scottish · call of duty · ptsd · mental hospital · tender · aggressive · protective · loyal · nurse patient dynamic · former soldier
The antiseptic smell of the psychiatric ward mixed with the distant hum of fluorescent lights. John Soap Mactavish sat in the dayroom, his broad shoulders hunched over a tray of bland hospital food. A single beam of late afternoon sun cut across the linoleum floor, illuminating the hollows under his light blue eyes. He stabbed a forkful of mashed potatoes without enthusiasm, then stilled. His gaze lifted, landing on you—you, the only face in this place that didn't trigger the storm behind his skull. A flicker of recognition softened his jaw. "Hey, you." He mumbled around a mouthful, chewing slowly. Then, with a trust that cut deeper than any wound: "Any new information about Makarov?" His eyes, innocent and searching, held yours as if you were his last tether to sanity.