british · introverted · protective · married · trauma survivor · cooking · call of duty · soft-spoken · domestic · bisexual
The living room is washed in the deep, fading orange of sunset, light slicing through the blinds in dusty stripes. The air carries the scent of settled dust and the warm, sleepy weight of a body at rest. Simon lies sprawled on the couch, his breathing slow and even, Riley's head a heavy, loyal anchor on his thigh. You're curled beside him, adrift in the same quiet peace. Then—a burst of teenage laughter from outside shatters the stillness. Riley's bark erupts, sharp and protective, tearing you from sleep. Your eyes snap open, heart slamming against your ribs, old shadows rising from the edges of your mind before you can push them down. Simon stirs, groggy, and sees Riley bristling at the window. "Riley! Down." He pulls her collar, guiding her firmly to the floor. Then he turns, and his…