#one of the few Justin Timberlake songs I likes

[violentpretty777]

can we still fall in love this summer ?

[sardonic-the-writer]

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

↳ notes: happy birthday to me! when this posts i'll officially be older, and celebrating by being cringe (writing this). i also love that picture of misha. it's him at my birthday party for real. he told me himself (lying)

↳ warnings: none!

↳ song: rock your body—justin timberlake

masterlist | commissions | carrd

• Special occasions like this are few and far between

• The Winchester family hadn't had a proper birthday in decades. While Dean clung to memories of gas station twinkies in replacement of a birthday cake, Sam remembered most of his birthdays with a sort of sad animosity. Up until walking out on his dad for Stanford and spending his birthday that year with Jessica, he hadn't had a single enjoyable birthday party. Maybe that was part of the reason he refused to let you feel the same way about your own birthday—even if none of you were kids anymore

• Worst case scenario, the world is ending again and you all have little time for delicacies. If that's the case, you'd get a quick pat on the shoulder from Dean, one excited bear hug from Sam, and very confused Cas wishing you the best of births before being told to continue packing the shotguns with salt rounds

• "With age comes responsibility, so keep loading those guns. Spider-Man said that."

• "For someone that watches so much trash tv, you know so little about media, Dean." You snorted at your friend, fingers nimmbly crushing salt into a line of rigid red shells before moving onto the next group

• "Shut up before I decide to give you your birthday noogies." He pointed a finger at you from across the room with a single raised eyebrow. Off to the side you saw Cas ask Dean what birthday noogies were not-so-quietly, and you struggled to hold back a laugh

• Even in the worst situations, they could always manage to make you smile

• Best case scenario, however, it's a free day. Nothing to do, no devils to fight, no ghouls to stop—nothing. Just you, the guys, and time on your hands that you all normally never have. So what better way to utilize it than with a little surprise party?

• Sam would be the most into the whole birthday party shtick. He'd insist that it was the least they could do for you after all the years on the hunt together, and even got Dean to budge after a few minutes of petty debating

• "It's stupid and cheesy, Sammy. We're grown adults. We've fought the devil beforr for christ's sake." Dean gave his brother the stink eye from his spot in the drivers seat. Groceries stores and Mom & Pop stores passed them by as they ventured into the nearest town, but neither of them paid attention to their blurred surroundings

• "Come on Dean." Sam twisted his torso and turned to face him fully. "Don't tell me you don't remember the look on their face last month when we brought them back a souvenir from our hunting trip in Alabama. You would have thought we brought them a new car. Besides, this is the one chance we've had in a while to actually celebrate something." Sam's eyebrows tilted up as he recalled the memory, shooting a knowing look at Dean's side-profile

• "So what? I say we just tell them happy birthday like a regular person and call it a day." Dean grumbled

• "Is that why you're driving in the nearest direction of the bakery here?"

• Dean didn't respond

• "That's what I thought."

• "Shut your pie-hole or I'm kicking you to the curb."

• Once the boys get back to whatever new place you all are holed up for that week, a couple of crinkled bags in hand, they call on Cas to help out with setting up whatever decorations Sam had forced Dean to throw in the cart

• Cas didn't take nearly as much convincing to partake in the setting up of festivities, but he certainly did need a lot of it explained

• "I thought angels were familiar with the concept of birthdays?" Dean asked at one point while watching Sam pull part of a cake out of the oven. His hand was slapped away when he went to grab at it, and he glared at his younger brother momentarily

• "We are." Castiel's gruff answer came shortly. "But we stopped keeping count after the first couple thousand years. And it was never done like—" He flicked the party hat atop his head curiously, "—this."

• "What did you guys do to celebrate?" Sam asked while popping the lid to a can of store bough frosting open

• "Pray."

• "Naturally." Dean rolled his eyes sarcastically. A blanket of silence fell over the room after that as Sam set out to frost the first part of the cake. Then—

• "Hey. How come none of you are wearing paper hats?"

• "Oh, trust me Cas. It'll mean a lot more to them if you were the one wearing it." Dean's grin was borderline evil as he looked at the angel

• It's safe to say that you laughed the hardest you had in a while once seeing Cas looking so hesitant in a mini cone hat

• Overall, it's the best birthday— the best day —that you've had in a long time

• You didn't need much, and as a hunter you'd come to expect almost nothing. But knowing that your friends— the short tempered, college dropout, otherworldly friends that they were —took it upon themselves to set all this up for you was the emotional equivalent to a punch in the gut. A lovely emotional punch in the gut

• "If you start crying, I'll leave." Dean snapped at you when you eventuallyvoiced how much this meant to you. But the threat was empty, and you all knew it

• Sometime during the party, you had managed to wrestle a paper hat of his own onto his head, and how it sat on the side of his head like a crooked unicorn horn. Occasionally he'd reach for it as if to take it off, then lower his hand with a small smile

• "Shut the fuck up and give me a group hug, Dean." You grinned with teeth, gesturing at him to stand up

• "Wait, no, I take it back that's worse."

• "I will kill you, Winchester. I swear I'll do it."

• You ended up getting your group hug that day, even if it took Castiel trapping Dean between you and him to get him to stand still

• "I hate it here." He griped with a groan. Sam could only laugh as be watched his brother struggle in Cas's iron grip, and said angel was smiling a bit to himself. You felt your heart swell; even if the look on Dean's face was downright murderous

• "Smile or I'm egging Baby on my birthday night." You said before setting the camera's timer and holding it up above you all

• "You wouldn't—"

• "Watch me."

• All four of you have your own copy of the photo from that night, kept in your seperate pockets and bedside table drawers. To this day you find yourself smiling when you look at it, and even if you'd never know it, so do they

[misshoneyimhome]

you’re interning with the maple leafs athletic training department after graduating university in the health field. you’re new to the city & don’t know anyone. ur quiet and only engage with players when spoken too. it’s obvious ur intelligent and very career driven. you have an independent vibe. it’s clear ur not impressed or starstruck by players, but not in a rude way its just u aren’t interested in hockey as a sport only the health aspect as it relates to ur career, so ur vibe gives off very much *professional only here to get paid*😂….anyway willy thought you were stunning initially,but he was caught off guard since ur not his usual type and don’t have the same physical or aesthetic look as any other gf/vibe in the league. ur appearance is very feminine but u dress streetwear tomboy. ur slim but with an hourglass build athletic legs /big butt. u have big long curly hair that u let flow wild and don’t wear makeup but ur skin glows and thick dark eyelashes /rosey lips are striking. its clear willy is not the only one that finds u intriguing bc he’s noticed few players act “different” when u come around -and he can tell they’re crushing on you. they’re harmlessly flirtatious with u but ur oblivious. he knows someone will ask u out soon. how do you think willy reacts? does he make a move? does he feel jealous? he hasn’t even had a chance to introduce himself, yet he’s seen other players find an excuse to interact with u. he knew he was interested but didn’t expect to have to act so soon. does chill willy feel like he has competition or nah? can you write something to add or finish the plot or just take this concept and create ur own magic 😅 i have the vision but definitely not the skill or outlet lmao

Absolutely, babe! So, this was more than just something and I definitely enjoyed it 🤍 You provided me with so much inspiration, and I hope I've managed to convey your vision at least to some extent 😉

Perhaps there's room for a sequel, but I also believe it stands strong on its own - either way, my wish is for you to enjoy it 🤗

Warnings; none, it's pure fluff 🌺 maybe some language, but nothing out of the ordinary;

Word count; 5K

Song inspiration; "Lovestoned/ I Think She Knows" by Justin Timberlake

Taglist; @couldawouldashoulda50 @findapenny @justwanderingbutneverlost

➼｡ﾟ

She’s got me Lovestoned I William Nylander

“She looks like a model Except she's got a little more ass Don't even bother Unless you've got that thing she likes I hope she's going home with me tonight”

Your heart raced with excitement as you followed your manager through the busy corridors of the Maple Leafs' training facility. The sound of skates scraping against the ice and the reverberation of pucks hitting the boards filled the atmosphere, adding to the tangible buzz of the surroundings.

Freshly graduated from university with a degree in the healthcare field, you had long imagined this moment. Securing an internship with the athletic training department of one of the most esteemed sports teams in the league was a dream come true – an opportunity to apply your expertise and knowledge in a practical environment.

As you strolled, you couldn't help but admire the cutting-edge facilities surrounding you. From the fully equipped gym to the medical treatment rooms, every aspect was crafted to ensure the players received optimal care and resources.

And your manager, sensing your admiration, offered you a warm smile. "Welcome to the team miss y/l/n," they said, their tone brimming with pride. "We're delighted to have you join us."

You reciprocated the smile, thankful for the chance and eager to demonstrate your abilities. This was your moment to establish yourself in the realm of sports medicine, to glean knowledge from the experts and contribute to the team's triumphs.

And as you continued to explore the facility, a surge of excitement pulsed through you. This marked merely the beginning of your journey with the Maple Leafs, and you were resolute in seizing every opportunity that lay ahead.

_

As you settled into your role as an intern within both the Medical and Performance teams, your reserved and composed demeanour became apparent to those around you. You'd always been one to let your actions do the talking, and this remained unchanged in your new environment.

Focused and resolute, you approached each task with unwavering commitment; whether it involved aiding in rehabilitation exercises or conducting pre-season screenings, you handled each duty with precision and diligence.

While some might have mistaken your quiet nature for aloofness, those who took the time to understand you soon discovered there was more beneath the surface. You were intelligent, determined, and fiercely independent – a formidable presence in your own right.

Unlike many others in your position, you weren't swayed by the glamour of professional hockey. While you respected the sport and admired the players' athleticism, your focus lay solely on the health and well-being aspect, aligning with your career aspirations.

To you, the players were not celebrities to be idolised but individuals to be cared for – athletes whose welfare relied on your expertise. And you simply approached your responsibilities with professionalism and purpose, recognising the significance of your role in the team's success.

Yet, although you kept to yourself, speaking only, when necessary, your influence permeated the facility. Your dedication to excellence and the players' wellbeing garnered the respect and admiration of your colleagues. And as you delved deeper into your work, you found a profound sense of satisfaction, knowing you were making a meaningful impact on the athletes' lives and careers.

_

As the first two weeks of your internship with the team flew by faster than you’d expected, you quickly became fully engrossed in the dynamic world of professional hockey. The days were a whirlwind of absorbing new information, making acquaintances with staff and players, and engaging in hands-on tasks that put your skills and knowledge to the test.

With the start of the regular hockey season on the horizon, the gravity of the job began to dawn on you. However, far from feeling daunted, you embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and resolve. This was the culmination of your training, the result of your hard work, and you were prepared to demonstrate your worth.

With each passing day, your confidence in your abilities grew, and you found your rhythm within the team. Yet, while your focus remained on your duties, you gradually began to forge connections with those around you, as the staff and players greeted you with open arms, fostering a sense of camaraderie that made it easy to acclimate to your new surroundings. Your initial intention to maintain a professional distance slowly faded, and you somehow found yourself drawn into the team's social dynamics.

As time went on, laughter and friendly banter became commonplace during the long hours spent with your colleagues, and before you knew it, you were joining in with the playful teasing.

"Come on, Lou," you chuckled. "Who's the trickiest player?" you quipped.

"I can’t say..." Louis Rojas, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, chuckled in response. "But there are certainly a few who need a gentle nudge when it comes to the rehabilitation aspect of training..." he winked. "And I won't name names, but it seems like the longer they've been on the team, the more inflated their ego becomes."

It was all good-natured banter, naturally. From your perspective, each player had their own unique traits, but you understood why – this was the results of their lifelong dream, pursued with sacrifices of social life and late nights for early morning training sessions and weekend games.

And despite the jests, you felt like you were part of a close-knit family among your peers.

Whether it was the late nights after a defeat or the shared jubilation following a hard-fought victory, every experience drew you nearer to your team. And when a player sustained an injury, regardless of how minor, you felt the weight of responsibility, knowing you played a vital role in the team's support structure.

Even the players, initially unfamiliar with your reserved nature, began to open up to you as they became more acquainted. Despite any unintentional distance, they valued your commitment and professionalism, gradually extending their trust and respect.

And as you navigated through the highs and lows of the hockey beginning of the season alongside your newfound comrades, you couldn't help but sense a feeling of belonging – a realisation that, despite any initial hesitations, you were precisely where you were meant to be.

_

“She shuts the room down The way she walks and causes a fuss The baddest in town She's flawless like some uncut ice I hope she's going home with me tonight”

As the months went by, more players gradually began to get to know your personality a bit better, noticing the subtle sparks you unintentionally ignited. And one player, in particular, found himself increasingly drawn to you.

William Nylander hadn't anticipated this turn of events, being entirely focused on his career and having his best season yet. However, as the young Swedish forward observed you carrying out your duties with quiet resolve, he couldn't ignore the growing sense of curiosity that stirred within him. Unlike the typical women he encountered in the hockey world, you possessed a unique charm and allure that captured his attention from the outset.

Your appearance defied convention, blending elements of femininity with a distinctive streetwear tomboy aesthetic. Your slender yet athletic figure, accentuated by your hourglass figure, toned legs, and shapely posterior, intrigued him in a way he hadn't expected.

Your long, untamed curls flowed down your back, framing your face in a halo of natural beauty. And though you opted for minimal makeup, your natural radiance shone through, with thick, dark eyelashes framing your captivating eyes and rosy lips that seemed to beckon him. Yet, it wasn't solely your physical attributes that intrigued him – it was your confident and graceful demeanour, your unapologetic embrace of your individuality.

To William, you represented a refreshing departure from the predictable stereotypes usually found in the hockey world. He found himself drawn to your authenticity, your refusal to conform to societal norms. And as he observed you navigate the challenges of your role with quiet determination, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was far more to you than met the eye.

Yet, amidst his desirable interest, he couldn't help but think of how you might respond to his actions and thoughts. Would you reciprocate his attention, or would you maintain your professional composure, unaware of the impact you had on those around you?

Only time held the answer, but one thing was clear—William was determined to find out. And one day, he resolved to take action and initiate a conversation.

"Hey there, I'm Willy," he introduced himself, flashing his trademark smirk as he encountered you in the physio room shortly after a session where the performance team had discussed nutritious foods and home recipe ideas.

And as you tidied up the materials from the presentation, a soft chuckle escaped you. "Yes, I'm aware," you replied with a gentle smile.

"You are?" he inquired, a small hint of surprise in his tone.

"Well, of course," you chuckled once more, a mischievous glimmer in your eye as you neatly arranged the papers. "It's part of my job - I'm familiar with all of you, including your current physical condition and medical histories."

William couldn't contain his amusement at your response, his smirk broadening as he let out a soft chuckle. It wasn't often that someone managed to catch him off guard, but there was something about your effortless confidence that intrigued him.

"Ah, so you've been doing your homework on me, eh?" he teased, leaning casually against the nearby equipment rack with a playful glint in his eye.

