Chapter Text
As usual, Maya Bishop started her day with a run.
This time she wasn't listening to music or podcasts, just the sound of her footsteps and her never ending thoughts.
She was thinking about the match that will be later that day.
If they win this, they win the play offs and win the cup.
The aggregate score was 3:2 to Seattle's women's hockey team so far but New York is a tough cookie to say the least.
If NYC wins, the games go on but Maya was determined to make this the last game.
As she was thinking about winning the match, she arrived back to her apartment. She quickly unlocked it, went in, made herself a smoothie and went through some of the social media sites.
She sat down on her sofa and took a few moments to think about how far she had come.
She started her career in Canada, after being discovered for her talent, playing for Toronto. She was just 18 years old when she moved there and spent 3 years in the country, winning lots of matches, earning lots of points and getting more and more talented.
In 2015, she turned 21 and that's when Seattle's women's hockey team found her again, offering her a contract which she accepted, and returned to her homeland.
By then the club was a strong one, winning almost every game they played and most of the players were also playing in the national team as well.
Maya became a solid member with her skills, quick thinking and icredibly playing style and a fan favourite as well.
Maya's train of thought was interrupted by an incoming call from her friend and teammate, Victoria Hughes.
"Hey, girl, what's up?"
"Hi. Do you want to grab a coffee or eat something with me and Andy before the game?"
"Sure!"
"Great. The usual place?"
"What time?"
"In an hour?"
"Okay, works for me," Maya said.
"Great, see you there," Vic said.
"Bye," Maya answered then hung up.
Vic and Andy were old friends of hers, they were all rookies back in 2012 but as they were really good players, soon other contracts came from almost all around the world and so they parted ways but obviously stayed in touch as much as they could.
When Maya had to get ready to leave, she grabbed her car keys, threw her hockey stuff into the trunk and drove to their usual spot, a cozy, modern café in the downtown of Seattle.
Since the weather was warm, given it was May, Maya wore shorts with a baseball cap and T-shirt that had the team's logo on it, making it known she was a player for the team.
She became quite popular since last year when she returned from Europe after her 3 year contract expired. She joined Seattle again and quickly became fan favoruite, getting recognized on the streets as well.
By the time she had arrived, Vic and Andy were already sitting outside, so Maya joined them, smiling at the two.
"Hi there, all good?" Vic asked.
"Hey, yes. Excited for tonight."
"Same. I hope we can win this. I am going to kill myself if New York wins in the end," Maya grumbled.
"It is going to be fine. Let's order because we have to leave soon," Andy said.
After placing their orders they continued chatting.
"Is it too early to talk about summer holiday?" Vic asked.
"Daaamn, as soon as I can I am leaving to Spain," Andy shared excited. "Trip is already booked!"
"Oookaaay, girl," Vic teased. "Where are you going?"
"Madrid and then Gran Canaria," Andy answered. "I really need to relax and just be by the water all day and every day."
"Don't forget to bring us in your suitcase," Maya laughed.
"What about you, Maya? Are you going anywhere?"
"I don't know yet."
"Will you visit your... mother?" Vic asked.
"I will, yeah," Maya nodded. "Then I don't know. Maybe a spontaneous trip to somewhere."
"Maya Bishop and spontaneity? I detected some lies here," Vic laughed.
"Oh, come on. Nothing exciting planned for now," Maya shrugged.
"You are suspicous," Andy eyed her teammate.
"Why? Can't I just relax at home after a hard season?"
"Of course you can but you are not the type to sit and do nothing."
"Well, things change," Maya shrugged.
"What did they do to you back in Europe?" Vic asked.
"Made me a better player!" Maya shot back instantly.
"That was sooo..."
"Of course you would say that," Andy rolled her eyes, Maya just laughing at them.
"You are all too dramatic. You two should be an actress."
"Oh, you think so?" Vic asked. "I think I would actually be a good actress. My grandmother always said that I have a good voice."
"Yeah, and you like everyone listening to it," Andy giggled.
"Stop!" Vic hit her in the shoulder. "I am a chatty person and it is perfect this way."
