I woke up in a big empty bed, the stiff sheets scratching against my naked back and the Philadelphia sun shining through the cracks in the drapes. It scared me how much I truly hated waking up alone. I glanced at the clock radio on the night table. 8:24am. It was the third day of a four game road trip, after losing to the Capitals two nights prior, our game against the Flyers wasn’t until 7:30pm. I had the day to myself and didn’t expect Sid would be interested in joining me. I groaned and dragged my still tired body out of bed, noticing a note next to the clock.

11:59pm
Babe,
You fell asleep watching the movie. You’re kinda cute when you sleep. I’ll talk to you after the game tonight. Say ‘hi‘ to your brother for me.
xx
S.C
I smiled at his sloppy hand writing and the detailed time stamp. Our third game under his no contact rule and I couldn’t wait for him to realize how ridiculous it was. I dreaded the upcoming days alone in unfamiliar cities, but Philadelphia wasn’t one of them I pulled on my favourite brown cords and a grey university sweatshirt and made myself presentable. Bundled in my red peacoat and black scarf I locked up my room and headed off. Committing a serious offense of distracted walking I was texting Andy as I strolled through the big hotel lobby when I walked directly into a solid body.
“I am so sorry!” I said before I’d even seen the person.
“Are you sending the captain dirty text messages?” I looked up to find James grinning at me.
“Yeah, right,” I snorted and slipped my phone into my pocket.
“No pre-game nookie?” he teased.
“Nah. If we did that I’d have to do it at the same time before every game,” I joked.
“You’d be his new pre-game sandwich,” he winked. “Where are you headed off to?” James had been out of the line up for two weeks with an upper body injury and it didn’t look him he’d be playing any time soon.
“Just to see my brother, you?”
“I’m not exactly sure,” he crinkled his brow. “I don’t really know what to do around here.”
“Come with me?” I suggested, smiling at the lost look on his face.
“Are you sure? That wouldn’t be weird?”
“I can’t see why,” I took a few steps towards the front door and he followed.
“Thanks,” he smiled, matching my speed.

We sat in the back of the cab, snow falling lightly against the windshield. Familiar sites passed by and I felt a tug of nostalgia. I had fun living with my brother in this big new city. It was a good time, an exciting time.
“So,” James watched me as I peered through the foggy window. “I have to ask...” I glanced at him, encouraging him to continue.
“How exactly did you end up with Sid? Wow, that didn’t come out right.” He rubbed his forehead with his thumb and index finger. “What I meant was, you guys are really different.” He blushed, tripping over his words.
“It’s okay,” I smiled. “I know what you mean.” I patted his leg affectionately. “ We are very different, that’s for sure. But I don’t really know how it happened. I actually happened quite fast,” I admitted.
He watched me eagerly listening to my words.
“One day we were co-workers and the next day we were practically living together and I was completely enthralled with him. I think Sidney and me being so different is why it works. Then again, you’d be surprised how much we have in common.” No one had ever asked that question and I was caught off guard by how easily I spoke about him.
“How so?”
I paused, trying to decide how serious I wanted to make the conversation. “I guess we’re both really passionate people. He doesn’t do things with half a heart and neither do I. We’re also both very particular, but at the same time he’s the logical to my irrational.” I laughed, remembering all the times Sid had stepped in to talk me out of an emotional mess.
“That makes sense,” James sighed and let his head fall back against the seat.
“What about you?” I tried to change the subject. “Are you seeing anyone? Or do you make a habit of hitting on lesbians like Millie?”
“I didn’t realize she was gay,” he chuckled. “I figured she was like you.”
I noticed he was avoiding my first question and decided not to push, for his sake and mine. I didn’t have the energy to get into a deep conversation.
“Where exactly are we?” James asked as we pulled up outside an unmarked brick building.
“Haven’t you ever been to a recording studio?” I laughed and payed the faire. We ran through the snow and into the quiet building. We tried to brush as much snow of of ourselves before venturing into the main area.
“Why are we at a recording studio?” He whispered in response to the silence around us as we made out way to my brother’s office.
“Who doesn’t want to spend their free time time here?” I teased.

