m panicking.

“Jay, I’m gonna need you to take a deep breath, I have help coming on the way right now”

How did she get my location? I didn’t even tell her.

***

The paramedics arrived and Jay led them to the lake where Will was with you. 

Will did successfully get you back but you were still unconscious. 

Why didn’t we just listen?

***

“15 Year old Female Y/n Halstead, Hypothermia after falling through ice, Was unconscious on site and Has a history of Heart issues.” The paramedic listed off all the things

(Ik that Grey's anatomy is in Seattle but because the show is so old let’s just pretend that this happened with them, it’s been awhile since I’ve watched it so if I make mistakes Woops)

“Alright,on my count if we move her. 1…2…3”Alex said.

Alex looked you over and started telling Jo things to do. “I want a head Ct, Keep me updated on her temperature and get me Derek for a consult.” Jo nodded.

Jay and Will followed Dr. Karev outside. “Is she gonna be ok?” Jay asked.

“She’s not out of the woods yet, but we won’t know more until she wakes up which will be a couple of hours” 

***

“Jay Halstead and Will Halstead” A stern voice called to them that made them Gulp.

“What in the world happened, and why did the Atwater’s call me and say that something happened on the lake and I needed to come home?” Your Mom stoked with her hands on her hips.

Jay and Will glanced at each other and knew they had no way out of this so they just decided to tell the truth and get it over with.

“I have told you guys time and time again not to play on that lake during the winter,

If you want to go ice skating go to the bigger one. Y/n has been punished enough, and as for you too, just until we get home, me and your father Will real with you. Do you understand?”

“Yes mom,” The boys said together.

“Alright, either the Atwater’s or the Uptons are going to pick you guys up and take you home. I will stay here with your sister, your father should be at home by now”

“But mom-“ Jay said. “No buts, wait here”

***

It had been a couple of weeks since the incident and A lot had happened. 

You were on the News, people came to your school and spoke about Ice safety. Jay and Will were indeed grounded but only for two weeks. The lake was now closed off while they were still doing an investigation. Which you didn’t understand why because it’s not like anything else happened but it was whatever.

“Y/n hurry up you’re going to miss the bus!” Jay shouted from downstairs.

“HOLD ON IM COMING” You grabbed your backpack and ran down the stairs.

After getting all your stuff in your backpack you got all your stuff ready to walk to the bus stop.

“Alright, what’s the rules?” Will questioned you.

“No wandering off to the other lake, don’t take off my jackets unless I really need to and don’t get anything that will drop my body temperature” 

“Good.”

“Do you still have to put my hat and Jacket on for me? I’m 15 years old.”

“Because of recent events and mom being gone and I’m going to leave soon I need to make sure you're ok, plus your body temperature is still not to its normal temp yet so layers it is.” You rolled your eyes at what would be said.

“I will pick you up for your doctor's appointment maybe 30 minutes before school ends, and Jay will drop your lunch off at the front office” Will said as he started walking at the door. 

“Bye will see you later” 

Once Will was gone, you ate the last of your waffles and grabbed your hot chocolate or what Jays calls “Jay's famous Hot chocolate” but it tasted like any other drink.

***

“I miss having you out on the lake by the middle school” Your friend Ellie said.

“Me too, but ever since my mom died Will and Jay have been strict on what I can do since my dad won’t really do much and they're trying to get me to learn stuff before Will leaves for New York and Jay leaves to serve” You shrugged.

“But I did convince Jay to get you some fries and nuggets” You laughed 

“You are literally the best, I really didn’t feel like spending all my money in my account today” Yeah the school food was expensive but it’s because you guys had fast food restaurants in your cafeteria so I guess it made sense.

***

“Hey Nugget” Will greeted you as you got into the car.

“Hi Will, can we please get McDonald’s after my appointment?” 

“Sure, where’s Jay? I told him he could get out of school early since he has a free period this week.”

“He said he wanted to stay at school, so he’s probably just walking around the hallways or doing whatever Jay does” You shrugged.

You thought about it for a while, your life was somewhat falling apart. Will was leaving for New York. Jay was getting deployed so you weren’t gonna see him. And your mom was gone so all you had left was your Dad, and your dad wasn’t the best person now since your dad died.

