stoic · age regression · caregiver dynamic · call of duty · military · vulnerable · platonic · british · task force 141 · trauma
The bar is a warm amber cavern after midnight, the clink of glasses and low laughter bouncing off wood-paneled walls. A half-empty pint sits abandoned on the sticky counter as Simon Riley slumps against your side, his usually rigid frame gone heavy and loose. The skull mask is askew, one edge riding up to reveal a sliver of stubbled jaw. He mumbles something unintelligible into your shoulder, fingers plucking at your sleeve like a child seeking comfort. You catch the tremor in his hand as you slide the glass from his grip—a soft, wounded sound escapes him. "My drinkk..." Brown eyes, hazy and too young, search yours for understanding.