Mathew Barzal X Reader - Tumblr Posts
HOW YOU GET THE GIRL
Mat Barzal x fem!oc reader
Series Masterlist
Two
I dont like when guys ask me out, because the answer is always no. And the answer never changes; and I doubt it ever will. My coworkers are all married or in a relationship with someone even at the bookstores. Hell, the sixteen-year old has had a boyfriend longer than I've been working there.
For a time I believed it to be asexuality, but thats not what it was. I still think; dream and hope for someone to love me, but thats just what I don't want. I used to be able to see myself getting married to someone; when I was nine and didn't know how horrible my parents marriage was to each other.
When I was nineteen I thought something was wrong with me, I was stuck in the thought that I was unloveable. I want to date; dating would be fun. But dating leads to marriage and to me. Marriage means being trapped, and I don’t do being trapped.
The guy from last week comes in again, a little more flushed and with a friend this time. He’s nervously chewing his lip and looking over at his friend for reassurance, “no dude, chicks dig Romeo and Juliet, I’m sure that’ll get you a yes” I overhear a tall bald guy say as he assuringly pats or slaps the brunettes back.
His hands are shaking as he gently places the hardback copy of Romeo and Juliet, “just this” he quietly mumbles looking down at the cover, “have you read it?”
“Yeah, a few times but I’ve never been to fond of that kinda romance” I reply as what I assume his friend shakes his shoulder in a brocode way I have yet to understand.
“Really?” His voice pitches up, “w-what you uh— uh why?” He frantically questions his entire face pales
“Uh oh, I really hope you’re not setting a date on Romeo and Juliet for christs sake” I murmur, “not speaking for every girl but, it felt too quick. How can you know if you really love someone in just barely a week” I clarify, “I just” I shrug not finishing my thought, “do you still want to get it?”
“Uh.. maybe” he looks down and taps his thumbs against the counter, “what romance books do you recommend?”
I grin, wide and toothy because this is my favorite question and thing to ever talk about, “oh boy am I glad you asked. Liz, will you cover me?” I request and she nods.
I take his hand and lead him to the classics, Jane Austen, Emily Brönte, Charles Dickens. “A lot of these are like classic books but Jane Austen is really the one you want to woo a girl”
“I’m very positive no one says ‘woo’ anymore” his friend juts in and Mat as I remember faintly; gives him a dirty look.
“Whatever. Pride and prejudice is my all time favorite” I say; gently pulling my baby out of her shelf.
“Wow.. I think my sister’s made me see the movie” He faintly says; I can barely hear anything over the beat of my heart.
“Which version?” I ask nervously
“I think the 2005 version” and I almost sigh in relief, “is that good”
“Very. Very good”
He smiles at me and his friend nods as I lead them back to the register, “that’s everything right?” I ask scanning the books
“Yes, uh yeah” He smiles nervously and goes back to chewing his lip, “you know how the uh New Jersey Devils are playing against the Islanders tomorrow night?” He asks handing me his card
“Yeah… Why?”
“I uh, I’ve got by the ice tickets and I was gonna have one of my friends come with me but he— his wife just had their baby so you know.. and you like hockey and I like hockey so it might be— nice if you wanted to go with me?” He blabs out, nearly gasping for breath after finishing, then he continues, “you don’t have to come— obviously I know it’s last minute and you probably have plans with someone or uh yeah..”
“No.. I don’t have plans tomorrow night”
“Great— I mean not great that you don’t have plans but great that you can come with me” He nervously chides
I laugh and smile, “I would really, really love to go to the game with you” I confess.
“Yay, just uh do you get breaks?” He asks
“Yeah, I’m just about due for a break”
We stand outside together; his poor friend long forgotten, “what’s going on?” I ask sitting at one of the small tables and drinking some tea.
“Ok uh, I..” He flushed and puts his head in his hands, “I won’t be sitting with you.. I’ll be on the ice…”
“Oh. Wait what?” I ask, looking up at him as he tangles his hands into his hair, “what do you mean you won’t be sitting with me?”
“I’m not just a hockey fan. I play. Hockey I play on the Islanders.. those who have girlfriends or wives get to invite them to games and I know we’re not- I’m not implying that but uh you like hockey and I thought it might be nice” he chokes out
“Ok so— what?” I gasp out, “I didn’t think you were much a joker” I’m fighting back laughter
“I’m serious”
“Oh”
“Its totally fine if you don’t want to come anymore but uh. Yeah” he shrugs rubbing his eyes nervously and chewing his lip cracked.