“Hey Will?”You broke the silence 

“Yeah Nugget?” 

“I’m- I’m gonna miss you when you leave” Here comes the water works.

“Me too Y/n me too”

Life from now on was going to be way different for you , and everyone around you knew that. You were going to get through it and it was going to be Ok. Right?

Well that’s at least what you thought…

[figureskatingcostumes]

Yuka Orihara and Juho Pirinen's Chicago costumes at the 2024 European Championships and 2023 Grand Prix of Espoo.

These costumes were by Mu-Costume design.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3 and 4)

[chelseajackarmy]

[rossmalik]

Girl at the ice rink, December 2024

[aflawedfashion]

This is the first time I've seen Kaori's Chicago program and I heard people didn't like it, and I thought it couldn't be that bad, but I have to admit, I don't love it

[pirihara]

I think I love the pirihara free dance for this season after all

[cljordan-imperium]

Dimitri and Colt can not say "No" to Abb's infectious winter spark and joy. From helping her Christmas shop, to walking through Millennium Park to see all the lights, to even donning ice skates, they obediently tag along on all her winter adventures through the city. While Dimitri would NEVER admit it, and Colt would be reticent to, they actually enjoy it just as much as she does.

@bendingthelaws

@blind-the-winds @saltysupercomputer @ceph-the-ghost-writer @pheita @writingmaidenwarrior @dreaminggoblin @thebejeweledwatercat @outpost51 @late-to-the-fandom @toribookworm22

[garylshum]

12/13/21

[raisingkidsinchicago]

Kickoff the Holiday Season in Chicago: Weekend Events November 15-17

 Juliana Yeager  Photo by Brandon Tucker/Lincoln Park Zoo Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo Celebrate a landmark year for Chicagoland’s beloved holiday tradition, where dazzling new artistic displays and interactive experiences are set to captivate visitors. ZooLights returns with over 3 million sparkling lights, including hundreds of vibrant LED installations and a range of festive seasonal…

[paladin--strait]

bad dream

tiny skates au

connor comforts nate during a bad dream.

-

• connor's pov

as usual, i lay in y/n's bed, her soft snores filling the room. the thunder outside booms, the flash of lightning filling the room through the window. it's a short moment later when i hear the patter of feet running down the hall. my head lifts as the door creaks open, nate's head peaking in. i stand and walk over to him, walking in the hallway and shutting the door behind me.

"hey bud. you okay?" i ask quietly, bending down to his level. "did the thunder wake you?"

his head shakes, "no, i had a bad dream." he says, looking up at me.

"come on, let's get you some water." i stand, taking his hand. i lead him to the kitchen, helping him get on the tall chair that sits under the bar. "you wanna talk about it?" i ask softly, filling a cup with water.

he's quiet as i fill the cup, the sound of running water filling the kitchen. i look over at him, he has a sad look on his face. it breaks my heart to see him looking so sad, he's always been such a happy boy and i hate when he has nightmares.

he's quiet for a moment before he speaks, "you left momma and i...we were all alone and momma was very sad..." he says, looking down at the stuffed hockey puck jellycat that i bought him for his birthday.

i set the glass of water down infront of him and take a seat beside him. "well, i can assure you that won't happen. i won't leave you and your mom, i love her very much." i reassure him. "and i haven't even told your mom that i love her yet. so shh...don't tell her."

a smile graces his face, that happy laugh that he has filling the room, quiet not to wake his mom. "you love my momma?" to which i answer with a nod. "are you gonna marry her?"

his question catches me a bit off guard, but i answer nonetheless. "i want to. your mom is a very kind and sweet woman. she's also very beautiful. she's everything i could ever ask for. and if we do get married, i'll be lucky to have such an awesome son like you."

nate laughs a little more, before climbing onto my lap and hugging me tight. i smile softly, rubbing his back. a few moments later, i hear the sound of his stuffed animal hitting the floor, his breathing slowing. i wait a bit before i stand, careful not to wake him, and walk him to his room.

i kick open his door a little further, trudging over to his bed and setting him down, pulling the covers over his body. i press a gentle kiss to his head, walking back to the kitchen.

i put the glass of water in the fridge for him in the morning, and pick up the stuffed hockey puck. i walk it back to his room and put it on his bed beside him, walking out and shutting the door quietly.

i walk back to y/n's room, shutting the door behind me quietly and getting back in the bed. i pull her close, the sound of thunder still booming outside.

