#visited toronto for 2 days

[bratthewurst]

Love that i seem like i know where im going so im in a city i do not live in being asked for directions. My brother in christ, im just as lost as you, im just more confident about it

[uglyandtraveling]

Day 2 at Geary Art Crawl 2024 - Toronto Canada (Urdu/ Hindi vlog)

*Day 2* : At Geary Art Crawl 2024: A Two-Day Celebration of Art, Culture & Creativity! Join me as I explore the 4th edition of the Geary Art Crawl, a unique two-day event on Geary Avenue, stretching from Ossington to Dufferin in Toronto.

This vibrant festival brings the neighbourhood to life with incredible music, visual art installations, pop-up shops, delicious food, and so much more! Founded in 2021, the Geary Art Crawl has quickly become a must-attend event for art lovers and creatives.

Produced by Uma Nota Culture, in collaboration with west-end arts organizations, this festival showcases the best of Toronto’s local talent and creative spirit. Whether you're into art, live music, or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, this rain-or-shine event has something for everyone!

*Day 1* : Watch the complete vlog of the first day of this event right here! https://youtu.be/V7EGYLODoxs

Come along as I experience the diverse mix of art, culture, and community that makes this event so special. Don’t miss out—this vlog will take you right into the heart of the action!

Whether you're a local or a visitor, my vlogs offer a fresh perspective on Toronto's vibrant urban landscape. Therefore, subscribe my channel for more exciting travel vlogs showcasing the best of Toronto and beyond.

And if you enjoyed watching this video, please don't forget to like and comment leave your feedback. Thanks for watching! 🌷🌆🚶‍♂️

[sunrizef1]

big reputation pt 2

Pairing: Logan Sargeant x Reader, Max Verstappen x ex!reader

Warnings: Cursing

Authors note: sorry this took so long bbgs

Pt 1 Pt 3

yourusername added to their story

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

yourusername added to their story

alex_albon

Friend???

Yeah, real fucking funny

yourusername

Get out of my DMs

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lilymhe

“Friend”?

Girl that's the love of your life

“Not because he owns me but because he rly knows me” or whatever

yourusername

Ah I love him 😍

lilymhe

Trust me, i know

I've seen more than I want to

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fernandoalo_official

friend?

Querida, ese hombre te ama.

yourusername

You're the third person to comment on the “friend” thing

fernandoalo_official

Porque las únicas personas que no saben que os queréis son ciegas 😂

translation: (Friend? Darling, that man loves you) (you're the third person to comment on the friend thing) (because the only people who don't know you love each other are blind)

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logansargeant

Friend???

yourusername

Oh my god

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TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

yourusername added to their story

oscarpiastri

I don't appreciate being cut out of this picture

yourusername

Are you my boyfriend or his teammate

oscarpiastri

I'm his friend 😔

yourusername

you'll get an Insta story the day Im in your garage for race day

oscarpiastri

But you'd never be in my garage

yourusername

Well 🤷‍♀️

oscarpiastri

Damn 😔

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yourusername added to their story

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

yourusername added to their story

logansargeant

DELETE DELETE DELETE

THEYRE GONNA FIGURE OUT THATS ME AND BURN ME AT THE STAKE

yourusername

LMFAO

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TWITTER

MESSAGES

INSTAGRAM

yourusername

liked by logansargeant taylorswift and 31,998,776 others

yourusername guys!!!! Ive seen the support on reputation and after the year I’ve had, I’m so grateful for every person that’s listened to and supported the album. As a little present for your support, I’m going on tour!!! This is only leg 1, so if there isn’t a show near you, look out for leg 2 after this one, we’ll be visiting several more countries and cities! Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM, I can’t wait to see you all on the Reputation Stadium Tour!!! 🖤🖤🖤

load comments…

user1 YESSSSSS LETS GO

user2 omg I’m gonna be back in the trenches of Ticketmaster again

user3 I need to hear don’t blame me in a packed stadium plssss

user4 no KC????

yourusername we’ll be in kc on leg 2 100%!!!

user4 LFG!!!! Tysm bae

user5 damn she loves Vegas doesn’t she

user6 the most random schedule ever lmfao

user7 she’s going to Austria!!!! No one ever goes to Austria!!!

user8 this is the first tour I’ve seen that isn’t just entirely American cities lmfao

user9 there’s like actual European cities instead of just London lol

user10 I think I recognize the order of some of these stops…

user11 Baku is so random lmfao

user12 why does she go back and forth to the us like 4 times??? 😭

charles_leclerc can’t wait!!!!

yourusername 🫶

user13 she’s coming to Hungary 😍

logansargeant this schedule looks a bit familiar 🤔

yourusername wonder why that is 🤷🏻‍♀️

user14 these tickets are gonna be so hard to get

landonorris so which show are we all going too then

oscarpiastri from the looks of it, we could go to all of them

landonorris I might not go that far 😅

logansargeant I will 🫡

lewishamilton my votes for London n1

carlossainz I say Madrid

fernandoalo_official how about both

liked by yourusername

user15 I live in France but I will be buying tickets to Madrid and London in hopes of seeing the drivers

user16 OHHHH ITS THE F1 SCHEDULE

liked by yourusername

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yourusername added to their story

TWITTER

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yourusername

📍Toronto, Canada

liked by landonorris logansargeant and 35,998,004 others

yourusername Toronto you were absolutely electric for opening night of the Reputation Tour!!! I’m in awe of how many of you came out to support the show and I hope it lived up to your expectations! It was also nice to see some friends come out to support before their race this weekend 🫶. Thank you so much Toronto, I’ll see you guys again for Night 3!

Tagged: lilymhe alex_albon oscarpiastri landonorris fernandoalo_official georgerussel carmenmundt logansargeant

Load comments…

user17 WAIT THIS IS SO CUTE

user18 the show was so good!!!!!

user19 did yall see all the drivers hanging out in the vip tent 😭

user20 y/n kept pointing at the tent during every love song 😭😭😭

user21 it was so amazing!

landonorris what is that picture of me, I do not remember that

yourusername it’s from when your flight landed at two am and you both showed up to soundcheck at 6 am

landonorris and you decided to post that one???

yourusername it’s the only picture I have where you’re not wearing McLaren merch 🤷‍♀️

user22 wait Oscar and Lando showing up to soundcheck is kind of adorable

fernandoalo_official it was very good chica!!

yourusername thank you Nando!!!

user23 that picture of Alex and Lily is so cute

lilymhe it was so amazing, I’m so glad the schedule happens to line up so I can go to more shows!!! 🫶

yourusername you can have a reserved spot in the vip tent lils ❤️

lilymhe 😭🫶

user24 why is Logan tagged on the microphone slide??? He’s not in the slideshow but he’s tagged???

user25 slide 8 is 100% him but she just didn’t tag him, I know it

lewishamilton this is Lewis Hamilton erasure

yourusername ahhhh I’m sorry lew! I don’t have a good picture of you at the show where you’re not out of focus!

lewishamilton this is what happens when I let Fernando take pictures. Guess I’ll just have to go to more shows until I make the slideshow 🤔

yourusername you’re welcome any time, it was great to have you 🫶

user25 slide 8 is so cute 😭

logansargeant so good 😍

yourusername 🫶

user26 now why did Logan have the least to say out of anyone 🙄

user27 I’m convinced it’s because they’re sitting next to each other right now

alex_albon lilys now obsessed with the show so I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of us during leg 1

yourusername don’t act like you didn’t have fun as well

alex_albon oh I definitely did, I’ll have to start planning new reputation themed outfits to match the crowd

yourusername the bleached hair would match perfectly

charles_leclerc me and Alex had a wonderful time, thank you so much for inviting us!!!

yourusername it was so great to have you both supporting the show!

alexandrasaintmleux it was beautiful, mon chou!

yourusername tysm Alex ❤️

user28 all the drivers in the comments 😭

oscarpiastri Lando cried

landonorris no I didn’t stfu

yourusername there’s pictures lan

landonorris New Year’s Day is just so heartwarming 😔

yourusername dw lan, there’s also pictures of Oscar crying

oscarpiastri you know why I cried 😔 I’m just empathetic for his happiness 🙄

user29 “I’m empathetic for his happiness” okay so that’s about Logan and you can’t tell me otherwise

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lewishamilton

Honored to make it into the slideshow 🫶

yourusername

lol you’re welcome lew

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alex_albon

Why do you have a picture of me asleep

yourusername

guess

alex_albon

Lily?

yourusername

Of course

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georgerussell

I’m going to be completely honest

I was completely black out

yourusername

I could tell

Not offended

georgerussell

Hey I do remember the giant snake though

this just means I’ll have to go to more shows and remember those ones

yourusername

You and Carmen are always welcome

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landonorris

Thank you?

Not sure to reply to the small-ass text

yourusername

dw the lmfao wasn’t about you

landonorris

Yeah, I assumed lmao

Glad I could avenge you 🫡

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[biancadoes1]

I'm developing an eye twitch reading these asinine anon asks. So I would like to point out my own experience in how well Luke and Nicola can navigate life under the radar and not be seen.

My family and I were on vacation June 2-6 in Toronto this year. We arrived at our hotel and were frantically hurried in by the valet staff even though it was basically empty. We checked in after the hotel's check-in time and were quickly ushered to their lounge to drink tea on their dime for 45 minutes. I kept thinking this is so odd, I have never had this happen with this certain hotel before.

We enjoyed our vacation visiting different sites around Toronto for multiple days often leaving and returning many times during the day/evening. Halfway through the vacation I noticed Nicola posted a picture of her outfit in the hotel's neighboring park. And I thought, son of a bitch, they're staying here! I also know it was the same hotel that was named in the print interview with them. Of course, they were long gone and probably already to Galway by the time I noticed, because Nicola doesn't post in real time.

I never once saw them and had probably watched part 1 about a billion times. (I'd also like to say I've never in my life watched a series repeatedly.) Needless to say, I definitely would have recognized them and promptly fainted. At that time, I had no idea about the WT.

Since I am married to my own Colin, my husband still teases me to this day that I never even caught a glimpse of them. I did get a Tudum invite to watch episode 5 early though, so there's that...

This is a very cool story!

People don't realize celebrities can fly under the radar all they want to. It's not a difficult concept in the slightest.

Thank you for sharing and maybe one of these days you'll get your chance to see them in the flesh! ☺️

[ayedafuq]

Hamzah imagine I’m sorry god

POV: You got invited up to Toronto by your friend (Y/F) who hangs in the same circle as the Slushy Noobz crew, u n Hamzah meet at a party, get a little too tipsy, and you flirt just a taaaad .

——

(Y/F) : bitch come out the room and DRINK

Currently hiding away in her room (where I’ve been a freeloader for the past 2 days), I see Y/F’s text to come and join the pregame she’s having in her living room. She moved from our hometown to Toronto, a place I haven’t been before this, and I’m visiting her for the week. I came up on Wednesday and after our playful time catching up together for the past two days, she decided it’d be a good idea to go out with some of the friends she made. She currently has about 8 people in her living room playing drinking games, and I’m sitting on the floor staring into her full body mirror, ready to go to the bar, nervous as FUCK about meeting her friends.

After ignoring her text for approximately 30 seconds, she comes into the room. “OOOO GURRRRL YOU LOOKIN GOOOOOD” she says. I know she knows I’m nervous.

“Wait close the door” I say to her, and she does. “Dude, what if they don’t like me.” My anxiety is clearly getting the best of me.

“Fuck do you mean what if they don’t like you? You’re quite literally my twin. If they don’t like you then I’ll KNOW they secretly don’t like me. And they love me, so chill the fuck out. Get up” she picks me up out off the ground and pulls me out into her living room.

“Guess who’s heeeerrrree” she says to the group, and they all start to cheer. “There she is!” One of the girls says. A guy chimes in, “The visitor has arrived!”

Y/f drags me around the party to share names, my nerves subsiding. Everyone here is really nice. Why was I even worried?

“Hey, I’m Mandy. I work at the animal shelter with y/f. I’ve heard so much about you!” The girl says. I reply telling her I’ve heard about her too. “Y/f says the only reason she goes there is to pet animals and hang out with you” I tell her. “Yea sounds about right, I do the same thing.”

