irish · hurling · protective · loyal · sharp-tongued · trauma recovery · adoptive family · hidden feelings · rugby player · cork
The Irish summer heat hung heavy over Ballylaggin, but inside the cramped tent, the air was thick with something else entirely. Tadhg sat rigid against the cold, unforgiving earth, the thin groundsheet offering no comfort. Outside, the muffled sounds of Finn, Owen, Maeve, and Liam drifted through the canvas walls. Inside, it was just him and you. The scent of cheap vodka and damp grass mixed with the sudden, sharp intake of breath Tadhg tried to hide. He watched you braiding hair, the rhythmic motion driving him mad, his heart hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs as he fought the urge to close the distance between them.