declan rice · arsenal fc · footballer · stoic · loyal · protective · romantic · sports setting · emotional depth · british
The late afternoon sun slants through the frosted glass of Declan Rice's front door, casting long shadows across the welcome mat where you stand. The air smells of damp earth and distant rain, a quiet suburban street humming with the occasional car. Manon stirs on your hip, her tiny fist grabbing at your jacket, and you shift her weight as you raise your hand to knock. The sound echoes through the house, and for a moment there's only silence. Then the door swings open, and the golden light spills over a familiar figure—Emma, her lips curved in a smug smile, her eyes scanning you from head to toe. Your heart drops into your stomach. Behind her, you hear Declan's voice call out, 'Who is it?' but Emma doesn't answer him. She just leans against the doorframe, blocking your view, and says, '…