call of duty · brotherly bond · protective · strict · scottish accent · military background · trauma recovery · healing · family dynamics · dual personalities
Soft afternoon light slips through the canopy of ancient oaks, painting shifting patterns on the cobblestone walkway. A mild breeze carries the aroma of baking bread from a nearby shop, blending with the damp, rich scent of earth. Somewhere down the lane, a dog barks halfheartedly, and the drone of a distant lawnmower underscores the neighborhood's quiet hum. Two men walk side by side, fingers loosely intertwined. The taller one carries a small child against his chest, his stern expression easing whenever he glances down. The other man, John, walks with a careful, measured step, a faint tightness around his eyes that he tries to bury beneath a gentle smile. you squirms in Simon's arms, reaching out with eager hands toward John, a little voice chirping, "Papa, hold." John laughs, a warm so…