We are the Champions!

It almost makes you want to break out into song doesn't it! The Pens are Stanley Cup Champions! I am so proud of our guys and am not ashamed to admit that I cried a few tears of joy as Sidney raised the cup. It's so good to see a smile like that on his face again!

I find myself apologizing yet again for taking so long to update but as if I wasn't busy enough, I have now decided to further my education and complete my masters. What the hell am I thinking! I'm too old for this shit! Anyways... I hope you enjoy the update!
Cheers!

and P.S. Sorry about your luck Hossa!

Chapter 86

"Hey," he said as I opened the door for him.
"Hey," I said quietly.
God, he looked good. He was coming right from practice, but that's when I thought he looked the best. Dressed casually with his hat on and no product in his hair. Don't get me wrong; I love a man who looks good in a suit, but casual was totally working for him.
"I wasn't sure if you were working today, but I'm glad you're not. We really need to talk."
I nodded silently and led him to the kitchen counter.
"Do you want some coffee?" I asked.
"No thanks."
I poured myself a third cup and leaned against the counter opposite him. I searched his eyes for some clue as to what he was going to say. They were blank. The light that normally inhabited those beautiful caramel coloured eyes was not there. I took a deep breath and tried to prepare myself for the inevitable conversation I knew was going to take place. I had already played it a thousand times in my head...'sorry Bekah, I like you and everything but I just don't think that it's going to work out for us; the age difference is just too big to overcome. We are at two different places in our lives and I am not ready for the responsibility of kids, hell I'm still a kid myself with my whole life ahead of me. I think it's best if we end things now. It was great to get to know you but have a nice life.'
Yep, this conversation had been taking place in my head since he left the other night.
"Beks - Sid " we said at the same time.
"You go first," I told him.
"No, you should go first," he insisted.
"What happened the other night?" I asked barely above a whisper, "why did you just leave like that?"
"I...I'm not...I don't really..."
"Jesus Christ Sid!"
"I'm sorry...this is just really difficult for me to say."
"Just say it. I know what's coming Sid so just say it."
"Beks, you have no idea what I'm going to say."
"Yes I do so spit it out for crying out loud!" I yelled not being able to contain the anger that was building inside me any longer.
"Calm down," Sid said getting up off his stool and coming towards me.
"Please don't come any closer and please don't tell me to calm down. Say it...just say it," I said barely holding back tears now.
Sid took a few more steps before he stopped. He was close enough that I could smell him but too far away to touch me.
"Why are you so upset? What is it you think I'm going to say?"
The tears were flowing and so were the words out of my mouth.
"Just be a man and tell me the truth!"
"And what would that be?" he asked calmly.
"That it's over! You don't want to be with me anymore, does that about cover it?"
He broke out into that high pitched girly laugh he had. Was he out of his mind? How was this funny?"
"I'm glad you think this is humorous."
"Beks," he said between gasps, "where in the world did you come up with that?"
Now I was just pissed. "Oh, I don't know, maybe because one minute I'm having an amazing kiss with my boyfriend and the next minute he practically runs out the door and I don't hear from him for two days! Yeah, why would I think it was over?"
He came towards me again, this time not letting the evil glare I was giving him stop him. He put his hands on my arms and looked deep into my eyes. "Baby, I love you. You are completely insane, but I love you. Nothing could be further from the truth."
"You don't want to break up?" I asked now very confused.
"No, I don't want to break up! I have put waaaaaaaaaay too much work into you to let you go now!"
"If that's supposed to be funny, I'm not laughing," I said holding back a smile.
"Yeah it is, and you want to smile," he said poking me in the sides and making me flinch.
"Stop it!" I said pushing his hands away. "If you're not breaking up with me, then what did you come here to talk about? Why did you leave the other night?"
He took a deep breath and pulled me in close to him. He nuzzled his face into my neck and his hot breath sent shivers through my entire body.
"I was scared," he said making no attempt to lift his head.
"Scared? Of what? Me?"
"You? No, baby I could never be scared of you," he chuckled finally raising his head only to rest his forehead against mine.
"Then what were you scared of?"
"Of where we were headed."
"I don't understand."
"We were getting very...let's say passionate, the other night and I was scared of what it was going to lead to."
"Sex?" I asked finally cluing in.
"Well...yeah," he said rather sheepishly.
"Are you saying that you don't want to have sex with me?" I goaded.
"NO! God no! That's not what I'm saying at all! Bekah you are incredibly beautiful and sexy and you excite me more than you could ever imagine...it's just...we said we were going to take things slow and then we were getting so close and..." he stopped.
"And what?" I asked tenderly touching his cheek.
He kissed the tip of my nose and looked down at the floor before he said "and...I've never been with anyone before."
A smile crept across my face as I processed what he had just said. I lifted his chin with my fingers so I could look into those gorgeous eyes of his.
"You've never been with anyone? Ever?"
"No, never."
"Ever?"
"N-E-V-E-R!" he stressed. "I was afraid to tell you because I didn't want to freak you out. I know you're still coming to terms with the whole age thing and I didn't think this information would really help."
I looked at him and smiled before wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing those beautiful, plump lips.
"Sidney Patrick Crosby, I love you. I-love-you!" I said smiling into another kiss.
"I love you too Beks," he said squeezing me into a tight hug and lifting my feet off the ground.
"So how is it that Mr. Hockey has never had sex?" I said now poking him in the sides.
"I was focused on playing hockey and...well, I've never been in love until now and that's important to me. I don't want to sleep with someone just for the sake of having sex. When I have sex for the first time I want it to be amazing and special and that means being in love."
I kissed him softly at first and then slowly and deeply and when we finally broke apart, our foreheads were once again resting against each other's.
"You never cease to amaze me Sidney," I whispered. "You are perfect aren't you?"
"Hardly! I am no where near perfect, but you...you make me a better man," he said. And with that, our lips met once again; this time not breaking apart for a long...long time.


