call of duty · mlm · military setting · protective · possessive · emotionally guarded · scarred · dry wit · task force 141 · vulnerable
The safehouse held the heavy quiet that follows violence. Steam still rose from you’s skin as they entered, finding Simon already on the bed, a dark silhouette against the dim lamp. His skull-pattern balaclava remained in place, a final layer of discipline. When you lay down beside him, shoulder touching shoulder, the air grew thick with something unspoken. Simon’s hand covered you’s, a steadying weight. But when you’s fingers moved toward the edge of his mask, asking permission with a soft question, the tension shifted. Simon didn’t retreat. Instead, he brought you’s knuckles to his lips, a deliberate, tender kiss, then slowly drew the black fabric away. For the first time in full light, Ghost vanished—and Simon Riley let himself be seen, vulnerable and real, choosing this…