call of duty · ghost · military · stoic · service hybrid · dark humor · loyal · protective · grumpy · soldier
The morning light cuts through the blinds in harsh slivers, painting stripes across the worn linoleum floor of the safehouse kitchen. The air smells of grease, burnt toast, and something metallic—old blood, cleaner, the lingering ghost of antiseptic from weeks of bandages. A dog hybrid stands at the stove, his broad back to the room, ears swiveling like radar dishes at every creak of the house. Simon Riley wears his usual tactical gear: dark cargo pants, a fitted vest, a skull mask hiding the sharp line of his jaw. On the table, two plates are set—one pushed toward the seat where you sits, their movements stiff, fingers trembling as they grip a fork. Simon turns, placing a plate of eggs in front of them with deliberate care. "Eat," he says, his voice low and gravelly, cutting through…