Fic: Naked Pictures (Het, Hank/Emma,1/2)
Title: Naked Pictures: Part 1
Author: Ginny and Dee (2wingsnuts)
Rating: NC-17/R
Pairing: Hank/Emma
Disclaimer: We don’t own them but one of us wouldn’t mind being owned by them.
Summary: It all started because of some naked pictures.
Author’s Notes: They’re hot. No one else seems to write them. So we have to get our fix somewhere. :) Many thanks to those who know who they are.
Emma looked at the pictures and sighed. She really was pleased with how they came out. She looked classy but not trampy. Just what she wanted. As she put down the picture, she heard her door open. There was only one guy that had a key to her apartment, her best friend Henrik. The one man she wanted more than any other but she knew it would be pointless to try to start anything between them. Henrik viewed her as a friend and nothing more. No matter how hard she tried.
"Henke," she grinned and stood. "How was your day?"
"Good," he grinned. "Practice went really well. We're going to have a great year. How was yours?"
"Went great," she said. "Went and did this modeling thing today, nothing major," she said, waving it off.
"Sounds like fun," he said. "You've been doing more of that lately."
"Its fun," she said with a small shrug. "I hope to break out into lingerie soon. And that's what today's shoot would take care of, hopefully."
"Good luck," he said and she sighed.
"So tell me," Emma said and smiled. "Tell me, have you found a new girlfriend yet?"
"There was a red head a practice today," he started and then shook his head. "Not yet."
She laughed softly and then turned when a buzzer went off. "I'll be right back," she told him and glanced nervously at the naked photos and decided that moving them would be obvious. "Laundry," she explained and stepped out of the room.
He nodded. He set his bag on the table and started to turn away before noticing the photos. "Wow," he whispered. He picked them up, looking through them.
"These are really good," he muttered.
"Thanks," Emma said softly. "Not too trashy?"
He jumped at grinned at her. "Not at all," he told her, still looking at the photos.
She smiled. "That's what I thought," she admitted but watched as he continued to look through the pictures.
"What do you think?" she pushed.
"I think these are great," he admitted. "Damn, Em, you really are a beautiful woman. Some guy's going to be very happy."
"What kind of guy?" she asked him, wondering who he thought she deserved to be with.
"The kind that's going to treat you great," he replied and looked up, smiling at her. "And doesn't care that you take naked pictures," he grinned.
"I wish I could meet someone like that," she said and thought, 'or that he would look at me that way.'
"He's out there," Hank assured her as he placed the photos back on the table. "So? What's for dinner?"
"Herring," she said, voice cold.
"Want me to help?" he asked and then studied her for a minute. "What's wrong Em? You look upset. Did I say something wrong?"
"You didn't say anything you don't always say," she said, walking into the other room.
"Hey!" he said and rushed after her. "What are you talking about Em? What am I supposed to say?"
She whirled around. "You're supposed to say, Em, you're a beautiful woman and I--" she cut herself off. "Never mind," she told him.
"You are a beautiful woman," he agreed. "And I what? What else am I supposed to say?" he demanded.
She sighed. "I can't make you say it."
Henrik shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talking about Em," he said softly.
"Of course you don't," she said. "And that's the problem."
"Explain it to me," he requested. "Please?"
"I can't," she replied. "I'm sorry. We've been friends too long and I've said too much."
"Emma," he pleaded.
She turned and looked at him, her cheeks bright red and her eyes filled with tears. "I'm going to destroy our friendship but I have to tell you. I want you Henke. I want you to tell me you want me too," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
"I didn't know you felt that way," he told her honestly.
"I know," she sighed. "I've been very careful not to tell you. If you don't feel the same, I understand. And I can behave, I swear. I don't want to lose you as my best friend."
"I feel the same way," he told her quickly.
She laughed nervously. "Before or after you saw me naked?" she asked and wiped her eyes.
"Pretty much by the first day I met you," he admitted.
She blushed and looked away from him. "Why didn't you say anything?" she wanted to know. "We've known each other for seven years; you could have said something by now."
"You seemed happy just being friends," he explained. "I didn't want to ruin that."
"I'm not happy," she laughed. "I've listened to you talk about your women and your sex life. I've listen to you go on about break ups and make ups. All I want is you. I want to be your woman."
"This would've been easier if we'd just talked to each other," he laughed.
She nodded. "I guess I should get rid of the naked pictures now?" she whispered. "I didn't mean for you to see them."
"Really?" he teased.
She nodded. "Really. I was looking at them and then you got here. I didn't think you'd want to see me naked," she admitted.
"And if I said I do?" he asked her.
"You did," she pointed out.
"What if I want to see you, now, naked?" he said softly.
"What about the herring?" she asked nervously.
"That can wait," he whispered, stepping closer to her.
She rubbed her hands against her legs. "You sure?" she then asked. "I don't want you to regret anything tomorrow. And I definitely don't want you to hate me."
He kissed her softly before deepening it. "I'm positive."
She whimpered, staring deep into his brown eyes. "I've wanted this for so long," she admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him boldly.
"Then let's enjoy this," he whispered against her lips.
"I hope you do," she said softly. "Are we taking things slow, or not?"
"Seven years was enough buildup, don't you think?" he asked.
She nodded, her fingers tangling in his hair. "You're right," she answered but placed her head on his shoulder.
"Here or your bedroom?" he asked, running his hands up her back.
"Bedroom," she said and took a step back. "I don't think the floor would be that comfortable."
"At least not for the first time," he teased.
She smiled nervously. "Yeah," she whispered. "We can always do it on the floor later, if you still want me when we're done."
"I'm going to want you," he promised.
"Are you sure?" she whispered. "I've ... you don't want to know."
"What?" he asked. "I'm sure."
She sighed. "The last guy I slept with actually was relieved when it was over. He wasn't impressing with my love making abilities." She laughed bitterly. "He had the nerve to tell me that I wasn't a good lover. I don't want to disappoint you."
He tightened his grip on her. "Who was that?" he demanded.
"Sven," she replied. "You remember him, don't you? Blond hair? I don't think you liked him."
"He wasn't good enough for you," Hank said grumpily.
"You never thought any of them were good enough for me," she laughed softly.
"They weren't. But I'm not good enough for you either," he shrugged.
"I think you are," she told him firmly. "I just hope I'm good enough for you." She smiled gently at him before kissing him deeply.
"Em," he whispered, pulling her closer. "Bedroom," he finally managed to gasp.
She took his hand and led him down the hallway, toward her bedroom.
He reached for her shirt, pulling it off. "You're beautiful."
"Am not," she blushed but pushed her hands underneath his shirt. "I never realized you were build like this," she whispered, her nails scratching lightly on his chest.
He sucked in a deep breath, mirroring her movements. "I can't believe we wasted so much time."
"I can't believe I never told you that I wanted you," she whispered, carefully removing his shirt as his hands cupped her breasts gently.
"We'll talk more now," he promised, moving his hands down her sides.
"I hope so," she breathed, her hands moving to his shoulders before ghosting down his chest. "Henke, you feel really good next to me."
"You do too," he smiled and pulled her tight against him.
"Could I get you to hold me for a minute first?" she whispered, her lips brushing against his shoulder.
"Of course." He ran his hands up and down her back, kissing her temple softly.
"I could get used to this." She shifted, moving closer to him and placing her head on his shoulder.
"You and me?" he asked. "Me too."
Her arms wrapped tightly around him as she felt safe in his arms. "Don't go to sleep on me," he teased.
"Not yet," she promised.
He kissed the side of her head before guiding her down onto the bed. "You are so beautiful, Em. I really should have told you sooner."
"Are you sure you want me?" she asked nervously. "This isn't just about the nude pictures you saw of me?"
"You Emma," he promised. "I just needed to get hit over the head to realize that I had a shot with you."
"I ... " She pulled out from under him and ran from the room. "I can't," she cried. "I can't ruin our friendship."
He stared after her for a few seconds and sat up sighing. She was right. She was his best friend and he didn't want to risk losing her.
"I want you to leave," Emma sighed. "I need to get my head together and I can't do it when you're sitting half naked on my bed."
He nodded and stood. "If that's -- no," he said. "I'm not leaving."
"I almost ruined our friendship," she told him. "I promise I'll put those pictures up so you won't be overwhelmed with your sexual needs. I'm sorry I put you through this."
"Emma," he whispered.
She turned, tears in her eyes. "What, Henke? Can we forget I did this to us?"
"No," he said simply and stepped toward her.
"Then I did ruin our friendship," she whispered.
"I ruined it when I fell in love with you," he shrugged. "I don't want to forget this. I want to keep going. I want to be in love with you forever. I want to be your friend but I want to be your lover too."
"But what if we break up and lose everything?" she asked.
"What if we spend forever in love and I make you happier than any man ever has?" he asked back.
"You don't know that, that'll happen."
"And you don't know that we'll break up," he said easily.
"Are you sure we can still be friends if we break up?"
"Em," he said softly. "Trust me. We won't break up. We love each other."
"How can we be positive?"
"Why are you so against us?" he asked. "I love you. I want you. I thought you wanted me too. That's enough to make it work."
"I'm nervous. I started thinking about what would happen if we did this and then it didn't work. We've been friends for so long."
