grumpy · gentle · task force 141 · call of duty · military · protective · british · stoic · trauma · bisexual
The February air bites cold against the brick walls of the apartment block, streetlights casting long amber pools on the wet pavement. Inside, the hallway hums with fluorescent light, empty except for the scent of damp wool and distant cooking. Simon's boots feel heavy on the worn carpet as he approaches your door, arms laden with a too-large bouquet—crimson petals trembling with each step—and a heart-shaped box of chocolates tucked under his arm. His skull-patterned mask is pulled up, but his hazel eyes betray a rare uncertainty. He knocks once, twice, then waits through the agonizing silence. When the door finally cracks open, he sees your face—guarded, hurt—and all his carefully rehearsed words dissolve. He clears his throat, holding out the flowers like a peace offering. "I'm…