#Can anyone who was at the Edmonton show tell me?

[cheese-ducks]

he looks so regal in this pic

[msmargaretmurry]

Matthew curls/slutty collarbone-appreciating anon again - BOSTON!!! Home of another rat king! My home! (Not living there at the moment, but I miss it so, if you’ve seen Letterkenny/that one episode with the two dudes from Newfoundland getting all melancholy and homesick when Newfoundland is mentioned, that is me rn. No hard feelings re: Ratthew et al. knocking out Boston, though, I was still cheering for my slutty rat boy in the final.) I hope you and all of the other scholars are having an excellent time! Are you attending/watching any games? Don’t know if the Bruins are home or away tho, I haven’t been to the Garden in years, it’s such a fun venue. Bummed the PWHL team won't be able to play there, but I get it, schedule's packed. (Much as I love Boston, I will readily admit that the fans are… eh. Basketball is probs the best of the bunch.)

Matthew is only escalating his slut phase and I am living for it, that French girl lounging, Matthew is not beating those submissive and breedable accusations (or at least the breedable ones, he’s down for a fight first, if someone wants to wrestle him down and sink their teeth into the back of his neck and hold him there he/I will not be opposed, you know.) And you know, in a post-trade Matthew/Leon scenario, what’s a rat boy to do when he’s surrounded by men who want to fuck him up/probably also fuck him, when his former ?? hookup/fuckbuddy/fuckenemy/boyfriend/baby daddy (????) is all the way in Edmonton, not flirt with them? And of course when you’re a bitchy tank who only gets to play his… whatever Ratthew is to him, best not to think about that, twice a year, you’re not gonna not seize the opportunity/nearest storage closet to chew him up a little. It’s just not done.

I am very here for this vampire AU and neck/throat appreciation/biting. I am also generally here for Matthew the problem child and/or Matthew the generally good and together child whose one moment of rebellion is bringing home a nightmare boyfriend and/or Matthew with daddy problems or at least an adrenaline/danger kink whose constitution is incapable of not goading hot vampire into trying to bite him. And hot vampires cannot be blamed, he is flashing an irresponsible amount of collarbone as is.

hello again anon! yay boston!! absolutely one of my favorite cities. i am home now and even though i love home i am missing it already. just a lovely place to spend a lovely long weekend with lovely friends (whom i also miss already 😭😭😭). i am, i'm sorry to tell you, anti-boston sports (me being an east coaster NOT from boston, i feel like this shouldn't be a surprise), but y'all do always seem have a handful of players i love anyway, and even i must admit fenway is one of the most fun ballparks i've ever been to. the bruins sadly were not in town, but we went to the bc vs. denver game on saturday, and on sunday we schlepped out to worcester for a railers game, and both of those were very fun 💞

but onto the more important topic: our beloved rat boy. a concept related to your original ask i am currently mulling over is one where they are Totally Just Frenemies Who Occasionally Sleep Together (they used to be rivals who occasionally slept together but leon is not going to call anyone who plays in florida a "rival") which means that matthew can fuck whoever he wants. and does. and tells leon all about it while they hook up, and for some reason comes out of these hookups looking like leon tried to eat him alive. perhaps he will need to invest in a tshirt that he hasn't mutilated so that he can talk to the media in the days afterward without showing off all the teeth-shaped bruises he seems to have acquired. surely this all means nothing. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

i have a couple of other asks about the vampire leon extended universe so i am going to save my thoughts about THAT for answering those so i can stick them all in their own tag 😅 thank yoooouuuu for the ask though!! 💖

[myhockeyworld87]

Bubble Wrapped - Part 10

Word Count: 3,308

POV: Reader

Warnings: Same as always, Language, Smut, NSFW, Please see the note in the Masterlist

Teams: Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Lightning, Pens, Jackets, Canes, Islanders (more to come)

Notes: I want to thank everyone that reached out to say how much they enjoy this series and that they wanted to keep reading it. It meant a lot and I read each comment, ask and reblog. You guys are the absolute best!!! I’m not sure if I tell you that enough, but I truly love all my readers and followers. So with that being said, here’s part 10. Happy Reading to all! 

You were feeling quite better after your little tryst with Mat at the stadium. In fact, if you were being honest, he'd made you forget about anyone else that you'd been with since the bubble. Well maybe not everyone, but you were definitely feeling like your old self again. Grabbing a glass of wine, you drew a bubble bath so that you could just soak your cares away. You even lit a couple of candles to give the room that nice glow. As you sunk into the warm water, you could feel all the stress of the last several weeks, just melting away. That was until your phone rang.

 You grabbed it off the side of the tub, flipping it over to see Tyler's name. When his number had popped up the last couple of days, you'd hit decline. However, this time you accepted his facetime. "Hey, Ty."

 "(Y/N), baby, where have you been? Are you dodging me on purpose?"

 "No, I would never." The lie slipped easily off your tongue. It wasn't that you were avoiding Tyler. It was just that you needed some time, and apparently Mat Barzal to get back to yourself. Maybe if Tyler was here, it would've been him to do that, but he wasn't; he was in Edmonton. "I've just been super busy here, though Carly convinced me to take the day off."

 "Well, you deserve the day off. Though I thought you were avoiding me, now that you can't win that bet."

 Ugh, sometimes you hated how cocky he was. "Are you sure I lost?"

 A look of betrayal crossed his face and it had you regretting saying anything. "Are you saying you slept with Crosby?"

 "That's for me to know."

 "And for me to try and find out." He finished the thought for you.

 "I thought you wanted to cancel that bet anyhow." You distinctly remember him saying something about that in one of your conversations. "Or now that the Pens are out, is it a different story?"

 "No, I'm still for canceling it. I don't see why we both can't win." There was a twinkle in his eye and you had to wonder what he meant.

 "Do I even want to know what you're thinking?"

  "Hear me out," he said bringing the phone a bit closer to his face and you had to laugh at the seriousness you saw there. "What if the next time we're together, it's just not a twenty-four-hour thing? What if it's a lot longer than that?"

 "What exactly are you asking Ty?"

 "I don't know. That maybe we just sort of, spend more time together. I miss you."

 His sad little puppy dog eyes were getting to you, but you still found yourself saying. "But we're friends with benefits, Ty. We've always been that."

 "Well…maybe we should change that." Oh well, this was new, though you weren't sure how he wanted to change it. Most of the year you lived in two separate countries. And this year, who knew when he would be back in Canada. He may end up having to stay in the states.

 "And how would we do that Ty? We're literally in two separate places."

 "Well, if we're still in the playoffs when things transfer over to Edmonton, why don't you come here and we can talk about what we want to do then."

 This is definitely a conversation that you wanted to have face to face, and not over facetime. "And what if you're not in the finals?"

 "Wow you have no faith in me, do you?" Ugh, you regretted saying that but you wanted to know what the alternative was, especially if you still were in the bubble and he was out. At any rate, I'll fly straight from here to Toronto to be with you. I figure I could just stay in your suite until the bubble is done. " It would probably work since he was already inside of it in Edmonton.

 "You seemed to have it all planned out. Don't you?" You needed time to think about this, after all this was Tyler and you weren't sure the man was capable of doing a full-blown relationship, or if you even wanted to.

 "I mean…yeah kind of."

 "Are you sure you're not saying this, just because you're lonely and I'm the only one that will listen?" While things had seemed different with him over the last couple of weeks, you were still a bit skeptical of his motives. Besides, you weren't sure what kind of spell Sidney had weaved on you but you'd just gotten over that or had you, and to give that kind of power to Tyler could be deadly.

 "Look, I'm going, to be honest. There are a few women here that I could be with, but I was thinking about this, you and me, long before I was trapped in this bubble. I told you before you're the only woman that could make me settle down." There was a seriousness not only to the tone of his voice but also the look on his face. You wondered what yours was giving away, and tried to mask your features.

 "Well, I think this is something we should talk about, but definitely in person." At least this would let you stall so you could decide what you actually wanted to do, and you could still have some more fun while you were in the bubble. "So I'll agree to you either coming here or me going there once the conference finals come around."

 "That's all I can ask for, baby." His cute smile was definitely a turn-on and mentally you put that in the pro column for possibly being in a relationship with him. "Hey, where are you? Because it looks like you don't have a top on?" And that right there was what went on the con side.

 "I'm in the tub, remember I said before Carly convinced me to take the day off."

 "Oh, I definitely should've been more observant before," he stated his eyebrows raising up. "So, um…why don't you shift that camera down a little lower." You were waiting for him to say that, but you really didn't mind. Your times with Tyler were always fun and you were sure this would be no different. You found yourself moving the phone, just enough to show him that you were covered in bubbles though a taut nipple did peak out. "Mmm, what I wouldn't give to be in that tub with you. Those bubbles are lucky son of a bitches for getting to caress your skin the way they are."

 "And where and what might you be doing?"

 "Same place I always am, laying on my bed, just dreaming of you, but now I get to actually see you and it makes things so much better." He could be such a smooth talker at times. "Why don't you slide that one hand down baby. Just like if I was there." It was easy to just listen to his directions. His voice and the warm relaxing water turning you on. "You know I'd run my hands all over your body until I could slip it between your beautiful pussy." The fact that he could do these things to you over the phone, made you long for when one of you would be out of this bubble and you could make it a reality. "Just glide a finger back and forth between your cunt baby." A sigh left your lips. "That's it, just like it was my hand doing it. Now, rub your clit. I know how that turns you on. Just slow circles, babe, not too fast. Can't have you cumming just yet."

 "Mmm…it feels so good Ty."

 "Wanna rub it a little faster for me?" His breath hitched as he spoke the words and you obeyed his words with ease. "Slide a finger inside, babe."

 "OOOhhh," you moaned out, your head going back and water starting to slosh around as your hips jerked up.

 "That's it…god your so gorgeous." Water dripped off your skin, as you grew flush from the heated water and your ministrations, and you could only imagine what you looked like as you tried to hold the phone steady and not drop it in the tub. "Let it slide in and out of that pussy." Your fingers followed his command. You could tell that he was stroking his cock, as his free arm came in and out of view of the screen when he pumped it. It turned you on even more, as you worked your pussy over. "Are you getting close babe?"

 "Yes," your voice now echoing off the bathroom walls.

 "Press your thumb on your clit." He knew the action would make you cum quickly, so he must have been close as well.

 "Fuck, Ty." Though you'd already had one orgasm earlier, your legs felt that familiar tingle as your second one of the day started to build.

 "That's it, baby, keep going. Cum for me."

 "Oh…yes…Oh," a mixture of incoherent moans came out of your lips, as you started to climax. You could hear water, spill over to the floor, but you didn't care.

 "Fuck (Y/N)," you heard Tyler say and you could tell he was cumming with you. There was silence on the line for several heartbeats as the two of you both tried to recover. "God, I have never seen anything more beautiful than when you cum."

 "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not."

 "What? Of course, it is." He sounded offended by your comment. "Why wouldn't it be?"

 "Well maybe because it seems like I'm not beautiful other times."

 "(Y/FullN), you are the most stunning person I have ever seen and it doesn't matter if you have nine hundred layers on or nothing at all. I will tell you that you're the most beautiful woman in the world, every day if you let me." He was definitely trying to score points now and you had to say it was working.

 Now, you kind of felt like you were fishing for a compliment. "Ok, I take it back." You said with a giggle. "You know, you're pretty amazing yourself there."

 He shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, I know."

 "And conceited," you teased.

 "It's not conceited, it's confidence baby." You rolled your eyes, but you supposed it was true. The man was so sure of himself that it practically oozed out of his pores, though you knew that deep down he still needed reassurances as we all did.

 "Ok, Mr. Confidence, well this girl needs to get out of the water now that I'm officially a wrinkled prune."

 "I'm not stopping you. Just keep the phone where I can see you." You shook your head, but still somehow managed to get out of the tub and dried off with him still on FaceTime. The two of you stayed up for the next couple of hours just talking about anything and everything. For once in his life, Tyler held nothing back from you and by the end of the night, he knew that you'd been fooling around with some of the guys that were in the hotel, but he didn't seem to care. All that mattered to him was that in the end, he still had a shot with you. It was refreshing and not the Tyler you were used to. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you started to wonder if things with him could really work out in the long run.

 The next morning, you woke up invigorated from your day off. Carly had known exactly what you needed and you headed downstairs bright and early to thank her, only to be sidetracked by Logan. "(Y/N), thank god you're here. The place is a disaster. I don't know what to do."

 This was not what you needed to walk into after your day off, but knowing Logan it was probably some minor problem that you could fix in a minute; two if there was an actual problem. "Calm down. Take a deep breath. I'm sure whatever it is we can solve the problem in no time." He did as you said and you could see the tension just roll off his body. "Now, tell me what's wrong."

 "There's a busted water pipe on floor eighteen and it's flooded one room and going into another, but you're right it's not that big of a deal."

 "NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL! Jesus, Logan, why didn't you say the hotel is falling apart." You quickly wiped out your phone as you headed up to the eighteenth floor, calling maintenance as you went. Luckily, they were already shutting off the water by the time you got there. "What the hell happened? This is practically a brand-new hotel." The pipes barely had dust on them, let alone rust or anything that could corrode them. The room where the pipe had busted was a complete disaster. There was water everywhere, down the walls, completely soaked into the mattress, even in the ceiling. Wait, now that you looked at the ceiling there was a huge hole in it. Who's room was this? The eighteenth floor was one of the ones the Canes were staying on, so it had to be one of them. They were a rowdy bunch, but you thought they kept their antics on the ice.

 "We shut the water off, (Y/N)." Frank one of the maintenance men told you. "But it's gonna take a day or two, to fix it, as we don't have the supplies here. I'll have to shut it off to the other two rooms next to it as well. Luckily, the damage seems to be only in this room."

 "Thanks, Frank, I owe you one for getting it shut off so quick. Have Carly help you get whatever you need. She's good at putting a rush on things."

 "Will do." You looked around surveying the damage. There would have to be new furniture put in this room as it was utterly destroyed, along with the carpeting and the bedding. And then you spotted it. A hockey stick laying on top of the bed, the end coated in plaster.

 Some of the players had gathered outside and if you hadn't been in such a rush to get here, you would've looked at the room number for who to go after. After your relaxing day yesterday, today was turning into a disaster. Carly, somehow pushed her way through several hulking men to get to you. "Frank just told me." Her eyes got big as saucers as she took in the damage. "Holy fuck." Those words seemed adequate. You grabbed her by the shoulder and she seemed to shake herself out of a stupor.

 "What room number is this?"

