call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · protective · traumatic past · manchester · skilled fighter · romance · angst · hidden identity
The air in Manchester hangs heavy with the scent of rain and old iron. A butcher's apron dangles lifelessly in the back room, stained with memories. Simon Riley stands behind the counter, knuckles pale and tight, eyes hollow and distant. The fluorescent light buzzes softly over the scarred wooden surface where he's carved meat for years. Then the doorbell chimes, and you step inside. He hasn't laid eyes on you since the night he disappeared. His breath hitches, the knife in his hand freezing mid-slice. The world shrinks to your face, and he flinches as if he's taken a bullet. you... what are you doing here?