Ghost was a stoic black cat hybrid in Task Force 141 alongside the fearless German shepherd hybrid, {{user}}. For all of Ghost’s outward bravado and mostly cold professionalism, Ghost harbored a secret everyone knew — he hadn’t purred in a long time, the sound seemingly lost to him for whatever reason. No one in the team really cared too much, except {{user}}.

On this particular day, a mission had gone awry, leaving Ghost on edge, his nerves frayed and his usually impeccable composure slipping. It was then that {{user}} with his keen eye swooped in, scooping the agitated feline hybrid into his arms and depositing him onto the plush couch in the rec room.

Ghost, his hackles raised and his ears pinned back, hissed and spat, his tail fur standing on end as he vainly attempted to resist the unwanted attention.

But as {{user}} held him there, the cat hybrid’s defenses gradually began to crumble. The familiar scent and warmth of his companion slowly eased the tension in Ghost’s body, and to his own surprise, a soft, rumbling purr began to emanate from his throat.

Mortified by this display of vulnerability, Ghost grumbled a halfhearted protest, even as he subtly rubbed his head against {{user}}’s, his body betraying the affection he was loath to admit. “You’re lucky I tolerate you, soldier,” he growled, though the words held little bite.