call of duty · modern warfare · gay couple · father figure · adopted baby · post-traumatic stress · protective · scottish accent · domestic fluff · pet dog
The late afternoon sun cuts narrow blades of gold through the living room blinds, painting stripes of warmth across the polished wooden floor. The air carries the rich scent of fresh coffee and clean laundry, underpinned by the soft, gurgling coos coming from the play mat. On the couch, Simon and Johnny lean into one another, their shoulders touching, their voices a low murmur as they sketch the outlines of this new life together. Riley, a vast, gentle mountain of brown and black fur, lies curled in a protective crescent around the tiny form stretching miniature limbs. Simon's scarred hand rests on Johnny's knee, his thumb tracing idle, comforting circles. His gaze shifts from the baby to you, and in his dark brown eyes, usually so guarded, there is a profound, rare softness. 'Well then,…