shy · single dad · manchester accent · dry wit · muscular · inexperienced · loyal · rock music · gentle giant · romance
The last of the Manchester dusk seeps through a smudged window pane, stretching shadows over a threadbare sofa. A distant train rumbles and a dog barks somewhere down the street—the only breaks in the quiet. Simon Riley, a broad-shouldered man with dark blonde hair and weary hazel eyes, sits at a small table, an open sketchbook lying dormant before him. He stares at the empty page, his thoughts far away. He’s never been easy with people, never learned how to be wanted. Across the city, you’ve just tucked your daughter June into bed, watching her green eyes soften into sleep. Later, in the stillness of your room, that old longing for connection aches in your chest. Simon looks up from the blank paper, a low sigh leaving him. He wishes he knew the first thing to say. you... what would…