PARKER

"Dakota!"

The panic in Ellie's voice causes my head to whip around, my eye land on my girlfriend who is hunched over in pain, blood streaming from her face and dripping into the ice below her.

The guys rush towards her, but I feel as if my blades have sunk into the ice, locking me in place. My ears are ringing, my head spinning as I watch Ellie and Connor support Dakota off of the ice, seconds before she starts to go limp in their arms.

"Don't just stand there, Parker! Get the fuck over here and help us," Connor's desperate yelling snaps me out of my trance and I practically run on the ice towards them.

Brooks has already gone ahead to find our athletic trainer, and I gently move Ellie to the side to grab Dakota's other side. I support her weight as Connor grabs a towel from the bench, trying to catch the blood that won't stop flowing.

A few seconds later, Dakota lightly groans, shifting in my arms. "Fuck," pain fills her voice, making me feel a million times worse.

I remain silent, picking her up bridal style as I rush her to the PT room, laying her down on one of the beds just as Brooks rushes in with Dr. T.

I move to the end of the bed, wrapping a hand around her ankle as he gently removes the towel from her face. "How long did she pass out for?" He looks at Connor, who is standing next to her head, hand on her shoulder.

"Only a few seconds. She's never been good around blood so I think it was more from that," his voice is quiet.

Dr. T gently places a hand on her nose, feeling around before moving to her upper lip, checking her teeth as her eyebrows scrunch together in pain. "Good news is her nose feels fine, it'll probably bruise like hell though. Nice job, Cadell," he looks at me, amusement in his eyes.

My mouth opens and closes, unable to get any words out. I'm not finding this situation amusing at all. I can't even make eye contact with her, I keep looking between Dr. T and the ceiling.

He moves to grab the first aid box, and Kota takes the moment to grab my attention, wiggling her ankle under my hand. "Come here," she whispers, not wanting to move her face too much.

Connor takes a step back, switching places with me as I move closer. "I'm so sorry," my voice is hoarse, full of guilt.

She lets out a breathy laugh, bringing a hand to my cheek. "I'm fine," I shoot her a disbelieving look. "Seriously, I just can't stomach blood. Yes, my face hurts but I'll live," she attempts to smile, wincing quietly at the movement, but my strong girl hasn't shed a single tear.

"Dakota, you'll look like a badass bitch with the bruises," Ellie cuts in, easing the tension in the room.

"Damn right I will," eyes lighting up as everyone but me laughs at the comment.

"Okay, Dakota, I'm going to put some tape on your nose before it swells," Dr. T comes back to her side. "Then I want you to ice it, twenty minutes on, twenty off, for the rest of the day. One of you needs to watch her while she sleeps tonight, she could have a minor concussion."

She grips my hand tightly as he nears her face, and I lift the back of hers to my lips, holding it there and lightly kissing it as he finishes ridding her face of blood. Everyone talks quietly as he does, worry washing away as Dakota starts to perk back up, the initial shock wearing off.

I help her sit up, watching closely as she swings her legs to the side of the bed. "Brooks, I know you wanted to for lunch but would you be upset if I went back to the house while you all go?" She sounds nervous.

"Kota," he laughs. "There is no way in hell you're going back alone, we'll grab lunch to-go on the way."

She nods, but I can tell she's not convinced by his passiveness about the situation. "Can I ride back with you?" Those soft brown eyes desperately bore into mine.

"Go with them," I gesture to our friends. "I'll grab the food, I'll be right behind you," I gently kiss her forehead, needing a few minutes to myself.

"Okay," she sounds disappointed, letting Connor wrap an arm around her as they walk out the door, but she keeps glancing back at me until I'm out of sight.

~

"Hi, my baby, how are you?"

I stand in the middle of the store like an idiot, staring at the wall of bouquets.

"Uh, hi mom. Quick question, what kind of flowers would you want if your boyfriend accidentally hit you in the face with a puck?" I speak quickly, trying to rip the band-aid off.

"Slow down. Are you telling me in the same sentence that you not only have a girlfriend, but you also hit her in the face with a damn hockey puck?" She sighs at the second part of her statement.

