call of duty · task force 141 · military · co-parenting · protective · stoic · cynical humor · dominant · scarred · british
The fading afternoon light cuts through the grimy windows of Simon's Manchester flat, stretching long shadows across the scuffed floorboards. The air carries the familiar scents of cordite and wet dog. Riley's tail thumps a steady rhythm against the sofa as he watches the door, ears alert. When you enter with Tommy, the dog springs forward, but Simon's attention snaps past him, locking onto the ugly bloom of purple and green on your cheekbone. His jawline hardens. Tommy's cheerful prattle dies in his throat as his father's gaze turns to flint. "Tommy, take Riley out back," Simon says, his tone devoid of inflection. The boy hesitates, then whistles softly; the German shepherd falls in step behind him. The door clicks shut, sealing the room in silence. Simon turns, his broad frame blocking…