Me, Mandy and Y/f chat for a couple minutes sharing some laughs and stories, until the guy who chanted earlier and his friend come up. “Y/n, this is my boyfriend Martin. And this is Hamzah, avoid him.”

I give my hellos and introduce myself to Martin. We banter for a quick second before I turn to Hamzah. “Hellooo, I’m Y/n.” I give him a quick smile he returns. “Hey Y/n, how do you like Toronto so far?”

Before I can even answer, Y/f interrupts. “I’m gonna need you guys to shut up and grab a drink. We’re leaving for the bar in 30, and me and Y/n still need to demolish half the party in flip cup. Grab two seltzers from the fridge” she tells me. “You better lock in, I told everyone you never miss a flip.”

—

Two hours later and we’re at the bar, and it’s safe to say I’m feeling preeeetty nice. Her friends are so sweet, and I can’t help but feel so happy that she found these people.

Mandy, y/f, Hamzah and I are standing by a high top table, and I take the liberty in sharing some stories of me and y/f from parties in high school.

“When I tell you I turned my head for 3 seconds and y/f was gone, I mean it. I’m running through the party like a chicken without a fucking head, looking like a maniac asking everyone where she is. Mind you, I’m like 17 and hammered, so I was probably acting like the hulk.”

“Jesus Christ y/n don’t..” she says.

“After 10 minutes where do I find this bitch? Asleep in this random bitch’s closet with her head, quite literally, in a bucket.”

Hamzah and Mandy are cracking up. “You didn’t even know who threw the party?” Hamzah asks between laughs.

“Not a fucking clue. Y/f felt right at home though” I say, giggling myself.

“Girl I hate you, but yea I did. That bucket was my crib. Need to go to the bathroom?” Y/f asks me.

I tell her I’m alright for now, and Mandy tells her she needs to go so they scurry off together.

“Wow, so you guys have been friends for a while huh?” Hamzah says, still smiling from the story.

“Yea, we’ve been through a lot together. She’ll never get rid of me I fear” I say back.

“Damn, that’s awesome. Y/f is super cool, I’m happy she moved up here. When’s it your turn?” He says, his smile becoming more of a smirk. It hasn’t gone over my head that this kid is fucking adorable, but hes been acting pretty shy all night. The sly comment took me by surprise.

“Man I wish I could. It’s been on my mind a lot since she moved here” I reply.

“What’s stopping you?” He asks.

“I guess I’m just scared. It’s a big move, and she’s got the balls to do it. I’m not sure I do.”

“I felt the same way too, I pretty much hauled ass across the country of Canada at 18. I lived out of my car for a bit actually, it was a nightmare. I’d do it all again though, it was the best decision I’ve made. If I could do it, a pretty girl like you could too.”

Pretty girl?

“Pretty girl?” I say back, a little smug. The drinks are getting to me I fear.

“I’m sorry, was that weird?” He gets a little shy again. I giggle to let him know it wasn’t.

“Not at all. Thank you, pretty boy” I playfully shove his arm. I cringe in my head. I gotta be fucking kidding.

“Pretty boyyy I see I see” he says with a smile. “You think I’m a pretty boy?”

“Only a little bit. Like, this much” I pinch my fingers together the closest I can without having them touch.

“Well, thiiiis pretty boy” he mimics my fingers, “thinks you should move to Toronto thiiiis much” he separates them a little more. “Because he’d like to see you more thiiiiis badly” he separates them as far as he can. Damn, he has nice hands.

“Wow that’s pretty badly” I respond. Thank god I have makeup on because this cheesy shit might be making me blush.

“Yea, it’s alarming. Think about it, pretty girl” he tilts his head towards me playfully as he says pretty girl, getting a little close and then backing his head away swiftly. His smirk is fully activated and the eye contact we’re making is pretty hot. I smile back at him with my tongue touching my canine (do yk what I’m talking about like that lil sexy smile), tilting my head slightly to the side as if to say oh, ur flirting with me, noted. and just as I’m about to respond, y/f and Mandy return from the bathroom.

“Stop harassing her Hamzah she’s never gonna want to come back” Mandy says. “Come on, we’re gonna go back to y/f’s and play drinking games. This bar is boring.”

Hamzah follows after Mandy, glancing back at me quickly with a cheeky smile before turning his head. Y/f gets in my ear.

“Hamzah likes you. Mandy can tell. She told me in the bathroom.”

—-

Okay guys hi this is like so bullshit but I was feeling playful idk I hope you enjoyed if you made it this far

-ayev

[youunravelme]

okay but how does mat propose??? (like a pt. 2 follow up to the wedding cake fic)

omg omg omg a proposal request!! let it be known, i have never been engaged, BUT all my friends got engaged/married last year so i think i'm uniquely qualified (edit: this was started in 2023, you know, when this request was sent. once again, my b). (though this might just turn into my dream proposal bc i'm in love with him).

for those of you who wanna check the part 1 of the wedding cake fic, here it is!

another edit: i wrote this to distract myself from my absolute disdain at scott mayfield.

carry on.

his hands were sweating all day.

which was weird, considering it was february.

but it wasn't weird, given what he had planned. he didn't know if he wanted to scream or throw up. the idea of you becoming his wife surely made him giddy, but it was soured with the slight chance that you might say no. he was supposed to propose before the season started up again, but he was plagued with anxious thoughts.

it's not the right time.

i'm not ready yet.

or the worst one: i don't think i'm that serious about you.

which, in hindsight, wouldn't make sense considering you were already living together and have been for quite some time. you wore his jersey to games, you had conversations about starting a family, you texted his mom and sister more than he did. there was no reason for you to say no.

right?

right?

after he chickened out back in september, mat's new plan was to wait until the bye week to propose. he was going to take you on a vacation to conil de la frontera, spain. he had everything booked and ready.

but then he was drafted for the 2024 all star games.

he could see it in your eyes, you were ecstatic for him to be recognized, but when you took a week and a half off of work, you were planning on packing your bathing suit, not taking a short flight to toronto.

you bore the slight disappointment well, smiling and kissing him and hugging him tightly when he got the news. he beamed when he saw you post about it on your instagram.

he couldn't wait any longer to ask you. your reaction to a change in your vacation plans from something warm to canada in the winter solidified what he was anxious about for months.

you loved him, there as no doubt about it.

you were the most selfless human being he knew.

his teammates had been crucial in the planning process, well, at least their wives were. bo, marty, anders, brock, and clutterbuck had been chirping him since the start of the season when they noticed that your left hand was still devoid of a ring.

"what're you waiting for, barzy?" bo asked after a practice one day. "you found a good one, she'd probably wait forever for you, but why're you making her wait?"

mat shrugged at the time, too embarrassed to admit that despite being one of the best players in the league and having millions to his name, he was terrified that it still wouldn't be enough for you. not that you'd ever demanded more from him, you'd taken him as he was and cheered for him even when he was having the shittiest time of his life.

he could give you the moon and still wouldn't feel like it was enough.

so when mat finally told his teammates about his plan in toronto, they immediately communicated to the wives who were closest to you. sydney, grace, and holly took you out to get your nails done while marty, anders, bo, and mat started researching the most romantic places in toronto on anders' laptop just in case you spontaneously went through mat's search history.

the day was planned, the photographer and necessary tickets were booked, he'd propose at the evergreen brick works after texting auston matthews about cool places to visit while he was in town, (he had to clarify that he didn't care about cool bars, and was looking to bring you along).

you'd been talking nonstop on the plane ride to toronto that you didn't even notice mat was quietly stewing. everything had to be perfect.

it was the very least that you deserved.

the first day in toronto, both of you explored the city by going to coffee shops and restaurants recommended by players and their significant others. when you made it back to your hotel room, your feet were aching.

you fell face first into the bed, whining into the comforter. "my feet hurt," you groaned.

mat laughed from his position leaning against the wall. "i told you to wear better shoes," he said.

"i didn't anticipate you dragging me all over toronto today."

"well, that's what we'll be doing tomorrow too, so prepare yourself."

"mat," you whined, finally flipping over so he could see your pretty face again. you had a cute pout on your lips that he wanted to kiss away. "we're on vacation."

"and you've never been in this city before, you should get to see it." he walked over to where you were and grabbed your hands. "c'mon, let's go take a bath and then we can order room service and spend the rest of the night in bed."

you were quick to agree.

the following day was pretty mundane. but wednesday was the cause of mat's stress.

his phone lit up with texts from his teammates, his parents, liana, tito, and ethan, all wishing him a good luck. the two of you woke up early enough to go to a local cafe and grab breakfast before taking the bus to evergreen brick work.

"you okay?" you asked, placing your hand on his knee to keep it from bouncing anymore.

he thanked whatever possessed him to keep the ring box in his coat pocket on the side that wasn't pressed up against you.

"yeah," he smiled. "just ready to get there."

when the two of you hopped off the bus, you slid your hand into his almost immediately. out of habit, mat tucked you into his side, happy to just have you close. it was a little cold outside, but it was like he couldn't feel it because of your proximity.

"mat!" you tugged on his arm and pointed at one of the signs. "they have ice skating here!" you grinned widely up at him and he couldn't help but smile right back. "we should go!"

"we will," he said. "i wanna do this trail first."

you looked at him funny. "you wanna go on a walk?"

he shrugged, tearing his eyes away from you to focus on the signs in front of him. "auston suggested this place."

"you're asking for a lot of suggestions from auston. it's unlike you..."

"there's no need to be suspcious, babe. i know that you wanted to be in a tropical place for vacation, that was the plan and everything, but since we're here, thought we'd make the most of it."

you scrutinized his face for a moment longer before nodding and pulling yourself closer to him.

after you secured another hot coffee to combat the cold, mat started leading you on the trail. while you were ordering, he was coordinating with the photographer to make sure she was in position.

the trail itself wasn't that long, thankfully because mat couldn't get a word out and if it was any longer, he feared you would've caught on that he was incapable of speaking.

you were still talking about work drama when you got to the lookout point. your voice was taken away by the sight of toronto in the background.

you hadn't always been the most observant person ever, you didn't even know he liked you until he told you verbatim when he couldn't take it anymore.

"oh my god, mat," you gasped. you pointed at the skyline in front of you with the hand that wasn't holding your coffee. "look how pretty it is!"

he swallowed and knelt down on one knee while your back was turned. mat took the ring box out of his jacket pocket, doing his best not to drop it despite how much his hands were shaking.

"have you ever seen anything that--" you whipped back around to look for him. he watched as confusion filled your face when you didn't see him standing behind you, but kneeling in front of you.

"oh my god," you whispered, dropping your coffee on the ground so you could cover your mouth with both hands. "mat what--"

"i love you," he said. "i love the way you squeal at every cute baby that comes across your for you page or the way you cry at the drop of a hat. i love how you celebrate everyone around you. you are the brightest thing in my life and if i quit my job tomorrow, i know my life would still be fucking amazing because i'd have you.

"i know that my schedule is hectic, and you could probably find a man better than me, who was more consistent, who wasn't going to play games or have practices on your birthday, who could take you out of the country for a vacation to somewhere warm instead of dragging you with me to an all star game. but i promise you, i will do whatever it takes to give you the best life possible if you'd let me. i wanna grow old and crinkly with you, i want our kids to have the same last name as both of us. i want to be able to point you out in crowds and tell strangers that i somehow managed to convince you to marry me.

"i have never been more terrified in my life than i am right now," he admitted. "but i have never been more certain of anything i want more in my life than you. so will you have me? will you marry me?"

in the middle of his speech, mat didn't realize when he'd started crying, didn't even notice that you were all but sobbing. he just recognized the scent of your perfume when you lunged towards him and kissed him hard on the mouth, your tears mixing with his.

"yes," you mumbled into his mouth. "oh my god, yes."

mat let out a watery laugh and managed to slip the ring on your finger even though his hands were shaking. you pulled him up to stand and immediately wrapped your arms around his neck to pull him close.

you were sniffling as he pulled you in for another kiss.

"i love you,' he whispered against your lips.

"love you more," you smiled back.

