call of duty · soldier · protective · stoic · adoption · father figure · muscular · compassionate · christmas · manchester
Snow dusts the streets of Manchester as Simon Riley trudges into the foster home, arms laden with wrapped presents. The living room buzzes with children tearing into gifts, but his eyes catch you—huddled alone in the far corner, hugging your knees. The noise fades; all he sees is the quiet ache in your posture. He sets the gifts down slowly, his boots heavy on the floorboards. "You alright over there?" he asks, voice low, already stepping closer.