As usual your feedback is so appreciated! It even helped me get through some tough parts in this chapter. Thank you!

Caroline balanced the aquarium on the edge of the sink in the maintenance closet. Sidney the turtle was due for his twice a week tank cleaning, and as she leaned against the large tub scrubbing away, Sidney lay content in a shallow tub back in her classroom. The week had gone by much quicker than she had expected and it was already Thursday. The week together had been truncated due to his road trip, but nevertheless the "living together" bet had been pretty wonderful. She had hoped to see Sidney the person this afternoon before he left for his trip, but he was booked all day with various hockey related duties that she didn't try to understand. He would then travel straight to airport for an evening flight to LAX. Caroline's heart ached thinking of how long Sidney would be gone. Eight days seemed like a lifetime to their whirlwind of a relationship and she knew they would talk but it didn't make the absence seem any easier. She was pleased with how the week had finished out and with all that had happened last night. The downside had been waking up 45 minutes after her alarm and subsequently rushing so much for work that other than a peck on a drowsy Sidney's lips and a quick I love you, they hadn't had much of a goodbye.

Maybe it was easier that way.

Caroline carried the tank back to her classroom feeling quite content with things despite Sidney's departure. After a lengthy discussion with Sidney while washing dishes, she had woken up yesterday morning with a renewed determination at making "public" Sidney and Caroline work as well as "private" Sidney and Caroline. On her free period she had gone into the principal's office and explained to him the importance of her job, her relationship and the challenges faced at bringing those together. She explained what she knew about Sid and his management with the media, as well as, privacy laws that prevented the school from being compromised. She offered ideas on how Sidney could be an asset to the school and how willing he would be to lend himself to helping out the struggling school in various ways. Mr. Dixon was impressed and apologized to Caroline for jumping the gun regarding his concerns about the new couple. It didn't hurt either when Caroline presented him with over 25 sets of third row seats that could be used for outstanding students, raffles or any other fundraising efforts. Caroline left the meeting feeling empowered and more than a little proud of herself for figuring out a solution. Mr. Dixon did remind her that Caroline should be upfront and open if anything could occur that would compromise the school's integrity and Caroline assured him that would not be a problem. She was all smiles as she drove home to get ready for Sidney's Wednesday night game. Sara had texted Caroline that she and Shane could give Caroline a ride to the game. Caroline almost told Sara not to bother, as she was still frustrated with her friend and her attitude from the night before, but just a minute after Sara texted, Sid messaged Caroline to make plans for after the game, just the two of them. A secret something before they parted. If Caroline got a ride with Sara, she could leave with Sidney. So she texted yes to both her friend and her boyfriend.

Sara and Shane arrived just as Caroline tucked away a fresh shirt and sweater in her oversized purse for later and smoothed down the oft worn Crosby sweater. She greeted her friend at the door.

"Let's go Pens!" Sara shouted with a smile on her face, which promptly faded when she saw what Caroline was wearing. "That's what you are wearing?"

Caroline looked down at the sweater, "Yeah, of course. What else would I wear?"

Sara rolled her eyes, "Care, you are with the big girls now, you need to bring your A game. Sidney Crosby's girlfriend should be wearing like…Prada or something."

Prada? Caroline bit her tongue, although it was getting harder and harder. No one called her Care except him. "I wear this to support Sidney. I want people to know who I root for." Caroline replied, her voice tight.

Sara just rolled her eyes, "I think they can figure it out, plus there are a ton of people who wear Sid's number." Sara noticed the look Caroline was giving her, "Listen, I'm just saying that there are expectations now and you need to realize you are always on display. I'm just trying to help." Sara gave Caroline an innocent look and turned back to the car. "Let's go, we are going to be late."

Caroline could feel the frustration build. She looked down at her jeans and sweater. She felt like she had polished things up with Veronique…wasn't that enough? She wore more makeup than before, she had the right kind of hair, her jeans were designer…she wore that sweater because Sidney had given it to her. She wore it because like she said, she wanted to support him in every way possible. She wasn't going to wear some evening gown to a hockey game. Now wanting to get into it with Sara, Caroline followed to the car where Shane was waiting.

