Quietly

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An alarm sounded from a source away from Evgeni's head. He had not set an alarm so he wasn't really sure where the sound was coming from. He started to roll his body towards the sound but stopped when he saw Ally's blonde head laying on his chest. She was sleeping soundly even though the alarm was bleating on the table beside her. He managed to snuggle her onto his pillow and get out of the bed without waking her. Evgeni silenced the alarm. The time on her phone was 6 am. He could let her sleep and spend a little extra time with Natashka. He pulled the door to her room shut and ventured out into the hallway. He peeked into Nat's room and saw her and tux still cuddled up in her comforter. He wasn't sure what time she needed to be up but he remembered them talking about her needing to be at the dressing room at 9 am. That was 3 hours from now. He could get a lot done in 3 hours.

He ventured down to the living room and folded the blankets and put them on the end of the couch with the pillows. He made his way into the kitchen. Evgeni was happy that the coffee maker was like the one in the lounge at Consol. He made himself a cup of coffee. He managed to turn on the TV and was able to find the NHL channel. He was watching NHL Tonight when he heard a noise behind him. Ashley stumbled into the kitchen. She turned a full circle before she saw Evgeni.

"G, how in the hell did you sleep on that tiny couch" she asked looking at the very large Russian in her living room. Ashley then realized he was a half naked very large Russian. She stared at him for a moment.

"I not" he answered "Ally going to sleep here. I not let. I carry her to bed. She sleep with me."

"And the plot thickens" said Ashley "Where is Ally?" "I turn off alarm" he replied shrugging

"She tired. She sleep good." "She is going to kill you" said Ashley laughing "She runs this
house with military precision. She won't do well with you changing things. Ally already has her routine disrupted by the Nutcracker and you being here."

"She look tired" said Evgeni "I help. She not need 3 hours to get Natashka ready."

"No but she has to get herself ready for work, feed Nat, get Nat ready for dance, go to the matinee show, then go to work, and then come home and get Nat ready again." said Ashley "She has a half hour until Nat gets up. She would probably appreciate a shower."

"Ok" said Evgeni "I wake up. She shower. I fix Natashka breakfast. No worries."

"Good luck with that Geno" said Ashley walking into the kitchen "I suggest you bring coffee when you explain the plan.

Evgeni fixed a second cup of coffee. He added cream and sugar to the coffee remembering how she always drank it. He sat the cup on the nightstand on his side of the bed. Allyson was sleeping soundly. He realized that she probably didn't get a lot of chances to sleep in with work and Natashka. He hated to wake her up but he didn't want her upset all day. Evgeni knew she hated being off schedule. He sat down on the edge of the bed and watched her sleep. Her being off schedule is what caused their first meeting. He remembered those first days.

October 2008

Allyson was headed to the hospital from her new apartment. She still couldn't believe she had agreed to move into Kris's apartment. It was a win win situation. She had a place to live and he had someone to feed him and make sure he remembered trivial things like paying bills and buying groceries. It had taken much convincing to get Kris to agree that she could pay rent. Well not really rent she was taking care of groceries and cooking. Her charming French friend was not amenable to her paying for anything but conceded when he realized she wouldn't move in. It was just for 5 months until her internship was over. Kris said he liked coming home to someone. She pulled into her parking spot at Children's. Ally could now navigate her way around the hospital. She could get to most places she needed to go to in Pittsburgh. Evgeni had made time to play tour guide. She hadn't saw Kris or Evgeni for 3 days as they were in Montreal playing against the Habs.

She swiped her ID card and entered the Advocacy center. She said hello Janice and headed to her office. She sat down in her office and stared at the aqua walls. Pauly and Evgeni had came and helped her paint. Ally had told them she could manage it on her own. But they insisted it would go much faster with them helping. Kris and Sid had came by and brought her a clock and few other things for her walls including a signed Pens jersey. It was Evgeni's of course. She was excited her boys were home. She had heard Kris come in late last night but he went straight to bed. She knew they had lost the game. It was one of the first regular games of the season. They had their home opener the next night. She hoped it was one they could win. Evgeni had texted her the entire time he was gone. He had also called her every night. She had fallen asleep listening to him talk. He asked her if he was boring. She told him no he was just soothing. She loved those late night talks with him. They talked about absolutely everything and nothing at all. He was teaching her some Russian phrases and she tried to help with his stilted English. Evgeni had confessed that he hated interviews because of his broken English. Ally assured him it was endearing. They had been practically inseparable. She couldn't believe she had been in Pittsburgh for a month.