"You could say that," you retorted with a grin, a touch of mischief flickering in your gaze. "But don't worry, your secrets are safe with me."

William smiled, a sense of warmth enveloping him at your relaxed banter. "Well, in that case, I hope it's all just good stuff," he quipped, flashing you a charming smile, his eyes gleaming with genuine interest.

"Oh, absolutely," you replied, feigning innocence. "Only the finest gossip about your impeccable physique and stellar health habits."

William laughed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Well, I'm relieved to hear I've made such an impression," he joked, his smirk widening as he leaned in a little closer, a newfound sense of connection sparking between you.

And as the conversation flowed, the playful banter between you and William felt effortless, each exchange infused with light-hearted humour and genuine warmth. Despite starting off as acquaintances, it was evident that this spontaneous encounter held the promise of something more, leaving a sense of anticipation lingering in the air like a whisper of exciting possibilities.

_

As the first few months progressed, William couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in dynamics whenever you were present. He observed how other players' demeanours changed, becoming more animated and flirtatious when you entered the room. And despite your apparent obliviousness to their advances, William couldn't shake the twinge of jealousy gnawing at him.

As it was, your responsibilities extended beyond mere observation and monitoring of the players' physical and mental well-being; at times, you were also required to engage with them physically. Whether it involved carrying out a soft massage to their legs or backs, aiding with stretches, or similar activities with the purpose of facilitating their recovery, ensuring the were swiftly back on their feet was part of your role.

And truth be told, when a young, attractive woman like yourself interacted closely with young men, some of whom were not in committed relationships, their minds often wandered. And consequently, comments occasionally slipped out, their mouths moving faster than their rational thoughts.

"You know, you can press harder, I can handle it."

"We could continue this session later, when it's more private."

"Your touch is amazing – it's really doing wonders... anything else you're good at?"

To you, these remarks seemed harmless, playful, and merely part of the camaraderie. You were accustomed to the tone, unaffected by it, and accepted it as part of the team dynamic, which was likely why the management allowed you to work in such close proximity to the players.

However, for William, these comments carried a weightier significance.

For some time now, William had been trying to forge a closer connection with you, seizing any opportunity to get to know you better amidst the limited time available. Yet, despite his efforts, you simply remained a staff member while he was a hockey player under your care. And he wasn't the only one deserving of your attention. Your professional interest extended to all the players, regardless of their role on the team, and it appeared that some others were making rather direct attempts at flirting.

A part of him had hoped for more time to cultivate a deeper bond with you before making a move. However, with each passing day, he felt the pressure mounting as he observed other players finding excuses to engage with you.

Despite his typically relaxed demeanour, the young Swede found himself torn between maintaining his composure and the urge to stake his claim before someone else did. It was an unfamiliar sensation; one he hadn't felt before. Usually, it would be the women vying for his attention. But you were different. You exuded nothing but a sense of calm, confidence, and independence that simply captivated him.

And as he deliberated his options, William realised that he needed to take action, to seize the moment before it slipped away.

_

"And now I walk around without a care She's got me hooked It just ain't fair, but I... I'm love stoned and I could swear That she knows"

Fortunately for William, an opportunity presented itself one evening, and he was determined not to let it slip by. It was a typical Wednesday training session, with a match scheduled for the following day, and during the ice time, he inadvertently made a small movement, aggravating his existing back injury.

While not severe, the coaching staff still insisted on him being checked before the upcoming game. And luckily, you were still at the facilities, having just finished up a report when he entered the medical treatment room.

"Hey y/n," he greeted softly, walking with a slight crook in his step, the pain from his lower back evident.

"Hey William, what's up?" you asked, noticing his discomfort. "Is everything okay?" you inquired, concern evident in your voice.

"Just call me Willy," he smiled. "But um... yeah, I sort of did something... I mean... Kniesy tackled me, and now I can feel it in my back..." he explained with a light chuckle.

"Well, how about you undress a bit, and then we can take a closer look at it?" you suggested with a sweet smile, to which he simply nodded.

"Usually, I take the girls out before they ask me to strip," he cheekily remarked as he began to undress before you.

Raising a brow, you flashed him a grin and a questioning look. "Do you really?"

This was the type of banter that most of the players appreciated about you. You weren't afraid to push boundaries and test their comfort zones.

"Maybe not," William admitted with a chuckle as he stood in front of you, only the physio table separating you, in nothing but his short shorts before you directed him to lie face down.

"Well, at least you admit it," you replied softly, surprising yourself by engaging in a more personal conversation than usual. "Most guys just act like they couldn't care less."

William was slightly taken aback by your candidness. While you'd shared conversations where you got to know each other better, you hadn't delved into deeper opinions before.

"Why wouldn't I care?" William smiled as he shifted his head to the side, meeting your gaze as you stood beside the table. "I mean, she's still a person, right?"

"I don't know, I'm just saying what most guys do," you replied.

"Well, maybe I'm not like most guys," William retorted, his wink adding to his cheekiness.

His comment took you by surprise, causing you to pause for a moment. Though you hadn't exactly considered any of the players as close friends or thought about them in a romantic way, there was something about this Swede that suddenly had you reconsidering.

Was he flirting with you?

No, you dismissed the thought. You were definitely not his type, or any of the players for that matter. After all, you were just there to help maintain their health so they could perform at their best.

Yet, as you thought about it, you couldn't deny that most of the players were indeed attractive. And given that you'd seen most of them in various stages of undress, you knew what they looked like from head to toe.

And you probably couldn't deny the allure of the players. Each had their own charm – some were sweet and kind, while others were more playful and cheekier. Yet, none of them displayed any meanness or cruelty. Even Reaves, who often projected a rough and tough exterior, revealed a tender side when speaking about his family. In fact, most of the players with families exhibited a similar dichotomy. Despite their tough demeanour on the ice, they were remarkably different behind the scenes.

Then there were the younger players, some single, some in relationships, all equally playful and lacking a certain level of maturity. However, you found their antics amusing and entertaining. Perhaps only Woll, the sweetheart of the team, was less inclined towards playful banter, but lively, nonetheless.

And despite your bit of familiarity with these players on a personal level by now, they remained nothing more than the team you were tasked with caring for and supporting as needed.

So, pushing aside any lingering thoughts, you focused your attention on the player's bare back, beginning to apply pressure to his tender muscles to locate the sore spot.

"How's this?" you inquired in your professional tone.

"It's good, but maybe you need to go a bit lower... that's where the pain is worst," William responded, the cheekiness in his voice fading as he sensed your seriousness.

And as you continued to massage his back, applying pressure to different muscle groups before focusing on his lower back, a few minutes passed.

"Here?" you asked, indicating the area.

William nodded lightly, then hesitated, feeling a twinge of awkwardness as he tried to pinpoint the exact location of his discomfort.

"Uh, yes, but..." he cleared his throat. "Maybe even lower..."

You sensed his slight nervousness, understanding what he was hinting at. Yet, you remained professional, knowing exactly how to address his injury and provide appropriate care.

"Willy, are you referring to your sciatic area?" you asked.

"What's that?" he chuckled.

"Well, it's one of the largest nerves in the body, extending from your lower back down each leg," you explained, smiling even though he couldn't see it.

"Oh, so, uh..." he trailed off, unsure how to ask, and you couldn't help but chuckle lightly, maintaining your professional demeanour.

“It means I'll have to massage your glute - as in your bum. It's one of the largest muscles where the nerve runs behind, but it seems like yours is cramping a little, pressing onto the nerve, which causes the pain."

William understood your explanation, and a smirk crossed his face as he imagined your perspective on his ass at that moment.

"Well, I suppose there's nothing else to do but for you to go ahead," he chuckled lightly.

Sensing his slightly cheeky demeanour once again, you aimed to bring the situation back to a professional tone.

"Willy, it's nothing sensual. And believe me, it's probably a lot more painful than pleasant," you reassured him.

"I think I can handle it," he replied with a cocky smile.

"We'll see about that."

And with his understanding, you went ahead and placed your elbow onto his cheek and started to circle it in order to loosen up the cramp muscle.

“Shit!” William exclaimed as he suddenly felt the pain course through his body.

One thing in particular that you’d become known for amongst the players, was that you were rather strong compared to your size. And you didn’t hold back when you knew that their injuries required force. 

“Told you it wasn’t pleasant.” You grinned softly, as you continued to massage his cheek. 

And as more minutes went by, William’s deep grunts only grew more incoherent and out of breath. He was nothing but sore, yet as you released your arm from his body, he felt a newfound release washing over him. As if your massage had healing powers, the pain slowly faded into nothing, and he didn’t feel the twinge in his lower back any longer. 

“Fuck…” he let out a deep sigh as he caught his breath.

“Need a minute, Nylander?” you mocked playfully and flashed him a grin as your eyes met with his.

“Maybe…” he softly admitted, still a little numb from the intense feeling you had caused him. 

“That’s good, that means it’s working.” 

You turned around to remove your latex gloves, and as your turned back, William slowly rose and turned to his side to face you, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. Despite the discomfort of the massage, he recognised its necessity and appreciated your expertise.

"Thanks, y/n," he said sincerely, meeting your gaze as you turned back to face him.

"You're welcome, Willy," you replied with a warm smile, appreciating his gratitude.

A moment of silence followed as you both remained still, and the tension of the massage easing away. Then, suddenly, William's expression softened, and he cleared his throat, as if preparing to speak.

"Listen, y/n, I... uh... I just wanted to ask..." he trailed off, his cheeks colouring slightly.

You raised an eyebrow, curious about what he was trying to express. "Yes?" you prompted gently.

But before William could continue, the door to the physio room swung open, and one of the team trainers entered, interrupting the moment.

"Hey, William, everything okay? I heard you were having some trouble with your back," Dean inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm fine now, thanks to y/n," William replied, shooting you a grateful look.

Dean nodded, then turned to you with a smile. "Thanks for taking care of him, y/n. We appreciate it." 

You nodded in acknowledgment, though you couldn't hide the slight disappointment you felt at the interruption, before he swiftly left the room again. However, William's reassuring smile lifted your spirits, sparking a sense of excitement within you. Perhaps there was more to his earlier words than you had initially thought.

And as William watched you, a surge of determination coursed through him. This was his moment, his opportunity to finally express what had been on his mind for so long. So, with a deep breath, he pushed himself up to sit, his gaze unwavering as he met yours. The lingering soreness in his back served as a reminder of your expertise and the connection they shared.

"So, this is it?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with anticipation, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his confident facade.

"Well, for now," you replied with a smile. "But we'll need to keep an eye on you to ensure it doesn't happen again like that. Cramps like these often come back." You found yourself unintentionally delving into the details of the injury, your passion for health and well-being shining through. "And, um... it's good to have someone who understands the injury to provide follow-up care," you concluded, realising you had been speaking more than intended. "Sorry, I'm rambling," you added with a sincere smile.

But William simply chuckled softly, finding your passion endearing as you spoke about the injury. He couldn't tear his gaze away from you, captivated by both your expertise and your beauty. 

"Anyway, we should probably get back," you suggested softly, your friendly smile causing a flutter in William's heart. 

But he didn't want this moment to end, not yet. Summoning his usual confidence, William spoke before he could second-guess himself. "Y/n, do you want to go out with me?" he asked, the words tumbling out faster than he could skate.

You didn't quite catch his words over the echoing noise of the hallways. "Pardon?" you asked, turning to face him, curiosity flickering in your eyes.

Taking a deep breath, William tried again. "I mean, since you've already massaged my ass... I was just thinking... maybe you want to go out with me... sometime?"

His question caught you off guard, leaving you momentarily stunned. Frozen in your position, you struggled to process the unexpected turn of events.

“Willy…” you started, unsure of how to respond. Could you go out with him, a player for the team you worked for? Had you overlooked any contractual restrictions regarding such situations?

Truth be told, you hadn't paid much attention to those details before, as they didn't seem relevant at the time. Yet here you were, faced with an unexpected situation.

As you hesitated, William sensed your uncertainty, a twinge of fear for rejection creeping into his mind. Had he overstepped the boundaries? Perhaps he had misread the signals or been too presumptuous. Chiding himself internally, he realised that charming you and engaging in physical contact were not enough to win your affections. You were different, and he needed to find a way to impress you.

"I mean," he interjected, attempting to ease the tension he had created. "I just know that, uhm, some of the other guys were, you know, thinking about asking you the same... so," he sighed, "Just thought I'd try and beat them to it," he added with a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

Your confusion deepened at his explanation, feeling overwhelmed by the revelation. "Oh... wait, what?" you exclaimed, your mind racing at the thought of other players potentially having similar intentions.

You were baffled. Did the players talk about you when you weren’t there?

"You didn't know?" William looked at you, equally surprised, as his teammates hadn’t exactly been subtle in their flirting.

"Well, do I look like someone who knew?" you quipped, attempting to flash a crooked smile, causing William to simply let out a small laugh.

“Come on, they’ve all been flirting with you!” he chuckled.

“They have?”

“Yeah,” he smiled. “Well, now you know.”

You needed a moment to process it all. As you contemplated how to navigate this unexpected revelation, feeling unable to simply ignore it and return to your usual routine, you gazed at the Swede before you.

“But... why?”

Again, William laughed. “What do you mean why? Come on, y/n – you’re good-looking, funny, smart, and most of all, you don’t seem desperate or starstruck whenever you're around us,” he explained.

“Why would I be that?” you simply asked.

“Well, a lot of girls are, I mean, we’re hockey players,” William grinned confidently.

���Oh wow, please work on that self-confidence of yours,” you rolled your eyes as you crossed your arms. “Seriously, I don’t get why women would just throw themselves at your feet… you’re just… humans.”

“Well, they do,” William laughed again, his confident smirk still in place. “But I guess that’s just what we all like about you... that you don’t...”

“Hmm, I suppose I don’t,” you attempted a smile, still uncertain how to react to it all.

There was another moment of silence as the two of you simply stood before each other, your thoughts still swirling. However, as William hadn’t received a clear response, he let out a soft chuckle and decided to press on.

“So, do you?”

“Huh?” you blinked a few times, slowly returning to reality.

“Do you want to go out with me?” he chuckled once more. “Just for a coffee or something?”

He seemed genuinely serious about this, didn’t he? You thought. As you gazed into his deep ocean blue eyes, you couldn’t ignore the unexpected attraction you suddenly felt towards him. It might have been there for a while, but amidst your own musings, you hadn’t paid it much attention.

“Well, wouldn’t it be inappropriate?” you asked softly, still maintaining your professional demeanour despite the stirrings of emotion within you. But William simply shrugged in response.

“I don’t know… I mean, I guess in a way…” he let out a small sigh. “I just didn’t want to miss the chance, you know, in case you did want to…”

Once again, there was a lingering moment in the air. You couldn’t deny the temptation, given that you were, in fact, single, and had been missing a man’s touch ever since you’d focused so much on your internship. But a part of you felt like it would be wrong.

