Author's Note: Please note, I write this for fun. It's also been a long time since I've written anything so this may be a bit amateur. I'm no way an expert in any shape or form so any kind feedback is welcome in regards to Ice Hockey. Alas, I hope you enjoy it! :)

The Ice Prince

Prologue

3 minutes.

180 breathtaking seconds.

The score: 2 - 2.

A tie-breaker is imminent. Both teams are hungry for glory. After weeks of games this is what it comes to. The final game of the season. An ultimate winner. The League Cup is in view, tangible almost.

Yet, time's against us and boy did we know it.

The grinding sound of metal along the ice is a background sound as I charge down the ice. Too much blood, sweat and tears had drenched this ice for us to fail at this hurdle. Swerving alongside my opponent, I push my stick out. The smooth puck glistens. Mocking us to catch it. Who's going to control it? Who's going to sink it in the net? Who's going to scream victory?

Head in the game. Keep it there. Victory's only certain if I keep focus.

I'm alongside my opponent. He won't give in. His eyes meet mine through our helmets. He turns, barging me into the barrier.

Fuck.

I feel the cup dig in, squashing my balls. God damn. What a way to try and take me out. Didn't realise my kids are at risk in this too. Shaking my head, gritting my teeth, I use the barrier to push back. Our eyes remain on the gleaming puck. So close. I hear bellows around me. Encouragements. Jeers. Shrieks.

"Come on, Inuzuka. Pass the puck!" A teammate cries from across the ice.

It's obvious. I know I need to pass it. But I'm waiting for him.

Annnyyy second noooowwww….

That's when I feel it. His presence. A smirk graces my features. I still don't know how he does it. I've been playing with him for three years now. He's like a ghost. I eye the balky guy next to me. He hasn't even realised yet. We're running out of straight barrier. But I'm not going down with him and this puck. Jostling, I give myself just enough space. I feel his presence more than see him beyond this guy's frame. He hasn't even noticed yet.

I hear the cue.

"Mutt! Pass it".

Fucker. I'll get him for that nickname.

The guy next to me cries out, "where the fuck did you come from?" as he looks back.

That's my cue.

I growl, barging him, as I thrust the puck to the waiting stick behind us. The guy next to me cries out before we both smack into the glass. I groan, squeezing my eyes shut. Shitballs that one hurt. We both slide down onto the ice. The chorus of groans and jeers break through the crowd at our fall. Followed by screams and hollers.

The commentator shrieks,

"The Ice Prince has the puck! Where'd he come from? How did his teammate know?!"

I scoff. The Ice Prince. What a name. To be fair, it was a well earned one. The agile and sleek grace that guy had was incomprehensible for a hockey player. Ice Hockey's known for its rough, brutal physicality at times. Yet this guy dances around us all, playing with us and the control of the puck like a puppet master. I'd learnt the hard way what happens if you call him the Ice Prince to his face though. A shiver runs through me now at the reminder.

He hadn't gone unscathed in this league. The name had made him prestigious to others and teams gunned for him thanks to it. Luckily it was my pretty face that has to catch their attention and annoy the fuck out of them to prevent them getting to him. I stick to them like a leech and pounce on them if they get too carried away gunning for him. Coach told us to run a clean game for the final. We were expecting Sound High to give us everything they had. But fuck, my temper had been bad this game. They'd brought dirty play onto our ice and we were certainly going to pay the price. The ache in my right shoulder was turning dull now, thankfully.

I'm disentangling myself from the guy as I hear the sweet sound.

The buzzer screams; the timer goes off.

A god damn buzzer beater.

We've fucking won.

The crowd cries as we line up opposite Sound High.

The ref announces, broadcasting through the speakers, "The game between Konoha High and Sound High is finished. Winners: Konoha High!"

The crowd grows louder in noise. It's almost deafening and that's with our helmets on. I peer down the line at my team. Our Captain stands at the front of the line. The Ice Prince. His face is impassive as he shakes Sounds' Captain's hand. We take turns shaking hands, thanking them for the game. The commentator above wrestles for the audience to quieten. I stay focused, looking at the ice and at my teammates.

