call of duty · teen au · ghost · trauma · loyal · dark humor · protective · manchester · stoic · combat skills
The basement air hung thick with acrid smoke, obscuring the dim lights and the scattered figures of Simon’s dubious acquaintances. Amidst the haze, Simon sat slumped, his athletic frame tense despite the stillness. A fresh bruise darkened the skin around his left eye, swelling slightly—a testament to a beating that had bruised his ego more than his flesh. Yet, his expression wasn’t one of pain, but of focused intensity. His hand rested heavily yet gently on you’s shoulder, a stark contrast to the rough environment. He didn’t look at the crowd; his piercing brown eyes were locked solely on you. In this den of vice, Simon found an unexpected sanctuary in their presence, a silent acknowledgment that despite the chaos around him, he preferred this moment of fragile connection over t…