Rebecca was having the strangest dream.

She was in the middle of the Wells Fargo Center, center ice. She wasn't wearing skates or a uniform, but all around her players skated back and forth. Flashes of orange and white. Voices yelling, shouting, as a puck whizzed past her. The arena was full. A sea of orange and they yelled down onto the ice. Yelled at her. Angry voices. Mocking her. And she just stood there watching it all. Suddenly there was Sid. He came up so fast, then skidded to a stop. Standing in front of her, his skates making him taller, making her feel smaller. "Hey," he said smiling at her. She didn't know if she smiled back. She tried to say something but no words came out. "I'll be back," he said and took off. She turned to watch him, but suddenly there was someone else. A woman. She was young, beautiful, but no one she recognized. "You don't belong here," the woman said. Rebecca tried to reply, but again no words. The crowd began to chant, she couldn't make it out at first, then she realized they were chanting the same words. "You don't belong here."

Everything kept moving. The teams kept skating whizzing past and the crowd grew louder. She tried to leave, run between the players speeding by like cars on the freeway, but her legs wouldn't work. She just stood there. Hearing those words, that grew louder and louder.

Then stopped.

She wasn't on the rink anymore. She was on a frozen pond. The snow fell around her but she wasn't cold. Thick pine trees caged her in as she looked around. She could hear a voice. Sid's voice. She couldn't make out what he was saying. She looked around. Turning, twirling in the snow looking for him, but there was no one there. A snowflake fell on her shoulder, then neck. They weren't cold, but warm. In fact, a strange warmth was overcoming her, she felt fuzzy. And a heat was growing between her legs too. And then there was a noise, a loud crack and a feeling of falling.

She woke with a jolt, her body jerking into something solid. Someone solid.

Sid's breath was hot on her skin, his mouth pressing wet kisses against the column of her neck, his fingers gently probing between her thighs.

The room was dark. The absence of light causing her other senses to be heightened. The sound of his breathing, the heat of his mouth, the insistence of his fingers as they worked their way through the petals of flesh to her lava like core.

"Are you ok?" his voice low and hoarse. Despite his ministrations, he'd noticed how startled she was when she'd awoken. He'd hoped to pull her gently from sleep, but instead it was as if she'd escaped a nightmare.

"Yes," her voice also quiet.

"Good," as he dropped another soft kiss on her shoulder, as his fingers pushed, curling his long fingers into her, his knuckle bumping against the bundle of nerves that had begun to throb with arousal.

Rebecca closed her eyes and concentrated on the sensations. The abstract images and sounds of the dream evaporating into the darkness of Sid's bedroom. One arm pulled her in closer, as his mouth continued to lick and nip at the sensitive skin. His fingers pushing and pulling, causing her body to bow back into his as her held her secure. The coil began to tighten and she felt the familiar crest build. But then his fingers were gone, and her leg lifted and shifting behind her, he slid into her. Her body used to his size as it had only been a few hours since the last time. His hand came firm on her hip as he moved oh so slowly in and out. The feeling of fullness then loss, then full again.

Rebecca swallowed, her hand clamped on top of his as the movements progressed from lazy to steady. Her fingers weaved into his as she twisted her head over her shoulder, seeking his mouth. She felt his free hand cup her jaw as he lips sought hers. Their mouths met the rhythm of their bodies, back and forth, a slow burn that began to grow. After a few minutes, Rebecca broke away, the need for air too great. She took in gulps of air as a moan and sigh escaped. Sid withdrew and turned her in his arms. She could barely protest before he adjusted her hip and reentered her. He held her, his hand keeping her leg raised so that he could get that perfect angle. He dipped his head down and took her nipple into his mouth. It was so many sensations at once as he lapped at the taut skin and Rebecca sunk her hands into his hair. She voiced her approval as his thrusts increased. She moved her hands from his hair to his backside, her fingernails digging into the ample muscle. The slow and sweet lovemaking began to increase as both grew impatient. Their mouths met, their hips snapped and knowing there was little time before he came, Sid snaked his fingers down to Rebecca's clitoris and worked the pulsing flesh until Rebecca's fingers clawed at his body and her body grew taut. They found their completion together, holding onto one another their bodies shook with pleasure.

They stayed together for a few moments, then he withdrew from her slick heat and shifted them into a more comfortable position.

"Did you have a bad dream?" he asked, resting his chin on the top of her head. She snuggled into him, wriggling about, her body still trying to figure out how it fit into his when they weren't having sex.

"I think so," she said. The memory all but faded now. "I don't remember much of it anymore." It was the truth, but while she couldn't remember the details any longer, she could remember the feelings that came with it. Exposed and vulnerable, confused but not lost. Secure but alone. They weighed her down and she didn't want to think about it anymore. Not when she was feeling sated and cozy.

