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starshine-hockey-girl · 1 year ago

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A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes- Never Ever Have I- Chapter Twenty Six

Summary: Evie and Sidney begin "Operation Iceburgh" as he recovers from his surgery.

Author's Notes: I intended to add more pics but Google docs is being a bitch and I just want to get it posted

Warnings: brief discussions/allusions to suicide

@equallyshaw @pensfan5871 @penstxgal1968 @cellythefloshie @pattiemac1

Saturday, December 7th- Grand Ballroom- Fairmont Hotel- Pittsburgh

Sidney found Evie near the rear bar in the festively decorated ballroom space. She spoked animatedly to Kelsey Rust. He approached her and whispered in her ear, “It’s time.” She turned to him with a smile. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it while she said her goodbye. Together, they walked quickly to the stage where the party band was finishing up their song, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars - Marry You (Official Lyric Video)

The lead singer got the crowd's attention and spoke into the microphone, “Let’s give it up for guests of honor- Sidney and Evie.”

Sidney, dressed in his tuxedo, led Evie, who wore a short white sparkly dress, onto the stage. The singer handed Sidney the microphone with a flourish. Sidney wrapped his arm around Evie’s waist and brought the microphone to his mouth.

“Good evening everyone!” he started as the crowd cheered and Evie grinned.

“Evie and I want to welcome you to our engagement party. It means so much to each of us that would take the time to come celebrate our love and romance,” he continued before he turned to Evie. “Evie, I was just thinking about the words to that song. He sang joyfully, 'Cause it's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you’. What do you say? How about we get married tonight?”

The crowd erupted in cheers when Evie took the microphone and said, “I thought you would never ask. Let’s do it, Beso!”

The cheers turned into shocked expressions when Sidney took the microphone again. “I can’t lie to you. We had that bit planned, but we decided that since I am not playing right now and Evie’s always wanted a holiday wedding that we would go ahead and get married tonight.” Family and friends looked to Trina and Troy Crosby who shrugged their shoulders. “So if you all will make your way to the ballroom across the hall, we are going to have a quick wedding ceremony,” he added. “Give Evie just a few minutes for a wardrobe change and wait for the music. We will start in about thirty minutes,” he announced. The band cranked back up and sang the song. Sidney and Evie made their way off the stage. They danced and sang as they made their way through the crowd to the corridor. He pulled her into a tight hug. “Well, no turning back now,” he said as he kissed her, “Go, get ready Mon Etoile. I will be waiting for you at the end of the aisle.”

“Thirty minutes, Beso,” she laughed, “Give me half an hour to transform into your princess.”

“You are always my princess, even in sweats,” he smiled back.

“I’ll see you in there,” she said as she began to walk away, “You can’t miss me. I’ll be the one in white.”

“Can’t wait,” he said as he blew her a kiss.

“Me either,” she yelled back.

THREE WEEKS EARLIER- NOVEMBER 14TH-RITZ CARLTON- PHILADELPHIA

"So what's the idea," Evie asked.

"Let's get married at the engagement party," he said. She opened her mouth to object and her stopped her. "Think about it, Evie," he said, "You already have the catering, band and decor planned. We just need to add another ballroom for a ceremony and additional floral decor."

"What about the ceremony? If you want a Catholic ceremony, it needs to be at a church," she protested.

"They make exceptions all the time. If they won't make an exception, then we will do a non-denominational ceremony," he argued.

"It will take a lot of work," she said as her mind raced with the details that would need to be completed. "What about the people in Nova Scotia who won't be there? They will miss it," she pondered.

"We can do both," he smiled, "Get married now and have the big party in the summer." When Evie hesitated, he got serious. "Evie, I am tired of waiting to marry you. I want you to be my wife. I want to be your husband. I know I said summer but I don't want to wait any more.Why should we? I am ready to stand in front of our family and friends and exchange our vows." Evie tried to come up with a reasonable objection without success. "Evie, you can have your dream wedding. You can have the Christmas wedding that you always wanted. Maybe this can be the silver lining from the surgery. We can have it all."

Evie warmed to the idea, "If we do it, and I mean IF, should we make it a surprise? I think we need to prepare your parents and Adriana will figure it out if we make changes to the set-up."

Sidney smiled, "Keep it a secret-no one knows except for the wedding party and my family. What do you think? Let's get married. Say yes, please say yes."

“I think that it’s crazy, but I think we should do it,” she beamed.

“Really?” he asked, thrilled that she was even considering it.

“Yes, let’s make your masterplan a reality,” cheered, “Let’s do it!”

NOVEMBER 18TH-SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney dialed Evie for a FaceTime call.

Evie: Beso-are you okay?

Sidney: Geno is being mean to me.

Evie: How is he being mean? What's going on?

Sidney: I am hungry and he won't make me food.

Geno shouted from the kitchen- He is lying, Evie.

Sidney: No, I am not, Evie. I just want a grilled cheese sandwich and he won’t make me one.

Geno: I made him two sandwiches already. No good for him. He too picky.

Evie: Is that true, Beso?

Sidney: They weren't like yours, Evie. He didn't use enough cheese like you.

Evie: I'll make you one when I get home. How about you have some of the leftover pasta from last night right now?

Sidney: When will you be home? I miss you.

Evie checked her watch and grimaced: I am going as fast as I can. I still need to talk to Adriana.

Sidney whined: How much longer?

Evie: Eat some pasta, take your medicine and then nap. I will be back before you wake up.

Sidney: You promise?

Evie: Yes, and I will bring you a treat if you quit giving Geno a hard time.

Adriana laughed from the door. Evie turned and smiled.

Evie: Do we have a deal, Beso?

Sidney: Okay, but come home soon.

Evie finished her goodbyes to Sidney and waved Adriana into the conference room that she had turned into a makeshift office.

Adriana: Gringo Boy is being a baby?

Evie raised an eyebrow: A- be nice. He is still in pain and going a little stir crazy. He is allowed to be a little needy.

Adriana: How many times has he FaceTimed you today?

Evie blushed: That's Facetime number three

"So why are you in the office today?" Adriana asked as she came in and took a seat.

Evie looked up, "I needed to walk the ballroom to see if my changes would work."

"Changes to the engagement Party?", Adriana asked incredulously. She would not go as far as to call Evie a Bridezilla, but the planning of the engagement party had been meticulous with multiple meetings to nail down all the details. With the date less than three weeks away, Adriana was confused as to what changes could be made.

"Yes, I'm just adding some space for the ceremony," Evie replied coolly. "The Knox is available and it will work for what we need."

Adriana blinked slowly. "What kind of ceremony?"

Evie smiled, "It has to be a secret."

"What has to be a secret?" Adriana leaned forward.

"Sidney and I are going to get married at the engagement party," Evie leaned forward and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "We are changing the engagement party into a wedding," she added.

"What? Why?" Adriana gasped. Then she looked down at Evie's abdomen. "Are you pregnant?"

"Noooooo!" Evie shrieked. Adriana raised an eyebrow as Evie explained. "It was Sidney's idea. You know I wanted a Christmas wedding because my parents had one. It was the reason we chose the date for the engagement party. With Sidney's surgery and recovery time, we have the opportunity to actually get married on my parent's anniversary," she rambled. "I mean everything is basically planned. We just needed the ceremony space. The Knox ballroom is available. We just need to adjust the contract a bit to add it, change the menu a bit and add wedding cake."

Adriana smiled, "Evie…..You are going to get married in three weeks? Have you thought of everything? You need a bouquet. Will your dress be in by then? I thought it was going to take six months for the dresses.”

“Shit, I forgot about the dress.” Evie said in frustration, I can’t believe I forgot about the dress.”

“Hey Evita,” Adriana soothed, “You just need a fairy godmother or kick ass best friend. You’re lucky that you have one of those. We’ll get it all worked out. Focus on what matters right now which is getting Sidney healthy. We’ll divide and conquer the rest.”

Evie smiled, “You’re the best A.”

Together they sat down and created a list of everything that would have to get done. They divided it into different categories- Evie, Adriana and Sidney. Evie was in charge of bridal party wardrobe and floral decor changes. Adriana would handle the logistics of the hotel. Sidney was assigned the task of the marriage license, wedding officiant and other legal issues. By the time she left to go home, Evie felt confident that Sidney's masterplan was going to become a reality.

EARLY EVENING- SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

“Beso,” Evie called out as she entered the house, “I’m home.”

“I’m in the living room,” he groaned as she walked inside. She picked up the pace when she heard the sound of his voice. He was lounging on the couch with the TV.

Geno poked his head out of the kitchen. "You home! Thank God- he is impossible to please.” Sidney glared at Geno and folded his arms. Evie walked over to the couch and kissed the top of his head. Geno continued to complain. "First pasta was too cold, then pasta was too hot, and we wait until it was just right," the Russian complained.

Sidney shrugged his shoulders, "I like it at the right temperature- that's all."

Evie pursed her lips together, "Did you take your pain medicine? What's your level at?"

Geno walked in, "He refuse pill. Think he is tough man."

Evie got up and retrieved his medicine along with some orange juice. She placed the pill in Sidney's hand. "Take it," she demanded. He opened his mouth to object. "Then stand up," she challenged, "by yourself." He took the pill without further complaint. "Now say thank you to Geno for taking care of you," she commanded.

"Thank you, Geno," Sidney obeyed.

Evie gave him another kiss in the head, "I am going to walk Geno out. Think about what you want to eat."

“Just order in food,” Sidney pouted, “I want you here with me, not in the kitchen. You were gone too long.”

Evie smiled as she returned to the couch with phone in hand. She reclined on her end of the couch and he moved gingerly to rest his head in her lap. She ran her right hand through his hair as he looked up at her. “Tell me about your day,” he requested. She told him about the mountain of emails that waited for her. She had worked as much as possible from her phone while they were in Philly, but her first full day “back in the office” was full of demands. “Did you tell A about Operation Iceburgh?” he asked with a smile. He was really quite pleased with himself for coming up with the code name for their plan. “What did she say?” he asked.

“Well, she asked if I was pregnant,” Evie chuckled. Sidney’s eyes widened in surprise. “People will make assumptions about why we are moving it up, Beso,” she smiled, “They will figure it out when I get drunk at the wedding or when my belly doesn’t start to grow.”

Sidney grimaced, “I don’t want people to think we are getting married out of obligation. I want them to know the truth.”

Evie caressed his cheek, “I think that we are safe, Sidney. We’ve been engaged for a couple of months. I am pretty sure that people will know the truth.” She gazed into his eyes and saw his pupils dilating slightly- the telltale sign the pain medicine was kicking in.

“We are getting married because we are in love,” he insisted.

She nodded her head in amusement, “Yes, we are, Beso. We are getting married because you love me and I love you. People will figure it out.”

“We are in love,” he said emphatically.

Evie steered the conversation into a different direction, “So what did you parents say when you told them?” His eyebrows knitted together. “You did call them, right?” she asked, “Beso, we need to tell them soon so they can arrange travel.”

“I forgot. I got busy arguing with Geno and forgot,” he answered sheepishly, “I will call right now.” He dug his phone out of his pocket and FaceTimed his parents.

Troy: Hey Sid- How are you feeling? Did you survive the day without Evie?

Sid: I am okay. The pain is manageable today. Today was awful without Evie.

Trina: What made it awful, Sid?

Sidney: She wasn’t here. I missed her. Also, Geno was mean to me.

Trina: Geno was mean? How was Geno mean?

Sidney: He wouldn’t make me food until Evie made him.

Evie lifted the phone out of his hand and spoke directly to Trina.

Evie: Sidney was being particular about his grilled cheese sandwich. Apparently Geno doesn’t use the same amount of cheese as I do. They settled on pasta instead. Isn’t that right, Sidney?

Sidney nodded his head as if his parents could still see his face.

Evie: Here’s Sidney back.

Sidney: I have an announcement to make.

He paused and looked at Evie.

Sidney: Well, we have an announcement to make.

His parents looked on in anticipation.

Sidney: I am going marry Evie sooner. No waiting until summer. Summer is too long to wait.

Troy and Trina looked at each other and then at Sidney.

Trina spoke slowly: I am sorry. What did you say?

Sidney: I am going to marry Evie at the engagement party. Not going to wait. Nope, going to do it then. She is going to be my WIFE.

Sidney's speech started to slow and he smiled helplessly. He leaned his head back and smiled at Evie. His parents looked at each in confusion.

Evie grabbed the phone again.

Evie: We decided to get married at the engagement party. It’s going to surprise everyone except the wedding party and family.

Troy: Why the change in plans? Is there anything else going on?

Sidney’s eyes got big and he grabbed the phone back: SHE IS NOT PREGNANT. No, she is not pregnant. She going to get her period this weekend. Definitely not pregnant. Not pregnant yet, but one day she will get pregnant. I will do it. Evie, I am going to get you pregnant one day. We’re going to have babies. I want to have babies with you.

Evie grabbed the phone again and patted Sidney’s head.

Evie: Wow, that was TMI, Sidney.

Evie blushed and smiled timidly at Trina and Troy who were bouncing between the need to laugh and confusion on the new plan.

Evie: Since Sidney is on injured reserve and won’t be playing for a while, we are going to take the opportunity to have the Christmas wedding that I wanted. We will be able to have the same anniversary as my parents.

Trina: Wow. That’s a big change. What about all the deposits we put down here?

Evie: We are going to keep everything the same. We’ll re-do the ceremony and vows and then have the big party still.

Sidney grabbed the phone and smiled at his parents.

Sidney: It’s in less than three weeks. You need to come. And Taylor, too. She needs to come because we are getting married. Yes, we are getting married because we are IN LOVE, not because Evie is pregnant.

Troy: Sid, that’s great. You sound like you could use a little rest since your pain meds kicked in.

Sidney: Yep, I am sleepy.

He yawned loudly before he perked up.

Sidney shouted: Evie!

Evie laughed: Yes, Sidney?

Sidney: We’ll be married at Christmas. When we go home to Nova Scotia for Christmas, I will be your HUSBAND-not your fiancé.

Evie: That’s true. Now say goodbye to your parents.

Sidney smiled a goofy grin: Bye. My fiancé told me to say bye. Bye!

Evie took the phone from his hand: Sorry for the goofiness. He just had pain meds. I will update you with the details. See you soon.

She placed the phone on the side table and looked down at Sidney who continued to gaze up at her lovingly.

Sidney: Check that off of the list.

Evie: Speaking of list, I have a list of stuff for you to start doing for the wedding. Can I trust you to get it all done?

Sidney: Yes ma’am

He mock saluted her and she mussed his hair.

Evie: I think it’s time to get you some dinner into you before you crash.

Sidney: Yes ma’am

Evie laughed: I don’t know, Sidney. I am digging this agreeable and compliant version of you.

Sidney wiggled his eyebrows: Don’t get used it, Evie. I will return to bossiness when I feel better. I’ll show you who’s in charge around here.

Evie: Promises, promises. You have another two and half weeks before you can do that.

BLACK FRIDAY-NOVEMBER 22ND-SIDNEYS HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney was in the basement watching the Penn State game with several guys from the team when a notification popped up on his phone.

His head popped up when he heard the door leading in from the garage slam shut. Sidney got up from the sectional and called back to the guys, “I’ll be back. Evie’s home.” When he emerged at the top of the stairs, he saw her standing in the walk-in pantry. He could tell from her head movement that she was in search of something specific.

“Mon Etoile,” he said softly, “How did it go?”

She didn’t turn around. Instead, she stepped further into the pantry. “Do we have any chocolate? I NEED some chocolate,” she whined. The slight nasal tinge to her voice told him that she had been crying. Adriana had not exaggerated with her text.

“Remember- you threw all the sweets and junk food in the trash yesterday?” he answered. “You said that you had stuffed yourself on Thanksgiving so you needed to get back in control,” he said hesitantly.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she squealed as she remembered. “Let’s eat healthy” Evie had been very thorough in her purge of the pantry. “Why did you let me do that, Beso?” she continued to whine. Sidney paused and stared. She turned to face him. Her face was stained with tears and she put her hands on her hips. It was abundantly clear to Sidney that there was no good answer to her question, but he answered anyway.

“You said that you have to fit into a dress in two weeks. You didn’t want to gain any weight,” he offered. “Personally I don’t think that you have to worry about that at all,” he began to add, “I think that your body is absolutely perfect. Any dress you pick will look great.”

She stepped out of the pantry and slammed the door. The noise was loud enough for the group of guys below to look up in surprise. “Well, I don’t have to worry about that now,” she huffed.

“You don’t have to worry about what now?” Sidney questioned.

“I don’t have to worry about fitting into a dress because I can’t find a damn dress,” she cried out loudly.

“What do you mean you can’t find a dress?” Sidney blinked, “You’ve been gone all day long. You didn’t find a dress?”

“No, I didn’t find a dress, Sidney,” she crossed her arms over her chest. “We went to six stores and nothing,” she said as she fought back tears. Sidney walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I am not going to find one,” she cried into his chest, “I am not going to find a dress for the wedding.”

"Nothing in six shops? Really?" Sidney soothed. He felt her body tense beneath his touch and she placed her hands on his chest to push out of his grasp.

"Yes, really," she hissed, "You can ask Adriana if you don't believe me."

Sidney stepped back and began defensive maneuvers, "I believe you. Can you explain it to me though? I don't understand why it's so hard."

Evie started a tirade about dress lead times which necessitated getting an off the rack dress. The options of those dresses were limited and according to Evie, cheaply made and not good enough. By the end she had worked herself into a lather.

"Evie," he stared into her eyes, "It doesn't have to be the perfect dress. I think you are being too picky."

"YES, IT DOES! IT HAS TO BE PERFECT," she yelled, "I have to look beautiful for you. I have to look beautiful."

Sidney's mind raced. There had to be some sort of solution. "Are you sure that you can't get the other dress?" He asked for confirmation. He had been present, although heavily medicated, during a desperate phone call to Kleinfeld's bridal salon. "Would they sell you the sample dress?" he probed.

Evie's head popped up, "I forgot to ask."

"We'll call Monday," Sidney soothed, "We will find the perfect dress. I promise you. Don't stress yourself out."

Evie inhaled deeply, "Okay. How are you coming on your list? Is the priest set? Can he come down?"

Sid pursed his lips together, "about that…."

Evie stepped back and looked up at his face, "What?"

"Technically according to church law, the marriage ceremony must be performed inside of a church," he answered. When he saw the panic spread across her face, he added "Don't panic, don't panic." She leaned against the kitchen island and crossed her arms. "We can't get married in the eyes of the church here, but we can do that at the July ceremony in Halifax." She moved and began to pace. "Evie, don't panic," he added, "We can have the ceremony here performed by a justice of the peace or wedding officiant. Everything will be legal and we can do the religious part later." She stopped and stared at him. "I already booked the best rated one. We are all set," he smiled.

"Really? Thank you, Beso" she gave him a soft smile "What about the prenup? Does your lawyer have it almost ready?" she asked. Sidney stared at her. Evie crossed her arms again. "Have you even called your lawyer?" she probed, "Well?"

"You were serious? That wasn't a joke?”, he deadpanned.

"Yes, I was serious," she answered, "Of course we need a prenup."

"No, we don't. I am not doing it," he responded, raising his voice. "I can't believe you are even suggesting it. No, no way- It's going NOT to happen."

"Yes, it is. You have to have a prenup to protect your money. Ask the guys. They get prenups," she raised her voice in response.

"Protect my money from whom?" he raised her volume to match hers.

"From gold diggers!" she screamed.

"I am not marrying a golddigger," he stepped forward and screamed, "I am marrying YOU. Are you a gold digger all of a sudden? Since when?"

Evie stepped forward and yelled back, "Do you think I am? Is that what you think?" Downstairs Geno and Letang exchanged glances. The words were unclear but the volume said it all.

"Evie, what the hell are you talking about?" Sidney took his tone up a notch, "You brought up gold diggers. You brought up a prenup, not me!"

"People will ask, Sidney," she brought her voice down a notch.

"So what? Let them ask," he dropped his tone.

