#prudential building

[timmurleyart]

Warm September night. 🌃🌕

[nickdewolfarchive]

boston, massachusetts 1971

view from boston common

photograph by nick dewolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/dboo/26476326474/

[aneverydaything]

Day 1634, 13 December 2022

[zegrasdrysdale]

[ don’t blame me ] n. hischier

paring : Nico Hischier x fem!reader

summary : after a great performance by the captain but a loss for the devils, Nico airs out his frustrations to his girlfriend after the game and she does her best to make him feel better

warning(s) : a v frustrated nico, some yelling, angst w a very happy ending

author’s note : okay look i saw people on twt blaming nico for the ot loss against the caps and was reading what he said after the game and got all sad abt it so i channeled my own feelings into this. it’s short but full of emotion so i hope you enjoy

༺──────────────༻

Over the years, she’s seen how upset Nico can be while he does his postgame interviews. Tonight though, he seems extra distraught about the game despite his own performance.

He played an incredible game. Two goals, an assist, on the ice for four of the Devils’ five goals, and an impressive faceoff percentage. Yet, the boys in red and black lost 6-5 in overtime to the Capitals.

She watches Nico’s interview when it drops while she waits in the car for him after the game. He says they didn’t deserve to win, but she knows that he deserved that win. He barely even talked about his Devils record with those two goals he scored in ten seconds at the beginning of the second period.

Fastest two goals scored by the same player in franchise history, and he skimmed over that question and had a very short answer when he did.

Nico blames himself for the loss, and he shouldn’t because he played some incredible hockey tonight. It’s a shame they couldn’t pull out the win for him. It breaks her heart that he blames himself for that overtime goal. He got caught on a bad change. It’s not his fault.

She wants to text him to let him know that the outcome of the game isn’t his fault, but she lets him have his few moments alone to ponder and think about the game like he does whenever he plays. She knows she’ll get her time with him when he comes out of the Prudential Center.

An hour after the game ends, and a short ten minute nap for her, Nico leaves the building. He walks out with Jack and Timo. He says something to them before he gets in the passenger’s seat of her car.

A frown forms on her face when he doesn’t say anything to her when he gets in. He types something on his phone instead of saying something to her.

“Neeks?” she says to get his attention. He looks up at her when she calls his nickname. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

His voice is low and hoarse like he’s been crying. His usually bright eyes are dark and swollen. She wouldn’t put it past him to shed some tears in frustration that he’s probably feeling. It’s not the first time his team has left him out to dry after an incredible performance. He takes all the blame as their captain too despite none of it being his fault.

It truly does break her heart.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she questions. “Or do you just want to go home?”

“Go home,” Nico replies. “Please. I don’t feel like talking about the game right now.”

She nods silently and puts the car in reverse to pull out of the parking spot. Nico remains quiet as she begins to drive back to their shared apartment.

At one of the red lights she stops at, she glances over to see Nico scrolling on some social media app and frowns. He lets out a soft sigh before he turns off the phone and looks out the window.

This is not how Nico reacts after games. Either he’s very talkative about the game and how well the team did or he is venting to her about how bad they played that night if none of them played well. Quiet Nico after one of his best performances is slightly concerning. Even after the whole team lost.

The drive back to their apartment is fifteen minutes once she actually pulled out of the parking lot. Nico gets out as soon as it’s in park and begins the trek into the building. She follows close behind him so they can get on the elevator together to go up to their floor.

As soon as they’re behind the safety of a closed door, he pulls the beanie off his head and launches it across the living room until it hits the wall.

“Sometimes I wish they never gave me the stupid C,” he suddenly blurts out. “I let them put all the blame on me and I take all the blame. I do that so they can perform better on the ice instead of their mentality ruining their game on the ice and this is what they do? Fuck!”

She quickly walks up to her boyfriend and says, “You do that because you’re a good captain, Nico. You’d probably let them even if you didn’t wear the C on your chest. That is the kind of guy you are.”

He looks down at her and takes a step back. “You don’t understand,” he replies. “I already blame myself for that last goal they scored. I was on a change and the puck went into the net while I was trying to get off the ice to get some fresh skates on. That’s on me because if I had just stayed on the fucking ice, we would’ve won that game. I would’ve found a way to get a turnover and I would’ve put the puck into the net myself because I played really great tonight for them to barely show up.”

“You’re frustrated,” she tells him. “And that’s fine. You’re so valid in your frustration and feelings, but do not think for one second that the loss is on you. You said it. You played great tonight so this is not on you. It sucks that your team couldn’t back you up.”

Nico runs his fingers through his hair. “Every loss is on me,” he replies. “They can blame me all they want, but I need them to back me up. I can’t keep putting up these multi-point nights for them to fuck it up while I’m not on the ice. It fucks with my head sometimes and I’m over it. I’m so over this because it happened so many times.”

She wraps her arms around his torso and rubs his back. “You’re the best captain,” she reminds him. “This is who you would be no matter what is on your chest. One day, all this will pay off. It will end with you raising the Cup then passing it to Jack. They will get you the Cup before the end of your career. All this frustration you’re feeling has an end. One way or another.”

