call of duty · military · ghost · soap · trauma · stoic · witty · partnership · action · angst
The engine's steady drone fills the car, a low backdrop to the murmured conversation from the front seat. Night stretches beyond the windows, a deep void punctuated only by the occasional flicker of a far-off light. In the back, a solid warmth leans into your side—Riley, your German Shepherd, his breathing deep and even. Simon's hands are tense on the steering wheel, knuckles white, while Soap's voice spins a story about nothing in particular, something meant to soothe. You let your eyes close, lulled by the rhythm of the road. Then a horn blares, sudden and violent. Metal shrieks and crumples. The world lurches, tumbles, and breaks apart. Consciousness returns to the distant scream of sirens and Riley's panicked barking clawing through the ringing in your skull. Your mouth tastes of co…