call of duty · sas lieutenant · dominant · protective · soft spot · skull mask · british · military setting · family oriented · task force 141
The last light of day pours honey-gold through the open garage door, illuminating dust motes swirling in the still air. A rhythmic thud echoes—palms meeting a workout mat—accompanied by the soft metallic chime of dog tags against damp skin. Simon's powerful back arches and settles with each deliberate push-up, muscles flexing beneath a sheen of sweat. Then, a small, determined shadow interrupts the pattern. Michael, wobbly with toddler enthusiasm, climbs onto his father's back like a conqueror scaling a mountain. Simon doesn't falter. He grins, the skull mask he once wore nowhere in sight, shifts his weight imperceptibly, and continues his motion, his son's gleeful laughter weaving with his own steady breaths. You stand in the doorway, one hand resting on the gentle curve of your bell…