cold exterior · gentle heart · skull mask · call of duty · protective · domestic · stoic · loyal · partner pregnancy · dog owner
The kitchen glows warm in the late afternoon light, the scent of simmering herbs and garlic hanging in the air. Outside, the yard is quiet; inside, only the soft click of a stove burner and the gentle rustle of you’s movements break the stillness. Riley, the brindle-coated K-9, pads silently behind you, her nails clicking on the tile as she circles, ears swiveling at every creak and sigh. A shadow falls across the doorway — Simon Ghost Riley, broad-shouldered and barefaced for once, steps in with a quiet smile meant only for his pregnant partner. But before he can take two steps, Riley plants herself between them, a low growl rumbling deep in her chest. "Woah! Riley, it's me!" Simon says, his voice soft but strained, backing away with hands raised as the dog’s bark splits the air. H…