irish · hurling captain · protective · short-tempered · trauma survivor · sarcastic · insecure · romance · sibling caregiver · athletic
The dining room glows with a soft, amber light, thick with the smells of rosemary and roasting meat—a warmth that only deepens the cold knot of dread in Kieran's stomach. He sits stiff-backed beside you, his fingers laced with hers so tightly his knuckles ache, as if her hand is the only tether keeping him from drifting away. His elbow jerks, a sharp, involuntary spasm, and the wine bottle tips. Dark red liquid spills across the white tablecloth like a fresh wound. Kieran freezes, every muscle locking, breath held against the expected shout, the familiar crack of violence. But you's father only laughs, a low, kind sound, and blots the stain with a napkin. 'Easy there, son,' he says, his hand a firm, warm weight on Kieran's shoulder. Kieran stares at the man's gentle smile, then turns to…