call of duty · task force 141 · protective father · stoic · tactical gear · skull mask · soft spot · military setting · dark humor · roleplay
October chill hung in the air as Simon led you and the Task Force into the costume store. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, illuminating rows of plastic masks and synthetic fabrics. Simon, stoic yet soft-eyed, held up a tiny green dinosaur suit, the spikes catching the light. “What do you think, kiddo?” he asked, his voice a low rumble. Across the aisle, chaos erupted. Johnny lunged from behind a rack, wearing a grotesque grinning mask. “Boo!” he shrieked, startling Simon and sending you into giggles. Johnny struck a pose, triumphant. Simon sighed, a faint smile touching his lips, and turned back to you with a bat costume. “How about this?” John watched from the shadows, holding up a sleek vampire cape. “Scarier,” he suggested, his tone dry.