-

i wake up to the smell of bacon and the sound of laughter. i sit up in bed, walking to the kitchen. y/n and nate are cooking breakfast, laughing and stirring things in pots and pans. nate has been loving to cook recently, even though he's only five.

"good morning." i say happily, walking further into the kitchen. "how are my two favorite people doing this morning?"

y/n turns to look at me with a smile, and nate comes running to me. i pick him up in a hug, his laugh ringing through the kitchen. but it all goes silent at the next words he says. "morning dad!"

i go silent, looking at him. i hear the clatter of a spoon dropping to the floor, y/n looking over at us in shock. nate's laughter stops and he looks at my surprised expression. "i'm sorry..." he whispers, his lip beginning to wobble.

"oh no buddy, don't be sorry!" i say, rubbing his back softly. "i was just surprised is all. i would love it if you wanna call me dad." i smile down at him, looking over at y/n.

her hand is over her mouth, covering her smile. she's crying a little too, walking over to us. her next words make me smile wider, "how about we let go of dad and we serve him this delicious breakfast we made?"

nate smiles and leaps out of my arms, running over to the counter and grabbing a plate of fruit. i look over at y/n, wrapping my arms around her waist. she looks up at me with a happy smile.

her arms wrap around my neck, pecking my lips. "morning, dad." she laughs, looking at me.

"morning, mom" i laugh, poking her cheek softly, something that always has her breaking out into a fit of happy giggles. we walk over to the table to eat our breakfast, all together as one happy family.

-

my bag is slung over my shoulder for practice as i slip on my shoes. y/n walks over to me, a frown on her face. i set down my bag, hugging her tight. "please be careful at practice today, i don't want you getting hurt again."

"i will, i promise." i smile as she lets me go, allowing me to grab my bag. "i'll be home before you know it. you wanted me to bring home dinner, right?"

she nods, "yeah, nate got really good grades last month so i wanted to reward him a little bit. can you go to that place he really likes? i can place the order online and all you'll have to do is pick it up."

i nod, walking with her to the door. the apartment is quiet since nate is at school. "sounds good to me. i'll see you later, i love you." i smile, kissing her lips softly.

her eyes widen in shock, "connor...you love me?" she asks, dumbfounded at my words. i nod with a grin, "i love you too."

her words make me smile impossibly bigger, the biggest smile i've ever shown. she bids me a sad goodbye, waving as i leave for practice. i'm glad she feels the same way i do, otherwise i think i would've felt like an idiot.

but i couldn't be happier with my little family. even though y/n and i are still young, we deserve love and happiness too.

[tumble-tv]

ICE raids are happening.

Any immigrants, no matter how long you have been a citizen of the USA, is at risk of being deported either out of the country as a whole or into what are basically concentration camps. Raids starting in Chicago, Illinois. and spreading to other major cities with high POC and Hispanic populations. The US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have started raiding homes and families in California.

There are no "protected locations" as of January 21, 2025. Hospitals, schools, and churches are all at risk of being raided, where before these places were deemed safe and off limits to raids.

When it comes to spotting an ICE agent, look for these:

Weirdly neat/well kept hair (shaved heads, side parts, military burs for men; low buns, high ponytails, close cropped bobs for women)

Oversized jacket (long and bulky outerwear makes it easier to hide tools/equipment without being suspicious)

Both hands in pockets

Many undercover agents/cops buy cheap plain clothes off the racks so they aren’t seen in their own clothes. This can make their outfit seem awkward

Sweatshirts with the hood up

Sports apparel (warm up jacket, sweats, etc) with non-sports clothes (jeans, cargo shorts)

Cargo pants/shorts (usually full of items like their badge, flashlight, taser, pepper spray, backup handcuffs, zip ties)

Military or hiking style boots, sometimes chunky sneakers (extra points if none of it matches anything in their outfit)

