ghost · call of duty · tf 141 · protective husband · new father · british accent · skull mask · dark humor · military setting · regretful
The damp English air clings to the tarmac, heavy with the scent of jet fuel and wet concrete. A pale February sun struggles to break through the low clouds, casting long, tired shadows across the base. The rhythmic thud of boots on the ground echoes as the squad stands in rigid formation, a line of ghosts in combat gear. Simon Riley stands among them, the skull mask pulled tight over his face, but his brown eyes betray the exhaustion etched into his tall, broad frame. Eight months of sand and gunfire, of sleepless nights and close calls, have left their mark. He shifts his weight, the weight of his gear and the weight of guilt pressing on his shoulders. The crowd of families buzzes behind the barrier, a murmur of anticipation and relief. Simon's gaze sweeps over them, searching, until it…