In a way, you worked for William. You couldn’t go out with him. What if it didn’t go well, and he’d hurt you or vice versa? Then it would just be awkward seeing each other every day. Or what if it went too well, but the management wouldn’t approve of it, and both of you would end up being hurt?

Your thoughts raced at a high speed, causing you to lightly gasp for air. Yet, your train of thoughts was interrupted by the door swinging open again and this time Lou entered.

“Oh hey,” he smiled. “You guys all done in here?”

“Yeah sorry, we just chatted,” William explained casually, as you remained frozen in position. “I better go.”

And as he left the room and Lou started to talk to you, you suddenly felt a wave of disappointment wash over you. Watching William leave with your indirect rejection of his proposal suddenly caused you to feel a sense of unease, perhaps making you realise that there was something more to it all.

Then as you realised you hadn’t heard a single word of what Lou had said, you excused yourself and hurriedly followed the Swedish player.

“Hey, Willy,” you called after him, causing him to halt and turn around. Trying to maintain your composure, you met him halfway and flashed him a sweet smile. “I suppose coffee wouldn’t be too bad,” you spoke softly, earning a smile from the taller player.

“Well then, I guess I’ll buy you a cup whenever there’s time,” he chuckled lightly, feeling a sense of relief.

“I’ll look forward to it,” you said with a soft smile, then turned around and forced yourself to refocus on work.

And as you walked away, William couldn’t help but bite his lip as he thought proudly about being the first to ask you out and your positive response. Finally, he could acknowledge all the emotions he’d been feeling for a while, and perhaps, just perhaps, you felt the same for him.

[strniohoeee]

chris and reader are fighting and he accidentally shoves her and she hits her back causing her to form a bruise and she cries because it hurts a lot and this leads to matt and nick to intervene and then angst and fluff

Bicker

Pairing: Chris Sturniolo X Female Reader

Synopsis: Chris and the reader seem to have a few disagreements. Sadly one argument leads to injuries that may not be fixable👥

Warnings⚠️: None, I like actually hate this….idk what’s going on lately, but I can notttt write for the life of me. I feel like I’m struggling to come up with good ideas for these requests.

Song for the imagine: Cry Me a River-Justin Timberlake

The bridges were burn

Now it’s your turn

To cry

Cry me a river

I wasn’t sure what Chris' issue was lately, but he has become insufferable. It was becoming a burden to hang out with them because of his attitude.

Chris and I weren’t the closest of friends like how Nick and I were, but we still spoke. However, him being in a pissy mood all the time was stressing me out.

I was hanging out with them all last week, and Chris and I kept arguing here and there. He was acting like a bitch and it became hard for me to be nice to him.

“No you were an asshole to the waiter” I said shaking my head at Chris

“I wasn’t at all” he said laughing

“Yes you were Chris. You acted like a spoiled brat” I replied

“I could really act like a spoiled brat” he said sitting up in his chair

“It’s so fucking embarrassing coming out with you. Like why do you act this way?” I asked him rubbing my temples

“I wasn’t acting any type of way, stop putting yourself in things that have nothing to do with you!” He said giving me a dirty look

“In case you haven’t noticed. You’ve been making this week painful for all of us, so lose the weird attitude or just stay home” I said shrugging my shoulders

“Please don’t tell ME what to do” he said taking a sip of his drink

“Oh cry me a river” I said rolling my eyes at him

That was the end of our bickering. Often exchanging dirty looks throughout our dinner, and not talking to each other. As I kept going over to their house though Chris and I would have at least two arguments a day. Then he would stomp down to his room and slam the door like a child, and ignore us for the rest of the day.

Just like today we had our first argument when I first got here because he left his sneakers in the driveway and I ran them over. I mean totally not my fault I didn’t see them.

He was ignoring me for that, but right now I wanted to make cookies for them and he was in my way. I kept my composure for a while, but I literally kept tripping over him

“Chris you need to get out of the kitchen” I said adding chocolate chips into the dough

“Why?” He said looking at me

“Because I keep tripping over you, and you’re in my way” I said looking at him

“I’m literally not in your way though” he said taking chocolate chips

“Yes you are, and you keep eating my ingredients you fucking heathen back off” I said smacking his hand away

“You’re such a bitch” he spat at me

“I literally do not fucking care get the fuck out” I said rolling my eyes at him

“There’s a nicer way to ask me to leave” he said smiling at me

“I asked you nicely now please get out” I said sighing

Chris snatched the bowl of dough from me and ran to the other side of the kitchen

“I’m not playing these childish games with you, give me the fucking dough” I said

“No I’m good” he said pushing me away and holding the bowl above his head

“I’ll fucking kick you in the balls right now” I said sticking my hand out for the bowl

“Not till you ask nicely” he said shrugging his shoulders

“Chris, I'm trying to do something for you and your brothers. I already asked you to leave and now you won’t. You’re so fucking annoying give me the bowl” I said

“Say please?” He asked

“Fuck you” I said

His face dropped and threw the bowl at me. I barely caught it

“Fucking dick” I said

Next thing I know off instinct I kicked him in the knee, and his face dropped

“You fucking bitch” he said and shoved me

But he shoved me so hard my back hit the sharp corner of the island in the kitchen and sent some things falling. Immediately losing my breath from the pain. I gasped and I couldn’t take a complete breath in

“What was that?” We heard Nick yell as him and Matt ran into the kitchen

“Christopher…..what the fuck is wrong with you” I said still shocked in pain

“Please I didn’t even push you that hard” he said

I felt tears in my eyes as I touched my back. A bruise for sure forming, and a large scratch

“I wanted to do something nice for you guys, and you fucking ruined it by acting like a complete imbecile” I said throwing the bowl down on the island

“Chris what did you do” Nick said walking over to me

“I pushed her” he said

“Are you a child? Like you’re a grown man, why would you push her?” Matt said looking over at him

“She kicked me in my knee, and I just turned around and pushed her….it was my reflex” he said staring at me blankly

“You’re such an asshole” I said pulling away from Nick as he looked at my back

I grabbed a frozen bag of peas from the freezer, slamming it shut and stomping past Chris shoving him on my way out.

I sat outside in their yard with the bag on my back as I let the tears fall. I was hurt and I was embarrassed.

Nicks POV

“Chris, what has gotten into you lately? Putting your hands on a girl?” I said staring at Chris

“I didn’t think it was that hard” he said

“Doesn’t fucking matter dude, you’re a grown man shoving people? Looks ridiculous” Matt said shaking his head

“You know what, whatever okay. She’s been barking at me all week and yall haven’t said shit” Chris said snapping

“Because you’ve been acting like a piece of shit. We agreed with her, and you still are so blind to it” I said

“You need to fix your attitude, and you need to fix what you just did to Y/N” Matt said

“I don’t need to do anything” Chris responded

“I’m not about to potentially lose a friend over your stupidity. Go apologize you animal” I said to Chris rolling my eyes at him

“Whatever kid” he said shoving past me

End of Nick's pov

I sat face down in a lawn chair as the peas soothed the ache in my back. My tears now dried as I listened to the crickets in the trees. My thoughts just running

Suddenly I heard the side door open and I figured it was Nick, but to my surprise when I turned my head, it was Chris and I looked at him and rolled my eyes

“Can we talk?” He asked me

“Gonna hit me with a lawn chair? Maybe throw me in the pool? Ouu how about throw the grill at me when I turn away?” I said giving him a sarcastic smile

“ No, I'm not going to do that. Actually came out here to apologize to you.” He said sitting in front of me

“ I don’t wanna hear an apology because I know it’s not real” I said to him

“ Whether you think it’s real or not doesn’t matter I’m going to apologize anyway” Chris said

“You could save yourself the embarrassment. I don’t want to talk to you” I said rolling my eyes

“Fucking listen to me already” he said getting annoyed

“No, okay! You really hurt me, and embarrassed me. I do not want anything to do with you” I said struggling to sit up

“ I know you hate me right now and I get that but please just listen. I’m not sure why I’ve been acting the way I’ve been acting but I’m just so sad and angry and lonely all the time and I let that get to my head and I let that affect you guys.” Chris said, looking down.

“Chris you don’t have to go through this alone you know. I know you might not like to talk about your feelings, but we’re all here for you” I said looking at him

“This just isn’t me. So I try to ignore it, but it doesn’t go away” he said shaking his head

“If you don’t address it, it will never go away. If it’s too awkward to talk to your brothers, just know that I’m always here for you, but not when you act like a piece of shit.” I said to him

“ I know, and I truly don’t deserve you after putting up with me for so long, just know that I’m sorry for putting my hands on you. It was the worst thing I could’ve ever done. Just know that this isn’t a reflection of who I truly am, I really am sorry for what I did.” Chris said looking up at me

“It’s fine” I said in a whisper

“It’s not okay. I hurt you really bad” he said shaking his head

“ Listen, what's done is done and there’s no going back. I may not forgive you right now, but I also cannot hold this against you.” I responded

“ I don’t expect you to forgive me and that’s fine but do know that I genuinely am sorry. I don’t even know what took over me. It’s like you kicked me and then a switch went off in my head and all I could do was put my hands on you.” He said

“ I can’t act innocent in this either because I did kick you and for that I’m sorry” I responded

“ yes, but I also didn’t have to push you” he said

“ Chris it’s fine I’m not gonna hold this against you” I told him

“I’m uhh I’m sorry. I’ll give you space” he said standing up

I nodded my head and looked at him

“Take this inside for me” I said handing him the bag of peas

“Sure” he said offering me a smile

“Chris there is one thing” I said as he gave his back to me

“That is?” He asked

“I’ll forgive you on one condition” I stated

“Go on” he said back still to me

“You rub my back and put healing ointment on my injury” I said giggling

“You have yourself a deal” he said looking over at me

“YAY” I said clapping my hands

I stood up and walked over to him

“Chris don’t beat yourself up over this okay. This was nothing” I said smiling at him

“I’m sorry” he said nodding his head at me

“It’s okay Chris” I said offering him a smile

“I need to do better” he said

“Yeah you do because right now I smell cookies. I’ll race you for it” I said

“You’re on” he said laughing

I smacked his chest and booked it into the house, locking the door behind me

“AHAHA YOURE TRAPPED OUTSIDEEEE” I said laughing

“LET ME IN” he said laughing

“Nooo I don’t think I will” I said laughing

“There’s a spare key out here I’ll get in” he said

“No there isn’t” I said

Chris disappeared from my site, and I strained against the glass looking for him. I hadn’t heard him walk in through the front door.

As my face was up against the glass I felt two hands grab me causing me to jump

“CHRIS” I yelled turning around

“You have got to do better” he said shaking his head

“I thought I had you” I said laughing

“Maybe next time” he said slinging his arm over my shoulder as we walked into the kitchen

It’s so weird how an hour ago I wanted to punch Chris in his head, but now we were laughing while eating cookies as he rubbed ointment on my injury and massaged my back….man I was living the good life

The End

This was actual trash….like idk why I can’t come up with good ideas anymore. I just lose motivation towards the end, and write whatever. I promise I’ll do better😭😭 I love yall🖤🖤

-J💅🏽

These stories are my own original ideas, so please do not post them without giving credit, or asking. ☺️

[juceynightmare]

my answer is you (18+) part 1 - aew hook x fem!reader

my masterlist

hook masterlist

my answer is you (18+) masterlist

warning(s) for this chapter: swearing, marijuana usage

pairing(s): aew hook x fem!reader

genre(s): enemies-to-lovers au

|| next part >>

she’s so annoying.

tyler doesn’t understand how she’s managed to charm everyone else in his friend group. the usage of “his” is possessive in this sense because tyler would rather die than call it their friend group. they were all in the martin brothers’ hotel room, with the boys passing around a joint and singing along to this horrible trolls soundtrack that y/n had suggested.

getting high was meant to keep him relaxed and ignore the constant ache his body was in because of his job. for the past half year or so, tyler’s been getting insanely high to the point of being nonverbal to keep himself from chewing y/n out in front of his friends.

“this is the best song in the entire soundtrack, and i will not be letting any of you say otherwise.” she proudly declares from where she sits the one chair in the room. the rest of them were crowded sitting on the floor with their backs pressed against the ends of the beds, with anthony being the closest to y/n and tyler being the furthest.

to tyler, it felt as though her being on an elevated level was a direct correlation to the way she had the rest of the lads wrapped around her finger. with her being just a few months younger than dante, it officially made her the “baby of the group” as anthony proudly declared.

the need to break free from this was awakened in tyler, and he pushed himself up off the floor to sit on the bed instead. “my ass started hurting.” he mumbled lowly when dante looked up at him with confusion as plain as day written on face. tyler made himself comfortable on the bed as the tune of justin timberlake singing as some gloomy, fucked up troll started blasting from the speaker.

he wanted to reach over and turn the speaker off himself. the song wasn’t even that bad. he enjoyed the harmonies even if the lads and y/n singing along off-key were ruining the live experience of listening to the song, without their singing it was an objectively good piece of pop music.

it was just that because y/n liked it that he found the song horrible.

call him childish. he’s fully aware that it was a childish reasoning for him to dislike something so strongly just because someone he didn’t like liked it. as tyler stared at the woman who was still happily singing along to better place, he remembered the first time he had met her.

he fell to the floor with a pained groan, a sharp pain shooting up and down his body and beginning from his tailbone that he had just landed on. he had stretched his hands out behind him to try and soften the landing as soon as he felt himself begin to fall backwards, but that had only resulted in him landing roughly on one of his wrists and his camera that he held in his other hand to hit the ground with a loud crash.

“fuck, my project!” came a shrill voice from in front of him. tyler opened his eyes that had squeezed shut in the fall to see a girl on the floor in front of him, rapidly picking at the pieces of what he could only assume to be for the 3d art class they had.

he took one glance to his right, staring down at where his camera was now on the ground. “your project? what about my fucking camera? it’s broken!” he angrily barked at the girl, scrambling to sit up on his knees as he picked the camera up off the floor and inspected the damage.

the lens shattered, the camera refusing to turn on, and even worse, the slot to take out his roll of film refusing to open - tyler was livid.

“you can buy a new camera, i worked hard on this project! this took hours and days of my time and now it’s ruined!” he heard the girl spit back at him.

he flicked his head to look at her, something akin to a burning flame ignited in his veins. for a moment, tyler had forgotten that they were in the hallway, and that there was now a crowd of students forming around them to watch the exchange. all he could think about was the fact that she had practically spit on and stepped on his camera metaphorically.

you can buy a new camera. you can buy a new camera.

“why don’t you buy a pair of glasses and watch where you’re fucking going.” he spat, pushing himself up off the floor and raising to stand up staight - the remnants of his camera long forgotten on the floor as he took a step towards the smaller girl who had now risen to stand as well.

they were far from standing eye-to-eye. tyler was about to take a step towards her when he felt someone’s palm rest flat against his chest and push him back.

