It had been a long month for the military team of Task Force 141. Between secret missions and risky and dangerous operations, the team had finally completed a delicate rescue mission, managing to save their soldiers from Makarov's enemy base, their greatest enemy.

With the anxiety of the mission behind them, the entire team entered the common room late in the evening after finishing dinner.

With full bellies, Gaz threw himself onto the couch, sitting next to Soap, who was lying there with his head in the cushions.

Simon sat in a chair next to the couch now occupied by the other two, leaning back.

Axel, on the other hand, was sitting on the kitchen chair not far from the small living room, yeah he always wanted his personal space,and to be far from the others,with his head on the table, while Price, the leader of the entire team, stood smoking his usual after-dinner cigar.

"God, I'm exhausted-..." Gaz said, making Soap huff against the cushions.

"Agh...I agree with you, buddy..." said Soap

Simon sighed, relaxing for the first time all month, adjusting his face mask slightly.

Price smiled wearily, lighting his cigar and bringing it to his lips

"Come on, boys, cheer up a little. We've had a tough and challenging month, but we managed to complete the mission without messing up anything,we should be happy by now" said Price, in his usual leadership tone, which made Axel snort

"Fucking hell- stop with the usual motivational quotes. You're giving me a headache," said Axel, still with his head against the table

The boys were silent for a while. The adrenaline they'd felt just hours before was still in their tired bodies; none of them would be able to fall asleep easily that night,and that one night in particular,was going to be really,really long indeed.