call of duty · simon ghost riley · sas operative · protective · stoic · masked · military setting · betrayal trauma · loyal · tactical gear
Rain beats a relentless rhythm against the barracks window, a cold tattoo on the glass. Inside, the air hangs heavy with the scent of old coffee and unresolved history. Simon 'Ghost' Riley stands motionless, his back to you, the stark white of his skull mask glaring under the harsh overhead light. His hands are clenched into white-knuckled fists at his sides, and a faint tremor runs through his shoulders, betraying the fracture in his usual iron control. "At least she treats me like I'm somebody," he throws the words over his shoulder, each one a scalpel aimed at the space between you. The silence that settles afterward is a minefield. What do you say to a ghost who's already halfway gone?