This was our last game on this ice. We'd made it a fucking last one to remember that's for certain. But the reality of what that meant was sinking in. We were done. We were going to be graduating from Konoha High in a couple weeks time. I'd pestered the team to sign up for Konoha Leaf, the country's team for the League and as far as I was aware everyone had. We'd still remain a team.

Despite that, my heart's still galloping a mile a minute. The anxiety's coming out in my fingers, constantly twitching. I'm restless. I should be ecstatic because we've just won but the weight of this game's paramount. I should never have asked Coach. I'd spotted the men from a mile off. Everyone else had been too busy getting ready. I'd contained it for so long but it eventually got the better of me. I asked Coach on the bench during time out.

"Hey Coach, who're the guys with clipboards?"

"They're scouts, here for Sasuke. Depending on this game, he might get a full ride to Sound in the big League next year.".

My heart may have fallen out of my arse for a full moment. It figures. The guy was insane. But Ice Hockey was far more than just the sport. The six of us had become a unit, a dysfunctional family of sorts and I didn't want that taken away. Call me a selfish, soft guy with a big teddy bear heart but these guys had become my everything during our time at high school. It's no good dwelling on that now. I need to embrace the moment. I bite back a grin at the thought, shaking my head as I turn to the team. Aww, what the heck. Raising my arms wide, I bellow "One last time: here comes the jammy dodger!"

Groans and remarks were made as I pounced. A couple were futile in their escape. We all hit the ice in a group cuddle.

"Kiba!"

"Seriously - now of all times-!"

"Mutt, get off!"

Lee was the only one to join in, exclaiming "Alas, the youthful dog pile!"

Lee had always been a bit wacky. I chuckled as we fell into a heap. Sorry boys, you're stuck with it. We became an entangled mess as I bashed helmets with them. Someone's arm was pushing my shoulder, another was kicking my legs. Some wisely admitted defeat and let the embrace happen.

We only got up when we heard Coach storming over, bellowing with his bowl loosening voice.

"Get up, the lot of you. They haven't even handed over the Cup yet! They're waiting!"

Scrambling we organised ourselves into some sort of line again as they all grumbled under their breath at me. Some playfully knocking into me as they passed. I shirked it off with a roguish grin. They loved me really.

The commentator finally announced,

"Alrighty folks! It's time for the player of the match to receive the League Cup for their team."

My heart was galloping despite knowing who would get it. We'd all gone the mile but-

"-Uchiha Sasuke, come on over and get your team's reward: the High School League Cup!"

Leaving the ice for the last time in this arena left a bittersweet taste. The calls of congratulations echoed down the hallway as we dutifully headed to the lockers. A rueful smile was shared amongst the team as we watched Coach jostle towards Sasuke, gripping his shoulder as he pointed towards two men I'd spotted earlier. They were standing further up the wide hall, conversing quietly between each other as they glanced through their notes. As Uchiha was peeled from the group to go and discuss with the suits, the group hit the showers. Despite the glow from the win, a silence had fallen over us.

I mean, we knew this would happen. We'd discussed it jokingly, although the serious undertone was there. We'd just embraced the now because denial river had offered a pretty good view and its final destination was a long way off. It had felt like the finals were months away.

The thickness of the silence could've been cut with a knife. There wasn't the usual jostle and holler, someone always destined for a towel whip or crude joke. Any jokes attempted dragged out a soft chuckle before it fell to silence's gravity. For the greatest achievement so far in our Ice Hockey careers, it sure was melancholy.

The reality and keen awareness that we were down a teammate was apparent. We all knew the outcome too. No ifs and buts needed to be aired and debated. We'd bluntly told him to go for it if the opportunity arose. It still stung nonetheless. As much as our Captain could be an icicle in our arse, we wouldn't have it any other way. Sure, we'd seen more emotion from a puppet than him over the years but we'd learnt to read his dry comments for the humour encrypted and he wasn't one to dance around a problem. It was always cutting edge with him. The respect he commanded was without debate. He told us to jump, and we asked how high. We just never accepted when those would come to an end.

Dressed and ready to face the music, we headed out of the lockers. Coach had disappeared - I assumed to support Uchiha with the suits. Nonetheless we had a welcome committee waiting for us.

