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[iwatcheditbegin]

I feel like with the past announcements the clues were just very loud. There was so many signs. I’m not ruling it out but I’m also not entirely convinced rep tv is happened rn.

[baronessvonglitter]

Holiday Heat

Joel Miller x f!Reader | WC: 2.3K

Summary: Sharing a hotel room with a grumpy (and handsome) stranger while a storm makes travel inaccessible. What could possibly go wrong?

WARNINGS: 18+ Only! Explicit. Only one bed/forced proximity trope (with a dash of sunshine x grumpy because we love a cantankerous Joel). Age gap (reader is in her 20s, Joel's in his 50s). Strangers to lovers. Oral (f receiving). Sleeping together to stay warm. Unprotected p in v. Fingering. Reader has very little description apart from having hair long enough to get in her eyes. No use of y/n. Please lmk if I've forgotten anything!

Author's note: It was my pleasure to step in to gift this fic to @frannyzooey for the @pedrostories Secret Santa exchange! I hope you had a great holiday and have a wonderful new year, hon! ��️Also, huge shoutout to @pedrorascal who so generously created the ✨gorgeous✨ banner for this story!

JOEL MILLER MASTERLIST | FULL MASTERLIST

Wind and snow roar outside as the taxi pulls up to the last motel for the next hundred miles. The driver doesn't dare to drive any further in the snowstorm, and offers to bring you to a place where you and your fellow passenger, a gruff, unsmiling man named Joel, to stay warm and have a roof over your head.

"This place is a shithole," he grumbles as you're pulled to a stop.

"It's quaint," you say, refusing to let his sour attitude ruin what's left of your holidays.

You're both heading home for the holidays: you're returning from your senior year at college and he reluctantly admitted he's returning home as well from an extended trip north to visit his brother.

Despite the fact that you're both Austin citizens just trying to get back to your loved ones, Joel remains a total grinch. You've had to endure this man the entire drive from DFW airport. He sat in the aisle across from you on the flight down from Nashville, sighing and making exasperated grunts every time a baby cried or a young person took a selfie. His legs jittered with impatience. You took pity on him and offered him a CBD gummy, hoping to ease whatever stress he was under but he brushed you off with an annoyed groan.

When you found out there were no connecting flights to Austin, you and Joel were the last in line for a car rental. And of course, the last one was rented out to a couple in line ahead of you.

You saw this as an opportunity to help your fellow man, especially as it was the holidays. But all Joel did was shrug when you offered to split a taxi to whichever hotel was closest.

"It's not the Hilton, but it'll do for tonight," you tell him, persisting in your sunny outlook, hoping it will catch on.

The bored-looking eighty-year-old man in the motel office tells you that due to high demand and the inclement weather, there's only one room left, with a single bed.

"We'll take it," you bounce on the chance, much to Joel's chagrin, offering your credit card. Your surly traveling companion offers to split the room, but not without complaint.

"No way in hell am I sleeping on the floor," he says as soon as he steps into the room. There's a stale stench of cigarettes that the cinnamon air freshener on the small round table can't mask.

"Of course you're not. We'll just.. divide the bed. I'm good at staying on my side."

"You'd better be. I don't need you grabbin' onto me in the middle of the night 'cause you're havin' a nightmare or somethin'."

"You wish." It's the only thing you tell him that has some sting behind it.

"Just don't steal all the blankets, sweetheart. Gonna need 'em with this deep freeze comin' through."

"I'm gonna shower first if that's all right with you. I need to warm up." You grab your pajamas from your bag.

"Don't use up all the hot water," he calls out before you close the bathroom door.

"If there's no hot water to spare we could shower together." You glance behind your shoulder, eager to see his reaction.

The look on Joel's face is priceless as he nearly chokes on his next breath. "What? Are you out of your mind? There's no way I'm showerin' with you!"

You grin. "Gotcha."

You step out, hair still damp, towel wrapped around you, shyly going back into the room. "I forgot my panties," you say softly, going to your bag.

Joel tries not to stare too much, but it's a challenge.

"Turn around," you tell him so you can have privacy.

"Go change in the bathroom."

"I had a hot shower, it's still humid. I can't get dressed in there. Just close your eyes."

He grunts but accedes to your request, leaning back against the headboard as he puts his hands over his eyes. His heart is pumping madly, listening to the rustle of clothes as you get changed. He tries to distract himself with other thoughts instead of wondering what the shape of your body looks like.

Relief is a brief respite before he sees what you're wearing to sleep. He thought you'd wear something comfortable and decent, like those fuzzy plaid pajamas girls your age like to wear during the holidays, but instead you're in an oversized t-shirt, the hem down to the middle of your thighs, revealing your bare legs. He puts a pillow on his lap to hide his growing erection.

You get onto your side of the bed. "The shower's free if you want it."

Joel swallows hard before he forces himself to think about something other than you in the bed with him. "Yeah, uh, thanks," he says gruffly, his voice strained. He quickly gets up, trying to hide his aroused state, and gathers his pajamas before he goes into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. For good measure he locks it.

"Get it together, Miller," he tells himself, splashing some cold water on his face. He can't deny the effect you have on him, but he also knows it's impossible to act on it. He barely knows you. You could have a boyfriend or a husband for all he knows, though there's no ring on your finger.

He showers, hoping to stay in as long as he can to avoid you. But it's a shitty motel after all, and soon he runs out of hot water and has to rinse the shampoo from his hair under the icy cold spray.

Dried off and clothed he steps back into the room and finds you on the bed, rubbing lotion onto your arms and legs. The sight nearly takes his breath away. He tries to look away but his eyes are drawn to your glistening skin.

"Good shower?" you ask, catching a whiff of his body wash, something fresh and woodsy. From lowered lashes you check out how he looks in his sweatpants.

"Yeah," he replies. "Outta hot water though. Since you used it all up."

You roll your eyes and go back to applying your lotion.

"Smells nice," he says, sitting close to you.

"Thanks. It's coconut."

The sweet scent hangs in the air as he watches you spread the white lotion across your skin, giving rise to lewd thoughts about what other thick white substances would go well on you. The coconut aroma, the sight of you touching yourself, the forced proximity and having to share a bed.. it's all sensory overload.

"I like coconut," his voice is thick with restraint.

Your hands stop and you hand him the bottle, your eyes meeting his in a silent understanding. "Will you help me?"

He takes the lotion from your hand, his fingers brushing against yours a moment. "Where do you want me to start?"

"My legs," you tell him, spreading them slightly as you lean back.

Heat pools in Joel's groin and he bites his lip to stifle a groan. He squeezes out some lotion onto his palm and kneads it into your shin and calf, his touch gentle but firm, lightly massaging. He spreads it up to your knee, brushing against the tickly spot right beneath and smirking when you try to stifle a sound.

"Feels nice," you eke out.

"Your skin is so smooth," he murmurs, eyes drinking in the sight of you looking both relaxed and wanting. His hands move over your thighs as they part and he realizes you're not wearing panties after all. His brain goes haywire for a moment, unsure if he should call attention to your undressed state or not.

The scent of your arousal reaches him, and he dares a glance between your thighs. His dick pulses when he sees the telltale sheen at the apex of your inner thighs. His eyes meet yours and there's a charge, a current that passes between you.

"You have no idea how much I want you right now," he rasps, his voice thick with desire.

It's too much, too fast, but the part of you that doesn't care wins out, falling for his low, silky remark.

"Joel.. put your mouth on me," you whisper, legs parting further, an open invitation.

His eyes darken to nearly black, all semblance of restraint breaks as he leans forward, his lips hovering just above your skin, his breath warm on your inner thighs. "As you wish, sugar," he rumbles, placing a soft kiss on your soft flesh. His kisses move higher and higher up, and he gently moves your legs over his shoulders as his kisses get more persistent.

A soft sigh escapes your lips as his hands find their way under your shirt, caressing the soft skin of your belly and the mounds of your breasts, your nipples hard in anticipation. Willfully trapped beneath him, you're at his mercy when he finally buries his face in your cunt, gripping your thighs to hold you in place.

His tongue runs over your soft, saturated folds, tasting you and listening to the sounds of your moans and gasps. He laps at your softly, then adding more pressure, dipping his tongue inside and swiping at your clit, teasing you just enough to get you screaming for more. A strange sense of tenderness surfaces among the lust of the moment as he brings you to life. There's no denying there's something inherently sweet and affectionate about the lascivious act.

Joel can't get enough of your taste, your smell, the way you feel against his mouth as you desperately grind against him. He's lost in the moment, his every sense consumed by you. Hearing you panting his name he hums against you, the vibrations adding to your pleasure, and he gladly licks up the nectar you gush out.

"Oh! Joel! Keep doing that!" you gasp, tugging at his greying locks. His mouth is hot against your pussy, tongue stiff and pointed, soft and wet. The pleasure seems neverending. Just when you think you know the pattern, he switches it up, licking harder or softer, tracing shapes with the tip of his tongue. "Please.. don't stop.. I'm gonna.."

Pleasure blossoms from within, too big to keep in, and you come apart beneath him.

There's a feeling of ownership, something dominant and masculine and protective in Joel as he works you through another one, his hips rutting against the bed in need of his own release. At last he moves over you, bodies pressed close as he kisses you for the first time. It's sweet and soft, the taste of you still on his tongue, tangy and sweet.

"Thank you," you sigh, your foreheads touching, breath mingling.

"No need to thank me, sweetheart," he says quietly, brushing loose strands of hair from your forehead.

You're still feeling the lingering traces of pleasure, but even you can feel the cold seeping into the room. "Get under the covers with me," you tell him, and giggle at the speed with which he pulled both of you under the western-themed duvet.

Clothes fly off, thrown over the sides of the bed, landing in haphazard piles. Joel slots himself between your legs again. Desire grows bright in him, making him feel like he's burning from the inside out, starving for the taste and feel of you.

Your body is a perfect fit for him, the glorious slide of his flesh into yours causing you both to cry out. He's completely sheathed within you, surrounded by your perfect, tight, wet heat. Thrusting slow at first, he watches your expressions, planting little kisses on your cheeks and eyelids, drinking up your moans as his tongue slips between your lips.