"Of course it is. Never change, Vic," Maya smiled at her. "What are you doing this summer?"
"Theo and I are going to South America," Vic admitted.
Theo and Vic had been together for a year and a half now. He was a player for the men's team in Seattle and not long after Vic returned back to Seattle from England, he slide into her DMs and was succesful with his attempt given that they are still together up until today.
"How is it going with him?" Maya asked, taking a sip of her drink.
"It is all good. He is nice, we're getting along well," Vic answered. "He is coming to today's match, obviously."
"Well, let's hope we are celebrating a victory and he is going to witness it."
After eating they paid and left to go to the ice hall separately then they waited for each other in the parking lot and walked in together.
The social media girl was recording their entrance and them waving into the camera, then they walked into the changing room and put their stuff down.
There was a quick team meeting, going over important details, NYC's tactics and giving a few advices.
"Okay, girls, I want everyone to focus only on today's game. Nothing else. No personal stuff, nothing. Just this game. We are going to make history," Coach Robert Sullivan said. "Don't be too cocky, let's not get ahead of ourselves but believe that we can do it."
After the meeting, they all went to get ready both mentally and physically.
Last minute protein bars and protein shakes were ate and drank and then everyone got their uniforms on. There was a light chatter in the changing room but as the minutes passed by, the room became more and more quiet as everyone was preparing for the big game that could mean winning the cup for their team.
Maya checked her phone for the last time, then turned it off, concentrating fully on the game and leaving every other thoughts behind.
"Are you all ready?"
The team went out to warm up, those who had already arrived cheering for them but as it was still half an hour until the game started, the ice hall wasn't too packed.
New York was there too, doing their own warm up. Lots of their fans were seen already on the stands, supporting their team as much as they could.
Warming up flew by so did the remaining minutes until the teams were on the ice, the commentator introducing the starting lines from both teams.
By this time the ice hall was packed, if it weren't for the good sound system, the presenter wouldn't even be heard over the cheering.
Then the puck was dropped and the game had begun. Maya got the puck, skating towards the opponent's net, passing the puck to her team mate, but the defending was quick and they stole it insantly.
The first five minutes were intense but not that much as both team tried to get to know the other's form.
Seattle seemed to be fresher, given they didn't have to travel, but it didn't mean that New York was any less dangerous: the goalie had to clear a few times as Charlotte Dearborn, forward from New York's team, tried her luck but fortunately Nicole, the goalie, was able to stop her actions.
It wasn't until the sixth minute when Vic got the puck and together with Maya, they skated fastly towards the net and after a few pass, Maya took her chance and got lucky as the goalie missed the puck and it flew into the net.
The ice hall almost blew up, everyone celebrating Maya's goal, even she herself too by imitating a kiss on her finger and raising it to the sky, her signature celebration ever since she got the chance to play in Europe.
After this she hugs her team mates and high fives the ones on the bench then sits down as it was time to change lines.
The first period flew by without anymore goals, and the teams were going back to the changing rooms.
"Okay, girls, very good job so far. Fourth line defense, be more attentive because their forwards think quicker than you can react. Let's not do unneccesary boardings and hookings..."
The break was spent with a few more advices, then soon enough the end of the intermission was coming and the teams went back on the ice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to the famous italian model, Carina DeLuca, who is watching the game tonight. Good to have you here, Ms. DeLuca and hope you are having a good time," the speaker said, making everyone turn their heads towards the big screens, where sure enough the beautiful brunette was smiling and waving to the camera.
"Holy fuck!" Powney almost screamed. "Did anyone know she was coming???"
"Oh my god!"
"Why did no one tell us???"
It was safe to say that Carina DeLuca was a goddess and she was known all around the world.
She started her model career in Italy then came to the US as well, she even had a few roles in tv shows but she always said that she is a model first.
"She is so hot, how am I supposed to concentrate??" Vic fanned herself.
"You have a boyfriend," Maya looked at her confused.
"Maya!! She is Carina DeLuca!!! I don't fucking care about Theo when CARINA is here," Vic explained, making Maya laugh. "You are not distracted??"
"Oh, I am. Well, I am trying not to be."
