Chapter 9 Alright Sir? - Greg Holden

Alright Sir? - Greg Holden

“So how bad did Jimmy and Nessa freak you out about meeting my G-Dad?” she asked as they made the trek across town hitting every single red light.
“I think they made me more curious than anything.” Kris gave a little shrug and shifted as the light turned green.

“Hm. Well I guess I’ll give you the basics. He and my Gran took Russ and I in when I was barely three. Our Mom… well she’s around but she has never been able to take care of us. Addicts will be addicts.” Sarah just shrugged tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “So my Gran passed away when I was 13 leaving Russ and I with G-Dad. He did his best he really did but I think I remind him of my Mom to much.” for Sarah opening up about her family was never easy. Everyone had family issues a crazy uncle or a Dad who drank to much. Her problems weren’t any worse than anyone else. “Back to G-Dad. He has owned this bar for as long as I can remember. Before that he worked in the steel mill here in town. He grew up here. He’s working people.” she sighed “He isn’t going to be rude to you directly but he will be cold. It isn’t you though he will more than likely have something to say about your hair.” glancing over at Kris she smile. “Which I like by the way. Though it would be nice short too… a left at the next light. It’s the bar on the corner.”
“My family are working people. I think I will have… good report.” he said offering a smile. “I have met family before.” Sarah was put at ease by that though she had no reason to be. Maybe it was that he didn’t look afraid or freaked out. The man across the car from her really was something special.
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“We’ll go in the downstairs door.” she pointed to the door next the garage rather than up the stone steps that cut into the hillside the house was perched on. “The stairs are… well we’ll just use the door.” she said with a chuckle. “I think I fell down those damn things more times than I made it up them.”
Sarah led the way though the garage that was clean though there were plenty of tools and an obviously loved car in there. “hey G-Dad it’s just us.” she said as she climbed the stairs going past a small laundry room.
“By us you better not mean you and your brother.” came a grumpy voice from the kitchen above.
“No. I told you I wouldn’t bail Russ out. I mean my friend Kris and I.” she immediately headed over to him at the table where he sat with a beer to hug him. Kris followed offering his hand in introduction.

“It is good to meet you Sir.” Kris shook his hand being strong in his grip. He didn’t want to appear like a wimp even though he had been taking hard forechecks as a job for most of his life.
“The hockey player right? Some job you got. How rattled in your brain what’s 4x4?” he asked obviously frowning at Sarah and Kris.
“16. I think my brain was no good for math before I play hockey.” he was trying to Joke and to Sarah it was beyond adorable.
“Be nice G-Dad. He’s a good guy and I like him.” Sarah headed to the rest of the kitchen getting out what she needed to make steak tips and noodles for the men. “Kris do you want a drink? Beer and since G-Dad knew I was coming diet coke and water.” she listed looking in the fridge.
“Uh a beer would be nice.” he said taking a seat at the table where a seat had been kicked out for him.
“Call me Archie, Kris.” he finally said in a gruff voice under obvious duress as Sarah stared him down. He looked to her and then back to Kris. “I’ve seen you play. Keep up the good work and you’ll be ready to quarterback the power play in a season or so.”

Sarah was all smiles as she cooked now. It was always tough to get guys past her G-Dad and her friends. Now there was just Russ to deal with but they would have awhile before that was going to happen.
While Sarah’s hearing was taken up by the sizzling of the steak she was cooking. Archie leaned in closer to Kris. “She never brought that piece of shit Doctor here so I know you must be a good guy. I will say this though. If you ever lay a violent hand on her I will make sure it is highly unlikely you walk again and your shit will be flowing into a plastic bag for the rest of your life. Got it?”
Kris nodded. “Understood Sir. I already hate him more than I can describe.” That was his honest assessment of the situation. The truth was if Kris ever ran into him without Sarah around he would be hard pressed not to get into a fight no matter what the NHL’s thoughts on good and bad behavior were.
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“Sarah I’ve missed your cooking.” Archie said patting his beer belly a clear plate in front of him. “Now if only you had made carrot cake.” he joked with a laugh.
“Next time G-Dad.” she said from her seat before getting up to clear the plates to be washed and put away before she left.
“Let me help.” Kris said moving to get up.
“No, Sarah will get it she has her own way of doing things.” Archie said.
“Would you like another beer?” She said with a little grin. Archie nodded and Kris shook his head no. “I wasn’t asking you Tanger. You have to drive my sorry ass back to town.” she teased. “Thanks for offering to help but I got it.” she said giving her G-Dad a beer and Kris a bottle of water.
“He was nice enough to drive you here the least you can do is kiss ‘im Sarah.” her G-Dad said obviously teasing them both.
She raised an eyebrow looking at him and then looking to Kris who was about to protest but Sarah’s lips on his quickly shut him up. It was just a short kiss but it had all her feelings in it. She pulled away her hand on the side of his face a light smile which he returned.
Archie’s eyebrows went up seeing the affection on their faces. “Well Damn Sarah I can’t hate him now even if he is a damn frenchie with socialist medicine.”
Everyone laughed at that one the ice completely broken.
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The ride back home was enjoyable. They chatted comfortably about anything and everything. It was one of those time a person could forget about everything that had gone wrong in the last 10 hours. The arrived back at Sarah’s house and sat in the silent car in the parking lot.
“I’d really like it if you would come in.” she said turning in her seat. She reached out her hand going to the back of his neck.
He easily reacted to her touch his neck immediately loosening up his eyes drifting closed. “I want to come in but I know it is not right time.” he spoke softly opening his eyes his dark brown finding her blue even in the poorly lit little lot.
She nodded. “You’re right but I still want you to come in.” a smile played at the corner of her mouth.
He smiled nodding. “I want to but I know it would not be right. Soon. For now…” he didn’t finish his sentence as he kissed her with as much passion as someone could muster at 4am after a long day. “Soon…” he whispered letting his forehead rest against hers.
She nodded finally unbuckling her seat belt. “Text me when you are home. I need to know you are safe.” He nodded and she opened the car door.
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It was 4:30am when the text came in. She had just gotten out of the shower and was sitting wrapped in a towel at her bedside. She bit her bottom lip smiling. ‘Good night crazy boy. Thank you for everything. <3 Sarah’ she sent off before putting her phone on the charger and putting pajamas on ready for bed going to sleep happy a feat that seemed next to impossible just hours before.

Chapter 8 The Cave - Mumford and Sons

The Cave - Mumford & Sons

The ride to West Virginia was a quiet one. She passed the time texting people from ‘home’ and making arrangements to get in to see her brother. “Take the Weirton exit.” she finally said once they got out of the city close to the airport. He nodded seeming content in the quiet with the radio playing softly. Finally she put the phone down in her lap turning her head to talk with him.
“Ok so first we’re going to the pharmacy to pick up everything everyone needs. I know the pharmacist and they’re going to have them ready. Then we’re going to the jail. Thankfully it’s the city that has him still so it won’t be to hard to get there. Nessa my best friend is going to meet us. Her husband Jimmy was the arresting officer. We’ve all known one another since high school.” she pushed her hair out of her face it having fallen from her ponytail. “And then we’ll go see my G-Dad and I promise I will make you food because I know how you eat you’ve got to be starving.” she reached down into her bag pulling out the bananas. “One to tide you over?” she asked holding it out to him.
Kris listened tentatively. “Nessa is short for Vanessa? And Jimmy is James? I remember seeing a phone frame with their wedding party picture. You had on a blue dress.” he said with a little smile.
“Yeah we’ve all been friends since high school. I’ve known Nessa since second grade and Jimmy since high school. It was from their wedding last fall.” she explained grabbing the second banana for herself.
He took the banana before handing it back. “Could you open it?” he asked shifting as the road changed to a two lane highway. Sarah handed it back half peeled for him. “Thanks.” he said before the banana disappeared in what seemed like three bites.
It took about an hour from the airport before they reached Weirton. The stop at the pharmacy didn’t take long and they were at the police station in no time. Nessa greeted Sarah with a hug. “Jimmy didn’t want to arrest him but your G-Dad insisted.” Sarah nodded knowingly. “I know it’s not a big deal. I mean we’ve all been here before.” she paused looking to her side at Kris who seemed awkwardly out of place. “Well not all of us. Nessa this is Kris. He’s kinda awesome.” she looked at him with a smile.
“Only kinda?” he asked teasingly a smile spreading across his face as he shook Nessa’s hand. “It is nice to meet you.”
“Oh I know who you are. Sarah only has great things to say about you.” Nessa’s smirk made his smile spread wider. “I’ll have to tell you what she really thinks when she isn’t paying attention.”
Sarah glared at her friend. “You do and you die Nessa. I love you like a sister but doesn’t mean I won’t hesitate to dump your body in the river.” Sarah was joking which only seemed all the more amusing as they stood outside the police station.
“So shall we?” Nessa asked before heading up the steps holding the door for them.
“Hey Jimmy.” Sarah said greeting him with a hug as well. He looked shocked to see Kris was actually standing there.
“Sarah no way. Nessa told me you were bringing him but I thought she was messing with me.” he said looking intently at Kris who was going a bit pink in the cheeks looking intently at his shoes and the floor around him.
“Jimmy he has a name.” Nessa said smacking him in the chest. “Kris my husband Jimmy. He’s an idiot so feel free to ignore him especially if he attempts to talk hockey with you.”
Jimmy shook hands with Kris still in shock before finding his voice. “It’s good to meet you man. You’ve got a great shot. I mean that OT goal vs. the Caps classic.” he said with a wide smile. Kris expressed his thanks trying to find a way to fade into the background as much as possible when it was obvious he was the center of attention.
“Jimmy can I see Russ now? I brought you guys his insulin supplies to give to the nurse here to be passed along when he gets transferred to county.” Sarah explained familiar with the system.
“Oh yeah Sarah. Sure. I’ll warn you he’s pretty pissed but he’s sobered up a good bit. I know he’ll be happy to see you.” Jimmy said as they walked leaving Nessa and Kris behind.
“Oh he’s not going to be happy when he finds out I’m not bailing him out.” she said with a sigh before going in to see her brother.
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“So…” Nessa said with a smile sitting with a nervous Kris. “I’m not going to grill you I promised Sarah said I couldn’t. She also said I could only tell one embarrassing story so choose wisely what age you’d like to know about her from.” she said leaning back in the uncomfortable plastic chair awaiting his answer.
“Oh… really I was going to ask about you and your husband.” she said with a little smile pushing his hair out of his eyes. “You can grill me just not on open fire please.” he said trying to joke which made Nessa smile and allowed him to loosen up a bit.
“Good as Sarah’s best friend and her translator to the inner hidden Sarah I have to say you’re doing good. She likes to keep her family drama private. Really I think Mal is the only one who knows and she didn’t even let the douche bag asshat Doctor come here. You’ve already earned the special honor.” Nessa explained. “Sarah’s a special girl. She had to deal with a lot of shit in her life and thus far you’ve shown you aren’t going to contribute to that. So far I like you. The accent and hair help too.” she said with a smile.
For Kris it was nice to know he was being accepted by her friends. “Sarah is special. I knew it from when I saw her.” he said thinking back on the memory. “She didn’t see me first. I saw her in the halls of the arena. I wanted to know her then. When you talk with her I think she will say we met at weigh in when I helped her off the table. I had seen her three times prior to that. I was afraid to say hello first.” he pushed his hair our of his face again though he wished he could leave it there as a kind of barrier of protection after telling Nessa about liking Sarah. “She was standing on a table. I helped her down. She did never say she was afraid of height but I know she is.”
Nessa nodded confirming his suspicions. “Yeah she is a bit afraid of short heights. She’ll climb a mountain and look down but put her on a chair and she’s a bit panic stricken. It’s one of the many odd things about her.” Nessa said with a chuckle. “She is a special one you are right about that.”
“Oh yes. She is special. She is helping Mal train for a marathon. That is being a dedicated friend. Being friends with you so long is special as well.” he said relaxing into the chair finally.
“Yeah she’s helping because she ran the marathon two years ago. She said she’d never do it again but I know Mal and I bet she convinces her to do it.” Nessa chuckled. “She wanted me to do it with her but I told her she was psycho and that I love chips and dip to much.” Kris laughed as well.
“I know what you mean. If I could skate a marathon maybe but I do not want to run one.” he was in shape but over all he was lazy really only keeping fit so he could continue to play the game he loved effectively. The game kept him fit for the most part only giving him a few months to have to worry about himself.
“Sarah is my best friend, she always has been. When she gets involved with something it’s really hard for her to quit and let go. This is why she’ll run the marathon in the spring with Mal and that’s why she stayed with the Doctor for so long. She has always been taught giving in is not an option and that she has the power to change things. She does have power for change but not like she wants.” Nessa sighed hearing the familiar clank of the heavy metal doors. “They’ll be coming down the hall soon.”
Just as Nessa said Kris could hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall. He peaked around the corner seeing Sarah brush away a few tears he no doubt wasn’t meant to see.
“You know he doesn’t mean what he says Sarah. Once this is through we’ll all be hanging out on the deck again at the bar grill fired up having a good time.” Jimmy said giving her a half hug one arm around her for a moment. She nodded pausing to clear her face of tears as he continued towards the lobby. “She’ll be out soon.” Jimmy said headed behind the desk giving Nessa a nod that only couples give one another. She got up and headed around the corner to comfort her friend leaving Kris and Jimmy.

