#sign me up for the next hockey tournament

[wildsaltair]

I don’t think any man has ever been as husband-shaped as John Biebe

[mr-cha-n]

The Pen Pal Project

Pairing: Choi Seungcheol x reader

Genres: Fluff, fluff, and more fluff

Warnings: Profanities, sappiness, cheating (third party), a tinsy hint of angst

Word Count: 10.2k

Summary: Over a decade of handwritten letters later, you can happily say that the Pen Pal Project was your greatest success.

Reaching up into the top shelf of the wardrobe, toppling onto your tiptoes in order to do so, your fingertips brush against a satin, bowed box. Pulling the box down to your chest, you perch at the edge of your large, periwinkle-sheeted bed, gingerly untangling the pretty blue ribbon and lifting the lid off of the top. Leafing your fingers through the stacks of paper inside, you feel a wave of nostalgia enrapturing your body. Your head rolls back, eyes falling shut as your mind is overtaken by memory.

"Honey, the guests will be here soon!" Your husband yells out from down the stairs.

"I'll just be a few minutes! Can you take the cake out, my love?" You call back, praying you have the time to reminisce before everyone arrives.

You gently pull out the first letter from the top of the stack.

April 5th 2007

Dear pen pal,

I am writing to you because my class has signed up for the Pen Pal Project this year. Because I don't know who you are or anything about you, I am going to answer some of the questions my teacher has given us, and hopefully you can answer them too in your reply!

1. What is your name?

My mom said that I shouldn't give out any personal information, so I can't actually answer this question. My friends all call me Dusty, so you can call me that too.

2. What hobbies do you enjoy?

I am really into skating, starcraft, hockey and rocks. Yesterday, me and my friends went out to the outskirts of the city to see if we could climb the big oak trees, and I found a piece of dolomite next to the river! I really want to find a meteorite but they're very rare so I think it'll take a lot of searching. I also play in my school's field hockey team - my mom wants me to stop playing because last week I cracked one of my teeth, but I think she's going to come around when she sees our tournament next weekend.

3. What do you want to do when you grow up?

My dad is a teacher and my mom is a nurse, so my parents want me to go to university and become a doctor or a professor, but I'd quite like to be an astronaut or Indiana Jones, whichever pays better.

4. What's one thing you want to know about your pen pal?

I want to know everything about you (more than one, sorry)! What's your school like? What year were you born in (mine is 1995)? What do you do for fun? Do you like dogs? Do you have a phone?

I'm not sure if I'll get a response to this letter, but if you do want to, I hope we can keep in touch for a long time :)

Yours truly, 

Dusty

May 21st 2007

Dear Dusty,

I'm really glad I got your letter. Some of my friends got letters that didn't even have a return address, but thankfully I get to write back to you and answer some of your questions. I was also born in 1995 so we are same-age friends. I'm finding this year in school a bit harder because of all the tests we are doing, but we just started doing football again in Physical Education so it's not too bad. Sports are my biggest hobby - I do football and basketball and I want to start wrestling this year. I mostly like to go and play with my friends at the park. I'm on some of the school teams, but my friends tell me I'm too competitive to play professionally.

I also really like gaming and reading. I finished the Protoss campaign over the winter break, but I've had to stop now that school has started again. My friends are all really excited about the announcement of Starcraft II, are you too? Will you keep going with the original or switch to the new one?

When I grow up, I either want to do sports or I'll study to work a good job in business or finance. Being an astronaut would be so cool! You'd definitely be able to find a meteorite then.

About your other questions, I don't have a phone yet but I do love dogs. When I'm older I want at least one dog, if not more. Do you have any pets?

I hope that we can keep writing to each other too - it's fun to have a secret friend.

From,

Cherry

January 4th 2011

Dear Cherry,

Sorry it's been a while - I've been really busy over the winter break, but I just had my tonsils removed so I have a bit of free time in recovery to write this letter. Before you ask, no - I didn't wake up during the surgery which I was a bit disappointed about, but I did manage to swallow enough blood to make me throw up after waking up so that was kinda crazy.

I can't believe that your friend did that! One time my friend Jiwoo got suspended for unscrewing all of the lightbulbs in the science classrooms, but that was because of a dare, not her own free will! I've never been suspended before, but I came close for tardiness last year. Have you ever been suspended?

I also appreciated your inquiry into the Heiran - Hyunki situation. I can't believe I forgot to update you in my last letter, and you'll be glad to receive it! Unbelievably, they got back together. I know it's what we feared would happen, but apparently Heiran has made some of her own mistakes in the relationship, so she's willing to overlook the whole thing. Absolutely crazy - I think that she's just scared to break up with him, which I suppose is a fair concern - just not for a 16-year-old. The whole situation really made me think about the purpose of relationships and love. All of my friends keep rushing into relationships this year, and I feel like I'm being left behind. I just don't care as much as they do, but they act like I'm some alien creature for not wanting to make out with someone in the school locker rooms. Perhaps this isn't something you can relate to, but it would be nice to know if you think I'm justified in my opinion or if there really is something wrong with me.

The thought of starting school again after the break is actually making me want to run away to the mountains. My sister is leaving for university and I don't want to go to school without her. Of course, I can't tell her that, but it's going to be really lonely walking in on my own. Plus, my parents' attention is firmly on me now, so I can't mess up in exams this year. The amount of pressure is going to make my head explode. How are you feeling about the year? I guess because you have the football season to look forward to your mind is probably focused on that?

I'm thinking about rejoining hockey this year. Even though it was too much last year, I did really miss it and I think I can better manage my time now that I don't have to be in the choir anymore. I think my mom might have a fit when I tell her, but the way you talked about sports really made me miss playing. Plus, apparently, I need an outlet for all these teenage hormonal emotions seeing as I'm not getting it on in the McDonald's parking lot.

Anyways, I need to get going now so I have time to blend some fruit up before lunchtime.

Yours truly,

Dusty

A chuckle leaves your lips as you read back over your letter. You'd been so worried about who was dating who and, more importantly, who you weren't dating. You were always so grateful for someone to discuss your fears with - your friends at the time certainly didn't understand. You'd had your first kiss a few weeks after you'd sent the letter. A party at a friend of a friend's house had devolved into typical teenage party games and you'd been pressured into kissing a boy whose name you couldn't remember. In fairness, you remembered that he was cute - curly dark hair and sharp cheekbones - but you'd made a joke about not being able to engage in tonsil tennis and he hadn't laughed so you'd known he wasn't the one.

June 27th 2011

Dear Dusty,

I finally asked out Myunghee and she said yes -

Nuh uh, skip that one.

October 23rd 2013

Dear Dusty,

All the kids in the year have planned a big Halloween party to celebrate our last your of high school. It's pretty exciting - apparently, they've bought some major decorations and they're going to set out the host's house to have scary surprises in all the rooms. I wouldn't be surprised if someone dresses up and decides to chase drunk kids around all night. It's a bittersweet feeling - our last Halloween party, but perhaps our best? Do you have any plans for Halloween and the holidays? I'm thinking of doing a Superman costume, but I'm wondering if that's a bit too obvious?

I put off writing about it first because I didn't want to open the letter with bad news, but I wanted to let you know that me and Myunghee broke up. Even though it's pretty sad, I've known it was coming for a while. If you remember my last letter, I told you about the fight that we had about next year, and I think that was really the beginning of the end. I was hoping that we could make it work a bit longer, but she said that we'd just be dragging out the inevitable and I guess she's right. I think I'm still a bit annoyed about the rollercoaster of the last month seeing if she's known the whole time that we should break up but I'll get over it. It's mostly just weird not having her around all the time. Everywhere feels a lot emptier now. I'm glad I can write to you about this - it's a bit awkward talking about it with my friends because they are also friends with her, but I can actually be honest with you. 

Anyway, I hope you are doing a bit better than me. Your date sounded pretty cool - I've always wanted to go on an ice-skating date but I'd be a bit scared of falling over and making a fool of myself so I admire your confidence. If you are still seeing him, I hope he's treating you well. Chocolates and flowers at least once a month - and you can tell him I said so if he asks. If you're not seeing him, I (pre-emptively) can't believe he did that to you! What a jerk...

Are you watching the AFC Champions League final? A few friends and I are going to go down to the bar to watch it together and pray for a good result - either way, it should be fun. I suppose your dad will have it on in the house, but I'll be shocked if you tell me you're going to watch it with him after last time. Best to avoid the flying wrath of a TV remote. There's something about dads and sports, isn't there? I wonder if I'll be like that when I'm an adult. I hope not, but I already get too into it so maybe it's inevitable.

Yours,

Cherry

That date had been a good one as far as you remember, but the memory has become blurry after all the times your husband has taken you ice-skating since. You'd dated that guy for a few more weeks after this, but he made a weird comment to one of his friends when he didn't think you could hear it so you knew he wasn't the one.

Finishing high school and moving on to university had been a formative time for you. You gained a sense of identity that you'd lost as a teenager, and reconnected with your younger self. A smile crinkles your lips as you think about that time. The stupid escapades of adults let loose on their own for the first time, the lifelong friends you'd made, and the wealth of knowledge you'd gained about yourself and about the world. Your husband never attended university so he never experienced any of that, but you suppose he did have his own life-changing revelations during this time.

February 8th 2015

Dear Cherry,

I'm in crisis and I need your advice! I haven't spoken to anyone else about this yet, but I have a feeling building in me that needs to be released and you always give me the best advice. I'm thinking about dropping out of my program. 

I know this sounds super rash and stupid, but I really hate it. I find it so dull and confusing, and everyone else is much better at it than I am. And, if I'm really being honest, I only chose medicine because my mother wanted me to. I would feel so stupid revealing that to anyone else, but I think you already knew that was the case. I'm struggling to keep going with it without the passion that other students seem to have, and when I hear about my friends' courses they sound so much more interesting.

If I actually go through with it, this may be the last letter I write to you. But, given that I survived my mother's wrath, a life studying literature or archaeology sounds so much more fulfilling to my brain even if not my pockets. What do you think about all of this? Is it worth following a passion that may lead to nothing or sticking it out with a stable, reliable path to future success without enjoyment?

As you know, I make very impulsive decisions, so I need your help in deciding whether or not this would be one of those.

Yours truly,

Dusty

P.S. I got asked to the dance by this really attractive guy who works at the coffee shop on campus so not everything is going wrong.

P.S.S. I found a rock which I thought was a meteorite but it was actually a magnetite - better luck next time!

You'd dropped out of your medicine major the moment you'd received the reply. Of course, your pen pal was a lot more supportive of your decision than your parents were but they got over it in time. Your fate had been decided the moment you'd stepped out of your first archaeology class - heart beaming and mind brimming with all of your plans for the future. Despite your parents' apprehensions, it had been the right decision. It didn't take long for your burning enthusiasm and insatiable appetite for learning to be picked up by your professors, and by your second year in the major you'd been invited on an exclusive trip one of your professors was going on with a handful of other students. 

It was around this time that you'd started wondering more about your pen pal. The flutters of your heart each time the small envelope appeared in your dorm pigeonhole had been drowned out by the rush of university life. Reflecting back, your obliviousness to your own emotions makes you shake your head in disbelief. But then, you'd met Daejung. He'd taken you out dancing, brought you flowers and laughed at your jokes, and you began to wonder if he was the one.

May 16th 2017

Dear Dusty,

Officially, you may know me better than anyone else. I know I already sent you a letter this month that you probably haven't even received, but I realised that it is the tenth anniversary since I received your first letter. Not to be soppy, but it truly means the world to me that we've been able to keep up this correspondence this whole time. 

As far as I'm aware, we won the Pen Pal Project. No one else I know stayed in touch with their childhood pen pal for nearly as long as we have, and I think that we deserve some kind of reward for it.

But, beyond any records we must have broken, I'm most grateful for the friendship we have developed. In any other circumstances, I would have said that it was impossible for people who have never met to be each other's closest confidants, but I can confidently say that there is nothing I wouldn't tell you. If it turns out you've been some 60-year-old man this whole time, consider me logged off from this life. 

My wish is that we can keep doing this for as long as we are able to hold pens in our hands, and even then I'd consider getting a scribe to write the letters for me.

As a gift, I feel that it's about time that I tell you my name - my real name. If you (and your mom) still don't feel comfortable sharing yours then Dusty is still perfectly fine for me, but the fundamental disconnect between telling a person your deepest secrets and not telling them your name has gotten too overwhelming for me, so it's time to rectify that.

Yours, 

Seungcheol

P.S. If you still want to call me Cherry that's also a-okay!

The first time Seungcheol revealed his name to you, you remember you'd dropped the letter in shock. As if knowing his name changed things, as if he didn't live a completely separate life from you already. It wasn't like knowing who he was would change anything about your life - you had no connection to him other than your letters - but the intimacy of his name had you staggering a few steps backwards, eye bulging from your head at the fallen letter. It seems rather overdramatic now, but in hindsight it always does.

This letter had been a bit of a turning point in your relationship, beyond the end of the nicknames you'd used for ten years. You'd always felt close enough to Seungcheol to pour your heart out to him in writing, but the closeness you felt was compounded in this letter. You wipe a few rogue tears from your eyes as you read back over it, moved by the raw declarations Seungcheol had been brave enough to express. If you really think about it, this letter was the first time you'd truly tried to picture what your pen pal looked like. Up until this point, you'd been enflamed by his words and unloaded all of your deepest thoughts to him in return, but this was the first time that you'd realised that your pen pal was a real man your age that you were already deeply connected to. The thought had been scandalous in your mind, and the shame that overwhelmed you when you'd met up with Daejung later that day made it hard to look him in the eye. Fantasising about a man you had never seen before had felt as bad as cheating, and the various forms of him that had appeared in your dreams for the rest of the week only compounded your guilt.

August 4th 2018

Dear Seungcheol,

Happy 24th Birthday! It's actually shocking to me to think that we're this old already, but I think mid-20s is a label that suits you well these days. Jokes aside, I hope you have a really lovely day doing whatever it is you have planned. I'll assume you're off bungee jumping with Jeonghan or on an all-inclusive golfing retreat until you tell me otherwise. In all cases, I hope that you are surrounded by friends and family to remind you how special you are.

Also, congratulations on your new job! I can't believe you didn't tell me that you were interviewing for it, but I suppose you didn't want to jinx anything by putting it into writing. I always thought that coaching would suit you - you could scare me into coming to practice any day! You should be really proud of yourself; I know that I am.

You'll never guess who got in contact with me this week! All out of nowhere, I got a message from Heiran of all people inviting me to her and Hyunki's wedding! I guess I was really wrong about that one... For their sake, I hope that their relationship is a bit better than it was in school. I was very surprised to be invited seeing as we haven't spoken in years, but I suppose it'll be nice to see everyone from school again. Perhaps I should tell Daejung that he can't come and you can be my plus one instead - I think you know the couple better than he does!

Another one of my friends just gave birth to a baby boy. All of this marrying and birth-giving is really screwing with my head. As far as I was aware, that's a thing that proper adults do and we're nowhere close to that yet. Even if I know that 24 is a very common age to be doing that stuff, it's still more than my brain can process. Once again, I am left behind as everyone else moves on to the next stage of life. I'm grateful, at least, that Daejung is pretty relaxed about all of that stuff. Hoping we can have a few more years before we start thinking about any of it - I still have so much travelling to do, things to see, and meals to eat before I flush all of my money down the toilet.

Jiwoo got really excited this week because she thought she saw Lee Byunghun walking past her work, so that made me feel a bit better about my life priorities.

Yours truly,

(Y/n)

P.S. I'm spending extra money to make sure this gets to you on time, so if it doesn't you cannot blame me.

P.P.S. My new address is - XXX

That year you and Daejung had finally moved in together. The apartment was small and in a less-than-nice area, but you'd been ecstatic at the chance to live with the man you loved. It had been a rough year before that - Daejung had missed out on a job offer for his dream role and you weren't able to go abroad on an excavation because he didn't want you to leave for months just as you were moving in together - but you'd seen the new apartment as symbolic of the new beginning you two would get together.

You'd also thought a lot about meeting up with Seungcheol that year. Looking back, it was crazy that you never did. Both of you expressed a will to do so, but something had always prevented you from actually doing it. You were completing your postgraduate degree part-time and working a service job that was supporting both you and Daejung at the start of the year, moving in together in the middle of the year, and Seungcheol had gotten busy with his new job in the latter half of the year. Even though you had never met up before, that you weren't able to that year was the first time it felt like a loss.

December 12th 2019

Dear (Y/n),

I've been thinking about you a lot recently. Writing to you has been the highlight of my month for a while now, and I'm so proud of you for everything you've achieved. It's amazing that you're already being asked to go on your first excursion as a proper expert, and I hope that Daejung comes around to the idea of you being away for so long. I'm sure that I'll miss your letters so I can imagine he's feeling much worse about it - but that shouldn't stop you from going. You might find an ancient vase and accidently release a curse upon the world, or discover a new dinosaur! Even if you go and are just digging up dirt with no results, I'll still be impressed.

One of the kids I mentor asked me if I knew what Starcraft was yesterday, and at that moment I really felt my age. I think it's led to some level of introspection I usually avoid, but one thing that has become clear to me is that I'm very grateful for this friendship. I hope that one day soon you can perhaps travel to Daegu and visit, or I can come see you in Seoul. Or perhaps it will take away the great fun of having a pen pal if we meet - you may be expecting someone completely opposite from me and seeing me may ruin the magic?

But the main reason I've been thinking about you is because I finally finished Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982. You were very correct in your recommendation - I can't believe it took me so long to read it! Summary of thoughts: I'm raging and also apologising to my mother and grandmother every time I see them. You have to send me another recommendation now that I'm finished - maybe some sort of mystery or thriller if you know any?

Yours,

Seungcheol

P.S. I suppose I should send you a whip and brown fedora and then you can officially say you're Indiana Jones. 

January 7th 2021

Dear Seungcheol,

I'm glad you had fun on your trip! The picture you sent of the mountains was absolutely gorgeous and was a hilarious reminder that I have no idea what you look like. I keep saying I want to go to Japan but can hardly find the time, but after seeing the picture I really must go now.

