The Boy, The Girl, and The Game (Artemi Panarin)

Birthday Boy

-Annabelle's POV-

I wake up Sunday morning and I turn over to see Artemi still sound asleep. I'm not used to waking up with someone else around but I enjoyed it. I reach over and put on a party hat and find my party blower and blow it in Artemis ear.

"Happy birthday" I scream as he jumps up in bed. Once he realized what was happening he smiled and pulled me into a hug as I take in his scent.

"Thank you" he breathes and I let myself enjoy the moment.

We both get dressed and go to IHOP for breakfast since it was a optional skate. They played the Kings tonight but I wanted him to have a really good day so I took him out for breakfast. Plus I was obsessed with Ihop. We get back to my place where a bunch of the guys decided to surprise him and I was excited to see everyone. I unlock the door and open it slowly so they get that we're on our way in. After a few steps the guys jump out and yell surprise, some throwing confetti and some throwing bread because maturity is lack luster around this team. He laughs anyway as he looks around, they did pretty decent on the decorations. Red and black balloons were scattered around the living room and a huge "Happy Birthday Artemi" sign hung from the ceiling.

"Hey Patrick, did you have to get on Jonnys shoulders to put that up" Artemi teases pointing to the banner. Patrick flips him the bird and I lose it, those two I swear.

"I wasn't aware they made mansion apartments and that Anna lived in one" Patrick defends himself then finally lets it go. Most of the team and coaches were there and I even got Vladdy to stop by. I haven't gotten to officially meet him but he was sweet and one of Artemis good friends. The cake looked spectacular with a picture of him playing for Russia and the Blackhawks was detailed and put across the front. We cut the cake and music is played throughout the commons as we make our way around saying hi to everyone.

"Is that Kris Bryant" he asks me pointing to a very tall baseball player.

"It is" I smile, he wasn't that into baseball but with the Cubs in the World Series he picked it up and loved watching Kris play.

"How" he asks a little nervous to talk to him.

"He was one of the guys I got to write my last book with. He actually has a lot in common with you. He won rookie of the year last year too and you're both Chicagos sweethearts. But you're a lot cuter" I finish tapping his nose. He shakes his head and I see a blush form. I call Kris over and he quickly makes his way to my side.

"What's up buttercup" he says giving me a half hug.

"You're weird. Anyway Kris I would like you to meet my lovely boyfriend Artemi. Art, this is my friend Kris" I say introducing them.

"Don't you have a huge game today" Artemi asks shaking his hand.

"The biggest game of my life. But there no such thing as a bad time to see one of my favorite people" he says giving me a smile. Artemi wraps his arm around me then pulls me close and I can tell he didn't like the compliments I was receiving.

"Well I think we're going to walk around for a little, thanks so much for coming" I say hoping he realizes what was happening.

"Alright, see you around. Good luck with your game tonight" Kris says.

"Thanks man, same to you. We'll be cheering you on from the UC" Artemi replies.

We walk around for a little and people begin to leave. Coach Q gave him a gift card to Panera because why wouldn't he, Patrick gave him a signed Patrick Kane jersey and once he was done laughing handed him a new tie that matches his and it was actually really cute. Jonny somehow got him his two pucks missing from his first hat trick and I thought Artemi was going to cry.