#mitch has that shit tattooed on him... and both still do it to this day

[3416]

Hello! hi, you seem like an expert in this so I was wondering if you knew what was up with the 1634 glove doodles this year? It seemed like only Mitch was doing them and now we get an Auston heart? Is that a new thing for him? And Mitch seems like he is mixing his up this year too? Like is he drawing a moustache smiley? Do we think that correlates to when he has his own scruff OR when he’s maybe missing a certain someone? Maybe I’m totally off base but I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think is happening here

i'm actually in the middle of compiling a document over the course of their careers showing their glove doodles month-to-month so i'd consider myself an expert (of wasting time) too 😭😭😭😭 auston's been doing it most of the season!!! there were a couple games to start the season where certain pairs of gloves didn't have anything, but he's had way more pairs with them than without them this year. players cycle through multiple pairs of gloves in a game bc some of them are finicky and don't like to play w wet gloves so they take turns going on driers. and you don't always get pics where they're noticeable too but i'd say most of the year he's been doodling hearts or stars on them!! here are pics from october, november, and december respectively!

mitch has always done sillier stuff in general, but he is getting ambitious with the drawing of a dog, a ghost, a mustache, etc lately. he USUALLY sticks to different smileys like tongues out, grin, :O, stuff like that along with the z.

i don't think anything out of the norm is happening beyond the tradition just continuing and morphing over time like normal. mitch started as a way to remind himself hockey's supposed to be fun with the smiley and auston transitioned from his usual blocky 34 from his youth (like he started doing it as a teenager) to that at the same time. sometimes he did different symbols (sides of a dice, playing card symbols, smileys himself etc), which makes me think he had something to do with the starting of that ritual too bc mitch never drew on his gloves in juniors or before. but anyway, both of them are still routinely doing it!! i just get a little emo every time it's prominent in photos no matter how many times i've thought about it :')

[sunflowersunshinevol6]

Harry Styles x OC

Warnings: drinking

Summary: Mixtapes. We all love them. We have a different one for a different mood. A different moment in time. For Harry and Summer, they become the soundtrack of one beautiful summer in California and the definition of their relationship. Because the people you love never really leave, they're only a mixtape away.

Part One

Let me start at the beginning. I never would have met him if it wasn't for my roommate Halley.

We lived in Monte Nido, about three miles from Malibu. I had just graduated from Berkley and was looking to become a freelance photographer. Halley did the temp thing, it paid the bills and we could still have fun.

I woke up to 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' blasting from the boombox in the living room. Halley had just broken up with her boyfriend and I knew she was hurting, but I despised the song. It was overplayed in my opinion.

"Hey," she whined when I walked out of my room and over to the boombox, shutting the music off. She was in the kitchen, baggy misfits shirt hanging off her slim frame, black hair tousled and looking like she hadn't brushed it in weeks. I rolled my eyes, walking over to her and catching the plate she slid across to me. A bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee. The perfect morning.

"I'm tired of you moping babe. We gotta get you out of the house." She grumbled, playing with the ends of her hair.

"Maybe I should call him," she started towards the phone hung on the wall. I ran, beating her to it and slamming my hand over it. "Summer!" She said slightly annoyed.

"No. Not doing that." I grabbed her hands, tugging her back towards the kitchen. "Know what we need?"

"What?"

"A night out." I said, bumping foreheads with her. "When's the last time we went to a show together?" She shook her head, shrugging her shoulders. "Exactly. There's a new band supposed to be playing downtown at The Dome tonight. We should check it out." Halley chewed on her bottom lip for a second before nodding, giving in.

"I could use a girls night." I grinned, high fiving her.

I've always communicated best through music. There's something about a song that can just get what I'm feeling across in a way that words can't. My mom used to say I was born with music in my soul. We used to dance around the kitchen, Fleetwood Mac's Rumors on vinyl, blasting as we croaned, singing of heartbreak and hope. It was deep. It always has been.

Halley went to work, another gig at a vet's office and I grabbed my roller blades and headed outside, Walkman in my pocket, Dinosaur Jr's 'You're living all over me' blasting in my ears. I took off towards town, heading to the record store.

Big and Easy Cassettes and Vinyls had been around since the late seventies. It was my place, and my mom's. Even when she got sick I would drive her over and we would pick an album, just one new one to listen to on the way home. We'd come across a song that was too good plenty of times and would go around the block to finish it. The place was my home away from home.

The Psychadelic Furs 'Pretty in Pink' played over the speakers when I walked in. A couple people lounged around.

"Hey! Summer! What's happenin'?" Willy, the owner, waved at me from behind the register. He'd been a hippie back in the day, even lived at the Haight. He wore small circle rimmed glasses that were tinted and his afro was always a mess. He grinned at me as I made my way over to him.

"Hey man! Got anything new?" He nodded, pulling a box out from under the counter, the label on ot reading 'New Shit'. I opened it eagerly, looking through the tapes.

"How's Halley doing?" He asked.

"She could be better. We're going to a show tonight at The Dome." Willy nodded.

"Yeah? My buddy Mitch plays in the band. His girlfriend Sarah is drums."

"Really?"

"Yup. Could make a call. Get you guys backstage." I couldn't contain my grin.

"Thanks man." I grabbed a couple tapes, holding them out for him to charge me. He shook his head.

"On the house. This time."

"Thanks Willy."

"No problem. Tell Halley I said to have a good time. I'll call my buddy, let him know you're coming through."

Halley and I have always had a preshow ritual, but since she was working when I got home I started without her.

I put on my new cassette, The Cure 'Disentigration' and hummed along as I started making drinks. I was halfway through my third margarita when she came in the door.

"Hey!" She shouted. I laughed when she began dancing towards me and I handed her her drink.

"Willy knows someone in the band. He's gonna get us backstage."

"Are you kidding? That's fucking great!" Halley screeched jumping up and down. We danced around the living room drinking and singing the wrong lyrics. It's always good to hype up before you go out. Remember that.

We started getting ready around eight thirty, both of us slightly buzzed. I grabbed my favorite t shirt. An oversized Clockwork Orange shirt that was black and had the logo on the front in orange, a red plaid long sleeve and torn up Jean's with my mom's old converse. I'm not one for makeup much but I put brown eyeshadow on to make eyes look a bit sunk in, mascara and dark red lipstick. I let my black hair fall down over my shoulders and put on my favorite sunnies.

Halley was a bit more punk than I was. She wore a black mini skirt, ripped see through black mesh shirt with a black tank top over it. Her favorite dog collar around her neck and heavy eyeliner and lipstick, her favorite Doc Martens laced up her ankles, ripped stocking covering her legs.

"You look hot." I acknowledged, winking at her teasingly.

"Tell me something I don't know." She laughed.

"Show starts at ten. You wanna walk?"

"I'm up for that."

The Dome was the local bar. It was only about a mile away and we hoped the walk would sober us up as we went. We talked and laughed, excited at the prospect of hearing new music. Music had been the thing that brought us together in the first place. Our mutual love for Depeche Mode and Peter Murphy. It always seemed to me that music was the only thing that brought people into my life and kept them there.

We got there early enough to see people coming into the bar. We weren't sure if they were there for the band or for drinks. We didn't really care. We were young and looking for fun.

"I hope they're hot." Halley said as we took our seats at the bar. I laughed, rolling my eyes at her.

"The one named Mitch is taken. He's dating the drummer so you better hope you don't fall for him." She snickered at me.

"Hi ladies, what can I get you?"

"Two Jack in Coke on ice?" She looked at me and I nodded my approval. The bartender nodded, heading back to make our drinks. That's when I saw Willy's unmistakable afro making his way through the crowd and towards us.

"Hey ladies! Lovely to see ya." He kissed Halley on the cheek and then me before leaning against the bar beside us.

"Heard you can get us backstage tonight." Halley said, wiggling her eyebrows. Willy nodded.

"Sure can. Already told Mitch I was coming. Just gonna bring you girls back with me." I opened my mouth to say something else but the feedback from the stage caught my attention just as the bartender came up with my drink. I took a sip, watching as the lights dimmed and everyone's attention turned to the stage.

The band filed out. Three girls and three boys heading towards the stage. The guitarist had shaggy black hair and a full beard, dressed in bell bottoms and a baggy white tee. But it was the singer who caught my eye.

He wore beige slacks and a black button down tucked in, the first few buttons unbuttoned, a couple of tattoos poking out on his chest. His brown hair curled slightly but was slicked back and the rings on his hands glinted as he grabbed the mic stand. He was outrageously handsome.

"Oh my." Halley whispered. Oh my was right.

"Ello." My heart dropped into my stomach when he spoke, a thick english accent greeting my ears. "My mama's Harry. This is Mitch, Sarah, Ny Oh, Adam and Charlotte. We don't have a band name yet, maybe one day. But we hope you enjoy." Everyone laughed at his comment. "This song is called 'Ever Since New York.'"

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply as the song began. It was beautiful. My mom would have liked it.

"Tell me somethin'" his voice was sweet, carried along the melody that the band played. I opened my eyes, watching as he swayed to the beat of the music. Everyone was quiet, enraptured by this young man's voice.

"Wow." I heard Halley say behind me, I couldn't have agreed more. It wasn't dancey, not in the way that you could get up and shake your ass. No, it was the kind of song you listened to at home in the evening, with your lover perched on the counter while you stand between their legs, dinner cooking on the stove. It was comforting. It was....home.

When the song came to a close I was breathless, a weight placed on my chest, I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

A few songs in and he began a heavier song, one that we could dance to. He called it 'Kiwi'. Halley and I got up, dancing with Willy and laughing as he screamed into the microphone. I felt free, laughing with my friends and feeling like we were the only ones in the world.

I looked up at the stage after I flipped my hair to see him, Harry, eyes locked in on me. I held his gaze for a moment, blushing when he smiled at me before breaking eye contact. I smiled, turning back to my friends and feeling the music once more.

"Thank you all for a lovely evening." He said when the show was over. Willy gently took me and Halley by the arm.

"We can head back now guys."

The backstage area was small. Not a whole lot of room, but enough for the small indie bands that usually played. Halley and I stood to the side as Willy walked up to Mitch, shaking hands with him.

"These are my friends. This is Summer and Halley." We smiled, shaking Mitch's hand. He introduced us to the rest of the band but the singer, Harry, wasn't there.

"He's in the loo." Sarah said, a kind smile on her face. Halley started a conversation with Adam while I spoke with Sarah and Mitch. They were so sweet and kind.

"Hey, who's your friends?" I felt my stomach churn. Harry walked back in the room, a bottle of water in his hand as he eyed me and Halley.

"Friends of Willy. You've met him before." Harry shook Willy's hand before turning to me.

"I'm Harry." He held out his hand.

"Summer." I said. He smiled.

"I like that. 'S pretty." He held my hand for a moment too long, eyes locked on mine once more. Halley interrupted us.

"Hey, you guys got a place to stay?" Mitch shook his head.

"Nah. We were gonna crash in the car." I looked at Halley with wide eyes. I knew where she was going with this, she seemed so cozy with Adam already.

"No. No. You guys can stay with us. Crash on the couch or the floor. We're cool with it. Right Summer." I blinked, inside I was furious. I hated being put on the spot like that.

"Yeah." I said dryly. "Sure."

"Cool. We'll pack everything up then." Halley grinned.

"It's kinda small but there's room for everybody." Halley said as she opened the door to our apartment. I cringed inwardly. We hadn't even cleaned up, but the band didn't seem to mind. Everyone sat down in the living room while Halley and I went to grab extra blankets.

"You know I hate when you spring shit like this on me." I glared as she handed me a blanket and pillow.

"Oh shut up. Adam's cute and hey, I saw you and Harry having a moment."

"We were not...he was just greeting me." I said flustered. She rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, they're our guests. Be hospitable."

We all sat around for a while, drinking and talking. Slowly everyone began to fall asleep, Harry and I being the only ones left awake.

We talked for what felt like hours. He told me about his parents, their divorce and his mom and step dad. His sister. How he knew he wanted to be a musician from a young age and when he met Mitch it felt like a sign from the universe. I listened intently, enthralled with the man before me.

"Tell me more about England. I've always wanted to go there." I was on my belly, propped up on my elbows while he sat on the couch. We'd been engrossed in our own conversation for so long that we hadn't realized everyone else fell asleep.

"Where I'm from is quite picturesque. It's a beautiful little town. Maybe one day, if you ever go to England you can come by."

"Maybe." I laughed. "If my photography ever takes me there."

"You have to have faith in yourself love. You'll do it." I was glad he couldn't see me blush in the dark. "I'm glad you came to the show." He said after a moment of silence between us.

"Me too." He shifted, laying back on the couch.

"This is probably weird. But I was wondering....would you like a cuddle? I hate sleeping alone." I was taken aback. But he seemed serious, green eyes looking at me curiously. I couldn't say no. How could I?

"Sure." I said, climbing up on the couch. I laid my head on his chest, slotting my body against his, he wrapped his arms around me, lifting his leg slightly to keep me up on the couch. I felt him nuzzle my head, he was smelling my hair.

"I like this...you smell nice." I didn't reply, only smiled, burying my face in his chest as we drifted off to sleep.

[tell-mi]

By The Way - Part 4

When you finally start to crush over someone who feels exactly the same there is no going back.

Warnings: drugs, language, smut, kinda fluff, sex, alcohol abuse

The sunlight hit your face by surprise. It was late in the morning when you realised you haven't called Luna to tell her you don't come back at night. You turned to the end of the bed. The sheets covering your half naked body. You tried to stand up but an arm pulled you in around your hips. "Hey, come back!" He yawned softly at your. His eyes blinking from the sun which also hit his face. Harry sit up on his arm and leaned towards you leaving kisses on your bare back. "I have to call Luna" you turned around trying to face him. "She knows where you are, Nikki" he said in between his kisses. His stubbles tickling his way around your body, his arm still resting on your belly to pull you back into the bedsheets. As his face and kisses reached your hips you shaked and chuckles. "Stop it Harold, you tickle me." "You are ticklish?" You can hear the joy in his voice and soon his hands were all over your body making you laugh. "No...No" you whined underneath him trying to shake yourself out of his catch. "Stop it Harry, please!" You laughed out in between you tries gaining your breath. Harry leaned in to you, his lips almost touching yours "Make me!" You two stared at each other while Harry pressed your hands against the pillows above your head. "I swear, if this is your way to get me to kiss you, I won't, Harold!" You said to him with a serious face. "Okay" he went on with the tickling and made you laugh even more. You rolled yourself around the bed trying to get out of his catch. As you managed to free your hands you cupped his face "Alright, alright come to me!" You pulled harry in to a soft kiss which quickly turned into lots of kisses and touches between the two of you. You turned yourself up on him, now sitting on his lap you started to take of your shirt while Harry stopped you by holding your hands. "Wait a sec!" He whispered to you and pulled you back into the sheets again. You cuddled up next to him, resting your head on his shoulders while he caressed your arm. It felt right, it felt good. Your hands all over your bodies, your lips leaving small kisses, your breaths against each other. You just loved each other in a different way than the other times. This time you didn't felt the need to actually get laid by him, you just wanted to be near him.

