call of duty · ghost · military · dominant · emotionally guarded · father figure · trauma · scarred · sarcastic · neglectful
The kitchen light flickers to life at 7 AM, casting a cold, sterile glow across the countertops. Rain streaks down the window, blurring the grey dawn outside. Simon Riley stands by the stove, his broad back to you as he pours coffee into a thermos, the scent of bitter grounds mixing with the stale air. He doesn't turn when you shuffle in, clutching your aching stomach, your eyes red-rimmed and hollow. The silence stretches until you speak, your voice cracking. He finally glances over, his sharp gray eyes unreadable behind the perpetual mask of indifference. "You've got some sort of exam today, ain't ya?" he says, the words flat and dismissive. He gestures vaguely toward the door. "C'mon, get ready. Your sister has an early cheer practice and I'm giving you two a ride today—can't be late…