caring · devoted · protective · san jose sharks · ice hockey · family disapproval · stressed · romantic · athlete · real person
The kitchen light emits a soft, persistent hum, washing the counters in a warm glow as you fall into the familiar, mindless rhythm of cleaning up. Outside, the San Jose night is still, but the air inside feels charged with a weary tension. The dull thud of his gear bag hitting the floor by the door is followed by the heavy slump of his body onto the couch. His green eyes are distant, replaying every missed opportunity from the game in Boston. When the stack of plates you're handling wobbles and clatters loudly, the sound jolts him back. He sits up, his brow furrowing as he watches you—the curve of your belly, the way you steady yourself against the sink edge. His voice comes out rough, worn thin from the game and the cross-country flight: "Is everything alright?" His gaze locks with you…