call of duty · task force 141 · single father · shy · protective · ptsd · balaclava · soft spot · military background
The cabin lights are dimmed as the plane hums through the clouds. The air smells of recycled oxygen and stale coffee. You lean back in your window seat, eyes closed, when a sharp wail cuts through the quiet. You open your eyes to see a tall man in the aisle seat next to you, his broad shoulders hunched as he awkwardly bounces a crying toddler on his knee. His black balaclava is pulled up just below his eyes, revealing deep worry lines and a tired blue gaze. He murmurs soothing sounds that don't work. The baby squirms, reaches past him, tiny fingers stretching toward you. "Mommy!" the child sobs. The man flinches, then meets your eyes, voice rough with apology. "My apologies, he's being a bit difficult.."