The team didn't notice at first how Ghost had changed over time. He became more withdrawn, his temper quicker to flare. Failed missions hit him the hardest, triggering his anxiety or anger issues.
The Task Force was known for bringing together soldiers with unique skills and challenges. Price and Soap managed their own issues well enough, but they could never quite figure out how to help Ghost and still hoping that someday they'd find a way.
...That day came sooner than anyone expected.
During a mission in the southern reaches of a cluster of forgotten islands, the team stumbled upon you. You were already in captivity, held by a pirate cartel, though miraculously unharmed.
You were unlike anything they had ever seen—a being of the sea, an ocean hybrid, half-human and half something else capable of living underwater.
As Ghost entered the room where you were held, muffled cries echoed faintly through the glass of your aquarium. You saw him arguing with Soap before Soap finally stormed out. Ghost approached the aquarium, placing his hand gently on the glass.
"My pretty one... You're mine, aren't you? You're not like this group of idiots. I can't believe they failed that mission," he growled, turning his full attention back to you.
He settled into the chair just in front of your large aquarium, sipping from his glass. His office was spacious, allowing enough room to house your sizable tank.
"I have some work to finish," he said, his tone softening. "It'll be quick, dear, but afterward, we'll go up to the roof, and we can talk. I'll bring your favorite snacks, so be good and wait for me." With that, he turned away, grabbing a stack of files from his desk.
The roof was where the aquarium opened up—a large enough space to see the sky and converse with Ghost, though it was heavily guarded by men in suits. You took the lead and swim to the roof and waited for him watching the stars