Part of the Team (ON HOLD)

They won in Buffalo, which, personally, wasn’t surprising. I was grateful that Peter didn’t have a strict pre-game ritual like some of the other guys. While there were some things like what he ate, how he put his gear on, and other stuff like that. The guys were in high spirits after winning the game, and it continued onto the plane. Deciding that wasn’t a proper celebration, I ordered most of the team to the back of the plane. I broke open the Cards Against Humanity I stole from Mat once we were airborn.

Probably the best decision I’ve made in my entire life.

We all stayed awake until around midnight, attempting to laugh quietly at the cards that were put together so we didn’t wake up the guys that were sleeping. . It was hard to stay quiet, and I had the most trouble keeping my laugh controlled. The combinations were amazingly funny, and I had a helluva time watching everyone else try to keep their laughter in.

The guys all had some pretty good ones, and there were some from Larry, the Gallys, and the old man line that had me in tears. The guys found watching me laugh was just as amusing as some of the combinations they came up with.

Peter and made our way back to our seats after about an hour. I ended up passing out cuddled with Peter, while covered in a blanket.

We made it to the hotel ok; although I almost tripped and fell when I got off the elevator I was so tired. Luckily Peter had a hold on my hand, although he did laugh at me. I had no idea how these guys did it. He changed in the bathroom while I grabbed pajamas. I don’t even think I look at what I grabbed, I just knew whatever I put on was soft and acceptable. Peter had changed out of his suit – which made him look quite dashing might I add – and into pajama pants and a T-shirt. He gave me a tired smile when he opened the door. I clambered into the one of the beds and buried myself in the comforters, closing my eyes. I felt the bed dip and his arms wrap around me. He pulled me to his chest before pressing a kiss to my head. I crashed after that.

The next day, I missed the optional morning practice, unsurprisingly. I was still asleep by the time Peter got home. In fact, I stayed asleep until one in the afternoon. After I woke up, Peter and I explored the city for a little bit until making our way back to the hotel. I feel asleep cuddled with him again.

The next day, I tried to stay out of everyone’s way. I was lucky Peter didn’t need to do anything drastic to prepare for the game, even though he was starting. He did take a nap though, and I snuggled with him for that. I was excited for the game because I had a ticket to go, close to the glass and the visitor’s bench. Peter had been looking for a ticket and found one; someone had but it online since they couldn’t attend the game. It was the third row up from the glass, and two seats away from the bench. I was excited, to say the least. It was my first game, as I stayed in the hotel for the game in Buffalo. I took the players’ bus to the arena, and felt my excitement growing as I entered through the double doors. There was a lot of time before the game started, so I made my way to the locker room with the pass Coach gave me.


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I sat silently with Peter as the guys got ready to head out on the ice. Coach had given a great speech to get them ready, and it was awesome that I got to experience it firsthand. Before the guys stood up to leave, I made my way out to the tunnel. The guys started to file out, and I offered a fist-bump to all of them. They returned it, some with smiles, others with concentrated nods. I made my way back to my awesome seat.

There were a few loyal and local Habs fans around me, and I was grateful. I would have someone to celebrate with when the guys scored. They seemed pretty energetic, so that was a bonus.

“Hey, aren’t you Elizabeth Budaj?” I heard from below me. I looked down to see a few Habs and Caps fans turned around to face me. I nodded, with a small smile.

“That’s pretty cool Buds adopted you. Must be awesome.” One of the guys clad in red wondered. I nodded again.

“Yea, it’s really sweet, and so much fun. The guys are really funny.” I replied. The guy smiled before turning back to the ice. The anthem singers were walking out onto the ice. I stood with the rest of the arena. After the anthems were sung, I took off the sweatshirt I was wearing to reveal my Danny Briere shirt.

The players skated around a bit before setting up for the opening faceoff. Dishing out a few good-luck high fives to the Habs fans around me, I turned my eyes to the ice.


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So far, the game was really exciting. There were a lot of great chances for both teams, and the boys were playing really well. The only thing that was missing was a fight or a goal. Tensions were running somewhat high; there were some extra pushing and stuff after the whistles. The fans around me were lively, especially the Canadiens fans.

There were about five minutes left in the period when Danny B tucked it past the Caps’ netminder. I jumped up and cheered with the fans around me. Danny did his signature celly and the guys did their post-goal huddle. They skated back to the bench to receive fist-bumps from the rest of the team. I caught his eyes as he skated by and turned around. I pointed with my thumbs to the name on the back. I turned back around to see him laughing again and he pointed to me. I sat down with a smile.


