#the way you know auston is like whatever you want . 100 of whatever you want adfadsf

[3416]

This is gonna be a long message, so hang on, lol

THANK YOU for saying what I've been too afraid to say re: mitch's contract vs. auston/willy. Like, yes they all want money and it would be stupid to assume that they didn't but - out of the three - mitch is the one i actually believe wants to play in toronto for his entire career.

not to say that #34 or #88 don't love the team/city and want to stay, but mitch is literally a toronto guy. his whole life and family are here and he's about to have a baby. i 100% believe that his desire has always been to be a leaf for life, but apparently some parts of the fanbase don't see that.

also the fact that he's the only one who gets shit for wanting to be paid. why should he need to take a "discount" for the sake of the team, when other guys (who aren't playing as well, may I add?) are getting paid whatever they want? sorry, rant over. it's just been bugging me for ages!

i don't totally agree because i think all of them would like to play in toronto forever. i just don't believe auston and willy are somehow ~more sincere~ in that bc of the way their deals were done or the fact that they came from somewhere else and "chose" here. like any of them could conceivably go anywhere at this point. mitch has said just as many times he wants to be a leaf and sees himself being here. but the framing of his contract is much less objective and everyone knew it would be but that doesn't make it less annoying.

willy squeezed them for every penny he could get and got a full no move for his entire contract after ppl bitched abt mitch having it for a single year on the end of his deal, lol. he didn't take a discount, he would've held out as long into the season as necessary for them to meet his number. he's lucky brad wanted that shit done and was also new lol. auston doesn't want to commit to anything longer than 4 years bc he knows the cap's going up and wants more when it does, which is gonna be an insane amount of money. it's a bit riskier for him to do that knowing his injuries but also. he scored 69 goals last year, lol. he'll be at a premium regardless. he has flexibility with term and won't give the leafs any benefit when it comes to getting him for cheaper later... he'll milk them for what he's worth and that's fine by me, idgaf. both of those contracts are fine, esp considering the production % the core puts up like... they earn their contracts lol.

mitch does love toronto. wanting to be paid by them doesn't negate that. but in everyone's little stories about who actually bleeds blue and white or whatnot, the ironic part is that only mitch has the history with them that a lot of the longterm/local fans think is what makes someone a real fan. he grew up doing the things all these longterm/local fans did. he's always watched the leafs, wanted the leafs to win, dreamed about being a leaf. the leafs and toronto as a place are baked into every part of his existence from birth, not just his hockey career. people should be rooting for that.

[hockeytrashgoblin]

Ice Cold ~Part 6

A/N: The second part of the night! There’s probably going to be a lot of days/nights where I upload two parts at a time so I can get to the final part by halloween!

I was aware of voices but I couldn't open my eyes. They were hushed voices but I still heard them. I couldn't distinguish at all though who it was. I was vaguely aware that my ears were ringing and that it smelled like William a little bit. As I laid there I was becoming more aware and started shifting. All the voices stopped when I turned over and groaned.

"Where am I?" I mumbled.

"Hi (y/n), would you like some water?"

"No, where am I?"

"You're in my house, it's Morgan by the way."

"Why am I here? Where's William? Is he okay?" I asked panicking, trying to sit up. A cool hand pushed me back to lay down.

"William is perfectly fine, not a scratch on him."

"How is that even possible?"

"I can't tell you that right now."

"You guys really are pulling an Edward Cullen on me."

"Do you want me to get Will? You two should talk before the rest of us."

"Where is William?"

"He's in the other room talking to Auston."

"Oh God..I'm gonna ruin everything again." I said tears slipping out.

"You aren't ruining anything. I'll go get him for you."

"Thank you Morgan." I smiled at him through the tears and he smiled back, rubbing my shoulder before leaving the room. William came in almost immediately.

"Hi baby."

"You better start explaining."

"Can you at least tell me how you're feeling first?" He said sighing.

"I'm fine. Confused as fuck and mad that you weren't here when I woke up."

"I had to talk to Auston. I needed to calm him down. He doesn't want me to tell you any of what I now need to."

"Stop beating around the bush Will. Why am I not dead? Why are you not dead?"

"You already have a pretty good idea of how. You weren't that far off when you brought up Edward Cullen."

"William stop fucking around and just tell me! If you love me like you say you do please just tell me without the half truths."

"Fine. I'm a vampire. Is that better?" He growled making me flinch. His face softened immediately.

"I mean yeah. I'd rather have the truth." I tried to sit up and he pushed me back down. "For God sakes can you let me up so I can look at you? I promise I'm fine." 

"I'm sorry, I'm incredibly worried."

"I just want to look at you William. Please?" He let me sit up this time but just sat incredibly still and quietly. "I have some questions."

"I figured you would. I'm really nervous for this. I don't know why, Morgan has seen how this plays out."

"Then don't be nervous."

"What if you hate me?"

"What if that's never gonna happen?"

"What are your questions?"

"Well okay how come your eyes are normal?"

"They aren't. We all have contact lenses, I have red eyes when I'm thirsty but blue when I'm fed so to keep it consistent we wear them."

"Can I see what they look like without them?"

"Of course. I despise wearing these things anyways. It'll be nice to not have to wear them with you anymore." He took them out and blinked at me with red tinted eyes. "I don't know what they look like right now, I hope not too frightening."

"They're red around the edges that's all. They're kinda cool."

"Kinda cool? Never had that reaction before." He said with a laugh.

"Alright so are you indestructible? It seems like yes."

"Pretty much. Twilight got that part right. Rip apart and burn the pieces. Nothing else can really harm us at all physically and we can't get sick."

"That's good!" I said nodding. "How old are you?"

"I have a different story than most. I was born this way. I only age until mid twenties then I stop."

"How does that work?"

"My parents are ancient vampires. Old royalty can give birth to vampire children. We age a little slower than human children but then we stop forever."

"So your family is pretty powerful then?"

"Are you afraid?"

"No why?"

"Your heartbeat sped up."

"You can hear that?"

"I can hear everything your body does." I blushed making him speak up again. "I'm sorry was that too much? I just want to be completely transparent."

"No, no, you're fine. I want to know everything!"

"Okay I just wanted to make sure. I don't want to overwhelm you."

"I can handle it."

"I know you can, I just worry."

"Are you guys all..you know?"

"You can say vampires (y/n). We don't mind. But yes the 5 of us all are."

"I thought so. You guys were really cliquey when I first met you."

"What do you mean?"

"You always just stuck together. When everyone broke away into smaller groups it was always you 5 and everyone else."

"Oh. Yeah I suppose we do, do that."

"Anyway you didn't answer me. How old are you guys?"

"I've been alive for 36 years but I'm only the equivalent of 24. Morgan is almost 100 years old."

"So Morgan's the leader?" I asked and he nodded before continuing.

"Kappy's almost 70, he joined Morgan about 20 years ago. He was a wild one, I'll let him tell you the story since I know he's been dying to."

"I'd like to hear about it!"

"Auston is around the same age as Kasperi. He was alone until he joined us when he got here. Mitchy is the baby, he was only turned 3 years ago."

"That must be so hard for him. Living with so many people around?"

"It was at first but he's better now."

"That's good. So did they get that part right? Newborn vampires are out of control?"

"Not as bad as twilight makes it sound." He said with a smirk. "But for the first couple months the thirst is intense."

"How did you find your way to Morgan?"

"I didn't like the way my parents worked, how they behaved. They were drunk on the fear people had for them. I don't want to scare people so I ran away when I was about 16 human years old. I started playing hockey and moved to Canada. I got picked up by the leafs and now here I am. I met up with Morgan when I got here in Toronto, I knew of him so I was looking for him."

"What happens to you guys if one gets traded?"

"We just go. We come back here for the off season. A couple years separated is nothing in the grand scheme of things."

"It sounds so simple." I teased.

"It's really not. I'm glad you know now though, that's going to make it much simpler."

"How come you told me?"

"Well I couldn't exactly leave it after my little display outside last night now could I?" He asked snorting.

"Well no but Mitch said you've been arguing with Auston because of a secret you wanted to tell but he didn't. So obviously you've been planning this."

"This is going to sound crazy."

"Crazier than all the rest of this? Try me."

"So you know how Morgan sees stuff?"

"Yeah. Hey do any others have gifts like that?"

"Mitchy can read minds when he stops his hyper shit and concentrates. Other than that none of us can. There are hundreds of powers out there though."

"That's cool!"

"Yes indeed." He murmured smiling warmly at me.

"Stop making my brain melt." I said giggling pushing his shoulder. 

"Anyway back to what I was saying. Morgan saw you coming."

"He saw me?"

"Well he saw you with me."

"What do you mean?"

"Vampires have soulmates. Which sounds nuts because we don't have souls but that's the only way to put it. We're kind of like penguins, stay mated for life. We only have one so if it doesn't work out, that's it and we're alone."

"Oh wow no fucking pressure then!" I said sarcastically.

"Anywaaay." He drawled rolling his eyes with a small smile. "After I joined his coven I guess you'd call it, he started seeing my future. You're in it every step of the way." He finally looked into my eyes at that last part and I melted completely.

"Oh wow."

"Your heart is beating fast again. You're anxious, why?"

"I'm um.. a little overwhelmed I guess?"

"Why?"

"Well I wanted to be around for a long time and I felt like that would happen but to know that you've seen me there.."

"Technically Morgan saw you there. I didn't see anything, I just feel it. I feel very strongly for you."

"I love you." I said moving up the bed to hug him. He was stiff for a minute but then relaxed and held me softly. I pulled back with a smile on my face. "I'm not gonna break if you hold me a little tighter than that."

"I just don't want to push you or anything. This is a lot to take in, I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"William I'm not. Can't you see that? I don't care what you are. I love you and I know you're not going to eat me so it's okay."

"I was wondering when what I eat would come up."

"I'm not worried about it. As long as I'm not in any danger I couldn't care less. You don't demand to know what I eat usually." I said eyeing him up.

"Well if you weren't so stubborn and would eat as much as I know you need to I wouldn't have to ask! You don't take care of your body the way I want you to."

"Whatever I'm trying."

"I know, love. You're doing good."

"Anyway since it's been brought up I am curious about what you eat."

"I eat mostly animals. We all do. Probably twice a month but we need human blood too once a month or so. We use blood bags instead of people. As I said I don't want people scared."

"Wouldn't it be better warm?" I slapped my hand over my mouth in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry ignore me."

"No, I want to know what you're thinking." He pulled my hands down and looked at me pouting with a big smile spreading across his face. "I love it when you blush. You look do cute with red cheeks."

"Stoooop!" I moaned blushing harder.

"Blood is better warm but that's what we get from animals. We don't want drinking human blood to be pleasant."

"That is fair enough."

We were quiet for a minute as I took in what he was saying. I couldn't say I was surprised at all. The way these boys acted and played the game was a little unbelievable. And the way they all looked. Barely human, more angelic looking than anything. I started thinking back at all the weird things like him hearing my phone vibrate in the bar, how fast he got to my house when I was scared, how he never really ate, how he was never cold. It all started making a lot of sense.

"Have I scared you?"

"Are you dumb? I'm not scared of you." I asked giving him a weird look.

"I just wanted to check. Do you think you'd be okay to go talk with the rest of the boys?"

"I'm fine babe. Are you ready for me to go talk with the boys?" I could tell by the way his eyes momentarily went wide that my question caught him off guard.

"Everything I just told you and you're concerning yourself with me?"

"Always." I said taking his hand in mine.

"I'd like you to know if I could blush I would be right now." He said quietly.

"Cute." I said pecking his lips.

"I am worried about you talking to them."

"Why?"

"I'm worried mostly about Auston. He's still mad that you know."

"Auston can fucking bite me." I said bitterly without thinking. "Shit wait no no i don't want that at all I take it back!"

"You're so funny. As if I'd ever let anyone else bite you." He said in a teasing tone.

"Hey, hey, hey, wait! You're planning on biting me?!"

"Not anytime soon. And I'm not planning it at all. Morgan said that he sees that it's your idea completely. You beg for me to do it."

"Not the only thing I'd beg for." I mumbled.

"What?"

"What?" I asked pretending I didn't say anything.

"I literally hear everything (y/n). I know exactly what you said. And you might not want to think stuff like that. I kinda asked Mitch to listen in to see how you would take everything."

"Are you kidding me?! Oh my God!" I smacked my forehead as if that would get the image of me on my knees begging William out of my head. It didn't. I was just more aware of those thoughts which made me think of them more. "I hate it here!" I yelled dramatically falling back on the bed.

"It's not a big deal, he's used to it."

"Yes it is!"

"He's not going to judge you."

"He will!"

"No I won't." Mitch said walking into the room and flopping down on the bed beside me.

"Uuugh." I groaned covering my face with a pillow.

"Nice to see you again too. Willy Morgan wants to talk to you. Something about Aus' bullshit probably."

"Alright. I'll be back soon, love." He got up and left leaving the room silent.

"So you know now huh?"

"Yup."

"You still want us around?"

"What the fuck do you mean?" I pulled the pillow away from my face. "Of course I still want you guys around."

"Sometimes it takes some time to come around that's all. Morgan's girlfriend took forever. She wouldn't see us for like 6 months because she was upset and felt betrayed. You just never know. Well unless you're Morgan."

"So she knows too?"

"Yup she knows everything."

"Does your girlfriend know?"

"No Steph has no idea. I don't think I'll ever tell her honestly."

"Why?"

"I'll tell you some other time."

"Do you think he was wrong to tell me?"

"Absolutely not. Seeing William happy is the best! He hasn't seen what Morgan has seen but I have. Sorry for snooping, it was just exciting! I couldn't help it."

"What does it look like..?" I asked quietly.

"It looks like complete happiness. Everything you've both ever wanted in life is going to come to you. It's kind of really fast moving from here though."

"Do I end up like you guys..?"

"I don't want to tell you the details of your future." He said carefully after considering for a second.

"I don't want to know everything I just want to know if I'm gonna get old and ugly while he stays gorgeous.. " I blushed and Mitch laughed.

"That's such a silly thing to worry about! Don't worry. You're not going to get old and gross. But that's all you're getting from me!"

"That's good enough for me." I said as William walked back in.

"Are you ready to see the guys? They want to talk to you, especially Morgan."

"Yeah sure." I said getting up walking over to him. I hugged him tight around his waist and leaned up to give him a kiss. "Let's go."

"Uh yeah sure." He took my hand and led me down the hallway of the spacious house. I took in my surroundings with awe. The house was beautiful. A perfect balance of dark and light. There was modern furniture but a lot of antiques surrounding it all. When he brought me around the corner I saw all the guys sitting there. Even Mitch which surprised me but then I realized that these guys were faster than anything. Auston looked salty, but he always did.

"(Y/n) please sit." Morgan said with a smile, gesturing to the love seat across from him. I did as I was told while William and Mitch sat on either side of me. "How are you feeling?"