They lay together for a few minutes, sleep not nearly as desperate as earlier. Instead they just listened to the sound of their heart beats and felt the rise and fall of their bodies as they begin to regulate.

"This all feels like a dream," he said truthfully. Rebecca nodded into his chest, her cheek flush to his damp skin, her fingers lightly tracing the freckles of his solid but pale body.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" he asked quietly.

Rebecca thought about it. She was enjoying the bubble they'd put themselves in over the past few hours. A stickler for routine, she thought about all the things she hadn't thought about. Work tomorrow, setting an alarm, charging her phone, calling her dad. All that had been in her brain space had been Sid. And trying to figure out all these feelings. Trying to manage them so that she could keep herself from becoming overwhelmed.

"I don't know," she said honestly. "I don't think so." It was a strange answer, but she wasn't nervous about what people at the Consol would say or do. She'd spent the past five years going by relatively unnoticed. She wasn't close to anyone in the office, she had always kept to herself. What people had to say or what they thought had little impact on her anymore. What concerned her was if they would ask questions. And she didn't know what answers to give them.

More than the people at work, she wondered what she would tell her family. Her friends. Chelsea. She hadn't talked to Chelsea in weeks. Her friend was incommunicado down in South America on a rain forest tour. One of the crazy vacations she took throughout the year.

She didn't know what to tell other people, mostly because she didn't know herself. She wanted to know. She wanted to have clarity. But at the same time, she didn't want to live outside of this moment. She'd waited forever for this moment, she wouldn't fill it with thoughts of uncertainty or apprehension. She would enjoy it, because she deserved it.

They lay in the quiet of the night until the grumble of her stomach broke the silence. Thank god it was still dark, so that the burn of her cheeks wouldn't give away her embarrassment. She hadn't had dinner. She'd barely eaten lunch. And she'd exerted more energy in the past few hours than she had in years.

"C'mon," said Sid, rising from the bed and pulling on a pair of shorts. "Let's get something to eat."


The sun was starting to rise, although it was still early when they entered the large kitchen. Rebecca wore a Penguins tshirt of Sid's and was surrounded by his scent. He got to work pulling pots and pans from the cupboards, then crossed over to the refrigerator.

"Eggs ok?" He asked from behind the open door.

"Sure," Rebecca replied, tucking her hair behind her ear and settling into a tall stool at the large marble island in the middle of the kitchen.

A moment later Sid emerged from behind the fridge door, his arms full with crates of eggs, bundles of vegetables and a loaf of bread balanced on top. She watched as he set the items down on the island then looked at her with a grin.

Her heart skipped a beat, still not used to him looking at her like that again.

Looking like he didn't have a care in the world and that he owed it all to her. It excited her, it humbled her, it made a happy anxiety flow through her veins.

"How can I help?" she asked. She wasn't a wonder in the kitchen but she liked to cook. The methodical nature of it appealed to her and when she had the spare time and energy she used it to try new recipes.

"Just sit back and relax," Sid said pulling a glass from the cupboard and filling it with orange juice. He handed her the glass and got started.

They chatted lightly about what he was making. A mess, is what he called it. A scramble of eggs with veggies, cheese and breakfast meats. He chopped mushrooms and cracked eggs. Toasted bread and gathered plates and silverware. Twenty minutes later he placed a plate in front of her and settled down next to her.

"Thanks," she said, a smile on her face. She wanted to lean over and kiss him in appreciation, but she was still awkward and clumsy about affection.

He grinned and began to eat. While her plate was filled with about three times the normal serving, she watched as he inhaled a plateful more than twice the amount of hers. She watched him in fascination and after a moment or two he looked over and saw her staring.

He chewed and swallowed then gave her a funny look, "what?"

She just shook her head with a smile.

"I worked up quite an appetite," he said with a teasing tone.

Rebecca could feel her cheeks grow hot and gave him a glare.

He looked at her in mock surprise, "Don't you think we should refuel for the next go round?"

Her eyes grew big and her face flushed deeper.

He leaned over and pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. It was quick but the warmth lingered for a few moments. Then he went back to eating. For him it just seemed so much easier. More natural. She felt stiff and awkward, he acted like they'd eaten breakfast together for years.

Suddenly there was a slight kick to her foot. She looked at Sid. "Put your brain away," he said, the teasing tone still there.

She looked sheepish. Then with a burst of boldness, she leaned forward and pressed her mouth against his, her fingers lightly touching his cheek.

He seemed pleased. "Thank you for cooking," she said softly.