"I will leave to LA soon to record my new album" he turned towards you so that your faces could meet. "What's it about?" You smiled to him while your fingers tracing up and down his arms. "Acrually it's about my ex girlfriend like I told you in Japan. She hurt me bad and I wrote a lot of songs at this time." You chuckled "At least she delivered you good content. And I am happy that I don't need to help you find some inspiration" As you just finished your sentence you lips crashed at each other again. Harry pulling you in closer as if he wanted to stop the topic and make you forget what you have just talked about. He pinned you against the mattress, holding your hands above your head down to the pillow. You laughed "Are you trying to shut me up?" harry shook his head "Sort of" he kissed you and let loose of you to crashed down next to you again. "How long did you know Luna?" "Huh" "You seem to be really close. And she seemed to trust me after only meeting me onece. I wanna know what my wingwoman is like." You turned your head towards him with a questioning look. "Wingwoman?" Harry smiled "She told me to work things out yesterday before leaving" "I knew it" you screamed out. "Please, don't judge her" Even if you were a bit angry at Luna you could't stop but smile thinking of how you two meet for the first time. "She as an intern at my mum's make up studio. She is an makeup artist to" "is she?" Harry seemed really interest "Yeah, well she was an intern and it we met at a concert seven years ago. And what should I say? It clicked in the first second." A soft smily occured at your face while you turned back to watch into Harry's eyes "she is like my big sister. I really love her!" Harry left a small kiss on your forehead "you should call her"

***

You made your way from Spain to LA. Three days left before you started filming againg. Harry invited you to stay over at the studios and be the one and only who listens to the first tracks. He knew you were a good songwriter with a even better taste. So he really wanted to see your opinion. You were standing infront at the closed door, no sign that someone opens it soon. It was a hot summer day and you urgently needed something to cool down after your trip from the airport to the studios. As Harry didn't even answer the phone you decided to search anything to sit in the backyard. As you reached the garden you saw the huge pool and rejoiced over the it. Thank god Harry already told you that you could change your clothes via phone so you decided to change at the airport in your comfy sunny yellow, lacy bikini and a summer dress as you felt the heat outside. You undressed quickly and jumped into the water. Resting at the end of the pool with your eyes closed, you back turned to the sun you almost dozed out until someone frightened you out of your dreams while holding an ice cold can on your back. You histerically sceamed out while jumping up quickly "FUCK!" You managed to straight your body and hit a laughing Harry directly against his chest. "You rude piece of shit!" Harry wrapped his arms around you and lifted you up in the air. "I've missed you too sunshine!" His hands resting on your bump pulling you close. Your hands now on his neck and pulling him head closer to yours."Ya had a good flight?" Your noses softly touching each others. Before you could answer, his lips already crushed against yours. Your teeths colliding at each other because of the both of you smiling. "Heeeey Harry, we still have the whole car full with stuff, won't you help me?" You quickly releasd your entangled bodies hearing Mitch scream from behind the house. "I'm coming" harry screamed towards the house leaving you in the garden after pulling your face towards his again to leave a kiss on your head. You couldn't help but smile at him.

***

"I need to borrow Mitch one day" you said to the band members. Mitch shyly smiling at you next to him at the couch throwing an arm around your neck. "It will be a pleasure Nikki!" "Hey, it's my Mitch. Go find yourself one!" Harry screamed at you from across the room while he installed his recording stuff. "I'm happy that you are jealous when someone want to take away Mitch from you but not when but not by your girlfiend!" Sarah laughed turning to face Harry. You glared Harry a confused look and turned to Mitch and Sarah. "Oh, we aren't. I'm not his girlfriend" you stumbled. "She's ma mate!" Harry said agreeing you.

After entering his recording cube Harry called you to you "Niks, now listen carefully. This song is.. I don't know...about a certain feeling and a certain someone. I wanted the happiness to be heared. Please listen and judge!" He raised his fingers towards you to make sure you understand. As the first notes hit in you cannot help but smile to yourself "dadadada da dadada golden golden as I open my eyes" You have never watched Harry sing but you could tell it was the favourite thing he does in his life. He seemed so released, so different. Once in a while he looked up from the microphone directly in your direction and as he saw you still standing there smiling at him, a heartwarming smile also appeared at his face. "I love it" you mouthed to him as he finished his last notes. The biggest little boy grin that you have ever seen on his face was now looking directly at you. "He never killed it so good, damn!" Sarah screamed out and jumped happily in your direction. "Girlfriend or not, but you really tickle the best out of him" she whispered in your ear.

***

You decided to barbecue in the evening. The guys standing outside taking care of the meat and you in the kitchen preparing some Spanish salsas and the famous Lopez' sangria. Which you told Sarah about before and she demanded you to prepare this for the evening the whole day. You had fun with the ladies of the band in the kitchen. Explaining them the sangria. "Well we can do plain one with wine and then we also have the Agua de Valencia, it is also super tasty and then there is the Lopez' Sangria receipt of my granny wich has actually nothing to do with a sangria but a lot of tequila.

***

You eat well and you drank much better. As the most of the crew decided to either go home or in their restrooms to sleep, the only ones left were Harry and you. Both more than just tipsy "You know what?" He asked you "I wanna swim" his grin said all "Don't even try, Harold" you demanded him. His movements were so fast you can't even react. Harry pulled you towards the pool and pushed you right in it with your whole clothes on. He also jumped right in. "You asshole" you jumped on I'm in the pool and tried to dunk him in the water. "That is my favourite dress!" You cried out spraying water towards his face. Harry pulled you towards him "you know what's my favourite clothing on you?" He smirked sliding the strap of your dress down your shoulder. "If you say nothing now, I will punch you, I swear" "Shit! You know me to well!" Harry threw his head back in laughter. You pulled yourself up the pool now sitting at the edge of it. Harry swimming Infront of your legs. His arm holding your thights. It was a badly warm night but you didn't knew if it was the heat in the air or the heat which hit you by his stare. His white shirt was soaked against his muscular chest. You could see the tattoos through. You could see his heavy breathing. "Harry, please" Came out of your mouth and you didn't knew why. Blame it on the high amount of alcohol, but the thoughts in you head stumbled around and you cannot help asking "What are we?" You stared at him demanding him to say something. To answer your questions. You saw him chocking down some words, he opened his mouth to answer but shut it again. Frustrated you threw your head in the are "For gods sake Harold, answer me!" You felt his hands on your hips pulling you into the pool again. His hands caring your cheeks. He pulled you in close to him and said nothing but kissed you. He kissed you passionately. You have never felt him kiss you in that way. You sure knew how hectically and rough he can be if you have teased him but it was different now. The kiss was heated and needy. "If you don't stop being so cute, I will never not fall in love with you!" He sighed out against your face. Those words hit you hard. He said the word 'love', he said it out loud. You knew since the night in Tokio, that you really liked each other and had a small crush but you never thought about love. But what else would you call two human beings who constantly fall for each other and cannot hold on a minute without the other one. You grabbed his hands behind your neck and forced him to touch you on other places. Your head was twisting and turning, you wanted him to take you out of the pool and love you the whole night. He knew what you thought and within seconds you found your wet bodies crushing against each other in his room.

[meleuki]

Thanks for the tag @flowrxchild​, @satans-helper, all my love to you both x 

What was the last thing you read?

if we’re being specific, I read @satans-helper​ post completely. low-key dude, you remind me of myself. 

Favourite movie?

The Hobbit, I just watched all three the other day and my love for them was remembered. 

Favourite book?

I AM DEATH by Chris Carter. It will forever be my favourite, I’ve never read anything as good as that book. 

Dream date?

A walk through a forest, or to the beach. Anything that involves a good long drive, with good music. 

Do you have a crush?

I do, and we’ve been on a few dates recently. 

What are your hobbies?

Writing, painting, drawing, yoga, astrology, tarot, learning about everything that catches my eye - mostly butterflies, outer space, mythology of any kind. I can also never get enough of making things with my hands, sculpting, cooking, baking etc. 

What’s your favourite time of day?

My usual wake up time, that my body has gotten used to, is 4-5am. So the early morning. I wake up and make coffee and breakfast, and watch the sunrise. When it’s nice and cool in the morning is my favourite. 

If you could look like anything, what would you look like?

A flowy forest fairy type gal I guess, that’s what I’d aim for. 

Are you romantic?

Yes and no, that to me - is complicated. I wish to be, and I can be if I really feel the need to, but my demeanour around people I love is often more friendly than romantic. 

What’s your favourite type of weather?

Sunny, but with a cool breeze. I like to be able to wear things that cover my whole body, and not feel over-heated. 

What do you like talking about?

Astrology, I would talk about it all the time if I could, but the people around me aren’t so keen on hearing about it all. Also, music, like the blues and rock n roll, I love when someone can return my enthusiasm about Muddy Waters, The Kings, Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan.

What are your turn ons?

Someone who will roll with my ramblings; make sense out of nonsense; try something they’ve never done; mother nature’s child; understanding and supportive; a little wild and a little crazy; considerate; a good heart. 

Turn offs?

Over-confidence, selfishness, dishonest, disloyal. Doesn’t take any advice. This is a specific thing, but if in a conversation I am the only one asking the questions.  

If you got a tattoo what would it be and where would you get it?

Oh, I want many. I want a triangle on my right shoulder, covered in flowers and vines, with my mother, grandmother, and sister’s name at each corner. I also would like to get a protection sigil tattooed on the space between my thumb and pointer finger. 

but that’s for when I have money. 

Do you have any pets?

A small dog named Wesley, I love him a lot. 

Dream job?

Designing album covers or just being an artist. An author, or a professor of Creative Writing, I would like to be a lecturer one day. 

Dream place to live?

I would like to build my own place, by a lake in the woods, with a couple of dogs, maybe some chickens. Cabin or cottage vibes throughout the whole house. 

Dream vacation?

I want to travel Canada, and go see all the lakes and forests. Portugal is also on my list. ( @livewiredroger​ )

Do you have any piercings?

Just the two in my earlobes. I wanna get my septum and line a few up my ears however.

If you had kids, what would you name them?

Ophelia and Titan are the only names I’m sure of at the moment. 

What are your best traits?

I am straightforward when I need to be. I believe I am kind, and I do my best to live up to that belief every day. I will talk about anything and everything. I think a lot. 

Worst traits?

I often get tired and irritable, which makes it easy for me to snap at people or sound uninterested in conversation. I’m in the process of learning how to still be kind no matter what mood I am in. I am unaware of how much I ramble on sometimes. 

What’s your worst fear?

Loss of my sight.

What do you want to eat right now?

Uhm, nothing really. Chicken and spinach maybe? I just ate so I have no idea what my body wants. 

What’s your best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Every year I go to Sydney for Christmas, to see my grandparents and other family. Each year seems to be better than the last, so I’m not to sure which is my favourite. 

Favourite city?

Coimbra, Portugal. 

Favourite social media platform?

Tumblr. 

Favourite article of clothing?

My long hippie skirt that I wear whenever I get the chance. It’s gorgeous and I’m in love with it. 

Do you play any sports?

I used to play Ice Hockey. I had to stop because of health issues, and I’m not sure I want to play again. Although, I do miss skating a lot. 

Favourite meal of the day?

Lunch. 

What are you excited for?

Christmas! I can’t wait to see my family, go to the beach everyday and enjoy summer once again. 

Not excited for?

I’m not really sure, there isn’t anything that makes me feel awful at the moment. 

When was the last time you cried?

Last night, my head was hurting as well as my throat and I couldn’t talk at all. 

Dream house?

One that I built myself. 

What’s something you hate about the world?

Selfish people, selfish things, selfish minds. Being the kindest you can be, no matter how awful people are to you is the key to a happy life. My grandma told me, “Kind, but stern. Just because you are kind, does not mean you are a doormat.” I hate how people take kindness for granted and see it as weakness. 

What’s something you love about the world?

Love. I love, love. The feeling, the essence, the emotion, the spark of it. I love, love. @satans-helper​ is right, it’s magic. 

What scents do you like?

Earth smells, or the smell of fire smoke. Patchouli and candles, essential oils. The smell of bread baking is my favourite. Or when you hug someone and they have an inviting smell, like their own personal relaxer. (I dunno how else to describe that lmao)

What kind of sleeper are you?

I will sleep for hours upon end, or just a few. it really depends on how I’m feeling, what mood I’m in. 

Are you a cat or dog person?

Dogs. I am slightly afraid and slightly allergic to cats. 

How long would you survive in a zombie apocalypse?

A while I think. I used to be obsessed with Zombies. When I was 10 I even made my own get away bag. I don’t have it any more, but I remember all that was in it. I also enjoy learning about herbal medicines and such, that would probably do me some good. I also have friends who are good at conflict, which would help. So an estimate of maybe 2-3 years? probably not, I don't really know lmao. 

Are you trusting?

It takes me a while to trust people fully. 

What fictional character do you identify with?

Mitch Kramer and Slater from Dazed and Confused. My sister said Young Goob from Meet The Robinsons, and Mallory from the Spiderwick Chronicles. 

This is Goob btw. 

What labels do you commonly get?

Emotional, Straightforward, “mature for my age”. 

What song would be your life anthem?

Afraid Of The Dark by The Frights 

What issues are you dealing with rn?

My Iron, mental health, and a whole bunch of other shit that I’m not gonna get into. 

How can someone win you over?

Match my level of crazy. Be awkward and stupid and wild with me. 

What’s something about you people don’t know?

I have an interest in witchy things, most people in my life don’t have a clue. 

I tag @xx-kurt-cocaine--xx​ @livewiredroger​ @solohqrry​ @guns-n-crue​ @born-to-be-my-baby​ @antheasnow​ @eru-vande​ @malibubarbievince​ xx

[fratboyvivimatthews]

prank war - auston matthews

summary: while laying around on an off day watching vines y/n and auston start a prank war that drags everyone into it, even babs.

warnings: swearing, pranks, 

word count: [5,867] - i got carried away 

a/n: this takes place during the 2016-2017 season 

Pushing yourself up off the ground you slowly crawled back on to the couch dying from laughter. Your stomach hurt from all of the laughing that you were doing. “What the hell Y/n/n?” was the first thing you heard Auston say as he walked into the living room, 

Grabbing the remote you paused the video of old Vines and let your laughter die down to speak to him. A smile graced your face as your eyes scanned over his sleepy body. “Sorry if my laughing woke you up,” You started to say as heat rushed to your cheeks. Your eyes ran down his body before landing on the script tattoo. 

