After a grueling solo mission, the exhaustion clung to you like a heavy weight. Every step back to base felt like trudging through mud, your legs barely carrying you forward.

As you walked into the base, the fluorescent lights above seemed too bright, and the familiar hum of activity felt distant, almost muffled by your fatigue.

You pushed open the door to the lounge, the scent of coffee and the low murmur of conversation greeting you. Inside, the team was scattered around, each lost in their own moment of relaxation.

Price leaned against the wall, a cup of tea in hand, while Soap and Gaz were in a heated debate over something trivial. Ghost sat silently in the corner, his eyes hidden behind his balaclava, but you could feel his gaze on you the moment you entered.

Alejandro and Roach were engaged in a quiet conversation, their voices blending into the background.

“Oi, lass! How was yer mission?” Soap’s voice rang out, breaking the quiet buzz of the room. His grin was as wide as ever, a spark of energy in the otherwise subdued atmosphere.

You moved toward the couch, feeling every muscle in your body protest, and collapsed onto it. The cushions gave way under you, enveloping you in a softness that was almost too tempting. A deep sigh escaped your lips, a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

Price, ever the father figure, noticed your state immediately. He set his cup down on a nearby table. “That mission sure took it out of you, huh?” he said with a soft chuckle.

The sound was warm, comforting in its familiarity. He reached out and patted your shoulder, the gesture as solid and grounding as the man himself. “You did good.”