#trying with nathan goes a long way. it really does.

[immortalled]

Slammed with a lot of feelings about how Nathan tries SO hard to find love in any shape or form that he can get it. It doesn't even matter if it's hollow, he'll take anything he can get.

That's why the fame AU episode is such a good character study. We already knew Nathan was starved for affection and, for all his antics, to be liked, but it really shows how far he's willing to go to get it.

[tokiwarcube]

How are the boys when their s/o is away on a trip for a while? Like which ones call constantly? Which ones are calm? Any have separation anxiety?

This was fun to think about, and very well timed! +Charles as well -- Enjoy! <3

Charles Foster Offdensen

Have fun for him, won’t you? Charles will absolutely miss you while you’re gone — with the lives you share, you don’t always have too much time to spend together, not to say that he won’t miss the time you do get — but he’s happy that you’ll be having a good time. His biggest worry is about your safety, but that’s nothing a few Klokateers can’t fix.

He looks forward to your nightly phone call more than ever — after a long day of running around, his steady voice is so nice to listen to. And you know, it’s funny — he’s already less stiff around you, but over the phone, he’s a little more willing to just be a bit silly. Especially as time goes on. Maybe it’s because of the distance that comes with a call. Maybe he just misses you.

And he’d be lying if he didn’t pay just a little bit more attention to the vibration of his phone, just in case you send him a text or a photo. He might not respond immediately, but he does look forward to hearing from you.

He does find himself thinking of you often — certain colors, trinkets, your interests… he’ll text you about them every now and then, just to let you know you’re in his thoughts.

Please send him a postcard or two, if you’re able. He likes physical items like that, especially if you scrawl a little note on the back.

10/10, he’ll be sure to take you on a nice date when you get home to make up for lost time.

Nathan Explosion

Listen, Nathan isn’t the most talkative man on Earth. Or in the States. Or in Mordhaus. Or, anywhere, really. No, his way of showing love is through spending time together. He loves getting up in the afternoon morning with you, going through your morning routine, watching you pick out your outfits… loves to just you know, exist with you. He thought he was going to be fine while you were gone, but everyone in a 30mi radius could tell he was not.

Spoiler alert: He is not.

He’s awkward on phonecalls, and is abysmal on videocalls (can’t hold a phone straight to save his life), so while he will 100% try, he’s not… he’s not great. But you know, just keep him updated with your daily activities — send photos of your adventures, of your outfit choices in the morning, of the random shit you found in the shops… it makes him feel just a little less alone. And he’ll try to do the same, even if the photos are always weirdly out of focus. He does better at the random voice notes he’ll send to you — now those, those make you feel more at home. It’s usually just some random thing he’s been thinking of — maybe it’s a random verse he’s been noodling at, maybe it’s an idea for some new too-expensive project, maybe it’s just some random thought that won’t leave him alone. But they mean a lot.

Other than that, he does fairly decent at distracting himself — if there was any time for a good-old friender-bender, it’s now.

5/10, Pickles is doing his damndest to keep him away from the tequila.

Pickles the Drummer

He’s been preparing for this day from the moment you put it on the calendar. He just knows he’s going to be horrific, going to spin himself in circles, going to chew his own arm off, and—

He’s actually fine. He thought he was going to be shaking like a chihuahua in your absence, but all things considered, he’s actually pretty damn okay! I mean yeah, he looks forward to your call at night, and he gets a bit sad if you ever have to miss it, but he’s not basing his entire day around the void your absence has made. Part of that comes from the photos you send throughout the day — he knows you haven’t just fucked off and abandoned him, which honestly, was his biggest worry. The other half of his nonchalance comes with his lifestyle. I wouldn’t say he’s drinking more now that you’re gone, but also… he’s bored. He’s not drinking himself to death, mind you, it’s just… Pickles.

He for sure gets a bit sappier when he’s really under the influence — he will be showing photos of your adventures to anyone who will listen. And to anyone who won’t. He’s glad you’re having a good time, genuinely.

Might as well go on a good old friender-bender while he has the time, though.

9/10, surprisingly normal, but someone should really look into his liver — how it hasn’t shut down by now is anyone’s guess.

Skwisgaar Skwigelf

When its time for your trip, he thinks he’s gonna do great in your absence. Love you to death, but it’ll be nice to play guitar in the middle of the night again without having to worry about waking you up. And he can finally watch that horror movie you said he’d hate because for some reason you’re convinced that he hates them. Oh! And he can finally try his hand at drinking Nathan under the table again, and—

He has a whole list of stupid shit planned out, and he doesn’t even make it an hour before he’s smacked with a very crushing loneliness. He finds himself turning to murmur to you, only to have your usual space just… empty.

The weight of your absence is stunning, and he refuses to admit how much he misses you. But you can take a guess, with how much he draws out your midnight phonecalls. And really, its hard to keep up the dirty talk for that long without getting cliche— how about you just tell him about your day?

4/10, emotionally constipated Swedish man ends up in ER with repetitive strain injuries to the fingers and wrist, more news at 10:00.

Toki Wartooth

Toki considers himself to be fairly adaptable. I mean sure, he misses you half to death, but he can function without you. Plus, he always has his memory boxes and scrapbooks for when he’s particularly longing, and he always has the ability to call!

By which I mean, he’s calling you almost any chance he gets. But to be fair, that’s not too much different from when you’re at home — he just likes to talk to you. He keeps you updated on all of the shenanigans at Mordhaus, so you never really feel too far from home. But now that you’re off on your own adventure, he wants to hear all about it! Please send him photos!

Genuinely, he does great at surviving without you. That is, until it comes time to sleep — he didn’t realize how good you were at keeping the nightmares at bay. Expect a slightly longer call at night — he probably won’t tell you about the nightmares, but he does get a bit whinier about you coming home.

8/10, surprisingly adaptable, but please bring him a trinket. No, it does not matter that he could buy every item in the country thrice over — he would still like a little trinket.

William Murderface

He does not miss you, he’s just buying a casket and writing his will because it’s a fun, Tuesday activity.

Okay, he’s lying, he misses you so fucking much it’s unreal. It just feels weird to, you know, say it like that. He’d be calling you 24/7 if you weren’t out and about, living your life. So instead, he texts. There’s no obligation to respond immediately, mind you… but a few updates here and there would be deeply appreciated.

He tries his absolute best to distract himself while you’re gone — maybe Planet Piss will finally get it’s first EP down (false) — with varying success. His chief method of distraction comes to hanging out with the band… and the boys are texting you by the end of the week to please come home, because they’re having to beat him off with a stick. He’s also weirdly agitated with everyone but you, which certainly doesn’t help matters… but on the phone, he’s just as soft as could be.

3/10, he’s going to chew his own leg off at this rate. Someone save him, please.

[sturniololoco]

Can’t Hate You pt 1

Sturniolo Little Sister (SLS) X Nathan Doe

Warnings: Cussing, hitting, mentions of SA later in the series(and no, it was not Nate), etc.

ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩 . ° .° ᡣ𐭩

SLS/N’s POV

Today was the day that I was not looking forward to. All week I’ve been dreading this specific Saturday to come, and it’s unfortunately arrived.

Nathan Doe is coming to LA.

He’s my brother’s best friend, so they invited him to come stay a week over the summer.

But, me and Nate have never really gotten along all that well. I know this will sound petty, but something that happened in high school, that you just can’t forgive people for.

“Who’s excited?!?” Chris yells in the car on our way to the airport, putting his hands up in the air. Matt and Nick cheer in delight, having been waiting for this week for a long time.

“Why so his big ass head can get in my way all weekend?” I say sarcastically, sighing then looking out my window.

Nick covers his mouth as he laughs at my snarky remark. Matt shakes his head while looking at the road.

But Chris turns to me and says.

“SLS/N, I know you two don’t get a long very well, but at least try this week.” He says, giving me a pleading look.

I glance at him for a brief second before looking out the window again, not responding. He sighs before saying,

“please sis? For me?”

I look back to see him giving puppy eyes. I roll my own before muttering a soft fine before we pulled up at the airport.

Nick and I stayed behind, filming Matt and Chris practically skipping through the airport corridors when they saw Nate.

“His head is still just as big as I remember,” I say to Nick and the camera he held for Wednesday's vlog.

Nick laughs out loud, shuts the camera off, then walks over to greet Nate. He gives him a side hug once he manages to pry off my other two brothers.

Instead of giving him a hug, instead of saying hello, instead of making eye contact with him at all, I stand behind Nick, looking at the ground, wishing this would hurry up so I could go home.

"SLS/N," he says sternly, nodding in my direction.

I gave him a tight-lipped smile, making eye contact for about half a second, then went back to looking at the ground.

"Wow. awkward!" Matt says, Nate just rolls his eyes and plays it off. I however began walking to the car.

-

I sit in the way back of the van, both headphones in, drowning out the boy's conversation. Nick and Nate were in the back while Matt and Chris were in their usual seats.

Around 15 minutes later, I felt a sharp tap on the side of my leg. I look up to see Nate reaching back behind the seats to get my attention. I pull one headphone out.

"We're stopping at McDonalds, what do you want to eat?" He asks, looking annoyed.

"Don't fucking touch me," I say, hating the fact that he feels like he could touch me.

Not after what he did.

"Don't be a child, SLS/N. Just use your words and tell your brother what you want." He says, using a sarcastic baby voice near the end.

I roll my eyes and mumble a quiet,

"I'm not hungry."

Nick rolls his eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh, then rolls his window down to order.

-

The boys were filming the rest of their vlog while they ate, but I decided not to. I stayed in my room, scrolling through my Instagram.

There was a soft knock on my door.

After saying come in, I'm met with the eyes of Nate. He tosses a 6 piece chicken nugget box into my lap, then sets a small tea on my night stand.

My favorite.

"I said I wasn't hungry." I lie, turning my nose up at the food. I secretly wanted to crush 10 boxes of them, but he didn't need to know.

"You need to eat." He says walking back towards the door.

He goes to close the door but opens it a crack, saying,

"I better not see any of those in the trash can."

He then walks out leaving me alone with a box of chicken nuggets, a sweet tea, and a blushing face.

Why am I blushing? Why did he care if I ate or not? How did he know my order?

All of these thoughts only make my face redder, causing me to get frustrated.

He doesn't care about you. Not anymore.

I lay back into my pillows, taking a sip of sweet tea, trying not to think about the boy who just walked out of the room.

Guys, it gets juicy I swear! The intro is always the most boring part. But I think y'all r gonna love this one.

@idkwhosnyla @babypat08 @eyelessdemon00 @christopherowensturniolo @sturnsxx @freshloveforthefit @matty443355 @sleepysturnss @emeraldgreenbeautiesstu @sunsetsturniolos @hoesturniolo @x4nd3rsukz @chr1sgirl4life @sstvrnioloo @sturns-posts @chrisstopherfilmed @kylasrealityx @zoeysturnioloooooo @comet235 @islaasblog @sturnioloblogs @defnotayonna @mattsleftnipple03 @thematthewlover @mattsaq

[pepsiboyy]

HEARTBEAT - part one

pairing: chris sturniolo x fem!reader summary: after moving to massachusetts from florida, y/n lives with her half brother, nathan doe, who is part of a small garage band. their sassy guitarist, chris sturniolo, can't help but get on her nerves. but there's something about him. warnings: use of y/n lol, mentions of drug abuse, cursing, angst a/n: NEW SERIES ugh i hope you guys LOVE IT SO HARD i have been wanting to start this one for so long i would be in class brainstorming it AND NOW IM DONE WITH IN-PERSON SCHOOL so yayy i hope you guys love it!!!!! sincerely, apollo <3

REWRITTEN : I REWROTE THIS HERE. feel free to read this one, the other part one has the same content with further elaboration and some stuff is moved around!!