“You didn’t.” The sound of this voice caused you to met his gaze and watched as he smiled before pulling a worn out Maple Leafs tee shirt on. “But if I wanted to spend my off day watching old Vines I’d be hanging out with Mitchy.” 

Scoffing you crossed your arms over your chest and turned to face the TV once more. “Mitchy has nothing on my knowledge of Vines,” you then challenged. 

“Oh I’m sure he does bub,” he countered before dropping down next to you. His arms wrapped around your waist pulling you into his lap. “But by all means please start the video again.” Slapping his chest for the Mitch comment you turned in his arms to start the video again. 

Your laughter rang throughout the apartment as the hanger Vine played over and over again. “See this is why I don’t need college,” You managed to explain somehow between your laughter. When you looked up at Auston his face was bright red, and tears filled his eyes from laughing so hard. 

“You’re gonna be a hanger?” Your head nodded quickly before rushing up out of his lap. Swiftly you ran down the hallway to your shared bedroom and straight to the closet. With a white hanger in your hand you started to sprint back to the living room. Only instead of making it to the living room you slipped and fell on the hardwood flooring, completely smacking your ass and upper body on the ground. 

Moaning out in pain you could hear as Auston’s laughter bounced off the apartments walls. He was hunched over laughing harder than you’ve ever seen him laugh. “Auston what the fuck?” You asked slowly sitting up hissing in pain. Curious as to why your clothes now felt wet and slimy you ran your hands on the floor to feel oil coating it. ��Did you dump vegetable oil on the ground so I’d fall?” His laughter hadn’t stopped as you spoke but only got worse. 

Auston fell to the ground slowly and turned to lay on his back. He brought his phone up above his head just as you started to slowly stand up not wanting to fall and hurt yourself worse. “Aus why’d you do that?” You questioned again rubbing your back and ass. Slowly he raised himself into a sitting position making sure his phone was at eyes level the whole time. 

A wide smile was spread across his cherry red face, matching tears running down his chees as he couldn’t stop laughing. “Watch - watch the video,” the hockey player wheezed handing you his phone. Grunting you tore his phone away from him his hands his laughter slowing down. 

Your e/c eyes started down at the phone screen watching as a video started to play. It had started out with your figure running to the bedroom, and instantly changed to watching as Auston ran into the kitchen to grab the oil. A frown crossed your face as you watched him pour the oil on to the floor only seconds before you came running back out from the bedroom. Your eyes went wide as you watched your foot his the oil covered floor and your body go flying in the air. 

Closing out of the video you say that your boyfriend had sent it to the Leafs’ group chat were Willy and Mitch had both answered with videos of them laughing their asses off. Huffing out of anger you locked his phone before throwing it down at his chest. “This isn’t over Matthews,” you seethed before rubbing your ass once more, “Oh no, this is just the start of this war.” 

“Hey wanna go get ice cream?” You asked from your position in Auston’s lap. His brown eyes pulled away from the caps jets game to meet your e/c ones. “Please? I really want ice cream.” When he still didn’t cave in you sighed, “I’ll drive.” 

Auston nodded his head, “Ice cream sounds good. The Rover keys are on the island.” You sat up slowly not wanting to hurt your back from earlier today. Only the hissing of pain you let out caused Auston to stare at you worriedly. Once standing you snatched up the Range Rover keys before making your way to the garage. 

“Does your back hurt that bad?” Auston asking lacing his hand with your free one. Biting your lip you looked up at him and nodded. “Shit, I’m sorry bub. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just wanted to be funny.” 

You licked your lips not wanting him to see the smirk that was slowly forming on your face. “I know Aus, that’s why I’m not mad.” A soft smile crossed your face knowing very well that you were about to get back at him for the oil on the floor. Auston muttered under his breath before kissing your forehead. Climbing into the drivers seat of Auston’s Range Rover and waited for him to buckle. “Ready to go?” 

Looking over at him he nodded. “I’m always ready for ice cream,” he stated an over joyed smile spreading across his face. “Even if it isn’t on Babs’ new diet.” A laugh escaped both of our mouths before you started the drive to the nearest McDonald’s. After a short drive you pulled into the drive thru and ordered a vanilla shake and an ice cream cone. Handing the cone to Auston you sipped on your shake. 

Your smirk had worked its way back on to your face as you looked around for cars. Exchanging the shake for your phone you carefully pulled up your camera to video the prank. Checking your mirrors once more you slammed on the breaks causing Auston’s face to slam into the ice cream, and for his forehead to his the dashboard. “What the fuck Y/n!” He exclaimed, “you ruined my ice cream cone.” 

Your laughter bounced off the car windows and doors. “I told you this wasn’t over,” You teased before stopping the video and putting your phone down to focus on driving. “Don’t mess with me Matthews, I win prank wars.” 

His brown eyes narrowed on you as he whipped around in his seat to face you. Ice cream was smeared against his left cheek and part of his nose. “Oh trust me L/n, you shouldn’t have done that. You messed with my ice cream now it’s personal.” 

You rolled your eyes and licked your lips while stopping at a red light. Turning to face him you let out a teasing chuckle. “That’s really cute Aus, but we both know I out prank you every time.” 

Auston’s frown was replaced with a wicked smile. “Don’t worry bub, I stepped up my game since the last prank battle, but this time - this is a full blown war.” 

Tiredly you unlocked the apartment door and pushed it open. Walking in to it fully you shut the door and rested your back against it. “Hey bub how was work?” Auston called from the living room as you reached down to peel your heels off. 

“Sucked,” you answered walking to the living room to find him and Mitch playing Fortnite. “Hey Mitchy no Steph today?” You asked hoping that your best friend would be present. 

Shaking his head his blue eyes stayed flued to the screen, “She’ll be over later. Didn’t want to sit and wait for you.” 

Your head nodded, “Can’t say I blame her.” Who would want to sit and watch two boys play video games all day? “Okay well I’m gonna jump in the shower,” you announced in case some sort of emergency happened. 

“Can I join?” Auston asked causing you to turn and look back at the cheeky smile that laced his face. Before you decline his answer he added to his statement, “There’s bushes for a reason.” Scoffing you rolled your e/c eyes only to receive a kiss on the cheek and a smack on your bruised ass in return. “Love you bub.” 

You ignored him before continuing to walk to your shared bedroom your middle finger in the air so both brown haired hockey players would see it. Mitch’s laugh filled the apartment until you slammed the door once in the bedroom. Lazily you grabbed towels and set them out before hooking up your music to the speaker. Shawn Mendes’ new album blared through it with in a matter of seconds. 

Setting the water to a warm temperature you stripped and got in letting the water try to relax your muscles. Sighing after at least a couple minutes in the water spray you started to wash yourself clean before turning the shower off. Pulling the shower curtain open you reached for the towel to wrap your hair up. 

Grabbing the second one you wrapped it around your body and stepped out on to the mat, only to hear a popping noise. Slightly jumping you set your other foot down and it made the same noise as before. With dry fee you stepped off the mat and bent over to see that Auston had put bubble wrap underneath it. 

Shaking your head you opened the door that connected to the bedroom to see Auston and Mitch both sitting on the bed with shit eating grins. “Oh I stepped up my game sine last time,” you went to tease, “the bubble wrap isn’t really stepping up your game Aus, and plus you got help.” 

His shoulders shrugged as he looked to the older male. “It was his idea,” he informed then pointing to the oldest in the room, “and it’s a war babe, get all the help that you can.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” you snipped before turning to the closet. Wetting your lips you pulled the doors open to an empty closet. Your e/c eyes went wide as you stared into it confusedly. 

“Something wrong babe?” Auston called from the bed where him and Mitch were laughing up a storm and no doubt recording your confusion. “Can’t find something to wear?” He snickered. 

Holding the towel a little less tighter you turned and face the idiotic hockey players. “I don’t know you tell me babe, I could always go naked.” You noticed how their eyes went wide knowing very well that you liked to push buttons and were too stubborn to give in. 

Mitch’s shoulders shrugged as Auston slightly moved the camera off of you in case you stayed true to your threat. “Why would you go naked when you have clothes?” Clinching your jaw you glared at the pair, “or do you not have clothes?” 

 “Where are my damn clothes assholes? Otherwise I drop the towel,” you huffed as you loosened your grip once more making Auston’s eyes bulge out of his head. Mitch had started to laugh showing that he was calling your bluff which how managed to get Auston to start laughing once again. Groaning out of frustration you gripped the towel tighter before walking to Auston’s closet to see that it was empty also. “I hope you realize that I will not be putting all of the clothes away.” 

This caused the laughter to come to an abrupt end. “What?” Auston asked, “what do you mean you won’t put the clothes away? Where are they?” 

Shaking your head you stormed out of the bedroom to be met with the same popping sound as before. Looking down the hallway floor you saw that it was covered in bubble wrap. “You are so dead Matthews!” You yelled while starting down the hallway hoping to find your clothes. “And don’t think you have a free pass Marner, I’m taking you both down.” 

“So why am I helping you again?” Willy asked before taking a bite of his banana, “I mean I’m always down to prank but you really think we can beat Mitchy and Auston?” You glared over at the blonde Swede causing his hands to fly up in surrender. 

A wicked smile took hold of your face as you placed your banana peel on the tiled floor knowing that Auston and Mitch don’t look where they’re walking. “Trust me Willy I’m much better at pranking than those two, we have this in the bag. I even have a couple tricks up my sleeve saved for later.” 

His blue eyes widened at you, “I’m gonna end up in the cross fire aren’t I?” Your head nodded as you took the banana peel from him. “You’re lucky we’re friends Y/n/n.” 

Smiling you patted his chest before grabbing another yellow fruit. “I know I am, now eat another banana we gotta get these around the apartment so incase they see them we have back up ones.” He sighed before following my orders and started to eat one. 

“We better hurry this up, Mitchy just texted and said they’ll be back in five.” Hurriedly you reached for the bundle of bananas and unpeeled them not caring about eating them any more.

“You stay here, I’m gonna go spread these out,” Will nodded his head. “Oh and hide those,” you added pointing to the unpeeled bananas sitting on the kitchen island. You started walking around the apartment placing banana peels in random places on the tile. 

As soon as you heard the door start to unlock your e/c eyes locked with Will’s and you bolted into the living room and started up a game of chel. “Do you think this is going to work?” He asked while you pulled your phone out your eyes landing on the banana peels right before the carpet. 

Before you could answer Auston and Mitch walking in setting the food on the island. “We’re back bitches, and we bare food.” Your eyes rolled at your dork of a boyfriend watching where he was stepping just like that him and Mitch both stepped on a banana peel only to slip a little. A frown painted yours and Will’s faces in disappointment. 

“Wow that’s real original Y/n/n,” Mitch called while bending over to pick up the banana peel and threw it in the trash. “It’s going to take more than a little ban-” 

And just like that Mitchell Marner was falling backwards bringing Auston down with him. There was a loud thud heard over Will’s and yours laughter. High-fiving each other he sent the video to the group chat. 

“What was that Mitch? It’s gonna take a lot more than a banana peel?” Will taunted as the pair pushed themselves off the ground. “Because from what it looks like it took you both out.” 

Auston stood up fully and stomped his way over to the pair of you, only to slip and fall on another banana. “Huh, I guess they really are slippery.” A glared was sent your way after your comment but it only made you laugh more. 

Still laying on the floor Auston flipped you and Will off. “You are so dead, this isn’t anywhere near over,” he huffed before coming and wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” you challenged meeting Will’s gaze before staring back up into Auston’s eyes. “And just wait, you’re gonna wish you never started this war.”  

Auston’s eyes pulled away from yours to meet Mitch’s who was still standing in the kitchen. “Don’t count on it bub, you gotta learn how to lose. And that’s what we’re best at teaching.” 

Grocery bags lined your arms as you struggled to get the key in the lock. Sighing you banged your fist against the door, “Auston? Babe can you come open the door please?” There was shuffling heard before he pulled the door open. “Thank you baby,” you added with a smile before kissing his cheek, “you’re a life saver.” 

Auston chuckled before moving out of the way so you could get by and fit through the door way. “More like an arm saver bub,” he teased before shutting the door. Turning on his heels he fixed the towel sitting on his waist before looking to me. “If you would’ve called me I would’ve came down to help with those.” 

Your eyes glanced at the bags before dropping half of them on the island. “I did call Aus, but you were in the shower,” you replied eyes running over his half covered body. “So I figured I’d bring ‘em up, no biggy.” 

His head shook as you took the remaining bad and placed them on the table. “I’m sorry Y/n/n, next time I’ll get them kay?” You nodded your head while turning to look at him. Then you heard a loud crashing sound. With wide eyes you turned back around to see the table top was flat on the ground. Auston’s laughter filled the apartment while you had to stop yourself from screaming in annoyance. 

“Auston please tell me that the table broke and this isn’t part of the of the prank war.” His laughter was answer enough. “Well for that your can put the food away, oh and you might wanna hurry your ice cream is melting.” 

There was an audible gasp before I heard his heavy footsteps run against the tile floor. “No, not the ice cream!” Laughing to yourself you walked into the living room. Carefully you put pressure on the couch to make sure it wasn’t going to go crashing down like the table did. 

When it passed the test you sat down and pulled your phone our to spot a text from Will. 

Willy: just so you know they pranked me today at practice, watch your back Y/n/n. 

Biting your lip you were quick to type out an answer asking him to explain when you saw him at morning skate tomorrow. “Hey Aus?” You called sitting up to see he was down with the grocery's. “What happened at practice?” 

His shoulders shrugged, “Went over some drills. Break out plays PK, power play stuff for the game tomorrow. Not much else.” Nodding your head you stood up and followed him into the bedroom. “Need something bub?” He asked looking over his shoulder at you. 

You were leaning up against the door frame watching his back muscles move as he pulled out his clothes from one of the baskets. “Just wondering when you’re going to put our clothes back in the closet that’s all.” Turning back away from you he was quick to pull on a pair of sweats and a tee shirt. “Wanna watch a movie?” 

“In here?” Auston asked his voice raising a little bit surprised by the sudden change in my questions. “I’d rather watch one in the living room.” Your eyebrow raised as you glanced at the bed before looking to his brown eyes again. 

“No thanks,” you answered before running and diving onto the comfortable king sized bed. Your screams soon filled the bedroom as the bed came crashing down. With your eyes closed tight you didn’t stop screaming until you felt Auston’s hands on your lower back. 

