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rudikawhy · 1 year ago

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season Three

Just like I did with season two, I took some notes while watching season three.

There are spoilers, but since I've marked when a new episode starts, you could just skip those you haven't seen yet. If there are any.

(S03 E01) I feel you, Coulson. It's hard for me too to get used to calling her Daisy

"He looks big and intimidating. But inside, he's just a soft, little, fluffy little teddy bear."

It must be so tough, knowing you can't go back to your own life

I was waiting for them to mention that Simmons has been swallowed (15 minutes)

Glad that Bobbi's back at work tho.

What's your mission, Fitz!?

"One last thing" what does that mean!?

I loooove sassy Fitz. "Hey, wait. Ah. I want to see Yusef. You understand? Or is your English worse than you think?"

Why doesn't Hunter talk to Bobbi now?

How dare you touch Fitz!

Is it just me or does Iain sound here more scottish than in season two?

I would like to have Fitz as my hero

This "monster" that appears at the hospital looks pretty creepy

And now, Fitz can also read Hebrew. What can't he do?

I love that both Jemma and Elizabeth are from Sheffield

No, don't accept it yet! This is Marvel, of course Jemma isn't dead

Fitz continues to break my heart (DO SOMETHING!!)

What the hell is happening there? Wherever Jemma is

(S03 E02) "In all of history, no one has ever returned" well maybe it's time someone does. Jemma, would you be so kind?

Okay, that was close, pulling Fitz away from that thing

I really love soft Bobbi

"So you think the Rock is a portal?" "No. No, I'm proving that it's a portal." I like confident Fitz (I also like self-conscious Fitz. I like Fitz in general)

"... and a Sandwich would be nice" Mood

Fitz would do any- and everything for Jemma, wouldn't he?

I'm confused by Bobbi and Hunter's relationship

"Don't die out there" I love that they keep saying that

If Hunter is looking for Ward at Hydra and Ward built his own team, than Hunter won't find anything, will he?

Coulson doesn’t open the portal just for ONE life. It's Jemma's life

"A lot of speculation back at HQ as to why you went AWOL. Spiritual walkabout. Mid-life crisis. EARLY mid-life crisis" Saved last second, Hunter

What the HELL do you think you're doing, Fitz!!!?

Why does it hurt so much more when they are inaudible?

Also my heart started beating so loudly

Fitz smiles! For the first time in what? One season?

I absolutely LOVE Hunter's reaction "Fitz, you absolute beauty!"

First Hunter sleeping by Bobbi's bed, and now Fitz by Jemma's bed - I love them

(S03 E03)

Jemma doesn't look too good

I, too, would be creeped out if someone put a tracker on me

I like Hunter

Fitz taking Jemma's hand is just the beginning of cuteness I expect from them

"Besides, she knows I'm lying, so it's not even really a lie." What kind of logic is that?

Did I mention that I love Bobbi? The way she speaks to Fitz

Would you mind leaving Hunter alone? I mean I know he kinda signed up for this but still

How is it that even when Fitzsimmons get to go to the restaurant where Fitz was holding the reservation for MONTHS, they manage to hurt my heart?

Does Hunter really want to meet Ward in this condition?

Why would you have to go back there, Jemma?

(S03 E04) The guy in the first scene who died kinda looked like Lee from the Kissing Booth

I can't make really sense of Coulson, what's his plan with this "cooperation"

Hunter calling May first "love" and then "mum" is just brilliant

"It's tough when people keep things from you" is Fitz referring to the beginning of Season two or to the present when he doesn't know what Jemma plans with the folder?

"Sorry, this coming from the guy who shot his own girlfriend by mistake?" Sassy Hunter is cool Hunter

Sooo, I have a feeling May's gonna kill Hunter after what happened to Andrew.

"It's time I told you the truth about everything" is "Something happened to me, Fitz, on the other side" already the truth about everything or does she simply not tell US the truth?

(S03 E05) Why is Jemma running, though? She has no destination

Note for myself: always charge your phone. Just in case you get swallowed by a monolith and you need to update your file of research and take pictures

It looks so cold there

Her talking about the restaurant to herself is too cute

I don't want to know how clean that water is

Where did she get the bathing suit from?

Okay, I see now, it's not a bathing suit

"You're dinner, biatch" Fitz and her ARE really the same

"Everyone always said we could read each other's minds, Fitz. So I really need you to read mine right now."

You're telling me she only had one picture of Fitz on her phone?

"I know you won't give up, so I won't, either"

Whatever this magic phone battery is, I need it! One month and it still works (or maybe I just need a Fitz in my life, not only for the phone battery)

"You wouldn't happen to have any alcohol, would you, Will?" - "Yeah, I'll run down to the drugstore and get it for you." - "Would you, please? If it's not too much trouble." I don't know if Jemma doesn't understand his sarcasm or just replies with own sarcasm

Is this just going to be a whole episode of Jemma on that planet?

"His name is like your favorite word" you're not wrong

Oh, that's the scene from the end of S03 E01

And Will's the reason Jemma needs to get back. That makes so much sense

You said you wouldn't give up hope

I know it's not really cheating but still, JEMMA!?

What was I saying? Fitz would do really anything for Jemma, even get Will back

(S03 E06) Why take Hunter (who does it for revenge) off a task and put May (who does it also for revenge) on it?

I never would have thought that May couldn't think clear

"You're not gonna say the thing?" That's exactly what I thought that moment. 'We don't get a "Don't die out there" this time?'

But Hunter, it's more than just keeping Simmons warm with a fire. She honestly couldn't have survived without him.

What language does Bobbi Not speak?

I'm always impressed how good they all can improvise

May smiling is just wrong

"Now we use the new dwarf Fitz crafted. He doesn't think it's ready yet, but that's stupid because it's awesome, so I stole it" isn't that with most things Fitz crafts? That he thinks it's not finished but other think it's awesome

Finally some soft Fitzsimmons scenes

I haven't said it yet, so I'll say it now: I don't like Rosalind

Even when she (apparently) has good intentions, I don't like her

Badass Bobbi

I don't know, for some reason I saw that coming. That Andrew is Lash

(S03 E07) Now knowing that Andrew is Lash, it makes it so much worse when they talk about inhumans in his present

Why do agents tend to keep information they got to themselves?

I like Hunter/Bobbi scenes

Can we please also see Fitz listening to the other audios?

Thank you, wish fulfilled

"Do you remember when we first met? I do. You were so quiet and pasty, and... so incredibly smart, handsome... quite a strange feeling... isn't it? Never wanting to be without someone. You must have been so annoyed, me following you around all the time." - "No. Never." - "I imagine our dinner sometimes... where we'd go, what we'd eat. I wonder about us a lot, actually. There's this small cottage in Perthshire we drove by once when I was a girl, some... some... family holiday, and I don't know why but I... I found it so lovely. I still think about it... a place where you and I could have... But that's that, I suppose. I'm not sure how long this battery will last. I should save it, just in case, for more important things. But I'll still talk to you on my own, if that's all right. I'll always be with you, Fitz." I'm sorry, I just HAD to write this down.

It must have been so hard for May to shoot Andrew and put into that box

Soft Fitzsimmons incoming!!

"Didn't know you thought about setting down in Perthshire. That's in Scotland." - "I know where it is, Fitz." :D

Also: "So when you said all those things about... I mean, you were tired and dehydrated." - "I was as clearheaded then as I've ever been... when I said all those things.... What do you think we should do about it?" - "For now... let's just watch the sunrise."

"You should think on a grander scale." - "Oh, I'll be grand." Yes, cause he is already Grant (Ward)

(S03 E08) That escalated quickly

I like Lincoln's voice

Fuck Ward

Why can Lincoln just work with them from one moment to the other?

Hunter's "Damn the Yanks" Shirt 😅

Coulson and Price together is just urghh

That wasn't a nice thing to do, Ward

"Stop. Just stop trying to do all the right things. It's too much." But that's what we love about Fitz

Why is it so funny; Hunter typing on the computer with Daisy on comms

And of course Hunter can't be really serious (Username: God Save The Queen), and Daisy feels the need to clarify that that wasn't her idea

I love jealous Fitz

"And you dove through a hole in the universe for me!" Thank you for pointing that out

I didn't even realize at first that this was really the FIRST Fitzsimmons kiss, it felt so natural

I may or may not have squeaked

I never realized how long Iain's eyelashes are

No, Fitz, you're not cursed

Watch out, Bobbi, I still need you

"Our friend Mr Banks has just showed up, and I do not have a handkerchief to cover my face... and that would be weird, anyhow." Indeed that would be weird

I don't know if I like Lincoln

I love Bobbi/Hunter dynamic

Of course everything is connected

(S03 E09)

Why is this dinner so awkward?

I mean I didn't like Rosalind, but she didn't deserve that

Aaaaand of course it was Ward

This episode started off with so much, and so fast, I can't even put my thoughts into words and write them down

Kinda cool, the interrogation

Crazy how Coulson, who is normally one of those who can think clearest, is now acting fully emotionally.

First May, then Coulson, everyone is attacking Hunter

Okay, what is going on here? Always putting Fitzsimmons in danger, aren't we, writers of AoS?

You can't just simply separate Fitzsimmons!

Don't you touch Jemma

Ward, you bloody psychopath

I kinda like Thomas

How many phones does someone with anger issues buy each year if every time something inconvenient is said on the phone they throw it away?

Cable ties are really the worst to be bind to something

Oh Fitz, when I said you'd really do anything for Jemma, this isn't what I meant

I beg you pardon, Ward? S.H.I.E.L.D. killed Kara? I think you got there something really wrong. That was you, you shot her

"Fitz, please just let them kill me." Jemma, you know that that's never gonna happen. He would do anything in his power to keep you alive

"I lost you once. I can't lose you again. I'm just... I'm not strong enough to live in a world that doesn't have you in it"

She wants to hug him but she can't 😭😭

Okay, Coulson, that was crazy

They really could have given Fitz some better clothes

(S03 E10) That way, Fitz won't be able to figure out anything

"This is how S.H.I.E.L.D. works. You make a plan, plan turns to rubbish, you make a new plan." Well said

Oh god, oh god, what can I say? I'm literally shaking because of this Fitz/Will thing

I wasn't really able to pause the episode to write something down, so I don't really have any notes from this episode.

But, some things:

I feel bad for Jemma because she looked so guilty when May said that Lash killed all the inhumans, and she was the one who let Andrew free, just to save herself. I don't know, I just feel bad for her

Also, I feel bad for Fitz because he just wanted to bring Will back for Jemma and then Will turns out to be "it"

Also, the few seconds between Fitz shouting to Coulson that they have to hurry and them actually hurrying, when Coulson left his hand by Ward's side, that felt so much longer than it actually was.

