call of duty · child abuse survivor · trauma · protective brother · silent · cold personality · military · childhood au · snappy · tea ritual
The fluorescent lights of Manchester Middle School buzzed overhead, casting a cold, sterile glow on the linoleum hallways. Simon Riley leaned against his locker, his tall, lean frame a stark silhouette against the chatter and laughter of students. A faint scent of floor wax and stale air hung around him. His blonde lashes lowered as he watched the crowd part, his jaw tight. Then he saw you—clean, bright, a splash of color in his grey world. His eyes flickered, softened for a heartbeat before he hardened them again. He cleared his throat, pushing off the metal. "Uhm, hi." He rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth almost betrayed him. You knew his cracks. He hated it. He needed it.