The nerves disappeared about five seconds after the children filed into Caroline's classroom. As soon as they saw their beloved teacher they were swarming her. Hugs, smiles, shouts of happiness. It was impossible to feel apprehensive with twenty sets of arms around her. She didn't want to get into specifics with the children about what had happened, so all she told them is that she hadn't been feeling well but was better now and happy to be back.

The students found their seats and in mere moments everything was back to normal.

As the students pulled out their math worksheets, Caroline's mind flashed back to the morning drive to school. Sid had kept the conversation rolling the whole time. His endless chatter was reminiscent of Caroline's but she knew he was doing it to keep her distracted from the anticipation of her first day back. And she loved him for it. Tonight's game had been the main topic of conversation.

"So I was thinking my parents could pick you up tonight, that way you could ride home with me." Sid had said conversationally as he glanced over at Caroline.

She immediately felt the dread pool in the bottom of her stomach. It was as if last night had never happened. Caroline hadn't been sure if Troy and Trina said anything to Sid after she had left to wait in the car. From the casualness of the conversation, she assumed not. Would they? Caroline could only imagine the awkwardness of the three of them driving to the game and sitting through the very important and stressful match up. Cowardly, Caroline had given a lame excuse.

"Oh. Well, I promised Veronique I would pick her up. She's getting to be too big to be behind a steering wheel, heh." Caroline gave a nervous laugh. It wasn't a complete lie. Veronique and she had texted earlier in the week making plans to attend the game. Caroline had been sitting mostly with Sid's family for the past few weeks and Veronique had invited her to join the WAGs for tonight's game. Caroline hadn't completely bounced back from the Cameron disaster at the Easter brunch and she felt some distance with the other ladies. That and she just wasn't sure if she gelled with the others. Whatever the case, Veronique's invitation could not come at a better time as Caroline really needed a reason to not see the Crosby parents.

Sid had been surprised, which made Caroline think that they hadn't said anything to him after all. He was agreeable to her plans and as they pulled up to the school he leaned over and pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of her mouth. "I'll see you after the game," his eyes soft and reassuring. She gave a weak smile, nodded and quickly got out of the car before anyone realized who was in the grey Range Rover parked in front of the old brick school.

Feeling the anxiety of tonight's game, Caroline snapped her attention back to her class and put all things hockey to the back of her mind and concentrated on getting back into the swing of things with her students.

At lunch she'd gone to the staff room, everyone was so happy to see her and welcomed her warmly. She sat with Deliah and some of the other young teachers. No one wanted to discuss the incident from Friday and Caroline was grateful for that. Instead the conversation switched to the dinner on Friday. Caroline couldn't get over what a big deal it was turning into. The ladies at the table talked about what they were going to wear and who they were taking. All of sudden it seemed more like a prom than an award dinner. Caroline didn't go to her prom. Instead, she and Philip had spent the evening in his basement watching Leonardo DiCaprio movies, her pick Titantic, Philip's Romeo and Juliet. They'd pigged out on junk food and talked about getting out of their small hometown and finding their dream men. For Philip it was someone exotic. Tall, dark, handsome. Sophisticated and rich. For Caroline, she had wistfully wished for someone who'd be nice to her, make her feel special. Someone who'd make her laugh, hold her when she was sad and just be a good person. She still couldn't believe that she'd found that and more.

"So," Deliah started with a twinkle in her eye. "I was in the office about an hour ago picking up my mail and would you believe I had a celebrity sighting?"

Caroline flushed. On her way to picking up her lunch she'd seen Sid's text telling her that he'd dropped off her car keys at the office and where he'd parked her car.

"He's coming right?" Delian asked cryptically, staring expectantly at Caroline.

Caroline nodded, her face flaming. "He is," she said, the goofy grin growing involuntary.

Deliah squealed and clapped her hands childishly, "Ah, that's so awesome!"

Caroline couldn't agree more, but she felt a responsibility to Sid that her colleagues not make him uncomfortable or be inappropriate. He'd visited her school a few times and for the most part everyone had been pretty chill. It helped that he'd arrive and leave while everyone was in their respective classes. The office ladies had gotten a bit starstruck and tongue tied but overall had been professional.

