#matthew shut up challenge

[happyhornqvist]

the keith tk*chuk interview is literally every reason i despise that man rolled into one sound bite

[chukys-mouthguard]

please please please

“if you wanna go and be stupid, don’t do it in front of me”

featuring -> matthew tkachuk x female reader

genre -> fluff/angst

word count -> 1.4k

*not proofread

-> short n’ sweet masterlist

Surely there was no way that Matt could even think about alcohol after his multi-day bender after winning the cup. But somehow, he was knee deep in the sand, and knee deep in his fifth margarita. Jumbo margarita to be exact.

You’d begged him to pace himself, mostly concerned his body would shut down on him in protest of not being able to digest any more alcohol. But he reassured you he was good to go!

The vacation was something he’d planned spontaneously, wanting some time for just the two of you before he’d have to retire his party boy ways and get in gear for the upcoming season. Though he’d now gathered quite a reputation from fans and haters across the internet for his persona after winning the cup.

People were calling him all sorts of things, simply because he had been living his best life on cloud nine. Though you knew nothing they said was true, you were a bit unsure of how you’d deal with drunk Matt on this vacation all by yourself.

Thinking back to day three of no sleep when he thought it was a good idea to host a drunk belly flop competition at your house, only for two of his teammates to puke instantly after hitting the water. Not a fun cleanup for those involved, and Matt still won’t live that down in your heart. But this vacation was a good start to him getting back on your good side.

He’d planned a couples massage, a nice moonlit dinner on the beach, the whole nine.

“Matty, I love you.”

He smiled at you from his beach chair, the word drunk practically branded across his forehead and written in his eyes. Eliciting a chuckle from you as he simply whined, hating when you laughed at him when he’d been drinking.

“You say you love me, then you make fun. Not nice.”

“Babe, I do love you. But I also love when you’re acting goofy like this. It makes me smile, it’s not to make fun I promise.”

He just shrugged it off, reaching his hand out for yours as he closed his eyes to enjoy the moment.

“Matthew Brendan Tkachuk, if you don’t hurry up we are gonna be late.”

You scolded as he continued taking his sweet time getting out of bed. His jumbo margaritas having caught up to him and making everything difficult. A groan fell from his lips as he slid off the side of the bed, stumbling to his suitcase to look for clothes to put on.

“Babe, I laid your clothes out already. Come on! We are gonna be late!”

As much as you loved Matthew, he was getting on your last nerve. This vacation was supposed to be a turn from the crazy Stanley Cup celebrations. A chance for the two of you to have a moment for yourselves before training camp and another crazy season got underway. Matthew having told you the trip wouldn’t be consumed with drinking as he was sure his liver couldn’t handle anymore after the week long partying he’d done back home.

You should’ve listened to his dad and Brady, both of them telling you that Matt wasn’t done celebrating yet. Though you wanted to believe he’d retire the alcohol for even a few days to make the most of this trip with you.

He smiled at you with rosey cheeks as he grabbed the clothes from the dresser where you’d set them out, heading into the bathroom to quickly rinse off and get changed.

Checking your watch you knew you were at risk of missing your reservation, this dinner being something you’d looked forward to since the first day here. Matt had put so much planning into it, and soon it would be all for nothing.

“Okay hun, let’s go!”

Matthew finally emerged from the bathroom, the buttons on his shirt proving to be a challenge as none of them lined up properly, causing you to chuckle as you rushed to fix them.

“Matthew, stop it now!”

You scolded him as he was walking along a ledge of the beach, pretending he was on a balance beam at the Olympics. While it was funny at first, the wall had grown increasingly higher and you were nervous that he’d injure himself and put himself in hot water with the organization come training camp in a few weeks.

“Relax babe, m’fine! See!”

He sped up his pace as he quickly put one foot in front of the other, laughing down at you as you tried to keep up with him. Your heels in hand as you weren’t trying to break an ankle chasing down his drunk ass.

“And now for the dismount.”

He stopped in his tracks, taking a deep breath as he turned to face the sand, a concentrated look on his face as you pleaded with him to not do something stupid. Keith and Brady’s words replaying in your head have fun trying to keep him in check. You were very much hating them for ever putting those ideas into the universe right now.

“He’s going to attempt a front tuck, will he stick the landing.”

He flashed a smirk to you with a wink, ignoring your pleading for him to stop. Telling him to think about the upcoming season, training camp, the team would kill him if he ended up with a season ending injury because he was drunk in Mexico pretending to be an Olympic gymnast.

But Matthew surely didn’t listen, attempting his flip only to fail miserably. His groans immediately sobering you up from any drop of alcohol you’d had, though nothing compared to him.

“Matt, are you okay!”

He rolled in the sand grabbing at his shoulder as he groaned, and your fears had come true. A torn ligament, broken bone, surgery, his season would be in jeopardy.

“Matt, come on tell me what’s wrong?”

His groans soon turned to chuckles as he smiled at you, your concern immediately turning to anger as you smacked his arm.

“Are you fucking kidding? What the fuck is wrong with you! Get yourself back to the hotel, I’m done.”

He quickly realized his joke was nothing but, running after you and stopping you in your tracks. His hands were holding tight to yours as he frantically apologized.

“Baby I’m sorry, okay, it wasn’t funny. You’ve just been so stressed and worried about me all trip, I thought you needed a good laugh.”

“So you pretend to fucking get hurt? Everyone told me this trip would be me baby sitting and got were they right! You promised this was a trip for us, to relax after the hype of the Cup celebrations. But here we are with you drunk everyday once again. I should’ve known this would turn into a multi day binge for you.”

You rolled your eyes as you pushed past him. Matthew cursing himself for fucking up this trip, one that he’d planned and promised to be anything like the last month or so. And yet he’d fallen short, living up to the expectations of everyone that told you that he’d not give up the partying.

“Baby please, okay I’m sorry. Please stop.”

Matt stood in front of you, his hands caressing your face as he tried his best to apologize.

“You’re right, I promised this vacation was for us. And I ruined that by getting so drunk. And that joke wasn’t funny, I know you’re just worried about me doing something stupid. Which, I fucked that up. Clearly. But, please don’t be mad at me. Let me fix this!”

You tried your best to keep your stern look and be mad at him, but as he peppered your face with kisses. Moving to your neck before he picked you up and spun you around, earning a laugh from you and knowing he’d won you over.

“See, I knew you couldn’t be mad at me for long!”

Rolling your eyes you kissed him back, running your hands through his curls as you sarcastically smiled up at him.

“Well I’m still mad, but if you promise to not do any more stupid drunk shit like that, maybe I’ll forgive you.”

He nodded his head, stealing another kiss before he started walking towards the water with you in his arms.

“Matthew, what are you doing? This feels like another stupid drunk thing!”

The closer the two of you got to the water the more you fought his grip, knowing he was planning to take you for a swim. Matthew laughed at you as his arms held tighter to you, ready to dunk the two of you into the ocean despite your pleading for him to stop and turn back.

“No, no babe, it’s not I promise. The water will help sober me up quick! But they say night swimming is dangerous alone, I’ve seen plenty of research studies!”

[the-thing-withfeathers]

Could you please write JJ x reader smut where the reader is new to the team and disrespects/talks back to JJ in a meeting so after it JJ puts the reader in her place!

talking back

a/n: ugh i was sooo happy to get a request for jj!! the loml, i love her so much. thank you sm for sending this in. i tried to make it as steaaamy as possible 😫

pairing: dom!jennifer jareau x sub!reader

warnings: SMUT!! use of vibrator from jj, handcuffs, spanking, hair-pulling cursing, degradation. names used in this are fully fictional & randomly generated!

•*¨*•.¸¸♪

“okay.” emily started, walking into the bullpen. “we have a case.” she said, making a beeline for the briefing room

the rest of you rose from your chairs and followed suit. you followed everyone else since it was your first week at the BAU. you had worked the entire week basically shadowing the team but also being shown around quantico. you hadn’t actually worked a proper case with them yet.

you mainly shadowed agent jennifer jareau. you found her incredibly captivating while she worked. she was beautiful but also had an intensity to her that made her good at her job. she had an intelligent mind and a presence that was hard to miss. it was endearing, you even found yourself having a little work crush on her.

you walked into the briefing room, taking a seat in between luke and jj. penelope handed out the case files to each of you, showing excitement when she handed you yours.

“baby’s first case!” she commented in a cheery tone, she then pressed a button on her remote. the juxtaposition of her cheery tone to the gruesome pictures on the screen was almost comical.

you eyed the dead body on the screen.

“joseph tiller. found dead in an alleyway with wings carved across his back.” she said, “killed in the same way as victoria barley and matthew camrey.” penelope flicked through the photos.

“the wings carved on the back is an interesting MO.” emily noted, pointing to the wings and tracing them on the screen.

“bird wings?” jj chimed in.

“angel wings.” you cut in as well, a little bit more firm than her. you were only trying to be helpful.

“they look too sharp to be angel wings. it could be a sign of predator and prey, they look like wings from smaller birds.” she said, countering you.

“these victims seem like really geniune people.” you said, flicking through the file. “i think they’re angel wings. it could be a sign of resentment, like the unsub didn’t want to kill them and he acknowledges that they’re good people. but he just couldn’t help themselves.” you looked over at jj, trying to read her face. her clenched jaw showed that she wasn’t very happy with her opinion being challenged. she was usually fine with it when it came from others— but you figured it was just cause you were new.

“you’ve barely been here a week, sweetheart. you can’t know that for sure.” jj retaliated, you went quiet.

“my opinion is just as valid as yours, agent jareau.” you scoffed, crossing your arms.

“wrong opinions get you killed in this line of work.” she shook her head, glaring at you.

the room fell silent, everyone’s eyes were on the two of you.

“like you’ve never had a wrong opinion before? i find that hard to believe.” you snapped back at her. “nobody’s perfect, jareau.” you huffed.

“oh you—“ jj started.

“i think you both have points.” emily cut in to stop you two from fighting. “we can explore both options, one of them is bound to lead us to the right guy.”

you two slumped into your chairs. you didn’t want to mess with emily, you quieted down and just waited for further instructions. emily briefed all of you on your assignments for when you landed.

“wheels up in 30.”

you stood up, stepping out of the briefing room. before you could even make your way back to the bullpen, jj grabbed your arm and dragged you into her old office.

“who taught you to speak to people with that mouth?” she snapped at you while throwing you into the room and shutting the door behind her.

“what? jj, you seriously can’t be upset about what happened in the briefing room?” you asked in disbelief. you leaned against her desk with your arms across your chest.

“i’m upset. who told you it was okay to talk back?” she asked, stepping forward until she was in front of you.

“jj— come on, we have to get ready.” you said, trying to stand up straight but her stature blocked you from doing so. she suddenly grabbed your face in her hand, her fingers pressing at your cheeks.

“you deserve to be punished for how you talked to me.” she spat out. “you need to be put in your place.”

you would be lying if you said this wasn’t turning you on. you found jj beautiful, you had only seen her in a work setting. this newly sought out dominance only made her more attractive to you.

you tried to get some words out but jj squeezed your face harder, restricting you from saying anything. you let out a helpless whine instead.

“good. you sound so… weak. that’s good. you’re starting to know what you truly are.” she pulled you forward by your face and turned you around, bending you over the desk. she pulled open a drawer that was beside your leg, you heard chains clanking against each other.

oh no.

you felt handcuffs lock around your wrists as she pulled your hands behind your back. you pulled against them at first, trying to get them off.

“no. be good.” she scolded you. she pulled your pants & panties down until they bunched up around your legs. “i’m gonna need you to count, honey.” she said, the kind nickname shocking you a bit.

“count what?—“ smack. “ow! fuck!” you cried out. jj had delivered a slap to your ass, it wasn’t gentle to even start with, she released a lot of tension with it.

“count.”

smack.

“one!” you yelped out.

smack.

“fuck! two!” your hands were trying to reach for anything to hold on to. the pain was mixed with pleasure as you caught a glimpse of how hot jj looked when she was angry. your arousal started to wash over you, sending a wetness to your core.

smack!