Jemma standing by the container at the end, thinking that Fitz didn't make it, just hurt really

Also what was that last glance between Coulson and Fitz suppose to mean? That confused me

And because I feel like I haven't said it in a while: I really love Bobbi and Hunter

(S03 E11) What president is that supposed to be?

I love that Jemma still asks Fitz for his opinion, even when (it seems like) she doesn't really need it

This person with those super powers (who puts Mack in the car) is scary

What did Fitz do to Will, though? I thought Will really died saving Jemma and that, whatever it was, was just disguised as Will

Who could this person be who might know something about Malick?

Ah, van Strucker

This new "Ward" is really weird and scary

Bobbi's "Hey you" (rescuing Mack) made me unreasonable happy

When Coulson said "What about him?" to Lincoln, I thought he wanted to put him into this machine

Why is there almost no episode where no one is captured, hurt, knocked out, or anything like that? And why is it once again Bobbi and Hunter?

"Why are you really here?" is a pretty stupid question you can ask a person who you've kidnapped

Okay, now Elena's no longer scary, more cool

Also please keep Bobbi and Hunter save

"I miss you"

"You've been nothing less than extraordinary this whole time." Jemma's here to speak the truth

"Can we start over, back to where we began?" - "Sixteen and achingly shy" - "Two people, endlessly inquisitive, about to embark on a relationship that will change their lives, but they don't know where it will go. I'm Jemma Simmons, biochemist." - "Leopold Fitz, engineering." What are you planning with this?

Sometimes I feel like they just let Ward live (or something similar), so that Brett Dalton can continue to be a part of the series

(S03 E12)

"What are you?" - "What are we?" That was creepy

"No one would ever intentionally cut their hair like that" That's what I've been thinking about Talbot's hair cut for quite some time

Sometimes I wonder if Lincoln really doesn't follow orders because he doesn't want to or because he can't stop using his powers on command

I'm impressed by Brett Dalton's acting

How could anyone not want to be Hunter's friend? I mean, yes, sometimes he can be out of control and maybe he isn't ALWAYS the greatest friend, but deep down, I believe, he is a great friend and always there for you

Oh, I was wondering, why his right arm is in that sling, but that's actually a smart trick

Jemma calls him Dr. Fitz :)

Why does Hunter keep on doing his own thing?

And why is he always right? ("Oh, guns. Why does no one ever listen to me?")

And why do agents continue to read something or look for something with their backs to the room when they're in a room they're not supposed to be?

Oh, COME ON, Hunter

Well, that's kinda your own fault now, Hunter

Excuse me, Talbot!?

Each episode, my trust issues just get bigger. Like, who CAN I even trust anymore?

Also, why does Coulson always, literally always, look like he's smiling, even when he's not?

"I hate to be a buzzkill, but this is a gun free zone, so I'm gonna have to take that off you." I love you, Hunter

"I love you" same, Bobbi, same

How do the villains always manage to turn things to their advantage?

"Were we the only ones that got the "no weapons" memo?" Probably

"I'm bored of this." Only a selected few could say something like that in the middle of a shooting, and Bobbi is one of them

Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, Bobbi

"Oh, damn" was my (and probably Hunter's) though, when he saw the red point on his hand

Talbot's "Where is my son?" reminded me very much of Hamilton's in Stay Alive (Reprise)

Grant Ward (or whoever you might be now), that's disgusting!

Hunter, Bobbi, don't die out there

(S03 E13)

Not me who simply said "Bobbi!" when I saw her sitting there

"I'd like a cheeseburger, medium, with cheddar cheese, ketchup, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. And some curly fries. Crispy." Queen Bobbi is here again

"There's no one else to help you here" what happened to Hunter?

That was nice, that Hunter and Bobbi, for once, had a conversation on their own

But of course it had to be interrupted

For a second there I forgot that Bobbi speaks a lot of languages, including Russian

"How's everyone's Russian?" - "My pronunciation's not fluent." - "And mine's nonexistent." - "I dated a Russian hacker once, but I only learned the dirty words." Why is this all so in character?

"Amadeus Ravenclaw Hunter" only Hunter could give that answer (OH WAIT, that is really his real name!? I thought it was just Hunter not taking anything seriously) (Or isn't it? I'm not following. Can anyone give me answers whether or not that's his real full name?)

Would any of them mind just leaving Bobbi and Hunter alone?

I love it so much when Hunter calls her "Bob"

"Wait, wait, hold on. The letter that looks like New Hampshire with legs, that's "D," right?"

A person who has a shadow even though they're not visible, that's creepy

"I have an idea, but it involves May hitting people" May's smirk

I'm sorry but it looked kind of pathetic, the way they were trying to beat the shadow

"As I was saying, don't panic, sir, but your life is in danger"

Fuck. The panic and fear in Bobbi's voice as she says "Hunter, are you OK? - Hunter, please answer me"

The forehead touch🥲🥹🥺

"It's a spy's goodbye" and I started crying, really hard, and didn't stop until the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo appeared

This can't be it. I can't accept it. Why would they let Bob and Hunter go? Why would they do that to me? To all of us?

I see it coming. I'm gonna rewatch season two and three just because of these two

At least they get to go together

I'm gonna miss them so much

The spy's goodbye was really beautiful, though

(S03 E14)

Why would you think that's awesome, brother-of-Mack?

I can't quite keep up

"No, I'm quite comfortable blaming myself, actually, for the lot of it. For all the miseries endured to rescue helpless little Agent Simmons. Will died trying to save me. And Fitz... Poor Fitz nearly got himself killed a number of times, and that's not even the worst of it." - "Andrew. What happened to those Inhumans... not your fault." - "No, I just let a known murderer loose to save my own skin. Traded all those... those lives for mine. Well, it won't happen again. And since I'm practically the only woman here, who can't kill with her bare hands..."

"OK, Fitz, you're with me." - "Uh... Am I?" That's so me

Sometimes I think Coulson is too hard on people, in this case Lincoln

Daisy, you're not supposed to get in a stranger's car

Fitz looks so shaky and kind of afraid when holding the gun against that guy in the car

Daisy can be charmingly dangerous

I'm not overly fond of Mack's brother. I mean I understand why he's angry for Mack constantly putting him off, but still

I hate it when people are somewhere they're not supposed to be

As I was saying, I'm not overly fond of Mack's brother

Oh please, not Fitz again

"Sooner or later, this bomb is gonna go off. And then... I'll implode. Which is gonna be messy." Fitz talks too casually about him imploding

Joss, Jed, Maurissa, would any of you mind not hurting or trying to kill Fitz anymore?

A shotgun axe!!

"Mini Mack"

I was totally expecting Ward to be in that car at the end

(S03 E15) Fitz didn't look too good in Daisy's vision

Why do people (/villains) always want to take over the world? Like, what would you get out of it?

Okay, it wasn't Fitz but Lincoln, still not looking too good

"And Fitz-Simmons will stay out of the damn snow." I mean I know it was part of the vision but why exactly is it so important to stay out of the damn snow?

"Ward" or whoever that is now is even crazier than the original Ward

That's actually a smart idea, them rehearing the fight

But it's also very funny

Ward's wayyy too crazy

Hurry up, hurry up, Daisy

I KNEW that their plan wouldn't work. When Coulson said that May would go in, no one else. That he'd stay away from guns until this is over. And that everyone else stays at HQ. And I can only assume that it's going to start snowing any second

"It's not snow." - "I think we're supposed to hold hands now.... Maybe some things are inevitable." They're too cute

Oh, right, I forgot that that plane explosion was already foreshadowed

I'm sorry for Charles

(S03 E16) I kinda feel sorry for Nathaniel

That transition of It wasn't necessary

Wait, so Nathaniel is It?

That sacrifice was disgusting

(S03 E17)

I was starting wondering what happened to Yo-Yo

And if I'm being honest I forgot about Joey

Daisy surely can jump out of a plane with style

"This seal gonna hold?" - "Hope so. It's chlorine gas. If not, we'll all go blind." And once again, Fitz talks too casually about them getting harmed

"Who needs space? 'Cause I've got something magnificent right here... A picture of space."

Finally, a wholesome Fitzsimmons scene

Also a beautiful, genuine laugh from Jemma

Oh fuck, I did not expect Daisy to be Hive's sway

Don't they have some kind of emergency alarm button in the quarantine room, so Lincoln could warn the others?

I'm confused. How can Daisy be stopped?

Can Daisy be stopped?

Daisy is probably the reason why people aren't allowed to walk under the wings of planes

(S03 E18) Fitz and Simmons are awfully formal, conspicuously inconspicuous

Fitz trying to talk without actually mentioning what he's talking about, and then there's Jemma with "You mean once we have sex"

Daisy, to me at least, looks suspicious the whole time when talking to Hive, but I'm not sure if she is aware that she is possessed

Fitz looks nice in a suit

"Happy to make the sacrifice" is the new "Happy to comply," isn't it?

"But she's the closest thing I have to a daughter."

I see it coming, the suitcase will be gone any moment

Or not

Fitz being confused by Jemma's actions is cute

Fitzsimmons tends to be separated and I am not happy about it

"I thought it would be cool if the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a shield. Fitz agreed, so..."

When did Jemma say, she'd go nowhere without Ward? (Or did he mean Will?)

Okay, he meant Will

Don't you dare choking Fitz like that

"You know how many times Bobbi and Hunter pulled the "my comms are broken" trick?"

When Mack knows Fitzsimmons better than Fitzsimmons knows themselves

I've been screaming so loudly internally when they kissed (again). I literally had to put my hands on my mouth, so it would stay internally

(S03 E19) What was done to Hive's ancestor looks pretty disgusting

"You didn't see Daisy. She acted like we were still best of pals all while threatening to murder me." - "No, you're right. I didn't see that. I was much too busy listening to the disgusting face of Grant Ward act like my dead boyfriend." - "That's true. That does sound worse." - "Right. If this was a competition, then I'd win. I had to shoot him three times just to shut him up." - "Bet that felt good." - "Yeah, it did. Though it would have felt better had he actually died, instead of just sort of oozing."

Okay, that was even more disgusting, Dr Radcliffe's attempt

I hope that they find a way to get Daisy out of there soon

Fitz talking about Milton, the absolute worst, is too funny

That was pretty stupid, Lincoln

Urghh, May smiled

Why are there suddenly so many nameless soldiers who say more than just "Yes sir"?