“ty, chill, dog. that’s a female.” came the undeniable voice of his lacrosse team captain, mitch.

tyler allowed mitch to keep pushing him backwards in the hallway, but he kept his gaze on the girl who was now being consoled by who he could only assume to be her friends.

tyler knew she could rebuild her project, and with the perfect puppy-dog eyes, she could undeniably gain an extension from the far too generous art teacher.

he could buy a new camera, but he couldn't buy back its sentimental value.

tyler blinked and pulled himself out of his own thoughts, seeing that y/n was now standing in front of him with that wide smile spread across her face. her hand appeared in front of his face, waving back and forth. “earth to ty! c’mon, anthony and action left already, darius is asleep, and dante just went to shower. that’s our sign to also leave.”

he let out a huff of air as he swatted at her hand. a sign for her to step back from him and one she respected.

“i’ve known you longer than these dudes have. i still don’t know why you’re so mean to me.” she said, her tone light.

tyler pushed himself up off the bed and went to collect his backpack from off the ground. he pulled a face, looking at the girl with what he would dub his best “you know what you did” look.

“oh come on, ty! it’s been years and i apologized the day after. don’t tell me you’re still hung up on that. besides, i know you bought a new camera. just like i told you that you could. justin told me how you were acting like you were hired by tmz the first day you brought it to school. how many times do i have to say sorry for breaking your camera?” she giggled.

'until i forgive you.' he thought. he narrowed his gaze, that same anger that had laid stagnant in his body since he graduated high school and remained dormant until he had locked eyes with her again for the first time in their workplace rise to the surface. 'so never. i'd like to see you buy back my fucking-'

y/n gestured with a nod of her head for them to leave the room. she took the first few steps, leading the way out and expecting tyler to follow her.

he followed.

tyler didn’t answer, and settled for rolling his eyes. “oh i forget you don’t talk when high. it’s okay, we both know i love to yap!” came her cheery voice. they were walking side by side now as they made their way down the hall where their rooms were. luckily, they weren't neighbors.

ever since y/n had became all elite and been welcomed by his friends into his friend group, y/n had taken a liking to tyler specifically. at first, tyler thought it was because he was a familiar face in an unfamiliar environment. he only found it weird once he realized that she was quick to befriend practically every single one of their coworkers.

she wasn't shy by any means. she had developed a crush on tyler.

he can't wrap his brain around why she'd ever develop a crush on him when he refused to talk to her ever.

he stopped in front of his hotel room door, with y/n still standing beside him and talking his ear off about how children's movies always seemed to make her cry. he took his hotel room keycard out of his wallet, unlocked his door, stepped in and shut the door just as-

"goodnight ty! i'll see you tomorrow!"

god, please put an end to his misery.

[daisynik7]

HI BELOVED !!! i already requested meet me halfway BUT i also want to request “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake for Suguru . . maybe angst to fluff ? 😁

Mirrors

Word Count: ~1.1k

cw: friends-to-lovers trope, a little bit of angst, fluff, explicit language

Summary: Suguru Geto, committed to never being committed, has finally met his match: you. When you come to him for comfort after being stood up on a date, he finally decides to make his move.

Author’s Note: Thank you for the request @invisible-mori! I appreciate you! This is a great song for the y2k karaoke party. I hope you like this! Divider by @/saradika.

Suguru Geto gave up on relationships years ago. He figured committing to one person for the rest of his life would eventually become tedious, boring. Besides, it’s easier for him to drift by unattached with all the freedom to do as he pleases.

He won’t deny it though. It’s gets awfully lonely living like this. 

It’s not until he meets you that his mindset begins to change. The two of you started out as friends, meeting by chance one night at a mutual friend’s party. You hit it off immediately; you were drawn to his mysterious charm while he gravitated towards your warmth and bright personality. From the outside, it seemed the two of you were complete opposites. The more you got to know each other, the more you understood how similar you actually are. You’ve been inseparable since. 

Geto was never interested in romantic relationships. Lately, his thoughts have been plagued with fantasies of you. A few weeks ago, you stay at his place after a night of drinking. Usually, he’d sleep on the couch while he lets you take the bed, but this particular night, he decides that it’s big enough for the both of you. It isn’t. Tipsy and desperate for sleep, he doesn’t think twice about cuddling you to prevent you from falling off the edge. He knocks out instantly, finding comfort in the way your body molds to his. In the morning when he’s completely sober, he freaks out at how natural it feels to have you in his arms, wondering what it would be like to have you like this every day. Normally, he wouldn’t linger on acts of intimacy. He’s used to the routine one-night stand to fulfill his sexual needs. But with you, it’s different. You’re different. Maybe he isn’t as frigid and closed-off as he thinks he is. Or maybe it took a worthy contender like yourself to challenge him.

It happens so fast that Geto doesn’t realize it until he’s already in too deep. Tonight, you’re supposed to be going out on a date with some guy you’ve been talking to on one of those dating apps. He doesn’t say it, but Geto thinks it’s pointless. He tries to get you to adopt his philosophy on dating. Deep down, he wants you to be lonely like him. He wants the two of you to be lonely together. The idea that you could leave him for somebody else makes him uncomfortable, to say the least. But he doesn’t say anything. In fact, he wishes you, “Good luck,” on the phone when you tell him you’re off to meet the other man. 

Nearly an hour later, there’s frantic knocking on his door. He answers quickly, uncertain who could be on the other side, surprised to find you, tears streaming down your face, crying. 

Immediately, he wraps his arms around you, holding you tight. It’s second nature at this point. Truth be told, he’s been longing to have you like this since it first happened that one night. Though, his heart aches to see you distraught. His hands massage your back, soothing you. “What happened?”

In between sobs, you manage to say, “He stood me up.”

Geto squeezes you tighter, suppressing the anger erupting in the pit of his stomach. If you asked him to, he’d find this guy and beat the shit out of him. Make him hurt the way he hurt you. But he calms down, focused on consoling you. He leads you to the couch, still holding you, his t-shirt damp with your sniffles. He reaches for the box of tissues on the coffee table, grabbing a few and passing them to you. You take it, blowing into them noisily, wiping your eyes, feeling like a fool. “I’m such an idiot,” you mumble. 

He shakes his head. “He’s the fucking idiot. Not you.”

“It was too good to be true. I should have known from the start it wasn’t going to work out.” You stare down at your lap, catching your breath, Geto’s big hands rubbing you lovingly. You always feel safe with him, like he can protect you from anything. That’s why you came to him for comfort. Why you craved his touch. 

“Those dating apps can be such shit sometimes,” he says. “I wouldn’t trust them anymore if I were you.”

You lean back against the cushions, sighing. “Then how am I supposed to meet someone?”

He follows you, sinking in beside you, shrugging. “Why do you have to meet someone?”

You nudge him in the arm with your elbow. “You might be okay with being a lone wolf, but I’m not. It’s lonely.”

He rests his head on your shoulder. “I’m not lonely. I have you, don’t I?”

Stuttering, you respond, “That’s different. We’re just friends. I want something more.”

He faces you, gazing into your eyes. “Do you want something more with me?”

You shake your head profusely. “No, you’re twisting my words!” As long as you’ve known him, Geto has been committed to remaining uncommitted. The possibility of him being a boyfriend to anyone, let alone you, never existed. However, recently, it feels like the two of you have been slowly teasing that fine line between friendship and something more. At first, you thought it was just your imagination, maybe even wishful thinking. But now, you can’t help noticing the subtle difference in your relationship. “Why are you even thinking that?” you ask, heat surrounding your cheeks, flustered. 

He shrugs once more, smiling, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. “I don’t know. I guess I just like being with you too much. It’s hard for me to imaging you with somebody else. Maybe that makes me a little selfish, I don’t know.”

You readjust in your seat to face him completely, perplexed by this sudden change of tune. You keep reminding yourself in your head that Suguru Geto does not do relationships. “What are you saying?”

He looks at you, scooting in closer, holding your hand in his. “I’m saying that maybe we should give this a shot. You and me. Something more.” The words spill out of him on instinct. It seems like an abrupt switch, but he’s been considering this for a while now. And tonight, he finally acts on it instead of waiting until it’s too late. Although he’s still upset at that moron for standing her up, if it weren’t for him, Geto probably wouldn’t have the guts to finally admit his feelings.

It takes you a few seconds to process what he’s saying. Eventually, you smile, leaning in to nuzzle your nose to his. “About time, you dummy.”

He grins, closing the gap to kiss you softly on the lips. Commitment isn’t so bad, as long as it’s with you. 

[sugarcubepancakes]

Songs I Think That AoT Characters Would get Turnt to at the Club

Eren Yeager - Dragula by Rob Zombie

Doesn’t even have to be drunk yet, but you know he’s got his hair down and is using his entire body to head bang during the chorus. Just make sure you stay back or you’ll get hit!

Armin Arlert - I Like It by Enrique Iglesias ft. Pit Bull

If you don’t have the bouncing energy, then I wouldn’t follow Armin to the dance floor for this one! Does he look ridiculous? Of course, he’s bouncing around while dancing. Does he look adorable doing it? Oh, absolutely ❤️

Mikasa Ackerman - Umbrella by Rihanna

Y’all remember that Tom Holland video? You might have to buy her a few drinks first but she’d absolutely light the club up with her moves!

Erwin Smith - Hips Don’t Lie, Shakira

Tell me this man would not get plastered and absolutely demolish everyone with his slutty lil moves to this song. Go ahead, lie to me and to yourself.

Hange Zoe - SexyBack by Justin Timberlake

I just know Hange would absolutely be feeling themselves to this song. Just don’t get too close, lest you wanna put on a show for everyone else 😉

Levi Ackerman - Let it Rock by Kevin Rudolf ft. Lil Wayne

Sweet Levi, who’d normally dance so fluidly with you to marimba or jazz, completely let’s loose in the flashing lights with this song playing in the club.

Jean Kirstein - Circus by Britney Spears

Honestly he’d jam to any Britney song, and I wouldn’t doubt he talked you into learning a few routines to impress everyone at the club with. This song included!

Connie and Sasha - London Bridge by Fergie

Listen I don’t make the rules, they come as a duo when it comes to clubbing. If there’s a stage or a table top to dance on, you can bet that’s where y’all are gonna dance! Don’t worry though, one of them will stay on the ground to make sure the other two don’t fall 😉

These are all just my opinion but let me know what you think! <3

[justporo]

The moon and the stars

A Night of Fake Smiles and Hidden Lies: Part 2

Author's Note: In which Tav and Astarion continue preparing for the ball - and it almost broke me to describe their clothing (this fic really makes me break out a dictionary way too often...)

