Sunset Boulevard-ON HOLD

Chapter 7- The Three Kings

I take a deep breath and open the door to the bathroom and walk out into the circular locker room with my head down, making sure not to step onto our team logo.

I look up and see the rest of my team all huddled around my locker with Kopi, Brownie, and Coach waiting for me.

"So uh, is this some sort of intervention? I swear guys, I've quit the heavy drugs."

The team burst out in laughter and even Coach Sutter was cracking a grin.

Brownie stepped forward, "Karson, you've only been here a couple weeks and this team already loves you. You've fit right in. You're only a nineteen year old kid and you already demand respect and you lead this team. When Kopi went down in practice before anyone helped him, you were the first one there. You beat me to the ice in the morning, you're the last one off in the afternoon. You're definitely a King through and through, and that's why you're on the first line with us tonight."

My heart instantly started skipping beats. There had been rumors around the team that I would skate with the first line throughout the season, but not this soon.

"Wow. That's all I can really say."

Sutter stepped up, "I know you're a natural center but we're going to rotate you and Kopi to the wing throughout the game."

Before I could speak Anze spoke up, "That's not all, you also need this."

I stepped forward and took my number sixty-nine, black, white, and silver Kings jersey. I ran my fingers over the stitching and traced my name on the back. Then I remembered the quote, "It's not about playing for the name on the back, but the logo on the front." I flip the jersey over and my eyes instantly went wide. Right on the side of the jersey was an A. A friggin A. An alternate captain patch. Tears began to form around the corner of my eyes and then I saw, it.

Right under the collar was a purple ribbon, an awareness ribbon for the cancer that I had.

I looked up at disbelief and just mouthed the words "Thank you". For the first time in my life I was seriously at a loss for words.

The team began filing out of the room and making their way towards the tunnel until just Brownie, Kopitar, and I were left standing alone.

Dustin put his hand on my shoulder, "You ready for this kid."

I ignored the question and fired back with one of my own, "Why me? Anyone on this team could've been a better alternate. This is my first time suiting up, and I honestly don't deserve this in the slightest. Williams, a Conn Smythe winner and he's probably in his last year. Gabby, he's been outstanding since joining this team. Carter, he pulls off goals when this team needs them. Hell, even Toffoli and Pearson are young guns that have already won a cup on this team. Look, I'm beyond appreciative and I couldn't be happier, but why me after Greene retired?"

Kopitar sighed and looked towards Dustin, "You don't give yourself enough credit kid. You're amazing and you're a fighter. You're exactly what this team needs. Yea. Anyone on this team could be an alternate, hell, anyone could be wearing this C; however, I brought up the idea in the last team meeting, and we voted on it. It was unanimous. This team respects you, and you need to start respecting yourself."

I nodded my head and pointed to the purple ribbon patch, "And this?"

"You can thank coach for that one. So, I'm gonna ask you again. You ready kid?"

"More than ever."

Kopitar smiled and spoke in his heavy accent, "We're like the three Kings."

Brownie stepped forward, and we placed our gloves together and we all spoke in unison, "The three Kings."

I smiled, pulled my jersey over my pads and tapped the two of them on their shins as I headed for the tunnel, "Let's go kick some Bruins ass, eh?"

A/N--- Hey guys! Thanks for reading and I apologize again for such spotty and shitty updates... What do you think about Karson starting on the first line and getting that Alternate Captian patch?? Next chapter is game time where Karson will face off against the Bruins and his mancrush, Dougie... What do guys think will happen, and don't forget to comment and vote!~Kevin