"Tonight??" Ali blinked once, fear rising up into her throat.

"Yeah, after the game."

Breathe, Allison. Breathe.

"You down?" James asked, his voice sounding confident on the other line. "It'll be fun, I promise."

It'll be fun. When her and James talked about it the night before, she didn't think he meant the very next night. Now all of a sudden, she would be meeting them tonight. Tonight.

"Uh oh...Silence is bad."

"Sorry, sorry" Ali apologized, quickly trying to get her bearings. Fear was causing her brain to go into panic mode. "Yeah, of course I'm down. Do you know where we'll be going?"

"You're already worried about what to wear, I hear it in your voice."

Ali smiled against the phone. Damn him.

"Wear whatever you want, you'll stun them in anything anyways. Just make sure it's short."

"Short?" She bit her lip when she heard James' soft chuckle.

"I want them to see what I get to have wrapped around me every night."

Too smooth for his own good. She exhaled slowly, realizing maybe she didn't have much to worry about after all. She'd be there with James; he'd take care of her. "I think I can make that happen."

"I'll look forward to it all night."

Ali could hear him smiling against the phone. She pictured the corner of his mouth and the short beard that framed it gently curling upwards, his eyes creasing happily. It relaxed her more than anything else. "Promise to introduce me to everyone?"

"Each and every one."

"Will they all come?"

"Not sure...but I'll make sure the important ones are there."

The important ones. Ali's heart jumped into her throat all over again. Inside her mind, she was already running through potential outfits, how she'd do her hair, what heels she needed--

Good lord, I need to call Brittany.

"So I'll meet you after the game at my car?" James asked, bringing Ali back to reality.

"Sure, but how do I get in?"

"I'll leave a parking pass downstairs for you. Just pick it up with your ticket."

Ali smirked. "Are you always going to leave me gifts every time I come to a game?"

"I'll probably run out at some point, since I want you at every game."

"Damn you're good" she teased. "But I better get going, now that I have a schedule."

"Can't wait to see you, babe."

Ali smiled, her heartbeat coming down slightly. "Same here. See you after the game."

She waited until she heard James hang up first, then immediately navigated through her cellphone to bring up her best friend's number. She paced as she waited, each ring seeming to last forever, until she heard Brittany's cheerful voice on the other line.

"Heyyyyyy!"

"Hey, do you have a couple minutes?" she chewed her lip. "I need your advice on an outfit."

"Oooo! Where are you going?"

"Are you sitting down?" Ali felt her shoulders slump as she surrendered to what was coming next. "Because this might take a while."

* * *

James ended up being right about the game: the Pens took home the win against the Panthers, with a score of 3-1. He had a definite bounce in his step as he left the locker room, feeling good about the outcome and his influence on the game. He had one assist on a goal Geno scored early in the first period, and stayed strong the entire game. While he hoped his efforts would result in a goal for Ali, it would have to wait until the next game.

Now, all James could think of were the plans that had been discussed in the locker room, after interviews with the media and the usual post-game huddle with the coaches. His car keys jingled in his pockets as he headed through the long maze of hallways that lead out to the parking garage. He checked his reflection in the glass of one of the doors, giving a last minute fluff to his hair. For as good as it looked now, he wished it would stay that way the rest of the night. He straightened his tie and his suit coat, making sure he was giving Ali the best version of himself as he could.

As his long strides took him out to where he knew Ali would be waiting, James stopped dead in his tracks. As she stepped out of her car and turned towards him, his breath was caught in his throat.

Ali smirked as she walked towards him. "Good game, babe."

The rhythmic click of her heels caused James' eyes to lower to the black straps that wound about her feet and around her ankles. What are those, four inch heels? Six inch? He took in her entire image as slow as he could, smiling to himself because she'd chosen one of the shortest dresses he'd seen on a girl with legs like hers: a deep navy blue lace dress as dark as midnight, form fitted and sleeveless, showing off her olive skin. James allowed his eyes to map out every curve and angle of her body. "Fuck..." he uttered under his breath.

