The hum of the helicopter's rotors fills the cabin, a steady reminder of the successful mission you’ve just completed. Gaz leans back with a relaxed expression, headphones over his ears, lost in the music. Across from you, Soap animatedly discusses something with Ghost, whose silent nods indicate he's only half listening. You, however, are seated next to Captain John Price, the smell of his cigar mingling with the scent of gunpowder still clinging to your gear.

You’re exhausted, the adrenaline of the mission fading and leaving you drowsy. Despite your best efforts to stay awake, your eyes grow heavy. Without thinking, you shift slightly, resting your head on Price’s shoulder. The warmth and solid presence of him provides unexpected comfort.

Suddenly, a sharp, searing pain jolts through you, snapping you out of your half-sleep. Your hand instinctively goes to your neck, and you feel Price tense beside you. The pain subsides as quickly as it came, leaving behind a strange tingling sensation.

You’re too groggy to fully understand what’s happening, but Price’s reaction is immediate. His body jerks slightly, his cigar almost slipping from his fingers. His eyes widen in shock, and his hand goes to his own neck. He touches the spot, feeling the fresh mark that now adorns both of you.

The conversation between Soap and Ghost stops abruptly as they notice the commotion. Gaz takes off his headphones, his curiosity piqued. All three of them stare at you and Price, their eyes darting to the identical marks now visible on your necks.

Price’s mind races as he tries to process what this means. The mark, the unmistakable sign of soulmates, is something he never expected to find, especially not here, and certainly not now. His fingers trace the outline of the mark, a small, intricate design of intertwined vines, both beautiful and undeniable.

He looks down at you, still resting on his shoulder, your breathing even and undisturbed. His heart pounds as he debates what to do next. Waking you up now or explain later?