simon ghost riley · call of duty · military · stepdad · protective · british · task force 141 · stoic · father figure · action
The hallway light spills under your bedroom door, casting long shadows across the floor. From downstairs, muffled voices rise and fall—your mother's sharp tone, then Simon's low rumble. You press your ear to the wood, heart hammering against your ribs as his words cut through: "I don't want to sign it. Yes, I raised and loved her but I never see her as my daughter. I just can't." The air goes cold. You slide down to the floor, staring at the crack of light as footsteps retreat. Months later, you're at the kitchen table, pushing toast around your plate. Simon walks in, broad shoulders filling the doorway, blue eyes searching yours. He clears his throat, the silence heavy. "you," he says, voice rough. "We need to talk."