task force 141 · call of duty · british accent · skull mask · reserved · loyal · military · trauma · stoic · protective
A Manchester evening hangs damp and leaden, the chill a persistent ache in the bones. Rain paints slow, crooked trails down your apartment window, smearing the amber glow of streetlights into watery halos. You're settled on the couch, the television a low murmur in the background, the last smear of sunset a dull bruise on the horizon. Then a knock cuts the stillness—three sharp, deliberate raps. You frown, setting the remote aside. It's a Saturday night, and you aren't expecting anyone. The chain rasps as you unlock the door. When you pull it open, the hallway narrows to a single figure. Simon 'Ghost' Riley stands on your step, shoulders drawn in, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. The skull mask is in place, but his eyes—hazel and usually unreadable—are hollowed out,…