Ally busied herself putting in notes from the previous days forensic interviews. She was getting a great deal of practical hands on experience. She was getting clinical hours from her counseling sessions. She was excited to see Max today. He had kept his end of the deal and had been really working with Ally. He was on his best behavior because he wanted to skate with the boys. Her phone chirped.

Geno: Where at?
Ally: At the office.
Geno: Max have session?
Ally: Yes he does.
Geno: Big surprise what time Max.
Ally: Max will be here at 10 am.
Geno: Okay I get dressed be there
Ally: What are you up to
Geno: Surprise you too
Ally: Should I be afraid.
Geno: No Evgeni have you
Ally: See you soon

Ally continued her documentation. She then burned the DVDs of the forensic interviews for the police and the prosecutors. She was in her office checking her schedule on the office calendar. She noticed her entire evening had been blocked out. She wasn't sure why. She rang Janice at the desk.

"Janice my schedule is wrong today."

"No it isn't you have an appointment from eleven to four." said Janice "My schedules are never wrong."

"I usually don't do big blocks like that." she replied "Okay is it and interview or clinical hours."

"I'm not sure dear" answered the receptionist "Dr. Ashad scheduled it. It is a group activity with the kids." Janice hated lying to the girl but she had promised Mr. Malkin to help him surprise Ally and Max. "Max just walked in." "I'm coming" said Ally. Ally walked up to reception and fetched Max.

They began his counseling session. Max seemed to be very engaged when they did play therapy. He wasn't his normal happy self due to the fact the trial date for his uncle was looming. Today Ally was using her courtroom play set to help him familiarize himself with the court setting. He was avoiding the courtroom play set and was busy with the sand table. Ally redirected him and Max started playing with court set. His hour session flew by. Janice buzzed and told her that her next appointment was there. Ally walked out and headed for reception.

When she arrived she saw Evgeni, Kris, Sid, and Pauly waiting in the lobby. The guys high fived Max.

"What are you all doing here. My next appointment is here." said Ally.

"We are your next appointment" said Sid "Max is going to learn hockey today."

Ally's blue eyes widened. Max was jumping talking excitedly to the boys. She sighed there was no getting out of this. Sid and Max sat down on the lobby couch and Sid gave him a Pens duffle bag. Max pulled out a tiny Crosby jersey, followed by skates, and everything he needed to play hockey except a stick. "We have sticks waiting for us. Pull your jersey on." instructed Sid. He laughed at the speed in which Max got dressed.

"Ally" said Kris "Today iz the day Belle. You will learn to skate."

"I can't possibly go skating in this" she said gesturing to her pencil skirt and blouse.

"Da" said Evgeni. He held out another Pens duffle bag. "Go change."

"Y'all raided my closet?" asked Ally glaring at Kris.

"Oui, Belle" replied Kris "I am good at matching the clothes. Go get dressed."

"I hate all of you" said Ally heading to her office to change. Once in her office she opened the bag and found a pair of her leggings, a pair of thick socks, a black tank top, and a Malkin jersey. They had even put her UGG Cardi boots in the bag. She pulled the gray boots on. There was even a brush and a ponytail holder in the bag. Ally quickly braided her hair to one side and fastened it. She jumped as someone knocked on the door. She opened her door and found Evgeni in the hall.

"You not hate" said Evgeni looking at her pitifully. "No I don't hate you." she answered smiling at him "But I am nervous about skating."

"I got you" said Evgeni he looked her over "I like. You wear my number always."

"What about the boys." asked Ally.

