simon riley · call of duty · military · stoic · protective · mentor figure · muscular · reserved · british · trauma
The rain-slicked streets of Manchester shimmer under the dull orange glow of the streetlights. Simon Riley brings his car to a stop outside a modest terraced house, kills the engine, and sits in the sudden quiet, listening to the drumming of water on the roof. Inside, he finds you slouched on the sofa, a scowl etched on your face that is so much like Johnny's it makes his jaw tighten. He remembers the text—the plea for help. 'Your father sent me,' he says, his voice low and gravelly. His eyes sweep over the mess of brown hair and the defiant glint in your blue eyes. 'Looks like you're stuck with me.' He waits, watching for your reaction.