"More," you whisper as his lips graze your neck, gently biting your ear lobe, and you're rewarded with a more forceful pace as he spreads you open, angling your hips up to get in deeper, finding that sacred spot within that makes you see God. He plants one hand on the headboard above you for leverage as his other hand kneads your breast, tweaking your nipple as your own hands grip his sides, digging your nails in as you blissfully curse with each push of his hips.

"That's the spot, ain't it?" he grunts above you. "Right.. here."

Stars collide behind your eyes as he gently glides over your G-spot. His lips curve into a smile when you clench around him, but he slips out before he can come, replacing himself with three fingers. "Come on them, sweetheart. Come on my fingers then you can have my cock again."

You're lost in bliss as he glides his fingers in, curving to get that spongy spot, eager to make you scream. You bring your own fingers to your clit, gently pinching and rubbing until you feel your climax begin in your extremities, gathering pressure within until it's released, your orgasm shattering you with Joel's name on your lips.

He gives you a moment to come back before he lays down, letting you straddle him. Though he was just inside you, it's still a stretch to fit around him, and you slide down slowly before you're comfortable enough to start riding.

"There you go, darlin'," he murmurs, large hands on your hips. "Do what you need to do to come on my cock, baby."

In a delicious haze of pleasure you ride him, switching up the pace, going slow and deep before slamming down on him, making him groan as he tries to hold back. Your slick is pooling on his groin, coating his balls. Holding your hips steady he rams up into you, eager for you to come all over him again.

You're positively feral at this point, shaking and crying out as you come harder than any other time before, and Joel follows soon after, spilling inside of you, his dick twitching.

Hours later you're curled up together under the thick blankets, sharing and savoring what warmth you've generated.

"Thank god for this storm," Joel murmurs, holding your back close to his chest as he spoons you.

"That's the first positive outlook you've had all day," you smirk, snuggling against him.

dividers by @cafekitsune 👑

[roosterforme]

Draft Day | Rooster x Reader

Summary: If Bradley knew anything about his son, he knew Everett wouldn't be happy with a normal job. Not after wishing and hoping to play major league baseball for most of his life. But when Draft Day turns out even better than expected, Bradley becomes a viral sensation.

Warnings: Fluff, swearing

Length: 2600 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female single!mom Reader

This is a Batting Practice one-shot but can be read alone! Check out my masterlist for more! Banner by @mak-32

"I hate flying commercial," Bradley grunted as the enormous Boeing 747 touched down on the rainy runway in Pittsburgh. "These pilots couldn't land smoothly for a million dollars."

You kissed him where he was crammed into the economy window seat, his broad shoulders hunched slightly in discomfort. "I told you before we took off to go up to the cockpit and show them how it's done."

Bradley snorted. "And I told you that even though I wanted to, we'd get kicked off the flight. And tomorrow's too important to miss by being grounded in San Diego."

Bradley reached for your hand when it was time to deboard, and he ended up practically dragging you through the airport to the baggage claim area. "Can we slow down?" you asked with a laugh.

"No. Come on, Kitten. Ev's flight from Nashville landed forty minutes ago." 

"Okay, okay," you muttered as the two of you ran toward an escalator. The entire airport was swarming with media groups and college aged players hoping to get drafted by an MLB team tomorrow. And your son was one of those hopefuls.

You had barely taken a step off of the escalator when Bradley said, "I see him." And you kind of loved the way he released your hand to rush toward Everett. Your son looked tall and strong in his Vanderbilt tee shirt and backwards Phillies cap, and a second later, he was hugging your husband.

"Hey, Dad," he said with a laugh as Bradley kissed his forehead and folded him up in his arms. "Hi, Mom." And then you were pulled into the hug, too. 

"Did you get your bags yet?" Bradley asked. 

"The last one's coming around now," Everett replied, and he bent to pick up the long, thin luggage that must have been filled with his baseball gear. "I'm starving. Where are we eating dinner?"

---------------------------

After Everett had two enormous roast beef sandwiches filled with french fries and coleslaw, Bradley said, "I was about to ask if you were still getting enough calories every day, but I guess it's safe to assume that yes, you are."

"I'm just always hungry," Everett replied from across the booth, patting his flat belly. "I think the fact that my baseball scholarship covered the cost of food on campus saved you guys from bankruptcy." 

You pushed some of your uneaten fries to the side, and Everett started picking at them. "We would have had to sell the house," you said, shaking your head as your son polished off the rest of your meal, too. 

"So what's on the agenda tomorrow? What time do we have to be at the field?" Bradley asked. "Some of the kids at the airport looked really young. Are you nervous?"

Everett just shrugged. "Nah, what's the worst that can happen? I don't get drafted? I mean, I'm still not twenty two quite yet. I skipped the draft last year so I could finish college, and I have a degree now, so I could always get a normal job. Or join the navy. I already have a call sign."

But Bradley knew his son didn't want a normal job. When he'd gotten an invitation to the draft, he called Bradley immediately and told him how excited he was. "You can't wear that cap tomorrow," Bradley said with a grin. 

Everett spun it around so the battered Phillies P was facing the front. "You're right," he groaned. "I'll have to retire my favorite hat! But at least that would mean I'm pitching for another MLB team, you know?"

"Yeah," Bradley said with a nod as he pulled out his credit card. "It'll be worth it."

Once the three of them were settled into the two bedroom hotel suite, Everett headed right for his room. "You know he just wants to text his girlfriend all night," you said. 

"She's not my girlfriend," he replied with an eye roll. "Goodnight." And then he closed the door with his phone already in his hand. 

"She's totally his girlfriend," Bradley whispered, heading for the other bedroom with you right behind him. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it next to his suitcase before dropping onto the bed. 

"She totally is." You climbed into bed with him as he turned on the TV to ESPN. They were already showing live coverage of the MLB draft preparations. Reporters were interviewing coaches, and they were starting to remove some of the tarps and set up the stage at PNC Park as the rain had finally tapered off. You were just starting to get comfortable curled up on Bradley's chest when he jolted so hard you yelped. 

"Baby! They're talking about Ev."

You listened to the analyst on TV as he said, "And Bradshaw out of Vanderbilt, well he skipped the draft last year to finish his degree. That's almost unheard of! But his senior year stats were his best yet, so maybe he knew what he was doing. There are a lot of National League teams looking for a young ace pitcher who can also show up at bat, and he looks like he's just going to keep getting better. He should go late in the first round or early in the second."

Bradley's eyes were wide as he laughed and rolled you onto your back. "There are literally ESPN analysts talking about our son, Kitten." Then he kissed you softly as you wrapped your arms around his neck. His hands were inside your shirt and you were giggling. 

"Hey, you seem excited, Coach." Bradley groaned as his hand drifted down to the fly of your jeans. "Okay," you agreed, "but we have to be quiet." And then your jeans were off and your husband showed you exactly how excited he was.

---------------------------

"Oh my God," Bradley mumbled over and over again as the three of you headed up toward the enormous stage that had been erected on the outfield at the ballpark. The weather had mostly cleared, and the city skyline looked gorgeous lit by the late morning sun peeking through the clouds. 

"Third row, Dad," Everett said, guiding them toward their assigned seats. Bradley and Everett were both wearing navy blue suits, but while Everett had chosen a neutral looking yellow and white tie, Bradley's was red. If they were going to have to start wearing a new team's jerseys and colors, he wanted to at least have one last hurrah. 

Bradley let you go into the row first, and then he took the next seat so Everett could sit by the aisle. And when everything started up, the ballpark got loud. The regular seats were filled with spectators, and it was so surreal that Bradley was sitting down here with the draftee hopefuls and his own family. 

You pulled out your phone and said, "Aunt Molly wants a selfie." Bradley grinned as you and Everett both leaned in closer to him and smiled. You snapped the photo and said, "I'm sure she's going to want a ridiculous selfie, too." So the three of you made obnoxious faces, and then you sent them to your sister with a giggle before letting your cheek rest on Bradley's shoulder. 

It was starting to get hot in the sun now as the league commissioner made her way up onto the stage and announced that the draft was officially beginning. "Holy shit," Bradley whispered, reaching for your hand. He was so excited, practically shaking. And he cheered politely as the crowd screamed when shortstop Javier Marianas was chosen first by the Milwaukee Brewers. 

"He's really good," Everett remarked, completely calm while Bradley was sweating bullets. "He went to USC and I pitched against him once. He nailed my slider."

Bradley could only grunt in response as the Toronto Blue Jays were up next. He had no idea how everyone around him was so calm when he thought he might throw up. He looked up to see the teams listed in order on the jumbotron. The Phillies had the sixth pick, which surely would never happen, but the Padres were drafting twenty third. Having Everett close to home in San Diego for most of the year would be amazing. Bradley was already crossing his fingers. 

The Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox all chose power hitters. Bradley tried to sit still while Everett told him that the player chosen by the Rangers was his roommate a decade ago at the Little League World Series. But Bradley was too distracted to listen to much of anything as members of the Phillies organization walked up onto the stage, and the clock started ticking down until their draft selection needed to be turned in.

And then Bradley could tell that while his son seemed calm on the outside, he was a little anxious after all. He saw the prominent bob of Everett's Adam's apple as he swallowed and whispered, "Would have been cool, huh Dad?"

Bradley gently let go of your hand and turned a little bit to wrap his arm around Everett's shoulders and pull him close. His son smiled at the awkward hug, and Bradley told him, "Kiddo, any team would be lucky to have you." He wanted to give him some more reassuring words, but there was nothing else to say. If Everett was selected, the team that chose him would be gaining an amazing pitcher, sure, but also a solid teammate and someone who cared about more than just himself. 

So Bradley kept his arm around his son as the league commissioner returned to the microphone. There were Phillies staff members ready and waiting with a jersey and baseball cap, and they all looked excited for their new player to be announced. The commissioner cleared her throat and said, "With the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, the Philadelphia Phillies choose pitcher Everett Bradshaw."

"Holy shit," Everett whispered as he stared up at the stage with his mouth hanging open. 

Bradley jolted forward in his seat as you scrambled to get your phone out again. "Holy shit," Everett and Bradley said in unison as the crowd started to cheer when Everett's stats started scrolling along the jumbotron screen.

"Ev!" you shrieked, and Bradley jumped to his feet. 

"Kiddo! The Phillies!" he said, and slowly Everett rose to his feet too. "The Phillies!" 

And then his son was in his arms, slapping him on the back as he said, "Dad. Oh my God! The Phillies!"

