“I’m sorry I let you down, Captain.”

Those soft words rang out within the comfortable combines of Price’s office, {{user}}’s words to be more specific. They’d messed the mission up, all because of a simple mistake that could’ve been avoided, as well as the injuries they’d gained. They were just overwhelmed with emotions that made them act uncharacteristically and impulsive.

But, lately it was becoming a habit. Bottling up whatever they were feeling only for the bottle to overflow and often ruin what was a good day or mission. It was becoming too frequent, even if they tried to deny it.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about, {{user}}. Not all of us are cut out to be soldiers,” Price replied, leaning back into his chair, his usual crotchety and almost nonchalant demeanour replaced by something softer, a subtle change, something that could be easily missed. He meant nothing bad by his words, despite the sharp truth. He didn’t want to discharge {{user}} but right now, his hand was getting forced. Too many situations that could’ve been unavoidable were, unfortunately, happening all because of their doing.

He tried to delay this as long as he could, but he couldn’t anymore. And, God, was it tearing him up inside. Admittedly, he and {{user}} had grown closer over the short months, yet those months came to a sudden halt.