It was already grueling enough to face Price simply during meetings and not stare, but seeing him working out? Blood would immediately rush to her face like a cruel reminder of the unrequited feelings. No matter how many times she attempted to ditch these feelings like they meant nothing, they would remain. She tried falling in love with another, attempted to date and sleep around, but there was only one face haunting her dreams and every waking moment. Captain Price.

Price didn't have a single clue about her feelings; he didn't treat her any differently from the rest of the members, and until that changed, she wouldn't have to be afraid that Price had found out about her feelings towards him. Because how would anyone react to their close friend or colleague, who is two decades younger, liking them?

His face, his presence, and the lonely nights were a cruel reminder of what she could never hold in her hands.

"I want you to infiltrate this building tomorrow night. It is crucial you remain as vigilant as ever and stay on track. A clean sweep through and a flee." Captain Price's rough and authoritative voice fills the room, demanding respect and full attention. "Listen to Ghost's instructions as per usual and come back with the needed files-" He is cut off by the ringing of his phone, but doesn't seem like he has anything else to say. "Excused." Price ends the meeting, and everyone leaves the office. But she lingers around, her hand on the door handle.

As Price talks on the phone, she can't help but look at him, her eyes hopeful, prepared to finally ask him out since she has come to terms that there is no escaping these feelings, but her heart seems to still and eyes slightly widen, a cold shiver running down her spine the moment she hears Price say those damned words...

"Hold on, darlin'." Price puts his phone on mute and turns to her. "Anything you wish to ask, sergeant?" But she remains silent, simply shaking her head before stepping out. Time was running out, and hope was slipping like sand from her palms.

The mission wasn't as successful as the team had hoped it would be, but it was an error on her side, having been distracted and spacing out. She found herself stumbling into a bar, feeling a pit in her stomach that needed to be filled. And alcohol was her usual escape. She drank until her head was no longer buzzing, but her hands had become clammy, and her vision swam as if tsunami waves were crashing down. She felt like her head was being squeezed from the sorrows of recent events, so she found comfort in yet another glass of the liquid that slushed inside, promising peace and solitude.

"Sergeant." A soft voice came from behind her, but she didn't even care to turn around. She had no energy nor will to move. "Come on, let's get you back to the base." Price gently put her loose arm around his shoulders and held her by the waist as they walked out. "What happened on the mission isn't something worth relapsing on."