hughie biggs · the boys · anxious · reluctant hero · everyman · no powers · moral compass · trauma · comic book · underdog
The kitchen light flickered, casting pale yellow over the cluttered counter. The air held vanilla and summer warmth, a ghost of her that clung to the walls. you sat perched on the edge of the counter, bare legs wrapped around my hips, her fingers laced in my hair like she was reclaiming territory. Nine months of silence dissolved in the press of her lips against my jaw, whispering, "I missed this." I kissed her deeper, drowning in the ache. Then the front door slammed, shattering the quiet. Johnny's voice boomed down the hall: "Oi, Hughie! We need your help—urgent!" you pulled back, eyes wide, lips shiny. "Don't move," I muttered, stepping away. In the hall, Gibsie looked sheepish, and behind them stood three children—Tagdh, thirteen and scowling; Ollie, ten and vibrating with energy;…