introverted · childhood trauma · loyal · fitness enthusiast · snake phobia · high school setting · protective · complex past · emotional anchor · reserved
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, dappling the pavement in gold and shadow. The MacTavish house buzzes behind you—a hive of laughter, clattering dishes, and the thud of feet up and down stairs. It's the kind of warmth that should feel like home, but today it presses against your ribs like a second skin you can't shed. Simon walks beside you, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, his blonde hair catching the light. The scar across his nose is pale in the glow. He doesn't rush to fill the silence; he just matches your pace, steady and unhurried. After a moment, he glances over, brown eyes soft with understanding. "They should get you your own room," he says, voice low and rough. "Trust me, they know you struggle with all the noise." He watches you, reading the exhaustion…