"Care..."

"Care, Caroline."

The sound of her name echoed in her dreams as she toed the line between consciousness and unconsciousness. It was the light shaking that pulled her fully from sleep. Disoriented she blinked her eyes a few times and found the source of the shaking in Sidney's hand on her shoulder. In the dark of the night it was hard to make out anything other than fuzzy shapes. She couldn't say what time it was or how long she had been asleep. She shifted and looked up at him trying to decipher his state of mind.

"Sid?"

He didn't say anything and as her eyes adjusted to the dark she could see that his face was troubled. Pained almost.

"What's wrong?" She was more alert now. "Are you ok?" Her worried voice seeming loud in the silence of her bedroom.

He seemed to struggle with a response and before she could fully sit up and diagnose the situation, he spoke in a quiet and hoarse voice.

"I need you."

And then he crushed his mouth to hers.

His sleep had been fitful. Falling in and out of a broken sleep, his mind playing and replaying the latter part of the evening over and over again. He'd made a mistake. He hated when he made mistakes. Rather than let it roll of his shoulders, he analyzed it. Obsessed over it. Here it was: the moment he'd waited for all year and just the slightest misstep could bring it all crashing down.

No.

There was no room for mistakes, not now. Sid heard the irritation in Dan's voice when he'd called. The coach had been terse and brief to the point. Sid could tell he was annoyed but in the end Dan just asked the captain to come early to morning skate to catch up on the changes. Dan knew better than to rattle his star player. He'd spent a career finessing elite athletes, being a players' coach, getting results without all the drama that plagued other clubs. Dan knew how to handle Sid although minus the dramatics of the earlier season it wasn't necessarily difficult. Sid didn't need motivation, he didn't need direction. He knew his purpose and he rarely did he disappoint.

No, it wasn't Dan he had to worry about letting down.

Ever since he was in skates he'd looked up to his dad. All throughout his young years he'd dreamt of being a goalie, jut like Troy. Or atleast Troy had tried to be. Not a day went by that Sid didn't think about all his father gave up for him. The sacrifice Troy had made at 19 was the same sacrifice Sid made every day since, wanting to make sure his dad didn't spend a day, a moment regretting his choice. And Troy was there every step of the way, pushing, inspiring, motivating his son to be the best. The thing was Sid didn't need the push, he didn't need inspiration and he didn't need motivation. They were all there, inside him. Poised and positioned to make him to be number one. There wasn't room for anything else least of all mistakes.

He'd let his father down. Seeing his face tonight brought back all the times Sid had faltered. The rare days when the bounces didn't go his way or the net just seemed a few centimeters too small. He needed his father to keep him in check, Sid reminded himself. His drive was unparalleled. His focus flawless. The desire consuming him and when he made that seldom misstep, Troy had no choice but to pull Sid back into line. Troy saw the whole picture, he'd been to the brink, only to be yanked back and Sid took responsibility for that. He'd talked with Peter the therapist about it. Skimmed the surface really. Peter had seemed concerned about Sid's perspective, troubled by the obligation Sid had adopted. No son, no man should carry that weight. But Sid hadn't minded. Hell, he'd thrived on it. It made him who he was. That was what hurt him tonight. Seeing that disappointment on his father's face, knowing without even realizing he'd let the man down. And it was the worst feeling at age twenty-six as it had been at eight. Troy, his mom, everyone had put an investment in Sidney, it had paid off and then some, but the ethic, the dependability, the reputation, no matter how much money he made, he would spend his career, his life, working to earn. His parents made sure of that. Managing his professional career, as well as, being that support system. They pulled double duty and they did it effortlessly. His mom dealt with more of the finances and the numbers, while Troy was front of the house. Keeping everyone happy and keeping his son at the top. Sid's wins were Troy's wins. Sid's losses, Troy's losses. The blurred lines creating a hockey bubble that seldom was penetrated. Except now he wasn't just a hockey player, a teammate, a son. He had new obligations, new responsibilities. Now he was a lover, a friend, a partner. Caroline would soon learn how it all worked. That his father tonight wasn't doing anything more than his job. It was that simple. But no matter how much he beat himself up over today's mistake, there was something, something else that kept him from finding sleep. It was that voice. The small voice in the back of his head that spoke up every once in a while. The voice nagging, telling him this wasn't supposed to be his father's job. He didn't need another agent, a mentor or a fan. He needed a dad.

His mouth moved desperately, his kisses erratic, almost sloppy. Frantic. Caroline wrapped her arms around his bare broad shoulders, as his body lay flush to hers. She could tell something wasn't right. She could feel the tension in his body, his muscles so taut that she worried holding on too hard would snap them in half. Her heart broke for him. She had to believe that the night's events were the cause of this sudden need. Trying her best to keep up, she moved her hands over his shoulders and up his neck to his flushed cheeks. Her small hands cupped his face, as she worked at slowing him down. She directed his mouth so that they now moved in sync, their kisses slower and more tender. Caroline moved her thumbs lightly over his cheekbones as she tried to pour all her love and reassurance into him. Wanting so badly for it to be okay and if it wasn't, she was there for him, ready for him in any way he needed.