“You brought me more hockey players?” Andy laughed and got up from his desk to greet us.
“Only a Penguin,” I hugged him tightly.
“Of all the teams for my little sister to work for,” he rolled his eyes dramatically.
James stood a few feet away watching us confused. “James,” I motioned for him to come closer. “This is my brother Andy, don’t take it personally, he’s just an idiot Flyers fan.” I smiled. “Andy, this is James Neal. Please be nice, I’ve had to take care of enough injuries lately.”
“Hey now,” Andy protested. “I’m not that bad! I can promise you I have never engaged in a ‘Crosby Sucks’ chant.” He held his right hand up in a boy scout salute.
“That’s probably a good thing,” James laughed, warming up to the situation.
“I should hope not!” I looked at him slightly outraged. “Somehow he likes you.”
“She’s so easy to rile up,” Andy said over my head, patting me patronizingly.

We spent part of the day learning the art of music production, Andy letting us sit in on a session with a local band. After an hour of listening to them play the same thing over and over I got bored and started fiddling with my cellphone. I wanted to text Sidney but I’d promised not to and didn’t feel like listening to him complain should I jinx something. I briefly wondered what it would be like to have a normal boyfriend but shook that thought from my mind. I’d never liked normal so it was only fitting. Five moves into my second Tetris game my phone vibrated.

Millie:
Are you in town?

I rolled my eyes and tossed my phone on the couch across the room. We hadn't ended our last visit on a sour note, but it wasn’t the most comfortable of dinners. On one hand I understood her breakdown and I told her we could be friends, but on the other it felt like too much work. I heard my phone vibrate on the couch and couldn’t fight the curiosity. I grabbed it and flopped down on the leather.

Serena:
Are you with Geno?
Bea:
No, why?
Serena:
I need to talk to you.
Bea:
Are you okay? Why aren’t you at work?
Serena:
I’m calling.

I snuck out of the sound booth and went back into Andy’s office, closing the door behind me. A few seconds later my phone rang.
“Bea?” Serena said on the other end of the line.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice was shaky and I knew I was about to hear bad news.
“I need to tell you something but you can’t tell anyone.” It sounded like she’d been crying.
“Yes, just tell me,” I said worried. Anxiety building inside me.
“I just got a positive,” she’d started crying again and was hardly making sense.
“A positive what? Rating?” I tried to coax the answer out of her.
“Preg….nant.” She sobbed.
I nearly dropped the phone and felt a lump form in my throat.
“Are you sure?” I said calmly. One of us had to be rational.
“Five tests sure,” she sniffled.
“That’s like $50!” I cried.
“$75,” she corrected.
“Wait, so you don’t want Geno to know?” I couldn’t decide if it made sense or not to keep him out of the loop.
“Not now, not until things calm down for him.” She was talking like a true girlfriend, putting his career first. I scoffed until I realized I was doing the same. “Look, I just needed to tell someone. Please keep it quiet.”
I promised her my silence and told her I loved her before we hung up. I sat at my brother’s desk with my head in my hands. My heart ached for my confused and terrified best friend. I wanted to get on the first flight home and be with her. Sit on the couch eating comfort food and serial watching old seasons of Scrubs. It had only been a few weeks since our trip to Canada but I already felt like I needed a holiday. Everything was piling up and I tried desperately not to suffocate under the pressure of it all.
“Bea?” I heard a soft voice call my name from the other side of the wooden door. I rubbed my eyes and got up to let whoever it was in. “What are you doing?” I opened the door to find James leaning against the door frame nervously.
“Sorry, I just had to take a call,” I forced a smile and swallowed the secret that perched on the tip of my tongue, like a bird desperate to soar out of me.
“Oh, that’s cool. Your brother just suggested we go grab some lunch.” His phone vibrated as he finished the last word. A smile spread across his face as he read the text message.
“You got a crush there Nealer?” I teased, walking past him.
“No!” He blushed, his cheeks bright red and followed me back to the sound booth.

We got back in lunch just in time for the typical pre-game nap. I was just about to indulge myself, already tucked under the covers, when my phone vibrated on the nightstand next to me. I tried to ignore it but it buzzed again.

Geno:
Sid said 2 tell u there is ticket for brother at door with pass.
Geno:
Also u have 2 bring after game clothes :)))))
Y U 2 no talk?
I groaned and replied to Sidney’s new Russian secretary. If Sid had plans of going to a club he could count on going stag. I tossed a pair of jeans and a low cut top in my bag just in case then crawled into bed only to be disturbed by my phone again. A logical person would have turned it off, but I was worried about Serena.

John:
Any chance you can get us tickets for the Habs game? Your three favourite big brothers want to see you.
I chucked and told him I’d see what I could do. There was no way I was going to pass up on the chance to watch my brothers squirm while meeting their rival team.