I have some big news.

Daejung proposed and we're getting married!! 

I know it's a bit out of the blue - I was surprised too. He's been putting off any mention of marriage for the last few months so I assumed he just wasn't interested but I guess that was all a cover to stop me from suspecting the proposal. It happened a few days after I got back from Vienna. It was really sweet - he threw this big party with all of our close friends and family to celebrate the end of my project and proposed at the end of the night. I was pretty shocked which I suppose was the point, but I'm really just excited that we're taking that step together.

My main purpose for writing is that I wanted to invite you to the wedding. It's a big step, but it wouldn't feel right to get married without one of my oldest friends there. If you decide you don't want to and you want to keep our friendship strictly on paper then I'd totally understand. But if you do want to come, we'd love to have you with us. I'll cover any travel and hotel fees if it means I can have you here.

Your continued support via letter means the world to me. 

Yours truly, 

(Y/n)

The wedding. Oh, the wedding.

A few nights before your wedding Daejung had come to the hotel you'd been staying in that week to finalise all of the preparations and observe some old-fashioned pre-wedding rituals your mother insisted on as if you and Daejung hadn't lived together for years before that. He'd given you a marriage gift a bit early because you were supposed to go straight to your honeymoon in Japan on the day of the wedding. Your heart fluttered in excitement as you opened the box, electrified at the surprise of what your future-husband could have gotten you to symbolise your union together. The reality had been, you could now admit, disappointing. The necklace had been pretty, and certainly not cheap. A silver heart set with a gleaming diamond to match the ring that Daejung had picked out for you. You'd smiled, thanking him for the gift and tried to ignore the discontent brewing in your own heart.

The first time you saw Seungcheol was at your wedding reception. Because of his job and the distance, he hadn't been able to make your morning ceremony, but the fact that he even chose to come all that way meant a lot to you.

"Who's the hunk with the green scarf?" One of your bridesmaids, Jiwoo had asked, pointing out a man standing alone by one of the drinks tables. 

For a moment you didn't want to believe that it was him, but who else would be at your wedding that you didn't recognise? Tall and broad with fluffy hair and a handsome-beyond-belief face, Seungcheol had been a picture to witness. All dressed up in a suit, you thought he looked rather like a super spy or a CEO from one of those corny romance books. In any case, you were shocked to your core that that was the man you'd spilt your darkest secrets to for over a decade now.

"Oh, I think that might be Seungcheol," You breathed, voice wavering with uncertainty even though you were now certain it was him.

"Seungcheol - hmm, why does that name sound so familiar?" Your other bridesmaid, Mirae, pondered, her brow crinkled as she tried to identify the name in her memory.

"Oh my god, you invited your pen pal to your wedding?!" Jiwoo exclaimed, spinning on her heel to give you an incredulous look. 

"Of course I did, I've known him for almost as long as I've known you!" You stuttered, your head still trying to play catch-up after the dizzying appearance of said topic of conversation.

"Why didn't you tell me that your pen pal was so hot?" Mirae scoffed, mock fanning her face in a way that made you feel shamefully irritated.

"Surprisingly, he didn't mention it in his letters." You responded, offering her a deadpan look and an eyebrow raise. She shrugged, but you'd known that wouldn't be the end of that conversation.

About 15 minutes later, you'd finally managed to make your way over to Seungcheol's perch. It was hard to decipher if your delay was because of all of the people trying to talk to you at the same time (perks of it being your wedding) or because of the unexplained fear and anxiety that was bubbling inside you at the prospect of finally meeting him face-to-face. As you finally made eye-contact, and he'd flashed his teeth at you in an infectious grin, you'd felt all of that melt away from you.

"Hi," You greeted, not able to wipe your own smile from your face.

"Hi," He responded, a peace settling between the two of you. "You look really beautiful."

Your face was all ablush and you felt a sense of dread at what would happen if you started like this. Starting down at your dress, you were unable to look back up at him.

"Thank you, I had it specially made," You smiled, your eyes gleaming as he chuckled at your joke. "I really appreciate you coming all this way, it means so much to me that you're here. Please let me know if there's anything you need - have you eaten yet? I can get you some-"

"It's okay, I'm feeling great." His hand reached out to still your own, which you hadn't realised was nervously picking at at skin around your nails.

"I can't believe that this is how we're first meeting," You breathed, a sense of shyness overwhelming you at the feeling of his skin against yours.

"If you ask me, we've definitely met before. Just not physically." His words had your head spinning so much that you were struggling to remember that you were both at your wedding.

"Poetic," You agreed, trying to present at least outwardly calmer than you felt inside. 

"Oh! Before I forget, I got you this." Seungcheol extended a hand out with a small, wrapped box in his palm. "It wasn't on the registry, and really it's only for you so I thought I should give it to you personally instead of putting it on the gifts table."

"That's really generous of you, you didn't have to." You offered him a shy smile, taking the gift from him. The neatly wrapped box had been laced shut with a pretty blue ribbon, and you remember the thumping of your heart in your chest as you undid it. A small gasp involuntarily left your mouth, your hand moving to cover it in shock. 

"Important backstory - I found it a few years after you told me you were looking for it. I wanted to just send it to you then, but I thought that I should keep it for when we met. I never thought that it would take so long to do so, but I hung on to it just in case."

A small chunk of dark meteorite sat in the box in your hand. Looking up and down between Seungcheol and the rock, you felt your eyes well up with tears that you had to force back down to not ruin your wedding makeup.

"Oh wow," Your voice cracked, "Seungcheol, this is seriously so sweet. I'm shocked that you kept this for me."

You felt unable to tell him all of your emotions, hoping that the gratitude in your eyes was enough to express them all to him. The sweet, adoring expression on his face told you that he understood without you needing to say any more.

That, unfortunately, had been the highlight of your wedding.

Not an hour later, it had all gone to shit, starting with a well-intentioned comment from your best friend.

"The wedding is so gorgeous (Y/n), I'll have to take notes for my own." Jiwoo gushed, pointing at all the flowers that had now been revealed as people moved into the outside area of the venue.

"I know, Daejung did a really good job picking out this place." 

"I'm so happy for you two, especially after the whole Vienna situation."

A bolt of alarm rang through your bones as you a struck still by the comment. You didn't miss the panicked look Mirae sent Jiwoo, who looked equally as confused as you felt.

"What-" You tried to compose yourself amongst the rushes of fear that were threatening to render you completely useful. "What do you mean the Vienna situation?"

Jiwoo was now floundering, looking between you and Mirae with a gaping mouth.

"I just meant - I mean, nevermind - I thought... I thought you knew?" The last whispered part had your heart sinking to the bottom of your chest. Mirae was refusing to meet your gaze, and that was telling you all you needed to know.

"Did something happen when I was away?" You demanded, your voice slick with emotion.

"(Y/n)..." Mirae started, but the withering look you gave her immediately stopped her placating.

Four words later and your entire life had exploded. He cheated on you. Whilst you were away, no less. And then, as if it would magically make everything better, proposed instead of telling you.

The look on your then-husband's face when you stormed up to him demanding to know the truth was enough to convince you of the reality of your friend's words. You could now admit, amidst all of the hurt, anger and disgust you felt towards Daejung at that moment, your overriding emotion was utter panic at the thought of having to tell all of your guests that the wedding was to be stopped and annulled. A trivial emotion amongst the personal grief you were experiencing, but undoubtedly the cause of your greatest distress at the moment.

You didn't see Seungcheol as or after it all happened. Any pretence of calm instantly slipped the moment you began speaking to your family and friends - a speech which ended with you in floods of tears being escorted away from the hosts of shocked guests. It was only hours later that you realised that you hadn't said goodbye and, worse, that you'd invited him all of this way just to witness the shitshow that was your failed marriage. Too ashamed to burden him further, you chose not to write to him for months afterwards He gave you space too, and you weren't sure if you felt grateful for it or utterly alarmed that he may just never want to speak to you again.

May 6th 2021

Dear Seungcheol,

I'm deeply sorry for my complete silence, although I suppose I do not need to explain to you the reason for it. My hand has been itching to pick up my pen and write to you every month that goes by, but only now have I overcome my own shame and disgrace to do so. First of all, I have to sincerely apologise for making you waste your time coming to such an awful event. I can only hope that you managed to get a slice of cake before it all fell apart so that I could at least offer you the condolence of a delicious snack. I also must apologise for completely abandoning you during your trip to the city. I was really looking forward to showing you my favourite spots, and I let my own misery get in the way of being a good host.

I hope you are well. As I haven't heard from you in a little while, I don't know what's going on with you so I have little to comment on. But, at the very least, I wish for your good health and general happiness. If you are worried about me, you don't need to be. I have taken the last few months to put my life back together, and I feel like I'm making better progress these days - hence the letter writing. I'm thinking of getting a dog for companionship since I have vehemently sworn off men for the foreseeable future.

I also wanted you to know that I treasure your gift. As it turns out, meeting you and getting a meteorite was the best part of that night, if you'll believe it. I have it kept in a special box on my desk just to make sure that it's safe and that I'll never lose it. I wish I could have given you something in return. If we end up meeting again I'll have to start planning now to make sure my gift is just as good as yours was. Speaking of, you are welcome to come and stay with me any time you want, and we can rain-check that city tour. Alternatively, if you want to ignore this letter and never speak to me again, I'd also understand.

Yours truly,

(Y/n) 2021

May 19th 2021

Dear (Y/n),

I'm so glad to have heard from you, and that you are doing okay. As much as I appreciate all of your apologies, none of them are necessary. If anything, I feel that I should be apologising to you for leaving you in the dark for just as long as you left me - you had a much better excuse too. Although I didn't want to overwhelm you with letters after such awful news, I realise now that leaving it so long was not the right course of action.

I think getting a dog is a fantastic idea. Company is something you'll never lack with a dog around, and I can agree that dogs are much better companions than men.

As for me, I am doing well too. It's mostly just been a cycle of work and sleep, so I haven't got much to report, but I'm hoping for a more eventful summer. Visiting the city would be a wonderful way to achieve this, so perhaps closer to the time I'll write again to arrange coming to stay with you. I would love to see you again soon. My only other news that I know you'd be interested in is that Jeonghan has seemingly met someone. He's keeping all of the details close to the chest, so I'll have to update you in the next letter when I know more, but it's an exciting revelation. He seems very happy, which is all I can hope for.

When I told you that I wouldn't stop writing to you until I could no longer hold a pen in my hand, I meant it. I hope that you will never again think that I wouldn't want to speak to you -it's the highlight of my day.

Yours,

Seungcheol

P.S. I'm sure you don't want to talk about the wedding, but just so you know - he was a fucking fool to let you go.

You remember the relief you'd felt at getting that letter. The uncertainty of whether or not Seungcheol still wanted to talk to you was enough to keep you on edge for the entire 13 days that it took for you to get his response. But, as always, your friend was reliably there for you.

The time you'd taken over those last new months, and the few months afterwards had been tumultuous, but cleansing. In your post-marriage clarity, you'd realised all of the opportunities you'd missed because of Daejung. Deciding that you wouldn't let him take anything else from you, you'd arranged to go on a long excursion you'd waved off for wedding planning when you'd first heard about it. Learning about the project from one of your old professors who'd transferred to Cairo University, you were offered a position on the ongoing expedition in Saqqara. Although Egyptology was not your speciality, your master's dissertation on the mummified scarab beetles found at Saqqara in 2018 and your tutor's reference got you onto a low-level position on the expedition.

Six months in Egypt had been exactly what you needed to move on from Daejung. At that time, your relationship with your closest friends was also on the rocks, and it was really only Seungcheol and your family that you missed during your time abroad.

December 23rd 2021

Dear Seungcheol,

I've finally got some time off over the holiday break, and I'm ready to give you the download of everything that's happening here in Saqqara! But, first, I'm going to have to beg you for the details of your double date with Jeonghan and Jooyeon. How was it!? Was Jooyeon's friend nice? Were there sparks? How many times did Jeonghan bring up embarrassing stories about you as a kid?

I hope it went well - you deserve all of the happiness in the world.

Now, onto the important stuff!

I'm not sure if you saw on the news, but we've made some pretty huge finds since I got here, Obviously, I can't give myself all the credit, but just being part of the team that made it happen is pretty incredible. We've found multiple tombs of dignitaries from the reign of Ramses II. I'm doing a bit of research on one of the tombs, belonging to a military leader called Hor Mohib, but I have to keep taking breaks every 20 minutes to pinch my arm and remind myself that this is reality.

My Arabic has gotten significantly better now - I was rather rusty when I first got here. I'm able to have reasonably complex conversations with the Egyptian members of the team and the locals helping out, and it's pretty cool for my nerd brain to be surrounded by a group of people equally as excited to be digging up ornamental graves as I am.

I'm really glad I came. It's hard to admit, even to you, but my life really fell apart after the wedding. Honestly, I didn't even know if I wanted to keep working in archaeology or if I wanted to jet off to Iceland and buy a farm. And the worst bit is that it's been so lonely since. Losing Daejung was one thing, but I haven't spoken to Jiwoo or Mirae since. I can't bear to look at them knowing that they hid that secret from me for so long. Maybe one day I'll be able to forgive them, but it certainly won't be now. Your letters have been my only sanctuary of human connection in these past few months, and that's something I'll have to add to my list of neverending gratitude I hold for you.

I realize now that I haven’t been very good at expressing how much your friendship means to me, how it's been my lifeline in this mess. Your letters are the only constant, the only thing that feels like home even when I am surrounded by ancient wonders and new colleagues.

And so, I have a confession. I want to see you again. I want to tell you all of this in person. I can't say what will come of it, but I know that after all of these years, after all the letters and confessions and secrets shared, we owe it to ourselves to meet in a way that isn't rushed or overshadowed by anything else.

Maybe we could meet halfway between Seoul and Daegu, or I could take the train down to visit you? I need to see you again, not as a guest at my ruined wedding, but as Seungcheol, the one person who’s known me at my best and worst, and still chooses to write back.

Let me know what you think.

Yours truly, 

(Y/n)

P.S. I've included a small rock I found on the dig - nothing special but it reminded me of our old conversations. I hope it makes you smile.

P.P.S. Please don't feel pressured to say yes, but know that I would really like to see you again.

You can't quite recall what possessed you to write such a bold letter. Perhaps it had been the desert sun, the thrill of discovering something new in something old at Saqqara, or simply your immense loneliness.

Days had turned into weeks as you anxiously waited for a response, checking your makeshift mailbox daily. Then one morning, there it was—a simple white envelope with Seungcheol’s familiar sloping handwriting.

January 17th 2022

My Dear (Y/n),

I've thought about meeting you countless times since our first encounter. After reading your words, I realise that I've been waiting for this just as much as you have. How's this - I'll take the first train up to Seoul when you're back and we can spend the day together. No distractions, no interruptions - just you and me, finally getting to know each other beyond the pages of our letters.

I'm looking forward to me, more than I can express. Until I see you again, take care, and know that I'm counting down the days.

All yours,

Seungcheol

P.S. the best bit about the date was spending time with Jeonghan. No more needs to be said.

You stare down at the letter, your heart pacing as fast as it had the first time you'd received it. Beautiful words from a beautiful man with a beautiful soul.

You'd gotten back to Seoul by the end of March 2022, and, as promised, Seungcheol came to visit you that first weekend in April. When he'd stepped off the train in the bustling station at the heart of the city, you were there to greet him. You'd spotted him standing there, taller even than you'd remembered, with that same easy smile that had always leapt off of the page.

The world around you had seemed to blur as you walked toward each other, nerves fluttering in your stomach but quickly dissolving as he pulled you into a gentle, lingering hug. The connection between you, once confined to words on paper, felt more real than ever.

You spent the day wandering through the city, visiting old bookstores, sipping coffee in quiet cafes, and talking as if no time had passed since that fateful wedding reception. Every shared laugh, every story swapped, deepened the bond you'd forged in ink.

June 14th 2022

Seungcheol,

It feels like only yesterday that we were wandering through Seoul together, but at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago. I keep finding myself replaying that day in my mind - how easy it was to talk to you in person, as if we'd done it a hundred times before. It's strange, isn't it? How someone can feel so familiar, even when they're a whole new experience at the same time.

I've been thinking about our conversation in the bookstore. You said something about how some stories are better left unfinished, that sometimes the best part of a tale is imagining what could be. I can't stop thinking about that - about how some stories do need an ending, and how others are meant to keep going, even if we don’t know where they’ll lead.

There's something I've been meaning to tell you, but I haven't found the right words yet. I guess I'm still figuring it out myself. It's just that being around you feels different to how I expected. There's a comfort, yes, but also something more, something I can't quite define. It's like we're on the edge of something new, and it's exciting and a little terrifying at the same time. I'm not sure if you feel it too, but I hop you do.

Anyway, I don't want to get too ahead of myself as usual. I'm just really glad we've reconnected, and that we've managed to keep in touch after all these years. 

It means more to me than I can say. Let’s make sure our next meeting isn’t too far off—I’m already looking forward to it.

Until then, take care of yourself, and don’t work too hard. I’ll be watching the clock until I see you again.

Yours, 

(Y/n)

That day in April 2022 hadn't been the last time you saw Seungcheol. You'd made that mistake once in the past, and neither of you was willing to do so again. He continued to come to Seoul to see you, and you travelled down to Daegu to meet him and his friends. Your letters ceased for a while over this time due to the frequency you were seeing each other, but for the first time that didn't bother you.

You remember, with teary eyes, the day that you finally confessed your feelings.

It was 25th September 2022, after a whole summer spent together, and the air was tinged with the first hint of autumn's chill. THe leaves were just beginning to turn, painting the streets in warm hues of amber and crimson as you walked side by side in a quiet part in Seoul. The easy laughter and conversation that had marked your friendship over the years felt heavier that day, as it something unspoken was lingering in the crisp air between you.

