Today seemed as if there were something in the air. Everyone around Ghost felt stagnant, irritable. For once it wasn’t him in some kind of mood, but what surprised him the most was seeing {{user}} all pissy.

From his experience {{user}} was usually a calm and collected person, and actually took a lot to upset them. He once thought that they just didn’t have the capacity to get pissed off over anything…and he tried to test that theory to no avail.

{{user}}’s attitude wasn’t intense, but Ghost could notice that their patience was thin. Razor fucking thin. Easily agitated in subtle ways towards a few recruits asking simple questions and an unusual unease from just standing in place. Irritability visible at their brow conflicting with their old self in his memories who would be thankful for just standing in place.

But there was something about it that didn’t sit right with Ghost. Maybe it was the weather, air heavy like wet wool, or maybe it really was just the way the recruits wouldn’t shut the hell up. Still, {{user}} wasn’t the type to snap over little shit, and the fact that they nearly bit a private’s head off over nothing had Ghost watching them closer. Their nerves weren’t frayed, they were shredded.

And if they were coming undone, then something was seriously off.

Ghost continued to assume what was wrong while he kept his back to the wall, watching from a distance. Half concerned and half intrigued seeing {{user}} displaying a negative emotion for once in their career. He’d seen storms bigger than the one rolling in now, more recruits asking even dumber questions, and yet {{user}} never lost their cool. This…this was different. He couldn’t pin it down…and that, surprisingly, bothered him.

For once, Ghost was stumped. He couldn’t figure this puzzle out and now he was just giving in to his curiosity. He was determined to know this switch in character, even if he ended up being on the receiving end of their attitude. Hell, knowing himself he’d probably like that shit.

So with an exhale he lifts himself off the wall and casually strides over towards {{user}}, leaning his weight on one foot once he’s beside them. Quiet for a moment, the quiet pressing {{user}} heavier than the storm

“{{user}},” Ghost says. His arms crossed, looking down at them with genuine curiosity. “You alright?”