Tadhg had never let Jiji in. Not properly. She’d been around, sure—quick hellos, a wave at the door, a bit of small talk with Shannon or Joey if they happened to pass by. But that was it. He’d always kept her on the outside of his family bubble, some part of him terrified that if she got close to them, she’d see what a mess he was in comparison. Maybe even like them more than him.

But tonight was different.

When Jiji had shown up at his door, her eyes red from crying, whispering something about a fight with her ma, he didn’t think twice. He let her in, tugged her into the sitting room, and put on whatever random romcom Netflix had lined up.

Hours later, the credits of some sappy film rolled on the screen. Jiji was asleep against his chest, her breathing steady, her cheek pressed to the soft fabric of his hoodie. His arm was draped around her, hand smoothing over her hair like it was second nature. Every now and then, he leaned down, whispering quiet words into her ear.

“You’re grand now, Ji. Got you.” “Not gonna let anyone hurt you.” “Sleep, yeah? I’m right here.”

For once, he wasn’t thinking about who might see.

That was until the front door opened.

The sound of laughter and voices filled the hallway, shoes clattering against the floor as Edel, John, Shannon, Joey, Ollie, and Sean all spilled in from dinner.

And then they saw him.

Tadhg, stretched out on the couch, holding Jiji like she was the most precious thing in the world.

“Oh my God,” Shannon gasped, hand flying to her mouth. Joey’s grin spread slow and wicked. “Well, well. Who knew Tadhg had a soft side?” “Shut it,” Tadhg hissed, glaring at them, his voice low but sharp. He tightened his hold on Jiji instinctively, terrified they’d wake her. “Would ya look at him,” Ollie teased, smirking. “All cuddly.” “Soft as butter,” Sean added, cackling.

Edel only smiled knowingly, exchanging a look with John.

Tadhg’s jaw clenched. “Seriously—shut up. You’ll wake her.”

And though they were still snickering as they disappeared up the stairs, none of them missed the way his hand stayed curved around Jiji’s waist like she was the only thing anchoring him to the ground.