Courageous

Christmas Eve 2k11. My first Christmas Eve in New York. With no family to do the holiday things with, my only plans tonight were to see the Sherlock Holmes sequel with Amanda. There was a part of me was tempted to drive up to Boston and surprise the guys. That would be the closest thing I'd get to family this side of the border, but with a game against the Islanders the day after Christmas, I doubted it'd be a good idea to leave the city. So now the only thing there was to look forward was my movie date with my bestie. My bedroom door opened to reveal Amanda dressed for work,

"Hey, I gotta go cover for one of my co-workers... His wife's having their first kid and he wants to be with her, so-"

"They need you to run the station. It's no big deal. I'll just see if one of the guys wants to come with me." I assured her, when I saw the sad look on her face. It was odd for both of us to not participate in any Christmas traditions, "We can watch more Claymation Christmas movies after you get off."

My suggestion brought a smile to her face, "Sounds like a plan, Stan."

With that she shut my door and left for work, leaving me without someone to hang out with. Wow, I am such a loser. Prust heard me admit that he'd be the first one to agree and assure me that it wasn't a bad thing because there was always a shortage of losers. Well, I guess there was always someone I could call, but I wasn't sure if I should call him. It wasn't that I didn't want to, I did, but... Ah, hell, who am I kidding? He's the only one I want to hang out with. Swallowing my pride, I dialed his number and within three rings he answered, "Allo?"

"Hey, Hank, it's Mickayla." I told him, twirling a strand of hair around my finger, "I was just wondering if you have any plans tonight?"

"Um... Well, I was going to hang out with Sean, but I could always cancel. I thought you had plans to see a movie with Amanda." He recalled our conversation after the Philly game.

"Well, she ended up having to work tonight... So I was wondering if you'd want to come with me instead..." I informed him, hoping he would take my invitation.

"Of course, I'll come with you. Let me just tell Sean that I'm not going to make it tonight and I'll be right over." He told me.

"Ok, do you think you could take a taxi over?" I requested, "Amanda and I were just planning on going to the AMC Loews, which isn't that far away so we were going to walk there."

"You want to walk there?" Hank inquired with an amused tone.

"Yeah, the cold doesn't bother me. Back at BC, we used to have to walk everywhere." I shrugged, "Plus, I thought it'd be a great way to see all the lights and stuff."

"Alright, I'll try it. I'll call you when I get there." He told me and with that we hung up.

Flopping onto my bed, I suppressed a squeal with one of my pillows. Honestly, I had never been so excited about going out with a guy before. Any other time, it just felt like a chore, but I guess since I was going out with Hank that it just seemed like it was going to be more interesting, even if we were just going to watch a movie. Maybe it was just the fact that it was my first time actually going out in New York... With a guy, but that didn't mean that it was a date, right? Is it possible to go on a date with a married man? Well, I guess it is. Oh, who am I kidding? This is so wrong and yet, it feels so right.

Getting up from my bed, I walked out into the kitchen to get some snacks ready because we all know how expensive movie theater food can be. Throwing together an assorted bag of candy also allowed me to take my thoughts off the all-negative aspects of my night out with Hank. That was until a thought came to me, what was I going to wear because honestly, the man always had a tie on so if he wore something else it would be strange. Hopefully, he wasn't going to wear a tie otherwise he'd be extremely over dressed for the occasion. After placing my bag of treats into my purse, I headed back to check out and freshen up my own appearance. A quick reapplication of my foundation and chap stick was all that really needed fixing up, well besides the my hair which a quick flip and a little hairspray puffed up.

By this point, I was officially ready to go and yes, I would've done the same thing if I had been going with Amanda and not Hank because you never know if someone might recognize you and want a picture. As my iPhone buzzed, I had a flashback of the last time I hung out with James and that reminded me that I still hadn't decided how I was going to deal with that boy. Speak of the devil; he was trying to call me right now. Well, he wanted to speak with me now then he would willing to wait until the morning before I would be willing to talk to him and maybe, then he'd understand just how badly he'd screwed up.

Throwing my coat over my shoulders and snatching my purse, I looked the door to the apartment before heading down stairs to the lobby to meet up with Hank. Unlike last time, there were no nerves or gitters, only an eerie calmness that washed over me whenever I was in Hank's presence. This time I didn't need to look for him, I figured he wouldn't be too far away from the main entrance and he wasn't. If only I could've snuck up on him like I had done with James, but Hank had seen me making my way across the almost vacant lobby. The dazzling smile he gave me as I stood in front of him caused my breath to hitch in my throat. Sure, he had smiled at me like that before, but this time we weren't teammates per say, we were two adults going to enjoy a movie together and there was something different about that.

