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"AND Y/L/N MAKES ANOTHER GREAT SAVE!"

you smiled watching yesterday's game highlights that happened to be on tv while you were watching a different game.

you were the rookie goaltender for the tampa bay lightning. you had never expected to play in the nhl this year, but when vasilevskiy got hurt and mcelhinney wasn't doing well, you came up into the big league and you were doing good.

you were hesitant about the offer at first. it had always been your dream to play in the nhl, but you didn't want to let the team down and you hadn't been playing well in the ahl at that time.

you came up to the nhl anyways and, in the words of the media, tore it up.

tonight was the second half of a back to back and it was said that it was going to be the real test to see if you were a big league goaltender.

you spent the entire day resting and rehabbing your body for the game ahead.

lightning fans and media said one day that you were doing to take vasilevskiy's job from him

when you were first drafted. not exactly a very welcoming reputation in the locker room, but andrei was very nice to your nonetheless. especially now.

andrei had kindly guided you through the difficulties of being an nhl goalie. he had recommended strategies to help you on and off the ice you had never thought of.

even with his injury, he still found ways to help you try and succeed and you really appreciated it.

you made your way to the rink to begin your pregame ritual.

"hey y/n."

you were on the floor, stretching. you looked over to where the voice came from and saw andrei in a suit.

"hey vasi." you smiled up at him, "how you are feeling?" you asked.

andrei shrugged, "my foot is feeling better, but i still have this." he said pointing at the large boot on his foot.

you frowned slightly, "yeah that sucks. i had one of those when i was younger."

andrei nodded, "just really want to get back on this ice, bud i'm glad i have such a great backup." he smiled and patted your shoulder lightly.

you smiled with a small chuckle, "thanks vasi. i'm thankful to have such a great mentor."

"have a good game tonight y/n/n. i'll be watching." andrei winked and walked away.

you smiled. it was always nice to see andrei.

when it was time for warmups, you went on the ice and began your small little warmup routine. you threw a puck to a fan, skated around the ice a few times, then went to your crease to make some saves.

andrei read off the lineups for the night which was nice and then it was go time.

you were ready. it didn't even feel like you played a game last night, you were so energized. you partly thanked andrei for that. it seemed you always played a little better when he was in the building.

tonight you were playing the boston bruins. the bruins were above the lightning in the standings and you were hoping to make a push by winning this game.

you got on the ice and skated to your net. you looked down at the ice as the anthems began to play. you balanced from skate to skate.

you felt confident knowing andrei was in the crowd. you didn't want to let your teammates or yourself down.

and you didn't. the lightning ended up winning the game 3-0.

you were welcomed into the locker room to the sound of cheers. you smiled brightly at your teammates as they rushed over to you to give you a group hug.

once you separated from the group, andrei came over to you with a bright smile on his face. he brought you into a hug.

"i'm so proud of you y/n." andrei said.

you smiled and hugged him back, "thank you andrei."

"love you y/n/n." andrei smiled.

you could feel your whole body shutter slightly with his words. you had never felt like this before. your mind was racing.

maybe you had a crush on your starting goalie...

you couldn't spit anything out.

"after you're done getting dressed, can we talk?" andrei asked you.

you nodded and smiled awkwardly at him.

you had a problem looking at him now that you had the realization. it had only been about 5 minutes, but it had felt like hours. every time you looked at him now, you imagined having the privilege to love him and have him love you.

"you ready?" andrei asked, placing a hand on your shoulder.

your eyes shot quickly to his hand, but you looked back at him.

"yeah." you nodded.

you guys made it to the lobby of the locker room. it was pretty quiet besides the few stragglers here and there.

"what's up?" you asked.

andrei took a deep breath, "i don't know how to say this."

you began to become nervous. nothing good has ever come out of that phrase.

"i'm not good with words, but maybe i just show you?" he asked.

you shrugged then nodded.

andrei smiled slightly and pulled you into him. he kissed your lips gently and pulled away. he then kissed your forehead. he looked at you questioning.

"yeah that was nice." you giggled.

"i'm glad you think so because i love you."