"They find other girl." he replied holding out his hand towards her. Ally took his hand and let him lead her back to reception.

"She looks the part" said Pauly "Come on Kentucky let's go skate. Max is ready."

Max was so excited he was vibrating sitting between Kris and Sid. They made their way down stairs to Sid's Rover. Kris, Pauly, Max, and Sid crawled into the SUV. Evgeni lead Ally to his Mercedes.

"You ride with me" said Evgeni "Max get guy time. He like being a Pen."

"So I am banned from Sid's ride because I am a girl." laughed Ally looking at Evgeni in his driver seat. Evgeni turned towards her and smiled. Dear lord thought Ally that smile could light up the world.

"Da" replied Evgeni "Or maybe I just like keep you with me. I miss Ally while play hockey."

"I miss you too G" she answered honestly.

"Nyet" growled Evgeni "No call me G or Geno. Like when call me Evgeni. You can call Zhenya but no G or Geno."

"Da" she replied "Zhenya is what your mama calls you. I guess I need to come up with all my own."

"Da" he answered "You not call me what they all call. Don't want be just G or Geno."

Evgeni wasn't looking at her as he spoke. He was too busy navigating around traffic. Ally was stealing glances at him. He appeared slightly agitated and nervous. Ally put her hand on his hand that was resting on the console. She meant it as a soothing gesture but Evgeni's large hand encompassed hers. Neither one of them moved as they drove to Consol. The boys were easily flagged through security into the players lot. They all clamored out of the vehicles. Evgeni retrieved bag from his trunk. They made it past security and into the Pens locker room.

"Miss Ally don't step on the Penguin" called Max "It would be bad luck."

"Da" said Evgeni as he picked her up and sat her on the other side of the logo.

"I think I could have walked around Malkin" she sassed. Evgeni just shrugged. There were players in most every locker seat. She headed towards Pauly where she knew she was safe. Ally was almost to Pauly when he nodded at Evgeni. Ally wasn't sure what Pauly was doing so she leaned in and hugged him.

"I don't need a moody Russian when we have kids here. Besides we both know you are hiding from him over here. I might be the nice one but you are getting your cute booty out on the ice."

"Et tu Pauly" she said quoting Caesar.

Pauly cracked up laughing "Beware of Russian baring gifts." he teased.

"Everyone on the ice" called Sid. The Pens all filed out of the locker room following the goalie. Max was right behind Sid in front of Kris.

"Watch him don't let him fall" she called after them.

"Is how he learn" said Evgeni "Come" He motioned for her to come sit beside him. He was busy lacing his skates. Ally crossed the locker room careful to avoid the penguin on the floor. She sat down in his locker beside him. It was a very small space that they were occupying. Especially if one of the people occupying space was a ginormous hockey player. Evgeni pulled open the bag he carried in. He pulled out a pair of Bauer hockey skates. They looked ridiculously small in his large hands. They were black and silver and were laced with bright pink hockey laces.

"They look a little small Evgeni but the pink laces are a nice touch. I'm sure the Flyers will be scared."

"Nyet" he said handing her the skates "Are yours. See like mine but Ally size." He started undoing the laces making room for her to get her foot in the boot. He held the skate out for her to put on. He then repeated the process with the other skate. Once both skates were on her feet he moved to sit in Sid's locker. He pulled her foot up into his lap and laced her skate tightly and tied it. Once the second skate was tied and he was satisfied that she wouldn't break her ankle. He dropped her foot and stood up.

"Up" he said.

"Evgeni, I don't think this is a good idea." she began "I think I will break my neck."

"No break" he laughed "I do at 2. You do now. Come. I help. " Evgeni held out his large hand for her to grab. He pulled her to her feet "You walk in crazy heels. Skates easy."

Ally took a small step in her skates. She managed to walk towards the tunnel and didn't stumble. Evgeni had yet to let go of her hand. When they got to the bench door he made her stop until he got on the ice. "I skate backwards you skate forwards." Ally looked at him like was crazy. Evgeni shrugged and pulled her closer to the ice.

"I'm not sure" she said as her skates hit the ice.

