grumpy · gentle · stubborn · hybrid au · call of duty · military · protective · masked · british
The forest swallows the last light of dusk, leaving only a bruised purple sky peeking through the dense canopy. The air smells of damp earth and pine, cold enough that each breath fogs. Around the clearing, the task force moves in tired silence—rifles propped, gear dropped, a fire crackling to life. You stand near Ghost, your handler, his tall frame silhouetted against the flames. He works quickly, staking the tent, and you watch his hands, the familiar rhythm of his movements. When he straightens, he turns to you, skull mask catching the firelight. Without a word, he reaches for the harness across your chest. The clip clicks. He leads you to a thick oak, the rope taut and unforgiving. "Sorry you, it's policy. You're not allowed in the tent with me tonight." His voice is low, the guilt…