But Friday would be different. A free for all and Caroline needed more than just blind hope that the other teachers and staff would not cross any lines.

"Guys," Caroline turned serious and cleared her throat tentatively and looked down at the tuna sandwich she'd snagged from the cafeteria. "Um, I know this sounds sort of obnoxious. But it would mean a lot to me if everyone just treated...treated Sidney like he was a normal person. I mean he is, obviously. I just mean don't swarm him or take pictures or anything. I want this evening to be about the school and our accomplishments and not turned into a side show. Does that make sense?" She worried that she wasnt getting her point across clearly.

Everyone at the table nodded.

"No fangirling?" Deliah clarified.

"Exactly," replied Caroline.

Deliah's eyes moved past Caroline to the table nearby, "Hear that Pete? No fangirling over Captain Crosby, mmmkay?"

"Bite me, Mercer." Pete shot back from his table where he sat with a couple of the other 3rd grade teachers.

Deliah just laughed at Pete's reply and her gaze fixed on Caroline's. "Don't worry Caroline, we will all be on our best behavior. I do have to admit though, he looks pretty good in person." She licked her lips suggestively and Caroline couldn't wait to change the subject. Luckily the recess bell rang, alerting the roomful of teachers that playground duty had begun for most of them, including Caroline.

Leaving the staff room, Caroline wondered if she needed to say something to the other staff that would be there on Friday. She knew it was impossible to totally prep the audience for the high profile guest that would be attending, but anything she could do to make the evening run smoothly was worth the effort.

Just thinking of it sent a thrill through her though. If everyone was thinking of this like a grown up prom, she would let herself imagine the same, no matter how silly it seemed.

Despite how uncomfortable it made her, Caroline spent over an hour after school let out visiting all the staff she knew would be attending. She awkwardly mentioned that she'd be bringing Sidney and she asked for discretion. Everyone was very receptive and assured her they would be nothing but professional. Satisfied, Caroline left feeling confident that she'd done all she could to make the evening be fun and stress free for Sid. It meant more than she could ever tell him that he would be there cheering her on. The nerdy backwards teenager in her would get her special night.

Only one word could describe the game that evening.

Ugly.

It was only halfway through the second period and the Pens were getting pummeled both on the ice and in the net. Up 4-0, the Islanders dominated the moment the puck dropped. To say they were playing physical was an understatement. No matter who had the puck, there was an Islander on them hip and cross checking, slamming players into boards and taking cheap shots at every turn. The Pens were getting the calls though. Through 32 minutes of play there had been four power plays and the Islanders had killed every one. The new power play lineup were just not gelling. With Letang out, Paul Martin had filled into the defensive spot and was injured eight minutes into the first period. He did not return. Adams then filled the spot but he'd been a fish out of water. They'd kept with him until the most recent power play where he'd taken a puck to the face and left the ice with a hemmoraging cheek. It was at that point Caroline wasnt sure if she could watch much more. She and Veronique sat at the end of the row of WAGs and it had been painful watching each guy get beat up more than the next. By the end of the second period, Chris Kunitz had been added to the list of injured players as he hobbled off the ice after a hit that left his foot nearly facing the opposite direction from the rest of his body. Watching the grusome replay on the jumbotron, Veronique turned a very uneasy shade of green and the two women agreed they would watch the remaining period in a nearby suite.

The green room was reserved for friends and family of the players. Not everyone got unlimited seat access so the overflow watched the game in a comfy suite with big screen tvs, overstuffed couches and an endless buffet of food and drink. It was the safe distance both V and Caroline were happy to find. Vero, already emotional was a wreck over Marc-Andre's poor play. Although, even with her limited hockey knowledge, Caroline knew he wasn't getting much help from his teammates. Sid was not playing well himself. He seemed lost out there. The plays seemed to confuse rather than inspire and most of the time he was behind the action. Really, all of the team was off. Caroline brought a plate of snacks over to Veronique and the two chatted mindlessly with the others. Everyone was eager to talk about anything other than the game.

Just before the third period, Caroline and Veronique headed to the bathrooms so that Vero could pee for what seemed like the 11th time since the game had started. V had tried to laugh it off, but Caroline knew the baby was pressing down on her bladder leaving the expectant mother with a constant feeling that she had to go. Entering the restroom, Veronique made a bee line for the first stall while Caroline checked her teeth for any remnants of food.