"They will think I am taking advantage. They will assume I am only after your money," she insisted.

"And?" his tone rose again.

"What do you mean and?" Her volume rose again.

"I don't give a fuck what other people think. I know that you are not." He yelled, "This is exhausting, Evie. It's tiring and frankly, insulting."

"I just….." her voice lowered, "I just don't want people to think…." Her voice trailed off.

"Look, I know that Thad fucked with your head about that, but when are you going to let it go," he pleaded, "When are going to trust me?"

"I do trust you," she said in a hushed tone."

"You are not acting like it. You are not acting at all," Sidney answered with a pained expression on his face.

"Beso," she took a step towards him, "I do trust you. You know that."

"Then start acting like it," he sighed, "I am going to go back downstairs. I don't want to be around you right now."

"Beso," she stepped toward him and put her hand on his chest, "I don't want to fight. I'm sorry. I don't want to fight."

"Me either," he said, "I will talk to you later." He turned and walked away. When he got downstairs, Geno greeted him with a cold beer. Sidney grabbed it from his hand and took a long swig. "Did everyone hear?" he asked quietly.

"We heard voices but not what was said," the Russian answered casually, "Don't worry. Everyone married. We know women."

Sidney took another swig. He wasn't necessarily embarrassed that his teammates heard them fighting. It was more that they fought at all. He shook his head and tried to clear his head.

He smiled at his phone before he sat. Geno looked over with a grin "See, I told you no worry." Sid nodded his head and relaxed.

Upstairs, in their bedroom, Evie undressed, started a hot shower before she went to pee. She groaned as she wiped. "Damn," she thought to herself, "That explains so much." She also smiled at the memory of Sidney's drug-addled conversation with his parents. Even high as a kite, he knew that her period should start that day. Nothing slipped past his notice.

She took a long, leisurely shower and dressed in soft, fleece pajamas with fuzzy socks. Evie pulled the blanket up to her chin and rested her head on the pillow. She stared at the ceiling and replayed each dress from the day. Surely, one of them would work. As each dress was eliminated in her mind, she tried to force her mind to relax. The adrenaline from her argument with Sidney still pulsed through her veins. She opened her eyes and looked at her phone. It was a little after eight PM.

With a sigh, she stood up and walked out the bedroom. She wandered aimlessly until she eyed the door to the attic. The only thing left unpacked from her official move into Sidney's house were the dozen or so large boxes from her parent's house in Dallas. When she sold the house, the one luxury that she allowed herself were professional packers.

It was too soon after her parent's deaths to go through the contents of the house herself. Each item contained too many memories. With the exception of her bedroom furniture, every single household item was donated to a local thrift shop benefiting LGBT youths. Her bedroom furniture and all personal mementos of her parents were boxed up and delivered to her small grad student apartment. After graduation, the contents were moved to her apartment. Then it moved to her cottage and now to Sidney’s house. She mentally corrected herself- our house. It had been moved to our house.

Evie opened the door and climbed the stairs. The attic was uncluttered. Most of Sidney's mementos were stored either at his parent's home or a climate controlled storage unit. The boxes from her parent's home were stacked neatly to the side.

She walked over to the first box and opened it. Inside were the contents of her childhood bedroom. She took out her phone, turned on Spotify and hit shuffle. Gingerly she picked up the homecoming mum that had been placed on top. Evie's fingers ran over the long ribbons that were bedazzled with glittery letters. Each ribbon contained a different message- Homecoming 2009, HP Scots, HP Belles Captain, Thad and Evie with a heart.

She remembered the pride she felt that night she wore the mum to the game. Thad Wilson was her boyfriend. Together they made quite the power couple. He being the star of the football team and she being a drill team officer. Little did she know at the time that none of it would make a difference in her life. Evie put the mum down and glanced at the rest of the box.

Downstairs, in the basement, Sidney glanced at the stairs every few minutes. It didn't take long for Geno to notice. One of the benefits of being teammates for so long was the ability to decipher the unsaid messages. Sidney's message was loud and clear. He was desperate to find Evie and resolve their conflict, but was unwilling to risk appearing rude to his guests. So when the game ended, Geno stood and abruptly said that it was time for everyone to go. "Go, go, go," the Russian barked, "Sid still recovering. He need Evie to take care of him. Out- everybody out."

Sidney smiled a sly grin and escorted everyone upstairs. No sooner than when the door shut, he started climbing the stairs. He opened the bedroom door and saw the bed empty. "Evie," he called out in case she was in the bathroom. When he received no response, he turned to leave. Possibly she had gone down to the kitchen he thought to himself. As he walked down the hall, he heard the sound of music. He turned in the direction of the sound and saw the door to the attic open.

Sidney climbed the stairs while calling out, "Evie?" When he reached the top, he stopped and gazed at Evie. She sat with her back to him. A box of mementos spread before her and she sang a sad song.

https://youtu.be/9-rKvhsjwKU

That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale

I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet

Lead her up the stairwell

This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town

I was a dreamer before you went and let me down

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To come around

"Evie," Sidney said softly. She turned to him and he saw her tear-stained face. She got up and ran to him. He embraced her as she threw herself into his arms. The song continued as he held her.

Maybe I was naive, got lost in your eyes

And never really had a chance

My mistake, I didn't know to be in love

You had to fight to have the upper hand

I had so many dreams about you and me

Happy endings, now I know

Evie pressed her face and whispered "I'm sorry, Sidney. I am so sorry." He pressed his hand behind her head.

And there you are on your knees

Begging for forgiveness, begging for me

Just like I always wanted but I'm so sorry

Evie leaned back and sang to Sidney who looked confused.

'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale

I'm gonna find someone someday

Who might actually treat me well

This is a big world, that was a small town

There in my rear-view mirror disappearing now

And it's too late for you and your white horse

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To catch me now

When the song ended,.he questioned, "Evie?" as he wiped her tears, "What are you doing up here? Why are you crying?"

She stepped back and pointed to the boxes. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to go downstairs. I came up here to go through these boxes." She moved towards them.

"What boxes are they?" he said as he followed her.

"It's stuff from my parent's house. I never had the courage to go through them. I am not sure what made me do it tonight," she explained.

"Why are you crying?" He asked.

She looked back at the open boxes. "These boxes are everything from the Thad years," she offered, "I was going down that not-so-pleasant memory lane when our break-up song came on."

"What's the name of the song?" He asked, curious to learn more.

"White Horse," Evie informed him. She turned to Sidney. "I used to listen to it on repeat after he broke my heart." He pursed his lips and she stepped towards him. "I always focused on the chorus of 'That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale'" she stated as she wrapped her arms around Sidney's waist. She pressed her forehead against his chest and kissed it softly. "I should have focused on 'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale.I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well," she said gazed into Sidney's eyes.

"I did," she sighed, "I found you. I wasn't his princess, but I am yours. You gave me the fairytale."

He smiled, "Yes, you are. You will always be my princess." He bent down to kiss her softly then he pressed his head against her forehead. "Unfortunately for our fairytale to work, we need to talk about earlier."

"Okay," she replied, "Can I say something in my defense? He nodded his head which caused her head to move in response. "It seems as if I had a surge of monthly hormones that were announcing the arrival of my period. It's not an excuse but it explains my overreaction a little bit, at least to me." She stepped back and sat down on the floor. Sidney followed suit. "The wedding stress is getting to me and I haven't been good about communicating that," she confessed.

He waited patiently for her to continue. "I know that I need to let go of the gold digger fear," she offered, "but I don't understand why you are so adamantly against it."

"I am against it because it is preparing for us to fail. I don't want to think about what may happen if we were to break up," Sidney stammered, "The thought of it gives me heart palpations. If I lose you, I lose everything. I won't care about the money. I won't care about anything." Evie watched as the panic spread through him as he spoke. He was right. Even just speaking about it caused a severe physical reaction.

Honestly, Evie's heart began to race at the thought. She had been so consumed with not wanting to appear like a gold digger that she lost sight of the circumstances that would proceed it. The thought of being separated from Sidney made her heart ache. "I'm sorry, Beso," she whispered, "I thought the prenup would protect you, but I hurt you." She put her hands on either side of his face, "If you don't want a prenup, we don't have to do it. I will drop the subject and we will never talk about it again." Sidney exhaled and she kissed him.

"I don't want one," he admitted, "We don't need one."

"Okay, mark it off the list," she smiled.

They stood silently for a moment. "Want to do another box?", he asked. He walked over and opened the next one. It was much larger than the previous two. Sidney picked up a large, red leather scrapbook embossed with names Vanessa and Mark. He held it up to Evie. She put her hand over her mouth in surprise. "Is this what I think it is?" he asked. She nodded her head. "Let's go downstairs and look at it together," he suggested. She stood, gathered her phone and led him downstairs.

Once they got settled together on the couch, Sidney opened the album. The first page contained a large photo of Mark proposing to Vanessa on one knee. On the opposite page, she had written the story of Mark's proposal. The evening was supposed to be a celebration of Mark's graduation from law school at SMU. However, right after the obligatory speeches from Mark and his parents, he called Vanessa up to the front to give a speech thanking her support before dropping to one knee. Sidney silently read the story while Evie looked at his face. "Wow," he said, "That was a sweet proposal." He turned his attention to the picture. His finger touched Vanessa's face. "You really look like them," he said before he turned to face her, "They made a beautiful baby."

"Thank you," she blushed as she turned the page.

When they got to the pages containing Vanessa's bridal portraits, Sidney looked up at Evie. "What are these?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

“I thought that your parents got married in December. These pictures are taken in early fall or summer,” he said.

“Oh, those are her bridal portraits. I think it may be a southern thing,” she explained. “Brides get dressed up in their gowns and take pictures. It’s like a trial run of the wedding day for hair and make-up. Then one of the pictures gets enlarged and displayed at the wedding.”

“Oh,” he said and looked at the picture again. “That dress is gorgeous.”

“Yeah,” Evie said softly, “Once I decided to embrace the princess vibe, it was the style I wanted to emulate. My original dress was slightly different though. It was strapless, not off the shoulder.”

Sidney continued to stare as he flipped through the pages. “Where were the pictures taken?” he asked.

“At the arboretum,” Evie replied, “I was planning on going down once I got my dress and take bridal portraits there too. I am not sure now.”

When they got to the photos of the actual wedding ceremony and reception, Sidney thoughtfully looked at each page. “I can see why you wanted a Christmas wedding now, “ he said, “Everything is beautiful. Will ours look similar?” Evie smiled and explained the details that would be similar such as her bouquet and aisle decor. Then she explained the items that would be different like the cake and reception lighting.

Sidney yawned as she talked. It was his first full day off of pain medicine. His body was feeling the effects. He readily agreed when she suggested bed. After they slid under the covers, Evie rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "It's too bad you can't find a dress like your mother's dress," Sidney yawned, "It would be perfect."

"Yeah," Evie agreed, "I have no idea where to look."

They drifted off to sleep. Eventually Evie rolled over and curled into a ball. She floated into a deep sleep and began to dream.

Evie stood in a bridal suite of an unknown wedding venue. She wore nothing but the embroidered panties she had purchased especially for the wedding. There was a loud knock on the door, which startled her. "Evie!" Adriana called out, "It's time. They are about to start the music." Her head swiveled around, saw her reflection in the mirror and began to panic. She brought up her arm to cover her bare breasts.

"Evie, " Taylor called, "Are you dressed yet? Sid’s waiting on you.” Evie turned to look to where her bridal gown was supposed to be hung and the space was empty. She raced around the suite to search for the dress, but found nothing.

Taylor called again, “Evie, come on!”

A familiar voice called out from behind her, "Give us ten minutes." Evie swirled around. Her mother, Vanessa, stood near the couch, holding Evie's satin bridal robe. She held out her arms and Evie raced into them. "Mi Chiquita," her mother soothed, "Where is your dress?"

"I couldn't find one. I don't have one to wear," Evie sobbed.

"Why didn't you want to wear my dress? I kept it for you," she kissed the top of Evie's head.

Evie's head snapped up, "What do you mean you kept it for me?"

Vanessa pointed to the box on the couch. Evie ran to look at it and ripped it open. Her mother's dress was neatly folded within it. Evie took the dress out and held it gingerly against her body. "Try it on," her mother suggested. Evie stepped into the dress and turned to her mother for assistance. She zipped up the dress and together they stated at Evie's reflection.

Vanessa smiled, "Chiquita, it's like it was made for you."

"Why didn't you tell me, Mami?" Evie whispered, "It has always been my dream dress."

"I planned to tell you. I was just going to tell when you got engaged. I thought I had time but….," her voice trailed off.

"But you left me," Evie looked her mother in the eye, "You left me all alone. I needed you and you left me."

"Oh Evie," Vanessa put her hand on Evie's face, "I should have stayed. I shouldn't have left you when you needed me the most."

"Why didn't you stay?" Evie cried, "Didn't you want to stay?"

"I didn't want to leave," Vanessa explained, "I was drowning in grief. I couldn't find my way to the surface. I didn't know a way out so I gave up. I couldn't see how much it was going to hurt you, baby."

They stared at each other for a moment. "I regret it," Vanessa said, "I regret that I am not going to be here for your wedding day. I regret not being here to meet Sidney and my grandbabies. I regret leaving you alone. I wish I could stay with you forever. I don't want to leave you alone."

"I am not alone anymore. Sidney is with me," Evie said, almost defiantly. "I have a family now and they love me," she said.

"I know," Vanessa said, "Go, go and join your new family. Let them love you and take care of you." Vanessa turned to go.

Mami," she cried, "You didn't tell me where the dress is."

"You were so close. It's there. Dig deeper" she said

"Mami," Evie cried out, "Mami, don't go! Don't leave me!"

Vanessa ran back and squeezed her daughter tight, "I will see you again Mi Chiquita. Daddy and I love you. I will see you again."

"Mami, don't leave," Evie cried over and over as her mother disappeared.

Besides her, Sidney stirred to the sounds of Evie's cries. He wrapped his body around hers and kissed her head. "Evie, I am here. You are okay. I am here."

Evie woke up with a start, "Beso?"

"Yes, Mon Etoile," he whispered, "I am here. Were you having a nightmare?"

"Yes, about the wedding dress," she answered, "Then my mom came and helped me. We found a dress together." Evie wasn't sure why she felt to keep the details about the dress a secret, but she did. "We talked and she said she was sorry that she left me alone. When it was time for her to go, she said she didn't want to leave me alone again."

Evie rolled over and stared at Sidney. "I told her that I am not alone anymore. I have you and I have a family again. I am not alone."

"And I will never leave you and not come back," Sidney stated firmly as he caressed her cheek, "I will never leave you alone."

"I love you, Beso" she sighed.

"I love you, too," he said, "let's go back to sleep."

"Okay," she kissed him softly before rolling over again. She relaxed as he wrapped her in his arms again. "It was nice though- to see her in my dream. It was almost like she was here."

"I bet it was," he squeezed her tight, “I bet it helped you so much.”

NOVEMBER 23RD- SIDNEY'S HOUSE-SEWICKLEY

Evie stood in the kitchen when she heard the doorbell. She shouted, "Come in!" as she watched Sidney make coffee for her.

Adriana walked into the house and meandered into the kitchen after petting Sam. "Please tell me that you are in a better mood," she laughed as she entered. Evie had moved closer to Sidney and stood behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his back. She sighed contentedly as he worked. "Ahhhh, it seems so," she grinned, "Behold the power of the Beso. We should call you the Evie Tamer."

Sidney shook his head and smiled, "Nah, I prefer Evie in her natural wild state." He felt Evie giggle into his back and kiss him gently. "I will leave you ladies to your dress hunt," he teased, "Keep the faith. I think your dream was a good sign."

Evie walked him to the door and waved as he pulled out of the garage. She turned around and said, "Come with me." Adriana followed as Evie marched to the attic.

"Evita," Adriana called from behind, "I thought we were hunting for a dress?"

"We are," she replied as they climbed the stairs to the attic. Evie opened the door and ran to the box that Sidney took the wedding scrapbook from. On top was her baby book, then her baby blanket on top of the dress that she wore home from the hospital. Underneath was a large padded envelope with every card that Evie had given her parents. Finally she reached the bottom and saw the sealed white cardboard box with Stardust Bridal embossed across the front. Evie let out a loud squeal as she lifted the box. "Holy shit, it's heavy," she said with the excitement barely contained.

"What's heavy?" Adriana asked.

"I think it's my mom's wedding dress," Evie looked up.

"What?" Adriana responded.

Evie set the box down and used the box cutter to carefully open the edges of the box as she explained the dream about her mother to Adriana.

"So that's the dress?" Adriana rushed to assist Evie. Together they got the lid off of the box. Evie's hand delicately touched the white beaded satin gown. Adriana looked at Evie as the tears ran down her face.

"Try it on, try it on, try it on," Adriana shouted. Evie stripped off her clothes and stepped in the dress. She turned to let Adriana zip the dress. It fit Evie like a glove. It dawned on her that she didn't have a mirror so Adriana took a picture. "You need a petticoat, but it looks amazing," she gushed.

"I can't believe it," Evie grazed her fingers over the beaded lace, "Mami married my dad in this dress on the same date. That has to be good luck, right."

"It's the best luck," Adriana said as she surprised herself with tears, "but you don't need luck, Evita. Gringo Boy and you are meant to be."

"Are you ever going to quit calling him that," Evie grinned.

"When he makes me an Aunt?", she laughed. "Let's go find you a petticoat and veil. Then you can officially mark it off of your list."

"Don't forget your dress," Evie interjected.

"Damn," Adriana asked, "You are really going to make me wear matching dresses with Taylor?"

Evie paused, "Fine- y'all decide on a color - deep red, black or metallic gold and pick whatever dress you want."

December 5th- Sidney and Evie's house- Sewickley

Evie woke up to the sensation of Sidney's lips and tongue on her neck while his hand roamed under her pajama top. In the weeks since his surgery, Evie had developed the habit of wearing pajamas to bed to remove "temptation" for Sidney as he recovered. Behind her, she felt as hips grinded into her. She looked back to gauge whether he was fully awake or asleep. Another habit that developed is Sidney, while fully asleep, initiated sex with this exact same behavior. Evie would politely, yet firmly, remove his hands from her body while whispering explanations of "It hasn't been three weeks, Beso." and "Keep your hands to yourself, please."

She was fully prepared to do the same when he whispered hoarsely, "It's three weeks today, Mon Etoile. It's been three weeks." Her body, full of pent-up sexual energy, began to respond. When his hand slid under the elastic waistband of her pajama pants, she moaned softly as it made its way between her legs. However, her mind raced to control the situation. Her hand went to his hand that began to explore her folds. She grabbed his hand and pulled it out of her pants. Evie then delicately extricated herself from his grasp and wiggled to the far side of the bed.

Sidney groaned and wiggled to follow her. She rolled over and placed her hand against his chest. Sidney was fully awake and aroused. "Evie, it's been three weeks exactly," he whined, "I need you. I need you so much. Look at how hard I am for you."

Evie resisted the urge to glance at his erection pressed tight against his boxers. "Listen," she said with authority, "I have been thinking about this."

"Less thinking and more fucking," Sidney said with a grin. When she did not return then grin, he asked, "Thinking what?"

"I want to wait," she replied. The look of disbelief conveyed all of his thoughts without saying a word. "Beso, we have already waited this long. I want to wait until our wedding night. I want that night to be special," she added.

Sidney blinked slowly, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. "Are you serious?" he asked. He studied her face and her sincerity was obvious. He pinched his nose, "Tell me why again."

"I want the first time as your wife to be special," she explained.

"I think that being the first time married would automatically make it special," he countered, "Besides, I am fairly sure that the first time is going to be pretty quick."

Evie smiled sweetly, "I know that it doesn't make a lot of sense given the amount of times that we have fucked and other things. It means a lot to me. It's almost like I will be a virgin again."

"A virgin?" he smirked. He rolled over and placed his forearm over his eyes. Evie watched him mentally process her words. "If that's what you want," he sighed. He perked back up. "Hey, do virgins give handjobs?", he asked. Evie got up from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. "I'm kidding, Evie," he called out. She turned and crossed her arms. He gave her a big grin. She smiled and shook her head.