Then with her foot brushing against his, she dug in and ate everything on her plate.

She did need to refuel afterall.


Hours later, they were back in the Range Rover heading back to Rebecca's side of town. She'd showered and dressed for work. It was strange blow drying her hair in his bathroom and dressing next to him. It was all so domestic and completely foreign to her.

As they drove, she thought about all the things they hadn't discussed. There were still so many questions, so many things they didn't know about what had happened over the past five years. In a way, she didn't want to talk about it. She could be content just starting now. Pretending all those years didn't exist. But it wasn't realistic, she'd spent so many years avoiding conversations that needed to be had. She'd learned her lesson. Everything, all of it needed to be in the open from here on out. If they were going to have a future together, there would be no more secrets.

"Can you come to the game tonight?" Sid's voice broke her from her thoughts. His hand held hers and his thumb rubbed the back of her hand gently as he gave her a hopeful look.

Rebecca nodded, she would be working past five today since she was coming in late. She'd already be at the Consol and there was always a suite open to front office staff to watch the games. It would be different this time, people would know that she wasn't just there to watch the Penguins. She would be there to support her...her what?

Boyfriend? Was he her boyfriend? The term seemed so inadequate yet overwhelming at the same time. They were entering a relationship. He was her person and she hoped he would be forever. But were those thoughts realistic? He loved her, she was certain of that. And she loved him, fiercely and fully. But how did that translate to the outside world?

"It its too much, I can come over after the game instead," Sid said, completely aware of the debate going on in Rebecca's mind.

She shook her head, shaking the thoughts free. "No," she gave him a genuine smile. "I want to be there. For all of them."

He returned the smile, "Ok, good. We can go to your house tonight since it will be a long day for you."

Rebecca's heart fluttered, then dropped. She didn't really want to be at her house, not with all those boxes and so many reminders that parts of her future remained uncertain.

"That's ok," she replied quickly. Sid stiffened, "I'd rather go to your place," she followed up quickly, so not to give him the wrong idea.

"Are you sure?" He pulled into her driveway and put the SUV in park. He turned to her, his gaze intent.

"Yes," she replied firmly her eyes raking over him. They were dressed so opposite. She in a plum pencil skirt with a black and white polka dot blouse, a light rain jacket cinched at her waist. Her hair curled around her shoulders, while he in just jeans and a soft charcoal pullover, his damp hair curling the nape of his neck. They were so different in many ways, but similar in all the ways that mattered.

"Ok," he said with a heated look, leaning forward and giving her a lingering kiss. She fisted the soft material of the pullover as he began to deepen the kiss. It took a good amount of self control not to drag him into her house and spend the day worshiping every inch of him. Finally after a few minutes and a few swollen mouths, they separated.

"I love you, Becs." Sid said his voice low, his cheeks pink.

"I love you too." She replied clear and strong, although saying it out loud still felt so strange.

She hopped out of the car and made her way up the path to her front door. She had something she wanted to get before she left for work.


Roughly twenty minutes later, Sid made his way down the corridor towards the team locker room. It sounded cheesy, but there was a definite pep in his step. He felt amazing. There was a grin he couldn't shake and he just felt so light. Any pain in his wrist was forgotten as he thought about the various times throughout the day he might be able to pay a visit to the office of Miss Cooper.

He made his way to his stall, picking up his sticks along the way. He needed to change into his practice gear and start taping his sticks, but his brain felt a millions miles away. It didn't take long to change and he sat in his stall taping up his sticks and waiting a little longer to put on the rest of his gear. He might have even been whistling while he worked. His brain was too fuzzy to notice.

"Hey bud," a shadow dropped down to his left. Sid looked over to see Kuni staring back at him, a knowing smile on his face.

"Hey," Sid returned to taping his stick.

"Dude, you're killing me here, how did it go?" Kuni was borderline fangirling at the moment.

Sid shrugged, but couldn't contain his smile. "Good."

"You talked to her?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"We're good."

Chris chuckled, "Okay, I guess I understand how not many people saw this over the past five years, you are stonewalling me here."

Sid knew that today would be their first day "out" but part of him just wasn't ready to talk about it. There were years lost because of misunderstandings and assumptions, he didn't want to tarnish the new and shiny with the outside world's opinions and analysis. He wanted this to be just them. But he'd blown that with how he'd behaved yesterday, he'd brought in everyone, invited them into the drama and he couldn't expect them all to forget. And to be honest, it was time not to want them to.

"We talked, worked some things out." Sid finally confessed.

"And?" Chris prompted.

Sid shrugged, "We're good."

Kuni sighed a deep sigh and shook his head and chuckled, "you're good."

