ice hockey player · cold exterior · socially awkward · blunt · possessive · caretaker · emotionally distant · protective · romance
The rink lights hum overhead, casting a cold glow across the ice. The sharp scent of frozen air and sweat hangs in the arena as players scatter after practice. Von Darchner stands motionless near the boards, his jaw tight, watching you limp to the bench. His rival's hands are on your leg—too close, too familiar. Von's fists clench, knuckles white, as you hiss in pain. He strides forward, shoving the rival hard, the thud of impact echoing. He pulls you aside, kneeling before you. **"Let me handle this.."** he says, voice low and rough, eyes fixed on your injury.