"Is this okay?"

James chuffed. "More like fucking outstanding." He saw Ali's smile broaden and her body relax a little. She stepped into him, and he slid a hand along the fabric near her cleavage, getting a feel of the smooth lace that cupped her soft curves. She'd left her hair down; the low lights of the garage making it appear almost black. "I don't deserve you..." he said quietly.

"Shut up with that." She looked up him the way she had from day one; with the same light in her eyes that pulled James in and the smile that kept him there. "Teasing, of course."

"Mm hm." He dipped his head and let his lips quench their thirst, tasting her, her tongue soft and skilled as their mouths melded together. "Do you know how sexy you are?" His voice was soft, so as not to let it echo around them.

Ali fingered his beard playfully. "You can tell me later...Until then, don't we have somewhere to be?"

James had to give her credit for being more focused than he was. He'd spent all his true focus in the last three hours. Now, with Ali standing there in a tiny dress and the taste of her lips on his, his tank was far past empty.

"So your car, then?" When Ali asked this, she tossed her hair over one shoulder, exposing more bare skin. It made James want to skip the bar all together. He grabbed for her hand and lead her in that direction, making sure to keep eye contact with her. He couldn't get enough of the excitement in her gaze, which only helped him to feel more and more confident that he'd chosen the right time to introduce her to the rest of the team. The way she was dressed, the way her smile sparkled and lit up the otherwise dark parking garage...James knew the guys would be hurting after they took one look at her.

As they approached James' car, Ali giggled. "Uh oh. No Ferarri tonight?"

James opened the door to his black Mercedes with a grin. "You really thought I only had one car?" He leaned on the window, smiling as Ali took a seat.

"Oh, I'm sure there's more" she fired back with a smirk.

With a chuckle, James shut the door gently and trotted over to his side. Sliding into his seat, he fired up the car and took Ali's hand in his once more. "Ready, babe?"

"Ready."

Whether she was or not, Ali was about to meet the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

* * *

Sidney Crosby sat at a table near the back of the bar with some of the other guys, enjoying a beer and laughing with those close enough to talk to without having to compete with the music. His eyes calmly scanned the scene, watching the commotion about him. It was the same scene as any other night they decided to go out after a game; same location, same variety of beer, same bartenders who paid special attention to them in their same VIP area that was always reserved just for them. It was one of the few bars in downtown Pittsburgh that he and the team were able to frequent without as many eyes on them as there would be elsewhere. It was one of the specific reasons Sid didn't mind coming here whenever the guys decided to go out.

Now, as he drained the last of his beer and his eyes made their way slowly back to his teammates sitting about, his gaze stopped short. Walking across the wooden floor of the bar, past the shelves of liquor and the bartenders serving other patrons, came James Neal...followed closely by a girl who seemed oddly familiar. Only when she and James got closer did Sidney realize who the girl was.

"What's up, fuckers." James voice was as happy and arrogant as his grin was, stepping up into their private area. A chorus of greetings rose up as they welcomed James, chirping him for getting there late. Sid's eyes went straight for the girl, who was stunning beyond measure.

That's the Denver girl.

Beside him, Fleury gave Sid a nudge, subtly nodding in her direction. "Another one for Nealer, eh?"

Sid didn't say anything. He was watching as James' hand went to the small of the her back protectively, keeping her close as he went through various introductions. Her smile was brilliant, kind, and appeared genuine. Her dark eyes seemed to glitter whenever James said her name, her voice cool and collected as she shook the guys' hands.

Damn, Nealer he thought, impressed by his teammate's ability to somehow snag and keep the gorgeous girl standing next to him.

And gorgeous she was. Sid had seen a number of women join James at a number of bars, in a number of cities, but none of them had what this one did. It was the air of sincerity about her; a sense of realness. Not to mention how physically attractive she was. Even if he wanted to, Sid couldn't ignore what stood out most to him, and that was her body. The dress she wore seemed to show off her best assets, and he certainly didn't mind letting his gaze linger a little longer when she faced away from him. The back of her dress was cut out, revealing the slender curve of her spine and just a hint of hips. Her long hair drew his eyes down to the perfect heart-shape of her ass.

