Caroline was pacing.

Moments earlier she'd gotten a text from Sid telling her the team was boarding their flight back to Pittsburgh and would be home just after midnight. After a hard fought physical game tonight, the Pens had emerged victorious and would be returning home up 3-1 in the series. She felt odd mulling about Sid's penthouse without him here, but true to her word she had come over after dinner and watching the game with Shane and Sara at a little dive bar in the couple's neighborhood. The crowd was chill, not your typical sport fans, but during the playoffs everyone was a Penguins fan. No one seemed to bother the trio as they blended in wearing their Pens gear and cheering on the team as the grueling game ended in overtime, a final score of 2-1. Sid had the assist to Kunitz who easily tucked the puck into the corner of the net ten minutes into OT. All smiles she had said goodnight to her friends, stopped home to grab her belongings and now here she was. It had been a long day. A roller coaster of emotions. She should go to bed but she wanted to see him. Then she could sleep.

She hadn't wanted to say goodbye. As they sat on her couch, she listened to the steady rhythm of his heart beat, her body curled into his. The talk had been good. Helpful. Productive. Necessary. Caroline couldn't help but think they had only skimmed the surface. But the bad stuff, the things that threatened to become toxic had been worked out. If that's what you could call it. It was a lot of promises to do better, be better. Apologies that came easily and declarations they vowed to live up to. They were the same that way. Eager to please. Not wanting to dwell on issues that in the whole scheme of things, just wasn't worth it. Instead they both took responsibility, swallowed their pride and found the common ground that a lot of people might not have conceeded to so easily. But it was different with them. Time was precious. Alone time rare. And Sid was right, with the upcoming trip away, the hard feelings could compound, morph, into something that didn't need to be. So this was easier.

But it wasn't fair. Now that they were mending, he was leaving again. It was becoming a pattern. Just when everything was finding its sense, he was off.

Caroline felt him reluctantly pull away and gave a sound of disappointment, pulling him back to her. Sid pressed his lips to her temple. "I have to go," he said sadly.

"No." Caroline replied petulantly.

He gave a low chuckle. "Care," Sid started.

"I know."

She burrowed into his chest once more. "Give me a minute," she mumbled into his collar. She wanted to just store this feeling, soak up enough to fortify her for the next three days. It wasn't fair she thought again. They didn't even get to the make up sex.

He let her stay like that, his hand running up and down the slope of her back. Until finally she pulled away.

Her eyes were bright. Moist.

Nevertheless, she mustered a smile and lifted her chin, presenting her lips to him. He gave a small grin and dropped his mouth onto hers. It was brief, but tender and sweet.

"I'm glad we could talk," she said when the kiss ended.

"So am I," Sid replied. "I love you."

"I love you too." Caroline replied.

"Take care of yourself," he instructed standing up. "Let me know if you feel dizzy at all or anything seems off. The first 48 hours after a concussion are the most crucial. Don't ignore anything. No matter how minor it seems. If you wake up during the night...for any reason, I want you to call me. No matter what time it is. Ok?" His eyes searched hers.

She stood and nodded, "I will, I promise."

He pulled her into his arms once more, "I'll call you tonight," he promised.

And then he was gone.

She watched Saturday's game with her parents. Which was surreal. She had to explain everything to her mother, while her dad seemed to know a lot about the sport despite not being an avid fan. It was weird watching the announcers talk about Sidney and the camera seemed to follow him everytime he was on the ice. He got into a few scuffles which for some reason made her blush in front of her parents. Although there was no audio, it was pretty obvious some of the words coming out of his mouth while he skated away from the melee. It was clear that the Penguins were dominating. Sid was playing great and despite the phyicality of the game, the Pens won easily 5-2.

