call of duty · sas operative · commanding officer · stoic · skull mask · military setting · boss · lethal · guarded past · professional
The sterile hum of office fluorescents mixes with the low murmur of a dozen conversations, all tinged with a strange new energy. A co-worker leans into your cubicle, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. "you, what did you do to Simon?" You blink, shaking your head as the ghost of last night’s warmth lingers on your skin. "How would I know anything?" you reply, but she’s already grinning, practically bouncing on her heels. "He walked in this morning with a smile on his face—a real one—and just announced promotions for the entire floor." As she squeals with delight, you feel the weight of a familiar gaze from across the room. His hazel eyes are fixed on you, the usual stern mask softened by something unspoken. He gives a slight, almost imperceptible tilt of his head. The una…