Bradley kissed his cheek and squeezed him. "The Phillies! Go up and get that fucking jersey!" And then Everett leaned in to give you a quick hug before he very gracefully walked down the aisle toward the stage. 

But Bradley was absolutely losing his mind now as the cheering around them grew louder. "Yeah! The Phillies! Kitten, the fucking Phillies!" He raked his hands through his hair. "Our son is going to Philadelphia!"

"He got drafted!" you screamed over the crowd, and Bradley vaguely registered that you were holding your phone up as you jumped around. 

"He got fucking drafted! By the best team in baseball!" Bradley shouted, pumping his fist in the air. And then there was a champagne bottle in his hands, and he started chugging it before screaming, "Yes!" He was jumping with you now, spraying champagne all over the place as he watched Everett take some photos on the stage in his brand new Phillies cap with the jersey held up in front of him. "That's my son! That's my son! I love you, Everett! He's a Phillie! Hell yeah!"

Bradley lunged for you and your shriek of ecstatic laughter had him scooping you into his arms. "Coach! He did it!"

He smothered you in kisses as you took the bottle from his hand and drank some of it. "That's our son! I'm so proud of him!" 

"You did this, Coach! You're the one who made this happen!"

Then he shared so many champagne flavored kisses with you as Everett was escorted off the stage to riotous cheering.

-------------------------

A couple hours later, the three of you were back in the hotel room, all sticky from champagne with enormous smiles on your face. You watched as Everett kept hugging Bradley, and now both of them were wearing brand new Phillies caps turned backwards. "Thanks, Dad."

"You need to stop thanking me," Bradley replied softly. "It was all you. I'm so damn proud, Kiddo." But he did look pleased with himself. "Hey, my phone keeps blowing up. Everyone is so excited. I've got about a hundred texts from Maverick, Bob and Molly." But then Bradley froze and squinted down at his phone screen. "Charlie and Flora sent me links to a video they said went viral?"

"What is it?" you asked, but as soon as you looked at the screen, your eyes went wide. "Oh my God."

You watched as the video you had taken of Bradley screaming with the champagne bottle played on his phone. 

"The Phillies! Kitten, the &%@#ing Phillies! Our son is going to Philadelphia!"

Everett erupted into laughter as Bradley just stared at the screen. "I feel like maybe I should be embarrassed?" he mumbled as he continued to watch himself spraying champagne everywhere.

"He got &%@#ing drafted! By the best team in baseball! That's my son! That's my son! I love you, Everett! He's a Phillie! Hell yeah!"

"How did Yahoo Sports get this?" Bradley asked as the video started to play again on loop. His cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

You were gasping as you tried to stop laughing. "I don't know! I only sent it to Molly!" 

"Molly," Bradley growled, cradling his forehead in his hands as he blushed deeper.

"Dad, it's got half a million views already! This is the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life! I'm sending it to everyone I know!"

And when you turned on the TV in the hotel room, the video was playing there. And when you went back to that sandwich place for dinner, Bradley pulled his cap down lower over his face, because it was playing there, too. And you and Everett couldn't stop laughing no matter how hard you tried.

"It's okay, Coach. If you weren't the biggest Phillies fan in the world before, you certainly are now," you told him. He squeezed into the booth first and then pulled you in to shield him as the people sitting at the bar were laughing at his viral video. 

"Nah, I'm just the biggest Everett Bradshaw fan in the world. But listen, we need to come up with a game plan," Bradley said, pulling up the notes section on his phone. "The Phils want you there by next month, Ev. So we all need to fly out and find you an apartment. We can pay the first month and the security deposit until you actually have your signing bonus available. And we also need to go over that contract with a lawyer when we get back home to San Diego. Kitten, can you call that lawyer in your book club?"

But you just kissed him on the cheek as Everett leaned over the table with a smile. "We'll figure it out, Dad. But actually... I was thinking after we eat dinner, you and I could go to that park down the block from the hotel? I brought all my gear with me. Maybe I could pitch to you until it gets dark?"

Bradley immediately dropped his phone onto the table and squeezed his son's hand while tears stung his eyes. "Yeah, Ev. I would love that. The perfect ending to the perfect day." 

And then he watched his son eat two more huge sandwiches and half of your fries as he gushed about how excited he was to play major league baseball for his favorite team and Bradley's.

---------------------------

I love thinking about how Everett becomes known as the player with the "really excited dad". Thanks for reading! And thanks to @beyondthesefourwalls and @mak-32

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[toasttt11]

2024 playoffs

first round

April 21, 2024

Hayden took a deep breath in closing her eyes. It was the first game of the first round of the playoffs.

Hayden rolled her shoulders stepping onto her home ice and she glanced up at the banner in the rafters smiling to herself seeing her Dad’s name.

Hayden always feels like she plays even better hockey in the playoffs and the score sheet always proves that.

Oilers won game one 7-4 against the Kings and Hayden already has two goals and two assists in the playoffs.

Hayden’s face softened immediately as she walked in to the family seeing Luke holding Lennon and wearing a jacket with Blake on the back.

“Two of my favorite people.” Hayden said softly as she walked over pulling Luke into a hug and kissing her goddaughter on the cheek. Luke leaned his cheek on top of her head.

Hayden smiled seeing the family room filled and everyone wearing playoffs jackets, all the jackets having patching with her name and number designed by Lauren.

Luke came to Edmonton right after he cleaned out his locker and Luke would be with Hayden until he left for Worlds. Jim, Ellen and Jack are currently with Quinn but Jack would be heading to Edmonton once the Canucks head to Nashville.

April 24, 2024

Hayden leaned against her car as Jack slowly wheeled his very large suitcase with one hand as his arm is still in a sling.

“I didn’t think you were getting here.” Hayden immediately teased him making Jack fondly roll his eyes, Jack had lost his passport when he was packing for Vancouver.

Hayden pulled him into a gently hug being mindful of his shoulder and Jack just melted into her, he hasn’t see her for a few weeks since he surgery.

“Let’s get home.” Hayden said softly as they pulled away. Luke was with Archie back at the house.

Hayden drove them back to her house and smiled seeing Luke and Jack hugging for a while, she needed to Jack’s room and she unpacked his bag for him letting Jack and Luke have some time together.

Hayden set the playoff jacket she got for Jack on his bed before heading downstairs to spend some time with her brothers.

April 30, 2024

Luke just gave Hayden a sad look as she took his suitcase out of the car. He was heading to Michigan for a bit before heading out to where Worlds are and would head to Worlds with Jim.

“I know buddy.” Hayden knew his look and she just pulled him into a hug.

Luke squeezed her tightly hiding his face in her shoulder.

“You’re gonna have so much fun.” Hayden said softly, “Matt, Connor, Will, Trevor and Cole will all be there and Jimmy will be with you.” She reminded him, they were all people Luke likes being around.

Luke sighed nodding.

“You’ll do great.” Hayden reassured him softly pressing a soft kiss to his head.

Luke kissed her cheek and they shared a smile before he waved softly and rolled his bags towards the airport.

May 3, 2024

Hayden held Jack’s hand tightly watching the clock tick down until buzzing and the Canucks won the game against the Predators they were heading to the next round.

Hayden and Jack both cheered for Quinn and smiled seeing a happy Quinn on the ice.

Hayden’s smile slowly fell remembering who the Canucks will be playing next round, The Oilers as the Oilers just clinched the first round two days ago.

Hayden would be playing against Quinn in the playoffs.

“I play against Quinn.” Hayden muttered, this was one of the worse things that could happen with having siblings on opposite teams.

Jack slowly grimaced relaxing how painful this is going to be because at the end of the days one of them is gonna win and the other is gonna be devastated.

second round

May 7, 2024

Hayden let out a nervous breath as she heard the knock on her hotel room in Vancouver, she had just gotten into Vancouver a few minutes ago.

Hayden and Quinn decided to talk before the first game and after they finished would meet up with Ellen and Jack. Today would be the last day Hayden and Quinn spend any time together until after the playoffs ended.

“Hey.” Hayden said softly as she opened the door biting her lip nervously.

Quinn’s face softened at her nerves and he stepped inside her hotel room pulling his little sister into a hug.

Hayden let out a sigh relaxing into his hold closing her eyes.

“I hate this.” Hayden quietly admitted, she of course wanted to do good in the playoffs but she wanted Quinn to do well in the playoffs but within two weeks one of them would be knocked out of the playoffs.

“I know.” Quinn soothingly it said in return, he hates it too. He wants to win but at the same time that would kick his little sister out of the playoffs.

Quinn slowly pulled back and he cupped her face looking at her seriously, “No matter what happens when this round is over, you are still my sister and nothing can ever change that.”

Hayden softly nodded, “Promise?” She looked at him hopefully.

Quinn had to blink because all he could see was little Hayden looking up at him just like that the day they met and she asked him to come play too.

“I promise.” Quinn said firmly back and pressed a soft kiss to his sister’s forehead.

Hayden closed her eyes and hoped he was right.

May 8, 2024

Hayden’s knees bounced in the locker room before game one against Vancouver.

Ryan nudged her with his knee making her glance over and he gave her a reassuring nod and she slowly blew out breath.

Hayden closed her eyes taking a few deep breaths before she stood up and headed onto the ice getting ready for the game to start.

Hayden and Quinn shared one nod before focusing completely on their own games.

Hayden was out on her second shift and got a beautiful pass from Leon and she quickly hit the puck right into the net getting the first goal of game.

Leon crashed into her patting her head as Ryan crashed into her from the other side.

It was looking good for the Oilers at the start of the third period they were up 4-2. Hayden already had two goals.

But within five minutes getting changed. The Canucks got three goals in five minutes at the end of the third period.

Vancouver won Game one.

May 18, 2024

Hayden was talking her stick with her headphones on in her own zone getting ready for the game.

It was game six tonight.

Vancouver won game one, three and five. Edmonton won game two and four. Meaning if the Canucks win tonight they advance to the next round but if the Oilers win they go to game seven.

It was definitely hard playing against Quinn especially because the couldn’t hold back and think of each other like siblings on the ice right now. Hayden had to ignore the heavy hits her team was laying on Quinn and Quinn had to ignore the dirty plays his team kept doing to Hayden.

Hayden had a good feeling about this game tonight, they were home which always made her feel better.