"Da but I sure." replied Evgeni. "Turn feet out. Like this" She watched his feet and mimicked his movement. She wasn't skating more being towed like a water skier. "Push out" he demonstrated again. She pushed a few times and skated closer to Evgeni. "See is easy. I let go. Skate me"

Ally almost panicked when he let go of her hands. Evgeni stopped on the ice and waited for her to skate to him. She followed his instructions and quickly made her way to Evgeni. "See you skate." She smiled at him. Evgeni's heart was thumping in his chest. He wanted her to love the ice they way he loved the ice. He wanted to grab her. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to do a lot of things but his Ally was special. Not a girl from the bar. She had skated past him and was heading down the ice towards the boys. She was doing very well for first time skating. She was still a little wobbly but it was fixable. She was actually picking up speed. Evgeni then noticed that Jordan Staal was headed right at her and paying absolutely no attention to Ally. Ally was against the boards. He took off skating towards Ally trying to get to her before Jordan ran over her like a semi.

"Gronk her not know how stop" yelled Evgeni "Gronk no smash Ally."

Jordan realized what Geno was saying just as he got close to the tiny blonde. He had 2 options run over her or pick her up. Evgeni saw Gronk pick Ally up and spin around and stop. Evgeni wanted to kill Jordan but at the same time he was happy he didn't squash his Ally. Jordan skated towards the center of the ice still holding Ally.

"Lose something G" laughed Jordan "Maybe I should teach her to skate. And how to stop."

"Oui" said a dark hair man. From her vantage point in Jordan's arms she was nearly eye level with Evgeni and the dark haired man. "Mon chaton I will teach you many things. Now I know why Tanger is going home."

"Holy hell Talbo. You are Tanger's roommate" said Jordan he looked at her like she was a unicorn.

"Um Mr...." said Ally "Could you put me down preferably close to Evgeni so I don't embarrass myself by falling."

"Jordan" said the blonde giant "Jordan Staal." He skated closer to Evgeni and handed her to him bridal style. "You let your girl live with Tanger. I know we have a language barrier but damn G."

She heard Evgeni groan. She felt her face grow hot and she buried her face in his neck to keep the boys from seeing her blush.

"Staalsy" called Pauly "Don't break Ally. Bad Gronk. You okay Ally?"

"Sure" she replied still facing Evgeni's chest.

"Miss Ally" yelled Max "Staal almost ran over you. But he saved you like superman."

"No superman. Stupid not watch for Ally" said Evgeni.

"How was I supposed to know your girl didn't know how to slow down or stop." said Jordan "I didn't kill her no harm no foul."

"Okay enough skating" said Ally.

"Oh no" said Pauly "Near Gronk experience doesn't stop the lesson. We'll put him in the penalty box."

Evgeni turned and skated off with Ally towards the empty end of the ice. "G what are you doing." "Teach her stop" said Geno "We skate back in minute. Let get legs going." Ally couldn't believe how fast Evgeni was skating carrying her.

"You are going to hurt yourself carrying me" said Ally looking up at Evgeni. He smiled down at her and wink

"Ev I mean it I don't want you to not be able to play." Evgeni's face light up in a beautiful smile.

"I lift more than Ally when 12. Besides like holding you." She shook her head and buried her face in his jersey. "Ok now we learn to stop." He put her skates back on the ice. She was a little unsteady and bobbled around. Evgeni was beside her in a heartbeat. He had his arms around her steadying her.

He leaned down and whispered "Lyubimaya, I no let fall." He head her hand and they skated circles around the goal. She was getting more and more steady. He showed her how to stop by skating sideways and by turning her toes in. She was able to start and stop on her own. They skated down to the boys on the other side of the ice. Evgeni was proud of her. Her face was flushed from the cold and her hair was escaping it's braid. He couldn't help think that she would be flushed and disheveled in his bed as well.

"I didn't realize it was couple's skate Geno" laughed Brooks Orpik "Who's your pretty friend?"

"This Ally" said Geno.

