Looking Up

-----Elle's POV

The last couple of days leading up to the funeral are a complete blur- all I can remember is making calls to friends and family members to tell them the news. It was all so tiring- I must've said 'he passed away' well over 30 times. I was just thankful Steve arrived when he did and was able to stay till the funeral. Everyone we knew stood in a line to pay their respects to the family, my mom, sister and I, and I hugged about 200 people. I was grateful to see many of the guys on the team there but also so embarrassed since I was crying on and off all day, causing my eyes to be red and puffy. It has just been too much to take as of late- but Steve has been so helpful, just by not asking me any questions and just holding me while I cry if I need to.

As I make my way back into our apartment, after a long two and a half weeks, it feels weird to be back. We head to the grocery store and if it weren't for the ridiculous amounts of Christmas decorations I would've forgotten about the holiday entirely.

"Elle? Elle," Steve says loudly as he snaps his fingers in front of my face.

"Hm? What?"

"I asked if you wanted to decorate the apartment?"

"With what?" I ask mindlessly grabbing a box of cereal and placing it in the cart.

"Are you okay? It's going to be Christmas soon, and your birthday is on Saturday? Ringing any bells?"

"Oh. Yeah uhm sure we can decorate," I reply suddenly realizing I am turning 23 tomorrow.

-----Steve's POV

Walking through the store with Elle, I feel terrible- I have a feeling I'm not doing anything to help with her pain. Once we start picking out Christmas decorations, she starts to cheer up a bit and hum some holiday tunes.

"Fake tree or real tree?" I ask as we step into a different aisle filled with every type and color of plastic tree.

"Real is better," she smiles, "my dad would never settle for a plastic one."

"Then a real one it is," I chime and rub her back as we walk. We head to Lowes and pick out the perfect Christmas tree to put up in our apartment. Once we are done, we head back with the tree strapped down in the bed of the truck.

As I carry the tree up the stairwell, since the elevator is just 'conveniently' broken, she can't stop laughing as I struggle- which I am happy to endure just to hear her loud laugh echo through the tall space. We turn on some cheery, festive music and sing along as we decorate the tree and rooms throughout the apartment. I am glad to see her beaming smile after what feels like years. Once we finish most of the decorating, we take over the kitchen and Elle and I bake tons of Christmas cookies together while watching festive movies on ABC Family- our favorites are playing all in a row.

"I'll have to send a picture to Brayden of the cookies, he'll be so ecstatic," she beams and I feel a twinge of jealousy in my stomach for some reason. I rush into the background of the picture to photo bomb it. She laughs and sends the picture to Schenner, "Mind if I post this to Insta?"

"Go ahead," I rub her back and head back to the tray to keep decorating the cookies.

"He texted back already! He said he can't wait for all of them," she laughs, "he just asked if I'm coming to the morning skate tomorrow, can I?"

"Yeah sure I'd love to have you there," I say as another pang of jealousy washes over me- why do I feel this way? "Plus it's all a part of my birthday plan for you," I smile.

"What? I told you I didn't want a big thing," she slightly whines.

"Well too bad," I say and press my lips down onto hers then put some flour on her nose with my index finger, "I want to keep you happy Ellie- especially during this time. How are feeling by the way?" I ask trying not to sound too concerned- I know if I do she'll shut down, lie and say she's fine.

"Well, I'm doing pretty good. Honestly though, it hurts really bad but I'm just glad he's not in pain anymore- for so long he was in agony everyday and I'm just glad he's not suffering," she answers with content.

"Wow, I'm really happy for you," I say and she gives me a confused look, "Well I mean I'm glad that you're not letting this eat you alive- because it shouldn't. I guess I forgot how positive you like to be," I half laugh and she smiles, puts her arm around me, and I tuck her into my side as I blanket some cookies in sprinkles.

"Thank you," she says softly with a small smirk on her face and hugs me.

"No problem," I smile and feel my face flush a tad.

*****

I make sure to wake up before Elle and I prepare a quick light breakfast for the both of us to eat before we head to my morning skate. I rush into the bedroom with her breakfast on a wooden tray with a few daisies sitting in a small clear vase. I sit down beside her and the light commotion wakes her up from her slumber. Her eyes flutter open and smiles as soon as she sees the flowers and tray.