He buries his face into her hair and wraps his arms around her shoulders. “I just need them to back me up,” he mumbles. “I can only take their blame so they can play better for so long before it fucks with me.”

“I know, Neeks,” she replies. “But you’re doing a great job at helping them be their best selves and the best players they can be on the ice. You just have to remind yourself that this will all come to an end at some point.”

Nico nods against her hair. “That overtime goal is on me though,” he tells her.

“Nico Hischier, I’m going to kick your ass if you blame yourself for any part of that loss,” she sharply replies as she pulls away from the hug. “It is not on you. There was nothing you could have done to change that outcome. You put everything into that game and that’s that. You were the best player on the ice tonight in every single statistic. Got it?”

He nods again quietly. “Got it,” he sighs. “Sorry that I’m venting like this to you. I am a little frustrated. It’s supposed to be a new season and I’m seeing things from last season that I thought we already worked on.”

“That’s fine,” she tells him. “Just don’t take it out on yourself, okay? I don’t like this quiet, frustrated Nico. Talk to me, talk to your team, talk to your coaches. It helps.”

Nico gives her a small smile. “I know.”

“Good,” she says. “Now, go take a shower because you still stink. I’ll make us some snacks and we can watch a movie, okay?”

He nods again and walks down the hallway.

Yeah, he’s allowed to be frustrated. Blaming himself is not the best thing to be doing, especially with the way he has been playing to start the season.

There are still 70 something games left to play. He doesn’t need to blame himself on game 8 of the season.

༺──────────────༻

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[specialagentartemis]

Coming skidding in just under the wire for @boombox-fuckboy’s Fiction Podcast Zine September!

This was an idea I had since the zine event was announced, but it felt very personal and I didn’t quite know how to go about making it. But I did want to reflect on what fiction podcasts have Meant To Me. And my delicate emotional state during 2020, lol.

Plain text transcription:

Cover: The Podcasts That Got Me Through COVID Lockdown.

Spread 1: In 2020, I was part of the lockdown contingent. [Drawing of a house] I chose a Masters Degree project I could do from my parents' basement, 2000 miles away from my university. I attended my MA graduation ceremony on Zoom in my dining room.

The loneliness and disconnection in ars PARADOXICA spoke to me. I recognized myself in Sally Grissom: asexual, of course; lonely; throwing myself into my research; clinging to friends far away. [A drawing of a brown-haired woman in a blue sweater, hunched over, writing.]

(I cried over Sally Grissom in the park.)

Spread 2: I lived - and locked down - in Metro Boston: not Boston proper, but close enough. I would go for a walk every morning, and the familiar Boston skyline greeted me. [Drawing of the Boston skyline including iconic buildings like the Prudential Center and the John Hancock Building.]

During this time, when my whole world shrank to a few blocks around my house and the park down the road, Greater Boston made me feel connected to the city, to the diversity of it, to the places so familiar to me, to my home.

(I cried over Michael's letters in the park.)

Spread 3: The comedy and tragedy, the surrealism and all-too-real groundedness of Arden [drawing of a blood splatter and a magnifying glass] took me on an emotional journey through just about every feeling there is, some of them really intense. [Drawing of a house on fire.]

But even the normal parts - going to work, parties, air travel - felt distant and surreal, and the ridiculous parody subscription service ads felt way too real. [Drawing of a box with a pair of green socks in it, a reference to a classic Arden ad.]

(When Brenda mentioned going out to a bar with coworkers for drinks after work, I cried. In the park.)

Back: Thank you to podcasts

for making me feel seen and understood,

making me feel connected and grounded,

and giving me an outlet for my feelings

during that insane and hectic and scary year.

[jocelynscrazyideas]

john marino fluff next 🥺

Just because | John Marino x reader

Summary: cute way to end the night with the man you’ve been with for four years.

Warnings: language I think? That’s it..

A:N- i think a Jack smut is next?

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

John and I had just came back from sweep the deck in the prudential center. Many events had taken place at this fun night party.

“How’d you like it?” John asks me, he hooks his hand onto my waist as he walks me out of the crowded room where the ice would normally sit. I hold onto him as support, I recently just injured my knee, I was an elite track star- like literally I was an all star track athlete for Harvard. Obviously it’s been years since my college days, but being a 26 year old is tuff in my joints- especially working and over training my body for the last 23.

John and I have been together for years! It’s been a long lasting relationship and I’m proud to say that he might be the one to marry. “Oh, it was fun! I enjoyed it. I loved curling.” I reply, almost forgetting the question he asked me. I go back to day dreaming as I look up at him. How dreamy he looks. I can see his dimples- if he smiles hard enough.

I love the way he handled me, and he only wnats to love me, and that doesn’t mean having to fuck every night. We go down on eachother every other night, and yes, that means we fuck off and on all week. “It helps keep his stamina for hockey.” He says. It’s embarrassing to even admit- but I love the way he just carry’s himself. It’s like no one matters except me and you.

He knows what he wants, and he’ll beg.

John loves me like he’ll buy me Lego’s. Why? I don’t know, but I love building. I love going out. I love snuggles. I am in love with John Marino.