Outline of a gun in their pants/shirt (easy to see when bending, leaning, or raising arms) (NO NOT SAY ANYTHING)

Overly friendly

Overly inquisitive

“How old are you” and “what do you know about this happening” are both red flags, along with generally odd and personal questions

Don’t fit in

Mismatched pairs in public spaces (usually cops do these things in pairs. They don’t talk to each other or acknowledge each other much, if at all)

DO NOT SAY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU ARE 100% SURE

YOUR BEST BET IS NOT TO SAY ANYTHING UNTIL THE SUSPECT STARTS ACTING OFF AND GETTING PUSHY

COPS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO TELL YOU THAT THEY ARE UNDERCOVER

COPS CAN AND WILL LIE TO YOU

SCREAM ���LA MIGRA” AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS

For protesting:

N95 masks

Respirator/gas mask if you have access to one

Water water water water water (I hate to say it, but disposable one use bottles are best here. If it comes to it, you need to be able to drop and run.) Use for flushing wounds, flushing eyes of tear gas, and of course drinking.

Snacks! You'll be doing a lot of walking and/or running and need to keep that energy up. Trail mix, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, crackers, jerky/meat sticks, fruit snacks, candy, etc. Think of it like packing your lunchbox for a field trip.

Eyedrops (teargas is a bitch)

Goggles (I bring my old snowboarding goggles)

If you are wearing a t-shirt or have exposed skin, put on fake/temporary tattoos. If you are brought into something and they say you were there, showing a picture of you with the tattoos, show them where that tattoo would be and how there’s nothing there. How would you get rid of a giant flower on your forearm in 2 days anyways?

Wigs fall under the same category as tattoos. The person they're claiming to be you has a blonde bob and you have green hair past your shoulders.It also makes it possible to go with a completely different color without the use of hair dye. This means if they try to arrest you later and try to prove it was you by taking your hair and testing for dye, it won't come back the way they hope. (Thank you @violetrosepetals for this addition!)

Hide your hair. I tuck my hair into my beanie since it’s short. If you have longer hair, try to do the same or tuck it into your shirt. Balaclavas are also a good choice, as they cover both your face and hair.

Power bank

Chargers

Helmet. Any is fine, my personal choice is a skating helmet since they’re rounder and can take more damage, but tactical is also good

Hand sanitizer

Gloves with hard knuckles (tactical gloves). These pack a good punch even if you don't have the correct form. Don't have those? Wrist guards for roller skating/skateboarding work kinda like that too. More of a slapping motion, but still hurt like a bitch. Extra points if they're all scuffed up from use and falls.

Bandanas. Somebody might need one for their face or hair, maybe you need to get dirt off somebody’s face, maybe somebody got injured. They’re great for anything and everything.

Cash (try to stick to cash, your card can be tracked)

Medications if you take them. If you get arrested or happen to somehow be away for longer than expected after the protest, it’s always good to have emergency meds

FIRST AID ALL THE FIRST AID (Tourniquet, Quikclot, chest seal, trauma shears, gauze, bandages, duct tape, and all the usual stuff you’d have in there)

Good shoes. Boots and sneakers are your best choices. Not heels, not platforms, not sandals. Good boots or shoes that won't come off your feet too easily when you run. Steel toed shoes are a great option. Your toes won't be squashed, but also it'll hurt someone a lot more if you start kicking.

Spare socks. Trust me. You can use them to stop bleeding if it comes to it, but also you can put rocks in there and boom weapon. Also if the socks you're wearing get wet.

As much covering clothing as you can handle. Plain jeans, plain hoodie, plain t-shirt, keep yourself as anonymous as possible. Black and baggy is best.

Photocopy of your ID, not your real one.

Sunscreen!

Make sure your clothes have pockets, even if you have a bag. You want everything to be easily accessible.

Do not wear contact lenses. If tear gas is used, that will make everything so much worse. Wear your glasses or go blind. If you have overly unique or identifiable frames, goggles are your friend here. Get some goggles that will fit over your frames, preferably ones that are tinted.

