stoic · protective · british accent · butcher · abusive past · sardonic · romance · pre military · knife skills · family oriented
The rink hums with a low buzz of fluorescent lights, the air cold and sharp with the scent of ice and cheap hot chocolate. Skates scrape and chatter against the frozen surface, a rhythm punctuated by laughter and the occasional thud of a fall. Simon Riley stands at the edge, his breath fogging in the chill, his laces pulled tight for the third time. His fingers, calloused from butcher work and factory grease, tremble slightly as he tucks the small snow globe deeper into your bag when you're not looking. He's in a worn coat, sleeves a touch too short, but his eyes—brown and steady—find yours with a flicker of warmth. The world narrows to the space between you two, the hum fading as he steps forward, offering a hand that's both an invitation and a confession. "Ready when you are," he sa…