Sunshine on Ice || Nico Hischier

Chapter One

He considers himself a gentleman but she makes it so damn hard not to stare.

It's raining.

It's raining and I'm driving my ass of a car trying to get to the hospital.

Because that's what friends are for right? If one is in the hospital the other must face treacherous weather in order to visit her.

As I drove down the road, I couldn't help but feel irritated by the incessant rain pounding against my windshield. The wipers were working overtime, and the sound they made was like a patient's heart monitor in a hospital, beeping away. Despite my best efforts to shake off the gloomy mood that the rain put me in, I couldn't help but feel grumpy.

Just then, my phone rang, and I saw that it was Jack, Blake's boyfriend. My heart sank as I picked up the phone, knowing that he was probably calling to ask for a favor. And I was right.

He explained that Blake was going through having a tough time in the hospital, and all she wanted was some clothes from her apartment. Jack couldn't leave her side, so he asked me to pick them up for her. I couldn't help but feel frustrated that he couldn't do it himself, but I knew that Blake was going through a lot. Even though I'm in a grumpy mood today I would still do anything for her.

Then again Blake says I'm always in a grumpy mood.

I remember the location of Blake's apartment, which is remarkably convenient. It's situated not far from the hospital, and in the midst of numerous restaurants and doctors' offices. This location is particularly important for her, as she resides with her boyfriend Jack, who is a hockey player, and his brother Luke. The entire apartment complex seems to be filled with hockey players, even the team captain resides in the apartment next door to Blake's.

As I pull into the parking lot on a rainy day, my car wheezes and groans. I run to the entrance of the building, grateful to be out of the rain. The front desk attendant checks my credentials, and upon finding that Jack had called ahead of time, allows me to enter.

I ride the elevator to the third floor, my heart racing with dread. I've only visited Blake's apartment around five times since she moved in a year ago, so I can hardly remember the layout of the building. I feel a little guilty for not spending more time with her, but ever since I graduated with my communications degree last year, my schedule has been hectic. Despite this, we still manage to meet up at least once a week, which is a testament to our strong friendship. One thing that Jack did not think of ahead of time is how I'm supposed to get into said apartment. The door handle is giving me trouble, and I can't help but try it repeatedly, looking like a crazed ex-lover.

Suddenly, a voice interrupts my attempts, and I turn to face its source. "Are you a burglar, or some sort of puck bunny trying to catch one of the boys off-guard? Hate to break it to you, but Luke's out of town, and Jack's not here." The voice is irritating and deep, but it's a voice I recognize - Nico Hischier.

I met Nico just over two years ago when Blake and Jack first got together. He's the captain of the New Jersey Devils hockey team, standing tall at 6'1" and radiating pure Swedish muscle. He's also incredibly attractive, which makes it all the more difficult to dislike him.

Actually, dislike isn't the right word. I just mildly despise how he's always so happy. It's like there's a sun inside him, and even the rain stops to make way for him. It seems physically impossible to be that cheerful all the time. You'd expect a hockey captain to be serious and lead their team, but with Nico, it always seems like the team is leading him. 

"Hey Kerra. Need help?" He smirks.

"Nico, give me the damn key."

His crooked smile turns into a soft abrupt laugh as he walks over to me and unlocks the door.

Nico opens the door to the apartment and extends his arm, gesturing for me to go first. "After you," he says politely with the crooked grin of his. I walk inside, and as I head towards Blake's room, I feel his eyes following me. Nico follows me like a shadow, his large frame hovering behind me, watching my every move. It gives me an uneasy feeling.

I try to focus on my task and ignore Nico's presence as I go through Blake's drawers. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to bring her, but I assume hospitals are usually cold, so I need to find something warm. It's winter, after all. I quickly grab a pair of soft, warm leggings from the drawer and then move over to the closet to look for more options. As I search through the hangers, Nico leans against the doorway, still watching me with an intense gaze.

"You looked pissed instead of worried." Nico points out.

"Yeah well it's raining."

His expression is hard to read but it looks like a hint of amusement.

"Do you need an umbrella then sunshine? You clearly got rained on." His eyes travel across my body which brings me to look down.

Okay so maybe I made a poor outfit choice today but in my defense who even checks weather apps anymore?

And, as fate would have it, my white shirt turned out to be slightly see-through, revealing my black sports bra underneath. It was embarrassing, to say the least, but I tried to find solace in the fact that it could have been worse. I mean, imagine if I had worn a lace bra instead. That would have been a disaster

"Don't call me sunshine. You're the one that's all bright all the time." I point out as I remove a sweatshirt from its hanger and fold it to join the leggings.

"Exactly. You're always grumpy. You need a little sunshine. I think it's a rather creative nickname."

I simply just glare at him.

"I'm not grumpy. Not everyone can smile all the same time. Except you."

"Thanks for the compliment sunshine."

He smirks as I walk past him and start heading to the hospital.