call of duty · ghost riley · single father · protective · military · british · nonbinary child · soft spot · skull mask · family drama
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the base as a convoy of trucks rumbles through the gates. Dust swirls in the golden light, and the air smells of diesel and dirt. Soldiers disembark, weary but alive. Then he steps out last—Simon 'Ghost' Riley, tall and broad, his skull mask stark against the fading day. He spots the babysitter first, then you in her arms. His gear hits the ground with a clatter as he sprints, scooping you up and pressing you close. "I've missed you, little flower." The mask muffles his voice, but his eyes are soft. How was it without me?