If you use mobility aids, cover defining features. Logos, brand names, colors, stickers, all of it. Take some old plain t-shirt and tie it around your wheelchair’s backrest. Wrap your wheelchair frame in cling wrap, then duct tape, or plain black self adhering medical tape. Cover stickers on your cane or crutches the same way. Electric chair? You have a little more work, but you can do it. Wrap it up. Same idea. Walker? Same thing. Cover. It. All.

If you are bringing a bag, make sure that bag is as plain as possible. No pins. No patches. No keychains. Except maybe a pride flag so people know which team you're playing on.

Scarf or keffiyeh if you have one. They have many uses!

Write a reliable phone number (of someone who is not at the protest with you) on your body. On the off chance you get arrested, that is your emergency contact.

Pocket knife.

Pepper spray/mace/bear spray

if you get tear gassed, shake around first before using water. Most tear gas is more of a powder and water has a high likelihood of just spreading it around. (Thank you @actually-a-bread-loaf for this addition!)

Tennis rackets also work wonderfully for chucking tear gas canisters back at those throwing them. Anybody asks, you're going out to play tennis with friends later. Baseball bats also work! (Thank you @azul-nova-24 for this addition!)

Anything you can throw. Soup for my family.

IF YOU CAN, LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME

IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT WITH YOU, TURN OFF LOCATION SERVICES ON ALL APPS AND TURN OFF BIOMETRICS (FACE ID AND FINGERPRINT) SO YOU CAN ONLY UNLOCK YOUR PHONE WITH YOUR PASSWORD

COPS CAN FORCE YOU TO OPEN YOUR PHONE WITH YOUR FINGERPRINT OR FACE ID

MAKE SURE SOMEBODY KNOWS GENERALLY WHERE YOU ARE

If you see a potential or active raid, take pictures and note the time and location. Post online if you can, as well.

You have the right to remain silent. State that you wish to remain silent. Avoid giving information about anybody's immigration status. You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking to an attorney. You have the right to refuse searches of your car, your home, and yourself. Schools do not collect a child's immigration status.

I do not want to scare anybody, but this is what life is right now. That man does not care how long you have been a citizen of this country. If you are not a white, cisgender, heterosexual, Christian male, you are seen as less than by men in power. You are not less than. You are a threat to them, and they are scared. Keep it that way.

Even if you're not currently protesting, it's good to know this just in case. Things are happening very quickly, and there is a very high chance of it changing very quickly within the next four years.

Here's the link to my post on what to bring in terms of first aid.

If you cannot attend protests, that’s fine. Do what’s best for you. Even just reposting information helps.

This is an updated version of this post,

Updated January 27, 2025.

[figureskatingcostumes]

Maxine Weatherby and Temirlan Yerzhanov competing in the 2020 Four Continents Championships.

(Photo by dara122)

[starfirebird]

As a figure skater it's always interesting to read fics with figure skating scenes, especially when it has nothing to do with the fandom or main theme of the fic. Honorable mention to Victoria (Twilight)'s "axel spins," as well as to the scene I just read in which Dave (Homestuck) Ice Princesses his way to doing what I think, based on the reasonably accurate description, was a loop jump.

[starkidmunson]

glitter & crimson

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

“Marry.”

“What?”

“Marry. He’s hot, I’m not gonna kill him.”

“Eddie, we’re not playing FMK; you’re supposed to be telling me his name.”

“Oh. That’s…. Joe Jonas.”

“…he’s literally from Hawkins. And he’s holding a hockey stick.”

“Nobody from Hawkins is that hot, man, no way.”

~~~

Gareth posts the clip to his personal TikTok. Before he can get around to reposting it on Corroded Coffin’s band account, it has more than 100k views. Things only spiral from there, because once the band shares it, the video goes more viral and ends up on the screens of the right people.

chiblkhwks: harrington94 is social media challenged, but we’re going to make sure he sees this. Will keep you posted.

The comment is immediately overshadowed by a busy day of PR. A photoshoot to an interview to a radio show to the green room at the Fillmore in Boston, before an intimate pre-album release show for members of their fan club. Eddie has completely forgotten about the video entirely, but Gareth’s phone pings with a text notification.

“A response has been issued!” He declares to the room, still grinning down at the screen of his phone.

The rest of the band shares a collectively confused look, all seeming pleased to find they’re not alone in whatever they’ve missed.

“What?” Jeff asks for the group.

In lieu of an explanation, Gareth just flips the phone in his hand around to show a TikTok, stitched with the clip they’d made earlier that morning.

