March 2004

"So I assume you're from around here?" He flashed a toothy grin, the same one he gave to every other girl.

"Uh, yeah." The girl giggled at him.

"Ah, I'm from Whitby, in Ontario." He was leaned against the wall, an arm resting above his head, and the hand on his opposite arm, holding his stick. He was in full equipment. The girl nodded as if she had any idea what he was talking about.

Emily rounded the corner, spotting his attempt at picking up the poor girl. She swore, every game, every practice,anytime he was at the rink, he was flashing the same smile at some new, innocent girl. Em took a deep breath, walking over to where he was.

"Woah, I could've sworn there was a practice right now?" She gasped.

His gaze shifted from the blonde in front of him to the brunette to his left. He rolled his eyes at her, but that only made Emily smile. His hand dropped from the wall as he let out a growl. "It was nice talking to you, but Coach's Minion's gonna rat on me if I don't get on the ice." He said to the blonde. She nodded. "Maybe you could stick around and leave me your n,"

"I don't think it's a good idea to get any girls' numbers when playoffs are just about to start." Emily suggested.

"Can you go away?" He hissed at her.

"I'd be further than I could possibly get otherwise if you were on the ice." Emily grinned.

He glared at her while the smile stayed on her face. The blonde girl watched the exchange between the two before wandering off. He turned away from Emily and went to follow the girl. Emily stepped in front of him.

"Practice?" She cocked a brow, pointing to the ice.

"Em, you're killing me." He sighed, putting his helmet on right.

Emily rolled her eyes. "Yeah, killing your chances at ending up with a sleaze. You're welcome. This is a very honourable service I'm doing for you, Neal." She placed her hand over her heart.

He let out a little chuckle. "Thanks, Kid." He ruffled her hair with his gloved hand.

She punched him in the chest, causing him to jump. She glared up at him while he stared down at her, wide eyed.

"I'm two years and a bit younger than you, do not call me 'Kid'." Emily snarled.

"You're three years younger than me, and I wouldn't call you it if you weren't acting like a child." He stated.

"I'm like two years and four months younger, not three years," Emily began. "And how am I being a child?"

He smirked. He could tell how worked up she was getting, and he loved getting her worked up. A guilty pleasure in not such a physical way, could be a way to word it. Emily's dark eyes glared up at him while her perfect little lips stayed in a straight, firm line.

"James Neal!" She shouted, shoving him.

James snapped back to the conversation. "First off, you stomp over to me and that lovely girl, with some grin on your face, showing that you were jealous, which shows you're immature." Emily's jaw dropped when that was said, punching him in the arm. He attempted to dodge it. "And second, you keep hitting me and yelling at me!"

"I was not jealous! I was trying to get you to go practice because I want my dad to get another win!" She argued.

James laughed. "It's okay if you have a little crush on me, Emily. It's completely understandable."

"I don't have a fucking crush on you!" Emily yelled.

"Hey, calm down." He shushed her before leaning close to her. "You might not be the only person with a crush on the person standing in front of you."

Emily's jaw dropped, again. James stood up straight, grinning from ear to ear. He stepped on the ice, closing the door to it behind him. He looked at Emily, who hadn't moved a muscle since he whispered to her. He waved with a smile before skating off. Emily just stood in place.

July 2005

Emily answered her phone in the back of the clothing store she was working in. "James?"

"Mom?" Her mother's voice chuckled.

Emily sighed. "Sorry, I'm just really nervous for him and I don't even know what time it is, I'm just waiting for him to call me and tell me he's drafted." She explained, folding some clothes in the stalk room.

"So your poor old mother calling to tell you James got drafted thirty third to Dallas wouldn't be as good?" Her mother asked.

"Oh my god, mom, really?" Emily yelped, throwing the shirt she had in her hands down. "Did he cry?"

Her mom laughed. "No, Em."

"Did you cry?"

"Nope."

"I bet dad is." Emily shrugged. "Is the draft done yet?"

"Finished a half hour ago." Emily's phone beeped, signalling another call coming in. "I bet that's James." Her mom smirked.

Emily gasped, switching lines. "James?"

"Babe, I'm going to Dallas!" He exclaimed.

"I know, my mom called me." Emily giggled.

