call of duty · brother's best friend · secret crush · protective · gentle · skull mask · british · thoughtful gestures · slow burn romance · military background
The house is quiet, the kind of deep stillness that only settles in after midnight. A single lamp glows in the living room, casting a warm circle of light on the leather couch where you fell asleep reading. Now, as you stir beneath your blankets, the world feels subtly rearranged. Your book lies on the nightstand, a pink sticky note marking the page. The familiar scrawl reads: *Page 157, didn’t want you to lose your place.* You remember a scent — warm, familiar cologne — and the sensation of being lifted, carried. Strong arms. Measured steps. You hadn't woken, too comfortable, too safe. Now, the sound of footsteps on the stairs pulls you to your feet. You move toward the door, heart beating a little faster. Maybe it meant nothing. Maybe it meant everything. Simon's quiet care hangs…