~flashback~

A couple years ago, I had told John I will never love anyone. I barely love myself, I told him that I’m incapable of being loved and loving. I’m cold hearted.

“You’re not cold hearted! And I love you. So you’re Not incapable of being loved. I will make you love me anyway.”

~

Has he been successful since then? Yes. I do love him.

We get in the car. I’m hoping that we don’t fuck tonight. I’m just really tired. I do hope we can sleep tonight.

If anything, I’d want to recieve a blowjob in the shower. I’d rather suck on John in the bed as well, and maybe do the business in the bathtub, or maybe the couch? I don’t know, but I pray I won’t have to have sex with John tonight. Maybe tomorrow just not tonight, I’m just so drained from the party.

We get home, John unlocks our house and he walks in, leaving me in the car. It’s pitch black out. I cannot see anything, and I’m too scared to walk in. “I’ll be back.” John said as he turns on our lights to our home.

He opens the door wide, and grabbed a blanket. He came running out of the house with a white fluffy blanket wrapped around his arm. He opens my car door and pulled me into his arms.

He holds me in a baby cradle and hides me away in the blanket. “John, I’m perfectly fine! I can walk!” I beg John to just put me down. “No.” He responded.

What a gentalmab. What did I say? This guy knows his priorities- and he will do whatever he wants.

We make it back to the door and I’m almost asleep, I gave up on begging to let me down. He sets me on our white couch. John turns the lock to ensure we’ll be safe tonight. He turns the light switch if and he takes my hand leading me to our room.

He undresses me, he tried looking for my pajamas- as a result of not finding them he takes his clothes off as well. He cuddles with me and or skin touches skin. His front on my back, John being big sooon, and I, being little spoon. The star lit the room.

The moon glares down at us and I fall asleep feeling loved and warm in his presence.

When I woke up, I saw flowers on my bedside table. John wasn’t next to me in bed.

Weird.

I slide my slippers on and walk out if the room. I head towards the kitchen, hearing sizzling on the stove from possibly John cooking.

I step down the stairs to see John in a tight apron watching the office. He is shirtless under the blue apron and has a hot ontop of his curls.

His feet are covered in his fluffy socks I gifted him on our 3rd year anniversary. John has green shorts over his lower half, he walks over to our countertop. There is a wood plater holding a glass plate full of eggs, hash brown and newly cooked bacon.

John slides in a cup of orange juice on the platter and sets a bowl of fruit that I cut up yesterday before sweep the deck. I walk down the stairs fully to see John smirk at me. He runs over to me to give me a big hug. “Nice boobs.” John mocks me, he takes his apron off and slides it over me.

“Get dressed, Curtis is bring his kids over. We’re watching them so he and reanne can have time alone.” John lets me know. “Thelyll be here in 30 minutes.” He informs me. I run up the stairs and to my suprise I see a note next to the flowers that John probably provided me.

I slide on my sweatpants and a hoodie over my bare chest. I read the note as I slicked my hair back into a messy bun.

~

Dear y/n,

I love you so much, hope you had a good night of rest. I woke up early for you so I could make breakfast and have time to run to the store to pick up your favorite flowers!

And yes, I thought you flowers just because.

Anyway, love Johnny.

xoxo- cuteness.

~

[ladylooch]

A request of the reader riding Nico hischier after they win the series on Monday??

A/N: Oh sweet anon, your request is making lots of us happy tonight! Congrats Devils! And of course, extra love to our fav captain.

Word Count:1.1k

Warnings: 18+ CONTENT!!!

You couldn’t hold back when you saw him. You knew it was a bit extra- but you had to. So you sprinted down the tunnel at the Prudential Center, throwing yourself into Nico’s arms recklessly. He barely catches you, having to grip your thighs tight to keep your momentum from bringing you both to the ground.

“I knew you could do it, babe.” You murmur into his ear, squeezing yourself so tight to his upper body, not even a penny could fit through.

“My biggest fan.” He murmurs, grin disappearing into your hair. “You smell like beer.”

“Yeah I kinda threw mine in the air when Tatar scored.” You admit, cringing slightly. “Don’t drink and watch playoff hockey… would be my motto but I’m not mentally strong enough.” Nico’s laughter mixes with yours. He lowers you back to the ground.

“You ready to pay up?” He asks, stroking the leather opening of your WAG jacket.

“Don’t I always?”

“Usually.” He confirms, letting his finger trail down to one of your belt loops, tugging you closer. You can already feel him getting hard. The publicness of it, the desire for you he can’t hide, has your breasts getting heavy.

Nico makes the drive home as quick as he can. His fingers wander, teasing and dangerous, as you move through the congested streets. You bite your bottom lip when a relieved moan slides out as the garage door for your apartment building rides up. Finally home.

In the elevator, you’re bold enough to stroke his full, hard length. He gives you a look, glancing at the corner camera as you shrug.

“Let em watch.” You whisper, not caring who is or isn’t peeking behind that lens. “Let them know who you belong to.” You continue, stroking your fingers a bit faster, watching as his brown eyes disappear behind his lids. 