"Wow, Diane ruined the surprise." James growled.

Emily smiled. "So what happens now?" She asked.

"I'm going to a training camp for a bit." He explained. "But then I'll probably come back to Plymouth for the rest of the season."

"Good. I'm glad I don't have to just let you go without saying goodbye." She frowned.

"I'd come back and see you before I went anywhere."

Emily's co-worker, Dani, came back into the stock room, glaring. Emily smiled innocently before mouthing to her that it was her boyfriend. Dani waved her off, walking back to the front.

"I have to go help Dani, but I'll call you when I'm done." She sighed.

"Okay, I'll talk to you then." James chimed. "Wait,"

"Yeah?"

"Em, I love you." He spoke. Emily felt herself go red. "I can't explain how thankful I am that you've been by my side the last year."

She smiled to herself. "I love you too, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"Sorry I only had the balls to say it over the phone." He let out a nervous laugh.

"I wouldn't expect anymore from you, James Neal." She smirked.

Late Summer 2006

Emily stood near the luggage claim, waiting for her boyfriend to appear. She was tired, and it was late. She let out a yawn while picking at her nails. It was a habit and it was constant, leaving her nails and fingers chewed.

James rounded the corner, spotting Emily with her head down. His smile grew as he approached her. He put his carry on down on the ground before walking up behind Emily, and wrapping his arms around her waist.

Emily jumped at first, until she inhaled James's familiar scent. She nuzzled her face into his as he kissed her cheek. She spun in his arms, holding onto his hands as she lifted her face to his, taking his lips into a long overdue kiss. They broke apart with wide smiles on both of their faces.

"Do you know how good it is to see you after being surrounded by guys for that long?" James spoke.

Emily laughed, wrapping her arms around his torso. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and his lips pressed to the top of her head.

October 2006

James was sat up against Emily's headboard with her head resting in his lap, and his arm wrapped around her. They were both fixated on some strange show on the TV sitting on top of Emily's small stand. James phone rang. He lazily reached for it, glancing at the name. He did a double take before he shot up, pressing the green talk button.

"Hello?" He answered.

Emily watched him wide eyed. She grabbed his hand, knowing it had to do with hockey. He gave her a small smile.

"No, yeah, this is James Neal." He spoke.

Silence took over the room since Emily had muted the TV. She picked at her free hand before James squeezed the one he was holding onto. She looked at him to see a grin across his face.

"No, that's great, that's fantastic." James said into the phone. "Thank you, thank you so much."

He ended the call, letting out a cheer before tackling Emily onto her bed. He gave her a long kiss, including sound effects, before he pulled away. Emily cocked a brow at him, giving him a dirty look.

"I just got signed to Dallas." He laughed.

Emily's jaw dropped before her mouth broke into a smile. She grabbed James's face, pressing her lips to his. He kissed her back before they broke apart. The couple just smiled at each other before James gave her another quick peck.

May 2007

"Amazing." James said through a short of breath. Emily cuddled into his side after climbing off of him. "Are you sure that was your first time?"

Emily gasped, smacking his chest. "That's so mean."

"I'm just saying, that was good, babe." He smiled, kissing the top of her head. "I'm honoured that I was your first."

"I decided to just settle instead of waiting for the right guy." Em smirked.

James laughed. "And what I said was mean?" He exclaimed.

"I'm just kidding. I'm glad you were my first." She smiled, kissing him.

"I've been a lot of firsts lately." A cocky grin spread across his mouth. "Like first place in the Memorial Cup."

"Woah, did you really win? I can't remember if you told me twelve times before?" She mocked. "I wonder how cool it would've been if I was there."

"Alright, sass." James growled, jokingly glaring at his girlfriend. She just smirked.

"Don't forget the Gold Medal you helped Team Canada get in the World Juniors Tournament." She said, in a matter of fact tone.

"Talking me up to make yourself look good." He laughed. Emily shrugged. "You know I love you, right?"

"Yes, baby." She looked up at him. "And I, you."

"So would you lose it if I asked you to move to Iowa with me?" He bit his lip.

Emily sat up, keeping her body covered with her blanket. "Are you for real?" He nodded. "James, I'd love to but I still have a year of high school, and my parents would never let me leave without finishing." She frowned.

"Then finish and move out after."

