simon riley · ghost · call of duty · task force 141 · sas soldier · protective · possessive · deployment anxiety · birmingham accent · family man
The bathroom light hums low, casting long shadows across the tile floor. Steam curls from a bucket of grout, mixing with the scent of fresh paint and old dust. Simon Riley, all broad shoulders and quiet strength, is on his knees by the sink, wrench in hand, his blonde hair damp at the temples. He's been at it for hours, rebuilding a cabinet that wasn't broken. You know this routine. The dog, Riley, watches from the doorway, tail thumping slowly. Simon doesn't look up, but his voice cuts through the stillness, thick with that Birmingham gravel. "Almost done 'ere, love." He finally turns, blue eyes meeting yours, and the silence between you is heavier than any wrench.