Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Chapter 20: The Big Birthday Bash

Hope you guys like it!
It's uber long, but I couldn't find it inside myself to split it up!

And I really wanna hear what your favorite parts are*

“I told her I loved her,” Sid blurted out to Max as they walked down the corridor of the hotel.

“C’est de bonnes nouvelles,” Max exclaimed. Sid tried to smile back at his friend’s happy expression. “Wait, why do you look so unhappy? This is a good thing, right? We can all see how you two feel about each other, oh wait, is it your dad?”

“No… it’s just… she didn’t say it back. In fact, she didn’t say anything at all.”

“What?!” Max slid his room key into the slot and when the green light came on he opened the door, ushering Sid in before him. “Come on, get in and tell me everything!”

Sighing, Sid let himself be manhandled and reluctantly he crossed into the room and sat down in the chair that was pulled away from the desk. Max flopped down onto the edge of the bed closest to him, scaring the crap out of Flower who must’ve been napping. The curses flew back and forth for a moment in French until Max explained why they were here. At the mention of ‘I Love You’ Marc sat up, his back against the headboard, and they both looked at Sid, waiting and willing him to explain himself.

With a deep breath, he started talking. It wasn’t that he was embarrassed, but he didn’t normally talk to the guys, or anyone else, about this kind of stuff, about his personal life. This was the kind of stuff that he normally kept to himself, but these guys were two of his closest friends on the team, and the fact that she hadn’t immediately returned the sentiment was eating at him.

Sid went through the conversation with the moms and then what happened in his room, and what he’d said. He looked up when they both groaned in unison.

“What?” He glanced from one to the other until Max spoke up.

“Oh my mon ami. You did not tell me… that, that was not what I thought you meant.”

“I told you that I told her I loved her.”

“But I was under the impression that you said it at the right moment.”

“Well, when was the right moment?”

“Honestly, I don’t know… but that was definitely not it. I doubt she even took that seriously.”

“Why not?” Sid thought back to what he’d said. He didn’t get what Max meant. I love you means I love you, doesn’t it? Marc ran his hands through his hair with a sigh before trying to explain what Max seemingly could not.

“Sid, you said that in a moment of passion. Whether you meant it or not is unimportant. What happened after you said it?”

“She didn’t say anything,” Sid replied glumly.

“Nothing at all??”

“No!” How many times do I have to repeat that?!

“Did she stop you?”

“Come again?” Max hadn’t really just asked that, had he?

“Did she push you away? Leave you high and dry?” Max smirked while id clenched his fists.

“Not that it’s any of your damn business Max… but no, she did not push me away, why?”

“So was she as good as usual? Have you got the scratches to prove it?”

“Maaaaxxx,” Sid bellowed. He’d come seeking advice. He was not going to sit here and brag about how good his girlfriend was in bed. And he was about one more sentence away from punching Max in the face. Flower stepped in, trying to calm the situation.

“What our hairy friend is trying to ask is, did she act any differently… during… or maybe after?” Now they were getting somewhere or at least past the snarky remarks from the ‘legend in his own mind’. Sid thought back to what had transpired the other morning.

“No. She…well she….,” Sid stuttered for a second, his cheeks flaming. Not able to keep eye contact with either of them, he dropped his head before he continued. “She came. Twice. I came and then we laid together for a moment. I had my stuff almost packed so we grabbed a shower, together. She wished me luck for tomorrow, kissed me goodbye and said she’d see me after the game.” He finally looked back up at Flower and Max and the two were smiling. Now he was truly confused.“Ok... why are you smiling? I’m not smiling.” Flower laughed before he started to explain.

“She’s in love with you too, dummy.”

“How do you figure? She said nothing until I was leaving. And then it was just good luck.”

“But listen to what you said. She didn’t pull away after the words were out. When you were… finished… she didn’t freak out. She snuggled against you. I bet she was the one who suggested showering together, wasn’t she?” Sid nodded, still unclear as to how this was showing she loved him. Flower threw his hands up in the air. “Oh my god… she showed you with actions idiot!”

“Then why didn’t she just say so, if that’s the way she feels?”

“She probably thinks you didn’t mean it! I mean, you tell her you love her as you start fucking her; and this comes like three days after you find out that the guy she used to love just got married. I wouldn’t be surprised if she thought that you were just saying it to say it, or to try and keep her from dwelling on this ex of hers. I mean, do you really love her?” Once again, Max had him clenching his fists.

Why did they keep asking him that? He wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t mean it, right?

Sid sat there, processing the conversation. He also went over the details of Melany’s actions. Had he really fallen in love that fast? Was there a problem with that? All of the memories of the past couple of months came rushing back and he felt his lips curl into a smile.

“Yes Max, I am really in love with her.”

“Bon! Now, we just have to get her to admit, out loud, that she’s in love with you! Piece of cake, non?” The two of them had big, easy smiles on their faces, like this really was going to be simple.

Only one problem, Sid was beginning to realize that when it came to Mel, nothing was ever simple.

