Silver Lining

Over the next few months, Patrick and Aspen remained friends.They got to know each other by the minute. The only reason Patrick had decided not to jump on the opportunity to ask her out was because of the relationship she just got out of, and of course, hockey. He was growing impatient though. He wanted her, and wanted her bad. He would keep telling himself she's had plenty of time to get over the guy she ran from, but then again, he really hurt her. Aspen was also having similar thoughts. She didn't want to bring up relationship talk or anything around him because it might distract him from hockey, and she'd also start thinking about Aaron, the one who gave her the scars. The one who'd remain part of her forever. She also wasn't sure if he even like her or not; if he was going to make a move, why hadn't he done it yet? Was she not what he expected that night at the club? Was her job going to be in the way? These thoughts crowded her mind constantly, and was hurting her self confidence. She was afraid something was wrong with her.
Now, in mid-December, Aspen now a full-time teacher and the hockey season being in full swing, Patrick was ready to try for Aspen. He knew it might be hard, or go in his favor, but he was hoping that she felt the same desire for him.
Patrick had just got home from his game against Calgary, a 2-1 win. He was pretty upbeat about it because it was coming off the loss from the Isles the previous night. Patrick settled into sweats and a t-shirt before lying back on his bed and calling Aspen. She picked up the phone after the first ring.
"Thank god you called; I cannot grade another spelling test." she said
"Aren't I great?"
"The greatest." she said with a sigh. She laid back on her bed and rubbed her eyes. She'd been cooped up in her house and grading all day so she wouldn't have to do any during Christmas Vacation.
"Oh I'm so sorry! How was your game?" she said.
"It was great, good to get back after that loss." he said
"Yeah, good job on that assist. I couldn't watch, but I got the scores on my phone." she said
"Thanks, yeah. Wish I would've cored for you though." he said with a cringe, afraid of sounding too cheesy or something.
"You did that last night." she said with a smile. He laughed into the phone, and both of them, laying on their beds, were smiling like idiots. They didn't say anything for a little while, but then Patrick's stomach growled.
"How about I bring over a pizza, and maybe I can help with some of that grading."
"The pizza sounds great, but we'll see how long you last with first grade spelling." she answered.
"See you in a bit, Aspen."
"Bye Pat." They both pressed end on their phones and smiled stupidly to themselves for a minute. Patrick got up and figured he'd invite himself to spend the night at her place, it wasn't the first time and she had always got a good laugh from the cockiness. He threw a pair of clothes and toothbrush into an overnight bag and left his condo. On the way, he picked up a pizza from her favorite pizza joint and continued on to her building.
When he got there, he parked in his normal spot and headed in, nodding to the security guard who had begun to recognize him as a regular visitor. As soon as he got to her door and was about to knock, he got a text from her.
A>its open.
Patrick then walked right into the apartment, closing the door behind him.
"Aspen?" he called.
"Back here!" she answered back. He followed her voice to her bedroom. He found her sitting on her bed with stacks of paper all around her and dressed in fleece pajama pants and a sweatshirt she stole from Patrick's closet. She had her glasses on (Patrick thought she looked better with them on, but she constantly denied it) and her hair in a messy bun. He stood in the doorway for a little while, just watching her. The way she bit her lip when she was concentrating, how her face scrunched up when she was trying the figure something out, and the way she smiled when there was something funny or cute on the paper. He loved watching her grade.
"Are you trying the get robbed or something?" he finally asked
"What? Oh." she laughed "No, Ellie just left a few minutes and I asked her to just leave it open so I wouldn't have to get up."
"I like you aesthetics." he said, walking over to the bed and sitting with her.
"What kind of pizza did you get?" she asked, setting her pen and stack of papers down.
"Your favorite." he said, passing the box to her. She opened it and smiled up at him.
"You are amazing." she said, pulling apart a slice and taking a bite.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." he said playfully, grabbing himself a slice too. The pair ate and talked for a little while before getting to the schoolwork. Aspen set the half empty box on the floor and handed Patrick half of her stack and a pen. She gave him a list of what each word was supposed to be, and to write the correct spelling under the word if they missed it. Luckily, Aspen was about halfway done when Patrick arrived, so they got done pretty quick. Aspen still had a ton of worksheets to grade, but she could get those done later.
"What would you happen to be doing on Wednesday night?" he asked
"Probably grading papers. Why?" she asked
"Well, the team Christmas party is going on, and it'd be really awesome if you came with me." he said
"You sure you wanna take me?" she said. Social events made her uncomfortable, especially when she didn't know many people. Aspen had become friends with a few of the players wives and girlfriends, but still wasn't extremely comfortable in the group, especially since she was just a friend.
"Why wouldn't I? I'm thinking you're gonna be around for a while, and bringing you would let the team know that." I said. Aspen pondered over that for a second, and then answered.
"Okay, I'l go, but know that I'm awful at skating and I'm staying on your side for the entire time."
"Perfect." he said, smiling up at her. The two laid together on her bed and talked, their heads just inches apart. Patrick took a small chunk of her hair and twisted it in his fingers, something he'd made a habit of doing.
"Are you doing a Christmas party for your class?" he asked.
"Actually, yeah. I've gotta go out Thursday night and get everything for it too." she said, entering a reminder in her phone to go to the store after school that day.
"What time?"
"School gets out around 2:45, so we'll probably get it started around 1:30. Why, do you wanna come and make a snowman from Styrofoam balls and eat pizza and cupcakes? And deal with a few moms who would probably absolutely swoon if you walked in?" she asked, looking to her left at him. He looked at back at her with a smile, but then it turned into a frown.
"I can't, there's a team meeting at 1, they usually last about and for about an hour and a half."
"Shame, you're really gonna miss out." she said sarcastically.
"Oh I bet." he said in the same tone.

