The Games We Play

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One Day until the Wedding
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James and Ali walked amongst the chaos of caterers, decorators, and planners as they hustled about here and there, making sure all final preparations were made in the banquet hall. Men dressed in black dress shirts and dress pants were setting out dining wear, while women in white shirts and black pants set about vases of tall purple and white flowers at each of the tables. The clanking of tables being set up echoed all around them in the grand room.

“All this for us, babe.” James squeezed Ali’s hand and smiled. “But mostly for you.”

Ali felt her heart flutter a little. “For us. That’s what this is about, eh?”

“Eh?” He smiled. “I’ll convert you yet, it seems.”

They walked towards the stage area where the wedding party would sit. Slightly elevated from the guests across the main floor, Ali and James would sit front and center, with her bridesmaids flanking one side, and James’ groomsmen flanking along the other side.

The first several round tables surrounding the stage belonged to immediate family and most of the Pittsburgh Penguin team, coaches and players alike.

From there, at least fifty more tables that sat 6 people each fanned out in all directions, with a dance floor purposely left open in the center of the immense room.

This was where James and Ali stood. They remained far enough out of the road of everyone working about them, so as not to disrupt as they went about their business.

“Mr. Neal!”

James and Ali turned to see one of the directors hustling towards them. He was a short, middle aged man with salt and pepper hair and a bald spot on the top of his head. Round glasses sat on the bridge of his nose, and his ruddy cheeks were lifted in cheer.

“Such a pleasure to meet you” he said, shaking James’ hand. “My name is Ian, I’m with the hotel, facilitating everything going on that you see. And this must be the lovely bride?”

Ali shook his hand. “You’re too kind.”

“Is everything going smoothly?” James asked.

“Everything is set and ready to go. Your rehearsal dinner items will be prepared tomorrow morning, ready for your 4 o’clock deadline.”

Ali smiled up at James, excitement coursing through her. This is really happening. My wedding. OUR wedding. It is really, actually happening.

“And you’ll be relieved to know, Miss Diserelli,” Ian said, turning to her now. “That your cake is currently chilling, and has sustained no travel injuries, as we like to say.”

She was relieved. They had splurged and gone for what Ali deemed as a ridiculously sized wedding cake, with two smaller (or what would be consider ‘normal sized’ cakes) that would sit on either side of the main cake. This would ensure all the guests received at least one slice. Instead of going for a purple-themed cake, they decided to give a nod to the Pens, and ordered the center tiered cake to have black and gold detailing.

“And music?” James nodded towards the area near the entryway. “All set up?”

“You bet.”

“Guess we really have nothing to worry about, then” James said with a laugh. He and Ali’s eyes met and their smiles grew.

“Thank you, Ian. It looks beautiful so far.” Ali glanced around as the room continued coming together before their eyes. “I can’t wait to see the final product.”

Ian seemed pleased; his friendly eyes and large smile were beaming as the couple watched the workers about them.

“Here’s my card.” He handed James a business card and shook his hand once more. “Just let me know, any time, if you need anything. Even on the big day.”

“We can’t thank you enough, Ian.”

The caterer left them alone in the middle of the commotion once more. Even with the amount of bodies moving to and fro, James and Ali felt as though they were alone. The heavy weight of the moment hung over them, and they both felt it. Over the next two days, they’d be surrounded by hundreds of friends and family members, jostled here and there, going at 150% nonstop until the wedding was officially over.

So as they stood alone in the center of the ballroom, they used this moment to breathe it all in.

“What do you think?” Ali glanced up at James, who seemed to be deep in thought.

“I think it’s going to be pretty bad ass.”

Ali giggled. “Me too, actually.”

“We’re rolling VIP style, even.”

“We are the ones getting married, babe.”

They looked at one another and laughed.

“Sorry” James replied, scratching at his hair. “Even now, I’m still trying to get used to all of this.”

Ali patted him on the back, her fingers coming to rest on his belt as she hooked one finger under the leather. “You’re not alone, trust me.” She tugged on the waist of his jeans. “Come with me for a sec.”

James followed as Ali went over to the table where her and James’ parents would be sitting. White place cards were set out with names written black calligraphy stating who sat where. Little purple satin bows adorned one corner of each card, adding to the color theme of their wedding.