Four hundred miles away the visitors locker room was buzzing. The second desivive win of the series had the Pens feeling confident. Sid fielded questions from the media but not before he alerted the small crowd that he would not take any questions regarding Caroline or what had happened to her. The statement he'd given yesterday had been necessary but at the same time he wasn't going to turn what happened to Caroline into a sideshow. Heading back to the hotel he joked around with his teammates, the camaraderie was a welcome change from the chilly reception he'd received in the morning. No one wanted to be the guy to tell their captain that he needed to get his head back in the game, not when the reason he'd been away was due to an attack on a loved one. They were all sympathetic regarding the situation with Caroline but at the same time this was the playoffs and they needed the heart of their team. No one ended up saying anything. But they didn't need to. Sid knew. He could ask every guy on the team, how they did it, how did they manage to balance family and hockey especially during playoffs. How do you pour your heart onto the ice and then have something to bring back home? They could give their advice, their words of wisdom. It would all help, but the truth was no one really could completely relate. It would always be harder for him. But all that meant was he'd have to work extra hard to make it work. He was used to that, hell, he was made for that. He was relieved they had talked but now was the time for action, for results. It was work. It was really hard work, relationships, but the payoff...it was worth it.

Sid let himself into his room, he changed into shorts and t-shirt and checked his phone for messages. Among the texts from friends and family was Caroline's message, Congrats! Love you :). He pressed a few buttons, in seconds her voice came on the line. The corners of his mouth turned up as he settled himself against the headboard and began recounting his day to the one who mattered most.

Caroline gave up on the pacing. She poured herself a glass of water and settled into the lush couch and turned on the tv in attempt to pass the time until he arrived. She settled on some lame tv movie on Lifetime, that was the perfect kind of mindless stimulation she needed. The plot was truly ridiculous. A young woman gets married to the love of her life but he is tragically murdered on their honeymoon in some generic tropical location. She refuses to leave the island until she finds out what happens, which ended up being her husband living a double life and was murdered by his scorned lover. The girl of course falls in love with the detective on the case and blah blah blah they lived happily ever after. It was really terrible, but there were a lot of love scenes that captivated Caroline. It had been over a week since she and Sid had been together in that sense and she was feeling really...well, horny. Pressing her legs together she tried to distract herself from the pulsing growing between her legs. Turning to the food network she focused on a rerun of Chopped. Somewhere between the dinner and dessert round Caroline found her eyelids getting heavier and heavier. Before the champion was crowned she had fallen fast asleep.

Monday couldn't come fast enough. Caroline felt like she was nearly healed. The bruises had faded to a light yellow hue that was easily covered up with make up. She had a few scabs that were healing nicely and the headaches had stopped. She had an appointment with her doctor at 11 o'clock that her parents would take her to. Provided everything went well, she would be cleared to go back to work and her parents would return to Ohio. Which couldn't come soon enough. She loved her parents dearly, but it had been way too much together time. Mostly her father read and watched television, while her mother did her laundry, cleaned and fussed about making sure Caroline was comfortable and that she had taken her medication. Caroline felt terrible, she seemed completely unappreciative of her parents help, really she would have been a mess all weekend if left alone. She hadn't had any more nightmares but still felt...tender...spooked almost. She'd talked to Sid every day since he'd left. He'd done all he'd promised. She felt a part of things. He told her about his day and how things were going. She told him about her day which was less thrilling and filled with more silly observations and chit chat. Sunday night the conversation had turned more intimate. Snuggled deep under the covers they spoke in quiet whispers through the phone. Not really talking about anything more than the short time till they would be together. Low voices spoke of melancholy and anticipation. Sid's voice dropped an octave as he mused about all the things he wanted to do to her and her body. Caroline echoed the sentiments, her voice always more tentative in these conversations. It didn't escalate like conversations had in the past, conversations that usually ended with both parties sated and craving more. It wasn't like that, instead it built an anticipation for time together. Without distraction.

