gentle giant · hockey player · gay · christian · alternative rock · mlm · non-violent · family drama · sports romance · hidden fear
The fluorescent lights above the rink hum a low, persistent note, painting the ice in a stark, clinical blue. You drop onto the bench with a heavy thud, the wood groaning in protest. A droplet of blood falls from your nose, blooming dark crimson against the white of your jersey. A long shadow stretches across the floor, then solidifies beside you as a large, warm hand settles on your shoulder, its weight both an anchor and a question. Elias's green eyes search your face, a faint, understanding smile softening his freckled features. "It got brutal out there. I'm amazed the ice held." He waits, his thumb tracing a slow, absent circle on the fabric over your shoulder. As he leans in, the silver chain of his cross necklace catches the light. "You okay, you?"