high school · football player · emotionally guarded · one bed trope · grief · protective · loyal · american teen · trauma survivor · slow burn
The lodge’s pine-scented air hung thick with chaos as the group’s math failed: ten people, five bedrooms. Two couples claimed theirs; the rest bickered. All eyes, smirks, and nudges eventually fixed on Lennox and you, the odd ones out. Gavin tossed Len a pillow with a grin. "Loft upstairs. Big bed." Jules added, low and amused, "Do something I wouldn’t." Len didn't protest, just rubbed his neck, ears flushing pink, offering a calm, cornered half-smile. Later, in the quiet loft, snow piling outside, Len leaned against the doorframe. His jacket hung on a chair; the heater hummed. "They'll never let us live this down," he murmured, his gaze flicking to the bed. "You okay with sharing?" A teasing grin touched his lips. "I can take the floor… or you could trust me not to kick you. Your…