Collide

"Am I being irrational here? Be honest," CiCi asked Caroline the next afternoon as the pair met up for a late lunch in Lawrenceville not far from where Caroline lived now.

"Yes. But I think it's because of who he is and how you clearly don't feel adequate enough to date him. Which you need to get through your thick skull that you are the cream of the crop."

CiCi picked at her chicken salad and chose what she said next carefully. "But this girl suggested a threesome before Sid told her to leave. She thought I was just a quick fuck and he didn't tell her otherwise."

"CiCi, honestly, he was probably just as shocked as you were that she even had the audacity to show up without calling. He adores you, you know that right?" Caroline studied her friend and watched as she nodded in understanding.

"Listen CiCi, I should have said this months ago. I want to apologize for being a total bitch about you and Sidney. Even up until we moved I was being obnoxious about it. But I was looking out for you. Or at least I thought I was. And I secretly hoped Mark would come to his senses and try to win you back. But I see it now. How compassionate Sidney is, how you two are completely unexpectedly perfect for each other. How Mark is a creep and cannot stand to see you this happy. I got it out of Tom this morning that Mark doesn't want you back, but doesn't want you to be with anyone either. That's not fair. I see you pulling away from our core group of friends and it's because of Mark. Please don't. I don't see Sidney being the type of person who would make you give up your life for him."

"He isn't."

"Then stop overthinking everything and realize that he loves you. He freaking woke up at 3 in the morning, after an exhausting game and picked us up! He clearly would drop anything for you within reason of course. Don't dwell on the past. It's there for a reason. Did he have a relationship with her?"

"No, she is a puckbunny, whatever that is."

"Yeah you don't have a thing to worry about. Now onto point two."

"What is that?"

"You thinking he was sending his friends to spy on you."

"Ugh! I know! I felt awful about that. I know he isn't like that. He assured me that wasn't what happened last night. I think I was making too much out of seeing some of his teammates last night."

"I think you were too."

"Why? Why am I being so insane about this?"

"Because you've never been in a relationship. Face it, what you had with Mark wasn't a relationship."

"You're right. I need to go talk to Sidney."

"Did you two not work this out last night?"

"No, I slept in the guest room and he was gone when I woke up. He left a note saying he went to take his parents to the airport."

"Was his dad really that bad?"

"No, he's just looking out for his son. Sid claims his dad likes me."

"And what's not to like? You, my love, are a catch!" CiCi smiled at her friend. It was good to finally have everything behind them and be friends again. And like Caroline had said, the past is the past for a reason.

******

Off days usually meant Sidney would take the day and workout on his own. But after the events that transpired and the lack of sleep that he got he just needed to take the day and unwind. Mostly he yearned for a nap. So as soon as he stepped out of his car, and noted that CiCi wasn't home, he climbed the stairs to the top floor and wearily walked to the apartment.

He could still smell her perfume when he walked through the door. He got the sense that she hadn't been gone for very long. He walked through the dimly lit apartment towards their bedroom and stopped by the door before it. It was still ajar and peaking in he noticed the unmade bed and her dress from the night before lying on the floor. He walked in, picked up her clothes and draped them across the dresser. Slipping off his shoes, he pulled his hoodie over his head and climbed into the bed. He wanted to breathe her in and hope that the bed and her smell would ease him into an easy slumber.

He didn't hear the sound of the door closing or the voice calling out his name. He slept through the shuffling of feet on the hardwood and the rustling sound of the bed sheets as they were pulled away from his body briefly. It wasn't until the sweet invasion of cinnamon in his nostrils did he stir. And even then it was simply to pull the pliant body closer to him.

"I'm sorry I acted so crazy," CiCi whispered.

"Nap with me," he replied back. When he felt CiCi slip an arm around his waist he knew she was staying put. Close together, they both rested easier than the previous night. CiCi burrowed her face in Sid's neck and he tightened his hold around her shoulder.

******
"You guys haven't talked about it?" James asked as he tossed a medicine ball back towards Sidney. Sidney caught the weighted object with ease and prepared to toss it back to James. They were using the team facilities for their workout rather than lacing up skates for optional practice.

"No, she came home and apologized for acting crazy and then we took a nap together. Well, I was already sleeping when she came home. But after we woke up we tiptoed around it," Sidney explained. He had told James everything that happened over the weekend before the start of their workout and now they were hashing out whether it was smart to have moved on.

"And she said nothing to you about that Lauren chick?" James asked.

"Nope. I explained to her that I hooked up with her a handful of times in the past. But she seemed to drop it. I should have enlightened Lauren that there would be no more hooking up."

"You still have her number?"

"I'd have to check. I literally haven't talked to her since April."

"If you do, I'd call her today to tell her to stay away. Would she just show up like that before?"

"Yeah."

"And you didn't care?"

"Oh I cared. It made for a rough night if you know what I mean. I think she liked that."

"Nice."

"Shut up. It allowed for no feelings to develop that's for sure." Sid was obviously embarrassed by the turn in their conversation.

