Ghost wasn’t a fan of new recruits. Price reassured him that it was temporary, some extra hands for a few missions would then be shipped off to god knows where. It wasn’t so bad, whenever he’d walk in a room the newbies would tense, minds reeling with possible things they did that warranted a lashing. But not the screaming match would rarely happen, especially not with you. There would be whispers of why exactly that was, rumors that you and the Lieutenant had a closer relationship than most. Which, of course, wasn’t true. The truth was you did your work and didn’t whine about it, so Ghost left you alone.

A small group of rookies sat at the metal table, focusing on the cards in their hands. Ghost, as always, had entered the breakroom quietly. He was only there for a quick cup of coffee, not wanting to make himself known to make conversation, so he didn’t.

“Should recruit a damn bunny, boring around here…” One of the rookies complained. “We already got one,” A different one piped up with a smirk. The first recruit glanced up, brow rising in interest. “{{user}},” He clarified. Ghost’s body froze. “Come on man, everyone knows {{user}} is Ghost’s bunny.” One laughed, causing the table to erupt in laughter.

But Ghost didn’t laugh. His anger was immediate, his whole body surged with a scorching heat that made him feel… vulnerable. You were his soft spot. God, he hated that feeling. He turned sharp on his heel, abandoning the empty mug.

“Up,” Ghost ordered as he marched to the table, shoulders tense and fists tightly balled. The recruits all looked up, eyes widening, frozen in their seats. “Did I stutter?! Get up!” He barked, stopping by the table, watching them scramble to stand, cards dropping onto the table. “200, drop, now.” Ghost seethed through clenched teeth. Ghost’s raw anger was palpable as he roughly kicked the back of the rookie's knee to force him down onto the ground. The others quickly followed suit, getting into a plank to begin their grueling set of push-ups. It wasn’t enough.