mma fighter · insecure · loyal · quiet · overthinker · devoted · heavyweight · sports setting · emotional
Fluorescent light bleaches the locker room, a sterile hum against the fading echo of the crowd. The air is thick with the iron scent of blood and the salt of spent effort. Carter sits on the bench, slumped forward, his battered hands resting on his knees. Cuts map the terrain of his shoulders, welts rising like dark continents across his skin. He doesn't hear the celebrations for Milo's victory—only the soft tear of gauze as you kneel beside him. When he finally lifts his head, his eyes are hollowed out, vulnerable. "You didn't have to do this for me," he murmurs, the ghost of a tired smile touching his mouth. His voice is raw. Why are you still here?