“three!” you yelled. you were unsure if people could hear you at this point, jj didn’t seem to care. her jaw clenched and her eyes were filled with rage and lust at the same time.

smack!

“four!” you started getting used to the feeling but it was still pretty unbearable. “i’m sorry!” you tried apologising, hoping that maybe she’d stop and give you some more pleasure for once.

“i’m sorry just won’t cut it.” she muttered, swinging her hand back down.

smack!

“five! please.” you begged, tears forming in your eyes. your arousal started dripping down your legs.

smack!

“six!” you breathed out. you needed to be touched. the cool air coming in through the office air conditioner was hitting your core, sending goosebumps up your legs.

that was the last of it, jj pulled away and went into another drawer. she tinkered with something in her hand and you started to hear a light buzz.

you gasped when a vibration hit your wet cunt and moved around your clit.

how did jj manage to hide all of this?!

she started to move the vibrator up and down your slit. it moved easily with how wet you were.

“god, you’re so embarrassing. i was hurting you and you were still so turned on by me.” she laughed softly, teasing you.

you wanted to retaliate and tease back but you knew she’d probably deprive you more. you layed there and took it. you were moaning softly with each time the vibrator would hit your clit, gripping onto the chains holding the handcuffs together.

she suddenly pressed the vibrator hard against your clit, your knees immediately giving out as you dropped. your upper half on the table helped keep you up but jj didn’t care if your knees couldn’t hold you any longer, she continued to use the toy on you.

you felt your orgasm build quickly, your moans started to get heavier and your body tensed up.

she grabbed a fistful of your hair and pulled your head up, your face lifting off the desk.

“i don’t care how long we take. you’re only gonna cum for me when i want you to.” she whispered into your ear. she pulled the vibrator away suddenly, you whined at the sudden stop.

“jj, please. i wanna cum for you.” you tried to turn and look at her.

“hearing you beg is cute, but it won’t work.” she said, she lined the vibrator up with your hole, gently pushing it in and pumping it into you.

“ah! fuck… jj, feels… feels so fucking good.” you said between moans. she dragged the vibrator up to your clit when it would pump out, then drag it back straight into your hole.

your hair was still pulled back, your back creating an arch. jj stood directly behind you and started kissing your neck, leaving bite marks that you hissed at. your eyes rolled so far back, you might’ve seen your skull.

“mmph, jj…” you moaned out her name. “won’t… won’t talk back again.” you forced out. you were so fucked out that you’d tell her anything just so you could cum.

“good girl… such a good girl.” she chuckled, pleased with her work. this was getting her off too, she was turned on by how easily you were weak for her. she had been waiting to do this with you ever since you started shadowing her.

“okay baby, you can cum.” she said, nodding in approval.

that was all you needed to release all over the toy, your cum dripping down onto the floor of her old office. you cried out her name as you came, you grinded ever so slightly against the vibrator but she quickly pulled it away, using her fingers to help you ride out the high.

she undid the handcuffs as you heard the team start to walk around and grab their go-bags. you tried to stand straight back up to pull your pants up but your legs gave out again. jj chuckled as she helped you stand upright.

“that should teach you your lesson.” she said, proud of herself.

[seokmattchuus]

ZB1 Reaction to you moaning another member's name

A/n: Post two of two for the day. Hope it doesn't suck as much as I think it does 💀 (If you remember this being posted way back when it's because either tumblr wants me dead, or I imagined scheduling it bc the delulu has rotted my brain.)

-

Jiwoong: *His brow can't help but twitch when you whimper out Hanbin's name, but he's quick to shut it down.*

"He could come and look," He started, his hand coming up to make you look at him. "But he can't touch."

Hao: *Slightly offended when you say Taerae's name but can see the similarities between the both of them and gets a little cocky.*

"What a princess." He let out a light chuckle. "Just looking to be spoiled, aren't you?"

Hanbin: *Freezes when you moan out Jiwoong's name and can't help but feel just a tad bit jealous.*

"Am I too gentle?" He gave a playful pout. "You want him to come over and manhandle you?"

Matthew: *Isn't even fazed when you say Ricky's name, his mind going in a completely different direction that you thought.*

"I could speak French while he speaks Mandarin." He let out an amused scoff. "Ruin you in languages you don't even understand."

Taerae: *When Gyuvin's name of all people fell from your lips, he couldn't help but chuckle.*

"I can call him if you want." He challenged. "He's not as inexperienced as you'd think."

Ricky: *Amused when Matthew's name reaches his ears, a dark smirk forming on his lips.*

"You just love pretty boys, don't you, baby?" He smirked up at you. "Could you even handle the both of us?"

Gyuvin: *Horrendously jealous when Hao's name falls off your lips, but makes it clear where he stands on it.*

"Yeah? You want him to sit and watch?" He said between neck kisses. "Because you're delusional if you think I'd let him touch you."

[sc0tters]

Flights and Fights | Matthew Tkachuk

summary: after a week of radio silence Matthew wants to show you how much he missed you.

request: yes/no

warnings: sexual themes, oral (fem receiving), p in v, swearing.

word count: 1.94k

author note: okay so soft couple sex is officially not my thing. But this was actually sort of cute. Let’s keep Matty requests to a minimum though until he learns how to use his mouthguard 🫶

This week was rough on the both of you.

It was stupid but after the fight you two had just before his week long road trip started. Usually you two would have communicated during his time away but you were both stubborn and swore that the other was wrong. You had a business trip to Kenya coming up in July and wanted your boyfriend to come with you. But Matthew wanted to stay home and spend that week at his families lake house, when neither one of you backed down it caused the biggest fight of your three year relationship to come out with Matthew walking out of the front door and he hasn’t been home since.

You were both far too stubborn to call once during the week so you were stuck in radio silence until he got home.

The apartment was quiet was the soft sounds of Taylor Swift came from the kitchen. Matthew dropped his bags by the door as his feet took him to noise where he was met with the sight of you swaying your hips along to the music.

A total sight for sore eyes as your back continued to face him as you wore his old shirt that looked like it should have been a dress.

He leaned against the doorframe taking in the view before he made his way in smiling to himself “hey baby.” Matthew mumbled wrapping his hands around your waist.

You kept quiet as you continued to focus on your lunch that you were cooking “please acknowledge me.” He whined leaning down to kiss your neck but you stopped him as you picked your shoulder up pressing it against your neck.

It began to frustrate the boy as he furrowed his eyebrows “I’m cooking Matty.” You reminded him in an irritated tone.

You were trying to put up a strong suit and that worked until Matthew placed his hand on your chin forcing it up as you stared at him. The hockey player leaned down to kiss your lips quickly forcing you to forget about why you were still irritated with him “Matty.” This time it came out airy like a needy moan.

The hockey player didn’t waste any time bringing you onto the empty space on the kitchen counter as you now faced him “missed you baby.” Matthew mumbled as he kissed your lips again with his hand on the back of your neck.

He smiled seeing your shirt as it was his old USA camp shirt from years ago “you look so fucking pretty.” The boy blurted out as he dropped to his knees lifting the shirt up to see your bare pussy staring back at him “no panties?” Matthew smirked as your face turned red.

You nodded watching with anticipation as the boy blew his warm breath against your core “you know I don’t like sleeping with them.” Your voice was shaky as he nodded wrapping his lips around your clit “shit Matty!” You groaned locking your fingers in his hair.

If there was one thing Matthew was good at it was using his tongue to get you off “please M,” you began bringing your hips up to meet his tongue “you liking this baby?” He asked smiling as your eyes locked with his “s-so much.” You nodded trying to force your thighs shut but the boy took it as a challenge wrapping his arms around your legs as he forced you closer to him.

His tongue trailed down to your core sliding in as you cried out in pleasure “don’t stop.” The smell of your burning food didn’t seem to phase either of you as you two sat there with his main objective being to get you off.

Matthew’s noise hit your clit making you jump “is my pretty baby gonna come?” The hockey player smirked replacing his tongue with his fingers as you nodded “please Matty,” you forced his head back down.

The boy focused his attempt on your clit as his fingers formed a come here motion thrusting into you “I’m going come fuck.” You announced legs shaking as they wrapped around his head almost squeezing the life out of his head.

His free hand tapped your thigh motioning to you that he wanted you to let go. Your orgasm came thick and fast as your eyes screwed shut painting your eyelids with white stars as your body shook when Matthew didn’t let his tongue slow down on your clit “Matty no,” you shook your head trying to force his face up to meet yours.

Deciding to go easy on you Matthew listener bringing himself onto his feet “so sweet.” He groaned shoving his fingers into your mouth so that you could taste what he was talking about “see?” Matthew asked as you wrapped your lips around his fingers sucking them like it could have been his cock in your mouth instead.

The hockey player felt his pants grow tight as his cock hardened “think we should move this to the bedroom?” Matthew proposed as he slipped his fingers out of your mouth.

Before you could nod the smell of burning food invaded your nostrils “the food!” You gasped pushed the boy away as you got off of the counter quickly pushing your attention to your pan of food that was now fully burnt.

It made Matthew groan “you can’t save it now baby.” He pointed out moving the pot away from the live hob before he turned the stove off.

For some reason your lips formed a frown as you looked up to your boyfriend “but I made it for you.” You mumbled breaking his heart in the process “we can make something new?” He proposed before he realised that you had made his favourite dish for lunch “c’mere.” Matthews voice was soft as he wrapped his arms around you pulling you into a hug.

You looked up to see his face full of concern as you smiled “I love you,” you blurted out leaning up to peck his lips.

The action was repeated two more times before he gave you a deeper kiss “I love you too,” as your feet went flat on the ground you realised that his bulge was against your stomach “let’s move this to the bedroom.” You nodded watching him cock his head “you sure?” He asked thinking that your sadden state sort of ruined the vibe.

You leaned up again as you placed your hands on either side of his bed “take me to bed and fuck me like you missed me Matty.” You ordered kissing his lips.

Matthew took less than a second as he picked you up hooking his hands under your legs “fuck baby.” He groaned as you moved your lips to his neck as you began nipping at the area of skin.

The boy smiled as you looked back up at him as you formed your lips into a kissy motion as he walked you two back into your room “miss me baby?” Matthew smirked as you nodded making him listen to your request before he placed you onto the bed “I think you missed me more.” You motioned to his bulge that was now eye level with you.

He took his jacket off throwing it somewhere in the room as the boy began undoing the buttons of his white shirt “can’t blame me for that.” Matthew smiled as he hooked his fingers under your jaw “looking so pretty like that,” he added as your eyes took in the sight of his abs “you like what you see?” The boy asked as you nodded.

Your fingers ran over his belt undoing it in the process “I’m not gonna last long baby and I wanna come inside of you.” Matthew confessed as your fingers hooked into his boxers pulling both down as he kicked his shoes off with both pieces of clothing “now it’s not fair that you are still in clothes is it?” The hockey player asked leaning down in between your legs as his nose hovered over yours.

A smile formed on your lips “what are you going to do about it then?” Shivers were sent up your body as his cold fingers drove up your stomach bringing your shirt off of your head in one movement.

It didn’t take long for Matthew to bring your body further up your bed so that he could properly have his way with you “can I put it on?” You asked motioning to the condom wrapper that was in his hand.

Matthew always loved watching you do that “sure thing baby,” he nodded ripping the wrapped open as he held out the condom for you to grab.

Watching you innocently smile as you rolled the latex material over his cock was something Matthew didn’t think he would ever get tired of “fuck y/n.” The boy groaned as you brought his cock over your clit “want you Matty.” You mumbled onto his lips letting him kiss you as he let your cunt swallow his cock.

It was hot watching your mouth form an o as you adjusted to his sheer size “move please.” You ordered as he nodded pulling his hips away before he brought them back to meet yours “missed this god.” Matthew reached out to lock his fingers into yours “just me in this room baby.” Your giggle was quickly cut off as his hands brought your legs up around his waist allowing his cock to slide deeper into you.