She brushed her hand across the photo of her Dad on the wall before she headed out to ice for the game and her other held the necklace under her jersey for her Mom. She closed her eyes feeling as close to her parents as she could.

Hayden kissed her hand and gently touched the photo before tucking the necklace back under her jersey and heading onto the ice.

Hayden scored first only minutes into the game. Canucks managed to tie it up before the end of the first period.

Hayden was out with Connor and Hopkins and she got the puck from Connor and flipped it into the net getting the Oilers their second goal.

Zach got the next tool and the Oilers were leading 3-1 heading into the third.

Hayden got a breakaway in the beginning of the third period and hit the puck in between the goalies legs.

Hayden cheered and did a small celly as she just got a hat trick.

Oilers won game six 5-1.

May 20, 2024

“Hey Mack!” Hayden grinned as she walked out of the locker room before game seven in Vancouver.

Macklin beamed at her especially when she walked over and offered a hug and he eagerly hugged her back, “Hi Hayden!”

“Hi Aiden.” Hayden smiled shaking Aiden’s hand.

Aiden gave her a smile back softly shaking her hand.

Hayden talked with Macklin and Aiden for a few minutes before she needed to head back inside her locker room and start getting ready for the game but it was really nice seeing Macklin again.

Hayden braided her hair in french braid closing her eyes as she mentally got ready for game seven, they win tonight they head to the third round against the Dallas Stars.

Hayden headed out on the ice and lined up for the national anthems closing her eyes letting her head drop.

First period no one scored.

One minute into the second period the Oilers scored.

Hayden assisted on the second goal five minutes later.

There was five minutes left of the second period and the Oilers got a power play.

Connor got the puck from Leon in the front of the net and flicked it to the right passing to Hayden, Hayden hit a one timer right into the top right corner.

Oilers were leading 3-0 heading into the third.

Ten minutes into the third Hayden was in the corner of the boards battling a Canuck for a puck when another Canuck’s player came behind her and smashed her into the boards, specifically smashed her elbow the worse into the boards and her head smacked against the glass.

Hayden grunted and was immediately dropping to the floor, her right hand gingerly holding her left arm as she felt her nose bleeding.

She was by the board by her own net and Ryan and Nurse were both immediately having any Canucks players away as Skinner stood in front of her protective as Leon quickly kneeled down next to her and Connor got the trainers.

Quinn stood frozen on the bench, his sister was down on the ice because of a bad hit and he couldn’t do anything.

Jack gripped onto Ellen’s hand tightly as they both watched worriedly from the suite.

Hayden made an uncomfortable sound as the trainers touched her arm mostly her elbow and Connor helped Hayden keep the towel on her nose to stop her bleeding nose.

Hayden knew something was wrong on her elbow, it wasn’t really bad but it wasn’t good. Luckily it was not her shooting arm.

Hayden got up taking the towel from Connor and kept her head down skating right down the tunnel.

She headed right into the trainers room.

Hayden got looked over and was worried the whole time hearing the Canuck score two goals.

The Oilers managed to hold their lead and win the game, They were going to round three.

Hayden let out a slightly sad sigh knowing Quinn had just gotten knocked out.

Hayden headed back into the locker room after everyone was already there and immediately Ryan tossed a hat on her head.

“How bad Rook?” Connor asked her quietly but immediately as she sat down next to him and slowly took off her equipment.

“Could be a lot worse.” Hayden softly admitted feeling a bit better as she got some pain meds, “I can play.” She gave him stubborn look.

Connor shook his head softly and patted her head.

Hayden took a shower having a hard time showing with one hand but she managed to do it. She tossed a pair of shorts and a stairs on as they’re flying back to tonight.

The trainer came in with her brace and helped her out on a brace on her elbow to help it.

Hayden walked out of the locker room seeing Ellen and Jack both waiting looking nervous.

“Haydes.” Jack trialed off seeing her brace.

“I’m okay. A sprained elbow but i’ll be alright.” Hayden reassured both of them as Ellen pulled her into a hug first.

“You scared us.” Jack gave her a look before he hugged her next too. Hayden rarely goes down on the ice and has barely ever been brought down the tunnel like that.

“Are you okay?” Quinn spoke up as he slowly walked out of the locker room and to them. He looked devastated and his eyes were a bit red but he still looked at Hayden worried.

Hayden froze not expecting him to talk to her yet, “I will be.”

Quinn softly nodded and pulled her in a little hug before stepping back, he gave her a nod and walked away.

Ellen hugged Jack and Hayden once more before heading off with Quinn as Jack is heading back to Edmonton with Hayden.

It was bittersweet winning round two against her brother.

third round

May 23, 2024

Hayden and Jack were slowly packing up her suitcase as Jack is still in a sling and Hayden has a brace on her sprained elbow and Hayden is heading out to Dallas in a few hours.

Hayden knew Ellen would be here soon as she stayed with Quinn for a bit in Vancouver but Hayden was unsure when she would be seeing Quinn next.

Luke and Jim are still currently at Worlds and Luke actually had a game today. Hayden had to reassure Luke a lot they she was okay after he facetimed her after her injury and was freaking out, she made sure Matt checked on him.

Hayden got her suitcase up slowly after they closed and carried it down the stairs with one hand as Jack carried her backpack down for her and just as they reached the bottom of the stairs the door opened and Hayden looked up seeing Ellen.

Hayden froze seeing who walked in behind Ellen, "Q?" Hayden's voice wavered.

Quinn smiled at his sister and she quickly walked right to him hugging him, "Hi Haydes." Quinn could have went to Michigan after his season ended but he still wanted to support Hayden.

"You here?" Hayden looked up at Quinn with tears in her eyes, she's been so worried that the playoffs might have messed up their relationship and she didn't know when she would be seeing him again.

Quinn's face softened, "Of course i am."Quinn reassured her softly making her smile watery and hide her face in his chest hugging him.

May 25, 2024

Hayden sat in her stall in Dallas for game two, Oilers had won game one 3-2.

Hayden was having a little hard time playing with her elbow being sprained but nothing she couldn’t play through.

Hayden was at her first two games in Dallas with Jack, Ellen and Quinn still in Edmonton. Luke had just gotten out at Worlds and would be coming to Edmonton with Jim in a few days.

Hayden was skating in the second period of the game right near the boards and saw a stars player in front of her and went to the right closer to the boards. She’s really good at dodging hits but when she is cornered by three players and no where she can go, she can only dodge so much.

Hayden couldn’t move away as she had one player in front of her and one behind her, someone skated right to her on her left side and cross checked her extremely harshly on her ribs, there was a sickening crack and Hayden let out a chocked sound immediately crumbling to the ice.

Her team was immediately getting the stars players away from her.

Hayden has never felt so much pain before and felt her breath wheeze as her eyes were squeezed tightly with tears starting to roll down her cheeks and her jaw clenched so tightly her teeth were grinding.

Connor quickly kneeled down in front of her as the rest of the Oilers on the ice all started fighting the stars players for that extremely dirty play.

Connor froze seeing how much pain she is, he’s never seen her look like they, he grabbed her free hand letting her squeeze his hand so tightly, “Where is it?” He asked her.

Zach was getting the trainers on the ice immediately.

Hayden just made a small whimper shaking her head, she couldn’t even open her mouth form how much pain she was in.

It was an agonizing amount of pain and Hayden didn’t even want to roll over.

The trainers shared a very worried look seeing where her pain is from and how pain she was in.

“Can you get up?” One of the trainers asked her after many moments down on the ice.

Hayden has now been down on the ice for over three minutes worrying everyone at the game and watching the game.

Hayden grunted trying to move and slowly shook her head.

“Want help or a stretcher?” The trainer asked knowing her injury is gonna be hard to sit up with.

“Help.” Hayden decided.

Ryan was immediately on the ice the second he was allowed and skated right to her holding her hand.

Connor, Leon and Ryan H all slowly lifted her up as Ryan squeezed her hand and the trainers made sure she was lifted correctly.

Hayden was completely pale shaking as she was lifted up, it made the pain even worse, she bit on her lip to keep in the painful sounds as she was picked up.

Hayden let out a unsteady breath as she was on her two feet again, she kept blinking from her much pain she was in.

Hayden was slowly guided to the bench and the boys helped her onto the bench and she went down the tunnels with the trainers.

Hayden broke two of her left ribs that game.

Matt was completely frozen as he watched the game, he didn’t even realize the way Luke was gripping his hands completely shaking as they watched Hayden stay down on the ice for five minutes and needing help getting up.

Jim was sitting next to Luke and had covered him mouth watching the girl he sees as daughter go down on the ice.

Will was sitting next to Connor and they leaned into each other. Cole was sitting next to Trevor and Trevor was holding onto Cole as they all watched the game in Prague.

“What if she-“ Luke started speaking his breathing completely uneven as he watched his big sister get hit and fall to the ground not getting back up for a while, he could tell she was in pain and he has never seen her in that much pain before and he’s thousands of miles away form her.

Matt snapped out of his shock at Luke’s words and he squeezed Luke’s hand, “She will be okay, go get your bag we will head to the airport.” Matt shakily told Luke.

Luke shakily nodded and Jim helped Luke stand up, Jim and Matt shared a nod before Jim guided Luke to the rooms to get their bags.

Matt let out a shakily breath running his hands in his hair and glanced over seeing Connor and Will’s scared faces, “She will be okay.” He softly reassured the two boys who Hayden has basically adopted, Matt gently pulled them both into a hug rubbing their backs.

Matt, Luke and Jim were talking the first flight out to Edmonton.

May 26, 2024

It was a really long flight back to Edmonton for Hayden and she used Ryan as a pillow the entire flight, she was extremely uncomfortable and in pins the entire flight, she couldn’t find a way to sit without any pain.

Hayden was really slow to walk down the plane stairs with Connor helping her.

Connor drove Hayden to her house and Ellen, Jack and Quinn were all waiting outside.

Jack got to her first and Hayden gave him a weak smile grabbing his hand gently, Jack lost so much tension seeing her in person even if she obviously isn’t okay.

“Oh darling.” Ellen said softly cupping her face and she could cry tears of relief. Hayden closed her eyes leaning into Ellen’s soft touch.

Quinn helped Connor get Hayden’s bags inside before Quinn walked over to Hayden kissing her head softly.

Connor left soon after.

Ellen had the boys help Hayden to the guest bedroom on the first floor that is barley used and helped set Hayden up in bed with a lot of pillows and Ellen grabbed more of Hayden’s medication for her.