A cheeky smile was wide across his face his whole body moving as he died of laughter. “That’s why,” he managed to get out in between his giggles. 

Groaning you sat up and pulled him down on to the bed with you. There was a loud creaking noise causing your eyes to go wide as they meet each other. “I don’t think you thought this one through babe.” 

His head shook his smile still staying the same, “The guys in the group chat think differently. Oh and you can thank Mitch for the table.” Rolling your eyes you muttered under your breath. “Just think, after we win tomorrow it'll be easier for me to take your to bed.” 

Scoffing your slapped his chest multiple times, “You Auston Matthews are a major dork.” He sat up his smile growing as he did. 

“How am I the dork? You’re the dork in this relationship.” As you sat up your mouth opened to answer him, but he put his hand over it to stop you from answering. “So are you and Willy going to surrender to Mitchy and I?” 

Your brows furrowed, “What did you do to Willy?” You grew scared for your pranking partner as a wicked smirk replaced his loving smile. His lips then started to attack my neck, “What happened to Willy?!” Your question didn’t come out as serious as you wanted thanks to the giggles that filled your body due to his kisses. 

“Surrender and you’ll get to know,” he whispered darkly against your skin. Shrugging him off of you he frowned, “I’m taking that as a no to you surrendering.” 

You nodded your head before pushing yourself up off the bed. “Oh and don’t worry baby, you’ve gotten nothing to be afraid of,” you cooed with a cheeky wink. “Oh wait, yeah, you do.” 

“What are you going to do?” Steph asked as we watched the boys walked down the tunnel and head for the locker room. “Honestly, I’m ready for this,” she added with a glowing smile, “I’m sick of them practicing their pranks on me first.” 

Turning away from the ice you stood up and stared at her in awe. “And you didn’t tell me,” you pouted, “some best friend you are.” Slowly the pair of you made your way down to the locker room. 

Her hands flew up in surrender. “They were blackmailing me I swear, but otherwise, I would’ve told you. Plus you already had Will helping you out.” You nodded your head as you leaned back on the wall waiting for the boys to emerge from the locker room. “This better be the best prank ever or, I’m lying for you and Willy for no reason.” 

You smirked before glancing down at you phone seeing a text from Will saying that everyone was almost out. “Oh trust me this is the best grande finale of pranks.” 

She was quick to pick another topic of meeting up after the game so you looked natural as Auston and Mitch came sauntering out of the locker room. They were laughing at something on Auston’s phone not paying any attention to you two. “Hey bub remember this?” Auston then asked before showing you the first prank. 

“That was hands down the best prank so far,” Morgan called from behind Mitch and Auston, “sorry Y/n/n.” 

Your shoulders shrugged, “It’s okay Mo, just wait for my next move. It’s gonna be a game changer.” He smiled at you before starting to walk away. He shook his head at you before biding you guys a quick goodbye. 

“So wanna grab a bite to eat?” Mitch asked looking between you and Steph. You glanced back to the blonde female, then to the locker room doors where the blond male was standing and waiting for you. 

Secretly you nudged Steph and she too saw that you were needed. “We were going to go shopping and grab something to eat, but what if we go after the game?” 

Auston nodded his head to agree with the plan. “Sounds good to me.” His arms wrapped around your waist as he hugged you, before his lips pressed against yours. “I love you bub. I’ll see you during warm-ups?” He asked with a small smile knowing it was out tradition. 

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world Aus,” you answered letting him go, “oh and I love you too.” Him and Mitch turned around while walking to wave before disappearing out of the family area. “Okay now time for some fun, wait for me here?” 

Steph nodded eagerly, “Obliviously, now hurry up before they decide that they need to come back.” Taking her advice you ran the short distance to the locker room where Will was standing outside waiting for you. 

His normal smirk was plastered across his facing. “You have the tape don’t you?” He asked pushing away from the wall. 

Scoffing you started walking past him, leading the way into the locker room. “Do I have the tape? Of course I have the tape dipshit. I’m here to win not lose.” Willy let out a short laugh as you walked into the main area of the locker room. 

Looking around you found Auston’s stall right next to Will’s, and Mitch’s to the right of him, Only Will’s was taken apart. “Huh, so that’s what they did to you,” you commented looking at how he was missing the blue cushions, and shelf. 

Nodding his head he grabbed Mitch’s skates before sitting on the floor in front of Auston’s stall. “Have you ever done this before?” He asked looking between the skates and the Scotch tape in your hands. 

“Never, I mean my team did it but I never did,” you explained not knowing the first way to start this. “All I know is we have to make it flush against the blade otherwise they’ll be able to se-” 

“Willy what the hell are you still - Y/n? What are you guys doing?” Babs voice was loud and confused as he walked back through the locker room. His eyes scanned over the scene in front of him with you holding Auston’s skates, Will with MItch’s. Then he saw the tape. “Need some help?” 

With wide eyes you glanced down at Will who’s face mirrored yours. “You’re not mad we’re doing this?” The first liner asked the shock evident in his voice. 

The head coach shook his head before sitting in the stall next to Auston’s. “I’ve heard all about this prank war, and I think it’s time Mitchy and Auson get what’s comin’ for ‘em.” You and Will shared a high-five before offering one up to Babs. Gladly he returned it before adding to his statement, “Plus after that oil on the floor prank that got you, it’s only fair.” 

Your cheeks flushed red in embarrassment that even Babcock had seen the video. “It was pretty hilarious,” Will suggested before you glared at him. “But not as funny as the bananas.” 

Your head nodded, “Well we should get started on this. Steph is waiting for me so we can go eat.” And with that Babs showed you how to get the tape on the blade without it looking like it was even there. 

Finishing up you set your boyfriend’s skates back just the way they were as Will did the same with Mitch’s. “I’ll make sure that nobody messes with these before the game. Now get outta here, I’ve got stuff to do,” Babs instructed with a hearty laugh. 

 “Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me,” you gushed standing up and turning to Babs. 

A smile was still present on his face as he shook his head at you guys. “It’s no problem at all.” With that the pair of you disappeared from the locker room to meet Steph in the family area. 

The smiles on yours and Will’s faces told the blond at all went well. “So are we all ready to go now?” She asked looking between the you and Will as her smile grew in size. “Because all of Canada is going to see this happen so it better be good,” she added. 

“Don’t worry Steph all of Canada is going to be dying once they see what we did,” Will stated throwing his arm over yours shoulder. “This is going to be the best Hockey Night in Canada in a long time.” 

“So you really think this is going to work?” Sydney asked as the three of you walked down to ice level. “I mean it is Auston and Mitch we’re talking about, they probably figured it out by now,” she added looking up from her phone to you. 

Shrugging your shoulders you frowning. “Yeah, but they aren’t smart enough to check their skates, especially when it’s game day. Aus had his skates sharped yesterday so I know he didn’t check his.” Steph nodded to agree with you. 

“I just you hope realized this is super immature, even for you,” the oldest of the three of you said. “Like seriously Y/n/n, you and Will could have done anything, do it at practice not a game that’s nationally televised.” 

Your mouth opened to speak only nothing came out. Steph stared at you unsure of what do to. “Come on Syd live a little,” she then spoke with a cheery smile, “Babs helped them so it’s obviously okay. It’s only going to be seen by people who are in the arena since warm-ups aren’t even shown on tv. Plus we all know you’re dying to see this happen.” 

Sydney’s serious face faded and turned into a smiling one. “Okay I guess you’re right, I just don’t get why you had to do it during a game.” 

“To end the war,” you explained looking to the Maple Leafs’ bench waiting for them walk out. “I want to win, and to have the best prank this was the only way, and I figured it would be better to do it during warm-ups than going out for the game. They would never forgive me if I did that.” 

They both laughed at you as the coaches and trainers slowly appeared on the bench. “It’s go time ladies, watch the master work.” The guys slowly came out of the locker and when it came time for Auston and Mitch to come out they did so perfectly fine. 

Your eyes went wide and your mouth hung open, they had figured out the tape was on their skates. “You lost,” Steph said shocked, “how did you lose?” Slowly you turned to face her confused. There was then a banging on the glass in front of you. 

Turning you faced Will who was smiling, how could he be smiling when you lost the war? “They’re not wearing the right skates,” he called through the glass. Your eyebrows rose as you looked to your friends. “They have to change into them before the game,” he said into the crack on the glass. 

The new found information slowly ran through your head, and when it finally hit you the smirk that grew on you face was evil. “They are so going to kill you guys,” Syd called while Will skated away so you didn’t look suspicious, “and I can’t wait to see it happen.” 

You rolled your eyes at her as you waved to Auston who was smiling over at you. “That’s the thing, they won’t kill us. I’ve had multiple prank wars over the years with Auston, and have only lost once. I’m still standing, and this is just showing that they can’t beat me.” 

Sydney gave you a questioning look but let it go. “So are we going to just sit here, or go back to our seats? Where do you want to watch this happen from?” Your mind slowly ran over the different vantage points trying to think of the best one. 

“Let’s go sit, this is one show that we can’t miss.” 

Your e/c eyes were glued to the ice watching as Will passed the across ice to Auston, who put shot it right into Crawford’s glove. The only reason you looked away was because Steph nudged you. “Look,” she added with a wide smile. 

There on the big screen was the replay of Auston and Mitch falling on their asses, but it was the recording those at home saw. Blue jerseys ran from the tunnel on to the ice, and when you saw the familiar blond hair as your marker you doubled over again. 

Right behind Will was Auston. As soon as his blade touched the ice he was laying on his face. Mitch was right behind him and tried to side step the Arizona native. Only to end up in the same position. 

The ACC filled with laughter at your mastermind prank, and you could feel the tears falling from your eyes. “That was hilarious,” you wheezed holding your stomach. The video continue to play showing the Auston and Mitch trying and failing to get up. 

“You’ll never be able to top that,” Syd piped in wiping away her stray tears of joy. Nodding your head you watched as the screen turned from the video to you. 

Waving to the fans in the Air Canada Center you smiled widely knowing very well that Auston and Mitch would be staring up at you. Your eyes glanced down to the Maple Leafs bench and there they were. Auston was glaring at you only to have a cheeky smile work it’s way on to your face. 

And you had no idea why. 

Until you heard it. The sound of his laughter played over the in arena sound system making you slowly look up to the big screen, ad there it was. The infamous Y/n slipping on oil prank. The loud thud of your body hitting the flooring of your apartment filled your ears. 

Your cheeks went red, and you could feel steam blowing out of your ears. “They beat you,” Steph exclaimed just as shocked as you were. “They fucking beat you.” 

The camera panned to a smiling Auston and Mitch acting as if they didn’t know what was going on. “I knew this was going to happen,” Sydney said with a sigh. “Y/n/n you should’ve just let this go.” 

“They’re dead,” you deadpanned eyeing up your boyfriend from the stands. “I’m gonna kill them. You can’t beat me, I don’t lose.” Your arms crossed over your chest as you watched Auston blow you a kiss, Mitch following after his leader. 

Then your eyes glanced to Will and Babs. Both of them were smiling and it hit you. “They played me!” You yelled jumping out of your chair right as the puck was dropped to end the commercial break. “They fucking played me.” 

The two blonds shared a look confused at your sudden outburst. “Who played you Y/n?” Steph dared to ask. 

“Babs and Willy,” you scoffed with a frown. “I only hope they know payback is a bitch, and her name is Y/n L/n.” Auston jumped the boards, and caught the cross ice pass from Will. The puck ended up in the back of the net over Crawford’s shoulder. 

His brown eyes caught your e/c ones. The same cheeky smile worked it’s way on to his face before he pointed up at you, and the to the score board. The video playing again. My new goal celebration, he mouth to you. “She’s so going to kill him,” Steph called. “Auston Matthews is a dead man walking.” Man was she right about that. 

[finderskeepersff]

33. Part 4

Rubbing my face while walking out of the bedroom, I am still tired. How can I just wake up and be still tired, crazy “morning!” Mia spat “I am about sick of you” Mitch said “you make me look bad, I don’t be doing anything wrong but according to Mia I am not good” I busted out laughing “why? You leave Mitch alone” pulling the chair back “well you went and bought Sofia roses, like you could have warned me. Like next time, buy me some” rubbing my chest laughing “I got you bro, on god next time” dapping him “Cassius you have so many tattoos, why? I mean you could have left some of the body clear” I shrugged “I got most of them while I was locked up, the nigga that did it was good. It was bordem but they mean something, they all do. I promise you they do” Mia shook her head “I am so sad you both are going you know. I want to have you both living with me, I loved it” I cooed out “I appreciate it Mia, you welcomed me into your home. Sofia where is my breakfast?” she is sat here not being productive “she too busy staring at you, come on woman” Mia clicked her fingers at her “shut up” Sofia said laughing, she seems to be in an ok spirit but I think it’s fucked up, things are still hanging in the balance with what she wants to do. I want to know what to do next for her, if she wants her mom there then I can get that done but she needs to let me know “oh yeah, I forgot. Sofia’ thirteen weeks. I got so much on my mind I near forgot. Happy thirteen weeks” Sofia grinned at me “thank you baby” she said in a whisper “Cassius you a damn lie, talking about you never had a girlfriend. You have, you a liar!” Mia pointed at me “I haven’t, not even lying to you. You can ask my mom, she assumed I was gay. Which was dumb but that is parents for you. I never had one, I just didn’t want to care about someone. I saw Sofia and I was like, I can’t let that go” licking my lips “I wanted to eat the booty like groceries” Mitch snorted laughing “but she got me, she fucked me. You do know that” Mia nodded her head “she told me” shaking my head “I don’t like to admit that at all but yeah, that happened” shaking my head still smiling.

Sofia made me some good breakfast, she do be treating me well “I never told you actually” placing my arm behind Sofia’ chair “Bryce, he erm. He thinks I am his dad” Sofia knitted her eyebrows together “seriously?” nodding my head “I near had a fit about it, then my mom dragged my ass about it. She goes I am the only guy showing him love, he took to me. I was sat with him, he passed me a card. That’s what he uses now to speak to us so we know how he feels, I hate that he has learning difficulties but only god knows what drugs Celine had when she when was pregnant. He gave me the card dad and then play, I was like who is dad? Then my mom asked and then he pointed at me, I didn’t like it. I said to my mom his dad is Jordan but she said he doesn’t understand and she does try to explain. He doesn’t understand, thinking on it. I do love him but it’s a little deep to say I am his dad, you know” I never actually told Sofia about that “that is sweet you know, Cassius he loves you. He sees you as his dad, do you know how sweet that is?” women be seeing it different “awww baby, that is cute. Is he ok though?” nodding my head “he just makes me smile though with his glasses and his goofiness when I see him” I chuckled “you think about it, Bryce was going through a hard time. You was the man he saw when you bought him his glasses, you cared” picking at my belly button, Sofia hit my hand “don’t do that, it’s nasty” I smiled “I know, I accept it. I am not going to deny it but I want him to understand one day, as he grows my mom struggles. My dad is useless, my siblings are dumb so it is what it is” I shrugged “before we go should we see them? Forget your dad, that is your home. We can see them, I haven’t seen your mom in a while either” I mean if Sofia wants too “ok then” Sofia wants too, why not.

