Clementine skated across the ice the puck against her stick, she could feel the Ranger’s player behind her as she skated and before she knew it a player was coming towards her and as she looked up just in time for his shoulder to smash right into her head and his elbow coming around to her across the face and down into her elbow, as the player behind smashed into her back and smashed her elbow as well.
Clementine fell forward her gloves falling off as she felt her nose starting to get wet as she she fell onto her side feeling her ears ringing and felt as if she was swaying, her hand clamped onto her elbow not even knowing what was going around her.
She felt medical help her get up and skate her across the ice, she got helped onto the bench and started to be led down the tunnel.
Matt Rempe got a match penally for the hit on Clementine Bedard.
Clementine barely even knew where she was as she finally realized she was laying in medical bed and groaning at the bright lights filling her eyes.
“It’s a Concussion for sure.” Clementine felt like everything was underwater as the doctor spoke and she could jut feel the throbbing all over her body.
“Clementine! Clemetine!” She heard her voice her called and she blinked turning her head slightly, “What hurts?” She heard the question from the doctor.
She groaned still holding her hand against her elbow, she could hear her heartbeat in her ears as she felt the pain coming from her elbow and remembered when it was hurt before.
“Her elbow.” The doctor spoke to the other doctor, Clementine felt her eyes starting to flutter shut before she felt tapping against her face, “Hey Clementine you have to stay awake okay. We’re going to check your elbow.” Clementine opened her eyes staring up at the celling.
The doctors rolled over the X-ray machine moving her hand that was holding her elbow and put the machine over her elbow.
She had no break or tear in her elbow she just seemed to aggravate her past injury as her elbow is more sensitive.
Clementine barely registered that she was changed into her sweatpants and sweatshirt and helped back into the medical bed not allowed to sleep yet.
“How’s Clem?” Jack questioned his coach after the game, as Lindy didn’t know after the first and second period as the tests weren’t completed yet.
“Concussion.” Lindy gravely spoke looking around the locker room at his players, “She’s gonna be sore for the next few days but luckily no injuries besides the concussion.”
“Who is staying with her?” Nico questioned in concern knowing when someone gets a concussion they need to be under supervision for at least 12 hours and he knows the team likes to watch over their teammates.
“I was going to ask who would like to.” Lindy responded knowing that anyone on the team would willingly watch over any of their teammates.
“I will.” Alex quickly spoke up wanting to see with his own eyes that Clementine is okay.
“Alright go out the back exit.” Lindy nodded at Hotlz and turned to leave the room having already went over the game. The back exit that is away from all the people and cameras perfect when a player has concussion.
Alex quickly showered and got into comfortable clothes instead of his suit and hurried out of the locker room to medial room, he quietly knocked on the door and walked in seeing the doctor and Clementine.
“Ah Alex your on watch?” The Doctor smiled standing up from the chair next to the bed, Alex nodded, “Good you remember what to do?”
Alex nodded having watched over teammates before that have had a concussion.
“Okay she’s ready to go home.” The doctor smiled and left the room.
“Hey Clem.” Alex walked over to Clementine feeling his heart clench seeing her confused look in her dull blue and hazel eyes instead of the normal sparkle in them and the way she was protectively holding her elbow, “Come on darling let’s get you out of here.” Alex wrapped her arm around his shoulder not even hearing what name he called her.
Alex lead them slowly out to his car luckily having drove together to the game, he helped her into the passenger and buckled her seatbelt.
Alex quick to started the car and started the drive home looking over at her ever few minutes making sure she is okay.
He pulled into the parking garage and shut the car and quickly jumped out the car and walked around opening the passenger door helping her out of the car and walked to the elevator, clicking her floor and getting off the elevator.
He grabbed the keys that were in her pocket and opened her her front door helping her to her bedroom, he pulled the blankets back and helped her sit down and lay her head onto the pillow he covered her with the blanket.
“I’m gonna get you some ice, do you want something to eat?” Alex gently whispered kneeling down in front of her head brushing her hair from her face seeing that the doctors took out her french braids.
Clementine groaned at the sound of food feeling her stomach roll in nausea.
