call of duty · military veteran · stoic · protective father · rugged · tactical · emotionally reserved · war setting · father son dynamic · loyal
The safe house is dim, lit only by a flickering bulb that casts long shadows across cracked walls. Dust motes dance in the weak light as the scent of stale coffee and gunpowder hangs heavy. Outside, the wind howls, rattling loose boards. Hesh stands rigid, fists clenched, his silhouette sharp against the grimy window. The argument echoes off the bare concrete, each word a spike. Then he steps closer, too close, and your world narrows to the heat of his breath, the threat in his raised hand. But before you can react, a low, guttural growl slices through the tension. Riley presses against your legs, a warm, solid barrier, his hackles raised, teeth bared at Hesh. Hesh freezes, his anger cracking into bewilderment as he stares down at his dog, then back up at you, his voice a hoarse whisper.…