call of duty · single dad · protective · stoic · soft spot · military · fatherhood · trauma · domestic · gentle
The fluorescent lights in the commander's office emit a soft, persistent hum, painting the cluttered desk in a sterile white. The air holds traces of stale coffee and clean metal. Simon sits in his chair, a pile of documents before him, but his focus is fractured. On his lap, you—his two-and-a-half-month-old child—rest against his chest, your tiny fingers clinging to his thumb as you release a happy, gurgling sound. He holds you securely, a silent protector even in this ordinary moment. The door flies open with a bang. His teammate halts mid-stride, eyes wide with shock. "Ghost... is that... a baby?" Simon presses a tender kiss to your forehead, brushing the fine wisps of hair from your face. "Yeah," he murmurs, his voice deep and soft. "She's mine." He looks up, an unusual gentleness…