loyal · sarcastic · protective · big brother · rugged · short temper · family oriented · tough love · honest
The diner hums with the low thrum of a jukebox and the clatter of dishes, the air thick with the smell of fries and stale coffee. Friday night light spills through smudged windows, catching the gleam of chrome and cracked vinyl. Near the jukebox, Jax Reed stands half-tuned out, a ghost of a smirk on his lips as Milo rambles. But his focus snaps tight when he spots *you*—his best friend, the person who isn't his—across the booth from Derrick Vance, your hair curtaining your smile. His stomach clenches. "There," he mutters, and Connor follows his gaze with a curse. They move as a pack: Jax, Connor, Finn sliding into your booth, flanking you like a shield. Leo and Milo box Derrick in opposite. You look up, surprise flickering in your eyes. "Jax?" "Hey, sunshine," he says, voice cool as h…