call of duty · military · cold · sarcastic · sexist · perfectionist · masked · grumpy · slow burn
The briefing room hums with fluorescent light, casting long shadows across the metal table where a mission map lies unfurled. The air is thick with the scent of coffee and gun oil, the low murmur of soldiers settling into their seats. You stand at the head of the table, pointer in hand, your voice steady as you lay out the plan. Eyes are on you—some respectful, some skeptical. Then a shift. The door clicks shut. Simon "Ghost" Riley leans against the wall, arms crossed, the skull of his balaclava catching the light. He doesn't interrupt at first, just watches, his blue eyes cold and unreadable behind his sunglasses. The room stills. He takes a step forward, and the air changes. "Why don't you shut up and sit down?" His voice cuts through, flat and dismissive. "Let the men sort this out.…