“Fuck.” His head falls back, a heavy breath pushing his abdomen out. He reaches a hand around your back, pulling you tight to him again so he can use the friction of your bodies to build the tension. His other hand comes up to your face, bringing his lips down onto yours. The door to the elevator opens. Neither of you walk out. Instead, you assault each other with your tongues, wet and needy, celebrating the game 7 exhilaration with some of your own.

He pulls away from you, sliding his thumb into your mouth, moving it in and out slowly. He presses down on your tongue, drinking in the way your cheeks collapse deeper. You reach up to his wrist, pushing his appendage deeper into your mouth. Nico can’t contain the groan bubbling in his chest.

Everything is rapid after that. 

Heavy footsteps run down the hall. Keys jingle. A jacket falls here, then another there. Every piece of clothing flies onto the hallway floor leading to your bedroom. Nico tosses you carelessly onto the bed, too hot to bother with manners. He spreads your legs, moving your panties aside and burying his face between your folds. 

“Holy fuck.” You’re already whining, clenching around his thick fingers as he works you over.

“Exactly what I pictured.” 

“What?” You moan as he works his tongue deeper. 

“When the final horn sounded. This is what I saw. You spread open like this for me. Although you begged a little more.”

“Not my fault. You’re the desperate one tonight, cap.” You quip back to him, shoving his face deeper into you. He doesn’t like your sass, trying to shut you up with heavy strokes on your clit while his fingers curl up. Your eyes roll back, no sound coming out as you come so quickly against his face.

“Am I?” He asks, kissing his way up your stomach then over to your breast. You’re still quivering, unsure of how you’re going to recover from that. But then he sucks his cheeks in on your nipple and you know you need another… and another. You’ll never have Nico enough.

“You’ve worked hard enough tonight.” You say as you shove at his shoulders. He drops his back to the bed with a heavy thud, guiding your hips over as you straddle him. His naked cock seeps against your wet folds. You stroke him through, watching as the control changes to you when he softens into the sheets. His large hands palm your ass, finger prints digging in as you guide him into you. His abs tighten calling your fingers to their ridged lines. As you work yourself down then back up his dick, you rub at his skin. Goosebumps dash along his skin while he helps you adjusts to his size. Small little thrusts flex his hips up into you. Your fingers come to your breasts, holding them as he encouraged you to make yourself feel good.

“Just like that, pretty girl.” He groans as you glide your own fingers along the taut peaks.

He bounces your body almost completely up and off of him, just to bottom out again. It’s intense, exactly how you want him tonight after such a stressful game. Your hair falls down your back as you curve your chest, giving him the perfect view of your cleavage bouncing.

He loves it, telling you so as he makes eye contact with you.

“Kiss me.” He demands.

You lean over him, letting your chest squish together. His hands move to the back of your thighs to help lift you with each pump. It feels so fucking good. Deep and inviting, dropping your lips open to let out heavy moans. Nico catches them in his mouth with rough, wet kisses.

Both your hips snap together greedily. He guides yours with his hands, squeezing as he gets closer and closer to coming. His head knocks back, separating from your mouth. You feel his breathing sputter, becoming long and then short. He begins to speak but can’t, licking his lips as you feel your orgasm pulse inside. The intensity knocks you into his chest. He finishes himself off, rapidly pumping into you as you ride wave after intoxicating wave of his thrusts. One hand pulls off your hips to grip your hair, fisting it as he shouts your name.

Your little flutters work more from his tip as your sweaty skins ticks together. Your lips press against his collar bone. His hand ghosts over your ass cheek, giving it an appreciative love tap. His face turns into your hair, working his lips through so he can kiss your cheek.

“Playoff worthy performance.” He chuckles, making your shoulders shake with a chuckle too.

“Damn right.” You turn your face to meet his lips with little nibbles and smooches.

“What are you going to do to me if we get passed round 2?” He asks, smoothing your hair back from your face. 

“Guess you’ll just have to make it to find out.”

[chriskenchphotography]

Prudential Building/Waterhouse Square, Holborn. Victorian Gothic 1906, Grade II listed.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Warsaw Uprising, 28 August 1944. The Prudential building is hit by a 2-ton mortar shell from Karl-Gerät 040 60cm Mörser Nr. VI "Ziu" of Heeres-Artillierie-Batterie 638.

[scottsbifh]

Taken from high atop the Prudential building……amazing view of Back Bay - Boston, an amazing city.

- Posted to FB group Boston Explore

[timmurleyart]

Heading towards sunset. 🌅🌆🌞🌛🌇 🌉

[nickdewolfarchive]

boston, massachusetts 1971

construction of the christian science administration building

photograph by nick dewolf https://www.flickr.com/photos/dboo/434034326

[carrie11]

Open House Chicago

Views from the 11th floor of the Prudential Building

[zegrasdrysdale]

[ game day ] n. hischier

day seven of malia’s christmas fic marathon

paring : Nico Hischier x fem!reader

summary : (Y/N) flies into the states early to surprise and watch her boyfriend play a game before he goes on the short Christmas break

warning(s) : none

author’s note : sorry that this is on the shorter side but i am tryinggg to catch up on fics for the marathon (i timed this out really poorly bc i didn’t realize how exhausted i would be from work everyday)

༺═──────────────═༻

The plane lands 20 minutes before game time so she has to rush to get to the Prudential Center from Newark airport. It should only be a 10 minute drive but it’s a few days before Christmas so everyone is flying in to spend the holidays with their families.

