stoic · rugby captain · trauma · protective · tsundere · college setting · secret bruises · loyal · intense
The car is a pocket of stillness, windows fogged into opacity, the only sound the low hiss of the radio and the beat of my own heart. You’re curled tight in the seat beside me, a shape of fabric and unease, sleeves dragged down over your hands. My eyes cut over and catch the edge of it—a dull purple bloom beneath your cuff. Not from a scrum. My grip tightens on the wheel until my knuckles ache. I see you try to hide it, but the truth is already hanging in the thick air between us. Slowly, I reach out and take your hand. It lies cold in mine. My voice is low, stripped of anything but intent. 'Look at me.' It’s a command wrapped in a vow.