"Happy birthday sunshine," I say and stroke her cheek with the pad of my thumb.

"Thank you," she blushes. Before we leave for the morning skate, Elle packs up a small tray of cookies to give to Schenner to hold him over until she gets the rest of the cookies baked for everyone else. When we get there, she heads straight to the stands to with Erin, Matt's wife, to keep her company- I knew she was excited to ask her about baby preparations.

Brayden makes a B-line towards Elle, and stops her along her way while no one else is really around. He wishes her a happy birthday with a big smirk and her face lights up. He wraps her in a tight hug and I can't help but to feel jealous. Why is he all over her all of the sudden? My stomach turns as I envision Elle falling for Brayden- I mean he is closer to her in age and I remember her telling me about her "harmless" crush on him before- besides whenever we go out to a bar, he gets so many girls hanging all over him. I shake the thoughts from my head and try to not let it get to me

Everyone is happy to see Elle and they comment to me on how cheery she is looking during our first warm ups. After practice, Elle comes into the locker room with the rest of the wives and girlfriends and we all start to sing happy birthday to her while I bring out a brightly lit cake- the look on her face is priceless as she makes her way towards me. Her face flushes different shades of red as she looks around the room and sees how many people are singing to her.

Suddenly, I see some tears welling up in her eyes and I'm unsure if it's because she's really happy or upset. She blows out her candles and everyone cheers and claps as soon as they're all out- some light up again and fizzle and crack. She sneers at me playfully, "I should've known you guys would use trick candles," she laughs wholeheartedly.

When we get back to the apartment, I ask about her tears from earlier cautiously.

"It's nothing- it's just my dad isn't here, that's all," she says and laughs softly at herself.

"It's not nothing- it's understandable," I say and envelop her in a hug. Once we break apart from our embrace, I rush to the bedroom to give Elle her birthday presents and George follows me barking in excitement. The first present she unwraps is a t-shirt I got her from LA that says, "My friends went to Hollywood and all I got was this lousy t-shirt," and she can't stop smiling. The second present is a mug from Columbus that I thought she'd like and the third present is a Walk the Moon CD that I knew she wanted since it came out.

"This present is also from Columbus, but it's from me and someone else," I smile and try to keep myself from giving away the surprise.

"Okay I'm a little worried," she jokes as she hesitantly tears open the wrapping paper, "another shirt?" Elle unfolds it with a quick whip of the wrists to reveal a Columbus Blue Jackets' logo and she laughs.

"Turn it around."

When she flips it around she lets out a yelp and her face lights up, "Scott!" She runs her fingers over the silver autograph, "I can't believe him! It says "Scott Hartnell 43. Now you can replace G's jersey with this one and root for me instead of those lousy Flyers," she lets out a loud laugh and I can't wait to tell Hartsy she loved the gift.

"These are some of the best gifts Steve, thank you for not getting me anything expensive," she smiles.

"There's still one more," I say and hand her a small UPS box adorned with wrapping paper and a bow. She carefully pulls back the paper, opens the box, and lets out a small gasp. She lifts up a small gold necklace with a small heart charm dangling from it.

"Open it up," I almost whisper, rubbing her knee with my thumb. Tears start to form in her eyes as she find a small photo of her father, herself and me placed in the heart- a photo we took the last time the three of us were all together.

"Thank you so much this is so beautiful," she says and hugs me tight. I help her put the necklace on and tell her to check the box again for something else.

"Where'd you get this," she asks wiping a tear off her face holding up the envelope.

"Your father wanted me to give that to you today, I don't know what it says I promise I didn't open it but-"

"Okay what's on the agenda for the rest of the day," she says cutting me off placing the envelope back in the box along with the other gifts I got her. I give her a confused look but she ignores it, avoiding the topic of her father.

"Aren't you going to read-"

"No not right now, maybe later."

"Okay," I say wearily trying not to push the topic. We grab a quick early lunch and after, I tell her to dress up in her Flyers gear and the smile reappears to her face.