*~*~*~*~*

“Okay… what is your deal? Who are you and what have you done with Mel?” Amanda asked.

“Yeah! Why are you not being all happy, peppy, nothing-bothers-me Mel?” Melany turned around toward Erin. She, Amanda and Vero were all staring at her.

Mel had decided to go up during the intermission and grab some food since they hadn’t eaten since lunch, and it was no obvious that they’d all been talking about her while she was gone. First no one would tell her what to expect after the game and now they were following her to the fast food stand, and most of the Wags never went near food, never mind the loaded nachos she was craving.

“You aren’t concerned about the party, are you? Not expecting a lot of drama, right?” Vero stood there, a hand on her hip, the bossy Vero taking over for the usually quiet Vero. Mel smiled at her interrogator though this was the last conversation she wanted to be having here.

“Oh sorry, I didn’t realize I was being such a drag,” she replied, trying to joke her way out of the issue that had yet to be discussed, even though she was yearning to ask the advice of the women who might actually be able to answer the question that was burning in the back of her brain.

Amanda put an arm around her shoulders. “What’s up then Buttercup?”

“It’s not something that I can really explain. And I would rather do it somewhere… a little less public… since you all might make a scene. Besides, I’m pretty sure it was nothing.” She placed her order and moved down the line when she heard Vero gasp.

“Oh my god, he said…” Mel whirled around and clamped a hand over her friend’s mouth, pleading silently for her to stop talking. Vero just nodded and pretended to lock her lips. Letting out a ragged breath, Mel turned once more to her three companions.

“Listen, there may have been something that was said yesterday, but I don’t think it was meant for me to hear. I’m pretty sure he wishes that he kept it in his head. Nothing was said after his little outburst, he didn’t add to it or try and explain it. And I didn’t say it back because I figured it was just the heat of the moment.” She met the gaze of each of her companions individually to see if they understood, not that she was about to elaborate in the halls of the arena.

“Wait, are you saying that he said THAT and you said absolutely nothing back?!” Erin had that look on her face, the one that said she was going to start yelling at her.

“Bingo. Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner,” Mel pronounced as they headed back to the elevator and back to the safety of the box, before anyone said or heard anything more.

“But you’re in love with him,” Erin whispered harshly.

“Well, duh, I know that. And you guys know that. And after what happened I figured he’d realize it too. I mean, I wasn’t heartless. I didn’t push him away. And I may not have said it back, but I showed him… I just don’t think he actually grasped that.”

“He’s a hockey player, of course he didn’t. You have to speak plain, simple words to them. They’re very…basic like that,” Vero exclaimed.

“Well, it’s too early for that anyway. I just gave him an out for something that I don’t think he really meant. That was the right thing to do. It’s too soon for all of this… right?”Mel asked, looking at each of her friends who all shook their heads in unison and stared back at her like she was the one who’d just let the L-bomb drop prematurely.

“No,” came the resounding reply from all three. Erin reached out and grabbed her hand.

“Listen dear heart, it’s falling in love. There is no right or wrong time. Normally, it happens out of the blue, and all you can do it go along for the ride and pray that it lasts. When you find it though, you should embrace it at all costs. Everyone can see that he’s got it bad for you, and we all know you’re the same way. So, excuse the term but man up and just tell him.”

“Does Geno say it?”

“What he and I may or may not say doesn’t matter. We aren’t you two.”

“But…”

“No buts.”

“Mel, no one says I love you at the same time in their relationship. Marc and I waited almost a year. We knew it was there, but we were both so young, and we were each afraid that the other would just laugh it off. Then, after his first loss, he came off the ice and no one could get through to him. I was down there, and they asked me to talk to him, try and make him see that it wasn’t his fault.”

“What happened?” Mel asked, knowing how hard Flower could take a loss.

“Well, he was sitting outside the room. I sat down in front of him and leaned my forehead against his. He was all sweaty and gross and still in his uniform but I knew he was listening as I told him how proud I was, no matter how the game ended. Then he grabbed me, whispered he loved me in French, and ran into the room with the guys.”

“What about you?” Mel asked as she looked at Amanda. She and Brooks had only been seeing each other for a couple weeks, but they could barely keep their hands off one another.

“We just have hot sex!” They all laughed at that. “He told me he adored me the other night. It caught me by surprise. I mean, I liked it, but it’s not something that I would expect him to say, ya know. At least not out loud. And he had the crazy eye look when he said it, so, actually it was slightly creepy.”

She made her best impression of Brooks’ look and said ‘I adore you’ in a deep voice. The four of them started laughing uncontrollably after that, and it wasn’t until the arena announcer came on with a special birthday announcement that any of them were able to focus.

“We have a special birthday shout out tonight folks. I have a note here that says ‘Happy Birthday Melany. Hope you’re enjoying the game and I’ll see you when the final buzzer sounds. S.C.’ Well, that’s a little cryptic, but if you think about it, I bet we can figure out who that’s from. And even though she’s in enemy territory tonight, let’s all wish her a happy birthday!”

