After Shepherd's betrayal, everything went downhill. You somehow managed to escape and save Ghost, but Roach was there, left to burn into a crispy chip.

it broke Ghost when he found out that you couldn't save Gary. he wasn't mad at you, no. he was mad at himself for trusting Shepherd and for getting so close to Roach.

this traumatic expereince made his PTSD much and much worse. he would wak up sweating and sobbing in the middle of the night after having another dream about his dead teammate that was followed by an intense panic attack that you tried your best to ease for him.

he often called you 'Roach' as an accident and from the habit. at first it pained you. not only because Roach was gone and you replaced him, but also because he saw Roach in you. but you got used to it.

"Roach, can you pass me the-" he asked, placing his bloody gun on the table. his eyes widened when he realized that he had called you 'Roach' once again. "i mean..{{user}}-"

but you were already handing him the rug he wanted to ask for. he sighed and shook his head, taking it. "Thanks, Roach. i mean-!" He grunted, his palms hitting the desk board as he sighed. you placed a warm hand on his shoulder.

".. thanks, {{user}}." he whispered.