"I'm going to the afternoon game?" she asks excitedly and I nod my head, "Jamie and Andy will be picking you up here to take you," I reply with a grin.

"Oh my god! You're the best! Thank you so much," she yells happily, hugs me tight and I lift her up and twirl her around the living room. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and runs to the bedroom to get changed. Just before I leave to get to the stadium, I kiss Elle goodbye and she thanks me once again and wishes me the best of luck.

*****

Elle's POV

When I arrive to the WFC with the engaged couple, I'm beyond excited for the game to start. We make sure we get there early to see the warm ups up close. We all cheer when the guys file out of the locker and skate some laps around their side of the ice. Zac, Del Zotto and Luke find me quickly and yell happy birthday to me- I can't believe how lucky I am to know these guys.

Claude and Jakub see me minutes later and as I am watching Steve block some pucks, I hear 2 loud thunks on glass wall in front of me and I nearly jump out of my skin. I look over to see Jakub and Claude laughing their asses off at my reaction and the three of us can't help but to laugh too. They both come up to the glass, wish me a happy birthday, and flip some pucks over the glass for Andy and Jamie.

"We'll make sure to win this for you," Claude smirks and winks at me.

I roll my eyes playfully, "sure Roo." I immediately flush red from embarrassment calling him Roo, and Claude smiles at my secret nickname for him.

Once he skates away, Steve comes over to us and gives me a wave before starting to stretch. Before the guys head back into the locker room I wish Steve good luck when he makes eye contact with me.

"Wait where are we even sitting?" I ask as I stop in my tracks.

"You'll see!" Jamie chimes, "I think they're good." I keep asking them to tell me but Andy just keeps rolling his eyes and tells me to be quiet.

"Are you sure this is where we're sitting guys?" I question when I see that we're headed to a luxury suite room.

"Yes I swear," Andy replies as he opens up the door and I gasp. A ton of my family, including my mom, Jen and cousins- older and younger- are sitting in the suite and yell surprise. On the table are several baskets filled with Flyers merchandise all signed by different players.

Next to one of the baskets is a note from Steve that reads, "Enjoy the game- I know you said you didn't want anything big but I couldn't help myself- you should be smiling all the time and know that your dad is there with you too. There's enough stuff in the baskets for each one of your family members to take home after the game. Happy Birthday Bambi, enjoy yourself and I'll see you after the game." Happiness overwhelms me and when I start to tear up my family surrounds me and we engage in a huge group hug.

The game is filled with excitement and cheering, and I know everyone is having the time of their lives; the Flyers beat the Canes 5-2. After I say goodbye to everyone and wish me happy birthday for the last time, I head down into the locker room to congratulate all of the guys and Steve. When all of the reporters leave, the rest of the WAGs file into the room.

The guys make me sit down at Steve's cubby as they bring me presents.

"You really didn't have to do this for me. You've already done so much for my family and I," I say to them as they form a half-circle around me with gifts in hand.

"We know that, but guess what: you're a part of this family too," Wayne chimes and I try not to tear up; I was already so thankful for the signed stuff they gave my family, showing up to my father's funeral, and calling to check up on me- they really didn't have to do any more. It is all so overwhelming to be surrounded by so many good friends.

The presents I got from the guys were all really different; most of them got me books I've been wanting to read for a while, but a few jokers, Rinny, Raffl, and Del Zotto gave me gag gifts- which I was happy to recieve. Claude and Ryanne got me some movies, Jakub and his girlfriend gave me a couple music CD's they knew I wanted- I was so relieved that no one spent a lot of money.

Once I was done opening presents, I thanked them up and down once again. Most of the guys were back to their cubbies when Brayden comes up to me with a small box. I give him a confused look and take the small present from his hands.

"Don't worry, it wasn't expensive. I saw it when my little sister dragged me to the mall and I thought you'd like it," Brayden half laughs with his killer smile.

"If you say so," I reply as I open it. Inside is a silver necklace and hanging from it is a hockey stick and puck charm next to a Philadelphia Flyers charm. "Thank you so much I love it!" I say as I put it on and I feel Steve's body tense next to mine.

After I give him a hug, he goes back to his cubby and Steve and I head back to the apartment.