You had spent countless days together that summer - visiting museums, trying new restaurants, even embarking on a spontaneous week trip to the coast. Each moment with Seunngchaeol had felt like a dream, a slow realisation that your heart was no longer just content with friendship. But with that realization came a fear you hadn't expected. What if this was enough for him? What if risking everything by confessing how you truly felt would unravel the beautiful bond you had spent so many years cultivating?

That evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the park, you found yourselves sitting on a bench overlooking a small pond. The water was still, reflecting the fiery colours of the sky, and for a long moment, neither of you spoke. Seungcheol had been quieter than usual that day, his expression pensive as if he, too, was wrestling with unspoken thoughts.

You felt your heart pound in your chest, each beat louder than the last as you tried to summon the courage to speak. The words were caught in your throat, but the fear of losing him if you didn’t say them was stronger. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, you turned to him, your voice trembling as you broke the silence.

"Seungcheol," you began, your hands nervously fidgeting in your lap. He turned to look at you, his eyes soft and attentive, encouraging you to continue. "There’s something I need to tell you… something I’ve been feeling for a while now."

His gaze didn’t waver, but you noticed the slight hitch in his breath, the way his fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the bench. The world seemed to shrink to just the two of you, everything else fading away as you gathered your thoughts.

"I—" You paused, trying to find the right words, but there were none that seemed adequate to express the depth of your feelings. "I think I’ve fallen in love with you."

The admission hung in the air between you, a fragile confession that you could no longer take back. For a moment, time seemed to stop, the world holding its breath as you waited for his response. You searched his face for any sign of what he might be thinking, every second feeling like an eternity.

Then, without a word, Seungcheol reached out, his hand gently cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing away the tear that had escaped down your cheek. There was a tenderness in his touch, a warmth that radiated through you, calming your racing heart.

"I’ve been waiting to hear those words," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Because I’ve been feeling the same way for a long time too."

His words washed over you, a wave of relief and joy so overwhelming that you felt your breath hitch. You had been so afraid, so uncertain, and now, with his quiet confession, all those fears melted away. He leaned in slowly, giving you time to pull back if you needed to, but you didn’t. You closed the distance between you, your lips meeting his in a gentle, tender kiss that felt like a promise—one of many yet to come.

Hearing the doorbell ring down below you, and the sound of your husband's voice calling out to say he'll get it, you rush forward to reach your favourite letter - just one more before you return to reality.

November 3rd 2023

My dearest (Y/n),

I'm so glad you're having such a good time in Rome - I'm rather jealous of all of your sightseeing and pasta-eating. Kkuma and I are holding the fort down at home, although I had to be scolded yesterday for breaking the toaster when I tried to make Kkuma some breakfast. I sent some more suncream over in the mail because I know you've already run out and forgotten to get some more - I'm not sure if this letter will reach you first, but if it does look out for the parcel.

Now, I'll admit, the main purpose of my letter is something a little different than simply catching up, as much as I love those letters too. I thought about doing this once you returned home, but you've already had one man declare his everlasting intentions to you after you returned from an excursion, so I thought it better to avoid rehashing those memories (we'll do this again when you're home, but I thought it might be fun to do it this way).

If you have the suncream box already, then you may have a sneaking suspicion of what I'm about to say.

I've loved you for as long as I've known you. As a twelve-year-old kid, I didn't know that was what it was, but the level of obsession I had with writing to you and receiving your replies was beyond any normal friendship. You were always so fascinatingly cool, out of reach, and genuinely yourself. Being in love with your pen pal isn't always an easy thing - the cold sweats I would wake up to after dreaming about meeting for the first time, the constant updates about a life that I wasn't a part of, the announcement of your engagement to another person. I tried to pretend it wasn't real for a long time, see other people, because of how silly I felt about being in love with someone I'd never met.

And then I saw you standing there, in that beautiful white gown with your hair up and that gorgeous smile on your face. Did you know that my hands were sweating when I gave you that gift? I don't think I've ever told you that before. I became certain then that I was completely screwed. Entirely head over heels.

I'll never be happy that that marriage didn't work out for you - all I've ever wanted is your happiness, be that with me or someone else. But I won't lie and say that nothing has made me happier than the consequences of it.

This past year has been the happiest time I've ever known. Every moment with you is filled with such joy, and every moment without I'm left with a record of memories to remind me of the time we've had together. When I look at you, I don't just see my past, but also my future. I see a lifetime of shared experiences, of laughter, or quiet moments that mean more than words ever could. I see us growing old together, supporting each other, and playing trash hockey on the wooden floor of our kitchen.

You are my best friend, my partner, the love of my life. And I want to spent every day making sure you know just how much you mean to me.

So, that being said, will you (Y/n) (Y/l/n), do me the honour of marrying me?

All yours,

Seungcheol

P.S. Please don't feel pressured to say yes, but know that I would really like it if you did.

You fiddle with the precious ring on your left hand, your fingers lingering over the smooth chunk of dark stone in the centre.

A gentle brush of a hand on your shoulders brings you back to the real world, tears now flaking on your cheeks as you sniffle at the words on the page.

"Are you okay, darling?" Seungcheol asks gently.

"Yes, sorry, I know the guests are here now - I just wanted to look at these," You reply, holding up the letters for your husband to see.

You watch his expression soften, a suggestion of moisture in the corner of his eyes as he looks over the written words.

Swooping down, he places a long, loving kiss on your forehead, letting your bodies rest together in harmony for a moment.

"I can't believe they still make me cry," You huff, letting out a soft laugh. "And I don't even think I can brush it off as hormones."

"Seeing that just looking at them has me tearing up, I don't think I can either." Seungcheol smiles, stroking the back of your hair affectionately.

"They're probably getting antsy downstairs, right?" You say, beginning to pile the letters back up into the box.

Standing up, you lean forward to press all of your passion and adoration onto your husband's lips. You can feel his intensity matching yours, his hands finding the side of your hips to keep you stable.

"They can wait," Seungcheol replies, his forehead leaning softly against your own. "They're not the ones who are pregnant after all."

You laugh, a sound filled with both joy and contentment, feeling the warmth of his love surrounding you. "I suppose you're right," you say, a smile spreading across your face. You take one last glance at the box of letters, a testament to the incredible journey you've both shared—one that began with innocent childhood exchanges and blossomed into a love story more profound than you could have ever imagined.

Hand in hand, you and Seungcheol make your way downstairs to greet your guests, the letters safely tucked away in their satin box. As you step into the room, you know that no matter what the future holds, you'll always have those words, those memories, and most importantly, each other.

[bluewxrld07]

Hurt My Feelings (Ethan Edwards)

Warning(s): mutual pining, angst, cheating, making out, groping/touching

Ethan Edwards x femalebff!reader (there's also a little bit of Luke Hughes x reader oops ;) )

Summary: Based off of Tate McRae's song Hurt My Feelings :)

She wears your number, but I've got what you like

She's got you right now, but I'm still on your mind

The rink was cold. It always was. No matter how many times she's sat in one, whether it was for a tournament or for just one game, she still was cold no matter what.

She was wearing her UMich gear; supporting a hockey sweatshirt in the the familiar navy blue with yellow lettering underneath her jacket, a pair of grey jogger sweats with their team logo, a UMich hat, and a pair of UMich mittens made by the famous Edwards mother herself. A gift from her two birthdays ago after learning y/n would be attending the same college with Ethan.

Y/n found her seat in the third row opposite from the benches, wrapping her blanket around her legs as she sat. Once she was situated, she looked around the arena, watching as people piled into their seats. Some making their way down to the glass to watch the boys warmups up close.

That's when her eyes stopped and did a double take, following back to the familiar head of platinum blonde hair standing right behind the glass, standing directly across the rink from where y/n was sitting. She wore the oh so familiar home jersey with the number 73 on her back, with leather skinny jeans.

Her makeup looking a tad too overdone, a large sign sitting front of her and her friends with a thirst quote written out on it in big letters. The chomping of the girl's gum also being very noticeable. Y/n fought the urge to roll her eyes as she watched Ethan's girlfriend rave with her friends, probably bragging and talking about the boy himself.

Ethan was not someone who enjoyed signs with messages such as the one written on his girlfriend's board. Course the signs were fine when it was younger kids coming to watch, but he always said it looked desperate.

When y/n and him would lay outside talking about life, he always stated that he would want his future girlfriend to be the one sitting in the stands with his family. Not the one behind the glass with a cliche sign. Sure he didn't mind it when it came to fans, but when it was his girlfriend, it was a different story.

He wanted to be able to come out for warmups, search for her and smile when he did. Be able to look up at her every so often in between drills, waving, making gestures, mouthing something out to her, anything like that.

Y/n was lost in her thoughts when Ethan's mom's voice rung out happily. "Ugh I'm so glad you made it before me! I thought I was gonna be too late and we wouldn't get our usual spots." she jokes, a large smile on her face as she sat next to the college girl pulling her in for a bear hug.

She supported a homemade sweatshirt customized with her son's number and name on the sides of the sleeves, mittens with 73 on both of them as well as a UMich tie blanket.

"You know me, I like to be early thanks to always having parents fashionably late to everything," y/n chuckles as they pulled away from one another.

Ethan's mom gave her a look, knowing exactly what she meant. "Oh sweetheart trust me I know. Why do you think I always tell your parents an earlier time nowadays? So then they're actually on time to things."

"Yeah no kidding. I'm always the one stressing."

As the pair talked, the seats and the edges around the glass began to fill with students and fans. Before they knew it the music started to blare out, cheers increasing as the teams came out for warmups.

Y/n clapped alongside the elder woman, the pair still conversing as they watched the boys skate around the ice.

Y/n's eyes fell to the familiar head of brown hair poking out of the helmet he wore, watching as he shot into the net a few times. Not6 long after did her eyes find his girlfriend once again, seeing the girl bouncing up and down like a toddler and banging on the glass eyeing Ethan as he skated around.

She watched as her and her friends banged on the glass and shook the sign made, trying to get him to notice it.

"She's absolutely embarrassing." y/n hears next to her, looking over to Ethan's mom, whom has a disgusted look on her face while staring at the platinum head of hair across the rink.

"Not a fan of her?" she asks, watching the woman shake her head immediately.

"I tried giving her a chance. I truly did. But she is just not anywhere near his type. Or even respectful for that matter," she admits while shaking her head, finding her song back on the ice. "She got drunk at dinner with us the first time we met her. The second time we met her she got into an argument with my husband." Shay says.

Y/n stays silent and just chuckles lightly, focusing back to the boys on the ice.

Ethan peers up at the stands, scanning them before his eyes find her own. He smiles largely with a goofy smile and nods his head up as if saying 'what up'. Y/n feels her face heat up, butterflies in her stomach.

She nods back at him with a humored smile playing on her lips. His gaze falling to his mom next to her blowing her a kiss. She smiles warmly at her son and sends a million kisses back and cheers for him, watching his focus go back to drills.

Y/n wanted to take that and rub it in his girlfriends face, whom was still desperately trying to get his attention. Yet she was better than that, so she just stayed content in her seat as she watched the boys.

After a while, it was nearing the end of their warmups as her and the older woman had small talk about how school has been. They kept their eyes on the team in front of them, soon seeing Ethan skate up towards the glass on their side of the rink, eyeing y/n whom looked at him with a questioning expression.

He points towards the tunnel where they came from as if saying to meet him over there, her nodding immediately as she unwrapped herself from her cocoon.

She tells the woman next to her she will be right back, the woman shooing her off with a knowing smile.

Y/n makes her way down the steps towards the tunnel, feeling a certain blonde's eyes on her, making her try to hide a humored grin on her face. Ethan skates over slowly and greets some of the younger kids waiting by the entrance for the players.

She leans over the railing with a small smile on her face, watching as he makes his way towards her removing his helmet to look at her clearly.

He reaches his hand up as she re moves her mitten and reaches her own hand down, doing their little handshake together.

"You cold over there Rudolph?" he jokes, earning and eyeball from her.

"Yeah yeah, haven't heard that one before." she scoffs and he laughs at her expression.

"You want to meet the guys and I for dinner afterwards? We might hit up Bell's Diner," he says, and she immediately feels her insides warm.

He's asking her to join him. Not the blonde who was insanely upset on the other side of the rink. Her.

"Yeah I might be up for it." she shrugs, earning a smack to her hand that still hung with his.

I should've known better, you should've known better than me

"Ow, okay, ow, Ethan! Stop that hurts!" Y/n cries out with a laugh, the boy now sitting on her as she was laying on the couch, video game controller in his hands.

"No you stay here." he laughs.

She squeaks out and tries poking at his sides to get him off of her, watching as he twitches from her hands. "Ethan I have class in like fifteen minutes! I swear if you don't get off of me, I'm-"

"What? You're in no place to call the shots, you can't move," he jokes out looking down at her in amusement. Her arms fall other sides, looking up at him with a scowl, then crosses her arms over he chest.

Ethan laughs down at her before unpausing his game, y/n's mouth dropping offendedly. She begins to huff and puff dramatically, her head turning away from him as her sighs get louder each time her ignores her.

Once she sees that her dramatic sighs are not doing the trick, she conjures up a devilish grin.

It's a few moments of silence, but then before Ethan knows it, the girl underneath him begins screaming. He immediately jumps up in surprise from the loud yell she conjures up, the girl now scrambling off the couch and up the stairs to get her bag for class.

She hears his footsteps coming up the staircase as well as the calls of her name with some empty joking threats such as ones like 'I'm gonna throw you into the pool' or her favorite, 'I will force you to play in my spot the next home game'.

She's zipping up her jacket and throwing her backpack over her shoulder by the time her reaches her, an amused smile on both their lips.

"Ethan, no." she giggles, watching him stalk closer to her. She puts her arms out to keep him away. Her breathing getting heavy in between laughs as he gets closer.

She finds herself backing into a wall, completely screwed now as he now stands directly in front of her. His hands find her waist while his eyes are piercing down into her own, a devilish smile on his lips.

The closeness between them made her insides churn with excitement and nervousness, unsure of what was next to come.

"I wanted to spend time with you," he drags out, she rolls her eyes. "I don't see you much anymore."

"I was here yesterday."

"Okay but still, You get so busy with classes this time of year, and I have Hockey. So I don't see you a ton." he says, leaning his forehead on her own, giving her waist a squeeze.

She swallows lightly, her breathing becoming heavy as her heart. pounds in her chest. "I miss you." he mutters, his eyes finding hers.

Her eyes look into his, their faces so close now. Her heart was yelling at her to close the distance, but her mind kept screaming back and chanting girlfriend girlfriend girlfriend.

She watched him close his eyes, his jaw clenching and unclenching.

Y/n closed her eyes tight, taking a deep breath before place a hand on his chest and lightly pushing him back. "I've gotta go Eddy." she sighs, and walks away from him.

Ethan stayed in his spot, her scent still there, captivating as ever. Once he hears the front door close, his head drops back as he lets out a groan and rubs his hand on his face.

"Fuck"

I'm tryna tell myself I'm gonna stay away from you

I should've known better, you've got a way that's gonna weigh-weigh on me

It was New Years Eve, and of course the Hockey team was throwing a big party. They threw one every year. Y/n always helped plan them, per Rutger and his girlfriends pleas.

This year made it harder for her to say yes. She's been avoiding Ethan as much as she can, ignoring his texts and calls. Trying to distance herself from the need she had for him inside. She thought she was doing what was best for the both of them. Their want and need for one another was climbing. So she put a stop to it. At least is trying to.

The Hockey house was definitely bumping, the time being eleven o'clock. So close to ball drop. Y/n accepted that she would either end up kissing some random guy at midnight, or better yet, nobody at all.

Each year, she wished for Ethan to be that one she kissed. To feel his lips on her own. Yet it always ended up being nobody.

Of course Ethan knew she never had a new years kiss, so he would place his lips on her cheek after midnight and claim that that could count as her new years kiss.

She doubted she would get that now. After she had been avoiding him like the plague, stating she was so busy with classes and homework. Or that she was too sick to answer the phone sometimes.

She knew Ethan would see right through her each time though. Even if he wouldn't admit it, he knew her well enough to know her tell when lying.

So now here she stood while So High by Doja Cat played, next to Rutger in a game of beer pong against a couple of the Football boys, in a dress that she felt was too short. But was complimenting her figure so good per Rutger's girlfriend.

She was tipsy, but not drunk. She really didn't feel like throwing up tonight, better yet not having to deal with being hungover the next morning. It was enough of a buzz that she was able to feel at ease, and let loose for the night.

Rutger pulled her in for a hug as they cheered, her sinking the Football guys' last cup watching as they chugged it down.

Y/n a sip of her own drink, Rutger saying he was going to take a break and dance with his girlfriend, Y/n nodding and shooing him away to go be with her.

The girl made her way through the crowd after she finished making another drink, the crowd dancing as if in slow motion with the colored lights flashing around.

As she took a sip of her drink, she stopped in her tracks seeing the familiar boy she had been avoiding.

He was dancing up against his girlfriend, the girl basically grinding all over him as he kissed her neck. One hand gripping the underside of her breast while the other stayed glued lowly on her hip.

Y/n rolled her eyes, feeling the bile in her throat as she looked around the room to find someone. She thought it would be better to try getting over Ethan, by getting under someone else.

The crowd cheered as Rude Boy by Rihanna began to blare through the speakers, her lips turning up into a smirk. Y/n downed the rest of her drink and set her cup down on a nearby table, her eyes finding a familiar pair of blonde, curly hair.

"Hughes," she calls over the music, his head snapping over and down to her with a smile. "What's goin on little y/n/n?" he says back.

He was leaning against a doorway while talking another buddy of his, she held her hands out for him. "Come dance with me Luke," she challenges, his eyes scanning her figure as he bit his lip. Luke hands his cup to his buddy, immediately sliding his hands into her own, watching her lips move and sing along to the lyrics of the song.

They found a spot in the crowd, her eyes still locked on his. Sure Luke was attractive, everything about him was. Which is why she didn't mind how it felt dancing up close with him.

His hands slid away from hers, the girl turning around so her back was up against his chest while his hands found home on her hips.

