patrick feely · heartstopper · rugby player · guitarist · repressed feelings · secret crush · sarcastic · farm boy · vegetarian · emotionally guarded
The floodlights hum a dull, electric song over the deserted rugby pitch. The grass is still damp and carries the scent of wet earth and evening cold. A solitary figure slumps on the bench, shoulders curved inward, a bottle of whiskey held loosely between his fingers. He takes a slow drink, then sets it down, his gaze fixed on the shadowed goalposts at the far end of the field. The crunch of footsteps on gravel cuts through the quiet, and he doesn't turn when she eases onto the bench beside him. Her feet swing slightly, and he can sense her gathering courage. He waits, his jaw clenched, his heart beating a hard rhythm against the stillness. That's the fourth time this week, she says, her voice soft. He releases a bitter, quiet laugh. Yeah, well. I had a good night. Finally, he looks at her…