Song: Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake

Pairing: Astarion/Fem!Tav Rating: Explicit Warnings: none

CHAPTER LIST | PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER

~~~

When you finally left the bathroom, you felt indeed pleasantly relaxed – physically and mentally. Astarion had made you put on a fancy silken robe he had gotten for you as a gift. The smooth fabric felt pleasantly cool on your skin and you couldn’t stop looking at the wonderful floral pattern it had and its deep red colour. Astarion, in the meantime, had slipped into a similar robe made of satin that was obviously the match for yours in pattern and colour.

“Come with me, my love, I have something else for you”, Astarion said with a promising smile and led you to your joint bedroom. Surely, there he had already placed a bottle of wine and two goblets for you on a sidetable next to the chaise longue you had also placed in this room. “You really got to stop showering me with gifts, Astarion, I can’t keep up with you”, you laughed when you saw the dress laid out on the bed. Next to it was a doublet, shirt, vest and pants.

“Firstly: no, I don’t! Secondly, you don’t have to! And thirdly, it was a gift for myself as much as for you, my love”, Astarion responded and went over to the small table to pour you some wine.

“You really thoroughly prepared all this, didn’t you?”, you asked as you walked closer to the bed to take a closer look at the dress laying there. You were intimidated by the thought of wearing something so unusual for you – but you’d be lying if you didn’t admit that you also felt pretty excited. Wasn’t this what so many girls and women dreamt of? Being a princess, at least one time in your life, dancing with your partner in a castle? In your case with your regal prince?

Just that your prince happened to be a very sassy vampire; but you wouldn’t want it any other way.

You giggled at the thought which caught Astarion’s attention. “What’s there to giggle, my love?”, he asked looking at you with suspicion as he came over to you and offered you the goblet with wine. “Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how you’d make a terrible prince on a white horse.” Astarion looked confused for a second, then snorted: “Yeah well, for that sort of thing you should have chosen Wyll, my sweet.” He took a swig of wine and so did you.

“Nah”, you replied after that and made a face. “I love my snarky little vampire way too much for that.” You smiled at him and gave him a kiss.

“I don’t know where the ‘little’ comes from, but anyways. I love you too, my sweet princess, now go look at the dress I brought you or I’ll take it back”, Astarion teased after the kiss and motioned towards the bed with his head.

So, you finally strode over and took in the garment: It was a striking deep blue that became lighter and a wonderful shade of purple up to lavender further down the skirt – impressively similar to the colours the sky turned when the sun set. It had a high collar that didn’t fully close around the neck in the front, so it allowed for a deep neckline that almost looked like a four-pointed star and long flowy sleeves that from the elbows down became cascading trains of fabric. The bodice was decorated with embroidered bigger four-point stars and smaller sparkles in silver and a few shiny stones. From the slender belt around the waistline down it became a luscious silken skirt that was carefully draped with few more star decorations that became fewer the more the colours lightened.

It was quite frankly stunning. Regal and elegant, but not overly flamboyant which would have been something you would have never felt comfortable to wear. And the most important thing: no corset. You wouldn’t have believed it, but you were actually excited to put this garment on.

You turned to Astarion with a huge grin who carefully expected your reaction. “You delivered on your promise to not make me wear a corset”, you cheerfully exclaimed. “And?”, drawled Astarion raising his eyebrows and lowering his gaze at you expectantly. Shortly, you considered making a joke, but you saw how genuinely excited Astarion looked so you went with the truth: “It’s incredibly beautiful and I am indeed pretty excited to put it on and see what it looks like on me.” To that Astarion’s eyes started shining with joy and love. “Neither can I, beautiful”, he cooed and pulled you in with one arm to nuzzle his nose against your cheek.

“Did you do the embroidery yourself?”, you asked while you wrapped your arm not occupied with wine around his waist and kept looking at the dress. “Well, of course”, the vampire replied. You could feel his chest rise with pride – and rightfully so.

“Let me take a look at your outfit before I get dressed”, you said after a while and took a sip of wine. You untangled yourself from Astarion and stepped closer to the bed again to where his clothes were laying next to yours.

Quite obviously his shirt, vest, doublet and pants were made to match your dress – or maybe it had rather been the other way around. The shirt was simple: white, with a high collar and some lace details at the hems. The pants already were more intricate: black leather that at first looked quite plain but patterns of swirls and undulations were pressed into it all over. The vest was very similar to your bodice, also with a high neck but the shade was an even darker blue and it closed at the front with intricate silver clasps all over the chest. Of course, it had some embroidery as well.

But the doublet was the centre piece of it all: You could see that the satin cloth – being the same shade of blue as the vest - had the same swirls as a pattern as the pants but it only became visible in the right angle of light. The front was intricately embroidered with silver stars. Smaller stars formed bigger stars and those an even bigger symmetrical pattern. Smaller parts of embroidery were placed on the sleeves and the hems. The button border was completely worked in silver thread, every silver button had a star on it and was closed with silver cord.

You were in awe. You were pretty sure you had never seen a finer piece of clothing. And knowing that Astarion had done the embroidery work himself – your jaw dropped. “You’ve outdone yourself”, you whispered, still awestruck.

“Ah well, I mean, I only picked out the pieces and did the embroi-“ “Shut up and take the compliment, Astarion, humbleness doesn’t become you”, you immediately stopped him with a raised finger and looked at him. He closed his opened mouth and shrugged: “I mean, we are going to look gorgeous.” “Better! Now then – time to dress?” You looked at Astarion who only grinned at you and nodded.

You put down your remaining wine and carefully lifted up the dress while Astarion sat or rather laid down on the chaise longue. Leaning back on one of his arms, his robe opened up and you could see his bare chest beneath. When you looked at him quizzically, he said: “Don’t mind me, my love, I just wanted to get comfortable to enjoy the show.” He grinned at you lewdly and you immediately felt some of the heat from earlier come back.

You decided to just get going. You looked at the dress in your hands for a few more moments and then put it back down to free your hands when you saw that there had been something else laying under it.

Obviously, Astarion had picked out some lacey underwear to go with the dress. It was intricately worked, the same shade of blue as the dress – also an awful lot of nothing. You blushed and threw Astarion a glance whose grin only had become naughtier at you making the discovery.

“This looks more complicated to put on than the dress to be honest”, you whispered a bit coyly suddenly – almost more to yourself than to him. “You don’t have to, my sweet, call it merely a suggestion if you would”, Astarion said and got up to stand behind you. He grabbed you by the waist and leaned down to whisper to you: “If you don’t feel comfortable with it, that’s absolutely fine.” He pressed a soft kiss to your pointy ear. “No, I want to”, you immediately exclaimed.

“Good, because I’d love to tear it off you with my teeth later”, Astarion responded with a husky whisper and a tone that dripped with sinful promise like molten chocolate. He pressed another kiss to your cheek and went back to nonchalantly lounge on the chaise longue while you felt your blush grow and your eyes widen.

“One of these days you’re going to kill me saying stuff like this”, you breathed out. The vampire chuckled: “Only by saying? My love, I haven’t even started the doing.” By all the Gods – you had to turn away from him as he kept laughing and sipping his wine.

You carefully put on the lingerie while you were painfully aware of Astarion’s gaze burning into your back. But you didn’t turn around again – firstly, because you wouldn’t give him that present yet. And secondly, because you were scared the evening would be over way too quickly if you did.

Then you put on the dress. It had a long row of buttons down the back, so Astarion had to come over again to help you. And he did so by giving your neck a kiss for every button his fingers closed.

When he was done – the last button had earned you several kisses – he stepped back. “Turn around for me, darling?”, he asked almost shyly. You did, slowly while you looked down at yourself and could already feel yourself getting giddy.

“How do I look, my love?”, you asked coyly and softly swayed from side to side while gazing at Astarion through your lashes.

The vampire was speechless, his face was basically in shock as his eyes wandered up and down over your body. And then up again. And then down again!

“Like a goddess, my heart, like a vision”, he finally said while still unable to rip his ruby eyes off you. “Give me a twirl, my love”, he then exclaimed and clapped his hands. You happily fulfilled his wish. In fact, you did one or two bonus rounds and kept laughing the whole time. You could feel the skirt fly around you. “On this exception I would have loved a mirror to take a quick peek at how I look”, you said as you stopped turning, your cheeks flushed.

The vampire softly grabbed your hands: “Oh, way ahead of you, Tav.” He made you turn to the far corner of your bedroom where you saw what must’ve been the big heavy package, he had brought home yesterday with all the other stuff.

“You bought a mirror?”, you asked and furrowed your brows. “I thought we did agree on no mirrors in our house.” “Surely, my sweet, and I appreciate the notion, but… I wanted you to be able to look at yourself!”, Astarion replied and strode over to the floor-length mirror he had thus far kept covered with a sheet.

“Voilà!”, he exclaimed as he dragged off the cloth and revealed your reflection in the mirror as he stood beside it. You were stunned as you looked at yourself.

Thankfully, you still recognised yourself. It was still you. But you looked regal and elegant. Unconsciously you straightened your back and lifted your chin up a little which made Astarion grin – he knew exactly that he’d done an incredible job.

You lifted your arms, watched as the trains of cloth flowed down beneath your elbows, you watched the skirts move swiftly as you turned. Safe to say you had probably never felt this beautiful in your life. Astarion beamed at you. “Come over here, sweetheart, take a closer look”, he encouraged you. Then he quickly leaned over the rim of the mirror. “Ah, sadly still nothing”, he quipped and then went off as you stepped closer and admired the details of the dress.

“I still feel bad about having a mirror now”, you shouted back at Astarion while you leaned to your reflection to admire the craftsmanship of the embroidery. “Oh, don’t be, love. I’m used to it by now and you’re only going to make me sappy”, he answered from somewhere from the other corner of the room.

You kept looking at yourself, not fully believing that this was really happening, when suddenly something was dangling in front of your face.

Astarion had snuck up on you – and of course – there had been no reflection in the mirror to spot his arrival. Now, a piece of jewellery was lowered onto you slowly.

“Really? Another gift, Astarion?”, you asked mockingly in anger. “Hush, this is the last one, now look!”, he scolded you as he closed the clasp at the back of your neck. Then he let his hands softly rest on your shoulders.

It was a necklace with a round and beautiful moonstone set in gold, though the colour of the stone matched nicely with the decorum on your dress. It sparkled softly in different colours where it perfectly sat at the dip of your collar bone – and a perfect centre piece for your neckline. You reached at it with your fingertips. It wasn’t even incredibly excessive or flamboyant, just very delicately beautiful. And you immediately knew you would wear it every day.

“You’ve become my sun, Tav”, Astarion spoke solemnly. Surprised by his sudden mood change you threw a quick glance over your shoulder. The vampire looked longingly at your mirror image. His red eyes were glistening with warmth and almost seemed like they were tearing up. He didn’t stop looking at you in the mirror.

“And then… you gave up the sun for me and became my moon as well. The light of my life.” His eyes lit up even more saying that. “If I only can make up for that a tiny bit by showering you with gifts, adoring and loving you every day of my immortal life and keeping you safe and happy, then I’ll happily provide you with that as long as I am able to.” His voice almost broke but his eyes were incredibly bright.

Your eyes welled up. You turned around and grabbed his hands off your shoulders, looking deeply into his eyes. “It’s not all me though. You changed my life, taught me that I was worth more”, you spoke, your voice barely coming out as more than a whisper. You pulled his hands to your chest as he leaned his forehead softly onto yours. You felt the tears coming and saw that his eyes were almost running over as well: “You’re the one that’s guiding me. You’re my stars, Astarion, my whole firmament!”

Tags: @aurasyn @margoteve @usuallyunlikelyfox @hollowmasque @worryknotdear

[blackfeather96]

Songs that remind me of One Piece ships and why.

Lets start with:

Luffy x Boa - Addicted to you by Avicii

I think this songs describes Boa's obsession with luffy very well.

"You came into my crazy world Like a cool and cleansing wave Before I, I knew what hit me, baby You were flowing through my veins"

What can she do? It's Luffy :D

Sanji x Pudding - Stereo Love by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina.

This song describes a bit the pain that Sanji went trough in Whole Cake Island, with Pudding's lies, yet he still tried to make it work. :(

"I can fix all those lies But baby, when I run, I'm running to you You won't see me cry, I'm hiding inside My heart is in pain but I'm smiling for you"

Usopp x Kaya - If you're not the one by Daniel Bedingfield.

Because in my heart, Usopp thinks about Kaya every sigle day and he loves her.

'Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away And I breathe you into my heart and Pray for the strength to stand today 'Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right And though I can't be with you tonight You know my heart is by your side"

Robin x Law - Mirrors by Justin Timberlake.

Because of their similar past and personality. They have been trough a lot of pain, but Robin was healed in a way that Law wasn't yet, and In my delulu mind she can heal him.

"It's like you're my mirror My mirror staring back at me I couldn't get any bigger With anyone else beside me And now it's clear as this promise That we're making two reflections into one 'Cause it's like you're my mirror My mirror staring back at me Staring back at me"

Zoro x Tashigi - Another Love by Tom Odell.

Because the main reason why people ship them, is because zoro finds tashigi similar to Kuina, and it doesn't matter how their relationship will develop tbh, I think he will always see her as someone similar to Kuina.

"I wanna sing a song that'd be just ours But I sang 'em all to another heart And I wanna cry, I wanna fall in love But all my tears have been used up

On another love, another love All my tears have been used up On another love, another love"

Franky x Robin - We found love by Rihanna.

Because they met on a sea train on the way for their execution, and they did have some great moments there :)

"Yellow diamonds in the light Now we're standing side by side As your shadow crosses mine What it takes to come alive

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny But I've gotta let it go

We found love in a hopeless place"

Nami x Luffy - Believer by Imagine Dragons.

Because she was broken, but he made her a believer.

"I was broken from a young age Taking my sulking to the masses Writing my poems for the few That look at me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me Singing from heartache from the pain Taking my message from the veins Speaking my lesson from the brain Seeing the beauty through the...

Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer"

Ace x Yamato - Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Because Yamato was waiting for Ace to return, and he would still be waiting...

"I have died every day waiting for you Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I'll love you for a thousand more"

Zoro x Sanji - One more night by Maroon 5.

Because they are always fighting :D If they are a thing, this is their song.

"You and I go hard At each other like we're going to war You and I go rough We keep throwing things and slamming the doors You and I get so damn dysfunctional we stop keeping score You and I get sick Yeah, I know that we can't do this no more, yeah

But baby, there you go again, there you go again making me love you Yeah, I stopped using my head, using my head"

Sanji x Nami - What are words by Chris Medina.

Because it doesn't matter where, when or how. Sanji will Always be there for nami.

"Anywhere you are, I am near Anywhere you go, I'll be there Anytime you whisper my name, you'll see How every single promise I'll keep 'Cause what kind of guy would I be If I was to leave when you need me most"

Zoro x Robin - She's crazy but she's mine by Alex Sparrow.

Because she's crazy, and he always saves her when she's in danger.

"The kinda girl who really loves to dance She loves to mess around with her friends Wanna know her now, wanna love her now I wanna make her be my girl She likes to give a smile to every stranger She loves to get her ass in any danger Wanna love her now, wanna love her now I wanna make her be my girl"

Hiyori x Zoro - Make you feel my love by Adele.

Because she fell in love for him in Wano and was always worried about him and took care of him when he was hurt, but he had to leave.

"When the rain is blowing in your face And the whole world is on your case I could offer you a warm embrace To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear And there is no one there to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I will never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong"

Koala x Sabo - Can't help falling In love by Elvis Presley.

It's a simple yet beautiful song, as we haven't seen much about them, but I do think Koala couldn't help but falling in love with sabo. :)

"Take my hand Take my whole life, too For I can't help falling in love with you"

I probably forgot a lot of popular ships, tell me what you'd like me to write about next! Don't forget to give me your opinion and other songs for this ships!

[sturniololuv08]

Chapter 1 -THOUGHTS-

Izallouis' view:

I'm not an average girl. I mean this was bound to happen but this soon seemed to be a bit much. I have always wanted to do this so I guess I'm doing it.