 "Eighteen twenty-three." Slowly you turned around looking for the guilty culprit, and there he was, all six foot four of him standing there in saturate clothes and looking quite sheepishly. Joel Edmundson, the crop top king, if you recalled from your conversation yesterday with Carly. The only thing was he wasn't the only one that was drenched, standing beside him were Dougie Hamilton and Andrei Svechnikov. "Just breathe," Carly whispered. "Getting upset will do nothing, plus you've got bigger problems."

 "Bigger problems, then a gaping hole in a roof with water soaking the room."

 She shrugged her shoulder innocently. "Well, if Frank is right and we're going to need a couple days to fix this. You need to find three rooms in what's already a completely booked hotel." Damnit, she was right. You were already at max capacity and didn't have a room to spare. You realized that it was a great opportunity for the hotel when they'd been chosen to host the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but you were really starting to wonder if the NHL had a personal vendetta against you when it made the decision to keep this hotel completely occupied the entire time.

 "What am I going to do?"

 "You could send them over to Royal York."

 "Are you kidding me? I'd sooner cut off my left arm, then send them back there." It wasn't that Royal York was a bad hotel, but there was definitely a little rivalry between you and the manager over there. It was a friendly competition on who could handle all these NHL players, but you wanted to be the victor here.

 "They could always move into the suite with you. You have two extra rooms, though someone would have to double up." She eyed all of the men standing there silently outside the room, just waiting for you to explode. "Or someone could always sleep in your bed." She nudged you and then whispered low. "My votes for the crop top king." As much as you didn't want to admit it, he did sort of have that quality about him that appealed to you. Shit, what were you doing even thinking about her suggestion?

 "Two of them can room together, especially after making this mess."

 "Hmm, probably. Just don't rule my suggestion out."

 You gave her a look, the one that said you wouldn't be entertaining that thought, even though there was part of you that wanted to, then stepped out in the hallway to speak to the guys gathered there. "I'm sure you gathered that we have a bit of a…situation here. We're going to need to shut the water off in three rooms for a couple days." The three culprits all shared looks back and forth with each other, and you truly had to wonder what the hell they were trying to do that broke the damn water pipe. "If you're in room twenty-one, twenty-three, and twenty-five we're going to need to relocate you." As you said the names, you realized that the guilty party just so happened to be the same guys that needed to be relocated. "If you could just pack up your things, I'll get someone here to move you."

 All the other players dispersed to their rooms, and finally, Joel came up to you. "Look we're really sorry. We understand if you have us sleeping in cots in the basement or something for the next couple of days."

 He sounded so sweet and, well innocent wasn't the right word, but maybe sincere, that you found yourself saying, "No, we'd never do something like that, but I will need two of you to stay in the same room. There are two queen beds in the one so it's not like you'll have to share."

 "That's not a problem, Svech and I can room together." Joel offered, putting his arm around his teammate.

 "I'm sure a lot of your stuff is ruined, from the water. I can have housekeeping take care of all your laundry, but if you could just grab your other things."

 "Sure, no problem. Just give us like twenty minutes and we'll be ready."

 The three of them disappeared while you made phone calls to housekeeping, letting them know to make this a priority and that they would also be needing to clean up the other rooms in your suite over the next few days. Sure enough, twenty minutes later they had all their gear gathered up. "So, where are we headed to?" Dougie asked as you all stepped into the elevator. You hit the penthouse floor button.

 "My suite." Glances were exchanged and you didn't miss them checking your body up and down appreciatively. "You'll be staying with me until your rooms can be cleaned up."

 "If I would've known that, I would've broken the pipe earlier," you swore you hear Joel mumble, and you had to laugh. The next couple of days were definitely going to be something. You just weren't sure what kind of something.  

[hobeymakar]

Something Better | N. MacKinnon

Words: 2,608

A/N: Since I’m sad about the Avs losing Game 7, I figured the only way to not fall into a depressive state is to write something cute to turn the failed breaking of the 2nd round curse (it’s been almost 20 years) to something positive :) In this, COVID-19 is still going on and yes, the playoffs did go on as it did this year

Warnings: swearing and alcohol use

-

You wake up and feel a wave of nausea run through you. You run straight to the bathroom and manage to make it to the toilet before emptying the contents of your stomach out. After the nausea goes down, you brush your teeth and wash your face before heading to the kitchen to take your prenatals and make some breakfast. Yesterday, officially started your 10th week of pregnancy and you can’t believe how quickly your pregnancy is flying by. It seems like just yesterday you found out you were pregnant alone, while Nate was playing his exhibition game with the Avs in Edmonton.

You didn’t want Nate to find out about your unexpected pregnancy while in the bubble, so you tried to keep it as secretive as possible. The only people beside your family that knew were Mel and Gabe Landeskog and Erik Johnson, because EJ apparently finds out everything like he’s some FBI detective or whatever. Luckily, EJ and the Landeskogs can keep their mouths shut and vowed to not tell Nate. You wanted to tell him in person, not over FaceTime.

You finish your breakfast and clean up the kitchen, before heading back to the room to get dressed for the airport. You shower and wash your hair before changing into one of Nate’s old Halifax Mooseheads shirts, leggings, and Adidas sneakers. You need to buy some maternity clothing soon since you’re almost done with your first trimester and your bump is starting to actually show. You blowdry your hair and put on minimal makeup before grabbing your things and leaving the house. You get into the car and drive off towards the airport. 

After a while, you arrive at the airport and make your way towards the arrivals terminal and greet all the Avs WAGs. The ones who are moms can tell right away that you’re pregnant but vow not to say anything to anyone, until you’re ready. After what feels like forever, but it’s only half an hour, you see the players starting to come out. The second you see Nate you run straight into his arms, throwing caution to the wind. It’s the longest you’ve been without your husband since you two started dating in 2014.

“Y/N!” he smiles, holding you in his arms tightly.

“I missed you so much, baby!” you cry out, a couple tears of joy starting to slip from your eyes.

“I missed you even more, baby!” he replies, kissing your forehead.

You stay in each other’s arms for a few more moments before he gently places you back on the ground again. He takes your hand in his and you guys leave the terminal together and head back to the car. You both get into the car and finally take off your masks.

“How was the flight?” you ask, as you start the car.

“Long and depressing, but I’m glad I get to come home to you again,” he smiles, kissing your hand.

You put the car into drive and leave the airport, while he puts on WHATS POPPIN (Remix) by Jack Harlow, Tory Lanez, DaBaby, and Lil Wayne. You know Nate is back when only rap music is being played in the car again. After a while, you make it back to the house and Nate goes straight to the room to unpack, while you take the time to go to your office and call Mel.

Mel answers on the third ring and you can hear Linnea crying in the background.

“Hey Mel is this a bad time?” you ask, not wanting to take her away from her motherly duties.

“No, not at all. Linnea’s just cranky because Gabe accidentally dropped his gear and woke her up from her nap,” she explains.

“God, he better get her back to sleep then,” you reply, shaking your head.

“Oh he is! He’s in the nursery right now, trying to get her to go back to sleep,” she explains.

“Good! Serves him right for ruining her nap schedule,” you tease. “Anyway, are we still on for Nate’s belated birthday party surprise?”

“Yes, we are! I’ve been in contact with the other girls and the guys and we should all be there for 6. So, you should tell him you’re taking him out for dinner and then when you come back from dinner, everything will be set up! He won’t suspect anything,” she explains.

“Alright, awesome. Thanks Mel,” you smile, glad your surprise party for Nate is gonna go off as planned.

What you don't know is that Nate is outside your door and heard you mention the birthday party surprise. He leaves the hallway quickly so that you don't know that he was listening to you talk with Mel. You get off the phone with Mel and exit the room, glad to see that Nate is nowhere near your office. You find him in the living room, getting his laptop set up.

"Hey babe, are you hungry?" you ask.

"No, I ate on the flight. I'm gonna zoom with my parents and sister if you wanna come join," he offers.

"Of course!" you smile.

You love talking with the MacKinnon family. They all love you and are so glad that you turned Nate into a man. Nate starts the zoom call and you're instantly greeted with the faces of Graham, Kathy, and Sarah. 

"Hi, Y/N! How are you?" Kathy greets, a giant smile on her face.

"I'm great, Mrs. MacKinnon, now that your son is back home. How are you?" you ask.

"Y/N darling, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Kathy? We're family now, sweetheart. I'm doing well. I'm so happy to see you again," she replies.

"It must really suck to have my brother back home, eh?" Sarah teases.

"I won't get peace and quiet anymore, that's for sure," you tease back, causing Nate to groan beside you.

"I don't appreciate this spousal abuse!" he whines.

"This is why you're my favorite sister-in-law, Y/N!" Sarah giggles, having way too much.

"She's your only sister-in-law, Sarah!" Graham informs her.

"I know that, Dad! She's still my favorite!" Sarah shushes him.

Yeah, you definitely love the MacKinnons. You all catch up on what's going on with the MacKinnons informing you and Nate on what's going on back in Cole Harbour. You also inform them what's going on in Denver without of course telling them about your pregnancy. Although with the looks Kathy is giving you, she must already suspect it. Moms tend to have a pregnancy radar like that. After a while, the MacKinnons have to go and the Zoom call ends.

You and Nate take advantage of a lil nap time, since the pregnancy makes you take naps more frequently.

"Babe, get ready. I'm taking you out to dinner," you inform him.

"Why can't we just have dinner here?" he pleads.

"Because we haven't had a date night since the pandemic happened and I want to go out," you explain.

"Whatever m'lady wants, m'lady gets," he teases in a stupid accent.

"You're insufferable," you groan, shaking your head in disbelief.

You two get ready to go to dinner and you had already set up a reservation at a nice steakhouse for 6pm. You arrive at the steakhouse downtown at 5:40pm and valet park it. You make your way inside and wait for your table to be ready, before being escorted by the hostess to your table. You both sit down at the table and look at the menus.

"Hi my name is Alex and I'll be your waiter tonight. Can I get you both started with some drinks?" the waiter asks.

"Can we get a bottle of your best red sauvignon, please?" Nate asks.

"And I'll just have this water," you add.

"No problem," Alex smiles.

He pours you a glass of water from the water pitcher as Nate gives you a look of confusion. Alex then leaves to get the bottle of wine.

"You're not gonna have any wine?" he asks.

"No, not tonight, babe. Not really in the mood for it," you lie.

"Okay," he replies, not totally buying the lie.

Alex comes back with the bottle of wine and you both place your orders. You check your phone and see that Mel texted you saying that everyone is at the house setting up for the surprise party. You two pass the time talking and Nate brings up heading back to the offseason house in Cole Harbour and you tell him you're unsure if you wanna go back since it's basically the end of summer anyway and the offseason is so short this year.

"So you wanna stay in Denver then?" he asks.

"I just don't know if it'll be worth it to only be there a month or two," you reply, when in reality you wanna stay here for your entire pregnancy.

Your food eventually arrives and the both of you dig in. You quickly realize how much you miss date nights with Nate and how much you just missed being with Nate in general. Dealing with the majority of your first trimester alone was definitely challenging and something you thought you would never have to deal with. 

After a while, you finish eating and the waiters bring a piece of cake for Nate and start singing happy birthday, while you record it on your phone.

"Happy belated birthday, baby!" you cheer, after the waiters finish singing.

Nate blows out the candle and everyone claps. The waiters all walk away and Nate throws you a look.

"Really?" he asks in annoyance, shaking his head.

"Stop being a baby! You really thought I wasn't gonna make up for missing your birthday?" you ask.

He starts eating his cake, anyway and you eat half of it. You finish eating the cake and you pay the check, much to Nate's dismay.

"Babe, I can pay for things too. I run my own million dollar business," you glare at him.

"Sorry," he replies, raising his hands up in defense.

You leave the restaurant and check your phone, seeing that Mel texted you that the house is all set up and everyone is there.

You decide to drive, much to Nate's dismay, but you sternly remind him that he had a whole bottle of wine. You arrive at the house and park in the driveway. You walk up to the front door and go in first, seeing the house completely dark. Nate follows in and turns on the lights.

Everyone shouts surprise and Nate acts like he didn't know about it ahead of time. Gabe cues the music and everyone goes up to him and wishes him a happy birthday.

"Thank you baby," he smiles, kissing you.

"You're welcome," you smile back.

All the kids are running around and the girls and guys are chatting about offseason plans. After a while, Mel brings out a cake and everyone starts singing happy birthday. After singing, they take pictures of Nate with the cake, before pictures of different groups with Nate and the cake. After all the pictures are taken, Mel cuts the cake and serves a piece to everyone, even some of the kids. After the entire cake is cut and everyone has finished eating their pieces, you go to your office and take out a bag with Nate’s gifts in it, nervous to see what his reaction will be. You bring it out of the office and bring out to the open area where everybody is. Mel notices this and cues for everyone to be quiet and shuts the music down.

“What’s going on?” Nate asks in confusion, not understanding what’s going on.

“I got some special birthday gifts for you, but you need to close your eyes when you pull them out!” you smile, handing him the gift bag.

Nate shoots you a look of hesitation before opening the bag and taking out the paper. He pulls out the first item and hands it to you, before taking out a 2nd and 3rd item and handing them both to you. You arrange them nicely, so that he can see them clearly when he opens his eyes.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now,” you inform him, biting your lip nervously.

He opens his eyes and is immediately hit with a baby Avs jersey with his number on it that says Daddy in the back, as well as little Avs booties and your first ultrasound photo. His brows furrow in confusion at first before he puts two and two together and his mouth drops at the sudden realization that you’re pregnant.

“You’re pregnant? I’m gonna be a dad?” he asks hopefully.

“Yes, babe! I’m 10 weeks pregnant and I’m due in early April!” you smile, placing a hand down on your little bump.

“I love you so much!” he cries out, before kissing you and lifting you into his arms.

Everyone cheers and yells out their congratulations, with the WAGs already talking about planning the gender reveal party and the baby shower. Nate doesn’t keep his hands off your bump for the rest of the night and doesn’t shut up about how he can’t wait to meet the baby. The team, because they’re all competitive gambling bastards, place a wager on whether or not it’s a boy or girl, and secretly you want a mini Nate running around, even though you know he would be an amazing girl dad.

After a while, it gets late and everyone cleans up before heading home. Once everyone is gone, you guys shower and get ready for bed.

“When’s the next appointment, babe?” he asks you, as you crawl into bed to cuddle him.

“In two weeks for the first trimester screen. You’re gonna be able to hear our baby’s heartbeat for the first time,” you inform him.

“I can’t believe you were going through this all alone,” he sighs, feeling guilty that he was playing in the Edmonton bubble.

“I had Mel here with me and she was pretty awesome helping me out after every freakout and breakdown I had since finding out I’m pregnant,” you assure him.

