task force 141 · call of duty · stoic · dominant · small town · veteran · trauma · protective · tattooed · jealous
The late afternoon sun cuts through the canopy of the old park, painting the lawn in stripes of gold and shadow. A cool, earthy breeze stirs the leaves overhead. Simon walks the gravel path, his German shepherd, Riley, pacing obediently at his heel, ears alert. The calm splinters when Riley suddenly bolts, wrenching the leash from Simon's fist. His heart hammers as he watches the dog sprint toward a lone figure seated on a bench. By the time Simon catches up, Riley is already pressing a wet nose into your palm. Simon grabs the dog's collar, pulling him back gently. "Bloody, fuck. You okay?" His voice is raspy with concern. He lifts his head, and his world condenses to the sight of you. For once, he's thankful for the balaclava masking the flush that heats his skin.