[writingsforwhatever]

magnolia (m.s.) part 1

part 2 part 3

summary: reader has a friends with benefits arrangement with matt (what is there to explain?)

genre: ANGST

word count: 1.4k

a/n: suggestive content? You know what to do, ladies. This is fiction.

The abrupt chill in her apartment struck her hard, wrapping around her like an icy shroud. The stark white walls defining the living room while the vibrant green accent wall provided a homey space for her little coffee bar. It wasn't just the cold; it was the haunting silence that can be heard, a clear contrast to the lively college days where laughter filled every corner of the bright, inviting space with friends.

Autumn had passed, and she found herself rummaging through Matt's old university sweaters from the depths of her closet, seeking solace in his familiar scent during these lonely, frigid days in Boston. She longed for his return, yearning for the warmth of his presence to fill the void around her.

Walking on the cold tile floors, her footsteps echoed softly as she wandered through the apartment, her eyes catching sight of the slightly tilted photo frame showcasing her and her friends from high school. It bothered her, yet she couldn't fix it herself. That was a Matthew Sturniolo chore—he knew where her toolbox was and was the only one capable of reaching it. Memories flooded back of him building a cozy nook by her large windows where she loved to read, along with the white wooden bookshelf he'd carefully chosen in some vintage shop in Cambridge, a thoughtful gift from him. She remembered him telling her that he knew she would like it as the sole reason behind his choice.

She sighed, her gaze drifting to the notebook he had left behind months ago. He had texted her about it, asking if she had seen it, and she confirmed its safe place, nestled securely within the confines of her living room's coffee table. Tomorrow's agenda included a visit to her recently married sister's place. Her plan was simple: gather the homemade cookies Matt always loved, just in time for his arrival.

Meanwhile, his absence lingered as he went on a short trip to Canada with his brothers. A friend had called her two nights ago about seeing Matt with a woman in his arms and letting her know that the girl is somewhat familiar. The familiarity of the girl struck a chord; perhaps she was someone from their college before. Despite this revelation, she remained indifferent. The timely presence of her friend during this seemed almost too coincidental. Yet, she made a conscious decision not to confront Matt about it; after all, he was entitled to date or engage in relationships with whoever he wishes.

Their dynamic was crystal clear as the sunny skies that had once bathed the University of Massachusetts where they had agreed that their relationship is nothing more than a remarkably intimate friends with benefits. This is an understanding they had solidified long ago.

Nine hours away from her by land, Matt found himself gazing at the mesmerizing skylines of Toronto, contemplating whether to reach out to her, to check in, or ask if she had followed through with her plan of delivering the freshly planted flora to his mother, just a short 10-minute drive from her place. However, he opted against it, choosing instead to listen to Chris's friends discussion about their new clothing brand.

When he returned home, she was already calling him, asking to pick her up. The beauty of her tone wrapped around his heart, infusing it with a comforting warmth. Confirming she had indeed brought the plants, and now nestled beside their sofa, a gesture his mother had kindly embraced.

She wore a short blue drop-waist dress, a cardigan draped over her arm, her smile radiant under the sun's glow. From his vantage point in the car, Matt watched her take her time descending the small brick steps of her apartment. It had been a week since he last saw her; she had ventured off to Davis, California, to visit an aunt she hadn't seen in ages, just before his trip up north.

"Look at you," he greeted her with a grin, his eyes roaming appreciatively over her entire presence as she entered his freshly cleaned black SUV. "Is that new?"

Matt's thoughtfulness was a trait she adored about him. It was as if he had committed every book and item she owned to memory. She often reminded herself to give him credit for it one of these days. And he wasn't just thoughtful; he was undeniably sweet too. His gestures, both big and small, resonated deeply—like carving out a cute little space for her plants or surprising her with a spatula simply because he knew it would complement her assortment of black kitchenware.

"Do you like it?" Her smile gleamed, greeting him with a subtle kiss on his cheeks.

"I absolutely love it."

"Thank you. Got it from that newly opened shop down the street. A lovely grandmother was selling it—really sweet lady," she shared.

Matt chuckled at her detailed story. His smile never wavering, her perfume engulfing him wholy, the smell of lazy Sunday mornings, soft skin, and fresh linen—just the way he liked it. "You bought it because she seemed sweet?"

"Not exactly. I got it because it's your favorite color," she said casually, making him raise his eyebrows. Glancing briefly at her and then back to the road, his eyes met hers. "Oh, really?" he teased lightly.

Matt sensed her slight withdrawal at his tone, her revelation perhaps making her uncomfortable, yet it was exactly what he wanted, everything he yearned to hear, and more.

"Uh-huh," she replied, shifting her gaze out the window. "Anyway, how was Canada?"

She was good at this game; skilled at cutting the conversation off faster than you can snap your fingers.

"It was okay. Nick and Chris didn't like Tim Hortons," he chuckled at the memory of Nick's expression.

"Expected," she replied, shaking her head. "Did you see Chris's friends? What were their names again?"

"John and Sam. They seemed intrigued by Chris's new releases and ideas, so it's a good sign for him."

"Ah, that sounds promising," she agreed with a nod. Sneaking another glance at him, she ventured, "Did you meet anyone else?"

It was a simple question, yet she felt herself tiptoeing over an invisible line, feeling an odd tug at her heart as she admired him, bathed in the soft, golden glow of the setting sun.

Matt took a moment, eventually settling on a simple "No," choosing not to mention the woman that occupied his bed for a night. He didn't want to risk spoiling the moment; it already felt perfect when he saw her smiling and walking out the door earlier. He knew she would ask more if he said yes, but he also knew how awkward it would become. It would lead to an uncomfortable conversation, especially given her reluctance to delve into his intimate details with other people.

She never wanted to hear about where he learned a new position or style in bed, even though he sensed she was curious and a little bit hurt. He could feel it in the subtle withdrawal of her body between the sheets and the shift in the mood between them. Similarly, he refrained from asking about the oversized shirts, far larger than her size that he spotted one time in her laundry basket while he helped with her chores. It was not his.

They had learned to navigate this arrangement over the years smoothly. Their shenanigans with other people aren’t crazy but they both know it happens.

He missed her so much during his time in Canada, which led him to talk to the brunette at the bar. To his surprise, she was from their old school, a friend of a friend, now living up north. Everything about the encounter seemed hazy, the way that the woman talked and acted reminded him of her. She was all he could think of, day and night, night and day. It felt like ages since they had seen each other, ever since she visited California and him for Toronto.

Matt reached a breaking point with their casual arrangement. It had become too much for him especially when he saw the girl collecting her clothes on the ground that morning. That same day, after he calmed down and talked it out with Nick and Chris, he felt the urge to call her and apologize, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what for—they were not officially together.

As he sat on the plane, heading back to Boston, he made a firm decision. He was determined to put a label on their relationship and ask her to be his girlfriend.

She nodded in response, pushing aside the ache in her heart caused by his lie. Yet, she silently thanked him for his discretion, grateful that he hadn't mentioned it—she preferred not knowing.

"Okay. Where did you say you wanted to take me again?"

~

special mention to my bestie @querenciasturniolo lol thanks for always supporting me mwa

[svechnikovvv]

ever since toronto (2)

series masterlist: here

y/n.drysdale

liked by jamie.drysdale and others

y/n.drysdale everyone give an official welcome to thor

view comments

jamie.drysdale i know that side profile…

y/n.drysdale no you don’t

jamie.drysdale are you gaslighting me?

y/n.drysdale it’s only gaslight if you believe it is

jamie.drysdale i’m telling mom

y/n.drysdale you don’t scare me

jamie.drysdale i should

trevorzegras thor is my new favorite drysdale

y/n.drysdale 🤨

trevorzegras you’re right. y/n, you’ll always be my favorite drysdale 🙏

jamie.drysdale your stuff is on our doorstep trevorzegras 😊

masonmctavish23 thor kinda looks like trevor

y/n.drysdale don’t insult my dog like that

masonmctavish23 are you talking about thor or trevor?

y/n.drysdale thor

user1 that side profile looks like a certain hughes…

user2 calling it now, it’s quinn

user3 thor woke up in a new bugatti

liked by y/n.drysdale

user4 thor hughes because we ALL know that that’s quinn

jackhughes my favorite nephew

y/n.drysdale and your ONLY one

lhughes_06 cute dog 😉

y/n.drysdale this is why nobody shares secrets with you 🤦‍♀️

lhughes_06 i’ll hard launch you two rn

jamie.drysdale DO IT AND I’LL PAY YOU

y/n.drysdale jamie, go home

_quinnhughes what’s the dog doing 😧

y/n.drysdale driving, obviously 🙄

_quinnhughes is that sass, drysdale?

y/n.drysdale i don’t know. is it, hughes?

lhughes_06 yes quinn, it’s sass. y/n, stop acting clueless in your own comment section. it’s embarrassing 🙄

y/n.drysdale least favorite hughes award goes to luke!

jackhughes does that mean i’m your favorite now?

y/n.drysdale not quite, jacklynn. that title will always belong to my queen ellen 🤞

elblue6 can’t wait for you to bring thor around one day

y/n.drysdale i might come visit this weekend, so probably then!

user5 y/n, girl, we all know it’s quinn. no need to be secretive anymore

user6 soft launch, question mark

user7 y/n and quinn flirting in her comments 🫣

colecaufield i’m stealing him.

y/n.drysdale you steal my dog, i slash your tires

colecaufield jokes on you, i arrived via razor scooter

anaheimducks welcome to the fam, thor!

liked by y/n.drysdale

y/n.drysdale

liked by _quinnhughes and others

y/n.drysdale quinn hughes, my heart holds a special place for you <3

tagged: _quinnhughes

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_quinnhughes you’re my favorite person. i love you so much 💙💚

y/n.drysdale 💙💚

jamie.drysdale OH MY GOD IT’S QUINN

jamie.drysdale EVERYBODY STAY CALM

y/n.drysdale you’re literally the only person freaking out right now

jamie.drysdale BECAUSE THIS IS SEEIOUS I CANT EVWN TYPYE IN FRWJAINGB OUT

y/n.drysdale now i see why trevor doesn’t let you in the house before the street lights come on

trevorzegras QUINN IS WHO YOU WONT LEAVE ME FOR??? i’m okay with this

y/n.drysdale okay z 😭

jackhughes FINALLY. i can sleep peacefully now

y/n.drysdale you’re no better than my brother 🙄

jamie.drysdale THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER y/n.drysdale

user2 I WAS RIGHT

user8 QUINN & Y/N >>>

user9 OH MY GOD. DRYSDALE & HUGHES CROSSOVER???

user10 crossover? 😭

user11 who needs the royal couple when you have y/n & quinn

masonmctavish23 they grow up so fast

y/n.drysdale did jamie make you comment this?

masonmctavish23 no comment.

trevorzegras yes he did. he said, “comment this so my sister doesn’t message me about being too dramatic again” y/n.drysdale

jamie.drysdale IM KICKING YOU OUT AND STARVING YOU trevorzegras

anaheimducks our favorite honorary duck and her canuck!

liked by y/n.drysdale

canucks our huggy found his match 💙💚

liked by y/n.drysdale

user12 THE BLUE AND GREEN HEARTS ❤️‍🩹

user13 i love this relationship

elblue6 you two are the cutest ❤️

y/n.drysdale thanks mama hughes 🫶🏻

colecaufield the cat’s out of the bag

y/n.drysdale HOW DID YOU FIND OUT??

colecaufield …LUKE DID IT

lhughes_06 thank you for making my big brother happy

y/n.drysdale you can’t sweet-talk your way out of this, little hughes

lhughes_06 watch me.

y/n.drysdale this is why ethan is my favorite

edwards.73 THANKS MOM y/n.drysdale

user14 HARD LAUNCH, EXCLAMATION POINT

_alexturcotte i’ve been waiting for this one, TURN IT UP

y/n.drysdale you’ve been listening to lizzo again, haven’t you?

