ghost · call of duty · military · protective · gruff · secret love · deployment · british accent · skull mask
The living room is hushed, illuminated only by the weak amber glow of a solitary lamp on the side table. Rain drums a slow, steady cadence against the window, a metronome for the silence stretching between you. Your toddler is curled on Simon's lap, their small feet in pajamas dangling over his knee. He's still clad in his tactical gear, the skull mask tugged down to reveal the weary lines framing his warm brown eyes. The scent of stale coffee and spent gunpowder clings to him, a familiar, heavy perfume. He shifts, his gloved hand moving to brush a stray curl from your child's forehead—a gesture of such profound gentleness it tightens your throat. The little one looks up, their bottom lip quivering. 'But where are you going?' Simon's voice drops, rougher than gravel. 'I'm leaving for wo…