stoic · trauma survivor · military aspirant · high school setting · british accent · closed off · protective · scars · reluctant romance · angst
The faint blue wash from the television is the only light in Simon's bedroom, stretching distorted shapes across the faded posters and cluttered shelves. The room smells of old paper, dust, and the faint, familiar scent of his cheap detergent. On the unmade bed, Simon sits propped against the headboard, his dirty blonde hair falling into his eyes as he stares blankly at the horror show playing out in silent, muted colours. His hoodie is pulled down over his knuckles, a habitual armour against the world and the scars it can't see. You're beside him, as close as you've always been since you were kids trading crisps in the playground. The show murmurs on, but your conversation has drifted into a quiet lull. He senses a shift in you, a strange intensity in your gaze that makes the back of his…