Slowly and reluctantly he pulled back, looking at her. His face a sea of uncertainty and vulnerability. He looked…

Lost.

Not wanting him to sense her worry, Caroline gave a small smile and brushed her hand across his brow, her fingers ghosting over his hair in the most tender of touches. Sidney just stared, his face softening just a fraction and then buried his face in her neck. Kisses turned to nips that soon followed with soothing licks as Caroline threaded her fingers through his hair. Sid's hands came to her waist and he slid her nightshirt up the length of her body and broke away only for a moment to remove the garment. No matter how many times they did this, Caroline always got a rush of butterflies when she knew sex was imminent. His hands roamed all over, as he moved from her neck to her shoulder and ultimately down to the swell of her breasts. Caroline arched her back the second Sidney's tongue touched her nipple, as the blood rushed all the way down to the apex of her thighs. He swirled his tongue in circles until pulling the flesh all the way into his mouth. The pressure built and Caroline could only sink her fingers further into his hair, pulling him closer. The sighs and moans of Caroline's pleasure paired with the suckling sounds of Sid's mouth filled the quiet room. Releasing her breast, he moved to the other and began all over again. It wasn't long until his hand slid down her belly to the top of her panties and delved underneath, his fingers seeking her heat. Finding her drenched and ready, his fingers probed lightly until his fingers pushed up and inside of Caroline and her body readily accepted them. In and out they moved, his thumb pressing against the engorged bundle of nerves. Caroline's sounds of pleasure became louder and incoherent. His mouth worked at her breasts, as his fingers moved steadily and he could tell she was getting close. Pulling his fingers from her, they were a frantic tangle of limbs as they worked to remove their respective remaining clothing.

Laying back, Caroline spread her legs wide, inviting him in and in seconds Sid surged into her, just as his mouth closed over hers and swallowed her exclamation of pleasure. Unable to move slowly, Sid pushed in and out of her velvet heat that surrounded his cock in the most familiar but mind numbing fashion. His movements began methodic and steady but soon he found he couldn't keep control. Increasing speed, he moved in and out at a desperate pace, pumping into her faster and faster as Caroline tore her mouth from his and urged him on both verbally and physically. She grabbed his shoulders pulling him further into her until he felt like he would just disappear inside her. Finally he couldn't hang on any longer and just as he felt himself come completely undone, he heard Caroline's cry of completion. His mind cleared, all the noise stopped and he felt the release rush through his body, leaving him completely boneless and sated.

Release.

Caroline wasn't a distraction, she was his release.

He felt her pull him close, her lips warm on his sweaty temple and her arms tight around him. He knew this is the part she loved most, but tonight he was pretty sure he might need it a little more.

Turning them over onto their sides, he pulled her close, Caroline happy to snuggle into him, her whispering words, "I love you" the last thing he heard as he finally found a sound sleep.

The alarm seemed to come way too soon, Caroline thought as the incessant beeping alerted her to the time of 6 a.m. Buried in warmth and Sid, she would have given anything to stay in bed. Reluctantly she peeled back the covers and crawled out of bed, shuffling naked towards the bathroom, grabbing her robe on the way in. She heard the rustling of Sid behind her and his scratchy but playful voice, "You want company?" She grinned happy to hear him so chipper this morning after the intensity of the night before.

Looking over her shoulder she saw him sit up, the covers falling around his waist, his hair everywhere, his lean and muscled torso pale in the morning light. She gave him a cheeky smile, "And make me late on my first day back?"

"I can be very efficient." He replied a wide smile on his face. Caroline swallowed down the bubble of desire.

"Somehow I doubt that," she called as she continued her way into the bathroom. Before she closed the door, she peeked her head out. "You could put that efficiency to use though and feed the cat." And the closed the door before she could hear his protest.

An hour later, she was dressed and ready. She gathered her belongings off the dining room table and felt a sense of foreboding fall over her. She chastised herself for this unnecessary fear that had decided to show up. Those boys couldn't hurt her anymore. She needed to remember that. There would be security outside before and after school, she needed to just relax. Buttoning up her coat, Caroline wandered into the kitchen where she was met with delicious smells. Sid was busy at the counter.

"Well, I should be going," she said nervously.

He turned, a paper towel bundle in hand. "I made you an egg sandwich." He said, all business. He walked towards her, the wrapped sandwich stretched out towards her. Caroline felt the wave of affection as she reached out and accepted it.

"You'll be fine," he said quietly. Caroline nodded staring at the breakfast. She didn't want to go all of a sudden. She looked up, her face telling him everything. He'd barely had a chance to outstretch his arms before she fell into them, hugging him tight. Sid's arms closed around her and he held her.

