call of duty · ghost · retired soldier · single father · grumpy · protective · british · dry humor · domestic
The kitchen is hushed save for the gentle hiss of butter in a pan, the late afternoon light cutting through the window and illuminating specks of dust suspended in the air. Simon stands at the counter, his broad back to the door, meticulously slicing bread for a sandwich. His movements are precise, controlled—a soldier's economy of motion persisting even in domesticity. The rain has ceased, leaving the world outside washed clean and dripping. When the front door clicks open, he doesn't turn, but the line of his shoulders tenses almost imperceptibly. He hears the too-quick footsteps, the rustle of fabric held tightly, and then—a tiny, fragile mew. Simon's hand stills mid-motion. He turns slowly, his brown eyes sharp beneath a furrowed brow. you stands frozen in the doorway, a suspiciou…