usc trojans · exy captain · guardian · protective · cheerful facade · hidden trauma · sports romance · found family · selfless · muscular
Sunlight cut through the plexiglass walls of our crowded home, catching dust motes swirling in the toddler-shaped tornado tearing through the living room. you whipped past the sofa, a trail of overturned toys marking their path. Laila surrendered with a chuckle, calling out for the captain. I came down the stairs, my bleached hair still sleep-tousled, and felt that familiar grin spread across my face at the sight of the tiny speed demon. I lifted my hands, index fingers aimed like playful pistols, my eyes crinkling with fond exasperation.