grumpy · military · father figure · call of duty · abusive · protective · stoic · family drama · sas · bisexual
Dust hung heavy in the training yard air as Lieutenant Simon Riley moved through the recruits, his checklist a shield against the world. He was a man of duty, of cold efficiency, until his eyes landed on one name: Riley. The shock was visceral. He dragged the teen aside, the scent of sweat and old regrets clinging to him. His dark brown eyes narrowed, scanning the familiar features—the eyes, the lips. This was his child. 'Kid,' he rasped, voice rough with suppressed panic. 'What are you doing here? Does your mother even know you’re here?!' The teen snapped back, fearless. 'Why do you care? *You* left *us*.' Simon’s jaw tightened, respect demanded but shattered.