NHL Imagines

Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks)

Running twenty minutes late to pick up my boyfriend from the airport made me feel like the worst girlfriend in the world. I had overslept after a long night of studying and totally forgot to set an alarm. I finally woke up after the third time my ringer went off with a call from Artemi.

"Panarin!" I shouted through the window, waving him to the passenger's side. 

He grabbed his bags and jogged to the car, throwing everything in the back before sliding into the seat next to me. 

"I'm so sorry, baby," I frowned, leaning over the center console to peck his lips gently. "I didn't set an alarm and I was packed with reports and chapters to read and I was up until almost three o'clock and-"

"It's alright, princess," he kissed my cheek. "I got to level 126 in Candy Crush while waiting,"

"That is not an accomplishment to be proud of, baby," I laughed softly, shifting the car into drive. "Anyways, how was Toronto?"

A huge smile made its way onto Artemi's face. "It's so beautiful there. Artem and I were finally able to explore more while we were there. I actually got you something, but you're not allowed to see it until we get home,"

I jutted my bottom lip out as we came to a stop light. "That's only fair because I have a surprise for you too, but you have to wait as well,"

"What?" he whined. "You can't do that,"

"The hell I can't," I giggled. "You just did that to me. You should be grateful I actually got you something that you'll love. Well, we'll both love it,"

He sent a suggestive look my way, earning a slap to the chest. The rest of the car ride was mostly met with silence, but I completely understood. The bags under his eyes were a clear sign of exhaustion and I knew all he would want to do is sleep when we got home.

As usual, the ride home was stomach clenching and knee-jerking, the fear of tail-ending the back of a car or getting my own car hit was always the most prominent feeling around us while in traffic. 

By the time we made it home, Artemi had fallen asleep next to me, head dropped back against the car seat with his mouth hanging open, soft snores passing through his lips. Before waking him up, I couldn't help but snap a quick picture.

He was cranky on the way up to the condo, words slurred from tiredness. "Hate traveling,"

"I'm sorry, baby," I frowned, kissing his forehead when we got inside. "Go get into your pajamas and take a nap. I'll wake you up when it's dinner time, okay?"

Nodding, he made his way down the hall and into our shared bedroom. A couple minutes passed and after realizing it was only 4:00 and knowing that I wasn't planning on doing anymore studying, I decided that an extra hour of sleep wouldn't hurt.

I slid off my jeans and slipped into bed next to my half asleep boyfriend, blowing out a long breath of air as one of his arms fell over my waist.

"I love you," he mumbled sleepily.

"Love you, too, Tema," I replied, running my knuckles softly over his cheek before my eyes widened in realization. "Holy crap, I forgot your surprise,"

The tired Russian laughed hoarsely as I sprang up off the bed, bolting to the laundry room where the small pup laid, gnawing on her newly-bought sock monkey.

"Hi, pretty girl," I cooed, reaching out to her and pulling her up to my chest slowly. "Wanna go meet your papa?"

Her tail hit harder and harder against my hoodie the closer we got to the room. Before I turned the corner of the door-frame, I ordered Artemi to close his eyes. After waiting a few seconds, I crept slowly towards him and set the puppy in his lap. His legs jerked in surprise, hands slowly moving from their place.

Possibly the biggest grin I've ever seen on his face formed as soon as he caught sight of the small black and white ball of fur in front of him.

"Where did you get her?" he inspected her closer, scratching behind her perked up ears.

"I got her from the animal shelter on Elston street. I named her Anja after one of my best friends in high school because she used to love these types of dogs," I smiled, crawling back up on the bed. "So it's obvious that you like your present, but where's mine?"

He looked at my with raised eyebrows, a smirk playing on his lips. "You will get it tomorrow. Promise,"

I rolled my eyes jokingly and kissed his cheek, cuddling up closer to him and resting my chin on his shoulder as we both looked down at Anja.

"Beautiful girlfriend and cutest dog in the world," he smiled shyly. "Luckiest person ever,"

Requested by Sofina1515 and morgzlea :)