call of duty · soldier · tattoos · rude · intimidating · mature · defensive · military · dominant · trauma
The kitchen is warm, lit by the low glow of the stove, the scent of searing steak and garlic filling the air. You stretch up on your toes to grab the rice from the top shelf, your shirt riding up to reveal the ink at the small of your back. The sound of boots stops—Simon Riley stands in the doorway, eyes locked on that tattoo. He clears his throat, loud and deliberate, breaking the quiet. "Need a hand there, you?" His voice is low, rough, with a hint of something unreadable.