"Huh, you are doing a good job," Vic said.
"What is she doing here??" Powney asked.
"Okay, girls, look, I know that she is kind of your goddess and almost every training somehow she comes up but for the love of God do not let her being here distract you, okay???" Sullivan said as he called the team to himself for the last minute before the game. "Let NYC players be distracted by her but not us, let's show her and everyone else what we can do! Let's go!"
Everyone took their positions and the second period started, Seattle playing like they were on fire as all four lines were doing an excellent work at attacking and defending as well.
In the fourth minute it was Vic Hughes who got the puck and after a quick pass to Andy, she scored, making the match 2:0 and the fans cheer loudly.
"We fucking got this!" Vic screamed at the team hug.
Not even two minutes later Robin Powney scored a goal assisted by the goalie, Nicole Sputajs, as she came out at the right time, passing the puck to Powney who could quickly skate away and 1 on 1 with the opponent goalie she scored a goal.
The third goal seemed to wake up something in New York City because at the fifteenth minute they scored a goal, making the match 3:1.
The rest of the second period then passed without anymore goals and the atmosphere was charged as the teams came out for the third and last period.
Sullivan gave a few useful advices to the team, encouraging them to shoot because in the end they've done so much passing that it was impossible to score.
"Okay, last period, last chance. We are not going to let them get us so let's gave our two hundred percents and show them what we can do. The cup is coming to Seattle. Am I right??" Maya asked as they huddled together before starting.
"You are! Let's go!" Vic said and then they skated to the middle, starting the third period.
New York seemed to be on fire this time as they quickly got the puck and five minutes into the game they scored a goal, getting closer to make it a tie.
Maya was beyond frustrated.
They should bring home the Walter Cup tonight.
They are so close to it or at least they were and now they are getting further away from it.
She quickly tried to forget those thoughts.
No, they were more than capable of winning. They score bangers not just goals, so it was time to show New York City that they have no chance against them.
As the powerbreak came to an end and she skated towards the blue line, her eyes met Carina DeLuca's eyes and she swore she saw the other woman smile at her.
That smile added fuel to the fire because Maya fought for the puck and successfully got it, passing it quickly to Vic then she positioned herself to get a chance to score.
Vic saw her doing so and passed back the puck quickly, Maya shooting it immediately, surprising both the defenders and the goalie and the puck was in the net in a blink of an eye.
"BISHOOOOOOP!" Vic screamed as she skated to hug her.
"We are going to win this, mark my words," Maya said as they hugged then she skated towards the bench, high fiving the other players.
"Goal for Seattle scored by Maya Bishop, assisted by Victoria Hughes at six nineteen in the third period," the commentator said.
The game went on, Seattle's defenders blocking more and more of New York's attempt, getting their player, Charlotte Dearborn more and more frustrated.
Around the fourteenth minute, Maya got the puck again and skated towards the net but was blocked by Charlotte Dearborn crashing into her with so much force that it sent her crashing into the ice, Maya staying down instead of jumping up and continuing the game.
The referee immediately stopped the game, Maya's team mates ready to punch Charlotte in the face, while Andy skated to Maya, laying on the ice.
"Maya, are you okay? Can you hear me?"
"I am, I am just going to kill her."
"Does it hurt somewhere?"
"No, it is all good now. It was just unexpected," Maya answered.
"Is everything okay?" The referee skated to Maya, who stood up in the meantime.
"Yeah."
Charlotte earned only a two minutes penalty, which made the Seattle fans mad but they kept on cheering for their team.
It was obvious that Maya was going to survive the unexpected crash when two minutes later she scored again, making the match 5:2, the ending result quite evident.
"I am going to kiss you, you motherfucker!!" Vic hugged her, making Maya laugh.
"Please don't," she answered.
"I will get Carina DeLuca's number for you, trust me!"
"Okay," Maya laughed at her friend.
New York did not give up and they continued to push and push, pulling their goalie in the last minute but even six people weren't enough and Maya got the puck and scoring an empty net goal.
"Goal for Seattle, by Maya Bishop at nineteen oh six in the third period."
