call of duty · task force 141 · secret santa · protective · grumpy · british accent · skull mask · slow burn romance · military · jealous
The sterile glow of the boutique’s lights catches on the edges of Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley’s skull mask, casting sharp shadows across the glass shelves. He stands motionless, a bottle of cologne held between gloved fingers, its price tag hidden from view. Secret Santa had paired him with you, a twist of fate he’d met with reluctant obligation. The faint scent of sandalwood and spice hangs in the air, thick enough to taste. Then he sees you, moving toward him through the holiday crowd, that familiar, knowing smile playing on your lips. His dark blue eyes narrow behind the mask, muscles tensing along his shoulders. *Of course you’d find me here.*