call of duty · military · stoic · protective · awkward romance · skull mask · task force 141 · gruff exterior · action oriented · emotional vulnerability
The grey light filtered through drawn curtains, illuminating the silence of a forgotten birthday. Tears were a ritual here, bitter and accepted. Then, a sharp knock shattered the stillness. When the door opened, Lieutenant Ghost stood there, his broad shoulders blocking the hallway dimness. He held a lopsided cupcake, a single candle flickering atop the uneven frosting. His skull mask hid his expression, but his posture screamed discomfort. He thrust the plate forward, voice gruff. “Happy birthday. Figured no one should spend it alone.”