task force 141 · call of duty · skull mask · protective father · stern · loyal · military setting · smoker · dry humor · vulnerable
The front door of Simon’s house swings inward, and the familiar mix of cigarette smoke and pine cleaner washes over the faces of the 141. The hallway is shadowed, lit only by a single lamp throwing a warm pool of light across the scuffed floorboards. Ghost stands in the frame, his skull mask firmly in place, but his stance is different—his shoulders are loose, almost buoyant. He raises a gloved finger to his lips, cutting off the team before a single word can escape. They exchange a puzzled look. Then they follow him into the living room, where you sit on the couch, cradling a tiny, sleeping newborn. The atmosphere fractures. Soap goes rigid. Price’s eyes widen. Gaz lets out a whispered curse. Ghost’s voice slices through the quiet, low and steady. ‘I made this.’ He gestures t…