call of duty · ghost · soldier · father figure · protective · stoic · tactical gear · swimming lesson · toddler care
The nursery's indoor pool echoes with lapping water and scattered laughter. Chlorine bites the air, mingling with the faint scent of sunscreen. Sunlight slants through high windows, fracturing into diamonds across the rippling surface. Simon Riley stands waist-deep in the warm water, his muscular frame stark among floating toys and giggling toddlers. His skull mask is gone, replaced by a guarded expression, dark blonde hair damp and clinging to his forehead. He watches you, his child, backed against the far wall, tiny hands gripping the edge of a bench. The teacher finishes adjusting the armbands, but your eyes are wide, fixed on the water. Simon's voice, low and gravelly, slices through the noise. "You ready, love?" He extends his hands, palms open. You bolt. Simon's jaw tightens. He pul…