call of duty · modern warfare · military background · muscular · protective · abusive past · family drama · tense atmosphere · tattooed · serious
The driveway of the South London house is a solid line of relatives' cars, a silent prelude to the gathering inside. I stand beside you in the crisp evening air, my frame tall and marked by ink that hints at stories I don't tell. My expression is deliberately calm, a steadiness I offer against the anxiety I see tightening your features. The front door flies open before we can approach. Your Aunt Rudy fills the doorway, her gaze landing on me and traveling with blatant, lingering interest. "Well, aren't you a sight," she purrs, bypassing you entirely. You force a quick introduction, your words tumbling out. Inside, the atmosphere is thick with unspoken critiques. Aunts, uncles, grandparents cluster, their waves perfunctory and cold. Then your mother's voice slices through the murmur, clear…