"So," Veronique said casually from inside her stall. "I heard something today."

Caroline, distracted by a poppy seed that had wedged itself in between her teeth, absently replied, "Oh yeah?"

"If you don't want to talk about it, I totally understand, but Marc mentioned that Sid was talking to him about taking things to the next level."

Caroline froze.

Vero taking in Caroline's silence tentatively continued. "Or rather, he had already taken things to the next level."

Caroline still didn't speak. The bathroom was completely quiet and Veronique gave up on trying to go and moments later emerged from the stall.

She took in the pale face of her friend and immediately felt guilty for bringing it up. "I'm sorry Caroline, I shouldnt have said anything."

Caroline's face cleared. "No. No, it's ok. I'm just surprised, that's all."

Veronique gave Caroline a tender look, "I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be to have Sidney Crosby propose to you."

Hearing the words, just made Caroline feel all the more uncomfortable. She was sure that she wanted to marry Sid, but just hearing the idea out loud didn't stop her from being completely overwhelmed.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Vero asked kindly, washing her hands. Caroline stepped aside to give her room.

"Not really, I'm sorry, is that ok?" Caroline replied.

Vero smiled at Caroline through the mirror. "Of course. But let me just say from experience that as overwhelming as it can be, its also the most wonderful thing in the world. And the idea of it is as scary at 6 years as it is at 6 months. But you guys will figure it out." She gave a look of reassurance and Caroline let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding in.

"Thanks V." Caroline replied quietly and the two left the washroom completely oblivious to the stall at the end that was quietly occupied.

She'd skipped lunch and hadn't even thought about dinner when she'd all of sudden felt dizzy. Looking for a quiet spot, she'd gone to the handicapped stall at the far side of the ladies room to find refuge. This bathroom was rarely occupied, as most of the family and friends used the bathrooms in the concourse. Sitting there and collecting herself, she'd finally felt ready to rejoin the world, when she heard voices. The conversation had turned very interesting and it wasnt until a few minutes after they'd left that she felt safe to come out. The wheels were already turning as she checked her reflection in the mirror. A plan would need to take shape quickly as things were a lot more serious that she'd thought. With a final swipe of lip gloss across her full bottom lip, Cameron stared at herself in the mirror. A small smile appeared on her heavily made up face as she realized that she was down, but not necessarily out.

The final score was 6-0. Marc-Andre had been pulled only minutes into the 3rd period when New York scored their 5th goal. Tomas Vokoun had fared a bit better only allowing one final goal but with only a minute left in the game, James Neal was hit with major penalty on a cheap head shot he'd frustratingly made on an Islander forward. The crowd in the suite and the announcers on the television were all in agreement that the hit would have to come with a few games suspension. Needless to say, the team was completely unglued.

Caroline was apprehensive about heading down to the locker room. Veronique, nearly devestated by her husband's poor play, had found a ride home before the game even ended. Caroline had felt badly, knowing that emotions when pregnant were often out of whack and the game had been pretty awful to watch. Caroline, however, decided to brave it. She could only imagine that Sid would be pretty torn up about the game. But looking on the bright side, they still had two more chances to close out the series. She figured she'd keep that to herself though, as she was sure Sid didn't want to hear that right now.

The family and friends that lingered outside the locker room were few, but the mood among the few was morose. Caroline sat quietly waiting for Sid to emerge, like everyone else she was not in the mood for small talk.

It wasn't more than a few minutes later that she saw Troy and Trina come down the corridor towards the locker room. Trina looked disappointed, sad, but Troy, he looked ready to spit nails. His face was stone, a vein at his temple pulsed and his body was rigid. Caroline prayed he wouldn't come to her, but she feared the alternative would put Sid on the chopping block. She wished she could do something. Diffuse the situation. Take the focus off Sid, but she was helpless.

Trina caught sight of her first, her face broke into smile and she waved at Caroline. Troy on the other hand had his eyes trained on the locker room door. It appeared he had no interest in approaching her and she felt a wave of relief and guilt for not being more brave.

"Hi honey," Trina said tiredly, holding her arms out of a hug. Caroline, not sure how to take this, returned the embrace.