The doctor was impressed with Caroline's improvements. He performed a few tests and upon satisfation with her recovery removed the stitches above her eyebrow. With a clean bill of health, Caroline nearly bounded out of the doctor's office, so eager to call Sid and give him the full report. She could hear his smile over the phone upon hearing her news. She spoke a mile a minute expressing her delight and relief that she could finally put some closure to a very ugly situation. Just as she hung up the phone with Sidney, her phone buzzed again. Recognizing the school's number Caroline answered the call. It was Mr. Dixon calling to check in and updating her on the status of the boys from the parking lot. Caroline had chosen not to press charges, but the school had. They refused to become a statistic among urban schools and wanted to send a message of no tolerance to the community. The boys had plead out with a settlement of community service and a restraining order stating they could not come within 100 yards of the elementary school. Mr. Dixon had spent the morning in court, giving a statement on behalf of the school and the importance of preserving a reputation the faculty and staff had worked so hard to build. He also told her how he'd expressed to the court how beloved Caroline was to the Garfield family and how this event had affected her. She blushed at his words and was grateful that she didn't have to be present for all of that. But there was one thing. Before the restraining order was put into place, the boys wanted to meet with Caroline. Well, actually the mothers of the boys were insisting they meet with Caroline and offer an apology. Mr. Dixon was tentative but hoped Caroline would come by the school today at 4 o'clock to meet with everyone. Caroline stood stock still in the parking garage of the medical center, her parents sending her worried looks as they waited to head out for lunch. After a moment, Caroline agreed to the meeting. This would be the complete closure she needed. She wished Sidney would be here to go with her, but it was probably for the best that he wasn't. Caroline hung up and told her parents the news. They were adament that they stay and go with her, but Caroline refused. She was an adult, she was an independant woman. She could do this. She needed to do this.

She calmed her parents all through lunch, voicing words of reassurance that she needed to believe as much as they did. They dropped her off at home and collected their belongings. Long hugs and tearful goodbyes, mostly from her mom, Caroline thanked them for everything. She waved goodbye as she watched their car pull out from the driveway and head down the road out of sight. She took a few deep breaths then went to get ready.

Caroline wasn't sure how'd she feel when she got to the school, but as soon as she pulled into the parking lot the butterflies started. Then they turned into pterodactyls churning in her belly. She thought about calling Sid, but realized this was something she was going to have to get through. Taking a few deep breaths, she grabbed her bag and made her way into the school.

"Caroline, girl, it's so good to see you!" Lorelei Davis' voice was a soothing comfort when she entered the Main Office of the elementary school. The school secretary always had a smile on her face, but today the smile was especially bright. The heavyset woman ambled out from behind her desk and enveloped Caroline in a big hug. "We have been thinking about you honey. Everyone has been so worried about you," she held Caroline out for inspection. "You look so well."

Caroline gave a bashful look and mumbled a response pointing to the few scars and scabs that remained.

"Well I think you look wonderful." Lorelei gushed. "We've been praying up a storm for you. And sweetie," Lorelei paused. "You are a brave brave girl coming here today. I'd be locked up in my house for weeks you know. But you young ones, you bounce back so quick."

Caroline didn't want to break the illusion by telling Miss Davis that she was scared out of her wits, so instead she just gave a weak smile and mustered a quiet thank you.

As Lorelei fawned over the young teacher, a door opened and the tall wide frame of Mr. Dixon caught Caroline's view.

"Caroline," his voice boomed with reserved delight, as he came to her in just a few strides. He guided her to his office for some privacy and a little prep session for the meeting.

He told her that the five boys were in the conference room along with two sets of parents and two single mothers. One of the single mothers had two boys that had been part of the incident. All of the boys were 15 and younger. That surprised Caroline. They'd seemed so much older. Bigger and more intimidating. Making sure she was ready, the two made the short trip to the room and as Caroline smoothed her damp palms on the blue cotton dress she'd worn, thought she'd throw up.

Twenty minutes later it was all over.

She'd sat on one side of the table with Mr. Dixon, the school superintendent and a member of human resources. The boys and their parents sat on the other side. They wore dress shirts and ties, looking extremely uncomfortable. Mostly they avoided her gaze, except for when their mother's would elbow them to look up and speak clearly. They all had written letters. Apologizing to her for what they had done. Expressing regret and making promises to use this incident as a catalyst to change their behavior. Upon really seeing them and not just the blur that had surrounded her just four nights ago, she saw that really were young. Mr. Dixon spoke when the boys were done. He gave them a pretty intense tongue thrashing, as the superintendent and HR director looked on with stony looks. Caroline could see the remorse and that's all she needed. They were misdirected boys who'd fed off false confidence of one another and thought they could use that to get what they wanted. She didn't want to ever see them again, but she wouldn't let this incident control her.