The boys were coming back out onto the ice as the crowd started singing as the organist played Happy Birthday for her. Mel stood there in shock as she heard a chorus of thousands join in. She was hiding her face in her hands and shaking, with nerves as much as with laughter.

When the song ended she waved to everyone before looking down to where he was standing on the bench.

Sid smiled, that boyish grin that was all dimples and teeth, and winked at her. It turned her knees to jelly, just like it had the first time. She shocked herself, and him, by winking back at him. She saw Billy elbow him and say something that had them both laughing and before she could stop herself, Mel blew him a kiss when he glanced up at her a final time. His eyes widened but he brought up a gloved hand, pretending to catch the kiss. Then he put his hand to his heart.

Mel thought her knees might give way beneath her. She didn’t trust herself to move, she could barely breathe. Even as the period got underway, she found herself still standing there at the edge of the box, staring down at him circling centre ice.

“Yeah, he’s not in love with you at all,” Erin whispered sarcastically in her ear.

Smiling to herself, Mel made up her mind to tell him how she felt by the time they got to the party.

*~*~*~*~*

“Ok Flower,” Sid said as he skated by the goalie, “We’ll try to keep the puck in their end for the rest of the period.”

“Sounds good Sid. You keep scoring goals, and I will stop anything else that comes at me. That second goal was one too many for them to get.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.” Sid tapped his stick against Flower’s pad and then skated over for a faceoff. They weren’t going to lose this game. He was focused intently on the puck when he heard one of the Canes talking trash.

“Better keep your lady away from us tonight ‘Cindy,’ or we’ll show her how real men celebrate all night long!” He gritted his teeth and watched as the puck came down. As they shot off toward the neutral zone he saw Geno come on the ice. Disco wanted the Two-Headed Monster tonight. Gonch yelled something in Russian and as Sid skated down the ice he watched Geno demolish a player in the corner. Billy shot the puck and Ward deflected it up into the netting. As the whistle blew Geno came over beside him.

“I take care of big mouth.”

“I wondered what Gonch was yelling.”

“Erin very good friend with Mel. I like her too. No one talk badly about her, or they face my wrath.”

“I’m very glad we’re on the same team man.” The Russian just smiled and looked up toward the girls. Sid did too and he saw Mel holding out her hand like she wanted to fist bump. He looked at Geno and laughed as he did the same thing and they exploded in the air even though they couldn’t actually touch.

The rest of the period they dominated the game. Three more goals, a little feisty rough stuff around the end, and they were one win away from sweeping this series.

They got into the locker room and talked quickly about the party before the reporters came in. Everyone was in agreement that they’d meet up at the club, and Max had promised to make sure everything was set up correctly. He was as giddy as a schoolgirl.

Sid had just taken his shoulders pads off when he heard the doors open for the media. He took a big sip of water that someone tossed to him and sat down in his stall, waiting for the swarm of questions. The first two were about the game, then the personal questions started. He’d known they would come tonight, there was no way to avoid them after the big p.d.a., but that didn’t mean he wasn’t nervous about talking about his life. In the ‘Burgh the media was pretty good about keeping out of his personal life but he’d always known that it would start, sometime.

“Even though it was implied, will you comment on whether or not you were the one who sent out the birthday wish?”

“I was.” There was a second of dead silence, and then they were all asking questions at once, everyone wanting to know everything. Sid held up his hands to ask them to calm down.

“You all probably already know that I’m dating someone. Her name is Melany, if you weren’t listening to the announcement during intermission. We’ve been seeing each other since April. She’s a substitute teacher from Ohio. Yes, it’s exclusive. Yes, it’s serious and no, I will not share any more personal details except that yes, today really is her birthday and no it wasn’t a stunt or a joke.”

“And did you score that goal for her tonight?”

“No, I scored that goal because that’s my job. As captain I’m supposed to lead my team. That’s one of the many ways I do my job. But I’m definitely proud we could get a win on her birthday.”

“Were you excited to get a win tonight though?”

“Of course. It’s one step closer to getting to the finals.” He was going to tell them all to get lost when Dan Potash popped in with the mic, smiling. Why FSN was even here was beyond him, but he would never turn down a DJPo interview. Everyone on the team liked the man too much!

“And how does she feel about dating the most eligible bachelor in Pittsburgh, Sidney?”

“Ha,” he laughed at Dan. “She likes to remind me every now and then about how lucky I am that she puts up with me and all my crazy superstitions!”

“And are you guys going to celebrate the win tonight?”

“Among other things Danny,” he replied with a wink. He excused himself and went to the showers. After drying off he grabbed his clothes. At first they had decided just on wearing their suits, but they were all leaving from the underbelly of the arena, so it wouldn’t matter if they just wore something comfortable. He pulled on his jeans and grabbed that tee that had driven her crazy before. He was surprised to find no one else there but the coaches when he came out.

“Hey Coach, is everyone seriously gone already?”

