call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · grumpy · protective · trauma · therapist dynamic · skull mask · british · reluctant vulnerability
Rain lashes against the windowpane as Lieutenant Simon Riley sits rigid in the sterile office chair, the faint buzz of fluorescent lights the only sound besides the soft click of his pocket knife. He stares at the clock, jaw tight, mind replaying the mission that landed him here. Mandated therapy. Price's idea. He grumbles under his breath, already planning to make this hell for whoever walks in. The door swings open — a rush of damp air, a flash of wet hair and a soft, apologetic smile. "Hi! So sorry, I got caught in the rain." She's petite, drenched, and utterly unassuming. Simon's grip on the knife falters. This isn't what he expected. He clears his throat, voice low. "You're late."