New York made a few attempts but it wasn't enough and as the final horn was heard, the ice hall blew up with happy fans and a celebrating team on the ice.
After handshakes with the opposite team, they choose the players of the match, obviously Maya earning it from her team.
They celebrated as long as they could on the ice, taking as much photos as they could before leaving to change.
Maya saw Carina DeLuca walking over to the bench, talking a little with the staff and without thinking twice the blonde skated towards them, Carina turning towards her and smiling at the ice hockey player.
They didn't even say anything, Maya simply grabbed Carina's face and pulled her into a kiss, the brunette reciprocating it immediately, holding Maya's face in her hands.
The fans cheer louder than before, some even scream, making everyone turn their attention to the hockey player and the model.
"I am so glad you are here," Maya whispered before kissing Carina again.
"You were amazing," Carina smiled at her. "I think it was time."
"It was," Maya nodded with a smile.
"Girl, what the fuck???" Powney screams. "Why are you kissing my girl crush?"
"I got here first," Maya shrugged, making Powney roll her eyes, and Carina laugh.
"Maya, what is going on here???" Andy looks at her friend confused.
"You will know everything soon."
"What do you mean soon?"
"I mean soon. Let's take a few photos and then we have to change. I have a post match interview to attend," Maya said then turned back to Carina who was looking at her with the softest look a human can have.
"I'll see you soon then, champion," the italian said.
"You bet," Maya grinned at her then kissed her again.
"Oh and don't forget what we talked about before," Carina told her.
"I won't, don't worry."
Maya quickly changed and now was sitting beside Robert Sullivan in the conference room where lots of journalists and cameras were.
"I think I speak in everyone's name when I say that we are dying to know what happened after the game with you and italian model Carina DeLuca on the ice," One of the journalists said.
"Oh, I haven't said anything about it before?" Maya acted innocent. "Carina is my wife," she said holding up her hand to show the wedding ring that was now on her finger. She quickly put it on after changing her clothes.
There was pure chaos in the room, everyone wanting to ask questions, even Sullivan looked at Maya shocked.
"What??"
"Surprise," Maya answered him, then turned her head to spoke into the microphone. "I know everyone has a lot of questions now and I promise we are going to give an explanation but this is a post match interview so ice hockey related questions please."
"How are you feeling after the victory and scoring the winning goals for the team?"
"It gives me chills, I feel powerful and honored at the same time. It means the world to me to represent this team and helping them get the cup."
"What happened when you collided with New York City player Charlotte Dearborn?"
"Nothing special that you don't see in ice hockey. I was going fast, she was coming towards me faster, wanting to stop me and it resulted in a crash. I did went to the ground but thankfully the pain quickly went away and I was able to continue."
"Do you have any plans for post match celebration?"
"Of course, especially as I haven't seen my wife in what feels like ages," Maya answered with a smile, making everyone laugh. "But yeah, I am pretty sure the team is having a good time tonight."
After a few more questions the interview was over and Maya was able to leave, Carina waiting for her and as soon as they saw each other, the italian jumped into her arms, Maya hugging her tightly.
"I am so so proud of you," Carina mumbled into the blonde's neck.
"Thank you, baby," Maya said.
There were a lots of photos taken of them but they then left to go to the changing room, where the whole team was waiting for them.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE A WIFE???" Vic screamed at her.
"Geez, don't yell at me," Maya grumbled.
"One thing is that you have a wife but another thing is that Carina DeLuca is your wife," Powney said as she looked back and forth between Maya and Carina.
"Introduce us, please," Sputajs begged.
"Team, let me introduce you to my wife, Carina DeLuca-Bishop. My love, this is my team," Maya said, looking at her wife with heart eyes.
"It is really nice to meet you," Carina said.
"Hello, I am Robin Powney and I would die for you," the girl said, shaking Carina's hand.
"Nice to meet you. I heard a lot about you all."
"You did???"
"I did. Maya told me a lot."
"But how the hell did you manage to keep this all a secret?" Andy asked.
"It wasn't easy but it was for the best. I wouldn't have wanted the media all over us and talking about our relationship but after all this time we thought it is about time," Maya explained. "We are just good at hiding."
