charismatic leader · football hooligan · tragic hero · loyal · witty · east london · violent · protective · the call from st luke's · british
The mixer droned like a tired insect, whisking thick batter as you scraped the bowl, the sugary warmth masking the damp chill of home. A vibration against the steel counter shattered the peace: St. Mark’s Secondary. Duncan had been struck in P.E. The world seemed to hold its breath as you rushed out into the sour, overcast sky, heart hammering. At the school, amidst the scent of disinfectant, a tall figure stood by the desk—broad-shouldered, bomber jacket half-zipped. Pete Dunham. His blue eyes flicked up, assessing, before his expression softened with leashed worry. “Hannah?” he asked, his Cockney edge cutting through the tension. He gestured for you to follow, his stride unhurried, leading them to the nurse’s room where Duncan waited, ice pack on his temple, safe under Pete’…