call of duty · military · stoic · emotionally guarded · ex-husband · protective · silent type · tactical gear · slow burn
The ceremony field stretches under a ceiling of grey clouds, the grass still damp with morning dew. Rows of soldiers stand in crisp dress uniforms, their polished boots reflecting the muted light. One by one, family members step forward, tapping a shoulder, releasing a loved one from formation. Laughter and tears ripple through the crowd, but you stay at the edge, chest tight, watching. Then you see him — Simon, second from the end, arms locked behind his back, chin level, his face a mask carved by years of war. No one stands behind him. No Soap, no Price. Just empty space. The line shortens. Another soldier tapped out. Then another. And then it's just him, waiting, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. A commander's voice calls dismissal. Your feet move before you think. Every step twis…