“Okay no food, i’ll be back.” Alex pressed a very soft kiss to her forhead and stood up grabbing Clementine’s phone.
He walked out to the kitchen and set her phone on the kitchen counter so that Clementine couldn’t use it. Alex pulled out his phone and texted Connor letting him know Clementine is okay before setting his phone on the counter. Alex grabbed an ice pack and quietly walked back into her room, he walked to the large windows that give a view of New Jersey and closed her black out curtains.
Alex pulled the covers on the other side of the bed and laid down next to Clementine and gently set the ice pack onto her forhead seeing her peaceful sleeping and knew he would have to wake her up in a few hours to check on her.
He laid on his side facing Clementine keeping an eye on her all night, not closing his eyes in fear something could happen to her.
Clementine ended up missing fives games because of her concussion and was luckily was only out for a week and half and was back by March 5, against the Florida Panthers.
March 11, 2024
Clementine saw the smug smirk acrossed Matt Rempe’s face when he looked at her, She looked down and chuckled slightly having a feeling he hasn’t realized yet.
She skated down the ice with the puck again and saw Matt skating at her seemingly to want to get a hit on her again, so she braced herself for the hit and she smirked slight before dropping her gloves and didn’t hesitate to punch him right across the face. and it seemed like she shocked him before she knocked him down onto the ice and she didn’t stop until she was onto of him and punching him across the face multiple times and Matt stuck on the ice, flat on his back.
Clementine felt the referee grabbing her and she leaned down slightly stopping her hits as she saw the blood pouring out of his nose just like hers was from his hit, “Now we match.” Clementine coldly whispered at a wide eyed Matt.
She just chuckled letting the referee pull her into the penalty box.
Clementine always loves when people underestimate her because she is a girl, but just because she doesn’t flight often doesn’t mean she can’t fight, it’s something everyone always forgets.
Clementine had took the first flight after her game against the Tampa bay lighting to Chicago going to spend a few days there with Connor before they head up to Toronto for the All Stars and meet up with their family.
Clementine walked out the guest room seeing Connor sitting on his couch and she knew it was probably a good time to have this conversation.
Clementine sat down next to him on the couch putting an arm around him, “You ready to talk about it?” Clementine softly asked him, knowing Connor knows what’s she is talking about.
Connor softly nodded and leaned more into his sister.
“Okay, do you still want to be traded?” Clementine asked running a hand through his hair.
“Yeah.” Connor firmly nodded having loved his teammates but he hated everything else, “But i think i want to finish the season out.”
“And trade for the next season?” Clementine clarified looking down at him.
“Yeah, i want to finish my season with the hawks and then i’ll trade.” Connor looked up at Clementine if his idea could work.
“Ok, Yeah that would be good, it will give us more time to get you traded to a team you want.” Clementine nodded already thinking of everything she needs to talk about with their agent.
“I’m assuming the Canucks?” Clementine questioned pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
Connor lifted his head off of her shoulder and looked up at her, “Actually i was thinking of another team?” Connor nervously smiled.
“Alright which one?” Clementine squeezed his hand softly seeing Connor look nervous.
“I want to play for the Devils.” Connor declared watching Clementine’s eyes widen, “I want to play on a team with you and yeah the Canucks would be cool and be close to home but i want to be close to you.” Connor nervously looked away, he truthfully had wanted to go to the Devils the whole time wanting to be close to his sister.
“The Devils.” Clementine breathed out in shock but couldn’t help the smile forming, “You want to play with me?” Clementine had thought Connor wanted to play with the Canucks and didn’t know if he wanted to play with her.
“Yeah.” Connor nodded looking up nervously at his sister.
Clementine grinned and pulled him into a tight hug, “Well guess we better start working on you getting traded there.”
Clementine was leaning up against a wall around her IIHF U18 Team having completed the tournament early in the day and they were all hanging out in a empty hotel room, some playing cards or poker, some all huddling with their phones, a few half asleep on the floor, and some just talking and eating.
Clementine was leaning against the wall looking out the window showing the city of Sweden, she tensed as she felt an arm wrap around her shoulder before she smelt the cologne and slightly relaxed.