"Then lets take it slow," he offered. "We'll go on dates, real dates, and let our relationship progress naturally."
She thought about it and nodded. "All right," she agreed.
"Emma," he smiled. "Would you like to go out for dinner with me tomorrow? Since you've already cooked for tonight."
She laughed softly and agreed, "I would."
He smiled and pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionitely. "You still want me to leave?" he asked against her lips
"Not really," she admitted sheepishly.
He stepped back and smiled. "Then I'll stay," he told her. "But I'm not kissing you again until you're ready."
"Thank you for understanding," she told him sincerely.
"You mean that much to me that I'm willing to take my time with you," he smiled. "I do love you, Em.
"I love you too. I have for years," she whispered.
"And that's what will make this so great," he told her. "I'm going to go slow with you and make you fall in love with me all over again. And this fall, you'll be going to Detroit with me." He caressed her cheek gently. "And never leave."
"You're very confident," she said, but she smiled.
"Of course I am," Henrik grinned. "I have to be because you are the best thing that's ever happened to me."
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Henke."
"You're worth it, Emma," he whispered. "Now, about that herring," he grinned and reached for his shirt.
She laughed. "I'll go make sure it's still good."
He smiled and followed her into the kitchen. This day was turning out better than he could have ever imagined.
~*~*~
"This is our sixth date," Hank said as he walked Emma in from the car. "I think we're doing well."
"It could be better," Emma sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I want you to come inside."
"Are you sure?" he asked, not wanting to push.
"I'm sure," she replied and kissed him gently. "But only if you want."
"I do want," he said quickly and then hoped he hadn't said it too quickly.
"Good," she smiled and stepped away from him, unlocking her door. "I love you," she promised. "I just hope you still love me afterwards."
"I will," he promised.
She laughed and closed the door behind them, crashing her lips to his in a deep kiss.
"Em," he whispered against her lips.
"Shh," she whispered back and pulled him toward the bedroom. "Let's go to bed."
He wrapped her in his arms, letting them drop onto the bed.
She took a deep breath and pushed her hands underneath his shirt, pushing it up before pulling it off. With a small smirk she kissed him hard and arched up toward him.
"Em," he moaned and moved to kiss along her neck, sucking gently on her collar bone.
"Henrik," she whispered back, struggling with the button on his pants.
"Take a deep breath," he encouraged and pushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders and watched in fascination as it slipped past her breasts. "There's no hurry. We have all night."
"I don't want to screw this up," she muttered and then smiled happily as she was finally able to push his pants down.
"There is nothing you could do to mess this up," he breathed and leaned down, licking across her breast before taking a nipple into his mouth.
The moan caught in her throat as she paused, closing her eyes and just focusing on how he felt before wrapping her fingers around his dick.
"Emma," he moaned. "We need to stop. I don't have any condoms."
"I do," she whispered. "In the nightstand drawer."
"Okay," he agreed and lifted her breasts to his mouth, kissing every patch of skin he could.
She moaned his name again and let him lead her to the bed.
"Slow," he muttered as he guided her onto the bed, kissing slowly down her body. "You are so beautiful," he said, looking up into her eyes. "Thank you for trusting me."
"And thank you for giving me the time," she smiled. "Time's up. I want you now."
"You're going to get me," he promised with a shaky smile. "Hell, Em, you've had me for a long time," he laughed and kissed her hip.
"But I didn't know. Now I do," she said with a smile.
He returned her smile and slowly pulled down her panties. "You are the most beautiful woman," he whispered and reached toward the nightstand.
"Let me," she said, taking the condom from him and kneeling in front.
He held his breath and nodded, watching her fingers move along his skin. "Emma," he moaned. "Please hurry."
She swiftly rolled the condom up over his dick, running her finger back down this length. "Better?"
"Almost," he panted and pulled her into his arms. "Now?" he asked, pulling her onto the bed.
"Now," she agreed.
He nodded and rolled on top of her. "I love you," he vowed as he slowly pushed into her.
"Love you too," she whispered.
"Em," he moaned. "You feel so good around me," he gasped and started a slow rhythm.
"You feel better than I imagined," she told him.
"Yeah," he moaned and thrust deeply into her before leaning down and kissing her deeply.
She ran her fingers down his back, scratching lightly as she met his pace.
Taking a shuddering breath, Hank leaned up and stared down into her eyes. He couldn't believe anyone had told this perfect woman that she wasn't a good lover. To him, she was better than anything he had ever had and he knew he'd do everything he could to make this work between them.
"Henrik," she whispered again, her eyes on his.
"Emma," he whispered back. "You feel so good."
He watched as she blushed and then smiled at him, never breaking the rhythm that they'd established.
He held off as long as he could, waiting to feel her clench around him before thrusting in one final time. He came hard, moaning her name before kissing her hard.
She cried out, coming as well, her moan muffled by the kiss.
"Emma," he panted, brushing her hair off of her face. "You are truly amazing."
She kissed him softly. "I didn't disappoint you?"
"No," he replied with a soft smile. "That was perfect, my Emma. In fact, I think I'd like to do more of it."
She smiled and kissed him again. "I would too," she told him.
"See?" he grinned and carefully pulled out of her. "I'll be right back." He gave her a quick wink and disappeared into the bathroom.
She sighed softly as she relaxed against the pillow. This had been worth the wait.
~*~*~
"Emma?" Henrik whispered as he took both her hands in his. "I've been called to Detroit and - " He stopped and took a deep breath. "And I want you to go with me," he finished quietly.
She was quiet for several seconds.
"Will you?" he asked nervously.
"Are you sure?" she whispered.
"I am very sure," he replied. "I love you Em. And I want you with me."
"All right," she agreed. "I'd love to go."
He smiled. "Thank you," he whispered and pulled her onto his lap. "It's going to be different there but I know we'll be okay." He paused as his smile slowly faded. "What about your modeling?" he asked quietly.
"I'm sure I can find work over there," she said confidently. "Or maybe I'll focus on my culinary skills instead."
"There are a few Swedes on the team," Henrik smiled. "I'm sure they'd love some real Swedish food every now and then."
"I'll learn how to make American foods too," she laughed and leaned into him. "You were right, Henke."
"About us?" he asked with a smile, wrapping his arms around her. "Of course I was. We're perfect together."
"Yes," she sighed happily. "And we'll be perfect in Detroit too. As long as your Swedish teammates don't recognize me from the nude pictures."
He paused. "I hope they don't. And, if they do, you're all mine."
"Only yours," she promised. "I'll just tell them that I'm not her."
He laughed softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said with a bright smile. "I guess I should start packing, right?"
"We leave in a week," he confirmed.
"Okay," she smiled and looked around. "Are we taking everything?" she asked. "I mean, we're going to be there for almost ten months."
"Not everything," he decided. "What we need. We can always get someone to ship us anything we need."
She nodded. "Where are we staying?" she then asked nervously.
"Nick Lidstrom, remember him? He recommended a few places and said he'd help look at houses or apartments," Hank answered.
Emma nodded. "Okay," she said. "Sounds good to me." She sat back down on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Henke, I love you more than anything," she whispered and kissed his neck.
He played with a few strands of her hair, holding onto her. "I love you too. More than ever."
"We don't have to get married, right?" she asked quietly.
"Not if you don't want to," he said, swallowing hard.
"I do," she promised. "Just not right now." She leaned back and looked into his eyes. "I want to spend one season with you, in this city I know nothing about, and if we're still together, then we can talk about it, okay?"
"All right," he agreed easily.
"I'm sorry I'm not easy to get on with sometimes but I have to be sure," she said quietly. "I love you too much to mess this up."
"Don't be sorry Em," he told her. "I know we'll be happy, but I want you to be sure and I'm willing to wait. I love you."
She nodded. "If we can survive your first season in Detroit and still be in love, we'll both know we can survive anything," she smiled. "It will be nice to go somewhere and not get recognized," she then mused.
He nodded. "Imagine, going to the grocery store and just buying food, not having to stop every time someone wants to talk or get an autograph."
"Or being able to go out to dinner with you," she grinned. "And actually being able to eat the food while it's hot."
"Hot food? What's that?" he laughed. "This is going to be a good adventure."
"The best," she agreed and snuggled closer to him. "And I'm thrilled you want me to experience it with you."
"There's no one else I want there with me."
"Let's go to bed," she grinned.
"It's the middle of the day," he pointed out with a laugh. "A little early to go to sleep, don't you think?"
"I never said anything about sleeping," Emma winked and stood. "We can pack tomorrow."
He grinned and followed after her. "I knew you were perfect for me."
"Time optimist?" she asked, glancing at him over her shoulder.
He grinned. "There's plenty of time to pack."
"I'll start while you're at practice tomorrow," she laughed. "It's not like all of your stuff isn't here anyways."
"This time it'll just be more official," he grinned.
She nodded. "We can be official," she agreed and reached for him.
"I love you," he promised.
"I love you too," she grinned. "We'll be fine in the States. I'm sure of it."
"Me too," he smiled back.
~*~*~
"Welcome, I'm Steve Yzerman. We're happy you're here."
