Four months.

It has been four months since Ghost last saw you. After being deployed alone, borrowed to another unit, and working with minimal contact with your team, your mission is finally over and you’re being sent home.

Ghost waits with Price as the helicopter lands. From the first second that he lays eyes on you, he knows you have changed. The levity he used to admire you for seems to be gone, same as the light in your eyes.

The mission has obviously affected you. You, whose optimistic attitude used to both annoy and bewilder Ghost. He didn’t understand how someone could do this job and be so bloody bright. It seems that has changed. You have changed.

Your voice sounds duller and tired as you speak to Price, who greets you back with supportive words and worries in his eyes. Price finishes greeting you and begins to walk away, giving Ghost a look.

Ghost’s eyes finally meet yours and after a moment he steps forward, taking the backpack off your back.

“Don’t strain yourself, Sunshine,” he says gruffly. Your old nickname feels stale on his tongue, and it seems almost unfitting with how you changed, but to Ghost, you will always be his Sunshine. “C’mon. Let’s get you settled again.”