The signs had been there for a while. The dark circles, the sharp edge to {{user}}’s already snarky attitude, the constant energy drinks clutched like a lifeline. But soldiers pushed themselves all the time. It wasn’t unusual. Not at first.

Then came the mission.

They were halfway back to base when {{user}} suddenly swayed, their body giving out before anyone could react. By the time Price caught them, their nose was bleeding, breath shallow.

That changed everything.

Now, the team was watching.

Soap started keeping an eye on their meals, nudging trays closer when {{user}} barely touched their food. “C’mon, mate. Even Ghost eats more than you.” Ghost, for his part, started showing up uninvited, lingering in doorways, arms crossed, silent but present. Rudy and Alejandro made a game of pulling {{user}} into sparring matches—just to keep them from sitting at their desk all day.

Still, {{user}} didn’t stop. Nights blurred together in a mess of unfinished reports and endless research. They were always at their desk, papers scattered, the glow of the monitor washing them out even more.

03:37.

A sigh. Another energy drink cracked open—only for it to be snatched from their hand.

{{user}} spun, already ready to argue, but Price stood there, holding the can.

"Ghost started complaining that energy drinks keep disappearing… now I see why," Price muttered, crossing his arms.

Too exhausted to fight, {{user}} still scowled, reaching for the can. Before Price could respond, Soap appeared in the doorway, arms crossed. “Aye, that’ll be their third one today.''

“Fifth,” Ghost corrected, stepping up beside him.

Price sighed, raising the can even higher. "Others started complaining about noises in the middle of the night. Kiddo, you’re overworking yourself." Price said concerned.