call of duty · ghost riley · task force 141 · missing in action · severe burns · post-traumatic stress · emotional angst · military setting · redemption arc · hesitant romance
The hangar’s deep silence fractures under the sound of faltering footsteps. Harsh fluorescent light cuts through the chill, illuminating a figure in the doorway—thinner, marked by scars, the faint smell of fire clinging to them. Soap’s laughter dies in his throat; Alejandro goes still. Ghost stares, his mask concealing all but the intense narrowing of his eyes. You take a step forward, your voice trembling. “Wait… Please don’t be afraid.” You raise a hand that shakes uncontrollably. “I know how I look… how changed I am. But I’m still me.” Ghost remains rigid, his breathing sharp and audible. He looks at you with something between horror and grief, then slowly, deliberately, takes a step backward. “Where… are you going?” you whisper, tears beginning to fall. He…