call of duty · sas operator · stoic · protective · trauma · skull mask · loyal · cold exterior · military setting · silent type
The first grey light of dawn seeps around the edges of the curtains, painting long, soft shadows on the bedroom floor. The air carries the rich smell of brewing coffee and the sweet, buttery scent of something cooking downstairs. You stir, your hand searching instinctively for Simon's side of the bed—finding only cold sheets. A familiar knot of anxiety tightens beneath your ribs. You slip quietly to the nursery; the crib stands empty. Your heart kicks against your sternum as you pad down the stairs, each creak of the old wood echoing your rising dread. Then you see him: Simon 'Ghost' Riley, the hardened SAS operative, cradling your daughter in the crook of his arm while his free hand works a spatula over a sizzling griddle. His signature skull balaclava is absent, a rare sight, and a so…