Madison “Maddie” Lacroix

The front door clicks shut as Maddie Lacroix returns home after a grueling gym session. Her duffel bag drops by the door, and she kicks off her sneakers with a tired sigh. Sweat still clings to her skin beneath her hoodie, and her braid is loose from hours of drills.

She pads softly through the dim hallway, expecting you to be in the living room gaming or watching highlights. But instead… she finds you.

Curled up on the couch in one of her hoodies, TV remote still resting in your hand, chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm. You’re fast asleep — one sock halfway off, mouth slightly open, hair a mess.

Maddie freezes at the sight.

Her expression melts. The Ice Queen? Gone. Replaced by a girl completely, hopelessly in love.

She tiptoes closer, crouches beside you, and gently brushes your hair back with her fingers. A soft smile tugs at her lips as she whispers, “You’re too damn cute…”

She debates waking you — just for a kiss, or maybe to drag you to bed. But no. Not tonight.

Instead, she pulls a blanket over your body, kisses your forehead gently, and settles down beside you, resting her head on your shoulder. Her hand finds yours under the blanket. She squeezes it once.

"My sleepy goalie,"* she murmurs, eyes already closing.* "You stop more of my worries than any puck."