"are you even listening?"

my eyes ripped from the window to my right.

"yeah, sorry." i mumbled.

massachusetts was so different from florida. it was so much cooler, and why is everything so close together?

i turned to my father, who i swear i only truly knew as a facebook post on my phone screen.

"i think your mom is gonna be so happy to hear that you-"

"she won't care." i chuckled softly as i took a deep breath and sighed, shrugging. "it's okay though. i'm trying to move past that."

as much as i loved my mother, i knew she was bad for me.

my mom was a major drug addict. i fearfully called the cops and child protective services upon finding her in a mental state i had never seen her in. after investigation and lots of court shit i didn't want to think about, i was sent to my father's. i never knew him personally. it was never anything toxic, we talked on social media. but he left shortly after i was born and had a son with a new woman.

my half brother, nathan doe, sat beside me scrolling on his phone.

i had never really spoken to him. he seemed like somebody i might get along with, but i had yet to interact with him.

i guess we would see how it goes.

terrible. it goes terrible. i sat in their guest bedroom for about fourty-five minutes, digging through all of my belongings to find my phone charger. i definitely forgot it.

with a deep sigh, i ran my fingers through my hair and stood to my feet quickly and made my way down the stairs and to the kitchen, where everyone was sitting. i blinked a few times.

"uhh.. hey?" i chuckled awkwardly, biting my lip before burying my hands into my hoodie's pockets. "so um.. i'm gonna run to that gas station we passed on the way here, i'll just walk, i need the fresh air." i breathed.

everyone seemed to exchange looks before they nodded and my dad stood up. "call me if you need anything."

i simply nodded and waved at everyone before heading out the door with a soft sigh, unknowingly slamming the door behind me.

the boston breeze really began to sting about halfway through the walk, even if it were only about three minutes i had really been walking. my headphones hugged my head and played loudly, blasting some of my favorite songs that i had on a playlist to calm down.

there was no reason i should have been so angry, but i think it's just the new environment truly getting to me.

i pulled open the door to the gas station and removed my hood, looking around. my eyes turned to the boy working at the counter, whose eyes were glued to his phone. i turned to look for a charger for my own phone, biting my lip in focus and frowning at the prices. "so expensive.. this is unfair." i scoffed to myself.

after grabbing the two boxes, one being a brick and the other being the cord, i let out a frustrated sigh and set them on the counter, a little harsher than i had anticipated to.

"woah there, i'm sensing some aggression. boyfriend start an argument or what?"

i turned to the boy working, my eyes wide. "excuse me?" i stared at him for a brief moment before scoffing and shaking my head. "none of your business, can you just ring me up please?" i stated firmly, getting out my card and inserting it into the reader.

after pressing a few buttons on the screen on his side, he threw his hands up in defense. "relax sweetheart, i'm just yanking your chain."

"what-?" i stared at him with an expression of disgust, pulling my card out and shoving it into my wallet angrily. i looked at his nametag and squinted slightly.

the boy set the two boxes into a bag and handed them to me, where i gripped the bag and stared at him. "i'm not your sweetheart, chris." i emphasized, quickly leaving and not turning around at the sound of him laughing to himself.

the knock at my door caused me to jump slightly, and i quickly sat up to make my way towards the sound. "what's up?"

i blinked when i saw nate looking at me, the hat on his head backwards and his sleeveless shirt loose on him.

"hey, so.." he blinked a few times as he looked away then back at me. "sorry, i know we haven't spoken much. but um. i'm part of a little band?" he mumbled, and i nodded and leaned against the doorframe as i listened closely. "i figured i should let you know, tuesdays and thursdays we play in the garage, we usually stop at about ten o'clock though, so.." he trailed off.

i looked at him and furrowed my eyebrows before looking at my phone, shrugging softly before setting it back in my pocket. i'm already forgetting the days of the week. couldn't have told anybody today was tuesday.

"that's okay with you, right?"

"yeah, of course. do your thing, man." i smiled reassuringly, and nate's entire expression visibly lit up a bit.

"'preciate it a lot, y/n. you're welcome to sit in and watch if you're interested."

i quickly shook my head and waved a hand. "no no, it's okay. i have some things to do anyway."

nate nodded and waved before he turned and headed down the stairs.

i shut the door and made my way back to my bed, yawning softly. nate seemed very sweet. i don't doubt we will get along in any way, i'm just awkward. and it seems like he is a bit too. pretty sure our dad is, too.

i sighed as i curled up in bed, watching youtube.

11:12pm. it was an hour and twelve minutes past the given time, and all i could hear was sound. just sound. below me.

i was growing frustrated with each second that went by.

fed up, i stood to my feet and stomped out of my room and down the stairs, allowing my arms to hug myself. i was wearing shorts and a baggy tee. the sound grew louder with each step that i took.

i swung open the garage door and looked at nate, slamming the drums, an unfamiliar figure strumming the bass, and-

"hey, y/n," nate stated as he stopped his movements and gave me a toothy smile.

i swear my face went pale.

"this is ben, and this is chris-"

"your name's y/n?" chris stated, his expression equally as shocked as he lowered his arms from his deep red guitar.

[dwntwn-strnlo]

FROM A-FAR nathan doe

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓁𝓎, dwntwn-strnlo.

↳ 𝐀/𝐍. ive had a heart attack and a half writing this oh my god this shit was the most stressful fic ever for no reason

↳ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. nathan doe x reader

↳ 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘. in which reader surprises their boyfriend

↳ 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃? yes! . . . "OK THEN. Could you do a fic with nate where she goes to visit him as a surprise and is all excited and sht, and then they go play hockey but the reader is rlly bad and he leads her and helps her" ( anonymous )

this is kind of different from the request, but i still kept it around the similar lines ig (theres still the surprise as well as hockey)

reaching the hockey rink you've stood in so many times before, you cant help but feel a tinge of nervous run through your body as you park. you've been in los angeles for almost a month, now spending time with your family, and haven't been able to see nathan in weeks.

of course, you guys get to talk on the phone, but it just really wasn't the same. the two of you were lucky enough that you only had a three hour time difference, but it was still hard to keep up with the well needed communication to sustain a relationship.

you planned it all out with the triplets, your surprise. nate expects you to be showing up on thursday, four days in the future. but you booked an earlier plane ticket and arrived sometime this morning.

chris had let you know ahead of time that him and his brothers would be at the rink watching nathan play, and it would be the perfect opportunity for you to show up.

quickly as time starts to tick before the puck drop, you throw on your gray hoodie, and then nathan's extra jersey overtop of it. hopeful that the double layering will help you fight off the cold.

stepping out of your car, your immediately embraced by the chilly air that you most definitely didn't miss while you were in california. a soft breeze wisps past your ankles as you fight to keep your hair in place; not really in the mood to have to run to the bathroom to make sure you look alright.

racing to get inside the still equally as cold building, you throw your hood up just in case nate is already on the ice- not wanting him to see you until after the game.

looking up into the seats, you immediately spot matt, nick, and chris, whom currently wave frantically at you. you've missed the boys too, they're some of you're best friends and you haven't seen them in just as long as you've last seen nate. which sucks, being away from your found family for so long.

a large smile hits your face as you run up the large steps, hurriedly reaching your friends. they all stand up and embrace you in a group hug, desperately trying to keep everyone from toppling over.

as the boys are excitedly greeting you and welcoming you back to boston, they're quickly interrupted by the speakers turning on with a small hiss, and the booming voice of the announcer is heard overhead.

the four of you sit down, and you wrap your arms tightly around your body, trying to fight the cold.

smiling, you watch as nathans team starts to skate out onto the ice, raising their sticks up in the air as the audience begins to get fired up.

two teammates rush onto the ice, and then there's nathan. "number five!" the announcer roars, "nathan doe!"

the sight of your boyfriend nearly makes you melt right to the ground, only to ever be seen again as the happy puddle on the floor.

finally seeing him in person, you now realize how deeply you've missed the kid. how much you missed his bright warm smile, the way his sweet brown eyes boar into yours, and the way his contagious laugh immediately brings up the room.

you cant help but notice how dopey your grin becomes when he takes off his helmet, lifting it high above his head with a large grin present on his face. his eyes lighting up as the cheers for him ring delightfully in his ears.

. . .

your simple admiration of the boy is enough to make the game go by fast. before you know it, your sitting on the edge of the seat, anticipation rising as there's only 7 seconds left and the game is tied 3-3.

nate skates backwards for a split second, but just long enough for the puck to be shot in his direction. spinning around on his blades, he shoots the puck and scores the final goal.

the crowd stands up in a roar, screaming for their home team as they take the game.

it takes everything in you to not run right down to nate and pull him into a much missed embrace.

once the players are back in their locker rooms, you and the triplets make your way down to the hall. the boys leave you with goodbye hugs before heading out to their minivan. leaving you in the hallway as butterflies swarm your stomach in excitement, as well as nerves.

peaking around the corner, you check who's coming. two of nathan's teammates lead, while nate stands at the end of the hall talking to his coach.

you lock eyes with one of the boys, elton, and he gets excited. "oh hey y/n!" he calls out. you're well liked among the team. you tag along nate a lot when they go on group outings, so everyone knows you.

your eyes widen, and you quickly hide behind the corner again. elton gives you skeptical look before you hear your name get called out again. this time in more confusion the excitement.

"y/n?" nates voice rings in your ears. his voice uttering your name gives you immediate butterflies.

not making yourself visible, you hear the sound of someone gently shoving past someone and appearing at the corner.

when nates eyes land on you, they widen along with his smile.

shock radiates off his presents, but is overwhelmed with happiness and love. "oh my god," he giggles. quickly pulling you into a warm hug. "i thought you weren't getting back till thursday?" he questions, pulling back just far enough to meet your eyes.

you shrug with a gentle smile, "there was a slight change of plans." you giggle, pulling him back in to kiss him for the first time in what feels like years.

he turns his head to deepen the kiss, but you laugh and softly put your palms on his shoulders to separate yourself. he nonetheless chases after your lips, not wanting to break away. but you nudge him again with a smile. "calm yourself kid," you giggle.

nathan rolls his eyes before getting excited, "did you see my goal?" he asks with contempt flashing over his face. "there was two seconds left on the clock!"

smiling, you nod, "i did. i saw the whole game, you did amazing, love."

he smiles, pulling you into another hug. "god, i missed you so much. you don't even know."

pressing a gentle kiss to his shoulder, you smile. "i missed you so much, baby."

↳ 𝐀/𝐍. PART 2 i miss playing hockey oh my god

TAGLIST

@slvt444smvt @thetriplets3 @stxrniqlo @ifilwtmfc @iha8you @oneirophobic @20nugs

[bloodfiresandabram]

hello, i’m ari, i read the trilogy a year ago and haven’t been the same since but finally decided that my ongoing hyperfixation of aftg is significant enough to warrant making a side blog for it so now i have this account and of course my first original post on this side blog is a few snippets of the first aftg fic that i finally let myself start writing and have been steadily working on since, aka neil finally goes to therapy

Neil wets his lower lip—feels the cracks caused by the cold and dry winter, thinks about the sweet cherry chapstick that Andrew threw at him the other day and seems to be pleased to know Neil is using whenever he tastes it on Neil’s lips, reminds himself to use it once this session is over—and then he says, “I have spent most of my life waiting to die.”

Bee lets out a long, slow breath. “Okay,” she says gently, head tilting just slightly to the side. She reaches forward and picks up the small notebook resting on the coffee table next to her mug, pulls a pen out of her pocket and clicks it, then rests the notebook against her knee to write something down real quick. Neil watches her curiously as she then reaches for her mug, takes a sip from it, sets it down, and looks back at him. “Tell me about that.”