Her hands slid up over her stomach, to her waist, over her own breasts before finally reaching behind her and sliding them into Luke's hair. The pair swayed together to the music as she sang along to the lyrics, Luke's head falling to the crook between her neck and collarbone.

Luke was tall, only a had a couple inches on Ethan, but still pretty tall nonetheless. His head fell over her collarbone fully, his lips finding a spot right on the bone that made her sigh deeply and grip his hair tightly.

Her eyes began to search in the crowd for the familiar brunette, stopping when she found him with his girlfriend still in their same position.

His eyes, though, staring into her own. Y/n knew she had him in a trance now. Her lips still singing along to the lyrics.

But that's when something else snapped in her. Her eyes leaving Ethan's and looking back down to the boy who was breathing heavily into her neck.

"Lu," she breathes, the boy humming and squeezing her hips as an answer. "I need you to help me out." she admits and he nods, his eyes finding hers for a second. He watches her eye dart towards the brunette and his own girl, Luke's eyes slowly fading over to Ethan and the blonde.

Luke's chin sat softly on her shoulder as they still danced against one another. The boys stared back at one another, Ethan's eyes looking into his best friend's with warning, as if daring Luke to test him.

Luke was always one to help stir the pot if it needed to be. Especially when he knew how both y/n and Ethan felt about each other, but danced around it for many reasons.

So of course when Ethan gave him those eyes, Luke's mind was more than happy to push his best bud past his limits.

Y/n's stayed on Luke's side profile while he stared at Ethan with a smirk blooming onto his face. As they swayed, the bridge to the song came in and Luke's hands began to move. One hand slithered its way to y/n's throat and gripped lightly, causing her to sigh at his touch.

The other hand slithered up too, but stopping on her left breast, squeezing and toying with it over her dress. The feeling of Luke's hands in the right spots made y/n's head rolled back onto his shoulder as she let out a sigh mixed with a breathless moan.

She knew Luke was still staring back at Ethan, who still held eye contact with him as well, Ethan's nostrils flaring.

Luke's eyes broke their stare a moment later, finding home on the soft spot in the crook of her neck he found earlier. Ethan watched y/n's chest heaving up and down as his best friend touched her and kissed her like that.

"Shit, Lu," she sighs into Luke's ear. She could feel him poke her backside as they ground against one another. "Who knew you knew what you were doing." she chuckles breathlessly, earning a hum from the curly headed boy.

"Gotta do what I gotta do to pull his head out of his ass, huh?" he says back to her, his head lifting up to stare back at her.

His hand left her throat, and began to slide down her waist, her hips, to her thighs, his hand moving towards her inner thigh and sliding back up slowly.

Her breathing was starting to become messy as he got closer to where she was dying to be touched. Whether it was Luke or Ethan, in which she hoped Ethan would be the one to do it, but wasn't complaining when Luke knew how to push her own buttons.

Before Luke could finally reach where she desperately needed it, she was snagged from his arms and thrown over a shoulder.

She looked back up to see Luke standing there, tongue poking the inside of his cheek as he saluted to her. She smirked at him in amusement, knowing exactly whose shoulder she was over.

Y/n was taken up the staircase and into the familiar brunette's room, the door shutting and locking behind them.

Ethan set y/n down on her feet once they were in his room, the girl’s eyebrows scrunched up in a frown. That frown changed when she saw his facial expression. 

She couldn’t pinpoint all the emotions running through his mind, but the ones she could see were anger, sadness, annoyance. 

Lust. 

His anger was what she could see the most running through his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. “Did you need something?” She retorts, testing the waters that were already running high. Ethan scoffs down at her, his arms being thrown up in anger at her. “You’re fucking with me right?” He snaps, making her shake her head at his tone. 

“I’m not doing this,” she chuckles bitterly, trying to walk past him but he grabs her arm. “Of course you won’t. You haven’t wanted to in weeks! I don’t hear shit from you, and the next thing I know I'm watching both of my best friends all up on one another? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Y/n lets her tongue run over her teeth, not daring to make eye contact with him. She might’ve been buzzed, but she was not drunk. She was sober enough to be aware of her surroundings, but so aware of them that she was holding back her actions. Because liquid courage was surely a thing right now, and she could not hold back much longer. 

“Hello? You gonna answer me y/n/n?” He says in a short tone, making her snap out of her trance. 

She could hear Rutger’s voice downstairs saying fifteen seconds till midnight, y/n really wanting to get out of there before she couldn’t control herself anymore. 

All these feelings have been building up, her avoiding him not helping her case. Actually made it worse, because of the way her body and mind craved his presence and touch. 

“I can’t right now, Ethan.” She musters out, not making eye contact as she says it. Ethan frowns at her, confusion setting in. “Do what?” He asks. She shakes her head at him, the boy watching as she swallows hard, her chest heaving. 

“Ethan,” she says, her tone was one he had only a few times. It was a warning tone. She still wasn’t looking at him in the eyes. The sound of everyone downstairs counting down till midnight and the music blaring being heard. “You should really get down there,” she says and motions to the door. “Your girl will be wondering where you are at midnight.”  

Ethan storms up to her, annoyed that she won’t even acknowledge him or look at him. 

“Look at me,” he says, his tone stern as he grabs her jaw softly but enough to force her to look at him. Her eyes catch his, he sees that she’s got a certain emotion running through them. 

“What’s going on, y/n?” He mutters to her softly this time. "Why won't you talk to me? What did I do?" he pushes, watching as the gears turn in her mind.

He watches her lip quiver, soon biting it to hide the way it shook. It shouldn't have made him feel a way, but it did. He wanted to be the one biting that lip. Let alone taking away the pain he could see in her eyes.

Y/n rolls her eyes as the crowd yells out ‘one’ followed by a ‘happy new year’. She looks back at him, still staying silent. He says her name one last time sternly. 

“Y/n.” 

“Goddammit Eddy.” she snaps before her hand wraps around his neck, pulling him in for his lips to finally slam onto her own. 

He didn’t take any time to process what was going on, just instantly kissing her back with just as much passion as she did. His hand going to both sides of her head, their lips moving in sync. 

The way his lips felt on hers was nothing like she's ever imagined. They felt like they belonged on her own. What caught her off guard the most, was the fact that he didn't even hesitate to kiss her back.

That's when she realized he felt the same way she did. The attraction was there.

His tongue grazed hers, making his hand slide down and grip her backside. When her mouth opened in a gasp, he slid his tongue inside to let it massage hers.

Her soft moans were like music to his ears, his hands roaming anywhere and everywhere. He wanted to hear them over and over again. It was him making her make those noises. Not Luke. His lips left her own and trailed down her neck, stopping on the same spot that Luke's had once been on. Y/n didn't think it could feel any better, but Ethan made it feel insatiable.

Her hands ran through his hair as his hands roamed wherever they could reach, her gasps and breathless moans going into his broad shoulder. But as he kissed along her entire chest, her conscience came creeping in.

"Ethan," she sighs, the boy's hands raising the hem of her dress slightly, gripping her thighs trying to get her as close as he could in that moment. All that was on his mind was her. She tried his name once again, the brunette still not answering her as he searched for her lips to shush her.

"Ethan hold on," she says in between their kisses. He whimpers in her mouth, making her feel so incredibly weak. She wanted to cave so bad. Wanted to give him all of her. Let him have his way with her, and her with him.

But she couldn't. She couldn't do that.

"Your girlfriend, Eddy." she mutters as she pulls away, putting her hand on his chest. They're both breathless, Ethan going in one last time, teeth going down to drag out her bottom lip which earned a moan from her mouth.

He takes a moment with her, chests heaving against one another.

"You stay here," he whispers, his hands coming up to squeeze her waist.

She just hums with a slight nod. "I'll be back." he says, placing one last kiss on her lips, leaving her in the middle of his room in a disheveled state.

He didn't return that night.

She's where you're waking up, she's got you making up such pretty boy excuses

Oh but I know one thing, she can't stop it happening in my mind

It had been two weeks since the New Years incident. Two weeks since y/n and Ethan had shared that moment in his room. Two weeks since he left you there, only to not return.

He had been the one avoiding her now. But in this case, not under his own choices.

Every time y/n showed up to the Hockey house, she was there. Every time y/n went to a home game, she was sitting in your spot, going to see him at the tunnel instead of y/n.

When she'd text him to meet, he'd say the same things.

E :)

I can't today, I'm trying to focus. I've got a lot going on rn.

E :)

I wish I could, but I've got some stuff going on with the boys.

E :)

I would say yes, but the gf and I have plans tonight!

She knew it wasn't him making the choices, or sending those texts. He always dropped whatever he was doing to see y/n, to be with her.

The boys would've invited her to come with for one, and for two she had planned on seeing some of the guys that night. So y/n knew it was a lie from him.

The classes y/n had with Ethan and the boys was what made it more obvious. He always made up an excuse as to why his girlfriend needed him to sit with her. Or she would already be sitting in y/n's spot, so she'd find somewhere in the back to sit.

Y/n's heart began to ache. She knew deep down that it wouldn't have just happened so easily between them two, and that she couldn't stop him from making that choice. It just hurt because she should've composed herself better that night, then maybe they would've turned out being back to normal at this point.

Y/n sat in the library with Rutger's girlfriend, the pair doing homework in one of the study hall rooms. Y/n had been zoned out, her eyes locked on Ethan and his girlfriend, whom sat outside in the main study hall area talking all happily with one another.

It should be her he is sat with. Them two laughing at some stupid joke Ethan tried making about classes or the assignment at hand. It should've been her getting the quick kisses stolen in between work.

"You really need to get better at hiding your emotions, y/n/n," Rutger's girlfriend says.

Y/n snapping out of her trance and looking up at the girl whom had the whiteboard marker in one hand, the other on her hip with an unfazed look on her face.

"What emotion? I'm fine." Y/n says, her tone squeaky and uneven.

"Yeah and I'm a hockey wag," the blonde girl jokes, making y/n shrug.

"Technically speaking, you are. Unofficially," she pushes, nearly dodging the marker thrown her way.

"Not the point!" the girl laughs, y/n smiling at her comment.

She comes and sits next to y/n, sighing as she sees what her friend was witnessing. Then turns back to look at her a few moments later.

"What happened on New Years?" she asked, watching her friend pale and look at her lap.

"You cannot say a word," y/n says. "I won't-"

"Not even to Rutger."

"Damn that bad huh?"

Y/n nods. "We kind of sort of," she trails off. "madeoutinhisroomandIhadtobetheonetostopitfromgoingfurther"

The blonde looked at her like she had two heads. "I cannot decipher your fast speaking tone, so slow it down for me thank you."

Y/n sighs. "We made out in his room, and I was the one who had to try and stop it. Because if I didn't, we would've kept going." she admits, watching her friends eyes light up.

"I was wondering why he looked so dazed and why his lips were swollen when he came back." she says in a knowing manner.

"Seriously, you cannot say a word! He didn't even come back to me that night, so it means nothing." y/n says as she closes her books, packing up her stuff.

"Girl, he didn't come back because his girlfriend knew something was up."

"I kind of figured with how she's been about me lately."

"Yeah trust me, everyone has noticed." y/n threw the whiteboard marker back at her friend who laughed.

"Don't stress about it seriously. She is just jealous of what you guys have," she explains as they begin to leave the room. "I'm not one to be for cheating, trust me. But with how she treats all of us behind the scenes, I'd say your secret would be safe with me."

Y/n shook her head, her eyes finding Ethan once again. "Yeah well," He must've felt someone staring because his eyes look up from the platinum blonde girl next to him, smile dropping when he finds the familiar girl's stare.

"He can count his day because he's breaking my heart doing it." The two girls then walk away, Y/n's eyes leaving Ethan's.

His eyes following her still as she left the hall.

She's got you right now, but I'm still on your mind

[starbabyg]

Coffee | Jack Hughes smut

Based on Coffee by Miguel

Warnings; smut, duh, but sweet and sensual-ish smut, funny yucky smut words that make me kinda cringe loll

Jack had always been an early bird. Waking up just when the early hour darkness turns into that ashy slate blue color. When the birds start to wake up and sing their way too early good morning chirps as they flock to warmer weather. It must’ve been embedded into him, all those times waking up at 5 in the morning for youth hockey tournaments. Getting shaken awake by Quinn to go for early morning runs. It's another one of those days. Stretching and yawning, he quietly gets out of bed trying not to wake you. Making way to the kitchen he fills a tea kettle with water before putting it on the stove. Usually, he gets ready to go on his own morning run, but today he felt like a homebody. Sitting down at the kitchen table, he mindlessly started to scroll through his phone, waiting for his best friend to wake up. Snapchat memories of the two of you pop up. A year ago, the both of you wearing Mickey Mouse ears as you smile from ear to ear next to Mater in Cars Land. The next one is a picture of you holding one of those comically large turkey legs, teeth bared as you prepared to bite a mouthful, making Jack softly snicker. Ohhh how he loved his silly girl. Reliving these sweet memories made him miss you, even if you were just in the other room. The boy was just oh so enamored with you. Overfilled with that immense love, he made his way back to the room.

Leaning against the doorframe, he soaked in the image of you peacefully sleeping. Hair splayed out against the pillows; arms wrapped around one. Somehow a soft smile sat on your lips. 'What could this perfect girl be smiling about in her sleep?' Suddenly you shifted, bare leg now exposed from under the blankets and an impeccable view of your boobs, the tank top you wore twisted and tightened just enough for your nipples to poke through. Jack bit his lip, you had to have done that on purpose. His sweet thoughts were now replaced with ones that were a bit dirtier. Bed dipping underneath his weight, he started to kiss up your leg. Starting with the tips of your flawlessly pedicured toes, up your silky-smooth shin, to the flesh of your thigh. It took everything in him not to just take a bite. He didn't want to scare his sleeping beauty awake.

Instead, he moved the blanket and positioned you in a way where he could slip off your shorts and panties. Taking one last moment to see you sleep so seamlessly, he laid a single finger on the pearl of your honeypot. Soft and slowly, he makes circles as he watches in admiration how fast your juices get to flowing. Looking up at your angelic face, he watches for signs of you waking up. Nope. None yet. Switching to now use his thumb on your clit, he starts to lick and leave kisses on the inside of your thigh. After an extra-long lick, he feels your skin twitch underneath his touch. Using that as motivation, Jack replaces his thumb with his mouth, fingers now creeping their way inside your folds. mmnph... Was that a little moan? Still attached to your core, the edges of Jack's lips perk up into a mischievous smirk. Picking up his pace, Jack started to sloppily lick and slurp, a little too hyped up from your response to his stimulus. Finally, your eyes started to flutter open. The dirty dream you thought you were having was not a dream. Still with sleepy eyes, you made out a blurry vision of Jack, hands gripping your thighs as he feasted on your slickness.

"Having a good breakfast there?" You hummed, still dozy.

"It is the most important meal of the day," he quipped back, leaving a kiss to your left thigh before going back to his task. Instinctively your hand made its way to his head, fingers weaving through his tufts of brunette silk.

"Mmmm, you know exactly what you're doing love," You praised him, back arching as you feel the pleasure spark its way through your body. You were definitely close to cumming, that familiar feeling building up inside. "Come up here and gimme a kiss, yeah?" Fuck the morning breath, you needed to feel Jack's lips on yours. With no hesitation he made his way to your pretty face, placing a peck on your nose.

"Don't gotta tell me twice to kiss you," dipping down, Jack deeply pressed his lips into you. Your hands make their way under his shirt, feeling up his V line to his chest. Out of breath, Jack breaks the kiss. "God, I love you so much y/n." Saying that wasn't even in with any sexual connotation, it was pure unrequited love.

"I love you, baby," pulling him by his collar into another round of deep sensual, breathtaking kisses. Still gripping his shirt, you wanted it out of the way. "I have to feel your skin on mine, like now." You told him, yanking at the hem of his shirt. Jack lifts himself up, pulling his tee off in one swift motion. Sitting up yourself, your arms cross to pull your tank top off. Now fully awake, you smile at the sight of Jack. Shirtless, hair disheveled in the best way, lips plump and glistening from making out just a little too hard. It was all too much, you shoved him so now he was flat on his butt, crawling onto his lap as your arms snaked around his neck. Jack's hands crept up your bare back, fingers gliding against the sleek skin, leaving shivers wherever he touched. Filled with so much love for the boy, you violently peppered kisses all over his face, a content smile forming on his face in the midst of the flurry. Although it was a cute and innocent act of love, you could feel the reaction it gave him, his clothed bulge now growing and pressing into your naked self. It was your turn to smirk, hand creeping down to pull his basketball shorts down a bit. Your hand wraps around the base, softly caressing it as you watched Jack's face.

"Fuuuuck y/n, keep doing that I'm gonna have to take you right now," he groaned through trapped breaths. Ohhh the way he was looking up at you, his jawline sharp and his eyes glistening with love. A true sight to see.

"Keep doing what?" You innocently asked as your grip on his erection tightened, your languid strokes picking up pace. Jack's grip on your waist tightened as a string of moans fell out of his pretty lips.

"Put it in please. I need to be inside you," he whimpered.

"You need to?"

"I need to," he nodded, bottom lip in a pout. Ohh how cute he was when he was sweet and submissive.

"Okay, just because you said please," you teased, lifting yourself up so he could fully take his shorts off. Still holding his dick, you hovered over it, taking your time. Jack looked up at you, brows coming together in a puppy dog face that was too cute to keep stalling. Swiftly you sank down onto him, walls tightening at the filling as you softly gasped.

"Oh my... Fuck," Jack groaned into your ear before he places a kiss there. Intertwined together, you both just relished in the feeling of being in oneness. How the skin to skin felt. To be this close to one another. Jack guided your hips as you rode him at a languorous pace. You felt yourself close to the edge, just as the sun started to rise and the hues of orange and yellow crept through the curtains.

"I got you feeling like that, huh?" You mischievously smirk, looking at how in awe he is of you. Jack begins to thrust up into you, meeting your hips halfway. Grip on your hips gets tighter as he guides you to match his now quickening pace. He can feel himself getting closer to the edge and he'd be damned if you didn't cum first.

