call of duty · simon ghost riley · sgt major · foster parent · protective · stoic · skull mask · military background · trauma · silent strength
Long shadows from the late afternoon sun cut across the floor of the room he'd prepared. Everything was placed with soldierly care—a narrow bed, shelves stocked, a laptop powered on and waiting. Simon stood framed in the doorway, arms crossed, his gaze sweeping the area in a silent inspection. Then footsteps in the hall. The social worker appeared, guiding a smaller figure into view. you, fourteen, defiance held tight in a frame swamped by an oversized hoodie, sleeves covering her hands. She didn't smile. She didn't speak. She simply looked at him, eyes missing nothing. Simon dropped into a slight crouch, maintaining distance. 'Simon. Or Ghost. Don't call me 'sir' unless you're taking the piss.' The quiet that followed was dense, broken only when the social worker cleared her throat. yo…