"Ready?" Hank asked, holding a hand out for me to take. Nodding, I allowed him to wrap his hand around mine. With that I let him lead us out into the brisk New York night.

Christmas Eve was really no different than any other night in the city that never sleeps. There were all kinds of people milling about on this winter night. Sure, I had been to some Christmas parties in Boston and there were always someone people out, but it was nothing like this. There was just as much traffic at night as there were in the day time, not that it wasn't normal for New York but the fact that it was Christmas Eve was surprising.

"Is Christmas Eve always like this?" I inquire to my companion as I take in the conventional decorations that lined the block we were currently walking down.

"Unfortunately, it is. Nobody slows down here. There's always something to do. Somewhere to be." Hank explained to me. I trusted his words to be true because he has called New York City his home for six years and thus had knowledge of what the city was like at different times of the year.

Again, I was reminded of the years he had on me and again, I wondered if I should really be doing what I was going. No, no, I shouldn't be, but there was something inside of me telling me to take this chance and let it lead me wherever it may. Then I realized that I really didn't know that much about Hank, well other than what he had told me in casual conversation,

"Yeah, that's kind of how Vancouver is, only not as crowded. When I played for the Giants, we had a hard time finding places to just hang out and get away from it all." Pausing of a moment, I decided I would open up a little, "At first, it was such a huge change compared to the little port city of Victoria that I grew up in."

"I know what you mean. I was born in Åre, a ski resort. My parents were ski instructors there. When we moved to Båstad, it was a big change. Playing for Frölunda HC in Göteborg was an even bigger change. Nothing compared to this city though." Hank agreed with me, also sharing with me a little bit about his past.

"Yeah, it's definitely been the biggest change, especially after four years in Boston. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just a tourist still." I informed him. Hank nodded, studying me for a moment before he asked,

"What made you chose to go to school for four more years. When you could've come to the NHL sooner?"

I wasn't surprised why he asked me that. A lot of other players in the league had. Most of them were guys, who hadn't sought a higher education and had dedicated their lives to the sport they love. Shrugged, I rubbed my arms,

"Well, part of it was receiving a college degree. Another part was the full ride scholarship I was offered to come play for the eagles. I took the offer most because it was a grantee to play four more years of hockey. At the time, I wasn't sure if I could make it in the NHL."

Hank seemed surprised by my answer. He only knew the confident, capable woman and player that I had blossomed into while in Boston. Before, I had all but lost hope in my dreams to play hockey beyond the colligate level. I knew I was a high enough caliber player to play for the national team, but that wasn't where I wanted to end up. Without attending Boston College, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.

Silence slipped in as I let him digest the some of what I made me who I am. I knew he'd appreciate my desire to obtain an higher education and length my already success career.

"Would you change anything?" He inquired as we turned onto 8th Ave and passed by a group of coeds out enjoying the night. Shaking my head, I knew that I wouldn't ever want to change any part of my journey that brought me here, "Nothing?"

"Absolutely nothing." I confirmed, smiling confidently at him. Hank smiled back and wrapped an arm around my shoulders to tuck me into his side. Once again that warm, feeling came over me as he drew me in.

"Can I tell you something?" Hank asked of me with a cheeky grin.

"No, of course not," I joke with him, "Yes, Hank, you can."

Sharing a laugh, he gazed down at me, obviously a little embarrassed about what he was going to say next, "I haven't seen the first Sherlock Holmes before."

Feigning shock, I wasn't surprised that the Swede hadn't seen the action thriller. It was created for the American viewer and thus, probably hadn't drawn in his interest. I had gone with my American teammates back when it first came to theaters.

"Well, I have a feeling that the movie we are going to see doesn't have that much to do with the first one. The first one was mainly an introduction to the characters." I explained to him as we crossed a street, now closing in on our destination.

Studying the man I was with I remembered that he would probably be recognized by a random fan. Taking off my sock cap, I offered it to him. The confused look he gave me as I did so was almost enough to make me laugh a loud,

"Do you want to be recognized?"

With a wry smile, Hank took the knitted hat from my hands and shoved it on top of his well-groomed head, messing his hair up in the process. Not knowing what else to do or say, I just shook my head and laughed at him. Of course, this was the first time I had ever seen the man in anything other than the Broad Way hat we passed around the locker room. Ok, he did wear a hat to Brad's Christmas party, but that was a costume and wasn't very practical.

