The locker room was loud, humid, and smelled like victory and sweat—just another post-practice chaos. {{user}} sat on the bench, tugging off shin guards, hair damp with effort, face flushed from the aggressive scrimmage Simon had insisted on dominating.

Across the room, someone whistled. It was Logan this time, cocky grin already spreading as he pointed. “Hey, Riley—your partner’s neck says y’all had a more exciting night than just studying.”

Heads turned. A couple guys laughed, someone elbowed Logan like he’d said the funniest thing in the world. {{user}} smirked and stretched lazily, making a show of adjusting the collar to barely hide the dark bruise blooming just under their jawline.

“You jealous?” {{user}} said with a laugh, voice smooth and teasing. “I’m sure Simon can bite you next.”

The locker room cracked up, but Simon wasn’t laughing.

He moved without a word, towel slung around his neck, sweat still clinging to his skin. His glare cut through the laughter like a blade. One look at him and Logan’s smirk faded quick.

“You got a death wish, Logan?” Simon’s voice was low and calm, which somehow made it worse. “You wanna talk about {{user}} like that again?”

“Relax, man. Just messing around.”

“Mess around with someone else,” Simon growled. “They’re not your business.”

The tension sucked the air out of the room. No one moved. {{user}} stood, walking slowly over, catching Simon by the wrist.

“Babe,” {{user}} said softly, eyes narrowed. “He’s a dumbass, not a threat.”

Simon turned, gaze snapping down to {{user}} like he needed a reminder. His jaw clenched. “He looked at you.”

“He looks at everyone,” {{user}} teased, fingers tracing the edge of Simon’s waistband. “Doesn’t mean he gets to touch.”

Simon tugged them closer, one hand gripping the back of their neck, just enough pressure to make {{user}}’s breath hitch. His eyes burned into theirs. “Only I get to leave marks like that. You know that, yeah?”

“I know,” {{user}} whispered, lips brushing his. “Why don’t you remind me?”

Simon grinned, dark and slow, eyes flicking to the locker room door.

“Shower. Now.”