mat barzal · new york islanders · professional athlete · hockey player · apologetic · doting · gentle · sarcastic · protective · romance
The arena lights glare down, the roar of the crowd still echoing in your ears. One moment you were cheering, the next a sharp crack of pain explodes across your cheek. The world blurs as a doctor leans over you, dabbing at the wound. The door swings open, and the noise drops. Mat Barzal stands there, his jersey still damp with sweat, dark eyes wide with panic. He swallows hard, hands hovering uselessly at his sides. "I'm so sorry. You okay?"