"Do you recognize me now?" He, jokingly, asked as he pulled me back into his side. Rolling my eyes at his childish question, I informed him that there wasn't anyway that I couldn't recognize him when he was looking right at me. Disappointed with my answer, he should've his hat down farther. While Hank was distracted, I managed to slip away from him and continue walking down the block wondering how long it would take him to realize I was gone. It didn't take long for him to catch up with me.

"You know that walking by yourself at night in New York is hazardous for your health." He whispered in my ear as he snuck up behind me.

The warmness of his breath against my ear caused me to shudder with pleasure, even when I didn't want to. Deciding to play a little dirty, I looked up at him with a flirtatious smile dancing on my lips,

"Your hazardous to me health, Hank."

"Oh, am I?" He smirked back at me, placing his hand flat on the small of my back, "How so?"

"Oh, trust me, you just are."

I winked at him and lead him through the crowds of New Yorkers coming from and going to the theater. Once inside, he followed me over to the counter.

"Two tickets for 'Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows', please" I requested when it was our turn in line. Digging through my purse, I didn't even have a chance because Hank had already whipped out the money to pay for both of our tickets and before I could protest he guided me past the cashier and into the lobby.

Once inside the barrier, Hank hopped in a concessions line, so I walked over to the hall that we would go down for our movie. Not ten minutes later, Hank was back and with a huge tub of popcorn and a large drink.

"I got a extra large because I thought you might like some, too." He stated, smiling, sheepishly from behind the puffy, buttery mound of delight. In a way, I was reminded of the first date I ever went on with one my teammates back in Vancouver. My date had offered to buy us popcorn and only I ended up paying for half of it because he did have enough to pay for all of it. Come to think of it, I had to play for our tickets that night. That kid never had any money.

"Hank, you didn't have to do that." I mumbled as I followed him down the hallway towards our theater. This caused Hank to stop and turn around to face me with a fond look softening his electric blue eyes,

"No, but I wanted to."

With those words, I knew that he wasn't going to allow me to argue with him. So with a 'huff', I followed him into our theater. I held my breath, hoping that there wouldn't be too many people inside. Luckily, there weren't many people, maybe five or six teenagers and a family or two. At first, I was surprised that there weren't very many people for such a new movie then I remembered that War Horse was now out and figured that a lot of people would go see that instead.

Hank stepped aside as if to say he wanted me to pick where I wanted to sit. Sending him a small smile, I skipped. Yes, I, Mickayla Hammer, do in fact skip... on occasion, but don't mention, 'kay? But as I was saying: I skipped up the stairs to the top before flopping down in the middle of that row. From my seat, I watched Hank ascend the stairs after me before he sat down beside me.

"Interesting choice." He informed me, coolly, but I was sure he was still trying to get over my prior display. Shrugging, I nodded toward the group of teenagers in the middle row below us,

"The best seats in the house were taken. These seats were the next best thing."

Hank nodded in agreement after as he saw the logic of my statement. I knew that even though he didn't mind handing out a few autographs for fans, who caught him on the street, but I figured that wasn't on his agenda tonight even though it's probably make some kids Christmas. However, he seemed appreciative of my gesture and offered me some popcorn as we settled into our seats for the movie. Checking my phone, I was that it was about 7:45, which meant fifteen minutes until the movie started.

Glancing at my companion, I wondered if tonight would blur the lines between friendship and relationship even further. I knew that it would inevitable at some point, but did I want to be in a relationship with a man, who was going through the process of divorce? Yeah, the thought was constantly haunting me, but wouldn't it bother you a little, too?

"What's going on, Hank?" I pondered, quietly enough for only him to hear. I know that now wasn't a time to be asking those kinds of questions, but I was tired to pussy footin' around the bush.

"What do you mean?" He inquired back; even in the half light of the theater I could still see his brow crease in half confusion.

"What is going on with us? Our lives? What's happening?" I asked, turning in my seat and tucking my legs under me so that I was now facing him. I wanted to see his face, his full reaction to my questions. Unfortunately, there was nothing that extraordinarily different about it, his face remained calm and composed as he answered me,

"What is going on with us is whatever we want it to be. I know that both of us are making very tough decisions and I am willing to let happen whatever happens if you want it to happen."

"What do you want it to be?" I pressed further, needing to know what he wanted. He gave me a long look, before placing his hand on top of mine that lay upon the armrest between us.