_alexturcotte she just gets me

a/n: 🤭

tags: @jackhues @jackhughesily @nowandkei @starsandhughes @jhughesl0v3r @babydollmarauders @marsmcgroarty @oh-my-ladymay @whenmypartysover @hockeybabe87 @lvrzegras @calermakar

[wub-fur-radio]

Psychedelic Daze ☮︎ Spirit of 1967 vs Reality 2024

A 21st Century Neo-Psychedelic Music Mix

I coulda said it was in my way – D. Crosby

Wub-Fur Internet Radio is back with another of our patent pending streaming mixes of contemporary psych rock from around the world and across the universe. Fourteen tunes that traffic in more than a bit of musical and lyrical nostalgia without completely losing touch with the reality of the present day. Featuring contributions from Helicon, Rancho Relaxo, Robyn Hitchcock, Tess Parks, Jeffrey Alexander + The Heavy Lidders, Bananagun, Deviant Amps, Sons of Zokü, and a half dozen more bands of partially unreconstructed hippies that are up to the task of dragging the spirit of the 1960s kicking and screaming into the third decade of the 21st century.

Cover art based on a photo by Leslie Bryce of David Crosby visiting The Beatles in the studio during the Sgt. Pepper recording sessions in 1967. Apologies to them all and to legendary Swedish psych rockers Gold, whose tune Psychedelic Days kicks off our mix, inspired its title, and serves as something of a mission statement for its unapologetically nostalgic freak-flag-flying spirit.

▶︎ Listen on Mixcloud

Running Time: 1 hour

Tracklist

Psychedelic Days (3:10) — Gold | Sweden

Magma Rising (4:30) — Cosmic Fall | Berlin, Germany

She Taste of LSD (3:05) — Deviant Amps | England, UK

Flesh Failures (Let the Sun Shine In) (3:33) — Mushroom | San Francisco, CA

Burning of the Midnight Lamp (3:59) — Robyn Hitchcock | London, UK

Higher (3:46) — Helicon | Glasgow, UK

Echoes of the Unknown (4:33) — Rancho Relaxo | Norway

You Know [Live Session] (4:38) — Stoner Bud’s | Bordeaux, France

Children of the Man (5:06) — Bananagun | Melbourne, Australia

Lemon Poppy (3:18) — Tess Parks | Toronto, Canada

Glade Runner (2:52) — Pretty Lightning | Saarbrücken, Germany

Earth Chant [Acoustic] (3:37) — Sons of Zöku | Adelaide, Australia

Light the Incense (3:01) — Black Snake Moan | Italy

Almost Cut My Hair (10:35) — Jeffrey Alexander + The Heavy Lidders | Philadelphia, PA

• Outro: Getting the Beatles High (0:20) — The Croz

All tracks released in 2024, except She Taste of LSD by Deviant Amps, which was released in 2023, and Glade Runner by Pretty Lightning, which will be released in 2025.

[couldawouldashoulda50]

Chapter Four - Time Alone Links to One Two and Three here

A/N - I likely didn't proofread this as well as I should. I hope you enjoy it all the same. Things are warming up between these two.

Notes/Warnings - typical profanity, fluff Word Count - 8k

As anticipated, Loren arrived near the designated spot, which was a park just off Bay Street, more than an hour early.  Nevertheless, she was thankful for the extra time since it gave her an opportunity to decompress from the adventures of driving in the city of Toronto.

Loren began walking west along Yorkville Avenue, eventually spotting all the luxury fashion stores that she’s only ever heard about or seen in the movies. One after the other - Chanel, Versace, Balenciaga - Loren felt her excitement grow as she strolled past each store window.  She may never know what it's like to buy anything from these stores or live in the swanky part of the city. At that moment, it didn’t matter anyway. What mattered most to Loren is that she finally felt like she was shedding her old skin. She felt alive instead of just trying to survive the cards she had been dealt.

After treating herself to a small bit of food and an espresso, her heart began to lurch while walking back to the park entrance to meet William. As it approached 2:00, Loren was so engrossed with the sights and sounds of the surrounding city that she had not seen William and his two furry companions as they approached.

William had spotted Loren a mile away.  Despite the area being busy with a ton of foot traffic typical for a Thursday, she stood out to him immediately.  He could not help but grin widely at how adorable she seemed while she slowly paced back and forth in front of the park’s sign.  He saw her smile politely at a couple of passersby that made eye contact with her.   William watched as the two men nudged and batted each other in the arm as they craned their necks back around to look at Loren.

Despite their behaviour while they continued to eye-fuck Loren, the men never said a word to her and kept walking. Loren remained unaware of the spectacle they made as they disappeared down the street.

Loren turned when she heard the crunch of footsteps on the thin layer of gritty snow that had fallen overnight.  Her face lit up as Pablo and Banksy approached her with their tails wagging enthusiastically and then her eyes moved to William’s smiling face.

The pair hugged and diverted their attention back to the dogs who seemed ready for William to say the command allowing them to let loose and tear around the park.   Pablo and Bansky happily trotted ahead of Loren and William as they entered the park while the two caught up from their last conversation.

Although William’s beloved dogs could have been used to help start or end a conversation, William quickly found he didn't need them for that. The conversation between them was fun and easy, just like usual, as they played with the dogs. Loren and William both cheered on Pablo and Banksy as they ran around the park, often racing back towards them at full speed before play-fighting in the open space of the soccer field.

As they walked together, the enchantment William first felt talking with Loren at the skate event had only grown. She seemed wide-eyed and animated about being in a part of the city she had hardly visited since school field trips to the nearby Royal Ontario Museum. Her exuberance made her even more radiant when she asked questions about the area and listened intently as William pointed out some of his favorite spots.

After more than an hour of running about, Pablo and Banksy were sufficiently tired out.  Not wanting their time to end, William finally worked up the nerve and asked Loren if she wanted to come to his place to warm up and have some dinner.

Because she had only eaten a small amount of food that day, the mere mention of dinner sparked ravenous hunger in her. Loren resisted the urge to clutch her stomach as hunger pains rolled through while accepting William’s dinner offer.

William asked if Loren was in the mood for anything specific.  She joked to herself that she was at the point of wanting to gnaw off her own arm, but she kept that to herself.

“I’m honestly good with anything - I’ll leave this one for you to pick…you know what’s good around here,” Loren smiled at William as she silently hoped he would make a quick decision.

“Sushi’s my go to…i probably have it too often but I just love it.  It sort of fits within my diet during the season,” William admitted, as they walked towards the exit of the park.

“God, it’s been awhile since I’ve had it - that sounds incredible…I feel like I'm salivating…,” Loren chuckled.  “Sorry, I haven’t eaten much today,” she revealed with a tinge of bashfulness.

“Oh? Why’s that?” William raised his brows with his query.

“Nerves, mostly…,” Loren admitted with a subdued grin as she looked toward the ground.

“About meeting up with me?” William replied playfully.

“Well, even though we both know Pablo and Banksy are the real celebs here…,” Loren said, tongue-in-cheek. “I'm sure you already know the answer…. and you don't need me gushing about it…no doubt you hear it all the time,” she said teasingly.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” William said as a wide smile graced his face.

Loren giggled and rolled her eyes, shaking her head while trying to further contain her smile.

The dogs meandered in front of Loren and William as they strolled down the street heading south towards William’s building.  The afternoon rush-hour was starting to build, and the energy from both dogs seemed to be waning.  William asked Loren if she could carry Banksy and he would carry Pablo, because at their slow pace, he didn’t want to irritate the growing number of pedestrians filling the sidewalks, trying to make their way home.

William watched Loren kneel and gently call for Banksy to come to her, which he did with no hesitation.  She spoke quietly to his black and tan face, as she gingerly brought him towards her chest, cradling his rear with her forearm, and she nuzzled him and gave him praise for being such a good boy.

William scooped up Pablo and the two picked up their pace a little, while he continued talking about things he enjoys doing in the neighbourhood on his off days.

After a few twists and turns down some inconspicuous side streets, they soon reached a large set of glass doors on a towering light silver building. William held the door for Loren as she looked up at the building's sheer size. They set the dogs down, and William waved at the two officers at the security desk as he led Loren to the elevators.

There was a palpable energy between the two as they shyly made small talk during their ascent to William’s floor.   Loren tried not to concentrate too much on her reflection in the dark glossy walls that encompassed them as she pulled off her mittens and dropped them in her soft leather tote.

“Oh - I totally forgot….I have a small treat for the boys, but I wanted to make sure it’s ok with you first,” Loren said, whispering the word “treat” as softly as possible to not alert the two doodles.  In the background, the soft chime sounded as the elevator settled on William’s floor.

“Oh wow, lemme see what you have in there…” William said as they got off the elevator. He hooked his finger on her bag and gently pulled it toward him, trying to look inside. As he pulled, Loren's body followed, and she bumped into William's chest. She was so close to his face and resisted the urge to pull his mouth onto hers. Instead, she just smiled, tucked her hair behind her ear, and took out the two collagen sticks she had brought for the pups to show William.

Loren thought it was a small thing, but William was very touched by her thoughtfulness.

In the days leading up to their meeting, William recognized he was in unfamiliar territory when he thought about Loren.  William naturally had been in love and had been in long term relationships previously.  Over the course of the past couple of years however, he preferred to keep his options open, to focus on continually improving his game and as such, developing a true intimate connection with a woman was of little interest.  There was a plethora of options when William felt like keeping a woman’s company, but like a light switch, it was something William could easily turn on and off depending on his mood.

But Loren drew him in instantly.  When he looked at her, William felt her warmth and kindness deep within him.  She was charming and funny; she had William in stitches with her brand of humour that was like observational storytelling mixed with bits of edginess and sarcasm.   William could not comprehend how Loren was so unassuming yet she could light up a room and would give each person she came across her undivided attention.

William often felt there was a depth and mystery to her beauty that intrigued him. It was as though there was always something new to discover about her, making her endlessly fascinating. Each time William video chatted with Loren, he tried to memorize all the distinctive features of her face.  The freckles on her high cheekbones.  Her eyes, a rich and dark mahogany accented by long thick lashes.  He could almost feel those same lashes tickling his jawline as he imagined her underneath him.  He couldn’t help but to stare at her mouth, longing for the day when he could taste her in a deep kiss.

The only negative part of meeting Loren, which weighed heavily on William’s mind was the timing\. The end of the regular season was quickly approaching, and he was already feeling the pressure with his overall offensive game feeling stagnant. William hated to admit it but deep down, he really was unsure if he could afford a distraction that Loren might present. He decided to shelve those thoughts for now until he got to know Loren a little more.

William opened the door to his home and both dogs barreled through the entrance and immediately leapt onto the couch as though they themselves were inviting Loren to come in.  Loren stepped across the threshold into the spacious living area that was bright and airy with whites and neutrals throughout.  Somehow it did not surprise her at all how tasteful and sleek William’s home seemed to be - those were two words she could easily associate with the man himself.

As easy as it had felt so far spending time with William, the fact she was standing in the living room of his house made Loren’s heart race.  She knew her cheeks were a dead giveaway with showing her nerves; there’s just no way she could hide their vibrant pink hue.

William gave Loren a quick tour and guided her over to the sliding glass doors that led to a small balcony.  William mentioned how stunning the sunsets were in his south-west facing unit, and he hoped the clouds would clear to give Loren a glimpse for herself.

The chatter between the two remained light and free-flowing as William busied himself preparing an early dinner for Pablo and Banksy, who seemed to be waiting for a little extra attention from Loren. She glanced at the dog's sweet faces and made her way over to the couch. As she sat, she curled her one leg under her rear and leaned in speaking sweetly to the dogs as they began to crowd her while reaching up to sniff and lick her face.

William smiled at the sight in front of him.  The girls he occasionally brought back to his place for an evening, or sometimes overnight, might briefly acknowledge the dogs (if at all) but most times, it was straight to the flirtations with William to get their intended activities underway.

Loren continued to rub the coats of each of the dogs as she happened to glance at William as he gazed back at her.

“Shit, I’m sorry - I’m keeping them from their dinner….” Loren said apologetically to William.  “You boys better go and get your grub,” she said, rubbing the dogs behind their ears as she stood up from the couch. “They are the greatest….I mean all dogs are, but these guys…really are amazing,” Loren said, her face beaming with admiration as she smiled at William.  “Is there anything I can help with at all?” she asked as she made her way to the kitchen island where William was rinsing a glass.

“Sure, you can start with telling me whether you'd like red or white wine, or something else to drink?” William said as he leaned against the white granite countertop. “And then, have a look here at the menu and we can decide what to order.  I'm starving too, so go wild,” William chuckled.