"The woman brave enough to live with Kris Letang." said Brooks introducing himself "Don't be taming our Russian too much."

Evgeni introduced her to everyone else including the coach. She watched as Max skated circles around everyone.

"He is a natural" said Sid "We will get him registered with USA Hockey."

"He looks so happy Sidney" replied Ally "He is having a hard time. We are coming up on trial."

Brooks looked confused.

"Ally works for the Child Advocacy Center at Childrens. She helps kids that have been sexually and physically abused. Max is her client." explained Sidney. Brooks' eyes darted to Max. He couldn't believe that someone could harm the little guy skating with them.

"Don't treat him different" said Ally "It makes it worse. He just wants to be a normal little boy. Well as normal as one can be when surround by a gaggle of Penguins. "

"No gaggle" said Evgeni "Colony."

"What?" said Ally turning to face Evgeni.

"Is no gaggle. That geese. Bunch of penguins. Is colony." replied Evgeni. Ally started laughing. Evgeni blushed.

"Is that so Mr. Malkin?" replied Ally "That's the third thing I you taught me today." She started skating away from Evgeni. She obviously had the hang of skating.

"Wait 3" Evgeni took off down the ice after her. "What 3?" he said as he caught up to Ally.

"How to skate is one" she said as she skated towards the goal. "How to stop" she answered as she sprayed snow at the goal. "And what a gaggle of penguins is called." She replied looking up at Evgeni. "Now I want to you to show me how you score." He smirked at her. She smacked him. "Mind out of the gutter. That came out wrong. Max and your teammates are here" she said as she looked at the empty ice at the other end of the rink. Evgeni skated over to the bench and retrieved his stick and a few pucks. They skated back to center ice.

"Want some help" called the goalie from the edge of the bench.

"Da. She want me show her I'm score." said Evgeni.

"Not even close to English mon ami." laughed Flower as he skated out to the goal.

"Alright G. Shoot out rules. Hit me with your best shots."

Evgeni skated Ally over to the bench. "You stay here. Safe if puck go." Ally nodded. Evgeni skated back past the center ice. He came up to the puck and kicked with his skate. He was moving at a crazy speed toward the goal. He moved the puck back and forth and finally shot the puck between Flowers legs.

"Five hole" said Jordan Staal coming to stand beside Ally. "You are a midget."

"No you are a giant" replied Ally "Now be quiet Evgeni is showing me how he scores."

"I'll bet" said Jordan "I can show you how I score."

"Gronk" called Pauly "Don't you have shit to do."

"Nope" he said popping the p "Just keeping Ally here safe from stray pucks."

Evgeni had circled back past center ice. He saw Gronk on the bench with Ally and Pauly. Gronk would be hitting on Ally. He kicked the puck and started up the ice he deked twice and went high glove side. It hit the twine.

"Flowers" yelled Gronk "You couldn't stop a beach ball."

"I stop you mon ami." called Flowers from the net "Quit 'itting on 'is girl you make 'im mad 'e will slam the puck through the glass."

"Can he do that?" asked Ally looking at Pauly and Jordan. Sid had also ventured out. "Who is watching Max?"

"Yes he can" replied Sidney "Max is with Kris touring the building. Hey Geno, slap shot. Don't kill Marc-Andre."

"Da" yelled Evgeni. He skated back behind the center line and came up to the puck. He didn't kick it this time. Instead she watched as he drew his stick back and hit the puck as hard as he could. The stick flexed and broke. The puck went careening over the goal hit the glass with a deafening thud before landing on the ice. Evgeni cursed in Russian "Blyad'!" and skated to the bench with the stick pieces. He chucked them over the boards and grabbed another.

"Be back" he said to Ally.

"He broke his stick" said Ally looking at Sidney.

"That puck was going at a very high rate of speed." said Sidney "He's not done yet."

Evgeni repeated the previous process and skated toward the puck at center ice he moved it forward this time. Stopped it. Then drew back and slapped it toward the goal. His stick flexed but didn't break. However Flowers water bottle busted when the puck hit it. Flowers shook off the water then picked up the pieces.