How in the hell did Nealer tag this one?

This very question swam in his mind as James approached. Sid set his glass on the table and stood to meet him in a handshake. "Nice game tonight, Nealer."

"Should be saying the same to you" James replied. He turned sideways, opening the space up so he could get a better look at his girl. "Hey, uh...I want you to meet someone..."

Sid knew this girl was important to James before he even said her name. He could tell by the way he seemed to stand a little taller and his smile was a little wider.

"Sid, this is my girlfriend, Allison Diserelli..."

Girlfriend. Sid's eyebrows rose. No shit.

"Aaannnddd I'm sure I don't really need to say this guy's name" James joked to Ali.

Even as James introduced Ali to him for the first time, Sid decided right then and there she was even prettier up close. When her eyes settled on his, he suddenly seemed to go speechless. "Nice to meet you, Allison."

"Back at you...Crosby, is it?" She flashed him her smile, and Sid laughed.

"Good guess."

Their hands met, and from there, Sid was sold.

*

James opened the door to the bar, letting Ali in first before he followed her inside. He knew right where to look to find the guys: straight to the back of the bar in the area they always sat. Sure enough, the tall frame of Geno could be seen, the loud voice of Dupuis could be heard, and James had never been more ready to distract them all with who he had with him.

Looking at Ali, he gave her a reassuring smile. "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

James sensed her nervousness. "They're really nothing to be afraid of. Just a bunch of overgrown kids who act like assholes."

Ali smiled. "That's what you keep saying, so I'll trust you."

With James leading the way, the couple passed by tables of patrons, as well as the bar where many sat with their drinks. Alcohol wouldn't be an issue where the Pens hung out; their drinks came without effort and without question. This bar treated them right, and the customers weren't annoying. If James was going to introduce Ali to the guys, he'd do it here before anywhere else.

As they climbed the short set of stairs, James allowed Ali to take center stage. He let his hand linger along her lower back, giving her a comforting rub. They shared a smile, and then James got to work.

The first person to meet Ali was Evgeni Malkin, which James made happen on purpose. Not only was he standing closest to where they were, James wanted his best friend on the team to meet Ali first. He slapped his tall center on the back, which elicited a raucous greeting from him.

"Why you late?" Geno asked in jest. "You always late anymore."

"With good reason, though." James nodded towards Ali as she took a step forward. "This is Allison Diserelli...my girlfriend."

Geno was just about to raise his hand to shake hers, but he stopped and stared at James, mouth ajar. "You have girlfriend?" He blinked, his dark eyes full of question. "When you have girlfriend?"

Ali looked between the guys, watching and enjoying the little display of affection between them. James just shrugged and played it off cool, hoping she didn't think his lack of telling him about their relationship was a bad thing.

"Just think of all the other stuff I keep from you, G."

With a laugh, Geno turned and extended his hand out to Ali. "Evgeni Malkin, but the guys - they say Geno, so…I'm Geno."

"Nice to meet you, Geno." As Ali shook his hand, he had the same exact strength in his grip as she'd noticed with James.

She glanced at James, her smile growing. "And equally great to meet you! I've heard a lot of impressive things about you from this one." She thumbed at James, who stood there rather proudly. Geno stared at him as if he was hurt.

"He tell you secrets he keep from me?"

His Russian accent was thick, which wasn't easy for Ali to hear well over the loud music in the place. She looked to James for some help, so he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Just say no."

Ali smiled at Geno. "No."

"Ahhhhh-ha! Lazy already tell lies. I see it." He pointed happily at Ali and then at James, giving him a brotherly slap on the shoulder. "You do good. She nice. I like her." He then turned and grabbed for some of the other guys to come over.

"Lazy?" Ali shot a quick smirk at James when Geno turned away.

"Tell you later" James mumbled, hoping she wouldn't remember to ask him.

