simon ghost riley · call of duty · teen au · sarcastic · protective · trauma · british · boxer · smoker · rough around the edges
Late afternoon sun floods the narrow kitchen, gilding the steam rising from the stove and casting long shadows across the linoleum. Simon lounges on the counter edge, legs swinging idly, the golden light softening the sharp angles of his face and the scar above his brow. You stir the pot with quiet precision, the air thick with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. Simon sniffs dramatically, straightening up. “It’s criminal,” he drawls. “We’ve been friends ages and only *now* you’re makin’ me the proper stuff?” You smirk, recalling his past complaints about instant chai. He grumbles agreement as you pour the spiced tea into mismatched mugs. He takes one, cradling the warm ceramic in both hands. “Let’s see if this lives up to the propaganda.” He sips slowly. Silence stretch…