Twenty minutes later Caroline was nearly clawing the windows to get out of the car. What was it that made Caroline hate every word coming out of her best friend's mouth? Why did every comment, every question grate on her nerves so badly that she literally had to bite her tongue as not to give the couple a piece of her mind. Finally they reached the Consol. Sara asked if Caroline had some sort of VIP parking that they could use and while it was an innocent enough question it was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"No," Caroline said with an edge to her voice.

"Really? I mean I would think that Sidney Crosby's girlfriend would get like her own spot, like right next to the entrance." Sara commented as the trio got out of the car and made the walk towards the arena.

"Well, I don't!" Caroline said louder and with more anger than she meant.

"Jeez, ok Care; it's not a big deal." Sara said snottily.

"Yeah, polka dot, chill out," replied Shane.

Caroline turned on the couple. "It is a big deal. I'm still just me. I'm not glamorous, I don't have VIP parking and I'm not "Sidney's Crosby's girlfriend", I mean I am, but not to you guys. I'm Caroline. Not Care, not polka dot, not Catherine, Caroline, C-A-R-O-L-I-N-E, Caroline. "

Shane and Sara just stood there silent, as the hundreds of fellow Penguin fans walked past.

"Listen, I'm sorry. Enjoy the game. I'll see you guys later," and before the pair could reply Caroline disappeared into the crowd and towards the side entrance reserved for authorized persons.

The Penguins won easily against the Bruins. Sid got into a fight, the first Caroline had ever witnessed. It was strange to watch him exude so much…hostility. He always seemed so even tempered (minus that one night). He won the fight but ended up in the penalty box for 5 minutes. Caroline couldn't help but compare it to when she had to give her students time out. As her eyes scanned the ice taking in the resume of play, she looked over at Sid. He was looking right at her. Her cheeks pinked as their eyes locked for a moment and everything else disappeared for those few seconds. He gave a wink and she a small smile and then it was over, but it kept her face at a flush for a long time after. Veronique noticed the exchange and smiled giving Caroline a nudge.

The day's events had left Caroline feeling antsy. She was too amped up to sit in the hospitality suite with the friends and family. She was too distracted to listen to tedious conversations, so she escaped the room to explore the halls of the front office. She was looking at the trophy case that held photos and memorabilia of the Penguins successes over the years when she felt someone behind her.

"Not too shabby, eh?" a voice spoke.

Caroline turned to see the kind eyes and easy smile of a tall man. He was dressed impeccably and stood with an approachable authority.

"No, it's very impressive," Caroline replied feeling a little out of place. She looked around at the empty hallway. "I'm just waiting for…"

"Sid. Yes, I know. You're Caroline, right?" the man replied.

"Yes, sir. Nice to meet you…" she stuck out her hand, hoping that he would supply his name.

The man took Caroline's hand warmly.

"I've heard a lot about you Caroline. All good things of course," the man's eyes twinkled. "And from what I have heard Sid is lucky guy." His eyes shifted over her shoulder. "Hope to see you again soon."

And then he was gone.

"Hey."

Caroline turned around to see a freshly showered Sidney, back in his suit, but with his tie loosened and his jacket gone.

"Hi." Caroline said a little dazed. He lean forward, his hand on her neck as he found her lips for a little longer than his normal greeting and she sensed that he needed a little more TLC after the abusive game. Pulling back he showed off his teeth in a broad smile, while a cut lay red and fresh across his cheek.

"Are you ok?" she said instantly, her hand coming up to his face, not quite touching. Moving her hand, her fingertips grazed at the skin below the abrasion and he felt the electricity flow from her touch to his cheek. Caught off guard by the feeling, he took a moment to recover.

