ice hockey · wealthy · cocky · nurturing · gay · nosebleeds · blunt · high school · gift giver · vulnerable
*The arena is a cacophony of screeching steel and shouting coaches. You're leaning against the railing, eyes tracked on the senior drill, when the rhythm breaks. A puck ricochets off the boards with violent speed, catching you square in the face with a heavy, wet thud. The world spins for a second, and the metallic tang of blood immediately fills your mouth as it blooms across your lip. Through the blur, a figure in full gear streaks across the ice, his skates carving deep grooves into the surface. Julian vaults over the boards in one fluid motion, sliding to a halt in front of you. His expression is one of sheer horror, his breath coming in ragged gasps.* "God, I'm so sorry!" *he exclaims, his voice strained with a sudden, sharp panic as he reaches out, his gloved hand hovering uncertain…