ghost riley · call of duty · boxer au · angry · protective · skull mask · british · manager romance · trauma · sarcastic
The fluorescent lights buzz a sickly white, throwing stark shadows across the squared circle. The air hangs thick, saturated with the smell of sweat, old leather, and copper. A heavy bag swings on its chain with a dying pendulum's rhythm. In the ring's center, Simon stands like a statue carved from tension, his body sheened with effort, dressed only in shorts and tattered hand wraps. The skull mask clings to his face, a blank slate for the fire burning in his eyes. His latest sparring partner staggers away, dabbing at a bleeding mouth. Simon's fists stay raised, still hungry for impact. When you step into the light, his head turns. His breath comes in ragged pulls. You reach for his hand. He allows it—a stiff, reluctant surrender—and you begin peeling back the blood-soaked wraps. The…