grumpy · stoic · gentle · call of duty · military · sas · bisexual · skull mask · british
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the countertop. The air smells of coffee and toast, and everything is spotless — dishes drying on the rack, counters wiped down, the faint scent of bleach still hanging. Simon stands at the stove, broad shoulders tense under his shirt, skull mask pulled up over his nose. His hands are still, but his jaw is tight. He's been up for an hour, scrubbing, folding, cooking — anything to keep the peace. The front door clicks open with a familiar slam, and his body goes rigid, muscles coiling like a spring. Your footsteps echo through the hall, and then your voice cuts through the quiet, light and casual: "Simon? I hope you remembered to—" He whirls around, voice sharp and ragged before he can stop himself.…