“Mm - red wine please and thank you,” Loren said with a polite smirk.  She picked up William’s phone and started to browse the menu.

A slight wave of panic hit Loren as she looked at the menu prices.  She was so unaccustomed to eating anywhere outside of her own kitchen or that of the group home. For years, dining out was a luxury that she felt she could never afford and the sticker shock of that menu was a quick reminder of why.  Loren cursed at herself in her mind for the espresso and pastry she bought herself earlier.  She had no idea she would end up having dinner with William.  Moreover, she did not want to assume William would be paying for her meal, so she scanned the menu for the most inexpensive sushi options.

“Anything you like on there?” William asked, while handing a wine glass to Loren and sliding his phone across the island towards himself.

“Mmm - oh yeah….there's just so much to choose from,” Loren smiled faintly, trying to hide the feeling of embarrassment knowing her bank account was close to being depleted.

William wasn’t certain but he sensed a shift in Loren’s demeanor.

William was cautious with his wording.  “You sure Sushi’s ok?  We can totally order something else if you want?”

“No, I promise - I really do love it….it's - well, I - I'm on a really super tight budget…it's been….,” Loren trailed off as her cheeks blazed red once more, “it's just been a tough time, especially the past couple of months,” she finished quietly.  She took a sip of her wine as her flustered admission momentarily hung in the air.

William could feel Loren's usual luminescence dissolve with that one sentence.  In their conversations, William never broached the subject of why she worked the seemingly countless shifts as it seemed clear that she was more often at work than at her home.  She once mentioned she was covering for a coworker who fell ill, so that is what William continued to assume throughout their talks.

“You came all the way down here, so dinner’s my treat.  You're starving, I'm starving so I'm going to order a bunch of stuff…is there anything you don't like?” William said, as he smiled at Loren, hoping to see her relax more.

“Can I contribute something towards the bill? It's not much but I'd like to put something towards it?” Loren asked.

It threw William off kilter with Loren’s offer to still pay for part of the meal when she could have easily just said nothing and enjoyed being treated.  As perplexed as he was, he set it aside in his mind and came up with a better idea.

“How about we order pizza next time, and you can cover that,” William replied, hoping Loren would take notice of him wanting there to be a “next time.”

Loren studied William’s expression of sincerity as her own face cast a look of surprise, disbelief and confusion.  She quickly snuffed-out the questions surrounding his possible motives for wanting to see her again and as calmly as she could, Loren responded “Yeah, ok…deal…” extending her hand in agreement and acceptance of his offer.

With his eyes never leaving her face, William chuckled lightly as his hand gently wrapped around hers to acknowledge the deal.  He could feel his body react to the skin to skin contact with Loren, even just with their handshake.

Loren delicately withdrew her hand from William’s when Pablo approached her and stood on his hind legs and propped his front paws on the side of her thigh.  She silently thanked Pablo for helping to divert attention elsewhere.  She had not intended to mention anything about her financial situation, but she just felt so far out of her league at that moment, her anxiety got the better of her.

She gently picked up the goldendoodle and walked towards the sliding glass doors to have another look around the city. Loren looked down at the packed streets with cars that were bumper to bumper and never appeared to move an inch.  She watched as people hurried along, darting between the line of vehicles and the subsequent blaring of multiple car horns protesting any number of traffic infractions.

William walked to the couch with their semi-full wine glasses.   He sat down and leaned back against the cushions and chuckled while he watched Loren as she continued to take in all the sights and sounds of rush hour.

“See anything interesting?” he smiled as his eyes slowly ran from the top of her head and settled on her shapely ass.  He had never gotten a really good look at her features below her neckline and he wasted no time reveling in her curves.

“I can see why you take the subway to get to the games on time, although…not to be all motherly or anything but don’t you ever get worried about your safety at all?” Loren asked as she leaned over to set Pablo down.

William was still staring at her upside-down-valentine-shaped ass as she turned to face him.

Was he staring at my ass? She asked herself.

“I’m sorry - I…uh…missed the question, what did you ask?” William sheepishly grinned, thinking he might have been caught in the act.

Loren walked around the coffee table and sat at the opposite end of the couch from William, where her glass of wine was waiting.  As she took a small sip, she smiled and thanked William for bringing over.

“Well, your safety on the subway…I mean, it’s none of my business…and seeing that mess down there, I completely understand why you take it….but when it was the big headline on every news outlet, the first thing I thought of was….you know, a crazed fan, someone trying to mug you, anyone could do something to you.  I guess it worried me - I just hoped you were going to be safe is all,” Loren confessed.

“Oh - you were worried about me, eh?” William said, his eyes bright with intrigue as Loren smiled and let out a slight giggle as she looked up at the ceiling, shyly avoiding his gaze.

William continued as he stretched out his arm across the back of the couch.  “Nah, I get what you're saying but it’s kind of a gamble driving or taking the subway.  If you saw what it’s like to turn into the rink - I’ve had my life fucking flash before my eyes more than a few times.  Absolutely fucking awful,” William chuckles.

“Mmm….yeah ok, you got me…I see it with the traffic for sure.  I aged about 10 years driving Gary down to the skate last week,” Loren said as William snickered, understanding fully what she was saying.

“And yes, I was worried…given you’re the only Leaf that flaunts his bare chest regularly in the media - you gotta realize that every time you go tarps off, the hum of about 8 million vibrators are heard ‘round the world - that alone makes you a national treasure,” Loren winked at William, and took another sip of wine.

William’s eyes widened as his mouth fell open slightly, before a large grin spanned his face, followed by the sound of his unique laugh.

Women he met, or that often approached him in the greater Toronto area, had made explicit comments about his shirtless interviews so William was aware of the added attention he received, whether he wanted it or not.

Loren’s quip made William realize she knew that no matter what he did—winking during games, going shirtless in interviews, or wearing sandals in the snow—he was seen as a sex symbol. Most women he encountered in Toronto and on the road treated him as such, and he is the first to admit, it has served him well throughout his career. Between Models, starlets, singers, and young professionals, William had a seemingly never-ending selection of women at his fingertips.

However, after signing an 8 year deal with the Leafs worth close to 9 figures earlier this year, he was warned by family, friends, his agent and others closest to him within his current circle that he’ll have to be more careful than ever with who he surrounds himself with going forward.

But this woman in front of him - her unpretentious, sincere and light-hearted disposition had completely disarmed William.  Even though he had not known her for very long, he felt there was no hidden agenda with Loren, and he felt relaxed and at ease with her. William knew it was rare to meet someone like her and he found she was as refreshing as an ocean breeze.

As the two continued to talk - seemingly about a hundred different topics - Loren felt that same feeling she had after William hugged her the week prior.  He was calming to her; she felt a warmth and comfort just listening to him talk.  She was fascinated by the parts of his life that he had divulged to her so far and there were just not enough hours in the day for all the questions she wanted to ask him.

Eventually, Loren excused herself and headed to the washroom, grabbing her leather tote on the way.  With as many overnight shifts as Loren worked, she had become accustomed to having pretty much everything but the kitchen sink in her bag.  Fresh change of panties, hair and makeup essentials, deodorant, and anything else a woman on the go might need.

Her bright pink cheeks shimmered in her reflection in the mirror, no doubt a symptom from the wine and the warm temperature of his condo. Loren stripped out of the thick grey sweater she had on, leaving the white long-sleeved cotton V-neck shirt she had layered underneath.  She momentarily frowned at how simple and basic her outfit looked, with or without the sweater, but then shrugged it off.  She could afford what she could afford, and if William chose to judge her based on her clothing, they might as well just finish things right there.

She touched up her make-up and re-pinned her hair before she stepped back out to the living room.

While Loren finished in the washroom, she heard a knock at his door and William's muffled voice as he accepted the dinner delivery.  A fresh wave of hunger pains seized her stomach and felt as though she would devour it all, like locusts annihilate crops.

Loren set her bag back by her coat that hung by the door, padded back to the coffee table in the living room to retrieve their wine glasses and headed over towards William.  He stood at the kitchen island carefully extracting one take out box after another from the stylish reusable bag which donned the restaurant’s elegant logo.

“Oh, fuck - this smells so…..”, William began to say until he glimpsed at Loren.

His eyes dropped to her ample, round breasts which her cotton shirt had subtly revealed.  Without her sweater on, her slender neck was exposed which was decorated by a delicate silver chain with a small heart pendant.  William swallowed hard and eventually finished his sentence, rather quietly, about dinner smelling so amazing.

With dusk creeping in through the wall of windows, and the lights throughout the condo slightly dimmed, Loren almost appeared ethereal as she offered William his wine.  He had managed to keep any excitement in his pants to a minimum that day, but this time, he felt his cock immediately harden as he did his best to conceal his slight erection under the edge of the island’s countertop.

“This looks - wow…absolutely incredible….and this is just the take-out containers?” Loren said, completely mystified by the ornate gift-boxes that held the  menu selections William ordered.  “I know I sound like a little country bumpkin but this is just wild…”, Loren said while she continued to admire the contents of the bag.

“Oh, well…just wait until you taste everything, the Sushi’s insane here.  It's definitely a favourite of mine,” William smiled.

Loren’s mind wandered for a split second, wondering how many girls had stood in this precise spot in William’s home, and how many had stayed the night, and how many had the luxury of a return visit.

As much as Loren tried to avoid these ideas, her stomach twisted with the thoughts which she had no business worrying about in the first place.

Loren's mind snapped back to the present when she realized William giggled after she didn't respond to his question.

“Shit - sorry, I missed that…,” Loren covered her mouth slightly as she recognized the extra tendency to swear after a few sips of wine.

“Don’t be - I was just asking if you liked the wine?” William asked, followed by another little chuckle.

“Oh!  Mmm-hmmm - it's really good, almost a little too good….it's going down a little too easily,” Loren admitted, followed by an enticing thought of her easily going down on him.

William added a splash more to her glass, respecting that she had to drive, unless of course things between them progressed towards his bedroom later on.  However, he knew he wouldn't push, insinuate or suggest anything of the kind, unless he was 100% certain she wanted to.

William and Loren brought all of the take-out boxes to the cozy dining room that bordered the open kitchen.  They flipped open each of the magnetic lids and visually feasted on the handmade creations.

As dinner ensued, William and Loren’s conversation deepened and the two delved into a more serious level of understanding of each other’s lives.  Loren was fascinated with William’s life; she asked him truly engaging questions that touched any number of topics.  William found Loren to be thoughtful and far more articulate than he could ever hope to be.

Once the leftovers from dinner had been cleared away and dishes were stacked in the sink, Loren kept William company while he took the dogs out for a short walk after dinner.

Temperatures had dropped significantly once the sun dipped down past the horizon, and Loren wished now she had remembered to pull her sweater back on before they walked out.  Although her thick fleece jacket and vest had been plenty warm earlier that day, at that moment, it was not nearly enough against the sub-zero windchill.  She tried not to let it show but her body began to shudder and her teeth chattered.  William quickly offered his coat to help Loren warm up, but thankfully the dogs got their business done quickly and no time was wasted in returning to warmth and comfort indoors.

Once everyone shuffled through the door of the condo, Loren wasn��t certain if William would want her to stay longer.  It didn’t feel like he was anxious for her to leave, but she would never dream of overstaying her welcome.

William simply offered to take Loren’s vest and jacket and hung them up for her, which thankfully was an obvious enough indication that he wasn’t in any rush for her to go home.  Suffice it to say, it felt she could assume he was having as good of a time as Loren was.

Before settling in on the couch, Loren retrieved the dogs’ gift from her tote.   Once the sticks were in view, both dogs jumped up on either side of Loren with their tails wagging furiously as she sat between them, almost in the middle of the couch.

Both dogs took each of the sticks in their mouth, and lowered their bodies to lay comfortably beside her.  Banksy had his front paws in Loren’s lap as he held the stick steady as he began to chew the end.

William returned with a blanket and he grinned widely at the sight of Loren and the dogs sitting next to her, quietly working away on their treats.

