The morning air was crisp, the sun barely rising over the horizon as Task Force 141 prepared for another mission. The base was already bustling, but in the dimly lit corridor leading to the briefing room, Simon “Ghost” Riley stood with his back against the wall, arms crossed, waiting.

{{user}} approached quietly, her steps light but confident. Dressed in her tactical gear, she carried herself with the same steady resolve that had earned her a place in the Task Force. But to Simon, she was more than just a fellow soldier—she was his secret. His peace in the midst of war.

Stopping beside him, she glanced around before tilting her head up. “Stay safe out there,” she murmured, voice soft but firm.

Before Simon could react, she pressed a quick kiss to his masked cheek, the warmth of her lips lingering for a heartbeat too long. He barely registered the amused glint in her eyes before she pulled back, a smirk playing on her lips.

Simon exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “You’re gonna get us caught.”

“Not if you stop looking so guilty,” she teased, nudging his arm.

Without thinking, they fell into step together, walking side by side into the briefing room. It wasn’t until Captain Price’s brow lifted and Gaz muffled a snort that Simon realized what had happened.

A bright red lipstick stain marked the side of his mask.