“I mean.. I haven’t been to a game in a while… so.. yeah that would be nice” I shrug
He sighs a big sigh and nearly flips the table with his weight before righting it.
“Can I get your number then? So I can pick you up.. I’ll bring you a jersey” He requests sliding his phone out
“Yea” I pick his phone up and type my number in, setting my contact name and typing in a hello with his name.
“I will see you.. at 5 thirty ish?” He asks, “and don’t worry about eating before, actually maybe eat a bit but I want to take you out to dinner after”
I smile and brush my hair out of my face, “should I wear leggings? Jeans?”
“Uh.. long pants probably, jeans would look good”
“Thank you, I will see you tomorrow night”
“It’s a date”
And I don’t have the heart to tell him that it’s not.. because I’m too scared to fall in love. Or to even risk it.
VOLLEYBALL SZN
Heavily inspired by @brokenanxiety headcannons of mat barzal dating a vball player ‼️
Mat Barzal x fem reader (volleyball player)
Im a senior in collage. #87 on NYU’s volleyball team for varsity. My boyfriend does his own thing, hockey for the islanders.
Usually our schedules don’t line up, I’ll have a game and he has training. He has a game and I have training. The only time they’ve ever lined up is during training camps. But even then we can barely see each other. And even then our training camps have a no fraternization rule.
The islanders have never been too fond of sharing facilities with a collage v ball team.
“We had a game forfeit so are you still good with me coming to see you play” he whispers into my ear as I rub lotion onto my forearms in preparation for the bruises.
“Mm, if you want too. Usually they make you practice instead right?” I ask as Mat watches me braid my hair and raise it into a ponytail.
“Yeahh.. but I told the guys about this and they wanted me to come.. they’ll probably show up halfway through and bring the team out for pizza” he tells me as his hands rub up and down my thighs.
“Really? You’re willing to feed a group of starved varsity volleyball players after the biggest tournament of the season?” I inquire turning my head around to face him. He’s still all smiles and giggles with his head laid into my neck.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Never”
Games are always fairly similar; the same nervous buzz that leads into the locker rooms. We all have matching hair.
“You nervous?” Astrid asks as we stretch out and set and serve eachother for our warmups.
“Always, but mat is here for like the first time ever and I’m so nervous” I grin a little bit
“Isn’t he the one you hooked up with junior year? At the training camp?” She gasps out, “holy shit you’re dating?” She whisper shouts which attracts the attention of our other teammates
I nod, “but Shh. We need to win this tournament”
The blonde nods as she puts on her knee guards.
It always feels cheesy when I say that Mat’s cheers are the only ones I can hear against the roar of the crowd. I feel like I’m gasping for breath as I’m diving and saving.
I’m knocking my head sometimes; scrambling for the ball and using my arms to save it.
We end the game in overtime, winning barely with a 2 to 1 score.
I change back into a baggy shirt instead of my uniform but I don’t have the care to change out of my shorts, “Do y’all want pizza?” I ask as we gather up our bags and let our hair out.
“Yess, but who’s buying?” Ella asks as she cracks her knuckles
“Mat, and his team. They said they were gonna take us out for dinner” I inform and Ella grins before rattling out the most Ella like sentence I’ve ever heard
“Do they now how much we can eat?”
“No. No they do not”
There’s six girls, plus six other 6’+ hockey players. It’s a bit of a feast, “fuck are we starved” Abby smiles as the majority of the girls eat.
I’m happily seated next to mat with his hand on my thigh as we eat, “did you have fun?” I ask him
“Yeah, the moms weren’t too thrilled seeing a hoard of hockey players screaming about volleyball” he laughs softly and I smile at him
“Im still really happy you came”
“Me too”
It’s a laughter seeing the team astonished at how much a group of girls can eat after four games and the final five to win.
Mat drives me home and I’m falling asleep in the car ride home, “you must be tired, huh pretty girl?” He smiles against my skin as he brings me up into our room
“So tired”
(Idk how to end it l o l )
I rly hope you like it
HOW YOU GET THE GIRL
Mat Barzal x fem!oc
Series Masterlist
(TW: drinking)
Three
I don’t like going out often, going out is a once in a blue moon occasion. I’m scared; but also nervous. Nervous because what if— if he is the one who unravels my plans. Makes me want to fall in love again. I’m so focused on the what ifs as I stare at myself in the mirror, wondering if the baggy jeans look good with this white cropped tee.
