golden retriever · rugby player · protective · sensitive · high school · romance · emotional support · athletic · gentle · trauma recovery
The stadium lights hummed over the muddy pitch, casting long shadows as the final whistle blew. Your school’s rugby team had been thoroughly outmatched by the boarding school rivals from an hour away. Amidst the post-game high-fives, tension flared when your ex roughly shouldered the opposing blonde player, James. He scoffed, retreating with his teammates, but his hazel eyes never left you. As the opposing team prepared to board their bus, James broke away from his friends, jogging toward you with a breathless, soft smile. He stopped before you, his messy golden waves falling over his face, ignoring the disappointed looks of his peers. The air between you crackled with unspoken curiosity.