"Do you think we'll still be together then?" She asked.

"Well I sure as hell don't plan on breaking up with you, regardless of where I go, so this is your call." He shrugged.

Emily smiled, shaking her head at him. "I'm not going to break up with you either, asshole."

"Then it's settled, we're gonna be together, forever." He stated, tackling her back down on the bed.

October 2008

Emily sat on her couch with her corgi and mother. James was making his NHL debut tonight and Emily had never been so excited yet nervous in her life. Her eyes never left the TV.
Half way through the second, James tipped in the puck. Em shot up, cheering as loudly as she could. She felt her stomach flutter when she saw James celebrating. Her mom and corgi, Dex, both shot up as well.

Unfortunately, Dallas fell 5-4 to Columbus in overtime. Emily sat up until her phone rang, answering in a second.

"Babe?" James's voice called.

"I am so proud of you!" She cried. "I came so close to trying to do a back flip when you got that."

He chuckled. "I'm glad you didn't because a broken back would be some inconvenience when we get to visited one another."

She rolled her eyes. "That's all I am to you." She teased.

"You're that and so much more." He cooed.

"Always such a smooth talker." Em laughed.

A comfortable silence fell amongst them. Emily scratched Dex's stomach while James ran a hand through his hair. He stretched before resting his hand on his stomach.

"I miss you so much." He sighed.

"I'll see you on Halloween." She chimed.

"What are you talking about? I'm in Chicago on Halloween." James groaned while rubbing his face. Emily waited, silently, for him to catch on. "Are you coming to the game?"


"Took a little bit of convincing but mommy and daddy's little girl got them to drive to Chicago to see her all star boyfriend."

"You're the love of my life." He stated.

"Oh, I was talking about Patrick Kane. This is really awkward." Emily teased.

"Shut up." James laughed. "I have a game tomorrow, so we can talk later, okay, babe?"

"Yes, of course. I'm sorry." She frowned. She didn't mean to keep him up.

"It's fine. I'd rather talk to you then sleep but I'm also not feeling too hot." James explained.

"You looked pretty hot tonight." Em replied.

"I absolutely fucking love you." He shot back.

"I love you too, goodnight." She smiled, ending their conversation.

October 31st, 2008

His team could see the excitement built up in him. James was glowing. He couldn't wait to see Emily. After weeks upon weeks of just hearing her voice, he felt as if he was going to lose it.

The Stars fell to the Blackhawks, but James was still on an all time high. He changed quicker than he had ever after his previously games. He walked to the room where the fans gathered.

Emily was sitting on one of the couches, picking at her nails in a dark green Stars jersey with the number 18 on her shoulder. She looked up when she heard the door open and ran over to James. She leaped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

He held onto her torso tightly while he walked towards a couch. He sat down, causing Emily to straddle him.

At this point, she didn't care who else was around. All she cared about was James being in front of her. Her hands found his face as she crashed her lips into his. He kissed her back before she broke apart from him.

"Did you see Patrick Kane tonight? He got three points!" She yelped.

"Yeah, but you know what he doesn't have?"

"Hair as nice as yours?" Emily smirked.

"No!" James laughed. "He doesn't have the beautiful girl sitting on me right now."

Emily smiled, kissing James again.

December 18th, 2008

Emily sat alone while watching the game. James got her such unbelievable seats, she nearly fainted. The Blue Jackets were up 2-1 in the first with ten minutes of play left. Another six minutes went by, James checked Tyutin hard into the corner of the Columbus zone. Brassard called James onto a fight and before Emily could react, James was feeding shots to him. She pounded on the glass, attempting to get him to stop, with little luck. Brassard called off the fight. Both received four minutes.

The second came, James with a goal. By the end of it, Dallas was up 5-4. The third period, Columbus tied it up. Overtime solved nothing, so it went to a shoot out. Brad Richards, Fabian Brunnstrom, and Mike Riberio were the three shooters for Dallas. Brad and Mike both scored on Leclaire. Turco denied both of Columbus's shooter before Riberio settled the game for the Stars.

Emily waited outside of the change room for James. He came out in his suit, all smiles. He pulled her into a hug She hugged back before pulling away and grabbing his hands. She inspected his busted up hand, frowning while she looked up at him. He gave her a guilty grin before pecking her forehead.

