"I don't think this is a good idea."
She glared daggers at Adam. It didn't help matters at all that everyone on the two teams were in agreement. Actually, it kind of stung that no one had her back. What happened to the Ducks belief in her? Oddly enough it seemed that only Gunnar felt she was ready, or at least that's what he told her when she was medically cleared for practice. And as long as none of the media were allowed anywhere near her he was fine with her joining the combined practice.
Julie removed her helmet and eyed the mixed players one by one, "You guys are starting to hurt my feelings here."
Larsson swallowed thickly and took off his own goalie helmet, "Sorry Cat, we are just concerned."
Adam dropped a gloved hand to her shoulder, "Exactly. And that is why I'm not taking a shot at you."
She stuck her tongue out at him. Gunnar sighed and pulled her away from their teams, she hadn't had an incident since that last migraine and he could feel that she was ready for this. If they wouldn't believe her, him, the coaches, or the professional medical opinions that said she was okay to play…then he would simply show them. They only had two practices left including this one, and he knew it would be beneficial to have her in net. She would present a bigger challenge to all of them with her quick reflexes. Julie was hands down the best goaltender in the tournament.
Julie seemed to get the idea and went to her net to stretch out and get ready. Gunnar circled around one of the several pucks that littered the ice and finally began to skate in towards her. He deked twice and decided to go stick-side just to test her and of course she makes the save.
Gunnar shook his head as he turned to her, "Are you ever going to let me score?"
Julie blushed, talk about a loaded question. He seemed to realize where her mind went and he flushed a little as well. She cleared her throat, "That depends on your stick-handling abilities."
He wanted nothing more than to kiss her senseless right there on the ice. Gunnar thanked the hockey gods they were speaking in hushed tones so no one could overhear. He smirked and lightly tapped her padded butt with his hockey stick, "You might be in trouble then, I'm a professional at handling my stick."
Julie nibbled on her bottom lip but before she could respond Coach Stanssen yelled out, "No flirting on the ice!" The couple eyed each other warily, surely no one actually heard them…right? But Wolf wasn't done shouting as his gaze turned to Olaf next, "Same goes to you!"
The tallest player protested, "What did I do? I'm just standing here?"
Connie tried to stifle her giggle only to have Olaf's glare turn on her. Then he shook his head at her and couldn't keep a smile from taking over his mouth. Gordon groaned and decided a change in topic was needed, "Alright, can you guys see now that Cat is good to go? Gunnar is the last person who would take a shot on her if she wasn't ready, you all know this. Come on, line up and stop acting like cowards. Cat will let us know if something is wrong."
The players did as asked and a few of them managed to get the puck past her and into the net. Adam still hesitated but eventually took his turn and missed a perfect opportunity when he lost control of the puck at the last second. He watched as she immediately readied herself for the next skater and he supposed she really was back for good.
The line dwindled down as the coaches pulled certain players out to start working on something else. Before long the top forwards of the two teams were left to keep practicing breakaway angles and shoot-out attempts on Julie. Poor Gunnar still hadn't scored a goal with her in net.
The captain of Iceland laughed as she made yet another save on him, because seriously this was getting ridiculous at this point. At least he was in a place where he could see the humor. He lined up behind Olaf and mentally began to create a new play, just like he'd done with every other shot he took at her.
Julie saved Olaf's attempt and when she was ready for him, Gunnar came at her fast and finally…finally, put one in just under that fast glove of hers.
He paused and saw Julie grinning up at him, "Yah! About time!" Then he tossed down his stick and pulled off his helmet, and hers, and kissed her soundly on the mouth.
Laughing, Julie pushed at his chest, "Don't think it'll happen again Stahl. And do you always celebrate like that with rival goalies?"
"No," he kissed her cheek and handed her helmet back to her, "just you. And yes Julie, it will happen. Maybe not right away, but some things are worth waiting for, don't you think?"
The promise in his eyes spoke volumes and she swallowed down her sudden anxiety, "Yes, and I'll be right here waiting." The words 'for you, for us,' didn't need to be said.
His gaze was serious and his voice lowered, "You'll wait for me?"
"Of course, will you wait for me?"
"Yah, as long as it takes."
Their eyes remained connected for a long moment. He pulled his helmet over his head and began to skate backwards, still holding her gaze until Charlie called out his name. Julie pushed her own protective head gear on and fought down the urge to cry. This was how she knew Gunnar really loved her, he was adamant about waiting. He wanted them to be older, to understand the responsibility of what their affections could bring for them. While this was Julie's first real relationship with a guy and she was honestly in love with him, she felt ready to take that step with him. She wanted him to be the one she shared everything with. He knew that and felt the same, but refused to take things any further until they could be together for longer than a couple months. If he didn't love her then he would take what was offered and not think twice about it. But he did and the fact that he wanted to wait made her love him all the more for it.
