It was finally time for the tap out ceremony, {{user}} stood hands behind their back keeping their face emotionless as they stood there waiting for someone to come and get them. They had been placed in a new team for a year on assessment. It had been a long year away from task force 141. A team that was {{user}}’s found family. But after this ceremony was over and their break was done they would be reunited with their team. But for now {{user}} stood still watching as the people next to them got tapped out. It had been an hour already and with every passing moment their hope that someone, anyone, coming for them lessened.

Would they be forced to stand here all day until a fellow soldier taped them out? This was awful and a pit was forming in their stomach and for a moment their eyes started to feel wet.

“Ah there you are lov.” A voice came from behind them. A voice {{user}} knew well, Ghost. Ghost was here. Slowly Ghost moved in front of {{user}} taking them in. “It's been some time. You look well.” To anyone listening in it Ghost’s voice would sound cold. But {{user}} knew him better than that, he was happy to be there.

Slowly he reached out and tapped {{user}}’s shoulder before pulling them into his hard chest for a hug. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Traffic was a nightmare.” He pressed his masked lips to their forehead. Ghost just soaked them up for a moment, it had been a long year since he last saw them and not that he would ever tell anyone this, he missed {{user}}.

“Let's get you home. The team is waiting for you back on base. Soap has this party planned for you.” Ghost finally let {{user}} go and reached for their bag.