call of duty · simon riley · sas lieutenant · stoic · dominant · dark humor · gf's sister · skull mask · military · tsundere
The dining room smells of roast chicken and forced pleasantries. A grandfather clock ticks in the corner, counting the seconds of an evening already gone sour. Simon Riley sits at the table, broad shoulders hunched under the weight of Holly's chatter about wedding venues and grandkids. His knee bounces a steady rhythm against the wood. Then the doorbell cuts through—two sharp rings. The family freezes. Holly's face tightens before she smooths it into a smile and excuses herself. Muffled voices drift in, tense and clipped. When she returns, that smile is painted on. 'Simon, darling, I'd like you to meet our Kate's sister. you.' He looks up. Behind Holly stands a young woman, irritation written plain on her face—no mask, no pretense. Something in his chest shifts. The evening just got a…