They spent the rest of the night like that, joking and laughing at each other. Aspen started drifting off, so Patrick took off his hoodie and sweats, reached over her and turned off the lamp on her bedside table, and pulled her close to him. Even though they were friends, sleeping together like they did every few nights brought Aspen a huge sense of comfort and protection. She felt like nothing could ever get her in his arms. He liked it too, because she let him in. His last few girlfriends had never really liked Patrick for Patrick, just his salary and social status. They were cold towards him most of the time, and he never felt the warmth and love he gets from Aspen. Her smell of vanilla and peppermint drove him crazy too. Every time he was around her, it intoxicated him. He couldn't get over her. Now he just needed to tell her.

*******************************
When Wednesday rolled around, Aspen couldn't wait for the final bell to ring so she could leave. The party started at 6, and Patrick would be coming to pick her up around 5:30. She followed her students out of the door and made her way out of the school and to the parking lot, where she was luckily the first to get out and avoid the teacher traffic. Aspen got home right at 3, and got a few things done before getting ready for the party. After she showered and got her hair dried, she texted Chaunette, Andrew Shaw's girlfriend, and asked what she was supposed to wear to this thing. She replied that just a nice sweater and jeans is fine, and that's what most of the girls do. Aspen thanked her and then went through all of her sweaters. She decided on black skinny jeans with a big dark grey sweater and a red infinity scarf. Aspen did her makeup normally and ended up having plenty of time to put grades into her grade-book. When Patrick called to tell her he had arrived, she nearly jumped out of her seat at her kitchen island. She had been really focused on getting the grades in and so nervous about the party, the sudden noise scared her. She answered the phone and quickly left her apartment and met Patrick down at his car. When she got in on the passenger side, Patrick leaned in for a hug and kissed her on the cheek. Aspen pretended it was normal and like she thought nothing of it, but she was blushing and his lips left a tingling feeling on the side of her face. Luckily it was dark and Patrick couldn't see how red her face was. Her entire body was buzzing too. It wasn't like Patrick had never done anything like that before, usually when she was feeling down, but this time it was just a normal scenario of them meeting up. Is this a date? she thought to herself. She shook the thought away, there was no way it could be. They're just friends and she was positive that Patrick didn't think of her that way.

