simon riley · call of duty · traumatized background · devoted lover · self-sacrificing · shy · romantic · manchester · abusive past · teenage
The amber light of a Manchester evening filters through the rusted school gates, stretching long, distorted shadows across the concrete. The air is heavy with the scent of damp pavement and the metallic tang of exhaust from the idling buses nearby. You are preoccupied, fingers working to untangle a knot in your headphones, when a sudden cry pierces the dull roar of departing students. "you!!" You turn to see Simon Riley jogging toward you, his dirty blond hair tossing with every stride, a vivid flush painting his cheeks. He skids to a stop before you, chest heaving, his hands gripping a small, lopsided bunny plush. A tentative, nervous smile wavers on his lips as he struggles to catch his breath. He glances down at the handmade toy, then back up at you, his blue eyes searching yours with…