“Oh yeah, they booked it out of here. Something about party preparations of some sort. You may want to be on your guard. I’m just saying, Max and Geno had that gleam in their eyes.” He said the last part with a smile, but Sid took the warning seriously. Those two are always up to something.

Shaking his head, Sid walked through the door and found her standing on the other side of the room with her girlfriends. Flower was still here, which meant there was no one with the guys to stop them from going insane or worse – doing something insane.

He was just about to tell him to hurry up and head out when Mel turned toward him. She was wearing a strapless little sundress, black with a bright yellow belt. His eyes roamed down her body, taking in the bare legs and yellow heels. She had this thing about dressing in Pens colors, and he loved it. He loved her. Striding over to where she stood he grabbed her, pulling her into his arms as his hands cradled her face.

The kiss was meant to be innocent, a quick little ‘hey, missed you’ peck. But once he tasted her lips, Sid couldn’t manage to pull himself away. She tasted like nachos and orange pop and he heard her gasp as his tongue swept along hers. Dragging his mouth away with a great degree of difficulty, he stared down at her sparkling eyes.

“I’m in love with you.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mel couldn’t help but laugh as she held on tightly to the front of the jacket he had on. He was wearing that damn shirt again, the one that made her weak at the knees. It had come out at the same time, and they had both just both admitted how they felt about one another and it didn’t matter that she could hear the girls giggling and ‘awwwwwing’ in the background, this was going to go down as one of the best moments in her life.

“I meant it when I said it before,” he began. “And I realize that I didn’t say it at the most appropriate time, but I did mean it.”

“I wanted to say it back,” she told him shyly,” but I won’t lie. I was scared.”

“Are you scared anymore?”

“Nope! And this is like the beset birthday ever,” she told him as he rested his forehead against hers.

They talked quietly for a couple more minutes and when they finally separated, they were alone in the lounge. Joking about being fashionably late for her own party, Mel let Sid lead her out of the arena and toward an awaiting limousine. By the entryway to the arena there was a little boy and his dad. The man was wearing a Canes jersey, but the little guy was proudly rockin’ a white Crosby jersey.

As she watched Sid wave at the boy, she saw the look of excitement cross his face as he waved back enthusiastically. Sid was about to open the door to help her get in the car and Mel watched the boy’s face fall. She opened her purse and grabbed the Sharpie that she always carried with her now. Then she tapped Sid’s shoulder.

“What’s up, babe?”

“Go make his day. You know you want to!”

“You’re amazing,” he said as he kissed her cheek. “I’ll be two seconds! I promise!”

“Yeah, you’ll be five minutes,” she laughed. Then she smiled at him and he jogged over to the father and son. He signed the back of the jersey and was talking for a moment when he laughed loudly and nodded his head before turning toward her.

“Babe, can you please come over here for a minute?” What does he need me for?

“Good evening,” Mel said as she walked over, a curious look on her face.

“Damien here would like to get his picture with us, both of us.”

Both of us?” she repeated as he laughed and nodded.

“Uh-huh.”

“Ummm… okay. Why though?” Damien chose to answer this time.

“Becuz you’re Sidney’s girlfwend and I wanna be the fiwrst to get a picture wiff the two of you!” Mel looked up at Sidney with an astonished expression, but he just smiled and gave her one of those heart melting winks that he really should patent she thought. She knelt down carefully, not wanting to show anything that would end up on the tabloids, and flashed a big smile at the little guy.

“Well, let’s get this little photo shoot underway before Sid and I have to leave, tiger!” And she hoisted him up in her arms, laughing at the little squeal of excitement. Sid moved closer, sort of beside her, yet behind Damien. The boy’s father took a photo and then Mel handed him her phone. She made Damien’s day when she said that she also wanted a copy of this first photo.

Sid put his arm around her waist again and she glanced into his face as he curled his fingers around her hip. She didn’t hear the man say ‘Cheese,’ she was caught up in the look that Sid was giving her. It wasn’t until the tyke said thank you that she even remembered where she was. She gave her little fan a hug and kissed his cheek before placing his feet back on the ground.

As he ran to his dad the man shook Sid’s hand, thanking him about a million times. Sid just laughed, telling them both good night as they started back toward the limo. They were just getting to the door when she heard Damien call her name. She looked up to see him waving frantically.

“Happy Birfday Mewany!” She laughed at the adorableness of his words and blew him a kiss before stepping into the car. She heard him telling his dad that he got a kiss just like Sid.

“Oh my gosh, he was too precious,” she gushed as the car pulled away from the arena. “Wasn’t he adorable?”

“He was. I’m pretty sure you made his night.”

“No, you signing his jersey did that. I’m just the eye candy to go along with you,” Mel said with a wink.

“I don’t think so. I think we just met your biggest fan, aside from maybe… me.”

“Aw…,” she leaned against him in appreciation. “I love children. I can’t wait to have two or three of my own,” She sighed, thinking about the tyke’s big eyes and happy grin, before her heart literally stopped in her chest as she realized what she’d said and stuttered to cover her outburst. “I mean, I am completely not ready for it, but in the future, with the right guy… oh fiddle sticks! Just push me out the next time we go around a bend!” Sid just chuckled and she felt her face turning bright red.

