Sometime after op. Watchtower (and before 30 clicks)
(All speech is in Norwegian)

Gustav sat in silence, listening to the rhythmic footsteps of his wife above them putting their daughter to sleep. The air was still palpable, filled with the tension that had carried on from dinner. He had gotten the call that he was going on the rescue mission that followed after the events of Watchtower - Gus had jumped at the opportunity, being his first proper mission with the JTF.

However, his wife had not.

Though she had served, her time in the forces had come to an end - she dedicated her time between work and looking after their daughter. She understood why he needed to go, but it was the constant worry for if he did not make it back from the mission - a fear that harked back to her own family, who worried when she joined up.

His hand wrapped around the warming glass of beer before taking a sip as he listened to the footsteps coming down and his wife reappeared in the kitchen, sliding into her seat and taking her wine glass in hand. She sighed, having taken a sip before gently placing the glass back onto the wooden table.

"Gustav..."

His eyes flicked from the beer to his wife's face - he could see the pleading behind her blue eyes, a rim of light red highlighting the fact that she wasn't happy about it; that she had taken her time to conceal that she had been crying. A ping of guilt had lashed out at his heart. He had said vows that he wouldn't hurt her, but this was a vow that he could not. Gustav slowly reached across the table, holding her hand in his, "Ida, I'll be back before you know it. I've always done, haven't I? Not just for you, but for Heidi as well."

She had fallen silent, her other hand placed on top of his. Actions had always been his strong suit, words...not so much.

"I promise."

"I love you, Gus. Heidi's recital's coming up soon, I'm sure she'd love you coming," Ida said, her voice soft and melodic. "This is big for her."

Gus sighed, "I'll try."

"You better do better than try, Gustav Markus Vetelsen. You say this every year, but always something pops up."

Gus stroked her hand, knowing that it did little to comfort her worry but like many of the missions he had done before him - he came back in one piece but the way she had used his full name told him a lot about the situation. He knew the risks associated with his line of work but, there was a little bit of ego thrown into the mix that kept him coming back, "Loud and clear." His eyes wandered over to the black dufflebag laid against the wall, then to the clock that hung besides their window.

Ida knew as well as he did.

It was time to go. Gustav pulled her in for an embrace, she mumbled something into his chest before they parted, he proceeded to go upstairs, keeping his footsteps muffled as he pushed open the door to his daughter's room, planting a kiss on her forehead and tucking her favourite toy alongside her before exiting and heading downstairs - to where Ida held his bag out for him by the door. He never liked this bit, but he often tried to distance himself just before the mission - so his effectiveness in combat was not affected. Even so, he knew the toll it took on Ida.

"I love you, Ida."

Heidi's fourth birthday - 0130 - Norway

"Gustav, what's gotten you all...riled? You're coiled as tight as a spring." It was one of his team mates, having worked together for a long period of time in a close-knit environment, it was understandable that they would have learned most of each other's feelings and other indications.

Gustav switched his rifle to another hand as he spoke over his shoulder, eyes focused on his immediate surroundings through his NVGs. This was a day that couldn't just be pushed to the back of his mind, Ida had hoped that he'd be home in time for Heidi's birthday party but as circumstances had it, Gus was cutting it real close.

"It's his daughter's birthday." The team leader replied, looking at Gus with a wary look. He did not doubt that Gus was still capable of compartmentalizing it, but he knew that it was something that all married personnel had to deal with, and it was not an easy task for some.

"I'm alright." Gustav replied, his voice low.

His ears twitched, just as their team leader had given the signal to hold their position. He took a knee as he scanned the area, listening to anything that would give away. They needed this, securing a HVT (high valued target) known by their given code-name 'Goldmine.' It had involved days of reconnaisance patrols before them and weeks of preparation. This was something he could not afford to screw the team up on.

Five minutes later, a truck engine could be heard - their comms rattled with the sound of their intelligence telling their patrol that this was the truck. They got off their knees and slowly inched forward.

Wait for it.

An explosion occurred, causing the vehicle to skid to one side, the crew within jumping out; armed as they shouted to one another. Gustav allowed himself a small smirk, knowing that it was his handiwork.

Now.

They rushed forward, their element of surprise not going to last long as they took out the two nearest to them. Gustav was in charge of the extraction of the HVT, his weapon shouldered as they continued to exchange rounds with the enemy. He rushed forward, slamming himself side-on to the truck, firing off a couple of rounds as there was a break off from the OPFOR, "We have runners!"

Goldmine was still bound in the truck, forgotten and blindfolded. Gustav hauled himself into the truck before guiding the man out as two chased after and neutralised the runners.

"Our exfil's three klicks out." Their team leader looked at each of them, nodding. "Good job. Let's roll out to the extraction point."

They exchanged fist-bumps, "You even made it out alive, your lucky day, Gus!"

He grinned, before a lashing of pain rippled along his torso. Gus glanced down, he had been grazed by a bullet during the firefight. Nothing major but probably would need a couple of stitches.

----

0945 - Norway

Stitched up, Gustav grunted as he slid off the doc's table with a thanks, extending his hand to thank him properly before heading over to their crib and bidding a farewell to his team as he went off to get dressed for his daughter's birthday, grabbing the gift that he had left in his locker for her.

A blue flannel shirt, khaki trousers, Gustav slid into his car and ignited the engine. A smile on his face and sunglasses on, he began the long drive over to his wife and child. It was a good feeling; stopped the enemies, apprehended their target and made it in time for his daughter's birthday - who was not expecting him in the slightest.

It was an inexplicable feeling that ran laps across his spine as his daughter came running out, a huge smile on her face as he swooped her up in his arms, kissing her on her forehead as she giggled gleefully in his arms.

"Daddy!"

"You weren't expecting me, were you little one?" Damn, that smile was contagious, soon finding himself smiling as wide as she was. His eyes moved from Heidi to his wife who stood in the doorway, trying to look mad but the surprise and the gratefulness had nulled her efforts as she started towards them both.

"Gustav, I--I didn't know you--You made it," She smiled, settling on the best answer before beckoning the both of them in. "Welcome home."

"I love you too," Gustav gave her a quick kiss on her lips as they moved into the house. He took in the changes that she had made - moving a couple of pieces of furniture around to accommodate the party that was small in numbers but eventually, he would have a house full of excited young children all ready to celebrate his daughter's birthday. "Look what daddy got you!"