“They like those, eh?  I’ll need to get some for myself - they’re amazing dogs but sometimes when I’m sleeping in the afternoon before a game, they’re bouncing off the walls,” William said, as he unfolded the fleece picture blanket which had a large picture of the pups by a lake on it.

When Loren angled her head to have a closer look at the picture, William smiled as he explained that the blanket was a Christmas gift from his sister Ella and was taken at the family Lake house during the previous off-season.

William sat on the end of the couch and spread the blanket across him and Loren, shrouding the dogs in the process.  “You look like you still need to warm up some more…fucking cold out there,” William said.

Loren stroked both dogs' fur as she looked at them affectionately.  William was quietly watching her with a subtle smile on his face.

Nudging Loren’s hand, William asked when she worked next.  Heat rose to her cheeks as William did not move his hand away from hers as she continued to stroke Pablo’s fur, grazing William’s fingers in the process.

“Saturday afternoon at 3,” she smiled and glanced briefly at William’s eyes which she found so exquisite, they always overwhelmed her.

“Awh - that’s too bad, you could have come to Saturday's game, maybe,” William said sweetly.

“Mmm - that would've been so great…I've never been,” Loren said, as she tried to breathe normally.  William still had not shifted his hand and with her fingers still brushing against his as she petted Pablo, her mind could not understand if it meant something or not.

The two fell into another light conversation about hockey in general, spanning topics from the All-Star Weekend to locker-room hijinks.  Despite the ease of the chat, the tension that seemed to be rising between the two was very apparent.  Even William found his stomach flipping with the anticipation of simply touching Loren’s skin, let alone the other ideas he’s had in his mind since meeting her nearly a week ago.

With the dogs now on their backs sleeping soundly, William asked Loren quietly if she could carry Bansky, who seemed to have a real affinity towards Loren, to his bedroom, while he carried Pablo.  As though they were carrying their own children to bed, William and Loren cooed at the dogs as they gently laid them on his luxuriously soft duvet.

Once she saw Banksy was comfortable, she excused herself and went to the washroom.  She took the break to remind herself to not get ahead of herself, not have any expectations no matter how the night ends and try and keep it light.  Loren reached into her pocket, applied some ChapStick which she had stashed in her pocket earlier, popped a peppermint candy in her mouth for good measure and silently decided it might be time for her to head home.

William was heading back towards the couch when Loren returned.  She smiled politely and said maybe she should be on her way.

“Oh…yeah, I mean - if you need to,” William said, trying to not let his disappointment show.  “It’s just you don’t seem to have much of a chance to relax, so I thought maybe you’d stick around for a bit - maybe chill…. you know, watch a movie or something?” William asked, as he approached her.

Loren couldn’t help but look at him and smile as she gently nodded her head. “I just didn’t want to overstay…you know, I was trying to make sure you didn’t have to do the awkward ‘I kind of want you to leave but I don’t want to sound like an ass scenario’,” Loren chuckled as she nervously rambled.

William stood in front of Loren and with his hands gently landing on her waist, he slowly pulled her towards him.  Loren’s mind felt like it was a wild pendulum swinging uncontrollably between thoughts of unleashing her frenzied desires versus enjoying his slow, intimate movements.

William pulled Loren in even closer and her hands, moving solely by instinct, touched his chest covered by the soft fabric of his loose fitting t-shirt.

Looking up at William, the very moment William’s lips touched hers, Loren felt completely weak.  His lips were so soft, warm and beautifully curved, and they brushed slowly against Loren’s mouth as he pressed his body further against hers.

Loren let out a soft moan as his mouth fully connected with hers; his taste was so astonishingly delicious that it made her insides ache, desperate for more.  With each kiss, their mouths formed a deeper connection, and it wasn’t long before William’s tongue began to lightly graze Loren’s. The sensation was so overwhelming and potent that Loren had to break the kiss, and she leaned her forehead against William’s jawline while her other hand snaked around the nape of his neck.  Loren lightly chuckled at her own breathlessness before her lips found his mouth once more.

This time, William broke the kiss, but his lips did not venture far from hers.

“Where’d you get the mint from?” he asked, murmuring against her lips with a sheepish grin.

Her eyes met William's before they trailed back down to his mouth as she returned the grin.

“In my pocket, but my god, you don’t need it.  I doubt there’s anything in the world that tastes as good as you do right now,” Loren said as her lips gently caressed his neck under his jawline.

Loren felt one of William’s hands slowly slide from the contour of her waist towards her front pocket of her form fitting leggings.  He dipped two fingers inside and felt around for the mints, giving Loren a little tickle in the process.  Loren jumped and squealed, holding onto William’s upper arm a little more tightly as he pulled her against him once more while planting gentle kisses along her neck, up to her ear.

His fingers remained inside her pocket as he worked a mint out the package.  He must have known that his fingers were so close to the middle of her panties, which were becoming wetter by the second.

William retrieved the mint and popped it into his mouth, flashing a seductive smile at Loren.

“Better….,” William said, leaning his forehead against Loren’s before closing his mouth over hers in another steamy kiss.

Loren’s mind was spinning; none of this made sense to her at all.  William’s kiss was like no other she had experienced; it made her throat tight with wanting more.  The way William’s one hand was pressed against the small of her back while the other cradled her face as their mouths connected and tongues yearned to meet, made her insides twist with desire.

What started as long, sweet and tender kisses, William and Loren had ignited a furious passion between the two of them in the middle of the living room.  Her bodily instincts made her want to jump up and wrap her legs around his waist and have him carry her to bed.  She wanted his cock in every way possible.  She wanted him to writhe and moan, groaning her name while he cums over and over again, all because of how she makes him feel.

But in her mind, Loren was worried.  She had a complicated viewpoint of sex from her past and she was not willing to bring the terrible experiences she had at the hands of such a sordid person, as her ex-boyfriend was, into William’s bed.

William slowed his kiss down, allowing his mouth to wander across the warm skin of her cheeks, jawline and down the contours of her slender neck.

William looked at Loren’s face and he was more taken with her than ever. The sensitive skin that surrounded her full lips was red from his abrasive stubble; her cheeks glowed pink in the dimmed light from a nearby lamp, and her rich, dark eyes that made his heart ache and his soul melt.

William slowed his breathing, but his heart was still pounding hard in his chest.  He was sure his semi-erect cock had introduced itself to Loren’s midriff and he hoped it wouldn’t be long before William was on his way to a huge release, with Loren in his arms.

William guided Loren to the couch and adjusted the pillows to support her head as she laid down on her back.  William positioned himself between her legs as he gently leaned his torso on top of her while bearing some weight on his forearms.

It was dizzying to Loren to feel the weight of William on top of her as she raked her fingers through his famously illustrious hair, while her hands gripped his T-Shirt and his growing erection pressed hard against her drenched centre.

After her hands and mouth had pushed him as far as he could handle, William got up the nerve to ask her if she wanted to come to bed.

When Loren hesitated and showed her apprehension, his heart dropped as he knew at once it was not meant to be that night.  He could see it pained her to decline his offer as she looked up at him apologetically.  He saw the longing she had for him deep within her gaze, but he sensed Loren’s guard was still up.  All he could hope for is that she saw the same longing William had for her.

Although he'd be lying if he said he wasn’t disappointed, Loren was special and so unique that what mattered most to him is when he could see her again.

The two spoke softly and gently between kisses as Loren began to ready her mind to depart for home.  Loren also decided that she wanted to let William know how truly wonderful she thought he was, just in case this was her only opportunity.

Even if William turned out to be a total player and just wanted another notch on his bedpost, she wanted to take the chance and say it anyway.  After all, it wasn't unrealistic in her mind that he could decide to move on to another girl the very minute she leaves.

Her words to him, as she gently caressed his face and smoothed his hair behind his ear, helped soothe the disappointment and solidify that he really needed to see her again as soon as possible.

As they arose from the couch, William adjusted his shirt to cover his rigid member and Loren tiptoed into his bedroom to say goodbye to his dogs, afterwards heading back to get her coat and boots on by the entrance.

Loren looked at William with a smile but she was perplexed as he pulled his coat, toque and boots on as well.

William glanced over at Loren’s confused expression.  “What - I’m not letting you walk by yourself into an underground parking lot at night…fuck that…,” William chuckled.

“Shit - I totally forgot…I am so sorry…I can figure out something so you don’t have to go out,” Loren said uncomfortably.

William shook his head.  “Loren….I'll drive you, ok?  It's the garage I told you about, right?” William asked as he reached for her hand, slowly pulling her back into him.

Loren nodded as she smiled, but the smile did little to mask that she still felt terrible for inconveniencing William.

William’s hands travelled up and cupped Loren's face just under her jawline.  He held her face so she had to look into William’s eyes.

“I know you feel bad - but please don’t.  It's like 10 minutes….total…and it's not even late,” William said reassuringly.

He closed the gap between them with a slow and deep kiss.  When it seemed clear that they might stand there forever in a lip-lock, they mutually broke the kiss.  They smiled and giggled at each other as a few more nuzzles and sweet comments were made.  When they were ready to depart,   William called “car” and the dogs  came running down the hallway as fast as they could towards the door.

The elevator ride down to the underground parking garage was over within less than a minute, and William led the way to his sleek SUV parked nearby.  The dogs knew the routine well, and ran towards the door for the backseat.  William draped his arm around Loren’s shoulder as they walked the short distance to the car.

As she slid into the passenger seat, the scent of the interior made Loren clench her pussy walls; it was a perfect balance of William’s cologne, expensive leather and new car smell.  She felt a little nervous still being in such close proximity to William, now in a different setting, but the dogs provided an excellent distraction as they both begged to sit on Loren’s lap.  She managed to accommodate them both for the short distance they had to travel.

A light dusting of snow had covered the ground since Loren and William had last ventured outside.  As they pulled out onto the street, Loren still marvelled at the lights of skyscrapers and William watched as she quietly talked to both dogs, pointing out little things she saw.

Loren turned William on fiercely.  If he thought it was remotely appropriate, he would have turned them back around to his condo, guided her into the bedroom and given her as much pleasure as she could handle until they passed out.  But he could see clearly that something is holding her back and despite what his cock wants him to do right now, patience is what he chose.

William pulled into the driveway towards the garage entrance and with his approach, the door automatically lifted.  He pulled up to the kiosk, grabbed a ticket and Loren directed him to her parking spot.  He pulled into a spot next to her vehicle and asked her for her entrance ticket.  She was puzzled but relented and pulled the ticket from her wallet.  Loren watched as William hopped out of his vehicle and walked over to the PAY HERE kiosk, tapped his credit card and returned to the car as Loren was exiting the car.  Both dogs had their noses pressed to the window and whimpered as William approached Loren.

“Wait  - did you just pay for my parking?” Loren asked, her eyes growing wide with the realisation.

“Yep - we’ve got 15 minutes before the time runs out so….,” William leans over and kisses Loren again. She dropped her bag at her feet and held onto William’s jacket as his tongue slid between her lips and found hers again.

William slowly backed Loren up, pressing her against her weathered SUV; his tongue continued to delicately touch and taste her as he allowed a soft groan escape once he pulled away from her mouth.  She hadn’t even realised that her hands had travelled from the front of his jacket, down to his waist and up under his shirt.  Her hands gently stroked his taut skin and felt the lines of his muscles that led to, what Loren assumed would be, the most gorgeous cock that she could ever imagine.  It certainly felt sizable enough pressing against the waistband of her leggings.

Loren felt breathless as she looked up at William’s face.  He leaned his head down and buried his face in the nape of her neck; the feeling of his lips by her ear and the warmth of his breath sent such a raging jolt between her legs, she almost begged for him to fuck her right up against her vehicle.  She had never, ever had this sensation, this desperation, for a man to touch her; the fact it was William that made her so intensely aroused, it was almost too exhilarating for Loren to handle.

A small group of passers-by in the garage spotted William and Loren at a distance.  The group heckled them and hurled their own suggestive ideas towards the couple.  The interruption successfully killed the mood, and the two quickly realised the 15 minute grace period to exit the garage was soon expiring.

William pulled Loren toward him in a warm embrace, and she thanked him for “the most incredible day”.  He handed her the paid parking stub; that gesture alone meant so much to her, and she said as much to William.