Hank smiled and nodded. "Th-thank you," he said. "We're happy to be here too." He pulled Emma forward slightly. "This is Emma," he introduced. "My girlfriend."
"It's great to meet you," Steve told her with another easy smile. "We have most of the team here today, and a lot of their wives or girlfriends too. Foods over there," he said, pointing. "Drinks are there."
Emma returned his smile before looking anxiously at Hank. "Please don't leave me," she whispered in Swedish.
He linked their fingers together and smiled. "I'll be by your side," he promised.
She squeezed his hand gently and followed as he walked through the room.
"Good morning," a voice greeted in a familiar language. "Nick Lidstrom and this is my wife Annika. Welcome to Detroit."
"Thank you," Hank said with a genuine smile. "Henrik Zetterberg. This is Emma, my girlfriend."
"Would you like to meet the rest of the girlfriends and wives?" Annika asked Emma with a bright smile. "I promise I'll have you back to Henrik soon."
"I, yes," she said hesitantly. She'd faced crowds before, she could do this.
"Do you speak English?" Annika asked.
"Not much," she replied. "Almost none," she then amended with a small smile.
"Don't worry," Annika said with a smile. "There are a lot of Swedish women here. I can translate anything for you tonight too."
"Thank you," Emma sighed and looked up at Hank. "You mind, Henke?" she asked. "I would like to at least met the other women."
"That's fine," he promised. He gave her a light kiss. "I'll be with Nick."
She nodded at him before walking off with Annika.
"You and the model," Nick said with a laugh. "Good job."
"You recognize her?" Hank asked in dismay.
"I remember seeing her in the Ikea ad last time I was home. That is her, right?" he asked curiously.
"Yes," Hank confirmed. "She's been my best friend for years."
Nick nodded. "Come, I'll introduce you to the rest of the team."
"Thank you," Hank said before asking, "You like it here?"
"I love it here," Nick answered. "And I fully intend on retiring here. My kids were born here and we live here most of the year. Trust me, Henrik, you're going to like it here." He paused and tapped a man on his shoulder. "Pav, I want you to meet the rookie, Henrik Zetterberg. Henrik, meet Pavel Datsyuk."
Hank stared at the pale, dark haired man as he joined them. "I not new guy now," Pavel grinned at Nick.
"No," Nick laughed. "Not anymore."
"Nice to meet you, Henrik," Pavel said as he turned to look at Hank.
"N-nice to meet you too," he stuttered.
"Oh good," Pavel grinned. "Someone else that not speak English well," he said with a laugh.
Hank laughed nervously, but smiled at him.
"You not worry," Pavel whispered. "They still make fun of me." He reached out and grabbed another man's arm. "Hullie, meet Zetterberg," he introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Hull greeted, sizing him up. "I hear you a good Winger."
"Not ho-horible," Hank admitted.
"Hmm, the two kids that will probably be on my line," Hull laughed.
"Two kids and an old goat," another man teased, walking up. He held a hand out to Hank. "Brendan Shanahan, nice to meet you."
"Henke," Emma whispered as she took his hand nervously, reappearing at his side.
He squeezed her hand and smiled at her reassuringly. "Is everything all right?"
She shook her head but didn't let go of his hand.
"My girlfriend, Emma Andersson," he said to the three men in front of him. "Emma, meet Brett Hull, Pavel Datsyuk and Brendan Shanahan," he said, switching to Swedish easily.
"Nice to meet you," she said slowly.
"Nice to meet you too," Brendan grinned. "Welcome to Detroit."
"Thank you," she said, smiling.
"If you guys need anything, just let me know," Brendan continued. "Cathy and I will be happy to help. Hullie too." Emma blinked and squeezed Hank's hand again as she offered Brendan another smile.
"They'll help us with anything," he translated for her softly. "Thank you," he told Brendan.
"You not speak English?" Pavel asked curiously.
She glanced at Hank and waited for him to translate. "No," she said and sighed. "I go find Annika now," she told Hank. "That way you can talk to your new teammates."
"Em," he started, but she pulled away.
"I speak English bad," Pavel said. "She teach me Swedish? I try help with English."
"I honestly forgot," Hank told them. "She grew up in a smaller section of Sweden, where they didn't teach english in school. I should have helped her before we got here." He shrugged. "And I'll ask her," he told Pavel. "I think she'll say yes but I'll ask anyways."
"She learn," Pavel said confidently. "I better. Right?" he asked Hull and Shanny.
"Yes," Shanny laughed and turned to Hank. "You should have heard him when he got here. And than Igor took him under his wing. For a week, the only english Pav knew was an assortment of curse words."
Pavel grinned at Hank. "I teach you curse."
Hank laughed. "Okay," he agreed and allowed himself to relax. He'd help Emma, starting that night, and make this new phase in their lives easier. He'd also take her home in an hour or so. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable.
~*~*~
"What did you think?" Hank asked as they walked into the house he was renting after the gathering.
"I think they seem very nice," Emma smiled. "And I think I need to learn English," she added with a laugh. "What do you think?"
"The same," he laughed. "Pavel said he'd help you with English. We'll learn it together."
Her smile softened and she wrapped her arms around his waist. "You'll do good here, my Henke, I'm sure of it."
"I hope that we'll do good," he told her.
"We will," she smiled and pushed her hands underneath his shirt. "I love you, Henke."
"I love you too Emma, my wonderful Emma," he whispered, leaning into her touch.
She grinned, her fingernails flicking across his nipples. "My wonderful Henrik," she responded and smiled brightly at him.
He moaned softly. "Em."
"Come," she ordered and took his hand. "And teach me a word in English."
He laughed softly and gave her a light kiss. "Love."
"Love," she repeated hesitantly and smiled before repeating the world in Swedish.
"Yes," Hank laughed. "Now, let's go make love."
She laughed loudly and gave him a hard kiss. "Yes, my Henrik,."
~*~*~
Emma sat close to the glass, struggling to watch Henrik from so far away from the ice. She hated being in the wives' box, especially since she wasn't a wife. All she wanted was to sneak out of this room where no one could understand her and go down near the ice where it didn't matter what language she spoke. But she couldn't, she thought in frustration. The arena was sold out and there was no where she could go.
She looked up when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She vaguely recognized the dark haired woman, but couldn't remember her name.
"I have seats," the woman said in halting Swedish, pointing down to the lower bowl seats.
Emma smiled at her. "Really?" she asked, looking hopeful. "We can sit down there?" she said, making sure to speak slowly so the other woman could possibly understand her Swedish.
She nodded. "You want?"
Emma nodded. "Yes," she answered. "Thank you."
"I Lana," she told Emma, leading her down to the other seats.
"Pavel's wife?" Emma asked as she looked around. "This better than box," she said with a small laugh.
Lana smiled and nodded. "I speak Swedish not good," she warned.
"I speak Russian not good," Emma assured her. "We figure it out." She offered the other woman a bright smile and then looked out at the ice. "Now this is where we need to sit," she whispered. "On the ice, not near the roof."
Lana looked at her, trying to figure out what was being said before smiling and nodding.
Emma made a mental note to stop by the book store on her way home. She was going to figure out how to talk to this women or she was going to go insane from trying. She watched Hank for a few seconds and smiled. She wouldn't crush his dreams and go back to Sweden just because she couldn't talk to his teammates.
Lana tapped her arm when the whistle sounded. "Hooking," she said in Swedish before saying it in English and then Russian.
"Hooking," Emma repeated. "Thank you," she said, her Russian hesitant, and smiled at Lana.
Lana smiled back. They'd figure out.
~*~*~
"Where were you after the game?" Hank asked as Emma opened the door.
"I had to do some shopping," she answered, stuggling to carry the bags into the house.
He stared at the number of bags before moving to take them. "Where did you go?"
"Every book store I could find," she answered. "I'm not going to ruin your season here just because I can't speak to anyone."
He wrapped her in his arms, kissing her softly. "You couldn't ruin my season," he said. "I love you more than hockey. And I love that you want to learn English for me."
She blushed. "English and Russian," she said with a shrug. "Most of your teammates are Canadian and Russian, so I picked those two and hope I don't offend anyone." She wrapped her arms tighter around him. "You looked so good on the ice, Henke. I am very proud of you." She pressed against him, kissing him hard. "But I have to learn English now."
He laughed softly and kissed her forehead. "Can I help?"
"Of course," she agreed and moved to carry the bags toward their dining room table. "Thank you for helping me," she told him seriously. "And I won't disappoint you."
"Emma," he said seriously. "You could never disappoint me. Never."
"Then I won't disappoint myself," she offered and sat down, stacking the books onto the table into two piles. "English," she explained, putting her hand on the taller pile. "And Russian," she said, motioning toward the other stack. She sat down at the table and reached for one of the English books. She was going to learn it if she had to stay up for weeks.
~*~*~
Emma found herself in the wives box once more. She stayed off to the side, trying to listen closely as they talked amongst each other during the break between periods. She wasn't understand everything, not even more things, but she definitely understood more than she had before. She smiled when Annika joined her.
"You don't have to stay alone," Annika said quietly.
"I will until I understand more," Emma whispered. She paused when she heard her name being mentioned and sighed in relief when she understood that the other wife was saying something nice about her. "I'm trying to understand but I don't want to embarass myself just yet."
