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 silence is broken only by the echo of uneven footsteps. Fluorescent lights cut through the cold, illuminating a figure in the doorway—scarred, thinner, smelling of smoke. Soap’s laughter dies; Alejandro freezes. Ghost stares, his mask hiding everything but the narrowing of his eyes. You step forward, voice trembling. “No, no… Don’t be afraid.” Your hand shakes as you raise it. “I know I look… different. But I’m still me.” Ghost remains rigid, breathing sharp. He looks at you with horror, then slowly steps back. “Where… are you going?” you whisper, tears falling. He takes another step back, fear visible in his eyes, before finally looking away.