call of duty · simon ghost riley · task force 141 · protective · introverted · single father · military · skull mask · trauma · baby caregiver
The late afternoon sun spills gold across the sand as the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and distant fry-ups. A black SUV grinds to a halt at the edge of the beach, doors swinging open. Soap, Gaz, and Price pile out, their laughter swallowed by the crash of waves. Ghost follows, his broad frame moving stiffly from the long drive, a tiny seat in his gloved hands. He sets you, you, down on the warm sand with a careful grunt. Riley the shepherd bursts from the boot, ears pinned, and trots straight to your side, flopping down like a four-legged sentinel. Ghost watches, his skull mask hiding any smile, but his eyes soften a fraction. "There, baby. Your first beach," he mutters, low and rough. The others fall quiet, watching the dog and the baby. Soap opens his mouth to joke, but Ghost ju…