Also, I'm constantly expecting Hunter and/or Bobbi to appear on the screen

Hive Daisy's recklessness is scary

And now you've made Hive angry

(S03 E20) I didn't manage to write anything during the episode

But: I thought the lift from the bar to the HQ was really fancy

I was constantly angry at Lincoln for wanting to be with Daisy. So he fooled me too

I was definitely glad that he fooled me and didn't actually wanted to go to Daisy

I still don't like Talbot, even though he didn't really do anything for disliking him

I thought it was really cool that they tricked Hive and Daisy

I am still surprised that Lash doesn't harm Daisy, in contrary really. He was so careful when saving her and freeing her from Hive's sway

I am honestly not sure if I am glad that Lash died or not. Because, yes, he did kill a lot of innocent people, but he also saved Daisy, and maybe they need this power a few more times to free inhumans from Hive's sway

I did not really understand what bad news Fitzsimmons had in the end

(S03 E21) Fitz screamed like a monkey

I'm impressed that Fitz could keep up with that code

Fitz finally initiated a high-five and there's no one who's willing to give him one

Oh dammit, Coulson wants to put Daisy into that machine

Don't provoke Lincoln

Okay, he did

Brett Dalton is honestly a very good actor

Don't get too excited about catching Hive. There is always a hook

Fitz really is the romantic one

I told you, don't get too excited, Hive would find a way to escape

What the hell do you think you're doing, Daisy?

(S03 E22) some post-episode notes

That was... a lot

No, seriously, that was really thrilling

I can't recall particular thoughts or details I want to point out

But a few times I realized I'd clapped my hand over my mouth. I didn't know people really do that, I thought that's just something people in movies do

These new inhumans certainly are pretty creepy

When they were in the room where Jemma was hiding, I was so confused why they couldn't see her

Also Dr Radcliffe is too full of himself

Dammit, I knew Lincoln would die in this episode, but still- Whyyy? I was just stating to REALLY like him

Also Daisy didn't make it any easier not to cry

And that six-months-later scene wasn't what I was looking for. That Daisy left the team

And what the hell does Radcliffe plan to do?

Who is AIDA?

So many questions

But this also means that Fitzsimmons is now at least half a year together, which makes me happy

One of the few things in this episode that made me happy

So, this was me watching AoS season three within 11 days. That was... something. A lot to take in, to think about. I mean we finally got Fitzsimmons. Hive's dead. A lot of other good things happened. But sadly also a lot of bad and not-so-good things. I'm gonna miss Bobbi and Hunter like hell. I already do. (Well, not that I actually miss hell, but I'm gonna miss them really really much). But now to season four. Looking forward to it.

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laufire · 1 year ago

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season 2 is where I'm most sympathetic towards Fitz. I didn't really dislike him until season 5 (first he & his ship start taking over the show and get re-written as this Most Epic Love bs and then... that. smh), but s2... that kind of injury/illness is one of my biggest fears and I really felt for him, in that regard.

this show was GOOD when it came to writing enduring, non-typical established relationships, in a way a lot of tv isn't. Bobbi and Hunter's failed marriage (and the complications stemming from their espionage/mercenary work) to their re-marriage to the (sadly off-screen) resolution that a traditional marriage didn't work for them but something else could. May and Andrew's incredibly heartrending tragedy and the very real sweetness there. EVERYTHING about Coulson and May's long journey, including how they're written after his death or how it shapes May's dynamics with Sarge or lmd!Coulson. they excelled at "we have history together, you and I" dynamics and so so real in the tragedy that came with them, both the grandiose and the mundane kind.

and then... they also wrote Fitzsimmons. *sighs* WHYYYYY

I've been rewatching episodes from agents of s.h.i.e.l.d. from all over the seasons lately and I just wanted to share some random thoughts:

Simmons used to be. such a good character??? I never fucked with her fandom (every time a woc is higher in the narrative than a white girl the racists come out to play and they are NOT original about it smh), but her actual character? before she became completely subsumed to The FitzSimmons unit?? I'm in mourning here, people.

I actually caved and watched the episodes I had left from season 6. this means that I finally found out how Flint (darling <3) came to be in the present. otoh, I love it! I love that Mackelena ~made him up with their minds + the monolith of creation, that this means there's a Flint in the alternate timeline still being a hero and helping rebuild earth. on the other, this makes me wish he'd been in season 7 even more. those themes of identity, "am i even real?" are my catnip. we did get that with lmd!Coulson, of course, but why not both *-*

this rewatch reminded me that I used to ship May and Daisy-then-Skye A LOT back in season 1 lmao. *sighs* my lesbian age gap ships keep getting mother-zoned smh. I'll compensate for this by sexualising (even) more surrogate mother-daughter pairings from now on (I'm doing my part on my original stories. trust me).

#sr #agents of s.h.i.e.l.d.#marvel #marvel thoughts #leo fitz #huntingbird #bobbi morse #lance hunter #meldrew #melinda may #andrew garner #philinda #phil coulson #antifitzsimmons for ts

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destinationtoast · 6 months ago

Note

Have you ever done an analysis of which fandoms are most dominated by a single ship?

I hadn't done so before. I just took a quick pass at doing so, but only among the biggest fandoms on AO3 as of Jan 2024 (ones with over 10K public works at that time). I sorted them by the size of their biggest ship relative to the size of the fandom. This gives us a bunch of very big fandoms with a high % of works tagged with a particular ship:

The raw data used to make this graph, including the corresponding biggest ships, is available in a spreadsheet here, or at the end of this post.

A few notes:

This is based on January 2024 data. Some things may have changed!

Not all these works are necessarily about these ships. Especially in the cases where the ships are canon, they may often be tagged as background ships.

There are undoubtedly many smaller AO3 fandoms that have higher percentages devoted to the top ship.

I removed some highly overlapping fandoms (e.g., Good Omens book fandom).

This is AO3 data only, and (as always!) AO3 does not represent fandom overall. In particular, ship popularity tends to vary A LOT by archive/platform. See some past cross-platform shipping comparisons from 2019 (comparing het vs. slash vs. gen on Wattpad/FFN/AO3), and 2014 (comparing popular ships from HP, SPN, and Sherlock on AO3/FFN). One highlight:

Raw data:

Fandom | Top relationship | % tagged with most common ship

Shameless (US) | Ian Gallagher/Mickey Milkovich | 92.5%

Phandom/The Fantastic Foursome (YouTube RPF) | Dan Howell/Phil Lester | 92.1%

Good Omens (TV) | Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens) | 83.8%

9-1-1 (TV) | Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV) | 79.2%

Hannibal (TV) | Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter | 75.6%

Shadowhunters (TV) | Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood | 75.1%

All For The Game - Nora Sakavic | Neil Josten/Andrew Minyard | 75.0%

Inception (2010) | Arthur/Eames (Inception) | 74.0%

The Old Guard (Movie 2020) | Joe | Yusuf Al-Kaysani/Nicky | Nicolò di Genova | 72.2%

Hawaii Five-0 (2010) | Steve McGarrett/Danny "Danno" Williams | 71.9%

The Mortal Instruments Series - Cassandra Clare | Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood | 71.2%

IT (Movies - Muschietti) | Eddie Kaspbrak/Richie Tozier | 71.1%

陈情令 | The Untamed (TV) RPF | Wang Yi Bo/Xiao Zhan | Sean | 70.9%

X-Men (Alternate Timeline Movies) | Erik Lehnsherr/Charles Xavier | 69.6%

Yuri!!! on Ice (Anime) | Katsuki Yuuri/Victor Nikiforov | 66.3%

Supernatural (TV 2005) RPF | Jensen Ackles/Jared Padalecki | 66.0%

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018) | Adora/Catra (She-Ra) | 63.9%

Deadpool - All Media Types | Peter Parker/Wade Wilson | 63.6%

The Witcher (TV) | Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier | Dandelion | 63.1%

Our Flag Means Death (TV) | Blackbeard | Edward Teach/Stede Bonnet | 63.0%

#fandom stats #toastystats #shipping #ao3 #op #asks #toasty replies #I've got a backlog of other asks #that I'm hoping to find time for soon #50 #100

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bikinibottomdayz · 15 days ago

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NOVEMBER 10, 2024 RELEASE

All my videos can be found here, full release under the read more! If interested, please contact me at [email protected]!

This release includes: Romeo + Juliet, & Juliet (cast change), Death Becomes Her, Moulin Rouge! (Aaron + JoJo), Ragtime, Safety Not Guranteed

& JULIET October 27, 2024 (E) | Broadway | 4K MP4 (10.56GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Maya Boyd (Juliet), Alison Luff (Anne), Drew Gehling (Shakespeare), Megan Kane (u/s Nurse), Paulo Szot (Lance), Justin David Sullivan (May), Philippe Arroyo (Francois), Ben Jackson Walker (Romeo), Phil Colgan (s/w Crosse/Bathroom Attendant), Andrew Chappelle (Lord Capulet/Sly), Virgil Gadson (Augustine), Makai Hernandez (Richard), Najah Hetsberger (Lady Capulet/Nell), Joomin Hwang (Kempe), Khailah Johnson (Judith/Rosaline), Ava Noble (s/w Titania), Jasmine Raphael (Imogen), Matt Raffy (Gregory), Bex Robinson (Charion), Tiernan Tunniclffe (Eleanor/Benvolio) Notes: Excellent 4K capture of cast change performance! Final performance for Philippe, Justin, Ben, Phil, Andrew, Virgil, Megan, Jasmine, Matt, Bex, and Tiernan. Minor obstruction that blocks off some action on the right but is worked around well. Some moments of wandering and unfocusing. Includes curtain call and the post-show speech, audio is fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPL3Y | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

DEATH BECOMES HER October 23, 2024 | Broadway (Previews) | 4K MP4 (10.07GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Megan Hilty (Madeline Ashton), Jennifer Simard (Helen Sharp), Christopher Sieber (Ernest Melville), Michelle T. Williams (Viola Van Horn), Marija Abney (Ensemble), Lauren Celentano (Ensemble), Sarita Colón (Ensemble), Kaleigh Cronin (Ensemble), Natalie Charle Ellis (Ensemble), Taurean Everett (Ensemble), Michael Graceffa (Ensemble), Neil Haskell (Ensemble), Kolton Krouse (Ensemble), Josh Lamon (Ensemble), Sarah Meahl (Ensemble), Ximone Rose (Ensemble), Sir Brock Warren (Ensemble), Bud Weber (Ensemble), Ryan Worsing (Ensemble), Warren Yang (Ensemble) Notes: Excellent 4K capture of this show’s first preview! Minor head obstruction on the far left and on the bottom, doesn't block action except for a few moments. Some short blackouts scattered throughout the show because of people getting up and walking the aisles. Increased wandering / readjustment and unfocusing throughout. Includes curtain call, audio is fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPwL6 | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

