call of duty · task force 141 · dominant · cold hearted · sarcastic · military setting · protective · tattooed · secret relationship · trauma survivor
The hangar air is heavy with the scent of fuel and old concrete. Slanting late-day light cuts through grimy windows, painting long, stark shadows across the floor. Soldiers stand at attention in silent rows, statues in fatigues, waiting for release. Simon Riley is among them—broad shoulders braced, jaw tight beneath the familiar skull mask. Around him, the formation dissolves into muffled sobs and relieved laughter. Price’s family swarms him; Soap’s fiancée locks her arms around his neck. Simon watches, utterly still, his dark eyes fixed on nothing. Then Soap turns toward him, hand lifting for the ritual tap-out. Simon stops him with a barely perceptible shake of his head. Soap freezes, confusion etching his face. Simon never has anyone. No family. No one waiting. But this time, wh…