"No one will judge you," Annika promised. "They all like you."
"If I say anything horrible, will you tell me?" she asked nervously before allowing Annika to pull her toward the other women.
"Absolutely," she promised, squeezing her hand. She still remember how it felt to be the new one in the group.
"Hi," one of them greeted. "Cathy Shannahan," she explained. "We're very happy you and Hank are here."
"Hank?" Emma asked slowly. "Who is Hank?" she asked, her English slow and unsure.
"Zata," Annika explained in Swedish. "He picked up a new nickname."
"Oh," Emma smiled. "Henrik and I is happy to be here," she told Cathy.
Cathy smiled at her. "Are you enjoying Detroit?"
"It a lot larger than I used to," she answered. "But Henrik loves it here."
"And you?" she asked.
"Now that I try to learn English, I like it other not laugh at me," Emma admitted.
"We won't laugh," Cathy promised. "You're not the first woman to come here not knowing English." She smiled at Annika and Emma. "I know the years have passed when the second language is Swedish, not Russian."
"More for us to learn," Jenna said, also smiling as she joined them.
"Thank you," Emma told them honestly.
"We're family here," Cathy told her. "And we always like it when the family grows."
"And we'd all be honored to help you with your English," Annika told her gently.
"I like that ... much," she said with a smile. Accepting their help would be easier now that she knew some English.
"Zata scored," Lana said from near the windows.
Emma went to her side. "Assist by Pavel?" she grinned.
"Yes," Lana smiled. "Congratulations. His first goal in the NHL."
Emma grinned. "He do good."
She watched as he glanced up toward the box she was in. She knew he couldn't see her but she smiled at him anyway. She suddenly felt the urge to do something crazy.
"Annika?" she asked in Swedish. "Can you teach me how to say something in English?"
"Of course. What do you want to know?"
"I want to know how to ask Henrik to marry me."
Annika's smile grew and she said the sentence, letting Emma repeat it after her a few times. "Congratulations," she whispered, kissing her cheek.
"Thank you," Emma laughed and looked at the other wives. "Unless it not my place," she said quietly.
"You wouldn't want to do it if it wasn't your place," Annika assured her.
"If you don't do it he might take forever to ask himself," Jenna told her. "You do it and let us know his answer."
She smiled at them and nodded. "I will."
~*~*~
"Henke," Emma greeted. "You had a great game."
"Thanks," Hank smiled. "How's everything going with the other women?"
"It okay," she said switching to English. "I had them teach me to say something," she answered nervously.
"What was that?" he asked curiously.
She took a deep breath. "You marry me?" she asked, her accent thick with nerves.
Hank grinned and laughed, hugging her tightly as he twirled her around. "Really? Yes I will."
"Oh Henke," she said happily, wrapping her arms around her neck. "I've been so happy being in love with you. And I want to be that happy forever."
He kissed her hard. "I knew we'd be perfect together."
"Only because I'm easy," she teased with a laugh. "I think you've had more sex with me than any of your other girlfriends."
"I know we have," he told her. "You're more amazing than anyone else that I've ever been with."
She looked at him doubtfully. "That's sweet of you to say but I don't completely believe you," she said with a small smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "But does this mean we don't have to use condoms anymore?"
"As long as you're okay with that," he agreed.
She nodded. "I'm okay with that," she assured him. "In fact, I really want to know what you feel like when you're not surrounded by latex."
He gave her a deep kiss. "Find out now?"
In the living room?" she asked with a laugh. "Sure."
He laughed too. "We have that brand new couch."
She grinned and started pulling off her clothes. "I hope you locked the front door.
"I did," he said, reaching for her and running his hands over her.
"Good," she whispered, dropping the last of her clothes to the floor. "Congratulations on your goal again," she told him as she pulled his shirt off. "The first of many."
He smiled at her. "As long as I have you," he whispered.
"Henke, if I was going anywhere, I wouldn't be trying to learn English and Russian just so I could talk to your teammates," she pointed out, unbuttoning his pants.
"I know," he admitted. pushing toward her touch. "I love you."
"I love you too," she grinned and pushed down his pants, helping him step free. "Sexy," she whispered and turned away from him, walking naked toward the couch.
"Emma, you are the sexiest woman I've ever seen."
She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Then prove it," she said in slow English.
He smirked and lowered her to the couch before kneeling over her. "Emma, my Emma," he whispered, licking across a nipple.
"My Henrik," she whispered back, arching toward him and moaning softly. "I love you so very much," she promised, tangling his hair in her fingers.
He pressed a kiss between her breasts. "Sexy."
She laughed softly and ran her fingers along his stubble-covered jaw. "You are sexy, Zatta," she grinned and spread her legs slightly, giving him more room on the couch.
He reached down, running his fingers over her inner thighs before kissing her other breast.
She hissed slightly in pleasure before leaned up and sucking hard on his collarbone, leaving a small bruise.
He teased her clit as he kissed her again.
"Henke," she panted against his lips, her hips pressing into his. "More?"
He pushed two fingers into her. "More," he agreed.
"Henrik," she gasped, pushing down on his hand. "Feels so good," she told him breathlessly and reached between them, ghosting her fingers up his length.
He moaned softly. "Emma. Again."
She nodded and took him firmly into her hand, stroking him with determination. "You feel so good in my hands," she whispered. "Thick and hard."
He shuddered at her touch. "Emma," he whispered again in need.
"Then get in me," she encouraged, letting go of him and moving her arms over her head.
He kissed her deeply, his hands wrapped around hers as he pushed into her.
"You feel so perfect," Emma gasped. "So much better than you did before."
He laughed softly. "I don't know if I've just been insulted or not."
She smiled. "No condom," she reminded him. "That's what I mean. You felt good before but you feel different when you're bare."
"I know," he assured her. "You feel better too."
"Marry me in Sweden this summer," she begged, arching against him as he pushed deeper into her.
"Yes," he agreed. "As soon as we're back."
She nodded and wrapped her legs around him. "My Henke," she panted. "Harder."
He put his arms on either side of her, pushing in hard. "Love you."
"Love you too," she gasped before clenching hard around him, coming with a strangled moan.
He pushed into her one last time, coming with a shout. "Em," he moaned, breathing heavily.
"What a couch," she gasped, panting hard. "We need another one."
"One for every room," he grinned.
"Let's just go buy our own house," she said breathlessly.
"Where we can have sex in every room?" he grinned.
"Every day," she agreed. "Love you."
He kissed her softly. "Love you too."
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling his body closer to hers. "You need some sleep," she whispered into his ear. "And I want to be your pillow."
He pressed another kiss against her and nodded, pulling the blanket down on top of them.
~*~*~
Emma look at the other wives and grinned. "You come to Sweden during summer?" she asked them slowly. "Come to our wedding?"
"Congratulations," several said at one.
"We'd love to," Annika promised her.
She sighed in relief. "We understand if you not come," she told them, proud that her English was slowly improving. She laughed nervously when several of the women hugged her tightly.
"Let us know what day," Jenna told her. "And we'll be there. Just think, you'll be helping us instead of us helping you," she added teasingly.
Emma laughed and nodded. "That sound good."
"That great," Lana said and hugged Emma again. "We all happy for you."
"Thank you," she said, smiling at her friend.
"You gonna give him a house full of kids?" Annika teased.
"We try," Emma answered with a laugh.
Jenna gave her a quick hug. "I hope you two are very happy."
"We are now that I admitted to myself he really does love me and I not in dream," Emma shrugged. "We friends for long time before I tell him how I feel," she tried to explain.
"That's scary at first," Cathy said. "You wonder if you're better as friends. But you and Hank are wonderful as a couple."
Emma nodded, thankful the other woman understood. "Yes. That it exactly. And I scared that if we stop dating, we no longer friends." She glanced toward the ice and smiled as she saw Hank on the bench next to Shanny and Pavel.
"We better than before now," she said. "And he happier here, with team."
"They'll have a house full of kids in about three years," Jenna whispered to Annika with a small laugh.
"Boys or a girls to go with Mackenzie and Elizabeth?" Annika asked back, also laughing.
"Both," Jenna teased. "Probably a houseful of both."
Emma frowned at them both and then laughed. "You have more too?"
Jenna just looked at her and smiled. "I will in a year or two," she replied. "I think Annika's done for now."
"Four boys is enough," Annika agreed, laughing.
"Wow," Emma whispered in awe. "What it like, being a Mother?"
"Crazy, scary and fantastic," Annika said. "Sometimes at the same time."
"And nothing better than being pregnant," Lana confided. "You will enjoy it when you have kid."
Emma nodded, suddenly nervous. "You'll help?"
"Of course," Lana and Annika said as one.
"Have you decided when you want to start having kids?" Jenna asked.
"We're trying now," Emma admitted in a whisper.
"That's great," Cathy told her. "You let us know as soon as you get pregnant and we'll start spoiling our newest mascot five seconds later."
Emma laughed. "Should I worry?"
"Not one bit," Annika assured her with a big grin.
"You lie," Emma accused but she laughed.
"Maybe," Annika grinned and looked around. "Let's go see our men," she announced and led the way out of the box. Emma followed with a laugh. Hopefully she'd be able to share something amazing with these women soon.
