Since one anon requested a Matteney fic where they go to a Kings game together - here you go! It’s short but I hope you will enjoy it anyway!
It had all started with another one of their ‘stupid’ bets. She knew she shouldn’t have given in to it but she was a very competitive person after all and sometimes just needed the thrill that came along with it. Even if it meant that there was the possibility of losing and she’d have to comply with his wishes. She had to admit, though, that this time she was actually looking forward to their evening together and didn’t think it had been that bad of a loss for her.
- Two weeks ago -
Matthew watched as Courteney carried over a bowl of snacks for their cosy evening at her place. She returned his smile when she cuddled up next to him on the couch, letting herself relax into his embrace.
"So, what movie will it be tonight?"
"Hm, why don’t you pick one today? I think it’s your turn anyway," she replied softly, up for anything.
He sat up and grabbed the remote control as he flicked through the alphabetically sorted menu. “Alright, how about Annie Hall?”
"Sounds good to me," Courteney returned his kiss and slowly ran her hand over his chest, enjoying their closeness as they started to watch the movie.
Matthew knew her long enough to know that she was an absolute homebody and loved to spend her evenings at her place, preferably cuddled up to him on the couch and watching a movie that neither of them really payed much attention to. As much as he enjoyed their time on these evenings together and valued to keep his personal life private, he also loved to take her out from time to time. They had managed to find a perfect balance between dividing their time together between the two of them and spending some evenings with their respective group of friends.
He was aware of the fact that Courteney enjoyed watching the football games of her Alabama team and she could get very competitive, too. Matthew had secretly watched her during a game and still couldn’t believe how adorable she had been when she cheered for her team. And that was also one reason why he wanted to take her with him to one of the games of his favourite hockey team of all times. He knew she wasn’t entirely reluctant, but he was still thinking of a good way to convince her to join him. Then he remembered: one of their competitive bets would do!
"Babe?" He continued to breathe evenly as he admired how well their fingers fit together and how small her hand looked in his.
"Hmm?" Courteney was still focused on the movie, her head resting on his shoulder.
"I was just thinking about the last Bama game we watched together… aren’t they playing again soon?" He hoped she wouldn’t grow suspicious at his question.
"Yeah, they’re actually playing tomorrow," she nodded before looking at him slowly. "Why are you asking?"
Shrugging, he casually replied: “Ah, no reason. I just think there’s no way they’re going to win that next game too. I mean they are playing a tough rival during the next game, so I don’t think they’re going to win this thing.” He grinned internally, knowing that his teasing game was working on her when he felt her sit up quickly.
"What?! Of course they’re going to win! They will win the cup this year!"
Matthew couldn’t hide his amusement anymore, chuckling until she hit him forcefully.
"Matthew Langford Perry, I am serious, they will win this game." Pausing, she looked at him more. "You wanna bet?" And finally, he had her where he wanted her.
"Okay. I’ll bet with you," he shook her hand and could detect the thrill in her blue eyes. "So what does the loser have to do this time?"
"Hm, why don’t you think of something, Mister ‘I’m-always-right’," she poked his side and he beamed with pride at the success of his plan.
"Alright, well, if you lose - which I am very certain you will - how about you come with me to a Kings game?"
Courteney sat up even straighter as she looked over at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Seriously? That is your wish?” He grinned upon seeing the odd look on her face that made her even cuter. “Yeah, I think you owe me one accompanied visit to the Staples Center.”
"Oh well, okay. I’ll do it. Or better - I would be open to join you, but since Bama is not going to lose, bad luck for you."
"They are not going to win, babe. Get used to the fact that I am going to win this bet."
She shook her head and poked his side in a weak attempt to get back at him. “Alright, so if you are losing - which you will, by the way - I will make you watch all the Bama games of this season with me. And you will have to stay at home with me during one Kings game. Just because you are so self-opinionated.”
Matthew’s mouth gaped open as he looked at his girlfriend. “Whoa, that is not fair! Okay, okay. You know what? Deal.” Shaking her hand, he continued, “because I am not going to lose so it doesn’t even matter.”
Courteney rolled her eyes into the back of her head and focused her attention on the tv screen again. There was no way in hell her team would lose the next game.
- Present day -
But Bama had lost their game and Courteney had lost her bet. And today was payday. When the door bell rang and she went to open it she was greeted by an overly excited Matthew already.
"Hey, babe. So, you looking forward to the game tonight?" The smile on his face was impossibly huge.
"Yeah, yeah, just enjoy teasing me, I assure you this will be the last time you will have seen me lose," she let him in, but let him kiss her nevertheless.
"Isn’t that what you already said last time…?" He followed her inside, but wasn’t able to stop teasing her.
"Oh, by the way, I brought you something." When she just looked at him with a warning look on her face, he showed her the black cap that had the label ‘LA Kings’ on the front.
"Figured you’d look real cute in this. Plus, you know, I won."
Courteney rolled her eyes at him, but laughed nevertheless. She just didn’t want him to enjoy his little victory too much.
"Alright, I will wear this. I guess I’ll have to do anything you want me to do today." She shot him a teasing look as she took the cap from him and placed it on top of her head, adjusting her long, dark curls around her face.
