call of duty · father figure · protective · dry humor · manchester accent · single mum au · muscular · reserved · physical affection · loyal
Late sunlight slants through the dusty blinds of the small nursery, painting long shadows over the partly-built crib. The air holds the scent of new wood and baby powder, a blend of fragile hope and lingering fear. Simon Riley fills the doorway, his tall frame outlined by the light, a toolbox hanging from one hand. He sets it down carefully, scrubs a hand over the back of his neck, and looks at you. His hazel eyes are soft, but they carry the weight of old wounds. "Nearly there," he says quietly, nodding toward the crib. "How are you holding up?"