"Well, I love her." Sid said quietly, looking out at the guys horsing around, getting ready for morning skate.

He felt Chris clap him on the shoulder and stand up. "I'm happy for you Sid, you deserve it." Then as he walked away, he gave a playful slap at Sid's freshly taped stick and the two men watched it clatter to the floor. Sid tensed but Kuni just laughed at pointed at Sid. "That's for stonewalling me man, I'm an old married guy, I need some excitement till the Bachelor comes back on." He continued to chuckle as he walked away, Sid scowled, picked up his stick and pulled off the tape; then started retaping.

If anyone else on the team knew about him and Rebecca, they didn't say anything to him. He got through morning skate and the press scrum after without anyone asking him about her. Not that he really thought they would. His teammates were more focused on winning tonight and their own stuff to care about their captain's love life and the media knew what lines not to cross when it came to his personal matters.

Sid wondered how Rebecca was faring. While he knew that his status came with an invisible wall for asking personal questions, he knew that she didn't have that luxury. He'd wanted to go up to her office and check in, but wasn't sure if that would make it more challenging. He didn't want to do anything that put her in a compromising situation. He texted her to see how she was doing. A few minutes later she responded that everything was fine. He asked if wanted to meet for lunch, but she and the new guy were having a working lunch. So he sent a quick I love you and headed out to eat with the guys. A moment later his phone buzzed with an I love you back and a few heart emojis. It was enough to put a smile on his face.


It was later, when he was heading back towards the locker room, up from his game day nap and dressed in his suit, did he learn exactly how her day was going. It was far down the hall, but his keen eyesight prevented him from missing anything. Rebecca and Brandon were walking towards the trainers' office. Both their arms full with folders. The hall was busy, like it normally was on a game night. Rebecca seemed oblivious to the crowd as she walked through briskly, Brandon on her heels. She spoke animatedly, he could tell and his heart skipped a beat. Then he saw. As she walked, people looked her. Groups stopped talking and stared. He watched as they put papers up to their faces to conceal a comment to the person next to them, he couldn't hear what they were saying, but he knew she did. He knew because suddenly she faltered. A halt in her step, a stiffening of her shoulders and an expression on her face.

It was an expression he'd seen before, though he often pretended he didn't. It was the face she had after one of their arranged "meetings." It was the face she hid from him in those moments after their coupling.

It was the face of shame.

Sid didn't think twice, he moved towards them. By the time he reached her, the expression was gone and she'd regained her stride. She was giving Brandon instructions so intently that she didn't notice him at first.

"Hey guys," he said, trying to sound casual. His arm went quickly around to the small of her back, touching her lightly.

Rebecca looked startled, a flick of panic, then relief. Brandon just smiled widely.

"Let me get those for you," he said easily, taking the large pile from her hands. She let him, but looked at him wide eyed. "We're just going up there, right?" He cocked his head forward towards where Dana and the guys worked.

Rebecca nodded and the trio continued forward, the faces and voices behind them still and quiet.

He made easy chit chat with the pair and soon the folders were delivered. Sid asked if Rebecca had a moment and Brandon quickly took the hint and headed back towards the elevators.

Sidney gently took her hand and guided her down a secluded hall and into an equipment room that at this time of day was unoccupied.

He quickly closed the door behind them and secured the lock, then turned to look at her.

She gave him a tired smile.

"How are you?" he asked earnestly.

"Good," she said quickly.

"Becs…"

"Really, I am. Just tired. It's been a busy day."

"Do you want to talk about it?" his eyes were soft on hers as he crossed to her and gathered her into his arms, his nose tucking in the loose waves that fell on her shoulders.

Did she want to talk about it? Rebecca was grateful for this sudden time alone. All day she'd been dealing with the looks and the comments. From the moment she got off the elevator this morning she saw them watching her. Everone. Staring. She'd been in such a light and happy mood entering the Consol. Perhaps a little naive about all of this. No one approached her, but conversations abruptly ended when she came near. Brandon had wanted to hear all about it and she'd been happy to have someone to talk to about it all. But still she knew that everyone was talking about her. She heard it in the mailroom walking by and in the ladies room after lunch. There it had been the worst. Two interns gossiping at the sink while Rebecca stayed trapped in the stall, reluctant to come out until they left. "Why her?" they had asked incredulously. "Booty call," the other confirmed, "nothing more nothing less." They made fun of her ankles, her ankles for crying out loud.

Rebecca told herself she didn't care. They were gossipy college students. They had no idea about anything.

