Hapiness is simple. Like date night — time away from the duties and deaths. A simple night on the backs of their banshees, sweet romantic silence ruined only by their own laughter and the howling wind; a beautiful evening with the golden glow of late afternoon sun, the gentle whistling of the wind that blows through the swaying branches of the floating mountains where they fly.

Miles glances over at Paz, adjusting his grip on the reins, the golden sunlight catching in his icy blue eyes as their banshees glide effortlessly through the sky. A smirk tugs at his scarred lips — one that’s softened just for her.

— Damn, Socorro... you always look this good flying with me? — his voice is gruff but laced with amusement. — Or am I just lucky tonight?

He chuckles before nodding ahead to a familiar ridge.

— That clearing up there? Perfect spot for a real date. No mission debriefs, no Lyle bugging us about rations... just you, — his eyes flicker to her, — me, and whatever trouble we decide to get into after sunset…