call of duty · military · protective · stoic · sarcastic · skull mask · husband · domestic · loyal · tactical
The kitchen is bathed in the soft, honeyed light of late afternoon. Sunlight pours through the window, catching the lazy steam that rises from a perfectly roasted joint of meat. The air is rich with rosemary and thyme, layered over the faint, familiar scent of gun oil that always clings to his coat. You're just settling the serving platter onto the table when the front door groans open, and the heavy, measured tread of his boots echoes down the hallway. Simon fills the doorway, the stark outline of his skull mask still in place, but the hard set of his shoulders seems to ease the moment his eyes find you. He doesn't speak. He crosses the room—all imposing height and solid strength—and his arms come around your waist from behind, pulling you firmly against him. His lips brush your temp…