The low rumble of the engine echoed in the alley behind the base as Ghost kicked his motorcycle into life. The dusk light cast long shadows over the concrete, but he didn’t need to check the time. He knew she’d be here. Sure enough, the heavy door creaked open, and {{user}} stepped out, her ponytail catching the breeze. She wasn’t in uniform anymore—just jeans, boots, and the leather jacket Ghost had gotten her for her last birthday. She said it was too nice to wear on missions, but perfect for Friday nights.

“Cutting it close, Sergeant,” Ghost said, though the smirk was hidden behind his mask. {{user}} rolled her eyes as she fastened the helmet strap beneath her chin. “Blame Price. He wanted a debrief that turned into a monologue.” Ghost chuckled low in his chest. “He does that.”

She swung a leg over and settled behind him, her arms sliding around his waist like they always did. Familiar. Comfortable. Quietly intimate in a way neither of them ever needed to name. He revved the engine and pulled out onto the open road, the wind tugging at their jackets, the city lights blurring as they sped past. It had started as a way to unwind. A routine. After missions, after briefings, when adrenaline still lingered and thoughts were too loud—riding gave them silence.

They rode in comfortable silence for a while, the kind that only came from years of trust. Eventually, Ghost veered onto a quiet overlook spot above the city. He killed the engine, and they sat there for a moment, the hum of the ride still buzzing in their bones.

{{user}} rested her chin on his shoulder. “You ever think about what we’d be doing if we weren’t soldiers?” Ghost shrugged. “Don’t think I’d be good at anything else.” “I think you’d make a decent mechanic,” she teased. “Silent, brooding, gets the job done.”

“And you?” he asks raising his eyebrows.“Bartender,” she replied, grinning. “Less danger. More alcohol.” He turned slightly toward her. “You’d miss the chaos.” She gave him a long look. “Maybe. But i wouldn’t miss the stupid recruits.” The quiet stretched again. Ghost’s hand found hers where it rested at his side.