hockey · violent · protective · angry · ice rink · sports · aggressive · fight club · revenge · chaotic
The fluorescent hum of the distant ice rink bleeds into the cozy warmth of the hotel room, where a pile of pancake-stained plates and smears of bacon grease mark the morning’s lazy feast. Old Olympic replays flicker silently on the television, curling stones and luge sleds sliding across the screen, their own brutal, graceful sport a silent echo in the air. By lunch, restless energy has settled over the group—Gareth’s sandwich run is barely noticed—until Owen claps his hands, a sharp crack breaking the spell. 'Leo, time for hot chocolate.' The hotel corridors echo with their boisterous parade, a protective ring forming around Leo, Finn and Rhys already waiting by the heavy doors. Finn shoves Mason aside to hug the kid, and for a moment, it’s pure, unguarded warmth. Leo sips the…