Matthew couldn’t help but smirk “not so strong now are we?” He cooed as you picked your hips up to meet his “let make you feel so good.” It almost sounded like he was asking you as he slipped his hand between your bodies so that he could rub your clit.

The room was hot as your breaths were panting “want to be good for you.” You cried at the new level of pleasure that shot through your body.

His lips were down on your neck as you dug your head into the mattress “you always are.” Matthew mumbled making sure to suck on the skin to the point where he knew that you would be having large hickies on display within the next few days.

Sounds of skin slapping and moans bounced off of the walls of the room as you both edged closer to your highs “I’m gonna-” you cried clenching around his cock.

The boy nodded “let the whole floor know about it.” Matthew ordered as he moved his head to kiss your jaw.

Your second orgasm of the afternoon hit you harder as your whole body shuddered under Matthew’s “shit shit right there oh!” You moaned face scrunching up over the sheer pleasure that you felt as your cunt sucked the life out of his cock bringing his orgasm out “so good baby.” The hockey players words were short as he kissed you.

As you both recovered from your orgasms he smiled letting his cock slide out of your cunt “I’m gonna go get a wash cloth.” Matthew got out of bed drawing your attention to the white piece of paper that was sticking out of his suit jacket.

You let your curiosity get the best of you as you leaned down and grabbed it reading the information over as you quickly realised that it was a flight ticket “you’re coming with me?” You asked with a smile forming on your face as you looked up to see your boyfriend nod.

Matthew sat next to you as his grin matched yours “can’t let you see those elephants without me now can I?”

[sweetiepoison]

Famous Baby Social Media Blurb

Spooky Season Recap

Originally Auston suggested you go as yourselves to the team Halloween party.

All it took was one girl wearing a look similar to one of your concert outfits with a mic and her boyfriend in a leafs jersey for it to become a trend this Halloween.

You automatically shut the idea down.

And instead you show up as Linguini (Auston) and Remy (you) from ratatouille.

Which is iconic bc a week before a popular hockey blog said you’re controlling everything Auston does.

You and Auston agreed at the beginning of the night you would have a few drinks and that’s it.

You both were delusional because you end up being the drunkest.

You blame it on Auston because he kept challenging everyone to beer pong.

He blames it on you because “If you were better at throwing, we wouldn’t have drank so much.”

You end the night on the kitchen floor, giggling as you eat candy and make fun of each other for how drunk the other is.

The next night which is actually Halloween was supposed to be spent curled up on the couch watching movies, but John and Aryn want to take the kids trick or treating so they ask you to house sit and hand out candy while they’re out.

You happily agree, excited for the excuse to wear another costume.

You let Auston choose and he decided to be Carl, you got to be Russel and Felix was Doug.

You and Auston sit on the front porch, felix in between you, handing out candy.

Lots of families ask for pictures and autographs. Your favorite costumes were the kids that were dressed up as you.

They may or may not have screamed, cried, and one kid even threw up from excitement.

(y/f/n) (y/l/n) and Auston Matthews Relationship Under Fire

The larger-than-life relationship between Toronto Maple Leafs Captain, Auston Matthews and musician (y/f/n) (y/l/n) has been all the talk in mainstream media and sports discourse alike. However, many fans are upset with recent comments made by NHL commentator, Mark Rosario and have claimed that the conversation has gone too far.

The Penalty Box, is a panel of five NHL commentators on ESPN. The panel usually discusses the latest games and the players that make it possible. However, the discussion on Sunday evenings segment took a turn.

Mark Rosario, one of five hosts didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts about the Toronto Maple Leafs season thus far. Rosario began the discussion by questioning the legitimacy of Auston’s captaincy of the Leafs, saying, “It’s easy to be named captain when your girlfriend is the biggest celebrity in the world and your team is profiting off of it.” Since going public with their relationship, in person attendance at Leafs games has doubled while viewers at home has almost tripled. While the team was already popular, many attribute the new widespread interests to (y/l/n).

“Regardless of what team you support, her attachment to the NHL has brought on millions of new viewers who would’ve never been interested otherwise. She’s made the sport more popular than ever and we should all be capitalizing on that.” Russel Brewer, another host spoke up. Rosario, however, didn’t waver, “I disagree, I think her presence will not only be detrimental to the Leafs organization, but to Auston Matthews, specifically. No other team will take them seriously and they sure as hell won’t take him seriously as a captain.” Rosario shrugs continuing, “Ya know that kids movie with the rat that can cook and he’s controlling the guy by pulling his hair, that’s how I view (y/f/n) (y/l/n) and Auston Matthews relationship.”

While, Rosario has yet to issue an apology, it’s safe to say his commentary had no influence on Leafs fans as they continued to show up and show out.

@yourusername: 🐭 & 👨‍🍳

Load more comments…

Fan#1: this is iconic!

Fan#2: Y’all won fr

Mitchmarner: PARENTS

->Fan#3: Mommy? I mean, Daddy? I mean

->Fan#4: I want both of them

Fan#5: Just fell to my knees 😮‍💨

->@yourbff#1: Me too

Fan#6: she’s an icon, she’s a legend, she’s a star and she is the moment

Fan#5: Yo I would be so embarrassed if I was Mark Rosario

->Fan#6: He can go ahead and hand in that resignation letter now

@Mapleleafs: That’s our captain!

Fan#7: You ate with this one queen

Fan#8: She is THAT girl

->Fan#9: And they are THAT couple

->Fan#10: At least Rosario got that much right

Fan#11: @NHL, you better be compensating our girl, she’s giving y’all so much content

->Fan#12: LITERALLY! she’s got the girls fighting on national tv

->Fan#13: lmfao, imagine being so powerful you’ve got grown men talking about you

Fan#14: my favorite thing is you know after the show, Mark Rosario got in his car to drive home and had to listen to her on the radio

->Fan#15: Bruh, I know he was pissed flipping through those stations hearing her on all of them

->Fan#16: honestly I would’ve crashed out if I was him

@Austonmatthews: pls control me

->@Yourusername: since you asked so nicely…

->Fan#17: I just know they are freaky

->Fan#18: why am I blushing?! 🤭

->Fan#19: I feel like we’re interrupting

->@Williamnylander: me next 🙋

->@Yourusername: A dream come true 😉

->@Yourbff#2: THIS ^^^ is diabolical

->@Yourbff#1: You know this comment section is public right?

->@Austonmatthews: gtfo 😤

->@Mitchmarner: Can I be after Willy?

->@Yourusername: As long as you bring Steph

->@Mitchmarner: Done.

Fan#20: We’re about to have a swinger scandal

->@Fan#21: The Secret Lives of NHL Wives

[remperoni-melt]

I’d Ground You If The League Didn’t Already (REPOST FROM OLD BLOG)

Dom!Matt Rempe x short!alt!sarcastic!fem!Reader

TW:// NSFW, p in v, oral (m receiving), unprotected, hate fucking???, very rough handling, ANGSTTTTTTT, sarcasm, bullying out of love, lowkey CNC??, HARD kinks, Kinda porn with a plot

(Credit to @amourtoken for the idea)

*kinda rushed but I was excited to get this out 🤷‍♀️

“Matthew Rempe! You’re fucking lucky I respect your mother so much or I’d beat her ass in the street for raising such a bitch.” I exclaimed as I let myself into my best friend’s apartment. Matt and I always gave each other shit but it was always out of love. Our relationship was built off of bullying each other. That was just our dynamic. We wouldn’t be us without it.

“Oh my god, how does something I can punt so easily manage to catch such a big attitude?” Matt groaned and ran a hand over his face in frustration. “I know I fucked up, okay?! Do you think I’m happy about the suspension?” Matt snapped at the short girl that had just barged into his apartment.

“Well, you didn’t seem too bothered when you got ejected!” I snapped back at him, crossing my arms over my chest. “I saw that little smirk on your face. You didn’t care about your actions until you got in trouble!” I scoffed and rolled my eyes at the 6’9 man I had come to know as my best friend. “I mean, Jesus fuck, Matt! 8 fucking games?! I’d ground you myself if the league hadn’t already done it for me!” I all but spat at him.

“Fuck you, ankle biter! You don’t know what the fuck I was thinking!” Matt yelled, his patience wearing even more thin as the tiny woman dug into him like the first person to find a T-Rex skeleton. He couldn’t deny that she had a point. All he heard was the cheers. All he felt was the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He hadn’t even considered the consequences until they were laid out in front of him.

“Regardless, it was reckless.” I said sternly, as if I was scolding a child. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair before I spoke again. “Listen, Matt. Maybe I just don’t want my best friend qualifying for a tear drop tattoo.”

“Oh my god, I’m not gonna fucking kill anyone.” Matt rolled his eyes at the petite woman’s dramatics.

“Well you came damn fucking close this time.” I said bluntly, calling out the giant man with the confidence of a man taller than him. “I fucking love you, Matthew.” I said in anger. “And the next time you do some dumb shit like that, I won’t fucking hesitate to fold your clothes with you still in them.” I threatened him. Was it stupid? Yes. Did I care? In the moment I didn’t. Not really.

“God, do you ever shut the fuck up?” Matt groaned. “Any time I get into a fight, all you fucking do is bitch and moan. I get you care but… fuck, woman! Hop off my fucking dick!” Matt yelled with a scoff and a bitter chuckle. “Y’know what? Better yet, choke on my fucking dick since you can never shut the fuck up! Maybe with something in your mouth I won’t have to hear you whining about decisions I make in my fucking career!” Matt shot at her. He knew his words were harsh but he was stressed. They both were. And god dammit, he just wanted her to shut the fuck up for a minute.

I scoffed and bit the insides of my cheeks as I took in his words. I nodded slowly, pissed off at his audacity. Someone that looked like they left Gumby in the oven too long was talking to me like that? Is he on fucking crack? The next words to leave my mouth were not my own but that of a demon clearly trying to sabotage and kill me.

“Make me.”

POV switch - Matt

At the sound of her words, my resolve crumbled. Her lips curled up into a sinister smirk, her gaze on me hard and challenging. This pint sized little bitch genuinely thought she was indestructible at times.

Fuck, I can’t wait to break her.

I pressed my lips together in a tight line and stomped over to her. I grabbed a fistful of her black hair and dragged her to my bedroom. The sound of her yelping in surprise, or maybe it was pain, just caused a dark chuckle to escape my throat. I roughly pushed her down on my bed and swiftly slapped her across the face, making sure to support the other side of her face with my other hand. I squatted down in front of her, smirking at her as she held her probably bruising cheek in shock.

“I’m gonna beat your pussy up like it fucking owes me money.” I said with a smile. “But first, you’re gonna choke on my dick like the pathetic little fucking slut you are.” I said bluntly and stood back up straight. I quickly pulled my gray sweats down, my dick slapping against my stomach. I chuckled as she gasped and looked up at me with those damn doe eyes. Fuck, those eyes. I roughly grabbed her chin and yanked her closer. “Open.” I commanded.

POV switch - Reader

I opened my mouth, almost on instinct. My eyes met his in a look that begged ‘please, Matt. Please fuck me. Take me. I’ll do anything. Take me right here, right now. Fuck me. Fuck me. Fuck me. I’m your slut. I’m yours. Please.’

“Good girl.” Matt smirked, his eyes narrowing down at me. His hand twisted in my hair and he slammed my head on his rigid cock, causing me to gag and tears to prick at my eyes. “Too much?” He asked before he started guiding my head. He moved fast and aggressive. I had no time to breathe or think. All that existed was his dick popping in and out of my throat. His tip sliding against my tongue. His groans and curses as he face fucked me with reckless abandon. God damn. He wasn’t kidding about shutting me up. Finally, I couldn’t take anymore. I grabbed his thigh, digging my nails in and making him hiss in pain and still his movements.

“Fuck. You.” I choked out in a hoarse voice between panted breaths as I collapsed back on the bed.

“You have manners. Say please.” Matt teased as he looked down at the already ruined girl on the bed. The sight changed something in him. He wasn’t sure if it was the banter or what had just transpired, but he wanted to ruin her.