"Yeah, it's nothing," he shrugged playing off the small injury, but felt instantly better when Caroline's lips came his cheek, careful not to hurt him and gave him a light kiss.

"I see you met Mario," Sidney spoke, changing the subject as his head jerking forward towards the man walking away.

It took a moment for Caroline to piece it all together.

"That was Mario…Lemieux, right?" Caroline asked trying to remember the name.

Sidney quirked an eyebrow, then replied, "Yeah, the owner. Former player. I lived with his family for many years…."

Caroline's eyes got huge. "Oh my god. Sid. I didn't know who he was at first." She groaned in embarrassment.

Sidney just smiled, "We will do dinner with them soon. The Lemieux's are like my second family. Don't worry, you can redeem yourself." And with that he took her hand and led her down the hall.

Caroline made a face remembering the awkward encounter as she entered her classroom. She set the turtle tank back on the table in the back room and set about filling the tank with the pieces and parts of Sidney's habitat and filling the tank up through a hose connected to the sink. When everything had been put back together she turned to the tub to collect the class turtle, only to find the Rubbermaid container empty.

"Shit." Caroline cursed as her eyes scanned the floor looking for the wandering reptile. She found herself on her hands and knees as she searched under desks and in corners for the turtle.

"Sidney," Caroline called, knowing how foolish she must sound calling out for a turtle, like he would come to her. She navigated through the desks until she saw movement over by the computer station. Crawling at an impressive speed she cornered the pet and grabbed him, "Sidney!" she scolded, the turtle staring at her dumbly.

"Are you looking for me?" She heard a voice and no matter how stupid it sounded for a brief second Caroline thought the turtle was talking to her. Quickly realizing there was someone in the room, Caroline stood up way too quickly and bumped her head against the bottom of the tabletop.

"Ouch" she groaned and backed out from underneath the table clutching her throbbing head.

He had juggled a few commitments that left him with an extra hour before he had to report to the charter for the road trip. The morning had been so hectic that he hadn't gotten to give Caroline a proper goodbye. The time apart would be tough and he needed to see her one more time before he left. What he didn't expect when he had finally found her classroom was her on her hands and knees calling out his name…not that the image didn't interest him. Sidney hadn't meant to startle her but he didn't mind the glimpse of her crawling out from underneath the table in a short dress that showed off her greatest asset. He noticed she was holding her head in one hand and the turtle in the other, so he found his way over to her to help out.

Pulling her up, his large hand came to the crown of her head. "You ok?" he asked concern in his voice.

She stared up at him with those big brown eyes and instantly he was lost to the night before.

He had drove for a short while, Caroline chatting incessantly about what had happened at school and how much better she was feeling about everything. She didn't mention the incident with Sara and Shane, as she already knew Sidney had a less than favorable opinion about her friend. Sidney listened but seemed distracted. She had no idea where they were going but as he pulled off the freeway and onto a vaguely familiar road the feeling of déjà vu overcame her. When they passed through the quaint downtown, Caroline's pulse began to quicken. She looked at Sid, his eyes trained on the road and quiet, his jaw flexed and his profile sharp. His hand came over to rest on her thigh, his grip firm but gentle, sweet but nonetheless ignited a fire inside of Caroline. They turned into a long driveway and came upon the biggest house she had ever seen in person. Her heart jumped into her throat knowing where they were. Sidney's hand left her leg and she looked at him, only to find him staring back at her. For once the person who wore their emotions all over their face was not Caroline. Sid looked nervous, excited, cautious and eager all at once.

"This is…" Caroline started. He nodded.

"Is this alright?" he asked hesitantly.

Caroline's mind swam. She wanted so much not to be overwhelmed or intimidated but the feelings nagged at her. Not wanting to indulge the thoughts she quickly got out of the car to look around.

Despite the middle of winter the yard was well manicured. Bushes with warm tones lined the front walk to the large brick home. She could see land all around and the house just seemed to go on forever. Sidney came around to the other side and took her hand. It was warm and familiar and helped to put her at ease.