We stayed here way longer than we should have but it didn’t feel like it, that is because Mia kept us happy. She made sure we felt welcomed and I appreciate that so much, I thank her for this “come back soon” Mitch said, stepping out of the apartment “I sure will” turning to him “I will seen you soon, getting married and all that. I want to get that done quick you see” Mitch blew out air all wide eyed “any man would be panicking and you’re stood here all relaxed like ok I am getting married in a few weeks time, you funny” smiling faintly “you know what Mitch, I wish I had time too wait. Time to just say I will get married next year. No matter what, when all my peers go home and I am alone. It’s me who they want, and there is only two ways for me to go. I am sure you know” Mitch put his head down “it’s pretty fucked up Cassius, I don’t like to hear that” Mitch patted my shoulder, I sighed out “I know but it’s the life I live” I hate saying that shit but it is what it is “I hope god blesses you with many more years with us, I am here for you if you need anything. Anything I can do” he chuckled “you a good guy, thank you” Mia got her arms open “come on you” she hugged me “whats with all of the love” hugging Mia “because your my homie, I can’t wait to see you both soon. Be good now” moving back from the hug.

Holding out the suitcase to Wheezy as I reached the bottom step “first day” I said smiling at him “you wearing a suit too?” I pointed laughing “I need to look good boss, you know me” Wheezy is stupid dumb but he good people “I ain’t ever seen anyone so beautiful as you ma’am, you are beautiful” looking behind me, I should have known he would be speaking about my wife “you better stay away from my baby” placing my arm around Sofia’ shoulder “I am just saying” Wheezy shrugged “where you going king?” I know it’s not that kid again, I swear he stalks me “why do you call me king? I am just me, Cassius. Wheezy first of all is dumb, I told you to go back to school?” I sound like an old man, like his dad “and leave this money? I’ll pass, you king because you run New York, you top dog. Like it’s so dope to see the man behind the name, I hear you can get someone killed just like that, I heard you got someone killed with one phone call” moving my arm away from Sofia “you see my girl next to me and you talking shit? If you know such a thing then why you speaking so much shit? Listen to me when I say this, nobody is your friend, not even me” he talks too much “but you put us on, you a good guy. Niggas living well” I give up, walking off towards the car.

I really haven’t decided what I will do with Wheezy, like where do I put him. I do not want him in the house but he need to be close “what made you do that? Like you say about the people living at the complex are dealers, but they act like you king. I mean I have heard it a few times now” Sofia asked “because when I started off, Pete’ dad had these niggas in trap houses. Shit would get raided constantly, like he had them living off shit. Their families living there. I changed that, I bought most of the places there. I wanted them to live smart, think smart. I wanted to not get raided, it’s a waste of money which means kids lived in that. It’s crazy what you see so like a lot of my main workers live there, have a family. No trouble from the police, but they got kids and stupid over here is allowing them to make money from it. I have money in other places where I have done the same. You know when you treat people well you get the good things, so I changed it. For the better, I make more money. When I make more money, my workers gain. That is why when I got locked up, it was like the fuck do we do. But Kyle and Myles came in. It’s a stupid way to do it, have your main workers in shit? This is why people snitch, I have never had a snitch besides my own brother” shaking my head “wow, Cassius. You do know that is actually a good thing. Did you always plot to take that man out? Seems like it” I paused laughing “erm, well. When it sunk in that I was going to be stuck in this. I planned on taking it over, I did it. I walked into his traphouses and told them I was boss, they didn’t take me serious until I took them out. You know, it’s just one of those things. I could have a clean record, I could not be on the radar from the police if it wasn’t for my brother. He’s an asshole, he was jealous of me? The guy that is stuck in a life sentence. Crazy but yeah, that is why I get respect. I give them respect” it’s amazing that I am so comefortable with telling Sofia all of this “it’s not something you wanted to do but you made the most out of the situation” Sofia got a point.

“Stop the car” I said to Ethan “what is it?” he said “look ahead, fuck. Park the car” getting my phone out of my pocket “what is it?” Sofia asked “they raiding my mom’ house for the tenth time” pressing the phone to my ear “how do you know?” Sofia is confused “look ahead, they block the road off randomly. They do that when they raid my home every fucking time” so annoying “don’t say my name” I said to Joshiah “erm hey aunt, what is it?” Josiah is so dumb “are they there? What are they doing? Speak in code, are they near you?” if they know I am on the phone, they will know I am close by “yes aunt, I have seen your son. He was coming here but then he didn’t I think he went, I don’t know” I went silent on the phone, hearing the chatter of people “shall I go? Like go to Atlanta go? But why are they there?” I am not understanding this “yeah I think he did go, he said he was going to erm, his girlfriends home. Yeah he did say that someone was picking him up” he makes no sense “they got new intel” he said in a whisper “ok, I will go then. Thanks for the warning dummy” disconnecting the call “ok we going, they got new intel but it’s bullshit. Take us to the airport, we need to go. We can go and see my family next time” sighing out, I think they knew I was here and caught up with it “Lloyd, he told them I was here, they had no way of knowing. I swear, I will murder him” fucking dickhead “calm down Cassius” Sofia said to me, calm down. How can I be calm when this snitch is close by to me.

I am sat here waiting for our flight just thinking, like I am trying to plot on Lloyd but he will have protection. I may as well put myself in jail again if I do, I got to wait it out “I got you some water, we have so long to wait” taking the bottle from Sofia “thank you bub” she sat next to me “it’s like an hour and a half, you can sleep if you want on my arm” opening the bottle of water “I want some drink too” Sofia said, I chuckled “you got this for me and then you are drinking it huh” holding the bottle out to her “I know, but I didn’t think. I am just tired too” she is tired but I am annoyed, such a shit situation “thank you baby” taking the bottle of water from Sofia, she got comfy. Wrapping her arm around my arm, placing her head on my shoulder “I am sad that happened to your family, maybe we can see her soon” drinking from the water bottle, I am just so in my own thoughts. I like to get people that do me wrong, he is doing me wrong and I am letting that happen.

Looking down at Sofia with her eyes closed, she really fell asleep on me but it does make me smile that she is so comfortable sleeping. Sofia opened her eyes and looked up at me, pulling a face “how?” that is creepy “I can feel the air from your nose on the top of my head” she giggled “oh” I chuckled “my bad that I woke you, did I make you cold?” I was being a creep and got caught like a dumbass I am, Sofia shifted away from me “I was going to fall asleep but not now” watching Sofia leaning down to her bag, she picked her phone out from her bag and sat back “sorry, I didn’t know I breathed so heavily” I honestly didn’t think I did but I guess I do, looking at Sofia phone. Am I being nosey for looking, I mean she watches me so why not “you still on that Insta thing?” she has a lot of notifictions from that app “yeah I am, I do update it you know” I thought she stopped it “let me look” holding my hand out for the phone “don’t you trust me?” Sofia said as she placed her phone in my hand “I do but I just want to see” I do trust her and it has nothing to do with not trusting her.

Sofa leaned closer to me “you love yourself” she has so many pictures of herself, I mean I would too if I looked like that “who else going to love me” looking over at her “me” smiling at her “am I too ugly for you?” I questioned “what? No, why?” Sofia spat “like I am not even on this? I mean once, that was the first time I ever took you out. I am not complaining, I am just saying. Unless you deleted some? I think you did” am I saying this “I may have deleted some but that really don’t mean anything” tapping the last picture she took “do I ruin your page?” like I dead ass want to know though “you don’t, I just don’t need to plaster my relationship everywhere, it has nothing to do with anything. I have posted you, I always do but it gets deleted after twenty four hours” tapping on the comments, anyone would post they having a baby. Locking Sofia’ phone “here” holding her phone out to her “you’re annoyed, you have just got yourself annoyed” shaking my head “I have a whole lot of other shit going on Sofia” I ain’t about to feel butt hurt but I do feel it, shit makes you feel insecure and I don’t like that feeling.

I want to get a fucking private jet, I am about done with flights and these dumb ass delays “least we are waiting in the queue to board now baby, stop looking all moody” poking my lips out to her “I am not, I am tired too. Have you thought yet? On what you want to do? You know with everything that has happened with us, you know I am here for you. To talk too that is” Sofia smiled at me “when I am feeling it Cassius, I just want to enjoy some us time first. I just go to this dark place and I hate it so I just want to relax before I do, but I know” nodding my head, I understand that feeling. Looking ahead of us, when they going to let us board this shit “hold my bag for me, I will be back. I need to pee really badly and they not going to let us on yet” grabbing Sofia’ bag from her “fine, hurry up ok?” Sofia quickly walked off, they ain’t opening the gate yet so that is ok “would you fuck her?” my ears perked up hearing, looking behind me. Seeing a group of men staring at Sofia rushing off “I would do it for free, need to see the face though but she got a nice booty” I know they ain’t speaking on Sofia, let me just keep my cool. I can’t get arrested in this place, I cannot let that happen to me because I am fucked.

From the corner of my eye I see my bub walking back “hey” we didn’t even move from the spot at all “you can hold my bag” Sofia said laughing as she hugged my body “nigga I would cum on her face” moving away from Sofia and walking towards the group of boys “Cassius?” Sofia said, gripping one of the guys neck “the fuck did you say!? You speaking on my wife!?” pushing him back “what?” the guy said in shock “I’ll punch your face my nigga!” another one of his friends said “Cassius, no! We not doing this. Cassius please, just leave it” Sofia stood in front of me “you’re Cassius Warren, I didn’t know it was your girl” I want to beat their asses “leave it, he ain’t the one to fuck with. Sorry” the guy got in front of his friend said “you fucking with the wrong nigga, if I see your face out these streets. I will bust a cap in your fucking face. You watch it” mean mugging “we didn’t know, sorry Cassius girl. We sorry, please. We didn’t know” I want to fucking beat them all “come on, Cassius please. I don’t want the trouble” seeing security rushing towards us “next time my niggas” I said walking back slowly “what the hell? What happened” I want to break their fucking faces, how fucking dare they “what happened?” Sofia grabbed my arm “let’s just go” I want to get out of this place, I have this fucking handbag in my hand while arguing.

Sitting in my seat on the plane, I knew these niggas was following me. Sofia froze staring at the police officers that decided to get on the plane with us, I mean there is like six of them “sit down” I said to Sofia before looking up “problem?” I asked “we have had reports” rolling my eyes, that is all they hear “ask them if I was being violent. Ask them right now, then you tell me if your reports are legit” glaring at the officer “it doesn’t matter what they say, people around you have said” sighing out “I was loud it happened, and I am here. Why you looking at my girl?” is this officer being real “you seem very angry right now, are you going to be ok to fly out?” nodding my head, it’s annoying me “enjoy your flight” people are disrespecting me in front of my face, I can’t do shit “we need to talk, I am not having this. I am not having you assume things that are not true” Sofia said, I don’t want to even hear this right now.

“If you would like to listen that would be nice” Sofia didn’t even let the plane level off before she started, she got close to me “you right, I deleted pictures of you on my Instagram. Not because I wanted too but because I kept getting comments saying about you doing things, I put a picture of you and it was just you and there was comments of gang talk Cassius. Then they was like my nigga Cassius tell him the drop is ready. Your friends or whatever found me and then they was saying things like that. I didn’t like it, I don’t want that. So I just removed it, I removed things I do now with you. To protect you in a way” why couldn’t she just say that to me earlier “I do have a lot of random people follow me, I literally did this when you told me about Lloyd. He would see that, that is it. I just post you on my story and that is it now” nodding my head “I get insecure with you” I admitted “why? I get insecure with you. You’re not exactly ugly Cassius, I don’t want anyone else. I don’t want you to feel that. I don’t want you to think I am doing anything wrong, because I am not. I am just trying to think of anything that could get you in trouble. A lot of people like you but there is also people that don’t. Trust me when I say this, I want to show you off everytime. And please don’t ever feel insecure” smiling at Sofia “still do, I mean come on. Look at you” Sofia rolled her eyes at me, she don’t get it but I do.

[timetravelingheart]

My Side of the Fence Part Three: A.M. Imagine

I know it has been a while, but these next few chapters in the build-up have really stumped me. They’re just not the exciting parts, you know? But I did my best and I hope that you are all still interested in going along in this journey! Also, for being just a build-up, this turned out to be obnoxiously long and I’m sorry! I’m the most wordy person. 

Still no big warnings for this one. Also, I should disclose that I know next to nothing about figure skating schedules or times, Skate Canada, or anything of the like. I’m just a huge fan of the sport and thought it fit well with this story to give the character a career that also takes up a lot of her time and life. Sorry if anyone is frustrated by any errors in that particular area! 

In the week that Auston spent in Arizona, he had thought of asking Mitch for Savannah’s number no fewer than five hundred times. It was his first thought every morning, on his mind constantly throughout the day, and his last thought before he finally fell into a restless sleep. The bags under his eyes were darker than usual, and even that was saying a lot. His parents noticed that he seemed more restless than usual, but didn’t quite know how to approach it. His mother was concerned; his father confused. 

Sitting on the edge of his bed in his childhood bedroom, Auston held his phone in his massive hands and typed, erased, and re-typed variations of the same message over and over again on his phone to Mitch. Frustrated, he groaned loudly and threw himself back on the bed, covering his eyes with his tattooed forearm. How is possible that this girl he met for literally one night was worth this stress? He had already received countless offers for ‘meet-ups’ with girls in his hometown, some from high school, and some who he knew from running in the same circles as his friends. They were all attractive girls with bright white smiles and glowing tans from the Arizona sunshine, and were all girls he absolutely would have been interested in six months ago. Hell, probably even two months ago. But he didn’t want a random hook-up anymore. He was used to getting a release pretty regularly, so maybe that’s why he’s even more frustrated than usual currently, but he really wanted to have something like what Mitch and Steph had, what Jake and Lucy had, and eventually something like what Patty and Christina had. 

He wanted someone to come home to after a tough game or a road trip and just fall into her arms and feel safe. To find a home in someone else that he so desperately craved now. He wanted to find someone who would listen to his fears and vulnerabilities without judgement, someone who would call him on his shit (other than Mitch of course), someone who would love him for who he was and not the sport he played or the money he had. And more than he even wanted to have that kind of love, he wanted to give that kind of love to someone. 