MOULIN ROUGE! October 2, 2024 (E) | Broadway | 4K MP4 (10.43GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Joanna "JoJo" Levesque (Satine), Aaron Tveit (Christian), Patrick Clanton (s/b Harold Zidler), David Harris (The Duke of Monroth), André Ward (Toulouse Lautrec), Alexander Gil Cruz (Santiago), Sophie Carmen-Jones (Nini), Nicci Claspell (Arabia), Jacqueline B. Arnold (La Chocolat), Jeigh Madjus (Baby Doll), Nick Martinez (Pierre), Giovanni Bonaventura (s/w Ensemble), Cameron Burke (s/w Ensemble), Aaron C. Finley (Ensemble), Bahiyah Hibah (Ensemble), Kamal Lado (Ensemble), Heather Makalani (Ensemble), Kaitlin Mesh (Ensemble), Jenn Stafford (Ensemble), Brooke Taylor (Ensemble), Alex Varcas (Ensemble), Frank Viveros (Ensemble), Cole Joseph Wachman (Ensemble), Michael Bryan Wang (s/w Ensemble), Jordan Wynn (Ensemble) Notes: Excellent 4K capture of the show’s 1500th performance! Three short blackouts, lasting 90 seconds near the end of “Sympathy for the Duke,” 30 seconds after “Nature Boy,” and 25 seconds after “Backstage Romance.” Action on the far left and on the walkway is somewhat obstructed. A railing is also visible and occasionally blocks off action but is usually unintrusive. Some wandering and unfocusing throughout. Includes curtain call, and encore, audio is fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBL7yf | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

RAGTIME November 3, 2024 (E) | Broadway | 4K MP4 (10.86GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Joshua Henry (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Caissie Levy (Mother), Brandon Uranowitz (Tateh), Nichelle Lewis (Sarah), Colin Donnell (Father), Ben Levi Ross (Mother’s Younger Brother), Matthew Lamb (Little Boy), Tabitha Lawing (Little Girl), Stephanie Styles (Evelyn Nesbit), Shaina Taub (Emma Goldman), John Clay III (Booker T. Washington), Todd Cyrus (Harry Houdini), Kai Latorre (Coalhouse Walker III), Nicholas Barrón, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Billy Cohen, Rheaume Crenshaw, Tanika Gibson, Olivia Hernandez (Kathleen), David Jennings, Marina Kondo, Jeff Kready (Henry Ford), Tiffany Mann (Sarah’s Friend), Morgan Marcell, Tom Nelis (Grandfather), Ramone Nelson, John Rapson (J.P. Morgan / Admiral Peary), Destinee Rea, Deandre Sevon, Kathy Voytko, Jacob Keith Watson (Willie Conklin), Alan Wiggins Notes: Excellent 4K capture of this very anticipated production! Minor head obstruction blocks off some action on the far left during the opening number but disappears for the rest of the show. Increased wandering and unfocusing throughout. Some washout on the wider shots. Includes curtain call, audio is fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQEix | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

ROMEO + JULIET October, 2024 | Broadway | 4K MP4 (10.1GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Kit Connor (Romeo), Rachel Zegler (Juliet), Taheen Modak (Benvolio), Gabby Beans (Mercutio/Friar Laurence), Solá Fádìran (Lord Capulet/Lady Capulet), Tommy Dorfman (Tybalt/The Nurse), Daniel Velez (u/s Paris/Sampson/Peter), Nihar Duvvuri (Balthasar), Jasai Chase-Owens (Gregory), Daniel Bravo Hernández (Abraham) Notes: Excellent 4K capture of this star-studded revival! Minor head obstruction that doesn’t block off anything. Action that takes place on the catwalk and on the far sides of the theatre (not on stage) are mostly uncaptured. One blackout in both acts lasting 40 seconds each. Some moments of wandering / readjustment and unfocusing. Includes curtain call, audio is fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQ9bx | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED September 26, 2024 | BAM (Previews) | 4K MP4 (8.12GB) | bikinibottomday’s master Cast: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (Darius), Taylor Trensch (Kenneth), Pomme Koch (Jeff), Rohan Kymal (Arnau), Ashley Pérez Flanagan (Liz/Belinda/Others), John-Michael Lyles (Tristan/Others) Notes: Excellent 4K capture of this world premiere musical! Increased moments of wandering / readjustment and unfocusing throughout. Includes curtain call, audio fed from external source. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBKeEe | ASKING $20 USD NOT FOR SHARING EXCEPT THROUGH ME UNTIL MAY 2, 2025

#kit connor #rachel zegler #west side story #the hunger games #heartstopper #aaron tveit #moulin rouge #joanna levesque #joanna jojo levesque #taylor trensch #romeo and juliet #ragtime #caissie levy #brandon uranowitz #death becomes her #megan hilty #jennifer simard #joshua henry #bikinibottomday releases

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thisphantomlife · 10 months ago

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Songs Hozier has covered

Bowie - Changes, Young Americans (see also Trinity Orchestra section)

Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover, Raspberry Beret, Jungle Love

James Carr - The Dark End Of The Street

The Beatles - Blackbird

John Lennon (Donny Hathaway version) - Jealous Guy (at the goldenplec block party with Zaska)

Ariana Grande - Problem

Warren G - Regulate (mashup with Problem)

James Blake - Retrograde

Tom Waits - Strange Weather

Florence and the Machine - Cosmic Love

Stevie Wonder - Living for the City, As, Sir Duke

Sting - 7 Days

The BeeGees - To Love Somebody

Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (that thing)

Amerie - One Thing

Skip James (Alvin Youngblood Hart version) - Illinois Blues

Muddy Waters - Catfish Blues

Van Morrison - Caravan, Sweet Thing, Domino, Brown Eyed Girl, Saint Dominic’s Preview

Bill Withers - Ain’t No Sunshine, Use Me

Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know

Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry

Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love

Fun - We Are Young

Paul Simon - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Sam Smith - Lay Me Down

Destiny’s Child - Say My Name

Britney Spears - Toxic (snippet)

The Band - The Weight

Otis Rush version of Willie Dixon and the Big Three Trio - My Love Will Never Die

The Talking Heads - Burning Down the House (Instagram live messing around with friends)

The Staple Singers - Let’s Do it Again

The Weather Forecast 🤪

Ed Lewis - I Be So Glad When the Sun Goes Down (Instagram snippet)

Mavis Staples - Eyes on the Prize

Jackie Wilson - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby

Traffic (song originally by Traffic, Andrew covered the Joe Cocker version) - Feeling Alright

Bruce Cockburn - Lovers In A Dangerous Time

Christmas Songs - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Winter Wonderland, Santa Claus is Coming to Town (with others at the Xmas Eve Ball 2015)

Traditional Irish songs - My Lagan Love, The Humours of Whiskey, I Am Stretched On Your Grave, The Rolling Wave (on the low whistle), The Parting Glass, The Lonely Jig (on the low whistle)

(Live) Collabs - that are not Andrew’s own songs

Alvin Youngblood Hart - Illinois Blues

Maren Morris - The Bones, My Church, Girl, The Tree

Annie Lennox - I Put a Spell on You (Screamin Jay Hawkins cover)

Tom Odell - Another Love

Noah Kahan - Northern Attitude

Allison Russell - Requiem, Stop Dragging My Heart Around (Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty cover)

Brandi Carlile - The Joke, Walk On (U2 cover), The Weight (The Band cover)

Jamala - Walk On (U2 cover)

Mavis Staples - The Weight (The Band cover), Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (with Our Native Daughters, Jason Isbell and Phil Cook)

Boygenius - Salt in the Wound

Alana Henderson - Ae Fond Kiss (poem by Robert Burns)

U2 - When Love Comes to Town

Tori Kelly - Blackbird (the Beatles cover)

Mumford and Sons - Timshel, Awake My Soul, With a Little Help From My Friends (Beatles cover, with other artists)

Lake Street Dive - Everyday People (Sly and the Family Stone cover)

Rachael Price - Rental Love

Victoria Canal - Swan Song

Elwood (his dog) - Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (Elton John and Kiki Dee cover, Insta snippet)

All the artists at Love Rocks NYC 2022 - Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan cover), Feeling Alright (Traffic cover)

Brian Kennedy (and others) - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free (Nina Simone cover)

His Dad - The Weight (The Band cover at MSG)

Zaska, Wyvern Lingo, Loah - Sir Duke (Stevie Wonder cover)

Eabha McMahon - Bright Blue Rose (Jimmy McCarthy cover)

Brittany Howard - Feeling Alright (Joe Cocker version cover)

Joan Baez - We Shall Overcome, The Weight (The Band cover)

Christmas Eve Busk 2015

Bono, Glen Hansard - When Love Comes to Town, Every Breaking Wave

Glen Hansard, Imelda May - The Dark End of the Street (James Carr cover)

Christmas Eve Busk 2017

Glen Hansard, Coronas, Imelda May, Liam O Maonlaoi - So This is Christmas (John Lennon cover), The Aul Triangle

Music Groups

Nova Collective - (original songs) Tuile, Closer, Quick Bossa

Zaska - (original songs) In Your Own Sweet Time, Different Light, She Gunk Gunk Dunk A Funk, Oh Yeah

Anuna - with Andrew on lead vocals: The Raid, La Chanson de Mardi Gras. With Andrew in the choir: Jingle Bells, An Uaithne

The Wiggles - Cherry Tree Carol with Anuna

Trinity Orchestra - songs covered with Andrew on lead vocals

~ Queen - Somebody To Love, Don’t Stop Me Now

~ Arcade Fire - My Body is a Cage

~ Pink Floyd - Time, Breathe, Comfortably Numb, Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Money

~ Michael Jackson - Earth Song, Black or White, Smooth Criminal

~ David Bowie - Heroes

*This list may not be complete. It only contains songs that can be found online.