I shouldn’t have been surprised when Sidney avoided eye contact with me in the dressing room. In a way I wasn’t, but I was still hurt. I tried to tell myself that it the embargo would soon be lifted, but that didn’t help my need to talk to him. Perhaps not talk so much as be near him. I didn’t trust myself not to spill the news of Serena’s utero bean. I shuttered to think how I would react if I were in her shoes. There’s no guarantee I wouldn’t go completely insane. Not to say I didn’t love the idea of someday raising adorable spawn with Sidney, but that was different. Serena was virtually alone, my fun loving best friend had spent her life trying to avoid commitment. The girl who panicked when signing a two-year lease because she felt trapped. While I assumed I would have Sidney’s support should I find myself in a similar situation, I couldn’t rely on my own assumptions, especially not on game day.

They lost 3-2 to the Flyers. The whole time I stood behind the bench wondering if this hiccup was about to become a slump. Selfishly, I didn’t know if I could handle a losing streak on top of everything, better yet I didn’t know if I could handle Sidney in the midst of a losing streak. After Dan’s post game talk I snuck into the locker room to get my jeans.
“Hey babe,” Sid wrapped his arms around me from behind, still wearing half of his gear and reeking of sweat.
“Don’t,” I grumped and shrugged him off of me. He was obviously looking for comfort but I was too sour to be the one to give him that. He hadn’t been there when I needed him earlier and the petulant voice inside me told me to dish it back to him.
“Hey,” he grabbed my arm gently as I turned to walk away. “What’s wrong? I’m supposed to be the one who’s upset here.”
“You’re such an idiot,” I shook my head in disbelief.
He stared at me wide eyed and confused. I pulled him into a corner of the dressing room so we wouldn’t disrupt the guys around us.
“You’re stupid no contact things is doing shit all,” I hissed. “It hasn’t helped your game. In fact all it’s done is make me resent the hell out of you.”
“What? I didn’t think…” he stammered.
“No Sid, you didn’t think.” I clenched my fists and tried to take a deep breath. “Look, I get it. Believe me I do. You’re not the only neurotic one in this relationship, but that’s just it. You’re not the only one in this relationship. Sidney I needed you today, but I was too worried I’d throw you off to call you. You got Geno to text me? Do you know how embarrassing it is to know that my own boyfriend won’t text me? Now I know not to take it personally. I know it’s just you being you, but it’s damn near impossible not to be hurt. I know hockey is always going to be the most important thing in your life, and I would never ever give you an ultimatum because part of what attracts me to you is your passion. But honey I need to know you love me half as much as you love the game.” I bit down on my lip, trying to keep myself from breaking down.
He didn’t say anything. Just stared at me with those big brown eyes, slack jawed and stupefied by my confession. I waited for him to respond, laugh, cry, just say something.
“Shit…” he finally said, rubbing his forehead with his hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I mumbled, moving closer to him in spite of his smell.
“No Beatrice, it’s not okay. I’m so used to hockey being my whole life that I neglected you. That’s so not okay.” He looked heartbroken, I wondered if he was going to cry, but thought it doubtful considering our location.
“I’m not mad,” I wrapped my hand around his bicep. “But I needed to tell you because I’m not okay with living like this. We’re not going to become those people who co-exist and are afraid of conflict. I spent years in that kind of relationship and I’m far too partial to you to let anything get in the way of us.” I slid my hands around his waist and pressed my body against his, knowing that I was going to change clothes anyway.
“Thank you,” he whispered into my hair, kissing the top of my head softly. “Thank you for not being afraid to call me on my shit.”
“Someone has to do it,” I looked up at him and smiled. “You’re not some hockey god to me Mr.Crosby. You’re my g’damn boyfriend and don’t forget it!” I leaned up and kissed him gently at first, his hands slipping down to my bum and pulling me tighter against him, and his tongue sneaking between my teeth. I tried to stifle the moan that threatened to escape and felt my body reacting to his touch.
He must have noticed my struggled because he quickly let go and smiled at my, a cheeky grin giving me butterflies all over. “Go get dressed and meet Andy, I have a surprise for you.” He squeezed my hand and headed back in the direction of his stall to disrobe of his gear.

