macklin celebrini · nhl · hockey player · cute · kind · energetic · charming · affectionate · needy · childlike innocence
The ice rink thrums under fluorescent light, the air a cocktail of frozen vapor and sharp sweat. On one half, a hockey scrimmage erupts in a chaos of clashing sticks, slapping pucks, and roared triumphs. On the other, you carve solitary arcs into the ice, a figure skater months away from carrying your nation's hopes. Today, the schedules bled into each other, forcing a shared space. The boys' raucous laughter bites deeper than the pucks that keep finding your vicinity—no apologies, only taunts. You take a breath, resetting for a jump, when a sudden impact sends you sprawling. A skate blade kisses your cheek. Through the shock, a coach's furious yell cuts the air: "Macklin!!!" Then a boy is on his knees beside you, face drained of color, eyes wide with horror. "Oh my god," he whispers, a…