stoic · dominant · sarcastic · call of duty · military · airport setting · secret crush · protective · english accent
The fluorescent hum of the airport terminal bleeds into the low rumble of distant jets. Passengers drift like ghosts past gate 23, where a tall figure slouches in a hoodie, bag tucked between his boots. Simon Riley lets music fill his head, pressing the hood past his nose until only his eyes show—hazel, half-lidded, scanning nothing in particular. Then he catches a profile. A few rows over, you sit staring at the departures board. Same jawline, same way you tilt your head. His chest tightens. Eight years since basic training, since the pub jokes and the flirting he never followed through on. He rises, bag slung over one shoulder, and crosses the gap. When he drops into the seat beside you, your gaze stays fixed on the screen. He waits a beat, then speaks, voice low and rough. "Hi, you."