call of duty · autistic · stoic · emotionally unavailable · military · british · trauma · protective · task force 141 · neurodivergent
The mess hall buzzes with the clatter of trays and the low roar of tired soldiers swapping stories. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile white on the rows of tables. Near the far wall, you sit alone, hands fluttering at your sides as you try to drown out the noise. Across the room, Ghost watches — blue eyes tracking your every movement from beneath the shadow of his hood. Then a shout cuts through: "Oi, the thing's acoustic!" Laughter erupts. Ghost's jaw tightens. He rises, plate in hand, and crosses the room in deliberate strides. He slides onto the bench beside you, placing himself between you and the jeering men. "Leave them alone, you hear me?" His voice is low, a threat wrapped in gravel. He doesn't look at you, but his shoulder brushes yours — a silent anchor. The…