"Uh huh, you just feel so good wrapped around me princess," his breaths are becoming ragged, his crystal blue eyes turning a slightly darker shade. Sweat dribbles down the front of your chest, dripping between your breasts. Jack doesn't think twice to swipe and lick it up, earning a pretty little moan from you. For some reason that just sets you off, feeling that oh so familiar knot forming inside of you.

"Jack, baby, I'm close," you whimper and whine as your eyes screw shut. The way he's thrusting up into you just hits all the right spots as you sit on his lap. Your arms wrap tighter around him, his face now flush against your breasts.

"I know baby, I know," Jack replies, his voice strained from his gruff moans. He knew you were coming undone from the way you tightened around him, it was your tell that you were close to finishing. One of his hands made its way to the small of your back, gliding up and down, sending a shiver down your spine. Kissing his way up your chest, his lips wrap around one of your nipples. Already so overstimulated, the minute his tongue swirls on the sensitive skin you're pushed over the edge. Somehow your grip on him gets even tighter as you squeal out, singing your song of pleasure right when the morning birds start to chirp.

"That's it, I'm cumming!" You managed to get out in between a string of pleasure-filled gibberish. Jack's eyes fluttered closed as he felt you pulse around him, letting out another guttural moan. he continues to thrust into you, riding out your orgasm with you.

"Oh, fuck," he groans, hugging you tightly, "you just feel so fucking good when you do that." The two of you pant, finally coming down from the high, still entangled with one another, your hands woven into Jack's hair, his hands resting on the top of your bottom. All you can do is pepper kisses into his now sweaty locks.

"You're so amazing, you know that?" You hum praise to him, softly brushing the back of his hair. He gave you one hell of a wakeup call and you hoped this would become a daily thing.

"You're the amazing one," Jack chuckles, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck, "I really love you so much." He just breaths in the sweet scent of you, his eyes closed in contentment.

"I love you so much more Jacky," kissing him one last time before you roll off of him with a satisfied sigh, stretching your sore body out. Jack looks at you, back to being your quirky self.

"Impossible," is all he can say as he looks at you with adoration. How someone can be so in love with another person, he never thought it could be possible. Yet here he is.

Suddenly a screech could be heard from the kitchen, making you shoot up from your spot, "What the hell was that??"

"Oh shit! The coffee!"

[sweetdispatch]

Time to move on - N. Hischier

When Two Sports Collide | previous chapter

timeline: November 2022 - June 2023

summary: Nico is heartbroken after hearing Lisa' confession, Lisa is heartbroken of her situation in club but break between seasons will bring them closer than ever

warning: mentions of injury, swear words

words: 1.8k

note: fun fact, i was watching norway - switzerland game while editing this chapter haha

---

Nico tried to act like it didn’t bother him that Lisa doesn’t want him when in fact, he was hurting. He never asked her about this conversation she had with Lottie and decided to pretend that he never heard it. They spent a great weekend together but her words were still ringing in his ears. 

I don’t think I’m ready to be with him.

I don’t know if I want to.

When Lisa returned to Kristiansand, Nico was talking less with her. Every conversation with her was painful for him knowing that they can’t be together. Life went fast when the NHL returned. He was focused more on hockey than on her. Still, he was following the scores of her games to see how she and her team are doing but during the National Team, Nico was watching every game. He was proud of her and how far she went with her career. 

“I’m mad at you” Nico called her and that was the first he said to her.

“Wait, why?” Lisa was surprised.

“How could you beat my beautiful country?” Then she realized what he meant. Norway played against Switzerland that day and beat them 21:38. To make it funnier, Lisa got POTM in this game.

“What can I say? We’re just better” Lisa laughed.

“In your dreams” Nico replied.

“Remind me, who’s defending the title of European Champion” 

“Rude, also, how dare you to get the POTM award?” 

“You’re funny Nico” 

“I know” He chuckled. “I’m proud of you. You did great out there” He admitted.

“You watched?” 

“Yeah, I’m always watching your National Team games” 

“How cute…” Lisa sighed. “As much as I would like to talk with you, I’m tired and I really wish to be in my bed now”

“Understand it, good luck in next games” 

“Thank you and sorry for beating your country” She giggled and hung up. 

For the second time, Lisa won the European Championship. She and her team defended the title they won two years ago. It was an unbelievable experience and she was grateful to be part of this team. To her personal achievements, she could add another MVP award handed to her after the whole tournament.

lisa.pedersen

liked by nicohischier and 5628 others

lisa.pedersen Back to back champion! Grateful to be part of this amazing team❤️PS sorry Nico for the POTM🙄

charlotteolsen I couldn't be more proud of you!!!!!!

nicohischier You are forgiven, congratulation on another title to collection!

21 November 2022

Start of 2023 wasn't as successful for Lisa as she thought. In February she picked up an injury. Again, she tore her ACL, this time in right knee. She was truly heartbroken because she felt that she’s in the best shape ever. Now, she has to pause for at least 6 months and hope that she will still be fit to play. 

A month later, Vipers Kristiansand decided not to sign another contract with her. She spent 5 seasons here but now with all her achievements, she was too expensive for them. The club was struggling financially because the main sponsor backed off and they needed to drop some of the girls. Lisa was on top of her list because of her injury. She felt like it’s over.

“Lottie, I don’t think I’ll return to playing” Lisa cried, having all the pessimistic scenarios in her head.

“Calm down. You might not have a contract for next season but you’re Melissa Pedersen. European and World Champion. There’s gonna be a new club for you” 

“But I’m injured! Who would want to sign a broken player?” Lisa sobbed.

“Everyone who knows how good you are. Yes, you’re injured and? That doesn’t mean you will forget how to play and be a top player. Don’t panic, just wait. Trust me” Lottie cheered up her friend. 

Right after the conversation, Lottie called Nico to tell him about Lisa’ injury and contract situation. She stopped being active on social media and since Nico didn’t want to bother her knowing that there’s no future for them, he wasn’t talking that much to her as they used to. The minute he learned about her situation, he knew he had to talk with her. 

“Lisa, you got this. I know that you’ll return stronger. Remember the first injury? You debuted in the National Team and won the European Championship in the same year when it happened. Everything will be alright” Nico tried to talk her through her dark thoughts.

“Yeah but I had fucking contract and didn’t had to wonder if I will be have a team to play for” Lisa said with venom in voice.

“And now you’ll also have a team. There’s no way a great player like you would be jobless” He joked.

“Not funny” Lisa took a deep breath. “I wish they would have told me about the contract before my injury. Now I have to hope that someone would like to have me in the squad. The timing is also terrible because most clubs have players signed for next season”

“Stop worrying. Only idiots wouldn’t want to have you in the team when you’re free” 

“Maybe you’re right” 

“Of course I am. Now, focus on your rehabilitation. No matter how important playing is for you, your health should be a priority” 

“Thank you Nico, I don’t know what I would do without your words” Lisa said and made Nico smile. 

“Always here for you” Nico hung up and sighed. He was always for her but she only saw a friend in him. 

This conversation reunited Nico with Lisa. He realised how much he missed hearing her voice every day. On the other hand, Lisa was grateful for the support he had from him. She hadn't expected that knowing that he has different things to care for. This made her start feeling something for Nico. During her recovery, Lisa had plenty of time to think and she made up her mind that she wanted him but didn’t know if he wanted the same. 

In May, Vipers won the Norwegian Championship and a month later the Champions League. Lisa could call herself 4 times Norwegian Champion and 3 times Champions League winner but she never claimed the titles for season 2022/2023. She only played half of the season and didn’t help her team in winning the playoffs. She was happy for the girls but for her, it was wrong to accept the two gold medals. Just like that, she closed the chapter with Vipers Kristiansand.

lisa.pedersen

liked by nicohischier and 5703 others

lisa.pedersen I came to Kristiansand as a 18 years old girl with dreams and I'm leaving as a 22 years old woman with 4x Norwegian League and 3x Champions League titles. Vipers made me a better player and get me the chance to have my debut in senior playing. Thanks to them, I could represent Norway and win 2x EURO and become World Champion. I will hold dearly all the memories from the past 5 seasons. Thank you Kristiansand! Wish you all the best❤️

charlotteolsen Girl you made my cry with the caption😭

5 June 2023

Still Lisa didn’t know where she will play next season. She had a couple offerts on the table but hadn't made up her mind. Conversation with Nico showed her that her focus should be on health and not rushing things. Just like last year, she went to Switzerland to visit Lottie and spent time with her but this time, she was aware of the fact that Nico was coming to visit them. 

Thankfully, Lisa was almost done with her rehabilitation and could do most of the things. The trio had trips to the lake together where they have been sunbathing, swimming and doing picnics. Lottie saw the tension between Lisa and Nico and knew that they’re having a crush on each other. She decided to do something about it.

Step 3: Force them to have an honest conversation. 

She sat them together in the living room. Both of them were confused about what’s going on and looked at her like she’s mad.

“You two are gonna hate me but I don’t care” Lottie started. “You have feelings for each other and I’m tired of seeing you being all flirty and not doing anything about it so you’re gonna sit here and sort things out” She said and left them. They watched her walking to her bedroom and later at each other.

“Is it true?” Nico asked.

“I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling. I just know that you’re nice and talkative and give the best advice and I just appreciate having you in my life” He laughed. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because I have a hard time believing you” He shrugged.

“Why?” 

“I heard you saying to Lottie that you don’t know if you want to be with me” Lisa looked at him trying to remember when she said. Suddenly it hit her. She heard her conversation last year.

“That was a year ago! Things change and the same goes for feelings. I was fresh after the breakup and tried to heal from it. After your call when I got an injury and the fact that you cared, I’ve realised that I want to be with you” Before Nico had the chance to speak, Lisa interrupted him. “Why didn’t you say anything last year?” 

“And for what? To make a fool of myself? You said loud and clear that you’re not interest so I kept it quiet” 

“Do you still have feelings for me or have you moved on?” Lisa started playing with her fingers, scared of what she might hear.

“I still have them. I tried to move on but I couldn’t, especially when I heard from Lottie about your struggles” Nico grabbed her hand. “Do you think we have a chance to be… you know, together?”

“I don’t know” Lisa looked at him. “We’re living in different parts of the world. We might be great as friends and I don’t want to ruin it because I don’t know if we’re gonna be great as a couple” Lisa said honestly.

“Are you willing to take the risk and try?” Nico looked at her with hope.

“Only if you promise to stay friends when the relationship won’t work out” Lisa proposed.

“Deal” Nico smiled. “So, Melissa Pedersen, will you be my girlfriend?” 

“Nico Hischier, that will be my pleasure” Lisa laughed and he kissed her. 

Lottie heard your laughter and walked out of her bedroom to see Lisa and Nico cuddled on the couch.

“Your welcome” She said with sarcasm. Two of them thanked her and decided to watch a movie.

Maybe Lisa didn't have a clue where she’s gonna end up in the next season but at least she had a loving boyfriend by her side.

Can they make it work with her in Europe and him in the United States? 

---

next chapter

[the8thsphynx]

I love your Caeneus SO FUCKING MUCH... It made me so upset what FGO did with him so it's good to see people in the fandom correct this mistake.

Do you have any headcanons about him? I neeeeeeed more content of the sexy horseman...

THANK YOU, ANON

And yeah, while I see why fellow t/gnc people like him and how he's translated narratively into FGO, I'm also leaning in to the side of other t/gnc where we're thinking 'there's more that could have been done here and some things that didn't need to happen'.

BUT!!! That aside!! We're here to LOVEMAIL! So yes, I have a few headcanons that I also work into my writing of my FGO AU!

Caeneus headcanons/AU parts:

This man is straight (but in a gay way). Ironically I say this as a strong CaeKirsch lover, but I see Caeneus as definitely being a ladies' man wherever he goes.

He and Heracles had an intense rivalry but also an unshakable respect for each other. This carried over to when Caeneus's son-- Coronus-- faced off against Heracles, and Heracles gave Coronus the opportunity to surrender.

Caeneus learns how to bake in secret so that one holiday he can whip out the best rolls and confectionary anyone in Chaldea has ever had and sit in that glory forever.

He likes hockey and MMA fighting. He tried to sign up for a tournament and Chaldea staff had to remind him that magical ancient Greek warrior horsemen can't just walk around in the modern era all willy-nilly.

Caeneus will snuggle the hell out of someone in his sleep, but deny it without budge the next day.

he's a sports car and motorcycle guy

Thank you for this lovely ask! Here's a Cae doodle for your time!

[wannabe-writer-elliot]

The Big Game - Captain Underpants Teen AU - Erica, Melvin, George, Harold - 14/7/24

Erica sat in one of the chairs outside the ice-rink, she had her water bottle in one hand, along with her gum guard and hockey stick in the other. This was her final game, if she won this, her team would win the whole tournament. She had played ice hockey for 5 years now, starting in middle school. Now, she's in high school, playing one of her biggest games. There were colleges scouting, so much pressure, andn3 of the people she actually managed to care about over the years were there.

The coach was giving a massive speech about girlhood, and how important this all was. Erica had heard it all before. She then saw her teammates get up and enter the ice rink... It was finally time, something she had waited and prepped for years. She took a final sip of water, put in her gum guard, and grabbed her hockey stick.

Erica got out onto the rink, going close to the centre, her usual place. She looked up to her right at the stands and saw the exact people she was looking for, Melvin, George and Harold. George and Harold were holding a massive “GO ERICA!” sign, nothing new for them... Melvin wasn’t exactly a big sports person, so it meant a lot to Erica that he came anyways.

Then the buzzer rang, just as quickly as she got onto the rink, she raced towards the hockey puck and hit it across the rink. She skated forward towards the goal and the hockey puck, being head-to-head with the “away” team. “ALYSSA! TO YOUR RIGHT!” Erica yelled, her hockey stick colliding with the puck, sending it flying over to a black-haired girl.

The girl quickly skated with it, eventually passing it back to Erica, raising her hockey stick, one quick swing... Then there was that beautiful buzzer. Erica always got the first point; it was her record. She looked up at the stands, seeing how George and Harold were practically yelling for her. And Melvin had some dumb invention that gave her two thumbs up, god, she loved those dumb inventions.

“ERICA!” A girl called out, Erica spun around and noticing the puck was flying towards her, before she could even react, another girl swept in. Next thing Erica knew, she was being smacked directly off her feet, slamming into the cold ice. Her whole body ached, especially her ankle.

“Whoops, didn’t see you there... Bitch.” The girl who smacked her down mumbled, walking over to the coach who was yelling. Erica tried to stand up, her ankle was making it extremely difficult though. Two girls held her up by her shoulders, helping her out of the rink. They dropped her off in front of the door.

“You can walk, right?” One of the girls asked, still holding her arm. Erica nodded, which sent the two girls away. She stumbled over to row E, going to some of the first seats. She looked up and noticed how George and Harold were half over their seats, yelling about how that girl should be disqualified. Fuck, even Melvin was pissed off at the girl. Erica sat in the seat next to Melvin, making him jump slightly. “Erica! Are you alright?” Melvin asked, checking her arms for bruises, or just any marks overall.

“Hey, I’m fine. I’ll probably just go back in a minute. Coach told those two girls to let me stay off and go to whoever was here to watch me for a few minutes.” Erica took off her hockey skates, taking out her gum guard before she spoke too.

“Woah Erica!” George turned around to his left and saw Erica, “That girl who knocked you over is so not cool.” Erica just nodded her head in agreement, then Harold spoke up, “Who even was she?”, she barely even recognized her. She went to a school not far away from here, she was pretty sure it might’ve been-

“Heather Windstock.” Erica clicked her fingers as she said the name, “We were in a competition and when I won, she got kicked out of the whole thing. Never able to compete again... Maybe she's trying to make it so I’ll never compete in what I love again.” That theory wasn’t too far-fetched, Heather was the stereotypical mean girl everyone hates.

“Woah, you have an enem-?” Before Harold could finish his sentence, Erica’s coach was stood at the rink door. “ERICA! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” She called out, Erica gave a nod and thumbs up in response. “GOOD, GET DOWN HERE! HEATHER GOT KICKED OFF THE COURT, SO ITS SAFE NOW!” Or was it?

Erica walked down the stairs, tying her skates back on before she got on the rink, she gave her friends a quick smile and wave before she went back on. Immediately, she ran for the puck, scoring practically 30 seconds after she got back into the rink. 2-1 HOME, the board read... Fuck, the other team scored whilst she was out.

The game continued, Erica scoring a few more points, she looked up at the left side of the stands and saw Heather literally throwing a hissy fit whilst her parents dragged her out. She felt a twinge of guilt, before shaking her head and remembering what Heather did, she didn’t deserve Erica’s sympathy.

The game eventually ended, 6-2 to home. All of Erica’s team mates were cheering and patting each other on the back. The away team seemed pretty upset, but were still being team players and shaking hands with the other team. Erica got past the last girl and walked off the rink.

“WOOOOOO! YOU WONN!!” A voice practically boomed, running up to Erica. George and Harold were now at either of her sides. They both kept congratulating her on her win, talking about how cool she was, and how she managed to score 4 out of those 6 points even after the hit. Melvin was behind Erica, waiting for the other two boys to leave before he tried to speak to Erica.

“Well done, Erica.” Melvin offered his hand for a handshake. She took his hand a shook it, smiling back at his somewhat nervous smile. The taller girl then pulled her hand away, wiping it on her hockey shirt.

“I’ll see you around, Melvin!” She yelled, whilst running off into the girls changing rooms. Melvin just stood, staring at where Erica was standing before. Before George and Harold ran up behind him, clammoring to the exit whilst also pushing Melvin with them...

Meanwhile in the locker rooms, Erica was being congratulated by all her team mates, compliments like - “THAT WAS AMAZING!” and “HOW YOU SCORED THE FIRST GOAL WAS SICK!” and lastly, “ALL OF THAT ON A HURT ANKLE! I applaud you girl.”

