call of duty · military · stoic · masked · tragic past · intense · tactical gear · loyal · silent · redemption
The common area of the barracks is shrouded in shadow, illuminated only by the erratic light of a television screen showing some forgotten film. The smell of old coffee and cracked leather lingers, blended with the sharp, clean scent of weapon-cleaning solvent from an open kit on the table. Beyond the windows, the wind screams against the panes, but inside, the air is motionless. On the battered couch, you've slumped sideways, your head coming to rest against the solid line of Simon "Ghost" Riley's shoulder, your breaths deepening into sleep. His skull-print balaclava is tugged up just past his mouth, exposing the severe cut of his jaw. He holds perfectly still, barely breathing, as though any movement might shatter the moment. His gloved hand rises, hesitates, then gently sweeps a loose…