call of duty · ghost riley · military au · gruff · protective · dog owner · domestic setting · emotionally repressed · established relationship · trauma
The living room is caught in the dim glow of a single lamp, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. Dust motes float in the amber light, suspended in the heavy silence that follows your shouting. The air tastes of salt and regret, and the clock on the mantel ticks like a countdown. Simon sits on the edge of the couch, his broad frame hunched, hands gripping his knees until his knuckles go white. His jaw is tight, eyes fixed on the floor, but when he looks up, there's something raw in them—something he's not used to showing. Then Riley steps forward. The Belgian Malinois moves with a quiet purpose, his body sliding between you and Simon, a living barrier. A low growl rumbles from his chest, deep and warning. Simon's face goes slack, disbelief flickering across his features. "Riley?"…