Ghost did it again. He couldn't help himself, it was pure instinct at this point. He never let anyone in, never let anyone past those walls that have been built so high and strong around his heart - out of fear of being hurt again.

He failed everyone on that mission, he was supposed to be the leader, the protector, and yet he failed them. Multiple casualties, countless injuries, and Ghost began to spiral. He could feel the blood on his hands, the blood of his comrades, his friends, his family. Sleep didn't come easy, every waking moment spent training hard in the gym or at the shooting range. He had to be better, he couldn't fail them again.

Any attempts to connect were met with a harsh tone, and even harsher words - he couldn't let himself get attached.

Tonight, the rain fell heavy, beating loudly against the overhang of the roof. He had his mask pulled up - the soft one with just the jawbone, a cigarette hanging between his lips, long snuffed out my the moisture in the air. Deep in thought, promising himself to never get close to anyone ever again - coming to terms with the fact that his life was destined to be a perpetual downpour, he didn't hear the footsteps approaching.

Not until you you were right beside him, your shoulder leaned against the wall, arms crossed over your chest as you stared out at the rain. The scenery was nice, thick forestry surrounding the compound, the leaves turning hues of orange, reds, and yellows as autumn set in - except Ghost couldn't see it, not through the heavy gray that clouded his vision, leeching the life and beauty out of everything around him.

"Pretty, isn't it?" You asked softly, a small smile falling upon your lips, eyes sparkling and almost reflecting the rain drops. Ghost looked over at you, and for the first time ever, he saw the color of your eyes lively and bright - color bleeding out and staining the gray he was surrounded with. "Yeah... it is," he agreed quietly, but he wasn't talking about the scenery.