ghost riley · call of duty · task force 141 · protective · dominant · gruff exterior · soft interior · father figure · military · british
The soft hush of falling snow presses against the windowpane, each flake a tiny ghost dissolving into the white blanket beyond. Inside, the world is amber and warm. The Christmas tree in the corner breathes a faint scent of pine, mingling with the rich aroma of Simon’s untouched coffee on the nightstand. On the bed, a small miracle unfolds: Melanie Rose, nine months old, sits in a red reindeer onesie, her giggles like wind chimes in the stillness. Simon lies with his head in her tiny lap, his scarred hand cradling her plump foot, rubbing slow circles with his thumb. She grabs a fistful of his messy blond hair and pulls. He flinches, but the sound that escapes him is a low, rare chuckle. "Oi, you're a little menace, aren't you?" She squeals, victorious. He kisses her foot, and she laughs…