Artemi Panarin was your best friend. You had met him when he was announced to be playing with the Chicago Blackhawks, and the two of you hit it off instantly. You were really good at making him feel comfortable, even when he got nervous because of the little English that he knew. You had helped him learn a bit more than he knew when he first got to the team and that certainly helped bring you closer. You were at every game to cheer him on and tried to get to most of the practices. Whenever Artemi saw you in the stands, he would get this big goofy grin on his face which warmed your heart every time. Tonight was no different and you were talking to Artemi outside of the locker room before he had to get ready for the game.
"So are you nervous?" you asked him, nudging his arm gently.
"Only a little bit." He said softly. "You're here though." He said and smiled down at you.
"Yes I am. You know I'm gonna be cheering you on the whole time." You told him.
"I feel good about tonight." He said. "It will be good." He said smiling.
You smiled and nodded. "It will. Alright you need to get changed and I need to go find my seat. Good luck out there." You told him, hugging him tight.
He returned the hug and smiled down at you. "Thank you, Y/N."
"No problem. Go get 'em." You smiled and walked to the stands.
You watched the team warm up on the ice and waved to Artemi as he skated past the glass in front of you. He would give you his big smile that made his entire face light up. One of the times he passed you, he tossed a puck over the glass to make sure you caught it. You reached up and grabbed it, smiling at him.
"Thank you." you mouthed.
He winked to you and skated over to the bench to go back into the locker room.
You waited for the team to come back and stood for the National Anthem. When the puck dropped, you focused on the team making sure not to miss a single moment. As you watched the game, you couldn't help but leap out of your seat when Artemi scored a goal. You cheered for him, a huge smile across your face. After the sounds of Chelsea Dagger calmed down, everyone was back in their seats to watch the game. During the first period intermission, you sent Artemi a text knowing that he wouldn't see it until after the game.
'Congrats on your goal, Artemi!'
As the second period started, the game got more intense as the Rangers tied the game. After the second period ended, you decided to send another text to Artemi's phone.
'You guys are gonna do this, I just know it. Keep playing hard, bread man!'
You got yourself a drink and sat down just in time to see the third period start. The period kept going with no scores from either team, until Artemi made a power play goal, putting the Blackhawks ahead. You were on your feet again, high fiving the people around you and dancing to Chelsea Dagger as Artemi high fived his team. Before you could even get comfortable in your chair, Artemi made an empty net goal earning himself his first hat trick. You were on your feet cheering as loudly as you could, clapping for your best friend.
The Blackhawks won the game 5-3 thanks to Artemi, and you couldn't wait to congratulate him in person. When they announced the three stars of the game, to no surprise of the fans, Artemi was named number one. You were ecstatic for him and could barely work your thumbs to send another text.
'HAT TRICK! Artemi Panarin, you got yourself a hat trick! I am so incredibly proud of you, and can't wait to give you the biggest hug ever.'
You waited until the stands cleared out and headed down to the locker room. You waited in the hallway with the other families. As some of the players came out of the locker room, you could barely wait for Artemi to come out. As you were waiting, your phone buzzed in your pocket.
'Come see me.' Artemi sent.
You walked into the locker room and saw Artemi sitting on the bench, a smirk on his face.
"Hey all-star." You said smiling.
Artemi looked up at you and a huge grin spread on his face. "Y/N!" he said excitedly, standing up. "Come get your hug." He said, smirking.
You smiled and ran over to him giving him the biggest hug you could ever give him. "I am so proud of you, Artemi. Your first hat trick!" you said excitedly.
Artemi's smile got bigger, if that was even possible. He hugged you back and rubbed your back gently. "You supported me. Thank you for cheering." He said to you.
You smiled up at him and nodded. "No problem. You know I'm going to be there cheering you on forever. You're stuck with me, bud." You joked, smirking.
Artemi smiled and nodded. "I'm okay with that. I like that." He said.
You smiled and felt your cheeks turning pink. It could have been the excitement of the game but you felt a streak of confidence. You leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on Artemi's cheek.
It was Artemi's turn to blush and he looked down at you giving you a sheepish smile. "Thank you, Y/N." he said softly.
"You're welcome. Let's go celebrate, I'm starving." You teased.
Artemi nodded. "Okay." He said and leaned down giving you a kiss on the cheek. "My biggest fan." He said smiling.
"Always." You said smiling up at him.
The two of you got your coats on and headed to your car to go get some dinner. On the way to the restaurant, Artemi reached over and held your hand gently. You couldn't help but smile, feeling yourself blush again. Maybe the hat trick pushed something else into play; a new step for the two of you? Only time would tell.