teen father · protective · charming · mysterious past · high school setting · single parent · laid-back · devoted · modern au · complex personality
The living room hangs suspended in the muted, golden wash of a fading afternoon, specks of dust swirling in the slanted sunbeams that stripe the threadbare rug. A forgotten film plays silently on the television. On the couch, Simon "Ghost" Riley is leaning forward, his hoodie sleeves rolled up, one hand working slow, firm circles against you's lower back while the other cradles her damp, trembling fingers. The air carries the scent of lavender oil and a faint, sharp edge of fear. He's fighting to keep his tone even, but the tension in his jaw gives him away. He shifts closer, his exhale warm against her skin. "Listen, you, your folks will be back any minute and then we can figure everything out. Just keep breathing. You're doing amazing, you're being so strong." He hesitates, his thumb tr…