"Now he is just showing off" groaned Jordan. Ally turned and gave him a smile. She was just as crazy about the big Russian as he was about her. Off to a new target thought Jordan.

All the boys vacated the bench and left Ally watching Evgeni picking up pucks. Flowers skated over to the bench.

"We are taking Max for dinner then back to the center" called Sid. Ally nodded.

"G 'e likes you, no?" said Marc-Andre "Me 'e no like today. 'e tried to kill me." Marc-Andre handed her his stick "Use it as a weapon or for balance. G will put it up."

Ally laughed and stepped back on the ice. Evgeni was still gathering up pucks. She skated over to him with the stick Marc-Andre handed her.

"Need help?" asked Ally

"Nyet" he said then realized she had skated over to him from the bench "You make to Evgeni by self."

"Da" she replied.

"So you know Russian now." teased Evgeni coming to a stop in front of her.

"Nyet" she answered. He laughed. "I can say yes, no, and Evgeni."

"All need to know for now." laughed Evgeni "I teach Russian."

"Always teaching me" smiled Ally.

Evgeni looked at the goalie stick. "No shoot at Ally" said Evgeni "Might hurt you."

"Evgeni Malkin you are insane if you think I would stand still and let you shoot pucks at me. Goalies are crazy."

"Da weird" he replied. Ally smiled at him.

"Come" he said pulling her towards the bench. Once they arrived at the wall separating the bench from the ice he lifted her up to sit on the wall. He skated up so he was standing between her legs. They were closer to the same height with her sitting on the wall. "I ask question?"

"Whatever you want" said Ally her breath hitching. He was so close that she could feel heat radiating off him. She hadn't even realized she was cold.

"So home game tomorrow." he said "You come watch."

"If you want me to come I will"

"Very much" replied Evgeni "After game you go with me?"

"Go where?" asked Ally.

"Go on date?" he said hesitantly. He looked like he was actually scared she would refuse.

"Da" she replied. There was that beautific smile again. Those dark eyes boring into her icy blue ones.

"Kris is going out tonight. Do you want to come hang out with me for a while?"

"Da" he said "I take home we watch movies or whatever Ally want."

Ally nodded her agreement. He came over the wall. Once they managed to get out of their skates and out of the arena. They headed towards her apartment.

"My car is at the hospital."

"No worries" said Evgeni "I pick up in morning and take."

"Evgeni that is too much. Let's stop and get it." she replied.

"Nyet" he answered "I get to see you even more tomorrow."

"You might get sick of me"

"Never lyubimaya"

"What does that mean?" she asked "You can start your Russian lessons."

Evgeni felt the heat rise in his face. "It mean sweetest. Like say sweetheart." He didn't look at her. What if she didn't want to be his sweetest.

"Lyubimaya" she repeated "Is that specifically for a girl? Does it work for a boy as well."

"Either" said Evgeni still not looking at her. Ally placed her hand on his arm and ran her hand down until he let go of the wheel and took her hand. She held his hand on the console. He seemed to relax. "Evgeni it's fine that you call me that." she said now she was blushing "I'm glad you asked me to come to your game and go out with you. I like you as well. I missed you while you were gone. You can call me whatever you want. Just don't hide from me like that."

"Da" he replied squeezing her hand "Moye."

"What does that mean?" she asked

"Enough Russian lesson" he replied "I tell you after movie."

"Ev what does it mean?"

"I call you mine, Da." he stated as they entered her parking garage. She laced her fingers with his.

"Da, I think I might like being yours."

Evgeni turned towards her as he placed the car in park. He released her hand. His hand came up and he undid her seat belt. Evgeni then leaned over the console and pulled her towards him. His hands were tangling in her messy braid and his mouth descended on hers. It was a soft kiss but fire shot through her body. He broke the kiss and looked at her. Ally was biting her lip. He kissed the impression her teeth made on her lip. Evgeni stopped "We go in." She nodded. She touched her hand to where his lips had been as he came around to open the door. There was absolutely no might to it she wanted to be his in every way.

