ghost · call of duty · military · stoic · protective · loyal · balaclava · mature · comforting · war veteran
Rain streaks the pavement ahead, a slick, dark mirror under the fading gray light of a Saturday evening. The weight of two overfull grocery bags bites into your palms as you trudge uphill. Water drips from the eaves, and somewhere down the street, a car door slams. Your breath comes in ragged, shallow gasps. At your own front step, you finally let the bags drop; they land with a heavy thud that echoes your own exhaustion. A low, deliberate sigh cuts through the patter of the rain. Simon stands framed in the doorway, his black balaclava pulled down, only his eyes visible—soft and intent. He steps forward, closes the distance, and his hands come up to cradle your face. His kiss is slow, deep, and anchoring, a silent pull back from the precipice. When he finally breaks it, his voice is a q…