What Dreams Forget

****************************************************************************************************
Neal arrived at the apartment after practice. He came out of the stairwell, and heard music blaring from his apartment. He coudn't believe that November was all but over, and it was quickly closing in on December. They had been on a huge winning streak. He liked to think he had found his groove in Nashville. Tori Lynn and Colby had performed the anthem, and during the intermissions early in the month. The entire Preds organization loved her. She and Colby were performing again tonight. He hoped that she would actually wear his jersey tonight. He had gotten a world of shit when she stepped out in a Gnash jersey. Nothing like the mascot macking on your girlfriend, so of course pics of her kissing Gnash played all over the arena. She was often spotted about Nashville with her Redneck Ratpack, in various Preds gear. James was going to burn her Jarnkrok shirt if he could ever find it. How in the hell BK's wife transformed that t-shirt into that tiny ripped up tank top he would never know. But, it should be illegal. He knew better than to say anything. What the hell was she doing with the music that loud?

James had no idea. He had hoped she might still be in their bed. They had made it back from Kentucky late last night. Apparently, Thanksgiving could be anytime Mamaw deemed it Thanksgiving. So, they had made the trip and had dinner on Wednesday evening. He'd spent the majority of the night trying to convince Mamaw Gemma to come watch him play. Her dad had actually shook his hand, and told him to take care of Tori Lynn. She couldn't believe it, but she had no idea that her daddy was in on her truck shenanigans. Mr. Hall had agreed to help him, but told him if it backfired he knew nothing. James assured him he would take all the blame. James had offered to lease her whatever vehicle she wanted, she of course refused and agreed reluctantly to drive the Rover. Her momma had hugged him and gave him the picture of Tori Lynn in the sundress, much to Tori Lynn's chagrin. Even, Marc Allen had been surprisingly civil. It had been a good trip.

James listened at the door for a few minutes before unlocking the door. He wasn't sure what he was hearing. He thought it might be Whitney Houston, it was hard telling with Tori Lynn. He unlocked the door, and tossed his keys and wallet in the bowl on the entry table. He jerked his hoodie off and hung it on the peg. He kicked off his skates and followed the music, it was blasting. Yep, definitely Whitney Houston. Apparently, his girl wanted to dance with somebody. He could hear her singing along. He smiled and shook his head, venturing down the hall to the third bedroom. They had discussed making it into an office for James, or a library. But, he had other ideas. She needed a studio. So, he told her he thought they needed a room for guests. He told her to decorate it as if she would be spending a lot of time there.

His girl had been busy. Tori Lynn was standing on a small ladder painting the wall facing the door. She had taped it off in a Chevron pattern. She was currently belting out Whitney Houston while painting in her taped off areas. James couldn't help but smile, maybe she shouldn't be dancing on a ladder. She, of course, was clad in a tiny pair of shorts and currently dripping paint on one of his Stars t-shirts. He was convinced she was destroying them on purpose to get a Segs one. She had decided on a black and lavender color scheme for the room. He didn't care what she wanted to do. He had laughed when she bought the chalkboard paint for the walls, Tori Lynn was always up to something.

"Babe!" he called from the door. She didn't stop dancing or singing. He called out to her again but moved closer to her. She still didn't hear him. He walked over to the ladder "Tori Lynn!" he yelled. She jumped, and the ladder wobbled. He grabbed her as she lost her footing, they both ended up in a heap on the floor lavender paint dripping into his hair.

Tori Lynn smacked his shoulder "Damn it Jamie! You scared me to death. I could have killed you, or broken something when I fell on you. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Babe. I get checked harder than that on the ice. The question is, are you okay?" James sat up with her in his lap. She started laughing. "What?"

"You hair has a beautiful lavender streak." she replied touching his dark messy hair. She held her hand out so he could see the pastel paint. James groaned, and laid back on the floor. She was laughing hysterically laying beside him.

