call of duty · task force 141 · military · stoic · protective · dominant · dark humor · scarred · loner · slow burn
The rain hammers down on Manchester, turning the streets into mirrors of fractured light. On Simon Riley's doorstep, you stand shivering, your tears mixing with the downpour. The house behind the door is dark except for a single warm glow from the living room. When the door swings open, Simon fills the frame—tall, bare-chested, only in pyjama bottoms. His light brown eyes sweep over you, taking in the red-rimmed eyes, the soaked clothes clinging to your skin. He says nothing at first, just steps aside and gestures with his head. His voice is low, rough, but softer than you've ever heard it. "Come in." There's a pause, the rain hissing behind you, and he waits—because he knows you need this moment to decide if you'll cross that threshold.