"I'm so mad at you." She shoved him.

"But I love you." He pouted.

"And I love you, that's why I'm mad. I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt." She explained.

"Babe, I'm a huge Canadian boy, no worries about me getting hurt." He reassured her, pecking her lips. "Now can we go back to my apartment so I can pamper you." He asked, kissing her neck.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go." She pulled away, grabbing his hand to pull him along.

December 20th, 2008

Emily flew to Canada with James and his team. They were playing in Ottawa and then Toronto. After that, Emily would be going back to Whitby with James to meet his family. She was nervous but definitely excited.

Dallas lost in overtime to Ottawa, 5-4. Emily waited by the change room for James. Other members filed out, smiling or waving to her. Emily waved to them and gave them a small smile.
James finally came out. He took a deep breath, stepping over to Emily. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her in silence.

"Are you really beating yourself up over that game?" Emily whispered.

"Yup."

"James, you don't have to get a point every game." She sighed.

"I know, I just wish I could." He admitted.

She pulled away from him. "Ten bucks says you get a hat trick next game."

"Wow, no pressure." He chuckled.

"There shouldn't be any because you're an outstanding player." She stated, crossing her arms.

Matt Niskanen came out of the change room. Emily's eyes shifted to him and he grinned at her. He walked over, giving her a hug.

"Two point game, huh?" She chimed.

"Yeah, I guess it was nice." He smiled.

Emily shook her head. "You're too modest, Matt." He shrugged at her. "Admit you played a great game!"

"I don't know. I don't really pay attention to how I play." Matt scratched the back of his neck.

"Matty, you're unreal. Don't kid yourself." James stepped in.

"Thanks, Nealer, means a lot." Matt said, tapping James's shoulder.

James nodded at his team mate as he walked away. James watched him walked out before looking down at Emily. She was staring up at him.

"What?" He asked, smiling.

"I just love Matty." James cocked a brow at her. "And you." She said, wrapping her arms around James's torso. "I love seeing you living your dream."

"Hey, I wouldn't have made it if I didn't have some fourteen year old punk constantly harassing me to go practice and stop focussing on girls." He teased, as she pulled away.

"I had to make sure no one was going to steal you from me." She told him.

"So you did have a crush on me!" He yelped.

"As if you didn't have one on me!" She rolled her eyes.

Emily laced her fingers with his as they began walking out of the arena. She looked around at the snow falling around them. It was just like home. That's why it wasn't a problem for her to spend Christmas here.

"Em, obviously I liked you. For one, those dimples? They kill me." He explained. Emily smiled while looking down. "And your big, brown eyes," He said. She lifted her head, widening her eyes at him. He laughed a bit. "And your sense of humour."

"I get it. I'm perfect." She shrugged, smiling up at him after.

"And on top of it all, you were the coach's daughter and I'm a rule breaker."

Emily rolled her eyes before she shoved him away. He pulled her back into him as they continued to walk to the team bus.

"You're an asshole." She laughed, stepping onto the bus.

"Your asshole." He whispered into her ear as she climbed on the bus.

December 23rd, 2008

Emily sat beside Deborah and Rebecca Neal, surrounded by the men of the family as they watched James and his team line up for the anthems. In their four years of dating, Emily had only ever met James's dad, Peter. She knew all about his three little brothers and his little sister. Emily loved hearing about them since she had lost her older brother.

James looked up to the stands to see his mom and sister chatting Emily's ear off. Knowing Em, she was definitely keeping up. The announcer asked everyone to stand for the anthems. Star-Spangled Banner began. He looked through the dark and spotted Emily singing along as his mother covered a laugh. What a goof. He thought to himself, shaking his head as he smiled at the ground.

\When O'Canada began. Emily watched as James mouthed the words. She smirked, knowing he watched her during the American anthem. She saw him glance up and she shook her head. He grinned while continuing to silently sing his anthem.

The game began. Three minutes in, James scored the first goal of the night. He looked up to the seven people sitting in the crowd, cloaked in Dallas Stars merchandise with "Neal" and his number. There were others with it, but those seven were the most important to him. By the end of the period, Dallas was up 4-0.