“You’re really going to take him to see G-Dad next?” Nessa asked as she hugged a silently sobbing Sarah who just nodded against her friends shoulder. “Are you sure it’s the best idea? You’re tired, he looks tired and I know you G-Dad is pissed about all of this and I know you’re taking him his medication which will also piss him off.” Nessa rubbed her friends back slowly letting her go.
“We have to go. I can’t come to town and not go. And Kris needs food and everything is closed already except McDonalds and I’m not feeding him that.” Sarah readjusted her ponytail putting stray strands back in. Nessa reached out removing some of the mascara that ran from her friends eyes before Sarah took over rubbing it away from her own face. “So how big of a train wreck do I look?”
“Not a total train wreck just a close call.” Nessa half joked giving her friend another hug before they headed for the lobby.
Kris didn’t even let her open her mouth to speak before pulling her into a hug. A sob breaking out against his chest. Just one was all she could let out. She took a deep breath and lifted her head to look at him. He brushed her blond hair out of her face so he could see her eyes.
“Ew, you two are sickeningly cute.” Jimmy said from behind the desk.
Ness shot him a glare but Sarah and Kris just laughed smiles spreading across their faces. “Thanks for that Jimmy.” Sarah said turning to look at him. “It’s not the first time we’ve been told that.” she cleared her throat looking back to Kris. “You ready to go see my G-Dad?” he nodded and Sarah let go of him so they could say goodbyes to her friends.

Chapter 7 Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit

Sorry it took me so long to get it up guys. I really love this chapter because of it's cute adorable fluffness. At least I think so. :)


“Let Your Love Grow Tall” - Passion Pit

The week had been pretty average. She had her work to do collecting all the information she needed to complete the guys completely medical histories as well as get orders for updating all their shots. It seemed strange to her that some of them hadn’t had tetanus shots on record. They play with metal skates for crying out loud they needed them! She had seen Kris around and they had a few conversations but for most of the week they had been pretty quiet. He kept sending sneaky little clue texts about what their next date would be like ‘be sure to wear sneakers’ and ‘come hungry’ as well as ‘wear comfortable clothes’ ect. By Thursday she was dying to know what they would be doing.
“Come on you have to give me a hint.” she said before heading out to the cars with him.
“Sarah I have given you lots of hints.” he teased bumping his shoulder against hers or more his arm against her shoulder. The stood under the entrance just outside of fan view. “Just be ready to be active.”
“You aren’t making me skate right? The last time I skated I had a head trauma.” she wasn’t lying the last time she skated she had an incident that looked like boarding but no one pushed her into the boards.

“Not skating he said with a chuckle. But I could help you learn I am a strong skater.” he shrugged hands in his pockets.
“Yes I know you’re a quick one Tanger.” she had taken to using his team nickname while at work and calling him Kris when they were outside of their professional relationship. She looked at her watch. “I gotta go I’m meeting Mal for a run. She wants to do the marathon this year and I’m helping her train.” Sarah explained. “Friday. I’m looking forward to it.” she walked backwards smiling seeing Pascal sneaking up on Kris. She rolled her eyes shaking her head but Kris caught on to late taking a good hit from his friend/ the guy who picked on him more than anyone else on t he team. “Boys play nice.” she called back before turning and heading to her car.

Friday rolled around and they were once again headed for the car. She saw him carrying a few sticks two his usual and two much smaller. “Hey I told you no skating.” she pointed at him giving her best evil eye look.
“No skating.” she said holding his hands up grinning. “We have a few hours before I pick you up. Lots of time for you to try and figure it out.” he said obviously pleased she didn’t know.
Max came up behind her draping his arm around her shoulders. “He is planning things for you. This is good. He does not usually take initiative. He likes you even more than he said.” Max patted her on the back and continued to walk towards his car. “See you Monday Sarah. Have a good weekend.” he gave a big wink to her and then turned his attentions to Kris who was putting the sticks in his back seat. By the time she made it to her car they were laughing as Max pretended to beat up on him. She rolled her eyes and headed home to change.

Sarah looked at her clothing options and sighed picking up her phone to text Kis. ‘athletic shorts or jeans? If we are being active I need to know. I like you but not enough to run around in jeans in 80 degree weather.’ she went to the bathroom pulling her hair up or the majority of it. She had a few whispies that wouldn’t go up.

‘athletic shorts. See you in 30.’ he texted back as she rushed to finished getting ready though she was hardly fancy as she headed down to the parking lot seeing him pull in wearing her running shoes running shorts and a t-shirt with a tank under it.
“Hey.” she said brightly climbing in his car putting her small gym bag at her feet. Inside she had a hoodie, two bananas and two bottles of water. She couldn’t help but be concerned about their health especially his even if it had been a light practice it was her job to make sure he stayed well.
Kris leaned in giving her a quick kiss that caught her off guard but it made her smile. “I like this.” he said pointing to her get up. “Now I know what you must have looked like yesterday on your run.” he said with a grin.

“Ha no. I looked way more gross than this. All sweaty and nasty and tired. I bet my couch stinks from where I crashed on it.” she joked. “I’ll get sweaty today but you better watch your energy. I may be in athletic gear on a date but I’m still your nurse and I won’t let you be to stupid.” she said bucking her seat belt. “So what exactly are we doing?” she asked watching the roads as he drove.
“We are going to play deck hockey. No ice just sneakers.” he said not giving her a chance to mention her lack of skating ability. “I will teach you how to skate but I will wait till you trust me more.” with that said he smiled and turned on the radio catching Mark Madden’s show for a bit.
“It’s got nothing to do with trusting you. I just like to not having my brain sloshed around to where it bounces on my skull.” she said with a fake cheesy smile.
“Ah so that is what a concussion is. I learn a new thing today.” he chuckled as he pulled into the parking lot of the deck hockey club.
They unloaded the car and he put the two smaller sticks up to her nodding quite pleased with himself that he had guessed on the measure. “We have an hour and a half before people start turning up for the their games tonight.” he said grabbing a back pack that had water and Gatorade in it as well as several balls. He waved to several of the employees who nodded and waved back as they passed though the building to the court.
“So you are left handed like me yes?” he asked seeing how he was carrying the sticks.

“Well it depends on what I’m doing but I write with my left.” she nodded putting the spare stick down on the bench as well as her hoodie. She watched him stick one ball in his pocket lightly kicking the other one out towards the center of the deck. “I leaned to do a lot of things right handed like tie my shoes and draw blood.” she shrugged. “When someone teaches you things you do it the way they teach you.”
Kris nodded knowingly. “I tie my shoes right handed as well.” He headed out to the center of the deck and she followed. “I know you know the game pretty well. I can tell by how you watch us. You anticipate the play.” he said putting the ball on the center spot. “I will be Flower and you try to score. It is like a shoot out.” he said jogging down to the net touching the posts like Flower did every game only Kris had a big goofy smile on his face.

