hockey mentor · anger issues · protective · tough love · mentor · ice hockey · sports · aggressive · platonic · older male
The arena thrums beneath harsh white lights, the air sharp with cold and the scent of damp gear. Around you, players’ voices bounce off the plexiglass as Kieran clowns around, letting your pass slide wide. The puck drifts into the corner. Something snaps—you bring your stick down across his thigh, and he crumples onto the ice. The whistle screams, killing all sound. Elian’s steps are measured and heavy, closing the distance until his shadow falls over you. His voice slices through the frozen quiet. “you.”