I looked up at him, clear annoyance on my face. We had always been best friends. We always bullied each other but this? This was way too fucking far.

“Please.” I croaked out sarcastically, my eyes narrowing at him. He smirked down at me and swiftly ripped my shirt over my head and yanked my jeans off my legs, baring me to his hungry and devious gaze.

“Fuck.” Matt had pretty much breathed out the word. “I didn’t know you were built like this.” He smirked while he undressed himself at an agonizingly slow pace. Somehow, the sight was teasing. It was seductive. It was intoxicating. It was completely unfair and I needed him now or I was gonna go crazy. Absolutely fucking ape shit insane.

“Shut up and fuck me, goon.” I said in a quiet but venomous voice. By the look on his face, I knew I didn’t have to tell him twice.

“Watch how the fuck you talk to me, brat.” He growled out the words as his hand shot out to wrap around my already sore throat. He smirked as I winced and gasped, his grip getting tighter just so he could watch me squirm further. Once I groaned in pain, he chuckled. “Want me to stop?” He leaned down to whisper in my ear, his lips brushing against the shell of it. I quickly shook my head ‘no’, making him chuckle darkly.

Slowly, he climbed on the bed to hover over me. His eyes raked over my body slowly, a dark and dangerous look in his eyes. Suddenly, his hands grabbed my knees and roughly pushed my knees apart, causing me to gasp and whimper. His eyes caught the glint of something in my folds and he smirked, knowing exactly what it was. To be sure though, he reached out and brushed his fingers against my clit. The cool metal of my clit piercing was a stark contrast to the warmth of the wetness coating literally everything else.

“We’ll play with that later.” His voice came out in a husky whisper as he lowered himself on top of me.

“Just. Fuck. Me.” I growled out as I tangled my hand in his hair, pulling roughly. He groaned and without wasting a second, he plunged into me. Both of us let out low moans simultaneously as he sank into me.

“Oh fuck.” He hissed. His hand gripped my left hip with enough strength that I thought my hip bone would shatter. His mind went blank as the feeling of me consumed him, and his hips started moving. Slowly at first, as if to savor the moment.

“You’re still a fucking idiot.” The words tumbled from my lips between the soft moans that he drew from my lips.

“You bite sized bitch. Are you seriously still bitching at me when I’m balls deep inside you?” He hissed, his hips still keeping their slow and steady pace. He slowly drew his length all the way out before slamming back in full force, causing me to scream.

“Your fault,” I got cut off by a whimper, “for thinking you were safe.” I finished my sentence, my nails digging into the back of his neck.

“You’re insufferable but fuck if this pussy isn’t fucking life changing.” He groaned into my ear. His hands moved to my waist, his grip strong and bruising as he kept up with his slow but hard and punishing strokes.

“Life changing like an 8 game suspension?” I asked breathlessly, followed by a whimper as he nipped at my neck.

“You’re not gonna be talking all this shit when I fuck you so good that you’re talking to your higher self.” Matt groaned, his tone cocky. He punctuated his statement with a particularly deep thrust from a different angle, hitting that spot within me that made me scream out and scratch down his back. “In case you doubted me.” He chuckled before replicating the thrust.

“Yeah but you can’t fuck me harder than my childhood trauma.” I said shakily, holding in my moans. He picked up his pace, as if to challenge me. “8 games and you’re still lucky enough to fuck a pussy this good.” I teased him in a sultry whisper. “Even when you lose, somehow you still win.”

“Yeah?” He scoffed lightly. “Who’s the one stretching this pretty pussy out? Who’s the one making you scream?” He growled through gritted teeth as he started fucking me harder. Faster.

“Who’s the one that’s gonna cum?” I shot back through gritted teeth as I clenched around him as hard as I could, causing him to groan loudly as a shudder passed through his body.

“Jesus Christ.” He hissed. With that, I knew he was close. My hips began to rock with his, my walls clenching around him as he would pull back. “Fuck. Chill. Chill.” He said breathlessly, his hips stilling so he could last longer.

“No.” I said with a smirk. Despite my size, I was able to flip us over pretty easily. I sank down onto him, my hips immediately grinding on him. His length was rubbing against that sweet spot in me and the room filled with the sounds of us whimpering and moaning. “Play smarter when you’re back on the ice and just imagine the nasty fucking shit I’ll do for you then.” I giggled as his hands found my hips, his fingers digging into my skin.

“Oh fuck.” He groaned, his head falling back. “I’ll be smarter. Fuck, I’ll be smarter.” He whimpered. My hips sped up and his mouth hung open in a silent moan, his eyes shut tightly. Finally, his grip on my hips got tighter and his body began to tense before shudders ran through him as he released his load inside me. I kept going, determined to milk him of every last drop, thought, breath. I wasn’t satisfied until he was completely braindead. Once he was staring at the ceiling with glazed over eyes, I knew he was thoroughly fucked out.

“Believe it or not, I came here to comfort you.” I said with a smirk as I hopped off him, collapsing on the bed next to him. “How’d I do?” I asked, with a cocky grin.

“Fuck you.” Matt rasped out with a breathless laugh.

And with that, he started fighting more. He fucked me once and ran with it. Fucking idiot…

**Re-posting this here bc I’m deleting @remperoni today to avoid confusion between blogs and Idk if the post will be lost when I delete the blog soooooooo…

[cassandraclare]

Happy Hanukkah! I hope you’re well.

Vaguely related question I guess. The parallels between the Jewish and Ashkari people were one of the things I loved most about this book. It’s not often you see a Jewish-coded character in a fantasy book - let alone as a hero. I saw in the acknowledgements you had a lovely Hebrew consultant - what were the challenges of creating a whole language? (Plus Sarthian and all the others??)

Hello! Yes, we don't see Jewish or Jewish-coded characters much (though more now than when I was growing up, and I felt very shut out of fantasy and fantastical worlds as it all seemed to contain a definite, sometimes unconscious, Christian bent). And often when we do see them, they're some variety of evildoer or hook-nosed goblin type.

I very much wanted to dig into my own cultural and religious background to furnish the mythology that underpins the Ashkar and their magic. Gematria (gematry in the book) is a Kabbalistic tool that can be used in the creation of the kind of amulet that Kel wears. Jewish readers will recognize mentions of specific names (Judah Makabi) bits of Hebrew (Shomrim, Sanhedrin) among other words and names extrapolated from Hebrew and Jewish history.

Ashkar is not Hebrew though. It is a "real" imaginary language in the sense that it was constructed to have a working system of verbs and nouns and conjugations and so forth. I didn't create it myself, because I am not Tolkien, who was a philologist first — a professor of languages and how they work. I worked with a conlanger, Matthew AbdulHaqq Niemi, who had a background in Biblical Hebrew, modern Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic. We traded ideas back and forth, and he created a glossary and even written poetry in Ashkar. He and the other conlangers I worked with are thanked in the back of the book.

Matthew's translation of El Nora Alila into Ashkar:

Afaryaš vēmū, Afaryaš hazānū, Oqošakedsā-mav dayn fī tsīa,

God of awe, God of might, Grant us pardon in this hour,

Dalī kol Tasī-qēōt oslōg dayn lešex tsīa,

As Thy gates are closed this night.

[moonshynecybin]

hmmm idk if this is anything, but rosquez as romcom co stars that keep getting cast together even though they hateee each other but the chemistry is too good?

this is fun because like. it keeps some of my favorite little rosquez saw traps and wraps them up for me like a little treat. forced proximity public pda and EXTREME media scrutiny kind of their bread and butter tbh. make them crazy make them kiss im watching like tashi in the hotel scene in challengers

like marc as a young tom cruise esque (sorry. SORRY. im sorryyyyy) action star who does all of his own stunts loves the physicality of acting loves getting to pretend to do crazy stuff and be a HEROOOO but still kind of plays the same exact character every time. BIG smile always standing on apple boxes to make himself seem taller as he attempts to generate chemistry with whatever actress is his badly written love interest of the day (marc would be SO good in the mission impossible movies im sorry he WOULD be like. can i parachute off of a motorcycle into a ravine please please please youre NOTHING. santi is his extremely stressed stunt coordinator. lmao.) versus vale who came up doing indie movies as a teen in the 90s (his lil face would DOMINATE gay cinephile gifset tumblr) before launching himself to super stardom with a string of successful comedies and sort of settling into that because its easy... secretly frustrated no one will let him bust out his drama chops... BIG chip on his shoulder here a la leaving honda for yamaha etc

so eventually both of them are getting a little tired of being pigeon holed. and decide 2 book a serious ass gay romantic drama. they are tired of being hailed as the kings of fiction for the masses and they want to win at acting!! they get into the chemistry read (marc is still pretty young i think) and its. insane. INSTANT. james dean and marlon brando levels of ARE YOU TWO FUCKING?? but they literally just met. and marc has been a fan of vale's forever but not just the comedies also his earlier dramatic stuff (apocalyptic little gay crush) and they have similar taste in movies and vale is sooooo funny and it is OFF to the races. like. i cannot emphasize this enough they are fucking the WHOLE time. every scene in this movie its just leaping off the screen... they go in to film and its like that BTS clip of the americans where the director was having matthew rhys and keri russell do a sex scene and theyre suspiciously comfortable pretending to 69 and he turns to his assistant and just goes. oh yeah these guys have fucked. they are wayyyy to comfy hitching the other's pussy into their face lmao. just fucking going for it. the director is like hey guys. can you tone it down a little. marc biggggg smile okayyyyyy :3

and the movie comes out and they attend the premiere all smiley and bouncy and feeling really good about the project and then, theyy watch it. and its like. uh oh! not a lot of acting happening there ! um. best performance of either of their careers and they both look at it an can identify all the points they werent acting like evil little signal flares.... and vale shuts marc out HARD yadayadayada the Usual Rosquez Breakup Ensues.... until they both get cast in a revival of the brokeback mountain stage play and shit pops off in the most nuclear explosion of horny heartbreak to ever hit the STAGE…

[fluffvstheworld]

hihi! i had n idea so i was holping you could indulge me maybe... matthew patel with a (male) reader who saw him fight in the rockit and made a craigslist post to try and find him again afterwards? idk if it makes sense but i think it would be silly :-3

A/n: This was such a cute prompt to write TToTT hope I did it justice! I decided to use the original universe in this one because I feel like Matthew would be moping on his computer after losing to Scott

Note: Although no pronouns are used, it was written in mind for a male reader

Reader Trying to Find Matthew Patel on Craigslist After the Rockit

You were pretty excited for the battle of the bands

It was Crash and the Boys vs Sex Bob-omb, two of the most well known indie bands in Toronto

There was a lot you were expecting. Cool songs, the fun of competition, the excitement in the crowd…

What you weren’t expecting was a man blasting his way from the balcony towards one of the main bassists

As he got punched back into the crowd by Scott, landing himself fashionably, you finally got a good look at him

And to your surprise... he was quite cute!

A lot of talk started about his ex-girlfriend in the crowd, a league of exes apparently made in her stead. But once they stopped, the fighting started again

Along with a musical number!

You do admit it was quite catchy

Sadly the mysterious boy was defeated, sent back to his home only leaving $2.10 in his wake

But as you walked out of the venue in shock, there was only one thing on your mind:

I need to find that guy!

And the thought stuck to you like glue

At your home, at your job, on the bus, etc

Even now, as you lay on your bed staring up at your ceiling, the thought still continued its rampage in your mind

Your eyes slowly wandered towards your desk, most of its space being taken from your computer

You shut your eyes in thought for a moment before promptly getting up and sitting down on the chair. You were not going to wait any longer, otherwise you were going to go insane

Booting up the crappy piece of hardware was a challenge, but eventually you got onto craigslist and into the general tab, typing away

[Hey! The other day there was this guy at the Rockit fighting the bassist for Sex Bob-omb.. anyone know him? I think his name was Matthew?]

After you clicked enter, you leaned back into your chair and waited

And it surprisingly didn't take too long

A notification from your email made your heart jump as you quickly clicked onto it

[...Are you perhaps talking about me?]

You smiled widely. You finally found him!

