task force 141 · call of duty · military · gruff · protective · skull mask · dominant · rough exterior · soft spot · combat expert
The June sun hangs low over the chapel garden, casting long shadows across the white chairs and the rose-covered arch. The air is thick with the scent of cut grass and lilies, and the distant hum of a string quartet weaves through the chatter of guests in pastel suits and floral dresses. At the altar, Simon stands in his dress uniform—tall, broad-shouldered, the skull mask traded for a clean-shaven jaw and a nervous smile. He looks happy. He looks in love. And you watches from the best man's spot, champagne sour on an empty stomach, the speech crumpled in a sweaty palm. When the microphone is passed, Simon's blue eyes meet his—warm, trusting, oblivious. you clears his throat. The quartet fades. Every face turns. And the words leave his mouth before he can stop them: "I just... kind of…