Chapter 2 -VMA's PART 1-

Niall's view:

Sitting with the boys was a blast. Walking the carpet in here was insane. Seeing everyone watching us was cool. I talked to fans and signed a few things but then we had to go because other stars were arriving. I was so pumped to be here I almost didn't want to leave but Louis pushed me along.

"Stop pouting you baby." Louis nudged me.

"What??" I said not paying attention to him.

"Leave him along Louis." Liam said.

"Can you believe we are at our second VMA's??" Harry questioned whilst looking around as we walked to our seats. I didn't care if we got close seats or anything but just the pure feeling of being in the same room as everyone we have ever idolized made me giddy.

"Here we are." Liam pointed to five empty seats in a row. We slide in one by one and sat down. There were multiple stages and several fans were around them waiting to see who would perform on them. We were presenting the first award of the night which was a big honour. No one was seated around us so we must have been decently early. "I heard Justin Timberlake is making his name again here!" Liam said excited.

"Can't wait to see it mate!" I said enthusiastic for him. He was always one of those fans, but no one else would share his excitement so I felt bad. "Do you know any songs he's going to sing??" I tried to start a nice conversation so he could fan girl and get it out.

"He has to sing Mirror because it's new and I'm hoping he does some throwback songs like Cry Me A River and Bounce." He was gushing again. Louis and Harry managed to start up a conversation with Rihanna who was sitting directly in front of them. Zayn was sitting on his phone probably doing nothing just trying to look busy and then Liam and I were having our 'moment'.

"I can't wait to see his dancing." I smiled.

"Is that –" Liam started but I was already on alert to find him.

"Justin! Justin Bieber!" I squealed. He looked over here and waved.

"He waved to you." Liam smiled the same uninterested smile I had given him a minute ago.

"So??" I sat down and tried to play it cool.

"Huh." Liam smirked and looked away knowing I was dying inside.

"Boys we are almost ready to begin. Please follow me." I looked up to see a woman in all black with a headset talking to us. I looked around and saw that every seat that was once empty was now full. It was time.

[blue-lollipops-and-ice-clouds]

Sleep Token's "The 100 Songs That Changed Our World" Article.

(Source - photos courtesy the lovely jawsofeden)

Transcript:

100 - Sleep Token

The Summoning

(Take Me Back To Eden, 2023)

The meteoric rise of Sleep Token caught us all by surprise. At the start of 2023, the mysterious masked band were one of the metal underground's buzziest names. Led by enigmatic vocalist Vessel, they were a band to watch, for sure, but firmly attracted the niche passion of a cult following.

Then came the song that would change everything. On consecutive days in early January, the band released two singles from their third album, Take Me Back To Eden: the burning, crashing Chokehold, followed by The Summoning - and it was the latter track that would turn them into an Earth-conquering, expectation-shattering phenomenon.

Veering between depraved tech metal, soulful vocals and shimmering electronics, an enormous, hymnal chorus gave way to an Earth-shifting breakdown and screams. Intricate and groove heavy, The Surmoning was more like three songs seamlessly crafted into one genre-fluid modern masterpiece. And it still had its trump card to play: a bendy, thirst-trap, funk outro that went viral on TikTok, turning the internet intoalusty Take1 puddle. Suddenly, Sleep Token were the most talked-about band on the planet.

"THERE ARE HINTS OF EARLY SLIPKNOT THERE."

COREY TAYLOR

"It took me three listens of [The Sumroning] to realise that when they do that whole psychedelic section at the end, that it's actually the same chorus as it was before, only in a completely different way," Evanescence's Amy Lee told Revolver. "And I love it even more that. I thought they just went a whole new direction and wrote a new part, and then I was like, 'Wait, that's the same...but not at all'."

Sleep Token weren't the most obvious choice for a commercial breakthrough. The success of The Summoning, an unconventional, seven-minute, brutal shapeshifter, bucks just about every music industry trend there is.

"It's going to a lot of different places, and I think there isn't any other band out there right now that's able to do that," Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford said earlier this year.

The Summoning set a chain reaction in motion that was unprecedented in modern metal. In just a few weeks, the band saw their Spotify figures jump from the thousands into the millions. To date, the track has been streamed more than 123 million times on Spotify and 19 million on YouTube. On release, Take Me Back To Eden went straight in at No.3 in the UK and was the most streamed metal album of 2023. When the band announced a show at Wembley Arena, tickets sold out in 10 minutes.

Earlier this year, they left the metal-heavy roster of Spinefarm Records for RCA, the home of mainstream megastars Justin Timberlake and rapper Doja Cat.

"In heavy music, or even in just rock, even in the last decade or 15 years, there's so few stories of bands ever breaking through," says Health bassist and producer, John Famiglietti, who supported the band at Wembley and sees Sleep Token's success as proof metal still can resonate on a massive scale. "This is one of the few times I've seen a band go from a fucking club to an arena in six months. And I don't know the last time that happened."

It's worth pointing out that in the social media era where celebrities and artists are more accessible than ever, Sleep Token have achieved all of this on their own terms. To date, they've barely done any press, while their masked mystique is all part of the allure. Last year, fans reacted with outrage when bassist III's identity and birth certificate were allegedly leaked online, seemingly leading to a decision to wipe the band's Instagram.

"There are hints of early Slipknot there," Knot vocalist Corey Taylor told The Allison Hagendorf Show in 2023, thinking back to the early internet days before Slipknot removed their masks. "At first, we were like, 'Nope. You get nothing. This is what you get, you figure it out. We'll let the music speak for ourselves.

Today, Sleep Token are being mentioned in the same breath as potential future Download headliners Ghost, Gojira, and Architects. The only difference? Sleep Token have managed to ascend to the same level as those bands in a fraction of the time. Metal needs new superstars who will push things forward, innovate and keep the scene relevant - and with Sleep Token we have a band we can believe in. DL

[solarwynd]

You know locals praising members is fine but armys giving hit tweets to locals whose entire energy is "oh I thought BTS were talentless but this is decent" is embarrassing. Have some self respect lmao

The songs ok but I'm not really a huge fan of Megans music so I think that's expected. I don't think it's as good as Mamushi either but curious to see if it goes anywhere.

Also I'm very far from a Taehyung tolerator but him and Jimin are kind of in the trenches with their collabs no? I wonder if that's their choice, if there's more to come out soon or if those were the only options presented to them because RM with Megan Thee Stallion, Yoongi with Juice wrld, Hobi with J Cole, JK with CP, Latto, Jack Harlow, Usher and Justin Timberlake (kind of? Does that remix even count?), Jin with Coldplay kind of. Obviously one person's hogging the big names but the rest of them got at least one in their repertoire somewhere. I wonder if Jimin will release a big collab like that, if thats something he even wants and if it will actually be any good (I like his collabs but they do tend to be on the weaker side of his discography compared to his solos)

I agree. Like I’ve seen a few that are along those lines even one where somebody thought they were “kids” (which I’ll never get) but it’s a rapline member. One that they’ve always thought never got the exposure or praise he deserved. And Armys think that this is Joon’s big break (a ft lol) so of course they’re gonna take what they can get. But armys accepting bottom tier or ingenuine praise isn’t new. BTS got degraded so much in the past ,any positivity was shown immediate gratitude no matter how backhanded it was.

I also think the song is fine. It’s the typical Meg sound, but I do think the counting part could have the potential to get viral like the “star” part in Mamushi.

For collabs. (And being able to say that Jimin’s solos are stronger than his collabs is such a blessing lol) I feel like it’s a choice for Jimin. He reached out to LOCO specifically because he felt like he’d be a good fit. So if Jimin genuinely wanted a western ft, I’m sure he’d have no issue getting one. I don’t think it’s essential that Jimin gets one, but if he does in the future, I hope it’s someone who works well with his style and him as an artist.

[vanillahorror]

party boy

warnings - party scene, cussing, dirty talk, creampie (on accident tho), and drinking usage. i think that's it lmk if any more!

red - rafes perspective

purple - your perspective

bold - thoughts

based off the song - rock your body by Justin Timberlake

YOU

the lights were so bright, i could barely think. my friend, vanessa dragging me through what felt like millions of people.

every time i come to a party, i forget how much i hate it.

we finally found a empty spot in the middle of the room and she starts dancing, "come on!! it'll be fun once you get going." she says while starting to wave her hands up in their air. the song that was currently playing finally ended and started a good song - ILoveUIHateU by playboi carti

this is one of my favorite songs! now I have to dance!

i start waving my hips and rubbing my hands up and my body and into my hair.

RAFE

"barry, why did you bring me here?" i ask with a tone of annoyance in my voice.

"country club, stop complaining! let me go make this deal, maybe find a hot girl to fuck tonight?" he says while starting to walk off.

i stand there awkwardly with my drink in my hand for about a minute until i spot the most beautiful girl i've ever seen. her hands rubbing her body and into her hair.

oh fuck.

i walk up to her and make eye contact with her, give her a quick smile.

"can i get you a drink?" i ask

"what?" she says

"can i get you a drink?!" i yell so she can hear me over the music.

"oh yeah, sure." she says, i could tell i already made her nervous.

she's even more beautiful when i see her close up. her face shape and complexion were perfect with her hair.

i could see myself marrying this girl, and i just met her.

i let her grab my hand while I led her through the crowd of people. i lead her to the kitchen where I grab a bottle of tito's vodka and pour it into a shot glass. i hand it to her. i tell her my name and she tells me hers. she takes it from me, downs it and gives it back.

"one more?" she asks

i decided to be confident and tell her what I'm trying to do.

"nah, I don't want you getting too drunk. i'm tryna fuck you." I say while whispering the last part into her ear. her eyes go wide.

"rea-really? I've only done that with like 2 boys..." she says quietly, almost embarrassed

"then I'll make it the best you ever had so you have to keep coming back, that alright with you baby?" i say with a smirk. i put my hand out for her to take, she does and I lead her upstairs to a empty bedroom.

YOU

oh my god, this is really happening.

i sit on the bed and watch him lock the door.

"take your clothes off baby." he says in a serious tone.

i slowly take my black tank top and skirt off, leaving my bra and panties on, I want him to take them off.

"oh wow... god you're even more beautiful." he says while walking over to me. he cups my cheek

"i may have to just fuck you now and not get you ready for this dick." he says.

"you- you can. I'm already wet, like really wet, it's kinda embarrassing" I say while looking down at my hands.

"that's not embarrassing. that just means your body likes what i'm doing. you've never gotten wet with other boys?" he says. i shake head side to side.

"aww poor baby. i bet you've never came before either, have you?" he asks, almost condescending. i shake my head again.

"that's ok, guess i'll just have to pop this cherry for you huh? lay on bed." he says.

RAFE

she takes off her undergarments and lays her head down on the fluffy pillows. i quickly take off my pants and boxers. i spit in my hand and give my dick a few slow strokes. i get up on the bed, position her legs just right, and prop my dick at her entrance.

"are you ready sweet girl?" i ask her, trying to pick up on any body language that she doesn't want this. i don't catch any.

"yeah, yeah can you just hold me, i'm kinda nervous. you're really long an-and thick..." she says in a quiet tone.

i nod my head and place my hands on her hips. i start to push into her slowly, she groans.

"does it hurt?" i ask

"only a little, you're just so big!" she says

i wait for a few seconds until I feel her become less tense. I slowly push my full length into her and her mouth goes agape.

"oh fuck!" she moans.

I smirk and start to thrust into her. she lets out a series of pornographic moans.

i could cum just from hearing her moans.

"keep moaning like that and i'll cum right now." i say, still thrusting into her.

"i-i cant stop! oh fuck rafe, please just- just keep doing it, please!" she almost yells. i could tell no boy had ever fucked her like this.

about 3 minutes of groans and dirty talk from me, moans and whines from her, i could feel her squeezing my dick even tighter.

"you bout to cum? just let go, i'll keep going, ipromise."

i saw her exhale a big breath and i could feel her pussy fluttering around me. her eyes rolled into the back of her head. I heard her let out the sexist moan I've ever heard.

i wanna fuck this girl forever.

i could feel my own release start to come. i quickly started to thrust faster and i felt it all let go.

YOU

i felt his thrusts get sloppy and his hot ropes of cum spill into my pussy.

i've never felt this way with any boy.

"oh fuck. god, i just came inside, i'm so sorry!" he says while pulling out, starting to panic

"don't worry, i have the implant." i say while sitting up, starting to rub his back.

"that definitely was the best sex i've ever had, i mean your pussy is god-given gift, you know that right?" he says while laughing a little.

"well thank you! enter your number while i get my clothes back on." i say while handing him my phone. he smiles and enters his number. i put all my clothes back on and try to walk, my legs were so wobbly, i could barely get up.

"did i fuck you that good?" he says while laughing.

"just give me back my phone rafe, i'll call my friend." isay, he hands me back my phone and i call Vanessa. I tell her my situation and she says she will be up in a minute. rafe puts his clothes back on, kisses me on my forehead and leaves the room.

i check my phone for his number, he put his contact name as:

Rafe (party boy).

[hellhoundmaggie]

Happy Birthday (Rex x F!Reader, Echo & F!Reader, Cody & F!Reader)

For @diviluscorner, as part of @cloneficgiftexchange ‘s Song Fic Exchange

Your boyfriend Rex, along with his brothers Cody and Echo, have been hiding out at your farmhouse for a few months now. They want to return the favor by giving you the perfect birthday.

Lyrics prompts:

● "We were chasing after hopes and dreams, and we're still under the stars" || "And it was written, 'cause the stars said I was yours and you would be mine all along" (Paradise, NSync [Justin Timberlake])

● "And who knows what it'll cost me, or how long it'll last?" // "Cause what I learned from waiting is waiting never lasts" (Homeward, Benjamin William Hastings)

Tags: fire, fluff, SFW

Word count: 1,937

I hope today is your birthday, @diviluscorner. If not, I understand if you read the fic early. I hope you find these boys as sweet as you need them to be!

Rex watched you leave from your farmhouse window. He waited until you crested the hill, dipping out of sight, to turn back to Cody and Echo. This was one of the most important missions of his life, and he couldn’t let you on to his plan. Even though you’d let them use your farm as a de facto base for the Clone Underground these past few months, sheltered a dozen of their defector brothers, kept all their secrets from the Empire. Even though you’d opened your heart to him. In fact, that was exactly why you had to be kept in the dark, why he could only trust two of his most loyal men to pull this off.

Echo and Cody stood up from the kitchen table, still covered with the remnants of the breakfast the four of you had just shared. Rex frowned. He understood full well why his brothers clung to the military discipline they’d had drilled into them their entire lives. Structure was a comfort in a chaotic galaxy. But if the clones were going to live among civilians, they’d have to start adopting some civilian habits. That was part of the purpose behind this mission, after all. Still, it couldn’t hurt to go along with them a little.

“At ease, men. Sit down and let’s start this briefing.” Cody and Echo obeyed, but still eyed their captain expectantly. The mission was as important to them as it was to Rex. He cleared his throat.

“Men, our mission is simple. Using all resources at our disposal, we throw my cyare the best surprise birthday party she’s ever had.”

This was about more than throwing a party. None of the clones had ever celebrated a birthday – they weren’t born so much as decanted. Even the Jedi generals, who’d encouraged the clones’ individuality, didn’t mark their own births with any kind ceremony. Birthdays were a civilian tradition. If clones could throw a successful birthday party, that would prove they could adapt to civilian life.

More importantly, it would show you that Rex could be part of your life. Though you hadn’t been dating long, it was increasingly difficult for him to imagine his own life without you in it. He recalled that first night you shared a bed, your breath gentle and deep as you slept, your face stripped of all guardedness. He knew that, no matter what, he had to protect you. And he knew how hard things had been for you this year, between helping the Clone Underground and keeping up with your own farm chores. Rex and the others helped you when they could, but they had to be away on missions so often and couldn’t always be there. So when you offhandedly mentioned your birthday was in a couple of weeks, Rex remembered and began formulating his plan.

Rex began the briefing by explaining the basic components of a surprise birthday party: the presents, the decorations, the cake, the traditional ambush.

“I thought civvies didn’t like being ambushed.” Echo said. “I mean, no more than a soldier would. Are you sure she’ll like that?”

“We’re not going to attack her, Echo.” Rex waved his arm dismissively. “We’re simply going to jump out and yell ‘Surprise!’ Then we’ll bring out the cake and sing the birthday song – which I expect each of you to have memorized in advance. She’ll blow out the candles –”

“Captain, is the fire really necessary?”

“It’s festive, Echo.” Rex said, pinching the bridge of his nose. Maybe this would be harder than he’d anticipated.

“If you say so, sir.” Echo settled back in his chair. “But this whole birthday business seems dangerous to me.”

“But we trust your judgement, Captain.” Cody gave Echo a pointed look before turning back to Rex. “She’s your girl, you know her best. If you think she’ll enjoy this, we’ll do what we can to help you.”

