Reflection (Artemi Panarin)

First

-Artemis POV-

Preseason went by quickly and before I knew it, it was the first game of my first season. I was currently at my locker trying to stay calm but failing miserably. As chaos ensued around me I found myself trying to take my mind off the pressure. I stand up and look at my locker. There hanging was the picture Taylor drew before the first preseason game. In fact most of them were still up. I trace over the details and smile to myself. I have yet to take her on a actual date but I was going to soon. I just had to figure out what I wanted to do. She was special and I wanted to do something that showed that.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by a strong hand finding my shoulder pad.

"Hey Breadman. Excited for your first game" Patrick asked. I shook my head not trusting my voice. He laughs and stands in front of me. "You're going to be fine. No wait. You're going to be great" he says walking away.

God I hope he's right.

I find Taylor talking to Hammer and Duncs by the tunnel and I quickly go to her. "I need a pick-me-up. I know you have one for me in that pretty little head of yours."

She starts stroking her imaginary beard and eventually her face lights up. "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect" she states boldly.

Of course she comes through when I needed her. She always did. I gave her a quick hug and jumped on the ice.

The national anthem in this building was amazing. I got chills no matter how many times I hear it. Sure it was good during the pre-season. But this... it meant everything to me to hear it now. Soon enough the game started and the Rangers were up 1-0 already. I was just getting my feet wet but ready to make my aim.

My line had been on the ice for a while now and maintaining good zone time. The puck is cleared down to our end but the linesmen waived off the obvious icing call. Before anyone had time to complain the puck was sent up the boards and the other way and Patrick went after it. He quickly caught up to it and laid a pass right on my tape. It was just me and the goalie, then it was just me. And this was my moment. I shot it glove side and it flew past Lundqvist. My first NHL goal on my first NHL shot in my first NHL game. This moment was perfect.

We ended up losing a well fought game, the Rangers were just a bit sharper tonight. We did post game interviews and took our showers before heading different ways. Most of the boys left before I did so the locker room was pretty empty.

"So Breadman how are you feelin" Pat asks picking up his bag.

"Besides the fact we lost... I feel on top of the world" I reply. Patrick nods his head, following that was a loud WACK. Patrick wails then starts rubbing his head and I turn to see a upset Taylor.

"What the hell Tay" Patrick complains still holding his head.

"Why were you going through my stuff" she asks a little too calm.

"I don't know, I went to see you and you weren't there but your book was, so I read a few pages. You're a greater writer, you know" he tried reasoning with her.

"Thank you, that means a lot more than you will ever understand. But it doesn't make it okay" Taylor says sitting in my stall never breaking eye contact with Patrick.

"Wait, so you're not mad" Pat asks confused.

"You know I don't believe in anger" she says shaking her head. I sit next to her in Artem's stall so I could put my arm around her and she leans into me.

"What can I do to make it up to you" Patrick starts, practically begging for forgiveness. Her little head pops up and a smile appears.

"You... are going to help me with my next act of kindness" she exclaims returning to her normally bubbly self.

"Should I be scared" Pat mumbles. Taylor never responds but her happy smile is replaced by a mischievous one. Patrick groans heading to the door and I can't help but laugh.

"I see those wheels in your head turning. What are you thinking" I ask looking down at her.

"I think... that for Halloween I'm going to make Patrick dress up, I don't know as what yet, and hand out candy to little kids. Maybe throw a Halloween party here for underprivileged kids if I can" she says rubbing her hands together like a evil genius.

"I think that's a great idea. I also think Patrick would make a great Elsa" I chuckle.

"That he would" she giggles.

We sat there for a little until Taylor decided to get up. She took her hair down from the bun she wore and ran her fingers through it. I never noticed how much hair she had. I couldn't imagine taking care of it.

"Why are you staring at me" she asks starting to put her hair back up.

I get up and take the hair tie from her, "don't put your hair up. I like it down" I say tossing the hair tie to the ground. After the initial shock she smiles and nods. I take her hand and grab my bag and we went on our way.