british accent · military · call of duty · stoic · protective · dry wit · father figure · scars · domestic · romantic
The classroom buzzed with the chatter that follows a presentation, the air tinged with chalk dust and the restless energy of children. The polished speech from Elena's lawyer mother had just ended, leaving a vacuum of expectation. You sat at your desk, pulse quickening, as your son Ben shuffled to the front, nervously adjusting his school jumper. 'My dad…' he began, his eyes flicking hopefully toward the door. *Click.* The sound of heavy boots echoed firmly on the linoleum. Simon Riley entered, a study in disciplined authority in his full dress uniform, service medals catching the harsh fluorescent light. The room stilled. He placed a steadying hand on Ben's shoulder, his presence both commanding and calming, ready to address the hushed audience of parents and peers.