“How long have you known?” he asks, the “without telling me” implied.

“I found out 5 days after you left. I had missed my period and was feeling like shit, so I bought a few tests and they all came out positive. So I freaked out and figured I’d wait til I saw you again in person to tell you,” you explain.

“I hate that I wasn’t here for you these last 6 weeks, but I’ll be by your side for the rest of this pregnancy, baby,” he assures you, kissing your forehead. “When do we get to find out the gender?”

“In 10 weeks during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound. It’s a 3D ultrasound that will show us every detail of the baby,” you explain to him, in between yawns.

He crawls down under the sheets and brings his face up to your little bump.

“Hey little one, I know you don’t know me yet, but I’m your daddy! I can’t wait to meet you little guy or girl! Your mommy and I make me so happy. I know I haven’t been here because I was busy trying to win the Stanley Cup, but I’m glad I didn’t. You’re already a million times better than winning the Cup,” he explains, leaving kisses on your bump.

You quickly wipe the tears from your eyes so he doesn’t see how emotional that made you. He’s right however. Finally starting a family is way better than winning the Stanley Cup. 

[yulmoldauer]

Let’s talk about racism on hockeyblr

EDIT/DISCLAIMER: I’m aware that I may have missed a few native and indigenous players when I mention some below. With me being located in the US and having elections on top of school, theatre, and more, I know I may have missed some! If I’ve missed a few that you know are native, please feel free to shoot me a message and let me know. Again, my intention wasn’t to exclude anyone for looking too white or anything, I just think it’s impossible for one person to be able to keep up with every team. If I’m missing someone, feel free to let me know so I can add them!

Alright, I'm putting everything into three posts for ease on literally everyone. One post would be so god damn long. 

First, I’m going to add onto the topic of racism in general but especially on hockeyblr. Especially from the “I would never!” crowd.

And, yes, I’m talking about POC and white people both I’ve experienced this from.

For those who don’t know: I’m native. I’m mixed. I look relatively white in the winter when I’m cooped up inside and look (what white people have always called “very very tan!”) not-so-white in the summers. When it comes to my personal history, it’s messy. I’m not registered with any tribe and I have to take an educated guess on what tribe my family is even from. The short story is someone from my family was forced into foster care to make her “white” in every sense other than her skin. Her ties to family and her native culture were cut. So before anyone pulls the “you’re not a real native”, trust me, it’s a result of racism. I’m saying this to tell you that I am native, what I’m saying is all my experiences.

How many people on hockeyblr are shaming the Blackhawks for not changing their name and logo, but have no idea there are even native players in the NHL. How many of you can actually name a native/indigenous person in the NHL off the top of your head? They exist, but you all lump them into the white boy category. Like, this bothers me SO much because it’s performative wokeness at its peak. You care about a name and a logo, not the people.

On the “lumping them into the white boy category”, I’ll elaborate a little more.

Native and indigenous people are usually “too white to be poc and too poc to be white.” I’m not putting this here to target anyone specifically, but I experience this from both white and poc and it needs to be talked about. The fact that y’all don’t see native and indigenous people as people of color.

An example of this? Carey price. I’ve seen people nonstop calling him white lately when talking about racism. I’m not as educated on indigenous groups within Canada but literally Native people are Not White.

We’re not accepted by white people, we’re not accepted by other poc. I bring up that we ARE poc, and get met with “but not actual POC.”

If this makes you uncomfortable, it should. If you’ve done this, recognize it and change. Learn about native and indigenous people in the NHL and other hockey leagues. Learn what they’re doing with native issues, topics, etc.

Here’s a list of native and indigenous players CURRENTLY in the NHL from native hockey.com’s website:

Rene Bourque (Metis) – Colorado Avalanche

Micheal Ferland (Cree) – Calgary Flames 

Vern Fiddler (Metis) – New Jersey Devils

Dwight King (Metis) – Los Angeles Kings

Jordan Nolan (Ojibwe) – Los Angeles Kings

T.J. Oshie (Ojibwe) – Washington Capitals

Carey Price (Ulkatcho First Nation) – Montreal Canadiens

Jordin Tootoo (Inuk) – Chicago Blackhawks

Travis Hamonic (Metis) -- Calgary Flames

Someone not on that list is Ethan Bear from the Edmonton Oilers, he’s Cree. There’s also Zach Whitecloud from Vegas, who is Sioux and Brendon Montour from the Buffalo Sabres who is Mohawk. Please let me know If there’s anyone else that is indigenous that I was unaware of. (I think this is good to show that even I, a Native person, would be unaware of some of these. Honestly, I don’t even know much about a lot of players. That’s why we need to constantly be working together)

Educate yourselves. Learn how to be a better ally. Being an ally is more than reblogging a gofundme. It’s stopping racism toward native and indigenous people no matter who it’s coming from. It’s not speaking over us when we say “this is an issue.”

[jackdawyt]

Your bird is back with another Dragon Age 4 News Update!  🐦

For the first time this year, I’m doing a massive monthly news recap of everything we learned about Dragon Age 4 going forward (JUST) in the month of March, because slap my arse and call me Andraste, this month was huge for Dragon Age 4 updates, we’ve got a lot of exciting info to get into!

(Romance Tweets)

Calling all romance fans, you can bank on Dragon Age 4 to fulfil all of your intimate desires, perhaps even more so than the previous games. Jon Renish, Foundation Programming Area Director working on the next Dragon Age had a few things to say whilst watching a romance scene script read through:  

“Don't want to alarm anyone, but I'm starting to think 'Dragon Age' games might be a bit randy.” (March 3rd)

‘Randy’, according to the Oxford Dictionary, means ‘sexually arousing’ and ‘exciting.’ So, we can prepare for that, whatever that is! Jon continues his tweet thread with:

“Well now it's all sad and sweet and emotional. I was not prepared for this rollercoaster.”

In true BioWare fashion, we’re going to have a lot of sexy times, however, brought together with moving and character developing moments – y’know, the ups and downs of the romance as the relationship builds and grows throughout the entire game experience.  

“Oh, nothing like that.  Just watching a script read through.”

Jon confirms that this was indeed a script read through, as we can tell reviewing a potential romance scene. As a romance advocate myself, I am very interested in the direction romances will be going in for Dragon Age 4. That is something that I will especially be keeping my eyes on. 

(E3/EA Play 2020 Update)

EA Play and E3 2020 are generally the most expected places to see a new Dragon Age 4 reveal trailer.

E3 2020 has been cancelled due to the current outbreak, however, we’ve yet to be updated on the status of EA Play 2020. Of course, it is most certainly cancelled since the tickets for the show were supposed to drop this March. But, we still don’t know what will replace the show.  

The teams behind E3 2020 are supposedly working on a digital showcase to display new announcements that would’ve been revealed on stage. We can only assume that EA will follow suite and do the same for EA Play, making it a digital show, like Nintendo’s Direct conferences.  

Regardless, this is something that we’re going to have to wait and see until EA speak out, and when they do, I’ll be sure to cover that in a news update. I feel we could have a Dragon Age 4 reveal, with an expected release of 2022/2023, but with everyone hectic right now, I’m unsure.  

(C Virus Update)

Speaking of hectic... with the current outbreak, EA have spoken and shared a statement about health and safety during these times:  

(March 13th) “These are challenging times for everyone.  We’re working to look after our employees and their families, and make sure we’re doing the right and responsible things to fight this pandemic illness.”

Thankfully, everyone working at BioWare have been asked to work from home. Justin Masse, Experience Designer working on the next Dragon Age tweeted he’s “working from home until April 1st", confirming the length of this situation.

According to Crystal McCord, Associate Producer of Performance Capture and VO, working at home has been very productive for the team at BioWare as they have “exceeded all expectations.” 

So, it’s great knowing that despite the crazy situation in the world right now, BioWare developers are staying safe, working from home and progressing hugely on the next Dragon Age title!  

(Slack Server)

(March 13th) While Mark Darrah was working from home, he tweeted a picture regarding his tiling progression, as he’s currently redesigning aspects of his home. However, in the very corner of Darrah’s picture lies a laptop screen with a Slack Server revealing many Dragon Age development secrets!  

The server shows plenty of channels for the BioWare developers regarding specific work notes on all aspects of progression. A large amount of the channels are abbreviated to “MOR_” - which is most certainly shortened from ‘Morrison’, Dragon Age 4’s current project title as we know.

This list of the channels are endless, and I could spend forever looking into what exactly they all refer to regarding the production of the next Dragon Age game. We have one channel called ‘mor_announcement’ - does this hint at a new trailer to soon be showed off, or is it an old channel since The Dread Wolf Rises teaser? Are they planning an upcoming announcement? Surely, they would be right? Is that anytime soon?  

Another channel is called ‘mor_da_week’ which from what I can assume stands for Dragon Age week? We have a Dragon Age Day created by the fans and made offical by BioWare, but a Dragon Age week, that’s something I’ve never heard of...  

And there’s just plenty of channels referring to Dragon Age 4’s current development, there’s even a bad design ideas thread, an ask Mark anything chat, approvals on key aspects of the game, marketing assets, and so on!  

It’s a gold mine of tidbits, orchestrated by none other than Mark Darrah, the Executive Producer on Dragon Age. He has once more tweeted a cheeky little tease that may appear mundane, passing a blind eye to it, however, when you take some time and actually look at what he’s posted, it reveals a nug-ton of info we can speculate on.

(New Associate Producer / Jobs)

Illustrator and Creative Professional “Mad Bee” has returned to work at BioWare, they previously worked on Anthem as an Art Quality Analyst. However, this time around, they are an Associate Producer, most likely working on Dragon Age 4. 

And, following that, BioWare are currently hiring! I’ve seen this news piece get quite the few news articles, but I figured I could break this one down better, rest in peace PC Gamer.

So, indeed BioWare are hiring for many roles at the company, the most prominent role is a ‘Technical Director’ for ‘the next major title in one of BioWare’s most prestigious franchises.’  

Considering Mike Gamble, the new project lead for the next Mass Effect game tweeted this hiring out, I’d assume this position is needed for the Mass Effect team who are also in Edmonton, opposite the Dragon Age team.  

What’s most concerning about this job listing relating to the future of Mass Effect is that, according to the job requirements, the applicant needs to have experience ‘developing, debugging and optimizing AAA multiplayer games on PC or console.’  

To throw away my suspicion that Mass Effect or Dragon Age are going to have a heavy multiplayer experience, I looked at the other job listings located at Edmonton’s studio and I discovered other job listings, like an Engine Programmer which require the same experience of developing and debugging games, however, without the multiplayer element.  

So, perhaps BioWare have two teams, one working on the main single player element and the other working on the much smaller multiplayer aspect? I’d be naive to not reiterate the fact that future BioWare games are going to be live service, however, we still don’t know to what extent that will look like.  

(Tevinter Nights)

Patrick Weekes teased that Dragon Age 4 is most certainly in Tevinter following there Tevinter Nights Book plug, however, Patrick still calls the next Dragon Age game an unannounced project? Which I don’t understand because The Dread Wolf Rises teaser trailer at The Game Awards 2018 most certainly confirmed that a new Dragon Age game is currently in production and has been announced.

Unless Patrick is calling it ‘still-unannounced' because they’re planning an announcement soon...

I feel like Patrick is just joking at the fact that the next game is most certainly set in Tevinter, considering PC Gamer made an article a while back stating that Dragon Age 4 is set in Tevinter based on the Tevinter Nights book reveal, it made plenty of the BioWare staff and community laugh at their credulous Journalism. So, it could just be that.  

Anyhow, March has actually been an amazing month to be a Dragon Age fan! We had the final issue of Blue Wraith and the release of the anthological Tevinter Nights!

Tevinter Nights dropped plenty of story hints for the future of Dragon Age. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy, as of which, I’ve created plenty of content regarding all of the story threads uncovered in the novel that you should check out once you’ve read the book for yourself, I’ve still got more to content to come from Tevinter Nights too!  

However, if you have not read it and very much care about the future of Dragon Age, which if you’re watching this video, you most likely do. So, you should go and read this book because we learn A LOT going forward for the future narrative of Dragon Age. The book is a huge spring board for the next game, so go and read it!  

(Blue Wraith)

The final issue of Blue Wraith launched and as much as I enjoyed it, the comic ended on a cliff-hanger!

The lead writers Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir are hopeful for another comic to come, stating:

The two also spoke in a comic-centred interview by Deconstructing Comics about the direction of their entire Dragon Age comics. That since Knight Errant, their comics are created to prepare for a hypothetical Dragon Age 4, but not as a prologue or a plot for the next game. Nunzio suggested that fans should instead look at Tevinter Nights.

Nunzio shared on BSN Forums that hopefully the wait for the next comic won’t be as long as last time. Dragon Age: Deception came out through October – December of 2018, whereas Blue Wraith came out through January – March of 2020. So, perhaps the next comic run could come mid-2021.

(Future Books/Comics)

Speaking of future books and comics, just after I finished Blue Wraith and Tevinter Nights, I was asking myself what’s next to look forward to regarding Dragon Age content. However, on March 23rd we got not one, but two book announcements coming later this year.

Dropping on the 13th of October, BioWare are revealing a new development book, charting the legendary game studio's first 25 years in a massive retrospective hardcover book at $39.99. Perhaps we’ll learn more about Dragon Age 4’s previous iteration, project Joplin?  

Following that, on October 27th, the five Dragon Age graphic novels are being put into a massive collection for $29.99.

This book collects Dragon Age: The Silent Grove #1-6, Dragon Age: Those Who Speak #1-3, Dragon Age: Until We Sleep #1-3, Dragon Age: Magekiller #1-5, and Dragon Age: Knight Errant #1-5.

But not Deception & Blue Wraith? Potentially they’ve left these two out because Dark Horse wish to progress with these comics, foreshadowing more comics in the future to come?  

(Reddit Leak)

Moving on to a slightly weird, and most certainly fake-but-take-it-as-you-will-update... we have a reddit leak showing many upcoming games release dates, with some actually being accurate. Dragon Age 4 is listed here, and according to this leak, it’s releasing the 15th of November, 2020. Again, most certainly fake, but take it as you will.  

Speaking of fake leaks, a 2018 leak for Dragon Age 4’s contents has resurfaced, and oh boy is this thing fake. I feel like dissecting this thing as a separate video just for a laugh, but tell me down below if that’s a good idea or not.  

With that, that’s all the updates we had in March! We’re three, almost four months into 2020, as crazy as this year has been so far. I’ve already created plenty previous news updates, so if you need to be caught up to date, or you’ve missed an update, or you’re just stuck inside and need something to put your mind at ease - I have a news playlist with every single major update regarding Dragon Age 4’s development, so be sure to check that out. 