"What about James? Do you still want him?" He questioned me with a seriousness that I hadn't expected. Signing, I shook my head and shrugged before peaking at the man before me from underneath my eye lashes,

"I have to find out if what Talbot said was true... I can't just cut him off like that, even if we haven't been together very long. It's the right thing to do. I know it won't make for all the wrong, but it'll be a start."

"And if Talbot lied?" Hank inquired, uncertainty flashing in his eyes for a moment as he looked at me and I at him. I knew deep down that even if there was still some attraction between James and I that it wouldn't be enough to kindle a smoldering love that doesn't burn out. Everyday, I discovered more and more truth to that statement and more often than not, I would come to those conclusions because Hank.

Turning my palm up underneath his, I laced our fingers together and gave his hand an assuring squeeze. Whether it was more for him or me, I wasn't sure, but I knew that we were both headed down unknown paths and we needed all the courage that we could afford. After a moment, I felt the desire to lighten the mood a little,

"If Talbot lied to me, then I will personally castrate him for his digressions...If he wasn't then it may take some time for me to accept that James was just looking for someone to use. I thought he wanted someone to be with and maybe love, but I stupid and naïve to be so wishful."

"What if you could have that?" My dear friend asked again, leaning in closer to me his voice dropping so that only I could hear him. Smiling, I reached free hand up so that it rested up his bristly cheek, hoping that he didn't think that I was trying to lead him on. I knew that what he was trying to tell me was what I wanted to hear, but I couldn't help but need to be reassured by his words

"Hank... Are you sure? That you want me? I'm just shy of a decade younger than you and-"

His soft lips crashed against mine silencing my doubts and I. Letting go of my hand, he brought his hands to cup my face as he pulled away,

"Mickayla, age is only a number. It does not define you or me. When I was your age, I had a hard time understanding that too, but now after living in this city I have began to see that if a person wants something bad enough they are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Even if that means waiting for it, I will wait until you're sure of what you want."

I was lost for words, part of me wanted to laugh because he sounded like a lovesick poet at moment. First to have him declare that he wanted me to be his and then to have him say he was willing to wait for me, I was sure if I'd be able to breathe after this. Hopefully, I wouldn't faint, but there were not promises. Every girl wanted to have a man to say these things to him and here I was, a firm believer that real love doesn't exist, is hearing a man the likes of Henrik Lundqvist say them to me. Boy, the things I'd be doing to him right now if we weren't in public...

The lights dimmed, signaling that it was preview time, so I turned back to face forward. I held my hand up to touch that spot where Hank's hand had just been. Smiling to myself, I went to lay my arm back on the armrest only to have it rest on top of Hank's. Naturally, our hands intertwined as we turned our focus onto the movie. I'm not going to lie; I was completely into the movie. I loved Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law together as Holmes and Watson. I mean, come on, who doesn't think they are hot?

On another note, the sequel to me was almost better than the first. Of course, it was about 2 hours and a quarter long, but it never seemed to drag. The way the plot grew and expanded then twisted and backtracked left kept me on my toes. What got me was when Holmes disguised himself as a woman; it definitely threw in the same dry humor. I loved how Holmes and Watson fought and interacted like brothers as they began to discover that Moriarty was planning a world war. I almost cried 3 times because of the time I thought Holmes was going to die, the time he jumped over the railing and into the waterfall with Moriarty after their duel, and then when it was discovered that Homes was alive and in fact had attended his own funeral, disguised in his urban camouflage leaving the plot open for a third installment of the Sherlock Holmes story. I knew that I would now have to go home and watch the first movie or maybe something less anticlimactic so that I could sleep.

Standing up from my seat as the credits began to roll, I stood up and stretched my arms out sleepily. Looking to Hank, he helped me put on my coat. I smiled as I noticed that my sock cap was still resting snuggly on top of his head.

"What'd you think?" I ask him as we walked out of the theater and back out onto the street.

"It was ok..." He shrugged, indifferently but he was unable to hide the teasing smile that played at his lips. A swat in good jest made him admit how he really felt, "I liked it. It was a very thriving and intense movie. Maybe a little hard to follow at times, but I think everything came together at the end. What did you think?"

"It was better than I thought it would be. You know how most sequels aren't as good as the first one. It's rare to find one equally as good if not better..." I informed him as we headed back for my apartment building, each step I took I realized that I really didn't feel like walking all the way back, "Do you wanna take a cab back to my place?"

"Are you inviting me to your apartment?" Hank inquired, as he hailed a taxi to take us back to my building.

"Only if you want to." I smirked, sliding into the back seat as Hank held the door open for me. Once inside, I gave the cabbie my building's address as Hank slid in and shut the door.