And even though it sounded absolutely, positively, undeniably insane, he felt like that this kind of love was a real possibility with Savannah. And not just someone like Savannah, but Savannah specifically. 

Rolling over onto his stomach, he reached for his phone again and opened his message thread with Mitch. Before he could start typing, his phone vibrated with a new group message invite from Steph. Huh. 

Steph: Hey everyone! Wanted to send out a quick invite to Savannah’s upcoming Stars on Ice show. It’s Friday night at the Scotiabank Arena. Sav says she can probably get us some tickets, but we just need a headcount so let me know if you’re interested! 

Auston couldn’t help but grin like an idiot. This was the perfect opportunity to see her again without coming off as desperate, and without relegating himself to asking Mitch, which was likely to turn into its own version of insufferable hell for the near future. His phone vibrated again as messages from his teammates started to pour through. 

Mitch: I think I know someone who would for sure be interested... 

Fucking hell. He really needed a new best friend. Maybe he should hang out with Tkachuk and Eichel more. 

Actually, scratch that. Either they would be ten times worse than Mitch and actually call him out on his crush in front of his crush, or they would just hit on her themselves. Both thoughts made his whole body flame with two very different emotions. His phone vibrated again. 

Morgan: Definitely in! And Mitchy, leave Matts alone. Any guy with eyes would be stupid not to be attracted to Savannah. 

Kasperi: As much as we’d love to support Savannah, and see Matts squirm, Willy and I won’t be back in the city until the week after! 

Jake: Lucy is currently begging me to say yes. She is apparently obsessed with figure skating (who knew) and is dying to meet THE Savannah Lane. So, I guess you can put us down for two! 

Connor: I’m in, but Zach and I already have tickets sitting with McDavid. Also, Matts has a thing for Savvy? Fuck, McDavid is going to have a fucking field day with this.  

Auston read through each message carefully, rolling his eyes at his teammates’ lame attempts at getting under his skin, and in Mo’s case, his weak attempt at defending him. They all know now, so he might as well own it, right?

Auston: I’m in. 

He went to close the message thread, but thought better of it. 

Auston: And also, fuck all of you. 

Steph: Oh Matty. Let me just say that you are not the first, nor will you be the last, unwitting guy to fall head over heels for my best friend upon meeting her one time. It’s what she refers to as both her gift and her curse. Anyway, I’ll make sure to get tickets for Auston, Morgan, Jake, and Lucy! See you all there! 

Well, Auston thought, hopefully this would be his chance to see Savannah again and get a read on her. He wanted to ask her out on a date, but something about her made him nervous. He was intimidated by a tiny blonde in figure skates. What the fuck. 

** 

Auston had been back in Toronto for almost a week and still had not seen Savannah. According to Steph, who kept him informed without him even having to ask (”I just thought you’d be interested” she said, with a knowing gleam in her eye that would have normally bothered Auston had he not been so thankful for her openness) Savannah was busy with show rehearsals, while also getting back into competition with meetings with Skate Canada, her coaches and choreographers, costume designers, mental prep coach, trainers, and all of the things that Auston did not even know were involved with figure skating. Basically, he wanted to see her and couldn’t. 

So here he stood, wearing black skinnies with holes in the knees, a white tee, black bomber jacket, black and white sneakers, and a black baseball cap, and waiting in the arena who knew like the back of his hand. Steph mentioned that they wouldn’t be able to see Savannah before the show, but that she made sure to invite everyone backstage after. Auston had debated with himself about bringing her flowers (do they do that for these kinds of performances?) but immediately nixed the idea when he remembered the look of hesitation on Savannah’s face when he had merely offered her his hoodie. He still didn’t know why she was hesitant, but he also didn’t want to push or cross any of her boundaries before he really knew anything about that side of her. 

Looking up at his group’s sudden movements, he spotted Connor McDavid, Brown, and Hyman walking towards them. Reaching out to each of them do a quick shake and half hug, Auston immediately felt the amused stare of McDavid. “So I hear you fell for it,” McDavid grinned. Shaking his head, Auston fought to keep a similar grin off of his own face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” McDavid let out a bark of laughter, clearly amused by Auston’s denial. “Don’t sweat it man. She has that affect on just about everyone.” 

The smile on Auston’s face faltered. Who else was in this situation with her before? “She has never really reciprocated anyone else’s feelings though, at least not any hockey players.” Auston let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. “She has a thing against hockey players?” he felt himself asking before he could stop himself. “Nah, she just was either already in a relationship or too focused on skating to even notice or care that anyone was interested.” 

Auston made a mental note to ask Connor more about Savannah and her dating history, or lackthereof, when they were alone.

“Are we all ready to go in?” Steph, arm hooked in Lucy’s, addressed the group. “The show starts soon.” 

Hours later, after each performer skated a final lap and took a bow, the group of hockey players and significant others made their way backstage to wait for their star skater. Auston, not really one to watch figure skating before this event, was mesmerized by Savannah. Her group routines to ranged from comedic and sassy to sexy and sultry. And while he loved seeing those versions of her, it was her solo routine to Landslide that affected him the most. It was one of the most beautiful moments he had ever witnessed and heard - or perhaps felt - the chorus of ‘wows’ from his friends and the strangers around him at the end. 

She was an absolute star, and he wanted nothing more than to continue watch her shine brightly. 

After waiting about twenty minutes, the cast finished up their meet and greets with fans and started making their way to their respective families and friends waiting for them. Savannah was now changed into simple black leggings, a Stars on Ice sweater that swallowed her petite frame, black and white Nikes, hair up in a high ponytail, and not a hint of makeup on her face. She looked relaxed, yet elated. Auston thought no one had ever looked more beautiful. 

Savannah’s smile stretched further across her features as she reached their group. “I can’t believe you all came!” She wrapped each person up in as big of a hug as her short arms could manage, stopping briefly to be introduced to Jake and Lucy for the first time, and lastly turned to Auston. Her smile remained just as warm, but something flickered quickly and faded before Auston could place a name on it, and soon enough she was wrapping her arms around his middle to pull him into a soft hug. “Long time no see,” he whispered into her hair as his nose briefly grazed the top of her head. She smiled up at him again, that same flicker there and gone in a flash, before she turned to address the whole group. 

“Did you enjoy the show?” she asked as if she were genuinely concerned that they did not have a good time. “I know figure skating isn’t really that interesting for most of you.” 

“You were phenomenal!” Lucy gushed, as if she had been keeping her excitement bottled up inside for far too long. “Landslide made me cry!” Savannah blushed profusely as Jake pulled Lucy into a side hug. “She’s been talking about you non-stop ever since Steph mentioned that you were moving here and that she was friends with you,” he offered as a way of explanation for his wife’s unbridled joy. 

“That’s so kind of you! Landslide has always held such a special place in my heart. And Steph has told me all about the wonderful partners she’s met and become friends with in the Leafs family, so I was really excited to finally meet you!” 

“She actually choreographed Landslide herself,” Steph couldn’t help but boast about her best friend, knowing that she would never do it for herself. Savannah was confident in her abilities and proud of her success, but she was not one to brag about her accomplishments or even her skillset. 

“That’s incredible!” Morgan turned to her in amazement. “I can’t even begin to imagine what would go into something like that.”

“Thank you, but I’ve had a lot of help along the way to learn the ins and outs of choreography for performances like that. Choreographing for competition is much more challenging, and I haven’t done anything like that yet except give a few ideas here or there.”

“You were amazing,” Auston felt the need to say something, anything, to have her look at him again. So, he opted for complete honesty. Everyone turned to look at him, most with knowing smiles on their faces, Savannah with surprise. “Thank you, Auston. That means a lot.” Savannah’s eyes lingered on his for a moment longer than necessary, as if she were searching for answers to questions neither of them felt ready to ask. 

“So tell me, Sav,” Mitch started conspiratorially, “what kind of underwear do male skaters wear to hide their bulge?” 

The entire group groaned loudly, finally starting to head for the exit. As Steph and Lucy swatted at Mitch, the rest of the crew followed along laughing and joking around. Auston and Savannah held back a bit, just the two of them at the end of the line. 

“So since you’re going to be hanging out with us, I think it’s probably best that we add you to our group chat,” Auston held out his phone to Savannah. “Put your number in and I’ll add you so you can join the rest of us in making fun of Mitchy.” 

Savannah didn’t laugh like he thought she would, or reach for his phone right away. Instead, she kept her gaze forward for a moment, before turning to look at him with wide, questioning eyes. Careful, she thought. 

Just when Auston thought he had overstepped or come on too strong, she reached out for his phone and quickly typed in her number. 

“As if I would ever not want to be part of a group that tears the piss out of Mitchy on a regular basis!” she laughed, and Auston felt his heart squeeze. What a woman. 

[theliterateape]

Election 2020: Swimming in Sewage Toward a Different Kind of More Hopeful Cesspool

by Don Hall

8:00 a.m.

I wake up a few hours ago. Slept like the dead. I read through the same bullshit with poll numbers and predictions with the same combination of hope, certainty, uncertainty, and boredom as I did yesterday and the day before. Yeah. Trump is a full-blown dickhead. Biden is a truly nice guy. Will Texas go blue? Do I even know anyone from Texas anymore?

My wife wakes up. She’s helping friends move to North Carolina by helping them drive their shit for the next week as if today is not anything big. She gives me a blowjob and gets a bagel.

I’m not worried about the results of today. I truly am confident that the nation will tip back into some semblance of rationality and dump Trump. I’m more interested to see how it all unfolds and if the deposed Mad King will take a shit on the desk in the Oval as a parting gesture in three months.

I have this image of he and his whole skeleton crew, fully repudiated by a massive and historic blue wave, sitting in the White House like squatters, selling off pieces of our national history on Ebay and hiding from His Majesty as he stomps through the hallways screaming at portraits of presidents past about the unfairness of it all.

In tandem is the image of the cultural left sharpening their knives to go in full attack once Biden is sworn in to remake the country into some bizarre Maoist Shangri-La doing what the Left always does — cannibalize it’s own — while the defeated Republicans pretend they were never in league with Trump but held hostage by him like the rest of us.

Fuck me. This is going to be a long day, isn’t it?

10:00 a.m.

I’m not terribly worried that Trump & Co. will steal the election.

I remember years ago a prominent Chicago poet who dressed and spoke like a rap star telling me “It ain’t the n****rs who talk about shit you have to worry about. They’re all bark and no bite. It’s the quiet ones you need to keep an eye on.”

Trump has been barking about stealing the election for months now and I’m pretty certain a man so overwhelmingly incompetent as the one who completely blew both his debate appearances and fucked up a national response to an epic pandemic so horribly that a retarded child could’ve done better is not going to suddenly reveal that he is an evil genius capable of stealing one of the most televised elections in history.

I’m likewise less concerned about the rabid, angry Trumpers wreaking havoc on the country. They were never in this for a long campaign. They couldn’t even take COVID seriously enough to wear masks. They’ll make some noise, get into some melees for a few days and then slink home and grouse just like their hero.

I wonder what the Antifa crowd will do once Trump is deposed? Start an emo band? Go back to working at Starbucks and REI? I hope they decide to occupy Kentucky and reign terror on Mitch McConnell. It’s a terrible thing to say but the party I’ll throw in my semi-quarantined apartment when Trump loses tonight (this week? Next month?) will be nothing when compared to the full-on Mardi Gras parade I’ll throw when the Evil Senator from Kentucky dies. I’m known to say that I can’t hate someone unless I’ve met them but I fucking hate Mitch.

I read a weird op-ed online that essentially thanks Trump for giving us four years reprieve from the cultural warriors of the Far Left. I wish I read it in a paper so I could wipe my ass with it because an iPad makes for an uncomfortable symbolic gesture.

I shower and get dressed. I’m on shift tonight at the casino so I’ll be dealing with the regular crowd while history unfolds like a soiled sheet and you can’t quite tell if that’s a bloodstain or merely ketchup. 

For our sixth anniversary, Dana got me my eleventh tattoo. She came up with a cool design concept: a Chicago tattoo for my right back shoulder that included the baby in the clamshell from the City of Chicago flag, a light blue background and three of the red six-point stars of Chicago, each representing one of my three decades there. She booked an artist in a very chic studio who happened to be a great trace artist but not so much with the original design thing.

As it stands, it’s a fine tattoo with some elements that look like a child drew them with a Sharpie. Not great but growing on me. But the odd thing is that it being being on back, I don’t see it so I forget it’s there. Reminds me that as Americans we tend to dwell on history but not what is directly behind us. We’ll send Trump packing and immediately forget how embarrassing he was and set into attacking the new administration because it isn’t as brazenly Marxist as we fought for (I use ‘we’ although I actually voted for Biden’s moderation).

12:00 p.m.

Dropped Dana off for her trip. Ran some stuff home. I’m now actively avoiding anything news related. I receive an email that our division of casinos is not putting the election coverage on the screens in our Sportsbooks and I’m relieved.

2:00 p.m.

At the casino now. It’s pretty empty and I’m unsurprised. I’m informed that the larger properties and on the Strip there are special task force groups of LVMPD set up at every location to stem any bad partisan behavior in the casinos. For our property, I’m the task force.

I recall clearly the night four years ago when so many of us were so certain Hillary had it in the bag only to be gut-punched around 9:00 p.m. with the news that Trump had won the thing. Unlike so many, I accepted the result regardless of fact that she won the popular vote. Until we sack up and remove the Electoral College, that’s a legitimate win.

5:25 p.m.

I checked. I couldn’t help myself. The only thing that pisses me off is that Mitch won Kentucky, that sour, putrid fuckface.

Yeah. I really want the Dems to sweep this up. The question I’m asking myself is if we repeat 2016, why? The answer so many gravitate to is that half the country is racist but I’m not buying that reductive bullshit. If I had to guess, half the country doesn’t buy into the identity politic of the Far Left.

Alright. Enough. Optimism. Fucking optimism.

7:30 p.m.

At this point I have to remind myself that Dems voted overwhelmingly early and so many of those votes are still to be counted. I’ll admit, I’m surprised that Trump is even competitive but given my disdain for the Wokesters I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. If I can’t take them someone from the rural side of Texas probably hates them as much as I hate Mitch.

I was hoping for a blow-out but it’s looking more and more like this thing will get decided in the courts over mail-in votes.

On the floor, no one is talking about the history unfolding. By now, the place is about half-full and people are far more concerned with getting their comp drinks and hitting payouts. I overhear a couple of guys at the blackjack table. They think the Dems are going down. One thinks it’s because of Kamala Harris. I walk away without saying a word.

If there’s anything we should have learned from 2000 is that, under no circumstances should the Blue concede until every last vote is counted. Every last fucking vote.