Practice ended and the two teams took a knee at center ice. Charlie and Dwayne both had an arm on either side of Julie's shoulders. It was something she was used to by this point, especially with the Ducks captain.
The Vikings and the Ducks listened to their two coach's talk about the progress they've made working together. Everyone was in agreement with that as well, they all felt stronger and definitely learned things they wouldn't have had the two teams not come together.
Once the impromptu meeting ended Gunnar, Julie, Olaf, and Connie went straight to the hotel to prepare their evening plans. They showered and dressed, excited for the night ahead. Connie wore a black skirt and scarlet top that did wonders for her beautiful eyes. With Julie, she put on a sleeveless knee-length deep blue dress and pulled her hair over her shoulders. After putting on their heels the two girls made their way to the boy's hotel room and were let in.
Gunnar took one look at Julie and said, "You two go on, we're staying here instead," he placed both hands on her face and looked into her shining sapphire eyes, "Julie you look amazing."
"Nice try," she smiled as he recognized the words she'd spoken to him a year prior, "but you promised me a nice evening out, remember?"
He sighed and kissed her, "And I keep my promises. Come on before I change my mind."
Olaf and Connie were holding hands and grinning over at their friends, they were still taking things a little slowly with their new relationship. It was clear to anyone though that they were definitely into each other, they both just wished they had more time.
So the four of them headed out together for their double-date, taking a taxi to a restaurant none of them had yet been to. Inside was a very romantic ambiance with low lighting and flickering candles. Soft piano music played gently in the background, the food was expensive yet delicious.
They talked and laughed quietly as the evening wore on, the two couples holding hands while they slowly walked down the street, taking in the evening scene of Los Angeles. Occasionally they would stop to watch street performers play music and leave a small tip, it was just nice to be out and part of the night life.
It was fairly late when they returned to the hotel and the girls accepted the boys offer to watch a movie in their room with them. Connie leaned against the headboard of Olaf's bed with her new boyfriend pressed next to her, holding hands and sharing small kisses. Julie was also resting against the headboard of her boyfriend's bed, but said boyfriend was between her legs with his head in her lap. He was already falling asleep thanks to Julie's hands running through his hair and gently massaging his scalp.
Julie herself was getting ready to succumb to slumber as well when Connie stood up and stretched, her eyes quickly meeting her fellow teammate, "We better get back to our room, it's really late."
With a small pout and a frown, Julie looked down to the sleeping Gunnar on her lap. She hated to wake him up but knew she had to. Just as she was about to shake his shoulder Olaf stood up and put his hands on Connie's shoulders, "You could stay here tonight."
Connie immediately blushed, "I don't think-"
"I'll sleep on the floor," he told her and added in a quiet voice, "you can trust me."
It was clear that the beautiful forward was hesitating, "I don't have anything to sleep in."
"I'll give you one of my shirts," he walked to the dresser and handed her a top that would be very large on her. Then he went to Gunnar's side and tossed one of his tops to Julie, "Here, let's move this big oaf so you can go change."
Together they managed to move Gunnar from her lap and settled him; Julie thought it was cute how deep of a sleeper he was. She and Connie went into their restroom and quickly changed. Connie seemed nervous but knew Olaf was right and she could trust him. Luckily the shirts were way to big for both girls and covered everything.
Cautiously Connie settled herself on Olaf's bed and then told him to join her but made sure they kept their distance. Julie quickly trotted over to Gunnar's bed and slipped under the blanket, familiar and comfortable with sleeping next to him by this point.
Olaf turned off the light to the room, then the television and darkness took over. Julie moved to her side and smiled to herself as Gunnar cuddled up behind her and pulled her closer to him with his arm around her waist. It didn't take long at all for Julie to fall asleep thanks to the warmth of her favorite guy.
Connie was awake for a while, nervous and excited, and not entirely sure she was ready for something like this. Though it wasn't the first time they fell asleep beside each other, they hadn't been dating at the time. Experimentally she moved closer to him and hid a grin when Olaf's arm opened to her in welcome. With her head on his shoulder she finally calmed down and was fast asleep.
Oh the things you could get away with without any adult supervision.
A/N **Blu - well Happy 2014 everyone! I know it's been a while since the last update, I've been in "vacation" mode. Wanted to say a special thanks to all of you for staying with me to the end! Only a few more chapters left now..