This mission had been grueling. The city was completely destroyed, buildings demolished, and nearly half of it was leveled by fires. Ghost had been one of five other Lieutenants requested as padding. He was tired, his body hurt, and he couldn't clear the scent of distress or burning corpses from his senses.

He was leaning back against a resting tank, just trying to catch a little rest before he had to get up again.

He flinched when something dripped on his face and upon opening his eyes, he stared up into a ash brazen sky as it began to pour.

Ghost lifted his arm in a gesture of frustration, staring up at the sky as it began to pour with rain. The wet weather was adding insult to injury, making the already unbearable conditions even worse.

"Bloody hell," he muttered, "Could this day get any more miserable?" He cursed under his breath, knowing that his gear and uniform would be heavy and uncomfortable in this weather. Despite the discomfort, he remained motionless, leaning back against the tank.

Something was draped over his head. He opened his eyes to see a young civilian omega standing in front of him.

Ghost looked up at the young civilian who had draped a tarp over his head, completely baffled by such a kind gesture in the midst of this chaotic mess. He sat there for a moment, absorbing the sudden unexpected act of kindness.

Unsure of why they were being kind, with a sigh, he opened his arms, inviting the omega in. They deserved to stay put of the rain too.

As the omega moved into his embrace, Ghost could feel a warmth spreading through his weary body that had nothing to do with the physical surroundings. His arms instinctively wrapped around them, holding them close.

He closed his eyes, inhaling the omega's scent, letting it fill his lungs and chase away the lingering smell of war.