~TBC~
Author: Ginny and Dee (2wingsnuts)
Rating: NC-17/R
Pairing: Hank/Emma
Disclaimer: We don’t own them but one of us wouldn’t mind being owned by them.
Summary: It all started because of some naked pictures.
Author’s Notes: They’re hot. No one else seems to write them. So we have to get our fix somewhere. :) Many thanks to those who know who they are.
Emma looked at the pictures and sighed. She really was pleased with how they came out. She looked classy but not trampy. Just what she wanted. As she put down the picture, she heard her door open. There was only one guy that had a key to her apartment, her best friend Henrik. The one man she wanted more than any other but she knew it would be pointless to try to start anything between them. Henrik viewed her as a friend and nothing more. No matter how hard she tried.
"Henke," she grinned and stood. "How was your day?"
"Good," he grinned. "Practice went really well. We're going to have a great year. How was yours?"
"Went great," she said. "Went and did this modeling thing today, nothing major," she said, waving it off.
"Sounds like fun," he said. "You've been doing more of that lately."
"Its fun," she said with a small shrug. "I hope to break out into lingerie soon. And that's what today's shoot would take care of, hopefully."
"Good luck," he said and she sighed.
"So tell me," Emma said and smiled. "Tell me, have you found a new girlfriend yet?"
"There was a red head a practice today," he started and then shook his head. "Not yet."
She laughed softly and then turned when a buzzer went off. "I'll be right back," she told him and glanced nervously at the naked photos and decided that moving them would be obvious. "Laundry," she explained and stepped out of the room.
He nodded. He set his bag on the table and started to turn away before noticing the photos. "Wow," he whispered. He picked them up, looking through them.
"These are really good," he muttered.
"Thanks," Emma said softly. "Not too trashy?"
He jumped at grinned at her. "Not at all," he told her, still looking at the photos.
She smiled. "That's what I thought," she admitted but watched as he continued to look through the pictures.
"What do you think?" she pushed.
"I think these are great," he admitted. "Damn, Em, you really are a beautiful woman. Some guy's going to be very happy."
"What kind of guy?" she asked him, wondering who he thought she deserved to be with.
"The kind that's going to treat you great," he replied and looked up, smiling at her. "And doesn't care that you take naked pictures," he grinned.
"I wish I could meet someone like that," she said and thought, 'or that he would look at me that way.'
"He's out there," Hank assured her as he placed the photos back on the table. "So? What's for dinner?"
"Herring," she said, voice cold.
"Want me to help?" he asked and then studied her for a minute. "What's wrong Em? You look upset. Did I say something wrong?"
"You didn't say anything you don't always say," she said, walking into the other room.
"Hey!" he said and rushed after her. "What are you talking about Em? What am I supposed to say?"
She whirled around. "You're supposed to say, Em, you're a beautiful woman and I--" she cut herself off. "Never mind," she told him.
"You are a beautiful woman," he agreed. "And I what? What else am I supposed to say?" he demanded.
She sighed. "I can't make you say it."
Henrik shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talking about Em," he said softly.
"Of course you don't," she said. "And that's the problem."
"Explain it to me," he requested. "Please?"
"I can't," she replied. "I'm sorry. We've been friends too long and I've said too much."
"Emma," he pleaded.
She turned and looked at him, her cheeks bright red and her eyes filled with tears. "I'm going to destroy our friendship but I have to tell you. I want you Henke. I want you to tell me you want me too," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
"I didn't know you felt that way," he told her honestly.
"I know," she sighed. "I've been very careful not to tell you. If you don't feel the same, I understand. And I can behave, I swear. I don't want to lose you as my best friend."
"I feel the same way," he told her quickly.
She laughed nervously. "Before or after you saw me naked?" she asked and wiped her eyes.
"Pretty much by the first day I met you," he admitted.
She blushed and looked away from him. "Why didn't you say anything?" she wanted to know. "We've known each other for seven years; you could have said something by now."
"You seemed happy just being friends," he explained. "I didn't want to ruin that."
"I'm not happy," she laughed. "I've listened to you talk about your women and your sex life. I've listen to you go on about break ups and make ups. All I want is you. I want to be your woman."
"This would've been easier if we'd just talked to each other," he laughed.
She nodded. "I guess I should get rid of the naked pictures now?" she whispered. "I didn't mean for you to see them."
"Really?" he teased.
She nodded. "Really. I was looking at them and then you got here. I didn't think you'd want to see me naked," she admitted.
"And if I said I do?" he asked her.
"You did," she pointed out.
"What if I want to see you, now, naked?" he said softly.
"What about the herring?" she asked nervously.
"That can wait," he whispered, stepping closer to her.
She rubbed her hands against her legs. "You sure?" she then asked. "I don't want you to regret anything tomorrow. And I definitely don't want you to hate me."
He kissed her softly before deepening it. "I'm positive."
She whimpered, staring deep into his brown eyes. "I've wanted this for so long," she admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him boldly.
"Then let's enjoy this," he whispered against her lips.
"I hope you do," she said softly. "Are we taking things slow, or not?"
"Seven years was enough buildup, don't you think?" he asked.
She nodded, her fingers tangling in his hair. "You're right," she answered but placed her head on his shoulder.
"Here or your bedroom?" he asked, running his hands up her back.
"Bedroom," she said and took a step back. "I don't think the floor would be that comfortable."
"At least not for the first time," he teased.
She smiled nervously. "Yeah," she whispered. "We can always do it on the floor later, if you still want me when we're done."
"I'm going to want you," he promised.
"Are you sure?" she whispered. "I've ... you don't want to know."
"What?" he asked. "I'm sure."
She sighed. "The last guy I slept with actually was relieved when it was over. He wasn't impressing with my love making abilities." She laughed bitterly. "He had the nerve to tell me that I wasn't a good lover. I don't want to disappoint you."
He tightened his grip on her. "Who was that?" he demanded.
"Sven," she replied. "You remember him, don't you? Blond hair? I don't think you liked him."
"He wasn't good enough for you," Hank said grumpily.
"You never thought any of them were good enough for me," she laughed softly.
"They weren't. But I'm not good enough for you either," he shrugged.
"I think you are," she told him firmly. "I just hope I'm good enough for you." She smiled gently at him before kissing him deeply.
"Em," he whispered, pulling her closer. "Bedroom," he finally managed to gasp.
She took his hand and led him down the hallway, toward her bedroom.
He reached for her shirt, pulling it off. "You're beautiful."
"Am not," she blushed but pushed her hands underneath his shirt. "I never realized you were build like this," she whispered, her nails scratching lightly on his chest.
He sucked in a deep breath, mirroring her movements. "I can't believe we wasted so much time."
"I can't believe I never told you that I wanted you," she whispered, carefully removing his shirt as his hands cupped her breasts gently.
"We'll talk more now," he promised, moving his hands down her sides.
"I hope so," she breathed, her hands moving to his shoulders before ghosting down his chest. "Henke, you feel really good next to me."
"You do too," he smiled and pulled her tight against him.
"Could I get you to hold me for a minute first?" she whispered, her lips brushing against his shoulder.
"Of course." He ran his hands up and down her back, kissing her temple softly.
"I could get used to this." She shifted, moving closer to him and placing her head on his shoulder.
"You and me?" he asked. "Me too."
Her arms wrapped tightly around him as she felt safe in his arms. "Don't go to sleep on me," he teased.
"Not yet," she promised.
He kissed the side of her head before guiding her down onto the bed. "You are so beautiful, Em. I really should have told you sooner."
"Are you sure you want me?" she asked nervously. "This isn't just about the nude pictures you saw of me?"
"You Emma," he promised. "I just needed to get hit over the head to realize that I had a shot with you."
"I ... " She pulled out from under him and ran from the room. "I can't," she cried. "I can't ruin our friendship."
He stared after her for a few seconds and sat up sighing. She was right. She was his best friend and he didn't want to risk losing her.
"I want you to leave," Emma sighed. "I need to get my head together and I can't do it when you're sitting half naked on my bed."
He nodded and stood. "If that's -- no," he said. "I'm not leaving."
"I almost ruined our friendship," she told him. "I promise I'll put those pictures up so you won't be overwhelmed with your sexual needs. I'm sorry I put you through this."
"Emma," he whispered.
She turned, tears in her eyes. "What, Henke? Can we forget I did this to us?"
"No," he said simply and stepped toward her.
"Then I did ruin our friendship," she whispered.
"I ruined it when I fell in love with you," he shrugged. "I don't want to forget this. I want to keep going. I want to be in love with you forever. I want to be your friend but I want to be your lover too."
"But what if we break up and lose everything?" she asked.
"What if we spend forever in love and I make you happier than any man ever has?" he asked back.
"You don't know that, that'll happen."
"And you don't know that we'll break up," he said easily.
"Are you sure we can still be friends if we break up?"
"Em," he said softly. "Trust me. We won't break up. We love each other."
"How can we be positive?"
"Why are you so against us?" he asked. "I love you. I want you. I thought you wanted me too. That's enough to make it work."
"I'm nervous. I started thinking about what would happen if we did this and then it didn't work. We've been friends for so long."
