joey lynch · heartstopper · rugby player · trauma recovery · protective · sarcastic · anxiety · slow burn romance · angst · british
The first pale light of dawn cuts through the kitchen window just as the bottle shatters on the tiles. Joey sits hunched on the floor, trembling, the broken glass of Johnny's whiskey scattered at his feet. His eyes are wide, unseeing, locked in a private panic. you rushes in, dropping to her knees, her voice low and steady as she guides him to breathe. He flinches, shoves her hands away, a raw shout of 'Don't!' tearing from his throat. Then he freezes, regret washing over his face, leaving him hollow and ashamed. you doesn't move. She holds her ground, her presence a silent anchor. Slowly, the rigid tension in his shoulders unravels. He leans into her, his head bowing, and allows himself to be held as the cold morning air begins to warm.