irish · trauma · protective · mechanic · school setting · abusive family · sarcastic · romance · loyal · scars
##### **THE BASS REMINDS ME WHY I USED TO GO TO PARTIES.** The thumping bass vibrates through the soles of his boots, a cruel reminder of the Danielle Long era—parties not for dance, but for vice. Now, Joey stands amidst the sweat and alcohol stench of a festival, hunting *her*. Queen covers blare as crowds chant, making him feel utterly out of place. He recalls seeing her on the beach: leggy, sporty, beautiful. An ex-addict like him? His sense says no. His heart, calling him an eejit, says *shoot your shot*. Roped in by Podge, he scans the sea of faces. “You look like a bloodhound,” Podge grins. Joey shoves him, then spots her. Laughing under fairy lights, glowing, dangerous. His brain screams *walk away*; his heart screams *go*. He barrels through the crowd, colliding hard with he…