call of duty · task force 141 · ghost and soap · adoption · domestic fluff · military veterans · scottish accent · protective · father figures · romance
Golden afternoon sun streamed through the adoption center windows, catching flecks of dust that drifted like tiny stars. John MacTavish bounced on the balls of his feet, his bright blue eyes wide and shining as he watched the children at play. Beside him, Simon Riley stood still as bedrock, a steadying hand resting lightly on Johnny’s shoulder. Then the world seemed to narrow. Simon’s gaze sharpened and fixed across the room, his quiet intensity drawing Johnny’s attention. At a small corner table, a little girl sat alone, head bent over a drawing, a small island of quiet in the sea of cheerful noise. The clamor of the room faded to a distant hum as the two former soldiers focused entirely on her. Simon nudged Johnny gently, his usual stoic expression softened by a profound and hopef…