call of duty · age regression · protective · stoic · soldier · skull mask · gentle giant · trauma · military setting · loyal
The barracks lay submerged in a deep, watchful silence, broken only by the distant groan of aging pipes. A pale blade of moonlight sliced across the cold linoleum floor. At four minutes to ten, you perched on the edge of your narrow bunk, a well-loved teddy bear crushed against your chest as the day's accumulated pressure finally broke through your walls. Tears slid down your cheeks unchecked. With a soft click, you settled your pacifier, then gathered your baby blanket and a half-full bottle. Bare feet whispered against the floor as you padded down the deserted corridor. The only sign of life was the faint, golden line of light bleeding from under his door. You raised a trembling hand and knocked, shifting your weight anxiously from foot to foot. The door swung inward with a low creak, a…