“Don’t worry, I know what you meant. And I want a couple three little ones as well. And like you, just not right now. But I think we could practice the art of making babies,” he added with a wiggle of his eyebrows. Mel crawled across his body, her legs on either side of his, sitting atop his lap and facing him. He played with the hem of her dress as she put one had on the seat back and the other against his chest as she leaned down. Flipping her hair out of the way, she licked his earlobe.

“You wanna practice making babies right now?” Mel felt his hands dig into her hips and his entire body tensed. She continued nibbling on his earlobe as she toyed with the hair that nearly touched his shoulders.

“I’ll do anything you want if you tell me we can skip this party and I can take you back to my hotel room.”

“I don’t think that would be a very nice thing to do. Not after all the hard work Max seems to have put into this shindig.”

“Then you should probably stop grinding on top of me before I embarrass us both.”

“Do you need a little relief baby?”

“That’s not even funny Melany.”

“Who said I was joking?” she asked, and just to prove her point, Mel ran a hand down his chest and between their bodies, cupping him through his dress pants. She could feel how hard he was already, and smiled at the effect she had on him. He sucked in a breath and exhaled harshly, growling her name.

“Melany… it’s your birthday, I’m supposed to be pleasing you.”

“This is true, and having you in my mouth will please me. Now, you just sit back and relax and let me enjoy my present.” Grabbing his hands, she released his grip and pulled away before coming down on her knees in the spacious car. Wasting no time, Mel got his belt open and his pants unzipped. Fishing his dick out of his pants, she swirled her tongue along the tip before plunging over his length, trying to shove the entire thing her throat.

“Fucking hell woman, warn a guy first!” Sid’s hands went for her hair and Mel pulled her mouth off quickly.

“Don’t you mess up my hair Sidney Crosby, or I’m going to be very upset. And then everyone will know what I was doing on this car ride.” He grumbled something before dropping his hands to his sides where he gripped the edge of the seat instead. She chuckled, wondering how long that would last.

Five minutes later he was cursing and his hands were clenched in fists as his breath hissed between his teeth. Mel hummed lightly as she tightened her lips around him, moving her head quickly. She honestly didn’t know how long with would take to get to the club, and she didn’t want to embarrass either of them. She felt one hand slide through her hair at the base of her neck and she moaned an ‘uh-uh-uh’ and gently dragged her teeth over his hardness.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid jerked as he felt her teeth scrape lightly and he felt her throat constrict around him. It was an unbelievable feeling and he lifted his hips so that it would happen again. He moaned her name and felt his balls surge. He tried to warn her but no words came out of his mouth. There was a roar in his ears and he realized it was his own voice as he felt the first jet of come shoot out, followed by a couple more.

He wasn’t expecting to find release so quickly and he was slightly embarrassed that he’d lasted such a short time. He let his head relax against the head rest as his cheeks flamed. Melany cleaned him off with her tongue and tucked him back into his pants, zipping them up and refastening his belt. Then she hauled herself back onto the seat beside him, fiddling with her purse until she pulled out a piece of gum and a bottle of water.

“Hey… Sid… are you okay? Baby, you’re really flushed.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“What on earth for?” She took a couple gulps of water before popping the gum into her mouth. Then she dropped her head to his shoulder.

“I… did just sort of blow my load like a virgin…”

“Oh Sidney… I was trying everything I could think of to make that happen. I figured we wouldn’t have a lot of time and,” she looked up as the car came to a stop and seconds later there was a light knock on the door, “and I was right. Besides, I know you aren’t normally like that. Now stop pouting and go out first!” He laughed and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you.”

He stepped out of the car and held out a hand. She dipped out gracefully, looking stunning as she came to a stand beside him. There were only a couple cameras and reporters outside the entrance. They both smiled as the flashes went off before walking past the bouncer. Inside the music was up, but it wasn’t too loud. Sid saw the guys up in what must be the VIP area. Max noticed them first and ran over to the DJ before coming to a stop in front of them.

“What are you up to Max?” His friend looked at Melany with the biggest fake innocence ever.

“I don’ know what you mean mon chère!”

“Liar,” she laughed. Then the music died out and a voice came through the speakers.

“Well, well, well. It looks like the birthday girl has finally arrived!! Everyone! Please put your hands together for the captain of the Penguins and his blushing girlfriend, Miss Meelllllaaannnnyyyyy!” There was an instant applause that was tinged with a few boos but all Sid saw was the smile on Mel’s face. That combined with the little blush on her cheeks made him want to find a dark corner and make up to her for what had happened in the limo.

They followed Max over to a roped off area. Most of the guys were there, along with her girlfriends. And there was a couple sitting on one of the couches that he didn’t recognize. They were talking to Amanda and he figured this was John. Mel had said that the three of them had all gone to school together. The guy had this look on his face that was a mixture of shock and amusement, and his wife just looked lost.

