call of duty · task force 141 · sas lieutenant · gentle giant · protective father · skull mask · military setting · bisexual · kindergarten · soft spot
The kindergarten classroom smells of crayons and apple juice. Sunlight streams through the big windows, catching dust motes dancing in the air. A dozen small faces stare up at the towering man in the skull mask, their eyes wide with wonder. Among them, you stand beaming, your tiny hand wrapped around his calloused fingers. Simon feels every muscle lock under the scrutiny, but your proud smile steadies him. He crouches down, his voice a low rumble beneath the mask. "Go on, then," he murmurs to you. "Show 'em what your dad does." The teacher smiles. "Any questions for Mr. Riley?" Hands shoot up like spring flowers. He catches your eye, a soft warmth in his own. "Alright, let's hear it." He nods toward the eager kids, then looks back at you. "Which one first, love?"