*Background: Tassiana has been invited to co-host "Inside the Glass" with Pierre McGuire during the Bruins-Pens game.She has only covered one other game before tonight, but did not get the chance to talk to the Captain. Sidney has noticed her before, but has never had a real conversation with this new reporter.


"Hey." I turned to see that Sidney had sat down at the end of the bench next to Deryk. "Oh, hi Sidney!"

"It's Sid" he said with a little shrug. A second later he flashed a small smile, letting me know that he didn't mind my slip up, even though he had already told me on more than one occasion to call him "Sid."

"Sid, right, got it. Sorry about that." Embarrassed, I couldn't make eye contact for more than a couple seconds. I looked away, then down, letting my hair fall in front of my face, attempting to hide my blush.

"No biggie" he said with a smile. "Have fun! I would wish you luck, but I know you don't need any; I've seen you in action - you're a pro," he said with a chuckle. "But seriously," his face suddenly serious. "If any of them," motioning to the Bruins' bench, "give you any trouble, let me know and we'll take care of it." He looked at me intensely, waiting for a response. Beside him Engelland nodded, backing up Sid's promise to defend me.

"Umm, thanks. I think I'll be alright and if not, I'll put them in their place," I said, trying to sound confident. Wait, what?! Were they going to make a fool out of me on national television?

Sid looked like he was trying to smile, like my response reassured him of the fact that I actually knew what I was getting myself into and I wasn't just a dumb broad. "Nice. I'm sure you can give them a hit they will remember. But seriously, we take care of each other around here, so if any one of those guys gives you any crap, let us know. Alright?"

Now I was the one who couldn't muster up a real smile. Except my reason was because I was confused, not worried. Or whatever Sid was feeling. "We?each other?" What was this boy talking about?

"Yeah, us. Us Penguins. We're a family and we watch out for one another. You're here, so we watch out for you. You are part of the Penguins organization; therefore, you're family. And no one messes with family."

He stared at me and I had to look away, my face burning. God, I didn't know if I wanted to jump over the wall to hug or fuck him. Probably a mix of both.

I tried making eye contact but it was a struggle. Why couldn't I act professional? Veryyyy professional Tessie. Just what you need, everyone thinking you're a thirsty tramp. I was bound to get fired one of these days for blushing while doing in interview.

"Ohh umm, well then....." My brain went into overdrive trying to form a simple sentence. "Thank you Sid. That's really nice of you to say, but I don't exactly work for y'all. Honestly I don't know who I am 'officially' working for tonight," I said with a smile, my blush fading. Thank you lord. I wasn't religious at all, but I had been thanking some holy power above quite a lot the last few months. Maybe I should starting going to temple more, or at least start meditating a bit or whatever people do to feel more in touch with the world, I thought to myself. Nahhhh, I'd probably make up excuses not to. Typical me.

"But I'm glad I'm part of the Penguins' organization. It really does seem like one big, happy family," I said with a genuine smile. I'm almost positive I was also glowing, if only just the smallest bit.

"It is! You'll never want to leave." He giggled a bit.

No, not the giggle! It made me love him even more!

He continued, still in a light-hearted mood. "Boston, not so much." His eyes scanned the crowd, stopping at center ice. "Make Pittsburgh proud."

Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that night while I was sitting on the ice between the two benches. "You too! I'm not allowed to take sides, especially not tonight, but hypothetically, if I were to, I'd cheer for you guys."

"Wow, that is quite the compliment! Thanks, that'll help me when I'm on the ice," he said
sarcastically but kindly. He gave me one last look before standing up.

Before he turned away, I mouthed, "Go Pens."

With a smirk he walked away, making his way down the bench.


- Sidney -
FUCKKKK, that blush was going to be the death of me.

I obviously couldn't tell her that the entire Bruins bench wanted to have a one-on-one interview with her in the bathroom, and that half the guys would fuck her if they had to chance. Did I really think anything would happen to her? Physically, no. Emotionally, yes. Over the years I had seen my fair share of sexually uncomfortable encounters between players and reporters. Reporters half as beautiful and twice the age of Tessie. Reporters that had been in the industry for forever, who had thought they had seen, and heard, everything. I had no doubt one of these guys would say something inappropriate, and I was afraid of how she would handle it. Of course she had worked with your typical college football players, and she seemed fine working with the Steelers.....

"No biggie," I said, brushing it off. She could call me whatever she wanted. "Have fun! I would wish you luck, but I know you don't need any; I've seen you in action - you're a pro." A pro? Who the fuck says "pro" anymore?! Real smooth Sid, real smooth. Over Tessie's shoulder I saw Chara watching us. Focused, I let her know that she could come to us if anything happened. I knew the guys would be more than happy to take care of any problems.

We talked for a few more minutes before I had to get back. I wished her luck and stood and turned, but not before I caught her mouthing the words, "Go Pens!" Damn, this girl was too much! I wonder what other words I could get her to mouth. I wonder if she's quiet, or if she'd scream my name. I turned and hurried back to the team, glad for my uniform's thick padding.

Notes

I didn't mention it before, but Tassiana sometimes goes by "Tessie" (it'll all be explained).
Chapter 1 should be up by the end of the week.
I hope you liked it : )