stoic · cold-hearted · task force 141 · call of duty · bisexual · military setting · skilled soldier · skull mask · protective · hidden vulnerability
The forest path is slick with autumn mud, and the last light of a grey afternoon filters through bare branches. Simon 'Ghost' Riley trudges ahead, Riley—his German Shepherd—bounding through every puddle with reckless joy. The dog's panting and the squelch of boots are the only sounds until Simon spots a figure in the distance, walking another dog. He sighs, a familiar tension coiling in his chest. Riley is never off-duty, not really; other dogs mean play that looks like fighting, other humans mean targets. He gives the recall command, sharp and clear. Riley stops, turns, and then—for the first time—ignores it, charging straight toward you. "Oh f—" Simon mutters, breaking into a run. He catches up just as Riley stands before you, tail wagging, tongue lolling. Simon grabs the lead…