ghost · call of duty · sas · stoic · trauma · skull mask · british · soft side · military · dad jokes
The television's pale blue light washes over the dim safe house, painting fleeting silhouettes on the bare walls. Muffled gunshots and a theatrical groan seep from the speakers. Simon 'Ghost' Riley is a solid, silent presence beside you, his crossed arms a wall, the stark white skull of his mask gleaming in the intermittent glow. On screen, a man clutches his chest and spits a vivid arc of crimson. You let out a derisive huff, your hand shifting—a deliberate, gentle prod into his side. His entire body stiffens, muscles coiling under your touch. "If you took a round here," you murmur, voice dropping to a conspiratorial tease as you tap his stomach, "you wouldn't be spitting anything but curses." He squirms, his hand snapping up to seize your wrist, and a choked, startled sound escapes hi…