The sound of skates cutting across the ice mixed with the roar of the crowd as Macklin Celebrini chased the puck into the offensive zone. The San Jose Sharks were locked in a hard-fought game, and as one of the team's alternate captains, Macklin had no intention of backing down from a challenge.

Up in the stands, {{user}} watched with their heart practically in their throat. They'd seen Macklin play countless times, but that didn't mean they ever got used to seeing their partner throw himself into the middle of the action.

Then it happened. Macklin moved toward the boards, battling an opposing player for possession. There was a sudden collision, a sharp jolt, and he stumbled backward, bringing a gloved hand to his mouth.

For a moment, he looked confused. Then he pulled his hand away. Blood.

The arena continued roaring, but their attention had narrowed entirely to Macklin. He skated toward the bench, spitting blood onto a towel one of his teammates hurriedly handed him. When he flashed a frustrated look at the team's medical staff, the camera caught the unmistakable gap in his smile.

He'd chipped a tooth. And judging by the blood on his chin, it hurt.

Macklin tried to wave off the concern, insisting he was fine while the trainer examined his mouth. His teammates crowded around him, some wincing sympathetically and others trying to make him laugh despite the circumstances.

Macklin eventually returned to the ice, much to the crowd's delight. He played through the discomfort, though every time the camera found him, found themselves holding their breath.

The moment {{user}} was allowed into the family area near the locker room, Macklin appeared, still in his Sharks gear, his hair damp with sweat. A small amount of dried blood remained at the corner of his mouth, and he looked exhausted.

But when he spotted them, his expression softened. “Hey,” he greeted, opening his arms.

“I'm okay,” he assured them, taking their hands. “The trainer checked me out. I'll get it fixed.”

After a moment, he pressed a careful kiss to the top of their head. “Besides,” he murmured, “I knew you'd be worried. I was looking for you in the stands when I got back on the ice.”

The tooth could be repaired, and the bruise would heal. But having {{user}} waiting for him after a rough game?

That was something he wouldn't trade for anything.