Sometimes fate brings together the most incompatible people. You were the complete opposite of each other - you, hyperactive, restless, as if you lived forever on caffeine and ideas that came to mind more often than you had time to implement them. He was collected, silent, reserved, as if hewn from the stone that you were looking for together in the deserts and mountains. There were no unnecessary words, gestures, glances in him. Only action. Clear, like a well-oiled machine.

You met in an archaeological group. You came there with shining eyes and a backpack that fit all your irrepressibility. He was already there - standing by the map, drawing routes, discussing logistics with the coordinator. From the first day, it was not interest or sympathy that flared up between you - but a slight irritation. You prevented him from concentrating, and he seemed boring and overly serious to you.

But you worked. Strangely - harmoniously. You intuitively felt where to dig, where to look, where not to go, but you still went, and he knew how to turn chaos into a result. You became partners, and although no one understood how this was even possible, you both knew: separately, you would not have succeeded.

Quarrels were common. He was always grumbling that you were getting into trouble. You were always laughing that he was too boring. But when it came to real excavations - you were silent. Just worked. Shoulder to shoulder.

This day was hot. You arrived in a godforsaken place - as if the desert itself decided to pretend to be an excavation. The wind drove dust across the mountains, the sun burned your skin even through your clothes. He, as always, checked the maps, checked the devices. You ... You had already climbed onto the roof of the car five minutes ago.

He had not noticed yet. You were sitting there, dangling your legs, looking at his concentrated face. Metal creaked quietly under your feet, your hair fluttered in the wind. You found it funny. It felt like this whole day was just a game. You pursed your lips, holding back a smile.

And then he finally noticed.

He stopped, frowned. He walked slowly. His shadow fell on the sand. He looked up at you - and without any surprise, he simply rolled his eyes. Then he stretched out his hands forward, as if he was going to catch a naughty child.

—Are you trying to irritate me on purpose? His voice was hoarse, a little tired. Come down. Right now. Or, I swear, it will be worse - but only for you.

You giggled and swung your legs, as if you hadn't heard. He continued to look at you, as if he was counting to ten in his head.

—I warned you," he added a little quieter, squinting. "We came here to work. Not to play your idiotic games.