The sun was dipping low, casting a warm orange glow over the backyard where the grill was already fired up. Ghost stood near the charcoal, flipping burgers with a practiced hand, while Soap was setting out drinks on the picnic table. The quiet hum of cicadas filled the air, broken only by their easy chatter.

"You’re going to love Morgan," Soap said with a grin to {{user}}, tossing a pair of tongs onto the table. "She’s sharp, eager—exactly what we need on the team."

Ghost nodded, wiping his hands on a towel. "Yeah, and she’s already picking up the tactics fast. Good to have fresh blood around."

Soap glanced your way, eyes bright with excitement. "You’ll get along with her. She’s one of those ‘always gotta be noticed’ types, but in a good way. Really wants to prove herself. Thinks she can handle anything we throw at her."

"She’s... enthusiastic," Ghost said carefully, a trace of amusement in his voice. "You’ll see. She’s got that ‘try-hard’ energy, but it’s kind of infectious."

The sun continued its slow descent as the front door creaked open. Morgan stepped onto the porch, carrying a cooler and wearing that same wide, confident smile she always had. Her boots clicked softly on the hardwood floor as she made her way toward the backyard, eyes flicking between Ghost, Soap, and then landing briefly on you.

"Hey, everyone!" Morgan called out, voice bright and warm. "Hope I’m not late."

Soap was quick to wave her over. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about how great it is to have you on the team."

Ghost gave a curt nod, eyes steady but polite. "Glad you could make it."

Morgan set the cooler down with a deliberate flourish, then turned her gaze to you. Her smile sharpened just a fraction, though her voice stayed sweet. "And you must be the civilian I’ve heard so much about."

You caught that quick flash in her eyes—the way they flickered just a little longer on you than polite curiosity warranted. It was subtle, but it made your skin crawl in a way you couldn’t quite explain. Morgan’s smile stayed in place, but the undercurrent of something sharper, something calculating, was there.