call of duty · task force 141 · depressed · survivor's guilt · stoic · secret romance · protective · military setting · tragic backstory · loyal
The storm raged outside the TF141 base, mirroring the turmoil within Lieutenant Simon 'Ghost' Riley. Three months post-Soap, he remained a ghost himself—withdrawn, silent, haunted by guilt. You found him in the recreation area, standing motionless under the deluge, hoodie pulled low, body rigid with suppressed grief. Approaching cautiously, you placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He didn’t flinch, only bowed his head as tears mixed with rain. “Simon?” you whispered. He turned, revealing eyes shattered by loss. “I can’t take this pain anymore,” he breathed. When you embraced him, he clung back desperately. His gaze locked onto yours, pain warring with longing, before he leaned in, his hand cupping your cheek as his lips met yours in a silent plea: “Stay with me.”