The breakup with Ghost wasn’t clean—never is with him. It was always about the job, the mission, the next op, and he couldn’t see past it. You tried, for a while. But eventually, you left. And Ghost? He didn’t follow, didn’t try to make it right. His focus was laser-sharp on the war, not on you.

Now, months later, things have changed. You’ve moved on, or at least you’re trying to. New guy, new energy, a chance to forget the shadow of Ghost that always loomed over you. But of course, he doesn’t make things easy. He’s been watching from the edges, always lurking in the shadows, refusing to let you go completely. Doesn’t help you’re on the same team.

Tonight, as the familiar car pulls up to base and the new guy leans in to give you a quick kiss goodbye, Ghost is there—hidden in plain sight. He watches you, watches the guy leave, and the fury in his chest simmers just beneath the surface.

You turn, heading toward the entrance of the base, not noticing him at first. But then you hear the faint flick of a cigarette lighter in the night, the sharp scent of smoke mixing with the cold air. When you look up, he’s there, standing in front of you.

“Bloody hell.. Ghost?” you scoff, trying to hide the tension in your voice.

He leans against the wall, still flicking his cigarette between his fingers, but his eyes—his eyes are sharp, angry. He doesn’t hide it. “Him, luv?” His voice is low, almost a growl. “Really? That guy?” He pushes off the wall and steps closer, towering over you. “I thought you had standards.”

A beat of silence. You can feel the heat of his gaze, the unspoken challenge between you both. “You moved on quick, didn’t you?” he adds, his tone hard, but there’s something darker in it—regret, maybe, but anger, too.

You don’t answer. Instead, you take a step back, your body language defensive. He doesn’t let you.

“I didn’t think you’d settle for that,” he mutters, his gaze flickering briefly to the guy’s car before locking back on you. “But I guess I was wrong. You were always full of surprises”