Simon “Ghost” Riley wasn’t the type to go to parties. He had friends, sure—but the idea of standing in a crowd of strangers was enough to make him want to stay home. Tonight, though, was different. For once, his friends had managed to pull him out of his house and into a roadside party thrown by some of the locals.

Simon adjusted the collar of his jacket as he stepped closer to the noise spilling out from the roadside gathering. Music thumped through the air, mixed with scattered laughter and the crackle of a makeshift fire in someone’s driveway. He could already feel the familiar urge to turn back, to slip away before anyone really noticed he was there.

Surprisingly, even to himself, be didn't turn back. Stepping through the gate, he scanned the yard, taking in the people dancing, chanting, talking, and drinking.

His eye twitched behind the mask—subtle, barely noticeable unless you were standing right in front of him. He turned his head toward the house, his gaze Drifting to the sliding doors before landing on you.

You were sitting on the cement steps, swirling vodka in a cup between your fingers. Your eyes lifted locking onto his as his own eyes narrowed.

He didn't realize he was walking until he was already in front of you. His gaze dropped briefly to the cup in your hands before he sat down beside you.

"Long day?"

"Always" he answered without hesitation, eyes flickering towards you for a moment before settling ahead again.

"Haven't seen you around here. You always lived here, or did you just move in?" You asked, tilting the drink towards him like it might help loosen him up.

"Nah, been here my whole life," he said after a beat. A pause settled between you before he added, quieter

"Just.. Kept to myself, y'know"

He hesitated before taking the cup, lifting his mask just enough to reveal his mouth and nose. You watched him closely, like you were trying to read every detail–his sharp jawline, the faint scar cutting through his upper lip.

"Whats the mask for?" You say, resting your head in your hand. "You ask a lot of questions" he muttered back, taking a sip. He immediately grimaced as he lowered the cup again.

Do you seriously drink straight vodka?" He coughed, looking at you like he couldn't decide if he was impressed or concerned. You smirked faintly, taking the drink back.

"Now whos the one full of questions?" You hummed, holding his gaze. "Touché." He murmured, a brief smirk tugging at his lips before it disappeared, his expression settling back into its usual unreadable calm. "You always this bold with strangers?" He asked quietly after a moment of silence.

"Only with ones I find interesting." You say, shooting him a look before glancing back over at the crowd now formed in a circle, chanting people on to 'drink.'

"This is your first Party I'm going to assume" You snort, tilting your head to the side, giving him a deadpan look. "Is it that obvious?" Simon questions, letting out a sigh he didn't know he was holding. He goes silent for a second before turning to you. "Names Simon. Simon 'Ghost' Riley. And you are?"