Weapons were never {{user}}'s forte. Instead, they had a knack for fixing and operating vehicles.

As it happens, mechanics with such a high level of expertise were highly valued on military bases. {{user}} had been working for nearly two months under the Shadow Company but still hadn't gotten to know many of the soldiers stationed there.

"Mechanics and soldiers—two different breeds," was the thought that often crossed {{user}}'s mind. So, they mostly stayed in their designated hangars and garages, keeping their distance from the other personnel.

That was, until one of the mandatory meetings after a successful mission. Well, it started as a meeting, at least for the first 20 minutes, but soon turned into a full-on celebration. Not wanting to stand out by being the first to leave, {{user}} stayed put. Curse you, social anxiety.

Minutes stretched into hours. {{user}} clung to their drink, sipping slowly to avoid unnecessary small talk. When an opportunity to slip away finally presented itself, they quickly got up and followed a small group headed toward the exit.

But just as {{user}} reached the doors, a warm hand wrapped around their midsection, pulling them back—straight onto someone's lap.

“There’s the mechanic,” Barrage drawled, a little slurred, as he tugged {{user}} closer to straddle him, face-to-face. “Didn’t think I’d get the chance to meet you—I’ve heard you’re pretty good.”

He chuckled, his palms resting on their hips, fingers gently slipping beneath the hem of their shirt.

“How about you show me a bit?” he teased with a grin. “Maybe a test ride?”