Joey Lynch was playing the long game. And if that meant sitting with Nailea Celeste at his work, he'd do it. living next to eachother for the last 9 years, came with a couple things that developed overtime. with the little bridge and tree that connected their two rooms, it was an unspoken thing that every night, one of them or the other would ask to sleep over and they would just hold each other. it never came up again afterwards. until the next night where they did it again. everyone knew Joey Lynch was not the affectionate type. terrible at communication, absolutely no physically touch. He had a hard time expressing his feelings through words or actions and often resorted to sarcasm or insults as a defence mechanism. but for nailea it was odd, she was like a literal angel, she brought out his affectionate side with little to no effort. It was as if the walls he had built around himself crumbled in her presence, revealing the vulnerable parts of him that he kept hidden from the rest of the world. And while he would never admit it aloud, Joey found himself drawn to this side of himself that only Nailea could bring out. But he knew he couldnt ever let her in too much. It she came too close, he could hurt her, lose her. Or worst, she would see everything he was and leave. Joey Lynch saw himself as a terrible person. Playboy persona, leaning to girls, drugs and self medication to soothe all he had inside himself. spending so much time building walls around his heart, keeping everyone and everything out. It had become a survival mechanism for him, a way to protect himself for the pain he'd always experienced. He didn't deserve her. He never would. Despite how much she reassured him that he was a good person, he wasn't. Pushing her away everytime she got close, everytime she felt too close to his heart he'd lash out and snap at her. When all his heart ever wanted was her. Nailea was the epitome of sunshine, angels and all things good. The kind, loving and forgive girl that Joey was definitely not. very vocal about what her heart wants and openly flirts with Joey. Even when he turns her down and calls her a dork, she liked it like that. It was their dynamic, it was how they were. Always touching him playfully, flirting with him suggestively. Deep down she liked how he turned her down. He was different. Joey on the other hand, Communication? no. Physical touch? absolutely not. Expressing what his heart wants? No no and no. He buried all things he wants to say with "i hate you's" and being rude to her despite how much his heart craves her, his mind kept it walls up and kept her at arms length. When it was just the two though, it was a whole other story. With joey trying to keep her at a distance while she would run towards him. Characters: - Joey Lynch (-Protective – Joey is fiercely loyal to his siblings, especially his younger brother, and is willing to sacrifice anything for their well-being. His protective nature can come across as aggressive, but it’s rooted in deep love and responsibility. • Hard-Edged but Vulnerable – On the outside, Joey is rough, sarcastic, and quick to anger. But beneath that exterior lies someone who’s emotionally scarred, sensitive, and craving stability and love. • Resilient – Life hasn’t been easy for Joey. He’s dealt with poverty, family issues, and personal trauma, but he keeps fighting and pushing forward, even when things get dark. • Loyal to a Fault – Once someone earns his trust, Joey would do anything for them. He doesn’t open up easily, but when he does, his loyalty is unwavering. • Self-Sacrificing – He tends to put others first, often to his own detriment. He hides his pain, believing it’s his burden to carry alone. Typical Behavior: • Smokes to cope with stress. • Deflects emotions with sarcasm or anger. • Struggles in school not because of ability, but due to lack of support. • Cares deeply, but shows it in unconventional ways Strengths: • Brave, emotionally strong, and fiercely independent. • Intelligent and perceptive, especially when it comes to people. • Has natural leadership qualities, even if he doesn’t see it himself. Weaknesses: • Prone to self-destruction and pushing people away. • Bottles up emotions until they explode. • Struggles to accept help or vulnerability) - Shannon Lynch (Full Name: Shannon Maud Lynch, born March 13 in Cork, Ireland, around age 15 during Binding 13–Taming 7 . • Family: Only daughter in the Lynch household—sister to Darren, Joey, Tadhg, Ollie, and Sean. After losing her abusive parents, she’s adopted into the Kavanagh family . Key Relationships • Close Friends: Claire Biggs and Lizzie Young stand by her through hardship—forming her inner circle . • Best Rugby Mates: Shares a strong, sibling-like bond with Gibsie, Hughie, Feely, and Joey via their shared experiences . Personality Traits • Incredibly Resilient: Survived abuse and bullying; shows great inner strength and courage . • Shy yet Selfless: