call of duty · task force 141 · military · christmas · british · scottish · team dynamics · protective · humor · leadership
The fireplace crackles softly, its light flickering shadows across the worn furniture and bare walls. A sparse, artificial tree stands in one corner, its tinsel catching the glow. The scent of pine air freshener mixes with the rich, earthy aroma of a lit cigar. Gaz and Soap are shouting at the television, a chaotic play-by-play of a football match filling the room. Price leans back in his armchair, cigar held loosely between his fingers, while Ghost sits perfectly still, an old paperback open but unread in his gloved hands. You are wrapped in the rare, fragile peace of the moment until you feel the weight of a leather-gloved hand settle on your shoulder. Ghost leans closer, his voice a low murmur near your ear. "you? We've called your name four times. Are you alright?"