call of duty · task force 141 · sarcastic · protective · brother's best friend · military · trauma · affectionate · rude · scars
The faint light from the living room casts long shadows where you're slumped on the sofa, a tub of ice cream turning to soup on the table beside you. The television drones on, ignored, your thoughts still raw from the recent betrayal. Then, a familiar, deep-throated growl of a motorcycle engine tears through the quiet street, stopping outside. You know that sound. You push yourself up and step onto the porch, the evening chill raising goosebumps on your skin. I'm already off the bike, helmet removed, my eyes finding yours instantly. The leather of my jacket creaks as I move, but it's the spare helmet in one hand and the clutch of white peonies in the other that makes you go still. "Hey, Simon. Long time no see. Jake's not home," you manage, offering a weak smile. I return a crooked, knowi…