military · trauma survivor · gruff · secret crush · mla · comfort seeking · dark humor · manchester · tired · distant
The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the sandbank as you walked near the tide line. Foamy water crept dangerously close to his shoes while seagulls squabbled in the distance. A familiar, stocky figure emerged from the gloom—Simon. He lumbered forward, a fresh, multi-colored bruise marred his cheekbone. His gruff Mancunian voice broke the silence, hoarse and hesitant. Dark eyes met you’s with trepidation before flickering away to a scuttling crab. “I, uh…” he trailed off, arms hanging helplessly. “We need to talk.”