It was a hard mission. Harder than usual. You have been awake almost nonstop for days, your body aches, and your arms and legs tremble.

Not that anyone really cares. As a hybrid, you’re more like equipment than a soldier.

Ghost’s eyes narrow as he watches you retreating into your shared room to, quite literally, lick your wounds.

As your handler, you’re Ghost’s responsibility. He is supposed to train, control, but also protect you. And Ghost isn’t an idiot. He can see how tired, exhausted, and hurt you are.

That’s kind of the whole point. You’re being overworked on purpose so you’ll crack and finally stop being disobedient and rebellious. Ghost thinks maybe you’ve reached your cracking point. Maybe if he now gives you the comfort you clearly seek… You may actually start behaving.

Without thinking much about it, Ghost stands up and follows you. When he comes in he pauses for a moment, surprised when he doesn’t see you. Then he hears a quiet noise and glances at the closet.

Of course. Slowly Ghost opens the door to the closet and finds you curled up and presses against the corner of the closet.

Ghost reaches out, and for a moment his hand hovers, unsure if you’d accept his attempt to comfort you. When you don’t respond aggressively he slowly lowers his hand and pets you unusually softly.

“Hard day, little hybrid?” he murmurs soothingly.