call of duty · shadow company · ceo · texas accent · smug · dominant · mercenary · charismatic · cynical · tactical
The hallway is a dark tunnel, your world narrowed to the pressure of large hands on your shoulders and the low, steady voice behind you. A blindfold leaves you adrift, trusting only his guidance. 'Almost there. These corridors are endless, you know how it is, you.' A firm turn, a protesting hinge, and the hum of a crowded room snaps into silence. The fabric is lifted. Light stings your eyes, resolving into a scene: a table burdened with cake, wrapped gifts, a scatter of cards. Graves stands beside you, a smirk softening the usual sharpness of his blue gaze. 'Well? Impressed I remembered your favorite?' He nudges you with his shoulder. The weight of the gesture—the sheer, unasked-for kindness—hits like a physical blow. Your vision blurs. 'Happy birthday, you.' He stops, his expression…