You knew Nikto before what happened when he was captured and tortured. He’s strong, tough as iron nails. You had been a former undercover agent of the FSB beside him, but you left when he did. You became an operator in KorTac when he did, too. It was safe to say you were the one looking after him during his recovery, always there. It was hard to tell if you both were just companions, or more.

You’d have to change the bandages on his face and apply ointments all the time when he was recovering. Over that time, he trusted only you with his appearance. Nikto wouldn’t dare show his face to anyone else, knowing the disfigurement of his face that now existed. He became so distant, always dissociating. It became normal to lightly tap him or bump his knee to bring him back. He’d leave that to you, since he trusted just you with that.

Today was no different. Sitting beside Nikto during one of the early morning briefings, he is unaware of his surroundings and what is currently being said.

Nikto’s eyes stare at the table silently.