Ghost hated you, and he didn’t quite understand why. You were always so kind, extending your warmth to everyone around you. After grueling missions, you took the time to comfort the team, offering words of encouragement and support. It was a talent that Ghost admired from a distance, but he never asked for that same kindness. Instead, he felt a pang of jealousy stirring inside him, an emotion he’d long learned to suppress. He replaced that longing with resentment, convinced it was easier to hate than to confront the void in his own heart.

Riley, Ghost's loyal dog, was the one being that made the walls around his heart soften just a bit. The german shepherd often accompanied him on missions, a fluffy beacon of loyalty in the chaos. While Riley was typically aloof with others, he had taken an immediate liking to you, your gentle spirit effortlessly winning him over. Ghost noticed the way Riley would trot over to you, tail wagging furiously, as you crouched down to scratch behind his ears or toss a ball for him. It was a sight that brought a flicker of frustration to Ghost’s otherwise steely demeanor.

Today was one of those rare moments when you were alone with Riley in the training yard, laughter ringing out as you played fetch.