"So now that that's settled," I started once we were both sitting at the counter, "let's just put everything out on the table."
"Okay."
"Sid, I love you and I think it's safe to say that we are stir up feelings inside the each other?"
"I'd say that's true."
"But clearly neither of us are ready to take our relationship to that level yet. We agreed to take thing slow and I think we should stick to it."
"I agree."
"So the ground rules remain the same. No spending the night when the kids are here, and since they are not going to know about us right away, that shouldn't be a problem. And as for sex, it's just not an option right now. Aside from this new information, I am no where near ready to take that step, so no more disappearing acts okay?"
"Deal, but I have one condition to add."
"And what's that?"
"I get to kiss you as much and as often as I like."
"As long as it fits into all other previously discussed rules."
"You drive a hard bargain Miss Jones, but I believe I can agree to those terms."
"Good."
"And since we are clearly in no violation of said rules, I am exercising my conditional rights at this time," he smiled before our lips met once again in a passion filled kiss.

Sidney's POV

I couldn't sleep. The look on Bekah's face when I left haunted me every time I closed my eyes. What was that look exactly? I'd never seen it before. Pain? Hurt? Anger? Disappointment? Disgust? I don't know, I couldn't place it. All I knew was that I was responsible for it and it was eating away at me.
What was she thinking? I knew I was walking on thin ice with her after everything that happened when I was away. Even though I had nothing to feel gulity for, it was not the ideal situation to put myself in. The whole thing with Shawna could have been disastrous for me, but I never once considered not telling Bekah. We've had so many ups and downs already, I had faith that we love each other enough to overcome almost anything - almost! Despite what she said, I knew she was upset that I left and didn't spend any of my precious time off with her. Was it any wonder she sought comfort in Max. Max for fuck sakes! She couldn't be friends with anyone else on the team? No, it had to be Max; the one guy I knew I couldn't trust! I'm sure he's just waiting for me to fuck up so he can pounce. Oh God! What if that's what I just did? What if I just pushed her towards him? I'm sure he'd be more than willing to finish what I couldn't. What if she thinks I didn't want to because I was hiding something? Stop it! Stop thinking like that!
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to do something. It was too early to go to the rink and I didn't want to wake anyone else in the house up. What I really wanted to do if I couldn't be at the rink was to be with Bekah; or at least feel close to her.
I remembered she gave me that movie of hers to watch if I got bored on my holiday. She said it probably wasn't up my alley but it was her favourite. I still had it in my bag and decided to give it a try.
She was right, it was so not my kind of thing, but it did make me feel close to her. I could totally picture her curled up on the couch in her flannels, under her big fuzzy blanket with a box of kleenex, crying at the scene in the bar when that dark haired bitch told Harley that Dusty was her husband. Yep, she would cry at that for sure! No one in this movie was going to win an Oscar, but the old guy did kind of crack me up. I was about to get up and turn it off when I heard familiar music.
I sat down and watched as Dusty sang that song Bekah loved to Harley. I remembered back to New Year's eve when I first heard that song. That was a night of many firsts. The first time Bekah and I danced together; the first time we slept in the same bed as more than friends; and the most important first of all...the first time she told me she loved me. It was the best feeling in the world! I was so happy that night; I'm still that happy. One thing I know for sure is I can't ever lose her.

I went to the rink early to skate and just shoot some pucks. It was only 7 am and I knew I had almost three hours before any of the other guys started rolling in. I was sitting in my stall when I heard the familiar french accent of my friend.
"Bonjour mon ami! Comment ça va?"
I just shook my head.
"Should I even ask how the reunion went?"
"Could have been better. Are you busy after practice?"
"I don't think so; Vero's still visiting her parents so no need to rush home."
"Can we grab some lunch or something? I really need to talk to you."
"Sure. Want to give me a hint what this is all about?"
"I'd rather save it for later when there's no one else around."


