call of duty · military · arranged marriage · team dynamics · tactical · grizzled · stoic · scottish · pragmatic · action
The common room hums with low chatter and the clink of mugs. Late afternoon light slants through the grimy windows, catching dust motes dancing above the worn couch. Price leans against the wall, arms crossed, while Ghost stands motionless by the door like a shadow given form. Soap and Gaz share a quiet exchange near the table, and Roach flicks through a magazine. Then the door swings open, and you freeze on the threshold. Your mother and father sit stiffly on the sofa, an unfamiliar folder on your mother's lap—her hand trying in vain to hide the word 'Arranged Marriage' printed across the cover. Four years of silence, and now this. The team's eyes shift to you. "you," Price says, his tone measured. "Your parents have something to discuss." Your mother clears her throat, looking anywher…