Endless Possibilities

The bar scene seemed to be getting louder as the night went on. Sidney Crosby sat at an overcrowded table with his teammates wondering how much longer he had to suffer through "guys night". Normally he enjoyed it, but after three consecutive losses, going out didn't feel like it normally should. Evgeni Malkin was already drunk, slamming millers since they stepped in the door. Chris Kunitz was firing blatantly tacky jokes, no doubt using the same ones to entertain his kids.

"Sid, what's brown and sticky?" he pressed.

"I don't know, shit?"

"A STICK!"

The team howled with laughter, especially Geno (as the boys called Evgeni) tears streaming down his face. Sid wondered how anyone could even manage a smile at such a repulsive pun. But after all, everyone was way more plastered than he was. He sighed and ran his fingers through his gel filled curls and checked the time. The clock read 11:32. Sid's eyes wandered aimlessly around the hazy sports bar, looking for a way out when something caught his eye. Rather someone, a taller blonde, for sure a faux, her medium brown roots peeking through the top of her head.

"Sid!"

"Wha...?" Sid was brought back to reality by James Neal, who was snapping in his face, demanding his attention.

"I said, Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez?"

"Neither." Sid's eyes were still focused on the beauty across the room.

"What are you staring at?" Neal asked, leaning forward for a look. "What that chick over there? Go talk to her!"

Geno gave Sid a shove, agreeing with his teammate.

"I don't know," Sid mumbled, studying his beer bottle.

"Don't be a pussy, Crosby," Kunitz chimed in, dripping with sarcasm.

Without hesitation, Sid removed himself from his bar stool and began walking towards the mystery girl. He'd rather strike up a conversation with someone other than his obnoxious teammates at this point. As he approached her, Sid noticed what she was wearing: A simple black skater dress and something rather peculiar. White lo Converse. It was refreshing seeing a girl wear something different than a tube-sock looking dress (or bodycon as they call it) and sky-high heels. Her hair was just below her shoulders, caressing her bare back where there was a dip in the dress. Sid had never been good at flirting, and the butterflies in his stomach weren't helping any.

"Bartender, I'll have what she's having," Sid tried to say as assertive as possible.
The blonde spun around and looked straight into his subtle but also eager, gentle eyes. She was even more beautiful up close. Her eyes were are a dark, solid brown. Her complexion was pale but beautiful. Normally bleach blonde hair would wash out such a light skin tone, but it gave her eyes an even greater severity. Not much makeup was to be found, besides a little mascara and some eyeliner beneath her lower lashes. Sid noticed a small beauty mark gracing her left cheek, which made him smile.

***

Ava was stunned to say the least. Sidney Crosby was standing in front of her, looking handsome as ever. She tried to concentrate on his face but his broad chest and toned arms begged for her attention.

"Do I know you?" she asked, struggling to keep her cool.

"No you don't, I'm Sidney," he said with a subdued grin.

He held out his hand. Ava took it, feeling his warm calloused palm brush against hers. She shuddered, feeling her knees slightly buckle.

The bartender set down Sid's drink, a cosmo. He chuckled and picked up the glass.

"Cheers to the girliest drink on the planet," Ava laughed. They clinked and Sid downed the drink, wondering how something so wrong could feel so right.

***

Ava was still trying to contemplate what was going on. Why was the current face of the NHL talking to her of all people? She had never had high self-esteem; there were so many things she didn't like about herself. Whether it was her size eight waist, scarred knee, or supposed big nose, Ava had yet to deem herself as "beautiful" to someone besides her parents. After all, she had never had a boyfriend before.

***

Sidney studied Ava further, trying to figure her out. He noticed two gold rings on her finicky hands, one on her right index finger and the other on her left middle finger. Small green emeralds sparkled on the center of each ring.

"May?" he asked, gesturing to the jewelry.

"What? Oh, yeah, the sixteenth," Ava grinned.

"Ah, stubborn Taurus are you? I'm a Leo."

Sid felt stupid for even bringing the subject up. Zodiac signs? Really?

"Yeah, I know. August 7th, 87."

Sid raised his eyebrows in shock. Ava suddenly paused, wishing she could take it back. As if he didn't think she was weird already, now she'd be a deranged creeper. She looked down at her sneakers, contemplating a new subject to bring up.

"Wow, you've done your studying! I feel like I should've had your birthday memorized now."

"Well, you are the golden boy of Pittsburgh. I've heard the story behind your number."

Ava yanked on the side of his jacket, tugging at the stitching that boldly stated "87."

Sid tensed. Her touch was light but aggressive, and he wanted more of it.

***

Ava felt herself loosening up after a few drinks with Sid. His caramel colored eyes flickered with pleasure, enjoying her presence. She wasn't like most girls; the majority fell all over him or were desperate for a picture. Ava was interesting. She could talk hockey but also had surprises up her sleeve.

"So, do you have any secret talents I should know about?" Sid asked.

"Well...I can sing... I guess..." Ava stammered, starting to feel the cosmos.

"Okay, let's hear it."

"Oh no, you're going to have to get a few more drinks in me before that happens."

"Alright. Maybe another time?"

Sid was reluctant to ask for her number, afraid he might seem too eager.

"That's a deal, as long as you walk me home." Ava intertwined her hands and cocked her head to the side, a mountain of hair sweeping over her right shoulder. Sid stepped towards her, inhaling her sensual yet alluring perfume that made desire creep up his spine.

"I can do that," he smiled, placing his hand on her waist, leading them out the door into the night. He never bothered to say goodbye his teammates; He didn't need to or want to.

***

The cool air felt good against Ava's flushed cheeks. The quiet patter of their footsteps and traffic were the only noises to be heard outside. As the wind picked up, Ava could feel her goosebumps growing, cursing herself for not bringing her sweater. She crossed her arms in hopes to retain some heat.

"Are you cold? Here," Sid slipped off his jacket and gently wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Thanks," she smiled, feeling the warmth of his leftover body heat. His Rolex glistened beneath the street lights. Ava was less interested in the watch and more intrigued by the curvature of his massive arms. She wondered what they would feel like wrapped around her. The mounds of muscle peeking out from his black polo complimented the veins that snaked down the rest of his limbs.

"This is me," she gestured to a small flight of stairs leading up to a large green door.

"Oh, okay."

"Listen, I had a really good time tonight. It's one of the best I've had in a while"

"Good, hopefully there will be more. Would it be too much for me to ask for your number?"

"No, not at all!" Ava recited her number, debating whether this was a good idea or not. Did she want to get wrapped up in the life of Sidney Crosby?

"Thanks," Sid slid his phone into his back pocket.

"Well, goodnight." Ava turned to climb the steps. Suddenly Sid grabbed her waist, pulling it towards his. He blinked for a few seconds, when lust took over. He parted his lips and brushed them against hers. Their bodies tensed from the new sensations, tongues intertwining to create the perfect kiss. After Sid withdrew a cocky grin spread across his face.

"Goodnight Ava."

Notes

I'm new at this whole fanfiction thing so please give feedback! I would love to hear from you guys:) I want to improve my writing, so criticism helps! Also, feel free to message me with tips/ideas:)