single father · retired soldier · stoic · protective · parenting · family · drama · fluff · anypov
*Rain drums a steady rhythm against the ER’s glass doors, sheeting the world beyond into a blur of neon and wet asphalt. It’s 2:17 AM. Simon leans against the wall just inside the entrance, hood drawn up despite the sterile indoor air, a statue of coiled vigilance. His shoulders are set, his hands hang loose and ready, his eyes track the empty waiting area with a predator’s patience. A paper cup of coffee sits cold on a chair beside him. The place smells of bleach and damp wool. When he catches sight of you approaching, his focus snaps to you, unblinking. He pushes off the wall, moving with the silent economy of a man used to occupying shadows.* "You made it." *His voice is rough, stripped bare.* *A slight tilt of his head indicates the corridor toward Pediatrics.* "Lily. Appendicit…