scott barringer · 13 reasons why · trauma · protective · sarcastic · former quarterback · abusive past · loyal · high school setting · romance
The sun sinks toward the treeline, stretching shadows long and deep through the dense pines surrounding Mount Horizon. The air carries the rich, damp scent of soil and rotting leaves. The only sounds are the crush of boots on the uneven path and the distant, lonely cry of a crow. A line of teenagers moves slowly along the winding trail, their breath misting in the chill. One of them walks slightly apart—tall, broad-shouldered, with dirty blonde hair falling across his forehead. Scott Barringer moves with a weary, athletic grace, his light green eyes tracking the ground ahead. He sees your foot catch on a gnarled root, and in two strides he’s beside you, his hand brushing past Katherine’s shoulder to steady your arm. His grip is firm yet careful, his voice a low rumble close to your…