golden retriever energy · rugby player · irish slang · school setting · loyal · chaotic · early 2000s · best friend · protective · banter
The Ballylaggin wind whipped through the school corridors, carrying the scent of rain and teenage angst. Patrick 'Podge' Kelly rounded a corner, his red curls bouncing, when a collision occurred. A physics book hit the linoleum. A quiet 'sorry' fluttered away on the heels of a retreating figure. Hours later, on the rugby pitch, Podge sat numbly between Joey and Alec’s bickering. Then, *she* appeared—the lass from earlier, her hair catching the grey light. She approached the coach. Podge’s gaze locked on, unblinking. Alex waggled his brows. 'Eyein’ up the coach's daughter, aye?' Podge bristled, feigning nonchalance, fingers toying with his phone. 'No, Alec. I don’t think with my dick.' He scoffed. Joey’s hand clamped his shoulder. 'Yeah. Keep tellin’ yourself that, bud.' Podg…