I hope you all are holding up okay and staying safe, distract yourself by telling me some of your own hopes for the next Dragon Age game, it can be anything you'd like to see! Personally, I'd love to see Vaea make any appearance in DA4!

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Rona Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts

Rona Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts. Photo supplied. 

Fitting in will never replace a sense of belonging. Though not everyone is lucky enough to discover that early in life, at the Nina Haggerty, it greets you at the door. That kind of welcome can be life-changing. Just ask Rona Fraser, who herself felt a sense of belonging the first time she worked with the organization 18 years ago. Today, she’s the centre’s Chief Executive Officer, committed to championing the importance of the creation and exhibition of art by those who face barriers to artistic expression. Heralded as a pillar in Edmonton’s arts and disabilities communities, the Nina has earned the respect and admiration of not only the city but also a society now discovering what Fraser already knows: that being a positive force in a community means ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to create, connect, and change lives.” This week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Rona Fraser.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and what keeps you living and working here.

I was born in Edmonton but have made a home of many Alberta cities. I eventually ended up in Kelowna but came back to Edmonton for the Arts and Cultural Management program offered by Grant MacEwan. I have always been passionate about the arts but am completely devoid of any artistic talent. This program opened a door to the arts world for me that otherwise wouldn’t have existed. After completing the program, I was able to engage with the Edmonton arts community and work with various performing and visual arts organizations. The Edmonton arts scene is a rare treasure box full of individuals and organizations that are passionate about building community through culture. I never take for granted how fortunate I am to be here and be a part of it all.

What makes the Nina Haggerty community special, and what does it bring to the YEG arts scene?

The Nina’s foremost mission is to make arts accessible to those with barriers. Our arts collective consists of over 230 adults with developmental disabilities. For many of these individuals, they will not have a chance to become a doctor or a lawyer, but the arts create an even playing field for everyone. The talent and creativity they bring to the Edmonton arts landscape is profound and serves as an inspiration to anyone with barricades to the arts world.

Artist Carl Phillip showing his polar bear artwork. Photo supplied. 

How did you become involved with the Nina Haggerty, and why did it resonate with you?

I was initially contracted to produce and promote the grand opening celebration of the original Nina Haggerty Centre that opened on 97 Street, 18 years ago. I was instantly inspired by the concept brought to life by the previous Executive Director, Wendy Hollo. The centre was offering an opportunity for creative expression and exhibition opportunities to those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to become practicing artists. Seeing the talent and joy that the artists exuded at the opening made me an instant believer in the centre and how it could create inclusivity and change lives.

What’s something you want people to know about the Nina that they won’t find on your website?

The Nina helps people to transcend their disabilities and change their personal stories. Often, we will meet new members of the collective and they will define themselves by their disability. For example, “My name is Steve, and I have Down Syndrome.” The Nina offers individuals a chance to change how they define themselves and identify as a practicing artist. Our collective presents themselves as painters, dancers, sculptors, and working artists. It is extremely empowering. It is not uncommon for family or friends of our members to be completely astounded by the talent that is revealed when you give someone the opportunity to create.

What does community mean to you, and where do you find it?

For me, community means more than just the commonalities we share. It’s the understanding and accepting of the differences we have and being there to support one another while growing together. Many people see a segregation between the arts and business communities in Edmonton. I feel that gap has been bridged by talented advocating artists and caring companies that embrace and support what culture brings to a society. Community to me means a fellowship with others who support and grow together. I find community in the Edmonton festivals, arts organizations, local coffee shops, non-profits, and businesses all working together to make Edmonton a growing, cultural, capital city.

Who’s someone inspiring you right now?

This one is easy! Jared Quinney is a Nina artist who inspires and touches everyone he meets. Jared has overcome many obstacles to become an artist and has a zest for art that I have rarely seen rivaled. Jared makes his way on foot every day to the Nina, where he brightens the centre with his upbeat attitude and immense sports knowledge. Jared is not a one-medium artist. You never know if you will find him in clay, print, textiles, or painting, but he pours himself into whatever project he is creating and won’t let anything stop him from being his best authentic self.

Artist Jared Quinney. Photo supplied. 

Tell us a little about the LRT poster project and your goals for it.

The LRT poster project, in partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council and Pattison Outdoor Advertising, launched this October. Over 40 Nina artists have large-scale artwork displayed in LRT stations across Edmonton. This is incredibly exciting, as this high-profile opportunity helps showcase to the community that artists with disabilities are professional artists. The project has generated a great deal of media and community awareness for the Nina, and we are so grateful and excited for the art to be viewed by thousands over the coming months.

What has the project meant to your artists?

This project is extremely impactful for our artists. Having the chance to see their art in large-scale and in highly public display across the city is validating and inspiring. The artists were paid for their contribution to brightening up Edmonton communities with their talent, and the experience has been incredible for them.

What makes you hopeful these days?

I find so much hope in seeing young people having such an impact. I see students raising funds for local charities, my teens and their friends volunteering at non-profits, and youth caring immensely about the future. Not long ago there was an 11-year-old girl who visited the Nina and decided to ask for no gifts on her birthday, just donations to the Nina. If this is the future, it is making me hopeful and happy!

Tell us one of your favourite Nina Haggerty memories.

Every year the Nina hosts a gala awards evening acknowledging artists from our collective with five awards in categories such as Emerging Artist and the Changed Life Award. I will never forget one of the first awards nights when artist Leona Clawson was announced as the Artist of The Year. The entire room of over 400 guests stood up and cheered her on with a standing ovation that lasted so long and was so heartfelt. She was being genuinely acknowledged for her talent and creativity. It was the first of many more standing ovations for artists from our collective. Leona, after receiving her award and stepping down from the stage, was beaming and said, “I think I’ve made it,” and she was right.

You visit Edmonton 20 years from now. What do you hope has changed? What do you hope has stayed the same?

I hope Edmonton continues to have a thriving and passionate arts and cultural community. We take great pride in our arts and festivals, and I hope that never diminishes. I am optimistic that what may change is an even greater shift to inclusion for those with barriers to the arts world. As appreciation and understanding grows, so does the opportunities for talented artists to create, exhibit, and change perceptions.

Artist Shannon Dosser painting in the main studio. Photo supplied. 

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, including its Patron Program.

About Rona Fraser

Upon completing a Business program at NAIT and then the Arts and Cultural Management Program at Grant MacEwan in 2000, Rona started in the field of fundraising and event management and opened Event Energy Inc. in 2002 with her husband, Brett Fraser. Through the years, she’s worked with many amazing clients, including the Ronald McDonald House, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, and Alberta Ballet and produced many events, including the Alberta Music Awards, Dog City Festival, and the Edmonton Entrepreneur Show.

Rona has helped raise millions of dollars for various not-for-profit groups through fund-development and fundraising events and in 2013 was honored to be recognized by Avenue Magazine with a Top 40 Under 40 Award for her work with charities over the years. Rona has been heavily involved with the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts in Edmonton since its opening in 2003 and was fortunate to have the chance to become CEO of the Centre in 2020. She is extremely passionate about her new role and sharing the great work that happens at the Nina.

[randomoranges]

these always sound better in my head when i day dream. anyways - again more of an intro ish to this sequence ive had in mind for a while. also something something when youre comfs around someone so something something teasing and something something it being easy etc.

is this also an excuse to lowkey write about the playoffs, étienne being extra and the magical mystical beard? probably. 

Bleu comme le St-Laurent

 July 3rd 2021

They’d agreed, before his visit, that it would be easier and simpler if he simply took a cab over from the airport, all things considered. Mostly, he’d had to convince Étienne and in the end, his boyfriend had abdicated and agreed to wait for him at home. It meant that he was only a little bit nervous as the cab got closer and closer to Étienne’s place and that the butterflies in his stomach multiplied at every turn.

 It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see Étienne, but it always felt a little stilted those first few moments after not seeing each other for a bit. Or – at least, it had been before. For as much as he wanted to cherish the time he had with Étienne, especially knowing that it was limited, it always made him take a step back when he saw Étienne again, as if seeing him in person was always slightly to the left of how his brain remembered him.

 And then, even though they hadn’t seen each other in a little over two months, it somehow still felt like a lifetime. So much had changed and happened since Étienne had returned home that it could have been decades since he’d last held him in his arms and it would have been the same. Still, he supposed that a little over two months was nothing, in the grand scheme of things, and this time around, they had been in contact practically every day, via either text messages or video chats.

 However, those did nothing compared to being able to hold Étienne in his arms.

 “On est arrivé,” The driver said and effectively got Edward out of his reverie. He braced himself for whatever version of Étienne would greet him, paid the driver, got out of the cab, and retrieved his bags, before taking a deep breath. It was blissfully, unexpectedly cool out today and it was a pleasant change from the heat wave he’d suffered the past week.

 He took out his phone to send a message to his boyfriend to let him know he was there, when he finally noticed, and heard, Étienne descend the few stairs from his front door to run up to him.

 “Eddy!” He practically shouted as he approached him. Edward was taken by surprise – by Étienne’s energy, by his unexpected appearance, as though he’d been waiting on the front steps and of course – by his majestic beard.

 It was one thing seeing it in photos and videos – another one seeing it in person.

 Étienne stopped short a few paces away from him, wide smile on his face, excitement bubbling on the surface and did his utmost best not to rocket launch himself in Edward’s arms. If anything, Edward was surprised he’d managed to show this much restraint and then put down his carry-on to take a step forward and open up his arms, waiting for the impact.

 It was all the invitation Étienne needed and soon, Edward found himself with an armful of excited Étienne giving him the tightest of hugs and – how he’d missed this.

 “I can’t believe you’re here!” Étienne said, moments and maybe hours later, as he pulled back a few inches to look him in the face.

 Edward smiled kindly at him and let himself be held for a moment longer. He’d said it once and he’d say it again, but spring and summer truly suited Étienne. He looked – invigorated and healthy and happy and it was such a pleasant change from last time that it settled some anxious part of him that had been worried for him.

 Then of course, there was Étienne’s beard. It was well past his chin now and curled in thick coarse hair that felt blissful on his skin.

 “And look at you!” He said, finally, finally daring to bring a hand up to his boyfriend’s face and finally, finally getting a chance to touch it.

 Étienne crinkled his nose and Edward laughed, “I had forgotten all the things I don’t like about the beard, but I am also quite excited to still have one.” He beamed at that and Edward couldn’t say he hadn’t noticed. It would have been hard not to.

 Just in Étienne’s front window, he saw one Habs flag next to another flag with a giant Stanley Cup and all the years the Habs had won written in the white space on both sides. Then, of course, there was the other flag hanging from the front, swaying with the breeze. There wasn’t even a game today and Étienne was still wearing one of his multiple Habs themed t-shirts. Edward couldn’t say he blamed him – it had been twenty-eight years and there was nothing quite like a final playoff rush.

 “Y’know, for someone who can actually grow a beard, I’m surprised you never had a phase.”

 Étienne let him go to pick up his suitcase and started heading towards his front door, “My phases were and always will be during the playoffs. Too much maintenance, too much trouble, and too much blegh.” He grimaced at that and opened up the door, while Edward laughed at his antics. “Anyways, I’ll go put your stuff in the bedroom and I’ll let you get reacquainted with Mercury – I swear she’s missed you.”

 Just as he opened the door, Mercury came barrelling down to see who it could possibly be and when she saw Edward, she went right for him, barking excitedly. Truth be told, he had also missed her incredibly – and not just because he loved dogs in general. Plus, there was also the fact that he had spent most of her first year of life with her.

 As Mercury licked his face and tried her best to tackle him to the ground in her excitement, Edward noticed the new decorations to Étienne’s place. He had forgotten just how much paraphernalia Étienne had of his beloved Habs and it seemed as though every last item had been brought out to be displayed. There were trinkets and figurines on every last piece of furniture, framed photos had been put up on the walls and every other household item that came themed in something Habs was there. Then again, Étienne had been a fan of them since day one and it was easy to collect memorabilia when one  lived as long as they did and had a team with such history and clout.

 “Sorry about that; I forgot how excited she gets,” Étienne said as he returned to the entrance, “Mercury, ça suffit. Laisse-le tranquile.” Surprisingly, Mercury stepped back with a whine and then trotted back to her master’s side. Étienne scratched her behind the ears and she then returned to see Edward, but was calmer.

 “Hey you,” Étienne added as he walked over to Edward and gently pulled him in for a softer hug of his own. Now that they were behind closed doors, ensconced safely in Étienne’s home, Edward had no qualms in greeting him properly with a first kiss of many.

 “Nice décor,” He teased gently when they pulled away for a moment.

 “Excuse-toi; I am simply celebrating this magical run no one literally saw coming for as long as I can.”

 Edward grinned, endeared by the way Étienne’s crinkled his nose and the way he frowned at him, as if vexed and insulted. He’d missed this – missed this side of Étienne who went all in for his team – or for something he enjoyed. Missed his over-the top attitude towards the things he loved. Missed being held by him.

 “I know, Sweetheart.”

 Étienne’s face softened at the pet name and he leaned in for another kiss, which Edward was more than happy to indulge in.

 “Missed you,” Étienne murmured from the crook of Edward’s neck.

 The hairs from his beard both tickled and thrilled him and not for the first time, he realised just how very long it had been.

 “Missed you more.” He added, making his boyfriend chuckle softly.

 “Maybe, but not all of us have a second boyfriend we can go to when the first one goes back home,” Étienne pressed another kiss to Edward’s neck and the scrape of his beard against his skin sent shivers down his spine.

 “And when has that ever even stopped you before from going after anyone you wanted?”

 “There’s a plague running rampant, Edward, I wasn’t about to hook up during a Global Pandemic,” He chided and looked up to his face – all serious like. Edward couldn’t tell if he was teasing him or not, but he was somewhat still surprised by what Étienne had just told him.

 “You mean you haven’t – not even once hooked up with anyone since you left Edmonton?”

 “Non; I wasn’t going to take any chances,” He admitted and – Edward was really impressed.

 “Well, in that case then, it’s a good thing I’m here – I can help remedy that,” He grinned, tugging on Étienne’s shirt a little.

 “That sounds like a really good plan. I also have it on good authority that you seem to have a thing for this new look of mine so - lucky us we have a full weekend of catching up before the game on Monday.”

 Normally, Edward would have had the decency to look flushed, but that was the old him. “You got me on that, so why don’t you lead the way and we can take care of that as well?”

 Étienne laughed and took his hand, before doing just that.

 FIN

[uncannychange]

Seeking a cure for testosterone poisoning Dr. Babbitt Bernadette Badeaux turned to quantum flux engineering.