"Yeah, I guess that's exactly what I'm saying." I shrug my shoulders even though she can't see the action.

"Oh, honey," she laughs, "you better buy her the most expensive flowers they have." She pauses for a quick moment, "wait. Who is she?"

"It's Dakota, Connor's best friend, you'll meet her next week. Thanks, mom, bye!" I end the conversation quickly, knowing she probably has a million questions and I need to get back to the house as soon as possible.

As soon as I step into the living room, Brooks gasps. "Did you get me flowers?"

"Actually, yes," I hand him one of the bouquets from my full arms. "One for the birthday boy, one for my favorite future veterinarian," I hand another to Ellie. "For my dear captain, because I didn't want you to feel left out," I hand yet another to a chuckling Connor.

"And finally," I turn to Kota, who is laying on the couch, watching me with an amused smile. "The best one for my beautiful girl, I'm sorry for hurting you."

"Parker," she can't stop laughing, "I'm fine. Just a small little bump, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." She leans up to kiss me but I turn my head at the last second, causing her pink lips to hit my cheek instead.

I sit down, leaving a good foot of space between us, and hand Dakota her food while doing my best to ignore the weird look she's sending my way. We all eat quickly, listening as Brooks tells us stories from high school, including when he got arrested for doing donuts in a parking lot.

"I hate to ruin the fun, but I'm dying to take some Tylenol and go lay down," Dakota's voice is apologetic.

"Kota, between the cake and watching you drip blood all over the rink," he laughs, "you've given me enough today. Go sleep," he gives her a genuine smile.

She gives him a big hug before turning to me, "come with me?"

I hate that I hesitate, but I do. However, the glare I'm getting from Connor is enough to bring my brain back, "yeah, sure."

She wraps her hands around my bicep as we walk upstairs, leaning her body on mine. "I don't think I've ever seen your room," she smirks.

My eyes widen, and when we reach my door I make her wait as I go in and make sure all of my clothes are put away. "Okay, baby, you can come in now," I open the door widely for her.

She walks in slow, eyes taking in my marvel posters, then moving on to my bookshelf filled with trophies. Moving to the shelf, she runs her fingers over my smaller ones from my peewee days. "Best Effort: Parker Elliot Cadell," she reads out loud, looking over at me while a playful smile paints her face.

"We can't all be incredible from the start," I move behind her, very lightly placing my hands on her jean-covered hips. "Do you want sweatpants and a t-shirt?"

"Hell yeah, I do."

I grab her clothes and get into bed as she changes in my ensuite bathroom. "Pants don't fit," she shrugs, walking to me in a shirt that falls to her mid-thigh.

"That's uh fi-fine," I can't even get the words out, watching the shirt ride up as she climbs into bed beside me. "Oh, here," I hand her the water bottle and painkillers on my nightstand.

"Thank you, baby," she quickly swallows them before snuggling under my arm, placing her head softly on my chest.

I run a soothing hand through her straight hair, much different than her usual waves. "I really am sorry, love," my voice comes out in a whisper.

"Parker," her chin tilts up, eyes locking onto mine. "I'm not broken, it'll just bruise. One time Connor and I were playing street hockey and his stick broke, right before slicing my leg open, look." She pulls back the covers, showing me a long faded scar on the back of her thigh.

"That actually does make me feel better," I selfishly admit.

She pulls my tattooed arm towards her, fingers tracing the ink. "What do they mean?"

"The bouquet is for my mom, they're her birth flowers. My dad has the same ship as me on his shoulder, we got them on my nineteenth birthday, he said he felt left out since I had one for mom," I chuckle. "Then the numbers are the coordinates for the lake I learned to skate on," I smile, thinking of the videos my mom has of that day. I point out the other random tattoos scattered around my arm, none of which have any meaning, I just thought they looked cool.

"I love them," her eyes are bright. "I want one," she says excitedly.

"Of what?"

"Not sure yet, maybe I'll get a tramp stamp," she giggles, the sound like music to my ears.

"I know it's your body, but I would never let you do that," I squeeze her hip, eliciting a small squeal from her lips.

"I'm fucking with you, but I do actually want something. I just haven't decided on what yet," she lifts a shoulder haphazardly.