Jack laid down softly next to Hayden frowning at the painful look on Hayden’s face.

Hayden slowly fell asleep finally, at least for an hour.

Matt, Jim and Luke all rushed to Hayden’s house and walked inside as Ellen walked down the hallway and saw the three all looking worried and stressed.

“She broke two of her ribs but is okay and she’s is sleeping in the guest room.” Ellen calmly told the three as she leaned into her husband’s side, Jim relaxing a bit because of her.

They all walked into the guest room seeing Hayden slowly waking up and Quinn and Jack both laying with her.

Quinn and Jack got up seeing them and they both hugged Luke.

Luke barely even realized they were hugging him just starring at her. Hayden’s eyes fluttered open and saw Luke standing here, she softly patted the spot next to her on her good side.

Luke softly sat down and looked at her with tears in his eyes, Hayden let her lean his head on her shoulder and she hugged him with her good arm. Luke’s shoulders shook with emotions, he’s been so scared since he saw her go down in game seven and then she went down again yesterday and it was seven worse.

Hayden softly kissed his curls rubbing Luke’s back as Jim walked over and gently kissed her cheek, Jim squeezed her hand softly and she smiled emotionally.

Hayden made eye contact with a worried Matt.

Luke sniffled and slowly lifted his head and Hayden gently wiped his tears, “I’m okay bud.” She softly reassured him, she’s injured but she is okay.

Luke slowly nodded letting out a few shaky breaths.

Ellen noticed Matt’s look and she slowly guided Jim, Jack and Quinn out of the room.

Luke glanced up as Matt walked over and he got up, “I’ll be right back.” Luke said softly kissing her cheek before walking out.

“You didn’t have to come.” Hayden told her best friend holding out her hand a tiny bit for him to take. Matt took her hand and softly sat on the bed next to her.

“Of course i did.” Matt had to be here. He sat on the flight thinking the entire time worried about Hayden and he knew he couldn’t just wait any longer and not tell her what he feels for her.

Matt just looked at her for a while, Hayden has been his best friend for years and the girl he has been in love with since he met her. For years he was content to just be her friend and slowly over the years he became more flirty with her but he couldn’t wait anymore, even if Hayden doesn’t feel the same he needs her to know.

Hayden made a confused sound as Matt cupped her face and leaned closer to her. Her brows furrowed as he leaned closer to her looking at her before he pressed his lips to her.

Hayden froze in complete shock even if she melted a bit into the kiss. She has never had a kiss that didn’t make her uncomfortable until right now even if she was extremely confused.

Matt felt like one of his dreams came true u till he realized she wanted kissing him back.

Matt sighed against her lips and pulled back slightly seeing the confused look on her face, “I’m sorry.” Matt quickly apologized as he didn’t even ask if he could kiss her and she didn’t kiss him back, he didn’t know she didn’t kiss back before because she was confused.

“What?” Hayden sputtered out confused as the kiss and now Matt was quickly pulling back and standing up backing away. Her head was still a bit foggy from her pain meds.

“I should let you rest.” Matt quickly rushed out and flashed a remorseful at her, “I’m sorry Hayden.” He rushed out of the room.

“Sorry for what?” Hayden mumbled to herself confused why it hurt more watching Matt walk out than her ribs breaking yesterday.

Jack walked in a few moments later having saw Matt walk out and he saw the hurt look on Hayden’s face and he quickly walked over letting Hayden use him as pillow and softly rubbed her arm.

Hayden was just so confused.

May 27, 2024

Hayden had a hard game in game three against Dallas. She was in a lot of pain because of ribs and her elbow as well and her head just was not in the right place after yesterday with Matt.

Oilers lost game three 3-5.

Matt had stayed in Hayden’s home as the Hughes all went to her game and he saw her game and how off she was and knew a lot of it was because of him.

He hoped he hasn’t messed up his friendship with her and he didn’t make her uncomfortable because of the kiss.

Matt booked a flight and closed up his bags once the game was over and when he heard all of them get home and knew Hayden was laying back in the guest room he brought his bags down.

Matt slowly opened the door making Hayden quickly look at him, “I’m heading home tonight.” Matt said before she could say anything and her jaw closed quickly.

“You’re leaving?” Hayden asked softly her tone full of hurt.

“I’m sorry Hayden. I hope the playoffs go well.” Matt couldn’t even look at her and he turned around walking out.

Hayden frowned deeply watching him leave again. He didn’t kiss her forehead like he always does.

Jack narrowed his eyes at Matt waking through the front door and leaving, Jack shook his head.

Matt was right about him distracting her because she did play better the next game and Oilers won game four but it still hurt her seeing him just leave like that.

June 2, 2024

Hayden’s eyes filled with tears as the buzzer went off, she was going to the Stanley Cup. She did it.

Hayden laughed emotionally as all of her teammates gently hugged her, being carefully of her injuries.

The lays time the Edmonton Oilers went to the Stanley Cup Finals, Her Dad was on the team and now the Oilers are back at the Stanley Cup again and with a Blake again.

stanley cup

June 4, 2024

It was Hayden’s twenty third birthday but also the sixth anniversary of her parent’s death.

Hayden still does not like to celebrate her birthdays at all so she is just spending the day with her family and Ellen is gonna make dinner.

Jack grabbed Hayden’s hand when he walked into the kitchen seeing her in the kitchen watching Ellen do something and pulled her very carefully outside to the couch by the pool in the sun.

Jack knew they both needed a Hayden/Jack talk especially Hayden before the Stanley Cup started.

“Where do you want to start?” Jack asked her softly knowing she needs to talk.

“Matt kissed me.” Hayden blurted out fiddling with Jack’s good hand with her good hand.

Jack hummed softly having an idea he did and was waiting for her to tell him, “Is that a bad thing?”

“I don’t know.” Hayden softly admitted, “I’ve never thought of him that way or really anyone that way.” Hayden confessed, she’s kissed a few people and slept with someone but she never was interested and just stopped trying, She has never thought about thinking about Matt in any way other than platonic. He’s always just been her Matt to Hayden.

“That’s okay.” Jack soothingly told her, “There’s no rush to figuring out your feelings especially with the amount of emotions you have had the last couple of years.” Hayden has been through a lot of emotions since her parents died.

Jack had a feeling if Madison and Harrison were still alive, Hayden would have noticed her feelings for Matt a lot sooner probably even before their draft.

“I think what i feel for him is different than anyone else.” Hayden slowly admitted, she hasn’t slept much the last few days since Matt left and all she could think about is all of their last interactions and feelings she misread or missed.

“Yeah?” Jack hummed encouraging.

“I’m just confused.” Hayden said softly biting at her lip.

Jack slowly nodded, “Okay. Did you like the kiss?”

Hayden looked up at Jack and slowly nodded. She felt comfortable when Matt kissed her.

Jack smiled a bit, “Wanna kiss him again?” He said teasingly making her breathe out a laugh a very small laugh and winced as she did and she shook her head she couldn’t shove him as they are both hurt.

“Hayden i’ve known you forever and i’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at Matt.” Jack told her softly, “And Matt has always looked at you the same way.

“What is this ruins are friendship?” Hayden looked nervous.

“What if it doesn’t?” Jack said simply back, “Hayden most people already think you and Matt are dating.”

Her brows furrowed thinking over the way she feels at Matt smiling at her, the amount of times she has cuddled and slept next to Matt, the way Matt makes things feel easier just by a hug, how much closer she is with him then any of her other friends, going to visit just Matt alone for many days, how she always misses him almost as much as her brothers.

Jack watches the realization watch over Hayden’s face and she mutters a small, “Oh.”

Jack hummed softly as she looked back up at him, “I like Matt.” Hayden slowly admitted for the first time ever.

“Yes you do.” Jack softly agreed giving her a proud smile and gave her hand a soft squeeze.

“Okay what’s next?” Jack asked her knowing how their talks work.

Hayden let out breath, “I knocked out Quinn.” She said still looking guilty.

Jack slowly nodded, “You did.” He understood why she felt guilty for that.

“I know he doesn’t blame me but..” Hayden trailed off because she still hurt Quinn by her team winning.

Jack gave her a serious look, “It is not your fault that’s the Canucks were eliminated.” He said sternly.

“Q also does not blame you and he would be upset to know you feel guilty over this still.” Jack gave her a look.

Hayden nodded knowing this but she couldn’t help but feel guilty about knocking out her brother.

“Quinn’s over the playoffs already, you have to got to let it got too.” Jack told her making Hayden sigh but nod.

“Alright next?” Jack asked.

“I opened a new letter today.” Hayden told Jack. She’s opened a few letters from her parent’s over the years since she found the letters mostly birthday one but today she opened her first stanley cup letter.

Jack nodded understand, Hayden always gets a bit emotional when she opened letters, “Was it what you needed to hear?” Jack knew his Aunt and Uncle well enough to know there is a letter for her first stanley cup.

Hayden slowly nodded, it’s always what she needs to hear but she misses them even more.

“I just want them here.” Hayden admitted, So many of milestones she will never get to have her parents at.

“Me too.” Jack agreed, it makes him so sad to see Hayden not have her parents at her things, he knows she has his parents but it still is different.

Hayden let out a sad sigh and just rested her head on his shoulder, “I’m gonna need surgery.” Hayden said softly, she found out yesterday.

Jack paused he didn’t know this, “For your ribs?”

“Yeah they aren’t healing correctly. If my elbow gets worse i’ll need surgery for that too.” Hayden told Jack first, “The team found good surgeons in San Diego.” Hayden wouldn’t be able to travel for a little bit after her surgery.

“Then San Diego is where we go when this over.” Jack just easily agreed.

Hayden sighed softly as Jack kissed the top of her head, she felt a lot better, a lot lighter and ready mentally for the last round of playoffs.

June 8, 2024

Hayden buttoned up her suit one handed after Ellen helped her get dressed and she looked in the mirror, she was wearing a gray suit that was her Dad’s and had a pin with a H that was her Mom’s with her Oiler converse.

It was the first game of the stanley cup.

Hayden was hugged by Ellen first and Ellen cupped her face giving her a reassuring look before Jim hugged her next kissing her cheek.

Quinn softly hugged her next leaning up and kissing the side of her head.

Jack and Hayden shared a look and a nod before hugging, Hayden hugging one armed this time.