I’m finding a bit of Zen. We aren’t going to know who won tonight. In some ways this is a good thing. It means Trump will be wrapped up battling the process rather than losing and tearing shit apart out of petulance. We still have a raging pandemic and our economy is shredded.

The divide in this country is not one of race or racism. The divide is between city mice and country mice. As the picture emerges, the urban centers of almost every state skews left in statewide seas of rural red. It also demonstrates how deeply unpopular the extremes are with the opposing sides. The racial identity politics of the Far Left — you know, the folks who flatly state that all white people are racist — and the strident authoritarianism of the Far Right — you know, the ones who love the police and lotsa guns — are so toxic that equal measures of citizens will vote with little more than a passionate hatred for one or the other despite a host of rational reasons to vote the other way.

9:40 p.m.

We won’t know until later in the week. 

Votes are still uncounted in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. We wanted a decisive repudiation of Trump and, once again, half the country (and much closer to half than four years ago) took that away.

From one angle, this is the best outcome. Uncertainty as to who won means all those businesses boarded up can breathe a sigh of relief. With no clear winner so far, there isn’t a reason to riot in the streets. A couple weeks of legal battles and ballot counting and the assholes on both sides will get bored. 

I was humbled in 2016. I thought I knew how it would go because I was so certain my worldview was so obviously right that how could anyone not see it so? I’ve been ready for this. Like so many, I felt the surge of certainty once again with the polls and how incredibly monstrous Trump became in the last days of his campaign. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Don’t get me wrong. I still believe Biden will be our president on January 21st, 2021. I just wish it had been an easier road.

[rfsak2]

Cactus, Part III

Here we go! This one was fun to write.

Cactus, Part III Summary: This is it. Harry/Jamie Warnings: There’s some past family unpleasantness, but hopefully it shouldn’t put anyone off. It’s not specific.

This might be Harry’s favorite thing.

Her head was in his lap, his fingers idly winding a platinum spiral around one knuckle. She looked relaxed and peaceful, humming softly along with the most recent mix of Sweet Creature. The song came to an end and-

The Jurassic Park theme suddenly rent the peaceful, almost contemplative moment. She briefly looked panicked and mouthed sorry.

He shrugged. “Answer it. Go on.”

She dug the phone out of the back pocket of her jeans and smiled, answering it and hitting speaker. “Hello, Gorgeous George.”

Harry frowned. Who the fuck is Gorgeous George?

“Hey Mama. You still in Jamaica?”

“Si, Señor.”

Harry smiled down at her and mouthed, Who’s that?

My brother.

He tried not to audibly sigh in relief. The tattoo artist?

She shook her head. A different brother.

“Dom Hooper, from that rehab charity you like, wants to know if you’d be available for a charity gig in LA in November.”

She pulled up the calendar in her iPad. “What day?”

“The 16th. You guys would be like one of five acts with a short, five or six song set.”

“Let me check. We’ll be recording in LA by then so it shouldn’t be t-” She laughed. “The boss is nodding. Should be fine.”

“Alright. I’ll check with your boys.”

“I’m her boy too.” Harry leaned closer to the phone. “I want t’come.”

Her brother chuckled. “It think that can be arranged. Harry, yeah?”

“Tha’s me. George?”

“Jorge. Only my sister calls me George. She keepin’ ya outta trouble?”

Harry laughed. “Yeh don’t know yer sister, mate.”

“That’s fair.”

She huffed. “For the record, I call you Gorgeous George. Not just George. That’s so pedestrian.”

“Well then... I’m so sorry, princess. My mistake.”

“Damn fuckin’ straight.” Her brother chuckled. “Goodbye, brother dearest.”

“Adios, chica. Talk to ya later.”

“Te amo.”

“Te amo.”

Harry smiled. “He seems nice.”

“He’s a pain in the ass really.”

**

She was glorious. Absolutely glorious.

Mitch elbowed him, snorting under his breath.

She was smiling and waving at them. Harry grinned and waved back, catching the kiss she was blowing them as she ducked under her guitar strap.

Harry honestly didn’t know how he was going to survive this. Her playing his music was enough, but her playing her own music wearing that dress and those boots. Shit, if she didn’t seem to know exactly what he liked.

Jesus.

She tested her pedals and then managed a graceful kneel to check a connection. She stood carefully, one hand holding the stiff, grey lace of her skirt down. Absentmindedly, her fingers ghosted over the angel tattooed in brilliant color on her thigh as she turned to her drummer.

He really needed to get control of himself or this was only going to get harder.

The drummer, an exceptionally cool, black man, made a face. “Dolores.”

“Yes, mi hermano querido.” She grinned against her mic. “Can I help you?”

“That dress is short, little sister.”

“Little, my ass.” She flicked him off. “I’m older than you.” The crowd laughed and she turned over her shoulder as if she had just remembered they were there. “Oh hey.”

Dante made a face. “So? You’re also about a foot too short to be popping off at the mouth like that. Short… kinda like your dress.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “Me vale madre, hermanito.”

“You don’t kiss our mother with that mouth, d’ya?” Wait were they really related?

“Simmer down, ya two.” The lead singer, stepped up to his mic and smiled, roguish and more than a little hipster. “Hey y’all! I’m Matt Reeve, behind me on the electric guitar is Jamie Schwartz, on bass we have Tommy Lazert, and last but not least Dante Schwartz on the drums. We’re Spike and Devil.”

They were more Southern than Harry had been honestly been expecting, but excellent and fun to watch. They toed a fine line between the wailing psychedelic ‘60s guitar riffs that Jamie preferred and obviously excelled in and the softer blue-grassy strumming and plucking that Matt showcased.

She somehow managed to be dignified and dare he say it, lady-like, while shredding a guitar like Slash in a dress short enough that if she turned the wrong way the entire club would know what color her knickers were. Harry had done his fair share of performing and he really didn’t know how she had managed it.

She was glorious.

Thirty minutes later, they left the stage and Harry and Mitch skirted the edges of the room to meet her at the door to the green room without attracting too much attention.

Said door swung open, Jamie popping out first followed by her brother. She lit up their little corner of the club as she threw her arms open for them.

“Hey boys!”

Mitch hugged her briefly but Harry wrapped himself around her and popped her off her suede-booted feet. “Ye’re a little monster! Yeh did so good! Fookin’ incredible!”

She giggled. “Thanks! You had fun?”

Mitch nodded but Harry refused to let her go for another half-minute or so. When he let her down, she turned to her brother. “This is my brother, Dante.” She smiled. “Dante, this is Mitch and Harry.”

Mitch shook his hand, followed by Harry, who chose to keep his free hand in the small of her back.

“Nice t’meet yeh.”

Dante grinned. “Likewise, bro. Dolores has told me a lot about you guys.”

She frowned at him. “You’re a shithead.”

Harry nodded. “I was meaning to ask you about that.”

She scoffed. “Dante is angry with me for running off one of his ‘girlfriends’ quien era una perra de todos modos.”

He laughed and shook her head. “No. Ella no fue.”

“Sí que estaba. Ella te estaba engañando.”

“You still have no proof.”

“The fuck I don’t.”

Harry made a face and looked at Mitch looked impressed and vaguely afraid. Mitch tried for a chuckle. 

Harry grinned. “So how many brothers do you have, love? Everytime you mention a brother, it’s a different one.”

She grinned, blushing. “Yeah our family is a bit complicated. I have five brothers. Jorge, who you talked to, is the oldest followed by Freddy, the tattoo artist. They are our parents’ only biological kids. The two middle kids, Leo and Ryan, Dante and I, we were all adopted.”

Dante smiled and pulled his sister into a one-armed hug. “We’re the babies.”

Harry smiled. “Shall we go get drinks?”

“Yeah. Let’s.”

They made their way to a reserved table and got comfortable, Jamie fitting nicely in between Harry and Dante.

“So Dolores…”

She elbowed her brother and huffed, turning to Harry. “Yes, Harold?”

He grinned. “Why don’t you use your name, love? Dolores is pretty.”

She shook her head. “No it isn’t! It means ‘sorrow’.”

Dante shrugged. “Seems appropriate. You’ve been nothing but trouble since you were three years old.”

“Asshole.” She turned to face Harry fully. “I don’t like ‘Dolores’.”

Harry nodded. “I gather that. Why?”

She smiled. “My birth mother named me that right before she fucked off to wherever she went. My mom hated it but by the time we got adopted, it was too late to really change it.”

His heart clenched and he laid his arm over the couch behind her, gathering her closer to his side. His other hand came up to rub a thumb over her angel. “Sorry, monster. That sucks.” When she shrugged, he smiled down at her. “Where did Jamie come from?”

“My original last name was James. My mom thought Jamie would be a cute nickname.”

“It is.” He set his chin on her shoulder. “Yeh said ‘we got adopted’. Did yeh and Dante get adopted at the same time?”

Nodding, she smiled and elbowed her brother again. “We were in the same state home… I’m barely a month older than him and our respective shit went down around the same time, so we got placed in the system about the same time. My dad is a social worker and Dante was in his workload, but whenever he went to see Dante, Dante would scream until Dad promised that he’d find me a family too. My dad kinda fell in love with us and though they hadn’t intended to adopt anymore kids, I guess he couldn’t help himself. He introduced Mom to us and the rest is history.”

Harry smiled and Dante made gagging noises behind her.

“He pretends but he loves me.”

Harry’s thumb was still rubbing against her thigh. “Is the angel fer yer mum?”

She nodded, looking down at his hand. “Her name is Angelica. Seemed appropriate.” She looked up and caught his eye. They both froze, the tension suddenly thick. “She cried when I showed it her.”

“First tattoo?”

She chuckled, eyes still locked on his. “Yeah. She doesn’t seem to mind them nowadays.”

He looked down at her lips. “Yeah.”

Harry caught Dante’s smile over his sister’s head and like that the spell was broken. Blushing, she turned to ask Mitch something.

Eventually she wandered off to talk to someone and Dante slid over to him. He sipped his beer and grinned. “Look I’m not gonna give you any ‘touch her you die’ bullshit. She’s well-protected without getting my nose all up in it and I don’t think you’re a bad dude. I don’t think you’ll ever want to hurt her. Not on purpose.

“But man, I’m warnin’ ya. She’s… She’s naive sometimes. She’s an angel. She always sees the good in people and despite the shit that she’s seen, she’s an optimist like I’ve never seen before. Maybe I’m biased because she’s my sister and my best friend but I don’t think you gonna be able to walk away from her all that easily. You should keep that in mind before you start anything you may not want to finish.”

**

Harry set his notebook down by her thigh and sat next to her on the couch. “I’ve got somethin’... new.”

She smiled. “Cool! Let’s hear it.”

He blushed and rubbed his hands on his jeans.

She frowned and grabbed his hand. “What’s wrong? You’re not normally this nervous to share what you’ve written.”

He laughed and lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a quick kiss to her knuckle. “I spent all night on it. It’s probably shit.”

“Doubt it.” She smiled and pat his leg with her free hand. “Do you want me to keep time?”

He nodded. “Yeah, that would be helpful. It’s uh… 4/4.”

She counted it out and he took another deep breath and began, feeling a bit like he was digging himself a hole.

“Open up your eyes, shut your mouth and see That I'm still the only one who's been in love with me I'll guess I'll be getting you stuck in between my teeth And there's nothing I can do about it.”

He snuck a peek at her and she seemed to enjoying the song, smiling slightly, her eyes closed like she was imagining it.

“Broke a finger knocking on your bedroom door I got splinters in my knuckles crawling across the floor Couldn't take you home to mother in a skirt that short But I think that's what I like about it.”

He licked his lips and smiled, glancing at her again, now she was looking at him, her tilted in confusion. He swallowed dryly. “The chorus is:”

“She's an angel Only angel She's an angel My only angel”

“There’d be some fun… uh vocalization. Not sure what yet. The next verse goes:”

“I must admit I thought I'd like to make you mine As I went about my business through the warning signs End up meeting in the hallway every single time And there's nothing we can do about it. Told it to her brother and she told it to me That she's gonna be angel, just you wait and see When it turns out she's a devil in between the sheets And there's nothing she can do about it.”

He nodded. “And that it. Of course, there’d be a guitar solo and um…” He sighed. “What do you think?”

She swallowed. “First, I want to say that I like the song. I can see how this one would be fun to perform. I look forward to hearing the finished product.”

He held his breath. “And second?”

She took a deep breath. “Is it…” She paused and eyed him. “This is going to sound stupid. Is it about me? I mean-” She stuttered. “I mean with the angel references and you’re so nervous and.. the sk-”

He leaned forward and kissed her, words failing him the way they normally did.

This….this was what he wanted. She must have just put on chapstick, her lips felt smooth and tasted vaguely sweet. His hand, the one that hadn’t been clutching hers for dear life, slid back in her hair, those curls tangling around his fingers like they didn’t want him to leave.

She gasped, hand coming up to grasp his shirt. He tried to keep it chaste, really but when he nipped lightly at her lip, intending to pull away, to use his words like a grown-ass man, she let out a stuttering moan and he was lost yet again.

He pressed forward and the hand in her hair, sliding across her back to her opposite hip. She came willingly closer and he groaned into her mouth.

She’s naive.

He pulled away and kissed her forehead. He took a second to collect himself but she beat him to it.

“I…” She sounded a little breathless and he had to beat back savage pride, the likes of which he’d never experienced before. “I don’t want to make you crawl... well I might be... in certain circumstances...” She blushed and Harry chuckled as she waved that thought off. “The point is: I’m no angel… but I don’t think I’m a devil either… I just don’t want somethin’ to happen if that’s what you think of me. I don’t want somethin’ to happen if you feel like you’re doing something despite ‘warning signs.’ I don’t-”

Harry laid his finger against her lips.

“Yeh are an angel.” He smiled softly and nodded. “Yeh are, love. Ye’re sweet and kind. And yeah ye’re a little kinky and if that doesn’t make yeh absolutely the most interestin’ woman on earth...” She shook her head, laughing softly. “Also I don’t think ye’re… evil or some man-eater or summat, I swear. That’s not what the ‘warning signs’ were about. Just tha’ whatever this is… It’s not gonna be easy.” He swallowed. “The paps and the media alone drive normal, sane women mad.”

She chuckled, they still weren’t looking at each other as if they were afraid that they wouldn’t be able to say these words if they were. “This is technically inappropriate office behavior.”

He scoffed. “I’m sure ye’ve seen more inappropriate things in this line of work. This is hardly on t’map, love.”

“So what is this?”

“I don’t know… But whatever it is, I want it as long as you want it too.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay, then.”