"Alright, alright. Moving on from the crazy girl who likes it rough," James said trying to change the subject.

"Whoa! Sid your girl is into kinky?"

Sid turned horrified to see Marc-Andre standing behind him. "Fuck! No. Thanks for eavesdropping though."

James quickly informed Marc of their conversation and Marc sat on a nearby weight bench to provide his two cents.

"Now, back to what I was going to say. You and CiCi. I know I don't have to ask if you're happy with her. It is wildly obvious. You fucking ditched us to go home and wait for her to come home Saturday night."

"I did that because I knew she was drinking and she may have needed me to pick her up. Which she did."

"Got it. My point is, this is pretty serious, huh?"

"We live together asshat. Of course it's serious."

"Could it be like me and Vero serious?"

"Maybe in fifteen years when we've been together that long."

"No! I mean is she it? Do you get that feeling?" Marc clarified.

"What feeling?"

"For fucks sake you are awful at relationships dude," James chirped.

"Do you see yourself marrying her?" Marc asked.

"Yes. I do. And a lot sooner than twelve years. I think she would serve my balls on a silver platter if I made her wait as long as you and Vero waited."

"Fuck you Sid," Marc laughed.

"You guys aren't going to survive if you don't sort out any demons haunting you. And this weekend will somehow always haunt you. I say you clear the air tonight," James explained.

"How the hell did you get so wise?" Sidney asked pondering exactly what James said. He had made a very good point.

"I lost my CiCi," James said and shrugged his shoulders.

******
Sidney came home to a quiet apartment. CiCi wasn't back from work and wasn't expected back for a few hours. He decided he would clean up and walk over to meet CiCi and surprise her with a date.

Before he left the arena, James and Marc made certain that Sidney got ahold of Lauren to explain what was going on. She seemed understanding and said she wouldn't just show up at his place. Then she made him feel uncomfortable by alluding to how she would come over if he ever wasn't being satisfied by his girlfriend.

When he explained to her that it wouldn't be necessary he quickly said goodbye and hung up. He made certain to call from the arena and not his cell phone. He didn't want her to have that number. He made sure she never did.

He got dressed in khakis and a nice polo, grabbed his jacket and rushed out the door. It was nearly six and he wanted to stop for some flowers along the way to the gallery. He managed to find a bouquet of hyacinths and white tulips at a local flower shop. He quickly paid and continued on his way towards CiCi's gallery.

Sidney arrived just in time to see the lights turn off and a group of people walk out through the side door. Cesira was among one of the last to come out and she locked up as the group dispersed. She turned around to begin her walk home and was digging around in her purse so she didn't see Sidney standing in front of her.

She nearly ran into him as she continued to walk with her head down clearly looking for something important. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. She still hadn't looked up.

"What are you searching for? Everything you need is standing right in front of you," Sid said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Hey! If you used that line on me the night we met I would have laughed in your face and turned you down!" She laughed as she looked up and noticed Sidney standing in front of her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and dressed nicely. "You've redeemed yourself though. These are gorgeous!" She reached for the flowers to sniff at them.

"Who said they are for you? I could have been given them as I strolled through the city to meet you here." He coiled away for a moment before he caved and handed them over. "Okay, you're right. Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady."

"Thank you, to what do I owe the pleasure? This is quite a surprise!" She sniffed at the flowers and smiled. The scent was calming.

"I want to take you to dinner. I'm glad you only have your purse tonight because we are walking."

"Where are we walking to?"

"Hyde Park," Sid reached for CiCi's free hand and began in the direction of Fort Duquesne Boulevard and the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

"Why don't we take the T over? It's free!"

"We'll take it back when we are good and full. I want to walk with you, and talk."

"Oh? About what?" She gladly accepted his hand and began to walk beside him.

"I want you to know that I called that woman from the other night."

"Okay, and?"

"I told her to never show up to our place again. That I am happy now and how you are my girlfriend. Not some quick lay."

"What did she say?"

"She seemed shocked. Mainly because I've never had a girlfriend that I want everyone to know about. And I don't want to hide this CiCi. We haven't made some public announcement. It's not necessary."

CiCi stopped walking and turned to face Sidney.

"What? Should I not have told you this? Because I think we should talk about what happened this weekend. I don't want us to just forget it. We won't last that way. And I see myself with you for a very very long time."

"No, I'm glad you did. I know I overreacted too. It's not me to be like that. I know you didn't send those guys to spy on me. I know they were just looking out for you. And I'm sorry for dancing with Mark. Even though I didn't know it was him."

"I'm not good at all of this. And now we threw living together into the mix."

"I'm not either. But we will learn and work together. And talk like you said. I see myself with you for a very very long time too."

"Yeah?" She nodded her head and smiled shyly. Sid slipped a hand around CiCi's neck and drew her close for a kiss. And as their lips brushed together Sid didn't think once how their public display in downtown Pittsburgh could be captured and flashed on the internet. All he thought was how soft CiCi's lips were and how everything in that moment felt right. And how he wanted nothing more than to kiss her for the rest of his life.

