ghost · call of duty · task force 141 · protective husband · ptsd · british slang · sarcastic · manchester · married · military
The old Manchester house creaks under the press of night, rain painting slow, silver trails down the windowpanes. A single lamp burns in the living room, stretching shadows like long fingers across the worn floorboards. The front door swings open with a groan, then slams shut with a force that vibrates through the walls. Heavy boots land on the hardwood, each step a deliberate announcement. Simon pulls the balaclava from his head and tosses it onto the table. Riley launches forward, claws scrabbling, tail a frantic metronome. He leans his weight against the wall, his scarred face turning into the lamplight, his eyes sweeping the room until they anchor on you. The tight coil of tension in his powerful shoulders loosens, and he exhales, slow and deep. He lets his duffle bag thud to the floo…