“Well hello gorgeous.” Braden Schneider greeted her with his flirty smirk.
“Schneider.” Clementine deadpanned, she has known him for a few years now, playing him multiple times a year in the WHL and being teammates for Team Canada and they have the same NHL draft class.
“Aww, no smile for me.” Braden sadly pouted poking at her cheek making her bit her lip to stop her smile hating how he has grown on her over the years, “I saw that.” He smugly grinned at his favorite girl.
“Shut up.” Clementine grumbled crossing her arms over her chest but not moving away from his arm.
“Never.” Braden promised with a smile looking around before discreetly pressing a quick kiss to her cheek, “I will see you later Clemsy.” Braden winked at her and is the only one to call her that.
Clementine cursed in her mind as she felt her cheeks grow hot.
Jamie Drysdale happened to see the interaction between his two teammates and walked over giving his friend a look.
“James don’t.” Clementine gave him a stern look back. Clementine and Jamie had quickly become quick friends within the first time they met and they seemed to just click.
“I wasn’t going to.” Jamie innocently smiled holding his hands up in defense.
“Mhm.” Clementine hummed not believing a word he said, knowing Jamie is very sweet but also looks very innocent meaning he easily gets away with anything.
October 6, 2020
Clementine was watching the rest of the draft after getting drafted number one to the New Jersey Devils.
She sat on the couch watching it with Connor as the rest of her family was outside celebrating still.
“The New York Rangers are proudly to select Braden Schneider.”
Clementine perked up slightly at the name and clapped with a small smile getting a teasing look from her younger brother which she ignored.
She pulled up her phone pulling up her texts with Braden, “Looks like we are rivals again.” She texted and shut off her phone letting out a chuckle at the coincidence.
The two having been rivals the last three seasons and now they are drafted to the two teams that have one of the biggest rivals in the NHL.
“It’s fate Clemsy :).” Braden texted back the second he had a free second and smiled at Clementine texting him.
Connor made kissing sounds seeing his sister smiling at her phone, Clementine elbowed him giving him a look, “Do not be a brat.”
Connor just smiled shaking his head.
December 19, 2020
Clementine put her hotel key against the door for her hotel room for the WJC and walked into the room and saw the bathroom light on and door closed and knew it was her roommate, she didn’t know who it would be but she only had a few people that rooms with her so she didn’t bother to find out exactly who it was.
She set her bags down on the floor next to the empty bed not hearing the bathroom door open and someone walk up behind her only when she felt arms wrap around her waist to spin her around.
She froze for a second before hearing an all familiar laugh and she relaxed into the backwards hug as he spun them around before setting her back down on the ground.
Clementine spun around turning to face Braden who was staring at her with a smile across his face, she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him into a hug.
Braden smiled wider and hugged her tightly back.
The two started getting closer or rather Clementine started accepting her feelings for him and over the last nine months of being in quarantine they have facetimed and texted a lot and got a lot closer than they already were.
“Hi.” Braden whispered cupping her face, looking at her with a fond smile.
“Hi.” Clementine whispered back with a smile before she bit her lip and leaned up on her toes pressing her lips to his, Braden hand moved down to the lower of her back pulling her closer to him.
“Took you long enough.” Braden teased panting slightly as they pulled back.
“Shut up.” Clementine fondly rolled eyes whispering against his lips.
“Gladly.” Braden whispered before pressing his lips back against hers.
November 23, 2021
Clementine and Braden officially got together after they saw each other again at the WJC at the end of 2020 and their families weren’t surprised when they finally got together, they both kept their relationship private only family and some friends knowing not wanting anyone in their private life.
They loved being in a relationship and the two just fit each other so well, especially as Braden just seemed to bring out a more silly side of Clementine and they both experienced their first relationship.
But it was difficult, Clementine being in the NHL and having her rookie year and living in New Jersey and Braden switching between the AHL and WHL never having any time to see each other besides in the summer and they both knew it couldn’t work out forever.
He came to visit her for a few days having gotten a few days off and luckily so did Clementine.
Clementine rested her arm againt his bare arm laying in silence covered by a silk sheet feeling the slight cool chill in the room, Braden fingers were tracing her spine.