"When you decide, I'll take you to my favorite guy. He's in North Carolina, though."

"Trying to take me home already, smooth babe," she goes to kiss me but pauses, putting her hands firmly on both sides of my face before closing the small distance.

"What's this for," my voice sounds weird thanks to her hands squeezing my cheeks together.

"You turned away from me earlier, I had to make sure you couldn't do it again." She looks proud of herself, making me smile.

"I didn't want to accidentally hurt you."

"I wouldn't have tried if I thought it would hurt," she rolls her eyes. "I'm excited to meet your parents next weekend," she changes the subject.

"Speaking of, would you mind if they sit with you at the game?"

"I'd be happy to, it'll give us time for your mom to show me baby pictures," she boasts, snuggling further into my body as if she's trying to crawl under my skin.

"I was cute as hell, baby, good luck trying to make me embarrassed," I don't care to hide anything from her.

"Hey Park?" She whispers into my skin, hiding her face.

"Yes, love?"

"I really like being around you," I feel her small smile through my shirt.

My heart rate speeds up and I feel its low thrumming throughout my body. I haven't been in an actual relationship since high school. We dated for two years, and I never once felt as content as I do with Dakota. I don't have to show off for her, she's happy with me for who I am.

My hand once again finds her hair, rubbing softly. "You better, cause I'm not fuckin going anywhere." My voice comes out serious, needing her to believe every word. "Let's watch a movie before you fall asleep," I turn on Little Women, knowing how much she loves it.

~

Dakota's face is officially black and blue.

I woke up every hour to check her breathing, and each time I spent ten minutes staring at the growing bruises under her eyes, wishing they were under mine instead. She says they don't hurt, none of us believe her, and that they'll probably be gone after we get home from our road games on Tuesday, which is also a lie.

Brooks even flinched when he saw her this morning but was smart enough to play it off as if he forgot she was staying over. Kota may normally be smart, but she's gullible as hell, so she completely fell for it.

"Ellie, you'll sleep with her tonight?" I ask for the millionth time.

"Yes, Parker," she rolls her eyes at me.

"Text me when she goes to sleep and after she wakes up."

"Shh," Dakota waves her hands at me. "Leave her alone, I can text you all that. She won't let me die in my sleep."

I don't respond, mouthing 'text me' to a humored Ellie.

"We actually have to leave though, like right now," Connor and Brooks quickly kiss the girls' cheeks before heading out.

I walk to Dakota, lightly placing my hands on the side of her face, thumbs running over the bruises. "I'm fine, go before you're late," she pecks my lips. "I'll be rooting for you from my bed."

"Wear my jersey, it'll give me some luck," I kiss her deeply, 'accidentally' slipping my tongue into her mouth.

She lets me for only a few seconds before pushing on my chest. "Go," she urges, "I'll see you in a few days."

I nod, trying to memorize the smile on her face before I head out to the car.

"Hunt, Cadell, get over here," Coach yells to us the second we arrive.

Connor and I share a quick look of annoyance, knowing that the last guys on the bus normally get the shittiest seats, regardless of seniority.

"I got a few calls this morning. Nashville and Vancouver are coming to watch you boys this weekend, don't screw it up," his face is blank, not giving away anything else said between him and the scouts.

Shocked, I just nod, thanking him before heading to the stairs.

"One last thing!"

I turn quickly, "yes sir?"

"Good job making your girlfriend bleed all over my ice," he smirks, letting me know Dr. T gave me away.

Connor just laughs from behind me, pushing me onto the bus.

I sit down and pull out my phone, eager to text Kota.

Hi. I miss you already

Also, there are scouts coming to watch Con and me. I'm really gonna need you to wear that jersey now

She answers a few minutes later.

NO WAY

I could cry right now. I'm so proud of you two

And I miss you too, even more than I miss Con (tell him and I'll break up with you)

Her laugh makes me chuckle, causing Connor to turn and give me a weird look.

I'd never. Facetime me before you go to bed?

Spend time with the guys, I'll call you in the morning <3

I think you spelled 'before I go to bed' wrong

Goodnight, Parker

She ignores the rest of my texts.