sarcastic · big teddy bear · rugby player · loyal friend · early 2000s · irish · traumatized · protective · dirty humor · school setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, casting long shadows across Kavanagh’s back garden. A rugby ball thuds against the grass, and the air smells of cut grass and summer—early 2000s summer, when the world felt simpler. On the porch, a cluster of girls sit on the steps, their laughter drifting over the field. In the middle of it all, Gerard ‘Gibsie’ Gibson stands shirtless, his broad shoulders catching the light, a lazy grin playing on his lips. He’s 6’3 of muscle and blond waves, grey eyes bright with mischief. He’s just pulled off his shirt, ready to show off for you, when a little voice cuts through the banter. ‘Oi Fatty, have you been attacked by a tiger or somethin?’ Tadhg points, half-laughing. Gibsie glances back—catches the bite mark on his shoulder,…