Evie continued her walk to the bathroom and stripped her pajamas off as she walked. Sidney watched her from the bed. He stood up, walked to the bathroom door and leaned against the door frame. His gaze went from the top of her head and down the length of her nude body. He licked his lips as she stepped into the shower. He looked down as she poured body wash and lathered her smooth skin. His hand went into his boxers and started to stroke his throbbing cock. She called out to him, "I see you, Beso."

"I can't help it," he whined.

"I did it in May," she teased.

"Is this payback for the playoffs?" he laughed, "That's not fair!" She opened the door and stuck out her tongue. "Pretty please? You gotta help me out here," he pouted.

She smiled, closed the door and put on a show while he jerked his hand back and forth. When she heard the tell-tale grunts and groans of his orgasm, she called out, "You're welcome, Beso."

"You need to be ready Saturday night," he said breathlessly, "I am going to fuck you senseless."

"You better," she teased.

TWO HOURS LATER-ALLEGHENY COUNTY MARRIAGE BUREAU

Sidney grabbed Evie's hand as she came around the back of the car and led her up the stairs to the courthouse. Their completed marriage license waited for them to pick it up. Sidney sighed as they reached the back of the line. His status as Pittsburgh Penguins Captain opened doors and parted lines all across the city, country and world. Unfortunately, it was not effective at the marriage license bureau and he was forced to stand in line like the rest of the prospective grooms.

Sidney pulled his cap lower on his head. Evie pulled up her hoodie and grinned up at him. He reached for her hands and pulled her into his body. She whispered, “Maybe wearing the Penguins hat wasn’t the best idea?”

He kissed the top of her head, “What are you afraid of? I don’t care if people know that I am marrying you.”

Evie looked up, “Oh, I know that.”

He flashed a smile, “Then what are you afraid of?”

She returned his smile, “I am afraid that someone in this office or in this line will decide to leak that we have a marriage license before Saturday night. The wedding is supposed to be a surprise, right?”

They moved up with the line. Sidney glanced around, “You’re right. What if I hide in the bathroom and you text me when you get up there.” He kissed her quickly and escaped to the restroom.

Twenty minutes later, Evie texted Sidney. As she waited, the clerk pulled out the marriage license. “Ms. Montgomery, I just need you to confirm that information is correct,” the clerk whispered. Evie looked up and smiled, thankful for the quiet tone. She studied the license carefully. When she was sure that all the information was correct, she looked up and smiled. “Good,” the clerk smiled, “I will tell you that I am not sure that I can prevent this from getting leaked. We have some die hard Pens fans around here.”

Evie leaned forward, “I just need it to stay secret until Saturday.” She reached into her wallet and fished for cash. She came up with a crisp one hundred dollar bill and slid it across the counter. “Can you help us with that?”, she smiled.

“Your secret is safe with me,” the clerk smiled, “Tell Mr. Crosby congratulations. He landed himself a beauty. He’s a lucky man.”

“We are both lucky,” she smiled back. Evie was walking down the hall. Her eyes searched for Sidney. She shrieked as a hand grabbed her hand and pulled into an alcove by a courtroom. “Sidney!” she gasped and playfully swatted his chest, “You scared me.”

Sidney held a finger up to his mouth and shushed her. He whispered, “Did you get the license?” Evie looked around quickly, noted the presence of a young couple then shook her head affirmatively. “Good,” Sidney whispered, “My new friend, Harry, and his fiancée need a favor from us.”

Evie turned to look at Harry, who appeared to be in his early twenties, dressed in freshly pressed slack and buttoned down shirt. Next to him was a very pretty, yet very pregnant brunette, who wore a short white lace dress with an empire waist. The young man extended his hand, “Hi, I am Harry and this is my fiancée , Marissa.” He looked at his fiancée with a look of love that rivaled Sidney’s. “I had the good fortune to run into Sid in the men’s room. I mean what are the odds that I would run into my hockey hero here at the marriage license office.” Sidney moved closer to Evie and slid his arm around her waist as Harry continued to speak. “Anyway, Marissa and I want to get married today, but our witnesses flaked out on us. It’s really important that we get married today. Marissa is due any day now and we want to be married before the baby comes.” Evie looked at Sidney and then at Marissa and nodded her head in understandment. “So would you be willing to do it for us? It would mean the world to us if you could help us out.” he asked hopefully.

“Absolutely! I would be honored to witness your ceremony,” Evie said brightly as she leaned into Sidney’s body. Just then the courtroom doors opened and the previous couple walked out, followed by a gaggle of family and friends. Marissa let out a soft sigh. Evie took her hand and whispered, “You look gorgeous and radiant. Let’s go get you married to your man.”

They all walked in together and took their positions in front of the judge. Marissa cradled her bump and grinned up at Harry. The elderly judge cleared his throat, "Please join hands." The young couple joined hands.

Evie pulled out her phone and nudged Sidney to do the same. When he looked at her in question, she gestured that he needed to take video of the ceremony. It took a moment before he grinned and nodded in understatement. Both armed with cameras, they turned as the judge began the ceremony.

We’re here today to witness the union of Harry and Marissa in marriage. Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other today should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony – it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.

Evie felt tears filling her eyes. She imagined her own wedding to Sidney. While the script would be different, the universal nature of marriage became apparent to her. She and Sidney would soon join the club so-to-speak.

Do you, Harry, take Marissa to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Harry: Yes, I do.

Evie looked to Sidney. He turned his head to look at her while holding the camera straight. He mouthed the words "I do".

And do you, Marissa, take Harry to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Marissa: Yes, I do.

Sidney stared as Evie wiped her tears and mouthed the word, "I do."

The brief ceremony continued with the exchange of simple gold bands. Evie continued with her self-imposed duty of the wedding photographer but felt as Sidney's hand searched for her hand. She gave it to him to hold.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss! Congratulations!

Sidney and Evie cheered wildly as the young lovers sealed their marriage with a kiss. The foursome stood by the courtroom doors as the judge completed the paperwork. Harry shook Sidney's hand, "I can't tell how much this means to us. To have Sidney Fucking Crosby as our witness, man, we are blessed."

Evie giggled and gazed at Sidney. He smiled joyously, "It was an honor to be included. I hope you have a wonderful life together, especially with that little Penguin on the way."

Marissa joked, "Just wait until everyone hears about it. They will be so jealous." Sidney and Evie exchanged a look. Sidney looked at Marissa, "About that.". He pulled out his wallet and pulled out ten crisp one hundred dollar bills. "If you could not tell the part about us until Sunday morning, we would be really grateful," he said smoothly as he palmed the cash to Harry, "We are trying to pull off a surprise wedding Saturday night."

Harry and Marissa gasped at the cash, "Oh yes, we can keep a secret."

Evie interjected, "Where are you spending your wedding night?"

Marissa blushed, "He is taking me to the Cheesecake Factory and then home."

Evie smiled, "If you would allow me, I would love to arrange a night at the Fairmont for you. You can have the best suite available. Everything is on us." Harry and Marissa tried to object. "Please let us do it for you. This has been such a treat for us to witness," Evie argued as Sidney wrapped his arm around her waist. Her spontaneous generosity was just another reason he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Evie sent a few texts and exchanged numbers with Marissa to send pics.

They waited while Harry and Marissa exited. As soon as they left and they were alone in the courtroom, Sidney pulled Evie into an embrace. She laughed as he showered her with kisses. "Eighty hours," he whispered, "Eighty hours until I can call you my WIFE."

"I can't wait,Beso," she smiled.

"Me either," he kissed her passionately.

#never ever have i #sidney crosby romance #sidney crosby fic #sidney crosby fiction #sidney crosby imagine #nhl imagine #nhl fic #nhl fiction #hockey romance #pittsburgh penguins imagine #pittsburgh penguins romance

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senditcolton · 1 year ago

Text

Francesca

a/n: why does this song work so well with a trade fic? and since it was a request for Beau, everything just fell perfectly into place. (also, this is Hozier’s most romantic song to date. I don’t make the rules, that’s just the truth.) word count: 1.5k warnings: angst, right person wrong time, bittersweet ending. gender neutral reader!

Now that it’s done, there’s not one thing that I would change.

It still didn’t feel real.

You had seen the news, saw the headline break hours ago. But it still didn’t feel like the truth. Anthony couldn’t be traded.

He couldn’t be leaving you. Not like this.

And as soon as that thought flits through your mind for the hundredth time today, it is once again followed by that chiding voice calling your reaction dramatic.

He wasn’t leaving you¸ he was leaving New York. And it was ridiculous and egotistical to think that you were the most important and heartbreaking thing that he would leave behind. Because what did the two of you share?

Nothing.

Anthony was your friend; nothing less but also nothing more. Sure, there were times that the two of you tiptoed along the invisible line of becoming something more than friends, a line that you both were too scared to cross. But neither of you ever took the leap.

And now… he was leaving.

And all the things that you thought about saying to him, all the speeches that you had written in your mind on lonely midnights, were rotting in your heart as the hours past.

You could call him, text him, even run to him and have the words spill out of your mouth. But you had never been good at being brave. It was always easier to let life run its course.

Which is why you were still here in your apartment, letting the minutes of the clock tick by.

Until its steady rhythm is interrupted by a soft knock on your door.

Your head turns towards the noise and then the clock on the wall, wondering who could possibly be on your doorstep at 11pm. The knock sounds again and you unfurl yourself from the sofa and wander to your front door, not even bothering to look before swinging open the heavy wood, the cold winter breeze entering your apartment.

The wind could be blamed for the goosebumps that appeared on your arms. But your reaction could easily be traced to the ice blue eyes that connected with yours.

“Anthony?”

His name escapes your chest in a sigh – a sigh mixed with confusion and relief. He was here.

In a blur of motion you don’t fully register, Anthony steps over the threshold, closing the door with his foot as his hands lift to cup your jaw.

And then he is kissing you.

Your own hands fly up to grip his wrists but you don’t push him away. The movement was more so to steady yourself as you feel his soft lips on yours.

But right before you get used to the feeling and fully register the fact that Anthony is kissing you, he pulls away, his hands dropping and you release your hands as well.

The two of you stand there in silence: you still stunned and confused – Anthony dazed for a moment until you see a rose blush rise on his cheeks before he speaks.

“I’m sorry, I just –”

You don’t let him utter another syllable before you’re the one reaching out to him, hands grabbing his face as you pull his lips back to yours. Anthony takes your desperation in stride, matching it and kissing your deeper than before, his hands pulling you closer as the two of you blindly stumble further into your apartment.

A gasp escapes you as Anthony’s body descends to sit on the couch, his hands pulling you down with him until you are straddling his lap, a brief pause before the kisses continue.

You couldn’t think, could barely breathe. Your senses were just filled with Anthony; the sandalwood of his cologne, the warmth of his body, the taste of his lips.

You felt like flying. You felt like you were falling.

Because he was here.

Because he was leaving.

That remembrance is what finally snaps you back to the reality of this situation – the harsh reality. Your hand falls from his hair to his chest, pushing back and creating a small distance between your bodies. Your eyes connect with his and you can feel your heart ache at the sight of the emotions swimming in his irises.

“What is happening?” you ask, the question not fully formed. A sad smile tugs at the corners of Anthony’s lips as his hand reaches up to your face, the touch of his thumb a whisper over your lips.

“I just wanted to know what it was like to kiss you,” he confesses.

“Why now?”

“You know why.”

Of course you did: the trade. That damnable trade. The unavoidable fact that in less than a week, he would be in another city on the other side of the continent. He would be gone.

“I couldn’t leave you,” Anthony continues, his eyes still locked with yours, soft and earnest. “Not without letting you know how I feel about you. And if I never see you again…”

His voice trails off, plunging the room into silence. But he said enough. His words were enough to plunge the knife that had lodged its way into your heart earlier that day impossibly deeper. He would be gone. And this is what he left you with.

Your eyes close, fighting back tears as you gently shake your head.

“Why?” you ask, the word thick and choked as it leaves your lips.

“Why what?”

“You couldn’t have just left me here without a goodbye?” you explain, opening your eyes and locking them with his once again, the tears welling as you speak. “You had to come here and give me this – this knowledge of what it’s like to have you before you leave my life, maybe for the last time?”

“I never wanted to hurt you,” he whispers.

“You already have.”

This time, the silence that falls over the two of you is heavy, filled with loss and grief. Your gaze moves skyward to push back the teardrops that aren’t dissipating. One ends up escaping, rolling down your cheek. You are about to wipe it away with your sweatshirt sleeve but before you could, you feel Anthony’s hand on the soft skin of you face once more. His thumb brushes the droplet off your cheekbone and you look back to him and find his eyes filled sorrow.

You couldn’t be angry at him. You could never be angry at him. He wasn’t the one to blame.

“I’m sorry,” you speak, breaking the weighted silence. “It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault. I just… I just thought we had more time.”

“We both did,” he replies and you have to laugh. Because there was your Anthony, always shouldering your burdens and anxieties, never letting you feel the full weight of them.

“God, if I knew then what I know now… I wish I could go back and change it all. I would make different choices. Maybe if I did, we wouldn’t end up here.”

Your mind starts to wander, thinking about all the moments where you could have taken that step towards you and Anthony becoming something more, where you could have shared something before this. Perhaps the two of you could have created a foundation that would’ve survived any storm that blew your way.

It’s Anthony’s touch that brings your back to the present this time – the feeling of his calloused fingers intertwining with yours, his hand lifting yours to his mouth, pressing soft kisses against your skin.

“I wouldn’t,” he murmurs, his words slightly muffled by your knuckles. Your head tilts in confusion, staring at Anthony until he glances up towards you. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Why not?”

“Because I had you in this life. And yeah, maybe in another life, we had this sooner. But maybe in another life, we crashed and burned. Or maybe we never even met.”

His hands move again, this time lifting to cup the back of your head, pulling your face closer to his until your foreheads are pressed together. Your eyelids flutter close as you fall into him, the warmth of his body and his breath sinking into you as he speaks again.

“If I had the choice between the comforting certainty of this moment or the daunting uncertainty of every other possible future, I’d do the same thing, make the same mistakes again and again. Because here, at least I got to love you for a moment.”

He moves impossibly closer to you, until your lips are only millimeters away from each other, so close that it is as if he breathes his next words into your lungs:

“That’s better than never loving you at all.”

His words are twinged with a desperation and conviction, begging for you to believe him. But not to make him feel better – not for you to nod and say that he was right.

No, his confession was a prayer sent to you in the hopes that it would give you peace.

And when you close the distance between you once again, kissing him deeply, the hurricane in your mind disappeared.

It was true. Even though you know your heart would break, you’d go through it again, do it all over again.

Because at least you had him.

Even if only for a night.

#nicole writes #put your emptiness to melody series #anthony beauvillier fic #anthony beauvillier imagine #anthony beauvillier angst #pittsburgh penguins fic #pittsburgh penguins imagine #nhl fic #nhl imagine #hockey fic #hockey imagine

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spine-buster · 2 years ago

Text

To Sail Beyond the Sunset ft. Sidney Crosby | Chapter 5

gif credit @/rinkrats

A/N: 6000 words of...well...

Every time June put on a pair of pointe shoes, she felt like she was putting on a piece of second skin. They were as much a part of her as her nose, eyes, and hands. Every ballerina had a very specific way of moulding their pointe shoes to fit their feet, and June was no different; she could do it with her eyes closed, one arm tied behind her back – all the old adages were true for her. From the satin, the elastic, the ribbon, the toe pads and Second Skin, to knowing exactly where to sew the elastic to support her ankle, how long to cut the ribbon, where to bend and pop the shank, and how many times she needed to band the toe box against the wall or floor or even with her own heel so it softened and wouldn’t make noise on stage. She was perfectionist with it, but it was like second nature to her. She’d prepared thousands upon thousands of pointe shoes during her career. She didn’t think she’d ever forget how to do it. She could be a hundred years old suffering from dementia, and if someone handed her a pair of pointe shoes, she’d know exactly how to make them fit her feet.

When she was one of the principal dancers at the National Ballet of Canada, she’d been filmed for a video on their YouTube channel for this exact routine and it went viral, tallying something like 20 million views to date. Everybody apparently wanted to know how the best ballet dancer in Canada – and one of the best in the entire world – prepared her pointe shoes. Ballet already fascinated people, she thought, and pointe shoes were about 90% of that fascination. How could someone balance their entire weight on their toes? And not just balance – how could someone dance on their toes? Spin on their toes? Jump and land on their toes? For three hours? June made it look easy. She made it look effortless, like she was floating on stage at any given moment. “Magical” was often the adjective used.

Going back up en pointe again, after years of not doing so, was something June never thought she’d experience. She thought she’d be dancing well into her thirties. But the best laid plans… The first time she went back up en pointe, it was rougher than she wanted it to be. It was harder than she wanted it to be. With all the dancing and practice she’d done since she could walk, she thought it would be much easier. But no. Her body had betrayed her in a way she never thought she’d be betrayed. It failed her on one thing she’d gotten so much recognition for in the past; it failed her on the one thing that had made her famous. She knew she had to have patience with herself, but it was still frustrating. For years her body had been contorted and hyperextended and abused to look a certain way on stage and now it couldn’t even do the thing she wanted. She’d had more blisters than the entire popular of Halifax, more shin splints than she could shake a stick at, muscle strains, dancer’s heel, Achilles tendonitis, snapping hip syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and even osteoarthritis. She found a lot of anger in herself before she realized that she’d already given so much to ballet that she didn’t need to give anymore.

For all that her mom did when she was growing up, June really did love ballet. It brought her a solace not much else could bring. When she danced, she felt free, like she could do anything and be anything. And when she was performing on stage, she could become someone else. She didn’t always have to be Juniper Brooks, who grew up working class in a basement apartment in a suburb of Halifax with a pseudo-psychopath of a stage mom. She could become Odile, or Odette, or Sleeping Beauty, or Giselle – she could be anybody else but herself, and that helped her, in its own way, realize who she was a person with and without ballet. Ballet was truly one of the things she loved most in life which was why, when she couldn’t dance anymore, she decided to teach. It had given her so much, so she wanted to give back.

Ballet for June was hockey for Sidney. They’d both had their fair share of joys and pains associated with hockey and ballet while in Cole Harbour. For June it was her mother and jealous girls in her classes; for Sidney it was other boys (especially the older boys) with intent to injure him, and parents. Imagine. Grown-ass adults being jealous of a kid. If June could have, she would have told off every single one of them to their face. Because she knew she couldn’t do that without developing a reputation, sometimes, she’d scream and cheer for Sid so loud in the stands to drown out the parents’ jeers. They’d look at her like she was crazy, but she knew she was doing the right thing. Some of them would even look disappointed, as if they were sad Sidney wouldn’t be able to hear them call him names or tell their kids to get him. The funniest thing about the situation was that when Sidney won his Stanley Cups and brought them back to Cole Harbour, she’d see them waiting in the parade route or autograph line with their grandchildren.

Such was life.

***

Katja Simmons was one of June’s best friends, the person she was closest with besides Sidney, of course. They met at boarding school, having been roommates for their last two years, making the company together straight out of school. While June was promoted to principal dancer, Katja became a first soloist, and was still dancing with the company. Their positions meant that they usually got to dance together on stage – which is how June liked it. She liked having someone on stage with her that she could trust.

“Have you proposed to Sidney yet?” Katja suddenly asked over the phone. Their pair had been talking for over an hour and a half at this point, and the question really came out of nowhere.

“What?!” June shrieked. “Katja, what the hell?”

“Oh come ooooonnnnn, June,” Katja pressed. “He’s been back home for a while now. Have you proposed marriage?”

“Katja—”

“—Be his wife—”

“—Katja—”

“—Because you know you want to.”

“Katja!” June shrieked again. “Where is this coming from?”

