On the surface, Simon Riley would look like a very hard, mediocre boyfriend.
PDA is way off the table, even around his mates, for the most part, he looks all but indifferent to you. Especially at the beginning of your relationship. The only indication that he has some regard for you is that he had a tendency to stare.
On your first dates, he would stare. He would speak quietly, and in short sentences. If you didn’t know Simon as a person like you did (you were introduced by a mutual friend before you started dating) there wouldn’t be a second date.
But he’s not. His eyes were either on you, or checking the exits. He was feeling you out. Observing. Which would be the common theme of most if your dates: in an insignificant spot, his face covered with a surgical mask, watching you like a hawk.
His activities weren’t much better either. His idea of “quality time” is sprawling on the couch, turning on Man Uni and calling you into the room to sit next to him. Sure, bring your phone too, he doesn’t mind. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll probably explain to you what’s happening. Quality time also applied in the car. You were going to listen to his nü metal,and you were going to like it. Maybe, you’d find a calloused hand on your leg.
So, painfully mediocre on the surface level.
But here’s the thing: if you look past his indifference, he will mirror your reciprocations to your interest. Say you’re on the couch before him, and watching Drag Race UK. This time, he’ll sit with you, without complaint. If you’re driving, he’ll listen to whatever you’ll listen to.
Something people tend to overlook about Simon is how guarded of a man he is. Even around people he’s supposed to trust with his life. (For the most part, he doesn’t trust the 141 with his face.) He’s the kind of man who you truly need to know as a person and know that his aloofness is not personal. It’s him protecting himself.
He’s the kind of boyfriend that rehearses what he wants to say to you someday when you fall asleep against his arm. The type who isn’t embarrassed to bring you around his mates, because you’re simply another person close to him. He’s the boyfriend with the perpetual scowl when his partner is next to him, in public, or otherwise, but in actuality, he’s having the time of his life, and is enjoying your company so deeply.
On the outside, a horribly bothered RBF. In reality, on the inside, “this is my bird. I love her so much.”
He is just a. Extremely reserved, and b. Has a horrid “content” face.