Mat Barzal sent you a text !
I click my phone open and read through the message
Mat Barzal
Hey; I know I said I would pick you up and I’m so sorry that I can’t tn. My friends girlfriend said she was willing to bring you. She’s super nice I promise. I’ll meet up with you as soon as I can. Pinky swear ❤️
Emma Miller
No yeah that’s alr
What do I talk to her about tho…
Mat Barzal
She likes books!! She’s the one I got Romeo and Juliet for!
It was her bday!!
That and I needed a reason to talk to you
Emma Miller
K, does she have my info?
Mat Barzal
Yeah I can send it to her rn; are you cool wearing my jersey?
Emma Miller
I’ll wear it, as long as it’s clean?
Mat Barzal
Ofc it’s clean, I gtg but I can’t wait to see you.
I feel a little bad for leaving him on seen but I did get his message; I go back to curling my hair and doing my makeup. I feel a brush of butterflies in my stomach.
I need to shut that down ASAP, but I really want to enjoy this. Because I know how it’s going to end.
607-914-9290
Hey Emma, I’m mats teammates girlfriend; what’s ur address so I can come pick u up 😨😨 also my name is Kasra
Emma Miller changed 607-914-9290 name to Kasra
Emma Miller
Yeah! Ok
Emma Miller shared her address
Kasra Bahman
Ok ok!! Can’t wait to see you 😍
I like her, she seems nice. I apply a little more blush before putting in my gold hoops before doing a little spin in the mirror. Af1s and a white leather backpack to carry some essentials in. Tampons, gum, tiny mascara, brush, perfume. Pepper spray. Everything a girl could ever need.
My phone buzzes and I do one last check in the mirror before walking out of my apartment and smiling as I see a girl wave at me. Her dark hair set into waves, wide eyes and those perfect eyebrows.
“Hey hey” Kasra smiles, “it’s so nice to finally meet you. Don’t tell anyone but Mat talks about you quite a bit”
I laugh and buckle myself up as we start the drive to the arena, “don’t take this as rude— but why are you picking me up instead of Mat?”
“Oh, yeah.. sometimes at home games the islanders have the team like do media management and walk ins. He was bummed not being able to pick you up” She says, leaning back a bit, “Bo was bummed out too; because usually he picks me up but I don’t mind driving you!” She clarifies looking at my unease
“Ohh, he must be your boyfriend?” I inquire as I apply some lipgloss to my lips
“Yeah” She grins; blushing and tapping her left foot against the footwell, “hes so perfect for me”
I smile at her, “your last name is Bahman right?”
“Yeah”
“Are You— Persian?”
“Yes! I am, are you?”
“Yes!” I cheer out, “my moms name is Amira! My dads white though”
“Oh how amazing is that”
I catch up to Mat fairly quickly, “hey, here’s one of my jerseys, it’s clean. Don’t worry” he smiles at me then quickly wrapping me into a hug after I put his jersey on, “this is so embarrassing to admit out loud” he whispers into my ear
“What is?” I whisper back, wrapping my arms around his neck
“How glad I am that you’re here… and how good you look in my jersey” he is soft to admit it and I allow myself a moment to run my fingers through his hair.
“Mm, I like this too..” I reply as his hands hold my back into him.
“I’ll see you after”
I kiss his cheek and push a bit of his hair out of his face, “good luck.. be safe”
I feel so cheesy; how blushy I am. How much I want to keep my fingers in his hair and hold him forever. How well I fit into him. How my heart jumps a little every time he gets slammed into the shields.
Kasra rubs my knee, “it doesn’t get easier. If that’s what you’re thinking. But it lessens.. the anxiety” she informs, gently patting before she moves to holding my hand again
“I just— ah I don’t want him to get hurt” I confess, “this is all so new to me”
She smiles, “drink. Oh baby drink like a fish” she laughs a little and I watch as Mat almost zooms past. I’d like to thing he caught a glimpse of me and that’s why he tripped over his own skates. But I think his laces were undone.
I’m sipping my second beer when the game ends, isles winning 4 to 3. I would feel bad for the Devils as they’re my home team but.. I’m proud of mat.
