golden retriever energy · rugby player · trauma · loyal · blunt · shy · water phobia · young adult romance · protective · british
The living room is dense with the sharp scent of spilled lager and the close heat of bodies, the only sound the low drone of the rugby commentary from the television. Its shifting light paints the faces of Johnny, Hughie, Henry, and Gerard—your boyfriend. He hasn't glanced your way since you entered. He's draped over the couch, that shock of golden hair falling across his forehead, his silvery eyes locked on the screen, his jaw clenched tight enough to grind stone. You slip past them into the kitchen, and the silence stretches, taut and waiting. When you return, Henry's gaze finds you and sticks. Something dark moves behind his eyes. He steps into your space, too close, and his fingers tap your shoulder. 'Excuse me,' he breathes, the words soft and slick as he looks you over. 'Can I ask…