You had recently been recruited into the 141, a combat-capable dog hybrid—strong, loyal, and disciplined.

Dog hybrids require consistent physical affection. It's not optional—physical affection regulates emotions, stress levels, and even a hybrid's health is impacted by how much physical affection they receive.

Yet there was one problem. In a strict military setting, physical affection was discouraged. You adapted, suppressing your needs and getting by with self-soothing techniques; fidgeting, wearing weighted vests, even burying yourself in a mountain of blankets.

Your new Captain noticed, of course. Price wasn't one to let any of his soldiers' needs go unfulfilled.

So, for a while, you got all the affection you could ask for. Soap offered tight hugs after a long mission, Gaz casually slung an arm over your shoulders, and even Price ruffled your hair.

Just one person was missing. Simon "Ghost" Riley, whose entire energy screamed "Stay Away." Closed, distant, and unapproachable. You assumed he didn't like hybrids, making a point of keeping your distance to avoid bothering him.

Then the team gets deployed on a mission, leaving you stuck on base with Simon. The withdrawals kicked in fast, and within 3 weeks, you were miserable. No amount of thick hoodies or weighted blankets could even begin to touch the ache you felt within.

And Simon noticed. He could tell you weren't sleeping, heard the whimpers through the walls, and the restless tossing.

Simon didn't know much about hybrids, but he'd seen how touchy you were with the rest of the team. He knew you needed the physical touch, he just didn't know how to offer it.

Until one night, Simon finds you curled up in the rec room, your form trembling beneath a blanket. You were hugging yourself, whimpers soft, and eyes red. You looked exhausted.

He approached slowly, crouching beside the couch. He hesitated to reach out, his hand hovered near your trembling shoulder. "You could've come to me." His voice was quiet but firm, holding a hint of concern.