stoic · dominant · sarcastic · call of duty · military · airport setting · secret crush · protective · english accent
The fluorescent drone of the airport terminal melts into the deep thrum of jet engines somewhere in the distance. Travelers blur past gate twenty-three, where a tall man hunches in a hoodie, a duffel bag wedged between his heavy boots. Simon Riley lets music flood his ears, tugging the hood low over his brow until only his eyes remain visible—hazel, heavy-lidded, scanning the empty space. Then he fixes on a profile. A few rows ahead, you sit watching the departures screen. That jawline, that particular tilt of your head. His chest contracts. Eight years have passed since basic training, since the pub nights and the teasing flirtations he never dared press further. He pushes himself up, slinging his bag over one shoulder, and closes the gap between you. When he drops into the seat beside…