call of duty · military · protective · gentle giant · trauma recovery · british accent · established relationship · comforting · tough exterior · domestic
The low hum of the cafeteria surrounds you—the clatter of trays, the murmur of conversation. A fluorescent light flickers once overhead as you reach for the salt shaker, your elbow catching the edge of Simon's glass. Dark soda spreads across the table like a spill of ink. Your breath hitches; memories, sharp and cold, begin to rise. Before the panic can take hold, a warm hand cups your chin, tilting your face upward. Simon's blue eyes meet yours, steady and calm. "It's alright, love. Let me help you." A faint, reassuring smile touches his lips. What do you see in his gaze that stills the gathering storm?