Leaping for Your Dreams

***Mari’s POV***

I walked from my office to the locker room; it was game day. Geno had surprised me by telling me his family was coming to town for at least March if not all of the playoffs. I went frantic trying to think of the perfect menu to welcome them home with. In the end I’d found the best meal I could. They’d even welcomed me with open arms, something that never ceased to amaze me.

As usual we were set for the event tonight and I was about to get my ass in my gear and have some real fun. Geno’s mother had insisted on coming with me to work this morning, which I found odd at first until she started asking questions. I’d figured out quickly that she just wanted to know what I did a bit better. So I took her through my morning, checking to see that everything was running smoothly and ready for tonight.

In fact she was behind me right now, she had wanted to see my _entire game day routine. Like with any Eastern European Mother, I did _not_ say no. As I got to the locker room doors her eyes widened, so I quickly explained that I needed to change for the pick up game that was going to happen. That lead to questions about what position I played, for how long and most importantly if Zhenya knew.

I brought her through the locker room into the change room. We kept talking as I changed into my hockey underwear. I had her come with me as I stretched and then began getting my gear on. I found a note in my helmet that made me smile. Of course it was from Zhenya and only 3 simple words, but _those_ words made me kind of melt.

Dan knocked as he heard us talking. “Mari? Oh, hello Mrs. Malkin.” Geno’s mom didn’t know very much English so I translate. “We’re switching Goalies this time, you’re with me.” I rolled my eyes and dutifully translated what he said. I picked up my mask and gloves and headed for the tunnel.

The pick up game went very well even though I ended up losing. I’d have a chance to regain my glory the next day though. Mama, as she now insisted I call her, enjoyed the game. After my shower and getting ready for the event I was about to host, I took Mama into the kitchens. If nothing else _I_ needed a snack to tide me over. We grabbed our snacks and I showed her around the kitchens a bit. Then my text message tone went off. It was Geno saying that he, his dad and brother were here.

I helped Mama get back to where we’d agreed to meet. Geno looked as handsome as ever in his suit. Mama began telling the boys about what she’d seen me do so far today. They seemed genuinely interested so as Geno went into the locker room to begin his pre-game routines, I took the family into the Suite to show them just what I really did.

In time my servers began to arrive and I had to show the family over to the PR people so they could get to where they needed to be. I did a quick inspection of the servers and then it was just the waiting that I had to do. My job was more intricate than I could really show the family unless they were a part of the event. Mario showed up towards the beginning of warm ups, that was normal. He always wanted to see things were good to go for himself.

The event, and the game went very well. One upset child but that was due to being past her bedtime. That was cured by a visit from Icebergh. The kids from Sid’s suite came downstairs, along with the family and even that went well. I introduced and translated for them. The plumber’s shop that had booked the suite couldn’t say enough good things about how they’d been treated from day one.

The night ended on a good note and everyone was happy. Seeing that there was another game tomorrow, we didn’t go out to a club even though we could have.

Getting home at about 10:30, we had a quick meal and just relaxed after. Geno and Denis played a little NHL 12, but that quickly got old. In the end we all got a bit pampered by Mama who’d made some yummy blini for us.

Mama and Papa pulled Geno away for a private conversation, not that it bothered me I was listening to a story about their childhood from Denis. When they came back in Geno pressed a kiss into my neck with extra enthusiasm. Whatever they spoke about was a good thing. We were breaking up for the night. Geno had morning skate and while I didn’t have to go in for it, I might.

“Хорошая мама ночь, Хорошая ночь, папа. (Good Night Mama, Good Night Papa)” Geno called out as his parents went to bed.

“Хорошо Ночи сын, Хорошо Ночи дочь. (Good Night Son, Good Night Daughter)” They called back. My jaw hit the floor. I looked over at Geno who was just beaming.

Denis caught what was said and added to it. “Хорошо брат ночь, вы тоже сестра. (Good Night Brother, you too Sister.)”

I stood there a little while just completely shell-shocked. I hadn’t even known them for 24 hours really and already they were insisting that I was a family member. I looked at Geno who couldn’t stop smiling as he spoke. “This is good. My family, they love you already. They never say that to my ex.” He came over and kissed me lightly. “Mama loved that you took her with you today and showed her everything you did, including the pick up game. She loved that everyone respected you and still treated you as if you were family. Told me tonight that if I let you go, they’d hurt me.” He chuckled at that thought. “They would have to be in line for that. Aleks is first.” He scoped me up and carried me to bed.

Once tucked in he pulled me close and whispered in the dark. “Would rather lose hand and foot than lose you.”

I was completely floored.