"Did you know she was coming?"
"No, not until she was announced," Maya shook her head with a slight smile.
"I wanted to surprise her. I knew you would win this match and be champions and I wanted to be here. It was about time our relationship became public."
"But I still don't understand," Andy said. "How the hell did you do this? How did this even happen?"
"Long story short, when I signed for Milan, we met and then it was like she was the piece missing of my entire being. But we are giving an interview soon, telling everything that we can and want to tell."
"Would you join our celebration party tonight?" Powney asked Carina.
"If you have me, of course," Carina nodded.
"Not even a question."
After answering some questions and talking some more, they all decided to continue the party at Powney's house so that is where everyone went.
Maya and Carina stole a moment to themselves as they barely had any chance to have a proper conversation.
"How did you get there?"
"Airport transfer and lots of non-disclosure agreements," Carina chuckled, making Maya chuckle too.
"I cannot believe you are here," Maya sighed dreamily. "We can go by my car. But we can skip this party too, if you are too tired. I'd rather have you cuddled against me in the bed."
"No, it is your day, amore. We can stay as long as you want and go home whenever you feel like it. We have a lifetime to sleep in the same bed."
"But you have to go back, no?"
"No. I don't. I am staying in Seattle," Carina announced with a bright smile. "For a while now I've been trying to get everything sorted for me to move here. I already have a few photoshoots planned here, and who knows what happens now that the world knows about our love?"
"You are staying? For good?"
"For better or worse, richer or poorer. I am staying here. With you."
"I cannot believe, this is much better than this whole Walter cup," Maya grinned kissing Carina repeatedly.
"I think we spent enough time apart in this past year. And now it is finally over."
Maya and Carina stayed until a bit after midnight, but by then Carina almost fell asleep due to jetlag so Maya decided it is time they go home. They said goodbye to the team and Maya drove them home, resting her hand mostly on Carina's tigh.
"It still feels like a fever dream to have you here," Maya said as they laid down in bed, Carina cuddling to her immediately.
"I know, I am afraid it is not even real, just my mind playing tricks but at the same time I know it is real."
"It is. What we have has always been real and will always be real."
"I love you, Maya DeLuca-Bishop. So, so much."
"I love you too, Carina DeLuca-Bishop. I am glad you are finally home."
***
The next morning, Carina and Maya woke up almost around noon, legs tangled and not even an inch between them.
"Well, that's a good morning," Maya said as she looked at Carina, putting strands of brown hair behind her ear.
"It is, indeed," Carina smiled softly.
"I cannot believe we finally woke up next to each other," the blonde sighed dreamily.
"I know. It is like a fever dream. I couldn't wait for this day," The italian smiled.
Maya just watched her wife, placing her hand on her face and caressing her cheek with her thumb.
"I feel like you became more and more beautiful since we last saw each other," Maya said.
"Oh, stop it," Carina tried to cover her face with her hands but Maya wouldn't allow.
"I mean it, Carina! You are so beautiful and I love you so much."
"I love you too," the brunette looked at the blonde and the latter leaned closer to press their lips together lazily. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Uh oh..."
"No, don't worry nothing wrong. But before I left Italy, I told Teddy that if we give an interview it would be her we would choose to do it."
"She knew you are coming home?"
"She did, but that is not the point, amore," Carina chuckled. "Are you okay with it?"
"Of course. As long as we are giving the interview together."
"I figured you would say that and I know Teddy for a few years now. I would be more at peace to give our first interview together to her."
"It is totally fine by me. She is a nice person and is really good at her job."
"Great, because we are meeting her this afternoon..."
"What?" Maya asked surprised.
"I know it is quick but..."
"No, it is okay. Otherwise our phones will blow up. The sooner we give the interview the better."
"I agree," Carina said.
"I will make you some breakfast," Maya started to get up but Carina held her back.
"Breakfast is ready."
"What? You just woke up," Maya answered confused but seeing Carina raise her eyebrows and the smirk on her face Maya immediately understood what she meant. "Oh, my favourite!" Maya exclaimed then got on top of Carina.