“You know how much I love love,” Katja said as if that explained everything, and honestly, it kind of did. Katja had gotten married last summer to her long-time boyfriend, Niko, after almost ten years together. June was her maid of honour. She brought Sidney as her date. “And I’ll just never forget how he looked at you when he saw you for the first time after Swan Lake. Or how you two would write letters to each other literally every single day throughout high school. We can all see how in love you guys are. I just—I can’t believe you can’t see it, June! Or don’t.”

“Katja, I’ve told you – it’s so much more complicated than that,” June said. “He’s my best friend.”

“But that’s the way it’s supposed to be! Look at me and Niko. You wouldn’t want to marry someone you’re not friends with, right?”

“Of course not,” June agreed. “But it’s different. It’s…it’s…”

“It’s what?”

June took a deep breath. “Sidney is the most important relationship in my life – that I’ve ever had in my life. Between my mom being the way she was and Sidney just always being there for me – being this constant presence in my life even when we moved so far away from home and each other – Katja, I wouldn’t want to ruin anything. I can’t ruin anything. If I don’t have Sidney, I have nothing. Ballet can be taken away from me, but Sid can't.”

Katja was quiet momentarily, taking in June’s words. “Do you want my honest opinion?”

“Of course.”

“You’re not going to ruin anything because you can’t ruin what you and Sid have. It’s beyond that point. I don’t think your worry should be if you’re going to ruin anything – you shouldn’t have any worries at all. I think that you and Sid should have a talk about your future together, because you guys have been in love with one another your whole lives. You’re it for each other. It’s like When Harry Met Sally – remember what Harry says at the end? When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. You two need to realize it. Once you do, the rest of your life is going to start.”

***

“Have a good night, Chloe,” June smiled as she propped open her studio door to let out her remaining student. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Sid’s SUV inconspicuously parked in the corner of the lot. She was expecting him, so it wasn’t much of a surprise, but she wondered if anybody else in the parking lot coming to pick up their kids did.

“Goodnight, Miss June! See you tomorrow!” Chloe waved off as she rushed to her parents’ car, throwing her bag into her brother’s face in the backseat before getting in herself.

June waved at the entire family as they drove off and watched them turn onto the street. It was only then that Sidney turned off his car. She watched as he got out and made his way towards her, a smile on his face. “Hey Junebug.”

“Hey. Come in,” she said, keeping the door open until he walked through, locking it behind him so nobody could pop in. They walked through the small lobby and into the dance studio – the only space they really felt any privacy, despite the door being locked.

They sat down in a corner of the room, knees touching since they were sitting so close. Personal space was a thing of the very, very distant past for them. “You’ve got a big smile on your face,” Sid commented.

“I’m happy to see you,” she said, trying not to hear Katja’s words from their phone conversation lull around in her mind. “Plus, some of the girls got their acceptances.”

“Really?”

“Claire, Malika, and Isabella are going to NBC,” she informed him. “And Zoë was accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.”

“Wow!” Sidney exclaimed, genuinely shocked at the news. “That’s incredible!”

“I know. They’re over the moon. I’m over the moon for them,” June couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Big difference from how I found out. And much different reactions, too.”

“God, yeah. I still remember that day,” Sidney said. “It’s still so clear to me – that look on your face as we met on the sidewalk. And you telling me everything afterwards. You were so upset, Junebug.”

“Could you blame me?” she asked.

Sidney shook his head. “Not at all.”

2002

“Do it again.”

June inhaled deeply. Her feet were killing her. Her knees were killing her. Her arms were killing her. The second she had gotten home from practice, her mom had demanded they practice everything in class again, since June fell out of one of her landings once. “Mom—”

“—Don’t mom me—”

“—Please, I’m exhausted,” she tried.

“Exhausted? You were the one who chose to fall out of your landing during the routine. Now do it again.”

The routine in question was Odette’s variation from Act 2 of Swan Lake. Most girls in her class still had trouble with staying en pointe during specific turns or for more than a minute of choreography. June was perfecting two-and-a-half minute character role variations. She and the other girls weren’t even on the same planet. But it still wasn’t good enough for her mom. “Mom, I’m beg—”

“Do it again, Juniper!” she snapped.

June held in the tears, the fatigue, the outright exhaustion, the everything, and assumed position. Her mother hit the play button on the boombox and the classical music began. If she was going to get out of this and satisfy her mother, she needed to execute every move with absolute perfection – her mother wouldn’t settle for anything less. So she did – every arm motion, every turn, every movement of her body was done with such precision that June almost shocked herself, considering the time of day and the fact that she’d already been in a four-hour class. She hit the last pose perfectly, and the music stopped. She waited for her mom’s reaction, scared of the outcome.

“Much better,” she said. “It should be like that all the time. Now go shower and get ready to eat.”

June didn’t have to be told twice. She left abruptly and ran into her room to take off her pointe shoes and leotard. She didn’t allow herself to cry until she got into the shower, and even then, wiped her tears away furiously. Her entire body ached at how much pressure and stress it had been under that day, and she felt she could barely raise her arms anymore to wash her hair. After she dried herself off, brushed her wet hair, and changed into some new clothes, she went back out into the main living area. Her mom had already put out her plate to eat: a small filet of salmon, steamed broccoli, and some cherry tomatoes. To anyone else, like Sidney, the portion size would probably be a snack; for her, it was dinner. Even a glass of lemon water was already made for her. When June sat down, she noticed her mom eating the same thing, but double the portion. They ate in silence.

June retreated to her bedroom after dinner to finish homework from the weekend and prepare what she needed for the upcoming school week at Astral Drive Junior High. It would have been the time that she called Sidney, too, but he was at a hockey tournament this week and June knew he and his family were probably driving home right now (and that he was probably doing his homework in the car). She’d have to wait until tomorrow to talk to him.

June wasn’t expecting a knock at her door from her mom. Usually, after dinner, her mom left her alone. After today especially, she didn’t think her mom would bother her. But alas, she was wrong. June wished she didn’t have to see her face until tomorrow morning. She took a deep breath. “Come in.”

Her mom opened the door and stood in the doorway, watching June at her desk with a binder open. “That last performance you did – it should be like that every time, Juniper.”

June stayed silent for a few moments. “I know. My arms were hurting rea—”

“—That’s the lazy girl’s excuse,” her mom dismissed her. “I push and I push and I push because you’re lazy and you can do better. If you’re not pushed, you fall behind. And then what good are you, hmm?”

By this point in June’s life, she’d heard those words a million times. But it didn’t sting any less. She fought to hold back her tears. “I out-danced everybody in cla—”

“—You danced like a lazy, selfish, stupid girl,” her mom interrupted again, not letting her get a word in. “I was embarrassed for you. Every penny I make goes to your dancing and you weren’t even fucking trying. You better start acting and dancing like a ballerina or else some other girl is going to steal it from right under you before you go.”

June furrowed her brows. “Before I go where?”

All of a sudden, her mom’s face had switched from agitation and anger to one of almost pride and smugness. “The Dying Swan,” she began, referring to a piece June had practiced meticulously and had performed at a local recital a few weeks ago. “A trainer from the National Ballet School was in the audience that day. Yulia called her.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means the National Ballet School has recruited you. You’re going to boarding school in Toronto.”

June’s heart stopped beating before it fell into the pit of her stomach. While she should have been happy about the opportunity to go to the best ballet training and high school in Canada, she couldn’t feel happy. At all. Instead, she felt blind-sided. The thought of leaving home, of leaving everything she knew, was scary. And the thought of leaving one person in particular – Sidney – made her sick to her stomach. There was no way she would go through with it. She couldn’t – not while Sidney was still in Cole Harbour and she was being shipped off to boarding school in a city she’d never even been to. She didn’t think she was mentally strong enough, and she wished her mom could see that – that it would probably do more harm than good. “No,” June shook her head.

“What did you just say?”

“No. I’m not going.”

Her mom’s eyebrows raised. “Who the fuck do you think you are, Juniper Brooks?”

“I’m not going and you can’t make me,” June tried to remain strong. “I’ll stay in classes with Yulia.”

“To hell you will,” her mom was harsh. “You’re going to Toronto and that’s final. All the paperwork is done. Your dorm room’s even been assigned. You don’t have a choice in this, Juniper.”

“No!!!” she screamed, and every emotion, every tear that she was bottling up inside came out with it. She shot up from her chair, and that’s when her mother turned her back and began walking away from her. “I’m not going! I’m not!” she followed her out.

“This was all done for you!” her mother screamed back. “All for you! And look how ungrateful you are!”

“Mom, please,” June pleaded with her. “Please don’t make me go. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll train more. I’ll put in more hours. But please don’t make me go there all alone.”

“Empty promises from a lazy girl,” her mom shot back. “Hopefully the school teaches you hard work. And dignity. God knows you need it as you stand there begging.”

“Mom,” her voice was full with tears now as they streamed down her face. She didn’t know what she could say to make her mom change her mind. She knew the tears wouldn’t help – if anything, it would make it worse. “Mom, please. Please. I can’t go.”

“You will go, Juniper.”

“Mommy—mommy p-please,” she wailed. June thought of only one thing: she got down on her knees, even though they hurt more than anything, right up against her mom. Her mom whipped around to see June putting her hands in prayer position, looking up at her with red eyes. “P-P-Please mom. You can’t separate me and S-Sid. I can’t g-go to T-T-Toronto. I c-c-can’t leave him. I can’t leave him. He’s my b-best friend. I can’t be that far away from him. I’ll do whatever you want. Whatever you want. But I can’t leave Sidney. I can’t—I can’t be alone without him s-s-so far away—”

All of a sudden, there was another smug look on her mother’s face, but this time, it was mixed with amusement. Sick, twisted amusement. “Well well well,” she said, concealing her smile, crossing her arms against her chest. “I guess Sidney hasn’t told you yet?”

June froze in position. “Told me what?”

“Sidney’s leaving too. He’s going to a hockey boarding school,” her mom revealed. “In Minnesota.”

The words were like a nuclear bomb to June. She kept frozen in her position as the words sunk in. Sidney’s leaving to a hockey boarding school in Minnesota. Of course June knew about the possibility because Sid told her, but it seemed like such a long shot because it was a private school, and neither of their families had that kind of money. If there had been a change, Sidney would have told her about it. Right? She understood she wasn’t a Crosby, but she may as well have been one, and she would be the first person to know…right? Right? “You’re lying,” she found herself saying, tears still streaming down her face. “You’re lying and you know it.”

“I’m not a liar like you,” her mom spat back.

“I—you—that’s a lie. That’s a lie. You’re j-j-just saying that so you can ship me off to b-boarding school and never see me again,” June cried. “You’re lying b-because you hate me.”

“I’m not lying. You can ask Sidney tomorrow.”

“Sidney would never do that to me.”

“He already has.”

June felt like she was going to throw up. Both outcomes were horrible. If her mom was lying, then she was just a nasty liar; but if she was telling the truth…well, the truth was worse. The truth was much worse. “I hate you!” June wailed. “I hate you I hate you I hate you!!!” she wailed over and over again.

“I’ll live,” her mom dismissed her. “You’re going to that school if I have to drag you there kicking and screaming, Juniper Brooks.”

June got up from her knees. With all the emotion she had left in her, she screamed one more time. “I hate you!!!” With that, June ran back into her room sobbing, collapsing onto her bed as she cried and cried and cried.

Her mom didn’t come knock on her door for the rest of the night. Even when June’s sobs were so loud, they could be heard through the walls.

***

The next day, as Sidney waited for June on the sidewalk so they could walk to school together, he saw her approaching from the distance. He’d missed talking to her last night. Their usual Sunday night phone call usually had June reminding him of all their homework they did and that he had to bring to class for their teachers. But as she got closer, Sidney could see she wasn’t happy, and when she got even closer, he noticed her eyes were red. That could only mean one thing. “Were you cr—”

“—Are you going to boarding school in Minnesota?” she demanded.

Sid’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t find the words. “I—I—”

“No bullshit,” she swore. They hardly ever swore, even alone together. “Are you going to a hockey boarding school in Minnesota or not?”

“It…it literally just happened, Junebug,” he said, admitting it. “How—how did you know?”

“When did it happen?”

“We got the call Saturday at the tournament. They called my coach because he has a cell phone. How did you know?” he asked again.

“My mom told me.”

“How’d she find out? God, word must travel fast. One of the guys must have told someone back here and—”

“So you’re going?” she asked, her voice shaky.

Sidney paused. “Junebug, I—my parents and I had a really long talk about it. Like, really long. And we all think it’s best that I go, at least for a year, and see what it’s all about, and so I can get away from all the…noise over here. I was going to tell you, Junebug, I swear.”

June broke out into a fit of tears. They were streaming down her face like Niagara Falls. At least in Sidney’s situation, he and his parents talked about it. They thought about the pros and cons and made the decision as a family. As opposed to her situation, of course, of just being told of being shipped off somewhere with no choice. “My mom told me last night,” she managed to say through tears. “She told me because—because I was crying about…about…”

“About what?”

June tried to wipe away some of her tears. “My mom is sending me to boarding school in Toronto. For ballet,” she revealed. “She told me last night. I told her that I couldn’t—I couldn’t leave you. That’s when she told me about Minnesota.”

Sidney couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You’re going to Toronto? For ballet?”

“Against my will,” she said. More tears rushed down her face. “I want to be with you, Sid. I can’t leave you. I can’t go there on my own without you. I can’t—I can’t…” she couldn’t speak anymore, the sobs overcoming her.

Sidney hated seeing her cry, even though it happened every so often. It was one of the worst things in the world to him. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly as she cried on his shoulder. The sound of her sobs shook him to his core, because instead of annoyance or just general sadness, there was fear in them. “It’s going to be okay, Junebug,” he said, rubbing her back.

“No it’s not.”

“I’ll make sure it is.”

When June thought about it, when she really thought about it, it was the moment she fell in love with Sidney. She remembered clinging on to him for dear life, as if he was about to float away to Minnesota if she let go. She wasn’t ready for anything that was coming her way that late spring or summer, but she knew she would have been a lot worse off if Sidney didn’t help her through it. She remembered being so scared. She remembered hardly being able to sleep the week before they both left. She remembered them saying goodbye to each other and her bawling her eyes out in the taxi, crying so hard she threw up. Sidney had promised her that everything was going to be okay, and she believed him, but the fear kept creeping up.

“Hey Sid?” she asked after a few moments of silence, her voice soft.

“Hmm?”

“Remember when you told me it was going to be okay?” she asked. “It all was okay in the end, wasn’t it?”

“Of course it was,” he nodded. “I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you.”

June couldn’t help but smile slightly. “As if you had the power to do anything. We were teenagers.”

Sidney shrugged. “I would have found a way,” he said. “I still wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

They looked each other in the eyes just then, letting the words hang in the air for an immeasurable amount of time. Sidney meant the words he said, and June knew it; he wouldn’t say them if he didn’t. Over thirty years of friendship, and he still felt that way. Through all the tears he had to hug away, the classes and competitions where she was worked to the bone, the cruel gossip from others, the unfair rules, the tiny meal portions, the feelings of loneliness – he would use all the power and influence he had in the world to make sure nothing would happen to her. Over thirty years of friendship, and she felt the same way about him. Through all the bullying he encountered, the taunts and jeers and slashes and hits, the news articles written about him as a kid proclaiming him to be everything from a local hero to a pissy show-off, the girls in their class who would grab his hands and twirl around and yell “I’m going to marry Sidney Crosby! He’s going to be a millionaire!” when they were twelve, thirteen, fourteen years old – she would never let anything happen to him.

June got up suddenly, all in one go. Sidney stayed firmly planted on the ground, looking up at her. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to get my pointe shoes.”

Sidney tried to remain calm, but he felt a nervous tightening in his chest. He nodded his head and watched her walk out of the room. While she was gone, he moved so he was sitting up against the wall of mirrors, underneath the barre. When June came back in, she was wearing ballet tights with a low back camisole leotard and a black pancake tutu. She had a new pair of pointe shoes in one hand, and her pointe shoe kit in the other. She sat back down across from him, without a word, leaving some space between them to have everything in front of her.

Sidney watched. He watched as June meticulously prepared her pointe shoes, as she’d done thousands upon thousands of times before, as he’d watched her do when they were teens. She was like a surgeon performing a quadruple bypass; the precision in everything that she did to prepare them was so detailed and thorough, it was probably only rivalled by his own pre-game rituals and superstitions. Hearing the familiar pop of the shank or watching as the needle and thread broke through the delicate satin – it was all part of a process he was so familiar with, and respected so very much, because it meant that June could do what she loved.

Only when she was done did either of them speak. “I’m going to stretch and warm up,” June informed him, pushing her phone that she left on the floor towards him with the pointe of her shoe. “When I’m done, I’ll tell you what song to play. My phone is connected to the speakers.”

“You got it, Junebug,” he said, watching again as she went over to a space at the barre and began stretching, hoisting her leg up and rising and falling, just as she’d learned so many years ago. She even went to get a roller. When she was done, Sidney was attentive to her every desire.

“There’s a mash-up song in my music – it’s not in my Spotify – it’s called Odette/Odile variations,” she said. “And turn the volume all the way up.” Sidney didn’t recognize the name, but scrolled through anyway, until he found it. He made sure the volume was on the highest setting before tapping on the song and putting her phone down beside him.

The second that the music began, Sidney knew exactly what kind of dance he would be seeing. June had performed every principal role in every major ballet in her day, but Swan Lake was her favourite, and being Odile/Odette was her favourite role, more than Giselle, or Sleeping Beauty, or Juliet, or any of the others. He thought she would choose an easier piece – he didn’t know why he thought that – but no. June was going for the big guns: the two solo variations where the ballerina really got to shine, showing off her immaculate technical skill and sophisticated character work.

Sidney watched in awe. It was like she hadn’t even stopped dancing. Her arms were fluid, her legs were straight, and she went up en pointe as if it was the easiest thing in the world. She executed every move flawlessly. Even her facial expressions were just as he remembered them when he would visit her in Toronto and buy tickets front row, centre stage to see her perform. The muscles in her legs, arms, and back were still strong and definite, carrying her gracefully around the room as she performed every pirouette, every attitude, grand jeté, sissonne, arabesque, double cabriole, brisé, and entrechat six with grace, elegance, strength, and determination. When the music for Odette’s variation ended, and she transitioned into Odile’s, Sidney knew exactly what he was going to get. Though she transitioned to embody Odile instead of Odette, her movements were just as precise, and there was something different about the way her body moved to take on the character. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen in anybody else, and June executed it so flawlessly. She did every time, and just because this was an audience of one, it didn’t matter.

Then the French horn and trumpets began. The symbols clashed. The infamous song blared through the speakers. June took a few moments to herself, when the danseur would traditionally dance, and then it was on. Back in the centre, arms extended, aaaaand…

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen…

Sidney could feel the tears well in his eyes as he watched her.

Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty-one. Twenty-two. Twenty-three. Twenty-four. Twenty-five. Twenty-six. Twenty-seven. Twenty-eight. Twenty-nine. Thirty…

Sidney’s heart stopped beating as he watched her complete the set. She did it. She fucking did it.

Thirty-one. Thirty-two.

She landed her ending pose perfectly – and she wasn’t even done. She had to end the pas de deux, and she did so in a flurry of piqués and chaînés that saw her whip herself around the room like a tornado. After more pirouettes, entrechat six, looking down and extending her hand to an invincible danseur, the music hit its last note and June flapped her arm out like a wing.

Then, silence.

Sidney and June let everything June had just done speak for itself and stand on its own. The first time Sidney had seen June do this, he had cried – and he wasn’t afraid to admit it. The crowd had erupted in a raucous applause at her completion of the 32 fouettés and at the end of the pas de deux, and he had gotten swept up in the moment. Now, alone in a ballet studio in Halifax where she’d just done the same thing, there was silence. It wasn’t until June forced her body out of the pose, and made eye contact with Sidney, was any other noise heard.

A sob.

June let out a sob she didn’t know she was holding in and practically collapsed into Sidney, who quickly outstretched his arms to catch her. He held her as they sat on the floor and she cried in his arms. They didn’t say a word to each other. Everything was being said in what they were doing – holding on to each other for dear life. It was only until June stopped crying that she pulled away to look into Sidney’s eyes.