Just over halfway through the second, James tipped in the puck for his second of the night. His team mates crowded around him before they made their way to the bench. He took a swig of water before turning and pointing at Emily. She grinned.

By the beginning of the third, Dallas was still winning, 7-1. Three minutes in, James got called for hooking. He shook his head as he skated to the box. Toronto scored half way through the third. James responded ten minutes later, scoring his third of the night.

Hats showered onto the ice. He laughed as his team congratulated him. Nick and Pete threw their hats on the ice to congratulate their older brother. He smiled behind his team bench at his family and girlfriend. They were all buzzing for him. He pointed at Emily since she had called it. She shrugged as if she wasn't bragging before smiling at him. He laughed, shaking his head as he sat down.

January 8th, 2009

James was in town for a game. The Stars fell, 6-1, against the Red Wings. James was upset with himself. He had three penalties that game and he kept replaying everything he could've done better in his head. Emily sat beside him, silently. They were out for dinner with her parents and some of the guys he played for Plymouth with.

Emily put a hand on his thigh, giving it a squeeze. He looked at her and she gave him a smile before pecking his lips. He just frowned.

"You're allowed to have an off game, James." She whispered to him.

"Yeah, no sweat, Rocky Balboa." Andrew Fournier spoke up.

James laughed at his former teammate. "You're an asshole." He stated, tossing a breadstick at him.

"James Neal!" Diane Vellucci shouted at him.

"Sorry, Di." He grinned. She shook her head before going back to her conversation. James looked at Emily who was silently eating her food. "So, what are your plans for your eighteenth, babe?"

Emily shrugged. "My boyfriend's going to be in a different city so probably nothing." She leaned into him.

He wrapped an arm around her, pressing his lips to the side of her head. "What about coming to Quebec the weekend before it to see your boyfriend in the YoungStars game?" He mumbled.

"Oh my god, you got asked to play?" Em shot up straight. James smiled, nodding. "Oh my god! James that's fucking huge!" She cried, grabbing his face to kiss him.

"Is that a yes?" He asked, smirking.

Emily slumped down before looking over her shoulder at her father. He smiled, nodding. She turned back to James who was laughing a bit.

"It's a definitely." She chimed.

January 25th, 2009

Emily cheered as the Rookies beat the Sophomores, 9-5. James came over to her, still dressed from head to toe in his equipment. He threw his gloves off and tossed his stick to the side, lifting Emily up in his arms.

Her feet were lifted off the ground. She smiled, lifting his helmet up. He gave her his lopsided grin. She pressed her lips to his before he put her back on her feet.

"You're crazy." She sighed, shaking her head at him.

"Yeah, crazy about you." He smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "Go change. My flight leaves in three hours."

May 2009

Emily watched Canada fall, 2-1 against Russia. She sat, waiting for her phone to ring but knew it'd be a while. She dosed off, phone in hand. She shot up to it ringing and answered without hesitation.

"Hey." She answered.

James heard the sleep in her voice. "Hi, baby."

"I'm so sorry, James." She sighed, sitting up. He stayed silent. "I don't have the words to comfort you. I wish I was with you right now."

"I wish you were here more than I ever have." He admitted.

Emily could tell how sad he was. She really didn't know what to say. The two sat in silence before she thought of a pick me up.

"Less than two months and I'll be a student at the University of Texas and living with you." She said, smiling.

A small smile spread across his face. Emily had applied to the University of Texas just to be with him and knowing she got in made him more than happy. Knowing he'd get to be with her made him even happier.

"That's great, babe. I'm glad you got in." He chimed.

"I know you're upset right now and I know how badly you must want to be with me, because who the fuck wouldn't? But you should probably go sleep and shake this off." She began. "I mean that's the best you can do since I'm not there to keep your mind off it."

"Was that supposed to be taken sexually, Emily Vellucci?" He cocked a brow. A teasing tone was in his voice.

Emily giggled. "Depends on how your sick mind takes it."

"Sexually. You definitely wish you were fucking me right now." James settled on that.

"I'll never tell." She smirked.

October 3rd, 2009

James came out of the change room, not as happy as Emily would have liked to seen. He gave her a small smile as she walked over, kissing the top of her head.

"Are you fucking kidding?" She shouted.