"It's not funny. You are messing with my mojo when you mess with my hair." grumbled James "I have a game tonight."

Tori Lynn moved so that she was laying on her stomach, propped by her elbows. She was inspecting the mess in his hair. "It's still not as bad as the pics of it dyed pink." James smacked her ass. "Oww Nealer." She started to move, but he anchored her to his body with one arm. She loved and hated how strong he was.

"That was for cancer awareness" replied Neal.

"Yes, and the bleach blonde spikes were for?" asked Tori Lynn laughing. James mom had came down and brought Nixon. His mother had already loved Tori Lynn from the redecorating episode. Since she had asked for pics his mother came armed with lots of pictures. Mostly horrible little kid pics, even worse teen photos, and positively embarrassing photos from his junior years. At least Stammer, Subban, Marchy, and lots of other NHLer's were in the photos. Leave it to Tori Lynn to inform him that Stammer was hot even then.

"It was the early 00's. Everyone had bleachy hair. Marchand was right there with me Babe." he whined.

"Yes but Marchand isn 't my boyfriend." she laughed "I only get to tease you." She leaned and kissed his pouting mouth.

"Ya, and next week when you see him don't you forget you're mine." said James "No, shipping up to Boston."

"He has an adorable girlfriend. They are so cute in pictures. She was a UK cheerleader." replied Tori Lynn.

"Is that all that's stopping you?" asked James.

"Nah" she teased "I kind of like you."

James flipped her until he was straddling her waist. "Just kind of?" he asked.

"Tickle me and die Neal" she said bucking her hips. But dislodging over 200lbs of Neal was a difficult task at best. James moved, she jumped beneath him. "Neal" she warned. He moved again "Please Jamie." Well fuck, now he couldn't tickle her. James smiled down at her before kissing her gently. She smiled up at him, he was definitely fucked. James got to his feet, and offered her a hand. He pulled her to her feet. "You go shower, and get the lavender out. I will finish this wall." she instructed.

"How about I help? Then, you can join me" he bargained. She looked at him skeptically.

"Just shower Neal. It's game day." she reminded.

"Best behavior" he replied. He stole another kiss before grabbing the roller full of black paint. He could reach the highest black band without the ladder. "You can even wash my hair." He started painting.

"Show off" said Tori Lynn, as she started painting the lower lavender section."That's chalkboard paint it won't come out like the lavender."

"Got it babe." he answered as he continued to paint the band. Tori Lynn flipped the music to a different playlist and kept painting. In less than a hour, the first coats of paint were drying.

James was busy shutting the paint cans. Tori Lynn had placed the brushes and rollers in what looked like tupperware for paint brushes, he had no idea. He stood back and observed the wall, it screamed Tori Lynn. He couldn't wait to surprise her for Christmas with a studio. He had already ordered a black piano for the room. Chase had assured him that she needed one. He knew she wrote most of her music on her guitar, but Chase told him she could write on the piano as well. Carrie was helping him decorate. Tyler and BK had hooked him up with a sound proofing guy, and getting the sound equipment she needed. He knew she would love it.

"Hey go shower" she said "I'll be right there." He leaned in and kissed her. She noticed the smudges of lavender paint obscuring his dark ink. She stroked a hand over it. "I guess we need to scrub you." James rubbed the tip of her nose and showed her the lavender paint.

"I'm not the only one." he answered. He started toward the master bath. Tori Lynn finished straightening up the painting mess. She walked through the apartment and grabbed her phone from the counter. She had missed call from Addi and a few texts from Chase.

Chase: Hey think you might want to do a few gigs with us in December?
TL: Sure when and where?
Chase: I'll get you a list. It will be a 3 week tour with FGL.
TL: Like a real tour?
Chase: No a fake one.
TL: You know what I mean.
Chase: Yes. We are hoping to drop the first single from your EP on Tuesday.
TL: We are so excited. Are you in town?
Chase: Yep Thanksgiving.
TL: Singing the anthem tonight want to come?
Chase: Sure if you can swing it.
TL: Let me ask Jamie
Chase: So have you put the son of a bitch out of his misery and told him you love him?
TL: UMMM no comment
Chase: Tell the poor bastard.