When we were back at Flower's I could finally open up about what was going on.
"So you didn't have the kind of reunion you were hoping for?" Marc asked.
"Not really."
"I thought everything was okay with you two after the Shawna thing?"
"It was; it is; it was. The problem has nothing to do with Shawna, it's all about me."
"What did you do?"
"It's not what I did, it's what I didn't do."
"What didn't you do?"
I looked at him with raised eyebrows and gave him that 'you know' look.
"What? I don't get it?"
"Neither did she," I said dryly.
"Oh. Ohhhhhhhh!" Marc said as the light bulb finally went off. "Why the hell not?"
"I couldn't."
"Again, why the hell not? Dude, she's hot and if she was willing to give it up...wait a second. You guys haven't done that yet?"
"No."
"Why the hell not?" Marc screeched like a girl.
"Because we agreed to take this slow. And there's the kids. I'm not even allowed to stay there when the kids are there."
"Ouch. So what happened?"
"It was great at first. I hung out with the boys for a bit and when Bekah and I were finally alone, it was great; totally headed in that direction and then...I froze."
"What do you mean you froze?"
"Heat of the moment, I stopped and said I had to go and I left."
"Why? Did the kids make you nervous?"
"No. I just couldn't."
"Okay, I'm not getting something here. Don't you want to have sex with her?"
"Hell yeah! And it's practically killing me not too but..."
"But what?"
"I don't want to disappoint her."
"Dude, you've got mad skills in everything, are you telling me you think you suck at sex?"
"I don't know, I've never..."
"You've never..."
"That's it. I've never."
"Holy shit! You're kidding with me right?" he laughed until I shot him a glare. "You're telling me that the Sidney Crosby has never had sex?"
"No, and I'd appreciate it if you would keep it between us."
"I'm really sorry to be repetitive but, why the hell not? It's not like millions of girls haven't thrown themselves at you. Take advantage my friend! Well maybe not now."
"I'm not like that. I'm not going to just have sex with anyone and everyone because I can. And I've never been in love before."
"Love? What has love got to do with with anything? You don't have to be in love with someone to have sex with them."
"I do; and that's pretty hypocritical coming from the guy who's been in love with the same girl since he was a baby! Are you saying that you could just screw any girl that offered herself to you?"
"Well no, because I'd never cheat on Vero, but you my friend, have the whole world being offered to you, and not to take advantage of some of the perks that come with it is just stupid!"
"Maybe it was before Bekah, but not now. I'm no different that you Flower. I'd never cheat on her. I love her way too much."
"Then what are you waiting for? You don't know how lucky you are to have your first time be with someone you're really in love with."
"I don't know. I guess I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"Everything. Sex completely changes a relationship. She has had a very traumatic past and it has been a very,very long time for her, I don't want to push her and freak her out."
"It doesn't sound like she'd be an unwilling participant."
"No, I don't think so, but that's huge pressure. She already has a hard time coping with our age difference, how am I supposed to tell her I've never been with anyone before. And what if we do make it that far and it's horrible and it ruins everything great we have?"
"I hate to tell you my friend, but everyone's first time is horrible, it just goes with the territory. That's why they say practice makes perfect. You weren't the best hockey player in the world the first time you put on a pair of skates right?"
