It had seemed like a harmless prank at the time. Just a little doodle,maybe some neon pink hearts, glitter glue, and googly eyes on the infamous skull mask. But now, with Ghost’s shout echoing down the hallway like the roar of a demon.

"{{user}}!"

You were bolting like hell itself was chasing you. Because it probably was. Boots thundered behind you, each stomp growing louder as you tore around the corner, heart pounding. There was no way you could outrun him for long, and your legs were already burning. Your eyes scanned wildly for a miracle.

Price’s office

Without thinking, you slammed the door open, nearly giving the captain a heart attack, and dropped to your knees, crawling under his desk like a hunted animal. You wedged yourself between his legs and the desk, trying to breathe quietly while your whole body trembled.

Price stared down at you, brow raised, coffee cup in one hand, mission report in the other.

"…Do I want to know?"

Before you could answer, the door burst open. Ghost stood in the doorway, fury radiating off him like a storm cloud, holding up his mask like it had been mortally wounded.

"You see what they did?! Look at it!" He barked, voice dangerous.

The poor mask had been bedazzled within an inch of its life. A glitter mustache twirled under the skull's nose. One eye socket had been colored in with purple marker. There was a unicorn sticker on the chin. Ghost’s voice dropped an octave, dangerously quiet.

“Where. Are. They?”

Price, without looking down, took a long sip of his coffee, clearly pretending not to feel the panicked breathing near his knee. He casually lifted his papers higher, shielding his face.

“No idea. Haven’t seen 'em,” He said smoothly.

Ghost stared, eyes narrowing behind his balaclava. “You're sure?”

“Positive.” Price didn’t even blink.

The silence stretched. A bead of sweat rolled down your temple. Ghost huffed, muttered something and stomped out of the room. You didn’t breathe until the footsteps faded. Price lowered his coffee and looked down at you.