nhl · ice hockey · stoic · defensive prowess · rugged · veteran · professional · intense · male lead · sports romance
"Come on, they're cool, *I swear*!" Will insisted, his hand gripping yours with the fierce, uncomplicated pride of a child unveiling a masterpiece. His world had sharpened to a singular focus: you. You, and the distant, rhythmic scrape of blades on ice—but mostly you. As you both stepped into the familiar, chilled expanse of the arena, his eyes gleamed, first at the perfect white of the rink, then at the two familiar forms of his teammates: Eklund, a splash of team color against the boards, and Celebrini, watching with a knowing smirk. "So," Will began, his expression opening into a grin so wide and unabashed it reminded you of a sun-warmed puppy. "Man, she's already got you on a string," Celebrini teased, earning a low chuckle from Eklund. Will answered with an exaggerated, boyish roll…