"We missed you tonight," Trina continued pulling back and looked at the brunette. "It was a tough night, you'll join us for a late dinner?"

Caroline was caught off guard by Trina's demeanor. Did this entire family have short term memory loss or just a bad case of denial?

"I, um..." Caroline wasnt sure how to reply. She didn't really want to go to dinner. She was tired by the long day and was emotionally exhausted.

She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence, as the doors to the locker room opened and the team began to file out, moving slow and dejected.

Troy watched the door with an eagle eye, waiting for his son to emerge. Caroline just watched as Sid finally appeared, dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans. He was immediately snatched up by Troy and the two moved to the side and fell into a deep and what appeared to be intense conversation.

Trina watched the exchange as well and glanced at Caroline, who couldn't take her eyes off the scene. Troy was talking rapidly, his arms moving animatedly. Sid wasn't saying much, just scratched absently at the back of his head and rocked back and forth on his heels.

"I know what your thinking," Trina said softly and Caroline broke away from the father son scene to look at Mrs. Crosby. Trina looked a little sad and smiled weakly.

"It's not right," Caroline said tentatively.

"It's what they know," Trina replied softly. "Its always been this way. Its how they work. I know it seems like Troy is being really hard on Sidney, but he truly has his best interests at heart. He just wants him to succeed, be the best."

Caroline wanted to ask if it would be so bad if he wasn't, but she didn't think it would make a difference. Last night she'd been so shocked by the behavior. Appalled at how Troy was treating his son. But tonight, she just felt useless. She couldn't march up to the pair and demand Troy stop controlling his son. Sid wouldn't like it and Troy would probably have her banished from the Consol. On the other hand though, she didn't want to become like Trina, placating what Caroline was beginning to see as a very unhealthy relationship.

So instead she stayed silent on the matter and attempted pathetically to make small talk. Fortunately she was put out of her misery as Sidney and Troy approached the women.

Sid looked tired and a little shell shocked, Troy followed, his face still completely void of all emotion. Caroline pulled him into her arms, giving him a gentle hug. He smelled so good. Clean, solid, warm.

Pulling back she smiled reassuringly, "Tough night," was all she could say.

Sid nodded. "You could say that."

Caroline stood to the side as Sidney embraced his mother. "You'll get them next time," she said with a quiet conviction.

"That's enough Trina," Troy said tonelessly.

Trina pulled back and gave her husband a dirty look. "It's not over, Troy. What's done is done. We'll look ahead to Sunday, we turn the page." Her gaze fell back on her son. "You've been great on the road this year," she said with a small smile. Sid looked at his mom like she'd just saved him from a pack of wolves. And Caroline just took it all in.

She couldnt help but wonder if Trina had just learned over the years to pick her battles.

Sid looked at the important people before him and uttered three words, "Can we eat?"

The Crosby's nodded in agreement and Caroline reluctantly spoke up. "I'm sorry," she said looking around at the family. "I'm going to have to pass." She felt badly but she just couldn't handle this dynamic tonight.

Sid looked a little surprised, but then his face cleared. She could see the wheels churning in his head as he tried to process out the things they'd promised to work on. It couldn't always be about him, no matter how hard the night had been.

"Ok, I'll come by after," he said softly, slightly embarrassed to mention that he'd be spending the night at her place in front of his parents.

Troy cleared his throat, "Son, do you think that's such a good idea? I'm sure Caroline needs to get to bed and you have early practice tomorrow."

Two thoughts ran through Caroline's mind, 1. It was the first time Mr. Crosby had even acknowledged her presence tonight and 2. She and Sid weren't children, neither of them needed Troy putting in his two cents and how the rest of their evening was to be spent.

"Dad," Sid started, giving his father a look. Troy didn't look like he was going to back down.

"No Sid, your dad is right." Caroline said diplomatically. "I am tired and I know you and the team have a lot to go over tomorrow. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

But Sid was not to be deterred. Casting a look at his father, he spoke tightly, "No, I'll see you later, Care." Sid's eyes were challenging and Caroline could feel the tension in the air. It made her feel awful. She didn't want to be in the middle of any family drama. She didn't want Troy to hate her, no matter how overpowering he was being.

