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

First Game Excitment

-Annabelle's POV-

I sat in warm ups with Peyton and her dad, watching the guys skate by at lightning speed while Peyton clapped excitedly. She loved the "snow" and how the puck seemed to chase them. I was entranced by her sense of innocence and curiosity, but loved how she had no idea what was happening but loved it at the same time. It's beautiful. I pick her up so she could see over the boards and place her on my hip. Patrick comes by and flips her a puck, she was excited to get a 'cold slippery thing' but not half as excited as her dad was.

"How long have you been a fan" I ask him.

"For as long as I can remember" he says breathily, never taking his eyes off the ice. He really loved hockey, and more specifically, this team. It was written all over him and I was glad to be able to give him a chance to see them live. "L

"Oh that reminds me" I say excitedly moving to my purse after setting Peyton down on a seat. I hand them each a lanyard as they study it, Peyton was just excited to get a "hockey necklace" but her dad, he actually read the thing.

"We get to meet the players" he asks wide eyed and I nod.

"This is entirely too much" he claims trying to hand it back to me and I shake my head.

"Not at all. I know what you guys are going through, and it sucks. I know you're scared and are praying for some type of good in your life. Artemi and I wanted to help you find that good" I smile as I see a tear fall.

"This means the world to us, thanks you" he says trying to compose himself.

"Prince Charming" Peyton yells and I see Artemi messing with her through the glass. He would slip and fall or run into the glass just to see her laugh. I smile at the thought of us with children, Artemi would be a great father. A little too over protective, just the way it should be.

I watch the game from the crowd with Kyle and Peyton, it was a close game but they ended up losing in over time. They didn't play bad, just that the Capitals played better.

"Yay" Peyton cheers when the goal horn goes off and I let out a laugh.

"No honey, were supposed to cheer for the other team" Kyle reminds her. She quickly puts her hands over her mouth and whispers a "oppsies", she was adorable.

We wait a little before heading to the locker room to meet the boys. As people cleared out I gave a small tour before heading down. We were met with loud music and everyone running everywhere, I was just thankful they were all mostly dressed, well mostly.

"Hi Anna! Who do we have here" Jonny asks bending down to talk to Peyton.

"I'm Peyton and I'm this many" she says holding up her hand like the first time we met. I watch them talk as Peyton attempts to get her puck back from Jonny who was dangling it above her head.

"Hey Pat, can you come here please" I ask waiving him over.

"What's up" he asks a little too happy after a loss if you ask me.

"I want you to meet Kyle. Kyle, I'm sure you know who this is" I say watching his jaw hit the ground. "Nice to meet you" Patrick says shaking his hand.

"I can't believe I'm meeting Patrick Kane" he whispers.

"Any friend of Anna is a friend of mine" he says winking at me as I roll my eyes. I get up and hand Peyton a Artemi jersey she easlily slips it over her head.

"I don't know, I think she needs my jersey" Jonny says studying her. She looks down and grows a large smile at the Indian head across her chest.

"She looks pretty happy" I laugh and he lets it go. He returns to her and tosses the puck he took from her around as she laughs trying to retrieve it and I leave them to go find Artemi talking to Artem.

"Hey Artemi, Arty" I say walking up the them.

"Hey Anna, how are you" Artem asks.

"I'm good. How's the fam" I wonder sitting myself in Artemis locker.

"Good, Adriana is dying for another play date with you" he laughs. Artemi and I were regulars at his house, probably the coolest family I've ever met, well besides Hossa's.

"Of course, just let me know when and I'll be there" I say with a smile.

"Will do, I'll see you guys tomorrow. Have a good night" he says setting off to find his family.

"Can I have a hug" Artemi asks somberly and I give a little laugh.

"You don't have to ask, I am your girlfriend" I say walking into his arms. I could tell by the way he hugged me tighter that he was upset. Athletes are so hard on themselves and forget how good they really are.

"You know, sometimes I get jealous because your hugs are so good and you and Patrick always seem to get the best ones" I joke patting his back. He gives a laugh but doesn't say anything else, I hate that he's so hard on himself but it's understandable. "Look at me" I demand while grabbing his face so he didn't really have a choice. "You are an amazing player. You can't win every game, that's impossible in this league. But you can look at the positives, like the fact you were able to help force a overtime and still leave with a point. Or that you guys lost to a very very good team. I know you tried your best and that's all that matters. Got it" I ask and he grows a large smile.

"I love you so much" he says and I nod.

"I love you too, now lets go make sure Jonny has given Peyton her puck back" I laugh and he gives me a weird look.

I return to see Peyton with a hockey stick and Hossa trying to teach her how to shoot it while Crow was playing goalie and Patrick and Jonny was talking to Kyle. Peyton was doing pretty good considering the stick was twice her height and she's never played before.

"Thank you guys so much for this. This night has been amazing and I can't wait to tell my wife" Kyle says turning to us.

"No problem, glad we could help. Even if it's something as little as a night away from the hospital" Artemi says wrapping his arm around me as I lean into him.

We talk for a little until Hoss comes over with Peyton asleep in his arms. "I think she's tired" he says passing her to Kyle.

"Well, this was kind of the best night of my life, besides getting married or when Peyton was born. I'm sure you two will understand that soon" he says turning to Artemi and I. I feel a blush creep up and hide my face in Artemis chest. "Thanks again for everything, hope to see you soon" he says walking to the door.

"You know how to reach us. See you soon" I say and with that he was gone.