Please let me know if any songs are missing so I can add them 🫶

I’ve not included the songs he sang snippets of on that Song Association interview

#hozier #hozier covers #hozier collabs #list of songs Hozier has covered

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tavolgisvist · 2 months ago

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Allen Klein is a businessman. He has had dealings with a guy called Tony Calder who worked as a partner for Andrew Oldham. The three of them managed the affairs of the Rolling Stones. Oldham & Calder left the Stones scene, but Klein stayed. … Tony has something on his mind that is why he is taking me to work in his Morgan. He says: ‘Allen Klein says you are in his way. Allen says you are blocking him from meeting the Beatles and doing business with them.’ I am amazed. I say, ‘I never give Allen Klein a thought from one year to the next. What is the guy talking about, me being in his way?’ … So I tell Tony if Klein thinks I am in his way, and as I’m not in his way, I’d better show the guy I’m not, by moving out of the way anyone else who might be in his way. I tell Tony to tell Klein I am (a) not in his way, and (b) if anyon I tell Tony to tell Klein to call. I go into work at Apple and I see Peter Brown, Brian’s old pal, mine, the Beatles, Apple’s and so on. Peter knows many things. I say, ‘Allen Klein wants to meet the Beatles.’ ‘Does he ever,’ says Peter. I ask: ‘Is there anyone in his way?’ Peter says, ‘Only the Beatles.’ He explains Brian didn’t like Klein and the Beatles had never heard anything about him that attracted them either. … I say there is this guy Klein who badly wants to see them. John says yeah, Klein’s been trying to reach him but he won’t take the call. I do some hype for Klein and say he is a strange cat, hated by some of the people who met him and also by some of the people who have only heard of him. George says, ‘he sounds really nice’, and I say that if they want someone to run their money scene then Klein may be the man. But I also say they had better look at him very hard and ask around Jagger and Donovan and the others he handles. I mean really check Klein out. But see him too. See him face to face. John says OK, I’ll see him and the others rhubarb a bit and that’s the lunch over. I call Les Perrin and tell him tell Klein to call and Klein does and then he flies over really fast, like yesterday. He meets John, they talk all night and boy do they dig each other. John comes into the office and says, ‘Don’t care about the others, don’t give a shit … but I’m having Klein, he can have all of my stuff and get it sorted out.’ John says there is too much fear around, everyone must stop being frightened, everything is going to be fantastic, like Klein is going to be the genie of the lamp. Paul, George and Ringo get to meet Klein and he begins to act as if he is half-hired but maybe not. He says he will save Northern Songs from the wicked Lew Grade. He says he will buy NEMS Enterprises. He says he will take EMI to the cleaners. In the end he doesn’t save Northern Songs and he doesn’t buy NEMS Enterprises, but takes EMI and Capitol to the cleaners and to hell and back… …

It is 1970. Paul still doesn’t like Klein but John digs him more than ever and George digs him more than that and Ringo doesn’t mind him. Paul? He is so uptight about Klein he only leaves the Beatles, that’s all. Klein and me meet the press and TV and all that; together we sit on a sofa and talk about Paul. Mr Klein, why doesn’t Paul like you? Mr Taylor, why doesn’t Paul like Mr Klein? I don’t know, don’t ask me, man, don’t ask me. Paul releases his album and Klein releases the Beatles’ album and they both make a million and Klein has had Phil Spector remix Paul’s song ‘The Long and Winding Road’, adding a women’s choir and some violins etc. Paul thinks this is the shittiest thing anyone has ever done to him and that is saying something, but Klein laughs up his silk sleeve and releases ‘Long and Winding Road’ as a single anyway and still with Phil’s new arrangement. Up there in Scotland, Paul McCartney, one of the four owners of Apple, the company formed to give total freedom, artistic control, to struggling performers and writers, wonders what went wrong, when even he can’t control his own work. I am wondering too. Everyone is wondering. But Klein isn’t wondering. He knows, he knows. …

Money is pouring into Apple so I guess you could say that Allen Klein straightened Apple out as the Beatles wanted it. The only thing is … where is Apple and where are the Beatles? If you find out, please let me know, I haven’t seen them in a long time. The way I see it, Klein is really bringing a whole lot of people down, including me sometimes and I have a deal which keeps me at home writing stuff like this so what am I whining about? Well, being as how I brought Klein to Apple, by making sure the way was clear, I owe someone, somewhere something, that’s for sure. What is it and what have I done? Our Apple is all chewed up. It is the most ungroovy place I ever knew and I have to say it, we have all let it happen, all of us, but me, I told Tony Calder to tell Klein to call and if I am going to make any more mistakes about Allen Klein, then let it be writing this, let it be.

(Derek Taylor, As Time Goes By, 1973)

(Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI)

#derek taylor #allen klein #the beatles #john lennon #paul mccartney #george harrison #ringo starr #as time goes by #i'm reading

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thingsasbarcodes · 2 months ago

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3x20 - Emancipation

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couldawouldashoulda50 · 3 months ago

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This is Part One of my entry for the wonderful @cellythefloshie's birthday BINGO, featuring Matthew Knies (I know he was past the 2018 cutoff but celly gave me the green light for him). Although I did get bingo with my 5 tropes (Virginity, Age Gap, Secret Lovers, Meet Cute, Pining), the 5 are spread across Part One and Two. I am finishing Part Two soon, and then there might be a smaller third part - I just haven't figured out the fine art of writing smaller fics yet but I'm working on it. Nevertheless HAPPY (early) BIRTHDAY CELLY! I hope you enjoy this ❤️

Warnings/Notes - profanity, toxic parenting, parent estrangement. This part mainly covers the initial development of Matthew and the OC

OC Face Claim - Anna Katharina

Approx Word Count - 5.7k

August, 2024

Well, this is a huge fucking mistake… Lana thought to herself, forcing a smile as she sat across from her date.

She chastised herself further in her mind. Shit—I can't even remember his name. Was it Terry��or Jerry? Wait…Phil? No, he was last week. Fuck.

Against her better judgment, Lana allowed her arm to be twisted by her beloved brother to go on yet another blind date.

"Just try, Lana—just try again," he'd say. Now, she was wasting away across from this person, who was blathering about a subject that she had already forgotten about, alongside his name.

Lana rotated the highball glass with her fingertips, as she pretended to show interest in the man's one-sided conversation. Although her eyes appeared to be focused on his face, she was actually gazing out the window, just over the man's shoulder. From the 51st floor of the ManuLife Centre, the view of that particular evening boasted a magnificent August sunset, which added to the magical twilight of the Toronto city skyline.

Lana pouted in her mind. Why can't I be sitting here admiring the view with someone I love? Or even like? Attracted to, maybe?

It was from these moments of desperation, or weakness—whichever it was—that she found herself in this blind date situation to begin with.

She loved her brother, Andrew, for trying to set her up with a decent guy to develop a connection with. Lana thought it was reasonable that he might know a little more about men and dating since Andrew was in a loving relationship with Jason, his long-time partner.

She thought it was reasonable mainly because Lana had never dated anyone.

As in never, ever, ever.

Based on the non-success of the past men that Andrew sent her way, Lana felt her relationship status would not be changing anytime soon either.

Lana snapped back to reality just in time to catch what's-his-name staring at her tits as he finished his sentence.

She smiled demurely as she studied his expression. She really had not heard a word he had said, and it did not appear that he was awaiting a response from her. Seizing the opportunity, she excused herself and headed off in the direction of the ladies' room.

She turned back around to glance at her date. He was already otherwise occupied, ogling a nearby female server.

In the confines of the washroom stall, Lana swiped open her phone to remind herself of the name of the man she regretted suggesting to meet at one of her favorite restaurants.

Upon finding it, she muttered "Darren."

Lana responded to a text her brother had sent her earlier, asking how things were going.

L - Do you think that Jason can start vetting these guys before you send them my way? Personality of a piece of cardboard. I think I actually may have lost consciousness while he rambled on…

Andrew must have been waiting for her message, as he promptly responded.

A- Jason and I love you but we're done with sending you men. Coming to breakfast tomorrow?

Lana smiled at her brother's message. He always teased her saying she wouldn't have the foggiest clue what to do with a man anyway.

L - Love you both too. Breakfast is a no-go. Taking a client to view some condos. TTYL

A- Msg me when you get home

Lana exited the stall and glanced at her reflection as she washed her hands. She pondered what method she would use this time to send Darren packing.

Interestingly, most men never bothered to call once she handed them her business card anyway.

They seemed to trip over the word "Owner", especially of one of the most prestigious real estate brokerages in Toronto.

As they wrapped up their date, Lana cordially offered her business card with her contact information. Darren glanced at her card and then back at her. His expression gave her all the information she needed to know about the man standing before her.

Other than "Owner", there was a second word that was a lingering fact about Lana. A word that had begun to plague her mind and body more and more. She always wondered how a man would react, if in fact they were ever able to look past the first word, and get to know her more.

That second word was virgin.

▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊▣◊

Lana and her older brother Andrew grew up in a small, close-knit community approximately two hours northwest of Toronto.

Their parents were cold, strict, and controlling towards their children. Although they made sure Andrew and Lana had everything they needed, there were always strings attached with everything they were provided.

Andrew was intelligent, strong-willed, and independent from an early age. Being 5 years younger, Lana idolized her handsome older brother. In turn, he adored her and always pushed her to succeed in everything she tried. Their bond became even stronger as their parents became even more controlling with Lana as she approached her high school years.

Andrew clashed badly with their parents, experiencing constant conflict and turmoil while living under the same roof. Andrew was determined to leave as soon as he could. He worked multiple jobs while still managing to excel academically. After earning as much money as he could, Andrew left to study architecture abroad at 18.

Once Andrew departed, his parents no longer acknowledged his existence. Andrew always felt a tremendous amount of guilt and remorse knowing he had deserted his beloved little sister. From afar, he did his best to help his sister navigate their parents' increasingly stern and uncompromising attitude toward her.

Meanwhile, Lana was experiencing rapid growth spurts at the age of 13. She was long, lean, and had natural curves which enhanced her athletic build. Her mother often shunned her appearance, making her feel that her natural beauty and her blossoming figure were a detriment and a cross to bear.

As she entered high school, it would mark the hardest time of her life.

Lana's mother drowned her with archaic myths and cautionary tales about boys, sex, disease, and unplanned pregnancy. She would be forever "ruined" if she gave in to having relations out of wedlock. As the ever-dutiful daughter, Lana absorbed everything her parents said and never scrutinized or disobeyed them.

The teenage boys at her school, with their raging desires fueling their comments as she walked by them, did little to convince Lana that her mother might be wrong in her teachings.

Teenage girls were in some cases worse than the boys. The behavior of the girls at Lana's school was full of envy and competitiveness. She often felt ostracized and alone during her first weeks and months of high school.

Lana would message Andrew in tears in the stall of the girls' washroom between classes. He was always there for her with words of comfort but would only allow her just a few tears of pity. Andrew would then coach her on how she would need to rise above it all. Step by step, Lana put her head down, studied hard, and became active in student council and various athletic programs.

