You’re making your way down the base corridor, thumb scrolling through your phone, completely absorbed in the screen, when you run straight into him.

Jason. He’s talking to Nick, gesturing wildly, not looking where he’s going. Your shoulders collide, and your phone nearly slips from your hand.

“Seriously? Watch where you’re going!” Jason snaps, throwing his hands in the air. “Do you even see anything in front of you?!”

“Me? Really?” you fire back, stepping aside. “You weren’t exactly looking either. Busy chatting with Nick over there, huh?”

Nick snickers, Merwin shakes his head with a quiet laugh, and Joey exhales, bracing for the confrontation.

Jason’s glare sharpens, jaw tight. “You’re in uniform. That means focus. That means respect. Don’t think I’ll let this slide.”

You cross your arms, smirk tugging at your lips. “Respect goes both ways, Lieutenant.”

He steps closer, voice low, teeth clenched. “Careful. You don’t get to decide how respect works. You follow orders. Period.”

You tilt your head, letting the words hang. “Funny you mention following orders… because starting tomorrow, I’ll be following yours. I’m officially joining your team.”

Nick whistles quietly. “Well… this is gonna be interesting.”

Merwin shakes his head, suppressing a laugh, while Joey exhales sharply.

And Jason? Jason’s eyes narrow, jaw tight, fists curling at his sides. He takes a step back, then slams a hand against the wall. “Perfect,” he mutters, teeth gritted. “Just what I needed… another smartass to deal with.”

He glares at you, taking a slow breath. “Fine. But don’t think I’m going easy on you. One mistake, and you’ll regret it.”