"Today has been so amazing- it's the best birthday I've had in a while. Thank you for everything Steve," I say as we get into the apartment.

"No problem," he smiles, pulls me in for a hug, and kisses me, "but, it's not over yet," he says against my lips. I yelp as he suddenly picks me up bridal style and carries me to the bedroom.

He drops me on the bed, crawls on top of me seconds after, and brushes the hair out of my face, placing a kiss on my jaw line that sets my heart on fire and I let out a gasp. He lets out a soft laugh and presses his lips down onto mine passionately; I instinctively run my fingers through his hair and press my fingers into his shoulder wanting more.

"Someone's eager," he whispers against my lips in between kisses.

I gnaw his lip lightly, "I know you want it too- considering how hard you are already," I whisper and run a hand over the taut part of his jeans.

Steve lets out a groan, "It's been so long since the last time we've done anything- we haven't had the time," he says and starts to kiss me harder than before.

Within seconds, he frees me of my skinny jeans, I rip off the dress shirt from his torso, he pulls at my v-neck, taking it off in one swift motion, and I tug off his jeans. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as our bare skin touches and he spreads a burning heat through my body. I push him back so his head is at the foot of the bed and I inch up his strong, toned frame. He pulls me back down to his lips and undoes the clasp on my bra, tossing it to the right side of the room- or was it the left? He slowly sits up and pulls me onto his lap, with only thin pieces of fabric separating us. My mind swirls as he massages my breasts and caresses my neck with kisses.

Steve slowly lays me down, hovering over me. He pulls at my panties fiercely and tosses them to the side. I grope for the hemline of his boxers and once I get them down his hips he kicks them off quickly. He presses his body against me and I moan through our kisses. He places two fingers on my core and groans. His touch sparks my heart and I shudder helplessly against him.

"You haven't touched me like this in so long," I whimper, enslaved in our kisses.

"I promise I'm going to make up for it Ellie," he says, his voice velvety and dark with desire causing me to tremble against his hot skin. I wrap my hand around his shaft, and start to tug lightly. "I can't take it anymore more, I need to feel you," he moans in my ear.

"Please" I sigh, longing for his touch.

Steve lines up our hips and slowly slides into me, leaving the both of us breathless- it's been so long since we've gone this far with each other. "Oh my god Elle," he moans loudly. Steve moves his arms underneath my back, wraps his hands around my shoulders, and nuzzles his face in my hair messily spread across the pillows, bringing our bodies even closer together. Like this, I feel tiny wrapped in his long firm arms and overpowered by his broad, sculpted shoulders and torso. As he presses against me with even more force, I can feel his necklace adorned with a cross nestle into my chest.

With every thrust, Steve grunts, exhaling deeply into my ear, sending shocks through my body. Soon with no warning, I can feel myself getting closer to climaxing- I try to warn him but surges of pleasure ripple through my body and I writhe against him, whimpering his name. He pants heavily, kissing me hard, and climaxes seconds after me.

He slowly degrades his pace, keeping his lips on mine. He pulls his hips away and rests next to me, stroking my face displaying a small smile. His caramel eyes glisten in the window light and my heart swells 4 sizes larger; a mixture of admiration, devotion, and love flood my heart as I come to a realization that I know I want to marry Steve, causing a big goofy smile to appear of my face as well as a couple tears.

"What is it?" he asks softly and sweetly, only sending more feelings of affection into my already overflowing heat.

"I love you," I say, feeling more confident than I ever have in my life.

"I love you too, Elle," he replies- his voice deep. The sincerity in his voice sends shivers down my spine.

Notes

Hey- so I know this is a really friggin long chapter but I didn't feel like splitting and it's (maybe) a "special occasion" since it's basically the birthday of this story- so happy birthday Elle and 'Looking Up' lol (It's a year old!) So thank you so much for reading and sticking with the story- school is only a couple weeks left and then I'll be able to update more frequently- thank goodness.

Hope you liked the chapter- I would love your feedback! More drama to come in the next few chapters- hope you don't mind this Brayden drama- just wanted to make things a lil' interesting. PLUS huge things happening in the next chapter so brace yourself! So, see you next update- enjoy the weekend!