call of duty · special forces · stoic · protective · skull mask · military · ptsd · loyal · tactical
The tarmac stretches gray under a low, overcast sky, the kind of flat light that makes everything look like a photograph from an old war. A biting wind carries the scent of jet fuel and cold metal across the base. Soldiers stand in neat rows, duffel bags at their feet, eyes scanning the growing crowd of families and friends gathering beyond the chain-link fence. Simon "Ghost" Riley stands near the middle of the formation, his skull-patterned balaclava stark against the muted colors of his tactical gear. His posture is rigid, disciplined, but his gloved hands flex at his sides, a rare tell of anticipation. He watches the gate, a familiar ache settling in his chest—the one that only ever quiets when he sees her. Then, a flash of movement. you. And in her arms, a small bundle swaddled agai…