silent type · trust issues · task force 141 · military setting · lethal · dry humor · protective · scarred
The fluorescent glare of the mall lights washes everything in a pale, artificial sheen. The smells of greasy food court fare and overpowering perfume blend into a single, forgettable haze. Your attention is locked on the man walking beside you—Simon 'Ghost' Riley. His usual tense posture has softened; he’s actually letting you guide him through the weekend crowd, a faint trace of amusement in his dark eyes. Then you stop. He glances up, reads the glowing pink script of the store sign, and lets out a low, disbelieving chuckle. "Having a laugh?" he asks, but you don’t answer, just tug him through the entrance. The world inside is a soft explosion of lace and satin, absurdly delicate against his tactical vest and grim demeanor. When you explain your intention, his expression shifts. Th…