Tori Lynn walked into the bathroom. James was sitting on the counter in his boxers waiting for her. She smiled at him and stepped between his legs. "Can you get tickets for Chase and the boys for tonight?"

"What's it worth to you" he teased.

"James Deter Neal!" she exclaimed "I'm telling your mama."

"Yes, how many?"

TL: Mind your business. How many tickets?
Chase: LMAO. Me, Sam, FGL, and wives.

"Can you get 6 tickets?" asked Tori Lynn. James grabbed his phone off the counter and called someone. After a few minutes, she heard him say leave the tickets at will call in Tori Lynn's name.

"Done" said Neal "Now, about that shower. It's almost 1 and I need a nap."

"One second" she said "You get in." She watched him adjust the water temp. She replied to Chase. James stripped and winked at her. He was beautiful. But, she wasn't going to tell him though, he was arrogant enough.

TL: At will call in my name.
Chase: Tell Neal we'll return the favor. Knock'em dead kid.

"Tell them they have friends and family passes" called Neal from the shower "They can come down to the locker room if they want."

TL: He also got y'all friends and family passes. Come down to the lounge and you can meet the guys.
Chase: Thank Neal for me ;)
TL: Can't game day.
Chase: Well we see where your mind is.
TL: See you tonight

Tori Lynn pulled her clothes off, and climbed into shower with Neal. He moved over to make room for her under the spray. He was true to his word, and behaved while they showered. Tori Lynn managed to scrub the paint out of his hair.

"We both smell like gummi bears" said Neal wrapping a towel around her. He slung another around his hips.

"You like it" she called from his room. She was pulling on a UK shirt and matching panties. James came out of his closet clad in clean boxers.

"Damn straight" he replied stealing a kiss. "Naptime."

"No, you need to eat." she called over her shoulder. She threw her hair up into a bun. Addi was doing her hair and makeup for the game. James was digging in the fridge. She nudged him out of the way. "How about cheese toast? And I will fix you some pasta before you leave."

"Sounds quick" he smiled "More cuddling time."

"Who knew the Real Deal was a closeted cuddler?"

He dropped a kiss on her forehead as he pulled a bottle of water, and a can of Ski from the fridge. He opened the can and sat it in front of her. They stood at the counter and finished their toast. After cleaning up he threw her over his shoulder.

"What the hell Neal?"

"Nap time" he said tossing her on the bed "My second favorite thing to do with you in my bed."

"G is right you really are lazy. I think you would rather sleep than eat, James Neal" she admonished "You can't get used to me napping with you all the time. Chase asked me to go on tour with them."

"I figured it was coming" he replied stretching out beside her. "Don't forget me when you're famous."

"Very funny hockey boy." she said laying her head on his chest "The track drops Tuesday. We're going to do it live during 1st intermission."

"I'll try and sneak out"

"No Sir! You focus" she instructed."Now, you need to nap. I don't know how many naps we'll have."

James wanted to tell her they could have naps for the rest of their lives. But, he was scared that she didn't feel the same way. He killed the lights, and spooned her up against his body.

"Jamie" she said quietly "I'll miss this when I'm gone. I miss it when you are gone."

"I know, maybe we'll get lucky, and the tour will intersect with a game."

"Maybe." she said.

"No worries" he said kissing her head "You are stuck with me."

"Good" she replied as he threaded his legs through hers. Tori Lynn was absently stroking her hand over his inked arm. She heard his breathing even out. She knew he was asleep. It wasn't long until she was asleep too.

Tori Lynn and Neal woke up to Addi jumping on the bed. Tori Lynn cracked her eyes and looked at Addi. "What the actual hell Addison?"