"Lyubimaya" called Evgeni from his seat on the bed "Ally wake up. Please lyubimaya you need get ready for work." He ran his knuckles down the side of her face "I bring coffee."

Ally started to stir. She didn't want to be awake. She wanted to stay in her dream. The one where Evgeni was calling her sweetheart and bring her coffee. She stretched and fought to stay in the dream.

"I turn off alarm. Let sleep. Ashley say you be mad." said Evgeni "I bring coffee, you shower, I go feed Natashka. So wake up."

Ally's eyes opened and she saw Evgeni smiling down at her. She sat straight up. She jumped out of the bed. Nat couldn't see them together. She didn't want her to get the wrong idea. "Slow down 6:35. You drink coffee get ready."

"Why did you turn off the alarm?" she asked.

" No be mad moye solntse" he said "You not move when alarm went off. Need sleep."

"Evgeni I have a schedule for us. You can't change it. I have to take care of her."

"No schedule you have Evgeni." he answered "You get ready. I make pancakes with Nat." He walked around the side of the bed and pulled her up against his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Breathe moye solntse." She could hear his heartbeat thundering in his chest. Or was that hers. She wasn't sure anymore.

"I can't do this Ev. I can't. I really can't lean on you knowing in 2 days you will be in Florida." She was talking to his breast bone. He felt the tears hit his bare chest. "Please Ev don't do this to me."

"I here now" said Evgeni "Let me help Allyson" He hugged her tighter. "We talk later. I no want to let go but you have work. So wake Natashka and make pancakes or pancakes and then Natashka."

"Pancakes first" she said as she tried to wipe the tears off his chest. She just ended up rubbing his abs. Dear lord he was beautiful. Not in the way Kris was beautiful but he had always been perfect in her eyes. She fled into her bathroom and shut the door. Ally stripped off the clothes she had slept in. She could smell Evgeni everywhere. She stepped in the shower. She quickly washed her hair and body. She stood under the spray and cried. Ally hadn't had a melt of this proportion since the first time he proposed after he acknowledged Nat. She sat in the floor of her shower and balled her eyes out. She watched the bubbles circled the drain. She had to get it together. Nat would be up soon. But she couldn't stop the flow of tears. She stood up and shut off the water. She wrapped herself and her hair in towels and went to her room to grab her phone. She knew it was time for a lifeline. She hit send and prayed that Jay would answer. The phone rang about 5 times. She was about to give up.

"Christ Ally Cat it not even 6 am." said James his voice thick with sleep."Is Nat okay?"

"I forgot about central time Jay. No worries. Call me later when you are up." she said her voice breaking with emotion.

"I'm fucking awake Ally" he replied "What's wrong? Why are you crying? Where is Ash?"

"Ash is getting ready for work. I am trying to get ready but instead I'm hiding in the bathroom sitting in the floor crying. He is here. He came for her recital. He is staying until Friday. I can't do this Jay. I can't watch him go again. If I go to him I am walking away on my own terms." she cried "I know this is ridiculous. I'm sorry I bothered you."

"Ally do not hang up this phone." he instructed "Do you need me to come up there? It's like a 6 hour drive. But I will leave now."

"No Jay. I just need a minute where everyone isn't telling me forgive him."

"Ally Cat I'm not going to pick a side. I'm team Nat all the way. He fucked up." said James
"Wow usually I am saying that about myself. It's different to not be the asshole in a situation. It's even weirder to be the one giving advice. Jesus I am complete fuck up how can I help?"

"Shut up Jay." said Ally laughing.

"There's my girl." said Jay "I will totally attempt to kick his ass. He will kill mind you but what the hell.'

