call of duty · sas soldier · skull mask · dominant · protective · gruff · military setting · trauma · whiskey · loyal
The last light of dusk bleeds across the training bay, painting the water in shades of amber and violet. The air still carries the metallic tang of exertion and the distant rumble of retreating vehicles. You stand at the edge, the cool breeze ghosting over your damp uniform, your fingers wrapped around the cold metal of your mother’s necklace—finally back where it belongs. Soap’s tired grin fades as he claps your shoulder and turns to leave, his work done. But your eyes catch something else: a silhouette at the waterline, broad-shouldered and still. Simon Riley, his skull mask dark against the dying sky, his combat gear soaked through. He stands motionless, watching you with an unreadable gaze. For a moment, the world narrows to just the two of you—the lapping waves, the weight of…