"Um I'm okay. How are you guys?"

"We're well."

"Speak for yourself." Auston mumbled while Morgan sighed.

"For the most part we're well. You've learned a lot of new information today."

"Yeah I have."

"How do you feel about that?"

"Not bad. I have a lot of questions but I don't think I'm in danger so I'm feeling good I think."

"I'm surprised she didn't go into shock." Kasperi teased.

"Come on give her some credit!" Mitch defended. 

"Yeah Kas come on. I'm tougher than that."

"You realize that you knowing this is a big deal don't you?" Morgan asked.

"Of course I do!"

"You realize that means you can't tell anyone right? Not even your dumb photography friend? And especially not your reporter friend?" Auston spit out.

"Obviously I would never ever do that Auston."

"Girls tell secrets."

"Not one like this!"

"How can we know that?"

"Auston you're honestly being ridiculous right now. I would never do that to you guys." I looked at William who was avoiding my eyes. I grabbed his hand desperately trying to keep tears out of my eyes from the confrontation. "Will, baby, you know that don't you? That I would never hurt you and your family like that?"

"I'm a little worried."

"What?!"

"See if he's worried, I should be too." 

I just stayed quiet. Ripped my hand from William's, wiped a tear roughly from my cheek, and crossed my arms. William tried to hold my hand again but I pulled back.

"Don't."

"Guys she's not going to say anything." Mitch said, sounding bored with the whole thing.

"(Y/n) why don't we speak in private?" Morgan said carefully.

"Okay." I got up despite William's protest and went with Morgan to his office.

"I'm sorry about them. They're both idiots." 

"I feel like I'm in trouble in a principal's office." I said laughing with him.

"Well I promise you aren't in trouble at all. I don't know how much William has told you about me.."

"Um he just said you were the oldest, the leader, and that you can see the future but he never elaborated on anything."

"Everything I see is definite. There are no areas where it changes. What I see is what happens. I've never been wrong in my hundred years. This is why I'm so sure that you won't tell anyone anything."

"Even if you didn't see it I'd never tell. It's not my secret to tell."

"The boys are just worried. It's been a long time since we've told anybody. The last one was my girlfriend 2 years ago. The last before that was 65 years ago. Auston and Kasperi have had some bad experiences. Mitch isn't worried because he can see inside everyone's heads. He can see how your mind works, he knows like I do. In fact I can tell you the next time you willingly on your own tell someone about vampires and it's not for another 20 years."

"What exactly does that mean?"

"There will be a time in approximately 4 months that you will say something."

"I don't think I'd share that but I'm not willing to bet against you that I won't. I'm sorry that I do that."

"It's nothing to be sorry about. When you do it, it's out of necessity, survival."

"I'm still sorry."

"I'm sorry that William is being untrusting. It seems Auston has gotten into his head."

"Not a big deal." I shrugged.

"It is. Trust is the most important thing. To know you're not trusted is a punch in the stomach." I raised an eyebrow at him and he continued. "When I got with Tessa and told her everything she didn't trust me right away. She thought I was going to feed off her or change her without permission. It was incredibly difficult."

"It all worked out though right?"

"Yes of course! I promise things will smooth over between you and William."

"Thank you Morgan. I really appreciate it."

"I'm going to let you go since we all have places to get ready to be soon. Mitch will drop you off at your home."

"Thanks. Good luck at the game tonight."

"Thank you. See you later."

"Bye." I let myself out. I didn't like to be told what to do but something about the authority in his voice made me not question or talk back. Mitch was standing down the hall a bit.

"Hey, you ready to go?"

"Absolutely. No offense but I don't want to be here right now."

"That's totally fair. I'm sick of hearing Auston's thoughts right now."

He started towards the door and I followed as close behind as I could manage. Once we got outside I was in awe. I always loved the forest and this was taking forest living to another level.

"How come you're sick of hearing him?"

"I'm always pretty sick of hearing him these days."

"Is it my fault?"

"What no! That's actually a welcome distraction. He's hiding something from me." 

I was looking out the window as we drove but that shocked me enough to look at him. I was very confused and he could probably tell because he snickered at me.

"How the fuck could he do that?"

"He's had experience with people like me. He knows how to block thoughts from me. It's so annoying bro."

"I'd like to learn that." I said thinking back to what William said earlier.

"(Y/n) I couldn't care less what you want to do to William or have him do to you. Be as kinky as you want. I'll tell you what I'm into if that'll help?"

"Uh maybe next time." I said laughing with him.

"In all honesty I could probably help! If he's not doing it right I could tell him how to do it better."

"As sweet as that is Mitchy, I think I'd rather see how he fucks first before I call in mental backup."

"You guys haven't fucked yet?"

"No. He didn't want to while there was still secrets."

"That's nice of him I suppose. I could never do that."

"I like that he's patient. I've been through a lot of bad stuff with men.." before I could stop thinking Mitch interrupted me as we pulled into my driveway.

"I'm so fucking sorry that happened to you." He pulled me into a hug and I let a tear slip out.

"It's okay, it's done."

"It might be done but it haunts you. Have you told Willy?"

"Not yet. I will before I sleep with him though. I don't want secrets either. But now I don't know if I even should. If he can't trust me, can I trust him?"

"Auston is in his head. That's literally all it is. Wills deep thoughts know and trust you. His surface thoughts are frazzled."

"Well he's being shitty and can honestly just get fucked." I said making him laugh.

"That's fair."

"I'll see you guys tonight!"

"We'll be listening for you."

"Sorry what?" I asked half out of the car.

"William is going to want to know when you get there. So he's gonna listen for your voice and I'll be listening for your thoughts. Just to calm him down."

"Well in that case I'm gonna talk shit and think get fucked the whole time." I said laughing with him.

"I can't wait to play hockey with an angry William."

"See ya." I got out of the car and went to my house. I cried a little but then got ready to go.

[willykappymarnsmatts]

Badass Strawberry Shortcake

HC by my bestie @dallasstarscallmeplease

-High School Au!

-Auston calls the reader Strawberry Shortcake because freshman year she dyed her hair red.

-the red is well gone but the name sticks.

-“Strawberry Shortcake!!” Is the first thing she hears when she gets to class.

-Auston mutters the theme song behind her in class.

-He found out when her birthday was and got a couple of friends of her to cover her locker in strawberries.

-When someone else calls her Strawberry Shortcake, she says only Auston is allowed to.(She’ll never admit it to Auston himself.)

-Reader plays hockey but only a few people know because she doesn’t really like talking about it.

-She uses hockey as her outlet and it helps improve her game.

-She’s close to making 100 goals.

-last game she hits 99.

-The reader has a game one Thursday

-She’s at school hype because it’s the one she’s been waiting for and they don’t have school the next day.

-���Did you find good strawberries this morning?”

-“Well duh.”

-The strawberry shortcake jokes don’t bother her all morning and all afternoon.

-Last class of the day she’s sitting with her friends in the library.

-They’re talking about what to do after the game.

-“Strawberry Shortcake watches Hockey?”

-“Yes when I’m not tending to my Strawberry garden.”

-The bell ringing and the reader is the first one out.

-One of the reader’s friends asking Auston if he wanted to go.

-“(Reader) will be there. You can make your move.”

-Auston says yes because he knows he’s seeing the true woman he likes.

-Reader is in the locker room getting hyped for the game.

-The reader lip-synching the song playing on the speaker.

-Her and her teammate having snaps of them goofing around.

-“Tonight’s the night! You’re totally going to get it (Reader’s name)!”

-Reader getting her team hype.

-Them coming out for warmups.

-Reader getting in the zone for warmups.

-The reader is skating by the glass when he sees her.

-“Is that Strawberry Shortcake?!!”-breaks across the ice.

-“oh shit”(That one scene from Thor Ragnarok)

-The reader falls on her face.

-“Ow....”

-Reader getting up from the ice and continuing her warmups.

-“Is that the guy?”-Teammate #2

-“Yes. That would be him.”

-“You’re right he is cute. You two would have beautiful children.”Teammate#2

-“Now only if she would tell him.”-Teammate #3

-“I’d rather die than confess to the dude who’s been calling me Strawberry fucking Shortcake that I want to date him. Beside he doesn’t feel the same way.”

-Reader not knowing Auston has been staring the whole time.

-The game starting and the reader is kicking ass taking names.

-She makes her 100th goal.

-Auston cheering. “THATS MY GIRL”

-Beginning of the 3rd, a girl from the other team starts chirping her.

-“Is that your man? He can do so much better. Maybe I can give him a try after.”

-The reader starts to get mad but she hides it.

-“I mean it’s only fair. I gave your man a try last week.”-Reader

-The other girl and the reader drop their gloves and start fighting.

-“God damn it (reader)!”-Friend

-“Kick her ass Strawberry Shortcake!!”

-Reader throws the other girl on the ice.

-Auston taking a small snap of the reader throwing the other girl. Caption: imma marry her(or whatever a good caption is)

-The reader turning around and waving from the penalty box holding a towel to her nose.

-Auston shocked because he’s used to the reader being so calm.

-Auston finding it hot seeing the reader with a bloody nose and kicking another girl’s ass.

-The game ends with the reader’s team winning.

-Reader being the last one out of the locker room.

-Reader laying down on the floor.

-“Hey girl...you gotta get up.”-teammate

-“My crush saw me fall on my face and kick a girl’s ass....I’m processing.”

-“He’s outside the locker room that’s why you have to get up.”

-The reader doesn’t change.

-Auston waiting outside the locker room for her.

-“So does the famous kick ass strawberry shortcake take photos?”

-Her head reaches his shoulder so they have a adorable height difference.

-His arm is around her waist and doesn’t move it.

-The reader says she’s staying late so she can work on her goals.

-Auston says he’ll stay with her.

-The reader and Auston having a 1 on 1.

-“Stop cheating!”

-“I’m not cheating, I’m just fast.”

-The reader and Auston bumping into each other.

-“I’m about to throw you!”

-“Strawberry Shortcake, I’m pretty sure I can throw you into another universe.”

-“Then do it!”

-Auston pulling the reader in by the waist and keeping a firm grip.

-“Ready?”

-“Been ready Matthews.”

-“Gotta close your eyes for full effect.”

-Reader complies

🎆BOOM HE KISSES HER🎆

-She kisses back instantly.

-Matthews pulling away for air.

-“Yeah you threw me alright.”

-Auston starting to pull away but she pulls him back by the wrist.

-“Did I say it was a bad throw?”

-Auston smirking and coming back.

🎆THEY KISS AGAIN🎆

-They go get pizza late at night and the rest is history.

✨Bonus✨:

-When the librarian finds out they’re dating, she goes and collects her winnings during class time.

-“Hello Paul, I believe you have something of mine.”

-The students confused at first.

-Paul sighing and handing her cash.

-“Thank you Strawberry Shortcake. I can buy fancy groceries tonight.” And she leaves the room.

-The reader rolling her eyes as the class laughs.

-“So how many people owe her money?”-Reader

-“The whole 3rd floor.”-Paul

-You hear the librarian down the hall: “Where’s my cash, you science twat?”

-“Rita,how many times have I told you not to call me that?”- science teacher

-“I think she may be quitting after today.”-Reader.

-“Don’t give her the idea. Now back to work.”-Paul

-“I will be going by Science Twat and nothing else.”-Reader telling her friends at her locker.

-“I about died when Ms.Thomas told him that.”-Friend #1

-“I want to be her when I grow up.”-Friend #2

-“I told her that one time and she got me out of math. Best day of my life.”-Reader

-“I thought the best day of your life was when Auston kissed you.”-Friend #1

-“Or when you found out you got into (dream school).”-Friend #2

-“Or when your mom checked you out early.”-Friend #1

-“Or when-“

-“I get it. Ive had a lot of best days.”-Reader

-“But it’s definitely when I kissed you right?”-Auston appearing behind her.

-“I got checked out early for a hockey tournament. But you got me pizza afterward.”-Reader

-✨HOLDING HANDS WALKING OUT OF SCHOOL✨

-🌇AUSTON GRABBING THE READERS BUTT WHEN SHE MAKES IT TO HER CAR🌇

-“Stop grabbing my ass like your life depends on it.”-Reader

-“My life does depend on it and the butt must be touched.”-Auston

-Them hugging again.

-“Text me when you get home.”🥰🥺

-“For the Cup!”📍HE GRABS HER BUTT📍

[woah-were-halfway-there]

What was it like for y/n after having Mia and waiting about six weeks to have sex again? Was it hard for her? Like in discomfort but Auston did everything in his power to help her ease into it? You don’t have to write like the whole smut part like you not needing to explain necessarily in detail detail. If any of this even made sense?!😭😂

Having sex again was one of the things y/n was most hesitant about after Mia was born. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to, she 100% did, but she just got worried. Her body was still changing and healing from giving birth and she just felt different and that took time getting used to. She did wait until after six weeks postpartum and not once did Auston pressure her or constantly suggest it or anything of the sort because he knew she had to be ready and when she was, she’d let him know. It was something they actually talked about too because there was definitely a few times after they got Mia to bed and it was just the two of them, no visitors or anything, that they were just extremely soft with one another and would kiss and sometimes the kiss became a bit more heated because they definitely wanted each other, but then y/n would freeze because she knew she was not ready and was nervous about having sex again. So the first time that happened, Auston picked up on it right away and they talked about it and he asked her to let him know if what they were doing was pushing her out of her comfort zone. He had no issue with waiting whatsoever it’s just he wanted her to tell him if things were going too far, and so she did. There were a few times after that, where again, things would get heated and then y/n would just get to a point where she felt she couldn’t do it. He’d have her sitting on the kitchen counter or whenever they were, standing between her legs as they made out, her hands tangled in his hair and everything and then it’d just hit her. She’d then break away from the kiss and say his name softly, almost hesitantly, and he’d just know. He never made her feel bad about it either, he completely understood regardless of how sexually frustrating it was for both of them. So once she did that, he’d just nod and peck her lips one last time before wrapping his arms around her to pull her close and then just lay against her in silence. They didn’t need to speak, they just knew and y/n would often start mindlessly playing with his hair as they just kind of held onto each other and think about when tf she’d feel ready again and kind of beat herself up over it, which again, Auston knew because he knows her so freaking well but wouldn’t want her to dwell on it, so he’d change the topic and they’d start talking about something different just to get her mind off of it which really helped her a lot. Then the time came where she was ready. They were making out (shocker) and then when she started thinking about it, it just got to a point where the thought didn’t make her as nervous. She thought about how badly she wanted him but also how he had been so sweet and patient with her during those weeks and was like fuck it, yes I want this. So she pulled away from kissing him, said his name and he was ready for what had been happening to occur again but then she told him she was ready and he was like “OH. Are you sure? Like, really sure?” And she just chuckled at him before telling him that she was 100% sure, before kissing him again and she couldn’t help but smile at the way she felt him grinning against her lips as she did so. He then suggested that they go to their bedroom, which she didn’t argue. And it was one of the most intimate things they’ve ever experienced. He didn’t treat her like a piece of glass that could break at any moment, he just remained patient and let her take the lead in order to do whatever she was comfortable with. He was ridiculously soft and the whole thing was so built up, for it to finally happen again was definitely an... experience lol but yes, it wasn’t as bad for her as it could’ve been and that was 100% because of Auston

[darkangel0410]

So, in honor of the cover of Across the Green Grass Fields being released (book 6 of the Wayward Children Series!!! Preorder it, please, if that's your jam so we can eventually find out what happens to Kade and Cora and see if Christopher ever gets back to Mariposa and the Skeleton Girl 🤞🤞🤞), I've decided to make you listen while I ramble tell you which of my favorite players go through the Doors that are known to us so far.