A banner was raised high above the meeting room, "Congratulations Konoha High! Who could be-leaf it!?" That earnt an eye roll and collective groan from the team. Undeniable grins were starting to bloom on our faces though. The cup had taken precedence on the table, shining with all its glory. In a few days time our names would be etched on the plaque, forever stating us as winners.

Uchiha Sasuke, Centre, Captain.

Inuzuka Kiba, Right Wing.

Rock Lee, Left Wing.

Nara Shikamaru, Right Defence.

Hyuga Neji, Left Defence.

Akimichi Choji, Goalkeeper.

The first to greet us was a blonde bombshell, whose energy was on par with Lee's. Hands cupping her mouth, she shouted the team chant "Who's got your back?!"

We hollered "We've got your back!" as we grew closer to the group.

The blonde had a shit eating grin on her face as she tackled me for a hug, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Congratulations Kibbles!"

I should've chastised her for the nickname; I still had to sort out a certain douchebags' nickname that was used out on the ice. Instead I squeezed her back just as hard, twirling her around as she shrieked.

"Alright, alright, let go!" she giggled as I released her. I ruffled her hair as I turned to the others. They were all chatting away to the girls, enjoying the relief that it was finally over but what a success it was. Choji was already piling his plate high with food as a girl with pale blue eyes and ice blonde hair in a high ponytail was chastising him about something. Shika was sitting not too far away from them, already looking like he was heading for a nap. Honestly, the guy could nap anywhere. The speakers blared to life as someone put music on and the room was starting to carry a buzz. Still no Uchiha though. How long were they going to keep him?

Turning to the girl next to me, I nudged her as I asked "Uchiha said you weren't feeling well earlier, so you couldn't make our briefing before the game. You're usually our good luck charm. Are you alright now 'Ruto?"

Usually she'd make herself known in every briefing and debrief alongside Coach. She'd been with us since the team had formed three years ago. Her dad was well known in the Ice Hockey world, although he's dialled it back to being a coach nowadays for one of the big League teams. Coach said her insights would be invaluable, thanks to her dad. It took a while to get her to agree to come along to one of our games, especially thanks to a certain Uchiha. I'd never seen a pair clash as hard as they had. It didn't help that they were both as stubborn as hell. Naruto had tried to give advice on some warm up routines and had tried to arrange a friendly match between us and Suna High. Admittedly, in hindsight, that hadn't been a wise choice. It had blown up in our faces massively. Uchiha had almost ended up in hospital thanks to Gaara. Reminiscing on that, it's probably where she earned her nickname "The Orange Firecracker.". She'd kicked off royally against Suna's game play and had stormed out onto the ice. It had taken Uchiha repeatedly saying he was fine and yanking her off the ice for her to calm down. In truth, I think she still feels guilty about it even today. In the three years she's been with our team, I'd like to say that was the first and last time she ventured out onto the ice, due to one of us getting hurt or there being a misdemeanour. But I'd be lying. The girl was passionate, that's for certain.

Grinning down at her now, I cross my arms against my chest. She sheepishly scratches the back of her head, ruffling her blonde locks as a light hue dusts her cheeks. I don't think I'd ever get used to looking at her unusual birthmarks. There were three horizontal lines on both sides of her face. Sometimes we'd jokingly call her the fox because of them.

"Ahhhh…well, I think I must've eaten something bad, y'know? I'm ok now though! Actually feeling better than fine, seeing as you guys won!"

She turned to look around at the others, clasping her hands behind her back as she said "It's weird to think this is the end of the road as a team…we've all grown so much. Have you heard back about Konoha Leaf yet or is it still too soon?"

I mull over the information, glancing around the room until I spot a certain dark haired girl across the room. She's standing next to her cousin, Hyuga. Twirling her hair as she nervously looks around. She looks like she'd rather be anywhere else but there…I know Neji can be intimidating sometimes, bordering on overprotectiveness mostly. Maybe I needed to redirect a certain someone over there to save her…I'd go myself but… I could feel my mouth going dry at the thought. There was no way she'd talk to me-

"Hello? Earth to Kiba!"

