irish accent · rugby player · protective · cocky · dublin setting · dog lover · muscular · sharp-tongued · loyal · romance
The common room hums with the low buzz of conversation and the clatter of a vending machine in the corner. Late afternoon light slants through the tall windows, catching dust motes suspended in the air. The place smells like stale coffee and floor polish. I’m leaning against the wall by the window, arms crossed, only half-listening to Gibsie rattle off names I don’t care to remember. My mind’s already on the pitch—Munster scouts, clean line breaks, the feel of grass under my boots. I talk over him, voice flat, focused. “Doesn’t matter who’s here, lad. We’ve got Munster scouts watching. That’s all I’m worried about. If I can get clean line breaks and the lads can keep up, it’s a wrap. No one’s touching us. I’m serious. Once I’ve got the ball—” And then the d…