When they got to the United Center, they got out and headed inside through the employee entrance. Patrick had brought in a duffel bag that she guessed were his skates. There were a few food and drink stations set up and the team and their guests ate and mingled before making their way to the ice. Everyone who was skating went to the locker room and followed their player to their stall. Aspen sat next to Patrick, who had set the duffel bag down next to him, but was pulling his skates down from the top of his stall. She wondered what was in the bag since he already had skates here. When Patrick got his skates on, he started unzipping the bag, and then pulled out a pair of shiny white skates. Without saying anything, he got down on the floor and pulled Aspen's boots off, and put the skates on her.
"I got your size from Ellie." he said to the silent girl. She was afraid if she said anything, it wouldn't be coherent and /or completely ridiculous. All she did to respond was chuckle and smile. Patrick helped her up and she wobbled out to the ice, grasping his arm so she wouldn't wobble and fall. When they got to the end of the tunnel, Patrick stepped out onto the ice backwards and held his hands out for her. She took his hands and stepped out onto the ice as gracefully as she could. Patrick laughed at her clumsiness and gently pulled her out, trying to get her used to the ice. Once she felt comfortable by her self, Patrick let go of her hands and they skated around side by side. She was a little disappointed when he let go of her hands though. If only he wanted to hold my hand she thought to herself. The pair skated around and mingled with the other team members and their families, talking to the kids and laughing with one another. When they approached the Sharps and were talking to them though, Patrick took a chance. He reached down to his side, and found her hand, tangling their fingers together. Aspen nearly jumped. The feeling of his big, calloused hands wrapped with hers was making her head spin. She didn't show it though, she carried on with the small talk until they moved on. When they skated away though, Abby Sharp smiled and winked at Aspen, while Patrick Sharp patted Patrick's shoulder. This made Aspen blush more, and Patrick definitely noticed. He smiled down at her and rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand.
During the remainder of the party, Patrick showed Aspen how to stick handle a little and how to shoot. They had a really great time with everyone, but were ready to get home once the party was over. Patrick drove her home and walked her upstairs to her and Ellie's apartment. When they got to the door, Patrick pulled her into a tight hug and rubbed his hand up and down her back.
"I can go help you get everything for the party tomorrow if you want." he offered.
"Sure." she said, smiling. They said one last goodbye before she went into her apartment, where a curious Ellie was waiting. She asked Aspen about the party and how she and Patrick were. Aspen told her everything that happened which made Ellie definitely think Patrick was into Aspen, but Aspen continued to deny it.

The next after school, Aspen met Patrick at his condo and they took his car to the nearest Target. They went down Aspen's list, getting everything they needed for the treat bags, game prizes, and the small craft they'd be doing.
"Are those parent volunteers not supposed to get anything?" Patrick asked, eyeing the price on the checkout screen climb higher and higher as the full basket ended.
"They're just getting food. They didn't want to spend a lot." she said. Patrick just nodded, and discreetly pulled out his wallet. Once everything was out of the basket, the clerk told them the total, which was close to $250.00. Aspen was about to pull out her card from her purse, but she heard the sound of one already being swiped.
"Receipt in the bag?" the lady asked, Aspen just then realizing what had happened.
"The bag is fine." Patrick responded. He then started putting the bags in the basket, and walking out. Aspen thanked the lady and then caught up to him.
"You didn't have to do that." Aspen said
"It's fine, I think you deserve a break for being so good to those kids." Patrick said.
"Well, thanks, I guess." she said. They got to the car and put everything in his trunk and then went back to her apartment. They brought everything up, and Aspen got to work making the example snowman for the craft and the treat bags for each student. Patrick sat next to her at her dining room table and watched. He liked they way her hands worked, making sure that every detail was perfect and nothing was out of place. When it was getting late and Aspen was ready for bed, Patrick hugged her goodbye and left for home.

