One Timers

“Seriously, babe. You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Shut the hell up, Sid.” I groan. “I got you a fucking birthday present. Get over it. You spoil me all the time, it’s okay for me to spoil you occasionally.”


He shakes his head, but doesn’t protest any more. Taking my cue, I hand over the silver bag and the card.

“Open the bag first.” I instruct him.

He pulls out the white tissue paper and I can see the moment when complete confusion sets in.

“You bought me a Giroux jersey?” He asks, turning red.
“Nope. I bought myself a Giroux jersey.” I respond, holding back my laughter.
“What the fuck?” He growls. “You bought yourself a Giroux jersey? And gave it to me for my birthday? Seriously. What the actual fuck?”
“Relax, Crosby!” I laugh. “Now open the card.”

I know Sid is about to lose it. I don’t blame him, honestly. His own girlfriend just admitted that she bought his rival’s jersey for herself.

“What is this?” He asks, opening the card.
“Read it, dummy.”
“This certificate is good for a private game at Banshee Paintball.” He reads.
“Do you get it now?” I ask.
“No.” He growls. I can’t help but laugh.
“Sid... I booked us a game of paintball with all our friends. Old fashioned girls vs. boys.”
“So why did you buy the jersey?” He asks, staring daggers at the offending orange article of clothing.
“I’m gonna wear it for paint balling!” I laugh. “It isn’t actually getting to shoot Giroux, but it’s close enough!”

He sits for a minute, contemplating what I’ve just said.

“Okay.” He finally says, his face relaxing a little. “I’ll shoot Giroux’s jersey with paint balls.”
“You’re welcome.” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Thanks, babe.” He cracks a smile.
“You better like it, cause that’s all I got you!”

The timer beeps for dinner and we move to the kitchen to serve it up. Sidney loves the meal. He should, since it’s his favorite. After we’ve cleaned up, I pull Sid by his arm, leading him towards the basement door.

“Where are you taking me?” He laughs.
“I lied.” I respond. “I didn’t just get you the Giroux jersey and the paint ball game.”
“What else did you get me?” He asks with a smile.
“Take a look.” I wink, opening the basement door.

I follow him down the stairs and hear the sharp intake of his breath when he sees the real birthday present I got him.

“Do you like it?” I ask, as he studies the newly decorated walls.
“I.... I’m.... I’m speechless.” He responds.
“Is that... a good thing?” I ask, my stomach dropping in fear.
“Sweetheart... You framed every important symbol of my career. My game seven Cup jersey. My Worlds jerseys and medals. Both Team Canada Olympics jerseys. Both Olympic gold medals. My very first jersey with the C on it.... They’re all together and they look amazing. It’s the greatest present I could have ever asked for.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief and he wraps his arms around my shoulders, planting a kiss on my forehead.

“I’m so glad you like it, Sid.” I admit. “I was nervous you wouldn’t.”
“It’s perfect.” He responds with a smile. “You’re perfect.”

Notes

Hello friends!

I realize I'm probably teasing you all a little with this. I'm still not returning to writing one shots again, but I did promise that I would write a Crosby story for his birthday. I'm early for it... but happy early Crosby's birthday to all Crosby fans out there.

On a side note, now I'm going to shamelessly promote my newest story. It's called "Citius, Altius, Fortius" and it's about an American Olympian and a certain NHLer who will be revealed later. So check it out.

It will occasionally cross over with "Of Icings, Halfpipes, and Pterodactyls" by nomoreIcing. Which I definitely recommend you go read, even if you don't want to read my new story.

Anyways. Thank you all again for such an amazing run with the one shots.