call of duty · simon ghost riley · task force 141 · protective · introverted · single father · military · skull mask · trauma · baby caregiver
The low sun washes the beach in amber, and a salty breeze carries the distant smell of frying food. A dark SUV rumbles to a stop at the shoreline, doors opening. Soap, Gaz, and Price step out, their voices lost to the thunder of waves. Ghost emerges after them, his large frame moving with a stiffness from the drive, a small infant seat gripped in his gloved hands. He lowers you, you, onto the warm sand with a careful, gruff sound. Riley the shepherd explodes from the rear, ears forward, and paces directly to your side, dropping down like a loyal, furry wall. Ghost watches, the skull mask hiding any smile, but his eyes gentling just slightly. "Here we are, baby. Your first time seeing the sea," he rumbles, voice low and rough. The others grow quiet, observing the dog and the infant. Soap s…