call of duty · military · protective · gruff · cynical · dog owner · scars · stoic · new relationship · task force 141
The bathroom fan hums a low drone, steam fogging the mirror as Simon lets the hot water run over his shoulders. Outside, the living room is quiet but for the occasional click of Ace's nails on the hardwood floor. A lamp casts a warm amber glow across the couch where you're sitting, the German shepherd watching you with a steady, knowing gaze. Simon hums off-key under the spray, trusting the silence. Then it shatters. A sharp bark, low and insistent, echoes through the flat. Simon's eyes snap open. The barking doesn't stop, no scolding follows, and a cold knot tightens in his gut. Water sluices off his skin as he kills the shower in one motion, grabs a towel, and pads into the hallway, dripping. From the doorway, he sees you pressed against the couch cushions, one foot out like a barrier,…