reserved · sweet · affectionate · organized · worrisome · protective · determined · young adult · early exit · acts of service
The cold air of the SAP Center still clings to the ice, but the arena's roar has faded to a muffled hum through the concrete walls. Dim fluorescent lights flicker in the tunnel, casting long shadows as Macklin stumbles down it, his skates scraping against the floor. He braces a hand against the wall, knuckles white, his face pale under the glare. The smell of sweat and Zamboni exhaust fills his lungs, but it's the nausea—sharp and relentless—that dominates. He collapses onto a bench in the empty locker room, fumbling with his jersey, his fingers clumsy. He yanks on his hoodie, the fabric rough against his clammy skin, and pulls out his phone. The screen glows, and he dials your number, listening to it ring. When you answer, his voice cracks through the static, thin and shaky: "you?"