Including (Y/N).

She's lucky that her Uber is waiting for her right outside the airport after she grabs her suitcase from baggage claim. There is already a ton of traffic leaving the airport and she groans as she checks the time. She's going to miss warmups but maybe she can get there in time for puck drop.

There's a text from Nico that comes through as she finally leaves the airport.

neeks ❦ - 6:59 pm can't wait to see you after the game. gonna score a goal or two for you tonight. text me when you land. i love you, mien liebling ♡

(Y/N) realizes that he's back in the locker room between warmups and puck drop. Traffic finally begins to clear up so the Uber speeds up going into Newark. Her knee bounces in the backseat as she keeps an eye on the time.

"Anxious for the Devils game tonight?" The Uber asks with a thick New York accent. "I see you're headed to the Rock."

"Just anxious I won't get there in time for puck drop," she replies. "My boyfriend is playing in the game and I wanted to surprise him before the puck dropped but I didn't realize how much traffic there would be two days before Christmas."

The Uber looks very surprised when she says that her boyfriend is playing. "Devils player, I hope?" he curiously asks as he looks in the rearview mirror at her.

"Yeah," she replies. "I'm not wearing 13 for no reason."

"Ah, the captain," he says as he pulls out front of the Prudential Center. "Good choice. Well, good luck to the boys tonight. Hopefully they can bring home this dub against Detroit."

Yeah, me too. She doesn't say it out loud as she gets out of the car. She grabs her suitcase and heads around the building where she knows Nico parks all the time.

(Y/N) puts her suitcase in the trunk of Nico's car with the extra key she has before she heads to the back entrance of the building. With a flash of the VIP badge and ticket that she bought to security, (Y/N) gets into the back entrance of the Prudential Center with no issues.

She can hear the starting lineups being announced as she rushes through the concourse so they haven't even gotten to the National Anthem yet as she practically sprints to the seat she bought.

The singer is being announced as she walks down the steps to her front row seat right next to the Devils' bench. Luckily, Nico is standing closest to the glass on the ice as the singer begins to sing.

She isn't being very subtle with the way she's walking in front of everyone. When she looks on the ice, she sees that her boyfriend is looking at her. Nico smiles and bites his bottom lip when she looks at him. She gives him a small wave then shows him the jersey she's wearing. He has to repress the smile that threatens to spill onto his lips.

Then applause breaks out throughout the arena, signaling that the anthem has ended. Nico puts his helmet back on and skates to his teammates. (Y/N) settles down in her seat and sends Nico a 'looking good out there' text she knows he will see at intermission.

Their eyes occasionally find each other throughout the game. Jack even notices Nico looking toward her at one point during a power play and says something to his captain. Nico's face turns visibly red when he looks at his alternate. Jack laughs at whatever Nico says to him. (Y/N) can't help but capture Nico's flustered face as he gets ready for the faceoff. She'll have to ask him about it later.

Timo scores one in the second period and one in the third. Tyler scores the game winner with eight minutes left in the third, and the Devils hang on for the win. Nico gets a couple shots on goal but no puck luck.

As first star of the game Timo gets interviewed on the ice, (Y/N) makes her way to Nico's car.

She doesn't know if she's shivering from how cold it is outside or if it's because she's excited to see her boyfriend for the first time in over a week. Either way, her entire body is shaking.

While she waits for Nico, she leans against his car and scrolls through social media. There are clips of her arriving to the game and Nico's reaction to seeing her all over Twitter. She can't help but share one of the videos of Nico's reaction with a little heart emoji. The replies and quotes start rolling in almost immediately. The Devils fans are loving the confirmation that Nico was looking at her during the anthem.

The door opens and (Y/N) watches Nico walk into the parking lot with Jack, Luke, Jonas, and Timo. She smiles and walks up to the group.

"Congratulations on your two goal night, Timo," she says to get the group's attention. "And first star." Timo smiles in response but doesn't have time to say anything before Nico finally makes a move.

He immediately envelopes her in a hug as soon as he processes that she's standing in front of him. She giggles when her boyfriend lifts her off her feet. She wraps her legs around his waist so she doesn't fall. "I think that's our cue to leave," Timo tells the Hughes boys as he walks in the direction of his car.

Jack laughs, "Have a good night, cap."

"Use protection," the youngest Hughes states as he, Jack, and Timo head to their cars. She smiles at Luke's comment.

Nico has no reaction to what his teammates say. He's busy burying his face in (Y/N)'s neck and holding her in his arms. "

They stay like this for a few seconds before Nico finally sets her back down on the ground. His hands cup her jaw and she wraps her arms around his waist under his jacket. "I thought your flight was going to get in while I was playing," Nico finally says to her.

"And miss your last game before the short winter break?" she asks with a smile on her lips. "Absolutely not. I know you guys haven't been playing very well and I know how that's been making you feel so I wanted to be here tonight. Proud of you and the boys for bringing in a win going into the break."