Yes, I know this is so incredibly niche that I'm the only one who this interests. No, I don't care. Yes, these are all 100% correct and no, I'm not taking questions at this point, thanks anyways.

Now that that's taken care of, let's start, yeah?

1. This is probably the easiest one of all, but: EJ's Door is 100%, without a doubt, to Hooflands. We know objectively nothing about this land, except that all kinds of equines live there and that when humans show up there it's for a reason, and really that's enough because, lbr, EJ is a horse girl that somehow managed to become a pro athlete.

(And then, in true horse girl fashion, he uses his money to buy horses and horse farms because of course he does.)

2. Matt & Brady's Door leads to the Goblin Market, and like Jack & Jill, they go through their Door at the same time.

Do they stay in the Market after they turn 18? Do they come back? I don't know, but whatever happens, they do that together, too.

3. Jack's Door goes to the Trenches.

After he comes back, he half-drowns himself trying to get back to where he belongs; his parents have to drag him out of every puddle, pond, lake and river within five miles of their house at least once a day. When they move closer to the ocean, there’s a lot of nights he ends up falling asleep on the beach, always with the water washing in on him.

(Does he get to go home eventually? I want to say yes, that he goes back and never has to breathe air again for the rest of his life because he deserves a happy ending always, but I don't actually know.)

4. Connor goes to a Fairyland, which I know is semi-cheating because I don't have an exact name for where his Door leads, but it's High Logic and Wicked and that I'm firm on.

5. Mitch's Door takes him to Confection, where everything is sweet and manic but steady at the very bottom of it....eventually.

He takes to it like a fish to strawberry soda pop.

6. Auston's Door is to Mariposa, where he meets his true love and gets sent back before he can lay on their marriage altar and have his flesh cut away forever.

After he comes back, he keeps to himself, playing with a flute his love made for him and searching for a way back in cemeteries and funeral homes, churches -any where that had respect for the dead. 

7. Charlie’s Door takes him to the Halls of the Dead. He doesn't talk much about what happened when he was there, but after he comes back, he only eats pomegranates every day.

[timetravelingheart]

Consequences Chapter Four: A.M. Imagine

“T, would you please put that poor boy out of his misery already?” Lydia asked, reaching for Tessa’s phone that had been lighting up like crazy over the past four hours that the girls had been cooped up in the school library. 

They were supposed to be working on their lit reviews, and while Tessa could seemingly ignore the incessant attempts at communication coming her way, Lydia was struggling. Tessa reached out to snatch the phone before Lydia could get to it, but she was too late. She sighed as she watched Lydia scroll through the various notifications on her lock screen. 

“Wow, he’s really something,” she alluded, eyebrows raised. “I didn’t realize you were into that kind of kinky shit, but to each their own.”

“What?!” Tessa struck an arm out and snatched the phone from her pleased friend’s grip. 

“Shh!” came from the surrounding people, unhappy with her little outburst. 

Tessa scrolled through the notifications, not finding anything worthy of being deemed kinky, to say the least. 

“Hilarious,” she deadpanned, not even rewarding Lydia with a look. Lydia simply smiled proudly and returned to her paper. 

Tessa scrolled through her phone. She had more missed notifications than she was used to. Missed calls, voicemails, and texts from Auston. She also had Instagram DMs from him, since he had tracked down her private account and she made him wait over a week before accepting his follow request - only to then not follow him back yet. To Auston’s annoyance, she had not only accepted Mitch, William, and Kasperi’s follow requests instantly, she also followed them back. They of course loved to point that out whenever she liked a post of theirs. 

Those notifications didn’t surprise her. He had definitely made good use of having her contact information over the past couple of weeks and had sent her at least one message a day, usually a ‘good morning Tess’ and/or a ‘good night Tess’ text that she now looked forward to - though she didn’t think she’d ever admit that to anyone, least of all him. 

What surprised her were the new notifications from other Leafs members and even some of their significant others. She had unread texts from Mitch, William, and Kapanen, as well as Instagram follow requests from Zach, Morgan, Andreas, Travis, Freddie, Tyler, and Mitch’s girlfriend Stephanie. 

Apparently, her constant reminders to Auston that whatever was happening between them would have to move slowly had not quite gotten through to him. Even though he had refrained from specifically asking her out on a date since he got her number, he hadn’t let up on being ridiculously nosy and asking her tons of questions about herself. And unlike her, who waited a few minutes or sometimes even an hour before replying to him, he answered her the instant she replied to him unless he was in a game or practice. It was like he was waiting on her response, watching his phone for any sign that she was open to him. 

Despite her best efforts, it felt like they were getting to know each other better and she couldn’t help but feel a little flutter in her chest every time she saw a message from him. Unfortunately for Auston however, his public life can be a little too public sometimes. Just as she was feeling like she could trust him, she overheard a volunteer at work the other day talking about a friend of hers who Auston had been chatting up all night at the bar the previous weekend. While Tessa wasn’t naïve enough to believe that all stories about athletes and hook-ups were true, she also wasn’t naïve enough to believe that none of them were. 

And so, just like that, her guard came back up just slightly. 

Hence why Auston and his friends had been sitting with unread messages for the past four hours. Auston had actually been sitting with read messages since the previous night, but Tessa decided to stop reading anything from him once she got to the library. 

“T?” Lydia’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Are you okay? Those messages looked pretty harmless.”

Tessa nodded, turning off her phone and tossing it in her bag on the ground. 

“Let’s just get back to it, eh?” she tried to smile at Lydia, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She turned back to her open laptop, trying to remember what she had been typing before the interruption.

“Actually, I think I’ve done all that my brain can handle today. Nine unedited pages down, but I think I need to edit with a clear brain. Let’s go get some dinner? My treat?” 

Tessa nodded, gathering up her books and laptop. She knew that she was using school and work as a coping mechanism and an avoidant tool, and she also knew that with Lydia, those choices could only go unchallenged for so long. 

__

Once the girls had grabbed their take-out, they started on the short walk back to their shared apartment. It was nearing the beginning of October, but the weather was still holding on to that last little bit of summer with a warm night. 

“So what’s the deal, T? What did that poor boy do to get himself ignored this time?” Lydia linked her arm through Tessa’s, knowing she liked physical contact and proximity with loved ones when she was stressed or worried. 

Tessa let out a deep sigh and rested her heavy head on her best friend’s shoulder. 

“You know Andrea, one of the volunteers at work?” 

“Mhm,” Lydia nodded, even though she wasn’t 100% sure who Tessa was talking about. She knew that it didn’t really matter though. Who the girl was wasn’t the point of the story. 

“So yesterday the team and I were all stuffing envelopes and getting all of our event flyers together when she starts telling Erica a story about their night at the bar. I guess they were at the same bar as Auston and the guys, and Andrea’s friend was hanging out with him. According to Andrea, he was ‘smitten’ with her and kept buying her drinks and flirting with her all night.”

Lydia didn’t say anything, knowing more was coming if she just waited. 

“Which is fine! Obviously. I mean, he’s single and he’s a star in this town and he’s young and why shouldn’t he be flirting with girls?”

“Mhm.”

“And it’s not like him sending me flowers means anything or means that he has to stop doing those things. I’m the one who turned him down, for crying out loud! So of course he’s free to do whatever and whomever he wants.” 

“T-”

Tessa lifted her head from Lydia’s shoulder, still powering through her pent-up rant.

“So who am I to be bothered by this? But then, who the hell is he to keep messaging me and sending me ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ texts if he’s doing the exact same thing to twenty other random girls. Because that’s probably all I am to him, right? That’s why I’m upset. Not because I like him or own him or anything, but at least have the fucking decency to not lead me on!”

Lydia bit her lip to hide her smile, giving Tessa’s arm a little squeeze. 

“Do you feel better now?”

Tessa let out a little laugh. Fuck him. 

“No.”

“T, do you really think you would be this upset with him for ‘leading you on’ if that’s even what he’s doing if you didn’t at least like him a little bit?”

“I don’t know.”

“T.”

“I guess not,” Tessa shrugged. She hated when other people told her how she felt before she admitted it to herself. 

“Right now, we don’t even know if what that Andrea girl was saying was true. You’ve been around athletes long enough to know that sometimes it’s more about clout than it is about truth. Why don’t you just ask him?”

“I can’t do that! If I ask him, then it looks like I’m jealous.”

“But you are.”

“Yes, but he can’t know that! Lydia, really,” Tessa admonished as they reached their apartment building. “And it’s not even just about jealousy. It’s about trust. And the more I think about it, the more I realize that I don’t know if I can trust him.”

“You haven’t even given the guy a chance, T. Not really,” she shook her head as she dropped her bags in the foyer before moving into the living room to place down their food. “Sure, you text him, but you haven’t agreed to any of his offers to get together. You haven’t really asked him anything about himself, you mostly just answer his questions.”

Lydia was right. Tessa’s way of keeping herself at bay was by not asking him anything. The less she knew about him, the less likely she was to fall for him. She thought it was working for her. Apparently she was wrong.

“So what are you suggesting? That I just ignore what Andrea said and keep responding to him?”

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting, at least if you’re unwilling to ask about the other night at the bar. But don’t shut him out because of that unless you’re willing to hear his side too,” Lydia shrugged, retreating to her room to change into comfy clothes. 

After dinner and an episode of Queer Eye, Tessa got ready for bed before plopping face down on her bed with a bounce. She rested her head on her hands, mulling over Lydia’s words and thinking over the past few weeks of conversations with Auston. Was Lydia right? Had she not given him a chance to prove that he was trustworthy? But the risks that came with giving someone the chance to prove their trustworthiness felt too great to bear sometimes - what if she gave him the chance and all it did was confirm her initial suspicions and hesitation? Was that risk worth it? 

It was time to find out.

She reached down to her bag and pulled out her phone. Ignoring all of the notifications except for Auston’s, she started reading through his texts starting from the previous day. They consisted of their usual greetings and some random thoughts he had throughout the day or funny stories about the guys. She reached the end of his messages, and felt a little twinge of guilt. 

Auston: I hope you’re okay. Let me know if you need anything. 

Auston: Is this about everyone following you on Instagram? I’m so sorry about that. I told them not to. I think Steph was just excited to potentially have another girl to complain about us with. 

Auston: Call me if you need anything. xo

Finally, she listened to his voicemail. It didn’t do anything to help her guilt. 

Auston: Hey Tess, it’s me, Auston. I, uh, I know we don’t usually call but I was starting to get worried. I know you read my messages yesterday, but I don’t think you’ve read any from today. I’m sorry if the guys are doing too much. They’re just having a bit of fun giving me shit for how much I like you. I think they really like you too, otherwise they wouldn’t even bother. But, uh, yeah. I don’t really know what to say other than I’m sorry if that’s why you’re ignoring me. I can ask them to stop. I know we can all be a bit overwhelming, but that’s part of our charm too, right? *awkward laugh* Uhm, so yeah, please just send me a text or call me back when you get this. I’m starting to get a little worried that you’ve fallen into a ditch somewhere or something. And I guess I just miss talking to you. Anyway, I, uh, I hope you’re well and not too stressed with work or school. And again, I’m really sorry. Talk to you soon I hope.

Your move, Tess, she thought. 

She started typing a message only to erase it and start over. And over. And over. 

Finally, she clicked on his name and waited for the rings to start. 

One, two, three. 

“Tess! Hey!” Auston answered loudly, obviously out of breath. 

“Hi,” she started softly. “Sorry, did I catch you at a bad time?”

“No, no, not at all,” he rushed out. “I just got out of the shower. I left my phone on so I could hear if you - uh, if anyone called.” 

Tessa bit back a small smile. He was waiting for her call. 

“Are you okay? Did you get my message?”

“I did,” she laughed lightly. “All 20 of them.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. You had me going crazy.”

“I could see that. I’m sorry for not responding.”

“It’s okay,” he waited, hoping she would elaborate. When she didn’t, he pressed forward. “Is everything okay? Are, uh, are we okay?”

Tessa hesitated. Did she ask about the bar? Did she carry on like nothing happened? What was the right move here?

“Yeah, we’re okay now. I think maybe I was getting in my head a bit about everything. It’s not easy when you’re so famous around here, you know? I’ve never really known anyone I could Google,” she tried to tease. 

“Oh, God. Please don’t Google me. And please don’t believe everything you read.”

“But if I didn’t Google you, how would I have ever come across those videos of you being terrified by an egg or Carlton?” 

She laughed when she heard a massive groan from the other end and knew he was probably turning beat red. 

“Those videos will be the death of me,” he sighed. “But getting back to it, did something happen to make you worry about me being known here?”

Out with it, Tess. 

“Okay, I don’t play games so I’m going to be as honest with you as possible right now,” she stated firmly. She’d been blunt with him so far, why not now?

“Uh, yeah of course. Give me a sec, I’m going to sit down for this one.”

When he gave her the okay, she went into the same story she had recounted for Lydia earlier in the evening. She was impressed when he didn’t try to interrupt her, but just let her tell her side. When she was done, she heard his deep breathing on the other side. 

“So, I don’t know. I guess just after the past few weeks of you messaging me, and then hearing this, I thought maybe you really were the guy I was worried you would be.”

Auston wanted nothing more than to be excited as the prospect of Tessa being jealous over him with another girl, a small indication that she was into him, but he knew that wasn’t the point here. The point was that she felt like he wasn’t trustworthy, that he was going to be that asshole who used her and hurt her. 

“Tess, I don’t know what I can do to make you believe me, but that story’s not true. I didn’t buy anyone but the guys drinks that night. And I did talk to people, but I didn’t flirt with anyone. And I didn’t leave with anyone. That was the night we had been texting about Endgame because you had just watched it with your friends and you were teasing me with spoilers. I was texting you most of the night, and then I texted you when I got home.

I know that might not mean anything to you, but I swear, I wasn’t trying to get with anyone else. I haven’t since I met you. I wasn’t lying when I said I wasn’t going to hurt you. I’ve been so happy lately because I’ve been learning so much about you and I love hearing from you every day. Those are some of my favourite moments. I’m not going to ruin that for some random girl at a bar.”

