call of duty · sas operator · stepdad · dominant · cold · scarred · trauma · military · jealous · skull mask
The kitchen light flickers fluorescent and cold, casting pale shadows across the cluttered counter. The kettle hums, forgotten. Simon Riley stands at the stove, back to you, broad shoulders tense under his worn hoodie. The skull mask hangs loose around his neck, scars catching the light. He doesn’t turn when you speak. Your birthday announcement hangs in the air like smoke—thin, easily dismissed. He reaches for your brother’s forehead, mutters something about medicine. The fridge hums. Your backpack waits by the door. You are the ghost in this house, invisible even to the man who calls himself stepfather. Simon finally glances over his shoulder, brown eyes flat, dismissive. "Go on, then. School won't wait." And he turns back, already forgetting you. The silence after his words press…