There she found success, hoping to perhaps turn down hyper-masculinity from 11 to somewhere around 7 or 8 she instead found that her experimenting was turning her subjects, mostly male grad students assigned to her as compensation for their chronic sexual harassment, completely into women.

This led her to be blacklisted from every University in the world.

But it didn't stop her from refining and creating the ultimate version of her discovery.

Obtaining financing from a shadowy organization it was not long before Dr. Babbitt's Girl Machines started to appear all over the place advertised on the internet as being for When You're Tired of the Whole Damn "Guy Thing". They showed up at fairs, street parties, trade shows, weddings, and other such venues and everyone was sure it was just some sort of joke item.

And joke item it did seem to the men who, after stepping into one, and paying the five dollars to activate it and were treated to an intense light and sound show while the thing let out a deep B Sharp tone that shook them to their bones but was kind of pleasant. Then it stopped, out they stepped and everything was the same.

Nothing for three days anyway, at which point the growing waves of quantum flux, at last, did their thing and as soon as the men who been in a Girl Machine were out of the sight of anyone (it's a quantum thing) there was a flash and a youthful female version of themselves, clothes and all, came into being.

Chaos then ensued, but no one listened to the crazy girls, I mean they didn't look much like their former male selves, even their fingerprints were changed.

Reactions to this varied. Also, much to the surprise of many Dr. Babbitt's Girl Machines then saw a spike in popularity.

Below are some of those reactions.

Dan Wright, Unionville, ON

“Now I can buy all of the stuff like this I've always wanted too!” thought Dan, happy as can be about what the Girl Machine had done for him.

Frank Reed, New Gloucester, ME

For most, the flash and change caused by the Girl Machines came as a complete surprise because they had already forgotten them without giving another thought to what they had thought were just novelty devices. This is what happened to Frank as he was on his morning run when suddenly he almost fell over when his running shoes turned into her new heels. Frank is still mystified about what happened.

Zachary Allen, Richardson, TX

Never out of his cowboy boots and stetson, Zach knew something was up with he felt his boots just “poof, go away” then on further exploration Ms. Allen found out his boots were not the only thing that had been replaced.

Chester Norris, Edmonton, AB

“Is this for real?” thought Chester “Is this mine?” Yes, Ms. Norris, it is.

Douglas Howard, Juneau, AK

Tired from overwork, shortly after his Girl Machine exposure suddenly felt a spring in his step, or rather her step. Fortunately along with all the other changes Dr. Babbitt's device also gave those changed a new burst of energy.

Timmy Winter, Milwaukee, WI

Knock Knock

Timmy: (opens door) “Yes?”

Agar Collection Agency “Is Timmy Winter here? We need to talk.”

Timmy (knowing he is in deep trouble) “Nope, haven't seen him for a week.”

Agar Agent: (sounding angry) “When you see him tell him to call us.”

Timmy: “Sure,” said Timmy Walker at first shocked and now relieved that he had somehow changed from a deeply in debt doughy 45-year-old man into the cutie he had turned into the week before. “Good luck finding him.” thought Tammy as she had already decided to call her new self

Jerry Wong, Pearl City, HA

For five generations the oldest son in the Wong family had joined the military, Jerry Wong didn't want to do that, but the tradition was tradition. Then he encountered a Girl Box and well the rule was the oldest son, not the oldest daughter so goodbye to that! Plus Jerry loved the new clothes.

Andre Phillips, Arlington, TX

In one of the oddest transformations caused by Dr. Babbitt's Girl Machines Mister Andre `Andy Boy,' Phillips found his change somehow influenced by his favorite movie Giant (1956)and much to his chagrin just as he was stepping on stage to address the Arlington Cattleman's Association, a good old boy organization he had been a part of for twenty years.

Meanwhile in Homewood, Alabama just outside of Birmingham, Praying Mantis kung fu instructor Mike Summers waits for his first class of the day to greet him in the proper manner. In stead they stare wide-eyed at the space where he had been standing. “Yeah, they’re in awe of my still” thought Mike not knowing that it was the new material of his new form, and her uniform, that they were struck by, not his kung fu form. 

[the-quotable-alberta-hansard]

November 18, 2020

Edmonton Federal Building Living Wall

Ms Armstrong-Homeniuk: Mr. Speaker, politicians are often accused of being out of touch, and while I know this stereotype is not reflective of many in the House, there is a reason why this perception exists amongst the public. Our late great former Premier Ralph Klein recognized this, coining the term “dome disease,” describing the propensity of some members to become absorbed in the world of the Legislature and disconnected with the priorities of everyday Albertans.

Yesterday, thanks to our friends in the opposition, we were presented with a reminder of this. What I’m talking about, Mr. Speaker, is the Edmonton Federal Building’s living wall. After receiving coverage in the press on the government’s plan to remove the living wall, an extravagance that costs taxpayers $70,000 a year to maintain, the Member for Edmonton-Rutherford took to social media to lament the removal. Now, I, like the member opposite, spend time working in the Federal Building and appreciate the luxury of walking by the wall on a regular basis, taking advantage of the jungle-like humidity that emanates from it.

Our province is facing the most serious financial and economic challenges that we have seen for decades, and that means that luxuries for MLAs and staff must be taking a back seat to the priorities of Albertans. I know that the opposition will say that it’s only $70,000. Well, forgive me, but that is $70,000 we can save. While I understand that the NDP don’t prioritize fiscal responsibility, anyone who has experience in budgeting knows that the way to cut the fat is to cut away many excesses, even if they are relatively small, because those numbers add up to hundreds of millions across government.

I would also challenge any member of this House to tell me that they can look a constituent in the eye and tell them that they deserve a $70,000 wall while Alberta families are coping with the current economic reality. For those on this side of the House, there is one answer: we can’t. There is no justification. While members opposite lament the loss of government privileges and excess, I proudly tell my constituents that, in keeping with true conservative tradition, I support tearing down that wall. [interjection]

[interjection] indeed. Here’s my interjection: fuck you, Jackie. The living wall wasn’t an extravagance or a luxury. It wasn’t just “plants in [the NDP’s] office building's lobby,” as the UCP claimed in an unbelievable display of dishonesty. It was a part of the building’s HVAC system. Here is an article with quotes from the company that installed the wall talking about how much more expensive it’s going to be to  redesign and re-engineer the air circulation system in the building. 

Furthermore, the Federal Building does not just house MLAs and their staff. It is the workplace of many, MANY Legislative Assembly staff, who do not work for any political party, who I guess don’t count as “everyday Albertans” or as part of “Alberta families coping with the current economic reality.” The Federal Building is also a public building. In normal, non-COVID times any Albertan could come in and enjoy the living wall. The Legislative Assembly is constantly trying to figure out how to drive more public engagement with the Federal Building; tearing down one of its main points of interest is not a great place to start. 

The important thing here is that it looks good to the base, right? “Ugh, those latte-sipping SOCIALISTS love PLANTS more than SAVING MONEY. We’ll show THEM.” Just ignore the fact that the war room is still funded, Steve Allen’s failed witch hunt is still being funded, there are a number of redundant panels being struck at any given time to give the government results it has already decided on, there’s a small army of “issues managers” and press secretaries still being employed, not to mention Stephen Harper’s son doing...whatever it is he does. Yeah, it’s destroying something functional and beautiful that’s really going to balance the budget. 

Fuck this government.

[anotheruserwithnoname]

Five years since meeting Jenna Coleman

Today (Sept. 26) marks the 5th anniversary of the broadcast of Series 9′s The Witch’s Familiar, but for me it’s an even more special anniversary as it is also the 5th anniversary of me getting to meet Jenna Coleman at the Edmonton Expo.

I drove the 3 hours from Calgary to Edmonton early in the morning and of course hours more lining up followed once I got there! Jenna was, sadly, a bit late (not too bad compared to others and not necessarily her fault). But when she finally arrived, I remember how tiny she looked. But she was all smiles, of course! After the Abbey Road Dalek photo shoot, Jenna went on a bit of a promotional/convention tour for the next week or so that also included convention stops in the US and an appearance on Conan O’Brien’s show. And she mentioned to someone at the con that she was about to go into preproduction for Victoria (which started filming about a month later).

I got a photo signed, of course! And during my 30 seconds had a nice little chat. I LOVED how she said my name with that Blackpool accent of hers. The main thing we talked about was the Abbey Road Dalek photo shoot from exactly one week before. She apparently wasn’t aware that a behind-the-scenes video had been circulated by the BBC, or that a webcam down the street had captured the action too. She said she’d have to check them out.

And with that it was time to let someone else meet Jenna. Sadly, I was too shy to have ordered a photo op, and I had to be back in Calgary that night so going to her panel the next day (Sunday) didn’t happen, and I regret missing out on both. But it was fun. That same convention had a few other performers I got to meet, though the only other one I got an autograph from that trip was Natalia Tena of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones fame. I’m surprised I didn’t get more that trip; looking back, though, I know one reason I didn’t get more was I was soon to go on vacation and I didn’t want to blow the budget. Indeed, I watched “Before the Flood” in a hotel room in Vancouver, B.C.

By the way, I only found out that Jenna was appearing at the Edmonton Expo on the Thursday before the convention, so this was definitely a fast turnaround! But a good memory.

I eventually got to meet Peter Capaldi in Calgary in 2017, and for anyone who cares, other Who-related convention meets (and autographs) for me have been Karen Gillan (2014; saw Matt Smith but an organizational snafu with how “top-draw” photos were being sold that year prevented me from getting a pic signed), John Barrowman (2016), Billie Piper (2016), Mark Sheppard aka Canton Delaware III (2016), Catherine Tate (2019). I was also set up to get an autograph from Alex Kingston at I think the 2016 Edmonton Expo but she had to cancel at the last minute due to a passport issue (not telling tales out of school, this was announced). Sadly, the year Sylvester McCoy came to Calgary I was unable to go due to family matters.

There are more important things that I’d like to see get back to normal once the current insanity ends. But these conventions are highlights for me - things to look forward to - and while, sure, it’s cool to tune in for an online Q&A and see what Jenna’s living room looks like and you can still order the autographs, it’s not the same as actually being able to say you had a chat with John Rhys-Davies about your career, or watching Gwendoline Christie give a critique of the Brianne of Tarth cosplay the person in line in front of you wore. Or seeing Barrowman go ga-ga over someone’s baby. Or overhearing Malcolm McDowell talking to the person in line ahead of you about the rare Clockwork Orange soundtrack LP he’d just signed. Or shaking hands with Peter Mayhew. Or seeing Karen play peek-a-boo with Matt through the curtains.

I could list many more examples of this that you just don’t get from online. One of my favourites is Liz Vassey, who was a CSI cast member but is also well remembered as Captain Liberty in the first live-action version of The Tick, remarking that I looked like an old boyfriend of her’s! Hopefully that was meant as a compliment!

[haydnfleury]

See The Fire In Your Eyes

Who: Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid

Type: Fluff

Word Count: 1.6K

Addendum A: Title is a lyric from the song Mountain Hymn by Rhiannon Giddens.

Addendum B: This is the more edited version of the original work I had posted.

~AO3 Version

Tagging: @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69​ | @jamesnealshands​

He tries to catch his breath, thinking did that actually just happen? Sure he really liked his teammate, but he never actually did anything because he didn’t think it was ever mutual. He only knew for certain that they were good friends for the longest time, Leon hadn't given any hints or anything obvious that he liked him more than just a friend.

 Its game day, the Oilers are set to play in Vegas against the Knights. All of them except for Leon. He sustained a shoulder injury whilst playing for the German national team in the IIHF Worlds and hasn’t been cleared for full-contact play in the NHL yet. He still shows up to the games and sits on the bench with the rest of the team during warm ups before retiring to the upper suites; he's just in a suit rather than uniform. “It’s good for Leon’s morale that he tags along,” coaching staff have said.

 The team makes their way out of the locker room and onto the ice for warm ups. As Connor practices shooting pucks into the net and tossing the occasional one to a fan against the glass, the thought occurs to him that Leon isn’t there to skate circles around him like he always had. It’s a small detail, granted, but he liked it, and it hasn’t happened in any of the seven regular season games they’ve played. He glances over at the bench; Leon’s sitting on the bench half paying attention to and talking with the coaching staff, and half just looking at his phone. Connor also notices that the suit he’s wearing seems fairly tight. He doesn’t give it much thought because the second after he crashes into Nuge, neither of which were paying attention as to where they were skating. They exchange apologies and move on with practice.

 The game was an absolute thrashing. Edmonton won 6-0 continuing their undefeated start to the season to seven games now. The team pours back into the locker room as the coaching staff mention that they’ll be staying in Las Vegas for a few more days as a reward to them for playing so well- and not to mention the fact that their next game is five days away anyway. There’s chatter among the players that there’s a German beer häus- Hofbrauhäus- in the city and they decide to go there to celebrate.

 They arrive and are greeted by the traditional Bavarian atmosphere and the aromas of various different ales and lagers. The team sits down at a long communal table and order copious amounts of food and drink. Within five minutes Larsson is already challenging anyone from the team who's willing to a drinking contest, of which Neal happily obliges him. Connor is one of the few who decided to stay mostly sober, stopping at two drinks and eating plenty of food. Leon on the other hand, is on his sixth or seventh- Connor kinda lost count at some point, as every time he looked his mug was full again- drink before he’s even tipsy whereas most of the others were there at three or four.

 As the festivities come to a close the team manages to stumble their way out of the building, and attempt to walk over to where the team bus was parked. Leon follows closely behind Connor, but as they make it out the doors Leon loses his footing on the cobblestones and falls against the wall. He lifts his arms up in the universal “heellpp meee” as Connor lifts him up off the ground and steadies him on himself so they don’t both fall over. Leon rests his head in the crook of Connor’s neck and wraps one arm around the other side of his neck and the other around his waist the entire way back to their hotel room; which prompts Connor to internally scream “This is fine, this is f-fine, THIS IS FINE.” He was glad everyone else had been drinking because he was certain his entire face was bright red, except for him it wasn't because of the booze.

 Arriving at the hotel everyone spills out into their designated rooms. Connor helps Leon onto a chair and falls onto one of the beds himself. Scrolling through the different social medias, he decides to check the posts they’ve been tagged in- almost certain that someone at the beer häus had recorded and posted their shenanigans. Yet nothing. Except, for one post that stood out that was during the game. Some fan had seen Leon in one of the upper suites and took a picture. But Connor noticed something that no-one else seems to have so far. In the blurred resolution Leons’s blazer and shirt were undone and an Oilers jersey could be seen, but with a half-covered ‘C’ instead of an ‘A’ peeking out from the formal wear. Looking back and forth between the phone and his teammate sitting just across the room, it’s still the same suit. Getting back up he walks over and looks down at him. Gingerly, he lifts the blazer and shirt to see the jersey underneath but still can’t tell if it’s his from this angle. The fabric lightly shifts and he jerks backwards out of sight. Leon slowly gets up, not noticing his teammate lightly panicking in the corner from almost being caught, and starts to drunkenly undress himself. Once again Connor’s face burns because he’s never actually seen him undress at a hotel, they typically do it in different rooms and leave a t-shirt and underwear on, but he strips down to just his black underwear and crashes back-first onto the bed.