A little frown forms on his lips. "You didn't have to leave your family early just to be here for me," he tells her. "Oh my God."

She fixes his beanie and lets out a light laugh. "They told me to come back," she admits to him. "I told them about our conversation after the last game and how I wished I could be there for you because of how frustrated you were so I switched to an earlier flight. Seemed to do the trick because you won tonight."

Nico smiles and shakes his head. His thumbs run over her cheekbones and he sighs. "I truly don't deserve you," he quietly says. "Best girlfriend ever."

"Best boyfriend ever," she retorts as she gets on her tiptoes. They share a quick, soft kiss that Nico tries to deepen but she doesn't let it get too far away from them. "Can we go home? I miss Nala and her cuddles."

He laughs at the mention of their kitten that they adopted a month ago. "Yes, we can go home," he says. "Pretty sure Nala misses you too. She cried right after you left and has slept on your side of the bed every night you've been away."

They get in the car and Nico takes off the beanie. Her jaw drops.

"You asshole," she gasps as Nico starts the car. "You cut your hair."

Nico smiles and she runs her fingers through his shortened locks. "It was too long, liebling," he laughs as he pulls out of the parking spot. "It was getting in the way more often than not." She pouts and Nico notices. "It'll grow back, baby. Promise."

"And you better not cut it again without my approval," she retorts. "You know how much I love the longer hair. Don't make me hide all of the scissors in New Jersey and New York, because I will."

"So dramatic."

"You love me anyway."

He glances over at her with a small smile on his face. "Yeah, I do."

༺═──────────────═༻

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[hischierdevils]

Forget It | N.H.

note: part six of the forget me series

summary: you need to find a way to fix things with nico before it's too late

warnings: angst, mentions of blood

wc: 2.6K

Eventually you pull yourself off the floor and make your way to the bedroom. Nico’s pillow smells like him and you end up clinging to it as you continue to sob. Silently, you hope he’ll walk through the door and hold you but he never does. 

Jack lives in the same building as you so you know Nico’s not far. You could go to him if you wanted but he said he needed time so that’s what you give him. It doesn’t cross your mind for a moment that he could be somewhere else, you trust him completely which only makes the guilt of breaking his trust worse. 

You’re not sure when, but at some point in the night you must fall asleep because you wake up to your alarm going off in the morning. Nico’s pillow is still damp from your tears as you sit up in bed. Your eyes are puffy and your throat is sore but you force yourself to get up and get ready for work. You pack your bag slowly, ears straining for any sound of Nico coming home. 

You leave everything out for him in the bathroom so all he has to do is grab it when he comes home. You consider texting him more than once just to tell him you love him but you ultimately decide to give him space. You sit around and wait until the last possible moment to leave the apartment. Nico usually left early with you on travel days since you had to get to the prudential center before him but his suitcase is still sitting in the closet untouched when you leave. 

The media team has a meeting before you leave, planning out content, and you sit quietly in the back listening to everyone’s suggestions. In your mind, you replay yesterday’s events over and over again. You realize that Mat is never going to be able to provide you with closure. It’s something you’re going to have to move on without.

Now you just need to find a way to convince Nico that you deserve a second chance. Maybe you should convince yourself you deserve one first. 

The first time you see Nico is when you’re boarding the plane to Vancouver. His eyes are bloodshot and he doesn’t look like he slept much better than you did as he walks past you and takes the empty seat next to Jonas. He’s hurting and it’s entirely your fault. 

He doesn’t so much as look in your direction the entire plane ride. Jack keeps stealing glances at you but if any of the other guys know what’s going on with the two of you, they don’t show it. It’s late when you get to the hotel and you head straight to your room after receiving your key. You’re hoping that your lack of sleep will allow you to pass out but you stare at the ceiling instead, every memory you have with Nico running through your head. 

There’s a knock at your door a little after eleven pm. You drag yourself out of the bed and walk toward the toward, wondering who it could be. Checking through the peephole, your heart leaps into your throat when you see Nico’s face. 

You unlock the door and pull it open quickly. He’s wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants and holding a take-out bag in his hand. “Why are you out past curfew?” It's the first thing that comes out of your mouth and you mentally slap yourself for it. 

“You didn’t eat dinner.” He hands you the bag of takeout as he takes in your appearance. You’re wearing his clothes, an old Devil’s t-shirt and his sweatpants. 

“I wasn’t hungry.” There’s so many things you want to say to him but your brain can’t seem to get anything in order. “How are you?”

He bites his lip as he watches you, clearly trying to decide something in his mind. “Did you cheat on me with him?” 

“What?” His question takes you by surprise. “Of course not, Nico! I love-”

“He said something during the game.” He cuts you off. “About you being in his bed.” 

“No.” You shake your head and step forward as you reach for him but he backs away from you. “I only want you, Nico.” You try to hide how much him moving away from your touch hurts you. “It’s only ever been you.” 

He nods like he was hoping that was the answer. “Then why did you…” He trails off as you both hear a door open down the hall. “You need to eat.” He nods toward the bag in your hand. “Good night, y/n.” 