James looked at her in shock. She was pissed. She whacked his arm. He jumped back, rubbing the spot she hit.

"What?"

"You just scored the first two goals of the season for your team and you're moping around like a little bitch!" She yelled.

"I didn't help in the shoot ou,"

"Boo fucking hoo! You're the reason it went to a shoot out!" She shoved him.

"Woah, someone's aggressive." Jamie Benn said, coming out of the change room.

"Because my boyfriend's a dumb ass and never let's himself look past a mistake." She whined, crossing her arms.

James sighed, shaking his head at her. He pulled her into a hug, holding on tight to her. She stood in his arms with hers crossed. She was really angry.

"I'm sorry that I'm a dick." He mumbled.

"Good. You should be sorry." Emily growled. "Now let's go home so I can yell at you in private."

September 16th, 2010

"You'll never believe what happened to me today." James stated, walking over to Emily and kissing her.

"You'll never believe what happened to me either." She smiled up at her boyfriend.

He kissed her again. "I got a contract extension." Another kiss. "Two more years." A third kiss. "Two and a quarter the first year." A fourth kiss. "Three and a half the next." A final kiss.

"Good to know I'll get to work with you for another two years." Emily grinned. James froze. "I got the job. I'm part of the Stars organization."

He kissed her for a seventh time in the three minutes he'd been home. "Go get ready. We're going out to celebrate." He demanded.

Emily rolled her eyes before taking off to the bathroom.

February 21st, 2011

Silence was all through the apartment. Emily didn't know what to say to the news she just received. James was traded. James and Matty were both traded. To the Pittsburgh Penguins. Emily was happy for her boyfriend, obviously, but she also didn't know what was going to happen.

James watched her pick at her nails. He knew she was stressing herself. He took a deep breath which didn't distract her. He sat beside her, resting a hand on her thigh. She stood up, taking a few steps away from him.

"Where does this leave me, James?" She asked. Her eyes slowly lifted to look into his.

"What do you mean? It doesn't leave you anywhere." He said, walking over to her. "You're coming with me." She looked at the ground. "You're coming with me, right?"

Emily walked away from him again. "I, I don't know. I can't just up and leave." She thought aloud.

"I thought where I went, you went?" James muttered.

"Figuratively speaking, yeah. I'll support you no matter where you go. But I can't just leave." She shook her head, staring at the ground.

"Why? Why can't you leave to be with me?" He asked, stepping towards her.

"Because that isn't my life. I'm not the hockey star who moves to and from without hesitation." She explained, looking into his eyes. "I have a life here in Dallas. I have friends, and a job. I can't just abandon it all."

James grabbed her face. "You can keep in touch with those friends." He told her. "And with the money I'm making, you don't need to w,"

"No!" She shoved his hands away. "I'm not going to live off of you. That isn't right."

"So you're staying here while I move half way across the country?"

Emily nodded. "Yeah. This is where I've made my life."

"What about our life together?" He nearly whispered.

"I guess it's done." She shrugged.

"We've made it work the last seven years. I'm sure we cou,"

"Maybe I don't want to make it work, James!" She screamed, her eyes watering. "I can barely handle you going to away games without the worry of you coming back to tell me you cheated! I don't think I can deal with you being so far away and not drive myself crazy with those thoughts!"

James watched as Emily brushed her hair out of her face then wiped her cheeks. He stood still, letting everything register.She really thought he'd cheat on her? Yeah, he would flirt with bartenders and girls in bars, but he'd never thought of anyone besides Emily in that matter. He loved her, why would he?

Just like that, James broke down. He sat on the couch and cried. Emily watched him before she went over and held him. He cried into her chest before he sat up.

"I always knew my career would ruin us but I didn't expect us to last so long." He admitted. "I would've left me once I got sent here."

"I didn't want to leave you because I loved you." Em explained. "I still love you, but we belong in two different places. You belong in a city like Pittsburgh that can take you all the way to the cup. I belong in Dallas, with the corporate aspect of hockey driving me up a wall." She laughed a bit.

"So this is it for us?" James chuckled a bit. He couldn't believe it.

"Cheers to us for lasting so long." She said, holding onto him even tighter.

"I'm still going to call you every night." He stated.

"Fucking right you are!" She stated, crossing her arms.

Notes