“Hey how you aren’t even going to teach me how to do this?” she said doing her best to hold the stick right doing what she saw him do each day.
“You have it. You do not need help.” he said still grinning at her obviously enjoying her figure things out on her own.
“By the end of this you’re going to pay.” she said eyes narrowed in a play glair. She nudged the ball with her stick trying her best to guide it though it quickly found its way off her stick and she had to move from the center to get it going back in her direction again.
“Don’t take all day!” he said still smiling at her.
“I kind of hate you right now.” she said slowly making her way towards him again gaining a bit more control. “We don’t play hockey in West Virginia, we just kick tin cans in our bare feet.” she joked finally getting close enough to take a shot. She went top shelf in the upper left of the net on accident with it sailing by him. “Ohhhhhh… look at that! You aren’t going to mock me now are you?” she asked hands in the air her own goal celebration happening.
“He wasn’t expecting her to shoot it high and took his turn to glair at her. “I think you play bad to fool me.” he gathered the ball with his stick bringing it out to her. “If we pass a bit you will get the fell better.” he said handing her the ball moving to the other side of the deck.

“Ok, ok… and I wasn’t faking. The damn thing rolls and not where I want it to.” she said nudging the ball with just enough force for it to get to him. He took a few steps with it nodding for her to keep pace which she did. He sent it back her way and she got it on her stick but wasn’t able to control it sending it back behind him. He easily gathered it up and they continued to work up and down the deck till she could make and receive passes at a jog.
“Ok, ok water break.” she said half an hour in. “You’re a slave driver.” she teased heading for the bench where they had left their things.
“You are a fast learner. I dared not to stop in fear you lose what you have learned.” he bumped into her at the bench forcing her to spill her water down her front. Thankfully she hadn’t worn a white shirt but rather a light blue one. Her bra could vaguely be seen through it but it could have been a whole lot worse.

Sarah immediately turned to him squirting him in the chest with the water left in her bottle. “That’s what you get!” she joked looking over his wet shirt seeing how it clung to his muscles. He had a pretend horrified face that immediately went to a smile as he shook out his shirt wringing the water from it. Sarah did her best to dry out too eventually giving up.
“You will be ok by the end of tonight. A few more times you will be good enough to come play in my friend charity game in Montreal this summer.” He opened the Gatorade taking a drink a bit being sure to step away from her just incase.
“Oh I wouldn’t spill that on you. I’m a goof but not mean.” She was fanning her shirt away from her skin it hopes it wouldn’t stick quite as bad. He didn’t seem to mind his sticking anymore. She couldn’t help but make a mental note of how his stomach and chest looked with the shirt clinging to it. She had seen him shirtless before but never in a personal setting like this.
Her mental feast of taking him in was cut off as her phone rang on the bench. She glanced at it her face going concerned seeing the area code. “I’m sorry it’s home I need to check this.” she picked up her phone walking a few steps away to answer.
“Hi, yes this is she.” Sarah said her face going concerned. “Ok, Did you call Angus Pearson our Grandfather?” her face was really concerned now. “You’re kidding. No I know you aren’t he would do that.” she heaved a heavy sigh. “Ok, ok I’ll take care of it.” she ended the call turning to him. “This is awful but I need a favor. I have to get home as in to my house get my car and go to West Virginia tonight.”

His brows knit in confusion. “What happened is everything ok?” he asked a concerned hand being placed on her arm.
“Yeah, my brother Rus is in jail. He’s kinda a dumbass.” she said gathering up her things. He followed suit. “And my G-Dad is the one who got him put there.” she sighed turning her full attention to him. “I have to call him in the car and when I have all the facts I’ll explain.” she pretty much could guess what happened but didn’t want to jump to too many conclusion.

Once In the car headed for her place she started to call her Grandfather. “G-Dad hey so Russ got arrested tonight?” she paused rolling her eyes. “Yes, I know you know. They told me you’re the one who called it in.” she sighed running her hand though the bits of hair that had fallen into her face. “No, I’m not sticking up for him he’s a moron but one that we happen to love. I know… I know you just want him to learn a lesson.” She closed her eyes her hand just staying in her hair pulling lightly on the roots. “I’m coming down. I’m going to call the Doctor to get his and your meds ordered. Don’t even pretend you’re taking them. I know you haven’t been… ok… ok. No I’m not going to bail him out. I’ll stop by after I see him. Love you G-Dad.” she finally closed the phone up sighing as they arrived back in the south side.
He looked at her just glancing not wanting to push anything. Though he was curious. This was so much she hadn’t told him about. He knew it took time to know people but jail, medications, odd family terms he’d never heard.
“Ok so my Grandpa raised my Brother and I.” she said turning in her seat so she could see him a bit better as the sun started to go down. “We call him out G-Dad because it seemed more normal at school and he isn’t the oldest of Grandfathers.” she shrugged. “And my brother is kind of an idiot. He’s got an alcohol problem and he’s diabetic. That’s the medication I’m taking him. He doesn’t keep track so he has stupid stuff happen to him passing out in the street and things with his sugar going to low or drinking far to must and being drunk and having dangerously high sugar.” she shrugged they’re my family so I keep track of them.

They arrived back at her apartment and he parked the car. “I want to go with you. You are obviously frustrated and I don’t want you to rush and have something bad happen.” he put the car in park but let it run.
She thought about it glancing at her phone and then back to him. So you’re saying you want to meet my G-Dad is all his glory having just gotten his own Grandson arrested?” she tried to be serious but couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it. “God, we’re so West Virginia.” she said shaking her head. “ok… ok. You can come.”

Chapter 6 Out of My League - Stephen Speaks

Out Of My League - Stephen Speaks

“Purple or green Mal?” Sarah asked as she held the phone between her shoulder and ear as she looked over her two choices for her dinner date. “It’s like a dark eggplant purple or a kind middle of the road faded kelly green.” she said holding up different accessories to each. “Actually hold on…” she put her home phone on speaker picking up her cell to snap a picture to send to her. “See…” she said hearing the message arrive on Mal’s cell.
“Oh eggplant all the way babes with you thick black belt and the long gold keys necklace. Don’t forget the black heels.” Mal said with a chuckle. “And you need to straighten your hair. Light make-up think luminous lids with thin black liner. Natural lip babes.” Sarah had to chuckle. It was nice having a style guru on speed dial.
“Ok Mal thank you for one again keeping me from being a fashion disaster. I will talk to you tomorrow.” Sarah said as she got out her flat iron turning it on to heat up.
“You best remember all the details. For example does he speak English or French in bed…”
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow Mal.” Sarah said with a laugh hanging up the phone putting it back on the base at her bedside table.

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“The dark grey slacks and the medium blue shirt mon ami.” Max said as Kris held the phone to his ear. “Be sure to wear brown shoes too. Nothing worse than black shoes and brown pants.” Max explained.
“ Are you sure? I do not want to look stupid.” Kris said running a hand though his wet hair. He was picking her up in an hour and did not want to be late or look like an idiot.
“Mon ami do I ever look unfashionable?” Max asked. Kris could crush Max’s image mentioning the crushed velvet suit or any number of the weird facial hair styles he had over the years but he let his friend continue on blissfully unaware of these fashion faxu pas. “Relax and enjoy. She is a good girl. One of the best ones you’ve ever picked.” it was obvious Max was being called away from the phone. “Have fun tonight. Be sure to tell me what she sounds like…”

Kris didn’t give him a chance to finish the thought as Kris hung up the phone. He wasn’t going to add that pressure to the evening just yet.

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She checked her phone knowing he had to be on his way. She was finally on make-up as she did her best to smudge the thinnest line of eyeliner ever into her lashes. “I hate you make-up…” she grumbled as she worked the tiny brush along her lashes. The door bell rang just as she was putting on lip gloss. She picked up her shoes and small clutch purse heading down the steps. “One sec…” she called loud enough knowing he could hear her. She hopped along trying to put her heels on only to send her clattering against the door. “Yes I just fell down no laughing when I open up.” she said not able to contain her own laughter as she opened the door for him finally having gotten her shoes on properly. “So lets just pretend that never happ…” she trailed off as she lifted her head to look at him. “Wow, you look awesome. Nott hat you don’t look awesome all the time but yeah I’m going to shut up now.” she said running a hand though her perfectly straight hair.

Little did she know he was having the same kind of nervous glitches. He had been experiencing horrid road rage as he made his way to her apartment. Thankfully he could yell at people in French so they didn’t know exactly what he was saying but he was sure they got his tone. On the way to her door he checked his fly to make sure I was up as he step-dad had taught him only to find it was down and his shirt was poking out. Thankfully he caught that one before she could have. Finally at her door or more what he thought was her door. He rang only to find the elderly neighbors open up. “Oh you must be here for Sarah. Aren’t you a handsome one. You better be nicer than that Doctor he was a right bastard.” the neighbors explained. “We didn’t like him with all his shouting and the way he threw her around. We called the police on him a few times though she never pressed charges.” she paused bringing her hand to her mouth. “Oh I’ve said to much.” Really she had said everything she wanted to subtly warning this new man in Sarah’s life that she wasn’t afraid of calling the police on him. Her mission was accomplished.

“No, I have met him. He is not a nice man.” Kris said trying to keep the details of meeting Sarah’s ex and his opinion on him to a minimum. “I should go. Sarah expecting me.” he said pointing to the door a few steps to his left.”
“Have fun. With that accent and hair… you’re a keeper.” she said checking him out up and down one last time.
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“You clean up nice.” She said opening her door taking the sight of him in without looking at him like a piece of hunky meat. “I mean you always smell great and I know you’re clean…” she lowered her head smiling at her own awkwardness. “I’ll be quiet now.”
“You are beautiful. Always beautiful.” he offered his hand and she took it the light breeze ruffling their hair. She hadn’t had a guy say that to her without some kind of caveat or a back-handedness to it. He waited patiently for her to lock her door before leading the way to his car being the constant gentleman opening the door for her and everything.