Luke gave her a sweet smile before hugging her gently.

Hayden smiled softly at her family before she left the hotel room and slowly headed down to the bus.

Hayden slowly sat down on the bus looking out the window, it was a bit disappointing to be so injured in the playoffs but she wasn’t sitting out.

Hayden did a very small warm up all with the trainers as she is having hard time doing anything with her broken ribs.

Hayden got her ribs tapped and her extra padding there, her elbow was tapped and wrapped in a tight sleeve before her elbow pad went over.

Hayden walked on to the ice for her first ever playoff game. Hayden closed her eyes at the national anthem and waited for the game to officially start.

The game didn’t go how they wanted. The Panthers scored a goal in each period and the Oilers did not score once.

Panthers won game one.

June 14, 2024

Ellen found Hayden sitting outside looking out at her backyard with a cup of coffee.

Ellen knew Hayden was having a hard time and just dejected with the Oilers losing all three games.

“Alright say it.” Ellen said knowingly as she sat down next to her daughter.

“We’re down three.” Hayden said dejected.

“You are.” Ellen nodded.

“No one comes back from that, only two teams have and it was over seventy years ago.” Hayden scoffed talking bluntly.

“So? It only happened twice.” Ellen raised her eyebrow at Hayden, “That’s doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”

Hayden just shook her head making Ellen grab her good hand and make Hayden look at her.

“Who was the first woman drafted?” Ellen asked Hayden.

Hayden fondly rolled her eyes, “Me.”

“And that didn’t stop you from going out there and keep playing till you were drafted.” Ellen softly reminded her.

Ellen cupped her face, “You can do it but you won’t if you already think that you lost.”

Hayden let out a deep breath and softly nodded.

June 15, 2024

Hayden took a deep breath as she waited for the puck to drop in game four and remembered Ellen’s words.

Hayden ignored any pain she was feeling and within three minutes stole the puck and got a clear breakaway and tipped the puck right into the net.

Hayden cheered loudly as she gently crashed into her teammates.

Four minutes later Connor was heading right to the net and dropped the puck back for Hayden and she flicked it into the net.

Panthers scored one goal.

Leon had the puck a few minutes later and passed right across the goal and Hayden smacked the puck in and getting her hat trick in ten minutes.

Hayden cheered so loud as the ice started raining with hats and her name was being cheered, Hayden beamed and she knew it would be a moment she would remember forever.

Second period Hayden assisted on Connor’s goal and Nurse’s goal too.

Oilers were leading 6-1 heading into the third period.

Hayden was out on the ice and Ryan got a breakaway, she skated right next to him and he passed right at the lays second and she scored the goal.

Ryan and Hayden shared a beaming smile as they gently crashed into each other, Hayden was ignoring her small wheezes because of her ribs.

Hayden was circling the top of the net and saw Ryan opened and passed across to him and Ryan hit a slap shot getting a goal. Ryan pointed at his best friend making her laugh as they hugged.

Oilers won game four 8-1 and were heading to a game five.

June 21, 2024

Oilers won game five and were now back in Edmonton for game six.

Hayden just realized how many points she had in this post season and she was really close to her Dad’s best record in the post season.

Hayden didn’t glance up at the suites when she stepped onto the ice like she normally does trying to stay more focused. She knew a lot of her friends were at game and some were at game four but everyone understood she doesn’t really have any time for socializing right now.

Oilers has the only three goals in the two periods.

Panthers scored one in the beginning of the third.

Hayden got the puck off a rebound and passed out to Ryan, who quickly scored.

Hayden was out with Leon and Connor on a line and Leon passed to Connor and Connor passed the puck to Hayden.

Hayden hit the puck right into the top corner and she immediately knew she just tired the record with her Dad and did her Dad’s celly as she smiled emotionally and looked up the rafters.

Hayden has 45 points, tied with Harrison and second for most points in a post season.

Oilers won game six 5-1 and were heading back to Florida for game seven.

June 24, 2024

Hayden starred at the floor in the locker room before they headed out onto the ice for game seven.

Hayden closed her eyes and sighed before she stood up and walked down the tunnel with Ryan, one last time.

Hayden sat on the bench as the puck was dropped and she waited for her shift.

Panthers scored first. Oiler’s scored right after tying the game back up.

Second period only Florida scored.

Hayden has the puck halfway through the third period when she suddenly felt someone grabbed her bad arm and she jerked away making her ribs protest but it happened to fast and another panthers player purposely crashed into her elbow making her groan out in pain just as the player let go of her arm just as her teammates got over and shoved the players away as she dropped to the knees holding her elbow squeezing her eyes shut.

Hayden groaned as Ryan reached her first and kneeled down next to her as the rest of the players on the ice were fighting each other.

Hayden looked at Ryan with tearfully and his heart dropped, he hated that she has gotten so many injuries the last few weeks and has been in so much constant pain.

Hayden waved the trainers off knowing she mostly likely just worsened her elbow sprain and she can worry about it after the game.

Hayden got up slowly her ribs screaming at her as she got up and she skated to the bench sitting down.

Hayden was playing the best she could but could barely move her left arm.

The Oilers couldn’t get another goal. The Panthers won the 2024 Stanley Cup.

Hayden felt her heart drop as the celebration screams began and she watched the other team start to celebrate.

Hayden closed her eyes swallowing painfully realizing she didn’t win, she didn’t bring back a cup to Edmonton for her parents.

Hayden’s chest was heavy as she starred at the ice with silent tears slowly coming down her cheeks. If she thought any loss in her career hurt, it was nothing compared to this right now, this was crushing.

Hayden felt someone brush her good and she looked over seeing a tearful Ryan standing there and she leaned into his side, Ryan wrapped his arm around her leaning his head against her head.

Hayden got off the ice tje second she could not even caring that they called her name for the Conn Smythe Trophy, she didn’t want it.

Hayden was checked out and as she expected her elbow was worse and she would need surgery on that too, good thing they scheduled the surgery tomorrow just in case.

Hayden threw her gloves into her stall as she walked in, she was furious, sad and heartbroken.

Hayden sat down in the stall and glanced over seeing Connor crying and she rested her knee on his knee, she couldn’t do much more right now.

Hayden starred at the floor for what seemed like hours, not realizing the way tears just continued to fall down her face.

Hayden slowly got up and got out of uniform and changed back into her suit and sluggishly walked straight of the locker room, she ignored everyone walking right to her family.

Hayden had a devastating look and her eyes were all red, her family didn’t need to say anything and she just leaned into Jack’s side as they walked out.

They are heading right out to San Diego for her surgery.

[yeoldenews]

"Baby is shake me so I can hardly write. so I will have to close"

(source: The Nashville Banner, December 15, 1904.)

[ef-1]

bitches out there mad as hell at Daniel for existing and Red Bull decided "yeah no so send him out to Nashville, make sure he's decked out in Red Bull gear head to toe NOT Alpha Tauri, need the entirety of the event area cleared out, at least 6 floor to ceiling banners of Daniel, 3 year old instagram photos, a fake album roll out that runs veryyyyy adjacent to his newest personal merch line, a country band and some ambient lighting for sex appeal" I'm afraid they're simply trying to kill you all ://

[teardropsonmyheartstrings]

Miss Swift From NYU Class Of ’22 Has Yet To Graduate

… but she’s about to. 

Before I begin, let me express my great appreciation to those who have helped me in bouncing ideas back and forth on this specific topic: Solea_Runa from Reddit, and Tumblr's very own @deathbyathousandcats38.

Ok, let’s get to it. 

Well, I think by now, no one is still not noticing the strong emphasis TN is putting on Taylor getting her honorary doctorate, imparting her endless wisdom, etc… I thought about this metaphor a lot, and I came to the conclusion, that it works in two main ways:

Metamorphosis

Literal metamorphosis—employing butterfly imagery and all that—was what our community perceived as an integral part of Taylor’s efforts to Easter egg her attempted coming out in 2019. It was seen in the ME! & YNTCD music videos, and on April 25th, when she visited Nashville for a surprise photo shoot with a butterfly mural.

Unfortunately, even all the pastel colours, rainbows, bi-wigs, and queer celebs in the world couldn’t get the message across, and the Swifties remained ignorant. When things turned sour, and the banners had to be torn down in the end, everyone acted as if nothing had happened at all. 

This time around, Taylor graduating from university—from the grand university of life, perhaps, or at least from one version of herself to another—represents the same intention to signal significant change. It started with Taylor Core, followed by a series of slides—sold to us as sagely advice from Dr. Swift—and now we have a very specific graduation video. Not to mention, that Taylor liked a video linked to graduations, which was paired with the song Nothing New. It was a first internet life sign after a long period of absence, and ostensibly, inspired TN’s most recent post. Though, I wouldn’t put it past them, that it was all a set-up. 

Anyway. I’d argue, that TN are driving this point home a lot harder this time, determined to ensure that everyone understands, that by the end of this process, there’s going to be something undeniably different about Taylor. No one’s gonna not notice her new aesthetic this time for sure!

To double down on that, they made sure to stress the anticipated “newness” in other ways as well. After all, part of Dr. Swift’s recent advice was that “today is never too late to be brand new”. Using two different fonts on only that one slide, and including a little lyric mistake, guaranteed, that we paid special attention to this particular quote. 

When it comes to the most recent video, it’s interesting, that TN used Nothing New to go along with it. As mentioned before, it may be intended to make us believe that this video was inspired by a TikTok that Taylor liked, which also used this song first—a TikTok posted by Natalia Bryant. At there's a direct connection right back to Taylor, I think, it smells like a ploy 😅

 

I’m not entirely certain, what to make of the song choice. There are way too many themes to choose from! For one, it contains the lyrics “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?” which perfectly encapsulate the paradox of growing older and wiser, realising that we don’t know as much as we thought. The same lyrics also point at 22, another song frequently evoked as of late, and mentioned during Taylor’s graduation speech, seeing as that event took place in 2022. 

One could also argue, that Taylor worrying about “And will you still want me when I'm nothing new?” justifies her upcoming re-invention. Or maybe, she’s worried about our reaction this time around? Is she actually flipping the question on it’s head now, asking whether we would still want her, if she’s suddenly ALL NEW? 

