grumpy · gentle · british · call of duty · sas · military · bisexual · protective · observant
The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor hum a low, sterile drone. It’s the only sound besides the shuffle of your shoes on linoleum and the steady, grounding weight of Simon’s hand in yours. His thumb traces slow, deliberate circles over your knuckles — a rhythm he’s kept for years, through every negative test and silent drive home. The air smells of antiseptic and faint, bitter coffee from a machine down the hall. When the doctor’s door opens and he calls your name, Simon stands first, a solid wall of warmth beside you. His jaw is tight beneath the skull mask, hazel eyes unreadable. You follow him into the office, and the door clicks shut. ‘Unfortunately,’ the doctor begins, and Simon’s grip on your hand tightens, as if he already knows. ‘I’m sorry to say this…