It didn't take much persuading on Geno's part to get the others to come over. Most of them had been eyeing Ali since they arrived. One by one, James introduced his teammates. One by one, Ali shook their hands. She carried herself well and was as collected as James had seen her yet. If she was nervous, she certainly wasn't showing it.

Not that anyone really would notice. It didn't slip James' attention that with every introduction, he noticed the majority of his teammates taking in Ali's full image. It was, in all honesty, one of the greatest feelings. James felt fantastic. The only thing better than watching them ogle her was telling everyone that she was his girlfriend. He felt an odd sensation of pride well up within him, like he was proving all of them wrong; that he could, in fact, have a real relationship.

He watched as Ali joked and laughed along with Fleury. She took his easygoing personality and humorous side with ease, which also made James proud. Already he could tell that Ali acted differently than other girls would have with the guys. She spoke to them like people, not celebrities. James liked that. In fact, he loved it.

As Duper threw an arm around Ali's shoulder and pointed at James, likely chirping him in some smartass way, James glanced over his shoulder. In a booth behind them sat Crosby, Kunitz, and Cooke. Sid's eyes were already on them, and he gave James a smile that seemed to invite him over.

Turning back, James placed his hand on Ali's back again to grab her attention. "Hey, Duper - can I get my girlfriend back, orrrr…??"

Pascal lifted his hands up innocently. "Wasn't intruding! I'm an honest man!"

"Sure thing, dude." James turned Ali gently towards the back and away from the current cluster of people. "Got a few more to introduce you to, if that's okay?"

"Of course it is" she replied happily. "Everyone's been so great."

"You thought they really were going to be all assholes, didn't you?"

Ali gave his stomach a playful slap. "No, silly. Cmon, I want to meet some more."

It was now that James felt the most nervous. As he walked Ali towards the booth where the remaining guys sat, he wondered what she would do upon meeting Crosby.

She's not like the rest, remember that, Neal.

He watched Sid stand, his hand extending towards his.

She won't cling to him like the others do.

"Great game tonight, Nealer."

James shook Sid's hand. "I should say the same to you." He inhaled, hoping for the best. "Hey, uh...I want you to meet someone...

Ali stepped forward like she had every other time, her smile warm and kind as Crosby turned to her.

"Sid, this is my girlfriend, Allison Diserelli..."

She's not like the rest. She won't cling to him like the others do.

"Aaannnddd I'm sure I don't really need to say this guy's name" James joked, watching somewhat nervously as Ali and Sid shook hands.

"Nice to meet you, Allison" Crosby said genially.

James kept an eye on Ali for any reaction that could have mimicked what hoards of other women would do upon meeting Crosby. Much to his surprise, Ali stunned him one more time that night.

"Back at you....Crosby, is it?" she asked, their hands meeting in a firm shake.

James could've laughed in disbelief. No chick would ever pretend to not know who Crosby is. Even as Sid laughed along with Ali's greeting, James counted his blessings in that moment.

She really isn't like the rest.

*

Ali promised herself two things before she and James went into the bar: one, she wouldn't allow her nerves to get the best of her; and two, she would be herself no matter what.

Both proved to be easier than she feared. James was as great as ever; even better than she hoped. He never left her side, even giving her a few last words of encouragement before he led her back to where his teammates were.

She made a point to smooth down her dress and give herself a once-over, making sure she presented herself as well as she could. As her and James crossed the length of the bar, the view of the other players got better, and she started to recognize who all were there. Quickly, she inhaled and exhaled, and three tiny stairs later, Ali was immersed into a totally new world.

All about her, Ali felt like she was staring at a living, breathing, moving roster. It should have made her heart want to beat out of her throat, but it didn't. The only awkward feeling she had was that everyone around her seemed like giants. Her 5'4" frame was dwarfed men who were at least six feet tall and then some. They all cheered for James when they arrived, and it immediately made her smile.

Aww, they love him. Look at that.

James joked with a few of the guys nearby, which garnered another round of loud laughter. She was impressed at the attention he received, and it was all good attention. Ali noticed that this group would make it hard to be nervous around. It was never more evident than when she got to meet Evgeni Malkin.