The trip to the restaurant was short since it was only two miles as the crow flies from her apartment. “This is my mother’s favorite place when she comes to visit.” he explained as the walked the short distance from the parking place he had found. “She say it is how she would cook for me if she was a good cook.” he chuckled remembering her say it as he opened the door for her letting her pass through first.
“It smells amazing in here.” she said taking a deep breath in smelling fresh bread and the delicious scents of food meeting heat. The were seated and Kris ordered a bottle of wine for them sending her into a trance of some kind as she watched and listened to him speak with total confidence. His English was fantastic but he never sounded as confidant as he did just then speaking his native tongue.
“So what does your Mom recommend?” Sarah asked looking over the menu her eyes immediately landing on a chicken and mushroom dish. Thankfully it was on the short list of favorites he listed off.

“I met your Neighbor.” he said once water and wine was brought to the table and their orders taken.
“Oh you poor guy.” Sarah said rolling her eyes. “You’re lucky she didn’t try and invite you in only to molest you or something. She’s a cougar though and through.” she couldn’t help but smile thinking of poor Kris in Mrs. Charles’ clutches. Her elderly neighbor was quite a character reminding Sarah of a mixture of Sophia and Blanche from the Golden Girls.
“She gave me that look. The look of wanting to eat me.” he said getting the phrase a bit confused but his point came across clear.
“Oh she’d do more than eat you.” Sarah said with a good laugh. “You’re a handsome hunk of man she’d take you right upstairs given the chance.” She blushed knowing she called him a handsome hunk of man without thinking about her word choice.
Dinner went smoothly with conversation flowing easily. They chatted about friends and how they got to be where they are now. Even music came up. “Really Korn and Metallica?” she asked tilting her head looking at him a bit like a confused puppy. “I wouldn’t have guessed that. I mean I don’t know what I would have guessed but not that.” she was picking at the left over rice on her plate finally covering it with her napkin so she would leave it alone.

“I would not expect you to like techno indie.” he said his own shock coming out.
“Hey I like anything from Jay-Z to Passion Pit with stops at Neil Diamond and musical theater in between. Really it’s anything but country and the scary screaming.” she explained. “You don’t mock my weird playlists and I won’t mock your tough guy anthems.” she said smiling as she took a sip of her wine.
The waiter came back to the table asking about desert but Kris declined for them. The waiter left again to get their check. “if it is ok we go back to mine? I have something special.” he explained.
All Sarah could do was nod yes and wonder what he had planned. With the bill paid they headed out to Kris’ car. She shivered the night having settled in. “May I?” he asked putting his arm around her. She was hesitant at first but he was warm and holding her close so she let her body drift closer to his as they walked.

“Thanks.” she said as she opened the car door for her once again. “You’re really warm. It’s a good thing. Men are supposed to be slightly warmer than women.” Leave it to Sarah to put in a technical fact.
She remembered how to get to his place for the most part though it was ncie to see it completely sober and not drunk or hung over. “She remembered the basics of his apartment the layout not having changed.
“Relax take your shoes off.” he encouraged slipping his own dress shoes off by the door. She did the same walking on his hardwood floors in her bare feet.
“I missed these last time.” she said drifting to the floor to ceiling windows to look out at his view. She could hear him clanging around in the kitchen doing something as she looked out on the city she loved.
“It is heating now.” he said joining her by the windows. “It is a beautiful view. I am lucky.” he said brushing a stray bit of her hair from her face his hand moving to cup her chin as he stepped into her personal space. It was shocking how gentle he was with her as he brought his lips to hers in a delicate kiss. It made her knees go week forcing her to hold onto him as the kiss unfolded opening up as she brought her body closer to his encouraging him as her hands found his shoulder and side to steady herself.
He pulled away slowly and she was left there in a beautiful haze. “Good kiss.” she mumbled her hand moving to her own bottom lip feeling it was slightly swollen with increased blood flow from their contact.

He chuckled at her reaction. “Thank you.” he said pushing his own hair out of his face before leaning in to kiss her again. He held her a bit tighter things slowly starting to simmer more and more till they were interrupted by the sound of a timer going off in the kitchen. He groaned letting his lips slip away from hers. “Desert is ready. Sit I will bring it out.” he said a smile wide on his face as he slowly backed away to the kitchen.
“Really?” she said seeing him exit the kitchen with an extremely distinctive piece of cookware. He was carrying a fondue pot on a tray with fruit and mini marshmallows on it along with the dipping sticks. “That is so freaking cool.” she said with a big grin as he put the tray down on the coffee table.
“It is my favorite. My Mother makes better but I try.” he said with a shrug handing her dipping stick. He speared himself a strawberry dipping it in the chocolate. Sarah went for the pineapple first.

“This is pretty awesome.” she said a few bites in. “I’ve never actually done this before.” she explained covering her mouth as she put a marshmallow in her mouth.
“Special occasion favorite.” he said going in for his own marshmallow.
“Oh I’m a special occasion am I?” she jokingly asked.
“I like you very much.” he said taking her question seriously. “Ever since I saw you on the table. Not just because Max says you have nice legs.”
“Remind me to smack him for that one.” she playfully narrowed her eyes making him laugh. It was nice being able to relax and make someone laugh by being herself rather than feeling like she was putting on a show.
The rest of the night went smoothly till they had nearly cleared the tray. “I don’t think I can eat anymore.” she said relaxing back into his sofa.
“Myself either.” he said leaning back next to her his eyes meeting hers. “I know I will see you on Monday. When can I see you like this again?” he asked motioning between the two of them.
She nodded thinking. She knew they could never be like this at work. It would be the opposite of professional. “Next Friday. You have the day off I have the day off.” she shrugged. “I think that would be the best time. I mean we can still hang out but I think it will more than likely be with the other guys or they’ll really know. Not that I don’t want them to know but you know we should keep things private.” she explained.
He just nodded. “Yes, down low would be best.” he agreed. “Friday we go out again. Something fun.” he added with a smile. “I will make a plan.”

The night came to an end at 1am when they finally yawned enough leading him to drive her back to her home. The stood at her door kissing. “I would really like to invite you in but I think that would be slutty.” she mumbled against his lips.
“Not slutty.” he said his lips smiling against hers. “But I should go home. I am hanging out with Geno tomorrow. He likes to get an early start.” Kris explained.
Sarah nodded stepping back into her open door. He followed her pressing his lips to hers one last time. “Rest well I will see you Monday.” he ran a hand through his hair before smiling and heading down the steps. “Have a good night.” he added as he got into his car.
“I had a great time.” she shouted a bit to loud cringing in worry she woke her neighbors up. “I can’t wait till next weekend.”

Chapter 5 Little Solider - Doctor Noise

Up dated the soundtrack so this chapter is in there as well as the next. Thanks for reading!.


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Little Solider - Dr. Noise

Sarah had been doing her best to stay out of the guys way as they trained and got their feet back under them. She’d spend a few hours a day watching them. She had been social with everyone making an effort to get to know each of the guys a little. More often than not she found herself gravitating towards Kris most days. She knew him the best and over all she felt the most comfortable around him. Sure they had the most history even if it was short history but it was something.
It was a day of interviews and she could see they all were getting a bit annoyed . Dan Potash was all but stalking them and they were beaking him as usual but he didn’t seem to be phased by it this early in the season. They had other media around too doing little spots with the guys. By the end of the day everyone seemed pretty irritated about answering the same questions over and over again.
“Hey Sarah-baby we’re going to Jordan’s house to hang out.” Max called out to her as TK pretended to lay into him for some unknown reason. “I will text you the address. Come please.” he said before finally being pushed out the door.
Sarah was left smiling shaking her head walking down the hall backwards watching the file out in a goofy mess till she hit what seemed to be a wall.
“I am sorry. I was not looking.” she heard in the familiar voice she had spent several nights talking to this week as well as random lunches with the team.
She turned to look at him his face causing immediate concern. “You ok Kris you look pretty upset.” she said her brows knitting immediately.
“I will be ok.” He tucked a stray piece of hair behind his ear.
“I didn’t as if you would be ok.” she said catching his arm as he attempted to continue to walk down the hall.
“I am going to Jordan’s. You going too?” he asked trying to change the subject on her.
“Yeah… I was planning on it. I was going to stop and pick up some stuff first. It’s not a gathering without refreshments.” she said with a little smile. “Want to ride with me?” she asked.
Kris nodded his agreement.
“Awesome I will be right there. I just have to get my stuff from my office.” she said pointing down the hall. She reached into her pocket pulling out her keys. “here you can get in the car if you want I’ll be right there.” She jogged down the hall in her heels as best she could as he headed in the opposite direction.