Troy just muttered something under his breath and walked away. Trina followed her husband preparing to do damage control.

"Sid," Caroline said miserably.

He gave a tired smile and placed his hand on her cheek. "Dont worry about him, ok? He's just pissed about tonight. It's just the pressure talking. It's been a shitty night. I'll see you in a little bit. You'll wait up for me, eh?" His faced turned to hopeful.

Caroline nodded and leaned up on her toes to press a light kiss to his lips.

"Of course."

It was after eleven when Caroline heard click of her door unlock as Sid let himself in. She was camped out on the couch watching television and collating worksheets, when he appeared through the doorway. She watched as he entered, setting his overnight back down and dropping his coat and keys on the nearly table and chair.

If possible he looked even more tired and defeated. She imagined the dinner couldn't have been much better than the game. Was there ever a minute he wasn't analyzed?

She greeted him quietly and patted the seat next to her, to which he prompted fell back into.

"Uh that was rough," he said, pressing the heel of his palm into his right eye, trying to rub out the wear of the day.

Caroline sat up on her knees and wrapped her arms around him sideways. She pressed her lips against his temple, enjoying the clean warmth of his skin beneath her lips.

"You survived though," she replied in a weak attempt at optimism.

"Barely." He turned his face towards hers and kissed her gently.

"The only thing that got me through that dinner, was knowing I'd get to do that before the night was over." He smiled pulling away.

Caroline flushed. It was silly but she was flattered by his statement.

She leaned forward and pressed her mouth to his and kissed him with vigor.

Moaning into her mouth, Sid pushed his tongue through and found hers for the familiar dance. His hands came to her waist as he pulled her up and onto his lap. Her legs splayed to the side of his thighs, her pajama shorts hiking up and leaving him with lots of smooth flesh to occupy his hands with. They kissed long and slow. Teeth nipping, lips sliding, tongues tangling. Finally after a nice and proper make out session, Caroline pulled back, her lips full and buzzing. She cupped his cheek in her hand. "I'm sorry about tonight. About the game, your dad, not going to dinner."

Sid turned his head, nuzzling his nose into her palm and lightly kissed the center.

"Don't apologize. The game was bad from minute one. We just got outplayed. I know its hard for you to understand the stuff with my dad, but honestly its ok. It's just the way he is. I don't blame you for not wanting to go to dinner, it was intense. He's intense, just because every thing is so important right now. There's a lot of pressure that the team doesn't have a repeat of last year's playoffs. That's when everything really started to unravel for me. He just wants to make sure it doesn't happen again. He's got my best interests in mind."

Caroline listened to Sid's explanation and while it didn't change her opinion on the matter, she didn't want to go through it tonight, not after the night Sid had and especially not when she could feel his erection as she straddled his hips and pressed herself up against him.

"Well," Caroline said brightly, hoping to lighten the mood, "There are a few best interests I have in mind as well." She wiggled her hips and pushed herself even closer to the bulge well defined within the tight confines of his jeans. Then she leaned forward and whispered hotly into his ear, "And I on the other hand, would love to see you unravel." Caroline peeked her tongue out and brushed it gently against the shell of Sid's ear. She felt him shudder under her touch and Caroline all of sudden realized her role tonight. Whether Sid wanted to admit it or not, the last 24 hours had been very hard on him. What he needed was a little TLC, a little special attention.

"Oh yeah?" he asked, his voice low. Caroline nodded and her lips traveled down his ear and along the slope of his neck. She pressed hot, wet kisses to the scratchy flesh and spent a few moments at her favorite spot. The sharpness of his Adam's apple bobbing under her mouth. As she continued to pepper kisses along the column, she took his hands in hers and led them up her shirt to her braless breasts. Instantly his fingers went to work and Caroline quickly arched against his minstrations. Reminding herself this was about him, she moved her hands to beneath his shirt and ran her hands up and down his sides, his flesh so hard and smooth.

Taking the lead, Caroline moved her mouth again to Sid's ear. "You feel so good, so strong," she said lustfully. Her nails lightly scratched at the tender skin. "Does that feel good for you baby?"

She wasn't sure where this was coming from, this boldness, these words, but she just went with it.