The silence lingered for a few minutes while Tessa mulled over his words. She knew he couldn’t prove anything, so it was up to her whether or not she chose to believe him. But what if she made the wrong choice? 

“Thank you for explaining,” she said softly, not knowing what more to say when she was still so unsure of herself and of him. 

“Thank you for letting me.”

“I’m sorry for ignoring you. Sometimes I just need some space to think things through on my own,” she rolled over in her bed, cradling her phone under her chin and hugging her blanket to her chest. 

“That’s okay. I was just worried I had done something wrong,” he paused, moving to his bedroom and rolling himself into the blankets. “But you know what I learned tonight?”

“What did you learn, Auston?”

“Two things. 1) I love hearing your voice over the phone. It’s not quite as good as in person, but it’s definitely better than texting.”

Tessa laughed, hating herself for the blush she felt creeping up her cheeks. 

“What. A. Line.” 

“It’s not a line! It’s the truth. You have no idea how happy seeing your name pop up on my phone made me.”

“Mhm. Okay. And the second thing you learned?”

“And 2) You like me,” he sing-songed smugly. 

Tessa froze. What. 

“What? Why would you think that?” she thought back to if she had unknowingly admitted that anywhere in her explanation to him. She was significantly calmer when she explained it to him than she was with her rant to Lydia earlier. She was so careful. 

“Why would you get so worried about me with another girl if you didn’t like me?”

“Maybe because you have been texting me and acting like you’re into me, only for me to hear you might be doing the same with another girl?”

“Right, which I’m definitely not doing, by the way. But you wouldn’t reeeally care that much if you didn’t like me. It’s okay, Tess. I’m a catch. You can admit it!”

“I think all of those hits on the ice have gone straight to your head.”

“You liiiiike me. You really, really liiiiike me.”

“Whatever you need to believe to get you through the night, Auston.”

“I know something else that could help get me through the night,” he smirked. 

“Auston Matthews! On that note, good night, jerk.”

“You know you like it. Thanks for calling, Tess. I hope you do it again sometime.”

“Maybe I will.”

“I’m counting on it. Sleep well, Tess.”

“You too, Auston.”

Tessa ended the call and placed her phone on her nightstand, letting out a contented sigh. 

Fuck him for being so cute. She did like him. She really, really liiiiiked him. Dammit. 

[trashforhockeyguys]

Wholeheartedly /15/ Auston Matthews

A/N: Hi, I still write. I promise. I just procrastinate and I’m also a major slacker. But I’m still here, and so is Wholeheartedly. ALSO NO ONE TOLD ME I CAN’T LINK STUFF ANYMORE....OOPS. Masterlist is 100% up to date though.

“Grammy! Pappy!”

You wiped your forehead with the back of your hand and looked over your shoulder in time to see both boys bolting towards the front door. You were trying to get started on dinner, but your head was spinning, making it quite difficult to focus on anything. You’d been hoping that the sickness would’ve subsided a little by now. But it only seemed to be getting worse.

 You put a hand on your back, rubbing it slowly. The back pain had started yesterday. Next to the sickness, the constant aches were your least favorite part of pregnancy. Just when you’d think you were going good, your back would hurt, or your feet, or parts of your body you didn’t even know could ache.

 You felt Auston put a hand on your shoulder before taking the spoon away from you, “I got this, you go sit down with them.”

 “Aus-“

 “This is the one thing I do know how to cook without incident,” He said softly, “Go.”

 You wrapped your arms around him and kissed his cheek. He smiled and kissed the side of your head, his free hand brushed your growing stomach. He grinned at you before gently nudging you away from the stovetop. Reluctantly, you stepped away and allowed him to finish cooking dinner.

 Ema and Brian were in the living room with the boys. Jake was sitting on Ema’s lap, happily going on about whatever Auston had taken them out to do this afternoon. Meanwhile, B was showing Brian his new mini hockey stick. You smiled at your boys and their grandparents. Ema had bawled with you when you’d told her about B, and cried even harder when you’d told her about Jakey.

 “B please take it easy on your Pappy,” You reminded him.

 “But that’s no fun mama!” B argued, “Pappy can take it!”

 You gave him a look which resulted in him backing down. You ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head as you walked by. Ema smiled at you softly before patting the space on the couch next to her. She certainly didn’t have to tell you twice; your feet were throbbing and were no doubt swollen.

 “You look like you’re ready to drop,” She observed, “Are you okay?”

 “I’ve just been doing a lot to get the house ready before my family comes, and for us to leave right after. But I’m okay,” You assured her.

 She ran a hand over your hair, something that somehow every mother knew would sooth any child. Ema always had the ability to somehow make anyone feel calm, no matter the circumstances. There was no doubt in your mind that she’d be over the moon about the baby. Ema knew you’d wanted more kids, she hadn’t tried to hide the fact that she wanted more grandchildren either.

 “Mama, where’s daddy?” Jakey asked you.

 “He’s finishing dinner,” You told him, “Although, he might let you help if you ask nicely.”

 Jakey slid off of Ema’s lap and took off running towards the kitchen. You could hear him asking Auston what he could do to help him. You could hear Auston pull up a chair for Jake to stand on as he instructed him on the few things he could help with.

 Nearly half an hour later B was helping you set the table. Per Auston’s request, Ema tested dinner to make sure it was correct.  The second he got his mother’s seal of approval, we all started to fix our plates. I always hated this time of year, because we all knew that the off season was quickly winding down. It seemed that every year it flew by faster and faster.

 “When is your family coming in, Y/N?” Brian asked you.

“Thursday,” You replied, “And Lucas is supposed to come back tomorrow, but who knows with him.”

 “But Uncle Lucas promised he’d come back for my birthday,” B stated.

 “Oh Bubby he will be,” Auston promised, “He just might not make it in before Mimi and Papaw.”

“Is Uncle Lucas going to get in trouble?” Jake asked.

 “Probably,” You laughed, “But it’s okay.”

 You tried to eat everything that was on your plate. After all, this was normally one of your favorite dishes. But the baby seemed to have other ideas, or had just decided that the two of you no longer liked the food. You carefully pushed the dish away, just enough so that you wouldn’t feel the need to gag.

 Although, with the way your stomach was now turning, you weren’t entirely sure if you’d need to make a quick exit or not. Auston glanced over at you before slightly squeezing your thigh. When you were pregnant with both of the boys you couldn’t get enough of Ema’s recipes, but clearly this baby wanted no of that.

 “You okay?” Auston whispered.

 You nodded, humming slightly. You closed your eyes for a second and took a deep breath before reaching for your water. You’d hopped that the sickness would start subsiding soon, but you were more than wrong. You were lucky on days that you could actually eat without the nausea.

 The boys were going on about B’s party this weekend. This one would be family only, but little did he know another party with the Leafs had already been planned. That was all their doing, they just told you and Auston when and where to bring the boys.

 You were able to force down a bit more food, knowing you needed to try and eat something. The moment you’d all finished B and Jakey went running upstairs to play while the rest of you cleaned up. But your head started spinning, causing you to quickly lean against the counter to keep yourself upright.  Auston was by your side in an instant, wrapping an arm around you to help support you.

 “Are you still not feeling well?” Ema asked you, “Don’t feel like you need to stay down here with us.”

 You glanced over at Auston and smiled. You’d wanted to tell everyone when you were all together, but now just seemed like the right time. Just the four of you in the kitchen, small and simple. You wrapped your arms around Auston. He looked down at you and couldn’t help but smile.

 “Actually, we have some news,” Auston told them.

 He never broke eye contact with you, his smile growing wider and wider. Every time he smiled like that you swore your heart would melt. Tonight was no different. He kissed your forehead and held you, waiting for you to say something. Even though this was his family, he always wanted you to be the one to really tell them.

 You rested your hand on your stomach and looked over at Ema and Brian, “Well,” You could help but laugh, “We’re having another baby.”

 Ema started crying almost automatically as she moved to hug you. She held you tightly still crying. Her crying caused you to cry, which you would’ve done even if your emotions weren’t all over the place. She let go of you and wiped away your tears as the two of you laughed.

 “Oh mija,” She grinned, and then reached out for Auston, “And my little Pappi.”

 She pulled Brian over, and so the four of us stood huddled in the kitchen laughing and crying over the newest addition to the family. All of you couldn’t help but laugh even harder when the boys started yelling and arguing over who scored and who didn’t.

 “We haven’t told my family yet,” You informed Brian and Ema, “We were planning on telling all of you this weekend, but obviously Auston and I couldn’t wait.”

 “Don’t worry, we won’t say anything,” Brian promised.

 “How far along are you?” Ema finally asked.

 You put your hands back on your stomach, cradling the small but growing bump, “Almost thirteen weeks.”

 “DADDY! BUBBY IS CHEATING!” Jake yelled from upstairs.

 “I did not!” B yelled, “You hit me first!”

 Auston sighed and set down his glass, “This is why they aren’t allowed to play mini sticks without being watched.”

 “C’mon,” Brian said, clapping Auston’s shoulder, “We promised them a game of 2 on 2.”

 Two days later you were trying to clean up the rest of the house before you had to leave to go to the airport. Lucas still hadn’t showed back up, even though he’d called earlier in the morning to promise that he’d be home in time. You weren’t particularly looking forward to having to explain it all to your parents, but it wouldn’t be the first time that you’d covered for him.

You glanced at the clock, you had to be at the airport in an hour, which would give you enough time to finally wake up the boys and get them dressed and fed. Auston was making up the other guest rooms for you so you didn’t have to worry about it. Which meant you had more time to clean up the kitchen and living room.

 You finished putting away the now clean dishes before you started to head upstairs. Both of the boys had squeezed into B’s bed, which was slightly bigger than Jakey’s. Gently, you shook B’s little shoulder, causing him to roll over and burry his head into his pillow. You laughed and shook him again.

 “C’mon baby, you have to get up,” You told him softly, “We gotta get ready to go pick up Mimi, Grampy, and Uncle Peter and Aunt Erika.”

 “Too early,” He mumbled, somehow pulling the blanket up higher above his head.

 Jakey groaned and ripped the blanket back down and pushed B away from him. You knelt down in front of the bed and brushed Jake’s hair out of his face. He really needed to get a haircut but he was bound and determined he was going to grow it out like William’s.

 “Don’t you two want to go get Mimi and Papaw?” You questioned.

 “Mimi and Papaw?” Jake asked sleepily.

 “They’re coming today, remember?” You replied, “But you need to get up so we can go get them.”

 Jake’s little eyes cracked open. He pulled his bear closer to his chest and let out a little whimper. Neither of them particularly liked being woken up early. On days that they woke up early on their own they were fine, but they hated actually being woken up. They got that from Auston.

 “I know baby,” You sighed, “But the both of you can sleep in the car on the way there, I promise.”

 Jake nodded slightly and slowly rolled out of the bed. It took you five more minutes to finally get B up. Getting them both dressed and fed and into the car was another challenge, but Auston was there to help with that. Once the two of you finally got both the boys buckled in, you quickly checked your phone to make sure your family’s flight was on time.

 Lucas still hadn’t showed up, although you hoped he’d be here by the time you got back. Climbing in the car, you glanced back at both boys who’d already fallen asleep. Auston reached for your hand and kissed it before starting up the car. The ride to the airport was pretty silent. You and Aus chatted a little about all that you needed to do in the next week.

 Neither one of you were ready for the off season to be over, yet the end was more than insight. Your family would fly out on Wednesday and the rest of you would follow behind on Friday. It seemed like you’d blinked and the summer was gone.

 “Do we go in yet?” Auston asked once he’d pulled into the parking lot of the airport.

 You looked back at your sleeping boys and smiled as you gently rubbed your stomach. You knew neither of the boys would wake up enough to actually walk into the airport, meaning that you and Auston would probably have to carry them. Not that you minded, you still wished they’d stop growing and would stay like this forever.

 “Yeah, the plane should be landing soon,” You sighed.

 “You take Little Man, I got Bubs,” Auston told you, knowing Jake was still almost light as a feather.

 Jake whimpered a bit as you picked him up, but almost instantly wrapped his arms around you and fell back asleep. You kissed the top of his little head again before you and Auston started to make your way into the busy airport. The two of you found a bench to sit on while you waited for your family to come through the gate.

 Neither Jake or B woke up once. You were beginning to wonder if they’d slept at all the night before. Normally they were nothing but energy, especially if they knew their grandparents and uncles and aunts would all be together. They loved nothing more than when both your’s and Auston’s families were together.

 You gently rocked Jakey back and forth as you waited. If your phone wasn’t tucked away in your back pocket, you’d probably be checking it every two seconds. Or, if Jake wasn’t still fast asleep in your arms, you’d be pacing around. Beside you, Auston chuckled a little and put his hand on your knee, trying to get you to calm down.

 Even though you knew they’d be walking out any minute, part of you always got a little nervous that something had gone wrong. That was one of the main things you hated about anyone traveling.

 “Babe, look,” Auston pointed towards the gate, where you could just make out the top of Peter’s head from behind everyone else.

 “Jakey, sweetheart,” You said softly, “They’re here.”

 Brian, who was already half awake in Auston’s lap, shot right up, “Mimi and Papaw?”

 “Yeah Bubby,” Auston said, still holding onto him, “They’ll be walking right out of that gate.”

 This finally got Jake’s attention and he too sat up and began scanning the airport. Erika was the first person to make it out and spot us. Both of the boys wiggled out of you and Auston’s grasp and look of running towards your little sister. In response, she dropped to her knees and held her arms out for her little nephews to come crashing into.

 You saw your big brother next, which prompted you to take off running towards him. Somehow, you were able to ignore your swollen and aching feet and completely take off. You crashed into him, almost knocking him completely off his feet.

 “Easy, you act like it’s been a year and not just the summer,” He laughed, holding you tightly.

 “C’mon, I missed one of my partners in crime,” You argued, “Besides, it feels like it has been a year.”

 Upon hearing your parents saying hello to Auston though, you quickly let go of your brother and moved onto them, “Mama, daddy.”

“Hi honey.”

 “Hey, where’s the other nincompoop?” Erika questioned, quickly giving you a hug.

 “Lucas is back at the house,” Auston answered, “He got in late last night, but he did say he was fixing us all lunch.”

 You glanced over at your husband, not knowing anything about Lucas being back. However, you weren’t about to question it. Not when it meant probably having to admit to your mom that you didn’t really know where your baby brother was.

 “C’mon my little dude,” Erika said, scooping up Jake, “Maybe you and I can school your brother and Uncle Peter in some hockey later.”

 “Not likely baby sis,” Peter laughed, “Brian and I can take you no problem. Right B?”

 “Right!” Your oldest son agreed, taking hold of Peter’s hand.