“I’m sorry.” Clementine whispered, she wanted a relationship to work with Braden, she really did. He was her first in a lot and she never regretted anything but she regretted how they just seemed to not be able to work out and how it just wasn’t easy.
“I’m sorry too Clemsy.” Braden kissed the top of her head, not only was she someone he had fallen in love with but she had become his best friend over the years and he hated that no matter how hard they tried they knew it wouldn’t work out between them.
They both deserved an amazing relationship and be treated the way they deserved and being in a long distance relationship and having schedules that don’t aline made it very difficult for that to happen.
“You are so gorgeous and i was lucky to be able to love you and to get the chance to be loved by you. You’re gonna find someone that it’s just easy with.” Braden held her face in his hands memorizing everything up close in case he never gets the chance again.
“And you are a totally asshole but you’re kind and funny and seem to light up a room no matter what, anyone will be luckily to have you B.” Clementine whispered back giving him a small sad smile and resting her forehead against his. Braden let out a small sad laugh.
They knew in another life they would’ve of worked out.
Clementine was buzzing with excitement to finally be able to play a game against Connor, while the only thing that could make it better would be playing on the same team but she would take what she got.
She spilt her hair into two sections and started her french braids that she always does for games, Jack who was one of her stall mates leaned over, “Excited?” Jack knew how fun it can be to finally play against or with your siblings.
“Ecstatic.” Clementine giggled as she braided her hair, honestly having a sadder morning but the thought of playing her brother made it all better.
Alex ears perked up at the sound of his favorite laugh and he looked up seeing Clementine laugh and smiled softly before he felt a nudge in his shoulder.
“Being obvious hotlzy.” Luke deadpanned one of the few people who have figured out Alex’s feelings for Clementine, something that is surprising considering how obvious he has been the last few months.
Alex rolled his eyes but looked away from Clementine.
Clementine finished her braids and started taping up her elbow, securing it tightly just how she likes before picking up her long sleeve compression shirt and putting on over her sports bra, she put on the rest of her equipment, tying her skates and slipping on her jersey last.
She grabbed one of her peppermints and slipped it into her mouth and started walking out of the locker room and through the tunnel onto the ice.
Clementine smiled as she saw her brother on the ice before warming up with her team.
A photographer asked for her and she skated over to her brother, bumping her shoulder against his.
Clementine and Connor both flashed a smiled at the camera leaning their heads against each other, and the photographer thanked them before skating away.
Connor smiled looking at his sister, “Guess our dream finally comes true.”
“It is.” Clementine smiled nudging her shoulder to his, “Your gonna do great, Who ever gets more points buys dinner next?” Clementine smirked holding a hand out to her brother.
“Deal.” Connor smirked back shaking her hand and kissed her cheek before skating back to her team.
Clementine skated back to her team waiting for the national anthem to start.
The puck dropped and the game started.
Clementine was at the blue line watching her brother skate down the ice with the puck and she saw Smith coming towards him and before she could even blink she saw his shoulder go to Connor’s jaw, she watched the way Connor’s hand flew to his jaw and he quickly skated to the bench and was down the tunnel immediately.
Luckily for Clementine her shift ended and she hurried to go to the tunnel but Lindy gently grabbed her arm, “Bedsy you know you can’t.” He gave her a pitying look knowing she wants to go see her brother, but she’s not allowed to.
Clementine jaw wobbled making her clench her jaw, “Coach.” She looked up pleading.
“You can when the period ends.” Lindy leaned closer whispering to her, “Not before.”
Clementine gave a grateful nod knowing she shouldn’t even be allowed to she him until after the game so she will take what she can get.
She sat back on the bench next to Alex who gave her a look of concern and set his knee against her, She gave him a nod that she was alright and focused her attention back on the ice trying not to think about Connor until she is allowed to see him.
The second the buzzer went off the period ending she bolted down the tunnel, into the hallway to the medical rooms.
She quickly knocked on the door and headed into the medical room seeing Connor laying on the medical bed and she could’ve of cried seeing his sad eyes, the same eyes he had when he broke his arm.
