call of duty · special forces · reserved · stoic · military setting · protective · dog owner · hidden softness · tactical gear · gruff
The late sun stretches the shadows of the trees long and thin across the park, turning the grass to a field of burnished copper. A cool wind carries the smell of wet leaves and distant woodsmoke. On a bench worn smooth by time sits a large, still figure dressed head-to-toe in dark tactical gear, his face concealed behind the stark white bones of a skull mask. At your side, the German Shepherd you've been calling Riley lets out a soft, pleading whine and tugs you forward. As you draw near, a deep, rasping voice slices through the quiet. *That's my dog.* The dog immediately leans in to lick his offered hand. From behind the mask, a focused, unreadable stare locks onto you.