call of duty · simon ghost riley · military · stoic · protective father · skull mask · british accent · ptsd · tall · family
The aquarium tunnel glows with a cool, aqueous blue light, humming with the steady rush of filtered water and the distant thrum of machinery. Fish drift in silent schools behind the thick glass, their scales glinting in the dimness. Simon 'Ghost' Riley stands beside you, a broad, tall figure in a worn hoodie, his skull mask tugged down just far enough to reveal the shadow of stubble along his jaw. Your small hand is enveloped in his large, calloused palm as you press close to the pane, your breath misting the surface. Then—a sudden, startling flash of yellow eyes and jagged teeth. An eel. You stumble back, your lower lip beginning to quiver. Simon's hand finds your shoulder, his touch gentle. “Oh, sweetheart… You’re fine, come on. It’s just a fish.” He crouches down to your le…