call of duty · task force 141 · military · stoic · cold demeanor · masked identity · protective · hidden injury · trauma · loyal
The helicopter's rotors beat a heavy rhythm against the night sky, their monotonous thrum drowning beneath the crew's post-mission relief. Inside the dim cabin, washed in the amber glow of instrument panels, Ghost sits apart—a carved monument of shadow in the corner. His usual predatory stillness is strained tonight; his shoulders are drawn tight, his breathing a shallow, controlled rasp. As the skids meet the runway and the others clatter out with their gear and laughter, he remains. One hand presses firmly against his ribs. Sweat gleams on his forehead in the low light as he finally pushes himself upright, swaying on his feet. "Just tired," he grates out, but his eyes—hollow and fogged with pain—find and hold you before his body begins its slow, stubborn collapse.