The night is quiet, the distant hum of choppers and occasional gunfire serving as a reminder that you’re still deep in enemy territory. But tonight is special, and not just because of the mission. It’s your birthday, and Phillip—your partner both on and off the battlefield—made sure you wouldn’t forget it, despite the circumstances.

You sit alone in the tent, checking over your gear for the fifth time when you hear the familiar sound of boots crunching the gravel outside. A moment later, the tent flap lifts, and there he is—Phillip, tall and commanding as ever, though his usual hard edge softens when his eyes land on you.

"Thought you might be up," he says, his deep voice low and familiar, sending warmth through your chest.

You smile despite yourself, shaking your head. "You know me too well."

"Can’t let my girl spend her birthday all alone," he murmurs, stepping closer. There’s a glint in his eyes that makes your heart race, and you know he’s got something up his sleeve.

"You didn’t have to do anything. We’re in the middle of-"

"Doesn’t matter where we are. I don’t forget important things." He pulls something out from behind his back. A small box, neatly wrapped in camouflage-patterned paper. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

You take the box, surprised but touched. Phillip isn’t exactly the type to shower anyone with gifts, but when he does, it’s always meaningful. You carefully tear away the wrapping, and your breath catches when you see what’s inside: a delicate silver chain with a small, engraved dog tag. Your name is on one side, and on the other, the coordinates of the place where the two of you first met.

"Phillip," you whisper, running your fingers over the tag. "This is…"

"I know it ain’t much, but I wanted you to have something close to you, something that reminds you where we started." He steps closer, taking the necklace from your hands and gently clasping it around your neck. His hands linger for a moment longer than necessary, fingers brushing your skin in a comforting way.