Sidney sat in front of his locker putting on his gear. He looked around at his teammates, each were doing their various rituals, preparing for tonight's game. Sid had completed all his typical traditions already, now it was time to mentally prepare himself for the ice. His mind drifted to his newest superstition, the one that took place yesterday morning.

He had awaked in Caroline's bright bedroom for the second morning in a row. Her cat taken up residence at the foot of the bed, meowing incessantly. He willed the cat to be quiet but had no luck. Taking his pillow and tossing it at the offensive animal caused the cat to howl and Caroline to wake. She looked over to the side and saw Sid looking irritated. Her mind cloudy from being startled out of a deep sleep needed a few seconds to register what was going on.

"Are you fighting with my cat?" she asked with a mix of drowsiness and amusement.

"It's too early on a Sunday for that...fur ball to be making such a racket." he replied somewhat crossly. Caroline saw that he was pillowless and scooted closer to Sid. She slid her pillow towards him.

"We can share." she said with a sleepy smile. Sidney's bad mood lifted as he brought his head close to hers. It was a tight fit but having her face so close to his made it ok. He gave her a light kiss and the two fell back asleep easily.

Hours later found the two sitting at her dining table, about to feast on Sidney's famous scrambled eggs. Caroline ate happily watching him from across the table. She liked this feeling, a lot. She munched on toast and swung her legs back and forth underneath the table, giving him a kick here and there. Every time she made contact he would look up at her and she would look away, glancing everywhere but in his direction as way of absolving her from guilt. He gave a wry smile and she gave an innocent look. The next time she gave a kick, Sidney's world famous reflexes reached for her leg and gave a tug towards him in just a fraction of a second. Sliding forward in her seat as he pulled the guilty limb up towards him, caused her to squeal with laughter and grip the sides of the chair, as not to fall under the table. Attacking the bottom of her foot with his fingers only caused her to laugh harder.

"Ah, ok, ok, I'll stop!" She yelled and laughed at the same time. "Please, please, stop I can't take it!"

"Promise?" he asked.

"Yes, yes, I swear." she replied as tears of laughter poured from her eyes.

He let go and she resumed her position across from him. Not 20 seconds later, another kick.

All she needed was to see his look and she was out of her chair like a shot. Sid was half a second behind. He let her get to the living room before his arms came around her tackling her to the couch only feet away. After some torturous tickling, the playfulness turned to something else and in no time they were christening her couch with a passion that had no intention of waning any time soon.

As they lay on the couch afterwards, Caroline couldn't contain her questions any longer.

"Sid?"

"Hmmm?"

What happens next?"

"Well I think we need to finish breakfast. I'm sure it's cold now. My eggs are not nearly as good cold."

"Sidney! That's not what I meant!"

"Ah, I know."

"So?"

"I don't really know to be honest. I'm not really ready to share this yet."

"Me neither."

"So let's just enjoy it for a little bit. Just us."

"Ok."

Sid smiled at the memory. He had left shortly after. He had practice and she had a ton of school work to catch up on. They wouldn't see each other again till Monday evening. He liked about that about her, she was very independent and seemed happy that way. Sidney had always felt that he couldn't give a 100% to relationships, but Caroline was easy and made few requests of his time. That didn't mean that he didn't think of her over the past 48 hours. They shared funny, flirty texts. She told him she had talked to DeShawn's mom and got permission for Caroline to bring DeShawn to the game. Despite being a school night, it was nearly Christmas break and both mother and teacher felt it was worth it.

He felt a little nervous, knowing she would be there. He wasn't really sure what to do with this onslaught of emotions she had caused him to have. As the guys continued their pre-game preparations, Sidney found a dark shadow cross in front of him. Pascal Dupuis deposited himself next to Sidney.

"Hey man." Dupuis greeted congenially.

"Hey dups, what's up?" Sid replied.

"Heard some chatter around the place earlier, heard you and a guest were around the arena Saturday night." Dupuis probed.

"Oh yeah?" Sid asked nonchalantly, his pulse speeding up a bit.

"Yeah, seems you had a pretty nice night, anything worth sharing?" Pascal asked his teammate.

"Nah man, nothing to share, sorry." Sid replied. He gave his friend a pat on the shoulder and headed for the exit to begin the journey to the ice.

Pascal knew better, his captain was a private guy, but he figured it was worth a try. He smiled thinking that his teammate might have found someone.