Erica just smiled and took all the compliments, she knew where she was welcome, and it was basically everywhere. Such a well-liked girl, loved by everyone. Perfect in every way, no wonder boys practically dropped to her feet like flies. Erica was perfect, and she knows damn well how awesome she really is.

[snugglebug-92]

The One Where Things Come Crashing Down

After dinner on Friday night it didn’t take long for Matthew to show up at your place.

“I told you to drop it Matthew,” you look at him, tears streaming down your face. Matthew had never seen you cry. In your entire year of friendship, he had never seen it happen once so for him to be the cause of it felt like a million knives stabbing him everywhere.

“I’m sorry I just thought you were scared or embarrassed of liking a freshman. I didn’t think it was anything more than that,” Matthew shifts from foot to foot unsure of what to do.

“The reason I transferred her was because of my ex. The situation was bad. Really bad to the point where I almost died. It started out good, everything was sunshine and rainbows but soon things went bad. He got abusive and I tried to leave but he would threaten me, and I just couldn’t leave.”

“I’m so sorry I didn't know.”

“I know. But that’s why I haven’t dated anyone in the past year or taken interest in any guys. I just wasn’t ready yet but then well you know where we are right now.”

“I’ll fix this.”

“It’s okay Matthew. I’ll talk to him.”

“How about I tell him my part of how you had no idea he was going to be there and then you tell him whatever else you want to. Deal?”

“Deal.” You and Matthew spend most of the weekend together and when Monday comes around you go and talk to Jimmy after practice. You had watched how he avoided Matthew most of practice and you knew it wasn’t a good sign but when you get the text from Knies says Jimmy told him that what happened was in the past you took it as a good sign. You went up to talk to Jimmy and were quickly brushed off as if you didn’t exist. You blink back the tears and smile at Matthew when he comes out of the locker room. He comes over and you tell him that everything is okay even though it isn't. The same thing continues for the next month. Every time you see Jimmy after practice or a game, he pretends you are invisible and it’s killing you. Eventually you have to enlist his roommate. As you knock on Jimmy’s door you hear shuffling.

“Did you forget your key again?” Jimmy asked before opening the door.

“Look I’m sorry about the date I-” you start but then Jimmy cuts you off.

“Save it. I get the guys pranking me but I didn’t think you would stoop that low,” he slams the door and you slide down the wall next to his door breaking down in sobs. You didn’t understand how this boy who was so sweet to everyone was breaking your heart like this and he didn’t even know how you felt about him. You don’t know how long you are like that but soon Matthew is coming and you have never been more grateful to see him in your life.

“What happened? I got a call you were here. I thought everything was back to normal and you guys were, okay?” Matthew looks at you. You shake your head and grab his hand to stand up.

“I lied because I didn’t want you to worry. But I came here and he thinks the whole thing was a prank. He hates me Matty,” you whisper as the tears start to pile up. You look at the light and quickly blink so you don’t start crying before Matthew wraps his arms around you.

“We’ll figure it out. Okay?”

“I don’t know what there is to figure out Matty. He hates me.”

“I’ll talk to him or I don’t know.”

“It’s useless. I’ll just figure something out. I’ll be okay.” You smile and Matthew knows it’s a load of crap but he drops it. The two of you walk to get ice cream before he has to leave for a date with Abby leaving you alone with your thoughts. You sit in your empty apartment and can’t help but wonder if he’ll ever forgive you. That’s when you get the email. One other secret you had been keeping is that you had applied to be a photographer for the world juniors hockey tournament. You know it was a bit of a stretch but you had always been into photography and you had done a lot of sports photography. This was the email saying the position was yours. You were officially team USA’s photographer. Your rather shitty day had gotten a lot better. 

That night you go to bed with a smile on your face. You were happy and things were starting to look up. The rest of your week went by rather fast and soon it was game day. You went to the boy's game and they won. You congratulated Matthew and Brock before smiling at Jimmy as you left. You had decided you didn’t care if he was going to be a dick to you. You could be the bigger person and just ignore it and be nice to him anyways. It didn’t matter anymore. You were done caring.

[grantmentis]

Some details on the Pwhpa collective bargaining agreement can be found here, the hockey news is not my favorite source but the athletic one is paywalled so I figured I’d just link this one for those who may not have access

Anyway some thoughts, but please note while I have tried to read every article I have not read the documents themselves

What I like:

- training camp stipends

-six contracts that have to be 80k or over

-28 players

-no more than nine players can make the league minimum 35k

-certain flexibility in the average salary based on player movement and trade

-stipends for housing / food / relocation / lease breaking (the two above point leads me to believe player movement by front offices will be way more common in this league than we’ve seen previously)

-increase in growth built in to not just salaries but also things like training camp stipends

What I don’t like:

-55k being the average salary requirement, if that is enforced, when you have roster requirements that is essentially a salary cap (assuming it’s strict enforcement) and not a particularly high one which. That SAID I do like the formatting of this instead of a standard salary cap as it prevents team from top loading salaries (especially with the minimum number of players that can make the minimum salary and a certain number that need to make 80k.) this is one of those things that would bother me less if it wasn’t an 8 year cba (I wish we had no salary cap or anything of the sort ideally but I do not expect it for new North American leagues)

-contracts not guaranteed/ can be terminated (want to see exact language before I fully comment on this tho, as I believe I heard there are restrictions on this so that one can’t just do it in retaliation or anything, but it still makes me nervous)

-increase in growth built in…both a positive and a negative to me, due to the term of the CBA.

-from what I’ve heard, no revenue split

What I’m curious to hear about further:

-facility requirements. This is why a lot of Pwhpa players left the phf, and also something a lot of phf players fought to improve the past few years which is why we saw some facility changes. It’s an important issue to a lot of players and I have to imagine it’s probably in the CBA but haven’t actually heard anyone talk about it. This is also interesting as the league has six months to figure out where they’re playing that’ll be massively important to it. We know Pwhpa players talked about scouting faculties a few weeks back as well

-salvian of the athletic reporter there was maternity leave, pregnancy benefits, nursing accommodations but haven’t seen anyone expand on that in an article

-we know trades, waivers, and draft are transactions included in the CBA but don’t know: if there are no trade / move clauses, if a player is drafted but chooses not to sign how long their rights are held for. I’m going under the assumption that there isn’t going to be much restricted free agents / it’s not an nhl or nwsl thing where when you’re drafted the team holds your rights for a billion years unless they trade or relinquish it, but in previous leagues whether that be phf or cwhl we’ve seen drafts be mostly ceremonial where the team who drafted you gets maybe two weeks of exclusive talks before you’re free to negotiate with anyone. Will we see something similar here - and will that change from the inaugural draft to next years draft where you’re likely going back to graduating ncaa players

-we heard relocation assistance/stipend is offered, does that come with visa assistance for international players?

-this isn’t necessarily a cba thing but also could be? So I’m going to put it here. There is undeniably a lot of national team players that will be in this league and taking up a high percentage of roster spots. Will the league stop during international tournaments as we’ve seen previously or will we get more what the nwsl is doing this year and allowing temporary contracts (maybe like the 10 day contracts mentioned)

[mitchbeck]

SWAMP RABBITS BRING BACK COYLE, GET POISSON

BCHL teammates reunited: Coyle back for second season, Poisson set to make professional debut By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, announced today that defenseman Max Coyle has re-signed with the team for the 2024-25 ECHL Season. Additionally, Ben Poisson signed his first professional contract with Greenville, seeking his professional debut. Coyle and Poisson join Austin Saint and Colton Young on the 2024-25 Swamp Rabbits roster, with Coyle serving as the lone defenseman announced. Coyle comes back for his second professional season with the Swamp Rabbits. The 6’1”, 195-pound blue-liner chipped in a pair of goals and 12 points in 54 regular season games and added three more Kelly Cup Playoff games to his ledger. Coyle notched his first professional point, an assist, in his Swamp Rabbits debut on November 1st at Atlanta. He rang his first professional goal off the crossbar and in to win in overtime against Florida on January 6th. “Coming in for my first pro season last year, Greenville always seemed like the right fit for me. It clearly met my expectations: our group was great and I was happy around the rink every day. That’s what brought me here in the first place and precisely what’s bringing me back,” Coyle said of his return to the Swamp Rabbits. “Last year, I experienced many highs and lows as a rookie, and had some great runs with great people throughout the season, one being Coach Mountain. We have insane respect for him as a coach and person, and I’m super happy to return and play for him. My ultimate goal is to play at the next level, whether this season or beyond. However, my expectation this season is to be the best player I can be on and off the ice. I’ve never been obsessed with stats, so consistency and being a 200-foot player every day is what I’m working on this year. Additionally, I want to contribute to a group that will grow throughout season so, when the time comes, we’re ready for playoffs in our pursuit of winning the Kelly Cup.” “Max grew tremendously over the course of last season, and I still believe he has great potential as a player. He possesses a solid and well-rounded skillset, and brings an edge to his game that makes him very difficult to play against,” Kyle Mountain, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations of the Swamp Rabbits, said of Coyle’s return. “Max dedicated so much time to developing last season, and those hours tend to pay off. Depth is critical in this league, so when players like Max buy into the process of getting better, it instills confidence in the organization that, when called upon, a guy like Max can step up and contribute. This season, he’ll be relied upon for his steady presence on the ice, but beyond that, he brings a great energy to our room. With a full year under his belt, I expect he'll put himself into a position to help this team in countless ways, both on and off the ice.” From Tillsonburg, Ontario, Coyle, 26, began his professional career with the Indy Fuel after the 2022-23 campaign, appearing in three games. Before becoming professional, he skated four seasons of NCAA college hockey, playing with the University of Alabama-Huntsville as a freshman and Bowling Green State University for his final three seasons. During his collegiate career, Coyle notched 21 points in 127 contests between the Chargers and Falcons. He preceded his college years, winning a BCHL championship with the Prince George Spruce Kings in 2019. Poisson joins the Swamp Rabbits seeking his professional hockey debut following the conclusion of his NCAA college career, which he spent with the University of Maine. The 6’1”, 195-pound forward tallied six goals and 15 points in 37 games in his fifth season and helped lead the Black Bears to their first NCAA Tournament in 12 years. “Looking at the structure and beliefs of this team, and speaking to players and coaches, this is an organization that has foundations for winning and developing players to be best they can be. It’s a program with great character, and I’m excited to be a part of it for my first professional season,” Poisson said of signing his first contract with Greenville. “I pride myself on doing the little things right. I play hard as a power forward, strong on the walls and in the tough-to-play areas of the ice. I do my best to play responsible defense just as much as I try to put the puck in the back of the net, overall contributing a full 200-foot game. My expectation for my first season is to adjust to the professional level and find my identity to build around for the betterment of the team. Having won a championship in junior, I can say without a doubt there’s no better feeling, so I want to help this team win a Kelly Cup title through fostering team chemistry and grinding for the crest on my chest and my teammates next to me. I look forward to meeting the fans and representing Greenville with the Swamp Rabbits.” “Ben’s character was one thing that immediately stood out to me in the recruiting process. He captained Prince George to a Fred Page Cup championship in the BCHL and was a two-year captain at the University of Maine. A makeup like that exemplifies what we’re continuing to build in Greenville, and I know he’ll contribute in a number of ways even as a first-year professional,” Mountain continued, elaborating on Poisson. “Ben plays a complete game, which will only serve to help him in his first professional season. He’s sound defensively, and really buys into that side of the puck. His wall play is very effective and is an aspect of his game that differentiates him from other professionals at this level. Ben also has size and plays into his big frame, which increases our physicality and provides him with an edge to create offense and produce. We look forward to growing his game at the professional level and developing him into a high-impact player.” A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Poisson, 24, enters the professional ranks with 31 goals, 41 assists, and 72 points in 155 NCAA games. Before college, he played parts of four seasons in the BCHL with the Prince George Spruce Kings, racking 114 points in 165 contests. He captained the Spruce Kings to the 2019 BCHL championship, with Coyle as his teammate, and was awarded the Bob Fenton Trophy in 2018 as the BCHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits … Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has been providing family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly, the Greenville Road Warriors and the Swamp Rabbits are the highest-level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's LA Kings and the AHL's Ontario Reign. Greenville is an ECHL Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League member. GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS HOWLINGS Read the full article

[casspurrjoybell-25]

Skating on Thin Ice - Chapter 42 - Part 1

*Warning - Adult Content*

Elijah Ellis

"Wake up, cuties," Alex's excited voice startled me awake on the bus.

Fox still slept with his head in my lap, laying down across the seats.

Soon after we got banished to our hotel rooms earlier in the day, the coaches announced we would be leaving but didn't tell us anything other than that.

It was quite late, almost eleven PM when we finally made it back to the school.

I could already see Dad's car waiting for Joshua and myself in the parking lot.

I placed my hand on Fox's cheek, moving it up to stroke his hair.

"Wake up," I said, gently tugging on his hair.

He groaned, squinting up at me.

Alex leaned over the seat, putting his face in front of Fox's.

Fox shoved his face away and sat up.

"That just ruined my night," Fox said, glaring over at Alex.

"You're so fucking rude, you know that?" Alex retorted with a matching glare.

I laughed at their banter, standing up and following them out of the bus.

We all gathered our things and Coach Silva told us we would have a team meeting when we got back to school.

"You should come over tomorrow before Ryan's New Year's Eve party, we can go together," Fox suggested as the team dispersed.

"If you're actually let out of your house."

"I don't know if my Dad will let me out of his sight," I admitted with a sigh.

Fox nodded, looking down at the ground as he adjusted his bag on his shoulder.

"Hopefully I'll see you," he said, looking up at me.

"I gotta go though. Ian's waiting for me."

"Yeah, my Dad's been staring at us since we got out of the bus," I told him, nodding toward the car where Dad sat with Joshua beside him.

Fox looked toward the car briefly then back at me.

He seemed to be contemplating something before he said one last goodbye and headed over to his car.

I sighed, wishing he would have kissed me but knowing he didn't because my Dad had been watching us.

My feet dragged on the pavement as I trudged over to the car, popping the trunk and throwing my bag inside before sliding into the back seat.

"Are you alright, Elijah?" Dad asked as I put my seatbelt on.

"I'm fine," I told him truthfully.

What happened at the tournament hadn't scarred me as bad as it could have.

It could have gone a lot worse.

I was still relieved that it was over but I knew I was lucky it hadn't been worse.

"We'll talk more in the morning," Dad said as he started out of the parking lot.

"All of us."

Joshua and I shared a look but didn't say anything.

Coach Silva must have called all the parents about what had gone on because Dad didn't seem surprised by the bruises on our faces.

*********

The next morning I woke up earlier than I anticipated.

Dad was already downstairs with Mandy, both of them turning to me when they heard my footsteps enter the kitchen.

Mandy instantly stood up and gave me a hug, kissing my cheek.

"I missed my boys," Mandy admitted with a smile as she pulled away.

"I'm sorry you guys couldn't finish the tournament."

I just shrugged.

It wasn't that I was worried about.

I was more worried about this affecting the rest of the season and our chances at college hockey.

I had already applied to plenty of schools near and far but I was still hoping to sign with a team, as were the rest of the guys I was sure.

"Is it alright if I go to Fox's later?" I asked, sitting down at the table with them.

I knew Dad would worry about me the whole time I was out but Mandy always had a way of calming him down.

If she was around, he would find it hard to say no to me.

It was mean but I wanted to see Fox.

"What will you guys be doing?" Dad asked.

Nothing I would want my father knowing about.

"Just hanging out at his house and then going to Ryan's later for New Year's eve," I replied, sharing a look with Mandy.

"Who's going to be at Ryan's?"

"Dan," Mandy interjected, placing a delicate hand on his shoulder.

"Just let him go. I doubt either of the boys want to be here for Ava's sleepover."

I silently thanked her with a look of gratitude as Dad let out a sigh and nodded.

"I know the fight at the game wasn't your fault," Dad started.

"But I worry about you. I don't want any of those stupid boys trying to do anything to you."

"It'll just be the team guys at Ryan's," I assured him.

"Joshua will be there."

I wasn't exactly sure who would be there considering Ryan was planning on throwing a party but Dad didn't need to know that.

"And Fox?" he asked and my eyes slightly widened.

"Yeah, we're going together," I said, my voice a little higher than I intended.

"I've always liked him," Dad said to me.

"He's a good friend to you."

Mandy hummed in agreement, taking a sip of her coffee.

I nodded.

"Yes he is."

Knowing my father and Mandy liked Fox filled me with relief.

When the time came to tell them about our relationship, at least I could be sure that they wouldn't hate him.

Ava came down the stairs a few minutes later, her hair up in a very messy ponytail with strands sticking out in every direction.

Her eyes were still slightly swollen with sleep as she sat down beside me and squinted at the bruise on my face.

"Did you at least get one good punch in?" she asked me, landing a solid punch on my shoulder.

"Ow," I complained, rubbing where she had hit me.

"Ava don't hit him," Mandy scolded while Dad laughed at us.

Ava scoffed and shook her head at me, uttering a quiet...

"Wimp."

"I did get a punch in," I told her with a grin.

"If it even matters."

She sent me a wicked smile.

"Hell yeah."

"So, who's coming to your sleepover tonight?" I asked her as Mandy stood from the table to get more coffee.

"My friends," Ava replied in an irritated tone as if I had made her state the obvious.

I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah but who?"

"Fawn, Kenzie, Breeanna Josie and Carrie," she listed.

"I only know Fawn."

"Obviously."

[badhockeymom]

Roope Hintz: on skating, style and growing up

So, the episode of the Finnish podcast Total NHL Forever with Roope Hintz was full of so much pure gold that I want to share some of it here. The episode came out on Tuesday 15 February, 2022.

This is a big chunk of text, sorry for that, but if you're interested - here you are:

Roope is from Nokia, the neighbouring town of Tampere. He started his actual hockey career in Tampere, playing for Ilves. (Yes, Nokia is also the home of the rubber products (boots and tyres) factory that later became an international tech giant and is now the name sponsor of the new hockey arena in the bigger Tampere.)

He got a big boost for his skating when he played in Florida for a team called Tampa Bay Juniors in EMJHL in 2012-2013, after junior high school (yläaste), at approx. 16 years of age.