[Depends. Is your name Matthew Patel?]

[...yes?]

[Then yes!]

[May I perhaps ask as to why?]

[Your musical number left a very big impression on me. Plus I think you're cute.]

Although you couldn't see it, you could tell the comment flustered him as the next email came back a few minutes later

[Oh..!]

You giggled a bit to yourself. Guess he didn't really know what to say to that

[Was that a good or a bad 'oh'?]

[..A good one I guess.]

[Well that's good at least haha. I was thinking... do you wanna meet up one of these days? I know you live in America, but I want to learn more about you!]

[Oh.. sure! I live close enough to the border.]

[Alright, it's a date then! Meet you back at the Rockit this Thursday?]

[Sure.. though I didn't quite catch your name.]

You smiled as you typed in your name and leaned back once more

[Well alright then, I'll see you there]

Your grin widened as you shut off your computer to process what just happened

You got a date! With a cute guy at that!

The grin faded as you realized you needed to iron out your clothes

As you scrambled to get up from your chair towards your closet, you smiled knowing that Thursday was going to be a great day

[mariacallous]

For people who make video games, 2024 was a year of holding on for dear life. At the annual Game Developers Conference in March, “Survive till ’25” was this year’s incantation, summoned to keep morale on pace. Others resorted to full-on screams, as layoffs in the industry charted record highs and developers found themselves under attack online for conspiratorial nonsense.

In 2023, more than 10,000 developers lost their jobs; one-third of game-makers surveyed at the beginning of this year reported they’d been affected by layoffs in some way. While there were wins for labor organizers at big studios like Activision Blizzard, and collective action around fighting for protection from the encroachment of AI on employment, the industry’s collective brain drain continued in 2024 as workers lost jobs en masse. Six months in, this year’s layoff tally had already surpassed that of 2023. According to Matthew Ball, an adviser and producer in the games and TV space, 2024’s job-loss count will wind up being about 40 percent higher than the previous year’s.

"The explanation is complex and wide-ranging for the same reason the layoffs are so deep and continuous, and sit alongside many studio closures and even more canceled games,” Ball says.

As the industry faltered, games suffered. High-profile releases like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League were commercial failures. While there were many reasons for this, online right-wing groups reduced it to a single mantra: “go woke, go broke.” By their logic, if a game does poorly and has even a whiff of diversity—be it regarding gender, sexuality, or race—that disappointing performance is the fault of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Although there have been incredible games released this year—Balatro, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong—they just couldn’t distract from the troubles faced by the people making them. They couldn’t make up for the fact that the meta-narrative of video games in 2024 was bleak.

Ball says that the blame for all of this can’t be pinned to a single thing, like capitalism, mismanagement, Covid-19, or even interest rates. It also involves development costs, how studios are staffed, consumers’ spending habits, and game pricing. “This storm is so brutal,” he says, “because it is all of these things at once, and none have really alleviated since the layoffs began.”

For indie developers, specifically, the threat to their existence has been substantial. Dozens of small studios shuttered in 2024, though it’s difficult to get a full picture of how many indie studios the industry lost, as they’re more likely to shut down quietly and without much fanfare—or before many players even know they exist.

With dwindling opportunities to get funding from investors and little cash to go around, developers sought alternative methods to fund their games in the past year. Some took bankrolling into their own hands. Among Us creator Innersloth launched an initiative to give fellow developers backing to finish projects. Others, like Tales of Kenzera: Zau developer Surgent Studios, made their plans public in early development in hopes of attracting investments—all while fending off racist attacks from the anti-DEI crowd, making the challenges they’re facing twofold.

Even studios owned by tech juggernauts weren’t immune to the industry’s contraction. Microsoft shuttered Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks; Sony shut down Firewalk. The latter’s shuttering wasn't wholly surprising. Its big 2024 release, Concord, was largely considered a flop. But having a hit didn't give any studios a safety net. Near-universal acclaim for Tango's Hi-Fi Rush didn't stop Microsoft’s ax. (It did, though, give Tango just enough juice to be revived by a new buyer.)

In other words, it’s been a dismal year for morale. When developers gathered in Los Angeles in June for Summer Game Fest, developer New Blood Interactive bought out a billboard solely to memorialize their fellow developers who’d lost jobs: “We love you. We miss you. We hate money.”

This year may have been the 10th anniversary of Gamergate—the 2014 online hate movement that shaped the internet harassment tactics apparent today—but online, conversations felt like a trip back in time. Conservative ideologues bemoaned the inclusion of characters who did not fit the cookie-cutter image of a white, cis, hetero man. They complained that DEI was being forced upon them. (It wasn’t.)

In March, harassment toward a small consultancy company called Sweet Baby Inc. reached new heights as bad actors organized through Discords, Steam forums, and other online spaces. Branding themselves as Gamergate 2.0, online mobs harassed developers using tweets, DMs, YouTube videos, and Twitch streams. They targeted anyone with any connection to Sweet Baby and other consultancies—a fairly wide net, as consultants are often brought on to advise on accuracy, sensitivity, and more. Their mission was fighting against “wokeification.” The realities of the economic issues impacting games they love had no place in their tactics; the specter of diversity had more pull than analysts and experts.

Games with Black leads and characters were derided as forced. Female characters deemed unattractive or masculine were suffering from “DEI chin.” Dragon Age: The Veilguard, was criticized by far-right trolls for its customization options, which allow players to create characters with top surgery scars or play with a nonbinary companion. After reviews were released, conspiracists latched onto clichéd phrases or other language as proof that studio BioWare was instructing reviewers how to talk about their game.

Even not-yet-released titles faced bombardment. Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight, about a young Black woman in the Deep South, drew ire from the anti-DEI crowds on platforms like X, where they’ve photoshopped the heroine to make her looks less “repulsive” and put forth conspiracy theories about Sweet Baby’s influence on the game’s development.

But pressure to remain apolitical—a curious agenda for an entertainment form that marries the artistic preferences of narrative and imaginary worlds with agency granted to players who inhabit them—did not come just from a vocal minority. Following the release of Black Myth: Wukong, some streamers were given instructions to avoid talking about Covid-19 or “feminist propaganda.” The guidelines had the opposite effect, encouraging streamers to lead with the code words they’d been barred from: a push against standards meant to actually censor players.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ball says he hears more pessimism generally, but “it just sucks to contemplate, let alone predict.” If there is one plus, he says, it’s that there is “a lot more hiring happening than is generally believed. Downside is, it’s not nearly compensating overall, especially at indies.”

As 2024 comes to a close, the industry is operating—from the outside—with a business-as-usual mindset. In early December, developers gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate at The Game Awards. On stage, host Geoff Keighley made a small speech, amid game announcements, accolades, and a performance from Snoop Dogg.

“The sad reality is that over the past few years the gaming industry has suffered significant and unprecedented industrywide layoffs,” Keighley said. “Those affect the games we get to play and, even more important, the people who make the games we love. We can debate and certainly disagree with the reasons why, and honestly as a show we kind of struggle with how to address these topics in a constructive way.”

Keighley used the segment to introduce TGA’s first “game changer” award, a nod to an individual who has positively impacted the industry. Then the show continued, with headline-dominating announcements about major projects like The Witcher 4 and the next title from The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog.

Amid all of this is the specter of AI. There’s still little insight on how much AI will continue to grow and how future games might use it, but it’s a rising concern as rank-and-file workers are laid off. No one knows when, or if, the industry will bounce back with sustainable jobs and compensation. Yes, there will be games to play. It’s harder to say how many people will be able to make them.

[mggssocks]

A/N: hi… hehe. I know it’s been a WHILE. But recently I’ve been getting back into reading and therefore writing. So I’m gonna start back up slowly with just some Insta AUs. Pls feel free to message me for some requests. Currently taking some for Matthew Gray Gubler, the obx cast , and Harry Styles. So happy to have found my groove again and be back! Hope you enjoy <333.

Drew Starkey x reader Instagram AU ! (nalydenaly on instagram as face claim)

yourinstagram

liked by drewstarkey and 38 others

yourinstagram floor core

view all 12 comments

yourbestfriend why are you on the floor

yourbestfriend I haven't mopped in like almost two weeks

yoursister you take after me

↳ yourinstagram you wish

drewfan001 what....

yourinstagram

liked by drewstarkey and 1045 others

yourinstagram hey lol

view all 97 comments

yoursister you after not responding for three days:

↳ yourinstagram so true

yourbestfriend where the hell did all these people come from 😭

↳ yourinstagram no idea lol

drewfan011 where do you know drew from?

↳ yourinstagram I don’t

drewfan23 HELP the way we all just spawned in 😭

yourinstagram

liked by drewstarkey and 23,765 others

yourinstagram floora the explorer

view all 2,067 comments

yourbestfriend y/n use a chair challenge

↳ yourinstagram never

yoursister my sister is famous

↳ yourinstagram shut up

drewstarkey clever caption

* liked by yourinstagram

drewfan728 HE COMMENTED?!!?

drewfan12 just fell to my knees in the middle of target

drewfan45 so 😭😭😭 happy 😭😭😭😭😭 for 😭😭😭😭😭 you😭😭😭😭

yourinstagram

liked by drewstarkey and 1,354 others

yourinstagram just ‘cause

view all 115 comments

drewstarkey 😍

↳yourinstagram 🫶🏼

drewfan65 oh he has the post notifs ON

↳ drewfan768 srsyly bc why is he here before us 😭

yourbestfriend 🫣

↳ yourinstagram don’t

Okay that’s it hehe 🤭 let me know if you guys want some sort of continuation of this or some new ones. Or if you even like this. 🫶🏼

[ficnoire2]

An Ode to The King, Briana Irene Matthews

When I say I love this character, I say it with my whole chest.  I cannot begin to express the joy I experienced when one of my fellow educators passed me this book and said “I’ve got a fantasy book for you, and there is a black girl on the cover.”  I am a child of The Neverending Story, Legend, Willow, etc (Google if you need to) and brown faces were few and far between, if there at all.  There are so many things I admire and appreciate about Bree Bree and the power she holds can’t be understated. 

*Spoilers Ahead so Exit Stage Left if You Need To*

Choices

In a story where choice has been hijacked for so many of our faves, I love the choice she makes at the end of Bloodmarked. To choose herself.  I know there has been controversy regarding this but fuck all that, she said what she said.  The fact that black girls need to be perfect and make decisions that are equally as perfect no matter what they are up against is absurd.  That line of thinking has real world consequences.  I love that she tried to consult with elders, those that came before her.  She seemed to be following this implied protocol that did not bear the fruit she’d hoped for.  

When she says, “I realize now why Jessie’s mantra to call root didn’t work for me.”  She said,  “Think of the power you possess and the woman who gave it to you.” I smile sadly,  “I used to think that woman was my mother, and through her, you.  Tried it her way and it didn’t work.  Because you all didn’t give me my power.”  I kneel to face the streams, thrust my hands into the earth from which they came. 

“I did.”

This was a hell of a scene because she is finally shutting off the noise of the outside world, the distracting chatter blocking her self actualization.  Arthur, the ancestors, the Legendborn, and choosing Bree.  Much like she puts the broken pieces of  Excalibur back together, she is in a sense doing the same for herself (pain welded blade).  It even bears a deep purple stone in the pommel. The color meant to speak to this pain, this literal and figurative bruising and beating she has taken.  In addition, the choice to go with Erebus and the uncertainty that hangs there was pure fearlessness.  As her character sheet says, she is intrepid, bold.  The way she is written, you just know it is in her soul.  As Tracy says in her dedication, For every Black girl who was “the first.”  Black is capitalized here, emphasized, because we are often demonized for making decisions or having experiences that those that came before may not have had the courage or opportunity to step into.  The First.  In Bree’s line everyone ran and she decided to stop running and turn to face the unknown, whatever may come with her chin up.  

