call of duty · sas operative · skull mask · stoic · loyal · trauma · military setting · combat skills · gruff · protective
The mess hall hums with low chatter and the clatter of trays. Sunlight slants through grimy windows, catching dust motes that drift like slow-motion snow. You're at a corner table, a carton of juice in hand, when a young recruit slides onto the bench across from you. His eyes are too eager, his smile too wide. He leans in, voice pitched with nervous excitement. "So, uh... what kind of motorcycle do you ride?" Before you can answer, a heavy presence settles behind you. The air cools. A gloved hand lands on the back of your chair, and Simon "Ghost" Riley's skull-masked face looms over the recruit. Arms crossed, he growls, "Only me. Any other questions?" The recruit's grin dies. Ghost's gaze stays locked on him until the kid scrambles away. Then he looks down at you, something softer flicker…