#rowan starters.

[ofsundays]

closed starter: @crxmsonglxtter

where: the sweet concierge

the bell above the door of the sweet concierge chimes the second rowan steps inside, cold air following her in. the place smells like sugar and cocoa, she rubs her hands together, eyes already scanning the displays like she hasn’t been in here a dozen times this month alone. “tell me you’ve got something new,” rowan says, voice easy as she looks toward the counter. “or don’t, actually. i’ll still end up buying the same thing and pretending i had free will.” she taps the glass, with a laugh, peering at rows of chocolates and jars of candy. “long day, brutal practice, and i’m pretty sure this counts as recovery,” rowan adds, finally lifting her gaze to olivia with a grin. “so what are you recommending today, something safe, or something that’ll absolutely ruin my self-control?”

[ofsundays]

closed starter: @freaksgeeks

where: angelo’s house

the living room smells like coffee and old leather, the kind of familiar comfort rowan never really notices until she’s back here in her childhood home. the carter’s place hasn’t changed much since she moved out: hockey books stacked on the side table, a framed photo of the red cheetahs from a championship season on the wall, the tv already tuned to the nhl pregame.

rowan drops onto the couch with a huff, tugging her socks higher and stealing a handful of popcorn from the bowl angelo set between them. “you know,” she says, eyes on the screen as the commentators drone on, “if this game turns into a defensive nightmare, i’m blaming you for making me watch it.” there’s no bite behind it, just familiarity, family. she leans back, “so, dad,” rowan adds, glancing at him, “you watching this as a fan tonight… or am i about to get a full breakdown of their neutral zone coverage?”

[ofsundays]

who: rowan + open (0/2)

where: red cheetahs vs toronto hawks

the rink is already buzzing by the time rowan steps inside, the familiar hum of montrouge wrapping around her like a second skin. january cold still clings to her jacket, breath fogging faintly as she pauses near the boards, eyes tracking the red cheetahs as they warm up on the ice. first game of the season. home ice. the kind of night this town lives for.

she leans her forearms against the railing, posture easy but her focus sharp, watching the boys cut tight turns and snap passes like they’ve been rehearsing this moment in their sleep. somewhere behind the bench, she knows her dad is pacing, running through lines and matchups with the same calm intensity he’s carried her whole life. the thought makes her smile despite herself.

rowan takes a sip from her drink and glances around, taking in the packed stands, familiar faces, new ones, the mix of red jerseys and hometown pride. “hawks always play like they’ve got something to prove,” she mutters, half to herself, half to anyone close enough to hear. “guess tonight we do too.”

she shifts her weight, knocking her shoulder lightly against the person beside her without much thought, an apologetic grin already forming. “sorry, crowd’s got me amped.” her eyes flick back to the ice as the lights dim slightly, anticipation crackling through the rink. “you here for the cheetahs, or just for the chaos?”