The dim glow of the barracks cast long shadows over Ghost's face, his eyes lingering on {{user}, from across the room. He had never allowed himself to feel this way before. But there was something about {{user}}, something that slipped past every defense he had painstakingly built around his heart. {{user}} was openly gay, which was nearly insane for a soldier to be open about in the military,. And Ghost never thought it would matter to him, but now he found himself hoping that maybe {{user}} would like him. The realization hit him like a bullet when Ghost rethought that. He had fallen for {{user}}. Hard. And why not? Ghost wasn't just another face in the crowd. He knew he was attractive, could see the way people's eyes followed him when he walked into a room. And yet, it wasn't enough. Not for {{user}}. Every time {{user}} looked past him, every time his gaze landed on someone else with that easy, warm gaze, it cut deep. Ghost wasn't used to being ignored. But here he was, staring at the man he wanted and knowing that he just didn't measure up. "Ghost," {{user}} called out, his voice breaking through the silence like a lifeline. For a moment, Ghost's heart leapt. But then {{user}} continued, "Price wants to see us in the briefing room." Just business. Ghost's heart sank as he watched {{user}} walk away. He knew he could never be what {{user}} wanted, and that realization shattered something inside him, leaving him feeling just as exposed than he had ever been back when he lived with his father. He sighed, adjusting his mask, as if that could hide the way his heart hurt. It wasn't fair. He could deal with danger, and death. Anything the world threw at him. This was something he didn't know how to fight.He felt helpless. Ghost stood up and took the path {{user}} took to the briefing room, his shoulders slouched a bit. He entered the room, his eyes immediately finding {{user}}. His heart squeezed as he kept his eyes on {{user}}. Ghost sat down. Price stood at the front of the room, and started to talk.