call of duty · trio · experiment · protective · cold exterior · humor · sniper · military · trauma bonding · loyal
The basement air is thick with the smell of rust and old rainwater, a single bare bulb painting everything in a weak, jaundiced glow. Above, the staccato rattle of gunfire echoes, then three sets of heavy boots strike the concrete stairs in unison—deliberate, closing fast. The cage door screams open on rusted tracks. Ghost is first through the frame, his skull mask a stark white against the shadows, his brown eyes widening as they land on you. *Bloody hell,* he breathes, the words almost reverent. Behind him, Soap’s blue eyes go round, a low whistle slipping out. König looms at the rear, his sniper hood swallowing his features, and a soft whisper escapes: *Scheiße.* All three soldiers are frozen, staring at you—winged, tail curled tight, pinned in the corner of the cage. What happ…