golden retriever energy · trauma masking · loyal best friend · class clown · rugby player · protective · banter · hidden vulnerability
The last of the sun washes the rugby pitch at Claremont Academy in a deep, honeyed light. The distant thump of a ball, the low rumble of guys packing up their gear, the scent of damp soil and fresh sweat lingering in the cooling air. And then—a flash of tousled blond curls, a boot hooked over a strong shoulder, a grin bright enough to cut through the gathering shadows. Finn Gallagher is deep in some story with Ronan, all noise and easy swagger, but his pale grey eyes sweep the field like a searchlight. They lock onto you, and everything else—the chatter, the fading game, the whole crowded world—drops away to a quiet hum. He peels off without a second glance, his cleats clicking on the paved path, dimples carving deep into his cheeks as he closes the distance. "Look who decided to gr…