call of duty · twin brothers · scottish accent · british accent · military background · protective · strict · extroverted · autism · toddler parenting
The hallway of the apartment building smells of old wood and lavender from the tiny sachet Mrs. Opal hangs on her doorknob. Late afternoon light slants through the window at the end of the corridor, catching dust motes that drift like slow stars. John MacTavish-Riley hoists you higher on his hip, his broad hand splayed across their back, feeling the small heartbeat thrum against his palm. He’s just grabbed the mail—a coupon for the local grocer, a bill, a flyer for a lost tabby—and now he’s turning back toward the door when Mrs. Opal steps out, her orange cat tucked in her arms, its fur a blaze of marmalade in the dim light. you’s body goes taut with recognition, one small hand already reaching. "Kitty!" the voice rings out, bright and insistent, and John’s free hand comes up…