The next day, Patrick got up and went to morning skate. Afterwards, him and Jonathan Toews went out for lunch, and Patrick told him more about what he thought about Aspen and what he was doing this afternoon for her. When they got done with lunch, it was about 1:15, and Patrick quickly ran into a flower shop and got a large bouquet of roses and made his way out to her school. He signed in at the front office and headed to her classroom. Before he knocked, he peeked in the window ad saw her bent over, hot gluing googly eyes to a Styrofoam ball for a little girl. Aspen was smiling and laughing with the girl, and Patrick is pretty sure he felt his heart spasm for a second. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Aspen immediately looked up from what she was doing, and her face was perfect. At first it was confusion, but then a huge smile spread across her face. She set the girl's snowman down and wiped her hands on her Christmas themed apron and walked to the door, blushing more as she got closer. When she opened it, Patrick basically threw the flowers in her face. He was so entranced by watching her in class that he didn't think of what to do when she opened the door.
"Patrick! These are gorgeous!" she said, and then pulling him into a hug.
"Just like you." he whispered into her ear, and he could practically feel the heat coming off her cheeks. He nipped at her cheek lightly so it wasn't noticeable to anyone but them, and then pulled away. Her class was silent behind her, and she quickly gathered herself before turning around.
"Class, this is my good friend, Patrick." Patrick awkwardly waved and a few of the boys' jaws were wide open and some of the girls were whispering to one another and giggling. Patrick sat at her desk and took part and helped in the party activities. At the end of the party, a few of the boys asked Patrick for pictures and autographs, and he gladly agreed. Aspen almost lost her footing when she was watching him talk and interact with the kids. A lot of the kids also gave Aspen little gifts before leaving. Once all of the kids were gone, Patrick and Aspen stayed behind and cleaned up the remaining mess.
"I thought you had a meeting?" she asked, untying her apron and hanging it over a chair.
"Nah. Just a party and a pretty girl to hang out with." he said, winking. She smiled and shook her head, and they continued cleaning. Once everything was done, they brought out the extra food and all of Aspen's gifts to her car and met each other at her apartment. Ellie would be at her parent's house in Rockford for the weekend, so Aspen would have the whole place to herself. The pair laid together in her bed listening to music and talking for the rest of the night. When it started getting late though, Patrick was able to work up some courage and finally talk to Aspen about their relationship. They had been quiet for a few minutes, so Patrick broke the silence.
"Aspen?" he asked
"Yeah?" He turned on his stomach and grabbed a part of her hair.
"Do you wanna go on a uh... date sometime?" he asked
"Like, a date, date?"
"Exactly."
"Of course I would Patrick." she answered
"Awesome." he said, smiling.
Patrick decided to stay the night, and couldn't come down from his high. Even though it was one date, he was amazed he could ask her, and she said yes. His arm was wrapped tightly around her as he thought about this, and was mesmerized by the rise and fall of her body. She was asleep, but there was no way Patrick was going to be able to for a while. He watched and admired every feature about her, the light peeking in from a slight void in her curtains illuminating her face perfectly. Just as he was drifting off, he pressed his lips to her temple, and was about to go under when she felt her shift. She turned to where she was now facing him, and buried her face into his chest. He pulled her close and tangled his legs to the familiar spot between hers then drifted off to sleep, the sweet smell of vanilla and peppermint spreading a smile across his face.

Notes

Good jesus sorry this took me so long. I'm done with finals, so I was able to finally get this one popped out and another one is in the works. Really hope you guys like this, thanks for all the reads and subscribers. Feedback is wanted and welcomed!! :)))

***sorry for any typos. I proofed it a few times but I'm not sure I caught it all***

Happy Holidays!!