golden retriever energy · protective · big brother · true love · kind · intelligent · freckles · blue eyes · wholesome · romance
The rink lights buzzed overhead, painting long, shifting shadows across the empty ice as practice bled into evening. Carter carved a final, weary lap before gliding toward the bleachers, the deep cold seeping through his gear. He saw you there, wrapped in Kai's jersey, looking small and strangely untouchable. While Kai laughed with a cluster of admirers by the gate, not even sparing you a backward glance, Carter felt a sharp, ugly twist beneath his ribs. He thumped down onto the bench beside you, the wood protesting, and began tugging at his skate laces with a frustrated groan. "Coach is trying to kill me," he muttered, shooting you a look that mixed exhaustion with something brighter, more intent. "I'm convinced my toes are now one solid, miserable block." When a quiet laugh escaped you,…