when the stars align (j.benn)

fighting words

"It's not fucking fair! I should be able to play! They said at the hospital I should be good to play by now!"
My eyes lift up to meet Jamie's biting my bottom lip.
It's been a week since Jamie was hurt in Arizona,
The moms trip went smoothly and everyone had a good time even with the terrible loss to Tampa. The boys were struggling but Jim had gotten a few new guys with trades. We all are hoping they will help better the team and get us into a better playoff position.
We are finally back at home for a little bit and I am so excited because Nashville is going to be coming out here soon which means all my boys are going to be together.
"I'm playing against Nashville. I don't care if they clear me or not I'm fucking playing."
I huff and shake my head at him. I understood his frustration but it was on my last nerve. He had been going on like this for days. No one could make him stop. Jordie had even called and tried to talk him down but that was about as effective as him talking to a wall.
"What?"
My eyes snap to Jamie hearing the harshness in his voice.
I snort shaking my head.
If there was one thing that pisses me off quicker than anything else it's when I've helped someone and then they start getting angry and snappy at me.
"Sorry didn't mean to interrupt your pity party, Jamie." I huff petting Prada who was curled up on my lap.
Jamie and I were at my house just chilling. I was working on the video for the mom's trip trying to finish that up while Jamie was keeping me company that was all before he got the phone call from the trainers who told him he couldn't play the game tonight.
"Pity party? Are you kidding? Brie, this is my career! This is my job that I don't get to do. It's hard to be a captain from the press box."
I give him a look before rolling my eyes.
"It's hard to help someone when all they do is complain and mope around. Jamie, pull your shit together. You've been complaining for days and it's gotten you nowhere. You are shutting everyone out and only really talking to us when you want to bitch and moan. You aren't even trying to help your team. You could go in there pregame and try to hype them up but you don't! You are in your press box with a beer. I don't get to do my job because I'm babysitting you. Your actions are just affecting you they are affecting everyone around you."
Jamie stares at me a look of shock and bewilderment.
I had never raised my voice to him in any way let alone yell at him like this.
I watch Jamie waiting for him to say something. He shakes his head slightly looking at the TV that was playing some cake decorating show.
"This is my life, Brianna. Hockey is my life. I've been playing this game since I was little. People are finally starting to take me seriously and now I'm hurt. What kind of captain is out for three now four games because of an ankle injury? Not a good one. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for complaining so much. I'm sorry for shutting you and everyone out. I don't know what else to do."
I wince hearing the rawness in his voice. Jamie wasn't one to get emotional. I wore my heart on my sleeve while he was a lot more reserved.
I get up off my end of the couch and walk to Jamie. I curl up by his side snuggling into him.
  "I shouldn't have yelled at you. You have enough going on without me yelling at you." I murmur taking his hand in mine.
I glance up at him feeling his hand squeeze mine.
  "I needed you to do that. I was in my own little bubble of doubt and worry and pity. I needed a reality check. I needed to be made aware that I'm not the only one hurting in this."
A small smile spreads on my face as I look up at Jamie.
"How about I walk around with you tonight while you do your job. It's not fair that you have to babysit me. I'm sure the boys will appreciate both of us being in the locker room during intermission."
I nod my head after I take a moment of consideration. He couldn't mess anything up by walking and if I have to run her can always just follow after me slowly.
"Yeah I'm good with that. You just have to keep that ankle wrapped and if you start hurting we will go straight back to the press box."
He nods his head before pulling me on to his lap. He hugs me close nuzzling his face into my neck.
I play with his hair gently knowing that he needed to just be taken care of for a minute.
I had been watching him and helping him around but I haven't really stoped to take care of him. He's changed his ankle wraps, he's fixed his own meals, he's taken all of his mediation. I've simply been there for comfort and cuddles.
Not now, now I'm going to take care of my boy. Until he gets to play i am going to take care of him.
"Let's cuddle in my bed, yeah? Prada can manage on her own for a little bit." I murmur crawling off his lap holding a hand out for him.
Jamie nods his head and gets up careful of his ankle. He was walking a lot better but his right ankle was still weak and bruised.
I hold his hand as I walk to my bedroom.
"I'm sure if you want to Coach will let you call the line up." I murmur as I pull an oversized hoodie on my body.
"For fucks sake babe. Can you not wear a Preds hoodie while we're in bed."
I snort hearing his words but shake my head.
"What you not a fan of them?" I tease before pulling the hoodie off.
"You haven't gave me one of your Stars hoodies yet so I'm left with my Nashville and Boston one. I'm pretty sure out of the two you would prefer to be cuddled with Nashville."
He playfully groans as he pulls me into bed.
I smile at him shaking my head.
"God no i ugh no. I never want to see you in anything Bruins related. No just no. Why him out of all the players you get with the rat. Just no babe."
My laugher is stifled as I hide my face in his chest. I probably shouldnt have told him what all Brad and I experienced together but he kept asking.
"And the reason you don't have my hoodies is because I just don't want any of my hoodies taken. I work out in those. You've already started stealing my shirts." He pouts rubbing his hand along my side.
"Hey you signed up for that. I'm a shirt stealing girlfriend."
"Just wear one of my jerseys. I'll sign it for you and everything." He whines pulling me closer to him.
  "You are so weird. Most guys would love for their girlfriends to wear their clothes. You're such a diva." I mutter before scoffing.
  "Over half the female population at Stars games wear your jersey. That's not as cute and special." 
He gives me a look before rolling his eyes.
  "I'm not a diva! You're the one that refuses to wear my jersey!"
  "Yeah because that's not cute and romantic. I wear my brothers jersey and that means nothing. It's a jersey with a name on the back."
Jamie gives me a look before snickering.
  "Are we really fighting over what you get to wear of mine?"
I think about it before laughing softly.
  "Yeah I guess we are." I mutter before kissing his chin gently. 
  "But it wouldn't be us if we didn't argue over what I wear of yours."
It was true. If we didn't have petty fights like that our relationship wouldn't be as strong. That sounds like madness to most people because it kind of is madness to most people. What kind of couple is stable and healthy while having petty fights? Apparently us. We also never end our arguments angry we eventually notice what we are doing and laugh it off. We learn more about each other when we fight. It's weird and a bit out there but we do.
  "Uh so when we go on the roadie to Canada I was thinking you could uh meet the rest of my family. You know my dad, my sister, her husband, my niece, you can see mom and Jordie."
  I look at Jamie before smiling widely nodding my head.
  "Of course, J. I would love to meet the rest of your family."
His smile brightens and he nuzzles his face into my neck.
My heart melts as he simply holds me tight keeping his face in my neck.
I lean my head against his and run my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.
We weren't your conventional couple as many would believe but we made all the challenges work. Every obstacle made our bond stronger and I honestly can't remember a time when I was this happy.
Jamie is my happy place.