"Then lets take it slow," he offered. "We'll go on dates, real dates, and let our relationship progress naturally."
She thought about it and nodded. "All right," she agreed.
"Emma," he smiled. "Would you like to go out for dinner with me tomorrow? Since you've already cooked for tonight."
She laughed softly and agreed, "I would."
He smiled and pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionitely. "You still want me to leave?" he asked against her lips
"Not really," she admitted sheepishly.
He stepped back and smiled. "Then I'll stay," he told her. "But I'm not kissing you again until you're ready."
"Thank you for understanding," she told him sincerely.
"You mean that much to me that I'm willing to take my time with you," he smiled. "I do love you, Em.
"I love you too. I have for years," she whispered.
"And that's what will make this so great," he told her. "I'm going to go slow with you and make you fall in love with me all over again. And this fall, you'll be going to Detroit with me." He caressed her cheek gently. "And never leave."
"You're very confident," she said, but she smiled.
"Of course I am," Henrik grinned. "I have to be because you are the best thing that's ever happened to me."
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Henke."
"You're worth it, Emma," he whispered. "Now, about that herring," he grinned and reached for his shirt.
She laughed. "I'll go make sure it's still good."
He smiled and followed her into the kitchen. This day was turning out better than he could have ever imagined.
~*~*~
"This is our sixth date," Hank said as he walked Emma in from the car. "I think we're doing well."
"It could be better," Emma sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I want you to come inside."
"Are you sure?" he asked, not wanting to push.
"I'm sure," she replied and kissed him gently. "But only if you want."
"I do want," he said quickly and then hoped he hadn't said it too quickly.
"Good," she smiled and stepped away from him, unlocking her door. "I love you," she promised. "I just hope you still love me afterwards."
"I will," he promised.
She laughed and closed the door behind them, crashing her lips to his in a deep kiss.
"Em," he whispered against her lips.
"Shh," she whispered back and pulled him toward the bedroom. "Let's go to bed."
He wrapped her in his arms, letting them drop onto the bed.
She took a deep breath and pushed her hands underneath his shirt, pushing it up before pulling it off. With a small smirk she kissed him hard and arched up toward him.
"Em," he moaned and moved to kiss along her neck, sucking gently on her collar bone.
"Henrik," she whispered back, struggling with the button on his pants.
"Take a deep breath," he encouraged and pushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders and watched in fascination as it slipped past her breasts. "There's no hurry. We have all night."
"I don't want to screw this up," she muttered and then smiled happily as she was finally able to push his pants down.
"There is nothing you could do to mess this up," he breathed and leaned down, licking across her breast before taking a nipple into his mouth.
The moan caught in her throat as she paused, closing her eyes and just focusing on how he felt before wrapping her fingers around his dick.
"Emma," he moaned. "We need to stop. I don't have any condoms."
"I do," she whispered. "In the nightstand drawer."
"Okay," he agreed and lifted her breasts to his mouth, kissing every patch of skin he could.
She moaned his name again and let him lead her to the bed.
"Slow," he muttered as he guided her onto the bed, kissing slowly down her body. "You are so beautiful," he said, looking up into her eyes. "Thank you for trusting me."
"And thank you for giving me the time," she smiled. "Time's up. I want you now."
"You're going to get me," he promised with a shaky smile. "Hell, Em, you've had me for a long time," he laughed and kissed her hip.
"But I didn't know. Now I do," she said with a smile.
He returned her smile and slowly pulled down her panties. "You are the most beautiful woman," he whispered and reached toward the nightstand.
"Let me," she said, taking the condom from him and kneeling in front.
He held his breath and nodded, watching her fingers move along his skin. "Emma," he moaned. "Please hurry."
She swiftly rolled the condom up over his dick, running her finger back down this length. "Better?"
"Almost," he panted and pulled her into his arms. "Now?" he asked, pulling her onto the bed.
"Now," she agreed.
He nodded and rolled on top of her. "I love you," he vowed as he slowly pushed into her.
"Love you too," she whispered.
"Em," he moaned. "You feel so good around me," he gasped and started a slow rhythm.
"You feel better than I imagined," she told him.
"Yeah," he moaned and thrust deeply into her before leaning down and kissing her deeply.
She ran her fingers down his back, scratching lightly as she met his pace.
Taking a shuddering breath, Hank leaned up and stared down into her eyes. He couldn't believe anyone had told this perfect woman that she wasn't a good lover. To him, she was better than anything he had ever had and he knew he'd do everything he could to make this work between them.
"Henrik," she whispered again, her eyes on his.
"Emma," he whispered back. "You feel so good."
He watched as she blushed and then smiled at him, never breaking the rhythm that they'd established.
He held off as long as he could, waiting to feel her clench around him before thrusting in one final time. He came hard, moaning her name before kissing her hard.
She cried out, coming as well, her moan muffled by the kiss.
"Emma," he panted, brushing her hair off of her face. "You are truly amazing."
She kissed him softly. "I didn't disappoint you?"
"No," he replied with a soft smile. "That was perfect, my Emma. In fact, I think I'd like to do more of it."
She smiled and kissed him again. "I would too," she told him.
"See?" he grinned and carefully pulled out of her. "I'll be right back." He gave her a quick wink and disappeared into the bathroom.
She sighed softly as she relaxed against the pillow. This had been worth the wait.
~*~*~
"Emma?" Henrik whispered as he took both her hands in his. "I've been called to Detroit and - " He stopped and took a deep breath. "And I want you to go with me," he finished quietly.
She was quiet for several seconds.
"Will you?" he asked nervously.
"Are you sure?" she whispered.
"I am very sure," he replied. "I love you Em. And I want you with me."
"All right," she agreed. "I'd love to go."
He smiled. "Thank you," he whispered and pulled her onto his lap. "It's going to be different there but I know we'll be okay." He paused as his smile slowly faded. "What about your modeling?" he asked quietly.
"I'm sure I can find work over there," she said confidently. "Or maybe I'll focus on my culinary skills instead."
"There are a few Swedes on the team," Henrik smiled. "I'm sure they'd love some real Swedish food every now and then."
"I'll learn how to make American foods too," she laughed and leaned into him. "You were right, Henke."
"About us?" he asked with a smile, wrapping his arms around her. "Of course I was. We're perfect together."
"Yes," she sighed happily. "And we'll be perfect in Detroit too. As long as your Swedish teammates don't recognize me from the nude pictures."
He paused. "I hope they don't. And, if they do, you're all mine."
"Only yours," she promised. "I'll just tell them that I'm not her."
He laughed softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said with a bright smile. "I guess I should start packing, right?"
"We leave in a week," he confirmed.
"Okay," she smiled and looked around. "Are we taking everything?" she asked. "I mean, we're going to be there for almost ten months."
"Not everything," he decided. "What we need. We can always get someone to ship us anything we need."
She nodded. "Where are we staying?" she then asked nervously.
"Nick Lidstrom, remember him? He recommended a few places and said he'd help look at houses or apartments," Hank answered.
Emma nodded. "Okay," she said. "Sounds good to me." She sat back down on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Henke, I love you more than anything," she whispered and kissed his neck.
He played with a few strands of her hair, holding onto her. "I love you too. More than ever."
"We don't have to get married, right?" she asked quietly.
"Not if you don't want to," he said, swallowing hard.
"I do," she promised. "Just not right now." She leaned back and looked into his eyes. "I want to spend one season with you, in this city I know nothing about, and if we're still together, then we can talk about it, okay?"
"All right," he agreed easily.
"I'm sorry I'm not easy to get on with sometimes but I have to be sure," she said quietly. "I love you too much to mess this up."
"Don't be sorry Em," he told her. "I know we'll be happy, but I want you to be sure and I'm willing to wait. I love you."
She nodded. "If we can survive your first season in Detroit and still be in love, we'll both know we can survive anything," she smiled. "It will be nice to go somewhere and not get recognized," she then mused.
He nodded. "Imagine, going to the grocery store and just buying food, not having to stop every time someone wants to talk or get an autograph."
"Or being able to go out to dinner with you," she grinned. "And actually being able to eat the food while it's hot."
"Hot food? What's that?" he laughed. "This is going to be a good adventure."
"The best," she agreed and snuggled closer to him. "And I'm thrilled you want me to experience it with you."
"There's no one else I want there with me."
"Let's go to bed," she grinned.
"It's the middle of the day," he pointed out with a laugh. "A little early to go to sleep, don't you think?"
"I never said anything about sleeping," Emma winked and stood. "We can pack tomorrow."
He grinned and followed after her. "I knew you were perfect for me."
"Time optimist?" she asked, glancing at him over her shoulder.
He grinned. "There's plenty of time to pack."
"I'll start while you're at practice tomorrow," she laughed. "It's not like all of your stuff isn't here anyways."
"This time it'll just be more official," he grinned.
She nodded. "We can be official," she agreed and reached for him.
"I love you," he promised.
"I love you too," she grinned. "We'll be fine in the States. I'm sure of it."
"Me too," he smiled back.
~*~*~
"Welcome, I'm Steve Yzerman. We're happy you're here."
Hank smiled and nodded. "Th-thank you," he said. "We're happy to be here too." He pulled Emma forward slightly. "This is Emma," he introduced. "My girlfriend."
