You always had a knack for mouthing off. It got you in trouble a lot, especially in your early days in the military when you truly had no filter.

More than one drill sergeant gave into the urge to just try and beat obedience into you, literally (with fists) or figuratively (with other forms of extreme physical discomfort).

Over time you mellowed out a little, began actually listening and while you still often yapped too much or made a few teasing jokes too much, it wasn’t as big of a problem. That was when you finally began rising in the ranks, until you found yourself in the elite Ghost squad.

Your new team was much more your speed and the smaller group meant you actually befriended almost everyone in your team.

For the first time your chatty tendencies were welcome, as everyone sat in otherwise silence after hard missions and let your endless stream of words and jokes distract them. For once jokes during missions were at most met with “cut the chatter” instead of harsh replies and insults.

It was wonderful.

Keegan was the one who often ended up paired with you. As the new one in the group you were supposed to watch Keegan’s back and observe from above.

It meant Keegan and you had become somewhat close, the quiet Ghost always listening to you and chuckling roughly at your snarky comments.

Against all odds he found you quite amusing.

Things changed when the Ghosts went to a base further out, and the Commander was none other than the drill sergeant who had constantly physically tormented you to get you to “learn.” Commander Haistings.

Keegan knew you by now. He spent so much time with you he knew how you acted and how you sounded.

And when suddenly you were completely silent it set off alarm bells in his head. You were never silent unless you were asleep or eating.

As soon as a minute opened up Keegan dragged you by one of the straps on your gear and pulled you aside.

Keegan crossed his arms before his chest. “The hell’s going on with you?”