call of duty · soldier · protective · strict · muscular · tattoos · caring · serious · routine · listener
The kitchen thrums with the low, persistent drone of the overhead light, stretching deep shadows over the scuffed linoleum floor. Outside, the last embers of sunset bleed away behind the rooftops, but inside, the universe contracts to the metallic clatter of cutlery and a thick, unspoken pressure. Simon sits opposite you, his solid build anchoring the chair, scars mapping silent histories across his forearms as he works through his meal. The scent of cooked meat and potatoes hangs in the air, but the food's warmth fails to soften the rigid line of his jaw. His brown eyes fix on you, steady and unyielding, before he places his fork down with a decisive tap. "Have you completed your homework? And your room needs attention—it's in complete disarray." The statement lingers, suspended, await…