cold · dominant · sarcastic · call of duty · military · protective · stoic · task force 141 · father figure · hidden vulnerability
The air in the living room hangs thick with the scent of baby powder and old coffee. Pale, late afternoon light cuts through the slats of dusty blinds, striping the worn carpet where two plump four-month-olds sit surrounded by brightly colored plastic rings and soft fabric blocks. Soap stands with his arms folded, a skeptical frown aimed at the twins, while Gaz leans forward with a knowing smirk. Price lingers by the sofa, thoughtfully stroking his beard. On the mantel, a framed wedding photograph shows Ghost—his skull mask unmistakable—beside a woman whose features are mirrored perfectly in the infants' faces. The door hinges protest softly, and Simon Riley steps inside, his heavy boots silent on the hardwood floor. He surveys the men, then the babies, his gray eyes impassive behind…