"You should lock the door" she replied shrugging "Come on kiss Nealer bye. He can see you when you sing the anthem."

"I promised him I would cook him pasta." said Tori Lynn stretching. Neal had yet to relinquish his hold on Tori Lynn. She ran a hand through his messy hair. He turned into her touch but didn't open his eyes.

"Colby sent dinner over for Neal. Move your ass, boo! I've got to get you ready." instructed Addi.

Neal opened his eyes. Both, Tori Lynn and Addison were in his bed. At one point in his life, waking up with a brunette and a red head in his bed wouldn't have been shocking. But, he had been on best behavior since Tori Lynn. "So, I go to sleep and you invite Addi to snuggle."

"Nope, someone didn't lock the door" she answered.

"Should I expect her to crawl in bed with us often? Because, I think I have to give Matti the heads up."

"Shut it Neal" said Addi "Kiss her bye. You can see her at the game."

"Sorry" said Tori Lynn kissing him "Apparently, it requires several hours to get me presentable."

"It's 4:30" said Addi.

"Shit" said Neal getting up. "I need to be at the arena by 5:30."

Tori Lynn kissed him again, and allowed Addi to drag her to her apartment. Kase waved from the couch. Tori Lynn kissed his cheek as she was pulled into the bedroom. Colby was in the shower. Addi instructed her to get dressed. Tori Lynn pulled on the outfit laid out by Addi. She then sat still while Addi primped and painted her. Addi was spraying a cloud of spray when Matti knocked on the door.

"Out!" yelled Addi "I'll come out there"

"Calm down" said Matti "Just want to kiss you bye."

"That's fine, but her shirt is super secret." called Addi. She launched herself at Matti and he caught her. "You look hot in that suit, Mr. Ekholm."

"Yeah, well my girl picked it out" he kissed her "I've got to get to the arena." He sat her on her feet. "See you there." he handed her tickets for her and Kase.

"No fighting" she called after him "I like your face pretty."

"No promises" he yelled over his shoulder.

"Mattias Ekholm, behave!" she yelled. She heard him laugh all the way to the elevator.

Kase and Colby were laughing at the exchange on the couch. Addi smiled at them. Colby was dressed in his Smith jersey. It had been gift from Fish, it was a running joke between the two of them. "Well aren't you two pretty." she said taking in the boys. "We are leaving in 30 minutes."

Addi finished Tori Lynn, then fixed herself. She pulled on her Ekholm jersey. She couldn't wait for Neal to see Tori Lynn.

"Could my hair be any bigger?" asked Tori Lynn

"Of course dear" said Addi "Let me get my teasing brush."

"No, I was joking." said Tori Lynn. Her hair was sprayed and teased. She looked like a modern twist on 50's glam.

Neal hated not knowing where Tori Lynn was. He knew she was in the arena, he had spotted Chase and company. He found Addi and Kase, but no Tori Lynn. All warm up he had looked for her, no sign. They were all in the hallway waiting to skate out of the Preds head. He was buzzing with nervous energy.

"Man calm the fuck down" said Ribs "She's singing the anthem, you will see her in like 5 minutes."

"Neals in love" chirped Shea.

"Yeah, well he ain't the only one" said Fisher "Carrie said she is fine she's with Colby. Everything is set with the bandstage."

"I know, but I can usually see her in her seats" said Neal "I realize I'm being a jackass."

"You love her" shrugged Calle "tell her."

They all skated out of the head. James took his place in the starting line up. They were rocking back and forth on their skates. Tori Lynn and Colby walked out of the zamboni door. She was fucking beautiful. She and Colby sang the anthem flawlessly. He laughed at the front of her shirt when he saw it on the jumbotron. It had the Preds logo and said Dirty South on the front, leave it to Tori Lynn. Shea shoved him and nodded to the jumbotron as she was walking away. The back of her Dirty South shirt had his name and number, James laughed out loud. She was a mess. A hot mess. But, she was his hot mess.

Notes