“Ni, wait!” You call after him as he starts to walk away and he stops, turning back to look at you. “Ich liebe dich.” 

The corners of his mouth turn up to form a ghost of a smile before he turns away from you and continues down the hall. You stay in your doorway and watch him until he disappears into his room. He didn’t say it back. 

You’re not sure how you have any tears left but you cry yourself to sleep for the second night in a row. You tried eating the food Nico brought you-which was your favorite of course-but everything tasted like sand in your mouth. You had no idea where the two of you stood and the unknown was killing you. If he didn’t want to be with you anymore you wished he would just say so. 

You have to put more makeup on than usual the next morning to cover the dark circles underneath your eyes. You don’t have the energy to do your hair so you go for a sleek ponytail and hope it's professional enough. 

You’re the first one outside so you can take pictures and videos of the guys as they leave the hotel. Nico is the last one out, looking even worse than he did yesterday. The circles underneath his eyes match your own and he looks absolutely miserable as he walks to the bus. You try to make eye contact with him but he never looks up. 

As soon as you get to Rogers Arena, you find a quiet room and call Abby. “Hey, y/n. I didn’t expect to hear from you today.” Her chipper voice makes you feel bad for everything you’re about to dump on her. 

“I need my best friend.” You admit as your eyes begin to water. 

“What’s wrong?” Her tone turns serious. “Are you okay?” 

You tell her everything. Starting with how your relationship with Mat really was, how he treated you and how he fed into your insecurities instead of helping you. You tell her how patient Nico’s been with you thus far and how bad you messed up. Both of you are crying by the time you finish. 

“Oh my god, y/n.” Abby sniffles. “I had no idea what was going on when I stopped over and Nico asked me where you were. I'm so sorry!” 

“It’s okay.” You assure her. “I’m the one who lied to him.” 

“Aww, babe, you guys will figure it out, don't worry. He loves you.” You squeeze your eyes shut, wishing she was with you so you could hug her. 

“I don’t know if he does, Ab.” The thoughts are painful to voice but you do it anyway. “He didn’t say it back last night.”

“You two need to sit down and have a long talk. Tell him everything you just told me, okay? It’s not going to be easy but you have to be honest with him.” She says. 

You nod and then realize she can’t see you. “I know. Thanks, Abby.” 

“Y/n?” 

“Yeah?” 

“You are worthy of love. Don’t forget that.” 

You smile into the phone. “I love you.”

“I love you too, bestie. Now go get your man!” She doesn’t give you time to argue before she hangs up. 

You find the guys in a hallway playing sewer ball and you begin taking pictures of them for instagram. You’re supposed to be focusing on Jack today since he’s playing his brother’s team but you keep getting drawn back to Nico. He laughs at something Tomas does and you get so entranced by his smile that you don’t notice the soccer ball flying right at your head. It hits you in the temple, knocking your camera out of your hand. 

“Are you okay!?” Vitek runs over to check on you since he was the one who accidentally sent it your way. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m fine, Vitek.” You smile as you pick up your camera off the ground. “It was an accident.” 

“Is your camera okay?” Jonas asks you. You turn it in your hands searching for physical damage before looking through the last few photographs you took. The last picture shows all of the guys looking at you in horror as they watch the ball hit you. 

“It’s good.” You laugh as you show Jonas the picture. “I got a few funny ones.” 

With your attention on your camera, you don’t see Nico approach you until his fingers are tilting your chin up so he can inspect your head. “You’ve got a bump.” He informs you. 

“It’s fine.” Your voice is barely more than a whisper as you look into his warm brown eyes that are full of concern for you. “I’m okay.”

“Don’t lie to me, y/n.” The rest of the guys take that as their cue to head to the locker room and they file past you one by one. Vitek rests his hand on your head for a moment in a silent apology before leaving you and Nico alone in the hallway. 

“I’m not lying to you.” You tell Nico. His hand is still on your face and you could easily stand on your tiptoes and kiss him if you wanted to. 

He seems to notice your proximity at the same time because he licks his lips before shaking his head. “Forget it.” He pulls his hand back and you suddenly feel cold without his touch. 

“Can we talk?” You ask as he begins to walk past you. “Please? I want to fix this.”

He sighs but doesn’t look at you again. “I have to focus on the game right now, y/n.” 

You stay as far away from the bench as you can during warmups, taking pictures of the guys and avoiding looking in Nico’s direction. You’re not sure if your heart could take him rejecting you again. 

Nico’s off his game right from the beginning. He’s not skating as fast as he usually does, he’s dropping easy passes, and he’s quick to shove the other team as soon as the whistle blows. You can hear Lindy ripping into him as they head into the locker room for the first intermission. 

Jack draws a penalty late in the third period, giving the Devils the powerplay. Jack stays on the ice and is joined by Nico, Dougie, Bratt and Palat. Nico wins the faceoff and Dougie quickly passes to Jack who takes off toward the net. 