And when she did, she knew that look. She knew that look because it was the same one she gave him, that she never gave to anyone else. Not even to her ex-fiancé. “You love me,” she said. She didn’t ask, because by the look in his eyes, she knew.

Sidney nodded. “And you love me,” he said, a statement and not a question, too.

June nodded. “All this time.”

“I think we’ve been in love with each other for thirty-one years and didn’t realize it sooner,” he said.

In movies, there is usually a grand declaration of love; running through an airport, or flash mobs, or a long speech with exquisite words. This wasn’t that. Sidney and June’s declaration of love was not grand, and it was not ostentatious. They weren’t chasing the other through an airport or organizing a flash mob atop the Halifax Citadel. This, instead, was simple: two people, after thirty years, sitting on a floor in a ballet studio in Halifax, finally admitting they loved one another.

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misshoneyimhome · 6 months ago

Note

Need some of your magical smut with some of the penguins ;) they are my fav team too

Oh well we could most certainly work something out 😉 I don’t really have any specifics in mind, but feel free to hit me up with a name and a prompt/idea or something, and I’ll try and do my best 😊🌺

#my asks #; my writing #Pittsburgh penguins imagine

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angelsuecult · 2 months ago

Text

welcome home | s. crosby

summary: sidney arrives home at the crack of dawn wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed with you.

warnings: suggestive dialogue

word count: 1.3k

a/n: i thought it was going to be shorter but compared to the previous one id say it is! i’m really liking writing for you guys! got some suggestions, one will be uploaded this saturday, don’t be afraid to reach out! i’m having lots of fun writing for you guys and would love to hear any suggestions or feedback!

You awake to the faint creak of the bed and the soft whisper of someone settling beside you. The room was still bathed in the soft blue-grey of the early morning, just before the sun fully rose. As you blinked your eyes open, your heart skipped a beat at the sight of Sidney sitting on the edge of the bed, his profile softened by the light filtering through the curtains. His face was tired, but content, and just seeing him there after what felt like forever was a relief.

“Hey baby,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm after two weeks apart. His lips curved into a gentle smile as he leaned in to press a tender kiss to your forehead, longing just long enough to make you feel like he never wanted to leave again. The kiss wasn’t hurried or filled with the urgency of desire, but with affection—like he was savoring the feel of being near you again.

“Hi Sid,” you whispered back, your voice a little groggy with sleep, reaching out to pull down toward you. He easily followed your lead, his body sinking into the mattress beside you as he laid his head on your chest. His exhaustion was clear in the way his muscles seemed to melt against you, his body getting perfectly alongside yours like it always had. You let your hand drift to his hair, running your fingers through the strands, feeling the tension in him begin to ease.

“What time did your plane touch down?” you murmured, almost disbelieving. It had been two long weeks without him—weeks that felt like months, the house always a little too quiet, the bed a little too cold.

He sighed, the sound heavy with relief. “About 7:00 this morning,” he said softly. His breath warmed against your skin as he settled more comfortably against you.

You winced, feeling a pang of guilt. “Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to pick you up.”

Sid shifted slightly, raising his head to meet your eyes, and shook his head with a tired but tender smile. “It’s fine. I actually enjoyed a bit of quiet before coming home. I was just really looking forward to seeing you.”

You could see the fatigue etched into every line of his face—the way his eyelids were heavy and how his usually sharp gaze was softened with weariness. “I should probably shower before I get too comfortable,” he muttered, though he made no effort to move, his body clearly too tired to act on the thought.

“No,” you said firmly, your hand still stroking his hair. “You’ve been on the road forever. Just take your dirty clothes off and go to sleep. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything else right now.”

He let out a quiet chuckle, the sound low and raspy, raising an eyebrow and his lips curling into a teasing smile. “Oh yeah? You want me to strip and sleep, eh? Sounds like you’re trying to get me into bed faster, Y/N.”

You laughed softly, rolling your eyes, “You’re ridiculous, it’s not like that. I just want you to be comfortable. You’ve had a long trip, and that last thing you need is to stand in a shower half-asleep.”

He gave a mock sigh, the mischief still dancing in his eyes. “Alright, alright, if you say so,” he said, though the grin on his face told you he wasn’t done teasing yet. “You sure you’re not just trying to keep me all to yourself?”

You smiled up at him, your fingers brushing against his cheek. “Maybe a little. But seriously, just come to bed. We can worry about everything else later.”

With a lighthearted sigh, he sat up groaning as he reached for his belts, his movements sluggish with exhaustion. As he unbuckled it, and tugged at his pants, you couldn't help but reach out, your fingers brushing lightly against his waist,feeling the warmth of his skin beneath the fabric.

The simple touch made him shiver slightly, his eyes flicking to yours. “Careful now,” he murmured, his voice dropping an octave as he paused, his gaze locked onto yours. “You keep that up, and I might forget about sleep entirely.”

You laughed softly, your hands helping him ease out of his pants. “I’m just helping. The sooner you’re out of those clothes, the sooner we can both settle in.”

He gave a soft sigh as his pants hit the floor, then he turned his attention to the buttons of his shirt. His fingers fumbled “Let me help.” you said, sitting up to gently brush his hands aside. “Sidney Crosby; captain of a hockey team, yet can’t seem to undress himself.” you said softly, as you began to unfasten the buttons one by one.

He gave you a sheepish grin, resting one of his hands on your thigh as you worked on the buttons. “What can I say? I do my best work on the ice,” he teased, his thumb gently rubbing the fabric of your pajamas as he watched you with a lazy smile.

You shook your head, fingers making quick work of the buttons, each one revealing a little more of his skin. The warmth radiated from him, and you couldn't help but feel a quiet satisfaction as you peeled the shirt off his shoulders, sliding it down his arms. He let out a quiet, appreciative hum as the shirt fell to the floor, and without a second thought, you guided him back beneath the blankets.

“You really know how to make a guy feel at home,” he murmured.

You pulled back, “Maybe because you are, no?”

He immediately relaxed, his body sinking into the mattress as he pulled you close,your bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The familiar scent of him—something warm and comforting, a mix of his skin and the faint trace of his cologne—made your chest tighten with a feeling that was almost too much to describe.

“Feels good to be home,” he whispered, his voice thick with fatigue but so full of warmth. His arms wrapped around you, pulling you tighter against him, and you could feel the slow, steady, rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your hand.

“I missed you, you know,” you whispered, your fingers tracing lazy patterns over his chest.

“He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, his lips lingering there as if he wanted to hold onto the moment just a little longer. “I missed you too,” he murmured, his voice soft.

You lay there in the quiet of the morning, the soft light of dawn filling the room as you enjoyed the closeness. You moved your head to his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, while his fingers traced gentle circles on your back.

As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the room, you stayed wrapped in each other’s arms. The gentle rays filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues. There were no urgent needs or obligations, just the pure joy of being together, finding comfort in the shared warmth and love.

After a few moments of peaceful silence, Sidney’s stomach rumbled softly, breaking the silence. You both laughed softly, “Sounds like someone’s ready for breakfast, hm?” you tease, nudging him gently.

He groaned, “I might be. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. You name it.”

“Ambitious, are we?” you said grinning up at him. “We can start with breakfast and see how far we get.”

He nods, pulling you closer. “Sounds like a plan. But just so you know, I might be expecting a full-course meal with dessert later. Preferably a dessert on all fours?” He suggests tugging at the waistband of your pajama pants.

You snort, giving him a playful swat on the arm, “I should have let you undress yourself.”

#sidney crosby #pittsburgh penguins #sidney crosby x reader #sidney crosby imagine #sidney crosby fic #nhl imagine #nhl players #nhl #nhl hockey #nhl fic #nhl fanfiction #angelsuecultwrites

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sidsthekid · 6 months ago

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this moment in pens history will stay rent free in my mind forever but

mostly for this…for them…

#billy g just casually caught in the crossfire of sid and genos burgeoning romance #a position many pens have been in i imagine #sidney crosby #evgeni malkin #billy guerin #pittsburgh penguins #just a kid #sidgeno

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sportsthoughts · 27 days ago

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a sid anthem gif a day keeps the real life hockey woes away

#from stream 25/10/24 #imagine being worried whether your team wins or loses when you could wake up watch the anthems and pretend the game ended there #sidney crosby #pens lb #pittsburgh penguins #luce's gifs #anthem gifs #penguins.gif

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ilyasorokinn · 2 years ago

Text

(day four) not so alone , sidney crosby

note, this fic is part of my christmas series called taylor's very merry christmas series. check out this masterlist for the rest of the series. pair, sidney crosby x reader summary, y/n and sid are staying in pittsburgh for christmas this year, with their families coming out to visit instead. y/n heard through the grapevine that some of the guys weren’t going home, so she decided to welcome them over so they weren’t so alone. warnings, baby + kids (baby rakell & little geno) word count, 853 words

(gif not mine)

"I got everything on the list, but is there anything else you need?" Sidney asked. Before practice, you had given him a list of things you needed for your big Christmas dinner.

"Well, we need dog food, but I can pick that up tomorrow." You looked over at your two dogs.

"No, I got it." You could hear the cart being pushed down the aisle from the other line, "Anything else?"

"Well, there is one thing." You held your breath.

"What is it?"

"I heard about a couple of the guys weren't going home, so I was wondering..." You paused, "I thought we could invite them over to our house."

"Invite them over?" He repeated.

"Yeah," You smiled, "No one should be alone on Christmas, Sid."

He let out a laugh, "Yeah, of course we can.”

You smiled, "All right, you finish shopping, then come home, and we can talk about how we're gonna do this."

"All right, I'll speedrun the rest of your list."

"Thank you. See you soon."

"See you soon."

Sidney got home and you discussed your new dinner plan and how you were gonna get another long table now that you had even more guests.

Before it was just gonna be your parents plus your sister, his parents and Geno plus Anna and Nikita, but after, you calculated that it was

While you were in charge of the menu, Sidney was in charge of cleaning, getting the house ready, and inviting his teammates over.

So, after practice, while everyone was getting ready to leave, that’s when he thought it was the best time to do it.

“All right, one more thing before you all go.” He announced, gathering everyone’s attention, “Mrs. Crosby heard some of you weren’t going home for Christmas this year, so if you don’t have anywhere to go, our home is open for you.”

They all nodded, appreciative looks on their faces as they all went back to what they were doing. After they all finished up, a few guys approached him.

He looked at the 4 guys in front of him, Jarry, Rakell, Kapanen, and Joseph, and smiled. Before they could even open their mouths, “Be there at 4.” They all nodded and were on their way.

On Christmas, you and Sidney were rushing around the house. Sweeping, vacuuming, and making sure everything was in tip-top shape.

Your parents were also in town, so they were helping out where they could. The first to arrive were the Malkins, and they arrived with a very nice bottle of wine. The moment Nikita stepped into your house, he was running off to play with your dogs.

Geno brought the dish they brought into the kitchen, and while Sidney followed him, you and Anna made your way into the living room with glasses of wine already in hand.

Not long after the Malkin’s arrived was when everyone else started arriving too. Tristan and his fiancé arrived with a nice bottle of wine.

Then Kappy and PO Joseph came together, looking dapper as ever. You opened the door, holding one of your dog's collars so they wouldn't run out the door.

You smiled at them, and smiled even brighter when you noticed the bouquet of flowers in Pierre's hands, "Glad you guys could make it." You gave them each a brief hug as you were handed the flowers.

"Thank you for inviting us."

Lastly to arrive were the Rakell’s, which you didn’t fault for being late due to the baby, who was now fast asleep in your arms.

You all congregated around the table and began talking amongst each other, enjoying the food prepared.

Due to the sleeping child in your arms, you couldn't really cut or eat any of your food, so Sidney did the work for you. He cut up the turkey into smaller pieces and spoon-fed food to you.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for coming." You announced looking around the table, "I know it was last minute, but I really do believe that no one should be alone on Christmas, so thank you." You smiled at everyone as you bounced the sleeping baby in your arms.

"Thank you." Emmeli, Rickard's wife smiled, "Thank you for welcoming us into your home. It means more to us than we can say." You smiled happily before taking your seat again, leaning into Sidney’s arms.

After everyone had gone home with heaps of leftovers and everyone staying over at your home had retreated into their rooms for the night, you and Sidney spent some time cleaning up the easy stuff, pushing all the harder stuff for the next morning.

“So, I saw how you were with Daisy,” He started, shooting you a smirk.

“Don’t start.” You shook your head, “You were the exact same way. You were giving her goo-goo eyes and playing peek-a-boo all night.”

“I’m not denying it.” He raised his hands in surrender.

“I’m perfectly happy where we are right now.”

“All right, but what wasn’t a no,”

“No, it wasn’t.” You shook your head as you set some plates by the sink to deal with the next morning.

my taglist: @kolsmikaelson @ashleymarine @laurenairay @kidlnthedark @bowen-power @nhlrbs @lam-ila @puckinrightschicagoo @stars-canucks @iwantahockeyhimbo @2manytabsopen @owenpowersglasses @calermakar08 @hamilton160 @pierrelucduboiis @thescooby-gang @huggybearmylove43 @sammysworldddd @corneliaskates @mista-svech @paintlavillered @fallinallincurls @samanthasgone @hockeyboysarehot @maximoff-xmen @nicoleloveshockey @thedukes-56-5 @hockeyunits @puckmetwice @bxdbxtxh15 @pensfan5871 @sidcrosbyspuck @consflame @kaydenissleepy @Yagetintoitseventieswhore @MichelleKirby30 @jamieeboulos @Coffeeandteaandflowers @bibella8swan @cuttergauth @boqvistsbabe @sophia-bordeleau @madison-nhl

add yourself to my taglist!

(this taglist is my regular taglist, my non-special occasion masterlist. if you want to be tagged in all my writing, feel free to add yourself!)

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swissboyhisch · 2 years ago

Text

Aussie All-Star Series

Liked by crosby87, catherineletang and others

ivylemieux: Early morning Maccas before heading to Perth to see my boys play 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇪🇺

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laurenmatts: Girl you're looking fine 😍

ivylemieux: Just as fine as the photographer 😉 Liked by laurenmatts

lemieux66: Be safe you two

ivylemieux: Always dad x

laurenmatts: We're the safest, idk what you're talking about Super Mario 🙈

lemieux66: uh huh, I've seen you two grow up together

perththunder: not your main boys though right?

huntercambell: what the team account said

user: She's so pretty

user: why is she in Aus?

user: her mother and her moved there when her parents split. She was visiting her mom during the off season.

mcdavid97: see you soon bestie Liked by ivylemieux

Liked by user, penguins and others

nhl: The Canadian, US and European All-Star teams have landed in Australia for the exhibition series. 9 games over 3 weekends in 3 different cities around the country. Make sure to catch your favourite players play against each other in Perth this weekend!

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user: Why Australia? Seriously.

user: What a weekend, 3 games over 3 nights.

user: all star teams honestly

user: the canadian team has Mcdavid and Crosby!

user: but the European team has Ovi, Malkin and Draisaitl

Liked by crosby87, colecaufield and others

ivylemieux: hello big brother tagged: crosby87 and hockeycanada

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crosby87: Hey little sis 🥰

letang58: When she only posts the back of your head 🙃

ivylemieux: oh suck it up princess

catherineletang: Kris 🤦🏻‍♀️

matbarzal: there's me in the background 🙋🏻‍♂️

user: Sid's such a proud big brother

user: the relationship between Sid and baby magnifique is the sweetest!

verofleury: The kids are so excited!

ivylemieux: tell them aunty has so many present for them

catherineletang: oh they know

taycrosby: Bruh, hurry up and come back so we can hang out ❤️

Hockeycanada posted to their stories!

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hockeynews: Sent into user from Perth, Australia where the NHL Exhibition series is taking place this weekend. According to the anon, Canada Women's Hockey team captain, Ivy Lemieux, joined the three national All Star teams on ice for practice.

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user: this girl, living the dream life

user: on Mitch Marner's insta stories, it has a video of Mcdavid and Lemieux skating around, both laughing and having the time of their lives it looked like.

user: yes! I saw that and the other Canadian team members just watching and laughing. Including Maurice.

user: why is she so special?

user: nepo baby 😡

Liked by ivylemieux, verofleury and others

catherineletang: The kids love their tante ❤️ tagged: ivylemieux

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user: such cute photos!!

crosby87: They love me more though, right?

ivylemieux: In your dreams Squidnee 💅🏻

letang58: calm down children

user: they've grown up so much

ivylemieux: I've missed my babies ❤️

verofleury: and they missed you

user: I'm so glad to see ivy back with the family

jakeguentz: come back to pitt please

TAG LIST:

@penny4yourthoughts @mp0625 @hischierhaze

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wintfleur · 2 months ago

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₊˚ෆ you’re my future . . .

𝓹airing ∿ stella hughes (oc) x rutger mcgroarty

𝓢. rutger telling Stella about the trade

𝔀. angst ( happy ending ) sad stella n rut :( 𝔀c. 1984

𝓻oro's note. so sorry that this took me foreverrrr to post! I missed my babies so much omg, I’m sos sorry for the lack of fics lately 🫶🏻

“It's open!” Ellen called out when she heard a soft and rhythmic knock on the back door, knowing that only people close to the family would knock on the back door and not the front. Ellen pauses on cutting up the cucumbers for the salad, to look up at who was walking into the kitchen. A surprised smile gracing her face when she sees rutger walking into the kitchen.

“Oh, hi rut, i didn't know you were coming over tonight” Ellen smiled as she set down the knife on the cutting board, wiping her hands on her apron as she stepped around the kitchen island to pull him into a quick hug. Rutger smiled and hugged her back, before he could say anything back, she was continuing, resting her hands on his shoulders as she stepped back to ask "Are you staying for dinner?”

“Oh, uh i’m not sure yet” he gave her an unsure smile, he didn't know how Stella was going to take the news, and he didn't want to make things awkward by staying or dinner if things didn't go well between them. God he really hoped things went well. Ellen smiled and waved her hand dismissively as she moved back to her spot at the island “Oh that's alright, just let me know so i can set a spot for you at the table”

Ellen looked up from the cutting board, pausing her cutting once again when she noticed that rutger didn't answer, and still hasn't moved from his spot. She frowned when she noticed the spaced out look on his face as he looked down at his feet, not knowing that he was internally starting to panic as he thought of stella being upset as he broke the news, stella was already having a rough summer, he really didn't want to make it worse…but he couldn't keep it from her.

“You okay sweetie?” her concerned tone broke the silence and tore him out of his negative thoughts. Rutger blinked a few times and looked up from his feet, giving Ellen a fake smile “Oh yeah I'm okay, just got lost in thought, Stella in her room?”

“Yeah, i think she’s painting, just go on up”

Rutger gave Ellen one more smile before making his way through the Hughes house that he knew like the back of his hand, slipping his shoes off at the front door before making his way upstairs. Taking in every detail of the pictures that decorated the long hallway, despite having them memorized already. His eyes lingered on the picture of Stella who was dressed up in her team usa jacket as she smiled and held up her silver Olympic medal, a large bouquet of flowers in her other hand.

Rutger cleared his throat and continued to make his way towards his girlfriend's room, the corner of his lips turning up into a smile when he heard the faint sound of her singing along to the music playing in her room, through the door. He swallowed his nerves and knocked on the door, grabbing the door handle and opening it once he heard her sweetly call out “come in!”

Stella looked away from her large canvas that she had placed on her easel right in front of her bay window seat, turning around on the small stool she was sitting on to see who it was. A smile quickly gracing her face at the sight of her boyfriend stepping into her room, closing the door behind him.

Stella sets her sketching pencil down and quickly stands up from her stool, her back aching from leaning forward awkwardly to sketch out her cubism painting on her canvas. She ignores the subtle ache in her back and shoulders and moves towards her boyfriend, exclaiming happily “Rut!”

