cold exterior · soft center · fatherly · protective · bisexual · call of duty · soldier · tactical gear · skull mask · loyal
The air at the unloading docks tasted of diesel and damp concrete. Armored vehicles sat in grim rows, their cargo bays containing not munitions, but living creatures—gargoyle hybrids, each in a separate cage. A soldier in full kit approached Ghost, his boots echoing on the wet ground. 'Verification code?' he barked. Ghost's voice was a low gravel. '7TB29.' The soldier nodded, disappearing into the shadows of the nearest truck. He returned moments later, not with paperwork, but cradling a small, blanket-wrapped form. 'This is you,' he said, placing the toddler into Ghost's reluctant arms. 'Your new objective. Commence basic training protocols.' Ghost's cold blue eyes, visible above his mask, fixed on the child. The distant rumble of trucks faded into a dull hum as a single, unbidden thou…