In addition to being a clever badass, I loved watching how she navigated her relationships with Nick and Sel.  Again, another hot button topic where folks are clutching pearls and clenching ass cheeks.  I am not interested in “ship wars” but what did catch my eye was the way Bree allowed herself to be loved on.  The safety and soft intimacy she received and craved from Nick in a time where her world had been completely shattered was beautiful to read.  “I’m impressed, despite my still racing heartbeat.  How does he do it?  How does this boy navigate my emotions like a seasoned sailor, finding the clear skies and bringing them closer, when all I seem able to do is hold fast to the storms?”  He is patient with her.  The way he speaks, comforting and protective.  I love that she had this!  The giddiness at that age of meeting someone that makes you dizzy in the best way.  I love that Bree allowed herself to experience the respite Nick offered.  That relationship represents the light in her, hearkens back to a simpler time.

I also think Bree enjoys the challenge Sel presents.  Aside from him trying to kill her in the beginning (and being an all around asshole), she always seems to find interest in him (her shadow side).  “He’s dressed in black, as always, but his long coat is gone.  His tattoos are on full display below sleeves rolled at the elbow.  They wind down his forearms and wrists, and I can’t help but study them.  I wonder how far they go and how many he has before I remember that I detest him and shouldn’t care about his tattoos at all.”  

Bree is fiery (quite literally) and finds herself drawn to the darkness and mystery of Sel.  In truth, she likes to stir the pot.  When Vaughn is giving her shit about being Nick’s page, she intentionally fucks with him.  “But I’m not going to disappear.  And I don’t want to keep my head down.  Instead, I’m going to give Vaughn a glimpse of who I really am, and show him exactly who I’m not.”

She then throws the haymaker, “You’re a bigot and a bully, Scheafer.  You insult me because you think you know what I am capable of, but you don’t.  I must make you nervous, though, for you to expose your insecurities about your odds of success in the tournament.”

Long story short, Briana Irene is with the shits! How many times have you had to check in a loser such as Vaughn, who in all their mediocrity, thinks they are superior?  I love that she essentially says, “aight then.”

I say all that to say that I like that she is feeling her feelings.  She can acknowledge and accept the safety and easiness of Nick, while also reveling in the mystery and chaos of Sel.  Those two desires can (and do) live in the same body.  I love that this is confusing for her and she grapples with it because, what 16 year old wouldn’t! Low key/high key, folks my age would grapple with certain aspects of that but again, her choices.  

Bree is supposed to be complicated. At times infuriating.  I find it strange however, when folks don’t give her the space she has earned to develop.  So many of us Black girls are not afforded this space.  No room to grow, change our minds, or choose a different path.  She is grappling with grief and grief is messy, complicated.  The vessel in which she entered the world ceases to exist on the plane of the living and she is floating in the darkness and uncertainty of that.  “Your anguish is wrapped around your very heart.”   Not to mention navigating racism, sexism, supernatural beings, and understanding her own body and power.  That is a tall order.  She represents multitudes of girls who were “the first” and I am so glad I get to witness her in all her flaws and greatness.  THE KING.  Rumble black girl, rumble.  

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Emma DelRosso

* * * *

Opposing the president-elect's nominations

December 2, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

Dec 02, 2024

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Trump nominated conspiracy theorist Kash Patel as FBI Director and convicted tax fraudster Charles Kushner (Jared’s father) as Ambassador to France. Trump also nominated his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law, Massad Boulos, as a senior adviser covering Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

Last week I wrote that “Few imagined how bad Trump's nominees would be.” That statement was made before the nominations of Patel and Kushner, nominations that ratcheted up the sickening stream of dangerous, unqualified, and insulting choices that are collectively and individually the worst nominations in our nation’s history.

It is important to understand how disastrous these nominations will be for the US. However, it is not enough to bemoan and condemn Trump's nominations. This newsletter isn’t intended to be a pity party. It is a call to action.

We must flood our representatives in Congress with feedback from constituents demanding that they place the interests of the United States above the revenge agenda of the Republican leader. In the short term, that is what we can do—so we must do it. In the mid range, we can set about defeating Trump's enablers at the ballot box. There must be a political price to pay for supporting party above country and for being cowards when our nation needed courageous leaders.

Before turning to individual nominees, let’s examine the stakes. For once, Trump has been consistent in his actions and has stayed “on message”—in a bad way. His nominations can be grouped into three broad categories:

He seeks to weaken, if not destroy, the US intelligence community and federal law enforcement agencies—in retribution for their temerity in seeking to hold him to account for his crimes. Matt Gaetz (DOJ), Pam Bondi (DOJ), Tulsi Gabbard (NDI), Kash Patel (FBI), Stephen Miller (Depty. Chief of Staff), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), Sebastian Gorka (Depty. Ass’t to President), John Ratcliffe (CIA), Pete Hegseth (DOD), and Matthew Whittaker (NATO).

He seeks to weaken, if not destroy, the federal government’s healthcare and science expertise—in retribution for their temerity in challenging his lunatic ideas about COVID. Robert Kennedy (HHS), Dr. Oz (Medicare), Jay Bhattacharya (NIH), Dave Weldon (CDC), and Martin A. Makary (FDA commissioner).

Finally, he seeks to destroy the administrative state—a “quid pro quo” to the business community for supporting a candidacy that was designed solely to evade his criminal liabilities. Elon Musk (Government Efficiency), Vivek Ramaswamy (Government Efficiency), Linda McMahon (Education), Russell T. Vought (OMB), Chris Wright (Energy), Brendan Carr (F.C.C. Chair).

Let’s take a look at Trump's most recent nominations

Kash Patel is the sworn enemy of the FBI—so Trump intends to nominate him as FBI Director

Kash Patel is in a love-hate relationship with the FBI. Patel wants to destroy the FBI while converting it into a weapon of political vengeance.

Patel has promised to “shut down” the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. on his first day as director of the FBI and re-open the FBI Headquarters the next day as a “museum to the deep state.” He said,

I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals.

But he has also threatened to use the FBI to harass journalists and politicians who sought to hold Trump accountable for his crimes. Patel said,

[W]e’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections — we’re going to come after you. Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.

Note that the man who is supposed to “pursue justice” has said that retribution comes first—and “we’ll figure out” why the FBI is harassing US citizens later.

Patel’s twin aims for the FBI should be immediately disqualifying. But prominent Republicans flocked to the TV talk shows on Sunday to defend Kash Patel as a “reformer” who will “root out” the partisanship in an FBI that is dominated by right-wing MAGA leadership as it is.

Bill Barr famously said that that Kash Patel would be appointed Deputy Director of the FBI “over my dead body.” See Joyce Vance, Civil Discourse on Substack, The New Matt Gaetz.

Likewise, former acting director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, said on CNN,

The fact that Kash Patel is profoundly unqualified for this job is not even like a matter for debate. . . . The installation . . . of Kash Patel as FBI director, can only possibly be a plan to disrupt, to dismantle, to distract the FBI and to possibly use it as a tool for the president’s political agenda.

McCabe was virulently anti-Hillary Clinton, leaking damaging information to the WSJ during the 2016 campaign. (McCabe lied to then Director James Comey about the leak and was later fired for his conduct). The fact that a rogue ex-FBI Director is alarmed by Kash Patel speaks volumes.

The nomination of Kash Patel should be viewed as an assault on the US intelligence community. Although people frequently think of the FBI as chasing bank robbers and kidnappers, it plays a critical role in counterterrorism and intelligence gathering.

The FBI is a member of the US Intelligence Community and has a dual report to the Director of National Intelligence (Tulsi Gabbard). It is charged with US counterterrorism investigations and maintains 60 offices overseas (primarily to coordinate with foreign intelligence agencies).

Indeed, Kash Patel has said that he wants to extricate the FBI from intelligence activities—a move that will make all Americans less safe in a dangerous world. See AP, Trump says he'll nominate Kash Patel as FBI director to remake the agency. Here's what happens next. Per AP,

Patel has also talked about disentangling the FBI’s intelligence-gathering activities — now a core function of the bureau’s mandate — from the rest of its law enforcement operations. It’s unclear whether he intends to carry through on that pledge or how it would be greeted at a time when the U.S. is facing what officials say is a heightened threat of terrorism.

As background for the upcoming fight over Kash Patel, I recommend several sources.

First, Joyce Vance’s excellent analysis in Civil Discourse, The New Matt Gaetz.

Next, The Guardian takes a deep dive into Kash Patel’s conspiracy theory past: Conspiracy theorist Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead FBI, faces Senate blowback | FBI | The Guardian

Finally, see the NYTimes, Kash Patel Would Bring Bravado and Baggage to F.B.I. Role. (Accessible to all.) The Times article is long on detail but short on self-awareness or political insight. For example, whatever Kash Patel's nomination means, it is not about “bravado” or “baggage.”

Patel’s threat to pursue journalists appears more than two dozen paragraphs into the Times’ story. In a democracy that is still hoping and pleading with legacy media to raise the alarm about Trump's intentions, twenty-four paragraphs into a story is not the right emphasis for an article about an FBI enforcement policy that would convert the FBI into a partisan police force directed at the media.

The Senate should reject Patel’s nomination. But Trump may attempt to place Patel in an “acting Director” role by manipulating the Federal Vacancy Reform Act. See Congressional Research Service, The Vacancies Act: A Legal Overview.

Trump's nomination of Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France is insulting to France and the US

Jared Kushner’s father—Charles Kushner—is a convicted tax fraudster who engaged in witness tampering while he was under investigation. Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner during Trump's first term. Trump has now nominated Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France.

It is difficult to imagine a less fitting Ambassador to France the Charles Kushner.

While Kushner was under investigation for tax fraud, his brother-in-law was a cooperating witness. Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law and filmed the sexual encounter in a hotel room between his brother-in-law and the prostitute.

Kushner then sent the video of the sexual encounter to his sister to induce her to dissuade her husband from testifying against Kushner. See ABC News, Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to become US ambassador to France.

The nomination of Charles Kushner as US Ambassador to France is the diplomatic equivalent of flipping the middle finger to a foreign nation. France would be well within its rights to refuse to receive Kushner as the Ambassador and tell the US to recall Kushner to the states.

In the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a nation has the unilateral authority to expel an ambassador:

The receiving state may at any time and without having to explain its decision, notify the sending state that the head of the mission or any member of the diplomatic staff of the mission is persona non grata or that any other member of the staff of the mission is not acceptable. In any such case, the sending state shall, as appropriate, either recall the person concerned or terminate his functions with the mission.

See Foreign Policy, So, How Do You Expel an Ambassador, Anyway? – Foreign Policy

Concluding Thoughts

President Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday. Against the orgy of Trump pardons of family, friends, and advisers, Biden’s pardon of his son on minor charges pursued for political purposes seems quaint and unremarkable. Biden’s reasons for pardoning his son are understandable—and probably meritorious. But Biden’s decision will become precedent for future pardons—by presidents with flimsy or corrupt reasons for pardoning family members. What is done can’t be undone, but the decision to grant a pardon to Hunter Biden was unwise and will further undermine the presidential pardon power.

And yes, I do understand the differences between Biden’s decision and the pardons issued by Trump. But examining the Hunter Biden pardon through the lens of the interests of the American people, it was unwise.

After I wrote last week that the nomination process has been more difficult than expected, I received several comments from readers (and my Managing Editor), saying, “Thanks for acknowledging that the nomination process has been worse than expected.”

It feels like we are living in a world turned upside down. Sexual abusers and convicted criminals are being nominated to positions of trust and honor. Demagogues who want to destroy the federal government are being granted leading roles in agencies they will seek to destroy. Unqualified, ignorant conspiracy mongers are being entrusted with the health and safety of our children and elderly. Disgruntled and aggrieved “ne’er do-wells” are being placed in charge of the US counterterrorism agencies.

If you feel like the subject in Edvard Munsch’s painting, The Scream, there is nothing wrong with your radar. You should feel that way—and more. I add the “and more” modifier because much of the press is still reporting on the nominations as if they are the player line-up being announced at Yankee Stadium on a Sunday afternoon.

The nominees represent a threat to the safety and stability to our society as a whole. Discussing the nominees’ “bravado” and “baggage” and “lack of experience” is misleading. The “lack of experience” is a feature, not a bug. What better way to destroy a federal agency than nominating someone who has no idea what the agency does? See, e.g., The Independent, Trump taps GOP megadonor with no military experience to head up US Navy.

