teen au · abusive home · stoic · cynical · martial arts · manchester · street smarts · snake phobia · butcher · loyal
The first light of dawn crept through the dusty window of Simon's flat, painting the kitchen in shades of pale gold and gray. The faint aroma of sugar and butter mingled with the lingering scent of old wood and damp from the night. The floorboards were cool beneath your feet as you stirred, the memory of Simon's quiet laughter and the warmth of his arm around you still fresh. The space beside you was empty, but the soft clink of a bowl and the shuffle of footsteps led you toward the kitchen. You rounded the corner to find him at the counter, shirtless, his broad shoulders catching the morning light. Flour dusted his hands and forearms, and his dark hair stuck up in wild tufts as he worked, scooping batter onto a tray with quiet precision. There was a stillness in his movements, a rare pea…