Caroline woke up refreshed Monday morning. She had gotten herself caught up the day before and enjoyed a long night sleep. Her day would be busy; she packed some clothes for the game. She had no idea what to wear, so she settled on a black top with a mustard cardigan that seemed close enough to team colors. It was her first game and Sid's t-shirt and the sweater didn't seem quite appropriate for the game. The morning flew by. Winter break began Friday, so Caroline and the kids had a lot to get done before the week's end. DeShawn had been ecstatic all day about the hockey game. She promised the class she would bring in cupcakes for everyone, since most of the kids were so jealous of DeShawn's invitation. He was a good kid and had just been named student of the month the week prior, so the reward was deserving.

Just before lunch, a student aide had come to her classroom with a box. The class was working in groups looking at microscope slides, so Caroline took the box to her desk and gave it a once over. It was white and the kind of box you would get from a department store. She opened the package and found various shades of blue staring at her. She lifted the item and found that it was a bright blue hockey sweater with the familiar 87 staring back at her. She was flabbergasted and a bit confused since Penguins colors were a yellowish color and black. There was a slip of paper with scrawly handwriting, it read:

C -

This one for games, the other one for after.

- S

Caroline flushed and examined the jersey. It was a lot nicer than what she bought and she was touched by the gesture.

Before anyone noticed, she put the box away and announced it was lunch time.

The day passed and Caroline drove to the bad part of town to collect DeShawn. As soon as she pulled up, he dashed out the door with his sweater on underneath his coat. His mother waved to Caroline from her door and they were off.

Sidney texted her that the tickets were at will call. Easily enough she picked up the tickets, grabbed hot dogs, drinks and snacks. The two made their way down to the seats. DeShawn was very jealous of Caroline's sweater. He told her it was the winter classic sweater and he then spent the next 15 minutes explaining to her what that meant. Not long afterwards the team came onto the ice for some sort of pre-skate. DeShawn was chatting a mile a minute explaining everything to Caroline. Although, he had never been to a game, he had watched enough on TV to be an authority. Caroline found DeShawn's enthusiasm infectious. She looked around at the rapidly filling arena and saw that nearly everyone was wearing something Penguins. The noise was deafening and the game hadn't even started. Caroline noticed a lot of people wearing Crosby sweaters, especially women. Women, who were a lot younger and prettier than her. She didn't let the spike of jealousy inside take hold. She focused back on the ice, although she did catch from the corner of her eye a very busty girl holding a sign saying, "Sidney, will you marry me?"

Sidney found the two in the raucous arena almost immediately as he staked onto the ice. He was professional enough to not let her presence be a distraction, but since this was just a quick pre-skate he allowed himself a lap around the net, catching a close view of his special guests. He spotted Caroline and gave a nearly imperceptible wink. She lifted her hand slightly and gave him a small wave.

DeShawn nearly lost it.

"Oh my gosh, Miss Reid!" he shouted excitedly grabbing at her arm. "Did you see that? I think Sid the kid just looked at us!" The boy was beside himself and Caroline agreed, telling her young student he must have noticed DeShawn's cool Crosby sweater. DeShawn was in heaven.

The game went by very quickly. The team was playing the Boston Bruins and seemed to take control easily. By the start of the third period the Penguins were up 4-1, with Sid having one goal and one assist. There wasn't a lot of fighting, except for a few shoves here and there. Caroline worried about DeShawn seeing too much fighting, but he seemed thrilled by the whole thing.

With about three minutes left in the game, an usher approached Caroline. He told her that she had been invited to the locker room after the game. He gave her special passes and told her that a rep would be at the top of the stairs after the game to take them to meet the team. Caroline was thrilled for DeShawn, he would never forget this, but she was very very nervous. She didn't know what to do if she saw Sidney. Should she act like she knew him or just pretend that he hadn't just been buried between her thighs only yesterday. Flushing, chastised herself for even thinking that with so many people around.

When the final alarm sounded, ending the game and the Penguins' victory, Caroline gave DeShawn his pass and explained what they were going to do. DeShawn was still too young to figure out why or how these things happened, just that they were happening and he was nearly crawling out of his skin with anticipation.

An official looking man wearing a Penguins polo shirt met them at the stairs. He was friendly and led them through a series of doors and hallways, until they reached a large room where a thousand different sounds echoed through the space. Caroline took DeShawn's hand and they followed the man into the room.

Talk about sensory overload. The room was packed with players, reporters, a selection of fans and a number of official people with clip boards and headsets. Caroline was instantly overwhelmed and when she felt DeShawn's small hand clutch hers, she knew he was too.

