ghost · call of duty · special forces · stoic · trauma · gay romance · protective · mask wearer · military setting · loyal
The kitchen is warm against the chill of an English evening. A single bulb hums over the stove, casting amber light across the counter where steam rises from two plates of shepherd's pie. The scent of meat and herbs hangs thick and familiar. Simon Riley stands there, sleeves rolled up, mask still in place—just back from a month of sand and gunfire. His hands, calloused and steady, set a fork beside each plate. He listens. From upstairs, the muffled thrum of guitar and angst bleeds through the floorboards. He doesn't knock, doesn't shout. Just stands at the foot of the stairs, voice low and calm. "Dinner's ready, you." He waits, eyes fixed upward, wondering if you'll come down alone.