Beyond that, let me super briefly dwell on the song itself and how it may fit into the current series of Easter eggs. Nothing New is a track from the vault, placed as number 23 on Red TV. It’s track number may hint at the currently very prominently featuring numeral 6 (2 x 3). It’s runtime of 4:18 amounts to 13 (4 + 1 + 8). 

When we look at the lyric video, we are sent on another side quest. There is an hourglass with ORANGE sand. Call me crazy, but it looks a lot like Karma coded? And if we re-watch the actual Karma MV… We get an identical hour glass, but with LAVENDER sand. I also noticed that her costume in this shot looks suspiciously familiar. It’s not a carbon copy, but looks a lot like….. 2019 AMAs?! 😳 (But with Eras style Lover boots?)

Speaking of Eras. Looking up the surprise songs, you’ll find that Nothing New featured only once as a surprise song. It was performed several times, however, as a duet with Phoebe Bridgers, and as part of the Red set in May and June 2023. It being May and June is either interesting, or coincidence due to scheduling. Hard to say 🤔

Anyway, when it was played as a surprise song, it was mashed up with Dear Reader, and paired with the last great american dynasty/Run on July 24th (possibly another 13 reference?) 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. The connection with Dear Reader feels like a no brainer, and there are even links between Dear Reader and Run, through the lyrics “Get out your map, pick somewhere and just run.” This begs the question: has it always been Taylor’s plan to take her Betty from St. Louis’ hand, so they could just run, like they’d run from the law?  🤭

Let’s move on from here, and come to my second point.

Justifications, Disguised As Wisdom

The mantle of Doctor Taylor Alison Swift is an interesting one for her to assume. It gives her an air of authority, as well as ostensible reason, to lecture us on a few life truths. So far, these have been delivered to us in two major ways. First of all, there was this already aforementioned post with slides that draw attention to poignant lyrics from her catalogue. In the description, her mentor role is highlighted. I have a whole host of theories, why Treacherous featured as background music, but other than that it’s another Red song, with a run time of 4:02 (another 6 there), I won’t get into it here. Then, of course, the whole fanfare about her NYU doctorate, including the most recent video, almost commands us to look up her speech.

Both of these sources—the slides, as well as the speech—are actually not primarily designed to make us any wiser. What they truly are, are thinly veiled excuses, justifications, and explanations Taylor is providing us with in preparation of dropping a humungous bombshell. She mentions challenges she faced, the endless pressure to do the right thing, to be always perfect, the opposition she’s faced, the warnings she’s received. She pleads with us to accept the fact that, in the end of the day, everyone DOES mess up, and not only once. 

These are useful words for anyone to hear, no doubt. But really, she hopes that we will internalise them just in time, so that we may give her as much grace as possible, when she’s finally ready to open up about what questionable things she has done in the past, along with the things that are about to unfold. 

A Few Loose Odds And Ends…

Ok, here a few more random observations:

The recent video is 14 seconds long, fitting perfectly into the Fortnight Battle Plan pattern, as I like to call it

The song 22, as well as the number 22 (in Nothing New) gets mentioned several times in the speech, etc. Though there is a good reason for it (class of '22), this still is definitely significant. Although I’m not bold enough to make any grand declarations as to why that is, my personal gut instinct is, that the Red album could have been so much queerer (at minimum akin to 1989?), if the circumstances had been right. Perhaps, it was around that time, that Taylor became fully aware of, and very confident in her queerness. A hint at that could be the the case, are the deleted lyrics for 22.

There also have been some discussions about mirroring dates and such. This may be, what a mirrored shot of Taylor in a car could be hinting at. On her robe you can see NYU's founding year: 1831. Together, these numerals amount to 13, which is cool and all, but perhaps mere luck. But at any rate, the number was mirrored in this shot. One of my favourite mirroring theories also serves to explain why the number 15 is another number that keeps creeping up a lot lately: OG Speak Now was released 25/10/10 (October 25th 2010). This year, there’s a 10/10/25 (October 10th 2025)… and its a Friday. There's been some emphasis on Speak Now recently. Furthermore... Speak. Now. ??? To top it all off, this October marks the original album's 15th anniversary. That all looks pretty neat to me. But of course, there are far more number mirroring theories floating around than that and several of them can be true at once!

OK, this was a lot, even though I'm sure, that I'm still forgetting something here. Never mind, I guess you get the gist of it anyway. ☺️

[busterkeatonsociety]

This Day in Buster…April 26, 1925 The Nashville Banner describes Buster Keaton as inimical, but we’re hoping they mean inimitable! A shot from “Seven Chances” with the lovely Ruth Dwyer.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

DOJ Indicts Russian Nationals in $10 Million Scheme to Spread Covert Propaganda to U.S. Audiences

Brett Meiselas at MeidasTouch:

The Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment charging two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, with conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and money laundering in a scheme to covertly influence U.S. audiences. Both Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva remain at large, according to the DOJ’s announcement today. The indictment reveals that Kalashnikov, 31, and Afanasyeva, 27, who were employees of Russia's state-controlled media outlet RT, played pivotal roles in funneling nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based online content creation company, referred to in court documents as U.S. Company-1. The content company, unbeknownst to its viewers, was funded and directed by RT to produce pro-Russian videos aimed at American social media users. This company is believed to be TENET Media, who touts right-wing hosts Lauren Southern, Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and others, as part of their roster.

[...] Since its launch in November 2023, U.S. Company-1, believed to be TENET Media, has posted nearly 2,000 videos across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and X, garnering over 16 million views on YouTube alone. The DOJ notes that while the content appeared to offer commentary on domestic issues, it was aligned with the Russian government's goal of weakening U.S. opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The defendants are also accused of deceiving two U.S.-based online commentators with large followings into producing content for U.S. Company-1 without disclosing RT’s involvement. The DOJ alleges that RT used a fictional persona named “Eduard Grigoriann” to conceal its role as the company’s true financial backer. Within the indictment lies a troubling sequence involving directives from Elena Afanasyeva, alias "Helena Shudra," to manipulate content creation at U.S. Company-1, aiming to tailor videos to specific agendas. Notably, in early 2024, Afanasyeva orchestrated the creation of tailored content that included a video featuring a "well-known U.S. political commentator," who MeidasTouch can identify as Tucker Carlson, during an bizarre visit to a Russian grocery store in which Carlson said he was "radicalized" by how low the prices were in Moscow.

The DOJ handed down indictments to two Russian nationals Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva for violating FARA.

The two helped funnel nearly $10M into creating a right-wing pro-Russia propaganda outfit called TENET Media founded by Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan. TENET Media has right-wing pundits Lauren Southern, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson in their stable.

See Also:

The Guardian: Russia accused of trying to influence US voters through online campaign

Nashville Banner: Nashville Media Company Appears in U.S. Indictment of Russian Propaganda Efforts

Mother Jones: New Indictment Alleges Conservative Media Company Took Millions of Kremlin Cash

[coimbrabertone]

NASCAR Numerology: How NASCAR's Current Teams Got Their Numbers: Part Three.

Alright guys, we've done Trackhouse, Penske, Wood Brothers, RCR, and SHR, now we're gonna cover the numbers for Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, and Spire Motorsports. That's a grand total of nine cars to cover and some very historic numbers, so let's get on with the origins, the meaning, and some of the notable events in the history of some of the most significant numbers in modern day NASCAR.

We start with Hendrick Motorsports, which is a bit of a mess for two reasons:

The first is that Hendrick has like three different numbering schemes simultaneously: One built around the #5, one built around the #24, and a handful of car numbers that don't fit into either scheme.

The other is that Hendrick Motorsports has recently restructured, to the point where...the #5 is the #48, the #48 is the #88, the #9 is the #24, and the #24 is the #5.

Confused yet? Don't worry, I'll explain it all.

The Hendrick Motorsports story begins in 1984 with the All-Star Racing #5 of Geoff Bodine. This team initially had high aspirations, trying to sign the likes of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Tim Richmond, but after sponsorship and co-ownership deals fell through, Rick Hendrick was left holding the bag alone, he and Geoff Bodine would need to make do with each other.

Well...they won Martinsville, Nashville Fairgrounds, and the season finale at Riverside.

This was enough to keep the #5 team alive, and for 1985, they returned, now properly under the Hendrick Motorsports banner. The #5 didn't win in 1985, but improved results throughout the season moved them up from 9th in the standings to 5th.

This was enough to finally win over Tim Richmond, who came over to start a second team with Folgers sponsorship - this was the #25, and Rick Hendrick's dad, Papa Joe, co-owning this entry.

Tim Richmond took seven wins in 1985 and finished 3rd in the standings, but unknown to everyone else...he was suffering from AIDS all this time. This would keep him out of the car for most of 1987 - with Benny Parsons running a Folgers #35 car in his place - but he would return midseason and immediately win two in a row at Pocono and Riverside.

Unfortunately, Richmond's return would only last eight races. Tim Richmond would attempt to return to NASCAR for 1988, but the medications he was taking to manage his illness conflicted with NASCAR's drug testing policy. Richmond would die from AIDS complications in August 1989.

Hendrick Motorsports at this point ran three numbers built around the #5 - the #5, the #25, and the #35.

They were also running the first non-scheme numbers in the form of the #17 with Darrell Waltrip, however, DW would take his team and his number in 1991 to start his own team, Darrell Waltrip Motorsports. The split was amicable, and Rick Hendrick actually helped DW get the team setup.

The next team - and the next numbering scheme - came in 1993, when Hendrick Motorsports hired Jeff Gordon to drive the #24. Initially, the team had intended to run the #46 - because for the movie Days of Thunder, Hendrick Motorsports provided the car and had Greg Sacks race at Phoenix 1989, Atlanta 1990, and Darlington 1990 to acquire footage.

The City Chevrolet sponsorship on the $46 Days of Thunder car is actually modeled on a real Chevrolet dealership that Rick Hendrick owns in Charlotte.

Unfortunately, issues with Paramount - who distributed Days of Thunder - prevented Hendrick Motorsports from running the #46 for real. So instead, they picked the #24, because it had relatively little history in NASCAR prior to Gordon, it was available, and it came right before #25. Thus began the most dominant partnership of the 1990s.

Jeff Gordon would win 93 times and would win championships in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001.

Terry Labonte in the #5 would add to Hendrick's 1990s domination with a 1996 championship.