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Kris sat out in the car patiently the windows down music turned on. He looked though her ipod a bit confused by her all over the map musical taste. He put it on shuffle just letting it go. It only took her one song to come out.
“Sorry. I had to get my stuff. Now to my house so I can change. I don’t like looking like a business traveler when you’re all in shorts and flip flops.
“I think you look nice.” Kris said buckling his seatbelt. “I would want to sit with you in business class.” He said with a link smirk. The smile faded fast though and he was back looking down.
“Right so do you want to talk about it?” she asked merging into traffic headed to her apartment. She had all kinds of snacks there they could all eat even the crazy diet guys.
“It is nothing that has not been said before.” he shrugged. “Every season they ask about my friend who died. It is not nice to interview about.” he said as the wind from the windows and the music muffled his already soft voice. She turned down the radio so she could hear him better.
“Yeah it sucks when people ask about bad things that have happened instead of the good.” she said glancing over at him from behind her sunglasses. Traffic was finally starting to flow and they were on the move. “The bad kind of serves as measure for our lives. If it was all just baseline in the middle we wouldn’t know what happy was. I found that people who haven’t suffered loss are far less happy over all.” she explained as she drove.
He thought about it for a moment. “I agree though it still hurts.” he said scratching his chest over his heat a little.
“It’ll always hurt. I know when I think about the bad stuff it still hurts.” she confessed as she pulled into her parking spot. “Come in I’ll be a few I think my jeans and stuff are still in the dryer.” she explained heading the way into her apartment.
“I don’t want it to always hurt.” he said as they headed inside.
He was unexpectedly close to her when she turned around. She knew it wasn’t the time to be feeling like she did but the smell of the soap from his shower, his cologne and being so close she could feel the heat from his body made her feel a bit woozy in a real attraction kind of way. Sure he was handsome and sweet but she had been doing everything she could to push those feelings aside. “I think if it didn’t always hurt we would forget. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to forget why I hurt.”
He nodded taking a seat at her kitchen table. “You are right. I do not want to forget. When he died it was the middle of the finals the first time.” he was really glad she wasn’t right there but listening from the laundry room off the kitchen. “They asked about it the next day in interview. I had talked to him just day before. It is hard to have it be asked about still.”
Sarah came back through laundry basket perched on her hip. “I know it’s still hard when I have to do intake on a kid that has been neglected.” she sucked in a deep breath. “It’s hard to see what people must have seen in me when my brother and I were brought in to the hospital having been in the same situation.” it was her turn to nervously tuck her hair back. “Without these experience we wouldn’t be who we are. Your friend in life made you a stronger person. Because he’s not with you now he has made you even stronger. You have learned how to be strong without him right there though he is always with you.” she sighed shifting the basket. “I’m going to change now.”
As she walked past he grabbed her free hand bringing her hand to his lips. “Thank you Sarah.” He knew it was slightly out of line but he was caught in the moment. He let go of his grip on her hand and was pleasantly surprised when she didn’t pull away but gave him a weak smile.
“I’m going to go change.” she said feeling a bit awkward. As she slowly let her hand slide from him.
She bit her lip heading to her room to change quickly. She came back out in jeans, flip flops and a tank top with a hoodie over her arm. “Ok snacks.” she said raiding her pantry. “I have nuts, muffins, cheese balls, licorice bits and sun chips.” she said loading up a reusable grocery bag. She didn’t haven’t a chance to pick the bag up before he swooped in lifting it was ease.

The little gathering was fun. She got to meet some of the girlfriends and it was nice to see people out of the official work space. Sure most of the married guys weren’t around but it was still nice to meet more people associated with the team. It was a bit weird though she kept catching Kris’ eye. They’d meet from across the room and he would smile.
Finally Max pulled her side. “You like him yes?” Max asked nodding in Tangers direction. Sarah was dumb struck unable to speak.
“I uh… it can’t happen.” she said nervously tucking her hair back behind her ear. “I think it would be a bad idea. Everything should be professional.” she added learning her throat crossing her arms over her chest.
“Right yeah but he does not like many people. I do not want to see him miss out on a chance for something good.” Max said taking her elbow and turning her around to look at him. He was a part of the group but somehow not inside of it. “Do not play with him…” she opened her mouth to say something but he shushed her. She had to work hard not to laugh remembering the playoffs the year before. “if not for him than for you. He is not the only one making eyes in the room. Do not deny yourself, you seem good for him and I believe he would be good for you.” Max said before patting her on the back somewhat roughly. He hopped over the sofa joining the group who were playing some video game at this point.
She couldn’t help but think about what Max said. He was great more great than anyone she had dated or even met in a long time. There were few people she felt that kind of a connection with and he was high on that extremely short list. She bit the inside of her lip mulling it over before taking a seat watching the group of guys intently play and cheer for the video game.
The ride home was quiet. If she was this tired she could only imagine how tired he was after the events of his much more active day. “I owe you a real dinner.” she said glancing at him from the corner of her eye in the dark car. Max’s words ringing in her ears still. “You brought me dinner at the hospital and I think I owe you a real dinner.”
She could see him looking over at her. “You didn’t like the food?” he asked seeming a bit confused by her ‘real dinner’ statement.
“Oh no the food was great!” she said giving him a smile. “By real dinner I mean I actually get dressed in something that doesn’t resemble boxy pajamas, there isn’t a code in the middle and maybe just maybe I won’t cry.” she said half joking. She hoped she wouldn’t cry out to a real dinner with him.
“Ok, tomorrow yes? I will make a reservation. Not to fancy.” he said apparently already making a plan in his head. “Wear heel shoes.” he said with a little smirk. Really he just wanted to see her in heels but she didn’t need to know that. “Date night yes?” he asked.
Sarah kept her eyes on the road as she navigated a tricky left hand turn. If it hadn’t been for the turn she would have wished life could stop like in the twix commercial. “Yes.” she said quickly glancing over at home. “It’ll be a date night.” she was pretty sure she hadn’t ever felt sick to her stomach calling something a date before. It was a good sick though a sick that she knew meant she was putting meaning into the dinner not that that she ate to many cheese balls.

Chapter 4 Adventures in Solitude - The New Pornographers

Yes this is epically long.... but it's all one chapter. I couldn't help it. As always I would love to know what you think.

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“So you’re telling me not only do you have the most awesome job in the world surrounded by all these sexy athletes you go out drinking and dancing with them.” Sarah opened her mouth to cut her best friend Mallory off but Mal held her hand up to stop her. “And one of them takes your drunk ass home and you manage not to sleep with him? What the HELL SARAH!” Mallory and Sarah had been best friends since Nursing school and by the grace of god were getting to spend a bit of time together for a change working on the same floor that night.

“Ok so lets unpack what you said there.” Sarah teased knowing her friend hated it when she brought psych terms and phrases to their friendship. “I do have a kick ass job. So kick ass that I feel like sleeping with my patients on my first day would be a bad idea. I mean at least give me a week.” she was joking. There was nothing in her contract that said she couldn’t date a player but she thought in the form of professionalism that she wasn’t really going to let that become an issue. Well… maybe it would if Kris kept being awesome and nice and wanting to spend time with her. “You have to be on your best behavior tonight Mal. Kris is coming down to have dinner with me on break.” she explained going serious face on her friend. “It’s not a big deal but you’re scary sometimes and he’s sweet and quiet.” Sarah explained.

“Just don’t leave him alone with me and we’ll be cool.” Mal teased. Sarah knew she could trust her friend. They had seen some pretty awful stuff together and helped one another though all kinds of personal disasters over their six years of friendship. “I’m going to check in on Jason. I told Kris to call when he got here but if he just turns up let me know.” she said heading around the nursing station out onto the floor.

“I kinda know what he looks like but how will I know for sure?” Mal asked as Sarah turned to answer walking backwards down the hallway.

“Just look for a man with some serious sex hair and a quiet demeanor.” Sarah called back all smiles before heading off down the hall completely.

Sarah checked in on her three other patients as well taking half an hour before making it down to Jason. “Hey Jay how’s it going?” she asked as she headed into his room knocking lightly on the door jam. Jason was a good kid. He had a nice family that worked hard to make ends meet to get him the care he needed. “How’s life my friend?” she asked taking a seat in his visitors chair putting her feet up on the edge of his bed like she always did. Due to his Parents schedules they weren’t around all that much so when he first came in she held the fort for his Parents happy to sit with the scared seven year old.

“Well I’m here the sun is shining and I would rather be outside at home with my friends.” He said a bit grumpily but any kid would be grumpy cooped up in the hospital all day. “I have someone special coming to visit you tonight thanks to my new awesome job.” she said pretending to dust off her shoulder indicating her awesomeness. “My friend Kris is going to stop by. You may know him as current Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang.” she was all smiles imaging his face if he ever heard her introduce him like that.

“Don’t tease me like that Sarah.” he said obviously skeptical of this promise. He was a hockey fan well… Jason was a fan of every sport in the city even baseball. “Seriously don’t tease me.”
No joke Jay he’ll be here later to visit.” she reached out touching his arm. He felt a little clammy which she made note of. It wasn’t to big of a deal at the moment but she would have to page his doctor if his condition worsened. She looked over his paperwork seeing who was on call for him tonight. She cringed seeing the name ‘Dr. Eric James’.

“Yeah it’s Doctor James taking care of me.” he said looking at her with a little shrug. I know you guys aren’t together he told me when I asked if you’d be here.” Jason said it like it wasn’t a big deal that he knew the two had been dating. For her it was always a big deal that her patients knew about her personal life like that and worse yet he had been the one to disclose it not her.

“It’s no big deal. I’m glad he’s taking care of you he’s a good doctor.” Sarah said keeping her inner feelings from her face as best she could.

The thought of Eric stomping through for rounds any time now had her stomach doing painful flip-flops a lot of emotions she really wanted to be over churning up. Most notable in the pack of feelings she was experience were anger and pure pain. The relationship she started with Eric had been a torrid one. She was a first year nurse and was really it wasn’t all that shocking to find herself paired up with such a handsome young doctor. Sure he was older than her but she didn’t care. He was stunning, brilliant and seemed to enjoy her company. As it turned out the relationship was a painful one that she remained in taking more verbal abuse than a sane person should. After three years he asked her to marry him and she had to say no putting an end to their tumultuous connection.

She didn’t dwell long though as she received a page from the nursing station followed by a text from her friend Mal. ‘He’s here and dear lord is he walking sex. You need to hit that.’ Sarah laughed as she brought her feet down. “I’m going to let Eric know he should stop by tonight. No complaining you’re not going to sit around all clammy on my watch.” he opened his mouth to say something but shut it knowing protesting would only make things worse. “I’ll be back in a bit with Kris so be on your best behavior or I’ll send him home.” Jason nodded as he turned the volume up on his tv.

Sarah pulled out her nursing pager/messenger sending a message to Eric knowing he would get it and be around soon. She hoped he would take care of business and be gone not searching her out to chat. She smiled tucking the pager back into her pocket on her scrubs with her phone as she headed down the hall a bounce in her step as she saw him stand there with take out bags. “How much food did you get?”she asked stepping up next to him with a bright smile. She wasn’t sure of she should give him a little hug or not. She decided against it thanks to the way Mal was standing at the desk all but drooling. “She’s fine I swear this is how she always looks.” Sarah said waving a hand at her friend. Kris just smiled lowering his head a bit slightly embarrassed. “So we can totally go eat.” she said motioning for him to follow her. The nursing lounge was empty thankfully as she showed him out to the balcony that was mostly used by smoking staff. With it deserted though she thought it would be nice to eat out there as the sun started to go down.