She quickly walked across the room and held onto to Connor’s hand, “Hey buddy.” Clementine softly cooed gently brushing his hair off his forehead, ignoring the doctors around her only focusing on her main priority, her brother.
Connor nose scrunched as his face showed he was in a lot of pain, he squeezed his big sister’s hand tightly.
Clementine felt useless just standing there not being able him in any way.
The doctor standing on the other side of the bed must of given Connor an IV before she came in and the doctor seemed to add pain medication through the IV.
Clementine tightly held onto his hand as she watched the pain medicine slowly began to work and he seemed to relax slightly.
“Ms.Bedard you have to go back on the ice.” One of the Devils equipment managers stood at the door giving her a pitying look.
Clementine started shaking her head stubbornly, when Connor squeezed her hand tightly.
She looked down at him and saw him giving her look and gesturing to the door and Clementine knew it was Connor telling her to keep playing.
“Ok, I love you bud.” Clementine reluctantly nodded leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.
She reluctantly let go of his hand and slowly walked out giving him one more worried look before walking out of the room feeling the dread pool in her stomach as she had to leave her little brother when he is injured.
Running their fingers through your hair until you're asleep.
Clementine frowned seeing the tension in Alex’s shoulders after the game, especially after Lindy spoke to them and knew Alex was taking it hard. She got dressed into her outfit seeing Alex just finished tying his shoes, she walked over to him gently grabbing his hand and started walking seeing Alex to tired to even protest.
Clementine threw her car keys to Connor giving him a look and he nodded agreeing to take her car home.
Clementine led Alex out to the parking garage and took his car keys out of his pocket, Alex got into the passenger seat waiting for Clementine, once Clementine got in the drivers seat he grabbed ahold of her hand again.
Clementine started the drive back to their apartment building gently rubbing her thumb across his hand, before they pulled into the parking garage.
Clementine led him up to his apartment and into his bedroom grabbing a pit of sweatpants and t-shirt for him and pushing him into the bathroom, she changed quickly into a pair of Alex’s sweatpants and long sleeve before sitting in bed waiting for Alex.
Alex face was still in a frown as he walked out of the bathroom, he walked over to his girlfriend and layed on the bed resting his head on her lap, he opened his mouth to start talking.
“Sshh my love, just relax we can talk tomorrow.” Clementine softly cooed gently brushing her fingers through his hair.
Slowly but surely, Clementine could feel Alex relaxing and eventually asleep, Clementine kept brushing her hands through his hair while he slept.
Clementine walked into the Devils locker room before they had practice and she had a box in her hands, she walked over to Alex’s stall dropping the box in front of him.
“What’s this?” Alex looked up at Clementine and looked back down at the box.
“For you.” Clementine leaned on the wall, “Go on open it.” Clementine watched as he open the box revealing a pair of Ugg slippers.
“So you stop stealing mine.” Clementine teased her teammate, always having her Ugg’s slippers stolen by Alex, who loves them.
Alex looked at the slippers and couldn’t understand why suddenly his heart was beating so fast and his palms were getting sweaty and suddenly the room felt really hot, “Thank you Clem.” Alex tried to smile at her.
“Are you alright?” Clementine’s face changed into concern as she looked at her friend in worry.
“Yeah sorry it’s just little hot.” Alex lied quickly feeling himself flush, and as he looked into Clementine beautiful different colored eyes and he could feel himself realized exactly why he’s feeling this way.
“Okay if you’re sure….” Clementine reluctantly agreed and turned around and headed over to her stall.
Alex let his head fall down with a groan muttering, “Shit.” He has a crush on his teammate and friend.
Clementine groaned hearing the knock on her front door, “One Second!” Clementine called out unwrapping the heating pad off her rips and gingerly standing up, she slowly walked to the door looking in the entrance mirror seeing she is only in a sports bra and sweat shorts and her ribs were wrapped in a ace bandage and her hair was in disastrous messy french braid but she was in pain and too tired to even care.
She opened the door seeing Alex patient waiting on her front mat, “Alex? What are you doing here?” Clementine questioned confused knowing that the team was hanging out tonight at Nico’s but she declined wanting to rest.
