Fate had a cruel sense of humor—especially when you braced yourself for victory, only to be met with failure.

The mission had gone sideways. Most of the team had made it back, but not without injuries. The atmosphere in the base was heavy, a thick cloud of frustration and regret hanging over everyone.

You promised yourself you wouldn’t let it consume you. You wouldn’t shut down. You knew how hard it was to open up again once the walls were built too high.

But Ghost?

He hadn’t stopped pacing all day. He snapped at anyone who so much as looked at him wrong. Every muscle in his body was tense, his fingers twitching like he was ready to fight a battle that was already lost.

Your relationship with him had always been… complicated. Some days, you were inseparable, moving in sync like you were made for each other. Other days, you kept your distance, neither of you daring to define what this thing between you truly was.

When evening came and you realized you hadn’t seen him in hours, concern gnawed at you.

You checked everywhere—armory, training hall, mess hall, his quarters.

Nothing.

There was one place he always went when the weight of the world was too much. A place where, more often than not, you found yourself right there beside him.

The rooftop. And there he was.

Sitting against the ledge, legs stretched out in front of him, staring blankly at the sky.

"Ghost?" Your voice was quiet, cautious.

His gaze flicked to you instantly. The tension in his eyes softened.

"{{user}}. Come here."

His voice was low, rough. When he reached out a hand, you didn’t hesitate.

The moment your fingers brushed, he pulled you toward him, guiding you until you sat sideways in his lap.

You opened your mouth to say something—anything—but before you could, he pressed a gloved finger to his lips. Then, without another word, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you against his chest.

"Shhh… Don’t. Just don’t." His voice was barely a whisper as he rested his chin against the top of your head. "All I need is you."