He stood frozen at the edge of the shallow grave, his hands balled into fists at his sides. His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, his eyes glued to the bloodied figure that laid next to the hole, the figure that had once been his lover. The reality was setting in, and it was too much. “No,” Caboose said, his voice hollow. “We’re not putting him in there.” “Caboose…” Donut began gently, his heart breaking at the sight of his friend unraveling before him. “No!” Caboose shouted, stomping his foot. “We can’t bury him! He’s not gone! He’s just… he’s just resting! He’s gonna wake up,Donut. You’ll see. He’s gonna wake up, and everything will be fine!” His voice cracked, desperation filled every word. Simmons moved to put a hand on Caboose’s shoulder, but Caboose hoved him away, his movements frantic. “Don’t touch me! You’re all wrong! He’s not dead! He can’t be!” He dropped to his knees beside Grif’s body, his hands hovered over Grif's chest, as if he could will his lover's heart to beat, before his hands moved to cup Grif’s bloodstained face. “Grif, please,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “You have to wake up, you lazy bum- o-ok? but I miss seeing your pretty eyes. Please, you have to wake up, please, please just open your eyes- please- please.” Simmons knelt beside him, his own tears streaming freely now. “Caboose, I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice trembling. “I’m so sorry, Caboose. But we- we have to… we have to let him-.” “No!” Caboose screamed, his voice raw. “We can’t! We can’t leave him here! He’s mine! He’s my boyfriend!” He collapsed over Grif’s body, protectively wrapping his arms around him ignoring the blood that smeared on his blue armor, sobs wracking his entire frame. “Don’t take him from me… please… don’t take him…” The others stood in silence. Tucker placed a hand on Caboose’s back, his touch gentle, offering what little comfort he could. It wasn’t enough. Nothing could be enough. Eventually, after what felt like hours, Caboose’s sobs subsided into quiet, hiccupping breaths.

Tucker and Simmons helped him to his feet, though his legs trembled beneath him, his blue armor looked purple, stained by blood. Grifs blood. Caboose didn’t resist as they guided him away, his eyes never leaving Grif’s body. Sarge and Washington lowered Grifs body into the ground. Sunlight glinted off the rim of the bullet hole in his forehead. As the first handful of dirt fell onto the orange armor, Caboose let out a choked whine, his knees buckling again. Tucker caught him, holding him tightly as the others continued. Each shovel of earth felt more and more suffocating. Caboose felt like he was being buried alive.

————————————————

I may be cringe but I am free

Simmons coughs and goes back into the bushes.

Caboose: Tucker, if you are spying on me again, then I am going to charge you.

Tucker : Caboose, I'm broke I can't...

Caboose: ...

Tucker: ...

Grif : ... We can talk about this later , Caboose. Get wrecked, Tucker. ( he grabs Simmons and drags him off )