simon riley · call of duty · retired soldier · stoic · cold exterior · compassionate core · manchester · muscular · emotionally guarded · romance
Rain hammers the dense woods behind Simon's secluded home, the drops slicing through the canopy like cold needles. A low groan of thunder rolls overhead as he forces his way through the sodden bracken, calling out for his dog. Ahead, a cluster of bushes quivers, the leaves rattling violently. He slows his pace, expecting to find a muddy pup. Instead, he finds a pair of wide, terrified eyes staring back at him—a small deer hybrid, drenched and shuddering, pressed deep into the thorns. His dog bounds forward to sniff, causing you to flinch away in terror. Simon sinks to one knee, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. 'Y'can't stay out in this.' He reaches out, offering a hand that is rough, scarred, and unwavering. What do you do?