Such was Jeff Gordon's success that, in 2001, Rick Hendrick allowed Jeff to become the co-owner of a new entry - the #48 of Jimmie Johnson. #48 was double #24, beginning the new numbering scheme. This would also see a part-time #84 car for Kyle Busch in 2004.

Jimmie would win the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2016 championships in the #48, equaling the 7 titles of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

Then we get the #88 car, which was set up in 2008 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he moved to Hendrick Motorsports. Why #88? Well, his DEI number was #8, Dale Jr. had a rabid fanbase, and a lot of people already had #8 merch and #8 tattoos. How to keep those people invested in Dale Jr.? Simple, make his new number two 8s, hence #88.

Thus, come 2017, Hendrick Motorsports has the #5 of Kasey Kahne, the #24 of Chase Elliott, the #48 of Jimmie Johnson, and the #88 of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Then everything started to change.

For 2018, Chase Elliott moved to the #9, taking the number most associated with his famous father, Bill Elliott. Bill had run the #9 at his own team from 1975-1981, then continued running it at Melling from 1982 to 1991, and then ran the #9 again at Evernham Motorsports in 2001, 2002, and 2003 as he spearheaded Dodge's return to NASCAR.

Chase was in the #9, but he took his #24 team with him. Hence my joke about the #9 really being the #24.

Meanwhile, Kasey Kahne dropped out of Hendrick due to chronic dehydration issues impacting his ability to race. Kahne's #5 team became the #24 team for rookie William Byron.

Also in 2018, Alex Bowman took over the #88 for Dale Jr.

Fast forward to 2021, and Hendrick Motorsports shuffles things around again.

Kyle Larson started the 2020 season win Chip Ganassi Racing, however, during the COVID-19 hiatus, Kyle Larson used a racial slur on a hot mic during an iRacing event. McDonalds, Credit One Bank, and Chevrolet dropped him that day. This left Chip Ganassi no choice but to fire Larson the next day.

Kyle Larson was highly rumored to replace Jimmie Johnson in the #48 for 2021, but after the n-bomb incident, sponsor Ally didn't want to touch him.

Nevertheless, Larson dominated in dirt racing in 2020, completed a racial sensitivity course, and made outreaches to black communities to apologize for his actions, including a visit to the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis.

All of this convinced Rick Hendrick that he should hire Kyle Larson after all, but he needed to shuffle things around to make it happen.

The flagship #5, Hendrick's original number, would return for the first time since 2017, with Kyle Larson running it, primarily sponsored by Hendrick Cars, but also Valvoline, Cincinnati Inc., and Tarlton. The team, however, would be the same as Jimmie Johnson's 2020 #48 team.

Alex Bowman's #88 team, however, would switch to the #48 plate and take on Ally as their sponsor.

Thus the #24 became the #9, the #5 became the #24, the #48 became the #5, and the #88 became the #48.

An awful lot for one team, huh?

Roush is thankfully a bit simpler.

The #6 is Roush's flagship car and has been ever since they were founded in 1988. Why the #6? Then sponsor Stroh's Light wanted a one-digit number to be instantly recognizable. Thus, Mark Martin's time with the #6 began.

Initially, Roush built around the #6 brand, with their second car being the #16 Family Channel Ford and them running the #60 Winn-Dixie car for Martin's Busch Series starts.

Their third car in in 1996 was the #99, which didn't really fit - other than the coincidental of 9 being 6 upside-down so #99 is kinda like two sixes, but Jack Roush says that was a coincidence. But Roush Racing went back to the sixes scheme in 1998 with the #26 car. They also bought the #97 John Deere Pontiac in 1997 and changed it over to a Ford for 1998, bringing it into the team for a five-car effort.

Roush had a couple of six car races in 1999 because Jack grew interested in Busch series racer Matt Kenseth, who was running a Chevrolet for Robbie Reiser. Jack didn't seem to mind too much, and by the time 2000 rolled around, he took Reiser, Kenseth, and their #17 car into the Cup series, running the DeWalt Ford.

Matt Kenseth won Roush's first Cup championship in 2003 with the DeWalt #17, and so in 2024, RFK Racing's two cars are the #6 and the #17.

The original Roush number, and their first championship winning number.

Now for Spire Motorsports real quick.

The #7 car in NASCAR became famous due to owner-driver Alan Kulwicki, who in the late 80s and early 90s, insisted on doing things himself even as NASCAR was starting to move towards bigger, multi-car teams. Alan winning the championship himself in his own equipment in 1992 would inspire a slew of drivers to follow his lead in this era, but for Alan himself...well, he died in a plane crash on the way to Bristol in 1993.

He never got the chance to defend his title.

The #7 AK Racing team was taken over by Geoff Bodine in 1993 - 'member him from Hendrick? - and ran as Geoff Bodine Racing for awhile, before selling to Ultra Motorsports for 2000. Ultra Motorsports and the #7 car of Jimmy Spencer had precisely one notable moment to their name.

At the 2003 MBNA America 300 at Dover International Speedway, the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge was a lap down when the caution came out, becoming the first car to benefit from NASCAR's new beneficiary rule - implemented to stop drivers from racing back to the line after the caution flag came out - which led to commentator Benny Parsons dubbing him the lucky dog.

Sirius' logo at this point included a little dog.

So yeah, that's where the term "Lucky Dog" in NASCAR comes from, the more you know.

The #7 then went through Robby Gordon Motorsports for awhile, followed by Tommy Baldwin Racing - in which Danica Patrick made her final NASCAR start in the 2018 Daytona 500 - before winding up at Spire Motorsports for the 2021 season.

Corey LaJoie has run the #7 from 2021 to 2024, accomplishing fuck all, and will be replaced for the 2025 season. It is currently unknown who will replace him. Justin Haley has been linked to the ride, and he actually won Spire's only Cup series victory in only his third start at a rain-shortened 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.

Spire then built out their numbering scheme off the #7, with Carson Hocevar running the #77 and Zane Smith running the #71 - though he is due to be replaced by Michael McDowell for 2025.

So yeah, that's Hendrick, Roush, and Spire down. We've done #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10 already, so next time we'll pick up with Joe Gibbs Racing and their #11 Toyota.

[iwatcheditbegin]

I still think about the absolute chaos the night Taylor dropped that speak now tv announcement

[michellecathlene]

Named Winner Of DAR Medal Miss Bettie Page (above), sixteen-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Page, 893 Carter Lane, has been named winner of the DAR medal at Hume-Fogg High School. The medal is awarded on the basis of scholarship, good citizenship, and dependability, and the recipient is chosen by the seniors and members of the faculty. Miss Page, a senior, was also voted the girl-most-likely-to-succeed in the senior class. In 1938 and 1939 she was voted the most intelligent sophomore and junior. She is former secretary) and treasurer of the Student Council and is a member of both the College and Dramatic Clubs. She is manager of the latter for the spring term this year. The outstanding student is a co-editor of the school publication, The Fogg-Horn, and recently was elected co-editor-in-chief of The Echo, annual Senior publication. For the last three years her name has appeared on the honor roll.

Clipped from the Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Tuesday, March 19, 1940, page 20

[yeoldenews]

(source: The Nashville Banner, December 13, 1907.)

[ag-updates-and-archives]

officialgibsongarage We had a blast last week when L.S. Dunes stopped by the Gibson Garage to talk stories from the road, all things music with The Gunz Show, and check out some really cool guitars found here at the Garage--including a 1942 Banner LG-2, a Murphy Lab ES-355 Ultra Light Aged, a Kirk Hammett "Greeny" 1959 Les Paul Standard, a Gibson Certified Vintage 1976 Gibson Les Paul Recording, and a very special 1983 Gibson Q Series Prototype! You never know who you’re going to see at the Gibson Garage! Visit us in the heart of Nashville and keep an eye on our socials for upcoming events. 🎧 Violet, the new album from L.S. Dunes, is out now—go stream it!

posted april 25, 2025

[elvis1970s]

On December 12th, 1976, Elvis played his final ever Las Vegas show, ending a fifteen show engagement that had begun on December 2nd. The schedule was now a little easier than in previous years, with seven nights, including this one, consisting of one show instead of two. This is an audience recording, but the sound quality is very good. The position of the recording device also gives a great feel in terms of the audience's enthusiasm, excitement, and warmth.

Around five months later, The Nashville Banner, citing 'authoritative sources' in Nashville, Memphis and Los Angeles, claimed that Colonel Parker had decided to sell Elvis' contract for 'health and financial' reasons. The story claimed that Parker needed a fast million dollars to replace money lost gambling during the December '76 Las Vegas engagement.

Elvis biographer, Peter Guralnick, (Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley) points out that the paper's alleged sources were anonymous, and that the article contained factual inaccuracies, including the incorrect assertion that Elvis' Las Vegas Hilton contract had expired, leading to the reporter's conclusion that Parker would no longer be able to trade Elvis' services to pay off his debts, hence the sale. In reality, Elvis was booked to play his most significant engagement in Vegas since 1969 – the grand opening of the new 5 000 seat Hilton Pavilion showroom, scheduled for October, 1977.

When the story broke, Colonel Parker was on tour, one day ahead of Elvis and the band, in St Paul, Minnesota, and spoke to rival Nashville paper, The Nashville Tennessean, describing the Banner's story as a 'complete fabrication'. 'I'm here, I'm working with Elvis, I'm in good health, and I don’t have any debts – at least none that I can’t pay.'

Joe Esposito also weighed in, describing the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker as 'cordial' and stating that neither had any plans to break their long-standing agreement that had begun with a handshake. The 'consortium of West Coast businessmen' who were the alleged buyers never materialised, if they ever existed at all.

Having said this, Peter Guralnick concluded;

"… but it was apparent to anyone who knew anything about the recent history of their tangled relationship that the story was, in essence, true. Too many people had heard Colonel complaining that Elvis was more trouble than he was worth, that he was intractable and could no longer be effectively managed. And too many people were aware, as Elvis' Los Angeles lawyer Ed Hookstratten was inclined to put it, that Colonel was 'servicing a problem of his own.' Elvis had no doubt about the story in any case: he knew in his bones it was true. And while the consortium of 'West Coast businessmen' who were supposed to be buying his contract never surfaced, driven off presumably by the glare of publicity, Elvis had never felt more betrayed or more alone…"

[busterkeatonsociety]

This Day in Buster…September 9, 1923

The Nashville Banner prints an ad for “Three Ages” with some rather unfortunate initials…