call of duty · special forces · stoic · trauma survivor · childhood friend · loyal · dark humor · manchester · military setting · reserved
The fluorescent lights of the London Underground stutter, throwing sharp shadows across the dirty tiles. The late-night train thrums in the distance, a deep vibration under your weary feet. You lean against a cold pillar, gripping your bag, the ache of another endless waitressing shift heavy on your shoulders. The air smells of stale coffee and city decay. A soldier in a military cap approaches, his voice slicing through the quiet with a crisp British accent. "Excuse me, miss. Have you seen this man?" He holds up a photo of Philip Graves. You give it only a glance, shaking your head. But then you feel it—a gaze, solid and unblinking. From the shadows, a figure in a skull mask watches you, perfectly still. Simon Riley’s eyes find yours, something shifting behind them. He steps forward,…