"I guess. But she's had experience. What if she doesn't have patience for my...inexperience?"
"Dude, you have to stop second guessing yourself. You need to tell her the truth. I guarantee you it's not going to matter to her, she loves you. Besides, look at the positive, maybe she can teach you the ropes. Could be very interesting!"
"Maybe."
"Sid, you need to tell her before she starts to think there's something wrong. Call her."
"Thank you Marc. I knew you were the right person to talk to about this."
"Anytime. Can I make one suggestion though?"
"Sure."
"If she's horny, you might want to keep her away from Max," Marc grinned knowing full well the issues I had with Bekah being friends with him.
"Thanks alot Flower!"
"Hey, that's what I'm here for, now go call her."
I headed for the door and took my phone out of my pocket.
"Thanks Flower."
"You're welcome mon ami."
"And Flower?"
"No worries. Everything stays between us."

Chapter 85

"Golden boy better have had one hell of an excuse," Max said as I came back into the room.
"Don't start Max, I really am not in the mood for a Sid bashing session."
"A little touchy eh? My guess is then it wasn't a good excuse."
"Depends if a natural disaster is a good excuse."
"Explain."
"Apparently there was a massive snowstorm that covered that whole part of Québec. Houses were buried, there's been no hydro, no phone service and they had to call in the reserves to dig people out. Sid hasn't even made it home yet, he's headed there now."
"A snow storm that big, how come we didn't hear about it?"
"Probably because we've been sequestered in an arena all weekend and we were listening to cd's all the way home, not the radio."
"So why don't you look satisfied with this explanation?"
"I don't want to fight with you Max, so let's just say I am less than impressed about some of the company he had and leave it at that."
"I'm guessing that company was of the female persuasion?"
"Mmm hmm," I mumbled as I laid my head back on the couch and closed my eyes trying not to picture that skank's lips on my boyfriend.
I trusted Sid, I really did. I also knew that girls throwing themselves at him came with the territory, but no matter how many times you tell yourself that, you never know how you're going to feel until something happens.
"Before you say anything Max, he told me everything that happened this week, which I am not going to go into details about, and I believe what he said and we're moving on; end of story."
"Did he...did he actually have the balls to...?"
"He didn't screw around if that's what you're getting at; now can we please change the subject?"
"Fine. Did you tell him about this weekend?" Max asked.
"Yes."
"And?"
"And it's fine."
"He must have done something really bad if he didn't give you a hard time about spending the weekend with me."
"First of all, it's not like we were on some romantic getaway by ourselves all weekend, we were at a kids hockey tournament for crying out loud. Second of all, he didn't do anything. He wasn't exactly happy, but I told him that you and I were becoming close friends and he needed to accept it or we were going to have a problem."
"You stuck up for me; for us?"
"I meant what I said. I feel a deep connection with you Max; I don't know why and I can't really explain it. But what we have is special and I'm not going to choose between the two of you, so you both are going to have to accept it and learn how to co-exist in my life together. Can you handle that?"
"If he can handle it, so can I."
"It's not a competition Max."
"Everything is a competition," he smirked.