“Call me when you get home…and I don’t mean a quick text.  I want to see you safe in your house, behind locked doors,” William said, looking down at Loren's face.  “How long should it take for you to get home?” he asked.

“Not quite an hour, depending on traffic,” Loren replied as a small grin spanned her lips.

William nodded and watched as she pulled her keys from her bag , unlocked the door and slid into the driver's seat.  She lowered the window and waved good-bye to the dogs who were peering out at her, with their tails wagging.

William walked up to the window and angled his head to meet Loren’s mouth; she brought her hand up to his face, her feather touch brushed against the stubble on his cheek.

Loren smiled against William’s mouth and then pulled away slightly.  “We’d better go,” Loren said and planted one more small kiss on William’s lips.  “And yes, I will call you when I pull in the driveway,” she added as she winked at him.

William chuckled and put his hands in his pockets as he turned on his heel, heading back to his vehicle.  Loren waved as she pulled out of the spot, and followed the arrows towards the exit.  It wasn’t long before William’s almost-too-bright LED headlights appeared in her rear view mirror, and with a honk and a wave, the two vehicles pulled out onto the street and headed in opposite directions.

[puckpocketed]

i wasn’t even joking about the thomas speer princess treatment btw. btw. i know the sharks have a Reputation for goalie breaking but to give you all some counter propaganda�� he did good work with kahkonen and blackwood and i expect given the chance he’ll do the same for georgiev

Published October 17 2023, How a coach’s visit in Toronto helped Mackenzie Blackwood get comfortable with the San Jose Sharks - by Curtis Pashelka (link)

SAN JOSE – Mackenzie Blackwood was about a week away from leaving Toronto and heading to the Bay Area last month for the start of training camp when he got a visit from San Jose Sharks goalie coach Thomas Speer.

The two had previously only talked on the phone, and that was after Blackwood had been acquired by the Sharks last June and subsequently signed to a two-year contract extension. So Speer’s visit gave the two a chance to get to know each other a bit better and get on the same page prior to camp.

It was also a personal gesture that Blackwood appreciated.

“That shows a lot,” Blackwood said Monday. “To come and spend some time and go out of your way to come work with me. Yeah, I was appreciative.”

Speer, now in his second season with the Sharks, is tasked with helping the team solve its goaltending woes after years of being well below average. The Sharks haven’t had a team save percentage over .901 since the 2017-2018 season and last year, that number sunk to an NHL low of .881.

So far, the Sharks are off to a better start, with Blackwood stopping 51 of 52 shots in the Sharks’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. After the game, Blackwood was quick to credit his teammates for keeping most shot attempts to the perimeter, but also Speer for the work they’ve done together over the last several weeks.

“He’s been good. Lots of help for me, working on keeping my game tight, not overplaying stuff, and keeping my feet underneath me a little bit more,” Blackwood said. “If you get stuck, re-adjust, and keep moving. Staying square. So just a lot of little stuff that we’ve kind of chipped away at, but it all adds up to something big.”

Not surprisingly, Blackwood will get the start again on Tuesday when the Sharks face Brent Burns and the Carolina Hurricanes at SAP Center. But with the way the Sharks’ schedule unfolds this month, with seven games over the next 13 days, both Blackwood and Kaapo Kahkonen figure to get a fair amount of work.

Speer worked with Kahkonen last season, helping to change his game and improve his confidence. Kahkonen had a .895 save percentage in his final 18 games last season compared to a .869 mark over the first 19 games.

Kahkonen played well in the preseason and aside from one goal late in the second period, Quinn felt the Finnish-born netminder had a positive outing in the Sharks’ 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last Thursday.

“The one thing about (Speer), he cares so much about the guys he coaches,” Quinn said. “Great tactician, but he has the ability to connect with the people he’s coaching and that’s what makes him a great coach.

“He doesn’t coach everybody the same. He knows every guy’s a little bit different. … But the connection he creates with his goalies is pretty special.”

Quinn said that after Saturday’s game, no one was happier for Blackwood than Kahkonen.

“Big hug, big smile,” Quinn said. “To me, you can’t win (on the ice) until you win in (the locker room). We think we got two guys that could do that, which would make it difficult for the coach. But those are great problems to have.”

Certainly, that’s where the Sharks want to get to under Speer. who is in his 11th year as a goalie coach, working with both amateurs and professionals at a variety of levels. Before he came to the Sharks, Speer spent three seasons with the Stockton Heat, the former AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames.

“I’ve had coaches that I’ve gotten along with, but it’s nice to have a guy here that you get to spend every day with that knows the game, knows my game, and knows what I need to do. Very detailed,” Blackwood said. “And you get to know him, he’s a great guy. So far, everything has been great.”

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Timeline: Part 4 -July 2017

Previously:

2015 - April 2017 | An Update

May 2017 - June 2017

This piece features events, press, and PR from the summer of 2017. You will see competing narratives - the Daily Mail leaking Meghan's dossier drip by drip by drip and Meghan's team counterattacking with engagement rumors.

There are two main stories in the royal sphere during this time that we know Meghan is paying attention to, as these most definitely shape her understanding of what it means to be royal: royals taking glamorous summer vacations and daily coverage of Diana's life, the impact of her death, and her lasting legacy to the world.

Fasten your seatbelts!

(Note - this was initially meant to also include the August 2017 events but Tumblr was having problems saving the post.)

July 1, 2017: The Cambridges, Harry, and the Spencers attend a private memorial service at the Spencers' Althorp estate for Diana. Meghan's relationship history is published and it's revealed she left Cory for Harry.

July 2, 2017: Charles plans to host a 70th birthday party for Camilla and the Express speculates whether Harry will bring Meghan with him. Additionally, the broadcast network that airs Suits in Britain drops the series from its slate and won't show its upcoming seventh season.

July 3, 2017: Kensington Palace announces that the Cambridges will visit Poland and Germany.

July 4, 2017: Kensington Palace confirms that Harry will have a role in the upcoming state visit by King Felipe and Queen Letizia. Meghan teases whether she will attend Wimbledon 2017. Harry's scandals are revisited.

July 5, 2017: Meghan's appearance at the 2016 Create & Cultivate conference resurfaces, as do her comments from The Tig about being biracial.

July 6, 2017: Meghan does another airport pap walk as returns to Toronto after spending 10 days in London with Harry.

July 8, 2017: Meghan leaks that she has tried on wedding dresses with friends and is beginning to think about a wedding at Westminster Abbey. The Daily Mail publishes all about Meghan's first marriage and the divorce. Katie Nicholl publishes several scoops: 1) Meghan keeps clothes at Nottingham Cottage, 2) Meghan is so familiar to KP security and the RPOs that she doesn't need a security pass to enter, 3) Harry wants to be engaged by his birthday, and 4) they want to debut Meghan as his fiancee at Toronto Invictus Games.

July 9, 2017: Harry attends a music festival and is photographed getting close to a blonde woman. At the same time, there is fast-spreading gossip that Camilla disapproves of the relationship. Meghan gets worried: she hints about the engagement to get Harry back in line and tries to assuage concerns about her marital history by explaining that being married to Harry will be different than when she was married to Trevor. Meghan merches a baseball cap.

July 10, 2017: Meghan doesn't like the comparisons to Pippa Middleton anymore (which she began, mind you) and says they look nothing alike. It's announced that Trevor is thinking about writing a book about his relationship with Meghan, sparking another round of rumors that the marriage broke down when Meghan cheated on Trevor with a Suits castmate.

July 11, 2017: It's revealed that Meghan was still dating Cory when she began dating Harry.

July 12, 2017: Meghan attends the Suits party to celebrate taping their 100th episode. Meghan's team puts out a story that she and Harry are so alike because Meghan's uncle is the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, just like Harry's grandmother is the leader of the Church of England. Rita Ora flirts with Harry and Meghan gets mad, saying she doesn't want to marry Harry.

July 13, 2017: The Spanish State Visit begins, with Harry accompanying King Felipe and Queen Letizia to Westminster Abbey and attending the state banquet (where he sits next to Rose Cholmondeley...iykyk). Meghan's "one tear, left eye, go" interview resurfaces and she tries to be a beauty guru again. Suits Season 7 premieres in the U.S.. Meghan practically calls Kate a Stepford Wife.

July 14, 2017: Meghan gets more private protection and increases her security team.

July 16, 2017: A friend of Harry says they're engaged and everyone is looking forward to the after-party more than the wedding. Meghan leaks that Harry will quit the royal family for her and her "don't give it five minutes if you're not going to give it five years" interview resurfaces. Harry wins his IPSO privacy case against The Mail for publishing paparazzi photographs taken in Jamaica.

July 17, 2017: Meghan sets up Chelsy to be Harry's Camilla in their marriage.

July 18, 2017: Meghan tries to be a yoga influencer again. Meghan also brings back her gender equality platform and reminds us about her soap commercial.

July 19, 2017:

Pictures from Meghan's childhood are published, including a photograph saying/showing she won Homecoming Queen in high school (US high school is ages 14 - 18). Speculation begins immediately that Meghan has had cosmetic surgery to minimize her black traits and Markle feeatures, including chemical treatments for her hair.

Meghan hints that Harry will propose on her birthday and that they will elope to marry.

Meghan leaks that she's worth $5 million.

July 20, 2017: Meghan says Harry will propose soon and they have no intentions of eloping.

July 22, 2017: Meghan's ice bucket challenge video resurfaces, causing speculation over how she knows Rory McIlroy and what the nature of their relationship is.

July 24, 2017: Meghan promotes Suits and hints that she wants IVF twins as soon as possible after the wedding. (The IVF twins story is important for two reasons. One, because in the first picture taken of Meghan after the pregnancy is announced, she is carrying two purple binders. We know she likes to virtue signal, so many people believe this is her hinting that they are expecting boy-girl twins. Second, because while she ended up having a boy, the decor and theme for her February baby shower indicated she was expecting a girl.)

July 25, 2017: Prince Albert of Monaco (son of Grace Kelly) gives advice to Meghan and Harry and British Vogue writes about Meghan and her fashion.

July 26, 2017: Meghan claps back against the rumors of plastic surgery by getting medical experts to say she hasn't had any work done.

July 27, 2017: Meghan teases an engagement in the Express, who recaps the relationship to date.

July 28, 2017: Meghan merches Rachel Zane's wardrobe. She's spotted in London, supposedly with Doria (though Doria is never seen). Meghan's insecurity over Harry's past causes problems for him.

July 29, 2017: An open letter is published to William and Kate, urging them not to have a third child. This comes after playful comments by the pair while on tour in Poland and Germany earlier in the month when they were gifted baby items by fans on walkabout.

July 31, 2017:

Christopher Geidt is forced out retires and is replaced by Charles's favorite, Edward Young.

Kate hires Catherine Quinn as her new private secretary.

Meghan is worried a Cambridge baby is going to steal her thunder and leaks that the Cambridges won't have any more children. After Kate's third pregnancy is announced and this article resurfaces, speculation begins over what Meghan knew (because Harry leaked like a sieve to her).

William and Catherine are in Belgium for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.

Lainey gossips that the recent shakeups in palace household staff has to do with Charles's discomfort with William and Harry operating independently of him. She also confirms for the first time that Charles was angry with the KP love shield because it overshadowed his work in the Middle East.

[liminalmemories21]

2024 Tumblr Top 10

tagged by @guardian-angle22​.  Thank you!

How it works: Share your top 10 tumblr posts from last year! Visit this site,  scroll down to "Find your Tumblr Top 10," type in your username, and   select 2024. When you get the results, simply click "Share to Tumblr"   and you'll get an auto-generated draft for a post with links and   previews. Make any adjustments you see fit. [I’ve also swapped out the note count with the set descriptions!]

1. Apparently there's going to be a Law & Order: Toronto, and I really desperately need them to make the world's most niche joke...

This is a post the escaped containment.  People who do not know my tumblr name forwarded this to me because they thought I’d find it funny (they were ... not wrong), and I then had the debate of .... so, do I admit that this is me? 

TLDR - Due South joke.

2. I have come to the realization that what I want (need?) from S5 is lazy making out on the couch. I want them sprawled out on...

So far have not had this desire come to fruition.  Not optimistic it will.