I follow Kasra as she greets her boyfriend; wrapping him up in a swift kiss and looking him over for cuts and bruises, “hey” Mat speaks out from behind me, “how was the game? Did you have fun?” He asks as I turn around and smile at him
“Yes, yes it was fun. You got slammed hard are you like uh— ok?” I ask him as he puts a arm around my shoulders.
“Yeah; I’m fine. Can I still take you out to dinner?”
“Mmh” I hum, “I don’t really feeling like going out out if you wanted to order in or something?”
“Yeah, honestly me too. We could go to my house and watch a movie. Get pizza? I have wine” He offers
“I don’t say no to wine”
By late late into the night I’m laid on Mat’s couch fairly drunk and absolutely rounchousing half of a pizza. He’s drinking wine and we’re talking and drinking, “so you work an office job” he asks; almost astonished at my confession
“Yeah, managing market sales. It’s alright. Not anything I’m too passionate about” I admit, allowing myself a moment to lean into him, “you don’t eat the crust?” I ask. Giving him that same wide eyed look he gave me
“No. Of-course not”
“You’re insane” I gasp out taking the crust off the box and dipping it into ranch
“Ok what’s even more insane is that you eat pizza with ranch!”
I laugh; that hearty deep soul laughter that has you rolling and wheezing. It’s probably the two glasses of wine I’ve had and the shitty beer during the game but I’m laughing. Laugh so hard I can’t breathe.
Even Mat’s laughing. The kind of laugh that’s deep and makes you stare with those kind of heart eyes.
He leans in a little, his ears turned pink a little. Hand nervously getting closer to mine. I can smell the wine on his breath and my heart speeds up, “I really.. really want to kiss you”
A little nob lodges into my throat. And I’m finding myself pulling away, “I can’t date you” I whisper out his eyebrows quirk, “because you’re going to want to get married and I can’t get married”
“Why.. Are you already married?” He asks. Sitting back
“No. It’s such a long story. I’m scared to get married. And you seem like the guy who wants to get married”
He nods slowly, “I do. But I also really like you” he admits, “I’ve come into that bookstore like seventeen times hoping to see you”
“I-“ I put my heads in my hands
“Emma. I really want you to be my girlfriend. And if that’s something you don’t do then I guess that’s ok”
“I- but what if you want to get married” I ask him, looking up at him
“I don’t need to be married. I don’t even know if I want to get married” he admits, “but if I do. I’m mature enough to communicate that. And I don’t expect to change your mind or anything”
I lean back, “I’m scared I’m going to fall so in love with you and you’re going to break my heart. Shatter it right into bits”
“I’m already in love with you, I’ll try not to. I will” He says, “and you can be my girlfriend forever. You never have to be my wife unless that’s something you want”
“I..” I nervously pick at my fingers, “I can try— I’ve been told I’m not the best girlfriend”
“Can I Kiss You?”
“Yeah. Yes you can kiss me”
LOVE STORY
Taylor swift szn y’all
Mat Barzal being in love w his neighbor
The day she moved in Mat was smitten. Filled with Californian sun and those long legs and dusty light brown hair. She’s got a little pep in her step but a shuffle as she slides into her flip-flops and grabs a box.
She’s followed by an older man and a younger boy. The girl still holds his attention; she seems a little disoriented. Not in a drunk way, but in the way that makes her wonder if this is actually her new life.
“Matty” He hears his mother shout out, “be a nice strong boy and help our new neighbors”
Although he wants to meet her; it’s not under these circumstances. That’s an awkward meet cute. And not one that he wants with her.
“Mom— I don’t know.. they seem to handle it” he groans out, “Shit woman ok” he sighs hearing her stop up the stairs
“Oh mat you’re such a baby. Go on. Be a good neighbor. I’m bakin them some muffins” She tsks smacking his back as he jogs down the steps.
“Fine fine I’ll give them a hand” the brunette grumbles out.
He shuffles a little, tucking his hands into his pockets. He tucks his shoulder in and looks a little bashful through his shaggy brown hair.
The girl looks over her shoulder at him, her hair swishes back as she looks at him. All wide eyes and new to this street.
“Hey, I’m uh. Mat.. Barzal I live next door” He introduces reaching his hand out for her to shake. She shakes his hand and nods at him. Eyeing him up and down
“You’re not wearing a Shirt” She points out, before she meets his eyes again, “I’m y/n” she smiles a little. Lip turned up a little and he can see her teeth. But just a sliver.