~~~

“Marry. He’s hot, I’m not gonna kill him.”

#Stitch

“Is… is that supposed to be a compliment?” Steve asks, making a pinched face as he laces up his skates.

“You watched the whole video. He compared you to Joe Jonas.” The girl behind the camera responds, but he levels her with an unimpressed look. She doesn’t respond, and after a beat, he sighs.

“Yeah, alright, I guess Joe Jonas is hot. I’ll take the compliment.” He huffs, standing to his feet and moving from the bench he’d been suiting up on toward the ice. The girl follows him, gliding toward the net once they're in the rink, never falling out of pace with him.

“Do you know who it is talking in the video?” She presses, and Steve looks unimpressed again.

“You mean the other hot guy?” He asks with a grin, then nods. “That was Eddie. I’m surprised you don’t know him, the Party listens to Corroded Coffin all the time.”

The video loops back to the stitched clip from Gareth’s initial TikTok then. Everyone in the room processes what just unfolded.

“The Party? Did… did Steve Harrington just make a reference to DnD? Or is that some sports thing I dont understand?” Jeff asks.

Freak raises his hand, indicating he’s next to speak. “Not only that, but his nerdy DnD friends listen to us all the time?”

“Did King Steve call Joe Jonas hot?” Eddie asks, visibly still trying to connect the wires in his brain that fried at Steve’s agreement. “Did he call me hot?”

All three turn toward Eddie, whose face is still reflecting the long form math equation his brain is trying to work out, and Jeff sighs.

“Well, boys. I think we’ve officially lost him.” He says, bowing his head. Freak and Gareth join him solemnly, making Eddie huff and cross his arms over his chest.

“You’re all so dramatic.”

“Gee, I wonder who encouraged us to be this way,” Freak exaggerates through a grin, before shoving a guitar into Eddie’s chest, just in time for Paige to open the door and summon them.

“We can have a meltdown over Harrington after the gig,” Gareth promises with a pat to Eddie’s back as everyone moves around him, exiting the green room and heading for the stage.

~~~

Riding his post-show high, Eddie makes a bold move in the CC band TikTok, commenting under the video Steve had stitched.

corrodedcoff!n: we’ll be in chicago 1/26 if harrington94 and ‘the party’ are free 🎫

He only gets about 20 minutes of peace before Gareth is jumping around, proclaiming himself the greatest wingman in history.

“It’s an offer for free concert tickets made over social media, and he hasn’t even answered, Gare Bear.” Eddie tries to get him to relax, but he, too, is eager to see how the other reacts to the offer.

He wakes up the next morning to the answer he’d been waiting on, and his stomach flips as he reads it over.

harrington94: only if you guys come to the home game 1/27 🏒

__________

Steve doesn’t even bat an eye when Max shoves her way into the locker room, b-lining straight for him.

“Can I help you?” He asks without looking up, unhooking the padding from his calf and letting it drop to the ground in front of his locker.

“Are you using TikTok to publicly flirt with Eddie Munson?” She asks, voice quieter than he’d typically expect from her, but he just scoffs.

“I’m just being friendly! You’re the one who started this in the first place! What, you didn’t expect me to log on and check if they’d responded?” He asks in response, freeing his foot from the skate, before placing a cover over the blade and letting the boot drop into the lower shelf beside his locker.

“I’m just confused because you’ve been super weird about coming out, and now you’re out here hitting on a rockstar all over social media, that’s all.” Max says, and Steve freezes for a moment.

“Do you…” he trails off, before closing his eyes and rubbing a thumb into his temple. “You really think I just accidentally came out?”

“You called Joe Jonas and Eddie Munson hot, encouraged this rockstar to come to your game when he’s in town and also accepted tickets to see him perform, Steve.” Max was monotone, and held her hands up defensively when he groaned. “I’m not starting anything, I’m just saying that this could get blown out of proportion now.”

They discuss a little further, deciding neither of them will publicly acknowledge anything that’s been posted to the account for now, until they actually come up with a plan.

Once he’s in his car heading home, Steve calls Robin.

“Dingus,” she greets, as always, and he lets out a grumble. “Uh oh. What happened?”

“I think I accidentally came out on the internet, and it’s Eddie Munson’s fault.” He’s met with several seconds of silence as he starts his car on the path to him and Robin’s shared apartment.

“Eddie, the drug dealer from high school?” Robin eventually asks, confused, and Steve groans again.

“Yeah. He uh, also is in a band?” He supplies, and Robin’s quiet for a moment as she processes. Then, he hears the tapping of a keyboard. “What are you doing?”

“Looking Eddie up, obviously.” Steve can practically see her eye roll, even though they’re not FaceTiming. “You’re nothing if not consistent, I guess. Doe-eyed curly brunet.”

Steve scoffs. “You say as though you’re not the one currently waking up beside Nance every morning.”

He’s met again by a short silence, before Robin lets out a little puff of air, in a small laugh. “Thank you again for being so cool about that, by the way.” She says, before he hears clicking on her end. “Apparently, Eddie is out as bi. Corroded Coffin does a charity show for the Trevor Project every year, and he’s been to a lot of Pride events.”

Steve’s stomach twists with each new bit of information she provides, because a part of him wants to be that out, wants to be like Robin or apparently Eddie, freely sharing that part of themselves with the world and having no one give a shit. But that’s not how it works on so many levels for Steve. Beside the shit he’d have to deal with on the ice from certain other players, he had no idea how it would impact the team overall. There’s no way to gauge how fans would react, when there’s never been an openly gay player in the NHL. And that didn't even begin to touch on how his parents would react.

“Hey,” Robin breaks him out of his spiral and he realizes he’s been chewing a hole into his cheek. “I can hear how loud you’re thinking right now. Do you need me to come home?” She asks, gently, and he sighs.

“Please.” He mumbles after a long pause, and is grateful when he hears the jingle of car keys from the other end of the phone.

