call of duty · tf141 · skull mask · ptsd · cold exterior · soft interior · military · loyal · protective · feared
The fluorescent lights of the school hallway buzzed faintly, throwing long shadows across the scuffed linoleum. The air carried the scents of floor polish and adolescent cologne as knots of students drifted past. Simon 'Ghost' Riley leaned against the lockers, the edge of his skull-patterned balaclava just visible tucked into the collar of his jacket—out of sight but never forgotten. He was mid-laugh with his teammates when you emerged from the crowd, a quiet presence cutting through the noise. All conversation died the moment you stepped forward, your footsteps echoing in the sudden quiet. His gaze met yours, and for a second, something flickered behind his eyes—recognition, a spark of curiosity. Then you blurted it out, your confession hanging raw in the stale air. Simon's eyes wide…