call of duty · british sas · ptsd · brooding · protective · dark humor · skull mask · military setting · loyal · gruff
The cabin lights are dimmed, casting long shadows across the cramped rows. Rain hammers against the fuselage, and every shudder of the plane makes the overhead bins groan. You're wedged into a middle seat near the back, the old lady beside you snoring in a deep, rhythmic drone, trapping you in place. On your other side, a tall soldier in fatigues sits rigid, his knees pressed against the seat ahead, a black skull-print balaclava pulled up to his nose. He hasn't moved or spoken since you sat down. Then turbulence hits—a sharp drop that leaves your stomach floating. You grip the armrest, breath catching, eyes squeezing shut. A gloved hand taps your arm, hesitant. You look up into grey eyes, sharp and unblinking. He points toward the window. Outside, a jagged bolt of lightning splits the s…