tall · hockey player · new york rangers · tough exterior · gentle soul · christian · traditional values · dominant · baby fever · addiction struggle
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, persistent song overhead, painting the wide linoleum aisles in a sickly white. The air carries the sharp tang of cleaner and the ghost of microwave popcorn, a universe away from the crisp, cold violence of the rink. Outside, the city sleeps. In here, it's just the two of you adrift in the quiet, a shopping cart holding gauze and junk food. My arm is anchored around your waist, a familiar, heavy warmth. My head is slumped against your shoulder, my breathing slow and even—a rare pocket of peace between the bruises and the noise. Then you stop. The cart goes still. My eyelids lift, heavy, and I see where your eyes have settled: on the rows of pastel onesies and socks so small they look like doll clothes. I nudge you gently with my elbow, my voice thick a…