“I think your soldier boy is here,” he whispered as he leaned his lips against Mel’s ear.

“Don’t ever let him hear you say that. Marines are completely different from soldiers. He knows like fifty-six ways to kill you with his hands, I wouldn’t try it.” He saw her lips curling into a smile, but he still tensed a little. They made their way over to the couches and Sid watched John stand up. His face was now unreadable, and Sid wondered what he was thinking.

Mel was standing beside him, her hands on her hips. She had a glare on her face that Sid had never seen before and all of the guys must’ve noticed as well. The conversations almost died out and Jordan, Max and Geno came to stand near them.

“Mel, were we wrong to let him come in,” Max asked. Mel didn’t answer. Jordan tried to talk to her, still no response. Sid was just about to grab her and haul her away when Amanda flicked John in the head and his stony expression faltered for a split second.

“Ahhh! I finally beat you!” Sid jumped as Mel screamed and then took two steps, jumping into the man’s arms. He watched as she was spun around a couple times and then placed back down on her feet. She kissed him on the cheek and then grabbed the woman beside them, hauling her into a giant hug and telling her congratulations.

“I was a little concerned…” the woman started but Mel shook her head. She said something that he couldn’t hear but they both looked at him before hugging once again. Then Mel turned and, with one on each side, introduced Sid to the man that he wanted to be insanely jealous of.

“Sid, I am very pleased for you to meet two people that I have known for a long time. This is John and Jess. Guys, this is my wonderful boyfriend, Sidney.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Sidney,” Jess said timidly. She had a small smile on her face and he couldn’t help but return it. John’s hand came out for him to shake and Sid took it gladly. They briefly shook hands and he knew they were sizing one another up, then John shocked the hell out of him.

“You really are Sidney fucking Crosby! Dude, I’m sorry I gave you so much shit the other day! It was just a little hard to grasp that Mo here snatched up the captain of my favorite hockey team.”

“Mo?” Sid asked, completely confused, as he heard Mel groan.

“Please don’t bring that up…”

“No, no,” he said, “I want to hear this. no one has told me any stories about you yet!”

“Oh man, I’ve got tons of stories, don’t I Mo?”

“I’ll kill you.”

“You’d never make it, I have the reflexes of a Ninja.”

They went back and forth a few more times and Sid watched, amused and at ease as his girlfriend bantered with one of her closest friends. Once they’d gotten that initial meet and greet over with, Sid was thinking that he really didn’t have anything to worry about. He was laughing at the frustrated look on Mel’s face when she finally let out a frustrated growl and in two seconds had John spun around and in a headlock.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Tell me you’re sorry Johnny.” She felt him tense completely, his body rigid as he thought about his options. His hands came up to grab at her pressure point on her wrist so Mel tightened her arm around his neck and his hands came back down. “Say it,” she practically whispered in his ear.

“I’m sorry,” he said and she could practically see him rolling his eyes. He must not have realized that in her heels she was at a better height for this though. Bringing her other arm up she moved the way he’d taught her and heard his breath catch. “I’m fucking sorry.” Mel released him completely and watched him turn and pretend to be hurt.

“Suck it up Jarhead. You’re fine.”

“Remind me, why did I ever agree to teach you that?”

“Because I asked nicely, and you love me!” They were laughing together when Sid stepped tentatively by her side. She beamed a smile up at him but he looked slightly nervous.

“Ummm, should I be concerned?”

“Huh? Oh… that? No, he taught me a couple self-defense moves when he graduated from Parris Island. Don’t worry, I’d never do anything like that to anyone other than him unless it was seriously needed.”

“Okay, so… if I ask about some funny stories, are you gonna make me pass out?”

“Heavens no! Is Mr. Big Hockey Man scared of lil’ ol’ me,” she asked as she batted her eyelashes.

“Hell yeah!” But then he smiled and Mel kissed him as she promised him once more that she wasn’t the dominant type. Her voice took on a husky tone as she stared up into his eyes. “Trust me baby, I’m the one who likes to be tied up,” she whispered. She watched his nostrils flare as her words sunk in. He tilted her chin and ran his thumb over her lips.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he murmured. They were as close as possible and she was about to kiss him when she was whisked away and found herself in the arms of a Staal, and not the one that played for them.

“Eric! You came!”

“Of course. I even brought you presents!”

“PRESENTS,” Max yelled. “Sweet, time to open presents!! Mel, table, now!” She laughed as she was ushered to the middle of a table that was set up for presents and cake. It was the first time she’d even noticed the cake. It was, she stared at the ice rink-shaped cake. It was then tiered, with sticks, pucks and a jumbo-tron as the top tier that had a Happy Birthday iced-cookie sticking out of it. There were caricatures everywhere, literally all the guys were on it. She was so shocked at the amazing job that had been done.

“Where… how… when did you… SID!”

“I’m right here, you don’t need to break an eardrum babe.”

“I love it! How did you get this done in such a short amount of time??”

“I didn’t do it.”

“You didn’t?”