 You held onto Auston’s hand as all of you made your way back out to the car. Trying to cram all of the luggage into the back was an interesting sight for sure, but somehow Auston and Peter managed. Erika elected to sit in very back with the boys, all of them chatted away the entire time. Peter caught you up on everything that was happening back in Toronto, and about his new job in the city.

 You were more than surprised when Auston pulled back into your driveway, and Lucas’s rental car was there. You honestly didn’t think he’d actually be back. But sure enough, he was in the kitchen making something when you all walked in.

 “How’d you know he’d be here?” You asked Auston.

 “He texted me while we were waiting,” Auston shrugged, “Told you it’d be fine.”

 You nodded, “Now we just have to get through this weekend.”

 “It won’t be that bad,” He assured you, “We just better hope our parents didn’t go overboard with birthday presents.”

You gave him a look, “Auston, our parents don’t know how not to go overboard.”

 “Fair enough.”

 “Mama! Look Uncle Lucas cut a smiley face on my sandwich!” Jake cheered.

 “Keeping traditions alive I see,” Erika laughed, holding up her own smiley face sandwich.

 Lucas just shrugged and smiled, “Since when do you have a problem with the sandwiches, Riks?”

 “Since never, Y/N buys the good peanut butter, unlike you Luke,” She shot back, “Which reminds me, why don’t you go ahead and make another Luke.”

 He shook his head and pulled out more bread, “I liked you better when you were a few towns away.”

 B quickly ran to hug Erika, “I still love you Aunt Riks.”

 “Aww, good to know someone with the name of Lucas still loves me,” She joked.

“I love you too!” Jake said, racing over to join the hug.

 Erika stuck her tongue out at Lucas and Peter, before pulling both your sons in close. Lucas started to flip her off before Peter caught his hand, effectively stopping him. You chuckled and shook your head.

 “When are the both of you actually going to grow up?” You questioned, mostly joking.

 “Probably never,” Lucas answered.

 “You should try it Lucas,” Erika suggested, “You might actually like it.”

 “I think I’m good,” He laughed.

 Later that night, you were helping Erika unpack a few things, and try to find the shirt she swore she left last year. You were still digging around in the spare closet when she shut the door of her guest room. She jumped on the bed and just looked at you with a big grin.

 “What did you do Riks?”

“When are you and Aus planning on telling all of us?” She asked.

 “Telling everyone what?” You tried to play it off.

 “Oh please, you’re wearing your baggy shirts, plus you barely touched your dinner which is highly unusual. Oh also, you and Auston are looking even more clingy, which normally happens when you’re pregnant,” She explained, “So, when are the two of you going to tell us?”

 “Still don’t know what you’re talking about,” You innocently shrugged.

 “You big fat, pregnant, liar,” She exclaimed, “Oh my god!”

 “Shh! God Riks, don’t scream,” You hissed, “Just try and act like you aren’t too smart for your own good, please?”

 “Cross my heart,” She squealed, “Oh my god another baby.”

 She hugged you tightly, already starting to cry. No matter what, you always knew Erika would love your kids more than anything. Even if the two of you weren’t the closest growing up, just because of the age gap, but you also knew she’d be there for you in a heartbeat.

 “Just don’t say anything until B’s party,” You warned, “Lucas already knows, but only because he walked in when Aus and I were talking about my next ultrasound.”

 “Of course that bastard knows,” She huffed, “He always knows everything and it pisses me off.”

 “Well you know before Auston’s sisters, and mom, dad, and Peter, so that counts for something,” You pointed out.

 “I hope you know I’m going to spend every spare minute with you this season,” She said matter-of-factly.

 “I already figured that out Riks,” You laughed, “And I’d like that.”

 “Good, because now you don’t have a choice,” She explained, “I already want to spoil the mess out of this kid. Speaking of which, I got both boys like five jerseys.”

 “Erika!”

 “What? It’s B’s birthday, and I can’t say no to Jake’s pouty face,” She shrugged. 

 “Yeah, that makes two of us,” You laughed, “Once he gives me that look I’m done for. Which means he get away with more than he should most days.”

 “That’s what being the youngest is for,” She pointed out, “He might as well milk it while he can.”

 You smiled and put a hand on your stomach, “Oh, trust me, he will.”

[arizonatotoronto]

I 100% feel like JT turned ninety the day he was born and Auston is dragging Mo down with him so he doesn't have to get drunk with Eichel and endure JT's "I have never had a Fun" speech alone. It doesn't matter if JT got blindingly drunk and danced on a bar with PK the night before, he DEFINITELY has a "I might not be related to you but I can definitely ground you" glare in his back pocket. That or he's like "If can't have a week of uninterrupted sex with Mitch, you can't have one with Gards."

First of all, can I just say that everything about this ask is spot-fucking-on??

OBVIOUSLY Auston would like Mitch to be selected for the ASG. Mitch stepped up huge in Auston’s absence when he was injured, he’s a huge part of why JT is having the season he’s having (tapping in Mitch’s insanely creative passes like JVR before him), and Auston is more offended than Mitch that Mitch didn’t get the spot. 

But it’s whatever, the situation is completely out of his hands. Except now Mo is an option, and yeah-- Auston’s going to enjoy the fuck out of it when he doesn’t have to endure the weekend as the only young Leaf. 

(and okay. Yes, JT came to us as the perfectly stereotypical SERIOUS CANADIAN HOCKEY ROBOT CAPTAIN -- see: Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, etc. But we’d all have to be blind to ignore that he is a lot More Fun now because of Mitch. Well. At the very least, he is better at tolerating the Fun that is happening around him. 

Auston doesn’t dread spending the weekend with John, but he knows it will be a way better time with Mo along for the ride.)

The whole “Mitch and Gards get to be on vacation and send us suggestive snapchats from the beach while we both get blindingly drunk to handle the insane amount of BS media we’ll be assigned to do” thing is the icing on the cake. 

(Mitch is the type to send over flirty photos of himself, shirtless and wet and pretty stupidly hot in a backwards snapback that makes Auston weak for basically no reason at all, the tops of his strong shoulders pinking up from the sun...  And then follow them up with even filthier snaps of his hipbones barely obscured by white hotel sheets, or a shot of his face with two of his own fingers, wet with spit and sucked deep into his too-big mouth.

Gards is the king of smug and playful facial expressions. He goes right for the dick pics, sends Mo a shot of his cock resting hard and flushed against his abs, captioned with something dumb like “WISH U WERE HERE” or “U WANT?” and then followed up with a short video of his eyebrows doing something ridiculous.)

[andremarcusburky]

Can you do an Auston Matthews as a boyfriend headcanons thing? I loved your Nolan one btw!

A/N: asdfghjklöä everytime I think about him all I see is riding his thighs and that fine ass of his so ive never really given boyfriend!aus a piece of my mind, but ill do my best! also this became really sexual lmao and I dont know what im doing

masterlist

sex is a big part of the relationship though

thats how It started

he was a one-night-stand who you ran into again a month later

it became a two-time thing

and then he had your number

and then it was more than two times

and suddenly you were in love

and the next time you ran into each other unexpectedly when you were out some dude was trying to get in your pants and jealous Matty wouldn’t have it

he fucked you into oblivion that night

and the next morning he decided to have the talk

“i want you, no one else. like I want you to be mine only”

“are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

he wasn’t ever really cuddly before that but once you were official you got to see his most vulnerable sides

when he was out because of the injury he cried once because he was so angry and sad and frustrated over the whole situation

you just held him and he let you comfort him

but most of the time he’s the cheeky lil shit we know so well

pinches your ass when you dont expect him to

so you squeal in public sometimes and people turn their heads and he has the biggest grin on his face

his way of letting you know he’s horny is by walking up behind you and press his hard-on to your ass and kiss your neck

also grabs with your boobs

then he acts all innocent and pretends like he didnt do nothing

also sexual innuendos all the time

pretends like its all accidents but he knows wtf he’s doing

he gets you lingerie all the time

his favorites are black lacy things

really small things

his favorite thing to do is watch sports on the tv with his arm around you as your head’s on his chest

because he loves watching sports and he loves you and he wants you close to him all the time

so like lets acknowledge that this is a cocky lil shit who’s super competitive 

I mean remember the nhl18 thing

and something you do together a lot is play Mario kart

its a forever ongoing thing

your both super competitive and this could potentially ruin the relationship ngl

on average you probably win as much as the other

so its really a 50/50 thing

you get so angry at each other though

then there was that one time where the boys were over and you had a mini tournament

Mitch was in the lead, followed by you and aus tied

if you or Auston won the last game you’d pass Mitch and win

final lap came around and both you and matts were in the lead, going back and forth with who was fist and second

Mitch was right behind you, catching up

then Mitch got one of those red turtles and he threw it right at you

it was gonna hit you 100%

matts hit the breaks and went in behind you so it hit him instead

YES HE FUCKING SACRIFICED HIMSELF IN YOUR HOLY GAME 

you won

he didnt say anything, just passed the goal-line a bit later and put the controller down

you were celebrating like crazy and Mitch was so mad

the boys left after that

“so like.. I’ll do whatever you want tonight”

his eyes have never been so big

fuck

that was the first time you ever rode his thigh

he loves that shit

you thought he was gonna ask about anal but he never did

you gave him some good head though

he was a power bottom that night

jesus he loved watching your boobs bounce

and your body was stretching in all kinds of directions from time to time

after he just played with his head on your chest and listened to your heartbeat

“I honestly still cant believe you did that for me”

“what?”

“when we were playing mariokart”

“of course would, I love you”

so yeah that was the first time he said that

and at first you just stared at him and didnt know what to say

so he became really nervous like he really thought he fucked up

and he looked up at you and you just kissed him so hard and asdfghjklöä

“I love you too, baby”

he really likes hanging out with his teammates with you

for bye week you went to the Bahamas and you spent most of the time in bed in the pool

and he’d make you sit on his shoulders and do that pool-wrestling thingy 

you guys won obviously 

there is no couple that will ever beat you in anything lbh

POWER COUPLE AF

CHAMPIONS

and for dinner he always makes you taste his food

feeds you from his fork

“but you have to try it, its amazing!”

then you split dessert

oh and at games this is a whole thing on its own

he loves it when you wear his jersey

and if you’re not wearing his jersey he wants you to wear his clothes 

and you get so into it

jumping up and down when he scores

shrieks and screams

“YES MATTY THATS MY BOY”

he looks up at where you’re sitting now and then and smiles at you

especially when he’s scored

he really loves seeing you celebrate because of him

you’re always so excited and happy for him

and when you get home he fucks you while you’re wearing his jersey 

:-)

[werenzki]

Auston Matthews #7

Anonymous said:I have an Auston request if you're willing to take it!! Auston is known for his playboy ways and he meets a girl via mutual friends, they hook up but keep talking after and he realizes that he actually really likes her but she's hesitant cause of his reputation. (It doesn't have to be smut cause of the hook up, you could probably start after they hook up you wanted)

Anonymous said:Auston Matthews imagine where the reader won't date him bc of his reputation but he gets drunk and she sees a different side of him??

A/N: oh how i love being able to get two requests done in one imagine :)) also i 100% got inspired by @jveseys auston imagine that i had recently reblogged, so you can thank her for getting my ass in gear and actually writing an auston imagine lol

Word Count: 2,759

"Are you really going to sit here and pretend you didn't sleep with that hot piece of ass?" Your friend joked in a low voice. It took everything inside of you to not turn and smack her hard on the arm for her comment. Instead you settled for rolling your eyes and taking a sip through the straw of your vodka drink.

It had been only two whole weeks since you and Auston had hooked up. Fourteen whole days of you replaying the night in your mind. From the way he muffled his moans to his tightening grip on your hips as the sex came to an end - like literally. Best orgasm ever. Auston mentioned something along those lines too.

That night wasn't really supposed to end that way, you knew his reputation, he was a player and he knew it too. Hence the 'sexy' look he was giving some blonde at the bar. But one thing lead to another, you got kinda desperate after seeing an old hook up of yours with his new girl and after some petty grinding against Auston you ended up being him back to your place. Flash forward to tonight, two painful week later, and Kappy was still dragging you out to come out with his teammates.

"Would you shut up," you hissed to your friend as she eyed up Auston, "it was a one time thing," you grumbled under your breath as the blonde Auston was amusing threw her head back with laughter.

"As if," you friend huffed and finished off her drink quickly, "I know you've been getting yourself off to memories of that one time," she said.

"Shut up," you narrowed your eyes at her. She simply shrugged and gave you an innocent look before turning to the table beside us and throwing an arm around Willy - her favourite person during our nights out. She was still hoping for that one night with him.

As she wandered off with Willy to the bar and Annika and Kappy were in their own world beside you, you stared down at your phone. Opening snapchat, you noticed your streak with Auston at the little timer beside it. Your heart just about jumped out of your chest - stupid, you know. After holding back from rolling your eyes at yourself, you flipped the camera to yourself and somehow got the dog filter to show up with the help of flash and gave the camera a toothy grin before sending it to Auston.

After watching a couple snapchat stories, including Kappy's of him drunkly taking a video of him and Annika, you went off to Instagram. Despite the time, your selfie you had posted only half an hour ago was blowing up. Cue the confidence boost in three, two, one - refreshing the page you were ambushed with likes and comments. You smiled but it quickly fell as Auston's snapchat name popped up on top of your screen.

Tapping it, you opened the app and then the snap. For ten seconds, you were blessed with a dog selfie from that hot piece of ass - the caption across read 'vodka slim right?', before you could respond to tell him yes he was standing in front of you.

"Thanks," you said with a smile as he set your drink down in front of you.

"You're welcome," Auston nodded and took the seat across from you.

"Where's the blonde go?" You asked, the question slipping from your mouth before you could even think twice. Past hook ups didn't ask about present or future hook ups, it was like an unspoken rule.

Auston's lips turned up into a smirk - that same smirk you were familiar with from when he had your practically begging two weeks ago. It was a weak moment, but it worked out in your favour. "I'm sure she'll be back, I'll be sure to let her know one of us is interested in her," he joked.

Rolling your eyes, you sipped your drink before speaking up, "you looked pretty interested a minute ago over there," you said while pointing behind him where he once stood with the blonde.

"Guess I'm a pretty good actor," he shrugged and took a long swig of his beer.

"Guess so," you muttered under your breath.

It was only a single second of silence between you two. One you spent stirring the ice in your drink while Auston leaned forward towards you. Peering up through your lashes, you took in his smile - it was no longer than 'sexy' smirk but instead a boyish smile you were lucky enough to catch every now and then.

"Bet you'd rather be home in bed watching some crap TV show, huh?" He asked.

"One Tree Hill is not a crap TV show," you replied.

"Sure," Auston teased. You reached across the table and smacked his arm lightly. Of course you noticed how good his arms looks in the tight black tshirt he was wearing tonight.