“I think it’s self explanatory,” Neil says.

“Tell me anyway,” Bee responds. “Tell me like I know nothing.”

-

Bee levels him with an analyzing stare and asks, “What is the threat?”

The question itself isn’t groundbreaking by any means. It’s a series of words seeking a simple reply that Neil feels he should be able to give—but again, when he parts his lips to respond, there is no easy answer sitting on the tip of his tongue. Slowly, he closes his mouth, presses it into a tight-lipped grimace as he thinks, brows pinching together. What is the threat?

The Moriyama’s are a threat, of course. Sure, Neil has a deal with them that, so long as he carries his end, essentially gives Neil freedom to live his life moving forward, but the Moriyama’s could change their minds one day and demand more from him. They could think his smart mouth isn’t worth the trouble and cut him off at the knees. Ichirou seems level-headed and strategic, so Neil can’t see that type of turn-around happening without him being warned or given a chance to find a more satisfying arrangement for them, but it’s certainly a possibility.

His father’s men are a threat, though Neil is aware that anyone left is currently in hiding from the FBI. Neil isn’t a secret anymore, something that terrifies him more than he’d care to admit. The world knows his name, knows his face—they know his past and where he is now. If any of Nathan’s people decide to come after him, they’ll be sure to be caught by the FBI or hunted down by Stuart’s people, but there’s not much Neil can really do to prevent his own demise before they can be stopped. He can fight, sure, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll win.

The more Neil thinks, the more his mind conjures up—someone on a power trip and access to a weapon could end him at any point if he so happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Car accidents occur every day. Health problems, an unfortunate hit during an Exy game, even just stepping off a curb wrong and falling and hitting his head could bring it all to an end.

“Everything,” Neil says eventually.

Bee hums. “Everything is a threat?”

“Yeah. Everything.”

“Okay,” Bee says. “Is Andrew a threat, then?”

Again, the question is not particularly spectacular, but it still makes something in Neil’s stomach twist as he thinks of how to respond. Cautiously, Neil tells her, “Yes.”

Bee looks genuinely surprised by this, blinking once before asking, “How?”

“Andrew…” Neil trails off, something trying to clog up his throat as he struggles to grasp the words in his mind. Andrew is not a threat in the same way that the Moriyama’s are a threat. Neil does not think that Andrew is going to kill him. Neil does not think that Andrew is going to hurt him—at least, not physically. Neil wets his lower lip and tries to explain with, “He asked me to stay. To stop running. I want to stay and to stop running, not just for him, but for all of the foxes, but if… if he tells me to leave, I will. If he changes his mind, I’ll be gone.”

“Ah.” Bee grabs her pen and writes something down, and Neil finds that, right now, he doesn’t want to know whatever it is she just put on the page. “I have another question.”

Neil clenches his jaw, but nods at her to go ahead.

“Do you consider yourself disposable, Neil?”

This time, the answer is easy, already leaving the tip of his tongue before he’s realized his mouth is open. “Yeah,” he tells her. “Of course.”

-

Neil blinks harshly. There are no tears in his eyes—crying is not something that comes easily to him, something that was beaten and burned out of him throughout his childhood. Still, his eyes itch in a way that’s reminiscent of tears and blinking hard enough to make spots dance across his vision is the only way he can make it stop. His stomach is churning and he’s not sure if he’s going to be sick or if he’s going to pass out. Either way, he keeps talking, words choppy and clipped as he says, “I want to tell you things. I want to be permanent.”

Want can be as important as choice. Andrew nods. “You are,” he states. “And you will. Later.”

“Later?” Neil doesn’t necessarily trust later. Waiting for later gives the opportunity for so many things to get fucked up now, and later may never come because of it. But Andrew nods again.

“Later,” he says. “You are permanent. There is time.”

-

i’ll stop there but this is gonna be a one shot (currently at 14k words and only like halfway done lol) and i have no god damn clue when i’m gonna post it but expect it at some point eventually hopefully kind of soon ish

[the0retically]

The Suckening thoughts-#6 Meet Your Maker:

Spoilers below but my god that was a cool episode

- The intros get crazier and crazier and I love it

- Part 2?? Oh!! Goodness I have no idea how many episodes there will be of this and I’m so Scared because they all said it emotionally destroyed them

- …why are they spending this long on this intro,,,,please

- GOD THE MUSIC SLAPS SO MUCH NATHAN HANOVER THANK YOU FOR MAKING AN AMAZING SCORE

- GREFGORE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CHARLIE PLEASE

- Emizel’s “I HAVE QUESTIONS!” makes me So sad

- “Arthur do you see Grefgore anywhere?” SHILOOOOOOO :((((((

- “Arthur please just wait for like 45 minutes” “….is there a pet store nearby” PLEASE??

- SIBLING BONDING EXERCISE!!

- God why are they going back in????

- Ok yeah cat emizel, he has claws

- This is a nightmare what the hell, but good! Go get Grefgore!

- SHILO?? GO WITH YOUR BROTHER

- They’re just redoing it??????? Y’all pleaseeeeee…Charlie’s just like “yeah this will be Exactly the same!!”

- “What is another life for Grefgore!” Shilo I love you, thank god you’re going to try and get him

- And god emizel is Alone what the hell

- And they had to leave Condi alone goodness

- NO! THATS THE QUESTION HE WANTS ANSWERED?? brooooooo

- Ok that entire exchange made me so sad, he lost when him and the demons got their hideout, sure he was able to get Grefgore back (LETS GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!) but he Still does not have an answer to why he was abandoned and Shilo got to stay :((((( emizel buddy :(((

- Rip Arthur Petco is closed

- BIZLY IS SO HAPPY ABOUT GREFGORE BEING BACK!

- ……….weird digital glitching?? Excuse me?

- Also god why is Shilo’s aura mortal

- Awwwwwww shilo goes to hug grefgore!!

- “Can vampires regrow their heads?” “……………….what?” Oh god Grizz please don’t cut grefgore’s head off

- “Permission to hug you back my prince?” “Of course!” “Big day for grefgore!” PLEASE :)))

- “You still have many hours for the night” “is that true?” “….yeah?? No! You caught me in one of my DM lies!” iconic exchange

- Oh my god what is happening with this poor nurse, just let her go!!

- Oh god now this has become a sitcom bit what is happening, shilo is just concerned for this woman’s life but emizel and Arthur are trying to get her to get Vanya’s schedule

- :( Arthur telling the boys they don’t have to come with is Very sad

- “If Grefgore is truly a burden to you then I shall go get blood” GREFGORE NO YOURE NOT A BURDEN

- No vents? Damn rip

- Thank god no Arthur frenzy

- LAZARUS????? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

- He’s in the toilet???

- Oh a little family reunion!

- ……….why is this sus, is that really Lazarus?

- WHY IS HE PUSHING A PHEASANT THROUGH THE TOILET PORTAL?

- Charlie’s curse as a DM is just making insane animal noises

- …..is shilo allergic to birds?? Why is he sneezing bizly please let him enjoy the bird

- “Well it is what it is!” LAZARUS PLEASE

- The chaos of the twins to the seriousness of Arthur is Such a juxtaposition

- Oh…Arthur killed his family, god this is heartbreaking

- “Why did you use me?” “Because it was the most effective way” GOD PLEASE

- God props to Charlie and Grizz for this whole interaction, I love this

- OH STAKE RIGHT THROUGH HER HEART

- Arthur popping off, it’s incredibly sad but good for you! Burn her!!!!!! She’s the reason your family is dead, kill her!!!!

- Arthur I love you I’m so sorry your life has been this tragic

- EMIZEL DID NOT ANSWER AND SAY “YELLOW?”

- Jonny???? Oh god, why is there a hit on the demons??

- Thank god soda isn’t there! Please Charlie say soda isn’t there

- HA GRIZZ REALIZING THAT EMIZEL FORGOT THE GANG WAS SO GOOD

- But emizel remembers Theo at least!! That’s good!

- SHILO IS GETTING THE OLD PEOPLE TO BEAT UP EMIZELS SIRE????? IM CRYING OH MY GOD

- What???? Metal???? What is up with this vampire

- Please tell me emizel isn’t going to die again

- Why did they leave Grefgore behind???

- “YOU SHOULD’VE JUST LET ME SUCK YOU MAN!” “WELL I’M SORRY I SUCKED BACK!” ????????

- SHILO RALLY THE OLD PEOPLE!!!!!

- Charlie is that old man Earl????

- EMIZEL IS DEAD AGAIN??????

- “The Wylan twins send their regards” ??????? HUH??

- Shilo is just a sweet boy :( but GET OUT OF THERE

- SHILO GETS HIT TOO?

- “Next session is going to be the adventures of Arthur and Grefgore!”

- Shilo please get out of there

- GOOD RUN!! GET OUT OF THERE

- SHILO PLEASE YOU CANNOT DIE

- WHAT THE HELL

- TAKE GOD FOR REFLEXIVE HEALING

- MINUS FIVE TO EVERY ROLL??

- HE MADE IT! HE SACRIFICED THE OLD PEOPLE HES BLEEDING OUT BUT HES OK!!

- EMIZEL HI??

- Get out of the sun my boy!!

- Oh,,,,,,,oh no?? He has no arms or legs oh my god, he’s tied to a chair and his mouth is sewn shut????

- HORROR HORROR HORROR

- CHARLIE WHAT THE FUCK

- WHAT THE HELL??

- I don’t know why this encounter with the twins and emizel is the most terrified I’ve been with Charlie dming, holy shit

- WAIT EDWARD TWILIGHT?????? WHAT THE FUCK?????

- Emizel I love you, biting off your own tongue to spit at them is amazing he’s so iconic

- Viv and Vex,,,,,interesting

- GOD EMIZEL I LOVE YOU YOURE BADASS

- 7! God please don’t lose more I’m getting scared

- BUT GOD A GREAT EPISODE

[that-dumbass-rabbit]

I had a dream about drawfee

I just had a dream where I was at school and there was an assembly in the auditorium and I didn't know what it was for but we all walk in and I see the drawfees on stage. Like julia jacob nathan Karina. And I go and sit by my friends and also rosé was there somehow. And they like do the intro and in the dream I was thinking no ones gonna cheer no way anyone knows who they are but then the crowd like erupts with cheers when they start doing the intro and I was like really? Every time I talk about drawfee or drawtectives no one knows what it is. Anyways they pull down a projector and a show off an entire movie but I didn't see all of it in the dream just the beginning. The plot of the movie was they live in space with these two gophers and the thing is this movie didn't make sense in the dream and now it's kinda fuzzy but I'll try to explain anyways. The two gophers each have a gold coin and the coins can't touch or else they'll explode and send the gophers back to the moon or the sun because each gopher comes from either the sun or moon. But the drawfee crew now has to rescue their dear friends these two gophers. But Jacob just goes to the sun and grabs the coin from the gopher like it's no big deal I'm just on the sun he leaves his gopher friend whom he loves though he's like I'll be back for you and I'm sitting here like dude why didn't you grab your gopher friend that you care about so much. Meanwhile Julia go the coin from the moon gopher but she also did not grab the gopher. Then in the dream there was a time skip to after the movie somehow I was just hanging out backstage with the drawfee crew because reasons. And so we were talking about the movie and I'm like that's amazing because btw it was animated in like a Disney style like tangled or frozen or Luca it looked like that sorta thing. So anyways I was like that's literally amazing how did you do this was this just you guys? And Julia goes yeah it was just us working on it and Nathan goes now you know what we're doing in between uploads and I'm just sitting here like in shock at the fact that I'm sitting with the drawfee crew, at the fact I just watched their movie they never advertised on the channel, at the fact they made an entire animated film. And I just jokingly ask so when's drawtectives season three? Does York learn to read yet or... and then Julia jacob Nathan and Karina just look at eachother and they're all smiling and then I fucking wake up and the dreams over. Did the drawfee crew punch me in the face??? Huh??? Why did they all look at eachother like that??? Wtf??? Anyways that's the thing I had to say I dont apologise for the random long post Mabey I'll go back and fix all the typos there are in this. Maybe. Dreams are just smoothies of memories amiright I love drawfee and I can't wait for s3 drawtectives eeeeeeee

So when's the drawfee space gopher movie coming out cuz everyone in dream school was enjoying it

[themultifandomgal]

Antonio- Wedding

My worries about something going wrong came true. Laura didn't drop off Eva and Diego at Gabby's place

"YN you need to calm down"

"What if she's ran off with the kids again because she doesn't like me?"