"I'm a little scared," she said truthfully into his bare chest. She knew his feelings on her going back but she risked telling him anyway.

"I know," Sid replied. "You can do this, I know you can."

He sounded so sure, that she thought maybe he was right.

Pulling back, she gave a nervous smile and then slowly nodded.

"I'll take you," he said suddenly.

Caroline was taken aback, "Oh Sid, you don't have to do that."

"I want to," he replied easily.

"But I'll need my car," she said. "It's silly for you to-"

"It's not silly," he replied. "And I'll get your car there, I'll make a rookie drop it off." He gave a wry grin.

"You can't drive me to work forever," she reasoned.

"It's not forever," he reasoned back. "It's today. C'mon, let me do this." He smiled and she knew this is what he could do for her, after what she did for him last night. Being there for one another, it filled her with a warmth and suddenly it all didn't seem scary, not at all.

"You are so whipped, you do realize that, right?" Marc-Andre informed his friend as they walked through the Consol parking garage to Sid's Range Rover after morning practice. Sidney had convinced the goalie to go with him to Caroline's house to retrieve her car. Sid had appealed to Flower's soft side, telling his friend a little bit about Caroline's reluctance this morning. The Fleury's had become close to Caroline and Sid knew Marc wouldn't say no, it just wasn't in his nature.

"I'm whipped?" Sid asked incredulously, unlocking the SUV and climbing in. "How many times in the past week have you gone out in the middle of the night to buy Veronique god knows what to satisfy those weird cravings she's been having?"

"Hey, you don't mess with pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. Those hormones are no joke." Flower protested.

Sid just laughed. A few minutes into the trip to Caroline's, Sid spoke, "Hey man, when did you know it was the right time to take things to the next level with V? You know, when did you know she was the one?"

Marc-Andre just gaped at his friend. "Dude. What are you thinking of doing?" Flower knew his friend was head over heels for Caroline, but he didn't think Sid would be considering marriage already, he'd always been so adamant to wait until he was further into his career.

Sid ignored his friend's question. "I'm just wondering, when did you know she was it?"

Marc-Andre shrugged, "About five minutes after I met her. Thing was, we were 15 so I knew we'd have to wait a little while."

Sid was silent.

Marc scrutinized his teammate. "You know when you know, the problem is you have to figure out all the other stuff too. You know this man, it's not so simple. Not in this world. I knew that I could love Veronique forever when I met her, but I had to wait for my brain to catch up with my heart. It's more than just love, there are a lot of factors. Are you thinking of making the jump? If you are, I say go for it, but know it's more than you could ever think or plan for."

"What if I already went for it?"

Now Flower really gaped at Sid. His face covered in shock. "You're engaged? When? Why haven't you said anything? Holy shit. Are you keeping it a secret for a while? Dude, congratulations." Flower reached over and clapped his hand on Sid's shoulder.

"I'm not engaged," Sid replied.

Flower looked completely confused. "But you just said..."

"She said no." Sid said turning onto her street, his eyes trained on the road.

Marc-Andre was perfectly silent. Then burst into laughter.

Sid gave his teammate a dirty look.

"Man, I'm sorry for laughing. Really I am. I'm just picturing all of this. Obviously you guys are still together so it can't be all bad. What happened?"

Sid sighed and gave Flower an edited version of the story.

"I know you don't want to hear this," said Marc-Andre, "But she's probably right. Like I said, it's more than just sex and feelings. There's a lot of logistics you have to consider. It's not fun to think about that stuff but it's necessary. Especially for you man."

Sid sighed,"Yeah," he took off his cap, brushed back his hair and put it back on. "I just didn't expect it to be so complicated. I mean everything is complicated, I wanted this to be easy."

"Ha, marriage the is the most uneasy thing you will ever do. But it's also totally worth it. It's work and it can suck sometimes. But it's also awesome. It's showing another person everything about you, the good, the bad and the ugly. It's teamwork, it's compromise. It's realizing that they now have as much of say in your life as you do. It's partnership but it's also like having an agent. Someone looking out for you, keeping your best interests in mind. They will be your biggest fan but also wont let you get away with shit. It takes time. Don't worry bud, you'll get there and I'm pretty positive it will be with Caroline. You just need to be patient."

The pair pulled into Caroline's driveway her beat up blue Corolla in the driveway. "Thanks man," Sid said sincerely, glad to have gotten some perspective from his friend.

"No problem, whew, man I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for the proposal, was it a total shit storm?"

Sid could only nod, preparing himself for the ribbing Flower would unleash on his captain.

He was not disappointed.

***author's note: This chapter was so challenging, I have literally worked on it every day for two weeks. Being a transition chapter its not as exciting or action packed as others, which is probably why it was so hard to write. Thanks for your patience and your reviews, they mean the world to me.***