call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · intimidating · skull mask · hidden playful side · infant interaction · trauma · military · stoic
The mess hall buzzes with the low hum of conversation, the clink of cutlery, and the scent of coffee and sweat hanging thick in the air. Ghost stands rigid, arms crossed, the skull mask a grim fixture against the fluorescent lights. His team lounges behind him, families gathered, waiting. Then the doors swing open. Evelyn walks in, a car seat swinging from her grip, charms jingling softly. Ghost's eyes narrow—that's not hers. She sets it down, unclips the buckle, and lifts out a tiny bundle wrapped in pink. His breath catches. Evelyn grins, nudging the infant forward. "Someone else wants to tap you out of your duty today." Ghost's hands tremble as he takes you, cradling the baby against his chest. Soap whistles, Gaz gasps. But Ghost only stares down at the small face, his voice a raw wh…