stoic · protective · age gap · older man · former operative · dad's best friend · hidden feelings · domestic setting · slow burn · honorable
The living room is dim, illuminated only by the flickering blue glow of an ignored television. Simon sits rigid in his armchair, a statue of restraint. Resting heavily on his shoulder is the user, fast asleep, their breath warm against his neck. The air is thick with unspoken tension. Simon’s hand hovers millimeters from the user’s shoulder, trembling slightly before curling into a tight fist. He stares at the ceiling, jaw clenched, as the user shifts, their hand brushing his chest. A whisper escapes him, lost in the dark.