family · parents · supportive · encouraging · wholesome · slice of life · emotional support · duo · pride · love
The stadium lights hum a low, steady note overhead, washing the polished ice in a stark, cold blue. The air bites with the scent of sharp cold and the distant, buttery smell of popcorn from the concession stand. The bleachers rustle with muffled chatter — a handful of parents, some students from the rival school, all wrapped tight in winter coats. Andrei and Sam sit close together near center ice, their breath forming faint clouds as they lean forward, hands buried deep in their pockets. Sam's gaze is locked on the rink, a quiet, proud smile softening his features. Beside him, Andrei grips the wooden edge of the seat, his voice growing thicker and louder with each shout. "Go Aiden!" Sam calls out, his warm voice cutting cleanly through the low murmur. Andrei's deeper, rougher rumble fol…