Lana developed a no-nonsense type of attitude which served her well in her secondary school years, as well as keeping the peace at home. She managed to forge a few solid friendships with those who were authentic, intelligent, and did not concern themselves with trends or being popular.

At the end of high school, Lana was rewarded for her diligence and focus by excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts. She received a full scholarship to enter the Law program at the University of Toronto.

Fast-forwarding through her first two years in university, she maintained the same steadfast and hard-working mentality that was part of her nature. However, Lana soon discovered that Law did not ignite her passion. With Andrew carving his own path in architectural design and serving as her constant guide and mentor, she uncovered an unexpected love for real estate.

She landed a paid internship with a brokerage firm owned by an older gentleman by the name of Reine Schmidt. Reine immediately recognized Lana's dogged determination, her intellect, and her willingness to learn.

Reine taught Lana everything he knew. He had a proven track record of understanding trends to predict future outcomes, alongside his charisma, sharp wit, and masterful negotiation skills. With the guidance of her brother, Lana eventually followed her instincts and dropped out of university to work alongside her older mentor.

Lana's parents were furious and, in a fit of true toxicity, they severed ties with their daughter completely as they had done with their son.

As the cloud of devastation from the estrangement dissipated, Reine became a much-needed father figure in Lana's life. He provided her with shelter, which was merely a back room of the brokerage office. He helped her with the bare minimum, just enough to set her off in the right direction. The rest, Lana would have to work on and figure out for herself.

And she did. As the years went on, Lana gained a reputation throughout the GTA, being touted as Reine Schmidt's brilliant and beautiful protégé. She was elegant and poised while being creative and shrewd in her negotiation tactics. By the time she was thirty, Lana had her own substantial property portfolio, worth millions of dollars as the Toronto real estate market exploded.

When Reine became too ill to fulfill his responsibilities at his firm, he appointed Lana to step in on an interim basis. She did not know it at the time, but Reine had already decided to will her the firm. He just needed to make doubly sure that she was ready.

Lana remained by Reine's side as his illness progressed. He had no family to speak of, and he always said that he was not in the business of making friends. But he had grown to love Lana like a daughter, and although he never said as much, he was grateful that she made sure he was not alone during his last moments on earth.

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Lana awoke the following morning with the memory of her near abysmal date from the night before all but washed away. Retrieving her cell from her nightstand, she broke her own rule about no screens until after she had completed her morning Pilates. She just wanted to check if what's-his-name had messaged.

He had not.

Her business card had become like a detection device which helped identify those that would waste her time. Moreover, she was pleased that she could still calculate risk and probability by simply observing someone's non-verbal cues and other subtle behaviors.

Lana laid back on her pillow and gazed out her floor-to-ceiling windows in her bedroom. Her panoramic view of the city displayed all the colors of the sunrise of a late summer's morning. But the sunrise triggered a pang of loneliness within her. The sunset had a similar effect on her last night, and now the sunrise was having a go. She wanted someone to lie with and enjoy the wondrous city views in the morning. She longed to have someone to sit with at dinner and have them witness the perfection of a sunset by her side. She wanted to feel what it's like to crave someone and have them equally yearn for her.

Pushing her lonely thoughts aside, Lana yawned and stretched and slid out of bed, turning her phone off until it was time to leave for the office.

Any other morning, Lana would have opted to take transit, walk, or even run to her office. She quickly realized the good fortune of driving to work that day in an air-conditioned vehicle. The humidex was already climbing and it was only just 7 a.m. Another sweltering summer day in the city had begun.

As she drove, she mentally pre-planned her morning. Yesterday, a last-minute request came in from a very important client-turned-friend to view some condo listings in the downtown area. What left Lana perplexed was who the request was from.

Lana's mind drifted to another thought while idling at a traffic light.

Just two more weeks—two more weeks until I'm off and I'll press pause on the whole "trying to find a mate" search. Maybe I'm just meant to be alone. Maybe you just need to sleep with someone once and that'll be enough… maybe he's just not out there…. Lana mulled over these thoughts as she ventured south on St. George Street.

It had become a custom for Lana to flee the city at the beginning of September and spend a few weeks at the expansive lakeside home that she co-owned with her brother. With 5+ acres and an exceptional lakefront, it was a place where Lana could experience quiet for a while. That is, quiet after their friends, colleagues, and in some cases clients, descended onto the property for a popular get-together for the Labor Day weekend.

Arriving at her office before 7:30, Lana slipped into her leather chair and dove into a landslide of unread emails.

As the office began to fill, she left her office to greet her assistant and enjoy a morning chat. To Lana, this was one of her most favorite times of the day. Despite her upbringing, Lana sought connection with her professional family and was nurturing and compassionate to all of her associates. In turn, her staff were fiercely loyal to her and it showed in their combined success at the firm.

Lana returned to her office to tie up a few loose ends before her appointment arrived.

Ainsley tapped on Lana's office door, letting her know her 9 a.m. had arrived, and asked if she would like them escorted to her office. In her mind, Lana tripped over the word "them" as she was only expecting one person. Shaking off the confusion, she declined Ainsley's offer and thanked her as she made her way down the corridor.

As she approached the reception area, she was prepared to see Aryne Tavares but not her handsome husband John and another even more striking man standing next to the couple.

Lana's professional-turned-friendly relationship with the Tavares' began with helping Aryne navigate the Toronto housing market when John was traded from the Islanders to Toronto. Although John was present during some of the preliminary preference discussions, Aryne always appreciated how Lana focused mainly on her and her needs during the conversation, as opposed to her husband. Oftentimes, it was the opposite with other firms and their agents who wanted to talk hockey or suck up to the player in the hopes they might be able to drum up more business for themselves.

For several years, Lana's name had become the number one recommended by the majority of Toronto WAGs who were either in search of shorter-term furnished rentals or more permanent homes. She understood and made it clear (while treading lightly) that where the player-husbands were often making the salary allowing the upscale and sometimes super luxurious homes, it was the wives and families that had to live in them day in and day out. As such, Lana's firm cornered the market for finding suitable homes for Toronto's professional athletes and their families. Due to the unique demands, she created a specialized team and trained them specifically to work with sports agents, significant others, and the player's surrounding support system.

Lana's eyes lit up, as did Aryne's, as they greeted each other and hugged warmly.

"What an amazing surprise! Good morning!" Lana gushed, first embracing Aryne and then John.

Lana approached the third individual standing slightly behind John. He was taller than the veteran player by a couple of inches, visibly younger, and was extremely broad and fit.

Lana thought she recognized his face but couldn't quite place it.

Aryne made the introductions. "This is Matthew Knies. Matthew, this is Lana — she's a friend and has been our real estate guru for a number of years."

Matthew's cheeks were already burning when he first glimpsed at Lana. He was positive he had never seen a woman nearly as beautiful as she was.

But when Lana turned and looked directly into his eyes while extending her hand, that's when his insides fell apart. He had difficulty swallowing, and he realized his mouth was slightly agape.

Lana squeezed his hand warmly. "I thought I recognized you. It's really wonderful to meet you, Matthew."

Trying to pull himself together, he shook her hand and with a dry throat, he squeaked out, "Nice to meet you too."

As Lana escorted the group towards her office, Aryne explained that she and John just wanted to help sort through some of the available condo listings for Matthew.

Lana smiled and explained to Aryne and John her initial confusion when the request for condo listings appeared under the "Tavares" file. After all, she had already helped Aryne find their ideal home twice as their family grew.

Matthew had resided with the Tavares family at the beginning of the 2023/24 season and later moved to a rental unit downtown mid-way through the season. Unfortunately, for various reasons, he was not at all happy in that building and wanted to start the upcoming season in more suitable place. Although it was not discussed in their meeting, the main reason being that Matthew and his now ex-girlfriend had parted ways in that same unit, and it was not an amicable ending to say the least.

Lana appreciated having John and Aryne there to assist Matthew. In recent years, other members of her sales team had primarily handled the real estate needs of younger male players. Time was ticking before the start of the season, and Lana wanted to be efficient in pinpointing exactly what would suit Matthew. John's input would be valuable in considering practical factors, especially regarding proximity to Scotiabank Arena and the practice rink in the southwest end of the city.

As Matthew sat diagonally across from Lana, he pretended to show interest in the selected listings which Lana walked them through on the large monitor mounted on her wall.

But it was only Lana that held his attention.

Matthew wanted to absorb every detail of her from head to toe. He wanted to stare and drink in every detail of her face.

Not wanting to appear obvious, he made sure his eyes didn't linger too long when they wandered to catch another glimpse of her as she pointed out various features in each listing.

Matthew had not even realized that his auto-pilot responses were in full swing. He barely recalled agreeing to see a handful of ready-to-show condos in the surrounding area and that it would be Lana herself giving him a tour of each unit.

Lana rose from her desk. "So Matthew, if you're alright for time now, it sounds like we'll be spending the morning together."

Matthew smiled as he silently willed his cock not to twitch at the very thought of being with Lana in any capacity, morning, noon, or night.

"Sure — absolutely… I'm all yours."

With the feeling that his heart was in his throat, Matthew realized how true those words had become in just half an hour after meeting this siren.

Lana stopped by Ainsley's desk and quietly gave some instructions for tasks that could be taken care of while she was out. Ainsley couldn't help but look past Lana ever so subtly at the handsome young player as she nodded her head.

Sensing that Matthew had caught her pretty assistant's eye, Lana gave Ainsley a knowing smile. "You want me to find out if he's dating anyone?" she quietly asked.

A bashful smile spanned Ainsley's face. "Oh my god, he's just so hot… I don't know… I guess it would be nice just to know if he's got a girlfriend?" she replied under her breath.

Ever so coolly, Lana gave Ainsley a discreet wink. "I'll see what I can find out and report back later, ok?"

Ainsley beamed, barely able to suppress her excitement as she nodded enthusiastically.

Lana joined the group as they meandered down the corridor towards the elevators. Little did she know that this little "meet cute" with Matthew Knies would soon change her entire world.

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Later in the day, Matthew arrived at the building of his close friend and teammate, Joseph Woll. He pressed the intercom button and within seconds, the door to the lobby clicked open and Matthew made his way towards the elevator.

Minutes later, Matthew was at Joe's door, which he had left propped slightly open inviting him just to come on through. Matthew always appreciated Joe's easy-going and considerate nature and felt grateful for his friend and how they both seemed to naturally anchor each other.

