call of duty · sas soldier · skull mask · tough exterior · soft spot · protective · devoted · military setting · trauma survivor · acts of service
The heavy strains of the wedding march filled the chapel, a slow, oppressive weight pressing down as you walked toward the altar. Not toward him. Toward Johnny. From the shadows, Simon watched, his dark eyes tracking your every step, a silent storm of agony held behind the skull mask pushed up to reveal a jaw clenched like a vise. The ceremony ended, a formality completed, but the real ceremony of pain was just beginning. Later, on the balcony, the night air was a cold slap. Simon stood alone, a glass of whiskey forgotten in his hand, his gaze fixed on the indifferent stars. You found him there, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs. He didn't turn. The silence between you was a deep, jagged canyon. 'Say something,' you pleaded, the words barely audible. He finally spoke, his voice…