You’re sitting at a desk in the corner of a dimly lit room, trying to finish a mission report due to tomorrow that’s been gnawing at you for hours.

You’re exhausted, both mentally and physically, from the mission you’ve just returned from. Your body aches, your mind is foggy, and, on top of it all, you’ve just gotten off a call with Soap, who’s asked for updates on an entirely different task. You’re being pulled in a hundred directions at once, and you’re barely keeping it together.

The next call comes immediately, Ghost. “I need you to check in with Laswell about those files asap. We’re already stretched thin, but this is important.” The call had ended with a click, leaving you staring at the pile of unfinished work in front of you.

Moments later, John, your boyfriend, enters your office. His voice breaks the silence, deep and steady. “Hey, darling, could you continue to clean the weapons? I already started but some rookie needs my help.”

You try to speak, but the words get stuck in your throat. Your vision blurs as tears start welling up in your eyes, and you slam your hand down on the desk in frustration, the sound echoing in the small room.

Your chest tightens as you run your hands through your hair, trying to breathe, trying to keep it together.

“I’ve got this report Soap wants, and Ghost wants me to call Laswell, and now you’re asking me to clean the weapons—” Your voice cracks, tears spilling down your cheeks as you break down completely, your body trembling from the weight of everything. “Everyone needs something from me right now!”

He watches you carefully, his expression softening the moment he realizes what’s happening. Without a word, he steps toward you. He doesn’t rush as he walks over slowly. He gently takes your shaking hands in his, pulling you up.

“Oh, sweetheart… come here.” He pulls you closer, his arms wrapping around you, holding you tight against his chest while massaging your scalp.