"And what would we be doing 'if I want to'?" Hank questioned, his eyes brow raised in a suggestive manner. Tempting as it may be, I owed Amanda a movie marathon and since there were no parties to really go to we could sleep in as long as we wanted.

"Well, I promised Amanda that I'd watch Christmas movies with her, but you're welcome to join us... If you don't have any Christmas morning plans..." I offered, leaning my head against his board shoulder.

"Luckily for you, I don't have any plans until early afternoon tomorrow. I think could afford to watch some movies with you and your friend." He whispered to me as we both watched the sparkling Broad Way lights pass by.

"Ah shucks. Hank, you're the best." I teased him, unable to subdue the sarcasm in my voice. An unbecoming snort of laughter escaped the goaltender before our conversation ebbed into a comfortable silence as we, simply, enjoyed each other's company for duration of the taxi ride.

After fighting Hank over paying the driver for his services, I led Hank to the stairs because I couldn't break my routine. The doorman gave me a death glare as I walked past him, but I chose to ignore him for time's sake. Half way up to my floor, Hank asked me,

"Are things ever easy with you?"

Giggling, I couldn't help but through in my next comment, "What tired already, old man?" As soon as those words left my mouth, I knew that Hank was going to make me regret them as lunges over and threw me over his shoulder for the second time in 48 hours. He, then, continued on the rest of the remaining flights of stairs like it was a walk in the park. Occasionally, looking over his shoulder with a smirk of satisfaction as he did so. At this time, he placed me on my feet so that I could led him to my room. Opening, the door I wasn't surprised that Amanda hadn't made it home yet. As I recall the shift after hers is from 7:30- 11 pm, so she might not get home until 11:30-11:45. So I might still get to have some alone time with Hank.... Well, not really.

"Amanda won't be back until 11:40ish, but we can go ahead and start without her." I informed Hank as I walked over to the bookcase to pick out a movie, "Any preference on what to watch?"

"Oh maybe somet'ing with a little comedy... Maybe somet'ing a little romantic?" Hank's accent grew more pronounced with each passing hour and it was adorable now that I thought about it. Smiling, I knew just the prefect movie to pull.

After retrieving the movie, I walked over to the TV and put it in. Grabbing the DVD remote, I flopped down onto the couch next to Hank, who was already stretched out in a reclining position with his feet propped up on the coffee table. Taking the opportunity provided to me, I curled up into his side and in response, he looped a lazy arm around my waist.

"What are we watching?" He inquired as I fast forwarded through all the movie previews.

"It's called, 'the Holiday.' It's got Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black in it. I think you'll like it." I informed him after I hit the play button and then rested my head on his shoulder.

The beginning of the movie, introduces the two main characters Amanda and Iris, who switch houses over Christmas break for a change in scenery because their love lives are falling apart. Amanda finding out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with his secretary and Iris being in love with a man despite him promiscuous ways, until she finds out he is engaged to the other woman. Eventually, the pair comes across a house swap website where they come into contact with one another and thus trade houses. Glancing up at Hank, I vaguely remember the rest of the plot and couldn't help but apply it to what I was going through right now. In ways it was similar, like finding love where you least expect it and how a simple move can change your life. Unfortunately, I began to drift off just before Jude Law made his appearance. Surprised at how tired I was, I looked up through have closed eye lids to see that Hank, too, while trying to fight it off was about to fall asleep. Eventually, I gave up my battle and allowed the slow and evenness of Hank's breathing and the rhythmic beat of his heart to lull me to sleep.

*GENERAL POV*

Amanda slipped into her apartment not a minute past 11:40 pm, not surprised to see that Mickayla was already home from whatever she had decided to do. She was surprised to see that she had brought someone with her and wondered if James had come up to beg for his testicles. But then again, the man on the couch was a little to dark in his complexion to be James, however she couldn't tell how it was because of the sock cap that was perched upon his crown, hiding his hair from view.

Hanging her coat up, she knew now that her friend and date were asleep because neither of them stirred from the current spot on the couch. Shaking her head, she walked back to Mickayla's room to get them a blanket to share because there was no way she was going to deal with an half asleep hockey player. Walking around to the front of the couch, Amanda was surprised to discover that Mickayla's date was none other than Henrik Lundqvist. The man, who her friend had taken a shine to and who apparently, has taken a shine to her in return. Shaking her head, she threw the blanket on top of them and turned of the TV/DVD, knowing that the next morning was going too be very interesting.