“I figured you could use some company.” Alex sheepishly smiled and held up a few grocery bags, “And have some dinner?” Alex knew Clementine can be stubborn and not want to admit when’s she not okay, but he saw the hit last night and was surprised she wasn’t majorly injured and just bruised and sore.
“You don’t have to.” Clementine weakly protested, Alex just shook his head and stepped into her apartment with a smile, he started walking to the kitchen and Clementine slowly followed behind him.
“You should be sitting down.” Alex gave her a stern look as he set the bags on her kitchen counter.
“What are you making?” Clementine ignored his words trying to peek into the bags.
Alex set his hand on top of the bags closing them back up giving her a look, “Clem, your tired and sore go rest.”
Alex gave her another stern look making her let out a long suffering sigh but reluctantly nodded and slowly shuffled back to the couch and she put the heating pad back on.
Clementine closed her eyes resting her head on the pillow and she must of dozed off because she woke up to someone gently shaking her and the smell of food.
“Hm.” Clementine hummed half asleep rubbing her eyes, she blinked up seeing Alex kneeled in front of the couch rubbing her back gently giving her a soft look that made her stomach turn.
“Hey sleepy head, dinners ready.” Alex softly spoke still rubbing her back gently, smiling at the sleepy look on her face.
She slowly nodded and slowly sat up and slowly got off the couch, she took a deep breath smelling the food as she walked to the kitchen seeing Alex already plated her food.
“Mac and Cheese!” Clementine grinned widely seeing her favorite food, “You remembered?” Clementine looked at Alex confused.
“Of course Clem it’s your favorite food.” Alex responded in a matter of fact tone like he was almost offended she thought he didn’t remember.
Clementine felt her heart soften in fondness for her teammate, “Thanks Lex.” Clementine spoke sitting down and immediately digging into the mac and cheese making a happy noise as she started eating.
Alex eyes widen hearing the nickname and the noise Clementine made as she took a bite but he shook his head trying to get rid of those thoughts as she brought his plate and started next to her.
Clementine was quickly eating, what might be her absolute favorite mac and cheese she has ever eaten.
Clementine smiled looking down before she realized what she was feeling and her eyes widen dramatically as she stared down at her plate.
She likes Alex.
Clementine took a deep breath stopping herself from panicking any further.
She knew her last relationship didn’t end on a bad note but it did still hurt terribly and she doesn’t know if she’s ready to even think about dating someone again, let alone a teammate again.
But the whole reason her last relationship ended was because it wasn’t easy, just seeing each other took weeks of work and planning and living in two different time zones and both at two different points in their career it just wasn’t easy and they couldn’t love each other the way they both deserted to be loved.
Clementine titled her head in thought thinking back of all the moments with Alex, and everything was just so easy and relaxing, she didn’t how she didn’t figure out her feelings before for Alex. She took a deep breath and pushed back her thoughts and feelings until she is alone and not next to the guy who is unintentionally causing all of this.
“Thank you.” Clementine spoke up as they two just ate in peaceful silence and she pushed her bowl slightly away from her.
“Always.” Alex just nonchalantly shrugged he would do anything if it made Clementine feel better.
Clementine felt her face soften and smiled at Alex giving him a fond look.
Alex gulped nervously seeing such a beautiful smile directly right at him and how soft she looked, he felt his heart pound faster but tried to distract himself by jumping up and grabbing both of their bowls.
Clementine tried to walk over and help clean up but Alex gave her another stern look and she reluctantly left the kitchen and went back to the couch sitting down.
Alex finished cleaning up and walked over sitting down next to her seeing that she put on a hockey game.
Alex was watching the game that he almost flinched when he felt something hit his arm but he looked down seeing Clementine’s head rested on his shoulder as Clementine looked fast asleep, Alex smiled soflty and shifted both of them slowly making sure not to wake her up but shifted her so she’s laying down more and so is he so he doesn’t need to get up and wake her up.
Clementine moved in her sleep making Alex freeze in worry that he woke her up but she just shifted and cuddled into Alex chest letting out a soft sigh, Alex slowly relaxed and gently put his hand of top of her hair, running his hands through her blonde hair slowly as he felt his eyes starting to shut close.