We must attempt to derail as many of these nominations as possible—but especially Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert Kennedy. Call or write your Senators and make your voice heard: U.S. Senate: Contacting The Senate. Even unsuccessful efforts to stop some nominations will lay the groundwork for opposition to future actions. No effort is wasted, even if the fruits of that effort are not immediately visible.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[v3nusxsky]

would you be interested in writing an emily prentiss x fem or gn reader fic? something along the lines of domesticity in the morning (getting kids ready for school, breakfast etc.) or if you’d like, emily and partner visiting the BAU with their newborn child and their other little cuties. i just have this reoccurring dream about this absolute fluff every night 😩🫶

The Dream

*Authors note~ first attempt at some fluff for this stunning lady <3 oc children Matthew and Delilah are mine*

Trigger warning~  fluff? Fem reader

Prompt~ see ask^^^^^

It wasn't uncommon for you to awake in the morning to her side of the bed empty, after all her hours at work were certainly unpredictable. Emily always made sure to leave you a little note somewhere for you to find. A little tradition she started when you moved in. One that you loved very much. Normally you'd be heading into work with her, both of you working at the BAU only your job being desk work only. That being said you were extremely close to Penelope Garcia.

Your alarm rang out through the room as you grumbled shuffling to shut it off, your post pregnancy belly no where near as big as you were pre birth but still taking some adjusting to. You'd given birth two weeks ago, Emily had two weeks home from the FBI to be with you and your little family. Your son Matthew being only four years old really enjoyed his mama being home, you knew the cases were tough on him sometimes and alongside getting a sibling it was only natural you worried. But he adjusted perfectly to his baby sister and those glorious two weeks seemed to flyby. Today would be your first day without Emily, Matthew had school and you were still adjusting to your daughter's schedule, yet you were confident you could manage.

As if on cue Matthew made his way to your room, small little knocks sounded before her peeped his little head round the doorway. "Momma?" He whispered and you couldn't help but admire just how much he looked like your wife. "Hey buddy, wanna come up for a minute?" You offered and he immediately joined you in bed to snuggle, your usual routine. Delilah your newborn wailed out in hunger and you knew your morning snuggles would be over, Matthew was such a good big brother wiling to help with care for Delilah instantly. You did everything for her, she was fed and changed before you placed her in the rocking chair in your living room.

Delilah settled you made Matthew some breakfast and got him into his uniform, how had your baby grown so much? Once he was settled, dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and coat on you put the television on for him and checked on his sister before somehow managing to get yourself ready for the day. What was an even bigger win was you managed to snag a banana for breakfast before needing to leave. Challenge number two would be getting both children in the car and hopefully keeping Delilah asleep.

With both children secured in the car and the house locked up you double checked you had everything you needed. Only when you were sure you left to take Matthew to school. Delilah sat in the carrier on your chest as you walked him into his class and placed a kiss into his raven curls. Ever the sweetheart he placed a sweet kiss on your cheek and his sister before running off to find his friends. So far so good. Your daughter still remained asleep on your chest as you made you way back to the car to put her in her car seat. Your phone dinged as you finished buckling her in, triple checking it was completely safe before coming round to settle in your seat.

    Garcia🧸

Hey love, do you fancy bringing my little god daughter in to the office? It's a slow day and truthfully miss grouchy is  missing you both. Don't tell her I said that! But we would all love to see you. Love you Y/n❤️

You knew you had enough of everything to make the trip and sent off a quick reply informing Garcia to keep your arrival quiet before turning to Coe at your sleeping daughter, "shall we go see mama and the family sweet girl? They all can't wait to meet you." You knew she was a two week old infant so a reply was never coming but for some reason talking to her soothed you as you put the car into drive.

You hadn't seen the team since you left for maternity leave, they wanted to be present after the birth but unfortunately serial killers don't always have the best timing. So you stopped by the usual cafe and picked up the usual routine, some treats for the team, before heading over to the BAU. As you arrived your daughter began to stir so you made sure to soothe all her needs, knowing the team would all want to hold her. Only when she was fed changed and swaddled in her fluffy lavender blanket and wearing her matching little hat did you make your way to find Garcia cradling your daughter and carrying the bag of goodies.

After a quick hug from your friend she was instantly cooing over the sleeping infant that you cradled in your arms. It didn’t take long for the other team members to spot you in the briefing room and come to investigate, happy words and smiles exchanged as each came to get a peak at your daughter. The last person to join you was your wife, you could tell by the way she walked she wasn’t happy, but that all melted away the moment she laid eyes on you and her daughter. “Darling?” She exclaimed coming to hug you from an angle and whispering, “I missed you.” The hug was carful and it allowed Emily to look at the sleeping baby in your arms, a finger tracing over her chubby cheeks.

You handed her over to your wife in order to give out the goodies while the others observed how gentle Emily became. Your daughter waking with the now full room causing Emily to bring her up to her shoulder and stroke her back, talking to her as if there was no one else present, “hey little love bug, I missed you sweet girl you being good for momma? Oh it’s okay lilah these are all your aunts and uncles little one. They all love you so much.” You smiled at the sight and nudged JJ whispering, “I know this is crazy but seeing that makes me want another” causing her to laugh and wonder if you even remembered the pain of birth while Garcia wrapped you in a hug and whispered, “make as many of them as you want Y/n, as long as Emily stays like that and I can love on them.” Here and now watching Emily tend to your daughter, being surrounded by your work colleagues who were practically family, knowing you’d go home to Matthew and your wife, life was perfect.

Word count 1192

[runnning-outof-time]

Birmingham | Tommy Shelby x Reader (Part 11)

Previous Part

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: Tommy's the one who's finally able to coax (Y/N) out of her apartment. She returns to the Garrison, where Tommy enlists her to get a message to Ada who is, not surprisingly, at odds with her family again.

Warnings: smoking

Word Count: 4153

A/N: I’m sorry it took a little bit, but we’re back!! I hope you’re still excited to go on this journey with me. I know that this gif isn’t from season 1, but I felt that it fit the chapter nicely. Also, updates will be happening every other weekend from here out. Please let me know what you think! Enjoy! :)

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged!

-ONE MONTH LATER-

An incessant knocking finally roused (Y/N) from her spot on the couch. Usually the knocking would end after a few tries, but this person just wouldn't stop. She took a deep breath and grabbed the handle, taking a moment to prepare herself before she turned it and opened the door. "Hi..." was all the person was able to get out before she was shutting the door in their face, "(Y/N), wait."

"I should've known it'd be you," she sighed as Tommy's arm effectively got her to stop shutting the door. Accepting her defeat, she opened the door all the way and dropped her hand from the knob, showing him that she wouldn't be shutting him out again. "What are you doing here?" she asked then.

"It's been a while, (Y/N)," he started off by pointing out the obvious.

"It has," she was quick to agree because, once again, it was obvious.

Tommy took a moment to look her over. Another thing that was obvious was the fact that she hasn't been caring much about appearances. Her outfit wasn't as put together as it normally was, and her hair, which was usually pinned back in some sort of intricate matter, was left hanging down around her face. From what he could see behind her, her apartment looked to also be rather unkept. This past month had most definitely taken a toll on her, and he felt like an ass because he hadn't been around to help her when she needed it most.

"Your landlord gave me these. She said that they were piling up in her office," he said then as he brought a handful of envelopes up to show her.

"Thank you," (Y/N) responded, taking the letters from him. She looked down at them for a moment before looking up at Tommy again. "Anything else?" she asked him, more than ready to go back into solitude.

"Yeah, uh..." he trailed off, clearing his throat as she looked at him expectantly, "I think you should come back, (Y/N)."

"Oh you do?" she asked him with raised eyebrows, wanting to jump on him for thinking that he had any say on the timeline that she should be following. He didn't know what she was going through...he couldn't be the decider of when everything went back to normal. The pain of losing Matthew wasn't as apparent now as it had been a few weeks ago - it just seemed to be dull now, but every little thing was still proving to be a challenge for her to do. At this point, she felt like she didn't have the energy to deal with the outside world.

"Yeah," he doubled down on his statement.

"So you're deciding when I stop hurting now?"

"No. That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

Tommy sighed as he heard the defensive tone stark in her words. He should have thought about what he'd say before he said it. She was right...he couldn't be the one deciding when she came back to work; to society. "What I meant by saying that was that sometimes the best way to get through the pain is to shut the door on it. To make yourself busy enough to the point that there's no space for it in your mind."

"Like you do?" she raised her eyebrows at him, her words making his eyes narrow. He now looked at her like he was surprised that she knew this about him. And she let him know that that was exactly the case. "I've talked with Polly and Ada...they've told me how you just threw yourself into business after the war was over; how you refused to talk about it to anyone."

"The war was different," he said in a dismissing tone.

"Different, maybe...but you of all people should understand why I'm doing what I'm doing. This..." she paused, motioning to her apartment for emphasis, "is my way of shutting the door on it."

"You should be around others...be around people who have dealt with loss like this," he tried another avenue. He didn't quite know if what he was saying was making sense, but he didn't want to see her shut herself off any longer.

"I don't know, Tommy..." she trailed off, a sigh slipping from her lips, "I don't know if I can do it," she admitted to him, her hurt finally seeping through her features.

Silence fell around them then. For once in his life, Tommy didn't know what to say. He knew how (Y/N) thought...he knew that him saying 'you can do it' would fall on deaf ears and most likely be met with push back. He didn't know if she could. He didn't know what she was going through. Sure he'd been in her spot; losing many people in his past. But she was allowed to go through it in her own way, and he wasn't in any place to tell her when she was to forget about it and return to her regularly scheduled programming.

"I'll come back," (Y/N) broke the silence moments later.

Her voice was soft, but Tommy heard her. He couldn't stop his eyes from widening as what she said processed in his mind. He didn't expect her to say that she'd come back. "You will?" he checked, wanting to make sure that this was her own decision.

"Yeah," she nodded her head, "I'll come back to the Garrison tomorrow."

"Ok," he nodded as well, "I'll have someone come to pick you up and make sure that you get there."

"I'll be fine on my own," she turned down his offer, unable to stop the pang of sadness that she felt at the mention of someone doing the job that was once delegated to Matthew.

"Ok," he repeated what he'd just said, knowing better than to push her on it. Despite his desire to make sure that she was safe, he knew she could hold her own.

"So I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked him, using her question as a way to see if he wanted to say anything else to her.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he nodded in agreement, clearing his throat as he dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Ok. Bye, Tommy," she said, offering him the slightest smile as she spoke. He was lucky that he looked up when he heard her voice, otherwise he would have missed it.

"Bye, (Y/N)," he echoed her farewell, nodding to her as she then shut the door between them.

After taking a deep breath, she focused her attention on the envelopes in her hand. The first in the stack caught her attention, so she made her way over to the table and sat at one of the chairs. The return address glared at her for a few moments before she took another deep breath and broke the seal on it.

(Y/N),

I do not know how to express what I need to to you. I am deeply sorry for what occurred when you came to Sheffield. I was unaware of what had been planned, and that you would be coming to visit. Your brothers must have intercepted our letters and sent one of their own. I do not know this for sure because I have not spoken to them since the events of that day. I refuse to do so if this is to be true. Their intentions were heinous and not in line with what my family and its name has stood for.

I was happy to see you though. Your visit has only made me miss you more. I wish things within this family would be different. Your grandfather would be so disappointed to see what has become of his name.

I understand if you don't respond, but just know that I love you with all of my heart.

Mum

After reading over the letter a second time, (Y/N) folded with the letter a sigh and reached up to swipe the tears away before they could fall from her eyes. She should have known that this was the case. Her brothers were most certainly not above using the lesser members in the family for their gain. That's one of the main reasons why (Y/N) had left Sheffield. She didn't want to get tangled up in their schemes anymore.

