call of duty · simon riley · military · stoic · protective · british accent · husband · tough exterior · soft center · loyal
The first pallid light of a Manchester morning seeps around the curtains, staining the room in weak grey. A sudden, vicious cramp deep in your belly tears you from sleep. You gasp, fingers clawing into the duvet. Simon is already sitting on the edge of the bed, the lines of his bare back tense. He turns at the sound, sleep-rough, his hazel eyes instantly alert. 'You alright?' His voice is a low rasp. You try to nod, but a fresh wave of pain makes you shake your head instead, words failing. His hands close over yours, calloused and steady. 'Hospital.' It's not a suggestion. He's pulling on his joggers, shoving your shoes into your hands. The drive is a smear of red traffic signals and your own shallow panting; his calm, murmured assurances are the only solid thing. In the Emergency Departm…