They entered the home and into the foyer. The open floor plan showed off an impressive great room, kitchen, dining area and office. The house was completely furnished and the lights were on as if someone was currently living in the home.

"Wow," was all Caroline could say.

"I wanted you to see this house because someday I want you here…with me," his voice tentative next to her.

Caroline whipped her head towards Sidney and saw a face that was calm and serene. Nervous but sure.

"Sid…" she started.

He stopped her. His eyes so intent on hers. "I don't want to scare you. I know this is all moving so fast. But Caroline it feels so right. You have to feel this too. This completion, this certainty. I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want to. I'm not saying we move into together next week or even next month. I'm not showing you this because I'm trying to be flashy or impress you. This is my future and I want you here with me. I love you, Caroline."

The butterflies turned to a warm goo and her eyes became glassy. Clearing her throat and hoping to lighten this romantic but intense conversation, she spoke, "Can you give me a tour?"

He grinned widely and did just that.

An hour later Caroline didn't know what to think. The house was amazing. Tastefully decorated, impressive but not over the top. Classy and comfortable. It was perfect. It also was absolutely terrifying. Sidney was so proud as he showed her all the rooms. Movie theatre, library, family room, even a small ice rink. There were no words.

Sidney led Caroline through the kitchen and out to the large patio, where an outdoor pool sat with white twinkling lights all around. There on a patio table surrounded by heat lamps to make the cold January seem balmy, was dinner. Caroline turned to look at Sidney.

"What is this?" she asked smiling at the romantic dinner.

"I made some arrangements. I know it's late but it's pad Thai from a local place that I think you will love," he said smiling, feeling pretty gooey himself.

She did love it. She loved all of it. Sitting outside, surrounded by lights and the grounds of the home. Sid seemed so natural, so comfortable. He told her about the Lemieux's and living with them. How that had helped him adjust and kept him in a family setting that he loved so much. Nathalie, Mrs. Lemieux was like his second mother. She had brought the food and set up the house. He had told the Lemieux's all about Caroline earlier in the week. Nathalie had sensed a difference in him and he reddened when he made the request that she come over and prepare the house for their last night before his trip. When dinner had finished Sid turned off the heating lamps as Caroline brought their dishes to the kitchen and washed them by hand. She had just finished drying the last dish when she felt him come up flush behind her.

"Care," his breath hot in her ear, the back of his hand running up and down the length of her sweater clad arm. She stilled, knowing he still had more to say.

"Do you know how many times I imagined making love to you in every room of this house," his voice dropping an octave. She didn't. Really. Up until 5 days ago she didn't even know this house existed. But she wasn't about to ruin the moment.

"How many?" she asked, not sure what else to say.

He laughed, the sound caught in his throat.

"A lot. I've thought about you on the counter of this kitchen, on the floor of the library, on the desk of my office, but most of all I have thought of you in my bed." His mouth moved from her ear to her neck as he pressed hot breathy kisses to the smooth skin. The air was thick and the feeling of his lips on her neck felt so good. With slight force he turned her around and pressed her up against the sink, her backside pressed up against the marble top. His eyes were nearly black and his gaze so intense that she shivered. He looked at her for a moment, like her was trying to memorize her face. Then he kissed her.

"I'm ok." Caroline replied, feeling the soothing effects of Sidney's palm, soft on her head. "Hi. What are you doing here, I thought you had…stuff all day?"

Sidney removed his hands and looked down at the turtle she held in her hands.

"I moved around some things, I wanted to see you before I left. After last night…" he trailed off as Caroline turned crimson for about the hundredth time in the last few months.

"Oh, um well, hang on, let me put this guy away and I can show you around," she mustered up a smile and brushed past him as the memories of last night came rushing back.

In an instant he had turned her and lifted her onto the cool, smooth surface of the kitchen island. His hands pulled and pushed the sweater off her body and his hands roved the smooth skin under her shirt.