Matthew bit his lip as he watched her get ready. He wouldn’t dare to let on that she had probably never been more of a turn-on to him than right at that very moment. She didn’t agree with him, he knew that much, but she didn’t need to dress up and put on makeup to bring out her real beauty. His favourite Courteney was when he woke up in the mornings next to her wearing nothing but the white bed sheets, her hair dishevelled and eyes still tired from the lack of sleep.
Courteney caught him staring at her and felt somewhat insecure.
"What? I know this doesn’t suit me but I lost your bet, so deal with me looking like this now," she pulled on her black shirt and jeans, completely missing Matthew’s look of affection. He took a few steps to close the gap between them and then pulled her in close while kissing her nose.
"You look pretty perfect to me."
She was still somewhat doubtful as she looked up into his blue eyes, but found that he was deadly serious.
"Thank you. I think I’m ready for the game now."
"I think you are. I just hope they won’t lose tonight just because you suck at betting," he couldn’t stop himself from teasing her as he placed a quick kiss on her lips before it was too late and she would smack his arm again. Her mouth gaped open as she followed him out to the car. "Just wait until tonight, you’ll pay for that, Mister!"
They both drove to the game, Courteney letting Matthew take the lead since he was the pro who went to nearly every game and had a season ticket. He parked the car and got out with Courteney before taking her hand into his.
"So, are there actually going to be paprazzi here? I just don’t like to be bothered, you know?" She followed him while taking in all the new impressions.
"Nah, not really. At least not inside. There’s a lot of other people though," he teased as he held her close to his own body while they were reaching the inside of the Staples Center. "And they sometimes ask for photos or autographs, but I think you know the deal since you are famous too."
She poked his side without attracting attention as they continued to walk. “Gee, thanks for the hint.”
"But hey, I think you’re fine being dressed casual and nobody’s going to notice Courteney Cox in glasses and with that Kings cap anyway."
"Yeah, just like nobody notices you when you’re unshaven and wearing glasses," she mocked back while looking around. It had been a while since she had been at Staples Center, but each time she couldn’t help but feel somewhat lost. The arena was huge and there were already a lot of people buzzing around them, trying to get to their seats or buying snacks and drinks before the game started. She was really glad she was accompanied by Matthew as she clung to him more, knowing better than to get lost in this place. Matthew continued to walk into the direction of their VIP seats since he knew the way by heart anyway.
"Just so you know, there’s food and drinks where we’re sitting so if you want me to get you anything, I’m your slave tonight."
Courteney smiled while holding his hand, noticing some people were staring at them as they passed through the corridors. “That’s good to know. Just don’t leave me alone tonight.” She continued to hold on to his hand and secretly he couldn’t wait to show her off.
"Alright, here we are." They both went inside the VIP section and he sat down next to her in the seat, ready to praise the amazing view they had from their seats. "So, what do you think, pretty great, huh?"
Courteney took in the view as they were seated above the crowd and had a perfect view on the ice in the middle of the arena. “Wow, you’re right, that’s not too shabby. Now I get why you spend all of your time here,” she grinned and leaned in slowly to kiss him, not sure if it was okay for them to show their affection for each other in public. He was reluctant at first, but then his lips met hers in a sweet but short kiss.
"Not all of my time. And I do miss you when I’m here. So that’s why I used that bet do get you to join me. Make sense now?" He admitted to her and she gave him a sweet smile.
"Well, then I’m really glad I lost the bet. To be honest, it’s not that much of a loss if it means I do get to spend time with you."
Matthew smiled at her and offered to get them drinks and snacks before the game started. It wasn’t long after he returned that everyone was seated, the lights went dark and the game started.
Courteney snuggled up closer to Matthew and to her own surprise she started to really enjoy the atmosphere and the suspense of the game. After another hour, they were both really into the game and Courteney even jumped up each time the Kings scored a goal.
"Oh God, I had no idea it would be so much fun!" She beamed when another break was announced. She was giddy like a teenager and Matthew couldn’t hide his smile at the sight of her adorable face anymore.
"And they are winning, too, so it seems it’s okay for you to be here. I mean, after all I’m the team’s good luck charm," he winked as they both sat down again.
Courteney just smiled at him and he put his arm around her, kissing her nose softly as he adjusted her cap. “You are so cute, have I told you that already?” He told her softly. Just when she was about to reply he noticed that her gaze went up and then he felt her poke his side.
He followed her eyes and felt his heart beat faster in his rib cage when he saw that they were both on the big screen.
"Kiss me," he heard her mumble as she was still smiling into the camera and it took him a few seconds to realise that this wasn’t just the big screen, but the kiss cam!
He normally wasn’t one to show affections in public, but he figured since everyone knew about them anyway and the crowd was now cheering, he didn’t have any other choice. He pulled her closer and leaned in as he captured her lips with his, completely forgetting the surroundings. When her tongue suddenly entered his mouth he was shocked at first, but then he gave in and kissed her more until they were nearly making out on the screen. They were only interrupted by the crowd’s loud cheers as they pulled apart, slightly embarrassed, and the camera captured another random couple. Courteney laughed softly as she noticed his flustered face, taking his hand into hers. “Thank you for bringing me here tonight. I am really having a great time.”
Matthew smiled and gave her another kiss. “You’re welcome. Thank you for agreeing to go with me. You’re welcome to come with me again anytime. But only if we end up on the kiss cam each game,” he winked.
"Yeah, you wish." Courteney grinned as she leaned her head against his shoulder. This surely didn’t feel like losing at all.