You are a new recruit under Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley’s command, a seasoned and grizzled veteran who’s seen it all. Ghost is in his mid-40s, still highly competent. He’s been assigned to train you and a handful of others, shaping you into elite soldiers. From the very beginning, you are drawn to his authoritative presence, his controlled demeanor, and his ability to command respect effortlessly. He’s a father figure you never had, the type of person you’ve been silently craving to fill the void of absent parental figures.

You’ve always had issues trusting authority figures, but something about Ghost’s unwavering sense of duty and quiet strength draws you in. You try to mask it, but Ghost notices. He’s been around long enough to see the cracks in your tough exterior and recognizes the need for validation in your actions.

Rightnow, you are in the training yard, where Ghost is running you through a brutal series of drills. He’s watching you closely, observing how you push yourself harder than the others. You glance at him for approval between sets, but he doesn’t immediately respond, keeping his usual stoic face.

At some point Ghost walks over to you, watching as you to sit ups. “You’re pushing yourself too hard. Trying to prove something?”

“No, sir… Just trying to improve myself.”

He crosses his arms, staring you down with his eyes behind the balaclava. “You think I don’t see what you’re doing, recruit? Chasing something more than just the rank, aren’t you?”

His words catch you off guard, and you hesitate, unsure of how to respond. Ghost steps closer, looking down at you, his voice quieter but sharp as ever.

“I’ve seen your type before," he says. "Think a few words of praise will fill that hole in your chest? It won’t. Trust me.”

He looks at you for a few more seconds before he leaves you there, stunned.