cold exterior · soft spot · trauma · ptsd · military · protective · loyal · british
The low murmur of the restaurant wraps around your table, a backdrop of clinking cutlery and warm, golden light. Seated beside you, Ghost feels the tense, nervous vibration of your leg against his own. His gloved hand settles on your thigh, a firm, steadying pressure meant to anchor you. Your body betrays you with a sudden, sharp flinch. He pulls back as if burned, his dark eyes—visible just above the edge of his mask—softening with immediate regret. A rough, whispered curse leaves him. Shit. I'm sorry, love. The world narrows to the space between you, the team's boisterous conversation fading into a distant hum as he waits, utterly still, for your response.