After breakfast in bed, Maya and Carina got up to really get some food but as it was almost noon they decided to order something.
"So, we are meeting Teddy at three," Carina said as she hung up her phone after talking to her friend. "She got us a place in her studio where we can be alone and comfortable."
"That is nice. She is a great one," Maya said as Carina sat down next to her on the couch, immediately opening her arms to let the italian cuddle to her.
"She is. I already saw a few tweets and conspiracy theories about us," the brunette chuckled.
"I knew you wouldn't be able to skip them," Maya shook her head.
"They were really funny. Some says we are not actually together, it is just PR."
"Yeah, because every PR relationship starts with marriage..."
"I know. Most of them saying that we met when you were in Europe."
"They will all get their answers soon."
"Teddy said they will try to work on it today and publish the interview tonight but it depends on a lot of stuff."
"It is okay if it is not coming out tonight. We can always post that the interview is already done and be patient for it," Maya shrugged.
"Yeah, true."
"I didn't think it would be so amazing to call you my wife in public as well and show off how hot you are and how lucky I am," Maya said.
"You became a big softie, Maya Bishop, what is going on with you?" Carina poked her wife in the ribs.
"I just missed you and having you here makes me mushy. I didn't think I was that person but look at me. This is all your doing."
"And I am very proud of it," Carina grinned, earning a few kisses on the head from Maya.
"I will spam my Instagram account with you from now on."
"Oh, I cannot wait for the cheesy posts and comments."
"I will also say that you become the biggest pillow princess after seeing me in my ice hockey uniform."
"Maya!!"
"Isn't it true?" The blonde looked at her wife.
"You are cocky!"
"Don't pretend you are not becoming the good girl I know you are when you see me in my jersey and my baseball cap."
"Maya..."
"I know you, Carina DeLuca-Bishop. And I know the things I do to you," Maya said, her voice low, close to her wife's ears.
"You are a very mean ice hockey player..."
***
Maya and Carina arrived at Teddy's studio together, they walked into the building holding hands and with big smile on their faces.
"Cari, Maya, hi!" Teddy walked over them, giving them both a hug.
"Hey Teddy, it's been a long time," Maya said, Carina nodding her head in agreement.
"It is. Thank you so much for being here and asking me. It is an honor."
"If there is someone we would happily talk to about our relationship it is you."
"I am honored," Teddy said. "Come with me and meet the make up and hair dresser team. But both of you look so gorgeous that I highly doubt they need to do anything."
"Oh stop it," Carina waved her hand.
After a quick touch up on their make ups and hair, Carina and Maya were sitting side by side in front of Teddy in a cozy looking studio with cameras around them.
"So, are you ready?" Teddy asked.
"Hundred percent," Maya answered determined, Carina nodding in agreement.
"It is not a game, you know? You can relax..." Carina looked at her wife, placing her hand on her face for a few seconds in a calming gesture.
"I am totally relaxed," Maya said, making Carina and Teddy laugh.
"Okay, can we start?"
"Sure," Maya nodded.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce that I am sitting in front of two of my very good friend who recently blew up the internet by announcing their marriage. Please, let me welcome Italian model Carina DeLuca and ice hockey player Maya Bishop. Welcome here, girls, it is good to have you two here."
"Hello and we are glad to be here," Carina smiled.
"We are obviously here to talk about the two of you and the relationship that the two of you had but no one knew about. Can you tell us how it started?"
"Well, it all started when I signed in Europe, specifically in Italy, a three year contract with a hockey team in Milan," Maya started, looking at Carina then back at Teddy. "Her brother, Andrew DeLuca was the team's doctor that time so it was bound to happen that we meet."
"It happened really fast, I think you were in Milan for like three weeks when we first met," Carina added, Maya nodding.
"Yes. Andrew and I got along really well and he invited me to a party where I was introduced to the most beautiful woman on Earth and I just knew that if I don't get to date her, I will die," Maya said, making Carina and Teddy laugh.
"Did you feel the same too, Carina?" Teddy asked.
