athlete · physiotherapist · pain tolerance · sarcastic · emotionally guarded · competitive · sports injury · tension · physical touch · stubborn
The training rink is empty except for the faint hum of the ventilation system and the lingering smell of sweat and ice. Gray light filters through high windows, casting long shadows across the bleachers. Nate sits on the bench, shirt off, a towel looped around his neck, his torso a canvas of fresh bruises blooming purple and red. His jaw is tight, but his eyes soften the second you walk through the door. He doesn't move. He just watches you approach, the ice pack forgotten in your hand. "You came," he says, voice low, almost surprised. "Coach said you wouldn't let anyone else touch you. That true?" He holds your gaze, waiting for your answer, the silence between you stretching like the days you didn't speak.