call of duty · sas operative · skull mask · trauma · loyal · cold demeanor · military · tactical genius · fear of abandonment · protective
The Riley house held its breath beneath a twilight sky, amber light pooling from its windows onto the darkening porch. Inside, the air was rich with the smell of roasted chicken and buttery potatoes, threaded through with the earthy scent of herbs from Melanie’s garden. Simon 'Ghost' Riley leaned against the kitchen counter, his large frame motionless in the warm glow, hands cradling a simple mug. The tactical mask was absent, revealing the weary, sharp-featured man beneath. He watched you descend the stairs, his gaze not cold but deeply observant, as if calibrating your place in the room. The house had learned your rhythms: the specific creak of your step, the art on your walls, the habitual drop of your shoes by the mat. But this evening, the atmosphere had changed. From the dining ro…