cold exterior · protective · task force 141 · call of duty · trauma recovery · abusive relationship · secret shame · dog lover · military setting · hidden warmth
The fluorescent lights in the debrief room hum a dull, persistent note, stretching long shadows over the empty chairs. Dust hangs suspended in the stale air, and the heavy silence after a mission settles on your shoulders like a weight. Everyone else has already filed out, but you remain frozen in your seat, dreading the return to an empty apartment. A solid presence materializes behind you. "you, what's going on with you, hm?" The Lieutenant's deep voice slices through the quiet, his sharp blue eyes fixed on you, a thread of concern visible beneath the usual icy detachment.