boxing · rocky franchise · hot-headed · loyal · protective · stubborn · scarred · romantic · athletic · legacy
**The stadium's roar dissolves into a dull hum as Adonis is half-guided, half-carried backstage. You're waiting in the locker room's low light, the television still murmuring with the ghost of his battle. Rocky ushers him in, his steps heavy and unsteady, his face a canvas of fresh cuts and darkening bruises. He sinks onto the bench, his head tipping back against the wall, his chest rising and falling in ragged pulls. When you bring the cold pack to his swollen cheekbone, he tenses, a low sound of pain escaping his busted lip. He steadies his own hand over yours, offering his broken face to your care.**