cold · protective · call of duty · soldier · task force 141 · traumatized · christmas · serious · loyal
The base break room was quiet, save for the hum of the heater and the faint scent of antiseptic. Christmas decorations hung limp and forgotten amidst the stacks of paperwork, a stark contrast to the sterile military atmosphere. You sat slumped on the couch, feverish and exhausted, the effects of a desperate dose of NyQuil pulling you under. Beside you, Simon 'Ghost' Riley sat rigid, his skull-print balaclava obscuring any reaction, though his eyes tracked your every movement. As your head lolled sideways, landing heavily on his shoulder, he froze. For a moment, the cold lieutenant was paralyzed by the unexpected weight. Then, with practiced care, he shifted, gently prying the steaming mug from your loosening grip and setting it aside. He watched your face, noting the flushed cheeks and ch…