Deciding to take her mind off of this new news, (Y/N) stood from the dining table and moved back to the chair that she'd been sitting on. She picked the book she was reading up again and attempted to fall back into the fictional world within it. But as she read, the internal war on whether or not to write back to her mother was happening in the back of her brain. Hopefully time would reveal the correct answer to her.

——

(Y/N) arrived at the Garrison at least fifteen minutes ahead of the time she was to start her shift. As she was walking through the front doors, Tommy was exiting the snug. The two's paths crossed almost perfectly, making them stop before they could get to their destinations.

The slightest smile appeared on Tommy's face as he looked over at her. "I'm happy that you're back, love. Are you ok?" he asked her, an expectant look on his face as he awaited her answer.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you," she answered him with a slight nod, a small smile forming on her face.

"I'll let you get to work. I'm sure there's something Harry could use you for," he told her, nodding his head in the direction of the barman as he spoke.

(Y/N) nodded again before she continued on her way to the bar. Tommy let her walk past before he went to the doors to exit the tavern. He stopped before he could walk through them though, and he turned around to look back at the bar. Harry's eyes lit up when he registered who it was that was approaching him. "(Y/N)! So nice to see you back!" he greeted her with a large grin.

"Thanks, Harry," (Y/N) responded, her small smile still present. She didn't think that this was such a big deal, but yet she was happy to be received by her co-worker/one of her bosses so well after being gone for an extended period of time. "Me bein' back's really nothing special though. Where do you need me?" she asked, hoping to get into her duties for the day.

"Course it's special. It's been different around here without you," Harry dismissed her statement, "besides, it must be something if it's gotten Tommy to stick around," he added, nodding his head towards the door. (Y/N) turned around at the motion and saw that Tommy was still standing in the doorway, watching the interaction that was happening at the bar. When her eyes fell onto him, he nodded once before he finally exited the building, walking out backwards with his eyes hooked onto hers.

"Where do you need me?" (Y/N) asked as she turned around again, hoping that her neutral expression was doing enough to mask how she was actually feeling at that moment.

"There's some boxes that need unpacking in the back room. It'll be useful for that to get finished," he told her and she nodded, making her way around the bar so that she could go to the backroom.

On her way there, she brushed past Grace, who seemed to do a double take when she noticed who had walked past her. (Y/N) didn't say anything, but she couldn't help but snort at the other woman's surprised expression...it was like she didn't still live next door to her. She wasn't sure if she should have been surprised by the fact that Grace didn't stop in at all over the month to see how she was doing. Brushing the thought off, she continued walking to the room. The familiar smell of wood, smoke and a slight ting of musk filled her nose as she stepped into the room, and it made her smile. She was happy to be around the things that made her happy prior to that fateful day. Keeping that smile, she got started with working on unpacking the boxes.

"Oi, (Y/N), it really is you!" a voice called from the doorway some time later, making her pause her work so that she could see who it was. Arthur stood at the door with his signature grin present. "I didn't want to believe Tommy when he told me, but I'm happy to see that you're back," he said, bracing himself on the doorframe as he leaned against it.

"I'm happy to be back," (Y/N) responded, a smile forming on her face. She didn't know how much she missed these people until she was around them again.

"Tommy wanted me to get you. He's in the snug," he told her then.

"He wants to see me?" (Y/N) checked before moving.

"Yeah...wanted to talk about something," Arthur nodded.

"Ok," (Y/N) nodded back as she dropped the box she was working on and made her way to the door.

"I'm happy you're back, kid," he reiterated his previous statement as she walked past him, patting her on the shoulder when she was in reach. (Y/N) only smiled back at him before she made her way out of the room and to the snug.

After debating whether or not to knock, she turned the handle and entered the small side room. "Arthur said you wanted to talk to me?" she phrased her statement as a question as she laid her eyes on Tommy, who was sitting in his chair, smoking a cigarette.

"Yes," he nodded before motioning to the other chair in the room. (Y/N) silently made her way over to it, her heartbeat quickening as she wondered what it could be that he wanted to talk about. Was she in trouble already?

"What is it?" she asked even though she shouldn't have, the anticipation just about overcoming her.

Tommy took a deep breath before he leaned forward in his chair, his eyes fixed on hers. "I need to ask a favor of you," he began, tapping the excess ash off of the cigarette and into the tray, "only if you're up to doing it, that is."

"What is it?" she repeated her question without much thought into what he could be asking of her.

"I need you to deliver a message to Ada..." he paused as the door to the snug opened and Grace entered the room.

"Is there anything I could get you Mr. Shelby?" she asked him, noticing that his glass was empty.

"Not at the moment no," he shook his head before focusing back on (Y/N), "she's not speaking to me, or anyone really, but I want her to be at this family occasion...you'll need to tell her that there'll be a truce," he then detailed the favor he was asking of her.

"Where will I find her?" (Y/N) asked, then taking the slip of paper that Tommy had pulled out and handed over to her.

"She goes to a bathhouse; on women only days. If she's not there, I trust that you've been to where she's living?" he answered, phrasing the second part of his statement in a question, hoping she'd give the answer he was looking for.

"I have," she nodded, not giving much more information, "I've never gone to that bathhouse before, would you happen to know wh..."

"I've been there," Grace jumped back into the conversation from where she was lingering by the door. Tommy and (Y/N) looked to where she was, a look of shock present on both of their faces. Neither realized that the blond-haired woman was still in the room.

(Y/N) opened her mouth to speak, but Tommy got his words out first. "Grace'll go with you," he decided, his tone telling that there was no point in arguing the choice. So (Y/N) closed her mouth and nodded her head. "Get the invitation to her," he reiterated his favor, making (Y/N) nod again.

"I will," she assured him verbally, silence falling in the room then. She was a little unsure about Grace making the trip with her, but Tommy seemed settled on it, and who was she to go questioning her boss on the first day back. "Should we go now?" she asked then, glancing to the door before looking back at Tommy.

"Yes," Tommy nodded, his answer making (Y/N) stand up. She wordlessly made her way to the door, nodding at Grace and waiting for the blond-woman to open it. Tommy spoke again before they could exit: "thank you, (Y/N)," he called to her, and she responded with the slightest smile.

Once the two women were outside, (Y/N) turned to Grace. "Are you sure you know where we're going?" (Y/N) asked to make sure.

"I do," Grace answered, her answer almost coming out in a scoff. There was no reason for (Y/N) to be doubting her in her knowledge. (Y/N) nodded at her response before they set off to the bathhouse.

—

"She's not here," (Y/N) stated after the two women had been looking around for a handful of minutes.

"I don't see her," Grace confirmed, her words making (Y/N) sigh.

"We'll have to go to her apartment," (Y/N) stated as they made their way to the doors of the building.

"She lives in an apartment?" Grace questioned as the two began walking.

"Yes...she lives with Freddie," (Y/N) answered, her eyes focused on the street signs as she tried to look for those that were familiar. Grace said nothing in response, just nodding her head as they walked down the street.

—

Once they got to Ada's apartment, (Y/N) knocked on the door thrice. She waited a few minutes on bated breath, hoping that Ada would open up. If she truly wasn't talking to anyone, (Y/N) of all people knew how slim the chances of her actually coming out would be. She kept her eyes focused on the door as she waited. Grace seemed to be more interested in the hall of the apartment and was making sure to take in all of her surroundings.

After knocking three separate times, (Y/N) turned to Grace with a sigh. "I don't think she's here either," she stated, a bit of defeat present.

"That's fine, we'll just go and tell Tommy that she wasn't present," Grace responded, not much of a care for the situation shining through in her words.

"Yeah, but don't you think..." she couldn't finish her statement because a voice came from the hallway behind her.

"(Y/N)?" it was the all too familiar voice of Ada Thorne.

"Ada," (Y/N) said as she turned around to see just the person she was looking for, "I was hoping you'd be home," she added, a smile on her face.

"I was at the bathhouse...it was women's only day there," Ada responded, her answer making (Y/N) furrow her eyebrows.

"Hmm..." she said aloud, turning her head slightly to look back at Grace, "Grace and I went there. We didn't see you," she said, noting that the blonde woman was looking anywhere other than at her.

"Maybe you just didn't see me," Ada stated, brushing the confusion off, "why are you here?...I'm happy to see you again," she moved past the previous topic, stepping forward to give (Y/N) a hug.

"I'm happy to see you too," (Y/N) said as she accepted the hug, "Tommy wanted me to extend an invitation to you; for a family occasion," she then delivered the message she'd been tasked to bring, "he said that there'll be a truce."

Ada's face dropped slightly at the mention of her brother, and (Y/N) wondered if a fallout had occurred between them while she was secluding herself. "What occasion is this?" she asked for more details.

"He didn't say. He gave me this to give to you though," (Y/N) responded, handing the slip of paper she was given over to Ada. The other woman looked down at it for a moment before an unreadable expression formed on her face. "I can't sway you either way. I'm sure they'd be happy to have you at this event...whatever it may be," she ended her statement with the smallest smile.

Ada nodded her head as she took in (Y/N)'s words. "I'll think about it," she gave a vague response, one that made (Y/N) nod.

"Good," she affirmed, her smile growing slightly, "it was good seeing you again, Ada," she said then.

"It was good seeing you too. Please don't go hiding on us again, ok? I'll be here to help you through whatever you're going through."

"And I'll be here to do the same for you," (Y/N) flipped it around, remembering what Tommy had said about his sister. Ada only smiled and pulled her into another hug, one last gesture before the conversation ended and all three women went their respective ways.

——

(Y/N) showed up at the Garrison later that evening, hoping that Tommy was still around so that she could let him know how her errand had gone. Luckily, she found him in the back office. She knocked on the door, making him look up from the book he was looking over.

"How'd it go?" he asked her, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"I gave her the invite. The decision's up to her now," she answered, her response making Tommy nod. She then took a step out of the doorway, feeling that the conversation was over. She was about to leave when something else came to mind. "Can I ask you something, Tommy?" she asked, a hopeful tone filling her words.

"Ask me what?" he asked her, his way of telling her that she could.

(Y/N) stepped into the room before speaking, deciding to move closer to his desk. "Has anything come from the move you were intending to make on my brothers?" she asked him, her voice softer now.

Tommy didn't respond right away. Instead he thought over everything that had happened over the month in hopes that he could give her a concise summary of it. "I've sent men to Sheffield. They've been keeping track of your brothers' moves for me," he decided to keep it vague.

"They're still both alive?" she asked another question while still unsure of what she wanted the answer to be.

"Yes," he didn't cut corners on the response. There had only been one opportunity to take out Grant, but it was a risky one, and at the end of the day, Tommy wanted to be sure of it...and he wanted to make sure that (Y/N) would be alright with it happening. They were still her family regardless of what happened. He shouldn't have the final say in what happens to them.

"Ok," her answer came out like a breath. She wasn't sure if it was in relief or hindrance, and she couldn't shake the feeling of the knot growing in her throat. "Thank you," she said to him before she turned and began walking to the door.

"(Y/N)..." Tommy called out before she could leave.

"Yeah?" she turned to face him again.

"I'd like for you to come to this event my family's having," he said to her, his words catching her off guard.

"I...I'm not family," she stuttered out.

"You're family enough, love. I'd like to have you there," he insisted, a look that (Y/N) couldn't decipher flashing across his face as he spoke, "besides, I'm sure Ada wouldn't mind your company...if she comes that is," he added.

(Y/N) thought about his offer for a moment, weighing out what he said to her in her mind. It would be good to see everyone again, she thought to herself, and this would surely be a good place to do it. After a few seconds passed, the slightest smile formed on her face. "I'll come," she told him.

A similar smile formed on Tommy's face as he heard her answer. He tried his best to mask it though. "Good," he nodded, hoping the response didn't sound too stiff, "I'll tell you more about it tomorrow."

"Ok," (Y/N) nodded her head, taking a step towards the door then. It was late and she was starting to feel tired. "Goodnight, Tommy."

"Goodnight, (Y/N)," he echoed her statement, letting his smile appear as he watched her finally walk out the door. God, why couldn't he get her off of his mind?

Next Part

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