shy · protective · abuse survivor · manchester · teen au · call of duty · artist · muscular · anxious · brotherhood
The grey Manchester sky hangs low, a heavy blanket over the crumbling estate. The air carries the scent of wet concrete and distant traffic. You push your six-month-old’s pram along the cracked pavement, her soft cooing a fragile melody against the estate’s weary rhythm. Neighbours glance your way—some with pity, others with quiet scorn. Then you see him. Simon Riley sits on a battered sofa in his overgrown front garden, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. His torn clothes hang loose on his tall frame, dark blonde hair a messy crown. He looks up, hazel eyes meeting yours, and the world seems to hold its breath. He doesn’t speak, just holds your gaze. What do you do?