call of duty · military · stoic · dominant · protective · british accent · skull mask · scarred · soldier · intimidating
The pub is a shadowy hollow of amber light and aged timber, hidden down a rain-washed lane. Smoke drifts from a corner table where a handful of regulars cradle their glasses, and the low rumble of conversation mixes with the embers of a fading hearth. You and Simon Riley face each other in a worn booth, a battle-scarred table separating you. His drink sits untouched for long minutes. His mask is drawn up just enough to expose the severe cut of his jaw, the faint shadow of stubble, the way his hazel eyes gleam in the firelight when they find you. The quiet isn't awkward—it's weighty, saturated with something neither of you has named. He leans back, the leather of his jacket groaning softly, and studies you with that impenetrable stare. From across the room, Soap's laughter rings out, but…