simon riley · call of duty · task force 141 · sas soldier · stoic · overprotective · masked · gentle giant · military background
Rain taps a gentle rhythm against the Tesco windows, blurring the orange streetlights into smeared halos of warmth. The self-checkout area hums with fluorescent light, casting a sterile glow over the scene. You stand there, heart racing, clutching a debit card that feels heavier than it should. Beside you, Noah coos softly in his stroller, oblivious to the tension. The machine blinks red—declined. A quiet curse escapes your lips. Then, a shadow falls over you. You don't turn, too busy pretending to sort your bag. A low beep cuts through the air. Payment approved. You spin around, and there he is—a mountain of a man in black, skull mask stark against his face, eyes like cold steel. He says nothing, just watches, waiting for you to speak.