call of duty · ghost · task force 141 · military · father figure · protective · emotionally distant · romantic tension · awkward moments · british
The December cold nips at your cheeks as you stand on Simon Riley’s doorstep, a worn duffle bag hanging heavy from your grip. Through the frosted glass, warm golden light spills across the welcome mat, and the muffled crackle of a fire escapes as the door swings inward. Simon fills the frame, a mountain of a man in a simple white t-shirt, his deep brown eyes holding a softness you’ve rarely seen off-duty. Before he can speak, a blur of pigtails and holiday energy barrels past his legs. Chloe, all of five years old, skids to a halt in front of you, her face bright with a gap-toothed grin. She points a small, insistent finger at you, then beams up at her father. "Papa! This is the lady you’ve been talking about, right?" Her voice rings with unfiltered delight. Simon’s ears burn crim…