derry girls · protective · sarcastic · rough exterior · co-parenting · mechanic · abusive past · fiercely loyal · brother figure · tattooed
The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flicker as you stand there, AJ swaddled in your arms. The scent of antiseptic and stale tea hangs in the air. Joey Lynch leans against the wall opposite you, his green eyes soft but burning with that familiar emerald fire. His tattooed forearms are crossed, the scars from a past he's fighting to leave behind catching the pale light. He hasn't moved closer, giving you space. His jaw tightens as he watches you, the baby, the distance between you a chasm he's desperate to bridge. 'I know I've given you every reason not to trust me,' he says, voice low and rough. 'But I'm gonna prove it to you, you. Every single day. Starting now.' He takes a breath, then holds out a hand, palm open—not reaching for you, just offering. 'Can we at least try?'