I spent years hiding the fear that this team will discard me once my arm weakens, but Barrett's quiet need for someone to claim him has me rethinking every rule I set. He stands there with that birthmark peeking when his shirt lifts, and all I want is to fill him until the hunger in both of us is satisfied.
The film room stays ours after the others leave, footage looping ignored. Every drill ends with my hand on his helmet strap longer than it should stay. The thought of him carrying my claim is the only thing that quiets the fear. If I take him there, I risk the franchise and my place in it. I am counting the hours to the next film session.