He walked through to the open living room and kitchen area where Joseph was working away assembling his most recent Lego project — the famous Concorde aircraft.

Joe glanced over the tail of his newest Lego set towards Matthew. "How did it go — see anything you liked?"

Fuck… yeah, only it wasn't a condo, Matthew mused to himself.

"Not sure… I guess nothing really stood out," Matthew replied as he flopped onto the nearby couch. "Might take a few more times… I just want to pick the right one."

Without looking up from snapping a series of small blocks together, Joe continued. "Too bad there's not anything available in this building…" He searched the table for the next appropriate piece before adding, "…but then again if you moved in, maybe there's such a thing as seeing someone too much…"

Matthew looked at his friend with a pained expression. "Ouch — fuck, bro… is that what you think?" he chuckled.

Joe shook his head laughing. "No… I just like getting a rise out of you. Oh—and just letting you know that we're meeting up with the rest of the guys at the bar around 8 tonight. I guess it's guys only now… the girlfriends opted to do something else."

"Who's all going? Mints, Cowboy…?"

Joe continued, "Me, you, Bobbo, Mints, Cowboy, but then there's a few vets coming — Max, Muzz… Doaner I think. It's shaping up to be a fun night."

Matthew stretched and yawned. "Sounds like it. Alright… fuck — I need a nap. Can I crash here for a bit? I don't feel like going back to my place."

Joe was concentrating on reading the instructions for the rudder for the plane. "Be my guest… we'll head out to the bar together then. I think you've even got a pair of shorts and a shirt here so you can change. Crash as long as you want."

Matthew traipsed down the hallway to the second bedroom and fell backward onto the mattress. He was tired, but his mind bounced in a million directions, wondering about what Lana was doing now and how her day would end. He wondered if she went home to a perfect husband or significant other who loved her and treated her right, or if she was with some prick who would never realize just how amazing she is.

Matthew's insides were starting to twist and flutter each time his memory pulled him back to the seemingly insignificant moments of that day. Sitting next to her in her car. Chatting seamlessly while stuck in traffic. Riding the elevator with her, or holding the door for her whenever they entered or exited a prospective condo.

His mind traveled back to the quick lunch they had, where Lana couldn't stop laughing after Matthew told her a story from his childhood. When she continued to chuckle about it for the rest of their time together, Matthew thought he might melt with desire right then.

Matthew finally pushed past the restlessness he had begun to feel and drifted off into a deep sleep.

Later that evening at an upscale sports bar, the table of hockey players cheered when the servers presented the group with the most bizarre and fascinating Caesar concoctions. The popular Canadian cocktail was adorned with everything from pulled pork sandwiches and burgers on skewers to tempura prawns and dessert options.

The group's boisterous laughter marked the upbeat and optimistic mood of the group with the start of a new season just around the corner.

Matthew tried to mimic the mood but he simply wasn't there in mind or spirit. He even ignored being chirped by a few of the rookies for nursing his Corona and avoiding the subsequent tequila shot altogether.

Matthew had a close friendship burgeoning with former rookie Bobby McMann, whom he sat next to at the table. Bobby noticed Matthew's glum demeanor but initially assumed it was over the demise of his recent relationship.

Bobby clinked the clear glass neck of his beer bottle against Matthew's, which was still virtually untouched. "It'll get better, man—try not to let it drag you down too far."

Matthew nodded and smiled to acknowledge his friend's support.

Joe, who was sitting across the table, silently wondered about the change in his friend's mood. Yes, Matthew had been through some turmoil in the past months with ending a relationship that had gone off the rails. However, after the dust had settled in the off-season, his mood and outlook were full of confidence once again. Joe knew Matthew was really geared up about finding a new place quickly, so perhaps his low mood was a result of not having any luck that day. It didn't quite compute in Joe's head, but he would keep his thoughts to himself, for now at least.

When Matthew quietly announced to those sitting nearest to him that he was done for the night and was heading home, Joe and Shane (Doan) walked him out just to make sure their good friend was alright before taking off. Matthew assured them he was, that he was just tired.

He ordered an Uber and was back home in no time, but the change in location to his quiet condo only exacerbated him more. Pulling out Lana's business card, adorned with her headshot that he couldn't avert his eyes from, he placed it on the coffee table. He picked up his guitar, a not-so-new hobby that Matthew freed his mind with, much like his buddy Joe did with Lego, and began to pick at the strings. He was pissed with himself as he tried, and failed, to think of anything else other than contacting his new and unexpected crush.

Setting the guitar aside, he picked up his phone, entered Lana's cell number into his contacts and sent her a brief message, beginning with an apology hoping it wasn't too late to reach out to her.

Matthew was pleasantly surprised that she responded within minutes. He asked Lana a series of questions, all about viewing more condos, but it was mostly to establish whether he could reach out to her specifically. She responded that indeed he could, and she would do her best to accommodate his schedule in the coming days. Matthew wasted no time in setting up a time with Lana for the following day, and then two days after that.

He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

Following a silent moment, Matthew then shook his head and muttered to himself to get a fucking grip and that he was acting completely ridiculous by already pining over a woman that he didn't even know.

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As the end of August approached, Lana and Matthew had spent a considerable amount of time sorting through listings and narrowing down options to view. Lana encouraged Matthew to be selective, as it was important for him to be happy in the space where he would spend the majority of the next eight or nine months.

On the other hand, she knew the start of the season was sneaking up quickly and she hoped, for his sake, that he would find a place before training camp, media days and everything else that goes with it was upon him.

Matthew secretly knew this and sometimes felt he was playing with fire, appearing either indecisive or hard to please with the places Lana showed him. With this in mind, Matthew quickly finalized his decision on a place and chose a second one as a backup.

He also wanted to take the plunge and ask Lana out for dinner to say thank-you.

The following afternoon, Matthew sat next to Lana on the sleek, white sofa in her office as she walked him through the paperwork. The air between them was comfortable and relaxed, but the professional nature of their relationship was still very prominent. While initialing and signing wherever Lana indicated with her elegantly simple manicured nails, Matthew tried to ignore the anxiousness that was swirling in his mind.

Lana had consumed his every thought since he first met her. Whether he was in the midst of strength training or skate drills, he imagined what it would feel like if she was there watching him. He thought about her in traffic, in the shower, or running out to get food. He continuously caught himself having these harmless daydreams and did his best to shoo them away in order to refocus his mind, but often he was fighting a losing battle.

With his last initial inked on the page, Lana smiled widely and extended her hand. "Congratulations, Mr. Knies—I think you'll be very happy in your new place. It really is such a great neighborhood."

"Well, thanks… yeah, I know I will. And thank you for all your help. And for being patient with me. I hope it didn't feel like I was never going to choose one… you just gave me so many great options," Matthew smiled as he shook her hand.

As they stood, Lana felt a little disappointed that this might be the last time her and Matthew crossed paths. Her initial impressions of him and his frat boy exterior had almost immediately dissolved and she found him to be very mature and he spoke with an intelligence that was far beyond his years. Oftentimes, Lana found that she genuinely looked forward to seeing him, especially the times when they decided to walk to each destination instead of fighting traffic. She had only felt this level of comfort, ease and enjoyment with a select group of people, and although she never would have expected it, she considered Matthew a friend.

If she was really being totally honest with herself, she had thought about him as a little bit more than a friend as her base female urges had only increased since she met him. Lana often fell asleep feeling frustrated, squeezing her thighs together to try and get relief from the pressure building in her core.

Lana moved towards the door, knowing she had limited time before her next meeting. “I hope you won’t be a stranger but I can only imagine how busy you’ll be once the season starts. Oh - and all the best…I hope you guys have a really great year ahead.”

Feeling that time was not on his side, Matthew’s adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously and stepped in close to Lana.

“Hey - well, I kind of felt like I was being a bit of a pain in the ass with monopolizing your time, so to say thanks, I - I was wondering if maybe you’d let me take you out to dinner sometime?

Lana’s eyes softened as she smiled, feeling flushed at Matthew’s invite. “Absolut - “

“Sorry to interrupt,” Ainsley appeared at the door, her eyes darted between the expression on Lana and Matthew faces. “Your 3:00 is here.” The curtness in Ainsley's voice would be unrecognizable to most, but Lana picked up on it quickly. She had all but forgotten that Ainsley had developed a crush on the young hockey player. Normally, her attractive assistant caught the attention of most guys around Matthew's age and type, but any interactions she had with Matthew thus far were strictly polite and professional.

Lana thanked her and said she would be out momentarily. She made a mental note to check in with Ainsley later, as she noticed her pursed lips before she walked stiffly down the hallway.

Lana turned back to Matthew. “How about this, I send you a note once I’m home from work and we can get something arranged, ok?

“Perfect - I guess until then…” Matthew postured for a hug which Lana gladly accepted.

For a split second in his embrace, she imagined how it would feel if his hands held her a little more firmly. Pulled her in a little more tightly.

She watched as he sauntered out into the reception area, quietly mumbling as she chastised herself.

“He’s 21…you're 32. Get your mind off of this notion, Lana.”

But for the remainder of the day, she couldn't stop the fluttery sensation in her stomach. It mystified and excited her but it was a feeling that also terrified her.

After her last meeting had wrapped up for the day, she hurriedly sent a message to Andrew and Jason. She flagged it as urgent for good measure.

L - Are either of you home tonight? Desperately needing advice - can I come by?

Jason responded first.

J - Are you ok? Already setting a place for you at the dinner table.

Andrew responded asking the same question.

Lana paused, held her breath and typed in each letter slowly.

L - I think I'm interested in someone.

There was a silence that could be felt, even over the phone.

Andrew eventually responded.

A- Jason probably fainted. You might want to pick up something stronger to drink than wine.

#cellysbingo2024 #matthew knies imagine #matthew knies #toronto maple leafs #nhl fanfiction #nhl imagine #hockey fic #hockey romance #matthew x lana

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singeratlarge · 2 months ago

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SONG OF THE WEEK! “Born Lover” by Kris Ryder a.k.a. Chris Andrews https://timchrisandrews.bandcamp.com/track/born-lover …This late 70s New Wave “blue-eyed soul” song urges the natural-born instinct to love, with a groove that feels like a prequel to “Beat It” (Michael Jackson) and “Easy Lover” (Philip Bailey & Phil Collins). “Born Lover” features sizzling guitar by Phil Palmer (Dire Straits) “dueling” with synthesizer by Billy Lyall (Alan Parsons, Pilot). On a cosmic jukebox it would place near Level 42 and Boz Scaggs. https://timchrisandrews.bandcamp.com/track/born-lover

If this is your introduction to Chris Andrews, he’s a British singer-songwriter and recording artist whose songs have been covered by Roger Daltrey, David Essex, and Davy Jones (Monkees). Under the name Tim Andrews he was a champion of late 60s psychedelic pop and (later), as Kris Ryder, he released New Wave synthpop sides in the 80s. Chris was also part of the seminal freakbeat band Fleur de Lys.