"Be serious"

"I am very serious that Russian would kill over you. Okay remembering that I can't even maintain a relationship with a plant I am going to go out on a limb here. You love G. No matter what happened you loved him. That's apparently why this shit hurts so much. He royally fucked up questioning if Nat was his. But speaking from experience what happened to you is what happens anytime one of us has a pregnancy scare. Trust me." said James "That being said I am going totally breaking a promise I made to G. You realize I had only been there a month or soo. He came over the morning after he found out. He was happy Ally. We went straight to a jewelry store and he bought you a ring. His intention that day was to marry you. Before he had a chance to talk to anyone Sid told Mario. Sid was trying to get a handle on it before it went sideways with the press. He had no idea the PR would question if the baby was even G's. I think everyone convinced him that he need to make sure. Then his parents were worried it would ruin his career. He was stuck in the machine Allyson. He wanted you and Nat. He still want you and Nat. James could hear her sobbing. Fuck my life I made it worse thought James.

"Ally please don't cry. I didn't tell you so you would cry. I told you because that stupid Russian bastard loves you all. Forever love Ally. He hasn't been a monk. But you are his. What is it he always says moye? He means that Ally Cat." he reported "Hear him out. And if he hurts you again I'll have Shea Weber kick his ass." He heard a watery laugh.

"We love you Jay. I will talk to him I promise. I've spent so much time being angry and afraid."

"I get it Ally" said Jay "Trust me I know fuck ups take time to fix."

"Have you managed to fix things with Tori Lynn?"

"Not completely" he answered honestly "We are working on it."

"Let me know if you need backup" she offered "Lord knows you have been there for us."

"You are bad for my street cred Ally." laughed James "Tell Nat I love her. And I will see her soon. I am going back to sleep."

"Love you Jay."

Ally felt calmer after having talked to James. Yes she realized taking relationship advice from James Neal was akin to putting Hilter in charge of peace treaty negotiation. But he knew Evgeni. He was also so very awesome to her and Nat. James, Kris, and Pauly had helped her pack all her boxes and load the uhaul when she left Pittsburgh to come back to Kentucky. They begged her not to go to give it time. But helped her all the same. James was her sounding board when she wanted to kill Evgeni. He talked her down with Evgeni went over the top. Ally managed to get ready by 7:30.

"Momma" yelled Nat from the bedroom door "Papa made pancakes. Come eat."

"Be right there boo." she called.

She heard a knock on her bedroom door. Ashley walked in to the bedroom.

"So clutching the phone like a life line. Sleeping with half naked very hot Russians. Trying to decided how to function. What did Nealer say?" asked Ashley

"What?" asked Ally

"I said what did Nealer say." "He told me to give him a chance. And if he hurt me again he'd have Shea Weber kick his ass."

"Nice. Always helpful." she Ashley "Give me the work phone." She held her hand out expectantly. "Kate knows about the Russian outbreak here at the house. I'm taking on call and you are off until Monday. Merry Fucking Christmas. "

"No Ash" said Ally "You do enough as is."

"I am awesome. And I want to walk with Sid or James at the wedding." Ashley turned and walked out of the room before she could even respond.

Ally made her way into the kitchen and kissed Nat. It was a sticky pancake kiss.

"Papa made pancakes. You want some." Ally fixed a plate and sat between Ashley and Evgeni.

"Guess what Boo" said Ashley "Mommy is going to be off work until Monday. 5 days no work."

"Yay" exclaimed Natalya "We can visit Daddy."


"5 days" said Ashley looking at Ally "Tick Tock."

Evgeni was smiling ear to ear. "Thank you Ashley for early Christmas. I get ready. Okay use your shower." Ally nodded. "I will have to bath Nat. She is a sticky mess." said Ally "Do you want to go before that."

"How about I put her in big tub and then shower while she soak?" asked Evgeni. Ally was going to give up control. She told him that was fine and that she would gather her clothes.

"Wash hair?" he asked "No it will go up easier dirty." she answered clearing dishes. "Come Natashka" he said. Nat took his hand and headed to the bathroom.

"Wow" said Ash "Must have been some talk with Neal." "I need to let him do things for her. It's just a matter of time before he asks to take her to Russia. And I can't deny her that."

"I totally expect to tag along with y'all go to Russia for the honeymoon. I'll watch Boo." she replied.

"It's just until Friday."

"You keep telling yourself that." laughed Ashley

"I hate you" replied Ally.

"I love you too" said Ash.

Notes