"You hungry?" he asked when he pulled away. He kept his hand on her neck and watched her carefully as she gathered her senses and nodded.

"Good because we are going to the Warhol afterwards."

"But, it's not open that late in the winter months?"

"Oh, but it is when you are me," he whispered and winked at her. CiCi squealed and threw her arms around Sid's neck forgetting about the flowers in her arms.

"You're amazing!" CiCi cried, "I love you, I love you, I love you!"

"I'll do this every day if it means you react like this every time," Sid whispered into her ear.

*****
They sat close together on the train into the city. There were only a handful of people in the car with them, so they went unnoticed in the back corner. The young couple sat with their arms around each other, his protectively around hers and hers holding onto his coat. They were whispering to each other, what was being said only they could hear.

"Thank you for tonight. Completely unexpected. But perfect!" CiCi cooed into Sid's ear. He felt a blush cross his face as her breathy voice tickled his skin. Every touch, breath, look made him desire her even more.

"Anything for you my love," Sid said quietly. He was close enough to nip her nose softly eliciting a giggle out of CiCi. How he loved her laugh.

Sid found it a complete turn on watching her as she personally guided him through the Warhol museum. She didn't look at a single placard detailing the different displays. She could tell him more than any plaque could. The way she was in her element. It was almost like she was a part of the art.

"Why don't you paint? I mean still. We could make the spare room a studio for you if you want."

"I don't know. I just lost my passion for it. But since I've been with you I really have been wanting to do it more. What would we do with my furniture?"

"I can have it moved out to the house."

"You'd do that?"

"Yeah, of course! I want to make you happy."

"Oh Sid, you already do make me so incredibly happy. Can I show you how happy you make me?" She asked seductively.

"Mm, how are you going to do that?" He played with the end of a piece of hair, letting the soft strands fan out in his fingers. The silkiness reminding him of how everything about her was soft and smooth.

"Uh uh, I'll show you. We have to hurry!" The train stopped at the Gateway Center and they hurried off before they were stuck riding to the next stop. But Sid expected to walk towards Market Square and their apartment. Instead CiCi pulled his hand in the direction of her gallery.

"Wait, I thought we were going home so we can show each other how happy we make each other?" Sid asked as he allowed CiCi to lead him back towards where their night began.

"Oh that comes after. I need to show you something in my office first." She looked so excited that he couldn't argue. She piqued his interests and now he was walking alongside her.

"Why didn't we get off at the station closest to the gallery?" Sid laughed as they past the Wood Street Station.

"I don't know. The thought didn't cross my mind. Come on!" She dragged him up the steps of the gallery, unlocked the door and quickly punched in a code to silence the alarm. She found a light switch and turned on enough light to lead Sidney through the building. He anticipated she was taking him to her office, but they walked past the closed door with her name on the nameplate.

CiCi stopped a few doors down and turned to Sidney, "You are going to see why you make me so incredibly happy in about two seconds." She swung open the door and flipped on the switch for the lights to display around the room. CiCi stood by the door and let Sidney wander into the room.

"I met you and after our first weekend together I felt inspired," CiCi explained bashfully. In front of Sid stood dozens of canvases depicting different scenes. Most were landscapes, one was of the gallery entrance and all it's grandiose glory. His favorite was an image of an outdoor deck hockey rink with a group of kids playing.

"Where is that from?"

"South Park. I went out to take a few portraits of some of their greenery and stumbled upon the deck rink. There was a tournament going on so I snapped a few. I figure you'd appreciate it. I know it's not ice, but it was 78 degrees that day."

He nodded in understanding, and wandered past to a picture of a profile. His profile. Looking closer he could see it was of him sleeping. "When did he get me sleeping?"

"I often don't fall right to sleep like you do, so I lay there and watch you sleep. You look so relaxed and not some hockey superstar expected to make the world love the league. It's just you. My Sidney. The one I come home to every night. Who turns off the hockey persona and asks me about my day. Little old me. Who lives an ordinary life in a moderately sized city. You make my life extraordinary."

Sid could feel his heart in his throat it was beating so hard. He knew right then and there that CiCi truly did love him. But that her devotion to him went beyond Sidney Crosby. Captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Face of the NHL. He knew he loved her more because she loved him without all those titles. She would love him even if those titles disappeared tomorrow. Then he knew exactly what Marc meant about that feeling.

"Can we take this with us?" Sid whispered, pointing to the painting of him.

"Yeah, sure. But.."

"What?"

"A bit narcissistic are we?" She asked with a hint of humor in her voice. Sid rolled his eyes and drew CiCi close to him.

"No one can tell it's you," CiCi explained.

"I just like it. It's so intimate and captures everything you love about me," Sid reasoned. He stared at CiCi for a moment before declaring, "Come on, let's get out of here."

Notes