“Nope. I honestly didn’t do a lot of the planning. That was Max, Jordan and Tanger.”

“Seriously? They did all of this for me? Why??”

“They like you,” he stated, like it was the more commonly known fact in the world. “Max was in charge of the cake, Tanger did guests and Jordan found the place, through Eric.” Mel blinked back tears. These guys were seriously the greatest group of friends in the whole world. Sure, the cake had more to do with them than her. And sure, she didn’t play hockey. But it was perfect.

“MAX!” She hollered for him and he came running over from the side of the VIP area.

“I didn’ do it! Whatever is wrong, it’s not my fault!”

“Thank you,” she blurted out as she put her arms around him. “I love the cake. It has nothing to do with me, but I love it!”

“Ahhh, I’m very glad chere. I was hopin’ you would find it amusing. Wait until you taste it! But first, you must open your presents!”

Max yelled for a chair to be brought up and Mel found herself sitting with colorful presents on her left. And a very large box. She opened things one by one. The first bag was bright red with black tissue paper. It had to be Eric’s gift. She pulled the paper out and felt material. He wouldn’t. She looked in the bag and then shot her head up to find the eldest Staal. He was standing by his brother with a huge ass shit eating grin on his face. Oh shit, I guess, he would.

“I don’t think I should let anyone see this present,” she said with a laugh. Sadly the guys thought that it meant lingerie and practically started a chant for her to whip out what she was hiding. “Okay, you asked for it!” She winked at Eric before pulling the red material out of the bag. The response was instant.

She laughed as the guys all started booing and ragging on Eric. He took the ribbing like a gentleman, laughing along with them. He had to yell over the group for her to look at his number. She turned it around and read the special message by the signature. To my favorite fan. Love, Pillow Lips. She started laughing so hard she thought she was going to pee her pants.

The rest of the presents were opened without protests or anything. And as she got through more of the pile, the racier the gifts became. There was chocolate body paint, furry handcuffs, six different kinds of lube, flavored massage oils, even a beginner’s bondage kit. Mel found herself blushing like crazy as she thought about what she’d told Sid earlier. She met his gaze and knew he was thinking the same thing.

She was down to three gifts.

The first was actually a set of boxes that were all tied together into a pyramid. The tag on the top box read, Dear Melany, We hope you have as much fun wearing these as Sid will have wanting to peel them off of you! Love, Your Girls A.K.A. Erin, Amanda, Vero, Kelsey and Heather. She knew what was going to be inside the packages. And she knew it was highly inappropriate to open them now. But she tore at the paper of the first box.

One by one she opened them up and looked at the bright colored bras and panties. There were also a couple nighties and robes, along with a French maid costume. Max had a running commentary on each piece of satin or lace. His favorite was the black and violet combo. She couldn’t help but giggle as he made dirty comments that had Sid blushing. He must’ve lost it finally because he came up and begged her not to show them anything else that was inside the boxes.

“Okay baby, no more sexy lingerie. I’ll only show it to you. Deal?”

“I like that idea. Now, will you please stop fueling Max’s fire and open the final two gifts?”

She smiled and nodded her head as Max handed her a little bag. Inside were an envelope and a card. She opened the extremely perverted card and laughed as she read the signature. To our newest WAG, have fun with our captain! Love, the guys (Mainly Max and Jordan!). Mel grabbed the envelope and ripped it open, reading the paper in her hands. They’d gotten her and Sid a room at the swankiest hotel in downtown Raleigh.

“Sid, I love your teammates,” she told him as she gave him the confirmation page to hold onto.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid stepped back down, standing by Flower.

“Are you alright Sid? You aren’t angry with us all are you?”

“No, but if I see one more scrap of lace I’m going to pile everything into the limo and ravish her until she can’t move.”

“Well, now you can take her to the room instead!”

“Marc… If she doesn’t wrap this up soon, I’m just going to take her into the bathroom and… Well, let’s just leave it at that.” Flower just laughed at him clapped his shoulder.

“Your present is last. Are you sure this is what you should’ve done?”

“No, I’m not. But I think she’s going to love it. Either that, or she’s going to kill me with it!”

“Let’s hope it’s the former and not the latter option.” They both turned their attention back to Melany who was holding onto the giant box, reading the note that he’d tied to the ribbon. Sid watched her smile and knew, in that moment, that she was going to like what he was giving her; it was personal, it was meaningful, and it would light up her face.

She finished reading the note and looked up at him. Sid thought maybe he saw tears. Shit, I didn’t want her to cry.

He started forward but she shook her head. Ripping the ribbon off, she folded the note and slipped it into her bag. Then she tore the wrapping paper off and opened the lid off the box. She stared down at the item for a moment before her lips curled into a full smile. Then she started to laugh as she picked up the gift for everyone to see.

He watched her toss the box to the ground and she walked over to him, holding the hockey stick in both hands. When he’d been asking her mom what she’d like, Lynne had said something that had stuck with him. She’d said that Melany would love anything he got her, but gifts with meanings would appeal to her more than jewelry or flashy things.