Ali let her hands loosely flow over the backs of each chair, examining where everyone was sitting. A table for aunts and uncles and cousins, several tables for more hometown friends, even more for college friends and their significant others…they were all there.

“Oh boy.” Ali lifted one of the place cards. “Check this out.”

James walked over and looked at the name. “That’s your old roommate, right?”

“Piper, yeah.” She set the name card down and picked up another. “And this is Maggie, who were had to add as our third roommate because the damn rent for our apartment went up in the middle of junior year.” Setting the card back down, Ali stepped sideways to the adjacent table and picked up a card. She held the name out so James could see. “And do you see who they’re next to?”

“Oh shit!” James barked a laugh. He saw Michael Del Zotto’s name on the card. When he looked at the other place cards, he realized what Ali was hinting at. “Your girls are sitting right next to my boys!”

“Did you do that on purpose!?”

“I told them as long as they had the family up front, they could put whoever they wanted, wherever they wanted.” He shrugged. “Guess we’ll see how many hookups happen now!”

Ali had to laugh. The girls she lived with in college were some of her closest friends, and while they didn’t keep in touch as much as she’d like these days, the thought of them and some of her other friends sitting that close to NHL players? Only trouble could come from that arrangement.

Setting Del Zotto’s card back on the table, Ali gave a content sigh. “This should be one interesting reception.”

* * *

The following morning, James and Ali slept in. It was the last morning they’d get to sleep in before the wedding, and they promised themselves the night before that no alarms would be set, and no rushing would be allowed once theywere up.

The day would prove to be insane. All of their planning had come to this, and it began with the rehearsal dinner later that afternoon. Everyone in the immediate family was in town now, with more friends and family arriving by the hour into the city. It was a lot to consider, and Ali tried to push back any anxiety she felt whenever she let the wheel in her mind start to spin.

When she awoke, James’ arm was draped over her waist as she lay on her side, his body pressed against her back. Lying there with him, Ali tried to focus wholly on how safe and comfortable she felt in his arms. She could feel his breath, slow and steady, on the back of her neck. His heart beat against her back, her legs cupped in his. Ali never wanted to leave this spot.

James didn’t either. The minute he woke up with his face close to Ali’s and his body close to hers, he couldn’t think of a better place to be.

“Morning.” He pressed a gentle kiss against her smooth shoulder.

Ali smiled and sunk into his arms even further. “Good morning.”

“Big day today.”

“Bigger day tomorrow.” She felt James’ lips on her neck now and she closed her eyes. “Tickles.”

“Shhh.” He kissed her again, his lips very softly sucking her skin.

If he keeps doing that, it’s going to be a big morning…

Ali felt James’ nose run up the back of her neck to her hairline, his mouth dragging along her skin, which was warming one degree per second.

“James…”

“Shhh. Just enjoy.”

It felt incredibly good. Almost too good. Ali was getting exactly what she wanted, and even more than what she expected when she first woke up. All the stresses and anxieties of the day were melting away with every pass of James’ mouth along her body. He retracted his hand so that it was no longer loosely draped over her waist, but was now gripping the soft flesh there. His fingers pressed hard, his teeth taking a tiny nip at her neck.

Jesus Christ, Ali thought. I need this….I so, so, so need this…

It was like James read her mind in that instant. The hand that gripped her waist was now sliding down the length of her thigh, gently shifting it to the side. Next thing Ali knew, his hand was running along her wet slit.

James smiled against Ali’s neck when he heard a small moan escape. He slipped one finger inside her warmth, feeling her body tense up slightly. “Relax.”

Ali moaned again. James’ whisper was hot against her skin just as her body was hot around his finger. Slowly pumping into her, Ali felt her hips move subtly in response to his hand. Kisses continued along her spine, causing a chill to spread over her despite how hot she felt.

“More” she sighed.

“Not so fast.”

Fucker always needs control. He’s going to kill me at this rate if he doesn’t st—

A moan caught in her throat as she felt a second finger slip inside, spreading her tightness further. “Babe…”

James pumped his fingers in her harder, his increased force causing her hips to move even more. It was getting difficult for him to focus now, and soon he’d need more as well.