"If she's done that then Antonio, Jay and everyone else at intelligence will find them, right Kim?"

"Right"

"Does Antonio know?"

"Yes. He's trying to get ahold of Laura now" Gabby responds guiding me to the chair in the dressing room

"I knew something was going to go wrong" I sigh

"Everything's going to be ok" Gabby rubs my arms

"Maybe they're just running late" Sylvie shrugs while bouncing Lucas in her arms

"An hour late?" I raise my eyebrows "Mags hand me my phone"

"And what do you plan on doing?" She asks handing it over

"I'm checking to see if there's been any accidents on the roads" going on to google I find that no accidents have been reported "if there was something wrong why hasn't Laura rang us? Or why hasn't Eva or Diego rang?" There's a knock on the door

"You decent?" I hear Will

"Yeah come on in" Gabby calls. In walks Will and Jay

"Have you heard anything?"

"No. I'm going to go round to Laura's, see if they're home"

"Is that a good idea Jay? I'll go, I'm their aunt"

"Ok" Jay gives in knowing Gabby going is a better idea

"Ring me if they turn up. I'll phone you if they're not...."

"We're here we're here" Eva comes barrelling into the room

"Eva!" I stand up and run over to her "where on earth were you? Will go let Antoni know they're here" Will nods his head and both Jay and Will leave the room. In walks a sheepish Laura

"I'm so sorry YN, we were on our way and the car broke down. I rang for someone to come and help, but my phone died so I couldn't phone you guys, I stupidly told Diego and Eva to leave their phones at home because I didn't think you'd want them to ring during the wedding"

"Ok now YN will you stop stressing out" Kim asks

"Yes, well not not until we've both said I do. I could still be left at the alter" I say freaking out

"Hey" Laura shouts "Antonio loves you and you love him. There's no way he's leaving you at the alter. Now do as you've been told and stop stressing" I give Laura a little smile

"Right I'm off"

"Wait. Stay. I mean that's if you want"

"Thanks, but seeing my ex husband remarry isn't something I would like to see"

"Then at least come to the after party. Get as drunk as you like"

"I'll think about it" Laura smiles then leaves.

Thankfully the wedding goes without a hitch. Will walked me down the aisle while Jay had Lucas.  Antonio and I have our first dance, then he dances with Eva while I dance with Diego. Then what would have been the father daughter dance, I take turns dancing with Jay and Will

"Mrs Dawson, now that's going to take some getting use to" Betty one of my coworkers says walking up to me with a drink in hand

"I think it's going to be weirder for me" I chuckle

"Congratulations YN"

"Thank you Betty" I notice Laura walking over to the bar looking a little lost "excuse me" I say leaving Betty's side "Laura, you came"

"Yeah, I thought I'd at least show my face"

"Well thank you for coming. Look I know we've not really got on in the past, but I'd like to try and get on, for the kids sake"

"I'm just worried"

"I understand. Your their mom" I give a little shrug and smile "you want to make sure that I'm not just going to abandon them, or ignore them or I guess be the 'evil stepmom' but like I've said from day one, Im here for the long hall and I'm not here to replace you"

"I know. I guess some of it was a little bit of jealousy. Antonio's moved on and I haven't"

"Well... if you want Antonio and I could take the kids and you could take your pick of the single guys around here" Laura chuckles

"Thanks but no thanks, I can't let you take Diego and Eva for the night, not your wedding night"

"We already have Lucas what's two more"

"Are you sure?" Nathan another one of my coworkers makes his way over to us

"Congratulations YN"

"Thank you Nathan. Laura, I'm positive, I'll let Antonio know" I then lean into her and whisper "by the way Nathan's single" I nudge her a little and leave her to find my now husband. Husband... a word I didn't think would ever have to say or think about.

[swifty-fox]

Mota hockey au, again (sorry for spaming your inbox).

Did the guys want to be pro players hockey since their early childhood or did it happen later?

Did they have other players they are/were looking up to?

Did they have a backup plan (for their career) in case of serious injuries? What will they do once they retire from playing in games?

Thank you for your previous answers 🥰

PLEASE KEEP EM COMING I LOVE THINKING ALL THIS STUFF!!

these are really good questions wowie.

Bucky wanted to. He grew up in Wisconsin which is big hockey territory. All that lake superior/canada area just produces a fuckton of NHL players. He slept with a hockey stick and his parents signed him up for hockey leagues as soon as he was able to be put in.

Gale comes from a hockey legacy. His dad was an NHL player who played for the Canadiens back in the day (mom's a famous figure skater hence his model good looks) He wasn't given a choice about going pro, He's just lucky he loves it anyways

Bucky's hero is Dominik Hasek

Dominik has a REALLY interesting play style that's super athletic and all over the place. this guy plays and defends with his WHOLE body he's a goddamn acrobat and was so good some players literally believed it was impossible to score against him. Normally tendys will catch with their gloves, block with their chests and maybe catch with their knees. Dominik uses....everything. Bucky loves that loves the physicality and the passion. he spends a lot of time practicing off of Hasek tapes. Does a lot of asking Gale to try to score on him while he has no stick just to get better.

Gale Looks up to the greats. Gretzky and Mario and Jagr. I think he likes Jeff Skinners play style a lot because he's a similar small light guy so he wants to pull from someone with a similar build. (fun fact jeff skinner used to be a figure skater! it shows really obviously in his play style, the way he spins around the other players and skates backwards) Skinner's just SO quick. he used to be with the Canes and was kinda wasted there. Seems like he's thriving in Buffalo which makes me happy I always liked him

When you play in the NHL you're....paid a lot. The highest contract right now is Nathan Mckinnon for 100.8 million for eight years. So unless you're really stupid with your money as long as you play a few years in the NHL you can kinda be set for life. Most of the guys are young so they're not thinking backup plans. it's not even an idea in Gale and johns minds what else they would do. John probably got a business degree just to make his parents happy. Gale skippeded college to go straight to professional hockey (lots of guys do this)

I think after they retire Bucky goes into commentating. he's got that voice and personality that makes narrating the games excited. Most of the commentators are former players because who better than someone who knows exactly what they're talking about

Gale coaches kiddie hockey leagues :) he doesnt know how to get off the ice and loves teaching the kids.

[fallinallincurls]

tell me you want it a thousand miles away from the day that we started

i’m so excited to share this one! this is my fic for @antoineroussel‘s winter fic exchange 2k23 and it’s for @hockeylvr59 !! i hope you love this so much! it’s my first time really writing an oc and it was fun stepping out of my comfort zone to try something new. as always, shoutout to the very best @tonyspep​ who listened to me ramble about ideas and is just amazing.

summary: evelyn and cale were perfect, until their relationship couldn’t stand the distance of him moving to colorado. now, years later, cale runs into the girl who still holds his heart after she goes through a bad breakup and is hoping for a second chance. one that evelyn is more than happy to give him.

playlist- still by niall horan, love of my life by harry styles, always been you by shawn mendes, i’m in love with you by the 1975

