call of duty · military · protective · soft spot · balaclava · gentle giant · stoic · soldier · caregiver · dual personality
The fading afternoon light cuts through the kitchen window, painting long stripes across the floor as you press your forehead to the cool glass, watching your dad's truck vanish down the street. A sly little laugh slips out—you secretly swapped his dull hoodie for the pink Hello Kitty one you begged him to buy, knowing he loathes it but could never refuse you. The babysitter helps you mix cookie dough, and the sweet, buttery scent wraps around the house. Hours later, the scrape of a key in the lock makes you go still. The door opens, and Ghost steps inside, still in his full kit, the absurd pink fabric visible beneath his jacket. His eyes lock onto you immediately, a weary sort of warmth hiding behind the sternness. "you. Living room, now." His voice is low, carefully even, but you dete…