He dropped his backpack onto the fluffy carpet she had at the end of her bed and pulled her into his arms once she was close enough. While his hands went to her waist to pull her flush against him, her hands went to softly hold his face, pulling him down into a sweet and much needed kiss. Their lips slowly moved in tandem in a searing kiss.

Stella slowly pulled away from the kiss, her eyes fluttering open, smiling when she saw rutger instinctively leaning forward to attach their lips together again. The feeling of Stella softly caressing his cheek causes him to open his eyes. Locking eyes with her as she whispered happily “You didn't tell me you were coming over”

“Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if i did” rutger smiled softly with a small hum as he looked at her, her now short hair was a little messy and he could see the lack of sleep in her face, his heart aching at the sight. It was no secret to him that Stella had been struggling with sleep for the past few weeks, the past month or so has been incredibly hard on her ever since her and juraj’s past relationship was exposed. The hate she was receiving and the paranoia she felt was all too much for her . . . so he really didn't want to make her feel worse by telling her, but he couldn't not tell her.

Despite the smile on his lips, Stella could see in his eyes that something was bothering him, and the way he was fidgeting with her shirt was a tell that he was nervous and lost in his thoughts. Stella frowned as she asked, “What's wrong?” Rutger let out a heavy breath, it was now or never.

Rutger softly held her waist as he pulled her to sit on the ledge of her bed with him, Stella immediately twisting her body to face him. Rutger took one of her hands in his, fidgeting with her fingers as he said, “i just got back from a meeting with my agents”, he let out a heavy breath before continuing “i’m being traded to the penguins”

It felt like the world just stopped all around her, and that slight ringing in her ears seemed to be louder than usual. She didn't know this feeling, was it Fear? Sadness? Happiness? All of the above? “Pittsburgh?” Stella confirmed in a shocked tone.

Rutger nodded and tried his best to muster up a smile “They want me to sign in a few days and then i'd be off for training camp”

“Oh my god rut, i-i’m so happy for you” stella exclaimed as she surged forward to wrap her arms around his shoulders for a hug. She pushed any sadness or fear she felt deep down, she refused to let herself succumb to those negative feelings when she should be congratulating her boyfriend. She truly was happy for him. The tension in his shoulders melted away when he felt her touch, his shoulders sagging. Rutger wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, pulling her flush against him and nuzzling his face into her neck.

Rutger held her close and tight, the tension and fear he felt on leaving her didn't leave. He thought he would be more happy – excited to hear that he was finally going to be playing in the NHL, that he was finally achieving his dream . . . but all he could think about was how far Pittsburgh was from Ann Arbor, from stella. He really wanted to achieve his dream, but not without her.

“Hey hey hey, why are you crying?” Stella frowned as she pulled away from the hug once she heard his sniffle, moving her hands from his shoulders to cup his face, wiping away the tears falling from his eyes. Rutger leaned into her touch as he closed his eyes, his heart aching at the thought of having to leave her “i don't want to leave you”

“You're not leaving me baby, i'm still with you, always” Stella tried to reassure him despite the sadness and fear she felt as well, she did her best to muster up a smile as they locked eyes once he finally opened his. She continued to softly caress his face, a smile on her lips as she looked into his beautiful teary eyes, her eyes watering as she whispered softly “Don't focus on the negative rut, this is your dream, it's finally happening”

Rutger moved his hands from her waist to cup her soft face, he stared into her beautiful brown eyes with love as he whispered tenderly “It might be my dream but you’re my future – i’m scared to do this without you”

“Oh rut” stella cooed sadly with a small frown of understanding, surging forward to pull him into another hug. Rutger slides his hands from her face and down her body, holding her waist tightly as he pulls her with him, changing their position. Stella laid on her back, resting her head on her soft pillows while rutger laid on his stomach, hugging her waist and resting his head on her stomach.

Stella moved her hands up and down his shoulder blades, massaging them the way she knew would help sooth him, her heart ached seeing him so upset, he should be enjoying this, not worrying about her, she felt guilty in a way “Rut this has always been your dream…it's time for you to take your next step in life”

Rutger squeezed his eyes shut, snuggling his face into her stomach as he held her tighter, scared that if he let go, she would disappear “I don't want to take that step without you” – ‘I don't want to be alone’ were his unsaid words, but stella knew him so well that she knew what he had meant.

“I will be here for you the whole-time baby, you're not going to be alone”

“You promise?” rutger mumbled as he lifted his head up from her stomach to look up at her. Stella's eyes softened when she saw the vulnerability in her boyfriend's eyes, she moved one of her hands to cup his jaw, her thumb caressing his cheek as she smiled “I promise”

Stella brought her other hand to softly play with his hair, his eyes fluttering close at her soft and soothing touch. she felt an ache in her chest as she thought of him leaving her, she couldn't go with him, she had made a promise to herself that she would finish college. the thought of not being able to see him every day and feel his touch really scared her “It's going to take some time to get used to – but we can adjust, i know it”

Rutger was quick to open his eyes once he heard Stella's voice crack, a tell sign that she was trying not to cry, she wanted to hold it in and be strong for him. Rutger moved closer to her, scooting up so he could cup her cheek and place a soft kiss on her forehead “No no no please don't cry, if you cry i'll start crying again”

Stella lets out a pitiful sniffle before wrapping her arms around her boyfriend's waist and hiding her face in his neck, holding him tight as she cried “I’m sorry, i’m just so fucking proud of you rut”

Rutger internally awed at her words and how cute she sounded, rutger smiled lovingly and placed a bunch of kisses on the top of her head and forehead before whispering “I love you so much stella, i couldn't have done this without you”

Stella tried to push back the fear she felt creeping on her and instead tried to focus on the love she had with him, she couldn't think negatively of the future. The love they shared was strong, and Stella refused to lose him and the love they shared, no matter how far he was. Stella let out a shaky breath and another sniffle before whispering “I love you too rutger, so so so much”

au masterlist - you can find everything under #👩🏻‍🎨 ͡ ꒱ Stella Hughes!

𝓻oro's note. this is honestly not the best, and it’s kinda rushed !! The dialogue could definitely be better :( i hope you guys still enjoy it <3 it was so hard to write angst for my two babies, i just never want them to be sad 😭

˖ ་ taglist : @cixrosie @toasttt11 @lovings4turn @bunbunbl0gs @petite-potato4 @winterbarnesblog @yoontwin @iceflwers @dancerbailey3

©️WINTFLEUR

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starshine-hockey-girl · 2 years ago

Text

What Happens in Vegas- Never Ever Have I- Chapter Twenty One

Summary- Evie and Sidney spend a few days in Las Vegas to attend the 2019 NHL Awards

Author's Note- It got a little long. Sorry, not sorry.

Warnings- SMUT(all consensual), alcohol use, gambling

@pattiemac1 @penstxgal1968 @equallyshaw @pensfan5871 @heatherloves87

June 17th- Sidney and Evie’s hotel suite- Mandalay Bay hotel- Las Vegas

“Evie,” Sidney called from the hotel suite bathroom as he unpacked their toiletries, “What do you want to do tonight?”

Evie hung Sidney’s suits and her dresses in the closet. “I don’t know,” she called back, “Besides the obvious gambling, what is fun to do in Vegas? I have never been here.”

“Wait, you have never been to Vegas? Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked as he walked into the room. She shrugged her shoulders. “Well, there are outstanding restaurants, shows, strip clubs, people watching…..” he added. Evie raised a single eyebrow at the mention of strip clubs. He noticed and pivoted the subject. “Nate is flying in a couple of hours. We could have dinner with him,” he suggested.

“You pick the place, Beso,” she smiled, “It must have gluten and dairy, okay?” He nodded his head. “How early is your tee time tomorrow? Can we go out and explore after dinner?”

"It's a ten AM tee time so I can do a late night out. We are in Vegas after all," he walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist. He began walking her to the bed. "Get naked while I make plans," he instructed as he walked back in the restroom to call the concierge for dinner and show reservations.

"Beso, why am I getting naked? Is it nap time?" she called out coyly, "I thought we weren't sleeping yet to fight the jet lag.

He poked his head out of the bathroom, "I didn't say anything about sleeping. It's time for my afternoon snack. Get it ready for me."

"And what is your favorite snack, Beso?" she teased.

"You know what it is. It's between your legs," he answered back.

June 18th- Sidney and Evie’s hotel suite

"You're kidding me, right?" Sidney whined, "Seggy, please tell me that you're kidding me." Evie looked up from the couch in their suite. "Our tee time is in forty five minutes, buddy. If you want to weasel out of the bet, just let me know. No hard feelings," he said in frustration. "Where am I going to find another person to play?" he said as he observed Evie. "Hold on," he said to Tyler Seguin. "Evie, have you ever golfed? Do you want to come with us?" he asked.

She looked over, "Yes, I have played golf before, but I don't have anything packed to wear." Sidney shot her a pleading look. “I expect to be rewarded for this, but yes I will play,” she finally agreed.

"Okay Seggy, we have our fourth," Sidney sighed. Seggy questioned him and he responded, "Yeah, It's Evie. Try to take it easy on her." Sidney hung up the phone, walked over and enveloped her in a hug. “You’re the best, Evie,” he kissed her cheek.

"By the way, what is the bet?" she asked, "Is it a team or an individual bet?"

"Team," he answered, “Winning team wins $10,000”

“What are the teams?” she questioned.

“Nate and me, Seguin and …….” his voice trailed off and her eyebrows raised before he continued, “I mean I guess we can switch it so that you are on my team.”

“You don’t sound thrilled about the idea, Beso” she said softly.

“I didn’t say that,” he countered weakly.

“Do you not want to play with me? Think I will bring your score down?” she argued.

“You thinking will bring my score down instead of up is the problem. You don’t even know the difference,” he laughed.

“You knew what I meant, Beso,” she sighed heavily, “I will play with Tyler. I don’t want to play with a teammate who doesn’t believe in me.”

Sidney stammered, “I believe in you, Evie.”

“Yeah, just not in my golf skills. It’s okay. I know winning is important to you,” she smiled, “However don’t get too cocky. I may get lucky out there.”

Sidney smiled, “You are not mad?’”

“Nope, not at all. Just don’t come crying to me when Team Texas kicks your Novia Scotia asses,” she smiled, "Okay, I am sure that there is a pro shop at the club. Let's head over now and I will get some clothes."

Sidney and Evie got to the golf club fifteen minutes later. Sidney went to check in and get their golf cart and clubs. Evie ran to the pro shop and went on a mini shopping spree courtesy of Sidney's black AMEX. She dressed quickly and put her hair back in a ponytail before putting on her visor. When she emerged from the locker room, Sidney blinked and stared at her outfit. "The skirt is a little short, Evie," he said.

"It's a skort. It was either this or dress like a grandma. If I am going to golf, I refuse to look bad doing it," she teased. She packed her bag with sunscreen and lipstick. "Let's go Crosby," she teased.

When they arrived back at the golf carts, Seguin and Mackinnon waited. Seguin gulped as he watched Evie examine her rental golf clubs. Her golf skort barely covered her ass. The sleeveless shirt stretched tight over her breasts. The neckline went down into a deep V that exposed her cleavage. The 87 charm dangled on her clavicle.

When she got her clubs onto the back of the cart, she went over to give Nate a hug. "Long time no see," she laughed even though they just had dinner together the previous night. She extended her hand to Seguin, "Tyler, right? Good to see you again. I'm Evie. We met in Dallas.”

"I remembered," he smiled, "Thanks for saving my ass." He gave her a wink. Sidney cleared his throat and Evie took her seat in the golf cart. She flashed a smile at Sidney, "Ready to kick ass, Beso?" She leaned over and kissed him passionately.

As she did, Seguin watched from the cart behind. "Damn," he said to himself, "She's fucking hot." Nate smiled to himself and shook his head. Seggy shot him a look and shrugged, "Where's the lie?"

Nate smiled, "Just don't let Sid hear you. He might tear your head off."

FIRST TEE

"So tell me about the bet," Evie asked as the group stood at the tee box on their first hole. Nate laughed and walked away.

"It is a match play style. The team with the best score per hole wins the hole. The team that wins the most holes wins the bet," Tyler explained. "What's the prize?" She asked.

Evie looked from man to man before Seggy admitted, "It's five grand buy-in. If we win, we split ten grand. If they win, they split five grand ."

"Why five for them ?" Evie asked, "Are you not counting me in the bet?

Sidney smiled, "Evie, it's a ten grand team bet. Do you have five grand to bet?" She shot him a look. "Do you want to be in on the bet?"

Seggy, "If we win, we’ll split the ten grand. If you lose, I will pay the entire ten grand and you won't owe anything. After all, you are saving from forfeiting altogether. Any objections?" He looked to other men who nodded in agreement.

“This is going to be the easiest money I’ve ever earned,” Nate laughed. Evie gave him a side eye. “Come on, Evie. You guys have no shot at beating us. Just give us the money, right now. I mean he may be a badass with the ladies but he isn’t good enough to carry both of you.”

“You think he needs to carry me, Nate?” Evie smiled and went to select a club, “Talk to me in eighteen holes. You’ll be signing a different tune then.” Sidney pointed out the driver and she gingerly selected it.The men insisted that Evie tee off first. She put her ball on the ladies tee. Sidney walked over and pointed to where she should try to hit the ball. He went back to watch her. Evie took the driver in her hand. "Oh God, Sid you gotta help her," Seggy giggled.

Sidney approached Evie with a smile, "Let me show you." He stood behind her and placed his hands over hers. She felt his breath on her neck as he showed her how to swing. She looked back at him sweetly and he gave her a quick kiss. "Try now," he whispered and walked back to his original spot. She swung and made contact with the ball. It landed on the fairway, barely avoiding the sand trap. "Good girl," he praised. She smiled shyly and picked up her tee. Seguin raised his eyebrows at Sidney's praise. Sidney kissed her on the temple before he walked to tee off. He hit his shot and landed on the fairway. Evie cheered for him and rewarded him with a kiss when he went to select his next club. Nate shook his head and took his shot.

Seggy approached the tee and looked back at Evie. She stood in front of Sidney who wrapped his arm and her waist and pulled her tight against his body. She gasped right as Seggy hit the ball as Sidney kissed her neck. His ball hooked left and went into the rough. "Tough break," Sidney commented.

Evie caught the look of envy in Seguin's eyes as he glanced back. She smiled inwardly and walked to her ball. She looked back to see both Sidney and Seggy watching her ass. "Come on gentleman," she called as they stood and stared.

“Hey,” Tyler called out, “We should switch up golf carts. It’s bad enough that Evie is sleeping with my enemy for the day, but does she have to ride in the same cart too?” She looked at Sidney and then back at Seguin. “Come on, Evie- we’re a team, remember?” he whined.

Sidney grimaced and looked at Evie who smiled as she picked up her golf bag and moved it to the back of the second golf cart. Nate smirked as he placed his bag in Sidney’s golf cart. “Beso, what are you staring at?” she teased, “You could have had me on your team, but you were more concerned about your score. Enjoy your time with Nate.”

Tyler smiled as Evie slid into the seat next to him. “Welcome to Team Tyler,” he chuckled as he started the cart to take them up to their balls.

"Team Texas," Evie corrected. "Listen, if I am going to ride with you, I need to control the music," she stated as she plugged her phone into the aux plug.

"Fair enough," he winked, “So Sid didn’t want you on his team?” Tyler leaned over and whispered in her ear, “If you were my girl, I would always have you on my team. I wouldn't let another man get close to you.”

Evie smiled and looked the other way, "but I am not your girl and never will be."

"Come on Evie, let a guy dream," Tyler teased.

"Dream on, Tyler, dream on,"

They pulled up to their balls. Evie studied her ball thoughtfully. She looked back at Sidney who smiled smugly. "Ask your teammate," he said with a barely perceptible hint of annoyance in his tone. Evie raised an eyebrow and turned to that tattooed brunette. Tyler smiled and walked over to Evie. They spoke in hushed tones as Tyler explained how he would play the ball. She nodded in understanding as Tyler handed her the correct club to use. He moved back as Sidney studied Evie's form. It killed him internally to let her stand incorrectly but the desire to win prevented him from providing assistance.

"You got this, Evie," Tyler encouraged as she approached the ball. She hit the ball and the foursome watched it sail through the air. Tyler smiled as the ball landed on the edge of the green. "EVIE!" Tyler screamed as she beamed.

"Was that right, Tyler?' She smiled coyly. He nodded enthusiastically as she stood next to him. Together they watched Sidney and Nate take their turns before Tyler approached his ball and hit it with force. It landed within eight feet of the hole. Sidney and Nate groaned as Evie cheered loudly. By the time it was her turn on the green, the outcome of the hole had solidly decided. Tyler secured the win with an eagle. Still she focused and surprised the trio by finishing with par score. Evie and Tyler celebrated with an excited hug. Sidney raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

The two teams traded victories with each hole for the first nine holes. Team Texas had the one hole advantage. The group decided to flag down the drink cart. While drinking her cocktail, Evie turned up the music on her phone and did a little cumbia dance to Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”. https://youtu.be/snlEdcHf7js

Sidney watched in bemusement as Evie grabbed Tyler’s hand to dance. The Canadian mimicked her footsteps and hip movements. They were breathless when the song ended and Sidney barked “Break time is over, Evie Rose.”

“Don’t be grumpy because you are losing, Beso,” Evie shouted as she got into the cart with Tyler.

“It’s just one hole, Evita,” he shouted back.

“For now,” she yelled, “Let’s go, Seggy!” He started the cart and took off, cutting off Nate and Sid’s cart in the process. Evie leaned over and whispered in Tyler’s ear, “Want to know a secret?”

“Absolutely, but why are you whispering?” Tyler responded.

“Oh right,” she said in her normal voice “I may or may not have been playing to the best of my abilities for the first nine holes.”

“Say what?” Tyler choked.

“I told Sidney that I have golfed before, but I neglected to tell him just how much golf I’ve played,” she looked back at Sidney’s cart and returned her gaze to Tyler. His eyes widened in question. “I used to golf with my dad once a week. I was state champ my senior year of high school and went to Tech on a golf scholarship.”

“No fucking way,” he screamed before he lowered his voice, “You’re like a golf shark?”

“Try to keep up, okay?” she taunted, “But Team Nova Scotia is going down.”

Sidney’s eyes narrowed as he observed the interaction. There was something entirely too chummy about Seguin’s behavior towards Evie. However, what gnawed at him more was the fact that they were down a hole. “We’ll get it back on the back nine,” he thought to himself, “Evie can’t sustain this beginner’s luck.” Sidney watched as Evie danced in her seat next to Tyler. “Nah, let her distract him,” he chuckled, “I’ll use it to my advantage.”

Tyler insisted that Sidney and Nate tee off first for the last nine holes. Before Sidney walked up to the tee, Evie approached him with a sly smile. “Beso, I just wanted to wish you good luck,” she purred in his ear before giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, “but you are going down.”

“Care to make a side bet?” he chuckled.

“After I beat you, I get to plan the evening activities and nothing is off the table,” she teased.

“Same for me when I win?” he retorted. She nodded her head yes. “Oh, and it’s individual scores against each other?” he questioned.

“Yes, but starting now. The first nine holes don’t count.” she countered.

Tyler looked at the ground and pretended not to listen, but inwardly he grinned. “He’s getting played. Well done, Evie, well done!” he laughed to himself.

When Evie teed off the tenth hole and landed perfectly on the fairway, Sidney’s jaw dropped. She flashed a quick smile before hopping into the cart for the next shot. She and Tyler were laughing as he approached his ball. “Hey,” he whined, “Can you keep it down?” Evie made an exaggerated movement to zip her lips while Tyler suppressed giggles. The giggle fest continued after Sidney needed multiple attempts on the putting green. The scenario replayed itself multiple times with Evie besting him at each hole.

“Hole fourteen goes to Team Texas,” Tyler gleefully announced, “For those playing along, that would put Team Texas at ten holes to Team Nova Scotia’s four holes. Do you want to concede defeat and head to the clubhouse?”

“Fuck no,” Sidney hissed, “Evie and I still have our side bet. I am not giving up yet.”