You looked across the table and narrowed your eyes at the boy sitting across from you. He eyes were glassy, his cheeks just a little rosy and he flashed that boyish smile yet again. Auston was drunk. You recalled earlier, upon arriving at the club, when Willy slapped down his cash and bought him and Auston shots. Lots of shots. Now, here we sat with Auston drunk and you only slightly buzzed. You kinda liked it, you thought as a smirk curled up your lips.

"You're drunk," you stated while smiling at Auston. He shrugged in response.

"And you're not," he countered back. And of course, you shrugged back at him. "Drink up, get to my level, Y/N," he chuckled while pushing your drink towards you.

"I don't know if you can handle me at your level," you joked but took a sip of your drink anyways.

"I'm sure I can handle anything you throw my way," Auston said.

You inhaled and brought the glass up to your lips again, peering at Auston over the rim as his smile turned into a smirk. There were those painfully hot flashbacks yet again. Snapping out of it, you finished off the drink and placed it onto the table.

"Come, I'll buy you another," he said while standing up and finishing off his own drink.

"You brought the last one to me?" You said in a questioning tone while furrowing your brows together.

"Yeah, and that seat is forming to your ass," Auston said. Your mouth gaped open in shock as he grabbed your hand and pulled you out of the chair you had grown comfortable in. Auston chuckled, "I mean, it's a nice ass and all-"

You cut him off by smacking him on the chest and letting go of his hand to do so. Then you lead the way, purposely giving him a chance to see how nice your ass really was. Once you got to the bar, Auston was two steps behind you and waved over the bartender.

Auston ordered two vodka slims, causing you to think they were both for you but as they were placed in front of you two he took one for himself. You leaned back against the bar and smiled before sipping from the straw. Auston finished paying for the drink and looked over your way, pulling his brows together at the devious smile on your lips.  

"What?"

"Beer before liquor, never been sicker," you sung out the rhyme.

Auston rolled his eyes, "that's a myth," he said.

"Sure, tell me that when your throwing up tomorrow," you teased.

"I will," he smirked and then drank more of his vodka.

All of a sudden the music remixed into your favourite song at the moment. You sipped more of your drink and just about spit it out as the song played throughout the club. Putting down your drink, you pointed up to the sky as if the speakers were right there.

"This is my favourite song," you stated excitedly.

Auston chuckled and then smiled, he put down his drink as well and then lazily grabbed onto your hand. "Then let's go dance," he said before leading the way.

"Wait, really, Auston," you groaned out as he made way through the crowd to get to the dance floor.

Auston completely ignored your grumbling and groans of him dragging you out to dance with him. It wasn't that you didn't want to dance, it was the fact you were somehow being sucked into his playboy ways yet again. You didn't want to get involved with a guy like him. Sure, he was sweet and you kinda liked his smile, but you knew his rep way too well. And that just wasn't really your type - okay, maybe it was some nights.

You swayed your hips to the music and danced along as the beat of the song picked up. Once the course took over and the DJ mixed it up some more you found yourself closing your eyes and twirling around on the dance floor as the music took over. Or maybe it was the liquor.

With your eyes closed and the rhythm of the music moving your hips you weren't even surprised as you felt those familiar rough hands find your hips. This was why you were complaining as Auston took you to the dance floor. You couldn't help but grind back onto him, which caused his fingertips to dig into the exposed skin of your mid drift.  

"Mierda(Shit)," Auston grumbled from behind you. You had to take a deep breath at the sound of another language rolling off that tongue of his.

With a short sigh, you turned around and let your hands fall down his chest as your eyes locked on his, "no hablo español(I don't speak Spanish)," you said with a smirk. It was all you remembered from those high school classes.

"Gracias a Dios o estaría muerto(thank god or I'd be dead)," Auston replied. With his lips twitching up into that lovely smirk, you knew whatever he had said was a smartass comment.

"Look, you're hot, speaking Spanish and all," you paused and leaned more into him now, "but don't make any smartass comments to me, Matthews," you said.

Auston kept that smirk on his face, "bien," he said.

"I need another drink," you muttered loudly just as your favourite song was dying out into another top 40 mix.

Auston was following behind you, or so you thought. As you turned to look over your shoulder once you got to the bar you saw that the blonde had found him again. You stared and watched as Auston chuckled and then that 'sexy' look in his eyes flashed on again. Suddenly his eyes flickered off the blonde and found you, he raised a brow and before you could see anything else you turned back to the bar.

"Y/N," your friend grinned while she and Willy came up beside you.

"Hey, you guys seem a lot more drunk than when I last saw you," you stated. She giggled while Willy called over the bartender.

"I think Y/N needs some shots," your friend said, "Willy get her some shots," she ordered him while her hand toyed with his belt buckle. Classic.

But Willy listened and ordered you two tequila shots, despite you trying to decline them. Just as you were about to lift the first one to your lips, Auston appeared beside you - without the blonde, thankfully.

"Willy buying another round?" Auston asked.

"For me," you mumbled before downing the shot and then grabbing the second one and pouring it down your throat too. With the burn and disgust in your mouth, you grabbed a few sliced limes and began to suck on them, one by one till they were done.

Once you were finished and feeling a bit better - also feeling much more drunk immediately- you looked at Auston. He was watching you, a smile on his lips and a devious look in his eyes. One thing was for certain, this hot piece of ass wasn't Auston's tonight. You waved over the bartender and got yourself another drink to sip on before finding you way back to the table.

And those two tequila shots were how you ended up being practically carried to your apartment by none other than Spanish-speaking-hot-piece-of-ass-NHL-playboy, Auston Matthews. A roar of cheers played in your head at your thoughts. Then you were actually cheering as Auston opened your front door. You kicked off your shoes and flung yourself across the room onto the couch.

"Graceful," Auston chuckled.

"Oh shut it," you muttered at him.

"Oh you're grumpy now huh?" He teased while taking a seat beside you. You attempted to sit up but instead kept slouching. "Just a moment ago you were serenading me in the cab," he stated.

"Don't give me that stupid boyish smile," you said while pointing to his face where that perfect smile was. "I won't fall for it, it won't work on me," you added.

"¿Estás seguro?(You sure?)," Auston somehow managed to make the two Spanish words to sound so sexy you swore you needed to go change your panties right then and there.

You closed your eyes and let out a groan, long and whiny. Auston laughed at you but he stopped as you sat up and cocked a brow at him. As your eyes gazed into his, you firstly felt dizzy, but then you felt that lusting you had been feeling all these past fourteen days. Your heavy eyelids caused you to break the gaze and instead take in his body instead. Everything inside of you was telling you to jump onto him and do it all over again. But then there was that settle reminder of who you didn't want to get involved with.

"I'm tired," you blurted out.  

Without a response from Auston you got up and walked down the hall to your open bedroom door. All over the floor was the tornado of getting ready, which you easily ignored and instead took off your pants and shirt before bending down to pick up a super oversized band tee. Then you were laying on top of some clothes and your comforter as the world started to spin.

In your haze of being drunk, you heard someone enter your room - obviously that someone was Auston. You hoped he'd get the message and sleep on the couch or maybe even cab home. But instead you heard some ruffling around before the bed dipped down beside you. Next came the cool feeling of one of your makeup wipes.

"Thank you," you mumbled as Auston wiped off your makeup.

"You're welcome," he said as your lips turned up into a smile. This was by far the sweetest thing any guy ever had done for you.

There was silence that fell over the room as he continued to wipe your face free of makeup. Then he tossed the wipe into the garbage and as he sat there in the silence you opened your eyes. Auston sat there, staring at you. A flutter of butterflies filled your stomach and you just kept on smiling.

"You know how I said I was a good actor earlier?" Auston asked.

"Yeah,"

"I've been acting around you mostly," he stated, suddenly confusing you now. Auston licked his lips and kept his eyes on you. "I've been acting as if I don't like you more than a friend, like as if even seeing your face in a snapchat for 10 seconds doesn't make me smile," Auston said in a soft voice.

Every playboy image you had of Auston washed away then. With his words you sobered up a little and grabbed ahold of his hand. You took a deep breath.

"I feel the same way," you admitted. The first time out loud and to yourself in all honesty. Auston's boyish smile came back as he laced your fingers together. "Stay the night," you said.

"Por supuesto bebé(of course baby)," Auston said. Then he stood up and turned off your lights, you heard him struggle to get out of his jeans - causing you to giggle and make fun of him - then he was sliding you under the covers and not hesitating to pull you into his warm body.

Finally your night finished the most perfect of ways. A soft, gentle, simple kiss from Auston's lips right on your temple. You smiled and shut your eyes, feeling content with how your night had surprisingly gone.

[3416]

re: mitchy/scapegoat stuff. ive never been someone who ever used the ask/submit button despite being here for like more than 12 years asjjdjfkf - but wanted to say that i love the more nuanced discussion you bring about sports/TML/ideology and frameworks etc surrounding fandom and sport culture. I roam around reddit a lot and am obviously subbed to all the hockey subs, and the bigger IG pages and ...good lord above. like, for the sake of optimism, maybe some of the comments about Mitch are just chirps and half-hearted jabs (shambles in his brain, tiny hands, and then like shitting on goalies as a tactic from auston (lmfao) etc.) --- but the ones on Mitch are so gendered, demeaning, and seem more personal. he's small, he's popular, he's playful and kind, quirky, bubbly and friendly and called 'mouse', whatever. and guys pick that "femininity" apart and go for the jugular where if he isn't a roided out, snagged a blonde haired gf with 2 kids and stoic, quiet and physical - he's a failure. tbh I have a broken ankle rn and housebound, i could go on and on about how Mitch is in the limelight as a vector to that gendered/ideological debate of masculinity in hockey but then I'd be writing a thesis on tumblr dot com LMFAO. tldr Mitch is an easy target because there's an outside pressure for players to fit a mold, regardless of on ice skill (imo)

oh yeah, i totally agree with you, and i think anyone who's taken any kind of interest in mitch marner has seen the way he's talked about on the whole by the typical masculine sports fan online and been like... what the fuck is that lol. right now the shitstorm with him is so fucking frustrating bc it's not valid critique of his play, it's SOOOO character based. it's people making up rumors about him. it's people wanting to run him out of town for fucking breathing. and then within that, you KNOW the men spewing all this shit or the ones primed to hate him ARE using that kind of language about him in private circles and it drives me fucking nuts. it's pretty transparent when people Pretend to be neutral about him, and then the SECOND something goes awry for the whole team, it's 100% placed on him and moving him is the ONLY option to change up anything about this roster. like no bro. i know that's not what your ask is primarily about, sorryufhjdskl... i get heated, but i'm just so ....... he really does represent what a bunch of old men ass hockey watchers hate about hockey nowadays but also what is ultimately making hockey more of a marketable sport: skill, lmao. and he's 'smaller' than the normal guy.. and he's genuinely pretty to look at... he doesn't play a gritty or hit-heavy game (and the game itself will continue to trend away from that style of play.. or SHOULD lmao considering the lasting injuries that come out of this sport but i digress. theyre behind the other leagues for a reason) and he sometimes has had an attitude with the media after being dragged through the fucking mud for many things out of his control. it's just so........ frustrating. and it's evil. and sorry if i don't take all the men who say that kind of shit's opinions in good faith or seriously when it comes to what the future of this team looks like bc if they had their way, it'd be a team i'm not even a fan of.

[thrashermaxey]

Weekend power rankings: Nylander and Wilson both come in late and maybe a little high

Well,​ you have to​ give​ William​ Nylander​ and​ Kyle​ Dubas some​ credit. They know​ how to build​ to​ a dramatic finish.

The weekend’s​​ biggest story came off the ice, as contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and their talented young winger went down to the wire. With Saturday’s 5:00 p.m. ET deadline looming, we made it well into the afternoon without any kind of indication of where things were headed. As the timer ticked down and it became clear that there wouldn’t be a trade, it started to look like we could actually see the deadline come and go without any kind of deal in place.

And then, with just minutes to go, the word came down: They had a deal.

Told Nylander is staying. Done deal 6 yrs.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 1, 2018

The details, in case you missed them: Nylander gets a six-year deal that will pay him just under $42-million, and carries a cap hit north of $10-million for this season, before settling in at $6.9-million the rest of the way. He’s expected to play this week, either tomorrow in Buffalo or on Thursday against Detroit.

Let’s make a few observations here, starting with an obvious one: If this really went down the way it’s been described, and the two sides didn’t actually strike a deal until there were just minutes left before the deadline, that is insane. Like, it’s completely nuts.

Maybe we’re just seeing a little dramatic license come into play here. But according to reports, there was no deal until Nylander himself called Dubas just 30 minutes before the deadline, and the actual contract wasn’t signed until there were just eight minutes to spare. If that’s true, or even all that close, it means that what could turn out to be a career-defining decision for both the player and the GM came down to the same sort of last-minute scramble as your high-school history essays. It’s madness.

In the bigger picture, the deal seems to work well enough for both sides. Nylander ultimately got what he was looking for – maybe not the Leon Draisaitl money he was rumored to be using as a starting point, but something north of what David Pastrnak accepted a year ago. That comparison always rankled some fans, since Pastrnak is the better player. But in hindsight he signed for less than he deserved and that’s hardly Nylander’s fault. The young Leaf played hardball, even insisting that his deal contain enough bonuses to make him whole for the time he missed. And in the end, he got just about exactly what he wanted.

As for Dubas and the Leafs, they weren’t able to push Nylander down to the number they were hoping for, and if you insist on a narrative of either side blinking, then that’s the Maple Leafs. But in terms of the long-term cap hit – this year really doesn’t matter – Dubas kept the number under $7-million, if only barely.

Is that too much? It might be. But it’s not, despite the way some are trying to spin it, the sort of deal that forces a GM to break up a team. The Leafs are probably paying Nylander about a half-million more a year than they’d like to. That’s not ideal and a hard cap means you need to squeeze value wherever you can. But it’s the sort of problem that eventually forces you into a move on your fourth line or bottom pair, not with your stars. The Leafs have said all along that they can keep their big four forwards and nothing that happened with Nylander should force them to change that approach.

James Mirtle breaks down the impact in more detail right here. But the big winner here is all of us, who can finally move on to another story. If you’re a Leafs fan, the Nylander drama was looming over everything that the team was doing on the ice. If you’re not, you’re probably wondering how a 60-point winger managed to take over the NHL’s news cycle. Either way, we’re done, and we can all move on to something more important. Like obsessing over contracts for Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews for most of the next year.

I’m kidding. Kind of.

In what can only be described as an inexcusable decision, the NHL still went ahead and played some actual games on the weekend, even as everyone in the hockey world was 100 percent focused on the Nylander drama. Some of those games even shifted our weekly power rankings around. We’ll get to that in a bit. But first, hey, speaking of Cap hits that might be too high …

Road to the Cup

The five teams that look like they’re headed towards a summer of keg stands and fountain pool parties.