I jolt, turning to Naruto who's waving her hand in front of my face. She's grinning from ear to ear, knowing exactly what I'm up to.

"You know, if you stare any harder she just might get the idea you like her. Well, that or you're going to catch flies in that mouth of yours from how far open it is." she teases before moving closer, examining my face, "Oh wait, there might even be a little bit of drool right about-"

Snapping my mouth shut and hastily wiping it with my sleeve, I turn my back to the Hyugas as I bark "Alright, alright, shut up! I was not staring."

Laughing she shakes her head, watching the Hyugas as she says "You're adorable. Y'know, she probably feels the same way as you. Why don't you just ask her out already?"

"What? When we're all about to head off our separate ways?" I huff, heading over to grab a drink. Was it just me or was it getting warm in here? Tugging at the collar of my polo, I turn back to hand a drink to Naruto. She's too busy eyeing the crowd around us, nibbling on her lower lip.

I cough to get her attention, dangling the drink in front of her. She takes it quickly, flashing me a smile in thanks.

"We're not going too far in our separate ways though…You've all signed up for Konoha Leaf, so you six should stay together-"

I can't help but notice the lack of conviction as she says this. She's not fully focusing on our conversation, instead glancing around the room. My eyes narrow slightly, my brows furrowing. Who's she looking for?

"-Hinata's going to KU, she's looking at doing a Catering degree, I've been accepted to KU, I start in September with her. Ino's looking at- "

"Hold up!" I hold my hand out to stop her, "You've been accepted to Konoha University? That's epic 'Ruto, congrats! Are you still looking into physiotherapy?"

She rubs the back of her head again, a nervous habit she's had for as long as we've known her. Halfheartedly shrugging, she bites her lip, glancing at her feet before saying "Hopefully…"

"Hey, you two! Has there been any news?"

We're interrupted by Ino, dragging Choji and Shika with her to join us. Sakura comes to join us too, flicking through her phone for something.

We both shake our heads, automatically turning to roam our eyes around the room. It's starting to get busier, our parents rocking up to celebrate with us all. I see my mum and sister waving from across the room.

"I can't believe they're keeping him so long! It's not like he should be here celebrating or anything." Ino huffed, pursing her lips in annoyance.

"Leave him to it, he might have an even bigger celebration than us at this rate." I chuckle, despite a twinge of dismay. The longer this goes on for, it's only making us more certain that the offer's been made and he's signing contracts as we speak. I cast a sidelong look at our favourite blondie. It seems like her drinks suddenly become a whole lot more interesting than what we're discussing.

"Inuzuka Kiba, are you defending him right now?" Ino gasps playfully, slapping my shoulder as she summises "After all you've both been through? You're like a cat and dog. The only worse pair are him and Naruto!"

Before I can comment, Naruto's chirping up "It's not my fault he can act like a bastard! Honestly, if he just listened to me sometimes then some of the stuff that goes on wouldn't ever happen!"

Ino grins, teasingly saying "Aww but then who would we have to separate during half time? You're constantly at each other's throats. Honestly, I say you guys just get a room already and-"

"Ino! Absolutely not, don't make me puke! I can't stand him." Naruto hisses back, stepping closer as she wiggles her finger. It was evident from where I'm standing that Naruto's face has gone crimson, whether it's from anger or something else though, I don't know.

Laughing, Ino waves her off, winking as she says "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

Knowing the blonde's temper, Shikamaru interjects as he says "I hear you girls are heading to Konoha University. Are you rooming together?"

Taking the cue, I add "I hear Hinata and Tenten are joining you both. Hinata's doing Catering right? What's Tenten doing?" I turn to Naruto at that point, making eye contact to encourage this flow of conversation. We didn't want to spend the night arguing, especially when some people's emotions were clearly already running so high.

Ino nods enthusiastically, taking a sip of her drink as she explains "Hopefully…we've applied for housing together. Although, I'm still waiting for your form Naruto?" Ino gazes questioningly at the blonde before continuing, "Tenten is looking at Business Management; I won't be surprised if she opens up her own gym. I'm looking at Journalism. Who knows, maybe I'll work with you guys one day as your Media Representative at Konoha Leaf? What're you doing again Sakura?"