Evie tilted her head and walked over to Sidney, “Beso, are we going to have a repeat of Philadelphia and the face-off challenge?” He frowned at the memory and how childish he had behaved. He shook his head no and forced a smile. “Good, now let’s finish this,” she said as she ran her finger down his chest, “I have plans for tonight.” She turned and sashayed back to where Tyler stood.

“Evie Rose,” Sidney called out to her, “You’re going to be the death of me.”

“Oh, but a good way to die.” Tyler chimed in as Sidney rolled his eyes. “Hey Evie, how do you say little rose in Spanish?”

“Rosita,” she answered.

“Come on, mi rosita,” he laughed, “Let’s finish him off.”

“Fuck this,” Nate whined, “I am hot and tired. I am going back in.”

“Oh no you are not, Nate,” Evie protested, “You are going to stay around and suffer the consequences for shit talking that you did. You should really apologize to Sid for having to carry your ass. Too bad he wasn’t good enough to carry you both.”

Sidney rolled his eyes, “Don’t get too cocky, Evie. You are only two strokes ahead of me.”

Sidney made up ground on the next two holes, pulling himself into a tie with Evie. Tyler found himself invested in Evie’s victory and coached her through the next hole. She smiled and politely sent him back with a smack on the ass. He pulled ahead on hole seventeen when he score an eagle (Two strokes under par) to her birdie(one stroke under par).

“Don’t panic, Rosita,” Tyler called as he flagged down the beverage cart. He bought two shots of tequila and handed one to Evie. “I have faith in you. Cheers to Team Texas forever!” They slammed the shots as Sidney hit a perfect shot onto the fairway. Evie followed suit. Sidney’s next shot hit cleanly from the fairway onto the green, ending up about eight feet from the hole. He finished with a respectable birdie.

Evie lined up her shot from the fairway. She would need an eagle to tie and force sudden death. She crossed herself and said a silent prayer, “Come on Papa- help me out here.” She swung the club and watched as the ball landed on the green. It took a lucky bounce and started rolling towards the hole. “Go, go, go” she and Tyler shouted as the ball continued on its path. Sidney watched in horror as the ball made a beeline and bounced into the hole. “Double Eagle, double eagle!!!” she shouted, “Holy shit, I made a double eagle.” Tyler scooped her up and spun her around as Sidney watched in disbelief.

“Rosita,” Tyler exclaimed, “You beat us all!”

He put her down onto her feet and she looked tentatively at Sidney. She saw his jaw tense momentarily before he smiled at her. She tilted her head in question before he held out his arms. She ran into them and wrapped her arms around his waist. He too, spun her around before playfully smacking her ass. “You hustled me, Evie,” he laughed, “You hustled me.”

She smiled before kissing him hard, “Yes, I did.”

“That’s my fault for not choosing you for my teammate,” he sighed, “I’ll never make that mistake again, Mon Etoile.”

“No, not you won’t” she laughed, “Oh, the plans I have for you tonight.”

“Can I come?” Tyler shouted, “I’ll be really quiet and just watch.”

“In your dreams, Seggy,” Evie shouted back, “In your dreams.”

Tyler pouted, “One day you’ll come to your senses, Rosita, and you’ll realize that you blew your shot.”

Evie turned around and stuck her tongue out at Tyler, “You enjoy that fantasy tonight…. In your hotel room…..alone with your hand.”

Tyler shot back, "Oh Rosita, I won't be alone."

Evie smiled smugly, "Try not to scream my name, kay!" Tyler's jaw dropped as he was rendered speechless.

Sidney whispered as he put her down, “That’s enough, Princess.”

Evie smiled and walked away from the group to the golf cart. Sidney followed and slid into the seat next to her. "Are you upset, Evie? he said softly. She looked at him. With a deft hand, she slipped his hat backwards on his head so she could look into his eyes.

"Before I answer, tell me if you are upset with me," she replied. He tilted his head in question. "You know, for beating you or not shutting Seguin down," she said.

"You beat me fair and square- just like you beat in Philadelphia. I am not going to be a sore loser again and steal your joy. Enjoy your victory," he kissed her cheek.

"And Seggy?" She questioned.

"No, I am not upset about Seggy. It is just some playful flirting. He is not an actual threat," he smiled.

"You think?" She bopped his nose.

"He couldn't handle you, Evie. He has no idea how naughty you can be. No way he can treat you like the insatiable princess that you are," he grabbed her face and planted a firm kiss on her lips.

She licked her lips, “Okay, Mr. Crosby but I am warning you. Mr. Crosby will not be playing with his Princess tonight. I have other plans.”

Sidney burst out laughing, “I am not sure if I should be scared or turned on.”

LATER THAT EVENING

Sidney walked into the room with a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked at the bed where Evie had carefully laid out his outfit for the evening- suit pants, dress shirt and coat. He smirked and poked his head back into the spacious bathroom. "You picked out my clothes too?" he joked. He had been pestering Evie for clues about their plans since they had returned from the golf club. She had sent him on a mission to find coffee and snacks so she could speak to the VIP concierge in peace.

She looked up from where she was carefully applying her make-up. "Yes, I did, Beso," she answered, "Otherwise you would still try to pry information out of me."

He walked behind her and pressed himself into her bottom as she bent over to apply her mascara. She let out a squeal. "I would rather try to pry something INTO you," he teased as she stared at his reflection.

"Usually you don't have to pry it in, Beso. It slides in quite easily if I recall," she teased back, "You need to accept that I am in control tonight. Can you do that? For one night?"

"You know I like to be in control," he nipped at her shoulder, "You are such a good girl for me."

"Trust me," she whispered, "Now let me finish. I will give you a hint- meat and potatoes"

"Steak? I get steak?" he smiled, "Fine, be in control for the night." He playfully smacked her ass and walked away to get dressed.

When she emerged in her silver metallic dress, Sidney did a double take. The plunging neckline dipped down to her navel and her cleavage was on full display. The tulip hem was cut scandalously high. "I don't remember buying that dress, Evie," he stammered.

"You didn't. It came in stock after you left for Europe. Kelly thought it would be good for Vegas so I bought it." she explained, "It's sexy, right?"

"Very" Sidney deadpanned. He resisted the urge to add further comment. The dress left little to the imagination but he was surprisingly at peace with it. He studied her expression as she looked for his approval. It struck him that she chose this dress for no other purpose than to appear sexy for him. "Do a turn," he said softly, "I want to see it." She did a slow turn and looked over her shoulder with a smile. She added a butt wiggle which he met with a smile. "It's perfect. You look like the sexiest woman on earth," he complimented.

She ran to him, "You really like it, Beso?" Evie had expected a more negative reaction. "It's only for you. Your opinion is the only one that matters."

"I do like it," he kissed her cheek, "I will have to beat off the men and women with a stick."

"Men and women?" She questioned.

"You have universal appeal, Evie. You would have to blind not to be attracted to you," he praised.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Sir," she teased, "but it will not get you any more clues. Time to go."

Evie led Sidney downstairs and into the waiting limo. Evie sat close to Sidney and put her legs across his lap. "I wonder what Buddy is doing right now?" she giggled as they headed down the strip. He trailed his fingers up and down her thigh. "That was a good night. I hope tonight is just as memorable," she purred.

"Do we have time for a re-enactment?" He pondered aloud. He groaned as the limousine pulled to Caesars Palace.

Soon his curiosity overtook his disappointment as Evie led them through the lobby and toward the Palm steakhouse. He noticed the lascivious stares and double-takes as she held his hand at first before she wrapped her arm around his. He grinned as she approached the maître d with a sweet smile. She spoke softly, "Yes, we have a reservation for Cole Harbour." She deftly slipped a one hundred dollar bill across into his palm. "We would like the most romantic and private booth possible," she stated. The gentleman nodded and led them to a table in the back of the restaurant.

They sat next to each other in the circular booth. "I've always wanted to try this place, but haven't had the chance," he grinned, "How did you know?"

She nudged his shoulder with hers, "I did my research today."

"What other things did you research?" He nudged back.

"Listen, Papi Chulo, you need to stop fishing for information or there will be consequences. Got it?" she warned.

"Ummm, what did you just call me?" He laughed.

"Cute daddy," she turned and caressed his thigh. His eyes shot up in surprise. "Even when I am the boss, you'll always be my Daddy," she playfully pouted, "But tonight Baby Girl is in control."

"You're hot when you're bossy," he smiled, "no more fishing, promise."

They ate their meal in a playful mood. Evie laughed as Sidney devoured his steak. He joked about needing the energy for the rest of the night. Sidney rolled his eyes as she moaned with each bite of creme Brule.

When they got back into the limousine, Sidney pulled her into his lap so she straddled him. His hands pushed her dress up and squeezed her ass. "Control yourself, Papi. Our next stop is soon" she scolded.

"Evie," Sidney said in disbelief as they pulled up to the VIP entrance to the large strip club, "Are we at a strip club?" The limousine drive opened and the VIP host greeted them, "Ms. Montgomery?"

Evie nodded and answered "That's me."

"Follow me," he stated as he escorted them into the club. After a quick scan of their IDs, they were take upstairs to a private sky box. Evie gripped Sidney’s hand tight as he walked in front of her through the club. Once again, Evie drew the stares of men as they walked by despite the presence of dozens of top less dancers.

It was only once they safely inside the Sky box did they relax. The room was relatively small and cozy with a leather couch next to an open window overlooking the main stage. Evie walked nervously around the room to get her bearings. The confidence that she had exuded in the restaurant and limo seemed to be dissipating. She looked at Sidney nervously, "I have never been to a strip club before, Papi. I assume you have." He nodded his head. "How many times have you been to strip clubs? Will you teach me how to do it?" She asked with a hesitancy in her voice.

"Let's just say that I have been inside numerous strip clubs. I will admit that it's my first time with a date." Sidney smiled, "It looks like you pre-ordered bottle service. The Grey Goose is a good selection." She smiled timidly as he opened the bottle and made a vodka soda for himself. Then he opened the Malibu and made a drink for her. "Why did you bring me here, Evie?"

"You mentioned strip clubs yesterday. I thought it be a fun idea to pop my strip club 'cherry' with you." She offered. He eyed her suspiciously and she blushed. "Don't look at me like that, Papi," she pouted.

"What are you not telling me?" He asked gently.

She bit her lip and looked out the window. "Remember on the night we met and the subject of threesomes came up during the Never Have I game?" she questioned.

"Yes," he answered, "You took a drink and I didn't."

"And then later, you asked how you earned a threesome. I told you that you could have a threesome where you watched if you scored a hat trick and participate if you won the cup?" She asked.

"I remember," he said as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Do you also remember what happened when you played against the Avalanche in Colorado?" She continued.

"Yes, I got a natural hat trick," he said as he realized where Evie might possibly headed with this conversation.

"You haven't gotten your reward yet Papi," she reached for his hand and slipped it into her dress, "Do you want your reward, Papi?"

Sidney blinked slowly. His mind raced with the idea that she was proposing to him. She was suggesting a threesome with a stripper. The visuals began immediately and his cock twitched. "Are you sure?" He questioned. He gently squeezed her breast as she wiggled her ass against him.

"Yes Papi," she moaned, "I want you to watch me play with one of these lovelies. Do you want to watch me play? Would that please you?"

"Fuck yes," he growled into her ear, "You have no idea."

"Help me choose," she purred, "Help me pick a beautiful one to fuck."

"Evie," he grunted, "let's look together."

"Do you have a type?" Sidney asked as he scanned the room below, "What hair color do you prefer?"

"No redheads," she spit out, "Not to malign all redheads but my failed threesome was with a redhead." He looked over at her with a questioning look. "She was an uninterested in me, but just wanted to fuck the guy I was with. He wanted to fuck her without "cheating". Her performance was pretty lackluster."

Sidney kissed her neck, "No redheads." His eyes scanned the room as Evie danced to the music. "What about her?" he pointed to a short brunette. Evie watched her on the side stage and shook her head no.

Their heads turned to the main stage as the DJ announced a new performer, Roxie. When the blonde stepped into the spotlight, Evie sucked in her breath. Her large bosom bounced lightly as she walked. Her hands slid over hips as she shook her ass. Evie's eyes lit up and she followed her sensual moves. Sidney picked up the room phone and arranged a private dance in the sky box. Evie watched intently as Roxie danced. Her hips mimicked Roxie's dance moves. Sidney whispered in her ear, "You like her, do you?" She nodded her head and kept her eyes on the dancer. "Tell me why," he nibbled her ear.

"I like her confidence when she walks and dances. She commands attention," Evie started, "I like her curves. She is softer than the rest of them."

Sidney grabbed her hips and brought her into him. "What do you want her to do during your dance?" He questioned. The visions were already driving Sidney crazy with desire, but listening to Evie speak added another level.

"I want her to grind her ass into my lap. I want her shake her tits into my face," she confessed, "Can I touch her? Is that allowed? I want to squeeze them."

Sidney laughed, "I think for the right price she will."

Roxy's set ended and she was approached by the VIP host. The private dance request was made and the host pointed up the Sky Box. Roxy's blue eyes looked up and locked with Evie's eyes. Evie smiled and gave a shy wave. The dancer smiled broadly and made her way through the crowd.

Evie turned to Sidney who paced the room on the phone. "Right, please go ahead and have the bottles and food delivered to the room. We will check in within the hour." He stopped and smiled at his love. "Taking care of details," he said softly as Evie crossed over to him. They clung to each other and he whispered, "I will take care of the logistics. You just give the sign if she is the one you really want."

They both turned when the door open. Roxie walked in with confidence. She politely declined a drink from Sidney as she grabbed Evie's hand. The blonde pulled her into her body and began a sexy roll maneuver. "Am I dancing for him or you,?" She purred. Evie pointed to herself and Roxie grinned. "Oh, that's even better," she laughed as she guided Evie to the couch. She pushed Evie down and stood in front of her. The robe slid off her shoulders and Evie crossed her legs together and squeezed them.

Sidney took a seat in the chair perpendicular to the couch. He leaned forward on his elbows and watched. Roxie danced sensually in front of Evie for a minute before backing into her and grinding her ass into Evie's lap. "AM I allowed to touch you?" She spoke hesitantly. Roxie took Evie's hand and placed it on her breast. Sidney adjusted himself as Evie made eye contact with him. She mouthed the word yes and Sidney nodded. A second hand came to Roxie's breasts and squeezed lightly. Evie whispered to her, "You're so hot. You turned me on so much."

Sidney's eyebrows raised at Evie as Roxie stood up and squatted in front of her. She pushed Evie's dress up so that her panties were exposed. Roxie blew softly through the thin fabric of the panties. She looked up as Evie threw her head back and moaned softly. Roxie looked back at Sidney who waved her off and pointed her attention back to Evie.

Roxie stood up and straddled Evie's thighs. Evie's hands slid onto Roxie's ass and pulled her closer. Roxie moaned softly before pressing her knee into Evie's crotch. "Mmmmm, you like what you see? I'm sorry- what is your name?"

Evie rocked her hips and squeezed Roxie's ass, "Evie and that is my Papi Chulo."

Roxie turned to Sidney, "Papi, you like watching your girl getting dry humped? Do you like watching her get herself off on me?"

Sidney licked his lips, "Very much so." He glanced at Evie and mouthed, "Are you sure?" She continued press herself against Roxie's knee and nodded vigorously. "I think Evie would like to continue this in a more private location. Would you be willing to provide that additional service at our hotel room across the street?" Evie's eyes flashed at that bit of information. Sidney smiled sweetly at Evie in an unspoken message of "Trust me."

"Two person or three person play?" Roxie asked.

"Just the two of you with an observer," Sidney answered

"Vanilla or Kinky?" Roxie prodded.

Sidney looked at Evie and shrugged, "Your choice Mamacita."

Evie whispered, "Vanilla."

Roxie studied Sidney. She noted his tailored suit jacket, his expensive wristwatch and shoes. She observed the way he stared at Evie in a mixture of complete adoration and willingness to do whatever it took to please her. He was not your typical big spender looking to get off. No, this was solely for her.

Roxie then studied Evie who still had her increasingly damp panties pressed against her knee. She pushed Evie's hair back from her face and then rubbed her thumb across Evie's bottom lip. Evie's mouth opened and she sucked on Roxie's thumb softly.

"Five grand," Roxie offered, "Off the books and the rest of your entertainment credit." Evie blinked. She had no idea what her fantasy fulfillment would cost so much.

Sidney got up and walked to the women. "May I have a moment with Evie?" he asked genteelly. Roxie got up and walked to the window that overlooked the main floor. Sidney leaned down and kissed Evie's cheek, "Tell me what you want."

Evie whispered, "It's so much money."

Sidney shook his head, "It's a once in a lifetime experience. The money is not a factor." She stared into his eyes. "The only thing I care about is you and if you want to do this. Not because you think you need to reward me because of a flippant comment you made months ago. Do you want to fulfill this fantasy for both of us?

"Yes,please," she whispered.

Sidney got up and handed his phone to Roxie, "Enter your contact number and I will contact you with the room number." Evie stood and adjusted her dress back down. "Give us thirty minutes," Sidney instructed.

"It will take me at least that long," Roxie responded.

Sidney nodded his understanding. He grabbed Evie's hand and guided her down the stairs to the main level. They were passing the VIP area when Evie felt a hand grab her arm. She twisted around and stared straight into the eyes of Tyler Seguin. "Rosita" he said in a joyful but slurred voice, "Funny running into you here."

Evie gave him a warm smile before flashing Sidney a worried look. "I thought you weren't going to spend the night alone, Tyler."

"I am not alone," he teased, "My new friend, Destiny, is going to keep me company." Evie looked over and saw the brunette dancer that bore a striking semblance to herself."

"I see you are keeping that dream alive," Evie teased, "See you tomorrow." Sidney tugged at her hand and she went to move.

"See, I told you that I am going to wear you down, Rosita" he laughed.

"Back off, Seggy, back off," Sidney warned. He turned and tugged at Evie's hand. They made a beeline out of the club and made the quick walk to hotel across the street.

Within minutes, they were checked into the one bedroom suite with the view of the Strip. Evie paced nervously as Sidney poured more drinks. He looked at Evie and smiled. "I am nervous, Sidney," she whispered, " What if I don't know what to do?" Sidney laughed out loud. He doubled over in a fit of giggles and looked to find Evie studying his face.

He stood up, "I am sorry, Evie, but that is the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard. Are you really concerned about whether you are going please her? Make her cum?" She stared before looking down. Sidney crossed to her and wrapped his arms around her, "Of course you are. Oh, Evie, there is nothing to worry about. Your tongue game is strong. Just remember how you like to be touched and licked then do the same."

Sidney sensed her apprehension and squeezed her tight "Say the word and I will shut it down. No questions asked. I will shut it down and get her out."

He reached down and lifted her chin, "You are about to rock her world. Go get undressed. She will be here soon."

Evie walked back into the room dressed in the hotel robe just as Roxie knocked on the door. Sidney kissed her gently before he answered. Roxie entered the suite. Sidney offered her a drink while Evie watched shyly. Roxie walked around the suite, "Nice room. You really pulled out all the stops. You know that you don't have to seduce me."

Evie smiled and walked over to the curvy blonde and kissed her cheek, "My Papi Chulo always spoils me. It is what he does."

Roxie looked over at Sidney who shrugged his shoulders. She smiled as she dropped her trench coat to reveal her nude body. "Ready to play?" Evie asked and dropped her robe as well.

ONE HOUR LATER

Sidney shut the door after paying Roxie. He turned to walk back into the bedroom of the suite. She rolled over onto her side and hummed softly. They had not spoken after Evie gave Sidney the signal that she was done. She had lost count of orgasms she had both given and received. She sat up as Sidney walked to the bed.

"Evie," He moaned as took off his shirt. Her fingers worked feverishly to free his throbbing cock from his pants. "I need you," he panted, "I need to be inside of you." She got on her hands and knees.. "Damn," He groaned as he slid into her.