"Follow me, miss. Mr. Crosby will be ready for you in just a few more minutes." the official man said to Caroline. He led them to just a few feet from Sidney. Caroline felt her heart begin to race. This was just too surreal. She didn't really know what to expect or how to handle this situation. He seemed clear on keeping things private for now, so there was no chance he would do anything crazy, right? Feeling bad for being so selfish, she realized this was for DeShawn and instantly felt her heart swell and her nerves lessen. He was surrounded by reporters, lights and microphones. He looked like he was the president giving a press conference. She had come to realize that he was a big deal in hockey but this was crazy. Every newspaper and TV station in the area was there. Sid sat facing them all in just a Penguins t-shirt and track pants. He had a hat slung low over his eyes and he was sweating, a lot. She watched him as he answered questions. He looked so serious. He didn't really smile or laugh or joke. He answered succinctly and swiftly and before she knew it, the crowd drew back and dissipated into the larger crowd. The rep led Caroline and DeShawn up to Sid, where he was wiping his face down with a towel and taking a large gulp of water.

"Mr. Crosby, your guests are here." said polo shirt guy.

"Thanks Tom." Sid said.

Tom stepped to the side and Caroline was frozen in her spot. She was at a complete loss trying to absorb this experience. Sid made brief eye contact with her, his eyes warm and inviting. He then looked to DeShawn and stuck out his hand.

"Hey buddy, are you DeShawn?"

DeShawn, seeming shy, looked at Caroline nervously.

"It's ok, go ahead." Caroline lightly pushed DeShawn toward Sidney.

DeShawn shook the outstretched hand and after just a few leading questions by Sidney, was chatting nonstop with his idol.

Caroline watched the exchange with a smile on her face. The two seemed like instant friends.

Sidney gave DeShawn a toothy smile and gestured at Caroline, "And who is this pretty lady? Your girlfriend?"

DeShawn found that hilarious. Giggling he said, "No! That's my teacher!"

Sid stood to shake Caroline's hand, his eyes shining and he had a funny smile on his face.

"Nice to meet you..." he looked at her expectantly.

"Car…Caroline Reid. Nice to meet you Mr. Crosby." she stammered feeling like she was playing a part in a movie.

"Call me Sid." he said with a cocky smile, he was enjoying all of this.

"Good game, Sid." she said smiling back, and took his outstretched hand in a firm handshake. Just before he let go, he gave a little squeeze that thrilled Caroline to her toes.

"Nice sweater." he said to her.

"Thank you, it was a gift." she replied.

"Oh yeah? How generous." He was definitely enjoying every moment of this

"Yes, I'm a lucky girl." she answered.

Sid just grinned, then turned his attention back to DeShawn and continued to answer all his questions.

Tom, the polo shirt guy took their picture with Caroline's phone and she could feel the heat of Sid's hand against her lower back.

He continued to act the part of celebrity athlete and gave DeShawn a number of autographed items.

"Does your teacher want a signed picture too?" Sidney asked DeShawn with mock sincerity.

"I don't think so." DeShawn said bossily. "she doesn't even know about hockey. I had to tell her everything!"

"DeShawn!" Caroline scolded him for his sassy reply.

"But you don't..." DeShawn started.

"Well, I'll give her one just in case." Sid said to DeShawn. "Hopefully we can make her a fan."

Sidney scribbled on the photograph for a few moments and then handed the picture to Caroline. As she accepted it, their fingers brushed and Caroline felt her heart race. Get it together, she thought to herself. You're acting like an adolescent! She glanced down at the image of Sid. He had written, "To my favorite good luck charm." Caroline flushed and put the picture quickly into her bag. Sidney only smiled.

Before long it was time to say goodbye.

"Thank you very much for letting us visit." she said in her best teacher voice. "DeShawn, what do you say?"

"Thanks Sid!" DeShawn yelled, still bubbling with excitement.

"Thanks for visiting DeShawn, you are a cool kid." Sid gave DeShawn a high five and shook Caroline's hand once more. It was warm and familiar and Caroline almost didn't want to let go.

"Nice to see you Miss Reid." He said innocently.

"Likewise." She replied quickly.

Caroline gave him a look that she hoped told him how thankful she was for this experience for her star student; she also hoped it was subtle enough. The look in his eyes seemed to show he got the message.

Caroline dropped DeShawn off and was overcome with how well the evening had gone. She was happy for her little student and relieved that she had enjoyed her first hockey game. She knew she was being supportive in…other ways, but she was happy to be able to enjoy being a fan too.

Her phone alerted her of a text message. At the next red light, she looked at her phone. Sidney. It read, "Can we celebrate? Your place, 1 hour?"

Caroline messaged yes and made her way home, eager for the celebration.