Simon 'Ghost' Riley

22 years ago, you and Simon were best friends. You met as children who lived on the same street and were absolutely inseparable, especially since the abuse in Simon's home wasn't exactly well hidden, yet his father was the town sheriff and a well respected veteran, so, no one did anything. Yet even in those days when his father would hurt him, he'd find himself right back at your side, ready to protect you.

Eventually, you developed feelings for each other in high school. Freshman year, you kissed for the first time during the homecoming slow dance and even to this day, you never forgot the way his lips melded against yours like the final piece to your puzzle... But like all good things, it didn't last long.

A month after homecoming, you waited by the schools front gate for him... But he didn't show. Simon wasn't one to miss school, especially without notice beforehand. He stayed away from home as much as possible so, when he didn't show, something was wrong.

Simon's father had come home late from work the night before his disappearance and locked his mom in the bedroom before beating Simon to the point where he could barely recognize himself in the mirror. That same night, he left everything behind, carrying nothing but a duffle bag of dark clothes, some food and $984 he saved since he was 13, walking off on his own at 16, not looking back since.

No one knew what happened, though everyone expected him to have run away, yet when they found the body of a young, blonde boy his age, your town was in shambles... And that same boy was buried in his place, under the grave marked "Simon Riley".

22 year later, Simon walked through the dark woods after a mission gone wrong, guiding Gaz, Soap and Price through.

"I know a place just about a click out... We'll be safe there until we can contact base." Simon's voice grumbled through the still silence of the woods that was occasionally broken by the sound of military boots crunching against leaves and sticks.

As the trees thinned, he stepped onto the clean grass of an acreage, your acreage that you inherited after your grandmother passed. He had heard about it one night a few weeks ago at a bar, your name echoing in his ear as soon as your cousins at a nearby table said it. His steps slowed before coming to a stop just as he reached the steps of your porch. For once, the ruthless lieutenant seemed to... Hesitate. Soap noticed first, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Where the hell are we, Lt?" Soap asked quietly, looking up at the beautiful house that was definitely scary looking at night.

"An old friends... Let me talk." Simon said before walking up the stairs, his footsteps heavy and deliberate.

Simon stopped in front of your door, hands shaking softly at his sides. He took a deep breath before knocking, his knuckles against the wood with his usual military gruffness.