In his life, the most meaningful thing had always been hockey. And even though she didn’t understand all the rules, and she had only been on skates once in her life, Mel was quickly becoming a true hockey fan. She didn’t pretend to like it because she wanted to be with him. No, if he was ever asked, he'd say that she was with him because she loved the sport.

“You have a one track mind,” she said as he leaned down for a kiss.

“No,” he said against her lips. “Not anymore.”

He kissed her once more before she pulled away. Then she stepped back up by the chair and asked for everyone’s attention. She started to speak and then stopped. He watched her place her hands on the top of the stick and cock one foot out.

“Okay, not that I’ve got his pose down, and a stick to really work it, I want to make a little speech. Aside from Johnny and Jess, you all know about how Sid and I met. And while I loved all the presents you guys got me, this is by far my favorite!”

“Did you read the inscription?” Max asked. Sid was hoping that she would notice it. He sent Max a silent thank you as he watched Melany read the words on the silver strip he’d had screwed onto the stick. When she finished she looked up at him, tears in her eyes once again while she smiled. He heard one of the girls shout for her to read it aloud. Sid heard her clear her throat before she started to speak.

I’ve never been so happy to miss a goal in my life. Luckiest shot I ever took. Happy Birthday. Love, Sidney.”

There was a chorus of sighs from her friends, and Jordan made a gagging noise. He laughed as she threatened Staalsy with the stick before Max announced it was cake time. She refused to cut it until there were probably twenty photos of it from every angle imaginable. Then she still looked unsure.

“It’s a cake babe, it’s meant to be eaten.”

“I know… but it’s so amazing! Ugh… okay, give me the damn knife.” He laughed as he handed her the big knife. She cut away the slice that had his face on it and placing it on a plate. Max started to take it and she pointed the knife at him.

“Put it down Talbot. No one eats Sid but me!” The entire group started laughing at that and it became a joke to see who was going to eat who. They were sitting there, all talking and laughing when Sid saw a shadow above him. Johnny and Jess were getting ready to head out. It had been a long day for them, most of it spent in airports, and they were headed to their hotel.

Sid shook his hand, his feelings toward the man now a complete 180 from when he’d met him earlier. Mel asked how long they were staying as she hugged them both. Turns out he was on leave for a couple weeks, and they were using this as a sort of honeymoon, and going to visit everyone back in Ohio in a few days.

“You guys should come to the game,” he offered.

“Really?” John asked.

“Yeah, I know Mel would love it. And we could always use a few more fans for away games!”

“Well, that’s awesome! If you can get us two tickets, I’ll get you the money on game day.”

“No way! Consider it… ummm…” He looked at Mel as he thought of a way to just give them the tickets. Mel came through for him with a wonderful idea.

“Consider it a wedding present,” she said with a smile. John laughed and tried to dissuade her. The look on her face made Sid think that he should just stop trying to argue. Jess laughed and put a hand on her husband’s arm.

“I would give up dear. We both know how stubborn you both are. This could go on all night. Sidney, it’s a wonderful present and we’ll be happy to come on… when is it?”

“Tuesday.”

“Thanks. We would love to come to the game on Tuesday. Now, say good night Johnny.”

“But…” Sid laughed when Jess leveled her own glare at the man. He was down 2-0.

“I’d just give in dude. I know how this one can be,” he said as he pointed his thumb at Mel. “And I’m guessing that your wife here can be the same way. Why don’t we all meet for lunch tomorrow and sort out the details. I’d like to get out of here myself.”

Fifteen minutes later the extra cake was packed in containers, the gifts were all piled together, and Sid and Mel were stepping into the limo. They headed off for the hotel that the guys had bought for tonight and tomorrow night.

“Did you have a good time,” he asked as he nuzzled her neck.

“It was amazing! So, what are we gonna do at the hotel?”

“I want to see you give a fashion show with all the new gifts you got tonight! And maybe we can break in that new kit. I’ve had visions of you tied to the bed ever since you held it up for me to see!”

4 comments:

  1. Loved it!!! Mel and Sid are so cute together!! I love the part about her blowing him a kiss and him catching it and puttin git to his heart!! So sweet!! Eric's present was great, lol!! Can't wait for more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loved the pillow and the uber long update! The cake and the party and John all seemed soo cute. I'm glad things went well and I hope they keep moving in that direction.

    Sexy fashion show? I think so.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That was by far one of your best updates! PLEASE update about that fashion show soon! I also loved the part where she blew him a kiss and he caught it. The party was great! Just an excellent chapter! Update soon, Mel!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mel I loved this chapter and you! There were so many good parts that I can't list all of my favorites...

    I'm so glad that they finally said I love you! And I love that Sid freaked out about it.

    The part with the little kid was so cute!

    I love Eric's present, he's such a great guy. Haha.

    The stick, wow. The inscription gave me a chill.

    That cake, wow.

    I can't wait to see what happens at the hotel, if it's anything like what happened in the limo, damn.

    ReplyDelete