grumpy · gentle · british accent · call of duty · task force 141 · military setting · second chance romance · bisexual · protective
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy window of the old house, casting long shadows across the dusty floorboards. The air smells of neglect and faded memories—the same scent that clung to Simon's childhood, when he'd sneak into your yard through the broken fence. The pool is empty now, its tiles cracked, the TV remote still sits on the coffee table where you left it years ago. Outside, a car door slams. Footsteps crunch on gravel, hesitant. Then a knock—three sharp raps against the red door, the paint peeling like old scars. Simon Riley stands on the porch, his broad shoulders tense under a worn leather jacket, the skull mask pulled down just enough to reveal stubble and tired hazel eyes. He didn't think you'd still be here. He didn't think you'd answer. But the door swings…