"Well, she was and still is really pretty but she seemed so cocky and confident that at first it was kind of annoying. I was never into ice hockey so I was like oh, it is surely a hockey player thing, so at first it wasn't anything serious but then the universe didn't let me stay away from her."
"She is just too shy to admit that it was love at first sight," Maya joked.
"Not at first sight but it is true that I was falling really quickly. I think we both did," Carina said, looking at Maya who nodded.
"I mean, I knew who Carina DeLuca was, everyone knew who she were, so I was already in love when we got introduced."
"Okay, that is more than sweet," Teddy grinned. "How did you manage to go on dates without being seen or anything?"
"It was the hardest part but once you become more and more famous you get to know techniques that helps you stay hidden. We usually met at Maya's place and most of the time I was dressed like a boy," Carina chuckled. "It was so much logistics but it was all worth it. We spent most of our free time together."
"Yeah, she even came to my matches but stayed incognito as much as she could," Maya said.
"We had amazing support systems who knew about it and they did everything in order to keep us safe and our relationship a secret. It wasn't that we didn't want to share with everyone our love but we wanted to stay hidden because it was just ours and we wanted to keep it that way as much as we could."
"That is totally understandable, both of you are professionals in your respective jobs and careers, I absolutely understand that you wanted to keep this to yourselves," Teddy nodded. "When did your marriage happened?"
"We were together for two years when Maya asked me to marry her and I obviously said yes. Her contract was still for a year but when we knew that she is going back to the US we decided to have a small wedding in a beautiful beach in Italy. It was last year and it was everything I have ever dreamed of," Carina smiled dreamily.
"It was beautiful," Maya nodded. "Just us and the closest people to us."
"What made you decide to come back to the states, Maya, and how the two of you handled that? Weren't you afraid how it would affect your relationship?"
"I loved being in Italy but ice hockey especially women's hockey is not that competitive there. It was good to gain experience and see a new country with new people-"
"And get a wife," Carina chimed in, making Maya and Teddy laugh.
"Yes, and getting a wife, but I missed the competitive side of it all. Seattle offered me a good deal and after talking about it with Carina, I decided to accept it. We knew we could survive because we love each other to death and always put the other one first. We made sure to always have time for each other and look at us? We are happier than ever," Maya answered.
"My heart seriously cannot take this, I have to admit," Teddy chuckled. "And what are your plans? For the summer and the future?"
"Well, I think it is not a secret that I am moving to the States too. I already have a few job booked here and who knows what else life brings. Hopefully we are going on a vacation somewhere peaceful where no one knows us," Carina said. "And then we'll see."
"Well, thank you so much for answering my questions. Do you have anything to say to fans and others?"
"Go to Italy, you might find your partner there," Maya said jokingly.
"Thank you for your support and not being mad for not revealing our marriage sooner," Carina answered. "I am not saying we will be less private but there is a chance that we will share more things from now on."
"Yeah, and come to Seattle's matches where you can meet the pretty girl," Maya said.
"I am pretty sure Seattle will need a bigger arena soon after this," Teddy laughed. "Thank you so much for coming here today and doing me the honor of giving your first ever interview as a married couple. I am deeply touched."
"Thank you for having us."
After the interview Maya and Carina stayed for a while talking with Teddy some more and taking a few photos before leaving the studio and going home.
"So, where are we going on vacation?" Carina asked as they walked to the living room, Maya wrapping her hands around Carina's waist.
"Where do you want to go?" Maya asked as Carina wrapped her hands around her neck, playing with her hair a little.
"I don't know. Somewhere hot."
"You are already hot."
"Maya..."
"Okay, okay... You get to choose. I will go wherever you are."
"I knew you would. I always knew," Carina smiled softly at her wife.
"You, my love, had me wrapped around your finger since day one."
"That I did. And I wouldn't want it any other way."
"Neither do I," Maya shook her head. "Thank you for choosing me. And thank you for loving me."
"I will always choose and love you, Maya DeLuca-Bishop."
"You know, I might have won the Walter cup with the team but my biggest ever prize will always be you and being married to you."
"That is very sweet," Carina smiled softly, tearing up a little at Maya's words.
"You and I against the world. Forever."
