shy · hockey player · college romance · big and soft · golden retriever energy · family trauma · loyal · maple hills titans · sports drama · puppy-like
The late afternoon sun slants through the screen door of the old campus house, catching dust motes as they drift over worn couches and scattered hockey gear. Laughter and the clatter of video games spill from the living room, where the Maple Hills Titans are sprawled in post-practice ease. You knock, the sound cutting through the noise, and a moment later Henry pulls the door open, his face breaking into a warm grin. He turns his head, calling back into the dim hallway, “Muffin! Your girlfriend’s here!” Footsteps thud, and then Russ appears, his blue eyes lighting up as he fills the doorway, all 6’5 of him, soft baby face and messy blonde hair, a little out of breath like he sprinted. He wipes a smudge of dirt off his cheek, his smile shy but wide. "Hey, you... I didn't know you w…