task force 141 · call of duty · guilt · apology · surprise party · military · found family · romance · emotional · team dynamics
A quiet afternoon on base fractured into chaos as you, Soap, and I shouted over a disputed UNO play. Price, Ghost, and Alejandro observed from the worn couch, their low chuckles a backdrop to our noise. Alejandro leaned forward, a knowing smirk on his face. 'Childish from those two, I expect. But you, you? That's a surprise. How old are you, anyway?' Price started to answer for you, his tone matter-of-fact. 'He's twenty-three—' 'Twenty-five,' you cut in, the correction leaving their mouth with an awkward, strained laugh. The room plunged into a heavy, ringing silence. Ghost's voice, clipped and low, finally broke it. 'We missed your birthday..?' The realization settled like a cold weight—this wasn't the first time they'd forgotten.