“Yeah.. I my mom. She made me come out an help. And I haven’t done laundry yet so” he shrugs a little and smiles nervously, “how can I help?”
“Uh. Just some boxes. They’re all labeled with like kitchen and bathroom n stuff” y/n shrugs as she reaches for a box with her name, “I’m just trying to get my room set up”
“Oh, ok. Yeah let me help you” he offers taking another box with her name on it. She nods and leads him inside.
“Are those your parents?” He asks; attempting to make small talk as she walks upstairs.
“Just my dad. She’s my stepmom.” The blonde rolls her eyes a little, “this is my room” she kicks the door open a little and he uses his shoulder to open it the rest.
“Oh. Ok. Uh is that all the boxes?”
“Yeah. Just for my room. Thanks” she mumbles a little taking a knife and ripping through the tape.
“I could help you get set up..” he offers
“Oh. Yeah actually that would be nice”
The two of them unbox and rebuild plenty of her furniture. She makes idle conversation and he replies, he makes conversation and she responds.
Mat watches as she ties her hair back, “so.. you play any sports?” She asks; he nervously looks down and nods, “what?”
“Yeah. I play hockey. With my dad” he purses his lips nervous from the Californians response
“Cool. Does this Highschool have a team or is it club?” She asks
“Both. What about you?” He inquires. Shaking his head a little
“Soccer. So does VHS have a soccer team? Is it good?” She asks leaning foreword a little
“Yeah. They’re good.” He shrugs, “will you try out this fall?”
“Yeah. I’ll try hopefully. I don’t know how willing they’ll be for a junior just barging in for varsity”
“Were you on varsity at your last school?”
“Yeah, I was”
“As a sophomore?”
“Yeah”
When school starts the two had grown closer, her hair went back to its soft brown color. And that natural curl was coming back.
Mat drives her to school and nervously looks at her, “I think I’m gonna try out for captain this year. Because I’m a senior” he confesses. Leaning back into the car seat.
“I think you would be a good captain” she tells him, leaning over a bit as the two sit in the parking lot.
“I hope. Would you come to any games?”
“Hell I’d wear your jersey” she teases. Her face smooshed against the car seat, “you’d be a good captain Matty”
“I hate when you call me that” he sighs softly, inching just a bit closer
“Why?” She inquires responding to his closeness
“It just..” he sighs and looks down, “my mom calls me that. And so does this girl”
“Which girl”
He leans a little closer to the glossy lipped teen, he looks at her lips then up at her eyes, “you”
“Why is it a bad thing?”
“It’s bad.. because when ever you say it. It makes me want to kiss you” he faintly whispers.
“So kiss me”
His hand reaches for her chin and tilts her head up bringing her in for a kiss.
She groans a little into it as his hand wraps around her neck and her arms bring him closer.
I ❤️ NY#13
MatBarzal
Liked by, nhl, Anaheimducks, newyorkislanders, newjerseydevils, Jackhuges, lukehuges, Nicohischier, Lianabarzal, jamiedrysdale, trevorzegras, and 892,293 others
6 years with this goof, and now forever. Goofball
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Newyorkislanders - wifed her up so fast
Matbarzal - took me too long
Matbarzalfan - ARE WE GONNA IGNORE GOOFBALL?
Barzalbabys - GOOFBALL GOOFBALL!!
Ynlovescats - I want forever too stinkydinky
Matbarzal - not stinkydinky
Jamiedrysdale - Bro did not beat the blonde accusations
Ynlovescats - don’t tell anyone I’m a fake blonde :(
Ynlovescats
Liked by, nhl, newjerseydevils, newyorkislanders, Ynlovescatsfan, matbarzal, lianabarzal, katykits, jamiedrysdale, trevorzegras and 182,382 others
Thru it all. Now through forever. I love you Mat.
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Lianabarzal - A SISTER! YAY (thanks for marrying him)
Ynlovescats - You’re so welcome!
Matbarzal - my fav girl
Ynlovescats - You’re also my fav… besides Milo
Matbarzal - the damn orange cat
Katykits- MY GIRLFRIEND IS GETTING MARRIED 😭😭
Ynlovescats - ik pooks
Nicohischier - best fake blonde got engaged before me
Ynlovescats - now that’s insane @ katykits is single
Nicohischier - Stop playing match maker
Ynlovescats - Never