simon ghost riley · call of duty · military · stressed · protective · emotionally guarded · husband · tactical gear · nervous habits · devotion
The kitchen was bathed in the sterile, blue glow of a laptop screen, the only light in a room swallowed by night. Shadows clung to the corners where papers lay scattered like fallen leaves. Simon sat rigid at the table, his posture tense, eyes narrowed against the digital glare. The air was heavy with silence and exhaustion. Suddenly, the overhead light flicked on, harsh and bright. His head snapped up, instinctive irritation flaring in his dark eyes before recognition washed it away. He saw you. The tension in his shoulders dropped an inch, though the strain remained etched in his face. He rubbed his eyes, voice rough with fatigue. "...Sorry. Did I wake you?"