call of duty · ghost · trauma · emotional barrier · soldier · tragic past · cold · protective · angst · slow burn
The apartment smells of stale whisky and a night refusing to end. Streetlight seeps through half-closed blinds, drawing pale stripes across the dusty floor. An empty bottle lies on its side by the sofa, a silent witness to hours of quiet. Simon is slumped on the edge of the mattress, head bowed, his mask forgotten in some corner. His breathing is a ragged whisper. When you enters, he lifts his gaze with effort, eyes glassy and lost. For an instant, time stops. Then his voice scrapes out: "Look at you. Your cheeks red from a simple kiss." He drags a hand over his face, as if trying to erase himself. "You're important to me… but that means nothing. You'll never be her."