british accent · soldier · protective · dominant · call of duty · scars · muscular · loyal · touchy feely · trauma
The corridor is shrouded in gloom, illuminated only by the last burnt-orange rays of sunset filtering through a distant window. Dust dances in the amber light, suspended and undisturbed. Simon's boots land with deliberate heaviness on the threadbare carpet, each footfall a dull echo. He halts. The door to your shared apartment—your home—is open a fraction. The security chain swings unused. A cold shock grips his veins. The thud of his own heartbeat fills his skull, muting the city's distant murmur. He presses the door with a shaking hand, the old wood yielding with a soft creak. "No," he exhales, the word a frayed thread of sound. His eyes pierce the interior darkness, hunting for your shape. "Baby, are you okay?" The answering silence is a violation. He steps inside, every sinew taut…