She didn't let any of it touch her until just that moment ago in the hall. When she heard it, a comment so quiet, but so vicious, it had made her pause. She felt shameful when she had no reason to. Where did they get off? The insinuation made her stomach turn. But the worst part of it all was the small voice in the back of her head. The ugly thought that she hated for even having. It flashed through her mind a split second after hearing that under the breath comment. It was the brief consideration that what they were saying was true.

"Now we know how she got the job."

It hadn't been because of Sid. It was Claude. Claude had gotten sick. The work was piling up. Clade needed extra help. But still as irrational as it seemed, the idea lingered. Sid could have gone to Ray and made the suggestion. It would have been so easy. He could fix everything with one simple request. And so for that quick second, right after she heard that comment, she wondered if that was the arrangement. If that was something that really had happened. And then she felt a new shame for even considering it.

"What did they say?" He asked, pulling back and looking at her.

He looked so handsome. His suit dark, his shirt neatly pressed, the knot of his tie tight and straight. His hair was damp but styled nicely and the concern in his eyes was so genuine.

She wouldn't lie to him, not outright or by omision. There were no more secrets.

"I don't know if they thought I would hear it or not, but they said that now they understand how I got my job. You know, insinuating that…" she felt too self conscious to finish, but he got the idea.

"Insinuating that you got the job by sleeping with me," Sid finished, his voice tight but brave enough to say what she couldn't.

"Yes," Rebecca replied stiffly.

"You know that's not true?" he asked.

Rebecca was silent, mortified that she'd even considered it was.

"Becs?"

"Well, the timing sort of fits…" she replied weakly.

"Rebecca!" his voice was loud but not angry. More like outraged.

"I know, I know. It's stupid. I guess I just thought for a second that maybe you talked to Ray. I never considered it was in exchange for...services per se. It's just that you knew I needed the money. I mean, saying it out loud, it sounds ridiculous. But Sid, I...all day I've been ignoring them. All of it. And I, just for a second, thought that I was who they think I am."

She took a step back, a sad look on her face. "I need a thicker skin." She said looking at her hands that had started to fidget.

"I just don't know what to tell them," Rebecca continued. "I mean it's none of their business, but...I guess I don't know. And I hate not knowing things."

She looked up at him, afraid that he would be upset. But he wasn't. He looked at her tenderly, his brown eyes warm and concerned.

"You tell them you're mine." His voice was low. "Boyfriend, partner, whatever you want to call it. But you are my heart. You are my love. We're together, from here on out. And it's not for sexual favors or job security. It's because for five years you were all I could think of and want and for so long I didn't think I could ever have you. But now I do and I'm not going to let you or anyone think its for anything less. Alright?"

Rebecca's eyes filled, emotion coursing through her. She nodded. "I'm sorry for even thinking those things."

He pulled her back into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "It's okay, even super smart people like yourself have off days." He pulled back and looked at her, his eyes dancing as she swatted at him.

"And I suppose it wasn't a terrible idea. I mean, if I had thought of it you wouldn't have even left. Those two months you were gone were miserable."

Rebecca looked at him, "Really?"

"For sure, I was pretty much in love with you then and I'd blown it on that stupid group date. I wanted to come after you but...I guess I was scared. You were pretty intimidating."

She barked out a loud laugh, "Me? Intimidating? What about you?"

Sid mocked surprise, "Hardly. You were the one playing hard to get."

Rebecca laughed fully, her face bright with amusement. "I don't know if I see it quite that way. I was pretty infatuated myself. I had been since the first time I met you." A bashful blush stained her cheeks.

Sid raised his eyebrows, "Oh really?"

She nodded, "Yes my knight in shining armour. Although I had no idea who you were. I just knew that you were my savior."

He smiled.

Her features turned serious, "You always were," she said quietly.

He thought for a moment, then his face pained. "Maybe not always. There is a lot I regret, Becs. So much I wish I could change. So much time we lost."

She met his gaze, her eyes imploring him to understand, to realize what he'd done for her, for them. "Yes, but we're here now. And in a strange way, all this stuff from today, it's not a bad thing. What you said yesterday, in front of everyone, the reason they are all talking today...if you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have gone to talk to you. To tell you everything. I held so much shame for so long about what we were doing, about what I told myself I could do. I thought that the truth would destroy us. But then you were brave enough to say it. And we survived. I survived. See, I told you, my savior." She lifted up onto her toes and brushed her lips against his.

There was a lot he wanted to say. A lot he still needed to tell her. But right now his heart was so full and he felt that they'd turned a corner with this conversation, so instead he settled for kissing her before he had to go get ready for the game.

Because time was something he would never take for granted again.

***Author's note: Thanks everyone for your patience, sorry this is a little late, but it took a lot of tweaking! Hope you enjoy the chapter and please review! Go Pens!***