The boys filed out and Caroline stayed back with the administration. They expressed their hope that she would continue working at Garfield. Her students missed her and Caroline nearly lost it, when Mr. Dixon handed her an oversized card made from construction paper from her students telling her to "Get Well Soon." Holding it together, she assured the staff that she wanted to return and would do so on Wednesday. Shaking their hands, she thanked them for all their help on the matter and then she made her escape. In record time she made it to her classroom and closed the door, locking it behind her.

Then she burst into tears.

She clutched the card and just let the tears pour. The emotions, the intensity of it all overwhelmed her. The best case scenario had resulted, but she was still so shaken up. After some time she collected herself and looked around her room. Everything was the same as she'd left it. The collage of field trips hung on the wall directly across from her. The smiling faces of her kids looked back at her and she knew she'd made the right decision. The flowers from Sid sat in the corner on a window sill. Despite the days that had passed, they were holding up pretty well. They'd been well taken care of, she could tell. Kinda like her. She smiled at that and the face of Sid that conjured up in her mind. In just a few hours she would see him.

She was floating.

At least that's how it felt as Caroline came to. Sleep curtained her eyes and she was disoriented. But as she came to she realized she wasn't floating, she was being carried. It was dark but she knew it was him. His arms felt familiar and in the shadows she could make out his outline. He held her gently, one arm under her knees, the other around her back. Her arm had instinctively wrapped itself around his neck when he'd lifted her from the couch where she slept. She blinked a few times, becoming more alert.

"Hey," she croaked as he crossed the threshhold of his bedroom.

She could see his smile by the brillance of his teeth.

"Hey," his voice soft.

Sid deposited her gingerly onto his bed. Then sat down next to her. His hand brushed back the hair on her forehead.

"You can go back to sleep," he whispered, a small smile on his face. He looked good. His hair was getting long, he'd gelled it into place, but a few curls had escaped and fell across his forehead. He had a few scrapes on his face and the stubble has grown, it was heavier above his lip and along the back of his jaw. It had been three days but in some ways it felt like it had been weeks.

"No," she said, fully awake now. She scooted up the bed and leaned against the headboard. She was still wearing jeans and her Crosby jersey, her feet barefoot. "I'm up. What time is it?" she rubbed at her eye.

"Just after one," he said, his large hand on her thigh, his thumb idly rubbing at the inside of her leg. "There were storms, we had to circle for a bit. I'm glad you are here. I've been thinking of this all day."

She smiled widely. "I have too. I missed you so much more this time." she told him truthfully. Everything she needed to talk to him about, flew from her mind.

He leaned towards her and in the darkness of his bedroom, his lips brushed against hers and he was truly home.

Caroline debated taking the flowers with her, but figured the kids would enjoy them more, they would just sit at her house while she was at Sid's. She took inventory, trying to see if there was anything she needed to grab before she went home to recoup before the game.

A knock at the door broke her concentration. She saw Pete's head through the window and hurried over to open the door.

"I heard you were here," he had an easy smile on his face. His shirt unbuttoned at the collar, his tie loosened indicating the end of the day.

"Yeah, it's been kind of crazy," she replied back, sort of embarassed about all of it.

"I'm glad you're ok," Pete said seriously, his face coated in concern. "We all are."

"Thanks, Pete." Caroline smiled geniuninely. "I'll be back Wednesday. Can't keep me away," she joked.

Relief blossomed on his face, "I'm so glad to hear that. Some people didn't think you'd come back, but I knew you would. You're a tough cookie Reid."

Caroline felt her cheeks redden involuntarily.

Pete gave a strange look, then cleared his throat. "Erm, so you heard about the grant, I imagine."