"I wasn't a great skater when I was a kid, but I went to Florida to play hockey, and we had a Russian lady who coached some of us in skating 3 or 4 times a week, teaching us skating technique. The level of the game in the league wasn't too high, I don't know what Finnish league to compare it with, but it was good to get out there, see the world a little, learn the language, and the skating coach helped me develop a lot. I shared an apartment with a couple of players and attended online classes, and I had an English tutor a couple of times a week."

Ilves Tampere was his junior team growing up, and he played a little over one season for them in the men's Liiga team before moving to Helsinki to play for HIFK in 2015, after his NHL draft.

"I wanted to challenge myself in a bigger organization, and a lot of players have moved on to the NHL from there. Also, I got to live on my own, move away from home. HIFK has the reputation that you grow from boy to man on that team, and I thought that it is a challenge that I want to take. The finances [Ilves was near-bankrupt at that point in time] had nothing to do with it. I made the decision based on where I thought I would personally develop best and what would be the best next step for me. I had great mentors there, Juhamatti Aaltonen and Siim Liivik for example. Liivik took me under his wing, he was kind of a big brother for me, and we have remained good friends."

About WJC 2016:

"The team spirit was great from the start. We all knew each other, we had been on the same path [the youth NT development program] from very young, and it all peaked in the home tournament, and we got the brightest medal, it was amazing. The fan thing after that was so huge, we'd be asked for pics and autographs everywhere after that, got recognized on the streets even though we were only the junior team. But you learned interacting with fans there, it's just a thing that you do, take the pics, sign the autograph, and go on to do the thing you're there to do."

"I have some kind of contact with everyone from that team basically, and of course with some the contact is more frequent. When we play each other, we'll at least meet up after the game. Lately we haven't had the chance to go to dinner because of the corona situation, but that's what we usually do."

The closest friend(s) from the WCJ team:

"I have pretty many. Pulju, Pate, Sepe, Mikko, Kassu. [Jesse Puljujärvi, Patrik Laine, Sebastian Aho, Mikko Rantanen, Kasperi Kapanen] I'm very close with all of them."

About the NHL:

"My mindset was that I'll play that one season in the AHL but I want to be ready to play in the NHL after that. I went back and forth on the next season, and I was never told what I should specifically focus on improving, the message was just that they want me to get more minutes."

"Little by little I got more responsibility and playing time on the Dallas Stars. In this and the previous season, we have found a good line and learned to play well together."

On playing with Robertson and Pavelski:

"We see the game similarly. We all are like, when you pass to the other guy, you know there's a chance you'll get the puck back. I try to use my speed to our advance, and Pavelski is a magical goalscorer, he is one of the best close to the goal in the whole league. And Robertson, he's not necessarily the fastest guy on the ice, but when the computer he has starts to run, his game IQ is just ridiculous. When I know that he has the puck, and find the space for us, I know that he will find his way there.

Pavelski is special.

"He's easily the best golfer on our team, and his hand-eye coordination is amazing with the puck. He practices his shots every morning. I have noticed that his will to win is outstanding. When the stakes are high, there is a big game or a clutch moment, he has the ability to play his best game right at that moment. He can do things that not everyone can. He's not too over-the-top pump you up hype guy, but he will say "we're doing fine, let's just keep going." I'd say he's the biggest leader of our team, in the locker room and on the ice.

Who leads the Finnish Mafia?

"Miro on the ice, in the locker room we Finns are not the loudest. When we're just Finns? I don't know, maybe Esa, he's been here the longest, but we stand our ground against him pretty well when we need to. It's unique to have 5 finns on the team. When I was in the AHL team, I was the only Finn. It's great to be able to communicate on your own language, and we are all alike and like the same things, we like hanging out together. We all except Esa live in the same building, Esa has his house a little further away."

The hardest D-men to play against: Makar, Hedman, Josi. The hardest Finns to play against: Last year it was Hakanpää.

The most stylish player in the NHL [when it comes to their game I think]: Patrick Kane and Panarin.

"Panarin is always a threat when he has the puck. He can pace and control the game, and he's pretty skilled too."

About style and fashion off the ice:

"Style is important to me. I like to wear clothes that not everyone has, I pay attention to that kind of stuff. I have been like that ever since a kid, I have always paid attention to my outfits. We have to wear suits on game days. The dress code was looser last season but now it's suits again. I think it should be the same as in the NBA, you can choose what to wear. I liked last year, you could choose more freely and express yourself with your clothes a bit."

"You've got to love how Pate (Patrik Laine) comes to the arena in his yellow glasses and different hats. Pate is who he is, he's himself, he doesn't ask what other people think."

"Older players like it too, that younger players dress differently and show personality. Out of older players, Radulov is really stylish. When he puts his teeth back in his mouth after the game, he's a totally different looking guy."

What do the Dallas Stars need now?

"We need consistency, and we have to be able to win the best teams on the road."

[blackandgoldandeverythingnice]

among the fields of gold - c. mcavoy

Pairing: Charlie McAvoy x female!OC

Summary: A little sneak peek into the future of charlie and nellie from i’m so glad to know as they attend the 2026 Olympics 

Word Count: 4,682

A/N: Just the most self-indulgent little fluff I could come up with because I love writing them.

Warnings: none! the smallest hint of adult content but that’s about it.

“This is so fucking cool – did you ever actually tell me how cool it was to be at the Olympics?” Charlie was bouncing along the streets of Milan and swinging Eleanora’s hand as they went, a couple of other Team USA players behind them as they used the off day to do the touristy things they hadn’t yet been able to do during the first round of games.

“You’ve done plenty of World’s before, it’s almost the same.”

“It absolutely is not.” He argued back, glancing down and smirking at the little scowl on her face. He ignored the groans of a couple from the guys at the fact they were about to start bickering. It wasn’t their fault; he didn’t invite the idiots to come with them.

“You’re just excited because you’re staying in the Village and there are a bunch of girls there too – you don’t get that at World’s.”

“Yeah, I’m there for the girls.” He rolled his eyes and squeezed her hand before leaning over to kiss the top of her head.

The team was housed on their own floor in the dedicated USA building and it was like being back on a road trip in Peewees. They’d cruised through the round-robin, winning every game in their group and were heading into the elimination games. A lot of the guys had played together for years through development camps and national teams and they felt good about their chances.

They’d been wandering the streets of Milan, seeing as much of the sites as they could since all they’d seen were the inside of rinks. While Charlie had wanted to spend it just with Eleanora, some of the guys had caught him in the lobby with her on their way back from breakfast and insisted on joining them. She had pretty much become their team mascot: at every game, made a new sign for each and chatted with all the families happily. It made something in him burst in pride at the sight of her fitting so seamlessly into his life now. It hadn’t been an easy road to get there.

“Can you two not?” one of the Hughes brothers interrupted.

“Yeah, let’s stop this before it really gets rolling.” Matthew Tkachuk cut in, sweeping past Charlie with a smirk as he hit his shoulder and made his way across the square towards the Duomo. A few of the other guys sped passed them, running around the square and changing pigeons.

“And for a former Olympian, could you walk any slower?” Auston Matthews teased as he came right up close behind them.

Annoyed, Charlie shoved his teammate away just as Eleanora pinched his side. “I’m sorry, put some respect on the only gold medalist in this little crew right now. Also, I’m six months pregnant, dick head – you try carrying a bowling ball around your middle on these cobblestone ass streets.”

“Technically, a McAvoy has a gold medal – shouldn’t have changed your last name, babe.” Auston grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders but making sure to gently guide her as they walked around the various tourists and other athletes who had done the same thing they did.  

“Can you get the fuck away from my wife?” Charlie groaned, checking Auston away so he could pull Eleanora into his side.

The rest of the guys walked ahead, leaving the two of them alone. Charlie smiled down at the way Eleanora was basking in the bright, cold air, her cheeks flushed and nose a little pink. There was a visible glow around her. He’d always thought it was bullshit when they said pregnant woman glowed but since the second she’d taken the test, there was a light happy aura around her. Walking with her tucked into him like she was slowed them down but Charlie liked making sure Eleanora was okay, to the point that she might kill him at some point if he asked her again how she was feeling.

“How are you – ”

“Don’t you dare ask how I feel right now, Charlie McAvoy.”

He pouted down at her. “It’s a valid question, they keep you scheduled so late for some of the media shit.”

“It’s called my job, babe.” She hip checked him gently. She’d stayed involved in the figure skating community and this year they’d invited her to provide commentary for the ladies’ singles. Turns out she was incredibly personable in front of the cameras and enjoyed talking to the young skaters. “I’m just happy none of your games conflict with the skating. I don’t think they’d love me ‘calling out sick’ only to have me show up on TV on the glass yelling at you to play better.”

“Excuse you, I have the most minutes played and highest rating.”

“Yes, baby – you’re very highly rated.” She snuggled into his side, and he laughed when she slid her hand into his back pocket and squeezed his ass.

The pair of them walked slowly around the square, laughing at the guys as they ran around. A few of Team Canada showed up along with a few of the Czech players. Since most of the teams were made up of NHLers, all the teams were friendly off-ice and trying to control them was like corralling kids at their first away tournament. A few fans stopped them as they went but most of them were interested in getting pictures with Eleanora rather than any of the guys, something the team loved to tease Charlie about. Joke was on them, he couldn’t be more proud to watch the way people adored her.

“How’s my boy doing?” he changed tactics as a group of young girls walked away after spending five minutes taking pictures with her and asking what it was like to win gold.

“I think he wants pizza and pasta.”

“Pizza and pasta? Not or?”

“You’re really gonna ask how I feel then judge your pregnant wife for wanting all the food?” the glare she shot him was enough to have him throwing his hands up in defense.

He leaned down to kiss her but she dodged him. “No way, bud – find me food then you can kiss me.”

“In my defense, I asked what my son wants to eat – you’re incidental to me checking up on him.”

“Do you want to die? Is that your plan? You want Team USA hockey to lose the gold because their captain was murdered by his pregnant wife?”

“Why’s Goldie threatening your life?” Jake popped up behind them, scaring the shit out of Charlie while Eleanora had seen him coming.

“He’s judging how much I want to eat.”

“Well, come on my fellow sewer rat – if Chuckie won’t love you right, I will.”

Jake offered her his hand and she took it, tossing a teasing smile behind her as the two of them started towards one of the side streets to find a suitable restaurant leaving Charlie to scurry after them.

--- ---

Eleanora chewed distractedly on her cuticle, staring at the clean sheet of ice waiting for the guys to step on for warmups. As she had for every single game, she was standing on the glass at the corner where her and his family had sat for the entirety of the tournament. The jersey of Charlie’s she had on barely fit over her belly and the maternity leggings made her feel like a sausage. Bouncing on the balls of her feet anxiously, she was as nervous as she’d been for her own gold medal skate.

“How’re you feeling?” a voice interrupted her nervous thoughts and she glanced over to see her father-in-law sliding into the seat next to her. After the first win, they’d sat in the same order they’d been in for every other game that followed. While Charlie wasn’t overly superstitious, Eleanora was and there’d been half a dozen little rituals she’d come up with for this Olympics.

“Jesus, your son ask you to ask me that?” she teased back at Charlie Sr. She rubbed her belly slightly and tried not to wince at the pain in her back. “Pretty sure this asshole is sitting right on my sciatic nerve.”

“Can you not call my first grandson an asshole?” Charlie’s mom appeared on her other side, looping her arm through hers. “But seriously, you alright?”

“No pain I haven’t dealt with before but this kid is already putting me through the wringer. I have to do this for 3 more months?”

Mrs. McAvoy frowned sympathetically and rubbed her arm softly. “Sorry, Ellie but yes. It’ll be worth it though.”

Just as she spoke, the guys stepped out and Eleanora zeroed in on Charlie leading the way, pushing the pucks off the edge of the bench and onto the ice.

“I can’t believe this – my son is going to be an Olympic medalist no matter what.” His mom said, sniffling slightly as she watched them start skating.

“We want gold, Jen – right, kid?” Senior nudged her in the side.

Eleanora smiled slightly. “I just want him to do the best he can.”

“Bullshit, you’re more competitive than he is. I saw you cursing him out last game for - and I quote - ‘a bullshit lazy turnover’.” Holly added as she joined the conversation, pushing her mom out of the seat next to Eleanora so she could keep the right lineup. 

They all laughed while she just shrugged. “No one plays for second place...although I do kinda like being the only gold medalist. It’s how I get him to do things for me when I think I deserve them.”

The noise in the arena started to swell as the Canadians took the ice and Eleanora felt the familiar buzz and thrill of the pressure building. She hadn’t been able to see Charlie this morning, only getting a quick FaceTime as she’d been wrapping up interviews with some of the figure skaters who were getting ready for their final performance the following day.

“How was he this morning?”  

Kayla shrugged. “Quiet. He missed you.”

She frowned, cursing herself for not having been there. It was their routine for the last few years, she was always the last person to see him before he went into the locker room for a big game. It felt like a bad omen that she’d missed giving him a last kiss before the biggest game of his career.

But just then Charlie skated by them for the first time, helmet off and his hair flowing behind him. He tapped the glass as he went by but kept skating in loops. After a couple laps and drills, he returned to the corner and stopped in front of her.

She couldn’t hear him over the crowd but he was pointing at her and gesturing halfway across the rink to where there was an opening in the boards. She followed where he was pointing to see one of the arena staff standing by the entrance to the locker rooms and she got the hint, squeezing through the seats as fast she could. The belly didn’t exactly help her move quickly or the people that kept trying to stop her.

He was already waiting for her by the time she reached the space, his gloves off and resting on the side. He reached out for her and she stepped eagerly towards him. On skates he was so much taller than her that she had to stand on tip toe just to wrap her arms around his neck. She was cognizant of the eyes of those in the area on them and she was sure there were cameras zooming in too.

“I couldn’t play the biggest game of my life without getting my good luck kiss.”

The stares and camera clicks faded away as she stared up at him. Knowing how the media was obsessed with “Their Story”, this was bound to be everywhere in no time. It’s why they liked their moment to be private before a game but right now, Eleanora couldn’t quite care because all she wanted was Charlie to win.

Gently, he brushed her stomach and just as he did, the baby gave a hard kick. Charlie grinned, leaning down to press his lips firmly to hers and she smiled into the kiss. “I think someone’s telling you he wants you to win.”

“I plan on winning it for his momma, gotta impress her.” He smirked, his face still inches from hers.

“I love you, baby – so fucking much.” She pressed one final kiss to his lips. “I’m not gonna tell you just making it to the gold medal game is an achievement – even though it is. You know what you need to do. Go fucking win it.”

“I shoulda had you do the pump-up speech for the boys.” He kissed her nose quickly before pulling back and grabbing his gloves to return to warmups. “I love you, babe – see you on the ice after.”

She watched him skate away, her palm flat against her belly and she felt another strong kick. Rubbing her stomach she looked down at the USA stretched across her front, smiling softly as she whispered to herself.

“Don’t worry, little man – daddy’s gonna win it for us.”

--- ---

The second period started with the game tied at two. Charlie had an assist and had already spent almost twelve minutes on the ice. Despite most of the off-ice friendships and even teammates who were playing against each other it was getting chippy. They all clearly wanted it and weren’t holding back. Tkachuk had managed to draw three penalties while only going to the box once himself.

Eleanora felt like she was going to lose her voice the amount she’d been screaming throughout the game. It seemed like part of Team Canada’s game strategy was to go after Charlie as much as possible. They’d been hitting him hard and there’d been one particularly nasty penalty he drew when Chabot leveled him with a late hit. Charlie had been slow to get up from that one but within the first thirty seconds of the powerplay, he’d put a pass right on Auston’s tape for the tying goal.

There had always been something both exhilarating and nerve-wracking about watching Charlie play. When he was on the ice, she only watched him, not even noticing where the puck was or what action was happening unless he was involved.

It was partially how she was able to react a second before the rest of the rink when she saw Chabot coming from behind him, hitting him hard and sending Charlie headfirst into the boards. He was splayed out flat on the ice while his teammates immediately rushed to his defense, Auston and Tkachuk jumping Chabot before Auston was pulled away by Dougie Hamilton. Eleanora felt like climbing over the glass to get to him and Kayla was gripping her arm tightly.

“Get up. Get up. Get up, Junior.” His dad was begging while Eleanora just kept staring in horror.

After what felt like hours but was probably only a minute, he slowly tucked his legs up under him and managed to get to a kneeling position just as the team doctor reached him. He was clearly still dazed, holding one hand on his helmet as he slowly got up. Gaudreau had come over and was kneeling next to him, offering to help him up but Charlie waved him off.

The arena applauded as he stood up, but Eleanora couldn’t feel the relief everyone else did as she watched them lead Charlie to the locker room.

“He’s okay. He got up on his own. They just have to check him out for protocol. He’s okay.” Kayla was chanting and all Eleanora wanted to do was rush to the locker room. Instead of watching the rest of the game, she stared at the locker room entrance, praying Charlie would return to the bench.

They ended the second period down by one and only during the intermission did she let herself pull her phone out to find the replay of the hit. They all huddled around together watching intently, only slightly reassured that Charlie had gotten up on his own and made his way quickly down the tunnel without support. It felt like time was moving in slow motion as the ice was cleaned. Finally, the lights dimmed again and the players started back out on the ice.

It felt like a weight was lifted when she saw Charlie hop out last, doing quick laps to warm back up as he shook his legs out. As he went by them, he tapped the glass and Eleanora felt like she was going to cry just from the quick wink he gave her.

“Thank god.” His mom sighed a breath and Eleanora felt lightheaded as she rubbed her stomach aimlessly. The baby had been active all game, bouncing around and kicking more than usual. It’s like he could sense what was happening around them.  

The third period wasn’t any less stressful, Team Canada was clearly content to play defense while Team USA threw everything at them but couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. But then in the last 27 seconds of the game, Charlie caught a pass from Quinn Hughes and buried it in the top corner of the net to tie the game. The roar of the arena felt deafening as they all jumped up and down, screaming happily while the players mobbed their captain. The crowd clearly expected overtime, neither team wanting to give one up in the remaining seconds of the game.