hope you enjoy!! feedback is always appreciated! xx

word count: 5.6k

~~~~~

“No way in hell am I going skiing. What if I break my leg or something? Who’s going to explain that to Bedsy?”

“Nathan, there’s this thing called fun. You should try it sometime.” EJ chirps back, clapping a hand on Nate’s shoulder as the Canadian rolls his eyes.

“Just don’t break your leg, Nate. Simple as that. We’re doing this in the spirit of team bonding! It’s a team holiday trip.” Gabe says in response with a genuine smile on his perfect face.

“Yay! Team bonding!” Newy exclaims, a little over the top which makes several of them laugh including Cale.

“Can we get hot chocolate after?” JT chimes in, voice serious but hopeful like that’s the only thing that can convince him to get on the slope. 

“Sure. Hot chocolate after. Now let’s go!” 

Nate shuffles forward, grumbling to himself and the sight makes Cale chuckle. He’s not the biggest fan of skiing either, but he always enjoys any time he can spend with the guys. No matter what activity it includes.

This time, it just happens to be skiing at a resort in Vail. Gabe decided a team retreat would be a fun idea leading up to the holidays and you can’t say no to the captain.

So here Cale is, awkwardly standing in the lobby dressed in his ski gear and surrounded by his teammates who all have mixed reactions to what’s about to happen.

He’s just about to ask Nate if he even knows how to ski, because if not they might actually have to think up a reason to give Bedsy just in case, when a flash of bright red hair catches his eye near the entrance of the lodge. 

At first, Cale thinks it’s the resident ginger of the team. But JT is ahead of him, being jostled around by Newy and Bo, so it can’t be him. Why does he care anyway? 

But then, as he looks back to hopefully get another glimpse, he realizes why he cares. He realizes why the splash of red captured his attention in the first place. Because it was that exact red hair he used to see every day, run his fingers through and adored so much. Cale is frozen in place, gaze locked on the girl he still loves with his entire being. The one who got away.

Before he can think or see the confused look on Nate’s face, he’s leaving the group behind and trudging across the lobby towards the familiar red hair. He’s nervous, really nervous, but he hasn’t seen her in a few years now. And if he misses this opportunity, he wouldn’t ever forgive himself. 

“Evelyn.” Cale doesn’t even recognize his own voice. He gently taps her on the shoulder and all the wind is knocked out of his lungs. Maybe it’s the time apart or Cale’s simply forgotten how gorgeous she is, but when she looks at him, he swears she is the most beautiful person he’s ever seen.

“Cale?” She asks in shock, brows furrowing for a moment before a beaming smile blossoms across her lips. “Cale! Ohmygosh, how are you? It’s been so long.” Evelyn gives him a quick hug and suddenly, Cale is thinking about how he’s going to have to thank Landy for this silly idea.

“It’s nice to see you.” 

“You too! I didn’t know you skied. A new hobby?” Evelyn teases. It’s like nothing ever happened, no time has passed. But Cale knows that’s too good to be true. 

“No, no. A team bonding trip.” Cale explains, nodding towards the door where the team left moments ago. “I’m not very good anyway.” He can feel his cheeks heating up with blush, the familiar pink becoming apparent in mere seconds. 

“Oh, please. I’ve seen you skate and know you’ve got balance and coordination like no one else.” 

“Uh, well, thanks.” He murmurs shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. Cale knows the inevitable end of conversation is coming. Where she tells him how great it’s been to see him and she disappears from his life again. His mind is whirring to find something to say just to keep her talking, to keep her in front of him. 

He isn’t quick enough.

“It’s been nice seeing you, Cale. And I’d love to catch up more, but I have to go. Have fun on the slopes and tell everyone hi for me!” Evelyn says cheerfully, giving him the smile that he still loves before he gives his own goodbye and she’s gone.

“Dude, who’s the redhead?” Nate’s voice snaps Cale back to the present. Of course, Nate stayed behind and saw all of that. “And why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost? You’re not gonna get a girl looking that terrified.”

“Geez, thanks.” Cale mutters, turning to face Nate who’s wearing a look of concern mixed with curiosity.

“Who’s the redhead?” He asks again. Nate is nothing but relentless, Cale should know this by now, and he’s going to have to explain in order for the topic to be dropped.

“Her name is Evelyn. We dated for awhile back when I was at UMass and we tried to keep it going long distance when I came here, but it didn’t work out.”

“But you’re still in love with her.” It’s not a question, but a statement.

Damn it. Why couldn’t EJ have seen the whole interaction? He would’ve just teased Cale about having a thing for gingers. Or even Gabe who would’ve given him some kind of pep talk. But no, Nate had to be the witness and he’s so observant that nothing can be hidden from him.

“Yeah, I’m still in love with her.” Cale admits, voice full of defeat and longing.

“Then why didn’t you just make your move?” The question falls from Nate’s lips with a tone of incredulously and Cale sighs. There’s so much more than them just being exes.

“She just got out of a long term relationship. They were together for a year and half or something like that. Mom told me. I can’t just jump in there like she’s okay and the last thing I want is to be a rebound.” 

But Cale can’t help but wonder what exactly Evelyn is doing here. Last he heard, she had graduated from UMass and returned home to Calgary where she got her first big job and her own apartment. Plus, she had told Cale himself when they were trying to make long distance work that she couldn’t see herself living in Colorado. Yet she’s here.

Does she live here now? Or maybe she’s just visiting. That’s more realistic. But who would she be coming to see? She doesn’t know anyone in the entire state of Colorado besides him. At least that Cale knows of.

“Cale?” Nate’s voice is soft, but snaps the defenseman back to the present. 

“Huh?”  

“I think you should talk to her. You never know what could come of it. And you still love her! Doesn’t matter what happened in the past, I think she needs you more than you realize right now, especially coming out of a relationship like that.” 

“Thanks, Gabe.” Cale says pointedly, giving Nate a look that’s supposed to be mean but he doubts it comes across the way he intends. Nate’s smile gives that away. “When did you become so wise and captain-like?”

“Just-” Nate starts, putting a hand on Cale’s shoulder shaking his head at the chirps before continuing. “Think about it. Okay?”

That’s easy, but Cale doesn’t say that out loud. All he’s going to be doing until he sees her again is thinking. Thinking about her.

Cale gets answers to all but one question when he calls his mom the next day. He barely gets through saying hello before the news bursts out.

“Mom, you’ll never guess who I saw yesterday.” 

“Who?” Laura asks with curiosity.

“Evelyn. Eve, like my Eve.” The nickname rolls off his tongue naturally. Cale’s the only one who ever got to call her Eve and saying it now feels so right. Like there’s still a chance she could be his Eve again. Not Evelyn like she is for everyone else. Eve.

“Oh, honey. Did you really?” 

“Yeah, we’re on this mini team retreat right now, Gabe’s idea, and I saw her in the lobby before we went skiing.” He explains, taking a deep breath. “Did you know she would be in Colorado?”

It’s a loaded question, Cale knows that, but he has to know. He’s known Evelyn pretty much his whole life and even after they broke up, their families still stayed in touch. He just needed to know more about why he saw her in the last place he ever would’ve expected.

“Um, not exactly.” 

“Mom!”

“I didn’t know, Cale! Her mom said that after the breakup, Eve decided she needed a fresh start and left Calgary. That’s the last I heard. But apparently she landed in Colorado if you saw her.” 

Cale is silent for a moment, absorbing everything Laura just said. Nate’s words from the other day become clear again and he knows what he’s going to do next. 

“I know it might be out of nowhere, but I think she could use a friend, Cale. She’s taking this really hard and I can’t imagine how scary it might be also being somewhere completely new too. If you see her again, ask if she wants to get a coffee or something simple. You know how she loves the wintertime and that might be tainted now with everything going on.” Laura says softly and Cale knows she’s right. In fact, that’s almost exactly what he’s thinking. 

“Okay, you’re right. Thanks, Mom.” Cale replies before they exchange the usual love you’s and see you soon’s. He lets out a sigh of relief and leans back against the couch. It might not have been the answers he was looking for, but now he at least knows what he has to do. 

And if there’s any chance of getting back together, even just the tiniest little sliver of hope, Cale has to know. But first and foremost, he has to be the friend that Eve needs more than ever.

Not even a week into the new year, Cale finds himself back at the ski lodge where the team was during the holidays for Gabe’s grand idea. He has no idea if he’ll see Eve here again, like maybe the run-in was some twist of fate and only destined to happen once, but he has to try. As he’s running through all the options of what to say to her, Cale spots the familiar flash of red hair and his heart starts to race.

Now or never.

He walks up to the front desk in the lobby where Eve is talking to someone on the opposite side, her sweet smile on full display. Before Cale can even say anything, she senses someone next to her and turns to offer a kind look but then realizes who it is.

“Cale! How crazy is this?” Eve says, her voice full of happiness. She guides him away from the front desk, thanking the employee she was just talking to and that’s when Cale seemingly loses control of his tongue.

“Eve, hi. It’s really great to see you again.”

“You too. Do you come here often? I didn’t think you’d have a lot of time to take up skiing or anything else with how busy your schedule is with hockey.” She asks, her big brown eyes holding Cale’s gaze.

“I- uh, no, I don’t. I was hoping to see you again actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Cale starts, unsure of how to phrase what he wants to say, but Eve is looking at him so fondly and he can’t put a single thought together. “Look, I heard about what happened and I’m really sorry things ended that way. You don’t deserve that and even after all this time, I still care about you. A lot. Plus, you’re new to Colorado so I wanted to let you know I’m here for you and would be happy to show you my favorite places around here or maybe do some of the things we used to do together to cheer you up. It’s up to you.” He trails off, hoping she doesn’t notice how nervous he is. 

Eve doesn’t say anything for a moment and Cale worries he already messed this up. He’s ready to face the rejection and continue on with his life as if this never happened, until Eve’s smooth voice cuts through his thoughts. 

“You’re just as sweet as you were at UMass. Nothing’s changed.” She whispers, her cheeks becoming a deep color of pink. Cale swears he’s never seen anyone so adorable. Her beaming smile is directed at Cale for the first time in years and he doesn’t want that to change. “I would love that. Whether it’s seeing your favorite places or doing what used to be our favorite things. Sounds perfect to me.”

“Yeah?” Cale asks, trying to mask any shock in his voice. 

“Yeah. So when do we start?” 

“What about right now?” He giggles as Eve nods with excitement. It feels a lot like the old days when they would spend any possible moment together, laughing and sharing kisses without a care in the world. That kind of happiness is one Cale wants back and hopes Eve feels the same way too. 

“Okay, then let’s go, Makar. We’ve got quite a lot to catch up on.” 

And just like that a new routine is born. Every waking moment the two of them have is spent together. They start with seeing Cale’s favorite places around Denver, spanning between the variety of tourist attractions and the little hidden gems of the city. 

Slowly, but surely, Evelyn opens up about the breakup and it physically pains Cale to see her hurting over some stupid guy who just lost the best thing that would ever happen to him. He offers nothing but his support and kind words because despite the feelings he might have for her, he still cares about her more than anything.

An unspoken list of things they used to do together, especially during the winter time, is put together. Driving around to see the Christmas lights while drinking hot chocolate, making cinnamon rolls, playing crib, a spontaneous snowball fight and so much more. The more time spent together, the more it feels as if they’re back at UMass and completely in love.

Cale doesn’t push. If all he gets is Eve as a close friend, he’ll take it. She’s back in his life and he couldn’t ask for anything more. 

But with each passing day and activity done together, Eve remembers exactly why she fell in love with Cale in the first place. And it’s more obvious than ever that her feelings for him never fully disappeared. Her heart seems to be healing because of him and although she can’t admit she wants to give them another try just yet, there is something she’s ready for that Cale hasn’t mentioned once since they saw each other again at the lodge.

“Hey Cale?” She asks softly, looking up at him across the table. The cafe isn’t that busy during this time of day and Eve learned quickly this place has the best breakfast so this morning her and Cale decided to grab a bite before he had to go to morning skate. This used to be a regular occurrence for them back in college. Getting up early, sharing breakfast together while giggling over everything and then going their separate ways until Cale was back from practice. Eve starts to feel a weird sense of deja vu, but pushes through. 

“Hm?” Cale hums in response, taking a sip of his coffee before meeting her gaze. He looks so adorable in the early morning light that she can’t stand it. Cheeks rosy as always, wearing a warm knitted sweater and his hair is just the perfect kind of messy, sticking up in all different directions.

“How’s the team doing? Do you like playing here?” The questions tumble off her lips innocently, but shock Cale for a moment. 

“You- sorry, you want to talk about hockey?” Cale shakes his head in disbelief, blue eyes searching Eve’s face for any sign of worrying emotions.

In the last few weeks, there hasn’t been a single mention of the sport Cale plays despite the two of them planning around his practice, game and travel schedule. Eve hasn’t addressed it yet because in the end, hockey is what took him away from her, it’s what broke their relationship when it couldn’t have been better. But now, realizing she’s falling in love with him again, Eve knows talking about hockey isn’t going to ruin anything.