“I need you” Ali begged, her voice barely a whimper. She felt James’ fingers withdraw suddenly and her leg shoved forward even further to expose more of her pussy. James pressed the head of his dick against her folds, hearing Ali exhaled as he pushed into her.

“Fuck, babe.” He closed his eyes as the familiar warmth of Ali’s body spread over him. Her body tensed again, but quickly accommodated to his size as he began to move his hips slowly. Together, they found a slow rhythm, and James tilted Ali’s face back so their mouths could connect. “So good” he breathed, his hips working harder now as Ali’s pussy loosened for him.

“You are” she said, a smile coming to her face. James also grinned, but there was a lingering intensity in his eyes, still visible in the low morning light. He attacked everything with that intensity, whether it was on the ice or off. His relentless concentration and power was nothing but a benefit for Ali since day one.

James slid his hand along the dip of Ali’s waist up to her breast, gripping it hard as his hips worked her. Her ass fit perfectly in his lap, so with every thrust he felt every inch of her bottom half against his own. She felt so good over him that he had to bite her shoulder to keep from cumming. The intimacy of the position, the closeness of their bodies, the heat of their skin…it was enough of a recipe to cause the both of them to let go quicker than they would’ve liked. There was an urgency there; both Ali and James needed one another equally to release the build-up of excitement and nervousness that had been increasing steadily for the past few days.

It all came crashing down when James doubled his pace, the pads of his fingers digging into Ali’s flesh as he pushed himself hard and fast inside. With his other hand, he held Ali by the throat, sucking on her shoulder and biting whenever a thrust felt especially good. He felt her moans against his hand, her breasts bouncing against his arm as he held her.

James left Ali feeling so full, so completely engrossed by him and the moment and the sensations that were overtaking her body, that she finally had to let go. Her body rocked, and James’ hand held her in place, holding her so he could feel her body respond to every move he was delivering.

Even as Ali finished and James felt the last contractions of her pussy over his cock, he stole a few final thrusts before he drove it home. He buried himself as far as he could into the body he loved so much, into the depths of the woman he never wanted to part from, and felt the sweet release of his tension empty inside her.

As they came down from their high, their bodies still stuck together and now with a light sheen of sweat between them, both Ali and James turned their heads so that their eyes could meet. Ali laughed softly, lifting a tired hand up to James’ cheek.

“I needed that.”

James took her hand and kissed it. “You always do.”

“So do you.”

“Guilty” he breathed, his smirk widening.

Their eyes remained locked on one another as their breathing came down. James kissed Ali’s hand again; this time, he kissed her ring finger.

“Big day today” he said.

Ali smiled. “Even bigger day tomorrow.”

* * *

The whole gang was there. Parents, family, and of course…several Pittsburgh Penguins. They stood around the outdoor venue where the wedding would be held, most of them in casual clothing but a few (namely the parents) were somewhat more dressed up for the rehearsal than the others.

The decorations for the venue were set: white chairs set about on both sides of a flat stone walkway, which would serves as the aisle. At the head of the ceremony stood an archway covered in vines; their tiny pointed leaves woven through lattice from the ground-up. Tall trees enclosed the entire area where the wedding would be held, serving as a border to enclose the area in a more intimate setting.

This was ultimately the reason the couple chose the location: it was one of Pittsburgh’s most historic gardens, and Ali wanted trees. The more natural the setting the better, and this fit the bill in many ways. White gauzy fabric hung from invisible wire above the center of the aisle and draped outwards toward the trees on each side. Tiny clear lights illuminated from inside the suspended fabric, giving a twinkling effect over all of the guests.

Ali thought it was magical. She walked down the aisle in her patent leather black flats and simple navy-colored halter dress, feeling the fabric along the seats and touching the flowers that were adorned on each chair that lined the aisle.

It really is like a dream, she thought. How the fuck am I ever going to get through this without ruining my makeup?

At the front of the venue stood James and his groomsmen, receiving instructions from the pastor who would be performing the ceremony. He looked over momentarily to see Ali walking along, her eyes floating over all the details that had finally come together. She had a dreamy, far-away look, and her eyes were happy. It made James inhale deeply, feeling more content than ever with what was about to happen. She’s happy, and that makes me happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I want my girl to be happy.

