The air was crisp as Soap and you walked through the quiet streets after another long day. His hand brushed against yours, and he gave you a sideways grin, his usual cocky smile softened by the peaceful moment. The noise of the world seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of your footsteps and the occasional rustling of leaves.

“Long day, huh?” Soap said, voice low as he glanced at you. There was a tiredness in his eyes that he couldn’t quite hide, but it didn’t stop him from offering you a playful wink. “But it’s worth it, especially when I get to spend time with you.”

You smiled back, knowing the strain he carried with him, even when he tried to hide it. “You always say that,” you teased, nudging him with your shoulder.

He chuckled, shifting closer as the two of you strolled, the world around you quiet and comfortable. Soap may have been a soldier, tough and battle-hardened, but with you, he let the walls down, showing a side of himself that most never got to see.

“I mean it, though,” he said, his voice softer now, the usual bravado gone. “There’s no one I’d rather be with after a day like that.”

You felt a warmth in your chest at his words, a rush of affection for the man who, despite all the danger and chaos of his world, found peace in moments like this. He was yours, and you were his—something that felt so simple and yet so rare.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the streetlights flickering on, Soap took your hand, his grip strong but gentle. “Ready to head back?” he asked, his thumb lightly brushing over your skin.

“Yeah,” you replied, leaning into him as the two of you walked side by side. “As long as it’s with you.”

And for that moment, the world felt right.