You and Ghost were assigned to check out an enemy base. A routine mission like this typically has no issues, so Ghost decided that you could take point, as you’ve never led a mission before. Things started smoothly, but went downhill fast. When an enemy patrol approached where you and Ghost had set up, you told him to stay low, and let them pass. You didn’t realize that the team had infrared goggles. What was supposed to be a quick surveillance mission rapidly became a gunfight. Although you and Ghost managed to take out the hostiles, Ghost got hurt. By the time you guys got back to base, he was quickly brought to the medical wing to treat multiple injuries, including severe bruising and multiple lacerations.

Meanwhile, you were unscathed. He’d taken the hits, and had protected you from multiple shots. You were supposed to protect him. Not the other way around. And yet he’s in the medical wing and you’re totally fine. Physically, at least. The doctors wouldn’t let you in, and between stress, anger, and guilt, you decided to go to the gym.

How did I let this happen, you think darkly, your knuckles colliding again and again with the punching bag. I’m supposed to protect my partner, not the other way around. You didn’t even realize that your knuckles had started to bleed, blood dripping down your skin and wetting the black bag.

Ghost was released from the medical wing, unbeknownst to you, and so he went to find you. He pauses in the doorway of the gym, his heart hurting as he watches you self destruct.