While the men received their directions, Ali eventually circled back towards where her girls stood. They had been watching her as well, knowing all too well how excited she must be.

“You okay?” Julie asked her, her voice cheerful. “Because you look like you could float away at any moment.”

Ali couldn’t help but smile. “It’s like I’m already in a dream, Jul. Can you believe it?”

Her friend shook her head, her blond curls gently lifting in the afternoon breeze. “Honestly? It seems like it was just yesterday you two were exchanging numbers.” She pursed her lips together, trying to contain the happiness she felt for Ali. “And now look!”

Ali did. Her eyes found James again at the head of the aisle. He stood with his guys, paying attention to every word the pastor spoke, but cracking a joke here and there as his laughter could be heard now and then. He stood there now in just jeans and a button down shirt; the same James that Ali saw day in and day out. Tomorrow, it would be that very same sloppy boy who screamed comfort and talent all at once, but he would be dressed in a tux and would have a ring on his finger.

Their ring.
Her ring.

Their life.

Ali exhaled hard. Stop or you’ll start crying now. She was thankful there was a breeze in the air, even if it was a warm one. The forecast, if it held, would be perfect for what they were about to do…and most importantly, for the wedding the next day. Temperatures were forecast to be in the upper 70s to low 80s with a light breeze and plenty of sun mixed with afternoon clouds.

With the fear of precipitation out of the picture, the wedding party was free to enjoy the rehearsal and all of its ups and downs, not to mention its many humorous moments. Getting five hockey players to line up and proceed down an aisle with a straight face proved to be the most difficult task of the afternoon.

It was also hard for most of the girls to hold it together as they paired up and walked down the aisle with good looking hockey players. Julie came first with Peter, separating at the head of the aisle to their respective sides. Next was Mary Anne and Nick, then Molly and Geno, and finally, Rebecca and Sid. Brittany was last, and she and Mike linked arms and walked down the aisle together.

Behind, Ali watched as the two made their way slowly along the stone, the pastor helping to keep them at a slow pace. Mike must have said something to her under his breath, because Ali watched Brittany throw her head back and laugh.

Go figure, Ali thought with a smirk. Mike. Always the charmer.

“You ready, pumpkin?”

Ali looked over at her father, who looked as if he might cry right then and there. “I think so” she replied, taking his hand in hers. “Nervous, though.”

“Just wait ‘til tomorrow” Jeff said with a smile. “But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t trip.”

“Can we have the bride, please?” the pastor called.

Ali felt her father’s arm link in hers and she suddenly could focus on nothing else but James’ face. It was like she was in a tunnel; everyone else was fuzzy except for the prize waiting at the end of the walkway.

Holy fuck. This is happening. Tomorrow. It’s going down. This is actually happening.

Her father took the first step, literally pulling Ali along at first. She giggled and rolled her eyes at herself, even as her father cracked a little laugh.

“Sorry, Daddy.”

“You’re distracted, I know.” He winked at her.

She definitely was. James turned, along with all the girls and the groomsmen, to watch her move down the aisle.

This is happening tomorrow. All of this.

Sid was smiling at her, a knowing look in his eyes. Mike was grinning from ear to ear.

This isn’t even the real thing yet. Just practice. Why do I feel like I might pass out?

“A little slower, please.” The pastor was smiling from ear to ear. “Have to make it through the music” he teased.

This notion brought Ali back to earth, and finally, when they reached the end of the aisle, she felt her father press a kiss to her cheek. He went and stood with Wendy and the Neals, while Ali took James’ arm in hers.

“Not bad” he whispered.

Ali smiled. “Just wait ‘til tomorrow.”

* * *

The rehearsal dinner following their practice at the gardens proved to be a much more relaxed atmosphere. James and Ali were surrounded by friends and family, and even a few more of James’ NHL buddies who he invited to join at the dinner. There was more than enough food, so the extra company was gladly received. It helped to further calm the nerves that both Ali and James were feeling.

When the wedding party arrived at the ballroom and met up with the other guests who were already there, Ali was surprised to see how many had showed up.

“How many people did you tell?” she asked, leaning into him.

