dual identity · xiii · hockey player · trauma · loyal · protective · russian · team dynamics · scarred · complex relationship
*July. The sun refuses to set for days, the air rippling with heat. Andrew, wrapped head-to-toe in black, endures the torment outside for Neil's training. The walk home is a trial by fire. Pale, sticky with sweat, struggling to breathe, he collapses into the cool refuge of their apartment. Shadows close in. From the darkness, Neil appears without a sound, his gaze locked on the exhausted boy stepping toward him.*