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The game was tied through overtime, and went to a shootout. Unfortunately, the Habs lost. Larry had a beauty of a goal and Peter was spectacular between the pipes. He mishandled the puck behind the net in the second period, resulting in a goal. He was visibly upset about that one.

After the final buzzer, I made my way back to the bus. I wasn’t sure how they would handle the loss, and how I should handle them. I sat in the first seat closest to the door, thinking about the game. Max was the first one to climb on the bus. He stopped by my seat, heaving a heavy sigh. I locked eyes with him and gave him a sad smile. He leaned down to press a kiss to my head before making his way to the back of the bus. I heard him sit down with a heavy sigh. One down.

The rest of the guys filed onto the bus in silence. Danny took a seat beside me, putting his arm around me. I leaned on his suited shoulder.

“I like your shirt.” He whispered to me. I could hear the smile in his voice. Carey climbed onto bus and searched for me. I caught his gaze.

“He’s pretty bad.” He said quietly. I sat up, worried.

“Should I…?” I trailed off, uncertain. Carey smiled at me. By now the whole bus had taken notice.

“You’re too good for him.” He said, the smile still on his face. “Yea, go see him.”

I got up, hopped off the bus, and made my way inside. I cautiously made my way into the locker room, searching for my Slovak. I found him sitting in his stall, fully dressed except for the jacket. His elbows rested on his knees, and his hands hung limp between his legs. He was staring at them with a hung head. I made my way to his side and sat next to him. I peered at him. He didn’t look up. I sighed quietly. Gently taking his hand, I started playing with his fingers in my lap. I didn’t really know what else to do. I saw his head turn to watch me. After a few moments, a small, amused smile spread across his face. Eventually, I just held his hand. I stood up and pulled him with me. He stood facing me, watching me with sad eyes. By now the smile had gone away. He looked disappointed. I pulled him into a hug.

“You were amazing.” I mumbled into his shirt. “It was one bad play. It happens.” He didn’t say anything, just tightened his grip on me with a sigh. “I love you.” I finished.

“I love you too. Thank you.” He responded. I released him and grabbed his jacket, handing it to him. He put it on, and I took his hand again, leading him to the bus. The guys watched us climb on. We made our way to the back, walking through a chorus of Good job Buds and You did great man. He kept my hand as we sat down. He kept it all the way to the airport, and on the plane. He fell asleep on the way back to Montreal, and I stole his phone.

I sent a text to Larry and Danny
Peter – Take a shower you dirty Dane. Great goal :* - lizzie
Peter – Great goal. Your line did awesome <3

With the text to Larry, I attached a pic of Dirty Dan from Spongebob. We had discussed our love for that show before, and we always made references to each other from it. After I sent it, I watched him. I saw his face illuminated from the phone, and break out into a grin. He turned around and looked at me. I sent him a smile.


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Peter and I walked heavily up the stairs to my bedroom. He set my bag down and turned to me.

“Are you gonna be ok?” he asked.

Are YOU? I wanted to ask him, but I didn’t. I just nodded, and he walked to his room. Changing into pajamas, I climbed into bed. I figured I would leave him be for at least tonight. I didn’t know if he needed space or not. I sat on my bed before hearing the sound of the t.v. I listened to it for a little bit before walked over to Peter’s room. Opening the door, I saw him changed, on his bed watching the game’s highlights. The guy breaking down the game was an ass, in my opinion. He pretty much blamed Peter for losing the game. Peter sighed. I’d heard enough. Reaching over, I stole the remote and turned it off.

I scooted over to his side and laid my head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. He wrapped his arms around me and sighed again. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, resting his lips there, his beard tickling me.

“You’re the best.” He said quietly, his lips moving against my skin. I just nuzzled further into his embrace.

“It wasn’t all your fault.”

We sat quietly until I felt him fall asleep. I turned my head and rested my chin on his shoulder, studying his face. The game seemed to disappear from his features; he was relaxed. I brushed some hair away from his face. He didn’t stir. I curled back up to his side and closed my eyes, falling asleep almost instantly.

Notes

i dont have cards against humanity but i would really like to get it :P


ALSO im leaving to go up north to see some family. i'll probably be gone until sunday or monday. really sorry, hope this update can hold you over

im not sure if this seems like its not going anywhere, but trust me, it is. All i'll say is this is a 'tragedy' story for a reason ;D

i love your comments keep them coming. it really does me good to hear what you think about this story! :)