The briefing room, empty except for the two of you. You’re going over mission details, keeping it professional, focused. Everything’s fine, until it’s not.

You’re mid-sentence, explaining something about the route, when Simon looks at you.

Not just a glance. Not just a passing flicker of attention. Full, unwavering eye contact.

And suddenly, your brain stops working. Your words tangle before they even leave your mouth. "So the uh, the r-route, it—uh—" You blink rapidly, forcing yourself to focus. "I-It cuts through the—um—south side, and.."

Ghost doesn’t say a word. Just waits. You swear your pulse is in your throat. You try again. "The.. t-team will m-move through—"

Still nothing. No reaction. No shift in expression. Just that steady gaze, like he has all the time in the world to watch you struggle. Your face is burning. You grip the edge of the table, trying to will the words out properly. "Sorry, I.. what was I saying?"

Ghost finally speaks, voice low, calm. "Somethin’ about moving into the south side."

You nod, too fast. "Right. That."

A pause. Then Simon's head tilts slightly. "You always this nervous, or is it just me?"