But then Conor McDavid of all people misplayed the puck in the neutral zone and it landed on Jack Eichel’s stick who shot down the ice on a breakaway with only 7 seconds to go, shifting to his backhand as he slid the puck between the goalie’s legs.

If it was possible, the roof would’ve blown off the top of the arena. Team USA hadn’t won since the 1980 Miracle on Ice game and the place was shaking with excitement. USA gear and equipment was strewn across the ice like confetti while Team Canada stared on in disbelief, some kneeling together watching while others had already started to make their way towards the locker room.

People were hugging her tightly and screaming in her ear. Eleanora wasn’t even sure they were all people she knew. Charlie Sr. pulled her away from whoever was holding her and into a tight hug while the rest of the family crowded around jumping as they celebrated. She didn’t even realize she was crying until she tried to spot Charlie on the ice but her vision was blurry.

Sobbing into one hand, the other pressed tight against her stomach she felt another strong kick which only made her sob harder. It was better than her own win because she hadn’t had any true family to celebrate with besides her coaches who had become replacement parents to her. This was entirely different and felt like they’d all won it.

The celebrations continued on the ice as the McAvoys all made their way towards the same opening Eleanora had talked to Charlie before the game start. Other wives and families were already there, pulling each other into hugs, most of the moms crying happily while a few of the dads tried to fight their own tears except for Jim Hughes who was openly crying as he held his wife tightly to him.

Standing on the glass so she could watch, Eleanora scanned the sea of blue jerseys to try to find Charlie, biting her lip to try to stop crying. She was still contemplating scaling the glass but knew the guys deserved to celebrate with their team first.

Finally, her impatience grew and Eleanora, just popped the door open and started to make her way onto the ice. Once the dam broke, the rest of the families followed, ignoring the staff asking for them to stay off the ice until they had carpets laid down.

It was decidedly difficult to maneuver on the ice in sneakers and a pregnant belly but she moved as quickly and carefully as she could towards her target. Their eyes locked and Charlie broke away from the guys to get to her. When he reached her, he went right for her waist, dragging her up and off the ice as he twirled her around as she held tightly to him.

Neither of them spoke at first as Eleanora pressed kisses all over his face as he laughed until he could kiss her back. It was awkward to be held up so Charlie carefully set her down on the ice, one hand tucking protectively against her back so she wouldn’t slip and the other pressed gently on her belly as he leaned down for the sweetest kiss they’d ever shared.

“I told you I’d win it for you.” He whispered, pressing his forehead against hers.

“Not before scaring the shit out of me first.” She shot back but squeezed his waist tightly, her face landing in the sweaty material. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Teddy.”

She stared up at him, and despite the fact that he had just won the biggest game of his life, he was staring at her like they were the only two people in the world.

“This is almost as good as our wedding night.”

She gave a watery chuckle in return. “Just the wedding night not the wedding itself?”

“Eh, that was okay too.” He teased just as the rest of his family joined them. Reluctantly, she released him so he could hug his family, stepping back to give them a moment.

A few of the guys paused to hug her as they went by but mostly she just stood there watching Charlie beaming at everyone around him. The camera crews were starting to show up as the staff worked to get the carpets out and set up the podiums. Eleanora knew they wouldn’t get a private moment together for hours and she tried to melt into the background but Charlie was having none of that, snagging her hand and dragging her towards him as they started to interview him.

From her position under his arm, she stared up at him as he spoke, beaming proudly as he talked about the win and how special it was for them. She was so focused on him she didn’t realized they’d asked her a question.

“Nellie.” Charlie whispered, nudging her with a nose to the top of her head and she glanced at the reporter who was beaming at her.

“I was just asking how this compares to your own gold medal win just four years ago?” they repeated the question.

Eleanora grinned and squeezed his side tighter. “There’s no comparison.” She started, enjoying some of the frowns that followed before continuing. “What Charlie and the boys did was so beyond historic and I’m so proud to have been able to watch it happen. This team worked so hard and never gave up. I’m just thrilled I was able to share in it. Although I’m pretty pissed that I can’t win arguments anymore by saying ‘well I have a gold medal so you have to do what I say’.”

Everyone laughed in response, Charlie squeezing her side lightly.

“I’m sure you guys haven’t seen yet but the video of you two right before the game has become quite popular.” Eleanora flushed slightly as they continued. “Charlie – did you get any last minute advice?”

She pinched his side, hoping he’d lie but the smirk on his face already told her differently. “She pretty much told me that just getting to the medal game wasn’t enough and that I knew what to do. Pretty sure the exact words were ‘now go fucking win it’ and honestly, I can’t really say no to my wife so I did.”

--- ---

It was nearly three hours later by the time Eleanora and Charlie were walking into her hotel room and shutting the door so they were finally alone. They were planning on changing then meeting up with everyone to celebrate. Most of the guys’ flights weren’t for another day or two so they planned to enjoy what little remained of their Olympic break before they’d have to return to their teams for the rest of the season.

Charlie face planted onto the king-size bed. “Fuck, you’ve been sleeping on this for two weeks while I’ve been on the worst twin mattress in the world?”

Eleanora giggled, pulling her jersey off leaving on her loose t-shirt, she slipped out of her sneakers and kicked them towards the door so she could sit and join him on the bed. Despite how happy she was, she was exhausted and the pain in her back went from dull to stabbing on a dime. It took a little effort for her to climb up onto the bed and get comfy as she curled up on her side.

Charlie inched up so his nose was brushing against her swollen belly. Her hand immediately fell to his hair, running her fingers through gently and scratching his scalp. He brought his arm up so he was hugging her middle and pressed his lips against her.

“Hi, Tripp.” He whispered causing Eleanora to tug his hair gently.

“Baby, no. Even if he ends up Charlie the third, we are not calling him Tripp.”

Charlie ignored her. “Ignore mommy, I’ll make sure you get a cool nickname.”

She rolled her eyes but he kept talking. “I don’t know if you heard all that noise but now you have two parents with gold medals. We’re pretty big deals.”

“Kid was bouncing all over the place for most of the game before settling directly on my sciatic nerve so I couldn’t get comfortable.”

“Be nice to mommy, sweet boy.” He mumbled and pressed a kiss to her stomach before turning up so he could stare at her. “I think I won because of you.”

“You won because you’re an amazing hockey player and leader. You did this. Next up you can win us a Cup.” She smiled softly, stroking his hair as he crawled up so their faces were level. They lay there quietly together, staring at each other and enjoying the peace. They’d both turned their phones off, telling his family they’d see them at the restaurant that USA hockey had reserved for them. For now, they just wanted to be alone.

Carefully, Eleanora brushed Charlie’s hair off his forehead. “Your head okay? I might kill that Canadian fuck.”

Charlie laughed but cringed slightly. His head hurt more than he let on but he passed concussion protocol and had a few days off before he’d have to be back on the ice for a game.

“Are you okay? I know when you’re in pain, Nellie.”

She winced despite trying to smile as he tucked his hand under her top to lay on her bare skin, soothingly running his thumb along belly.

“Just pregnancy, or so I’m told. I need to figure out how to get him off this nerve or I’m gonna spend the flight pacing the aisles because I won’t be able to sit.”

Charlie frowned. “I hate seeing you in pain. And I’m worried you won’t want the five that I want if this one is such a pain in the ass.”

She snorted, inching forward to kiss him softly. “Let’s get through meeting this little man first then we’ll talk more, kay?”

“You’re the love of my fucking life, you know that?” he gripped her neck gently.

Smiling, she leaned forward to steal another kiss. “Lucky for you, it’s mutual. Now…I bet we could find a comfy position for you to fuck me in before we have to go to the restaurant.”

A slow smirk spread across Charlie’s face as he rolled her carefully onto her back so he could lean over her.

“I can definitely do that.”

[naritaren]

It's been a long ass day, but in a good way. I had my first ever in person vendor show and I made about 300 dollars, which is impressive given the type of event it was. There were more dogs than humans at this and not a ton of foot traffic. I got told that my items were beautiful and reasonably priced for what they are.

I signed up for a few other shows for the next couple of months that are more geared towards crafters and such. One is a huge hockey tournament with about 400 families registered to be there. And people who have kids in hockey typically have money to spend. So I'm hoping it's worth the 40 minute drive for it.

I also figured out why I can't make gifs on my laptop! It has an ARM processor and Adobe hasn't fully supported that processer yet because it's super new. Apparently it's coming "soon". I straight up can't edit anything with videos at this point, which sucks.

But I'm sore and crashing in bed for the night. Hopefully the hockey games I'll watch won't suck *cough* looking at you Jets *cough*, but we'll see.

If anyone wants to shoot me asks or such, I'm around all night.

[blueskrugs]

Tim McGraw | Brock Boeser

ahhhh! this is the first fic of the swift series! I can’t believe I am actually going to try and pull this off for the next five months. I hope you guys like it and big shoutout to @broadstbroskis for being my sounding board throughout all this fic planning and then beta-ing this!

length: 1.6k words

But when you think Tim McGraw,  I hope you think my favorite song

Falling in love with Brock was easy. 

It was the summer before your sophomore year of college, on the precipice of both your lives changing, though neither of you knew it at the time. 

Time seemed to move slower that summer, long sunny days blending into bonfire nights out by the lake, September nothing more than a distant day on the calendar. You watched as Brock’s hair turned more blond and his shoulders turned more tan, hours outside in the sun doing their job. 

You remembered the first time Brock kissed you; you weren’t sure it was something you’d ever forget. You’d spent weeks dancing around each other, learning each other, had spent an entire Fourth of July party practically glued to each other’s sides. It seemed more than inevitable by the time it finally happened.

He called you late one night, woke you up and begged you to meet him down at the lakefront. You went, because of course you did, met him down at the dock, where he was waiting with a pile of blankets in the speedboat his family used. He tossed you one of his UND hoodies with a grin before helping you onto the boat. You settled into the nest of blankets in the prow as Brock carefully steered the boat out from the dock and into the middle of the lake. 

It was a clear night, the stars and the full moon shining brightly against the still, dark lake, and a quiet one. The only sounds filling the air were the quiet hum of the boat’s motor and Brock’s country playlist playing quietly from his phone, neither quite loud enough to drown out the constant buzz of the cicadas. 

Brock cut the motor and came to sit behind you. You rested your head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around your waist. He was warm and solid behind you, and you were both quiet for a moment, just listening to the music.

“This is one of my favorite songs,” you murmured, as Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” started filtering through the speakers.

“I know,” Brock said simply. You didn’t remember telling him that. You could hear his heartbeat beneath your ear, steady and calm. 

You were caught up in trying to remember when you’d told Brock your favorite song when he shifted a little behind you. You twisted in his arms to see what was the matter, but then he was kissing you, softly in the moonlight, and you didn’t get the chance.

“Wanted to do that for a while,” he admitted after he pulled away, resting his forehead against yours. His breath fanned across your face when he breathed out a sigh. Tim McGraw was still playing somewhere behind you.

“I would’ve let you,” you said back.

Brock breathed out a laugh and kissed you again, one hand tangled in your hair, the other still wrapped around your waist.

And I was right there beside him all summer long,  And then the time we woke up to find that summer gone

For all that that summer seemed endless while it was happening, it ended abruptly, shattering the peaceful love you and Brock had been building out on the lake. 

You snuck out one last time, both of you dressed in something other than a swimsuit for once, spent the night in each other’s arms with your bare feet dangling in the lake off the dock, the stars and the moon lighting your way once again.

You weren’t sure you’d ever look at the summer stars the same way when you were older.

Brock went back to UND. Your family moved away from Minnesota. Summer romances were never meant to last, you told yourself, as you left yours in the dust.

Brock promised he would keep in touch, pressed a green UND hoodie into your hands and a goodbye kiss to your lips. You smiled at him, because you knew it would never last, and it didn’t. Brock had other things to focus on, hockey and his future. It was only a matter of time until he forgot you. 

You spent a lot of time wearing that hoodie he gave you in the beginning, more time than you cared to admit. You spent more time crying than you cared to admit, too. You kept wearing it long after it stopped smelling like Brock and summer, until it was almost nothing to you and the comfort of it was gone. Almost.

Brock’s texts trickled to a stop before Christmas, but you couldn’t blame him. You’d always had a feeling that this– whatever this had been– had meant more to you than it had to him.

You couldn’t bring yourself to stop following him, though, not even when your friends and family gave you pitying looks, not when UND got booted out of the championship tournament. “He’s just a boy,” they’d say, but they also say you never forget your first love, don’t they? You watched his first NHL game, at home in Minnesota, his first NHL goal, too. And if you cried a little, well, at least there was no else around to see it. 

Years passed, and, slowly, you moved on. Brock’s sweatshirt made its way to the back of your closet. You fell in love again, fell out of love. Stopped loving Brock. You graduated college. You never did go back to the lake, wondered if Brock ever had. If he’d waited for you, or if he’d moved in and found another girl to spend the summer with. For the most part, you forgot about Brock. Forgot about his laugh, about the way he’d roll his eyes when you teased him. How he knew your favorite songs. You did your best to, at least. It was easier said than done for a long time.

But in a box beneath my bed, there’s a letter that you never read from three summers back It’s hard not to find it all a little bittersweet...

You were cleaning out your old bedroom at your parents’ house when you found it. It was a letter you’d written to Brock after that summer, when you were confused and lonely, filled with all the things that you didn’t have the courage to say to his face. It was in an envelope, addressed and stamped, but you’d never planned on sending it. In all the chaos of moving that fall, it had gotten thrown in a box and shoved under your bed to be forgotten. 

You remembered every word you’d written, but you carefully pulled it out anyway. You read that letter again and again over the next few days, always pausing on the last words you wrote before you signed your name: “I love you.”

It was another several days before you pulled out a clean sheet of paper and a pen, wrote a continuation to that letter. You’d loved Brock once, yes, but you didn’t anymore, not in the same way. There were no tears left in this story. He’d always be your first love, and you’d always want the best for him. You just no longer felt your heart break every time you thought of him, and you hadn’t for a long time. 

You hoped that he was happy out there in Vancouver, living his dream.

And there’s a letter left on your doorstep, And the first thing that you’ll read...

“Brock, there’s a letter for you!” his mom called through the house.

“Who sends letters anymore?” he asked, which earned him a smack with the envelope. He took it from his mom anyway. The return address was unfamiliar, out-of-state, and there was no name, but he felt like he’d seen the handwriting somewhere before. He took the envelope out on the back deck with Coolie, carefully slid his thumb under the flap and opened it.

A picture slid out from in-between two folded pieces of paper when he tugged them out. It took only a quick glance at it to tell him exactly who had sent him this letter. It was a picture of the two of you at that Fourth of July party you’d spent together all those summers ago. Brock had spent the entire day trying not to kiss you right there in front of everyone.

Brock smiled at the picture for a moment. His arms were wrapped around your shoulders, your hands reaching up to grasp his. You were both laughing at some joke long forgotten. He didn’t even remember anyone taking the picture. He carefully set it aside to turn his attention to the letter. He read in silence as the afternoon sun slowly dipped lower in the sky. Coolie was off somewhere in the grass, having found a stick to chew on.

Brock read the letter, then again. He stared at your name on the bottom of each page for a minute before carefully refolding them. He whistled once for Coolie, who came running, still carrying the stick. 

“Where are you off to?” his mom asked as he made his way back into the house and grabbed his car keys.

“For a drive.”

When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me

The letter was tossed in his glovebox. Brock plugged in his aux, pulled up Spotify, and scrolled all the way down to his country playlist. There was a song on there he didn’t listen to very often, could never really explain why he always skipped it, but right now he clicked on it and turned the volume up.

“Always stay humble and kind,” sang Tim McGraw as he put his car and drive and allowed himself to remember, just this once.

[miekasa]

jean playing basketball will be one reason for me to the university tournaments to scream “go sports‼️”. and ugh, imagining eren and jean being a team!! they would!!! even if they act like enemies™️ and are all macho guys one-upping each other (watch levi slam their heads together during hockey to knock some sense into them 😭) also levi after a game……….all sweaty and messy, but yeah i’d still hug him 😌 he’d probably be grossed out, but sir i’d lick the sweat off your neck.

(what embarrassing sign would you bring to a game because me and my friends have done the dumbest shit, printing out those small tarps with that dove and skies background and our friends who play, and their faces are front and center, but the pictures we pick are meme-worthy 😭😭)

-👁👅👁

No because Jean and Eren playing on the same team and being frenemies lives in my head rent free. Levi doesn’t have time for them to be stroking their dicks when they’re in the middle of a game, so they need to get it together unless they want to run laps until they're dry heaving the next day. But when they get over themselves, they make a pretty damn good team; Jean has the ability to predict Eren’s less than conventional moves, and Eren has an eye for getting around his opponents (he also has an eye for going right through through them and getting fouls, but sometimes duty calls).

Levi after a game... come, babe, let me get you a glass of wine, and a massage, and a blowjob if you need one 😌😌 the way he would hateeee celebrating victories, but you gotta get him to every once in a while. He thinks you guys are going back to your place after a game, and you take a different turn and he instantly knows what’s going on. You just gotta flash him a smile from the driver’s seat, “You won your quarter finals! That’s cause for celebration, Levi!” To which he rolls his eyes, “It was against a shit team, it would have been embarrassing if we lost.” (He accepts dinner, but you have to share the dessert). 

For Levi, you simply have to be as obnoxious as possible, but spare him a little and reserve it for championship games. Eren feeds off of attention, so any kind of sign or cheering, or honestly just your presence is enough to get him fired up and going. Totally has a few High School Musical moments where he gets knocked down or handed an unfair foul and he just sees you in the stands and snaps himself out of it, “Nah, I gotta do this for my girl.” Jean gets so red in the face if you bring a lewd, or even just a big sign, but you know he’s all about it when his teammates point it out; cocky as hell like, “Yeah, that was my girlfriend, she’s sweet like that.”