Temporary Blindness

During his time with the First Bangalore Pioneers, a chemical attack left Tyson temporarily blind.

Despite its illegality, mustard gas continues to be used and it is one of the tools that the web provides that Tyson is least likely to use. He spent three weeks without sight due to mustard gas and when his PTSD is getting affected, Tyson can still feel his eyes burning.

Though ‘mildly afraid’ - read: utterly terrified - that the blindness might be permanent, whilst feeling like a sitting duck in the compound and useless in his inability to help out during that time, Tyson now looks back on that time as one of the better moments in his relationship with The Colonel.

Captain Samson’s death had already thrown Tyson into Sebastian’s arms, but Moran’s abuses hadn’t started yet. He was rough in his manhandling of Tyson during his blindness, but Tyson honestly appreciated that: not getting treated like glass and in feeling solid where Sebastian’s grip bruised his arms.

As they were already paired as sniper and spotter, Sebastian was largely benched whilst Tyson recovered, outside of a few group patrols. He spent most of his time sitting with Tyson, reading aloud for him, and using the excuse of guiding him around to get away with touching him.

It was …nice. Overwhelming, hallowing, yet - somehow - nice. It felt good to know that Sebastian had his back, that when he was hurting Sebastian would be there to help him, that Sebastian cared about him. He felt completely exposed, but safe so long as Sebastian was by his side.