Jack’s own brother intercepts him and he drops the puck back to Bratt as Nico tries to get in front of the net. There’s 30 seconds of the boys shifting around trying to get a shot off as they pass back and forth to each other. Palat sends a quick pass back to Dougie for a one-timer and the puck flies toward the net just as a Canuck pushes Nico out of the way. The puck hits Nico in the face, just below his visor and he immediately drops to the ice. 

You can hear your heart beating in your ears as you watch in horror as the guys surround Nico. Dougie brings one of the medics over and when they back away you can see the blood on the ice. Nico gets up after a few seconds and skates off the ice with a towel held tightly to his face. 

The crowd is cheering for him but the sound doesn’t register to you as you make your way to the tunnel and down the hall to the locker room. There’s so much commotion that no one stops you from slipping inside. Nico is sitting in his stall with two people looking over his face while another holds a towel to his nose to catch the blood.

“Definitely broken.” One of the medics says as the other one begins checking Nico over for a concussion. Tears line your eyes as you watch them check him over. He had been off all game, maybe if he wasn’t so distracted he would’ve moved…

“Y/n.” Nico’s voice is muffled but he holds out his hand to you. 

“You can’t be in here right now.” One of the medics says before you’re shown out of the room. 

You wait in the hallway for what seems like forever. The game ends and the rest of the players file into the locker room while you lean against the wall and play with your camera. It takes nearly an hour before Nico comes out of the locker room in his game suit. His face is swollen and cut from where his visor cut him and his eyes are starting to bruise already. 

“Are you familiar with concussion protocol?” Paul, one of the medics, asks you as he follows Nico out. 

“Yes.” You reply without taking your eyes off the love of your life. 

“He needs to sleep in an upright position tonight.” Paul tells you. “We’re flying back to Jersey tomorrow.” 

“We?” You finally look away from Nico in confusion.

“Not going without you.” Nico reaches for you and pulls you close to his chest. 

Paul gives you his number and a few things to watch out for before sending the two of you to the hotel. You stop in your room quickly to change before following Nico into his room. He decides that pulling a shirt on over his head is too much work and strips down to his underwear before climbing in bed and looking at you expectantly. 

“We need to talk.” He tells you as you carefully climb into bed beside him. 

“You’re hurt.” You say as he puts an arm around your shoulder. “We don’t have to do this now.” 

“I love you.” He tries to lean down to press his forehead against yours but realizes what a bad idea that is. “You’re all I want, y/n but I need you to talk to me.” 

You take a deep breath and tell him everything. You’re emotionally exhausted by the time you finish, after telling your story for the second time that day and you’re afraid to meet his eyes. He cups your jaw with his hand and kisses you softly. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that all alone, love. Don’t ever think that you’re not good enough for me.” 

“I want to start going to therapy.” You admit with tears in your eyes. “I think it will help me.” 

“Okay.” Nico agrees. “Whatever you need, baby. We’ll find a therapist when we get home.” 

You snuggle into his side, too choked up by his support to form actual words. It doesn’t take long for Nico to fall asleep after not getting much the last two nights. You stay awake, watching him sleep making sure he stays upright and his nose doesn’t start bleeding again. 

Nico ends up needing surgery to fix his broken nose and is out for a few months. You go to as many appointments with him as you can while still doing your job. Nico even attends a few of your therapy sessions with you, supporting you through things that are tough for you to talk about. He even uses his free time to look at rings, unbeknownst to you. 

[bitchinbarzal]

two times lucky — sutton’s world

summary; after a failed proposal the first time, miles tries again with the help of his little side sick

-

Miles had been explaining the plan to Sutton for the past ten minutes.

“I get mama?”

“You get mommy, yes and you bring her onto the ice”

“Ice!”

“Atta girl”

At prudential Sutton began shouting at you, interrupting your conversation with Dasha.

“What is it baby?”

“You come now please” her eyelashes batted at you.

“Sutton, mommy’s talkin’ to aunty D”

“No mommy you come, now!”

You sighed and apologized for your daughters rude interruption before taking her hand as she dragged you through the building.

“Sutton James, this better be important! That was so rude!” You scold, letting her continue to guide you.

When you reach the ice it’s pitch black “Suttie, we can’t see-“

“Daddy! Lights!”

The lights come on and you see Miles standing in the middle of the ice with a cheeky grin.

Sutton pulls you onto the ice, her toddler shoes slipping around as she edged towards him.

“What’s all this then?” You ask, looking around for some sort of clue.

“Well… you said no the first time because you were pregnant” he looks at Sutton, who’s clueless but you laugh.

“But I want to ask you now, y/n, the love of my life if you would do me the biggest honour and be my wife?” He’s down on one knee, his jeans making him slip a little.

Sutton smiled up at you “say yes, mama!”

You stifled a laugh “why do you always have the habit of asking me to marry you when I’m pregnant, Wood?”

He doesn’t clock your words until moments later “Wha-“

“Yes, Miles of course I’ll marry you… I’d be insane not to”

He gets up, engulfing you in a hug and lifting you off the ground.

He face is in your neck and he mumbles “We’re not gonna just brush over what you said”

“We’ll talk later, eh? Just wanna be with my fiancé”

“And me!” A little voice shouts

“And Sutton!” Miles agrees, lifting the tot into the hug.