“You’re not going to pass out are you?” Andy teased as we sat in the back of the cab. My body squeezed between Andy and Sidney.
“No!’ I blushed and punched him lightly.
“You’re totally going to pass out! There is an eighteen year old inside of you totally peeing her pants right now,” he continued, howling with laughter.
“Would you shut up!” I screamed. Sidney sat beside me grinning, obviously trying to be supportive and not laugh.
“It’s okay if you’re excited, Bea.” Sid squeezed my hand. “I mean this is Max Talbot, he’s like a celebrity,” he giggled, obviously defecting to my brother’s side.
I glared at both of them and tried to stay angry. Truthfully it was damn near impossible. Contrary to his media statement, Sidney didn’t hate all of the Flyers and we were headed to Max Talbot’s house for post-game drinks. I was surprisingly nervous and tried to remind myself that hockey players were people too.
We pulled up outside the house, Marc, Geno, and James pulling up in the cab behind us. “Now, if you feel light headed just let us know,” Andy squeezed my arm pseudo-affectionately
I glared at him and got out of the cab following Sid. We stood on the front stoop and waited for someone to open the door, Sid’s fingers intertwined with mine. I was glad I’d taken the time to brush my hair before we left the rink.
“Well if it isn’t the enemy!” The door swung open and Scott Hartnell stood in front of us grinning, his wild red curls pulled back.
“I wasn’t aware you were allowed out of the penalty box ever,” Sid joked and they shook hands. We shuffled into the entryway, the guys greeting each other warmly.
“Anyone going to introduce me to this lovely lady or do I have to do all the work?” Scott smiled at me and I felt myself blush.
“Right,” Sid chuckled. “This is Beatrice, she’s on our medic team.”
I rolled my eyes at his vague introduction. “I’m his girlfriend,” I corrected, shaking Scott’s hand. “This is my brother Andy.” I pointed to the tall man hiding behind me. He smiled nervously and waved pathetically.
“Maxime, viens ici!” Sidney called into the house, his french accent leaving something to be desired. I slipped off my shoes and followed him and the rest of the group into the living room.
“Sid!” Max grinned, coming into the room with beers in his hand. He placed the beer on the table and pulled Sid into him, the two men patting each other on the back. I tried to take calming breaths as Max moved to the rest of the guys, but my heart was pounding and I was feeling faint.
“You have fan!” Geno slapped him on the back and pointed to me. I squeezed Sid’s hand tightly causing him to flinch.
“I have a fan?” Max laughed and I felt my face get hot as his eyes shifted to me.
“This is Beatrice,” Sid introduced me.
I reached out to shake Max’s hand but avoided any eye contact.
“La petite amie de Sid,” Marc added filling in where Sidney left off.
“Oh?” Max looked at me wide eyed and mischievous. “You finally found someone to love you and your huge ass, eh buddy?” He clapped Sid on the back and they laughed.
“That’s Andy, Beatrice’s brother. Nice but dumb Flyers fan,” James joked. Andy laughed and shook hands with Max, who was still focused on me.
“Does she talk?” he finally asked.
“Usually she doesn’t stop,” Sid looked at me amused.
“I think she’s a little overwhelmed,” Andy added, wrapping his arm around my shoulder protectively.
“I’m standing right here,” I finally said, scowling at them.

We sat in the living room drinking and chatting. I’d opened up a little more, but was still nervous to be in the presence of my two favourite Flyers. Once again in the middle seat, Sid sat to my right and Max to my left.
“So you’re dating The Kid?” Max leaned into me so I could hear him over the lively conversation.
“I am,” I smiled politely. Inside I was chastising myself for not being more myself.
“How long have you been together?”
“Four months?” I was never quite sure when exactly we started dating. It was all kind of a blur.
“That’s great,” he smiled.
I took a long drink of my beer and rest my hand on Sid’s thigh. They were talking about hockey and I couldn’t be bothered to join the conversation. Instead I sat there smiling, feeling the energy radiate off of Max. It made me anxious and uneasy. Nothing he was doing so much as my own school girl crush. Unable to stand it anymore I excused myself to find the bathroom and snuck down the nearest hallway. I managed to avoid the embarrassment of opening random doors and found the bathroom easily. I loved the door behind me and sat down on the toilet seat. I did the only thing I could think to do.

Bea:
You’ll never guess where Andy and I are right now!!

I text my brothers. They didn’t reply and I realized that they’re probably asleep.

Bea:
I’ll just tell you. We’re in Talbot’s house! His house!! I love my job.

