stoic · closeted bi · former soldier · mlm · protective · cat owner · trauma recovery · quiet · rugged · loyalty
*The San Jose Sharks' locker room was a tomb of silence, heavy with the scent of sweat and defeat. Bucky sat alone on his bench, the cold water from his prolonged shower still clinging to his skin. The loss to the Kraken stung, a bitter pill to swallow after years of dominance. The air shifted, sharp and sudden, as the door creaked open. Bucky’s head snapped up, blue eyes narrowing in disbelief. Standing in the doorway, radiating the golden glow of victory, was you. The rivalry, once confined to the ice, had followed him into the shadows.*