 “He seems like he's out cold, I hope,” is Connor’s internal logic, and goes to the pile of ditched clothes on the chair to dig out the jersey. Sure enough, the front does in fact have a ‘C’ on it, and turning it around the large 97 and MCDAVID staring right back at him. Putting it back down he’s suddenly grasped by the arms and pulled back onto the bed, Leon planking on top of him. Before he could even say anything Leon lowers his head and brings Connor into a long kiss. A million panicked thoughts blink through Connor's head before melting away as he lets the kiss continue. But just as soon as he started he stops, just gazing back at Connor. Connor does the same, and realizes how his eyes look and have a certain glint to them whenever he looks at him. Leon falls to the side of him on the bed and he’s out cold- fully this time- which lets Connor get up and rush to the bathroom.

 He tries to catch his breath, thinking did that actually just happen? Sure he really liked his teammate, but he never actually did anything because he didn’t think it was ever mutual. He only knew for certain that they were good friends for the longest time, Leon hadn't given any hints or anything obvious that he liked him more than just a friend. Or, maybe it was the drink? He had a lot but he's also one of the people that can really hold their liqour. There’s really no way to know when the person is inebriated. Splashing some water onto his burning hot face and sighing, at this point Connor decides he might as well just get ready to sleep and figure it out in the morning. After finishing up in the bathroom, he comes back into the bedroom and stops at the foot of Leon’s bed. He’s uncovered. Rather than try to lift him up and pull the sheets out and over him, Connor pulls the sheets out from the opposite end of the bed and lays it over him, and then crashes into the other unoccupied one himself.

 Morning rolls around, and by the time Connor gets up Leon is still snoozing- he typically doesn’t ever get hungover, but just tends to sleeps longer. Connor does his usual morning routine, and then starts cooking breakfast in the small kitchen; eggs, sausage, and hash browns. As the smell wafts from the various pans, Leon shifts out of bed wiping the sleep from his eyes.

 “Hey.”

 “Hey. Just started breakfast, you probably have time to shower real quick if you want to.”

 “Alright.”

 He doesn’t seem to remember what happened last night, let alone notice he’s not wearing a shirt. Great. Leon walks out from his shower and Connor already has breakfast on the table. He stops in his tracks though when he spots the jersey still quite obviously out in the open on the chair next to his other clothes.

 “Uh, you saw that didn’t you.”

 “Yeah. What do you actually remember from last night anyway?”

 “We drank. A lot. Not really much after that. Actually one thing, Klef had to help Lars onto the bus because he collapsed trying to get up the stairs.”

 “Nothing else?”

 “No.”

 Connor pauses and scratches the back of his head debating whether or not to say anything as Leon sits down next to him.

 “Y-, you uh, kissed me.”

 Leon nearly chokes on his coffee.

 “FUCK- I am so fucking sorry- I- I don’t even rememb--“

 “Stop.”

 He drops to a dead silence.

 “Do you like me? You know, that way.”

 Leon sighs deeply, “I mean, I’ve liked you since I met you.”

 Connor pulls Leon’s chair out towards him and leans forward to kiss him. Leon doesn’t pull away and lets Connor effectively climb on top of him into an embrace. They pull away and gaze into each other’s eyes, and caressing the other’s cheek before making out. When they stop they return back to their chairs and food. Connor puts his hand on top of Leon’s.

 “I love you.”

 Connor suddenly realizes what he just said.

 “Wait, is that too soon?”

 Leon smirks before laughing uncontrollably.

 “Connor, I’ve liked you for four years,” he pauses to catch his breath, “you could’ve told me that at year one if you wanted to.”

 They both laugh.

 “I love you too.”

[worstcityvancouver]

Worst City in Canada is Vancouver

I’ve lived in Vancouver as a resident for over 6 months and it claims the worst city in Canada for me. In every new city I live in I try to experience the nature, the people, the atmosphere and the culture. I’ve lived in many cities in Canada. I’ve lived in all of the cities in the greater Toronto area (Downtown Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, etc). I also have lived shortly in Winnipeg MB, Edmonton AB, Calgary AB and Montreal QC. So you can see, I have comparisons with all the popular cities in Canada. Now, back on track to Vancouver. The best of Vancouver has to be the nature and environment. Everything good about Vancouver ends there. The most off putting thing about Vancouver is the people. They are extremely rude, horrible and are the most entitled people of all of Canada. You’ll find that generally, this is the trend in any neighbourhood you visit. For scale, I go out every weekend to somewhere new and every weekend I have a sour taste of Vancouver every week that adds to why its a terrible city.

I can go to any sightseeing spot or small neighbourhood (doesn’t matter where I go) all of the locals there make it their business to complain about you even if you’re minding your own business doing no harm. Neighbourhoods are all the same (I’ve visited around half of ~57 neighbourhoods according to Vancouver.ca) and I’ve only experienced entitled assholes who give their opinion at any moment. 100% of the time their opinion is in the form of a middle finger, cursing or near physical altercations.

I’ve picked up on the small subtle things and micro aggressions that these people use as fuel to start their torment. I’ve learned that Vancouver residents are always ready to throw words and rarely want to throw fists. Meaning they’ll talk shit but when it comes to a real fight they all just walk away and keep talking shit. Not entirely sure if this is “Vancouver culture” that I’m supposed to experience but I’ve experienced it 100% of the time. I haven’t met anyone nice to me other than people at work or my roommates.

Let me tell you about myself so you can get an idea of me. I mind my own business, I’m not a drunk on the streets or take excessive drugs (It seems like Vancouver has druggies roaming everywhere), I’m polite when I talk to strangers, I’m well spoken, I’m a working 9-5 salary man, I wear normal clothes and I don’t go out of my way to even be mean.

The first emotion Vancouver residents use to introduce themselves is anger. You know you’re in Vancouver when people stare at you from their vehicles and give you dirty looks. You know you’re in Vancouver when cyclists come up to you and yell in your face with curse words (even if I’m standing on the sidewalk waiting for the stop sign at a good distance from the road minding my own business). You know you’re in Vancouver when people respond to you with a passive-aggressive answer. You know you’re in Vancouver when hostility is the preferred method that residents use in all forms of communication.

Shall we get to specific examples of my time here in 6 months? - Week 1: I’m going to work leaving my home. Next door neighbour rushes from their driveway in his Porche, rolls down the window and says, “Don’t fuck with me. I know people in this neighbourhood, I’m a wealthy man and I know the judge that lives down the road.”. Word for word. - Week 2: My downstairs neighbours calls the police on my roommates and I because we were walking between the kitchen and our rooms. What? Why couldn’t they just tell us to keep it down? Just so you know, my roommates and I don’t even party or play loud music. They called the cops on us cause we were walking from point A to point B in our home. - Week 3: I go to work in a different neighbourhood. I am walking on the public sidewalk to work. A cyclist on the road (not sidewalk), slowed down, cursed at me and went on their way - Week 4: My landlord decided to have construction on our roof without letting us know, it continued for 2.5 weeks. It rained and my entire room was drenched in rain water - Week 5: Went to a grocery store a few neighbourhoods away. Most of the customers and staff were quick to brush me off and answer with a rude undertone - Week 6: Visited downtown, went to several businesses for food and business. 100% of all of the staff spoke very rudely and with a passive-aggressive undertone - Week 7-16: Visited several beaches and 100% of the local residents made sure I knew that they were local and proceeded to curse at me and others. These were not hobos or druggies. These were middle-age to old people who was accompanied by family. - My last week in Vancouver before searching for a new place: My roommate had his car stuck on the road with hazard lights on. His engine wouldn’t start. I leave work and drive to him. He was stuck in front of a traffic light. I parked safely somewhere in residential. People driving by kept sticking their middle finger, drive-by cursing & swearing and giving really mean looks. I wanted to push his car out of the of street so traffic could flow better and prevent accidents but the residents of Vancouver made it clear that being an asshole was their #1 best trait. He had already called a towing company to come by but I was the 1st on the scene and I could redirect traffic better if we moved the vehicle. I stood by as the city of Vancouver showed their brightest moment and I decided that we would not push the vehicle to a safer spot. I gave back to the community today by being an asshole cause clearly you can’t kill them with kindness. Vancouver is a city that was born to be worse than any Canadian or American city with 1/5 or 1/10 the size of more matured cities.

I also visited other neighbourhoods to see smaller parks. I would often exercise outside. Doing a bit of jogging, stretching and warmups on a patch of grass away from the path (other people were doing this as well). Every time I would go out on these expeditions I would receive at minimum 1 or 2 opinions. 100% of these opinions were rude.

Most of these opinions were things I couldn’t even figure out why they were saying it. It was such a generalized form of hate it made me think this is the culture in Vancouver. Rude, horrible and awful citizens of the human race.

I’ve explored and driven from east coast USA to west coast USA and I’ve never met aggression so intense and so often in a rotten city. The worst part was, Vancouver is a fraction of the size of some of the biggest cities in Canada and the USA but manage to be rated the worst city in terms of people quality.

I haven’t gotten to the quality of food, insurance, homes or law enforcement yet but from the tone of this post. I can tell you its not that far from how the people are. Best city in Canada is not Vancouver Worst city in Canada is Vancouver

[myhockeyworld87]

Bubble Wrapped - Part 1

Word Count: 2,683

POV: Reader

Warnings: Language

Notes: Ok so here is basically our introduction to the Bubble Wrapped story. I have no timeline for this thing or even if it will continue, you guys let me know. As a background, this story will be about life inside Hotel X. In case you don’t know the teams inside Hotel X are the Bruins, Capitals, Flyers, Penguins and Lightning. So here we go, Happy Reading!

You'd been shocked when Hotel X had been picked as one of the hotels for the NHL to stay at when they resumed play in Toronto. Even more so when you were asked if you would take over the management of the place over the next several weeks. "Listen (Y/N) we know we are asking a lot. You'll have to live at the hotel with all the players as the NHL is really trying to keep everyone in this little bubble."

 "I understand. I've already talked to Carly about putting different measures in place when the Maple Leafs came to us before submitting their proposal." Carly was another member of the hotel staff, that served as one of their concierges. She knew the ins and outs of the city and could get tickets or dinner reservations on the drop of a dime. That was all before COVID though. Now, some restaurants were still closed and shows hadn't resumed yet. What once was a bustling city, had come to a dead stop over the last several months, though things were starting to get back to normal; well the new normal that is.

 "So we heard." You hoped the blush that crept up your cheeks couldn't be seen on the zoom call as that had become their new form of communication with you. "You've dealt with the players before, we know you can handle it. Though this time it'll be completely different with five or six teams staying there." Most of the players had always been super nice to the staff, though there were a few that could be demanding at times. You prayed they'd all push their egos aside, at least while in the hotel, though somehow you doubted that. "I think you're familiar with the NHL's protocol on their reopening, but we'll email you everything once we get it. Start putting together the staff that you want. Just some core people that you'll need."

 "I've got the right people in mind, don't worry."

 The call went for a bit longer going over specifics. The only benefit out of the whole thing was that they were giving you the Presidential Suite to stay in. Honestly, it was the least they could do; you thought. Of course, the called ending with them saying, "Don't let us down."

 As soon as it ended you called Carly making sure she was on board. "I'm just saying Car that many hockey players in the hotel; the testosterone is going to be flying around."

 "So what you're telling me is you've already packed an extra-large box of condoms."

 "Carly!" You shouted at your friend. "That's not what I was saying at all."

 "Come on (Y/N), I know you're one of Seguin's regulars when he's in Toronto."

 "I'm one of them because I can keep my mouth shut." It was true that when Tyler was in town during the summer or on a road trip the two of you always hooked up. Sort of a no strings attached relationship, though you did talk from time to time. "Besides he's not even going to be in Toronto. He's in the Edmonton bubble."

 "Oh, I didn't realize." Carly despite being from Canada was not a hockey lover, though she did appreciate the men who played the sport. "Well, maybe you should call him and get the scoop. You know find out who we need to be aware of."

 It wasn't a bad idea, not that you were going to ask him who to sleep with, but maybe it would help get a handle on who was going to be problematic, as there was no way you wanted to let the owners of the hotel down. You had a lot riding on this and after all, you couldn't put bitter rivals in one hotel and not expect some drama. "You're right. I am going to call him."

 "Ooo good, let me know what he says and if we should get more than one box of those condoms."

 You shook your head at your friend before hanging up and dialing Tyler's number. "Hey beautiful, long time no talk," Tyler said and you could almost hear the smile in his voice.

 "Hey Ty, how's quarantine life going?"

 "Ugh, don't get me started. I was not meant to be locked in my house without hockey for this long." Tyler wasn't meant to stay put anywhere too long, including relationships.

 "Well, hockey's almost back so there's that."

 "Yeah, I'm pumped about it, though I wish I was staying in Toronto instead. I know some fun that we could get up to since I have to stay in the bubble." He paused and you could clearly tell he was running different sex scenarios in his head. "I'm assuming your working at the hotel."

 "Yeah, it's kind of why I called. I'm one of the ones trapped in the bubble with you guys."

 Tyler groaned. "So, you called to ask me who you should hook up with? Cause babe, I'm not sure I'm willing to share you like that."

 "Shut up Ty, you know we're not like that. You couldn't stay faithful to one woman if you tried." Part of the reason the two of you got along so good, was the fact that you called him out on his bullshit.

 "I might if I could drag you with me everywhere." You giggled at the insinuation of being taken everywhere just so you could keep him satisfied. "You're definitely gifted with many talents (Y/N)."

 "You're not so bad yourself, but we're getting away from why I called."

 "You mean you didn't call to have phone sex with me," and you could hear his pout.

 "No, I didn't call for that. I was just curious if you had any idea who was going to give me problems while we're in this so-called bubble. I'm trying to be preemptive here."

 "Ok, but if I give you some information you at least have to promise to send me a pic of your tits." You mentally rolled your eyes at him; the boy was a horndog.

 "Fine, now spill some tea."

 "Spill some tea, what is this a gossip blog or something."

 "You're avoiding the question Ty, and I'm putting on a sweatshirt." He groaned.

