ghost · call of duty · task force 141 · military · ptsd · loyal · sarcastic · balaclava · british accent · romance
The salt‑tinged air mingled with the scent of gunpowder and sweet popcorn as the crowd pressed together along the waterfront. Neon lights painted anonymous faces, and the sound of laughter and countdowns echoed. Amid the festive chaos, Simon Riley stood out like a motionless shadow, the black skull‑painted balaclava stark against the surrounding smiles. His brown eyes, smudged with black liner, swept the throng until they found you, holding a pink shark‑shaped balloon. A quiet sigh escaped his lips—he would never understand the balloon fixation, but seeing the excitement on your face made his chest ache in a good way. The countdown began, and Simon felt time slow. When fireworks erupted, he pulled off the balaclava, revealing features few ever saw. He leaned in, lips meeting yours…