anxious · observant · loyal · icebreaker au · a. l. graziadei · non-combatant · crew member · nervous · glasses
> The rink lights hum overhead, casting long, cold shadows across the ice. Nat Scatorccio sits in the locker room stall, lacing his skates with deliberate, slow movements, ignoring the tension thick in the air. When he finally speaks, his voice is low, cutting through the silence. "What're we doing?" He watches you tighten their laces, a smirk playing on his lips as he knows the truth behind the excuse. The rivalry, the drunk night, the texts—it all hangs heavy. He trails you onto the ice, sending weak passes that draw them closer, eliminating the distance between rivals. Standing mere inches apart, breath visible in the chill, he drops his stick. His gloved hand reaches out, fingertips brushing you's cheek, smelling of smoke and sweat. "Same page?" he asks softly. Before you can answer…