"It's great to meet you," Steve told her with another easy smile. "We have most of the team here today, and a lot of their wives or girlfriends too. Foods over there," he said, pointing. "Drinks are there."
Emma returned his smile before looking anxiously at Hank. "Please don't leave me," she whispered in Swedish.
He linked their fingers together and smiled. "I'll be by your side," he promised.
She squeezed his hand gently and followed as he walked through the room.
"Good morning," a voice greeted in a familiar language. "Nick Lidstrom and this is my wife Annika. Welcome to Detroit."
"Thank you," Hank said with a genuine smile. "Henrik Zetterberg. This is Emma, my girlfriend."
"Would you like to meet the rest of the girlfriends and wives?" Annika asked Emma with a bright smile. "I promise I'll have you back to Henrik soon."
"I, yes," she said hesitantly. She'd faced crowds before, she could do this.
"Do you speak English?" Annika asked.
"Not much," she replied. "Almost none," she then amended with a small smile.
"Don't worry," Annika said with a smile. "There are a lot of Swedish women here. I can translate anything for you tonight too."
"Thank you," Emma sighed and looked up at Hank. "You mind, Henke?" she asked. "I would like to at least met the other women."
"That's fine," he promised. He gave her a light kiss. "I'll be with Nick."
She nodded at him before walking off with Annika.
"You and the model," Nick said with a laugh. "Good job."
"You recognize her?" Hank asked in dismay.
"I remember seeing her in the Ikea ad last time I was home. That is her, right?" he asked curiously.
"Yes," Hank confirmed. "She's been my best friend for years."
Nick nodded. "Come, I'll introduce you to the rest of the team."
"Thank you," Hank said before asking, "You like it here?"
"I love it here," Nick answered. "And I fully intend on retiring here. My kids were born here and we live here most of the year. Trust me, Henrik, you're going to like it here." He paused and tapped a man on his shoulder. "Pav, I want you to meet the rookie, Henrik Zetterberg. Henrik, meet Pavel Datsyuk."
Hank stared at the pale, dark haired man as he joined them. "I not new guy now," Pavel grinned at Nick.
"No," Nick laughed. "Not anymore."
"Nice to meet you, Henrik," Pavel said as he turned to look at Hank.
"N-nice to meet you too," he stuttered.
"Oh good," Pavel grinned. "Someone else that not speak English well," he said with a laugh.
Hank laughed nervously, but smiled at him.
"You not worry," Pavel whispered. "They still make fun of me." He reached out and grabbed another man's arm. "Hullie, meet Zetterberg," he introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Hull greeted, sizing him up. "I hear you a good Winger."
"Not ho-horible," Hank admitted.
"Hmm, the two kids that will probably be on my line," Hull laughed.
"Two kids and an old goat," another man teased, walking up. He held a hand out to Hank. "Brendan Shanahan, nice to meet you."
"Henke," Emma whispered as she took his hand nervously, reappearing at his side.
He squeezed her hand and smiled at her reassuringly. "Is everything all right?"
She shook her head but didn't let go of his hand.
"My girlfriend, Emma Andersson," he said to the three men in front of him. "Emma, meet Brett Hull, Pavel Datsyuk and Brendan Shanahan," he said, switching to Swedish easily.
"Nice to meet you," she said slowly.
"Nice to meet you too," Brendan grinned. "Welcome to Detroit."
"Thank you," she said, smiling.
"If you guys need anything, just let me know," Brendan continued. "Cathy and I will be happy to help. Hullie too." Emma blinked and squeezed Hank's hand again as she offered Brendan another smile.
"They'll help us with anything," he translated for her softly. "Thank you," he told Brendan.
"You not speak English?" Pavel asked curiously.
She glanced at Hank and waited for him to translate. "No," she said and sighed. "I go find Annika now," she told Hank. "That way you can talk to your new teammates."
"Em," he started, but she pulled away.
"I speak English bad," Pavel said. "She teach me Swedish? I try help with English."
"I honestly forgot," Hank told them. "She grew up in a smaller section of Sweden, where they didn't teach english in school. I should have helped her before we got here." He shrugged. "And I'll ask her," he told Pavel. "I think she'll say yes but I'll ask anyways."
"She learn," Pavel said confidently. "I better. Right?" he asked Hull and Shanny.
"Yes," Shanny laughed and turned to Hank. "You should have heard him when he got here. And than Igor took him under his wing. For a week, the only english Pav knew was an assortment of curse words."
Pavel grinned at Hank. "I teach you curse."
Hank laughed. "Okay," he agreed and allowed himself to relax. He'd help Emma, starting that night, and make this new phase in their lives easier. He'd also take her home in an hour or so. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable.
~*~*~
"What did you think?" Hank asked as they walked into the house he was renting after the gathering.
"I think they seem very nice," Emma smiled. "And I think I need to learn English," she added with a laugh. "What do you think?"
"The same," he laughed. "Pavel said he'd help you with English. We'll learn it together."
Her smile softened and she wrapped her arms around his waist. "You'll do good here, my Henke, I'm sure of it."
"I hope that we'll do good," he told her.
"We will," she smiled and pushed her hands underneath his shirt. "I love you, Henke."
"I love you too Emma, my wonderful Emma," he whispered, leaning into her touch.
She grinned, her fingernails flicking across his nipples. "My wonderful Henrik," she responded and smiled brightly at him.
He moaned softly. "Em."
"Come," she ordered and took his hand. "And teach me a word in English."
He laughed softly and gave her a light kiss. "Love."
"Love," she repeated hesitantly and smiled before repeating the world in Swedish.
"Yes," Hank laughed. "Now, let's go make love."
She laughed loudly and gave him a hard kiss. "Yes, my Henrik,."
~*~*~
Emma sat close to the glass, struggling to watch Henrik from so far away from the ice. She hated being in the wives' box, especially since she wasn't a wife. All she wanted was to sneak out of this room where no one could understand her and go down near the ice where it didn't matter what language she spoke. But she couldn't, she thought in frustration. The arena was sold out and there was no where she could go.
She looked up when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She vaguely recognized the dark haired woman, but couldn't remember her name.
"I have seats," the woman said in halting Swedish, pointing down to the lower bowl seats.
Emma smiled at her. "Really?" she asked, looking hopeful. "We can sit down there?" she said, making sure to speak slowly so the other woman could possibly understand her Swedish.
She nodded. "You want?"
Emma nodded. "Yes," she answered. "Thank you."
"I Lana," she told Emma, leading her down to the other seats.
"Pavel's wife?" Emma asked as she looked around. "This better than box," she said with a small laugh.
Lana smiled and nodded. "I speak Swedish not good," she warned.
"I speak Russian not good," Emma assured her. "We figure it out." She offered the other woman a bright smile and then looked out at the ice. "Now this is where we need to sit," she whispered. "On the ice, not near the roof."
Lana looked at her, trying to figure out what was being said before smiling and nodding.
Emma made a mental note to stop by the book store on her way home. She was going to figure out how to talk to this women or she was going to go insane from trying. She watched Hank for a few seconds and smiled. She wouldn't crush his dreams and go back to Sweden just because she couldn't talk to his teammates.
Lana tapped her arm when the whistle sounded. "Hooking," she said in Swedish before saying it in English and then Russian.
"Hooking," Emma repeated. "Thank you," she said, her Russian hesitant, and smiled at Lana.
Lana smiled back. They'd figure out.
~*~*~
"Where were you after the game?" Hank asked as Emma opened the door.
"I had to do some shopping," she answered, stuggling to carry the bags into the house.
He stared at the number of bags before moving to take them. "Where did you go?"
"Every book store I could find," she answered. "I'm not going to ruin your season here just because I can't speak to anyone."
He wrapped her in his arms, kissing her softly. "You couldn't ruin my season," he said. "I love you more than hockey. And I love that you want to learn English for me."
She blushed. "English and Russian," she said with a shrug. "Most of your teammates are Canadian and Russian, so I picked those two and hope I don't offend anyone." She wrapped her arms tighter around him. "You looked so good on the ice, Henke. I am very proud of you." She pressed against him, kissing him hard. "But I have to learn English now."
He laughed softly and kissed her forehead. "Can I help?"
"Of course," she agreed and moved to carry the bags toward their dining room table. "Thank you for helping me," she told him seriously. "And I won't disappoint you."
"Emma," he said seriously. "You could never disappoint me. Never."
"Then I won't disappoint myself," she offered and sat down, stacking the books onto the table into two piles. "English," she explained, putting her hand on the taller pile. "And Russian," she said, motioning toward the other stack. She sat down at the table and reached for one of the English books. She was going to learn it if she had to stay up for weeks.
~*~*~
Emma found herself in the wives box once more. She stayed off to the side, trying to listen closely as they talked amongst each other during the break between periods. She wasn't understand everything, not even more things, but she definitely understood more than she had before. She smiled when Annika joined her.
"You don't have to stay alone," Annika said quietly.
"I will until I understand more," Emma whispered. She paused when she heard her name being mentioned and sighed in relief when she understood that the other wife was saying something nice about her. "I'm trying to understand but I don't want to embarass myself just yet."
