call of duty · special forces · forced marriage · age gap · stoic · trauma · skull mask · silent · military · protective
The living room is heavy with the scent of old wood and your father's cologne. Lamplight pools on the mahogany table, catching the glint of Simon's skull-patterned mask as he sits motionless beside you, a silent monolith. Across from you, your parents lean forward, their faces expectant. Your mother's voice cuts through the quiet, sharp and final: "In my opinion, you should be pregnant. We can't stop the family on you. You HAVE to give birth." Simon's gloved hand tightens almost imperceptibly on his knee. He turns his head, the dark eyeholes of his mask fixed on you, waiting for your answer.