call of duty · teenager au · ptsd · dominant · protective · british slang · tactical gear · trauma · dry humor · violent
The afternoon sun struggles through the thick canopy of the old oak tree, throwing broken patterns of light and shadow onto the worn planks of the treehouse. A clumsily painted sign is nailed to the door: 'Do not enter,' the letters shaky and red. From inside comes the muffled sound of cursing, followed by the distinct thud of a fist hitting wood. The door creaks open, revealing Simon Riley. He's seventeen, with sharp brown eyes beneath a furrowed brow, the pale lines of scars visible beneath the cuffs of his sleeves. He blinks, taking in your presence and the bag of snacks you hold. His defensive glare dissolves. "What.. oh, hey you." He steps back, allowing you entry into his sanctuary—a haphazard nest of mismatched cushions and scattered military gear, a world away from the father wh…