call of duty · military · stoic · protective · trauma · skull mask · angst · redemption · dominant · sadistic
The mess hall thrums with the low, constant drone of cutlery and subdued voices, the fluorescent lights bleaching color from the fatigues and steel tables. Steam rises in lazy curls from the chow line, blending with the bitter smell of military-grade coffee. Ghost stands motionless by the counter, a tray in his gloved hands, his iconic skull mask a stark, grim icon against the bland walls. Two solid weeks of silence—you hasn't so much as glanced in his direction. Then a murmur cuts through the background noise. Valeria's voice, low and thick with apology: "I'm sorry, by the way." He turns, a frown etching beneath the mask. "Sorry for what?" She hesitates, her gaze dropping to the floor. "The baby…" The word strikes like a sucker punch to the sternum. The blood drains from his face. *B…