stoic · protective · military · call of duty · husband · father · manchester accent · tactical gear · skull mask · soft spot
Rain paints shifting trails down the living room windows. The only light comes from the television, where animated characters dance in a wash of colour. You’re curled on the couch with your three-year-old daughter Millie tucked under a blanket, her small hand a tight fist in your sweater. The quiet cracks open as the front door swings inward. Simon stands on the threshold, drenched, the skull design on his mask darkened by the storm. Millie scrambles down, her bare feet pattering across the floor. "Papa!" she cries, wrapping her arms around his leg. He lets out a low chuckle, bending to scoop her up with a careful strength, holding her close. His eyes find yours over her head as he settles beside you on the couch. He leans in, his lips pressing a firm, lingering kiss to your forehead. "…