On, the other hand, I kind of wrote it anyway in Knave 4, so I am creating my own wish fulfillment.

TK is leaving a hickey, he can feel it. Mitchell is going to tease him about it on Monday, but that's a problem for the end of the weekend. Right now it's Friday night, there's leftover takeout cooling on the kitchen counter, a movie neither of them is watching playing low on the TV, and he has TK sprawled out on top of him, sucking a slow hickey at the corner of his jaw and sneaking a hand under Carlos's shirt to palm his stomach. He stretches his neck further into TK's kiss, ignoring the faint buzzing sound of his phone until TK stops what he’s doing and lifts his head.

3. Ficlet (911 - Buck/Tommy)

Ficlet I had honestly forgot I wrote.  Buck sends thirst traps, because Lucy is right, there’s, “Nothing is hotter than a man who does housework."

4. battle of the amazing ladies

Also a post that somehow escaped containment.  Princess/General Leia won, which I can’t be mad about.  But President Roslin should have been higher up the rankings.

5. WIP Wednesday - S5 Interstitials (Lonestar)

He’s late to Elian’s birthday. He didn’t mean to be. He never means to be late these days.

6. # of Sentence Sunday - S5 Interstitials (Lonestar)

He startles a little.  TK's not a secret, he's got a picture of him on his desk, but most people don't actually acknowledge that they're married.  Campbell smiles.  "Gabriel would not shut up about his son getting married, about his future son-in-law."  Tilts his head.  "He was really excited about the wedding."

7. Whatever # of Sentences Sunday - S5 Interstitials (Lonestar)

He puts a hand over TK's mouth.  "Baby, take the yes."

8. New Fic: Every song has a you (911 - Buck/Tommy)

Buck and Tommy talk but do they listen? A fix-it fic that goes AU after 8.06.

9. Some Number of Sentence Sunday - Knave-verse (Lonestar)

He calls TK from the car. “I’m being followed.”  He peers in the rear view mirror and rolls his eyes.  “Badly.” 

TK snorts.  “Would you like a more competent criminal?” 

He turns on his blinker for the turn back to the hotel.  “Yes.  You were always competent.  It’s why Matt liked you.” 

TK makes an outraged noise. “Excuse you.  I was more than competent.  I was a fucking master of my craft.”  

10. WIP Wednesday - S5 Interstitials (Lonestar)

"I thought I'd feel complete now.  But," he falters.  "He's gone, and it's like the part of him that was still here while I was looking for his murderer is gone now too.  And-" 

TK brushes a hand against his cheek, and then folds Carlos into him.  "Sweetheart." 

"He's gone.  And I don't have anything left now."

tagging @freneticfloetry, @rmd-writes, @welcometololaland, @irispurpurea, @walkinginland, @alchemistc, @rcmclachlan, and @iphyslitterator

[the-arceo-analysis]

tumblr might....kill the quality brutally....gang goes on vacation 2 canada!! I. omg I forgot amani i feel so bad wiat.;(

shes off. vacationing somewhere warm with her boyfriend or shes in one of the hotel rooms asleep off screen. Kierans in the wheelchair bc even if cold helps his pain as someone who used to visit toronto on the regular the amount of walking you emd up doing would infact kill him dead unfortunatly, I speak from experiance. 😭 ormr hates it here and immeditatly dies via...being run over by a moose or perhaps a large truck.

Oh good lord I am fighting back tears ‼️‼️ Augrhgg. I will forever be grateful for the dedication and love you all have for my stupid little weirdos oh my god,, JUST. LOOK AT RHEM LOOOK LOOK uagrhghsgb. I am a normal guy who likes things a normal amount I swear to god (lying like it hurts)

LOOK AT CY. AUGHHH. Cy and Helena reading and Matt being such a loser omgg

Also I forget Amani like. Every Time ™ without fail I think because she originally wasn't going to be in the main crew,,, so!!! She probably is with her supposed boyfriend somewhere much warmer than Canada yes

LOOK AT KIERAN RAHHHHHGH

I absolutely fucking adore Poseidon's hair and Sean's stupid ass beanie and ear thingies that's so cute

Also drawing Daiyu with Sean right after I just wrote a really sweet scene between the two is such a nice surprise wowie

Ormr. What the fuck am I looking at 😭😭 realest ever I say this at least twice a day aghghg

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Revisiting information from Tom Bower's book Revenge and current events in the House of Windsor.

Misan Harriman: All Roads lead back, to Soho House & the person Rachel described as her "gay husband," Markus Anderson.

Anglo-Nigerian photographer, Misan Harriman, was instrumental in Meghan’s 2014 post-Trevor re-brand from Deal or No Deal Briefcase Girl to faux philanthropist/humanitarian.

Allegedly he's also gay, along with the other "boys" in MEgain's Soho House Circle. All in "contract" marriages with female "beards" like Rachel Meghan Markle. All liars.

According to Tom Bower's research (Revenge p. 63), Meghan was determined to use One Young World as her launching pad to celebrity philanthropy.

She was unknown to the OYW founders and event staff so she contacted Misan Harriman to ask for an introduction to his friend, tennis star, Boris Becker.

Becker was already scheduled to speak at the Dublin conference and Misan pitched the idea of Meghan's participation.

Becker referred Meghan to HIS AGENT, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne.

If I remember correctly, in Gina's pre-wedding articles and interviews, she mentioned that Meghan contacted her office in 2014 to express an interest in helping with the OYW conference(s). I had no idea that Meghan and Misan were friendly while Meghan cohabitated with Celebrity Chef Cory.

MEgain did not choose Misan for her engagement photographs. Misan has only been in the photography business for five (5) years.

Soho House members, the York Sisters, invited Misan to capture the moment Edo proposed to Beatrice. (sigh & smh) SAME Eugenie who told the press, "we really like her..." when someone (OMIT & Jessica) gave Camilla Tominey permission to publicize their affair. Camilla repeatedly writes that William MUST forgive Sparry. Tominey cares nothing for the Wales family or the country. Her interests are rooted in greed and irresponsible reporting to sell papers.

Notice The Meghans began paying Misan during MEGXIT. He captured the stills and video footage for Megflix. He is also paid by Invictus. There's a lot of cash flowing into Misan's bank account via The Meghan and their archeficicial business ventures. IRS, where you at???? 🤔

I'm not sure why I included the following in my original 2022 post: "Allegedly, during Harry's 2 nights in Tornto (babysat by Jason Knauf), just before he flew to the US-FL IG, Meghan (while cohabitating w/Cory & just back from spending Mother's Day weekend w/Cory's parents) Meghan told Harry about her interest in helping him with the Invictus Games."

One thing that stands out to me is how much both Meghans lied during the engagement interview:

Sparry & MEgain admitted (on international television) that they were secretly dating for 5-6 months BEFORE Tominey received the story.

Do the math. If they met in July of 2016 and had 5-6 months together in secret, Camilla's article would have been published in December or January, not October/November.

Camilla's article was published at the time of their Toronto (soho house) Halloween party with Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank: October 2016 = only 3 dating months.

If they began dating during Sparry's Spring promotional visit to Toronto for Ingriftus, then YES--- they were "together" (like spooning bananas) for five (5) months before MEgain leaked the details to Tominey

Sparry is just as much of a compulsive liar as his wife. He lies about the unnecessary details:

"we had to announce your megnantcy for the tour because you were showing..."

"It's true, you did blend in-----‐until our farewell week..."

I have future content coming about Victoria Hervey and Dan Wootton's despicable behavior during kategate. At the moment I wish she would stop extending open invitations for Sparry "to come home," when he's repeatedly been clear that America is his home & America is where he feels safe.

In my opinion, Sparry and MEgain deserve to be married to one another FOREVER!! Initially I viewed Sparry as her victim but just because Sparry is mentally & emotionally unstable and intellectually "sub-educational" (as Lady C would say), does not excuse his character issues: lying, cheating, stealing, grifting to achieve fame and fortune in America. People all over the world with low IQs know the difference between right and wrong. There is no excuse for Sparry's crimes.

Royal Families cannot expect their people to look past bad behavior. Charles got what he wanted, "Camilla." Despite the good press she receives, the majority of the world sees Charles as spoiled and feckless. I do think he will be surprised to learn just how many Brits wish he & Camilla would just go on a permanent holiday.

In a world of meritocracy, we have watched Meghan Markle, Sparry, and Andrew get away with murder. Zero on the job consequences for bad behavior------>Out of touch with everyday people.

Andrew & Sparry have caused permanent damage to brand BRF. When Charles chooses tone deafness over humility and shame, they are begging the people for a Republic.

Normal people pay a price for their unwise decisions. Selfish Charles chose Jesus' resurrection day to rub Andrew into the faces of the British people and global royal watchers.

People won't take these moments of pure contempt for the will and opinions of the people and just let it all go due to cancer. Charles is still seen as a feckless king who will ultimately destroy this monarchy because it appears he cannot or will not manage his household.

Go to church Andrew & Fergie, but not in front of the cameras and not at the expense of the taxpayers. These are not difficult situations for Buckingham Palace. Does anyone have a working brain? It's as if Charles is deliberately destroying everything his mother & father worked so hard to preserve.

I agree @sassyfrassboss and don't get me started on Sarah's health related virtue signals. Why is it so difficult for Fergie to stop talking? And why won't Andrew go away and live out a solitary life? No one wants to shake hands with Epstein's pal. No charity wants to be represented by Epstein's pal. Consequences.

Andrew is reviled and despised because he refuses to accept responsibility for his unwise choices. He has no remorse for choosing "sleazy e & co" over his family and his country. It's not complicated.

I have drafts of future content about the York's. Surmise it to say, Andrew and Sarah are just not bright people. What's worse is they are selfish and refuse to step out of the limelight to give their daughters & grandkids a fresh start.

Unfortunately, like The Meghans, Eugenie was willing to exploit the identities of other people's children while concealing the face of her own child with stickers.

Ultimately Eugenie used the Jubilee to change course. She finally held up the child to show his face. Cute child. What's not cute is the elitist mindset that "blue blood makes us extra special."

After visiting Davos, Eugenie was quick to parrot her elitist, WEF talking points. There was no critical thinking about the issue(s) (like, "hmm, my husband wears glasses"), just a regurgitation of elitist talking points.

No one wants to see Andrew on Easter Sunday or for that matter at any other holiday. Seeing him jolly on parade is a slap in the face to all who had a deep affection for Queen Elizabeth's virtues and basic human decency. It's past time for him to retire from public life.

Rolling up to Easter service as though the York's are respectable members of society who serve Jesus Christ is absolutely shameful.

Not because of a liar named Virginia and her fake photo, but because of Andrew's REAL Central Park, NYC photos and the video footage of Andrew coming and going from Epstein's NYC home. Not to mention their big Epstein dinner with guests like Katie Couric, George Stephanopoulos and Woody Allen---- to name just a few.

Andrew used tax payer's money to travel in support of Jeffrey Epstein upon his release from prison.

A man who was convicted of sexually assaulting under age girls served about 12 months in prison and upon release he threw a NYC party for his royal pal Andrew! The Palace was "too honorable" to reply, "No thank you. Have a nice life." Andrew seems too self centered to concern himself with the commandments to "avoid even the appearance of evil" and to "honor" his mother & father's legacies.

[sophsicle]

Weird question; what’s your opinion if Montreal? Lol I’m considering going there for a music festival but can’t decide if I should visit someplace else aswell or just stay in Montreal. It looks like a massive city so a lots to do. Probably also the only time I’ll ever go to Canada so…

i love montreal i think it's a very cool city and there are lots of fun little neighbourhoods to explore especially in the summer

personally, it's a small city 2 me, but that's because i grew up in toronto so, most cities are small cities 2 me

but Canada is an extremely hard country to move around in so i'm not sure where else you would go?

like, Quebec city is nice for a day trip, but it is VERY small so you don't need much more time there, and it's still three hours away from Montreal,

Toronto is worth visiting for a day or two but it's 6 hours away from Montreal

Ottawa is not worth visiting do not go there (sorry ottawa but you know it's true) SO LIKE, what im saying is, if you're going to montreal for the festival, if you want to leave montreal and go somewhere else you're gonna have to really commit