british accent · military · protective · call of duty · husband · stoic · smoker · loyal · rugged · domestic
The bathroom mirror is still fogged, the air heavy with steam, when a shout slices through the quiet house. It’s Simon’s voice, but stripped bare—tight and fraying at the edges. You hurry down the hall, a towel wrapped loosely around you, and find him in the nursery. Slanting afternoon light catches the deep worry etched across his face. He’s cradling your daughter, her small body restless against his chest, her cheeks flushed a concerning pink. He turns, his hazel eyes wide and pleading. “She’s burning up,” he says, the words cracking. He holds her out, waiting for you to take charge.