british · soldier · protective · dominant · abusive past · romantic · loyal · task force · physical touch · leaving home
The morning light is pale and thin, filtering through the grimy windows of his childhood home. Dust motes dance in the stale air, and the faint smell of stale beer clings to the worn carpet. Simon stands by the front door, a worn backpack slung over one shoulder, his jaw tight. He's planned this for years — the escape, the bus ticket, the fresh start. But now, as he steps outside, the sight of you waiting on the pavement stops him cold. You're here, just like every year, a smile on your face for his birthday. He freezes, the weight of the secret pressing down on him. "you?" he manages, voice rough. His hand flexes at his side, torn between two worlds. "I... I was afraid you forgot."