Part II Up Next: Part IV

[nhlhoser]

On The Rocks- 4

Part 3  Master List

I'm not sure what hurts more my head or my feet. Rolling over in the plush hotel bed to stick my head in the pillows. The sun too bright to handle being it's probably around noon.

"Of course the day I'm hungover would be the nicest day of 2017" I mumble into the pillows before hauling myself up to sit on the edge of the bed taking in the trail of clothes I left the door to the bed when I stumbled in this morning. Leaving me completely nude shaking my head I grab the clothes and toss them onto the bed and pick out some clothes to wear after my shower because I feel disgusting.

Cracking my back and stretching I grab my bathroom products and head for a much-needed shower. Stopping by the full-length mirror being completely nude makes my tattoos visible. A red detailed leaf on my bicep and initials on my hip in my best friends fancy handwriting are just a few of my pieces. I also have a Phoenix in the middle of shoulders, a rose on my forearm and a small owl on my left rib cage. I love my tattoos they all have a meaning and story.

After a hot shower, brushing my teeth and getting dressed, I feel more human. Lounging on my bed trying to decide what to do with my day I still have a night in this 5-star hotel giving me another day out of reality. Choosing to watch Ironman I pick up my phone for the first time today.

1:30pm

Text from Steph 'Hey come to our hotel for a late lunch! We're staying at the Thompson we'll come get you!" Sent at 1 pm

Text to Steph 'I too am staying at the Thompson I'm on l... I don't remember what floor but high up'

So that wasn't a dream or a drunken illusion I actually meet them and totally was all over Auston Matthew. My phone ringing stops me from over analyzing last night's events. Answering the phone before looking at the ID already knowing it's Steph.

"Hello?" My voice unused and hungover.

"You sound like shit" a female voice that sounds just like mine laughs. Getting up from the bed to look out the windows that have a great view of the CN tower.

"You're the one to talk. What's up?" I instantly regret to look out the window as my eyes burn making me dive back on my bed.

"What room are you in? I'm sick of being around all these guys" Her voice is a whisper and in the background is a lot of male voices. My face down in the pillows I turn my head so my voice isn't muddled by the pillows.

"I don't even know other The the 16th floor" I got up from my bed to go open the door to look at the room number.

"How do you Not what room you're staying in? How the hell did you get in this morning?"

"I wish I knew!" I open the door "okay, floor 17 my bad- room 1729" I closed the door but don't lock it knowing she'll be here.

" Ok, I'm on the floor below. I'll be there soon" Steph hangs up. Remembering someone the perks promised to me by the guy I helped with Gala I start browsing the room service menu.

I guess between the time I picked up the menu and Steph arriving I fell back asleep because I was startled by the knock at the door.

"It's open!" I yell out too lazy to open it. In comes, a hungover Steph clad in leggings and I guess of one Mitch's hoodies very similar to my over sized pullover and leggings both sport messy buns.

"Let's order a shit ton of coffee and god I’m hungry" I rolled to the hotel phone and did just that with Steph and I's orders.

A relaxed day ahead.

It wasn't until it was dark that Mitch finally called Steph to see where she was because apparently the guys disbanded and started doing their own thing with wives or each other.

"I'm upstairs with a friend," Steph had her phone on speaker phone between us and we tucked into my king sized bed watching Disney movies and occasionally falling asleep here and there.

overall it’s been a good day so far.

"But we're all down here?" Mitch sounded so confused.

Laughing into the pillows Steph nudging me to shut up only makes it worse. "Well it's a new friend" she'd grin at me clearly loving the poor boy's confusion.

"Hi, Mr. Marner" I speak up after a couple of failed attempts of guessing on Mitch's part of who I was.

"Sorry I stole your girlfriend" which comes out sounding much gayer than I thought it would but Steph rolled with it.

"Yeah you have some serious competition Here bub she bought me lunch and snacks and we had great day cuddling well watching Disney movies and the Occasional nap" Steph fabricating the part about cuddling.

" I don't know if I should be jealous, offended or turned on" came his very male response to the possibility of his very straight girlfriend having lesbian relations.

" Steph if wasn't for Mitch I'd think you had a thing for me because this lesbian relation is becoming a theme," I said referring to her comments in pubs washroom.

Steph winked at me then rolled her eyes.

"Well anyways we're in Amelia's room right now. Who's still there?" Well, Steph was still talking to her man who’s still with Auston and William and chirps me for saying they were my favorites. I shake my head and roll my eyes for Steph "it's ok he'll get over it " Steph said for me. As I dig through my luggage pulled out ripped black jeans and change in front of Steph not caring both girls. Pulling up my jeans and going to grab a shirt I turn to Steph to see if she was still on the phone.

"Mitch she has better abs than you" Steph jokes making me flush instantly. Quickly pulling the black v neck over my head and tossing on a basic black baseball cap. I hear Steph Hang up the phone.

" I like your tattoos they're so pretty and also Mitch and the boys are on their way up," Steph said adjusting her bun before taking my all black outfit.

"I won't be surprised if you and Auston match because that a very Matthews thing to wear" she arches her brow. I laugh grabbing my white chucks and socks.

"I'm still hungover" I groan laying on the un made bed. Laying star fish I watching the whatever movie is on the tv. I could easily fall back asleep right now.

"Are you seriously going to sleep right now? How do you sleep so much?" A pillow is thrown at me waking me up from falling asleep.

"I said I was hungover " I shrug getting up to view out the window. Stretching my stiff muscles feeling the itch to go check out the five-star gym here.

Knocking on the door breaks me from mentally planning my workout. Steph had migrated to the bathroom since making fun of my hungover sleeping habits. Getting to the door and opening it reveals 3 hockey player.

"Steph was right," I said standing back for the guys to come into the room which seems to of now gotten smaller. Auston is wearing black shirt black ripped jeans and white shoes and a black hat.

"So what's the plan?" I asked laying on the bed. Auston and Mitch on the couch. Steph is standing near her boo and William is sitting on the bed facing both parties.

"Well I hear this joint has a nice rooftop lounge," Mitch said clapping his hands loading making myself and Others glare. All still hungover.

"I'm game," I shrug I'd be in even it was something totally weird and something I hate. I am with the Leafs.

" of course you are " Mitch chirps.

" She can't probably best you up boy" Steph challenged him and defending me I think.

"I'd love to see marns beat up," William said making Auston grin faintly. 

"No, I can't Steph you're disillusioned," I said red from the attention to my muscle. I have muscle, not anything worth bragging about." plus who said I can even fight" I try to off play Steph's comment.

"Still say you'd beat anyway it's 6 now so I want to get changed and meet you guys there" Steph announces the plans.

"I'll go with you" Mitch offers his girlfriend with a subtle undertone to his meaning.

The love birds going down stairs and the rest of us go up. I'm in an elevator I'm once again between two really build men. To break the imagery tension that I've built in my head I blurt out

"They're gonna fuck" all of us breaking into hysterics.

I'll be fine.

I have to be fine.

They're really fine.

Next

[sneakyinsuburbiaa]

ASK ME THINGS

@everythingisbadforyou told me to answer all the questions, so here goes it! 1. You woke up naked next to the last person you texted, what would you say? ~"I love you, damn it." 2. What’s going on between you and the last person you kissed? ~Well we're dating, so..? 3. If your boyfriend or girlfriend was into drugs, would you care? ~Yes. Very much so. 4. Is your last name longer than six letters? ~It's seven letters, so yeah. 5. Was your last kiss drunk or sober? ~Sober. 6. Have you ever wanted to have someone but you messed it up? ~Yes. So many times. 7. What does your last received text say? "But I want you to do something I love, you just can't do it like a pussy." 😂😂 8. How many times have you kissed the last person you kissed? ~Oh lord... like a million. I'm probably not even exaggerating there. I kiss him EVERY chance I get. 9. Where was your last kiss at? ~My house. 10. When is the last time you saw your sister? ~A few hours ago. 11. What do you drink in the morning? ~Depends. I normally don't wake up until the afternoon unless I work in the morning. So soda generally. 12. Where did you sleep last night? ~My bed. 13. Do you think relationships are hard? ~It depends. Sometimes. 14. If you could go back and change something in the past 5 months, would you? ~Yeah. 15. You’re locked in a room with the last person you kissed, any problems? ~Not at all. It'd be a dream come true. 16. Would you rather it be sunny or rainy? ~Both? 17. Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you? ~Nope! 18. Are you wearing jeans,sweatpants,or pajama pants? ~Jeans. 19. Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 years from now? ~I hope so. 20. Does anyone like you? ~My boyfriend, I hope. 😂 21. Have you ever kissed someone with a name that starts with an S? ~I don't think so! 22. Is the last person you kissed gay? ~He definitely is not. 23. Is there a person you CANNOT stand? ~A few. 24. Have you ever considered getting a tattoo? ~I have 5? 25. In the past week have you cried? ~Mhm. 26. What breed was the last dog you saw? ~My dogs are a Mini Aussie Shepard and a Golden Retriever/Cocker Spaniel. 27. Do you dry off in the shower or out of the shower? ~Out. 28. Have you ever kissed a football player? ~Yeah. 29. Do you think you’re old? ~Old enough. 30. Do you like text messaging? ~I prefer it over calling, unless I'm calling Mitch. (My boyfriend.) 31. What type of day are you having? ~It hasn't been too bad actually. 32. Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced? ~I have both sides pierced. 33. Do you prefer warm or cold weather? ~Both. 34. Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you? ~A few. 35. Would you prefer a relationship or a fling? ~Relationship all the way. 36. Are you a simple or complicated person? ~Very complicated. 37. What song are you listening to? ~Endless Imitation, Duologue. 38. When you say you’re sorry do you mean it? ~It depends on what it's for, but generally, yes. I'm a pretty honest and genuine person. 39. Is there a girl that knows everything or almost everything about you? ~Yeah. 40. What made you start liking the person you like now? ~Everything. I fell in love with him because I knew he would do anything to protect me. He made that very clear when we went to Chicago and he kept me out of all harms way. 41. When did you last receive a text message? ~Like 20 seconds ago. 42. What is wrong with you right now? ~I'm just kinda tired. 43. How well do you know the last female you texted? ~She's been my best friend since 3rd grade. So pretty damn well. 44. Does anyone disgust you? ~A lot of people do, lol. 45. Would you date someone right now if they asked? ~No. 46. Are you in a good mood right now? ~Sort of? 47. Who was the last person you talked to in person? ~My dad. 48. What color shirt are you wearing? ~Dark blue. 49. Has someone recently told you something you didn’t want to hear? ~Kind of, yeah. 50. Anyone you’re giving up on? ~I'm trying to but he won't let me. I'm not getting attached to people because I'm moving out of state with my boyfriend soon so I don't really want any new friendships and I have a lot of people at work trying to start friendships. 51. Do you hate the person you fell hardest for? ~Not at all. I'm madly and desperately in love with him and I tell him everyday. He tells me everyday too. 52. Have you ever thought about giving up on someone but couldn’t? ~So many times. 53. Do you like rain? ~I love it. 54. Do you care if your boyfriend/girlfriend drinks? ~Yes. 55. Have you ever liked somebody and never told them? ~Of course. I'm pretty shy. 56. Do you like to cuddle? ~YES YES YES. 57. Are you shy? ~Again, yes. 58. Do you get along with girls? ~It depends. I'm more awkward around girls than guys. 😂 59. Have you dated the person you texted last? ~No, she's my best friend. 60. What do you carry with you at all times? ~Nothing really. 61. If you were paid 1 million dollars to spend the night in a supposed haunted house, would you? ~If someone could come with, maybe. 62. Do you think you can last in a relationship for five months? ~I've been in my relationship for 2 years and 3 months, I think I can manage 5 months. 63. Think back to October, were you in a relationship? ~Yes. That's mine and Mitch's year(s) anniversary month! 64. The person you like kisses you on the forehead, do you find this cute? ~YES I SWOON WHEN HE DOES THAT. I'm a very affectionate person. 65. Did anything “cute” happen in the last week? ~Angel wrote me a cute note at work to smile even though the day sucked. 66. How old are the last three people you kissed? 20, 25 and 23. 😅 67. Would you rather pay to get your nails done or do them yourself? ~Do them myself, even though they'd look like shit. 68. Which do you like better- Zebra print or leopard print? ~Zebra. Mitch would kill me if I preferred Leopard. He hates it, lol. 69. Do you have any stickers on your car? ~Nope! 70. Would you rather listen to Luke Bryan or Lil Wayne? ~I hate both of them. They're both awful. But if I HAD to pick, it'd be Lil Wayne. 71. Blackberry, Anroid, or iPhone? ~iPhone, even though Apple sucks ass. 72. When’s the last time you had pizza from Pizza Hut? ~A month or two ago? Maybe less? 73. Do you like diet soda? ~If it's the only thing we have, I'll drink it, sure. 74. What color are the walls in your room? ~White with a rainbow. 75. Are you 16 or older? ~Yes. 76. Do you watch Pretty Little Liars? ~No. 77. Do you have a job? ~I do! I'm a waitress at Olive Garden. 78. What are your initials? ~BAES. 79. Did you ever have braces? ~Yes. 80. Are you from the south? ~Not really. 81. What does your last status on facebook say? "It's been 27 months with Mitchel today and I think that's pretty dang cool. 😎❤️" 82. Do you still talk to the first person you ever kissed? ~No lol. He's a twat. 83. Are you closer to your mom or your dad? ~Dad. 84. Have you ever done cheerleading or gymnastics? ~Both! 85. What’s the last movie you saw in theaters? ~Rogue One. 86. Do you smoke? ~Gross, no. 87. Would you rather wear heels or flip flops? ~I hate both, honestly. But heels if I had to pick. 88. Is your phone touch screen? ~Yeah. 89. Do you normally wear your hair straight or curly? ~Curly. 90. Have you ever snuck out of your house? ~Yup! 91. Would you rather swim in a river, lake, or pool? ~Lake. 92. Have you ever made out in a car? ~Yes. 93. …Had sex in a car? ~Yup yup. 94. Are you single or in a relationship? ~In a relationship. 95. What were you doing last night at midnight? ~Listening to music or watching Shameless, I can't remember. 96. When’s the last time you saw fireworks? ~The Fourth of July or some days after it? I don't remember. 97. Do you like the camera on your phone? ~Sometimes. 98. Have you ever had a friend with benefits? ~I'm embarrassed to say that yes, I have. 99. Have you ever passed out from drinking? ~No. I don't drink. 100. Are you friends with people on facebook that you actually hate? ~YES. 101. Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? ~No. 102. Name your favorite Kesha song: ~Hmmm.. that's a tough one. Dancing with Tears in my Eyes. 103. Do you have any tan lines right now? ~Lol no. 104. Would you ever wear cowboy boots with shorts? ~No but Mitch would like me to.