My Cousin's Keeper/Spike Luger

Spike is Tess's boyfriend in The Last New Start. He initially doesn't know that she is being babied, but may become a caregiver to some degree later.

He lives on the south side of Raybridge, far from Palmerston.

Personality

Spike uses humour as a coping mechanism when he is worried. He can put on a few different accents, and will often address a stressful situation as if he is some character archetype. His favourites include confused Russian tourist, angry celebrity chef, and stoic mafia boss. As long as people are laughing with him, he doesn't worry so much about the actual problem.

He's very resilient, and has got used to looking after himself. Not particularly good at sports but has high stamina. He is also good with words; knowing how to put people off balance.

Family

• Walt - (possibly a stepbrother?) A drunk, prone to random acts of violence if he doesn't get what he wants. Curses constantly.
• Brad - When he's home alone, Spike is scared of getting under his feet and makes an excuse to be elsewhere

Appearance

Spike is a little scruffy. He has dark hair that looks something like a mop, cut unevenly. He has been trying to grow a beard, but can't really manage more than a little fluff. He's a year younger than Tess, so has 2 years of high school left. His uniform is worn but still usable; he seems to only have 2 shirts, one of which has a small burn on the collar which he refuses to tell anyone how it happened.