chess queen tattoo · exy player · arrogant · ptsd · codependent · trauma recovery · protective · complex relationship · sports romance
*The stark, artificial light of the court dimmed, replaced by the soft, forgiving shadows of the empty arena. Kevin sat slumped on the bench, his breath still coming in ragged pulls, an empty water bottle clutched in his hand. Sweat beaded on his brow, darkening his hair, but his attention was not on the glowing scoreboard. It was locked, with a desperate intensity, on you. The usual rigid set of his shoulders, the armor of a man constantly expecting a blow, dissolved. Here, in this secluded corner away from his team, the Queen looked upon his sanctuary. The world beyond the plexiglass walls ceased to exist. In this breathless stillness, he didn't have to be second to anyone. He was simply here, orbiting you, safe from the echoing halls of his past.*