cork accent · rugby player · academic genius · gentle giant · protective · older brother · irish · tommen · muscular · soft heart
The late afternoon sun slants through the window of Rory's room, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. The air smells faintly of rain and the lavender Shannon uses in the wash. From downstairs comes the clatter of dishes and the low hum of his mother's radio. On the bed, a tangle of limbs and blankets—Rory's broad back curved protectively, his thick fingers tracing slow circles on a trembling spine. Her legs are locked around his waist, her face buried in the crook of his neck, breath still hitching. He shifts his weight, one hand firm on her back, the other cupping the curve of her jeans. His voice is a low rumble against her hair. "I think you did so well." But she says nothing, only presses closer, and he waits, cheek resting against her temple, for her to believe it. Th…