 "Alright, don't get your panties in a bunch…or maybe do." It never ended with him. "I don't know a lot about some of the younger guys that are newer in the league, but my guess is they're all horny little bastards. Hell, I was when I first got in the league."

 "You still are."

 "Touché." He answered before continuing on. "So, like I probably don't have to mention the rivalries to you, but like Caps and Pens hate each other, the Flyers and Pens hate each other. Doesn't everyone just hate the Pens?"

 "I think you either love them or hate them."

 "That's true," he agreed with your statement. "The Flyers and the Caps hate each other as well and don't get me started with who hates the Bruins. Wow, who really put them all in your hotel?"

 "I'd like to know that as well." It seemed like whoever did, had a warped sense of humor and you were now going to be stuck handling the mess that they'd made. "So, basically what you're saying is that it'll be an all-out brawl at times that I'll have to clean up after."

 "Sorry babe, but I think it could be. On the bright side, we're supposed to stay on our own floors."

 "Like that's going to happen." Maybe you should designate elevators or something because you could just see Alex Ovechkin and Claude Giroux getting in one at the same time and by the time, they got to your lobby they'd both be bloody and beaten. "Anything else I should know?"

 "You seriously want me to go there?"

 "I mean...if you want to." You certainly weren't going to ask but if he offered the information you'd tuck it away for later that's for sure.

 He sighed heavily, "You know I hate this, but like Tom Wilson gets around that's for sure and I've heard that Travis Konecny does as well. If I'm being honest there's maybe been a girl or two that's compared us."

 "Really?"

 "That doesn't mean you have to be one of them, though if you are…you better tell them I'm better."

 "Don't worry Ty, I'll sing your praises. I promise." Obviously, you wouldn't be doing that but it didn't hurt to stroke his ego a bit. "Anyone, to avoid?"

 "Marchy!"

 "Dude, he was like one of your best friends. Why would you say that?"

 "Because I know him. Stay away he's trouble." The fact that you could almost see the look on his face as he was telling you was comical.

 "Fine."

 "Oh and stay away from Carter Hart." The name sounded familiar.

 "The goalie from Philly? Why?"

 "Because you'll corrupt him." You burst out laughing and Ty joined you. "He's too innocent for you."

 "Dually noted, as I do not want to be known as the corruptor of innocents." You searched your mind thinking of anything else you could ask since you had him on the phone. "What about Crosby?"

 "Sid?" and he just couldn't stop laughing; you could even hear him try to catch his breath.

 "Why is that so funny? The man is hot Tyler, whether you want to admit it or not."

 He got serious as he asked, "Who's hotter him or me?"

 Thank god you weren't on FaceTime, so you could answer him without your features giving you away. "You are Ty, of course."

 "I thought so, but like the guy is hockey twenty-four seven. There's no way he's going to be thinking about getting laid."

 "That's disappointing."

 "He's about the only one that I'd give you permission to fuck, only because I know it would be impossible for you to accomplish, even given all your talents." You could hear the mischievous tone in his voice.

 "Hmmm, are you willing to bet on that?"

 "What? Like bet, you'll fuck Crosby in the bubble?"

 "Yeah." Did it really sound like such an unattainable accomplishment?

 "What's the wager?"

 "Winner flies out when this whole COVID shit is done and is the other's sex slave for twenty-four hours."

 "Oh, you are on, baby. I can already see you handcuffed to my bed in some skimpy lingerie." He cackled at the thought and it fueled your resolve to win this bet.

 "Don't be so sure about that."

 "And how am I to know that you actually slept with him?"

 Well, this would be tricky. "Well, it's not like I'm videoing it."

 "No, but that gives me ideas for when I win." Maybe you should be rethinking this gamble.

 "What do you want his underwear?"

 "Nah, you could get that in the laundry. But I'm sure you could sneak a pic of him sleeping." God that sounded creepy but if it meant you had Ty as your slave for a day, it'd be worth it and you'd never show it to anyone else but him and even then you weren't going to send it to him, though he didn't need to know that now.

 "Ok, it's a bet then."

 "Too bad we can't kiss on it."

 "Oh, you'll be doing more than kissing when I win, Seguin." Mentally you started packing sexy outfits to take into the bubble with you while thinking of all the things you'd have Tyler do the next time you saw him. "On that note, I better get my ass to work and make this hotel ready for these guys."

 "Fine, I'll let you go as long as you promise to FaceTime me at some point during this bubble thing."

 "I'm sure I'll have a night open for you at some point." You teased.

 "Woman, you better."

 "No worries Ty, you're still my main man; when you're in town."

 "That's right baby, good luck."

 "Thanks for all the info, Ty. We'll catch up soon and good luck in the playoffs."

 You were just about to hang up when you heard him yell. "Don't forget my titty picture."

 All you could do was shake your head and click end call, though you being a woman of your word, you snapped a quick pic and sent it off to him; to which he responded with a drool face emoji.

 The next couple of weeks were a literal whirlwind as you moved into the hotel's presidential suite and got things ready. Beds were moved out so that some rooms that had two queens now had one king in them. The hotel was disinfected from top to bottom. If felt like you were wearing a hazmat suit all the time during this process. A week before the players arrived the NHL staff did, making sure everything was in order and making sure you had things set up for daily COVID testing. Of course, you had everything well in hand and organized per their instructions, though with a few tweaks that made the process more efficient. Overall, they seemed impressed with everything that you had done.

 All that preparation lead up to the big day, July 26th, when the teams moved in. The league had them spread out so that no two teams were checking in at that same time. Tampa Bay was the first in as they traveled the furthest. "You look nervous. Why are you nervous?" Carly's voice came up from behind you as you saw the bus pulling in through the gates.

 "There's a lot riding on this Car, and if anything goes wrong; you know it's going to be my head that rolls."

 "You're going to do great; this whole thing is going to be smooth like a bubble." She started to giggle. "See what I did there…bubble." You rolled your eyes at your friend but did let out a little snort of laughter at her pun. "Well, here they come."

 You straightened your jacket and smoothed down your skirt, before throwing your mask up to go meet your first arrivals. "Gentlemen, welcome to Hotel X." You tried to speak a little louder than normal hoping the mask didn't muffle your words. "We're excited to have you all here. I'm (Y/N) manager here during your stay, anything you need, feel free to call me any time of day." More of the guys filtered in while you spoke to Coach Cooper and a few of the players.

 "Anytime huh?" you heard someone mumble in the background and a couple of the guys snickered. It was hard not to roll your eyes as you knew they were focusing on them with your face partially covered. Someone else said, "She can manage me anytime." That was until someone cleared their throat, effectively silencing them.

 "Now if you'll follow me, let's get you all checked in." Tables lined with a welcome packet and lanyard with their ID on it, were off to the side and you were able to shuffle them through with pretty good speed, then sent them off to their rooms before they had to head to testing. Your information was inside every packet, in case you were needed at any point during their stay. It seemed like you no sooner got them in and the area disinfected then the next team, the Capitals, were pulling in, and so the day went on until all five teams were safely ensconced in the hotel. Thankfully you made it through that process without any problems, even though the Bruins flight was late and the Flyers were pulling in right as you got the last players through.

 It wasn't until dinner, that you encountered your first dilemma, getting a text message from Alexis, who was coordinating the meals. It was a simple message, Get to conference room 3. NOW! As fast as your heels could take you, you headed down to where the Capitals were supposed to be having dinner if you remembered the schedule correctly. You never expected to see what you did though when you entered.

[quatschmachen]

Icicles

.A small fic set in the 80′s; probably like 1984 ish.

Edward visits Étienne.

PG

Étienne was wearing too many layers.

Sure it was winter and probably cold but no one should be wearing a fully zipped up jacket, toque and scarf ensemble inside the airport, Edward thought.

“Why are you dressed for an arctic expedition?” Edward asked his friend.

Étienne’s voice was muffled by the scarf, “Because I have a slight cold.”

“This is overkill.” Edward teased, “Do you need my jacket as well?”

“Non.” Étienne sneezed then added, “not yet.”

They were heading away from the airport in a taxi, Étienne apparently not patient enough to wait for a bus.

Edward had packed light, he had managed to establish a Drawer for his Montreal clothes at Étienne’s, an accomplishment he tried not to think about too hard (but which, if he could admit to himself, he was delighted over). He had noticed in the brief interim that they had been outside that it was not that cold, and he figured it was probably just an Étienne thing that the man was dressed in so many layers.

It was only when Edward won the fight of paying the entire cab fare that he felt something was off with the other man.

This was confirmed as they entered Étienne’s place, and the man was refusing to de-layer his clothes.

“Étienne, it’s hot as Hades here, and you’re trying to put on another sweater – alright what’s going on – did you get a shitty tattoo? Do you have scarlet fever?” Edward huffed feeling very annoyed at his friend, his hands reaching out to bat the sweater away.

It was like unwrapping a wriggling child, dodging, and weaving away from him, as Edward firmly grabbed one end of the scarf and unwound it from his friend’s face.

Étienne’s eyes were red, his nose was red and dripping, his cheeks flushed, and he looked as if he had just crawled out of the frosty pits of Niflheim.

“Jesus Christ you look like shit.”

“Thank you Eddy I appreciate the commentary.”  Edward realized Étienne sounded weird because his nose was plugged. Étienne grabbed the scarf and rewrapped it around his face. He did however concede in removing his jacket.

“So uh can I assume we’re not going to the club tonight?”

“Excuse me? Obviously we still are, you flew out to have a good time and I’m-” Étienne had to pause to hack a lung out, “am going to show you a good time!” he did a dramatic arm flourish, over tilted, banged into the wall, cried out in pain, and then nobly righted himself, attempting a more subdued ‘we are totally going out and getting dick’ pose.

“No we’re not.” Edward said firmly as he finished taking off his boots, “We are going to stay in.”

“Eddy!! Even if I don’t go out you should go out, you didn’t come all this way to just sit on my couch and watch TV.” Étienne protested as the other man gently guided him to the couch.

Giving his friend a Look, Edward said darkly, “Do you think I fly my ass all the way out to your beautiful city to see some guy’s cock?”

“Well, you always complain that you can’t really do the same stuff in Edmonton so, yeah. I guess. You come here to get tail and I don’t blame you. Nor do I want to hold you back. And I don’t want you to get sick!”

Edward was busy firmly tucking a blanket around Étienne, ensuring that max cozy was achieved.

Étienne was still fussing, and unthinkingly, Edward leant forward and gave the other man a small kiss on the forehead to calm him down. It immediately worked.

“I’m not worried about that. Anyways. Just so you know. I happen to haul myself these many miles to see you. Since you are, you know… my friend. Now I am going to make you a hot drink, and then get take-out, ok? Wong’s is still open, yeah?”

Étienne nodded.

“And if you move from the couch for any reason other than going to bed or peeing, I will look not happily upon that.”

“Ok maudit mardeux.”

XXX

When Edward returned with take-out (he had gotten a lot, with the plan that the leftovers would tide them over for a couple days), he was happy to see that Étienne was still on the couch, the mug of hot tea in his hands, still slowly sipping.

“Eddy,” Étienne turned a plaintive look to the man, looking at the giant bags of take-out, “I’m suffering… can you get me some tissues?”

“Sure, sorry for not getting you them before I left.” Setting the take-out on the coffee table, Edward went in search of the tissues. He also figured the other man would want a personal garbage, and while he was at it, he also grabbed two bowls and cutlery.

Returning, Edward immediately worried as the other man was crying.

Étienne had moved out of his blanket fortress, one of the take-out bags were open, and before him was a round Styrofoam container, lid off, gently steaming.

“How did you know?”  he asked quietly. Soft teary eyes looked at Edward; a look that could almost be classified as tender.

Edward looked at Étienne in confusion. “Know what?”

“That I love hot and spicy soup when sick.”

“Because you once wrote me five pages of a letter dedicated to Wong’s hot and spicy soup and how it cured you of the bubonic plague, Étienne.”

“I… I don’t remember that.”

“Judging from your spelling I think you were still high off soup or something,” Edward paused as he watched his friend happily slurp the soup, “However I greatly enjoyed reading it… even if it didn’t quite make sense, especially that weird part where you tried to rhyme in iambic pentameter.”

“I have no fucking memory of this. You’re bullshitting me right? Iambic pentameter? You’re gonna have to show me this letter.”

“Only if you promise not to destroy it,” Edward teased. “Plus, hold on let me see if I can remember.” Edward sat down beside the other man, setting down the items, and then moving to help himself to the food. “Shall I travel the world for a potion? Nay, for the cure exists in Montreal. Dew of the gods in comparison pales. For yea the cure is at Wong’s; Hot and Spicy.”

“Oh my god that’s not even good,” Étienne choked slightly, and then coughed, “That last part isn’t even proper iambic pentameter.”

Edward shrugged, “Hey, you at least tried. I nearly hurt myself laughing, and I mmmmmmaaaaybe hung that up on my fridge to look at for a solid week.”

Étienne narrowed his eyes, “You better watch out Murphy, I’m sure we both have an arsenal of blackmail material in our decades of letters.”

“When did one’s life and feelings become blackmail material, Maisonneuve?” Edward quietly teased, his gaze focused to the news report on the television. The low murmur of the day’s events filling up the strange gap between them.

Étienne blew on the soup and then took a slurp. Slyly he asked, “So that letter where you drew images of your favourite buffalo can be shown to anyone?”

Edward quickly looked at Étienne, “That image was only for you ok – not for the world!”

“But it’s so cute, if I had had a refrigerator at the time it would have gone on that. Though I guess I have one now I can put it up.” Étienne paused, frowned, “Actually, Eddy, you haven’t really drawn anything for me in a while. Why did you stop?”

“Because…” Edward was surprised to find he did not have a ready answer. Life got busy? He got more self conscious? It was something that had simply fallen to the wayside without him noticing? He had grown up and decided drawing was a childish thing? “Huh. I guess I just stopped.”

His friend was wiggling, that wiggle he did when he had one of his brilliant ideas.

“’Tienne, what is it?”

“Since I am so sick, and dying, you should entertain me by drawing me a story!”

“A story?”

“Yeah! One about… buffalo.”

“Draw on what?”

“Oh uhm, let me get you-“

“Just tell me. You stay put… but can we eat first?”

“…Fine… but you are going to draw me a story.  Even if it’s in crayon, ok?”

“Yes sir,” Edward laughed, “So do I get any hot and spicy soup?”

XXXXX

“Once upon a time there was beautiful prairie, where the sound of the drums was the heartbeat of the land. Upon the prairie roamed the buffalo, strong majestic animals in whose footsteps sprung new life.”

