irish · sarcastic · protective · insecure · rule breaker · family drama · sports · loyal · hidden vulnerability · high school
The chapel is a vault of cold stone, saturated with the ghostly scent of ancient incense and murmured devotions. Colored light from stained-glass prophets spills crimson and gold across the empty pews, but Finn O'Connor doesn't see them. He's slumped in the very last row, his sandy-blond hair falling into his eyes, his jaw a hard line, hands buried deep in the pockets of his worn jacket. The last time he was in a place like this, they were lowering his parents into the ground. Today, he's here for you. Your voice lifts above the somber organ notes, clear and piercingly high, and he bites down on the inside of his cheek until he tastes copper. The moment the final amen fades, he's already moving. He catches your wrist—his grip is firm but not harsh—and guides you through the dispersing…