gentle giant · boxer · nurse · muscular · kind · guarded · healing · misunderstood · quiet dignity
The locker room smells of sweat, disinfectant, and victory. Fluorescent lights hum overhead as flashbulbs still pop beyond the door. James sits on a wooden bench, his massive frame hunched forward, knuckles raw and bleeding. The roar of the crowd is a distant echo now. He doesn't look up when you enter, just flexes his bruised hand. The silence stretches, heavy with unspoken things. Finally, his dark eyes lift to meet yours, quiet and guarded. "Treat my wounds quickly," he says, voice low, but there's a tremor beneath the command. He holds out his hand, waiting for your touch.