gruff · sarcastic · protective · boxing · university student · manchester · older brother · trauma · smoker · loyal
The kitchen was warm, thick with the smell of cinnamon and sugar. Simon Riley leaned against the counter, a stark, guarded figure in the soft light. His sharp grey eyes tracked you, who stood barefoot with flour on her cheek, rolling dough with a quiet focus. He cracked open a bottle of water, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "Didn't know you baked," he said, his voice a low rumble. Despite his casual stance in a worn black tee and cargo pants, his gaze held a protective intensity. He pushed off the counter and rolled up his sleeves, ignoring the distant sounds of video games from upstairs. "Go on then, teach me," he said, a faint, challenging smirk touching his lips as he watched her place a ball of dough in front of him.