Tom Wilson was at it again on the weekend. The Capitals winger, fresh off a 14-game suspension for throwing a dumb hit, figured it was time to get back to throwing dumb hits.

Wilson’s hit on Brett Seney resulted in a match penalty, but no further discipline. It wasn’t a hit to head, despite the call on the ice. But it was late and it was from behind on a vulnerable player. As far as suspensions go, it was borderline.

That put the Department of Player Safety in a tough spot. A player’s history comes into play for discipline decisions, but only in the “how many games” phase. In theory, at least, a player’s reputation has nothing to do with whether a hit is suspension-worthy or not. The DoPS basically had two choices: Decide that the hit didn’t rise to the level of a suspension and give Wilson nothing, or decide that it did and then, given his record, sit him down for a long time.

In the end, they decided to go with the former. It may have been the right call; had any player other than Wilson thrown the same hit, maybe most people just shrug it off. The hit wasn’t clean – you’re not allowed to skate through the back of a player who doesn’t have the puck, and never have been – but there’s still such a thing as bad hits that don’t merit suspensions. The DoPS felt that Wilson’s hit was one of them.

But even if the hit wasn’t worth another 20 games, it was dumb. It was unnecessary. Wilson wasn’t breaking up a play or creating a chance or doing anything to help his team. He just saw a guy he could paste and he couldn’t help himself. Or maybe he could – viewed generously, he seems to reconsider at the last second and try to bail on the hit, but it’s too late. Either way, Wilson isn’t even picking his spots. He took his massive suspension for a hit in a meaningless preseason game and now this. The problem is that there just doesn’t seem to be an off switch. He just hits whoever he can, however he can and then apologizes later if he needs to.

It increasingly feels like this can only end one of two ways. Either very, very badly, with somebody getting seriously hurt and Wilson sitting out most of a season. Or with Wilson changing his game so radically that he’s not Tom Wilson anymore. The ideal situation – the one where he still gets to be the dominant physical force the Capitals paid $31-million for but doesn’t throw dumb hits that hurt his team and risk massive suspensions for no benefit – just doesn’t seem to be an option for this guy.

5. Washington Capitals (15-8-3, +12 true goals differential*) – In related news, the defending champs are back in the top five, despite yesterday’s collapse against the Ducks that snapped a seven-game win streak. And yes, Wilson is part of that, because when he’s in the lineup he helps them win.

You could say that the Capitals are running over everyone, but I’ve been assured that it’s more like they’re just gliding around innocently and everyone else keeps backing into them.

4. Colorado Avalanche (15-6-5, +25) – I’ve never fully bought into the Avalanche. I still don’t, if I’m being honest. But at some point the results have to count for more than the gut instinct or whatever else and the Avs are at that point. They haven’t lost in regulation since Nov. 9 and have passed the Jets and Wild in the Central, with the Predators in sight. They’ve earned a spot.

>> Read the full post at The Athletic

from All About Sports http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2018/12/weekend-power-rankings-nylander-and.html

[thegloober]

Top five buy-low candidates in fantasy hockey

It’s still October. Even if your fantasy hockey team is struggling mightily, don’t panic. Instead, prey on others’ panic. The sample sizes are just large enough now to make the more skittish poolies legitimately worried about certain slow-starting stars, so now’s a fine time to see if you can nab some of them for 80 cents on the dollar. Consider targeting these five players.

(Note the absence of slow-starters Erik Karlsson, Patrik Laine, Steven Stamkos and Sergei Bobrovsky on this list. They’re too obvious and still carry enough brand-name value that their owners likely won’t sell them off for cheap.)

JADEN SCHWARTZ, LW, BLUES

Schwartz’s numbers scream buy-low. He is generating lots of chances. Among the 294 forwards with at least 100 minutes played at 5-on-5 this season, Schwartz ranks fifth in high-danger Corsi For per 60 minutes. Pucks fly toward the other team’s net in prime scoring spots when he’s out there, so the goals or assists should come pouring in soon. Schwartz, an accurate shooter at 13.5 percent for his career, has scored on just 5.5 percent of his shots this year. He’s due for a huge rebound in luck, as is linemate Vladimir Tarasenko. A scoring explosion looms.

BROCK BOESER, RW, CANUCKS

Boeser couldn’t miss last season, and the 16.2 shooting percentage always felt sustainable, because his release was so elite. That’s his game. He will never blow people away with his skating. He’s all about sneaking into good shooting lanes to uncork that shot, which ranks among the league’s best in the same tier as Patrik Laine’s and Auston Matthews’. Boeser perfected that skill. He told me last year that he used to specifically practise bobbing and weaving around targets to master the art of surprise attacks.

We thus can count on this season’s shooting percentage rocketing north of its current mark of 7.7. The goals will come. Shooters can be streaky. Boeser did sustain a pretty scary back injury to halt his rookie season at 62 games, and he’s shooting the puck less this year, so there are some red flags. He’s also generating significantly fewer high-danger attempts in 5-on-5 play than he did last year. But the positive regression in his accuracy alone makes him worth a buy low, and we can hope the decline in his shooting volume can be chalked up to sample size. He’s also dealt with a groin injury, so we can count on him to be more mobile and thus more adept at finding shooting lanes going forward if he’s truly healthy now.

NIKOLAJ EHLERS, LW, JETS

For whatever, reason, lengthy slumps have become a defining characteristic of Ehlers’ career to date. His one goal this season ended a 26-game drought. He scored twice in a 14-game stretch from October to November last season. The season before that, he endured a 13-game goal-less streak and eight-game point-less streak. The cold spells are common for the speedy Ehlers, and this year’s just happened to arrive the start of the season, making his overall numbers look particularly ugly.

But fear not. It’s always smart to bet on talent, and Ehlers has it in spades as the 2014 draft’s ninth overall pick. Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice is now trying Ehlers in the Kyle Connor spot on the top line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler in hopes of lighting a spark. Ehlers, like pretty much every buy-low candidate in fantasy pools, is converting on his shots at a much lower percentage than normal, too. As cold as he gets, Ehlers also is known for big-time hot streaks in which he can win you weeks in head-to-head leagues.

IVAN PROVOROV, D, FLYERS

Don’t blame Provorov. The entire Flyers offense is sputtering right now. For whatever reason, extreme slumps followed by huge winning streaks have been common under coach Dave Hakstol. We know the opportunities are there for the mega-talented Provorov. He’s playing 25 minutes a night and still getting second-unit power play work. His shots are way down, but once the Flyers as a team get themselves back on track, he’ll have more shooting opportunities. The ability and, more importantly, the role aren’t going anywhere. Just ride out the storm with Provorov, whose 17 goals tied for the NHL lead among blueliners last year.

MATT MURRAY, G, PENGUINS

Some buy-lows carry risk. We can’t say with absolute confidence that the back-to-back-Stanley-Cup version of Murray will return. By 24 years old, he’s dealt with eight different injury absences in his NHL career, three caused by concussions. He hasn’t been the same since the start of the 2017-18 season. Over that stretch, among the 57 goalies with at least 1,000 minutes played at 5-on-5, he’s 54th in save percentage and 53rd in goals saved above average.

Murray, however, still finds himself in a highly fantasy-friendly environment on a good team that wants him to be a workhorse and start at least 50 games. There’s no denying the numbers are ugly, even the under-the-hood advanced ones. But the reason to buy low on Murray is he’ll never come so cheap, and he still has an elite ceiling in fantasy leagues. It’s worth sending out a lowball offer to a frustrated GM to see if you can get him for more like 60 cents on the dollar.

Don’t buy low…

Mike Smith, G, Flames: Murray has youth on his side. Smith is 36. Maybe he turns things around, but it’s equally possible he’s hitting an age-related wall. The downside outweighs the upside.

Sean Couturier, C, Flyers: Philly as a team should improve, but was Couturier miscast as a budding offensive star after he broke out last year? There’s no denying his shutdown defensive ability but, dating back to last season, he has 10 goals in his past 50 games. It feels like last season’s first-half scoring surge was an anomaly when juxtaposed with the rest of his career.

Tags: fantasy hockey, lists, nhl

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About the Author

Matt Larkin

Matt Larkin is senior content producer at The Hockey News and has been part of the team since 2011. He’s your one-stop shop for deep-dive player interviews, predictions, statistics, fantasy player rankings, player safety and hair tips. Catch him weekly as host of The Hockey News Live and The Hockey News Podcast.

Source: https://bloghyped.com/top-five-buy-low-candidates-in-fantasy-hockey/

[yahoo-puck-daddy-blog]

Trending Topics: You have to take the Leafs at their word

Auston Matthews and William Nylander are re-signing priorities for the Maple Leafs. (Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)

By all accounts, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ leadership group laid every card in the deck on the table in courting John Tavares.

Whatever Tavares wanted to know about the team’s present and future plans, Kyle Dubas and Co. were more than happy to accommodate him. This is an interesting strategy because, if he hadn’t chosen Toronto, in theory, he would have been able to tell the GM of his new team, “Here’s everything Toronto wants to do for the next five years.”

But perhaps because of that honesty and certainly in large part because of how clear and achievable the vision the Leafs laid out was, Tavares chose his childhood team and created an elite power in the league in one fell swoop.

A big part of that future plan, presumably, is how the club will handle the pending restricted free agency of its elite young forwards. William Nylander is currently out of contract and likely due a nice raise from his entry-level deal; he is on two consecutive 61-point seasons and will be paid commensurately, after an adjustment for the fact that he’s an RFA. I wouldn’t want to try to nail down the number too much, but he’ll almost certainly make north of $5 million against the cap on what I’d expect to be a long-term deal.

Next summer is the real problem, of course, when the Leafs will have to pay Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner — both of whom produce even more than Nylander — as well. Marner will cost probably a little bit more than Nylander but perhaps not much, barring an explosive offensive season this year which is certainly possible. Matthews will be able to command an eight-figure salary.

This has naturally led to a lot of fretting about how the Leafs will make it work, and it’s understandable for people to wonder if they can at all. After all, Toronto has a lot of money tied up in guys like Patrick Marleau and Nikita Zaitsev who don’t pull their weight (AAV-wise), and in theory, they can jettison those players in one way or another.

But with all that concern for how he’s going to be able to pull off this kind of deal, Dubas has been steadfast: “We can re-sign all of them, and we will.” Literally, every Maple Leafs decision-maker asked about it has expressed utter confidence in this approach. It’s not even being discussed as a vague or likely possible outcome. They’re just straight-up saying it’s going to happen.

How all that comes to pass is obviously up for interpretation, but it’s rare we see statements with this total absence of equivocation or outs being provided. Effectively, Dubas is handing Brendan Shanahan a filled-out pink and saying, “If I can’t keep the Nylander/Marner/Matthews/Tavares group together next summer, feel free to use this.”

Because to come out and say the things he’s now saying with so much force and confidence — and certainly with Shanahan’s full backing — that to not get it done has to be pretty close to a fireable offense.

That doesn’t mean the decisions won’t be tough, though. There was some amount of concern (though not this much) about how Edmonton would make it work with all their talent, such as it was, when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had their big raises kick in. Peter Chiarelli’s answer was to trade Jordan Eberle and further hamstring his own team.

Now, that’s not a good answer, mind you, but it’s an answer. One doubts that Toronto would be so foolish as to make a trade like that, but if they have to trade Nazem Kadri, find a buyer for Freddie Andersen when Garrett Sparks is ready, or let Jake Gardiner walk in free agency to keep those four forwards together, that’s the cost of doing business. But unlike the Oilers, the Leafs don’t have a ton of money tied up in depth players. That will be even less of a problem when Ron Hainsey comes off the books next summer.

Obviously, none of us know what the salary cap is going to look like next summer, but I wouldn’t go around expecting an increase on par with what we saw this year. Likewise, it’s impossible to predict whether Nylander, for example, gets hurt this season, that might affect his cap number. If Marner only puts up 55 points or something (also unlikely) that could impact his salary as well.

Moreover, who’s to say that all three taking some level of a hometown discount to keep the band together hasn’t been discussed? I wouldn’t expect any of them to take substantially less than their market value, but if the team can get all three to do that collectively, that would be a big help.

It’s not unheard of for guys to do that, either. San Jose built its great core and kept them all together for years, remaining competitive the whole time, because of solid management decisions farther down the roster to keep costs down. Toronto will need to make similar decisions and find landing spots for at least one or two guys, but the idea that they would let one of these three pending RFAs go elsewhere at the expense of keeping 52-year-old Patrick Marleau is absurd.

Again, it’s more than fair to wonder how they make it all happen, and there’s certainly an element of “show me” to it. But at some point when the Leafs’ front office universally says, “This is 100 percent going to happen,” you have to believe that they’re not lying to you or about to do some sort of semantic sleight of hand.

What further proof of this do you need than Tavares’s commitment to the team? He could have made more money for a longer time in Brooklyn. He could have gotten a comparable deal from Tampa or Dallas. But he chose Toronto and was not shy about saying that it was because their plan for the seven years of his deal was spelled out clearly and effectively.

Ryan Lambert is a Puck Daddy columnist. His email is here and his Twitter is here.

All stats via Corsica unless otherwise noted.

[timetravelingheart]

Consequences Chapter Five: A.M. Imagine

I guess I probably should have included some type of warning when I started this series. I’m not much of a smut writer, but I may attempt it, and even if don’t, there will definitely be allusions to sex. My characters also swear. I don’t think there are any other warnings, but if there is anything that upsets you or you think deserves a warning, please let me know! 

_ 

“I can’t believe you convinced me to come here,” Tessa nervously ran her fingers through her hair as she and Lydia got out of Lydia’s car. 

Auston had been badgering her for weeks about going out with the guys or attending one of their parties and she had been giving excuse after excuse (some legitimate, some not so much) to not attend. Somehow, over the course of the past few weeks, it appeared that the guys on the team, Auston included, had added Lydia to their socials and decided to hit her up instead, hoping for a different answer. And Lydia, being Lydia, was definitely not going to say no to a party. 

“Oh, whatever,” Lydia brushed her off. “It’s about time you hang out with Auston again. He cleared up everything about the girl at the bar, yeah?”

“Yeah, he did, but-”

“Then no buts. Just let loose and have a good time. No one is saying you have to sleep with the guy, T. But it doesn’t hurt to make more friends.”

With that, Lydia linked her hand with Tessa’s and pulled her towards the massive double doors of the Marleaus’ house. Tessa wasn’t sure what kind of party a married couple with three young kids would be hosting on a random Sunday afternoon, but she was told to bring a bathing suit and just wear comfy clothes so she figured it couldn’t be too wild. 

Before they could ring the doorbell, a beautiful woman opened the door with a big smile on her face. Christina Marleau, Tessa realized. 

“Welcome! I’m so happy you two could make it,” Christina beamed, reaching out to pull each girl into a hug. “You must be Tessa and Lydia. I’ve heard so much about you!”