“I got us steak salads. I remembered you said you were local so I thought you would like it.” she nodded as he carefully unpacked the bags even pulling out an assortment of salad dressing packets. “I did not know what kind you liked.” he said piling them up on the side of the table before pulling out her chair for her.

“Seriously?’ she asked chuckling a bit. “Thanks I don’t think anyone has ever pulled a chair out for me unless they were paid to.” she took the seat smiling as he helped her move closer to the table. “Thank you sir. I appreciate your manners.” she said trying to not sound like she was teasing him as she put her napkin in her lap. “What dressing do you use?” she asked starting to pick through the pile for something she would like.

“French.” he said with a stupid smile. “No. Usually I like Italian. The guys filled my gear bag with these packets of French dressing once.” he shook his had smiling at the memory. He tended to get prank a lot due to his mild manner the guys liked to try and get under his skin a bit.

“I’m waiting for the day that I come in and my office is filled with chickens or something.” she picked up a packet of the balsamic dressing adding it to her salad trying to mix it in with little success. “That isn’t an idea to pass along either it’s actually something I’d rather not happen. I don’t like birds and chickens are especially disease ridden. I’d rather no one handle chickens.” she explained as she took the first bite of her salad.

The dinner went well with the two of them chatting easily. He talked about the guys and misunderstands he had encountered in Pittsburgh due to his English which she thought was really good and general confusion thanks to constant construction and all the bridges.

“Yeah when I first moved to the city it was confusing and they made fun of my accent.” she said with a little smile. “I’m actually from West Virginia so I sound pretty hick at times.” she said with a little shrug. “It’s hard to be different in Pittsburgh. I can only imagine some of the stuff you encountered.” It was then that her pager went off calling her to Jason’s room. “Sorry I have to run. I’ll be back I promise.” she said literally sprinting away down the hall.

“Impressive.” he said with a kind of silly grin that Mal caught as she headed into the lounge for some coffee. Thankfully she left him be headed to what was going on in the room down the hall herself though with much lest urgency.

Sarah arrived to Jason’s room finding him laughing with Eric. “You paged me emergency.” she said taking a deep breath standing in the door.

“I thought you’d want the run.” he said giving her a smile she once thought was charming but now just reminded her of a real jackass. “Anyways I wanted to ask you to grab some more fluids for Jay here. You were right to let me know his status. Also can we do a draw I want to check his white count.” he said looking over the chart frowning but trying not to show it to Jason. The truth was the condition of their favorite kid was deteriorating.

“Sure thing.” she said going out to the supply room getting what she needed and returning hanging the fluids and then doing up the draw having one of the orderlies take it on a lab run.

“Great Sarah thanks.” Eric said as he headed out of the room motioning for her to follow.

‘He’s here and will be down soon.’ Sarah mouthed to Jason who gave her a big thumbs up as he pulled his Pens t-shirt out from under his pillow along with a sharpie ready to ask him to sign before quickly putting it away. Sarah smiled following Eric down to the nurses station because it happened to be where she was going.

“So Mal tells me you’re on a dinner date?” Sarah did her best not to looked at her blabber mouth friend. “She also gave me a death threat.” he said as he made a note in Jason’s chart.
“I’m have dinner with a friend who happens to be male yes.” she said putting the chart he left laying around out. “And I have no reason to want you dead.” it was a lie and there was no doubt that he knew it. She might not really want him dead but she wouldn’t cry if he happened to be injured or perhaps hit by a bus and lost all memory resetting his personality to something other than an evil bastard. “Speaking of I need to get back to him. Have a good night Eric I hope I won’t have to page you again.” with that said she turned on her heel not willing to give him any more of her time.

“You look good Sarah. Looks like you lost some weight.” It took all her will power not to reach but keep walking down the hall. She was an average sized girl running at about at 8. When they had dated he had her convinced she needed to be a 4 which she was for awhile. After the break-up she had gone back to her more natural weight where she felt the most comfortable and happy.

She headed back out to the nursing lounge terrace putting a smile on to see Kris again. Sure it was a little fake but it was the best she could muster at the moment. She took her seat across from him. “Sorry about that. It wasn’t even a huge emergency. Someone was messing with me a bit.” she explained as she crunched into a fork full of salad.

“That is one scary prank.” he said his salad about half gone. She could tell he had been trying to eat slow while she had been busy. “I think I would be more mad than you look.” he said looking from his salad to her face. “I see you are mad but are trying to hide it.” it was his turn to crunch some salad giving her a chance to answer.

She sighed nodding. “I’m not so great at managing my facial expressions. They always say your wear your heart on your sleeve but I always think you wear it on your face. At least I do.” she explained pausing to take a sip of her water. “I’m not so much mad about being paged but who it was that paged me. He knows that if it isn’t an emergency to just use a standard page. I would have come quickly there was no need to scare me like that.”

“I did it because I like to see you run.” Eric had been standing there for a moment before speaking up. She had been so lost in her food and conversation she hadn’t noticed him come out onto the terrace. “She’s right about her emotions. She does wear them on her face. You’ll always know when there’s something brewing with her. I’m Dr. Eric James. I’m the ex.” he said trying to sound slightly less cocky about being her ex though in Sarah’s book he failed miserably.

“Kris Letang.” he said getting up using his napkin on his hands before offering his hand in introduction to Eric. “I am Sarah’s….” he paused looking to her for an exact term.

“Friend.” Sarah said looking to Eric being firm and then to Kris softening as much as she could trying to convey a kind of openness with the term she would more than likely have to explain later. “I’m sure you have a lot to do Eric.” she said trying her best to dismiss him. “I’ll be sure to page you if we need you for anything.” she gave him a sickeningly sweet smile the one she reserved for telling people to fuck off without having to say the words.

“It’s nice to meet you Kris.” Eric said. “It seems the lady wants me to go so I’ll go.” he let go of Kris’ hand backing away. “Have a nice dinner."

With that he was good and Sarah let out a big sigh of relief. “Incase you couldn’t tell that didn’t end well.” he crunched a big bite of salad taking her time chewing so she wouldn’t have to talk. Unfortunately he sat there waiting for her to say something else. She delayed again taking a drink of water. “Basically he’s an asshole who hurt me really bad. He strides around here like a God because he is handsome, works with kids and is a Doctor. I was stupid and impressionable when we started dating and I’m a much more sane person now than when we were together.” she explained looking to him meeting his beautiful deep brown eyes.

“I did want to hit him because you looked distressed but I resisted.” she thought he was mostly joking though the reality was that he wasn’t. He was much more a lover than a fighter but seeing her in distress had struck a chord in him.

She chuckled. “I would have laughed in his face and then done first aid. I’m glad you didn’t I get nervous when people fight around me. And I also don’t think the coaching staff would be pleased if you hurt yourself in any way while out with me socially.” she really was worried about that now. As far as she knew there weren’t any rules regarding being social with the players. “Also I said we were friends because we are. Well I think we are. I didn’t want him to go spreading some kind of rumor. He’s like that he would hop on the internet and make things hard on you. I hope he doesn’t do it now. He knows the best way to hurt me is to get at the people I care about.” she was picking at her salad now not really interested in eating. She saw that his was gone and was pleased to see he was a good eater. Given his active life she knew he needed every single one of those calories.

“He does not sound like a good guy.” he said taking his container that his salad was in to the trash throwing it out.

“I’m going to save mine. It’s really good I just don’t feel like eating now.” she explained frowning a little. “I really appreciate you bringing it. I would have ended up with something gross from the cafeteria.” she said closing her lid back of grabbing her pen from the pocket on the front of her scrubs writing her name on it and the date. “So do you care if I hug you? I promise I haven’t gotten anything gross on me yet today.” she shrugged and opened her arms a little in anticipation. He doubled over in laughter at her. “Yes a hug is fine. Saying that makes me wonder some of the things you could potentially get on you though.” he said as he stepped closer wrapping his arms around her shoulders allowing her to grab him around the waist. She has heard him complain about being one of the smaller guys on the team but there to her he seemed to be the perfect height to where she could easily lean her head on his upper chest in the hug.

“Really thank you for coming and for dinner.” she said into his chest till he let go of her.

“The patient you wanted me to see?” she said using inflection to make the statement a question. “His name is Jason right?” Sarah nodded motioning for him to follow her.

“I owe you big time for this. He hasn’t ever been in for Christmas thankfully but he always complains that he is here enough he should at least get to meet some of you guys.” she said talking as she walked with Kris. Thankfully the hall was pretty empty and Eric was nowhere in sight.

“Actually if you want to hang in here…” she showed him to the playroom. “I’ll bring him down I need to check on a few things with him first.” she explained. She was pleased to see he was content in the room immediately taking a seat in one of the tiny chairs.

“I will be here.” he said with a firm nod reaching out for the K’nex bucket digging though for the pieces he needed to start building something.

Sarah headed down to Jason’s room being mindful to check his condition before she had him go down there. “Ok so I’m glad to see you’re doing a bit better. If you think you can manage the walk down to the play room Kris is waiting.” she said getting his fluid pole loose from everything so they could take the fluids he was put on an hour earlier with them. “You’ll be pleased to know you have a love on K’Nex in common. When I left him he was starting to build something.” she explained putting her hand out to help Jason up. “I’ll carry this and ask I know it can be weird.” she said holding his t-shirt and sharpie for him as the slowly headed down the hall. Jason was much weaker than the last time she saw him. It made her sad to think her favorite little guy might be slipping.

“What do I talk about?” Jason asked a sudden bought of shyness hitting him just one door from the play room.