~~~

Robin scrolls through article after article once she gets to their place, pulling Steve onto the sofa with her and laying his head in her lap. Her fingers twist through his hair, doing her best to keep him calm as she reads up on the situation playing out to try and help gauge how big of a hole he’s dug himself this time.

“I don’t think there’s really anyone who thinks you were flirting with him. Not seriously, at least.” She tries to assure him, but he’d already seen the twitter posts to contradict that before she came over. He sighs and rolls onto his back, so he’s looking up at her, and shrugs.

“I kind of don’t think there’s any avoiding it, at this point.” He mumbles. “I’m not… I’m not ready to come out, not like this. Not on this scale. I think the only thing I can do is carry on and hope it doesn’t get turned into any bigger of a deal.”

Robin hums down at him, and continues to brush his hair back out of his eyes. “Okay. So you don’t come out yet. But don’t overcompensate for it, okay?” He scrunches his face up at her, and she types something into her phone before turning it back into his face. He immediately pales, met with a photo of him out with Heidi last year. With a black eye on full display, he looks miserable behind a fake smile.

“Low blow,” he grumbles, pushing himself away from Robin to sit up beside her, and she raises her eyebrow at him, still holding the photo pointed in his direction.

“‘Maybe they won’t notice or ask why my literal teammate punched me in the face at practice if I take a fucking supermodel out to dinner.’” Robin’s imitation is a little too good, a sure sign of too much time spent together.

“Hey, it worked, didn’t it!” He asks, taking the phone off of her and closing out of the image before locking it. He drops it back into her lap with a sigh. “I just don’t know how many times I can keep getting away with hiding it.”

“Well, it helps that Billy got traded out to LA. He would be insufferable about this, and would absolutely make everything 10 times worse.” Robin muses.

Steve sighs and hesitates for a moment before dropping his head back into her lap, curling into her. “I just want it to be on my terms, when I’m ready.”

“We’ll figure it out, and it’ll all be okay, no matter what. Okay?” She assures quietly, leaning down to press a kiss to his cheek.

His phone dings with a new notification; Max texted him a screenshot from TikTok.

corrodedcoff!n: you’ve got yourself a deal 🤝🏻