"Papi, give it to me. I need you to give it to me," she moaned as he grabbed he hips roughly. His strokes were fast and frantic. He had spent two hours watching Evie fuck and get fucked in almost every imaginable way. The mental images flooded his mind as he pounded her hard and heavy. "Please," she pleaded, "Cum for me. Show me how much you liked watching it."

Sidney's usual chatty talk had been replaced by animalistic grunts and groans. His orgasm came quickly with overwhelmed him with the intensity. He whimpered as he collapsed onto her. Aftet a minute, he slid out and she rolled over. Sidney placed hjs head on her chest and her fingers instinctively went to his hair and stroked softly.

They clung to each other in stunned silence. Evie whispered finally, "Beso?' He looked up at her with a soft grin.

"Yes?" He answered.

"Are you still my Beso?" She questioned.

His eyes searched her face. She desperately tried to make it appear neutral but he could detect the anxiety hidden beneath the surface. He twisted his torso and pushed up on his elbows.

"I will always be YOUR Beso," he replied, "Nothing you did tonight changed that."

"Can i ask you something?" She spook meekly.

"Anything," he answered sweetly.

"Did you like it? Was it what you You imagined?' She probed.

"It was better than I imagined. You were in complete control. I liked watching you come undone from the spectator position. I saw new things I had never noticed before," he commented, "And you?

"It was different than I imagined. I liked it but it wasn't as good as playing with you." she blushed. He tilted his head and she added, "No love like with you." He kissed her softly. "The hottest part was watching you watch me. You were so turned on. I am surprised you weren't stroking yourself." She said.

"Are you really surprised, Mon Etoile?" He asked, "You know why though." She raised an eyebrow. "You're the only woman that sees that now. It is only for you," he smiled.

Evie ran her fingers down his belly, "Only for me?"

He took her hand and placed it lower, "You and only you. I don’t want anyone else."

"Show me, Beso" she purred, "I want you to show me again and again."

June 19th-NHL awards- Mandalay Bay Events Center

"Mr. Crosby, right this way" the public relations assistant instructed. Sidney let go of Evie's hand and took a step toward the red carpet before he turned back.

"I will go as quickly as possible," he spoke softly.

"Take your time" she smiled, "I will be right here."

He turned and looked down the red carpet. It was filled with couples posing for photos and players doing interviews. He spun around and marched back to Evie. He grabbed her head and pulled her towards the red carpet. "Come with me, Evie," he called back to her.

She stumbled slightly before righting herself before stammering, "Beso, are you sure? Don't you need to run it by someone? How do I look?"

Sidney led them to the first photo mark. He grabbed and spoke confidently, "Yes, I am sure I want to show off my future wife. Why do I need to run it by anyone? You are the most beautiful woman on earth. It is impossible for you to look anything but gorgeous. Now breathe and smile."

They turned together and faced the cameras. A wave of "Sid, Sid, Sid" hit them followed by "this way, this way." He led them to the second photo mark and they repeated the routine. "Sid, who is the girl?" Sidney smiled and ignored the question one time. "Come on Sid, who's the girl?" the photographers repeated.

Sid turned to Evie. She turned when she felt his gaze. They shared a smile before he turned back. "This is Evie, my girlfriend," he beamed.

They walked the remainder of the photography portion before pausing to wait there. The assistant asked quickly, "Evie, I need your last name. I am sure that I will get questions about it."

Evie gulped, "Montgomery. Evelyn Montgomery."

"Great. Now Mr. Crosby, you know the drill. I will be guiding you through each media station. Will Ms. Montgomery join you for the interviews?" The assistant quizzed.

Sidney smiled and squeezed her hand, "Yes- yes, she will."

Evie's head swiveled to him, "What? What am I supposed to say?"

Sidney caressed her cheek, "Stand, smile and look gorgeous. If they ask you a question, answer it. You are more articulate and witty than ninety five percent of the people attending."

For a moment, Evie forgot where they were and she leaned into his caress. The assistant cleared her throat. "Okay, first one up."

Through five interviews, Evie stood and listened to Sidney being interviewed as the consummate professional. He spoke about the early playoff exit, his thoughts of the season and hopes for the next season.

During the sixth interview, the subject of Sidney's European trip was broached. He spoke of his time with Mike, but absolutely beamed when he mentioned Evie joining him to travel through Bavaria and Switzerland. The reporter turned to Evie and asked, "What is it like to travel with road warrior like Sidney?"

"Well, this was certainly different than his typical travels so he was much more relaxed than normal. I think the fact there was zero chance of being checked into the boards helped," she joked.

"It was definitely the company- much prettier than my teammates," he laughed.

"I don't know. Letang is pretty damn pretty," Evie countered.

"True, true- sorry Tanger," Sidney smiled and pulled closer into his body.

The assistant interrupted and ushered them into their final interview. The male reporter peppered Sidney with the usual questions. The reporter then turned to Evie. "Tyler Seguin was bragging about beating Sid and Nate at golf yesterday. He did admit that your double eagle sealed the deal. Sidney is notorious for his competitive streak..How did he handle the loss?" He asked.

Evie paused and looked at Sidney before answering, "First, Tyler is being far too kind to me. Tyler secured the team win. My double-eagle sealed my win over Sidney." He playfully rolled his eyes. "In regards to Sidney’s passionate approach to any competition, he is working on limiting it to the ice. He handled his loss with much grace and humility," she continued.

"I won't let her play against me in the future," Sidney smiled.

The reporter asked, "You didn't choose her to be on your team,? Big mistake!"

"I know!" Sidney laughed.

"In his defense, he wasn't aware of my golf experience, particularly my state championship and scholarship to Tech," she interjected.

"You hustled ME!" Sidney exclaimed.

"There that's competitive spirit we all know and love," the reporter joked. Sidney blushed and the assistant ushered them away.

"That was great. You complement each other very well," the assistant gushed. "You'll head in now. I will come get for your part on stage," she instructed.

After their exit, the media turned to each other in a state of shock. Did the notoriously private Sidney Crosby not only walk the red carpet but also laugh and joke during interviews?

AFTER THE AWARDS

"Come on Evie" Sidney yelled from the bar, "We are doing shots!" She walked over and took the shot from his hand. Sidney raised his shot, "To my Star- Evie- I love you!!!"

Evie blushed and downed the shot. Sidney was uncharacteristically jovial thanks to 4 rounds of shots and 5 beers. So far, he had kept his horniness under control. The group had migrated from the events center to the casino.

Sidney picked up Evie and spun her around. "Evie, I have had the best time tonight," he said excitedly.

"Beso, I am so glad," she kissed his cheek.

"I love you, Mon étoile," he whispered into her ear, "I can't wait until you're my wife. I want you to be my wife."

"I know, Beso. I can't wait to be your wife either," she whispered as he squeezed her tighter.

Sidney looked around and his eyes lit up. "Wait,' he exclaimed, "We don't have to wait! We are in Vegas. We can get married right now."

Evie laughed, "Get married now? Are you serious?"

Sidney sat her feet back on the ground and squatted to look into her eyes, "Yes, let's do it. There is no reason to wait. I love you and you love me. Let's get married."

Evie looked around frantically. Her mind raced with a million different thoughts going in a million different directions. She turned and stared into Sidney's eyes. "I don't know, Beso," she said softly.

Sidney grabbed her hand and pulled her to the roulette table. "Let's bet. If we win, it's a sign to get married. If we don't win, we take another shot and go upstairs and fuck until the sun comes up," he proposed.

"What number and color?" She asked. She was half-convinced that this was the rantings of a drunk and horny man.

"29- it is my dad and Taylor's number. Red for Canada," he said matter-of-factly.

"Holy shit, Beso" she gasped, "Let's bet." Evie smiled at the impulsivity of the idea.

Sidney reached into his pocket and took a red, five dollar chip out. He placed it on the square as croupier called for bets. He spun the wheel and then spun the ball. It bounced around the wheel.

Sidney grabbed Evie's hand as they both watched the ball several more times before landing in the red 29 slot.

The croupier announced "29, red, odd'. Evie and Sidney both stared in disbelief before jumping up and down, "We won! We won!" Sidney yelled, "We're getting married!"

Evie yelled back, "What do we do now?"

He grabbed her hand and they raced to the VIP concierge desk, leaving the group in the dust. Evie paced excitedly as Sidney explained the situation. Within minutes, they were in a town car headed to the Clark County marriage bureau.

Together they snuggled and giggled in the back seat of the car. Evie hummed "Going to the Chapel" while Sidney googled twenty four wedding chapels. "Mon Etoile, do you want Elvis to marry us or we can do the mob wedding?" He asked.

She looked over at his phone, "Those are the only options?"

"They have traditional ceremonies too,"

"What do you prefer?" She asked.

"Elvis," He smiled.

"Sounds good," she answered as they pulled up to the marriage bureau.

Despite the late hour, there was a lobby full of couples waiting to apply for their marriage licenses. One of the perks of Nevada was the ability to obtain a marriage license the day of your ceremony. Sidney took a number. It was 87. They smiled to each other and they found a spot to wait.

Sidney looked around the room and observed the others waiting. Attire ranged from shorts and flip-flops to formal dresses. He looked at Evie in her green sequined dress with the split to her thigh. It wasn't exactly the wedding dress he had been envisioning since Valentine’s Day.

He remembered the ballroom at the Fairmont and how beautifully Adriana had decorated it. The memory of their dance to "At Last" made him smile. He looked over at Evie.

She was looking around the room as well. Evie watched the people. There some couples huddled together, ready to begin their new lives. Other couples were surrounded by a few friends. A few, though, were surrounded by large groups of families and friends. Evie's mind drifted to Adriana and Mateo. She had assumed that they would accompany her to pick out her dress.

Then she thought of Trina and Troy. What would they think about missing their son's wedding? She knew that, obviously, her parents would not be there but she looked forward to Troy's reassuring presence to ease her nerves. He was, after all, the closest thing she had to a father.

She felt the tightness in her chest and the lump form in her throat. Tears formed quickly. "Number 87" the clerk called. Sidney squeezed her hand and she looked up.

"Evie?" Sidney whispered.

She opened her mouth to speak and closed it. She looked around again and spoke quietly, "I don't want to get married tonight."

He blinked and squeezed her hand. She spoke again, "I don't want to get married here. I am sorry, Beso. I know we won the bet, and then got your number and those were signs."

He kissed her, "Me either."

"Why?" She questioned.

"I want the big wedding. You deserve the princess dress. I want to watch you walk down the aisle," he asserted.

"Oh" she said.

"And you?" He asked.

"I want our family there- your mom, dad and sister. I want to dance with Adriana and Mateo. I want your team there and Nate," she explained.

"Number 87" the clerk called again.

They turned and looked. Sidney stood up and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his hand. Together they walked out of the lobby to the sidewalk. Sidney suddenly stopped and pulled her to him.

"I love you, Evie," he spoke softly before he kissed her. "I DO want to marry you, just not tonight."

"I know, Beso," she returned his kiss.

"What should we do now?" He asked.

"There is always plan B," she laughed.

"Which was?" He asked.

"Go back to the suite and fuck all night," she reminded him.

"Oh yeah," he laughed, "Plan.B works."

THE NEXT MORNING-June 20th- Sidney and Evie's hotel suite

Sidney woke up and immediately reached for Evie. Her spot in the bed was cold to the touch. He raised up on his elbows and searched the room for her. "Mon Etoile?" He called without an answer. Slowly he got out of bed and walked into other room. He found her curled up on the gray velvet couch.

"Hey," He said as he walked to the couch, "What time it it?

She quickly wiped her tears and turned to him, "It's a little after eight."

He sat next to her, "Evie, why are you crying?" He placed his hands on her cheeks, "Are you upset about last night?"

She shook her head, "The almost wedding?" He nodded yes. She leaned her cheek into his right hand, "No, it was a fun little adventure but we made the right decision."

"Then what is it?" He asked gently.

"I just got sad when I remembered that it's our last day together," she sighed.

They were set to leave that afternoon on a flight back to Pittsburgh. Sidney would leave early tomorrow morning to head to Nova Scotia. They would be apart for two weeks before Evie flew up for the weekend. After ten full days together, the separation would be especially painful.

"I understand. Can I make a comment?" He whispered.

"Of course," she whispered back.

"Tomorrow is going to bad, but today doesn't have to be," he looked into her eyes. "We had bad day before left each other last month," he smiled, "I don't want to repeat that. I have you for another twenty hours. Let's make the most of it."

"Okay, Beso," she returned his smile, "Twenty four more hours together. No more tears."

"That's my good girl," he teased.

"Mmmmm, Beso," she laid back and pulled him on top of her.

"Yes, Evie?" He kissed her neck.

"You know what that does to me," she moaned, "Oh God, what you do to me."

"What do you want me to do to you?" He panted as he spread her legs with his massive thigh.

"Anything you want, Beso," she whimpered as her hips rocked against his thigh.

"I am going to fuck you again and then treat you like my princess all day," he whispered into her ear, "That's what I want to do to you."

"Yes,please," she replied as he slid into her wetness.

"I love you my princess," he reminded her as he fucked her deeply but slowly.

"Not as much as I love you," she kissed, "Not as much as I love you."

Later, after a leisurely bath, Sidney and Evie dressed casually for a stroll down the strip. They held hands as they walked through the Luxor Casino. They went out and made their way down Las Vegas Blvd.

At a souvenir shop on the Strip, Evie picked out three Christmas ornaments for their trees in Pittsburgh and Nova Scotia. Sidney selected a picture frame for Evie’s office.

At lunch time, Sidney surprised Evie by taking to the Eiffel Tower restaurant for a late brunch. Over their waffles and bellinis, Sidney described Paris to her. He excitedly explained all of the placed he wanted to take her.

She grinned, "Did you think of me the entire time?"

He kissed her hand, "Evie, with the exception of when I am on the ice during a game, I am ALWAYS thinking of you."

"Evie……" he whispered, "Do you want me to take you there next summer? On our honeymoon?"

She smiled and shrugged. He paid the check and they left the restaurant. Sidney tried to entice her into a shopping spree at Caesars Palace forum shops, but she politely declined. Sidney raised an eyebrow, "Princess….."

"Mr. Crosby, do I need to remind you of the five thousand dollars that you spent in addition to the club tab?" She reminded him.

"Princess, you will let me spoil you," he playfully grabbed her hand and smacked her ass.

She grinned, "If you insist."

One hour later, they had significant damage on his black card at Agent Provocateur and Christian Louboutin. On the way back out to the Strip, they passed the Jimmy Choo store. Evie walked passed without pausing. She was nearly a full store away when Sidney called her name. She turned around and saw him staring at the shoe display.

She walked back slowly, "Beso, do you see some shoes you like?"

He pointed a pair of evening pumps

They were a modified Mary Jane style covered in crystals and small pearls. The strap across the top of the foot was covered in larger pearls. He looked up at Evie and smiled. "They're stunning. Don't you think Evie?" He questioned.

She stepped closer, "They are gorgeous, Beso." Delicately, she picked up the shoe and examined it carefully. The craftsmanship was impeccable. She glanced at the almost three thousand dollar price tag and put it down swiftly. She turned to walk away.

"You don't want them, Evie?" He asked.

"No, I don't," she stated.

"Why not?" He quizzed.

"They are three thousand dollar shoes. I don't need three thousand dollar shoes, especially those shoes," she answered tersely.

"Why especially these shoes?" He asked with confusion in his voice.

She stepped close to him and whispered, "Those are bridal shoes. I don't need bridal shoes- much less, three thousand dollar bridal shoes."

"I think you should try them on," he suggested.

"Beso, are you listening to me?" She pleaded. He tilted his head and looked legitimately confused. "There are limits to how much spoiling I can take. It gives me anxiety to spend money like this," she explained, "You love to do it. I get that, but there is only so much I can accept before I start feeling like a gold digger."

"Evie," he interjected, "You are not a gold digger."

"I said FEEL like a gold digger," she explained, "It has been a lot over the past couple of months- the shopping spree, the trip to Europe, the trip here, etc."

"Okay, I understand," he bent down and kissed her gently, "I have no limits and you do. I respect your limits."

"The shoes are amazing though" she whispered.

"So when does the spoiling limit reset? A day? week? Inquiring minds want to know," he teased.

"I am walking away now," she smiled "but it's longer than a day, shorter than a year." She turned and walked away, leaving Sidney literally holding the shopping bags.

"It's okay, Princess. I've got these," he called to her as she sashayed away from him.

"I have faith you in Mr. Crosby," she called back.

Fifteen minutes later, they stood on the Strip debating what to do next. Sidney lobbied for the leisurely gondola ride while Evie lobbied in favor of the Rollercoaster at New York, New York hotel. In the end, the cuddle possibilities won out.

As the gondola pushed off from the indoor "dock" Evie leaned back against Sidney’s chest. Both stretched their legs out in front of them. Sidney’s hand found Evie's hand and caressed it with his thumb. They hummed as they enjoyed the leisurely ride.

"So who is a better ride partner, Beso? Mike or me?" She joked.

"Definitively you, but Venice had better views," he laughed. "Maybe we can go back next summer," he added.

Evie didn't respond at first. He felt a distinct chill come over her, but she kept a steady and calm surface demeanor.

"Or not," he said quietly. She sighed deeply. "What's going on Evie? I thought we were going to have no tears today," he spoke softly.

"I am not sad, Beso. I am frustrated," she said meekly.

"Why?" He asked, "What did I do?"

"It's not something that you did intentionally," she sighed again. 'Let's just talk about it another time."

"No, tell me," he insisted.

She sat up and twisted around to face him. "Are we engaged or not?" She blurted out quickly.

Sidney blinked and paused before speaking, "You know we aren't, Evie."

"Then why do you act like we are? Between the "almost wedding" last night, all the honeymoon talk and you trying to buy me bridal shoes, it is confusing as hell." She spoke quickly, "I get it. You want me to know your intentions. You want to make sure that I know that you aren't going to dump me like Thad. But it makes me feel confused and disappointed."

"Confused? Disappointed?" He questioned.

"Do we need to book a venue? I mean, you keep talking about next summer but things have to be planned, Beso," she rambled, "Should I start looking at dresses? I don't want to be the girl at the bridal soon with no ring. It makes me feel desperate and pushy"

"Look, you want me to marry you, ask me to marry you" she stated, "Until then, I don't want to talk about it anymore." Sidney grabbed her hand and squeezed. "You want to talk about our future life- great, but no more wedding talk until we are officially engaged."

"I didn't mean to confuse you. I hate that you feel that way," he said as he pulled him to his chest.

"It wasn't intentional, Beso. I know it wasn't," she nuzzled her face into his chest, "I feel better now that I said something."

The gondola pulled back to the dock and Evie groaned lightly. Sidney reached into his wallet and pulled out some cash. "One more time around, please," Then he pulled her onto his chest. She smiled and snuggled into him.

"So tell me what there is to do in Nova Scotia when I get there," she asked.

Sidney smiled and started telling about summer in his hometown.

June 21st- Pittsburgh International Airport

Evie stood to the side of the check-in desk at the Pittsburgh International as Sidney checked his luggage for his flight to Halifax. He turned and walked to her. He wrapped his arms around her petite frame and lifted her into a tight hug.

"Beso? How much longer?" She whispered.

"I need to get through security in the next five minutes," he replied calmly.

"Okay," she replied softly.

"Baby Girl, no tears, remember," he reminded her.

"Yes, Daddy" she smiled and kissed his cheek, "Will you hold me until it's time?"

"Yes, Baby Girl," he squeezed her tight, "Tell me what was your favorite part of our adventure? What will you remember it forever?"

"I'll remember all of it forever, but my favorite part was you. You will always be my favorite part of life," she kissed him softly.

"You stole my answer, Evie. You stole my answer," He kissed her deeply until it was time to go. "Evie, it's time," he said in a hushed tone.

"Okay, have a safe flight. Text me when you get home. Give lots of hugs to your family until I get there," she hugged him tight.

He walked through the security gate and turned to wave to her. She waved back and blew a kiss. He dramatically caught it and drew his hands to his heart.

She turned to go. "Two weeks," she thought to herself, "I can do two weeks."