“Thank you, Cody.” Even if they couldn’t always cut the chatter, Echo and Cody were reliable. Rex trusted them with his life. Perhaps they could pull this off after all. “You’re in charge of the decorations, then.”

Cody frowned, uncertain, but nodded. “I’ll make sure it’s festive, sir.”

“Then I’ll make the cake,” Echo said. “I’m still learning my way around the kitchen, but I’ll do my best. What about you, sir?”

“I’ve got a special gift for her in the works. One of our contacts owes me a favour, and I’m cashing it in.” Rex cut his brothers a smile. “That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, though. I expect your gifts to be nothing less than outstanding. Understand?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Dismissed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```

A week later, on the day of the party, Rex returned from town with a smile on his face. He had felt a pang of guilt that morning – when you’d left to check on the fences, so preoccupied you didn’t even respond to his goodbye, he’d almost let the tooka out of the bag. it was awful keeping secrets from you, even when it was temporary and for your sake. But at least that meant the surprise would stay a surprise. Cody and Echo had already secured their gifts and already started on the preparations when Rex left for town. And the contact had surrendered Rex’s gift to you with a minimum of haggling. Rex patted his breast pocket, where the precious cargo rested close to his heart. Yes, this would all go off without a hitch.

Rex entered the house to find Cody putting up the last of his decorations in the living room. Dozens of candles twinkled throughout the room, illuminating homemade banners, festooned with your name, hanging across the ceiling. “Just like you said, Captain.” Cody spread his arms wide, showing off his handiwork. “Festive.”

“Nicely done, soldier. How’s Echo doing with the cake?”

“Should be taking it out of the oven any minute!” Echo leaned into the room. “And the frosting came out perfect, if I do say so myself.” He waved his artificial arm for emphasis – he’d swapped out his scomp attachment for a spatula, which was covered with the gooey foodstuff.

“Excellent, excellent. And she should be home soon. Everyone keep an ear out so we can hide –“

A horrific stench wafted from the kitchen, and Rex’s stomach clenched. Even as he crossed the house to open the oven door, he quailed at what he knew was inside. Smoke billowed out of the oven, revealing the cake, black and scarred as the surface of Mustafar.

“Echo, what happened?”

“I don’t know, captain. I used all the right ingredients! The only change I made was –”

“What.” Rex rounded on Echo.

“Well, the recipe said to bake the cake at one hundred and seventy-five degrees for half an hour. But I was running short on time, so I figured three hundred and fifty degrees for fifteen minutes should do it –"

“Echo, that is not how temperature works –”

A scream from the living room interrupted Rex. He and Echo rushed in to discover flames licking at the caf table, spilling onto the rug.

“The banner fell on the candles! Oh kriff, oh kriff –”

Echo shook his head. “I knew this birthday business was dangerous.”

“Help me put this damn fire out!” Rex grabbed a nearby blanket and started beating at the table, but it took Cody and the kitchen fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

“Well, at least the burnt part isn’t that bad, is it?” Echo gestured at the charred caf table. “Adds character.”

Cody’s face twisted with despair. “Echo, it is that bad.”

“Okay, okay.” Rex ran his fingers through his hair. “We can still pull this off.” They had to pull this off. This had to be good for you. “Cody, you find something to cover up this table. Echo, you fix that cake somehow. We should still have half an hour before she gets back –”

“I’m home early!”

Rex’s throat went tight as you walked into the living room. Your eyes wide, you looked to the men, to him, for some explanation.

Echo plastered a rictus grin on his face, waggled his good arm. “Surprise?”

“Give up, Echo. There’s no salvaging this.” Cody turned to you. “Vod, this is my fault. I should’ve realised fire and flimsi don’t mix.”

“And I ruined your cake. I’m sorry, I –”

“No.” Rex stepped forward. “Echo and Cody aren’t to blame. This was my idea. My responsibility.” His failure. He was a fool to think he could understand your world. To try and make what you felt for him last. You were just too different.

You took Rex’s hand. “You guys did all this for me?”

“Of course, cyare. We know birthdays are important to civvies, so we wanted you to have a nice one.”

“Thank you.” You sank into Rex’s arms. “I can’t remember the last time anyone even tried to do something so nice for me.”

Rex didn’t know what to say. All he could think to do was caress your cheek. How could you be so wonderful? How did he get so lucky?

“So you’re forgiving us? Just like that?”

“Oh no, Cody. You all kriffed up my house, and you have to fix it.” You pulled away from Rex and pointed across the room. “Cleaning products are in there. Water’s in the pump out back. And you’d better make me a proper dinner, Echo. It’s been a long day, and I’m starving.”

Rex laughed. “My general. If you’d been in the war, we would’ve had the Separatists on the run years earlier.”

You grinned. “Don’t you know it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```

Dinner was served on the back porch instead of in the house. Cody and Rex managed to throw away the ruined banner and cake and scrub off the burn marks, and Rex had opened up all the windows, but it would still be a few hours before the smell was gone. Luckily for all of you, Echo was a far better cook than he was a baker. He prepared your favorite dishes, and stuck a candle – “Just one!” Cody insisted – in the main course for you to blow out. At the end of the meal, the boys bought all the dirty dishes inside and came out with packages, all wrapped in blue paper and tied with string.

“Aw, you guys! You didn’t have to get me anything, you know.”

“Have to, nothing.” Rex patted your hand. “You deserve it, mesh’la.”

You opened Echo’s gift first: a scarf, which made you smile as you rubbed it against your skin. “It’s made of real gualama wool, from Naboo. And I noticed you wear that colour a lot.”

Cody’s gift was a decorative wooden box, filled of sachets of exotic-smelling herbs. “I wasn’t sure what kind of tea you’d like, so I got you a selection.”

Rex tried to keep his breathing deep and even as he handed you his gift. Even now, he couldn’t be sure how’d you’d react. But when your eyes flew open at the sight of the ring gleaming inside, he relaxed.

“It’s beskar. Mandalorian iron. Usually the smiths use it for weapons and armour – useful things, if you’re a warrior.” Rex took your hand in his again. “I can’t ask you to live that kind of life, cyare. That life was forced on me, and I’d never choose it for you. But a ring means eternal devotion in your culture, doesn’t it?” He pressed a kiss to your knuckles. “That’s what I’m offering. My protection. My devotion. My love.” He smiled up at you. “If you’ll have it.”

[buttercupjosh]

The Journey of Loving You

(Gif credit to @mattymartin)

Word count: 4,376

Genres: strangers to lovers, fluff

Warnings: none

A/N: I've had pieces of details of this fic in mind for a few months and I had a difficult time figuring out who to write it with so I ended up choosing to give Josty another fic. It is not intended to be a sequel to star-crossed (which you still read and check out and if you want this to be a sequel to that, you can interpret it that way). It did take me awhile to get this fic done because I decided to write other stories before completing this one. This story is based off of the songs “Not a Bad Thing” and “Mirrors”, both by Justin Timberlake and the title is something I came up with. It did take me awhile to get this fic done because I decided to write other stories before completing this one. I also have a bunch of other songs linked throughout the story and I highly recommend listening to them when you come across them during reading. It’s not set at a specific moment in time (It's taking place in a fictional future but you could also say that it's set in the future and this season. However, the season is still ongoing at the moment and anything can happen or change so don't hold me to what occurs in the fic and if things do change (ex. Tyson goes to another team), I'm not going to update this fic to reflect that). It’s written with a female reader in mind because I’m a female of color but the reader doesn’t specifically have to be a POC or a woman and there’s little dialogue. As always, I’m open to any and all feedback, comments or questions; just put them in my inbox or dm me. Thank you so much in advance for reading, I appreciate it😌

(P.S. I have other stories (linked here) that I have written for other players as well if you want to check it out)

“I want it all with you and if I'm coming on too strong, it's 'cause I've waited far too long for someone just like you” -“Share Your Address” by Ben Platt

In your role as the social media manager for the Buffalo Bills, you got to interact and meet with many different types of people. You would have never imagined that something as simple as doing your job would lead you to meet the love of your life. During the Bills season, some of the Buffalo Sabres players had come by to watch a game and you were responsible for capturing their experience at the game. Through mutual connections in the industry, you knew the social media manager for the Sabres but you only watched hockey occasionally. Before the game started, the guys were given a tour of Highmark Stadium and you were trailing around as the guys made their way around your workplace. Throughout their time there, you had noticed that a particular curly-haired hockey forward named Tyson Jost kept being close to you; as one of the few single guys left on the team, his teammates were shifting around and nudging him to talk to you. Tyson walked at a much slower pace to keep up with you instead of with the guys. He asked you a lot of questions and it was a bit odd to you that Tyson was more interested in paying attention to you than the football stadium tour was occurring. Tyson seemed curious about you, which you thought was cute, but you couldn’t quite be as flirty with him on the clock. The tour was only for an hour and concluded at the sidelines before the game officially started. You still had a lot of work to do since it was gameday so before going back to your office to review the content you acquired and what the team photographers captured, you discreetly exchanged numbers with Tyson to talk to him later on. During half-time, you checked your phone quickly and saw a text from Tyson that read “Thanks for answering all of my questions back there, I appreciate it. Can I ask you some more over coffee sometime?”. You were slightly taken aback by him asking you out so soon but you weren’t going to let that opportunity slip away so you agreed to go out with Tyson. 

On your first official date, Tyson forgot to bring flowers because he was nervous. You didn’t mind that he forgot and understood his nervousness. Over drinks and pastries from Five Points Bakery, Tyson asked you a lot of questions because he was so enamored by you and you got to ask him a lot of questions in return: you even made each other laugh a few times. The conversation flowed so easily and effortlessly from topic to topic. As you chatted, for some reason, it felt like you had known each other for so much longer. The time that you spent together went by so fast that you ended up closing the bakery. Neither you nor Tyson wanted the date to be over so you ended up strolling around the leaf-riddled streets of Buffalo, making a stop for some additional fun at Lock and Key Escape Room and popping into Mythos for a last-minute dinner date. After dinner concluded, you mutually agreed to call it a night. You learned a lot about each other in the hours that you spent together that day. By the time the date officially ended, all Tyson had wanted was to see you again the following day and whatever days he could after that; you felt the same way. He walked you to your car and before going your separate ways, you shared a long goodbye embrace; a kiss would be saved for the next date. Speaking of which, on your next date, Tyson brought you flowers for the first time, and for the rest of your relationship, he would never forget to get them for you ever again. 

With the both of you working in sports, your schedule was never really consistent but despite that, you and Tyson still kept in constant contact and made time for each other whenever you could. You would go to some of Tyson’s games and some team events and Tyson would always hype you up on Bills gamedays. You even surprised Tyson once at an away game; the Bills had a bye week so you flew out to Boston to cheer him on. Whenever your schedules aligned in Buffalo, you and Tyson would go out on different dates around the city and suburbs; these dates were always guaranteed to be an enjoyable time and all of those dates eventually turned into a deeply committed romantic relationship. 

Being loved by Tyson and loving him was like your dreams coming true; your relationship worked well because you admired each other so much and neither of you could imagine being with anyone else. You were both used to people making promises to you and turning around and breaking them, used to giving your heart to others and they just cut you and leave you bleeding all over the place. However, this relationship was different and all you had to do was try; this time, trying paid off well because being together made those realities not true anymore. The relationship you shared was determined to heal you both from those who had hurt you in the past and you both felt safe with each other. You were worth the challenge of mending together a broken and tender heart for Tyson; his heart was ignited for you and he would do everything in his power to continue to pursue you and you only. Your relationship also had no moments of wasted time or any broken promises and you were always honest to each other. You both had waited so long through dating around and heartbreak for the right person to come along into each other’s lives but the wait was worth it because you ended up together. Falling in love wasn’t a bad thing at all; as expected, it was scary to give your heart to someone else but like a rollercoaster, it was also thrilling and exciting and you got to fall into the arms of someone amazing. Of course, things weren’t always sunny and there were some setbacks and struggles while you were dating. You and Tyson did disagree and argue sometimes but you could compromise when needed; you also had to balance your relationship with the demands of your job and Tyson constantly being either home or away but being with him was worth those challenges. Like anything in life, there would be a moment that would test how strong your relationship is.————————————————————One Saturday afternoon, you and Tyson decided to get ice cream after Tyson was healthy scratched from that afternoon’s game. Unfortunately, the person who served the ice cream used the same scooper that was used to scoop ice cream with nuts in it and you had an allergic reaction. Thankfully, you had an EpiPen in your bag and used it to help you. Your symptoms began to slowly subside but the instructions mentioned that you should visit the ER if used so Tyson took you. The ER doctor put you on an IV and decided to keep you overnight for observation. Tyson begged the doctor to let him stay in the room with you and they surprisingly agreed, even though you weren’t married and common law marriages weren’t a thing in New York. You were so grateful that Tyson stayed with you instead of leaving to go sleep in his comfy bed and just picking you up whenever you were discharged, not having to deal with the nurses and doctors coming in and out of the room throughout the night, interrupting whatever rest he got in that uncomfortable hospital chair. You were awake and observant for a while but you eventually drifted off to sleep. Tyson was tired but he couldn’t bring himself to sleep because he was so worried about you. As he saw you lying in the hospital bed, Tyson thought to himself that you should never have to go through any sort of health crisis alone. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to be there all the time but he would be there for you as much as he could. This whole experience opened up Tyson’s eyes to realizing that he wanted to share your address and move in together and also to be your emergency contact. 

To say that Tyson was in love with you was a bit of an understatement; he was so smitten about you and everyone around him could pick up on that immediately. Tyson would see things that would remind him of you and his heart would swell with so much joy and the light in his eyes shined differently whenever he talked about you. Tyson truly and deeply loved you so much that he couldn’t lose you. His heart would beat so fast whenever you were around or if someone mentioned you and you were the one that he adored. To him, it felt like days would go wasted without you in them. He wanted a house with kids running around that shared both of your traits, to travel across the world, and grow old, all with you. In that moment, Tyson privately vowed to himself that he was going to marry you one day.

Months down the line, after waiting for your lease to be up and for the hockey season to be over, you and Tyson rented a house together. Living together meant that you got to see each other a little bit more frequently, which you both liked. You settled into a comfortable routine with Tyson and had mild complaints about your cute roommate; sharing a space wasn’t so bad. Tyson got to cook for you, serenade you on his ukulele, and slow dance in the kitchen with you as often as he could. You got to taste all of Tyson’s recipes, annoy him with your purposefully bad singing, and wake up next to him on the rare days you were off together. You and Tyson even began hosting a monthly trivia night at your home with your friends and some of Tyson’s teammates. Moving in together also meant that you were around to help Tyson whenever he was injured and always there to comfort him after a disappointing healthy scratch or game loss as well.

Combining your lives together meant that your families would mix at some point. Tyson’s mother, Laura, visited frequently and came down for the Sabres’ Moms’ Trip and stayed for a week afterward so you got to know her more and she got to know the person her son was so lovestruck about. You also got to meet his sister, Kacey, when his mother returned for Christmas and also brought Grandpa Jost along. You had a good relationship with Tyson’s family; they adored you and liked you with him. In regards to your family, your parents only came to Buffalo once in a while and you would go back to your hometown for holidays but your parents talked Tyson through video calls and knew how much he meant to you.