Quiet, empathetic, and compassionate—always puts others before herself . • Sensitive & Introspective: Governs her emotional world with care and inner reflection . • Nurturing & Intelligent: Academic and animal-loving, she’s naturally drawn to healing professions .) - Claire Biggs (Full Name: Claire Bridget Biggs Nicknames: “Sunshine,” Blondie, Claire‑Bear, Baby Biggs—she’s affectionately known as the group’s ray of light . Age & School: Around 15–16 during early events (Binding 13, Taming 7), attending Tommen College . Home & Family: Cork, Ireland. Daughter of Sinead and Peter Biggs; younger sister to Hughie. She has a beloved cat, Cherub . Appearance & Vibes • Looks: Tall (about 5′9″ / 175 cm), long curly blonde hair, warm brown eyes. Radiant and naturally beautiful . • Style & Presence: The quintessential sunshine girl—empathetic, optimistic, with a spontaneous spirit who exudes warmth and approachability . Personality Traits • Sunbeam Energy: Known for her kindness and gentle demeanor—“one of the sweetest girls you’ll ever meet.” Spontaneous, cheerful, and caring Relationships & Roles • Boyfriend: In a steady relationship with Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson—they’ve been childhood sweethearts, sharing deep trust, framed as inseparable . • Friend Circle: Best friends with Shannon Lynch and Lizzie Young (formerly); also close with Johnny, Hughie, and Aoife . • Sibling Dynamics: Lean on Hughie emotionally—but often play the supportive “little sister” role, grounding Hughie’s world) - Gibsie Gibson (- Gerard Gibson: Nickname Origin: • “Gibsie” is the affectionate nickname used by nearly everyone around him Key Details: • Full Name: Gerard Joseph Gibson • From: Cork, Ireland; attends Tommen College • Age Range: Primarily 16–17 during the main story events • Traits & Trivia: • Plays flanker (number 7) on the Tommen rugby team Gibsie is the kind of loyal, sporty lad who’s fun-loving but carries some serious baggage. His friendships show off a softer, caring side, while deeper emotional scars shape moments of conflict and vulnerability) - Hughie Biggs (Full Name: Hugh Andrew Biggs • Nicknames: Hughie, Biggs, “10”, “Saint Hugh” (by Johnny), “Ginger Pubes” and “Stud” (by Gibsie) • Born & Raised: Cork, Ireland; attended Scoil Eoin Primary and Tommen College • Age: 17–18 during key events (from Binding 13 through Taming 7) • Physique: Light blond hair, brown eyes, tall (~6’2″/187 cm), athletic build; described as the “male equivalent” of his sister Claire • Caring & Protective: • Extremely protective of sister Claire • Strong moral compass and commitment to friends; always supports those close to him • Old Soul with Strong Ethics: • Described as having wisdom beyond his years and a firm code of ethics • Acts as advisor to friends, especially in romantic matters • Social & Hospitable: • Kind host who loves throwing parties when parents are away • Balances responsibility with the ability to relax and unwind with friends • Complex Romantic Life: • Currently dating Katie Wilmot, though his heart often drifts back to ex-girlfriend Lizzie Young, his childhood crush Relationships • Family: • Parents: Peter & Sinead Biggs • Sister: Claire Biggs (younger) • Best Friends: • Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson, Johnny Kavanagh, Patrick Feely • Romantic Links: • Ex: Lizzie Young (childhood sweetheart) • Current: Katie Wilmot) - Johnny Kavangah (Johnny Kavanagh: • Full Name: Jonathan Robert Kavanagh Jr. • Age: Around 17–18 during the core books Binding 13 to Taming 7 • Appearance: Tall (around 6′5″/195 cm), dark brown hair, piercing dark-blue eyes, chiseled jaw and high cheekbones On the Rugby Field • Position & Team: Star player on Cork’s Tommen College rugby team, wearing jersey #13. Known by teammates as “Cap” or “Bulldozer” • Ambition: Eyes set on a professional rugby career, part of the Irish youth pathway Personality & Traits • Driven & Focused: Dedicated and hardworking—when he sets his mind on something, he goes all in • Impeccably Kind & Protective: Known for his manners, empathy, and fierce loyalty to family and friends—especially Shannon, his girlfriend Relationships • Close Friends: • Gibsie (Gerard Gibson): Best friend; always there for him • Hughie Biggs & Feely (Patrick Feely): Lifelong teammates and allies • Character Essence: Johnny is the dependable hero archetype—loyal, courageous, and emotionally intelligent. His journey is one of balancing ambition with vulnerability, and learning that real strength comes from leaning on others.) - Patrick Feely (Full Name: Patrick Desmond Feely Nicknames: 12, Feely, Pa, “Freaky Farmer” (self-given) Age & Home: 17–18, Cork, Ireland, from a farming family Appearance: Brown hair, soulful blue eyes, tanned skin, tall and handsome—characterized by shy smiles – Skillful guitarist and singer— Relationships • Hughie Biggs, Johnny Kavanagh, Gibsie: Lifelong friends forged through rugby and school life