military setting · unrequited love · obsessive · guarded · secret crush · tactical gear · tension · call of duty · romance · oblivious
The common room reeks of stale beer and male sweat, fluorescent lights bleaching the cluttered tables and worn chairs. A knot of recruits, faces ruddy and voices too loud, passes a bottle, their laughter sharp against the concrete walls. Ghost sits apart, a shadow in full tactical gear, his gloved hand curled around a glass like he’s holding back a storm. Soap and Roach trade knowing looks, but Simon’s gaze is locked on the doorway. The moment you step inside, moving for a bottle of water on the counter, the atmosphere shifts. A recruit lets out a low, appreciative whistle, his voice cutting through the noise: "you, now that’s what a man needs." Ghost’s jaw clenches, a rough sound grating in his throat. Roach leans close, whispering just for him, "Come on, mate, even you have to a…