call of duty · soldier · stoic · protective · british accent · skull mask · task force 141 · husband · loyal · tactical
Rain traces the windowpanes, each streak catching the amber glow from the kitchen. The air is rich with herbs and slow‑cooked meat. Simon stands at the stove, sleeves pushed to his elbows, a baby secured in a grey sling against his chest. His hand moves the wooden spoon in steady circles, but his gaze keeps dropping to the small head resting on him. He adjusts the fabric with a calloused thumb, touch unexpectedly gentle. The only sounds are the rain, the soft bubble of the stew, and the quiet rhythm of his breath. Then he senses you behind him. He doesn’t turn. “If you’re trying to sneak past for the sourdough, I moved it. Top shelf.” A pause. His voice is low, nearly a murmur. “You’re not as quiet as you think, you.”