"You feel so good," he whispered as he sucked lightly at the sensitive skin right behind her ear. His hands came up, removing her shirt unclasping the hooks of her bra. Palming his hands over her breasts he massaged the flesh; feeling her nipples harden under his ministrations and enjoying the low moan that escaped her lips.

He fitted himself snugly between her legs and his suit covered crotch rubbed vigorously against her.

Caroline arched into Sid's hands and the coil of heat between her legs grew. In the silence of the huge house all that could be heard were the sighs and moans of the two lovers as they worked their way towards becoming one. His mouth found hers. Their tongues battled and their hands clutched at one another. Caroline deftly undid the buttons of his shirt and ran her hands strong and sure over his skin. She felt the muscles jerk under her touch and his breathing went shallow. Movements became clumsy as Sidney tried to undo Caroline's jeans as she went for his suit pants. She lifted herself awkwardly from the marble as Sidney pulled down her pants and panties. The cold marble startled her and she jumped a little.

"Cold," she breathed and his arms came around her, his hands palming her buttocks and shifting her forward. She removed his pants and shorts as he buried his face into her neck, the bulk of his weight pressing upon her. Boldly reaching between his legs, she found him halfway hard and still growing in her hands. She stroked him as he thrust into her palm. Seconds later he removed a hand from her backside and covered the bare heat throbbing with need. His fingers stroked her in unison with her hands on him and before they went too far, he moved his hand away and flexed his hips into hers. Caroline brought her hands up to the back of his shoulders and pulled him tight into her. He slipped easily inside and began to move short strokes into her. Caroline felt herself adjust easily to him and the ultimate feeling of completeness overwhelmed her. Sidney's mouth moved over hers, his tongue mimicking the movement of his hips and Caroline felt the steady burn intensify. His actions quickened and his strokes lengthened.

"Care." His mouth broke away from hers and he pulled back a little, their pace not affected. "Look." His voice was strained. "Look at us, see how perfect we fit together." He looked down between them and she did too. She watched as he slid in and out, the smoothness of him disappearing into her. She watched fascinated as each stroke turned a working brain cell to mush until all she could feel and think was the ebb and flow of pleasure. Sidney pressed his mouth to her and began thrusting more erratically and with greater speed. He was getting close and just the idea of him finding his completion brought her to the same place. She grabbed at his sides, trying to draw him further and further into her. He held her tight as the pace became faster and her body rocked between the marble of the island and the marble of his body. Everything started to blur together and she closed her eyes and concentrated on all the sensations. Finally it was too much and her body began to shake.

"Open your eyes," his voice soft but commanding.

She did and all she could see was love. Full and complete love. He stared as pushed into her a few more times and in seconds she was gone and right after her, he was too.

They stayed there together, wrapped up in one another, feeling the afterglow and already ready for more.

His mouth pressed over her heated face, his impossibly full lips on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose. How quickly things went from heated and passionate to sweet and tender.

"Yes," she whispered. Her face burying into his neck and she tasted the salty skin.

"Yes?" he repeated the question in his voice.

"Yes. I want to live her too. With you someday. I want that more than anything I have ever wanted in my life," her voice was barely a whisper but it held so much.

He pulled her back and looked at her, the smile on his face more brilliant that she thought possible.

She bit at her lip and grinned back at him.

"I love you Sidney."

They made it to the floor in the library and the couch of the game room before it became too late to continue. They didn't make love in his bedroom. He wanted to wait. He wanted to save that for the day she moved in. When all they had was time and promise. They dressed slowly and lazily stopping in between for light caresses and soft kisses, neither wanting the night to end. But it had to. In the middle of the night, back in Caroline's too small bed with Eliot scratching at the door they found each other one last time. One last memory to keep them satisfied. Caroline knew her heart would feel the loss of him, but she never considered how hard the distance and time would be on her body. She concentrated so hard on every touch, every kiss, the feeling of him inside her. She concentrated hard so that she could relive every moment over the next week and it wouldn't seem so lonely.