In fact, now, she can’t wait to hear about Cale’s career here in Colorado. 

“Yeah, I do. If this,” Eve gestures between the two of them, “is going to work, I can’t be scared of something that we had no control over in the past even if it’s the thing that separated us. Plus, it’s such a big part of your life so I want to know everything, Mr. Norris and Conn Smythe Trophy winner.” 

Cale laughs, that beautiful smile overtaking his face and pure joy radiating off of him. “Well someone has been keeping up, huh?” 

“Please, it’s hard not to when everyone back home couldn’t stop talking about you during the playoffs and then your day with the Cup…”

Without any hesitation, Cale jumps right into telling her about everything hockey related since he got to Denver. Joining the team during the playoffs, winning the Calder, all the fun and not so happy moments with the guys over the years, how he’s trained in the offseason and of course, the biggest moment of all, winning the Cup last season.

Cale’s in the middle of telling a funny story about Nate, one of thousands, when he catches a glimpse of the time on Eve’s phone. 9:15.

“Oh shit. Eve, I’ve got to go. Morning skate.” He says quickly, kissing her cheek and making sure the check is paid for. “I’m sorry, I totally lost track of time. You’ll hear the rest of the story later I promise.”

“It’s all good, Cale. Have fun at practice! I’ll see you later, okay?” Eve says, her voice soft and Cale feels his heart swell. “And thank you for telling me about hockey again. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”

“Anytime, Eve. And thank you.” With that, he offers her the kindest smile before heading out to the rink.

Cale is late. Well, not technically since morning skate doesn’t start until ten, but by his standards he’s late. He already missed the usual routine of getting ready with Nate and catching up with Devon. And the worse part is, he doesn’t have a single clue about how he’s going to explain this to the guys who will definitely be asking him what happened.

But Cale knows he isn’t good at lying and at the same time, there’s no way the team can know what he’s up to. Even if it’s making him way happier than usual.

Which of course, EJ notices right away as he’s hustling into the locker room.

“Look who decided to show up! Nice of you to join us, Caler.”

“Sorry,” Cale mumbles in response, heading right to his stall to get ready for practice. But he feels his cheeks heat up and knows it’s a dead giveaway.

“What took you so long? You’re usually here with this maniac way earlier than need be.” EJ pushes, gesturing to Nate for a moment before all his attention focuses on Cale. A beat of silence lasts too long and somehow EJ knows exactly what’s going on.

“It’s a girl, isn’t it?”

“EJ,” Nate warns, ready to step in since he knows Cale has been talking to Eve again, but everyone knows EJ is mostly all talk. The chances of him overstepping is slim to none. It’s just fun and games. Except Cale’s lack of response and rosier than usual cheeks say everything he doesn’t put into words.

“I just got coffee and breakfast with a friend. We’ve been catching up lately after not seeing each other for a while.” Not a lie. That’s partially true and he hopes it’s enough to convince the team to lose interest.

“With a girl!” EJ says with a laugh, clapping him on the shoulder. “They grow up so fast, don’t they?”

And just like that, everyone moves on. Almost everyone. While the rest of the team filters out of the locker room to hit the ice, Nate gently taps Cale with his stick and gives him that same knowing look that he did a few weeks ago.

“How’s it going? With… ya know?”

Cale kind of wishes the floor will swallow him, but he knows Nate is being nice. He’s just not used to talking about his love life with any of the guys because there hasn’t been much of a love life to talk about.

“Really well actually. Nothing’s happened and neither of us are pushing, but it’s been great just spending time together again. I miss that, you know? It’s great to have her back.” Cale explains, cheeks becoming pink with blush as he talks. Nate offers a genuine smile in response and bumps his shoulder.

“That’s good. You deserve her. So I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks, Nate. Means a lot.” He shrugs softly, trying not to let his thoughts wander.

“Just an idea though, maybe see if she wants to come to a game. She might like seeing you play.” Nate says out of nowhere and Cale just nods, unable to think of a proper response. They walk out to the rink together and the moment Cale takes the ice, all his worries fall away.

But beneath it all, Cale can’t help but think about how Eve has just started asking about hockey again. And he’d be lying if the idea of her in his jersey, cheering him on in the stands and waiting to greet him afterwards didn’t make his heart race.

This is crazy and Evelyn knows it. She hasn’t seen Cale play since college when she would sit with her friends and the other girlfriends in a much smaller rink. He might not like her being at a game even if that sounds far fetched. Yet, here she is right against the glass on the Avs side of the ice at Ball Arena.

The sign she’s clutching in her hands is another reminder of how insane this whole idea is. Although it will help her blend in among the other fans who have brought their own homemade signs as well. But it’s too late to back out now, and if there’s one thing Eve is sure of, it’s how she feels about Cale.

So she waits at the glass in anticipation of seeing the team skate out for warmups. The same giddiness that used to run through her veins when she attended the games on campus returns and realizes she’s missed this feeling without even knowing it. Sure, she’s watched the Avs games at home from the comfort of her couch, but this is a whole different experience that she is happy to have back.

The only person that knows she’s here right now is Nate. He's the only one who knows more than he should about her and Cale, which she didn’t think was ideal until she came up with this bright idea. Nate only encouraged her and even helped organize all the details to ensure everything about the surprise goes according to plan.

That also means he’s the only one who won’t have an outrageous reaction to her sign.

Eve snaps out of her thoughts as the lights begin to come up, illuminating the ice in the usual brightness that she has grown accustomed to. Her eyes focus on the tunnel next to the bench while pressing the sign against the glass. She has no idea if Cale will even see it, but everything in her is hoping he does and if not, one of his teammates points it out to him. He’s followed in Nate’s footsteps of being zeroed in during warmups and the fan interaction falls to the wayside in terms of importance. 

Tonight will be different. 

The team skates out onto the ice and cheers erupt from the crowd. An instant smile spreads across Eve’s lips when the familiar number eight steps onto the rink, immediately skating around effortlessly. As the guys settle into their usual warm up routines, Eve keeps an eye on Cale as if she could look anywhere else. Nate skates by and taps his stick against the glass, a beaming grin of his on display.

“He’s going to flip out.” Nate says, shaking his head and tapping a fist bump against the glass. Eve does the same with a giggle before he skates off to continue with drills. 

It’s then when she spots JT and Mikko whispering to each other opposite of where she’s standing. Mikko’s got that mischievous look in his gaze as the ginger next to him can’t stop smiling. They’ve noticed the sign and Eve feels her nerves spike. It’s only a matter of time before they bring it to Cale’s attention.

“Hey, Caler! Why didn’t you tell us you finally invited your girl to a game?” JT calls out, giving Cale a playful bump to the shoulder.

“What?” Cale responds, looking up from his stick handling in confusion. “I didn’t invite anyone.”

“Well, that sure looks like Evelyn to me.” 

“JT, don’t be- ohmygod. It is Evelyn.”

As an unbelievable amount of shock rolls through him, Cale can’t help but beam in her direction. He would recognize her fiery hair color and beautiful smile anywhere. She’s here at one of his games. She’s really here. He’s been waiting to have this back for so long. His eyes never move away from her even if he can hear JT and Mikko chuckling nearby.

Despite the happiness coursing through his veins as he slowly skates over, he tries to take in every detail of this moment. Eve is wearing what she called her “lucky jersey” from Cale’s time at UMass. Seeing her in the familiar maroon and silver jersey with the number 16 on the sleeves and a simple A on the chest makes Cae’s heart soar. His last name is on the back of that jersey and even better, she’s kept it after all this time even if it’s been years since she saw him play in Massachusetts. Cale doesn’t even have enough time to process all this when he realizes what is written on the sign she’s pressing against the glass.

“Even in burgundy and blue, my heart still belongs to you #8!”

All the air in his lungs is stolen away and everything else seems to fall away except for Eve. Not only is she here at a game, but her sign holds the confession that Cale has been wondering about since they ran into each other again.

She still loves him. He doesn’t know if her feelings ever went away or she fell in love again, but Cale can’t believe this is happening. After all this time, her heart still belongs to him just like his belongs to her.

“Hi,” he murmurs, pressing his hand against the glass when he comes face to face with Eve. She waves in response and the smile he gets in return rivals the sun. He pulls a puck over and flips it up onto his stick before tossing it over the glass. The moment she catches it, looking up with the most hopeful expression on her face, Cale takes the leap of faith. “I love you so much.”

Evelyn doesn’t think she can smile any bigger and swears her heart might explode with pure joy. This beautiful, sweet, amazing boy just said the three words she’s been waiting to hear since the day things ended. Cale loves her. Nothing else in the world matters more than that.

“I love you too.”

Cale taps the glass a few more times before ever so slowly skating away. His cheeks are pink with blush and the smile on his lips won’t be going away anytime soon. Eve gives him a wave, holding the puck to her chest where her heart is racing. With his mind on his girl, Cale returns to the usual warmups and knows this game is a must win more than it was before.

Because of Eve.

The Avs win 4-1 and Eve doesn’t think she’s ever had this much fun before. All of Cale’s games at UMass were an experience, but that doesn’t even come close to how happy and excited she is when the buzzer sounds and the boys spill onto the ice for hugs and celebration.

Cale scored two goals and had a three point night which isn’t unusual for him, but he seemed to be playing on a whole other level. She is beyond proud of him for making it to the biggest stage in hockey and it’s no surprise that he’s thriving because he’s just that good.

“Evelyn, do you want to come with us to the tunnel? We wait for the guys down there after the game, if you want to see Cale.” Mel asks softly as the rest of the wives and girlfriends start filtering out of the suite.

“Oh, yeah, I’d love that. You’re sure it’s okay?” Eve responds, trying not to let any sign of nerves seep through her words.

“Of course it is. You’re part of the family now! We all see how that boy looks at you. It’s only a matter of time before he makes it official.” Mel chuckles sweetly, looping her arm through Eve’s to show her the way through the arena. Eve feels a tiny smile creep onto her lips after what her new friend just said, but the giddiness running through her about seeing Cale so soon takes precedence.

In no time, the small group is waiting outside the locker room and Eve can’t seem to stand still. Anxious thoughts run through her mind. How does she greet Cale after their mutual confessions during warmups? What if he didn’t mean it? Where do they go from here?

Before she can get lost in the whirlwind of anxiety and what if’s, the door to the locker room opens and the guys start to filter out. She says hi and congratulates each of them on the win, including Nate who tells her Cale will be out in a few before bumping her shoulder playfully and giving her a knowing look.

And just like Nate said, Cale is the next player to exit the locker room. His bright blue eyes are searching the area like he’s looking for someone specific. Then he sees her.

“Eve!” Cale calls out, hurrying over with open arms to scoop her up in the tightest embrace. She can’t help the giggles that escape when her feet leave the floor for a quick moment as Cale spins her around.

“Hey bubs, you played so well! I missed seeing you out there. And I already knew it, but you’re one hell of a player.” Eve says, cupping his rosy cheeks in her hands as they maintain eye contact. The close proximity is enough to make her dizzy, but the look on Cale’s face steals her breath away.

“Thank you. It was a big surprise seeing you out there, but I’m so happy you came.” 

“Me too.”

Everyone is probably watching the moment as it’s happening, but Cale doesn’t care. His girl is in his arms and there’s a tension in the air that he needs to get rid of which means he has to ask the thing he’s been wondering since he saw her during warmups with the sign that changed everything. 

“Also noticed your creative spark for making signs hasn’t disappeared either.” Cale hints, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“It wasn’t my best work, but I couldn’t wait to tell you something so important.” Eve giggles, hands sliding up to lock behind Cale’s neck. “And it’s still true.”

“I know,” Cale mumbles under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear. “And I meant what I said. I love you more than anything, Evelyn. I never stopped. Not when I left for Colorado or when we decided to end things. Not even when I found out you had moved on. It’s always been you and I don’t plan on letting what we have slip away again.”

Tears begin to spring up as Eve listens to Cale speak and she can’t even begin to find words to properly express her emotions. Instead, she closes the space between them with a long awaited kiss that’s soft and gentle, but full of love. Cale pulls her impossibly closer and feels her smile against his lips. Time seems to stop and neither of them can believe how lucky they are.

“You’re it for me, Cale. I love you so much. Even if it’s a thousand miles away from where we started, I want this. I want you. There’s never been anything I’ve been more sure of in my life.” Eve says quietly, pressing her forehead against his for a brief moment before the team, who has been watching the whole moment, erupts in cheers. “Ohmygod.” She whispers, hiding her face in Cale’s chest.

“Finally!” EJ yells, shaking some of the guys in excitement.

“You might want to give Gabe a really big thank you for that stupid team bonding trip. None of this would’ve even happened if we weren’t dragged there.” Nate laughs, taking in both Cale and Eve who are glowing with nothing but pure happiness. 

