I inhaled the humid air as I begun to walk back to the hotel. I passed the players bus, not being able to bring myself to get on. The glances were getting old, and worn out- it was no more than I reminder that I didn't belong here or anywhere in the league. Besides, it was a beautiful evening for a walk, it would give me a chance to think- I never got to do that anymore, unless it was about hockey or gaining the respect of the others. I hitched the shoulder strap of my bag over my head, and strolled down the bustling side-street. The arena, and area was beautiful, along with everything else in this city- it was so different from anything I've ever seen. The streets were covered in terraces for cafés and merchandise for boutiques.

I was about to touch one of the dresses set on display for one of the boutiques when I heard someone scream my name. I glanced around but, quickly snapped my gaze back around. A total stranger, in which seemed familiar in a weird tone was jogging up the sidewalk, dodging people- his hockey bag hitting his thigh as he ran.

By the time he'd caught up he was panting like a dog. He couldn't seem to talk so, I started the conversation for him.

"Who are you?" I asked, and he smiled, continuing to walk on without answering. I rolled my eyes, and walked beside him, waiting for some sort of response.

"My name Hampus. Hampus Lindholm." He sung cheerfully, and adjusted his bag on his shoulder. I gave him a confused look as if he was high or something- what did he want? He didn't even notice I was confused as he was looking to the front, keeping a steady pace beside me.

"And....? I don't know you." I said, and he chuckled, deep and lengthy. I liked it, his laugh was warm and welcoming.

He shrugged, "You know nobody! You never talk!" He continued to laugh, his voice laced with a tad of a Swedish accent, "You look lonely, walking all by yourself- I thought you could use so company." He exclaimed, and I cocked my eyebrow at him. Was he winning a bet or something? Was he setting me up?

"But-" He cut me off, "I don't have anybody here either," The cheery note had dropped from his voice, "I just thought we could be each other's friends." He explained, looking down at me from his towering height. Sounded reasonable enough, I thought, but he could still be lying.

I sighed, I was never going to make any friends if I kept being guarded, "How about supper?" I asked, and he grinned widely.

"I'd really like that" He said, as we crossed the street in the direction of our hotel. It was only ten blocks away, a nice time to talk.

"So, now that you're my only friend, we should get to know each other. Where are you from?" I asked, glancing sideways at him. He gave a little shrug, and begun his story. I was really starting to like him.

---

I threw myself at the freshly made bed, closing my eyes- wanting to get at least a few minutes of sleep before Hampus banged on the door demanding that we go get some food before he died of hunger. I smiled at the thought, over the fifteen minute walk we'd gotten to know each other pretty well- He was from Sweden, he was eighteen, he was a defencemen, he enjoyed hip-checking people as well as long walks on the beach. He was also, always hungry which is why he demanded, instead of taking a nap like I wanted, to get some food while he was still living. Although I'd won the argument, we'd decided instead of an hour's nap- it was a half an hour.

I was drifting off to sleep when someone's key card swiped and the door flew open. I presumed it was Nail so I rolled over, not ready to even look at him. I heard two sets of feet against the carpeted floor. I heard someone jump on the bed beside me, and grab the clicker off the bedside table.

"Hey, Jordan." Alex's voice rang through the air like a slap in the face. I wanted to punch him, but instead raised the middle finger in the direction of the voice. I rolled over, and checked the clock. I didn't just drift off to sleep, I had spent twenty minutes taking a nap, and I'd hardly noticed. It was six thirty already. I continued to roll off the bed, not taking a single glance in the direction of either Nail or Alex. They could be the condescending bastards they were, I was never forgive them. I expected more from Alex, I expected something else.

"You should come with us to supper." Nail piped in, as I reached down in my bag for a pair of jeans and a plain blue t-shirt. I paused, and glared over at Nail- I swear, if looks could kill, both of them would be dead on the floor.

"I have plans." I snarled, rummaging through my bag for my purse. The cold shoulder was nothing compared to what I was giving them.

Nail begun changing the channels on the TV which annoyed the living crap out of me, "We could all go together." Alex suggested, whatever mood he'd been in this morning gone- I rolled my eyes.

I straightened up, and stalked over to Alex. We were almost the same height, but his head was still above mine and he had to look down. I wanted to slap him. We were inches apart but the only thing that I was thinking about was my hand connecting with his cheek.

"Alone." I paused, seeing the sheer shock on his face, "I have plans alone."

Notes

Ohhh guuuurlll. He's gotten her all frisky! Anyways- if you're a fan of my other story- Move Over, then I should tell you that I've started remaking the chapters- same idea, only better.