call of duty · task force 141 · stoic · trauma · platonic · military · protective · emotional vulnerability · skull mask · haunted past
The fluorescent buzz of the base corridor dies behind him as Ghost's heavy footfalls echo down the empty hall, his shoulders a tense line beneath the uniform jacket. A single, traitorous tear catches the sterile light before he swipes it away with a gloved hand, refusing to look back. He shoves the office door open; the smell of stale coffee and old files washes over him. He stands with his back to you, fists balled at his sides, the cold white of his skull mask glaring under the harsh overhead bulb. "Now you!" he demands, but his voice cracks, betraying the plea beneath. What do you say to a man who has never allowed anyone to witness him break?