And years down the line, if Gabe gets the first invite to their wedding at that very same ski lodge, no one has to know.

tagging some friends/mutuals who might be interested!

@tonyspep @starshine-hockey-girl @kailyn-writes @happer08 @rosesvioletshardy @sorryjustafangirl @laurenairay @miracleonice87 @hockeyunits @stroopwaffle8 @musiclove-12 @eightmakar @ilyasorokinn @barzysreputation @breezymichelle99 @comphyjost @comphy-and-cozy @jostystyles @ya-pucking-nerd @fallen-froots @beauvibaby @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69 @boqvistsbabe @antoineroussel @tpwkstiles @hockeylvr59 @2manytabsopen @senditcolton @equallyshaw @lam-ila @nateslehky​

[tokiwarcube]

can we get general relationship hcs for toki please 🫶

Would you believe me if I told you all that Toki is actually one of my favorite boys? Thank you for your patience!

Nathan HERE ; Pickles HERE ; Skwisgaar HERE ; Murderface HERE ; Charles HERE

Toki wants little more to love and be loved in turn. Despite his notably cold upbringing, he still yearns for that “perfect” relationship. Although surprisingly, Toki doesn’t actually fall all that fast! He really values your friendship, and while he does recognize how pretty and funny you are, he’s not quick to fall. But when he does? Oh, he falls hard. He has to be held back from proposing a week after he realizes how much he really likes you.

When he does decide he wants to pursue a relationship with you, he is refreshingly plain in his intentions. He’s probably the only member of Dethklok who won’t act like a complete dumbass to try and get your attention… assuming he doesn’t take the advice from his bandmates, that is.

The media loves to focus on the cutesy parts of his personality, but nobody ever really hones in on just how much he likes to be in control. It’s a very subtle thing, but it absolutely bleeds through in the romantic sense. It starts with smaller things, like planning dates… and then guiding you through crowds… and then subtly encouraging you to wear his clothes out of the house, and wow, how long have you been staring at him?

He’s overshadowed by Skwisgaar in a lot of sects, but it certainly doesn’t feel like that with you. He has a very special way of commanding your attention, and he uses that to fluster. Often. He lives for it, really.

That’s not to say that there isn’t an equal relationship — you’re just as much of a cornerstone in his life. You've had many a call from Charles, asking you to please get Toki into the studio. And you’re the first person Toki goes to for… most everything! Whether it’s to share a story about a cat he saw on the street, or to nestle himself in your arms after a hard day, you’re always on his mind. He’s nothing if not putty in your hands.

He has so many nicknames for you, many of which are tooth-rottingly sweet. He thinks they’re adorable, and even though the guys rib the hell out of him for it, he refuses to stop using them.

His camera roll all but belongs to you, with how many stolen photos he’s taken. His lockscreen seems to change every other day — he can never seem to choose a favorite!

He’s very clingy in his sleep — part of it has to do with the nightmares that plague him, and he can’t help but subconsciously grip you tighter. It’s usually the only way you’ll know he’s having a nightmare… until he wakes up, stark still, breath caught in his chest. Call to him softly, let him know you’re there, that he’s safe. He won’t say anything, he never does… but eventually he’ll press his face into your chest, and he breathes.

It’s a 50/50 on whether or not he remembers the details in the morning, but he never wants to talk about it, regardless. His past is a scary thing that, in his mind, is left untouched and forgotten. Working through it is hard.

But again, in the morning, all is well. He’s a strong man, and despite the fact that he’s the one curled up in your arms, he imparts this very deep feeling of safety. Just, you know, don’t try to get up before him. He will whine, and he will use his strength to his advantage.

On that note, you’re such a critical part of his morning routine. Mornings (or I suppose afternoons is a better descriptor) are a sacred time for the two of you — hazy and sweet. Although without you, he tends to miss little parts of his upkeep — having you there keeps him on track. Brushing his hair in the morning is just one small part of that routine, and sure, it’s a little thing… but it’s the tenderness that really gets to him. And of course, you start the day without a good morning kiss.

He’s just as clingy while cuddling, too. He loves resting his head on your chest, listening to your heartbeat while you card your fingers through his hair. He’s chatty, too — he’ll talk about anything and everything, occasionally peering up at you to watch you respond. Sometimes he’ll press quick little kisses to your collarbone while you speak too, just because he can.

Needless to say, he’d be a wreck without you on tour, if for whatever reason you couldn’t come along. He’d beg to call whenever you’re free — even if that means the makeup crew has to work around his phone 5 minutes before the show starts.

Please take him to an animal shelter — if you only ever surprise him with one date, let it be a shelter date. With the life he lives (and the curse that seems to have woven its way into his bones), he can’t necessarily have a cat of his own… but that doesn’t mean he can’t make friends with them!

This man gets so, so excited if you engage in his interests with him. He’s so used to being talked down to, being told that his interests are childish or “cute,” so having someone just as excited? Just as passionate? He’s over the moon.

He’s the type to scrapbook all the little moments in your relationship. Saved receipts from your first dinner together; pulled pop-tabs from the drink you shared on a night in; spare tokens from the arcade… it all stays in a little wooden box he keeps on his nightstand. He also regularly gets all of his photos developed, so he can properly glue and press them into his memory book.

[knowltonsrangers]

hair headcanons

Various TURN! X reader

how good or bad are our boys at braiding and styling hair, and would they ever let you have a go at theirs?

For having a few sisters, Nathan Hale is average at the subject. He can do a basic braid, and definitely knows how to tie a ponytail, but anything else…he’s consulting a book or tutorial. He enjoys running his fingers through your hair, gently prying away any knots they may have come your way. and of course you can brush his hair, he actually really likes it when you do so. give him a few baby braids to frame his face and he’ll leave them there for a day or two.

Benjamin Tallmadge has no idea what you’re asking of him. He can do a very basic braid on his own hair, but good luck getting him to even attempt it on you without having a bunch of knots. he likes to comb your hair after a shower, you never ask him to, but he always finds you to do it. Ben likes to think even though it’s typically a moment of silence, it’s full of so much love. He’d never ask you to brush his hair, but sometimes you surprise him rounding a corner with his brush, and he’ll never object.

I’d like to think Caleb Brewster sometimes goes a bit without brushing his hair, and when he finally remembers after a few days, you’re chasing him with a comb to try and get it before it’s too late. It’s not that he’s unhygienic he’s just…Caleb. He probably runs his fingers through it in the shower and calls that a comb. Yet he LOVES to brush and braid your hair, he likes it in the morning when it has that soft wave to it. He’s actually pretty good at it, they’re tight and they don’t need to be redone after a little while.

Yeah…no. George Washington has no idea how to do anything that’s even remotely close to a braid, but, some of his favorite moments is when you offer to brush out the knots that have made their way into his ponytail throughout the day. He, in turn, will return the favor. He’s not vain, of course you can touch his hair, he’ll probably grumble about his grey it is, but you just wave him off. You know that if you don’t do this, he will defy neglect the act if drowned in work

Marquis de Lafayette definitely can braid, and damn I definitely think he’s the best at it. Plaits, Dutch, French, he’s very good at them, and he can do them pretty fast. Like Nathan, he enjoys running his fingers through your hair, it’s a symbol of affection, especially if he does it subconsciously sometimes. If you are ever just sitting next to him with your hair down, he’s all over you and you can’t help but bob your head yes. You don’t even have to ask to play with his hair, so he says, but you always do, and you are always surprised by just how soft it is. He likes it when you braid his ponytail, he’ll definitely leave it in as long as he can.

Ensign Thomas Baker knows next to nothing. he definitely knows how to put his own hair up, and he probably could replicate it if you needed an extra pair of hands to put yours in a ponytail, but that’s about it. He’d love it if you taught him how to braid, he thinks it looks so pretty, especially on you. sure, you can do his hair! he’d probably take anything out (barrettes or clips) before he left, but if you braid his hair, he’d definitely going to leave it in! And if you try and take it out, saying it looks bad or you missed a strand, he’ll likely run away from you so you don’t stand a chance of touching it. He loves it.

The grumpiest of all, Alexander Hamilton, will definitely not partake in any of your styling, so he says. it’s cause he’s a busy, or he doesn’t want to, or whatever nonsense he’s come up with for the day. So instead, you walk up behind his desk and take his hair band out, and just as he spins to glower at you, you’re brushing his red locks and he can’t help but melt at the touch. In rarer moments of affection, he will definitely comb your hair out after a bath, or if you are unwell. He’s an emotionally constipated gremlin, just kiss his cheek and tell him to relax. he’s really bad at braids though, don’t expect that of him-your hair will be in knots before very long.

[a/n: took a short break today and decided to work on some headcanons :) ]

[myjunkisyuzuruhanyu]

I don't remember who, but someone once said Shoma performs by pacing himself according to his rivals' condition. If they make mistakes, he does, too. If they have high scored performances, so does he. It is not always true, but I think they are right. In my opinion, what delayed Shoma's acquisition of gold medal before was him believing he cannot beat Nathan or Yuzuru. This season, it looks like he has mixed feelings regarding competition about artistry and all. But this aspect aside, when he was asked about beating Malinin, he says it is difficult. If we check the reality, I think it is not true. Of course, judges' decision to infilate Malinin's scores through undeserved pcs and all, and detecting and punishing Shoma's every mistake including non-existent ones contribute him to think like that. Not to mention, Shoma never receives the PCS he deserves. In the end, I am afraid Shoma will create his own obstacles by believing he cannot achieve this or that. For me, he is a skater who has a chance of getting olympic gold medal if he continues. Of course 2 years is so far away and an unknown future , but I am trying to emphasize his capability. So, it is not really a question but I wish he considered himself an unbeatable competitor. I wonder what would happen then. Btw, I am okay with Shoma not winning if he is content with himself and his skating. But he is really extremely humble that it looks like it creates a psychological obstacle.

(Assuming this goes together anon! Also sended quite a while ago, so sorry for answering so late! 🙇)

I think there is a lot to unpack here...it might get long...see it as a "discussion" even if you didn't post a particular question...

I cannot tell you who said Shoma would "pace himself according to his rivals"...I think there is a sort of correlation between skaters doing good and skaters following that also doing good and vice versa that a bad performance leads to more skaters having bad performances. If we look at 2018 Worlds free skate for example, everyone in the last group had horrible skates apart from Nathan (who magically wasn't affected or how I believe learned to distance himself from pressure after the horrible SP at the Olympics), which lead Shoma to win silver despite 3 falls, just bc everyone else was even worse. And I think Shoma didn't like winning the medal that way. I think it's only natural that skaters are influenced by the mood of the audience and skaters. Shoma is a skater that watches his competition until he has to start so Shoma knows exactly what he has to do. So I am almost sure he sometimes just does what he has to in order to get the result he needs. If it's crucial to put the combinations in at the end to secure a medal, he does them like at GPF 2023, but if he knows he'd done enough to win like at GPF 2022 he will not go for it. I think Shoma is smart in that regard, he does difficulty also according to his competition sometimes (and I think that was also a strategy that helped Nathan to win bc he always did adjust his difficulty according to his competition). If you want to call it "pacing to his rivals' condition" or just knowing what he has to do in order to achieve what he needs is up to you. Shoma is not really a skater that skates clean, yet his results speak for himself, that he still has such high personal bests of 212 points TSS, even with couple of errors. So I think Shoma will aim for Gold and to beat Ilia, he's just realistic that it's not gonna be guaranteed to win and also that it's not easy. And ofc if we look at the scores this season it's not Shoma who is in the best position. I don't think you have to fear that he will just condition himself to be good enough to podium. Shoma always paces himself with each competition. I think the real obstacle here are his new boots that may hinder the pacing. For the last two years Shoma has paced himself that he would always have peak condition at the 2nd half of the season. (Even if in 2023 Worlds he was injured, he was well prepared)

"In my opinion, what delayed Shoma's acquisition of gold medal before was him believing he cannot beat Nathan or Yuzuru."

