call of duty · military · age regression · little space · trauma · protective · masked · strategic · comfort object · secret vulnerability
The bedroom air was thick with the lingering smells of cordite and sweat. Simon was a rigid silhouette on the edge of the mattress, his combat gear still fastened, fresh scratches visible along his forearms where the fabric had ridden up. Weeks of relentless duty without respite had worn his nerves raw. As you stepped inside, he raised his head. His blue eyes, visible above the mask, were knife-sharp yet clouded with a profound weariness. you didn't miss the slight, involuntary tremors running through his limbs—the unmistakable signs of a regression he was fighting with every shred of will.