#NewWave #blueeyedsoul #chrisandrews #krisryder #singersongwriter #philipbailey #philcollins #philpalmer #billylyall #direstraits #alanparsons #level42 #bozscaggs #Queen #brianmay #fleurdelys #rogerdaltrey #davidessex #davyjones #monkees #michaeljackson #christopherneil #recordingartist #britishrock #britpop

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andydrysdalerogers · 1 month ago

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Cross Checked ~ Chapter 25

Andy Barber x OFC Leighton "Leia" Andrews

Summary:

Andy Barber is having the best year of his life. His game is on point. It’s gets to play with his best friend and his fiancé just... dumped him?!.

Reeling from a sudden change in status, Andy decides it’s time to just focus on hockey. Until his best friend's sister comes out with news that rock the entire organizations world.,

Andy has always carried a torch for the untouchable Leighton but in her hour of need, is now the time to shoot and score or risk getting cross - checked again?

Warnings: Cheating (but not by the MCs); slow burn; friends to lovers eventually; SMUT!; pregnancy; jealousy; handsome goalies, evil exes...

A/N: Its here! The finale of our Boston babes! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. And now, here is the finale of Cross Checked!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Banners by me!

Previous: Chapter 24 ~ Proposal Interrupts

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 25 – My Day with the Cup

Andy

I love parades.

The cheers and confetti and beers, its the best.

I have Leia and Avery with me on the bus. I’m holding onto Avery, waving her little hand to the crowds. She’s giggling at the confetti floating around. “Look princess, at the people,” I said as Leia talked with Miranda and Stella. We make it to the area with the stage in front of the arena and we file out. I kiss Leia and Avery, leaving them with the rest of the WAGs. I head in with Coach, the general manager and the owner.

It is surreal to see so many people outside of the arena. Its like the entire city is in one place. The GM points to me and get back into the moment. I take up the mic.

“Boston!” The cheers are deafening. “We brought the cup back home!” More cheers as I smile big. “I can’t say thank you more to the owners for giving us the tools to work, the coaches who made the big decisions and my teammates, my brothers, who told me I could lead. I have never been prouder to captain this team. We had a lot of ups and downs but no one person could do it. It took all of us to get here and I wouldn’t want to win this with anyone else.”

“I want to thank the families. Our partners, our parents, our children, who were patient with us, missing us, helping us with everything this season. We could not have played our best if we didn’t know that our homes were good. I especially want to thank my girlfriend Leia and my daughter Avery for being my home, my safe space, my everything.”

“Boys, thank you for having my back this year. I appreciate every single one of you. Let’s do this again next years. Go Bruins!”

As I step away from the mic, I look over and see Leia with tears coming down her face. I mouth to her “I love you.” She mimics me and I know that this summer will be the best one yet.

Tradition states that every person on the winning team gets one full day with the Stanley Cup. They can do whatever they want for one day. Drinking beer out of it, eating cereal. I know of one guy who used it as the center piece at their wedding. Another got his kid blessed with it.

I know exactly what I want to do.

As captain, I get the honor of the first day with it. At nine A.M., there is a knock at the door. I open it to see Philip Pritcher on my front step.

Now, I’ve seen this man before.

I’ve felt the cup before.

Hell, I carried it around at the end of the game and during the parade.

But...

It's here.

At my house.

For me to do (almost) anything I want to do with it.

“Hi Mr. Pritchard.” I stick out my hand to the legendary keeper of the cup. His name may not be known but his presence is revered. To see the cup is to know this man.

He chuckles as he takes my hand. “Call me Phil, Andy. May we come in?�� He waves to the box he has as well as his colleague.

“Yes, of course, sorry, just fanboying a bit.” I rub the back of my neck in embarrassment as I hold the door open. Leia walks down the stairs with Avery on her hip.

Avery screeches when she sees the new people in her house. She waves a slobby fist while gripping Leia’s shirt. Phil smiles. “Well, hello, little one.” Avery smiles and tries to grab at his nose.

“Ava, no,” Leia admonished gently, pulling her daughter’s hand away. “Sorry,” she says to Phil.

“I have grandchildren, I understand.” He cups Avery’s little cheek. “Let me get daddy’s trophy all set up for you.”

Watching the Stanley Cup be set up on our coffee table is something I never thought I would get to experience. Especially with my girls here.

“Ok, so I’ll be around,” Phil starts,” just to make sure nothing bad happens to it. Are you going to have friends or family here?”

“Yeah, her brother and our best friends are coming by," I reply. "We are going to get some pictures with our daughter in the cup outside.”

“Very nice. OK, let me know if you need any help with it.”

After Phil went back to his car, Leia and I stared at it. “I can’t believe this is real,” she whispers.

“Me either, love.” I wrap my arm around her. “Want me to get the garden ready for the photos?”

“Yes please. I need to change this one,” she said. I tickled Avery’s little belly, and she squeals. I kiss both their heads and head out back.

Luke is waiting for already, having arrived before the cup so Leia wouldn’t see. “Is everyone here?”

He nods. “They are all at your neighbor Steve’s house. Weird guy.”

“I know but he’s awesome. Always vigilant. Gets that from his days in the army.” I set up the blanket on the ground in front of the bed of flowers.

“You got the ring?” Luke looks at me with concern.

“Yep, got it from Linus when I went for my “run” this morning.” I show it to him as I hear Leia calling my name from inside. “Now go and hide.” I straighten up and head to set up the camera tripod and Leia comes out with Avery in a black and yellow outfit. Her black onesie says, “My daddy won the cup!” in yellow and a black and yellow tulle skirt. “Oh my goodness Princess, you look so cute,” I tell Avery, taking her in my arms. I swing her up as she giggles.

“Andy, she is going to throw up on you first you don’t stop,” Leia warns me. I bring Avery down and she snuggles into my neck. God, I love this feeling. Her little breaths and soft noises against my neck reminds me of how much I would do anything for this little girl. Leia puts a blanket in the cup so its soft for Avery to sit in,

“Come on Princess.” I walk her over and plop her into the cup. Her little hands grab at the cool metal and her little face is confused at the sensation. I get back to camera and snap a few before calling her name. “Avery! Princess look at daddy!” She turns at the sound of my voice and gives me a gummy smile. She waves her hand a bit. “Leia, get in there with your princess.”

Leia comes over and Avery screeches when she sees her mama. I take a few as Leia talks to Avery. “Ok ladies, look at daddy.” Leia points to me and Avery looks again. I’m quick to take pictures because I know I only have a small window. “Ok, I’m going to turn on the timer.” I run over and take a seat on the other side of Avery and the cup and listen for the snap of the camera.

I get up and look at it. “Ok, one more.” I discreetly change the mode to video and run over.

“Ok, one, two, three...”

And nothing.

“Andy, I don’t think it worked,” Leia said through her teeth as she continued to smile.

“Dammit, ok hang on.”

I went back and then pretended to reset it. I went to sit down but I settle on one knee. “Ok, one two three...” silence.

“Andy, I don’t think...” Leia stands and turns to me and gasp.

Probably because I am on one knee next to her, holding a ring.

“My queen, my light, my hope, my love. We’ve known each other for over 20 years and there isn’t a day that goes by that I regret being your friend. But if the last year has taught me anything, it's that I’m thankful that you chose me to be your partner, your knight, your strength. Your love cross-checked me and I haven’t been the same man since. You are such a wonderful mother to our princess. I can’t wait to what her grow with your love guiding her. And I really want to be a part of that. So, Leighton Rose Andrews, will you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?”

“Andy,” she cries, “yes, of course, yes!” She leans down, cupping my face and kissing me hard. She finally pulls back when Avery coos and I’m able to stand. I slide the ring on her finger. “Look at that, a perfect fit.”

“Oh my god, Andy.” She leans to me, and I wrap my arms around her.

“I love you so much, my queen.” She lifts her head, and I lean down to kiss her again. Suddenly, poppers are heard, and confetti and ribbons are raining down on us. Avery yells her objections to the noise, and I pick her up.

Luke goes right to his sister. The whisper to each other before he presses a kiss to her forehead. He then walks to me. “You were always the one,” he says simply.

“Yeah, I think so.” I give him a cocky smile.

He huffs a laugh. “Good luck with her. You’re nuts to marry my sister. Oof.” He gets smacked across the head by Miranda. “Babe!” He whines. He followers her as she walks away, and Leia come back to side.

“Happy?” I ask.

“So very happy, love.” We are looking at each other when Jeremy yells, “hold it!” He snaps a picture.

Just our little family.

Four years later

Leia

“Andy! Avery! Breakfast!”

I flip the waffle maker to slide another one out and add batter for more as my gang walks in.

“Morning, honey,” Andy greets me with kiss that gets interrupted with tiny hands pushing Andy face away from mine. I look at our son, Danny, on his hip and he reach for me.

“Mama!” My little two-year-old nuzzles into my shoulder, having just woken up.

“He still hates me,” Andy pouts.

“No, he doesn’t. He just not used to you. You’ve been on the road a lot lately. He’ll get used to you now that the season is over.”

Andy grumbles. He hates that I mentioned the end of the season. Probably because they lost in the semi-finals this year. Not his fault but you can’t argue with a stubborn man. He kisses my head and catches Avery when she launches herself from the bottom step, “Hey princess!”

“Daddy, can we go to the park today? Uncle Jeremy and Uncle Luke said we could go.”

Andy sighs but keeps his smile. “Sure pumpkin, we can do. But after breakfast.”

“Ok Daddy.” Avery gets into her booster seat at the table, and I place her plate in front of her. I put Danny in his highchair and put his plate of waffle and banana in front of him.

I head back into the kitchen to pull our waffles and Andy wraps his arms around me from behind. “I’ve missed you, my queen.”

I lean into him and he places soft kisses on my neck. “Hmm... I’ve missed you too. Good thing I asked Luke to take the kids for a little today.”

“Oh yeah, and why’s that, Mrs. Barber?” Andy smirks against my neck.

“Because I need to give my king a proper welcome home, Mr. Barber.” I spin in his arms and wrap my arms around his neck. “I love you, Andy.”

“I love you more, Leia.”

The End

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