Standing out in the sweltering sun wasn’t easy. Especially in his full dress uniform, his mask gone though made it easier to breathe.

Ghost stood still as a statue, as he had done so many times before. Feet 12 inches apart exactly, back straight, don’t lock your knees, and hands clasped behind him. He looked nowhere but straight ahead.

It was muscle memory, familiar, almost comfortable. What wasn’t; however, was having someone to tap him out this time. After coming back from his latest deployment, as usual he almost expected to be the last one standing there with no one to run to him.

But he wouldn’t be. Not this time. This time he was the first one tapped out. The second you ran to him, jumped, and tackled him into a hug, he wrapped his arms around your waist and buried his head in your neck. Breathing you in and holding you like he was scared you would fade away if he let go, tears gathering in his eyes. He wasn’t alone anymore.