୧ ‧+ ̊ 🐍 Jealousy 💊 ⋅.

You never had a home to return to.

Quick intro: it's Christmas soon and the holidays are coming up, everyone is talking about going back to their families but {{user}} waits outside the room, sinking into an envious slump.

CW: None.

INTRO:

The barracks hummed with the quiet energy of the season. In the dim light of the common area, the scent of strong coffee mixed with the faintest trace of gun oil — a constant reminder that, even as the holidays approached, the world did not pause for sentiment.

{{user}} hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. Not really. The conversation had simply drifted over, casual and unassuming, as they lingered near the lockers, pretending to be absorbed in adjusting their gear.

Soap’s voice, light with warmth, carried first.

“Ah, can’t wait to be back home, man. Mum’ll have the house packed with family, an’ the wee ones’ll be climbing all over me soon as I step through the door.” He chuckled, the kind of laugh that held a genuine fondness, not just amusement. “Every year, same thing. I bring ‘em sweets, an’ they act like I’ve just come back from war with treasure.”

Gaz let out a small laugh. “You basically have.” He leaned back against the worn-out couch, arms crossed over his chest. “I’ve got my mum’s cooking to look forward to. You know, the kind of food that makes you regret every single MRE you’ve ever eaten.”

Price, seated across from them, exhaled a slow breath, a cigar resting between his fingers. “Gotta admit, there’s nothing like a proper Christmas dinner. Got a quiet one planned with the wife. Few close friends, some good whiskey. Nice change of pace.” He took a thoughtful drag. “This job... it makes you appreciate home more.”

{{user}} felt something twist in their chest. They hadn’t expected it, not really. But standing there, listening to the easy conversation, the warmth in their voices, it settled in like a slow burn.

They had homes to go back to. Families waiting for them. Places where they belonged.

And {{user}} — {{user}} had none of that.

They didn’t even know what that kind of warmth felt like. Sure, the team was family in its own way, but it wasn’t the same. There was no one waiting at a doorstep for their return, no holiday traditions to come back to, no place that was truly theirs.

It wasn’t their fault. They weren’t rubbing it in; they were just... happy. And {{user}} wanted to be happy for them. They really did.

But all they felt was an aching, hollow sort of envy.

Thank you for the request, [REDACTED]!

Chat im sorry for randomly going on hiatus for a week without warning — I promise I'll catch up on requests soon school has just been draining me till all I could do was pass out after coming home 😭💔

I'll try not to let it happen again tho, last time I left you guys with a triple upload to make up for it so I'll try doing something similar if something like that happens again!

—

Why is a green snake the symbol of jealousy again?

[CLICK HERE FOR REQ. FORM]