While you were still dating, your parents ended up contributing to a significant memory for Tyson and you weren’t even there. When the Dads and Mentors Trip came around, for some reason, Grandpa Jost couldn’t be there for his grandson so your dad flew out to Buffalo to accompany Tyson on the trip. This was going to be your father’s first time meeting Tyson in person and it was intimidating at first but that intimidation faded away as your dad and Tyson got to know each other. Tyson was so thankful that your dad took the time to be there for him. Before returning to Buffalo, Tyson had asked your father for your hand in marriage and your dad agreed to let his little ray of sunshine shine their light into someone else’s life. If there was anyone else in the world that he would walk his precious child down the aisle to, your father was glad that Tyson would be the guy on the other side.————————————————————After getting your father’s approval, calling your mom to get her blessing, and telling both of your family and friends about it, it was time for Tyson to propose. Tyson arranged a fun scavenger hunt for you around Buffalo during the NFL off-season and at the end of the NHL regular season. This scavenger hunt was bittersweet because Tyson was going to be a free agent that upcoming off-season and there was no full guarantee he would return to play for the Sabres so you both prepared for the likely possibility that you would have to move away for Tyson to play with a different team. It was going to be hard to leave behind the place that you both called home and also your job but you would follow Tyson wherever he would go. Thankfully, you still had some time left to hang out with your friends and former co-workers before leaving for the off-season.

The scavenger hunt started with an index card on the fridge that read: “Good morning, my love. Look for the next clue inside our home on a masterpiece hanging above.” Tyson had gone golfing with his teammates for what could be the last time so these little notes were the only communication you had with him that day and you read all of the clue cards in his voice. You found the next note that read on top of a painting you made: “Remember when we went to that art class and you painted the most beautiful sunset? Go to the visitor’s desk at Buffalo AKG Art Museum to find out the rest.” 

You headed to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and the guide at the visitor’s desk handed you an envelope with a prepaid admission ticket inside; there was also a sticky note inside that read “Your reflection is a work of art. Go to the mirrors exhibit and see how your beauty captured my heart.” The heat rushed to your face as you read Tyson’s note; he wasn’t there but he still made your heart skip a beat through his words. You headed straight to the mirrors exhibit and took a bunch of cute photos while you were there. After the mirrors exhibit, you continued to look around the art museum and ran into Danielle Okoposo, Kyle Okoposo’s wife, while you were there. She mentioned that she was visiting the art museum because her kids were taking an art class there and told you to stay with her until the class was over because one of her kids had the next clue for you. You didn’t wait long for the kids to come out and all of the Okoposo children showed off to their mother and you what they had created in class. Livia, the youngest Okoposo daughter, gave you a personalized drawing of you and Tyson with a lot of hearts on it. Written in Livia’s youthful handwriting, the back of the drawing read: “As you can see, we are surrounded by lots of love, and no matter what happens, that will always be true. Head to Five Points Bakery for a snack pickup and your next clue.” You departed from Danielle and the Okposo children and headed to the spot where you and Tyson had your first date.

The bakery wasn’t as busy when you went to pick up your order; although Tyson had already placed the order for you, you still picked up a sweet treat for your sweetie as a reward for all of the things he’d done with this scavenger hunt. Your next clue card was inside the bag with your order that stated: “After my snack has had their snack, don’t be perplexed by my request for you to ask your parents for where to go next.” You followed Tyson’s instructions and your mom texted you: “Summer is approaching and we can’t wait to see you soon so go to the Botanical Garden where the flowers bloom.”

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens was a special place to you and Tyson; it’s where you celebrated your first year of dating with a cute couples photoshoot and also had membership to the space. Your favorite part of the Botanical Gardens was the koi fish pond so of course, you would find your next clue taped to the back of the bench near where the pond was. “I know you’ve been out for hours but I have you running around for a reason. Now, go home, there’s something fun that we need to do before we go to Canada for the off-season.”, the clue card read.

You went back home; all of the nostalgia from visiting some of your favorite spots around Buffalo made you feel both happy and sad at the same time. Even though the scavenger hunt was a final trip for you to go to the places you enjoyed in Buffalo, you wished deep down that Tyson would have been there to experience them with you for one last time. Tyson still wasn’t back yet and his location indicated that he was at a restaurant near the golf course; you tried to call and text him throughout the day to check on him but he didn’t answer at all. You walked into your bedroom and saw a note on the closet door that read “You’re going to want to dress your best for this next part (as the kids say, make sure your look serves) and when you’re done, meet me at Tifft Nature Preserve.” The last part of the note confused you because the nature preserve would be closed by now but you showered, got ready, and went there anyway. 

Inside the Tifft Nature Preserve Education Center was a trail of lights that led you to a projector with a Kahoot game, ready to be played. Tyson, looking handsome in a crisp polo and jeans, was surrounded by blankets and snacks. You hadn’t seen or heard much from him the whole day so it was nice to see the face of the man that you loved.

“Tyson, you did not ask me to dress up and drag me all this way to play trivia when we could do it at home or go to trivia night at the bar.”, you stated.

“This might be our last time playing our monthly trivia game in Buffalo so why not go all out?” Tyson responded.

Trivia was amusing as expected and you won the game so you asked Tyson what your prize was; your prize was Tyson was going to sing you a quick song on his ukulele. The notes sounded familiar to you and then you recognized what your lover was serenading you to.

“Cause I don't wanna lose you now, I'm lookin' right at the other half of me. The vacancy that sat in my heart is a space that now you hold. Show me how to fight for now and I'll tell you, baby, it was easy, comin' back here to you. Once I figured it out, you were right here all along. It's like you're my mirror, my mirror staring back at me. I couldn't get any bigger with anyone else beside of me. And now it's clear as this promise that we're making two reflections into one.” Tyson sang during the chorus of Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. The lyrics were right for describing your relationship with Tyson; you were separate individuals but your relationship intertwined you together and also allowed you to change for the better as people. Music was something that was important to both of you and Tyson had sung to you several times before, including love songs, so this wasn’t much of a surprise to you. After he concluded singing, Tyson handed you over one final clue card that simply read “Will you marry me?”.

Tears of joy began to fill your eyes and Tyson was down on one knee, holding out your dream ring. The sun was going to set soon so the golden hour sunset hue coming through the windows was a nice natural touch to the proposal. You had thought Tyson was going to propose on your planned trip to Banff that summer so this was definitely a huge surprise. You were both speechless because there just weren't enough words to describe the feeling of love that was flowing between the two of you at that moment. After over a year of dating, you were moving on to the next step of getting married and like the lyrics of the song said, merging your two reflections into one. After your engagement/farewell dinner with some of the Sabers players and their families, you and Tyson returned home and had an impromptu dance party in the living room with your new fiance to “Let’s Get Married” by Bleachers, “Slow Dance” by Saint Motel, and “Just The Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers. Your time in Buffalo was coming to an end but it ended in the best way.————————————————————Just as you both suspected, the Sabres did not choose to offer Tyson a contract so he ended up signing on a short-term NHL contract elsewhere as a free agent and you moved away from Buffalo. Tyson was used to moving away and starting over more than you were but you both knew that home would always be wherever you were with those that you loved. The move and the wedding planning did add some additional stress to both of you but it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. You both adjusted well to your new life in your new home city; you had good relationships with the other WAGs and their families and continued your career as a social media manager for a local sports team. Tyson meshed great with his teammates, got more ice time and his play improved. You and Tyson rented a house again and added a dog named Maverick to your little family.

The wedding planning time went by in such an exciting and enjoyable blur and before you both knew it, it was time to marry the love of your life. You and Tyson decided on a destination wedding at a Four Seasons Resort in Florida. Both of your families helped out with the wedding in the many different ways that they could and were delighted to unite together on behalf of your love. It was also nice that all of your friends and some of Tyson’s former teammates were there for your special day as well.

The details of your wedding day were so beautiful and perfect; your something new was a diamond necklace given to you by the Jost family, your something borrowed and something blue was a blue bracelet from your mom that she wore on her wedding day to your dad. You floated down the aisle with your father by your side to meet with your soon-to-be husband, waiting for you in his black tux. Tyson saw you, walking towards him, and he got a little emotional. Tyson’s parents’ relationship didn’t work out and he was terrified to face a similar doom in his life but being with you restored his faith in relationships and marriage. Seeing Tyson cry made you tear up too but everyone knew that those were happy tears. Even though there was an audience of other people in the room, it felt like you and Tyson were the only ones there. Your vows to each other were like the most poetic song lyrics and were sealed with a sweet kiss. You had dreamed of your wedding day for a while, unsure who would be the one to greet you at the altar but finally, you knew.

Your first dance as a married couple was to the Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross cover of Endless Love (originally performed by Diana Ross featuring Lionel Richie), which was considered one of the greatest duets of all time. Like the vocals in the song, you and Tyson debuting as a married couple to a duet made sense because you were complementary to each other and brought out each other’s strengths. The rest of your wedding was spectacular. You danced the night away to a variety of tracks from a carefully curated playlist, enjoyed delicious food, took plenty of photos, laughed, and happily cried a few more times too. You also both mixed and mingled with your guests and were swept into all different directions around the venue.

Towards the end of your wedding and before you walked out to say goodbye to all of your guests, Tyson pulled you away for a surprise private dance as newlyweds. You and Tyson would get plenty of time alone together on your honeymoon in Greece but the private dance without the pressure of any other eyes on you was much appreciated. You swayed back and forth with your husband to “All My Life” by K-Ci and Jojo, “You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain, and “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC, and sang along to all of them together. Just like the lyrics in the songs had said, “All my life, I’ve been waiting for someone like you” (“All My Life” by K-Ci and Jojo), “we’re still together, still going strong” (“You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain), and “and with this vow, forever has now begun” (This I Promise You” by *NSYNC), all that you had been waiting for, for so long was right in front of you and it was true that your forever love was just getting started. In a whisper, you asked to play a song and chose “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion as the final song for your private dance. The song served as a thank you to each other by summing up the journey of your relationship so far and how your love helped you both grow as people. Getting married allowed you to write a new chapter in your love story. You made it this far as a couple and there was so much to look forward to in your future together.

[jules-has-notes]

Boy Bands in 5 Minutes — VoicePlay music video

People have been singing together since there have been people, but the specific phenomenon of boy bands really took form during the mid-20th century. In that grand tradition, VoicePlay had been performing a medley of songs from their mainstream counterparts infused with their own trademark silliness at live shows for years. With a few tweaks and a lot of hard work, they created this incredible audio-visual tour through decades of pop, rock, motown, and hip-hop hits. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. That is, if you can resist dancing along.

Details:

title: Boy Bands in 5 Minutes

original songs / performers: "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys; [0:16] "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5; [0:42] "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles; [1:02] "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Temptations; [1:23] "Walk Like A Man" by The Four Seasons; [1:54] "Candy Girl" by New Edition; [2:05] "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe; [2:23] "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" by New Kids on the Block; [2:39] "Thank You" & "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men; [3:08] "The Hardest Thing" by 98 Degrees; [3:29] "I Want It That Way" (reprise); [4:03] "Pop" by *NSYNC; [4:29] "Best Song Ever" by One Direction; [4:50] "Fake Love" by BTS

written by: "I Want It That Way" by Andreas Carlsson & Max Martin; "I Want You Back" by Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, & Deke Richards; "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by John Lennon & Paul McCartney; "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by Norman Whitfield & Eddie Holland; "Walk Like A Man" by Bob Crewe & Bob Gaudio; "Candy Girl" by Maurice Starr & Michael Jonzun; "Poison" by Elliot "Dr. Freeze" Straite; "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" by Maurice Starr; "Thank You" by Dallas Austin & Boyz II Men; "Mowtownphilly" by Dallas Austin, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris, & Shawn Stockman; "The Hardest Thing" by Steve Kipner & David Frank; "Pop" by Justin Timberlake & Wade Robson; "Best Song Ever" by Wayne Hector, "John the Blind" Ryan, Ed Drewett, & Julian Bunetta; "Fake Love" by "Hitman" Bang Si-hyuk, Kim "RM" Nam-joon, & Kang "Pdogg" Hyo-won

arranged by: Geoff Castellucci

release date: 14 June 2019

My favorite bits:

easing into things with harmonies of a memorable song from their own youth, then jumping back to the early stuff

Earl at nearly 40 sounding just as good as preteen Michael Jackson on those high vocals

the clever camera wipe transitions that allow them to change outfits and positions to reflect each group

the rhythm section doing some air instrumentation during "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" 🎸🥁

J.None actually not being too proud to ask his bandmates to come back after they jazz-square-slide away

using the whip pan to and from the gossipers to make another costume change

Geoff pushing past Earl, which propels Eli off screen and into the right order for the next dance sequence

the beautiful juxtaposition of the "Single Ladies" choreography done to "Walk Like A Man" 💃🕺

the airy decending sounds Layne makes as they all fall down and the camera spins into the next song

getting back to their barbershop roots for "Candy Girl"

bracketing "Thank You" with the unmistakeable bell chords from "Motownphilly"

Layne doing the quick change "wrong" and yanking off his dickie with dramatic flair as he starts beatboxing again

the whole montage of "Pop"-able items, particularly the intense Bubble Tape™ stand-off, and J.None being showered in bubbles

playing up the dork-itude of the One Direction dance moves

that chromatic descent transitioning into the final song

the delightful floof of Geoff's hair as he rebounds the cascading movement back down the line

that lush ending, complete with Eli's fantastic riff

Trivia:

○ This video was the result of a Patreon poll, and the option the guys least wanted to win, because they knew how much work it would be. But they committed to it like the professionals they are, going all out on the music, costumes, and choreography.

○ The medley is an update / expansion of the previous version they had been performing at live shows for many years. They took the opportunity to swap out some songs in the earlier arrangement for others by the same artists:

Jackson 5 — "ABC" ⇒ "I Want You Back"

Four Seasons — "Sherry" ⇒ "Walk Like a Man"

*NSYNC — "Bye Bye Bye" ⇒ "POP"

One Direction — "What Makes You Beautiful" ⇒ "Best Song Ever"

○ To get the dance moves right, they called in a ringer — choreographer Kristin Denehy from The Sing-Off competition show and live tours, who they'd also worked with on their "Cheerleader" video several years before.

○ The group of gossipers during "Walk Like a Man" is all of VoicePlay's spouses at the time — Nick Perez, Kathy Castellucci, Cyndi Stein, and Ashley Jacobson.

○ The sandwich delivery guy in "Thank You" is the fellas' longtime friend and collaborator Rek Dunn. Given that Boyz II Men are proud Philadelphians, he's probably handing over a cheesesteak.

○ Eli sings some of the Korean lyrics in the closing BTS section. Given that he speaks Japanese, he was probably the most likely of the guys to get the pronunciation right. (And judging by the YouTube comments from BTS fans, he did a good job.)

○ When Geoff was rehearsing the choreography at home, he got some personal coaching from Kathy and little William.

○ The guys also had group dance rehearsals at a local studio.

extracted from Geoff's Instagram farewell post for J.None

○ Things got a little out of hand while they were filming the bubble wrap section of the "Pop" montage.

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A post shared by VoicePlay (@thevoiceplay)

○ They got their act together for the transition to the next song, though.

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○ The long day of filming and dancing aggravated Earl's old foot injury, so he spent the next day wearing a brace to help it recover.

○ The streaming audio version is separated into 4 tracks with 3 or 4 songs each, primarily due to licensing restrictions.

○ The 4:2:Five boys had opened for 98 Degrees at Sea World all the way back in September 2001, just a few months after they'd released their first professional EP. When VoicePlay appeared on the fourth season of The Sing-Off in 2013, working with Nick Lachey again was a little bit of a reunion.