“I don’t know, really. I told Stammer to spread the word.” James waved at some of his friends who were mingling around the tables by the stage. “Guess he did, eh?”

Ali recognized some of the faces, but most she didn’t. She eyeballed at least twenty additional guests besides the wedding party, which was actually a welcomed sight. The more distractions she had, the less she would be able to focus on her nerves.

The first of the guys there to spot James was Brad Richards, one of his best friends from his time in Dallas. Their hands met in a friendly shake, which was followed by James introducing Ali to him. James felt proud as Brad took a look at Ali for the first time in person. Standing between the men, she saw the unspoken congratulations that passed between the two friends. She saw the approval in Brad’s eyes, and it made her happy.

A few more introductions were passed between other friends of James’ until finally, they came to someone Ali actually knew already.

“Stamkos!” James and his friend met in a handshake, which quickly turned into a hug. “Good to see you, man.”

“Look at this place.” Steven’s ice blue eyes moved to the elaborate decorations all around them. “Not a bad spread, eh?”

“All her doing” James said, his arm going around Ali’s shoulders. “She’s the decorator.”

Ali smiled. “As if HE has an eye for these things, right?”

Steven laughed. “You got that right.”

He moved in for a hug, chirping James to let Ali go long enough for him to do so. When they separated, Steven turned behind him, motioning to a dark haired girl who had been standing with a few others off to the side. “Hey babe?”

The girl turned at the sound of Steven’s voice. As she stepped forward, Ali’s attention was drawn instantly to her eyes, which seemed to be a carbon copy of Steven’s. She was dressed in a smart, white peplum top with a skinny black belt, with a pair of black cigarette pants and heels to complete the look. Her dark hair and bright eyes were the perfect contrast to Steven’s. If they were together, Ali could immediately see why.

“James!” She spotted him first, and the two met in a giant embrace.

“Long time no see, Kay.”

She slapped him on the shoulder, her bright smile appearing. “Speak for yourself.”

James turned towards Ali. “Kaylynn, this is Ali…Ali, this is the reason Steven isn’t a tool anymore.” James’ smirk was in full force. “And I mean that.”

Kaylynn rolled her eyes at James, but her entire focus was on Ali. “It is so good to finally meet you, Ali.”

“The pleasure is all mine! A friend of Steven’s is instantly a friend of mine” she said, giving a wink at Steven.

“See? What’d I tell ya? Definitely Stammer’s better half” James chirped.

Steven and Kaylynn’s hands found one another, though both of them had a look on their face as if this wasn’t the first time they’d heard these lines from James.

“Ignore him” Ali replied. “I may be marrying him, but that doesn’t mean I can’t call him a moron.”

Kaylynn’s eyes shifted to James. “AND she’s awesome?? Who knew you could do it, Neal?”

She can dish it as well as take it Ali thought with a smile. I like this girl. It was beyond a treat to be introduced to the people in James’ life she hadn’t met before. So many pieces to the puzzle still had to fall into place, even if their wedding was the following day. Ali didn’t mind. She had a lifetime of getting to know everything she could about the man standing next to her, joking around and being playful with old friends. It was a great feeling.

Ali looked around at the number of people who were there for the dinner, and it made her realize this wedding was the coming together of two lives that couldn’t have been more different. Ali and her small town life, her friends she’d had from grade school or from college, were now mingling with guys who thousands would clamor to get just an autograph from. It all seemed so normal, but on the outside, it must have looked impossible.

James’ arm wrapped around Ali’s waist and squeezed her close, drawing her gaze to his. She smiled at him, feeling calm for the first time that afternoon.

Not so impossible, really. Not so impossible at all.

* * *

Notes

The mention of Steven and Kaylynn is a direct nod to one of the BEST fanfics out there, titled: Harder than Stone, by llinzerella…who is an amazing writer. She has given her blessing for me to "borrow" these two for this small part of the story! THANKS LINZ.

Check out her story if you get the chance! It is posted on Mibba.com, as well as the sister-story by an equally amazing writer, Juliet Falls, titled: The Boys 'Round Here, which can be found on this site.

TOO MUCH GOODNESS OUT THERE, I'm telling ya!! <3