"No one will judge you," Annika promised. "They all like you."
"If I say anything horrible, will you tell me?" she asked nervously before allowing Annika to pull her toward the other women.
"Absolutely," she promised, squeezing her hand. She still remember how it felt to be the new one in the group.
"Hi," one of them greeted. "Cathy Shannahan," she explained. "We're very happy you and Hank are here."
"Hank?" Emma asked slowly. "Who is Hank?" she asked, her English slow and unsure.
"Zata," Annika explained in Swedish. "He picked up a new nickname."
"Oh," Emma smiled. "Henrik and I is happy to be here," she told Cathy.
Cathy smiled at her. "Are you enjoying Detroit?"
"It a lot larger than I used to," she answered. "But Henrik loves it here."
"And you?" she asked.
"Now that I try to learn English, I like it other not laugh at me," Emma admitted.
"We won't laugh," Cathy promised. "You're not the first woman to come here not knowing English." She smiled at Annika and Emma. "I know the years have passed when the second language is Swedish, not Russian."
"More for us to learn," Jenna said, also smiling as she joined them.
"Thank you," Emma told them honestly.
"We're family here," Cathy told her. "And we always like it when the family grows."
"And we'd all be honored to help you with your English," Annika told her gently.
"I like that ... much," she said with a smile. Accepting their help would be easier now that she knew some English.
"Zata scored," Lana said from near the windows.
Emma went to her side. "Assist by Pavel?" she grinned.
"Yes," Lana smiled. "Congratulations. His first goal in the NHL."
Emma grinned. "He do good."
She watched as he glanced up toward the box she was in. She knew he couldn't see her but she smiled at him anyway. She suddenly felt the urge to do something crazy.
"Annika?" she asked in Swedish. "Can you teach me how to say something in English?"
"Of course. What do you want to know?"
"I want to know how to ask Henrik to marry me."
Annika's smile grew and she said the sentence, letting Emma repeat it after her a few times. "Congratulations," she whispered, kissing her cheek.
"Thank you," Emma laughed and looked at the other wives. "Unless it not my place," she said quietly.
"You wouldn't want to do it if it wasn't your place," Annika assured her.
"If you don't do it he might take forever to ask himself," Jenna told her. "You do it and let us know his answer."
She smiled at them and nodded. "I will."
~*~*~
"Henke," Emma greeted. "You had a great game."
"Thanks," Hank smiled. "How's everything going with the other women?"
"It okay," she said switching to English. "I had them teach me to say something," she answered nervously.
"What was that?" he asked curiously.
She took a deep breath. "You marry me?" she asked, her accent thick with nerves.
Hank grinned and laughed, hugging her tightly as he twirled her around. "Really? Yes I will."
"Oh Henke," she said happily, wrapping her arms around her neck. "I've been so happy being in love with you. And I want to be that happy forever."
He kissed her hard. "I knew we'd be perfect together."
"Only because I'm easy," she teased with a laugh. "I think you've had more sex with me than any of your other girlfriends."
"I know we have," he told her. "You're more amazing than anyone else that I've ever been with."
She looked at him doubtfully. "That's sweet of you to say but I don't completely believe you," she said with a small smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "But does this mean we don't have to use condoms anymore?"
"As long as you're okay with that," he agreed.
She nodded. "I'm okay with that," she assured him. "In fact, I really want to know what you feel like when you're not surrounded by latex."
He gave her a deep kiss. "Find out now?"
In the living room?" she asked with a laugh. "Sure."
He laughed too. "We have that brand new couch."
She grinned and started pulling off her clothes. "I hope you locked the front door.
"I did," he said, reaching for her and running his hands over her.
"Good," she whispered, dropping the last of her clothes to the floor. "Congratulations on your goal again," she told him as she pulled his shirt off. "The first of many."
He smiled at her. "As long as I have you," he whispered.
"Henke, if I was going anywhere, I wouldn't be trying to learn English and Russian just so I could talk to your teammates," she pointed out, unbuttoning his pants.
"I know," he admitted. pushing toward her touch. "I love you."
"I love you too," she grinned and pushed down his pants, helping him step free. "Sexy," she whispered and turned away from him, walking naked toward the couch.
"Emma, you are the sexiest woman I've ever seen."
She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Then prove it," she said in slow English.
He smirked and lowered her to the couch before kneeling over her. "Emma, my Emma," he whispered, licking across a nipple.
"My Henrik," she whispered back, arching toward him and moaning softly. "I love you so very much," she promised, tangling his hair in her fingers.
He pressed a kiss between her breasts. "Sexy."
She laughed softly and ran her fingers along his stubble-covered jaw. "You are sexy, Zatta," she grinned and spread her legs slightly, giving him more room on the couch.
He reached down, running his fingers over her inner thighs before kissing her other breast.
She hissed slightly in pleasure before leaned up and sucking hard on his collarbone, leaving a small bruise.
He teased her clit as he kissed her again.
"Henke," she panted against his lips, her hips pressing into his. "More?"
He pushed two fingers into her. "More," he agreed.
"Henrik," she gasped, pushing down on his hand. "Feels so good," she told him breathlessly and reached between them, ghosting her fingers up his length.
He moaned softly. "Emma. Again."
She nodded and took him firmly into her hand, stroking him with determination. "You feel so good in my hands," she whispered. "Thick and hard."
He shuddered at her touch. "Emma," he whispered again in need.
"Then get in me," she encouraged, letting go of him and moving her arms over her head.
He kissed her deeply, his hands wrapped around hers as he pushed into her.
"You feel so perfect," Emma gasped. "So much better than you did before."
He laughed softly. "I don't know if I've just been insulted or not."
She smiled. "No condom," she reminded him. "That's what I mean. You felt good before but you feel different when you're bare."
"I know," he assured her. "You feel better too."
"Marry me in Sweden this summer," she begged, arching against him as he pushed deeper into her.
"Yes," he agreed. "As soon as we're back."
She nodded and wrapped her legs around him. "My Henke," she panted. "Harder."
He put his arms on either side of her, pushing in hard. "Love you."
"Love you too," she gasped before clenching hard around him, coming with a strangled moan.
He pushed into her one last time, coming with a shout. "Em," he moaned, breathing heavily.
"What a couch," she gasped, panting hard. "We need another one."
"One for every room," he grinned.
"Let's just go buy our own house," she said breathlessly.
"Where we can have sex in every room?" he grinned.
"Every day," she agreed. "Love you."
He kissed her softly. "Love you too."
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling his body closer to hers. "You need some sleep," she whispered into his ear. "And I want to be your pillow."
He pressed another kiss against her and nodded, pulling the blanket down on top of them.
~*~*~
Emma look at the other wives and grinned. "You come to Sweden during summer?" she asked them slowly. "Come to our wedding?"
"Congratulations," several said at one.
"We'd love to," Annika promised her.
She sighed in relief. "We understand if you not come," she told them, proud that her English was slowly improving. She laughed nervously when several of the women hugged her tightly.
"Let us know what day," Jenna told her. "And we'll be there. Just think, you'll be helping us instead of us helping you," she added teasingly.
Emma laughed and nodded. "That sound good."
"That great," Lana said and hugged Emma again. "We all happy for you."
"Thank you," she said, smiling at her friend.
"You gonna give him a house full of kids?" Annika teased.
"We try," Emma answered with a laugh.
Jenna gave her a quick hug. "I hope you two are very happy."
"We are now that I admitted to myself he really does love me and I not in dream," Emma shrugged. "We friends for long time before I tell him how I feel," she tried to explain.
"That's scary at first," Cathy said. "You wonder if you're better as friends. But you and Hank are wonderful as a couple."
Emma nodded, thankful the other woman understood. "Yes. That it exactly. And I scared that if we stop dating, we no longer friends." She glanced toward the ice and smiled as she saw Hank on the bench next to Shanny and Pavel.
"We better than before now," she said. "And he happier here, with team."
"They'll have a house full of kids in about three years," Jenna whispered to Annika with a small laugh.
"Boys or a girls to go with Mackenzie and Elizabeth?" Annika asked back, also laughing.
"Both," Jenna teased. "Probably a houseful of both."
Emma frowned at them both and then laughed. "You have more too?"
Jenna just looked at her and smiled. "I will in a year or two," she replied. "I think Annika's done for now."
"Four boys is enough," Annika agreed, laughing.
"Wow," Emma whispered in awe. "What it like, being a Mother?"
"Crazy, scary and fantastic," Annika said. "Sometimes at the same time."
"And nothing better than being pregnant," Lana confided. "You will enjoy it when you have kid."
Emma nodded, suddenly nervous. "You'll help?"
"Of course," Lana and Annika said as one.
"Have you decided when you want to start having kids?" Jenna asked.
"We're trying now," Emma admitted in a whisper.
"That's great," Cathy told her. "You let us know as soon as you get pregnant and we'll start spoiling our newest mascot five seconds later."
Emma laughed. "Should I worry?"
"Not one bit," Annika assured her with a big grin.
"You lie," Emma accused but she laughed.
"Maybe," Annika grinned and looked around. "Let's go see our men," she announced and led the way out of the box. Emma followed with a laugh. Hopefully she'd be able to share something amazing with these women soon.
~TBC~