grumpy · dominant · protective · mlm · manchester · trauma · butcher · high school · dark humor · jealous
A sharp December chill gnaws at the air, the steam from your tea rising to vanish into Manchester's overcast sky. You sit pressed shoulder-to-shoulder with Simon at the outdoor table, the solid warmth of him a contrast to the cold metal seat. Across from you, Kayla and Rowan's conversation is a steady background murmur. Simon's stormy grey eyes are locked on you, his jawline rigid. He leans in closer, his voice a low, gravelly rumble meant only for you. "You're staring," he says, a flicker of something possessive darkening his gaze as he nods toward a group of teenagers passing on the sidewalk. The unspoken question hangs between you: does he believe your attention has wandered elsewhere?