Sid just groaned in approval as his hands pushed and pulled at her tender flesh.

Sliding her hands up and down, Caroline gathered the fabric of the tshirt and pulled it up and over his head. Burying her head in his neck and breathing in his soapy smell, Caroline let her hand explore the span of his sides and belly. To his displeasure, she pulled away from him, leaving his hands now empty. Positioning them now on her hips, Caroline looked up and smiled seductively. Then leaned forward and began kissing his bare chest. Soon her kisses became bold licks, as she laved at his skin and then soon found the pink pebble of his nipple. Licking the sensitive nub, her hands continued to explore and she began to rock into the rigid flesh that strained at his zipper. After proper attention had been given and she could hear how uneven his breathing had become, Caroline slid from off Sidney's lap and onto her knees before him. He stared quietly down at her. With an easy motion, she pulled off her t-shirt and her hands went to the button on his jeans.

"This," she said gazing up at him. "Is a very important interest of mine."

He couldn't help but grin and Caroline did the same.

In moments, she had divested him of his jeans and underwear. His erection bobbed proudly before her, the tip wet and glistening, waiting...begging for her touch. She stared at it reverently. Exploring the rock solid column of flesh she ran her hands up and down the length of him. Leaning forward she pressed a light kiss to the tip, then engulfed him in her mouth, as one hand grasped his massive thigh and the other played gently with his testicles.

Sid wanted to watch her the whole time. Fuck watching, he wanted a picture of the sight engraved in his brain, but he wasn't sure how long he could hold out if he watched his cock appear and disappear beneath the eagerness of her lips and hollowed out cheeks. Leaning his head back against the couch, he closed his eyes and just let the sensation overtake him. They didn't do this all the time, but Caroline seemed to always know when it most needed.

She continued at a steady pace, their time together had taught her how he liked it, not too fast, but with a lot of emphasis on the tender head. She worked at him, hoping that all his stress would soon pour into her waiting mouth. Sure enough a few minutes later, the muscle in his thigh began to pulse and she felt his orgasm build and then explode as the salty sea of come flowed into her mouth, which she swallowed eagerly. His shout of completion all the satisfaction she needed. She licked all around him afterward, the flaccidness of his penis as fascinating as its erect alter ego. Within just a few moments, she felt him begin to grow again. Caroline pulled away and slid off her shorts and panties, then crawled back onto his lap and crushed her mouth to his. Sid gripped her waist as their mouths again began to battle. In moments he was fully aroused and desperate with a need to bury himself deep inside her. Lifting up, Caroline positioned herself onto the weeping erection and sank down, feeling every inch of him fill her with a physical and emotional completion. Once she was buried to the hilt, she savored the feeling and then began to move with abandon. Bouncing up and down, she rode him hard, the mood of the night calling for a rousing bout of fucking, rather than the tender love making she cherished so much. That was wonderful, but this...this was necessary. Soon the tornado of feelings and sensations began to grow and build, twisting and turning. Hanging on tightly to his shoulders, Caroline continued to move in a frenzy, as Sid's hips snapped up towards her in a steady and well trained pace. Their movements soon lost their steady pattern and they clawed at one another, moving erratically until the sweet release finally came, Caroline's completion hitting her, as soon as she felt the rush of Sid's own release flood deep inside her womb.

Then instead of taut and frenzied, they were a slumped sweaty tangle of limbs, pressed tightly to one another. Caroline wrapped her arms around Sid's neck and felt the damp tendrils of hair that clung to his neck. Sid's hands caressed up and down her back in the comforting way she cherished. Caroline's cheek lay flush to his, as she held onto him. Then kissing his jaw she pulled back and looked into his eyes. They were bright and alive. Sated but dancing with delight.

"That was insane," he breathed.

Caroline nodded, words not quite there yet.

"You are truly amazing," Sid said smiling broadly.

"So are you." Caroline finally managed.

"Shower?" he asked.

"Yes please," Caroline replied, sliding off his large bottom half and stood, extending her hand out for him to take.

He accepted it readily and she tugged him towards the hallway already ready for more.

The end of a shitty day being anything but.

***author's note: hooray for Olympic camp and people who cross lines! So happy to see lots of sid action again, especially stalkery sleepy ones :p***