“Talk about whatever you want. Talk about the k’nex, talk about hockey, talk about what you had for dinner.” she said with a shrug. “Just talk to him like you talk to me.” she said putting a hand on his shoulder giving him a little nudge so they could walk again.

Once they turned the corner Sarah couldn’t help but smile seeing a kind of make shift go-kart on the table that Kris was obviously proud of building. “Kris this is Jason. Jason Kris Letang Penguins Defenseman and supremely awesome dude who has good taste in food and is a real gentleman.” She looked to Kris while she introduced him while Jason watched her a knowing smile on his face. Like Eric said when he interrupted their dinner she wore he emotions on her face so much so that even Jason could see how much she liked Kris.

“Hi man.” Kris said getting up from the tiny chair coming over to introduce himself offering his hand. “Sarah tell me you are an awesome guy.” he said heading back to the table once they shook hands.

“Yeah Sarah’s cool like that I wish all the nurses were as awesome as she is.” Jason gave her a big goofy wink as he took a seat near the bucket of K’nex starting to build something himself.

“This is here for later. Do you mind signing Kris?” she asked know Jason would be to shy to ask.

“Not at all.” Kris said focusing on finding the right tiny piece to put little mirrors on his car.

For Sarah this was why she did the job. Jason may have been hooked up to fluid and looking a bit pale and weak but for the first time in awhile he looked happy. Sure she wouldn’t have been able to make him forget about what was going on with his health without some serious help from Kris but it felt good none the less. She was admiring the scene till her pager went off calling a code.

“I’ll be back guys.” she had her game face on and Jason could see it giving her a quick nod trying not to let on to much.

“She is a fast runner isn’t she?” Kris said not really picking up on the serious problem that was happening just down the hall from them.

“Yeah she ran the marathon last year. She doesn’t think she did well but she finished it and I think that’s awesome.” Jason explained and he managed to find all the pieces he needed to start the inner workings of some complicated wheel thing. “She doesn’t give herself enough credit. She’s my favorite nurse, ran a marathon, bakes the best peanut butter cookies ever and is really pretty.”

Kris did his best not to smile to hard. “I have not known her for long yet but I think she is pretty great too.” The conversation flowed easily between the guys for about an hour when Sarah came back in pink scrubs her hair a bit out of place. “I don’t mean to bust up the party but Jay you know the drill it’s getting to be that time.” With that said he went and picked up his skirt and camera asking Kris to sign it for him. Kris took his time personalizing it to Jason. “Ok picture time.” she said with a smile. Jay if you stand by Kris’ chair I can crop our pole out.” he followed directions and Kris put his arm around Jason.

“Let me take one of all three of you.” Mal said coming to the door also in pink scrubs though she was always in pink.

“With my phone too please.” Sarah said passing over her phone from her pocket.

The trio posed and took a really cute picture. Kris’ arm around Jason and Jason’s around Sarah’s. It was long ago when Sarah cleared taking a picture now and then with Jason by his Parents.

“Come on time get this thing off for a little while.” Mal said. She just held her hand up with Sarah attempted to say something. “Take a bit of time. I’m sure Jay will be up for awhile and you’ll have time to say good night. Right Jay?” he just nodded wrapping his arms around Sarah’s waist when she stood tall after kneeling down for the picture.

“Yeah I’ll be in before you got o sleep.” Sarah said firmly. She watched as Jason and Mal left the play room before she sank back down to her knees on the floor almost curling into a ball before sitting back up pushing her stray hair from her face. “Sorry I had to abandon you for so long. It was a big bleed and as you can see by my change of clothes it didn’t go to well.” she sighed pushing her hair back again. “Sorry I’m just …” she paused searching for how to explain what was going on in her head. “This is why I got out of here. I hate loosing kids. It’s devastating to me and I couldn’t take it anymore.”

“I understand.” he said reaching out and scooting his little chair so he was close enough to get his arms around her. “Well I don’t understand I share your pain.” he corrected getting his other arm around her in a hug her head buried in his chest.

She melted a bit letting her upper body weight fall against his allowing him to support her as silent tears fell from her eyes. She took a deep breath and righted herself back to her knees her back tall as she brushed her tears away till her eyes were looking much less wet. “Thanks for everything Kris. The dinner, the wanting to hit Eric, playing with Jason and the hug. I really needed all of it. You have no idea how much I needed all of it.” she said taking her ponytail down putting it right back up so the majority of her hair was in the right place. “Visiting hours are over so I really have to kick you out now.” she said wrinkling her nose at him a bit.”

“I will go willingly.” he said getting up offering his hand to help her up which she gladly accepted though she didn’t put any of her weight on. He didn’t let her go though pulling her into a hug. “I will go but you promise to call me on your way home?” he asked not letting go of her.
Sarah nodded content to have her head buried in his chest. She nodded before lifting her head.

“Yes I’ll call you. I doubt I’ll make sense by then I’m pretty exhausted. But I will call.” she slowly loosened her grip from around his mid section. She wasn’t sure when she put her arms there but it just seemed natural. “I seriously can’t thank you enough.”

“It was nothing.” he said waving his good deeds off as they headed toward the elevators.

“Trust me it wasn’t nothing. You made a little boys life a bit more interesting, you saved me from horrid food and where there for me when I really needed someone.”

“It was nothing.” he said again with a little shrug.

“I’ll call you around 11:15.” she said softly tucking a piece of stray hair behind her ear. “I promise.” she added as the elevator dinged announcing its arrival.


Sarah took her time getting back to the nurses station. She had a lot happen tonight… well a lot happen the last two nights. She was just two hours from heading home and sleep.
“Please tell me you’re going to sex up that brilliant hunk of man who is obviously in to you?” Mel asked in no way being subtle about it.

“I’m going to tuck Jason in.” Sarah said not even stopping to give her friends question a real answer. She did smile though and as well as Mel knew Sarah she could see that little extra saw in Sarah’s hips as she walked giving away she was obviously giving the question some thought.

The last two hours of Sarah’s shift went fast she mostly worked on charting and chatting with Mal. She had put Jason to bed like he was her own child reading to him from the chapter book he had brought with him sitting next to his bed till the rise and fall of his chest was deep and even. He was one of her firsts. One of her first that was still alive at least. Coming back to this ward was always hard on her but she figured it would be harder to forget Jason than to be there for him. So she was there being a solid person in the life of a child.

When the clock rolled to 11 and her paperwork was done Sarah headed home being sure to call Kris when she pulled out of the parking garage. “Hey it’s Me.” she said softly. “Me as in Sarah.” she added unsure of if he knew she was the ‘me’.

“Yes I was expecting your call.” he said. She could hear the tv on in the background. She figured he was at his home relaxing. “Are you ok?” he asked his accent seeming stronger. She figured he had just talked to someone from Montreal or that he was tired.

“Yeah I’m fine. Well I’ll be fine. I need some sleep and I’ll be ok.” she said putting her phone on speaker sitting it in her lap so she could have both hands to drive. “I’m sorry I cried. I’m not usually that emotional. It was just a lot of stuff building up today.” she explained as she drove navigating the construction around the city.

“I can tell you are strong person.” he said as she heard the crinkle of fresh sheets. “You do something I never could.” he added.

“Thanks.” she said softly crossing the bridge to the south side. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been there. I switched to psych because of it. I couldn’t take seeing so many kids just…” she didn’t finish her sentence choosing to move on. “Psych was so different. It was more dangerous physically. I got a few black eyes there.” she said with a chuckle. “Nothing to rival some of the fights I’ve seen you guys get into.”

It was his turn to chuckle. “I do not fight much.” he admitted. “The others are better at it. They fight for a reason. When I do it is for frustration or friends.” she had remembered seeing him step a few times the previous season to help out a teammate.

“Oh I wasn’t hitting back. The one time it happened because I wasn’t physically strong enough to restrain the guy. It’s hard to hold a guy who weighs twice as much as you do. He elbowed me in the head and then punched me right in the eye. It looked pretty awful I’ll have to show you the picture.” she laughed at that. “That’s cute right seeing a girl with a seriously blacked eye?”

He laughed along with her. “I would like to see. I think it make you look tough.” she couldn’t see it but he was smiling happy to be talking to her.

“Oh yeah a total bad ass at 5’2’’.” she joked as she pulled into her parking space turning off her car. She grabbed all her stuff taking him off speaker phone as she squished the phone between her ear and her shoulder unlocking her front door turning on the lights as she headed in. She put him back on speaker phone as she immediately went to change into pajamas. She brushed her teeth holding the phone away from the sink and tucked herself into bed as they chatted about her work. She wasn't trying to brag or anything just making conversation on what she knew the most about. She had some funny stories. "It all ended up being gloved to my elbow and my hand getting stuck in the toilet trying to get the dam dice out. They had to call a plumber I was so stuck. I think that's what pissed me off. Not fishing the dice out of the toilet but needing a guy to come get me out."

“You made it through a night with the boys. That is more than most girls can do. So as far as your new job is concerned you are tough.” she heard the crinkle of sheets again figuring he was relaxing in bed.

“fais de beaux reves” he said knowing she needed to say something or her phone would be on all night. He had listened to her sleep for two minuets before saying it. He hoped she wouldn’t check the time stamp on the call and notice. She mumbled her good night half asleep and he smiled content as he hung up putting his own phone on the charger. It had been awhile since he stayed on the phone till who he was talking to fell asleep. It was a good feeling. One he had missed more than he realized. It was strange at times being one of the few single guys on the team. He didn’t want to give the thought to much credit but it seem that maybe just maybe he wouldn’t be so alone anymore.

Chapter 3 Orange Shirt - Discovery

NOTES: So thanks for reading. I kinda had no idea how this would all work but it's been fun so far. Comments would be nice too. :)

In other news the sidebar thing is getting better. I will be adding the soundtrack songs as I go. If you don't know them already that is. Some are more for the vibe of the song others for the actual lyrics. If your interested in the songs feel free to ask about them! To hear the track click 'get tracks' and it will redirect you to the mixpod site. :)

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Orange Shirt- Discovery

All she felt was pain as she opened her eyes finding the room bright. Not that she really knew what room she was in. She looked down at her clothes and around for whatever stranger took her in. She remembered being out with the team doing far to many shots and dancing but that was about it. After a stop in the bathroom to brush her teeth and take care of business she padded out into the hall looking around. She really did have no idea where she was. The smell of coffee drew her though as she followed it to the kitchen. She barely had her eyes open and hadn’t done any investigating of her reflection in the bathroom to afraid of what she might see. There in the kitchen she found Kris standing in sweats and a t-shirt leaning against the counter next to the working coffee pot.