"Why you late? You always late anymore" he said to James, his voice friendly and inviting.

"With good reason, though."

Ali saw James nod towards her, so she took a step forward.

"This is Allison Diserelli" he said. "My girlfriend."

Ali saw the look on Evgeni's face change in an instant when he heard the word girlfriend, which took her a little by surprise.

"You have girlfriend?" Geno said. "When you have girlfriend?!?"

Ali bit her lip to keep from laughing. They sound like an old married couple. James fired back with a quick jab to his teammate, which caused the tall Russian to laugh out loud. When he turned back to Ali, his heartwarming grin had grown twice its size.

"Evgeni Malkin, but the guys - they say Geno, so…I'm Geno."

"Nice to meet you, Geno." As Ali shook his hand, he had the same exact strength in his grip as she'd noticed with James. I wonder how many of them have this kind of grip. "And it's equally great to meet you!" she continued. "I've heard a lot of impressive things about you from this one."

This comment only spiraled into more jokes shared between the two guys, which Ali was thoroughly content to enjoy watching all night if she had to. As the two talked, Ali came to realize just how thick of an accent Geno really had. She saw James watching with a growing smile, knowing she was likely having trouble decoding Geno's speech. He even had to help her figure out what he was trying to say. Everything came out sounding the same to her.

Going to have to practice with this one. Ali made the mental note, just as James began to introduce her to even more of the guys.

She shook hands with Marc Andre Fleury, impressed by his sense of humor and easy personality. She shook hands with Jordan Staal, Matt Niskanen, Kris Letang….noting somewhere in her already-full brain that he had some of the best hair she'd ever seen.

James stood with her, watching proudly as he told them all she was his girlfriend, and every single time, Ali noticed the same look in his teammates' eyes: first, a look of bewilderment, and then utter surprise. She wondered about this, even as a very friendly Pascal Dupuis took her in for a hug, asking her why she would bother hooking up with his little brother.

"Little brother?" Ali eyed James, who rolled his eyes.

"Ignore him. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

Pascal focused only on Ali, his gaze full of sly wit. "You look like you have better taste than this" he joked. "So I gotta ask."

"Ask what?" Ali said with a chuckle. "Why we're dating?" She watched him nod 'yes', noticing how long his eyelashes were.

If my father knew that fucking Pascal Dupuis had an arm over my shoulder and had long eyelashes---

"That's precisely what I want to know" he joked. "I mean...look at him. He's a mess."

Everything he said had an air of humor to it, and Ali enjoyed it thoroughly. I can get along with this guy she thought, laughing at his joking around.

"Hey, Duper - can I get my girlfriend back, orrrr…??"

James snaked a hand around Ali's back, catching her a little off guard. His smile let her know it was time to move along, just as Pascal was getting his final jab in to James.

Amazing. These guys really are all like brothers.

"Got a few more to introduce you to, if that's okay?"

When James asked this, Ali noticed a small amount of worry pass through the blue of his eyes. It was there for only a moment, but she saw it all the same. If he was worried she wasn't having a good time, she reassured him she was. With that, James led her to the final table of guys left to meet…one of which was the one and only Sidney Crosby.

Oh fuck, she thought as James shook hands with him. How could I forget about him? You almost forgot about meeting Crosby?

As James exchanged the introduction, Sidney turned towards her, giving her his full attention. His smile was just as inviting and unassuming as it was on television, though his body was much bigger than she could have ever guessed.

"Nice to meet you, Allison." He extended a hand to her.

"Back at you…." she replied with a smile. "Crosby, is it?" She didn't know why she said it. She knew damn well who he was, but the smile he gave her made her feel like she could joke with him. Her heartbeat doubled when she heard that familiar laugh.

"Good guess."

They shook hands, and to Ali, there was no mistake: Sid had the strongest grip of them all.

* * *

Notes

I couldn't resist posting this chapter quickly. Such a symbolic chapter too. The beginning of so many good things, and none of them even know it yet. ;)