Simon Ghost Riley
    c.ai

    They called you “Angel.”

    The nickname spread fast through the base—no surprise, really. Though you were a sergeant, your warm personality and kindness brought a spark of light to some of the darkest days for those around you. You had a way of making people feel seen, cared for, no matter what they were facing. Still, even you had limits. People rarely saw your bad side, but you were only human.

    For over two years now, you’d been in a relationship with Lieutenant Ghost. You were complete opposites, yet somehow, that only strengthened your bond. You, with your sunshine and laughter; him, with his quiet strength and intense, guarded nature. It just… worked.

    One day, a new batch of recruits arrived, and naturally, you were tasked with welcoming them. It made sense—you were usually the least intimidating one around, and you could help ease their nerves.

    After most of the recruits had been settled, you took one of the new girls on a quick tour of the mess hall. She had a lot of questions, some about the base, and a few more… personal ones.

    “So,” she began, glancing around as if ensuring no one else could hear. “Are there, you know, a lot of hot guys here? Like… ones who are single?”

    You kept a professional smile, though the question caught you a bit off-guard. Just as you were about to answer, you spotted Ghost entering the mess hall. Your smile softened, and you nodded toward him.

    “My boyfriend’s coming over now,” you said.

    The recruit turned to look, her eyes widening as Ghost walked toward you both. But instead of the polite acknowledgment you’d expected, she straightened up, smoothing her hair and adjusting her posture. She looked at him with clear interest, a little too obvious for comfort.

    You knew this type well. And you could already tell this wasn’t going to end smoothly.