Caroline brightened, "Yes! I'm so excited. I can't wait to get started on everything."

Pete grinned, "I know, it's awesome. We're getting more and more details everyday. There is going to be a special dinner and presentation ceremony on Friday. The bigwigs in Washington are going to come up and present the check. It's going to be a big thing down at the Omni. Fancy huh?"

"Very," Caroline smiled widely.

"The committee, the administration, even the guys from the district will be there. Oh and you can bring a plus one, so that superstar boyfriend of yours can come." Pete gave a wry smile

Caroline felt the air shift awkwardly. "Great. And you can bring that student teacher from the music department I keep seeing you ogling over," she replied teasingly.

"Oh yeah, good idea." Pete looked like a light bulb had just popped over his head. "Well, I gotta run. Glad you're coming back Caroline, seriously, you were missed." He gave a light wave and slipped out the door

It didn't take long for them to lose all their clothes. In the morning they would take their time, appreciate one another slowly and tenderly. Tonight both of them just needed one another in a way that could finally feed the want and need that had been building for days. Limbs and tongues tangled as Sid hovered over Caroline, his bulk blanketing her naked trembling form that was screaming to be touched. Hands roved everywhere and in moments he'd flipped them pulling her across his thighs and bringing her center right to his rigid erection that bobbed in the low light. Rubbing herself against the organ, she fell forward and crushed her mouth to his. He was ready for her, but she just wanted to taste him for a little longer. She grinded herself against his thigh, as his hands crushed around her waist. She felt his short fingernails curl into her skin and she felt like she was on fire. Tearing her mouth from his, she peppered kisses down his throat until she found the sharp protusion of his Adam's apple. She kissed the beloved and tender spot, as her hands delved into his hair.

"Ride me, Care." she heard him whisper against her ear. His breath was hot and it tickled. She knew he was about to come undone and she was just as ready. Sitting up, she put her hands on his chest and lifted herself up, never breaking eye contact. Slowly she sank herself down onto him, her body knowing just where to go. She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut for just a second as her body accomodated the girth it had been without for going on ten days now. Finally her muscles stretched and the pleasure overtook her. Holding her tight at her hips as she found purchase on his shoulders they moved together, she rose and fell over and over again, each stroke bringing about another level of pleasure. Sid's hips snapped up meeting her stroke for stroke, as he voiced his approval and arousal. She felt the tightening coming too soon. She wasn't ready yet, she wanted more. Sensing this he slowed down his strokes and flipped them back over. Now above her, he took his penis in hand and rubbed it over her folds, teasing her but also slowing things down for just a moment, acutely aware that she wasn't ready to climax and finding the control not to do so himself.

"Can you feel me?" he asked the obvious question.

"Y-y-y...yes," she stammered, every nerve ending alive and strumming.

"Can you feel how hard I am for you?" he said hotly against her ear, then buried his head into her neck nipping and sucking at her silky skin. His free hand found hers bringing their interlocked fingers just to to the side of her head. As he continued to rub himself harder and harder against her, the tip of his cock massaging her clitoris as it throbbed with desire.

"Uh huh," she breathed. "C-c-can you feel how wet I am for you?"

She felt him smile against her skin.

"I can, Care." And with that he surged into her.

Moments later she was gone, mind numbingly gone, with him just a few strokes behind her.

He collapsed onto her and she welcomed the feeling of his sweaty, hot, hard body against her. She couldn't think. All she could manage was a feeble, "love you."

But that was all he needed.

***Author's note: I'm pretty sure the Pittsburgh justice system doesn't move that fast, but I seriously needed to move things along and was ready to wrap up that storyline. So once against suspension of disbelief. I know some are irritated with the wait on these chapters, believe me I am too, but life happens and I find myself needed a lot of time nurturing the chapters into something I like. Unfortunately for the way I write that takes a lot of time :/. I have point A. and point B. but getting there can sometimes be very challenging and ends up requiring a lot of revision. But your patience and kind words continue to be my fuel and I love y'all for it. :).***