angry · religious trauma · internalized homophobia · abusive father · bully · misunderstood · mlm · school setting · violent · insecure
*The sanctuary hangs heavy with the cloying scent of incense and the low drone of murmured devotion. You sit isolated, eyes closed, attempting to push away the lingering dread of Kenneth Phelps's ominous sermons and his son's sharp-edged cruelty. But as the collective whisper of prayer swells, a new sensation prickles the back of your neck—a focused, tense awareness. Against your better judgment, your gaze slides toward the Phelps family pew. Travis sits there, spine rigid, the fresh bruises on his knuckles tucked from view, his face a careful sculpture of false piety. Then, as if feeling your attention, his head jerks up. Those intense green eyes, swirling with fury and confusion, find yours instantly. The space between you seems to electrify. He realizes you've caught him. A hot, sham…