I washed my hands out of habit and checked my face in the mirror. Fortunately my make-up had stayed in the right place and I didn’t look too bad for having just gotten off work. I checked my phone one last time- still no reply- and unlocked the door, flicking the light off. I hoped to sneak back into the living room unnoticed but I without taking a full step I collided into Max.
“I’m sorry!” I blushed, still avoiding his eyes.
“It’s a small hallway,” he smiled, his hand on my waist from having caught me.
“Yeah,” I mumbled turning to get away.
“Hey, Beatrice,” he stopped me before I could get even a few steps away. “Do I make you nervous?” He smirked. Had he been any other guy I would have rolled my eyes and fired back some biting insult. But Max had me pegged already.
I smiled and nodded slightly. Biting on my lip embarrassed.
“Seriously?” he laughed. “You’re dating Sidney Crosby and I make you nervous?”
“Don’t let it get to your head,” I smiled, finding my voice. “You were the only Penguin I could stand for years.” I admitted, shamelessly flirting.
“Well isn’t it a shame Crosby beat me to you,” he winked and went into the bathroom, leaving me with butterflies.

We couldn’t get the door to my room open fast enough. I slipped the card in and out trying to unlock it, Sid’s lips on the back of my neck and his hands dangerously close to the button on my jeans.
“If that thing doesn’t open in five seconds I’m finding a storage closet,” he growled in my ear, nipping playfully at my shoulder. The light finally flashed green, as if it had heard his threat. We burst through the door, slamming it behind us.
He’d barely had a chance to get his shoes off before I pushed him onto the bed, climbing on top of him and straddling his waist. I pull my hair out of the ponytail and let it hang over my face as I kiss him feverishly. His hands slips under my shirt and up my back, wasting no time before unhooking my bra and pulling my shirt over my head. His hands move to my breasts and I moan approvingly, feeling his pants get tighter underneath me. Between our honest conversation and my flirtatious interaction with Max I was wild with desire. After stripping him of his shirt I quickly focused my efforts on his pants. His belt buckle and button cooperating I had him at my disposal in no time.
“Eager much?” he chuckled as I pulled my own pants and underwear off then returning to my stop on top of him.
“It feels like it’s been a really long time,” I moan. His hand found its place between my legs and his cock twitched underneath me.
“Jeezzus, I haven’t even done anything and you’re soaking,” he laughed and kissed me harder. His fingers danced teasingly over my clit and whined impatiently. Obviously realizing I wasn’t in the mood to be teased he pushed two fingers inside me and I swore I was going to come right then and there. His thumb on my clit and two fingers at the perfect angle inside, I felt the sensation build up inside me. I was so close when he pulled his fingers out and placed them against my lips and slipping them inside my mouth. He groaned as my tongue swirled around them, sucking then clean.
“Do you have a condom?” I whispered, more than ready to have him inside me.
“What?” his voice was husky and making it hard to resist him. I would have relied on the pill alone if memories of my conversation with Serena hadn’t popped in my head. It wasn’t enough to stop me, just scare me. “My wallet,” he groaned when I got up to get it.
“I’ll explain later,” I said rolling it onto him then lining his solid cock up with me. I slowly lowered myself on top of him and he groaned loudly, his hands moving to my hips. He let them rest there, not doing anything to move me and I moved in my own rhythm. Selfishly I moved with only my own enjoyment in mind, one hand on his chest and the other on my clit. I pushed down taking him all in then continued the rhythm of up and down, rotating my hips and hitting the perfect spot. He bucked eagerly and I dug my nails into his flushed skin. This wasn’t going to be a fuck known for its longevity but I was more than okay with that. He dug the pads of his fingers into my hips and I picked up speed, my leg muscles burning and my stomach twitching.
“Oh fuck!” I hissed, my muscles reaching their peak and an eruption of tingles swimming through my body. I kept moving until I couldn’t anymore, just long enough to feel him twitch inside me and convulse underneath me.
I lay on top of him too exhausted to move, completely content with our position and my much needed release.

“Remind me to introduce you to more of my ex-teamates,” Sid whispered in my ear amused and kissed my cheek.

Notes

Well that was a good time all around.

I'm not sure if y'all have seen but I started another FF (I have no idea why, you'd think I was made of time over here...) It's called "The Longest Time." Feel free to check it out. There will be some intermingling within the two stories in the future but neither will rely on the other. Basically what I'm saying is it's cool if you read both but you don't have to in order to get how things are going.

Loving the comments, y'all have made midterms significantly less horrific!

xx-T