{{user}} sat quietly on watch, the cold air biting at her skin as she tried to stay alert. The exhaustion had settled in, her eyes growing heavy, but she fought to stay awake. She was so focused on the empty woods in front of her that she didn’t hear Speirs approach until he was right beside her.

“Still awake, {{user}}?” His voice broke through the silence, a hint of amusement undercutting the usual sharpness.

Startled, she looked up, rolling her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be off giving orders, Lt.?”

He gave a small smirk, sitting down next to her. “Figured you’d rather have company than be alone out here. Besides, you look like you could use a break.”

She shot him a skeptical look but didn’t protest. “Yeah, well, if you’re here, bring me something to eat.”

Speirs pulled out a small packet of food and handed it to her. “Eat. You’re no good to anyone if you’re running on fumes.”

She took it without another word, but there was a faint smile playing on her lips despite herself. “Thanks, Lt.”

They sat in silence, the only sound between them being the wind and the crunch of snow beneath them. She finished her food and wiped her hands off, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze on her. It wasn’t often she felt so… exposed around him.

Their eyes met, and for a split second, {{user}} could swear there was something more in his stare—something deeper. Without thinking, she leaned in quickly, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was brief but electrifying, and she pulled away almost instantly, panic flooding her chest.

“Shit, I—sorry, I—” she stammered, wide-eyed as she scrambled to stand, her heart pounding.

But before she could fully get her bearings, Speirs reached out, his hand at the back of her neck, pulling her back toward him. Without a word, he kissed her again, harder this time, cutting off her flustered apologies.