As the pinkette joins the conversation, my attention goes towards our Firecracker. She's seeming a bit off at the moment. Maybe she was still feeling unwell? Watching her now, my brows furrow. She's turned away with her phone raised to her ear. I can barely hear the conversation over the music and everyone talking.

"Hey, where are you? …Ok, I'll come and meet you. …No, no, you stay there. I'll be a sec, ok?" she laughs at something said, before hanging up. She's surprised to see me watching her as she turns back around. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she mumbles "I need to head out, I'll be back in a sec…" without waiting for a response she disappears in the crowd and heads out the entrance.

Hmmm…weird.

Turning I join back in with the conversation about university and Sakura's nursing degree.

It must be 20 minutes later that Naruto returns with an older man with just as blonde hair as her. Evidently it's her dad. There's no mistaking that they're father and daughter. They're practically identical. Surprisingly, Uchiha's at their side. It looks like Uchiha's deep in conversation with her dad about something. He's wearing dark jeans and a white t-shirt, a sports bag slung over his shoulder. Both their heads are turned inwards so they can hear one another. I've never seen Naruto look so fidgety, fiddling with the bottom of her short, pleated white skirt. She was wearing an orange tank top but she's wearing a black hoodie over the top now, clearly too big for her. Maybe it was her dads? He was wearing a smart white shirt and jeans.

At the sight of Sasuke, the team head over. It's taken too long and the anticipation has been building to a point it's become intolerable. We just needed to hear it. The outcome probably wasn't going to change. That was our last game with him. But we needed that confirmation. As his team it was our duty to congratulate him first.

Spotting us, Naruto's smile brightens as she waves us over. "There they are!" My mouth opens slightly to see the redness rimmed around her eyes, illuminating her cerulean eyes that much more. Had she been-?

"Ah, what a team! That game was brilliant! I was just discussing it with Sasuke. It's well deserved, you all played exceptionally!"

Our attention goes to the taller of the three, which is saying something because we're already above 6ft ourselves. Minus Naruto, she's a bit of a shortie in comparison. I grin at the thought, knowing how much it infuriates her when Uchiha calls her out for it. Especially when she threatens to whoop our arses over missing warms ups or not stretching properly.

Minato Namikaze was a former NHL player and he'd brought home the Stanley cup several times with his team in the years he'd played. I wouldn't be surprised if he still wanted to play to this day if his body would allow it. Unfortunately in his last game it landed him with a back injury that pulled the plug on his career. At least until Naruto convinced him to embrace coaching instead. I wouldn't be surprised if it gave Naruto a peace of mind, knowing she didn't have to worry about her dad getting injured anymore.

A chorus of thanks rose from the team, although all focus was on their Captain, who happened to be standing fairly quietly. We were used to the stoic expression, heck if we saw him cracking a smile it meant we were running for the hills, but surely he'd be conveying something if he'd been offered the once in a lifetime opportunity?

"Come on then, Uchiha, don't leave us waiting. What did they say?"

Leave it to Hyuga to cut to the chase like that.

We all waited on baited breath.

Uchiha seemed to take his time in responding, looking over each of us. Was he trying to work out how to let us down easily? That wasn't like him, He was always straight to the point. Rip it off like a band aid. That's what we'd always agreed.

Just as it looked like he went to speak, someone spoke up, teasingly "Has cat got your tongue or something, bastard? It's not a hard answer, y'know?" Her eyes glistened as she looked up at the dark haired male next to her. He was watching her with all intent. His brows had furrowed at her comment.

With a roll of her cerulean eyes and a grin plastered on her face, Naruto said "He's been offered a position on the NHL Sound team next season."

With the might of our team, we all cheered and jostled him as we congratulated him on his success. As much as we'd have heavy hearts and the ice would feel odd without him skating alongside us, I know I couldn't wait to catch him out there as an opponent and show him exactly how far we'd come since.

A/N: I hope you've enjoyed this Prologue! It's only the beginning of a superb journey. I can't wait to bring you all along. Let me know your thoughts on the chapter :)

See you in the next one,

Honey-Emily98