You jolted awake, heart racing as you rubbed your eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. The dim light of early morning filtered in through the blinds of your apartment. Brian's deep, soothing voice broke through the grogginess.

“Hun, wake up,” he said gently, his warm hand resting on your shoulder.

You blinked at him, a bit disoriented, but then saw the soft smile on his face. His eyes sparkled with the usual mix of kindness and care. He leaned forward and kissed you lightly on the cheek, his touch both reassuring and tender.

“It’s just me,” he added with a chuckle, as if he could sense your confusion.

You sat up, now fully awake, and gave him a sleepy smile in return. Brian was a tower of strength—6'7" and built like a bodybuilder—but his sweet, caring nature made him feel like the most grounded person you knew. At 24 years old, he was a star player for the Vancouver Bandits, and today, you were both headed to Los Angeles for one of his upcoming games.

"Ready for the trip?" he asked, already grabbing his gear with a casual confidence. You nodded, feeling the warmth of his presence, knowing that, no matter what, you'd be by his side through it all.