“I hate you and all of your kind.” she said taking a seat on one of the high chairs putting her head down on the counter.

“Do you mean French Canadians or men who come to the aid of drunk women?” he asked a grin she would call charmingly stupid.
“Hockey players.” she grumbled before lifting her head to look at him. His hair was mess.
“Did you have a tornado go over your head in your sleep she asked reaching out to attempt to smooth a bumpy patch down.

“You should see yours.” he said reaching to where she was untangling and smoothing it down himself before reaching out to her hair running his hand over a stubborn cow lick. It was hard not to move into his touch but she resisted.

“It’s always like that in the morning. No matter how long or short it is.” she insisted putting her part in place as the weight of other hairs pushed the forever funky spot down.

With their matching horrid morning hair Sarah and Kris enjoyed a cup of coffee and thankfully a big glass of water taking two aspirin to help her out just a bit. Next they were off to shower in separate bathrooms.
“Oh your clothes…” she said not sure what to do with them.

“Just wear them home.” he said with a little shrug. She had to admit she was thankful she didn’t have to put on the dress clothes of yesterday that smelled like sweat and dribbled shots.

Just as she turned the water off climbing out of the guest bathroom shower she heard a knock on the door. “Nearly done!” she said wrapping the towel around herself poking her head out of the door. “I’ll be ready in two shakes of a lambs tail.” she said referring to a phrase her grandmother used. He looked perplexed and she smiled. “I’ll be out in a moment.” she added. Once the door closed she took a deep breath fanning herself leaning against the counter. It wasn’t because of all the steam from her shower but he looked gorgeous standing there freshly showered. His hair was to much… all she wanted to do was get her hands in it and he smelled so brilliant once again with just enough of a fragrance to draw someone in closer.

Once she was back in the clean clothes he had given her smelling like soap rather than a grimy bar she exited the bedroom hair still wet her clothes neatly folded in her arms. She looked around for her heels but didn’t see them. “You wouldn’t happen to know where my shoes are would you?” she asked the pounding in her head starting to lighten up a bit. He thought for a moment but she interrupted. “Or do you just have a secret passion? I think my feet are way smaller than yours.” she said hands on hips but all smiles.
“They are in the car.” he finally said a grin on his face as he awkwardly gathered all he needed before heading to the door. “Come here.” he said beckoning for her to come closer. Before she could protest he scooped her up and over his shoulder her upper body draped over his back. “If you end up hurting your shoulder I will personally haunt you making sure you don’t move the slightest bit.” she grumbled even though she was quite content to enjoy the up close and personal view of his ass in his team warm-up pants.

The drive back to her home on the South Side was a long traffic packed one. “You should see it trying to get downtown. Half the time I take the train or bus if it‘s the rush hours” she said sitting in the front seat with her eyes closed. She still felt a little drunk. She needed carbs big time to soak up what was left of the alcohol in her system.

“I’m making breakfast. Eggs and toast. As your nurse I demand that you eat with me.” she said as she pointed out her place. “You can park in my spot since my car isn’t here.” she explained pointing to the empty spot in the tiny awkward lot by her building.

Her apartment was small and pretty jam packed with stuff. She had gotten it when she first moved to the city for nursing school and just hadn’t had the time or energy to move since. The rent was a steal and the neighborhood was getting better and better each year. She had good neighbors in a little old couple who saved dinner for her on occasion and a single Mom with her teenage boys on the other side not to mention a landlord who actually addressed the needs of the tenants when things weren’t working right.

They headed to the door like any normal people would with her unlocking it to where she could just see inside. “Um can you hold on for like 30 seconds? I need to put some stuff away before you come in.” she said making a bit of a face. “Wow that sounds worse than it is. It’s nothing to weird or gross I just have underwear drying all over my sofa. You’re cool and all but I do think we’re close enough to where you can see my under clothes scattered around the room.” he chuckled and playfully rolled his eyes before turning his back to the door allowing her to run in. She did a quick sweep of the room getting them all and tossing them into a laundry basket . “Oy no looking!” she shouted seeing him peaking around the door ever so slightly. “Just for that I’m going to tell the guys you were perving on me.” she teased picking the basket up holding it on her hip. “You can come in now.” she finally said pretending to be a bit huffy. “I’m going to change and do my make-up and stuff. I’ll make breakfast in a sec but you can help yourself to what’s in the fridge. I have juice and stuff in there.” she said starting up the steps.
“Sarah.” she heard him call you forgot one.” he said fishing a pair of purple underpants with a white lace trim from the arm of the sofa nearly wedged between the cushions. He had a big goofy grin on his face just holding them out for her by the waist band letting them hang on his finger.

She stomped over to him snatching them way. “I’m going to tell them you weren’t just a perv but you handled my delicates.” she said a smile wide on her own face. “I have cable and stuff and as you can see books.” she said motioning to the large set of bookshelves that was nearly full. “I’ll seriously be like 5 minuets.” That was a lie it took her ten minuets to change and put on a bit of makeup. She came back pulling her shoulder length hair into a messy ponytail out of her face. “Scrambled, or sunny side up?” she asked breezing past him into the kitchen to make breakfast. She had dress clothes on again but had drooped her heels by the door content to walk around in her bare feet.

“Sunny.” he said clicking the tv off and moving to the stools at the counter that separated the living area from the kitchen.

“Me too.” she said as she put a little butter in the pan letting it get hot.

“Toast or just bread? I have English muffins too and it’s your lucky day they aren’t even old or have moldy spots. She really only got things like muffins when she was expecting visitors. Which she had earlier in the week in the form of her G-Dad staying the night with her.

“Muffin.” he said content to watch her cook.

“On a scale of 1 to 10 how big of an idiot was I last night?” she asked as she cracked two eggs into the now hot pan popping his muffin down. She didn’t think she did to badly but there were fuzzy bits which was pretty much finishing up all the dancing and then getting back to his place.

“You were not to bad. I had to carry you and you slapped my ass but that is not unusual. Many people would do that.” He said picking up the entertainment weekly she had on the counter thumbing though the pages a little smirk on his face.

She wanted to call him a cocky bastard but refrained knowing he was joking. “Well in my defense if you picked me up like you did this morning it was right there. You now know I can’t resist temptation sober let alone drunk.” she could only imagine what she had said the night before. She liked butts and his really did happen to be a nice one. “I know we danced. Sorry about that. I’m a horrible dancer.”

He was quick to shake his head no. “You are a great dancer. You made me look like a good dancer.” She had also turned him on a bit but if she didn’t remember that he wasn’t about to remind her.
Sarah quickly grabbed two plates putting his eggs on one as well as his muffin before starting on the second grabbing herself a slice of plain bread to go with hers.

“Thanks so much for making sure I was ok.” she said looking up from the frying pan. “I’ll bring your clothes back all clean tomorrow.” she added looking up from her eggs seeing him waiting to eat till she was done. “Really go ahead and eat. Cold eggs are awful. Seriously eat them or I will hit you with this spatula.”

He smiled and picked up his fork taking a bite with sarcastic joy on his face. “I would have to tell coach if you hit me with a spatula.” he said mimicking the tone she had with him earlier when she called him a perv.

With breakfast done and out of the way they were off for real to start the day. Traffic was hell but they made it to the area. Once they parked it seemed like the whole team was waiting on them giving them whistles and cat calls. “Go Tanger takin’ home the new lady.” and “Yeah Sarah, bagged yourself a D-Man on your first day.” She rolled her eyes getting her scrubs out of her car heading inside. Her day was pretty simple checking the upload of the day before and setting up to exact her revenge on the guys just after lunch. Everyone broke for lunch and she was all smiles as it was announced they all needed to see her for flu vaccines before taking the ice again.

“Oh revenge is sweet.” she said as they all lined up. It shocked her how big of babies some of them were over the stupid needles. They weren’t all that big even if it was two shoots. “Basically just be aware you might feel a bit sluggish tomorrow. It shouldn’t be anything bad. If it is then call me. But seriously only call if you’re sick.”

Kris was last to get his shot though she didn’t know if he was lingering because the guys pushed him to the back of the pack or if he wanted to talk to her. “Sorry good guy last night or not I still have to give you these.” she said giving both the standard flu and the H1N1 vaccines.
“Do you have plans for dinner?” she asked as she put a band aid over the injection sites.
“Um actually I’m working a shift at the hospital as soon as I’m done here today. One of my guys is in the hospital so I have to go check on him.” he frowned but with quick thinking she put an end to that. “I get a dinner break. I’m sure the nurses lounge at childrens hospital cancer ward is not what you had in mind but if you want to have dinner that’s where I’ll be from 3-11pm tonight.”

“I’ll be there at seven and I will bring dinner.” he said with a firm nod.

“Ok then.” was all she could respond with. She was pleased and shocked he wanted to have dinner with her and so soon. She had just done some of her best drunk girl work the night before. “You can meet Jason then if you don’t mind. He’s my guy. I was his nurse though the diagnosis process. He’s 11 now. Big time Pens fans. It would mean the world to him if you said hello.” she explained biting her lip knowing it was horrible to ask for charity like this.

Kris nodded. “Sure I will visit him. Just introduce me is all.” he said getting up to head back to the ice where the rest of the team was. “See you tonight.” he said before leaving her office.

For Sarah the rest of her afternoon was a breeze. All she really did was watch them practice making notes about how they skated healthy so that she could take notice of possible injury or illness they were attempting to hide when she watched them later in the season. All in all it was a good day when she ran out the door bound for the hospital to visit her favorite patient.