When I opened the door, I saw those beautiful caramel eyes that I'd been missing so much staring back at me.
"Welcome back," I said wrapping my arms around his neck.
Sid returned my embrace, lifting me off the ground in the process.
"It's sooo good to be back," he said burying his face in my neck after sending shivers through my entire body by kissing the sweet spot right in the crook.
"Am I too late to see the boys?"
"You just made it. They're getting ready for bed."
"Is it okay if I go back and surprise them?"
"Yes, just try not to get them too wound up okay?"
"Yes dear," he said giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

The squeals of delight was confirmation Sid had succeeded in surprising them. I heard the hooting and hollering and decided to wander back and see what was going on. I watched from the doorway. Sidney was sitting on Alex's bed and Jake was kneeling down, leaning over his back with his arms around Sid's neck resting his chin on his shoulder. Sid was holding Jake's hands in front of him and watching intently as Alex acted out every goal he scored at the tournament. When he was done, Alex collapsed on the bed next to Sid.
"Well it sounds like you had an awesome time. I'm proud of you bud," Sid said ruffling Alex's hair. "You had some pretty sweet moves going on, do you mind if I use some of them?"
"Naw, that's cool," Alex said nonchalantly climbing under his covers.
Jake left to get in his own bed and when Sid got up to leave, Alex spoke up.
"Sid?"
"Yeah bud?"
"I have a confession. I really wanted you to show me some moves but..." he stopped and looked down at his hands.
"But what?"
"But...you weren't here so... I asked Max," he said almost like he was embarrassed. "I hope you're not mad at me."
"Ah bud, of course I'm not mad at you. I was hoping that you weren't mad at me for not being there."
"Naw, I was kinda sad at first but Mom told me that you had to go see your mom because now that you live so far away and because you work so much you never get to see your mom and you miss her and this was the only time you could go see her."
A warm smile appeared across those luscious lips. "Your mom's right. I don't get to see my family very often so I have to go when I get the chance."
"I'd be pretty sad too if I didn't get to see my mom everyday."
"Me too."
"Sid?"
"Yeah?"
"Max is really cool and everything, but would you mind showing me some of your moves sometime?"
"I wouldn't mind at all. We'll do it soon okay?"
"Awesome! You're the best!" Alex said giving Sid a big hug.

Sid went and tucked Jake in too before joining me on the couch. He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close to him.
"Those boys really are amazing you know that?" he asked kissing the top of my head.
"I know, I'm very lucky."
"I don't think luck has anything to do with it. They are who they are because of you. You are incredible you know that?"
"No."
"Well maybe I can show you how incredible I think you are," he whispered bringing his lips towards mine.
Just as he was about to make contact, I stopped him.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Did you scrub those lips after that puck slut touched them?"
"I thought we were past that," he said with a serious look of distress on his face.
I couldn't really stop the smile from spreading across my face.
Sid rolled his eyes. "Nice Bekah, you sure know how to ruin a moment."
"But you love me anyways," I laughed.
"I do," he said taking my face in his hands. "I love you so much Bekah. More than I ever thought possible. I don't ever want to lose you," he whispered.
"Then you better kiss me," I whispered back.
"I think I can handle that!"
Our lips touched; gently at first and then progressing to the animal hunger we were both feeling. The passion running through my veins was screaming at me to rip the clothes from his body and explore every inch of him. His hands wandered over my body, leaving tingles everywhere they touched. Just when I felt like I was about to explode, he stopped and rested his forehead against mine. He was breathing heavily, and his voice was quiverring when he said, "I have to go."