As he drew the story, Edward narrated. The art items he found were pencil crayons and a pad of paper. The buffalo on the green grass was probably akin to a five year old’s drawing, but as he glanced over to his friend, who looked absolutely thrilled and despite suffering from a sort of plague, who was sparkling in happiness that this was even taking place, it was worth it.

“There was a very tiny calf, whose legs still wobbled.” Edward added little shaky lines to his badly drawn tiny calf, “who got separated from the herd.”

“Edward if this is going to be a sad story I want you to stop now.” Étienne interrupted.

“Shhh.” Edward settled in more, as he paused in his story telling to draw the next page. “This calf, whose name was Stardreamer, had gotten separated from the herd when following a butterfly to a small river. When Stardreamer realized he was no longer with his mother, he called and called, but got no reply.”

“Eddy…”

“Instead a wily old Magpie appeared, letting out  a cheeky laugh. Stardreamer attempted to hide, and stayed very still as the Magpie flew down and sat upon him.

<Fear not little one,> the Magpie said, as it began to pick ticks off the calf, <I am a friend.>”

As the story progressed, Edward found himself adding more twists and turns, and what was originally supposed to be only ten pages it became thirty. Étienne’s full rapt attention was addictive, and the man’s slightly wet eyes when Stardreamer reunited with the herd he found endearing.

The story of Stardreamer continued throughout the week as the two of them, instead of simply vegging out and watching movies, found themselves cooped up as the snow piled up outside. The only times Edward left was to get more food and to shovel the sidewalk (which apparently dumbfounded Étienne, who informed Edward that clearing the sidewalk was the city’s job, to which Edward rolled his eyes and asked if the people of Montreal were suddenly missing arms and shovels, which then lead to a heated debate of the role of the city when it came to snow, a debate which kept popping up).

As the week progressed, Étienne got better, his nose less plugged, his body less feverish.

As the week progressed however, Edward began to display the same symptoms of illness that Étienne had had. Something he attempted to hide from the other man… rather unsuccessfully.

He had taken himself to the washroom to blow his nose, only to bang his elbow on the wall when Étienne’s voice spoke up from the other side of the door separating them.

<Eddy, I’m so sorry, I never meant to invite you over and then give you the plague.>

Cursing and rubbing his elbow, Edward was silent a moment, then said, <I do not have the plague, it’s allergies.> This lie was quickly laid to rest as he started having a severe coughing attack. One severe enough that Étienne forced open the bathroom door to stride in and sit Edward down on the edge of the bath, gently rubbing the other man’s back as the coughing fit eventually passed.

As Edward struggled to breath, his nose and throat plugged up, his eyes red rimmed, Étienne shook his head. <Looks like it’s my turn to take care of you.>

Blowing his nose, Edward sniffled. Rubbing his forehead he managed to croak out, <I’m supposed to fly out.>

<Hmmmm, are you well enough to travel? Are you able to rebook?>

Edward was too busy coughing to respond.

<Will they even let you onto the airplane, Édouard?>

Edward shrugged, “I dunno.”

“If you insist on returning…” Étienne paused <I will simply have to travel with you. Make sure you don’t faint on the way.>

Looking over to his friend, his expression a mixture of surprised misery, Edward croaked, “You’d really do that?”

Raising one eyebrow, Étienne quietly responded <You are sick and my responsibility. I would be unable to rest at the thought of you travelling alone in such a condition.>

It was unclear whether it was the fever or something else that caused Edward’s cheeks to flush, as he looked away, his slumped shoulders relaxing, as he leant into the other man.

The only sound was his struggle to breathe, until finally he murmured, “I’ll rebook.”

[reallygoodbuddy]

My honest to god thoughts on Strathcona Spirits

Today was my last day at Strathcona Spirits! Now that I’m no longer on the payroll and have nothing to lose or gain, I feel like I can speak honestly to what it is Strathcona Spirits produce in that tiny little pink shoebox. Speaking as a man with a decent palate, a lot of (maybe too much?) experience tasting spirits of all kinds, and having started Canada’s Best New Bar 2018 (woot woot!), let me give you my however-educated hot take on the sauce cooked up at Strathcona Spirits. 

In my travels around the province as a sales rep, I have tasted many (if not all) of the now 28 craft distilleries in our fair province (and those that have gone the sad way of the dodo as well). Some of them are bad. Some are mediocre. Some are good. Very good. In fact it leans towards very good, and I think this is owing to the small scale of production. I suppose that’s no eureka moment, but some people still don’t get this. When you work in such small batches with a molecular attention to detail, and when you are committed to cutting no corners in sourcing your raw material or hurrying the process of fermentation or buying cheap old worn out barrels or cheaping out on bitter / boring juniper from this cheap region or that (not naming names), the spirits dripping out the other end of the still simply have a much better chance of being excellent. Doesn’t mean they will be, but the odds are much better.

I think what some people do not understand is the utterly gargantuan scale at which some of their favourite international spirits are made. They think “how could something made in my backyard for only three years possibly be as good or better than this much longer-lived product that’s fame has brought it half way across the world to my local liquor store, that has achieved so much fame that they are now an international standard, and yet selling for $10-$20 less a bottle!” Oh boy… it is not that these international products cannot be good. Some of them are great (and some of them deserve a total moratorium... and some of them are the very products some of my favourite bartenders shill for every year as the competition rounds start, booooo!, just kiddingggg I love you guys and who wouldn’t love to go on a big fancy all inclusive trip somewhere and be recognized for transforming at-best-mediocre spirits into something that tastes palatable, you are champions in my eyes no matter what). The fact is that most of the world’s best spirits, wines, beers, ciders, cheeses, etc etc etc, are not made in large enough quantities to be widely exported, if at all. The insane scale at which those other bottles were made guarantees that the attention to detail is lost (would you rather be served a dish made for you or a dish made for an army and scooped into your bowl? would you rather have a wound stitched with a needle or a chopstick?) and this means the bad batches are just blended in with the good batches and the base spirit itself is almost always bland at best or rubbing alcohol at worst. There are great spirits made on massive scale, absolutely!, but the chances get worse, NOT BETTER, as the scale increases. For some reason, however, there are still craft bartenders who see this scenario the opposite way, thinking the larger brands are more likely to be good and the smaller distilleries are just learning and pawning off their learning process to the public at twice the price while hiding behind the good faith of being locally produced. This does happen, yes, in all things, but not nearly as often as you might think, and what is the all-too-common reverse? Huge multi-nationals pawning off their shill onto us and putting the marketing mega budget lipstick on the proverbial pig. We all know how many of the best marketed brands make bland boring weak tasteless garbage. But if you think that big brands have the benefit of the doubt and small distillers don’t, I can’t help but think that the marketing worked on you, fellow bartender. If this is your default setting, I strongly encourage you to reconsider. Yes, your craft distillery cannot fly you to the distillery and comp your first two cases when the new cocktail menu drops or give you branded umbrellas for your patio, but I can guarantee you there is a lot more heart and soul in that bottle. Anyone who appreciates wine knows that scale matters (and we celebrate the difference between vintages and vineyards, vive la différence!). Do you want an estate wine? Or one that is blended from a hundred vineyards so that your last bottle of Apothic tastes just like your next one? 

With all that said, I will be the first to acknowledge that there is a huge discrepancy in quality among craft spirits, just as surely as there is for internationally marketed spirits, and nothing out there is automatically good just because it is produced in Alberta, or anywhere else for that matter. But I have now begun to ramble and get off track. I really bring all this to the fore for the simple reason of testifying, now that I have nothing to gain from it, that it is my honest to God opinion that Strathcona Spirits are making the best damn juice in the province. I have tried the different distilleries’ products. Some are well made but boring. Some are interesting but not well made. Some are both (kudos!) and some are neither (but maybe they will be eventually!). But at the end of the day, I think that what Strathcona is distilling is always creative without being eye-rolling and yet still coming out wildly delicious, which is the true challenge. It’s like trying to make music no one has ever heard before (easy) or trying to make music that sounds good (easy): the true challenge is making music that no one has every heard before that also sounds amazing.

How do I love thee, you Strathcona Spirits, let me count the ways: Eschewing all flavoured vodka yet making an exceedingly flavourful vodka, easily one of the best vodkas I’ve ever tasted, anywhere and from anywhere. Big bodied. Bold. Expressive of our central albertan wheat and the terroir it flourishes in. A bread basket of a vodka for the bread basket of North America. And then making a big bold low-toned robust gin that can put some hair on your chest, a gin equivalent of left-bank Bordeaux while nearly everyone else out there these last ten-gin-renaissance-years seems enamoured of delicate light floral gins that one might liken to champagne, if I can torture the metaphor. I like those floral gins too, but I strongly believe that Strathcona makes a bartender’s gin, one that performs outstandingly well with amaro and vermouth, and at the end of the day, those are the only gin drinks I will ever order. I mean sure, shake with it all you want. Such a waste. I will avert my eyes. And then aging that gin in virgin oak quarter casks, it’s nuts, I can’t believe Adam was bold enough to try this, I can’t believe how well it worked. A very expensive experiment, and it paid. The BAG is what won me over to Strat, because every other barrel aged gin I had tasted before this one was gross. (I’ve had some other good ones since, but still, most are gross). I will say that, in my own personal opinion, the barrel aged gin is the most finicky of the bunch and requires a true bartender to wield it well. Some of the most fascinating drinks I’ve tried by bartenders using our spirits have been ones with the barrel aged gin. But that’s because it doesn’t behave like gin, it doesn’t taste great in tonic, it doesn’t go well with dry vermouth, so it takes someone who knows how to work intuitively with the oak aspect and carve new paths forward (or just subs it into whisky classics!). I maintain that it makes the best Sazerac riff out there. First virgin oaked quarter casked gin in the world, and a gin suitably big and with a low enough profile to actually benefit from barrelling, none of these herbs or flowers or vegetables that just clash with the natural flavours American oak imparts. And then there is that ruby queen, the Pinot Gin, a lucky stroke of genius. It is easily my favourite of the whole line. Finishing gin in ex-BC Pinot Noir casks means pulling out all the old sticky oxidative pinot living in the staves of the oak, and damn! The way it just melts into the gin as it sits, the gentle toasted french oak nuttiness sneaking in there, the dried cherry and forest floor and cola notes from the wine, all combining with the low baking spice and bitter orange peel profile of the gin, the result is this uncanny sarsaparilla and orange marmalade and cherry dr. pepper aspect that’s as delicious as a sipper as it is beautiful in every cocktail I’ve tried it with. 

And then there are the whiskies. I have been enjoying little samples from the barrel at full strength over the time I’ve worked here and I am always stunned. The belgian yeast was a stroke of genius, seeing as we’re using witbier/hefeweizen hard red spring brewer’s wheat to begin with. I am pretty sure these are the first virgin oaked wheat whiskies, at least from what I have ever been able to find online or asking the various whisky nerds and store owners I encounter in my travels, and a virgin oaked wheat whisky is well overdue. It is a brilliant new category that Strathcona is pioneering, and one that Edmonton is authentically positioned to spearhead, seeing as our Fort Edmonton pioneers were making wheat whisky and topping it with just a splash of rye while our neighbours to the south were drinking straight rye. Wheat is the last of the four major grains to be reevaluated and elevated (so move over malt, corn, and rye) and these Strathcona whiskies are going to be such big bold burly unrepentant whiskies, just the way I prefer. I wish I could have still been around to sell them when they dropped. 

In writing fiction and poetry we have a simple rule: show don’t tell. Any talented salesperson, knowing it or not, has absorbed this rule in sales as well. As the rep for Strathcona Spirits, it would be extremely suspect for me to walk into a place and say: honestly, in my opinion, our distillery is making the best spirits in the province. Even if I cushion that by talking about the other Alberta distilleries I love, it would still ring hollow. Now that I am gone and stand nothing to gain (I have been waiting so long for this), I just want to step up to the microphone and say that I have tasted more Alberta craft spirits than most, and in my honest opinion, Strathcona Spirits are the best, and that is my honest personal opinion. They are full bodied. They are strong in flavour while smooth on the palate. They are inventive. They are interesting. They are dynamic. They are hand made. They are purposeful. And as someone who started championing these spirits long before I worked for them, I maintain that they are patently superb spirits for cocktailing. I would even go so far as to say that they are better as cocktail ingredients than as stand alone spirits, and that is their great advantage. Don’t get me wrong, they are wonderful sipped, but their flavour design is so conducive to playing and marrying well with other bottles and ingredients. I love them. I hold about six other Alberta distilleries in high esteem, sometimes it is all of their line, sometimes just some of it (and may I take a moment to shout out some of the more interesting products: Wildlife Amaro, Burwood Honey distillate, and the Eau Claire Equineox). I still feel like more distilleries need to take more risks and try to invent their way forward. Not in kitschy ways but in fundamental and elemental ways. I will not list the many ways I feel Strathcona does this because this is getting way too long. And I should also mention that I would never speak ill of other craft distilleries because we are not each others’ competition, we are all in this together. Bombay is our competition. Crown Royal is our competition. Grey Goose is our competition. If we can peel even a portion of their drinkers over to Alberta craft, we will all win together. 

I don’t know how much spirit drinking I’ll be doing now that I am moving onto my newest adventure but I know I’ll still be ordering Strathcona drinks off the menu and anxiously waiting for the whisky releases. 

What is your newest path, Joe, you might ask? Well, kind soul still reading this beefy prose in our age of declining attention spans, your old boy Joey Gurba is taking a partnership role in Garneau Block, a fledgling natural wine importing agency! If you know me well, you know I’m obsessed with wine. Gabriella has been kind enough to invite me on board to grow this thing into a juggernaut for wines that are alive and fascinating, and we have five new wineries coming to you over the next eight weeks. Wineries from Mount Gambier (Australia), Maryland (USA), Puglia (Italy), Castilla y León (Spain), and Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Côtes-du-Rhône (France). If you follow me on instagram, rest assured, you’ll see no shortage of coverage. And do follow @garneaublock if you haven’t yet. And, of course, if you don’t follow @strathconaspirits yet, thou must check thyself lest thou wreck thyself. They’re good folks, good good folks, and even in this trying time of layoffs and all, they have been converting the still over to making hand sanitizer and giving it away for free (for as long as they can afford to). If you’re not quarantined, drop by and grab some (inevitable) quarantini supplies and a bottle of free hand sani ASAP (or order from your favourite liquor store, most of them are delivering now). Quick, go, before we are all forced into our houses indefinitely.  

Thanks for reading all this. I’m embarrassed by it on some level, something about it feels a little uncouth, but I have always been a little uncouth and unconventional, right? And since I am not trying to sell any Strathcona to anyone anymore, I’m pressing send and speaking my heart for these guys. Gooooooo Strathcona.