"So…" Caroline felt somewhat bashful about showing off her room. She started off by introducing the two Sidney's to one another, and then set about the rest of the room showing off science fair experiments and pictures from various field trips; Sidney took it all in with interest. She was trying to get the smart board to work while Sidney looked at the photos of family and friends that lined the perimeter of her desk. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the blue writing on the desk calendar. His eyes fixed on the name just as Caroline came over to get a new set of batteries for the board's remote and she followed his gaze.

Most embarrassing moment ever? This moment right now, she thought.

Both parties reddened by flowery script and she prayed he wouldn't look at her. Then the corners of his mouth tugged up.

"Caroline Crosby, eh?" his voice held a tone of amusement and curiosity as his eyes found hers.

She looked away, too embarrassed to even say anything. Her cheeks felt like they could fry an egg and she stared at the name as if she could erase it and his mind by sheer will.

He turned to her and pressed his lips against the two points on her cheeks that flamed the most.

"I think about it too you know. You don't have to be embarrassed," his voice low and fervent.

Her eyes met his and the softness of his brown eyes made her think of chocolate fondue.

"It was just something silly…" she started, but didn't finish as his mouth closed over hers with an impossible tenderness. Even though she was at work, she let his mouth linger over hers for a few seconds, until she heard the sound of a throat clearing in the doorway.

Most embarrassing moment part two.

Separating quickly, Caroline turned to the person standing in the door and breathed in relief.

"Pete." she sounded a little too eager to see him, but was so relieved it hadn't been her principal.

Pete had an unreadable expression on his face and Caroline felt Sidney tense up next to her.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt. I wasn't sure if you were still here Caroline." Pete said looking from Caroline to Sidney.

"Oh no, no interruptions. Um I was just showing Sidney around. Um, Sidney this is my friend Pete, he teaches third grade. Pete this is—"

"Sidney Crosby, nice to meet you man." Pete crossed the room to the pair and stuck out his hand for Sid to shake.

Sidney took the man's hand and shook it firmly. Maybe a little too firmly. Pete gave him a curious look and released his hand.

"Nice to meet you too Paul." Sidney said tightly.

"Pete." Pete clarified a nervous smile gracing his face.

"Sorry."

Caroline wondered if she missed something. Sidney's arm came tight around her waist as he smiled that fake smile in Pete's direction and pulled Caroline to him. Possessive Sidney was something Caroline had never experienced and she wondered how she felt about it.

Pete made conversation for a few more minutes, but was met with short answers from Sid. Caroline rambled on like she was known to do in uncomfortable settings. Pete just seemed to take it in stride and then said his goodbye, his eyes lingering on Caroline for a moment or two longer than Sidney liked.

"Well that was awkward," Caroline joked as Sid just stared at the now empty doorway.

"Hmm," Sid replied distractedly. Then his demeanor shifted and he was all smiles in her direction. "Ok now, Caroline Crosby. Show me how this board thingy works."

They parted about 40 minutes later after a brief make out session in Sidney's Range Rover. Her forehead rested against his, her eyes wet. "I'm going to miss you so badly," she whispered.

"I am too," he replied, his eyes uncharacteristically moist.

"I hate being apart from you," she said as a tear escaped the corner of her eye.

"Hey there. No tears." His hands were gentle across her cheeks. "We will talk. Every day. I promise. I love you."

"I love you too." Caroline pressed her lips firmly against his and said her final goodbye.

She drove home exhausted in every way possible, so much so that she didn't notice it when she first walked through the kitchen. It wasn't until she opened the refrigerator door that she noticed it was not her refrigerator door. She closed the stainless steel door and looked around. Shiny silver reflected back to her where her stained stove and dishwasher used to be. Completely flabbergasted she found a note on the counter, reading it she smiled then rolled her eyes, then smiled again.

The dishwasher and washing machine can run at the same time. No doorbell, I checked.

Don't say a word.

Love you, S.