I don't think that's the entire truth. Yes Shoma didn't believe in himself enough to win for sure, but I also think it was just realistic to not think of winning only. I think Shoma was always one that was in the mix to win but not as the favorite (and that's not bc of the judges but bc of BV and consistency) Tbh Nathan had a crazy consistency and also Yuzu's consistency was way better than Shoma's so in reality the chance to win against Nathan (after 2017-2018 season) and Yuzu (from the start) was slim. If everyone would have been clean, Shoma would not have won. When Shoma started to have 5 quads in 2021-2022 then he could cross the line to win on his own accord, before his BV would not have allowed him to pass Yuzu and Nathan even with a clean skate. But up until then it was not only a lack of confidence. I think Shoma was just realistic. Btw Shoma tried to have a different approach in 2018-2019. He did in fact tell media that he wants to win against Nathan and Yuzu. But this approach let him down. He was good in practice and never got it together in competition against Nathan and Yuzu. I think this approach was even what lead him to struggle so much mentally until he felt he was not good enough for any medal. He was close to quitting soon after Worlds 2019. He came in with the height of winning 4cc and delivered worse than ever at Worlds that season. Afterwards I think the believe in himself was completely broken. It took 2 years to get back on a confidence level and then there was also COVID...that was an emotional rollercoaster, never in a million years would I have imagined him to become back to back World champion, I was worried he would quit without ever achieving any big title.

"This season, it looks like he has mixed feelings regarding competition about artistry and all. But this aspect aside, when he was asked about beating Malinin, he says it is difficult. If we check the reality, I think it is not true. [...] In the end, I am afraid Shoma will create his own obstacles by believing he cannot achieve this or that. For me, he is a skater who has a chance of getting olympic gold medal if he continues."

Again I think Shoma is just being realistic. I am the first person to emphasize that Shoma is still in Gold contender position and I was also the one to continuesly emphasize that the Gold was his to lose last season and I sort of still believe that, bc Shoma so far did not deliver his absolute best while skaters like Ilia and Adam this season have still room for adding points but especially Adam I consider to be at a maximum PB score if he's not adding more difficulty. If Ilia would have landed the 4A at GPf 2023 ofc his points would have been a tad higher as well but it's still nothing that Shoma could not achieve with clean skates for SP and FS. Yet realistically Ilia, Adam and Yuma also have a chance to win, bc their score potential is so close to one another, so for me it's a way healthier approach to not expect to win but just try to focus on yourself and your own goal instead of the win only. I also don't think winning only is truly what Shoma wants at this point bc he said himself that winning is cool but also kind of boring, he lost motivation last season with winning. (That's not a direct quote but a summary btw) Shoma experienced to win, but instead of bunking on his legacy and focusing on a winning streak, he reduced the technical content knowing very well that it would cost him points if he doesn't manage to skate his current BV clean - with a quad more you have more room for mistakes - yet he chose this approach for the season. He also knew a focus on artistry would not get him better scores, yet he still chose this path. If Shoma's goal would be winning only he would not have changed his 5 quad approach this season. He can still very well do the 4S, he could return to a 5 quad program to have better chances at beating Ilia but he so far decided against it. So let's see if he adds it back in for Worlds.

I think Shoma has a chance of getting Gold at Olympics but tbh at this point I doubt that it's what he wants. The Olympics was never as important for him than for everyone else. In 2018 he even said it's just another competition. He underestimated the aftereffects of the celebrity like status and expectations that followed bc of it, but the competition itself was not more meaningful to him. I think 2022 was not that different. I am not convinced that Worlds 2024 will be his last competition, but at the same time I am also not convinced that it's not his last. If Shoma has the ideal skate he thrives for - what medal that may be - he may retire. And actually if that's what he feels is best for him than that's ok. I come to terms with the fact that Shoma will retire sooner or later, it took me a long time but now I can say I am at peace with that.

I don't see Shoma's way as a "psychological obstacle", I see it as a healthy approach to competition. I have seen the contrary approach in Yuzu: Yuzu was all about winning, specific titles, specific goals and that's what worked for him lots of times, but I don't feel it's a healthy approach to always aim for first when you know it's not always gonna happen, no one in this sport is truly unbeatable bc ice is slippery. It will make you unhappy if you're not able to achieve your goals. So in this sense I always felt Shoma has a healthier mindset. It's not that Shoma doesn't like winning or doesn't want to win, but he is realistic that it might not always happen. Shoma will never see himself as an unbeatable competitor, bc he is realistic and bc he knows his flaws. He is not boastful and overconfident, he is humble indeed but I think that's what makes him special that he sees his competition and is happy for them if they achieve something for themselves. He's not unhappy when others win, look at how complimentary Shoma was of Nathan, Yuzu, Adam, Ilia and Yuma. Even if Shoma feels unfairly treated like at NHK23 he didn't begrudge Yuma his win, he let out his frustration against the judges in the interview, but imo he was more unhappy with the result bc he felt the skate was good and didn't get the proper reward, so ppl would like to rewatch it and bc Stephane was so upset about it. If all Shoma cares a bit too much about his surroundings - his fans, the coaches, other skaters - but I don't think that's a bad trait to have. I think if it wouldn't be for fans and Stephane and probably a bit of not knowing what else to do, Shoma would have long retired, but he is still here to reward us all, not himself imo. (Bruh this guy doesn't even know where he keeps all his medals and wanted to gift his medal to the grave. Good that he has a family that cares) It may seem contradictory but I think that's what truly works for him. This season the scores have been quite disappointing - also for Shoma himself - but if we look at it objectively his results ain't bad. He won Nationals, he got a Silver medal at GPF and all of this despite judges not being fully supportive of him, especially the technical panel has been even unfair, yet he didn't finish off podium. I am not disappointed that Shoma doesn't see himself as the best skater - what imo he currently definitely is - but I am disappointed even angry at ppl downplaying his achievements or his fans losing believe in his abilties. The results are out of Shoma's hands in the end - that's up to the judges how they treat him. Let's hope they are fair at Worlds.

I think just as important is that WE as his fans believe in him. That we support him. And with that believe of everyone else around him he has the believe in himself. I believe in Shoma. I trust in Shoma to deliver a performance that leaves us speechless. Will he win? Maybe. But even if not, what's the problem? He has two world titles, he's 26 years old, he has a long career and many medals. He has written his name in the history books. He's the 2nd most decorated Japanese skater of all time behind Yuzu. What more is there to achieve? 😌

[rdng1230]

More Ted Lasso Musings

Before I start let me say once again that this season has contained absolutely wonderful moments and is still a wonderful bit of light in a buuuuunch of darkness. Also spoiler warning.

Cool, so I've figured out what's bothering me this season and its that they're either showing us everything and telling us nothing, or showing us nothing (of actual character significance) and telling us everything. in the showing us everything and telling us nothing category we've got my love Keeley Jones. I feel like we've spent a massive amount of time at KJPR and I still feel like I'm scratching my head as to what they were trying to tell us. They've set Keeley up to be this incredibly competent and bright person, and when they give her her shot it all goes to shit. and I get it "you can't always get what you want" so says the song for this season's trailer, but I'm struggling to understand the thing that she got that she needed that she didn't already have. She had Rebeccas love and support, I mean she has Roy back but this does not seem like the show where the moral of a long story about her starting her own business is that she has her boyfriend back. I actually would love people's take on what you think we're supposed to get out of Keeley's storyline.

Onto the telling but not showing category we got my guy Nate the Great. He has been so totally short changed this season on his redemption arc. It is HARD to become a better person. It is HARD to admit you fucked up. It is HARD to turn against your own knee jerk insecurities and reactions. It is ESPECIALLY HARD to do that in an environment that is actively incentivizing you to act on those insecurities and reactions. So even though I absolutely believe Nate deserving and capable of these huge leaps forward in overcoming his own internal crap, I think we've completely sidelined that narrative of what's pushing him to actually take those huge leaps forward. At the end of season 2, it was clear Nate was really struggling, and I'm not gonna lie I hated the way he treated those around him, like Beard said it was "personal, and weird" but I also felt a huge amount of sympathy and compassion because no one gets that way without something horrible happening to them first. So when the last scene of season 2 happened and he was teased as this big time villain, I was sad, but not surprised. I expected him to get his redemption, but I also expected that to be a really difficult journey for him where he was likely going to get worse before he got better. So now we're in season 3 and he suddenly just makes all these huge leaps forward, they feel from out of nowhere, not because I don't feel like he's capable of it, but rather that should've been more difficult to do, and also it should've been a moment of great personal triumph for Nate! The way I think of it is imagine if Rebecca had just waltzed into teds office in season 1 and confessed about the sabotage with no context. Sure we would've believed her capable of it, sure we would've believed she deserved forgiveness, but we all would've been scratching our heads as to what made her have this reckoning within herself. they would've told us Rebecca changed instead of shown why and how she changed like what they're doing with Nate.

I actually think there's so many parallels between the relationship of Nate and Jade and the relationship of Roy and Jamie. Both Nate and Roy made stupidly bad and self destructive decisions around the end of last season. Both are in a low point in their emotional journeys, almost all of Nathan's emotional scenes have been with Jade while all of Roy's emotional scenes have been with Jamie. The thing is, that's not where their respective internal work really needs to get done? Nate already took the plunge and asked out Jade last season, and Roy already showed real vulnerability when he hugged Jamie after the thing with his dad (not that I think that means everything wrapped up with a shiny bow or anything, but just that each character has much bigger fish to fry in terms of character growth) I do think Nate and Jade have become really cute just as Roy and Jamie's scenes have felt ripped straight out of a fluffy fanfic. but do these scenes actually show us that Nate/Roy are getting better? We've already seen Nate being an absolute sweetheart with the women in his life who he loves, his mother, his niece (even if we didn't actually see her till this season it was clear that they had a very warm and positive relationship) and Keeley, so him being able to be vulnerable and open up with Jade is lovely, but not really that new of a territory. If we could just see Nate having a shift maybe with his coaching staff or the West Ham players, this would feel more meaningful because we saw him struggle way more with people he perceives as part of his own hierarchy structure. Its the same with Roy. We've seen Roy open up to Jamie in the past so their relationship, while fucking adorable, is not doing anything to address the real struggle inside Roy that he's ignoring. It would be way more meaningful to see Roy have moments where he chooses to have joy instead of running away. Instead we get scenes like where the sports pundit squad just says oh by the way Nate left West Ham, in the same way that Ms. Bowen says to Roy that he seems less stuck. Umm what? Since when? what happened? All tell and no show. Or showing only the least character growth relevant scenes and then just be like oh by the way they fixed it.

reblog and comment away because I'm interested in people's take on this.

[polyklok]

S, T, U FROM THE FLUFF ASKS WITH NATHAN PRETTY PLEASE I BEG OF YOU 🙏🙏🙏😖😖😖

LETS GO-

Coming right up!

S- Security

Nathan is so damn protective of you, it’s adorable. Anytime the two of you are out in public, he wraps his huge arms around your body and glares at anyone looking your way, especially fans and cameras. If you’re in any socially uncomfortable situation, he’s right there to swoop you away, no questions asked. He’s a big guy, too, so he does a pretty good job at playing guard dog.

If you get in physical danger, he panics. Remember when he saved Toki’s ass during the Mordhaus fire? Yeah, his brain hyperfocuses on getting you to safety, even if he gets hurt in the process. And he’s going to clutch onto for at least a week after, muttering about how fragile you are and how he could’ve lost you. Please comfort him, for his own sake.

As for you protecting him…he thinks it’s cute and a little bit hot.

T- Try

At the beginning of the relationship, it’s 100%. He puts so much effort into extravagant dates, impressive gifts, and big gestures. He’s trying to impress you with how rich and famous he is.

As time goes on, he gets more comfortable and has a better understanding of your likes and interests. He still tries super hard, but it’s more focused on making these things right rather than just big. The dates become simple, but everything is done just right. The gifts are personalized. The gestures are genuine. He’s trying to cater to your wants and needs while also expressing just how big his heart is for you.

He also really likes procedure, so eventually his everyday effort is going to be you two forming an everyday routine that suits both of your schedules. And he is so damn proud and happy with it.

U-Ugly

He’s gonna take a long time to be honest and genuine with you. Anything to do with his mental health and creative process is gonna be off-limits until he thinks he can trust you with it. Which might also be a while, because he’s quite cautious. For the first few months, you’re gonna get a brief description of how his day went, maximum.

He also has no boundaries when it comes to the other Dethklok members. If someone most likely Pickles asks, they’re gonna get a very vivid explanation about private arguments, bad habits of yours, and your sex life. Good luck.

Also, a smidge of jealousy. Not too much, just enough to be annoying sometimes.

BTW; If anyone else wants to make a request, refer back to here.