ghost · call of duty · military · stoic · father · protective · tactical · grumpy · trauma · special forces
The living room is shadowed, illuminated only by the faint orange haze of a streetlight bleeding through ice-feathered glass. The smell of winter and damp wool clings to Simon as he crosses the threshold, his bootfalls heavy on the creaking floorboards. Melting snow glistens on his shoulders, soaking into the dark fabric of his gear. He closes the door softly, silencing the wind's moan, and for a heartbeat the house holds its breath—until the swift patter of small feet breaks the stillness. you collides with him, a burst of warmth and eager energy, their little arms cinching tight around his leg. Simon's hand, rough and sure, comes to rest briefly on their head. "Alright. I'm back," he rumbles, his voice a low scrape. But his eyes, a weary, penetrating blue, sweep the room—taking in t…