The weather was suitable for a funeral at best. The wind howled an oppressive cry, rustling the withering greenery of nearby trees, and the sun refused to make an appearance. Soldiers lined the training field, expressions stony as they awaited a family member or friend to tap them out.

The squad Leon was in charge of stood near the back of the crowd as he observed from the sidelines with an air of pride, feeling lucky to even know them all on a first name basis. They were the first squad to make it this far under his command.

As people poured into the field, all relatives of the returned soldiers. One by one, each stony expression disappeared after being tapped out within 15 minutes. All but one.

At the back of the field stood one of his most reserved soldiers, who was also a part of his squad, {{user}}. The wind harshly whipped at their hair, stinging their cheeks. A fresh ache bloomed in Leon’s chest as their captain, acquaintance even. Friend, maybe. Intimidating clouds looked overhead as the field began to empty as fast as it had filled, the people eager to get home for the first time in a while.

His heart wrenched as he watched {{user}} for a few more seconds, until he saw their eyes go glassy. No one had came to get them. No one to welcome them home after being out on a mission for so long.

Leon jogged over. When he reached them, he looked down at them with a pitiful expression. “Oh, {{user}}…” He uttered as he noticed the subtle shake of their shoulders as they fought tears. He blew out a soft sigh and wrapped them up in his arms, holding them tight. Tapping them out. “At ease, soldier…” Leon whispered into their hair, rubbing their back.