“You mean you’ve heard so much about Tessa,” Lydia laughed. “It’s okay, I’ve seen the way Auston looks at her in person, and now it’s your turn.”

Christina let out a laugh, appreciating the Lydia’s bluntness. 

“Honestly, I have been so excited,” Christina pulled each girl into the foyer of her mansion. “I have never seen him like this over a girl. He’s been talking to Patrick about you ever since you turned him down. Good for you, by the way.”

“What do you mean?” Tessa asked, following her towards what she assumed was the backyard where she could hear splashing, laughter, and music. 

“Auston is used to getting what he wants with girls. I’m not saying he abuses that ‘power’ for lack of a better word, but just that if he’s interested in a girl, there’s a 99.9% chance that she’ll be interested back, sometimes just based on his name alone. So for you to come in, know who he is, and still just say no because you felt like it - that’s almost unheard of around here.”

“I wasn’t doing it to make a point,” Tessa felt uncomfortable under this stunning woman’s gaze. “I honestly just didn’t feel like saying yes. I didn’t even know anything about him at the time, other than what he does for a career.”

“Oh, that’s not what I meant at all,” Christina offered each girl a red cup for their drinks of choice. “I just meant that it was nice to hear that there are still some young girls out there who don’t just fall at the feet of a star athlete just because. Let’s join the rest of the group, shall we?” 

Christina lead them through another set of large double doors, leading to the backyard where children were swimming and playing in the pool, and many players and their significant others were all scattered around talking and drinking. It definitely wasn’t a rager, but Tessa still felt uncomfortable. This felt intimate. She almost wished this was a kegger with a bunch of random people. 

Mitch spotted the girls before anyone else, immediately standing up from his seat and pulling yet another beautiful blonde their way. 

“Ladies!” he made his way towards them and pulled each into a big bear hug. “It’s so cool that you could finally make it to an event.”

Tessa chose to ignore the ‘finally’ comment while Lydia snorted loudly. 

“It’s so nice to finally meet you both after hearing so much about you. I’m Steph,” the blonde also pulled the two girls into warm hugs. 

After chatting with Mitch and Steph for a little while, Tessa couldn’t help but wonder where Auston was. He had said to arrive for 2pm, and it was now 2:30. She did a quick scan of the space, not catching sight of him. 

“Looking for me?” Auston appeared behind her, making her nearly jump out of her skin. Tessa couldn’t help but take in his appearance, trying to convince herself that her racing heart was just from the scare, and not from being in his presence. She hated how good he looked, and when he smirked at her, she hated even more that he knew how good he looked.

“No, I was looking for a quick exit, just in case,” Tessa turned away from him and back to the group, trying not to be obvious in her momentary attraction to him.

“Just in case what?”

“Oh, you never know. You should always be prepared.”

“Uh huh, I see,” he nodded, playing along. “Hey Lydia. Have you girls met everyone yet?”

“We’ve met Christina and Steph so far,” Tessa nodded towards Mitch and Steph. 

“Well, let me introduce you to the rest of the tribe,” he put a hand on the small of her back and guided her away from their small group. Tessa instinctively reached for Lydia’s hand to drag her along as well. 

After meeting most, if not all, of the team and their significant others, Tessa was offered a seat between Auston and Freddie in a small group of them, Lydia, Will, Kasperi, Mitch, Morgan, and Steph. 

Tessa immediately felt everyone’s eyes on her, as if they were all ready to pounce. She shifted uncomfortably in her lawn chair, knowing what was to come. 

“So, Tess,” Kasperi started, winking at her, “I feel like we don’t know anything about you other than that you’ve been occupying all of our boy’s free time lately.”

“I’m sorry?” 

“He means that every time we want to play video games with Matts, he either can’t because he’s on the phone with you or he quits halfway through because you’ve finally started replying to all of the messages he sent you throughout the day,” Will offered. 

“That can’t be true,” Tessa shook her head in disbelief, eyeing a sheepish Auston. He never said anything about video games when they talked. 

“Oh, it’s definitely true,” came Freddie’s soft voice to her left. Tessa turned to him and caught his little smile. A gentle giant with a mischievous glint behind his eye. No wonder he and Auston got along so well.

“Anyway,” Steph piped in to save her, “I think what Kappy was trying to say was that we all would like to know more about you. Auston said you were getting your Masters. What’s the plan after that?”

Tessa smiled gratefully at Steph. Even though she hated being the centre of attention and didn’t feel like talking about herself, at least school was an easy topic. 

“I’m not 100% certain yet. Lydia and I still have the rest of this year, and then we’re both considering getting our doctorates. I could move up at Launchpad, but I don’t know if I see myself there beyond the next couple of years. My focus is on child development, and if I do my doctorate, I’m interested in a fellowship at SickKids.”

“Wow, that’s really impressive,” Steph replied genuinely. “What about you, Lydia?”

“Like Tess said, we’re both considering doing our doctorates. My focus is primarily on behavioural development though, so right now I’m leaning towards becoming a Behavioural Therapist. It will depend on how the rest of this year goes,” Lydia explained. 

“No wonder you turned down Matts, Tessa,” Willy laughed. “You two are way too smart for your own good. That’s really awesome.”

As the afternoon went on, the group asked Tessa and Lydia more questions about themselves, and Tessa and Lydia started to ask some back. Auston loved watching Tessa get comfortable with his friends. These people were his family for most of the year, and he wanted to make sure they liked her, though he had no doubts that they would. He was more doubtful that Tessa would still like him after his well-intentioned but annoying friends shared any and every funny story they could think to embarrass him with. Fortunately, she seemed to take it all in stride and even joined in on picking on him once in a while. He loved it. 

By the time the sun was setting, the group started to dwindle and those remaining helped clean up the backyard and the kitchen so their generous hosts weren’t left with a huge mess. 

As Tessa was walking into the kitchen to bring in some more dishes, she heard two voices and stopped in her tracks. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but when she heard her name, she needed to hear what was being said. 

“So you like her?” she recognized Auston’s voice asking the other person.

“I really do, man, she seems great,” Tessa now recognized that voice to be Patrick’s. Over the past few phone calls, Tessa learned how important Patrick has been to Auston and the other young guys on the team. She knew he relied on Patrick for advice on being a professional athlete, but apparently that extended to his personal life as well. 

“But?” When no response came, Auston pushed. “Come on, Patty. I really like this girl.”

Patrick sighed. Tessa braced herself. 

“I can see that you like her, bud. She just seems a little hesitant and withdrawn. She opened up quite a bit today as the day went on, and I could see that she was having fun. But she seems a little hesitant.”

“Yeah, she is. Apparently, she’s heard about my ‘reputation’ or whatever and it freaked her out. I’ve been fighting for a chance just to get to know her, let alone date her.”

“Ah, that makes sense. So she thinks you’re just going to mess around and that’s what you want with her?”

“I hope that’s not what she still thinks, but yeah, I think that’s the main reason she’s been keeping herself at a distance. She thinks I’m going to hurt her.”

“Well coming here today must have been a huge step for her then,” Patrick offered. 

“It really was! I had to go through her best friend to get her here, but I was so happy when she agreed. I think she might be willing to really give me a chance. I really like this girl, Patty. She’s all I can think about.”

Tessa sighed, not wanting to hear any more. She could hear the hope in Auston’s voice and while it was endearing, it also felt like a lot of pressure. She jingled plates in her hand purposefully, so they would know someone was entering the room. When she turned the corner, the two men looked up at her in surprise. Patrick fixed his face immediately, turning it into an easy smile, while Auston looked like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar. 

“Here, let me take those from you,” Patrick reached forward to take the dishes from Tessa’s hands. “Thanks for coming, Tessa. You and Lydia are welcome here any time.”

“Thank you so much for having us! You have a beautiful home and your family is so kind,” Tessa smiled sincerely, accepting a hug from the much taller man. She understood from the second Christina opened up the doors why Auston considered these people his family. They were amazing.

“Are you heading out?” Auston asked. 

“Yeah, Lydia just went out to get her car.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

“Okay, thanks again, Patrick,” she turned to wave one last time.

“Any time, Tessa.”

Auston and Tessa walked in charged silence to the front doors. Auston couldn’t help but wonder if Tessa had overheard them talking; Tessa couldn’t help but feel like she should tell Auston that she listened in. 

Neither said anything until they were out the doors, standing on the front step. 

“I’m so happy you came out today, Tess,” Auston spoke softly. “It was really good to see you again.”

“It was good to see you, too,” she spoke just as softly, not sure what was going to happen next, let alone what she actually wanted to happen. She hated that she kept thinking about what his lips and hands felt like. She hated how much she loved what he said to Patrick, and how sincere he sounded. And most of all, she hated how much she was starting to like him.

“So, do you think I could see you again? Maybe this week some time?” Auston’s hopeful voice broke her out of her reverie. 

“I have to submit my lit review by Friday and I’m working most of the week, so I’m not sure.”

“Well, you have to eat dinner regardless, right? I could swing by and pick you up and take you somewhere, or I could even just swing by with take-out for us?”

“You’re not great at taking no for an answer, are you?” 

“I didn’t hear a no anywhere in your statement,” Auston winked. 

“Touche,” she laughed. 

“Tess, I’m not trying to pressure you, and if I thought you weren’t even remotely interested, I would back off,” Auston hesitantly reached for her hand, pleased when she didn’t pull away, and linked her fingers through his. “But we talk every day either through text or calling, and you came today and hung out with everyone even though it was more of a family setting. And I know you have no problem saying no if you want to say no, so that’s gotta be a good sign. I mean, am I reading everything wrong right now?” 

Tessa hesitated, looking down at their linked hands. The calmness that washed over her at his touch terrified her, but she didn’t know how to express that. 

“No, you’re not reading everything wrong,” she finally answered, still looking down. 

Auston squeezed her hand gently and reached out with the other hand to raise her chin to connect their eyes. 

“We can go as slow as you want, Tess,” he whispered, moving closer to her. “We can start with dinner or just an ice cream date or something simple. I really don’t care what we do or where we go. I just want to spend time with you. You’re all I’ve been thinking about besides hockey ever since I met you. I don’t get it, but I’m not gonna fight it.”

Tessa let out a shaky breath. Auston squeezed her hand twice. 

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Auston repeated, unsure if he heard her correctly or if his ears were playing tricks on him.

“Mhm. Okay.”

Tessa couldn’t help but laugh as Auston’s eyes lit up and he pulled her into a tight hug. He dropped a light kiss on the top of her head, unable to hide his excitement. He pulled away from her, keeping their hands linked.

“Okay! So what day works for you? I have games Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and I know you mostly work days-” he paused at her sideways glance. “Do you really want to know how I know that?” Tessa just shook her head, thinking better of it. “Didn’t think so. Anyway, I know you work mostly days so that leaves Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday evening. You pick.”

“What works best for you?”

“If I pick, I’m picking Tuesday so I can see you as soon as possible. But if you have your paper due on Friday, we could do Friday instead so all of that is off your mind.”

Tessa loved and hated how accommodating he was being. She never would have pegged Auston Matthews as the thoughtful type. Her developing endearment was the only excuse she had for the answer she ended up giving.

“Well, why not both?” she offered. The look of pure glee that crossed Auston’s face was enough to let her know that she made the right decision. 

“That fucking made my entire day,” Auston reached down to pull her into another hug, lifting her slightly off of the ground and swaying gently. “How about Tuesday we do something simple like ice cream after work, and then Friday I can plan a real date for us? Gives me some time to plan!”

“Oh god, don’t go to too much trouble. I don’t need or want anything fancy,” she cringed. She definitely wasn’t the fancy type, and while she knew that money wasn’t an issue for him, she didn’t want him going out of his way. 

“Noted. I’ll see what other information I can get out of you this week to plan your perfect date,” he winked, leading her over to the passenger side of Lydia’s car. 

“Good luck with that. I’d like to see what you come up with! See you Tuesday.”

“See you Tuesday, Tess,” Auston closed the door behind her as she climbed in next to a patiently waiting Lydia, who had clearly heard the whole conversation. 

Instead of pulling out of the driveway right away, Lydia rolled down her window and stuck out her head. 

“Hey, Auston,” Lydia shouted, watching as he stopped in his tracks and turned out curiously. “I’ll take my thank you in the form of two tickets to a home game,” she winked. 

Auston barked out a laugh. He really did have Lydia to thank for a lot of things, most recently for getting Tessa to come today. Tickets were the least he could do. Hell, he was so pumped that he’d be willing to get her season tickets if she really wanted them. 

“You got’em!” he laughed as she honked the horn and pulled out of the driveway. He raised his hand to give a little wave, his heart tugging when he saw Tessa’s shy smile back. 

[darkangel0410]

Incoming mini-rant:

The next person I see who is like “in hockey golf is bad, so the fact that the Pens gave Trump a golf bag means they totally told him to fuck off” I am going to print out every picture of Sidney Crosby golfing and put up a billboard of it so people can realize just how fucking asinine they are being.

I’m still not over the condescending, smug tone of the posts I’ve seen “explaining” the “absolute burn” the Pens gave Trump with that dumb bag. Like. There is no symbolism here. They gave him a fucking golf bag because they know he likes to golf and so do they, just like every other rich white guy does.

And to be 100% honest, if anyone in hockey could have stood up to Trump and not gone or told him to fuck off without repercussions it’s Sidney Crosby. The NHL fucking loves him and everything he does, he could piss all over Trump’s shoes and Bettman would pat him on the head and tell him to go take a nap because he’s obviously just a little cranky. But the fact that people are like “he did all he could HE MADE TRUMP WALK OVER TWO STEPS TO SHAKE HIS HAND, WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT” and seem to act like this is enough because it’s Crosby and not someone else makes me so fucking angry. And especially because I *know* some of the people tripping all over themselves to explain how all this is actually SO GOOD BECAUSE IT WAS A SUBTLE ‘FUCK YOU’ TO TRUMP are the same fucking people who jumped all over Auston Matthews for saying he couldn’t personally kneel during the anthem.

I’m not going to kid myself and say the Blackawks or the Bruins or the Sharks would have told him to eff off, because they wouldn’t have. They would have gone. No matter what team won last year, they were always going to go to the White House. But I sure as hell wouldn’t be digging around and grasping at straws to explain away the fact that they had gone or that whatever present they gave him was actually a huge twisted FUCK YOU that normal people wouldn’t understand because they’re just not smart enough to grasp that it’s ADVANCED COURT STUFF. It’s so….idek what words to use but it makes me furious and also sad that people go to these lengths to explain away a bunch of white guys actions.

You want to tell yourself all that, that the golf bag was the biggest 'fuck you’ the Pens could have given him and that standing around looking awkward was the only way the team could protest, fine. Whatever. But trust me, everyone who disagrees with you isn’t too dumb or blind to see the subtlety of the Pens message to Trump. There was nothing there to fucking see.